Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-10-21
VOL. IX.-NO. 8.


The lines between the Orthodox and Unta-
rian denominations were not, at that day, so
distinctly drawn as they are at the present
time. In fact, the term Unitarian was not in
general use. Mr.. G. was considered a Sc
rious minded young preacher, of irreproach-
able morals, with a cultivated mind, refined
taste, unique eloquence, and leaning to
evangelical views in theology. Rev. DR..
Mason of this city, and other staunch d.
vines of Orthodox sentiments, in different
parts OF the country, used to preach in Mr.
C's pulpit. Circumstances occasioned a
more marked division OF theological men,
not many years after, and Mr.. C's preaching
and theological writings assumed more
decided character. His celebrated sermon
at Baltimore at the ordination of the Rev.
Jared Sparks 1.-THE historan) made the d.
vision more complete. Mr.. Cs congrega-
ton increased-his people erected more
spacious edi6ce on the site of the old church
and colleague, Rev. Mr.. Cannot, was
associated with him in the charge of the
congregation.
DR.. Cummings published sermons during
the war of 1912, brought him into general
notice throughout the country Subsequent
ly, his review of the writings Of Milton, the
character of Napoleon Bonaparte, and other
able performances, established his reputa-
ton among the eminent scholars and bellies
lettres writer's Of the country and the world.
Tho tount of tho Edinburgh Review, at an
early period, that DR.. G. touched lofty
keys, but with no very great force" was not
echoed by the numerous readers and admir-
crs of his writings. Dr. Cs publications on
the subject Of American slavery have attract
ed no little attention throughout this coun-
try and Europe. He belonged to no Anti
, Slavery Society-he even doubted the wis
dom of these associations-but he was an
uncompromising enemy to slavery, and tho't,
spoke and wrote accordingly. One of the
latest, if not the last public performance of
| DR.. c. was on the first of August, the ami
versary of emancipation in the British West
Indies, when he delivered discourse in
Berkshire county, Mass. A report of it
was published in the Evening Post, and at
tracted the admiration even of those who do
not espouse the cause in behalf of which Dr..
G.. directed SO much labor and sympathy.
DR.. C. was man Of great independence
Of mind. He was never swayed by popular
applause to do an act which his principles
condemned. He paid no respect to men on
account of their wealth or Office. He hon
ored moral worth wherever he found it. His
sermons on tile paternal character of God,
on the loneliness of the example of Jesus.
Christ, on the evidences of Christianity. and
on political and moral integrity, are admira-
bic He spoke ont in Ineligible terms,
on conjugal in6delity and licentiousness.-
In the pulpit, his gravity and solemnity ex-
ceeded that OF most preachers, and many
who boast Of more correct theological prin-
ciples, might have taken useful lessons from
him not only in the pulpit, but in all his So
cial circles. In all circumstances, his feel
ings were under great seli-command On
one occasion, at dinner party, where dis
,inguished orthodox clergyman overstepped
the boundaries of propriety, DIR. G.. remark
ed to a person near him, "A strange man
that" On another occasion, when the au-
dience were greatly affected by the elo-
} quence of distinguished preacher, pro-
: iessonal brother, whose feelings were easily
} excited, expressed establishment that DIR. c.
J appeared so little moved. "My tears" said
DIR. c. ''are not so near my eyes as yours
are" t.r..
DIR. c. had great contempt for ephemeral
popularity, for office-hunting, FOR the airs Of
ten assumed by upstart arstocrats, for the
tricks and compliances of politicians
, What was worthy of esteem and veneration
in men, whether they were rich or poor,
white or colored, he reverenced, and could
look down upon arrogance, folly, and the
unprincipled, with pity and virtuous indgna-
I ton. His elocution, as has been intmated,
was peculiar, his eoquence unlike that of
: any other man. His preachings and his
: writings were corroborated by life ofhigh
moral character.
DR.. c. was the poor mans friend and adj
, yocate. He priced the principles of our
, government, but was chiefly ANXIOUS that the
people should be righteous, rather than pros
porous He loved the cause of PEACE, and
by his tongue and pen did all he could to
avert the calamties of war. In fine, how
ever much men might dislike his theological
: opinions, no one who knew him could fail to
prize his purity of character, his inhexble
integrity, his lofty purposes, his literary
: taste, his eloquence and his able discussions
His death is great loss, not only to his fam.
> ily but to the city where he resided, to the
. country which gave him birth, to the cause
;, of letters and freedom throughout the world
a Extremes tOIiOw each othcr.-The name