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himself with the greatest ease, and apparently to his own satisfaction, on all occasions, whether in the pulpit or deliberative assembly, without any previous preparation. This happy employment he often turned to the best account, in seasons of the most embarrassing nature, as many of his intimate friends will easily recollect. He could indeed write well, as some of his published discourses will show, but there was an unction and pathos, accompanied with an interesting personal appearance, which could not be transfused into his written communications.

These appendages of public speaking, as Campbell says of certain peculiarities of language, are like essences, which cannot be turned from one vessel to another without suffering a loss. His voice was sonorous and commanding; in his gestures he was easy and unaffected, and rather sparing than redundant, and so much did he excel on public occasions, that he was selected unusually frequent at Associations, and anniversaries of different kinds, as the principal performer; for he was sure to be heard, and that with attention, however numerous was his congregation.

In his doctrinal sentiments, Mr. Gammell was what may be denominated sound, in the proper orthodox sense of that term; on those points of modern controversy respecting the condition of our fallen race, the plan of salvation, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the Deity of the Redeemer, he assumed on all occasions, a position so bold and per■picuous, that none could be at a loss to understand precisely his opinions. His friends had the fullest confidence in his integrity and stability, while those who differed from him in his theological constructions, conceded to him, the character of honesty and fairness; often listened to his discourses, with a deep and interested attention, on account of the fervent and workman-like manner with which they were exhibited; and if they were not converted to his views, they were convinced of his sincerity and ability.

To his denominational friends, he was true to a proverb, although his intercourse with other Christians was affable and familiar. He could indeed discover, and did not hesitate to acknowledge, the superiority of some other communities over his own in point of numbers, talents and wisdom of management; but still never did he exhibit any disposition to compromise the distinguishing sentiments of his religious connexion, however unpopular they might be; or shun to avow his decided attachment to them.

For a number of years previous to his removal into this State, and up to the time of his death, our lamented friend was a member of the corporation of Brown University, and as all his associates in that department will testify, he was a very active and efficient member of that body, in times of its greatest trial and embarrassment.

Mr. Gammell was by nature formed for decision and action; and when once his purpose was fixed, no common impediments could divert him from his course; and it happened with him, as it generally does with men of this character, that while his friends rallied around him with confidence and affection, his opponents were equally strong and ardent in their feelings against him, for they well understood that the reaction of his efforts would fall upon them with all the force he could command; and that he would do all in his power, by all the fair and honourable means which his sagacity and industry could bring into action, to establish his principles and consummate his plans. But notwithstanding some peculiar traits of character of this kind, his friends have the consolation of believing, that he went down suddenly into the grave, leaving but a very few behind him, who did not sincerely lament his early exit.

The circumstances of the death of Mr. Gammell were exceedingly afflictive and alarming; he had spent the day as usual in his domestic and parochial avocations, and had lately returned from visiting the mansion house of the late Judge Taber, which with other liberal bequests of that munificent friend of this community, had lately become their property, and to which their pastor proposed soon to remove, little expecting so soon to be called to house not made with hands. So suddenly was he called away, that his Church, who had assembled for a social meeting near to his house, after waiting a while for his coming, sent to inquire the reason of his delay, when for the first time, they received the distressing intelligence of his death. From his observations, to his family and friends, which were afterwards recollected, it was evident that he felt that the hand of death was upon him from the first of his illness; but that he expected to survive, at least, till the coming day. So far as he was able to express his views of religion and eternity, they were strong and consoling; but soon the fatal paralysis renewed its rapid work of revulsion and disorder, and about the going down of the sun, terminated his earthly career, on the 31st of May, 1827, in the 42d year of his age.

His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Wayland, of Brown University, from John vi. 20; But he saith unto them, it is I, be not afraid. As might be expected, the assembly was unusually large and solemn, and the discourse very interesting and appropriate.

Soon after these sad solemnities were performed, and while the minds of all were full of tenderness and affection, a subscription was commenced for the benefit of the bereaved family. Many gentlemen of the town, of other perauasions, readily entered their names with liberal donations, and with some aid from a few other places, 900 dollars in a short time were raised: with this sum, in the low condition of real estate in the town, a comfortable and commodious house was pur

chased and secured to the family. Among our denomination this is a new method of testifying our respect for the departed servants of the Lord, and it is one which, it is hoped, will prevail. It gives substantial proof of the good will of those surviving friends to those whom their ministers leave behind them, often in circumstances of pitiful dependence. Could ministers generally calculate on this benevolent course, it would in a great measure relieve that painful solicitude which they too often have occasion to feel for the future welfare of those dear objects of their affection, for whom, from the scantiness of their resources, they do but barely provide a subsistence, while they are spared to exercise towards them their paternal care and protection. The sums thus raised come from so many benefactors, that they are never felt by the individuals who join in the charity, but when consolidated, they will save an afflicted family from destitution and distress.

Mr. Gammell was twice married. His first wife was Mary Slocum, of Bellingham, the place of his first settlement in the ministry. His second was Maria A. Maddy, of Wrentham, who, with six children survive him to mourn his loss.

Mr. Gammell's personal appearance was bold and engaging; his countenence was ruddy and healthful, and the general impression was that his constitution was unusually good; which his friends, however, now assure us was not the case; but that his vital misgivings were often such, as to lead him to anticipate an early and sudden death. And it was probably owing in part to these impressions, as well as to his views of duty as a Christian, that his house in all points of view, was constantly kept in order, and ready to be left at the shortest notice.

He lived by system, in all his secular as well as spiritual concerns, and had his eye continually fixed on that better world, into which, wo trust, he has been admitted eternally to remain.

"His hand the good man fastens on the skies,
And bids earth roll, nor feels its idle whirl.”

SERMON

DELIVERED AT THE

DEDICATION

OF THE

COLLEGE CHAPEL

IN AMHERST, MASS.

FEB. 28, 1827.

BY HEMAN HUMPHREY, D. D.

PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE.

Published at the request of the Students.

AMHERST:

CARTER AND ADAMS,.PRINTERS:

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