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WITH AN L\TRODUCTIO.\ BY J. W. .WTmo, ESQ., ■ ! !| I l-OLLOirED BY AX APPEXDIX, AND A SELECTIOX OF LETTERS, CHARLOTTETOWN : PRINTED FOR THE COMPILEij. 1866. i I,' i I' ll ax V,'. II. BREMKEU, PuiSTKK A IJrxUER, Charlottctoivn, P E. lelaml. s^|^^'] PREFACE. My little book, Jong since announced, at length makes its appearance. It might, no doubt, have been pubHshed soone-. Yet it has gained something by delay in this respect; since that delay has added to the amount of materials for my work : some of which were obtained even while it was passing through the press. But a truce to regrets and apologies. I can but thank my subscribers and friends for the patience with which they have waited for my volume; and express a hope that they may find their patience rewarded when that volume is placed in their hands. Of course my book is not much more than a compi- lation; although some little pains have been expended in casting and recasting the materials of which it is com- posed. Those materials have been supplied, for the most part, by Mr. Harding's family; who intrusted me with his papers : and especially by Mr. Israel Harding; (iii.) ■H,.M< liji III! Mil I s t »■ f 'i PREFACE. who supplied me with an extended narrative of his father's career, which forms the basis of my own. Mr. T. J. S. Bennett, residing at Windsor in 1854, furnished me with copies of letters, most of them written, though not all, by Mr. Harding, and ranging in their dates between the years 1787 and 1795. These letters had been copied and preserved by the father of my friend just mentioned, Mr. Thomas Bennett. Several of them had been addressed to himself. Other letters, from the pens of the old ministers, contemporaries and fellow- helpers with Mr. Harding, had in like manner been copied and preserved by the same gentleman. The whole collection thus obtained forms a valuable memorial of those former days in which the letters were produced. To this day I have not had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Mr. T. J. S. Bennett; but my work shews how largely I have profited by his kindness. My valued brother, the Kev. A. D. Thomson, of N. B., has favoured me with a collection of autograph letters, ad- dressed to himself by Mr. Harding, from 1833 to 184G. He was evidently a favourite correspondent. He will see how much his kindness has done for my work. Others too, such as the brethren D. W. C. Dimock, and G. Armstrong, have rendered me important aid ; to all of whom, though not mentioned by name, I would hereby tender my grateful acknowledgments, (iv.) PREFACE. It socms fitting to say, that, in my notices of the New Lights, I have aimed at doing them simple justice ; en- deavom-ing to give them credit for all in them, — aud there was much, — that was true, and good, and useful, and not withholding censure where it seemed to be merited. One thing at least I have done. I have let the New Lights speak for themselves. I have drawn no fancy pictures of them, or of their work. I have rather sought to reproduce them such as they wore. I have also tried con'cctly to indicate their relation to the days on which our lot has fallen. Doubtless New Light days, and New Light men, with all their extravagancies aud eccentricities, were rather to be chosen than the days and the men that preceded them. Moreover, by means of these men a better style of Christianity has passed over to these later days. It were above all things desi- rable, that we should not leave behind us the good that existed in the days of our fathers; nor come to imagine, that, in heavenly things, an intellectual advancement may safely be substituted for warm and glowing affections. " God is Lighl," says John. But again, he fails not to tell us, that " God is Love." Be it ours to accept the momentous intimations thus conveyed, and to profit by them. If, by the grace of God, we may but attain to increased light in the understanding, conjoined with a deepened holiness in heart and life, and animated by a (V.) ■' n W li , ij ''■ ■ ''' ^^1 ■ ' ,1 l' 1 I !llf ; ": "• \ 1 ■ 1 ■ ? Yl. INTRODUCTION. vigour. A dull and heartless formality reigned among them ; and if the doctrines of the Gos- jicl were preached, it was in a manner sadly deficient in unction, in application, and in l)ractical power. But a new state of things was about to com- mence ; and God, who evermore knows how to adapt his means to his ends, was preparing an agency which very soon laid the foundation of a thorough and abiding reform. The first herald of the cross in these Provinces, who sounded the alarm which awakened the sleeping- conscience of a careless and worldly community to any eftcctive purpose, was Mr. Henry AUine. He was born in Rhode Island, while as yet it retained its connection with Great BJtain. In his early youth his family emigrated to JSTova Scotia. Soon after his conversion, which occurred in the year 1775, when he was about twenty-seven years of age, he began to preach. Filled with a fervent and overfiowui2* zeal for the salvation of his fellow-men, and willing to endure all things for Christ's sake, he was evidently directed, by the good provi- dence of God, to a field already ripe for his mi- nistry. He does not appear to have attached himself to any sect or party of the Christian • 1 Til. INTRODUCTION. clmrcli. lucleecl some points in bis natural character appeared to unfit him for the rcstric-^ tions required for the government of a settled community of believers. If his opinions and habits were not eiTatic, they were certainly pe- culiar. Like George Whitefield, and many other ardent and successful servants of Christ, he could not bow to prescribed and estabhshed rules Impelled by native temperament, and by what to some might seem to be a species of religious knight-errantry, as well as by an over- whelming love to souls, he cast himself loose from all restraints, and went forth to proclaim the Gospel wherever he could find an open door, or even force one. Thus, like Whitefield again, he did not much care about forming his converts into distinct communities. Going forth, as we have intimated, to publish the Gospel, distinctively so termed, his ministry was much restricted to first principles ; those of "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." His followers, in- deed, would organize into communities bearing some resemblance to Congregational churches ; yet, regarding all things as of minor impor- tance in comparison with the conversion of sin- ners, he concerned hunself but little about the 1 "' 1-( ' i 1 ■i, , . f 1 p Ijl 1 1 1 f i ,; -ii ' 1 'ill 1 HI i : 1 ■ ' f m ^ i 1 ^ f n ' 1 Vlll. IICTRODUCTIOK, maintenance of order or regularity in the soci- eties gathered through his labours. On the whole his fervid and impulsive ministry left deep marks of its own special character upon the people among whom it was exercised ; marks by no means obliterated to this day. Such was this earl^ and eminent preacher of the Gospel in these Provinces, and such was his work. The country was but sparsely inha- bited in his day. He visited, however, its vil- lages, and hamlets, and rustic cottages, wher- ever even two or three could be gathured toge- ther to hear the glad tidings of salvation. And although, as in all cases of the first announce- ment of vital truth to a worldly and uncon- verted people, obloquy, contempt, and persecu- tion often followed his steps, " none of these moved " him. God richly blessed the preaching of his word j and even among the then scat- tered population of the country hundreds were " turned from darkness to light," and became living witnesses to the converting power of heaven. On the subject of believers' baptism, or of any baptism at all, Mr. Alline appears to have been in a great measure indifferent ; not regarding it as necessary, nor enforcing atten- tion to it as a Scriptural duty, but leaving it INTRODUCTION. ix. wholly t6 the suggestions of individual con- science. His followers were generally called New Lights; a term of contempt applied also, as we believe, to the followers of Mr. Whitefield.* Among the many converted, either directly or indirectly, through the mmlrftry of Mr. Al- line, were several who afterwards became the founders of Baptist churches in Noysl Scotia and :N"ew Brunswick. Among the most pro- mment of these were the two Hardings, the two Dunocks, the two Mannings, the two Crandals, Messrs. T. H. Chipman, Ansley, Towner, Pot- ter, and others ; most of whom, for many years, and some until quite recently, occupied posi- tions of great influence, and distinguished use- fulness in the Baptist churches founded by ♦My friend who has so kindly aided me in the preparation of these introductory remarks has given, in the above paragraph, the generally accepted account of Mr. Alline, and his evangelical Work in these Provinces. Enlarged references to this good and useful man will be found in subsequent pages. To some it may seem as though there existed a great discrepancy between Mr N.'s views and my own; as though his estimate of Mr. Alline were more favourable than mine. It should be remembered, however that, within the compass of an introduction like this, it was impos- sible for him to give other than broad and general representations. And again, if I mistake not, my friend's phraseology, carefolly considered, will be found to agree, in tendency and result, with th« more ample statements suppUed by myself. J. D, 2 r. ( |. K t^t Tl z. INTRODUCTION. themselves, and of which they became the first pastors. The whole of these churches, as far as we can ascertain, were at first formed upon open communion principles, being composed indif- ferently of Baptists, Congregationalists, or others of acknowledged Christian character; which organization continued undisturbed for awhile even after the subject of believers' bap- tism, in its relation to the structure of Christian churches, had come to be agitated among them. This whole question of believers' baptism, so vital to the purity, and holy discipline of the church, first attracted the serious consideration of some of the brethren mentioned above about the clo.-e of the last century. Of course it be- came tne occasion of prolonged and anxious discussion, and naturally produced a certain amount of alienation and division among the brethren. The Rev. Edward Manning, pastor of the Comwallis church, was, we think, the firsi of the above named ministers who was baptized; although he continued for years after his bap- tism to preside over his people as a mixed com- munion body. At length, however, he became convinced of the inconsistency and unscriptu- ralness of such a course, by which the very XI. INTRODUCTION. meaning and intention of the ordinance of bap- tism, so distinctly marked out in the divine word, were perverted, and in fact reduced to a mere nullity. Most of the other pastors to whom we have referred soon came to follow in the steps of Mr. Manning ; being baptized, as he had been, yet maintaining for a while their relation, as he also had done, to open commu- nion churches : and it was not until the year 1807 that most of the churches then under the care of these brethren and united in Associa- tion, adopted the ..rictly Scriptural rule of ad- mitting to their communion none but avowedly baptized behevers. The fii'st Association of Baptist churches in these Provinces was formed at Granville, June 23, 1800, and included IS^ova Scotia, and Kew Bmnswick; which, until a then recent period had still made part of this Province, and was under one government with it. It may not be conrMered inappropriate here, as introductorv to an enlarged account of the life and ministry of the subject of this work, to furnish a very brief sketch of the origin of some of these churches. We have already alluded to the state of so- ciety in the Western and Southern parts of Wh ^^1 Iw 1 'I * • W , i j ' 1 1 ' 1 fm Xll. INTRODUCTIOK. Nova Scotia, as settled by emigrants from New England. Cumberland County was first set- tled, to any considerable extent, by emigrants from Yorkshire, England ^ but a still more im- portant accession to the general population of that County was made at the close of the Ame- rican Revolutionary war, by the Loyalists who had taken part in that great struggle. Lunen- burgh was colonized by emigrants from some of the central principalities of Germany. Nu- merous bodies from the Scottish Highlands, who set themselves down in the Counties of Pictou and Antigonishe, together with the na- tive French Acadians, discharged soldierr, and stragglers of various nationalities, made up the population of this Province at the end of the last century, and the beginning of the present. Such was the composition of society in those days. Hence arose a sad degree of apathy and inactivity in regard to the important subject oi education; as a community made up of such miscellaneous materials was but little likely to coalesce and co-operate in regard to that, or any other matter : least of all in regard to mo tters ot religion. With the exception of whr4 h.id e- 6ulted from the labours of Henry AUme, and the commencement of d Gospel ministry by some INTEODUCTI'^N. Xlll. English Wesleyans, little had as yet been ef- fected for the dissemination of the vital truths of Christianity. The larger sections of the Pro- testant churches still abode in a state of spiritual torpor and indifference; and the preaching of the Gospel as a means of regenerating grace was still wont to be met with secret contempt, or open opposition. Thus the Gospel labourers of these times were often called to verify the predictions of their Master, while they encoun- tered hate and persecution from those for whose salvation they were ready to suffer all things. The Rev. Edward Manning, as already inti- mated, was the first of the JsTew Light preachers to assert and maintain the doctrine of believers* baptism. Like most of our early ministers, he was a self-taught man. He also resembled them in his general views of divine truth, which were of a highly Calvinistic cast, though free from the supralapsarlanism of Dr. Gill's school of theology. The sovereignty of Jehovah, and the freeness of his grace, were the topics on which Mr. Manning and his brethren most de- lighted to dwell; while heaven added its bles- sing to their exhibition and enforcement. Yet they by no means limited their ministrations to these topics. They were wholly agreed in re- ff* H i I: i !, K 'i ' m ['(MZm I xir. INTRODUCTIOir, gard to oil the grand essentials of the Gospel. EsiDecially they placed before their hearers vivid and affecting views of the nature, the power, and the prevalence of sin. Besidep these, their close and fervent appeals to the conscience, their clear proclamation of the fulness and suffi- ciency of the atonement, with its adaptation to man's deep spiritual wants, constituted features in their ministry which gave it, in its early stages, a peculiar novelty and force. And so it came to pass, by the blessing of God, that, deficient as they were in the departments of se- cular learning, their word found its way to the hearts of great numbers of those who waited upon it ; and the language of Paul received many a fre^h illustration,--" God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; . . . and things which are not to bring to nought things which are." Mr. Manning, on the organization of his church on the basis of believers' baptism, was deserted by most of his former flock. In de- scribing this occasion to the writer, many years afterwards, he stated, that there were but five individuals who joined the new church. " But then, brother," he added, " although the foun- dation had few stones, they were not ^^^hbU INTRODUCTION. XV. Btones." Indeed a church under his ministry, notwithstanding the deep fount of human sym- pathy which dwelt in his nature, and the large allowance he was accustomed to make for hu- man frailty, was not likely to be composed of other than genuine believers. The Rev. T. S. Harding, the Boanerges of our early churches, was a man of a very dif- ferent cast of character from E. Manning, but not less fervent or successful than he as a mi- nister of Christ. He was a native of Barrington. His outset as a preacher was among the Metho- dists; but having become convinced of the ne- cessity of Scripture baptism, and changed some of his views on doctrinal points, he cast in his lot with the people among whom, for so many years, he was "a burning and a shining lighf.'' His history is perhaps better known than that of almost any of our aged mmisters beside, most of whom he survived. He was an eloquent and highly popular minister, and probably did more missionary work in all three of our Provinces tlian any other of the band of brethren to which he pertained.* The churches in the Township * The fathers T. S. Harding and E. Manning would sometime! Itinerate together; as they once did on Prince Edward Island where thej are still remembered with great esteem and affection! A friend, on Mr. Harding's return from one of these broth«rij I) 4 ,J ■i\j' \1[ I M ( E^ ' ' 1 3S* Si ^^B 1 ' || '11 ^Vl. llTTBODUOTIOir. of Horton bear lasting testimony to his zeal for God, ^d the large amount of usefulness which accompanied his ministry. That excellent old saint, Joseph Dimock, was one of the earliest who bore the glad tidings of salvation through our Provinces. In hun mercy and peace may truly be said to have been joined together. And although in his preaching he omitted none of the severer truths of God's Word, his character and his ministry were pe- culiarly and strongly marked by the same spirit of intense and tender love for the souls of men which brought his Divine Master from heaven to redeem a perishing world. Like most of his companions in the Gospel warfare, he was con- tinued in the full exercise of his faculties and his ministry to an advanced age, and at last fell " like as a shock of com cometh in its season." Without disparagement to the worth and labours of others, the brethren last named, with the Rev. Harris Harding, may be considered as more especially prominent in sowing the first seeds of Gospel truth throughout these Provinces. tours, was asking him about tlie respective administrations of himself and his fellow-labourer. His reply was at once charac- teristic, and, as I am informed, highly discriminative. " As to brother Manning," he remarked, "Ae preached God, while / preached Chriat." J. D. XVll. IKTBODUCTION. "We might, with great justice and propriety, continue our observations upon the characters and merits of all whom we have named, as faith- ful and zealous missionaries of the Gospel, and founders of the respective churches to which they ministered. Our limits, however, do not permit us to extend our statements much farther. In the early stages of Baptist history in these Provinces, our ministers necessarily and largely combined the several characters of the pastor, the evangelist, and the missionary; and for the earnest and efficient discharge of their duties in each of these capacities, they were all of them entitled, without exception, to high commendation. "We would add here the fol- lowing indications as to the exact localities in which several of these laboured as pastors; some of them having been previously supplied, and others not before given. Edward Manning pre- sided over the church inComwallis; Theodore S. Harding in Horton; Harris Harding in Yaraiouth; Thomas H. Chipman in Wilmot; Joseph Dimock in Chester; Thomas Ansley in Annapolis ; James Manning in Granville; Enoch Towner in Digby; Israel Potter in Cle- ments; while the two Crandals, Joseph and sril n * 1 • i i » xrm. INTBODtCTlON. Peter, exercised their ministry chiefly in Kew Brunswick. In recalling the names of brethren honoured of God in the early evangelization of this Pro- vince, we must not fail to refer to two men who, though not born among us, laboured diligently for our good, and became both prominent and useful. One of these was the Rev. John Burton. Englishman as he was, outspoken and sincere, with a heart, moreover, glowing with Christian love, his earnest appeals from the pulpit, his pure and holy walk in daily life, bore striking testimony to his character and his calling, and made deep impressions on all who knew and heard him. His eftbrts were limited, for the most part, to Halifax and its vicinity, where his memory is still held in honour among all classes of the community as that of a friend of the poor and neglected; especially of the poor and neglected negro. James Munro, a native of Scotland, was the other of these men. He may be regarded as the father of our denomination as existing in the County of Colchester. He was called to maintain a prolonged and arduous contest against j^rejudice and misrepresentation. He is long since taken to liis reward. But " he w INTEODUCTION. XIX. being dead yet speaketh." And his closely argumentative discourse, his vigorous faith, and wai-m zeal continue to this day to yield "the peaceable fruit of righteousness." Another, and, we may say, the last of the early heralds of the cross in ]S"ova Scotia, though engaging in the ministry at a much later period than many whose names we have here comme- morated, has just entered into his rest, at the ripe age of fourscore years and ten. We refer to the Rev. George Dimock of Newport, whose decease occurred on the thirtieth of September last. He was a younger brother of Joseph Dimock, and a man of the like fiiith and zeal with him. Though not eloquent, he was a sound and faithful preacher. His life was blameless and exemplary; and we may safely say, that no member of the community in which he dwelt ever left behind him stronger evidences of sincere piety, or commanded a higher respect for consistent Christian character. We might enlarge indefinitely, and far be- yond the bounds which the task assigned us necessarily prescribes, upon the peculiar gifts and adaptations of our early fathers in the mi- nistry to. the work appointed them. The two hundred and sixty-four Baptist churches in ^'V^/iri mi II' i M J ^ zz. INTBODtCTlON. Xova Scotia, IS'ew Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, containing about twenty-five thousand communicants, supply cheering and unanswerable proo ^ that that work was well and faithfully done. We feel satisfied that every reflecting Christian will see and acknow- ledge a divine hand in the results which have followed their mmistry. A young and inexpe- rienced man,~nay, a man, we may say, '^un- learned and ignorant," began, in dark times, to scatter among us, like the "grain of mustard- seed" m the parable, the first principles of Orospel truth. He was followed by a ministry but Httle skilled in "the wisdom of this worid." The whole has issued, by the blessing which Cometh down from above, within the space of some seventy years, m the gathering and up- buildmg, in all parts of these Provinces, of nu- merous churches, composed, as we honestly and devoutly believe, of multitudes of sincere and spintual worshippers. So where there has been a "handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains, the fruit thereof" has come to " shake like Lebanon." There need but these few words in closing. It may well be a source, of great satisfaction to the Baptists of these Provinces, that the pre- xxi. INTRODUCTION. pamtion of the Memoirs of the Rev. Harris Harding has fallen into hands so well able to do justice to his eminent merits. The immediate successors of the fathers to whom we have re- ferred in the course of our introductory pages, many of whom still labour in our churches with much acceptance and success, have inherited no small share of their zeal and devotedness; and we feel assured, that our youthful brethren now preparing for the ministry could scarcely obtain higher lessons of practical wisdom than such as are supplied by the pattern of the truly apos- tohc founders of the Baptist churches in these Provinces : nor could they better profit by these Jessons than by aiming at the standard of use- ful knowledge, and vigorous piety at which they arrived. We might well wish, therefore, —nor can we renounce the hope that our wish may yet be realized,— that the lives and labours of others of these faithful servants of Christ were duly commemorated, as well as his whose memoirs are now for the first time published. Records and documents still exist among us, which in but a few years may be lost for ever. Much unwritten information, in regard to our early preachers, may be derived from many m- dividuals who yet survive, which only requires I ( XXll. INTRODUCTION. industry and judgment in order to its collection and use. N^or are we destitute of the ability necessary for the gathering, the siftmg, and the employment of these materials. Thus we have the men for the work here indicated. The jneans are also at hand. Let but the men arise, and the means be appropriated, and the work will be done. Halifm, Oct. 1865. M^'ttoxx. ~ ~ 1 . » -A f , Me. Har 10, 3761. titute of p( advantages the heaven God." While he residence to We have tl boyhood. ^ tomed to vii his father's Harris," as 1 a high pole, soldiers wou crow like a c would climb. fl:*' Iff*! MEMOIR. P A E T I. Early Life and Conversion. Me Hardino was born in Horton, Nova Scotia, Oct. 1. J V^^^^tB, in his younger days, were des- titute of personal religion. Hence Ms early religious advantages were small. Thus clearly was he born into ttie^ heavenly kingdom, -not of blood, ... but of While he was yet a child his parents transferred their residence to what was then the Province of Connecticut. We have the following characteristic anecdote of his boyhood. When about ten years of age, he was accus- tomed to visit some soldiers quartered in barracks near ^8 fathers house. The soldiers would hail - little Harris," as they called him. In the barrack-yard stood a ^gh pole, probably a flagstaff. "Now Harris," the soldiers would say, "if you will climb that pole, and crow like a cock, we wiU pay you well for it." Up he would climb, and crow vigorously, to the great delight ■»=»! ; .»■ »«jl ll t 1 . i i . 1 ' I, ! ! 1 1 I vii^ J MEMOIh. of his audiouce; aince, as soon as ho began, all the chanticleers in the neigliLoiirhoocl would answer him. Thus, in after life, did ho lift his voice on high, till mul- titudes heard, aud responded heartily, to the joy of saints, and angels, yea, of their glorious Lord. Diu'ing Mr. Harding's residence in Connecticut the revolutionary war broke out. in connection with the events of that period his native shrewdness received a striking illustration. Ho was employed by the insur- gent colonists in conveying goods by sea from New York to Boston; a service which he performed with signal success. Once, when intrusted with a large sum of money, to be delivered at a point in New En- gland, ho was exposed to serious danger. The cash, in specie, was concealed in the ballast of the vessel. Toge- ther with it a letter was placed in Mr. Harding's hands, addressed to the parties to whom it was consigned. In case of the vessel being boarded by the British, he was instructed to drop this letter into the sea; retaining his hold of it, however, as long as possible. The British did board the vessel. Now came the moment of special responsibility ; and faithfully was it met. Just at the right instant the letter, unperceived, was dropped over the side of the vessel. The treasure was not discovered ; and our adventurer had the satisfaction of bearing it in safety to its destination. Mr. Harding was now about nineteen years of age. Somewhere near this time, on suspicion of being a spy in the insurgent service, Mr. Harding was arrested, MK-^OIR. 5 conveyed as a prisoner on board a British man-of-war and detained for some weeks. But at length he was re' stored to liberty. What a providence ! Suspicion m^'ght have npened into conviction. What then ? One thinks of Major Andre, and shudders. Had our young man been dealt with as the major was, how different at once his own history, thus tei-ribly terminated, and that of Nova Scotia as bound up with his I In the year 1783, when twenty-two years of age Mr. Harding returned to Horton, where his father had re- ceived a giant of land from the British government. And, notwithstanding his employment as above de- scribed, he bore back with him a loyal heart. During the whole of his subsequent life he was distinguished for his attachment to our mother country. And although his lot was ultimately cast where smuggling was scarcely counted as a sin, he ever scrupulously abstained from participation therein. He was always careful to " render unto Caesar the things which are Csesar's." It were greatly for the honom- of religion, if all its professors imitated his example in this respect. Up to this period Mr. Harding was a stranger to ex- perimental religion. It is not known that he had fallen into gross sin. But he was famous for his love of fun and frohc. He could tell a capital story, produce an excel- lent imitation, and throw off sparks of wit and humour. Of course he was a favourite, especially with the young and thoughtless. It was aU of mercy that he did not sport himself into perdition. He was now in foi- gi-eater mm. f '-5 W f i 1 ,1 1 j; ■ i I 1 ill 5 i ' I ® MEMOIR. danger of endless ruin than he had heretofore been of temporal death when in the hands of the British. Yet aU this time he had his rehgious habits and feelings. In Connecticut he had heard a certain Daniel Miner, under whose preaching he had received irany a solemn, though transient impression. On his return to Nova Scotia he attended upon New Light administrations, and heard Messrs. Handly Chipman, Payzant, and others of the same school* But all without immediate effect. He was of the class so strikingly pictured by James :—'' If any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a glass : for he be- holdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." But this was not to go on for ever. He who had loved this man from eternity at length wrought out his own gracious pm-poses in time. For nearly two years, on Mr. Hai-ding's return to Nova Scotia, he kept school in Cornwallis. While thus engaged he was brought under the power of the Gospel. He was invited to visit a pious uncle, a deacon of a church in CornwalHs. At first he was unwilling to go, but at last set out on his little excursion. Jogging along on horseback, the great question arose, "Where is happiness?" Our inquirer soon reached his conclusions. " Happiness was not in * He never fell in with Ileuiy Alline. Mr. AUine sailed from Windsor, on his New England tour, in August 1783. In February 1784 he died, in New Hampshire. And thus, though stUl alive when Mr. Harding returned to Nova Scotia, the two never met ; though tlie one was destined to become in some respects the •successor of the other. MEMOIB. 7 the world." Young as he was, he had pretty thoroughly tried the world, and had leai-nt with Solomon, that "all IS vanity." ''Happiness was nowhere but in Jesus He would seek Jesus then. He would not rest until he had found him. He would die seeking him, rather than give up his search." Blessed, heaven-born resolution' leadmg back to the heaven whence it came. Thus re- solved, Mr. Harding reached his uncle's house, told him that very night of the exercises through which he had just passed, and experienced great comfort while his relative pleaded for him before God. Yet it was long before our inquirer reached his goal For weeks and months, like Bunyan's pilgrim, he was bowed beneath the burden of conviction. He deeply felt that he needed a Saviour, was earnestly set upon discovering him, but knew not how to apprehend him At this crisis he paid a visit to the paternal home. A sister of his, who survived him for a little while, Mrs Peck, late of Ohio, U. S., writes thus respecting his his- tory at this period. " I remember he begged my dear parents,— my mother had not at that time experienced a change of heart,— to seek their souls' salvation. He would pray and converse on that all-important subject, and would not converse on any other. I have been told "' she adds, " that in his school all the copies for his pup/ls were such as these,-' Lord, save me!-I am going to eternity !' " Ah-eady the spirit of the evangelist had begun to work within him. " He was much taken up with the Methodists at this time," Mrs. Peck again writes, " and would bring the preachers home with him ; s 8 MEMOIR. and have sermons preached at oui* house. I remember he took pains to print a very solemn hymn on the judgment for us children, which I can still recollect/ » Concerning his intercourse with the Methodists at this time, Mr. Harding used to make some such statement as is here given, coupling it with the name of the Eev. Freeborn Garretson, who then began to visit CornwaUis. From him and others our inquirer heard much about strenuous effort in seeking the Lord. " Men must do their part, and God would do his." He seems thus to have been led to occupy Pharisaical ground. We will not say, that this was wholly the fault of his teachers. It might be, indeed, that their instructions were couched in doubtfii . terms, suited rather to nom-ish i self-righteous spirit than to repress it. But certain it is, that they gave occasion to the self-righteous tendencies of Mr. Harding's nature, and induced him to ivorh hard for salvation in- stead of helieving heartily for it. He prayed twelve times a day. He fasted every Friday. He thought, and c>thers thought so too, and told him so, that he was on the high road to conversion. Yet he attained not to what he sought. He could not rise i his own standard of moral excellence. He could not always compass his daily round of devotion. He continually broke his most solemn vows. And so he was plunged into despair. He feared he never should find his way into the heavenly kingdom. Moreover, deep as were his convictions, he was concerned because they did not seem so deep as those of some others. He afterwards thought, that, in the midst of these varied exerciees, he had realized the MEMOIR. ^ great regenerating process— renewed, but not comforted ; and imputed Lis want of enjoyment to clouded views as to the one only gi-ound of a sinner's acceptance watU Jehovah." Substituting, in effect, repentance for faith, and seeking to gather hope from the depths of his own sorrows rather than from the depths of the sorrows of Christ, he was, as he used to express it, '' troubled because he was not troubled, and mourned because he did not mourn." And thus he went heavily for many days. \-% f Ui But at last came his season of deliverance— the bright morning after the long, gloomy night. Moving one forenoon towards his school, he seemed all at once to obtain a view of Jesus. He discovered his eiTor in en- deavouring to derive consolation from his own bosom. He saw at length that, as his own works could not save him, so neither could his own experiences comfort him. Severely did he reproach himself, because he had been so blind co this before. There and then he gave himself to the Saviour, just as he was, to be saved "freely by his grace," and by that grace alone. Thus he found peace in believing, and " went on his way rejoicing." Scarcely ever, towards the end of his course, did he speak in public without referring to this grand crisis in his expe- rience. " Oh ! " he would exclaim, with many tears, " I know the very spot in Cornwallis where I first beheld * We nre here once more reminded of Bunyan's plVrim; who- passes tlirough the strait gate, and begins his heavenward Journey, Wore he reaches the little eminence where hangs the crucified One, at sight of whom he loses his burden. !f ! \ I i K ^^ 1 ^ ^K* % wtt] "i jS i ' 'i 1 f '' ' '"% ^ mM li . ,. 10 MEMOIR. Jesus. I could go to it now. And how clearly did I see ray Lord ! I wondered that I had never seen him before. I called myself a fool for my blindness. And I could not contain myself for joy that I had found him at last." So would he pour out his glad remembrance of the day of his spiritual espousals. He seems to have borne his extacy to his schoolhouse. To this very day we must refer the following account, as farther supplied by Mrs. Peck, in her letter before quoted. "Joy and love transported his soul. He forgot the children of his charge. Eternal glory was all before him, and he stood bathed in a flood of tears. His countenance was so al- tered, that the children gathered around him, they like- wise in tears, and thought him dying. Truly there he began to live. When he came to his recollection he thought, by the sun on the window, that he must have been standing on one spot nearly an hour.' . )i After this, with many alternations of faith and doubt, and hope and fear, Mr. Harding went on in his course, until he obtained more Scriptural views of salvation by grace, through faith; and that faith itself the gift of God. There he settled down; and there he abode to the end of his days. The following letter, from Mr. Harding's own pen, re- lates to the period of his life now under review, and in- cludes a reference also to those public engagements to which he soon after found himself summoned. IfEMOlS. 21 i TO JAMES M'CLANA>f, HOBTOX. " De.r brother M'L.„.n,_ " ""'"""' '"'«• "• '''»• " How do yon seem to be in your mind ? Can yon openly blood? I hope before this yon feel the Spirit of God almZ contmually crying, 'Abba! Father!' my br„4e"Z Chr,st who made the wilderness to blossom aronnd^n "is fm jonr great reward. Ah! ho it is ihu sends his angel before me wherever I go, and enables me to deelare his defds amoL the people. When I first eame to Horton, my dear broThe^ »y sod was in darkness, and in the shadJw of deTth. ° But Jesus beheld me when a great way off. Allheaven bowed wla love to my soul. He met me in the way to destruction 12 ™s eztended and told me he had appeared to me forC purpose, to make me a witness for his name unto the Gentiles to whom he has since sent me. Then was a time of lov ' mdeed. n,s dear children received me w=.h open arms and told me that Je™ who had appeared to me fn the wl; h!d chosen me as one to feed his sheep and lambs. And oh • I ean tel you, my dear M'Lanan, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision; and though earth and hell are engaged agamst me yet through the help of God I am more and more determmed to spend my last breath in his cause. "H. Habdiko." J^^^.T^''- ^"^^^^ ''""'S^^ *« *•>« Saviour; and thus did he receive the indispensable qualification for his P'and Irfe-work. We pause here, wMle we throw out caese lollowmg reflections. (*) ,.m.A m M.n 12 MEMOIK. Mr. Harding's conversion stands out in his history with peculiar distinctness, and is accompanied by some striking peculiarities. He was not bom into the hea- venly kingdom without a prolonged struggle; which we are enabled to trace in its beginning, in its progress, and to its auspicious termination. So it was with Paul, with Luther, and with many a one beside, whose story is not published abroad like theirs. Is there not a design in this on the part of God? " That . . . which we have seen with our eyes," says John, "which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life, — that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.'' His expressions here have doubtless their literal aspects; as though the apostle would assure us, on the evidence of his own senses, of the truth of his testimony in regard to Christ, the Living Word. Yet there is much more than this in his language. We return to it, and read on : — " That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us : and truly our fellowship) is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." Thus the apostle's peculiar and precious experience did not terminate in the outward, but pene- trated to the inward ; introducing him personally into the intimate and blessed fellowship of which he here speaks. And even there it did not find its final end. The welfare of others was concerned in all this; — "that ye also may have felloivship with us." Have we not here the key to the divine dealings with the men to whom we have referred as above, at the opening of their religious career ? God led them to himself, and led them by me- thods so strikingly pecuHar, that they might thus be memorial ha MEMOIR. 13 fitted to lead men, smitten and perplexed as they were themselves, to the heavenly fellowship whereunto they had attamed. This was no mean part of their training for the emment usefulness by which they were ultimately distmguished ; apart from which training, we may safely say, that usefulness would not have been realized. Thus was It, doubtless, with Harris Harding. By his early rehgious experiences was he fitted for his destined sphere, and for the work which he wrought in that sphere. Three things God did for Paul, to which Mr. Hardmg alludes in his letter as given above. He first separated him fi-om his mother's womb"— set him apart for his work from his birth, or even before it; as m the case of Jeremiah, ch. i. 5. Then he ^'called him by his grace." And then he " revealed his Son in him " These thmgs he thus wrought for the apostle, "that he might preach" that Son - among the heathen." He fulfilled his high commission; with what results it is weU known.^^ On account of all which men "glorified God m him." So it was, in his narrower sphere, with the subject of these pages. And it is that men may "glo- rify God" in hhn also, as they did in Paul, that this memorial has been prepai'ed. One word more here — a word of caution. Mr Harding was too much disposed to measure the expe- rience of other Chi'istians by his own. At least he would often so express himself as to convey an impres- sion of this kind, though his better judgment would scarcely approve of aU that he^thus uttered. The mis- take to which we here refer is but too prevalent. It ■ '"% i' ' ;li . Mfifl u MEMOI«. seems desirable therefore to observe, that, in examining' ourselves as to the grand question, "Am I a child of God, or am I not?" none need ask, Have I been brought to Christ as such a one was? the true inquiry being rather this. Have I, no matter in what way, been led to the Saviour? And this point is to be settled, not by a comparison of experiences merely; but far more, and chiefly, by a reference to results. Do I believe, and feel, and live like a Christian? Do I enter into the spirit of Peter, when he exclaimed, " Lord! thou knowest all things ; thou knowest that I love thee ?' Enough. I need ask no more. All the rest is circumstantial, and that only. Varieties here need not distress me. Eather they set off the beauty and glory of that religion which can work ib effects amid external diversities of every kind. They illustrate the analogies, while they are con- formed to them, both of likeness and of unlikeness, which obtain throughout the universe of God. And they prepare us for the fellowship of that world, where each shall find his dwelling around the throne of the one God and Saviour, and partake of the same common fe- Kcities; while yet each will rehearse a different story, and sing his own peculiar song, to Him who hath brought him in his own methods to behold his glory, and to celebrate his praise. P A BT II. \m Call to the Ministry, and Earhj Labours. It has been seen, that, as soon as spiritual realities began to lay hold of Mr. Harding's mind, even before he had tasted the joys of salvation, he began to labour for the best interests of others, commencing with his nearest relatives. Often, too, at this period, he would find himself, when alone, taking a text and preaching, as though addressing a congregation. Yet suddenly would he be checked by the thought, that himself was not converted; and what then was he about, dreaming of doing good to others? When, however, he had come to entertain a "good hope through grace," he set to work for God and souls in earnest. Abandoning his occupation as a teacher, he went from meeting to meeting, among Methodists or New Lights, as the case might be, exhorting sinners to turn to the Lord. Thus he proceeded for some two years, though not adventuring upon any thing Hke a sermon. At length he took courage to attempt this likewise. That is, he would prefix a passage of Scripture to his discourse. Still he ti 1 1 V '' ■memsttiaiemms 16 MEMOIR. ■ would not engage to keep within the limits of his text; and, indeed, always more of an exhorter than a sermo- nizer, he never thought of doing so at any time : nay, he deemed it in some sort a sin even to aim at this ;— - it was a restraining of the Spirit, whom he was bound to follow whithersoever he might conduct him. Thus, as just stated, Mr. Harding, while led to devote himself to the ministry of the Gospel of the Son of God, was fairly launched on the career of his life. If the subject of our memoir had entered upon his religious course in these more orderly times, his bio- grapher would have had to tell, first, of his union with a Christian chnrch, and then of his regular introduction into the work of the ministry. But as it is, there is little of this kind to be placed on record. Mr. Hardino-'s parents were Episcopalians, and he had doubtless re- ceived episcopal baptism in unconscious infancy. But there is no reason to think, that he ever consorted with the Episcopalian body. When he came under the saving power of the Gospel, he seems to have thought only of following his impulses; and those impulses do not appear to have led him into the communion of any organized body of professing Christians. And by impulses also was he led to consecrate himself to the preaching of the Gospel. There existed in his case the essential qualifi- cations for the work of the ministry, as specified by Paul in writing to Timothy. He "desired the work;" and he was "apt to teach." Thus, without the imposition of the hands of bishops, presbyters, or elders, he was in the true line of apostolic succession. The di'sire he felt burning V V MEMOIR. J 7 within. His aptness to teach was attested by those who heard him, and wished to hear him again. There can be no doubt, however, that he himself attached much more weight to the former of these qualifications than to the latter. " Has the Lord caUed you?