William Nevins, part 21: He Acted Instead of Talking

Upon the death of William Nevins in September 1835, the officers of his church (First Presbyterian of Baltimore) asked George W. Musgrave, the pastor of Third Presbyterian, to preach his funeral. Musgrave knew Nevins well from their years of ministering to the people of Baltimore. The details of the funeral have not been recorded, but some time later Musgrave wrote a remembrance of his friend and fellow pastor. His intention was to highlight the character of this godly man. He listed twelve aspects of his character, which I’ve condensed to ten.

1) Sincere Piety. Nevins was consistent in his character. His “sincere and earnest devotion" was evident in both his public prayers and in his preaching. Musgrave remembered that no one could hear him without thinking, “There is a man who believes what he says!” He was burdened for the souls of those who heard him. Many times Nevins had asked Musgrave, "What can be done to incite [my people] to duty?" He was dedicated to prayer and frequently prayed with other pastors in the city. As he gathered with these other men, it was clear that the Holy Spirit had taught him how to pray.

2) Practical wisdom. “He was slow to commit himself on any subject or in any cause; and would never act until he had made the most diligent and ample inquiry." Nevins was a living example of Solomon-like wisdom and avoided many crises that came to others who were more quick to act. In spite of taking firm stands on truth, he did so in a wise and winsome way. Musgrave could not think of one personal enemy that he had made in his church.

3) Amiability. “His was truly an affectionate and peaceful spirit." Musgrave said that he had only known him to be angry once. Though he does not give the reason, he said the provocation was “outrageous." He lived during a time of denominational strife (between the “old” and “new” ways of thinking), but Nevins said during his final illness, “There are some men who will contend; —I cannot contend; —and the Lord is taking me from the evil to come."

4) Humility. Though blessed with many talents, Nevins was quiet and unassuming. He was pleased when others advanced and found success. He thought so little of his talents that his friends had to push him to begin writing, and even then he was surprised at how well his words were received.

5) Diligence and punctuality. In his 15 years of ministry he composed 700-800 sermons, many tracts and essays, and maintained extensive correspondence with others. This was in addition to his daily pastoral labors. In spite of this busy workload, he was a man of his word— “when he promised, he was sure to perform." He also valued time and was known for “scrupulous punctuality."

6) As a preacher. He was “sound, clear, practical, and eloquent." Early in his ministry, his sermons were more creative and rhetorical. But as he matured, they became “more solid and practical; and multitudes will have cause to bless God for ever, that they were so." In an age of flowery literature and round-about ways of writing, Musgrave recalled how Nevins could condense into a single sentence ideas that would take others pages to explain.

7) As a pastor. “No man ever labored more indefatigably (untiredly) than he, to promote the spiritual improvement of his people." Whether in preaching or in visiting from house to house, his sole purpose in life was to do good for others. Musgrave believed it was wisdom that kept him from roaming too often from his flock to take part in larger matters. Nevins would often say, ‘There is no profit in robbing Peter to pay Paul;—in neglecting one's own family to look after strangers.' His congregation thrived under his ministry, and at the time of his death there were 5 or 6 men who were in ministry or preparing for it that had been converted under him.

8) As a writer. Musgrave spoke for many contemporaries when he expressed regret that Nevins had not written more. He attributed this to his modesty and the duties of his pastorate. The essays which were published in his Practical Thoughts had first appeared in the New York Observer and had received “universal admiration." Few people realized that Nevins had done most of his writing while he was in very poor health. He had done this to take his mind off of his discomfort and to remain useful even when he could not preach.

9. As a public man. The parts he played in benevolent societies (Christian “non-profits" in today's vernacular) were invaluable. He did not draw as much attention as others who made big pronouncements and got their names in the papers. Instead, “he acted, instead of talking." He was “sound in doctrine and in practice, with no sympathy with the idle speculations and innovations of the age." At the same time he was opposed to the extreme measures and “vindictive spirit" of others who professed to be contending for the truth. He was never known to pursue anyone with “personal and vulgar abuse."

10. As family man and friend. He was a kind and generous father and husband. He was not quick to form a friendship, but when he did, the ties were strong and permanent. Musgrave said he was known for doing more than he promised, and that “he improved upon acquaintance."a