A Funeral Sermon for Rev. T. Charlton Henry [1790-1827]

It was on this day, October 6, 1827, that the Rev. Benjamin Gildersleeve brought “A Sermon, preached in the Second Presbyterian Church, Charleston, at the Funeral of the Rev. T. Charlton Henry, D.D., Late Pastor of said Church.”

Rev. Gildersleeve is remembered as the editor of The Charleston Observer, a noteworthy Presbyterian newspaper of the times. Rev. T. Charlton Henry [1790-1827], the deceased, had been the pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church just four years before the Lord took him. A popular preacher and a friend of missions, particularly to the American Indians, under his ministry the church was built up and membership increased.

The following is a short excerpt from the funeral sermon delivered that day by the Rev. Gildersleeve. To read the entire message, click here.

“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for his end is peace.” – Psalm 37:37.

And now what improvement shall we make, from this afflictive dispensation? Though all here be dark, there is light above. If we may trace the correspondencies between our departed brother and the first Christian Martyr into the future, we may yet see that God will overrule this affliction to the glory of His name.–And He will do it, whether we see it or not. The persecutions that followed upon the death of Stephen scattered abroad the disciples of Christ. And they preached every where, fearlessly, salvation through the blood of the Cross. Their words were accompanied with the demonstration of the spirit and of power, for many became obedient to the faith. As they witnessed the triumphant death of Stephen, so you have seen your brother, your pastor, your friend grapple with the King of Terrors and gain the victory. Has it nerved your souls? Ah, you weep! But can you week in submission to the will of your God? I will not attempt now to check the flood of your grief–weep on. It is sad to say, O Christian, that he will counsel you no more. You have heard for the last time his voice of prayer. He never will break to you again the bread of life; nor will you ever be comforted again by his parochial visitations. You may therefore weep; for he is gone. But prepare to meet him, lest he prove a swift witness against you in the day of reckoning.

And, Sinner, he has given you his last warning. He will pray for you no more. That tongue is mute which has so often charged you to flee from the wrath to come. That hand is stiff and cold that has been extended to pluck you as a brand from the burning. Look at that lifeless corpse, and remember that you must also die–you must. You must also stand at the bar of God. He will be there. And I leave it for your conscience to say, whether you are prepared to meet him.

An afflicted family now calls for our sympathies and our prayers. It has lost–ah, I cannot describe it,–for it is irreparable. As our departed friend left his widow and his fatherless ones with God, they have, in His blessing, a rich inheritance. This is a mercy with which their cup of affliction is mingled.

We, brethren in the ministry, have lost a faithful friend–an eminent co-worker in the vineyard of Christ. But would we bring back the sainted spirit to earth again? No, no.–He fought a good fight–he finished his course–he kept the faith, and he now wears the crown of righteousness which was laid up for him above. He has gone–oh, let him go. Let him rise, and sing, and shine, and bow, and worship in the presence chamber of God Most High. While we deposit his precious remains in death’s receptacle, let us remember how frail we are–number our days, and apply our hearts unto wisdom. There is much to do, and the time is short. With more diligence and faithfulness than ever, and with a firmer reliance on the mercy of God, let us press onward to the closing scene, and prepare for the day when each of us must render an exact account of our stewardship. That our hold on Heaven may be as firm as his, our hope as bright, our life as useful and our death as calm, let us drink deeper of the Spirit of Christ, and live more devoted to the glory of His holy name. Amen.

Several works by Rev. T. Charlton Henry, as well as the funeral sermon by Rev. Gildersleeve, are found in the volume, A Plea for the West: A Sermon preached before the Missionary Society of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, in Augusta, November 21. (1824). To view this work, click here.

Words to Live By:
“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14b)

“Some of you may have seen how short life is in those around you. “Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?” How many friends have you lying in the grave! Some of you have more friends in the grave than in this world. They were carried away “as with a flood,” and we are fast hastening after them.

In a little while the church where you sit will be filled with new worshipers, a new voice will lead the psalm, a new man of God fill the pulpit. It is an absolute certainty that, in a few years, all of you who read this will be lying in the grave. Oh, what need, then, to fly to Christ without delay! How great a work you have to do! How short the time you have to do it in! You have to flee from wrath, to come to Christ, to be born again, to receive the Holy Spirit, to be made meet for glory. It is high time that you seek the Lord. The longest lifetime is short enough. Seek conviction of sin and an interest in Christ. “Oh, satisfy me early with thy mercy, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days.””

