Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1896-11-19

never cedS0u 10 regret lCS effectS upon his !
character and habits. But his firm faith
in the Holy Scriptures was not shaken
and his loyalty to the church of his
fathers increased with his years. Though
usually reticent on such subjects, he once
told the speaker that he had studied the
question of Higher Criticism somewhat
carefully and had reached the conclusion
that one must believe all the Bible or
none of it. In his Judgment there was no
hating place between plenary inspiration
and pure rationalism.
His interest in the history and progress
of the Presbyterian Church in Bridgeton
was manifested by the active part which
he took in the Centennial celebration in
1892, and especially by the eloquent and
exhaustive address which he delivered
on "Bridgetown before 1872" A single
quotation from his closing words on that
occasion will reflect the views of the
author better than any words of mine
could do. Referring to the old Broad st.
church, he says: ut is a plain structure,
consonant with the thoughts and habits
of those who reared it. The cost of it's
men. No lofty spire crowns it's summit
no chime of bells. wrenched by church
authority from toiling hands, have from
this spot called to early mass, or, in the
cleaning, tolled forth the Angelus above
these blooming fields and this fair and
busy town. No surpliced priest, owning
prime allegiance to a foreign chief, and
mumbling Latin prayers, no high altar,
no elevated Host, no swinging censers,
no perfumed incense, have ever invaded
these sacred walls. But for hundred
years, the light which was here kindled,
has never been eXtinguished. For
hundred years the congregation which
was here organized, in this building and
the one which succeeded it, have fol-
lowed the pure and simple faith of their
fathers. The seed which was sown here
in weakness has been raised in power;
and from the time when this corner stone
was laid, until this day, this church and
congregation have been a constant, in
creasing, living force for good, not in this
vicinity only, but in all this section of
the State. May it and that great Govern
ment whose flag and power protects it, so
remain while time shall last.
Until that faithful mighty day,
When earthly shadows doubts despair
Shall like the mornings mists be swept away
By the sweet zephyr of the heavenly air;
When clothed in radiant white, his trump in hand,
Whose golden tones shall sound DER land and sea,
The messenger of God by the great throne shall
stand;
Earths night forever lost in Heavens eternity.
What an easy transition from love,
loyalty, faith like that-to child-like
Christian trust! Was that transition ever
made? Can we doubt it who really knew
the man! The hour came when work
was laid down. In the midst of
F onerous labors and brilliant successes
at the Bar, he realized that his
sun was setting. Physical feebleness
increased upon him till every hope
; for life, every cherished ambition was
laid to slumber in grave from which
there was no resurrection. He was a
helpless sufferer. Thoughts now re-
verted to olden days, and scenes of youth
and early manhood We're passing with
panoramic vividness before him. Es-
pecially lived he over again the battle
aud the bivouac.
Think you, that there was omitted from
this procession of events the scene where,
with college comrades, he stood at the
altar and confessed his faith in Jesus
Christ, and with them tasted the bread
and wine of the Holy Sacrament?
We know indeed, that these impress
sions, never lost, were, in hours of soli-
tude and suffering, revived with peculiar
tenderness. To the speaker he opened
his heart in the utterances of thoughts
too sacred for public ear. He heard the
voice of the Good Shepherd, who said 81
know my sheep, and am known of mine -
Too conscious of sin and weakness to use
bOldness of speech, could he not vet cry
out, Lord l believe; help thou my un-
belief?" Touching but the hem of the
garment, was he not healed? Unto the
Father of us all, and the tender love of
our Christ we commit his case.
Bridgeton and this State have lost a
great and loyal son; the bar, distin-
guished and honored advocates the
church, devout defender; his family,
the right arm of their strength; and we
who loved him, disinterested and faith
full friend. But we submit because we
know that there is no discharge in that
: war;" and because we trust that the bat
tie has ended in victory.
The body reposed in casket with six
silver handles. Across the breast was a
white silk flag, and at the feet was a flag
of the 18th Regt., N. j. Vols, of which
the deceased was member.
There were many beautiful floral de-
signs, covering the casket. A beautiful
wreath of ivy leaves from the Loyal
Legion, of Philadelphia; another wreath
from friends in Chicago, and still another
one from the Meade Post, G. A. R., of
Phi adelphia, of which the Colonel was "a
member.
The Meade Post intended to send fir
ing guard, but failed to do so, and sent
word to Alex. Robeson Post to conduct
the services at the grave.
After the services at the house, the
funeral cortege moved to the Broad street
cemetery. The pail bearers were: James
j. Reeves. Judge James Z. uoagland