Obituary notices of the Rev. John Chester, D.D., late pastor of the Second Presbyterian congregation in the city of Albany ..
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The few following pages, intended princi- pally for the congregation of the late Doctor Chester, and the children of the Sunday school attached thereto, will not be expected to con- tain a full biography of that great and good man ; their highest aim being, only, to perpetuate, the remembrance of some of his most prominent virtues, and to hold up for imitation a character, in which were blended the urbanity of the gen- tleman, with the ardent piety of a devoted ser- vant of Jesus Christ. In the fall of the year 1815, the church edi- fice which had been erected purposely for him, was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God : In December following he was regularly install- ed Pastor over " the second Presbyterian Con- gregation in the city of Albany," and during a period of twelve years discharged the duties of that highly responsible situation, with a fide- lity and zeal rarely equalled. 4 About this time it was observed by his friends that a constitution naturally robust, was yield- ing to a series of constant, arduous and intense labors, and he was advised to travel for the be- nefit of his health ; but such was his attachment to the people of his charge, and his zeal in the service of his Divine Master, that it was not un- til his health had become greatly impaired, that he could be persuaded to listen to their entrea- ties. In the spring of 1828, being himself convinc- ed of its necessity, he left Albany, followed by the prayers and benedictions, not only of his own congregation, but of the whole city ; and pursued his journey by easy stages to White Sulphur Springs, in Virginia. From that place he addressed a letter to the president of the trustees, on behalf of the board, which is so pe- culiarly characteristic, that it is deemed proper to publish it here entire. LETTER. White Sulphur Springs, Green Briar > County, Virginia, May 20, 1828. \ My Dear Sir, The very kind and friendly interest that yon, and the board of trustees over which you preside, have ever manifested for me, lead me to hope that it will not be unacceptable to 5 you or to them, to be informed of my present condition and prospects. It is not merely the high sentiments of respect which I entertain for you all, that prompts this letter, but it is also dictated by a heart filled with affectionate re- gard for all the board and congregation, deep- ly sensible of its obligations to them, and grate- ful for their long and uninterrupted goodness. No time nor distance can diminish these senti- ments, and I fondly hope they may expand and ripen in eternity, where we all shall enjoy per- fect happiness. In the suspension of my pastoral duties, which have given me my highest happiness, and which your forbearance and candor have made peculiarly delightful, many considerations of painful regret, sometimes occupy my mind. I have felt that some, whom I would serve with my life, are still " without God and without hope in the world;" and that of some of these, whose amiable and generous characters might win the highest esteem, it may still be said, " one thing thou lackest," and that the all impor- tant and indispensible thing— a saving know- ledge of Christ. Can I think of this without anguish ? When I feel that perhaps, by my un- faithfulness, or want of proper zeal, or holy ex- ample, I may have contradicted my public in- structions, I am greatly humbled, and earnestly 6 desire to return with new zeal and devotion to a post I have so unworthily occupied. I am sensible I shall never fill it with any improve- ment, unless I enjoy more of His grace and Spirit, without which I am sure that every mi- nistry must be barren, and every review of it distressing. But my dear friend, I have, though less than the least, preached to you the unsearchable riches of Christ, and his great salvation, which, if we neglect, neither pastor nor people shall escape. Let me then, though so far removed from your sight and audience, entreat you to remember the precious gospel, " which is able to make you wise unto salva- tion." It furnishes the only true comfort in sickness and death. The world and its fashion are passing away. Oh ! if we do not fix our hopes upon the unchanging and eternal Saviour, they will perish in despair. The salvation of every soul committed to my care appears so exceeding precious, that I long for them with all my heart. May God in mercy bless my ab- sence to you and to me, and if He permits us again to meet in His holy temple, may His Spi- rit rest upon us in the house of His glory. Since I left Albany I have been greatly fa- vored. Though weak and unable to make much eifort, I have been brought through this long and fatiguing journey wholly without acci- dent ; without much pain, and uniformly with improvement to my health and strength. I have travelled more than 700 miles from the dear circle of my Albany friends, and though I feel like an alien, and an outcast from all I have