Cofiant y diweddar Barch Robert Everett/Extracts

Cofiant y diweddar Barch Robert Everett

gan David Davies (Dewi Emlyn)

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT.

REV. ROBERT EVERETT, D. D.

BY REV. B. W. CHIDLAW, M. A.

He lived and labored ahead of his age. He took an early and decided stand in favor of temperance, and held a high position as a witness against the iniquity of American slavery. His noble efforts in favor of freedom place his name very conspicuous among the great leaders of thought and action that brought emancipation to four millions of men, women and children, held as chattels, and crushed by unjust and cruel laws.

His long, laborious and faithful ministry, preaching Christ, and watching for souls, as one that expected to give an account to God, is a blessed record of usefulness and success.

REV. ROBERT EVERETT, D. D.

BY MR. B. F. LEWIS, IN THE UTICA HERALD, FEB. 27, 1875.

Last Thursday, at his home in Steuben, in this county, passed away one of the most honored of Welsh clergymen; an able and conscientious editor, an active participant in the anti-slavery struggles of former years, a zealous friend of the temperance cause; one who has spent a long life of rare usefulness, privileged to accomplish more good than often falls to the lot of man, by the aid of a mind educated and cultured, of true principles interwoven with every fibre of his soul, of quiet, undemonstrative, but persistent energy. Loved and honored as few men are, Rev. Robert Everett peacefully departed, in the ripeness of years, and the consciousness of a life without reproach. * * * His active career presents many points on which we might enlarge. As a clergyman, the denomination to which he belonged has by common consent given him the first place in its councils; his advice has always been respectfully heard and generally followed. This has been very marked among his ministerial brethren; men almost as old as himself have looked up to him as a father, and their regard for him has been largely veneration for one who seemed to breathe a purer spiritual atmosphere than is given to other men. He seemed to fill his place naturally and as a matter of course, without effort and without strife. He was not eloquent, but rather diffident in the pulpit; though the inspiration of his theme, with which he was always in sympathy, made him a pleasing speaker, and sometimes kindled an enthusiasm more impressive than the most eloquent oratory. His judgment was keen and his convictions were strong; but in presenting the most abstruse subject, he was so largely sympathetic, that he was always very near to those he addressed. It is as a literary man that he has been most useful to his people at large, and it would be difficult to overestimate his services to humanity in this field. * Himself a chaste and forcible writer, his influence has been great in developing the literary tastes of the Welsh people; and the stern integrity and love of justice which he infused into the magazine (the Cenhadwr) have been of incalculable benefit to humanity.

EXTRACTS FROM A MEMORIAL SERMON,

BY REV. R. GWESYN JONES, D. D., FROM 2 TIM. 4: 7, 8.

He strove to remove the obstructions out of religion's way. He believed in removing the stones. His character is shown more clearly here than anywhere else. He earnestly and persistently fought three great evils: slavery, strong drink and tobacco. The anti-slavery movement forms a very interesting and highly instructive chapter in the history of America. The struggle was long and determined. Dr. Everett took side with the anti-slavery movement, and did all in his power to secure the liberty of the slave. Wonderful as it may appear to us to-day, he was violently persecuted. At one time his horse was sheared, and other indignities were frequently heaped upon him.

He was a distinguished laborer in the temperance cause. Mauy were greatly annoyed at his temperance efforts. They said, on going to church, "Mr. Everett will give us a cup of cold water," and some would get up and walk out when he would be discussing the principles of temperance. However, he persevered, and both by precept and example tried to get all to abandon their drinking habits.

He did all in his power to persuade those he met not to use tobacco. Sometimes he succeeded. Men were generally ashamed of it in his presence. His fight was a fair fight. He went on with quiet dignity and even temper. He aimed to persuade men rather than compel them. He was essentially a man of peace. Though a great reformer, he was not belligerent. He would argue very clearly, but did not love dispute or wrangling.

Think of Dr. Everett commencing his ministry in 1815, just sixty years ago, working diligently, in season and out of season, to preach the glad tidings of salvation to sinners; opposing sin in every form, and for more than half that time editing the Cenhadwr, as well as publishing other books; thus spreading far and wide, religious knowledge and holy influence. Does it not appear that his crown will be very bright and befit him well? With his works following, he must have gone on very near the throne of God and the Lamb. What a comfort it is for us, also, that the erown is given to all who love his appearing. Let us thank God and take courage.