New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-01-30
the war, and cannot fil to find place IN pubic and
private libraries ss an important volume for permsneIi
reference.
LIgE AND TINES OF NATHAN BANGS D D. ~
ABEL STEVENS. LII. d. limo. up. I26. Csfstop

reference.
ABEL STEVENS LII. ID. limo. up. &C. Csfistop
Porter
The public life of the late venerable DR.. Bsngf
for almost half century was identified with tho
most important measures Of the Methodist Fps
copal Church. His intelligent face during nearly
sixty years was well known in the pulpits Of thai
religious persuasion. He was the founder Of IT.
periodical literature, and one of the founders OF it,
present system of educational institutions. Hs
became the recognized historian of the denomina
ton, and in addition to his miscellaneous writings
for its periodicals, he wrote more volumes in ito
defense and illustration than any other man. Hi
official labors in various important capacities were
constant and Of q highly responsible character
Next to Bishop Asbury, it has been said that ht
held the highest place in the history Of American
Methodism. DIR. Bangs was q native Of Stra.ford
Conn, and traced his lineage to the early Pun:ar
settlers in Plymouth. He was brought up III the
Episcopal Church, Of which his father, stalv an
village blacksmith, was q devoted adherent, al
though towards the elosc of his life he became at
tached to the principles OF tho Methodists. Willie
yet boy young Bangs followed the family to .
new home in the interior OF New York, aIdt took W
his abode in what is now called Stamford, Delaware
County, then in the midst of the prineyal wilder
ness lie had scarcely reached the age OF manhood
when he commenced the business Of scbool-tesch'
ing and while pursuing this occupation in Lite
Canadian settlement near Niagara Falls, lie became
interested il Methodist preaching and was induced
70 enter that Church in the twcnty-sceond year Of
IL 10 in fta mn q.
Try and in about year after he joined the church,
received license TO preach, and at once depaT;ed
FOR circuit on the Canadian frontier. His labofs
proved eminonty successful, and 10 this day has
name is household word in the Methodist families
Of that region. The itinerant Life Of DR.. Bangs IN
the United States which continued through
long series of years was singulary active rich in
the best fruits Of apostolic energy, and marked By
equal zeal, discretion, and deyotedness. In the
midst of his laborous duties, he found time for ms
own culture as o scholar and a theelogian. His
habits of study hardly relaxed, though be was
constantly in motion on horseback. His ability in
the pulpit attracted the people in crowds at his nu-
merous appointments At the same time, he used
his pen in the controversies of the day, PROVINCE
formidable opponent Of the doctrines Of Ca!vilism.
For many years he considered the abicst cham
pion OF Methodist principles in this branch of ;heo-
logical metaphysics that the denomination could
boast of on this side of the Atlantic. While SUBJ
scquently called 20 high official duties he contnu-
ally appeared in the pulpit as powerful preacher
After protracted career Of benefcent activity his
declining years were serene and beautiful exhibit
ing noble example Of cheerfulness, patience, tram
quill submission, and deyoutrcligioas hope To the
last hecontinued progressive in his views, interested
in all judicous 70, the improvements Of his
church, and with no disposition to make inyidious
comparisons between the present and the past His
final illness was Of several weeks duration; be
suffered greatly but retained the full possession Of
his mental faculties, and died just after completing
his eighty-fourth year. DIR. Stevens has deserted
his remarkable career with great animation nd
fidelity, presenting Just and apprecia;iye view II
his character and accurate sketch of bis eztra-
ordinary labors. Tie volume now issued is ali i'd
mrable specimen Of biographical composition, and
will DO read with interest beyond the polc Of Tho
denomination Of which its subject was such cen
| spicuous and honored member.