THE PITTSFIELD SUN (PITTSFIELD, MASS.), THURSDAY 18 JULY 1844, P. 3:
DIED,
At Tyringham, June 17th, of Consumption, Rev. ALEXANDER BUSH, formerly Pastor of the Baptist Church at Tyringham and Lee.
THE NORTHERN JOURNAL (LOWVILLE, N.Y.), THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 1844, P. 1:
Obituary of Rev. Alexander Bush.
DIED,---At his residence in Tyringham, Mass., our beloved and lamented brother, Rev. ALEXANDER BUSH, who was more than five years since ordained as pastor of the Tyringham and Lee Baptist Church. In the death of our esteemed brother, the church has lost an affectionate and devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, the world a faithful monitor, and his family a husband and parent whose affection, piety and prudence no language seems adequate to express. Brother Bush was born Feb. 1st, 1810, in the village of Lowville, Lewis Co., N.Y.--In his seventeenth year it pleased God to make him a subject of divine grace. Notwithstanding the most satisfactory evidence was cherished by his friends of his conversion, he indulged his hope with great fearfulness, he thought himself so unworthy to be considered a Christian. Taking the Bible for his guide, he felt directed to offer himself to the Baptist order, and was baptized July, 1827, by Rev. John Blodget, then pastor of the Lowville church. His course was now onward and progressive. Consistency ever marked his conduct--his distinguished traits of character was (sic) meekness, patience and perseverance; these connected with his naturally amiable disposition and affable manners, rendered him a lovely member of society, and gained for him innumerable friends, wherever he was located. For some years he spent most of his time in teaching, in which he was always successful. Very many of his pupils are now scattered in different parts of our Union, who will ever cherish with fond recollection the name of their former instructor. His attention was early called to the work of the gospel ministry, from which he shrunk, from a sense of his own insufficiency, and the vast magnitude of the work. He made it a subject of fervent prayer. Often would he retire to the grove with the tract, "What is Called the Gospel Ministry?" and reflect, read and pray. His troubled soul could not be at ease, until he acquiesced in the judgment of the church, that it was his duty to publicly devote himself to the work of the Lord. Having previously received a license from his brethren, he entered the Theological Institution at Hamilton, in Oct., 1835. While at the Institution, he sustained the reputation of a warm-hearted and confidential friend and brother, having the confidence and respect of students and professors.
During the winter of 1838, he received a call from the Tyringham and Lee Baptist Church, to make them a visit, with the view of settling him as their pastor. He spent the spring vacation with them, which was a blessing to many thirsty souls. The church was then in a low condition. The first effort of our dear brother, was to travel over the hills and through the vales, visiting not only the mansions of the rich, but the miserable huts of the poor, in search of the sheep and lambs that had been scattered in a dark and cloudy day. He became so endeared to the feeble band, that it was with great reluctance they consented to let him return to the Institution to finish with the summer term his regular four years' course. On the 17th of Oct., 1838, he was ordained pastor of the church, and as was expressed by some of his dear brethren that it might be for life, so it proved to be; and in the village grave yard he now reposes, but a few steps from where he received the laying on of hands.
Jan. 10th, 1839, he was married to Miss Susan Miller of West Turin, N.Y., in whom his heart safely trusted, and who now survives him with two little daughters to mourn their irreparable loss.
Brother Bush was not only successful in gaining, but securing the hearts of his congregation; and for his people he labored at the mercy seat, especially for the youth of his charge. During the fall of 1841, he obtained the labors of brother J. Higby and J. Allen Jr, in a series of meetings that God might in his own appointed way gather into his field of such as should be saved. The prayer of faith was heard, backsliders returned confessing, the most pugnent convictons resulted in the glorious conversion of new born souls, and our dear brother saw of the travail of his soul, and was satisfied. From time to time he had the privilege of visiting the water side, and burying the likeness of Christ's death a goodly number of such as believed. To use his own language, he never felt so near heaven as when administering the sacred ordinance of baptism. His subsequent hard labors through the winter, in consequence of increasing responsibilities and demands for new efforts, laid the foundation for his future disease. His labors for others had so engrossed his whole soul, that he was for a time regardless to his approaching illness, which was first of a bronchial nature, and gradually settled into a confirmed consumption. In the spring of 1842 he was obliged to partially suspend his labors from the pulpit and through the week.--His occasional exercises seemed like the breath of heaven; so much of the spirit of his Master was manifest, that some who listened to his feeble voice, felt that he was fast doing up his work here on earth. His meditations of heaven were sweet; he used to speak of the grave as looking beautiful. At all stages of his disease he was a sufferer, but there were periods when he was called to endure the most excruciating pain, yet he murmured not a word, but would say, "My happiness is dearer to the Savior than to myself,--God knows what is best for me."--His last sermon was delivered July 30th, on a funeral occasion, from the words, "And it shall bring him to the king of terrors." There were no physical indications but what he might again expound the scriptures to that beloved people; yet he felt a strong impression it was the last time, so that when he recorded the doings of the day in his diary, he could hardly keep his pen from writing, My Last Sermon.
