New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-11-28
THE AMERICAN PULPIT.

The fret fruits If long cherished purpose are
presented TO The world Ia these comprehensive vol
,iDes. II il the intention Of DR.. Sprsgue 10 pre-
pare complete biographical memoirs of the most
prominent American ciergymeu in tue principal TO
bg0us sec's from the first settlement Of the country
TO the present time. AluiOg at a csn,r,b Ition 10
the history Of the Church as well the biography
Of its ministers be records the annals Of each de-
nomination By Itself and a'ranges the names IN the
order Of chronology, so as TO exhibit the progress
of the denomination far as 1t Is connected with
the character of its Clergy. Iu the accomplishment
of bis pan, the author has udlciOusiy made not
only of the current sources Of Information, but IN
ali practicable has pro ,u'ed original letter
from some writer familiar with the subject Of the
memoir, containing his personal recolectlons and
impressions of his character. Many Of the leiters
thus sugges cd abound Id aud curious details
some OF them would giaddec the eyes of U Israeli
in quest of literary gossp-and noue is quite des-
titute of the relish and plquancy which seldom fail
TO be found in the rich mold Of Antiquarian studies.
In tho composition Of these volumes, DR.. Sprag1e
has engaged 10 task for which he ia admirably
qualified by congeDi4ity of tastes, large knowledge
men in oh professional ranks, a wise aud genial
catbolicity of judgment, enlightened reverence
for an order Of Hen that have acted conspicuous
a part in the progress Of American society, and the
command Of graceful and pellucd style that is
always adequate ~ the occasion, and never dishs-
ured by pretenrious rhetoric His plan is one of im
mense compass, DENIAL ding more extensive and
prOtraetd research tn IN ia apparent on the surface
aud afordiDg large scope 10 the exactDess, dscrlm
nation, and vital syDpatnies with character which
distinguish the biographer and historian from tho
mere compiler. Nor does 1t hold a subordinate
place ip literature 1t is full Of interest at thus
moment, and every passing year will enhance lis
importance. Doubtless much space must be given
in such a work 10 nalnes Which have no direct his
tOrical sienifcance-many Of the worthless here
COMMUNICATED with painful diligence" are pro-
baby heard Of for the rst time by readers of the
present generaticn-but most Of them are foody
cherished in the circles Of which they we're once
the liqhts-and none of them VITO do not afford
an illustration of a social condition. babiis OF
thought, and personal characteristics that are full
Of instruction and excitement ~ the student of
human nature.
The American clergy Of past generations, who of
course occupy the chlei place in these volumes,
were remarkable body OF men. With no preten-
sion to the high culture which widely distinguishes
the profession at the present day, they were CHAR
acerzed as an order by native shrewdness of mlad,
sturdy powers OF reasoning, knowledge of human
nature in the abstract If not III is secular aspects
xreat diligence and deSoteduess to heir calling, aud
often no ordinary share of racy mother Wit aud
taste for quaint and humorous expression. They
Chtaned aIarge influence society by their wisdom
and integrity, aud, as general RUE. were In ad-
vance If their aye il freedom Of mind and compre-
hensiSeness Of thought. No one can doub; this
after ptruspg the record which is here gVea OF go
many repre-. eDtatves of the order whr may prob
ably be regarded as no than average specimens
of its character.
Among the anecdotes and "reminiscences which
Or. Sprsgue has profusey gathered IN the colrre Of
his correspondence and researches We find many
which will bear to be trsnsplanted even Into the
columns Of daily JOURNAL without losog their
point and significance. The following sketches OF
John Hancock, graz dfatbef of the celebri ted
patriot and munster Of Lexington, Massachusetts,
from 1897 to 1852, were furnished BY the Rec.
Theodore Parker Of Boston, who was born aud
brought up In the parish in which Mr.. Hancock OK
ercised his ministry:
In the period of Mr.. HsncocKs ministry, while tho
country Iewy settled, and the bound, OF estates
not oil fixed, frequently happeued that his parish
toner's would find oicut u settle the bounds OF their
respective Estates. Tn such occssions, Mr. Hancock
volume cd bis services IL arbitrator ana hnA idge
lie would repair to the house OF OF the conendng
parties AM address him by tbs Cnr1 ien niue as Sas
The custom Of the clergy, EXCEPT when speaking To
such aa ". re technically lied Geotl-mel." 10
seph" says the minister, 81 hear you quarrel with
neigi Dor Reed,"-it that was The na ne why,
SAYS the man. we didu rsaly get our horns togeth-
err "Ah, but hear You quarrel with n!m, aooat
take your deed aud your pan and cone over to Reu-
ben's with me-.
They 90 tog.tb er to the neighbours house and after
the sautstons very humble IN the one side a9a
very lofty on the other, tue mipis'ef says; "ei'
Reuben have brought Joseph along with me TO settle
tbe Quarrel between ye-se. yuur deed aud yoir plan
Then be compared The two, heard the nval claims,
went to the spot attended by Of the other negn-
bors and walked back and forlh looking at the prem
kes, then, having made up his ul1d, he wjd!u says
"Tske Your axes and cut soue s'akes. lacy were
eut. "bnve this stake dom here, aad pile slme
stones around IT, Tuat was cone. Now drve that
stake dOsp there, ana pile soue Stones aroana tlat
Ii was done Accordingly. Then he would say, NOV,
Reuben aud Joseps, your line runs thefe aud there let
Il run fore.o or! That yoUr land JOS pn and taat Is
tonr land Reuben and lot US have no more q1arrelnS
about this uiaties."
Ills clerical manner of getting judlctnn 'H'ttcHm
eleotud. There was 40 appeal S9o'ta iudi jas
tee was done litigation avoided aad go0i tscunS
restoed. His manner such occasions, AMI the sS-
sumption of au rity attending 1t, prccarei bin tue
title of Bssaop Hiscock-noi very pleasant name W
the men who gave Il.
The following story illustrates his eek reliance snd Ia