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Holy Orders; and, in no case ever consented to dispense with a single re quisition of the Canons. He had a great affection for his Clergy. He loved them as the Ministers of the Lord.

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To serve the Clergy he never spared himself. He "laboured more abundantly" than they all. He was more than their Bishop-their Friend and Father. It is much to be regretted that he never addressed a charge to his Clergy. This composition, he conceived, claimed more than ordinary excellence, and his multiplied duties did not afford him sufficient leisure. But, in his annual Addresses to the Convention, which were published, he brought to the view of the Clergy, and the Church in general, the most suitable cautions and directions. In one of these Addresses, it will be recollected, he recommended with affectionate earnestness, the steady observance of Family worship.

The General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church was held in Philadelphia, in May, 1814. As it was a time of war, he would have to go by land, and return at a sickly season, through a sickly country-but his presence was a duty, and private feeling and convenience were not regarded. He returned in August, and was sick. With this experience of the hazard of a return to our climate at mid-summer, he again went during the last spring to NewYork to attend upon the General Convention. Here his reputation was gloriously consummated. He never appeared to more advantage. His influence seems to have pervaded both Houses of the Convention. The establishment of an Academy, under the patronage and control of the whole Church, for the Education of Candidates for the Ministry, was a measure attempted by him without success at the preceding General Convention, and still anxiously desired. He had to encounter strong opposition; but he prevailed, and by conciliating suggestions, induced a change of opinion in some of those who had differed from him. He felt, on this occasion the most lively gratitude and

His

joy, and considering the measure of vital importance to the Church, he declared that its adoption was among the happiest events of his life. It is to be hoped that the remarks from his pen on this subject which were submitted to the Convention, and which, it is believed, had great influence on the decision, will yet be given to the public. * * * * * * In about six weeks from the time of his departure, our Bishop was again with us-in the exercise of his duties, with his accustomed activity. On the last day of his health he was at Sullivan's Island, occupied with the concerns of the Church. He attended to the small as well as the great; and it was pleasant to see him, who had so lately been a Chief in our Chief Ecclesiastical Council, directing his mind to the minutest matters in the economy of a small place of worship-that its seats might be arranged so as best to accommodate the congregation, and to afford a proper situation for the military stationed at that Island. last visit, and that within a few hours of his sickness, was to the chamber of a bereaved mother. There is reason to believe that the seeds of his disease were received in the house of a Clergyman, whose family in sickness and trouble he frequently visited, though he had expressed a conviction of the hazard to his health in doing so. He went to the grave of the wife; and, in true affection for an absent Brother, patiently remained till all was done.* His illness was too severe to admit much conversation. But the greatest sufferings could not disturb the serenity of his mind. To his attendants he was uniformly kind. Having made a sudden exclamation from pain, he immediately observed, "Do not suppose that I murmur ;” and, to calm the bosom of affection, he referred to that passage of Scripture, "Be still and know that I am God." The 33d chapter of Job having been read to him, he remarked,

"I do not know whether, (as Job expresses it) my flesh will ever

The last letters he wrote were to two absent relatives of the deceased, to comfort them under their affliction

"again be fresher than a child's ; but "this I know, I am just where I "would be, in the hands of God." He declared that his trust in God had never been shaken; that he knew he should carry to God, at death, much sinfulness, but that is coveredhe said a second time, with emphasis, "that is covered." Adverting to his particular disease, he said, "Why is "it that the stranger is subject to this "calamity from which the native is "exempt?-but God hath set the one "against the other."*" On his last day, he was asked what I have mentioned in the beginning of this dissourse and also," with what subject are your thoughts now employed ?" -and he replied, "that I would endeavour to be a more perfect being." But you do not depend on your own merits for Salvation? “Oh no! I rest on the Saviour;" or words to that effect. He quoted, from one of our Collects, the words increase and multiply upon us thy mercy"-and thus commented-" increase, not only increase-but multiply. His last quotation from Scripture was, "God of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob," exof his confipressive, as I suppose, dence in that Divine Faithfulness on which the Patriarchs rested, and in the Divine mercy, which is from generation to generation. As his end drew near, he was silent and still, His eyes looked lovelier when fixed on the Angels ready to receive his Spirit. His countenance had the expression of his happiest and most pious moments. It was turned from earth and friendship unto Heaven and God. "Mark the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

The great and peculiar characte. ristic of Dr. DEHON was devotedness to God and his Ministry. In this cause he left his quiet home, his select friends, his favourite studies and contemplations, and entered into general society, for which he had no taste, and on a life of perpetual activity, which was uncongenial both with his disposition and his habits. In this cause he spared no sacrifice, and declined no difficulty and danger; he Ecclesiastes, chap. vii. 4.

