LIBRARY

Pp. K. BOYD.

 

 

 

 
CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
 
BIOGRAPHY

oF

REV. EZRA KELLER, D.D.,

FOUNDER AND FIRST PRESIDENT OF

WITTENBERG COLLEGE.

BY

REV. M. DIEHL, A.M.,

PROFESSOR OF ANCIENT LANGUAGES IN WITTENBERG COLLEGE.

WITH AN INTRODUCTION

BY
REV. 8S. SPRECHER, D.D.,

PRESIDENT OF WITTENBERG COLLEGE,

SPRINGFIELD, O.:
‘RURALIST PUBLISHING COMPANY,

1859.
 

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year of our Lord, 1859, by
M. DIEHL and P. A. SCHINDLER,

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Southern District of Ohio.

 

NN
E. MORGAN & SONS,
BTEREOTYPERS, PRINTERS AND BINDERS,
No. 111 Majin-street, Cin., O.

OOP LLL LLLP LL LD LDL LLL LPP,
PREFACE.

——__—_

Ever since Dr. Ketumr’s death, the inquiry, ‘ Will not
his Biography be published ?” has been uttered again and
again. This inquiry has uniformly been answered in the
affirmative.

The part performed by the writer, in furnishing this
book to the reader, was not undertaken in accordance with
his own wishes. In common with many others, he felt
that the “Life” of this good man would be of immense
value to the Church, but the hope was cherished that
some other hand would prepare it for publication.

As so many years had elapsed since his decease, and
the work was still unperformed, moved by the solicitations
of his friends, I complied with their wishes. No unau-
thorized liberties have been taken with the journal. Writ-
ten amid the toils of a busy life, a revision was necessarily
required. ‘The clearing of the meaning of some sen-
tences, by an occasional transposition in the order of its
members” — the substitution of more appropriate words
for those which had been used ‘‘in the process of rapid
composition, and which had imperfectly expressed the au-
thor’s thought ”— the softening here and there of a term,

which, although proper in a private journal, nevertheless
(iii)
iv PREFACE.

by the public might be regarded as too strong, and the
omission of what was not needed to bring out the life of
the individual ; these are the freedoms which in the exe-
cution of his task he has felt at liberty to indulge. Care
has however been taken, in every instance, strictly to pre-
serve the author’s ideas and set forth his views.

Of the Biography of a man so holy, the Church should
not be deprived. To say that he was one of the dest men
with whom it has been our privilege to be associated, is
certainly no exaggeration. If God should not make the

Life of so eminent a Christian a blessing to immortal souls,
it would seem strange indeed. If this be its mission (for

which we pray), we shall be richly rewarded for our
labor. M. D.
CONTENTS.

———_p———

CHAPTER I.

HIS EARLY LIFE.

Reasons for making a record of his life—His parentage—Place of his
nativity—Birth—Father’s family—Attends a German school—First
religious impressions—His grandfather—His father’s hireling—Pow-
erful convictions—Conversion—Love for perishing sinners—Impressed
with a sense of duty to preach the gospel—Advised to postpone the
matter—Convictions incresse—Numerous difficulties—Incurs his fa-
ther’s displeasure—His unyielding determination, - - - - - 27

CHAPTER II.

HIS EDUCATION.

Commences his studies with Rev. A. Reck—Attends catechetical instruc-
tion—Unites with the Churgh—Goes to Pennsylvania College—Death
of two kind friends—Teaches some classes—Sophomore year, preaches
his first sermon—Graduates—Remarks to students,- - - - - 38

CHAPTER III.

é
THEOLOGICAL OOURSE AND MISSIONARY
LABORS.

Commences the study of theology — Resolutions — Willingness to labor
among the heathen—Appointed a home missionary—Departure from
the seminary—Matrimonial engagement—Sets out on his tour from
his native valley—Difficulties and dangers—Returns with enfeebled

halt. @ (ace ee ee eee alee
(v)
vi CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

MISSIONARY LABORS, ETC.

His marriage—Receives and accepts a call from the Taneytown charge—
Attends the meeting of the Synod of Pennsylvania—Presents a report
of his labors—Extract of the report. - - - - - - * - - 65

CHAPTER V.

HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN.

Enters his first charge with a deep sense of his responsibilities—Chronic
affection—Obliged to cease preaching—Birth of his first-born—Death
of same—Death of his sister—Wife’s illness—Distressed by the wick-
edness of the ungodly—Conference at Woodsboro’—Preciousness of
the doctrine of atonement—Death of a missionary—Edified by read-
ing the life of Dr. Spener. - - - - - - - - - = + - 83

CHAPTER VI.

HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN.

Enjoys sweet communion with God—Reads the Life of Henry Martyn
—Of David Brainerd — Flavel on Keeping the Heart — Death of his
father-in-law— Resolutions —Thoughts about his own death — Death
in the community — Escape from danger — Delightful communion
season — Social presence of the Holy Spirit—Call to Hagerstown—
Valedictory Sermons. - - - - = 5° + = - 100

CHAPTER VII.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Introductory sermon—Installation—Death of an infant daughter—Visits
the sick at the almshouse—Passes the graveyard at a late hour of the
CONTENTS, vil

night—Recognition of friends in heaven—Meoting of Synod—Visit
to Taneytown—Political excitement—Revival of religion—Fathev’s
illness—Brother’s sicknessand deathh - - - - - - - - 120

CHAPTER VIII.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Participates in temperance movement—Happiness in doing good—Loss
of a Sabbath—A precious revival—Death of Gen. Harrison—General
Synod—Visit to the grave of his infant—Communion season—In-
stallation of Rev. J. Winecoff—Father’s happy death—Preached at
the laying of a corner-stone—Visits Gettysburg and Taneytown. - 140

CHAPTER IX.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Dying words of Halyburton— Meeting of Synod — Resolution — Assists
Rev. 8. W. Harkey during a precious revival in Frederick—Domestic
affliction, and blessed results—Happy Christmas—Triumphant death—
Resolutions of the new year—Snicide—Extensive revival of religion in
Hagerstown—Much wisdom required during such seasons—Death of
Rev. R. Wynecoof—Accessions to the Church, - - - - - - 154

CHAPTER X.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Death of an inebriate—Temperance convention—Secret societies—Visit to
Chambersburg—Bedford Springs—Meeting of Directors of Seminary
at Gettysburg—Visiting the sick—Death of a pious young man—Self-
denial of St. Paul—Revival at Funkstown—Union in the Church es-
sential to the promotion of revivals—Precious revival in Pennsyl-
vania College—Thirty-first birtheday, - - - - - - - - 166
viii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XI.

HI8 MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Death of three ministers—A filiction and death of a young lady—Effect of
sacred music—Invited to accept a theological professorship in a new
institution in Ohio—A blessed death—Sweet communion with God in
private prayer—Unusually happy state of mind—Birth of his fourth
child—Sickness of a deluded Roman Catholic. - - - - - + 181

CHAPTER XII.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Opportunity of praying with a sick man neglected—Conference meeting
of his congregation—Fire at midnight—An effort to deceive him—An
humble Christian underrating herself—New Year reminds of the past—
Unable to preach, but Sabbath not lost—Death of a Methodist minis-
ter—Visit to Ohio—Difficulty in deciding the question—Happy spir-
itual state—Accepts the professorship—Motives by which he is in-
fluenced—Great sacrifice for the glory of God.- - - - - - 196

CHAPTER XIII.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Death of his little daughter—Sick man in despair—Illustration of faith—
Addresses the Alumui of the seminary at Gettysburg—Remarks at
the grave of his first-born—Solicits subscriptions for beneficiary edu-
cation—Visits the dentist—Closes his ministry at Hagerstown. - 214

CHAPTER XIV.
PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY.

Departure from Hagerstown—Sabbath at Pittsbarg—German churches—
Old and new measures—Death of Rev. W. A. Wadsworth—Com-
CONTENTS, ix

mences his labors as professor—Contrast—Lehman’s Church—Self-cx-
amination—Social worship—Extravagancies of protracted meetings. 230

CHAPTER XV.

INSTITUTION AT WOOSTER.

Removal of institution spoken of—Prof. Keller travels over the field—
Columbus—Day ton — Cincinnati—Xenia—Springfield —Germantown
—Meeting of joint Synod—Solicits funds for institution—First sub-
seription—First books for library—Erroneous views on the subject of
liberality — Meeting of Synod and Board of Directors — Resolution
for the removal of institution passed.- - - - - - - - ~ 242

CHAPTER XVI.

SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETC.

Exercises of the school suspended—Dr. Keller appointed to seek a perma-
nent location for the institution—Preached the funeral sermon of Rev.
J. Clapp—Filled an appointment made by him—Visits Synod of the
West, at Fort Wayne—Participates in the organization of the Miami
Synod—Goes to Maryland, closes his business—Returns to Ohio, 254

CHAPTER XVII.

MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETC.

Moves his family to Springfield—Takes charge of several congregations—
Necessity of constant watchfulness—Remarks suggested by the twink-
ling stars—Organized a congregation—Closing year~Edified by read-
ing the lives of Luther and Melancthon—How error is refuted—
Institution located at Springfield—Numerous cares and labors—A so-
called Old Lutheran—Survey of college ground—Lovely spot—Sweet
communion with God. - - - - - - - = - - = = = 268
x CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVIII.

HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD.

Attends meeting of General Synod—Sabbath at Hagerstown—Delayed by
sickness at Chambersburg—Preaching in a barn during a thunder-
storm—Our national blessings—Marks out the site for the college
building—Preaches a funeral sermon of Gen. Jackson—Annual report
to the Board of Directors—Uniformity in public worship—Death of
Rev. J. B. Reck—Received the titleD.D. - - - - - - - 286

CHAPTER XIX.

SCHOOL OPENS AT SPRINGFIELD.

Small beginning—Happy close of a toilsome week—Sabbath at Cincin-
nati—Close of first session—Both his teachers leave—Receives a letter
from Rev. L. Knight—Unexpected aid in time of need—Aids Rev. A.
Reck at a protracted meeting in Germantown. - - - - - - 301

CHAPTER XX.

PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AND PRESIDENT
OF COLLEGE.

Second Session—Increase of students—Greatly encouraged—Called an
“Old-Measure man ’”’—Sickness—Accepts Presidency—First vote—
Excessive labors—Conference meeting—Revival at Croft’s Church—
Weak, but strong—Perplexity relieved—Scene on the grounds of the

college. - - + Ss see s 319

CHAPTER XXI.
PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AND PRESIDENT
OF COLLEGE.

First sermon in college building—Grace of God—Visits Jewish Syna-
gogue—Death of the first student—Praying for a revival—Indications
CONTENTS. xi

of the Spirit’s presence—New year—Interesting conversion—First
revival in Wittenberg—Revival in charge of one ot his pupils. - 325

CHAPTER XXII.

PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AND PRESIDENT
OF COLLEGE,

Happy in meditating on the glory of Christ—Mother’s illness—Visits
her—Her confidence in Christ—Farewell—Impression that this was
his last visit to the home of his childhood—Change of views in some
of his Ministerial brethren—Emotions excited by a visit to his former
fields of labor—Facts impressed upon his mind—The last record of his
journal—Last words recorded—Preaches with increased solemnity—
Last sermons. - - - - = 2 - = = = = + - - + - 337

CHAPTER XXIII.

SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC.

Iiness—Fervent prayers—Hope of his recovery—Reply to physician—
Gradually declines—Asleep in Jesus—Farewell to his family—Ex-
pires—Tolling bells—Resolutions of students—Funeral—Lines writ-
ten on the occasion—Died in the midst of a revival. - - - - 346

CHAPTER XXIV.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.

His intellect—As a theologian—As a preacher—In his family—His en-
ergy—Family record. - - - - 2 = > = e - + 856

A tribute of affection to the memory of Rev. Ezra Keller, D.D., a foneral
sermon by Rev. F. W. Conrad, preached at Hagerstown, Md. - 365
INTRODUCTION.

Tae history of a true Christian lifeshould be a sub-
ject of deep interest to every rational mind. Indeed,
there is no greater evidence of the natural alienation
of the heart from God, than the fact that, while men
are deeply interested in the study of the inner and
outer world of nature, and will prosecute with the
greatest enthusiasm the examination of any fact illus-
trating a law of matter or of mind, their philosophical
curiosity is so seldom excited by those religious phe-
nomena which tend to prove that, over and above all
that God is doing in nature and providence, he is car-
rying on in our world a work of grace, producing and
fostering a life in the souls of his people transcen-
dently more important than that of the natural minds
and bodies of men; a work “into which angels de-
sire to look,’ which attracts all the sympathies of
Heaven, in its commencement and progress; a work
which is performed ‘‘to the intent that unto principali-
ties and powers in heavenly places might be known
the manifold wisdom of God.” The Christian, con-

sequently, while he appreciates that love of truth with
(xiii)
xiv INTRODUCTION.

which men explore the heavens and the earth in the
pursuits of science, will never forget that the greatest
of God’s works is the conversion and sanctification of
human souls; that the greatest displays of moral wis-
dom, goodness and power are made in the operations
of divine grace. While he pursues with interest the
history of the mental and moral development of the
great men of the world, he will not fail, with the
angels of God, to rejoice more “ over a single sinner
that repents,” to follow with more intense interest the
progress of a work of grace in the humblest child of
God, and to find in the changes and events, the con-
flicts and victories, the sorrows and joys, the fears and
hopes, there transpiring, matter of more importance
and instruction, than in the rise and fall of despotic
kings and princes, or of wicked empires and nations,

With persons of this character, this book will mect
a hearty welcome. Those who are enjoying the bene-
fits of Wittenberg College will be deeply impressed
with the evidence of the faith and prayer with which
its grounds were consecrated and its foundations laid,
found in such records as these: ‘‘ Yesterday I aided
in the survey of the college grounds. I walked so
much that my weariness amounts to suffering. This
is a lovely spot for the location of a literary institution.
It requires some faith to believe, that in after years it
‘will be an academic grove to which hundreds will re-
INTRODUCTION. xV

sort to drink at the pure fountains of knowledge, and
then go forth into the world to do good, to bless man-
kind. And yet I have faith to believe that this will
all be realized. If my eyes shall not be permitted to
behold these blessed results, yet when they shall be
closed in death, others will see them, and rejoice, and
bless the Lord for what he has done in rearing such
an instrumentality of blessings.” Those who are
permitted to live amid the monuments of. Dr. Keller’s
labors, and to think of the thousand students who
have been partly educated in this institution ;. of the
fifty-eight ministers who have gone forth from its
theological department, and of the forty-two graduates
who have passed from its walls; of the hundreds now
enjoying its intellectual and moral benefits, and of the
churches and other blessed instrumentalities which
have arisen under its influence—must naturally desire
to know the history of that power which originated
and directed all this, and the development of that
spirit which has infused itself into so many minds,
and left its impress upon such vast and varied interests,

Those who elsewhere came into personal contact
with him, and felt the force of his presence in his
words and acts, will-be pleased to have the oppor-
tunity of discovering the secret of that character which
so effectually commanded their respect and reverence,
and of examining the sources of that moral power
xvi INTRODUCTION.

which produced such great and salutary effects upon
their hearts.

To those who had not the privilege of the acquaint-
ance and ministry of this great and good man, I would
say, you have here the biography of no ordinary Chris-
tian. I have never yet met the man for whom I had
so profound a reverence, and whose memory I cherish
with so sacred a respect. I never met a man of such
moral power. Every one felt this to be his distinguish-
ing characteristic. His was a practical character in
the best and highest sense of the word; practical not
merely in the sense of great skill in the exhibition of
practical truth, or of fine natural abilities for the con-
duct of affairs, sanctified by grace and devoted to the
interests of the Church; but a practical character re-
sulting especially from great development of con-
science, profound loyalty to God and duty, high attain-
ments and unwearied exercises in moral goodness.
From a natural constitution and temperament which,
if unsanctified by grace and unconstrained by divine
love, would have resulted in the most intense selfish
ness, he became one of the most open, noble and gen-
erous spirits I ever knew. With natural affections
and passions almost ungovernably strong, he became
one of the most perfect: examples of self-control, giy-
ing free play to the impulses of his warm and ener-
getic nature in the cause of truth and righteousness ;
INTRODUCTION. xvii

while he habitually watched over all the tendencies to
selfishness with the most uncompromising decision.

T had not as frequent intercourse with him as some
of his other friends enjoyed, having been connected,
after our separation as students, with a different Sy-
nod, and located in a different State. But I had op-
portunity, perhaps, from this circumstance, specially
to notice and to become peculiarly impressed with the
remarkable growth in the excellent qualities of his
spiritual character. Thus I observed marked evi-
dences: of his great simplicity and sincerity. In his
straitened circumstances while a student at college,
there was a severity almost amounting to moroseness,
in his disposition ; an effect not as salutary as poverty
often produces on more advanced Christians ; but one
most natural upon a strong spirit chafing with, and
resisting the fetters that clog and confine its activities.
Years after, when he had come into the possession of
his patrimony, I found him as remarkable for“an open
and joyous temper, as he had been for severé and
morose feelings; the spirit freed from humiliating
limitations, was not swollen with pride, or contracted
by selfishness ; not engaged in indemnifying itself for
past privations, by more intense self-indulgence, as is
usually the case with worldly men in a similar change
of circumstances ; but like the true subject of special
grace, humble in proportion to the increase of pros-
xviii INTRODUCTION.

perity, kind and tender according to the augmentation
of its power, generously going out to meet its fellows
in their wants, and seeking opportunities to relieve
suffering and promote the happiness of others, as its
means of doing good increased.

At college, in the excitement of feelings of rivalry
and ambition, but too common among students, he was
led to treat a fellow-student with injustice. ‘To err
thus was human;” but to make reparation as he did
“was divine.” He not only apologized immediately
on his discovery of the error, and did all he could to
repair the injury he had done; but years after, when
the other party had entirely forgotten it, as one of the
transient acts of student life, so tender was his con-
science, that he continued to cherish his regret for the
act, and to repeat the confession of the wrong; and I
was amazed to hear, on becoming his successor here,
that he was in the habit of alluding to that matter in
conversation with students, stating it with all the cir-
cumstances most unfavorable to himself, and using it
as an illustration of the blinding influence of passion.
Such was the childlike simplicity and Christian hu-
mility of this great man, at the very period when he
was the object of a more reverential regard, and was
wielding a moral influence far greater than any of his
fellow-students ever expect to possess !

With his character for decision and determination
INTRODUCTION. xix

all who knew him were deeply impressed. I will only
mention one instance from personal recollection. A
neighboring congregation was in a state of great dis-
sension, almost on the verge of ruin, when he was
invited to come to their aid. In order to carry out
the provisions of the constitution and effect the legal
election of a pastor, he believed that, at the risk of
being greatly misapprehended, and of making him-
self many enemies, while he could not possibly derive
any personal benefit from the result, it was his duty to
occupy the chair at the congregational meeting. Most
men would have shrunk from such a position; but he
was not only willing to occupy, butactually sought that
post of difficulty—was appointed to preside over the
meeting, succeeded in effecting the constitutional elec-
tion of another brother as pastor, and then wrote to
him, stating the circumstances, expressing the utmost
confidence in the eventual union and harmony of the
Church, and almost commanding him, in the name of
the Great Shepherd, to accept the charge, and save a
congregation. The result, which fully justified his
expectation and prediction, was no doubt connected,
as an effect, very closely with the moral influence of
his presence and actions on that day.

With equal faithfulness and tenderness would he
watch over the reputation and usefulness of his min-
isterial brethren. As nothing could deter him from
xXx INTRODUCTION,

the effort to save a congregation when in a dan-
gerous condition, so nothing could prevent him from
acting when the character and interests of a clerical
brother were endangered. On one occasion, I remem-
ber, a report most injurious to the character of a
minister was put in circulation. His friends and
church members, fearing to involve themselves in
difficulties, hesitated and delayed to inform him of
it. At length it reached the ears of Dr. Keller,
and swiftly as the next mail proceeded was the in-
formation carried to that brother, and it came just
in time to make it practicable to have the matter
thoroughly investigated and exposed as a base and
vile slander.

But his great characteristic was beneficence. There
was formerly a student here who was remarkable for
his active benevolence. ‘‘ He went about doing good.”
Wherever there were difficulties between brethren in
the Church to be adjusted, requiring peculiar patience
and effort, wherever distress was to be relieved, sor-
row to be comforted, or money to be raised for benev-
olent purpose, there John Ruhl would generally be
found, a ready, prompt and indefatigable laborer.
Many are aware that he afforded a most striking ex-
emplification of the Christian spirit, of both the pass-
ive and active virtues of the Christian life, and that
he died while engaged in the effort, at his own ex-
INTRODUCTION. XXi

pense, to excite, by lectures at different points, a
deeper interest in foreign missions—a work to which
ne had devoted himself, I one day asked this dear
brother to tell me the history of the change which I
knew had transpired in his spiritual state, conducting
him from a condition of habitual gloom to almost
uninterrupted cheerfulness. ‘‘Ah,” said he, ‘I learned
the secret of true happiness from Dr. Keller. I was
@ most unhappy man; constitutionally melancholy, I
was before my conversion, often sorely tempted to
self-destruction, and so strong was this. natural ten-
dency, that even after that blessed change, I enjoyed
very little of that enduring peace and comfort which
the Gospel promises. While I was lamenting this
my sad experience to him, he said, ‘Brother Ruhl, I
was once in a similar condition, and I have recovered
from it just in proportion to my increased activity in
doing good; be as busy as you can be in doing good,
and you will be happy.’ I have tried it, and verified
his words.”

_Dr. Keller could, with the utmost propriety, give
such advice. JI shall never forget the impression
this made on my mind the last time we met. It
was at Chambersburg during his last visit to the
East. He spent a Sabbath with us, and preached on
‘doing good—on the duty and practicability of doing
good.” I need not say he spoke eloquently, and that
xxii INTRODUCTION.

he made us feel that he was speaking what he knew
from experience, and that he practiced what he
preached. He always did this. But in the discourse,
he gave some views and illustrations of the practica-
bility of doing good, which filled us with awe, and
almost made us fear that we had never fully believed
in the power of the Gospel.

His soul was then ripe for heaven. There was
a solemnity about him which deeply impressed us.
On the Monday following, I conducted him, in the
course of conversation, to the cemetery of the Presby-
terian Church, as one of the most beautiful spots in the
place, and was engaged in pointing out some of its
beauties, when he requested me to be seated with him
on one of the tombs, as he desired to speak to me on
a very important subject. He then expressed his fear
that a great reaction against the progress of evangeli-
cal truth and religion was approaching. He seemed
to be impressed with the feeling that many brethren
who had formerly been warmly in favor of the doctri-
nal views of our American Lutheran Church, and of
revivals of religion, were, in some measure, losing
their confidence and interest in them. He alluded to
the numerous evidences which we possessed, that the
revival of religion which our Churches connected with
the General Synod had enjoyed, for the last twenty-
five years, was a real work of God, and, after pointing
INTRODUCTION. Xxili

out the guilt and evil of neglecting so great a blessing,
he most solemnly asked me, in that sacred place, to
pledge myself to be faithful to evangelical truth and
religion ; said that he did it because he had reason to
believe that a very great trial to the souls of ministers
was approaching, and that nothing but the greatest
watchfulness of spirit, and the utmost decision of
character, would be proof against the delusions that
were coming upon the Church. The solemnity and
earnestness with which he spoke did not fail to make
a deep impression on my mind—an impression which
I trust will never leave it. And when I shortly after
heard of his death, I could not but feel that I had been
in communion with one who was walking, in every
sense of the term, on the very borders of heaven.

In view of a collection which we had promised to
take at the approaching New Year, on behalf of his
Church, it was arranged that he should write a de-
scription of his Church and its wants. Knowing his
punctuality, I wondered, when New Year came, that
I had to take the collection without having his letter
to read to the people. After his death, the following
letter was sent to me by his bereaved wife, stating that
he had finished it on the Saturday before his last sick-
ness, but that, in accordance with a rule of his life,
never to mail a letter at the close of a week, if, by
retaining it until Monday, he could transmit it without
XX1V INTRODUCTION.

the use of the Sabbath mail, it was laid aside, and was
discovered only after his death. As it is the very last
thing that dropped from his pen, is full of his spirit,
aud is an interesting description of the early state of
the congregation and college which he had founded, I
will insert it as it came from his hand:

SPRINGFIELD, Dec. 10, 1848.

Rev. 8. Sprucner, A. M.:—

Very dear Brother: I write to you now, not to remind you
of the promise of an effort for our Church, at the ensuing New
Year, for you will not forget it; but to give you a few facts, by
which it will appear to all that they are doing what is really
needful to the cause of Christ. Donations should flow from a
sense of duty, and not from the impulse of generosity.

1. Our Church is nearly as large as the Methodist of your
place, and built externally in the same shape, only that we have
but one row of high windows above the first story, in place of
two rows.

2. The first floor is divided into a vestibule, lecture room, and
school room in the rear.

3. The vestibule is in a rough, unplastered state. The lecture
room has one coat of plaster, and is seated, with a stand fora
pulpit. The school room is in the condition of the lecture room,
and is used for the grammar school of the college. The lecture
room I use as a recitation room of my classes; we also use it for
worship. We have no other place. There are wide folding doors
between it and the school room, which we throw open to accom-
date our hearers.

4, The second story is entirely unfinished. Its windows were
INTRODUCTION. xxV

boarded shut until last winter, when sash was put in. Thero
are also no stairs yet made to go up, and it has no floor laid; and
yet this part of the church we need badly.

5. Iregarded it as a bad stroke of policy to begin a small and
poorly-built church in a town of the size and growth of Spring-
field, and where our institution is located. It has 4,200 inhab-
itants, and an annual growth of 1,500 persons. We therefore be-
gan a good church, and have left it incomplete so far. We had-
only $200 to begin with. Four of us undertook it, on our per-
sonal responsibility—gave our obligation, etc. It was built three
years ago.

6. We have still a debt of $1,200, in a loan from the institu-
tion’s vested funds, the interest on which we must pay annu-
ally.

7. We now need this part of the church for our public ex-
ercises in the institution and the ordinary worship. of the Sab-
bath. We have about ninety members, apart from the members
of the institute, which are about fifty.

8. If we could have more help from abroad—say some $400—
we could undertake to complete it so far as to occupy it ina
rough, unpainted state. I hope your kind people, and those of
Hagerstown will furnish this, I have offered, out of my own
pocket, to build a pulpit, I have preached in a stand for three
years, and I am anxious once more to be so fortunate as to have
a pulpit from which to preach the gospel: just a wooden pulpit,
as that of Ezra of old. The members here are willing to do
their duty. The ladies work every week one half day to help
to pay the interest, :

I wish you would read the letter of the lamented Hoyt, in the
Observer for November or October.

2
XXvi INTRODUCTION.

We are all well except myself. Ihave been feeble for five
weeks; still able to attend to most of my duties, but with pain.

We have a good attendance in the institution—more than we
can well accommodate; and above all, and better than all, there
are blessed symptoms of Jehovah's presence with us. Three of
our students are under conviction. One of our candidates for the
ministry professed last week to have experienced the power of
godliness, for the first time, in his soul. He had been brought up
Synod. O what a future

 

in the strict orthodoxy of the
Church—ministry and laity—would we have without revivals!
The Lord save us from such a calamity !

Accept my kindest regards for your family and my acquain-
tances in Chambersburg, and my best wishes for your spiritual
prosperity and that of your dear people. I could not but speak
frequently of the delightful state of things in your Church. It
appeared to me as a green fresh spot in the midst of a vast
dreary region. All the glory be to God.

Yours truly, Ezra KEwLurr.

He died as he had lived, defending the doctrines of
evangelical religion, and rejoicing in any evidence of
the revival of it; and went to heaven in the midst of
a revival.

Prof. Diehl, who was most intimately associated
with him in his labors, is well qualified to write his
life, and by incorporating a large portion of his jour-
nal, has presented to the reader not only his personal
experience, but his views and opinions on many most
important subjects.

SAMUEL SPRECHER.
BIOGRAPHY.

 

CHAPTER I.

HIS EARLY LIFE. ¥

Reasons for making a record of his life—His parentage—Place of his
nativity—Birth—Father’s family—Attends a German school—First
religious impressions—His grandfather—His father’s hireling—Pow-
erful convictions—Conversion—Love for perishing sinners—Impressed
with a sense of duty to preach the gospel—Advised to postpone the
matter—Convictions increase—Numerous difficulties—Incurs his fa-
ther’s displeasure—His unyielding determination.

Dr. Ketter did not commence making a regular
record of the events of his life, until he had reached
the years of manhood, and entered. upon the responsible
work of the gospel ministry. The reasons for com-
mencing such a record, he has given us in the fol
lowing language:

“Tn the first place, I am desirous to record, with
feelings of gratitude, the kind dealings of my Heav
enly Father with me, one of his sinful and sinning
creatures; for I consider my life a series of vivid

exhibitions of Jehovah’s love and patience with men
(27)
28 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.
a

‘Secondly. Ihave lately been much benefited by the
perusal of the diaries of good men, such as Baxter,
Taylor, Brainerd, Harlan Page, and others; and I
thought, perhaps, when I shall have fallen asleep, these
notices of my experience and actions might be bene-
ficial tc some who may survive me. I may even leave
children and relatives behind me, who may have an
opportunity of perusing these pages. O that they
may prove a warning to the impenitent sinner, a word
of admonition to the lukewarm Christian, and a great
comfort to the distressed and disconsolate. I desire
to be useful while I live, and greatly promote the
glory of my Redeemer. But when I shall have
gone the way of all flesh, I wish that, for the praise
of God, it may be said of me as of Abel, ‘He being
dead, yet speaketh ’—speaketh of the precious salva-
tion of Christ, purchased for a world of perishing sin-
ners. Especially do I desire, after my demise, to be
useful to mine whom I may leave behind. And in
reference to all the good that may result from any-
thing that I have done, or may do, I would say, ‘Not
unto me, not unto me, but unto thy name, O God! be
the glory and praise, for ever and ever—Amen.? ”

Tke biography of our beloved friend and brother,
we will give, as far as possible, in his own language,
feeling assured that this will make it doubly interest-
ing to all who may give it a perusal.
HIS EARLY LIFR. 29

His journal is introduced with the following state-
ment concerning his parentage, and the place of his
nativity :

“IT was born near Middletown, Frederick county,
Maryland, on the 12th day of May, 1812. My grand-
father, whose name was Jacob Keller, was a native
of Germany. In accordance with a custom common
among the Germans, my father received the name of
my grandfather. My mother’s maiden name was
Rosanna Daub. She was a daughter of Mr. J. Daub,
of Middletown Valley. I was baptized on the 21st of
June, 1812, and named Ezra. As my father was a
farmer, I was brought up in that: honorable occupa-
tion. This, no doubt, was much to my advantage, in
preventing me from contracting habits of idleness,
and preserving me from evil company. My native
home was near Middle Creek, which, in a semi-
circular form, half surrounded my father’s farm. On
the opposite side of this creek, rose a high hill, cov-
ered with rocks, and shrubbery, and trees. Along
the banks of this beautiful stream, I whiled away
many a pleasant childhood hour: and I shall never
forget its limpid water, crystal ice, and playful fish.
Nor can the green meadows, the grain-clad fields, the
variegated flowers, the rocks and hills, and shady
bowers, which encircle it, ever be obliterated from my
memory. Among them did I often hunt, and fish,
30 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

and drive the cattle, and plow the sand, with my
barefooted companions. These hallowed days, and
scenes of childhood’s innocent mirth and enjoyment,
are still fresh in my memory, and sweet to my soul,
amid the calamities, sins, and cares of maturer life.

‘« My parents, five sons, and one daughter, consti-
tuted my father’s family. I was the third son. One
of my brothers died in infancy, and another was
drowned in the old homestead spring, when about
four or five years old. Happy couple! so early taken
away from the evil to come.”

No other incidents of his life are recorded, until he
was about twelve years of age. At this period, he
tells us, he was sent to a German school. Whether
he had, previous to this time, attended any school, we
are not informed. Although the advantages enjoyed
by the children of his day were exceedingly limited,
it is probable this was not his first appearance in the
the character of a school-boy.

The teacher of this German school, he describes
as a devotedly pious man, who catechized the children
much, and taught them the importance of daily prayer
to God. The religious and devotional exercises of
this humble Christian, he observes, ‘‘had a salutary
effect upon my mind. I was led to repeat those
prayers, morning and evening, with great punctuality
and devoutness. I believe that I, at that time, en-
g

IIS EARLY LIFE. bl

joyed the favor of God; and I have no doubt I was
brought into this happy condition through the instru-
mentality of this pious instructor. But, notwithstand-
ing I had sufficient reason to conclude that, for some
time, I felt the preciousness of the Divine favor, yet,
some years afterward, I greatly apostatized. Nor need
this be a matter of great astonishment. In my father’s
house, there was an absence of those religious exer-
cises which should find a place in every family.
No prayer was offered to God in the presence of the
children. My mother, I am persuaded, was truly
pious; but my father, although a nominal member of
the Church, I am fearful, at this period, had not ex
perienced the regenerating power of the Christian
religion. Frequently have J heard my mother expos
tulate with him, when they little suspected me to be
‘within hearing.

‘““My grandfather was a godly old man, to whose
prayers, in his closet, I have often listened with great
delight. He frequently spoke to me on the subject
of religion, and pressed its claims upon me. But, at
an early period of my life, he was called to his
rest, and I was deprived of the benefits of his Christ-
ian counsel, instruction, and encouragement.”

Of the boyhood of Ezra Keller, but little can be
gathered from the records of his own pen. From all
the information which we could obtain from the
382 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

sources to which we have had. access, he seems to
have been a modest, retired, unassuming, sober-
minded boy. Manly in all his deportment, firm in
the principles which he had adopted, with a kind and
generous heart, he was an example worthy of the
imitation of youth.

His primary education was greatly neglected. His
thirst for knowledge, however, began very early to be
developed, and to the slaking of that thirst all the
‘energies of his nature appear to have been directed.

How long he continued to live in the faithful dis-
charge of his Christian duties after he first hoped that
he had found peace through the merits of his Re-
deemer, is not expressly stated. The dates and cir-
cumstances mentioned indicate that it was not less
than one, and not more than ¢wo years. But longer
or shorter as the period may have been, it was fol-
lowed by a relapse info sin. It may be proper to
state that he had not yet made a public profession of
the Christian religion.

To what cause he primarily attributes his spiritual
declension, may be learned from the following re-
marks: ‘‘ Through the influence of ungodly company
I became exceedingly wicked by the close of the fif-
teenth year of my life. I was often moved to repent-
ance by the Spirit of God, while engaged in reading
his word, or listening to a preached Gospel. But not
HIS EARLY LIFE. 33

enjoying the restraints of family religion or pious
company, these impressions soon passed away, and
my heart became more obdurate from day to day.
About this time my father employed a pious hireling,
by the name of William Lingenfelter. He was a
poor, illiterate, crippled young man. He never re-
tired at night, nor arose in the morning, without
engaging in prayer and devotional exercises. He
talked much with me on the subject of religion. The
evidences of a change of heart—the trials and com-
forts of the children of God—the hopes of the true
Christian—were favorite topics of conversation with
him. These conversations, although conducted in all
the simplicity of an uneducated youth, brought back
my former feelings, and greatly restrained me in the
indulgence of my wicked propensities. One evening
during the winter of 1827-8, he proposed going to
preaching, which had been appointed in the neighbor-
hood. It was a beautiful night. The moon shone in
brightness, and the stars twinkled in the clear firma-
ment. After the opening exercises were concluded,
an elderly man arose, who preached with much sim-
plicity and pathos. The subject discussed was, ‘ The
Christian life and its blessed reward.’ An arrow was
thrust into my heart and fastened there. We walked
home over the fields, in the silvery beams of the fair
orb of night. My levity and mirth were gone.
Q*
34 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

Everything was still and solemn, above, beneath and
around me. To get rid of my convictions I was un-
able—to yicld to them I was too prond. In this state
of mind, with some variations, I lived for a number
of months. I was convicted of sin, but not fully
aware of my forlorn condition, On a beautiful Sab-
bath morning, in the spring of 1829, I was reading
one of Thomas Shepard’s sermons, placed in my
hands by my affectionate mother. My own condition
was most vividly described. I saw myself as a con-
demned sinner; I felt that to continue in that state
would be intolerable. I left the house, and retired to
my father’s barn. There, upon bended knees, I sol-
emnly consecrated myself to the service of God.
From that moment my feelings were changed. The
dark clouds which had so long hovered over me were
dispersed; the heavy burden which had weighed
down my soul was rolled away, and 1 was permitted
to rejoice under a sense of my acceptance with God,
through my blessed Redeemer.”

No sooner has he experienced the power and pre-
ciousness of God’s forgiving love, than the great pre-
vailing feeling of his soul becomes a desire to do
good to his perishing fellow-men. A feeling than
which there is none more common in the heart of one
who has recently been made a subject of saving grace.
To this fecling he gives expression in the following
HIS EARLY DAYS. 35

words; ‘I very soon began deeply to sympathize
with my neighbors in their ignorance and sinfulness.
The question, How can I do most to profit their im-
mortal souls ? weighed heavily upon my mind. One
day, while employed in my accustomed labor, and re-
volving this question in my mind, I was forcibly im-
pressed with the duty of devoting myself to the work
of the gospel ministry. I regarded it as a call from
God, and resolved, if possible, to obey it. I first men-
tioned my conviction of duty to my mother. She ad-
vised me, as I was yet young, to postpone the matter
one year. I took my axe, and followed the company
to their work, willing to obey her counsel. During
the year I prayed much in my closet, in the barn, in
the field, and wherever I could find a place for retire-
ment. I carefully read the Scriptures, and became
more and more convinced of my duty to preach the
gospel. Before the expiration of the year, I also be-
came acquainted with the Rev. A. Reck, by whose
ministry I was greatly blessed. 1 revealed my feel-
ings to him, and solicited his advice in the matter.
He encouraged me to persevere in the purpose which
I had formed, and advised me, as soon as arrange-
ments could be made, to go to Pennsylvania College,
to secure an education, When I mentioned this sug-
gestion to my parents, they at first consented to send
and support me. Soon, however, some of my rela-
36 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

tions, having discovered my intention, endeavored to
dissuade me from the thought of consuming so much
time in my preparatory studies, which they considered
entirely unnecessary. According to their views, but
little study is needed to make a man an efficient min-
ister of the gospel. But all their arguments failed tc
produce conviction in my mind. When all their ef-
forts with me had failed, they beset my parents, and
to my bitter disappointment gained their end. All
my pleasing hopes were now suddenly blasted. En-
tirely to abandon the idea of preaching the gospel,
was a thought I could not brook for a single moment.
In this state of mind I found no rest day or night.
My unhappiness increased to such a degree that I
could neither labor, eat nor sleep. 1 was weary of life
—of the world. I was several times strongly tempted
to lay violent hands upon myself. I felt that all my
prospects of usefulness were blighted, and it would be
better for me to die than live. Iam astonished that.
lescaped the snare of the devil. At last I applied
to Rev. A. Reck for a home in his family. To my
great gratification, he consented to my proposition.
In some measure, this revived my drooping spirits.
Having hired a wagon and loaded my few articles of
furniture and clothing, I left my father’s house for the
first time, inexperienced, penniless and almost broken-
hearted. I was intent upon the work of the ministry
HIS EARLY DAYS. 387

but obstacles beset me on every side. My father had
become so much displeased at my perseverance, that
he would no longer give me a friendly word or look.
My mother gave her consent through necessity, fear-
ing I might otherwise become deranged. My other
relatives very strenuously opposed the course I had
adopted. Inthe name of the Lord I left my father’s
house without a friendly farewell. My heart was full
of sorrow, but my spirit was fixed on the work before
me. Like Ezra of old, I ‘had prepared my heart to
seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in

Israel statutes and judgments.’ ”’
CHAPTER II..

HIS EDUCATION.

Commences his studies with Rev. A. Reck—Attends catechetical instruc-
tion—Unites with the Church—Goes to Pennsylvania College—Death
of two kind friends—Teaches some cl Soph e year, pr
his first sermon—Graduates—Remarks to students.

 

“Tr was the 20th of March, 1830, that I commenced
my career as a student, under the direction of Rev.
A. Reck, who is truly a man of God. For his kind-
ness to me, I can never be sufficiently grateful, but
pray that he may receive his reward from our com-
mon Father in Heaven.

“In my studies, I enjoyed but little comfort, and
met with poor success. I was constantly harassed
by the fear that I might not be welcome, although
treated with the utmost kindness. The feeling that
my clothes were not suitable for an inmate of a min-
ister’s house was a source of great annoyance to me.
The fact that I had no means to defray my expenses,
gave me much uneasiness of mind. My parental re-
lations produced in mea deep mortification of soul.
I could not get rid of the impression that I was
blamed by all. From all these causes, I passed

through a season of great mental suffering.
(38)
HIS EDUCATION. 39

“In the meantime, I attended a course of catechet-
ical instruction, and in the month of April, I was
admitted to Church membership, by the rite of con-
firmation, and partook, for the first time, of the Lord’s
Supper.”

In regard to this period of his life, Father Reck,
by whom he was confirmed, has said: ‘He walked
with God, and was exemplary in piety to all his youth-
ful companions. He was about eighteen years of age
when he united with the Church of God.”

He remained in the family of Father Reck about
four months, At the expiration of this period, we find
the following statement, expressive of the feelings of
this troubled heart: ‘‘ Weary of living thus in the
world, I resolved to travel as far as my feet would
carry me, that I might be removed from the sight of
all who knew me. Compassion for my dear mother
restrained me from carrying my resolution into effect.
I determined to make one more effort to obtain my
father’s permission to go to Gettysburg; for I was yet
a minor. I went to him in the field where he was
plowing, and addressed him in the most friendly
manner; but he answered me not a word. He would
not even stop his plow to listen to my request. I
turned away, and wept. Repulsed by my father’s
silence, I resolved to present my request to my mo-
ther. After some importunity, she consented to my
40 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

proposition; but it was with tears. I left the house
fully resolved to proceed without delay. When I had
advanced a short distance, I paused, looked back, and
beheld my mother gazing after me, apparently weep-
ing. This produced a great conflict in my mind;
but I summoned all my courage, and proceeded as far
as Middletown. The following day, I started on foot
for Gettysburg. The distance from Middletown to
Gettysburg was about forty miles. At the close of
the day, I found myself at Pipe Creek, in the vicinity
of Taneytown. Here I tarried during the night, and,
with the return of day, I resumed my journey. Be-
fore noon, I reached the point of my destination.
Fifty cents in money, a scanty supply of clothing, and
a few books constituted the whole of my effects.

“‘T presented to the professors a letter of introduc-
tion which I had received from my pastor, Rev. A.
Reck, and was received and treated with the utmost
kindness and Christian courtesy by them. This af-
forded some comfort to my heart, which had been so
deeply depressed.”

How sad must have been the feelings of his soul
during this long and solitary pedestrian journey, made
in the heat of summer! How often must he have
paused under the refreshing shade of some wide-
spread tree, by the way side, to rest his weary body,
and shed the tears wrung out by the bitter anguish of
HIS EDUCATION. 41

his heart. Here we behold the manifestations of that
indomitable perseverance which characterized his
whole future life. Who but the youthful Keller, or
some kindred spirit, would not have yielded and given
up the task under such an accumulation of difficulties ?
The question with him now, as well as during his
Suture history, was, Does duty call? When this
question was settled, no obstacle seemed insurmount-
able—no sacrifice of personal ease and comfort too
great. What an instance of unwavering faith and
confidence in God is here presented to us! He is
almost penniless; his friends, who could have sup-
ported him, have turned their backs upon him; he
knows not where to look for help: but, fixed in his
purpose, listening neither to the suggestions of doubt
nor fear, he presses forward, relying upon God alone.
With such an example before him, what young man,
persuaded that he has been Divinely called to the
ministry, need yield to the feeling of despondency ?
He who calls you to his service, will also provide a
way for your support.

The journey to Gettysburg alluded to in the preced-
ing pages, was made during the last several days of
the week. -Of the manner in which he spent his first
Lord’s Day in this place, we find no record in his
journal. But the Sabbath having closed, and the fol-
lowing morning come, we behold him, withont delay,
42 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

entering upon the work which had brought him hither.
That stately edifice, the college building, which now
attracts the attention of the traveler, had not, at that
time, been erected. The exercises of the institution
were conducted in a building owned by the citizens
of Gettysburg, and previously used for the purposes
of an academy. In this building he met his instruct-
ors and applied himself to the duties assigned him.
Of his life as a student, he has noted down compara-
tively but few incidents. All that is said of the com-
mencement of this career, is the following remark:
“On the 17th of August, 1830, I began my studics
in the gymnasium at Gettysburg. The instructor to
whom I commenced reciting, was Wm. M. Reynolds.”
Although he mentions the name of no other teacher,
yet, undoubtedly, ere long, he also attended the in-
struction of others. In a few days, he found that it
was necessary, for the prosecution of his studies, to
purchase a Latin Reader. As the whole amount of
his funds was not sufficient to make this purchase, he
felt perplexed. From this perplexity, he was soon
relieved by some fellow-student, who kindly offered
him the needed assistance. As his wants arose, from
time to time, some unexpected means were found for
supplying these wants. Annual collections were
taken for him in the congregation at Middletown, by
his former pastor; while the good wife of Father
HIS EDUCATION. 43

Reck, aided by other members of the Church, made
him various articles of clothing, and sent them to him
from year to year.

His mother and sister supplied him with some
funds, but they were obliged to do it secretly, without
the knowledge of his father.

He records the very kind treatment he received
from Messrs. Wingart and Jacobs, sen.;* but imme-
diately adds that they. soon left ‘to make a tour to
the South, with the hope of improving their health.
Instead of their return to our midst with renewed
health, we received the mournful intelligence of their
early death. In consequence of their decease, I felt
forsaken; for I was yet young, and needed friends
who could afford me spiritual comfort.”

In regard to the remainder of his first session at this
institution, his journal presents only a blank.

All that he has told us of the winter session of 1830
and ’31, he has compressed into the following brief
paragraph: ‘ During this entire session, I have felt
the absence of my Heavenly Father and best Friend.

 

* David Jacobs was principal of the classical department, and Mr. Win-
gart was @ theological student. Their health was delicate, aud, advised
by their friends, they set out on a tour through the Southern States. The
hope was cherished that traveling would greatly benefit them. Instead
of recovering, they continued to decline; and instead of their return to
make their friends happy, the sad news of a premature death spread a
gloom over the circle of their acquaintance.
44 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

I did not enjoy that sweet communion with him
which it was both my privilege and duty to realize.
‘The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’”
The feelings of his soul seem to have been in unison
with the external world of nature. But when the
chilliness of winter passed away, and the warmer
beams of a summer sun revisited our earth, a corres-
ponding change occurred in his spiritual experience.
Of this blessed change, he has given us the evidence
under date of May 14, 1831, in which he tells us:
“T have lately enjoyed the power of religion more
than for a number of months before. My soul often
seems to commune with the ransomed in heaven.”
But this precious season of spiritual sunshine was
not prolonged to the end of summer. For in July,
already, we find him complaining of the hardness of
his heart, and seeking the causes to which to attribute
it. His language now is, ‘*O how hard is my
heart! Prayer has become an irksome task, and the
Bible an uninteresting book. This unhappy state
of mind I must attribute to the nature of my studies ;
to my extreme poverty, which impels me to over-
intense application, and to my own negligence.”
This period of sadness was again followed by a
season of rejoicing, for ere long he represents himself
in a happy state of mind, and fervently prays for the
Holy Spirit to continue His gracious operations upon
HIS EDUCATION. 45

fis soul. This fluctuation of the religious emotions,
this succession of light and darkness, of joy and sad-
ness, experienced by him, with some variations in
their degree and the length of time during which they
continue unchanged, is only what is felt by every
child of God. Some ascend higher upon the mount
of communion, and tarry longer than others. Some
descend deeper into the valley, and are detained
longer than others. But entire freedom from these
fluctuations cannot be expected.

In autumn, 1831, he entered the freshman class, so
that but a little more than a year was consumed in
his preparatory course. During the winter of his
freshman year, he tells us the Institution was blessed
with a revival of religion. But he only makes the
general statement that ‘‘a few of the impenitent were
hopefully converted, and professors of religion were
greatly revived.” Almost a year rolls away before
we find any further record of his life. During this
year he taught some classes in the preparatory de-
partment. In his next appearance before us, he has
become a member of the sophomore class. The labor
of teaching, in connection with the regular studies of
his class, was more than his constitution could bear.
Ile- ruptured a blood-vessel in the vicinity of the
brain, which brought him to the very verge of the
grave. IIe expected the attack would prove fatal.
46 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

In this condition he was led to examine his heart;
and although he felt that he could confidently commit
his soul into the hands of his blessed Saviour, he
could not close his eyes to the short-comings of the
past. He looked upon his affliction as designed by
God for his spiritual improvement. The prayer of
his heart was, ‘‘O may I never forget the lesson
taught me by this affliction. I have been admon-
ished to live in constant expectation of my latter end.
Thanks be to God for his sparing mercy and timely
admonition.”

During the vacation in the spring of 1833, in the
month of May, while yet a sophomore, he made his
first effort to preach a regular sermon. Of this effort
he has given the following account: “I was com-
pelled by an emergency to preach my first sermon.
I had often spoken at private meetings, but never
from a pulpit. On Sabbath morning, I walked from
Middletown to St. John’s Church, a distance of six
miles. I had a deep sense of my own inability. I
looked up to heaven, and implored Divine assistance.
I ascended the pulpit with so much trembling and
confusion of mind that I could scarcely read the
hymns. My text was Eccles. ix, 18: ‘Wisdom is
better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroyeth
much good.’ In one part of the discourse the audi-
ence wept aloud. The Lord was with us, and to His
HIS EDUCATION. 47

name be all the praise. Surely, ‘the weakness of
God is strenger than man,’ ”

Through the remainder of this year, he still per-
formed the additional labor of teaching a number of
classes. The vacation between his sophomore and
junior year he spent in his native valley. He
preached four times. One sermon he preached in
Middletown, to a congregation numbering a thousand.
‘The effort,” he has observed, ‘‘ was a great trial to
me, but afterward I felt much strengthened.”

The winter session of his junior year he describes
as a blessed period in his Christian experience. In
his own language, he tells us, “‘I was permitted dur-
ing this session to enjoy an unusually precious near-
ness to my God. How delightful to the soul to hold
sweet communion with the ‘ Father of Spirits.’ ”

The only labors of the vacation in the spring of
1834, of which he has made any mention, are thrice
preaching the gospel.

If his father’s feelings had undergone any change
toward him at this time, it was that of increasing bit-
terness, as is indicated by the following record of his
own pen: ‘* My father still continues very unfriendly
tome. He has forbidden me his house in an angry
tone of voice. This has given me many gloomy
hours.” When any allusion is made, in his journal,
to this subject, it is never in the way of complaint, or
48 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

in a spirit in conflict with the fourth commandment,
but only to express the deep sadness of his heart
occasioned by it.

Of the incidents of his life and experience during
the summer session of 1834, he has left us in igno-
rance. The vacation which followed he spent, in
part, in preaching the gospel of glad tidings to per-
ishing sinners. While thus engaged in laboring for
his master, he tells us, ‘‘I had much joy in believ-
ing;” and then adds the following brief petition:
“ Keep me faithful, good Lord.”