— Has the Lord sent you to be a minister?— If he has, you will be blessed. If not, you will do no good." Thus would he catechize his ministering brethren, with peculiar reference to an urgent, irrepressible m/,vement of the inner man, wrought by the Spirit of God, towards their exalted office. And this inward call he regarded as constituting his own special warrant for becoming a herald of the Gospel. He was right in the main. Yet it should seem as though he fell into an. error here, similar to that into which he fell, as before noted, in relation to Christian experience. He judged of other ministers too much by his own standard; and if they could not tell a tale like his own as to their introduction to their work, he would doubt of their right to be found in that work. As God must change a man's heart before he can become a Christian, so he must move upon a man's heart to desire the work of the ministnr before he can become a mi- nister. Yet, as in the one case, so in the other, there are ''differences of administrations," while there is ''the samo Lord." One man may be more powerfully im- pelled, and another more gently drawn. One man may be more willing of himself, and another require more of an outward pressure. Yet each may be alike called of God; and each, as in the case of the private Christian, "SSSSaC" 18 MSHOIR. 18 to be judged of more by fruits and results than by the peculiarities of internal experience. In fact, in regai-d to the work of the ministry, there are demanded, for the most part, a combination and concurrence of influences and circumstances to supply a man with a warrant for engaging therein. This is not, and, in ordinary cases never can be a matter of mere impulse and impression. And he who would here escape the errors and mischiefs of fanaticism, must look, not within only, but without ^d m an upward direction. Within, indeed, as m/ Harding looked, to mark the tendencies of his own spirit; but without also, to take note of providential in- dications; and heavenward, for guidance from above Thn8, and thus only, may he hope to discover the path of duty-the path chosen for him by the Head of the church, and in the pursuit of which he may expect his presence, and rejoice in his benediction. We may be pardoned if we should here seem to repeat ourselves. Every good man has his call to try to do good to others. It was not, apparently, to the apostles alone that our Lord addressed his great Gospel commis- sion, but to the ^'five hundi-ed brethren" as well who were gathered together with them on that mountain in Galilee. To that commission the disciples gave their own practical interpretation, when, upon ''the persecu- tion which arose about Stephen," they ''went every where preaching the Gospel." That is, as the term hteraUy signifies, they evangelized;* all of them- the private disciples by private methods, as well as the more * Buangeligomenoi ton logon. VEMOIB. 10 official ones in their official capacity, labouring for th» diffusion of the glorious Gospel. Thus every Christian, in every age, has his call, as intimated above, to work for his Lord, as these primitive disciples did. Still it must not bo forgotten, that the call of a man to give himself to the work of the ministry, properly so desig- nated, involves something more than this general call to efforts of evangelical usefulness. Paul, as we have seen, suggests the elements which go to make up that call! Mr. Harding's error here, and indeed the error of thf> times in which ho entered upon his work, consisted I, the laying an undue stress upon his inward call, to the neglect of the outward and providential indications which, as wo think, concm- to complete a man's wai-rant to engage in the ministry of the Gospel. That error, wa apprehend, is not yet quite exploded in these Provinoeff Wherefore the remarks hero offered will not have been introduced in vain if they lead any who may be looking towards the ministry to ponder and pray over their whoU case ere they commit themselves to decisive steps: nei- ther rashly adventuring where they have not been com> missioned, as Moses, when he slew the Egyptian; nor hanging back with an undue diffidence, like that same Moses, when all things wei-e ripe for his enterprize, and Jehovah, from the burning bush, summoned him to ita execution. When Mr. Harding had begun to exhort and preach, ho laboured, for some two years, principally within the limits of King's and Hants Counties, N. S. ' Sometimes, however, he crossed theii« ]x)undariefl. At thia i>eriod ^ • ' i 1 1 1 t ; 1 i ' 1 1 4 .h I i I 20 MEMOIR. he visited Chester, Port Medway, Liverpool, and other places on the Eastern shore of Nova Scotia. On one occasion, at least, if not oftener, he was compelled to travel, in the absence of roads, from Windsor Forks to Chester, in Indian fashion, by the help of blazed trees ; content to journey, as Dr. Cramp has it, '' by the high road, the cross road, or through the forest, where there was no road at all." * He thought but little of his early attempts to do good, and was much afraid of leading his hearers into error; and yet were his labours owned of God, and often issued in the conversion of precious souls. By and by he foimd himself strongly moved to visit Cumberland and Colchester Counties; a district then commonly known by the name of Ccbequid. The people there were chiefly Scotch Presbyterians, and loy- ahsts, refugees from the United States; more remark- able for a regard to the doctrines and forms of religion than for an experience of its inwarc^ power. Henry AlHne had been there in the year 1 2, and had met with only a cold reception, but seemed to have accom- plished some good, t Now, after an interval of only three or four years, Mr. Harding proposed to tread in his steps. His friends, remembering how Mr. AUine had fared, strongly dissuaded him from his enterprize; moreover. * Sermon on " The Memory of the Fathers." Henry Alline tells how. on one oGca.sion, from Annapolis to Granville, he travelled forty miles on snow-shoes. Nor was Mr. Harding unacquainted with this mode of travelling:. Indeed for a long time he kept by him a pair of snow-shoes, wliich he was accustomed to exhibit to his fi'ieiids as memoriais of the evangelical toils of his early days. t Appendix A. HEMOIB. but " hia Master had called him to go to Cobequid, he had nothing to do but obey. "and We come here to some of those early adventures on which Mr. Harding ever loved to dwell. They illustrate the good man's views of ministerial duty. They shew, moreover, how God did indeed guide and bless the labours of his servants in the times which we here endeavour to recall. Nay, might not the Head of the church, more than we, in our dread of fanaticism, may be prepared to admit, sometimes even awaken the impulses on which his servants in those times were wont to act? And, as in apostolic days, he granted to his servants, in addition to the more ordinary indications of his will, signs from heaven, so, in these later times, when these more ordi- nary indications may be less abundant, may he not sometimes supplement them, by means of these very im- pulses ? albeit sober people in sober times may be ler^ to regard them with undue suspicion. Winch suggestions may fitly introduce the narrative to which we now proceed. On his way to Cumberland, Mr. Harding found him- self at the house of i Mr. Loring De W olf, of Windsor, N. S., a good mai. gir^n to shew hospitality to the friends of religion. A vessel lay at the wharf, boun. mmistry. Late in life the poor African met with Mr Hardmg, whom he had not seen for fortv years, and with joy and gratitude rehearsed the etory of his con- version,>-a stoiy probably heard then for the first time -to him who had begotten him in the GoBpel. How many such stories have greeted his spirit in heaven I (7) il Hi II 86 MEMOIR. Gn the whole, in Shelburn, in the times of which we here write, as is common in the dispensations of heaven, the mighty, the noble were not called, nor sent to call others. Humble David George appears to have been the thing of naught, labouring for the good of those whom the world counted as naught, but honoured by God as a builder in his temple. And now he, and the subject of these sketches, together with many of the objects of their holy and loving solicitude, are they not before the throne, hymning their hallelujahs to God and the Lamb ? Surely Christ loses not his purchase, and his messengers toil not in vain, " though Israel be not gathered," and too many cast contempt upon the proposals of his mercy. About the period now under review Mr. Harding found his way to Barrington. Little is remembered of his visits to this place. There were godly people here, however, in those days, in co-operation with whom some foundation was laid for religious organizations now ex- isting. Mr. Harding was always well received here, and loved at fitting seasons to resort hither. In connection with Barrington the venerable name of Theodore S. Harding suggests itself. It was his birth-place. Here, under the ministry of Henry Alline, in the year 1781, he was first awakened ; although his impressions finally ripened into conversion through the instrumentality of Freeborn Garretsoii, heretofore mentioned. A season of declension followed, which at length was broken up by the preaching of Harris Harding, and Joseph Dimock. Thenceforth Theodore Harding appears to have pressed MEMOIB. 37 on in b's course without "looking back/' until he be- came that "burning and shining Hght^' into which he kindled ere his rays were quenched in "the valley of the shadow of death/' To God would we devoutly and heartily ascribe all the good wrought among men. Yet is it both pleasing and useful to trace the agency by which he works; especially when we see how the mind of one eminent man is brought to bear beneficially upon the mind of another, and the graces of the one are made to stir up and inflame the graces of the other. So Barnabas and Paul were made mutual blessings; and Harris Harding effectually aroused Theodore, first to seek higher things for himself, and then to aim at imparting enlarged good to others.* Argyle was also visited by Mr. Harding about this time. The following story is told in regard to one of iiis journies as now undertaken. Leaving Barrington on his way to Argyle, a young man, belonging to the French Catholic population in those parts, accompanied Mr. Harding as his guide through the woods. As they moved on, our evangelist conversed with him about the great things of the Gospel. The young man wept freely, though he said but little; and on parting declined com- pensation for his services. It appeared that, some years before, Mr. Alline had been at the house of this man's father, seeking aid in his journeyings. Himself was then a youth, sixteen or seventeen years of age, ffick, and in great mental distress. Mr. Alline had obtained permission to pray with him. His prayer told upon the * Appendix E. if 'M PI 1 M% ^ ■ ' Mm ' '8 't?. HKT' > ■ '« ^'' HyuS'ii ^- 'Sp-i i ' 'f; ', f ' I !f 88 MBHOIB. hearts of the poor Catholics, and especially upon the heart of the afflicted youth; who thenceforth began to recover. The mother ever after maintained, that Mr. AUine was certainly a good man ; " for his prayer for her Joseph had saved his life." The youth himself, thus spared, conducted himself thenceforward in an exemplary manner; and at last died, as it was thought, though he never formally abandoned the Eomish communion, " looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Who shall say that this man was not one of the Lord^s " hidden ones" — in Babylon, but not of her ? And had not Mr. Alline and Mr. Harding, both of them, their work and reward at once, while thus ''drawing the bow at a venture," and "sowing beside all waters?" As of Barrington, so of Argyle, little is to be said of Mr. Harding^s labours there. At the latter place, how- ever, as at the former, he found some who were ready to receive him in the Lord. Among these was a Mr. Moulton, a Baptist minister from New England, who seems subsequently to have laboured at Horton with considerable success. He resided and laboured for a while also in Yarmouth, and administered the ordinance of believers' baptism for the first time in Yarmouth County. At Argyle also was a Mr. Frost, a worthy Congregational brother, a man of property, a magistrate, and a preacher. Then there was a Mr. Spinney, " deacon Spinney," ancestor of a race of Spinneys still residing at Argyle. These aided Mr. Harding in his labours. Great good resulted frc-ii those labours at the MEMOIB. 89 time. And now in Argyle, a Baptist ohurcli maintains its existence; \.mch owes its rise, its nurture, and much of its present character to the ministry of Mr. Harding, as commenced at this period, and renewed from time to time to the end of his days. Moving still Westward, Mr. Harding reached Tusket. Here he was opposed and annoyed by '' certain lewd fellows of the baser sort." But a Mr. Lent, afterwards "Judge Lent," gave him his countenance; and his person was protected, while his labours were not seriously interrupted. To the ridicule of these "lewd fellows," however, we are indebted for an idea of Mr. Harding's personal appearance at this time, which must have been in strong contrast with the portliness of his later days- The following hints occm-, in letters written near this time. " I expect my work will soon be over. I fail and bleed at my lungs.— My voice is almost gone, as it appears ; but as long as I can whisper one word, I'll declare His salvation." Thus he came to Tusket, thin, pale, and shadowy. This stimulated the wit of his Tusket persecutors; and outside of the building in which Mr. Harding preached, immediately at the back of his standing-place, they wrote with chalk, in magni- fied letters, the words, ''New Light Ghost!" displaying at once their malice and their impotency. But as to Mr. Harding, as in many like cases, his work was not so near its end as he imagined. God warned him of his innate weakness, and then girded him for that prolonged career of usefulness which yet lay before him. A Bap- tist church is now found at Tusket; which, as with th« ij M ■i: 40 MEMOIR. 1 k church at Argyle, is greatly indebted, in many ways, to the labours of Mr. Harding. Our narrative has thus led us to the borders of Yar- mouth, Mr. Harding's home and sphere for so many years, and now the repository of his remains. Coming pages will conduct us into that sphere, and lead us to contemplate his labours, his trials, and his successes there.* * Appendix F. § 1. spiaiTi Before ^ work at Ya] obtain some Yarmoutl town of Ya five or six 1 three miles, at the Soui Nova Scotia for some tim properly Caj culiar form c It was not tl it has now then appropr the township PART III. Approaches to lurmouth. ''W § 1. 8PIHITUAL CONDITION OF YABMOUTH IN FOBMEB TEAB8. Bepoee we can clearly understand Mr. Harding's work at Yarmouth, or the results of that work, we must obtam some idea of the field in which he wrought. Yarmouth, as it now exists,— we refer here to the town of Yarmouth,-is a considerable place, of some hve or SIX thousand inhabitants, stretching, for about three miles, along the shores of its harbour. It is almost at the South-western extremity of the Province of Nova Scotia. It was known, in Henry AlUne^s day, and for some time afterward, as Cape Orsue, or Cape Forsue properly Cape Fourchu, the Forked Cape, from the pe-' culiar form of the headland to the West of its harbour- It was not then the centre and focus of business, such as It has now become. Nor was the name of Yarmouth then appropriated to it as it now is ; that name describing the township of Yarmouth rather than any village 42 M15M0IR. I This district of country began to be settled about 1761, from New England, and chiefly from Massacbussets. Those who thus settled it brought with them the religion of New T^ngland. And what was that religion? An answer to this question will help us to an idea of the spiritual condition of Yarmouth when Mr. Harding paid his first visit to the neighbourhood. The religion of New England, then, above a hundred years ago, and before the days of Edwards and White- field, was a species of frozen Congregationalism — a Con- gregationalism moulded out of elements sadly destructive of the life and power of godliness. We will explain a little. The Puritan fathers, who colonized New England, brought with them high theocratic notions, as they have been termed. Under the Mosaic economy, a true and rightful tLeocracy, God was the direct Ruler of his people, both in church and state. Every circumcised Israelite was a member both of the one and the other; and none were entitled to the immunities of the state who were not members of the church. Such was the Jewish system; and the Puritan fathers undertook to copy it. None but church-members could hold office in the commonwealths which they founded, nor even vote at their elections. At the same time these fathers were strict in the admission of members; requiring distinct evidence of a change of heart on the part of those whom they received to their communion. Nay, they would not administer baptism, as they deemed it, except to the children of church-members. The parents, like the un- circumcised nations of old, were not in the covenant, MEMOIR. 43 and could not claim its seals for their offspring. Hence arose dissatisfaction— discussion— modification. In a synod, held in 1662, it was decided, that "persons bap- tized in infancy, 'understanding the doctrine of faith, and publicly professing their assent thereunto; not scandalous in life, and solemnly owning the covenant before the church, wherein they give up themselves and then- children to the Lord, and subject themselves to the government of Christ in the church, their children are to be baptized;' though the parent thus owning the covenant was avowedly yet unregenerate, and as such excluded from the Lord's Supper."* This was soon followed by farther innovation. It was pleaded, "that sanctification is not a necessary qualification to partaking of the Lord's Supper." The plea was admitted; and baptism for the children of unconverted parents, and church-fellowship for the unregenerate became common m New England. Of course, church-discipline disap- peared. Unconverted men could not be kept out of the ministry. The requirements of personal piety were overlooked, forgotten, practically set aside. Heart- rehgion, indeed, was not annihilated. There still were godly people, and godly ministers. But their rehgion was overlaid hy a Hfeless formahsm— discouraged and discountenanced as unnecessary and fanatical. The orthodoxy of better days was succeeded by an unevan- geKcal though unacknowledged Arminianism. A foun- dation was thus laid for that superstructure of TJnitari- *From Tra<;y's "Great Awakening." an excellent American WWtefleW "^^ ^'"^""^ ""^ ^'"^''''' ^ *^' ^^' ""^ ^^^^'^' ^"^ (8) hi I 'l il 44 MEMOIR. anism which in later days brought deep eclipse upon all evangelical truth in Massachussetts^ and whose darkening anu v. u g influence is not yet passed away. An^,'. x stato of things arose, both in the church and the world, which loudly called for a reform ; for the effecting of which God graciously raised up the distin- guished men above named, with many others, whose works shall ever live, and wiiose praise shall never die.* We return to Western Nova Scotia. The immigra- tion thither from New England, referred to as above, commenced before the American Revolution. To such immigration that event gave a new impulse. The settlers brought with them a British loyalty; but with that many of their New England peculiarities, including, as already intimated, the religion of that region. Its con- fession was orthodox ; its general form Congregational ; its discipline careless ; its results, coldness in piety, and looseness in practice. I * So much for the workings of the subtle and far-reaching error of infant-baptism. The theory and practice of believers' baptism never did originate, and never could have originated a state of things such as is described in the text. And indeed it may be truly afflrraed, that, whatever evils may spring up among Baptists, their correction is far easier than that of such as may arise among Pedobaptist bodies. They are mercifully rid of one sad fallacy. And they have among them precious Scriptural principles,— prin- ciples closely interwoven with their peculiar tenets, — which only need to be called into action to purge out the false and pernicious, and to introduce and nourish the true and beneficial. MBuont. ^5 On Sep. 2, 1767, a Congregational cimrch was formed m the village of Yarmouth. Every one of its constituent members, except two from the North of Ireland were from New England. In their covenant, intended to be used at the admission of members into the church " there occurs the following passage .—" And you will herewith labom- to obtain that fm-ther preparation which is needful for the due approach to God in all his ordi- nance, and will (God helping you,) come up to yom- duty herein. Added to this is the following note :-."Thia last sentence is omitted when the person is then to be admitted to full communion with the church." Here plainly, is the "half-way covenant" of New En- gland-the outer court provision for an unregenerate Christianity.* About the same time with the above, another Con- gregational church was formed, at Chebogue, some three miles from the village of Yarmouth, and then the centre of business for the district. Here, it is believed, the half-way covenant was not adopted. This church still exists, as a worthy and useful body of Christians. The Rev. Jonathan Scott became pastor of this church, not long after its formation. He was a good man,' and loved and preached the Gospel. He distinguished him- self by his determined opposition to Henry Alline. Mr. AOine, indeed, was the thorn in Mr. Scott's side. His movements, with their consequences, at the end of a ten • The church thus constituted has long since disappeared, lie Congregational church now existing at Yarmouth is eoniti- rated upon a more Scriptural basis. I i 1^1 rs im 46 MEMOIR. i1 years' struggle, drove Mr. Scott from Chebogue. Mr. Scott appears to have been little fitted to meet the exi- gencies of the times which came upon him. He had about him a march and a majesty, exacting a tribute of universal reverence. These characteristics are deeply impressed upon seme writings which he left behind him. So of the religion by which he was surrounded. It was formal, staid, stately, but by no means aggressive. It did not go out among the people, and " compel them to come in." Thus both Mr. Scott and his friends were unprepared to withstand the irruptions of Mr. Alline, and of those who came after him, Mr. Harding included. Their guerilla warfare was too much for the heavy arms, and the regulated movements to which Mr. Scott and his adherents had been trained. The two churches mentioned above probably com- prised all the vital religion existing in and around Yar- mouth at the period to which we here refer. Besides these there was an Episcopalian body, with the old un- evangelical stamp, and anti-evangelical influence. There were also Catholics, with the common characteristics of anti-Christ in all ages. Upon the former Mr. Harding made but little impression, while the latter he scarcely touched. It needs not, therefore, that we should here speak of them more particularly. We have referred to Mr. Alline, and to some others, as labouring in and around Yarmouth previous to Mr- Harding's first visits there. We must add a few re- marks about them and their work, and especially about MEMOIE. 47 Mr. Alline and his influence. Mr. Alline is regarded by many as the Whitefield of Nova f.c . ^.u- And certain it is, that his labours were larj; -iy o' jd by God to the breaking up of the hard form .U.-u. «vhich, previous to his day, had too much charpcter> ^ :he religion of the Province. He had his vagt-ies. He was more fitted for (destruction than cowstrucii i- -to pull down than to build up. Perhaps even he did not go to heaven too soon ;* cut off though he was in the midst of his days. And yet there was about him one peculiarity which eminently fitted him to disturb the slumbers of a lethargic generation, and to arouse both church and world to gaze upon Gospel reaKties, and confess their power. His religion, the religion for which he lived and died, was pre-eminently the religion of feeling. His writings are all a-glow with feeling. In vain you search them for distinct enunciations of doctrine; but the indi- cations of deep and ardent feeling present themselves everywhere. Thus he mourned over mens' insensibility to the interests of the soul, and tried to alarm them into feeling. Then he would exhibit the greatness and glory of Christ,— his melting pity, his bleeding love, his delight and his power to save; in all making his appeal to feeling. H^> views of regeneration ran in the same direction. Wuat was regeneration? It was to have Christ formed in the heart— Christ m the saints the hope of glory. A Saviour unfelt was a Saviour unknown. Here, therefore, lay the measure of a man's religion, as well as its evidence,— in the depth and intensity of his feeling— his enjoyment of a present and inward Saviour. * Appendix G. Ml r ^if I I 11 1 ' il I I 48 MEMOIR. Here also was the source of the Christian's daily joys and sorrows: — he found his Lord at home and was glad; or he had withdrawn, and left behind him darkness and distress. Here, in the inculcation of sentiments like these, and their exemplification in his own experience, lay Mr. Alline's power. It was out of the track of the religious teachers of his day. It involved so much of truth. It was enforced, too, with so much affection and earnestness. And above all, it was recommended by the preacher's own disinterestedness and self-abandonment. He profoundly felt what he diligently taught. He left all, therefore, for Christ, and endured all; and all with an elevated cheerfulness and joy. His coadjutors were men of the like mind with himself. And so it came to pass, that wherever he and they went, old organizations were destroyed, while new ones were brought into existence; and provision was thus made for the gradual demolition of ancient spiritual fabrics, and the ultimate development of a better state of thmgs. There was much that was painful in all this; much that it were hard to justify. Yet this was the method that God took for disturbing the reign of a dead and deadening spiritual system, and leading men back to a living experience of the spirit and power of the Gospel. It happened in Nova Scotia as in New England. First, there was torpor. Then the shock of newly discovered truth. Then agitation and alarm. Then separation, with dislike and heart-burnings. Then a rushing into extremes, on this side, and on that. Then reconsideration. The whole resulting in the restored recognition of the vital elements of the Gospel, with a return to the decency and order of Gt)spel institutions. MBMOIB. 49 Henry Alline was employed by God in the production of the earlier of these processes. We have to do with the later. Our fathers in the m?Tiistry, now just passed away, beheld something of all these processes, and bore inti- mate relations to them. The reader will judge how far the hints here supplied conduce to a correct understand- ing of the past, or a right estimate of the present. We have spoken generally of Henry Alline and his work. It is necessary to notice his visits to Yarmouth. They were three, all 3f them brief, as his visits usually were. The first extended from the 18th to the 26th of October, 1781; the second from the 7th to the 19th of February, 1782 ; and the third from the 5th to the 17th of October in the same year. Mr. Alline writes thus in his Journal, dating Oct. 18, 1781. "When I got to Cape Orsue [Yarmouth village], I found the people very dark, and most of them opposers to the power of religion. The minister also at Chebogue came out, and raged very high. Nevertheless there were doors opened to rae; and I preached often while I was there, and some were awakened. The minister raged so to my face, that I was obliged to tell him, that allowing I was ever so wrong, and was going to destruction, ifc was certain he was wrong; for he had discovered a murdering spirit in that rage and wrangling, which I told him was far from the spirit and ways of Jesus : and at last his passion was so high, that he left the house. When he was gone his deacon, at whose house I was, was so convinced, that he told me his house was open for me at any time.'' Feb. 7, 1782, Mr. AUiua I 'II 50 MEMOIR. i: il says again, " I . . . travelled ... to Cliebogue, where was a a bitter .opposition, and many opposers ; especially the minister, whose religion would very easily suffer him to get in a passion, and call me impudent fellow; which caused me to tell him, that he shewed what kingdom he belonged to by his rage and maUce. I preached in Chebogue, and Cape Orsue some days; and there appeared an awakening among many; and some that had stood off and scoffed began to hear. Some of them opened their doors for me to preach at their houses. But there were still a number of scoffers, especially at Cape Orsue. The Lord forgive them, and open their eyes, before the day is over, and they eternally gone ! I remained preaching every day, and discoursed much, for I had many come to see me, until the 19th, when I bid them farewell." With reference to his third visit to Yarmouth, Mr. Alline thus writes : — " I set out in company with brother Chipman, a servant of Christ, to go to Cape Orsue When we came to the settlements, we preached every day, and saw a work of God among the people there." Thus far Mr. AlHne. We obtain the following information respecting the results of his visits from a record drawn up by Mr. Harding, given at large elsewhere. "In 1788,"* says Mr. Harding, " Mr. Henry Alline, that successful servant of Christ, visited this place, and I tL is ten or twelve professed faith in Christ under his ministry : and others who have since been brought to own and put on Christ dated their first awakenings under his labours. Dear brother * A mistake. The true dates of Mr. Alline's several visits to Yarmouth are given above. MEMOIR. 51 Chipman/^ proceeds Mr. Harding, " who travelled with Ml-. Allme, and hath visited them several times since has been owned of God in the conversion of souls, and m feedmg, strengthening, and building of the disciples m their most holy faith." Mr. Alline^s visits, from the beginning, issued in secessions from Mr. Seott^s people, and the establishment of separate worship; although a New Light church does not appear to have been formed m Yarmouth before Mr. Harding's first visit in 1790. It is clear from the above, that Mr. AlHne's labours opened the way for Mr. Harding's career in Yarmouth • of which, however, more hereafter. Meanwhile we proceed to perform an act of simple justice. Mr.* AHme, as we have seen, complains heavily of Mr. Scott Now Mr. Scott himself, in a work against Mr. Alline' enables us to modify his testimony. Mr. Alline informs us, for instance, that Mr. Scott " came out, and raged very high— he. . .discovered a murdering spirit— he called me impudent fellow^ All that is here charged upon Mr. Scott seems to have occurred in private. It ap- pears, from Mr. Scott's testimony, that he did not ''come out" at all, in the sense of attending any of Mr. AlHne's meetings. That gentleman spake out rather than "came out." In certain private conferences, which he particularly describes, the good man was much excited. We give his owr. words .— " I gave him [Mr. A.] some sharp rebuke,-^ %^I:-'oh I thought he might justly deserve, and received from him such replies as I need not mention; which gave occasion for my telling him, that hii ivn^^idonc, luxd fitted Mm tor his work - («) 15: \Al^ ■V-'i M 52 MEMOIR. which was the severest words that ever I gave him: which assertions are so true, and uttered upon such good evidence, that I dare not recall the truth asserted in them, though I cannot say that they were so well ordered as to place and circumstances as to be justifiable; and I think the contrary." All this appears to confirm Mr. Alline's representations. Yet it may not be supposed, that Mr. Scott forgot himself so far as Mr. Alline's language would imply ; nor that Mr. Alline himself, in his intercourse with Mr. 8cott, presented a model of Christian meekness. No doubt high words were exchanged ; and if Mr. Scott said hard things to Mr. Alline, they were provoked and met by Mr. Alline's severities, i And indeed a calm view of the case would seem to make Mr. Scott's indignation quite natural, if not wholly to excuse it. There he was, labouring with great disinterestedness, working his farm, and receiving from his people only a small measure of support. There he was, with age, education, position, reputation, piety, orthodoxy, influence, and a degi^ee of usefulness on his side. Here is Mr. Alline, a young man, who had beeu ranging the Province for years ; breaking up old churches, and erecting new societies out of their frag- ments; uttering some great truths, yet mingling with them strange errors, and revolting absurdities ; profes- sing to be under a peculiar, if not an exclusive gui- dance of the Spirit of God ; and colouring all with the appearance of extraordinary godliness, love, and zeal. Such was the aspect worn by Mr. Alline towards Mr. Scott. Is it wonderful that, when the one obtruded himself, as the other judged, into his sphere, and there MEMOIR. 53 went to work, asking no man's leave, and regarding no man's feelings, that the latter should find himself ag- grieved, and set himself, as best he might, to neutralize the influence of the former ?~or that, taking this course, he should lose his balance somewhat, and give occasion to statements such as Mr. Alline has made? Let any minister put himself in Mr. Scott's place, and so judge of the good man's conduct. Our zeal should not absorb our candour; and while we may fitly regard Mr. Alline as an agent raised up by our Great Head to do a good work in l^ova Scotia, we must not therefore deem him faultless, nor render the meed of unqualified praise to all that he did while engaged in that work.* We are now prepared to accompany Mr. Harding in his entrance upon the principal scene of his labom-s and usefulness; only adding some facts fm-nished by Mr. Scott, shewing the great spiritual necessities of Western Nova Scotia at the period in which Mr. Alline entered upon his labom-s, and so not long before the days of Mr. Harding. " Many, :f not the greatest part of the towns and settlements in this land," says Mr. Scott, " have no ministers to teach or instruct them ; and a number of small settlements and villages never had any settled Gospel minister, or constant teaching m the things of religion, since this land was inhabited by the English. At this time [1784], to the Southward and East- ward of Yarmouth, there is not a minister of the Gospel Higher than Liverpool, which is about a hundred mUes diatant * Appendix H. l(. ii 54 HEMOIB. from US ; where the Rev. Mr. Cheever yet resides, but was soon dismissed from his pastoral relation to the people there, after our author [Mr. Alline] visited them first, in the year 1781.* ... So there is not a settled minister of the Gospel nearer to us on the Eastward than Lunenburgh, which I judge to be not short of a hundred and thirty miles at least. And to the Northward and Eastward of us there is none nearer than Annapolis County, where the Rev.'^Mr. Morse is settled over a church and congregation ; which is, I judge, about eighty miles distance from Yarmouth. ... In Annapolis County also resides a missionary of the Established Church of our nation." § 2. MK. HAKDINg's riKST visits to YARMOUTH. Me. Harding kept no joui'nal. He wrote few letters. His labours from year to year, and from one season of revival to another, were marked by but few varieties. The recollections of sm-vivors are but vague and indis- tinct. Hence it is difficult to collect such details as might give life and character to our pages, and impart to strangers, and those who shall come after us definite conceptions as to Mr. Harding's labours, with theii' results. Still the attempt must be made, with such materials as are now accessible. We trust it may not prove wbolly unsuccessful. * Of this man Mr. Alline thus speaks in his Journal :— " The minister, whom they had tried often to get removed on account of his hard drinking, . . . desired a dismission. . . . The people embraced the opportunity, and gave him his dismission." MEMOIR, 55 Mr. Harding himself speaks of his first visit to Yar- mouth as having been made in 1790. Then we have letters dated from Yarmouth in 1791 and 1792 ; in some of which he speaks of himself as having been summoned to officiate at a funeral, and expecting to remain but for a short time. From 1792 to 1797 we have no traces of km m the immediate vicinity of Yarmouth. In 1790 and 1793 we have letters dated from Onslow. In a his- torical sketch of the rise of the Baptist interest at Yar- mouth, to which we have heretofore referred Mr Harding glances at his ordination. In this section, and a succeeding one, a few facts relating to the points and periods here indicated will occupy our attention. Mr. Harding approached Yarmouth at first with great fear and trembling. He knew not then how closely the spiritual destinies of that neighbom-hood, and indeed of all Western Nova Scotia, were to be subsequently inter- twined with his own career. But had he known his emotions could scarcely have been more appropriate or affecting. It was by forty days' temptation in the wil- derness that our blessed Lord was fitted to enter upon the grand work of his life. Luther, taught by deep ex- perience, somewhere says, that there are three things which go to make a minister,— prayer, study, and temp- tation. It is by temptation, as hinted elsewhere, that our heavenly Father goes about to instruct his ministers at once in their weakness and their strength, in their danger and their security; that he may withhold them irom presumption, on the one hand, and from despond- ency on the other, and train them to walk "iu the midtt h iM'h I ■ f : I 56 MEMOIR. of the paths of judgment." So was it^ as wo loam from his Journal, with Mr. Allino; and so with the subject of these pages. Thus, therefore_, he expresses himself, in a letter addressed to his father's family about this time. '^Oh! what should I now do," says he, "if I had run without being sent, when the malice of devils, and aU the powers of hell are combined with wicked men against me? But that God who sends Gabriel sends me also to speak to the people of these shores 'all the words of this life.' Yes ! He who spoke me into being by the word of his power, and called me by his grace to be made a ' partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light,' even He is now my refuge and hope. To Him be all the glory ! Amen ! " We may here fitly introduce the record, supplied by his own pen, of a characteristic dream v/hich in these days visited our evangelist. We find it in the historical sketch heretofore mentioned. " In 1 790," we there read, " it pleased God to send the writer in his name as I trust, to this dear people. I would not wish to be influenced by dreams, or vain impulses; yet I had a dream about this time which much affected, and made a singular impression on my mind. I was at Horton, where I had enjoyed sweet privileges with God's people, and where T had seen many brought to Christ, my blessed Master, as well as at Cornwallis, Annapolis, Falmouth, &c. I dreamed I was on board a small sail- boat, with deacon Cleaveland, and a number of my dear Christian friends at Horton. Methought I stood upon the gunwale of the boat, having a spear in my hand. M^ MEMOIR. 57 The sun shone with peculiar brightness. We were runniug before a pleasant breeze, at a little distance from a dehghtful shore. The water also was clear ^^ crystal and I could see the white and shining fishes at he bottom while I was continually catching Them Ji h he spear My friends, I thought, were sitting speaking of Christ's love to a fallen world, their cheeks bathe! with tears and apparently filled with peace and joy I thought the deacon said to me, ^You catch every fish you strike. I rephed, 'I miss none.' Methought I fished until I had got the boat filled, and then had a delicious feast with my fellow-disciples. I awoke in a joyful frame. I visited Yarmouth soon after." He was gomg thither to fish for men. Did not the Head of the church thus minister to him an emblem and foretaste of his signal success there? At first, however, he was called to encounter opposing influences at Yarmouth. As in Mr. Alline's case he ^ad no access to the regular places of worship. Still he found friends among those who had countenanced Mr Alhne and Mr. T. H. Chipman. He began his course at Chebogue, preaching in the houses of Messrs. Rogers Holmes, and Cain. He was scarcely received anywhere else for a while. By and by a Mrs. Strickland was disco- vered at Gegogan, West of Yarmouth village -Che- bogue lying to the South-east,-who was willing to open her house for Mr. Harding's ministrations. Then again other houses were successively offered for his accommo- dation. Not long after, Mr. Benjamin Brown, residing 58 MEMOIR. in tlie village^ received him into his house. Lord set before him an open door. And so thd All this time he was annoyed by adversaries. On one occasion dogs were set on him by people more dog- like than themselves. Good, quiet Congregationalists, who probably felt as if the privileges of their " standing order/' speaking after the New England fashion, were in danger, roused themselves to unusual effort. They sent for two ministers from a distance, perhaps from the neigh- bouring States, to come and counteract Mr. Harding's in- fluence. They came; and while our evangelist was at work around them, occupied a meeting-house in Yarmouth. But all to po purpose. Mr. Harding obtained a hold upon the people, which he never lost. A tide of in- fluence then set in, which retains a commanding force to this day, and gives no sign of subsidence. But Mr. Harding shall speak for himself of these things. Thus he writes from Yarmouth, about two years from his first visit in 1790. TO REV. JOSEPH DIMOCK. "Yarmouth, Jan. 27, 1792. •• My dear brother, — " There is some appearance of a reformation in this place. People flock in great numbers to hear the everlasting Gospel. Several seem moved by the Holy Ghost. Doors are almost everywhere opened for meetings, and prejudices are abundantlj removed from peoples' minds. Often, and almost every tune I speak, I feel the presence of my blessed Master. There is, SXMOIB. 59 I think, a little cloud, like the bleeding hand of Jesus, in this part of the vineyard. The Christians have been several times in the mount, and have spoke with a loud voice of His coming to them that look for redemption in Israel, so that I have stopped speaking once or twice. At Argyle T see the goings of God in his sanctuary. Mr. , I think, is savingly bom agam ; and I left several groaning for redemption, and some to appearance near the kingdom. my brother! this I can truly say, is my meat and drink,— to declare the everlastiag righteousness of Him in whom I am, " Eternally yours, " Habeis Harding." to thomas bennett, horton. .,,^ J ^ , "Yarmouth, April 6, 1792. " My dear brother in Christ,— " I have seen glorious days since I left you. Truly the hnes have faJlen to me in pleasant places. Oh ! the goodness of God to me, the chief of sinners ! I passed over with my staff only to this people; and behold ! I am, my dear brother, through free grace, become two bands. Never, I think did I see the goings of my God in such a wonderfiil manner before The young converts truly bear the image of their dying Lord m a heavenly manner. We have indeed, my brother, happy happy meetings. The soul of your unworthy friend is a liundred-fold rewarded. Blessed be God for ever putting me mto the ministry ! could I see you again, how would I teU you, my brother! what great things my dying Lord has revealed to me since I saw you last ! Near fifty, in the last reformation, are savingly born again, and can lap mih the ongue. Very few that have been awakened turn back again to the world. * # * # ^ "Adieu! adieu! adieu! ^^^^ "Habbis Harding." flu Mil- t^M IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) i.O I.I 1.25 I ^ S lUUU 1.8 1.4 1.6 P 7J Va 7 'c^l c^. 