About eight months previous to his death, he was called to pass through the severest sufferings, occasioned by ulcers gathering in his head. In the midst of such distress he was calm and patient; it seemed to bystanders impossible for human nature to endure such misery with so much composure. But it was only a specimen of the rich grace of God, with which he was endowed; his affections at the time seemed to be lifted above every earthly object. He not only had pains of body to grapple with, but at the same time to fight the internal warfare of the believer. The devil owed him a special spite, because he manifested so much of the spirit of Jesus. He used to fear that he was not a Christian. In a letter which he directed to the brethren of the Berkshire Association, he says, "I was for days struggling with doubts as to my acceptance with God; but Jesus has smiled and given me the rich consolation of his Spirit. My life is bid with Christ in God, and not to die would exclude me from happiness."
Not only in sickness, but in health also, he was distinguished for uniformity of character; the meek lustre of his piety neither blazed ostentatiously at one time, nor wavered and sunk at another; yet he had seasons when in a special manner he seemed visited with the Spirit's influence. It was at such times that he endured such low and abusing views of himself, connected with the most exalted ideas of the beauty and loveliness of the Saviour, and the great propitiation he made for sin. He would say, "O I hope I am washed in that fountain; it is the only hope I have of being admitted into heaven."
For three months previous to his death, his distress was most of the time unabating; he had for two years been subject to the ravages of pain and disease, and he feared lest he should commit a sin in being impatient to go; but he had supporting grace to the last moment. He said to his wife, "A great many ministers die lingering deaths. They assume vast responsibilities, and God seems to call them to test to the world the truth of what they have preached that men may be without excuse." He had often wished that he might not survive his usefulness; this desire was granted, for his weeping friends and acquaintances that came around his sick and dying bed, will never forget the precious words that fell from his lips.
He was released from this earthly tabernacle, June 17th, 1844, aged 34. His funeral services were attended June 19th, when a sermon was delivered to a vast concourse, by Rev. J. Higby, from Rev. 14:13--"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yes, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." And on the Sabbath, at South Lee, by Rev. George Phippen, from 2 Tim. 1:10--"Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."
Very much might it be added portraying the intrinsic worth of our brother, but it is not necessary; his merits live in the hearts of those who knew him, and they are had in everlasting remembrance in the mind of God.
"Go to the grave in all thy glorious prime,
In full activity of zeal and power;
A Christian cannot die before his time,
The Lord's appointment is the servant's hour.
"Go to the grave--go take thy seat above;
Be thy pure spirit present with the lord,
Where thou for faith and hope hast perfect love,
And open vision for the written word."
DIED,
At Tyringham, June 17th, of Consumption, Rev. ALEXANDER BUSH, formerly Pastor of the Baptist Church at Tyringham and Lee.
THE NORTHERN JOURNAL (LOWVILLE, N.Y.), THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 1844, P. 1:
Obituary of Rev. Alexander Bush.
