The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-12-27
THE DEATH Or DLSTTNG UTSHED
PHILADELPHfAN MS.

TIE DEATH Or DLSTTNG UTSHED
PHILADELPH[ANS
WITHIN few days past two distinguished
Phiadelphisns, the Rev. Albert Barnes and
S. Morris Vain, Esq, have been carried off
by death, and it is but proper that their de-
cease should be noticed otherwise than by
mere obituary sketches.
MIR. Barnes, who died on Saturday last, full
of years and honors, was one of the most dis
tinguished clergymen of the Presbyterian
Church in the United States, and ciroum-
stances more than any desire of his own
made him prominent figure in one of the
most important episodes in the history of
that Church. Mr.. Barnes was the imme diste
cause of the division of the Church, which he
happily lived to see reconciled, and
we believe that no one rejoiced more
sincerely than he did when the distinction of
Old School and New School was done away
with; and the great religious denomination
with which he was identified again became
what it was before unhappy differences
divided it. 1t was as an eloquent preacher,
a faithful pastor, an able writer, and pro-
found biblical scholar that Mr.. Barnes will
be best remembered. AS preacher and pas
tor he was the revered spiritual guide and
counsellor of several generations of wer-
shippers at the Washington Square Presbyte-
rian Church, with which he was actively con-
nected for thirty-seven years. To the world
at large he Yas chiefly known by his writ
ings, among which the most important are
his 'Biblical Notes, which have had an ex-
traordinary popularity both in this coun-
try and in Europe Mr.. Barnes
was logical reasoner and the mas
ter of a peculiarly lucid style; and for
these reasons his writings are equally valu-
able to biblical students and to ordinary
readers. AS a preacher and pastor Mr.
Barnes popularity did not depend entirely
upon his great pulpit talents, for he was
man of peculiarly winning manners in
private, and he will be remembered with the
fondest affection by more than usually
large circle of warm personal friends. On
our third page we publish a very complete
sketch of his career, to which we refer our
readers and merely in this place pay
tribute to his memory as one of the most
useful. modest, and self-sacrifcing clergy
men whose talents and labors have aided in
advancing the cause of Christianity in Phila-
delphia. He rests from his labors and his
works do follow him.
S. Morris Vain, Esq, who died on Thurs
day, was one of our most esteemed private
citizens. During a long life he was init
mately connected with various mercantile
enterprises that have contributed materially
to the prosperity of Philadelphia, and al
though he never accepted Office or placed
himself prominently before the public, he
distinguished himself on all proper occasions
by his public spirit, and displayed lively
interest in all enterprises connected with the
welfare of the city. He was particularly
prominent in giving liberal aid to a multi
! tude of benevolent schemes, and there were
fow societies with good objects in view that
| did not receive his hearty support. Mr..
Wa!ns good works were done quietly and
without ostentation, and many of them will
never be known. but they were nevertheless
death Philadelphia loses one of her most
public-spirited and most truly benevolent
! citizens.