hith- erto known or loved, still I find in the solitude of this vast wilderness, sympathy and kindness. The same sun warms us with his genial beams, the same God rules in the desert, and sheds his cheerful light and multiplied blessings here as with you. Though the high Alleghany se- parates me from my friends, and the water that rushes from its brow falls into the western floods, still the God who guides the tranquil and unri- valled Hudson, has spread the valley of the Mississippi, and gathers its stores for that mighty river. I left Philadelphia on the 23d of April, with my brother, and reached this place on the 15th inst. The few days I have used these waters encourage me to hope that they may give me entire new health; they have thus far done me the greatest good. But " my times are in the hands of God," and I cannot yet tell what His designs are upon this subject. In the most favourable circumstances, I cannot hope to re- sume my labors, with the prospect of continuing them, for some months. Before that time, you and the session may feel that the interests of 8 the congregation will require that the pulpit should be given up by me. If this should be the case, I shall feel myself bound, by that prin- ciple which I hope has always led me to pre- fer your interest, and that of the church, to my own, to resign without hesitation, and unite with you in accomplishing your wishes. But if not, and you should still be willing to wait the event of this experiment, you will increase the obli- gations by which I am bound to you. I expect to remain here for a few weeks long- er, and return to Philadelphia about the last of June. I beg you, Dear Sir, to accept the assuranc- es of my grateful affection, and to present me to each member of your board, including your secretary, with the most cordial regards. As I cannot address you from this distance, I find great pleasure in frequently commending you all to the God of grace, with your families, and the church and congregation. I am, most truly, Your friend and servant, JOHN CHESTER. Joseph Alexander, Esq. And also Messrs. Winne, Townsend, Ma- ther, Brown, Boyd, Douglass, Smith, Norton, and Mr. Bulkley. 9 The expectation of returning health, raised by this letter, was not realized : He was, how- ever, permitted to return to his people once more, merely to pronounce on them a parting blessing, and leave them forever. This affecting interview will long be remem- bered. Immediately after the morning service was closed, he rose in the pulpit, and request- ed the congregation to join him in singing the following favorite HYMN. Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to thy bosom fly, While the billows near me roll, While the tempest still is high : Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, 'Til the storm of life be past ; Safe into the haven guide, Oh receive my soul at last ! Other refuge have I none, Lo ! I helpless hang on thee ; Leave, Oh ! leave me not alone, Lest I basely shrink and flee ; Thou art all my trust and aid, All my help from thee I bring — Cover my defenceless head With the shadow of thy wing ! 10 Thou, O Christ, art all I want, Boundless love in thee I find : Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind* Just and holy is thy name, I am all unrighteousness, Vile and full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth and grace. Plenteous grace with thee is found, Grace to pardon all my sin ; Let the healing streams abound, Make, and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art, Freely let me take of thee, Reign, O Lord, within my heart, Reign to all eternity. Those who knew Doctor Chester best, also know, that this part of Divine worship was al- ways peculiarly delightful to him. Gifted by nature with musical talents of uncommon excel- lence, he usually bore a prominent part in the praises of the sanctuary, and now, that he had returned to his flock, after an absence of seve- ral months, and was once more heard, mingling his well remembered voice with theirs, in a song of gratitude, adoration and praise, an effect was produced on the feelings of the congregation too overpowering for concealment. With evident emotion he spoke a few words to the people of his tenderest affections, and 11 ihen dismissed them, requesting the male mem- bers of the congregation to remain in the church, whom he addressed as follows : ADDRESS. I have felt it due to the delicacy of my situa- tion— to your uniform and most gratifying kind- ness— to myself, and to the cause of Christ, to solicit this interview ; and to perform the duty that now devolves upon me. After so protract- ed an illness, and so long an absence from my duties, I cannot be willing to pursue any mea- sures for the recovery of my health, without previously presenting myself before you, tel- ling you of my state and prospects, and throw- ing myself wholly upon your affection, genero- sity and wisdom, to determine whether the time has not arrived, to dissolve that tender connec- tion, that has so long and so happily subsisted between us. That I may relieve you from every