DIED,---At his residence in Tyringham, Mass., our beloved and lamented brother, Rev. ALEXANDER BUSH, who was more than five years since ordained as pastor of the Tyringham and Lee Baptist Church. In the death of our esteemed brother, the church has lost an affectionate and devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, the world a faithful monitor, and his family a husband and parent whose affection, piety and prudence no language seems adequate to express. Brother Bush was born Feb. 1st, 1810, in the village of Lowville, Lewis Co., N.Y.--In his seventeenth year it pleased God to make him a subject of divine grace. Notwithstanding the most satisfactory evidence was cherished by his friends of his conversion, he indulged his hope with great fearfulness, he thought himself so unworthy to be considered a Christian. Taking the Bible for his guide, he felt directed to offer himself to the Baptist order, and was baptized July, 1827, by Rev. John Blodget, then pastor of the Lowville church. His course was now onward and progressive. Consistency ever marked his conduct--his distinguished traits of character was (sic) meekness, patience and perseverance; these connected with his naturally amiable disposition and affable manners, rendered him a lovely member of society, and gained for him innumerable friends, wherever he was located. For some years he spent most of his time in teaching, in which he was always successful. Very many of his pupils are now scattered in different parts of our Union, who will ever cherish with fond recollection the name of their former instructor. His attention was early called to the work of the gospel ministry, from which he shrunk, from a sense of his own insufficiency, and the vast magnitude of the work. He made it a subject of fervent prayer. Often would he retire to the grove with the tract, "What is Called the Gospel Ministry?" and reflect, read and pray. His troubled soul could not be at ease, until he acquiesced in the judgment of the church, that it was his duty to publicly devote himself to the work of the Lord. Having previously received a license from his brethren, he entered the Theological Institution at Hamilton, in Oct., 1835. While at the Institution, he sustained the reputation of a warm-hearted and confidential friend and brother, having the confidence and respect of students and professors.
During the winter of 1838, he received a call from the Tyringham and Lee Baptist Church, to make them a visit, with the view of settling him as their pastor. He spent the spring vacation with them, which was a blessing to many thirsty souls. The church was then in a low condition. The first effort of our dear brother, was to travel over the hills and through the vales, visiting not only the mansions of the rich, but the miserable huts of the poor, in search of the sheep and lambs that had been scattered in a dark and cloudy day. He became so endeared to the feeble band, that it was with great reluctance they consented to let him return to the Institution to finish with the summer term his regular four years' course. On the 17th of Oct., 1838, he was ordained pastor of the church, and as was expressed by some of his dear brethren that it might be for life, so it proved to be; and in the village grave yard he now reposes, but a few steps from where he received the laying on of hands.
Jan. 10th, 1839, he was married to Miss Susan Miller of West Turin, N.Y., in whom his heart safely trusted, and who now survives him with two little daughters to mourn their irreparable loss.
Brother Bush was not only successful in gaining, but securing the hearts of his congregation; and for his people he labored at the mercy seat, especially for the youth of his charge. During the fall of 1841, he obtained the labors of brother J. Higby and J. Allen Jr, in a series of meetings that God might in his own appointed way gather into his field of such as should be saved. The prayer of faith was heard, backsliders returned confessing, the most pugnent convictons resulted in the glorious conversion of new born souls, and our dear brother saw of the travail of his soul, and was satisfied. From time to time he had the privilege of visiting the water side, and burying the likeness of Christ's death a goodly number of such as believed. To use his own language, he never felt so near heaven as when administering the sacred ordinance of baptism. His subsequent hard labors through the winter, in consequence of increasing responsibilities and demands for new efforts, laid the foundation for his future disease. His labors for others had so engrossed his whole soul, that he was for a time regardless to his approaching illness, which was first of a bronchial nature, and gradually settled into a confirmed consumption. In the spring of 1842 he was obliged to partially suspend his labors from the pulpit and through the week.--His occasional exercises seemed like the breath of heaven; so much of the spirit of his Master was manifest, that some who listened to his feeble voice, felt that he was fast doing up his work here on earth. His meditations of heaven were sweet; he used to speak of the grave as looking beautiful. At all stages of his disease he was a sufferer, but there were periods when he was called to endure the most excruciating pain, yet he murmured not a word, but would say, "My happiness is dearer to the Savior than to myself,--God knows what is best for me."--His last sermon was delivered July 30th, on a funeral occasion, from the words, "And it shall bring him to the king of terrors." There were no physical indications but what he might again expound the scriptures to that beloved people; yet he felt a strong impression it was the last time, so that when he recorded the doings of the day in his diary, he could hardly keep his pen from writing, My Last Sermon.
About eight months previous to his death, he was called to pass through the severest sufferings, occasioned by ulcers gathering in his head. In the midst of such distress he was calm and patient; it seemed to bystanders impossible for human nature to endure such misery with so much composure. But it was only a specimen of the rich grace of God, with which he was endowed; his affections at the time seemed to be lifted above every earthly object. He not only had pains of body to grapple with, but at the same time to fight the internal warfare of the believer. The devil owed him a special spite, because he manifested so much of the spirit of Jesus. He used to fear that he was not a Christian. In a letter which he directed to the brethren of the Berkshire Association, he says, "I was for days struggling with doubts as to my acceptance with God; but Jesus has smiled and given me the rich consolation of his Spirit. My life is bid with Christ in God, and not to die would exclude me from happiness."
