of his ordination promise, drew his cares and studies all this way. With a most decided genius for mathematics, a perfect mastery of classical literature, and no ordinary measure of poetical ability,* he is known only as a divine. In this, his proper department of study, he was a master. His book on the Roman Catholic controversy is a standard work. His labours for several years as editor of a Theological Magazine, were most acceptable and useful to the Church. And when the General Theological Seminary was established, he was nominated as one of its first Professors.§ In all the important measures relative to the organization of the Church in this country, and especially in the revision of the Liturgy, his learning, wisdom, and moderation were, as Bishop White assures me, most effective and valuable. The councils of the Church, general and diocesan, were always aided by his presence and participation. And his last act, as we have seen, was his efficient promotion of the interests of the diocese of New Jersey, in its late Convention,-thus dying, as it were, in the service of that cause to which his long life had been so usefully devoted.

* Some specimens of his skill in poetry will be found in the Appendix. "I have long had his masterly treatises in controversy with Dr. Carroll," says the Rev. Thomas Hartwell Horne," and value them among my choicest books against Popery."

It was continued for four years, and its collected numbers make four volumes. He was chiefly assisted in the editorial department, by his intimate friend, the Rev. James Abercrombie, D. D. The Rev. George Boyd was also associated with him.

This was in 1818. The department was Systematic Theology.

In his appropriate public character, as a preacher of the Gospel, I never had an opportunity to know Dr. Wharton. His sermons which I have read, are of a chastened and persuasive style of oratory, well arranged, written evidently from the heart, and in a diction which is like crystal for its purity and clearness. As a preacher of the Gospel, he was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Every where, and on all occasions, he preached "CHRIST CRUCIFIED." The Cross is the great central light of his whole system, both in faith and morals. The sinfulness and helplessness of man, salvation by grace through faith, the necessity of a new creation unto holiness, and the agency of the divine Spirit in producing it, were his favourite and prevailing themes. The people of his charge are without excuse if they believe not the Gospel of Christ. His last ministrations among them were on the festival of Whitsunday. His last office was the celebration of the Holy Supper of the Lord. His last words in this sacred place were a devout prayer, that the "Divine Spirit would sanctify all Christians who, under his sacred influence, should resolve so to live continually in this world, that they may reign with him eternally in the next!"*

Nor, in thus setting up the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, was he unmindful of the CHURCH, which he purchased with his blood. To proclaim the Gospel in the Church, he believed to be God's way of saving sinners.

* Sermon for Whitsunday,-"The Spirit of God, and the Spirit of the World," the last in this volume.

He, indeed, in the exercise of his truly catholic spirit, regarded all who name the name of Christ with affectionate interest. And so far as principle could be preserved, he was at one time desirous of comprehending the pious of another denomination within the fold of the Church.* With increasing experience, however, his

caution increased. I must ever regard it as one of the most valued tributes that I can receive on earth, that he repeatedly declared, upon the most intimate acquaintance with my views of the doctrine, discipline, and policy, that they were identical with his own. It was his deep and strong conviction, again and again expressed, that the entire Church was to be inviolately preserved; and that the strictest adherence to all its provisions and regulations was the surest path not only of truth and duty, but of charity and peace.

Of the influence of such a course, so pursued, it is not necessary for me here to speak. His whole congregation looking up to him as children to a father, in this whole community not one that did not love him as a

* A proposal to this end, drawn up at length, and with great care, is among his papers, with strictures by Bishop Hobart, to whom it had been submitted. It was never published. An amiable, but impracticable, vision, it is a great satisfaction to know that while the goodness of heart which prompted it, continued to the last to increase, its Author, by reflection and experience, attained to more judicious views, and a bolder and firmer adherence to them. Many things in his official course which had been done with the best intentions, and for peace' sake, he lived to lament as errors of judgment. As a Churchman, he was, in his last years, much more consistent and decided. Of the principles and policy pursued by Bishop Hobart, he declared himself very often in terms of the highest approbation.

friend, these, at the close of five and thirty years, are testimonials, not to be called in question, to the fidelity of his public services, and the excellence of his private character. For himself, he has gone beyond their reach. He sleeps now in the very spot which, year after year, through a long life, his "due feet" never failed to tread, as they passed to the scene of his labours, in the sanctuary of God.* His reward is on high. He has left to his bereaved widow and mourning friends, the rich inheritance of an unsullied name. To us he has left, serene in placid piety, his lovely and encouraging example. He rests from his labours, and his works do follow him.

We too, my beloved, let us not forget, we too must follow him. We must stand with him before the judg ment bar; and for our improvement of his instructions, of his influence, and of his example, give an account to God. Brethren beloved, are you prepared for that strict reckoning? Is there no precept of his meek and venerable wisdom which you have neglected or disobeyed? Is there no prayer of his fervent piety that you have disappointed and made of none effect? Is there no influence of his holy example that you have overlooked or disregarded? And is there none of you, in regard to whom his testimony must then be borne, "I called, and ye refused; I stretched out my hand, and ye would not

*The chief entrance to St. Mary's Church, was, until recently, at the side. In the midst of what was then the pathway, Dr. Wharton lies interred.

Vol. I.

regard?" My beloved brethren, think on these things. From that low grave, your venerable pastor, though "dead, yet speaketh." While there is time, listen to

his beloved warning voice. Cling, as he clung, to the Cross of Jesus Christ. Make the word of God, as he made it, by day your study, and by night your meditation. Implore daily, as he implored, the transforming influence of the divine grace, to create in you a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within you. To-day, repent. To-day, believe. To-day, profess before men your solemn dedication of yourselves to God, and in his strength strive to perform its obligations. To-morrow, remember, you may sleep with him in the dark grave. And yet,-think well, beloved, of the dread alternative!-and yet, not like him, "in the certain hope of a joyful resurrection!"