character of their respective writers, and to give a rapid sketch of their lives and services. Those who wish for more particular accounts of them, are referred to the various biographical works already published. NEW YORK, March, 1860. CONTENTS. JONATHAN MAYHEW, D. D.-The Snare Broken. A Thanksgiving Dis- JACOB DUCHE, M. A.—The Duty of Standing Fast in our spiritual and WILLIAM SMITH, D. D.-A Sermon on the Present Situation of Ameri- Page 7 49 74 90 JOHN JOACHIM ZUBLY.-The Law of Liberty. A Sermon on American 113 JOHN HURT.-The Love of Country. A Sermon preached before the 143 WILLIAM GORDON, D. D.-The Separation of the Jewish Tribes, after 158 186 OLIVER HART.-Dancing Exploded. A Sermon showing the unlawful- 232 SAMUEL STILLMAN, D. D.-A Sermon preached before the Honorable DAVID TAPPAN, D. D.-A Discourse delivered in the Third Parish in Page 258 289 JOHN RODGERS, D. D.-The Divine Goodness Displayed in the Ameri- 310 GEORGE DUFFIELD, D. D.-A Sermon preached in the Third Presby- 844 PREACHERS OF THE REVOLUTION. JONATHAN MAYHEW, D. D. DOCTOR MAYHEW was a descendant from one of the most ancient and honorable families in New England. The first of the name who came to America, was Thomas Mayhew, governor of Martha's Vineyard, who resided at Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1636, and died 1681. The subject of this sketch was the greatgrandson of Governor Thomas, and was born in 1720. In 1744, he graduated at Harvard College, and three years after was ordained pastor of the West Church, in Boston. In this charge he continued until his death, "loving his people, and by them beloved;" explaining with manly fortitude, the truths contained in the Bible, however discountenanced; esteeming the approbation of his Father in heaven, far before the applause of the world; inculcating, by his preaching and conduct, the doctrines of grace, as he thought them delivered by our Lord and his apostles, and that religion which is from above, and is full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. In his early productions, his uncommon talents and generous independence of spirit, are eminently conspicuous. And though, for his opposition to all priestly usurpations of authority over the consciences of men, he had soon to encounter the whole force of enthusiasm and bigotry, his strength of mind, integrity of soul, and unconquerable resolution in his Master's service, supported him under every discouragement, and enabled him to triumph over all his adversaries; while his respect for and observance of the precepts of the gospel convinced the world of the sincerity and uprightness of his heart. His works will transmit his name to posterity, under the endearing character of a steady and able advocate for religious and civil liberty, and of a firm believer and constant practiser of pure and undefiled religion. If at any time, through the warmth of his feelings, his zeal in the cause of religion and truth, and his aversion to the commands. of man in the Church of Christ, he was hurried beyond the bounds of moderation, his many virtues and great services toward establishing Christianity on the most enlarged foundation, abundantly atone for such defects. Indeed, the natural keenness and poignancy of his wit, whetted often by cruel and unchristian usage, must palliate his severest strokes of satire. Nor will these light objections depreciate his general reputation, if it be remembered, that in his most social hours he invariably sustained the united character of a Christian and a gentleman. The following sermon was the latest publication |