Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-04-04
From the Hartford Conn. Congrcgaiionast, Mar l6.
DECEAsE OF REV. DIR. PATTEN,

Irrom the Hartford Conn ngregationas Mar l6.
DECEAsE OF REV. DIR. PATTEN,
This truly venerable and excellent
Father in the ministry, who has made
his residence among US for the last few
years, has been called, during the last
week, to his rest. His funeral was at
tended at the North Church, on Tues
day afternoon. His sickness was short,
but not distressing and his dying scene
was one which calls upon US, with more
than ordinary satisfaction, to "mark
the perfect man and behold the upright. :"
For the following notices Of the prin-
cipal events of his life, with brief es-
innate Of his Christian and Ministerial
character, we are indebted To- clerical
brother, who was associated with him
many years rs n fellow laborer in the
churches of Rhode Island.
OBITUARY.-Dicd, at his residence
in this City, on Saturday, the 9th inst, +,
Rev. WILLIAM PATTEN, ID. ID. in the
nth year of his age, and the 51th Of
his ministry. He was born in Halifax,
Mass, on the 10th Of Jan. 1863, and
was the son Of Rev. William Patten,
who married Ruth Whcelock, daughter
of Rev. Elcazcr Wheelock, the ioun-
der, and first President of Dartmouth
College. Rev. DIR. Pattcn graduated
at Dartmouth, in 1870, in the nth year
Of his age. He studied theology with
DIR. Levi Hart, Of Preston, Conn. whose
praise, as a minister Of the gospel and
"a teacher Of young men, who were pre-
pairing for the ministry, was in all the
churches. DR.. Patten was successor
in the pastoral office at Newport, II. J..
10 Rev. DIR. Styles, afterwards Presi-
dent of Yale College. He was ordain-
ed to the pastoral office in the year
1886 and continued in the connection
with his Church and people in Newport,
through many trying scenes, aud con-
stant burdens and cares, with peculiar
selEdenial and sacrifices, until May,
1899. He was for many years, one Of
the Fellows Of Brown University, in
Providence, X. l., from which Institu-
ton he received the degree of Doctor
in Divinity. With DIR. Hopkins, and
Rev. Mase Shepherd, aud several breth-I
rem in their churches, he was concern
ed in the formation of the Rhode-Is
Missionary Society. He was also con-
cerned with Rev. Mr.. Shepherd and
two younger ministers, who arc yet
preserved in life, in the establishment
Of the Consolation of Congregational
churches in Rhode Island He was a
Vice President Of the Rhode Island BIZ
BILE Society, from its commencement
until his removal from that State. On
port, he moved with his family to this
city as his father also had done, after
his dismission from Halifax. AS the
home, therefore, Of his early childhood
and youth, and the residence of his
mother and sisters, and of his worthy
and beloved brother, George j. Patten,
Hartford had become endearcd to DR..
Patten, by the most delightful and af-
fccting associations and rccollections.
AS a correct, consistent, rational and
Scriptural theologian, DIR. Patten might
be placed in the first rank Of New Eng
land Divines. Yet with his eminence
in systematic and scientific theology, it
was his honor and his Joy to sit at the
feet Of Jesus, and to learn of Him who
was meek and lowly in heart. With
such spirit to influence his conduct,
he was ever respectful and affectionate
towards his brethren in the ministry,
without distinction Of party and sect
bis countenance beamed with constant
sympathy and kindness toward real
Christians and towards all mankind,
his heart was an ever full and overflow
ing fountain of impartial, universal and
disinterested benevolence.
The excellence Of his character in
respect to sentiment, affection and con-
duct, was n beautiful and impressive
exemplification Of the inspired descrip-
ton Of the path Of the just, which is
Gas the shining light, which shineth
more and more unto the perfect day. +"
As he had been enabled to honor his
God and his Saviour by life of faith
and patience, with eminent submission
and chcerfiilness, so God was pleased
greatly to honor and bless him, in re-
spcct to his removal from earth to
heaven. The illness, which closed his
term Of trial, was of few days and very
mild. His departure was calm and
gentle, having nothing Of the pains and
struggles Of death. Over the king Of
tcrrors he was more than conquerer,
through him that loved him. He fell
asleep IN Jesus. His spirit. rests in the
presence of his Saviour and his flesh
rests in hope of a glorious and triun,-
phnnt resurrection. Precious in The
sight cr the Lord, is the death Of his
saints"