THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. A SERMON OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF %\t $tb. %mtxu f. mxx%\t, SI. g. PREACHED TO THE FAMILIES OF THE NESTORIAN MISSION, AT OEOOMIAH, PERSIA, FEB. 8th, 1865. By REV. J. PERKINS, D. D. NEW YOKE: EDWARD O. JENKINS, PRINTER, No. 20 North William Street. 1865. p/h~, rJc Iy f $ j>* T From the Records of the Nestorian Mission : Voted, That Dr. Perkins be requested to furnish a copy of his Sermon preached in memory of our lamented Associate Dr. Wright, for the Archives, and also a copy for the use of the Prudential Committee. J. H. SHEDD. Feb. n, 1865. so TT5 or "THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN," THIS SERMON IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BT THEIR DEEPLY SYMPATHIZING FRIEND, THE AUTHOR. f^ososl SERMON. "Thebeloved physician."—Col. iv. 11. " The disciple whom Jesus loved."—Johx xix. 26 When these two Scripture quotations, among others, were read at our brother's interment, none present could help re- sponding to their beautiful appropriateness to bis case. It was said, by some one, of the late John Angel James, of Birming- ham, that it took two apostles to describe him, John and James ; and another facetiously added that it required also an angel be- tween the two apostles. We have no heart to indulge in hyper- bole on this solemn and mournful occasion. The remarkably faultless character of our departed brother needs none ; nay, its transparent simplicity and scrupulously sensitive truthfulness forbid it. Nor have we come together mainly to pronounce, or bear pronounced a funeral eulogy, in the common acceptation of that term. Our tears are not yet dry since our communion, four months ago, was made a funeral occasion by the removal of Miss Fiske, who died far away. Now, added to that sore affliction, the pall of death has again fallen upon our circle in a yet more affecting form, suddenly taking from our midst our " beloved physician," " the disciple whom Christ loved." It is then to weep and mutually condole, rather than to eulo- gize, that we are assembled to-day. Yet in doing so it is meet that we endeavor to catch a few glimpses of the pathway, mark some of the leading traits, and garner some of the precious memories of our brother, to enshrine them the more deeply in our hearts for our own benefit. And while we have no disposi- tion to apply Scripture inappropriately in this or any other case, we need not conceal our impression of the suitableness of associating with his memory, in the choice of our text, the two 6 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. evangelists, Luke and John, not merely from the circumstance that be was a physician as well as a preacher, but also from the traits possessed respectively in common, whether we contem- plate the deep and almost mysterious pathos of one of those evangelists, or the genial amiability and refined culture of the other. On the late mournful occasion to which I have referred, it may be recollected that I uttered the prayer that I might never again be called to preach the funeral sermon of a younger associate. And could I properly have declined the appointment in this instance, I would have done so; not that the task is ungrateful to me ; it is quite the reverse, deeply try- ing as it is; but the event that occasions it is so sorrowful and so profoundly to be deplored. " I was dumb, and opened not my mouth, because Thou didst it." The Rev. Austin Hazen Wright was born in Hartford, Ver- mont, Nov. 11, 1811. If any one of you, like the speaker, bad crossed the Green Mountains from Middlebury, Yt., to Hano- ver, N. H., by the old stage route, leaving the former place in the afternoon, threading tbe wild gorges and ravines of that American Switzerland during tbe night, and issuing on tbe lower eastern slope at tbe White River village in Hartford, just with tbe rising sun, be might pronounce that one of tbe most charming localities on the face of tbe globe ; combining a sin- gularly rich variety of rural landscape, of mountain heights and cliff, and crag, and winding valley and velvet meadows, through which tbe silvery White River hastens onward to pour its limpid waters into tbe broader Connecticut, gliding trans- versely now just before us. About a mile south of that vil- lage, on the road, leading tbence to Windsor, Dr. Wright first opened bis eyes upon this world. His parents dying when he was quite young, be met tbe bard lot of an orphan, yet it was rendered much less hard in his case than that of most orphans, for he was adopted by his excellent maternal uncle—tbe Rev. Austin Hazen, tbe father of our late esteemed associate, Mrs. Stoddard, and of tbe Rev. Allen Hazen, missionary at Bombay. He bad thus one of tbe best of homes and best of guardians, growing up in tbe attractive neighborhood where be was born, THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 7 under the tender and careful watcb of that very estimable New England pastor. Our brother not only bore tbe name of that maternal uncle, but resembled bim not a little in character, and, if I mistake not, also in person. It wras my privilege to make tbe acquaintance of that good man during my first visit in America, more than twenty years ago, when be inquired of me most affectionately for " our dear brother Wright," as be called bim, though he might have said " son," from personal likeness as well as from guardianship. Dr. Wright was trained in his childhood in tbe plain style of Puritan simplicity and frugality, tbe intelligent and intellectual pastor of tbe Green Mountain village, milking bis own cow and tending bis horse, and bis filial ward, when old enough, rejoicing to assist him in those and similar duties. He was fitted for college at tbe academy in Royalton, an- other mountain village, some ten or fifteen miles above bis home, on tbe same romantic White River. Among bis fellow pupils there was Mr. Chase, now Judge of tbe Supreme Court of the United States. He entered Dartmouth College, which is but three or four miles from bis birth-place, at tbe age of fifteen, being tbe youngest scholar in bis class and in tbe college at that time. Prominent among bis class-mates was Dr. A. D. Smith, late of New York, and now President of tbe college. He was not a Christian when in college, and though bis good early educa- tion kept bim from many of tbe temptations incident to bis situation, be has often told me that be wasted his time there, being very fond of play, "feeling" thirty years afterward, " the hard kicks" at foot-ball of some of bis youthful companions, and being too young to prize and improve bis college advan- tages. If such, however, was tbe fact, bis subsequent ten years of teaching and theological and medical study must have gone very far to redeem bis lost time in college, and render bim tbe accomplished scholar we have known bim. We recall tbe event of a powerful revival in Dartmouth Col- lege in 1826, when he was connected with it, in which be was more or less interested, and was tbe subject of much prayerful interest on the part of others. He has more than once men- 8 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. tioned to me a trifling incident in that connection. His cousin, tbe Rev. Ira Tracy, from the same Hartford, Vt., for some time a missionary to China, who was a year his senior in college, on visiting bis room for religious conversation with bim, took down from its shelf bis Bible, and carefully blowing tbe dust from its cover, thus delicately conveyed a gentle admonition, which was a nail fastened in a sure place. Graduating at Dartmouth College in 1830, he soon went to Yirginia, and engaged in teaching more or less in a female seminary, and he remained in that State nearly ten years, up to the period of his embarking in tbe missionary work, that was to him not only a land of promise but also rich in blessings. There be found the pearl of great price. There be pursued his theological course in tbe excellent Union Seminary at Prince Edward. And there be studied medicine in the very ably offi- cered University of Yirginia, at Charlottesville. His recollec- tions of bis Southern sojourn were always most grateful. His associate in teaching there, for a period, now a professor in Dartmouth College, once playfully said of bim that tbe only peril which Dr. Wright encountered in Yirginia was that of a handsome young Northerner amid tbe hospitalities and amenities of Southern society. He, however, passed that ordeal un- harmed—only refined. Having thoroughly completed bis preparations for bis life work, be was ordained and returned to tbe North and took leave of bis friends, and sailing at Boston, in March, 1840, be reached Oroomiab on the 25th of the following July. He came to us quite alone, having no missionary companion either on the ocean or on the land. He met bis noble, heroic predecessor, Dr. Grant, at Ezroom, who had then just emerged from bis stir- ring adventures in Koordistan, and was on bis way to visit America. With characteristic modesty, our brother wrote to us from that city that be could never fill tbe place of that re- markable man. With the same unpretending modesty, in tbe matter of equipage, be surrendered himself on tbe road to bis native guides and muleteers, without tbe comfort of even a tent, to be brought to Oroomiab. in a caravan of merchandise at their slow and capricious rates of travel, and was so long a THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 9 time on tbe way as to give us no little solicitude before bis arrival. About three years after be reached Oroomiah, it was my privilege-to introduce to bis acquaintance Miss Catharine A. Myers, who came out with us after our first visit to America, in company with Miss Fiske, as a teacher, a lady every way worthy of his heart and his hand, whom, just a year from tbe day of their first meeting, I united to bim in marriage, in a room in my dwelling adjoining the one in which he expired— where we watched him so anxiously during his last sickness, and whence tbe angels conveyed his freed spirit to its mansion in heaven. In proportion as that conj ugal union was one of the unspeakable blessings and untold happiness to both of them, must, of course, be the poignancy of that bitter grief which will pierce her stricken, desolate heart, when the sorrowful tidings now winging their way to her shall reach her and clothe her in sackcloth. The beloved physician. The disciple whom Jesus loved. It is fitting that we glance somewhat particularly at tbe character and life of our brother, thus summarily indicated in these texts, which we may conveniently do by contemplating him as a man, as a scholar, as a Christian, and as a missionary. I. Yiewed as a man, it is quite superfluous to say here that Dr. Wright's natural talents were of a high order, and that tbe powers and faculties of his mind were finely balanced. And no one acquainted with him could doubt that be was also natu- rally one of the most gentle and amiable of mortals. In bim, however, these traits were positive; far enough from that list- less negation of character which they are supposed sometimes to import. His viewTs and opinions were always clear and well defined ; decidedly, yet modestly and courteously maintained, and firmly defended if occasion required. There was a completeness in his character which we seldom behold in a human being, and which, in proportion to its rare symmetry, we find it difficult to describe in the absence of those salient points of more imperfect men, just as we find it more difficult to delineate a smooth sphere, or a level prairie, . 