He has now entered upon his senior year, and an-
other session has passed without any record to tell its
history. During the spring vacation of this year he
was industriously employed on the work to which he
had devoted himself. Of the truth of this remark,
we have the evidence in the statement that he
preached no less than eighteen times. Of one of
these efforts he has left us the following notice: “I
preached once to the colored people of Middletown.
On this occasion I felt unusually happy in calling
sinners to repentance. I received many tokens of
love from friends and strangers. I was much strength-
ened in the inner man. O Lord, make me useful!”

The last session of his college days presents to us
some diversity in his religious experience. The re-
cord made June 6, 1885, reads as follows: “I feel
HIS EDUGATION. 49

very happy this evening. I have resolved, by the
help of God—1. To spend, during this session, Satur-
day evening, after supper, in devotional exercises, to
prepare myself for the enjoyments of the holy Sab-
bath; 2. I will endeavor more studiously to avoid
levity in feelings, words and actions, which is the
besetting sin of many students.”

How different were his feelings, indicated in the
foregoing paragraph, from those described in the suc-
ceeding:

“Aug. 23. The light of this Sabbath morning
brought no light to my cheerless soul. I feel misera-
ble on account of my neglect of devotional exercises.
This neglect has been occasioned by my being so
much absorbed in the preparation of an address for
the ensuing commencement.

“This morning, I heard a sermon on the narrative
of Naaman, the leper. It suited my case. I felt that
I was leprous, and should be healed. I was cheered
in hearing of the ability and willingness of Christ to
heal all who will resort to him by faith. When I
consider how depraved I am, I almost despair of ever
inheriting the crown of life. But Christ is my refuge,
and in him will I trust. O Jesus! deliver me from
all evil.”

Until the end of his college course, he continued
teaching in the preparatory department. On the 16th

3
50 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

of September, 1835, in connection with seven of his
classmates, he received the first degree in the Arts.
Connected with this occasion, he makes the following
remarks: ‘‘J, at this time, enjoy a considerable
degree of spiritual strength and comfort. It is matter
of much gratitude to Almighty God, that, by his kind
permission, I have been able to obtain a collegiate
education. This is more than I expected when I first
came to this place. ‘The Lord hath done great things
for me, whereof I am glad.’ ”

The following remarks may be profitable to young
men engaged in. educational pursuits:

“During my collegiate life, I have learned the
following lessons:

“4, Never to despair of success when in the path
of duty. I came to college penniless, and without a
pledged support; and behold now I am honored with
its graduates.

“2. That a student is exposed to much danger,
both bodily and spiritual. He is in danger of sinful
ambition, or a thirst for mere distinction as a man of
talent or learning; he is in danger of committing
suicide, or undermining his constitution and destroy-
ing his bodily health; he is in danger of losing ald
vital Godliness. Wow great, therefore, is his dan-
ger!

‘8. To promote personal holiness and progress in
HIS EDUCATION. 51

study, a judicious division of time, so as to give
everything: a proper proportion of it, is absolutely
necessary. When such a division has been made, it
must be constantly and regularly observed. The first
and last part of the day should be devoted to religious
exercises. My usual hour for retiring has been nine
o’clock, and for rising, four o’clock.” These hours
he observed till the elose of his life.

The hours employed in teaching—the cares and
perplexities arising from the circumstances by which
he was surrounded, necessarily caused Mr. Keller to
labor under many disadvantages. In his class, how-
ever, notwithstanding all these untoward circum-
stances, he sustained a respectable standing. His
talents were far above mediocrity. He was more pro-
found than brilliant. He was not accustomed to in-
dulge in fanciful speculations, but dealt chiefly with
the realities of things. He was naturally thoughtful ;
when his mind was fixed on a subject, it grappled
mightily for the truth. As a member of the institu-
tion, he occupied a high position. The subject of his
graduating address, assigned him by the faculty, was,
“Conscience.” This fact might suggest the estima-
tion in which he was held by them. His influence
for good upon the students cannot be fully known in
this world. The same Christian character which
threw such a luster around his future life was already
52 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

strongly developed. His piety was not of a doubtful
character. No audible voice was needed to tell that
he was a Christian; his whole life was an evidence
of the fact. All who were thrown into his society
felt that they were in the presence of a holy man.
No student was more universally respected, and more
highly esteemed than he. By all who became inti-
mately acquainted with him, he was greatly beloved.
It may not be amiss to mention a circumstance which
is related to have occurred about this time. It shows
the utter distaste which he had for everything like
levity. With a company of young ladies and gentle-
men, he was invited to spend the evening. While
others were happily enjoying the hours in conversa-
tion on such topics and of such a character as is usual
on such occasions, he sat alone, apparently in deep
meditation. At length one of his classmates asked
him what subject was so much absorbing his thoughts ?
His reply was, ‘I was just wondering how young.
ladies and gentlemen of so much sense and so much
intelligence, could talk so much nonsense.” He was
habitually serious, but not morose. Humility and
kindness were elements of his character; to pride
and ostentation, he was a stranger.
CHAPTER III.

THEOLOGICAL COURSE AND MISSIONARY
LABORS. ,

Commences, the study of theology —Resolutions — Willingness to labor
among the heathen—Appointed a home missionary—Departure from
the seminary—Matrimonial engagement—Sets out on his tour from
his native valley—Difficulties and dangers—Returns with enfeebled
health.

Arter a vacation of six weeks, which he spent in
Middletown Valley, and in which he preached nine
times, he returned for the purpose of entering the
theological seminary. “In my efforts to preach the
gospel, during this time,” he says, ‘I enjoyed much
comfort and spiritual strength. I feel a growing de-
sire to prepare myself for the gospel ministry. May
the Lord give success to all my efforts to qualify my-
self for this responsible work!”

On Noy. 3, 1835, he writes as follows:

“This week I commenced the study of theology. I
am very sensibly impressed with the sacredness of my
employment. I greatly need the light of the spirit to
lead me into all truth. With this conviction, I adopt
the following rules for my future guidance:

“1. That I will read the Bible with more atten-

tion, reverence, and prayer.
(53)
54 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

“9, That I will avoid a dogmatical spirit in form-
ing my theological views.

“3. That I will endeavor to cultivate love to God
and love to my neighbor more than I have in the
past.

“ Nov. 14. At this time I enjoy comfort and peace
of mind, although occasionally a cloud obscures my
vision of the excellency of my Saviour and the bright
glories of heaven. To-day, I once felt tired of the
world, while thinking of my circumstances relative to
my parents, which always spread a gloom over my
mind. I have indeed been the child of misfortunes—
a man of many sorrows. But, nevertheless, my
Redeemer! I will serve thee, though ‘earth and hell
my way oppose.’

“ Nov. 26. During the last eight or ten days, I
have been unusually blessed with peace and comfort
in my soul. I must still occasionally complain of evil
passions which belong to this ‘vile body.’ Lord,
save me ‘ from the body of this death !”

‘‘ Dec. 30. I have just returned from my native
valley, where I spent my Christmas holidays. Dur-
ing my absence, I have preached four times. I expe-
rienced a sore trial in parting with my former pastor,
Rev. A. Reck, and family, who have moved to the
State of Indiana. They were friends to me in my
forsaken condition. May the Lord reward them. for
THEOLOGICAL COURSE AND MISSIONARY LABORS. 55

their beneficence to me! To him, under God, I owe
it that I have become what lam. He was a father
to me; and his amiable wife, a mother. Peace and
prosperity attend them in their new home. Amen.”

‘Feb. 6, 1836. My soul is unusually happy in
God. This joyful state of mind is the result of
clearer views of the atonement, which I have ob-
tained by an investigation of that subject. O! what
a vivid display of disinterested benevolence is exhib-
ited in the mission of Christ to earth! By grace are
we saved—are we saved. Salvation is the gift of
God. We are bought with a price; therefore should
we glorify God in our bodies and souls, which are
his.

‘* T have also been pondering the question, whether
it is my duty to proclaim the gospel to the perishing
heathen. I think I am willing to do anything that
the Lord may require of me. If, at the end of my
theological course, I have the same conviction of duty
as at present, I think I will enter upon a missionary
life. O Lord! make me what thou wilt have me be.

“ Feb. 25. Last night we had a terrible thunder-
storm, which is an unusual thing in this season of
the year. God speaks awfully in the deep-mutterings
and heavy peals of thunder, and the furious rage of
the elements. Surely we are in his hands! Of late
I have enjoyed much sweet communion with my
56 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER D.D.

Saviour. At times, I have a great conflict with the
‘sin that dwelleth in me.’ Last Sabbath, I preached
with comfort to myself, and apparently with much
effect upon my audience. This morning, I feel dejected
and melancholy. The foe of my peace is preying
upon my soul. The cause of humanity, or the aboli-
tion of slavery, is pressing itself upon my mind; and
yet I fear to advocate it, for it is much gainsayed and
hated. This is a source of great anxiety to my. soul.
O Lord! what wilt thou have me to do?

“ Aprit 12. I have just returned from Middle-
town, where I preached several times. I have lately
suffered much from dejection of spirits, induced by a
number of adverse events—especially by the removal
of Rev. A. Reck from his former charge. But I hope
these gloomy clouds will soon be dispersed, and bright
sunshine encircle me again.

“* May 27. Ihave just closed the spring vacation,
during which I preached twenty-five times. I often
felt comforted in the work of the Lord. But some-
times I felt discouraged, when I remembered my de-
ficiency in knowledge and piety. O that I could
serve God with purer motives and greater efficiency!
I desire to be his in body, soul, and estate. Bless
me, O Lord God of Hosts! Amen.

“June 22, This morning, I enjoyed a season of
delightful communion with my blessed Saviour. I
THEOLOGICAL COURSE AND MISSIONARY LABORS. 57

have just read President Edwards’ treatise on the
Affections. It is an excellent work. I agree with
him in regard to the ‘ witness of the spirit.’ I trust I
have had this witness from the time of my conversion,
and feel its power this morning. How sweet the
assurance that we are ‘accepted in the Beloved!’
Through it alone can we cry, Abba! Father! Pre-
serve, O Lord! evermore this confidence in my soul,

that I may have ‘joy in'believing.”

“ August 10. On the 26th of July, I unexpectedly
received an appointment as itinerant missionary to
the Western States, from the Synod of Pennsylvania.
This appointment, after due reflection and prayer, I
accepted. Yesterday, I received license to preach
the gospel, and also my instructions from the execu-
tive committee of the missionary society. O that I
may prove worthy of this holy office, and adorn this
high vocation! It is not. without some feelings of
misgiving that I enter upon this mission. My health
is precarious, and the undertaking arduous. O Lord!
bless and prosper me in this needful work !

“ August 25. To-morrow I intend to leave the
seminary, to enter upon my missionary tour. This is
a great trial to me; for it is a delightful spot, and ten
thousand pleasing associations cluster around it. The
affections of my heart are set upon it. Six years ago,

I came here with tattered garments, a few books, and
3%
58 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

several shillings; and here the Lord has greatly
blessed and promoted me. He did not suffer the
barrel of meal to waste, nor the cruse of oil to fail.
He filled my hands with plenty, and satisfied my
soul with his goodness. And now I leave—a min-
ister of the gospel. How wonderful, O Lord! are
thy ways—how strange thy doings! How mys-
terious thy providences! ‘Bless the Lord, O my
soul! and forget not all his benefits.’ Farewell!
beloved Seminary ; thou paradise of my early joys!
Peace be within thy walls! For my brethren and
my companion’s sake, I say, Peace be within thy
walls forever! Adieu! Pennsylvania College; the
place of dear remembrance. May Heaven prosper
thee, and thy future carcer be-glorious! Farewell!
Gettysburg; I came to thee a dejected pilgrim, and
with thee I found a pleasant home. May the Lord
bless thee with health and prosperity, and a great
revival of genuine religion! Even so, Lord! if it
seem good in thy sight. Amen.”

From Gettysburg, Mr. Keller went to Frederick,
where he made the following record:

“ Frederick City, Aug. 27. Yesterday evening, I
attended Divine service in the church at Gettysburg,
where prayers were offered up in my behalf. By
these exercises my mind was much affected. When
we returned to the seminary, the students assembled

2
8
THEOLOGICAL COURSE AND MISSIONARY LABORS. 5Y

in the hall, where we united in devotional exercises
for the last time. I then bade them a last farewell.
Several of them accompanied me part of the way to
town. Here we parted, weeping aloud. How many
dear brethren I have left at the seminary! Some of
them I may meet no more on earth. How swect
the hope of meeting in heaven! I went to the hotel,
to await the hour for the leaving of the coach the
following morning. I was taken to my room, and
retired. But I could not sleep, for 1 was too much
excited. Although I am now thirty-three miles dis-
tant from the scenes of last night, they are still vivid
before my mind. O Lord! bring’ us together in
peace again.”

In this city and county, he spent several weeks.
Part of this time was employed in publishing the
news of salvation to the perishing.

“ Sept. 12, 1836. Iremained in Frederick connty
two weeks before I set out upon my missionary tour.
During this brief sojourn, I preached six times.
Twice I occupied the pulpit of Dr. Shaeffer in Fred-
erick.

“Yesterday I entered into a matrimonial engage-
ment with Miss Caroline Routzong. This engage-
ment I made after long and prayerful reflection on the
best way of becoming useful in future life. One of the
conditions specified in this marriage contract was the
60 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

willingness of Miss Routzong, after becoming my
wife, to go wherever, in the providence of God, my
field of labor might be assigned me.

‘Connected with my departure from this valley, I
experienced many painful emotions. To part with
my aged mother (who was strongly opposed to my
embarking in this work), and with my disaffected
father (who would not yet give me the hand of com-
mon friendship), was a great trial to me.

“‘ To-day I turned my back upon the vale in which
I spent my childhood days, not knowing whether I
shall ever again be permitted to see its sloping hills
and winding streams. Be it so; if I only may at last
enter that better country which I seek.

“During this tour,” says he, ‘“‘I endured many
hardships, in consequence of the severity of the win-
ter, and the newness of the country through which I,
for the most part, traveled. In crossing streams, I
was several times in great danger of perishing. I
crossed the Kickapoo River where the water was ten
feet deep. I sat in an Indian canoe, holding the reins
in my hand while my horse swam after the canoe.
My blood ran cold in my veins when I had reached
the shore, and looked back upon the furious stream.
At another time, I crossed the Wabash. when it had
overflowed its banks, in a shattered ferryboat. Sev-
eral yokes of oxen were on the boat; they became
THEOLOGICAL COURSE AND MISSIONARY LABORS. 61
.

restless; the drivers, who were half drunk, com-
menced abusing them, and the boat was nigh upset-
‘ting in the midst of the river. But the good Lord
delivered us out of the danger. On the 1st of Janu-
ary, 1837, in company with another gentleman, I
crossed a prairie seven miles in extent, near Urbana,
Champaign county, Illinois. We were both near
freezing. It was a gloomy hour; I felt sick at my
stomach; had great difficulty in breathing ; was very
chilly and drowsy: and yet I was afraid to yield to
sleep. We could see nothing but the canopy above,
bounding, in immense distance, the grassy plain be-
neath. We spurred our horses. My companion for-
tunately had with him a vial of the decoction of cay-
enne pepper. We drank its contents; and, perhaps,
owe our deliverance to it. At length we reached the
forest, and found a house and blazing fire to shelter
and protect us. Here, with a grateful heart, I offered
up thanksgiving unto the Lord.

‘““At Alton, I became acquainted with Rev. ——
Lovejoy, who was afterward killed by a mob for de-
nouncing slavery and Catholicism. He was a man
of correct views, a sound mind, and a good heart,
When I afterward heard of his murder, with true sin-
cerity of heart, I exclaimed with David: ‘O Jona-
than! thou wast slain in thy high places. Iam dis-
tressed for thee, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant
hast thou been unto me.’
62 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D. —

“On the second Monday of February, I left St.
Louis to return homeward. I was apprehensive I
would have a severe spell of sickness, as I was suffer-
ing all the symptoms of an approaching fever. The
river was not yet free of the ice which had congealed
upor its bosom. Few boats were running, and these
were generally of an inferior order. I was obliged to
take passage on a shattered steamer, and I am sur-
prised we did not perish amid the many dangers of
the Mississippi. We were seven days on our way to
Louisville. Here I stopped and went into the coun-
try, among some of my relatives, with the hope of
recruiting my health. I derived but little benefit
from my visit. On Sabbath I preached, although I
felt very unwell. On Monday I resolved to endeavor
to get home, and accordingly returned to Louisville,
and took a steamboat for Wheeling. The boat had
gone but a short distance when I became very sick.
Fortunately I found two physicians on board, who
were very kind to me. To be sick on a steamboat,
amid a crowd of strangers; annoyed by gambling
and profanity; harassed by the noise and quivering
of the vessel, is exceedingly disagreeable. We
reached Wheeling on Friday afternoon, and on Sat-
urday morning took the stage for Cumberland, al-
though I was quite hoarse and feverish. On the 26th
of February, exhausted and suffering, I found myself
THEOLOGICAL COUBSE AND MISSIONARY LABORS, 63

once more in my own native valley. For several
weeks after my return, I was confined. At length,
after suffering much from rheumatism, I became able
again to ride abroad and preach, although my hoarse-
ness still continued.

“ March 23, Since my return I have constantly
been suffering, more or less, nevertheless I have
preached thrice, and once administered the ordinance
of baptism. J have been much perplexed in regard
to the question of duty. I have been unable to de-
cide whether it is the will of God that I should re-
turn to the West and labor there. My health is bad,
and my dear mother cannot bear the thought of my
locating so far from her. And yet I made a condi-
tional promise to settle at Quincy, Il. O Lord!
what wilt thou have me to do ?

“April 20, Since the last date I preached twelve
times at different places, and once administered the
ordinance of baptism. I have visited St. Thomas,
and the congregation connected with that charge. A
unanimous call was extended to me by those churches.
I do not think it my duty to accept this call, inasmuch
as I fear the labor would be more than I could en-
dure; and beside, I still have a desire to locate in
the West. My health is somewhat improved; but my
mother insists on my compliance with her wishes as
long as she shall live, holding me to a promise of that
64 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

kind, which I imprnudently made many years ago, I
am in great perplexity to know my duty, but I will
rely on God, assured that he will direct my steps
aright.

April 23. Jam now attending a protracted meet-
ing at Smithsburg, at which I have preached five
sermons. It has been a precious scason to many

souls,
CHAPTER IV.

MISSIONARY LABORS, ETC.

Ilis marriage—Receives and accepts a call from the Taneytown charge—
Attends the meeting of the Synod of Pennsylvania—Presents a report
of his labors—Extract of the report.

“ April 25. To-day I was married to Miss Caro-
line Routzong. I have thus assumed new cares and
responsibilities. May I have grace to meet them.

“ May 16. Since the above date I have preached
thirteen times. Ihave had much difficulty in choos-
ing a field of labor, which has made me restless and
gloomy. To-day I most unexpectedly received a call
from the pastoral charge in and around Taneytown,
which presents a field of great usefulness to an
efficient minister. There seems to be some indication
that the hand of Providence is in this matter. After
much reflection and prayer, and hearing the report of
a committee which was sent to me, 1 concluded to
accept the call,and for the present abandon the idea
of locating in the West. I trust I have been influ-
enced by proper motives in this decision. If I have
erred, O Lord forgive, and show me clearly what is
thy will concerning me.” ,

The Synod of Pennsylvania, under whose direction
(65)
66 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

Mr. Keller had traveled and labored as a missionary,
held its annual meeting in the city of Lancaster dur-
ing the last weck of May, 1837. At this meeting he
presented a minute report of his ministerial labors
during the time he was engaged in that work.

The following extract of this report was printed in
connection with the minutes of the Synod:

“Fathers and Brethren :—In obedience to the in-
structions of the Executive Committee of your Mis-
sionary Society, directing me to give. your reverend
body an account of my travels and ministerial labors
while employed as your missionary, I beg leave re-
spectfully to submit the following report.

“Your Executive Committee directed me to com-
mence my tour at the close of September, 1836, and
continue in the States of Indiana, Illinois and Mis-
souri, so long as would give me suflicient time to
meet the Synod on Trinity Sunday, thus assigning
me about seven months to labor as your missionary.
But, for various reasons, and particularly that I
might return a few weeks before the meeting of the
Synod, I entered upon my journey in the beginning
instead of the close of September.

“The first week I arrived at Wheeling, on the
Ohio River, a town of considerable commercial im-
portance, with a population of about eight thousand.
In this place there are about six hundred Germans,
MISSIONARY LABORS, ETO. 67

mostly Protestants. These people are under the pas-
toral care of Rev. J. Swartz. They have heretofore
worshiped in a school-house; but have already com-
menced a spacious brick church, and are making
active exertions to have it finished. With this con-
gregation there is connected a flourishing Sunday-
school. The pastor seems to be a man of much de-
votedness and activity, and is evidently doing much
good among this people. Here I preached in the
morning, in the German language; in the afternoon
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the English
language. In Wheeling I also became acquainted
with a few English families of Lutherans, in one of
which I baptized an infant. These people are anxious
that an English Lutheran congregation should be or-
ganized in the place.

‘‘The second week I reached Circleville, Ohio,
where I stopped to spend the Sabbath. Here I met
our worthy Brother J. Roof, for whom I preached
thrice, and delivered an address to his interesting
Sabbath-school. I also became acquainted with a
number of our brethren of Ohio. All received and
treated me with great kindness, and seemed to be
much gratified that the Synod of Pennsylvania was
endeavoring to supply the wants of our members in
the West.

“The third week I went by way of Chillicothe and
68 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D

Cincinnati to Hopeful Church, in Boone county,
Kentucky, where the Synod was in session. I was
anxious to meet this body, in order to obtain all the
information I could respecting my field of labor.
Having spent a few days with the brethren of this
Synod and preached several times, I departed before
they had adjourned, and traveled through a thinly
inhabited country, directing my course toward Lonis-
ville. I stopped on my way at Jefferson, and spent a
Sabbath with Mr, Jeger, for whom I preached thrice.
It was a communion season, and one of great solem-
nity and interest. The Protestant Germans of Louis-
ville are under the pastoral charge of Rev. G. H.
Brandau. Here I did not stop to preach, but passed
on to New Albany, where I crossed the Ohio, and en-
tered the State of Indiana.

“The first place at which I arrived was Rockford,
in Jackson county, where I found a settlement of
Swiss of about fifteen families. Most of them have
been living here three or four years, and more are ex-
pected to settle in the neighborhood. They are gen-
erally piously disposed, but have no one to break unto
them the bread of life. They are exceedingly desir-
ous to have a minister, who would preach statedly and
catechize their children. I remained with them seve-
ral days, preached once, and visited some families
who were sick. What is very commendable in these
MISSIONARY LABORS, ETC. 69

people is, that they are in the habit of meeting every
Sabbath for divine worship, where a few hymns are
sung and one reads the Church service. They re-
quested me to tender their sincere thanks to the
Synod for the visit and: service of your ‘missionary,
and. also entreat you to consider their condition.
“From this place I proceeded northward into
Shelby county, where I was told were some destitute
congregations. But before I reached there I heard
they were under the pastoral care of Rev. A. Miller;
so I passed-on into Marion county. Here, four miles
north of Indianapolis, I met with Rev. A. Reck, a
venerable father in our Zion, who, after having long
labored to build up the Church in the East, emigrated
in the spring of 1836 into this State, with a view of
doing something in his master’s cause in this great
valley. He has already organized a congregation in
his immediate neighborhood of about fifty members.
They have put up a comfortable house for divine wor-
ship in sight of their pastor’s dwelling. Here I had
the pleasure of being with him at his first com-
munion, Sixteen were confirmed, and about fifty
united in partaking of the Lord’s Supper. At this
place I preached thrice and baptized one. It was a
season of great interest to the members, and of nov-
elty to many spectators, it being the first time these
ordinances were administered in this neighborhood.
70 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D, D.

“T next visited a settlement of European Germans,
twelve miles east of Indianapolis, of about twenty
families. They are generally in good circumstances,
and some of them well educated ;- but as to religion,
they seem to be in a deplorable condition. I felt a
great desire to preach for them, and made application
to that effect, but they seemed to be reluctant to hear
me except on the Sabbath, and the reason they gave
me was that they could not spare the time; and as I
had an appointment for the Sabbath at another place,
I was compelled to leave them, after having traveled
many miles through rainy weather, over bad roads,
and encountering high waters, without being per-
mitted to preach one sermon. This was painful to
my mind, and a strong evidence that they need some
one to lead them in the path of duty. Their condi-
tion is indeed deplorable. Their children are grow-
ing up without religious instruction, and are likely to
become as wild as the country in which they live.

‘The next neighborhood I visited was sixteen miles
north of Indianapolis, near Germantown. There live
about thirty members of our Church, from different
States in the Union. I preached for these people in
a private house. They are visited occasionally by
Mr. Reck, who will perhaps soon form them into a
congregation.

‘From this place I went into a German settlement
MISSIONARY LABORS, ETC. 71

in Hamilton county, five miles west of White River.
In this neighborhood live about twelve Lutheran
families, originally from Pennsylvania, and many
who are of German descent, but not members of
the Church. This settlement is quite new; the peo-
“ple have no chairs, not even benches. They appear,
however, to be hungry for the bread of life and re-
ceive it with a ready mind. I preached to them with
great satisfaction in a little cabin, and afterward bap-
tized two infants. I had reason to believe that the
truth made a deep impression on their minds. Many
tears flowed, and they appeared to be very anxious to
obtain a minister, and promised to put up a house for
worship, if they could obtain some one to teach them.

‘* From this settlement I returned to Indianapolis,
and on my way preached in the evening at Abbes-
ville. In Indianapolis I preached to a small congre-
gation, which hag recently been organized by Mr.
Reck.

‘* Another settlement I visited in Marion county is
on Little Eagle Creek. Here are about twelve fami-
lies of Lutherans, all of whom can understand the
English language. To these people I preached ina
private house.

* From this I went to Boone county, where I found
a number of Lutherans from East Tennessee settled
about six miles south-egst of Lebanon. These people
72 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

have been visited occasionally by Rev. E. Henkel, a
member of the Indiana Synod, who speaks of taking
up his residence among them. I preached to them in
acabin. In the afternoon I rode to Lebanon, where
I preached in the evening to a large and attentive
audience in the court-house. I found one member
of our Church here from North Carolina, who was
much pleased to hear a minister of his own faith.
The roads in this part of the country I found so ex-
ceedingly muddy that I could not travel more than
ten or twelve miles a day.

“From Lebanon I proceeded in a north-western
direction through Boone and Montgomery counties.
Stopping over night in a little town called Columbia,
and inquiring for a place to preach, the bar-room of
my host was offered; here I spoke to the people.
From this place I went on to Bauer’s settlement,
which is composed: of Pennsylvania and European
Germans, who, I was informed, were Lutherans. But
I found most of them to be of Mennonite descent,
and belonging to no church. I was told that about
twelve families of Lutherans originally lived here ;
but some have removed, and others have joined other
churches, so that there are but few Lutherans re-
maining. These people had never been visited by a
Lutheran minister until I came among them. I
preached to them twice in a private house,
MISSIONARY LABORS, ETC. 73

“The next place I visited, was Lafayette, a flourish-
ing town on the Wabash. Here I found about seven
members of our Church, who despair of getting a
minister, and now speak of uniting with other
Churches. May God raise up laborers for our peo-
ple! lI-would here remark, that since I left Indiana,
I met with a gentleman, a citizen of Logansport, Bass
county, who informed me that, in that place, were
many European Germans, who were Protestants.
These should be visited.

“From Lafayette, I went down the Wabash to a
little place called Attica, which I reached on the 12th
of November. Here I found it necessary, for myself
and my horse, to rest a short time. At Attica, I
found twelve members of the Lutheran, and about an
equal number of the Reformed Church, chiefly from
Maryland. During my stay here, I preached six
times, visited all the members at their houses, and
preached once in the neighborhood. At Attica, a
minister is much needed and desired. The people
are willing to receive one either of the Lutheran or
Reformed Church. They are hungry for the bread
of life, and care not who breaks it unto them.

“From this place, I went to Perryville, a beautiful
town on the Wabash. In this place and its vicinity,
I found fifteen members of the Lutheran, and a few

families of the German Reformed Church. 1 re-
4
74 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

mained with them a week, preached four times, vis-
ited most of them at their houses, and baptized two
infants. Most of these people are from Ohio, are
wealthy, are anxious to hear a minister, and would
contribute liberally to his support. Perryville is sit-
uated in one of the finest parts of the State, is growing
fast, has but one organized Church, and would be a
fine situation for a Lutheran minister. No German
is needed at this place, nor at Attica.

“While at this place, I heard of a settlement
of Lutherans in Fountain county, but could not
visit them in consequence of bad roads and high
water.

“From Perryville, I intended to go to Chicago, on
Lake Michigan, where there are many Germans; but
the roads were so bad, and the weather became so
severe, that I thought it best, after having obtained
advice from others, not to venture on this journey. I
therefore crossed the Grand Prairie, and touched on
the Illinois River at Fort Clark. This was the most
wearisome journey I made in my whole tour, It was
of six days’ length, across the prairies of Illinois,
which are so extensive and bleak, that the violence
of the wind and the intensity of the cold are almost
insupportable during the winter months. Sometimes
for twelve or twenty miles, the traveler sees no house,
nor tree, nor shrub—nothing but a vast, extensive
MISSIONARY LABORS, ETC. 75

plain, on which wanders the lonely wolf and the
beautiful deer.

“ The first settlement of Lutherans I found in Illi-
nois, is seven miles north of Peoria, on Farm Creek.
In this neighborhood there are about sixty families
of European Germans, twelve of whom are Lutherans,
and the rest Mennonites. These people were visited
by Rev. Mr. Heyer, inthe spring of 1836. I continued
with them five days, visited most of the families,
preached twice, confirmed one, administered the
Lord’s Supper to twenty-nine, and baptized four in-
fants. These people were hungry for the bread of
life, and it was pleasant to break it unto them. On
both days, the Lord was evidently with us, and blessed
his ordinances.and the preaching of his word to those
that enjoyed them. These people formerly met on the
Sabbath for Divine worship; but this excellent prac-
tice they have relinquished. They wish their thanks
to be given to the Synod, for the kindness which has
been manifested in ministering to their spiritual
wants; and they earnestly petition for more minis-
terial aid.

“From this, I went fourteen miles further north,
where I found about fifteen members of our Church
on Blue Creek, some Europeans and Virginians.
With these people I remained two days, preached
twice in a cabin, administered the Lord’s Supper to
76 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

eleven persons, and baptized three infants. This set-
tlement had never before been visited by a German
minister.

“While here, I heard of more members of our
Church. Black Partridge, Hennepin and Attawa,
are said to be settlements of Lutherans; and at the
latter place, I was credibly informed, there are up-
ward of a hundred members. These people are very
anxious to have a minister. I would have visited
them had it not been so late in the season; but the
weather and roads were such at this time, that it
would have been dangerous for a stranger to attempt
the journey. I therefore resolved to go south, and first
visited Peoria, a flourishing town, situated at the mouth
of a lake of the same name. In this place I found
about twenty communicant members of our Church,
who had never been visited by a missionary. I con-
tinued among them one week, preached five times,
and baptized two infants. If a minister would locate
in this place, he could preach for the settlements above
mentioned, and would thus have a large field of labor
and of usefulness. Into this part of the State, many
Germans will yet emigrate; and therefore it is im-
portant that these people should be attended to.

“From this place, I traveled twenty miles south-
east, and reached a settlement on the Mackinaw
River, eight miles from Pekin. I arrived here about
MISSIONARY LABORS, ETO. 77

the 20th of December. The weather became sud-
denly so excessively cold, that I had to continue two
weeks in this neighborhood. During this time, I
found fourteen members, all Europeans. I preached
for them five times, baptized six infants, and adminis-
tered the Lord’s Supper to nine persons. These peo-
ple greatly need the constant preaching of the gospel,
for the majority are very indifferent about their salva-
tion.

“*T next visited Beardstown, on the Illinois River.
It was now the 7th of January. In this place and its
neighborhood were about two hundred and fifty Ger-
mans, mostly Protestants. Here I unexpectedly met
the Rev. W. Bolenius, from West Pennsylvania, who
came to this place last July, and has organized two
congregations, to which he now attends. Wickedness
abounds here to an alarming extent: the Sabbath I
was there, four hundred hogs were slaughtered, and
this, I have been told, is of frequent occurrence. I
hope and pray our dear brethren will do all they can
to save these people from their immorality and wick-
edness. I continued here but two days, and preached
twice.

‘“*T now left the Illinois River, and visited Quincy,
on the Mississippi. This town and its vicinity have
about sixty families of European Germans, mostly
Protestants. They are, like many others in the West,
78 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

entirely destitute of gospel ordinances, though they
are a people who rightly appreciate and value the
privileges of religion, and greatly desire the stated
means of grace. They were much deceived last sum- ~
mer by a certain Mr. Hohnholtz, who came among
them in the garb of a Lutheran minister. They re-
ceived him with open arms, supposing him to be what
he professed. But it was soon discovered that he was
a notorions drunkard and liar, and, by his wicked
deeds, he brought himself into prison. He is still
strolling through the West, a deceiver of the people.
With the people of Quincy, I spent ten days, visited
most families, preached six times, delivered a lecture
on temperance, and baptized four infants.

“From Quincy, I went to Alton, having been pre-
viously informed that some Germans resided there,
On my way to this place, I found five or six families
of European Germans, living in the vicinity of Atlas,
on Snycarte River, Pike county. I did not stop to
preach to these people, as I resolved to return; but
circumstances frustrated my design.

‘* At Palmyra, in Missouri, there are eight or ten
families of European Germans. Ihad the great plea-
sure of finding the Rev. N. Rieger at Alton. This
gentleman came last summer from the Basle Mission-
ary Institute, for the purpose of laboring among his
countrymen in the Valley of the Mississippi. He has
MISSIONARY LABORS, ETO. 79

spent the winter in this place, where there are about
sixty Germans, most of them unmarried, and not
permanent residents. He intends to enter into an-
other field in the spring. He seems to be a man of
the right spirit, having a love for souls, and is wil-
ling to labor for their salvation.

“In St. Clair county, there are more Germans than
in any other county in the West. I did not, however,
visit those settlements, and the reason was, because
the report which your former missionary gave of their
disposition and character so displeased many of them,
that a missionary in the service of your Synod would
scarcely find a reception among them, and much less
be beneficial to them. This they have avowed in the
public prints. Mr. Rees, from Basle, is located in
this country, and is doing much good.

‘The next place I visited was St. Louis. Here I
became acquainted with the Rev. G. W. Wall, who
came from Basle in company with Rev. Mr. Rieger.
The congregation at St. Louis has no pastor at this
time; Mr. Wall preaching only as a supply. But I
suppose he will soon be elected, and become their
regular minister. This congregation is large, there
being about four hundred communion members. For
some time past, they have worshiped in the Methodist.
Episcopal Church, and are doing so yet: but they in-
tend to build a house for themselves next summer.
80 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

Recently a Sabbath-school has been organized in the
Presbyterian Church, for the benefit of the Germans.
It already numbers one hundred and twenty-five
scholars. Here they are taught the English lan-
guage, and also made acquainted with the gospel.
Children and adults attend.

“ From St. Louis, I purposed going to St. Charles,
and then up the Missouri as far as Boonesville; but I
was informed that Messrs. Heyer and Nioce, who
were sent into this country by the Bannen Mission-
ary Society of Germany, were now laboring in St.
Charles, and the surrounding country. I was also
credibly informed that the Rev. Mr. Garlich was
actively engaged in a German settlement at Pinkney
and Marthasville; and I, therefore, did not deem it
necessary for me to visit that part of the State. The
Rev. Mr. Picker is located in a German settlement
on Apple Creek, and I hope is doing good. At St.
Louis, I met with Rev. Mr. Posthauer, a licentiate of
your body, who was on his way to Jonesboro’, in
Union county. Thus, all the German settlements in
this section of country, of which I had any certain
information, being supplied, I found I could now
close my tour without liability of censure. I was
anxious to close at this point for two reasons: Ist. I
was by this time completely worn out by the various
hardships of my journey; 2d. I had determined to
MISSIONARY LABORS, ETC. 81

return to the West, and make it my future field of
labor.” In this, however, I have been disappointed.
I reached my home about the 1st.of March, after hav-
ing been engaged six months in your service.

“The following statements are a summary of my
mission; I traveled, at a moderate computation,
three thousand miles; preached eighty sermons, and
lectured frequently ; baptized twenty-four; confirmed
one; administered the Lord’s Supper to thirty com-
municants; collected for missionary purposes, $38 56.

“The results of this mission, which cost me so
much toil and anxiety of mind, eternity alone can
fully unfold. My earnest prayer has always been,
that my labors may be useful to those to whom I was
sent to minister.

‘“*T would now, in conclusion, beg leave to suggest
to your body, not to assign to your future missionary
so large a field of labor. The people in the West
have been imposed upon by unworthy men. This
has made them suspicious of strangers; and every
man who comes among them, however good his cre-
dentials, must remain some time before he can secure
their confidence, A man who has three States to
traverse, cannot stay long in one place: he cannot
become acquainted with the character and wants of
the people; and though he may preach the truth
faithfully, the impression seems evanescent. :

4*
82 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

“T would also recommend that your next mission-
ary be directed to pay particular attention to the
State of Missouri; for it is highly probable, that
within its bounds there are many Germans who have
never been visited.

“May the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls
abundantly bless and prosper you in this great and
important. enterprise, is the prayer of your humble
servant. Ezra Keer.

“ May 24, 1837.”
CHAPTER V.

HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN.

Enters his first charge with a deep sense of his responsibilities—Chronic
affection—Obliged to cease preaching—Birth of his first-born—Death
of same—Death of his sister———Wife’s illness—Distressed by the
wickedness of the ungodly—Conference at Woodsboro’—Precious-
ness of the doctriue of atonement—Death of a missionary—Hdified by
reading the life of Dr. Spener.

Arter his return from Lancaster he commenced mak-
ing arrangements to enter upon his duties in his new
field of labor. He moved to Taneytown, Carroll
county, Md., on the Ist of June, 1837. This was his
first pastoral charge, and he entered it deeply im-
pressed with the weighty responsibilities which he
was assuming. That such were the feelings of his
heart is indicated by the following brief record, made
in his journal the day following: ‘‘O Lord, my spirit
is greatly burdened with the responsibilities of a min-
ister and pastor! Strengthen me, that I may be
useful among this people.”

The charge at this time was composed of four con-
gregations: one in Taneytown, one in Emmitsburg,
and two in the country. For a minister in a feeble

state of health, the work was consequently very
= (83)
84 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

arduous. That it was too severe for Mr. Keller, the
sequel will show.

During the first summer he applied himself with
fidelity to the various duties of his sacred office. In
the month of October, the Maryland Synod met at
Emmitsburg. At this meeting his ordination took
place, as is stated in his journal:

“* Oct. 17, 1837. This evening I was ordained to
the holy ministry, in connection with Rev. F. Springer
and Rev. C. Martin. It was a very solemn occasion.
It is the firm purpose of my heart to preach and labor
as a minister who handles not the word of God de-
ceitfully.”

On the 22d of April, 1838, he administered the
Lord’s Supper to one of the congregations of his
charge. The occasion was one of great solemnity.
In his own soul feelings of sadness mingled with
emotions of joy. ‘* To-day,” he says, ‘‘it became my
painful necessity to announce to my people that I
must for the present desist from preaching on account
of the state of my health. I have had an affection
of the throat ever since my return from the West.
Last month it proved to be a permanent and violent
.inflammation of the larynx, which is threatening the
destruction of my bodily constitution. This was a
severe trial to my feclings. For me to cease preach-
ing, is to cease to be happy. Whether, in the provi-
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 85

dence of God, I shall be able to resume this delightful
work, is considered doubtful by my physician. Iam
no longer able to converse with ease and comfort. I
was obliged to request my people not to call and see
me, 43 conversation with them might prove very in-
jurious to me. O Lord, give me grace to endure this
trial of affliction.”

May 22d was the birthday of his first-born son,
which he mentions as a day of joy to both parents.
On the day of his birth this child was solemnly dedi-
cated to the Lord, with the fervent prayer, ‘‘O may
he live before thee!” But how short-lived the joy
occasioned by this event! How like to much of
earthly joy! A few short weeks, and suddenly all
their expectations are cut off. June 10th was a day
of sadness in his household. The record made on the
evening of this day reads thus: ‘‘ We have just re-
turned from the burial of our dear babe, who died
this morning, after much apparent suffering from vio-
lent spasms. He fell asleep-gently this fair Sabbath
morning, and thus entered that fairer Sabbath on high.
I could never fully realize, before this, how severe
such a bereavement is. I read to his mother the his-
tory of David’s child who, in the providence of God,
was taken from him.” In connection with this allu-
sion to the death of his first-born infant son, the fol-
lowing lines are inserted in his journal:
86

BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

Thou art gone, my precious one!
Gone to the spirit land!
Methinks I sce thee there,
Amid the angelic band ;°
Removed from earth away,
Ere a tear had dimm’d thine eyes,
To live and sing and stray
*Mid the flowers of Paradise.

But I would not call thee back
To sin, and grief, and pain,
To tread life’s thorny path
With her sorrowing sons again ;
For it is a cheerless ray,
And a thousand ills are near,
And every joy its sadness hath,
And every smile its tear.

Thou art gone !—thy laughing eye
Shall beam no more for me—

No more thy mother’s heart shall wake
To that voice of childish glee;

And he who blessed thee oft,
His future pride and joy,

No more shall twine thy sunny curls,
And bless his darling boy.

Yet that eye of love again
On my longing sight shall beam,
And the little hand shall clasp my own,
In my soothing nightly dream.
And oft that thrilling tone
Will haunt my soul at even,
When I sit and weep alone,
Like a spirit’s voice from heaven,
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 87

Farewell, my gentle boy!
Soft be thy cradle bed,
And soft the winds that sigh
At eve around thy head!
Sweet be the early flowers
That spring upon thy breast;
And kind and true the angel bands
That guard thy lonely rest.

After he had quit preaching, his health continued
to decline. Advised by some of his friends, he went
to the city of Baltimore, with the hope of there find-
ing a physician by whose skillful treatment his health
might be restored.

“‘ Baltimore City, Aug. 15. I am here in search
of medical aid. As I found no relief from other ex-
pedients, I concluded yesterday to have my uvula
amputated. The operation was performed by Dr.
Smith; it was exceedingly painful. I am now so
much reduced that I am unable to walk without a
staff; I am dwindled away to a mere skeleton, and
feel very gloomy and disconsolate. I intend to return
home to my dear afflicted wife as soon as I am able;
but perhaps I shall not enjoy this privilege. ‘ Lord,
spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go
hence, and be no more.’ ”

How soon this pleasure was afforded him, we are
not informed; his next entry is dated Oct. 10, and
reads as follows: ‘“‘I have returned from Baltimore,
88 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

but my throat is not improved. Last week I resolved
to try the efficacy of the Thompsonian or Botanic
Practice ; under its influence I have been improving,
and have now the hope of being restored to health.
I am now convinced that my disease has its origin in
a disordered state of the stomach and bowels, and a
disturbed circulation of my blood.” His journal does
not inform us whether he continued to make use of
the remedies of that system of medicine; but he
seems from this period gradually to have recovered
his usual degree of health.

‘‘ Nov. 5. Yesterday I preached for the first time
since the month of April; my health is much better,
and I hope I shall be able to preach again without
interruption. I felt very happy in delivering the
message of my Master to lost sinners, and very
thankful in the enjoyment of this blessed privilege.
During my sickness I learned many lessons, which I
trust, if my life be spared, will hereafter render me
more useful. .

“Dec. 8, 1838. To-day my only sister, Elizabeth
Derr, was buried. On the evening of the 6th, a mes-
senger arrived, having come in great haste to inform
me that she was ill, bearing the request that I should
visit her immediately, as she was very anxious to see
ine. I was still under medical treatment, lying upon
my couch, weak and emaciated. To me this was
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 89

doleful news, for it was a dark and dreary night. I
started early the next morning, but ere I reached
home, I-learned that she had died before the arrival
of the messenger, very anxious to see me before her
departure from earth. They deferred sending for me
to 89 late an hour, on account of the feelings of my
father toward me. Her death occurred in the twenty-
sixth year of her life; she was married about two
years previous to her decease; she left a babe a fort-
night old—a sweet babe, who was dedicated to God
in holy baptism on the day of its mother’s burial.
Dear sister, I am distressed for thee. ‘ Very pleasant
hast thou been unto me; thy love to me was wonder-
ful, passing the love of women.’ She felt very much
opposed to my locating in’ the West, because she
could not bear the thought of so distant a separation
from me; and yet how soon we had to be separated
for life, without even a parting word or prayer.
Could I but have been present to take an affectionate
farewell and commend her soul in prayer to God!
It is a source of consolation that she died with a good
hope, through grace, of salvation. About two years
previous to this event she made a profession of the
Christian religion, and from that period she gave sat-
isfactory evidence of increasing piety; her end was
peace. In heaven again I expect to meet her, where
the separations of death will be unknown. But not-
90 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

withstanding these blessed hopes, the burden of such
a bereavement is very great to me in the enfeebled
state of my health. The good fruits of such afflic-
tions our Heavenly Father permits us in some meas-
ure to taste already here below. Jt was so in the
death of my dear sister. It was made the occasion
of my father’s reconciliation tome. To-day he spoke
to me the first friendly word for six years; the jirst
word for some years, although I was often at his
house. Thus how true is it, that blessings come with
afflictions. Could sister have known this, as one of
the results of her separation from us, what a cause
of rejoicing would it not have been to her pious soul!

“ Feb. 17, 1839. A few days ago my wife became
so severely afflicted that her life was despaired of; it
was a gloomy day to me. Having already suppli-
cated the throne of grace in her behalf, I went into
my study, and again poured out my soul in prayer to
Almighty God; when I returned to her room I found
a happy change had suddenly taken place; I con-
fidently believe the Lord heard my prayer, and
spared her life in answer to my earnest supplications.
Thanks be unto his excellent Name, for his goodness
and loving kindness to me.

‘* Since November last, I have been able to preach
but once a week; but I hope my Master will give me
strength to labor more abundantly for his glory.
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 91

“ June 10, 1839. One year has now rolled into
eternity since my dear little Martin Luther died. He
has now been one year with our blessed Saviour in
heaven. QO! may I, at the close of my years on earth,
meet him with great joy in yonder bright and glori-
ous world which he has so soon been called to enter.

** Nov. 29, 1839. My wife was partially, but not
entirely restored to health. In May last, I took her
to her father’s house, to try other medical treatment.
Near the close of August, she became convalescent,
and in September, she gained strength. sufficient to
walk alone.

“Our second child, a daughter, was born on the
15th day of October. She seems to be a fine, healthy
child, for which we have great reason to rejoice and
be thankful.

“To-day, I was permitted to bring my dear wife
home again, which, in consequence of her long-con-
tinued and severe illness, I had almost utterly de-
spaired of. But the Lord, in his great goodness, has
interposed, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
Iam once more permitted to feel at home in my own
house, which had, for so long a time, been desolate
and gloomy.

“ Dec. 8. It is now just one year since my dear
sister died. Why has it been, O Lord! that I am
spared longer than she? Doubtless, by thy special
92 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

favor, in order that I might be useful to thy needy
Church. O! may I be enabled to live, so as to ac-
complish this great and important end.

* Jan. 1, 1840. To-day, I attended a temperance
convention in Westminster, where I delivered an ad-
dress. A county temperance society was organized.
May it be an instrument, in the hand of Providence,
in checking and rolling back the tide of intemperance
now sweeping over our beloved land, and carrying its
thousands annually into the tomb !

““ My fervent prayer to Almighty God, on this, the
first day of the new year, is, that I may be more use-
ful during the present than the former years of my
life,

“Since I located in Taneytown, up to the present
date, I have preached two hundred and seventeen
times; attended thirty-two funerals, at many of which
I preached in both the English and German lan-
guages; confirmed one hundred and eighty-seven;
baptized eighty-six infants, and eleven adults.

“ Jan. 5. To-day, I preached twice, and enjoyed
much freedom and comfort in proclaiming the gospel
to perishing sinners.

‘Jan. 10. Last evening, I preached at the private
residence of one of my members, on the subject of
prayer meetings. I have, during the last eight or ten
days, enjoyed the blessed consolations of piety more
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 93

copiously and constantly than usual during the past
few months. 1 have been reading Albert Barnes’
Notes on 1, Corinthians, which I find exceedingly
valuable. The examination, by the aid of these
Notes, of the tenth chapter, has been very profitable
to me. Holiness, pure benevolence, and consequent
self-denial, that he might, by all means, save some,
were the distinguishing traits of Paul’s character.
O! that the same dispositions may characterize my
life and ministry. I thirst for more love to God, and
more love for blood-bought. souls. I feel that I am
‘bought with a price, and should therefore glorify
God in my body and spirit, which are his.’

“* Jan. 12. This is the Holy Sabbath, and I have
twice published the gospel of good tidings to men.
I have not had as vivid and deep impressions of the
importance of spiritual things as on some previous
Sabbaths. My desires for the salvation of men’s souls
are too languid. . We had visitors from abroad, who
tarried with us over Sabbath. The house of worship
was cold, and the people were not comfortable. These
may have been some of the causes of my improper
state of mind. I would, however, feel ashamed to
present these to my Judge as a proper ground of justi-
fieation. Alas! how soon are we unfit forduty! how
strong is the tempter’s power! and how deceitful and
desperately wicked are our depraved hearts! O Lord!
94 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

pardon thy servant in this thing, although he be un-
worthy.

“ Jan. 14. To-day, I preached a funeral sermon
at the interment of , who died at the age of
thirty-three years. His sickness was but of six days.
I am afraid he was unprepared for the eternal world ;
his relations are exceedingly wicked. How sad for
his poor family! Surely ‘man was made to mourn.’
One of his neighbors was so much intoxicated that it
became necessary to lead him out of the church during
the funeral services: into what an alarming depth of
degradation has not sin bronght man !

“ Jan. 20. During the last several days, I have
becn very much distressed by the ungodliness of the
wicked in our community. The recent fall of snow
has afforded a most favorable opportunity for the in-
dulgence of their unholy desires and passions. A
few nights ago, the quiet of our village was disturbed
by a large gathering to participate in the exercises of
a fashionable ball. For the second time during this
season, we have now been afflicted with this evil,
which is prevailing so alarmingly all around us.
What Christian heart is not pained by these scenes of
profligacy and crime! With the Psalmist, I feel
ready to exclaim, ‘ Rivers of waters run down my
eyes, because they keep not thy law.’

‘* Yesterday, 1 was enabled to preach with comfort

 
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 95

to myself, and, I hope, with profit to my hearers, I
felt, as I humbly trust, the momentous importance of
the trath I uttered. May the Holy Spirit seal it upon
‘the hearts of the audience.

“Jan. 26. During the morning exercises of this
day, my heart seemed hard: God appeared to have
withdrawn his presence. In the afternoon, I enjoyed
the visits of his love, and was consequently prepared
to preach with seriousness and considerable power.
The power was of God.

