New-York tribune., 1874-06-01
had the foolhardiness
DR. DE WITS LIFE WORK.

A MEMORIAL SERMON BY THE REV. DR. vERMILYE.
In accordance with the resolution passed by
the Consisory Dutch Reformed Churches OF this
city, the Rev. DR.. vermye preached funeral sermon
last evening the and services OF the late
Rev DR.. Thomas De Witt. at the Dutch Reformed
Church, at Ffth-ave. and tyeighth-st The pulpit
covered with black cloth, ana handsome basket of
flowers stood on the communion table. The opening
services were conducted by the pastor, the Rev Dr.
Ludlow. DR. yermiye took for his text: Precious in
the sight fthe Lord the death Of his sans-Psalms
cxvi., l5.
The first point said he is that saints well other
persons must die. The stern decree has passed Dust
thou art and TO dust thou shalt return and the most
holy man cannot escape. We know Of only two men
who have escaped death, Enoch and Elijah, and these
taken heaven FOR special reasons At Chrsts
second coming who remain will be caught up 20
heaven but this will not happen until the end OF the
world Flesh and blood cannot enter into the kingdom
Of God Sometimes hear from friends, when
God has removed some and dear TO them, and
they exclaim "Why could He have taken some one
elsei But He knows what is best, and His actions
not be Questioned The death of the saint is fol-
lowed by no second DEATH He has fallen asleep in
Jesus. Death conquered foe, and our Savior guards
His followers.
But the subject for this evening is the Rev. Thomas
De Witt. our senior pastor whose death took place
lately. He born NewYork State on Sept II, 1891
His came over from Holland In 1855. Dr. De
Witt in his youth learned the Dutch language enoGgh to
speak in conversation and preach in t from the
pulpit He rather sedate and serious in his early
days. and his father determined give him the adyan
tage OF a collegiate education and among his classmates
at college were De Witt Clinton and Abraham Van
Vechten. He was graduated in 1sOs when ne was II
OF age. Soon after be was graduated he made
public profession OF RELIGION and chose the ministry as
his work. After q years theological study ut New
Brunswick he bcame licensed preacher, and In 1912
ordained, he being then only 81 years OF age. In
1876 he called TO the Collegiate Church
IN this city, wnere he remained At years,
until his death. after service OF sxtytwo years IN
ministry. In October 1896 lie married, ana Dis wlfe
remained comfort nm until about seven months be-
fore his death HIS only died YOung but Ills TWO
daughters were left to hIm. In appearance he was
modest unassuming grave and GiRnlfed in his deport
ment. ana altogether was a lOyeaDle man. lie Woulu
forget the things and yet stand up before
audience without notes and repeat chapter verse;
and deliver an excellent discourse. His dlscourses
were sometimes dOctrlnal, but ne loved 10 en
force the truths OF the Ae~ Ies.ament. MS
preaching always evangelical, and he loved 10
speak Of the love OF tile Savior fOr poor sinners IL
not easy describe his manner Has voice was clear
and round he mad no ARTIFICIAL mode OF conversation
often very strange, and when lmpas-
would MS back 10 the audience, raise MS
over hls head. and make contoriIons that would
compel the hearers TO smile But 1t was All very simple
anu all propelled by his love OF Cod he never preacheu
from notes. he being rely III taNOr OF exteDpOrane
In laer years he was connected with the
Historical Society As President and Vce-Presdent anu
with other societies. ths city and was present AZ me
formation Of the Evangelical Alliance III London; hIs
old age was anu peaceful the chords nat bound
MIN gently lOOsened one aler the other,
and finally he was himself called away. To me his de-
ends irenIslp OF Az Years, during 80 OF wch
We nave been colleagues the Church. We shall not
see hun again mere. but DO not let Ms think or him as
dead rather one VINO has just begun 10 i've hls
sepucher here bus he has risen Let IL Dc our care
to dit ourselves death may then JOIN nIm
above. singing praises around the throne OF God.