The literary remains of the Rev. Jonathan Maxcy ...

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Preface

In presenting to the public this collection of the Sermons, Orations and Addresses of President Maxcy, the Editor believes that he shall render an acceptable service both to the interests of the Christian religion and to the republic of letters. Dr Maxcy's writings are surpassed by few in intrinsic excellence and value, and are entitled to an elevated rank among the productions of American literature. The intelligent and cultivated reader will perceive in all ofthem genius, refined taste, beauty of imagery, and vigor of thought and diction.

The brief Memoir of his Life is a task which the Editor would gladly have declined, could some one of Dr. Maxcy's intimate friends or gifted pupils have been induced to undertake it. He deeply regrets that he never had an opportunity of seeing this accomplished and eloquent divine, and of witnessing the force of his reasoning, his command of felicitous language, his discursive and brilliant imagination, and his extraordinary power over the passions of men, that he might be able more accurately to delineate the features of his mind, and the minute lineaments of his character. Although

PREFACE.

great exertions have been made by him to obtain reminiscences of President Maxcy to enrich the Memoir, yet they have been unsuccessful ; and the facts embodied in this sketch have been derived almost entirely from conversations with his pupils and friends, and other scattered sources of information. He is convinced, therefore, that he needs the candor of the public with respect to the imperfect miniature here given of this remarkable man.

On all subjects President Maxcy thought for himself, and the Editor considers that it is a mere act of justice to let him express his own views without comment. He cannot, however, be considered as pledged to every opinion of the Author, or the inferences which may be drawn from them. Dr. Maxcy possessed that catholic spirit which resulted from deep piety and high mental endowments, and he could not substitute the shibboleth of a party, in the place of love to God, and the practical exhibition of the Christian virtues. His great and noble soul was incapable of contracting itself into the littleness of bigotry.

The labors of the writer in editing this volume will be amply compensated, should it be made instrumental in the promotion of sound literature, of patriotism and of piety.

ROMEO ELTON.

Netv Haven, June, 1844.

'CONTENTS

PAGE.

Memoir of the Rev. Jonathan Maxcy, D. D. - 9

Hon. Virgil Maxcy, - - - - - 29 Epitaph written by Dr. Maxcy 's father, - - - 30 Biographical notice of the Hon. Samuel Eddy, LL. D. - 32 Biographical notice of President Manning, . - 34 President Manning's Address delivered to the Graduates of Rhode- Island College, 35

Biographical notice of President Messer, 39

SERMONS.

1 . A Sermon on the Existence of God demonstrated from the

works of Creation, 43

2. A Discourse on the Atonement, delivered Nov. 11,1796, 53

3. A Discourse on the Atonement, delivered Nov. 25, 1796, 66

4. A Sermon preached at the Dedication of the Meeting House,

in Cumberland, R. I., - - - 83

5. A Sermon preached at the Annual Convention of the War-

ren Association, ----- 99

6. A Sermon preached before the Providence Female Charita-

ble Society, - - - - - 119

7. A Sermon preached before the Charleston Baptist Associa-

tion, at their Annual Convention, - - 133

8. A Funeral Sermon occasioned by the death of President

9. A Sermon on the death of Welcome Arnold, Esq., - 175

10. A Sermon on the death of Mrs. Mary Gano, consort of the

Rev. Stephen Gano, - 187

11. A Funeral Sermon preached before both branches of the Leg-

islature of the State of South Carolina, - - 205

12. A Sermon on the death of Mr. John Sampson Bobo, - 231

Contents

PAGE.

13. A Sermon delivered to the Senior Class in Rhode-Island Col-

14. An Anniversary Sermon delivered on Lord's day, Dec. 1,

Appendix

PRESIDENT MESSER'S ADDRESSES TO THE GRADU- ATES OF BROWN UNIVERSITY.

1. An Address to the Graduates, Sept. 4, 1811, - 415

2. A Discourse to the Senior Class, on the Sunday previous to

the Commencement 1799, - - - 421

3. An Address to the Graduates, Sept. 7, 1803, - 425

4. An Address to the Graduates, Sept. 5, 1S10, 445

REV. JONATHAN MAXCT, D. D.,

Observation upon the ways of Divine Providence evinces, that, not unfrequently, there is a coincidence of circumstances calculated to develope and mature the energies of individuals, and to prepare them to fill critical and important stations in society. Many illustrious characters in sacred and profane history substantiate this fact. Not to swell our pages, by adverting to many renowned worthies, we may see this truth illustrated in the subject of the following Memoir.