– Robert Murray McCheyne (1813 – 1843)

The first serious resistance against the new United States government took place in western Pennsylvania, specifically, a rebellion against a federal excise tax being placed upon distilled spirits. Known as the Whiskey Rebellion, government officials were being attacked and run off by rebellious citizens.  What was to be done?

President George Washington responded by calling up twelve thousand federal militia from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.  Marching to Carlisle, Pennsylvania on the weekend of October 5, 1794, they settled down for the night.

Preaching in his pulpit that Lord’s Day at the First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle, was the pastor, Rev. Dr. Robert Davidson.  Davidson was forty-nine years of age at this time, and a national figure in the Presbyterian Church. He had served as moderator of the General Assembly just three years before this. He was also the Vice-President of Dickinson College, a Presbyterian school.

Seated among his congregation that morning were George Washington and the Secretaries of War and the Treasury of the new federal government. Dr. Davidson preached “A Sermon on the Freedom and Happiness of the United States of America.” His text was Second Samuel 7:23, which reads in part, “And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel?”

In his introduction, Rev. Davidson assured his audience that the message of the gospel and the public concerns which concerned them now in this time of crisis, cannot be separated. His first point spoke about the fact that Israel is proof that events are driven by Divine providence  rather than by chance.  Further, the Jews were God’s chosen people.

The force of the sermon came with his exposition of the second outline point.  He soundly stated that God, in His great goodness, has bestowed upon the United States of America a high privilege as well. Indeed, the text was quickly changed to “what nation in the earth is like thy people, even like the United States.”

He went on to praise the militia, including their commanders and the commander-in-chief, President Washington, who had gathered in Carlisle, to teach the rebellious citizens and their  army that they should be obedient to lawful authorities. No wonder that the officers of the American forces requested this sermon to be printed  and given to the masses.

When the militia began to march, led by the only President who ever led a sitting army on a military mission, the mob—including their army in the western parts of the state—fled and were disbanded. About 150 of the more prominent dissenters were taken back as prisoners, and about a year later, were pardoned by George Washington. Following the presidency of John Adams, it was only under the third President, Thomas Jefferson, that the Excise Tax on distilled spirits was finally repealed.

Words to live by:  Present day Presbyterian pastors need to think long and hard about preaching political sermons from the pulpit.  While there can be many spiritual points which can be gleaned for America from the chosen people of Israel, we are not the new Israel! We must—and we should—point out the courage of serving the Lord in all kinds of national distresses. We do believe that the God of the ages has caused us to be raised up for such a time as this.  We are a people with all sorts of privileges, and that puts a great obligation upon us to obey God’s will. But we are not the lost ten tribes of Israel. That much is sure.

Here We Stand

There were four organizations that were formative of the Presbyterian Church in America. They were:
1. The Presbyterian Journal, which began in May of 1942. Founded by a group of conservative Presbyterians, including L. Nelson Bell, the Journal was founded to work against the liberalism infecting the Presbyterian Church, U.S. (aka, Southern Presbyterian Church).
2. The Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, founded by the Rev. William Hill, Jr., conducted revivals in PCUS churches.
3. Concerned Presbyterians, a laymen’s group
4. Presbyterian Churchmen United (PCU), an organization of conservative pastors in the PCUS.

Originally published on October 4, 1969 by the Presbyterian Churchmen United (PCU), the Declaration of Commitment was a clarion call issued to the ministers and people of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. (PCUS)—a call for recommitment to the Word of God and to the Reformed Faith, signed by over 500 ministers and published in over 30 major newspapers.

DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT

To the membership of the Presbyterian Church, US, in light of the questions and concerns being expressed in the Church as to the nature of our faith and order, we, the undersigned ministers declare our conviction:

—That the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ turns men from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. By coming to faith in Him alone is there genuine reconciliation between man and God and man and man.

—That the Holy Scriptures are the infallible Word of God, and that these Scriptures commit the Church to a mission whose primary end is the salvation and nurture of souls.

—That Christian faith must bear fruit if it is to remain virile. These fruits vary from believer to believer. But common to them all are evidences of love, concern and neighborliness, toward all races of men without partiality and without prejudice, especially to the poor, the oppressed and the disadvantaged. The man of faith views all men as neighbors and himself as debtor, for Christ’s sake.

—That, for the implementation of the above principles, in obedience to our ordination vows, we must strive to preserve a confessional Church, thoroughly Reformed and Presbyterian. Thus, our support of or opposition to any proposed union will be determined by these considerations.

