Unknown County GaArchives Biographies.....Brantly, William T. 1787 - 1845
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Author: J. H. Campbell

WILLIAM T. BRANTLY, SR., D. D.

  For forty years he was known as one of the most laborious, gifted and
successful ministers of the gospel connected with the Baptist denomination.
Monuments of his usefulness, incalculably more durable than brass, are found in
various parts of our Union. The hundreds who have been converted to God through
his instrumentality, the numerous saints who have grown in grace under his
ministry, the large numbers who have been trained by his instructions for the
important stations which they are now filling in life, call upon us to preserve
from oblivion the memory of one who was so dear to them and such a blessing to
the world.

  Dr. Brantly was born in January, 1787, in Chatham county, in the State of
North Carolina. Being one of a numerous family of children but scantily provided
with this world's goods, he was deprived of the benefits of liberal instruction
at that age when the mind is most docile, and when the most permanent
impressions are produced. This deficiency was in part compensated by the tuition
of his mother—a lady who, though of very imperfect education, was remarkable for
her piety and decision of character. Under her care, he conceived at the
tenderest age an unusual fondness for reading, and though compelled to daily
labor upon a farm, many a volume was digested, and much valuable information
acquired in those moments when he was relieved from more urgent avocations.

  When he had about completed his fourteenth year, it pleased God to make him a
new creature. He was brought to a knowledge of the truth during a very powerful
and extensive revival of religion which was enjoyed for several years in the
States south and west of Virginia, about the commencement of the present
century. The peculiar characteristics of his mental exercises in conversion were
pungent convictions of his sinful-ness and danger. Before finding peace in
Christ, he was the subject of most distressing apprehensions of the wrath of
God. Pardon for such a sinner as he was, he thought impossible—his perdition
seemed inevitable. His faith at first very feebly apprehended the Saviour, and
if he rejoiced at all, it was with great trembling. Nor was it until he was
baptized in obedience to Christ's command, that he was entirely delivered. It
was during his baptism, as he has been heard to say, that every doubt was
dispelled, and that he was favored with a most luminous manifestation of the
divine presence. He came up out of the water and went on his way rejoicing. The
mental agony which he suffered in the period just referred to, seems to have
been permitted as one qualification for the important work to which he was
subsequently called. It prepared him to appreciate the distress of souls
burdened with sin. In his intercourse with such persons, we have never known,
one more sympathizing and tender. When he saw the anguish of the convicted
sinner, it seemed to revive afresh the recollection of his own sorrows. With
many tears of sympathy, we have seen him pointing hundreds of distressed ones to
the Saviour, who had delivered his "feet from falling and his soul from death."

  After his conversion, Dr. Brantly seemed to have no other thought or desire
but that of devoting his life to the service of God. A profession of religion
had hardly been made, before, with a zeal which some might deem indiscreet, but
which in him was irrepressible, he commenced, publicly and privately, wherever a
hearing could be secured, exhorting sinners to repentance. At this period, in
the exuberance of his youthful zeal, when excited by the presence of a
congregation, ho would become so anxious to do good, that ho has been frequently
known to rise after the regular services were concluded, and ask permission to
exhort the people farther. This he did in the most affecting manner. More than
one sinner has dated his convictions to the appeals made by "that boy who spoke
after the minister had done."

  Shortly after professing Christ, a wealthy friend, impressed with his talents,
tendered him such assistance as might be requisite for him to prosecute his
studies to the extent of preparation for college. The proposition was cheerfully
accepted, and he became at once a very diligent student—not unmindful, at the
same time, of- the work which he had proposed as the great business of life. In
a few years he entered South Carolina College. At this time, the institution was
enjoying the presidential labors of Jonathan Maxcy, whose valuable memoirs have
recently been published, and who had previously been the distinguished President
of Brown University and of Union College. Betwixt the pupil and the preceptor an
intimacy far stronger than is ordinarily found between those sustaining such a
relationship soon grew up. The scholar was an enthusiastic admirer of the
talents, learning and piety of the president. The latter, looking upon the
student as a companion and friend, received him into a familiar intercourse
which lasted through life. Dr. Brantly frequently reverted to the instructions
and conversations of Maxcy as having been of inexpressible value to him. If the
digression may be pardoned, we will quote from the writings of the former a few
sentences which were penned long after the subject of them had departed from time:

  "The name of Maxcy is one greatly endeared to us, no less from considerations
of personal attachment than from admiration of talent and excellence seldom
equaled. Could we furnish a faithful picture of his intellectual and moral
worth, we should perform a service which refined genius and elevated piety might
view with instruction and delight. We should, in such a case, set forth the
accomplished scholar, the powerful advocate of gospel truth, the preacher of
inimitable eloquence, the amiable and successful president, whose deep erudition
and abundant resources in every liberal attainment imparted character and
respectability to three colleges, which continue to hold a high rank among the
institutions of our country. But the original is gone, and the impressions which
memory preserves are too faint and imperfect to furnish even an indistinct
outline. We entertain, however, a few long cherished impressions, which our
mind, tenacious of its theme, will always delight to hold. To the writer of-
this sketch, he w-as peculiarly kind and accessible; and it is probable that no
oue living heard so much from his lips on the all-important subject of
experimental religion. Ho would say to him, 'Sir, I have found that there is
peace in believing. This restless heart could never bo steady until it found
quietude in the Saviour of sinners. All true religion is seated in the heart,
the source of action and virtue. Devotedness of heart implies a constant
obedience of all the affections to the divine will, and an external practical
observance of all the duties, religious and moral.' * * *

  "His preaching possessed a power and charm .which we never have witnessed to
the same extent in any other man. His voice, though not deep and heavy, was
peculiarly clear and harmonious. Every syllable that he uttered was as distinct
and audible as if struck with a hammer upon the best toned bell. His whole soul
appeared to come up to his subject, and, seizing it with a mighty grasp, to
raise it up in the glow of light and beauty to the view of his admiring and
delighted hearers. Under the pressure of a weighty theme, his strength seemed to
be augmented in proportion to the magnitude and difficulty of the subject. In
such a case, the richness of his mind would burst forth in a profusion of light
and vigor. His fullness, on such occasions, was overflowing, and the very waste
of power was more than common minds could bring into action. Whilst thus
expanding into greatness and sublimity with the majesty of his subject, his
whole countenance acquired peculiar expression. His piercing eye darted forth
beams of light— every feature of his face caught the tinge of animated
intelligence which his clear, emphatic voice was sounding forth for the
instruction and admiration of those who heard him. At the same time, his
language was select and most appropriate, and his whole style strictly terse and
classical. It is easy to perceive that the subject, whatever it might be, which
fell within his searching analysis, and stood forth in the light of his
eloquence, would earn the favor of a whole audience. But when it is remembered
that religion was the theme, we can readily appreciate the influence which Dr.
Hascy exerted over the minds of men."

  Though compelled, whilst in college, to sustain himself mainly by his own
exertions, Dr. Brantly took high rank as a scholar, and graduated with
distinction in 1808.

  It was his design, upon graduation, to enter upon a field where he might
devote his undivided energies to the ministry. But at this period there were
probably not half a dozen churches in all South Carolina and Georgia which
sustained a regular ministry. To secure a support, therefore, he took the
rectorship of the Richmond Academy, in Augusta, Georgia, an institution well
endowed by the State. Here he remained for about two years, teaching during the
week, and preaching every Sabbath to some of the destitute congregations in the
city and vicinity. Whilst residing in this place, he was married to the sister
of Governor McDonald. In the choice of his companion he was singularly
fortunate. She was a help-meet indeed. A competent judge, who was well
acquainted with her, has said that she was a lady of such "talents, piety and
accomplishments as are rarely combined in one person." To her efficient and
affectionate tutorship, the writer has frequently heard the husband ascribe much
of that success which, under God, he was subsequently enabled to achieve as a
scholar and as a minister.