* This Institution was incorporated February, 1764, as " The College or University in the English Colony of Rhode Island." It was orignally established at Warren, whore, in the year 1769, the first Commencement was celebrated. In the year 1770, it was removed to Providence, where, in the same year, the first College edifice was erected. It was denominated in common parlance "Rhode Island College," till the year 1S04, when, in consequence of a donation from its munificent benefactor, the Hon. Nicholas Brown, of Providence, the Corporation voted that this College should be " called and known by the name of Brown University." Mr. Brown's donations to this Institution, at various times, exceed the sum of .$100,00

MEMOIR.

The Rev. Jonathan Maxcy, D. D., was born in Attleborough, Massachusetts, September 2, A. D. 1768. His earliest ancestor of whom any account has been obtained, was his great-grandfather, Alexander Maxcy, who came from Gloucester, Massachusetts, and settled in Attleborough about 1721. His grandfather, Josiah Maxcy, Esq., who died in 1772, was for many years a member of the colonial Legislature of Massachusetts, and throughout a long life, enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the community. Dr. Maxcy was the eldest son of Levi and Ruth Maxcy, whose maiden name was Newell, the daughter of Jacob Newell.* His mother was a woman of strong mind and devoted piety, and beautifully exemplified the practical influence of the Christian religion, by the uniform consistency which marked the wholet enor of her life. Upon her devolved the delightful duty of implanting in the mind of her son those seeds of truth and righteousness, which should in after years bud and blossom into usefulness. She had the happiness to see her son eminent for literature, and successively elevated to the presidency of three colleges. This excellent woman died in 1815, aged 72, having been a worthy member of the first Baptist Church in Attleborough fiftytwo years. His father was one of the most respectable inhabitants of the town in which he lived. He was a man of sound understanding, and occasionally amused himself in writing verses.f

Jonathan Maxcy, the subject of the following narrative, gave proofs of extraordinary talent, and maturity of intellect at an early age. Often when a boy, he was wont to give his companions in the neighborhood specimens of his extemporaneous oratory, which would have done credit to riper years.

* See Note A. t See Note B.

The proofs of genius and devotion to study which young Maxcy had thus early evinced, seemed to indicate to his parents the propriety and expediency of giving him a liberal education. He was placed, therefore, preparatory for admission to college, in the Academy at Wrentham, Massachusetts, over which the Rev. William Williams presided with distinguished ability. Of this eminent instructor he was accustomed to speak in terms of high respect, and was much attached to him in after life.*

In 1783, at the age of fifteen, he entered Brown University. While an undergraduate, his love of study, brilliant intellect, urbanity of manners and correct deportment conciliated the high regard both of his instructors and fellow students. His studies in college served to sharpen and invigorate his mental powers, and he soon became distinguished as an accomplished scholar. His genius was remarkable for its versatility, and to whatever branch of knowledge he applied himself he was sure to excel. As a writer, his compositions were recommended as models to his classmates. His productions were eminent for delicacy of taste, and his conceptions were embodied in language of the most classic purity. Thus early were laid the foundations of his future eminence. He graduated in 1787, with the highest honors of his class, on which occasion he de-

* Mr. Williams was a member of the first class that graduated at Brown University in 1769, and from 1789 to 1818 he was a member of the Board of Fellows of that Institution. He opened an Academy for teaching languages, arts and sciences in 1776. He educated more than one hundred students, the majority of whom graduated at his Alma Mater, and many of them became distinguished in literary and professional life. Among his pupils were the late Hon. David R. Williams, Governor of South Carolina, and the Hon. Tristam Burges, LL. D., late Professor of Oratory and Belles Lettres in Brown University, and for many years a Representative in Congress from Rhode Island, whose speeches won for him a very high rank as a statesman and as a parliamentary orator.

livered a Poem, " On the Prospects of America, and the Valedictory Oration."*

Immediately aftei wards, a vacancy in a tutorship occurred, and such were the qualifications of young Maxcy, though yet a minor, that he was appointed to fill it. This coincidence imparted a new impulse to the n ble aspirings of his unfolding powers. During four years he discharged the duties of this office, with such ability and wisdom, as to secure to himself the popularity and respect of the Students, the Faculty and the Corporation of the University.

