health, comfort and interest would have forbidden; to deny himself that which he ought to have claimed, to place his very life in peril, only made the proof the more convincing, while it was often the occasion of great regret to his friends, and called forth many a remonstrance from them.

His ministerial life was spent mostly in Marengo, Illinois; the last six years of it in the place where he died. Only those who were with him at the West can appreciate the multitude and the greatness of his labors there, or the spirit of genuine and heroic devotion which characterized his whole career. Presbyterian churches were very few and feeble in the region of country which he chose for his home, and that they are neither few nor feeble now is due, in great measure, to his judicious, earnest and persevering efforts to multiply and strengthen them. Of the now numerous churches of the Presbytery of Chicago, there are not many which he did not aid in gathering, organizing or carrying through the struggles of their infancy.

Next to this, the cause of Christian education was nearest to his heart. To this cause, in connection with the other, he sacrificed time, position, property, comfort and health, and never rested till completely broken down. Had his efforts in this department been properly appreciated and seconded, they would have been crowned with larger and more lasting success, but would none the more have merited grateful commendation and remembrance. He had his reward in the consciousness of duty done, and done till he could do no more. Thus compelled at last, he found partial restoration and saved a few years of life in the quiet rural charge which he held at the time of his death. And both East and West he was so universally beloved, respected and admired that his name and virtues will live fresh and fragrant until the last of those who knew him shall have followed him whither he has gone.

His zeal for the Church was kindled by his intelligent love for the truth. Few men have had a better acquaintance with the truth in all its parts, proportions and relations. Few have been able better to explain and defend it. Few have found more peace, comfort and strength in it. It was this that gave such wisdom, earnestness, strength and tenderness to his preaching. It could not have been desired that he should have loved the truth less, but had he loved and preached it more calmly he might have lived to preach it longer.

But he could not restrain the ardor of his feeling and conviction, and preaching under such an impulse, it was too great a strain upon his sensitive nervous system and upon his organs of speech. The word of God was on his heart, as a burning fire shut up in his bones, and whether in the restraint or in the utterance of that word, the fire was consuming him. At the repeated entreaties of his friends, he tried to preach more quietly and composedly, but he could not; and this, no doubt, hastened the develop ment of the pulmonary disease of which he died.

In all his private relations he was what, if it were all told, would be regarded as the language of intemperate eulogy. But he was indeed so faithful, so utterly unselfish, so constant, so true, so gentle and easy to be entreated, so full of mercy and good fruits, so patient under disappointment and even under misrepresentation, so genial, generous and sympathizing, so ready to bear others' burdens, and yet so humble and so unconscious of his own generosity, so ignorant or unmindful of his own self-sacrifice, and making himself so happy in the happiness he provided for others, that it would be as difficult to exaggerate his virtues as to discover his defects. I might enter into many minutiae of his life and character which would illustrate all these points, but the limits assigned to this sketch forbid. It ought to be added, that these

virtues of his were not occasional and spasmodic, but constant; and that, having undertaken any good work, he never gave it up until he had accomplished it or proved its impossibility. Indeed, he was so undaunted and indefatigable in the prosecution of his objects that he sometimes gave occasion to his friends to utter the gentle reminder, "Let your moderation be known unto all men." This was true even in regard to his recreations, which consisted of field-sports and fishing, of both of which he was very fond, and in which he sometimes overtaxed his physical powers; though it was by means of these, no doubt, that his life was prolonged, furnishing him the bodily exercise he needed, and, still more, the requisite relief from his numerous and oftentimes vexatious cares. When I have said, furthermore, that he was greatly given to hospitality-and that, too, in circumstances of great inconvenience and even sacrifice-that his door was as open to his friends as his heart was, and that any wayfarer was sure to receive a welcome due to a friend, I have stated what hundreds can attest from their own experience. It was an especially good gift of God to him that in his noble and devoted wife he had a spirit kindred with his own in self-denying generosity, as well as a wise and faithful counselor and helper in all his works and ways.

There was little to disturb his peace as he drew near to death, except sometimes a longing for a clearer, stronger apprehension of that for which he was apprehended of Christ Jesus. His decline was gradual and attended with much suffering, but with no complaints. Retaining his mental vigor unimpaired to the last, he was enabled intelligently and calmly to note the progress of his disease and its approaching end. And so the end found him ready and patiently waiting to be gone. As a friend knelt beside his bed, at his request, to commend his departing spirit to his God and Saviour, he fell asleep and was gathered to his fathers; and that for which he longed so earnestly he then obtained in the vision of the excellent glory. The abundant grace which dwelt in him, and which developed itself so harmoniously and beautifully in all the virtues which adorn the Christian and the man, gives to those who loved him all the assurance they could wish that he not only has a place, but a very high place, in the heavenly kingdom. Yours very truly, R. H. RICHARDSON.

NEWBURYPORT, Mass., Nov. 12, 1866.