5^ V A f '/ Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 4 ■^ m i\ c\ \ ^ ^i; 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 * c^ z ; I : I 60 MEMOIR. M! I li'l XO BKV. JOSEPH DIMOCK. " .Yarmouth, AprU 18, 1792. " My dear brother in the Gospel, — " Still, still Jesus is with me, and «the arms of my hands are made strong by the hand of the mighty God of Jacob.' There are about twenty, my brother, from Cape Fortune [Yarmouth], that cry, * The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!' Opposition daily falls before the Gospel. Oh! my brother! I have seen happy days, and sat in heavenly places with the young converts since I saw yon. Several of them are very clear, and are indeed clothed with the Saviour. Deane, and his wife Betsy, and Nabby Brown, are in the everlasting Gospel. Yesterday a woman who lives at Salmon River, and never had seen or heard anything about conversion, till the Lord convicted and converted her, about five weeks ago, was at a meeting, truly sick of love, crying out repeatedly, ' for wings to fly to glory!' and the young converts weeping for joy all around her, and falling on each others' necks, and re- joicing.* Josee ! Josee ! my soul rejoices that ever I was called to point my poor fellow-mortals to behold the ancient plan of endless life, and declare the everlasting decree of Him who wa^ crucified. " Yoxu-s eternally, " Habeis Haeding." TO THOMAS BENNETT, HOBTON. "Argyle, April 21, 1792. " My dear brother, — "The blessings of Him who was separated from his brethren are poured in upon my soul from every quarter. And oh ! that name, let my soul bear witness, that taught me * Shewing their joy by utterances, or gestures, or by both. MEMOIB. 61 Israel's ancient road, has, by his eternal Spirit, pointed out the secrets of mon's hearts of late in our assemblies, bowed stub- bom wills, and caused rooky hearts to gush out streams of livmg water. Yes ! my dear brother ! sometimes the power of the Holy Ghost rests upon my soul, and I can stand, with one foot on Ebal, and the other on Gerizim, in the name of the Lord, and deKver eternal decrees and messages to saints and sinners. The kingdom of God stiU advances at Cape Forchu [Yarmouth]. I have great hopes for near thirty. I think, when tried at the waters, they will lap with the tongue. Some are swallowed up in glory in a wonderful manner. They have no idea, or historical knowledge of the Holy Ghost, until they have been brought through ; for the most part very soon. Some have been brought upon their knees, crymg for mercy and help, when the Lord Jesus brake unto their souls. When others in meeting were groaning for re- demption, they would take hold, and pull them down upon their knees, crying, That was the way to obtain mercy. There are some so tender and softened with redeeming love, that I sometimes feel tried, because I stand no more in the hberty of the Gospel to stamp the truths and image of Jesus npon their souls. * ♦ * » " H. Hahdikg." Another extract from the historical sketch more than once quoted already, will complete Mr. Harding^s own account of the results of his labom-s at Yarmouth in the period now under review. We resume at the point at which we closed our last quotation. I * If: j.j!^ '1 i :'< 62 MEMOIR. I I ! I II I ., ,i^ 'I i|! J ' ■ f ;-; *' Deacon Eogers, at whose honse I lodged, procured a place for me to preach, in a part of the town where there hsA been no reformation, and where the people were in much opposition. The first time I preached an old lady, esteemed by her neighbours, got up as soon as I had ended, and said, 'What I have heard is the Gospel of Christ/ Many were affected, but had so much fear of my exhortations after meeting, that some escaped out of the windows.* " The work of God now began. Poor sinners were awakened to a sense of their danger, and some were converted to the Lord Jesus, and filled with peace in believing. Opposition arose on every hand. Yet many who came to om' meetings to satisfy curiosity, and others to oppose the work of God, went away convinced of their sins, and wrong ideas. None were neuters. He that was not with us tried to scatter. The opposite party engaged two Congregational ministers; who, leaving their flocks, came and preached together at the meeting-house where I now preach, and which the Lord afterward gave me ; for ' the wrath of man shall praise Him.' After many had professed faith in Christ, we sent for brother T. H. Chipman to assist in gatheriug a church, as at that time I was not set apart by the impo- sition of hands for office-work; who when he was come, and had seen the grace of God manifested among us, was glad, for he was a good man. The church was ga- thered on the plan of the rest of the New Light churches in the Province at that time, and consisted of Congre- * Appendix I. MEMOIE. 63 gationalists and Baptists. They were visited several times, for a few years, by brethren in the ministry, as well as by myself. Dear brother Joseph Dimock^s labours have been much blessed among this dear people, and his name will b ' respected as the spiritual father of some wL-le they live. Indeed none of our brethren la- boured among them without some seals to their ministry. "In 1797," continues Mr. Harding here, "I came [to Yarmouth], and settled among them. They had built a small meeting-house, which I preached in for some time." In regard to this " small meeting-house" we have been supplied with the following interesting de- tails. It was situated towards Milton, at the corner of Starr's Road. It was little other than a mer*? shell. lo was never finished, either within or withouu. Its floor consisted of boards loosely laid down. Boards, too, supported by blocks, formed its seats. Within it stood a carpenter's bench, which did duty as a ministerial desk. It never knew the comfort of a stove. It was reared for the most part by contributions in kind. Some gave timber, some glass, some shingles, some labour, and a few money. It would accommodate from two to three hundred persons. It was occupied as a place of worship about eighteen months, or two years. These are valuable recollections. They illustrate the sim- plicity, the poverty, and the zeal of the times of which we here write. Ought not Yarmouth Baptists to be thankful for the vastly improved, and still improving circumstances in which they are now placed, and seek -to occupy them to best and noblest purposes ? ' I mi I 1'^' y^m l;;|i III 1! i 64 MEMOIB. § 3. MB. HAKDIKo'a OBDIKATION, &C. In tho extracts given in the preceding section Mr. Harding glances at his ordination, or rather his want of ordination. " At that time/' says he, " I was not set apart by the imposition of hands for office- work." Hi was thus set apart at OnsloT, Sep. 16, 1794. In that neighbom-hood, as we have seen, he had all but opened his Gospel commission. There, too, as we have also seen, he was made highly useful. In 1793 Joseph Dimock thus wrote to a friend : — " I saw a man from Cobequid yesterday, declaring that brother Harding stands on ^he mount of God, and telhng of a glorious reformation there. Never was such happy days known in Onslow before." Similar notices occur in Mr. Harding's own correspondence. The results thus indi- cated seem to have led to his ordination. In regard to which event we have the following particulars. The Eev. I. Payzant of Cornwallis, at some time sub- sequent to Mr. Harding's first visit, as heretofore de- tailed, had formed a church at Onslow, on a New Light basis. On leaving them he had recommended hat they should invite Mr. Harding to labour more statedly among them. Mr. Harding accepted their invitation, and came. By and by it was proposed that he should be ordained. Mr. Payzant was invited to assist in the contemplated service. Owing to some mismanagement, however, Mr. Joseph Dimock was the only minister present on the occasion ; while the church at Chester, MEMOIR. 65 Mr. Dimock'E immediate charge, was the only church represented from abroad. We have no detailed accomit of the service. Tot three documents, one of which is Mr. Dimock's charge to the candidate, have been preserved. The charge is exceed- ingly striking— in all probability quite unique. It con- sists simply of a series of Scripture passages, for the most part from Paul's epistles to Timothy and Titus, admirably selected, and skilfully arranged and combined. Its effect is solemn and sublime. It is a grand comment on the inspired description of ''the word of God" as " quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword; piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Dr. Doddridge might have heard some- thing like it, when that trumpet-toned stanza dropped from his pen, — " Let Zion's watchmen all awake, And take the alarm they give ; Now let them, from the mouth of God, Their awM charge receive." Mr. Dimock had never been called to a service like that which devolved upon him on the occasion now before us, and feared lest he should fail. He therefore drew his charge immediately from the secred fount, and un- consciously achieved an eminent success. Our readers shall judge of this, and feel for themselves the power of the good man's charge. Here it is, as transcribed from the Onslow church-book. M n I f JHil M i .d.. ^m ea MEMOIR. " The Charge given to the Rev. E. Harding at the' Ordaining^ as follows : — •' We now charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead, at hia appearing and his kingdom. Preach the word. Be instant, in season, out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with oil long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come whenthey will not endure sound doctrine ; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. But watch thou in all things. Endure affliction. Do the work of an evangelist. Make full proof of thy ministry. *' We charge thee, in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, that thou keep this command- ment. Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life; whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. *' Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ ; without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ ; which in his times he shall shew, who is the Blessed and Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords ; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; vrhom no man hath seen, nor can see. *' Therefore endure all things for the elects* sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. This is a faithful saying ; that being justified by his grace, they should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. And these things we will that thou affirm continually, that they who have believed in God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and MEMOIR. 67 profitable unto men. These things speak and exhort with, all authority. Let no man despise thee. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves against the Gospel; if God per- adventure wiU give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. ° ° "Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, truth, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Hold fast the form of sound words. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Be not tiiou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord ; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the power of God. " We charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that thou observe these tJiinga without partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man ; but the things that thou hast heard among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also- that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified ra thee and thou in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ; who shaU deUver thee from every evil work, and preserve thee unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." * The charge having been deHvered, Mr. Dimock pro- ceeded to give Mr. Hai-ding the right hand of fellowship accompanying the act with these words :— "Now, brother, we give you the right hand of fellowship in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May God bless your labours ; vi* !?'!«' sources Of this charge, 2 Thes. i. 12. 1 Tim. v. 21, 22. TU. ri5 11^7;"; '' '' ''■ "• '' '' ''' ^^' ''' ''■ ^- '-'' ^«' 01) f-'i f ' 68 MEMOIR. give you success in the same ; and make you an able and faithful shepherd of his church; and extend thy usefulness from shore to shore." The certificate of ordination was as follows :■ ! H Credentials. ** Eev. Mr. Harding's " These may certify, to all people and Churches of Christ, wheresoever these may come, — That we, the sub- scribers, after long acquaintance with the ministerial gifts and qualifications that our well beloved brother, Mr. Harris Harding, is endowed with, and after being examined and chosen by the first Church (consisting of Congregationalists and Baptists,) in Onslow for their Pastor and Teacher,— In the name and behalf of the Churches to which we respectively belong, have proceeded to set apart this our brother, by the imposition of hands, unto the work of the ministry, to which he was chosen; and hereby recommend him as an able minister of the Nc>w Testament. " To all Churches of Christ, and to all people, where Grod in his providence shall call him to improve these gifts he has given him. " Onslow, 16lh Sep., 1794. " (Signed,) " The Church of Onslow, *' Thomas Lynds, " John Lynds, •' Joshua Higgins, " Deacons. " The Church of Chester, " Joseph Dimock, Pastor." MEMOIR. 69 A memorable incident associates itself with Mr. Harding's ordination. We refer to the conversion of that honom-ed and excellent man, the late father Joseph Crandal. We derive om- information in regard to this incident from the venerable Dr. Lynds of Truro, now approaching his ninetieth year.* He was himself present at Mr. Harding's ordination. Mr. Crandal also then went to Onslow, in charge of a boat, conveying some who wished to partake in the services. The great solemnity of the occasion was combined with a series of services, extending through several days. At the whole of these Mr. Crandal was not present. Indeed, he seems at first to have been indifferent about them. He had not even the curiosity of a Zaccheus ; who, though he seemed to care for nothing beyond, would fain see the great prophet of Nazareth, as he passed near his abode. And yet in ariother respect hio case bears a striking and happy resemblance to that of the wealthy " chief among the publicans." Zaccheus left his house being yet in his sins. When next he crossed his threshold he bore with him the priceless gift of " salvation," while the Saviour himself condescended to become his guest. So was it, the personal presence of Christ alone excepted, though not his spiritual, with Joseph Crandal. Casually, as we might say, speaking after the manner of men, he found himself at Onslow when Mr. Harding was ordained there. But his Lord had a gracious design upon him, even as he had upon * The Thomas and John Lynds, whose names Mere affixed to Mr. Harding's certificate of ordination, were brothers; whUe Thomas Lynds was the doctor's father. 70 MEMOIR. .• I Zaccheus, and failed not to give it effect. As the ser- vices connected with the ordination proceeded, the Lord's Day arrived. Mr. Crandal, in the listlessnesd of a man who know not what else to do with himself, was induced to attend public worship. The announcements and appeals of the brethren Dimock and Harding ar- rested his notice, and were set home upon his heart by the hand of the Holy Spirit. He returned to his home, like Zaccheus again, a "new man" in Christ Jesus. And, as Zaccheus, once more, testified his new creation by his new works, so Joseph Crandal thenceforth " walked in newness of life;" while in due time he was introduced, into that career of public usefubiess in which he persevered to the end of his days.* The church-book from which the above particulars are transcribed in regard to Mr. Harding's ordination, con- tains some farther notices as to the good man's connec- tion with the church at Onslow. There occur, for instance, frequent entries of the names of individuals as having been " sprinKled" and " baptized" by him. But besides these, the following items offer themselves. "Oct. 12, 1795. — The Church sent Mr. H. Harding, Messrs. Thos. and John Lynds, to assist in the o.dination of Mr. Edward Manninf;, of Cornwalhs ; being called on for our assistance." " Oct. 26. — Thomas and John Lynds, being at Horton with Mr. H. Harding, gave him a writing, in behalf of the Church H)f Onslow, to act as a delegate of this Chm-ch, in any * Appendix K. it MEMOIR. 71 case whero the Church's assistance may be called, in such parts that the body of the Church could not be conveniently consulted." " Onslow, Nov. 3, — The Church being made acquainted with the above, consented and approved ; and caused a letter to be written to Mr. Harding, confirming the same to him." May 19th, 1797.— The Church assembled, ordered a letter to be sent to call Rev. Mr. Harris Harding home." " Onslow, July 1798.— The Church gave in writing to the Rev. Harris Harding their consent for him to remain officially in Yarmouth till further directions." " June 1800.— Rev. Mr. Harris Harding came to Onslow." These notices, meagre aa they are, suggest quite a curious history in regard to Mr. Harding's relations to the church at Onslow. He seems to have been consi- dered as their pastor until July 1798; when, having perhaps " called him home" in vain, they gave him up to labour at Yarmouth. We see also, from these notices^ how our Nova Scotia fathers managed their church affairs, both internally and externally. At home they were quite " catholic," as is manifest, in the matter of ''sprinkling" or "haptizing;" acting herein, no doubt, under a N&tv Light dispensation, but not at all according to the light of the New Testament. Abroad, in their intercourse with sister churches, we see them displaying a better catholicity. These notices, lastly, supply us with the germs of the ecclesiastical formations by which we now find ourselves surrounded, not among ourselves alone, but also among some other bodies. They are thus precious as history, and fruitful as topics for thought and gratitude. ^i'^ M \'lt ' ' PART IV. II jH I 1 1 Mr. B.a/rding at Ya/rmouth. Me. Harding's stated labours at Tarmoutli began, as we have seen, in 1797. He had previously mairied. He now brought his family to Yarmouth. Here at last, in 1854, he died. Thus his stated labours here, with his permanent abode, extended over a period of about fifty- six years. Our present business is, to trace these labours, so far as imperfect records will permit, to characterize them, and to indicate their results. We begin at the primitive tabernacle already de- scribed. Her© Mr. Harding toiled on for nearly two years; the people gradually gathering round him, and the general interest in his ministry still increasing. That is to say, as to the end, so now, — here was the centre of his labours rather than their seat. Hence he moved out upon the surrounding country; making Argyle and Yarmouth, the whole of Yarmouth County, familiar with his footsteps, and the echoes of his voice. For the first three years of his residence in Yai-mouth, MEMOIR. 73 Mr. Harding kept school for the support of his family. Thus his ministerial efforts were circumscribed within narrower Hmits than they might otherwise have reached. At length he obtained access to the larger house of worship, occupied until then by the Congregationalists, but thenceforward by himself and his people. About this time his school-keeping was abandoned, while the work of the ministry was thenceforth exclusively pur- sued, and more widely prosecuted. The change regard to the meeting-house was effected in this way. m The brethren Theodore Harding, and Joseph Crandal visited Yarmouth on an evangelizing tour. They jour- neyed on foot, round by the windings of the shore of Fundy. It was the best track they could find. They put up at G-egogan, at the house cf a Mr. Eichard Eose, a Gains of those days. On the Sabbath they preached in Mr. Harding's erection. Crowds gathered. The house overflowed. Then arose the question, "Why cannot we go into the meeting-house?" — the meeting-house re- ferred to as above, in which at this time there seems to have been no regular preaching. Well, then, said the popular voice, " why cannot we go into the meeting- house?" A messenger was dispatched for the keys. They were refused. But the people were not thus to be thwarted. They put a little boy through one of the windows, who pushed back the bolt of the lock. Thus Mr. Harding's friends literally stole an entrance into the house; from which they were not afterwards ejected, though a few proprietors stood out for a while against I ! I Mil 'If '"* MEMOIR. this New Light invasion.* As the meeting-house woulj contain from four to five hundred hearers, it was cer- tainly an improvement upon former accommodations btiU It also was in an unfinished state. Ample as it was m comparison with the little place which Mr. Harding and his friends had left behind them, it gradually filled up; until, in later days, it became too small, and was altered to the form and proportions which it held until recently. Somewhere about the time of this outward change Mr. Harding, with his wife, experienced another, an in- ward, and by no means an unimportant one. Mr Harding, like Mr. AUine, had been wont to regard the baptismal question with indiiference, if not with aver- sion; shunning it, and refusing to look it fairly in the face. We are told, indeed, that, when asked by a friend whether he had been immersed ? he replied, in his own pecuhar manner, "Of all the places the devil ever got me into, he never got me there yet." Thus he went on hnlT'^" f°"o^i«g anecdote is told in regard to this meeting- house controversy. For some tiirae subsequent to the visit of the bcha) of the Congregational body. Yet the New Lights could not be kept out of it. One Saturday night a Mr. Goings set him- «! f n,rr >, their proceedings, and, if possible, to forestall them. But alas! he was mortal, and slept when he ought to have been him«i?r ' "TT " ''^^'' "' *^^ ^^^^ «"h« P^^lPit ; introduced nimself through the window, and caught Mr. G. napping He awoke him with the taunting question. - Have you not overslept yourself this morning ? " ^ overslept through S( near the y uncertain, have no ac only the f before it, ] from the administei or lakelet i thirty of ] pastor. 1 substantia aflBnity wi to become baptized a Mr. Hai 180G; wh religious n " THE Gee. to this day which we i dents com above, as [ 'The opp Harding's mouth, — " gational n then left means in in opposit] (12) mse woulj b vras cer- nodations. B as it was . Harding lally jBUed , and was ield until [ change^ er, an in- ine. Mr. 3gard the dtli aver- 'ly in the a friend, his own ever got went on meeting- isit of the Jtained on :hts could 9 set hiin- tall them. have been le outside itroduced ing. He overslept MEMOIR. 75 through some fifteen years of his ministry. Somewhere near the year 1799, — the exact date would seem to be uncertain, — he was led to adopt a different course. We have no account of his mental processes here. We have only the fact, that, in the year just indicated, or a Httle before it, he received the ordinance of believers' baptism from the hands of the Eev. James Manning. It was administered in Yarmouth township, in the fine pond, or lakelet rather, near Milton Bridge. About twenty or thirty of Mr. Harding's flock were baptized with their pastor. Thenceforth, though a New Light still, and substantially such to the end, he was brought into nearer affinity with the Baptist body, until prepared at length to become fully identified therewith. Mrs. Harding was baptized a few years later than her husband. Mr. Harding laboured on at Yarmouth until the year 1806 ; when there occurred among his people a signal religious movement — described for a long time after as " THE Great Reformation," and regarded as such down to this day. Mr. Harding thus writes, in the sketch to which we have so often referred, in regard to the inci- dents connected with the meeting-house, recounted as above, as also in regard to his own labours at this time. ''The opposite party immediately," — that is, on Mr. Harding's taking up his permanent residence at Yai'- raouth, — " sent to the States, and engaged two Congre- gational ministers; who stayed but a year or two, and then left them. God made use of such providential means in convincing gainsayers, and those who stood in opposition against his righteous cause, that often (12) III 11 ill I' (I 76 MEMOIR. encouraged his people, and discouraged their enemies. Not only prejudices were removed, but sinners were from time to time converted to the Lord Jesus for a number of years, until by a majority of votes of the pro- prietors we peaceably enjoyed the benefit of public ordinances in the then Congregational, but now Baptist Meeting House." This must serve for a general review of the period from 1797 to 1806. The Gospel leaven gradually extended ; the young who advanced into life under Mr. Harding's ministry were many of them ga- thered into the church ; the settlements of the whole vicinity had grown, and, as they grew, their population seemed to knit around him; and the way was thus opened for the scenes now about to be sketched. The following incident, or series of incidents rather, was thought to hare had its effect in the production of those scenes. There resided in Yarmouth at that time a gentleman who had served as a colonel in the British army during the American revolutionary war. According to his own confession, he had been guilty of some enormous crimes. He had sought refuge from the assaults of an accusing conscience in the strong holds of infidelity. But all to no purpose. Mighty conviction fastened upon him, and would not let him go For long and weary months he was the victim of despair. Former companions endea- voured to divert him from his di-eary reflections. Failing herein, they suggested that he had become insane. " Insane ! No ! " he would exclaim. " I can weigh and measure vet as well as any of you. The difference be* MEMOIR. 77 tween you and me is simply this. We are alike ruined for ever; but I see my danger, and you do not see yours " Once he mounted his horse, and rode bare-headed alon^ the high ways at full speed for miles, stretching out his arms and crying aloud, -" Proclaim it! pn^claimit' I ve lost my soul! Tve lost my soul ! » He would pro fess, that no religion could save him except that of the New Lights. One Sabbath morning, in severe winter weather, he sent for Mr. Harding. Mr. Harding found him alone, in a room without a fire, down upon his knees, poring over his Bible, which lay open at this aftectmg passage,-" Jerusalem ! Jerusalem! thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee! how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not ! Behold your house IS left unto you desolate ! - " Oh ! " cried he, with looks and tones of indescribable anguish, " that passage has rumed my soul. How often would the Saviom- have blessed me, and I would not be blessed ! And now behold! my house is left unto me desolate!" So he moved on to judgment. Not a ray of hope seemed at any time to pierce his thick darkness. Prayer, exhor- tation, the whole array of evangelical means was applied to his case, but apparently brought with it no blessing At last his strength gave way. The mind wore out the body. The poor creature was confined to his bed One day fastening his gaze upon the fire, he exclaimed, Oh ! could I, by lying upon that fire for a thousand years purchase the favour of my Judge, how willingly would I do it! But in vain I in ^n,p » j ..,..„. ..f/. - i_ ,«.j. . X 7/luofc //iCC't „1li i\ !■ ■I ! ■■! nil \\-\i 78 MEMOIR. him as I ojin!" And so at length he died — he "died, and gave no sign." The striking point in the dismal experience of this man, evidently lies in his testimony to the Gospel as preached by Mr. Harding ; — the G ospel which to others was a " savour of life unto life/' but to him, alas ! as he awfully felt, a " savour of death unto death." It seemed Hke Satan bearing witness to the hated truth; as when the Pythoness at PhiH'pi cried out, " These men are the servants of the Most High God, who shew unto us the way of salvation." No wonder that it set the people thinking, and, together with some other providences, prepared them to pay a new and unwonted regard tr. the '' things which belonged to their peace." And yet, just before the remarkable work b^ which this period was distinguished, the religious aspect of things in Yarmouth was sadly dark. The young were careless. Professors were too much like the profane. A few only were "grieved for the affliction of Joseph," and sighed, and prayed, and waited for better days. One Lord's day afternoon, while preaching at a school- house at Hebron, a few miles North-west of Yarmouth village, the soul of Mr. Harding was lifted up within him, and he spake with unusual feeling and power. Yet was there no special movement among the people. The preacher appointed another service among them for the following Lord's day. In the morning of that day he preached in the village. But with little satis- MEMOIR. 7^ faction. He doubted his commission ; and felt as if he must thi-ow it up, unless it were sealed afresh with tokeiis of success. Advancing towards the school-house at Hebron, however, his hope and courage revived Under a strong presentiment of approaching blessing* he ventured to employ language like this :— - Sinners ! / have long entreated you to repent and believe But now I tell you God, by his Spirit, is coming to convince you oxsm, of righteousness, and of judgment to come and convert your souls. Fight against him much longer you cannot ; or the Lord never spoke to me, nor by me -I am a deceiver, and deceived."* Still there was no special movement among the people. The minister announced a further service for the next Lord^s Dav and returned home. "' M On his way home, in company with Mr. Deane, a warm friend and brot^.er, the latter addressed him thus :— ''Mr- Harding, I was really shocked to hear you speak as you did this afternoon. I never saw so dark a time in Yar- mouth since I knew the Lord; and if there is not a revival immediately,— and I see not the least sign of it -you cmi never jc>reach ogam." This threw the preacher mto ''a muse," as John Bunyan has it. " Surely," an enemy seemed to whisper, "you are deceived. ' For could not Mr. Deane see the revival as well as you? I have often told you, you are a deceiver; and those who * The compiler here, as in other cases, i. a historian, not an aavocate. Surely the good man was not inspired. An Ezekiel or Jeremiah might have a warrant for speaking thus. But have we a commission like theii-s ? Hfili I 80 HEHOIB. set the dogs on you* knew it. And now everybody will know it." This " muse " lasted throughout the week. Not/ hope prevailed; and then fear. The poor man knew not what to expect; and yet he could not help looking for the fulfilment of his prophecy. I Again the Sabbath returned. Again Mr. Harding commenced his public labours at Yarmouth with a heavy heart. In the afternoon he resorted once more to the school-house at Hebron ; and there with a cheerful con- fidence, he betook himself to the ministry of the word. Nor was he again disappointed. First, a young man in the congregation, soon after the opening of the sermon, overcome by the intensity of his feelings, turned pale, staggered out of the house, and swooned. Then, when the interruption thus occasioned had passed away, — an interruption, however, which rather aided the preacher's design than otherwise, — an attention, deep, solemn, expectant, took complete possession of the assembly. The hearts of many were lifted up, and their hands raised, as though they beheld the Judge of all draw nigh, and were haihng his approach-t Then there arose the * Page 58. t Such is the account as suK>lied by one who was present on the occasion which she described. She had long been concerned for her own spiritual welfare. She had expected to attain to the peace of the Gospel through some wonderful and terrible crisis of conviction. As, however, she listened to the preacher that afternoon, there occurred to her mind the passage in Canticles,— " He brought me to the banqueting-house, and his banner over me was love." It seemed as if the passage was realized in her own experience. Like Lydia, led into the kingdom of God, not MEMOIR. 81 cry from many bosoms, "What must I do to be saved?'* Many wept that day ; many confessed their wanderings; many rejoiced. There was joy in Hebron— joy in heaven —tlw greai revival of 1806 had set in. So at least thought brother Deane; who, when the pubHc engagements of that memorable afternoon had closed, approached Mr. Harding, and said, " Forgive me, my d .ar, dear brother, for the manner in which I spoke to you last Sabbath, It was my own hardness of heart and unbelief that pre- vented my seeing and feehng as you did."* The interest now awakened soon spread over the whole neighbour- hood. Multitudes of all ages professed to experience a change of heart, and were united with Mr. Harding's church. The people as a body seemed to turn to the Lord. The borders of Zion were greatly enlarged; and the basis on which rest the Baptist churches existing at this day in and around Yarmouth was then greatly- extended. But Mr. Harding shall here give his own tes-^ timony, and supply some further facti in regard to thish interesting period. We quote again jfrom his historical sketch. ill! I driven, as the Philippian jailer, she attended; she believed; she found rest to her soul. Thus at once she was disappointed and blessed. Well might she vividly recall the scenes of that day, even when removed from them at the distance of nearly half a century. The same venerable informant referred to Amos Iv. 12. Heb. xi. 4v Rom. viii. 20, as passages from which she had heard Mr. Harding preach in days long since passed away. * Such was the style of thought in those days. The feelings of good men were to them as revelations ; and not to trust them was a species of unbelief and hard-heartedness. Mistake and mischief alike were here. But more of this elsewhere. a 1 82 MEMOIR. (( In 1806 it pleased God to pour out his Spirit upon my dear people in a most glorious manner. Six persons came forward at a Conference meeting, and were received as candidates for baptism. A large concourse gathered the Lord's Day following; and some were much affected, haying never aeen the ordinance administered by immer- sion before; and were convinced that none but such as could give satisfactory evidence of saving faith in Christ were proper subjects oi' baptism. A few days after this, at a lecture at a school-house, the power of the Holy Spirit fell upon the assembly while I was preaching. I felt my own soul drawn out greatly for the salvation of poor sinners. Numbers were pricked in their hearts, and cried, 'What shall I do to be saved?' Our meet- ings were crowded with solemn and attentive hearers. Many who found the Messiah were calling upon others to come and see a Man who told them all things that ever they did. And many believed for their saying, and were brought to say, ' It was a true report which we heard; but the half was not told us.' Opposition arose in many. Some were so concerned, not knowing to what length this work might grow, that they hired a young man to go for a clergyman to come and help them, if haply they might prevail against this people. But the good man only sent them some tracts, which confirmed the work. Thus no weapon would prosper -. they could prevail nothing; the wrath of man shall praise the Lord; he would work, and who should let it? ''.tLlthough this blessed work spread thi'ough all parts of the town, it prevailed most in the part where I resided. ! '■ MEMOIR. 88 There was scarcely a house in our neighbourhood where the Son did not appear unto it. Some whole families, parents and children, seemed to rejoice together in prospect of a glorious immortality. The church increased in number greatly; and light also, we trust, increased in our understanding." Mr. Harding thus illustrates the "increase of under- standing" of which he here speaks. " We adopted the Baptist sentiments altogether; yet permitted those who gave satisfactory evidence of a saving faith to occasional communion." The co-T.<=e of action now adopted is thus laid down in thp Yarmouth church-book :—" That no believers are considered members of this chm-ch who are not baptized by immersion. But such believers as the church has a fellowship for, who walk circumspectly, may be admitted by the voice of the church to occasional communion." Here, then, was an important advance —an approach towards the church order of the New Testament. The church was now a Baptist church, though its fellowship at the Lord's l\ible continued to be open. We cannot trace this change to its more bidden causes. We learn, however, that it was partly due to the influence of the late deacon Zechariah Chip- man, who began about this time to assume an important position among Mr. Harding's people. By way of rendering honour where honour is due, we take occasion to add, that, during the whole period of deacon Chip- man's connection with the First Baptist church nt Yarmouth, extending to the year 1853, whatever degree of order obtained in the conduct of its affairs, was largely f 84 MEMOIR. uM\\\ |H traceable to liim, and his management. Mr. Harding, like most zealous Gospel pioneers, was always more of the evangelist than the ruler. It was in kindness, there- fore, both to him and to his people, that the Lord of the harvest sent among them a deacon Chipman, to terminate the reign of ecclesiastical anarchy, and intro- duce and maintain a style of discipline demanded by the claims of Christ on the one hand, and, on the other, essential both to the preservation of the body, and to its holy efficiency. We return to Mr. Harding's sketch. He there writes, " Dear brother Thomas Handly Chipman some time at this season visited us; by whose labours of love our bowels were greatly refreshed in the Lord. He assisted in organizing a church in the above order, and nas truly in the hand of God been a blessing to this people." With which quotation we may fitly introduce the fol- lowing letter from Mr. Chipman's pen, — addressed to an American Baptist Magazine, — referring, as it does, to the visits and labours of which Mr. Harding here speaks. "Yarmouth, Dec. 5, 1806. " Reverend and very dear Sir, — " I have been in this town and Argyle fivp -^eeks; and such glorious times I never saw before. Mnivdvidefc are tnmed to God. I cannot with ink and pen, n.r t-cold I were I present, describe the one half God has done. It is about three months since the work began in Yarmouth. The eternal heavens seem to be bowed ; and God has come down, by way MEyDlR. 85 of divine influence, in such a way as I never before was witness to. " Brother Harding is the minister of this place. God is with him of a trutL. He stands clear in the doctrines of the glorious Gospol of Christ, and in the order and discipline of God's house. Can you believe it, dear brother? my soul has been ravished, and my lips have broke forth in praise, to see the great Redeemer riding forth in glorious triumph. I cannot but hope God has owned worthless me, to encourage the heart, and strengthen the hands of dear brother Harding, whom I love in the Lord. Since the work began, there ^-ave been about one hundred and fifty souls brought to own Jesus as their rightful Lord, and sovereign King. But a number of these had probably been bom again before, although they had received no satisfying evidence until now. " There was a church here before, upon the open commu- nion plan. They have now entirely given it up, and sett? .d upon the Baptist, or rather Gospel plan.* There were in the old church about forty members ; thirty-three of whom from time to time have been baptized, and now belong to the new church. Since the work began, and before I came to this place, brother Harding baptized seven persons. Since I came, brother Harding and myself, on one Sabbath, baptized e'^hteen. The Sabbath after but one we baptized forty; and next Lord's Day we expect a large number more to come forward to this blessed ordinance. The first day there was a fall of snow, and the day was uncomfortable ; but the Lord comforted our souls. The young converts were so happy, they could hardly wait until their turn came. We have had • Not quite so, as the " Gospel plan" is now understood by the Baptists of these Provinces. The practice of the Yarmouth church at this time in regard to communion is explained above. I'M ),h pi I 1^ i|i|! ! ! i 1 1 I 86 MEMOIR. two church-meetings ; and surely I neve? saw such meetiu^s before: It was indeed ' the house of God,' and the very ' gate of heaven.' The last Saturday we began at te in the morning, and continued until eight in the evening, ',o hear persons relate the dealings of God with their souls ; and then a great number were prevented for the want of time. Some of them have been great enemies to the truths and cause of God, and never went to meeting until God converted their souls ; after which, with holy delight, they have ran immediately to the Christians, and then to the house of God, and there declared what God had done for their souls. Some would inform the enemies of religion, that they could not say that this or that preacher or person had influenced or turned them ; for God had done the work for them at home. A great many of the subjects of this work have been young people and children. Seldom a meeting but some are brought to embrace the oflfers of life; sometimes five, six, and seven at a meeting. There are meetings in some part of the town almost every day. You would be delighted to hear the young converts, with glowing hearts, and flowing tears, inviting sinners to Jesus. " Monday morning, Bee. 8th.— Yesterday brother Harding and myself baptized twenty-two persons more ; and there are a considerable number now waiting, that have been approved of by the church. The work is still spreading. " At Argyle, twenty miles from this, there has been a glorious work the summer past. There is a village between this place and Argyle, called the Tusket River, where are about twenty families. God has visited them. Brother Harding baptized two there ; and since I have baptized two more. There is an Esquire L. [Lent] , a member of the House of Assembly, who is a real Christian, and one of the best men in the world. God has blessed him with a handsome pro- MEMOIR. 87 perty, and a heart to devote it to his service, beyond any man I ever saw. His wife is of the same spirit. Two of their children are, I believe, « sealed to the day of redemption.' " I have not written half what I wanted to, but cannot add. The Magazines have been blessed to many in these parts. Brother Harding will write to you. " Yours with great esteem, " Thomas Handly Chipman." "Brother Harding" wrote, as Mr. Chipman had pro- mised. We find the following, in the Magazine from which Mr. Chipman's letter is extracted, given imme- diately after it. ' ' m '■ t I- 4 " Yarmouth, N. S., Jan. 30, 1807. " Reverend and dear Sir, — " Mr. Chipman, with whom I am intimate, requested me to write to you, and give you a brief account of the gracious work of God, which of late has been made manifest in the salvation of a number of precious souls in this part of the Lord's vineyard. " Previous to the Lord's pouring upon us the gracious effusions of his Holy Spirit, there had been a great declension in religion, attended with great discouragement of soul in believers, and coldness, backwardness, and neglect of religions duties. The 4th of last October eleven persons were stirred up, and came forward in a church-meeting to offer themselves to the church, and relate what a gracious God had some time before done for their souls. The glorious presence of God was truly with some of them in their relations, and our hearts were warmed. On the next day I administered the ordinance of baptism to six of them before a large and serious assembly. I 88 MEMOIR. From this tin^c the work of God began to make its appearance. Several were * pricked to the heart.' Our meetings were crowded, and awed with the presence of the Holy One of Israel. His truths, like barbed arrows, penetrated the souls of many, and extorted a cry, ♦ What shall I do to be saved ?' " About this time brother Theodore Harding, on his way from the States, visii^ed and preached three times among us, to the approbation of all, and I trust to the good of many. The Lord's arm was gloriously revealed. For some weeks there was scarcely a day, in which some one or more did not profess a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus in their souls' conversion. In the part of the township where I live, there is hardly a family which has not shared apparently in the glorious work. " Brother Chipman visited, and preached four Sabbaths with us, soon after brother Harding left us. He rejoiced greatly to see what the Lord was doing ; and our bowels were much refreshed in Christ by his preaching, and labours of love. " Our church was formerly upon the open communion plan, consisting of Congregationalists and Baptists. Cut since the late happy revival of religion, having satisfaction from the word and testimony of God, they have unitedly adopted and settled upon the Baptist system of faith and practice ; and it is wonderful to see how God has owned and blessed his sacred ordinance to the conviction of sinners, and comforting of saints. Frequently have we seen the power of God visibly displayed on such baptismal occasions, through the last fall and winter thus far advanced. Brother Chipman assisted me in administering the ordinance to a considerable number while he was here ; and the Sabbath after he left us I baptized a number more, and have continued so to do every Sabbatb since. Neither the inclemency of the weather, which sorae- u i MEMOIR. 