‘« Feb. 8. In proclaiming the gospel of glad tidings
to perishing sinners to-day, I enjoyed much pleasure.
O! what a glorious work is not that of a minister of
the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Feb. 5. Ihave just returned from the funeral of
a young lady, who, after the brief illness of three
days, was summoned into the presence of her Maker
and Judge. How suddenly are we cut down! and
yet what faint impressions these solemn providences
leave upon our minds!

“‘ Feb. 7. To-day, I baptized an infant, who de-
parted this life a few hours after it had been conse-
crated to Almighty God. Happy child! thou hast
been removed from the evil to come — thou hast been
gathered home to the sanctified in heaven !

“On the day above mentioned, I went to Woods-
boro’ to a conference mecting, at which I remained
z
96 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

two days. During this meeting, I preached four
times; I had great freedom of utterance, and the
word preached seemed to prosper. The Lord’s peo-
ple were much revived and comforted, and the hard
hearts of many of the wicked seemed to relent. As
I was leaving W., to return home, the church bell
tolled, in solemn peals, for the departure of an immor-
tal spirit; which led my mind to ponder the solemn
question of my own fitness for a dying hour. As the
result of this self-examination, I came to the conclusion
that I had not that full assurance of faith which I
might and should have. I resolved to be more sin-
cere, and more indifferent to the opinions of men in
the discharge of my duty.

“ Feb. 14. This evening, we had a most terrific
thunder-storm; the earth seemed to be covered with
a vast sheet of lightning, and the house trembled to

-its foundation. How terrible the power of God ap-
pears to guilty man !

“ Feb. 16. In preaching the Word to-day, I had
considerable enjoyment; but still I did not realize
spiritual and eternal things as I could wish. I find
great difficulty in looking my hearers in the face,
which seems to be a hindrance to the success of the
gospel. Why this difficulty, I cannot tell; I am sure
‘I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,’ for I have
felt it to be the * power of God unto salvation.’ I will
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 97

endeavor, by the grace of God, to overcome this im-
pediment, which may be a device of the Evil One.

“ Feb. 20. To-day, it is unusually warm for this
season of the year. This evening we have heard, for
the first time, the croaking of the frogs, since their
longbrumalsleep. How cheering to behold the symp-
toms of reanimation at the approach of the beauteous
vernal season. It presents us with a lively emblem
of the resurrection of the body. Long will many have
slept in their graves, ignorant of the scenes which
have been transpiring on the earth; but on that
blessed morn, they shall come forth clothed with new
life and beauty, with songs of praise to meet their
Lord and Saviour.

“* Heb. 23. I have felt happy in my weak endeav-
ors to perform the duties of my sacred office to-day ;
my soul enjoyed a heavenly calmness and serenity in
contemplating and preaching upon the great subject
of atonement through Jesus Christ. I tind this doc-
trine to be, not only the corner-stone of the system of
Divinely revealed truth, but likewise the most edify-
ing and consolatory of all truths.

“Last Friday, I went to Gettysburg, to attend the
anniversary of one of the literary societies connected
with my Alma Mater. The exercises were highly
gratifying. May the Lord continue to bless and

prosper this institution.
5
98 BIOGRAPMY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

“This morning, I was greatly distressed by reading
an account of the death of the Rev. W. Pease, an
American missionary to Cyprus, a man who has been
very useful, although quite young—but a year older
than myself. He left a wife and two children to
mourn his early decease. How very mysterious the
ways of Providence! and how we are admonished, by
such providences, of the necessity of being always
ready for our ‘latter end!’ But, alas! how slow we
are to learn the lessons our Heavenly Father would
teach us.

‘“\ Feb. 27. I discoursed to-day (morning and even-
ing) on the important subject of repentance. I had
much freedom of spirit and facility of utterance, In
the afternoon, we were all bathed in tears: the good
Spirit doubtless aided us. O, that blessed Spirit!
without him, we would not be. effectually called, nor
illuminated, nor justified, nor sanctified. How de-
lightful it is to preach and hear when he is present
with us! Without his presence, preaching is a task,
hearing is dull, and worship is lifeless. May he ever
control my thoughts. and feelings, and guide me in
my study, and preaching, and conduct, to the glory
of the blessed Trinity.

““T have lately been much edified in reading the
life of Dr. Philip Spener, of Germany, a devoted
and useful minister of the gospel. I will endeavor
WIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 99

hereafter to observe one rule which he had adopted,
namely— To make no efforts to enter a new pastoral
charge; not to regard it as a divine si unless it
comes without my seeking.’

“ Feb. 28. To-day I preached a sermon at the
burial of Mr. Wolf, who retired to his bed in good
health, and died a few moments afterward. How
soon are we cut down! Truly we are as the grass,
and as the flower of the field!

“ March 4. 1 have just returned from a visit to
my father. He is fast declining in mental and bodily
vigor, but it was a matter of rejoicing to me to find
him much improved in his spiritual state. May the
Lord prepare him for the solemn change of death. I
lodged one night in the room where my dear sister
died fourteen months ago; it was a sleepless night;
my mind was exercised with gloomy reflections; her
image was before my excited imagination; my grief-
stricken heart bled afresh. The flesh indeed is weak.
But how precious the promise of a resurrection from
the tomb to everlasting life. It is this that brings
comfort amid the most painful bereavements of
earth.
CHAPTER VI.

HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN.

His ministry at Taneytown—Enjoys sweet communion with God—Reads
life of Henry Martya—Of David Brainerd—Flavel on Keeping the
Heart—Death of his father-in-law—Resolutions—Thoughts about his
own death—Death in the community—Escape from danger—De-
lightful communion season—Special presence of Holy Spirit—Call to
Hagerstown—Valedictory Sermons.

“ March 8. To-day has been a beautiful Sabbath,
and I have enjoyed a sweet Sabbath in my soul.
‘Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.’
What an incalculable blessing he has given us in the
gospel, its doctrines and its precepts, its institutions
and its ordinances. May I hunger and thirst after
righteousness, that I may be filled—filled with the
riches of his grace and love in Christ Jesus. I have
just visited a man, poor in this world’s goods, but
rich in grace; he rejoices greatly in the love of God,
and deeply laments that so few taste the heavenly
gift and the good word of: God, and the powers of the
world to come. I found his cabin an antechamber of
heaven. Like the disciple on the mount of trans-
figuration, I felt it was good to be there.

(100)
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN, 101

“ Monday, March 16. I had great comfort this
morning in reading and meditating upon the sacred
Scriptures; I was enabled yesterday to preach with
unusual solemnity, while many of the audience were
bathed in tears. Through divine grace I was brought
to appreciate the importance of the Christian religion.
Ihad great joy in this morning’s devwotions, in com-
mitting anew the gospel preached yesterday to the
blessing of God.

“T have just finished reading the Biography of
Rev. Henry Martyn, missionary to India and Persia.
He was born in 1812, the same year from which my
own birth-day dates. My heart was much benefited
by the perusal of this book. How slender are my
attainments in self-denial, piety and holiness, com-
pared with those of this eminent saint! My confi-
dence in the fulfillment of God’s promise, never to
leave or forsake those who put their trust and confi-
dence in him, was greatly increased ; my affection for
the poor, deluded heathen was greatly revived ; I am
resolved to do more for them in the future than in the
past. If ever, hereafter, I should feel that it is the
will of Providence that my life should be devoted to
their salvation, I will not withhold the offering. I
would now rather be publishing salvation in benighted
India, than in gospel-hardened America. Guide me,
O thou great Jehovah!
102 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

“April 1. A few days ago I was made very sor-
rowful by hearing of the extreme illness of my father-
in-law ; under the crushing power of disease, he was
suddenly brought to the gates of death. We hast-
ened to his abode, anxious to see him ere he breathed
his last ; although somewhat improved, we found him
quite ill on ouwarrival.

“On Sabbath, March 29, I had no opportunity of
preaching the gospel, which was a source of painful
disappointment and deep sorrow to my soul.

‘‘T have just been apprised of the death of Lewis

Routzong, Esq., who died among strangers, in lowa
Territory, on the 12th of February. He had been my
friend and associate in boyhood and study, and at one
time intended to devote himself to God, in the gospel
ministry ; he changed his purpose, however, and de-
voted himself to the legal profession, which change I
fear shortened his days and hindered his usefulness.
' “YT have just finished the perusal of the life of
David Brainerd, by which I trust I have been greatly
benefited. He was a godly man, and ended his life
in peace. May Ibe a sharer in his spirit, and fa-
vored with his success !

‘“*T have also read that excellent treatise of Flavel,
entitled ‘Keeping the Heart.’ I have recently en-
joyed great comfort in secret prayer; I have resolved
to meditate and pray more in my closet. May I have
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 103

Divine assistance in the performance of this duty. I
long to be useful in leading precious souls to Jesus,
and at the appointed time brought into his presence
in glory. ,

“ April 6. I was obliged to take a very decided
position at a meeting of my Church Council; an ef-
fort was made to nominate ungodly, non-communicant
members as candidates for some of the offices, which
I could by no means suffer. The course I pursued
proved offensive to a goodly number of persons. I
feel comfortable, however, under the conviction of
having acted conscientiously. In the afternoon service
my soul rejoiced in my Saviour’s manifest presence.

“April 18. I returned yesterday from tffe funeral
of my father-in-law. I was with him during the five
days previous to his death; he continued gradually
to decline, until Monday evening, April 13, at 84
o'clock, when he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus. This
was the first death scene of an adult I ever witnessed ;
on account of him who was called away, as well as
on account of the great solemnity of such an occa-
sion, I shall never forget it. During his illness, I had
frequent conversations with him respecting his pre-
paration for death, which he expected to be the result
of his illness; he seemed not only willing, but also
prepared to die. Often did he say, ‘When I look at
myself, it seems impossible that one so vile as I
104 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

should be saved; but when I look at Christ—at
what he did and promised—it also seems impossible
that I should be Jost¢.?. What most troubled him, was
a want of faith in the promises of Christ, or what he
called a tangible token of acceptance with God; he
once, in my hearing, prayed-for such a token, and
then asked me if he did not ask too much of God.
I replied that, in my opinion, he did; that he should
trust in the promise of Christ, which would certainly
be fulfilled. Early on Monday morning he recovered
his reason, of which he had been deprived during the
night; he was told that he could not live long, to
which he calmly listened, and then requested me to
give him*all the instruction he yet needed. This
request, from the lips of a dying man, made me feel
more deeply than ever the unspeakable importance of
the ministerial office. To his physician he said, the
morning before, ‘ Pray for me, that we may at last
meet in heaven.’ He now bade farewell to all who
were present, with a word of parting advice. At last
he bade farewell to his own family, unable any longer
to speak. The mortal struggle now commenced,
which was soon over. He was calm and resigned at
this tremendous moment.

‘The angel of the covenant
Had come, and faithful to his promise stood
Prepared to walk with him thro’ death’s dark vale.’
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 105

His eyes, which were intently fixed now upon me,
and anon upon the members of his beloved family,
retained their brightness to the last.
‘They set, as sets the morning star, which goes
Not down behind the darkened West, nor hides

Obscured among the tempests of the sky,
But melts away into the light of heaven.’

Thus died this beloved servant of God; having been
an ‘upright man, his end was peace.’ In view of his
death, I have deliberately and sincerely adopted the
following resolutions, which I trust, by the help of
God, I shall be able to practice:

“1, With the uncertainty of life and the solemnity
of death so vividly before my eyes, I anew devote
myself to God, and will heartily seek to secure my
own salvation, and that of my fellow-men.

‘© 9. I will earnestly strive to imitate the meekness
and gentleness of Christ, for which my departed
friend was so much distinguished, and in whom I
saw the great excellency and usefulness of these
graces even in his dying moments.

“3. I will strive by all proper means to obtain a
fuller assurance of my personal acceptance with God,
and a greater degree of familiarity with death and
eternity, that when that trying hour shall come, I
may not be perplexed with doubts nor harassed by

tormenting fears.
5 Lg

=
106 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

“ And now, O thou Spirit of the living God, aid
thy unworthy servant to practice the above resolu-
tions, that he may glorify God on earth, in death
enjoy thy rich consolations, and then be brought into
the blessed fruition of eternal life. Thou knowest
my frailty and waywardness, and therefore J implore
thy guidance and protection, not only during life,
but also through the valley and shadow of death.
Sanctify me in body and soul, and use me for thy
glory. Amen.”

Here were inserted in his journal the following
sweet lines of Montgomery:

Friend after friend departs :
Who hath not lost a friend ?
There is no union here of hearts
That finds not here an end!
Were this frail world our final rest,
Living or dying none were blest,

Beyond the flight of time,
Beyond the reign of death,
There surely is some blessed clime
Where life is not a breath,
Nor life’s affections transient fire,
‘Whose sparks fly upward and exvire.

There is a world above,
Where parting is unknown,

A long eternity of love,
Form’d for the good alone;
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 107

And faith beholds the dying here
Translated to that glorious sphere!

Thus star by star declines,
Till all are passed away,
As morning high and higher shines
To pure and perfect day.
Nor sink those stars in empty night,
But hide themselves in heaven’s own light.

“April 20. This is Easter, which calls up the pre-
cious truth of arisen Saviour. During the past seve-
ral days I have enjoyed much spiritual comfort in com-
munion with my Heavenly Father. I have sometimes
hada strong desire to attain unto the resurrection of
the dead. I ofttimes feel quite tired of the world, and
were it not for my family and the cause of my blessed
Master, I could most earnestly pray with the Psalm-
ist, ‘O that I had the wings of a dove, that I might
fly away and be at rest.’ But conscious that my life
is at the disposal of him who doeth all things well, I
will patiently wait till my change shall come.

“Our annual election of church officers occurred
to-day. My heart was sorely pained by a movement
which I discovered connected with this election. An
effort was made by the wicked to have persons
elected who would not heartily co-operate with me
in promoting the cause of temperance and godli-
ness. I came home and obtained some relief in a
108 BIOGRAPITY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

flood of tears. O Lord! permit not the wicked to
triumph.

“April 27. In the labors of the pulpit, yesterday,
T enjoyed much comfort. The subject upon which I
discoursed was justification by faith. This is that
glorious doctrine which stands forth so prominent in
the system of Protestant Christianity. It was this
blessed doctrine that Luther brought forth ont of the
darkness in which a corrupt priesthood had for ages
buried it.

‘The recollection of my departed father-in-law
still brings sad and gloomy thoughts into my mind ;
but sad as this dispensation of Divine Providence
may be, I trust it will not be without its lessons of
profit. I trust that. now another cord which bound
me to earth has been severed, and another object of
attraction has been placed in the world of glory to
draw me thitherward.

‘“‘ May 2. To-day we celebrated the dying love
of our blessed Redeemer, in that solemn ordinance
instituted by him. To many of us it was a season of
humble gratitude and sincere rejoicing. If to com-
mune with Jesus on earth, where we can see him only
by the eye of faith, be so sweet, what will be the
sweetness of the heavenly communion, where we
shall see him face to face, and bask in the full sun-
‘shine of his love.
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 109

** My dear companion has passed through a season ,
of bodily affliction, at one period of which her life
was in great peril. She is now measurably restored
to health, through the good providence of God.
‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his
benefits: who healeth all thy diseases, who redeem-
eth thy life from destruction.’ I have lately, more
than ever before, seen the vanity of all earthly
things, and I hope my heart, to some extent, is
becoming weaned from perishable objects. The
thoughts of heaven afford more sweetness to my soul
—the expectation of celestial joys pours a thrill of
delight into my longing heart.

“May 9. My appointments to-day were filled by
Bro. McCron, of Pittsburgh. My health during the
last week has not been good. My wife has not en-
tirely recovered from her illness. I have had some
gloomy moments.

“‘ May 18. We have just closed a conference
meeting, which commenced.on the 15th, at which the
following brethren were present: R. Weiser, S. W.
Harkey, and J. Harpel. We had a pleasant, inter-
esting, and solemn meeting. I trust many souls have
been awakened to a deeper concern about their per-
sonal salvation. May the fruits of the good seed
which has here been sown appear in the eternal
world.
110 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

* By the feebleness of my bodily frame, I am often
admonished of an early departure from the scenes of
earth. The thought, however, is not distressing to
my mind. True, I feel a very deep sympathy for my
family and the Church of my Redeemer, on whose
account I ardently wish to live yet many years: but,
nevertheless, through grace, I am enabled to say,
‘Thy will, O Lord! be done,’ by my life, or in my
death.

‘““The memory of my deceased father-in-law is still
very mournful to my soul. ‘I am distressed for thee,
my brother Jonathan; very pleasant hast thou been
unto me; thy love to me was wonderful, passing the
love of women.’

“ May 30. Last Sabbath, I was denied the un-
speakable privilege of preaching the gospel of glad
tidings. On Saturday, I was taken quite ill; I was
unable to leave my bed till Thursday. This sick-
ness might have proved my last. While passing
through the furnace of affliction, I was brought to re-
alize the necessity of more diligent preparation for the
critical hour of death. By every renewed attack of
disease, 1 am reminded of this important duty; but
my restoration to health is accompanied with the for-
getfulness of the lesson I had learned. O! what a
strange being I am—what a wonder to myself! The
very things I most need and approve, I yet neglect.
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 111

O! when will this simple heart become wise. May
this wholesome lesson be long remembered, and re-
membered to be reduced to practice.

‘* During the present week, four of the inhabitants
of our village have been followed to the silent grave.
Of the death of two of them, that invidious destroyer,
Intemperance, was the cause. Of all God’s rebel
creatures, one of them was, perhaps, among the most
wicked; he was addicted to crimes of every hue and
character. He died wholly indifferent to his spiritual
interests: he cursed the pains that were hurrying him
to the tomb; he died—I was about to say, as the
brute dies — but, no, alas! a far deeper gloom hangs
over his latter end.

“To-day, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper at Win-
ter’s Church. We were favored with the assistance
of Rev. John Reck, from Ohio. It was a season of
great rejoicing in our midst. In my prayer, upon my
knees, at the altar, before communion, I had great
freedom of utterance, and near access to God. The
soul, partaking of the nature of God, derives its
nourishment from him alone.

“June 2. To-day, I fortunately escaped the kick
of a vicious horse, which, in all probability, would
have terminated my life. I shudder when I think of
the fearful condition in which I was placed. That I
escaped, not only with my life, but even without any
112 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

serious injury, I ascribe entirely to the good provi-
dence of God. To his great name be all the praise.
How important to be always prepared for death; for
in such an hour as we think not, the Son of Man may
come.

‘““T have just been reading the life of one of the
Christian martyrs of Mt. Lebanon. How sad and
heart-rending the tale of his sufferings, endured for
the truth, at the hands of cruel popish priests! Truly,
our lines have fallen unto us in pleasant places; ours
is a goodly heritage. May onr distinguishing privi-
leges soon be enjoyed by all our fallen race.

“* June 7. I preached and administered the Lord’s
Supper to the congregation at Emmitsburg. It was
a@ most precious communion season to many of the
children of God: it seemed to be a manifest verifica-
tion of the promise of the Saviour to enter into the
hearts of his people, and sup with them, while they
experienced the unspeakable joy of supping with him.

“ June 8. I preached a sermon on the subject of
temperance at Uniontown, after which we organized
a total-abstinence society, of seventy members. In-
temperance is one of the great evils of our land,
against which all Christians should set their faces,
and for the abolition of which they should unite their
influence and most vigorous efforts.

“ June 10. It is now two years since our first-born
HI8 MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 113

was gathered home to the society of the redeemed in
heaven. What progress he has made— what happi-
ness he has enjoyed —what glories he has seen, no
finite mind is able here on earth to conceive. How
long, O Lord! shall it be, till I shall be permitted to
mect him in glory ?

*“* June 18. Yesterday, I administered the euchar-
ist to another of my congregations. In the observ-
ance of this ordinance, my own soul was greatly
blessed, and others seemed equal partakers of the
Divine blessing. To see so many members of sister
denominations unite with us in celebrating our com-
mon Redeemer’s dying love, was a matter of great re-
joicing to my heart. This was as it should be; I
have no sympathy with the spirit of exclusiveness in
the Supper of our blessed Lord and Master. If Chris-
tians will be united in the communion of heaven, I
see no reason why they should be separated in the
communion of earth.

‘In preaching to my people on Sabbath afternoon,
I enjoyed, in a more than usual degree, the presence
and power of the Holy Spirit. I felt that the Saviour
very appropriately called the Holy Ghost the Com-
forter. The comforts which he imparts so far exceed
all other comforts, that he may well be designated
the Comforter. That my hearers were also comforted
and edified by the Word preached, I would fondly
114 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

cherish the hope. The evidences of the Divine pres-
ence were manifest in the attentive ear, the tearful
eye, the joyful countenance, and the subdued feelings.
That the Lord may abundantly glorify his Name, and
save immortal souls, through the ministry of his un-
worthy servant, is my sincere, heartfelt prayer.

“ June 24. By invitation, I preached, on last Sab-
bath, to the Lutheran congregation of Hagerstown,
Md., which is at this time vacant. I was very
kindly solicited to become the pastor of that flock ;
but I was not prepared hastily to decide a question
of so much importance. I agreed, however, to sub-
mit the matter to disinterested persons, and abide
their decision. My desire and prayer is, that the de-
cision may be made under the guidance of that Wis-
dom which is from above, and so as to promote the
glory of my Heavenly Father.

“ July 1. For some days past, my health has not
been very good. I have enjoyed considerable peace
of mind, although the question of changing pastoral
relations has perplexed me not a little.

“July 6. To-day, I feel quite feeble. I fear I
have not physical strength enough to discharge the
duties required in this vast field of labor. I, there-
fore, feel inclined to leave the dear people of my
charge. This evening, I enjoyed great freedom in
private prayer; my closet, I often find to be the
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 115

antechamber of heaven—a place where the thirsty
soul is greatly refreshed with the dews of Divine
grace.

“July 8. My health seams still to be on the decline.
I sometimes am led to think that the time of my depar-
ture is near at hand. If it be the will of my Heavenly
Father, be it so. May I only have faith in God to die
in peace; may I but be counted worthy to enter the
communion of the saints above. It need not seem
strange that I should have a desire to depart, and be
with Christ. I have the confident assurance that a
number of my dear relatives and friends have gone
thither—my dear and only sister, Elizabeth; my
cousin, John Keller; my beloved father-in-law; and
our first-born — our dear little Martin: blessed com-
pany !—thrice blessed babe! thou hast soon been
called to return to our Heavenly Father’s blissful
abode. May we at last meet thee there, and aid thee
eternally in celebrating the praises of our great and
glorious Redeemer.

‘*Last night, I had the pleasure of entertaining the
Rev. M. Roberts, an agent of the American Bible So-
ciety. He is a truly devoted, godly man. The society
in whose employ he labors is engaged in a work of vast
importance. May it long exist to accomplish its ap-
pointed mission in our fallen world!

“July 12. This has been a Sabbath of rejoicing
116 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

to my soul. Although my body seems weak and per-
ishing, I feel strengthened in the inner man. On
Monday, I preached a funeral sermon, and followed
the corpse of a fellow mortal to the silent tomb.
What a deep solemnity gathers round the resting-
place of the dead! How full of hope and promise is
the death of the Christian !

“ July 16. To-day, I received formally a unani-
mous call from the congregation at Hagerstown. I
have, after very prayerful consideration, accepted this
call, and thus decided a question which has given me
not a little perplexity of mind. This decision, I hope,
was made in the fear and according to the will of
God. The call was not one of my own seeking. I
had, for some months, been revolving in my mind the
question, whether, in consequence of the feeble state
of my health, and the vast amount of labor required,
it would not be best for me to resign my present
charge. But, as no opening presented itself, I was
content to labor on, to the utmost of my ability.
This call has come near the expiration of the year.
The charge at Hagerstown will not require much ex-
posure to the inclemency of the weather. It is lo-
cated in a healthy region, and affords a large field of
usefulness. I have examined my motives; 1 con-
sulted disinterested persons of experience, all of
whom advised me to make the change. I thought I
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 117

could perceive the leadings of Providence in the mat-
ter, and thus made up my mind with the conviction
that I was following the path of duty. And now, O
Lord! I beseech thee, bless me in the step which I
have taken. Cause it to result in the advancement
of thy cause, and the promotion of thy glory. Keep
me humble and faithful; and may this, my dear peo-
ple, soon be supplied with a suitable pastor.

“July 19. To-day I preached my farewell sermon
to my people at Emmitsburg. This was a great trial
to me, for I have many warm friends here; but I re-
ceived comfort from the hope of a reunion with them
in heaven. How consolatory to know, that ‘there
remaineth a rest to the people of God.’? May I, and
those with whom I have this day dissolved the pas-
toral relation, have grace to labor more earnestly for
that rest which remaineth for us.

“July 26. To-day I delivered my valedictory dis-
course at Taneytown and Winter’s Church. I have
now passed through the painful struggle of tearing
myself away from the beloved people of my first
charge. Although the task be painful, I leave my
people with many pleasing recollections of their kind-
ness and friendship. Amid the cares and duties of
future life, I shall love to look back upon these sunny
spots in the history of the past.

“The impared state of my health sometimes forces
118 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

the impression on my mind that my days on earth
are rapidly drawing to a close. But I can cheerfully
resign myself to the will of my Heavenly Father.

“ Middletown Valley, July 29. I arrived here
yesterday from Taneytown ; I felt quite sick from the
journey. To-day I feel considerably better. I found
it a very sore trial to leave my former residence,
where we had been both highly blessed and deeply
afflicted. Thoughts of sadness crowded into my mind
as I gazed for the last time upon the spot where
sleeps our first-born babe. From the tomb where his
body rests I was carried in imagination to yonder
bright world above, where his spirit is completely
happy with the sanctified of heaven.

“ Aug. 9. I preached at St. John’s Church, where
my lamented father-in-law is slumbering to await the
scenes of the resurrection morn. The sight of the
graveyard very deeply affected me, so that I was en-
abled to preach as a dying man to dying men.”

From the last two chapters it will be seen that
Rey. E. Keller labored among the people of his first
charge for the space of three years. Although ‘his
labors were considerably interrupted through bodily
affliction, yet he accomplished much for the cause of
his divine Master. He was faithful and efficient in
the catechetical instruction of the young. The con-
gregation at Taneytown enjoyed one extensive sea-
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 119

son of refreshing during his ministry. The other
Churches were also visited with ‘times of refreshing
from the presence of the Lord.” His labors were
abundantly blessed. He added to the Church adult
members, by confirmation and baptism, upward of
two hundred; and baptized about one hundred in-
fants. He attended about forty funerals, at many of
which he preached both in the German and English
languages. He preached about four hundred sermons,
These statistics, connected with his weekly and special
lectures, and his pastoral labors, show that he was
not an idler, but a workman in the vineyard of the
Lord. Not only among his members, but in the
community, he was universally esteemed. His loss
was deeply felt. ‘
CHAPTER VII.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Introductory sermon—Installation—Death of an infant danghter—Visits
the sick at the Almshouse—Passes the graveyard at a late hour of the
night—Recognition of friends in heaven—Meeting of Synod—Visit
to Taneytown—Political excitement—Revival of religion—Father’s
illness—Brother’s sickness and death.

“ Tacerstown, Mp., Aug. 12,1840. To-day I ar-
rived at this place, and took up my residence in the
parsonage of the Lutheran Congregation,

* Aug. 16. This morning I preached my intro-
ductory sermon to my people in my new field of labor.
The occasion was one of deep solemnity. Our hearts
were made to realize the presence of the Holy Spirit.
May the Lord sanction the union of pastor and peo-
ple formed this day; make us a great blessing to each
other, and enable us to promote his glory !

‘““My installation as pastor of this congregation
occurred on the 25th of August. My fervent prayer
is that I may be faithful to the solemn obligations I
have assumed.

“Aug. 28. Last night I preached at Bethel
Church, for a congregation of colored people. I was

720)
HIS MINISTRY AT ITAGERSTOWN. 121

accompanied by Rev. R. Weiser. We had a delight-
ful meeting. The illiterate and neglected ofttimes
appreciate and relish the truths of the gospel more
than those who are more highly favored.

“Our dear little infant daughter is quite ill. I
have gone to my Heavenly Father in prayer, and
asked him, if in accordance with his will, that her
life might be spared.

“‘ Aug. 81. I have just been weeping over the cold
remains of our little loved one, who died about 7
o’clock yesterday morning. She departed this life on
a fair Sabbath morn, as did her little infant brother
two years ago. Her sickness continued but three
days, during which she suffered much, yet with great
patience. She furnished a lesson of profit to those of
us of maturer years, who become impatient under the
hand of affliction. She was a lovely child—rather
precocious in the development of her intellect. That
she might not become an idol to my heart, I put forth
my utmost exertions, and yet I am not sure that I
entirely succeeded. So painful to me is her death
that I can scarcely bear it with composure. A wound
has been opened which I fear is destined long to
smart and bleed. Let me not say long, for soon I
shall meet my angelic babes in their celestial abode,
where death shall never interrupt our union. If

God’s will be so, my heart responds, let this blessed
6
122 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

meeting soon occur! My longing for the communion
of the saints above is becoming more and more
ardent. May the world never become the object of
my affections, but may I continually seek my rest in
heaven !

“* Sept. 3. I have just been contemplating the New
Jerusalem, as represented in the twenty-first chapter
of the Book of Revelations. What a happy, glorious
place is revealed when beheld through the figure by
which its dazzling splendors are disclosed to our
finite conceptions! The consciousness that my dear
departed ones are among its happy inmates, is a great
comfort to my mind. How much better than here on
earth is their situation now in their disembodied an-
gelic state! And how much greater yet will be their
glory and happiness, when their beautiful forms will
be raised from their graves and reunited with their
undying spirits. As I contemplate them, as they are,
I become tired of earth. This morning I feel quite
homesick for heaven. May I ever be characterized
by this pilgrim feeling—this longing after immor-
tality! It is the desire of my soul not to set my
affections on earthly objects, but to seek my home
beyond the skies. ‘All the days of my appointed
time will I wait until my change shall come.’ ”

The following sweet lines were here placed in his
journal :
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 123

THE SAINTED CHILD,

As the sweet flower that scents the morn,
But withers in the rising day,

Thus lovely was this infant’s dawn,
Thus swiftly fled its life away.

It died ere its expanding soul
Had ever burnt with wrong desires,

Had ever spurn’d at Heaven’s control,
Or ever quench’d its sacred fires.

It died to sin, it died to cares,
But for a moment felt the rod ;
O mourner, such, the Lord declares,
Such are the children of our God.

A FATHER’S GRIEF.

To trace the bright rose, fading fast,
From a fair daughter's cheek,

To read upon her pensive brow
The fears she will not speak ;

To mark that deep and sudden flush,
So beautiful and brief,

Which tells the progress of decay—
Tus is a father’s grief,

When languor, from her downy couch,
Has scared swect sleep away,

And heaviness, that comes with night,
Departs not with the day ;

To meet the fond, endearing smile,
That secks with false relief

A while to calm his bursting heart--
Tuis is a father’s grief.
124 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

To listen where her gentle voice
Its welcome music shed,

And find within its lowly halls
The silence of the dead;

To look unconsciously for her,
The chosen and the chief

Of earthly joys, and look im vain—
Tus is a father’s grief.

To stand beside the sufferer’s couch,
While life is ebbing fast;
To mark that once illumin’d eye,
With death’s dull film o’ercast ;
To watch the struggle of the frame,
When earth has no relief,
And hopes of heaven are breathed in vain—
Tuts is a father’s grief.

And not when that dread hour is past,
And life is pain no more;

Not when the dreary tomb has closed
Over her so lov’d before ;

Not then does kind oblivion come
To lend his woes relief,

But with him to the grave he bears
A father’s rooted grief.

\

“ Sept. 6, Sabbath morn. It is now a week since
my sweet babe went to heaven. On a calm, bright
morn, lovely as this, she passed through the valley
of the shadow of death into a ‘fairer world on high,’
and now she is worshiping in the upper sanctuary,
with the ‘spirits of just men made perfect.? But we
are yet in ‘the body of this death,’ worshiping in
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 125

temples made with hands, subject to the pains of dis-
ease and the pangs of bereavement. I would ac-
quiesce in the arrangements of Divine Providence.
I would not utter a murmuring complaint, if so be
that I may at last join my sainted ones before the
throne of Him who hath redeemed us with his own
precious blood, and made us kings and priests unto
God. The tendency of my thoughts and affections to
earthly things is a great source of grief to me. Over
the depravity of my heart I have oft to mourn.
When I wish todo good, evil is present with me.
Nevertheless I think I deeply abhor that which is evil,
and sincerely love that which is good.

“Sept. T. In preaching the Word to-day, I felt the
presence of the Good Spirit, and was enabled to
speak with great freedom and solemnity.

“Sept. 8. To-day I attended two funerals: the
one achild, the other a Mr. 8 , who died of in-
temperance. What fearful ravages this monster evil
is making in our world! When shall its swelling
tide be stayed, and its poisonous streams dried up?

“Sept. 10. To-day I buried a little girl, the
daughter of Mr. Hageman. The sight of the coffin
deeply affected my heart, and suffused my eyes with
tears, as it brought up before my mind my dearly
beloved and lamented one.

. “Sept. 14. Yesterday, both morning and evening,

 
126 BIOGRAPIY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

the preached gospel seemed to make a deep impres-
sion on the minds of the hearers. I felt devoid of the
fear of man, and the love of self, and took shelter
behind the Cross. Whatever success I may have had
I ascribe to this source. The power was not in me,
but in God alone.

“Sept. 19. I have just returned from the alms-
house, where I found a mother, aged eighty-three
years, and her daughter, in the same room. Both
professed to be Christians, and seemed very glad to
see me. The aged lady expressed a strong desire to
depart, and be with the Lord. Of the expectation of
that blessed moment, she spoke with joyful emotions.
I rehearsed many of the precious promises of God’s
Word to them, to which they listened with tears of
joy and gratitude. After engaging in prayer with
them, I took my departure, and so earnestly was
God’s blessing invoked upon me by both of them, as
to cause me to feel that it was a most precious privi-
lege to ‘ preach the gospel to the poor.’ By this neg-
lected portion of the human family, religious truth is
ofttimes most appreciated, and among them the gospel
gains its easiest triumphs, I will endeavor to imitate
my Divine Instructor, in availing myself of every
suitable opportunity to minister to them in spiritual
things.

‘Sept. 21. In the preaching of God’s Word, on
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 127

Sabbath, I felt his special presence. Christians were
melted into tears, and the hearts of the impenitent
were subdued under the power of the Divine Spirit.

“Sept. 27. Last night, at a late hour, I returned
from Boonsboro’, whither I had gone to preach the
gospel. The night was dark and solemn; the stars
shone brilliantly in the quiet firmament. The thought
occurred to my mind, that, possibly, one of these bright
worlds might be the abode of my angelic babes. I:
passed the graveyard, where sleep the quiet dead.
All was silent and pensive; I could see nothing save
the white marble monuments, and the lofty trees, that
stood around in solemn grandeur. I could not refrain
from weeping and exclaiming, Peace be with thine
ashes, my dear babe! When the night of death shall
come for me and your fond mother, may we lie down
by thy side, and rest together, until the trump of the
archangel shall wake us to everlasting life! O! the
pangs of bereavement! they seem almost more than
my poor heart can bear.

“‘ This morning, I preached on the sanctification of
the Lord’s Day. In the performance of this duty, I
enjoyed but little comfort. I felt dull, stupid, and
embarrassed, which has been a source of great dis-
tress to me. Perhaps the Lord wished to show me
how weak I was without his aid. I thought I had
prayed earnestly for Divine assistance before I re
128 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

paired to the sanctuary. Whatever the cause may be,
it must have its origin in me, and not in God.

“‘T have just been walking in my garden, and med-
itating on my spiritual condition. I have a strong
assurance that [am in favor with God; and when I
think of heaven —of the Saviour and of the saints —
I become quite overburdened with an irrepressible
longing to depart and be with them. What a thrill
of joy is imparted to the soul by the hope of glory !

“ Oct. 8. In the public worship of last Sabbath, I
had great freedom of utterance, and the sweet conso-
lations of Divine grace. I trust the labors of the day
will not be without their good fruits.

‘*T am now reading Dr. Dorr’s essay on the Recog-
nition of Saints in Heaven. This is a subject full of
consolation, and of great practical utility. I have
been faking a walk, and meditating on spiritual
things. By the train of my reflections, my thoughts
were carried away to the departed loved ones in
heaven, and the dear absent ones on earth. I havea
good hope, through grace, that I shall meet and rec-
ognize, in heaven, my grandfather, whom, in child-
hood’s early morn, I oft heard pray and read God’s
Holy Word; my two brothers, deceased in infancy;
my sister dear; my father-in-law, beloved; my own
sweet babes, with many other kindred near; my fel-
low-student and companion in the ministry, Jesse
HIS MINISTRY AT TANEYTOWN. 129

Hoover. All these, and many others, I knew and
loved; and I expect to greet them all again, and
enjoy sweet fellowship with them in heaven. In
making these remarks, I do not mean that Christ’s
presence alone would not make me perfectly happy
in heaven. O, no! In his favor, is love; in his
presence, is fullness of joy; at his right hand, are
pleasures for evermore. If I should not recognize
one of my earthly friends, and should but behold the
face of that ‘Friend that sticketh closer than a bro-
ther,’ my bliss would nevertheless be complete.

‘Oct. 10. Yesterday, I preached at Funkstown.
It was a day of delight to my soul. I am entirely un-
worthy of the favors of the Lord, and yet he confers
his favors so abundantly upon me.

“Oct. 11. I have just returned from my weekly
visit to the almshouse. In a small room there, I
found a German woman and her husband very sick ;
her sufferings especially seemed very great. When
she learned who I was, she looked at me with an ex-
pression of deep interest, and listened most atten-
tively as I uttered in her presence, the precious truths
of the gospel of peace. From her husband I learned
that they had lived at the canal—that there she be-
came sick and also deranged, in which condition she
remained for a long time.

“The following day I returned again, to visit this

6* t
130 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

distressed family, but found on my arrival, that the
woman had died the evening previous. From her
husband, who was still sick, and gives evidence that
he is a child of God, I made inquiries about her last
moments. He replied that she spoke of her parents,
in her fatherland, with the most tender emotions, and
till her latest breath continued pouring out her soul in
earnest prayer to God. He cherished the hope that
all was now well with her. She was a poor pil-
grim on earth; she died in a strange land, among
strangers ; but I trust she is in heaven, that peaceful,
happy home, where all the good at length shall meet
to part no more for ever. If so, how blessed her por-
tion! How great the joy of that afflicted mother to
meet the child which she never recognized on earth,
where sorrow and distress shall never enter.

“Oct. 16. The bell has just been tolling the an-
nouncement of the death of a youth who was severely
injured a week ago, during an illumination made as
an expression of rejoicing over a triumph of one of
the political parties. This sad event was no doubt
permitted, in the providence of God, as a rebuke to
the community for such misconduct.

“Oct. 20. For about a week I have been absent
from home, at the meeting of our Synod. We hada
delightful session. All our deliberations were char-
acterized by the spirit of harmony and kindness,
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 131

‘How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity.’ These annual gatherings,
where we take sweet counsel together, and relate to
each other what the Lord has done for us, greatly en-
courage the Christian minister’s heart. On my way
to Synod I preached at Taneytown, to one of the con-
gregations of my former charge. Although but a
short time has elapsed since my removal, some, who
were then here, are no more found among the living.
One of my elders, with whom I often prayed and
talked’ about the things of Christ’s kingdom, is no
longer here in his pilgrim state, but has been trans-
lated to that better country, for which he looked by
faith. The sight of so many familiar countenances,
and the vacant seats of others, awakened feelings of
joy mingled with sadness. I felt that God was in the
midst of his people, and that it was good to be there.
In the labors of the sanctuary here, on Sabbath, I felt
that I was strengthened by God, both in body and
mind. I experienced a more than usually deep sol-
emnity of soul, and had an uncommon facility of
utterance. On Saturday I preached two discourses in
Beard’s Church. Our congregations were not large,
but our meetings were full of interest.

‘The tide of political excitement has been running
very high. On Saturday night the tumult of the
people exceeded the noise of the waters. If men
132 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

were but as much concerned about making their own
calling and election sure as they are about securing
the election of their favorite candidate, how differ-
ently they would live! On Monday the Presidential
election occurred. In the excitement which prevailed
three men were stabbed. The whole community
seems to be in an uproar. I am heartily tired of the
noise and confusion prevailing all around*us. There
is some comfort in the hope that the day of its termi-
nation is at hand. My hope and prayer to Him who
hears the cry of the humble is, that the calm which
shall follow the rolling of the waves of this present
excitement, may be the precursor of a deeper and
more general interest in spiritual things.

“* Nov. 19. Last Sabbath we celebrated the Lord’s
Supper in the English language. Our religious ex-
ercises commenced on Wednesday evening previous.
We had the assistance of Revs. J. Winter, R. Weiser
and J. N. Hoffman. The gospel was faithfully
preached ; the exercises were characterized by the
deepest solemnity. Christians have been greatly re-
vived; a number of the ungodly were convicted, and
one has been professedly converted to God. Our
meetings are still continued, and the interest appears
to be increasing. I find ‘Inquiry or Anxions Meet-
ings’ both delightful and exceedingly profitable.

“Nov. 25. Last Sabbath I preached and adminis-
IIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 133

tered the Holy Supper to the congregation at Funks-
town. It was a most precious communion season.
An interesting work of grace is still in progress
among my people in H.

‘“‘Vov. 29. I administered the Lord’s Supper to
the German portion of my congregation. The audi-
ence was bathed in tears, and I trust heard the Word
and received this solemn ordinance to edification.
The religious interest in our midst seems to be on the
increase. Four or five profess to have passed from
death unto life. There is one case of remarkable
conviction ; it is the case of a backslider; she has
for a number of days been in deep distress, but has
been unable to find any peace or comfort for her soul.
She appears to be on the verge of despair, but God
will, no doubt, yet display his pardoning grace to her.

“Dec. 8. Last week I went to Taneytown, for the
purpose of aiding in the dedication of a new church,
which, however, was postponed in consequence of the
inclemency of the weather. A snow fell so deep that
the larger portion of the congregation could not come
out. Whilst in my former charge I was peculiarly
exercised in my thoughts and feelings. To see my
old house, where I often sang and prayed, wept and
rejoiced, was-afilicted and blessed; to enter the
church in which I preached and confirmed, baptized
and administered the Lord’s Supper; where I fought
134 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

against sin and for holiness, in the face of foes visible
and invisible; to see the spot where I buried some
of whose salvation I cherished a pleasing hope, and
others of whose everlasting happiness I despaired ;
and above all, to see the grave of my own sainted
babe, which will there rest quietly till the resurrec-
tion morn: these, and scenes like these, excite various
emotions in the bosom of the thoughtful. With
much truth has the poet said, ‘The memory of the
past is pleasing, but mournful to the soul.’ I met
two aged and infirm females, still lingering on the
shore of time, contrary to their expectations and ar-
dent wishes; while others in the bloom of youth or
vigor of manhood, whom I expected to find among
the living, were numbered with the dead. —

“ Dec. 21. Ihave during the last several days felt
somewhat cold and languid in my religious affections,
and consequently I could not on last Sabbath preach
with as much comfort or apparent effect as usual.
The Lord pardon his servant in this matter! How
long, O how long, shall it be thus with me? I ar-
dently long to be delivered from this spiritual leth-
argy.

“ Dec. 27. My prayer has been answered by the
Lord, and to-day I was enabled to preach with much
freedom and solemnity. I resolved boldly to reprove
the Germans in this community for dancing and other
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 135

accompanying sins, perpetrated on Christmas Day;
in which duty the Lord blessed me with inward
strength and power, giving evidence that it is always
best to do what judgment and conscience pronounce
to be right.

“ Dec. 29. The intelligence of my father’s illness
was communicated to me, and I felt it to be my duty,
without delay, to visit him. When I arrived at home,
I found father a little improved in health, but still
very ill. He received me in a very friendly man-
ner. I discovered that his disposition had undergone
a great change during the last year; he has lost that
moroseness of temper by which he had previously
been characterized, and has become quite companion-
able. This remarkable change, and the apparent
nearness of his latter end, induced me to make an
effort toward effecting a reconciliation between him
and his brother and sister, living in the neighborhood.
His brother at first made a very harsh reply to my
proposition, declaring that he would never forgive
him. I proceeded to show him from the Sacred
Scriptures, that, with such feelings, he could never be
forgiven by God, and then left him to the workings
of his own conscience. The following day, he re-
turned, and was entirely altered in his countenance,
his conversation, and his conduct; and was prepared
to dismiss those unhallowed feelings of animosity
136 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D,

which had for years been cherished in his bosom. His
sister refused to visit my father, but promised a
most hearty forgiveness. J entertain the hope that,
in the good providence of God, she will yet be led to
the discovery of her whole duty, and be led to its per-
formance.

‘* During my visit to my afflicted father, my young-
est brother also became sick. The disease soon as-
sumed a serious and rather threatening aspect. I
watched over him from the commencement of his
illness, on Thursday night, till Monday noon. I
often conversed and prayed with him; T read to him
the story of Louisa, in Abbot’s Young Christian.
At first he manifested much indifference, and afforded
me but little encouragement. He had been a careless
youth —lived a life devoted to mirth and sin. On
Monday, ere I took my departure, while we were
alone, I spoke to him about the interests of his
immortal soul, and urged the claims of religion upon
him, with all the solemnity which I was able to com-
mand, With his hand clasped in mine, he gave me
a solemn promise heartily to seek an interest in the
atoning blood of Jesus. When I bade him farewell,
it was with the assurance soon again to return; but,
probably, not to meet him among the living, as life,
at best, was uncertain, and his was now in great peril.
He gazed wishfully upon me; the scene was deeply
IS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 137

affecting to my heart; the thought rushed into my
mind, that perhaps this was the last opportunity I
would have on earth of addressing a word of admoni-
tion to, or offering up a prayer with, one so near to
my heart. On the same morning, he was visited by
the Rev. Bucher, whom he requested to pray for his
recovery. If according to God’s will, may this sick-
ness not be unto death; but whether it be unto life or
death, may it be unto the glory of God, in the salva-
tion of your soul !

‘When I had proceeded some distance from the
house, I cast my eyes over the hill-top I had left be-
hind me. At this moment, the thought of my bro-
ther rushed into my mind with a force that almost
constrained me to return. But duty urged me to
pursue my journey homeward. How intensely pain-
ful are such anxieties! and how easily we might be
rescued from them, if all would repent and live!

‘*‘T returned home January 4, 1841.

“Jan. 9. I am seated in my own room, with a
sad heart, having just returned from my father’s
house, whither I had gone to attend the funeral of my
brother. On the evening of the 6th inst., I received
the intelligence that he was rapidly declining. As
the rain was falling fast, and I was far from being
well, prudence admonished me not to attempt the
journey that night. I started early the next morn-
138 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

ing; but before I reached my journey’s end, I learned
that the summons of death had come. He died be-
fore the word had reached me, about forty-eight hours
after I had left him. Although I feared such a result,
I was scarcely prepared for its occurrence so suddenly,
It afforded me much consolation to hear that he gave
evidence that he was prepared for his change. He
breathed the language of prayer with his latest
breath, and comforted his distressed mother, as he
spoke of the joys of heaven, which he expected soon
to be his own. Thanks be to God for this comfort
and hope, which we have in his death. Nine funerals
occurred yesterday in Middletown. The day was one
of unusual solemnity. Two years ago, sister Eliza-
beth was taken from our family; and now my bro-
ther has been called to follow her. Both were younger,
and seemed healthier than I; and yet, while they are
both sleeping quietly among the dead, I am still
among the living. These providences are strange,
and to me unexpected.

‘God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform.’

“ Jan. 20. The week after my brother’s death, I
again visited my afflicted father. The weather was
exceedingly inclement, and I took a severe cold in
consequence of my exposure. After my return, |
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 139

preached twice om Sabbath, with a considerable de-
gree of spiritual comfort, although under much bodily
weakness. After Divine service on Sabbath night, I
was forced to take my bed, to which I was confined
till the following Thursday. Truly, this is a world
of affliction, pain, and death, in which the soul often
longs for the moment of its release. How infinitely
more desirable that blissful world on high, whose in-
habitants are never sick, and whose numbers death
will never diminish !”
CHAPTER VIII.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Participates in temperance movement—Happiness in doing good—Loss
of a Sabbath—A_ precious revival —Death of Gen. Harrison—General
Synod—Visit to the grave of his infant—Communion season—In-
stallation of Rev. J. Winecoff—Father’s happy death—Preached at
the laying of a corner-stone—Visit to Gettysburg and Taneytown.

“Sarurpay evening, Jan. 23. This week has passed
rapidly, yet heavily, away. The former part I spent
in my bed, the latter in my sick chamber. It has
not, I believe, been without its lessons of profit to
me. Ihave learned to be more patient and vigilant,
inasmuch as I know not when I may be called away
by the voice of death. Let it be the chief business
of my life to be prepared for that moment, come when
it may.

“It is my purpose to participate in the organiza-
tion of a total abstinence temperance society, which
will, in all probability, cause me new troubles; for
that good cause meets a strong current of opposition
in this community. But nothing of this kind moves
me. I have the consciousness that God is with me in
this matter. Let men do as they please, I shall be

(140)
5 HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN, 141

content, if I but have a conscience void of offense
toward God and man.

‘On the evening of the day bearing the last date,
we had a very interesting meeting and organized the
above mentioned society. On Sabbath, contrary to
my expectations, I was able to preach twice; but ‘I
am able to do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.’

“* Feb. 8. I have during the last few days been
called to bury several of my fellow mortals. One, I
am afraid, was not prepared for death. How sad to
the minister’s heart are the funeral services of those
who die without a hope in Christ!

‘““My heart has been made glad by the intelligence
ofa remarkable work of grace in progress in Boons-
boro’. Revivals of religion are both the life and
hope of the Church. With their increase the pros-
perity of the Church increases; with their decline
Zion languishes.

‘While reading a work on Infant Baptism, I was
reminded of my babes in heaven—whom we dedi-
cated to God in this solemn ordinance—by the occur-
rence of the following lines:

‘If orphans they are left behind,
Thy guardian care we trust;

That care shall heal our bleeding hearts,
If weeping o’er their dust.’
142 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

They were not left orphans, but we were left child-
less; they were not called to mourn over us, but we
were called to mourn over them. Nevertheless they
are cared for by one far better than any earthly
parent—even by Him who has said, ‘Suffer little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not; of
such is the kingdom of heaven.’ Freed from all our
doubts and fears, our sorrows and sufferings, may we
rest with them at last in Abraham’s bosom!

“Feb. 11. My bodily health is not good, but I
feel greatly comforted in my soul this morning. I
have met a precious passage in the writings of the
inspired prophet: ‘ He giveth power to the faint, and
to them that have no might, He increaseth strength.’
Amid the various trials, perplexities and dangers of
the present life, how comfortable the assurance that
God is our Father and Friend—almighty, bountiful,
all wise and good. The constant enjoyment of this
confidence is worth more than all the wealth of the
Indies.

“Last night we formed a Congregational Education
and Missionary Society. It is blessed to labor in any
appropriate way for the gathering of the Gentiles
into the fold of the Redeemer. Althongh we have
the ability to contribute but our mite, we have the
assurance that even that shall be accepted.

