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 I THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, | 
 m> Princeton, N.J. /^ -? f 
 
 I ^5Zr * 
 
 
 
ROBERT FINLEY, D.D. 
 
J> 
 
 •/ 
 
 OF THK 
 
 REV. ROBERT FINLEY, D.D. 
 
 LATE PASTOR 
 
 OF 
 
 THE PRESBYTERIA?f CONGREGATION 
 
 AT BASKING RIDGE NKW -JERSEY 
 
 AND 
 
 PRESIDENT OF FRANKLIN COLLEGE, 
 
 LOCATBD AT ATHENS, IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA. 
 WITH 
 
 BRIEF SKETCHES 
 
 OF SOME OF HIS COTEMPORARISS? 
 
 AN» 
 
 NUMEROUS NOTES. 
 
 BY THE REY. ISAAC V. BROWN, A.M, 
 
 NEW-BRUi\SWICK ; 
 
 PUBLISHED BY TERHUNE & LETSON 
 
 1819. 
 
 W UYIR, PRINTBR. 
 
DIS TRICT OF NE W-JERSEY, ss. 
 
 r^"^''i 13 E it recaembercd, that on the twelfth day of April, in the forty-lhirfi 
 Ll^'^i "^ y*''^'' of the independence of the United States of America, Isaac V. 
 BaawN, of the said District, hath deposited in thi? office the title of a 
 book, the right whfreof he claims as autlior, in the words following, to wit : — 
 "Memoirs of the (lev Rohf-rt Finley, D, D. late Pastor of the Presbyterian 
 Congregation at Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and President of Franklin College. 
 located at Athens, in the state of Georgia ; with hrie; bkjtrhepof some of his 
 ecttciiioraries, and numerous Notes. By the Rev. Isaac V Brown, A. M." 
 In conloroiity to an act of the Congress of the United States entitled an aet foi 
 the encourageraPDt of learning, by seiu'iogthe copies of maps, charts and books, 
 to the authors and proprietora of sncb copies, dxring the times therein mentioned ; 
 and also to the act, entitled an act supplementary to the act euti led an act for 
 the encouragemfnt of learninj:. by securing the copies of maps, charts ao! books] 
 to the authors aud proprietors of such copies, during the times th«'iein men'ion-l 
 ed and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, etching aud en- 1 
 craving hiEtorical and other priot?. I 
 
 WILLIAM rE>NINGTON, 
 
 Clerk of the District of Kew-Jeraer. 
 
tEEFACE. 
 
 An intelligent gentleman, in the congregation of 
 Basking Ridge, many jears ago, while contempla- 
 ting his beloved pastor, in the midst of his ministeri- 
 al labours and successes, made the foiiowing decla- 
 ration : " Were I ambitious, I would rather be 
 Robert Finley than Csesar or Bonaparte !" 
 
 And truly his character V¥as so exalted and pure, 
 his life so conspicuous and useful, his transactions 
 so judicious and important, and his name so dear, 
 that forming, in this transitory world, a mem.o'ial of 
 his excellence, is an act, not less of justice to him, 
 than of kindness to ourselves. Few men have re- 
 cently appeared on the stage of life, more truly and 
 deeply devoted to the interests of Christ's kingdom 
 and the good of mankind ; few men have been so 
 early in life, so prominently and so indefatigably en- 
 gaged in enterprises of benevolence and pic^y ; few 
 men have performed so many labours in the church, 
 and enjoyed so great a harvest of success in the di- 
 vine service, as Dr. Finley. There are therefore 
 but few^ whose claims upon the church and upon 
 the world, for posthumous regard, are so clear and so 
 strong, as his, and there have recently been few 
 whose lives and characters are so well calculated to 
 instruct, to animate and profit others. 
 
VI PRJCFACE. 
 
 It was under the influence of su \h sentiments re- 
 specting Dr. Finley, that the resolution, to attempt 
 preparing a biographical view of his character and 
 life, was first formed. The narrow limits, then con- 
 templated, have been insensibly and unavoidably 
 surpassed : — that which was originally expected to 
 make a pamphlet, or, at most, a small 12 mo. has 
 been necessarily enlarged and put into the form of an 
 octavo. In the course of the narrative, the names of 
 several deceased ministers of the gospel rose in- 
 to view, who are still remembered with interest by 
 some and who deserve the tribute of recollection 
 and respect which is here paid to them. 
 
 Dr. Finley was so earnestly devoted to the busi- 
 ness of education in all its degrees and relations, that 
 in order to illustrate fully his views and transactions 
 in regard to that subject, as well as others, it was 
 thought expedient to introduce in the form of notes 
 at the close of the volume several essays or discus- 
 sions, on topics incidentally connected with the nar- 
 rative. This measure was adopted the more readily, 
 because it afforded the writer an opportunity to incor- 
 porate with these illustrations, a few hints and sug- 
 gestions on the same subjects, which have occurred to 
 him during the last ten years while engaged in the 
 business of instruction, and which are also the re- 
 sult of some reflection upon the state and prospects of 
 American literature. 
 
 With regard to the manner in which the work 
 has been executed, the writer would observe that 
 
PREFACB. Vll 
 
 he is fully sersible of the correctness and force of 
 the remark : — 
 
 ^'Difficile estpropne communia dicereJ*^ 
 
 Nevertheless he has dared to disregard an injunc- 
 tion of the same high classic authority : — 
 
 " Sape styliim vertas iterum^ qucs digna legi 
 sint Scripturusy 
 
 Having enjoyed neither much leisure, nor good 
 health, during the period in which the manuscript, 
 of the following memoirs &c. was prepared, he has 
 not pleased himself, and cannot therefore, expect, 
 very extensively, to please others. His great object 
 has been to draw a true character, rather than a hand- 
 some portrait — to make an honest and useful, rather 
 than a splendid volume — to place correctly before our 
 view that high, 
 
 " Exemplar vita morumque^'* 
 which this deceased man of God uniformly exhibi- 
 ted while among us — and thus, to render to the 
 Heavenly Father a deserved and lasting tribute of 
 praise for the signal manifestations of his grace, 
 which we behold in the life of his servant. 
 
 On the v/hole, if this volume shall be found to 
 record events and to detail transactions conducive 
 to the honour of God, to human improvement 
 and Christian comfort ; — if it shall, in some small 
 measure furnish materials to assist others, hereaf- 
 ter, in forming a connected and expanded view 
 of the church of Christ and of divine benefi- 
 cence and grace to men ; — if, by exhibiting the ar- 
 
VIU JKREFACE. 
 
 dent and uiivvearied exertions of this distinguished 
 and excellent servant of the Lord, it shall be inbtru- 
 mental in strengthening the resolutions and exciting 
 the zeal of survivors, to follow him in his pious and 
 benevolent career, to repair the loss which is sustain- 
 ed by his lamented removal, to preserve from fail- 
 ure and carry to perfection the plans of benevolence, 
 from the prosecution of which, he was suddenly 
 withdrawn, the end of this publication will be accom- 
 plished. And. to make it productive of these happy 
 results, may the divine benediction rest upon it ! 
 Jjciu'rencevtlle, JV» J. JaJiuarn 7, IB J 9,. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 VIEW of Mr. James Finley, father of Robert - . 9 
 
 Robert Finley's birth and early education - - - 14 
 
 JEnters College - - - - 15 
 
 His first serious impression, his success in College, - - IG 
 
 Graduates and commences teaching - - - 16 
 
 His success in this employment, invitation to Maryland - - 17 
 Takes charge of an Academy at Allentown, makes a public profession of 
 
 religion, invited to teach in Charleston - - 18 
 
 Extracts from his diary in Charleston - - - 19 
 
 Returns to New-Jersey and commence? the study of Theology - 24 
 
 Is made Tutor in College, extracts from his diary there - - 24 
 
 Mr Finley's licensure and ordination - - - 28 
 
 His marriage - - - 31 
 
 The origin and progress of his 8cl)ool - - 3[ 
 
 Immediate benefit of his ministry - - - 38 
 
 An awakening is experienced - - - 39 
 
 Mr. Finley's account of this great event - - - 40 
 
 His great zeal and powerful exertion - - - 50 
 
 His efforts to retain the Bible in English Schools - - 53 
 
 Is elected a Trus^^ee of Princeton College - - - 54 
 
 Another excitement is felt in his parish - - - 55 
 Mr. Fioley appointed to preach the Missionary Sermon, before the 
 
 Genral Assembly in Philadelphia - - -55 
 
 Is appointed same year a delegate to the General Association of Connecticut 55 
 
 A very interesting scene at Basking Ridge - - 56 
 
 Mr. Finley labors in Sussex and other places • - 57 
 
 He and Mr. Woodhull originate the Bible Class system - - 6 
 
 Transactions of Presbytery respecting it - - 61 
 
 of the Synod - - - 62 
 
 of the General Assembly - - - 63 
 
 Mr Finley introduces the svstem in<o his parish - - 65 
 
 Divine blessing follows— youth awakened — a great excitement is produced 65 
 
 Mr. Finley's tours in the skirts of his parish - - 70 
 
 His health becomes impaired - - • 75 
 
 The Colonization Society formed December 1816 - - 75 
 View of his agency in tfiis business, his visit to Washington, exertions there, 
 
 publicatiocs oa the subject, journey home, measures at Philadelphia and 
 
 Trenton - - - - 7.7 
 
IV 
 
 CONTENTS, 
 
 Mr. Finley invited to settle as a pastor in Washington - - 109 
 
 His invitation to Georgia, correspoudence on the subject of removal 109 
 
 Conflict in his mind, but he resolves to go - - - H6 
 
 Resigns his seat as Trustee of College, is honored with the degree of D. D. 
 
 from College of Princeton . • . 116 
 
 Is separated from his congregation and dismissed from the Presbytery of 
 
 New-Brunswick . • , . 117 
 
 Takes leave of his congregation . * . 119 
 
 Sets oflf for New York— sails, &c. . . . . 124 
 
 Arrives at Sarannah . • . .- . 125 
 
 Letter? giving a statement of first impressions . . 126 
 
 A sketch of the College at Athens, its situation, resources, &c. . 133 
 
 Dr. Finley's first measures, recommendations, &c. . . 138 
 
 His labors in College— in the Village . . . 140 
 
 First commencement . . . , 142 
 
 Dr. Finley'8 fatal tour . . . i .143 
 
 He attends Presbytery . ... 145 
 
 He preaches there . . . . 146 
 
 Attends a Sacramental service, distant from Athens . . . 147 
 
 Is taken sick, his disease, some observatiens on his sick bed , 148 
 
 Communications relating to bis illness and death . , 149 
 
 Impressions made on the public mind . . . . 152 
 
 Obituary notice of him published in Georgia . . . 153 
 
 Kecommendationof the Senatus Academicus . . . 155 
 
 Transactions of the Trustees of Franklin College . . 156 
 
 Letter of consolation to an afflicted Lady . . . 158 
 
 Additional letters on various subjects . . . . 162 
 
 General view of his publications .... 170 
 
 A summary of his character ♦ ... 175 
 
 NOTES, SKETCHES, &c. 
 
 Note A. Dangers of sending sons too early to college . . 189 
 
 NoteB. Advantages of teaching to young men . . 193 
 
 Note C. Sketch of Rev. J. F. Armstrong ... 197 
 
 Note D, Sketch of Rev. G T Snowdea , . .205 
 
 Note E. Sketch of Rev. Dr. Jos. Clark ... 213 
 
 Note P. Sketch of Rev. Samuel Kennedy . . .229 
 
 Note G. Sketch o^ Rev. Jas. Caldwell, &c. . . . 237 
 
 Note H. A view of Revivals . . . 251 
 
 Note I. Importance of employing good English Teachers . . 299 
 
 Note J. Propriety of using the Bible in English Schools . . 303 
 
 Note K. Excellence of the Bible Class sygtem ,. . . 307 
 
 Note L. Dialogues on the African Colony . . .313 
 
 Note M. Hints for improving School* and Colleges . . . 347 
 
 Note N. Sketch of Rev. William Boyd . - * • W 
 
MEx\IOIRS 
 
 OF 
 
 REV. ROBERT FINLEY, D.D. &c. &c. 
 
 3Ir. James Finley, father of the subject of this narra- 
 tive, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, A. D. 1737. Be- 
 fore he reached his eighteenth year, religion took a 
 powerful hold of his mind. It pleased God, early to lay 
 hira low, and to hold him long under deep convictions 
 and apprehensions, in a state of suspense and anxiety, 
 so awful as nearly to break the power of his reason and 
 the vigour of his frame. At the set time, God re- 
 vealed himself in mercy, to this convinced and mourning 
 sinner, inspiring hope and gladness, where guilt and 
 horror had lately reigned. Through life, he often 
 spoke of the sore conflicts he then endured, and declar- 
 ed his full belief, that, though painful for the present^ 
 they had been good and salutary, working out to him, 
 more abundantly, the peaceable fruits of righteousness. 
 
 Mr. Finley was trained to the business of a yarn 
 merchant, in his native city. In the prosecution of this 
 employment, he supplied himself with materials, by at- 
 tending the fairs of the surrounding country, where the 
 commodities, in which he dealt, were exhibited for sale, 
 in great abundance and variety. On account of his su-, 
 perior ability and fidelity in his profession, he was pro- 
 moted to the office of superintendent, and discharged 
 
10 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 the duties of inspector of the yarn factories in Glasgow 
 and its vicinity. 
 
 He became, very early, acquainted ^vith the Rev. 
 John Witherspoon, who was then an eminent minister 
 of .the gospel, exercising his pastoral functions in the 
 town of Paisley, about six miles distant from Glasgow. 
 So warm was his regard for Mr. Witherspoon, that he 
 frequently left the church, to which he was attached, in 
 his native city, and walked to Paisley, on Sabbath days, 
 to attend the ministrations of his admired friend. His 
 attachment to him, became unusually sincere and strong. 
 He admired him as a preacher of the gospel : he rejoic- 
 ed in his efforts to restore pure Presbyterian govern- 
 ment in the church of Scotland : he sympathised with 
 him in the struggles and persecutions he encountered in 
 his attempts, thus, to set aside the corrupt and oppressive 
 system of patronage, which had been imposed upon the 
 people. 
 
 Dr. Witherspoon, warmly reciprocated the respect 
 and affection, of his pious and excellent friend. After 
 accepting the presidency of Princeton College, and emi- 
 grating to Vmerica, A. Y). 1768, he invited him to come 
 over and settle in the same place. Mr. Finiey yielded 
 to this solicitation, and with his wife, whose maiden 
 name was Angres, landed at New-York, in 1769. At 
 Princeton, the intercourse and familiarity, commenced 
 in Scotland, were renewed, and continued till termina- 
 ted, by the death of the illustrious President, A. D. 
 1794. In this village Mr. Finiey, pursued, with dili- 
 gence and respectability the mechanical occupation of 
 weaving, for which his employment in Scotland, seem- 
 ed, in some measure, to qualify him. Here also he oc- 
 cupied for many years, the office of ruling elder in the 
 
DR. FINLEV. 11 
 
 ■I*- 
 
 Presbyterian church. He was an eminently pious and 
 exemplary Christian. His faculties of mind naturally 
 strong- and active, had been long and earnestly employ- 
 ed on the noblest subjects. His memory strongly re- 
 tentive, was richly stored with a knowledge of the Ho- 
 ly Scriptures and of human life ; and his zeal and enga- 
 gedness in religion being uncommonly lively and uni- 
 form, he w^as truly an instructing and interesting com- 
 panion and a highly useful and valuable member of socie- 
 ty. JMany wise and good men, sought his company and 
 frequented his house, to be edified by his intelligent and 
 pious conversation, and to be animated in ways of piety, 
 by his fervent prayers and glowing zeal. 
 
 During the struggles of the American colonies for lib- 
 erty and independence, Mr. Finley manifested that he 
 had, indeed, adopted this, as his country. He was a 
 warm and decided advocate and supporter of the Ameri- 
 can revolution. He was employed, as clothier to a bri- 
 gade of American troops and held this office while the 
 English were in possession of Princeton. He continued 
 at home during this period, and had constant intercourse 
 with several British officers, who quartered in his house, 
 without incurring the charge of indifference to the 
 cause of the colonies, on the one hand, or making him- 
 self peculiarly obnoxious to the enemy, on the other. 
 He suffered much in his temporal interests, in (he result 
 of this agency, by receiving almost the wiiole of his com- 
 pensation, for revolutionary services which he had ren- 
 dered, and private moneys which he had expended, in 
 the currency of the provinces, when it had sunk to 
 almost nothing. This was peculiarly afflicting to him, 
 inasmuch as by misfortunes, in his native country, his 
 
1'2 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 pecuniary circumstances had become much reduced and 
 his prospects of reinstatement very dubious. 
 
 AA^hile residing at Princeton, Mr. Finley correspond- 
 ed for many years with David Dale, Esq.=^ the honoura- 
 ble Bailiff of the district he had inhabited in Scotland. 
 Epistolary intercourse with that distinguished and ex- 
 cellent man, was continued after Mr. Finley's decease 
 by his son Robert. It is a subject of deep regret that 
 the letters of this correspondence, very valuable and in- 
 teresting on many accounts, cannot be obtained. 
 
 * The following sketch of this distinguished and excellent man is taken from 
 the Assembly's Missionary Magazine for the year 1806, page 341 : — 
 
 "Died at Glasgow, on the 17th current, in the 68th year of his age, David 
 Dale, Esq of Rosebank, late one of the magistrates of that city. The character 
 of this good man comprehended in it so many points of excellence, that only an 
 imperfect outline of it can here be given. He had not enjoyed the advantage of a 
 polished or liberal education j but this want was compensated by a large share 
 of natural sagacity and sound sense, by an accurate and discriminating knowledge 
 of human character, and by a modest and dignified simplicity of manner, which 
 secured to him universal respect and attention. A zealous promoter of general 
 industry and of the manufactures of his country, his schemes of business were ex- 
 tensive and liberal, conducted with singular prudence and perseverance, and, by 
 the blessing of God, were crowned with such abundant success as served to ad- 
 vance his rank in society and to furnish him with the means of that diffusive be- 
 nevolence which rendered his life a public blessing and shed a lustre on his char- 
 acter that has been but too rarely exemplified. Impelled by the powerful influ- 
 ence of that truth which he fir^ily believed and zealously taught, constrained by 
 the love and animated by the example of his blessed Master, his ear was never 
 shut to the cry of distress ; his private charities were boundless ; and every pub- 
 lic institution which had for its object the alleviation or prevention of human mise- 
 ry, in this world or the world to come, received from him the most liberal sup- 
 port and encouragement. For while the leading object of his life was the diffu- 
 sion of the light of truth in the earth, he gladly embraced every opportunity of 
 becoming, like the patriarchs of old, " eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame,'* 
 and of causing " the widow's heart to sing for joy." In private life, his conduct, 
 actuated by the same principles, was equally exemplary ; for he was a kind parent, 
 a generous friend, a wise and faithful counsellor, " a lover of hospitality, a lover of 
 good men, sober, just, holy, temperate." And now, having thus occupied his tal- 
 ents, he hath " entered into the joy of his Lord. Mark t!ie perfect ana behold 
 the upright, for the end of thatraan is peace." 
 
DR. FINLEY. 13 
 
 Mr. Finley visited Dr. Witherspooii tVeqiientlj and 
 affectionately towards the close of his life, and attended 
 him with peculiar kindness and faithfulness as a friend, 
 in his last sickness. Soon after the death of Dr. Wither- 
 spoon, he resolved to spend the residue of his days in 
 the society of his sons, Robert and Alexander, and accor- 
 dingly moved to Basking Ridge, the place of their abode. 
 His age, his infirmity, his circumstances altogether had be- 
 come such as to require filial attention ai^d kindnes?. 
 And here, while this patriarchal friend of God, receiv- 
 ed the respect and veneration of all around him, he en- 
 joyed the most affectionate and faithful attention of his 
 sons, residing near him, and especially of his son Robert, 
 whose circumstances enabled him to indulge all his filial 
 fondness, by providing for his beloved, and declining pa- 
 rent, every thing necessary for his ease and comfort. 
 
 At Basking Ridge Mr. Finley was elected a member 
 of session, and faithfully discharged the duties of ruling 
 elder in that congregation. His personal appearance, 
 his established reputation^ his considerable knowledge, 
 his ardent piety, and unblemished deportment, all con- 
 tributed to render him a peculiarlj' suitable person to 
 fill that station. He was tall, erect and slender — his 
 features were strong and prominent — his head was 
 whitened with years — his whole aspect was peculi- 
 arly grave, dignified and solemn. These circumstan- 
 ces, associated v/ith uncommon intelligence of mind 
 and sanctity of character, gave great respectability and 
 interest to his frequent performances, in the religious 
 societies uniformly held, and in the occasional meetings 
 of the congregation, in the absence of their pastor, where 
 he generally assisted. His prayers on these occasions, 
 were remarkable for comprehensiveness, for weighty 
 matter, and for profound devotion. 
 
14 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "When death appeared to be drawing near, lie con- 
 templated his dissolution, with great calmness and sat- 
 isfaction. On being asked, when apparently near his 
 close, how he felt, he replied, "just as I wish to feel !" 
 When almost exhausted, he intimated a desire that all 
 his relatives, in the vicinity, should be assembled around 
 Jiis bed, that he might take a last view of the only ob- 
 jects on earth, which he considered dear to him and 
 commit them to God. And after being gently raised up 
 by his son Robert, he cast his eyes complacently round up- 
 on the interesting group and raising them towards heaven, 
 feebly whispered "it is done," and sweetly expired in 
 the seventy-second year of his age, in the full and joy- 
 ful hope of a glorious immortality through Jesus Christ. 
 
 Such men are the salt of the earth ! the light of the 
 world ! — How happy, to be a Christian ! — How inestima- 
 ble the privilege and blessing of being descended from 
 such a parent ! ! 
 
 Robert Finley was born at Princeton, New-Jersey, 
 A. D. 1772, He was very early instructed in the ele- 
 ments of the English language, and in his eighth year, 
 commenced the study of the Latin, in his native village. 
 The salutary effects of early parental instruction and 
 care, were soon discoverable in him. For a youth of 
 his age, he was uncommonly grave and judicious in his 
 deportment. After passing, in a short period, through 
 the hands of a number of teachers, it was happily order- 
 ed that he should here become a pupil of Mr. Ashbel 
 Green, the same gentlemen who is now President of the 
 College of New-Jersey. At this period, Mr. Green was 
 a student in college, and the studies of his class not be- 
 ing sufficient to occupy the whole of his attention, by 
 the advice of Dr. Witherspoon, he spent half his time in 
 
■caciiiii^ iiie i^iaiuiSiar school, whiCli v»u,^ wmcu uuuci ^.'; 
 doctor's superintendence. "VVhiie this arrangement con 
 tributed to increase the classical accuracy and generai 
 respectability of the youthful instructor, it had a tendeir 
 cy no less happy, to advance the interesting pupil in hi?^ 
 academic course, and to lay the foundation of that pre 
 eminence, in this important department of literature, to 
 which he rose in after life. He was observed by bi 
 teacher, to be a youth, considering his age, of nine'.; 
 more than ordinary stability of character, closeness of 
 application, and penetration of mind. He was not sat- 
 isfied, at this early period, with devoting the usual hour? 
 to study ; but frequently, in leisure seasons, he waitec 
 on his teacher, in his private apartment, to obtain from 
 him, more fully, the explanations and aids, which he 
 found necessary, to enable him successfully to prosecute 
 his prescribed daily course. 
 
 In the eleventh"^ year of his age, he was admitted in- 
 to the college, as a member of the freshman class. Mr. 
 Green, having, at the commencement preceding, re- 
 ceived his first degree in the liberal arts, and having 
 been subsequently elected tutor in college, here again 
 found with pleasure, placed under his personal instruc- 
 tion and management, the lad who had, the year before, 
 been his pupil in the grammar school. In the sopho- 
 more class, during the year following, the same relation 
 subsisted between this respectable teacher and promis- 
 ing scholar. The means and opportunities thus enjoyed 
 by Mr. Finley, to become thoroughly acquainted with 
 the Greek and Latin languages, which were the princi- 
 pal subjects of study in the two lower classes of college, 
 
 * See note A. at the end of this narrative. 
 
16 MEMOIRS Ol- 
 
 were as good as could have been desired. And experi- 
 ence has abundantly proved, that he was an apt and suc- 
 cessful student, making such improvement, as to reflect 
 honour on his principal instructor, and to secure the 
 reputation of eminence in this branch of science. 
 
 About the time of his entering the junior class in col- 
 lege, he gave evidence that God had visited him in mer- 
 cy, and impressed his mind deeply with a sense of the 
 importance of religion. It was even hoped, by his fond 
 and anxious friends, that he had experienced a gracious 
 change, and passed from death unto life. Modest and 
 distrustful, he did not view his spiritual state, in so fa- 
 vourable and satisfactory a light as others did, with 
 whom he conversed on this interesting subject. He 
 halted, and continued in painful suspense for a conside- 
 rable time ; but God, having begun this good work, car- 
 ried it on unto perfection. 
 
 Although the mathematical, philosophical and belles 
 lettres studies, with which the junior and senior classes 
 are chiefly occupied, were somewhat above the years 
 and capacity of our young student, yet he appeared^ 
 through the whole of his collegiate course, respectable 
 for scholarship, as v/ell as deportment: and he was ad- 
 mitted to the degree of bachelor of arts, by the trustees 
 of the college at Princeton, in his sixteenth year. 
 
 Having thus early finished the course of his educa- 
 tion, a question of great importance was now to be de- 
 cided ; how he should be employed. Dr. Witherspoon, 
 the friend of the father, was also the friend and adviser 
 of the son. During the first winter after leaving college, 
 Mr. Finley was employed, under the superintendence 
 of the venerable president, as teacher of the grammar 
 school. Here he began to manifest that peculiar talent 
 
Dil. FINLEr. If 
 
 for the government and instruction of youth, which he 
 afterwards exercised and displayed, in several stations, 
 in a manner so highly reputable to himself, and useful to 
 the public. 
 
 A considerable number of the pupils were from the 
 south, farther advanced in years than the teacher, irreg- 
 ular and insubordinate in their temper and manners. 
 Mr. Finley proceeded with energy, to introduce order, 
 and establish discipline in the institution. The elder 
 portion of the youth manifested a refractory temper, re- 
 sisted his regulations, and, on being urged to comply, 
 broke out into open rebellion, in hopes of intimidating the 
 youthful instructor, and constraining him to connive at 
 their idle and disorderly habits. He maintained his au- 
 thority with dignity and firmness, suspended the refrac- 
 tory, and referred their case to Dr. Witherspoon, under 
 whose superintendence he acted, and under whose 
 guardianship most of the young men were placed. Dr. 
 Witherspoon, being informed of these circumstances, 
 visited the school; investigated the whole matter; pro- 
 nounced his full and decided approbation of the meas- 
 ures and conduct of Mr. Finley ; established the influ- 
 ence of his young friend, by the whole weight of his 
 own dignity and authority; compelled the disorderly 
 to make suitable acknowledgments, and to return sub- 
 missively to their studies, under the very system against 
 which they had revolted. 
 
 After some time spent in this employment, Mr. Finley 
 was invited to take charge of a respectable seminary in 
 the state of Maryland. With a view of complying with 
 this invitation, he visited that state; but Providence 
 frowned upon this arrangement. Just as he reached 
 the place of destination, the academy was destroyed by 
 
 3 
 
18 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 fire, and his prospect of employment and usefulness 
 thei-e, entirely blasted. He returned immediately to his 
 native place, and accepted an invitation to teach the 
 academy at A! lento wn, New- Jersey. The Presbyterian 
 congregation existing there, was then under the pasto- 
 ral care of the Rev. Joseph Clark, through whose in- 
 strumentality, Mr. Finley was obtained to teach the 
 academy. 
 