10 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. than a rugged surface or a variated landscape. How much be was indebted to natural traits, and how much to educating and forming influences from without for such singular perfection of character, it is of course riot easy to determine. Our impres- sion is that be was much indebted to both. Born and reared under tbe shadow of tbe Green Mountains, whose very atmos- phere inspires tbe stern and noble impulses of virtue, of r un- tan pedigree, and under tbe strict religious training of a New- England pastor, and there shaped to tbe straight lines and right angles of a New England college curriculum, we may conceive of bim at bis graduation as an approved sample of a Northern young gentleman a generation ago, of good public education and stainless morals, but lacking somewhat the ease and polish which were then less common in that latitude than in more Southern sections of our country, and which subse- quently he so largely possessed. At that still forming age, of nineteen or twenty, be is sud- denly transferred to Richmond as a teacher, where be is cor- dially welcomed to the best circles—tbe Christian elite of that refined metropolis of tbe Old Dominion, moving freely in its elegant and excellent society for several years. Feeling tbe warmth of those ardent and generous temperaments, where, to use bis own expression, tbe tables groaned under tbe weight of their hospitality, and receiving tbe strong impress of their un- rivaled social accomplishments, bis character, as if cast into an alembic, was fused, and in a measure re-crystalized to tbe finest models; yet all this without losing an iota of tbe sterling straightforwardness of bis Northern birthright. Such I believe, in general, to have been tbe process in tbe formation of bis character as a man, combining obviously very peculiar advan- tages, and producing results which we have all so much and so justly admired. His accomplished manners thus acquired, which however bad nothing of mannerism, contributed largely to fit him to fill so successfully, without the slightest affectation or embarrassment. every condition and every sphere to which duty subsequently called bim. He was perfectly at borne alike with tbe haughty Persian Moollab, tbe self-complaisant Prince,, or tbe European THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 11 Ambassador. By all be was recognized as a man of rich and varied culture, of unpretending bearing—though always of as- sured self-possession, and of artless, unsophisticated urbanity, combined with rare discrimination and unswerving integrity. Among tbe poor and uneducated on tbe other band, such was the overflowing kindness of bis heart, that be bad not even to condescend to men of low estate to mingle with tbem, for he was one with tbem in feeling; and from tbe transparency of bis character, seen to be such, he at once won their confidence and affection. None, high or low, could ever doubt bis disposition to treat tbem kindly and do tbem good to tbe utmost extent in bis power. Thus was be truly " a man greatly beloved." Possessing such a character as a man, I hardly need state that we have found bim a very social and most agreeable com- panion, always acting on the apostolic injunction, " Be cour- teous ;" nay, more, very tender and considerate of tbe feelings of all others, hardly ever uttering an unadvised word, even under provocation, remarkably unselfish, unsuspecting, and pure-minded, eminently a peace-maker, yet equally truthful and honest, and always unwearied in his exertions to serve, to cheer, to comfort and to bless every member of our community, old or young. Were we to attempt to gauge this beloved man in tbe rela- tions of a husband and a father, we should find his heart a great deep, altogether unfathomable. Never probably did any man ever cherish a more yearning tenderness towards bis wife and children, nor more uniformly and evenly exemplify it, with fewer ripples of feeling, by any disturbance of that great deep of affection. Often, in years subsequent to his marriage, has be expressed to me bis gratitude for having been instrumental in bringing to Persia such a boon as that loving and faithful wife; an expression, however, to which I might deem myself little entitled, when I recall how much more God did, than any human instrument, in the arrangement and consummation of their union. It can hardly be considered a defect, but rather a necessary consequence of a mental and moral constitution so tender as that of Dr. Wright, that be did not prominently possess some 12 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. of the sterner elements of manhood, which come in useful requisition in battling tbe bard conflicts of life, nor, least of all, on missionary ground. I recall that about four years after be reached our field, on being appointed with another of our num- ber to visit Tebrau, if possible, to prevent tbe execution of the scheme of tbe French Jesuits, united with malevolent Persian officials, to break up our mission and effect our expulsion from tbe country, the appointment affected him to tears, while be toucbingly begged to be excused from accepting it, remarking that be was oom a man of peace and not of war. Not that be shrank from the physical exposures of a horseback journey, in winter, of more than a thousand miles both ways; but bis modest timidity and sensitive spirit did shrink from tbe moral encounters which the enterprise involved. Unwelcome as was that undertaking to tbe speaker, I felt a peculiar satisfaction in relieving bim of it. As, however, bis experience increased, and bis character was disciplined and strengthened under tbe bard pressure of accu- mulated missionary duties and burdens, a pressure admirably fitted, if improved, to make tbe most of men, he long ago developed capabilities, not only for passive endurance, but also for active interference in most trying emergencies, unsurpassed by those of any other man ever connected with tbe mission, and which have been much oftener and much longer laid under contribution; and sometimes be has displayed a hero- ism, in such emergencies, bordering on tbe sublime. When, for instance, Mar Shimon, tbe late patriarch, was running bis violent career of persecution at Oroomiab, and his ruffian satellites bad beaten Mar Yohaunan and some-others, on our mission premises, and he furiously threatened beating our per- sonal servants if they did not summarily leave us, Dr. Wright, in bis calm, meek dignity, waited on the patriarch and offered an earnest remonstrance, winding it up, with bis band raised in protestation, and the significant declaration, " Mar Shimon, if you touch my servant you touch me !" Under the majesty of this impressive rebuke from outraged meekness and gentle- ness, tbe haughty patriarch succumbed. At a scene occurring about tbe same time, in the court of THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 13 the chief Moollab, of Oroomiah, thronged a mob of excited Nestorians, tbe tools of Mar Shimon, who threatened to stone us—an ordeal to try men's souls—his calm, firm self-possession, when acting as our spokesman, is also well remembered. II. Tbe scholarship of Dr. Wright was rather solid and finished than brilliant or showy. As already suggested, if bis self-accusations that be wasted his time in college bad founda- tion, his subsequent industry and success, during bis ten years residence in Yirginia, must have redeemed that loss; for be came to us, at the age of twenty-nine, a ripe general scholar. Tbe very completeness of bis scholarship, as was true of bis character as a man, presented few salient points to attract obser- vation. His judgment was so careful and accurate, and his taste so well disciplined and chaste, that be almost never com- mitted a noticeable fault in writing. Indeed, in this matter, we may easily conceive bim, as already hinted, strongly to have resembled " the beloved physician," who, with such classic elegance and graphic force, penned tbe third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. If bis mind was not massive, it did not lack in compass; and if bis imagination was not its pre- dominant faculty, tbe working of bis intellect was far enough removed from tameness or servility. If it bad not tbe rapid, sweeping impetuosity of tbe wind, it bad tbe richer attributes of tbe deep, placid river, moving steadily onward in its wonted course, often gently overflowing, and silently fertilizing and adorning its shores. His style as a writer was beautifully perspicuous, concise and simple, and at tbe same time forcible. Tbe British Embassy to Persia was at Ezroom when be first came to this country. During the few weeks be was detained there, tbe members of tbe embassy were among bis auditors on tbe Sabbath. One of tbem wrote thus to tbe speaker, in remarking complimentarily of our prospective fellow-laborer; he said, " His sermons have been very much admired by our party here;" yet