89 times proved very unfavourable, nor the delicacy of some persons' constitutions, prevented their following their Lord, or obeying his righteous commands ; so that, since the fifth of October last, one hundred and forty persons have been enabled to obey the Lord in that institution ; and with the greatest propriety, and spirit of devotion have sung and applied Mr. Leland's hymn, — ' Christians, if your hearts are warm, Ice and snow will do no harm.' " I have good grounds to think, upwards of two hundred persons have been savingly united to Christ since the time mentioned above ; some of whom are aged people, who have been living ' without God in the world' for many years, and are now brought to his feet, acknowledging his mercy, and his sufficiency of grace, abounding to the chiefest of sinners. Their gray hairs, which a short time ago were their shame, now indeed are their glory. Likewise a goodly number of precious youths and children are made with joy to * remember now their Creator,' and with melting hearts declare to others what great things Jesus of Nazareth hath done for their souls. Some of them are wonderfully drawn out with bowels of pity, tenderness, and compassion for their unconverted friends and neighbours, and a lost world lying in wickedness; whilst others are enraptured and greatly delighted with the divine beauties and excellencies of a glorious Redeemer; so that our meeting-house many times has seemed as if filled with his glory, and his people constrained to say, ' I have loved . . . the place where thine honour dwelleth.' " At Argyle and Barrington, two townships next Eastward from this, God has also been pleased to revive his gracious Work of late. In the former through the means of brother Towner, a faithful, godly Baptist minister, whose labours God f ^ ^Km '"^ 1 II 1 ■i I H IP li i 90 MEMOIR. has been pleased to crown with abundant success where he is a settled pastor. I cannot ascertain the exact number ; but I believe upwards of seventy have been baptized there within a few months past. " A number, I have recently heard, are brought to a saving knowledge of Christ at Harrington, where they have no settled minister ; but the particulars I have not yet learned. " Please to excuse the freedom and brevity of this from a stranger, and wlien you can find leisure favour me with a line. " I am. Sir, " Yours, chiefly for Christ's sake, " Hakkis Hakding." " Bi'otliGr Towner" also addressed a letter to the Magazine. We subjoin Ms communication. " Argyle, N. S., April 13, IP.07. *' Reverend and dear Sir, — " Though unacquainted with you after the flesh, yet I trust I am a partaker with you in the blessed Spirit of the Crospel, and engaged in the same glorious cause of the Re- deemer. The great Head of the church is pleased to indulge me the pleasure of inviting lost sinners to come to the Foun- tain of the blood of the slaughtered Lamb of God for the salvation of theii- souls. We have heard with pleasure of the progress of the Redeemer's kingdom in many parts of the world, by means of your Magazines. Perusing these accounts has awakened in my soul sensations which I cannot express ; which induce me to address you with this freedom, and which I trust you will pardon, when you shall hear of the work of God in these parts. " I was formerly settled over a Baptist church in the town- f»» ii! MfeMOlft. 91 ship of Digby, in the county of Annapolis, where God was pleased to bless my poor labours to tJiat people. Here I lived some years, and improved my gifts ; travelling abroad but seldom, as my circumstances in life would not permit. And having my heart much knit to that people in the bonds of the Gospel, I have found severe trials at the thoughts of leaving them to preach to those who were destitute in other places. " On the 16th of July last I set out on a journey to Argyle, where I arrived on Saturday the 18th, late in the evening The people not having notice of my coming, and the next mornmg being very rainy, but few attended meeting. I was requested to stay another Sabbath; which I did, and also preached several times in the course of the week. Religion was at a very low ebb among the few professors ; who be- longed to a church formerly established by a Mr. Frost of the New Light persuasion. After his death the church was re- estabhshed, and increased under the ministration of other preachers, whose labours were blessed to the salvation of many souls; they still holding the baptism of believers non- essential to fellowship in the church of Christ. Oh ! that all Christ's ministers would endeavour to impress on the minds of his people the necessity of obedience to his high commands ! Ihe broken and scattered state of this church was great All disciplme was done away. Nevertheless there were a few mourning souls, that would not be comforted because God's nentage lay waste. " Here I tarried the next Lord's Day, and preached from Solomons Song v. 16; and in the aflirnoon from ch. i 8 • and the Lord was pleased to bless the opportunity. The set time was now come to raise his people from the dust. The work began in the following manner. A young woman Lad feen awakened the winter before, by hearing some young ! ( I" f\ I 'If 92 MEMOIB. 1 i :,' ill people sing, and disoourfle upon the happiness of religion, in the township of Digby, the impression of which had never left her till this Sabbath evening, when she found peace and joy in the Gospel. Her feelings led her to exhort her young companions to turn to the Lord. Truly we may say, he is a God working like himself; for the arrows of the Almighty stuck fast in the hearts of the King's enemies, and many were brought to bow to the sceptre of King Jesus, and proclaun salvation in his blessed name. Oh ! he is a wonder-working God ! May I ever lie at his feet, • and crown him Lord of all !* Here I saw the Lord had begun his work, and hence could not find it my duty to leave the place. " The young professors manifested a desire to follow their Lord's commands, and be * buried with him in baptism.' It was my sincere desire they should. But here being no church for them to covenant with, (as most of the old pro- fessors, as I observed before, could not see the expediency of baptism,) I was at a loss how to proceed; but resolved to follow the Lord's command, to teach and to baptize. Accord- ingly a Conference meeting was appointed to hear their expe- riences; when nine came forward, two old professors, and seven young converts, and were baptized, the fourth Lord's Day after my first arrival at this place. The Lord owned his blessed ordinance to the conviction of a number, and it was made a precious season to many. After this the work spread with great power; and people assembled from all parts of the town, and some from the adjoining towns. I thought it proper to send for brother Harris Harding, as he was more acquainted with the old professors than I was ; particularly as he had formerly laboured among them, and as many had pro- fessed under his ministry. Our meeting was in order to see if we could settle a church. But it proved to no purpose at MBMOIK. 93 to tune. However, ten came forward, and were baptised. We boa. went into the water together, to shew that we agreed in heart and praoUce. The gloiy of the Lord seemed to overshadow the plaee. and move upon the baptismal waters. But It liU looted dark as to settUng a ehureh; for the most of the old professors stood as before. I now thought it proper otorm those that had been baptized into some order; L for that pm-pose offered them a oovenant, which they oheer- Mly signed. But God was working, out of our sight; in the mmds of those old professors; for in a few days from this time aere were twenty-two eame forward to baptism. And oh this was a wonderful day indeed. Here were seen . moAer, son and wife, and grand-daughter, all following their Lord into the water! Here was one man seventy years Tf age with a Me boy of only ten ! Now was the d life of my soul aeoomphshed in this thing,-in that the Lord had S the d and young professors in one body. They requested fliat they might eommemorate the death of their Kedrme, aeoordingly adnunistered the Lord's Supper to ftem . Jd It was mdeed a blessed feast to many; for they were ^staved with flagons,- and . eomforted' as ' wiA apples.' • maS render to (ie Lord for all Lis beneSta ?' Now they c^e %mg like clouds, and as the doves to their windows'^bXe a storm. Eaptism was administered five Lord's Days sucoes ..vely, untd sevenfy-eight had joined the church oecestuvTr^ here t^een Sabbaths, I was under the weeks a„a^ I'T^ \ "^ T""'^' ^ '^^'"^ *"« ^ur weeKs, and then returned to this place airam rrx.- ., la^t of November. Ifound tie L^dwasSLt Irk 7o^ notsopowerfullyaswhenlleftthem. Several alknowS ny absence. Bat the cloud seemed to return again. For ' A JiL^i J! 94 MEMOIR. there being a number of men who follow the seas, on returning home to winter, seeing such an alteration in the place, they were struck with deep solemnity. Many were wounded in their hearts, and made to groan under the weight of their sins. There were not many of them who came out openly to profess religion until the past month ; when a young man who had been under great distress all winter found comfort, and after preaching could not refrain from ascribing glory to God for his unexpected deliverance. The divine presence very sensibly filled the place ; many giving glory to their Redeemer, and many deeply wounded with a sense of their sins. " The last Sabbath in March twenty came forward, and were baptized. My letter has swelled under my pen ; but I must conclude with adding, that one hundred and twenty have been baptized. There were five baptisms in the winter season. Twenty-four have told their experiences who are not yet baptized; and a number of others are under hopeful impressions. The work is still going on in this place, and spreading rapidly in different parts of this Province. " I am, Sir, " Your unworthy brother in Christ, " Enoch Towkek." These are long letters. But are they too long? They are genuine New Light letters, and present a perfect picture of Yarmouth New Lightism in its palmy days. It were well, therefore, to preserve them, as we have here done. They also extend the history of the movements to which they relate, supplied by chief actors in them, from their commencement in the autumn of 1806, and even earlier, as in Argyle, down to the spring of the m MEMOIR. 95 .ollowing year. They show us how that movement rontinued and spread; and thus prepare us the better to ajiprehend the character of the times by which they were succeeded. Turning yet once more to Mr. Harding's sketch we transcribe as follows. " In this glorious revival Ed- mond Jacob Reis was made a subject of divine grace, and called of God, we trust, to preaoh the everlasting Oospel." The good man here named was a native of Prance, of respectable parentage, born about the middle of the last century. He had been employed in the fVench naval service. Having been captured by the British, he had been brought as a prisoner-of-war to Hali- fax. He there applied himself to the study of the English language, in the use of which he acquired considerable proficiency. In his zeal to make this attainment, he would often pursue his studies by moonlight. By and by, breaking his parole, as it should seem, he left Ha- hfax, and took up his abode at Yarmouth, not long previous to the year 1806. Agreeable, vivacious, an excellent dancer, a sort of model Frenchman, he had been received into the g-nteel society of the place • none thought of treating him as an eloped prisoner-of- war. Educated in Romanism, it may well be believed that he had remained all this time a stranger to the truth as It is in Jesus." But at length it pleased God to call him by his grace." It is said that, while yet under conviction of sin, he read his Bible through in seven days; scarcely permitting himself to slee^ until he had accomplished his task. Brought out into the 96 UEKOm. liberty of the Gospel, he set himself, with character- istic ardour, to seek the salvation of others ; nor did he, in his new and holy calling, labour in vain. But alas ! for the inconsistencies of our poor human nature ! Mr. lleis's former fiiends now became his persecutors. Theii* loyalty, which had slumbered while he ministered to their pleasures, was now awakened. Their once boon companion had identified himself with the New Lights. It was no longer fitting he should be at large. He must be arrested, and sent back to Halifax. This was accordingly attempted. But at this juncture neither heaven nor earth forsook the good man. Judge Lent of Tusket, heretofore mentioned, being about to resort to Halifax to attend to his parliamentary duties, took Mr. Reis with him as his servant. Arrived at the seat of government, he obtained for him a regular discharge from imprisonment. It is said that, having to appear, on this occasion, before the Chief Justice, the story which he told, somewhat in the vein of Paul before Agrippa, affected the court even to tears. His threatened freedom being secured to him, he returned to Yarmouth, and to hi» chosen work there. By and by he received ordination from the Nova Scotia Baptist Association. He then became pastor of a Baptist church at Clements, Nova Scotia. After that he minis- to another Baptist church, at St. John, New Brunswick. At last he found his way to the States. Somewhere about the year 1812, a Missionary Board at Boston sent him to labour at New Orleans. On his way thither both he and a fellow-traveller, a son of Dr. Gano, formerly of Providence, Rhode Island, narrowly escaped with their UEMOIB. 97 lives ; being beset, while traversing vast tracts of un- broken country, by four Indians belonging to a tribe then at war with the American government. Beaching New Orleans, Mr. Reis set to work; but not finding access to the immediate objects of his mission, the French Catholic population, he seems not to have re- mained there for any long period. Ultimately he found his way to Baltimore j where he accepted a co-pastorate with the Rev. Lewis Richards, of the First Baptist church in that city. In 1818 he resigned this position. Yet he still remained at Baltimore, retaining his standing as a member of the above church. And there he died, Feb. 1, 1832, in the eightieth year of his age.* * Such are the particulars we have been able to glean in regard to the case of this worthy and interesting man. We cannot vouch for their entire accuracy. Mr. Reis, for Instance, is said to have died at Baltimore at the time, and at the age stated in the text. And yet we are told, that it was while engaged in the French revolutionary service, when only fifteen years of age, he was brought as a prisoner to Halifax : that is, in the year 1767 and some twenty years before the great French revolution net in.' Again, we are told, that he came to Yarmouth as a wild young man ; whereas, if his age at the time of his death be truly re . ported, he must then have been upwards of fifty years of age. And once more, a notice of him in the records of the First Baptist Church at Yarmouth, dated in the year 1834, describes him as having lived until a period then still recent, and still holding ofBce as a pastor; whereas, according to another authority, his death had already taken place previously to the date just men- tioned. These discrepancies may all be rectified hereafter. But, whether this be the case or not, it is believed that the statements respecting Mr. Reis, as above given, may be accepted as mainly and substantially correct. Si iMi ! 98 Hmroix. Poor, yot happy man I H;» case rominda .„ ^f ,( complete the pamllol, h„ had returned to UsL„^L. zz" wUrf ''^■""''"* ''-- '•■•-~H uau nod While, however, a veil ,» cast over the lattflr days of 0„es,mu«, „e ean traeo to its elose, thoth „„t vory d,stn,ctly, tho earthly career of Mr. li^s ^ A ° or .sin wj d sp „ed tirtl"' "" ''1 "" '•''"™"' Measnnt it is, as well ,« profitable, when as in Mr d IT "T"" """"^ «'-on voLtions'in he ikl- I ; ''.'"^°"' '° '"^ leather, to seats prepared on hiVh ! mo ure^rt"""' :f ''' "•"* '"^'"^ » "~ wiXm in ^ , *■" •=»'»I>««''«on3 of love, and w^doin. and power, whereby o» redemption has 'been •' There shall we n\t, and sing, and Isll, The wonders of his grace, Tin heavenly raptures Are our henrta, And yiulle In every face." Wo pass to other meraorials, and loss gratifying ones of tho " times whicih went over" the subject of these pages. It seems needful to preface them by a few rcmoi'ks. Good things are evermore liable to be counterfeited; and this liability increases in proportion to the value of these things. This, indeed, is one of Satan^s chosen devices for tm-ning the best things to the worst account, bo has It fared with the great Scriptural doctrine of (livmo mfluence, in its more direct apphcation to the souls of men. Thus Paul speaks of " the sons of God'' as bemg " led by the Spirit of God." But how? By that Spirit as operating beyond the range of the written Word— supplying a succession of new revelations besides such as sire contained in the Sacred Canon in every age ? Cei-tainly not. This were wholly inconsistent with that petition of our Lord, as well as with many other portions of Scriptm-e,-" Sanctify them thronah fn/ truth : thy Word is truth." But this has not always been understood. Many good people, more particularly m regard to practical matters, have cherished a belief in suggestions, impulses, strong impressions, aside from the Word of God. They have thus placed themselves under a rule of duty beyond that supplied by Scripture- acknowledging an authority coordinate with that of the ,1. i I H 'H 100 MEMOIR. written revelation, if not above it. The consequences havo been disastrous. Many who have lived and died in the truth of the Gospel, have yet been betrayed into miserable vagaries by the false lights of a mimic inspi- ration. Zealous and successful ministers have been exposed to great danger here, and have not always escape !d it. And then they have had their fiery followers; who, treading in the stops of their mistakes, and going beyond them, have become fanatics, and wrought dismal confusion. So was it in the days of Whitefield. That great and good man himself, especially in the earlier stages of his career, was too much governed by imaginary impulses, such as have just been described. And James Daven- port, pastor of a church in Long Island, New York, a man of undoubted piety, and at one time highly esteemed by Whitefield, went, wofully astray, while following, in this respect, in Whitefield's own track. I'ho pai'agraph given below shews the extremes into which at last he and his disciples fell. The instance stands alone indeed in his history. Yet there it is. It naturally resulted from his views, and furnishes a salu- tary warning against the adoption of similar ones. " By invitation of a company of his partizans, he arrived at New London, (Connecticut,) March 2, 1743, to organize them into a church. Immediately on his arrival, in obedience to messages which, he said, he had received fi'om God, in dreams and otherwise, he began to purify the company from evils which prevailed among them. To cure them of their MEMOIR. 101 idolatrous love of worldly things, he ordered wigs, cloaks, and breeches, hoods, gowns, rings, jewels, and necklaces, to be brought together in his room, and laid in a heap, that they might, by his solemn decree, be committed to the flames. To this heap he added the pair of plush breeches which he wore into the place, and which he seems to have put off on being confined to his bed by the increased violence of a complicated disease. He next gave out a catalogue of religious books, which must be brought together and burned, as unsafe in the hands of the people. March 6, in the afternoon, all things being ready, hia followers carried a quantity of books to the wharf, and burned them ; singing around the pile, * Hallelujah !* and ' Glory be to God !' and declaring that, as the smoke of those books ascended up in their presence, so the smoke of the torment of such of their authors as died in the same belief was now ascending in hell. Among the authors were Be- veridge, Flavel, Drs. Increase Mather, Colman, and Sewall, and that fervid revivalist, Jonathan Parsons, of Lyme. The next day more books were burned; but one of the party persuaded the others to save the clothes."* We have similar results, arising from similar causes, in that period of Mr. Harding's history at which we have now arrived. Mr. Harding was a New Light, and glo- ried to the last in the distinction. Now New Lightism contains a large infusion of the element of extra- Biblical inspiration. Something of this we have seen in the opening scenes of the revival above recorded. The whole movement seems to have been pervaded by it. Hence sprang the extravagancies which appeared upon the very field of that revival. If Mr. Harding was * Tracy's " Great Awakening." iU, I hli ;il 1 t r> : ' ; i 1 ^'* \^ ^! Ml; 102 MEKOIR. under the special guidance of the Holy Spirit, tlie pri- vilege was not to be regarded as his monopoly. If the intimations conveyed to him were authoritative, why should not the like intimations, conveyed to others, be alike authoritative ? And if their light contradicted his light, or outshone it, why should they not even rise up against him, and elevate their brethren to those more radiant paths in which they walked ? So seem to have reasoned the good people who took part in the scenes to v/hich we are now brought. Doubtless they acted as though they had thus reasoned. Mr. Harding's Cal- vinism, — for in doctrine Henry Alline was not his master — was distasteful to them. They had no regard for order or government in the church. Frills, ruffles, all adornments in dress, were their abomination ; and they quarreled with Mr. Harding because he would not preach against such things. They brought their pecu- liarities into the Conference meetings, and warm dis- cussions were held upon them there. They attacked their minister in public, and openly contradicted him. They ascended the pulpit, — even the sisters, in the heat of their inspiration, — stood at his bide — and commanded him to hold his peace. The worship of God was thus changed into confusion and hubbub. Then these people would collect their finery, and commit it to the flames. Some would even take their crockery and china-ware from their shelves, and bury them. They would enter into minute confession of their sins before promiscuous assemblages. They would form processions in the night, and parade the streets, exclaiming, " Behold the Bride- groom cometh ! — Behold the Bridegi-oom cometh!" MEMOIR. 103 Such were the demonstrations to which these people were led by the spirit that was in them, and which they fondly deemed to be the Spirit of God. In this course of conduct they persevered for some months. We have spoken of them as good people; and such, no doubt, many of them were.* They were finally absorbed in the Free Christian body, as it is now termed, which sprang up in Yarmouth about this time. The whole was overruled to the good of the flock under Mr. Harding's charge. In his historical sketch, repeatedly quoted already, Mr. Harding thus refers to the period just reviewed. "Two or three years after this," — that is, the great revival, — "a division took place among us, in conse- quence of some errors which had obtained, and gave great trouble, and produced disorder. And although some of this enthusiasm continues to this day in a few characters, yet in ^the late glorious revival," — ^referring tO a later religious movement, — "om* church has emerged out of this darkness, and has appeared as coming out of the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved, and clothed with the sun." Matters moved on as just now represented, between the years 1806 and 1812^ more particularly towards the end of that period. About this time also there cams a * The compiler has conversed with one of them, an aged lady, who bore a leading part in the confusion of these times. She expressed much love for JVIr. Harding's memory, and pleased herself with the hope of meeting him in heaven. ijfl • I 11^ it- III •»' ■ . . i ^^^ MEMOIB. Mr. Alexander Crawford, e Scotch Baptist Elder, to reside in Yarmouth. He kept school there for a few years. He also occupied himself somewhat in the ministry. But he made little impression. His theory was altogether too cool, and his style too argumentative for the spiritual meridian of Yarmouth. The wisdom of the Greek, or any thing which at all resembled it, was not fitted to attract general attention among a people trained like those at Yarmouth. They were more Jewish than Greek in their tastes. If Mr. Crawford could have wrought signs, wonders— excitements, his entertainment among them would no doubt have been 'n strong contrast with his actual experience. He re- moved at length to Prince Edward Island; where, not many years since, he died, leaving behind him an honourable reputation for ability, piety, and usefulness. About the years 1812-13, in connection with Mr. Harding's labours, there occurred another special reH- gious movement in and around Yarmouth. Yet in extent and power it feU below "the Great Reformation" of 1806, as ncticed above. As we have no details in regard to this movement, we must pass it by with the simple record just made. Heaven notes these things as earth does not. There the case of every individual penitent possesses its own interest, and awakens its own song; so that there we shall realize such things as we cannot realize them here. In the interval between the years 1806 and 1813 Mr. Harding was much occupied in travelling, especially in rr If MEMOIR. 105 the district lying between Yarmouth and Liverpool. During this period too he enjoyed much Christian fel- lowship with those brethren in the ministry who had commenced their career about the time at which he had entered on liis own. He had not yet, like them, fully accepted the Baptist theory of church order and govern- ment, but in common with them he loved and pro- claimed the same grand cardinal truths. And now Mr. Harding passed through a season ot new and peculiar trial. About the year 1816 the Wea- leyan Methodists turned their attention to Yarmouth. The Eev. Eobert Alder was their first regular minister in that field. He set forth the peculiarities of Methodism with great ability, zeal, tact, and success. Mr. Harding laboii^ed with all his might to counteract his influence; sometimes, indeed, in the warmth Of his opposition, overstepping the line of Christian charity. Yet, not- withstanding his best efforts, many were drawn away after the new administration. Some were converted. Others, who had been wrought upon in the "great revival," some ten years previously, openly professed religion now, and united themselves with the Methodists. So great a change, indeed, passed upon the people, that it looked for a time as though the new religious influence would absorb and supersede the old. Not only were younger and more fickle persons induced to alter their religious position, but many who for years had been as pillars in Mr. Harding's church, and on whom he had counted as fast friends. These were his dark days, full of gloom and discoiu-agement. In the midst of all this r m I' ' ,1 '■■'i : li At' ^^^ MEMOIR. change, however, a remarkable homage was paid to Baptist practices. Most cf those who united with the Methodists wero immersed on a profession of their faith Paedobaptism was then scarcely known within the circles of evangelical religion at Yarmouth; and in fact, down to this day, is held there with but a feeble grasp. It might be worth inquiry, how far Mr. Harding^s open communion views, with his experimental teachings prepared the way for the results here noticed. If he had understood and taught the true doctrine of a New Testament baptism, not only in its relation to individual behevers, but in its aspect upon behevers as incorporated into churches; and if, moreover, he had built up his people more upon a basis of principle, and less upon a basis of feeling, it is hard to suppose that his adherents would have deserted him in such large numbers, and that the fruit of his manifold prayers and toils, for eo many long yeai-s, should have been so neai-ly wrested from him.* During this period of change, Mr. Harding suffered greatly m his temporal circumstances. A large family had grown up around him, still, for the most part, depen- dent upon his resources. Opposed on principle to the receipt of a stated salary, and therefore relying continu- ally upon the casual, unpledged offerings of his friends, now sadly reduced in number, his means of support were seriously affected. Wife, children, all, came into close contact with actual poverty, hard toil, and insufficient clothmg, if not meagre fare. Still, however, our evange- ♦Appendix L. II MEMOIR. 107 list held on his way, " earnestly/' if not always wisely "contending for the faith once delivered to the saints " as he held that faith. Sustained by inward convictioL encouraged by the countenance of the faithful ones n-hom difficulties and trials could not alienate, and upheld by his God, he bravely fought his way towards better times. He - purchased to himself a good de-ree" by the com-se which he now pursued; and his sufferings and losses in the cause of truth, no less than his victories and successes, deserve to be recorded to his honour and the honom. of his Father in heaven. The statements here made apply to a period of some ten or twelve years extending, from about 1816, as above mentioned, to about 1827-8. While thus straitened in his own borders, the views ot Mr Harding, as was alike natural and providential were directed to distant parts of the Province. That is' he Head of the chm-ch found congenial employment lor the zealous Gospel herald in remoter fields, while his own more immediate ground seemed to have become barren and unproductive. There was Cape Canso, some raiir hundred miles from Yarmouth, at the Eastern ox remity of the Province, a purely fishing district, and ^^^Ij notorious, at the time of which we here write for Its Ignorance and vice. One family there Mr. Hardinc loiew, and only one, bearing the name of Whitman"^ he husband a Congregationalist, the wife a Baptist iwth of them thus professors of the Gospel of Christ A httle vessel, trading from Yarmouth to the Cape Ottered the means of conveyance; and thither, iu that (14) ^ - -i w I 108 MEMOIR. vessel, the Gospel minister bore his richer merchandize, Nothing is remembered of the details of his labours in that remote district. It is understood, however, that he there pioneered the Gospel ; and it is known that at this day a considerable Baptist church is to be found there. Surely these two facts are not without their mutual relations, though the history of their relationship cannot bo traced. This visit to Canso was paid in the year 1817; it took Mr. Harding several months from homo ; and wls followed by another, after an interval of a few years. The autumn of the year 1818 Ibuiid Mr. Harding paying his first visit to Westport, at the Western extremity of Nova Scotia. This place is situated on a little island. Brier Island, isolated indeed, and solitary. Fishing is its staple employment. Lying out on tho Bay of Fundy, and placed right in the course between St. John and Yarmouth, it is also a place of great re- sort for fishing and trading vessels from other ports. Summer is its harvest — winter its holiday; and that holiday almost wholly devoted to Satan. Few and infrequent were the visits of Christian ministers to this place, at the time to which we here refer. Hither, then Mr. Harding took his course. He was well received, The truth took effect. Several conversions occurred. Two man-of-war's men particularly, "mighty men of valour," were humbled at the foot of the cross, and thenceforth were found under the banner of the Captain of salvation. They became "valiant for the truth," even as they had once been bold in the cause of tbeiv MEMOIR. 109 country, and proved no inefficient auxiliaries in the service of the Gospel. On the approach of winter Mr Harding returned home, and had much to say to his own people about the work of the Lord at Westport. At the opening of the following spring a little vessel was sent down to Yarmouth, with a message, earnestly intreatinc" a -second benefit." A good work had been enjoyed throughout the winter. A worthy Baptist minister, the Kev. Peter Crandal, had repeatedly visited the Island preaching and baptizing. Mr. Harding could not tm'n a deaf ear to the cry for renewed aid. Hi., farther labours were greatly blessed. In after days Westport was one of his favourite places of resort; and nothing but the weight of infirmity prevented him from attending the meeting of the Western Nova Scotia Baptist Asso- ciation, held there in the last year of his life. There exists at this day an interesting Bapti - church on the Island largely built up by Mr. Harding^s labom-s, if not formed and founded by him. Long will his memory be iragrant at Westport. At Yarmouth the pastor laboured faithfully onward He grew m knowledge. Some one presented him with the works of John Newton. He read them, and re-read them. They enlarged and deepened his views of divine truth. His zeal did not abate. Difficulties began to give way. The diversion effected by the introduction of Methodism lost much of its power. For some years, mdeed, at this time, the Methodists had no regular preacher m Yarmouth, and the whole field was left to the care of him who had so lono- and. bv and'^ bie—V-^ ti -i 110 MEMOIR. SO successfully cultivated it. Old friends, and former hearers returned, and broken associations were restored. Yet on tlio whole the work of the Lord dragged heavily. Few additions were made to the church. Vice, espe- cially that parent vice, dmnhmncss, triumphed in the world, and told heavily upon the interests of religion. That word was fulfilled, — " And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." This state of things, with some occasional Hfting of the cloud, some local revivals, under the labours of visiting ministers, continued for several years. At|Chebogue, however, the seat of the Congregational church over which the worthy Jonathan Scott had pre- sided in the days of Henry Alline, there occurred, about this time, a noteworthy movement. On that neigh- bourhood the New Light Baptists,— for that was now the proper description of Mr. Harding's people,— had made httle impression; and there was scarcely any intercom-se between the Congregational body at Che- bogue, and the Baptist body at Yarmouth. Religious interests were alike depressed in each of these bodies. The minds of a few of the brethren at Chebogue were touched with deep concern. They laboured and prayed for a better state of things. At length the chm-ch was visited by quickening influences. A revival after the Harding type wrought itself out. But with it came contentions and division^. The New Lightism, the noise, the excitement, were abhorrent to those who held on to the sober thoughtfulness, the steady and quiet jnovement of former days. The pastor, with many of 41 1 MEMOIR. Ill tlio loading members, took strong ground against what they regarded as the extravagancies of their brethren. The whole resulted in a pretty extensive disruption, — deposition of office-bearers, withdrawal of some members and exclusion of others. In the midst of these occur- rences Mr. Harding entered in at the door thus opened before him. Not admitted to the Congregational meet- ing-house, or not seeking access to it, he preached among the Chebogue people. Many of them became attached to his ministry, though only one of them at that time was baptized, and joined his church. A few years afterwards, a considerable number of them followed in the footsteps of their brother. The results were, that, first of all, a meeting-house was built at Chebogue, for the use of Mr. Harding's friends; and now a Baptist church exists there of more than a hundred and fifty members. Nevertheless, the ancient Congregational church maintains its standing, and is now at work, with some good measure of efiiciency and success. We now approach another remarkable period in the history of the church at Yarmouth, in connection with Mr. Harding's ministry. At the opening of the year 1837, a poor drunkard, named Eliphalet Curry,* became ♦ The compiler became acquainted with Mr. Curry during Ms pastorate at Yarmouth, and found him a good and zealous, though somewhat eccentric brother. He is now translated to a better world. In 1843 he paid a visit to Westport, which we find noticed as below, in a letter addressed at the time to Mr. Harding. Thus reads the letter:—" We have been greatly rejoiced by the visit of our esteemed brother Curry, who came here on Saturday last. He attended with us in Conference, when we enjoyed a blessed season. 'I I : >i « 1 1 F: ''' I n V t. \}'\ I "iT--'^,::r^Z^ss^''^k 112 MEMOIR. the subject of renewing grace. About the same time the brethren resident in the vicinity of Hebron, where' it will be remembered, the great movement of 180G had its commencement, were stirred up to an unusual concern in regard to the tHngs of eternity. Prayer meetings were multiplied, and impressions were deepened; Mr. Curr/s prayers and exhortations contributing largely, by God's blessing, to the interest that was awakened. Mlny were baptized, and backsliders retraced their steps, "sor- rowing," as it seemed, "after a godly sort." So through the spring, summer, and towards the autumn. In Sep- tember Mr. Harding attended what was called a Yearly Meeting, held at Bridgetown. The Rev. Thomas Ansley, a man whose name will not soon perish from the memory of the Baptists in the Lower Provinces,* had been la- in the evening we had a prayer-meeting, and the Lord was In onr midst. On Sabbath morning brother Curry exhorted us from these Words,-' But who may abide the day of his coming? and who Shall stand when he appeareth?' Truly we could say, the Lord was again in our midst, and that to bless us. In the afternoon brother Curry met with us in the Sabbath School, and delivered an address calculated to melt the heart of the most obdurate » Other meetings are mentioned in the letter here quoted, at which doubtless brother Curry assisted, though his presence is implied rather than expressed. Thus proceeds the letter elsewhere — "Our prayer-meeting in the evening was numerously attended and we enjoyed a g«od degree of religious freedom. When dis- missed, the People seemed loth to leave the house. Oh ! that we may see and feel a more general outpouring of the Spirit of God and see more precious souls converted! This evening we have had a Temperance Meeting, and obtained thirty-five additional subscribers to our pledge of Total Abstinence ; making in all two hundred and fifty-six. Truly may we say here, ' \Vhat hath God wrought!'" * Appendix M. MEMOIR. 113 bouring in that neighbourhood for many years. Hia thoughts had been lately much directed towards Yar- mouth. Just then he was free from regular engagements with his former charge, or with any charge at all. An ar- rangement was therefore easily negociated between him and Mr. Harding ; the former to proceed to Yarmouth, and the latter to occupy tho field in and about Bridge- town. Mr. Ansley's labours at Yarmouth were greatly l)les8ed. They extended through a period of five or six months. The results are thus exhibited in the chnr-h records made at the time. Under the date of April 2, 1828, we find the following ciitrv. "The Lord of the harvest has caused Zion to travail, and sons and daughters are born to God. This glorious work of reformation has been gradually progres- sing for about eighteen months. The light of it began to dawn at our first Quarterly Meeting in January 1827; and about twenty members were added to the church in about nine months after. In September last there were in the church about a hundred and fifteen members, and four candidates for baptism. During the last six months, there have been thirty-nine Conference meet- ings. The ordinance of baptism administered twenty- two times; the Lord's Supper administered six times; two hundred and nine candidates received for baptism; one hundred and thirty-five baptized ; thirty -four mem- bers have reunited with the church ; fifteen added from sister churches of the same faith and order, and two from the Methodist Society, who had been baptized on a pi ofes- sion of their faith by immersion : five have died, and two U ) I S tl 1)4. ^^^ MEMOIE. been excluded In all, one hundred aad eighty-siz mem- bers added; and our total number of members is now two hundred and nmety.four; and seventy-eight candidates tor baptism are now remaining. Oh ! what wonders of Sent 2rT«f« V^ °" ''""" ^^''^°' "■"J"'- *'"' ^*^ oi feept. 2 1, 1828, there occm-s this entry. " It has been a glorious harvest-day for these twelre months past There have been two hmidred and eighty-eight c^mdi-' dates for baptism received; two hundred and seventeen baptized; forty restored and reunited; twenty from other churches of om- faith . I tried, in my feeble manner, to direct them to the only source from whence counsel and strength can come. I fplt an inward assurance, while commending them ' to God, and to the word of his grace,' that he would appear for them, and deliver them out of all their troubles. My earnest cry, I may truly say, by night and by day, while among them, was, ' Lord ! revive thy work ! In the midst of the years re- member mercy ! ' "I must not omit to mention, that I received the kindest attention from the Christian friends in town Their houses and hearta were open to receive me. I intend to be present at the examination at Horton on my return ; and, if life and and health be spared, to meet my brethren in Association at Bridgetown. May the Lord be present with us at our meeting, to sanctify and bless us ! " I remain, " Your friend and brother in the Gospel, "Harris Harding." " Halifax, June 8,1846. I ! "Yarmouth, July 14, 1846. " Messrs. Editors, — " I addressed a short letter to you on leaving Halifax, giving you some account of my visit there, for the information of my friends in different parts of the country ; and I should now be offering violence to my feelings, as well as, in my judgment, be wanting in my duty, if I did not add a few particulars in regard to my journey homeward. " After leaving town, I proceeded by moderate stages on my way towards Cornwallis; where I spenc one Lord's Day with my aged and valued brother, Edward Manning. It re- freshed my spirit in the Lord to have the opportunity thus (15) 124 MEMOIR. granted to me to hold communion with my old and cried friend and fellow-labourer in the Gospel of my blesBcd Master. I preached to his people, and had the privilege of baptizing two persons who bad been received by his church for that ordinance. Some might think it was venturing too far for me, at my time of life, and after the fatigue of so long a journey, to go into the water. But under the circumstances of the case it appeared to be duty, and I resolved not to shrink from performing it ; and I have no reason to regret my resolve. I felt my mind happy in God. Indeed it has always a happy influence on my feelings, when I am permitted cither to administer this blessed ordinance of my Saviour myself, or to witness the administration of it, when done accor(^g to the pattern of the Gospel, by others. In every sense, it is good to find the place where Jesus lay. " I attended the examination of the students at our Insti- tution at Horton, and was highly gratified with what I there saw and heard. I looked with pleasure on the countenances of the youth who were receiving instruction from our worthy brethren, the teachers of Acadia College. I felt they were the hope of our country ; and I could not refrain again and again from lifting my heart in prayer to God, that he would sanctify the privilege they were enjoying to their own best good, and the good of others. Especially did I feel interested for those of them who profess to be pious, and are looking forward to engage in the ministry in the churches. There is nothing gives me greater pain than to hear education set up in the place of religion ; and especially to hear it spoken of as of the first consequence in regard to our rising ministry ; while the work of the Spirit, the call of the Holy Ghost, which I feel and know every true minister of Jesus Christ must be the subject of, is put down as of secondary or inferior impor- I. 