 Mr. Finley's mind had been very seriously exercised, 
 upon the subject of religion, already, more than two 
 years. His impressions increased with his growing age 
 and maturity. During the time now spent in Allentown, 
 his pious exercises and inquiries were brought, by Di- 
 vine Grace, to a happy result. The serious public dis- 
 courses and pious conversation of Mr. Clark, were pe- 
 culiarly blessed to his spiritual interest and comfort, so 
 that now, in his seventeenth year, he entered into co- 
 venant with God, made a profession of his faith, and was 
 admitted to commune with the church, in the Lord's 
 supper. 
 
 AVhile in this situation, he was solicited to undertake 
 the business of instruction, in the city of Charleston, 
 South Carolina. Although he was young and inexpe- 
 rienced, the contemplated place of employment remote, 
 the station conspicuous, and the labours arduous; yet 
 he yielded to the request, and ventured himself into the 
 society and service of strangers, trusting in the protec- 
 tion and care of his Almighty Friend. Here he was 
 kindly received and entertained. His services at 
 Charleston were highly acceptable to the public, and 
 honourable to himself. The acquaintances which he 
 formed with families f distinction, and the attachments 
 he conciliated, during his residence in that city, were 
 
DR. FINLEY. 19 
 
 useful to him throug^h life ; and, probably, opened the 
 way for his receiving, a few years before his death, a 
 call to undertake the pastoral service, there, with a 
 provision corresponding with the wealth and liberality 
 of the southern people. He enjoyed the society and 
 kind attentions of several highly accomplished, pious 
 and excellent families, who were heard to speak of his 
 visits and conversation, in terms of high approbation and 
 satisfaction. The aniiable, iitteMi^nt ttn^ helsfveij^y 
 miiixkd consort^ of the Rev. Dr. Keith, of that city, 
 took a deep interest in Mr. Finley, invited him very 
 frequently and affectionately to her house, enjoyed 
 much of his company, and bore a strong and pleasing 
 testimony in favour of his good sense, great prudence, 
 and humble piety, at this early period. 
 
 A few extracts from a very brief diary, which he kept 
 while teaching in the city of Charleston, unquestionably 
 for his own exclusive use, will serve to confirm the esti- 
 mate of his piety, made by his friends around him, and 
 to illustrate further his religious character, at this time : 
 
 "November 28th, ITOl. — As I began school this 
 morning, in Charleston, after praising God for preserv- 
 ing mercy, I prayed for divine assistance in my whole 
 duty; for the spirit of grace and supplication; for re- 
 pentance and reformation : in the evening, for a blessing 
 on the Church, and my Princeton friends in particular ; 
 to be preserved from the corrupt notions and fashions of 
 the world ; and to live altogether to the glory of God, 
 in humility and godly sincerity. 
 
 " 30th. — Rose between six and seven, thanked God 
 for preserving mercy, prayed for the presence of the 
 
 * Mrs. Keith was a daughter of the venerable Dr. James Sproat, of the city 
 af Philadelphia. 
 
20 MEMOIRS OP 
 
 Lord through the day, for much of his love — after break- 
 fast, for his direction in the business of the day — at noon, 
 for the influences of the Holy Spirit, and for the church 
 -—for the same at night; prayed for preparation for the 
 table of the Lord ; for a blessing on the church, and the 
 pardon of sin; for protection; for faith and humility; 
 for the prosperity of Zion, that I might live as a Chris- 
 tian. 
 
 " December 1st. — T got up after six and blessed God 
 for his mercy in preserving me through the night ; pray- 
 ed to be guided by the holy Spirit, for help to discharge 
 the duties of the day, as becomes a Christian — in the 
 evening again I prayed for a blessing at the church and 
 on the church, for my absent friends, that the Lord 
 would forgive my sins and show me them forgiven, that I 
 might praise him. 
 
 *' 9th. — This morning I returned thanks for the mercy 
 of the night past, prayed for much of the presence of 
 God through the day. — After breakfast, prayed for wis- 
 dom from above to direct me in all things. At noon, 
 in the evening and at night, prayed, that as I had re- 
 solved if it should please the Lord I v\^ould engage 
 in the ministry, I might not be drawn from it by the 
 world : prayed for pardon and acceptance, through the 
 blood of Jesus, for the scholars that they might be re- 
 strained from sin, for boldness in the cause of Christ — 
 did at no time forget my absent friends and the interest 
 of Zion. 
 
 "Jan. 1, 1792.— Being the beginning of the year, I 
 confessed my sins and prayed for pardon. In the morn- 
 ing was very unconcerned, but blessed be God my 
 heart was somewhat warmed — renewed engagements to 
 be for the Lord. Pride struggling much in my heart 
 
I>R. FINLEY. 21 
 
 about dress, I resolved to add nothing to It of superflui- 
 ties, as powder, ruffles, nor to be running after the fash- 
 ions, till the desire of them should arise from love to 
 God— and if 1 dine out on the Sabbath,* I attend the 
 worship of God. So help. Oh I Lord. 
 
 u 2(1. — I rose about seven this morning, returned thanks 
 for the mercy of the night past, prayed for the divine pres- 
 ence throug]] the day, prayed six times to be cleansed 
 from my sins, for all my friends that we might all grow^ 
 in grace and be comforted by the indwelling of the Holy 
 Spirit. 
 
 « 3d. — This morning felt in a good frame of mind, but 
 it did not continue, the world got possession — wrote a 
 letter to my brother and sister on the subject of reli- 
 gion. 
 
 " 4th. — This day I paid a visit to Mrs. Tennent, with 
 whom I had some pleasant religious conversation — re- 
 turned thanks for the mercy of the Lord in this respect. 
 
 **5th. — This day had very much reason to complain 
 of vhe absence of every holy afTection, and that the 
 world had taken so much possession of my whole soul — 
 prayed to be delivered from all this and to have my 
 heart renewed and every heavenly grace implanted — 
 Amen. O Lord. 
 
 * Dining out at all on the Sabbath day, may be thought inconsistent with reii 
 gious duty and in geuei al doubtless is so. But to form a just estimate of this reso- 
 lution, it must be considered that Mr. Finley had no family, whose good order 
 might be interrupted by his absence, and that the families where he dined were 
 probably of a religious character and the conversation with such friends would be 
 at once pleasing and profitable : and that be here made it a fixed point that this 
 social intercourse should not prevent his attendance on divine worship in the after 
 part of the day Probably, longer experience and more reflection, would and may 
 have changed the resolution into this — I will not dine out on the Sabbath unless 
 called to it, in the course of divine providence by some peculiar and evident ue^ 
 ccssity or duty. 
 
22 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 " February 2. — I prayed much to be prepared for the 
 celebration of the supper of the Ivord, to liave my sins 
 for2:iven and a comfortable assurance of ray interest in 
 Christ Jesus. But in the evening through attachment 
 to company I very much neglected the time of prayer. 
 
 "3d. — Prayed to have my heart prepared for every 
 duty, but still there was much folly in me, and I got no 
 comfort from the word of God. May the Lord have 
 mercy on me ! 
 
 " 4th. — I prayed this day much for the Holy Spirit of 
 God to direct me and to prepare me to sit at his table- 
 visited Mr. Hollingshead, and blessed be God, in con- 
 versation, enjoyed much satisfaction about religion — 
 confessed my sins, unbelief, dislike to duty, wandering 
 thoughts, hardness of heart, want of love to God, sinful 
 passions, neglect of the scriptures, pled for pardon through 
 Jesus — laid my wants and necessities before the Lord, 
 and prayed to have them supplied from his fulness. 
 
 ^« 5th. — This day I sat to commemorate the dying love 
 of Jesus at his table — confessed my sins, and I trust had 
 them forgiven, and had my heart somewhat inflamed 
 with divine love, and felt desirous for the glory of God. 
 Took comfort from Heb. — * For ye are not come to 
 Mount Sinai', &c. The Lord was very merciful to me, 
 and blessed be his name forever. Amen. 
 
 "August 20, 1792. — I was somewhat earnest in pray- 
 er to day for the destruction of sin and for the quicken- 
 ing of languishing graces : yet in the evening indulged 
 lively and too many loose thoughts mingled with pious 
 desires. Oh Lord transform me into thine image. 
 
 "23d. — I went to society and being there put to pray- 
 er, I was at a loss till the Lord gave me words and he 
 gave just as I had need. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 23 
 
 " 25th. — T attended upon religious duties with much 
 pleasure to day, and I hope with some profit. 
 
 "26th. — I spent this Sabbath with much satisfaction, 
 and in earnest prayer for my soul and for the kingdom 
 of Zion : yet there was some folly mixed withal. O 
 Lord I am vile. 
 
 " 27th. — I felt grateful to day for mercies, but through 
 much of it, religion was dull. Oh Lord, if not for thy 
 mercy T am undone forever. 
 
 "September 2L — I spent this morning in reading and 
 a form of prayer, but my mind was full of the world : 
 yet I trust I was a little strengthened by the morning 
 sermon. The afternoon, however, would condemn me, 
 had I never lived another. I was truly dreadfully stu- 
 pid, unconcerned and hard hearted. Nothing but free 
 grace can save me. 
 
 " 22, 23, 24. — These three days were much like all the 
 rest of my life, full of sin and great iniquity, the spirit truly 
 warring against the flesh and the flesh against the Spirit, 
 and the latter with but too much success. 
 
 " 26th. — This day was to me much more pleasant than 
 yesterday. There were many seasons in which my soul 
 cried out for God : but my heart was full of anxiety and 
 tossings, with respect to the world and my returning 
 
 home. It pleased the Lord to bring Mr. S to see 
 
 me a few minutes, that my heart might be stirred." 
 
 The preceding extracts from several successive 
 months of Mr. Finley's diary, during the time spent at 
 Charleston, manifest a deep, humble and uniform sense 
 of sin, and guilt — a constant and vigilant attention to his 
 inmost thoughts and exercises of mind — a disposition to 
 deny himself and to resist the fashions and the allure- 
 ments of the world — a thorough persuasion of entire de- 
 
24 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 pendence upon God for all good things and ardent desires 
 after his communion and likeness — a spirit and habit of 
 prayer and supplication for personal sanctification, and 
 for the prosperity of religion in the world. The whole 
 is expressed in that simple manner which was natural to 
 him. 
 
 Having resolved to devote himself to the service of 
 God in the ministry of his Son, he became very desirous 
 now, of placing himself in a situation where he could 
 more successfully prosecute the studies preparatory to 
 that sacred office. For this purpose in the Autumn of 
 1792, he relinquished his lucrative and laborious station 
 in Charleston ; returned to his native place ; resumed 
 the instruction of the grammar school in Princeton ; and 
 commenced the study of theology under the superin- 
 tendence of the venerable President^ of Nassau Hall. 
 His age and maturity, his classical accuracy and general 
 improvement, had now become such, that he advanced 
 with uncommon facility and advantage, in the course 
 prescribed by his judicious and distinguished theological 
 instructor. 
 
 Mr. Finley's peculiar capacity for the government 
 and instruction of youth, having been rendered striking- 
 ly manifest, he was very soon transferred, with univer- 
 sal approbation, from the grammar school, to the office 
 of tutor in college. This promotion was effected through 
 the united influence of Dr. Witherspoon, president of 
 
 * It was a happy circumstance in the order of providence, that he was enabled 
 to enjoy the instructions of Dr. Witherspoon, a philosopher and divine, probably, 
 inferior to no man, in regard to accurate, profound and extensive views, on every 
 subject of theology and ecclesiastical history, of civil government and human life. 
 
DR. FINLEV. '25 
 
 the college, and of the Rev. Dr. Samuel S. Smith,*= vice- 
 president, upon whom the chief management of the insti- 
 tution had devolved, in consequence of the advanced age 
 and growing infirmities of his illustrious father-in-law. In 
 the capacity of tutor, Mr. Finley continued some time, 
 laboriously discharging the duties of that office, and close- 
 ly applying himself to the several subjects and exercises 
 assigned him, as a student of theology. In this arduous 
 and responsible station, his vigilance and fidelity render- 
 ed him both popular and successful. 
 
 Through the whole of this period, the realities of re- 
 ligion appear to have exercised a powerful influence 
 over his feelings and views. That the reader may judge 
 of the state of his mind, a few extracts from his diary, 
 which was continued at this time, will here be inserted. 
 The record does not ascertain the particular year in 
 which it was written, but exhibits satisfactory internal 
 evidence, that it was made while he was tutor in college. 
 
 "September 1st. — This day was another Sabbath. It 
 pleased God that I heard a sermon, from Psalm xcii. 12 
 — ' Teach me so to number my days,' S:c. which was 
 the means of warming my affections, and raising my de- 
 sires after God. I felt my misery, that I am so chained 
 down, and so easily engaged in every vanity and folly. 
 
 " 2d. — I was engaged in hard study ; wrote part of a 
 sermon, during which time my heart was warmed and 
 engaged. Prayer seemed pleasant, and I frequently 
 sent ejaculations; conversed a while with Mr. H — ~, 
 and said to him what I could 
 
 * Mr. Finley was frequently heard to speak, with peculiar satisfaction, of the 
 important advantages he derived in the latter part of his term of study, from the 
 instruction and attention of Dr. Smith, who was then fast approaching the meri- 
 dian of hi3 usefulness and splendour. 
 
 4 
 
26 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 *^ 3d. — Was very much engaged in study, and also 
 my mind was pleased in religious exercises, though I have 
 it too much to lament, that I cannot love the Lord more, 
 and serve him with a more aniaiated zeal. 
 
 " 4th. — Thought early of God and religion this morn- 
 ing, even at rising. Studied hard, and with success, un- 
 til breakfast ; shortly after, was shocked with a report 
 that a young acquaintance, F. Stone, was hurried un- 
 timely to the tomb, by a contagious disease ;^ which 
 ought to have made me tremble ; at length, however, it 
 set me to prayer, that my evidences might be brighten- 
 ed for eternity, and I prepared to go, if called. 
 
 " 5th. — I prayed often and earnestly to-day, that I 
 might have my evidences brightened for eternity. A 
 few of us met and united in prayer, that the destroying 
 angel might be stopped, and the plague arrested in its 
 course, and that it might be well with me. 
 
 " 6th, 8th. — My mind was much taken up with my pros- 
 pects, these days. I thought it probable I should die 
 immediately, and prayed earnestly that my views might 
 be made clear for eternity. 
 
 *'9th. — I. was still anxious, lest I should be infected 
 with this fatal disease, and I prayed earnestly, that I 
 might be prepared for death, whenever it should appear. 
 
 * This contagious disease was tlie yellow fever, which appeared in Philadel- 
 phia, for the first time, afttr a long interval, in August, 1793. In the course of 
 about three months, in that year, this dreadful disease swept ofFnearly five thou- 
 sand of the inhabitants of that city, was generally considered as extremely infec- 
 tious, and spread the utmost alarm over the continent. In this year occurred 
 the case to which Mr. Finley refers in his diary. Mr. F. Stone, a young gentle- 
 man from the south, wlio had been in the college, having been engaged in the 
 study of law in Philadelphia, during the prevalence of the fever, came on to 
 Princeton, was taken ill, and soon died. The disease was then considered as a 
 sort of plague, and several of the students had had intercourse with Mr. Stone 
 \n his illness, without being aware of the nature of his disease at the time. 
 
DR. FINLEY. iLi 
 
 *' 10th, 11th. — I was by no means so much engaged 
 these days, either in study or religion, being exceeding- 
 ly hindered in my room by company. On Wednesday, 
 however, I had a very serious and profitable conversation 
 
 with Mr. C. S , and on the eleventh, with Mr. R. 
 
 Russel, upon the necessity of keeping close to our duty, 
 wherever we may be, and discovering to each other the 
 fallacy of our excuses, and the unreasonableness of our 
 neglect, as it arises from want of resolution, or from 
 coldness. 
 
 " 12th. — This day was not a profitable day to me : 
 my mind was too much impressed with some of the af- 
 fairs of life, so that I forgot our meeting on Thursday 
 evening. 
 
 " 13th, — Was a pleasant day to me; my mind was in 
 a calm and heavenly state ; all seemed to be peace and 
 harmony, and prayer w^as much my delight. 
 
 " There was but little variation in the state of my 
 
 mind ; and though I prayed earnestly at the times of 
 prayer, yet my mind through the day was either enga- 
 ged about the w^orld, or possessed with a languor, and 
 too much stupidity. In the evening I retired with my 
 friend Mr. Russel, to the wood, where however I did 
 not enjoy much of the presence of God, as I fear. 
 
 "My mind was anxiously engaged in the law^ful 
 
 pursuits of the world, which however became unlawful 
 by excessive application, so that my mind seemed to 
 forget that I was made for immortality. The cares of 
 office engrossed much attention in the night. 
 
 " It w^as a good day for me, and I w^as enabled to 
 
 rejoice ; the sermon was blessed to me, in the evening, 
 and at society in college, I had engagedness of mind, and 
 
28 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 was enabled in some measure to forget the world, and 
 desire to live unto the glory of God alone. 
 
 '^ 19th. — My mind was still engaged in religion, though 
 not so much as yesterday. I was perplexed and trou- 
 bled about my business in the college. 
 
 " 20th. — Was convicted to day of calling on God only, 
 or chiefly, when surrounded with trouble. My soul 
 began to groan to return to its rest, but could do nothing 
 more than groan ; could get no clear views of the evil 
 of sin, of the holiness of God, or of my own need of sal- 
 vation. Felt a grievous loss, and knew it was the pre- 
 sence of the Lord, but could not find my way to him 
 again. 
 
 *^' My heart was pained this morning, for the ab- 
 sence of Him alone who can comfort the soul: I was of- 
 ten engaged in prayer, but seemed not to feel ; but in the 
 afternoon, in conversation, my heart grew warm, and I 
 enjoyed m3^self considerably. 
 
 " This day being the Sabbath, I prayed that God 
 
 would manifest himself unto his people ; that his power 
 in converting souls might be felt : prayed particularly 
 for those who had in any measure been awakened at 
 Princeton lately ; that they might be brought on in the 
 heavenly road. At sermon my thoughts were too much 
 wandering. Prayed in the evening for the rising gene- 
 ration; read an account of great conversions in New- 
 England, by which my heart was somewhat warmed.— 
 Blessed be the Lord." 
 
 On the 16th day of September, A. D. 1794, and in the 
 twenty-fourth year of his age, Mr. Finley was licensed 
 to preach the gospel, by the Presbytery of New-Bruns- 
 wick, under whose care he had prosecuted and comple- 
 ted his trial-studies. He entered the ministry at a suita- 
 
DR. FINLEY. 29 
 
 ble age ; and commenced public life with some peculiar 
 advantages. The business of teaching, to which he de- 
 voted so. considerable a portion of time, after leaving 
 college, was followed, immediately, by many important 
 benefits* and produced results very useful to hin^, 
 through his whole life. — His knowledge of human na- 
 ture, was, by these micans greatly enlarged ! — his acquaint- 
 ance with prominent characters and human life, consid- 
 erably extended : — his scholarship improved and illus- 
 trated : — his vigor of mind and habits of application 
 strengthened : — a practical talent was thus early ac- 
 quired : — and his whole character was in a considerable 
 degree formed and established. 
 
 Mr. Finley spent a few months after licensure, in 
 preaching to the congregations, within the bounds of the 
 Presbytery of New-Brunswick, and especially to those 
 destitute of pastors. At the stated meeting of Presbyte- 
 ry, in April 1 795, the vacant congregation of Basking 
 Kidge, which had shared his visits and services, through 
 the preceding winter, presented a call for his pastoral 
 labors, and urgently solicited him to undertake the 
 work of the ministry, among them. The call being 
 found in due form, was put into the hands of Mr. Finley, 
 who declared his acceptance of it. According to previ- 
 ous appointment, the Presbytery met at Basking Ridge 
 on the 16th day of June 1795, and on the following day, 
 solemnly ordained him to the work of the gospel minis- 
 try by prayer and the imposition of hands, and installed 
 him pastor of that congregation. The ordination ser- 
 mon was preached by the Rev. James F. Armstrong :f 
 
 * See Note B. 
 
 f For a sketch of the Rev. J. F, Arnistrong's character see Note C. 
 
oO MEMOIRS OF 
 
 the Rev. Gilbert T. Snowden^ presided in the laying 
 on of the hands of the Pi'eshytery : — and a solemn 'and 
 impressive charge to the newly ordained pastor and to 
 the conf^regation assembled, was delivered by the Rev. 
 Joseph Clark.f 
 
 The congregation at Basking Ridge, embracing a dis- 
 trict of country, about ten miles square, and quite thick- 
 ly populated — presented a field for ministerial labours, 
 extensive and arduous. But the pastor, J whom they 
 had chosen, was adapted, in a peculiar manner, to their 
 circumstances and character : and the event has prov- 
 ed that he was sent to them in *' the fulness of the bles- 
 sing of the gospel.'* The congregation, having been 
 vacant for a considerable number of j^ears, in conse- 
 quence of unhappy dissentions which existed in its bo- 
 som, had experienced a great dearth of the word and or- 
 dinances of God, and become weary of their destitute 
 and afflicted condition. This, together with a recollec- 
 tion, still lively in the minds of many, of the advanta- 
 ges formerly enjoyed, under the ministry of the pious 
 and venerable Mr. Kennedy,^ filled the hearts of the 
 
 * For a brief view of Rev. Mr. Snowden, see Note D. 
 
 t See a sketch of Dr. Clark, Note E. 
 
 t The following; anecdote, which has been obligingly furnished, relates to a 
 subject of great importance, and appears calculated to be useful ; — For some time 
 after Mr. Finley's settlement at Basking Ridge, he boarded with one of the 
 members of the session of this church, who was a very serious and judicious man. 
 " Mr. Fioley arose very early one morning, saddled his horse, and was just starts 
 ingto attend some appointment, when the elder asked him if he was going before 
 morning prayers— Mr. Finley said he believed so. The elder replied, he mighj 
 stand in need of them before night. The reproof was seasonable. Mr. Finley 
 returned and went to prayer, and often said, the admonition came sensibly home 
 to him, and had an operating influence on his life." 
 
 5 For some observations respecting this highly respectable father in the church 
 sfe Note F. 
 
DR. FINLEY. SI 
 
 intelligent and reflecting people, with great desire, to 
 enjoy again the stated means of grace. And consider- 
 ing the painful disagreement, and utter unsuccessfulness 
 which had attended, some former attempts, to realize 
 this great Christian privilege, it was esteemed a propi- 
 tious circumstance, and a token of divine approbation^ 
 that great unanimity and satisfaction prevailed, among 
 this numerous people, in the choice of a pastor which 
 had now been made. His manner of preaching from the 
 beginning, was peculiarly plain and edifying, and in a 
 considerable degree, dignified and earnest. 
 
 He commenced his ministry and continued in the 
 practice of writing his sermons, until unexpected and 
 frequent calls, to preach and to perform pastoral service, 
 compelled him gradually to dispense with this labour 
 and at length to relinquish the use of written discourses 
 altogether. The congregation manifested peculiar re- 
 spect and attention to the character and ministry of their 
 pastor : and his labours very soon were followed by a 
 visible improvement, in the state of the church and in 
 the manners of the people. 
 
 In May 1798, Mr. Finley was united in marriage to 
 Miss Esther Caldwell, a daughter of the Rev. James 
 Caldwell^ who was for twenty years the zealous and be- 
 loved Pastor of the Presbyterian congregation at Eliza- 
 beth-Town, New-Jersey. 
 
 Soon after Mr. Finley's settlement at Basking Ridge, 
 he was induced to undertake the instruction of a small 
 number of boys, some of Avhom were to be prepared for 
 business, the greater part for college. Thus was laid 
 the foundation of aschool, which became permanent, and 
 
 * For a Biographical view oftliig highly respectable minister of the Gosppl. se^ 
 Vote G. 
 
32 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 which for popularity, usefulness and real excellence dur- 
 ing twenty years, it is believed has been surpassed by no 
 classical seminary, on this continent. In the commence- 
 ment ofthis business, Mr. Finley contemplated principal- 
 ly giving- agreeable and useful employment to that por- 
 tion of his time which he could spare from more sacred 
 duties and the gratification of a (ew respectable Indi- 
 vid uals,"* at whose request it was undertaken, without 
 embracing in his view the extent to which it was car- 
 ried or the length of time which it was continued. 
 His small company of pupils consisting of about ten, 
 were taught at first for some time, in a part of his 
 own dwelling house. After the room thus occupied be- 
 came too small, a convenient building was erected by 
 the neighbourhood for the accommodation of the grow- 
 ing number of scholars, and after a (ew years, when the 
 increased collection of students demanded still more 
 room, a capacious and sightly edifice was built, in part, 
 at his own private expense, but principally, by means 
 of liberal contributions, from a number of intelligent, 
 wealthy and public spirited gentlemen, residing in the 
 city of New-York. 
 
 Several circumstances conduced to the success ofthis 
 institution. It was put in operation at a time when 
 grammar schools were less numerous in the state of 
 New-Jersey than at present. Mr. Finley admitted a con- 
 siderable number of the youth into his own family, near 
 his person, and under his constant observation. From 
 
 * The most conspicuous of these j^entlemen were Dr. George Logan of German 
 Town, Pennsylvania, who committed to Mr. Finley at first two sons, afterwards a 
 third, CgI. Jolm Bayard of New- Brunswick, who placed a grand son under his 
 care: Hon. Henry Southard, Mr Alexander Kirkpatrick, Mr Lind^ly and a 
 few others members of his congregation, who increased the number and impor- 
 fance of the school by adding to it, each a son. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 33 
 
 Mr. Kennedy's having superintended a similar institu- 
 tion, in the same place, the people had become sensible 
 of the advantages of such an establishment to the neigh- 
 bourhood, and disposed to encourage the seminary, and 
 to facilitate all its operations. The situation was es- 
 teemed healthful, and the terms of accommodation, were 
 made reasonable. In addition to these circumstances, 
 Mr. Finley's thorough experience and established repu- 
 tation, as a teacher and disciplinarian, strongly attract- 
 ed the public attention and confidence. The impres- 
 sion which he had recently made in Charleston, South 
 Carolina, while teaching there, induced many wealthy 
 and respectable citizens in that region to entrust their 
 children to his able instruction and faithful guardian- 
 ship. 
 
 From Virginia and Maryland, gentlemen of distinc- 
 tion furnished him with many agreeable and promising 
 students. But in general, during its last years his school 
 was composed of boys from the cities of New-York and 
 Philadelphia, and from his native state. The aggregate 
 of scholars in this institution, was often very great, for 
 years in succession. The number of its pupils original- 
 ly restricted to twenty-five, sometimes exceeded forty. 
 So far did the applications for admission surpass the ca- 
 pacity for accommodation, that the institution might just- 
 ly have been denominated a " select school." 
 
 Mr. Finley superintended the institution with great 
 fidelity, and personally inspected with vigilance all its 
 ordinary operations from its first establishment till his re- 
 moval* from Basking Ridge. 
 
 * The labors of his extensive pastoral charge— his disposition for quiet un- 
 interrupted study— his agricultural predilection, and especially the trouble and 
 anxiety to himself and faaaily, arising from bo much attention to the school!— 
 
 5 
 
34 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 It was his practice, for many years, to spend some 
 hours, generally in the morning of every day, in the 
 academy, directing the studies of the youth and as- 
 sisting the tutor in ail his labours. Being himself ac- 
 complished as a scholar, energetic in all his move- 
 ments, possessing a peculiar talent to forward boyg 
 rapidly in their course of improvement, and his as- 
 sistants being generally selected with great care, and 
 promptly and assiduously taught to enter into his views 
 and to follow his example, the plan of education pursued 
 was calculated to make sound classical scholars, and to 
 implant in the pupils' minds, principles and habits of sub- 
 ordination and good morals. 
 
 On account of the acknowledged pre-eminence of his 
 capacity for government, very untractable and turbu- 
 lent youth were at times committed to his care, for the 
 purpose of reformation as well as of instruction. This 
 frequently afforded an opportunity, and created a neces- 
 sity for the exertion of all his masterly powers. The 
 insidious and artful could not escape his deep, persever- 
 ing and irresistible scrutinies. The most hidden disor- 
 ders and crimes, he would, by some means,* detect and 
 
 from necessary responsibility to the public for its success — from participating in 
 its daily instruction and care : — and from boarding a considerable number of the 
 scholars, made him ardently wish at one period, to withdraw from that charge. 
 Accordingly, by his invitation and request the management of the seminary was 
 transferred to Mr.David English, a gentleman of ara'able manners and fine scholar- 
 •hip, who, for a few years conducted the affairs of the institution in a very reputa- 
 ble manner. After Mr. English retired from this laborious occupation and re- 
 turned to Georgetown, where he had before resided, the whole weight of the 
 academic establishment devolved again on Mr. Finley. 
 