—That, being fully committed by our ordination vows to the system of doctrine set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, we must oppose all efforts to change in substance or otherwise debase our historic doctrinal commitment.

—That we are in the same context by vow committed to historic Presbyterian polity with its representative system and its parity among teaching and ruling elders. Thus, we are forced to oppose any efforts to take our Church into the massive organization envisioned by COCU [i.e., Consultation on Church Union.]

—That, should the basic theology or polity of the Church be altered or diluted, we shall be prepared to take such actions as may be necessary to fulfill the obligation imposed by our ordination vows, to maintain our Presbyterian faith.

Words to Live By:
In this clarion call, over 500 pastors called for the Church to remain true to the Reformed Faith, to remain a confessional and Presbyterian church, in doctrine and in polity. They staked out a position with this document, standing against a proposed ecumenical merger which would have taken their denomination into liberal and unbelieving waters. And they made it clear that they would not be party to such a merger but would honor their ordination vows.

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” – (2 Thess. 2:15)

“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” – (2 Timothy 1:13)

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) – Hebrews 10:23)

Image source: News clipping from the Paul G. Settle Manuscript Collection, Box 256, file 27, at the PCA Historical Center. Date [circa 1969] and source of the clipping not known.

Remembering Those Who Proclaim the Word of God
by Rev. David T. Myers

On this day in Presbyterian History, we emphasize a general encouragement to honor the Bible-believing, gospel-preaching, faithful pastors who feed you the Word of God weekly in Presbyterian and Reformed congregations all over our United States. This month of October has been designated “Pastor Appreciation Month” with the second Sunday, October 9^th, having a “Clergy Appreciation Day” attached to it.

There is biblical exhortation to appreciate our pastor-teachers. Hebrews 13:7 states “Remember those who led you, who spoke the Word of God to you, and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” (NASB)

This challenge is seen in an incident which happened to a long ago Presbyterian pastor  as he happened to run into a friend who was a neighbor of his. The pastor was the Rev. Robert Smith, ministering to the Scot-Irish members of Pequea Presbyterian Church in Pequea, Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century. On returning home after an exhausting trip to visit far-flung members of the church, he  happened to meet his neighbor whom he regarded as an excellent Christian.

So this Presbyterian pastor said to  his neighbor, “Friend, we have long been good neighbors and friends, but you have never come into our church.”

Brother Haines replied, “Robert, while I greatly esteem thee to be a friend and neighbor, I cannot conscientiously hear thee preach. Thou knows our society  condemns a hireling ministry, We believe only in those who preach by the Spirit.”

“Well,” said Dr. Smith, “I think I can say that we, too, follow the teachings of the Spirit.”

“Oh, no, friend Robert, thee knows that thee prepares thy discourses before thee enters the pulpit.”

“That is true,” said Dr. Smith, “but I can preach without any preparation.”

“Well then,” said Friend Haines, “I will try thee. Next first day, I will go to thy meeting house and will send up to thee thy text after thee has thee long prayer which I hear is thy custom.”

“I accept the condition,” answered Dr Smith, “and will expect to see you next Lord’s Day morning in church.”

Dr. Smith entered the pulpit the next Sunday, noted that his neighbor was present, and commenced the service as usual. Just before the sermon, a sexton handed a slip of paper to Dr. Smith in the pulpit with the words of Ezra 1:9 and the phrase “nine and twenty knives” written on it.  From the context, this was part of the treasures which Cyrus, king of Persia, returned to Jerusalem after the seventy years of captivity.

Dr. Smith announced the title of the sermon as “nine and twenty knives.” Then with great solemnity, he began by giving a brief sketch of the Babylonian captivity. God had chosen the Jews, he said, as his peculiar people, given them his laws by which to rule their lives, but when they became rich and powerful, they rebelled against God and did evil in the sight of the Lord. In judgment, Jerusalem was taken to Babylon as captives. But the righteous in captivity longed for Jerusalem and their beloved temple. God accepted their repentance besides the rivers of Babylon and put it into the heart of Cyrus to return them to the land. Among the sacred utensils returned with them were “nine and twenty knives,”  no doubt sacrificial knives for use in the temple worship.

From this, Dr. Smith drew the doctrine of special providence under trial—sin will surely bring punishment and misery but God is always ready to accept genuine repentance. He then made a personal application to his congregation: God knows those who are in his service; they surely will be raised to adore the temple above when time shall give place to eternity. The  friend was edified by the Word preached.