About this time, he became the subject of religious impressions, and joined the first Baptist Church in Providence, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Manning. He was licensed to preach by that Church, April 1, 1790, and soon after invited to supply their pulpit for severa months, Dr. Manning having resigned his pastoral office. In this new and important station he shone with the greatest brilliancy. Possessing an active, vigorous and comprehensive mind, his faculties were continually improving by diligence and application. He soon attained a high reputation as a preacher, and such was the opinion that Church entertained of his talents and piety, that, in the following year, he was invited to take the pastoral charge. After mature deliberation he resigned his tutorship and accepted that important and respectable station.f

Mr. Maxcy was ordained as Pastor of the first Baptist Church in Providence, September 8, 1791. Rev. Samuel Stillman, D. D., of Boston, Mass. preached

* See Note C.

t Upon his resignation the following resolution was passed by the Corporation of the College, April 13, 1791. " Resolved that Mr. Maxcy 's request for dismission from the office of Tutor be granted, and that the thanks of this Corporation be presented to him for his faithful services therein.''

MEJUOIR. 13

the ordination sermon, Rev. Hezekiah Smith, D. D., of Haverhill, Mass. gave the charge, Rev. Isaac Backus, of Middleborough, Mass. presented the right hand of fellowship, Rev. Benjamin Foster, D. D., of New York, made the introductory prayer, and the consecrating prayer was made by Rev. William Van Horn, of Scotch Plains, N: J.

On the same day that he was ordained, he was appointed by the Corporation of the College, Professor of Divinity. He was also, at the same time, elected a Trustee of the College.

Mr. Maxcy entered upon the discharge of his ministerial duties with earnestness, and a deep sense of his responsibility. His sermons were prepared with great care and accuracy, and delivered in a manner so chaste, dignified and impressive that they were always heard with profound attention and delight. In his pulpit addresses and pastoral visitations, he delighted in administering balm to the sorrowful, and in teaching the desponding where to look for consolation.

Mr. Maxcy was advancing to the acme of fame in pulpit oratory, when another more extensive field of usefulness was opened to him. President Manning, on the Sabbath morning of July 24, 1791, was seized with an apoplectic fit, and expired on the ensuing Friday.* The corporation of the College did not long deliberate as to his successor. At the annual Commencement, the next year, Mr. Maxcy was unanimously elected President of the College, and resigned the pastorship of the church, September 8, 1792, on the same day that he was placed in the presidential chair. For this arduous and honorable station he was pre-eminently qualified. He entered immediately upon the discharge of

* See note D.

his official duties, and gave to them all his energies. Here his popular career commenced under the most favorable auspices. At the Commencement succeeding his inauguration, the College was illuminated, and a transparency was placed in the attic story displaying his name, with — " President 24 years old." The University, over which he presided with distinguished honor to himself and benefit to the public, flourished under his administration, and his fame was extended over every section of the Union. The splendor of his genius, and his brilliant talents as an orator and a divine, were seen and admired by all. Between the President and his associates in office, there was an intercourse of mind and feeling the most harmonious and delightful. He had nothing of that dictatorial, imperious and overbearing spirit which persons, who are elevated to power, are too apt to assume. He endeared himself to the students, by his courteous and conciliatory manners, and his paternal solicitude for their welfare, while his various and exact knowledge, sound judgment, refined taste and impressive eloquence, commanded their respect and supported his authority. President Maxcy beautifully exemplified the maxim,

His government was reasonable, firm and uniform, and marked in its administration by kindness, frankness and dignity. He did not attempt to support his authority, as is sometimes done, by distance, austerity and menace, but his pupils were addressed and treated as young gentlemen. He well knew human nature, and especially the character of young men, and hence his appeals were made to the understanding, the magnanimity and the conscience of his pupils.*

