Gardiner Spring, D.D. (b. 1785)

He was the son of the Rev. Samuel Spring, D.D., and was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, February 24th, 1785. He graduated at Yale College, in 1805. He spent fifteen months as a classical and mathematical teacher, on the island of Bermuda, at the same time pursuing the study of law. For a short time he practiced law in New Haven, Connecticut. Determining to enter the ministry, he entered Andover Theological Seminary, and after eight months’ study he was licensed to preach the gospel. On the 8th of August, 1810, he was installed pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in the city of New York. There he continued for more than half a century.

During his long and useful pastorate, he continually used the press as an auxiliary to the preaching of the gospel. Among the more important works which he published are: the “Life of Samuel J. Mills” (1820); “The Sabbath a Blessing to Man,” “Internal Evidences of Inspiration” (1826): a “Dissertaion on the Means of Regeneration” (1827); “Fragments from the Study of a Pastor” “The Obligations of the World to the Bible,” “The Attractions of the Cross,” “the Bible not of Man,” “The Power of the Pulpit,” “The Mercy Seat,” “The Contrast” (1855); “The Mission of Sorrow” (1862); and “Pulpit Ministrations” (1864). Dr. Spring was a graceful and vigorous writer, and some of his works beside their popularity at home, were republished abroad.