that party may be presumed to have been not the most lenient of critics on such subjects. As beautiful specimens of bis admirable style, marked not only by his char- acteristic conciseness and perspicuity, but also by deep and touching pathos, we may mention bis funeral sermon occasioned 14 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. by the death of the first Mrv'Rhea; also, bis sketch of the revival here in 1849, which is published in the little volume entitled "Missionary Life in Persia." That bis style pos- sessed much force, though devoid of all pretentious rhetoric, we have bad many proofs. One occurs to me, in an appeal which be addressed to the Prudential Committee, in behalf of tbe mission, for publishing tbe Pesbito version of the Old Testament in parallel columns with our translation from the Hebrew. There bad been a previous decision against the measure, but, under tbe force of the appeal, that decision was reversed. It was well said of that document by one of our number when it was forwarded, that tbe subject was argued with the clearness and tbe ability of a lawyer. We might dwell, were it necessary, on tbe rare beauty, ease and interest of Dr. Wright's epistolary style. All unstudied. as it was, yet that it could hardly be improved must have been patent to us all. On bis arrival here be put in immediate requisition bis fine scholarship, by giving himself to tbe acquisition of tbe lan- guages of tbe country, tbe Ancient and Modern Syriac (tbe former he bad studied, to some extent, while in the Theological Seminary in America), tbe Turkish and tbe Persian. No other member of our mission bad ever made so extensive acquisitions in languages. He applied himself eagerly to the study of tbem during tbe three or four first years of his missionary life, and has ever since been industriously adding to bis knowledge of tbem, perseveringly maintaining tbe habits and cultivating tbe tastes of a growing scholar, always garnering with rigid economy the scraps of bis time and making tbe most of tbem ; while, on the other band, bis manifold active duties, with all the nameless distractions and interruptions involved in tbem, have but increased bis use of tbe languages they have led bim to employ, and so his acquaintance with tbem. His intellect- ual tastes ran naturally in tbe line of languages rather than of tbe sciences. His fine scholarship has been conspicuous, not only in bis rapid and successful acquisition of languages, but also in bis effective use of them. His command of Syriac was very THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 15 accurate, free and forcible as a preacher. It was equally so in his general intercourse with tbe Nestorians; and tbe same was true of his use of tbe Turkish and Persian with tbe Moham- medans. All bis rich scholarly acquisitions have been laid under no less effective contribution, in connection with the department of our Mission Press. On tbe departure of Mr. Holladay, twenty years ago, Dr. Wright was appointed in his stead, to be asso- ciated with me in tbe literary labors of the press. I well remem- ber his response to tbe appointment. " I had never supposed," he said, " that such labors would fall to my lot on missionary ground ; I am passionately fond of them, and only hope they will not tempt me to neglect other duties." What an instructive comment on these words have been bis labors of the last twenty years. He has shown all that fondness for literary work ; he has not yielded to it to the detriment of any other missionary claims. How usefully has bis accurate knowledge of Hebrew, and of tbe Ancient Syriac, and of the New Testament Greek told on his thorough revisions of the Holy Scriptures; and how patiently, perseveringly, and successfully have his protracted labors been performed in tbe publication of our various edi- tions. His scholarship was well adapted to tbe work of a translator. His clear discrimination, bis nice, delicate taste in tbe selection of words and phrases, and his admirably balanced and critical judgment on the whole subject have been very advantageously exerted, not only in bis revisions of the Scriptures, but also on several works which be has himself prepared for tbe press. There are few tests of accurate scholarship more decisive than tbe work of proof-reading; and we have never had bis equal in the mission as a proof-reader; and no Nestorian, except Deacon Joseph, has ever surpassed him in Syriac proof- reading. Oh how many hundreds of times has bis aching head traced each line and each word of those daily recurring long leader columns, carelessly composed and blindly printed, from which there is no retreat nor respite for those connected with a press, of which, however, be seldom complained though so often wearied. 16 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. His neatness and precision as a scholar marked every thing that came from bis bands, in entire harmony with tbe same general traits ever obvious in his person and whole charactei. His elegant cbirograpby never yet, to my knowledge, let slip a careless scrawl, not even in tbe briefest note or memorandum. And were we to examine tbe records of our mission, kept by bim as its Secretary for twenty years, we should find in tbem ample proof of all that I have said of the accuracy and finish of his scholarship. I recall a testimony, bearing on this general subject, iii con- nection with bis medical studies in Yirginia, which it is in place to record. In a few days' journey in Charlottesville, during my first visit to America, about two years after be attended lectures there, the pastor (Mr. White) of tbe place told me that, on leaving, he passed one of the best medical examina- tions of any of the students at tbe University. Yes, truly, very rich were tbe intellectual as well as the far more precious moral treasures that were buried with this scholarly man; nay, rather, that are transferred, and are now, in their vast expansion, far more felicitously employed in our Father's mansion. HI. " A Christian is tbe highest style of man." Much as we have seen to admire in our departed brother as a man and as a scholar, bow much, immeasurably, does the interest of bis character as a Christian transcend all its other attributes. We are not informed even of tbe year of bis hopeful conversion, but believe that it occurred in 1833 or 1834. He was still at Richmond at tbe time; and amid all tbe other strong attrac- tions that bound bis heart to tbe place while there, and sweet- ened the recollections of it ever afterward, his religious associa- tions with it were always by far tbe most grateful. We might, perhaps, have supposed, that one possessing so much of natural amiability, and that, always fostered by tbe genial influences of tbe best religious society, would hardly be tbe subject of a very marked change, even in tbe momentous event of conversion. Tbe fact, I believe, was otherwise. He bad, all bis life, been like tbe young ruler in the gospel, on whom Jesus looked and loved bim ; but one thing he lacked. THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 17 There was at last, in his case, a deep process of what tbe old divines denominate law work. Tbe thorough religious training which be had received in childhood, rendered bim all the more cautious and anxious to dig deep and build bis hopes for eter- nity on the Rock; and tbe remarkable conscientiousness, which was ever so essential an element of bis being, rendered bim, perhaps, too distrustful of tbe genuineness of those hopes. That his consecration to Christ was most sincere and whole- hearted, has been evinced by all bis subsequent life. We have also collateral evidence to tbe same effect, dating from that period. With what interest have we all, since bis death, in- spected his Bible, bearing date on tbe fly-leaf, under bis name, "Richmond, 1834," probably but a short time subsequent to the period of bis first cherishing tbe hope of a Christian. I have a hallowed reverence for that Bible, as tbe unerring pilot that has faithfully guided an often tempest-tossed soul safe over all life's billows to the haven of eternal rest. Such Bibles of tbe departed good' are tbe most sacred objects in this world. The inspection of this treasure assures us that our brother's consecration was not only thoroughly heart-work, but also that religion with bim was, from the outset, a matter of patient, watchful culture and earnest aspiration for progress in holi- ness. On its blank leaves are notes and quotations, so signifi- cant, as having been tbe practical mottos of bis daily life, and so strikingly exemplified in the very beautiful development and growth of bis Christian character, during tbe period of a generation, that they well deserve a place in bis funeral sermon. First on the list, written in bis own fair band, is this : " Search the Scriptures ;" below it, " Be prayerful;" " Be studious ;" and still further down the page, tbe memorable motto of Luther, " Bene orasse est bene studuisse." On tbe next blank page, quoted in full, are tbe following texts of Scripture : " My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that tbe power of Christ may rest upon me."— 2 Cor. xii. 9. " In all thy ways acknowledge bim, and he shall direct tby paths."—Prov. iii. 6. 2 18 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. " 0 Lord, I know that tbe way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketb to direct bis steps."-—Jer. x. 23. On a blank leaf at tbe beginning of tbe New Testament are tbe following quotations : . " What! know ye not that your body is tbe temple of tbe Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own ? For ye are bought with a price ; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. —1 Cor. vi. 19, 20. " Giving no offence in any thing, that tbe ministry be not blamed."—2 Cor. vi. 3. " Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."—Rev. ii. 10. " And be said unto me, Depart; for I will send thee far hence unto tbe Gentiles."—Acts xxii. 21. " Be clothed with humility."