New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-01-25
IN MEMORY OF DIR. KNOX.


,sernon WINS preached last evening in the Lafayette
plece Reformed Dutch Church, by the Rev. DIR.
Dewitt, in memory of the late Rev. DR.. Knox. The
church, which was heavily drsped in mourning, was so
crowded that the Sexton said there was no room Tor
reporters. The aisles nearly filed by persons who
could not obtain seats. number Of clergymen Of this
and few Of other denominations occupied the pulpit
and the front seats. Chancellor Ferris delivered the
first prayer.
Dr. DEWITT took as his texts Acts XXX u, and
nd Timothy w., 6, and s. These sable emblems he
said which surrounded them were not merely an ex-
ternal drapery but they fifty correspondent TO the emo
tiOns which were shared by the community at large,
as well as by the bereaved congregation. God had
smitten them; He had smiten this Church, where Dr.
Knox had labored long, and He had smitten the
community who all suffered when good man
died This su~ely gre, Gus affection, and IT be-
hOved them to cast themselves down, that they might
he raised up in the end. DIR. Dewitt then went into
an exegess Of Pauls farewell address to the elders at
Ephesus, the latter portion of his text including an
exposition of the duties Of the ministry. Dr.
Knox, he said, was born near Gettysburg, Pa,
June II, 1870. His grandfather, Slmuel
Scotch Presbyterian, came there from the
north Of Ireland hundred years ago. When Dr.
Knox was a little boy, his grandfather used TO take
him on his knee, and talked and prayed with him.
His grandfather died at the age Of So in 1904; his
grandmother died at the age of 81 in lslS Her Bible
the which the late Doctor used for family and
devotional readings. His father, Samuel Knox, was
deyOut physician, and many OF those present remem-
bered his venerable mother, who had been heard TO
say that she had never been called upon 10 administer
any rebuke to John-not in one instance. DIR. Knox
entered the Junior class OF Dickinson College IN isO9
and graduated in 1871. He then came to New.
York and entered the Theological Seminary.
He was licensed in 1878. He nveted MS fellow
students to him with clasps OF steel. In 1872,
while travelling in Western Pennsylvania, he entered
poor little cottage, where he found Gen Arthur
Sinclair, his wife aud accomplished daughters. He
pubishedtbe ercumstanceso OF their poverty, andntrs
city there was raised in consequence OF this SllOO
While yet young man he was model IN courtesy
and righteousness He spent short time in filling
vacancies after which he was settled over the church
in NewYOrk. In 1918 he married he daughter of his
theological instructor, DIR. Masen. She a woman
Of high intellect and benevolent heart her death was
recent. First and above all was the pety Of Dr.
Knox prOminent-a plety never excited by pass
ing inueBces; be breathed il, he spoke it, he acted it,
There was also IN HIM great simplicity and sincerity.
His spirit was ever meek and his character was social
and above all stood his grief and adherence at guile
He man who loved the truth, aud who had
early lodged deep in his heart lie principles mbued
with love. lie could not be diverted from the path of
duty. and N his family circle and 10 his muistraons
lie coJld weep with the afflicted and rejoice with the
glad He nstnctively adopted the minuiia OF cour-
tesy, and could mix with men Of high or low |
estate. He had much Of the heart of his mother. |
man Of sound political Judgment and systematiLed
industry, lie accomplished an immense amount of |
work, and never assumed responsibility which he |
the seat of love- and he lived and died in the love of
all evangelical Christians. Tie preached the pure |
Word Of God. Many had more glitter and cap;ivated
the multitude without much attention TO the in |
structiOn Of the mind or the education of the |
heart. He testified the grace Of Christ, and from !
that radiatng point advanced 10 everything. |
His work extended congregations in the city, and
he looked TO il thoroughly He noticed il any of the
leading pews were unOccupied on the Sabbath, and
forgot not TO ask after the health of their usual
cupants. In 1916 be was settled; in 1918 lie |
che stated Clerk Of the General Synod where there
arose deep conviction Of the sOundness of his
opinions. He stood by the side of Abraham Van Ness
in securing the perpetuty ofthe College New Bruins
wick. He trustee of several religious and bene-
violent Institutions He had been connected with the
American Tract Society fromits beginning. His opera
ton in welldOng silent, constant aud eiectual For
three years back his health rmef than for some
time before. On the Monday before his death his col
leagues net with him; they congratulated him his
robust health and mentioned that he might live 70
preach their funeral sermons With the mode Of his
death ell were familiar He died 10 full harness |
never laborDg with greater acceptance II put them
in mind Of another Of their pastors the venerable DR..
Livingston. He retired 70 rest one night as usual,
and found breathless in the morning. DR.. Knox
was clothed with the greatness OF goodness that In
vested him garment. AZ the Evan -elical ALI
ance in 1876, there that lovely Christian, Edward
Bckers,eth who was recognized as the good Mr..
DR.. DEWITT bad also heard DR.. Knox
called " The good DR.. Knox" Greatness and glory
would pass away bat goodness never.