Not only in sickness, but in health also, he was distinguished for uniformity of character; the meek lustre of his piety neither blazed ostentatiously at one time, nor wavered and sunk at another; yet he had seasons when in a special manner he seemed visited with the Spirit's influence. It was at such times that he endured such low and abusing views of himself, connected with the most exalted ideas of the beauty and loveliness of the Saviour, and the great propitiation he made for sin. He would say, "O I hope I am washed in that fountain; it is the only hope I have of being admitted into heaven."
For three months previous to his death, his distress was most of the time unabating; he had for two years been subject to the ravages of pain and disease, and he feared lest he should commit a sin in being impatient to go; but he had supporting grace to the last moment. He said to his wife, "A great many ministers die lingering deaths. They assume vast responsibilities, and God seems to call them to test to the world the truth of what they have preached that men may be without excuse." He had often wished that he might not survive his usefulness; this desire was granted, for his weeping friends and acquaintances that came around his sick and dying bed, will never forget the precious words that fell from his lips.
He was released from this earthly tabernacle, June 17th, 1844, aged 34. His funeral services were attended June 19th, when a sermon was delivered to a vast concourse, by Rev. J. Higby, from Rev. 14:13--"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yes, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." And on the Sabbath, at South Lee, by Rev. George Phippen, from 2 Tim. 1:10--"Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."
Very much might it be added portraying the intrinsic worth of our brother, but it is not necessary; his merits live in the hearts of those who knew him, and they are had in everlasting remembrance in the mind of God.
"Go to the grave in all thy glorious prime,
In full activity of zeal and power;
A Christian cannot die before his time,
The Lord's appointment is the servant's hour.
"Go to the grave--go take thy seat above;
Be thy pure spirit present with the lord,
Where thou for faith and hope hast perfect love,
And open vision for the written word."
THE PITTSFIELD SUN (PITTSFIELD, MASS.), THURSDAY 18 JULY 1844, P. 3:
DIED,
At Tyringham, June 17th, of Consumption, Rev. ALEXANDER BUSH, formerly Pastor of the Baptist Church at Tyringham and Lee.
THE NORTHERN JOURNAL (LOWVILLE, N.Y.), THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 1844, P. 1:
Obituary of Rev. Alexander Bush.
DIED,---At his residence in Tyringham, Mass., our beloved and lamented brother, Rev. ALEXANDER BUSH, who was more than five years since ordained as pastor of the Tyringham and Lee Baptist Church. In the death of our esteemed brother, the church has lost an affectionate and devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, the world a faithful monitor, and his family a husband and parent whose affection, piety and prudence no language seems adequate to express. Brother Bush was born Feb. 1st, 1810, in the village of Lowville, Lewis Co., N.Y.--In his seventeenth year it pleased God to make him a subject of divine grace. Notwithstanding the most satisfactory evidence was cherished by his friends of his conversion, he indulged his hope with great fearfulness, he thought himself so unworthy to be considered a Christian. Taking the Bible for his guide, he felt directed to offer himself to the Baptist order, and was baptized July, 1827, by Rev. John Blodget, then pastor of the Lowville church. His course was now onward and progressive. Consistency ever marked his conduct--his distinguished traits of character was (sic) meekness, patience and perseverance; these connected with his naturally amiable disposition and affable manners, rendered him a lovely member of society, and gained for him innumerable friends, wherever he was located. For some years he spent most of his time in teaching, in which he was always successful. Very many of his pupils are now scattered in different parts of our Union, who will ever cherish with fond recollection the name of their former instructor. His attention was early called to the work of the gospel ministry, from which he shrunk, from a sense of his own insufficiency, and the vast magnitude of the work. He made it a subject of fervent prayer. Often would he retire to the grove with the tract, "What is Called the Gospel Ministry?" and reflect, read and pray. His troubled soul could not be at ease, until he acquiesced in the judgment of the church, that it was his duty to publicly devote himself to the work of the Lord. Having previously received a license from his brethren, he entered the Theological Institution at Hamilton, in Oct., 1835. While at the Institution, he sustained the reputation of a warm-hearted and confidential friend and brother, having the confidence and respect of students and professors.