—1 Peter v. 5. Now was there ever a Christian man, or woman, whose living experience was a more complete embodiment of this collection of Scripture mottoes than that of our departed brother? That there have been those who have surpassed him in particular Christian traits, and individual graces, we may not deny ; but in tbe symmetrical combination, presenting one beautiful whole, I have never known a superior model. And often, as his char- acter now rises before me, another passage of Paul occurs to me as its most faithful epitome: "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, what- soever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatso- ever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." And such, essentially as we have known bim here, was he remembered, as a Christian, in Yirginia. I visited Richmond at the time above referred to, two years after be came to our field, and found bis memory very fresh and very fragrant there in tbe two Presbyterian churches; indeed so much so, that those churches, then recently alienated by tbe divisive measures of 1837 into Old School and New, were strongly disposed to rivalry in claiming bim, each church as its own beloved repre- sentative on missionary ground; as was true also of Mr. Holla- THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 19 day, another " beloved disciple" from the same churches, whose connection with our mission was such an unspeakable blessing to us in the early period of its history. Not long after our brother became a Christian he decided on studying for the ministry, with direct reference to the mission- ary work. Going from Richmond to the Union Theological Seminary, he there enjoyed the best of Christian influences, as well as able and faithful theological instruction. The venerable Dr. John Holt Rice, the father of the Seminary, and long a patriarch among the churches in Yirginia, and whose praise was in all the churches, both North and South, bad been called to his rest before Dr. Wright's connection with the Institution; but his mantle bad fallen on his associates and successors ; and tbe whole atmosphere of Prince Edward was still redolent with the savor of his cherished name. The memory of Dr. Rice exerted a strong influence on our brother's character. He studied carefully bis published biography. His was one of the few likenesses which he kept in his study. He has been in cor- respondence with tbe venerable widow of that apostolic man during most of his missionary life; and pasted to a blank leaf at tbe end of his Bible, are a few printed resolutions of Dr. Rice, which, if he did not adopt tbem as his own, evidently bad more or less influence on bis character; and as such it is proper that we introduce them in this connection. They are the follow- ing, which were found in Dr. Rice's pocket-book after bis death : " What I resolve that I will endeavor to do. " 1st. Take food for nourishment and not for pleasure. Take no more than is necessary, and be indifferent to the quality. Sleep for refreshment and not for indulgence. Harden and subdue my flesh by labor directed to useful purposes. Endeavor to do as much useful work every day as I can. Dress as cheaply as comports with decency. " 2d. To use all my property for benevolent purposes. Pay every thing I owe as soon as possible. Save all that I can, by simplicity of living, and by practicing self-denial, and give all I can, in tbe exercise of sound discretion, to objects of benevo- lence. Never spare name, property or reputation, if I can do good. Necessary that I die poor. 20 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. " 3d. As to my disposition and conduct toward others : 1. en- deavor to feel kindly to every one. Never indulge anger, malice, envy or jealousy toward any human being. 2- En- deavor to speak to and about every one as I ought, aiming in all things that I say to promote the comfort, improvement and happiness of every one. 3. Endeavor to act as to advance, (1.) the present comfort, (2.) the intellectual improvement, (3.) the purity and highest good of all my fellow-men. "As to my Creator: To endeavor to fix in my mind more deeply all truth that I can possibly discover respecting Him, and to feel, think and act, in every respect, in correspondence with that truth. Finally, when I have done all, to acknowledge that I am nothing, and my Creator has a right to do with me as seems good to Him." We can hardly mistake tbe image and superscription of a portion, at least, of these resolutions instamped on Dr. Wright's life and character. But the grand model that filled his eye and bis heart was of no earthly mould. It was the blessed Saviour. He habitually looked unto Jesus. Tbe first sermon that he preached, tbe Sab- bath after his arrival here, was from the text, "We would see Jesus;" in which be touchingly portrayed the Saviour in tbe various attributes that render Him tbe perfect model for the believer's imitation. That sermon was a very fitting introduc- tion for bim to our mission—an unquestioned passport to all our hearts, nor less tbe index of the character, tbe aspirations, the study and tbe purposes of its author, which were self-abnegation and self-sacrifice, and a living conformity to Christ in all things. Not that there was any leaven or aceticism in bim; but there was an habitual, ardent longing to have Christ formed in bim tbe hope of glory, and to be rapidly transformed into that glo- rious image. Here is the secret of the remarkable resemblance in tbe servant to the Master, which we have witnessed especially in tbe last months of bis life ; a likeness that renders so appro- priate to him tbe application of the language of our text—" the disciple whom Jesus loved." As John was the special object of the Saviour's affection, from tbe large measure of his own moral limitude which be saw in that disciple, so we believe THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN". 21 was eminently the case of our departed brother—" a disciple whom Jesus loved." There can hardly be occasion, in this connection, to attempt a particular analysis of Dr. Wright's religious character. Its essential elements may be readily inferred from the general com- pleteness of it, and its likeness to the model of the Master which I have indicated. It may, however, be well to repeat tbe sug- gestion, that his progress in grace was much the result of pray- erful and careful self-culture and strenuous exertion. He seldom had flights of rapture. Calm, abiding peace he did enjoy; but as a rule, his pathway to heaven lay through the valley of hu- miliation. He much oftener saw Jesus, and held sweet com- munion with him there than on the mount of transfiguration. His constitutional modesty and self-diffidence did not always allow him to speak with the strongest assurance of his own good estate. Sometimes, in referring to himself, he would put his case contingently—"If I was ever born again," etc.—more, however, from bis habitual self-distrust, I apprehend, than from any very serious doubts on that point. His deep sense of per- sonal unworthiness, with his vivid impressions of the exceeding enormity of sin; his jealous watchfulness over bis own heart; and tbe unwonted tenderness and sensitiveness of his conscience, all tended to foster that distrust of himself; yet not to an extent that greatly disturbed his simple child-like faith and confidence in Christ, and his deep and ardent affection for bim ; but which rather drove him right to the Cross as his refuge, there, like the beloved disciple, often to lean on Jesus' bosom. His physical ailments were sometimes depressing to his spirits, particularly his periodical lieadaches, which were rather frequent and quite severe; and while upon bim, they sometimes led him to sigh for the rest that remainetli to the people of God. The heavy burdens and trials of missiona^ life often prompted tbe same longings; though as a rule he was a happy Christian pilgrim, firmly trusting, if not always rejoicing, in the Lord. As be caught more and more distinct glimpses of " the shining shore," particular hymns, pointing to his rest and inheritance there, became his special favorites. One such is the following, which, 22 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. sacredly to embalm it with his memory, we will sing in this connection: "AND THE CITY HATH NO NEED OF THE SUN." 1. Ye golden lamps of heaven, farewell, With all your feeble light; Farewell thou ever-changing moon, Pale empress of the night. 2. And thou, refulgent orb of day, In brighter flames arrayed, My soul, that springs beyond thy sphere, No more demands thine aid. 3. Ye stars are but the shining dust Of my divine abode; The pavement of those heavenly courts Where I shall reign with God. 4. The Father of eternal light Shall there his beams display ; Nor shall one moment's darkness mix With that unvaried day. 5. No more the drops of piercing grief Shall swell into my eyes; Nor the meridian sun decline Amid those brighter skies. 6. There all the millions of the saints Shall in one song unite; And each the bliss of all shall view With infinite delight. IY. It might seem almost like sacrilege to connect with the heavenly savor that clusters around our brother's memory as a Christian any separate notices of his missionary life and labors, did not that savor so richly pervade tbem all. In turn, tbe Christian wras never lost in the missionary, nor the missionary in tbe Christian, but the two, almost from the hour of bis conver- sion, were indissolubly blended. As I have already stated, he decided on studying for tbe ministry, at tbe commencement of his Christian course, with distinct reference to the missionary work. THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 23 He was introduced to our field through Mr. Holladay, that man of God of eminent ability and most lovely Christian char- acter, whom be bad known while a theological student. Mr. H. was then in Hamden, Sydney College, located at Prince Edward, where be was a professor several years previous to his coming to Peoria. They were kindred spirits, and their hearts knit together like those of David and Jonathan. During the year, after tbe departure of Dr. Grant from Oroo- miab to the mountains of Koordistan, we awaited anxiously Dr. Wright's arrival, being without a physician. He came to us in affliction. He left his only sister in America far gone of con- sumption, and tbe first mail after bis arrival here brought tbe tidings of her death. Though tbe intelligence was not unex- pected, its actual reception deeply affected bim. A