 * In one instance considerable mischief had been committed, at night, in the 
 vicinity of the village. A small house had been stoned, some of its glass broken, 
 and its inhabitants very much frightened. No charge was alleged against any 
 particular individual. It was not even perfectly certain, that a student of the acad- 
 
DR. FINLEY. 35 
 
 bring to light, often to the astonishment of the perpetra- 
 tors. 
 
 Nudavit, coeciimque domus seel us omhe, retexit. 
 
 His disposition and manners, towards the studious and 
 amiable, were kind, condescending and affectionate, be- 
 yond expression, lie would sometimes enter into free 
 and familiar conversation with them, on various common 
 topics. In his walking excursions over his farm and 
 through the contiguous parts of the congregation, he 
 would invite some one or more of the youth, at leisure 
 seasons, to accompany him. On the way, he sometimes 
 exercised the accompanying pupil, by proposing English 
 sentences to be Latinized, or false Latin to be rectified. 
 This kind of treatment w^els very useful to the scholar, 
 and it attached him exceedingly to his teacher. But 
 the idle, the insubordinate and the vicious, he treated with 
 rigour, sometimes amounting to real harshness and seve- 
 rity ; according to the good old Persian and classical sys- 
 tem — KXx6f4MTt ft£v ye xxt 7coc7ep<; vtciq Ta(p^oTvvi}y fttj^xvavrxiKcct 
 
 His aspect was naturally stern and commanding ; and 
 he could assume a countenance, voice and manner trulj^ 
 
 emy had been concerned in the transaction. Mr. Pinley, however, when inform- 
 ed of the circumstances, determined to ascertain who had perpetrated the deed. 
 In a silent, and unobserved manner, and with much address, he made all possible 
 search and continued his investigation for several days. No evidence, direct or 
 circumstantial, that would criminate any one, could he collect. Yet he thought he 
 knew the characters of the citizens and of his students so well that he could tell who 
 had done the mischief, and he re.«iolved on this ground to pursue the following course 
 Id the afternoon of a subsequent day he attended in the academy, and towards 
 the close of the business of the day. passing near the boy he suspected, he stooped 
 down and whispered in his ear — *' If you go to night and repair the damages done 
 to that house the other evening, making proper acknowledgments to the people 
 who live in it, nothing further will be done in the business." The fellow was 
 perfectly amazed, made no reply, but as soon as the school was dismissed, per- 
 formed what was demanded, and the affair was settled. 
 
36 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 terrific. He often presented himself to the indolent and 
 refractory, with a dark and menacing contour — w^rt 
 hiKee^. It was his uniform determination to accomplish 
 what he attempted in regard to every youth committed 
 to him, to make him a scholar and a good boy if practi- 
 cable, in the most easy and agreeable manner, peacea- 
 bly if possible, energetically if necessary.* 
 
 The general system of discipline he pursued, was en- 
 forced among the whole mass of the pupils with great 
 uniformity and impartiality. No scholar was exempted 
 from his regular duties, or permitted to pass without the 
 just punishment of his offences, from foolish favouritism or 
 low policy, nor were any punished through caprice or pas- 
 sion. The government was not sometimes relaxed into 
 injurious indulgence, and sometimes screwed up into ill- 
 judged strictness, but conducted with a firm and steady 
 hand. This impartiality and uniformity did not, howev- 
 er, prevent his employing a variety of methods to effect 
 his purposes with the same or different individuals, at the 
 same time, or at various periods. On the contrary, in 
 answer to the question, "What ways do you make use 
 of in your school?" he once replied — "all ways sir." 
 By this reply he intended no doubt, that he employed 
 all the variety of methods, which reflection suggested, 
 or experience pointed out, and which his judgment ap- 
 proved, to spur on the indolent, check the presuming, 
 and subdue the refractory, to interest the dull, animate 
 the desponding and encourage the timid — to awaken 
 emulation, to cherish right dispositions and confirm good 
 habits. He made use of great exertion and care, to im- 
 
 * \fter a considerable exercise of discipline among the boys in the academy, 
 at a certain liiue, Mr. Finley humorously observed to a friend—" They mil find 
 out after all that I wont quite kill them," 
 
DR. FINLEY^. 37 
 
 part to his pupils, correct ideas and impress'ons of mor- 
 als and religfion, and to render them judicious and order- 
 ly, in their manners and deportme.it. A determination 
 to bestow particular attention on this branch of educa- 
 tion, was manifested by him at an early period m the pro- 
 gress of his seminary. During- the last ten years of its 
 operation, more especially, he reduced his views and 
 regulations on this subject, to perfect system, and uni- 
 formly assigned to the scholars at the close of the week, 
 a religious exercise, to occupy their attention, on the 
 Sabbath, and to be exhibited, on the evening of the 
 Lord's day, or at the opening of school the next Mon- 
 day morning. The nature and extent of this religious 
 study, varied with the age, improvement and capacity 
 of the pupil. Some w^ere required to learn the Catechism. 
 But the greater part recited on prescribed portions of 
 the word of God.* At the same time, Mr. Finley watch- 
 
 * The facility, propriety, and advantage, with which Ihe Bible may be intro- 
 duced into academies and boarding schools, both male and female, as a Sunday 
 study, to be recited Sabbath evenings, or Monday mornings, are so obvious, that 
 teachers, superintendents, and trustees of all institutions of this kind, ought 
 without delay, to make this a fundamental regulation and indispensable observ- 
 ance. The youth, who assemble in these seminaries, are those in general, wh« 
 are destined to fill high and influential stations in society, who from their educa- 
 tion, rank and employment, are likely to have a material agency in formimr the 
 opinions and regulating the manners of others and of establishing in a considera- 
 ble degree, the general character of society. The plan commonly pursued in 
 such institutions, of assigning on Saturday, only the usual lesson for Monday 
 morning, leaves the pupil at entire discretion, witli regard to the subject which is 
 to occupy his thoughts on the Sabbath, excepting only the short period, to be spent 
 at church. With far the greater part of youth, this is a certain and immense sac- 
 rifice of precious and sacred time Taking into view the extent of the period, 
 usually spent in acquiring the elements of an education in any literay establish- 
 ment, one lesson each week, or some chapters of the Bible, could not fail to secure 
 to every scholar, of ordinary capacity and application, a most valuable acquaint- 
 ance with biblical history and evangelic truth in general. What a vastly import- 
 ant addition is this to the instructions usually communicated in private and public 
 
38 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ed and observed, as far as possible, the private conduct 
 of his boys, and frequently took opportunities, to coun- 
 sel and direct such of them, as appeared to him, not de- 
 serving of censure, but in need of paternal caution and 
 advice in regard to their moral deportment. 
 
 On the whole, this institution was highly respectable, 
 and very extensively useful. A considerable number of 
 men, from several states in the union, who received the 
 elements of their education in its bosom, are pursuing 
 professional occupations, and filling distinguished sta- 
 tions in society, promising increasing honour to this sem- 
 inary, and to the name of its founder, reputation to them- 
 selves, and usefulness to their country. 
 
 Important benefits began immediately to result from 
 Mr. Finley's ministerial labours at Basking Ridge. Old 
 divisions and animosities disappeared, and the people 
 became of one heart and one mind. Habits of attending 
 closely and seriously on the public and stated means of 
 grace, were revived. The congregation began to im- 
 prove in gospel knowledge and discipline. Through 
 the divine blessing, pleasing additions were made to the 
 church, from year to year. A general amelioration was 
 visible, in the whole aspect of society. And a way ap- 
 peared to have been thus prepared, through the super- 
 intending care and gracious influence of God, for that 
 peculiar and joyful visitation of power and mercy, " from 
 the presence of the Lord," which was experienced there 
 
 semioaries ! When we consider also the moral improvement which ordinarily 
 accompanies or proceeds from the acquirement of sound Christian knowledge — 
 how interesting does this subject become !— how great and manifest the probable 
 advantage of pursuing this course !— how pleasing the reflection to a conscientious, 
 faithful teacher, that while be is imparting to his pupils the elements of human 
 science, he is furnishing them with the means of becoming, through the blessing of 
 fiod, nise to salvation. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 39 
 
 ill the eighth year of Mr. Finley's ministry ; producing 
 most precious and lasting effects among that people, and 
 lively emotions of pleasure, through the church in gen- 
 eral, in every part of our country. 
 
 But although the foundation was undoubtedly thus 
 laid, for the important event which soon followed, there 
 was nothing discoverable in the state of the congrega- 
 tion, immediately previous, that pointed out its near and 
 glorious advent. A powerful and happy awakening and 
 revival had been experienced, a short time preceding, 
 in the congregation of Morris-Town, then under the 
 pastoral care of the Rev. now Doctor James Richards, 
 without being attended with a simultaneous excitement 
 in the adjacent congregations or surrounding country. 
 Indeed, notwithstanding the external attention and or- 
 der which had been exhibited, and the salutary influ- 
 ence of the stated administration of the divine ordinan- 
 ces, which had been witnessed there, it was manifest 
 that the life and power of true piety were but little felt, 
 and that religion, in its essence and spirit, was at a low 
 ebb. Coldness and indifference appeared to have per- 
 vaded the church in general, throughout the whole 
 state. In this district, however, one auspicious symp- 
 tom appeared : while the church slumbered, her pastors 
 were awake. 
 
 An association had been recently formed, more espe- 
 cially by the ministers of those congregations now em- 
 braced by the Presbytery of Jersey,* the object ol 
 which was to perform preaching tours through their re- 
 
 * This ecclesiastical body was originally called the Presbytery of New- York. 
 In October, 1809, that part of it which lay in the city of New-York and its viriui- 
 ty, was get off by an act o. the Synod of !Vew-Yo:k and INew-Jcrsey, and consti- 
 tuted a new Presbytery, with the name of the Presbytery of New- York. The 
 
40 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 spective coRgree:ations, in succession, by two or more 
 ministers in company. This evangelizing system had 
 been pursued for a number of weeks, and a considerable 
 impression made, through the divine blessing, on a 
 neighbouring congregation, when Mr. Finley, by invi- 
 tation, participated in these labours of love, and was 
 touched with a holy spark from heaven, which soon an- 
 imated and enkindled a great proportion, of the people 
 of his charge. 
 
 A brief representation of this revival,'^ wich took place 
 during the year 1803, was sent, by Mr. Finley, to the 
 committee of missions of the general assembly of the Pres- 
 byterian church, in a letter addressed to the Rev. Dr. 
 Ashbel Green, chairman of said committee, and by 
 them published in the general assembly's "Missionary 
 Magazine" vol. 1st, page 553. As the communication 
 here referred to, gives a correct, unadorned and sol- 
 emn account of this important event in the church of 
 Christ, and as this magazine is not generally possessed 
 through the country, it appears highly proper that this 
 authentic and interesting detail should be inserted here 
 at full length. 
 " Extracts from a letter received from the Rev. Robert 
 
 Finley, at Basking Ridge, JSTefv-Jerse?/, Dec. 23d, 1804. 
 
 "When the present year commenced, it found us in 
 a profound sleep, with regard to our everlasting con- 
 remaining part, situated in the state of Netv-Jersev, was permitted to retain the 
 records, and to proceed as usual, under the new appellation of the Presbytery of 
 Jersey. 
 
 * The term rci'iral is here used accordinji; to its ordinary acceptation, to signify 
 an extensive out-pourin? of the Divine Spirit and a powerful awakeninsr among 
 sinners. For some additional remarks on this subject, a sketch of revivals, &c. 
 aee note H. 
 
DR. FINLEV. 41 
 
 cerns. All was still, nor was there a voice heard. The 
 valley of the son of Hinnom was full of dry bones. Yet 
 the day of deliverance was at hand, and at this midnight 
 the cry was preparing, " the bridegroom cometh, go ye 
 out to meet him." The clergy of the Presbytery of 
 New- York, had now for a month or two been engaged 
 in preaching from church to church, after the example 
 of the Lord's disciples, who were sent out two by two. 
 A serious attention to religion had also been excited in 
 one of the adjoining churches. In the month of Febru- 
 ary I was invited by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong, pastor of 
 the church at Mendham, to meet the brethren who were 
 to visit his people about that time. I complied, and 
 saw a large assembly eagerly bent on hearing the word 
 of life. I saw no extraordinary appearances, and in my 
 own soul felt no inward refreshings. I then learnt wiiat I 
 have felt much more sensibly since, *^that it is not of him 
 that willeth, nor of him that runneth," but ^' that every 
 good and perfect gift cometh down from the Father oi 
 Lights." Being invited to unite in the exertions that 
 were making by the clergy, in favour of religion, I 
 gladly accepted, and met for the first time with the 
 brethren, on the first Tuesday of February. The as- 
 sembly to which they preached was neither large nor 
 solemn. But while making an address on the expostu- 
 lation of Jesus, " why stand ye here all the day idle," 
 there was imparted to my soul a sensation and a view, 
 which I hope was worth the world. I knew not what 
 it was, and hardly what it meant. It was a dark nighty 
 but it seemed like the beginning of the light of heaven. 
 The returning day brought my heart again to the same 
 subject. I felt like one who had been bewildered, and 
 was just awakening to the hope of deliverance from thr 
 
 6 
 
4*2 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 maze. Towards evening my feelings came to a pomtj 
 and I began to think of the afflicted captives by the 
 streams of Babylon. Their mighty attachment to the 
 beloved city was understood, and its fallen walls were 
 mourned over. The remainder of the week w^as spent 
 in eager lookings for the Sabbath. When the Sabbath 
 arrived, the day was stormy and tempestuous, so that 
 new discouragements were excited. There had been 
 many fine days and crowded assemblies, when there was 
 no heart to speak, no agonizing desire to awaken and 
 rescue men. And now, when the desire was intense, 
 and the resolution superior to all fear of man, the peo- 
 ple were kept at home. It was of Him whose councils 
 may not be challenged. Only about twenty persons at- 
 tended the church. Of these about one third were pro- 
 fessors, and of the remainder there was not one who was 
 not laid under solemn conviction of sin. It now brings 
 to my remembrance the army of Gideon, which was re- 
 duced before it could gain the victory. The subject of 
 discourse was that day, " the night is far spent, the day 
 is at hand." How literally true did the Lord now make 
 it thus to be with regard to us. A good portion of the 
 few of that day are now in union with the church, and 
 none of them have turned back to folly as yet. O that 
 the gracious Lord would prevent the curse of Chorazin 
 and Bethsaida from coming upon them ! The vibration 
 of the stroke upon these few hearts, was more widely 
 felt than could have been expected. On the evening 
 folloAving, there were about forty young persons assem- 
 bled, for their improvement in music. Their teacher 
 did not attend ; and under the awe of the preceding day, 
 a few of them desired a discourse. It was given them, 
 from the v>ords, " what is thy request ?" It appeared to be 
 
DR. FINLEY. 43 
 
 from the Lord, that the teacher did not come. Several 
 persons were this evening awakened to a consideration 
 of their ways ; and when they were dismissed, it was de- 
 lightful to observe that they went away with remarkable 
 decorum and solemn silence. It seemed as if every 
 heart had received a portion, the nature of which was 
 yet to be opened up. It was natural and agreeable to 
 duty, to keep these things to myself, and ponder them 
 well, to see if the Lord was in very deed in them. Near- 
 ly the whole who were present on that occasion, are 
 now members of the church. 
 
 " On Tuesday of this week, the Rev. Messrs. Kollock 
 and Thompson, in their circuit, visited my church for 
 the first time : and they appeared to be sent in the ful- 
 ness of the blessing of the gospel. The people attended 
 generally, and seemed as if they were in expectation that 
 something of an interesting nature would take place. 
 It has since been seen that impressions before made, 
 were much deepened, and that various persons were 
 newly awakened from their long sleep. The Lord had 
 now prepared his means for producing a great and sud- 
 den sensibility, on the subjects of the soul and eternity. 
 A few persons from Mendham, who were seriously 
 seeking for eternal life, continued during Tuesday night 
 in this vicinity, and next morning came to converse with 
 the ministers at my house. As they approached, who- 
 ever beheld them, seemed to look upon them as persons 
 that had received a call to prepare to meet their God. 
 I was asked whether I would be willing to meet with a 
 few that evening: being much indisposed, I declined. 
 Notice notwithstanding was given of a meeting, and 
 when, contrary to my expectation, I attended, judge of 
 my joy and wonder, when I saw a large assembly in 
 
44 MEMOIRS Oh 
 
 solemn and weeping silence. Wherever I turned my 
 eyes, I observed anxiety and tears. The difliculty oi 
 beginning an address was only equalled by the difficult 
 ty of leaving off. A perfect silence was diffused through- 
 out, till we were separating, when two young persons 
 who were particular for their intimacy, met each other 
 from different parts of the house, and seeing their mutu- 
 al situation, fell into each other's arms, with a momen- 
 tary emotion, which was widely felt. It was now evi- 
 dent to all, that there was much room for hope and pray- 
 er. We therefore appointed to meet on Friday of the 
 next week, at the academy. You may suppose, sir, 
 that the Sabbath was looked for with an ardent desire. 
 It was one of the most stormy days I ever saw. Not- 
 withstanding this, we had a considerable assembly, who 
 resembled Mr. Bunyan's pilgrim, when putting his hands 
 on his ears, he began to run, and cry '* Life ! life ! eter- 
 nal life !" In company with brother Richards, I took a 
 preaching tour this week, (second week of February) 
 and left my people until Friday morning. I had a most 
 pleasant tour, though it was the severest weather we 
 had this winter. In my absence, the almost instantane- 
 ous death of one of my most respectable people, greatly 
 increased the number and depth of the convictions. A 
 large assembly collected at his funeral, and the very si- 
 lence that reigned, (for there was no service) seemed to 
 be blessed by God to the furtherance of the work. The 
 evening of the day on which I returned, was our first 
 regular meeting for prayer. The report had by this 
 time spread through the congregation, that there was a 
 serious awakening in the neighbourhood of the church; 
 so that notwithstanding the darkness of the night and 
 badness of travelling, there was a large assembly. A 
 
 t 
 
DR. FINLEi'. 45 
 
 discourse was preached without any thing- remarkable, 
 except a very fixed attention. When the general round 
 of exercises was gone through, it was made known that 
 any who wished might depart, but that a few wo;ds 
 would be addressed to those who were supposed to be 
 awakened by the Holy Spirit. No one departed. An 
 address was then made, as above mentioned. When the 
 awakened being summoned " to come out and separate,'* 
 there was, in the twinkling of an eye, a suppressed cry 
 from, it is supposed, not less than fifty persons. That I 
 maybe understood, I mean by a suppressed cry, a cry 
 resembling that which weeping children utter, when 
 they are forbidden to weep aloud. I leave you, my 
 dear friend, to conceive the sensations that must have 
 been awakened, in a case like this, in the bosom of a 
 minister. Absorbed and lost in wonder, joy and praise, 
 we forgot the time, and passed the hour generally pre- 
 scribed by prudence. The first thought of passing time, 
 presented us with the hour of eleven. This is a solitary 
 instance ; and whether under these circumstances, it can 
 be excused or not, I cannot tell. But of this I am cer- 
 tain; it was a night to be remembered among a thou- 
 sand. It might be counted upon as certain, that in the 
 space of twelve days, from the first Sabbath till now, 
 one hundred persons vvcre brought under deep convic- 
 tions. 
 
 " On the next Sabbath, each neighbourhood was de- 
 sired to Institute societies for prayer ; and four or five of 
 them were attended each week with preaching. 
 
 '* On the third week of February, there was nothing re- 
 markable till Friday evening, in a distant part of the 
 congregation, where there Avas weeping and lamenta- 
 tion which threatened disorder. It was occasioned hr 
 
46 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 the accidental coliection of a number of those most af- 
 fected into one corner of the house. By advice it was 
 immediately reduced to silence. This was a time of 
 amazement to many hard and wicked persons, and it then 
 seemed as if they would all bow with one accord. But 
 while men slept, an enemy was permitted to sow tares, 
 and for a season the heavenly plant was choked. In 
 other distant parts of the congregation there did not 
 promise any thing of a harvest for some time. It might 
 have been two months, which brings us to the month of 
 r^Iay, before the work appeared in a powerful and gene- 
 ral manner, in the southern part of the congregation. 
 It then appeared to seize on nearly every heart. About 
 this time I saw the only bodily affection (as it is called) 
 that ever came under my observation. It was a case of 
 a young woman who might be classed with the Gallios 
 in religion. During the greater part of the discourse, 
 she appeared utterly unconcerned. Towards the close, 
 her countenance changed and fell visibly, and in a mo- 
 ment. She began to pant like one asthmatic, shed for a 
 minute a flood of tears, and when these were stayed, the 
 panting increased, and seemed to approach to suflToca- 
 tion. Her hands were cold and considerably convulsed. 
 Without the least confusion she was removed into anoth- 
 er room, where she was nearly alone, and where she 
 could hear, for she was unwilling to be taken from the 
 house. I have been more particular on this last point, 
 because it is probable some misrepresentations have 
 been made. About midsummer, a similar solemnity be- 
 gan to appear in the western part of the congregation ; 
 and also in that part where it was mentioned the tares 
 were sown, there was a precious and most acceptable 
 reviving. In every quarter had there now been a truly 
 
DR. FINLEY. 47 
 
 heavenly shower, excepting in the east. There were 
 droppings indeed as from the skirts of a majestic cloud, 
 which lightened on some few of the most darkened and 
 malignant, and a sure hope enlightened and sweetened 
 their souls. 
 
 "When we were almost in despair of this portion of our 
 dear people, about the month of November we were an- 
 imated with a delightful prospect. On a certain even- 
 ing very dark and rainy, not more than forty persons 
 attended. But so far as information has been obtained, 
 there scarcely was an individual who was not greatly af- 
 fected either with joy or anxiety. Some very hardened 
 persons wept bitterly, and some very young persons were 
 tenderly moved. The renewal of something like this 
 has been very refreshing in the same place since that 
 time, from which we are looking with humble hope for 
 a little harvest. It had often seemed to me almost the 
 sole cause of a minister's grief, that men could not be 
 made to awake. But now, when there were so many ex- 
 cited to a serious consideration, there v/as an anxiety 
 called up in my mind which had been unknown before. 
 While the immortal soul stood hesitating between life 
 and death, and there was a jeopardy every hour, lest 
 temptation should prevail, or death close all opportuni- 
 ty, you may well suppose they were viewed with an ear- 
 nest eye. Every human excitement was put before the 
 heart ; but experience gave evidence that conversion 
 was no less a work of God than conviction. There 
 were none who were made to taste very speedily of the 
 joy of their Lord. In about five or six weeks however, 
 there were some who began to hope that the Lord had 
 graciously revealed himself to them. But these soon 
 lost their hope, and were plunged more deeply than 
 
48 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ever into sorrow, and overwhelmed more than before, 
 with a sense of their sin and helplessness. Those who 
 continued longer before obtaining faith and hope in the 
 mercy of God, appeared more steady from the begin- 
 ning- of their joy. Yet the former did, for the most part, 
 recover again and stand more firmly than at first. In 
 the course of four months we received into the commun- 
 ion of the church, with mixed joy and fear, sixty-four 
 persons. Others continued a longer or a shorter period 
 as it pleased Him who is the truth and the life. I was 
 happy beyond expression, when constantly mingling 
 with the people, to find here and there springing up new 
 plants of our heavenly Father's planting. 
 
 " In the month of October the church again opened her 
 joyful bosom and admitted fifty-six more to its commun- 
 ion. In the manner of conviction there was but little 
 variety. The general grief was sin, and particularly 
 the sin of forgetting God. The Lord brought to their 
 remembrance his own expostulation, " If I be a father, 
 where is mine honour ?" — Grief for this sin seemed to 
 be augmented from finding that by nature their hearts lov- 
 ed idols : they were still inclined to follow them. Thus 
 were they taught, we hope, that conversion was necessary, 
 and that it must come from God. The Lord was very 
 gracious in this, that though the conviction was very 
 sharp with many, yet I have met with no instance that 
 bordered on despair. When the Lord had said, " thou 
 hast destroyed thyself," he seemed to add, " but in me 
 Is thy help found." As the manner of conviction bore 
 a strong affinity in nearly all ; so their manner of expres- 
 sing their hopes of acceptance with God, had a very 
 great uniformity. There were a very few who in the 
 hour of deliverance, felt such a remarkable animation of 
 
DR. FINLEy. . 49 
 
 the pleasing and dutiful dispositions of the heart, that 
 they seemed to rest too much on the change of their feel- 
 ings and less on the great atonement. x\nd there was 
 one and only one instance, of a person whose expe- 
 rience was of the visionary kind. While the greater 
 part were humbled through a sense of their fallen and 
 helpless state, and looked to Him who was lifted up to 
 take away the sins of the world ; it was truly refreshing, 
 and even establishing to the seeking soul, to hear with 
 what clearness some, who had been utterly ignorant of 
 religion, now spoke of Christ, as the wisdom and power 
 of God to everyone that believeth. I have seen no in- 
 stance of raptures, but have seen a great many solid com- 
 forts, which were truly delightful to behold. 
 
 " 1 have already given some intimation of the number 
 who were affected with a solemn view of the interests of 
 the soul. It has beea mentioned that a hundred and 
 twenty had been added to the communion of the church. 
 About forty others have expressed a belief that they are 
 builded upon the Rock of ages. In addition to these a 
 large number were awakened to some serious concern : 
 in all, probably not less than three hundred persons of 
 all ages, sexes and descriptions. We had reason to hope 
 that an aged man after he had lived considerably above 
 eighty years, was received into the divine favour in the 
 last month of his life. And what perhaps may be men- 
 tioned properly in this place, near the close of the work, 
 there were four persons awakened on one Sabbath, each 
 nearly seventy years of age. The seriousness among 
 little children was also very extensive, and though no 
 encouragement whatever was given to do so, it was ad- 
 mirable to hear them telling of the light of the scriptures 
 and of their fear to go to sleep, lest they should lose 
 
 7 
 
1)0 MEMOIRS OJ. 
 
 their delightfal views of heavenly things. The number 
 of new convictions is now but very small ; but that of 
 those who heretofore had been roused to consideration 
 and are from time to time led to the waters of healing, 
 is comfortably great. Blessed be God, as yet we have had 
 nothing to lament as to the unbecoming walk of any. 
 We have now a goodly flock, but already it begins to 
 scatter. Nearly a dozen have removed ; one or two 
 have died : so that in a few years we shall stand in the 
 same need as ever of a summer and a harvest. Oh ! if 
 the Lord may look on us and keep us as the apple of his 
 eye, and be ever ready to renew the happy year, which 
 in free and rich grace is now given to us ! — 
 
 " Thus, sir, I have traced a few of those events which 
 have taken place among us, and if the relation shall be 
 any satisfaction to you, it will be a pleasure to one, w^ho 
 is happy to say how respectfully and affectionately he is 
 yours. 
 
 " ROBERT FINLEY." 
 