  In 1811, Dr. Brantly was invited to the pastorship of the Baptist church in
Beaufort, South Carolina, since under the care of Dr. Fuller. In their call they
said to him, "If you will come and minister to us in spirituals, we will
minister to you temporals." This was the amount of salary tendered. Deeming it
sufficient, and anxious to give his time entirely to the ministry of the word,
he resigned his situation in Augusta, and removed to Beaufort. Here he remained
for eight years, constantly growing in usefulness, and in the affection ate
regard of his people. Sinners were converted, saints were edified, and thus
Christ's kingdom was built up through his instrumentality. In addition to his
pastoral labors in this place, he was also president of the Beaufort college for
several years. Whilst in this vocation, he numbered among his pupils that
distinguished minister, Rev. Dr. Puller, and the Rev. Dr. Manly, his predecessor
in Charleston. The latter gentleman, addressing his beloved preceptor and
friend, during his last illness, says to him, "To you, more than to any other
man, I owe, under God, whatever I am, or have done in the world."

  During his residence in Beaufort, he was a frequent contributor to the
American Baptist Magazine, then published in Boston. His earliest published
effusions are found in this work. The surviving readers of the periodical at the
time referred to, no doubt well remember the interest excited by the
communications of "Theophilus." An eminent divine, speaking of these articles
since the death of their author, remarks, "that they were read and reread, and
laid up among the most select treasures of memory. It will remain for the day
that shall reveal hidden things, to show what multitudes of young persons in the
United States received the tone of their intellectual and Christian character
from these inspiring productions."

  After he had been settled for some time in Beaufort, it was thought that the
preaching of Dr. Brantly had too much of the intellectual and not enough of the
spiritual—too much of the philosophy of Christianity and not enough of the
marrow of the gospel. Though characterized by much power and originality, it was
not thought to possess that unction and tenderness for which it was afterwads so
remarkable. The zeal and ardor of the young exhorter had sobered off into the
precise logician. He needed something to make him more effective in reaching the
heart. This he received as the fruit of an affliction, "which overwhelmed him
with unutterable sorrow. It was the death of his pious companion, which occurred
in 1818. We cannot better describe the effect which this event produced upon him
than by quoting the following extract from some of his private writings, never
designed for the public eye, and never before given to the public. It is a
striking illustration of the salutary effect which a chastening from the Lord
produces upon a Christian heart. The extract which we make is a long one. But no
one, we think, who reads it, will regret its length. He will rather regret that
the limits of this article preclude the insertion of the whole. A more beautiful
and touching piece of composition we have rarely seen.

  "I have long contemplated the ravages of death, in the desolation of those
families to whose acquaintance divine Providence has directed me in the course
of my ministry. I have seen the weeping parent, trembling in anguish over the
grave of the departed child, and children, have I seen, bewailing the loss of
their parents. In scenes of diversified grief, it has been my lot to witness a
large portion of those afflictions incident to my guilty species. But none of
these things had come near to me; only with my eyes had I seen them, and in the
sympathies of my heart had I felt them. I had seen the tide of human woe rushing
by me, and bearing others on its ruffled surface, whilst no torrents moved me
along in the swelling course. Often called to minister comfort to others under
their distress, it had been my endeavor to identify my own ease with theirs, and
to raise into sanctified sorrow that which might have seemed nothing more than
natural affection. At length the volume of grief is unrolled in my own house. I
am called to read and moisten every page with my tears. 'I was at ease, and God
hath broken me asunder.’ On my eyelids he has caused to rest the shadow of
death. He has applied the hand of death to the loveliest object that ever
attracted my eyes, or warmed my heart. In a moment he has taken from me the
charms of intellect and the counsels of prudence. He has stopped, by the
coldness of a mortal chill, the sweet current of maternal affection, and 0, my
God has taken from me my immortal Anna. The tenderest earthly name I ever read
is blotted with the blackness of dissolution, and my bleeding bosom is torn from
lover and friend.

  "Though it has pleased a merciful God thus to crush me with the pressure of
tribulation, yet I would not repine at his dispensation, nor vainly fret because
lie has trodden me down under his awful sovereignty. The time had arrived when
it was necessary that my divided heart should be formed to greater singleness
for God, and the dross of my affections purged from a worldly mixture which had
grown alarming. A diseased soul required the salutary hand of the great
Physician; and it was reasonable to expect that he would form the necessary
prescription. Had its selection been given up to me, my foolish and fond heart
would have inclined me to say, 'Lord, spare me in that part where, of all
others, I am most vulnerable. Let me not be cut to the heart by viewing the
dying conflict of my ever endeared wife. Spai'e to me the guide and companion of
my youth, the cheerer of my solitudes, the solace of my perplexities and doubts,
and the centre of my domestic joy. Cut me not off from the sweet counsel I have
taken in going with her to the house of God.'