In speaking of his presidency over Brown University it has been justly observed, that he was one " whose name and fame are identified with its reputation, and whose mildness, dignity and goodness equalled only by his genius, learning and eloquence, subdued all envy, made all admirers, friends, and gave him an irresistible sway over the minds of those placed under his care."t

Under his administration the College acquired a reputation for belles-lettres and eloquence inferior to no seminary of learning in the United States. His pupils saw in him an admirable model for their imitation, and the influence of his pure and cultivated taste was seen in their literary performances. Though destitute of funds, and of patronage from the legislature of the state, guided by his genius and wisdom, the College flourished and diffused its light over every part of our country. It sent forth a constellation of accomplished scholars, whose eloquence has glowed upon the altar, guarded the rights and privileges of the people, and shone in the halls of Congress.

Mr. Maxcy's first publication was a Sermon occasioned by the death of President Manning, delivered July

* This system of government, we are convinced, will be found, in almost every instance, to be the best. The writer of these lines can say, from his own experience, and he hopes he may do it without the charge of egotism, that after having been a Professor in a college for the last eighteen years, and coming daily in contact with young men of varied dispositions, he never met with an instance of personal disrespect from a student Let an instructor address and treat his pupils as young gentlemen, and endear himself to them permanently by his kindness, and by cherishing the virtuous principles of our nature, and he will be able to do what stern authority, pedagogical arrogance and a tyrannical mode of government can never accomplish. Let his appeals be made to the conscience, and they will imbibe a delicate, noble sensibility to character, and acquire a high respect for order and decorum.

t See the Hon. Virgil Maxcy's Discourse before the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Brown University, delivered September 4, 1833,

81, 1791. In this Sermon, which is written in a style chaste and elegant, he pays an eloquent tribute to his beloved and revered friend and preceptor. He expresses his opinions with independence, and expounds them with ability. The Sermon is replete with a vigor of expression, an elevation of thought, and a cogency of reasoning rarely found in so young a writer.

During his Presidency of Brown University, Dr. Alaxcy published nine Sermons, four Addresses to Graduates and three Orations. They are all written with great beauty and felicity of diction, and exhibit vast attainments and a mind of the first order. Their number and variety, considering his duties as President and his other numerous avocations, evince his industry and the extent of his capacity.

One of his most celebrated productions is his Sermon on the Existence and Attributes of God, delivered in Providence, in 1795. The striking effect, which it produced is still fresh in the recollection of many ; and the impression was no doubt very much deepened by the manner of its delivery. The natural element of his mind was greatness, and on subjects of this nature, his powers were displayed to uncommon advantage. Here he made his hearers feel the grasp of his intellect, and subdued them by his logical arguments, his profound reasoning, and his deep pathos. In identifying the sympathies of his hearers with the developement and progress of the subject, and, in elevating the best affections of the heart, he was unrivalled. His train of thought in this sermon is luminous and philosophical, and it attracts our attention by its sublime sentiments and beautiful imagery, expressed in classical and forcible language.

In November, 1796, President Maxcy published two Discourses on the Doctrine of the Atonement, which were delivered in the College Chapel. He poss in an eminent degree, the art of explaining the most abstract subjects in an obvious and convincing manner, and his style is as clear as the most limpid stream. TL Discourses afford a striking contrast to many of the flimsy and superficial sermons of the present day. His views on the Atonement are in unison with those of President Edwards, and for acute and powerful reasoning, we think the intelligent reader will rank them among the ablest productions, on this subject, which our country has produced.

President Max putation was i ablished

as one of the first scholars and divines in the United States, and in 1601, when only thirty -three years of a^r. the honorary desrree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by Harvard University, In the language of Dr. Samuel Johnson, "Academical honors would have more value, if they were always bestowed with equal judgment."

a pulpit orator, Dr. Maxcy, during his Presidency of Brown University, was powerful and fascinating, and wherever he preached, the place of worship « crowded. In the eloquent language of one of his pupils, "What man who knew him, can forge: Maxcy, the disciple and successor of 3Ianning ? Although our country abounds in able and learned divines, and the pulpit is everywhere adorned with eloquence : vet who, among them all, does in the enchanting attribute of utterance, approach so near as Maxcy approached to the glorious character of Him c; who spake as never man spake. v The eloquence of Maxcy was mental : You med to hear the soul of the man ; and each one of the largest assemblv, in the m .uded place of worship, received the slighest impulse of his silver voice as if he stood at his very ear. So entirely would he enchain attention, that in the most thronged audience, you heard nothing but him, and the pulsations of your own heart. His utterance was not more perfect, than his whole discourse was instructive and enchanting.*

As Dr. Maxcy's celebrity as a teacher and an eloquent divine, became known and appreciated, he was invited to more eligible positions, in distant parts of the country.

