Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-08-10
In Mcni orIanI.
HON. BARZILLAI DAVENPORT


- 1'". t.i +.'i 81
| A great desire has been manifested
that the addresses OF Rev Dr. Thomas
and Rev. James Gibton Johnson, at the
funeral Of Hon Barzillai Davenport al
Brandon, should be published in the
columns OF the HERALD. We give them
rs memorial tribute TO the memory oi
this highly respected and good man is
ADDREss OF REV. c. A. THOMAS, D. y.
Barzlllai Davenport was born in DImTners on
VT, in 1889. ,3.'' #. -r.. e@I o..
Ia l794 he removed with his arents to vii
| Jamestown, Vt, where he btained his education
read law, and wa. admitted t. the bar. In 1922
he removed TO Brandon, where he couimen cet
the practice oriaw, and where he soon established
himself as a Competent and reliable nsn in hii
business. During his residence in Brandon ht
was called, by his fellow citizens, to various ant
important Offices of public trust, the duties o.
which he very readily and aceeptably performed
In 1881, during season of unusual religious
interest in Brandon, Mr.. Davenport bee 4me the
subject of that renovation and change OF affection
which constituted the basis Of his subspq uent
christian character He was prompt TO make q
public avow>I of his faith in Christ, and became
a membsro OF the Congregational church; aud il
1888 eec.ed one OF its deacons.
| Az a menb,r and as a deacon Of the church, he
failed not to fill his place and to discharge bis
duties until, by the iufrRities of ge, he wa,
constrained 10 re ire.
AS and christian, Mr.. Davenport, by
his cheerful disposition and afAble department
set us an example worthy Of our regard and imi
tatioa. -.. ..... ... s.s. ......f.s NJ.
Although he did not arouse and captIvate u.
by his mental i'm "a ses aud energetic actions, a:
some men, STIR the general manifestation of 8
AiGd and benevolent heart, accompanied by
frank and uniform endeav0r to do his duty
rendered him both very attractive and very
useful. -..-. ..- ~
| would III At We hal more men, both in church
and State who combine in their character and
principe, with The rrquis means Of genial affs-
bnity. a.. -@
As Mr.. Davenport was highly esteemed mern-
ber OF the Masonic Fraternity, allow me to refer
the members of that Fraternity to the counsel
and lustructon of the deceased, found in his fare.
well address, a few years since, as he resigned,
on account Of his age, the office of Grand High
| Priest. ,..- .... .-.
| He -ays, quote from his address presented ne
by his own hand after it was printed
"Compan'ons: II we have but faith in God,
hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind,
we may safely welcome the KING OF terrors, seat
rs kind messenger to tr lnslate us from thSs i'm
perfect world 10 that better land where sin and
sorrow never enters. But this word is our pill
grimsge, and are all weary pilgrims travelling
through this vale of tears. Let US, therefore,
buckle on our aTmor, and with courage and con-
stancy battle for the right, until we fntsh our
course with joy" "'t ..H
"But Masonry is not religion. Though coming
down to US through religious channel, and
richly freighted with Scripture truth, it does not
pretend to be religions itself, or in any manner
even a substitute for it. Yet no man can be an
apt teacher Of Masonry, or rightly understand its
history or philosophy, unless be be familiar with
the historical books OF the Bible and imbued with
the spirit Of the writer's for the open Bible is our
great light in Masonry in all the degrees, and
furnishes US s sure guids to the tempehf hap
pines Therefore, let us eleaye to the law and to
the testimony make it the of our counsel,
that it may prove light to our feet and lamp
70 our Path, to guide us through this Wilderness
world" ~..,-..' 2 f...u.
Thu. spoke BarzillAi Davenport to- the Masonic
And what does Christ our inf.llible and Heaya
enly teacher say : ''Come unto me. all ye that
labor and are heavy laden, and will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you, and leara OF me ;
for 1 am meek snd lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest un'o your souls. For my yoke Is easy
and my burden is light"
May all come to him, may ALI learn of him,
"for whosoever believeth in him shall not perish,
but have everlasting l;fe." ...yr u
ADDRESS OF REV. JAMES GIBSON JOHNSON,
Mr. Johnson's remarks were brief, and We give
these outlines from memory. He began by say
ing: 49,.
We love to hsnor the dead. 1t Is a satisfaction
to US to gather around the coffin and tell the story
Of their successful struggle, OF the results aimed
and distinction won. We come to-day under no
common circumstances. A life of unusual years
has ended and we run back thro' their history to
find them marked by more than ordin AIRY express
sions of affection and confidence on the part Of
those who knew him. 1t is Il pleasure now to
recite the list of honors so well won. And yet to
those no loved him it is deeper Joy to think OF
the character which deserved those rewards,
What he was, is dearer remembrance TO day
than what he did or gained. ........ . IFS -
His justice and tIuthfu,ness which gave him
power; his genteness which won affection; the
singular cheerfulness and peaeefuiness which
especially marked his last days leave remem-
branees ~hch not only temper the sadness OF this
hour, but which actually give Joy that is deeper
| than the sorrow. We are carried at once to the
secret Of the beauty and Of his character.
1t was his simple piety. He believed in the Lord
Jesus Christ, and his belief was part Of hislife.
| His life is thus rich lesson to US ALL We can
not be permanently sad. even though we miss
him from the accustomed p aces. He who giveth
HIS beloved sleep, rounded the close OF his earth
ly years, and as gently an infant sleeps in its
mothers arms, he gave up the burden Of life.
We cannot help believing that his death was .
transition to an infinitely happier home. At
such time as this we cannot help hoping that
our death may be like his--and not this only, but
that our life may have the same strength and
beauty. The possibilities are as open to Us as te
him. "rs-