‘Feb. 17. For some days I have been confined to
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 143

the house. Last Sabbath I was unable to fill my ap-
pointments, which was a source of great grief to me.
The loss of a Sabbath I feel to be a painful loss.

“‘Last Saturday I was requested to bury a dear
infaut, that was but a day older than my lamented
Amanda. It was spared to live a little longer, suffer
a little more, and then share the same appointed end.

“On Sabbath, the 21st of Feb., I was again in
my pulpit, and a day of happiness it was to me.
Nothing makes me so happy as to Jabor for Christ
and his cause.

“March 6. Ten days ago we commenced a pro-
tracted meeting, which is still in progress. I have
had the assistance of several of our neighboring Lu-
theran brethren. On Saturday one adult member
was admitted by the rite of baptism, and one by
confirmation. This has been a season of great joy
among us; the people of the Lord have been greatly
stirred up in his service. Twelve or fourteen have
been awakened and hopefully converted, and about
forty others have become anxiously concerned about
their salvation, who have not yet found peace in be-
lieving. For this good work, which the Lord has
commenced among us, we bless his holy name, while
we pour forth our ardent prayer for its continuance,
with a large increase.

“On Sabbath morning I attended the funeral of
144 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

Mrs. Cook, who died in faith, with a strong assurance
of everlasting life. She left five small children in a
comparatively helpless condition. Their loss was her
unspeakable gain. The Lord, who has promised his
care and protection to the children of those who fear
him, provide for their wants on earth, and crown
them heirs of light in glory.

“Our meeting is still in progress with unabating
interest. New cases of anxious souls are occurring
from day to day. The mourner in Zion is comforted
—the believer is happy in the love of Jesus.

‘Convinced of sin, men now begin
To call upon the Lord;

Trembling, they pray, and mourn the day
In which they scorned his word.

Young converts sing, and praise their King,
And bless God’s holy name;

While older saints leave their complaints
And joy to join the theme.’

“] baptized an infant an hour before its spirit was
summoned to the world of light; the day following
we committed its body to the silent tomb. Of the
saints in heaven, a large proportion must be those
who in infancy were taken away from the evil to
come.

“* March 14. Yesterday I visited my aged father,
who is rapidly approaching the end of his life on
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN 145

earth; he is aware that his days are nearly num-
bered, but he is calm and resigned to the will of his
Heavenly Father. What a remarkable change the
providence and grace of God have wrought in him.
I was reminded of the goodness of God to us in the
happy death of brother Abraham. What painful
reflections would crowd into my mind, had I not the
assurance that all is well with him. I have good
reason to be importunate in prayer for the salvation
of my other relatives, for surely the Lord hath heard
my prayer. ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul.’

** March 23. On Saturday night we had a large
county temperance convention. Preparatory steps
were taken to form a county temperance society. This
movement I consider very important, for intemperance
is an evil so enormous, that every measure should be
taken to arrest its progress. In one of my visits to-
day, I met one of its victims. I called on a family,
where I found a blind woman of unfeigned piety,
with a husband who has been intemperate. for many
years; he had abstained entirely from the intoxicat-
ing cup for six months, until a week ago, when he
ventured on a glass of beer, which plunged him into
all the rage and filth of intemperance. It was quite
affecting to hear her expostulate with him, while he
was under the influence of the maddening bowl.

“ March 25. I visited the sick at the almshouse,
7
146 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

where I saw much bodily suffering, and also wit
nessed many evidences of the power of religion in
affording consolation amid all the ills and tribulations
of life.

‘Religion can assuage
The tempest of the soul,

And every fear shall lose its rage
At her divine control.

O let me feel thy power,
And find thy sweet relief,
To brighten every gloomy hour
And soften every grief

“ March 25. Ihave not for some days enjoyed as
much of the presence and love of God as formerly.
This evening, however, I have a strong desire to
commune with my Heavenly Father. A living flame
of love to God has again been enkindled upon the
altar of my heart.

“April 5. After the brief administration of. one
month, Gen. Harrison, the President of the United
States, has fallen a victim to the stroke of death.
Rank and position avail nothing in warding off the
shaft of the destroyer. Whatever other distinctions
exist among men, here all are brought to a common
level. The high and the low, the ruler and subject,
the king and the beggar, must all lie down together,
and molder back into the dust out of which they
have been created,
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 147

“ April 14. I attended the examination of the
students, and the meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Both
our institutions located there are in a prosperous con-
dition. On my arrival I learned that Mr. Miller,
steward of the Seminary, and Mr. Geo. Lease, a
theological student, formerly my room-mate, had both
been buried a few days before. Both died happy.
The latter was on the very eve of entering the min-
istry. How mysterious such providences !

“‘On my return, I stopped at Taneytown, the place
of my former residence, toils and labors, and wept
over the grave of my first-born.

“ May 3. Yesterday we buried a lady, who died
after a sickness of twelve hours. Fortunately for
herself, she had made her peace with God before she
was prostrated by the hand of affliction. In this
solemn visitation we have an instance of the frailty
of man. If it would impress us all with the import-
ance of being always ready, it would prove of great
advantage to us.

“ May 17. Ispent a most delightful week: at the
meeting of the General Synod in Baltimore. To
meet so many of one’s old companions and fellow-
laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, is always grati-
fying to the soul.

“JT have taken an evening walk to the beautiful

.
148 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

spot where our dearest Amanda’s body reposes. It
is now richly clothed in all the verdure and beauty of
spring. Every frost-bitten root has put forth, and is
blooming again more gayly than when it faded under
autumnal winds and blighting frosts: a fit emblem of
the resurrection and future glory of that form which
was once so fair and lovely, but is now smitten and
wasted by the ruthless hand of death. What a
blessed, cheering hope, that this faded flower shall
bloom again! Glorious truth—ifa man die, he shall
live again! May this truth pour balm into our
wounded hearts, and the hearts of all who have been
similarly bereaved! and may we, through grace, at
last arise to the resurrection of life eternal, and re-
embrace those from whom we have for a season been
separated !

“June 1. Yesterday, we celebrated the love of our
Redeemer, in the ordinance of his own appointment.
The occasion was one of unusual interest. Thirty
members were added by confirmation, eight by bap-
tism, and five by certificate. The Lord preserve them
from all evil, and bring them at last to a participation
of the sweeter joys of heaven.

“This ‘evening, I enjoyed sweet communion with
God in private prayer. How delightful to draw near
to God! how sweet and comforting our fellowship
with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ,
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 149

through the Spirit, who helpeth our infirmities, and
maketh intercession for us, with groanings which can-
not be uttered! I have a desire to be brought more
effectually into the love of God, that my day of grace
may be spent in doing his will; and,

‘When life’s toilsome day is o’er,
May its departing ray

Be calm as this impressive hour,
And lead to endless day’

“June 9. Last week I made a visit to my father.
He is fast declining, but seems steadfast in the Chris-
tian faith. I have had a very pleasant visit from
brothers Cline and Wagner. By our conversation
about our beloved Zion, my, soul was greatly re-
freshed.

“ June 22. I have been at Cumberland, aiding in
the installation of Rev. J. Winecoff. It was an in-
teresting occasion. I preached five times to his con-
gregation. I formed a resolution hereafter not to
accept an invitation to dinner or tea on the Sabbath
Day, but remain at the place of my lodging, and at-
tend to the matters of my soul.

“July 10. Ihave returned from the burial of my
father, who died in the sixty-fifth year of his life.
For several years, he was more or less afflicted, and
during the last six months, he was quite ill. Since
150 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

the death of my dear sister, there has been a very
marked change in his disposition and conduct. Dur-
ing all the sufferings of his last illness, he furnished
the most ample testimony that he was prepared to
meet his God in peace. In his peaceful end, I find
cause for much gratitude to Almighty God for his
loving kindness toward us. In former years, when
my father was so ill disposed toward me, I looked
forward to the period of his death with feelings of the
deepest sadness, both on account of my own comfort,
and his welfare. But how vain were all my hours of
grief! During his last days, he often longed for my
visits, and was always happy to see me in his pres-
ence. I conversed with him frequently about the
ground of his hopes, and his prospects for the eternal
world. His views of the plan of salvation were cor-
rect, and his faith in Christ was unwavering. I often
prayed with him, in which exercise he took great de-
light ; and I have a good hope that we will be united
again in glory. The three members of our family
who have been called away, have died in hope, and
therefore left a sure ground of consolation to their
surviving friends. Thanks be to God for his good-
ness and his mercy toward the children of men! I
have encouragement more than ever to labor for the
salvation of souls and the glory of God.

“* July 13. On Sabbath, I preached twice, and
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 151

lectured at the almshouse. By all these exercises my
soul was greatly refreshed.

“ July 18. To-day, I had the pleasure of a visit
from my uncle, H. Daub, from Ohio. My soul was
rejoiced to learn, that ‘a new song was put into his
mouth’—a song of thanksgiving and praise unto God.
He has experienced the power and preciousness of the
Christian religion, and bears the evidence with him in
all his walk and conversation.

‘Aug. 8. To-day, I attended the funeral of Peter
Lentz, a very pious member of the German Reformed
Church at Funkstown. I visited him a few hours be-
fore he died. He was calm and peaceful; no guilty
fears agitated his bosom, or terrified his soul: he met
death with his Christian armor on, and gained an easy
triumph, He has gone to his rest in the kingdom of
his blessed Saviour. I improved the occasion by a
sermon from these precious words, ‘Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea,
saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors,
and their works do follow them.’

“ Aug. 9. On Sabbath, I administered the Lord’s
Supper to my German members. The Lord was in
the midst of us, and we joyfully feasted on his love.
Blessed Saviour, how precious thou art! To-day, I
visited an aged lady, prostrated by the hand of aftlic-
tion. She is about eighty-four years old. She would
152 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

not consent to let me pray with and for her, saying
she could pray enough herself. How very perverse
is the sinner’s heart! When four-score years and
four of age, he is still unwilling to yield his heart to
God.

‘“ Aug. 15. Yesterday, the English branch of my
congregation celebrated the dying love of Jesus. I
had the assistance of Rev. W. Wadsworth. Our souls
were made happy by the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit. “A
“ Sept. 10. I preached a sermon at the laying of a
corner-stone at Jacob’s Church, in the Waynesboro’
charge. The good people of this congregation, under
the care of brother Conrad, have erected a neat and
substantial temple for the worship of Almighty God.
Here may the Most High have his constant dwelling-
place, to bless his people and bring sinners into his
fold.

“* Sept. 22, I have just returned from a visit to
Gettysburg and Taneytown. At both places, I was
forcibly reminded of the Lord’s kindness to me. To
the former place I went, not many years ago, igno-
rant, inexperienced, and almost penniless, finding my
only comfort in God, and the prospect of becoming a
minister of his Word. And behold! now I visit it as
a minister, and as a director of the chief theological
seminary of our Church in this beloved land. How
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN, 153

great a change these rolling years have wrought!
What undeserved, unexpected prosperity the Lord has
bestowed upon me! To him be all the praise. At
the latter place, he gave me many tokens of his favor.
I visited the grave of our first-born ; it is cheering to
know that ‘his flesh is resting in hope.’ I also gazed
upon the graves of some beloved Christian friends,
who died since my visit six months ago. Surely,
man should not feel secure amid such evidences of his
mortality! Surely ‘he is as grass, and all his glory
as the flower of the grass.’ ‘ We all do fade as a leaf.’
But amid the ravages of death, and the desolations of:
the tomb, Christianity appears, with her Divine con-
solations, pointing to future scenes of reunion, end-
less life, and uninterrupted, perfect bliss 1”
CHAPTER IX.
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Dying words of Halyburton— Meeting of Synod — Resolution — Assists
Rev. S. W. Harkey during a precious revival in Frederick—Domestic
affliction, aud blessed results—Happy Christmas—Triumphant death—
Resolutions of the new year—Snicide—Extensive revival of religion in
Hagerstown—Much wisdom required during such seasons—Death of
Rev. R. Wynecoof—Accessions to the Church.

“T gave this morning been reading the dying words
of the great Halyburton. He was the son of pious
parents; he had ten brothers deceased, who died ip
the faith of the gospel, and he expected to be the
eleventh to meet them in glory. He was very happy
in his last moments, as well as perfectly rational and
composed. A most intense desire for the progress of
the Christian religion pervaded his mind, even to the
closing hour of his earthly pilgrimage. The following
are some of the expressions which dropped trom his
dying lips: ‘I dare look death in the face, in its
most ghastly shape, and hope soon to have the vic-
tory over it. O! what of God do I see. I have
never seen anything like it. The beginning and the
end of religion are wonderfully sweet. I long for his
salvation; I bless his name; I have found him. I
(154)
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 155

am taken up in blessing him; Iam dying rejoicing
in the Lord. O! I could not have believed that I
should bear, and bear cheerfully, as I have done, this
rod which hath lain on me. This is a miracle: pain,
without pain. Yon see a man dying; a monument
of the glorious power of astonishing grace.’ He ad-
ded: ‘When I shall be so weak as no longer to be
able to speak, I will, if I can, give you a sign of tri-
umph when I am near glory.? When his speech was
gone, he lifted his hands to heaven, as a token of vic-
tory, and expired.

“ Oct. 22. I have again attended the annual meet-
ing of our Synod, which now numbers twenty-five
clerical members. All except three were present.
The weather, and various other circumstances, con-
spired to render it one of the most delightful Synod-
ical conventions I ever attended. The increase of the
Church, within our Synodical bounds, during the past
year, has been double that of any preceding one. For
this prosperity, we have great reason to praise the
Lord. After calm reflection, I have, this evening, in
the sincerity and full purpose of my heart, in reliance
upon Divine aid, resolved to Zéve, and preach, and act
more and more for the promotion of pure religion —
to spend all my strength, mental and bodily, in my
kind Master’s service. The Lord has so much im-
proved my health during the last six months, that
156 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

lam inclined to think he has a great work for me yet
todo. The Lord aid me in carrying into effect this
good and firm resolution.

“ Nov. 4. Ihave been at Frederick, assisting Rev.
S. W. Harkey. A precious revival of religion is in
progress among his people. I preached four sermons,
and had much comfort in proclaiming the message of
God to lost sinners.

“Oct. 25. We have just had our regular commu-
nion season at Funkstown. The meeting continued
three days, during which I preached six times. I ad-
mitted to membership, by baptism, three (adults); by
confirmation, twenty-one. Not only the membership,
but the community, seem deeply interested on the
subject of religion. JI have recently experienced the
power of religion more than usual in my own soul.

“‘ Nov. 21. By the grace of God I was enabled,
to-day, to preach with considerable power. The reli-
gious interest is increasing in this community. In
the evening, a number presented themselves as ‘ in-
quirers.’? One professed faith in Christ. This, I trust,
is but the beginning of great blessings in store for us.

“‘T have lately been reading the life of Rev. E. D.
Griffin, D.D. He was a great revivalist, notwith-
standing he read all his sermons. It would not be
wise for all to imitate his example, in respect to this
particular, in the delivery of his discourses. Whiat-
IiIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN 157

ever was wanting in the delivery, his giant intellect
enabled him to supply in the matter of his sermons.

‘“‘T have just closed a protracted meeting among the
German part of my congregation. I was alone—and
yet not alone: I had the very. best assistance; and
many, I feel assured, found the exercises not only de-
lightful, but also profitable. I think I have been
growing more heavenly-minded for some weeks past.
I feel that I can say in truth, with Paul, ‘I have a
desire to depart, and be with Christ ;’ not because I
am weary.in well-doing; but because, ‘to be present
with the Lord is far better.’ I have, of late, had some
domestic afflictions, which have, at times, greatly de-
pressed my spirits. But then'I felt encouraged by
the precious promise, that ‘ our light afflictions, which
are but for a moment, shall work out for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory. As gold is
tried in the fire, s0 man must pass through the fur-
nace of adversity.

“ Dec. 12. -I have been almost overwhelmed under
a sense of the solemnity of my work, and I preached
with intense anxiety for the conversion of sinners.

“ Dec. 16. I have been examining the state of my
own heart before God, and devoutly calling upon the
name of the Lord. Iam gaining clearer evidences of
my acceptance with God, and a fuller assurance of
faith. Iam able, in my preaching, more to free my-
158 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

self from the fear of man, and to utter the truth with
greater solemnity. I have found that, in my private
devotions, it is well to pray for individuals by name.

** Dec. 24. Ihave just arisen from my knees, on
which I have dedicated, in prayer, to God, an infant
son, our third child, May he live before thee, O
Lord, to the glory of Him whose wondrous birth is
this night commemorated by his thankful Church.
Like Him, may he grow and wax strong in spirit;
and may the grace of God be upon him.

“ Dec. 27. The last two days I have passed la-
boriously but pleasantly. On Christmas morning, at
4 o’clock, we had a meeting which was large and full
of solemnity. At 11 o’clock we had a missionary
meeting, at which the children of the Sabbath school
presented their gifts to the Lord; it was an interest-
ing sight to witness their attention and eagerness to
cast their offerings into the treasury of the Most High.
In connection with the Christmas festival, I have
preached four times.

‘“‘ Jan. 6. I preached a sermon to-day at the fune-
ral of Mrs. Beckly. I visited her twenty-four hours
before her departure; she was in an ecstasy of happi-
ness; her face shone, like that of Stephen, ‘as if. it
had been the face of an angel.’ She spoke with a
heart overflowing with joy of her approaching release
from her fleshly tabernacle. Though a number of
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 159

small children were weeping around her bed, she had
faith sufficient with composure to commit them all
to God. Truly;

‘Jesus can make a dying bed
Feel soft as downy pillows are’

Such a triumphant death scene it was never my privi-
lege, before, to witness. In view of this remarkable
instance of the power of religion in a dying hour,
and the fact that I have just entered upon a new
year, I will adopt for my future life, the following
resolutions :

“1. I will labor more, by prayer, conversation,
preaching and example, for the conversion of souls,
and to secure for myself a brighter evidence of my
adoption into the family of God, clearer discernment
of my title to a ‘mansion in the skies.’ :

‘2. I will praise God more for the blessedness of
our holy religion, as experienced in the hearts of his
believing children already in this life.

“ Jan. 26. I have attended to the funeral services
of —— , who was seventy-four years of age, and
had, perhaps, been a professor of religion for forty
years. He came to his end in a deranged state of
mind. He was constitutionally disposed to melan-
choly. I became.acquainted with him about eighteen
months ago; he was then a happy Christian—a ven-

 
160 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

erable father in Israel; he took an active part in the
prayer meetings and other duties of the congregation,
About nine montlis ago, he lost his wife; this sad
bereavement, in connection with pecuniary embar-
rassments, produced, mental derangement, which con-
tinued growing worse and worse, until last Sabbath,
while the family were at the sanctuary of God, he
committed suicide. I have hope, however, in his
death, for I believe he was deranged beyond the point
of accountability; neither was his disease induced by
criminal conduct. I can see nothing, therefore, in
the way of his salvation, as I am fully persuaded that
previous to that fearful calamity which ended in his
death, he was a very exemplary, devoted Christian.
A strong desire to pry into the world of spirits, and
behold the departed in their disembodied state, some-
times enters my mind. But I must patiently wait
until time shall end. ‘ Then shall we know as we are
known.’ O Lord, permit me not to outlive my use-
fulness! Spare to me my mind to my latest breath,
and glorify thyself in my departure. Suffer not the
evil one to destroy me!

“‘ eb. 2. The last four days I spent at Waynes-
boro’. I aided in the installation of a pastor, and
preached six sermons.

‘“‘ Web. 28. Since the 14th of this month I have
preached fourteen sermons, We have enjoyed an
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 161

extensive, precious revival season. Tho Lord heard
our petitions and answered our prayers, to the joy
and rejoicing of our hearts. Our meeting continued
three weeks, during which time more than one hun-
dred individuals professed to have been converted to
God. Among these were a number somewhat ad-
vanced in life, which is a circumstance of rare oc-
currence. Revivals are the Christian’s proper ele-
ment, where his soul breathes freely; in the midst
of them he loves to live, in the midst of them he fain
would die. I can pity that Christian who has no
heart for the exercises of a genuine revival.

“ March 7. To-day I feel happy in my God and
Saviour. J have for some days enjoyed much calm-
ness and contentment of mind. This happy state I
attribute to stronger faith in God, as the all wise and
benevolent governor of the universe.

“‘ March12. During the past week I have preached
every night, but without any remarkable success,
One reason for this is to be found in the want of
union among Christians. Some wished to sing un-
suitable tunes, and when they were not gratified, they
became offended. The evil one availed himself of
this occasion, and excited a spirit of disputation.
Such are ofttimes his devices. Seasons of revival,
although most precious, require the most vigilant
oversight of the Christian minister. The destroyer
162 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D, D,

is then unusually busy, and employs all his cunning
in endeavoring to produce disturbance. If unsuc-
cessful in one attempt, he tries his -efforts in another
direction. To the mind of the young convert, fired
with zeal, he makes the suggestion that older mem-
bere are toc cold and lifeless; in the ears of the older
soldiers of the Cross he whispers that the new recruits
have a zeal without knowledge. Not only will his
efforts be employed in creating, if possible, dissen-
sions among the members, but perhaps, as a last re-
sort, he will try to awaken a spirit of gossip about
the pastor. To conduct arevival properly will, there-
fore, require all the wisdom and prudence which the
minister is able to command. Are revivals then to
be abandoned because Satan opposes them? By no
means. This is among the strongest arguments in
their favor. If they met with no opposition from this
source, their propriety would at least be questionable,
because everything that is good meets with opposi-
tion from this quarter. Boldly meet the enemy, main-
tain your ground, and drive him back to his own
place.

“March 22. Ihave been reading an article in the
‘Daily Expositor, bearing the above date, mention-
ing some of the ministerial trials of Rev. Jonathan
Edwards, D.D. According to this account, these
trials must have been exceedingly great. These facts
WIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 163

afford me great comfort when I bring up before my
mind the numerous trials that beset my pathway.

“T was called to visit a man, twenty-four hours
before his death, who had once been a member of
my congregation, but has for a number of years been
very dissipated, and continued so up to the com-
mencement of his sickness. He desired to partake
of the Lord’s Supper, which I refused to administer
to him, because I believed he might be injured by it,
inasmuch as he would probably base all his hopes of
salvation upon that ordinance. I also preached his
funeral sermon, in which I spoke very freely and
plainly about the evils of intemperance. These re-
marks aroused the devil and his children to slander
and malediction, whereby some of the better people
were ensnared to prate malevolently with them. I
have already suffered much reproach from this source,
and will probably suffer much more. But in review-
ing my course on that occasion, I find nothing to con-
demn or regret, but great reason to thank God that
he enabled me to be faithful, at the risk.of offending
the wealthy and influential, I have this morning
firmly resolved in future to be more faithful and un-
sparing in my dealings with all men, and especially
the rich, of whom the Saviour declares that they so
‘hardly enter the kingdom of heaven.’ God give me
grace to do as I have resolved in thy fear!
164 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

“ April 11. Since the last date in my journal, I
preached twenty times. On the 2d inst., I admin-
istered the Lord’s Supper to my people at Funkstown,
in connection with which six individuals were con-
firmed. Our meeting has continued since that. time,
and a glorious work of grace is now in progress;
many profess to have passed from death unto life, and
many others are anxiously inquiring ‘What must we
do to be saved?’ O Lord, revive thy work yet more
and more, to the joy of believers and conversion of
sinners! :

‘On Thursday last, the Rev. R. Wynecoof, pastor
of the Associate Reformed Church of this place, died
after an illness of four days. He departed this life
in the triumph of faith. He was a rigid Calvinist—
believed the doctrine of a partial or particular atone-
ment—but he was a lovely, pious, godly man. On
his dying bed he requested me to examine that view
of the gospel more carefully. From his exemplary
life and peaceful death, I have learned that Christians
should not suffer differences of opinion in regard to
non-fundamental points of theology to destroy or pre-
vent their Christian fellowship. He was to me a
very dear friend and brother. His confidence and
hope in his last moments were very strong; his calm-
ness and peace were uninterrupted. ‘ Let me die the
death of the righteous, and my last end be like his.’
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 165

“ May 2. In the services of last Sabbath I had
the assistance of Prof. Jacobs; it was our regular
communion Sabbath, and a day of rich spiritual
blessings. I added forty-four members to the Church
of Christ—ten by baptism; thirty-three by confirma-
tion, and one by certificate from a sister denomination.

‘© May 8. I preached once to my own people, and
once to the congregation of colored people in town ;
I have spent a very happy day.

““ May 15. I preached and administered the sacra-
ment of the Lord’s Supper to my German people.
My appointment in the English language was filled
by a Presbyterian clergyman. It has been a sweet
Sabbath of rest to my soul.”
CHAPTER X.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Death of an inebriate—Temperance eonvention—Secret societies—Visit to
Chambersburg—Bedford Springs—Meeting of Directors of Seminary
at Gettysburg—Visiting the sick——Death of a pious young man—Self-
denial of St. Paul—Revival at Funkstown—Union in the Church es-
sential to the promotion of revivals—Precious revival. in Pennsyl-
vania College—Thirty-first birth-day.

“May 22. To-day I preached thrice, and aided
‘Billy Bivens’ in organizing a temperance society
among the colored: people of Funkstown. ‘ Billy B.’
is a colored slave, a preacher of considerable no-
toriety in Washington county.

“Tam just going to the funeral of a man who died
in a drunken revel. Sad indeed is such a funeral;
and yet what thousands are annually occurring.

‘On the 16th, the friends of the temperance move-
ment held a convention here; a large procession was
formed, which, after marching through a number of
the streets, repaired to a pleasant grove in the vicinity
of town, where a number of interesting addresses
were delivered by gentlemen from abroad. I have
not much relish for such processions, but I participate

166)
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 167

in them as an act of self-denial, for the sake of doing
good.

“June 10. Last Sabbath I had the assistance of
Bro. Eyster. Some degree of religious interest still
continues in our midst. On Sabbath I admitted to
church-membership, by baptism, three adults, and by
confirmation, ten.

“June 12. Last night my pulpit was supplied by
the Rev. S. He confined himself very closely
to his manuscript ; a large portion of his hearers were
soon found in the ‘land of Nod.’ I consider this,
as a general practice, a most unfortunate mode of

 

preaching.

* June 20. Ihave lately had some difficulty with
the division of Odd Fellows in this place—a secret
society in some respects similar to the Freemasons.
A request was made for the use of our church, for the
purposes of a celebration. Non-compliance with this
request was the occasion of great offense. I dislike
all secret associations ; I consider them dangerous to
-our free institutions, both eivé? and religious. For
their pomp and show I have an utter distaste. That
there are good men among them, I have no doubt;
but that they have been misled, I am equally well
satisfied.

“ Aug. 1. By request, I visited and preached
several sermons to our people at Chambersburg. I
168 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

found the congregation in a divided, disturbed condi-
tion. It is certainly unwise for a minister of the gos-
pel to remain in a charge, when the wisest and most
experienced of his ministerial brethren have expressed
their opinion that it is his duty to change his field of
labor.

‘On my return, I stopped at Greencastle, and de-
livered a lecture on the subject of temperance.

‘Aug. 11. I have been spending a week at the
Bedford Springs, for the improvement of my health.
The visit, I trust, has not been made without some
benefit. During my absence, I called to see a pris-
oner in his cell, under sentence of death for murder.
What a lamentable wreck of human nature sin has
made!

“Aug. 23. Last week, I preached several funeral
sermons. The death of one was caused by falling
into a well and drowning. The messenger of death
has numberless ways for accomplishing his purposes.

‘Dangers stand thick through all the ground,
-To push us to the tomb;

And fierce diseases wait around,
To hurry mortals home.’

“*T spent last Sabbath with brother Cline, at Smith-
burg. My prayer is, that the exercises of this Sab-

bath may be no less profitable to the hearers than
they were pleasant to the speaker.
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 169

‘* Sept. 14. I was present at the annual meeting of
the directors of the theological seminary, at Gettys-
burg. Our meeting was delightful. Our business
was all transacted in the spirit of brotherly love.
The thousand reminiscences called up by my visit to
G. were pleasant, but mournful to the soul.

“ Sept. 23. This day I devoted to visiting the sick
at distant points in the country. I came home fa-
tigued, and saddened by distressing sick-bed scenes.
I called upon two men on the verge of mania-a-potu.
Both took sick in the midst of scenes of debauchery.
The one was stupidly drowsy, and the other half
crazy. Both, I fear, will be lost, if they do not re-
cover from this sickness. A third case I met was
that of a young lady, about nineteen years of age —
blooming with health previous to her present sick-
ness. ‘Two of her sisters died during the last two
months,’ and she, in all probability, will, ere long,
follow them. It was difficult to ascertain her spirit-
ual state, as her parents are not pious, and she was
scarcely able to speak.

“Nov. 16. I have just returned from Jefferson,
Frederick county, whither I had gone to assist in the
dedication of a new church. I remained several days
‘preaching the Word. A small number of gouls pro-
fessed conversion; others are more or less interested

about the salvation of their souls, The intelligence
8
170 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

has reached me that a precious soul was savingly im-
pressed by a sermon which, in the providence of God,
I preached in a school-house, a few months ago.
Probably many such cheering facts will be brought to
our view in the eternal world.

“ Nov. 27. I buried, last week, a dear young man,
Wilson Shriver, a member of my Church at Funks-
town. He was converted last winter, during a revival
of religion in that place. Since that time, he led a
consistent life, furnishing the evidence that he had
been with Jesus, and learned of him. When the hour
for his departure came, he was ready. Death to him
was not the king of terrors, but a messenger of joy.
He left us the satisfactory assurance, that all is well
with him. Such occurrences are highly encouraging
to the minister of the gospel, showing him that his
labors are not in vain in the Lord. It is to mea great
source of happiness to think that I shall meet some in
glory on whom I laid hands in the name of the Lord,
and to whom I ministered in holy things. I pray that
the number of such may be very large.

“Dec. 1. J have just finished the perusal of Paul’s
Epistles to the Church at Corinth. I was particularly
struck with the spirit of self-denial exhibited in these
Epistles, especially those portions which give us an
account of his most cruel personal sufferings. It be-
came a matter of solicitude to me to know more about
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN, 171

these sufferings. When and where did he ‘ five times
receive forty stripes save one?? By whom was he
‘thrice beaten with rods?? Why was he once
stoned? Under what circumstances was he in all
these perils which he has mentioned? These inter-
esting particulars of his history have been wisely
withheld from his Church. We know the general
cause of these unjust cruelties and fearful perils. It
was for the sake of that glorious gospel he loved to
preach ; it was to honor his Master in the conversion
and sanctification of souls, bought with the price of
his own precious blood. No wonder his generosity
and magnanimity have called forth the admiration of
all the good who have lived since his day! May I
follow him as he followed Christ! How am I not put
to shame by his example, in my complaints of the
waywardness and disobedience of those to whom I
publish the gospel! How utterly insignificant are
my trials compared with his! Great is the multitude
of those whom I expect to see in the kingdom of glory;
and I shall love to behold the face of every one who has
been washed by the blood of the everlasting covenant.
But none in that holy throng do I more ardently de-
sire to behold, than the great Apostle of the Gentiles.
O! the surpassing intellectual enjoyment, of sitting
down in a heavenly mansion to listen to him rehears-
ing the remarkable incidents of his useful life. What
172 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

a glorious place heaven must be! My soul longs to
behold its beauties, and enjoy its bliss. But I must
be content to wait awhile in the tents of Kedar —in
this fleshly tabernacle—in this sin-cursed world.
May I be willing as Paul was—and as even a
greater than Paul was—to spend and be spent in
doing good to souls, although the more abundantly I
love them, the less I be loved.

“I have recently been greatly quickened in my
Master’s service. I feel more sensibly and deeply the
importance of my work, and am enabled to go forward
in its performance with more delight.

“‘ Dec. 14. This day has been appointed and ob-
served as a general day of thanksgiving in the State
of Maryland. This has been the first appointment of
this kind made by the Governor of our State. It is to
be hoped that this praiseworthy example will be fol-
lowed by his successors in office. It is certainly becom-
ing that a people blessed by God as we are, should
appropriate at least one day annually to purposes of
thanksgiving to the Author of all these blessings.

“ Dec, 20. On the 15th inst., I commenced a pro-
tracted meeting at Funkstown, which is still in pro-
gress, Considerable interest on the subject of religion
has been awakened. A few individuals have pro-
fessed conversion, others are anxious about the salva-
tion of their souls, while a general seriousness has
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 178

spread over the community. I had, during this
meeting, the assistance of Rev. C. Startzman and
G. Diehl.

“Dec. 24. The protracted efforts above men-
tioned have just closed. A number of additional
conversions have occurred. To God alone be the
praise for all the good which has been accomplished.
Let man be abased, and Christ be exalted.

“Tam not yet free from annoyances. Various oc-
currences of a trivial nature have disturbed my peace
of mind. We have had our church repaired and
painted, which caused some to grumble. My Ger-
man communion I appointed on the second Christmas
Day ; this displeased some, who, although they deem
it proper to observe the 26th as a holy day, yet do
not think it as holy as the 25th. An ungodly man
has been saying hard things about me, because I do
not visit and pay that attention to his sick father,
which he thinks incumbent upon me. These are
matters of small moment; yet they mar the equa-
nimity of the mind of one who has no more grace
than I. O, for more grace!—more of the patience
of Job!—more of the meekness of Christ!

“* Dec. 81. I have now, in the good providence
of God, been brought to the close of another year;
it has been a year of many changes, of numerous
blessings, of various trials, and of undeserving mer-
174 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

cies. In reviewing my life, during the year which
has now fled into the past, Iam impressed with my
own shortcoming and the amazing forbearance of my
Heavenly Father with me. Thanking the Lord for
the past, I would take courage, and commit a
wholly to Him for the fature.

‘““ Jan. 1, 1843. I preached thrice on the first
Sabbath of this new year. It was a happy day of
rest. I hope I have spent it not less usefully than
happily.

“On the 16th of January I had a communion sea-
son, at which time I received an addition of twelve
members.

On the 24th, I buried two of my members, both
in the morning of life, and both suddenly cut down
by the stroke of death; but, notwithstanding the
summons came unexpectedly, we rejoice in the as-
surance that they were prepared for their change.

‘*T have lately been impelled by a very ardent
desire to labor for the salvation of souls.

“T have received the painful intelligence of the
death of Francis S. Key, Esq., a distinguished law-
yer and Christian gentleman, with whom I formed an
intimate acquaintance in Carroll county. He was
the author of the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’ He was
an active member of the Church, participating in the
exercises of the Sabbath school, prayer meeting, etc.
HIS MINISTRY AT IAGERSTOWN. 175

In the death of such a man, the Church sustains a
great loss; but our loss is his gain.

‘“‘ Feb. 6. There are some indications of the com-
mencement of a work of grace in our midst. It is a
source of gratitude and thanksgiving to behold the
appearance of even a small cloud of mercy; may it
be like that which the servant of Elijah saw, ‘rising
out of the sea, Jike a man’s hand,’ spreading over
the heavens, and bringing an abundance of rain.

“ Feb. 16. Just returned from the dying bed of
Mrs. , a member of my Church. Truly, death
is the ‘king of terrors;’ he seems terrible in this
instance, as the gloom of the departing moment is
not dispelled by that brilliant light which faith and
hope shed around the dying couch. Her religious
character is somewhat. indefinite. Her life was cor-
rect, and she attended the means of grace; but she
did not exhibit those conspicuous traits of Christian
character which should be seen in all professors, and
which are necessary fully to satisfy an anxious pastor’s
mind. Of her sickness I was not informed until she
had lost her speech. This morning she still recog-
nized me, although she appeared to be gasping for
breath. How solemn and responsible this ministerial
duty. Who is sufficient for these things ?

‘* Heb. 26. During the last twelve days I have
been engaged in the labors of a protracted meeting.

 
176 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

A goodly number have professed a hope in Christ;
my expectations, however, have not been fully real-
ized. There was a want of harmony among all the
members in regard to the singing, which I am afraid
proved a hindering cause in the work of the Lord.
Things which might seem of small moment in our
estimation, may prove immense clogs to the chariot
wheels of salvation. My observation has taught me
that one indispensable requisite to the progress and
success of a revival of religion, is the spirit of love
and harmony among the members of the Church. It
does seem that nothing will grieve away the Holy
Spirit sooner than the absence of this feeling.

““ March 6. I performed the funeral services of a
youth who had but reached the eighteenth year of his
age; he expired in the full triumphs of the Christian
faith. Since death must be the lot of man, how de-
sirable that his victims might always be found in this
happy frame of mind.

“March 28. I have just returned from Gettys-
burg, where, in connection with Bro. F. W. Conrad,
Ihave been laboring for nine days in a protracted
meeting. The spirit of God was poured out in a
special manner and copious measure. At some of
the meetings as many as sixty anxious inquirers pre-
sented themselves, asking for the instructions and
prayers of Christians. A large number of the dear
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 177

young men of Pennsylvania College were brought to
the feet of the Saviour. The contest between truth
and the cultivated carnal mind was in some cases
long and fearful; but in most instances victory was
on the side of truth and God.

‘*One wicked young man swore he would not be
converted. Another boldly declared that if ever he
became a Christian, it would not be amidst the excite-
ment and machinery of a revival. And yet, in less
than two days afterward, both were not only among
the anxious, weeping over their sins, but happily re-
joicing in the love of their Saviour. It is expected
that both will devote themselves to the work of the
gospel ministry.

“One young man, who was among the few who
would not. yield to the strivings of the Spirit, when
he discovered that a younger brother, his room-mate,
was under conviction of sin, requested a godly young
man to take his brother into the room with him, that
he might not be injured by those who were resisting
the truth and the Spirit.

“Tn some of the college classes two-thirds of the
whole number were subjects of this work of grace ;
so general was the work in the institution, that at the
close of the meeting but about half a dozen were left
among the ranks of the impenitent. Although the

labors of preaching devolved upon Bro. Conrad and
8*
178 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

myself; we had the hearty and active co-operation
of all the members of the faculties in both in-
stitutions, as well as of the pious students, in all
the other exercises of the meetings for prayer, in-
quiry, etc. I consider this as one among the most
remarkable works of grace which it has ever been
my privilege and happiness to witness and partici-
pate in. I hope and pray that from the fruits of
it a large number of ministers may be raised up
by God. Eternity alone can reveal the results of
such a meeting as this. Let the spirit of revivals be
cherished in our institutions! Let our ministers and
people pray fervently that God may visit these foun-
tains of learning in our Church with the frequent and
abundant outpourings of his Holy Spirit, so that they
may send forth many streams to make glad the city
of God. May my Alma Mater be the scene of such
revivals to the end of her existence.

“April 2. Last week I buried one of my mem-
bers, a pions German, who left a widow and five
children to mourn the loss of their only earthly sup-
porter. How desolate the condition of a poor widow.
No wonder that the promises of God’s word, left for
her consolation and encouragement, are especially
great and precious, and that her wrongs will be sig-
pally avenged by the Judge of all the earth.

‘“T also buried Mrs. ——, who had lived a very
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN 179

wicked and profligate life, but I trust was saved, as a
brand plucked out of the fire by Him who has said
that publicans and harlots will enter into life sooner
than the self-righteous.

‘* May 2. Preached a sermon at the funeral of
Miss M. Koontz, who, although she was called away
in the season of youth, had been sick for a long time,
and called to.endure much suffering. The sadness
occasioned by her early departure was mitigated by
her triumphant, happy death; she welcomed death
as a merciful visitor, who had come to release her
from all her bodily suffering, and translate her into
the everlasting kingdom of her blessed Redeemer.

“ May 12. This is my thirty-first birth-day. I
have now lived thirty-one years in this world of labor
and sorrow; and, alas! I have accomplished but
little for the glory of God, who has. made, and pre-
served, and redeemed me. For thirteen years I have
been a professor of religion; yet how little have I
grown in grace. I find much, yea, everything, in
the dealings of Jehovah worthy of admiration and
praise ; but nothing in my conduct toward him de-
serving my approbation. I gratefully. confess that,
through his grace, 1 am what I am. I will now re-
solve and covenant, before the Omniscient One, my
Creator, Redeemer, and bountiful Benefactor, that, in
future I will earnestly strive to live more exclusively
180 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

to God’s glory. May he aid me, by his grace, to live
in the spirit of this solemn resolution. The Lord is
still permitting me, notwithstanding my weakness
and imperfections, to see some fruits of my labors.
At my communion season, in May, twenty-five mem-
bers were added to my Church, on profession of
faith in Christ. May all these: prove faithful, and
many more be added to our number of such as shall
be saved.”
CHAPTER XI.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN,

Death of three ministers—A ffliction and death of a young lady—Effect of
sacred music—Invited to accept a theological professorship in a new
institution in Ohio—A blessed death—Sweet communion with God in
private prayer—Unusually happy state of mind—Birth of his fourth
child—Sickness of a deluded Roman Catholic. ,

“May 29. Last week I attended a very large and
interesting convention of our General Synod in the
city of Baltimore. I met many of my old associates
and fellow-laborers in the gospel ministry. My heart
is always cheered by these gatherings, in which we
take sweet counsel together, and encourage each other
in the work of the Lord. Since my return from this
meeting, I have been more deeply impressed with the
importance of laboring diligently while it is called
to-day. Since our last meeting in 1841, three of our
ministerial brethren have been called from our midst
by the voice of death. All of them were men of
good health and robust constitutions, and none had
passed beyond the meridian of life. Surely such dis-
pensations of Divine providence cannot be without a
meaning. To us they speak—most loudly speak—

urging us to do whatsoever our hands find to do, with
(181)
182 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

our might, as there is no work, nor device, nor wis-
dom, nor knowledge in the grave whither we are
going.

‘*T have been reading ‘The Christian Professor’ —
that excellent work of that excellent man, J. Angel
James, with a lively interest and great profit. Asa
practical writer, he certainly has few superiors.

“June 19. I preached, yesterday morning, against
the manufacture, sale, and use of intoxicating liquors
—especially on the impropriety of farmers giving it
to their laboring hands as a common beverage. This
was a very unpleasant task, for I had before me many
excellent men who make, sell, and use liquor. Al-
though a painful duty, and one which, perhaps, has
offended many, my conscience would not allow me to
neglect it. I felt that I owed it to God to show the
immorality of such a practice. For, ‘if I yet please
men’ in this thing, ‘I should not be the servant of
Christ.’ This is, perhaps, one of the ‘ tribulations
through which we must enter into the kingdom of
God.’

“ July 11. During this week, I was called to visit
a young lady afilicted with a disease likely to termi-
nate in death. I immediately hastened to her dwell-
ing. I found hera perfect stranger, who had come
into the neighborhood, to an aunt, to obtain the ser-
vices of a physician. She had a distressing, pro-
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN, 183

tracted, obstinate, and incurable disease. The history
of her life, which I received from her grandmother
and aunt, is as follows: She formerly was very ro-
bust and healthy, apparently impervious to disease.
She bloomed in youth, in health, in beauty, as the
spring rose under the influence of a morning sun.
She was born and cradled in poverty, reared in fru-
gality and hard labor. The severe labor which her
circumstances rendered necessary, she performed in-
- dustriously and cheerfully. About three years ago,
she commenced complaining of a severe shooting pain
in her hip. This pain was followed. by a swelling,
which increased till it became necessary to apply the
lance. The incision thus made was converted into a
running sore, to waste and leak out the energies and
substance of her once beautiful and vigorous frame.
This sad result was feared by her physicians and
friends; but this, or death, seemed to be the only
alternative. She is now an object of the tenderest
pity. Racked by pains, and emaciated by the con-
suming powers of disease, she affords a striking illus-
tration of that truthful passage of Scripture, ‘ All flesh
is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of
grass.’ Her eye and countenance are still expressive
of much natural goodness, amiability of disposition
and kindness of heart. A few of my members be-
came acquainted with her condition, visited her, and
184 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

prayed with her. My informant of her sickness said
to me, ‘Iam afraid she is not prepared for her ap-
proaching end.’ After a few moments’ conversation
with her, the same distressing conviction fixed itself in
my mind. Unfortunately, she had not been reared up
under the molding influence of religious instruction ;
and now her mind was sluggish and dull of compre-
hension, induced by the intense sufferings she had
endured. I endeavored to make the way of life clear
and intelligible to her, by explaining every term pos-
sessing any possible obscurity, and illustrating reli-
gious truth by the most familiar objects. 1 compared
repentance to the sorrow of an affectionate child for
having grieved a kind mother; and faith, to her con-
fidence in her physician. I prayed with and for her.
After conversing with her for several hours, at inter-
vals, allowing her time for rest and reflection, I could
not perceive that she had been much benefited by my
instructions. Her fear of death and dread of eternity
were still great. The following day, I called again to
see her, when I found her more calm, but could not
certainly conclude whether it was the stupor of disease
or the peace and joy of faith. The third day, I re-
peated my visit, and to my comfort I found her coun-
tenance entirely changed. Her eye, naturally beau-
tiful, now beamed forth the gladdening rays of hope.
An expression of joy played upon every feature of her
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 185

emaciated face. She thought she had embraced the
Saviour by faith, and experienced the joyful sweetness
of his love. She felt resigned to the will of her
Heavenly Father, even if death itself should be re-
quired. She was, however, impressed with the idea
of unworthiness to partake of that ordinance which the
Saviour instituted in commemoration of his own suf-
ferings and death upon the cross. As she had never
obeyed the solemn injunction of Jesus, ‘This do in
remembrance of me,’ I thought it important that she
should eat and drink the emblems of his dying love.
Nevertheless, I did not wish to press the duty upon
her, and therefore left her, after commending her to
God in prayer. When I returned to her room, she
seemed to furnish undoubted evidence that she was
on the very verge of, and was fast ripening for, heaven.
She now desired to receive the Lord’s Supper, which
I administered to her. It was a solemn moment.
She communed for the first and last time, at the table
of her blessed Redeemer, on earth. With deep so-
lemnity, and without any emotions of fear, she spoke
of her end as very near. She felt that ‘to depart and
be with Christ would be far better.’

“This is a delightful, balmy evening. A shower
of rain has fallen upon the earth, and every object in
the world of nature bears the evidences of. refresh-
ment. Ten thousand objects all around us invite to
186 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

gratitude and praise. A pious neighbor, with a fe-
male assistant, are sweetly singing the songs of Zion.
O, 1 feel as if I myself. were near the heavenly Je-
rusalem. Truly, I can say with the enraptured
Peter, ‘Lord, it is good to be. here.’ How incon-
ceivably delightful will heaven be; how sweet the
prospect; how glorious the reality! O, how can I
repay the goodness of God, in bringing me from
darkness to light! All glory to his name for ever
and ever.

“ July 25. Yesterday morning I received a letter
from a committee appointed by a Synod of Ohio, to
open a correspondence with me, in reference to my
willingness to accept a professorship of theology in a
seminary which is to be opened in that State next
spring. This matter gives me no small degree of
perplexity. I know something about the wants of
the West, and 1 am not ignorant of the burden and
responsibility of such a position; such a change of
location would require much self-denial. I am duly
impressed with a sense of my insufficiency for such an
important station ; consequently I feel very reluctant
to move in this matter. I would fear, on the one
hand, hastily to enter upon a work for which I am not
fully qualified; and on the other: hand, I could not
justify myself in refusing to do it, from a considera-
tion of superior comforts in my present charge. I
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 187

must, therefore, commit myself and this whole mat-
ter to God, willing to follow the leadings of his
providence, fully assured that He will guide aright.
O Thou, whose I am, and whom I desire to serve,
who hast been the guide of my youth, do thou con-
trol me in this matter!

“ July 27. Another watchman has fallen from
Zion’s walls! A week ago, Bro. Lawbaugh died in
Loudon, Pa. He entered the ministry last Septem-
ber, and preached with much success in Bedford
county, until a fatal disease—rapid consumption—
seized hold upon him, and dragged him hastily to
an early grave. He was a young man of considerable
promise, an excellent spirit, and greatly beloved by
all who knew him. How strange that he should so
soon be cut down! But, strange as it may be, we
must yield to the conviction that it was rightly or-
dered. We have reason to believe that God will ulti-
mately be glorified more by his premature decay, than
if he had lived a pilgrim here for threescore years and
ten. I have not learned the particulars connected
with his departing moments.

‘“‘T have been at the bedside of the afflicted young
lady before mentioned. She is still lingering on these
mortal shores—gradually wasting away ; she has now
an anxious longing to be released from her sufferings,
which are unspeakably ‘great, and rest with her
188 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

blessed Saviour in glory. This desire was soon grati-
fied.
“ July 31. To-day her sufferings ended here, and
we have good reason for believing that her ransomed
spirit: has found ‘repose-in Abraham’s bosom. By
long-protracted sufferings her soul was ripened for
the kingdom of heaven; while the outward, bodily
nature was perishing, the inward spiritual nature was
renewed day by day ; her light afflictions which (com-
paratively) were but for a moment, have worked out
for her a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory, while she looked not at the ‘things which are
seen and temporal, but at the things which are not
seen and eternal.’ Glory be to God for his wise and
gracious providence, whereby ‘all things are made to
work together for good to those who love him.’

“ Aug. 4.- I have just come from the solemn
chamber of a dying Christian. Mrs. Wise, one of
my members, is lying upon a bed of languishing, be-
yond the hope of recovery; her sudden illness has
spread a gloom over the circle of her family and
friends ; no gloomy fears harass her own mind. On
Wednesday evening she sent for me, wishing me to
mingle my prayers and supplications with hers, and
on her behalf at a throne of grace. She was calm
and joyful, with her hope stayed on God, and her will
resigned to the will of her Heavenly Father. This
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 189

morning early I hastened to her room, and found her
fast sinking into the arms of death, but her confi-
dence in Christ is unwavering, which has disarmed
Death of his terrors. With calmness she has given
her dying counsel to those who have gathered around
“her couzh. Her children she has committed to the
care of Heaven and her pious friends. She lingered
on during the day, which proved to be her last; for
ere another’s dawn her soul had left the shores of
time, ‘an unknown world to try.’ She closed her
eyes in peaceful hope to awake in endless day; her
sun set as the morning star, which melts away into
the light of heaven. Another of my: beloved flock
has gone to join the Church of the First-born in
heaven—that blood-washed throng who are before the
throne of God and praise Him ever more. The in-
quiry has been awakened in my mind, Shall I be
favored with such a strong faith—such a glorious
hope—such a bright prospect, and such a peaceful
triumph when my deparfing moment arrives? But I
must put my trust in God and patiently wait his time.
A faithful Christian life will and must result in a
happy eternity, and very generally in a calm and
peaceful death. In some instances the peculiar na-
ture of the disease fills with agony and terror the
minds of the most humble and devoted followers of
the Redeemer. I will commit myself to the guardian
190 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

care of Jehovah, and patiently wait for his salvation
The second day after the decease of Mrs. Wise, I
preached a funeral sermon, after which we deposited
her mortal remains in the silent tomb. It was an
hour of deep solemnity to my soul, as well as to the
large concourse of people assembled there. May
God make this affliction a great blessing to those who
yet remain.

