Lybrand, Joseph

Lybrand, Joseph an eminent Methodist Episcopal minister, was born of Lutheran parentage in Philadclphia, October 3, 1793; was converted at about ten; entered the Philadelphia Conference in April 1811; was presiding elder on Philadelphia District in 1824-8; 1834-8 was on stations in Philadelphia; desisted from labor in 1843 at Harrisburg, and died April 24, 1845. Mr. Lybrand was a man of deep fidelity to God, and immovable fidelity to man. As an eloquent preacher he had few equals in the American pulpit. His style was elegant and weighty, full of masterly argument and powerful exhortation, and many souls were added to the Church by his long and blessed ministry. So strong was his conviction in his duty to preach only that he refused to accept some of the most important offices in the gift of his denomination. Thus he declined in 1832 to assume the responsibilities of the publishing house taken from Dr. Emory, who had been elected bishop. — Minutes of Conferences, 3:598.