lieving; and believe me to be, with sincere respect, "Reverend and Dear Sir, "Your affectionate friend, "And brother in the Lord, "J. H. LIVINGSTON. "Rev. Dr. Romeyn." The other being short, is presented entire. "New-York, May 31, 1803. "Reverend and Dear Sir, "Frequently since your kind and very acceptable letter came to hand, I have determined to write to you. But whether ordinary duties require more attention than heretofore and press with greater weight; or whether a languor, in the least exertion, marks our advancing years; so it is, that between duties and languor, I neglect what was once my delight, and I have not done what I intended to perform in this instance." "I wish very much to see you, and hope you will find yourself able to be present with us at the apарproaching session of the General Synod. We reside at so great a distance apart, that unless we meet upon such occasions, we have little hope of enjoying each others company. The subjects you mentioned in your friendly letter, are very important. They are worthy of our maturest consideration and joint efforts; and I shall be happy to unite with you in promoting the peace and prosperity of our precious Zion." "Endeavour, my dear brothre, to meet me at Poughkeepsie. Summon up the energy requisite to undertake the journey. The exertion may be of service even to the languid body; and it will, no doubt, refresh your mind. The Lord strengthen and comfort you, preserve you on the way, and render our interview pleasant to ourselves, and profitable to his Church! Accept of my sincere love, and be assured of the respect and esteem with which I am, "Reverend Sir, "Your affectionate friend, "And brother in the Lord, "Rev. Dr. Romeyn." "J. H. LIVINGSTON. The next extract is from his letter to the Rev. Mr. (afterwards Doctor) J. B. Romeyn, upon learning the decease of this gentleman's father.* *The Rev. Dr. T. Romeyn was one of the brightest ornaments and most useful ministers of the Dutch Church.-In vigour "New-York, April 26th, 1804. "Reverend and very dear Sir, "Yesterday evening your favour came to hand, which announced the departure of your worthy and venerable parent, whom I have been happy to call of intellect, learning, piety, and zeal, there were few superior to him-and the letters of Dr. L. to him, afford a strong attestation of his eminent worth, and of the great influence which he had in her several assemblies. Of four or five-Dr. Westerlo, Dr. Hardenburg, Dr. Meyer, Dr. Romeyn, and Dr. L. whose heads, and hearts, and hands, had been very remarkably united in some of the most important business of the Church, and who had laboured with equal zeal and perseverance to promote her best interests, the latter was now the only one left. The following tribute of respect to the memory of Dr. Romeyn, is given in a volume of the sermons of his distinguished son, the late Rev. Dr. J. B. Romeyn, of New-York, as an extract from the funeral sermon, preached on the occasion of his death, by his colleague and successor, the late Rev. John H. Mier. (See Vol. 1. page 194.) "The reverend Dr. Romeyn possessed a mind strong and ener getic, and more than ordinarily comprehensive, capable of view. ing things in their natures, their connexions, their dependencies, and ends. His apprehension was quick, his understanding clear and informed. His judgment was sound and mature, and his memory remarkably retentive. In the application of these powers of mind, he was chiefly bent upon his professional studies. In these he most delighted, and laboured most of all to excel. He was versed in the circles of general science, well read in bis my friend and brother in the ministry, for many Nearly of the same age, we commenced our labours almost at the same time, and have ob years. tory, and had made no mean attainments in the philosophy of the human mind.” "In the discharge of his ministerial functions, he proved himself an able minister of the New Testament, a watchman that needed not be ashamed. As he had loved the doctrines of grace, and had experienced their power and influence on his own heart, so also he insisted upon them in his public ministrations. His theme uniformly was Christ and him crucified. His manner was bold, intrepid, and daring. In the execution of his duties he was neither daunted nor moved. He was the Boanerges of the day. When he reproved, the sinner trembled. When he pronounced Ebal's curses against the wicked, it was like the thunders of Sinai. He, however, was not incapable of the pathetic. He could, at times, move the heart and melt the audience into tears. His discourses were solid and interesting, oft-times enlivened by historical anecdotes. In the introduction of these, he was peculiarly happy. He always entered deep into his subject. His delivery was animated and unaffected, without ostentation, and becoming his subject. He aimed at nothing but what was perfectly natural." "In his intercourse with the world, he supported a becoming dignity. Independence of sentiment marked his path through its busy rounds. He knew not how to dissemble. He was polite to all, familiar with few. This rendered the circle of his intimates contracted, and the number of his confidential friends small. In his conversation he was interesting, always instructing. His family in him have lost an affectionate relative, a watchful guardian, and a great example; the church a pillar, and society an ornament." tained grace to continue longer in the service of our Blessed Master than many others. I went to see him last summer, and was greatly affected to find him so much debilitated, and from the usual progress of paralytic symptoms, did not expect he would ever recover his former strength. I see from the account you give, that he has very gradually declined, and his latter end has been peace. He gently fell asleep, committing his spirit into the hand of his Divine Redeemer. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. This proves a source of precious consolation, my dear young friend, to you, while it suggests a powerful argument to follow those, who through faith and patience inherit the promise. You cannot, indeed, mourn as those who have no hope. Adoration and praise unite with grief and resignation; and even this event is within the promise, which engages that all things shall work together for good, for them that love God. The Lord sanctify this new trial, this serious bereavement to you! Your heavenly Father still lives; your precious Jesus, your best friend, has engaged to guide you by his counsel, and afterwards receive you to glory. Let this be your consolation. Let this encourage you to live by faith, to walk with God, and be wholly devoted to his service." * * "Your very affectionate J. H. LIVINGSTON." |