“ Aug. 7. Yesterday, I preached at Beaver Creek,
on the subject of infant baptism, in the midst of a
community of Anabaptists. The remark had been
made, that I could not preach on that subject to these
people, without interruption and disorder. The pre-
diction, however, proved to be erroneous. Iam con-
vinced that any subject contained in the Word of God -
can be discussed in the hearing of those who may dif-
fer from the sentiments expressed, if done in a proper
Christian spirit, without producing a great uproar,

* Aug. 29. I have just had a most delightful sea-
gon of communion with God in private prayer. It is
blessed to have fellowship with the Father and with
his Son, Jesus Christ. I felt a special importunity in
making supplication for our theological and literary
institutions, our religious publications, our benevolent
operations, and for my infant son, that he may live
and glorify God in preaching the gospel, when my
voice shall be hushed in death.
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 191

** Last Sabbath I spent at Martinsburg and Shep-
herdstown, presenting the claims of our Beneficiary
Education Society. At the latter place, my soul was
enraptured by the music of the choir. The voices
were assisted by several appropriate instruments.
This, it seems to me, must bear some resemblance to
the sweet melodies of heaven. Much would, no
doubt, be gained for the cause of religion, by a proper
improvement of sacred music. It would render the
‘tabernacles of the Lord’ more amiable. Music
exerts a softening, refining, elevating power on the
human mind. It has been used on the most remark-
able occasions in the past history of the Church. It
will constitute a part in the exercises of the redeemed
spirits in glory, and will, perhaps, be one of the rich-
est sources of their unspeakable joys. I long to expe-
rience its enrapturing power in heaven. —

“Sept. 11. Last Saturday, I went to Middleburg,
to commence the exercises preparatory to the celebra-
tion of the Lord’s Supper. In the afternoon, while
reading a hymn, I was suddenly filled with an extraor-
dinary sense of the Divine goodness. I became feeble
under its overwhelming power, and was ready to sink
to the floor. The sun shone brightly, and it seemed
to me that the heavenly mansions were near—very
near—and that every sunbeam was a stream of
God’s goodness, flowing down to earth, and penetrat-
192 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

ing my soul. During the entire afternoon, I was in
an unusually happy state of mind. I had a meek,
child-like spirit, and an ardent love for souls. I vis-
ited, after service, many of the cottages of these poor
villagers, and experienced much comfort in speaking
to them about Christ, and his marvelous love to sin-
ners. On the Lord’s Day, I had unusual freedom of
utterance in preaching the Word. In the ordinance
of his own Supper, the Saviour was manifestly pres-
ent to bless his people. By the rite of confirmation,
twelve were added to the Church militant.

‘Sept. 26. I was present, last week, at the com-
mencement exercises of our institutions at Gettysburg.
These exercises were very interesting, affording much
encouragement to the board of directors. Here I took
sick, and was necessitated to tarry for several days.
Tam, however, home again, in the enjoyment of my
usual health. By each successive attack of disease, I
feel more convinced of the value of time and health,
and the importance of their most diligent improve-
ment. My recent visitation, has, I believe, been
sanctified to me, having taught me to live more care-
fully for the glory of God.

“Oct. 2. This is the birth-day of our fourth child
-—a daughter. In solemn prayer, I have dedicated
her to God. Our family is now equally divided —two
in heaven, and two on earth. With joy, I look for.
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 193

ward to the period when we shall all be united in our
Father’s house above.

“Oct, 20. The annual convention of our Synod
has just closed. Our deliberations were all conducted
in the spirit of brotherly love. ‘How good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.’
Through the kindness of my brethren, 1 was made
president of the Synod; and thus, the duty of for-
mally licensing five young brethren to preach the
gospel was imposed upon me.

“ Oct. 30. Last week, I attended the meeting of
the East Pennsylvania Synod, and also a meeting
of the Foreign Missionary Society, in the city of
Philadelphia. The Rev. Walter Gunn and his wife
received their instructions aa missionaries to Guntoor,
among the Telugus, in Southern Hindoostan. The
occasion was highly interesting, and deeply solemn.
These are the first heralds of salvation sent to the
perishing heathen by this. society. May God’s pro-
tecting care be over them during their perilous voy-
age, and his blessing richly distil upon their labors
in the self-denying field to which they have been ap-
pointed.

‘Nov. 1. I have been instructed and benefited
this morning by reading ‘Todd’s Students’ Manual,’
a book which, as far as possible; should be read by

all once a year. This afternoon I visited the poor at
a"
194 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

the almshouse. I found an Irish Roman Catholic,
very sick, and after some conversation I proposed
offering prayer with and for him; he refused, saying
he would not pray until his father confessor came.
Strange infatuation of error! He seemed near his
end, had not yet sent for his father confessor, and yet
would not allow another to offer up prayers with him.
T also visited an aged widow; not one, however, like
Anna of old, ‘ who departed not from the temple, but
served God with fastings and prayer night and day,’
for she had not been in the sanctuary of the Most
High for the space of a year, which she confessed
with a smile of stupid indifference, if not of com-
placent gratification.

**T have lately been reading the Memoirs of Dr.
Nevins, late of Baltimore, one of my favorite authors.
It is a matter of astonishment that so. godly a man
should meet death with so much reluctance. One
lesson taught by this fact is, that it is important to
be familiarized with death before its solemn summons
comes, and with eternity before we enter its untried
realities.

* Nov. 11. This morning I preached on the possi-
bility of the relapse and perdition of the soul of a
believer. I gathered some of my thoughts from Dr.
Whitby’s Discourses on the Five Points. The sub-
ject of my discourse this evening was, ‘the Nature
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 195

and Causes of Backsliding. I could say with Micah,
‘I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and
of judgment and of might to declare unto Israel his
transgressions and to Jacob his sins.’ ”
CHAPTER XII.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN.

Opportunity of praying with a sick man neglected—Conference meeting
of his congregation—Fire at midnight—An effort to deceive him—An
humble Christian underrating herself—New Year reminds of the past—
Unable to preach, but Sabbath not lost—Death of a Methodist minis-
ter—Visit to Ohio—Difficulty in deciding the question—Happy spir-:
itual state—Accepts the professorship—Motives by which he is in-
fluenced—Great sacrifice for the glory of God

“¢ Nov. 22, 1843. On Sabbath night I enjoyed an
unusual share of the Spirit’s aid in preaching and
prayer. Ihave recently made a change, and in my
opinion, an improvement in preaching the gospel, by
not merely quoting Scripture passages, a practice
which I adopted when I entered the ministry, but by
dwelling upon, explaining, and enforcing them.
There is a freshness and a power accompanying the
Divine Word, and a weight of authority which will
be wanting in any other mode of preaching.

“This week I called to see Mr. ,@ poor sick
man, whom I have often visited. I saw no evidences

 

of his increasing illness, and as I was very much

fatigued, Idid not engage in prayer with him; he

seemed utterly unwilling to die; but three days later
(196)
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN, 197

he was suddenly called into the eternal world. It is
now a source of bitter regret to me that I did not
avail myself of this opportunity of supplicating a
throne of grace in his behalf. Had I performed this
duty it would now be a cause of consolation to my
heart. It is best not to postpone to some future time
what can be done at present. .

“T have for some days applied myself more -in-
tensely to study than previously, which I find pro-
motive of my spiritual interests, as well as my useful-
ness.

“ Dec. 6. A few nights ago, I held a conference
with the male members of my congregation, which
was delightful to my soul. We sat together in heav-
enly places, and spake concerning the. interests of
Christ’s kingdom on earth, and especially in our own
souls and our community, to whom we are com-
manded ‘to be salt, and to shine as lights in the
world, holding forth the word of life.’ It reminded
me of the passage in Malachi, ‘ Then they that feared
the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord
hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance
was written before Him for them that feared the Lord
and that thought upon his name.’ The exercises were
opened with singing, reading and prayer. I then”
commenced with the older members, asking them to
express their views and feelings in reference to the
198 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

spiritual state of the congregation and community,
and the means by which backsliders could be re-
claimed to the Church, and the worldly-minded
brought under the influence of the gospel. I also
asked them to mention any particulars of their own
experience in the service of God, and in their efforts
to make themselves useful, that might be encouraging
to others, This they did in a simple conversational
manner. I occasionally put in a question, or made
an additional remark which seemed important. These
exercises stirred us up with a desire to become ex-
perienced, wise and strong in the service ef God and
his Church. The younger members were instructed
and encouraged, in the work of their Master. Such
meetings I find especially useful prior to a protracted
effort for the conversion of sinners. They awaken a
deeper interest among Christians about their own sal-
vation and that of their fellow-men.

“ Dec. 8. This morning I awoke with a strong
thirst for knowledge, that I might serve God more
efficiently. Not feeling in need of more rest, 1 arose
and found it refreshing to call upon the Lord—to seek
God early. I am now laboring from night to night
in protracted exercises, designed for the reviving of
Christians and the conversion of the impenitent.
Last night we had a precious meeting. These exer-
cises continued four days after the above date. Be-
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 199

lievers were made strong in the Lord: a number pro-
fessed to have experienced the regenerating power of
divine grace, and eight were added to the Church of
Christ.

‘** Dec. 14. Last night I was aroused from my
slumbers, and ran some distance to aid in extinguish-
ing a fire which had consumed several houses. I ad-
mired the zeal of our citizens to save the property
and effects of the unfortunate occupants of these
burning buildings. It displayed a becoming noble
generosity. As I beheld the active efforts of the
multitude to save life and property from quenchable
flames, the thought occurred to my mind, how sloth-
ful are men to save their own souls and those of oth-
ers from those quenchless flames of which they are
already set on fire. How distressing it was to see six
families driven out of their beds, and away from their
homes, at the midnight hour of a cold winter night;
yet how infinitely more distressing will it be for sin-
ners, like the rich man, to be driven from their homes,
their comforts, their ease and their business into outer
darkness, and lie down in endless flames, and suffer
everlasting burning. Yet this will be the doom of
millions. No wonder there will be weeping, and wail-
ing, and gnashing of teeth. O perdition! who can par-
aphrase thy meaning? Who can compute thy sorrows ?

“ Dec. 28. I visited a sick man, poisoned by the
200 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

glazing of earthenware. I found his sister-in-law
sick from the same cause. I asked her whether she
was a Christian; to which she responded with great
promptness in the affirmative. All questions of a
similar nature, addressed to her, she answered in such
a way as to leave me under the impression that she
enjoyed the love and favor of God. When I went to
prayer with her, she began to shout, exclaiming,
Glory to God, and excited some children who were
present to cry so boisterously, that 1 was obliged to
stop until they became quiet. I then proceeded with
my prayer, and when I arose from my knees, she said
she would send again for Bro, S , a boisterous
clergyman. This seemed to be done in anger because
I did not encourage her in her noise. In charity, I

 

attributed it to her improper religious training, and
still believed her to be a good woman. I was after-
ward told by one of her neighbors, that during the
following night she became hopelessly ill—sent for
the minister—declared she was sinking to ruin, and
unless changed must perish. I moreover learned that
she was a very wicked woman up to the period of her
sickness — that she artfully deceived me, but when she
was brought to the verge of death, she became hon-
est with her soul. Sinners can shout as well as saints.
They learn to use the language of Zion’s children, to
deceive both themselves and others. She recovered
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN, 201

and became as ungodly as before. But soon she was
taken ill again, and we have reason to fear, died as
she had-lived. ‘He that sinneth, wrongeth his own
soul. Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for what-
soever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’

“ Dec. 29. I have been reading the account of
Gideon’s call to the service of God. ‘He threshed
wheat by the wine-press to hide it from the Midian-
ites.’ It reminded me affectingly of my first inclina-
tion to the gospel ministry, in the winter of 1828. I
was threshing in my father’s barn—it was a beauti-
ful sunny afternoon—my thoughts were dwelling on
the preciousness of the love of Christ. ‘While I
mused the fire burned.’ I was seized with a burning
desire that all my neighbors, especially my youthful
companions, might know God, and Jesus Christ
whom he has sent. Thence my desire extended to
all mankind, and the impression was deeply fixed on
my mind that I was called to preach the gospel.
The spot and the hour of this occurrence are still
fresh in my mind. I.would not be understood as say-
ing, that Jehovah in this way appears to every one,
to give him the assurance of his duty to preach the
gospel. He has various ways of enlisting men in
his service. All are not called as Gideon.

“¢ Dec. 81. A gentleman has called to see me, and

speak with me about his daughter—a member of the
g*
202 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

Church —who is disposed to despair of her salvation.
He says (what 1 have good reason to believe) that she
has, from childhood, been a most humble, obedient,
pious child. She always underrates herself— takes
the most indifferent portion at the table— performs
the humblest, severest part of domestic labor. It
secms to be a natural want of self-confidence, that in-
clines her to religious melancholy. Such cases are,
perhaps, more numerous than we are in the habit of
supposing. They are so retired — make 50 little noise
in the world and the Church, that they are overlooked
by men, as pearls among rubbish: but they are pre-
cious in the sight of the Lord. ‘ Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth: Blessed are the poor
in spirit, for they shall see God.’ I feel that, in my
preaching, I too little think of such. Theirs are the
exceeding great and precious promises of God’s Word.
I will, hereafter, endeavor oftener to strengthen the
feeble knees.

“Jan. 1, 1844, Another year has fled swiftly, as a
* weaver’s shuttle,’ and thoughtlessly as ‘a tale that is
told” Iam this day reminded of the 1st of January,
1837. I was then on a missionary tour in the far
West. On the 28th of December, I left Peoria, or
Fort Clark, on the Illinois River, to visit a colony of
Europeans at Pekin, some miles south. Considerable
snow was on the ground, and I sometimes rode over
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 2038

ponds and streams, on snow and ice, without know
ing it. I perceived my danger after I had proceeded
a few miles on my journey. In the afternoon, I came
safely to Pekin, where I found a few families of Ger-
mans. I heard of a colony some miles distant, on the
Mackinaw River, for which I started across a dreary
prairie—a wide, boundless sheet of pure white, with-
out a shrub to variegate it. I missed my way, and
became bewildered. It was near night, and cloudy.
The sun was invisible, and I was guidedonly by my
pocket compass. I, at last, determined to dismount,
and retrace the tracks of my horse back to a house
which I had seen sometime before. Here I met with
a cold reception, but was not denied a night’s lodging.
A bed was prepared for me on the floor. During the
night, it thawed, and commenced raining. The water
dripped on my bed, but there was no escape from it.
I shifted my position, so as to be annoyed as little as
possible by the falling drops, and composed myself to
sleep, to rest my wearied limbs. Next morning, it
was still thawing, and seemed as if the whole mass of
snow would at once dissolve into a flood of water. 1
set out in search of the family to whom I had been
directed. When about three hundred yards from the
house, the wind blew up.a etrong hurricane. In a
short time, the mercury was down to zero in the ther-
mometer, and in half an hour, the whole sheet of
204 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

water and melted snow was congealed into ice. So
cold did it become, that I was obliged to put a blanket
on my horse to keep him from shivering. I found the
family very kind, but sparingly blessed with the com-
forts of life. Their cabin was destitute of a single
chair—with but one apartment, in which we all
lodged. The family was composed of a grandfather,
a father and mother, with four children. When I
entered the house, I immediately made myself and
work known. I was very kindly received and recog-
nized as a minister of the gospel of their own faith
and speaking their own language. The father re-
marked to his daughter, * Did I not tell you God
would soon send some one?’ Then turning to me, he
said that, a few days ago, she was in great distress,
and, with tears in her eyes, lamented that she had no
one to baptize her babe. He told her to trust in God,
who would send one in due time. The year previous,
the Rev. C. F. Heyer, now in India, had visited them.
With this family, I was-obliged to tarry nearly two
weeks, unable to travel in consequence of the ice
which covered the earth, On New-Year’s Day, I
preached in the house of my host, and administered
the sacrament to asmall company (seven) of believers.
It was bitter cold, a large lug-fire was kindled in the
hearth, while a bucketful of water was kept in readi-
ness to prevent the timber of the cabin from being
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 205

consumed. I was necessitated, during the exercises,
to keep my overcoat buttoned. But our hearts were
warm with the love of God and each other. At one
time, I became dejected. Why it was, I know not,
unless because I was not very well. About sunset,
I took a walk, and ascended a bluff near the Macki-
naw River, which overlooked a vast scope of country.

“The pensiveness of evening, and the dreariness
of the widespread scene beyond the frozen river, filled
my mind with a longing desire for that sweet Canaan
above. I kneeled down on the pure mantle of snow,
and poured out my soul in prayer to God; I com-
muned with God, as if I stood on Pisgah’s top, and
viewed the promised larid ; my soul was unburdened
and asweet calm spread over my spirit, causing me
to feel willing to do or to suffer anything that I might
but win souls to Christ.

“The greatest privations experienced during my
sojourn here, were the want of a private apartment,
and the entire absence of chairs; stools, when occu-
pied any considerable length of time, are not a very
comfortable seat. I found myself imitating those
around me—placing my forearm upon my knee, when
in conversation or reading. But, notwithstanding
these privations, I became attached to this pious
family. When I left, they wept as the Ephesians on
the neck of Paul, entreating me to visit them again.
206 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

As they gazed wishfully after me my heart melted
within me; I was moved with compassion toward
them, being as sheep having no shepherd. May my
visit be made a great spiritual blessing to them, and
if no more I see them on earth, may we happily meet
each other in heaven.

‘Returning from this digression, I cannot refrain
from emotions of gratitude and expressions of thanks-
giving to Almighty God, that my situation Acs New
Year’s Day is widely different. I am now comfort-
ably situated in a lovely family circle, in a large,
peaceful, flourishing congregation, surrounded by
means of self-improvement and extensive usefulness.
For all these favors I desire to record and offer up my
sincerest gratitude and praise to the kind Author of
all good, devoting myself anew to his glory.

“ Jan.23. During a protracted meeting at Lou-
don, Pa., I preached four sermons. A precious work
of grace is in progress; a number have already em-
braced the Saviour by faith, and are now at peace
with God ; others are asking that all-important ques-
tion, ‘ What must I do to be saved 2?’

“ Jan. 27. This sacred day I have lost in my min-
istry. Having been indisposed for some days, I gave
myself into the hands of my kind. physician, who
advised me to remain in my room. To be prevented
from preaching, is a great privation. Although lost
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 207

to others, I trust the day has not been lost to myself ; I
have communed with God; I have had converse with
my own heart; I felt the importance of being ready,
always ready tor death—of possessing a clear, firm
ground of hope—a strong assurance of faith. Of the
want of this I have often complained, and in conse-
quence of it I have suffered much; but, thanks be to
God, I have reason to believe that I am in the way
that leadeth unto life. It is good to trust in the Lord,
and to hope in his merey. The Lord loveth them
that fear Him, that walk in the ways of his com-
mandments, that believe on his Son whom He has
sent. Whither shall we go but unto thee? ‘Thou
hast the words of eternal life.’

‘Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee.

“ Jan. 29. My health is improved; my soul is
filled with gratitude; I am ready to burst forth in
lauding strains;

‘O bless the Lord, my soul!
Nor let his mercies lie
Forgotten in unthankfulness,
And without praises die.

'Tis He forgives thy sin;
"Tis He relieves thy pain;

’Tis He that heals thy sicknesses,
And gives thee strength again,’
208 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

“ Jan. 31. The bells of our town have “just tolled
the death of Rev. John Rigdon, my colleague of the
Methodist Episcopal Church; his death was occa-
sioned by a complication of diseases, in part by a
disease of the throat. He was a man of considerable
zeal in the cause of his Master. We labored together
with perfect unanimity in the cause of temperance.
He did not understand the art of speaking in public
with ease to himself; his manner was unnaturally
lond and forced. As far as I had any opportunity
of forming an opinion, he gave evidence of being a
good man. In his conversations with me during his
sickness, he was very much reserved ; this is perhaps
to be attributed tothe condition of his throat. In
consequenee of my absence from home and subse-
quent indisposition, I did not see him during the last
two weeks of his life. I was just on my way to visit
him, when J learned the sad intelligence of his death.
How good Jehovah has -been to me; once I had the
same disease—was brought near the gates of death—
yet He spared me. Since I have been here, two of
my colleagues have been cut off—more robust than I
—and yet God has prolonged my life. Doubtless He
has a work for me to do. Theirs is now accom-
plished, and they have entered upon their reward.

‘To-morrow I expect by Divine permission, to set
out for the West, for the purpose of deciding whether
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 209

or not to accept a call to the professorship ‘of a con-
templated theological institution. May the Lord spare
me and bring me back in peace; and help me to de-
cide according to his will. In reference to this whole
matter, I can adopt the language of the venerable
Howe, in reference to his journey to London: ‘I
have a resolution to do what I shall conceive shall
make most to the usefulness of the rest of my life;
which resolution I ought never to be without. If I
can find clearly it is my duty to return, in order to
my continuance here, I shall do it with high com-
placency.’

“ Feb. 22. On the first of this month, I left my
sweet home for Ohio. There is something solemn in
leaving a wife and children dear, a congregation and
friends, under the solemn impression that, as we do
not know what a day may bring forth, it may be a
a final separation for this world. Committing myself
to my Heavenly Father, I took my departure. The
roads across the mountains were icy and dangerous,
but we were graciously protected. My first Sabbath
I spent at Pittsburg, where I twice preached the gos-
pel. On my way to Wooster, I fell in company with
Prof. Cochran, of Oberlin. He declared to me that
he believed he would have lost his soul, had it not
been for the so-called ‘anxious bench.’ He had for-
merly been a lawyer. I remained over a second Sab-
210 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D,

bath at Wooster, and a third I spent at Cumberland,
on my way home. I am still much perplexed to know
the path of duty. After taking a partial view of the
field in the West, I am satisfied that it affords the
prospect of great usefulness. Whether greater than
my present field of labor, I have not yet been able to
determine. This is the question now to be solved ;
and the solution of which is accompanied with con-
siderable difficulty.

‘‘ March 17. Almost another month has passed,
and I have not yet decided whether I shall go West.
Since my return I have been perplexed to unhappi-
ness, and sometimes almost to distraction. I have
received much comfort from that precious passage of
Scripture, ‘Commit thy way unto the Lord, and he
shall direct thy steps.’ For some days I have been
engaged in protracted religious exercises. On the
19th, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper. It was de-
lightful to commemorate our dearest Saviour’s death,
with such a multitude of his disciples. Two young
men, on Saturday night, covenanted with the Lord —
two of nature’s noblemen. A gentleman and his
lady, who had been disconnected perhaps for ten
years, having become disaffected by the renting of the
pews, have returned to-day. The thought of dissolv-
ing my connection with this dear people, caused me
to mingle emotions of sadness with my tears of over
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 911

flowing joy. Bro. Conrad aided me in this commun-
ion ; a dear brother, full of faith, of zeal, and of the
Holy Ghost.

. T feel this evening as if I could trample the world
under foot, and value nothing but God and his ser-
vice, his cause and heaven. O yes, I will live for
eternity, for the communion of saints above. ‘ What
shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world
and lose his own soul ??

“* March 29. So many have been my cares and
engagements for several weeks, that I have found no
time to make any record of my doings and experi-
ence. I have at length decided to spend the summer
in the West, in the service of the contemplated theo-
logical institution. I will not go to housekeeping, as
I expect the location of the institution will be removed
further west than Wooster, so as to be more central to
the Church in the West. I am fully convinced that
the Church needs such an institution. But one, how-
ever, is needed, which should therefore be located in
the western part of Ohio. In determining upon this
change, I have yielded to the conviction of duty. I
am fully impressed with the idea that the pastoral
relation should become more permanent in our
Church —that it should not be broken for slight
reasons.”

The motive by which Dr. Keller was actuated in
212 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

accepting the offered professorship, may be learned
from the following extract taken from a letter written
by him at this time, addressed to the Secretary of the
Board of Directors:

“T have, therefore—after much fervent prayer—
much deep reflection—much careful consultation with
the wisest advisers in my reach—with great fear and
trembling, and I trust in sincerity and the fear of
God—resolved to accept the position offered me
by your Board, and I hereby signify the same to
them.

‘‘As I have thus given up a large and delightful
field of usefulness and enjoyment, I shall endeavor to
be entirely devoted to the interests of your infant
seminary of learning; and I trust I shall have the
hearty and efficient co-operation of those who have
invited me into this field.”

Of his entire devotion to the interests of the insti-
tution, his whole future life gave abundant proof.
That a very great sacrifice was involved in this act,
must be apparent to every reflecting mind. His
consciousness of needed grace to bear the trial, is
indicated by the following language from the same
letter :

“I trust I shall have an interest in your prayers,
that I may be sustained in the severe trial of separa-
tion from my beloved flock. The trial will be very
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 213

great. Iam already much enfeebled in consequence
of anxious cares by day and dreams by night. I
trust this sacrifice will redound to the glory of God.
For his glory alone it has been made.”
CHAPTER XIII.

HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN

Death of his little daughter—Sick man in despair—TIllustration of faith—
Addresses the Alumni of the seminary at Gettysburg—Remarks at
the grave of his first-born—Solicits subscriptions for beneficiary edu-
cation—Visits the dentist—Closes his ministry at Hagerstown.

“ April 5, 1844. Yesterday we buried our only
daughter, Louisa Reck, who died after a sickness of
five days; she had been a healthy child—was a few
days more than six months old. She was the object
of our tenderest affection; but, alas! how soon cut
down, as the tender flower of spring. Now we have
three in heaven—one on earth. I hear his cheerful
voice in an adjoining room; but I have given him up
also, for the Lord’s he is, and perhaps He will take
him soon to the blessed trio in heaven. I will call
nothing earthly my own. It is hard, it is trying to
the parental heart, to lose a child. O, the shortening
breath, the ebbing life, the staring eye, the cold
marble brow of a child! How heart-rending! What
but the hopes of the gospel and the grace of God can
sustain us in such a trial? My house, her crib, her
place in the family, are desolate as my apguish-riven
(214)
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 215

heart. But now she is dead, why should I weep ?
Can I bring her back again? ‘She shall not come
to me, but I shall go to her.’ Why then complain
of the approach of death ?
“Tis but the voice that Jesus sends,
To call them to his arms.’

Are their souls not better cared for there, where there
is no sickness, pain or death? Their dear bodies,
shall they not live again? The flowers that faded in
my garden last autumn, are now blooming again with
apparently increased beauty. Cannot the same Al-
mighty Being make them flourish again in undying
glory? Is not the God of nature the God of grace?
Did He not say, ‘The hour is coming in the which all
who are in their graves shall hear the voice of the
Son of God, and shall come forth, they that have done
good, unto the resurrection of life’—‘ This corrupti-
ble shall put on incorruption, this mortal immortality’
—‘I will ransom them from the power of the grave;
I will redeem them from death ’—‘ O death, I will be
thy plague ’—‘O, grave, I will be thy destruction.’
Are not his promises in Christ yea and amen? Hath
not the voice of the faithful God, who keepeth
covenant, the voice that rolls the stars along, spoken
all these precious assurances? Is not Christ risen
from the dead, and become the first fruits of them
that sleep? And if we believe that Jesus died, and
216 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus
will God bring with him. And do not my children
sleep: in Jesus? Yes; they were baptized in his
blessed name. ‘Of such,’ says He, ‘is the kingdom
of heaven.’ And has He received their glorified
Spirits to himself, and will he not watch over their
sleeping dust till he shall bid it rise? Have I not
been assured of it in a singular way? It is a re-
markable coincidence that all died on as fair mornings
as ever dawned on our world ; the former two on the
holy Sabbath. Is not this a sweet emblem of that
glorious day and world upon which their sainted souls
have entered, and their reposing frames will enter—a
day whose sun is the glory of the Lord, which will
shine forever. Then ‘Cease, fond nature, cease thy
tears.’ Farewell, then, my sweet child! I will obey
the voice which seems: to sound from every object
which brings her blest memory to my soul:

‘Let not a tear ungratefully be given,
Bid not a murmur linger where I trod,
The child of earth is now the child of heaven,
The loved one of father, is the loved one of God.

And still forget sor; but when flowers are sighing,
And evening sunset fades along the west,

Think of thy child, yet O, not pale and dying,
But living, smiling, radiant ’mid the blest.’

‘Sabbath morning. How poignant are the sor-
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 217

rows of the bereaved parental heart. Last night,
upon my restless bed, I thought much, though invol-
untarily, of our recently departed babe. My heart
went out after her. I felt pained to think that she
should sleep lonely in the silence and solitude of a
cemetery, who so often slept by our side, and was
tenderly nursed day and night. I felt inclined to do
as Jacob at Bethel, lie down beside her tomb and
watch her dust. And could I not see, as he did, a
ladder set up whose end reached heaven, and the
angels. of God descending upon it, watching her faded
frame until he shall command it arise? But I must
walk after the spirit, not after the flesh —live by
faith, not by sight. She is not there, only her frame.
She has now entered upon the joyous exercises of her
first heavenly Sabbath. No, I have made a mis-
take. There is but one day there—it is one eternal
Sabbath. There is but one temple— it is heaven’s
sanctuary. <All their time is Sabbath time—a rest
from their labors, cares, trials, sorrows and sufferings.
All their privileges are sanctuary privileges. O what
glory surrounds her in that bright world, where
angels dwell!

‘There languor shall no more oppress ;
The heart shall feel no more distress ;
No groans shal! mingle with the songs
That dwell upon immortal tongues,’

10
218 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

I will labor more to enter into that rest which remain-
eth for the people of God. I will more endeavor to
have my life hid with Christ in God, that when
Christ, who is my life, shall appear, I may also ap-
pear with him in glory.
‘When shall that glorious day begin ;
Beyond the reach of death and sin ?

Whose sun shall never more decline,
But with unfading luster shine.’

“ April 9. A few days ago I called to see a sick
man, represented as nigh unto death, and in a state
of despair. I had often warned him of a drunkard’s
end, if he did not quit the use of intoxicating drink.
But he would not be advised. He contended that it
was a necessary part of his subsistence—that he
could not dispense with it. Some months ago he
commenced suddenly to fail, became alarmed, and
quit his cups. But his system could not be recruited.
It had been too long and too severely racked and
tortured. He now confessed that I was right. With
deep emotion said he, ‘If I had followed your timely
kind advice, I might now be a healthy man, with the
prospect of living yet many years with my distressed
motherless children. But, alas! the intoxicating
bowl blinds the mind and ruins both body and soul.
‘At last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an
adder.’’ His experience is a solemn warning to all
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 219

moderate drinkers, for he was never intoxicated, in
the ordinary sense of that term.

““T found him, as represented to me, in a state of
despair, His soul was filled with a loathing of life,
and a horrible fear of death. He seemed deeply
grieved by the retrospect of his past life—ashamed
of the neglect of duty, of God. He expressed him-
self as a true penitent, in which I had reason to be-
lieve him perfectly sincere. I asked him whether he
could not rely on Christ for pardon and eternal life ?
He replied in the negative — he could not believe that
he was pardoned, although he desired pardon above
everything else. Do yon not think that Christ is able
to forgive your sins? Has he not pardoned greater
sinners than you?- O yes! but he Aas not, he will
not pardon me. Are you as penitent for sin, and as
anxious for pardon as you declare yourself to be?
Yes, I can truly say Iam. Do you expect pardon
through any other except Christ alone? I do not.
Do you think that he will pardon all who are peni-
tent and believing? Yes, I do. You say you are
penitent and trustful in him; and if so, must he not
pardon you? He paused a moment, and then re-
plied, but I have no joy or peace—no evidence of any
forgiveness. Ah, said I, this is your error. You
expect joy and peace, before you believe that you are
pardoned. You expect the effect to precede the
220 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

cause. This is all wrong. You must first believe,
before you can have peace and joy.

“‘«The only evidence of your justification is to be
found in the promise of God: ‘ Whosoever confesseth
his sins and forsaketh them, shall obtain mercy.’ The
moment that you have done this, which you may
know, you receive forgiveness. You must believe
you are pardoned for Christ’s sake, and believing this
you will have joy, but not before you believe. This
was both the experience and the doctrine of St. Paul:
‘Now the God of hope fill you with al? joy and peace
in believing.’ A gush of joy, an ecstatic emotion,
which does not come from believing on Christ, is no
evidence of our justification, but may be made the
ground of self-deception. There is a convict in prison.
He sends to the executive his petition for pardon.
To-day he is pardoned at the seat of government.
To-morrow the reprieve reaches him. To-day, when
he is actually pardoned, he experiences no joy. And
why not? Because he does not believe that he has
been forgiven. Only when he sees the reprieve —
when he has the evidence that his life has been
spared — does he cast his fears away, and begin to
rejoice. Thus it is with the penitent. He is nowhere
told that he will receive a flash of light, or a gush of
peace, or an extraordinary token of any kind, when he
is pardoned. The promise stands recorded, that, if
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 221

we confess our sins (of course, with penitence and
faith in Christ), he is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Have you thus confessed your sing? If so, then you
are actually pardoned at the moment you make this
confession. To deny or disbelieve this, is making
God a liar, and adding sin to past transgressions.
In believing this, you will have a rational, abiding
peace. This is God’s plan of pardoning mercy, so
fully revealed in the gospel.’

“At this representation of the way of life, he
seemed surprised. He saw his former error—that he
had never understood the gospel of salvation. His
countenance was as the surface of the sea, when the
storm has subsided. He became peaceful—happy ;
and has continued so to the present moment. He
expressed: his wonder at the simplicity of the plan of
salvation, and his own dullness in comprehending it,
as well as at the confused and indefinite manner in
which it is often represented. Glory to God that his
soul has been brought out of the mists of theologi-
cal error into the pure light of the gospel of peace.
The above I find to bea very common case, even
among those who have for years been listening toa
preached word.

“ April 28. I have just returned home from Get-
tysburg, after an absence of eight days. On the 16th
222 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

we had a meeting of the Alumni of the seminary.
Forty-five ministers were in attendance. Rev. J. G.
Schmucker was present, who stated that, in 1792,
there was but one evangelical Lutheran Synod in the
land, numbering twenty-one clerical members, which
embraced all the Lutheran ministers in the country,
except one or two in the Carolinas. And now, after
the lapse of half a century, our number exceeds four
hundred. He remarked that, in this increase, he
‘recognized the hand of the Lord.’ To his Name be
the glory. It was delightful to meet so many of my
old friends and former associates. In the evening, I
delivered an address to the Alumni, on the import-
ance of a thorough theological education to ministerial
usefulness.

‘Tam always overwhelmed with a delightful sense
of God’s many mercies to me, when I enter Gettys-
burg, and linger about the grounds of our beloved
institutions. May my heart ever be filled with the
most lively emotions of gratitude to the Author of all
these mercies. On the 19th, I visited Taneytown,
and wept at the lonely grave of our first-born; not
knowing when, or whether ever, I should be per-
mitted again to visit this sacred spot. Parental na-
ture prompted within me the inclination to abide
there, and watch the slumbering dust: but the spirit
said, ‘Go, and do God’s will; he will watch
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 223

‘The sleeping dust,
Till he shall bid it: rise’?

As I sat by the tomb, I could not refrain from taking
my pencil, and making a record of the language of
my wounded heart. ‘ Here slumber sweetly the ashes
of my sainted babe. No eye but His who cannot
sleep, is watching this sacred dust. How sweet the
assurance that all these moldering limbs shall rise —
this decaying frame shall in immortal beauty live —
this aching heart shall feel bereavement’s pang no
more. Yes, my dearest child, I shall see you, with
your glorified sisters, in heaven, our home.

““T was also deeply affected at the sight of the
graves of many to whom I once ministered in holy
things, and who were among the living when I left
that charge. O, the overwhelming responsibilities of
the ministry! How they crowd into the mind at such
a spot as this. ‘Who is sufficient for these things ?”

“T visited the W- charge, soliciting contribu-
tions and subscriptions for the purposes of beneficiary
education. I was mortified by the illiberality of
Christians. In one congregation, some of the officers
went visiting to avoid this call of God. In another,
I was told the church would have been crowded, had
the preaching been of a different character. One
man confessed he expended twenty-five dollars for
tobacco, annually, while he gave two dollars to the

 
224 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

cause of God. And he is a professor of religion.
How slow men are to learn the duty of liberality.

“ April 26. I called, on business, this afternoon,
at the office of my dentist, who remarked that I should
have a root and a tooth extracted. This declaration
somewhat discomposed me, for frequent suffering from
such operations has given me a great horror of them.
My principle, however, to do what is duty, and not
to defer to another day what can be done now, did
not permit me to postpone the matter, in obedience to
my inclination. Having got the consent of my will
I sat down, and in half a minute the root was out,
and I felt some relief. ‘Now,’ said he, ‘let me take
the tooth.’ ‘Is it difficult of extraction ?’ I inquired.
“TI cannot tell, but it should be removed,’ was the
reply. I reasoned awhile, and concluded to defer it
till next week. But afterward I reconsidered the
matter, sat down, and had it extracted. Although I
suffered from the operation, I am glad I did not yield
to my feelings. Iam deeply impressed with the im-
portance of adhering strictly to good principles in all
our conduct. In the end it is always best.”

The above mentioned incident serves as an illustra-
tion of a striking characteristic of Dr. Keller—a
characteristic worthy of imitation. He acted from
principle in matters of minor, as well as of greater,
importance.
HIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 225

‘ April 28. Sabbath morning. This is the next
to the last Sabbath I expect to spend as pastor among
this dear people. I have just arisen from my knees,
on which I rendered thanks to God for the pleasant
and prosperous ministry which he has given me in
this place. I have also confessed my many, many
faults. O, it is sweet to commune with God in the
closet. There tears are shed which flow nowhere
else — tears of sincere penitence; there joys are felt
which are experienced nowhere else— purest, holiest
joys; the joys of our Lord, flowing directly from him,
as the water drank, not from the stream, but from
the fresh, pure, gushing fountain. It is wonderful
that we love the closet so little, and resort to it so
seldom.

“ May 6. Yesterday I closed my ministerial labors
among my beloved people of this charge. By the
grace of God I was enabled to preach my closing ser-
mon with considerable calmness.”

The ministry of this devoted servant of Jesus, in,
this field of labor, extended over a period of nearly
four years. These were years memorable in the his-
tory of the Lutheran Church in America; years of
special grace; years of numerous, glorious revivals.
In these precious seasons of divine refreshing, all the
congregations of his charge shared ‘frequently and

abundantly. Not only in his own pastorate were his
10*
226 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

efforts crowned, with remarkable success, but his ser-
vices were solicited by his neighboring ministers all
around him, and wherever he went, Divine power ac-
companied the preached word. To those who labored
so successfully with him, these must be sunny spots in
the history of the past. ‘ Thousands of those who then
heard him can never forget the solemn words which
dropped from his lips. Many, perhaps, awakened
and converted through his instrumentality, have al-
ready gone to greet him in their happy home above.
During a protracted meeting at Gettysburg, in the
spring of 1843, it was my privilege, for the first time,
to hear him preach, His fame had then spread
through all the churches; but as I listened to him, my
highest expectations were more than realized. I well
remember the first discourse from the words, ‘‘O
Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years; in
the midst of the years make known ; in wrath remem-
ber mercy.” At the close of the sermon, I thought
surely some souls must have been awakened under
the power of such truth. He remained nine days,
and preached eleven sermons with remarkable power
and most signal success. Eternity alone will reveal
the results of these discourses. The supposition that
none of them failed to produce conviction in the
minds of some sinners, will appear reasonable to all
whose privilege it was to listen to them. In the lan-
HIg MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 207%

guage of another, ‘‘The effect of this memorable
period was overwhelming, the influence most exten-
sive and salutary.
‘The infidel believed ;
Light-thoughted mirth grew serious and wept ;
The laugh profane sank in a sigh of deep

Repentance; the blasphemer kneeling, prayed,
And prostrate in the dust for mercy called.’

The wild and reckless were subdued by the truth;
the idle, the dissipated, the profane, the scoffer and
the despiser of religion were among the first to yield
their hearts to the gracious influences of the Spirit.
We saw those that were hitherto unconcerned, and
living regardless of their highest interests, arrested in
their course, and turn to the Lord with full purpose
of heart. Frivolous amusements and trifling con-
versation were laid aside; the voice of prayer and
praise was heard; conscience became more tender;
duty was discharged with increased fidelity ; every
bosom seemed to swell with emotions of gratitude,
every heart was vocal with praise; it was indeed a
precious visitation. There was no noise, no undue
excitement. During the whole of the interest, the
most perfect order and the greatest solemnity per-
vaded all the public exercises, such as are wont to
accompany those deep emotions which spring from
the agitated soul. The work was deep and perma-
228 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

nent; and when the time came for those who had
been the subjects of a change, to make a public pro-
fession of their faith, it was a most interesting spec-
tacle to see them surround the altar and enter into an
everlasting covenant with their Heavenly Parent. Of
the large number, who at that time expressed their
attachment to the Saviour, many have since been
called to stand as a watch upon Zion’s tower. They
are now zealously engaged in their Master’s vine-
yard, ornaments to the Church, and the guides of
others to glory. To this season of spiritual refresh-
ing they trace their Christian experience, the spirit
that animates their toils, and the sweet hope that
brightens life. In the faithful memory of the past,
they have found a much needed guide, a priceless
peace. A letter is now lying on our table, recently
written by one who was then brought to a considera-
tion of his eternal interests, and who is now success-
fully laboring in the Episcopal ministry. He says,
‘It is now twelve years since I was arrested by the
Spirit of God in my course of depravity and vice,
and made to feel the quickening power of the Divine
Spirit, to see the mercy of God, and to own and love
my Saviour. The eventful scenes of that memorable
spring never, in time or eternity, can fade from my
remembrance. I try, every year, on my knees, in fer-
vent prayer, to recall them and fix them in my mind,
WIS MINISTRY AT HAGERSTOWN. 929

and to reproduce all the associations and events that
make up that sacred season.’

Nowhere was Dr. Keller more in his appropriate
element than amid the scenes of a revival of religion.
Under such circumstances he preached with great
solemnity and power. Among his hearers, on one
occasion, during this meeting, were two professional
men, highly gifted and thoroughly educated. After
the conclusion of the services, one’s opinion of the
sermon was asked by the other; his reply was, “ It
was like a well without a bottom.”

His ministry at Hagerstown was most pleasant.
Delightful were the reminiscences which he carried
with him to his new field of labor. Amid the labors,
disconragements and self-denials of his future lite, he
often recalled and mused upon the scenes of this
memorable period.
CHAPTER XIV.

PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY.

Departure from Hagerstown—Sabbath at Pittsburg—German churches—
Old and new measures—Death of Rev. W. A. Wadsworth—Com-
mences his labors as professor—Contrast—Lehman’s Church—Self-
examination—Social worship—Extravagancies of protracted meetings.

“Pirrspure, May 11, 1844. On the morning of the
9th of May we left Hagerstown amid the tearful re-
grets and good wishes of an assembled congregation.
To bid them adieu was a great trial to my feelings,
but the Lord gave me considerable calmness of soul.
The evening previous, I bade farewell to my council,
a company of twelve men, with whom I had met
monthly, and sometimes oftener, and transacted much
business with the greatest possible unanimity.

““My departure was rendered comparatively happy
by the election of Rev. F. W. Conrad as my succes-
sor; a man of fine pulpit abilities, remarkable pru-
dence, great firmness, and the sincerest devotion to
the cause of God. He is a brother dearly beloved.
Into no hands could I have committed my flock with
more satisfaction than into his. The Lord prosper
thee, my dear brother Jonathan !

(230)
PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY. 931

‘On the evening of the first day, we reached Cum-
berland, where an appointment was made for me,
which I filled, but with little satisfaction to myself,
and, I fear also to others: My spirit was depressed,
and I could not concentrate my thoughts. Rev.
Finkle has recently moved into this charge. He is
acting the part of Oberlin. The people had com-
menced the erection of a beautiful church, but became
discouraged, and were ready to give up the enterprise.
He laid hold of the tools, asked them to lend a help-
ing hand, and now the basement is ready for service,
and they feel encouraged to undertake the completion
of the whole house. How much can be accomplished

 

with small means, if there be but a prudent manager,
and in the people a mind to work. The truth of
this remark is seen in the rebuilding of Jerusalem by
Nehemiah.

“On Friday night, I arrived in this city, where I
am spending the Sabbath. , My spirit has been stirred
within me in seeing the desolations of Zion among
the recent emigrants from the land of our fathers’
sepulchres. There are four German congregations
here, three of which are under the pastoral care of
immoral men, two of whom are street drunkards.
Alas, for them! Alas, for their flocks! This morn-
ing, I passed by one of these churches, and was deeply
distressed by seeing multitudes of souls resorting
232 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

thither, to be instructed by an ¢mmoral infidel, for he
is a rationalist. I had a long discussion yesterday

 

and this evening after service, with the Rev.
Schmidt, editor of the ‘Azrehenzeitung,’ on the points
of difference between the so-called ‘Old and New
Measure Men,’ or ‘Old and New Lutherans.’ The
whole difference resolves into this, that the former
base their views and practices on the symbolical books
of the Church—the latter, on the Bible alone. We
stand on the same ground where the Reformers stood
—the Word of God; they stand on a platform with
Romanists and Puseyites—the opinions of men, called
the sense of the Church. Our form of doctrine is the
rock of ages; ¢hezrs is the shifting sand. We con-
tend for a religion internal, spiritual ; ¢Aey for a reli-
gion external, formal.

“T have heard with deep sorrow of the death of
Rev. W. A. Wadsworth, who was one of my fellow-
students, and has often been a guest at my house.
He was born and raised in Frederick county, Md.
After many interruptions for want of funds, he gradu-
ated at Pennsylvania College. Before he entered the
ministry, he complained of an affection of the throat.
For some months, he acted as agent, and then settled
at Canton, Ohio, where his labors were soon inter-
rupted by bronchitis, that scourge of ministers. He
afterward took charge of a school at Perryopolis, Pa.,
PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY. 233

where he died a fortnight ago. The particulars of his
death I have not learned. Previous to his sickness he
was a very amiable young man, but his disease made
him somewhat sluggish and fretiul. His countenance
seemed full and flushed, and we mistook that fullness
for sound corpulency, and that flush for the color of
health. We pronounced his inactivity, indolence ;
his fretfulness, a want of the meekness and gentleness
of Christ. But we did him injustice. Fell disease
was all the while preying on his frame, and maturing
him for the tomb. What a sad mistake we made!
How sorry I feel that I entertained such thoughts my-
self, and occasionally expressed them to others! If
tears could do him justice, they should

‘In torrents flow
From both my streaming eyes.’

How slow we should be in alleging such charges
against a complaining brother, lest we be found
‘bearing false witness against our neighbor.’ The
Lord forgive me this offense, and make me wiser and
kinder in the future.

“And is he dead? Yes, he has gone forever from
this vale of tears! His lovely image stands before
my mind, and will stand there a thousand times;
but my eyes shall see him no more on earth. O!
how I would have loved to speak a word of consola-
234 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

tion to him in his last lingering hours; or gazed upon
his pallid corpse; or dropped a tear of friendship into
his open grave! But I enjoyed not this privilege.
He has passed away; and now sleeps with the silent
dead in the lonely tomb, where I recently deposited
the form of a sainted daughter. At this evening hour
a storm is raging fiercely, and no doubt beats upon his
solitary grave; but it does not disturb his lifeless
dust ; it reposes in quietness, beyond the reach of dis-
ease and pain, and all the ills of earth. The graves
of all Christ’s saints are blessed. ‘Blessed are the
dead who die in the Lord. They rest from their la-
bors, and their works do follow them.’ Farewell,
dear brother! we shall meet again in a better world.
In our flesh, we together shall see God, whom we
shall see, and our eyes behold, and not another. O!
blessed hope of all the children of light and love!
Sweet band, that unites all the children of peace,
though death our bodies divide. How mysterious the
providence of God! This good brother once preached
for me when I was disabled by a disease of the throat.
I recovered, the weaker of the two. He became
afflicted, and died. Perhaps he was more ripe for
heaven. For me, God may yet have a work to per-
form, before Iam prepared to enter upon my reward.
Be it so; if I only know my work, and have grace
for its faithful performance.
PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY. 235

“ May 15. Last night, about midnight, we arrived
at Wooster. From Pittsburg, we had a tedious and
dangerous journey. The road was in a perilous con-
dition, and the night was dark and dreary; but the
Lord protected me, and safely brought me to my jour-
ney’s end.

“ May 17, 1844. To-day I entered upon my du-
ties in my new and responsible field of labor. I com-
menced imparting instruction to a theological class of
four members. With the employment of teaching a
branch so interesting and important, I am delighted ;
but nevertheless Ido not feel pleasantly situated in
all respects. I have left a delightful home—a well
organized congregation —a large number of like-
minded fellow-laborers, and a peaceful part of the
Church ; and have come here, board at a hotel, find
the Church i in a state of contention, the ministry much
divided in sentiment, the congregation scarcely organ-
ized, having no constitution. But I will suffer none
of these things to move me. I am resolved to do my
duty and trust in the Lord.

“* May 21. Last Saturday I went to Lehman’s
Church, to aid Rev. Weigant in the exercises
connected with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
This is a large, wealthy and so-called ‘old measure’
congregation. I was the first ‘new measure’ minis-
ter, as they designate me, who has been invited to

 
236 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

preach in their church. I found Father Weigant, an
aged, venerable, sensible and pious man. I sat up
with him and two members of the council till mid-
night, conversing on religious topics. Sabbath morn-
ing was ushered in bright and beautiful. After break-
fast, I walked out into the grove adjoining the church,
to find a place of solitude for meditation. Nature
was clothed in her richest verdure. The birds of the
air were singing their melodious songs with sprightly
gayety. It was the majestic awful solitude of luxuri-
ant nature unimproved. In this dense verdant forest,
Jehovah’s works seemed untouched by human hands,
nor were the winged inhabitants at all bashful of man.
It was a scene inspiring loftiest, holiest thought. My
mind was in a reverie of delight. I stood still and
gazed, and°knew not why. God seemed to be present
in a remarkable way, and mine eyes beheld his glory.
I forgot the world in delightful, heavenly contempla-
tion. After a season of such reflections, promenading
to and fro, I was reminded by the powers of associa-
tion, of the experience of President Edwards, when
walking in a grove, during the interval of the two
services of one of his churches. Presently my mind
wandered back to Hagerstown, and lingered on the
scenes of my former ministry. I thought of my
church, lecture room, delightful bells, and attentive,
affectionate congregation. These reminiscences awak-
PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY. 237

ened mingled feelings of joy and sorrow. The re-
collection of former mercies made my heart rejoice.
The change in my situation produced emotions of sad-
ness. I returned to the house and mingled in con-
versation tiJl the hour for public worship. The path
to the church led us through several grass-clad fields,
and a skirt of woodland. Near the church, exposed
to the morning sun, lies the green graveyard, facing
the east, as if the inmates were anxiously awaiting
the bright morn of the resurrection. The lonely hil-
lock or mound, and a few plain stones are the only
marks of the residence of the dead, who gently sleep
beneath this sod. Around this place of quiet sleep-
ers, and around the church, and in the forest, were
standing many groups of men, women and children,
while large numbers were still gathering from every
direction. It was communion Sabbath. The place
and the day seemed peculiarly adapted to such exer-
cises—to communion with God. Entering the church,
I found it a plain building of antiquated model, with
a high gallery, and a high box pulpit—a communion
table standing in isolated condition in front of the
pulpit, surrounded by a circular railing. The house
was plastered and whitewashed throughout, but not
painted, except the pulpit, communion table and its
appendages. When we entered the church, it was al-
ready filled with worshipers, and the emblems of a
288 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

suffering Saviour were placed in solemn appearance
on the table. The pastor is a venerable man, who
has preached thirty-five years, and now serves eight
congregations. He is a mild, amiable, sensible
Christian minister. When we had taken our seats,
the ‘clerk’ on the gallery, opposite the pulpit, com-
menced the hymn,

‘Komm, O komm, du geist des lebens,
Wahrer Gott von ewigkeit,’

‘‘ When this hymn had been sung, the regular ser-
vice commenced — singing, prayer, sermon, consecra-
tion of the elements, communion. All was conducted
with much solemnity and propriety, with a few ex-
ceptions.