impedi- ment, I beg your permission on this occasion, to resign unreservedly into your hands, the charge which it has hitherto been my honor and happi- ness to sustain among you. I feel it to be a sa- cred duty thus to submit myself to your dispos- al, and I pray that you may be directed to a wise decision, that shall be most productive of your 12 edification and growth in grace, most for the honor of religion, and altogether for the glory of God. I hope — I believe — that I am actuated by sin- cere motives in the performance of this painful, but important duty. I am sure that I am not urged to it by any indifference to you ; not by any want of sensibility to the many distinguish- ed and personal blessings which I must sacri- fice ; not because I feel with less intenseness the power of those ties that bind me to you and to this station. I feel that very much of my own temporal happiness, and the comfort of my family, is intimately connected with my union to this congregation. Here are the fountains of my reputation ; to you I am greatly indebted for whatever of character or influence I enjoy. It is to your kind partiality and forbearance — your prompt and generous support in difficul- ty— your union and liberality in all things con- nected with our prosperity as a congregation — It is to the prayers of this church and the bless- ings of the Spirit that have followed its supplica- tions, that I owe all that I possess of peace and prosperity. To God be all the praise and glory. Can I then give you up without emotion — without the deepest regret ? I should be utter- ly unworthy of the kindness of man and the fa- 13 vor of heaven, if I could. But higher conside- rations influence me, and in the hope of pro- moting your best interests, I am ready and anx- ious to sink every personal and selfish con- sideration, and only to act in a manner that shall be most useful to you, most worthy of the cause committed to my hands, and most agreeable to the will of God. I may take you to record, that although I have received repeated evidences of your generosity, " I have not sought yours but you." I would continue to do so, and though I had hoped at last to have slept in the repose of death with this people, I will still be content to be sepa- rated in the hope of meeting you all at the re- surrection of the just, that life and death may both contribute to the furtherance of the gos- pel. With you I leave the momentous question, in the hope that God will direct your ways, and in confident reliance upon your friendship for my- self.* * Resolutions passed by the congregation, after their pastor had re- tired. Resolved unanimously, That this congregation feel a deep sense of gratitude to the Father of mercies for His abounding goodness to us, as a people; and for the unparalleled ^harmony which has prevailed among us, during the pastoral labors of the Reverend Doctor John Chester, and that we cannot consent to any separation between him and us, until it shall please Almighty God to remove him by death. And, Resolved further, unanimously, That he have leave of absence for one year, and that his salary be continued as heretofore. 14 After pronouncing this short but interesting address with an emotion that evinced the strength of his attachment, he passed for the last time the threshold of a sanctuary, into which, delighting and delighted, he had so often en- tered. A few days more being spent, principally in seeing his friends, he again left them with the intention of passing the winter in a more south- ern climate ; but a wise and inscrutable Provi- dence had otherwise ordered. Having reach- ed the hospitable mansion of his venerable father-in-law in Philadelphia, he was there ar- rested by an increase of the disorder under which he had so long labored, and which finally terminated a life of extensive usefulness, and exemplary piety. SKETCH OF THE CHARACTER OF DOCTOR CHESTER. FROM THE ALBANY ARGUS, OF JANUARY 17, 1829. We are indebted to the pen of a friend, for the follow- ing sketch of the character of one whose recent withdraw- al from a community, which, in all the walks of piety, vir- tue and learning, he so eminently adorned, is universally lamented.* The Rev. Dr. Chester, whose death at Phi- ladelphia, on the 12th instant, has just been an- nounced to us, was for many years one of our most useful and distinguished citizens. Upon the erection of the Second Presbyterian Church, in 1815, he was called to its pastoral charge ; and then commenced his connexion with our city, which has now been severed by his un- untimely death. It is some time since the dis- order which has terminated his valuable life, com- menced its ravages upon his constitution; and nearly a twelvemonth since he was com- pelled to relinquish the duties of his station, * This article, originally prepared in great haste, has been conside- rably enlarged by the writer ; who feels a melancholy pleasure in doing honor to the memory of his departed pastor and friend. Still, it is a mere sketch. 