'I KEMOIR. 12,5 tance. Against such a perversion of what is riglit I hope I shall ever be found to raise my voice, and to enter my protest; and it la because I always express myself strongly and plainly on this point, that some perhaps have concluded that I was unfriendly, or opposed to education. But this is not the faot Education, sanctified by tlie Word and Spirit of God, I shall always maintain is of inestimable value to its posse.«sor. And to no man is knowledge, sanctified knowledge, of more value than to the minister of Jesus Christ. I love and honour those of my dear brethren in the Christian ministry who, pos- sessing much of the knowledge of the schools, are daily found casting themselves, with all they have acquired, at the feet of Christ, and praying there for strength and grace to consecrate all to him — to ascribe all to him in the great work of snatching souls from sin and death, and rai.sing them to life and God. It is because I believe my valued brethren who are engaged in the work of instruction at Horton hold these views that I desire to hold up tijeir hands ; and it is because I humbly trust, that the young men who are to succeed myself and my brethren who are soon to quit this earthly stage will have their minds deeply impressed with these views, that my heart and my hands are given to aid and encourage tLose who are sus- taining our Institutions at Horton. What I long and pray for in my feeble way is, that God in his mercy may raise up and continue in our churches a spiritual, soul-searching, Christ- exalting ministry, who shall make knowledge subservient to his name and glory among men. I was particularly delighted with the affectionate and truly Scriptural address of our brother Cramp, of Canada, to the young men, at the close of the exer- cises of the day set apart for the conferring of degrees. Before I pass from this subject I may add, that I myself have enjoyed manifold and great blessings from my intercourse. m -iSfe*, 120 MEMOIR. through their writings, with the learned and pious; and I refer, not only to the prophets, and apostles, and martyrs, but to many among our Eeformers and Puritan divines who were ' burning and shining lights' in their day, and who ' being dead yet speak' to us words of wisdom and grace, I would not, for mines of wealth, give up my acquaintance with Bunyan and Baxter, with Watts and Doddridge, and many, many others of like spirit, whose learning and piety rendered them a blessing to their own and to future ages. I hope to meet them face to face, and to reign in glory with them for ever and ever. " The Association at Bridgetown, which I attended, was to me a time of great spiritual refreshing. It did me good to meet so many dear brethren and sisters in the Lord with whom, in times past, I had spent many happy hours in speaking together of the goodness of the Lord. It did mo good to listen to the proclamation of the glorious Gospel from my aged and younger brethren in the ministry. And it was pleasant also to my mind, that frequent opportunity was afforded me, during the meeting, not only in preaching, but in exhortation,* to * Dr. Cramp has supplied us with a description, which will bo found in the Appendix, of one of Mr. ITjmliiig's exhortations at this Bridgetown gathering. The Ilev. John Miller, wJio was also present on the same occasion, has supplied us with some farther recollections of that gathering, embraciiig others bcaides Mr. Harding. We present them in this note. air. Miller wa settled at Windsor at the time at whieli ^h, Harding stopped there, as mentioned in his letter, on liis way to Halifax. He recalls nothing, however, of the venerable man's visit to that place, except that the Good Samaritan was the subject of his sermon on the Lord's Day. In regard to the Association at Bridgetown, we have the i'oi- lowiug pleasant little anecdote. Theodore Harding was prescut there a« well as Harris. At one of the meetings these two sat MEMOIR. 127 bear my testimony to the sentiments advanced, as being in entire harmony and accordance with the truth of God. Indeed near each other, in front of the pulpit. A sermon had been dell- vered, and tlie usual opportunity for exhortation was afforded. Father Harris Harding arose, to avail himself of the opportunity. There was some little re&«essnes8 in the congregation, and the good man hesitated. Theodore Harding set himself to rectify the iilight disorder. He reared his stately form, put on his com- manding manner, lifted up his stentorian voice, and exclaim- '^,— of course with immediate effect,—'* Old Mr. Harding wish, to speak." As tliough, whUe only tt -ars the junior of the other, he had been enUtiod, on that ace to describe him with em- phasis as '' old Mr. Harding." But ftitiier Theodore never liked to be regarded .-ts old^, and his exclamation in tms case, though perliaps all unconsciously, wa« but a shrewd way of hinting, that himself was yet comparatively young. Wo have besides a touching little trait, in father Harris Harding's behaviour when leaving the house of God. On breaking up from one of the Association meetings, the people, as both common and natural on ,s«ch occasions, drew off into groups, and loll into familiar conversation. Hy aiwl by father Harding's vene- rable form was discovered, as he wouikI his way, in an abstract sort of manner, in and out among these groups. And then it was clear, that he was talking to himself, as he was wont to do. Next these woi-ds fell upon the ear,—" All who tcish to go to heaven with me areicelcoine!" No more of his utterances were heard. But doubtless the aged saint gave forth '' many like words :" breathing of heaven on his way thither; speaking spontaneously of his hopes ; and yearning to make all men partakers of a bliss like bis own. Father E. Manning was also present at this Bridgetown ga- thering, and preached. It is remembered of him, that he illustrated his "full assurance of hope" in these terms-strong, striking, and even startling :-" / would not thank an angel from heavr-n \o tell me, that my name is written in the Hook of Life. I know it ! " But now what high communion there was at this Association, lold some score of years since! Harris Harding, Theodore llurdmg, and Edward Manning! What a constellation of gift^ II : ;if i :l i28 MEMOIBf. 1 never enjoyed .iiyself more at any previous Associatiotf, The unbroken harmony which existed, the deference shewn to the aged by the young, the oneness of spirit and judgment which pervaded the entire body ; all evincing that one motive mliuenced all, as one end was sought by all, — namely, the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ upon earth, — could not but make it pleasant, to those who had grace in their hearts^ to be there. More than once I was leady to exclaim, * how good and liow pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! ' •' Nothing remarkable occurred ta me on my way from Bridgetown to Yarmouth. I journeyed ' by the will of God,' and reached home in safety and good health on Saturday, the 27th uh., and found Mrs. Harding as well as, under existing circumstances, could be expected ; having, in my absence, been remarkably strengthened, and enabled to^ undergo a most severe surgical operation, — no less than having one entire breast removed, to stop the progress of a raging cancer therein. I trust I feel thankful in some measure to my hea- venly Father, for his great goodness to her, and for his pro- aud graces ! albert a setting constellation. These three veteran champions of. the cross, in one place, and forming part of one assembly— speaking, praying, rejoicing, weeping together ! Then, in their private intercourse, talking over " auld lang syne;" perhaps rehearsing fonm;!- conflicts and victories, until they fee5 like the poet's old soldier, when he " Shoulders his cnxtch, and shews bow flc^Js -were won) " So they met for the last time on earth, mingling their sweet and hallowed sympathies. And now they have all passed away. The constellation has set. Edward Manning first ; then Harris Harding ; and last of all Theodore. Gone hence; but only to shiue in brighter skies, and never to set again. Shall you and I, dear reader, shine at last, as they do, in that upper ftrmameut ? ! MEMOIR. 129 tecting care over us during our separation, and for the merciea with which it pleases him still to surround us ; and I can but say, with his servant of old, ' What reward shall I render to the Lord for all his goodness?' I trust I may add, with him, ' I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon his name.' " One event has occurred, the tidings of which reached me soon after my return home, which has deeply affected my heart. I refer here to the death of my dearly beloved friend and fellow-labourer in the Gospel, brother Joseph Dimock. I must not, however, give expression to my feelings in regard to his death. A thousand recollections in connection with our early acquaintance crowd upon my mind. Our fellowship in the Gospel, which existed for more than half a century, was never interrupted for an hour. Nature, under such a bereavement, cannot but feel. But blessed be God, faith and hope triumph over all feelings of sadness, and bring near the hour, which cannot be far distant from me, when I shall again meet my departed brother, and unite my song of praise with his to ' Him who hath washed us from our sins in his own blood!' may the disciples of Jesus live near the cross, looking for the second coming of their Lord ! Then will the summons which has called away from this scene of toil and sorrow our dear brother Dimook, be heard, as it shall come to each in his time, with joy ; until the Lord shall accomplish the number of his elect, and all shall meet around the throne, to be separated no more for ever. " Let me, in closing, urge upon the members of our churches the duty of cultivating feelings of love one towards another— of seeking to abound in that charity which ' hopeth and en- dureth all things.' Truly ' love is the fulfilling of the law.' 'Mark them,' is the language of the apostle, «who cause divisions among you ;' while, on the other hand, ' blessed are ^{ '': 130 MEMOIE. the peacemakers' — those who labour to promote union among the followers of Christ. May the ' God of peace' cast the mantle of his love over all our churches ; and cause the Spirit of peace to rest apon all, of every name, who truly love and fear him ! " I am, dear brethren, " Yours aifectionately, '• In the bonds of tb j blessed Grospel of Christ, " Harris Harding." This Halifax excursion was Mr. Harding's last remote journey.* Henceforth, he abode around his earthly home until lifted to Lis better Lome above. ■ ^^Le latter days of Mr. Harding were darkened by domestic sorrows. In the winter of 1831 Lis sou Lodowick, at tLe age of twenty-nine years, was lost at sea — swept overboard by tLe swinging of tLe main boom of tLe vessel of wLicL Le was commander, and di'owned. TLe young man was very dear to Lis aged parents, and LigLly popular in tLe community at large. Pleasing Lopes were indeed cLerisLed respecting Lis spiritual condition ; but sucL a son could not be taken away, and so suddenly, witLout tLe infliction of a deep wound upon tLe parental Leart. Yet, wLile Mr. Harding felt as a man, Le bowed like a saint; illustrating Lis exLortations to tLe bereaved in Lis own conduct. TLe Lord's Day after Le Lad received tidings of Lis loss, Le preacLed from tLe words of Eli, — "It is tLe Lord; let Lim do what seenietL Lim good." TLe vessel from wLicL Lis son * Appendix O. MEMOIE. 131 had pe- .hed entered the port of Yarmouth, with her colours half-mast-high, as usual on such occasions, just as Mr. Harding's congregation was gathering to- gether ; — a circumstance which gave peculiar pungency to the emotions both of preacher and hearers. He survived four others of his children ; but he seemed to feel this, the first breach upon his family circle, more keenly than those which afterwards befel him. We find the following notice of Lodowick Harding's death in the Yarmouth church records, dated March 6, 1831. "The church, on this melancholy occasion, felt a pecu- liar sympathy with their venerable pastor and his com- panion, in the first breach in their family of eleven children: the bereavement of their amiable son, who had been to them in a degree as Joseph of old to his father Jacob. But the Lord is still their support; and they are enabled to say, ' It is the Lord ; let him do what seemeth him good.' The death of the above Captain Lodowick Harding was occasioned by being thrown overboard at sea by the main boom, and drowned, aged about twenty-nine years. But blessed be God, we have hope in his death." * Mr. Harding believed in little beside experimental religion, and that of the New Light cast. Still, however, he was a man of deep Christian benevolence ; and this sometimes made him the philanthropist, and sometimes brought him into friendly relations with objects from which his prejudices might otherwise have made him revolt. * Appendix P. r. Ml , ; 1 1 \ 1 ku 1 f 1 * f \ i ■ 1 1 •\ f m ii •^■^■-■w-y-'^nw^iraSfe .- 132 Memoir. Thus, in the year 1829, he entered, with characteristic ardour, into the Temperance reformation, and was, for many years, president of fi Temperance Society, formed at Yarmouth, founded originally upon the principle of abstinence from ardent spirits. A similar society had been formed at Beaver Ejver, about thirteen miles from Yarmouth, lying within the range of Mr. Harding's extended field. A vessel had been wrecked there, with a large supply of West India rum on board. But it had something better, — a few copies of the late Dr. Lyman Beecher's Sermons on Intemperance. The people read, thought, prayed; and then, as just now stated, proceeded to act. It is believed, that this Beaver Eiver Temperance Society, constituted in 1828, was the first that was formed in British America; perhaps in the British dominions. A large proportion of Mr. Harding's people connected themselves with these early movements; a result which may be traced, in great measure, to that good man's individual, earnest, and persevering efibrts. A few years later a Society was formed at Hebron, on the Total Abstinence principle; said, again, to have been the first so organized in Nova Scotia. Here also the countenance and efforts of Mr. Harding were afforded. Mr. Harding, and the Yarmouth Baptists should thus seem to occupy the very van of the great Temperance movement in Nova Scotia, and even in the British em- pire.* The following oflScial letter, found among Mr. Harding's papers, contains a valuable expression of his views on the subject of Temperance. * Appendix Q. MEMOIir, 133 :iil " To the Delegates from the different Temperance Societies in Nova Scotia, assembled at BrMgetown, Sep. 24, 1834. " Yarmoutli, Sep. 7, 1834. '• Gentlemen, — " The cause of Temperance, which you have espoused with a becoming zeal, and in which we cordially and warmly engage with you, and t^ ousands of otters, embraces the glory of God, and the spiritual and temporal welfare of our fellow- sinners of every description And if a difference in creed has apparently wounded thr cause of religion and virtue, — and among those too whose hearts have bef n better than thoir heads, — in this Society, like other blessed Institutions of our day, all can unite, under the influence of religion, morality, or reason, without fear of injury to the most tender feelings of any ; and here each member can fill his rank, and in his sphere have opportunity of doing goodjto all men. And we are pleased to say, gentlemen, that it hath been our mercy to be among the first in these two Provinces to form a Tempe- rance Society; and although like a mustard-seed at first, it has advanced to about seven hundred in the Township of Yarmouth, and the good cause is still progressing. And we have delegated deacon Hilton, and deacon Baker, who will, in behalf of our Society, sit with you in council, and deliberate upon the most efl&cient measures to be pursued by you for the benefit of the cause of Temperance. And wishing the appro- bation of Heaven may attend upon all your deliberations and movements in matters so beneficial and interesting to mankind, " We are, gentlemen, *' Yours, with much esteem, " (On behalf of the Yarmouth Temperance Society,) " Habkis Hakding, President." l;|f! H IM H I 134 MEMOIR. As soon as the organization and plans of the British and Foreign Bible Society came under the notice of Mr. Harding, they won his heart, and shared his acti- vities. He was for many years one of the principal officers of the Yarmouth and Argyle Auxiliary to the above Society. He never took much interest, however, in the controversies which arose, in his later days, between the Baptists and the Bible Societies both of England and America; — a fact to be explained by his want of the denominational spirit, as also by his advanced years. Mr. Harding cooperated with his Baptist brethren in the founding and support of their Institutions at Wolfville, and long subscribed his annual pound for the maintenance of Acadia College. Yet it was hard for these institutions to win and retain his entire confidence : although, almost in spite of himself, they seem to have achieved some such result when he wrote his letter from Yarmouth to the Christian Messenger, as given not many pages back. In his early days, in connection with what claimed to be a Christian ministry, Mr. Harding had seen leal-ning exalted above piety ; and he co* .Id scarcely rid himself of the fear, that the learning of the Baptists should overlay their religion. One Lord's Day afternoon, when he lay upon his dying bed, the compiler paid him a visit. The Rev. Robert W 'Ison, a worthy Congregational minister^ and an educated man, had then recently aiTived at Yarmouth, to take charge of a church there. The good old man took occasion to comment upon this circumstance with some degree of severity. " I wonder," said he, " what people mean by sending to England and •t I MEMOIR. J35 Scotland for ministers, with their Latin, and Greek, and Hebrew." He was reminded that in talking thus he seemed to reflect upon the compiler, born and trained in England. "Oh!" he added, his shrewdness and eloquence coming suddenly to his aid,— "Oh! I don't object to the Latin, and Greek, and Hebrew. But let them be placed at the feet of Jesus, and not inscribed, as by Pilate, over his head." There was the secret of his jealousy in regard to learning. Who shall say that it was groundless ? Would that it had not been so sadly justified ! It may seem almost needless to add, what every one would have expected, that in Sabbath School efforts Mr. Harding took a deep and fatherly interest. The Metho- dists, somewhere about the year 1820, made the earliest attempts in this line of usefulness in Yarmouth. But such things were then new, and, as some good people thought, of a doubtful character. Ultimately, however, they commended themselves to the judgments and hearts of the friends of vital religion generally. About the year 1830 the Baptists of Yarmouth entered upon this field, and have by no means been without their harvest. And whenever, in father Harding's days, an unusual religious concern was awakened in the Sabbath School, there would he be found, aiding the work by his counsels, his exhortations, and his prayers. We now approach to the "last end" of the interesting subject of this memorial. \ ; H ! ! i ; 1 ' 1 i t 1 VU 1 i U-1 'll '1 1 I- 186 MEMOIR. I Up to the eif^lity- fifth year of his life father Harding retained i.iuch cf li's manly vigour. After that period, however, the symptoms of declining power, mental as well as bodily, became painfully obvious to those who had best known him. Meanwhile the precious realities of experimental religion lost not tl'.oir hold upon his spirit; and the glorious Gospel which he had so long proclaimed, was still and ever the joy of his neart. In the winter of 1851-2, in his ninety-first year, he was prostrated by a severe illness, from which none but himself expected that he would recover. But recover he did; and for more than a year held on in his course of travelling around his own home, and preaching as he had strength and opportunity. In the autumn of 1853 he was seized with severe cold, of a species then prevalent in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth. In Novembei* he was confined to his house, and almost to his bed. His long-cherished habits of activity being thus broken up, while the feebleness of second childhood had fastened upon him, he became fretful and peevish, and seemed to have but little enjoy- ment of religion. He could not, that is, taste those raptures in which he had been wont to luxuriate, regard- ing them as special 'proofs of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, when a few friends had assembled in his house one evening, to console and cheer him in the exercises of social religion, he remarked, with refer- ence to the meeting then held, "Good words! good > H MEMOIR. ig7 words ! But the Lord was not here— the Lord was not here/^ There was the reality of religion, but not its exhileratiou; and the good old man could scarcely be persuaded of the presence of the one in the absence of the other. Thus, for rather more than three months, Mr. Harding lingered on, upheld by the strength of a constitution which, even in extreme old age, yielded but slowly to the inroads of infirmity and disease. Then, about the end of February, 1854, he was attacked by inflammation of the bladder. This was the last blow, and in a few days finished his earthly career. His sufferings were intense. Opiates were largely administered. His pain was thus soothed, but his mind was stupefied. He said httle on any subject, and his religious experiences and expres- sions were both few and unsatisfactory. But he had lived the Gospel. His whole course had been a Christian triumph. His death too was a victory, though wanting in the brilliancy which often distinguishes the parting hours of good men. Here, however, lay one of his grie- vances. '^I can't see Jesus. I want to see Jesus, and cannot." That is, he could not so surmount the influ- ence of disease, and decay, and medicine, as to rejoice in the Lord with the fervour and elevation of other, and more favoured days. He was reminded, indeed,' that Jesus looked upon him, if he could not see Jesus— that he was now especially called upon to live by faith— that sight and feeling, such as he had formerly enjoyed, were then scarcely to be expected. Such representations served to silence him for the time, but scarcely to satisfy; and n| ^/ i ii 1 138 MEMOIE. still he would recur to his old complaint, "Oh! I can't 8ee Jesus — I want to see Jesus.' }} Yet was it not constantly thus. That passage was not without its fuliilment in father Harding's dying experience, "Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." His tongue had lost its utterance, his mind its tone j but as the needle still trembles towards the pole, so his heart still trembled towards its God. Often, in the hearing of the compiler, did ho magnify the grace of God in choosing him, making him what he was, and assuring him of support and deliverance to the end. "I know not why God has chosen mo," ho would frequently say. " I am sure I never chose him. Nothing was ever farther from my heart. And never did I dream of becoming a New Light preacher. I should have thought of flying to the moon first. But ho has chosen i»e — chosen me for hia name's sake — for reasons taken out of the depths of his own heart. Yes ! he loved me because he ivould love me; and that is all I know about it. And for that reason he called me by his grace ; and taught me to tell his love to others; and blessed my poor labours; and kept me to this day; and will not let me go. No! he will never leave me ; and never, 7ievcr, nevee forsake me. Blessed be his precious name for ever ! " And then, exhausted and overcome, he would fall back on his pillow, and pant for breath, and shed tears of gratitude and joy.* * So the venerable Rowland Hill, when approaching the end of his course, would go about, repeating to himself these simple, but touching lines :-- MEMOIR. 139 Often, too, would he speai of Ci rist as the only foun- dation of a sinner's hope, tfue, ,o the last, to his grand central idea, "the LoKD 'U?. uTghteousness !'' Then, again, he would dwell u,.on t lecessity of an interest in Christ. " Oh ! what sL.oulf^ / do without Christ now ?" was an expression often xifoii ms lips. Among the last utterances which the compiler heard from him, he spoke •of' God over all—God all in all— blessed for evermore !" His words in death itself were almost of the same kind. Another expression has been reported to the compiler,* which was not surely without its cheering significance! His medical attendant, when operating upon him once, remarked, with reference to the complaint which ren- dered the operation necessary, that "it was one of the penalties of old age.'' "A penalty! no!" he quickly replied. " Say rather a privilege!" As though he counted every thing a privilege,' sufferings included, which tended to the dissolution of his earthly tabernacle,' and so to the opening of his way to God. So Paul teaches, when he writes, '^AIl things are yours; whether ...life, or death." And so Dr. Watts felt, when he sang, " Had but my cabin walls been strong, And firm without a flaw, In prison I had dwelt too long, And less of glory saw." No! it was not all gloom with the dying patriarch, llie sun will sometimes set behind a dark, heavy mass " And nhen I'm to die, Ecceive me, I'll cry, For Jesus has lov'd me, I cannot teU why ; But one thing I find, We two are so join'd, He'll not be in heav'n, and leave me behind " {Ui) 1^1 !■:., mi ■,Mi 140 MEMOIR. of clouds; and yet if the darkness lift but for a moment, he will look through, and dart forth gleams and rays of parting splendour. So set the light of father Harding, when it left our sphere to shine in " the third heavens^" Once, however, his declining sun hurst out in full glory, dissipating every cloud. A few days before his death, some of his oldest surviving friends paid him a visit. For a time after their arrival, he lay in a state of stupor. He too often awoke from such a state to new and severe suifering. On the present occasion it proved otherwise. On the return of consciousness, his person was comparatively free from pain, while his mind was unusually clear and collected. He had previously shrunk from the conviction, that " the time of his departm-e was at hand." But now he not only admitted it, but rejoiced in it ; '' speaking out with a loud voice." He pleased himself with the thought, that he should soon bid fare- well to this world of sin and sorrow. Yet not in that alone, nor chiefly. He was wrought up to rapture, in the assurance that ere long he should enter into the presence of the God and Saviour, in whom he had so long delighted, whose faithfulness he had so often proved, and whose unchanging love had brought him so far for- ward in his course, and so near its auspicious close. He spoke also of the way of salvation, and placed it before the view of the friends by whom he was surrounded iu a rich experimental form. Never, in his best days, had he been heard to express himself on these great themes in terms more animated or pathetic. Now at last his hungering and lunging desire was gratified — his desire MEMOIR. 141 to see Jesus as ho had been wont to see him of old. Nay, he was favoured with a vision not wholly unhke that which gladdened the last hours of the proto-martyr Stephen; while he was privileged, moreover, to reflect upon others the splendours which beamed upon his own spn^it. Here was the sealing up of the testimony of his life. Yea, it was the trampling of death under his feet. Of a truth, " death was swallowed up in victory.'' " His God sustain'd him in his final hour; His .Kal hour brought glory to his God !" This incident occurred on Thursdav, March 2. Hence-. forward, until the time of his death, the anguish of the poor patient grew upon him, his strength still declined, and his mental faculties were more and more clouded. It seemed as though nothing but me- dicine kept life whole within him. On Monday evening, March 6, his final struggle commenced. He was awa- kened from unconsciousness by an attack of severe pain. The cold deathly sweat started from his brow. He lived as it were from moment to moment. Apparently scarce able to move a limb, yet now, if permitted, he would have cast himself from his bed. At this time he called his son - Israel" by name; which was the last distinct utterance that fell from his lips. In about half-an-hour he returned to a state of unconsciousness, and it looked as if "ihQ bitterness of death was passed." Yet once more he revived. He tried to speak, but his accents were unintelligible : they were supposed to be the accents of prayer. Some six hours passed onward. Then there was reue^vcd anguish, almost as severe as that formerly ' 'i ^^^^^B ^^^^^w 142 MEMOIR. The struggle experienced, but of shorter continuance, gradually subsided, and about midnight reached its close. Death had done its work ; and father Harris Harding, in the ninety-third year of his age, and the sixty- seventh of his ministry, had "fallen on sleep." Mr. Harding's remains were committed to the earth on the Saturday following his decease, March 11. The funeral was conducted in a truly catholic style — a style in striking harmony with the character of the man. Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Congregational, Methodist, Free Christian, Free- Will Baptist, in addition to regular Baptist ministers, officiated as pall-bearers on the occa- sion, and in other respects participated in its solemnitiesw The funeral sermon was delivered by the compiler, in the Baptist Meeting House, Yarmouth, in the presence of a full audience, composed of individuals of all the religious professions in the community, the Eomish not excepted. Gen. xlix. 18. "I have waited for thy sal- vation, O Lord ! " was selected as the basis of discourse. And thus, like Jacob of old, full of years, and of saintly honours, was the venerable man of God gathered to his fathers; leaving behind him a memory of rich and enduring fj-agrance. I MEMOIB. 143 § 2. ESTIMATE OF MK. HARDINg's CHAKACTEH AND I-ABOURS. In person Mr. Harding was of full middle stature. In early life his form was slender, frail, and even ghostly ; affording no indication of the stamina with which he was really endowed. In later years he expanded into great portliness. His length and breadth seemed to be so nearly equal as to suggest ideas of the square and cubical. Still there was nothing ridiculous in his appearance. There was a grace about the man which prevented that. His face was highly characteristic. Firmness, animation, shrewdness, honesty, benevolence, all were there, moulding the countenance to their own likeness. On the whole, the outer man faithfully re- flected the inner. ^ p ^ ] ^ ■! 1 ; 1 !r . t fLM^h ■ Hi J Let us now try to give some of the outlines of that ix.VER MAN. Not regarding it, however, so much in it- self as in its relations. It is thus only that an individual like Mr. Harding can be studied. We mast view him in his developments, if we would obtain any clear ideas respecting him. Of course Mr. Harding had his faults nnd his di-awbacks. It is as true now as in the days of Solomon, that ''there i^; not a just man upon earth that doeth go( d, and sinnoth not.'"' We have, as wo passed along, hinted at s-me of Mr. Harding's mistakes. Farther find humblinrr illustrations of his participation m oiu- fallen nature might yet be supplied. But to this 1 144 MEMOIR. we do not find ourselves summoned. Scripture, for the most part, speaks of the characters of good men from a survey of what they were as a Avhole, rather than from a reference to failures and blots. Abraham some- times forgot his faith ; and yet he was " the father of the faithful.'^ Thus it was with regard to other Scrip- ture characters. So the character of father Harding is not without its shady spots ; and yet, as a whole, it is one which may be contemplated with deep complacency, and safely held up to the study and imitation of sur- vivors. Facts abundantly sustain this statement, and in the light of those facts we proceed with our deli- neation. At the root of father Hardmg*s character lay his Christianity. " In doctrinl " he was " uncorrupt." Need we rehearse his creed ? It was intensely evange- lical. He viewed man as wholly lost in himself — saved only by the blood and the Spirit of Christ. ''The Lord our righteousness — the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world," — these were texts and themes of which he never lost sight. Moreover, his views were thoroughly Calvinistic. He held with a firm grasp to the sovereign love of God to his people, personal, eternal, and unchanging. His heart clung to this truth, and to the truths in affinity with it. He delighted and gloried in them, and was never ashamed of them. Largely did these truths bring forth in him the fruits of practical godliness. Much in prayer, he " prayed without ceasing;" abounding in special supplication. MEMOIR. Ul Of a broad, catholic spirit, he drank deeply into Paul's sentiment, "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." Unbounded in the displays of benevolence and kind-heartedness towards the bodies of men as well as their souls, like his Master, he " went about doing good.'' Embracing the world in his arms of love, he cared for it as he had opportunity, and was ever ready to aid those world-wide evangelical institutions which so largely constitute the glory of our age. Of spotless integrity, through his long residence at Yarmouth, of more than sixty years, he signally succeeded in "providing things honest in the sight of all men." Trusting God for both worlds, he leaned in all circum^'tances upon the promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee ; " and it never failed him. There was thus a roundness, and complete- ness in his religious character but too rarely witnessed. Like Barnabas, he was " a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith." Ifi I The preacher and the pastor may now come under review. Mr. Harding was not in every sense a great man. He was not a great preacher, and never pretended to be one. The loftier reaches of argument and eloquence were beyond him. He was not naturally disposed to take comprehensive views. He owed to the Bible all his enlargement, and all the greatness to which he ever attained. Yet he was possessed of some singular and valuable qualities. He had great shrewdness — a large stock of !: 146 MEMOIR. mother-wit. He could not face a foe in argument; but he could embarrass him. Like David, without armour, with his sling, and stone, and certain aim, he often felled huge, armour-clad, practised Goliatha. He had, too, a tenacious memory. His mind was full of the one Book with which he was familiar above all other books, and would pour out, not its truths only, but its facts, its figures, its allusions, with unmeasured profusion. He had some imagination, and much dramatic power; enough of both to make him skilled in narrative and description. Moreover, he was rapid in his combinations, and never at a loss either for materials, or their arrange- ment. His language was neat, chaste, strong, if not copious— drawn largely from the Bible. His utterance was ready, quick, overflowing, apt to be loud and voci- ferous — in his earlier days accompanied with much ges- ticulation, and movement to and fro. Age itself scarcely subdued his vehemence. Deep also was his pathos, abundant his unction, while his tears were frequent. Such was the man in the j^ulpit* Old of the puljoit he seemed to live by locomotion. Until arrested by his last sickness he was almost always on the road — alike on the move in winter as in summer. His conversational powers, down to a late period, were remarkable. At the fireside he was the delight both of old and young; mingling anecdote, remark, appeal, and tender touches, with unusual and fascinating effect. Gentleness and benevolence moulded his manners into an unforced politeness, and prompted him to a thousand * Appendix K. MEMOIR. ]4'7 deeds of self-denying kindness. He was tHus admi- rably fitted for that ambulatory, household, pastoral visitation, m which he attained to such uncommon and memorable excellence. He was, in truth, a wide and impartial visitant. Led by compassion, the sick, the aged, the dying, of all religious persuasions, or of none shared in his attentions. And wherever he went, intent upon doing good, he would urge upon men the concerns of their souls. So, too, in visiting his own people. His first question, after ordinary salutations, would relate to the spiritual interests of his friends. He would ex- tend his inquiries to every member of the household, directing his notice particularly to the young, and the children. And then, ere taking his leave, he would wind up and season all with prayer. In all things, it may be added, Mr. Harding was distinguished by an indomitahh pertmac'ti/. With Paul his motto seemed to be, - One thing I do ;- and he was always at that - one thing." It was this, as it must have (lone m any department of life, that lifted his mediocrity into greatness, and endowed him, under God with so much power for good. His objects once selected,' his course once marked out, it was next to impossible to tm-n him aside. This gave him a force, and a patience, and a perseverance, and an endurance-in one word a moral momenhim, just such as his work demanded! % renewed strokes, rather than by any signal demon- stratK)ns, he wrought his impressions. Individuals, tamihes, neighbom^hoods, large districts, yet retain, and must long retain the marks that he made, by the mere 1 if r- fl f 'I ■ - f, / 148 MEMOIR. repetition of his efforts, through his protracted and active life. His capital was not so large as that of some other men; but he kept turning it over and over perpe- tually, until it had yielded an ample increase, and made its possessor " rich in good works ;" superabundant in the fruits of his godly diligence. Mr. Harding's domestic character must not be over- looked. One point is worthy of special notice. He v:ould never incur debt. This was the more remarkable as, until towards the close of his life, he never had a stated salary. Scarcely, under any circumstances, would he permit his name to be debited in a merchant's books. This exposed him to many an annoyance, and sometimes inflicted severe inconvenience on his family. But it was an amazing stay to his integrity, and laid the basis of that sixty years' reputation for honesty which he left behind him. Of course he spent much of his time away from his own home. But this circumstance did not detract from his influence there so much as might have been expected. Family religion, in its spirit and its forms, was ever sacredly maintained there. The father so lived his religion, as well as professed and preached it, as to commend it to the consciences and hearts of his children. The number of these was eleven. Five died during his life-time, of whom four left behind satisfactory evidence of personal piety. EeKgion, too, seems to be clearly the element of most of his children who have hitherto survived him. The majority of them are members of Baptist churches. Many of his grand- children too are treading in the paths of piety, and in MEMOIR. 140 the stops of their distinguished ancestor. And so the religion of that ancestor has by no means been lost upon his offspring. On the whole he may be fitly comme- morated as an example at home as well as abroad. Most efficiently seconded by Mrs. Harding,* he " ruled well his own house;" and children gone before him, and children following after, unite in honourable and satisfactory testimony to his domestic worth.f We must add a few words as to the results of father Harding's labours; more especially, that is, in and around Yarmouth: of earlier results we have spoken elsewhere. In Yarmouth County, then, or in its neigh- bourhood, there may be found at this day, according to the Minutes of the Western Nova Scotia Baptist Asso- ciation for 1865, thirteen regular Baptist churches, consisting of more than two thousand members, under the care of their eight pastors. And this where there was not a single Baptist some seventy-five years ago. Several churches of Free Christian Baptists, as they are called, with other rehgious bodies holding evangelical senti- ments, came into existence in and around Yarmouth County during Mr. Harding's days, and may be regarded as the indirect fruits of his efforts. The rehgious senti- * Reunited with her husband in 18G0, having survived him about six years. t Mr. Harding's family, indeed, had a thorough confidence in the piety of their venerable father, together with a deep reverence for his person and character; as lias been made especially and delightfully manifest to the compiler, in the perusal of so much of his domestic correspondence^as has fallen under his notice. I \ I (* '••i I :■:!■ 150 MEMOIR. ment of this whole district is largely imbued with the Baptist element ; and what is better, with the evange- lical. Father Harding strove to train his hearers to an inward experimental religion, — as Paul expresses it, " Christ formed In you — Christ in you the hope of glory ;" and the existing state of religious opinion and profession in Yarmouth County indicates the measure of his success. Then, how many died in the faith in and around Yar- mouth in Mr. Harding's day, the garnered harvest of the Gospel, who were laid under deep and everlasting obli- gations to his instrumentality ! And what seed he sowed for after days, — the promise and the germ of Gospel spring times and harvests aheady attained^ and yet to be realized ! But enough. In this case, as in all others of the like kind, eternity alone can tell the whole tale. And eternity tvill tell it, " to the praise of the glory of His grace," who made father Harding all that he was, and now summons us to follow him so far as he followed his Lord. A monument, bearing an inscription, has been erected over the remains of the sainted patriarch as deposited at Yarmouth. A copy of its inscription may appropriately close these imperfect records. ! with tlio B evangc- rers to an resses it, )f glory;" 3rofession 13 success. >und Yar- larvest of jtingobli- '. he sowed )f Gospel id yet to if the like le. And vy of His was, and followed sn erected Dosited at •opriately IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I m m ^ 1^ 12.0 2.5 2.2 1.8 1.25 M_ i 1.6 ^^ Va *;; /A 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTfiR.N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 m €^ V :\ V \ o.^ ^v- rv '^ ^ ^A I Nj :^' c" '.>>^ ?<■""■ I " In Memory of the Rev. HARRIS HARDIXG : born Oct, 10, 1761 ; died, March 7, 1854. " For nearly Seventy Years, Sixty of which were spent in this Neighbourhood, he proclaimed the Gospel which he loved with unwearied diligence, and extraordinary success. "' ' And they that Bt wise shall shine as the BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT : AND THEY THAT TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AS THE STARS FOR EVER AND EVER.' DaN. 12. 3. "' Mr. Harding first visited Yarmouth in 1790. In 1797 he came hither to labour statedly in the Gospel. " In 1827 he and his Church, the members of which resided in all parts of this County, united with the Nova Scotia Baptist Association. At his death he was the Senior Pastor of the First and Second Yarmouth Baptist Churches. '' This Monument is erected by the inhabitants of Yarmouth and its vicinity, and by the mernbeis of the various Churches which participated in the labours of the departed, as a testimony to the worth of the Man, the graces of the Christian, a,nd the usefulness of the Preacher." ^ ! (I » i I ' ^"^■wqp I^ppenbu' fr! and ract exi first <( the had to C ohli^ shelt with APPENDIX. A. p. 20. We extract the following from Mr. Alline's " Life and Journal.