Every teaching elder has been challenged in similar ways. This author remembers a time when he was a pastor. Entering the pulpit one Sunday, a note revealed a plea by a member of the church which said, “I have invited my next door neighbor to hear you preach.  This had better be good!”  Whether it was or not, I never heard, but there are many challenges and trials in being a faithful pastor.

Words to Live By:
Readers and members of our Presbyterian congregations, pray much for  your pastor-teachers. They would appreciate it. But do more than that. Let them this month know that you are praying for them all throughout the year, that you love them in the Lord, and that you support them in their work. Do all this by speaking to them at the door or church office, or a card in the mail, or an email over the web, or a special gift card at a favorite restaurant in the area. Let them know that you are their friend and fellow worker in the Lord’s congregation, using your spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the edification of the church.

STUDIES IN THE WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM.
by Rev. Leonard T. Van Horn

Q. 104. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

A. In the fourth petition (which is, “Give us this day our daily bread”) we pray, That of God’s free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy His blessing with them.

Scripture References: Matt. 6:11; Prov. 30:8-9; Gen. 28:20; I Tim. 4:4-5.

Questions:

1. How can we best interpret the word “bread” in this question?

The word “bread can be interpreted as all the needful things God gives to us in this life. An excellent verse in this regard is Proverbs 30:8—”Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me.”

2. Why should we take note of the word “give” in this question?

The Lord had good reason for using the word “give” here. This is to remind us that these things are gifts from above. Too many times we take for granted the needs that are supplied for us by Him. We should remember He delights in giving and be thankful!

3. Is it possible that the Lord is speaking here of spiritual blessings as well as the good things of this life?

It would seem that the Lord here means simply the good things of this life. The Lord’s Prayer is complete and this is the portion that has to do with the temporal things while the spiritual things are covered in other petitions.

4. Is it necessary for us to pray daily for these good things?

Yes, it is necessary because He taught us to do so. In addition, we are taught by Him to give a day at a time (Matt. 6:34).

5. What can we learn from the words “our bread” in this question?

We can learn that it is ours only in that we have labored for it, all to the glory of God. If we have obtained “our bread” through false means it is not really ours in the sight of God.

6. Could you comment on the word “us” in this question?

It is interesting to note the word “us” is used. Here we have the opportunity of making known our wishes to the Lord to include our fellowmen in our prayer. We are urged in the Word of God to constantly pray for our neighbors and to love them.

LEARNING TO BE CONTENT.

“Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11). When we pray “Give us this day our daily bread” we are praying that He will teach us to be content with what we have, a daily portion of the showers of blessing. We are praying that He will discipline us to the day at a time instead of the prayer that is filled with greed and calls out, “More, More!”

William Hendrickson points out here, “The satisfaction of a material need must not be construed as being either the real reason for or the measure of my joy. On the contrary, regardless of outward circumstances, I would still be satisfied. My conversion-experience, and also my subsequent trials for the sake of Christ and His gospel, have taught me a lesson. The path which I traveled led me ever closer to Christ, to His love, and to His power, yes to Christ and contentment in Him. That very contentment is riches to me.” (A Commentary on the Epistle to the Philippians). It is a good commentary on Phil. 4:11 and equally as good on the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer.

May God help us to learn to pray for “our daily bread” and mean by it that we are content with what we have. We must always remember that we have far more than we deserve and God is perfectly capable of giving us far less than we have! We should be blessing God for our daily bread, realizing He knows what is best for us. It is a lesson we need to learn, all to His glory.

Some years ago God gave me the privilege of watching an eight year old girl when she was shown to the room she would share with another girl. It was a school for children from broken homes where I was serving the Lord. The girl’s eyes took in the bed, clean sheets, the three drawer dresser, her own space in a closet. She turned to me and said, “All for me? Wow! This is like heaven!” It may be hard for some to understand her enthusiasm, but it must be noted that she came from a background where such things were not commonplace to her. Her life had been without such wondrous things. Some three months later she came up to me, took me by the hand, and said, “Thanks again for all the things I have!” She was content and part of her contentment was motivated by a recognition on her part that she: 
(1) Did not deserve what she had; 
(2) Was so much better off than before. 
May we apply her material position and recognitions to our spiritual position! May our prayer be made in an attitude of contentment: “Give us our daily bread.”

Published by The Shield and Sword, Inc.
Dedicated to instruction in the Westminster Standards for use as a bulletin insert or other methods of distribution in Presbyterian churches.

Vol. 7, No. 9 (September 1968)
Rev. Leonard T. Van Horn, Editor.