*

was willing to spend and be spent, and would allow nothing to divert him from it. But his conduct in the other relations of life ought not to pass unnoticed, for in them also "he was faithful unto death.” *

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In the intercourse of society he was courteous to all, but he flattered nobody. He was as tender of the feelings and reputation of others as of his own, and equally so in their absence and presence. He was careful to avoid giving offence, and very slow to take offence. The wrong must be obvious and intended before he would censure it, and then it was evident that he was discharging a painful duty. He declared his sentiments in relation to wicked conduct without fear or affec tion; and when it was necessary, with the boldness of an Apostle, to the offender to his face. He had charity for those whom he conceived to be in error. But he never could be seduced by a specious liberality to do any thing which might reasonably be considered a compromise of his own principles. "Charity (he used to remark) requires me to bear with the errors of my brother, not to adopt or to approve them." He was forgiving to those who had injured him. If he suffered long, he was still kind ; when he was reviled, he imitated his Lord and Master, and reviled not again; and, when unjustly accused, "he answered not." He was most beneficent. He attached no importance to the possession of wealth, except so far as it would enable him to go more about and do more good. * * ********* In the near rela

tions of life, he appeared with uniform tenderness of heart and steadfastness of Christian principle. He was a dutiful Son, a kind Brother, an affectionate Husband and Parent, and the most generous and faithful of Friends. Of his Mother he delighted to converse. * Öf his feelings towards the dearest of his relatives, I would that I were allowed to speak, for they gave rise to some of his most interesting remarks. Blessed be God! they will afford unspeakable comforts to the heart to whom they belong

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Of the powers of his understanding,

it may be observed, that they were of the first order, for in the various situations in which he was called to act he always held the first rank.

**

**His imagination was lively, and in early life had been cultivated. His memory was remarkably quick and retentive. His judgment was eminently sound. His opinions, on subjects not connected with his profession, were seldom incorrect, and were eagerly sought by his friends. He had a complete command of his intellectual resources, and could use them with equal advantage in public and his study. His mind had an energy which was not to be controled by the fatigue of the body. In the services of the Sanctuary, long protracted, when his body was ready to sink, his mind was still in full exercise, and after a tedious journey he could apply himself during the greater part of the night, to the preparation of a Sermon, or to a conversation maintained with his usual ability. His attainments in knowledge were extraordinary, considering, that from twenty-one years of age he had been occupied with the active duties of a large congregation, and he was continually adding to his stock of improvement. His studies being interrupted during the day, were often continued through the greater part of the night; and it appears, in some instances, to the dawn of morning.

I will, now, briefly state what I conceive to be prominent excellencies in the character of Bishop DEHON. In the first place, inflexibility.

***** His character had the ornament of meekness. ******* Another excellence in his character was discretion. ******* His sense of gratitude ought to be mentioned, for it was peculiarly lively. ** ******** His character was strictly formed on Christian principles. He referred every thing to the Scriptures. He was accustomed to ask himself, how would my Saviour have acted under such circumstances, and in this way resolved several ques

He thought that the religion founded on feeling rather than principle, was usually in

consistent and short lived.

tions of the most intricate nature. In the various situations in which he was placed through life, he could always find some precept to guide and some promise to comfort his heart. It was this complete knowledge of the Scriptures and skill in applying them which rendered him so valuable a counsellor in the time of temptation and trouble. He could not be satisfied with a cold performance of duty, but wished, in the service of God and his fellow creatures, to do all he could, and to become every day more and more capable of usefulness. He placed before himself the standard of Scriptural perfection, and in dependance on the assistance of the Spirit of God, pursued it with ardour and perseverance even unto death. To be holy was his ruling desire, and was the last wish which he expressed. It was the consciousness of his distance from this standard which rendered him so humble and condescending.

Of his faults, for who is he that sinneth not, I know more from his own declarations than from observation. They were such as persons in general would not have noticed, but they seldom escaped the attention of his own bright perception. In his person he was rather above the middle height, and though not slender, yet by no means robust. His eye had the greatest sweetness of expression, and his countenance was expressive chiefly of settled conviction on great points and inward peace. When he smiled, it bore the features of benevolence; and, when he looked grave, of piety.

I have thought, my friends, that this particular account of a faithful man would be useful. He was placed by the Providence of God in a variety of situations, and in all of them acted well. In youth and manhood, in sickness and health, in adversity and prosperity, in private and public life, in the world, in the Church, and at the hour of death, let us be followers of him, as he was of Christ. This career of usefulness is now arrested by the hand of death. This bright example lives only in memory. Those lessons of wisdom, to which you lis

tened with more and more delight,
and which you fondly hoped your
children's children might enjoy, are
now hushed in the silence of the grave.
The widow and the fatherless have
lost their protector and patron. The
hopes of our Church are scattered
to the winds. Surely this is a time
to weep and be sad-to humble our-
selves under the mighty hand of God;
to come into his tabernacle, and fall
low on our knees before his footstool,
and to say,
"We have sinned:

we

have done wickedly: to us belongeth confusion of faces as at this day, but to thee, O Lord our God, belongeth righteousness and mercy for ever." Gentlemen of the Vestry of St. Michael's Church, I embrace the present occasion, in behalf of the Clergy and the Church in general, to thank you for the generosity which, overlooking your particular interest, and seeking the good of the whole Church, added your request to that of the Convention, that Dr. DEHON would accept the Episcopate. We thank you for your endeavours to promote his comfort while he lived, and for the many affectionate tokens of respect which you have evinced for his memory.* Under your present feelings I can wish you no greater consolation than that you may be the honoured instruments of giving to your Church another such minister. But where