 In this memorable and precious season, the refreshing 
 influences of the Holy Spirit, were experienced, first in 
 the pastor's own heart. But the set time, to favour this 
 portion of Zion, had come, and the quickening impulse 
 soon became very powerful and very extensive. 
 Through the whole of this gracious dispensatioji to that 
 church, the pastor ma.nifested a degree of excitement, 
 fervour and joy, which fully corresponded with the 
 most powerful and lively operations of divine grace, dis- 
 played around him. He gave himself wholly up to God, 
 in this great work, as an instrument to increase its efiica- 
 cy and to magnify its glory. All the powers of his na- 
 ture were roused to action, and engaged in his Master's 
 and in his peoples' service. He allowed himself time., 
 
DR. FINLEV. 51 
 
 scarcely suiiicient, for necessary refreshment. He visit- 
 ed ; he preached ; he taught ; he warned ; he prayed daily 
 from house to house, v/ith affectionate importunity and 
 flowing tears. He flew, with rapidity, to every quar- 
 ter of his extensive congregation, labouring by day and 
 by night, to awaken the thoughtless and unmoved, out 
 of their perilous and afflicting sleep. In his public dis- 
 courses, he spake with a degree of earnestness and ve- 
 hemence, truly astonishing, almost more than human. 
 His great zeal and corresponding efforts, within his own 
 congregation where the same earnestness abounded, 
 created no emotions but those of sober admiration, deep 
 concern and profound satisfaction. In his occasional 
 ministrations, in neighbouring congregations where the 
 professors of religion remained formal and lukewarm, 
 and where the people in general felt very little interest 
 in these eternal concerns, his zeal appeared to some, im- 
 moderate and his manner extravagant. In their cold 
 and lifeless state they could not enter into his views, nor 
 keep pace with his feelings. Hence some accounted 
 his unusual warmth and extraordinary exertions enthusi- 
 astic. In this, they exposed their own Laodicean tem- 
 per and excited his tender pity. 
 
 The "view" with which he was visited in the commence- 
 ment of this revival, and the renewed impulse, which he 
 now received, from above, in his gospel ministry, produ- 
 ced in him effects the most permanent and happy. They 
 seemed to animate, direct and characterize, all his sub- 
 sequent life, in public and in private. It became mani- 
 fest that the high tone of religious feeling and uncom- 
 mon ardour in exertion, for which Mr. Finley w^as re- 
 markable, perhaps somewhat singular, especially during 
 this work of grace among his people, did not spring 
 
U'Ji Mi: MO IKS Oif 
 
 from a transient excitement of the passions, but were pro- 
 duced, by a clear and lasting discovery of the vast and 
 eternal obligations and interests here involved, accom- 
 panied by a rational and sincere regard for the divine 
 glory, and an ardent desire for the salvation of souls. — 
 This visitation of mercy produced an addition, to the com- 
 munion of the church at Basking Ridge, of one hundred 
 and thirty-two members. 
 
 The success with which God was pleased, thus early 
 to crown his ministrations, contributed in a great de- 
 gree, to place him in a conspicuous light before the pub- 
 lic and to establish his reputation in the church, as an 
 able, faithful and successful minister of the New Testa- 
 ment. The world judged correctly, that they, whom 
 God so signally honours, in making them the favoured 
 instruments of doing so much good to others, deserve pe- 
 culiar reverence and honour from men. 
 
 After this season had subsided, and new instances of 
 awakening and conversion become comparatively rare, 
 many precious fruits of the revival continued to be ex- 
 perienced among that people. In the ensuing year, thir- 
 ty souls were added to the church, who for the most 
 part were considered as gleanings of the preceding har- 
 vest. The pastor devoted himself, with great diligence 
 and perseverance, to the interests of his flock. Praying 
 societies, which had been instituted while the excite- 
 ment continued, and conducted without his presence 
 and aid, he now fostered as nurseries of piety, and as 
 the hope of the church. He watched over new profess- 
 ors, and especially the young converts, with parental 
 vigilance and fidelity. The poor, the unfortunate and 
 the afflicted of Christ's family, shared his peculiar sym- 
 pathy and kindness. He took great pains to search out 
 
DR. FINL*r- O^f 
 
 and became particularly acquainted Avith those who 
 were in dependent circumstances, exposed to diilicultles, 
 inconveniently situated for attending on the public wor- 
 ship of God, and surrounded by corrupt and dangerous 
 society. To them he extended the best and speediest re- 
 lief in his power. In several instances he incurred con- 
 siderable expense in procuring., in the condition of such, 
 the changes and ameliorations Vv-hich he thought neces- 
 sary. 
 
 About this period, prejudice against using the Bible as 
 a school book, began to manifest itself, and to prevail 
 in some parts of this country.^ Many of the ignorant 
 and unprincipled teachers, who were then in numerous 
 instances employed, especially in country places,f enter- 
 tained and propagated this unhappy delusion. J 
 
 Mr. Finley exerted all his zeal and influence to retain 
 the Bible, and to introduce it to daily use, in all the 
 schools of the surrounding country. Under a deep 
 persuasion, that children and youth cannot become too 
 early and familiarl}^ acquainted with the word of God, 
 he devoted himself to this interesting object, till he saw 
 it completely attained. He paid considerable atten- 
 
 * See note I. 
 
 f The teacher employed at that time in the village of Basking Ridge, was 
 strongly opposed to introducing the Bible as a school book. When Mr. Finley 
 called to recommend the measure, he found hira obstinate on the subject, 
 disposed to argue, cavil and resist. After making some gentle attempts to induce 
 his compliance, without perceiving a disposition to yield, Mr. Finley addressed 
 him in substance as follows : *' Sir, ray mind ia made up on the subject : you 
 know my wish : I have no objection to you as a teacher on any other ground : but 
 if you don't comply immediately on this point, prepare your accounts, and collect 
 your money ; for you sha'nt be here a week." That argument had the desired 
 affect at once. 
 
 + See Bote J. 
 
5'4 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 tion also, to the characters and qualifications of the 
 teachers employed in the schools of his congregation, 
 and endeavoured to impress the minds of the people ^vith 
 a sense of the necessity and importance of exercising 
 prudent care and caution, in engaging instructors for 
 their children. 
 
 During several succeeding years, the congregation 
 enjoyed no extraordinary effusion of the Holy Spirit, 
 but rather exhibited an interesting state of peace, order 
 and gradual improvement in divine knowledge and 
 grace. Small additions were uniformly made to the 
 church, of such as gave evidence of a gracious change, 
 and entertained a hope of salvation, through faith in 
 Christ. The elders of the church, hand in hand with 
 their pastor, as the records of their transactions evince, 
 exercised the utmost v/atchfulness and care over the 
 flock, admonishing, exhorting, reproving, with all gen- 
 tleness and long suffering. Considering the great in- 
 crease in the number of professing Christians, that had 
 been recently made, instances of backsliding and apos- 
 tacy were unusually rare in that church. 
 
 In the year 1806, Mr. Finley was elected a member 
 of the Board of Trustees of the College of New-Jersey. 
 This was considered by the public as a very honourable 
 testimony of his growing respectability and merit. Lib- 
 eral and public spirited in all his views and operations, 
 a friend and patron of science and general improvement, 
 and warmly attached and devoted to the interests of this 
 college, as his alma mater, the fountain at which he had 
 imbibed the streams of knowledge and of religion ; he 
 discharged the duties of this responsible station, with 
 the utmost constancy and faithfulness, till his removal 
 from New-Jersev. 
 
BR. FINLET. 55 
 
 In the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and eight, 
 his ministerial labours at Basking Ridge were attended 
 again with more than ordinary effect. The congrega- 
 tion in general were excited to more diligent and seri- 
 ous attention to the preaching of God's word and admin- 
 istration of his ordinances, than had been witnessed for 
 several former years. The increase of attention among 
 sinners was so considerable, and the divine influence 
 communicated to Christians so manifest, as to warrant 
 the distinguishing appellation of a revival of religion ; 
 and this era ought to be viewed as much more than 
 ordinarily interesting and prosperous, in the annals of 
 that i hurch. For, in the course of this year, about twen- 
 ty persons were added to the communion, on professing 
 their faith in Christ ; and the numerous body of Chris- 
 tians, composing the church, were greatly animated and 
 comforted in the divine life. 
 
 In the year eighteen hundred and nine, Mr. Finley 
 was selected to preach the missionary sermon during the 
 meeting of the General Assembly, in the city of Phila- 
 delphia. This service he performed with credit to him- 
 self, and satisfaction to the audience. He received the 
 thanks of the Assembly, for the zealous effort he had 
 made to promote the missionary cause. Ilis modesty 
 induced him to decline furnishing a copy of this dis- 
 course for publication, notwithstanding this practice had 
 been observed, with very few deviations, for many pre- 
 ceding years. 
 
 In the same year he was appointed by the General 
 Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in connection with 
 the Rev. Messrs. John B. Romeyn and Edward D. Griffin, 
 "to attend the next meeting of the General Association of 
 Connecticut,'^ Asa member of this respectable delega- 
 
56 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 tion, Mr. Finlej^ discharged his duty faithfully and ac- 
 ceptably. His interview with the Eastern brethren whom 
 he met in that association, gave him great satisfaction ; 
 and the travel to Connecticut was greatly serviceable to 
 his health, at that time somewhat impaired. 
 
 The year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
 twelve, which was the seventeenth year of Mr. Finley's 
 ministry, presented another very interesting and blessed 
 scene in the congregation at Basking Ridge. It pleased 
 God at this time, to repeat his gracious visit to that peo- 
 ple, and to grant a precious and renewed manifestation 
 of his presence, and exercise of his power and mercy on 
 the hearts of a considerable number, of all ages and 
 characters. The devout and heavenly minded pastor, 
 shared sweetly and copiously the divine influences, shed 
 down at this period, upon that portion of Zion. His 
 soul was enkindled afresh in his Master's service; and 
 his powers w^ere stirred up and engaged, to improve the 
 propitious season which seemed to be opening again 
 upon the people of his charge. Trained by a former 
 dispensation of the King of Zion, to the glorious service 
 of conducting a triumph of grace, among the guilty and 
 rebellious sons of men, and called, as he humbly hoped, 
 at this time, to a similar work, on a more extended scale, 
 he came forward as a good soldier of the Captain of sal- 
 vation, and devoted all his skill, strength and ardour to 
 the cause. But Paul may plant and Apollos water, it is 
 God who giveth the increase. This visit of the Heaven- 
 ly Father, appeared from the result, to have been de- 
 signed, in a considerable degree, for the improvement 
 and consolation of his own dear people, the subjects of 
 his former works of grace. They needed quickening 
 and encouragement in the Christian course, and the 
 
DR. FINLEY. 5t 
 
 liearts of many that doubted and feared, were animated 
 and established, in the faith and hope of the gospel : 
 some that were broken and contrite, that languished 
 and fainted, were revived and invigorated ; some that 
 hungered and thirsted, were abundantly satisfied and fill- 
 ed with gladness, in this time of refreshing from the pres- 
 ence of the Lord. While the professing people of God 
 were deeply humbled, excited to fervent supplication, 
 and brought solemnly to search and try their own hearts, 
 and renewedly to accept the Saviour and enter the gos- 
 pel refuge : — many trembling sinners were found, anx- 
 iously " inquiring what they should do to be saved.'* 
 Meetings, for prayer and pious conversation, were fre- 
 quent and crouded. Many solemn and weeping assem- 
 blies, by day and at night, with fixed attention and death 
 like silence, heard the awakening and cheering messages 
 of truth and mercy, from the lips of their beloved and 
 evangelic pastor. The number, of souls gathered in to 
 Christ at this time, was small,* compared with the fruits 
 of a former revival, and with the desires and hopes en- 
 tertained on this occasion, and considering how exten- 
 sively solemn convictions appeared to prevail through 
 the congregation in the progress of this gracious work. 
 While Mr. Finley was thus labouring ardently and 
 successfully for the promotion of true religion within 
 his own congregational charge, the interests and prosper- 
 ity of the church in general, lay near his heart. His 
 local situation, rendered it more convenient for him, 
 than it was for any other principal member of the pres- 
 bytery of New-Brunswick, to visit that portion of the 
 church, under the care of this presbytery, in the county 
 
 ^ About thirty-five. 
 8 
 
58 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 of Sussex, now embraced by the presbytery of New- 
 ton,'^ in which several important congregations were 
 wholly vacant, and others painfully agitated with dissen- 
 tions and animosities. Animated by zeal, for the gene- 
 ral interests of Zion, and excited by a sincere concern, 
 for the destitute state of this region, in the church, he 
 frequently visited it — sometimes spontaneously — oftener 
 at the invitation of some vacant congregation, or request 
 of some contending parties — most frequently, by the ap- 
 pointment of the presbytery, who were always pleased 
 to avail themselves of his services, especially on impor- 
 tant occasions. His capacity, for managing difficult and 
 critical business, was remarkable and Avell known. He 
 was an acute discerner of the ends and springs of action, 
 in every character : — he possessed an uncommon share 
 of judgment and prudence : — he w^as calm and dispas- 
 sionate, in a very high degree : — he was fair, frank and 
 hones-t, in his address : — he was firm and immoveable in 
 his adherence to justice and fairness on every subject ; 
 he was meek and submissive, patient and persevering : — 
 and he was a peculiar lover of peace and harmony.f Ad- 
 /*■ 
 
 * The district of the cliurch, here referred to, was set off from the presbytery 
 of New-Brunswick, and erected into a distinct presbytery bearing the name of the 
 "Presbytery of Newton," by an act of the Synod of New-York and New Jer- 
 sey, at their last meeting in October eighteen hundred and seventeen. 
 
 f In the course of these visits, Mr. Finley had the misfortune to incur the dis- 
 pleasure of a brother clergyman, of some standing in the church. The offended per- 
 son had manifested his displeasure for some time, very decidedly and openly, so as 
 to attract public notice, when, an opportunity was unexpectedly afforded Mr, Fia- 
 iey to manifest one of the excellent dispositions of his heart. The presbytery of 
 New Brunswick hadju«t adjourned and were about separating, when some circum- 
 stance drew the clergyman referred to, into a room where Mr. Finley and two or 
 three other persons were sitting Mr. Finley, immediately rose from hig seat, 
 addressed the gentleman in a friendly manner, and proceeded calmly to inquire 
 
DR. FINLEY. 59 
 
 ded to this he had a more accurate, personal knowledge 
 of the churches there, than any other man, of his stand- 
 ing, in the presbytery. Hence he was selected in many 
 instances, as the most suitable character, to go to that 
 region of the church, to supply vacant congregations, to 
 administer the ordinances of the gospel and to heal di- 
 visions among them. He promptly complied, in every 
 i)]stance, when his circumstances and engagements at 
 home, would at all permit. Nay he acted on the prin- 
 ciple, that personal and domestic sacrifices must be 
 made, for the sake of discharging faithfully public duty. 
 He cheerfully rendered his services and ardently exert- 
 ed all his influence, to accomplish the purposes for which 
 he was sent, in these successive tours. He had consid- 
 erable influence and agency in organizing and bringing 
 into the Presbyterian connection, several important and 
 growing congregations. And on the whole, he per- 
 formed, many arduous and successful services for the 
 churches in Sussex, the benefits, of which, will long be 
 felt and remembered, by those congregations. 
 
 into Ibe cause of the coolness and neglect, 'which he had for some time manifested 
 towards hinfi. The gentleman making no reply, and showing a disposition to with- 
 draw-, Mr. Finley pressed him still farther in the follon-ing words : — " Sir, I ama 
 friend of peace. I feel that there is a peculiar impropriety in our living in this 
 manner — it must not be so. If I have injured you, tell me wherein, and I will 
 make you any acknowledgment or reparation in my power this moment, and take 
 pleasure in doing it " The gentleman hesitated, appeared sour and unyield- 
 ing — Mr. Finley proceeded — "well, sir, I can do no more than this" — laying his 
 hand upon his naked breast—" I solemnly declare that I am unconscious of hav- 
 ing ever designedly or inadvertently done you an injury : but if you will only be 
 reconciled and give me your iiand in friendship, I will get down upon my knees and 
 a»k your pardon." The gentleman made no reply, turned about, and left the 
 room. Mr. Finley gome time after observed, that subsequently to the above oc- 
 currence, he had frequently attempted to court and conciliate this gentleman, 
 but that all his advances and efforts had met with a similar rei-ulse. 
 
60 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 While Mr.Finley was so unreraittingly engaged, in en- 
 deavouring to promote religion, in his own charge, and 
 so zealously devoted to the interests of some portions of 
 the church, which lay Avithin the reach of his own per- 
 sonal ministrations, he was also deeply occupied, in de- 
 vising and maturing schemes of the most extensive im- 
 portance and utility. One ecclesiastical measure in 
 which, he had a principal agency, is too important not 
 to be particularly noticed, in these memoirs. I mean, 
 the system for instructing youth, in the knowledge of the 
 Bible, by classes. The plan originated^' in the presby- 
 
 * Justice reqiiii-ps it to be distinctly stated that the idea of making this meth- 
 od of instructing youth aenera! through «he church, and of taking presbyterial or- 
 der on the subject, was first suggested by the Rev. George S. Woodhull, of Cran- 
 bury, New-Jersey A few individual pastors, in the Presbyterian church, it 
 has been ascertained on inquiry, had previously, made some attempts, in their 
 respective congregations, to introduce this mode of instruction, but, it is believed, 
 without any view to its becoming an established system in the Presbyterian 
 church. This happy thought first occurred to Mr. Woodhull, and as soon as sug- 
 gested, was seized with avidity by Mr. Finley. These gentlemen, par nobile 
 fratrum, actpd in concert, as far as was practicable, in the whole of this business. 
 The following extract, from the minutes of the meeting of presbytery, October 
 1815, which was printed, distributed through the churches, and laid before Synod, 
 to be the basis, of their proceedings on the subject, was reported to presbytery, 
 by ^hese gentlemen jointly, as a committee, but was written by the last named 
 gentleman : — 
 
 *' The committee who were appointed fully to consider and report on the resolu- 
 tion passed by the pre>bytery, recommending to the ministers with pastoral char- 
 ges, to form classes o( young people in their congregations, for studying and re- 
 citing on the Bible, brought in the lollowing report, which was read and adopted, 
 viz: 
 
 " The present is an age in which great exertions are making for the advancement 
 of the Redeemer's kingdom, in t he world Although for more than twenty years 
 the civilized world has been shaken to its centre, by long continued and sanguina- 
 ry wars, yet the people of God in Europe and America, have not ceased to send 
 missionaries to tlie heathen, and the word of life t© the destitute and poor. No 
 plan, however, as your coromittet* believe has yet been formed by any ecclesiasti- 
 cal body, for the express purpose of instructing the young in the history, the doc- 
 iriaes, and practical truths of the Bible. Such a plan, if carried into complete and 
 
DR. FINLEr. 61 
 
 tery of New-Brunswick, at the semi-annual meeting, in 
 October, 1815. 
 
 general execution, we believe would, with the blessing of Gotl, be attended with 
 the haDi)iest efTects. The youns people would have their attention directed to 
 the most impor; ant truths ; it would lead the way, by easy stages, to almost daily 
 conversiitionx on relic;ious subjects : it would furnish the minds of the young witli 
 such a fund of knowledge as might prevent their becoming victims of enthusiasm 
 and error. It would be advantageous to ministers themselves : it would excite 
 their zeal, and the zeal of their people, and with the blessing of God and the aids 
 of his spirit, may be instrumental, in conjunction with otlier means, of hastening 
 the time when the knowledge of God and his word shall cover the earth, as the 
 waters do the sea 
 
 *' With rejiard to the details of the plan of instruction, your committee are of opin 
 ion that in general, each minister of a coiig! elation, must be guided by circum- 
 stances, and by his own judi^ment. Your committee, however, propose the fol- 
 lowing : — 
 
 " i. Wherever a class sufficiently numerous in any part of the congregation is 
 formed, at the first meeting, the minister shall deliver a lecture on five chapters, 
 or such other portion of the Biblf as he may think proper from the Old or New 
 Testament at his discretion, holding up to view the principal truths contained in 
 those chapters, and explaining the difficult passages tliey may contain At the 
 next meeting the class shall be examined on these chapters and another lecture 
 then given on other chapters of the Bible— this to be continued weekly or as of- 
 ten as may be convenient, and to be accompanltd with prayer and singing. 
 
 " 2. If it should be practicable to carry into effect the above plan, the minister 
 may deliver lectures on the Bible, on the Sabbath day, and examine the young 
 people upon them, as often as he may think proper. 
 
 " Your committee offer the following resolutions — 
 
 ** Resolved, That this report be signed by the Moderator and Clerk, and tha* 
 fifty copies thereof be printed, and one copy sent to every congregation un- 
 der the care of the presbytery. And that the stated Clerk forward one copy to 
 the committee oi overtures of the Synod of New York and New-Jersey at their 
 next meetin!!, with a view of bringing this subject before that body, that they may 
 take such order thereon as they may see proper. 
 
 " Resolved, That — [This blank was afterwards filled by tlse presbytery witli the 
 names of Messrs Fiuley and Woodhull ]— be a committee to superintend the 
 printing and distribution of this report." 
 
 Although the church and public are indebted in a great degree to the first su^. 
 gester of this scheme for its past and promising usefulness, Mr. Finley is to be 
 considered as having been highly instrumental, in maturing the system, securing 
 its adopliou and carrying it info practical effect 
 
62 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 In the Synod of New-York and New-Jerse}^ October 
 1815, Mr. Finley appeared, in conjunction with his amia- 
 ble and excellent associate in this business, to recom- 
 mend and support their favourite plan. The outline 
 presented in the preceding extract from the minutes of 
 the presbytery of New-Brunswick was favourably re- 
 ceived by the Synod. A resolution was passed approv- 
 ing the plan, accepting the report of the committee on 
 the subject,^ and directing it to be laid before the next 
 
 «• The following extract from the minutes of Synod, will present a view of their 
 proceedings in relation to this business, viz : — 
 
 " The committee of overtures reported that they had overtiired a plan for in- 
 structing the youth by forming clashes in ihe several congregations for studying 
 and reciting the Bible. 
 
 " A committee is appointed to consider and rcnort 4'C. 
 
 *' The committee to whom was referred ths overture on forming classes of young 
 people for studying and reciting the Bible, made the following report which was 
 adopted, viz : 
 
 " This is a subject, which in the opinion of your committee, claims an early and 
 careful attention, of the tiyaoa. While tlie whole Christian world concurs in 
 presenting to thedestitu^e and uninstructed, the Bible without note or comment, 
 as containing the pure and com^tlete word of life, let us not fail to present it, dis- 
 tinctly under the same correct and important cliaracter, to our own children and 
 youth, and induce them by every engaging means to study it as such, lest the com- 
 monness of the Bible among us, connected with any apparent neglect of it, or 
 preference of other sources of instructioa, should have influence, to diminish their 
 respect for the sacred volume. To awaken the spirit of inquiry, and engage the 
 attention of tlie understanding, in perusing the scriptures, is an object of the first 
 importance in the religious education of youth. To prevent or correct habits of 
 careless reading, is essential to their progress in kno vledge. And to present dis- 
 tinctly to their view, thf Bible as the pure and complete fountain of religious 
 knowledge, is indispensable in a faithful care of their education. Your commit- 
 tee therefore beg leave to sugge!?t the propriety of earnestly recommending to 
 the ministers and sessions under the care of this Svnod, to pay special attention 
 to this subject, and provide without delay, for the stated instruction of their chil- 
 dren and youth, in distinct portions of the sacred scriptures, in the way of partic- 
 ular study and recitation, upon such plan, and under such arrangements, as each 
 minister and session may ttiink expedient : — always taking care, however, that 
 this siiall not come ia the place of learning the catechisms of our church, with the 
 
DR. FINLEr. 63 
 
 General Assembly, with a view that the proposed sys- 
 tem might be approved and adopted for general use, 
 through the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 At the meeting of the General Assembly, in May, 
 1816, this important subject was introduced to the atten- 
 tion of that venerable body, through the stated clerk* 
 of the Synod of New- York and New-Jersey, who, by 
 the instructions of Synod, laid before the committee of 
 overtures, an attested copy of their proceedings, relative 
 to this interesting matter. 
 
 At that meeting of the General Assembly, Mr. Finley 
 appeared, to explain and advocate this overtured meas- 
 ure, and to render it, if practicable, a grand characteris- 
 tic feature of our ecclesiastical system, by obtaining for 
 it the approbation and adoption of the supreme judicato- 
 ry in the Presbyterian Church. His highest hopes were 
 realized. The proposed measure speedily obtained the 
 sanction of universal suffrage in the General Assembly, 
 and was recommendedf to all the Presbyteries and Con- 
 scripture proofs annexed, but be added to it, and raake a leading feature in the 
 course of religious education. Resolved, that an attested copy of the above re- 
 port be transmitted by the stated clerk, to the committee of overtures of the next 
 General Assembly." 
 
 * The Rev. John M'Dowell, D. D. pastor of the Presbyterian congregation at 
 Elizabeth-Town, who, in addition to the other numerous and insportant services 
 rendered to the interests of religion, for many years served the Synod in that 
 office, with distinguished ability and universal approbation. 
 
 f The decision of the General Assembly on this subject, contained in their 
 printed extracts for the year !81G, is in the following words: 
 
 " The committee to which was referred the overture from the Synod of New- 
 York and New-Jersey, on forming classes of young people, for studying and reci- 
 ting the Bible, reported : and their report, being read and amended, was adopted, 
 and is as follows : viz : — 
 
 " That they consider this subject of great importance, and deserving the attf n» 
 tion and earnest recommendatioa of the Assemblv • therefore, 
 
64 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 gregations of the Presbyterian Church, to be adopted 
 and observed. 
 
 " Rejolved, 1st, That It be recommended earnestly, to tlie niinisters and ses- 
 sions which are in connecUon with the General Assembly, to pay a special atten- 
 tion to this subject, and provide without delay, for the stated instruction of the 
 children and youth in the sacred scriptui es, within their respective congregations. 
 
 "2d. That although the particular manner of instruction and recitation iu the 
 Gongreg?<tions, ought to be left to the discretion of their noinisters and sessions 
 respectively, yet as some degree of uniformity is desirable, in a business of so 
 much magnitude, it is recommeHded, as the most effectual means of promoting 
 the knowledge of the holy scriptures, that, in all our churches, classes be formed 
 of the youth, to recite the scriptures in regular order ; that the recitations, it con- 
 venient, be as often as once a week, and from two to five chapters appointed for 
 each recitation ; that the youth mav be examined on • 
 
 " 1st. The history of the world, but more esppciallv of the Church of God, and 
 of the heathen nations who were God's agents in accomplishing his purposes to- 
 wards his church. 
 
 *'2d. Persons noted for their piety or ungodliness, and the effects of their ex- 
 ample in promoting or injuring the best interests of mankind. 
 
 " 3d. Doctrines and precepts, or ' what man is to believe concerning God, and 
 what duty God requires of man.' 
 
 " 4th. Positive ordinances, or the direction which God has ^iven, as to the 
 way in which he is to be worsliipped acceptably. 
 
 " 5th. The particular features of character of which the Spirit of God has given 
 notice, both in wicked and good persons ; in the last particularly regarding those 
 who were types of Christ, and in what the typical resemblance consisted. 
 
 *' 6th. The gradual increase from time to time, of information concerning the 
 doctrines contained in the scriptures; noting the admirable adaptation of every 
 new revelation of doctrine, to the increased maturity of the church. The nature 
 of God's law; its immutability, as constituting an everlasting rule of right and 
 wrong; the full and perfect illustration of its precepts, given by Christ. 
 
 "7th. The change which God has made from time to time in positive ordinan- 
 ces, together with the reasons of that change. The difference between the moral 
 law, and those laws which are positive. 
 
 " 8th. The illustration of the divine perfections, in the history, biography, 
 doctrines and precepts, together with the positive ordinances of the scriptures. 
 
 " 9th. The practical lessons to regulate our conduct in the various relations of 
 life. 
 
 "On all these particulars, the meaning of the words used in scripture must be 
 ascertained, that thus we may understand what we read. 
 
 "Resolved, 3d, That the Presbyteries under the care of the Assembly, be di. 
 reeled to take order on this subject ; and they are hereby informed, that this is 
 not to come iu the place of learning the Catechisms of our church, but be added 
 to it, as an important branch of religions education." 
 
DR. FINLEI. 65 
 
 Mr. Finley was so fully persuaded of the importance 
 and excellence^ of such a system of pious instruction, 
 and so fully determined to try its practical utility, what- 
 ever should be the result of the contemplated applica- 
 tions to the judicatories of the church, that immediately 
 after he had digested the plan in his own mind, he com- 
 menced a course of biblical instruction, among the 
 youth of his own congregation. This first effort was 
 made, at Basking Ridje, in the spring of 1815, and about 
 two months preceding the meeting of the Presbytery of 
 New-Brunswick, at which the overture to the Synod 
 was prepared. Mr. Finley had the unspeakable satis- 
 faction to see the Lord smiling upon his favourite plan 
 of instruction, and the divine benediction descending 
 upon its incipient operations, in a very remarkable man- 
 ner. 
 