16 and to absent himself from his charge. The summer was spent in travelling, and as his friends had fondly hoped, with much improve- ment to his health. It has pleased the Allwise Disposer of events, to disappoint these hopes ; to remove from an affectionate people the pas- tor they reverenced and the man they loved ; to take from the world, a zealous laborer in the cause of virtue and human happiness ; and to cut down in the midst of his labors, an active champion of the cross. What is there to hu- man view, in the history of human disappoint- ments, more disheartening than an event like this 1 But we bow with submission to the be- hest of the Almighty. We know that He can- not err — that He does " not willingly afflict." Even this mysterious dispensation is accompa- nied by tokens of His fatherly goodness — The darkness of this hour of sorrow is illumined by the reflection, that the friend we mourn was enabled to meet death in the full posses- sion of his intellectual faculties — to meet it, not only with composure and resignation, but in the triumphs of that faith, which it was the busi- ness of his life to inculcate and recommend ! The faithful pastor of a christian church, sus- tains towards the society in which he labors, a relation of the highest interest. In the case of Di\ Chester, that relation was uniformly associ- 17 ated with the tenderest recollections. Wher- ever, in the providence of God, he was called to labor, he has left behind him a name and a remembrance, which will long be embalmed in the hearts of those with whom he was connected. To many of them also, it is confidently hoped, that he was an instrument of good — immortal good. But it is in this city, where was spent the greater part of his active life, that he was best known, most useful, and most loved. Re- membering this, we feel it to be a duty, to ren- der at least a passing tribute to his memory. Dr. Chester was the son of Col. John Ches- ter, a distinguished revolutionary officer. He was born at Weathersfield, in Connecticut, in August, 1785. He was graduated at Yale College ; and was among the first of a class which produced the present Vice-President of the United States, and several other distinguish- ed men. His theological studies were complet- ed, and his ministerial labors commenced, in Massachusetts, but at an early day he removed to this state. After preaching for some months at Middletown, Connecticut, (at which place he received an unanimous call,) he removed to this state and was first stationed at Coopers- town, in Otsego county. From 1810 to 1815 he was pastor of a church at Hudson. From that place he was called to this city, where a 3* 18 building had been erected and a congregation formed, with express reference to his pastoral charge. In a notice like this, prepared amid the pres- sure of other avocations, it is almost impossible to delineate even the outlines of a character stamped with such varied excellence — much more so, to do justice to its merits. What can be done in the time and space allowed to us, is cheerfully attempted. Dr. Chester was emphatically a minister of the gospel — of that dispensation of mercy which proclaims " peace on earth, and good will to- wards men." As a preacher, he was eloquent and instructive ; affectionate and sincere. The worci of life flowed from his lips in strains of melting love. He presented religion in its most attractive form. He delighted rather to win men by arguments derived from the goodness of God, the richness and freeness of his grace, and its capacity to make them happy here and hereafter; than to coerce them by the terrors of a violated law, and the awful retributions of eternity. And when those terrors were exhibit- ed, it was evident to all, that it was done for the sole purpose of persuading men, to embrace what he believed was essential to their present and their future weal. 19 He usually abstained from controverted points of doctrine ; but he was too good a the- ologian, and too experienced a christian, to build on any other foundation than that " laid by the apostles and prophets — Jesus Christ him- self being the chief corner stone." The great doctrine of protestantism — justification by faith alone — was always presented in bold relief ; and good works were as uniformly insisted on, as the necessary consequence, and the only legiti- mate proof, of true faith. He was singularly happy in the liberality and good sense with which he treated the opinions, and even the prejudices, of others. In his pub- lic discourses, he was seldom known to say an imprudent thing — never an offensive one. No man was better acquainted with the high ob- jects of the pulpit, or the true limits of its juris- diction— none ever confined himself more ex- clusively within those limits.