402 AUTHENTIC HISTORY 



departure of the Britisli troops lie resumed his clerical duties in Philadelphia, and con- 

 tinued to labor there, till the year 1779, when he resigned, in order to take charge of 

 congregations in Montgomery county. Pa. In the following year, however, having 

 been invited to Lancaster, and believing that it would aftbrd a sphere of wider influence, 

 and more extended usefulness, he consented to accept the appointment. In the Spring 

 of 1780, he removed to the scene of his new home, and at once entered upon his work 

 here, to which he assiduously and faithfully devoted himself, during a period of thirty- 

 five years, till the end of his life. In the midst of his usefulness, the shaft of death 

 was sped, and his earthly career terminated. On the 23d of May, 1815, he died of apo- 

 plexy, in the sixty-second year of his age. Conscious of his approaching dissolution, 

 he committed his congregation and the interests of the church at large to the Great 

 Bishop and Shepherd of souls ; clasping to his heart the Bible, as his dearest treasure, 

 and firmly clinging to the Rock of Age.s, he calmly and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus, 

 and entered upon his eternal rest. His remains were followed to the grave by an im- 

 mense, concourse of weej^ing friends, and an appropriate discourse was delivered by Rev. 

 Dr. Helmuth, of Philadelphia, from the text — Remember them vilikli have the rule over 

 yoMi who have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end 

 of their conversation. 

 The death of Dr. INIuhlenberg was universally lamented. 



Multis ille bonis flebilis occidit. 



He had enjoyed the uninterrupted regard, not only of his own congregation, but his 

 virtues were enshrined in the hearts of the whole commvinity. He was highly esteemed 

 in all the walks of life, and everywhere produced the impression that he was an vij^right 

 and sincere christian. He possessed those excellencies of character, which always win 

 the affections, and secure for an individual warm and devoted friends. He was ever 

 ready to furnish relief to the needy, and to minister comfort to the afflicted. His heart 

 overflowed with symjiathy for the suflering, and all who came within his reach expe- 

 rienced his kindness and liberality. The young he regarded with the most tender in- 

 terest, and zealously labored to promote their good. His influence over them, was un- 

 bounded. They entertained for him feelings of the most profound respect, which they 

 on all occasions evinced. When the Doctor met them on the street, engaged with their 

 sports, they would immediately suspend operations, and quietly, with their hats raised, 

 wait until he had passed them. His manners were easy and affable, Inxt dignified. 

 There was nothing in his composition austere and repulsive, yet there was that which 

 i-epelled rudeness or undue familiarity. At times he was quite humorous and playful, 



Neque semper arcum 

 Tendit Apollo — 



his conversation abounding with pleasantry, and diftusing a genial charm over all who 

 came within the circle of his influence. His eye was expressive of a kind heart, and 

 his whole countenance reflected the warm.est benevolence. He was extremely fond of 

 music, and on several instruments perfornred with much skill. 



In per.son. Dr. ]\Iuhlenberg was of medium stature, of a florid complexion and a 

 robust frame. In the city, in which he spent more than half his life, there are given 

 many traditional accounts of his extraordinary physical strength. On a cei'tain occa- 

 sion a beggar -vdsited his study, and behaving rather insolently in his presence, it is said 

 the Doctor, without any ceremony, picked the fellow up, and carried him out of the 

 parsonage, with the greatest facility lifting him over the front porch, very much to the 

 surprise of the stranger, and the amusement of the spectators. At another time he 

 observed some men, as he was passing, laboring to remove from a wagon a large plank; 

 he stopped and told them if they would desist from their profanity, he would help them, 

 and appaiently without any difficulty, he alone accomplished the work, in which they 