During the winter of 1838, he received a call from the Tyringham and Lee Baptist Church, to make them a visit, with the view of settling him as their pastor. He spent the spring vacation with them, which was a blessing to many thirsty souls. The church was then in a low condition. The first effort of our dear brother, was to travel over the hills and through the vales, visiting not only the mansions of the rich, but the miserable huts of the poor, in search of the sheep and lambs that had been scattered in a dark and cloudy day. He became so endeared to the feeble band, that it was with great reluctance they consented to let him return to the Institution to finish with the summer term his regular four years' course. On the 17th of Oct., 1838, he was ordained pastor of the church, and as was expressed by some of his dear brethren that it might be for life, so it proved to be; and in the village grave yard he now reposes, but a few steps from where he received the laying on of hands.
Jan. 10th, 1839, he was married to Miss Susan Miller of West Turin, N.Y., in whom his heart safely trusted, and who now survives him with two little daughters to mourn their irreparable loss.
Brother Bush was not only successful in gaining, but securing the hearts of his congregation; and for his people he labored at the mercy seat, especially for the youth of his charge. During the fall of 1841, he obtained the labors of brother J. Higby and J. Allen Jr, in a series of meetings that God might in his own appointed way gather into his field of such as should be saved. The prayer of faith was heard, backsliders returned confessing, the most pugnent convictons resulted in the glorious conversion of new born souls, and our dear brother saw of the travail of his soul, and was satisfied. From time to time he had the privilege of visiting the water side, and burying the likeness of Christ's death a goodly number of such as believed. To use his own language, he never felt so near heaven as when administering the sacred ordinance of baptism. His subsequent hard labors through the winter, in consequence of increasing responsibilities and demands for new efforts, laid the foundation for his future disease. His labors for others had so engrossed his whole soul, that he was for a time regardless to his approaching illness, which was first of a bronchial nature, and gradually settled into a confirmed consumption. In the spring of 1842 he was obliged to partially suspend his labors from the pulpit and through the week.--His occasional exercises seemed like the breath of heaven; so much of the spirit of his Master was manifest, that some who listened to his feeble voice, felt that he was fast doing up his work here on earth. His meditations of heaven were sweet; he used to speak of the grave as looking beautiful. At all stages of his disease he was a sufferer, but there were periods when he was called to endure the most excruciating pain, yet he murmured not a word, but would say, "My happiness is dearer to the Savior than to myself,--God knows what is best for me."--His last sermon was delivered July 30th, on a funeral occasion, from the words, "And it shall bring him to the king of terrors." There were no physical indications but what he might again expound the scriptures to that beloved people; yet he felt a strong impression it was the last time, so that when he recorded the doings of the day in his diary, he could hardly keep his pen from writing, My Last Sermon.
About eight months previous to his death, he was called to pass through the severest sufferings, occasioned by ulcers gathering in his head. In the midst of such distress he was calm and patient; it seemed to bystanders impossible for human nature to endure such misery with so much composure. But it was only a specimen of the rich grace of God, with which he was endowed; his affections at the time seemed to be lifted above every earthly object. He not only had pains of body to grapple with, but at the same time to fight the internal warfare of the believer. The devil owed him a special spite, because he manifested so much of the spirit of Jesus. He used to fear that he was not a Christian. In a letter which he directed to the brethren of the Berkshire Association, he says, "I was for days struggling with doubts as to my acceptance with God; but Jesus has smiled and given me the rich consolation of his Spirit. My life is bid with Christ in God, and not to die would exclude me from happiness."
Not only in sickness, but in health also, he was distinguished for uniformity of character; the meek lustre of his piety neither blazed ostentatiously at one time, nor wavered and sunk at another; yet he had seasons when in a special manner he seemed visited with the Spirit's influence. It was at such times that he endured such low and abusing views of himself, connected with the most exalted ideas of the beauty and loveliness of the Saviour, and the great propitiation he made for sin. He would say, "O I hope I am washed in that fountain; it is the only hope I have of being admitted into heaven."
For three months previous to his death, his distress was most of the time unabating; he had for two years been subject to the ravages of pain and disease, and he feared lest he should commit a sin in being impatient to go; but he had supporting grace to the last moment. He said to his wife, "A great many ministers die lingering deaths. They assume vast responsibilities, and God seems to call them to test to the world the truth of what they have preached that men may be without excuse." He had often wished that he might not survive his usefulness; this desire was granted, for his weeping friends and acquaintances that came around his sick and dying bed, will never forget the precious words that fell from his lips.