will you find such a rare combination
of mind and manners, of knowledge
and goodness, of zeal and prudence?
May God pour upon you the influen-
ces of his Holy Spirit, that you "may
"perceive what things you ought to
"do, and also may have grace and
power faithfully to fulfil the same.”
My Friends of St. Michael's Con-
gregation, on this occasion, while
you weep for yourselves and your
children, you have the sympathy of
the whole Diocess, of other Congre
gations in this city, of many persons
in other States, and of the venerable
Fathers, the Bishops of our Church.
To have had for several years the
services, the example, and the prayers
in your behalf, of such a Man of God,
is no common privilege.
May you
be suitably thankful to God, and as
"much have been given you," may it
appear, in the end, that you have
profited much."

My Brethren of the Clergy, our own sorrows are swallowed up by our solicitude for the Church. We tremble for the Ark of God, for its High Priest is removed: We are afraid that the Sheep will be scattered, now that the Shepherd is smitten. We feel as if we would call on our Elijah, the Chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof, to come back to us--to leave his glory, to share our cares and labours. The Church is now committed to us. We cannot do all we wish, let us do all we can. Thanks be to God! her principles and institutions cannot fail to commend her to the affection and admiration of the wise and good. Thanks be to God! she has already enlisted in her cause, in this Diocess, intelligent and virtuous laymen, who would be a blessing to any Church. Thanks be to God! he is on our 3y," the "Society for the Advancement of wall of fire round about her," and side-for he has promised to be "a

*

Among other expressions of their respect and affection, the Vestry resolved that the corpse should be buried beneath the Altar; that a slab, with his name and age, should cover the spot; and that a Monument should be erected to his memory in the most conspicuous place in the Church. The Standing Committee of the Diocess, in their resolutions on the occasion, commended the Church, as upder a most heavy bereavement, to the prayers of all the Bishops, and of Episcopalians in general. The Society for the Relief of the Widows and Orphans of the Episcopal Cler

Christianity in South-Carolina," and the "Bible Society," entered into resolutions expressive of their deep sorrow and sincere respect and regard. The three Episcopal Churches in Charleston were hung in mourning, and the place of Worship of the German Lutherans, who also addressed a letter of condolence to the Vestry of St. Michael's; and many persons of both sexes in this State and in Savannah, put on black. The body was carried to its last bed by his Clergy, and the grave was filled up by the labours of the Vestry and other respectable citizens.

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a glory in the midst of her if God be for us, who can be against us. To despair of the Church would be criminal. Let us guard her venerable frabric as our most sacred inheritance Let us never consent to remove the smallest part of it, either to please our friends or to conciliate our enemies. Let us be united our-

selves, and make it a chief care that the people should be of one heart and of one mind. Let us gather up the maxims of our departed Bishop; and, in the light of his example, cherish more and more the Apostolic faith-the piety without enthusiasm― the zeal according to the knowledgeand the manners of the primitive Christians. Let us remember the time is

short, and work diligently while it is called to-day. Let us always look to God for direction; for, though Paul should plant and Apollos water, God only can give the increase. O, ye Ministers of the Lord! O, ye servants of the Lord! Pray without ceasing for peace and prosperity of the Church.

the

In the above interesting eulogy on the elevated merits of the much beloved and lamented Bishop DEHON, there are some statements relative to a Theological School, on which a regard to truth requires that some explanatory remarks should be made. It is believed, that there was no difference of opinion at any period, as to the necessity of some public provision for the education of candidates for holy orders. The endowment of Theological professorships was one of the objects contemplated by a Society founded in the city of New-York several years since, a large proportion of whose funds has been appropriated for the education of young men for the ministry. A general Theological School also was considered a most desirable object by many, who doubted whether it was expedient or proper in the General Convention to legislate on that subject. It was supposed that this measure could be best effected by private concert; that if individuals of the Church in those parts most favourably situated as to numbers, to wealth, and to the facility of procuring suitable candidates for orders, would associate and found a Theological Institution on liberal principles, offering influence in it to the Church in every Diocess in proportion to the contributions raised for it, a Theological Seminary answering the purposes of the Church at large, and enjoying in a considerable degree its patronage, might be established. And organized in this mode, it

was thought various evils would be avoided, to which legislation on the subject, by the General Convention, was liable. At any rate, the Church in that quarter where it was conceived the greatest facilities and advantages existed would enjoy a Theological Institution, which, while it liberally invited the support of the Church elsewhere, did not claim a monopoly of patronage. A plan of this nature had been publicly proposed, and measures were taken for carrying it into effect in its leading principles, and liberal endowments had been made. It was natural, and it was the duty of that portion of the Church enjoying peculiar facilities and advantages, to be solicitous that it should not be called by an act of the General Conven tion, to forego them, and to aid in establishing an institution elsewhere. These appre. hensions were removed when those who were solicitous for a Theological Institution under the auspices of the General Convention, agreed to place it in that quarter where a plan had been already formed for a Theological Seminary, and liberal endowments made to it.

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