^^ It is highly illustrative of his own cha- racter and career, as also of the state of things which 0X1 ted m this same neighbourhood when Mr. Hardinff nrst visited it. ° " 1782 August 5th. In the morning I took my leave of the people [at Pictou], and set out with a young n^an, who had been with me about two months, to go through the woods to Cobequid. But not being able to get through, we were obliged to lodge in the woods on the ground, with no other shelter but the trees, and the ethereal canopy. But God was with us, and all was well. O tlie groat goodness of the Lord to me ! His hand supports me o'er the boisterous sea : Or if I'm call'd to cross the desert land, I'm still protected by Jiis present hand. O Jesus ! melt my heart with love divine, Ami let my day ;, mj life and soul be thine. (17) 14 ■ ' 15G APPENDIX. *' 6tli. In the morning, about eight of tlie clock, wc came in to the settlements, and travelled down through the country. There were two poor, dark ministers there, who informed the people, that there was a strange impostor from the countries up the Bay, who they heard was coming among them ; who was neither college-learned, nor authorized by the Presbytery. He was a New Liyhl ; he was a separatist, and one that broke up their churches. The poor, dark people, most of them, conceived such an opinion of me, that they would gaze at me, as I passed their doors, with as much strangeness as if I was one of the antediluvians ; and when I came down to the public house I was even refused a bed or a room for any money. I sent then the young man that was witli me to another public house ; and when they heard my name, they likewise refused to take me in. The young man returned, and found me walking in the street, and told me, that he believed I must lie in the street all night. I replied, I could do it without reluc- tance for the name of Christ. At length there was a poor old man, who said he would willingly receive me, if he had a bed fit for me to sleep in ; but did not like to receive me because he was so poor. But he directed the young man where to find a house, ho believed I miglit get entertainment in. But when he went there the man at first refused ; sa} ing, he had heard of me, and did not like to receive me, or any such man as I was, into his house. Yet after some discourse, (when the young man told him, that it was hard that a man could not get a lodging for any money, where they called themselves Christians,) the man said he would let me have a vdora and a bed, and sent for me to come. AVhen I came there, he led me through the house to my room : and the people loolved on me, as if I had some distemper that was catching. However, they soon began to shew more (Vcedom ; and some of them, APPEXDIX. 157 hearing ne sing, knocked at the door, and asked me, if they might come in, and hear me sing? I replied, Yei ! if they thought It was safe for them. For their conceptions had been that there was danger of being caught with that spirit that I went about with. But the people began to be free ; and the man of the house called me out, and desired me to pray in his iamily, and numbers of people came in. However, my design was, to deliver my message as far as I was able, if it was in the street, (if there was no door opened,) before I left the place. But the third day I was there, I was desired by a poor man to preach at his house. I appointed to preach there at four clock in the afternoon. The minister of that part of the country, hearing thereof, wrote me a note, demanding me to meet him and his elders at such a tavern, at four o' clock, to give them an account, what right I had to appear in the capacity of a preacher of the Gospel. I wrote him an answer, informing him, that although I should be glad to meet hmi and his elders, yet was surprised that he should make .^uch a demand. As for the hour he had appointed, I could not meet him at that time, for I had promised to appear there m public. At four I preached, and a great number of people attended, so that the house could not contain them. After I had preached I received a second note from the minister desiring me to meet him that evening. I returned him for an answer, that I was then in company; neither was it then a proper time. But if he would be in the place he had ap- pointed the next morning at nine o' clock, that I would meet urn then there. I met them accordingly; and a number of the people. I told them I was then ready to answer any questions they should ask me, either the minister, elders or deacons ; and that I should expect to have the same liberty allowed me, to ask them some questions. For, since I was 11 158 APPENDIX. Bent for, and knew the strange conceptions many had, and how many were kept in darkness, I was determined, if Grod gave roe strength, to discover where the darkness was, and if it was in me. We then begun, and continued for about three hours, on the call and qualifications of a minister ; the door into the ministry; the power of ordination ; and original sin : at which some of them got so fettered with their own darkness, that they left the room. The minister likewise got up, and broke off from the discourse. But the eyes of the people began to be opened; for after it was done, the man witli whoin I boarded being present, [they] declared they were satisfied, and that now they saw and were astonished at what prejudice and MsQ reports had done. And from that hour I had more houses open to mc tlian I could supply. Thus the enemies of Christ, by thoir endeavouring to shut the door against the Gospel, were the means of opening it. " I preached three or four days in Truro, and then crossed the river to Onslow, where I preached. I not only preached often, but discoursed also with the people ; who often tilled my room, and staid until twelve at night, impatient to hear the name of Jesus, and what they must do to be saved. One man, who was before a member of one of those churches, was convinced and converted. But there were yet many of the Pharisees opposing the WDrk, and labouring to turn away the people from the faith." B. p. 23. The following extracts from Mr. Alline's " Life and Journal" set forth that good man's notions of church order. APPENDIX. 159 ;M776. September 27th. I rode with some of myChrjtian friends to Newport, in order to gather a visible church, to walk in the order of the Gospel; which had been some months m agitation. I was chosen to draw the articles, with the assistance of some brethren. Some articles were drawn, and the next day signed by some brethren. I preached a sermon and the Lord seemed to own us. The reason that we called for no assistance from other churches was, because we did not think the churches in those parts were churches of Christ but had only a dry form without religion. The church'was gathered both of Baptists and Congregationals ; for we did not think that such small non-essentials as different opinions about water-baptism were sufficient to break any fellowship and to obstruct building together among the true citizens of Zion : and the Lord owned and answered us, and blessed us by increasing the gifts, graces, and the numbers of the small feeble band. But the powers of darlcness, and church of anti-' v^hrist rose agumst it from every quarter, both in public ard private. " We then returned to Falmouth, where I remained preaching every Sabbath until the 27th of October; when we went over to Newport again, and set apart by ordination two ciders. This was done without any assistance from any other church ; and these elders came forward to lead the church, as far as tbeir gifts and graces extended." Again, we have the following, dated in the autumn of 1778. " Being requested, I attended now a meeting of some of the Baptists in Horton, to advise about gathering a church there. O may the time come when Ephraira shall no more vex Judah, iior Judah envy Ephraim ; and that there might never more' h^ any disputes about such non-essentials as water-baptism, • ! 11 GO APPENDIJf, tho sprinkling of infants, or baptizing of adults by immersion i but every one enjoy liberty of conscience ! They gatliered in church order, and made choice ol' one N. Person (who was not endowed with a great gift in the Word,) for their elder." All this was previous to Mr. Alline's own ordination. At length, however, ho judged it expedient to accept of ordination for himself, " although he never expected to be settled in any place." He gives the following account of the ordination service. " 1779. April 5th. Wo met from the three churches. One of Ilorton, one of Cornwallis, the other of Newport and Falmouth met. Held a day of fasting and prayer, and con- cluded to proceed the next day. April 6th, met in a large barn, to proceed to ordination; and after prayer, and singing, and a sermon preached, I received the imposition of hands by nine delegates, three chosen out of each church. After, we sung and prayed. Then they gave me my credentials, signed by the delegates." So then it seems the poor, presumptuous man went to work in the Lord's harvest-field without any com- mibsion from duly constituted ecclesiastical authorities. Nay, he had already been at work, and had even orga- nized churches, before he had received ordination of any kind. This greatly scandalized the orderly people of his day, and gave rise to many a controversy between him and them. Still the Lord abundantly blessed his 'abours, regular or otherwise ; even as he enabled a good man in New Testament times to cast out devils, although ho followed not in the train of the apostles. Alas ! for the figment of apostolical succession, whether held by Rome, or Romanizing Protestants ! AI'PFNDIX. 161 August 4, 178], wo find Mr. Allino Sackville, iN. B., forming another church. "The church now began to gather together," he sftys, "in Gospel fellowship, without any bars or separation about different sects or denominations ; but whoever loved and brought Christ, and belonged to him, were freely received into full communion." Take yet another extract, relating also to Sackville, and giving a picture of a Now Light sacramental season. " August 19th. what a day of joy was this to the Chris- tians ! The church partook of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Many of them were as full of love as they could contain, both under the sermon, and at the Table , and seven souls were, I believe, born to Christ this day. the shouts of praise that were heard among the Christians, both old and young ! Many sinners were groaning under the burden of their sins, and pleading for mercy, ana for the blood of Christ, with unspeakable agonies of soul, may Jesus bring them through, to share with us, and for ever join to glorify his blessed name!" It seems from the above, that the New Lights of Nova Scotia resembled, in many points, the Separatists of New England. These latter arose a little earlier than our New Lignts. Of these people Dr. Hovey of Mas- sachussets thus speaks, in effect, in a speech reported in the Watchman and Refiedor of Boston. They cams out from the " standing order," the Congregationalism of New England, as estabHshed by law, and formed separate societies. Hence their designation as Sepa- ratists. They left the " standing order" on account of the " half-way covenant,'' as described in the body of ¥ -! I 162 APPENDIX. this work, and because of the want of discriiiiijiMtmo- preaching, and .f spirituah'ty. They became rather numerous. In one of their Conferences fifty churches were represented. They were Calvinistie in their doc- trinal views; and the growth of Arminianism in the " standing order" was one ground of their sei)aration from it. Their views of baptism and communion were free. Differing on the baptismal question, they resolved that the difference should be no bar to communion. Tiiey desired a spiritual church, in compai-ison with Tvhich tlioy esteemed externals lightly. They were dis- tinguished for their strict views on a call to the ministry. They did not regard talents, culture, and good character as sufficient to authorize an entrance into the ministry, without a special call by the Holy Spirit. C p. -J-l. Mr. AUine's volume of " Hymns and Spiritual Songs," though it has several compositions on early religion, contains nothing entitled the " Young Man's Song." But we find in it the following ; which we give here, partly because it may be the piece of which Mr. Harding speaks, and portions of which, at least, might have been sung on the occasion to which he here refers; and partly because it seems to be the best of Mr. Alline's metrical performances. APPENDIX. Christ and a Youth ; in a Dialogue. 1 Jesus from the bright realms above Stoops to display his bouudless love ; Callini? the worst of sinuers home, And courting children in their bloom. 2 " lJ<-tiirn ! " saith ho, " thou precious youth, To me, the Way, the Life, and Truth ; Partake my grace, enjoy my love, And set your heart on things above." YOUTU. 3 " Lord ! I would hear thy gracious voice, And in thy service might rejoice ; liut I am chain'd to things below. And cannot let my pleasures go." CHRIST. 4 " Your earthly joys afford no peace, And all those pleasures soon wiis cc;::se ; Why will you then pursue such toys, And lose my everlasting joys?" YOUTH. 6 " I know my joys arc mixed with fear, And soon they all must disappear ; But I no other pleasures know, Therefore I cannot let them go." CHRIST. 6 " Nor can you greater pleasures find. While to these earthly joys Inclin'd; But if you'll hear my gracious voice, You soon shall And superior joys." YOUTH. 7 •* But should I now attend thy call. And think to make the Lord my .ill, Ten thousand foes would soon engage Against my soul with all their rage." CHRIST. 8 " What migl ;y foes are those you see, That make you dread to follow me ? Point them to me ; — I can destroy. Or chain them that they can't annoy." 163 1:1 tUf. I.' > 'l \ 4 "1 'if , I -]' ■ -i - 164 APPENDIX. il YOUTH. 9 " The loss of pleasures, earth's esteem, The fear of man, reproach, and shame ; Hard trials in this Christian fliglit, And conflicts with the powers of night." cniiLST. 10 " More than my love dost thou esteem Vain man's applause ? and call it shame To bear my cross ?— fear powers of hell ; Yet choose for ever there to dwell ? " Youxn. 11 " My pleas are vain ; O God ! forgive ! ^yhat can I do ? how can I live ? Chain'd down with twice ten thousand fears- Surrounded with ten thousand snares." CUUIST. 12 "If you from such small trials shrink, How will you bear ere long to sink . In all the fears and pains of hell, "VMiere you are justly doom'd to dwell?" YOUTH. 13 " Truth, Lord I but I am now so deep In blindness, darkness, death, and sleep, Those further scenes do all but seem An empty sound, an idle dream." CHRIST, 14 " Then more you need my call to hear. Who see your wretched doom so near; And if you're dark, and dead, and blind. The more you need relief to And." 15 " Lord ! what thou say'st I can't deny ; And oh ! I fear my doom is nigh ! I now begin to feel my woe ;— What shall I do?— where shall I go'^' 16 '« Arise ! dear youth ! you need not fear. If you will but my Spirit hear : Accept my grace, and follow me, And happy days you soon shall see." YOl'TH. CHuisr. APPENDIX. lOo Youxn. 17 " I would, O God! with joy attend, If I were sure yr.u were my Friend ; But unbelief and darkness reigns, And I am bound with heavy chains." CHRIST. 18 " Though darkness reigns, and you now dwell. Just on the verge of death and hell. Yet fear them not; — I'll he thy Friend; — Trust mc, and all thy fears shall end." YOUTH. 19 " God ! I am undone, I see ; And dare not stay, but cannot flee : How can I liave my sins forgiv'n? — How shall I find the way to heav'n ? " CHRIST. 20 *' I am the way, the heav'n, tlie prize, The life, the strength, the ears, the cyea ; I'll be thy portion, and thy guide, And all thy wants shall be supplied." YOUTH. 21 Then helpless. Lord, to thee I come, With all my wants, just as I am ; Thy face in love, let me see, And take mj' wretched soul to thee." CHRIST. 22 " In love behold thy Saviour's face ; Believe my word ; receive my grace ; Enjoy my love ; I'll be thy God ; And thou art mine, redeem'd with blood." YOUTH. 23 " O Godl my God! I feel thy voice! Thy love makes all my soul rejoice : Ah ! joys beyond what tongue can tell, Now I have found do in thee dwell. 24 " O Lord ! my soul belongs to thee, And now I know tliou diedst for me ; All things in Jesus now are mine, And all the glory shall be thine." I. I'i u ! ica Al'PEKDLW D. no 0-). The Rev. William Black, tlie founder of Wesleyan Methodism in Nova Scotia, gives the following account of the treatment encountered by him at this same place a few years previous to the period of Mr. Harding's Visit, while the settlement was yet in its incipient con- dition * We transcribe from Mr. Black's Journal, as quoted m Dr. Richey's Memoir of that worthy man. "1783. Thursday, June 5th. I sailed for Shelburn, where wo found ourselves in safety the next day. Our hearts were gladdened by the sight of some of our friends from York, just set down m the midst of these barren woods, with not a single house m the town. It rained profuselj' all night. Brother i»arry, m whose tent I stopped, sat up all night, and insisted that I should lie down. " Sunday, 8th. We put up notices on some of the tents, announcing preaching for eleven o' clock, three in the after- noon and SIX in the evening. On Monday I preached again. \V hile 1 was praying, a person came up in the garb of a gen- tleman, cursing, and swearing that what I said was a d-d he; and threatening if I did not cease to knock me down. He demanded, ' By what authority do you preach?' and ad- dressmg the audience, added, 'He is an impostor; he has no authority to preach.' I said, ' Surely, Sir, I have as much authority to preach as you have to swear, and sport with the • A condition ft-om which it speedily passed to the flourishing state m which Mr. Harding found it In 1790; from wl.ich state, agam, it passed, after tlie lapse of but a few years, to that which It now exhibits, if not even into a lower one : aflbrding a curious example of the rapid changes so often experienced by settlements m these parts of the world. APPEXDIX. 1G7 tremendous name of the great Judge, who will by no means hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' He went away, and in a short time returned with two servants of the devil more sturdy than himself. They came on like the mad hulls of Bashan. Their mouths were full of blasphemies, and awful imprecations. Their object was, to tear me down; but the people would not suffer them to touch me. One of them, swearing he could preach as well as I, mounted the stump of a tree, and poured fortli a flood of oaths. I thus accosted him:— 'Friend! I wish you well; my soul pities you; you know you are fighting against God; your own conscience condemns you. But remember, you and I must shortly stand at the bar of G od. And how, oh ! how will you meet mc there?' He seemed impressed for a mon.ent; and then hardening his heart, he uttered a few more oaths, and with his colleagues went off, and left me to finish my discourse without any further trouble. During the sermon one man, from the skirts of the congregation, threw a stone at me with great force, which, had it struck me, would probably have carried death with it. But as I saw it, I was enabled to elude it, and it passed me with great violence, but without injury. Blessed be God for his mercy! The disturbance only had the effect of bringing more to hear, several of whom appeared concerned for their soula." 'I.i i :;! , 1 , , '■ i 1:1 i^ E. p. 37. When the Rev. Theodore llarding lay near his end, Dr. Cramp, at the request of the writer, applied to him for such information as ho might possess respecting Harris Harding. The doctor forwarded a paper, which we here transcribe. It is brief, but characteristic. 168 APPENDIX. " liecnUedions of Hariiis ITakdincx. By T. S. Hahdinq. Report of a Conversation with Father T. S. Harding, March 10, 1854. " Hk did not know Harris Harding till after he became a preacher. Thinks he was a native of Horton. " Harris Harding was a schoolmaster in Cornwallis, where he was converted. That was in the time of the ' New Light stir;' and most probably under the ministry of 3Ir. Payzant. He soon began to preach, and was an itinerant preacher for some time ; labouring chiefly at first in the Counties of Col- Chester, and Cumberland, and Westmoreland, N. B. He was ordained at Onslow. He frequently itinerated in Hants and King's Counties, and was a very popular and useful preacher. After his settlement at Yarmouth, his journeyings were more confined to the Western district. " He was baptized by Ilandly Chipman,* about fifty years ago. " As a preacher, he was not methodical. He dwelt most on the experimental part of religion, and greatly excelled in it. His great forte was ' telling stories.' He was full of anecdotes. " He was eminently useful in the conversion of sinners ; perhaps more so tlian any man in this country. He would sometimes seem to prophesy, and mark out people that he thought would be converted. He seemed to have an uncom- mon spirit of discernment that way. yome people thought so, at any rate. " He was clear in doctrine. He did not go into any of the corruptions into which some of the New Lights fell. * A mistake. James Manning baptized Mr. Harding, about the year 1799. er he became ;s were more ff, about the APPENDIX. 1(30 That was •♦ He did not interfere in any worldly affairs one of his business. " He was great in conversation, and much at case in it. fie would fetch up religion wlien no one else could. When he entered a house, he always had something to say to every one, esiieeially to the young; and generally something striking. " If father Manning had been here, he could have told you more about him. They travelled together a good deal before they became Baptists." And now, as wc have these two names together, those of the two Hardings, we may be pardoned if we amplify a little in regard to them. Many persons fell into a iiHtural error, in su]iposing that they were brothers. Such they were indeed in spirit, but not in the flesh. In some of their mental characteristics they resembled each other. Both were quick observers, shrewd in re- mark, endowed with lively imagination, and keen sensi- bility. Both, in their spheres, and after their manner, were good, and great, and useful. Imperishable is the memory of both. There were, however, striking differ- ences between them. Place them side by side, — as they stood, perhaps for the last time on earth, at that memo- rable Associational gathering at Bridgetown,* — and we liave the tall, commanding aspect of Theodore Hardin o-- while Harris j)rescnts a shorter, rounded figure, with a lace full of hfe and attraction. Look at them, and Hsten to them in the j)ulpit. The one is clear, loud, ringincr in his uttei-anccs; methodical in his arrangements- doctrinal in his matter; straight-forward in his mental * See note, pp, 12G— 8. ' L.: F'l I I 1 ! .: .1 14 I -I 170 APPENDIX. I ! movement; sublime in liis occasional excursions; with much to say about his Master, and little about himself, The other, with softened tones, makes his text his starfing-point rather than his standard; dwells mainly upon experiences; goes just where the current of remnrk carries him; throws in many an anecdote; can scarcely preach without some reference to himself; delights rather in dopths of feeling than in heights of thought; and often in closing loses himself in a burst of tears, and a volley of indistinctness. And now trace them in their intercourse with the people. Tho one has lost his greatness, while tho other has found his. The one will sing and jn-ay, but knows not how to converse,* except with the few, and more reflective. Tho other is at home with^every one. I i; his business and his joy to carry the Gospel from house to house, tmd from heart to henrt. And th^ dying experience of these patriarchs was as charactcri'i Lie of each as any passages in their lives. The one, looking awa;- from himself to his Lord, expressed himself thus.— "I want rothing novel— nothing but tho old, solid, fr.-m fomidation— 1 die in the r.MxiT." * A story is told here, curiously illustrative at once of tho excellencies and defect . of ilic man, v.-, iuul^aU-a in the text- -is also of a certain td)rrptn> .s o ' manner, l^y which he was dr^l An- guished. A good woman once ( . me to Iiini, with some dmicuU :.s with which she was enuingled, in regard to Satanic a-cncios. It may well be a.s.umcd, that >hv. Nvas not one of the class snited to call forth his conversalioiialiacultie.s. He listened to her for a While, without making any r,.>pon.se. He ihen suddenly started up; took a few troubled turns in the apartment; ;:m1 wound up the interview hy exclaiming, '^ OJi ! tliese ponvis of darkness '- these powers .>f darJcness !-they'll bo the dexvh of mr ! Coyoo and hear me preach next ^'undau 'nwvahuj!" APPENDIX. 17J The other was troubled because he could not realize as he wished the inward presence of his Master " I can't see Jesus-I can't see Jesus!" was his oft-repeated complaint. And though he too '' died in the faith " yet he could scarcely be satisfied without its warm glow at his heart, and its fervid utterance on his lips. So differ- ently has God constituted his servants. Some are " sons of thunder/' and some '' sons of consolation." But all have their place and work on earth j and each will find his own allotment and employment in heaven. So was It, so IS it with the fathers Harding. And now, both m their resemblances and their differences, are they ahke glorified and blessed in the presence of God and the Lamb. F. p. 40. A number of incidents are remembered, occurring about the period which has just been passed over in our narrative. They can scarcely be interwoven into that narrative. Yet perhaps they ought not to be consigned to obHvion. Some of them pertain directly to Mr Harding's history; and all of them he about it, and serve to illustrate both it, and the earlier times in which he Hved. We therefore present them here. An incident of travel. Mr. Harding was once making his way through the woods m company with Mr. T. H. Chipman, or Mr. J. Dimock, it IS not remembered which. They were overtaken by a violent (18) % ,!?' ! . : i f '! ^! W"? 172 APPENDIX. snow-storm. They lost their track ; the *' blaze" disappeared. They could not proceed, and it was dangerous to remain where they were. Yet they were compelled to *' camp out." Without axe, they could not make a hut ; and without tinder- box, they could procure neither light nor fire. At length they found some slight shelter ; and there they tarried. Not to sleep, however. Had they slept, they might never have awoke again. But they were little disposed to sleep. Like Paul and Silas, the prisoners of the Lord at Philippi, they held sweet communion with heaven, and with each other. Thus sustained, they waited for day ; and then, the storm being over, they recovered their track, and reached their destination. So was it with these early evangelists. Henry Alline's Journal abounds with illustrations of this. When, some little time after Harris Harding's settlement at Yarmouth, Theodore Harding, and Joseph Crandal came to aid him in his work, they had to travel round the Western shore to reach their journey's end. There was then no road but a blazed one, from Salmon river to Yarmouth ; and again, from Yarmouth out to Tusket. And thus the poor men, with no home mis- sionary organizations to lean upon, went forth, staff in hand, and pack on their backs, and little beside, to thread their way, sometimes through the woods, sometimes wearing snow-shoes; now on horse-back, now following the windings of the shore, now traversing the waters, and seldom enjoying lae luxuries of public roads and carriages. Then, when night fell, some- times without shelter, or only with that of a brush-camp ; or, if near human dwellings, either refused admittance, or wel- comed but to a poverty-stricken fare. And yet they held on in their career. With an apostolic zeal and self-denial, they held on till they had fulfilled their mission; "as poor, yet making many rich." i^ APPENDIX. 173 ANECEOTE OP JOSEPH WMOCK. Mr Dimock once passed a lord's Day at Argvle and preached there. Two of the leading ™en of Tuskef viC detamed m the neighbourhood, went to hear him, that tlfey might gather up something about the New Lights, with which to season the goss p of home. A young man was presen on h. occasion who had read Tom Paine, and imbibed his infi! deh ty^ In the course of the service, or at its close, two good from Dr. Watts by way of impressing his mind, and enforced their appeal with smart blows on his shoulders; he all the wh:.e looking daggers at the worthy matrons * Here was something just to the purpose of our Tusket gentlemen ; who returning home, reported, " that old Mrs , and Mrs' — had got Daniel F. down on the floor, and beaten him unmerci My with their canes ; he meanwhile bawling piteously and imp oring them to let him alone." The story was told fo bqmre Lent, who had been educated in the Dutch Reformed Church, and was imbued with a true Presbyterian love for horrified : could he be a good man who sanctioned proceedings like these A day or two after Mr. Dimock presented him- self, greatly to his discomfiture, at the 'Squire's house; for he was given to hospitality," and yet did not want to see under his roof such a man as he supposed our evangelist to be As a compromise in the case, therefore, he carefully kept out of his visitor s way. Meanwhile Mr. Dimock entered into con versation with Mrs. Lent. His earnest and tender discourse * It is pleasant to know, that ultimately this youni? man was f'^ I f! i i '» 174 APPENDIX. l|f 111 ill melted her into tears. She went and begged her husband to come into the house ; urging that their guest was certainly a good man. At length, dinner hour having arrived, the 'Squire reluctantly made his appearance, treating Mr. Dimock with distant civility ; yet inviting him to ask a blessing at table. Conversation on religious topics ensued. Ere long the good 'Squire discovered, that himself and his guest both held to the same great Head and Saviour. Prejudice was slain ; and ever after, to the close of a long life, the New Light ministers were welcomed to the 'Squire's house, and ushered into a " prophet's chamber." THE POOE WOMAN AND THE MERCHANT. A woman, poor in this world, but rich in faith, visited a store. The storekeeper hated the Gospel, and took every occasion to manifest his c nity. While waiting upon his customer, he let her know how much he despised her religion She made no reply until she had completed her errand. She tlien turned upon her persecutor, and, while tears betrayed her emotion, she rehearsed, most appropriately, that elevated stanza from Dr. Watts, — " Go now, and boast of all your stores, And toll how bright they shine ; Your heaps of glittering dust are yourr But my Redeemer's mine I" The unhappy man was " pricked to the heart." Ere long he began to cry out, " What must I do to be saved?" and at last found peace only al the tbet of that Saviour whose name he had scorned, and whose people he had 3( t at naught. THE PRICE OF A SOTJL. Mr. Harding, preaching once at Annapolis, told the following sad story; when it was blessed to the conversion of a gay APPE^DI?t. 175 young lady, oiie of his hearers. A young person movug in fasliionable circles became the subject of religious concern. Tier parents, grieved at the alteration in their child, used all methods to divert her thoughts from a serious channel. Among other expedients, her mother presented her with a dress, formerly solicited in vain. The dreadful end was gained. The poor girl sought relief, such as it was, in the mazes of dissipation, and found it. Before long, however, she was smitten with fatal disease. As death drew near she asked her mother, now grieved indeed to bring out the dress which had had so marked an effect upon her spintual history. She took it — turned it over and over— dropped it on the floor —cried out, " Ilother I that is the price of my sow?/"— and so passed away, leaving behind her no hopeful sign. GRACE AND SIN IN CONTaAST. There lived in Cumberland County three wicked, roistering, young men. A season of revival passed over their neigh^ bourhood. They conspired together to stave off conviction by a more resolute indulgence in their accustomed pleasures. One of them, nevertheless, was arrested by the truth. Aided in the desperate enterprise by his companions, he struggled against God and conscience. Yet at length grace conquered, and he was saved. He then sought, but sought in vain, to' bring his former associates to Christ. " I only want time, when I come to die, to say three words," said one, " and all will be weU." « Ah ! " said the other, " it wiD be but a little before I shall see you as bad as ever, or worse." " It may be so," was the meek reply; « yet while waiting for my faU, your own soul may be required at your hand." And so the young men parted. Now for the sequel. A short time sub- sequent to the conversation above recorded, the first of these ' 1 *^ i t 1 1 if i S ' f 3 S M I f p- 176 APPEiJDIX. sad fellows was riding on horseback. His horse stumbled, and threw him. While suspended in the air he was heard to exclaim, in exactly three words, ''Devil — take — all!" He was taken up de, . The other, about the same time, was lost off Cape Blomidon, by the upsetting of a vessel in a sudden squall. God only knows what kind of a death he died. But certainly he did not live to see his dark prophecy fulfilled in the apostacy of his former companion in iniquity. G-. p. 47. Perhaps even he did not go to heaven too sooni] — His Master took him early, in every sense, out of harm^s way — took him where he could neither get any more harm, nor do it. We are disposed to justify our sug- gestion, as also to add somewhat to our statements in regard to Mr. Alline. Mr. Alline was born at Newport, Ehode Island, June 14, 1748, of parents who feared the Lord. In 1760 he moved with his parents to Falmouth, N. S. When about twenty-seven years of age he was converted. About a year after he began to preach. By and by he became an itinerant preacher; labouring principally in Nova Scotia, passing occasionally into New Brunswick, and founding New Light churches as opportunity pre- sented itself. He finished his course at Northampton, New Hampshire, Feb. 2, 1784, in the thirty-sLxth year of his age. The last eight years of his life were thus devoted to incessant and exhausting toil in the service of the Gospel. He wrote as well as preached ; and three volumes from his pen, besides some tracts, were pub- lished during his life, or soon after his decease. APPENDIX. 177 ff ]\fr. Alline's early religious experience, as given in his Life and Journal," was very striking. It was Bunyan- like in its depth, its intensity, its prolongation through years of anxiety and sorrow, its imaginative cast, its dealings with despair, and its outlets into the land of life and hope. Long, long did he labour to find or to create in himself some sort of claim upon the favour of God. Nor did he obtain relief, until he had made the mighty discovery, that he who would be saved has nothing to do Init to believe in what Christ has done — to build, in the exercise of a simple faith, upon the one, the only foundation laid by heaven itself. And thus was he fitted to go forth with the great announcement, " Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world!" Yet, though Mr. Alline was thus taught to receive Christ alone as his Scviour, and ever presented Christ in this aspect to others, he made some sad mistakes in regard to Christian experience, and mixed up with tho Gospel grave doctrinal errors. A few words in regard to these matters are here subjoined. And first, as to matters of experience. We cite a passage from Mr. Alhne's " Life and Journal." " Let others believe and say what they will of their faith in Christ, and expectation of heaven, without this felt knowledge to the soul, I utterly renounce any pretended faith, hope, or confidence for the redemption of, or any benefit to the soul, but that which is by the operation of the Spirit of God ; which removes my disorders, scatters my darkness, and manifests Jesus Christ to my soul at the very time ; which gives me a degree of the real enjoyments of heaven; for Christ is God, I:,- I: t" ■; 1; I ^'^^ APPENDIX. Christ is life. He is salvation, rest, peace, and everlasting joy to all his saints; and whenever that word of faith is in, it gives mo liberty, and causes mo to rejoice, bows my will,' humbles my heart, anu bears mo away above created good,' to enjoy and converse with spiritual and eternal things— yea,' to converse with G od within the veil." 'Hiis seoms harmless, Scriptural, elevated. But wo caimot interpret the passage by itself. We turn to Mr. Al line's whole career. He himself was converted in a i'ai)turo ; and ever after he sought to live in a rapture ; and judged of his religious condition by his enjoyments and raptures. Again we quote from his "Life and Journal." " Yea, put all that ever was known or done by man, without the Spirit of God, in one scale, and the scanty love and hu- miHty of a poor, ignorant, broken-hearted Christian, (that seems to know nothing about principles,*) and it would so far overbalance the other, as to enter the gates of heaven, reach the heart of the kingdom of glory ; while the other, with all his principles, would be driven about in the wind, like the smoke of Cain's unaccepted sacrifice." We do not overlook here the qualifying phrase *• without the Spirit of God;" nor the like expression in the passage before cited. But how was Mr. Allino accustomed to judge of the presence of this blessed Spirit? Governed by the remembrance of his own early religious experiences, he looked mainly to feeling, especially to rapturous feeling. Here, according to him, as is well known, lay the pulse of the soul. Mr. Alline's views in regard to religious experience, together with * Principlat. That is, matters of doctrmo. APPENtHX. 170 tho wliolo of his public career, rpally furnish a comment on a passage in the writings of William Law, a celebrated mystical author of the last century, whose productions had much to do with the moulding cf his sentiments. " He understands not my writings, nor the end of them," says Mr. Law, " who does not see, that their whole drift is to call Christians to a God and Christ within them, as the only possible life, light, and power of all goodness they can ever have." Now it was not so with Mr. Alline himself; but it may well be feared that here lay the whole of the religion of many of his followers: namely, in the imaginary proof of the presence of " a God and Chi-ist within,'' arising from the abundance of vociferous demonstrations without. To this day there are persons, calling them- selves New Light Christians, who talk of " having reli- gion," or " not having religion," in proportion as they find themselves able to rejoice ahud in God, or other- wise. Yet true religion is a beautiful whole. It is a serious error to put a part for the whole. Thus Jamet, tells us, that, " as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." And our Lord tells us of those " who, when they have heard the word imme- diately receive it with gladness ;" but '' have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time." It is a serious errrr, we repeat, to put a part of religion for the whole. But the error becomes aggravated indeed, when that which is thus put for the whole of religion, is su^h as may be nothing more than the product of mere natural causes, and have its basis in fancy rather than in fact. And teaching hke that of which we hei-e speak, with its i I J'^'i ■Ml I! :| ! 180 APPENDIX. P\ practical results, doubtless tends to create an excitable, intermittent, inefficient religion ; feeble where it is real, and in too many a matter of mere self-deception. "And these are they who received seed into good ground : such as hear the word, and understand, and receive, and keep it in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience, some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred."* There is our Lord's account of the good hearer of the Gospel. And no religious teaching, what- ever its pretensions, or whatever its immediate effects, can be of the New Testament stamp, and produce sound results, which does not delineate an experience rooted in knowledge, and striking out its fibres in faith, Vv'hile it blossoms in holy affections, and bring3 forth fruit in a godly and useful life. And now as to Mr. Alline's strange doctrinal errors. To enumerate these were but to revive a dead and un- profitable coitroversy. We refer to one of them only, preeminent for its incredible absurdity :— namely. That all men participated in the sin of Adam when he ate of the forbidden tree — participated actually, and without a figure. Thus he says in one place, " Some poor, be- nighted men vainly imagine, that God is now making souls in these days, as the world replenishes." To shew, however, that it is not so, he goes on to say, that " you would as certainly remember your rebelHon in the garden of Eden as any sin that you ever committed; yea, and as clearly as the man remembers his past conduct, when he awakes out of his sleep." He wrote two hymns on this dogma. We give one of them hare, * See Doddridge's Family Expositor. Appendix. 181 On Man's Fait. WnfiN Adam stood in light For trial I was there ; Between eternal day and night, And did my will declare. For when the choice was made, I gave my fall consent ; In quest of other lovers strayed, And from my Father went. Then down with him 1 fell, And have no cause to say. Imputed guilt sinks me to hell ; — I threw myself away. The countless race first stood In Adam all as one ; Nor could a part forsake their God, While others stood alone. In God they one must be Until they aU rebel; And if they sin, 'tis acted free. They sink themselves to hell. Cease, then, O wretched man ! To charge thy woe on God : Thy hell is made with thy own sin ; Thy hands have spilt thy blood. This certainly rivals Dr. Edward Beecher's preexistenfc theory. But we leave the dire nonsense to confute itself. The great matter was, in regard to Mr. Alline's peculiar notions, that he attached to them so much importance, and contended for them so earnestly; while he found it hard to acknowledge the Christianity of those who re- jected his dogmas. Thus he once told Mr. Black, to whom we have referred elsewhere in this appendix, 1 Til I j ■ i i I 1 1- ^S^ APPENDIX; that " he believed he had never known any thing of* a saving change of heart."* It was common with him to • indulge in language like this towards other good men. Here surely was more of the bigot thuh the saint. We may add, that Mr. Alline had an unhapppy pro- pensity for allegorizing and mystifying the teachings of Scripture. Indeed it is hard to understand many of his statements, and impossible to suppose that he himself always understood his own teachings. We may refer here to a sermon preached at Liverpool, in 1782, and afterwards published. Its text is, Mark xvi. 5. " And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment." Here are the heads of this singular sermon. '• First. Follow the Son of God to the sepulchre, and examine the nature, and spiritual sense thereof " Secondly. The spiritual meaning of this young man being in the sepulchre. " Thirdly. What we are to understand by this young man being at the right hand of Christ while in the sepulchre. "Fourthly, and lastly. What we are to learn of his being clothed in a long white garment, and something of the privi- leges of being thus with Christ in the sepulchre." Doubtless this " young man" was an angel in human form. But Mr. AlHne chooses to interpret the phrase literally, and turns the whole into something Hke an allegory. There is reason to fear, that his administration generally was cast into this allegorical mould;— a cir- cumstance which might conduce to impression upon some minds, but certainly did not tend to soHd evan- gelical instruction. ♦ RIchey's Memoir of Black. It APPENDIX. We transcribe again from Mr. Alline's sermon 183 " But I must now lead you to our fourth and last obser- vation ; which was, to discover the spiritual meaning of this young man being clothed in a long white garment. And oh ! that you may be seen to be thus clothed all your days ! and then may your moments glide away with joy. " First. They arc internally made partakers of the right- eousness of Christ. Not imputed, as many imagine, just to cover up their sins, or any thing done for them in some distant region, to answer the penalty of some outward law, and thereby stand their Intercessor at a distance ; but the pure Spirit of Christ in them." Here we have the imputation of the Saviour's right- eousness for the justification of sinners expressly denied; while the view given above, as to Mr. Alline's experi- mental teachings is both illustrated and confirmed.