“1, The females nearly all took off their bonnets
before they approached the altar, which seemed very
unnatural, making the church a dressing room, and
attending to the traditions of men at this solemn
feast.

‘*2, Women very generally made courtesy when
they came to the table and when they left it, which
appeared very awkward, as well as a remnant of
Romanism.

“3. The pastor said nothing to the communicants
but the words of the institution; and when the ele-
ments were distributed, he said, ‘Und dieses brod
PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY. 239

und wein lass der Herr euch gedeihen zu dem ewigen
und seligen leben.’ This mode I feared might be
calculated to make the impression on their minds that
the elements themselves were the blessing of the
feast.

“© May 26, 1844. I’feel inclined, this morning, to
make a record of my feelings. I have been preparing
to preach on ‘ The resurrection of Christ—a pledge of
our own resurrection.’ On the manuscript which I
found among my papers I notice the following re-
marks: ‘ Easter Sunday, 1842. I feel happy on this
beautiful morning, in hope of the resurrection.’ This
was the experience of my heart at that time. On this
delightful morn, after the lapse and vicissitudes of two
years, I can truly say, ‘ Ebenezer, hitherto the Lord
has helped me.’ I have been examining my heart —
the ground of my hopes. I found a seasonable help
in this important duty, in ‘ Philip’s Devotional
Guide.’ I think I am not deceived. Ido cherish the
certain hope of eternal life —I will not let it go. It
is my joy and my song in this the house of my pil-
grimage. It has been a sweet solace to me in my late
bereavement in the loss of my babe, the death of Bro,
Wadsworth, and my separation from my beloved peo-
ple in the East. O, it is sweet to think of the hour
when we shall see all our friends whom we have loved
in this vale of tears, without the painful apprehension

\
240 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

of ever again being severed from them. After all
these bitter separations, how sweet the hope of re-
union.

‘These lively hopes we owe
To Jesus’ dying love;

We will adore his grace below,
And sing hig praise above.

“ June 1. It is Saturday evening, the solemn close
of a day and a week, periods by which our brief ex-
istence on earth is measured. It is an hour of silence,
fit for the retrospection of the past, and the inspection
of the heart and our accounts with our final Judge.
{t is delightful to be in solitude at this calm and clo-
sing hour.

‘T love in solitude to shed
The penitential tear,

And all his promises to plead,
Where none but God can hear,

‘“‘T have just been meditating on the precious prom-
ises of Christ, ‘If two of you shall agree on earth as
touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done
for them of my Father which is in heaven.’ This
promise is the basis of social worship. It is an
agreement of two or more to ask for a blessing, at one
place and time. Hence one must lead the others,
and they must silently unite in the petitions of the
leader. And therefore the practice of a large num-
PROOFESSOR OF THEOLOGY. Q41

ber praying audibly, at the same time, and for differ-
ent things, is opposed to the nature and design of
social worship. Such prayer is individual in its na-
ture, and would more appropriately be offered up to
God in private, in the closet.”

Of a congregation in which Prof. ‘Keller partici-
pated in the exercises of a protracted meeting, a about
this time, he remarked, ‘‘The people have unfortu-
notely run into an excess of extravagance in their
religions exercises. They are in the habit of groan-
ing aloud, shouting, falling over,” etc.

His views in reference to revivals of religion, are
here very clearly indicated. While he was most em-
phatically a revivalist, he did not approve of those
extravagancies which are sometimes connected with
revivals of religion. In the language of an inspired
writer, he wished ‘all things to be done decently and
in order.” Not, indeed, that he would make any ob-
jection, if an anxious soul, under a full sense of his
sinfulness, should ery aloud for mercy ; or if a happy
convert, under the influence of the constraining grace
of God, should give expression to the joyful emotions

of his soul.
11
CHAPTER XV.

INSTITUTION AT WOOSTER.

Removal of institution spoken of—Prof. Keller travels over the field—
‘Columbus—Dayton —- Cincinuati—Xenia—Springfield—Germantown
—Meeting of joint Synod—Solicits fonds for institution—First sab-
scription —First books for library—-Erroneous views on the subject of
liberality — Meeting of Synod and Board of Directors— Resolution
for the removal of institution passed.

As the question of removing the institution to some
more central point began to be agitated, Prof.
Keller visited the southwestern part of the State, to
take a view of that field. “I set out,’ he says,
‘“from Wooster for Columbus. In the stage I met a
young Jew, who was an unbeliever and a blasphemer,
as I usually find them. He spoke very reproachfully
of Jesus Christ—repeated the foul language of
Thomas Payne. He said the Saviour deserved all
he suffered. The Jews would no doubt crucify him
now, were he on earth. Their heart is as wicked as
ever. The Lord have mercy upon these sons of Abra-
ham, who, because of unbelief, were broken off the
good olive branch, Jesus Christ, on whom Abraham

believed.
( 242)
INSTITUTION AT WOOSTER. 243

“At Columbus, I visited the German Lutheran
Seminary. I found Prof. Hinkle a gentlemanly man
in his manners. But four students were attending his
instructions. This seminary has been ruined by a
superstitious adherence to the German language,
when the English was needed ; and an active opposi-
tion to vital piety and the means for promoting it.
When will these men gain wisdom? They seem to be
blind to their own interests, as well as the glory of God.

‘“‘From Columbus, I proceeded to, Dayton, where I
spent a Sabbath. In the morning I preached at Bea-
ver Creek, in the afternoon at Aily’s Church, and in
the evening at Dayton. I also rode about eighteen
miles to-day, and feel quite exhausted. I attended a
meeting of all the Protestant ministers of this city,
in the town hall. The object of this meeting, which
is held weekly, is the promotion of fraternal feelings
between the different Churches. The exercises con-
sist in prayer, conversation and the discussion of some
theological subject. The topic discussed on this oc-
casion was, ‘The apparent discrepancy between the
writings of Paul and James, on the subject of justifi-
cation.’’ ‘How good and how pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in unity.’

“ At Dayton, I took passage on board the ‘Ocean’
(canal boat) for Cincinnati, on which I made the fol-
lowing record: This morning I left Dayton. I am
244 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

now twenty miles from Cincinnati, and darkness has
gathered around us. In a few hours I expect to see
my old friend and former pastor, Rev. A. Reck, and
his lovely family, whom I have not seen for eight
years. During this period how many changes have
occurred! Then I was not married. Now I have
three children in heaven, and four of my other near
relatives have been called away. Yet I am spared,
sitting here in a packet boat on the Miami canal.
‘O, bless the Lord, my soul,
Nor let his goodness lie

Forgotten in unthankfulness,
And without praises die.’

“To-day I became acquainted with Mr. Louke, a
pious youth, who, with more zeal than knowledge,
went to Texas to organize Methodist Churches. After
spending his whole estate, and becoming discouraged,
he is returning home penniless. He had with him
the skull of an Indian warrior, and a young, living
alligator.

“ June 20. Ihave spent séveral days in the dear
family of Rev. A. Reck. Ihave attended the fune-
ral of a child, which reminded me of my own who
are sleeping with the dead. The fountain of my tears
was opened as I rode along in the carriage, and stood
beside the open vault. My soul was filled with sud-
den anguish, and for a moment I was disconsolate,
INSTITUTION AT WOOSTER. 245

but I soon betook myself to God’s Word, the only
solace of a pious wounded heart.

“On Friday, I left Cincinnati and returned to Day-
ton. On Saturday a friend took me part of the way
to Xenia, and the remainder I went on foot. On my
arrival at Xenia, I found that Bro. Lehman had gone
to Springfield ; and consequently I took the stage and
arrived at the place last mentioned about midnight.
Sabbath morning I preached in Springfield —in the
afternoon to a congregation between the two places,
and in the evening at Xenia.

“On Monday morning, Bro. Lehman took me to
Miamisburg, where I became acquainted with the
Rev. Heineke. I then proceeded to Germantown,
and spent the night with Daniel Bassard, my early
companion and friend. I lodged in the house where
A. Routzong, another schoolmate, died a few years
ago. He was about my age. How strange that I
am spared.

* Our Church in this place is in a dreadful condi-
tion. The minister is a reputed. universalist. ‘ Like
priest like people.’

‘“ T traversed the Miami Valley, looking out a suit-
able location for our institution. None pleased me as
well as Springfield.

“JT next went to Zanesville, to attend the meeting
of the joint Synods of Ohio. The sessions of this body
246 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

were characterized by a want of harmony. There is
a vast difference among its members, not only about
the German and English languages, but also in regard
to their spirit. They would better be divided in peace,
than united in war. Every one of their meetings un-
caps a volcano, which belches and smokes till the next
convention.

“This is the 4th of July—our national anniver-
sary —the birth-day of our Independence. The return
of this memorable day, fills the bosom of the true
American with emotions of profound gratitude, and
elicits from his lips expressions of praise to Almighty
God, who has given us this glorious land of freedom.

‘“July.6. Saturday evening. I have safely arrived
at home, and found my dear family securely preserved
by Him to whom I had committed them. To Him I
would render the sincere thankoffering of a grateful
heart.”

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the insti-
tution, held about the last of May, Prof. Keller was
instructed to spend part of the summer visiting the
Churches in the West, for the purpose of soliciting
subscriptions and donations for the endowment of a
theological professorship, and collecting books and
funds for the formation of a theological and college
library. In accordance with this instruction, he com-
menced to labor July 14. ‘I presented,” says he,
INSTITUTION AT WOOSTER, 247

‘the claims of the institution to the congregations at
Canal Dover and Strausburg. I obtained subscrip-
tions amounting to upward of five hundred dollars.
Beside this subscription, I obtained twenty-four dol-
lars and eight volumes for the theological library.
The first subStription I received, was seventy-five
dollars from Father Helwig. The first books were
D’Aubigne’s ‘ History of the Reformation,’ presented
by Dr. Slingluff. I bave reason to be grateful for the
token of favor which God has given me at the outset
of this enterprise.

“ July 30. Since the last entry in my journal, I
have been busily engaged in my labors. God has
given me some measure of success. I have collected,
on an average, one hundred dollars per day. I find,
however, in the Church, considerable covetousness,
and still more ignorance on the subject of liberality.
Very few seem to understand the teachings of the
Word of God on this subject. This is not so surpris-
ing, as so little instruction is given to the people
from the pulpit. To give according to ability, is as
much a duty as prayer. Yet one hundred sermons
are preached on the latter, where one is delivered on
the former. Many persons, even aged members, think
it wrong to introduce this topic into the sacred desk.
Ministers speak about it with as much delicacy and
caution as if they were of the same opinion. In
248 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

many of the congregations which I have visited, not a
cent has ever been collected for any purpose except
home wants. Some persons are opposed to having
this work done on the Sabbath. Yesterday, when,
after preaching, I asked for subscriptions, one half of
the members left the church. A few of the better
sort refused to give on the Lord’s Day, but promised
me a subscription on Monday. And yet the Apostle
Paul says, ‘On the jirst day of the week [the Chris-
tian Sabbath] each one shall lay up in store, accord-
ing to his prosperity, for the poor.’ That is, should
set it apart, and devote it to this cause, just as when
persons subscribe to a benevolent object, they devote
that amount to that religious purpose. The Saviour
taught the propriety of leading an ox to water on the
Sabbath Day; and shall not we be allowed, on this
day, to make efforts to supply the perishing millions
with the waters of life? He taught us that it was
lawful to lift out the sheep that had fallen into the pit,
even on his own day; and is it unlawful to use any
means to pull sinners out of the miry clay in which
their iniquities have involved them? On Monday, I
visited some of those who left the church on Sabbath,
with the hope of obtaining a subscription ; but I was
disappointed. I concluded that the secret of their
conduct, the day previous, was their miserly disposi-
tion. The spirit of covetousness, even among the
INSTITUTION AT WOOSTER. 249

people of God, is one of the greatest obstacles with
which I have to contend, Nevertheless, in every place
I find some generous, liberal: souls, who, amid the
general prevalence of the love of money, are, to my
heart, as the oasis of the desert to the weary traveler,
and as the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.
My most liberal subscriptions come from those, who,
in this world’s goods, are poor or in moderate circum-
stances.

“ August 2. Last night I preached in Massillon,
and made arrangements for the organization of a Lu-
theran congregation.

‘““T saw, for the first time, a colored man tarred and
feathered by a mob. The spectacle was a most hor-
rid one. It seemed distressing to see so many citi-
zens standing around and giving countenance to the
violation of alllaw. The man, it is true, was charged
with a crime of the deepest dye. Some supposed him
to be not guilty. But whether guilty or innocent, he
should have been tried according to the law, and
then condemned or acquitted, according to the facts in
the. case.

‘‘T have read an account in the Lutheran Observer,
by a pioneer minister in the West, of the piety and
death of a negro saint, by the name of Jeddy. This
interesting incident has refreshed my soul amid the
fatigues and perplexities of my labors in my agency.

11*
250 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, .D.D.

How cheering it is to know there is a rest, a home in
heaven. None of the toils, none of:the annoyances
incident to the Christian in his pilgrim state, will be
there experienced. In the same number of the O0-
server I noticed these solemn lines:

‘To think of summers yet to come
That I am not to see!
To think a flower is yet to bloom
From dust that I shall be.’

Solemn indeed is the thought here so beautifully ex-
pressed. But we that believe in Christ, though we
die, shall yet live—live where vernal flowers shall al-
ways bloom.

‘From the Brookfield charge I went to Washing-
tonville, and thence to Bolivar. Here my heart was
cheered by the liberality of these good people. The
subscriptions of the two congregations amounted to
upward of six hundred dollars.”

A meeting both of the Synod and Board of Diree-
tors was held, in Wooster, about the first of Septem-
ber. As the president of Synod was disabled, the
synodical sermon was preached by Prof. Keller. He
was also appointed chairman of a committee to ex-
amine five young men who applied for license, and
one who applied for admission from the Methodist
Episcopal Church. The duty of preaching on the
subject of ‘ ordination,’ was also imposed upon him.
INSTITUTION AT WOOSTER. 251

“ The meeting,” he says, “‘ was a very pleasant one
tome. I met a number of my fellow students, and
was rejoiced to hear of their success in the gos-
pel ministry. The members of Synod manifested the
utmost forbearance and kindness toward each other,
and their reports indicated a highly prosperous state
of their congregations.

‘Several unpleasant duties were made obligatory
upon me. I was obliged by a sense of duty to advo-
cate the removal of the institution, which I knew
would displease some whose favor I valued, and whose
wishes I would endeavor to gratify in matters not in-
volving the welfare of the Church of Christ.

“On Wednesday, at nine o’clock, this was made
the order of business. The whole forenoon was occu-
pied by those-who opposed the removal of the col-
lege. In the afternoon session, considerable excite-
ment pervaded the assembly. One of the prominent
members of Synod came to my seat and whispered in
my ear, ‘Do you know that there will be a strong
effort made by members of Synod to keep the institu-
tion here?’ This remark increased my anxiety to
the very highest pitch. I felt that it was an impor-
tant crisis, and I prayed for the presence and guidance
of the Holy Spirit. After the session had been duly
opened, I arose and stated my arguments with as
much force as possible. But one clerical and two lay
252 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D, D.

members made any reply on the opposite side of the
question. At this point of the discussion, Father
Stough, the senior member of the ministerium, arose,
supporting himself with his staff (now eighty-three
years old), and tenderly admonished the Synod to
weigh well the arguments advanced in favor of a re-
moval, and not to act unadvisedly. This remark had
a thrilling effect, and melted many into tears. 1
could not refrain from thinking that he was moved to
its utterance by the Divine Spirit. A proposition
was made that we offer up our united prayer for Di-
vine direction ; after which the vote was cast, without
a dissenting voice, for the removal of the institution.
I believe our prayer was answered in this matter. It
also became my painful duty to oppose the renewal of
.the license of two men, both guilty of grossly im-
moral conduct. But painful as it was, I could not
suffer men to be authorized to preach the gospel en-
tirely unworthy of that sacred office. by a ministeri-
um for whose acts I, as a member of it, was responsi-
ble. The Scriptures everywhere demand pre-eminent
holiness of the minister of the word and ordinances.
It is therefore a great error to introduce or help in-
to this holy office, men of doubtful character. It is
doing injustice to them, to ourselves, and to the
Church of God. Ministers should be men,
INSTITUTION AT WOOSTER. 253

‘Whose hands are clean — .
Whose hearts are pure— whose doctrine and whose life
Give lucid proof
That they are honest in the sacred cause.’

It seems to me that men whose lives have been
grossly vicious, especially lecentious, should not be
invested with this responsible office, however sincere
their repentance and entire their reformation. David’s
repentance was sincere and genuine, yet, when he had
it in his heart to build a house unto the Lord, he
durst not, because he was a bloody man. Of the
adulterer, it has been said, ‘ His reproach shall not be
wiped away.’ It is true St. Paul had persecuted the
Church, but he did it in good conscience, in his zeal
for religion, thinking he was doing God service.
This fact greatly changed the moral character of his
crime.”
CHAPTER XVI.

SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETO.

Exercises of the school suspended—Dr. Keller appointed to seek a perma.
nent location for the institution—Preached the funeral sermon of Rev.
J. Clapp—Filled an appointment made by him—Visits Synod of the
West, at Fort Wayne—Participates in the organization of the Miami
Synod—Goes to Maryland, closes his business, and returns to Ohio. _

SprinerieLD, Onto, Sept, 16, 1844. At the expira-
tion of the summer session, the school closed at
Wooster, and the exercises were suspended until a
permanent location of the institution could be deter-
mined. Immediately after the meeting of the Synod,
which occurred at the closing of the school, Professor
Keller’s family returned to Maryland to visit their
friends. They were accompanied by Mr. Heisley, a
young man from Baltimore, who had charge of the
grammar school up to this period of its history. The
duty of traveling over the field, and seeking a suitable
place for re-opening the school, was assigned, by the
Board, to Prof. Keller. Immediately after his family
lett for the East, he entered upon this mission. He
first visited Springfield, where he spent the Sabbath.
On Monday, he made this record :

“To-day, I feel exceedingly dejected and lonely.
(254)
SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETC. 255

The absence of my family, my bodily indisposition,
the obstacles which must be encountered —all con-
spire to weigh down my spirit. Yesterday, after
preaching in a small school-house (for we have no
church here), the flesh whispered in my ear, ‘It would
have been better to have remained in your pleasant
charge in Maryland.’ The Lord grant me more of
the mind that was in Christ —a spirit of self-denial,
of meekness, fortitude, and contentment under trials
and privations. During the last several nights, I en-
joyed but little refreshing repose. I arose several
times to engage in prayer.

‘*T have spent most of this day in reading Macau-
lay’s Miscellanies —the reviews of the lives of Pitt,
Mirabeau, and others. We have but few honest poli-
ticians. ;

“JT have just finished the reperusal of Abbott’s
‘Young Christian ;’ a book worthy of being read
once a year. His views are very correct, and his
illustrations very happy.

‘* Sept. 20. Yesterday, I attended the funeral of
Rev. J. Clapp, a Lutheran minister, who had been
preaching in Clark and Champaign counties. He
died after an illness of three days. For the first time,
I preached on such an occasion. I had followed many
to the tomb, but never a minister of Jesus Christ.
Many serious reflections were awakened in my mind.
256 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

I thought of the impartiality of death — cutting down
all, irrespective of position or station; of the solem-
nity of the ministerial office, as brought to view by
the weeping congregation, whom he taught how to
live and how to die, and for whose souls he watched
as he that must give account; and of his own appear-
ing at the bar of God.

«Here I also had an illustration of the hardships of
ministerial life, so faras this world is concerned.
Here was an ambassador of Christ, who traversed
three counties, and literally wore himself out in the
service of his people, for the space of nine years.
And yet when called away from his labors to his re-
ward, he had accumulated but little for bis wife and
children, who were left here to mourn his departure.
It is distressing to remember how little the gospel
seems to be valued, and how poorly its defenders are
compensated. This is no doubt one reason why the
people are ‘cursed with a curse.’ None of these
things, however, move me, for I know that ‘ our re-
ward is on high.’

“ Sept. 22. Sabbath evening. I have just re-
turned from Frieden’s Church, one of the churches
belonging to the charge of which our deceased Bro.
Clapp was pastor. I preached both English and Ger-
man, filling appointments made by their pastor before
his sickness. The occasion was one of deep solem-
SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETC. 257

nity to me and the people. How true the expression,
‘Other men labored, and ye have entered into their
labor.’ The church property is owned by the Luthe-
ran and German Reformed congregations. The Ln-
theran congregation has been in connection with the
joint Synod of Ohio. They are afraid of any man
who preaches with earnestness and favors protracted
and prayer meetings, however properly conducted.
Hence they regarded me with suspicion, and asked me
many unpleasant questions, such as, Whence I came ?
Where I was educated? To what Synod I belonged ?
etc. I preached on the ‘rest which remaineth for the
people of God,’ and experienced in an extraordinary
degree the feeling of estrangedness from the whole
world. I lost, many years ago, in a great measure,
the feeling of home. Before the commencement of
my difficulties occasioned by my determination, if
possible, to obtain an education, I had a strong at-
tachment to home, to the world around me. Many
objects of earth afforded gratification to my heart. I
could discover many reasons inspiring within me a
desire to live here below. This desire, which I do
not think was sinful, no longer exists in my bosom.
I now cherish only the recollection of it. As to my
feelings, I have no home on earth. My alienation
from earthly things sometimes becomes so strong that
I feel dissatisfied with my labors, and tired of life
258 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

itself. To such feelings I have particularly been sub-
ject since we have broken up housekeeping and gone
to boarding. I realize the sentiment so appropriately
expressed by the poet, .
‘An exile here, and far from home
For Zion’s sacred walls I sigh’

Swe

And then, too, I am enabled to exclaim,

‘O Zion, when I think of thee,
I wish for pinions like a dove;
And mourn to think that I should be
So distant from the place I love.’

** From Springfield I went to Xenia, where I re-
ceived much kindness from Father Binkley, with
whom I tarried during my sojourn here. I thence
proceeded to Dayton. Here I spent a Sabbath. In
the morning I preached in the Lutheran, and in the
evening in the First Presbyterian Church. On Fri-
day evening I attended a general prayer meeting,
held monthly, in which all the orthodox pastors, with
their congregations, are united. By request, 1 made
some remarks at this meeting. I experienced ‘ how
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell to-
gether in unity.’

‘*On Monday morning I set ont, on horseback, for
Fort Wayne, a distance of one hundred and twenty
miles. I found the road through the Black Swamp,
SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETO. 259

northwest of St. Marys, exceedingly bad, and the
country quite a wilderness. My mind was led to
think of the difficulties which Gen. Wayne must have
encountered in marching his army through this re-
gion when it was an untrodden marsh.

“One night I slept in a house where my deceased
friend and brother, Rev. J. Hoover, had frequently
lodged. The family spoke of him with the most
tender affection, At Fort Wayne his moldering
body rests in quiet loneliness. After his decease, his
wife and children returned to Virginia, perhaps never
more to gaze on his tomb, or drop the tear of affec-
tion upon his lonely grave. A grateful people con-
tinue to cherish his sacred memory, and lisp his name
with tearful eyes. I was constrained to ask — Lord,
what am I that I should be spared? And I was
obliged to respond, ‘I am not worthy of the least of
all thy mercies, and of all thy truth which thou hast
shown unto thy servant.’

““T came to Fort Wayne to attend the meeting of
the Synod of the West, as a delegate from the Synod
of Ohio, with Rev. S. Ritz, as my colleague. The
especial object of our mission was to endeavor to
effect a union between these two bodies in the estab-
lishment of an institution. I met a number of my
former fellow-students —now fellow-laborers in the
vineyard of the Lord. It was a matter of regret to
260 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

me to find so many of our American brethren ab-
sent, while those from our fatherland were nearly all
present. This fact afforded us but little hope of the
accomplishment of onr object. I met the Rev. J.
Wangner, who is destined, in a great measure, to con-
trol the European element in this region. He is an
accomplished gentleman, and an ardent Christian, but
a fanatical dogmatist. He possesses considerable
talent, has a good education, is a man of sound in-
tegrity and great energy of character. He is quite
antiquated in his views of Christian doctrine and
church polity. He considers subscription to the unal-
tered Augsburg Confession, without note or comment,
as indispensable to constitute a man a Lutheran.
The Lutheran Church, based on the Augsburg Con-
fession he considers the Apostolical Catholic Church.
He believes in baptismal regeneration, and the real
presence of the dody and the blood of Christ in the
Lord’s Supper. He recommends private confession
and absolution; makes the sign of the cross in the
administration of the ordinance of baptism, and con-
forms to the various forms of the symbolists. A
protracted, spirited discussion on these points occurred
on Monday. When the vote was taken in the even-
ing, the majority was against us. <A resolution was
introduced on Tuesday morming for a reconsideration
of the question. After some additional] remarks, the
SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETC. 261

question was again put to the Synod. The tables
were now turned; the resolution passed to comply
with our proposition, and three commissioners were
appointed to consummate the proposed union with
the Synod of Ohio.

‘‘T am every day becoming more convinced of the
necessity of raising up an American ministry to spir-
itualize the millions of Germans who are seeking a
home in our happy land. Those who are educated in
Germany are not qualified for the work, and cannot
be persuaded to lay aside their foreign prejudices, and
modes of thought and action.

“ At this meeting I received much and very unkind
I had grace given

 

 

abuse from the Rev.
me not to return evil for evil. I feel happy that I
was enabled: in patience to possess my soul. He
digyed a pit for me, but fell into it himself. To
make any reply was a painful duty; but it was un-
avoidable. I fvel myself under the most solemn obli-
gation to combat error wherever I find it injurious to
the cause of my blessed Redeemer.

“ After some conversation with Rev. F. Wangner,
l learned that my report of a missionary tour among
the Germans of the West, made in 1836-7, met his
eye in Germany and first called his attention to their
condition.

“During this meeting I preached the communion
262 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

and ordination sermon. From Fort Wayne I re-
turned to Springfield.

“Oct. 14. I have felt anxious to get the congrega-
tion at Frieden’s Church, as well as the Germans in
town, under my care, hoping that I might do them
good; but the Rev. has been circulating
reports among. them calculated to awaken prejudices

 

 

against me.

‘Xenia, Oct. 17. I came here to a convention,
called for the purpose of organizing a new Evangeli-
cal Lutheran Synod. I preached to the convention
on the ‘New Commandment.’ After the sermon
(preached on the 16th), the meeting was duly organ-
ized for the transaction of business by calling the Rev.
J. Crigler to the chair. A committee was appointed
to present a constitution to be submitted to the action
of the convention on the following morning. The
next morning this committee reported that they had
examined the constitution proposed by the General
Synod for District Synods, and recommended its
adoption, with certain amendments and additions
which they proposed. This report was accepted, and
by the adoption of this constitution as amended and
adapted to the wishes of the convention, ‘The Evan-
gelical Lutheran Synod of Miami’ was formed. The
Synod was composed of eight ordained ministers and
two licentiates. This Synod made arrangements for
SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETC. 263

uniting with the General Synod, by electing delegates
to its next convention. A resolution was also passed,
approving of the establishment of Wittenberg Col-
lege; and in accordance with the provisions of its
constitution directors of the institution were appointed
by this body.”

Immediately after the adjournment of Synod, Prof.
Keller started for Maryland, as indicated by the fol-
lowing record :

‘““ Wheeling, Sabbath evening, Oct. 20. I arrived
here last night, on my way to the East, anxious to
meet the Maryland Synod, at Middletown. Satan
pleaded much in favor of my traveling to-day, by the
following suggestions: ‘ You are engaged in ecclesi-
astical business ’—‘ You will be at expense tarrying
here’—‘ You will have no enjoyment’—‘ You cannot
preach,’ etc. But I resolutely closed my ears to his
whisperings, and took a room at the Virginia House.
This morning, after breakfast, I went out in search of
a family belonging to our Church, with whom I be-
came acquainted eight years ago, when, on a tour, I
spent a Sabbath here. I heard they lived one and a
half miles distant, in Fulton. On my way thither I
crossed the high hill adjacent to the city, where I
had a fine view of the Ohio River. The sun shone
brightly, and a large steamer was leaving the wharf,
disturbing the quiet of this hallowed morning by its.
264 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

profane puffings. My mind’s vision stretched beyond
the reach of my natural eye, and surveyed the vast
Empire Valley, lying before me, capable of nour-
ishing, and destined to sustain so many millions of
precious souls. I laid my hands on my bosom, and
devoutly prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, let this American
Canaan be thine.’ As I thought of the responsibility
connected with my contemplated residence in this
great valley—of the part of the work which would
properly belong to our institution—I was almost over-
whelmed by the reflection. I fervently prayed for
God’s blessing upon the college, upon the Synod
which originated the institution, upon the new Synod,
and upon all the interests of our beloved Zion here.
“Eight years ago, I for the first time crossed this
hill with three acquaintances from Middletown. It
was Saturday noon, and while I tarried here to
sanctify the Lord’s Day, they proceeded on their jour-
ney. This adherence to Christian principle I never
had any reason to regret. On Sabbath, I preached
- the gospel both in the English and German lan-
guages ; and on Monday, when | again set out on my
journey, 1 met two other acquaintances (one of them
now in heaven), affording me better company than
those who had left me. To-day I heard, from a
friend, of a pious old lady, who often speaks of the
sermon of that Sabbath as profitable to her. How
SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETO. 265

good the Lord has been to me. One who then crossed
the Ohio with me, is no more; his wife is a widow,
his children are fatherless. Not so with me and my
family.. Then I had not a cent except what was ad-
vanced to me by the missionary society ; my horse I
bought on credit. Now I have a competency. How
blessed it is to trust and serve the Lord!

“To-day, I trust, I have not spent in vain. My
friend accompanied me to a German church; but few
hearers ; listened to a meager discourse. This Ger-
man minister is a visitor of the beerhouse. Alas for
these poor distracted Germans! When will God
open their darkened eyes? In the evening I listened
to an edifying discourse in the Presbyterian Church.
I have been reading ‘Bunyan’s Grace abounding to
the Chief of Sinners.’ I enjoyed a precious nearness
to Gou in meditation and prayer.

‘On Monday morning, I left Wheeling, with a
feeling of gratification for having kept holy the Sab-
bath Day. In erossing the mountain, during the
night, the drivers of two other coaches in the train
arrested a negro slave, who was making his escape
from bondage, and seeking an asylum in a free State.
They put him on the box of one of the coaches, thinly
clad, while the night was very cold. It was sad,
when the teams would stop to water and change

horses to hear the drivers talk of his capture, tantaliz-
12
266 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

ing and mocking the poor unfortunate sufferer. It
was almost more than my heart could endure. At
one time, I remarked to the company, that I felt it
my duty to get out, and endeavor to rescue him. I
was entreated not to do so— that I could not succeed,
and might make myself liable to imprisonment on my
arrival at Cumberland. It was stated that a colpor-
teur had lately been arrested on suspicion of being an
agent for the abduction of slaves. I was compelled to
bear it as patiently as I could. A Methodist minister
of Arkansas advocated slavery, which was as great a
trial to my feelings as the sufferings of the miserable
captive.

‘* On the following evening, I arrived safely at Ha-
gerstown, where many pleasant and mournful associa-
tions crowded into my mind. Strange indeed were
the emotions of my soul in entering this, the field of
my former labors. I tarried here but an hour, and
hastened on, anxious to mect the brethren of the
Maryland Synod at Middletown. I arrived there at
ten o’clock, an hour after the adjournment of the
Synod. I enjoyed, however, the exquisite pleasure
of meeting a very large number of the dear brethren
belonging to this body, on the following morning.

‘<T remained two weeks in Maryland, attending to
some unfinished business transactions, and packing
my ‘goods and chattels.’ I then bade my friends
SCHOOL SUSPENDED, ETO. 267

east of the mountains, farewell, and returned with my
family to my field of labor in the West. On the 9th
of November, we arrived at Springfield, fatigued by
our journey. The goodness of the Lord has been over
us and round about us, and to him I would render
thanksgiving and praise,
CHAPTER XVII.

MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETC.

Moves his family to Springfield—Takes charge of several congregations—
Necessity of constant watchfulness—Remarks suggested by the twink-
ling stars—Organized a congregation—Closing year—LEdified by read-
ing the lives of Luther and Melancthon—How error is refuted—
Institution located at Springfield—Numerous cares and labors—A s0-
called Old Lutheran—Survey of college ground—Lovely spot—Sweet
communion with God.

“ Dec. 4, 1844. A few days ago, my goods arrived,
which we have unpacked ; and we are now once more
in our own home, after having experienced, for eight
months, an absence of the comforts which center in
that endearing word. My wife, my child, my orphan
boy, Morris, and our domestic, Polly, are all here
with me, in our own sweet home.

“ Dec. 14. I have just recovered from a severe,
but short illness. Enfeebled by an excess of bodily
and mental labor, I was suddenly seized with a severe
chill, which confined me to my bed for three days.
Through the goodness of my Heavenly Father, I am
again restored to partial health.

“ Dec. 28. On Saturday, 1 went to Noblesville, to

(268 )
MOVES TO. SPRINGFIELD, ETO. 269

meet a class of catechumens ; thence I proceeded five
miles north, to a village called Terre Haute. Here I
preached, and found many of our people scattered
about, as sheep having no shepherd. A few families
have become infected with the doctrine of universal
salvation—a most destructive error. ‘The harvest
is truly plenteous, but the laborers are few.’ O
Lord! send laborers into thy harvest.

“ Dec. 29. Since I have my own closet and my
own books about me again, I have searched my own
heart. more diligently ; and I find, what I had, for
some months suspected and feared, that I did not
grow in grace as I should have done during the six
months of my wanderings to and fro. Although
busily engaged in the work of God, as I believe I was,
I did not progress in self-culture, in sanctification, as
duty demanded. So treacherous, so ‘ deceitful above
all things and desperately wicked,’ is the human
heart, that, in any employment, however sacred —
even in conducting worship and preaching the gos-
pel—we may backslide, and become heartless, formal
and proud. No wonder the great Apostle resolved,
‘I will keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection, lest that, by any means, when I have
preached unto others, I, myself, should be a cast-
away.’ I have had a busy season of life, espe-
cially since I have been in the ministry. I scarcely
270 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

know what res¢ zs, or what it is to arise in the morn-
ing rested and refreshed by the repose of the night.
I am constitutionally feeble—cannot endure much
labor. My numerous engagements give me almost
perpetual fatigue, and such languor of soul that offt-
times my evening devotional exercises are not vigor-
ous and lively. The hurry induced by the pressing
duties of the morning, interferes with my communion
with God, and my soul is denied her proper spiritual
nourishment. I have lately devoted more time to my
private devotions, and the blessed results I have
already realized.

- “This is a bright Sabbath morning. The sun
shines with unusual splendor. All is quiet in my
comfortable home. A bird, perched upon a branch,
is cheerfully singing his morning song — one whose
notes are familiar to me, to whose warblings I often
listened in my childhood’s sunny days. Sweet song-
ster, made by the same Creator that has given me my
existence — fed by the same hand that gives to an-
gels their food, perhaps thy cheerful, grateful praise
is as acceptable to Him as the hallelujahs of angels
before the throne. During the past week I have
thought much about death, communed with my own
heart and with Jehovah, and I have been enabled to
say with one of old, ‘ In the multitude of my thoughts
within me thy comforts delight my soul.’ I feel more
MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETO. 271

resigned to God’s providence, more cut loose from the
world, and more anxious to ‘depart and be with
Christ, which is far better.’ ‘ Nevertheless, to abide
in the flesh is more needful’ for the Church, and for
the world which ‘lieth in wickedness.’

‘“T am busily engaged soliciting subscriptions for
the institution. Sometimes I feel quite discouraged.
The precariousness of such an enterprise, the fear that
the expectations of our people. will not be realized,
the illiberality of many of the wealthy, and the want
of unanimity and interest in some of our ministerial
brethren, tend to discourage me. But when I think
of the importancé of the work, the promise of God’s
aid, and the success which has, crowned similar efforts
elsewhere, I take courage. Last night, after dark, I
returned from a visit to the country. It was a bean-
tiful starlight night. All was calm, and no sound
was heard, save the low rippling murmurs of a stream,
which seemed to be the last note of nature’s evening
hymn. The sky was crowded witn pure twinkling
luminaries. They all smiled in their ethereal resi-
dence, their unearthly brilliancy. As I thought of
their number, their magnitude, their velocity, their
undeviating obedience to their Creator, and perhaps
their myriads of unfallen and perchance justified
spirits, I was overwhelmed with a sense of my utter
insignificance. I exclaimed aloud, in the language of
272 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

the Psalmist, ‘O Lord, how manifold are thy works !
In wisdom thou hast made them all. When I con-
sider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon
and the stars which thou hast ordained, what is man
that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that
thou visitest him?’ May I move in the course as-
signed me as steadily and exactly as they; and at
last shine with the brightness of the firmament
and as the stars forever more, in the kingdom of
glory.

“‘ Dec. 81. On my return from Xenia, I met by
appointment at the house of Jacob Strayer, a number
of persons whom J organized into a congregation. I
also opened a subscription for the building of a church.
These people are Lutherans, who have moved to this
neighborhood from Pennsylvania. I find it delight-
ful work to build up our beloved Zion.

‘“T have now spent the last day of this year. Its
suns have all set, eternally ; and its last solemn night
has closed in upon my dwelling. It has been a year
of important changes to me and my family. In Jan-
uary, one of my colleagues in the ministry departed
this life; in April our infant daughter died; in May
I moved from Maryland to Ohio. I have many mer-
cies to record ; general health, a cheerful disposition,
success in my undertaking, and above all the smiles
of my Heavenly Father. I can truly say,
MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETC. 273

‘Beneath his smiles my heart has lived,
And part of heaven possessed ;

Tl praise his name for grace received,
And trust him for the rest.’

“T have many shortcomings to confess and lament.
How feebly have I served my God! how little have I
grown in grace! How many precious moments I
have permitted to run to waste !

‘What have I done for him who died
To save my sinful soul ?

How have my follies multiplied,
Fast as my moments roll.’

All my thoughts, motives, feelings, words and ac-
tions are recorded on life’s extended roll. Its sins alone
are to be regretted. I cannot atone for them; but
thanks be unto God, ‘we have an advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous, and he is the pro-
pitiation for our sins.’
‘Lord, with this guilty heart of mine,
To thy dear cross I flee,

And to thy grace my soul | resign,
To be renewed by thee?

“‘ How solemnly does this silent hour of the closing
year admonish me of the brevity of life and nearness
of death. Perhaps this year I may die, bid adieu to
all its treasures and toils. How impressive this rea-

sonable conjecture! Perhaps, too, this year may.
12*
274 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

bring me into new toils and sufferings. But stop, my
anxious soul; strive not to pry into the mysteries of
the future ; remember that ‘ secret things belong unto
the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed
belong unto us and to our children.’ Why should
we be so anxious to know what awaits us? Can
we not say with Paul, ‘For me to live is Christ—
to die is gain.’ God is everywhere, and always
with us.

‘With grateful hearts the past we own;
The future, all to us unknown,

We to thy guardian care commit,
And peaceful leave before thy feet.’

“T will endeavor to be more humble, heavenly-
minded, meek, exemplary, zealous; I will endeavor
more and more to set my affections not on things on
the earth, but on things in heaven; I will strive to
live more for God’s glory; and may He so teach me
to number my days that I may apply my heart unto
wisdom; and should this year close my pilgrimage
here, may my soul find repose in Abraham’s bosom,
in the land of pure delight, the home of the weary
soul, where so many of earth’s weeping children
have found uninterrupted peace and unalloyed hap-
pincss,

“1845. During the first week of the new year, I
preached eight times, and thrice on the following
MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETC. 275

Sabbath. This labor proved too severe for my feeble
body, and I have been suffering, as a consequence. I
have again and again resolved to perform less labor,
but just as often broken my resolutions. ‘There is so
much to be done—the time is so short—the work is
so difficult ’—these are the arguments which urge me
on in my imprudent zeal. I have often been re-
minded of the expression of Young—

‘Resolves and re-resolves, thén dies the same.’

Jan. 11, 1845. I have just returned from Xenia,
whither I had gone to present the college enterprise.
I lectured two successive evenings, and have awak-
ened some interest on the subject. A committee has
been appointed to solicit subscriptions, and the request
has been made to deliver a third lecture a few weeks
hence. Sometimes I feel disheartened, but I am de-
termined not to despair.

““T have lately enjoyed more precious communion
with my Saviour. I have been reading the Life of
Luther and Melancthon, with great edification. The
more I learn of these illustrious Reformers, the more
do I feel that they were men of the deepest piety, of
much communion with Jehovah in prayer. I was
forcibly struck with the following remark of Me-
lancthon: ‘ Nothing is so tender, nothing so easily
disordered, as a spirit of devotion; nor is anything
276 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

more distressing or injurious than its being crippled
or enfeebled.’

‘Jan. 23. I feel feeble and uncomfortable. An
appointment has been made for me to address the
citizens of Xenia. Iam made the more miserable
hy my inability to meet this engagement. My peace
is always disturbed by such occurrences. To-day we
received a letter from one of our dearest friends at
Hagerstown ; in this letter she pours forth the gush-
ings of her affection for us, and her regrets at our
departure. Like the memory of the past, it was
pleasant, but mournful to the soul. How blessed the
hope of a future recognition and reunion of friends,
where there will be no sorrow, no pains, no feeble-
ness and no severing of tender ties.

“ Feb. 22. Last night, at the request of the Clark
County Bible Society, I addressed the citizens of
Northampton, on the importance of the Bible in the
common school. I was enabled to. speak with con-
siderable freedom. After the exercises I rode several
miles alone, and lodged in a cold cabin, but with
good people. I was reminded of my former com-
fortable field of labor, which I considered a tempta-
tion of Satan to draw me away from the work I had
undertaken. I resisted him by a recollection of the
toils of Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits.
If he endured so much in an evil cause, shall I mur.
MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETO. 277

mur at a few toils and sacrifices in the cause of
truth?

“This morning I preached at Noblesville, to a
large audience, on the existence and endless duration
of the punishment of the wicked. Universalism, a
most mischievous error, had confirmed some in skep-
ticism, and made others doubtful in the truth. I
preached the ¢ruth on this subject, without designat-
ing by name the error at which it was aimed. This
I believe to be the wisest policy ; it is shooting arrows
at errorists, without showing them that they are
pointed at them; consequently, they are not so apt to
put themselves on the defense, and the truth will be
more likely to penetrate their hearts. I had great
freedom of utterance, and I trust the cause of truth
will be promoted by God’s blessing upon the feeble
efforts of his servant.

“In the evening, I preached in Springfield, by ap-
pointment and request, on the passage of Scripture
contained in the Epistle to the Romans, ch. ii, 12-17.
A large concourse of people was collected—more than
could obtain seats. Several of the village pastors,
one prominent deist, and other enemies of the truth,
were present. I felt embarrassed—feared people
might think I was making an effort to display my
own crudition, and that perhaps God’s glory would
not be promoted.
278 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

““T have very solemn thoughts of the Judgment
Day; I have tried to obtain a realizing sense of my
own trial, of the words which will fall from the lips
of the Judge concerning me; I am constrained to
exclaim, God be merciful to me, a sinner!

‘eb. 6. A few days ago, I felt somewhat dis-
couraged by a view of the formidable difficulties in
the way of the enterprise to which I am devoted ; but
fortunately I received a most timely letter from my
dear brother Jonathan, of Hagerstown, containing
these consoling words: ‘As regards the slanderer (the
old measure minister, who applied slanderous epithets
to you), ‘ whose words were as wounds,’ be comforted
by the words of Jesus, found Matt. v, 10-12, and
recollect that the Master was called Beelzebub, and
that he prophesied that his servants must expect the
same treatment in this world.’ ”

Springfield and Xenia finally became competitors
for the location of the institution. The members of
the Board of Directors were notified to meet in
Springfield on the 14th of February, 1845. Pro-
posals were presented to them by a committee ap-
pointed by the citizens of Clark county. Several
days were spent, transacting some business, consider-
ing these proposals, and visiting the sites which had
been offered to them. On the 17th of February they
went to Xenia. Here, too, proposals were presented,
MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETC. 279

and a number of locations offered. A considerable
portion of the following day was spent in viewing
and examining these different locations.

After due deliberation by the Board upon the pro-
posals made by the citizens of Clark and Green
counties, the following preamble and resolution were
adopted by them, with much unanimity:

“Whereas, It now devolves upon the Board of Di-
rectors to select and permanently fix the location of
Wittenberg College; and whereas, the subscriptions
in money and property offered by the citizens of
Clark county exceed those offered by any other com-
munity; and whereas, the natural, as well as other
advantages of Springfield are both many and great:
therefore,

“ Resolved, That Springfield, Clark county, Ohio,
be, and hereby is made the permanent location of
Wittenberg College, with the confident expectation,
however, from assurances given, that the subscription
will be considerably enlarged.”

The Woodshade Cemetery Association offered (in
the proposals of the citizens of Clark county) a lot
of seventeen acres, lying north of Springfield, which
was accepted.

Mr. Keller’s cares, at this time, were very many—
his labors severe. He tells us that his engagements
were sO numerous as scarcely to allow him any time
280 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

to make a record of his doings. He had, at least,
three or four congregations in charge. Beside the
labors of the institution, he remarks, “‘ I am making
preparations to build two houses of worship, in the
name of the Lord—one in Springfield, and the other
near the Yellow Springs. In fixing the szte, as well
as the size, of these churches, I have had some diffi-
culty. To-day, I, in connection with three other
men, all in moderate circumstances, resolved, in the
name of the Lord, to build a Lutheran Church
here, on our own responsibility. So small'is the
congregation, that we were obliged to pursue this
plan.

“* March 19. I have lately been impressed with
the conviction, that I do not spend time enough in
devotional exercises—too much in other things. This
is one reason why

‘Hosannahs languish on our tongues,
And our devotion dies.’

By the grace of God, I will more faithfully improve
this means of grace. Eminent saints have paid es-
pecial attention to this duty. Col. Gardner, of the
British army, spent two hours every morning in
his devotions. If he was obliged to march at four,
he would arise at two o’clock. If under such circum-
stance, Ae could do it, where is my excuse? And
MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETO. 281

when I think of Luther’s devotional hours, I feel
deeply ashamed at the mere fragment of time I spend
in communion with God and my own soul.

“ April 3. Last week I visited a congregation
which, for sixteen years, has been under the pastoral
care of , a so-styled ‘ old orthodox Luthe-
ran Church.’ The pastor has been a merchant, a
miller, a distiller, ete. One half his members are
Universalists, condemned by the 17th article of the
Augsburg Confession. Swearers, drunkards, etc.,

 

 

frequent the communion table. The pastor himself
will step up to the bar of the grogshop, and take a
drink with the besotted herd. But he has had his
day. He has failed in his worldly schemes, and be-
come insolvent. He has so completely destroyed the
power of the Gospel over his hearers, that they do
not support him, and he is starved out. He will not
easily find another community that he can so blind as
the one to which he has been so great acurse. What
a fearful retribution must be awaiting him. Of all
others, there is perhaps the least hope for the salva-
tion of such a man.

“O, the desolations of Zion! When will her
broken walls be built up, her crumbling towers
reared, her palaces repaired, and her departed glory
return? O, Lord! hasten thou this desirable, glori-
ous time.
282 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

“ Yesterday I aided in the survey of the college
grounds. I walked so much that my weariness
amounts to suffering. This is a lovely spot for the
location of a literary institution. It requires some
faith to believe that in after years it will be an aca-
demic grove, to which hundreds will resort to drink
at the pure fountains of knowledge, and then go forth
into the world to do good, to bless mankind. And
yet I have faith to believe that this will all be real-
ized. If my eyes shall not be permitted to behold
these blessed results, yet when they shall be closed in
death, others will see them, and rejoice and bless the
Lord for what he has done, in rearing such an instru-
mentality of blessings.

* April 4. Ihave had a gloomy day — have not
been well, and felt more than usually distressed. I
thought much about my former charges at Hagerstown
and Taneytown. I was unfit for any intellectual Ja-
bor. I went to my woodshed, to take some bodily
exercise, but still my soul was cast down within me.
Again I resorted to my study — locked the door and
spent considerable time in devotional exercises, medi-
tation, reading and prayer. And O, how I was
blessed! The cloud which had been hanging over
me was dispelled, and the sunshine of Jehovah's
countenance cheered my heart. I had sweet com-
munion with the Father and with his Son, Jesus
MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETC. 283

Christ. I could truly say, ‘In the multitude of my
thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.’
I felt the preciousness of that favorite hymn,

‘Sweet the moments, rich in blessing,
Which before the cross I spend;
Life, and health and peace possessing,
From the sinners dying Friend.’

‘‘ Blessed be God for a throne of grace, where we
‘may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of
need.

“ April 14. ‘In weariness and painfulness,’ said
the noble minded Paul, ‘I conducted my ministry.’
This sentiment I can adopt as my own, especially dur-
ing the last ten days. I brought to a close my cate-
chetical instructions at Frieden’s Church. Of the
twenty-five who attended, fifteen applied for Church
membership. About this event I felt a deep anxiety.
Upon it in a good measure depended the peace of the
Church, the usefulness of my ministry, and the glory
of God, in this community. The suspicious ‘old
measure’ men were ‘looking out’ for innovations,
fanaticism, etc. I prayed that Jehovah would give
me wisdom. I preached and conducted the exercises
in my usual way.

**On Saturday afternoon, a large congregation was
present, and the exercises of confirmation were very
284 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

impressive. On Sabbath, a vast crowd of people as-
sembled ; not more than one-half could find room in
the church. God was manifestly present. The num-
ber of communicants was large. The exercises were
exceedingly solemn. The mouths of gainsayers, I
think, were closed. I took up a collection for mis-
sionary purposes, the results of which far exceeded
my expectations. Thanks to Him who will always
guide the meek in judgment.

“On. Sabbath night, I preached in town, on the
doctrines of our Church; and now I am prostrated by
suffering, from my cares and labors. But they will
soon have an end. Should they continue a million
years, I will endure them gladly, for the sake of Him
who suffered and died for me.

“ April 27. On Wednesday, I returned from the
meeting of the Synod. Some difficulties were appre-
hended at this meeting ; but the Lord directed matters
in a way which resulted in peace and harmony. To
me it was a laborious and instructive convention. I
have learned that more than ordinary prayer and
watchfulness is needed on such occasions. We need
much meekness, to forbear; much wisdom, to direct ;
and much love for the Church, to enter heartily into
self-denying schemes of usefulness.

“* April 29. Last Friday, I laid the corner-stone
of a new church near the Yellow Springs. I preached
MOVES TO SPRINGFIELD, ETC. 285

in the grove, after a shower of rain. I felt as if the
world was a beautiful temple of Jehovah. In prayer,
I had much freedom, and sweet communion with God.
My heart rejoiced in the privilege of putting in the
course of erection a house of God in this Western
country.”
CHAPTER XVIII.

HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD.