He was released from this earthly tabernacle, June 17th, 1844, aged 34. His funeral services were attended June 19th, when a sermon was delivered to a vast concourse, by Rev. J. Higby, from Rev. 14:13--"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yes, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." And on the Sabbath, at South Lee, by Rev. George Phippen, from 2 Tim. 1:10--"Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."
Very much might it be added portraying the intrinsic worth of our brother, but it is not necessary; his merits live in the hearts of those who knew him, and they are had in everlasting remembrance in the mind of God.
"Go to the grave in all thy glorious prime,
In full activity of zeal and power;
A Christian cannot die before his time,
The Lord's appointment is the servant's hour.
"Go to the grave--go take thy seat above;
Be thy pure spirit present with the lord,
Where thou for faith and hope hast perfect love,
And open vision for the written word."
DIED,
At Tyringham, June 17th, of Consumption, Rev. ALEXANDER BUSH, formerly Pastor of the Baptist Church at Tyringham and Lee.
THE NORTHERN JOURNAL (LOWVILLE, N.Y.), THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 1844, P. 1:
Obituary of Rev. Alexander Bush.
DIED,---At his residence in Tyringham, Mass., our beloved and lamented brother, Rev. ALEXANDER BUSH, who was more than five years since ordained as pastor of the Tyringham and Lee Baptist Church. In the death of our esteemed brother, the church has lost an affectionate and devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, the world a faithful monitor, and his family a husband and parent whose affection, piety and prudence no language seems adequate to express. Brother Bush was born Feb. 1st, 1810, in the village of Lowville, Lewis Co., N.Y.--In his seventeenth year it pleased God to make him a subject of divine grace. Notwithstanding the most satisfactory evidence was cherished by his friends of his conversion, he indulged his hope with great fearfulness, he thought himself so unworthy to be considered a Christian. Taking the Bible for his guide, he felt directed to offer himself to the Baptist order, and was baptized July, 1827, by Rev. John Blodget, then pastor of the Lowville church. His course was now onward and progressive. Consistency ever marked his conduct--his distinguished traits of character was (sic) meekness, patience and perseverance; these connected with his naturally amiable disposition and affable manners, rendered him a lovely member of society, and gained for him innumerable friends, wherever he was located. For some years he spent most of his time in teaching, in which he was always successful. Very many of his pupils are now scattered in different parts of our Union, who will ever cherish with fond recollection the name of their former instructor. His attention was early called to the work of the gospel ministry, from which he shrunk, from a sense of his own insufficiency, and the vast magnitude of the work. He made it a subject of fervent prayer. Often would he retire to the grove with the tract, "What is Called the Gospel Ministry?" and reflect, read and pray. His troubled soul could not be at ease, until he acquiesced in the judgment of the church, that it was his duty to publicly devote himself to the work of the Lord. Having previously received a license from his brethren, he entered the Theological Institution at Hamilton, in Oct., 1835. While at the Institution, he sustained the reputation of a warm-hearted and confidential friend and brother, having the confidence and respect of students and professors.
During the winter of 1838, he received a call from the Tyringham and Lee Baptist Church, to make them a visit, with the view of settling him as their pastor. He spent the spring vacation with them, which was a blessing to many thirsty souls. The church was then in a low condition. The first effort of our dear brother, was to travel over the hills and through the vales, visiting not only the mansions of the rich, but the miserable huts of the poor, in search of the sheep and lambs that had been scattered in a dark and cloudy day. He became so endeared to the feeble band, that it was with great reluctance they consented to let him return to the Institution to finish with the summer term his regular four years' course. On the 17th of Oct., 1838, he was ordained pastor of the church, and as was expressed by some of his dear brethren that it might be for life, so it proved to be; and in the village grave yard he now reposes, but a few steps from where he received the laying on of hands.
Jan. 10th, 1839, he was married to Miss Susan Miller of West Turin, N.Y., in whom his heart safely trusted, and who now survives him with two little daughters to mourn their irreparable loss.