* He never at * This trait of Dr. Chester's character deserves to be more fully ex- hibited. His father was a distinguished member of one of those great political parties, whose collisions for so many years agitated and divid- ed the American people ; and the Bon, so far as he entertained political feelings, cherished the principles of the same party. But so deeply was he convinced that party politics ought never to be introduced into the house of God, that he most carefully avoided any allusion whatever to to- pics connected with them. This was strongly exemplified in his ministry at Hudson. The period of his residence in that city, was the most violent in the history of our political conflicts ; parly spirit ran as high there as at anyplace in the Union; and a majority of Dr. Chester's congregation not only belonged to the political school in which he had been nurtured, but some of his most intimate friends were conspicuous as party leaders. Few young men, under such circumstances, could have resisted the temptation to which he was exposed ; and yet, during the whole period referred to, he never uttered a sentence from the pulpit — not even on £0 tempted to force public opinion ; it was his? aim to enlighten and reform it, under the full conviction, that among an intelligent and re- flecting people, the judgment is first to be con- vinced before the morals can be improved. In public prayer, a most important part of a clergyman's duty in the church of which Dr. Chester was a member, he was almost unrival- led. His ready eloquence and his exquisite sensibility, gave not unfrequently to exercises of this sort, a fervor and a pathos, which pro- duced on the hearts of those whose devotions he conducted, the most powerful and lasting impressions. This was particularly the case in the social circle, and on funeral occasions, as many — very many — of our citizens will long remember.* fast or thankgivings days — to which any just exception could be taken. This is said, so far as respects the most critical portion of the period — from 1812 to 1815 — by one who was not only a constant hearer, but who, in matters of this sort, at least, heard with quick ears. If all ministers of the gospel had been thus considerate and exemplary, many congrega- tions would have been saved from disunion ; and, what is more impressive, we should not have seen the highest functionary in the federal govern- ment, producing pulpit declamations, as evidence of a treasonable plot to dismember the Union. * The singular felicity with which Dr. Chester could allude, in his public prayers, to interesting public events, deserves to be mentioned. The writer has a distinct recollection of several very striking instances. The allusions made on the first Sabbaths after hearing of deaths of Lieut. Allen, of John Wells, and of Mr. Emmett, to those events, will ne- ver be forgotten by those who heard them. The morning prayer when Gen. La Fayette attended service in Dr. Chester's church, was equally • striking. But perhaps the most beautiful and impressive of these efforts was made in 1827,.in reference to the polar expedition of Capt. Franklin-, 21 In all the external duties of the pastoral of- fice, he was peculiarly distinguished. He pos- sessed a rare talent for bringing together, and building up a congregation, and for harmoniz- ing the feelings and concentrating the exertions of its members. Perhaps his knowledge of human nature and his practical good sense, were more conspicuous in matters of this sort, than in any other place. But it was among the poor and disconsolate — at the bed of the dying or in the chamber of the bereaved — that he most worthily fulfilled the duties of his calling. Nature had well pre- pared him for occasions of this sort, for when want was to be relieved, or sorrow to be as- suaged, he regarded neither name nor circum- stance— he felt and acted as the warm-hearted brother of the whole human family. We have no apprehension that those who are acquainted with the history of our city, will charge us with extravagance when we assert, That gentleman, and his scientific and enterprising companions, whilst passing through Albany, attended service in Dr. Chester's church. He knew they were in the city, but did not anticipate their presence at his church. Within a few minutes after their entrance, he rose to lead the devotions of his people ; and in the course of the exercise, alluded to the "sons of science, who had come from a far distant land, to explore the regions of perpetual snow — to investigate and search out the wonders of the Almighty ;" and poured forth for their preservation and success, for their temporal and eternal welfare, the aspirations of a heart devoted alike to piety and to science, in strains the most pertinent and affecting. 22 that perhaps no one man for the last fifteen years, has exerted a greater influence upon its character or prosperity, than the subject of these remarks. He was not only an able mi- nister of the gospel, but his life corresponded with his high vocation. A good example, es- pecially from those so elevated, as he himself has beautifully said, " is the most effectual and " successful teacher. Many schemes have been " unavailing, and much of sentiment and pro- " fession has been wasted ; but a single good " example of sobriety, order and morality was "never lost." [Sermon before the Albany Moral Society, delivered in 1821.] To such an exhibition of moral virtue, he added the vi- gorous support of every useful institution. His name was not only associated with every ef- fort to do good to the souls of men ; but he was first among the foremost, in raising up and cherishing our benevolent and literary institu- tions. To say nothing of the Sunday schools and other kindred societies, we would mention his unwearied exertions as one of the trustees of the Albany Academy, and of the Albany Female Academy. The great interests of sci- ence in the midst of us, and the prosperity and improvement of our city, were objects, to which he deemed it his duty to devote much of his attention. 