sense of orphanage and loneliness, such as be bad never before felt, came over bim, now that tbe last cord was severed, and he bad litet ally neither father nor mother, brother nor sister, in this world We were assembled in a garden for a social hour when tbe mes senger came; and I well remember bow his band trembled and tbe tears flowed, as be opened the letter; and how tenderly this sore bereavement bound bim to the hearts of our own circle, and then freshly bleeding from the recent wounds caused by the death of five children in the mission within the period of two months. He came to us as Paul came to tbe Corinthians, " in weak- ness, and in fear, and in much trembling;" deeply feeling, from bis brief acquaintance with bis predecessor at Ezroom, " what can the man do that cometh after the king?" Dr. Grant's com- manding person and mien, which so admirably fitted him for a pioneer, and would have graced bis namesake, tbe Lieutenant- General, on the field, and bis distinguished ability and adven- turous exploits as a physician and surgeon, bad made a profound impression on tbe Persians, who are wont to attach so much importance to personal presence. And not many days after Dr. Wright's arrival here, an older associate, impressed with tbe singular modesty and meekness of bis bearing, and somewhat concerned lest the interests of the mission should suffer by un- favorable comparisons between him and Dr. Grant, waited on 24 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. him in his room, and held a long conversation with him on the importance of bis assuming some airs of assurance and conse- quence. While our brother gratefully thanked his kind asso- ciate, and was but too ready to account himself a novice in new circumstances, needing fraternal counsel, still bis own good judgment forbade David to attempt to assume the armor of Saul, more confident in tbe sling and smooth pebbles from the brook. He could not affect gifts which he did not possess, and wisely chose rather by the quiet, unpretending use of qualities and endowments which God had vouchsafed to him (though his own estimate of tbem was always too humble), to trust for tbe influence which they would naturally and legitimately com- mand. And with what admiration did all behold him, almost from the day of his arrival, steadily, yet surely, winning the hearts and gaining the confidence of all classes of men, by tbe simple power of goodness, until long ago he bad acquired a respect and esteem in this country, such as no other foreigner here, missionary or official, ever possessed. It was a favoring providence that at tbe time of Dr. Wright's arrival in Persia, that very interesting man, Prince Malek Ka- hem Meerza, was Governor of Oroomiab. Becoming strongly attached to tbe Doctor on bis first acquaintance with him, his own rare intelligence and discrimination appreciating such cul- ture and such worth, be lost no opportunity to strengthen and encourage bim, and thus did much to give him tbe high posi- tion in the general estimation which his own well attested merits ever afterwards maintained. Dr. Wright came to us with a heart overflowing with love to everybody, and with a strong disposition to be pleased with every one and every thing, wherever and so far as it was possi- ble. He evinced very little of tbe hypocritical spirit not un- common in inexperienced missionaries, and which their novel and trying circumstances are so strongly calculated to fan I recall that a day or two after bis arrival, in crossing tbe yard he met a small Nestorian boy who smilingly saluted bim in English, " Goodee mornm'." Tbe unexpected salutation almost enraptured bim. And on the first Sabbath when sick persons came to our gate, which is closed on that day, his feelings were THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 25 deeply moved on learning the fact that any suffering ones bad been sent away even on tbe Sabbath, though be soon saw tbe absolute necessity of some such restrictions to enable us in any measure to hallow the sacred day. He met all, of all ages and classes, with a smile which none could mistake as tbe true in- dex of a sunny, loving heart. He has never been surpassed in this respect in our mission, unless in tbe case of tbe lamented Mr. Crane, whom some of tbe Nestorians so beautifully and expressively denominated one of God's lambs. I regard this ge- nial trait as one of tbe most valuable elements of his missionary character, and as going very far to account for tbe wonderful ascendency which be soon acquired over all classes from tbe prince to tbe peasant, founded on his undisguised love for tbem, and deep interest in their welfare which could never fail to command a ready response in bosoms however selfish, or even malevolent. This element of bis character, under all tbe trials, perplexities and vexations of missionary life, arising so often from tbe wickedness of unreasonable men, continued unim- paired to the last, nay, was constantly strengthened ; and I may add that it contributed immeasurably to strengthen and sus- tain him. It savoured much of the charity that never faileih. Some present may recall that in a social prayer-meeting which I conducted but a few weeks before his death, I deplored the remissness of some of tbe Nestorian communicants, to which he replied in remarks in the same meeting, with his accustomed gentleness and tenderness, " When we think of their very hard lot and sore trials, it seems to me that they do quite as well as we should in their circumstances." I trust we shall profit by that timely hint from a heart ever beating so warmly with the impulses of that love which hopeth all things. Dr. Wright, though he came to us both as a physician and a preacher, had a strong preference for the latter profession. Much as his feeling heart yearned over the bodies of men, it yearned still more tenderly over their perishing immortal souls. Dr. Grant had been a practicing physician in America before he became a missionary, but when appointed to this field he raised the question of pursuing a short course of theological study and being ordained. Being, however, hurried to his post 26 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. by the exigencies of the mission, he postponed that matter with tbe hope of studying privately here and being ordained on the ground. But the great field of usefulness that opened at once before bim as a medical man, and the ample opportunities be enjoyed for religious labors in connection with that profession, led bim afterwards to change his views on tbe whole subject, and adopt the belief that he could do more for the cause of Christ simply under the name of a physician than by becoming a clergyman. Soon after Dr. Wright's arrival I mentioned to him bis prede- cessor's opinions on this subject, and suggested the possible ex- pediency of bis being known here primarily as a physician rather than a preacher. It touched a very tender point. That he might preach Christ bad been the burden of the prayers of a long since departed mother in bis infancy, and the same had been tbe object of bis fondest hopes and most earnest aspira- tions ever since he felt the power of a Saviour's love. No one who has witnessed his labors can doubt tbe wisdom of his choice. As we remarked on bis resemblance to " the disciple whom Jesus loved," in bis character as a Christian, we might perhaps draw an analogy between him and " tbe beloved physician," in his missionary relations. Luke was doubtless a preacher as well as a medical practitioner in his companionship with the apos- tles; and he too combined with those offices the accomplish- ments of a finished scholar and author. But in the case of Dr. Wright, as a missionary, we must add yet another department to all tbe functions exercised by the evangelist, that of the rep- resentative of tbe mission before the authorities of the county, and the succoring daysman of tbe Nestorians, to stand between tbem and their oppressive masters and rulers. In this " four- fold state," if we may thus apply tbe expression, he has sus- tained burdens and performed labors altogether unparalleled by those of any other individual ever connected with the mission, at least for any considerable time. Most truly might be, with Paul, have said, " I. labored more abundantly than they all;" however little inclined himself ever to make such an intima- tion, or even to entertain the idea. And added to all these de- THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 27 partments of his stated labors, bis arduous preaching tours in Koordistan, in which we might enumerate "perils oft," as he has visited almost every Nestorian district, have been about as numerous as those of any of his brethren. With a single ex- ception Dr. Wright has been a missionary much longer than any other man ever here—twenty-five years—and tbe wonder is, that under such an accumulation of toils and cares, not that lie has sunk under tbe pressure at the end of a quarter of a century, but that he lived half that period. He was a strong man, physi- cally ; not of the robust type. He was decidedly slender, never weighing much if any more than one hundred and twenty pounds, though of medium height; but be was of that compact, wiry stamp, which rendered bim capable of vigorous exertion and vast endurance. In our mountain journeys no one of us has ever been able to scale the lofty heights, and thread tbe doubtful parapets along the faces of tbe cliffs with less exhaustion. His health was almost uniform with the exception of bis periodical headaches. He had never had a severe course of fever before the one of which be died. The greatest earthly blessing vouchsafed to him on missionary ground, and which goes far to explain bis endurance so long, was bis devoted wife, of which he never was insensible, nor slow to acknowledge bis great obligation to her, and to God on her ac- count. And under tbe crushing sorrows of our sister's bereave- ment she may have the sweet satisfaction of knowing that she has comforted, cheered, sustained and strengthened this dear servant of God for a score of years, to an extent that no lan- guage can describe, added vastly to bis usefulness, and probably doubled tbe years of his missionary service. We need not attempt fully to describe the multiplied