Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-28

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friends to lament, that he, who was so good
and so just, was not longer spared. to delight
them with his society, and to benefit them by
his counsel and advice.
With Mr. Gammell, for number Of years,
we enjoyed an acquaintance; and though
not particularly attached to the doctrines he
preached, or to those which were preached by
his opposers and violent anita gonsts, we could
not but admire his unpretending piety, his hon
est zeal. and the deep interest he felt and ex-
pressed in behalf Of the welfare Of mankind
more sincere or warm hearted man never
existed; and unlike too many Of the clergy,
when his persuasions and reasonings could not
prevail, he did not resort to the driving system,
or by course Of disgusting anathema and
vrulent denunciation, attempt to enforce his
opinions upon those, who, he was sensible,
were capable and ready to Judge for them
selves, and prepared to make no their own
opinions. on the great and mysterious subjects
which the scriptures present.
He was one Of the most valuable members of
the Clergy, and the examples he set were wor-
thy Of all imitation, and should be noticed and
considered, by the asprants for clerical fame
Though devoted, heart and hand, to the
great cause Of modern christianity, and at all
times prepared to fight beneath the banners Of
the cross, he was no bigot, no violent sectari-
an; and he could believe man to be good and
upright, even if he differed with him, relative
to theological opinions and positions.
In a word, Mr. Gammell was liberal Chris
tian;-a man who would advocate, as long as
advocacy would avail, the sentiments he en-
tertained, and the doctrines he believed him
self bound to advance and defend. As pull
pit orator, he was deservedly ranked among
the ablest Of the denomination of people to
which he belonged; and was looked up to as
the great and efficient advocate of the Bap-
lists, throughout all their dissentions and dis
putes; and it is believed, that he was often IN
strumental in eradicatng the schisms which
sometimes began to ma! their appearance in
that peculiar Church. His days and nights
were devoted TO the promotion of the best in
tcres,s of mankind, and yet, whilst he looked
with an anxious eye on the affairs of the Church,
he was not unmindful of the transa ctions of the
State; and tho be was not an active partizan
IN any OF our political squa bibles, no was not
an idle spectator, but looked quietly on; care
fully noted tho passing tidings of the times,
| and entertaining like other men, his opinions,
he fearlessy expressed them, though in doing
SO, he was void Of offence. His manner of
speaking was happy and interesting, his action
was chastc and dgnifed, neither partaking of
the extravaganza of theatrical defamation, or
the too studied and repulsive stiffness and aus
terity of the over-zealous puritan.
His language, was always elegant, and
flowed from him with unusual rapidity, and
fell like torrent upon the ear of the hearer;
without astounding the senses, or offending
them with hyperbole, extravagant metaphor,
or ridiculous smile. His forte was persua-
sion; and few could listen to him, without be-
ing irresistably lead away by its mildncss, and
tho unaffected piety and sincerity, which evil
IDENTIFY pcrvaded it, and the heart Of him, from
whose lips it was uttered.
We feel ourselves utterly incapable Of offer
ing a correct culogy to the memory Of this
good and singulary talented Clergyman--a
gentleman, whose many virtues and exceIlen-
ces, will long be revercd by society, and the
r n
up his excellences in word, it is sufficient to
say Of him that he,
Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly
Was fashioned to much honour; From his cradle,
He q scholar, and a good one
Exceeding wise, fair spoken, and persuading:
And, to add greater honours to his age,
Than man could give him, HE DIED rEARINo GOD"