23 In the church to which he belonged, he had long been conspicuous for his piety and his ta- lents. His name is connected with the theolo- gical seminary at Princeton, as one of its direc- tors ; with the general assembly as one of the most frequent members, and once as its presid- ing officer ; and with every other leading inter- est of that denomination. But we should do injustice to his memory, if we failed to say, that though decidedly attached to the particular es- tablishment with which he was connected, he was, in all that relates to our common Chris- tianity, one of the most liberal and catholic of men. He embraced, in an expanded but dis- criminative charity, all who adopt the funda- mental truths of our religion. This feature of his character, added to his capacity for business, and his skill as a public speaker, enabled him to take a leading part in all the great societies of the age. Few men were better qualified to shine in a deliberative assembly, and none made a more prominent figure, in those public bodies which his profession permitted him to enter. His literary character we can only glance at. He was a good classical scholar ; and exceeding- ly well versed in English literature, his acquaint- ance with which was not confined to any cme department, but included every branch of polite learning. Though he held the pen of a ready 24 writer, he was never tempted to neglect the graces of composition. His discourses for the Sabbath Were not only written with great care, but, in general, highly polished. During the week it was his habit to preach from short notes. These and other extemporaneous efforts were always lucid and interesting ; oftentimes they reached the highest order of pulpit eloquence. His ear finely tuned to harmony, made him pe- culiarly sensible to the charms of poetry, and as he possessed a lively and luxuriant imagination, it was sometimes objected to him that his style was too much ornamented, his figures too abun- dant, and his compositions more conspicuous for elegance than solidity. Whether this ob- jection was well founded or not, it must be ad- mitted, that he was less distinguished as a rea- soner, than many, who in general talents, were not to be compared with him. But in that class of sermons which Blair calls " the most beauti- ful, though the most difficult in composition," (those founded on the illustration of some re- markable character or event,) he was surpassed by none of his cotemporaries. Those who recollect his sermon on the character of Peter, and other similar discourses, and all who have heard him preach a charity or thanksgiving ser- mon, will readily understand what we mean, and as readily assent to the truth of our re- marks. 25 His taste for music must not be overlooked, for it undoubtedly had an important influence on his character. Nature had endowed him with an ear of peculiar sensibility, and a voice of 'great melody and richness. To these ad- vantages he had added an exact knowledge of the principles of the art, and much proficiency in its practice. But he cultivated music not merely as a source of rational delight ; he deem- ed highly of it, as a means of instruction, and he esteemed it a mode of worship peculiarly devout and acceptable. He entered deeply in- to the spirit of the royal psalmist, and whilst he desired that "every thing that hath breath" should " praise the Lord," he thought it not less becoming now than in ancient days, to do it " with stringed instruments and organs." The writer of this sketch is but slightly imbued with that mysterious sense so largely bestowed on his departed friend ; yet he can readily be- lieve, that to this source is to be traced, much of the delicacy and refinement which graced the character he is pourtraying. And there is some- thing enrapturing in the thought, that the voice which so often on earth led the praises of God, may now be swelling, in the upper sanctu- ary, and in full concert with the harps of David and of Gabriel, the triumphant song of " Moses and the Lamb !" i* 26 We mention — because it illustrates the sim= plicity and amiableness of his character — his fondness for children. He could enter into all their feelings and pursuits — he could talk to them in language suited to their years, and le- vel to their comprehension. He was, there- fore, peculiarly qualified to instruct the lambs of the flock, and his attention to this branch of duty was constant, and apparently as de- lightful to himself as it was useful to its objects. This feeling extended to