  "But I should have chosen thus to prolong her abode in the distractions of a
world uncongenial with her heavenly tendencies. Through the whole period of nine
years in which we were united, I had seen her leaning towards heaven, bending
forward towards her incorruptible reversion, often soaring, on the pinions of a
glowing faith, above this region of clouds, and resting in the realizing support
of a spiritual home. Why, then, do I wonder that she has at last attained the
wished for summit, that her spirit has reached its native skies, and will no
more return to soothe my bleeding heart? Why should I think it strange that the
dove should seek its window, and the wanderer, a home?

  "By this stroke of his hand, the Lord has set the world before me in the naked
vanity of all its offers and enjoyments. He has refuted, by one tremendous
argument, all my extravagant calculation, and revealed the only object of a
sinner's consolation and hope. Much of my anguish may be only the result of
natural feeling and worldly attachment; yet I am constrained to bless God that
he has made my heart soft, though I am greatly troubled by the overwhelming
calamity which has been the means of subduing my unrelenting nature. Hence,
though my grief is a gloomy burden, I would not have it removed. I am made a
mourner all my clays, and shall carry the impress of woe deeply formed on the
tablet of my heart. I can believe, without the shadow of a doubt, that the
spirit of that loved one who has gone, now with the rapt seraph adores and burns
around the throne of God. The certainty of her high felicity must reconcile my
lacerated feelings to the idea of a short separation."

  In 1819, the Trustees of the Academy in Augusta invited Dr. Brantly to resume
the rectorship. Augusta having increased considerably in size, and promising to
become one of the most important towns of the State, he acceded to their request
to return there, in the hope that he might also be able to establish a Baptist
interest in that growing community. Upon his removal to Augusta, scarcely half a
dozen Baptists could be found in the whole city. The few, however, were
collected, and he preached to them in the chapel of the Academy on every Lord's
day. The congregation increased rapidly, and in the course of a few years he was
permitted to see, mainly through his efforts, a substantial house of worship,
which had cost twenty-two thousand dollars, and a flourishing church where the
Baptist name had recently been comparatively unknown. For seven years he
ministered to this flock "without money and without price," depending upon his
daily labor for support.

  At the dedication of the church just referred to, he preached and published a
discourse on the "Beauty and Stability of Gospel Institutions." It may be
interesting to repeat the opinion expressed of this earliest effort of Dr.
Brantly by a judicious critic. Speaking of this sermon, the "American Baptist
Magazine" for March, 1822, a copy of which is now before us, says: "This sermon
is evidently the production of a man of learning and genius. It is everywhere
forcibly, and in many places eloquently written. Although the subject is trite,
yet the author displays in the discussion of it a vigor and originality of mind
which cannot fail to interest and instruct. We have seldom seen the progress of
Christianity more eloquently sketched than in the following paragraph:

  " 'In forming a scheme for the conversion of mankind, what mind could ever
have devised one so improbable as the cross of Christ? To human wisdom, it would
have appeared an idle phrenzy to think of reducing a rebellious people to
allegiance by the unmixed scandal of an ignominious crucifixion. Of all
improbable plans, this might have seemed the most unpromising. Yet, behold what
wonders are accomplished by the unvarnished majesty of this simple fact. Without
any of the aids of learning, of authority, or of eloquence; with none of the
ingenious sophistries of the schools; without any elaborate discussions, or
studied appeals to the passions, we see humble, unassuming men carrying in
triumph a religion obnoxious to the repulsive spirit of pride and ambition. They
had the approving tokens of divine regard. Their gospel became the power of God
and the wisdom of God to them that believed; and their work, which in itself
would have been the derision of every idler, when confirmed by the hand of the
Lord supplied to thousands the elements of a new life, struck terror into the
opposing ranks of sin, subverted the rites which antiquity had consecrated, and
organized communities for the worship of one God and one Mediator. Nor has their
case been one of uncommon occurrence. The effects of that preaching, in which
Christ crucified is the leading theme, are still stupendous. It contains the
power of a mysterious attraction. The solemn echo from groaning Calvary is the
eloquence which persuades men. Here shines the true morality; here virtue is
improved into devotion; here the soul catches the fire of a holy inspiration,
and rises to assert its kindred with the spirits of the just.'"