 The prospects of this congregation, as to spiritual in- 
 crease and comfort, were now again greatly brightened, 
 by an extraordinary communication from the Father of 
 lights and mercies. It pleased the King of Zion to bow 
 his heavens, come down, and renew his operations there, 
 in a very special and effectual manner. 
 
 The youth, residing principally about the village, 
 who had been formed into a class for the purpose oi 
 prosecuting the Bible study, and who had, for some 
 months previous, given careful and diligent attention to 
 the course of instruction prescribed, were the first that 
 felt this heavenly impulse. And the circumstances of 
 the case were such, as to produce a full belief, that the 
 Bible study, so recently introduced, had been very ex- 
 
 • See note K, at the close. 
 9 
 
66 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 tensively, if not exclusively instrumental,'^ in producing 
 this unexpected and most animating excitement. The 
 evidences of this gracious work, were first exhibited in 
 a prayer meeting, which had been instituted some time 
 previous, and observed on Sabbath mornings, before the 
 hour of divine service. This society, after having ap- 
 peared to diminish in number, and to decline in zeal, 
 was observed to increase suddenly, so much, that a lar- 
 ger room than that usually occupied became necessary. 
 It was at one of these Sabbath morning meetings, that 
 the presence and power of the Lord Avere very clearly 
 manifested. Nearly the whole school, a large number 
 of young persons belonging to the vicinity, and a pro- 
 miscuous assemblage, of all ages and circumstances, 
 were present. The Spirit of the Lord descended upon 
 them, as a refreshing mighty wind, and filled the house 
 with his presence. A considerable number of those 
 present, who had been till then careless, were filled 
 with deep convictions of sin, and concern for salvation. 
 A solemn impression was made on many minds, and a 
 seriousness very unusual was spread over the whole as- 
 sembly. During this interesting scene, Mr. Finley was 
 absent from home, and without the least thought of what 
 was taking place there. On his return, after a short ab- 
 sence, and receiving information of what had occurred, 
 
 * In a report, by Dr. Green, President of the College of New-Jersey, on the 
 subject of the revival of religion which took place in that institution, 1813, the 
 study of the holy scriptures is assigned, as one of its chief " instrumental causes.'* 
 See this report, &c. published by B. B. Hopkins, Philadelphia, 1315. To the 
 same instrumental cause, in a very great degree, are to be attributed, several 
 powerful and txtensive awakenings, recently experienced in the Presbyterian 
 church, in the state of New- Jersey, in the stale of New-York, and in other dis- 
 tricts of our country, where the system proposed by the General Assembly has 
 been introduced. 
 
DR. FINLEF. 67 
 
 mingled emotions of wonder, joy and praise, almost 
 overwhelmed his spirit. His first interview with some 
 trembling-, anxious youth, belonging to his school, who 
 came to him for direction and relief, was extremely af- 
 fecting. His tender sensibilities were so much excited, 
 that he was at first unable to speak. 
 
 The spirit of this man of God became now again deep- 
 ly stirred within him, and he was enabled to make an- 
 other great and effectual effort for the promotion of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom, among that people. 
 
 A season of deep conviction and anxious inquiry^ 
 among sinners, now ensued. This work of grace pro- 
 gressed, in a silent and hidden manner. It spread grad- 
 ually, and almost imperceptibly, in every direction, 
 from the region of the church, where it commenced, to 
 the extremities of the congregation. The impressions, 
 which were most powerful and alarming, seemed to pro- 
 duce, in general, no audible out-cry, nor any very strik- 
 ing and visible emotions; but multitudes of careless sin- 
 ners were filled with solemn concern, and the people 
 of God were deeply affected and moved, by the quick- 
 ening influences sent down from on high. While the 
 awakening was extending, with a steady and uniform 
 pace, in every direction Mr. Finley endeavoured to lead 
 its way and to aid its progress, by abundant and unweari- 
 ed labours. He preached from house to house, in season 
 and out of season, with a vehemence, a frequency and a 
 perseverance, truly astonishing, almost incredible. His 
 discourses were usually long, powerful and alarming. His 
 voice, his words and his manner, sometimes, like light- 
 ning, seemed to strike the guilty to the floor: sometimes 
 his public addresses were of the most tender, pathetic 
 and melting kind. In the course of this out-pouring of 
 
^8 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 the Divine Spirit, he preached in a few instances foui; 
 times a day; not unfrequently nine times a week ; and 
 for months together, on an average, once in twenty-four 
 hours. His whole heart and spirit seemed to be concen- 
 trated and absorbed ill this great business. He appeared 
 verily to lose sight of himself, of his academic engage- 
 ments, of his domestic concerns, of his personal ease, 
 and of every interest, but the everlasting interests of 
 perishing sinners, and the glory of God. He visited 
 from family to family, with the familiarity and affection 
 of a friend and father. He advised, instructed and en- 
 treated the thoughtless and secure in sin, with prayers to 
 God and many tears, to seek the Saviour. He perform- 
 ed these duties, with an importunity and solemnity of 
 mind, fully convincing every beholder, that he felt his 
 awful responsibility; watching for souls, and treating 
 with sinners, on the subject of their eternal welfare, as 
 an ambassador of the great God. 
 
 The following interesting letter, from a young gen- 
 tleman, residing at Basking Ridge during this revival, to a 
 respectable lady, who had requested information on this 
 subject, is introduced, and will be read with pleasure : 
 
 ''Basking Ridge, 30th Sept, 1815. 
 " Respected Madam, 
 
 *'I now comply with your request, made through 
 Mr. G. You may justly accuse me of negligence, in 
 omitting thus long to write. When I saw Mr. G. the 
 work was in its first stages, and I thought proper to 
 delay a few weeks, that I might be enabled to give you 
 a more satisfactory statement. 
 
 " The blessed work of the out-pouring of the Spirit of 
 God, which has at length spread through dilTerent part? 
 
BR. FINLEY. 6S 
 
 of this congregation, first commenced in our academy. 
 In the latter part of the month of June, Mr. Finley 
 preached a sermon address-d partimlarly to the youth. 
 Although perhaps a more than ordinary attention was 
 observable on that day, yet two weeks elapsed before it 
 was known that any were seriously awakened; when it 
 was discovered that two young men of our school 
 were deeply impressed with a sense of divine things. 
 Impressions on the hearts of othejs, as was afterwards 
 discovered, were gradually increasing, who did not for 
 several days subsequent to this, manifest it ; until one of 
 the young men, who had been disposed to speak lightly 
 of the work, and scoff at the idea that his school- 
 fellows were becoming religious, was, while at his 
 lodgings, suddenly arrested with an awful apprehen- 
 sion of the danger of his state, while out of Christ. This 
 had considerable effect with those who had taken part 
 with him in his folly. Thus the number of the subjects 
 of the work was increasing, until it became so powerful, 
 that we were induced to hope for a time, that almost the 
 whole school was pressing into the kingdom of our Sa- 
 viour. The greater part of the school, which consists 
 of about forty-five, were in a greater or less degree 
 awakened. What a blessed prospect was then before 
 us ! How^ pleasing to see children of tender age, laying 
 aside their childish sports, and to hear them inquiring 
 for their Saviour! Compassionate Redeemer! thou 
 canst out of the mouth of babes and sucklings, perfect 
 praise ! 
 
 "We lament that impressions have worn off with ma- 
 ny. But blessed be the name of the Most High, that 
 about nine of their number have obtained a comfortable 
 hope, that they have been made the subjects of regene- 
 
70 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 rating grace. We have strong confidence to hope in 
 God, that the seed sown in the hearts of many others, 
 will yet spring up, and bear the fruit of eternal life. 
 Oh ! Divine Spirit, perfect thy work in the hearts of 
 those where thou hast commenced it ; begin where it is 
 not yet begun ; and bring them all into the fold of Christ. 
 
 " This blessed work, which for some time was confin- 
 ed to the academy, has at length spread into various 
 parts of the congregation. It is still, we hope, gradual- 
 ly extending. About thirty persons, including those of 
 the school, have hopefully been converted to the Sa- 
 viour. Nearly seventy others are supposed to be in a 
 greater or less degree awakened. Mr. Finley labours 
 with unwearied diligence. We have praying societies 
 every evening in the week, many of which Mr. Finley 
 attends. This wxek, besides the regular services of the 
 Sabbath, he has preached seven times. Last evening 
 we had a very interesting meeting. God, by his Spirit, 
 appeared to be sensibly near. 
 
 " What cause of rejoicing, to the friends of the Re- 
 deemer's kingdom in this place, for this gracious visita- 
 tion from the presence of the Lord. This is a highly 
 favoured people. Madam, unite your prayers with 
 ours, for the still greater effusions of the spirit of grace. 
 Yea, blessed Saviour, ride forth in the majesty of thy 
 gospel, and let this be a rich harvest of the precious 
 fruits of eternal life, a glorious in-gathering of precious 
 souls to thyself !" 
 
 During this season of revival, which continued about 
 eight months, Mr. Finley formed and executed a reso- 
 lution, to visit personally, as a minister of the gospel, 
 not only all the households belonging strictly to his ex- 
 
DR. FINLEY. 71 
 
 tensive charge, but the great number of families, living 
 in the mountainous and barren out-skirts of his congre- 
 gation, more particularly on the northwest and south- 
 west borders. This brought upon him, in a cold and 
 inclement season, a great increase of labour and hard- 
 ship, which he endured cheerfull}^ To the prosecution 
 of this enterprise of benevolence, he devoted those sea- 
 sons which he could redeem from the pressure of servi- 
 ces and cares nearer home. Thus he endeavoured to 
 hunt out the poor and ignorant in their retired dwelling 
 places, to rouse them to a sense of sin and danger, and to 
 convey to their houses and hearts, the glad tidings of 
 pardon and salvation, through the blood of Christ. On 
 these tours of compassion, he spent in the whole, at 
 different times, about two months, during the winter of 
 1815-16. Sometimes he set out on foot, and travelled 
 onward for three or four days, instructing"^ and praying 
 in the families that successively fell in his way. Wher- 
 ever he could assemble a sufficient number, even a small 
 
 * In one of Mr. Finley's visits to a remote part of his congregation, he called 
 at a habitation, where the head of the family was absent. lie soon entered into 
 eonversauon with the mistress of the house, whom he found at home. She ap- 
 peared to be highly pleased with having an opportunity of conversing on religious 
 subjects, and with much apparent warm h and zeal, expressed the most sincere 
 love to God, and the greatest desire to be devoted to him. After the conversa- 
 tion ended, Mr. Finley called to him one of her children, who was in the house, 
 and asked him some of those questions which are generally very familiar to chil- 
 <iren who have been religiously educated, such as, who made you ? of what 
 were you made I' who is the Redeemer of men :* He found that the child was un- 
 able to answer any question of this kind, and had received no instruction from his 
 parents in the first principles of religion. He then turned to the woman, and in 
 a tone of indignation, addressed her : " Woman, is this your love to God ? How 
 is it possible that you love God, when you neglect to teach your children any 
 thing about him .!"' &c. He continued his observations, until she became much 
 affected, and to appearance deeply impressea. 
 
72 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 group, he spent some time in preaching and talking to 
 them on the momentous concerns of eternity.^ 
 
 In the course of these missionary excursions, he found 
 more than fifty families, totally destitute of the sacred 
 scriptures. Some of these families, he supplied imme- 
 diately, from the small stock of Bibles, Testaments and 
 Tracts he usually took with him on these journeys, and 
 to the others, he took measures as soon as possible, to 
 furnish the word of life.f These labours of love, which 
 he accomplished with no inconsiderable exposure and 
 fatigue, afforded his own heart much satisfaction, and 
 he had reason to believe, were productive of extensive 
 benefit to many individuals and families. 
 
 While his expanded benevolence and zeal embraced 
 the poor and miserable in the extreme limits, and even 
 beyond the confines of his immediate charge, he w as in- 
 flamed with most warm desires, and employed, as far as 
 
 * It was often difficult to provide agreeable accommodations for the people that 
 attended, and the business 6f preparing seats, in some instances, fell principally 
 upon himself. Once in particular, rather than expose the audience to the incon- 
 venience and fatigue of standing to receive his instructions, after the people be- 
 gan to assemble, he took down the loose boards which composed the second floor 
 of the house, and made seats of them on chairs and benches, with his own hands, 
 for the accommodation of the assembling multitude. 
 
 f Mr. Finley was in the practice of giving Bibles, occasionally at his own ex- 
 pense, to the poor, whom he discovered to be destitute, before the Bible Socie- 
 ties of this state commenced their operations. A pastor of a congregation, con- 
 tiguous to that of Basking Ridge, on visiting some families, in low circum- 
 stances, living near the limits of these respective congregations, offered a poor 
 German a Bible, supposing him to have none ; to which the German replied, 
 " You and Finley makes me one very good man, or gives me one very het hell; 
 for Finley gives me a Bible many jears ago." 
 
DR. FINLEY. 73 
 
 possible, the most vigorous efforts,*' to carrj^ on the work 
 of grace, which continued in some measure to progress, 
 in the interior of his congregation, till the ensuing 
 spring. Of the impressions, which had been experien- 
 ced, those among the youth, were found in general, to 
 
 * Mr. Pinley's exertions were necessarily moderated towards spring, on ac- 
 count of the exhausted and reduced state of his health. The following extract from 
 a letter to a very respectable friend in the city of New- York, received since 
 writing the above, will support and illustrate this remark and other parts of the 
 preceding statement :— 
 
 " Basking Ridge, February 14, 1816, 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 *' Our past intercourse which I found oftentimes so satisfactory, often occurs to 
 ray remembrance, and excites a wish that circumstances could admit me to keep 
 upthe same intercourse we once enjoyed. But so it is, that the business of each day 
 and its cares are sufficient and often more than sufficient for itself, and though the 
 spirit is willing, it seems impossible to do what would be desirable to my old 
 friends. 
 
 " It was a matter of regret that when A was here, he gave me so little of 
 
 his company. Oh ! could we but love our Saviour as we ought, we should soon 
 have our place, where no distance would ever separate us from our friends. 
 
 " The revival of religion in this place languishes and declines, owing in the way 
 of means to my being unable to pursue the work with much vigour. The great 
 fatigues through which I went during the summer and fall, in the end affected my 
 nervous system greatly and weakened my strength, in the. nay. Still I preach 
 about three times a week, besides the Sabbath, and my number of hearers is great. 
 New awakenings have not lately occurred, but some of those who have been long 
 awakened, are from time to time brought into the city of refuge. The Lord 
 grant me a little more strength of body and mind to go on and try to serve Him, 
 the remnant of an unprofitable life. In my late attempts to serve God, it ap- 
 pears to me there has been less of self than on some former occasions. The little 
 acquaintance I have had with revivals of religion, and the great experience I 
 have had of spiritual pride, induced me to make ike observations., whicli you noti. 
 eed last fall in the Synod, relative to passing ■p^iblic encomiums on the female pray- 
 ing societies. Concerning the societies, I never had but one opinion, and that 
 was in their favour : — but one desire, the Lord increase their number and their 
 spirit of prayer. 
 
 " We all send our love to Mrs. , my daughters remember jours affection- 
 ately, and with great respect and esteem, 
 
 " 1 am. Dear Sir, Yours, 
 
 " ROBFJIT FINLEY/' 
 
 10 
 
74 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 be most deep and permanent. And the individuals, who 
 received comfort from God, in their spiritual concerns, 
 and in due season, obtained admission to the communion 
 of his church, as the fruits of this merciful visitation, 
 amounting in the whole to about fifty-five, were chiefly 
 in the morning of life. Of these, a considerable number 
 v/ere students in the academy. Some, who at first 
 made light of this sacred work, became subjects of di- 
 vine inuuence, and very early gave evidence of a gra- 
 cious change. So general and so strong were the spir- 
 itual impulse and fervor, in this institution, that a prayer 
 meeting was established and observed regularly with 
 great seriousness, among the members of the school 
 themselves. Several young men of good talents, be- 
 came hopefully pious, during this day of divine power, 
 and are contemplating the ministry of the gospel, as the 
 end of their studies and the desire of their hearts. 
 
 In the spring of eighteen hundred and sixteen, the 
 congregation returned to its ordinary state, which af- 
 forded to Mr. Finley, a season of comparative repose, 
 very imperiously called for, by the impaired state of his 
 health. The ordinar}^ labours he prescribed for himself, 
 and faithfully discharged without intermission, having 
 been very extensive, and the seasons of excitement and 
 revival, in which he made inconceivable exertion, hav- 
 ing been quite numerous — it was to be expected not- 
 withstanding the uncommon strength and vitality of his 
 frame, that the vigour of his constitution and animation of 
 his spirit, would feel the effect. At several periods, pre- 
 vious to his last great effort^ in the service of God, the 
 stability of his health, appeared to be considerably sha- 
 ken ; so that relaxation from labour and invigoration 
 by travelling, became necessary : but his parochial and 
 
DR. FINLEy. 75 
 
 domestic ties would not permit him to make excursions, 
 so extensive and elilcacious, as the condition of his 
 nerves demanded. 
 
 The joy he experienced at this period at seeing the 
 church open her bosom to receive, to a participation in 
 her privileg-es and hopes, more than fifty returning prod- 
 igals, who presented themselves together in the aisle to 
 devote themselves to the Lord, did not repair the rava- 
 ges of intense exertion, severe exposures, sleepless 
 nights, and incessant anxieties, encountered through the 
 preceding winter. Probabh^, at this period the founda- 
 tion of that disease was laid, which prematurely termi- 
 nated his course of usefulness and honour in the church 
 below. His nervous system presented evidences of 
 great debility and disorder. Still he gave nature very 
 little opportunity to recover her wasted energy, either 
 by a suspension of labour or by a resort to efficient re- 
 storatives. He generally increased his exertions when 
 at home, to compensate for his short occasional absences, 
 for the benefit of his health. In this manner he passed 
 away the summer of 1816, and on the return of cool and 
 bracing weather, his constitution appeared to be much 
 invigorated, and his health, on the whole improved. 
 
 About this period Mr. Finley began to disclose with 
 freedom, to his friends and to the public, the outlines of 
 the noble and benevolent scheme, in behalf of the free 
 people of colour in the United States, which his capa- 
 cious and philanthropic mind had been for some years 
 meditating and maturing and which he prosecuted with 
 his characteristic zeal and perseverance until principally 
 through his instrumentality, the Colonization Society at 
 Washington was formed, December 2t% 181^. 
 
76 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 The day, which gave birth to this institution commen- 
 ces a new era in the history of the abolition of African 
 bondage and vice, degradation and misery, in the Amer- 
 can Republic. It opens a widely extended field for 
 noble ambition and enterprise in the march of American 
 benevolence. =^ The man, that conceived this benefi- 
 cent plan, or in any considerable degree excited the im- 
 pulse and directed the movements, which resulted in the 
 formation of the society above referred to, let the sys- 
 tem prosper or perish, deserves to be placed with Clark- 
 son and Wilberforce among the distinguished lovers and 
 benefactors of mankind. Finley, in the hands of God, 
 is believed to have been that man. 
 
 The unhappy circumstances of the free people of col- 
 our, in our country, early attracted his attention and 
 deeply impressed his mind. Their lamentable condi- 
 tion and their gloomy prospects presented themselves to 
 his view, and took a strong hold of his humane sensibil- 
 ities. There exists satisfactory evidence, that his mind 
 had been occupied a considerable time, in endeavour- 
 ing to devise some plan that would afford relief to these 
 unfortunate, oppressed, and miserable exiles, before he 
 gave publicity to his views of the subject. In the year 
 1814, he addressed a letter to a very particular friend in 
 Philadelphia, a man of intelligence, distinction and pie- 
 ty, unbosoming to him his thoughts on this subject, man- 
 ifesting his own full persuasion of its high importance, 
 and soliciting his friend's opinion and influence, in rela- 
 tion to it. 
 
 The following extract, of a letter addressed, to John 
 i*. Mumford, Esq. of the city of New-York, by his friend 
 
 * See Note h 
 
DR. FINLEV. 77 
 
 Mr. Finley, exhibits some of his early views and opera- 
 tions, in regard to this matter : — 
 
 '' Basking Ridge, February 14, 1816. 
 "Mr. John P. Mumford, 
 
 "Dear Sir, — The longer I live to see the wretch- 
 edness of men, the more I admire the virtue of those, 
 Avho devise and with patient sacrifice labour to execute 
 plans for the relief of the wretched. On this subject 
 the state of the/r<?e blacks has very much occupied my 
 mind. Their number increases greatly, and their 
 wretchedness too as appears to me. Every thing con- 
 nected with their condition, including their colour, is 
 against them ; nor is there much prospect that their 
 state can ever be greatly ameliorated, while they shall 
 continue among us. Could not the rich and benevolent 
 devise means to form a colon]/ on some part of Africa, 
 similar to the one at Sierra Leone, which might gradual- 
 ly induce many free blacks to go and settle, devising for 
 them the means of getting there, and of protection and 
 support, till they were established T Ought not Congress 
 to be petitioned to grant them a district in a good cli- 
 mate, say on the shores of the Pacific Ocean ? — Our fa- 
 thers brought them here, and we are bound if possible to 
 repair the injuries inflicted by our fathers. Could they 
 be sent back to Africa, a three-fold benefit would arise. 
 We should be cleared of them : — we should send to Af- 
 rica a population partially civilized and christianized for 
 its benefit: — our blacks themselves would be put in a 
 better situation. Think much on this subject — then 
 please write to me when you have leisure. 
 " I am. Dear Sir, Yours, 
 
 "ROBERT FINLEY." 
 
?S JMEMOIKS OF 
 
 When the ensuing spring opened he became more ex- 
 tensively interested in this subject, more free in commu- 
 nicating his views of it, and more active in endeavour- 
 ing, by conversation and correspondence, to engage in 
 its favour, persons of talents, wealth and piety, in church 
 and state. Througli the following summer, in general, 
 and especially, in his occasional excursions from home, 
 and interviews with his brethren in the ministry, this 
 subject appeared to be uniformly uppermost in his 
 thoughts, and was the chief topic of his conversation. 
 In his applications to individuals for advice and assist- 
 ance, he met with very little direct opposition. The 
 gentlemen with whom he had intercourse, in relation to 
 this object, in general approved the plan so far as it was 
 then understood — but, at the same time, a general im- 
 pression prevailed, that the whole scheme, though be- 
 nevolent and noble, was visionary and impracticable. 
 The subject in general which he had deeply considered, 
 and the opinions of his friends whom he had consulted, 
 furnished so much encouragement, that he resolved to 
 make a great effort to carry his benevolent views into 
 effect. An important question was then to be decided : 
 in what place and in what manner would it be best to 
 commence active operations in pursuing the proposed 
 object ? In contemplating this preliminary inquiry and 
 in making additional preparatory arrangements, he spent 
 a considerable part of the fall of 1816. Towards the 
 close of November, he became determined to test the 
 popularity and in some measure the practicability of the 
 whole system, by introducing the subject to public no- 
 tice, at the city of Washington. The contemplated 
 plan appeared to him to be so vast in its nature and so 
 difficult of attainment — the interest involved in it so nu- 
 
DR. FINLEV. * 79 
 
 nierous, extensive and complicated, that be was persua- 
 ded it could be carried into effect only by being made an 
 object of national patronage. 
 
 After endeavouring some time to obtain for it, friends 
 and advocates in his native state, and in the cities of 
 New-York and Philadelphia, he resolved to bring the 
 subject forward in the metropolis of the nation, there 
 to communicate his own views, to learn the sentiments 
 and as far as might be, direct the opinions of others, and 
 if practicable procure a deliberate, intelligent and sol- 
 emn decision in its favour, inageneral meeting of the citi- 
 zens of that place, of the members of Congress and of 
 the enlightened individuals convened there from every 
 part of our country. His mind was intensely devoted 
 to this object, and filled with anxious desires for the fa- 
 vourable result of this great experiment. He felt that 
 he was about to agitate a delicate, interesting and im- 
 portant subject : and as to bold and decisive exertions 
 in its support he view^ed himself, at this moment as al- 
 most alone. 
 
 Had he been acquainted with Mr. Jefferson's letter 
 on this subject, written to a friend by request in 1811, 
 but never made public till 1818, the sentiments of that 
 distinguished citizen would have afforded him much 
 encouragement. Had he possessed a knowledge of the 
 transactions, in relation to the free blacks of Virginia, 
 which had taken place, previously in the Legislature of 
 that Commonwealth — this might reasonably have led 
 him to expect aid from that quarter, and would have in- 
 spired him with increased confidence in his contempla- 
 ted measures. But of the former he could have receiv- 
 ed no intimation ; and if he possessed any information 
 of the latter, it must have been very imperfect. He 
 
80 MExMOIRS OF 
 
 i considered himself, and was considered by his friends 
 its devising a plan hitherto unthonght of. 
 
 Under these circumstances and with these views, Mr. 
 Finley set off for Washington towards the close of No- 
 vember, 1816. The following communications from 
 highly respectable gentlemen residing in the District of 
 Columbia will give a comprehensive, judicious and can- 
 did view of Mr. Finley's transactions, during his visit at 
 the Seat of Goverjiment : — 
 
 " Washmgton, July Sth, 181C. 
 *' Dear Sir, 
 
 "I owe you an apology for my long silence on a 
 subject interesting to me as well as yourself. 
 
 " I have been continually under an intention of wri- 
 ting, but have been prevented from time to time, and 
 am now unable to do more than to glance at a few cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 "Mr. Finley arrived in Washington about the 1st of 
 December, 1816. His journey was partly for the bene- 
 fit of his health, and partly with the intent of visiting 
 Georgia. But one leading design, and one that seemed 
 to be most interesting to him, was the forwarding of 
 the colonization plan. Shortly after he arrived, he 
 opened to me his views on the subject. I had been 
 contemplating the same object from the preceding win- 
 ter. I was therefore prepared to enter at once into his 
 feelings. Immediately after this, he began seriously to 
 make arrangements preparatory to a meeting of the citi- 
 zens. He visited several Members of Congress, the 
 President, the Heads of Departments and others. He re- 
 viewed a piece, " Thoiights, &c." which he had writ- 
 ten previous to his coming here, which we published, 
 
DR. FINLEl'. 81 
 
 and which I send you, with two other pamphlets rela* 
 tive to the same subject. His heart, during the whole 
 of this time, was much engaged, and he said he would 
 cheerfully give, out of his limited ly.eans, five hundred 
 dollars, to insure the success of the scheme. His con- 
 versation and zeal had a considerable influence in col- 
 lecting people to the meeting, and in conciliating many 
 wiio at first appeared opposed. He proposed a prayer 
 (meeting, for the success of the vieeting^ the evening pre- 
 ivious to the day appointed for it, which was held, and in 
 ■w^hich he was earnestly engaged in prayer. The 
 pamphlet accompanying this will give you some view 
 of the subject. 
 
 *' It will be impossible to form an opinion of what was 
 done at that time, without having a view of the state of 
 the public, at the time of bringing forward the question 
 for public consideration. A few persons had barely 
 thought of the subject, but in general, had hastily dis- 
 missed it, as wholly impracticable. I believe the great- 
 er part of the persons at first assembled, were brought 
 there from curiositj^, or by the solicitation of their 
 jfriends, viewing the scheme as too chimerical for any 
 (rational being to undertake. A very great change was 
 there produced, which has been gradually increasing 
 from that time. The organization of the society at that 
 -time, may be principally attributed to Mr. Finley's pre- 
 isence here, as it was greatly promoted by his zeal, his 
 lassiduity and his knowledge of the subject : as his pam- 
 iphlet shows that his thoughts had been much occupied 
 U-ith it.'" 
 
 n 
 
82 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ''JVovemher lOt/i, 1818, 
 " Rev. and Dear Sir, 
 
 "You ask, sir, what agency Dr. Finley exerted in 
 the formation of the Coloriization Society, within the 
 District of Columbia ? 1 answer, he was the sole mover 
 .and promoter of it ; nor did he leave the District until 
 it was organized, and put into operation. His last pub- 
 lic act in the last public meeting, was to make, by the 
 request of Mr. Herbert, then a Member of Congress, one 
 of the most solemn prayers for its success. When Mr. 
 Finley came here I was not acquainted with him, but he 
 soon developed his ideas to me upon the subject, which 
 you may be sure met with my most decided approba- 
 tion. He got introductions to the Heads of Depart- 
 ments, and to Mr. Madison himself, told them all what 
 he thought upon the subject, the good he thought would 
 result from it. Some laughed — others wondered ; — but 
 he remained unshaken in his purpose, and told me once 
 when we were walking together, * I know this scheme is 
 from God !' 
 