* Altogether, in the review of Mr. Alline's whole course, and writings, and influence, we are conducted to these conclusions. First, that he was raised up by God to do a great and good work for Nova Scotia. Next, that while his heart wa,s sound, his head was so much at fault, and he taught so much that was wrong, that he largely counteracted his own usefulness. And lastly, that thus charity itself justifies our remark, that he did not go to heaven too soon. It was well that he propagated so much truth, and, by the blessing of heaven, with such excellent effect. It would have been lamentable had he been permitted to fill these Provinces with his errors. * Our account of Mr. Alline's sermon is derived from a work written against him by tlie Kev. Jonathan Scott. I'f 184 H il APPENDIX. We subjoin the following extract from letters ad- dressed by the Rev. David Nutter, not many years ago, to the Christian Visitor, St. John, New Brunswick. It strikingly illustrates the workings of Mr. Alline^s system long after he had gone to his rest. Mr. Nutter is re- ferring to a period in his early ministerial career, some forty years ago. He says, •♦ I also had lectures frequently in Falmouth There were in Falmouth many of the old New Lights As I was now located near the seat and centre of operations of this remarkable sect of Christians, it will not be out of place if I pause to notice them. As to their genuine Christianity, I have no cause to dispute it. As to my labouring amongst them, I did not find them the most difficult people in the world to deal with. They had more experience than doctrine— more imagination than judgment— more spiritualim than spirituaUty --more of the ideal than the substantial. At the time to which I allude they had no ordinances, no creed, no discipline. They paid httle or nothing to support religion, either at home or abroad. To pay money for religion was with them one of the greatest abominations the sun ever shone upon. But they believed in regeneration by the Spirit, in Christ as a Saviour and m heaven and hell. But they were not uniform, or at all agreed m what they did believe. Their religion was all feeling. Every thing in the Bible, in the Old or New Testament, was but allegorical, and was what all Christians experience. Abel was nothing but the new spiritual life working in us; and his acceptable offering humility, love, and faith, the sacrifices ac ceptable to God. While I had the very best feelings toward.'^ them, and enjoyed as great freedom in preaching to them as to any people, their notions about religion were to me the I APPENDIX. 185 most singular I had ever met with. I was exceedingly amused, not to say entertained, to hear them explain Scripture history, and Scripture characters ; to notice how flexible and versatile the imagination of man can become by use and practice." And now, as we have said so much, although reluc- tantly, to the disadvantage of Mr. Alline, it is with great satisfaction that we proceed to exhibit him in a more favourable light. Dr. Richey, in his Memoir of Mr. Black, speaks of Mr. Alline as "a man of eminent and uniform piety/' as distinguished also by the " popularity of his talents, and the awakening power of his ministry." We here select a passage from his '• Life and Journal," illustrative of the qualities which the doctor thus ascribes to him. " the stupidity, blindness, and miserable condition the world is in ! How is it pospible that men whose souls are to exist for ever, either in happiness or misery, can be so careless and unconcerned ; as if they were all devoted to theu- several plaf es, and doomed to their happiness or miseries by some irresistible, arbitrary decree, without the use of any means, or whether they embraced a Saviour or not ? And how much more inconsistent with truth, and cruel to their own eternal state do they conduct, when they are indulged with a few moments of probation out of eternal now, and the means of salvation inseparable with [from] the ends: all the world fallen, and condemned, and undone ; with redeeming love all around them ; destruction beneath them ; the avenger of blood pursuing, and mercy inviting them ; the Spirit of God striving with them ; and the Redeemer saying to them, ♦ He that be- lieveth shall be sarved, and he that believeth not shall be i 186 APPENDIX. darrmed.' And yet poor man sleeps away his hours of pro- bation, those few moments on which turns the scale of his everlasting fate ; or is careless and unconcerned, as if there was nothing more than the loss or price of some empty shadow at stake : although the happiness on the one hand is infinitely unspeakable, and the misery on the other inexpressibly into- lerable, and both eternal and unalterable. And these few moments are all th^, time that ever he will have through the endless ages of ete. .lity to embrace the one, and escape the other. amazing ! amazing ! And yet the greatest part of the world, and many of those who profess to believe these things, squander away day after day, month after month, and year after year, eating and drinking, sleeping and waking, laughing and jesting, in all manner of vain amusements, sinful pleasures, and insignificant employments, as stupid and careless as the very beasts; until thousands and tens of thou- sands drop out of all possibility of redemption into keen despair." We add a few particulars derived from some who knew Mr. Alline personally; of course in days now long sinc3 past. Th3 Rev. Silas T. Rand informs us, that lie has con- versed with thi-ee individuals who had a distinct recol- lection of Mr. Alline. One of them had " heard him preach once when a child. Ho then got up out of his bed sick, and preached." Mr. Rand farther says, " Preaching, praying, and conversing on the great sub- ject of salvation, seem to have been his work. When he left Nova Scotia for the last time he embarked at Windsor; and before he embarked he kneeled down on the wharf, and ofi"ered APPENDIX. J87 a fervent prayer for his nalive land :* asking, among other things, that Falmouth might never want for witnesses to the truth." The following particulars were collected by the Rev. George Armstrong, from an aged lady, a Mrs. Fox ; who, in the year 185(), when these notices were obtained, was in her ninety-third year. " Mrs. Fox," wrii^s Mr. Armstrong, " was in her sixteenth year when she first heard the Rev. Henry AUine preach, at Ilorton. It wa8 also the first sermon she had ever heard. It made a deep impressio.. on her mind. She could not help weeping much during the service, Mr. Alliue's text was John xii. 35. Mis. Fox says, she never heard Mr. AUine preach but it warnu^d her heart ; and she heard iiim very often. She used frequently to travel several miles to hear him ; and never heard him without there being something fresh and new in his discourses. He often stopped at the house of her father, Mr. Benjamin Cleaveland, of Horton. His conversation was very spiritual. ITe would not couver.se about the world at all, except as urged by necessity. He was mighty in prayer. He was a good singer, and loved singing. Great numbers at- tended his preaching. There was much persecution ; and Mr. Alliue himself was sometimes treated rudely by ungodly men. Some of his converts manifested a firm and unflinching faith in Christ. Mrs. Fox mentions a Miss Gay, converted by means of his preaching, and united with his society, as having been disowned by her connections on that account. A cler- gyman wrote her, that if she would leave the New Lights, she would have the honour of being restored to her friends. Her * His adopted Innd rather. Mr. Alliue, as stated above, was n native of Newport, Rhode Island. (19) i llfi -ii .1 l:i If 188 appb:ndix. Il-i^ reply was, ♦ God forbid I should have that honour ! For ho that putteth his hand to the plough, and lookoth back, is not fit for the kingdom of Ood.' " In regard to Mr. AUine's personal appearance, Mrs. Fox Bays, he wa.s of a middling nize ; straight, and very thin ; of light complexion, with light, curly hair, and blue eyes, with a fiohimn expresHion. In hin dress he was neat, but plain. Mrs. Fox heard tlu? last sermon preached by Mr. Alline in Horton, founded on Acts xx. 32. She in one of his converts, and cherishes his memory with great veneration and affection." Peace be to that niernuiy ! lleury AUino wavs"a burning and a shining light," though there were spots in his brightness. He htus lost them all in the land to which he was so soon translated. l']arth is the betttv for his having lived hero; and it will be one of tho privileges of heaven to bo introduced to his goodly fellowship. H. p. 53. We hej-e transcribe a passage fi-om Mr. Scott's book against Mr. AlUne, illustrative of the reasonings cm- })loyed in the body of oui- work, " Without any reflection," says Mr. Scott, '« on the people where I -ra placed, (who are but few in number, and of small ability as to temporal substance,) 1 may say in truth and sin- cerity, that a considerable part of my support, and that of my family, has been procured by means of constant labour with my hands, which I desire never to think is too mean employ- ment for me, where there is a call for it ; and I thought it was !r.y duty to do so among the people where God in his provi- dence had called me to preach, as the whole number together Scott's book APPENDIX. 189 could not give a groat deal for the support of a minister, and a conHidcrablo part of them arc poor people, which it would not give a compassionate shepherd much satisfaction to get a living out of them. And I had employed such gifts and abilities as God had given me for the spiritual good of the people, as far as my strength, and a prudent care of those of my own family would admit of ; and this under peculiar dis- advantages, whicli I need not hero name. Under these cir- cumstances, to see the people to whom I stood related under the influence of such a j^erson, and such measures as were taken with them, while they, in their conduct and speeches, applauded and caressed their leader ; and discovered, in their carriage and behaviour, as well as in their speeches, to ray face, and behind my back, many of them, that I was the greatest obstacle and hindrance in the way of their spiritual and eternal good ; censuring and condemning my public dis- courses, as p)ointed, hitter, Jciliing discourses, because they did not agree with the principles, practices, and work of our author [Mr. Alline] ; any one may easily conclude that it was a trial.^* As we have made frequent reference to the work from which the above is extracted; as the book is in some sort a curiosity, long out of print, and of course likely to continue so, we here give its title-page. We have some- where learnt, that poor Mr. Scott did not dispose of a dozen copies of his book among his own people. Per- haps, as an octavo of nearly three-hundred-and-fifty pages, it was too bulky, and too expensive for them. Yet certainly if the good man's flock had had much esteem for their pastor, they would have been more anxious to procure his work — a work too which treated BO largely of them and their affairs. But to the title:— h\\\ I M I I J 190 (( APPENDIX. A Brief View of the Religious Tenets and Sentiments, lately published and spread in the Province of Nova Scotia ; which are contained in a Book, entitled ' Two Mites, on some of the most important and much disputed Points of Divinity, &c. ;' and in a ' Sermon preached at Liverpool, Nov. 19, 1782;' and in a Pamphlet, entitled, ' The Anti-traditiouist : ' all being publications of Mr. Henry Alline. With some Brief Reflections and Observations : also, a View of the Ordination of the Author of these Books : together with a Discourse on External Order. By Jonathan Scott, Pastor of a Church in Yarmouth. ■ JuDE, verse 3. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation : it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye shoidd earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. • Halifax : printed by John Howe, in Barrington Street. MDCCLXXXIV." I. p. 62. We here give this incident more at large. It was Mr. Harding's custom, at the close of his public engagements, to circulate through his congregations, pressing indivi- of the church iu his old age, an onstantly repeating the words, '^ Little children! love ■ another!'' And especially has this tradition been recalled wl>on meeting him afterwards at the Lord's Table, where he always had much to say about brotherly love. In the wintei* of 1852-3, the patriarch found his way to an evening meeting in the subiu-bs of Yarmouth. The compiler preached from the words, ^' Jesus wept.'' After the sermon the old man s]>oke. (Jh! how he ex- postulated with the sinner; stript t-way his excuses; exhorted, intreated, wept ; called up his exjjij'ing ener- gies; and forcibly reminded those who had knovrn him in his best days of some of the best eflbrts of those days. One recollection more. It relates to Mr. Harding's last pulpit effort in Yarmouth. One Lord's Day morning, in the summer of lSo:J, he tottered up tbe aisle of the meeting-house, clambered into rhe pulpit, and said to the compiler, just about to open the service, ''I should like to preach this morning." He accord- ingly conducted the service ; and although his fire was not kindled, yet, for a man in his ninety-second yenr, ho did his work with remarkable elHciencv. He dia- C>i; li ' if I ^1 rrl ^ I,- 220 APPENDIX. i ! coursed upon the parable of the Ten Virgins. He way more connected, and wandered less from his subject than we had expected. His sermon abounded with short, pithy sayings, such as are apt to stick to the memory like burs. This was always one of the preacher's pecu- liarities. We subjoin the following, taken down at the time, and regret that we did not secure more of these striking utterances. " We don't always criticize as heaven will by and by. — ^Thc holiness of God is the sinner's torment. — A na- tural man can no more see beauty in Christ, than a blind man can in colours. — If Christ is anywhere, he is in the converted soul. — Heaven is a change of nature. — True faith is not in the head, but in the heart. — ^To meet with Christ is more than all the meetings in the world. — Christ in the ordinance makes it sweet. — Christians do more ofttimes to scatter souls from Christ than the mi- eonverted do. — Where there's no love, there's no grace. — I am going down to the grave. Blessed be God ! there is a crown of faith laid up for them that love him. — Un- belief is the worst sin that a man can commit. — If God loves you, he loves you unchangeably. He does not love you for your frames and feelings ; he loves you for his name's sake. — If you don't love holiness, you don't love God." a s. He way his subject I with shortj he memory 3her's pecu- down at the ore of these t by and by. ent. — A iia- than a blind he is in the btm-e. — True 'o meet with he world. — ihristians do han the uu- j's no grace. sGod! there 3 him. — Un- lit.— If Cxod le does not oves you for s, you dou^'t fetters J- 1 1 i]p W- i i LETTEES. f I. TO CHARLOTTE PRE9C0TT, CHESTER. Windsor, Aug. 5, 1787. Dear sister Charlotte, — Have you the honour to suffer persecution, because you will follow the despised Nazarene ? Rejoice then, dear sister, that you are counted worthy. Follow the Galilean King, and keep close to him. Under his almighty wing shall you find protection. In his lovely arras shall you find rest. While looking on his pierced hands and feet, beholding how he has loved you, and has been wounded for your sins, you will be constrained to cry out, "My Lord, and my God!" Ah! sister, does he not say to you, " It is I ! be not afraid ? I have been wounded, that you might be healed. I have been despised, that you might be honoured to sit at my right hand. I have been dejected and sorrowful, that you might rejoice, and be glad. Yes ! I suffered myself to be crowned" with thorns, that you might be crowned with glory. I have drank of the bitter cup of affliction, that you might drink the new wine with me in my kingdom." But how can I paint out an idea of the unbounded, unmerited, unparalleled love of Jesui i 'I 'li #1 ill ■jii' 11 1.? Nil II rl I I ii ' : i -^^' LETTERS. to you, my dear sister! since Gabriel's tongue would fall short here ? Blessed be God, the day is approaching near, when we shall begin eternity with the soul-transporting theme ! '• Through all eternity to Thee, A grateful song I'll raise ; But oh ! eternity's too short To utter all thy praise." This makes us willing to suffer, bleed, and die for Christ, if called to die for his sake. This love makes us count all things else but dung and dross. And this will make us willing to quit the ten thousand disorders of our fallen state, and break forth in sacred strains in the courts of Paradise, shoutiuf •' Worthy is the Lamb that was slain ! " Yours eternally in Jesus, ■ H. Haeding. II. TO THADDEUS HARRIS, CORNWALLIS. Annapolis, May 14, 1789. Dearly beloved in the Lord Jesus, — I know that it rejoices your souls to hear of the pros- perity of Zion. Therefore I could not refrain from letting you know, that the Mighty God of Jeshurun has girded his sword upon his thigh, and is riding in the flaming chariot of Israel like a glorious Conqueror : his majesty and power are seen amongst the inhabitants of Annapolis. Some have of late felt his dying groans reach their despairing souls. Some of tiie great in the world's esteem bow, and I can believe melt down before the everlasting Gospel of a despised Jesus. Col. de Lancy's daughter, and some others at the lower end of An- napolis are under distress of soul. I must stay a little longer; for I think my Lord is bringing them home. Oh ! bear me on your minds to Jesus, that I may have strength of soul to sound the trumpet of salvation. Keep near Daniel's God. i| m LETTERS. 225 Id fall short near, when theme ! >r Christ, if at all things IS willing to , and break e, shouting Jesus, [aeding. SKout, Victory ! victory ! through the blood of the Lamb ! Remember the Nazarltif^h covenant. " Little children, love one another." Oh ! strengthen each other's hands in God. Methinks I am now with you, and can see you as it were burst into a flood of tears ; saying to each other, " Oh ! my brother ! oh ! my sister ! be encouraged ! I see again the immortal shore, that flows with milk and honey. I feel, I feel my soul strengthened by the Lord Grod of Elijah, and am de- termined to know nothing here but Christ. Amen. Amen." My brotlior, my sister, my soul joins you. I think I can say,- I feel encouraged to prens through storms to angelic day. 1 am, dear pilgrims, Yours eternally in the righteousness of Christ, H. Habdin-g. To he communicated.''^ L4, 1789. f the pros- letting you 1 his sword ot of Israel er are seen ave of late . Some of lelieve melt esus. Col. end of An- ttle longer; ti ! bear me of soul to niel's God. IIL TO LEBBEUS HAREIS, CORNWALLIS. Shelburn, Aug. 23, 1791. i} it- * ■» Dear uncle and auiit, I have a happy lot in Gisd^s house, and He that is Mighty has done great things for me. "' Lord, ■not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy blessed name be all the glory ."" Oh ! that you might both grow like the cedars that the Lord hath planted, and walk like Zacharias and Eli- zabeth in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless. Beg of Lydia, in my room, not to reject (Jhrist any longer; lest the summer should be ended, and his Spirit for ever gone : then a great ransom cannot deliver her. Oh ! that Jemmy, Elisha, and all my dear cousins might meet at His right hand. . I am, my dear uncle and aunt, yours in Christ, 11. Habding. if * That is, to such as feel interested in these things. J. D. li 22(J LrTTKRS. it I 1 11!! V -I ! 'i! r IV. TO Tlir. RKV. JOHX PAYZANT. (To be communicated to the Cluxrch at Comwallift.) 8holburn, Aug. 23, 1791. My dear follow-disclplef!, — Never, since Jesus united my soul to you in the New Covenant, have I found a greater union and oneness with you than T have at times since 1 came away, ^[y soul has wept and prayed in secret places for (\>rnwaliis. There it was my soul first heard the voice of the Bridegroom. There it was m'y worthless name was written in the records of the everlasting (Jospel. And there, my soul ! have 1 anointed the pillar, and lefl my eternal vows, and sworn by the Mighty Cod of .litcob, that if he would bo with me in the way I go, and bless mc, an.l return me again to my father's house in peace, the Lord should be my God. You are his witnesses, my dear, d(>ar biTtlircn and sisters, of what he has done for my soul. There my life drew near to the grave. My iniquities ovcr- Avliclmed me: I sunlc in a place where there was no water ; and my soul failed for thirst. There it was I first heard tho. joyful soiuid, "Deliver him from going down to the pit; I Iiave found a ransom." I^hen did he take me from following the ewes great with young, to call sinners to repentance" jiulging me faithful, putting r; e into the ministry; shewing lue how great things I must suffer for his Gospel's sake. Ah ! blessed be his worthy name, he goes with me, and has k!t none of my words hitherto fall to the ground. I have seen as happy h ; .fs since I saw you as ever I did ; and distressing ones too. I have seen saints shouting aloud for joy, and sin- ners crying for mercy ; but none, that I know of, converted.''" * It will ho roinombprecl, tliat :\rr. ITardlno- laboured much at Sliolbuni. bra with little appearance of success. J. D. •allifi.) 23, 1791. in the New 388 with you nl has wept e it was my *e it was my overlastiii!^ 1 the pillar, ;hty Cod of 0, and bless peace, the s, my dear, for my soul, uities over- s' no water ; it heard the the pit; I m following epontance ; y; shewing sake. ae, and has I have seen distressing ly, and sin- ionverted.'-' 3tl much at LETTERS. 227 People in this place think I bring strange things, because I preach Jesus, and the resurrection. God, I think, is certainly going with me to New England. Pray that I may preach the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. Oh ! that I might go in the name of brother AlHnc's* God. My soul is full . 1 know not how to leave off writing. I think I see you stand around with the tears rolling, falling on each other's necks, saying, " Come, Lord Jesus ! Even so ; let thy kingdom come ! •' jj. Harding. V. TO MARVIN BECKWITK, CORXWALLIS. Shclburn, Aug. 26, 1791. My dear, dear brother, — I often think of you, and long to meet you again on this mortal shore. But if not, dear Marvin, we wilfsoon meet upon the immortal plains. There, through boundless grace, is my portion, and my rest, and my worthless name recorded! my brother ! keep in sight of the Morning Star. Take care of contenting yourself without a sense of religion, because you think you can get alive easily by only looking to Jesus. Many children of God have had their locks shaved off upon this enchanted ground, who were once as strong as Samson, by getting asleep on Delilah's lap ; and when they have tried to shake themselves from their earthliness, as they had often * It lias been stated, in the course of our work, that Mr. llardhif^ roffarded liimsolf as, in some sort, the successor of Mr. Alline, as Klislia was raised up in the room of Elijah. His lani,niage hVre Monld seem to indicate, that he found himself attracted towards New England by a certain secret wish to fulfil Mr. Alline's unac- complished mission tliither— the mission cut short by Iiis early removal. Such hints as we have here frequently occur in Mr Harding's letters. Yet this visit to T^ew England, so much pro- jected, and so earnestly desired, was never paid. J. D. i 1 ':!^ J t I ii I ihI I ! f i- 1 ■■ 1 1 1 ' i ■ i 228 LE'rrERS. done before, their strength was departed ; the Glory of Israel was gone ; and they were bound in prison. Their eyes being pi(t ,ut, they have been ready to follow every wandering star of natural passion for religion ; thus only gathering more blackness and darkness. But, my brother, you "have not so learned Christ." When you received him he was &V ; and in all your actions, in all your behaviour, in all your works, more or less, and in all your words ; declaring plainly to saints and sinners, you sought a better country, that is a heavenly. So walk in him, my brother, and you shall grow like the trees of lign-aloes beside the waters, which God has planted with his own right hand. In that name that has often ravished my soul since I loft you, and will be our joy when time is no more, T am, still and ever yours, II. Hardinu. VI. TO DORCAS PRENTICE, IIORTON. Yarmouth, Sep. 17, 1791. My dear sister, — I have just heard of my dear grandmother entering the region of endless glory ; which sometimes, I doubt not, racks your mind, and sinks your soul in great distress. But oh! at other times methinks I see you joining her eternal songs, saying, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!" I think I feel my soul with you in some measure, my dear sister, and expect soon to reach the immortal fields, and strike the endless hallelujahs before the throne. I hope my dear grandfather feels his soul in the kingdom, and can say, " Thy grace is sufficient for me ! " I think I see my dear sister Fally sit by, weeping for joy that old Jacob's rod and staif comfort her. But where is Jemmy ? Tell him, his grandmother's groans for his redemption are for ever at an end. I only snatch a moment, my dear sister, to write you a few lines. I have written letters to the Christians from Shelburn, LETTERS. 220 ry of Israel ' eyes being idering star erinfr more have not so all ; and m porks, more ) saints and ivenly. So the trees of ted with Ills avished my time is no Iakdinu. 17, 1791. mtering the it not, racks But oh ! at jrnal songs, I think 1 ' sister, and ; the endless grandfather 'hy grace is Pally sit by, !omfort her. ler's groans te you a few Di Shelburn, which I hope you have all received before this reaches you. I was a week at Barrington ; where there was a great moving in the minds of the people. I left a number there crying for mercy, and some to all appearance near the kingdom. I had only two meetings at Argyle ; where a general shaking ap- peared among the dry bones, and a shouting was heard among the Israelites. I left there yesterday, being called to attend a funeral in this place ; and shall return, both for Argyle and ]Jarrington, before I set out for the States, if my Master permit. Two or three have been converted of late in this place, by means of brother Daniel Shaw. My soul is with the church in your parts every day, rejoicing in your order in the Gospel. Yours in the groans of a dying Jesus, H. IIaudino. yil. TO THOMAS BENNETT, IIOKTON. [An extract in the Memoir; tlie whole given here.] Yarmouth, April 6, 1792. My dear brother in Christ, — I have seen glorious days since I left you. Truly " the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places." Oh ! the goodness of G od to me, the chief of sinners ! I passed over with my staflF only to this people ; and behold I am, my dear brother, through free grace, become two bands. Never, I think, did I see the goings of my God in such a wonderful manner before. The young converts truly bear the image of their dying Lord in a heavenly manner. We have indeed, my brother, happy, happy meetings. The soul of your unworthy friend is a hundred-fold rewarded. Blessed be God for ever putting me into the ministry ! could I see you again, how would I tell you, my brother ! what great things my dying Lord has re- vealed to me since I saw you last ! Near fifty, in the last re- . 1 If m 230 LETTERS. ! I i-l I ii formntion, arc savingly born again, and can lap with the tongue. Very tow that have; been awakoned turn back again to the world, lint in Harrington and Argylo wo have been beset, in a most dcvilisli inannor, by hypocritical counterfeits. Yet the firci of (Jod in his children has consumed them; at least so far that there is not one, that I know of, held to bo a Christian, but can say " Shibboleth." Brother Bennett, tliere were three young men belonging to TJarrington, who hist fall shipj)od on board a vessel bound for the West Indies, in order to get clear of the reformation; two of them being greatly awakened by the Spirit of God. Last Saturday evening the vessel returned ; with the news that two of them had died of the small-pox on their passage home, while the other lay sick with it on board. On Sabbath morning, as I was praying in. meeting, it came into my mind to pray f(»r him. T had no sooner mentioned his name, than my soul felt such a union with him, I was sure that the Lord had washed him in his blood. I could hardly speak ; and as soon as I had concluded t-aw the Christians, and almost all the assembly in tears. When meeting was over, we declared to the people what Cod had revealed to us by his Spirit.* On Thursday I went to a house where the day before they had carried this young man. As soon as I came to the door he cried out, " Oh ! Mr. Harding!" Then, after recovering himself a little, he said, *" You can't tell what sorrows Christ has carried me through since I saw you last. After we got to sea I began to tliink of the means I had taken to wear my distress oif my mind, and grew afraid my soul was lost for ever. It still followed me continually, for about two weeks, * "\Vo have here an iUustration of a statement, as given on a former page, made by Theodore Harding, in regard to a " spirit of discernment" attributed by many to Harris Harding. See Ap- pendix, p. 1(!8. J. T). !i tlie tongue, a^nin to the been beset, prfeits. Yet I ; at least so B a Christian, belonginp^ to scl bound for 'mntion; two ■ God. Last ews that two ssage home. On Sabbath nto my mind 1 name, than liat the Lord eak ; and as Iniost all the ! declared to pirit.* ^ before they 3 to the door 3r recovering irrows Christ 'ter we got to I to wear my was lost for t two weeks, s ijiven on a 1 to a " spirit ing. See Ap- LETTEU8. 2:J1 that I had sold my soul, and Christ. All this time 1 was cursed by t! . <.. j : liu, and all hands, in a most dreadful manner, as a dru, iue'a'. jholy fellow. One night, it being my watch on deci«, I was thinking, in dreadful distress and agony of mind, ^\t th %» was no mercy for me ; for I had reject f'd it, and it was ^^i/ae for ever. All at once, I know not how, I began to *'uiik of the mercy of (Jod; and these words canio into m} mind, — ' God will have mercy ! (Jod will have mercy ! And still, as my mind ran upon them, my heart began to burn within me ; and God seemed to come nearer, and nearer, till my soul was filled with such unspeakable joy as I never felt before. I remained so, in a greater or less degres for the most part of two or three weeks; and by turns ever since." My soul felt such a love for this young man as I cannot express, while he lay telling me all this. This, my dear brother, is some of the spoils of the enemy, that I have taken out of the hand of the Canaanite with my sword, since I saw you last. My brother, do write by Captain Strickling about the cause of God among you, of which I so long to hear. I would write to more if I had time. Adieu! Adieu! Adieu! Hakius Hahding. VIII. TO 'HIE SAME. [Tlie former part of this letter given in the Memoir.] Argyle, Apr. 21, 1792. * lu yours of Feb. 27 you desired me to let you know my mind as to the printing of my letters to the Christians. I have no objection, provided you and they think It would be bene- ficial to the cause of my blessed Master. Most of them are addressed to private characters. I think I can say, with dear dear brother Alline, " God forbid I should write or speak any- 1 Ij I. Mi il; ! I- i 1 in 232 LETTERS. thing but what I would publish, if possible, over the four quarters of the globe!"' I have not opportunity to write to all my dear brothers and sisters. Read these to them, and bid them remember h. Harding. IX. TO THE SAME, AT CORNWALLIS. Annapolis, March 25, 179;J. My dear brother, — Heaven opens in believers' souls, and Zion s God appears among his people. The sunbeams of glory are shining into our assemblies in a most wonderful manner. Last Wednesday evening God walked through the midst of Israel, and shook the assembly hke the wilderness. Truly, my dear brother, the coming of the Son of man was like lightning shining from one part of heaven to the other. Some of the Christians,\scending the mount, beheld the counsels of heaven revealed, whilst the resurrection of God's dear Son transported and filled every immortal power within them. When any spake with a loud voice of the redemption of Israel, a sinner, it may be in the farther part of the room, would immediately scream out, as if the sword of the Lord pierced through his very soul. Three or four are brought to Mount Zion by the blood of the Lamb. Others, that were out of sight before, are brought into very clear liberty. Several little children are converted in a pow- erful manner; and almost every day some come out as clear as the sun. The Christians are all converted into it ; and tay, they never saw such a day of Gospel glory before. I am, Your happy, highly favoured brother, H. IIaedi>-g,. LETTERS. 233 ,1 i'i X. REV. r.DWARD MAXXING TO THE SAME, AT LIVERPOOL. * Granville, Oct. 10, 1793. Dear Bennett, — Since I have seen j-ou I have surely been,— God Almighty only knows where,— where none but the foil vvers of the Lamb, whose wrestling souls have felt the same, can ever tell, or ever know. What different scones I am carried through ! I have seen the foundations of the world discovered ; and oh ! my brother, such scenes of horror and darkness as would make your very soul shudder to think of. Hell from beneath has been enlarged against the Strength of Israel. But it never fails. No ! my brother ; nor never will. Underneath us are the everlasting arms ; and the eternal God is our refuge. I have much to tell you about St. John, but must omit it at present. Certainly there has been the greatest reformation there I ever saw in my life ; and the people thirst, gloriously thirst for the liberty of the Gospel. When I left them, many were longing for the appearing of the Son of man. James preaches ; and it seems as if nothing stands before him. The scene is much altered in Nova Scotia since I left it. Darkness! darkness! darkness! Good Cod! you never saw such darkness ! It may he felt ! The Israelites have li^ht in their dwellings; but some of them very little, and are afraid to have more. You will hear many stories flying from the powers of hell. You may allow thirty-one points for head sea — lee-way— drift of current— variation of compass, &e. I have travelled through Granville, Ilorton, Gornwallis, Fal- mouth, &c. ; where there are sentries appointed to keep out the grand foe. I know from God, I shall yet see his cause revive. Certainly there will be an overturning. I feel the darkness removing— the light shining — the voice crying the Bridegroom approaching— the bride arising— the sea roaring / ji ii 23i LPJTTKRS. —the trumpet sounding— the heavens and the earth shaking— and all nature groaning to let the oppressed go free ! You say, you sometimes think Edward Manning is coming to Liverpool, to preach the Gospel there. I sometimes think so too; but do not know for certain as yet. When I am called, I will bend my course that way. " Christ is my pilot wise ; My compass is his Word ; My soul each storm detles, While I liave such a Lord." Never did I sec a greater need of being wholly taught of God. The Liverpool Christians are near to me as my own soul. You must remember me to them. Tell them, " They shall call the people unto the mou))tain : there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand." Farewell ! * Youi'S in Christ, E. Manning. XI. KEY. JOSEPH DIMOCK TO THE SAME. Halifax, Dec. 9, 1793. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, — I can tell you, it rejoices my soul to see some that say, " What shall be done for my soul's salvation r" I ^ee the Lord is preparing a way in the desert for the living God to ransom imuiortal souls. I find a necessity to become all things to all men. I feel that incarnation that, with unutterable groans, labours for the deliverance of souls in this place. In Newport I parted with brother Edward Manning, inuch engaged a.s ell as the rest of the Christians. xVnd I hear that they s.ill ascend the heavenly mounts whilst their souls behold all things done in the bowels of etel-nity, and they shout salvation to Ilim that reveals the decrees of Heaven. I saw a man from Cobe(iuid yesterday, declaring that brother Harding stands on the mount of God, and telling of a glorious reformation there. Never were such happy days known in Out-low before. ill lowD m LETTERS. 2'P>^ James Manning writes from St. John, that numbers of 80ul« are baptized with the Holy Ghost. And now methinks I hear you say, " When, Lord, shaU Li- verpool share in the resurrection of God's dear Son ?" In th« appointed time Jehovah shall effect a work eternally glorioua among you. Amen ! Amen ! j. DmocK. Pray write. Communicate this. XII. TO BEV. A. D. THOMSON, ST. ANDEEWS, N. B. My dear brother,— Yarmouth, Dec. 9, 1833. * * *; # I do not know whether you have much acquaintance with brother Lent.* He is called to be a public witness for God, and makes full proof of his call to the work. Notwithstanding the presence of God is manifested among us ou Sabbath and sanctuary occasions, yet the high places are not removed. We still sacrifice in high places : for our hearts are not prepared to seek the Lord God of our fathers decidedly, as in ancient times ; when the people dwelt alone, and were not reckoned among others, who knew not the God of Israel; and declared, in all their conversation among their fellow-sinners, that they sought a better country; and bore the marks of the dear Lord Jesus in all their behaviour amon- men. Oh ! my brother, to have my heart enlarged to run in the ways of His blessed eonnnandments ! that my peace mi/^'^t flow like a river ; that I might reap, and receive Gospel wages of free grace. I am now far advanced in mortal life. (>■. I that I may live religion while I preach it to others ! Nothing i'- more distressing than the thought of being religious without Curiai: " If thy presence go not with us, carry us not i^ iionce." * Related to the Lent fomily at Tuskot, and one of Mr. ilardins'a sons-iu-]aw. He became pastor of tlie Baptist church at MV;skct, and was removed from earth at a compi o.rively earlv u^^e. J. D. (22) W :|.i if 286 LETTEE9. When I enjoy Christ's presence, I find my mind full of duties. Although I should labour ever so much, — for I would not wish to be an Antinomian, — yet nothing is done to my soul's satis- faction, unless Jesus is there, to work those things in me which are well-pleasing in his sight, through the super- aboundings of his grace towards me, a vile sinner. " Without me ye can do nothing," stands like a mounted cannon against righteous self, that is always attempting to do those things in me which God the Holy Ghost is appointed to do. Thus you see, dear brother, I am enlisted during the war. Yet I sing, with old brother Erskine, and others, — " All my battles, lost and won, Were gained before they Avere begun." * * * # Yours in the faith and patience of the saints, Haeris Hakdino. My dear brother, — XIII. TO THE SAME. Yarmouth, May 24, 1834. * How do you get on in speaking for your blessed Master ? You know that " he that rcapeth receiveth wages." The ring- Etraked and speckled were Jacob's hire, and must be mine and thine. The countenance of the woi'ld will change, like Tiaban's ; but that is not dangerous, like its friendship. Gospel honour, my brother, is found nowhevo but " without the gate," where Christ did suifer. Better be in a furnace with him than in a palace without him. A poor sinner and a rich Saviour is a match well pleasing to God the Father, and makes sweet music in heaven. We still have additions to our church. Every little whOe some are baptized. Througbout the last autumn and winter grace hath aboimded in our prayer-meetings. Peace and har- I i LETTERS. 237 mony still unite our numerous members. It would do your eoul good, brother Thomson, to be at our Conference-meetings • for I thmk ofttimes His " honour dwelleth" there. The un' circumcised amongst us have ploughed with the heifer, and found out the riddle, but have never tasted of the honey. I hea-d this spring, by some who came from your place, of Zion's prosperity there. " Where the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together." bo encouraged, my bro- ther ! For Ziou's sake I think you cannot hold your peace, until she become a praise in that part of the eartli. How are the Christians among you .^ I hope in their first love, feeding m fat pastures of G ospcl grace. They diall " go from strength tx, strength," till" everyone of them in Zion appearoth before Cod." Their prayers, their conversation, and their consis- tency, will be as notes to assist you to preach the unsearchable riches of all-sufficient grace to a dying world. No preaching go effectual as a daily, godly walk and conversation amon 242 LETTERS. of fellowship. After preaching by brother Dimock, who is much engaged, the door of the church was opened for hearing expe- riences ; and four came forward, and related what God had done for their souls. We had a meeting at Lake George on Monday. Brother Spinney preached. The season was good. One man arose in the congregation, and said, " Perhaps some ^ of you never heard a sinner pray. Let us pray in the name of a sinner" It had a powerful effect upon the people. Yes- terday we had two meetings ; at Plymouth, and at the head of Chcbogue. At the Plymouth meeting old Mrs. Baker, a deaf and dumb woman, gave us a description of the sufferings of our blessed Saviour ; and it was truly as affecting a thing as ever I saw. On Tuesday about five-and-twenty carriages went from this way to Beaver River, to attend our meeting. Therd is great thinking in town, and how it will terminate I cannot tell ; but I trust favourably. I had no idea that there was so much opposition to the Baptists in this town ; but God is able to overcome it all. I preached in town last Sabbath evening ; when it appeared to me that the very bowels of Deity were moved for Yarmouth. Miss Wyman, the postman's ^^ 7 fliotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. M580 (716) 872-4503 "4^'%'^ ^1> r . «p .6> o ^ I m fi I \i 111 244 LETTERS. XX. TO MR. ED>VAliD ABMSTRONCx, FALMOUTH. ' Yarmouth, June 29, 183a. My dear brother, — I received your kind letter, dated in May, in which you announce your dear mother's death. I read it to our people, who sympathized and rejoiced with you, feeling a union with you in the Gospel and sufferings of Christ; for the language dictated in your letter was not to them as the voice of a stran,?er. Death has thinned the number of my dear fellow- pilgnms and fellow-disciples in Falmouth, as well as in other parts of the Province. Well, the ark rested in Jordan until all God's Israel had passed over. ^Vhat a happy meeting they have had on Canaan's heavenly shore, in the upper house not made with hands, where notliing can harm or hurt in all the holy mount. You mourn, my dear brother, that your harp is hung upon the willows beside the streams in the land of your captivity. But your darkness shall only endure for the night ; for behold the morning eometh. Thus Josus gives, and takes away again: Tiieu cease, my friend, all! cease! no more complain! In Aclior's vale a glorious hope shall rise, And animate your soul to take the prize. ' Tiiere you t^hall sing, as once old Israel did ; Your first Avorks do; and, from your bondage freed, In Baca's \alc a heavenly blessing prove, And sing the worth of Jesu's dying love. Last March my dear child, Mary Alice Chipman, was also called from this vale of tears to the A^orld where mortality is ('wallowed up in immortal life. The last words she uttered iu time were, "Sweet Jesus i — Blessed Jesus!" Time is thinning my family, and spiritual flock. Scarcely any die be- longing to our church, or stated congregation, without leaving ■atigfaetory evidence, that they die in the Lord. i LETTERS. 245 UTII. 9, 1838. which you >ur people, union with ! language roice of a ear fellow- as in othex' )rdan until jeting they house not in all the •ur harp ia 1(1 of your the night; ilain ! ed, was also ortality is ittered iu Time is ly die be- lt leaving Without naming particular frifends personally, please give my kindest love to my dear, yea, very dear friends and fellow- disciples in the bowels of Christ in Falmouth, including yom- dear family. Ever yours in Christ, Hakeis IIakding. XXL TO REV. C. TUPPER, V. D. My dear brother,— [No date.] As you said, at our last parting, that you thou<.'ht that an account of Captain Cook's conversion might, by the blessing of God, be useful, if published, I have sent it as I received it from himself more than once. If you ^.till think,. on pemsing the account, that it is worthy of a place in your exoelleut Magazine, you are at liberty to publish it. Yours, with much esteem, H. IlAKDiNt. rONVERSIOX OF CAPTAIN COOK. Captain Cook sailed for the West Indies in January 1823. A revival of religion had taken place, in the neighbourhood in which he lived, in the autumn before ho sailed. A number of his relatives, as well as neighbours, had become the happy subjects of this work of divine grace. Among these was his oldest sister ; whose heart having been filled with redeeming love, she was constrained to call upon poor sinners to " come and see a man who had told her all things that ever she did." She had often wept upon her brother's neck ; intreating him to break off his sins by an unfeigned repentance, to turn to God, and partake with her of the joys of the Gospel. This apparently had had no other effect upon his mind, than to harden and irritate him against her advice. His parents, who were professors of religion, had desired her to say no more to hici upon the subject, as ife only seemed to increase his oppo- :: i I If I ). ' H 1 1' - , ! i'^ It . i :H ; ft I I LETTEUa. 