  Whilst a resident of Georgia/Dr. Brantly exerted an excellent influence upon
the denomination throughout the State. He was active in organizing the Baptist
Convention of the State, was zealous in advocating the cause of missions and of
ministerial education, and in every good work he was the efficient coadjutor of
the Mercers and Armstrongs of the times. At the distance of a quarter of a
century, the salutary impression of his labors is distinctly felt and gratefully
acknowledged by large numbers.

  In 1824, the pastorship of the First Baptist church in Philadelphia became
vacant by the death of the much lamented Henry Holcombe. We have understood that
in his last moments Dr. Holcombe warmly recommended Dr. Brantly as one under
whose ministrations he would be happy to leave the church. In accordance with
this suggestion, Dr. Brantly was invited to visit them. The result of this visit
was a unanimous call to be their pastor. A large sphere of usefulness, as he
deemed it, being thus presented, he removed to Philadelphia in the spring of
1826. That success which had crowned his labors at the South, attended them at
the North. He soon became known as one of the most eloquent preachers in the
city. Under his ministry the congregation increased; there was a number of
powerful revivals, and many who are now known as among the most efficient and
liberal members of the denomination, were brought into the church.

  In 1827, the publication entitled "The Columbian Star," which, we believe, had
previously been the property of the Baptist Triennial Convention, was removed to
Philadelphia, and the editorial department was confided to his care. How this
trust was discharged is well known, since several thousand copies of the paper
were circulated in different parts of the Union. He continued to edit this paper
for about eight years. In its columns, during this period, may be found, we
think, some of his ablest writings. Valuable articles on church discipline,
important points of Christian doctrine and practice, and essays on a great
variety of subjects everywhere abound. Could they be collected and published,
they would make a very useful, and, we doubt not, acceptable volume.

  Shortly after taking charge of the "Star," Dr. Brantly became acquainted with
a young man, then unknown to fame, with whom he was so much pleased that he
associated him with himself in the conduct of the paper. This young man was
afterwards well known as Willis Gaylord Clark, who has written some of the
sweetest of American poetry. In the literary writings of this gentleman, which
have been published since his decease, his biographer, the Hon. Judge Conrad, of
Philadelphia, thus alludes to Mr. Clark's intercourse with Dr. Brantly:

  "From his connection with Dr. Brantly, a clergyman of great eminence, Mr.
Clark derived many advantages. To an intellect of the very highest order, a
copious supply of various and rare learning, au eloquence which illuminated
whatever it was applied to, a remarkable purity and clearness of style, and the
most rigorous habits of thought, Dr. Brantly united a spirit touched with the
finest impulses of humanity and an affability of demeanor which, while it
imparted grace to his manner, made him, in all circumstances, easy and
accessible. Upon his young friend and associate, these qualities, acting with
sympathetic influence, produced a lasting and most salutary impression. The
counsels of the divine pointed him to the path in which he ought to travel; the
example of the scholar inspired him with a generous emulation; and the mild
benevolence of the Christian gentleman taught him the importance of cultivating
benignity of temper and of subduing all untoward passions."

  During his residence in Philadelphia. Dr. Brantly published a volume of
sermons, being principally those which had been delivered to his people in the
regular course of pastoral labor, The interest with which this volume was
received is evinced by the fact that the whole edition was soon disposed of and"
followed by still farther demands. Though lucid and forcible discourses, we do
not think, as a whole, that they sustained the expectation which his oral
performances had created. They were prepared for the press with much haste, at
the urgent solicitation of his people. Others of his sermons, which were taken
clown by A stenographer as he delivered them extempore, and subsequently
published just as they were preached, we think decidedly better illustrations of
his preaching power than many of the discourses in this volume.

  During his residence in this city, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was
conferred upon him by Brown University. We presume that it was bestowed through
the influence of the president of that institution, of whose talents he was a
sincere admirer.