Attends meeting of General Synod—Sabbath at Hagerstown—Delayed by
sickness at Chambersburg—Preaching in a barn during a thunder-
storm—Our national blessings—Marks out the site for the college
building—Preaches a funeral sermon of Gen. Jackson—Annual report
to the Board of Directors—Uniformity in public worship—Death of
Rey. J. B. Reck—Received the title D. D.

“To-niaut, I expect to start for the meeting of the
General Synod. May the Lord direct my way, make
me useful, preserve my life, protect my family, and
restore me in peace to them, whom I now commit to
his protection and blessing! Should he see best to
remove me, may I find repose in Abraham’s bosom !
and may he raise up another to take my place, better
qualified for this responsible work !

* At midnight, on the first of May, I left home, by
stage, for Columbus. In crossing the mountains, on
Friday night, an insane man, destined for the hospital
at Philadelphia, was put into our coach; he was
somewhat restless and noisy, and was ordered out of
the coach, to ride as best he could. Against this
proceeding I remonstrated, and took him under my

special care. The following morning I learned that
(286)
HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD. 287

he was a victim of Millerism. Perhaps he had been
a child of God, but not having sufficient intellectual
strength, he fell a victim to this fearful delusion.
““On the evening of the 8d, I arrived at Hagers-

town, and am now writing in the home of my former
cares, sufferings and enjoyments. I have slept in the
chamber where one of my sainted children gave up
its departing spirit into the hands of God. All these
associations are too solemn and exciting for my rest
and peace. WhenI am here I seem half on earth
and half in eternity. How sweet the hope of heaven,
that serene and happy state, where nothing will in-
terrupt the tranquillity of the soul, the communion of
the saints.

‘This life’s p dream, an empty show;

But that blest world to which I go,

Has joys substantial and. secure.
When shall I wake and find me there ?’

How sincerely I long for the hour of my happy de-
parture! There are but two things that attach me to
earth—the Church of my Redeemer and my family.
But for these, I could not be happy here. May I be
enabled faithfully to discharge my duties to them, and
in God’s own good time, find my rest in heaven.

“ May 20. Last Sabbath I spent with my former
people at Hagerstown. We enjoyed with each other
a communion season—a sweet, precious communion
288 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

season. Thirty-five were added to the Church, by the
rite of confirmation, among whom were many of my
former Sabbath scholars, and others for whose con-
version I often toiled~and prayed. Some who had
gone away from the communion of the Church, were
brought back by the revival of last winter, and were
now found at the table of the Lord. Those whom,
during my ministry here, I instructed and confirmed,
are generally doing well. This was a source of no
small comfort to my heart. I can say, with John, ‘I
have no greater joy than to see my children walk in
the truth.’

“On Monday, I went to Leitersburg, where I ad-
dressed a temperance convention, and on Tuesday I
came to the city of Philadelphia, to meet the General
Synod. The week previous I visited the Virginia
Synod, then in session at Shepherdstown, and
preached on the ‘Necessity of Ministerial Piety.’
At these meetings I have met many of my dear
friends, both ministers and laymen.

“* May 24. The General Synod has now adjourned.
Much important business was transacted. A com-
mittee of correspondence, on Christian union, was
appointed at the suggestion of Dr. 8. 8. Schmucker,
that eminent divine, and great promoter of fraternal
union between Christian denominations. A commit-
tee of foreign correspondence was also appointed to
HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD. 289

correct the erroneous impressions which have been
made on the minds of our theologians in Germany, in
reference to the views and practices of our American
Lutheran Church, embodied in the General Synod.
‘Although this meeting was both pleasant and profit-
able, there was an absence of that dignity, sobriety,
and devoutness which characterized former conven-
tions of this body. There is a spiritual dearth in the
land, and its effects were even here visible.

““ Springfield, June 8. I arrived at home on Sat-
urday, after an absence of four weeks; found my
family well, the new church commenced, and ready
for the laying of the corner-stone. In consequence of
sickness I was delayed three days at Chambersburg,
where I received much kindness from the Rev. S.
Sprecher and Mr. P. Berlin and their families. How
cheering to the heart of a sick man, when away from
home, are the kind attentions of such friends. I
thank them, and bless the Lord for his goodness.

“ June 28. At an early hour yesterday morning,
I went to —— Church, to my appointment. As the
people assembled, without the house of God, they en-
tered into conversation about their secular business —
Church members and officers with others. They spoke
so loud that I was disturbed by the conversation.
Few had entered when the hour of service arrived,

and I was obliged to send out, and invite them in.
13

 
290 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

These people have been under the ministry of the Old
Synod for twenty years, and yet are characterized by
such improprieties! In the afternoon, I preached to
a large audience in Mr. Zerkle’s barn. In this com-
munity, I expect to organize a congregation. <A
thunder-storm arose while I was preaching, and the
sublimity of the scene, united with the solemnity of
the exercises, deeply affected my mind. I felt as if I
stood amid the thunderings of Mt. Sinai. ‘ The Lord
has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and
the clouds are the dust of his feet.’

“**The eare of all the Churches,’ was one of the
burdens of the magnanimous Paul. This burden I,
too, have been made to experience. During the past
week, I received a letter from a ministerial brother,
atating his intention to leave the Church. This in-
telligence was the more painful, on account of the ab-
sence of any justifiable excuse. Will not the confi-
dence of the people in ministerial steadfastness be
shaken by such steps? and will not the enemies of
the Cross have occasion to scoff? What a world is
this! Yea, even, what a Church! In more than one
sense, is the Church here below militant. By such
occurrences, my soul is made exceedingly sad, and
my confidence in Christian character ofttimes im-
paired.

“July 6. Our national blessings, was the theme
HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD. 291

of my pulpit discourse this morning. It is a subject
appropriate to the sacred desk, and perhaps too much
neglected. What a goodly heritage our Heavenly
Father has bestowed upon us, and with what feelings
of gratitude should we not contemplate the gifts of his
hands? May these blessings be transmitted unim-
paired to our posterity! May Jehovah be our King,
and the King of our descendents to the latest genera-
tion! May this land evermore be Emanuel’s land!

“Yesterday afternoon, I visited a poor old man,
who is near his end. He has never professed Christ,
even in baptism; and yet he says his trust is in his
Saviour! Presumptuous confidence! I could not
convince and persuade him that the sacraments are,
under ordinary circumstances, necessary. He is com-
pletely blinded.

“ July 8. Yesterday, I aided the building com-
mittee in marking out the site of our college edifice.
As I stood upon the spot, the following inquiries arose
in my mind: Shall I ever see a building erected here,
and young men occupying it, with a desire and zeal
to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ? Shall I
be permitted to see ambassadors of Jesus, equipped
for their Master’s service, going out from this spot on
errands of love and mercy, breaking the bread of life
to the perishing? Lord, thou knowest how ardently
I desire the accomplishment of this object! May it
292 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

even be so. May the institution erected here be a
fountain as strong, as pure, and as perennial as those
fountains gushing forth in its own vicinity, sending
forth streams to fructify and gladden the vineyard of’
the Lord! In consequence of bodily fatigue, and
mental excitement, I returned home with a severe
sick headache. It was more than my feeble constitu-
tion could bear.

“* August 1. Another month has gone—gone for-
ever. Its sins cannot be recalled—its wasted mo-
ments can never be improved. It has been to me like
a weaver’s shuttle, so swiftly did it fly away, amid my
numerous cares and engagements.

“Last Sabbath, by request, I preached a funeral
sermon of Gen. Jackson, to a large and attentive
audience. The high, as well as the low, must pass
away. Death makes no distinction, but enters alike
the habitations of the small and the great. The
greater portion of yesterday I was handling brick at
the church. I could not get my man to do it, and so
I did it myself. To-day I feel stiff and sore as a con-
sequence. Men are children, after all their years, es-
pecially in Church matters. Various means must be
used to train them for the service of God. To-day,
, one of the refractory elders of the German
congregation, died very suddenly. I was not called
to visit or bury him. How feeble men are, and yet

 

 
HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD. 293

they will set themselves up in opposition to the gov-
ernment of God.

‘* August 3. This morning I preached at Nobles-
ville, in the German and English languages. My
heart was tender—I had much freedom in prayer —
the word preached was sweet and precious to my own
soul. Since my return, 1 have been reading an ac-
count of the magnanimous conduct of some of the
martyrs of the reformation of France. What noble
spirits they were! How happy will I be to greet
them in the kingdom of God—to sit at their feet and
listen to their experience. And is it true that a day
is coming when I shall see them and know them, and
have fellowship with them? O, yes! Believe it, O
my soul! What a blessed prospect! This calm,
bright Sabbath evening seems to be an image of that
peaceful repose which they now enjoy, and which I
hope to enjoy with them. In hope of this blessedness
I this moment rejaice with joy unspeakable and full
of glory.

‘O, what has Jesus bought for me ?
Before my ravished eyes

Rivers of life Divine I see,
And trees of Paradise.

I see a world of spirits bright,
Who taste the pleasures there.
They all are robed in spotless white,
And conquering palms they bear.
294 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

O, what are all my sufferings here,
If, Lord, thou count me meet

With that enraptured host to appear,
And worship at thy feet ??

‘© OQ, how little we anticipate heaven, on account of
our worldly-mindedness! My prayer to God is, that
he may grant me a heavenly mind.

“ August 19. Last Sabbath a week, I spent at
Cass and Troy. At the latter place, I preached in the
Old School Presbyterian Church. On Monday I visited
some of the European Germans, to inquire into their
condition, wants and wishes. J found a number of
them keeping grogeries and taverns, and some of them
furnish the evidence that they drink to excess. A few
seem to be anxious to have the gospel preached unto
them, and I am endeavoring to make arrangements to
have them supplied. I have not much hope of doing
them any good. Soon some strolling European will
come along, preach to, gratify them, entice them
away, and delude them in their blindness. When
the privileges of communicants are refused to the
immoral, they become highly offended. The work
of evangelizing them is attended by almost insuper-
able difficulties, And yet we must labor and pray
for their conversion.

‘* Last Sabbath I spent at Urbana, where I found a
number of our people, whom I think we shall be able
HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD. 295

to organize into a congregation. In many places I
discoverthatotherChurches have been built up, in a
great measure, out of Lutheran material.

“ Sept.4. To-day our fifth child, a daughter, was
born. May she live and be an ornament to the
Church of God, to whom she has been dedicated.
May she have the spirit of Hannah, of Lydia, of
Mary!

“* Sept. 7. To-day I buried a little girl at Donels.
ville. She was an orphan child. Three days before
her death, I saw her in the arms of her kind grand-
mother, and talked with her about Jesus and heaven.
O, there is something so indescribably sweet in an
amiable little girl, in her innocence, departing this
life, to dwell with Christ in heavenly glory. And
there is something so tender, so deeply affecting, in
placing the remains of such a child beside her de-
parted mother, in the quiet graveyard, close by the
rural grove, where the fading and unfolding foliage
is constantly with every changing season, symboliz-
ing the death and resurrection of saints.

« Sept. 28. Much sickness and mortality have pre-
vailed in our community. My time has been con-
sumed, in superintending the building of my church,
visiting the sick, and burying the dead. Glad will I
he when I shall be released from the secular business
which necessity now imposes upon me. Yesterday
296 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

I prepared my annual report for the Board of Di-
rectors, to whose meeting, at Wooster, I expect to
start to-morrow. During the year I traveled three
thousand two hundred miles, not including short dis-
tances ; I preached one hundred and seventy-two ser-
mons, and delivered a number of addresses; organ-
ized one congregation ; put two churches in progress
of erection ; collected for college six thousand dollars,
for churches one thousand dollars; instructed four
theological students two hours each day, during the
summer. For strength to perform this labor, I render
my thanks to God. The more ¢od/, the more grace.
“Oct, 14. Yesterday I returned from the northern
part of the State, whither I had gone to attend the
annual meetings of the Board of Directors and the
English Synod of Ohio. During the meeting of
Synod, which was large and interesting, a long dis-
cussion arose on the utility of uniformity in our pub-
lic worship. A number of ministers have come
among us from other Churches, who have introduced
the practices of their former ecclesiastical relations,
so that in some charges the congregations invariably
kneel during prayer in public worship, while in others
they stand up. This diversity of practice leads to
confusion and recrimination. The congregations
which kneel accuse those who assume a different pos-
ture of a want of piety. Iaddressed the Synod at
HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD. ~ 297

some length on the subject, in favor of the standing
posture in the prayers connected with the public
preaching of the gospel, and kneeling as most appro-
priate on special occasions, and in more private acts
of worship.

“* After. the adjournment of Synod, I hastened to
Canal Dover, to visit my dear friend Rev. J. B. Reck,
of whose illness I had been informed. His good wife
had been buried just a week before. I arrived at his
residence an hour after his decease. I entered and
gazed upon his pale, lifeless corpse. How great the
change since my last visit to this dear family! Last
summer, when I shared their hospitality, how cheer-
ful that fireside—how happy that family circle! But
after a few fleeting months, how desolate, how gloomy,
how mournful, all about the premises! I promenaded
the yard in the agony of my deep distress, and my
mind was almost overwhelmed with emotion, as I
contemplated the frailty of man and the transitory
nature of earthly objects. His five children are now
fatherless and motherless. His work is now done,
his last sermon preached, his last admonition given,
his earthly career closed.

‘Far from affliction, toil and care,
His happy soul is fled ;

His breathless form shall slumber here,
Among the silent dead.’
298 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

He was like Hanani, a faithful man, and feared
God above many. He died in great peace, as did
also his wife, to whom he was so tenderly devoted.
‘They were pleasant in their life, and in death they
were not divided.’

“‘On Friday afternoon, October the 9th, I preached
his funeral sermon. It was with difficulty that I
could compose my mind snfficiently to give utterance
to my thoughts. Before me was the coffin and the
five orphan children, clothed in mourning. The
church was crowded with the weeping throng. I
stood where he had often stood who was now encof-
fined and shrouded for the tomb. All this was more
than I could bear with composure.

** Bro. Reck had become very much endeared to my
heart. He was one of my wisest and most confiden-
tial advisers, in all the affairs of the institution, and
the Church in the West. He had been, in a great
measure, instrumental in influencing me to come to
Ohio. He possessed an amiable disposition, a candid,
well-balanced mind, an honest heart, a benevolent,
noble soul, and an ardent devotion to the Church of
Christ. He was an efficient laborer in the vineyard
of the Lord, as he was eminently practical in the
preaching of the Word. Asa pastor, he was diligent
and faithful. He was kind to the poor; he sympa-
thized with the afflicted. THe was universally be-
HIS MINISTRY AT SPRINGFIELD. 299

loved. But his Master has removed him from the
evil to come. May he rest in peace! How precious
-the revelations of the gospel — its glorious hopes, its
blessed assurances of a future, happy, everlasting re-
union of all the pure spirits who have been sanctified
on earth. Glory to God in the highest!

‘“‘] firmly resolved and re-resolved during these
painful scenes, to detach myself more and more from
the world—its honors, its treasures and its joys; and
to live more humbly and devotedly, that I may faith-
fully serve my Redeemer, honor my Heavenly Father,
and finally obtain eternal life.

‘“‘On my return home, I was surprised to find a
communication from the Board of Trustees of Jeffer-
son College, Pa., informing me that the honorary de-
gree of D. D. had been conferred upon me by them.
As an expression of public confidence, and a means
of usefulness, if it can be made such, I feel thankful
for this mark of favor. -May it be the means of’ hon-
oring God, and not man. This is the sincere desire
of my heart. How good has the Lord been to me!
A few years ago he called me from my father’s plow,
and now he has set me among the princes of his peo-
ple. Strange that ‘the farmer boy of Middletown
Valley,’ as a brother in the ministry lately addressed
me, should now be thus honored. It is from the
Lord. Above all, [am thankful that this promotion
3800 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

has not excited in my_bosom any emotion of vanity
and pride. At least, 1 am not conscious of the ex-
istence of any such feelings in my bosom. At the.
same meeting, this degree was conferred on Prof.
Thornwell, and the degree of L L. D. upon the Hon.
Henry Clay.

* Oct. 25. Sabbath eve. To-day I preached
thrice, and rode eighteen miles. During the past
week I preached two funeral sermons.

* Nov.1. Saturday evening. During this week
I have been quite unwell. Some days I was scarcely
able to do any work; and yet I was necessitated to
labor and urge on the work, so as to have the base-
ment rooms in the church ready for the opening of
our school. They are not plastered, and the floor
above is only laid with loose boards. But in this
condition we expect to use them.

“Mr, Welty, one of our teachers, has arrived.
Mr. Sauerwine is detained in Baltimore, by sickness.
A few students are on the ground.”
CHAPTER XIX.
SCHOOL OPENS AT SPRINGFIELD.

Small beginning—Happy close of a toilsome week—Sabbath at Cincin-
nati—Close of first session—Both his teachers leave—Receives a letter
from Rev. L, Knight—Unexpected aid in time of need—Aids Rev. A.
Reck at a protracted meeting in Germantown.

‘‘ Monpay Evenine, Vovember 3, 1845. To-day, we
opened our grammar school at Springfield. To this
period, I have been looking forward with deep anxiety.
We commenced this morning with five pupils — three
boys, one lad, and one young man. During the day,
four others came in, so that, at its close, the number
had increased to nine. I have been busy examining
students, arranging their studies, fixing up stoves, ete.
Evening has now come, and I am glad to rest. How
sweet will be the repose of heaven to our wearied
souls !

““Tt requires strong faith to anticipate a large and
well-endowed institution from so small a beginning;
but,

‘Large oaks from little acorns grow,
Large streame from little fountains flow.’

If God be with us, we shall succeed.
(301)
802 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

“ Nov. 24. To-day, I preached, for the first time,
in the basement of the new church. I had a school-
desk for my pulpit, and a floor, without a ceiling,
above my head. It was rather uncomfortable; but,
thanks be unto God! we have now a little sanctuary
of our own.

“ Vov. 29. Another month, except a single day,
has now fled. It has been to me a month of severe,
anxious toil. I arise at five o’clock in the morning,
and spend an hour and a half in devotional exercises.
At half-past six, I breakfast, after which I attend to
my domestic affairs. I then study till nine o’clock.
At nine, I attend prayers in the school-room — spend
an hour or more with my class—continue in my
study until twelve o’clock. In the afternoon, I attend
to out-door duties — collecting for the church and
college, visiting the sick, business transactions, etc.
On Wednesday evening, I deliver an expository lec-
ture to the congregation. On Friday evening, I meet
a class for catechetical instruction; and the other
evenings I devote to business committees, visitors,
and correspondence.

‘“* My labors are too great for my spiritual prosper-
ity. Alas! everything has a snare for us, even our
pious labors and severe toils. This is an inclement
evening, and I have been undisturbed by calls. Its
hours have been spent in reading the Bible, and Tay-
SCHOOL OPENS AT SPRINGFIELD. 303

lor’s ‘Holy Living and Dying.’ I have enjoyed a
happy close of this toilsome week. I have had much
enlargement of heart in prayer, especially in behalf
of the institution. I had also sweet communion in
bringing my former charges to the Throne of Grace.
It seemed to me as if those dear people were on the
other side of the Mercy Seat, worshiping, and inter-
ceding for me. How sweet the communion of saints!
We all cluster around the same Throne —supplicate
at the same Feet, and supply our wants from the same
exhaustless Fountain of mercy and grace. How infi-
nitely more ecstatic will be our joy in the fruition of
our hope!

‘Saturday evening is the close of our weekly toil;
a striking emblem of the end of life, and the approach
of an eternal Sabbath. It is sweet for a pastor to be-
lieve that he will meet in glory some whom he aided
in the attainment of eternal life, and perhaps some
whom by the grace of God he was instrumental in
converting from the error of their ways. I humbly
trust this shall be my joy, if faithful to the end.

“ Dec. 8. J have just returned from our Wednes-
day night lecture and prayer meeting. Only two of
my members, besides the students, were present. My
congregation is quite small. I have but two men
who pray in public. When I think of my former
people, I am somewhat distressed. I derive much
304 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

comfort from the passage, ‘If thon faint in the day
of adversity, thy strength is small.’

‘* Dec. 6. Yesterday I heard of the death of Bro.
Jacob Kausler, for many years an elder in the Church
at Hagerstown, Md. He was an accomplisned gen-
tleman, a consistent Christian, and a useful member
of the Church. I can scarcely realize this sad occur-
rence. How death cuts us down, and carries us
away ‘as with a flood.’ But we all shall rise again
when the heavens shall be no more. Glory be to
God for this blessed assurance !

“ Saturday evening, Dec. 18. This has been a
week of great toil, and much care and anxiety to me.
I have been greatly perplexed about the propriety of
undertaking the erection of the college edifice, with
our present limited means. The debt which hangs
over the church is likewise a source of annoyance to
me. To-day I felt munch depressed, until I received
the Observer, in which I found the communication of
‘ Alleghany,’ one of my dear friends, in which he re-
commended our enterprise to the Churches. This
communication greatly revived and comforted my
drooping spirit.

‘‘ This evening several female members called on
me, stating that they had collected money for the pur-
chase of lamps for the church. We have had an in
teresting little prayer meeting in my study, with Mr
SCHOOL OPENS AT SPRINGFIELD, 805

Welty, one of the tutors, and four of the students.
Thus it often happens that the sun breaks forth
in the cloudiest day, and pours his cheering beams
upon us.

“ Dec. 27. Last Friday I rode to Cass, twenty-six
miles distant, to preach several discourses on the sub-
ject of Baptism, to fortify our people against the mis-
representations of Anabaptists. The mercury in the
thermometer stood twelve degrees below zero, and I
was obliged to face the wind. Cold as it was, I could
not conscientiously disappoint the people. I preached
twice on the subject above mentioned, and once on
the importance of giving early religions instruction
to children. An elder said to me, ‘I often wondered
why it was that my children would not embrace Christ
and his truth, but now I see it is because I have neg-
lected the duty of early instruction.’ A physician
acknowledged his delinquency, promised to begin the
work and, as an evidence of the sincerity of his prom-
ise, ordered some catechisms. The discourses on Bap-
tism, although entirely in the defensive form, giving
reasons for our views and practices, very much en-
raged the opposers of our views. They are generally
astonished at the amount and force of the arguments on
our side of the question. Pedobaptist ministers have
greatly erred in not preaching more frequently on this
subject. It certainly possesses great importance
306 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D,

Infant baptism is either a Divine institution or it is not.
If it 2s not, it should be banished from the whole
Church, as a wicked, human appendage to the Chris-
tian system; or rather as a substitute of man, for
the ordinance of God. If it ¢s, those who despise it,
should be taught that they are despising an institu-
tion, not of man, but of God; and those who observe
it should know why they do it. It is a matter of
gratitude that the truth on this subject can be made
so plain and forcible to the common mind. Let the
truth but be preached in a kind and lucid way, and it
will be received. .

““T have just returned from Urbana, where I spent
Christmas Day. I made some preparatory arrange-
ments to organize the Lutheran families in and about
town into a congregation. I was most kindly re-
ceived by the pastor and people of the Presbyterian
Church of that place.

“Jan. 17, 1846. Last Saturday I baptized my
orphan boy, Maurice; he had received ‘ popish bap-
tism’ in infancy, which, however, I can scarcely re-
gard as valid. It seems plain to.me that the Papal
Hierarchy—which is called Babylon, the Mother of
Harlots, the Man of Sin, and Anti-Christ—cannot
be part of the Church which is called the Body of
Christ, the Bride of Christ, ete. Hence her priests
have no authority to administer the ordinances. The
SCHOOL OPENS AT SPRINGFIELD. 807

Papal Hierarchy was organized and established in the
conventions of the Council of Trent; the deaven was
previously in the Western Church, now it became the
lump. God then called his people out of Babylon by
the voice of the Reformers, and the Romish Church
lost her character as the Church of God—ceased to
be part of the body of Christ.

‘*T confirmed eight persons, and received one from
a sister Church, as the first fruits of my ministry
here. On Sabbath we celebrated, for the first time,
the Lord’s Supper in our new church. We had a
solemn and profitable communion.

“* Feb. 6. Last Saturday, Sabbath and Monday I
spent in Cincinnati, and administered the communion
to one small English Lutheran congregation, number-
ing about sixty members; preached five sermons and
baptized’ one infant. I became acquainted with Drs.
Beecher and Stowe, of Lane Seminary, who are men
of God, laboring efficiently for the upbuilding of
Christ’s kingdom.

“This week I have been overburdened with toils
and cares; in connection with the other members of
the building committee I was sued by an unprincipled
man who performed some dabor for us. The income
of the school is not sufficient to meet the salaries
of the teachers. Where I am to get funds to meet
this deficiency I know not. As no one else cares
308 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

for these things, the whole burden rests upon me.
The Lord help me to bear my toils and cares!

“ Feb. 21. Saturday evening. This week I have
suffered from bodily indisposition, which has induced
dullness and depression of spirits. In the meantime
my cares have been increasing. One of the teachers
says he will be obliged to dissolve his connection with
the school at the close of the present term. The
other has his fears about the final success of the in-
stitution, and would, therefore, also prefer withdraw-
ing from it. Alas! alas! what a want of faith!
Bat youthfulness and inexperience form some excuse.
My numerous anxieties are deleterious, not only to,
my spiritual interests, but also to my mental improve-
ment. I find it more difficult than formerly to fix my
attention and investigate any subject with intensity
of thought. I have formed the resolution to cast my
cares more upon ‘Him who careth for us,’ and be
comforted in mind, trusting less in my own wisdom
and management.

“ Feb. 28. This is the closing day of the last win-
ter month. A severe, inclement month it has been;
the snow is still eight inches deep. On the 18th of
this month, in the year of our Lord 1546, the great
Luther closed his eventful career, in the sixty-third
year of his age. How happy will I be to greet this
man of God in glory, to hear him recount his trials
SCHOOL OPENS AT SPRINGFIELD. 809

and the progress of Divine grace in his great heart,
and the leadings of Providence in his useful life.
May my life be as humble, if possible, as useful, and
its close as peaceful as his!

“ March 8. Since the bracing stimulus of winter
has departed, my system, overtasked with labor and
care, begins to flag. Ihave been reading Counselor
Kohlransch’s History of Germany. What a noble
spirit was that of Gustavus Adolphus and his brave
Swedes! How treacherous and overbearing the Papal
Hierarchy !

‘*This evening I have been greatly comforted in
reading and meditating upon the 46th Psalm, a por-
tion of God’s word which often, encouraged the mind
of Luther, the immortal Reformer, in his desponding
hours.

‘‘ Where shall we obtain funds to meet the balance
due our teachers, and to increase the number of in-
structors as the circumstances of the institution may
demand? These questions have given me much per-
plexity, but I must commit them with my other cares
to Jehovah.

“* Amid my cares and trials, J am not utterly desti-
tute of blessings. A few days ago I received a letter
from my esteemed young brother, Rev. Lloyd Knight,
who was brought into the ministry through my in-
strumentality. He is the first one of my spiritual
310 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

children who has gone forth as an ambassador for
Jesus, and this is the first epistle I have received from
him since he has been licensed to preach the gospel.
He reports interesting revivals of religion in his
charge, and in the commencement of his ministry,
gives the promise of future usefulness. In a visit to
the country, during my residence at Taneytown, I
accidentally, or providentially, met this youth for the
first time; he was but poorly clad, as he had been
reared in indigence. I addressed him kindly, for
there was something in his appearance—in his
eye—that awakened my sympathy in his behalf; he
was awakened, converted, brought into the Church,
and sent to Pennsylvania College under my ministry.
He was educated by charity, but is a good man, sin-
cerely devoted to the cause of Christ.

“ April 9. Our school closed on the 2d inst., with
an examination and exhibition; the exercises were
highly gratifying to the friends and patrons of the
institution. It is now but four wecks until the com-
mencement of the next session, and no teachers have
been secured. I am exceedingly anxious about the
result of my application to several young men con-
nected with the institution at Gettysburg. But I will
leave this matter in the hands of the Lord.

“To-morrow a payment must be made on our
church debt. At the beginning of the week I could
SCHOOL OPENS AT SPRINGFIELD. 311

not tell whencethemoney should come to meet this
payment. Yesterday a gentleman told me he was
prepared to settle part of his subscription. To-day,
when I called on him, he paid not only the full
amount of his own, but likewise his mother’s pledge.
I entered a house on other business, where, unasked,
a widow handed me a bank note. I called at a store,
where a young man gave mea contribution. I met,
on the street, the agent of the college, who remarked
that he was ready to pay for the lumber which he had
purchased from the church. Thus, without any effort,
from entirely unexpected sources, I received more
than was needed to make the payment. Truly, our
necessity is God’s opportunity. ‘Praise the Lord, O
my soul.’

“April 28. On Good Friday, I went to German-
town, to aid Rev. A. Reck in a protracted meeting.
They refused to let me preach in the old church, be-
cause I did not belong to the ‘ Joint Synod,’ and was
a ‘New Lutheran.’ The old congregation is large
and wealthy, but strongly tainted with Universalism.
The leading members are generally immoral, addicted
to dissipation, profanity and Sabbath desecration.
We organized a small English congregation of pious
people, in order to build up a light-house in the midst
of the surrounding darkness.

“On Tuesday I returned home, expecting to find
312 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

a communication from the Kast, bringing cheering
intelligence—the promise of teachers. But my ex-
pectations were all disappointed.

“The following Friday, I went to Hamilton, to
assist brother Sill. Here an English Lutheran con-
gregation has been organized, composed of some very
excellent families. Among the Germans, there is one
evangelical congregation, and one congregation of
Rationalists, called the ‘ beer Church.’— because its
pastor and its members spend much of the Sabbath
at a brewery, where they are more lively in their ex-
ercises than in the sanctuary.

“‘In this place I procured a number of subscribers
to the Observer. On my return, on Monday -evening,
I preached in Miamisburg. I was the first Lutheran
minister in connection with the General Synod who
preached in this place. The audience was very atten-
tive. The village numbers about sixteen hundred
inhabitants, and is destitute of a Sabbath-school.
Several members related to me, in a deeply-deploring
manner, that Church discipline was so entirely neg-
lected that it could not be told who of the multitude
were members and who were not. This is a sad state
of things, indeed.

‘June 17. Since my last record, I have passed
through various scenes. I have received many mer-
cies — I have undergone numerous trials.”
CHAPTER XxX.

PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AND PRESIDENT
OF COLLEGE.

Second Session—Increase of students—Greatly encouraged—Called an
“Old-Measure man ’’—Sickness—Accepts Presidency—First vote—
Excessive labors—Conference meeting—Revival at Croft’s Church—
Weak, but strong—Perplexity relieved—Scene on the grounds of the
college.

‘Tux second session of our school opened the first
week in May, with a large increase of students. By
the efficient co-operation of my successor at Hagers-
town, I fortunately secured the services of two excel-
lent teachers: M. Diehl and H. R. Geiger.

** On the 8th of May, our Synod convened at Tarl-
ton. The meeting was a most precious one. The
brethren manifested great zeal for the cause of God,
and the welfare of our beloved Wittenberg.

‘*T have recently been much in need of money, to
make a payment on the church. Just at that time,
three brethren arrived from Pennsylvania, who, unso-
licited, furnished me with the requisite amount. O!
how good it is to trust in Jehovah-Jireh !

“ Our last communion season was an occasion of
j4 (313)
814 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

great encouragement to us all. Twenty-four mem-
bers were added to the congregation ; some of whom
I feel assured will be a great comfort to me, and will
afford pecuniary aid to the Church. At least twenty
candidates for the gospel ministry appeared at the
table of the Lord. This was a delightful scene, at
which no doubt angels rejoiced, and by which my
heart was deeply affected. A sense of the respon-
sibility of my office almost overwhelmed me. I
thought of the good which, by the grace of God, may
be effected by these the first fruits of Wittenberg.
Glory be to God in the highest!

‘June 17. Ihave just had a very pleasant visit from
my dear brother, Wm. H. Harrison, who is now pas-
tor of the Church at Cincinnati. I have had no ad-
visor so congenial and like-minded, since the decease
of my dear brother, J. B. Reck. His locating in the
West has been a matter of great rejoicing to me.

“This morning I received a severe letter from a
clerical brother, who thinks I am an ‘old measure
man.’ Astonishing! On the one hand I am charged
with and blamed for being ‘new measure,’ in my
views and practices; and on the other hand, for being
‘old measure.’ And yet, I am sure I have been de-
cided. There is no reason why any one should be in
doubt about my position on this question. I have no
partiality for the names applied to either one or the
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 815

other party ; but although I have not been an ultraist,
I have on every suitable occasion clearly defined my
views. A very distinguished theologian has said,
‘The truth generally lies in the middle, and he is
commonly nearest to it, who is abused by both the op-
posite parties.’ Not that a man should be neutral —
for such an one I have no sympathy. He should be
one thing or the other, but not necessarily an ultraist.

“ August 8. Ihave just partially recovered from
asevere attack of fever. I have never before been
so sick, or reduced to such extreme feebleness. I
found myself destitute of that high degree of prepa-
ration for sickness and death which I then wished to
have. What strange beings we are, that experience
will not make us wiser in such matters.”

Dr. Keller was brought quite low by this attack,
and the deepest anxiety respecting his recovery was
manifested among all his friends. He had doubts in
his own mind about the issue of this sickness. One
evening, when night had thrown her dark mantle
over the earth, lying upon his couch, unconscious of
the presence of any human being, he uttered aloud
the following sentiment: ‘“ Every valley shall be ex-
alted, and every mountain and hill shall be made
low ; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the
rough places plain; ” and then added, “ but the Lord
can do all this without me.” He had great confi-
316 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

dence in the efficacy of the prayers of God’s people,
and during this illness he made the request that the
congregation should pray for him.

* Sabbath evening, August 9. This is the third
Sabbath in succession, that I have been denied the
privileges of the sanctuary, in consequence of sick-
ness. My pulpit has been supplied by Rev. Diehl.
To-day it rained, and I could not attend public wor-
ship. How much more blessed to ¢oid than to be
disabled. And yet it is a matter worthy of our deep-
est gratitude, that we have everywhere access to the
throne of mercy and grace. The day, I trust, I have
not spent unprofitably. How sweet the hope of a
heavenly Sabbath! May I taste and realize in all
their fullness its everlasting joys !

“ Sept. 4. Our first academical year has just closed.
As I recovered from my sickness, Mr. Geiger was
taken ill; and although still feeble, I shared his la-
bers with Mr. Diehl. With all the anxiety of an ap-
proaching examination, this work was very laborious.
The session, however, closed encouragingly. The
classes acquitted themselves well. A favorable im-
“pression was made,

‘‘ At their recent meeting, the Board of Directors
again requested me to accept of the presidency of the
institution, I had several times refused this honor,
under the impression that I could be more useful by
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETO. 317

devoting my time to theological and pastoral pursuits.
But as no one with suitable qualifications can be
found, who will undertake the labor for the small
compensation offered, I have with great reluctance ac-
cepted it. My sincere prayer is, that this act may
redound to the glory of God.

“‘ Sept. 16. Since the close of the session, I have
been busily engaged bringing up my correspondence,
superintending the college building, employing work-
men, securing materials, etc. The lower story of the
east wing is now so far completed that a steward has
moved in, who will accommodate students with board-
ing. Here with gratitude I ‘raise my Ebenezer.’ I
have been attending the sessions of the Protestant
Methodist Conference, convened in our city. I was
forcibly impressed with the importance of theological
education, and made a proposition to receive as many
of their young men as would come, into our theolog-
ical department on the same terms with our own,
The proposition met a favorable reception.

“ Sept. 28. I have just returned from Xenia,
whither I had gone to preach to our ‘little flock,’
which for some months has been vacant. For-
merly they had a hireling minister, who cared only
for the fleece. His people having lost all confidence
in him, dismissed him. The flock has been greatly
scattered by the influence of such a pastor. I
318 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

preached thrice in the church, and once in the house
of J. Alexander, Esq., an aged member of the legal
profession, once a member of the United States Con-
gress. He was formerly a Methodist, but is nowa
member of ‘our Church. He is a man of strong
mind, sincere piety, and very general information,
As he is too feeble to go to the house of God, I ad-
ministered the Lord’s Supper to him at home. We
had a pleasant meeting. The congregation adopted
a constitution, of which they had hitherto been desti-
tute. Measures were taken for the erection of a
church. Rev. A. R. Howbert was elected their future
pastor.

“ Oct. 18. On the fifth instant the third session
of our school opened, with an addition of twenty-four
students, some of whom are candidates for the min-
istry.

‘“‘ To-day, for the first time in my life, I voted at an
election for civil officers. The unjust, aggressive war
with Mexico, and the destruction of our protective
tariff, have impressed me with the idea that every
well-informed citizen, and every well-wisher of his
country, should vote and endeavor to change the pol-
icy of our government. The southerners are evi-
dently controlling the land, and are endeavoring to
ruin the North by the destruction of our manufac-
tures and the-extension of slavery.
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETO. 319

“* Oct. 81. I was present at a very large and in-
teresting meeting of the English Synod of Ohio.
Three young men were ordained, and five licensed to
preach the gospel. A lengthy discussion arose on
the propriety of fellowshiping, as ministers, with
persons who have no church connection, loose-footed
men, religious cosmopolites, or loafers. It was the
opinion of Synod that such fellowship is highly inex-
pedient.

“Dec. 19. In consequence of pressing duties I
have neglected my journal. Two hours each day I
consume in theological instruction; thrice a week I
hear a class in natural philosophy; twice in German
and twice in English prosody; lecture every Wed-
nesday evening; attend a conference meeting with
the students every Saturday evening; have the gen-
earl superintendence of the school, and preach twice
or thrice every Sabbath. Beside, I direct the im-
provements on the college grounds, have an extensive
correspondence, in addition to my domestic affairs.
As to tots, I can lay some claims to a Lutheran, for
Luther was emphatically a man of toils.

‘* Last evening we had a conference, in which a few
related their personal experience, by which we were
all interested and profited. It was a sweet, heavenly
meeting. I closed with some spiritual advice, and
mentioned a few points in my own experience. We
820 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

have recently had some indications of a revival
among us. I preached this morning a sermon in de-
fense of ‘revivals of religion.’ During this entire
afternoon I have had a sensible knowledge of my sin-
fulness; have felt irresistibly inclined to weep. O
that I were pure, where purity exists without alloy.
Iam filled with a painful longing for heaven. But
two considerations afford me contentment in the flesh:
the rearing of my family for heaven, and the good
of the Church. I will wait till my change come.
O, the blessedness of this hope! How sweet to my
soul! How surely grounded on Jesus Christ, the
Rock of Ages.

“ Jan. 15, 1847. Last Sabbath I aided in the com-
complete organization, and at the first communion
season of a congregation in Urbana. We had a de-
lightful little meeting in a school-room. Rev. A.
Helwig, a member of my first theological class, has
taken charge of this little flock.

“* Sabbath morning, Feb. 7. This morning I feel
wearied in body and mind. I cannot keep my mind
fixed on any subject, and consequently feel unpre-
pared to preach, which causes me not a little grief.
I have panted this morning for the repose of the tomb
and the rest of Abraham’s bosom. Just now, I can
have no higher conception of the felicity of heaven,
than that of rest. ‘They do rest from their labors’
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 821

—‘There the weary are at rest’—‘ There remaineth,
therefore, a rest unto the people of God.’

“ Last Thursday we commenced a conference meet-
ing at Croft’s Church; on Saturday evening I went to
New Carlisle, and presented the claims of our institu-
tion, and on Sabbath morning returned to Croft’s.
As there were indications of the Divine presence, the
meeting was protracted. On Saturday, Bro. Diehl
came to our help; he preached Saturday night, Sab-
bath morning and evening. On Sabbath night the
anxious were first invited to present themselves as
subjects for instruction and prayer. Twelve or fifteen
at once accepted the invitation. The meeting is still
in progress, conducted by the pastor and Bro. Hel-
wig. The preaching of the gospel was practical and
earnest ; the inquirers were invited to particular seats,
and were addressed personally and collectively ; the
best order was maintained ; it was a heavenly season,
the first revival I enjoyed in Ohio; it sweetly re-
minded me of similar seasons in by-gone days, in
Pennsylvania and Maryland. Jehovah is the same
everywhere; his providences, truth and spirit operate
similarly in all places. .

“I have been deeply distressed by the mournful
intelligence of the death of five students at Gettys-
burg; they were all candidates for the ministry—

died of typhoid fever. What a mysterious provi-
14*
822 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

dence! May it be sanctified to the good of our needy
Church.

“* Feb. 20. Sabbath evening. To-day I felt ex-
ceedingly feeble and dispirited ; but I was graciously
enabled to preach with freedom and unction ; I could
truly say with Paul, ‘When I am weak, then am I
strong.’ Most gladly, therefore, will I glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me.

“ Feb. 20. Last Sabbath I spent at Zanesville,
aiding brother Hauer in a protracted meeting. This
was the first meeting of this kind held in the Lutheran
Church of that place. The former pastors belonged
to the Joint Synod, and were opposed to such efforts
for the conversion of sinners. I preached seven times,
and delivered an address to the Sabbath-school chil-
dren.

“* Saturday, March 6. The greater portion of to-
day, I spent on the college ground, superintending the
trimming of the trees around the building, the burn-
ing of brush, stumps, and logs, the planting of olean-
thus trees, the making of saw-logs, ete. I was re-
minded of Luther, who said that, in addition to other
offices, he was inspector of a jfish-pond. It was my
office to be inspector of a ‘log-rolling’ and superin-
tendent ot a clearing. I feel fatigued, and hail the
Sabbath with delight.
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 323

* April 23,1847, Since my last record, I attended
a very interesting conference meeting at St. Paris,
eighteen miles north-west- of Springfield. The con-
gregation in this place has recently passed from the
Joint Synod into our hands. As some questions were
discussed by the brethren, a number of the rigid ‘ old
Lutherans’ became greatly enraged. Evangelical truth
is, however, fast gaining the ascendency in the com-
munity. The examination of the students, and attend-
ant exercises, at the close of the winter session, were
highly gratifying to the friends of the institution.

‘* Several weeks ago, I was perplexed to know what
to do with the wing of the college building, now in-
closed; for it is not plastered, nor are the floors laid.
In its present state, it is not productive. I went toa
carpenter, and inquired wheter I could not get the
work done on a year’s credit of my own. He agreed
to my proposition, in part. I made a similar contract
with a plasterer. Several hundred dollars were still
lacking. What shall I do? was now the anxious in-
quiry. In my perplexity, a student came to me,
stating that he wished me to receive some money on
deposit for one year, either with or without interest.
The sum was upward of one hundred dollars. The
day following, two others offered me smaller sums, for
a shorter period of time, on the same terms. Each
of the literary societies appropriated thirty dollars for
824 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

completing their halls. At the meeting of Synod, a
brother paid over to me seventy-two dollars, which he
had collected for the building fund. To-day, a young
man from Virginia offered me one hundred and fifty
dollars on deposit. Thus, in a way which I expected
not, the amount requisite has been put into my hands.
-The Lord be praised — forever praised! I clearly see
his hand in this matter.

“April 29. This entire week, I have been busy,
superintending improvements on the college grounds ;
have had at work three carpenters, four plasterers, and
six or seven students felling trees, peeling bark, and

mauling rails.”
CHAPTER XXI.

PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AND PRESIDENT
OF COLLEGE.

First sermon in college building—Grace of God—Visits Jewish Syna-

" gogue—Denth of the first student—Praying for a revival—Indications

of the Spirit’s presence—New year—lInteresting conversion—First
revival in Wittenberg—Revival in charge of one of his pupils.

“Ar THE commencement of this session, more stu-
dents have applied for rooms in the college than can
be accommodated. We have now upward of eighty
pupils in the institution.

‘“‘ Last Sabbath evening, I preached in the Philo-
sophian Hall—the first sermon preached in the col-
lege building —on ‘the call to the gospel ministry.’
A few days afterward, one of my theological class
expressed to me his fears that he had not been
Divinely called to this responsible work. Truly the
Word of God is«quick and powerful !

“In my meditations this morning, I was unaccount-
ably led to think of the grace of God in guarding me
ayainst sins to which I was exposed in earlier days,

while a student, and in the first years of my public
(325 )
326 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

ministry. How frequently was I placed in circum-
stances in which my inexperience, youthfulness, and
natural ardor might easily have betrayed me into im-
prudences which would have disturbed my peace, and
injured my usefulness for life. But God was my ever-
present Father—the guide of my youth. Ten thou-
sand thanks to his holy Name!

‘‘ Last Sabbath, I assisted Bro. Harrison at a com-
munion season in Cincinnati. On Saturday I was
present at the exercises in a Jewish Synagogue; their
worship seemed very formal and undevout; after
their services had closed, I had some conversation
with several of them; one of them made use of pro-
fane language. One man, with a large, portly frame,
a serious countenance, and gray hairs, bore a resem-
blance to an image of Jacob, which I have pictured
in my imagination. Another, small in stature, well
built, and swarthy, with a keen eye, corresponded
with my conception of David, the son of Jesse. Poor
deluded people! Because of unbelief they were
broken off from the good olive tree.

‘This week I participated in the exercises con-
nected with the laying of a corner.stone of a new
Lutheran Church at Tippecanoe, Miami county. I
preached in a grove, to avery large and attentive
audience. After the services I became acquainted
with a number of my relatives residing in that com
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 327

munity, and was rejoiced to find them among the
people of God.

“ Aug. 19. It has with truth been said by Him
who cannot lie,‘ Man is as the grass, and all the
glory of man as the flower of the grass’—‘The grass
withereth and the flower thereof fadeth.’ Less than
a fortnight ago, a student who for two years had been
connected with the institution, became sick, and was
taken home. Having learned that he was ill, I
visited him last Saturday, and found him in a critical
condition; it was to me a most painful visit. He
was a youth of fine talents, much diligence in study,
very amiable in his disposition, and affable and cour-
teous in his demeanor; he had endeared himself to
his instructors and fellow-students; his father had
ouce been a professor of religion, and preacher among
the Quakers, but is now an enemy of Divine truth—
a blasphemer and an atheist. At the commencement
of this session, he said he would take his son from
the institution, if we did not excuse him from a Bible
recitation and preaching on the Sabbath Day. We
consented to excuse him, but the son continued to
attend of his own accord; he was thoughtful and in-
quisitive, but had no settled religious principles. In
this state I found him, last Saturday, nigh unto death.
I did not feel at liberty to say anything to him on the
subject of religion. His physician is a Christian, but
828 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

was not allowed to inform him that he was danger-
ously ill. I was deeply distressed by the sight betore
me. After remaining a few hours I bade him fare-
well, expressing my desire for his speedy restoration
to health ; he replied in a subdued tone of voice, ‘We
will do the best we can.’ Thus we parted, to see each
other no more until the heavens shall have passed
away. He died the following Tuesday night. He
had no spiritual advice during his sickness, asked for
none, and was offered none; he did not seem to be
aware of his approaching end until four hours before
he expired; he said nothing about’ the future, but
clung to life with a most tenacious grasp. The strug-
gle was a fearful one; he shrieked aloud in agony,
and sprang to his feet; and when the darkness
of death was gathering over him, he called for a
light, and then expired without furnishing the least
ground for hope. Poor youth! how melancholy his
lot; how cheerless and absolutely dreary was his
dying hour! His father sent to me a note requesting
me to attend his funeral, in the following words :

‘WEDNESDAY, 18th.
‘Frienp Doct. Kr.uer :

‘Our boy is dead, and will be buried to-morrow at 10
o’clock. We do not wish any funeral or any religious exercises
at all, but would be pleased if you could make it convenient ta
say a few short and impressive words over his grave.

‘ Yours, in affliction,
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 825

“T resolved to attend the funeral, but to say
nothing under such infidel and unreasonable restric-
tions. When I arrived two brothers insisted on my
making a short address at the grave. I mentioned to
them my resolution and its reasons, and added if their
iather would remove his restrictions, I would consent.
One son went and conversed for some time with his
father, and then both came to me. I repeated my
purpose to the father. He was excited, and said that
‘his son professed no religion—he Ahad none—and
died without religion ; and that he himself had none,
and wished none; and that he would just as soon
have inscribed on his tomb-stone that ‘ He died with-
out any religion,’ as anything else. I was horror-
stricken, and replied that ‘I professed to be as honest
in my views as he, and would utter them just as
freely ; that I did not wish to express my mind about
the fate of his son, but if I spoke, I would speak
Christian sentiments to the living.’ At this instant
the mother came in, leaning on the arm of her other
son, and weeping profusely. The father began to
relent and said, ‘Speak what you wish, only spare us
as much as yon can.’ This was the end of our con-
versation.

“T delivered at the grave,in a few words, the
truth of the Scriptures concerning the brevity of life,
a future state of retribution, and the importance of
330 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

living constantly with reference to a dying hour and
the world to come. I never before saw infidelity
clothed in so hideousa garb. It is a contemptible
system. In that dying room there was no prayer, no
reference to the future, no hope, no peace, no consola-
tion with the dying or the living —all ‘ having no
hope and without God in the world.’ On the verge
of eternity, at the border of that dark and shadowy
vale through which all must pass, without hope! Be-
fore the coffin was closed, the family gathered round
it weeping, but they had no healing consolation. O,
the dreariness and midnight darkness of atheism! I
thank my God that I have had my birth and: educa-
tion under Christian influences.

‘“* Sept. 16. To-day our sixth child, fourth son,
was born. May he live to glorify God. Could I
choose his destiny for life, I would have him become
a devoted, zealous, able minister of the New Testa-
ment. The Lord take this child under special care,
and use him for his own glorious purposes.

“Oct. 17. Sabbath evening. I preached this
morning on the signs of spiritual declension; and
endeavored to make a personal application of the
truth which I uttered. I find that I have declined,
especially in one particular—in the ability to keep my
thoughts and affections fixed on heavenly things, even
on the Sabbath Day. I frequently find my mind
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETO. 331

roving over other things in which I had been engaged
during the week. This state of mind and heart I at-
tribute to my numerous duties. I have on hand so
much secular business, connected with the church and
institution, as necessarily to consume much of my
time and thoughts. In the congregation there exists
much lukewarmness. The members seem sluggish,
the prayer meeting is thinly attended, and the exer-
cises are formal. I was very plain and pointed in my
remarks this morning. I felt very deeply concerned
for a revival of religion. O, that God would revive
us. I feel exceedingly anxious to witness here, in
Ohio, what I witnessed in my former charge in Ma-
ryland. Lord, send us such a blessing; O Lord,
send it quickly !

““T have been reading, with new interest, the life
of David Brainerd. The preface, by Dr. Edwards,
is excellent. His remarks about the religion of en-
thusiasm are very valuable.

“ Dec. 29. Since my last record, my congregation
has greatly improved in spiritual things. Upward of
twenty have been added to our numbers. Our prayer
meetings are more spiritual, and better attended. We
have had services twice a day for some time past, and
expect still to continue these exercises. Much has been
done in quickening the zeal of the members. The stu-
dents are much enlivened in their religious emotions.

.
832 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

“ The financial affairs of the congregation are im-
proving. An effort has been made, if possible, to
complete the upper story of the church. When we
commenced this building, I did not expect to see it
completed in less than ten years. There is some
probability now, that it will be finished in half that
time. Thanks to the good Lord for this degree of
prosperity.