youth of riper age ; especially those devoted to theological studies, of whom he was always the patron, counsellor and friend. In the walks of social life, the character of Dr. Chester was equally attractive. A more generous spirit was never conferred on man. His heart was the residence of manly virtue and christian grace ; and their influence was apparent in every action of his life. His refin- ed and highly cultivated taste; his general knowledge ; his polished manners — in which the dignity of the pastor and the sobriety of a christian, were delightfully blended with the courtesy of a gentleman — his powers of conver- sation ; the fervor, simplicity and purity of his feelings, and the frankness with which he ex- pressed them — all these qualities united in the same individual — rendered him, in an eminent 27 degree, the ornament and delight of every cir- cle that he entered. It is but anticipating the necessary result of the facts we have stated, to add, that as a son and a brother — as a husband and a father — he was most amiable, exemplary and affectionate. To say that the death of such a man is a pub- lic loss, is but to give utterance to the common feeling of our city. To say that to his family and immediate connexions, it is irreparable, is to confess what all must feel— our inability to com- fort or console them. Yet in the midst of the gloom and despondency which such a provi- dence is calculated to produce, we would " take courage and thank God," that he was pleased to raise up such a man as John Ches- ter ; to endow him with such high capacities to be useful ; to spare him for so long a period to the church and to the world ; and to make him, in life and in death, a bright example of the excellency of virtue and the power of Divine grace ! TRIBUTES OF RESPECT. The trustees of the Albany Female Acade- my, having received the melancholy intelligence of the death of their late President, the Rev. John Chester, D. D. and being deeply im- pressed with a sense of his eminent services in the original establishment of this institution, and of his unwearied exertions for its prosperi- ty through its subsequent progress, and of his successful efforts in the general cause of educa- tion and science, held a special meeting at the Academy, January 17th, 1829, at which it was Resolved, That the members of this board will wear the usual badge of mourning for thir- ty days. Resolved, That as a testimony of their re- spect, and in grateful remembrance of the vir- tues and talents of the deceased, they will cause his portrait to be hung in the hall of the aca- demy. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the secretary to the afflicted 30 and bereaved family of the deceased, with the deep and sincere condolence of the trustees, for the loss of their distinguished head. A true copy from the minutes, A. CRITTENTON, Sec'ry. Albany, January 19, 1829. To the Trustees of the Albany Female Academy. Gentlemen, The undersigned, feeling in common with their fellow-citizens of Albany, the great loss which this community, as well as the christian world has sustained, in the death of the Rev. Doctor John Chester, beg leave to present to the institution confided to your charge, a por- trait of your lamented President. To his per- severing efforts in advancing the happiness and virtue of mankind, are we greatly indebted for the establishment in our city, of your interest- ing and valuable seminary ; and to the prospe- rity of which, his time and affections were long devoted with parental solicitude. Could all our fellow-citizens speak, they would unite with us in a tribute of grateful eu- logy to those expanded virtues, which empha- 31 tically characterized the deceased as a public benefactor. We need not solicit you, gentlemen, who have long been connected with our departed friend in the most intimate relations, to place this memorial of a pious christian, a polished gentleman and a devoted friend of science, in some appropriate situation in the seminary ever which you preside. We trust, that its frequent view, may in some degree excite others to emulate his virtues, and deserve the reward which we confidently trust he now enjoys. We are, gentlemen, respectfully your fellow- citizens. Ebenezer Baldwin, John Townsend, Richard Marvin, John I. Boyd, Peter Wendell, Thomas W. Olcott, John T. Norton, Alexander Marvin, Joseph W. Clark. 