  After having been settled in Philadelphia for nearly twelve years; Dr.
Brantley's health began to fail. Apprehensive lest the severity of a northern
climate might entirely prostrate his already shattered constitution, at the same
time what he believed to be a promising field opening in Charleston, he resigned
the charge of the church in Philadelphia and entered upon that of the First
Baptist church in the former city. For two or three years after his removal to
Charleston, he did not enjoy that success which attended his labors in all other
places. Several members of the church, to whom he had particularly looked for
countenance and aid, taking exception to some of his views and practices,
declined cordial co-operation with their pastor. The consequence was, that he
was for a time thrown into much discouragement and distress. In such a state of
things, there were but few conversions and many dissensions. The malcontents
were finally dismissed to form a new church. Soon after their withdrawal a
better state of things began to appear. The church and congregation then became
warmly united and ardently attached to their spiritual guide. Their affection
was reciprocated by the most indefatigable labors for their welfare. He had the
happiness of rejoicing with many new-born souls, and of burying them with Christ
in baptism. At the time that an inscrutible providence smote him with fatal
disease, the church was enjoying a deep and extensive work of grace.

  Dr. Brantley's labors, after his return to the South, were too arduous.
Shortly after his 'removal to Charleston, he was elected President of the
College of Charleston. Believing that he could perform the duties of both
offices, and thus extend his usefulness, he accepted the appointment. Under his
administration the College was more prosperous than at any former period of its
history. The number of students largely increased, and the institution
constantly grew in popularity. In the meantime, unremitting labor had seriously
undermined his constitution. Whilst about to hear the recitation of the senior
class, on the 13th of July, 1844, he was attacked with a paralysis, which, after
keeping him for some months in the most affecting prostration and helplessness,
terminated fatally.

  The malady which prostrated his body, also afflicted him with mental
imbecility. Although there were lucid intervals during his illness, in which he
signified to his friends as well as he was able, that lie was perfectly aware of
his situation, and fully resigned to the divine will, yet his intellect was
evidently sympathizing with his body. Though his prostration was sudden, it was
not altogether unexpected. For two years prior to his death,-he supposed himself
to be affected with a disease of the heart, which, although it did not
disqualify him for his public duties, might terminate fatally at any moment. On
one occasion, he remarked to a friend, "I have had death constantly before me
for the last two years. I have been looking for it every day." Writing to a
member of his family a few weeks before his attack, he said, "Were I to be
seized with a paralysis of the arm or leg, I should at once become an object of
wretchedness and pity." At another time he said, "I shall break off suddenly,
and I think I had rather die in the harness."

  It is evident from these expressions, that Providence afforded him a
presentiment of what awaited him. The summons did not reach him unprepared. It
found him with his armor on, doing with his might what his bands found to do in
his Master's service. He had "oil in his vessel;" and with his lamp trimmed and
burning, he promptly and cheerfully responded to the cry, "Go ye out to meet
him." He departed this life in Augusta, Georgia, in March, 1845, in the city
which had been the scene of his early labors, and among the attached friends of
his youthful years.

  It has been justly said of Dr. Brantly, that his life was an. uninterrupted
scene of arduous labor. In addition to the ministerial labors, which were always
abundant, he was constantly engaged in the instruction of youth. To him idleness
was in-supportably irksome. He had a love for labor. For several years, whilst
residing in Philadelphia, besides being the pastor of one of the largest
churches in that city, he taught a school, edited a religious newspaper,
rendered much service to the Baptist Tract Society, of whose board he was the
president, in the selection of tracts, and when the agent of that society, the
beloved Davis, died, he discharged his duties for six mouths, in order that his
destitute family might have the benefit of the salary for this period. His
distinguished friend, the late president of the Alabama University,* speaking of
him, says:

*Dr. B. Manly, Sr.


  "He was always busy, and yet never confused or behind-hand; and he ever found
time for all the innumerable and nameless demands which were made upon him,
whenever God and his fellow-men were to be served. The principle of his success
amid herculean labors was, first, that he attended to one thing at a time, never
suffering interruption; and secondly, he devoted his whole energy, in the most
concentrated and absorbing attention, to whatever was before him. His mind, by
use, became like a prism catching the combined radiance of an intricate subject,
and distributing it into its elements almost in an instant."