and ar- duous labors of Dr. Wright in the various departments which he filled, yet we should briefly refer to tbem. His labors as a preacher were as numerous, or nearly so, as those of any of bis brethren. This, as we have said, was bis chosen calling, nor did be fail to magnify it. As he ardently loved tbe gospel, so he loved to proclaim it. His discourses were always well prepared, able and interesting, and often very impressive. He inclined more to preach on themes connected with Christ, as a loving, forgiv- 28 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. ing Saviour, than on the threatening of the law, though by no means to the exclusion of the latter. His tender spirit was much more at home at the foot of Calvary than of Sinai, and thither he essayed to lead all others, most affectionately pointing them to tbe Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. In some instances, however, we have heard from him sermons of a most searching, alarming character. Some of us will never ( forget the effect of bis sermon on a seared conscience, first preached in 1850, when the place of the assembly became lite- rally a Bochim, all seeming to feel the gnawing of the worm that " dieth not." That sermon be preached again a short time be- fore his death, and under the influence of it a poor woman soon hastened to him to disclose an act of fraud which she had long denied, and would intrust the secret to no other ear, though she had long and earnestly been pressed to do so. With bis excel- lent knowledge, and ready and effective command of the Nesto- < rian language, and thoroughly furnished as he was in his gene- ral ministerial qualifications, he was a workman that needed not to be ashamed; and though not so emphatically a son of thunder as was our departed associate, Mr. Stocking, he was emi- nently a son of consolation. Yes, " an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures." Though the work of the minister was first in importance in his estimation, his medical profession was by no means neglected. He daily received crowds of patients of all classes at a given < hour at his dispensary, and he hardly ever declined a call near or distant, in any state of the weather or at any hour, whether among Nestorians or Mohammedans; and never shrunk from exposure to the most, fearful and malignant diseases. To say nothing of his practice in relieving untold numbers in their physical ailments, tbe moral influence of it was incalculable in subduing prejudice, winning confidence, and holding up a liv- ing exponent of a gospel that is good will to all men, and often the only key that would unlock the bolted heart to the Balm of Gilead, and the healing of the Physician there. The first object of connecting a medical man with a mission so isolated and remote from Europeans as ours, was, of course, the relief of the mission families. And how faithful has Dr. Wright THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 29 ever shown himself in this sphere. How constant and un- wearied in his attendance on our sick ; how careful and anxious in prescribing and watching; and bow brotherly and sympa- thetic with tbe sick, the afflicted and tbe bereaved. The inten- sity of his solicitude has, in some instances, proved almost over- powering to bim. Such was tbe fact in the last sickness of Mr. Stoddard, that seraphic man, whose life seemed to us all so un- speakably important to the cause of Christ in Persia. He was himself made sick by the trying experience of that beloved as- sociate's death-bed. In our own crushing affliction, in the death of our Judith, of cholera, in a desolate tent by the road-side, his sympathetic na- ture was most tenderly drawn out. When he met us at Gava- lau, on our return with the corpse, on my mentioning to bim that Judith in her sufferings once said, " I wish Dr. Wright was here," the tears bursting from his eyes, he responded, " Dear child ; would that I might have been by her." And not long afterward, in alluding to his sorrowful ride to Gavalau in a note, he said, " When about six miles from tbe city, we saw a footman coming at a rapid speed. On meeting us be stopped and took from his girdle your letter from Yavsbauly. I dismounted, took tbe letter, opened it with a trembling hand, and read it aloud. Our hopes were all dashed to tbe ground. The dear one was no more. There, by tbe road-side, we stopped and wept." But in proportion as bis sympathies thus welled up from the deep fountains of his feeling soul, must have been tbe severity of the contributions thus levied on his strength and bis life ; and not only in our mission circle but measurably also abroad among the people. His medical practice, taking into account its moral drafts on such a nature, has always been by far tbe most tasking part of bis duties. Yet we never saw in bim a disposition to waive its calls and responsibilities. With what alacrity has be hastened over tbe seventy miles horse-back ride to Gawar, scarcely baiting on tbe way to eat or sleep, when sum- moned to our brethren and sisters there; particularly in the last sickness of Mr. Crane and Mrs. Rhea; and what an angel of mercy was he on such occasions to the afflicted station in the mountains. Verily be was a " beloved physician." 30 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. Dr. Wright's labors in the department of the press have been mentioned in our reference to his scholarship. His rare quali- fications for such work were well attested in tbe publication of the beautiful pocket edition of the New Testament, in Syriac during: bis visit in America. And since his recent return,. bow eagerly and ably, almost with the enthusiasm of youth, did be commence operations for entering upon the great work of translating tbe Scriptures into the Tartar Turkish; a lan- guage spoken by so many millions of people who have never yet had the Bible. How he has been able to carry on this collateral branch of labor, during twenty years of his life, with the constant and heavy burdens of his other departments, is a problem which any man less scholarly, less systematic, and less industrious and .economical of time, would have found it impos- sible to solve. Our brother's duties as the representative of the mission in its relations to " the powers that be," and as a shield for the poor Nestorians under their nameless and grinding oppressions, abuses and outrages, were the most delicate, and often, by far, the most difficult and perplexing that he had to perform. His medical practice was a ready passport for him to all classes of the Mohammedans, and his bland demeanor, and unquestion- able integrity, as we have said, soon won for him very general confidence and high esteem. This has been a capital of untold value to tbe mission, living and laboring here as we do, the only Americans in this Mohammedan empire, protected, or rather tolerated, solely by courtesy on the part of those who cannot be supposed to have any sympathy with the Christian religion, but tbe reverse. Such has been the profound respect cherished by the proud, dominant class toward our physician, that not only have the civil authorities almost never refused to grant any favor which be has requested of them (while he has wisely not presumed a step too far), but tbe bigoted Moollahs, self- prompted, were accustomed to send to him the poor Nestorian girls, who bad been seized by ruffians, with the purpose of com- pelling tbem to profess themselves Mohammedans, that, with- out fear, they might declare in his presence which religion they preferred ; and that declaration was accepted as decisive. THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 31 And hundreds, if not thousands, of deeply suffering Nestorians, both men and women, ground down to the dust by their lordly oppressors, have been relieved, often rescued from the lash, by his gentle and discreet interference, through appeals to those oppressors or to their superiors. Nor have the wronged Nestorians alone felt the benefit of bis succoring influence. Tbe suffering poor among the Moham- medans have also often sought and found in him a sympathiz- ing friend. None of us can forget an instance, when tidings came to bim that a poor Koord was about to be beheaded, in the court of the prince, on very unjustifiable grounds. He was sitting at his dinner-table, and bounding instantly to his feet he ran to the appalling scene, but was a few moments too late to interpose a petition, arriving only in time to behold tbe slaugh- tered man weltering in his gore. The burdens and perplexities imposed on bim by bis mission- ary and providential relations, in numberless applications for succor, from day to day, and week to week, and year to year, in this land of darkness, cruelty and blood, were a weight for tbe shoulders of a Hercules, and we marvel that they did not long ago crush that sensitive spirit and apparently fragile form. In detailing Dr. Wright's multifarious labors as a missionary. we should not omit to mention tbe fact, that for two years pre- vious to Miss Fiske's arrival be was the superintendent of the female seminary, then only a day-school—tbe present seminary in embryo—not imposing a serious tax of strength or of time, but pleasantly connecting bis memory with an enterprise which has long since grown to be one of so much importance, fraught with unspeakable blessings, in whose prosperity be ever took a very deep interest, and in which some of bis last labors were performed. After bis return from America, be conducted morning worship in the school, to the great gratification and relief of our over-burdened sister who has charge of it, and the deep interest of tbe pupils ; and to bis last prayers aud appeals there, instrumentally, sent home by tbe affecting providence of his death, we believe, is much owing the precious revival now in progress in that seminary. 