 " I must not conceal, however, that in the Virginia as- 
 sembly, which met that fall, a motion Avas made to colo- 
 nize the free people of colour, upon the shores of the 
 Pacific Ocean, somewhere near the mouth of the river 
 
 !! and I think Mr. Finley's doings here were 
 
 known to that assembly. 
 
 " H' this colony should ever be formed in Africa, great 
 injustice will be done to Mr. Finley, if in the history of 
 it, his name be not mentioned as the first mover, and if 
 some town or district in the colony be not called Fin- 
 
DR. FINLEF. 83 
 
 These letters, from cyc-nitnesses of Mr. Finley's inde- 
 iatigable efforts, partakers in his counsels and exertions, 
 place his conduct, on that important and interesting oc- 
 casion, in a just and honourable point of view. Mr. 
 Finley's "Thoughts on the colonization of free blacks/* 
 are an important original production. The valuable in- 
 formation it contains — the excellent spirit it breathes — 
 and the traits of originality in matter and manner, which 
 it exhibits, render it highly deserving of an insertion in 
 this narrative. Full of thought and of zeal, he brings you 
 at once, without the formality of an introduction, to the 
 main point of discussion. " What shall we do with the 
 free people of colour? What can we do for their happi- 
 ness consistently with our own? are questions often 
 asked by the thinking mind. The desire to make them 
 happy has often been felt, but the difficulty of devising 
 and accomplishing an efficient plan, has hitherto appear- 
 ed too great for humanity itself to accomplish. The 
 mind shrunk back from the attempt. The time was not 
 arrived. The servitude of the sons of Ham, described 
 by Noah in the spirit of prophes}^ concerning the future 
 condition of his posterity, was not terminated. At pre- 
 sent, as if by a divine impulse, men of virtue, piety and 
 reflection, are turning their thoughts to this subject, and 
 seem to see the wished for plan unfolding, in the gradual 
 separation of the black from the ivhite population^ by pro- 
 , viding for the former^ some suitable situation, where they 
 \\)nay enjoy the advantages to which they are entitled by na- 
 ""dure and their Creator^ s will. This is a great subject, 
 and there are several weighty questions connected with 
 it, which deserve a deep consideration. 
 
 " Is it a practicable thing to form a colon}^ of hee 
 blacks in our own wild lands, or on the coast of Africa ■* 
 
84 MEMOIRS O* 
 
 " Is it probable that the establishment would be pro- 
 ductive of general happiness ' 
 
 " What is the most desirable -situation for such a set- 
 tlement? In what manner, and by whom might such a 
 colony be planted with the greatest hope of success ? 
 
 "Much wisdom would no doubt be required in ar- 
 ranging a plan of so much magnitude, and some perse- 
 verance in executing it aiid carrying it to perfection. 
 But it cannot be supposed to be among the things which 
 are impracticable, to plant a colony, either of blacks or 
 whites, either in Africa, or in some remote district of 
 our own country. Most nations have had their colo- 
 nies. Greece and Rome planted many, which grew and 
 flourished, and which, as they grew, added strength and 
 lustre to the mother country. At the present time there 
 are few nations who have not their foreign settlements, 
 and some of them from year to year are increasing the 
 numbers of their colonies. With what ease is Great 
 Britain transplanting apart of her population, in the re- 
 motest regions of the earth, and peopling New-Holland, 
 a land destined like our own to extend the empire of 
 liberty and Christian blessings to surrounding nations.-^' 
 It does not appear that it would require much greater 
 \ skill or labour, to form a separate establishment for free 
 [blacks in our own distant territories, than it is to form a 
 '^new state. The people of colour, observing the con- 
 stant emigration of the whites, would soon feel the com- 
 
 * " It is a remarkable iHstaace of the mysterious and inscrutable ways of Pro- 
 vidence, that the colony of New-Holland, which is principally composed of British 
 convicts, has bpcome flourishing ; its inhabitants peaceable, orderly and indus- 
 trious, and through the iustrumentality of missionaries, Christianity is flourishing 
 among thera ; and through them, likely to extend civilization, and the benefits of 
 the Christian religion,, to the ignorant and superstitious natives of that country 
 and the adjacent islands." 
 
DE. FINLEV. 83 
 
 mon impulse, if the}^ could see a place where they might 
 remove, and which they could fondly call their own. 
 Many have both the means and disposition to go to any 
 reasonable distance, or even to a great distance, where 
 they could assume the rank of men, and act their part 
 upon the great theatre of life Their local attachments 
 are no stronger than those of other men, their ambition 
 no less than that of any other colour. 
 
 " To colonize them in Africa, would be a much more 
 arduous undertaking. The country must be explored, 
 and some situation chosen, fertile and healthy — expense 
 must be incurred, in fair and honourable purchase from 
 the natives — an honourable appeal perhaps be made to 
 the nations of Europe, as to the justice and humanity of 
 our views. An efficient government must, for a time at 
 least, be afforded to the colony — the free blacks must be 
 instructed that it would be to their interest to remove 
 to the land which gave them origin, and instruction pro- 
 vided to raise their minds to that degree of knowledge, 
 ■which in time would fit them for self-government. These 
 difficulties are real, and some of them might be found to 
 be very great, but they are not insurmountable. We have 
 wisdom in our councils, and energy in our government. 
 In such an undc rtaking, we should have reason and the 
 God of eternal justice on our side. Humanity has many 
 a virtuous son, who would willingly and carefully ex- 
 plore the long line of African coast, which has not 
 fallen under the dominion of any European nation. 
 Their devotedness to their country's interest and glory 
 would make them faithful to their undertaking, and 
 their desire for the happiness of the hee people of col- 
 our, would induce them if possible to find a country 
 wiiere health and plenty might be enjoyed. The con- 
 
86 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 sent of the chiefs to part with a sufficient portion of soil^ 
 might be easily obtained, especially when they were 
 informed that the sole design of the colony was to re- 
 store their own children, and bring them back, free and 
 happy. From what has often taken place on the coast 
 of Africa, we may be assured that the cost of procuring 
 the right of soil, by fair and just purchase, would not be 
 great. The expense of conveying the first settlers, of 
 maintaining a suflicient force to protect the colony, and 
 of supplying the wants of the colonists for a short peri- 
 od, might be more considerable. Yet the wisdom of 
 congress might devise some means of lightening, per- 
 haps of re-paying, the cost. Many of the free people of 
 colour have property sufficient to transport, and after- 
 ward to establish themselves. The ships of war might 
 be employed occasionally in this service, while many 
 w^ould indent themselves to procure a passage to the 
 land of their independence. The crews of the national 
 ships which might be from time to time at the colony, 
 would furnish at least a part of that protection which 
 would be necessary for the settlers ; and in a little time 
 the trade which the colony would open with the interi- 
 or, would more than compensate for every expense, if 
 the colony were wisely formed. 'Fromthe single river 
 of Sierra Leone, where there is a colony of free people 
 of colour, the imports in Great Britain were nearly, and 
 the exports to the same river full}^, equal to the imports 
 and exports, exclusive of the slave trade, of the whole 
 extent of the western coast of Africa, prior to the aboli- 
 tion of that traffic.'^ To allay the jealousies of other 
 nations, which might arise from our establishing a settle- 
 
 * '^ Ninth report of African [nslitution. 
 
DR. FINLE^-. 
 
 sr 
 
 ment in Africa, a successful appeal might be made to 
 their justice and humanity. It would be only doing as 
 they have done, should no such appeal be made. Spain 
 has her settlements in Africa; France, on the rivers 
 Gambia and Senegal ; Great Britain, at Sierra Leone 
 and the Cape ; Portugal, in Congo and I.oango. On 
 the principles of justice, no nation would have a right 
 to interfere with our intentions. Moreover, in this pe- 
 riod of the world, when the voice of justice and human- 
 ity begins to be listened to with attention, is there not 
 reason to hope, that plans, the sole design of which is 
 the benefit of the human race, would be approved in the 
 cabinets of princes, and hailed by the benevolent of all 
 nations? The colony would not suffer for want of in- 
 structors, in morals, religion and the useful arts of life. 
 The time at last is come when not a few are imbibing 
 the spirit of Him who came from Heaven " to seek and 
 save the lost." That spirit is only beginning to go 
 forth, which has already been so successful in teaching, 
 the CafFre, the Hottentot, the Boshemen, the means of 
 present happiness and the way of eternal life.* In the 
 mean time the great efforts which are making to improve 
 the mental condition of the people of colour seems de- 
 signed in providence to prepare them for some great and 
 happy change in their situation. 
 
 *' It need not be apprehended, that these people would 
 be unwilling to remove to the proposed establishment. 
 To suppose this, is to suppose that they do not long after 
 happiness, that they do not feel the common pride and 
 
 * " A. plan of a school was laid in New-York, October, 1816, for the purpose 
 of training young people of colour, as teachers for those of their own colour, in this 
 country, and to have a supply of iostructorg ready for the proposed colony, should 
 it be ever formed. 
 
88 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 feelings of men. In some of our great cities there are 
 associations formed to open a correspondence with the 
 colony at Sierra Leone and prepare their minds for a 
 removal to a colony should it be ever formed.* The 
 colony at Sierra Leone on the western coast of Africa, 
 seems as if designed by God to obviate every difficulty, 
 to silence objections, and point out the way in which ev- 
 ery obstacle may be removed, if measures sufficiently 
 wise are adopted in establishing a similar colony from 
 this country. -The colony alluded to was first establish- 
 ed in the year 179L Its first settlers were a (e.w people 
 of colour who were in Great Britain, and from 1100 to 
 1200 of the same description in Nova Scotia. In the 
 year loll, the population had increased to 2000 exclu- 
 sive of many natives, notwithstanding the sickness and 
 mortality incident to a new settlement, and the settle- 
 ment being once destroyed by the French. In the year 
 1816, the population had increased to 3000.f All this 
 has been accomplished, or at least it was originated and 
 for many years maintained, by a company of benevolent 
 
 * " Such an association exists in Philadelphia. 
 
 f " Early in the winter of 1816, about thirtj' people of colour left Boston with 
 a view of settling themselves in the British colony at Sierra Leone, in Africa. 
 The vessel in which they sailed was the property and under tiie command of the 
 celebrated Paul Cuffee. Captain Cuffee has returned to this country, and brings 
 letters from the emigrants to their friends and benefactors. We have seen one 
 of the letters dated April 3, 1816. It states that they all arrived safe at Sierra 
 Leone, after a passage of 55 days, and were welcomed by all in the colony. The 
 place is represented as " good." They have fruits of all kinds and at all seasons 
 of the year. The governor gave each family a lot of land in the town, and fifty 
 acres of "good land" in tlie country, or more in proportion to their families. 
 Their land in the country is about two miles from town. Thpy have plenty of 
 rice and corn, and all other food that is good There were five churches in the 
 colony, and three or four schools, in one of which there were 150 female Africans. 
 7?ho are taught to read the word of God." The Boston Recorder. 
 
h 
 
 DU. FINLEy. 89 
 
 and enterprising men, by men too who are far removed 
 from those places where free blacks are to be found. 
 What then might be done under the blessing of that Be- 
 ing who wills the happiness of all his creatures, by the 
 American government, aided by the benevolence of all 
 its citizens, and surrounded with thousands who would 
 be willing to emigrate, and many of whom could carry 
 with them property, the useful arts of life, and above all, 
 the knowledge ofthe benign religion of Christ. 
 
 '*/? it probable that the general good would be promoted 
 by the establishment of such a colony ^ If there is not rea- 
 son to believe that it would be for the general benefit, 
 the idea ought to be given up and the scheme rejected. 
 But is there not reason to believe that the interest of 
 the whites and the free people of colour would be equal- 
 ly pF/omoted, by the latter being colonized in some suit- 
 able situation ? It can scarcely be doubted that slavery 
 has an injurious effect on the morals and habits of a 
 country where it exists. It insensibly induces a habit of 
 indolence. Idleness seldom fails to be attended with 
 dissipation. Should the time ever come when slavery 
 shall not exist in these states, yet if the people of colour 
 remain among us, the effect of their presence will be 
 unfavourable to our industry and morals. The recol- 
 lection of their former servitude will keep alive the 
 feeling that they were formed for labour, and that the 
 descendants of their former masters, ought to be exempt, 
 at least, from the more humble and toilsome pursuits of 
 life. The gradual withdrawing of the blacks w^ould in- 
 sensibly, and from an easy necessity induce habits of 
 industry, and along with it a love of order and religion. 
 Could they be removed to some situation where they 
 might live alone, society would be saved many a panjv 
 
 12 
 
90 MEMOIRS O* 
 
 * ^ which now is i'elt, and must in course of time be much 
 
 more sensibly felt from the intermixture of the diffeient 
 
 colours, and at the same time be relieved from a heavy 
 
 burden, in supporting that large portion of this people 
 
 \ 5vhich falls into poverty and must be maintained by oth- 
 
 ;■ 1 ers. If the benefit of the proposed separation would be 
 
 • [ considerable to those states where the people of colour 
 \ I are comparatively few, how great would it be to those 
 ^i where they are very numerous. The love of liberty 
 
 which prevails in those states, must be attended with a 
 desire to see abolished a system so contrary to the best 
 feehngs of our natures. But however strong the desires 
 of many, however lively the impressions of the great 
 principles of right, or however pungent the convictions 
 of a dying bed, it is believed to be unsafe to encourage 
 the idea of emancipation. The evil therefore increases 
 every year, and the gloomy picture grows darker con- 
 tinually, so that the question is often and anxiously ask- 
 ed — What jvill be the end of all this.'' The most natural 
 and easy ansv»^er seems to be — let no time be lost — let a 
 colony or colonies be formed on the coast of Africa, and 
 let laws be passed permitting the emancipation of slaves 
 on condition that they shall be colonized. By these 
 means the evil of slavery will be diminished, and in a 
 way so gradual as to prepare the whites for the happy 
 and progressive change. 
 
 " The benefits of the proposed plan to the race of 
 blacks appear to be numerous and great. That they are 
 capable of improvement is not to be contradicted, and 
 :that their improvement progresses daily, notwithstand- 
 ^ ;ing every obstacle, is not to be denied. Their capaci- 
 ty for self government whether denied or not, is ever 
 present to our view in the island of St. Domingo. But it 
 
DR. FIXLEV. 91 
 
 is in vain that we believe thera capable of improvement, 
 or that we are convinced that they are equal to the task 
 of governing themselves, unless this unhappy people are 
 separated from their former masters. The friends of 
 man will strive in vain to raise them to a proper level 
 while they remain among us. They will be kept down, 
 on the one side by prejudice, too deep rooted to be 
 eradicated, on the other, by the recollection of former 
 inferiority, and despair of ever assuming an equal stand- 
 ing in society. Remove them. Place them by them- 
 selves in some climate, congenial with their colour and 
 constitutions, and in some fruitful soil ; their contracted 
 minds will then expand and their natures rise. The 
 hope of place and power will soon create the feeling 
 that they are men. Give them the hope of becoming 
 possessed of power and influence, and the pleasure of 
 their invigorated minds will be similar to ours in like 
 circumstances. At present they have few incentives to 
 industry and virtue, compared with those which they 
 would feel, in a land which they could call their own, 
 and where there was no competition except with their 
 own colour. 
 
 " This great enterprise, must be undertaken ; either 
 by a union of virtuous and pious individuals, as in the 
 case of the colony of Sierra Leone already ra-entioned 
 in its original state ; or by the government of the Uni- 
 ted States. Perhaps on mature deliberation, it might ap- 
 pear a work worthy of the government, and one that 
 J could be accomplished with the greatest ease and in the 
 most efficient manner under the patronage of the nation. 
 None but the nation's arm could reach to all the situa- 
 tions in which the free blacks are placed through our 
 extended country, nor any but its councils be wise 
 
92 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 enough to accommodate the various interests which 
 ought to be consulted in so great an undertaking. If 
 Avrong has been done to Africa in forcing away her 
 weeping children, the wrong can be best redressed, by 
 that power which did the injury. If Heaven has been 
 offended, by putting chains on those, whom by its eter- 
 nal laws it has willed to be free, the same hand which 
 provoked the divine displeasure, should offer the aton- 
 ing sacrifice. Under a former government this guilt and 
 evil were brought principally upon our land ; but for 
 many years the state governments, under the eye of 
 the general government, continued this great violation 
 of the laws of nature. I^et then the representatives of 
 this great and free people, not only feel it to be their in- 
 terest, but their duty and glory to repair the injuries 
 done to humanity by our ancestors by restoring to inde- 
 pendence those who were forced from their native land, 
 and are now found among us. 
 
 " It remains yet to answer the question: Should con- 
 gress in their wisdom adopt the proposed measure; 
 would it best answer the end designed, to plant the co- 
 lony in some distant section of our country, or in the 
 land to which their colour and original constitution are 
 adapted ? If fixed in the territories of the United States, 
 the expense of procuring soil might be saved, and the 
 difficulty of removing settlers to the appointed place 
 would be diminished, especially if the colony were 
 planted at no very great distance in the interior. But 
 these advantages would be in part counterbalanced, by 
 having in our vicinity an independent settlement of peo- 
 ple who were once our slaves. There might be cause 
 of dread, lest they should occasionally combine with 
 ^^©ur Indian neighbours, or with those European nations 
 
DR. FINLEY. 93 
 
 ./who have settlements adjacent to our own, and we 
 1 1 should have them for our enemies, iiowevcir i^reat the 
 distance at which siivh a setlkment would be made in 
 our own country, it would furnish great facility to the 
 slaves in the nearest states, to desert their masters' ser- 
 vice, and escape to a land where their own race v/as 
 sovereign and independent. An easy comuuinication 
 would also be open, to send information to those who 
 remain in slavery, so as to make th-m uneasy in their 
 servitude. If removed to Africa, these last difficulties 
 Avould disappear, or be greatly diminished. There we 
 should have nothing to fear from their becoming our ene- 
 mies. Removed far from our sights our contem.pt of them, 
 produced by their situation, and by long habit confirm- 
 ed, would gradually die away, and their jealousy and 
 suspicion proportionably decrease. The colony could 
 never become an asylum for fugitive slaves, and but lit- 
 tle opportunity could be afforded to communicate with 
 this country in such a manner as to render the slaves un- 
 easy in their masters' service. On the other hand, great 
 and happy results might be produced by their being col- 
 ,onized in Africa. It is the country of their fathers, a 
 climate suited to their colour, and one to which their 
 constitution, but partially altered hj their abode in this 
 country would soon adapt itself. AVho can tell the 
 blessings which might in this way be conferred on Afri- 
 ca herself, when her strangers should be restored, and 
 she should receive her children redeemed from bon- 
 dage by the humanity of America, and by the hand of 
 
 Uvirtue and religion restored from their captivity. V/ith 
 what delight would she view them, improved in arts, in 
 civilization and in knowledge of the true God. She 
 would forget her sorrows, her wounds would be healed 
 
94 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 and she would bless the hands of her benefactors. Do 
 we not owe to that hapless country a debt contracted 
 by our fathers ; and how can we so well re-pay it, as by 
 transportiag to her shores a multitude of its own descen- 
 dants, who have learned the arts of life and are softened 
 by the power of true religion, and who can therefore be in- 
 strumental in taming and placing in fixed abodes^ the 
 wild and wandering people who now roam over that 
 great section of the globe. A nation of Christians 
 ought to believe that all the earth is destined to enjoy 
 happiness under the dominion of the Prince of peace. 
 Africa is not forgotten by Him who * feeds the spar- 
 rows.' The spirit of her people shall arise. Her sons 
 shall assume their proper dignity, and she shall yet re- 
 joice in her Creator's favour. Heaven executes its pur- 
 poses by human agents, and perhaps this may be one of 
 those means which are laid up in store to bless the sable 
 minions that now exist, the pity of angels, but the scorn 
 of thoughtless man. Could an}^ thing be deemed so ef- 
 fectual for the happiness of that portion of the world as 
 the plan proposed ? In this way there might soon be fix- 
 ed a seat of liberal learning in Africa, from which the 
 rays of knowledge might dart across those benighted re- 
 
 , gions. Is it too much to believe it possible that He 
 who brings light out of darkness, and good out of 
 evil, has suffered so great an evil to exist as African 
 slavery, that in a land of civil liberty and religious 
 knowledge, thousands and tens of thousands might at the 
 appointed time be prepared to return, and be the great 
 
 M instrument of spreading peace and happiness. Let not 
 these reflections be thought wholly visionary. We 
 know that the ways of the great Ruler of the world and 
 Director of events are vronderful and great beyond cal- 
 
DR. FINLEY. 95 
 
 culation. We know that great and increasing benefits 
 arise to the natives of Africa from the colony at Sierra 
 Leone. From the vicinity of that colony, the son of an 
 African chief, who has seen and felt its benefits, thus 
 writes in the summer of 1815 : 'What a happy thing it 
 is to see the peaceable state that this country is now in ! 
 quiet and free from slave vessels ! — no dragging of fami- 
 lies from one another ! — no innumerable slaves chained 
 together, male and female I and the enemies of humani- 
 ty, the slave traders, gradually quitting the country ! It 
 has struck me forcibly, that where the gospel makes its 
 appearance, there satan's kingdom gradually diminishes. 
 May God give grace and perseverance to his servants 
 to carry on his work ; and make them instruments in his 
 hands of bringing them to perfection. On the fourth of 
 June, 1815, ninety children and one adult were baptized 
 into the faith of Christ in the colony.' On which occa- 
 sion the same young prince thus writes : * I never was 
 better pleased in my lifetime than to see so many of my 
 countrymen brought so far as to be baptized, and partic- 
 ularly when I saw a grown up native come forward to 
 be baptized. We had likewise the happiness of seeing 
 our church so full, that some were obliged to stand out 
 of doors. Five or six of the native chiefs were present 
 on the occasion. I had more hopes that day than I ever 
 had of those poor perishing countrymen of mine*'^ 
 The period in which we live is big with great events, 
 and as happy as they are great. It is pregnant with 
 greater still. We have lived to see the day when man 
 has begun to learn the lesson of freedom and happincs.^. 
 America is blessed vvith every blessing civil and reli- 
 
 * " Appendix to Christian Observer, for 181.'>. 
 
vb MEMOIRS OF 
 
 gious. Europe begins slowly but sensibly to reform her 
 governments. The gloomy and dread superstitions of 
 Asia, begin to totter before the gospel of Christ. Nor 
 shall Africa be forgotten. Her bosom begins to warm 
 with hope, and her heart to beat with expectation and 
 desire. Toward this land of liberty she turns her eyes, 
 and to the representatives of this great and free people, 
 she stretches forth her hands, panting for the return of 
 her absent sons and daughters. Happy America, if she 
 shall endeavour not only to rival other nations in arts 
 and arms, but to equal and exceed them in the great 
 cause of humanity, which has begun its never ending 
 course." 
 
 ! This treatise is probably the first on this great subject 
 ■ ever published in the United States. It exhibits a sti-ong, 
 benevolent and active mind, exploring a new, expanded 
 and interesting subject, drawing its outlines, its difficul- 
 ties, its advantages, its various points of interest and im- 
 portance, in so distinct, judicious and impressive a man- 
 ner, that subsequent speakers and writers on the same 
 subject, have added little to the soundness of reflection, 
 extensiveness of view, and clearness of illustration here 
 displayed. This pamphlet excited much attention, and 
 had considerable influence on the public mind, at its 
 first appearance. Through its instrumentality, in con- 
 nection with Mr. Finley's personal exertions, a very 
 respectable number of gentlemen were convened, ac- 
 cording to appointment, on the 2^stof December, 1816, 
 for the purpose of forming a colonization society. 
 
 At this meeting the Hon. Henry Clay, Esq. of Ken- 
 tucky, presided, and opened the business with an appro- 
 priate address, which was concluded with the following 
 important remarks ; — 
 
DR. FINLEY. 97 
 
 " It was proper and necessary distinctly to state, that 
 lie understood it constituted no part of the object of this 
 meeting, to touch or agitate, in the slightest degree, a 
 delicate question connected with another portion of the 
 coloured people of our country. It was not proposed 
 to deliberate on, or consider at all, any question of eman- 
 cipation, or that was connected with the abolition of 
 slavery." 
 
 Elias Boudinot Caldwell, Esq. instructed and interest- 
 ed this meeting, by a very luminous and eloquent speech, 
 of which the following is the closing paragraph : — 
 
 " Among the objections which have been made, I 
 must confess that I am most surprised at one which seems 
 to be prevalent, to wit, that these people will be unwil- 
 ling to be colonized. What, sir, are they not men? 
 Will they not be actuated by the same motives of inte- 
 rest and ambition, which influence other m.en ? or will 
 they prefer remaining in a hopeless state of degradation 
 for themselves and their children, to the prospect of the 
 full enjoyment of the civil rights, and a state of equality ? 
 What brought our ancestors to these shores ? They had 
 no friendly hand to lead them ; no powerful human arm 
 to protect them. They left the land of their nativity, 
 the sepulchres of their fathers, the comforts of civilized 
 society, and all the endearments of friends and relatives 
 and early associations, to traverse the ocean, to clear the 
 forests, to encounter all the hardships of a new settle- 
 ment, and to brave the dangers of the tomahawk and 
 scalping knife. How many were destroyed ! Sometimes 
 whole settlements cut off by disease and hunger — by the 
 treachery and cruelty of the savages : yet were they not 
 discouraged. What is it impels many Europeans daily 
 to seek our shores, and to sell themselves for the prim.e 
 
 13 
 
98 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 of their life, to defray the expense of their passages? It 
 is that ruling, imperious desire, planted in the breast of 
 every man ; the desire of liberty, of standing upon an 
 equality with his fellow men. If we were to add to 
 these motives the offer of land, and to aid in the expense 
 of emigration, and of first settling, they cannot be so 
 blind to their own interest, so devoid of every generous 
 and noble feeling, as to hesitate about accepting the of- 
 fer. It is not a matter of speculation and opinion only. 
 It has been satisfactorily ascertained, that numbers will 
 gladly accept of the invitation ; and when once the co- 
 lony is formed and flourishing, all other obstacles will 
 be easily removed. It is for us to make the experi- 
 ment and the offer: we shall then, and not till then, 
 have discharged our duty. It is a plan in which all in- 
 terests, all classes and descriptions of people may unite; 
 in which all discordant feelings may be lost in those of 
 humanity — in promoting 'peace on earth and good will 
 to men.' " 
 
 The illustrious Randolph, of Roanoke, briefly exerted 
 his powers in favour of the proposed plan, thus increas- 
 ingly endearing to his country his great and splendid 
 talents. 
 
 Measures v*^ere commenced for bringing this subject 
 as speedily as possible before Congress, in a respectful 
 memorial, requesting them to procure a territory, in Af- 
 rica or clsejvhere, suitable for the colonization of the 
 free people of colour ; and a committee was appointed 
 to prepare a constitution and rules for the government 
 of the society, to be organized at a subsequent meeting. 
 On Saturday, 28th of December, 1816, according to ad- 
 journment, a large number of citizens of Washington, 
 of Georgetown, of Alexandria, and others, assembled — 
 
DR. FINLEY. 99 
 
 when Mr. Finley enjoyed the peculiar satisfaction of 
 seeinn: the expected constitution reported and unani- 
 mously adopted, the "American society for colonizing 
 the free people of colour," completely organized, and 
 officers appointed for the ensuing year. 
 
