Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-06-28
BISHOP MEADE.


cheerfully accord it place IN our columns tins
week.-kenha,oa Banner.
The recent passing visit Of Bishop Meade to
this place, has suggested the thought, that brief
sketch of his life and character may be, at this
time, acceptable 10 those who have enjoyed the
privilege and benefit of hearing him, as an am
bassadOr Of God. To the plOus part OF the com
muuity, at least, any particulars must be highly
interesting, which relate to one who has been So
long and so eminentiy distinguished for his Ter
vent piety and disnterested zeal in promoting
the cause of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the
hest interests Of his fellow men. The following
extract is supied from an old file of Philadelphia
papers, under the date of October 2lst, 1896:
$50 unobtrusive has been the walk and con-
versation OF the Rev. Mr. Meade, aud SO much
has he confined himself to the labOrious duties OF
a devoted parish Minister, that little concerning
him is known, except among those who have
been personally acquainted with hun, or those
who have Witnessed the impi csslve appeals to
The hearts aud consciences OF sinners, which were
made by him in almost all the puipits OF our
churches in this city, during several sessions Oh
the General Convention, of which he has regular
lv been a distinguished and most useful member
In order to bring our readers more intimately
acquainted with man whose praise is in alf his
churches, and whose name is deservediy dear to
So many OF his brethren Of the ministry belonging
to this Diocese, we have taken pains to procure
Grem one Of the most distinguished laymen in the
literary circle of Virginia, such statement as
may Justify, and indeed increase, the high esti-
nation in which he has been held. The follow
ing account is published with but occasionally
mere verbal alteration"
The character of the Rev. Mr.. Meade's pa
rents was calculated to raise in the breast expec-
tations of eminent usefulness, which his whole
life has ably fulfilled. His father, to highly no
uorable and upright principles, added suavity
Of manners, II the same time hrmness OF charac-
ter, which recommended him to the first conf
dence of him who was first in the hearts of his
countrymeu. Washington, who could well
appreciate the talents of men during the trying
era of the Revolution, selected from his highly
gifted staff Col. Meade as his favOrite, and VINO,
BY his knowledge Of human nature, and the ua-
common mildnsss of his disposition. smoothed the
rusgedness of the camp to his felow-otficers; and
70 many an humble subordinate. opened an easy
access to their reyered, disnlhed Chieftain.-
II was through his Mother, however, as medl-
um, that Mr. Meade derived the seeds of piety,
which have Welded so much fruit TO the Christian
Church. She was woman of uncommon strength
uf mind. and truly consistent and rational reli-
zion. William was her favorite sou; for even n
pious Mother cannot avoid feeling partiality
for the more noted development of family talent,
and nursing the more promising shoots of moral
aud religious excellence. On quitting the best
ut all schools, the bosom of his relatives, where,
without injury to his better principles, he obtain
cd an excellent classical education, under a
teacher who afterwards became Professor in st.
Johns College, Annapolis, Mr.. Meade repaired
10 Princeton, where he became a favOrite OF the
learned and pious president, who improved his
religious zeal. Having finished his collegiate
course, beloved by his companions Tor madness
ct disposition which shed iastre over the pow
ers of his mind, and having shared with his cou-
sin, William III. Ftzhugh, (still his rival la adj
yoeatiny the colonization Of the uegroes,) the
first honor of the college, at the bright period Of
its history too, Mr.. Meade completed his theolo-
pical course and entered on the sacred duties of
clergyman. Ills family, his talents, his piety,
gathered around the young preacher the gratula-
lions of all who heard hum. Though young when
ordained, he received a call from Alexandria.
where, as another Timothy, aged and youthful
piety gathered around him; and under God, to
his feryent zeal and eoquence, tempered by pru-
dence, and knowledge of men and things, Is
The resurrection of the Church IN Virginia, form
ed Of little less than dry bones, chiefly to be at
tributed. From the entrance into the ministry,
al Alexandra. ne gave eViuehcs that the winning
Of souls was his only aim IN presiding over that
wealthy congregation, by expendlng has whole
salary in the support Of religious societies and
charitable Institutions. On leaving Alexandria
Mr.. Meade took charge of Frederick parish, in
conjunction with the Rev. Dr. Balmaine, IA cha
plain Of the American army,) in whose breast
the revolutionary attachment for the father, was
revived in new and more cOngenial sphere, for
the SON who had often in my hearing expressed his
thankfulness that he was permitted in his latter
DAYS, to behold the glory of Zion beam forth
with such splendor, under the auspices Of the SON
ofhis former friend. MIR. Meade's zeal has neve
cooled in promoting the best interests OF evange.
iical piety, and Of the Protestant Episcopal
Church; his name is associated with every scheme
of education, and missionary diffusion of religion,
which has OF late distinguished the Diocese OF
Virginia. Nor have bis efforts been ALONE con-