‘*On Monday I received the cheering intelligence,
that the College Society of New England has appro-
priated six hundred dollars to our institution for the
present year. This is the result of two years’ effort.
The committee, appointed to visit the institution,
made a favorable report, which has been printed with
the society’s fourth annual report. For this favor I
feel devoutly thankful to Almighty God.

** Jan. 1, 1848. Another year has fled, and is now
numbered with the past. It has been a year of nu-
merous mercies, of various vicissitudes, and of toil-
some exertions, Never did I labor more arduously,
and I am thankful that I can say, never did Jehovah
deign to give greater success to my feeble efforts to do
good. In the congregation and institution we have
had unusual prosperity. ‘ Bless the Lord, O my, soul
and forget not all his benefits.’

“To resolutions previously made, I will add the
following: I will endeavor, by Divine assistance, to
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 333

cultivate and exhibit in the various vicissitudes of life
more calmness of mind, and not suffer myself to be
so much fretted or excited by that which is either
agreeable or disagreeable. I am naturally excitable,
prone to uneasiness of mind, liable to be disturbed in
my eyuanimity by toils, cares, duties and joys, to the
detriment of my happiness and health. I am per-
suaded that more tranquillity of mind will be accept-
able to God, and conducive to my health and use-
fulness.

‘* Heb. 18,1848. The last two months have afforded
me much cause of gratitude and encouragement in the
work of the Lord. Between Christmas and New-
Year, we held a protracted meeting. By the exercises
of this meeting, the Church was greatly revived.
Several weeks afterward, an amiable, talented, and
well-informed young man—a member of the sopho-
more class—became deeply convicted of sin. He
had been committed to God by a dying Christian
mother, and religiously trained by a surviving godly
father. In later years, he had endeavored to become
an infidel, but had too much self-respect openly to
express his anti-Christian views. During the sum-
mer session, the fellow-student before referred to, was
called away by the voice of death. Near the com-
mencement of the present term, another youth, who
had seen but seventeen summers, died suddenly, but
834 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

most triumphantly, leaving his dying message to be
delivered to his fellow-students. These events were
sanctified to the awakening and conviction of this
young man. For months his feelings were concealed
among the secrets of his own soul. At length his
convictions became so powerful that concealment
was no longer possible. He first unbosomed his
heart to his room-mate, and afterward to others. For
several days and nights, he suffered bitter pangs of
terror and remorse, crying aloud for God to crush
him and bruise him, but to have mercy on him. We
instructed him — prayed with and for him. Of a fee-
ble bodily constitution, and great nervous excitability,
it was feared he might bring upon himself serious con-
sequences, as he would neither eat nor sleep. On the
third day, about noon, he embraced the Saviour by
faith, and found rest for his soul, which had indeed
been ‘ weary and heavy ladened.’? His joy was now
‘unspeakably great. He embraced us with a cordiality
and joy which was irrepressible. In the glowing ar-
dor of his soul, he exhorted all to believe on Jesus,
who was now so precious to his own heart. A num-
ber of others were convicted, and the college became
a Bochim for weeping, and a heaven for rejoicing,
We suspended the regular exercises of the institution
to attend to the inquirers after salvation; and ere the
week had closed, eight new-born souls were rejoicing
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 835

in God, their Saviour. Several of the students be-
came afraid of the influences of the Spirit, and, to
escape his power, left the college. ‘The wicked fleeth
when no man pursueth,’ All the students have been
quickened and refreshed. The new converts I have
formed into a catechetical class. I regard this jirst
revival as a most precious token of Divine favor to
our infant Wittenberg. What an interminable train
of sanctifying influences has been started by the con-
version of these noble young men !

“T also heard to-day of a very interesting revival
which is in progress in a neighboring congregation,
‘under the pastoral care of one of my beloved pupils.
Truly the Lord hath ‘loaded me with benefits.’ ”

That the soul of Dr. Keller would be made very
happy by such an out-pouring of the Holy Spirit is
perfectly reasonable. During his ministry in his for-
mer charges, his heart had often been refreshed by
such precious scenes. He had longed and prayed for
a similar visitation of Divine grace in his new field
of labor. About two months before this event, his
ardent prayer was, ‘Lord! send us such a blessing!
O! send it quickly!’ And now, when the blessing
was given, his joy was full.

He could be satisfied only with the consciousness
that he was doing the will of his Heavenly Father,
and that the approbation of Jehovah was resting upon
336 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

him. Ashe had devoted his life to the establishment of
Wittenberg College, in no way could the Divine favor
be more strikingly manifested toward the institution
for which he was laboring, than by a work of grace
wrought by the Holy Spirit. Hence the happiness in-
fused into his heart by this first precious revival. I
have a very distinct impression of the joy which
beamed from his countenance as he addressed the hap-
py converts and penitent inquirers at a morning meet-
ing in one of the halls of the college building. His
soul became almost too full for utterance, and the Di-
vine glory seemed to rest upon him in a visible form.

Of the eight young men who were the first fruits
of revivals in Wittenberg, three have entered the sa-
cred office of the gospel ministry.

By the expression of the’ Divine favor manifested
both in this remarkable work of grace, and in the re-
vivals of religion which attended the ministry of all
who had hitherto gone out from the institution, Dr.
Keller was greatly encouraged in the work which he
had undertaken. His toils and self-denials he endured
most cheerfully, if he could but win souls to Christ.
CHAPTER XXII. .

PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AND PRESIDENT
.
OF COLLEGE,

Happy in meditating on the glory of Christ—Mother’s illness—Visits
her—Her confidence in Christ—Farewell—Impression that this was
his last visit to the home of his childhood—Change of views in some
of his Ministerial brethren—Emotions excited by a visit to his former
fields of labor—Facts impressed upon his mind—The last record of his
journal—Last words recorded—Preaches with increased solemnity—
Last sermons.

“ June 10, 1848. Much of this afternoon I have
been engaged in meditation on the glory of Christ in
his exaltation. The excellency of his nature and
kingdom was an object of charming sweetness to
me. His authority. as Prince, and his benignity as
Saviour, filled my soul with reverence and joy. I
had such a glimpse of the purity of heaven and the
blessedness of the saints, as it is not often my privilege
to enjoy. The afternoon was bright, the air calm,
the sky clear, and the earth carpeted with her richest
verdure ; all of which seemed as a faint representa-
tion of the kingdom of heaven. The intensity of my
emotions became so great that I could not give utter-
ance to the longings of my soul. My study became

a spot of unusual sweetness, and I felt it a blessed
15 (337)
838 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

privilege to be alone in communion with God. Every
other object of life seemed insignificant, except the
glorification of Jesus, and the attainment of everlast-
ing life. I had, mingled with my longings for the
bliss of heaven, a most intense desire for the salvation
of all my students, and the people to whom I had
ministered in holy things. My thoughts ran over the
field of my past toils, and a burning desire was kin-
dled in my bosom, once more to publish the gospel to
those dear people beyond the mountains, to whom in
former days I preached Jesus and the resurrection.
O, blessed Jesus, spare thy servant a little longer for
thine own sake! Thine alone would I de—to thy
glory alone would I live. O, Saviour, make me and
keep me humble, faithful and pure in my affections,
my motives, my lite and my all. Protect me gra-
ciously from worldliness, ambition and every unholy
disposition.”

His journal contains no record from this period to
the close of the summer session, which: occurred about
the middle of August. Several days before the exer-
cises of the school closed, he received intelligence of
the illness of his mother, and her anxious desire to
see him. As soon as the labors of the session had
ended, he hastened to Maryland, in compliance with
the wishes of his only surviving parent. On his ar-
rival at her residence, he found her palsied, and ex-
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 889

tremely feeble, but in her right mind and full of peace
and holy joy. As she suddenly and unexpectedly
got the first sight of her long. absent son, she thanked
the Lord aloud for this ardently wished for privilege.
So overwhelming were the emotions of his own heart,
that he could only sit down and weep. During this
last visit to her, he remarked, ‘‘ What a blessed thing
it is to have such a mother!”

The vacation of six weeks he spent east of the
mountains, much of it in the sick chamber of his
beloved mother. As her days were supposed to be
nearly numbered, he spoke to her oft and freely about
her prospects for the eternal world. She invariably
gave him the most satisfactory and comforting assur-
ance of her meetness for the world of glory. Her
confidence in Christ as Aer Savior, was strong and
unwavering. She bore her sufferings in the spirit of
Christian meekness and resignation.

She exhorted him to be humble and faithful until
death, as she expected her end was near, that they
might dwell together in that happier world above.

“To bid her adieu,” he says, ‘‘ was a great trial to
me.” Both expected this to be their last meeting on
earth; and so it was. They scarcely thought, how-
ever, that he first would be gathered to the saints
above; but thus it was ordered by the Lord—he was
taken and. she was left. He was removed where all
340 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

tears shall be wiped from their eyes; she was left for
awhile a mourning pilgrim here.

The longing desire which had been awakened in
his heart, once more to visit the charges of his earlier
ministry, was gratified. It was, however, his last
visit. An impression of this kind seemed to have
fixed itself upon his mind. Before leaving Middle-
town, he asked some of his friends to accompany him
to the cemetery, where many loved ones were sleep-
ing, as he did not expect again to enjoy this oppor-
tunity. When his present good health was adduced
as a refutation of that idea, his reply was, ‘‘ Notwith-
standing the indications to the contrary, my convic-
tion is that I shall see this lovely, fondly-cherished
vale no more.”

Nothing that came within the range of his observa-
tion during this visit caused him so much pain, as a
change which had taken place in the views and prac-
tices of some of our ministers. Of those who had
once stood by him, shoulder to shoulder, and zeal-
ously labored with him in promoting revivals of re-
ligion, a goodly number had shifted their position ;
some of them now considered those measures which
they had formerly used, of questionable propriety,
while others openly and boldly denounced them.
After all the evidences that the revivals of religion in
which these brethren had so largely participated, were
PKESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETO. 341

the work of God, and deeply impressed with their
incalculable importance to the Church of the Re-
deemer, how could Dr. Keller feel otherwise than
pained by their defection? After his return to the
West, he often spoke of it as a matter of the bitterest
regret, and a great calamity to our beloved Zion.

Of one who, during the first years of his ministry,
had been among the warmest advocates of those
measures by which revivals had been so greatly pro-
moted in Maryland and Pennsylvania, he often spoke
with tears, as he not only now condemned what in
other years he had advocated and practiced, but
treated him (Dr. Keller) in an unchristian manner,
and loaded with reproach all who differed from his
present views and practices.

From this visit Dr. Keller returned the last week
in September, and Oct. 1, 1848, he made the follow-
ing record ;

“I visited my former fields of labor at Hagers-
town and Taneytown. It is impossible to describe
my feelings as I gazed upon the churches in which,
in earlier days. I preached the gospel of glad tidings.
The recollection of any degree of faithfulness afforded
me great satisfaction; but even the fear, and much
more the conviction of unfaithfulness filled my soul
with bitterness and awe. I was particularly im-
pressed with the following facts:
842 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

‘1, The folly of attaching our hearts to worldly
goods, and envying the rich. I found many who
were formerly esteemed wealthy, who were haughty
in spirit, and could not be reached by the ministry
of an humble and earnest ambassador of Jesus, now
in poverty. Others, too, who were possessed of this
world’s goods, and were thankful, were cut off sud-
denly, and I saw their graves as low, and desolate,
and dreary, and comfortless as the poor all around
them. Property should be valued only as a means
of doing good—fepé as a trust, and not loved as a
treasure.

“2. I was impressed most forcibly with the neces-
sity of hastening the work of our ministry ; seizing
the present time to make men what they ought to be.

‘“‘Since my departure from my former charges—
the one four, and the other eight years ago—O, how
many have exchanged worlds—the youthful, the mid-
dle-aged and the old. Some of them died, as they
lived, ‘without God, in the world.’ Truly men are
hastening to eternity, and we ought to hasten to make
it one of purity and blessedness to them. Day and
night should we warn them with tears,”

This is the last record found in his journal, al-
though made nearly three months prior to his death.
That nothing was noted down by his pen at a later
period of his life, will be regretted by his many
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 343

friends. The remarks of the departed are invested
with increased interest, as they are more nearly con-
nected with the close of their earthly pilgrimage.
Dr. Keller seemed very rapidly to be ripening for
heaven. An increased degree of spiritual-minded-
ness was perceptible to all who came in contact with
him. As he continued to grow in knowledge and in
grace, gaining a deeper experience in spiritual things,
arecord of that experience could not have failed to
instruct and benefit those who survive him. The
want of such a record is therefore a loss to the
Church.

The fact that during the last three months of
his life his journal presents a blank, is easily ac-
counted for. The pressure of other duties left no
time to fill up that blank. He performed as much
labor as should be performed by three men. He
preached, on an average, two or three sermons
each Lord’s Day, delivered a weekly lecture, and at-
tended to the pastoral duties of the congregation.
His ministerial labors were, therefore, sufficient for
one man. He taught about four hours each day,
which was employment enough for one man. His
business matters, superintending the church and col-
lege buildings, college grounds, correspondence, etc.,
were adequate to the strength of one man. We
would be understood, therefore, as using no extrava-
844 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

gant language, when we say he performed the work
of three men.

The closing sentence of his journal, ‘“‘ Day and
night should we warn them with tears,” is highly
characteristic of its author; and forms an appropriate
conclusion to the preceding remarks. It is indicative
of a mind deeply impressed with the value of immor-
tal souls, their imminent peril, man’s responsibility to
his fellow-man, the brevity of life, and the solemn
obligations resting upon all, to labor while it is called
to-day. The sentiment it contains is the expression
of his own life. If sinners perish who sat under his
preaching, or were brought into his presence, it will
not be for want of faithful warning. In the sacred
desk and in the social circle, in public and in private,
by day, and ofttimes by night, he lifted up his voice
to warn men of their impending danger. The sin-
cerity of his warnings was evidenced by his tears,
which were outward manifestations of the inward
emotions of his soul. He warned men by the deeds
which he performed and by the words which he ut-
tered ; he warned them by the life which he lived, and
by the death which he died; and now from the bright
world of glory his warnings, changed into invitations,
call the wandering pilgrim to the skies.

In the pulpit, Dr. Keller was characterized by a
solemnity peculiarly his own. This peculiarity was
PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE, ETC. 345

perceptible, not only to those who statedly sat under
his ministry, but even those who were occasionally
found among his hearers could not fail to observe it..
During the last several months of his ministry, there
was a marked increase of this peculiar solemnity no-
ticed and spoken of by many who heard him. Every
sermon, to the last one he preached, seemed more im-
pressive than the preceding. He spoke as a “ dying
man to dying men.”

The Destruction of Korah and his company, was
the subject of one of his last sermons; it was one
of the most earnest, powerful and solemn discourses I
ever listened to. The scene is still fresh in my mind’s
eye. The preacher, his appearance, his manner, his
interest in his subject, are all before me.. Many of
his hearers can never forget that night—that sermon.

Dr. Keller’s ministry extended over a period of
twelve years, during which he preached about two
thousand times. His regular weekly lectures and
various addresses on special occasions amounted to
about one taousand; so that, on an average, he de-

livered about five public addresses per week.
15*
CHAPTER XXIII.

SICKNESS, DEATH, ETO.

IiJness—Fervent prayers—Hope of his recovery—Reply to physician
Gradually declines—Asleep in Jesus—Farewell to his family—Ex-
pires—Tolling bells—Resolutions of students—Funeral—Lines writs
ten on the occasion—Died in the midst of a revival.

On tHE 15th of December, 1848, Dr. Keller was
confined to his bed by sickness. For several weeks
previous he had not been well, but up to this period
he attended to his various duties, The disease now
assumed a violent form, and a severe attack of fever
was predicted by his physician. His illness soon be-
came known through the community, and a general
and very.deep anxiety was awakened in his behalf.
On the evening after he took his bed, at a weekly
prayer meeting of the congregation, a more than
usual interest on the subject of religion was mani-
fested by some who were non-professors. This re-
ligions interest so increased that in a few days it
became necessary to commence a series of meetings to
attend to the spiritual interests of anxious souls. As
the congregation assembled night after night, and the
power of the Holy Spirit was manifested, the so-
346
SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC. 347

lemnity of these meetings was preatly increased by
the illness of the pastor of the flock. Upon those
connected with the institution, especially, a dark man-
tle of sadness had fallen. Even the thought of his
death was distressing to the mind. In every public
prayer meeting, petitions were offered on his behalf,
and from every private chamber ardent cries as-
cended to the ear of Jehovah. While memory lives,
the prayers of that occasion can never be forgotten.
All seemed to feel as did Luther, when Melancthon
was ill; and like Luther, they prayed. But fervent
prayers could not prevail. With some variations, the
disease moved onward in its progress, causing alterna-
tions of hope and fear. As the symptoms became
more alarming, several additional physicians were
called in for consultation. The ninth day of his sick-
ness was awaited with the most intense anxiety, for
then it was supposed the crisis would come. At
length this period arrived, passed by, and filled the
mind with joyful hope; a change occurred, a seem-
ingly favorable change, producing a corresponding
change in the feelings of his anxious friends.

On the following day, his physicians met again for
consultation, After carefully examining the symp-
toms, the senior of their number said to him, ‘ You
are now out of the brush.’ At this announcement, he
expressed his gratification ; but, then, lest it might be
348 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

supposed that he was gratified because afraid to die,
he added, that the thought of his recovery afforded
him pleasure, not on his own account, but for the
comfort of his friends, who so ardently desired it, and
the glory of God, which he hoped might be pro-
moted by it. All hearts were filled with gladness,
and Christians thought their prayers answered, and
were ready to return thanksgiving unto the Lord.
The fond hopes which had been inspired were soon
blasted — the joy which had been created was suc-
ceeded by a still deeper gloom. In a few days, a
relapse oceurred, accompanied by such symptoms as
left no reasonable ground for the expectation of his
recovery. |

How he could be spared by the Church and the
institution, was a question which could not be solved
by human reason, and, therefore, we were prepared to
hope, even against hope. But notwithstanding all
that could be done by medical skill, kind attentions,
warm sympathies, fervent prayers, and bitter tears,
he continued gradually declining.

On the afternoon of the 28th of December, it be-
came apparent to all that he was rapidly sinking to
the tomb. With a light step and breathless silence,
those who were admitted (except his regular attend-
ants), entered his chamber, gazed upon him with
tearful eyes, and then passed away. As friend mvt
SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC. 849

with friend, the question, “‘ How is Dr. Keller?” was
uttered in a tone of voice which indicated that he who
made the inquiry was afraid to hear the reply. With
the close of the day, the congregation assembled for
prayer and worship, in the lecture-room. With
solemn steps and mournful countenance, they enter;
with tears and sobs, they participate in the exercises ;
and with the painful expectation of the next moment
hearing of the death of their beloved pastor, they sep-
arated, after having, in solemn prayer, presented him
at a Throne of Grace.

During a considerable portion of his sickness, he
was more or less delirious. Through the earlier part
of that night, he was perfectly rational, and his mind
was inclined to grapple with some difficult questions
of theology. A friend to whom he spoke of those
difficulties, requested him not to trouble his mind
with such matters now, but to be composed, and go
to sleep, as he needed rest. He replied, ‘Yes; I'll
go to sleep: I’ll go to sleep in Jesus.” At his own
“request, the 28rd Psalm was read for his consolation,
and his soul was once more commended to God in
prayer. About ten o’clock, he desired his children to
be brought into his presence. When they appeared
at his bed-side, he affectionately addressed them,
gave them his parting kiss, and said that his wishes
were now realized. He soon afterward fell into a
350 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

stupor from which he awaked no more on earth. In
this state he continued until he expired —a quarter
past one o'clock, on the morning of the 29th of De-
cember, 1848. Thus passed away this humble, faith-
fu! servant of Jesus. He closed his eyes on earth, to
open them on the more beautiful, glorious, and ever-
enduring scenes of heaven.

He died in the thirty-seventh year of his age. He
was called away in the prime of life, and in the midst
of his usefulness.

His disease was the typhoid fever; consequently,
his mind was much affected by his bodily sufferings,
and therefore he said but little about his hopes beyond
the tomb. The evidence which he furnished gave
full assurance, however, of his meetness for the inher-
itance of the saints in light; and beside, to those who
knew him, no other evidence was necessary than that
which he had already furnished in his daily life. The
announcement of his death spread a general gloom
over the community, and rolled a dark wave of sor-
row through the entire length and breadth of our be-
loved Zion. With the dawn of the ensuing morning
the tolling of the city bells spread the mournful in-
telligence on every breeze.

The heart of his bosom companion sunk within her
under a sense of her irreparable loss; the members
of the institution were overwhelmed by the heavy
SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC. 351

stroke of affliction which had fallen upon them; his

own congregation wept bitter tears of bereavement;

Christians of every denomination mourned; and the

countenance of every individual showed that a great

calamity had befallen the community. ;

At a meeting of the students, held the day on
which he died, the following preamble and resolutions,
prepared by a committee previously appointed, were
unanimously adopted :

‘“‘Wuereas, A mysterious Providence has removed
from us our faithful pastor and worthy instructor,
Ezra Keller, D. D., president of this institution,
whose worth, while living, we could not estimate,
“Resolved, That we make no attempt to express in

words our sorrow for his death, or to speak the loss

we sustain by his removal.

‘Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the
surviving family in this affliction.

“‘ Resolved, That as an expression of our grief, we
wear a badge of mourning for sixty days.

“‘Pesolved, That a copy of these proceedings be
published in the Lutheran Observer, and the papers
of Springfield, and that a copy be placed among the
archives of the institution.

A. J. Imuorr, Dante, Summers,
J. F. Remnmounp, Jacos Steck,
: Morazis Orricer.”
B52 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

Mysterious indeed was the providence by which he
was called away. That one so well qualified to build
up the Church of Christ, should so soon be cut down
from an important sphere of usefulness, is a mystery,
for the solution of which we must wait until what is
incomprehensible to us now be made intelligible by
the light of heaven. The ways of Providence are
ofttimes beyond our comprehension. ‘‘ They bafile
our wisdom, and conflict with all human calculations.
When the prospects of an individual are the bright-
est, and, humanly speaking, he is most needed, he is
frequently removed by the hand of death.” We
must console ourselves by the recollection that life is
at the disposal of our Heavenly Father, and that
while clouds and darkness are round about him,
righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his
throne. What He doeth we know not now, but we
shall know hereafter.

His funeral solemnities were performed on the 30th
December. His body was taken to the church built
under his superintendence, and in which he had been
ministering to the people. A sermon was preached
by Rev. 8. Ritz, president of the Board of Directors,
and Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller, and several ministers of
other denominations, participated in the exercises.

Before the coffin was closed, his pupils gathered
around, bathed in tears, and gazed upon him with all
SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC. ° 353

the tenderness with which affectionate children would
linger around the remains of a departed, fondly loved
parent.

The tears shed on that occasion were an appro-
priate testimony to his exalted worth. From the
church his remains, followed by a long and mournful
procession, were taken to the college cemetery, and
buried in a lovely spot,‘near his cherished Witten-
berg, to the founding of which he had devoted all his
energies, and perhaps sacrificed his life. A more
appropriate place for the repose of his bedy could not
have been selected. Here his grave will be visited
with grateful reverence. As those who once sat at
his feet and received instruction from his lips, visit
their Alma Mater, with mournful joy they will linger
round and drop a tear upon his tomb. And as the
youth of future days shall resort to this seminary of
learning, with emotions of gratitude, mingled with
sadness, they will gaze upon the sacred spot where its
honored founder reposes.

The following lines were written by a female friend,
member of another church, of Springfield, Ohio:

DEATH OF THE REV. DR. KELLER

Slowly the distant bell’s
Deep, mournful tone,

Through all the lengthen’d vale
Comes stealing on—-
354 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

Scarce need the anxious eye

Its silent question try,

Our stricken hearts reply,
Keller is gone !

But stay, unwelcome death!
Could not thy hand

Or aught these skies beneath
Bind its cold band—

And to our earnest prayer,

This gifted servant spare,

The ark of God to bear
Long in our land?

Are there no ties yet known
Thou may’st not sever ?
Must that impressive tone
Be hushed forever ?
Will not for love’s own sake
That voice the silence break,
And home’s sweet echoes wake ?
Never, no never!

How oft those eager youth
Hung on his words,

As some resistless truth
Their bosoms stirr’d !

Those golden moments o’er,

In vain they now implore

One word of counsel more
No sound is heard !

O, how secure we lean’d
On fellow dust 3

And yet we scarcely dream’d
How firm our trust—
SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC. 355

Till, at the midnight hour,
Death came with kingly pow’r,
Then, like a fragile flow’r,

Our hopes were crush’d!

No sculptur’d stone we need,
His fame to tell;

In hearts that long will bleed,
His name shall dwell.

Hither a grateful race

Their footsteps oft will trace

Once more to view the place
Where Keller fell!

Honor’d and loved he stood,
His deeds our boast—

In every scheme for good
Himself a host ;

Striving his Master’s will

In all things to fulfill,

Death’s summons found him still
Firm at his post.

Hallow’d within those walls
Shall be his name;
Fond lips in distant halls
Shall speak the same;
And long in coming time,
Where truth and learning shine,
Tllum’d by light divine,
Shall spread his fame.

Calmly within those shades
His dust shall rest,

Lightly the turf be laid
Upon his breast ;
356 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

And morn and evening air

To heaven full oft shall bear

An humble heartfelt prayer,
From thence address’d.

But while we bow the head,
And kiss the rod,
O, let us strive to tread
The path he trod ;
And while we’re struggling here,
With care, and sin, and fear,
This thought our hearts shall cheer,
He’s safe with God.

It is a fact somewhat remarkable, and which it may
be proper here to mention, that he died in the midst
of a revival of religion. With the commencement
of his sickness, a special work of Divine Grace com-
menced in the congregation, which continued for
some days after his decease.

He was a firm defender of revivals, and looked
upon them as the hope of the Church. The evi-
dence of this fact we have from his own pen. In
times of religious awakening his soul was happy—
he loved to preach. Under such circumstances his
most powerful sermons were prepared and delivered.
Those strong and terrible appeals to the conscience—
those grand and magnificent portraitures of God’s
government—those terrific thunderings of the law—
those moving expostulations based upon Divine com-
SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC. 357

passion, which must live in the memories of thous-
ands, in the impressions they have left in their im-
mortal natures—were made during seasons of revival.
Perhaps it should not be considered remarkably
strange, but rather peculiarly appropriate, that so
warm a friend of revivals should be called home to
glory from the midst of such a precious season of
religious awakening. Had he been allowed to choose
the circumstances of his departure from earth, he
would have said, ‘Let me die in a time of religious
revival.” He would have chosen that his funeral
should be attended by a throng of souls alive to the
great realities of eternity; that his silent coffin and
open grave should have preached to souls oppressed
with a sense of their need of an interest in the aton-
ing blood of Christ. In such a time as he most loved
to labor for Christ, he would have chosen to “ depart
and be with Christ, which is far better.”
CHAPTER XXIV.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.

His iutellect—As a theologian—As a preacher—In his family—His en-
ergy—Family record,

Tuts Biography has brought before the reader the
character of Dr. Keller in a living form; we will,
therefore, conclude by noticing a little more fully a
few of his most prominent characteristics.

Intellectually, Dr. Keller was distinguished for
quickness of perception, a vigorous activity, uncom-
mon correctness of judgment, and a remarkable firm-
ness of purpose. He generally took a clear view of
a subject when presented for his examination, and
rarely found it necessary to change an opinion when
once formed. If, however, he was convinced of an
error, he was ever ready to acknowledge it.

His mind was eminently practical. He was not
particularly distinguished for a vivid imagination,
althongh by no means destitute of this important
faculty. He had a relish, but no particular passion
for poetry.

(358 )
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS. 859

As a theologian, he was in a high degree practical.
“His theology was a light which he received, and
which he made to shine. It was not acold, buta
warm light. He was not spiritually born amid the
dimness of superstition, nor did he live amid the
depths of abstraction. His soul was born of the sun,
amid the light that shineth immediately from Christ.
He lived habitually with his Saviour, and was sur-
rounded continually by the intense shining of those
glorious truths which meet and mingle most closely
in the halo round the Saviour’s head, and burn and
beam forth most immediately from the mysteries
of the Saviour’s work.”

His living habitually with Christ, and among the
truths which shine forth from his Godhead and re-
deeming work, made his own light burn so steadily
and strongly. He could not be other than a burning
light, when he lived in the midst of such burning
brightness, and shone down upon the world from such
a watch-tower of living light. It is only when the
Christian minister wanders away from Christ and the
central truths which burn around Him; only when
he gets lost or bewildered among the mazes of the
many lesser or subordinate truths, opinions, and ex-
ternals, which lie more or less in the distance; only
then that his light burns dim, or goes altogether out.
Let his ‘life be ever hid with Christ in God,” and
560 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

his light shall ever shine beyond the power of being
hid.

As a preacher, he was very eminent. There was
asolemnity in his very appearance, which struck
his hearere with awe before he opened his lips. His
manner of preaching, while it was truly evangelical
and instructive, was exceedingly impressive. He
spoke as if in view of eternity —as in the immediate
presence of God. He was bold in opposing error,
and zealous in defending truth. He exhibited the
terrors of the law, and displayed the love of the gos-
pel. He was careful thatthe Saviour should appear,
in his teachings, as the winning Messenger of peace:
one to whom the weary and heavy laden might come
and find rest. He was, if not in the popular, yet,
perhaps, in the more proper sense, eloquent. His
~enunciation was remarkably distinct; and his man-
ner was earnest, but not violent. As the hearer lis-
tened, he became convinced that the speaker felt, in
the recesses of his own heart, all that he uttered.
That he, with such pulpit abilities, would be abund-
antly successful, is a reasonable inference. This
inference is fully sustained by facts. Many times of
refreshing, from the presence of the Lord, passed over
his congregations, and silent blessings distilled upon
his efforts from time to time.

To multitudes, God made him a father by a tie
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS. 361

more lasting than any which earth can originate.
His deep anxieties and patient labors will be abund-
antly rewarded, when, with a multitude of sons and
daughters, he shall say before God, ‘‘ Here am I, and
the children whom thou hast given me.” Like the
blessed Master, he even now sees the travail of his
soul, and is satisfied. And when God shall have
answered all the prayers which he put up, and
brought forward into fruit all the seed which he
sowed, then both he that hath sowed, and he who
shall hereafter reap, will abundantly rejoice together.

In the bosom of his family, his character shone
with a peculiar luster. He wasa kind father, and an
affectionate husband. He was very regular in all his
habits. An early riser, he devoted the early hours
to private devotion and study, and accomplished
much before breakfast. In his meals, he was very
regular and temperate. As he was an early riser, so
he retired early to rest; except in cases of necessity,
he retired at nine o’clock, and arose at four.

He was noted for his hospitality. His house was
always open to his brethren; and all who accepted
the proffered kindness, were made to feel at home in
his family.

He was a man of great punctuality in all things.
At the hour appointed for preaching, unless provi-

dentially detained, he was present; and when the
16 .
862 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, ‘D. D.

time arrived, he commenced, whether the congrega-
tion had assembled or not. He carried order and
system into everything he did.

What he undertook, he did with all his might.
After he made up his mind, under a sense of duty, to
accept the position offered him in the founding
of Wittenberg College, in writing to a friend, he
said: “I have at length concluded to-go West. In
the West, I will labor and toil; in the West, I will
live; in the West, I will die; and from the West, I
will ascend to glory!”

We now leave the subject of our biography to his
rest in Christ, to the affectionate regards of those who
love the Saviour, and to the blessing of God on his
beneficent example. May such examples of Chris-
tian character be multiplied till Christ shall dwell in
all hearts by faith, that ‘“‘They, being rooted and
grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with
all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth,
and height; and to know the love of Christ, which
passeth knowledge, that they may be filled with all
the fullness of God.”
FAMILY RECORD. 363

As it may be gratifying to his friends, we here sub-
join the following record of his family :
Martin Luther, born May 29, 1838, died June 10, 1838,

Amanda Elizabeth, born Oct. 15, 1839, died Aug. 30, 1840.
Martin Adam, born Dec. 25, 1841, died July 13, 1854,

Louisa Reck, born Oct. 5, 1843, died April 4, 1844,
Sarah A. S., born Sept. 16, 1845.
Harlan Page, born Sept. 16, 1847, died March 8, 1850.

This record shows that of his six children, three
had gone to their home in heaven before the decease
of their affectionate father. Of the remaining three,
two have since died. So that now but a single one,
Sarah A. §., is numbered with the living.

As his mother’s name has often been mentioned,
the following remark may not be amiss :

His dear mother, who was not expected to live,
when he last visited her, the summer before his death,
survived him about six months, and then departed
this life with a well-grounded hope of a blissful im-
mortality.
A TRIBUTE OF AFFECTION

Do the Memory of
THE REV. EZRA KELLER, D D.

A SERMON BY REV. F. W. CONRAD.

PREACHED IN HAGERSTOWN, MD

—— 9

«Remember them that have the rule over you, who have spoken unto
you the Word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their
conversation.””—Hes. xiii, 7.

Betoven BRreraxen:

What meant that going to and fro, with deep anx-
iety depicted on each countenance, as though some sad
calamity had befallen you, and each were hurrying to
bear the “heavy tidings” to his neighbor? What
meant that shock which, as the melancholy tidings -
were rehearsed, each one felt? What meant those
tears which burst from many an eye, as the painful
fact was declared? What means that gloom, which,
like a dark pall, now hangs over the Church ? What
means that sadness visible in every countenance, as
though each heart were bleeding? The answer is

(365 )
366 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

returned by a thousand faltering lips: ‘‘ Our former
beloved pastor is dead ! ” Yes; it is true: brother
Keller is no more! He died at Springfield, Ohio, on
Friday morning, the 29th of December, 1848, of con-
gestive fever—in the bloom and vigor of life—in the
midst of an extensive career of usefulness; greatly
beloved, and universally lamented.

When the angel of Death smites a member of a
family, or cuts down a tree of righteousness in a con-
gregation, or lays low a faithful watchman on the
walls of Zion, God designs that it shall be pondered
and improved.

Jesus, the great Htéad of the Church, threatened
Ephesus, that, if they would not repent, he would
remove their candlestick out of its place. When God
removes a candlestick now, on which the light burns
brightly, it sometimes is still the fulfillment of the
same threatening.

There is, therefore, a peculiar propriety in. endeav-
oring to improve the sad dispensation of Providence
which has called us together this day.

This duty is enjoined in the text. It refers to de-
‘parted, not living teachers; and declares that the
people to whom they ministered, shall remember them
as their teachers, follow their example, consider their
end, and cherish their memory.
A TRIBUTE,TO HIS MEMORY. 3867

I, You ARE TO REMEMBER HIM 4S YOUR FORMER
PREACHER. As such he was,

1. Plain and clear. In all his exhibitions of truth,
he labored to accommodate himself to the humblest
capacity, so that, when he preached, no poor, hungry
sheep, ever looked up, and said it was not fed. He
used the plainest language, and simplest illustrations,
and was capacitated to present his ideas in a manner
so clear that he could not but be comprehended. He
labored to be understood, not wondered at.

2. He was solid and Scriptural. He was emphat-
ically a Bible preacher, ‘ mighty in the Scriptures,”
“dividing the Word of truth.’
preached, was the exposition of a portion of the Word
of God; every general and sub-division was drawn

Every sermon he

from the Scriptures; and every argument, inference,
or remark based upon the Bible. He declared the
“ counsel of God,” received the ‘ word at his mouth,”
and delivered it to his hearers. Few men of his age,
knew more of, understood better, or imbued their
sermons more with, the Bible, than he.

3. He was appropriate and practical. Constantly
awake to the wants of his people, he aimed at pre-
senting each particular truth at the most appropriate
time. He so conducted the affairs of his master’s
household, that he gave to each his portion of meat in
due season. This made him eminently practical. . He
368 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

did not spend his own, or his people’s time, in search
ing for hidden mysteries; in speculating upon unre-
vealed truth; or in endeavoring to unfold the “things
hard to be understood” in the Scriptures. These he
regarded as embraced in the “‘secret things” which
belong unto God; and hence, he labored to explain
and enforce the practical truths of the gospel. A
practical element ran through all his discourses,
whether they were doctrinal, experimental, historical
prophetic, or explanatory.

4, He was bold and faithful. He was a man of
moral courage; and neither the frown nor smile, the
displeasure or favor of men could influence him in the
proclamation of truth. He never asked the question,
“ Will this please or offend?” but when satisfied that
it was true and needed, he declared it —let it strike
whom it might. He frequently shot arrows and
aimed blows at particular sins and sinners, and he
never missed his mark. Sin never went unrebuked
from his presence, whether popular and fashionable,
or gross and despicable. There are, no doubt, wounds
still open, on the hearts of some present, which he
made with the ‘“‘sword of the Spirit.” He obeyed
the voice of God to the Prophet, ‘Fear not their
faces ;” and met the requirement demanded of a
bishop, “to be found faithful.”

5. He was solemn and impressive. He was a
A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. 269

solemn man. The contour of his face, the expression
of his countenance, the loss of his hair, the deep,
sonorous tones of his voice, the earnestness of his
manner, and the strong emotions of his soul, all com-
bined to render impressive what he uttered. He
might say nothing brilliant to strike (though he could
be brilliant, and was, at times, beautiful); there
might be nothing extraordinary or profound, to
awaken admiration (though he could be deep); but
however simple or ordinary his remarks, they were
clothed with such earnestness and solemnity, that
they never failed to make a solemn impression upon
his hearers.

6. He was effective and successful. This was veri-
fied wherever he either labored as a pastor, or preached
on special occasions. In his missionary tour in the
West, his preaching was blessed to the edification of
many a scattered sheep of the ‘“‘ household of faith ;” to
the encouragement of many a destitute congregation ;
the restoration of many a declining professor; and
the reclaiming of many a wandering sinner. The
Taneytown and Emmitsburg congregations pros-
pered greatly under his ministrations; his efficacy
here (in Hagerstown) you all know; and of his suc
eess in building up the congregation at Springfield,
you have heard. Revivals of religion were frequently

enjoyed under his preaching, both in his charges, and
16*
370 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

where he labored in protracted meetings. A blessed
revival was enjoyed in the institution at Springfield
last winter; and another had commenced, and was in
progress, when he died.

II. You axe To FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE.

1. In presenting his example for your imitation, I
do not wish to forget that he was human and fallible;
or to declare that he had no imperfections or short-
comings. When Paul presented himself as an exam-
ple to the Corinthians, he only said, ‘‘ Be ye followers
of me, even aa I also am of Christ.” Jesus alone is
an absolutely perfect example; and prophets, apostles
and ministers are only examples so far as they follow
the perfect pattern. I do not wish you to forget,
either, that I entertained for him a peculiar and strong
partiality——yea, loved him as my own soul; never-
theless, while I wish, on the one hand, to be moderate
in my estimate of him, I desire, on the other, to do
justice to his memory.

2. I present him as an example of painful self-
denial. ‘He sought not his own, but the things of
Jesus Christ.””> When a young man, he was brought
to the knowledge of the truth under the faithful labors
of the Rev. Abraham Reck, then pastor of St. John’s
Church, in Middletown Valley, Md. Feeling that he
was called to the ministry, he desired the requisite
A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. 871

aid to prosecute his studies from his father, who was
in easy circumstances. The father, having improper
views of the requisites of the ministry, refused to
grant his request. Great as this barrier was, it did
not prevent him from making an effort to obtain an
education. He went to Gettysburg, on foot, with no
more than a quarter of a dollar in his pocket. He was
aided by the Education Society; but the amount re-
ceived was not adequate to supply all his wants. So
popular was he among his associates, that the young
men of St. John’s Church contributed to his support.
Notwithstanding all this, he was constrained to en-
dure great privations, to practice the most rigid econ-
omy, to live on the homeliest fare, and dress in the
most common manner. After his studies were ended,
he refused to accept calls from congregations in the
East, and devoted himself to the arduous and self-
denying work of a traveling missionary, among the
scattered Lutherans in the then far West.

On his return, he accepted a call from the large
Taneytown charge, where he continued his self-deny-
ing labors. In accepting a call to this congregation
(Hagerstown), the same spirit was manifest, for his
physical labors were equal, his mental greater, and
his salary considerably less. He accepted the call as
Theological Professor of Wittenberg College when
there was hardly any provision for his support; and
372 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

was willing to struggle with all the difficulties, endure
all the trials, bear all the discouragements, and per-
form all the labors, which were necessarily connected
with such an undertaking, and, at the same time,
draw largely on his own funds for support.

3. LHe was an example of untiring labor. He was
emphatically a workman. He was never idle. He
did not even give himself the necessary recreation for
relief to his mind and rest for his body. The labors
which he performed from the beginning of his minis-
try until its close, have been such as few men could
endure.

His missionary labors ’ showed how he toiled in
those destitute portions of the Church. The Taney-
town charge, consisting of two congregations, em-
bracing eight hundred members, and scattered over
an extent of country twenty miles in length and ten in
breadth, taxed his energies until he sank under them
with bronchitis. In this charge he performed scarce
less physical, and more mental labor. In Springfield
he did more still. He taught the classes of the theo-
logical department of Wittenberg College, and aided
in the literary department, preached twice each Sab-
bath to his congregation in Springfield, lectured each
Wednesday night, made excursions to neighboring
congregations, even during session time, beside the
correspondence, care and supervision of both the col-
A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. 3873

lege and the Church. During vacations, he fre-
quently acted as agent, and almost constantly trav-
eled, preaching and advancing the interests of the
institution.

All this was too great a tax on his strength, and
he gradually sank under it. He was ‘instant in sea-
son and out of season,” ‘in labors more abundant,”
and literally spent himself in the service of his
Lord.

4. He was an example of indomitable energy.
This characterized all his efforts. Nothing but this
could have enabled him to undertake and accomplish
what he effected. Obstacles might arise, but his
energy impelled him to surmount them; difficulties
might appear, but he would struggle long and hard
with them, even until he gained the victory; dis-
couragements might frown, still he would move for-
ward, until they were left behind him.

He had an ron will, and when he undertook any-
thing which he knew to be great and good, neither
the misgivings of friends, nor the threatenings of en-
emies, could bend him. Gifted with a penetrating
foresight and a sound judgment, he took his stand,
and he would conquer or die. This was illustrated
in the manner in which he surmounted the obstacles
in his way in obtaining an education, in his labors as
a missionary, in the performance of all his pastoral
BYE: BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

duties, and in the founding and building up of the
institution whose head. he was.

It is difficult to imagine what energy, zeal and per-
severance it required to commence and carry forward
such an enterprise. But prompted by conscience, he
undertook it; encouraged by faith, he laid the founda-
tion; inepired by hope, he toiled for its success; car-
ried forward by his energy, he won the confidence of
the Church and the public, rallied around him a no-
ble band of ministers to sustain, and of talented pro-
fessors to aid him, and actuated by his ability and
consistency, there rushed to Springfield an energetic
and self-denying company of western youth, whom
he was forming under his molding hand for co-
workers with himself, and usefulness to the Church.

5. He was an example of noble liberality. The
privations of his youth, the example of his parents,
as well as his natural disposition, made him econom-
ical in his expenditures, and exact in all his dealings.
When the day of straitened circumstances was over,
and he received at last his patrimony, it neither elated
nor inclined him to prodigality or covetousness. He
liquidated the whole debt made with the Education
Society, and constantly devoted a due proportion of
his means to the cause of God. He was unostenta-
tious in his benevolence, he sounded no “ trumpet be-
A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. BY)

fore him” when he gave alms, and ‘his left hand
frequently knew not what his right hand did.” The
deserving poor never went unalmed from his door,
and where he knew there was want, he never left it
unprovided for. He was given to hospitality, and
his house was a home for his own and the Church’s
friends. He sympathized deeply with poor young
men struggling with difficulties in endeavoring to en-
ter the ministry, advised and aided them, and inter-
ested others in their behalf. A number he sought
out himself who either are now in or preparing for
the ministry. He gave from principle, and was con-
trolled by the Bible standard, ‘‘ according to ability.”

6. He was an example of advanced holiness, He
had naturally strong passions, but by grace, watch-
fulness and prayer, he had obtained in a great degree
the mastery over them. He had attained in a great
measure to that greatness which Solomon declares su-
perior to his ‘‘ who taketh acity,” viz: that of ruling
his own spirit. Not that he did not feel injury; he
felt it keenly, but he “kept under his body,” and his
resentment was held in chains by his meekness.
From his position and the enterprise in which he was
engaged, he necessarily encountered opposition, but
he became more and more lamb-like under it.

His victory over the world was also great. He was
376 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D.D.

in, but not of the world; he was surrounded by, but
non-coniormed to the world; he used but did not
abuse the world. This was seen in his plain dress, in
his manner of life, in his strong abhorrence of worldly
vanity, in his conversation and preaching. He was
scrupulously conscientious, he drank daily at the foun-
tain of living waters, read Jay’s Morning and Even-
ing Exercises for his personal advancement in piety,
was at home at the throne of. grace, and had been in
the furnace of affliction.

He had naturally a strong mind, had cultivated and
improved it by diligent study, had made no small
progress in theology, had heard his ‘* praise in all the
Churches,” had seen his unparalleled success in the
building up of the institution over which he presided,
and yet he was humble and unassuming.

No one could hear him preach without feeling that
he was a good man, and no one could be in his pres-
ence without feeling that he was a holy man.
He was a serious Christian, was not given to ut-
tering ‘‘idle words,” or to indulging in ‘“ foolish
jesting.”

This appeared, not only in his public character,
but shone with a bright luster in his private life; not
only in the discharge of his duties, in.the pastoral re-
lation, but likewise in the filial, parental, matrimonial
A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. 377

and civil. He was not only a holy minister, but he
was an affectionate son, a loving husband, a fond,
doting father, and a good citizen.

It can truly be said of him, as it was of John and
Barnabas, ‘‘ He was a burning and a shining light,”
“a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of!
faith.”

7. And lastly, he was an example of entire devo-
tion to the cause of Christ in our Church. He loved
the Church, devoted himself to her advancement,
sighed over her wants, wept over her desolations,
prayed for her prosperity, devised ‘liberal things”
for her improvement, labored for her elevation and
extension, and sacrificed himself upon her altar.

He was deeply interested in all the benevolent ope-
rations of the Church. Beneficiary education, the
cause which had given him ministerial life, was dear
to his heart; and its claims were never unpresented
during his ministry. To home missions he devoted
the first fruits of his ministry, and foreign missions
found in him a friend who never neglected to hold the
monthly concert of prayer for their success. He
served the institutions of the Church as a director for
many years, directed many students to their walls,
contributed personally to the supply of their, wants,
presented their claims to his congregations and the
878 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

Church, and became at last the head of the promis-
ing, but now bleeding Wittenberg.

He took a lively interest in all the great benevolent
operations of our country, the Bible, Tract, Mission-
ary, and other societies, Temperance found in him
an able and steady advocate, the poor of the alms-
house a constant visitor, and the colored population a
sincere friend.

He was the fast friend of revivals of religion, la-
bored and prayed for them, enjoyed and gloried in
them, witnessed and was at home in these seasons of
“refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” He
gave himself ‘ wholly to these things,” and ‘‘ prefer-
red Jerusalem as his chief joy.”

III. You aBE TO CONSIDER THE END OF HIS LIFE,

He was constitutionally contemplative, and loved
with Isaac to meditate at eventide. He cultivated
this practice, and hence in his study, upon his pillow,
and in his walks, he engaged in it. Death embraced
a large share of his meditations. The untimely death
of some of the young men who studied and entered
the ministry about the same time that he did, the
Rev. Jesse Hoover in the West, and Rev. Emanucl
Keller in the East, and to whom he was ardently at
tached, aided in strengthening this habit.
A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. 3879

The death of his two babes, who sleep under yon-
der slab in your own church-yard, made a deep im-
pression upon him. He frequently stole away to
meditate at their grave, and in thought was often
with them in the Saviour’s bosom.

The death of beloved ones in the Church in general
in his own charge, and especially in this congregation,
since his departure, deeply affected him, and gave re-
newed and constant occasion to the contemplation of
death, as all his letters evinced.

He was aware that he was constitutionally predis-
posed to apoplexy, which was constantly increased by
his sedentary pursuits, and his incessant studies and
cares. He did not expect to live long, but seemed to
have a premonition that he would be called away
early, and spoke of it as calmly as about his return
to the West.

He was ready, for his conversation was in heaven,
whence he looked for the coming of his Lord. He
ripened so fast for heaven, that earth could not retain
him long. He was one of the ‘‘ upright,” whose end
is peace. With Paul, he could say, ‘‘ lam now ready
to be offered up, and the time of my departure is at
hand. I have fought the good fight, I have kept the
faith, I have finished my course, henceforth there is
laid up for me a crown of rigliteousness, which God
380 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

the righteous Judge shall give me, and not to me
only, but to all them that love his appearing.”

And when his Saviour did come, he could say,
** Come, Lord Jesus, even so, come quickly.’ ‘* Death
is swallowed up in victory—O grave! where is thy
victory ! O death! where is thy sting?”

Consider the issue of his life. He enjoyed all the
consolations of religion, the peace that passeth under-
standing, the joy that is full of glory, the hope which
is an anchor to the soul, the comforts of the Spirit,
the approval of conscience, the respect of the world,
the confidence of the Church, and the approbation of
heaven,

He enjoyed the happiness of doing good. In “ wa-
tering others,” he was watered himself; in ‘“ sowing
bountifally,” he “‘ reaped bountifully,” and in imita-
ting his Master, he experienced, like him, a foretaste
of ‘‘the joy that was set before him.”

He enjoys his reward in heaven now. He was a
servant who was faithful unto death, has been re-
ceived by his Lord with the plaudit, ‘‘ Well. done,
good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of
thy Lord,” and with his own hand, Jesus has placed
upon his brow “the crown of glory that fadeth not
away.” He fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty,
clothed the naked, took in the stranger, and visited
A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY 381

the sick and afflicted, and Christ has already rewarded
him as though he had done it unto himself, and wel-

comed him with, ‘‘Come thou blessed of my Father,

inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the found-

ation of the world.”

He turned many to righteousness, and has recog-
nized them in heaven. He has met his sainted babes,
who now know their noble father, and has united in
their hosannahs to the Lamb; he has been greeted
by his faithful co-workers in the ministry, and has
united in singing with them the ‘‘ New song of Mo-
ses and the Lamb;” he has been hailed by those
whom he brought to the knowledge of the truth, and
edified by his preaching, and has united with them in
ascriptions of praise to the Redeemer—‘‘ Now unto
Him that washed us in his own blood and made us
kings and priests unto God, be glory forever and
ever;” he is with and like unto the angels, and with
them has cast his crown of glory at Immanuel’s feet ;
he has sat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, at the
table of the marriage supper of the Lamb; he has
seen Isaiah and the noble band of prophets; he has
become acquainted with Paul and the holy apostles ;
he has found Luther and the glorious reformers ; he
is the associate of all the great and good that have
ever lived, and is enjoying with them the fruit of the
382 BIOGRAPHY OF EZRA KELLER, D. D.

tree of life, and the waters from the fount of salva-
tion, dwelling in the mansion of New Jerusalem,
without a want, without a sigh, without a tear in
perfect bliss; he has overcome, and is seated with
Jesus on his throne, has received the white stone with
the new name written thereon, and is shining like a
star in the firmament of heaven, and will continue to
shine brighter and brighter forever and ever. Amen
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