 It is an auspicious circumstance in this business, and 
 a source of lively gratification, to see at the head of this 
 noble institution^ which confers honour on our country, 
 the name of Washington, with which we are accustomed 
 to associate every thing wise and patriotic in council, 
 magnanimous and beneficent in action. Tt excites also 
 pleasing sensations to find the humble and unaspiring au- 
 thor of this heaven-born enterprise, as an acknowledgment 
 of his distinguished merit and pre-eminent zeal, enrolled 
 in the catalogue of eminent statesmen and patriots who 
 were elected as vice-presidents of this society for the 
 first year. We cannot but notice with satisfaction the 
 resolution which closed this important meeting — a reso- 
 lution which does honour to the respectable mo ver of it, 
 and to the whole society : — 
 
 " On motion of Mr. Herbert, resolved unanimously, 
 that the Rev. Robert Finley be requested to close the 
 meeting with an address to the throne of grace." 
 
 Mr. Finley's journey to the seat of government, and 
 his continued exertions there for several successive 
 weeks, proved very beneficial to his health, and the com- 
 plete success which crowned his efforts, gave so pleas- 
 ing an excitement to his spirits, that he returned home 
 in a state of mind and body much invigorated and im- 
 proved. 
 
 On his arrival in Philadelphia, he was grieved to find 
 the people of colour in that city filled with painful 
 alarms and apprehensions, respecting the nature and ob- 
 
100 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ject of the colonization society, so recently instituted at 
 Washington. The suspicions and fears of these people 
 had been excited in a very considerable degree, by 
 means of mistaken or mischievous statements received 
 among them, purporting to have been communicated 
 from Washington, and representing, in substance, that 
 the society established there was designed to remove 
 the free people of colour in a forcible manner from this 
 country, without making provision for their support and 
 comfort. Their prejudice thus inspired, had unhappily 
 been strengthened by erroneous suggestions from cer- 
 tain persons residing in the city. This unhappy state 
 of things Mr. Finley endeavoured immediately to reme- 
 dy, by his personal presence and influence. 
 
 The following representation of the measures he 
 adopted for that purpose, has been obligingly furnished 
 by a gentleman who received the statement from him- 
 self, and of whose correctness there can be no reasona- 
 ble doubt : — 
 
 " Dr. Finley had been on a visit to Washington. 
 Having returned as far as Philadelphia, he there met 
 the Rev. John Gloucester, and from conversation with 
 him, found that there was a considerable perturbation in 
 the minds of the people of colour, produced by the pro- 
 ceedings at Washington relative to their colonization. 
 This was immediately after public notice of this business 
 had been taken at Washington. A meeting of the peo- 
 ple of colour had been called at Philadelphia, and a 
 committee of twelve had been appointed by them, to 
 take this subject into consideration. Dr. Finley re- 
 quested an interview with this committee, and obtained 
 it ; eleven out of the twelve attending. He found that 
 they were considerably alarmed at the proposed plan 
 
DR. PINLEY. 101 
 
 of colonization, and strongly prejudiced against it, sus- 
 pecting that some purpose, injurious to their class of 
 people, was hidden under it. He spent nearly an hour 
 in conversing* with them on that point, endeavouriiig to 
 remove their fears and prejudices, pointing them to the 
 character of the gentlemen who advocated the scheme, 
 and showing the advantages which would probably re- 
 sult from it. At length they declared then^selves fully 
 satisfied as to this point, that the designs of the gentle- 
 men who proposed and advocated the scheme were be- 
 nevolent and good, and that the thing in itself was desi- 
 rable for them. 
 
 "Having removed this difficulty, the next question 
 was, where will be a suitable place for colonization? 
 On this point there was a division : some thought they 
 should have a part of our back and uncultivated 
 lands allowed them : others thought Africa would be the 
 most suitable place. Two names in particular I recol- 
 lect he mentioned as decided on this last point, J- 
 
 F and R A . J. F. he observed, was ani- 
 mated on the subject. He said their people would be- 
 come a great nation : he pointed to Hayti, and declared 
 it as his opinion that their people could not always be 
 detained in their present bondage : he remarked on the 
 peculiarly oppressive situation of his people in our land, 
 observing that neither riches nor education could put 
 them on a level with the whites, and that the more 
 wealthy and the better informed any of them became, the 
 more wretched they were made ; for they felt their de- 
 gradation more acutely. He gave it as his decided 
 opinion that Africa was the proper place for a colony. 
 He observed to those present, that should they settle any 
 where in the vicinity of the whites, their condition must 
 
102 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 become before many years as bad as it now is, since the 
 white population is continually rolling back, and ere 
 long- they must be encompassed again with whites. 
 
 " Ft. A. spoke with warmth on some oppressions which 
 they suffer from the whites, and spoke warmly in favour 
 of colonization in Africa, declaring that were he 
 young he would go himself. He spoke of the advanta- 
 ges of the colony at Sierra Leone, and highly of Paul 
 Cu/fee. lie considered the present plan of colonization 
 as holding out great advantages for the blacks who are 
 now young. 
 
 " The committee of whom I speak were of the most re- 
 spectable class of blacks. So far as I recollect, this is 
 the substance of what Dr. Finley told me. As far as I 
 have gone, you may rely on/acf^." 
 
 This communication is introduced, chiefly to show, 
 with what steadfastness, solicitude and indefatigable dili- 
 gence, Mr. Finley prosecuted this noble object. It 
 may teach us also with what sentiments, this benevolent 
 system will probably be viewed by the more enlighten- 
 ed, moral and respectable part of the people of colour, 
 in cool, dispassionate and reflecting moments, when their 
 suspicion and prejudice, are in some measure removed 
 by proper explanations of the nature and design, benefits 
 and prospects of this society. 
 
 Mr. Finley arrived at home about the middle of Jan- 
 uary, 1817. The Legislature of New-Jersey were then 
 in session, which usually attracts to the seat of govern- 
 ment, a considerable number of respectable individuals, 
 besides the representatives from the several counties in 
 the state. Deeply interested in the progress of the col- 
 onization scheme, and anxious to embrace every oppor- 
 tunity of prosecuting its interests, after a short repose at 
 
DR. FINLEY. 103 
 
 home, he visited Trenton, with a view to attempt the 
 formation of a subordinate colonization society for the 
 state of New-Jersey.* On his arrival at the seat of 
 government, he found a spirit of indifference to this 
 great object, bordering on hostility to it, in some instan- 
 ces existing. After he had spent some tim.e in endeav- 
 ouring to remove these prejudices, and to conciliate 
 those who appeared to be indifferent or disaffected, a 
 public meeting was held in the State House, at which, 
 notwithstanding the extreme inclemency of the weather, 
 a number of the principal citizens of Trenton, many 
 members of the Legislature, and a considerable number 
 of gentlemen of distinction, from different parts of the 
 state attended. The proposal for establishing a col- 
 
 * The following memorial which had beea previously printed and circulated 
 will suggest to the reader another motive that influenced Mr. Finley in the visit 
 here mentioned : — 
 
 " To the Honourable the Legislature of New-Jersey. 
 
 " Th,e Memorial and Petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of New-Jersey, 
 showeth that they have viewed with great interest and concern the present condi- 
 tion and future prospects of the free peoj'le of colour in thisand our sister states. 
 While the love of liberty, and the feelings of humanity have produced the eman- 
 cipation of a great number of these people, and are gradually effecting the free- 
 dom of the rest ; it is with much regret that your petitioners observe the degra- 
 ded situation in which those who have been freed from slavery remain ; and from a 
 variety of considerations will probably remain while they continue among the 
 whites. 
 
 " To enable them to rise to that condition to which they are entitled by tlie 
 laws of God and nature, it appears desirable, and even necessary, to separate them 
 from their former masters, and place them in some favourable situation by them- 
 selves, perhaps in Africa, the land of their fathers. It is therefore respectfully re- 
 quested of the legislaiure to instruct, by resolution or otherwise, the senators and 
 representatives from the state of New Jersey, to lay before the congress at their 
 next meeting, as a subject of consideration, the expediency of for-riing a colony on 
 the coast of Africa or elsewhere, where such of the people of colour as are now 
 free, or may be hereafter set free, mav with their own consent be removed • and 
 your petitioners will, as in duty bound, ever pray.'' 
 
104 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 onization society^^ auxiliarij to that formed at Washing- 
 ton, was agreed to — a plan of a constitution for the same, 
 was prepared and adopted — and officers were appoint- 
 ed for the ensuing- year. 
 
 " The following extract from a letter received by Mr. 
 Finley from Paul Cuffee will be read with interest : — 
 
 *' Westport^first months (January) 8, 1817. 
 
 " I received thy letter of the .5th ult. not in time to an- 
 swer thee at Washington. I observe in the printed pe- 
 tition in thy letter, the great and laborious task you are 
 engaged in, and my desires are that you may be guided 
 by wisdom's best means. I stand as it w ere in a low 
 place, and am not able to see far. But, blessed be God, 
 who hath created all things, and who is able to make 
 use of instruments as best pleaseth Him, and may I be 
 resigned to his holy will. The population, of Sierra 
 Leone, in 1311, w^as two thousand, and one thousand in 
 the suburbs. Since that time they have not been num- 
 bered. But from 1811, to 1815, I think the colony has 
 much improved. They are entitled to every privilege 
 of free-born citizens, and fill stations in their courts."*^ 
 
 The society for colonizing the free people of col- 
 our, established at Washington, December 1816, held 
 its first anniversary, on Thursday, the first of January, 
 1818, in the chamber of the House of Representatives. 
 The appropriate address with which the Hon. Bushrod 
 Washington, president of the society, opened the meet- 
 
 *It is much regretted that thi.« society has not been convened since the adjourned 
 meeting held in the city of Trenton soon :ifter its fo^m tion. Its officers, its mera- 
 bers and its advocates, are, however, only w aiting to receive the report of the 
 commissioners of the parent society, that, having the great object in contempla- 
 tion, more fully and clearly placed before them, they may pursue it with more in- 
 telligence and effect. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 105 
 
 ing, presents the following valuable and pleasing intima- 
 tions, with regard to the operations and prospects of the 
 society : — 
 
 " From every quarter of the United States, the aspira- 
 tions of good men have been breathed to Heaven for the 
 success of our future labours. 
 
 "Among a small but opulent society of slave-holders 
 in Virginia, a subscription has been raised, by the zeal- 
 ous exertions of a few individuals, of such magnitude, 
 as to illustrate the extent of the funds, w^hich we may hope 
 hereafter to command, and to induce a confident hope 
 that our labours will be aw^arded by the willing contri- 
 butions of a generous and enlightened people. 
 
 *' Other public spirited individuals have forborne to 
 make similar efforts, until the success of our preparatory 
 measures shall have been clearly ascertained. 
 
 *^ The society have engaged two agents to explore 
 the Western coasts of Africa, and to collect such infor- 
 mation as may assist the government of the United States 
 in selecting a suitable district on that continent for the 
 proposed settlement. The performance of this prelimi- 
 nary duty has been confided to Samuel J. Mills, and 
 Ebenezer Burgess, gentlemen possessing all the qualifi- 
 cations requisite for the important trust confided to 
 them ; and their report may reasonably be expected be- 
 fore the next annual meeting of the society." 
 
 The following interesting paragraphs are extracted 
 from the first annual report of the Board of Managers, 
 read at the anniversary of the society : — 
 
 " The first step of the Board of Managers was to pre- 
 sent a memorial to Congress at their last session, which, 
 with the report of the committee, to whom it w^as referred, 
 is now laid before the society. The nature and novolt> 
 
 14 
 
106 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 of the subject, not less than the mass of business which 
 en^s^aged the deliberations of that body, did not permit 
 them to pursue the report. 
 
 " We are happy to state that auxiliary societies^^ have 
 been formed, in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New-York, 
 Virginia, and Ohio, and the Board have received infor- 
 mation of the intention of forming other societies in dif- 
 ferent parts of the country. The extension of these aux- 
 iliaries is of the first importance, as it is by their means 
 the public mind must be enlightened on the great and 
 important objects of the society, and it is through them, 
 in some measure, the necessary funds must be drawn for 
 its support." 
 
 With regard to the objection founded on the ' sup- 
 posed repugnance of the colonists,' this report furnishes 
 the following animating information. 
 
 " The managers have ascertained that there are num- 
 bers of the highest standing for intelligence and respect- 
 ability among that class of people, who are warmly in 
 favour of the plan, from a conviction that it will, if ac- 
 complished, powerfully co-operate in placing the situa- 
 tion of their brethren here and in Africa, in that scale of 
 happiness and respectability among the nations of the 
 earth, from which they have long been degraded. 
 
 " Offers of service have been received from many 
 worthy and influential individuals of their own colour, 
 and from a number of families from different parts of the 
 United States, to become the first settlers in the colony, 
 whenever a suitable situation shall be procured. The 
 managers can with confidence state their belief, that 
 they would have no difficulty in procuring individuals 
 
 ''''- To this number might have been added the auxiliary society of New- Jersey. 
 
UR. FINLET. 103 
 
 among them worthy of trust and confidence, to explore 
 the country if necessary, and to plant a colony of suffi- 
 cient strength to secure its safety and prosperity. 
 This being accomplished, there can be no difficulty in 
 presenting its importance to their brethren, in such a 
 manner, and with such unquestionable testimony, as 
 must command their fullest confidence.'* 
 
 The manner in which the death of Doctor Finley is 
 noticed in the close of this report is particularly gratify- 
 ing :— 
 
 '^ The managers cannot pass the occasion, without 
 noticing the death of the Reverend Doctor Finley, one 
 of the vice Presidents, during the past year. The deep 
 interest which he took in the success of the society, and 
 the zeal he displayed in its formation, are well known to 
 many present. In his last sickness, he was much grati- 
 fied upon receiving information of the progress of the 
 society, and of its prospects of success. It gave conso- 
 lation to his last moments. When we view the society 
 in this early stage of its proceedings, as animating the 
 hopes and cheering the prospects of the dying Christian 
 who had been engaged in its service : when we view it 
 as consecrated by the prayers of the pious, may we not 
 be led with humble confidence to look to the good hand 
 of an overruling Providence to guide its deliberations 1 
 May we not expect that the benediction of millions yet 
 unborn shall bless its anniversary ?" 
 
 At this anniversary the following important intelli- 
 gence was communicated in a concise address by the el- 
 oquent and humane Mercer of Virginia, to whose tal- 
 ents, influence and liberality, this enterprise is encourag- 
 ed to look with high expectation : — 
 
108 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "Many thousand individuals you well know Mr. 
 President, are restrained said Mr. M. from manumitting 
 their slaves, as you and I are, by the melancholy convic- 
 tion, tiiat they cannot yield to the suggestions of hu- 
 manity, without manifest injury to their country. 
 
 " The rapid increase of the free people of colour, by . 
 which their number was extended in the ten years pre- 
 ceding the last census of the United States, from 15 to 
 30,000, if it has not endangered our peace has impaired 
 the value of all the private property in a large section of 
 our country. Upon our low lands said Mr. Mercer, it 
 seems as if some malediction had been shed. The hab- 
 itations of our fathers have sunk into ruins, the fields 
 which they tilled have become a wilderness. Such is 
 the table land between the valleys of our great rivers. 
 Those newly grown and almost impenetrable thickets 
 which have succeeded a wretched cultivation, shel- 
 ter and conceal a banditti, consisting of this degraded, 
 idle and vicious population, who sally forth from their 
 coverts, beneath the obscurity of night, and plunder the 
 rich proprietors of the valleys. They infest the sub- 
 urbs of the towns and cities, where they become the 
 depositories of stolen goods, and schooled by neces- 
 sity, elude the vigilance of our defective police. 
 
 " The laws of Virginia now discourage, and very wise- 
 ly perhaps, the emancipation of slaves. But the very 
 policy on which they are founded, will afford every fa- 
 cility to emancipation, when the colonization of the 
 slave will be Uie consequence of his liberation." 
 
 In the course of Mr. Finiey's visit at the seat of gov- 
 ernment, he preached frequently, and the people who 
 attended his ministrations in Washington and its vicini- 
 ty, became exceedingly pleased and interested in him as 
 
DR. FINLElf. 109 
 
 a minister of the gospel. JMy very respectable corres- 
 pondent in that city, has communicated the following- 
 concise and satisfactory statement on that subject : — 
 
 " During his stay here, Mr. Finley was much engaged 
 in preaching and visiting. He preached in Washington, 
 Georgetown and Alexandria several times, and to the 
 very great acceptance of the people. I never knew a 
 preacher in this District, that gained more of the public 
 afTection, in the short time he was among us. He re- 
 ceived a unanimous call to the Presbyterian Church in 
 this city, and I believe would have settled here, but for 
 some previous engagements to Georgia, which were 
 urged upon him The people were greatly disap- 
 pointed upon hearing that he could not settle among 
 us. Our congregation is small and poor, yet the salary 
 was more than doubled to enable him to come. At a 
 meeting of the committee of the church and the elders, 
 of eight persons, five hundred dollars were subscribed 
 in addition to their usual subscriptions, to enable Mr. 
 Finley to settle here." 
 
 Very soon after Mr. Finley returned from' Washing- 
 ton, he received the following letter from the Secretary 
 of the Corporation of the University of Georgia, inform- 
 ing him of his appointment to the Presidency of that in- 
 stitution, and urging his acceptance of it :— 
 
 ''Athens, December 2\, ltS16. 
 " Reverend Sir, 
 
 " It is with much sincere pleasure that I take up my 
 pen, to address you on the subject of our former corres- 
 pondence. This pleasure is not alittle increased by the ar- 
 dent hope that the correspondence no w officially commen- 
 ced, or re-cnmmencod; by the Hoard of Trustee?, will 
 
110 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 result in your removal to Athens, and in your talking th(? 
 superintendence and direction of the University of 
 Georgia. At a late meeting of the Board, the appoint- 
 ment was conferred upon you unanimously, and Gover- 
 nor Early was directed to announce the same to you, 
 and to solicit your acceptance of it. The resolution con 
 ferring the appointment is in the words following, which 
 I transcribe, lest the Governor's letter might miscarry : 
 
 " « Resolved, That the Pvev. Robert Finley, of New- 
 Jersey, be, and he is hereby appointed President of the 
 University of Georgia, in the place of the Rev. John 
 Brown, resigned, with a salary of g 1500 per annum, 
 payable quarterly ; and that a copy of the above resolu- 
 tion be transmitted to Mr. Finley, by Governor Early, 
 the Senior Trustee, presiding at this meeting, together 
 with a statement of the present and future funds of the 
 University.' 
 
 " Governor Early will inform you of the state of the 
 funds of the institution, present and in prospect. On 
 that subject I would only observe, that there is no doubt 
 in my mind, that the Trustees will soon possess the 
 means as well as the disposition to give their officers 
 such salaries as will be perfectly adequate to their com- 
 fort and convenience. For reasons which cannot be 
 stated in a letter, Dr. Brown tendered his resignation 
 to the Board some time in the spring, which was accept- 
 ed in November last. The Doctor has retired and re- 
 sides a few miles from the village. He is very solicit- 
 ous that you should accept the appointment. You will 
 find in him a friend and brother and an excellent man. 
 Mr. Golding, son-in-law to Dr. Brovvn, is the professor 
 of languages. With equal ardour he awaits your arri- 
 val, to take charge of the institution. Mr. Camak, a 
 
DR. FINLEY. Ill 
 
 graduate of the South Carolina college, ayoi^nc^ gentle- 
 man of fine talents, is professor of mathematics and 
 astronomy. Dr. Henry Jackson, late American Charge 
 d' affliirs at Paris, and not yet returned from that coun- 
 try, but expected soon, is professor of chemistry, mine- 
 ralogy, &c. He is a gentleman of great science, of un- 
 common modesty and much merit. In every measure 
 having for its object the well being and well doing of 
 the college, you vvill have the hearty co-operation of the 
 faculty, as well as their easy and voluntary subordina- 
 tion^ and they will be happy in your official connection 
 with them. 
 
 " It is wished that you should come on immediately, 
 and if necessary without your family, and stay till com- 
 mencement, on the second Monday in July, after which 
 you could return, and in the course of the following au- 
 tumn bring on your family. I hope, my dear sir, you 
 will view this as a providential opening for your remo- 
 val to a southern climate, and to a sphere of extensive 
 usefulness. There are few healthier^' spots in the 
 world than Athens, although it be Georgia. The insti- 
 tution has been in operation here sixteen years, and the 
 grave of a student is not to be seen. I hope you will 
 not hesitate a moment to accept. 
 
 * In confirmation of ^his part of Mr. Hodge's instructing and agreeable cora- 
 Hiunication, a friend residing at Athens, formerly an inhabitant of New-Jersey, 
 writes as follows : — 
 
 ''Athens, January 2Sth, 1818, 
 
 " A healthier spot than this cannot be found. The climate is a delightful one. 
 This is as pleasant a day as I ever felt in the month of April. Our summers are 
 more agreeable than at the north. Our mornings and evenings are like your 
 pleasantest weather in June; and it is not uncomfortable in the middle of the 
 day, unless exposed to the sun. It seems very congenial to my constitution. 1 
 enjoy better health than I have in twenty years." 
 
112 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 " In the midst of much other business, preparatory to 
 a journey of two weeks' continuance, on which 1 am to 
 set out, Deo volente, to morrow, I have written this let- 
 ter hastily. Excuse its imperfections, and have the 
 goodness to answer it immediately. 
 " I am affectionately 
 
 and very respectfully, 
 your friend, 
 
 JOHN IIODGE. 
 ^^Rev. R. Finley." 
 
 In a few days after the reception of Mr. Hodge's let- 
 ter. Governor Early's oiFicial communication on the 
 same subject, reached iMr. Finley. The subject of his 
 removal to Georgia was now presented to him the third 
 time, which circumstance, in connection with others, 
 rendered the application peculiarly deserving of his re- 
 spectful and attentive regard. As the great outlines of 
 this important subject, by previous inquiry and reflec- 
 tion, had become familiar to his mind, he seems to have 
 spent but little time in deliberating upon it, before he 
 addressed to Governor Early the following letter, in an- 
 swer to that'^^ received from him :— 
 
 ''Basking Ridge, Feb. 21, 181 f. 
 ^« Peter Early, Esq. 
 
 " Dear Sir, — Your favour of the date of January 
 15, 1817, and with the post-mark of January 29, arrived 
 here yesterday, and was received by me to day. A let- 
 ter from the Rev. John Hodge, of Athens, had apprised 
 
 * The communication of Gov. Early, which was very valuable and interesting 
 on this subject, has been unfortimatdy lost, in the course of Mr. Finley's removaU 
 
DR. FINLEY. 118 
 
 me of the appointment mentioned in 3^our commun'ca- 
 tion : and if I were as well convinced of my ability to 
 fill the station, as I am sensible of the honour conferred 
 on me, I should be more gratified with the appointment 
 and more ready to accept it. My friends have ever 
 been inclined to overrate my qualifications for useful- 
 ness, and I have often been afraid, that from this circum- 
 stance I might be led to take some step, which in the 
 end would be unpleasant to them as well as to myself. In 
 the early part of my life I spent a year at Charleston, 
 South Carolina, and brought away with me a partiality 
 for the South, which at different times has made the 
 idea *of a permanent settlement' in a more southern cli- 
 mate, pleasant to me. Some time in the early part of 
 January, I had a conversation with the Hon. William 
 H. Crawford, Esq. at Washington, on the present state 
 and future prospects of Franklin College. From the 
 conversation had with him, an idea was received, that 
 the funds of the institution now or shortly would war- 
 rant a salary of two thousand dollars to the President. 
 On the receipt of Mr. Hodge's letter, and after having wait- 
 ed for three weeks for the official information, it appeared 
 tome correct, under the impression thatyourlettermight 
 have miscarried, to write to Mr. Hodge, and express my 
 feelings on this subject, especially as he desired me to 
 do so. After seeing a publication in the Savannah Re- 
 publican, as your letter did not still arrive, it was deem- 
 ed not improper to write to Mr. Crawford, Dr. Kollock, 
 and Thomas Curaming, Esq. of Augusta, all of whom 
 were understood to belong to the Board of Trustees of 
 the University. It was stated in each of the letters 
 written to those gentlemen, that the appointment would 
 be accepted on condition that the salary of the president: 
 
 15 
 
114 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 should be two thousand dollars per annum as soon as the 
 funds would admit, and in the just expectation that this 
 would be the case in twelve or eighteen months from 
 next May ; and on the farther condition that the Board 
 should pay the general expenses of removing my family 
 from this place to Athens. My property is of such a 
 kind that the far greater part must be left behind, or sold 
 at a very great loss. Permit me, sir, to state to you for 
 the information of the Board, my willingness to accept 
 the appointment on the conditions just mentioned. 
 Should the conditions appear unreasonable, or it be in- 
 expedient to comply with them, it will be a subject oi 
 sincere regret to me, that the Trustees should be disap- 
 pointed, or the institution suffer in the slightest degree. 
 It was perhaps wished that I should come immediately 
 on, after receiving notice of the appointment. But when 
 it is considered that there is in this place an academy un- 
 der my superintendence, which could not be dissolved 
 at once without some appearance of impropriety ; and 
 further, that as a clergyman, my connection with the 
 church of which I am pastor, is formed by the power of 
 a Presbytery, and can regularly be dissolved by it alone; 
 it appeared to me too great a violation of propriety, to 
 think of coming before May. It was intimated to the 
 gentlemen to whom I wrote, that I would prepare to 
 leave New-York by the first good vessel that may sail 
 for Savannah in that month. Arrangements will be go- 
 ing forward, as if a removal were determined on, but in 
 such a way as to suit my convenience in removing or 
 continuing where I am. 1 am sensible that there cannot 
 well be a meeting of the Board' to determine on the 
 points in question within the time proposed, and that I 
 must be satisfied with individual opinions. It will there- 
 
DR. FINLKY. 115 
 
 lore be acceptable if these opinions should be express- 
 ed without any reserve, and as soon as convenient. 
 
 *^ You will be good enough to see nothing but the 
 frankness of a candid mind, in all that I have done since 
 the receipt of Mr. Hodge's letter, and a desire to meet 
 the wishes of the trustees in a way compatible with my 
 own interests. Should it be so directed, it cannot but 
 be v^ery agreeable to me, to labour with yourself in pro» 
 moting the interests of literature in Georgia, and there- 
 by benefitting our fellow men. 
 
 '* It gives me pleasure to assure you, Sir, that with es- 
 teem and very great respect, 
 I am, sincerely, 
 
 Yours, 
 
 KOBERTFINLEY." 
 
 The period that elapsed between the sending of thislet- 
 ter, and the reception of an answer, was to Mr. Finley 
 a season of great suspense and anxiety. His mind, dur- 
 ing this period " fatis contraria fata rependens" seems to 
 have taken some new and unfavourable views of the sub- 
 ject. The difficulties attending the transportation of a 
 large family, to so remote a situation — the painful emo- 
 tions excited by the near view of entire separation from 
 numerous, respectable and dear relatives, and settling in 
 a land of strangers — apprehensions, respecting the ope- 
 ration of a southern climate on himself and family — and 
 a more careful consideration of the state and prospects 
 of the college, the high responsibility and the arduous 
 labours he must encounter, the uncertainty of ultimate 
 success arising from a view of the failure of former ef- 
 forts, of the insubordination of southern youth and of the 
 secluded situation of the college — these things produced 
 
116 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 SO great a hesitation, so serious a conflict in his mindj 
 that he regretted his having conditionally pledged him- 
 self to the Board of Trustees. He would willingly have 
 discovered some way in which he could retract, con= 
 sistently, with honour and with truth. He waited with 
 great anxiety for the expected reply to his proposal, and 
 hoped that some sufficient room would be afforded for 
 him to withdraw from his engagement. On the iTth 
 day of April, the last day of the period, during which he 
 considered himself committed to the Board of Trustees 
 of the Georgia university, their answer reached him, ex- 
 pressing unequivocally a full agreement to every sug- 
 gestion he had made to them, relative to his removal. 
 His suspense was now at an end. The path ofhis duty he 
 considered pointed out by divine providence; and, from 
 this moment, he resolved humbly and cheerfully to submit 
 to what appeared to him to be the will of God, and to 
 cast his care upon him. He began immediately to make 
 the necessary preparations for leaving New-Jersey, that 
 he might, if possible, reach the place of destination, be- 
 fore the extreme heat of summer. 
 