  His love for teaching amounted almost to a passion. He delighted in that which
many look upon as a drudgery. As might be expected, he was eminently successful
in imparting knowledge. Many who now occupy important positions in the pulpit,
in our national councils, and at the bar, received much of their intellectual
training from him. Wherever he met with an indigent youth of promise, desiring
instruction at his hands, he tood him under his care without charge. He
instructed gratuitously not a few, who are now useful servants of the Lord Jesus.

  As an intellectual man, Dr. Fuller says of him, "He had not many superiors in
this country." His mind was remarkable for his grand and comprehensive views. Ho
seemed to grasp a subject in all its bearings; and, resolving it into its
elements, could hold it up in a very perspicuous light to others. His avocation
as a teacher kept his naturally vigorous mind in healthy exercise. He delighted
in the Latin and Greek classics, and was constantly in the habit of reading
them. His exquisite taste readily detected their beauties; and no one could be
long in his company without perceiving that his lips were "wet with Castalian
dews."

In almost every department of learning he had attained respectable proficiency.
It was, however, in the languages and in the metaphysics that he excelled. He
was one of the most critical linguists and profound metaphysicians which this
country has ever produced. The already too protracted length of this article
will not permit us to record evidences of his excellence as a scholar, which
might be interesting and instructive.

  It may be said, however, that preaching was the forte of Dr. Brantly. This was
ever his delightful employment. His noble person and fine voice conferred upon
him great natural advantages as an orator. He never appeared so well as when
proclaiming the gospel to perishing sinners. It was impossible for any one to
hear him, without being convinced that he was thoroughly in earnest. He seemed
to say, "I believe, therefore I speak." Some of the discourses which he preached
were attended with extraordinary success. Prom twenty to thirty persons have
been known to ascribe their conviction to a single sermon.

  His appeals to the backslider were frequently irresistible. He would assail
such persons with the most melting rhetoric to which we have ever listened. It
required a stout heart, indeed, to withstand the tears and entreaties with which
he would beseech them to return to their deserted Lord.

  Although the crowds that attended his ministry attest their general acceptance
of his labors, and the fruits of his efforts fittest his usefulness, yet there
were occasions when he was not equal to himself. At such times he seemed to
preach with considerable difficulty, and not to enter much into the spirit of
his subject. At other times, he was too abstract to be understood by plain
people. His premises and deductions were not readily seen and appreciated. But
if he was not always forcible and eloquent, he was always sensible, and
preached, not for the purpose of saying something, but because he had something
to say. His inequalities were chiefly owing to the fact that he was an extempore
preacher. His numerous labors did not allow him time to write his discourses,
and he was frequently constrained to depend upon very imperfect preparation.

  The author of the sketch before us says that " Dr. Brantly possessed a
facility, both in writing and speaking, such as I never knew it in any other
person; yet so severely .had he trained and castigated his mind, that this did
not hinder him from attaining great excellence." Frequently, when we have
supposed him to be wholly unprepared, he would come out upon his congregation
with discourses possessing all the beauty and force of studied compositions. In
illustration of this remark, we subjoin an extract from a sermon preached
extempore, and subsequently written out, as nearly as could be recollected. It
is an appeal to the unconverted portion of the congregation:

  "Sinners, it is precisely thus that matters stand betwixt you and your eternal
Judge.   Your earth-born hearts will not relinquish their attachments. Your
lovers you have, and after them you will go. That God, who takes no pleasure in
your death, is the witness and opposer of your desperation. Not much longer will
he resist your madness; not much longer will he endure the insulting infidelity
of your hearts. Of one thing, however, you cannot suppress the conviction: every
step you take in your journey is contrary to the will of God. Understand and
appreciate the truth now, and do not travel all the way to hell to find it out.
When once you are locked up in eternal darkness, are consigned to the
imprisonment of eternal despair, and tortured with the raging fires of avenging
justice, you will feel, when too late, that you are indebted solely to
yourselves for the sad doom. So long as forms of horror shall haunt and terrify
your spirits, and fierce passions shall prey upon them, and inexorable despair
shall hold them with its tyrant grasp,  and tormenting fiends, nurtured in your
own bosoms, shall exult and rave amid the weeping and wailing and gnashing of
teeth in the horrible pit, so long will remain fastened upon your hearts the
conviction that your perdition is of yourselves. You mean to remain unjust,
ungodly, unreconciled to your own happiness and salvation. Yourselves, then, are
planting the fangs of the viper in your own bosom. Show some mercy to
yourselves, and desist from the bad enterprise of self-immolation to the prince
of hell.