32 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. As physician, Dr. Wright found it far more difficult to leave his post for rest than any other member of the mission ; and for twenty years he bad not tbe respite of a single month. At the close of eighteen years he passed through the severe ordeal of sending bis two eldest daughters to America—a sore trial to so tender a parent's heart; and not long afterward, he was, for the first time, bereaved of a beloved child. Two years after the departure of bis daughters, in July, 1860, he found his health so much impaired that he was compelled to abandon tbe field for a time, a measure to which the Pruden- tial Committee bad repeatedly invited him, but which he was very reluctant to adopt, while it involved leaving the mission without medical service. His return to America in his feeble health was a period of great suffering. In his last sickness he told me that he was so ill, much of tbe time on the land jour- ney, that it was with much difficulty he could mount bis horse in the morning, and be seriously feared that he must lay his bones between Ezroom and Hebizond. With all the refreshment of spirit, and the inexpressible delights of meeting dear friends in America, and amid all their overflowing kindness, bis was still, more or less, the bard lot of a returned missionary, floating with a family without a settled home—a situation that proves one of tbe severest trials in the world to many a heart far less sensitive than that of our de- parted brother. Change of climate and scene, however, did much for bim, and in tbe course of several months he became able to speak in public ; and very seldom has tbe American Board sent forth among tbe churches a messenger who has exerted a more de- sirable influence. His whole appearance impressed all who saw him, as that of a man of God—a " disciple whom Jesus loved." I was not surprised to be thus accosted by the wife of one of the Secretaries of tbe Board, soon after bis arrival in America : " What do you do to your missionaries at Oroomiah? First, we bad Mr. Stoddard with us, that angelic man; then came Miss Fiske, possessing the same spirit; and now Dr. Wright, the same." Personal acquaintance with others of our departed associates, I hardly need say, would have led her to extend tbe list in the same strain. THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 33 Our brother's addresses in America, like himself, were full of tenderness and earnest pathos, and not void of power, while in simple narrations, with an unction peculiarly his own, be testi- fied the things which, be bad seen, and heard, and felt. His public services might, in general, be characterized by a refer- ence to tbem made by one of tbe Secretaries of the Board, who labored with bim for a season in Central New York. Said he: "Our meeting in A----at first seemed very cold and unprom- ising ; but Dr. Wright smote tbe rock and the waters gushed forth, and we bad a most interesting season." After active labors among the churches for nearly two years, it was a grateful change to him to sit down to the important literary work of publishing the pocket edition of the New Testament in Modern Syriac, already mentioned, in which the Nestorians may well rejoice as his last rich legacy to tbem. W hile penning this discourse, the query often revolved in my mind where I should most appropriately note the faults of our brother's character, as I.would endeavor to present a fair, im- partial portrait. I must confess that I have found neither tbe place nor the faults to record ; not that he was, perfect, until be reached and entered the gate of heaven—how would the inti- mation that he was such have agonized bim till bis last breath ! Most appropriate to him would have been tbe language of Paul: " Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect ; but I follow after ;" " forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward tbe mark, for tbe prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." His faults that were palpable, not only leaned strongly " to virtue's side," but. were in general themselves virtues in excess. To illustrate our meaning. On bis once submitting a manuscript sermon to me for perusal, which be had been requested to send to America for publication, I called bis attention to the naked " A. H. Wright," on tbe title-page, and suggested that he make it Rev. A. H. Wright, M. D. But no argument of mine could induce him to place any thing before or after his own name ; it was a moral impossibility for him to do so ; and be, but reluc- tantly, yielded bis assent that I make tbe proposed modifica- 3 34 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. tion in my own hand, though it was simply applying titles universally attached to bis professions, that really involved not the least delicacy. And so of his other traits. We might pronounce them of too fine a texture to breast the rude storms of this dark, cold world—I would not say effectively and suc- cessfully, for we have seen the reverse to be eminently true of him; but not without subjecting their possessor to a kind of living martyrdom ; a temperament .and character far better fitted by nature, as well as by grace, for sunny celestial climes, than the bard buffetings which even the most favored human voyager must encounter on life's tempestuous ocean ; qualities which endeared bim only the more lovely while he was with us, and now tbe more at home in the holy society of heaven. An old writer compares fault-finders to flies that will creep eagerly all over a sound body, meeting nothing to their tastes, in search of some insignificant sore. We might justly fear incurring tbe charge of that cynical propensity, if disposed to sit as a critic on such a character. During bis nearly four years' sojourn in America, usefully as be was employed there, his heart was in the distant land of bis missionary adoption, with tbe people to whom be had given bis life's vigor and toils. Tbe relinquishment of the hope of re- turning to bis field would have cost him well nigh a death struggle. Tbe difficulties that embarrassed the question, in connection with arranging for bis family, weighed heavily on bis spirits, as his letters to us often testified. At length light and hope broke upon bis path. A door was opened by the Master's band, but one involving a sacrifice that would demon. strate, as nothing else could, bis readiness to lay all on tbe altar of consecration—even to be separated from bis beloved wife and children by half tbe circumference of the globe. An affectionate daughter, keenly sensitive to the sufferings of her father, volunteered to leave her school and accompany bim, to care for him and comfort him, and in the hope of being useful in the land of her birth in our female seminary. The arrange- ment was consummated. Little did any one dream that the sacrifice which be then so cheerfully made—that silent rending of heart-strings—which nothing short of dying daily can ade- THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 35 quately describe, was shortening and lightening the remaining span of his pathway to heaven. He left America June 18, 1864. His return was rendered pleasant, and even delightful, by tbe presence and assiduities of that devoted daughter and tbe cheer of kind missionary companions. The party reached us on tbe 29th of September, to our unspeakable joy, and tbe great joy of tbe Nestorians and thousands of the Mohamme- dans. What a relief did we all feel that our " beloved physi- sician" was again at his post, after being so long deprived of medical services, to say nothing of tbe value and comfort of bis presence in other relations. Alas ! bow suddenly, as in a mo- ment, is that joy turned to mourning ! No one could mistake the mellowing effect, on bis chastened spirit, of the sore struggle through which be bad passed, in being separated from his family. His whole appearance savored far less of earth than of heaven. His face shone like that of Moses when be came down from the Mount, though, like Moses, he " wist not" that it thus shone. Affliction bad brought bim nearer than ever before, not to Sinai, but to Calvary ; into closer and more hallowed communion with " the Man of Sor- rows." His religious services breathed much of tbe atmos- phere of Jerusalem above. Love gushed forth in every act and every work. A serenity, more angelic than human, lighted bis countenance and sweetened bis tones. It is not strange that he evinced such power to draw together Nestorian Christian brethren who bad been long and sadly alienated from each other, leading tbem and binding tbem together as by a single hair, as a native graphically expressed it, under tbe heavenly magnetism of bis own benignant look, and throbbing, loving heart. As I now look back and recall bis walk among us during the three short months after bis return till his death, I almost marvel, that in apprehension of bis soon rising, we did not lay bold on tbe skirts of bis garments! But we might not detain an angel! ' On tbe 23d of December be came to Mount Seir, as be and tbe rest of us supposed, perfectly well. But be came, as Moses ascended Pisgab, to die. His work was done, and well done. His last great sacrifice, little short of that of Abraham's offering 36 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. Isaac, bad been made and accepted. " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into tbe joy of thy Lord," was now to be bis summons. Providentially detained at Seir for the night, be was taken sick that evening, and was never afterward able to return to bis home. It was matter of gratitude to God with bim, as be repeatedly said, in the early part of his sickness, that be was sick at my bouse, where it is so much more quiet than at his bouse in tbe city ; and I hardly need say that I account it as one of tbe special boons of my life that I was thus permitted to be with bim in bis last sickness, and that my own dormitory should be hallowed as tbe gate of heaven to his departing spirit. The day after he wTas taken ill, I bad pleasant conversation with him, though be was even then much prostrated by the power of the disease, which was nervous, typhoid fever, that angel of death to so many missionaries. I sat in tbe room with bim preparing a sermon in Syriac to preach tbe next day, from the text, "How old art thou ?" with reference to tbe close of tbe year. After preaching it the next morning, I mentioned to him that I bad suggested in my sermon that for each breath we owe a grateful recognition of mercy, as God gives us the power to draw each breath. He replied: " The Persian poet Sadi says, that we owe two thanksgivings for each breath—for tbe inspiration and tbe expiration." He early