Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-06-28
From the Vermont Christian Messenger
Rev. lanes Dougherty, ID. d.
pY REV. RODNEY HOLLAND HOWARD, OF WAL
roLT, MASS.

BY REV. RODNEY HOLLAND HOWARD, of VAL
POLE, MASS.
At noon of the tenth instant expired, Mt
johnson. Vt. one Of the brightest nights oi
the Congregational pulpit OF the last genera
tion.
Rev. James Doueherty. d. d. was born IN
Ireland. How manifold and rich, indeed
have been the contributions of Ireland TO
our American Christianity! And never ana
she make n choicer one than when she gave
us James Dougherty. Reared in the Roman
Catholic church, he very early became dis
satisfied with that faith and at length de
liberately and utterly repudiated 1t. While
vet comparatively young he emigrated TO
this country, and shortly subsequent to his
arrival, after mature reflection, though moi
without MANY and severe struggles, he con-
auered his doubts and embraced Christ by
simple faith and became hearty, happy
Evangelical Protestant Christian. Depend
ent upon the labor of his own hands Tor MS
maintenance, he nevertheless early deter
mined to obtain liberal education. Pound
ing out on his shoe-bench the means re-
qnired to enable him TO do it, he fitted for
college, and entered the University of Yer
mont. Here he made the best Improvement
of mis- opportunities. and in due time gradu-
ated with honor Several years, since his
alma mater, with unanimlty and spontan-
city on the part of her corporators that gave
to the title Its Chief value, conferred on HIM
the honorary degree of =. ID.
Mr.. Dougherty studied at once for the
ministry His first settlement was III Mill
ton, where he labored with much success for
many years He then accepted call from
the Congregational church Mt johnson, with
which he remained as long as he continued
in the active work of the ministry. HIS Ia
bors in this latter field were especially fruit
iul His influence, not only in his own So
ciety, but throughout the community was
great, and as salutary as great. He was en-
phatically the father of his people and the
patriarch of the town.
Dr. Dougherty was preacher OF rare and
singularly attractive gifts of great origin
alitv, eloquence and power. Long will 1t be
before We shall see his like again, even If we
ever do. But gifted as he was a preacher,
he was even more remarkable as a thinker.
His was one of the most fruitful, prolific
minds | ever knew. His spiritual insight
was his Distinguishing endowment He was
an intuitionalist of the first water. As to his
theological views, he was peculiar III some
respects and far in advance OF his age IN
MANY particulars. What has now become
popular as the Scientific Method OF lnqnl-
ry respecting theology. was thought out and
expOunded by DIR. Dougherty whole gene
ration ago. lie WIS AlulOst ms Vi lsihai III MS
theological views, and way of putting things,
as though no theological book had ever been
written, and no system of divinity had ever
been propagated The cordial reception and
entertainment he ever extended to the hon
est convictions of a conscientious worker IN
the fields of religious inquiry was worth
long Journey to witness while the singular
freshness that characterized his own utter
ances rendered it always great treat to be
his listener.
DIR. Dougherty had in him tine vein of
humor, though II seldom was revealed in the
pulpit. II is doubtful whether Sterne ever
had more appreciative reader, or one who
could appropriate his matter to better pur-
pose No man had finer genius for tell
ing little story" than Dr. Dougherty, and
Sterne was his favorite author for purposes
of quotation Dr. Dougherty also had the
very finest poetic sensibilities. He was not
widely read perhaps, but his favorites were
well read. lie had Ioung's Night Thoughts
almost by heart, an author. by the way.
who did much at n certain particular crisis,
to anchor him i'll the Christian faith. Burns.
however, was his most familiar friend. All
what more charming than to hear HIM, so
sympathetically, quote that sweetest OF
bards, by way OF illustrating and Gainishing
his limpid discourse.
and impulsive heart. No mans sympathies
were more deep OF fervent. His religious
sensibilities were especially tender He
could scarce ever name the name OF Jesus
in n sermon without tears. And yet have
heard him, while offering consolation TO the
brreayed allude to his own berenvements
with tenderness unnpproached and unnp-
proachable his countenance meantime shin
ing with n smile of unoarthly radiance and
beauty. All ! me, and shall We behold that
face. and hear that glorious voice no more:
1t fell to the lot oi this writer to he the pas
tor of the Methodist church in johnson,
during the last years, (lS62 A., of DIR. DIS.
active pastorate. The two years was thus
associated with him in gospel labor were
among the very happiest and most proiitabl
OF INV life. Never shall forget the impress
sion he made on me the first time | looked
upon his tall form and noble head, surmount-
ed 10y an ample supply of irongray hair
nor more shall ! ever forget the impression
made on me the first time heard him speak
in public when that mild blue eye, beammg
with tenderness, and swimming IN tears
and that voice tremulous and breaking with
emotion, conspired 10 impress his message
on the inmost hearts of his hearers. be-
came yery intimate with this venerable man.
Our intercourse, TO me, was as stimulating as
it was delightful. | shall never cease to feel
indebted TO DIR. d. as to no other man. on
intellectual, indeed, as well as spiritual and
social grounds. Nay, l may be permitted to
say that became very deeply and tenderly
attached to him. l loved him, truly, as |
have loved no other father in the gospel.
DR. Dougherfy has been n patiently suiier-
ing invalid for many, many years. In age
and ieebleness extreme he has fingered on
far beyond the expectations of his friends
tenderly, dutiiully. ministered unto by loving
hands in the bosom OF one of the loveliest
of homes. The hour of his release has come
at last Never shall forget how my heart
was thrilled, while sitting with him III the
pulpit on n certain funeral occasion that of
Deacon Parmlee, of precious memory-as |
listened to his reading hymn IN which oc-
Cured this verse
while our silent steps are 'traying.