246 8ition^ So she had said no more to Am, but carried his case to God m prayer. After ho had mailed, he had pleased himself With the thought, tha. on his return, the commotion would be over and he should not be troubled any more about religion. Ills dear mother, or one of his friends, had put into his baggage a rehgious pamphlet. This he happened on. day to take up, and read ; when all at once h. had such a discovery of the uumber and heinousness of his sins, that he wondered how Cxoa should have spared such a guilty creature as he now saw himself to be. His conduct in despising the advice and ex- hortations of his sister and others lay heavy on his conscience. He contmucd several days in great distress and concern for bis soul. None of the people whom he had on board with him professed religion; so that he could not open his mind to any oue He ^therefore cried to God for mercy; and exchanged words with none, except as he now and then gave orders for na, vigating his vessel. His mate said to him one day, " I believe ^Sir. the sun is near the meridian. Would you choose to take' an observation?" To this he assented. At this time he was so distressed, that he afterwards wondered how he could have adjusted the quadrant. While he was taking the sun, it was shaded by a little passing cloud ; when those lines, by Dr. Watts, fell with weight upon his mind,— " Well might the sun in darkness hide, And shut his glories in, When God, the mighty Malcer, died, For man, the creature's sin." An unusual calmness, as if he had never felt trouble, at once pervaded his soul. He wondered at this great change. But while he thought upon it, he had such an inward, joyful ap- prehension of Christ Jesus, and of the holiness, glory, and love that he discovered in his divine nature, that it quite over- powered him. He began to tcU his people what God had done L s d his case 2d himself would be i religion. s baggage • take up, ry of the Bred how now saw 5 and ex- nscience. ncern for with him id to any Lchanged •s for na- believe, 3 to take e he was uld have , it was by Dr. at once '. But ful ap- nd love e over- id done LETTERS. 247 for his soul, begging them to seek him while he might be found ; which much affected them. He maintained the worship of God on board constantly through the voyage, praying night and morning with his people ; whose outward conduct, through the influence of their captain, came to be much altered. We often hear him in our congregations, telling what God has done for his soul, with warmth of heart, and much emotion of mind, and exhorting others to repent, and do works meet for repentance, before it be for ever too late. XXII. FROM MR. JOHN riHANEY, JUJf. TO MR. HARDING. Farmington, Maine, March 16, 1840. * # * * The question of slavery is nov. vexing our nation exceed- ingly, both in church and state. And indeed I conceive it to be both just and necessary that we should be vexed, so long as we continue in this unparalleled sin. Enjoying such great freedom ourselves, and pretending, as we do, to understand so well the whole subject of human rights, no other nation is so guilty as ours in sustaining the home institution of slavery; and perhaps no nation under heaven is engaged in it to & greater extent. But the worst of it all is, that a large majority of the church in the Slave-holding States attemnt to sustain the soul -destroying, heaven-daring, and God-provoking system of traffic, for filthy lucre's sake, in the dearest rights, the bodies, and the souls of men ; and many of our churches and ministers in the Free States are far from bearing that holy, bold, and decided testimony against it which they ought to bear. The church is constituted of God as the light of the world. If the church were right, our nation would soon be right. But there is a very rapid gain on the side of tho oppressed ; and I ear- nestly hope, that the friends of humanity and religion among other Christian nations will kindly, but firmly bring to bear on M 11) f. ^1. Si 1^ !-1 i I I' I j: |! t nil . ■ •■ I i * if 'i ' 243 LKTTERS. our nation and church all the moral and religions influence in their power, in a manner that shall be happily calculated to induce us to repent of this unparalleled sin, and delist from It. Especially do we look to the friends of Christ and his oppressed, in the churches of England, and her Colonies in America, that they would pray and labour, that the American church may be purged from this sin. * xxTir. TO MES. MARY TOOKE, LOXDOX, IINOLAKD. Yarmouth, Jan. 20, 1842. mj dear Madam, — Although a stranger, I am impelled by duty to yourself and to the memory of your dear son, to address to vou a few ines^ Your son, the late Thomas Tooue, an-ived at ilrEben^zer Porter's, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, on the sixth of x^ ovember last, in the last stages of a consumptive disorder : languishing under which for t^yenty-four days, at length he died, we trust, in the triumphs of fuith over death and tU grave. Madam ! he apparently had such glorious disco- venes of an immortality of joy, and heavenly pleasure in thrist Jesus, as quite to swallow up the pains of dissolution and make him long to depart, and be with Christ. He desired that his dear mother and friends might know, how happy Christ had made him in a dying hour ; and requested Mr. and Mrs Porter to write to his mother, and say, that he wished right hand of G od. I visited him for a week before his death • and indeed. Madam, I never saw a more humble penitent I must say, too, it was his mercy to be received into the kind family of Mr. and Mrs. Porter; as he could not have expe- rienced greater attention, nor more marked sympathy, and Christian affection, no ! not in his own mother's house I a*. LETTERS. 249 tended lug funeral, and preached his funeral sermon, the third day after his dec ase, to a respectable and deeply affected auditory. ... I am, dear Madam, yours truly, Harkis Hahding. xxiv. mrs, toone to mk, iiaeding, Dear Sir,— London, Jan. 4, 1843, I have at length undertaken to answer your very kind letter ; which I have delayed until nuw, not knowing how to express my gratitude for the kind interest you have taken in the welfare of my dear departed son. For although, as a parent, I received the account of his decease with feelings of sorrow and regret, particularly as I did not witness his end ; yet I cannot but feel thankful, that the Lord was graciously pleased to manifest his mercy towards him, and enabled him to give an encouraging testimony, before he left this vale of tears to join the song of the ransomed, unto Ilim that hatli loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, &e. Nor can I help feeling thankful to the Providence that directed him to those kind friends, Mr. and Mrs. Porter ; to whom I desire to be gratefully remembered. And as it is probable that we shall never see each others' faces in the flesh, that we may meet where parting will not be known or feared any more, is the earnest desire of Your grateful and much obliged handmaid, Mary Toonb. XXV. TO REV. \T. BURTON, AT HALIFAX. Brother Burton,— Yarmouth, Nov. 24, 1842. The religious commotion which I mentioned to you in mj last still continues. Many of late profess faith in Christ, both in our own denomination, and among the Presbyterians, Methodistg, and Free Will Baptists. Prayer-meetings are I ■ I! M "°^ LETTERS. upheld, and are numerous, in all the lower parts of the Town- fihip. Our meetings are crowded, and the solemnities of eternal things seem to arrest and pervade each one's attention Our Conference-mectings are frequent and impressive. Many fipcak m a lively, spiritual, and edifying way. Masters of ve.^cls, and other mariners give satisfactory evidence of faith in Christ, and speak very interestingly of the love of Jesus Oh ! how It would have gladdened your heart, dear brother a few evenmgs ago, if you had been present, to have seen the vestry so crowded at a Conference-meeting, that nun.bers could not get in. AVe repaired to the meeting-house; the lower part of which was literally filled, and the power of God seemed present to heal the spiritual maladies of diseased souls Several gave satisfactory and Scriptural reasons of their hope m Christ. On three 8abbaths I baptized seventeen willing, converts i and last Sabbath brother Parker, who is now here'' baptized eleven more; and I expect more will come forward for baptism next Lord's Day. Although I am now a little ad- vanced in my eighty-second year, 1 find no inconvenience to my health from having administered tiie ordinance of baptism three succeeding Sabbaths, and attended six or seven meetings a little like old Jacob; of whom we read, that - when he saw the waggons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived : and Israel sai'd. It is enough : Joseph my son is yet alive ; I will go and see him before I die " Brother Parker can:e here last week, on Tuesday, and will probably stay here until your return. Young Mr. Kandall is also here, and has preached three or four times acceptably. We aU wish much for your return. But if God is reviving his work by your ministry, and it appears to be his will for you to stay still longer, we desire also to say, '♦ The will of 11 i LETTEES. 25 1 the Lord be done ! " Many join in Christian love to yourself and all, all our dear brethren in Christ with you. Your brother, and fellow-labourer in the faith of the Gospel, Hareis Habding. XXVI. KEV. B. W. CUNNINGHAM TO MR. HARDING. T^ r.i TT v WilraotMountain, Aug. 7, 184a. Dear father Harding, — I should long since have answered your ttuly kind letter, but have had no conveyance. This I send, by one of our neighbours, to the care of brother Randall, of Sissiboo I cannot, believe me, my dear Sir, find language which may adequately convey the gratitude of my heart for such an in- stance of disinterested kindness as yours is; but I do most ardently pray, that the good and gracious Being who, though he IS pleased to afflict me, nevertheless greatly blesses me by disposing his dear people to care for me, may, in the great day of final distribution, acknowledge your kindness, though bestowed on one of the least of his brethren, as having been dono to himself, and administer the appropriate reward. Your benevolent donation came in a most acceptable time— in a season of heart-rending affliction. It pleased my heavenly leather to call away from our fond embraces a darling child aged six years. The furnace was heated hotter than we had ever before known it ; but the blessed God stood by, and so tempered the flame, that we came out better, I hope, than we went m. At no former period had we ever so favouFable an opportunity afforded of testing those glorious principles of eternal truth on which our future hopes are built; and to so vereign grace be all the glory ! at no period could I ever sav with stronger assurance, -We have not fellowed cunnindv devised fables." Surely « the Lord is a very present help in time of trouble." In consequence of the absence of brethren (23) 252 i,KTri:R3. p 1'! i^ \i i '' i Ih f i t J IN ^ idito and (^lia;o fror home, and the indisposition of brother Bill, I was iiiyhclf obliged to preach the funeral sermon for my dcat little Maria ; — a duty which I little expected to per- form when we entered the meeting-house. Yet I had much roapou to bless and praise Grod, who sustained me, and filled my heart with unutterable joy; so that I afterwards followed vhe loved remains of our little one to the grave rejoicing in Jod my Creator and Redeemer. Dear father Harding, "sing praises to our God; sing praises." Your snow-coloured head will soon be crowned with immortal glory. I view you, and a few others, as just cu the verge of a bless«d immortality ; while I, though far be- hind in years, but not in constitution, and still farther as re ► gardB fitness, will not be long after you, if I do not go before. M;7 state of health is most precarious. For a few days I am quite BUiart ; then again, ere I am awafe, I am down at the mouth of the pit. But through grace I do not fear, if Jesus^ only comes with death. Ee 00 kind, dear Sir, as to present my most grateful acknow- ledgments to those unknown friends whose liberality I have received through you. My kind regards to dear sister Harding. May peace and serenity, with the love of Jesus, gild the evening of your pilgrimage. So prays, dear brother, Yours most truly, R. W. Cunningham. XXVII. TO KEV. A. D. THOMSON. My very dear brother, — AVestport, Oct. 3, 1843. I have been in this place three Sabbaths, and have preached to this dear people with pleasure ; and with a satis- faction, I think, to which unconverted ministers are strangers. Although I know not whether any of the dead ha'e been quickened, or raised to life through His name, yet I think His »hcep and lamba have been fed with *' the sincere milk of the LETTERS. 25Jj word."' I am now waiting for a fair wind to return to y.'ir- luonth. Brother Km Jail iw expected here next Lord's ['ay. May the Lord send his angel before him, that he may hml a bride to Kia Matter's Son ! The people remember you, -nid yonr visit here, with great satisfaction. At Yarmouth we are much the same as when you left m. We have some sweet Sabbath and sanctuary seasons; and ili.M tlear children know the sweetness of the text, " He that eatcth me, even he shall live by me." Our last sacramental season was a day not easily to be forgotten. There were two hundred hoaven-born souls, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and In their right mind. I thought, my brother, they looked like a heavenly bride adorned for her Husband ; in whose righteous • ness they are to be greatly exalted in a coming day. " Oh! tell me, Lord! shall I be there, In tliose sweet realms of love ? €h ! can it be, that I should share In all the joys above ? " Say, O my J O seal me with thy precious blood, , To be for ever thine ! " , My dear people, in our Second Church, for want of that holy love that ought ever to be the characteristic mark of God's chosen ones, are still, I believe, in a broken, scattered, and divided state. They were about to have a meeting when 1 came away, and expected to take some decisive step. I have not, however, learned any particoIarH. I was sorry to be away at such a tim'e, but could not avoid it, as I was r>re.engaged. Oh ! when shall we practically know that Scripture, " He that loveth not his brother abideth in death ? " I know our blessed Master was there ; bat my heart trembles for the ark of God. I BMKt away, and preach again to this dear people. Writ* HF 1 ' 1 1 1 1 : 1 ■ l •< ] ! i |. ,' ^^ i\ 2-5 1. LETTERS. sooji, and often. Give my kind love to sister Thomson, and idl who shall please to ask after me. Brother Thomson, I will answer every letter you may send me. Yours in the bonds of the Gospel, Hakkis Harding. XXVIII. MRS. UrHlM TO MR. HARDING. Onslow, July 8, 1844. My ever dear father in Christ Jesus, — Be assured of it, that I often read with pleasure in the Christian Messenger of your doings in Yarmouth. The very name of Yarmouth is dear unto me. I don't expect to see our beloved Burton, by whom I re- ceived your favour. He was immediately called into solemn action when he arrived at Onslow. May we all be full of ac- tion in thisi short world. The greatest trouble I have at present is, the departure for Boston of the widow and children of my dear deceased Alexander. But " skilful is the pilot who sits at the helm." You say, you sometimes think of your unworthy sister. But I think not oftener than I do of you. Hie last I saw of you was, your ordaining Mr. Randall. I miled when I read your text at the consecration of the new ueeting-house ; — " The Lord is there !" You see from the Messenger how we are getting on in Co- bequid. Old Adam is here yet. But Jesus lives, and will '* reign where'er the sun Does his successive joumies run." my dear father ! let your aged heart, and your aged lips be spent in praying for the coming of his kingdom. " O that the happy hour were come To c'Lange our faitli to sight ! " , I sometimes tell of the Rev. Daniel Cock, saying in times of old, " The wee foxie (meaning yourself,) will no bide lang: hee's jist e'en gawn." But I think you have " bided" a T.RTTEIIS. 255 pretty good wliilo in tins world. And whether you read of my death, or T of yours, it matters not; our appointed timo being on heaven's record long since. Our beloved D. Dimock is kind to come and see mo souu-- times ; with whom wo take sweet counsel. Mr. Ifpham in yet alive. He received your love, and returns it most cordially. ITe is a genuine Baptist in sentiment, if not in practice. Your old friends, sisters Clark and Dickson are also yet alive. But many others are gone. Our dear old sister, Becky Lynds, Robert Blair, Thomas, John, and Eunice Lynds, &c. &c. &c. And I'll go too at the appointed time. Meanwhile let us *'pray without ceasing," and "rejoice evermore." Jane Guthrie Upham. Ain't ye glad the Gospel is prevailing in the world ? Ain't ye glad ive have prevailed so far? Ain't ye glad the old Baptist ministers Lav f.v- d so long? " The men of grace luive found Giory begun below." Love to Mrs. Harding, and Kitty, XXIX. TO MR. KUFUS D. KING, BOSTON. Yarmouth, Apr. 3, 1846. Esteemed friend and brother, — I received your kind and affectionate letter of the 17th Nov. with pleasure and surprise : pleased with communications from a dear absent friend, and surprised at the news of dear sister King's death. No doubt, my dear Sir, it was unexpected to yourself. Tried faith, like gold, is more precious for the trial. Y^ou saw her graces brighten in the furnace ; which must have afforded you great consolation. God gi«^s the valley of Achor for a door of hope, and makes his bride sing there, you know; as in the days of her youth, and as in the 2oG LETTERS. H 5 I II H I sinner. It was this love, my dear brother Thomson, that made you. «ome to Yarmouth, when I firs* saw you, with bowels of com- papsion yearning towards the needy. That time I shall never forget; when my heart was united with you, as the heart of Jonathan with David, and I could bid you God speed ! Since then you have seen the travail of His soul, and been satisfied ; and have sung, with that young man in the States, ** 'Twill more than pay me for all pain, To see them love His word." # * * * Ever, ever yours in Christ, Haeris Harding. XXXII. TO THE. EDITORS OF THE '* C. MESSENGER." Messrs. Editors,— Yarmouth, July 20, 1846. When dear brother Dimock, of precious memory, last vi- sited Yarmouth, he advised the Second Church, which had been rent by divisions, and scattered in a dark and cloudy day, to " drop all past offences and prejudices against each other ; and cultivate aad maintain towards each other a forgiving spirit ; and, as in the day of their espousals to Christ, so to walk in him in brotherly love." But as this good advice did not meet their approbation, he counselled them, secondly, " to choose a committee from both parties, and solicit advice from neighbouring sister churches." They concluded to follow this latter counsel ; and last Saturday we met to carry the reso- lution into efi'ect. When calmly deliberating on their business for some length of time, the brethren could not associate their views to act to- gether, I told them at last, that " their duty was as plain before them as the road to their houses ; and that, if they wished to follow Christ as his disciples, they need not go abroad for ad- vice ; for they had it in their Bibles, as a more sure word of prophecy, wherein his will was revealed. to us. That if we 260 LETTERS. m B i I f ( i '.! ! i' i n wished to do this, and love our brother for whom Christ had died, then should we forgive our brother from our hearts, and the truth would be in us. And that it was of no use to pretend to follow Christ, unless the grace of love produced these effects in our conversation and conduct ; for he that loved his brother had the Holy G'host shedding abroad Christ's love in his heart, and had fulfilled the whole law." My heart grew warm while I thus addressed the brethren in the Lord. Some had said, *' If the deacons would take their places as formerly, they thought the rest would follow their example." I pressed this on the four deacons ; and perhaps no church can boast of more excellent men than these. After deliberation between these official brethren, deacon Crosby arose, u,«der the influence of Gospel affections and feelings, and said,-^' He knew not but that he had been the first to entertain unkind thoughts towards his brethren. He was sorry for it^ and a«ked their forgiveness; and wished to take his sea*, m formerly." Dea- con Cook said, in a Gospel spirit and disposition of mind woithy of a father and elder in the church of Christ, that " if his dear brethren would forgive him, ;and wished him to take his seat as formerly, he would do so with pleasure ; and go forward, and endeavour to forget all that was past." Deacon Haunders, clothed with meekness, and in a gentle spirit towards all, said, that " no man perhaps had been more sorrowful than he because of past divisions ; and no man could be more glad- dened than 'he to see a prospect for the restoration of a Gospel union." Beacon Patton, whose heart appeared to be filled with Gospdl love, and whose feelings met with joy those who had spoken 'before, said, that " he also was free to take his seat." Captain Harris, who was clerk of the church, said, that " he had not been home but one hour for some time be- fore that meeting ; but he knew not how to express the joy he ,' ! » Christ had r liearts, and ise to pretend I these effeetg d his brother ! in his heart, ^ warm while leir places as lir example." 10 church can ' deliberation se, iwider tbe i, ^' He knew ind thoughts . a«ked their Jrly." Dea- ion of mind ist, that " if him to take ire ; and go t." Deacon pirit towards rrowful than 3 more glad- of a Gospel to be filled y those who to take his liuroh, said, me time be- 8 the joj he LETTERS. 201 felt in seeing and hearing what he did that day ; and would act as he had done in the membership of the body, if they de- sired it." It was agreed, that the church-record should begin again where it had been dropped when the schism took place. There was now such a union, and Christian fellowship apparent through the whole body, that it might be said, the Lord was as a dew unto his spiritual Israel. Brother Sbaw, an influ- ential member of the church, now also seeing what gladdened his spirit, went to deacon Cook, with a heart broken with love, and fell upon his neck, sorrowing most of all that any coolness of affection should ever have arisen between them. And now I thought I saw something of tke fulfilment of that promise, — " And I will give her ... the valley of Achor for a door of hope ; and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt." Dear brother Joseph Dimock's advice had no little effect to- wards this blessed reconciliation. May all the scattered flocks of Christ experience like new covenant blessings ! Ever, ever yours in Christ, Harris Harding. XXXIII. TO REV. A. n. THOMSO'. Yarmouth, Aug. 7, 1846. * * I had the pleasure of meeting forty-seven ministers at the Association,* and took an affectionate last farewell of dear brother Joseph Dimock ; who was taken ill on Tuesday ni^t, and died the Monday foUowimg ; and has no doubt joined the associated " church of the first-born above." * * * « * Held at Bridgetown in tliis year, as noticed at large on pre- ceding pages. Mr. Dimock's letter to Mr. Harding, as given on pp. 257-8, was thus written only a few weeks before his decease. He speaks in that of a visit to Yarmouth wliich he greatly desiretl to pay. That visit was paid ; and some of its valuable results are exhibited in Mr. Harding's letter to the Christian Meaaenger, as ■ ^iven immediately above. J. D. 1 \\ !li!f^ 2G2 LETTERS. Ill I ' i |i ' ■■' ! !■ 1 ■ i 1 : , '^i! '. 1 ( : 1 1 i \ Li La., XXXIV. EEV. E. MANNING TO MR. HAEDINff Cornwallis, 3Iay 10, 1847". Very venerable, and dear brother Harding, I have thought for some days past, that while able I would endeavour to scribble a few lines to you, to let you know that I had not forgotten my old fellow-pi^neer, after whom I began to traverse the wilds of Nova Scotia ; the scenes of which, in the review, cause many seasons of sacred pleasure. But that is not all the review aflFords me. My inadequacy to my task ; ihe latent corruptions of a aapraved nature ; my slips and falls ,' the sad proofs of the remaming alienation of my wretched heart' &c. &c., cause me many blushing seasons, and inward achings.' Well, through grace "I am. what I am." , " to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constraiu'd to be ! " Yes, with Paul I can say, •« Having obtained help of God, I continue unto this day; witnessing both to small and great), sayi g none other thing3 than those which the prophets and Moses did say," &c. I am now, as you may remember I have told you, nearly eighty-one years of age. I have been trying to preach Christ, and him crucified,— oh ! how imperfectly !— upwards of fifty-seven years. What a dull scholar ! I am a mere dwarf. may God forgive my sloth, and every other evil ! My physical strength hath left me. I am very feeble, lame, and in much pain. My head, the seat of nerves, is very dizzy. I am afraid to attempt to preach. Brother A.JS. Hunt comes over, and preaches to us with^nuich'acceptance. I love him, and our people love him very much. We hope he will continue to be my assistant while I live, and become my suc- cessor when I am silent in death. Our prospects of union and usefulness are quite flattering. My dear companion is in a very feeble state, with but little probability of her regaining; 4.EDINGF ay 10, 1847. ile able I would you know that whom I began es of which, in lure. But that cy to my task ; slips and falls ; stretched heart, nward achings. lielp of God^ I all and greafc, J prophets and nember I have .ve been trying imperfectly ! — Lolar ! I am a id every other m very feeble, nerves, is very ler A.JS. Hunt tance. I love i hope he will 5come my suc- s of union and )anion is in * her regaining; LETTERS. 2G3 lier former health of body, and vigour of mind. We look at each other— pity, and love— but cannot help. This is painful But it is of the Lord. " Thy will be done ! " I am so feeble tlMit I have altogether abandoned the idea of attending the Association with you ia June, uh ! how I should like, were I able, to look over, and see your kind, hospitable habitation, and meet, and greet sister Harding. Please give her my Christian regards, and to the remainder of your dear children, and to brother and sister Burton, and to all the dear friends! ... I read the account of your dear son's death, in the Chris-, tian Ilessenrjer^ with mingled emotions. Well, I trust that you do not « mourn as those that have no hope," May the Lord bless the dear widow, and the dear little fatherless chil- dren. May they find God to be a Father to the fatherless, and the widow a Husband that cannot die, or change. I trust that you and sister Harding enjoy as much health of body as people so far advanced in life usually do, and a great share of the comforts of the Holy Ghost. That, above all health, is the best. That is health, wealth, happiness, and honour. That will endure and increase to endless ages— yea, to eternity. In the year 1846 I received a friendly letter from your dear, worthy co-pastor, Rev. W. Burton ; who requested me to write a series of letters, to be inserted in the Christian lies- ^enger, addressed to professors, and members of churches, pointing out the duties they owe, tlic one to the other, and also their duties to thoir ministers. The subject appeared to be one of absorbing interest, because I knew it was much needed ; and if dealt with in the spirit of Jesus would do much good. I will not say might; I know it would. But I felt my health declining; my nervous system giving way: my memory failing ; my understanding beclouded ; my hand trembling ; and I realize that when heart and flesh fail, the intellect withers. i\ I Ml 20 i LETTEUR. it! if ¥\ in. t:i I So I declined making tlio attempt. Thus I wrote to our dear brother Burton, and reconimended the taak to himself. But last June he told me, that he had never received my letter. I concluded, perhaps unjustly, that some letter plunderer, who knew my hand-writing, had detained my epistle. If any have, may the Lord give them repentance and forgiveness ! I have often thought of that service, but have never yet felt adequate to the task. I hope brother Burton will undertake it ; and I trust God will help him. The scheme originated with him, nnd perhaps he is the very man to execute it. May the Lord •direct him, and give him prosperity! Please to state the bu- siness to him, as I have now stated it to you. He is in the prime of life; and tbough not versant in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, he is acquainted with the popular language of Nova Stjotiai New Brunswick, &;c., and the plain language of the Holy Bible on these alMmportaut points — the language that .'^uch a service would require. By the above remark I do not by any means intend to disparage human learning ; but that the Jiervice we are contemplating does no*, immediately recjuire a large measure of these valuable accomplishments. My hand trembles so nmch that I am fearful this scrawl will not be intelligible to you. I never expect to write you another letter. The day is ftir spent with me ; the night is at hand. Oh ! may I " cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light," &c. One more letter from dear old brother H. Harding would be very gratifying and cheering to his old, unworthy brother in the Gospel, Edward Manning. I have received a very interesting, evangelical, apostofical letter from sister Mary Peck, of Johnstown, State of Ohio. I wish you could see it. It would do your heart good. It did mine, and many others. She is doing wclL She is » traveller ;'ndeed. E. M. )te to our dear himself. But ved my letter. )lunderer, who If any have, ness ! I have t felt adequate ake it ; and I ited with him. May the Lord ) state the bii- He is in the in, Greek, or ;uage of Nova nguage of the language that mark I do not ling ; but that liately recjuire ;nts. ul this scrawl t to Write you the night is at :ness, and put from dear old id cheering to [anning. il, apostoiSical ;e of Ohio. I good. It did i^ She is » LKTTKtJS. 265 XXXV. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME, Cornwallis, April 17, 1818. My venerable, and dear, dear brother Harding, — Your very welcome letter of the 22nd March came to hand last Friday; which surprised me, and delighted me. It surprised me on various accounts. Namely, that you can travel and preaich constantly; and that you can write so w- 11, and in a way so full of" the matter of the eternal majesty of the Gospel of the blessed' G od ; and that you would remember poor, old, tremulous Edward Manning. But there is a sacred cause. You have drank, long, long ago, at a 1 i;. tain that never, never runs dry ; and it is in you a well of living water, that never can be exhausted', which springs up unto eternal life ; and the old, sacred. New Light union binds us together— a union which neither death, nor hell, nor old age, nor time, nnr space, can ever disannul. And to be remembered by sister Harding is a cordial. I trust that you both remember me and mine at a throne of grace, which I know ye often visit. 1 am now about eighty-twoyears of age ; five years younger than yourself. But you are vastly ahead of me in physical and mental power. I have a hard cough, of »\x years' continuance, and greatly upon the increase : with a universal debility, which, when it seizes my head, is very alarming. I am rendered in- capable of travelling, or preaching, but very seldom. But brother Hunt is every thing that is agreeable. He is pros- perous in the good work of the Lord. We all approve of him ; and we rejoice in believing, that the Great Head of the church approves of him too. More than seventy have been baptized by him since the revival commenced, in December last. Some have been baptized at Pereaux. I have not been able to at- tend there. But I gave all the rest the right hand of fellow- ship. A solemn season indeed! More than a hundred have I 1! li i |1f * ' ! i' -t I, If h ! I ii f n 206 LETTERS. been baptized in Ilorton, besides those that the Wesleyan Methodists have immersed ; and we hear that the reformation is extending to Gaapereaux, in the Second Church, where bro- ther D. Harris is labouring at present. We hear of many re- vivals in diiferent places; namely, Sydney, (Cape Breton,) Manchester, River John, Pugwash, Tatamagouche. Then there are the churches in and about Halifax ; and the blessed intelligence you communicate from Yarmouth, as to your First and Second Churches, and Tuskct, and Tusket Lake ; and tha brethren Burton, Lent, and INlarshall are all actively engaged in the glorious cause ; and that the Lord is blessing all their labours. May they be in health, live long, be abundantly useful, and all meet in glory at last ! Amen, and Amen ! My poor Mrs. Manning is very feeble. ^Le is nervous, afflicted with a violent palpitation of the heart, sick head-ache, &c.; and has "not been to a neighbour's house, nor to the house of God for two years. We are a feeble old couple indeed. May the Lord sustain us, now we are old and gray -headed. Our son-in-law hath gone to Scotland for his health. We ex- pect him home soon. May he come in safety ! Our daughter, and her little girls are as well as usual. She hath made a public profession of religion in the revival, and has been bap- tized by brother Hunt. May she, and all the rest prove faithful. I am so feeble, that the calamities that are abroad bring many times a great gloom apon my mind. I fear dragonism, in some form or other, will deluge Europe, the British Tsles, and various parts of the world besides, with torrents of human blood. I am anticipating most disastrous times indeed. But I say, " Be still, and know that I am God ! " But what state are nominal Protestants in, to contend with Popery, infidelity, and, as the Rev. George Whitcfield used to call the rabble, the '" tag-rag, and bobtail?" for most of the population in any LETTERS. 267 Protestant country can be bought or sold. But as it respects politics, I wish to have little to do with them ; though I ought to know something of " the signs of the times," that I may have some little idea how to order my speech aright in prayer to iny God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The government .s on his almighty shoulder ; and there I leave myself, my family, the ehurch, the state of our nation,-it is critical,-and the state of /ion, and the world generally. may God prepare Zion for the worst ! Awful times are coming. May God prepare us all ! Kind regards to sister Harding, and all with you in the do- mestic circle. Best regards to brother Burton, and his dear wife and family; brother Lent, brother Marshall and others; to all the four churches, the deacons, the old fathers and mo- thers, and all the young converts. And oh ! my dear brother give my Christian, unfeigned love publicly to poor sinners out ot Christ; and urge them not to rest till they are housed in the ark of safety. I must close. I am, I trust. Unalterably yours in Christ Jesus, Edwd. Manning. N. B. Oh ! if I were able, I think I would visit Yar- mouth. But not my will, but thine, God ! I hope, with patience and perseverance, you may make out to read the above scrawl. send another honey-comb before you eo home, if I am living. E. M. XXXVI. TO THE EDITORS OF THE " C. MESSENGER." Messrs. Editors,— Yarmouth, May 17, 1849. ^ The Lord in his righteous judgment hath been pleased to visit us with the small-pox during the last winter. I think ninety cases have been the subjects of that dangerous disease ill our Township. Yet mercy, infinite mercy, hath marked our path, our sinful path through time. Only four adults, and one infant child have fallen victims to the disorder ; and those (24) 1/ i L>(;8 LKTTKKS. :ii :f i !■ I who Iiiul nrrivod to riper years gavo satisfactory evidofico that they (lied in the faith of the Gospel. But oh ! my dear bre- thren, although God's judgments are so remarkably abroad in the earth, yet how slow we are to learn righteousness ! It is a low, wintry season with us in tie First Church ; al- though wo are blessed with harmony and union in the body, and dear brother Burton preaches with acceptance to many. In our Second Church, over which my dear brother Heed is my co-pastor now, there are favourable symptoms of a blessed union. We had a blessed Conference-meeting last Saturday ; and on the last Sabbath one came forward, and was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (who had received him in child- hood,) by brother Heed. Indeed we have good reason to believe that many, very many among us, when in childhood and youth, have obtained a Scriptural hope in Christ Jesus, through grace, who have never made a public profession be- fore the world ; and are as those who have been " lying among the pots, whose wings sliall be covered with silver, and their feathers with yellow gold." Oh ! how beautiful doth Christ's bride appear, when she is seen coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved ! The church at Beaver River has agreed to form into two distinct bodies ; which have called brother Henry Saunders to be their pastor. His labours have been particularly blessed in a new settlement ca ^ed Hichmond, where about twenty families reside. Some few of these had joined our churches before. But a goodly number, who had found a Gospel peace and pardon when young, but through fear of death were snbject to bondage, have now felt their hopes strength- ened in the Lora through dear brother Saunders's adminis- tration, both in this vicinity, and at the Great Lake. These luive now come forward, and have been baptized by brother LKT'll.RS. 2f){) Saunders, and are walking in His commandments and ordi- nances blanieles-. Several more are expected to come for- ward, and unite with the church. Thus God is encouraging the hearts, and .strengthening the hands of his dear people in that newly organized church at Richmond, and the Great Lake. Urother Reed preaches, and is very acceptable to the people. I forgot to say, when speaking of the I'irst Church and con- gregation, that two instances of saving grace in a dying hour li.ive been lately manifested among us. For one of these T refer to the triumjjhant death of Mrs. Sarah Moody. 8he had a lingering sickness of nine weeks ; and in that honest hour, when she apprehendej approaching dissolution, her mind awoke to great searchings of heart, and close examination of soul. Hhe said to me with much emotion,— fur I often visited her,—" uncle ! what a great sinner I am ! " But she soon felt the consolations of the Gospel ; particularly in that word, " Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up to- gether with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever bo with the Lord." When one interro- gated her, urging upon her the necessity of being sprinkled, she referred in reply to that text. Matt iii. 16. "I have no thought," said she, " that I shall recover. But should it be the case that I should live, I will follow Christ's example, and be immersed." She died, enjoying the use of her reason to the last, in hope of a glorious immortality. The other instance is that of a young man in his fifteenth year. Having taken the small-pox in a natural way, he said, " I shall die with it, and I am not prepared." He began crying for mercy ; and soon found peace, and rejoiced in the hope of being for ever with the Lord. A little girl also, who has been removed by ♦'onsumption, at the age of twelve years, died remarkably happy in the enjoyment of Christ's love. It is said, " There 'H J- t ■ ' 1 i 270 LETTEJtS. i>s joy ill tho presence of the angels of God over one siuuer that ropenteth." I am enabled, although somewhat advanced in my eighty- tif^h year, to preach every Sabbath, and once or twice a week, c:^n. visit my dear people from house to house contihually.' Please let the infirmities of age excuse the imperfections of my wretched scrawl. Ever, ever yours in Gospel affection, IIarius Harding. XXXVII. MRS. PECK, OF OHIO, U. S., TO MR. HARDING. Johnstown, Licking County, Ohio, April 30, 1853. My dear brother, — It is a long time since I received a letter from you. I fear I shall.not have the pleasure I have enjoyed in times past of receiving communications of tliat kind from you. Your age, I expect, will prevent it, and render a sufficient apolo^'y for the omission. I plead the same apology, in attempting "to dictate a few lines to you. I feel the inlirmities of old ''ago increasing every year; and almost every thing around admt- nishes me, that this leprous house must soon be taken down. Our family connections are dropping off. Three of our dear sisters, and brother Israel are gone. We have been called to^ part with some of our dear children, while our lives are still spared. . The bearer of this will inform you of such things as you may be pleased to inquire of concerning us, and this country. Also as to the cause of religion ; which is low in this church, and ni all the churches around us. They have a form of godliness, with little power. They seem to forget the old paths, wherein tlio fathers walked. Many, I fear, are travelling iu by-ways- There is too little distinction between professors of reli-ion one smner iiy eighty- 36 a week, mtihually. 'ections of RDING. IDIXG. , 1853. you. I imes past Li. Your t apology uptiiig to old ago d adino- 311 down, our dear en called ives are you may {. Also 'cli, and Ddliuess, wherein )y-ways. religion I LETTERS. 271 and the world around them. This, we know, ought not to be. God's word is, " Come out from among them, and be ye se- parate ; ... and I will receive you, ... and ye shall be my sons and daughters." The church of God will not, cannot prosper, with so much conformity to this world. I know not what means God may employ to wake up his people. I am afraid of his righteous judgments. May " the priests, the ministers of the Lord," and all the children of God, weep, and say, " 8pare thy people, Lord ! and give not thy heritage to reproach." Brother Durkoe, and Samuel De^Yolf's wife are about leaving us on a visit to Yarmouth, to see their native land once more. l"ou will see them, I trust, and they will tell you more than I can inform you of on paper. Mr. Dickie, from Liverpool, moved to this place last autumn. A kind Provi- dence, I trust, directed him hither. May he prove a blessing to this church ! * * * # May the Lord bless you, and all your dear family, is ray earnest prayer, my dear brother. 1 never expect we shall t^^ieet again on earth. I am seventy-eight years old next De- cember. " Few and evil," indeed, I may truly add. But I hope, through the merits of the Saviour, that I, although most unworthy, and " the least in^my father's house," may be per- mitted to meet you again, on the other side of Jordan, in that good land where God the ^Saviour reigns. Farewell, my brother, sister! Dear friends and connections, adieu ! I still remain, ever yours, 3Iaky Peck. r I ^M s . i I I I! I \ 1 » And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech, or of wlsdom,-declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I detennined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him cruciflcd. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much treml>ling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power ; that your faith should not stand iu the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. llowbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect : yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory : which none of the princes of this world knew ; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written. Eye hath not seen, nor car heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ' For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the Spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man rcceiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolishness unto him : neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things ; yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of thv. Lord, that he may instruct him ? But we have the mind of Christ. Paul.