32 To Ebenezer Baldwin, John Townsend, Richard Marvin, John I. Boyd, Peter Wendell, John T. JYorton, Alexander Marvin, Joseph W* Clark, Thomas W. Olcott, Gentlemek, Your note of this morning, accompanying the interesting portrait of the late Rev. Doctor Chester, has been received by the trustees of the Albany Female Academy. They had previously determined to procure for the institution, a portrait of their late distin- guished President, and your timely donation has been, therefore, received with the liveliest satisfaction. The trustees of the academy, according with you, gentlemen, in the just estimate which you have placed on the eminent character, christian virtues and public services of the deceased, will with pride and melancholy pleasure comply with your request, and cause this memorial of their friend to be placed in a conspicuous situ- ation in the Academy. Although the applause of his virtues, and the tribute of his friends, are alike unimportant to our departed guide and be- nefactor, we trust they may have a salutary ef- fect on the living ; that his example may be an incentive to us all in the discharge of our 33 duties to society, and that the honors paid to his memory may prove to the ambitious, that acts of beneficence and goodness to our fellow men, constitute the true foundation of human glory. We are, gentlemen, respectfully, your fellow- citizens. Gideon Hawley, Joseph Russell, Peter Boyd, Israel Smith, James Clark, R. M. Meigs, Edwin Cro swell, Isaac Ferris, Trustees. Albany t January 19, 1829. At a special meeting of the board of trustees of the Albany Academy, held January 19th, 1829: The board having learnt with deep re- gret the death of their fellow member the Rev. John Chester, D. D. and deeming some ex- pression of their feelings due to his memory — Resolved unanimously. That this board have received with deep regret the intelligence of the 5* 34 death of one of our senior members, the Rev. John Chester, D. D. and sincerely sympathize with the congregation of his charge, and our fel- low-citizens, in the loss we have sustained, by the removal of one, who combined with his excel- lence as a man and a christian minister, exten- sive attainments in the various walks of litera- ture and science, and who was distinguished as the friend and indefatigable promoter of every plan for the advancement of the literary, moral and religious interests of the community. Resolved, That the death of the Rev. John Chester is a public loss to the institution over which this board presides, and that we mourn his removal at a period of life, which promised many years of usefulness. Resolved, That we sincerely sympathise with the widow of our deceased friend, and earnest- ly hope that she may be sustained in her recent affliction by the God of the widow and the fa- therless. Resolved, That the trustees will wear the usual badge of mourning for the space of thirty days. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased. By order, WILLIAM JAMES, Senior Trustee. T, Romeyn Beck, Clerk.- 35 PBOM THE ALBANY DAILV ADVERTISER, OF JANUARY 1(5, 1829. DEATH OF DOCTOR CHESTER. The death of the Rev. Dr. Chester, (intelli- gence of which reached here on Wednesday evening,) has cast a gloom over our city. To use the language of another, " he departed this life at Philadelphia, on Monday, as he had lived, the amiable, cheerful, animated, devoted friend of God." We cannot better express our own feelings on the occasion, than by publishing the following notice from the New- York Daily Advertiser of Wednesday. A letter received in this city yesterday from Philadelphia, mentions that the Rev. Dr. Ches- ter, of Albany, died at the former place, on Monday of the present week. This afflicting event will be severely felt by a numerous and extensive acquaintance, par- ticularly by the congregation at Albany, over which he was for many years the pastor. Dr. Chester was a native of Weathersfield, Connec- ticut ; and son of the Hon. John Chester, a gen- tleman of distinguished worth, in public and private life. As a preacher, he was considered one of the most able and useful, affectionately esteemed by his people, and highly respected 36 by the community at large. His constitution, naturally strong and vigorous, for the last year or two had yielded to the attacks of disease, and for a great part of the past year he had been unable to preach, or to perform any part of his mininisterial duties. He possessed his reason, as we are informed, to the last ; was sensible of his approaching dissolution ; took an affectionate leave of his family and friends, and died full of faith and hope. The death of this distinguished clergyman is a public calamity, and will be so considered by all classes of people, in the immediate sphere of his labors and usefulness. The great influ- ence which he had acquired by his talents, ac- tivity and moral worth, was directed to the best purposes — to the advancement of the great in- terests of society, and the moral and religious welfare of his fellow men. He has left an amiable and highly respected widow, and several young children, to mourn a loss, which is to them truly irreparable. At the same time, their cup of sorrow is mingled with the sweetest and purest consolation — it is that of the christian's hope, which is an anchor to the soul sure and steadfast, entering into that within the veil. Here the widow and the. fa- therless may find a support which the world can neither give nor take away. EXTRACTS FROM PRESIDENT NOTT'S SERMON. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered in the late Dr. Chester's church, the second Sabbath after his death ; and a sermon preached on that occasion, by the Rev. Dr. Nott, President of Union College ; from which he has kindly furnished the following extracts for publica- tion. 