In 1802, after the death of the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, D. D., President of Union College, at Schenectady, New-York, Dr. Maxcy was elected to the Presidency of that Institution. Here he officiated with distinguished reputation, until 1804, when he was called to another sphere of action.f

In that year, upon the establishment of the South- Carolina College, at Columbia, South-Carolina, he received the unsolicited appointment of President of that College. He accepted of the Presidency of the South- Carolina College, and entered upon his official duties with the fond anticipation of finding a clime more congenial to his delicate constitution. He was now in the zenith of his reputation. His brilliant and attractive talents, the variety and extent of his erudition, and his agreeable and refined manners soon gained him the esteem of all classes of society. In this arduous and honorable station, he labored and shone for sixteen years. His eminent talents for instruction and discipline were now called into full exercise. The College was now in its infancy, and he devoted himself to its interests with great fidelity. He continued to preside over the South-

* See Hon. Tristara Burges' Oration delivered before the Rhode Island Federal Adelphi, Sept. 9, 1831. t See Note E.

Carolina College till his death. Under his popular government that Institution attained a high rank and reputation among the colleges in the United States.

During the period of his presidency, he was often called to preach on public and extraordinary occasions. This contributed to his celebrity as a President, and made him known and admired in every part of the State.

The following extract of a letter from a gentleman residing in Columbia, to his friend in Charleston, South- Carolina, exhibits the impressive effects of his eloquence, and the high estimation, in which he was held at the South. It was written but a few months before his death, and was published in the Charleston City Gazette. It shows that while Dr. Maxcy's knowledge was continually increasing, his mind had lost nothing of its original vigor.

Columbia, July 6, 1819.

" Last Sunday we went to hear Dr. Maxcy. It being the 4th of July, it was a discourse appropriate to that eventful period. I had always been led to believe the Doctor an eloquent and impressive preacher ; but had no idea, till now, that he possessed such transcendent power. I never heard such a stream of eloquence. — It flowed from his lips, even like the oil from Aaron's head. Every ear was delighted, every heart was elated, every bosom throbbed with gratitude. Such appropriate metaphor ! such exalted ideas of Deity ! and delivered with all the grace, the force, the elegance of a youthful orator I I was sometimes in pain, lest this good old man should outdo himself and become exhausted ; but as he advanced in his discourse, he rose in animation, till at length he reached heights the most sublime, and again descended with the same facility with which he soared. So far as I can judge, (and your partiality, I know, will allow me to be no mean critic) there was not heard the slightest deviation from the most correct enunciation and grammatical arrangement ; all the powers of art seemed subservient to his absolute control. In short, I never heard any thing to compare to Dr. Maxcy's Sermon, in all the course of my life ; and, old as I am, I would now walk even twenty miles through the hottest sands to listen to such another discourse. I am persuaded I shall never hear such another in this life."

This excellent man, erudite scholar, successful teacher, and eloquent divine expired in peace and in full expectation of the blessedness of the righteous, June 4, 1820, aged fifty -two years.

The death of an individual so admired and revered as President Maxcy spread a deep sorrow not only through his family, and the College over which he had so long presided, but through the State, and extensively through the Union. Science, virtue and religion mourned over the loss of one of their most gifted and illustrious sons. A brilliant luminary, which had long shed its bright and pure radiance over our country, was extinguished. His funeral was publicly solemnized, and his remains were borne to the silent house appointed for all the living, upon the .shoulders of his disconsolate pupils, by whom this great and good man was so affectionately beloved and revered.

Dr. Maxcy, it is believed was appointed to the office of President the youngest, and officiated the longest in proportion to his years, of any person in the United States. He was connected with some college, either as

MEMOIR.

a student or an officer, nearly thirty-eight out of the fifty -two years of his life.