GORDON, D.D., THOMAS PATTERSON-The son of Hon. James and Mary Ann (Officer) Gordon, was born in Monongahela City, Washington county, Pa., July 23, 1813. Judge Gordon was one of the oldest inhabitants of Monongahela City, settling there in June, 1810. He established the first Sabbath-school under a great deal of opposition from people who said that children should have at least one day in the week to themselves. He held many important trusts, and died widely lamented.

Mr. Gordon was graduated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa., in 1834, and studied divinity in the Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny, Pa., finishing his course in 1837, and was licensed by Ohio Presbytery; and the following year was ordained by Lancaster Presbytery as pastor of the Buffalo Church in Cumberland, Ohio. He labored here with great acceptance till 1842, when he removed to Fayette, Pa., as pastor of Mintours Church, in Ohio Presbytery, and remained there a few years. In January, 1846, he was appointed as agent for the Board of Domestic Missions. He resigned this position the first of July following, and accepted a call from Manchester Church, Allegheny, Pa. This pastorate lasted till 1850, when he removed to Wellsville, Ohio. In 1856 he accepted a call to the Sixth Presbyterian Church, Pittsburg, Pa. He remained in this charge but a single year. In

the spring of 1857 he removed to Terre Haute, Indiana. Here he labored with faithfulness and zeal and with the blessing of the Master until his death, which took place at the residence in Terre Haute, Ind., Aug. 15, 1865, of typhoid dysentery.

He was twice married; first, to Miss Mary Ann Lindsay, of Washington, Pa., Dec. 27, 1837; second, to Miss Jane A. Cowan, of Cumberland, Guernsey county, Ohio, July 6, 1840, who, with six children, survives him.

EZRA W. FISK, D.D., of Greencastle, Ind., who preached his funeral sermon, writes as follows: "In person Dr. Gordon was tall, erect and dignified, with easy and engaging manners. His countenance was pleasant and winning, and seemed clearly to indicate the natural amiability of his disposition. He possessed great loveliness of spirit: not only was he free from bad motives himself, but also free from the unhappy suspicion of such motives in others.

"As a friend and companion he was one of the most genial men I have ever known. In his attachments there was nothing fickle or wavering. His conversation was sprightly and instructive, and in counsel his advice was wise and practical. His discriminating common sense and elasticity of character enabled him to adapt himself gracefully and with effect to all classes of people, and to come into ready sympathy with their condition. ‘Rejoicing with them that do rejoice, and weeping with them that weep.' These qualities endeared him, as a pastor, to his flock and as a friend and Christian gentleman to all who knew him.

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As a a presbyter Dr. Gordon possessed great excellence. He had extensive knowledge of the polity and government of the Presbyterian Church, and was familiar with the duties and processes of the courts of the Church, and as a Moderator of such courts he possessed unusual efficiency.

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men.

As a preacher he was eminently scriptural and faithful to the souls of In presenting divine truth he was earnest, clear and forcible, and withal discriminating, 'rightly dividing to each his portion in due season.' He was truly a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.'

"As a speaker he was interesting and impressive, always commanding the attention of his audience. His manner was characterized by dignity and simplicity. At times he was really and truly eloquent.

As a Christian he was devout and humble, and lived near to the throne of grace; hence he always had a lively and vigorous faith, and in his outward walk and conduct the consistency of a Christian character shone so clearly as to command the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. In short, he might well be described as Barnabas was: A good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.'"

CHARLES C. BEATTY, D.D., of Steubenville, Ohio, writes thus: "I had the privilege of an acquaintance with the Rev. Dr. Gordon during the whole course of his ministerial life, and for some time a very intimate acquaintance, as he was a co-presbyter and near neighbor. He was always highly esteemed by his brethren as a warm-hearted friend, a Christian gentleman and a good minister of the gospel. His preaching-powers were more than ordinary, giving clear presentment of Divine truth. Naturally amiable and pleasant, his life and aims were sanctified by grace, and both as a companion and a pastor he ever made himself agreeable and instructive. The blessing of the Lord also rested upon his labors in the ministry."

R.S Grie

GRIER, ROBERT SMITH-The son of Rev. Nathan and Susanna (Smith) Grier, was born at Brandywine Manor, Chester county, Pa., May 11, 1790. His father was pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the Forks of Brandywine. He was prepared for college in the Brandywine Academy, and entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., where he was graduated Sept. 27, 1809. He studied theology under the instruction of his father, and was licensed by New Castle Presbytery Sept., 1812. He soon after was called to the churches of Tom's Creek and Piney Creek, near Emmittsburg, Md., where he was ordained and installed by Carlisle Presbytery in April, 1814. This was his only charge, and for nearly fifty-two years he went in and out before this people, who fully appreciated his services, and their attachment to and affection for their pastor suffered no abatement during this long period. He died at his residence in Emmittsburg, Md., Dec. 28, 1865, of internal inflammation. He was married three times; first, to Miss Elizabeth Lavertythey had five children; second, Jane Armond-they had two children; third was Mrs. Stuart, who survives him.