Brother Bush was not only successful in gaining, but securing the hearts of his congregation; and for his people he labored at the mercy seat, especially for the youth of his charge. During the fall of 1841, he obtained the labors of brother J. Higby and J. Allen Jr, in a series of meetings that God might in his own appointed way gather into his field of such as should be saved. The prayer of faith was heard, backsliders returned confessing, the most pugnent convictons resulted in the glorious conversion of new born souls, and our dear brother saw of the travail of his soul, and was satisfied. From time to time he had the privilege of visiting the water side, and burying the likeness of Christ's death a goodly number of such as believed. To use his own language, he never felt so near heaven as when administering the sacred ordinance of baptism. His subsequent hard labors through the winter, in consequence of increasing responsibilities and demands for new efforts, laid the foundation for his future disease. His labors for others had so engrossed his whole soul, that he was for a time regardless to his approaching illness, which was first of a bronchial nature, and gradually settled into a confirmed consumption. In the spring of 1842 he was obliged to partially suspend his labors from the pulpit and through the week.--His occasional exercises seemed like the breath of heaven; so much of the spirit of his Master was manifest, that some who listened to his feeble voice, felt that he was fast doing up his work here on earth. His meditations of heaven were sweet; he used to speak of the grave as looking beautiful. At all stages of his disease he was a sufferer, but there were periods when he was called to endure the most excruciating pain, yet he murmured not a word, but would say, "My happiness is dearer to the Savior than to myself,--God knows what is best for me."--His last sermon was delivered July 30th, on a funeral occasion, from the words, "And it shall bring him to the king of terrors." There were no physical indications but what he might again expound the scriptures to that beloved people; yet he felt a strong impression it was the last time, so that when he recorded the doings of the day in his diary, he could hardly keep his pen from writing, My Last Sermon.
About eight months previous to his death, he was called to pass through the severest sufferings, occasioned by ulcers gathering in his head. In the midst of such distress he was calm and patient; it seemed to bystanders impossible for human nature to endure such misery with so much composure. But it was only a specimen of the rich grace of God, with which he was endowed; his affections at the time seemed to be lifted above every earthly object. He not only had pains of body to grapple with, but at the same time to fight the internal warfare of the believer. The devil owed him a special spite, because he manifested so much of the spirit of Jesus. He used to fear that he was not a Christian. In a letter which he directed to the brethren of the Berkshire Association, he says, "I was for days struggling with doubts as to my acceptance with God; but Jesus has smiled and given me the rich consolation of his Spirit. My life is bid with Christ in God, and not to die would exclude me from happiness."
Not only in sickness, but in health also, he was distinguished for uniformity of character; the meek lustre of his piety neither blazed ostentatiously at one time, nor wavered and sunk at another; yet he had seasons when in a special manner he seemed visited with the Spirit's influence. It was at such times that he endured such low and abusing views of himself, connected with the most exalted ideas of the beauty and loveliness of the Saviour, and the great propitiation he made for sin. He would say, "O I hope I am washed in that fountain; it is the only hope I have of being admitted into heaven."
For three months previous to his death, his distress was most of the time unabating; he had for two years been subject to the ravages of pain and disease, and he feared lest he should commit a sin in being impatient to go; but he had supporting grace to the last moment. He said to his wife, "A great many ministers die lingering deaths. They assume vast responsibilities, and God seems to call them to test to the world the truth of what they have preached that men may be without excuse." He had often wished that he might not survive his usefulness; this desire was granted, for his weeping friends and acquaintances that came around his sick and dying bed, will never forget the precious words that fell from his lips.
He was released from this earthly tabernacle, June 17th, 1844, aged 34. His funeral services were attended June 19th, when a sermon was delivered to a vast concourse, by Rev. J. Higby, from Rev. 14:13--"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yes, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." And on the Sabbath, at South Lee, by Rev. George Phippen, from 2 Tim. 1:10--"Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."
Very much might it be added portraying the intrinsic worth of our brother, but it is not necessary; his merits live in the hearts of those who knew him, and they are had in everlasting remembrance in the mind of God.
"Go to the grave in all thy glorious prime,
In full activity of zeal and power;
A Christian cannot die before his time,
The Lord's appointment is the servant's hour.
"Go to the grave--go take thy seat above;
Be thy pure spirit present with the lord,
Where thou for faith and hope hast perfect love,
And open vision for the written word."
Inscription
REV
ALEXANDER
BUSH.
Born
Feb. 1, 1810.
Ordained Pastor
at the
Baptist Church in
Tyringham & Lee
Oct. 17, 1838.
Married to
Susan Miller,
Of Turin, N.Y.
Jan. 10, 1839.
DIED
June 17, 1844.
Family Members
Children
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Records on Ancestry
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