Dr. Maxcy married Miss Susan Hopkins, daughter of Commodore Esek Hopkins, of Providence, Rhode Island, a union to which he owed much of the happiness of his subsequent life. By her he had several daughters and four sons. All of his sons have been liberally educated. His amiable widow still survives and is living in Columbia, South Carolina.

In his person Dr. Maxcy was rather small of stature, of a fine form and well proportioned. All his movements were graceful and dignified. His features were regular and manly, indicating intelligence and benevolence ; and, especially, when exercised in conversation or public speaking, they were strongly expressive, and exhibited the energy of the soul that animated them.

In closing this brief sketch, we subjoin a few particulars in relation to the character of Dr. Maxcy.

As a scholar, Dr. Maxcy was one of the most learned men which our country has produced. Criticism, metaphysics, politics, morals, and theology all occupied his attention. His stores of knowledge were immense, and he had at all times the command over them. Like the celebrated Robert Hall, he appears to have early imbibed a predilection for the abtruse inquiries of metaphysical studies, and to have thoroughly understood the principles of the various systems of philosophy. To this circumstance was probably owing the clearness, precision and facility with which he could separate truth from error, and which enabled him to wield the powers of argumentation with so much success. He possessed in a very extraordinary degree the power of mental abstraction, and few persons could pursue a train of thought to equal extent, without the aid of writing, or retain their conceptions with a firmer grasp.

Although the bias of his mind gave him a peculiar interest in the recondite studies of metaphysics, yet he was equally acquainted with the elegant and profound parts of science,and that not superficially but thoroughly. He cultivated w r ith enthusiasm classical literature, the belles-lettres and the fine arts. He studied eloquence critically himself, and took great interest in the oratorical instructions of his pupils. Such was the promptitude and compass of his knowledge, that it seemed as if every subject that was incidentally introduced, was the one which he had been last occupied in investigating, and the one in which he was most minutely and extensively skilled.

As an instructor, Dr. Maxcy possessed unusual ability. His influence over his pupils was composed of all that genius,talent, experience and exalted reputation, could inspire. In his official station, he was conciliating, and treated them with the kindness of a father. He used every exertion to enlighten their minds, and to instil into them the principles of virtue and piety. He delighted to assist and encourage those of his pupils who applied to him for patronage or advice. He entered into their concerns with the most lively interest, and with pleasure imparted to them the lights of his experience and wisdom. The dignity and refinement of his manners, and his superior colloquial powers were greatly auxiliary in the introduction and discipline of the colleges over which he presided. He possessed a happy faculty of accommodating his instructions to the abilities and attainments of his pupils. His manner of imparting instruction was unrivalled. He saw every subject as a whole, and presented it to his pupils in a most attractive form. His Lecture Introductory to a course on Rhetoric and Criticism, we presume, will convey a good idea of his method of instruction and style of lecturing.

In the language of one his colleagues of the South- Carolina College, " As a teacher, Dr. Maxcy enjoyed a reputation higher, perhaps, than that of any other president of a college in the United States. His pupils all dwell with admiration, on the clearness and comprehension of his ideas ; on the precision and aptness of his expressions. Many of these qualifications are, doubtless, to be attributed to his long experience as an instructor, which rendered his contemplation of the most abstract truths little more than a work of memory : they may however, in a much greater degree, be ascribed to his early devotion to such studies and to his unwearied endeavors to distinguish, between what is essential and what is adscititious, in every subject. His retired habits, as well as his mild and unassuming manners, also contributed to render his instructions at once imposing and delightful. The strongest evidences of his success are the gratitude and veneration, which his pupils, uniformly, evince for his memory."*

His numerous pupils, in every yart of the Union, speak of him in terms of the most fervid eulogy, and all unite in pronouncing him as a teacher one of the most perfect models. " They often acknowledged that they acquired a clearer perception of the beauties or subtilties, or errors of a writer, by listening to his remarks upon them, than even by a studious perusal of the work itself. But this power was never otherwise employed, than as an instrument of good. Learning, in the hands of Dr. Maxcy, was always the handmaid of virtue and