  "Look forward a little, and see yourselves in eternity, with, unrepented sins.
Light and peace have disappeared ; time's beguiling pleasures and recurring
enjoyments have ceased forever ; friendship's softening sympathies, and
society's cheering smile, and humanity's mitigating touch, have all vanished
from, the dismal scene; the voice of mercy has ceased, and love's redeeming work
has been completed. You are then sad expectants of hopeless
wretchedness—abandoned to your sins, left with your tormentors within you ;
capable of misery, and incapable of comfort, you are prepared for all the
complex sufferings of a ruined soul. The hell is one of your own seeking— the
bed on which you are writhing, but not reposing, is made by your own hands. All
hell resounds with the justice of God. All heaven proclaims his righteousness."

  Dr. Brantly had the faculty of securing the strongest attachment of those for
whom he labored. His tender and sympathizing heart, identifying him with all the
vicissitudes of his people, weeping with those that wept, and rejoicing with
those that rejoiced, won their confidence and riveted their attention. As a
pastor it has been truly said of him, that he " grew steadily in the admiration
and love of his flock." The tears and tenacity with which his beloved people in
Philadelphia clung to him, when he announced his resignation, evinced that they
were far more decided and earnest in their unanimity than when they had called
him twelve years before. The distress of the church and congregation in
Charleston, when he was smitten down, evinced the continued strength and
sincerity of their affection, after an acquaintance of seven years. In his
intercourse with his people, he was remarkable for his candor. He was in the
habit of speaking the truth in love, in a very plain way. This trait of his
character excited the indignation of some who did not know him. They took him to
be uncharitable and overbearing, but when they understood him, their attachment
and respect were increased.

  Amidst his various engagements, Dr. Brantly did not neglect the keeping of the
heart. He walked daily with God. Those who were most intimately acquainted with
him, know that his piety was a uniform flame. He ever cherished the most
humbling views of himself, and the most exalted views of Christ. He was always
the consistent Christian, thoroughly conscientious in everything which he
undertook, seeming to keep ever before him the day of final account.

  It may be thought that this sketch will be incomplete if we are silent as to
the Imperfections of him of whom we have been speaking. We do not deny that
there were defects in his character. He was a fallen creature, and therefore
sinful. If it could be of any benefit, we might fill many pages with a recital
of his frailties. But we think that the good which grace accomplished through
him so immeasurably exceeded any evil which he may have done, that we may be
pardoned for dwelling upon the former to the omission of the latter. In addition
to this, it is true—and with these words, uttered by the ever to be loved and
lamented man whose life we have attempted to sketch, we close—that "Death
applies the finishing touch to the character of a good man. This may be regarded
as a reason why his remembered history is clothed with a peculiar majesty and
charm. That spirit which once delighted us with the communications of affection
and wisdom, now wears the vestments of perfection. It is enrolled among the
spirits of the just made perfect. Its graces, once lovely on earth, are now
resplendent in heaven. Its pensive groans, once heaved from an aching heart, are
succeeded by the softest harmonies of heavenly music. The languor and the
sickness have fled for ever, and to their place have succeeded the health and
vigor of immortality. The erring judgment has acquired those attributes of truth
and certainty which will forever preclude future mistake and deception. It is
not wonderful, then, that our associations should draw down from the bright
empyreal, whither they have ascended, a portion of that perfection with which
good men are now arrayed, in their supernal blessedness, and place the same to
the credit of their earthly history."

    " This sun has set,
   Oh, when shall other such arise?"



Additional Comments:
From:

GEORGIA BAPTISTS: HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL
BY
J. H. CAMPBELL,
PERRY, GEORGIA.


MACON, GA.: J. W. BURKE & COMPANY. 1874.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by
J. H. CAMPBELL,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.




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