A friend writes of him as follows: "His ministrations were characterized by punctuality, fidelity and ability. He was clear, energetic and instructive. He never tried to be eloquent or to win any external sign of approbation. His style was concise, his delivery natural and his whole manner was solemn; his language pure, plain and direct. With him the tone of voice, the gesture, the garniture of rhetoric were subordinate-simple truth and sound argument were all important. He trained his family in the genuine Presbyterian manner, and the blessing of God attended his efforts. His children united themselves with the people of God, and his sons, Rev. Smith F. and Laverty Grier, are Presbyterian ministers.

"As a friend and citizen he was sincere and honest. With a great flow of animal spirits, and a ready fund of humor, he combined remarkable decis ion and independence of character. Always guileless, he was unmistakable in his meaning and uncovered in his deportment. He was eminently a man of truth, and could neither practice deceit and artifice himself nor bear with them in others. To those who did not know him intimately his manner might, at times, assume the air of moroseness and even of acrimony; but to those best acquainted with him he was humble and cheerful in his feelings, kind and benevolent in his disposition, and warm and faithful in his friendship. His moral character was without a stain. The bitterest foes of relig ion failed to discover in his life anything to constitute a ground of accusation. They were constrained to admit that he was an honest man, a truehearted friend, a lover of mankind and a sincere Christian. What he believed to be right he advocated with earnestness, and he was just as unwavering in his resistance of what he believed to be wrong. As an illustration of his intrepid fidelity, we may mention the fact that many years before the system of slavery appeared to the eyes of the Church and the nation as it now appears, and although he resided in a State where the system was legalized, he openly opposed it as a crime against God and man. On all suitable occasions, both in his public ministrations and social intercourse, he fearlessly espoused the cause of the oppressed, and vindicated all proper measures to

deliver them from bondage. And it is an interesting illustration of God's kind providence to his faithful servant that before he was gathered to his fathers he was permitted to rejoice that the system was eradicated from both Church and State.

"His piety was never doubted by any one. It was an intelligent piety, based upon fixed principles. It was neither the exuberance of animal feeling, nor the heartlessness of cold and formal sentimentalism, but it was the result of the Spirit's application of the truth to his heart and conscience. Hence no one could share his confidence, or hear his opinions on religious subjects, without being impressed with the fact of his self-consecration to the service of God."

GRUNDY, D.D., ROBERT C.-The son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Caldwell) Grundy, was born in Washington county, Ky., in 1809. His mother was a relative of the Rev. James Caldwell, who was killed at Elizabethtown, N. J., during the war of Independence, by the British. His father was the brother of Hon. Felix Grundy, quite prominent in the political history of the United States.

He was well educated, attending St. Joseph's College at Bardstown, Ky., and afterward Centre College, Danville, Ky., where he was graduated. He studied divinity in the Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J., finishing his course in 1835. He was soon after licensed by Transylvania Presbytery, and accepting a call, he was ordained and installed by Ebenezer Presbytery as pastor of the church in Maysville, Ky., in 1836. This relation existed for twenty-two years. In 1858 he removed to Memphis, Tenn., and was installed pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in that city. In 1863 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and became pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church. During this pastorate he was taken ill, suffering for several weeks from typhoid fever. Recovering sufficiently to ride out, but still requiring assistance to descend from his room, he concluded that a visit to his relatives at Dayton would facilitate his recovery. He was accordingly conveyed to that city, where he suffered a relapse, which terminated fatally. For several days previous to his death he was almost unconscious and recognized no one. His children were taken to him on Monday, and at the time of his death he was surrounded by his family, but they received from him no word or look of recognition.

He died at the residence of his brother-in-law, H. Stoddard, Esq., at Dayton, Ohio, June 27, 1865. He was married three times: his first wife was Miss Canfield, a grand-daughter of Rev. James Caldwell, of Elizabethtown, N. J. His family, consisting of six children, survive him.

A friend writes as follows: "Dr. Grundy was a noble, high-minded gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a man of courage, morally and physically; was ever ready to defend the truth and oppose error. He did much in Kentucky to oppose the inroads of Catholicism. In early life he was a student in the Catholic College at Bardstown, Ky."

N. C. BURT, D.D., of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes: "He was a generous, earnest, fearless man, a vigorous preacher, an active presbyter. In the relations of private and social life he was remarkably courteous and even chivalric. None doubted his sincerity. He seemed truly a man of God."

His life was one of great mental activity. He was identified with various institutions of the Church, and never spared himself when good could be accomplished. He was a man of marked ability and positive qualities, and consequently occupied a leading position in the Church; and neither in the pulpit nor in the church courts did he hesitate to declare his views on ques