MURRAY
^48
MURTIA
WT-itinirs having been translated into nearly all the liv- ' ing languages of the day. They jiresent the history of j the writer's progress from Komanism to Protestantism, and examine the reasons for not adhering to the Church of Rome. Luminous and sound in their expositions of j truth, they not only uncover the evils of the Komish , system, but present a perfectly impregnable defence of Protestantism. The vivacious style, the genial humor, | biting sarcasm, anecdotes, incidents, illustration, argu- j ment, and appeals, are blended so harmoniously that j they obtained a hold on the people at large, instead of being confined to the theological student, and thus en- joyed a circulation unparalleled in religious literature. Bishop Hughes essayed to reply to the series, but broke down in the attempt, and never resumed the effort. See Hlghks. Dr. Murray died at Elizabethtown, N. J., Feb. II, 18G1. His writings are, Xotes, Historical and Biographical, concerning Elizabethtown, N. J., its em- inent Men, Churches, and Ministers (1844): — Letters to Bishop Iluf/hes by Kiriran (1847-48); these have been translated into French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Tamul: — The Decline of Popery, and its Causes, pamphlet: — Romanism at Home — Letters to (he Chief- Justice li. Taney (1852) :— J/c« and Things as I saw them in Europe (1851-53): — Pansh and other Pencil- lings (1857) : — The Happy Home (1858) ; a delineation of the moral training which is essential in a home : — Thoughts on Preachers and Preaching, a work which tends to elevate the standard both of preaching and hear- ing : — A merican Principles on National Prosperity, a Thanksgiving sermon preached in the First Presbyterian Church, Elizabethtown, Nov. 23, 1854:— Z»>-. Murray's Dying Legacy to the People of his beloved Charge — Things Unseen aiul Eternal (18G1). He also published many occasional sermons and addresses, and in early life con- triliuted to The Neiv York Literary and Theological Journal, The Christian Advocate, and other periodi- cals. Dr. ]Murray's intellect was ilccidedly of a marked character — clear, comprehensive, logical, and eminent- ly practical. His style was luminous, simple, and in the highest degree sententious. He reasoned with great power and admirable clearness. His influence pervaded the entire Presbyterian Church, and was felt especially in her various judicatories and boards, and in the tlieological seminary at Princeton, which he cherished with a filial affection. In 1849 he was elect- ed moderator of the General Assembly, one of the high- est honors in the gift of the Church. As a man, his wimiing manner, rich stores of varied information, in- exhaustible fund of pertinent and striking anecdotes, and ability to accommodate himself to every variety of character, made him the master-spirit of the social circle. In person Dr. ^Murray was a model of manly vigor; of middle height, broad chest and shoulders, with a round, ruddy face, a broad, high forehead, and benevolent, pleasant expression of countenance, his ap- pearance was at once attractive and commanding. As a pastor he was always at work, ready at every call; in the chamber of sickness, in the homes of the poor, among the young — everywhere he was found, and al- ways a welcome guest. His preparations for the pulpit were made with the greatest care, his sermons being com|ileted as if for tlic press, and often far in advance of the time when they were to be delivered. His fu- neral was attended with every demonstration of respect and affection that could be paid to a national character. His remains were laid in the yard adjoining the church, in the midst of his children and his beloved flock. The I're.ibytery of which he was a member thus gave ex- l)ression to its estimate of him whom they had come to look npon as its "father:" "His name, his character, and his works are already on record, wide as the limits of the Church at home and abroad. His greatness was not in one grace or one idea, but in the breadth of his heart and in the scope of his powers. He was a ]ireacher and a pastor, a presbyter and a citizen, the patron of edu- cation the ready advocate of benevolence, and the dread-
ed antagonist of popen.-. An author of wide fame, a writer for the weekly press — all of these, with an untold correspondence, literan*-, fraternal, and advisors-. Few men had more calls outside of his pastoral and presby- terial duties; still he was a model pastor and presbyter, always in advance in his pulpit preparation^frequent in his pastoral visitations — abounding in his visits to the sick and the poor— ever ready to help his brethren —meeting calls abroad, and side issues of benevolence. He had time for every good work, and for even,' duty and occasion he was competent." See Wi Ison, \PresS. Hist. A Imanac. 1862, p. 105 ; Kev. Samuel A. Clark, J/ist. of St. John's Church, Elizabethtown, N. J., p. 387, 388; Prot. Episc. Quar, Rev. and Church Reg. April, 1855, p, 315; Allibone, Diet, of Brit, and Amer. Authors, s. v.; Princeton Rev. Jan. 18G3; Meth. Qu. Rev. Julv, 1803, p. 527 ; 18C1, p. 517 ; Harpers Weekly, Feb. 23, 1861 ; Pres- byterian Reunion Memoricd, vol. 1837-71 (N. Y. 1870), p. 172-178; Memoirs of the Rev. Nich. Murray. D.D., by Sam. Irena;us Prime (Harpers, 12mo). (J. H. W.)