expressed to me tbe belief that his disease was typhoid fever, and took medicine accordingly; but preferred to say little about it, lest it should distress bis daughter. On tbe second day of bis sickness he once said, " I feel as though poison was running through all my veins." I said, " You have, however, no such apprehension" (an idea and a practice so com- mon in this wicked country). " Oh, no," be replied ; '• I only refer to tbe effluvia of that bouse which I visited after coming to Seir, where four persons are sick of typhoid fever." He bad visited many others sick of that disease during the previous weeks, and this last exposure could probably have been no more than the occasion of suddenly developing the malady already at work in bis system. On the fifth day of bis sickness, THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 37 Mr. Labaree, who knows something of medicine, visited bim, and staid with bim afterwards till bis death, to bis great gratifi- cation. His disease was so overpowering that he did not incline to converse much after the few first days. He was a meek, patient sufferer, though so much a sufferer that be often groaned audibly. We, of course, needed no death-bed testimony after such a life. He had daily borne a clear witness for Christ for thirty years. On tbe evening of the eighth day of bis sickness, when I was alone with him, be said, " I have never before had such a fever, and bad not thought I should ever have typhoid fever. My sufferings have been intense in my separation from my family." I said, " Do you think those sufferings induced your disease ?" He replied, " I do not know ; sometimes I now think so; but of late, for several weeks, I have been much more comfortable." He soon added, " My mind is becoming confused, and I know not how it will be; if I should not recover, I would like Mrs. Wright to know how keen have been my sufferings while separated from her." This was his only dying message ; and tbe point he bad in mind in it was, that his beloved wife might have an expression of the strength of bis affection for her when far away, and as it proved, stand- ing on the brink of eternity. On the night of tbe ninth day of bis sickness be became delirious, and continued so till bis death, which occurred on Wednesday, January 4, the twelfth day after bis attack. It is grateful to know that, in all bis delirious wanderings, be uttered not a single word to be regretted. Much of the time he was preaching, exhorting, or conversing in Syriac. When spoken to by us be was characteristically gentle, and even courteous, to the last. The presence of Lucy, bis daughter, usually re- called bim to partial consciousness ; with yearning tenderness be sometimes beckoned her near to receive a dying father's kiss, and her affectionate tones, calling father, were tbe last that be recognized. During tbe last two days he was unquiet most of the time ; bis nervous system, which was tbe principal seat of bis disease being greatly affected. A few moments before bis death a 38 THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. sudden change came over bim; bis features became perfectly placid, as though fanned by the wings of hovering angels ; al- most a smile lighted up bis beaming countenance, seeming to say, "O death, where is tby sting?" And he thus gently breathed out his life—" tbe disciple whom Jesus loved"— leaning on His bosom, at the age of fifty-three years and not quite two months. One of bis missionary brethren commended the departing spirit to tbe arms of tbe Saviour, in bis last moments, as we kneeled around bis bed ; after which others repeated tbe stanzas: " Vital spark of heavenly flame, Quit, O quit this mortal frame ; Trembling, hoping, lingering, flying, Oh the pain, the bliss of dying." And, " How blest the righteous when he dies ; When sinks a weary soul to rest, How mildly beam the closing eyes, How gently heaves the expiring breast." While we all deeply felt that tbe chamber where tbe good man meets bis fate is privileged beyond tbe common walks of virtuous life—quite on tbe verge of heaven. On tbe following day, January 5, funeral services were per- formed at Seir, by bis afflicted missionary associates, both in English and in Syriac, and " devout" Nestorians " carried him to bis burial, and made great lamentation over bim." He was buried on our Mount Zion, amid a large concourse of weepers, by tbe side of bis infant son, bearing bis own name, and near the graves of bis fellow-laborers " gone before"—Stoddard, Breath and Thompson, and tbe Sweet Persian Flower and other children of like precious memories. Nature's snowy winding-sheet glistening over all tbe visible creation, save on tbe azure bosom of tbe peaceful lake, seemed but tbe pure emblem of that body at the resurrection, raised in incorruption, arrayed in tbe spotless robes of a Saviour's righteousness, and of the freed spirit already lualking in white among them that are worthy. THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 39 " Servant of God, well done ! Rest from thy loved employ ; The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy. "The pains of death are past, Labor and sorrow cease ; And life's long warfare closed at last, His soul is found in peace. " Soldier of Christ, well done ! Praise be thy new employ ; And while eternal ages run, Rest in the Saviour's joy." As be was a man greatly beloved in life, so is he correspond- ingly lamented in death. Deep and universal is tbe grief among tbe Nestorians, and very extensive tbe sorrow among tbe Mohammedans. As bis body was being lowered into tbe grave, one of tbe most godly of tbe Nestorians who partici- pated in tbe service, toucbingly soliloquized, " The Doctor is dead, and tbe Nestorians die with bim ;" a remark which, with hardly the abatement of an Oriental figure, evinces tbe pro- foundness of tbe sorrow with which bis loss is deplored. A most tenderly affecting circumstance connected with bis removal is tbe presence of bis stricken daughter, far from her kindred, who made such sacrifices to accompany bim to Persia. Dear orphan child ! You will never regret that you did so. It was well worth all those sacrifices to have been such a comfort to tbe bleeding heart of such a father, -and especially to have been at bis side in his last sickness. You need not be told how our hearts yearn for you in your crushing bereavement. We commend you to that sympathizing Saviour who is touched with every feeling of your sorrows. Nowhere except at your own mother's side could you have such sympathy as encircles you here, not only in our mission, but also from hundreds and thousands of Nestorians. Yet bow impotent is all human sym- pathy to fill tbe aching void of your desolate heart. May Jesus soothe and heal the deep wounds which His own loving hand has inflicted. Our thoughts and our sympathies go forth most tenderly also 40 THE BELOVED PHYSTCIAN. to that unsuspecting widow and those orphan children far away, to whom the tidings of this dark providence are speeding their course on the wings of the wind. May that sorely bereaved family be graciously prepared for those tidings, and fully realize in tbeir own experience the richness of those exceeding great and precious promises of our God to tbe widow and tbe father- less, even that He will be tbe widow's God, and a Father to the fatherless ones. In our deep affliction as a bereaved mission, we have sources of comfort and cause for gratitude as well as for sorrow. It is a matter of devout thanksgiving that God sent into the field such a laborer ; spared him to our work for a quarter of a century under such unwonted toils and burdens, and enabled bim to accomplish an amount of good that very seldom crowns a single missionary life. It is a mercy and a cause for gratitude that this veteran soldier was permitted to return to tbe land of bis missionary sacrifices, and lay down bis armor on tbe field of conflict, and find a grave among tbe people of bis love and bis labors, as be bad longed so ardently to do, having publicly expressed that desire in one of tbe last meetings that he attended in America. It is a mercy and a blessing, for which wTe should be devoutly thankful, that another of our beloved brethren has reached heaven, leaving behind bim a record and a memory, which are so priceless a legacy to the missionary cause and to tbe Church of Christ in the world. But we must still sorely feel tbe greatness of our loss, and awake to it more and more. A heavy cloud has settled upon us, of wbicb the unwonted dark and gloomy atmosphere at the time of bis sickness and death, and for many days afterward, was but too fit an emblem. We know, indeed, that the upper surface, on wbicb he gazes is illumed with tbe brightness of heaven, but to us it is most emphatically a shadow of death. For myself I may say that I reel under tbe severity of tbe blow leaning as I bad done on such a brother for twenty-five years, and that faithful and " beautiful staff " being so suddenly taken from my side; and it cannot be far otherwise with us all. Yet we will kiss the rod that inflicts this blow, severe as it is, pray- THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN. 41 g that his mantle may rest upon us, and seeking so to improve he very afflictive event of bis death that it may be a blessing t*> us, and through us to multitudes, a means of eternal life. ay b-od quicken us in our graces, and strengthen us for our ors, and lead us, as our earthly supports are removed, to look more directly up unto tbe bills from whence cometb our belp ; and we may then hope that the cloud which has so sud- denly and sorrowfully enveloped us will burst in showers os mercy and salvation, as has often been tbe case in our experi- ences of our Father's chastening band. And may we be quickened by this solemn providence in our own preparation for death. " Are we not tending upward, too, As fast as time can move ? Nor should we wish the hours more slow That keep us from our love." As we accompanied our brother to Jordan's bank and watched tbe struggle of the passage, and saw the last enemy vanquished, and almost caught echoes of tbe rapturous songs of bis wel- come, did not our hearts longingly say, " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like bis ?" May it be thus to us all! Amen. frjH m