 When the corporation of Princeton college opened 
 their sessions, April 12th, 18 17, a letter from Mr. Finley 
 was laid before them tendering his resignation of the of- 
 fice of Trustee, which he had now filled Avith great re- 
 spectability and usefulness for twelve years. His resig- 
 nation was accepted by the Board ; and by their unani- 
 mous vote, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- 
 ferred on Mr. Finley, as an honourable expression of 
 their high sense of his talents, piety and usefulness. 
 
 On the 4th Tuesday of April following, he met for the 
 last time, his brethren of the presbytery of New-Bruns- 
 wick, at the stated semi-annual meeting of that body. 
 
©R. FINLEY. llf 
 
 From the numerous cares and the necessary arrange- 
 ments, which called so imperiously for his presence and 
 attention at home, at this moment, he was able to spare 
 time sufficient only to transact the business necessary, to 
 his separation from the people of his charge, and to his 
 being regularly connected with that presbytery, into the 
 bounds of which he contemplated removing. 
 
 The following copy of the original document with 
 which Dr. Finley was furnished by the presbytery of 
 New Brunswick, will give a correct view of the order, 
 in which this business was transacted. 
 
 '* At a meeting of the presbytery of New-Brunswick 
 at Allentown, April 22d, ISIT, a minute was made of 
 which the following is a true copy, viz : 
 
 "The Rev. Dr. Finley represented to the presbytery, 
 thst he has been appointed president of the university of 
 Georgia, and eajnestly requested to accept the appoint- 
 ment, and that on mature deliberation he has deemed it 
 his duty to comply with the request —In consequence of 
 which he des:recl that the pagtoral relation between him 
 and the conr^reg ition of Basking Ridge be dissolved, 
 and that he be disiiiissed from this presbytery to connect 
 himself with the presbytery of Hopewell. 
 
 " The congregation of Basking Ridge present by their 
 commissioner Joseph Annin, Esq. being inquired of 
 whether they had any opposition, or communication to 
 make on the subject of Dr. Finley's request, produced 
 the following document, viz : 
 
 " At a meeting of the congregation of Basking Ridge, 
 on Monday the 21st day of April, 1811, to adopt such 
 measures as they might deem advisable, Avith respect to 
 the Pvev. Robert Finley's application to be discharged 
 from his pastoral charge of said congregation. Thf; 
 
118 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Honourable Henry Southard, was appointed Moderator, 
 and William B. Gaston, Clerk. The subject being- agitated 
 and discussed, it was the unanimous vote of the congre- 
 gation, that they sincerely regret the application of Mr. 
 Finley to be discharged from his pastoral charge of the 
 congregation — but yielding to Mr. Finley's wishes, and 
 under existing circumstances, and as an act of friendly 
 attachment to Mr. Finley, it is the unanimous vote of 
 the congregation to make no opposition to the presbyte- 
 ry's discharging I\Ir. Finley from his pastoral charge of 
 this congregation. And it is further the unanimous vote 
 of the congregation, that Joseph Annin, Esq. be a com- 
 missioner to convey the sense of this meeting to pres- 
 bytery. (Signed) 
 
 HENRY SOUTHARD, Moderator, 
 
 WILLIAM B. GASTON, Clerks 
 
 " On motion, resolved that the request of the Rev. Dr. 
 Finley be granted, and that the pastoral relation be- 
 tween him and the congregation of Basking Ridge, be 
 and it hereby is dissolved, and said congregation is de- 
 clared to be vacant. 
 
 " Resolved further, that Dr. Finley be and he hereby is 
 dismissed from this presbytery to join the presbytery of 
 Hopewell. 
 
 " The presbytery in thus dismissing Dr. Finley to remove 
 to so great a distance, feel all that reluctance, which at- 
 tachment to a beloved brother, and a sense of his long 
 and important services to this part of the church of 
 Christ, might be supposed to produce. Hoping and be- 
 lieving, however, that he maybe still more useful in the 
 honourable £phere of duty to which he is called, they 
 dismiss him with many fervent prayers for his comfort 
 and usefulness, and cordially and affectionately recora- 
 
DR. FINLEY. 119 
 
 mend him to the presbytery of Hopewell, as a minister in 
 good standing. 
 
 Signed by order of the presbytery. 
 
 ASHBEL GREEN, Moderator. 
 WILLIAM C. SCHENCK, Clerk,'' 
 
 Dr. Finley's last interview with the presbytery was 
 tender and affecting. Parting with his beloved fellow- 
 presbyters, and associates in the Lord's service, among 
 whom he had for so long a period, both given and re- 
 ceived, numerous and endearing evidences of respect 
 and afTection, produced many painful emotions. In ad- 
 justing several minor concerns, relating to the business 
 which chiefly occupied his mind, his sensibilities ap- 
 peared to be much excited ; but it was only, by a great 
 effort that he was enabled to suppress his feelings, so as 
 to state briefly his circumstances, and request a dis- 
 charge from his pastoral obligation, and a dismission 
 from the pre§bytery. As a mark of peculiar respect, 
 and contrary to the custom of this presbytery, a commit- 
 tee was appointed to draught the form of dismission de- 
 livered to Dr. Finley which is embraced in the pre- 
 ceding document. 
 
 Dr. Finley's feelings would not permit him to take 
 leave of his congregation in a formal valedictory dis- 
 course. Most of the sermons which he delivered, after 
 the separation had been resolved on, were how^ever pecu- 
 liarly adapted to his trying circumstances and prepara- 
 tory to his contemplated removal.* The weekly socie- 
 
 * Some time before Dr. Finley received his final call from Georgia, he com- 
 menced a coarse of lectures to his congregation, on the 1 1th chapter of the Gospel 
 of St. John. When he began, he had no intention of continuing through that 
 chapter: but. he became much interested himself with the subjects presented 
 
120 ^lEMOIRS OF 
 
 ty, at which he attended in the academy on the Friday 
 evening-, immediately preceding* the last Sabbath he 
 spent at Basking Ridge, exhibited a scene truly solemn 
 and affecting. Of the crowded assembly present, far the 
 greater part were professors of religion, many of them 
 young and almost all fruits of his ministry. The subject 
 of discourse Philippians, i. 27. was happily chosen — 
 "Only let your conversation be as itbecometh the gos- 
 pel of Christ : that whether I come to see you or else be 
 absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in 
 one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith 
 of the gospel." On this occasion he manifested his pe- 
 culiarly strong and ardent attachment to this people, and 
 his deep and solemn concern for their everlasting salva- 
 tion. He exerted all the influence of his warm affection 
 and powerful eloquence, especially, when addressing 
 those whom he considered as his children in Christ, to 
 inspire them with steadfastness, vigilance and zeal, in the 
 Christian course. Towards the close of his sermon, in 
 the midst of his strong and moving persuasives, he said^ 
 " If it would add to my importunity, any additional force 
 and effect, I would beseech you on my bended knees to 
 remember and observe my affectionate, parting coun- 
 sel" — upon saying which, kneeling down he poured 
 forth his soul before them for some minutes in that atti- 
 
 in order, and the lectures appeared extremely interesting to the people : so that 
 he continued this exercise sometime, and closed his ministry at Basking Ridge 
 with the 17th chapter. From the commencement of these lectures, a considera- 
 ble portion of the people had an impression, that he intended to leave them, and 
 that these discourses were designed to prepare their minds for that event. Dur- 
 ing the last week. Dr. Finley and his family spent at Basking Ridge, one of the 
 congregation requested these discourses of Mrs Finley He was much surprised 
 and disappointed, on being informed that they were not written, inasmuch as he 
 had entertained the expectation, that they had been prepared to be left with the 
 people. 
 
t)R. FINLEY. 121 
 
 tude exhorting and entreating them by the terrors and 
 mercies of the Lord, to " let their conversation be as be- 
 Cometh the gospel of Christ. The people from the com- 
 mencement of the exercises had appeared exceedingly- 
 solemn and much affected. This new, unusual^ and pa- 
 thetic appeal to their hearts, roused all their sensibilities 
 overpowered the whole assembly, and drew tears from 
 every eye. In this discourse Dr. Finley addressed the 
 people on the importance of their continuing to observe 
 the Friday evening society, which had been commenced 
 during the first revival under his ministry among them, 
 A. D. 1803. He then stated, that for fifteen years, he 
 had never been absent from that society, when at home, 
 but once : "and then said he, 1 was sici; on ni}^ bed, but 
 my heart was with you." 
 
 On the Sabbath following, he administered the sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's supper, and communed with his 
 Christian friends, at Basking Ridge, for the last time. 
 The assembly of people that attended on this occasion, 
 was unusually large and very solemn. In the morning 
 Dr. Finley preached the action sermoii which was the 
 last discourse he ever delivered in his native state. His 
 
 * Few instances are probably to be found in the annals of church or state, in 
 which the most vehement and empassioned earnestness and zeal have manifested 
 themselves in this truly eloquent and irresistable manner. 
 
 The elegant Biographer of Patrick Henry, iu his interesting volume, before re- 
 ferred to, page 376, informs the world that that great man was directed by the 
 strong impulses of native feeling and passion to the same resort, in one iastance. — 
 
 " I learn, that on some occasion, after the war, he appeared at the bar of the 
 house of delegates, in support of a petition of the officers of the Virginia line, who 
 sought to be placed on the footing of those who had been taken on continental es- 
 tablishment ; and that, after having depicted their services and their sufferings, 
 in colours which filled every heart with sympathy and gratitude, he dropped on 
 his knees at the bar of the house, and presented such an appeal as might almost-, 
 have softened rocks, and bent the knotted oak." 
 
122 AlEMOIRS OP 
 
 sermon was appropriate* and impressive. The whole 
 multitude appeared to be greatly afiected by the solem- 
 nities of public service : but " they sorrowed most of all 
 
 * To exhibit somewhat more fully the frame of mind which our departed 
 friend possessed, at this iulcresting juncture, and to fuinish a specimen of the 
 kind of notes he commonly used, during several of the last years of his ministry, 
 the following analysis of this sacramental^ sermon, is inserted from his own hand 
 writing, without alteration ;-— 
 
 1. Corinthians, x xvi. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the com- 
 munion of the blood of Christ ? — the bread which we break is it not the communion 
 of the body of Christ P— 
 
 Our Lord in all his institutions consulted the edlGcation of his disciples. In the 
 institution of the supper, he instituted an ordinance, that should keep up the re- 
 membraocfeofhislovp and suficrings, admit of fellowship with him, and naturally 
 lead to commtmion among the disciples — 
 
 I. What communion is — 
 
 II. What the special communloQ which Christians bold, with cae another in 
 the Lord's supper, is — 
 
 I. What communion is. 
 
 It is that interchange of sentiment which produces a unity of feeling, and whicli 
 is so delightful to the heart. 
 
 We must exchange our feelings to know each others situation. 
 
 We must fully agree in order to be unreserved and happy. This is of the na- 
 ture of that communion that there is between the soul and God. 
 
 II. What is the special communion which friends hold with one another in the 
 Lord's supper. 
 
 1 . As they are members of Christ— 2. Aa they are fellow-travellers— 3. As thej 
 have future hopes. 
 
 1 As they are members of Christ. 
 They commune oi" the sufFerings — 
 
 of the atonement — 
 
 of the intercession of Christ — 
 
 2. Ai they are fellow travellers — 
 
 About the conflicts of life, temporal and spiritual — 
 About the goodness and love of God and Christ — 
 About their own love and forgiveness to one another. 
 
 3. As to their fuUire hopes. 
 
 That they shall be pure in the presence of God — 
 That after all their separations, they shall meet to part no more — 
 We shall all fiieet with Chnst— 
 
 Subject needs no improvement but to pray that the spiiit of true comniuuiou 
 may be gives to us. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 123 
 
 lor the words which he spake that they should see 
 his face no more." At the close of the morning service 
 he made some observations of a valedictory nature. 
 The whole address, he comprised in a very few senten- 
 ces, and concluded by bidding them a tender and ailec- 
 tionate " farewell." 
 
 The church of Christ has witnessed few seasons of a 
 similar kind more interesting and affecting, than the 
 scene exhibited during these transactions at Basking 
 Ridge. Dr. Finley's union to the people of that con- 
 gregation was of the most strong and endearing nature. 
 Their long continued love and kindness had inspired 
 him with an unusually warm attachment to them : and 
 the blessings of God, so often and peculiarly, vouchsafed 
 to their sacred connexion had cemented it still more 
 strongly and drawn its ties still more closely together. 
 This union of the pastor to his people fostered by their 
 kindness and cemented by heavenly grace, could not be 
 dissolved without a painful conflict in his heart. But 
 under a deep and solemn persuasion that his separation 
 from them was taking place at the call of God, he re- 
 signed himself obediently and cheerfully to that call. 
 At the same time an awful and indescribable solemnity 
 was visible in his countenance and manners, on that day 
 which closed his sacred ministrations at Basking Ridge. 
 He seemed to be standing before the great Judge giving 
 his final account, surveying the " seals of his ministry," 
 t"he "crowns of his rejoicing." Amidst the mourning 
 and weeping which abounded, he preserved in gen- 
 eral a steady composure, and seemed to be occupied 
 with matters which raised him above the passing scene 
 ^nd to be ** sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." 
 
124 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 The people of that congregation, notwithstanding 
 their hnving forme iiy consented to the removal of their 
 beloved pastor, in a full belief that it was the Lord's will, 
 manifested a deep and tender concern. It was evident 
 that ti'ey felt the reality and niagn-tude of the loss they 
 were about to s^jstain in this t.ansai lion. They saw re- 
 tiriiig fr.vui them a chosen friend and holy man of God, a 
 highly successful and honoured ambassador of Christ. 
 All beheld in hin) d^fuithfvi preacher of the gospel. Hun- 
 dreds claimed him and hung around him as their spiritual 
 father and guide. The poor and aSicted saw in him 
 departing a kind sympathising friend and benefactor. 
 Children and youth, in his removal, mourned the loss of 
 a father. So that this congregation must be considered 
 as having been furnished in this event with peculiarly 
 great and ample cause for humiliation and sorrow. — 
 And the appearances of undissembled grief, prevailing on 
 every side, corresponded with these ideas and impres- 
 sions. 
 
 On Monday following Dr. Finley's moveable proper- 
 ty was disp?i.^ed of at public sale. On the evening of 
 the next Wednesday he arrived in New-York. A few 
 days were spent there in making necessary arrange- 
 ments, for embarkation, and in taking leave of nume- 
 rous and affectionate friends. In the beginning of the 
 next week he sailed for Savannah, 
 
 The following extract from a letter, written by Dr. 
 Finley to a friend, will give some general idea of what 
 he observed and experienced on his passage : — 
 
 "As I think it probable that you have been informed 
 of ray arrival by some of the letters already sent from 
 thi^ place, there is no need that 1 should repeat any 
 thing of what has been already stated of our passage. 
 
BR. FINLEY. 125 
 
 and the various incidents arising out of it. One thing 
 only seems worthy of a renewed mention. Olf the 
 North Carolina coast we experienced a variety of 
 weather, head winds, cahiis, and winds bkjwing in all 
 directions, attended with awful thunder and lightning 
 which lasted the whole night. Toward the evening a 
 wiarlwind passed near us, and a waterspout formed and 
 broke about two miles or three from us. It brought to 
 my recollection the complaint of the Psalmist, that 
 waves and mater spouts had gone over him, and 1 had 
 some grand and profitable meditations on the passage, 
 one happy effect of which was, that my mind being fill- 
 ed with the idea of God and reconciled too, through hi7n, 
 ova^r whom the waterspouts of wrath did really break, my 
 mind was kept quite free from fear. Indeed it was a 
 
 great source of thankfulness that except Miss R we 
 
 were all free f^om any degree of powerful apprehension. 
 The Lord grant it may be so when we pass the waters 
 of death." 
 
 On the 16th day of May, after being on ship-board 
 almost two weeks, he arrived at Savannah with all his 
 family in comfortable circumstances. After this, he had 
 still to encounter a land travel of two hundred miles in 
 extent, before he could reach his place of destination. 
 In regard to this journey, which consuhied fifteen days, 
 he makes the following remarks, in a letter, from Athens, 
 to a friend in New- Jersey : — 
 
 "We were greatly fatigued with our journey from 
 Savannah to this place, the carriage being much crowd- 
 ed with our large family, the roads being hilly and 
 rough, through a new country and dreary, as nearly all 
 the improvements are made off from the road. By the 
 blessing of the liord we are all in health, though we 
 
126 MEMOIRS Oy 
 
 have all been very uncomfortable, I believe, through 
 the change of water and diet. The bowels and stomach 
 have been greatly distressed. We are all well rccr)ver- 
 ed, so that we can begin to eat l)aco77y the only stated 
 meat of the counr-ry." 
 
 To exhibit Dr. Finley's first impressions on his arrival 
 at Athens, and to eonvey some general idea of the state 
 in which he found the college, the village in which it is 
 located, and the country in ^^eneral, the following let- 
 ters, addressed by him soon after he reached that place 
 to friends in this state, are introduced : — 
 
 '^ June 12ih, 1817, at AthenSy Georgia. 
 *< Dear Sir, 
 
 "Though very far separated from you in person, 
 yet I am often present with you in mind. Indeed there 
 are with you so many comforts and conveniences more 
 than can be furnished here, that it would be difficult to 
 keep my mind at all from ray former home, were it not 
 for the necessity and duty of providing for the present, 
 and endeavouring to arrange for the improvement of the 
 future. It would require a good part of the remainder 
 of my life, to organize and put in motion the concerns 
 of the college. We have enjoyed tolerable health 
 since we arrived, except a severe affection of our stom- 
 ach and bowels, which complaint passes away in a few 
 days. Perhaps this may be a part of the seasoning we 
 are to experience here. We find all things high priced, 
 owing to the severe drought which last year swept away 
 every thing, as the frost did in Jersey. Europe and 
 America in the same year experienced shortness of 
 bread ; in America the crops failing from frost and 
 drought, in Europe from the rains. Corn is one dollar 
 
DR. FINLEY. 121 
 
 iind an half: last year it was twenty-five to thirty-seven 
 cents. Wheat is now one dollar, usually seventy-five 
 cents. The p^^ople's great concern is to raise cotton, 
 buy slaves, &c. As yet there is but little thought of 
 making any improvement, the country being new, and 
 what is worse, the population fleeting and constantly 
 moving off to the Alabama Territory. The country 
 suffers greatly for want of mechanics: for though it can- 
 not be said there are no mechanics in some branches, 
 yet they are such that nothing is done to the satisfaction 
 of those who have seen any thing better. A tanner and 
 currier might make a fortune in a little time in any part 
 of this country. A man who could make boots and 
 shoes might choose his own business and on his own terms'. 
 A carpenter and joiner, with a common blessing, might 
 get rich as fast as labour could enrich any one." 
 
 June 24th, 1817, to another friend he writes as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 " The place in which we live is entirely healthy, but 
 for a few miles round the soil is considered as rather 
 thin ; though thin as it is, it produces good crops of 
 corn, wheat and cotton for a few years, and would con- 
 tinue to do so if the people had any idea of manuring. 
 They have none, but being principally emigrants from 
 Old Virginia, they wear out a piece of land and leave it. 
 At present immense sums of money are made by raising- 
 cotton, each slave yielding about two hundred dollars, 
 exclusive of support. The comforts of life are not at- 
 tended to, nor any of its elegances, either in buildings 
 or furniture, either in dress or table. Morals low, cor- 
 rect ideas few, manners coarse, and religious knowledge 
 nearly nothing. Yet some of the people seem to be 
 sensible of all this, and desirous to have it all changed. 
 
128 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 But irresolution arising from inexperience, and the indo' 
 lence connected n-ith slavery^ will make changes slow, un- 
 less northern and eastern people come in to show an ex- 
 ample and to take a lead. This part of the country suf- 
 fers a very great inconvenience in having no bottom 
 meadows; and the soil being sandy, does not produce 
 grass. At the same time, the people are determined to 
 believe that no kind of grass seed can be sown with suc- 
 cess. 
 
 '* Tiie college is at the last gasp — forgotten in the 
 public mind, or thought of only to despair of it — neg- 
 lected and deserted — the buildings nearly in a state of 
 ruins — and the Trustees doubtful whether it can ever 
 be recovered. This is a picture not over drawn. You 
 can readily conceive how all this has operated on my 
 mind. I thank the Lord my spirits do not sink, nor is 
 my heart discouraged. Yet possessed of tranquillity and 
 Lope, one week at my old residence would give me 
 more pleasure than all I have felt since I bade you fare- 
 well at Elizabeth-Town Point. Some that I left I shall 
 not see till the heavens are no more. 
 
 "Instead of my large congregation I now preach to 
 about fifty people. What a change I Blessed be God, 
 we shall be in the ' great congregation' shortly. 
 " With sincere love and respect, yours, 
 
 "ROBERT FlxNLEY." 
 
 The following letter to a respectable gentleman at 
 Basking Ridge, and intimate friend of Dr. Finley, pos- 
 sesses considerable interest, as illustrating farther the 
 early history and the prevailing habits of the country in 
 which the college is situated. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 129 
 
 ''Athens, July 1st, 1817. 
 « Dear Sir, 
 
 " You have probably learned from some of the let- 
 ters that have been sent from this place, something of 
 its appearance and condition. From them you will 
 learn that we were considerably disappointed. One 
 cause of this is the newness of the country. It is only 
 about twenty years since it was the abode, or at least 
 the haunt of Indians. It is impossible therefore that 
 society should be much advanced, or any great im- 
 provements made ; especially as not only the firsts but 
 almost the only settlers are from Virginia, and do not 
 bring with them the spirit of improvement, which comes 
 with eastern settlers, and even with Jerseymen. Slave- 
 ry chills every ardour and retards every improvement, 
 and it will continue to do so, for a long time to come. 
 The college is in the lowest state that is possible; the con- 
 tempt of the enemies of literature, the scorn of its own 
 particular enemies, and the pity of those who were once 
 its friends. The students are twenty-eight. It is how- 
 ever to be observed, that there were about forty when 
 Dr. Brown, the former president, resigned his office. 
 Whether it can rise for a long time, does not appear to 
 me certain; that it will shortly does not appear proba- 
 ble : but there is every reason to hope that it will event- 
 ually. As there are funds to pay the salaries, indepen- 
 dent of the numbers of the students, there is some ad- 
 vantage as well as disadvantage in the number of the 
 students being small at first. It affords an opportunity 
 to introduce discipline with more ease, and more effi- 
 ciently : it affords an opportunity for the officers to es- 
 tablish them.selves in the affections of the students more 
 deeply, and to make the improvement of the few more 
 
 17 
 
130 MEM OIKS OF 
 
 sensible to the observer. Thus much being gained, 
 every pupil will aid in giving a name and character to 
 the institution. We have mentioned in former letters 
 that there are but few presbyterians in and about this 
 village, and no religious society formed of that denomi- 
 nation. There are a [e\v methodist professors and two 
 preachers, in the immediate vicinity of the place. 
 
 " As yet I know but little of the country, having been 
 entirely employed in endeavouring to get fixed, and 
 making myself acquainted with the state of the college. 
 We have no garden, nor is there any market for vegeta- 
 bles : but we have not wanted as yet in any day for a 
 little of something to eat. All are kind to us, and divide 
 freely. All seem now to be contented, though we have 
 not yet had time to learn to be pleased. 
 
 "I look at Mrs. snuff-box sometimes, but it is 
 
 empty and I dare not fill it. 
 
 " With great regard and affection. 
 Yours, 
 
 R. FINLEY.'^ 
 
 The following very interesting communication, is 
 enriched with intelligence, cheerfulness and piety. It 
 is particularly valuable on account of the views it pre- 
 sents of Dr. Finley's state of mind, in his new and trying- 
 condition, and in full contemplation of the great and ar- 
 duous undertaking on which he was just entering. 
 
 '*AthenSy (Geo,) July 16th, 1817. 
 « Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your favour came to me most acceptably, and was 
 in all respects very gratifying. It was the first letter re- 
 ceived from Jersey except one from . Occupied 
 
DR. FINLEir. 131 
 
 with the main subject before him, he did not give 
 one item of intelligence. • 
 
 "It is a great blessing to me that in some degree I 
 have endeavoured to cherish a missionary spirit, other- 
 v/ise in the outset my situation would have been very 
 undesirable. On account of health, the college was lo- 
 cated quite on one side of the state, or population at 
 least, where it was seldom seen, and where it cre- 
 ated but little interest. Its funds, consisting of lands 
 put to rent, were uncertain. The most of the lands are 
 now sold, realizing an hundred thousand dollars ; only 
 sixty as yet in operation. My predecessor left forty 
 students, of which I found twenty-seven remaining. 
 The public mind was so dispirited that the trustees had 
 determined to abandon the institution for a time, had 
 their application to your friend been refused. After 
 being unwell through the change of diet, water and cli- 
 mate, for about two weeks, and experiencing conside- 
 rable depression, my mind began to revive, to feel itself 
 on missionary ground, to view the college as designed 
 in the providence of God to meliorate the condition of 
 man and direct his heart to heaven. These last views 
 fixed in my mind a strong belief that I was on proper 
 ground, where, if it pleased the Lord, with much wis- 
 dom and self denial, with much industry and patience, 
 some good, perhaps great good, may be done. 
 
 " If my views of the men associated with me are cor- 
 rect, the prospect is good from them. With regard to 
 other things there is reason to hope, that so far as an im- 
 pression has been made at all, it has been favourable. 
 Our nominal commencement will take place this day 
 fortnight. Nominal, because owing to the resignation 
 
132 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 of Dr. Brown, there is no senior class. But we shall 
 keep up appearances. 
 
 " A few weeks vacation will, I trust, afford me an op- 
 po tunity of seeing a little of this new country. No re , 
 ligious exercises have been p r^Jimed on the Sabbath 
 day by the students. Next Sabbath for the first there 
 will be a recitatimi on the Bible, I hope. The students 
 appear willing: 1 am told ; though some say they do not 
 believe the Bible, some that they never read a chapter, 
 &c. In the village too about a dozen have expressed 
 a willingness to be formed into a class for the same pur- 
 pose. When the vacation commences, I shall endeav- 
 our to commence with the village youth. We have no 
 church formed here, but expect, or rather hope to have 
 one soon. W^e have no congregations worth a name: 
 yet there are various places in growing cou]itry towns, 
 where young enterprising clergymen might, by teach- 
 ing, support themselves, and at the same time raise up 
 respectable congregations in a few years. 
 
 ^* Brother — let us endeavour to be meek. Let us 
 < hunger and thirst after righteousness.' My heart em- 
 braces, while my pen salutes you and yours. The love 
 of my heart to the Presbytery. Shall I ever see them 
 
 more ? 
 
 "Yours, 
 
 "ROBERT FINLEY. 
 a p. S.— With men of reflection the colonizing scheme 
 is as popular here, as with you in Jersey. Go on and 
 prosper. Be firm and resolute. Life is short. All 
 flesh is to come a little lower in worldly matters, to rise 
 a little higher in the service of God and man. I have 
 got my personal abasement. Lord grant I may not de- 
 
J3R. FlNLEi'. 133 
 
 Dr. Finley found hiiiiself now in a situation wiiich to 
 him was new and untried in itself, very critical and liigh- 
 ly responsible. He bad relinquisiied a station which 
 presented a pleasing sphere of comfort and emolument 
 of honour and usefulness He was now entering upon a 
 great experiment, ihe result of which was covered with 
 uncertainty. He was surrounded with a cloud of wit- 
 nesses. In the north and in the south, many eyes were 
 turned towards him, with high expectation and great so- 
 licitude. The duties incumbent upon iiim, and the inter- 
 ests committed to his management, were vastly exten- 
 sive and important. One step of rashness or of folly 
 might blast the whole enterprise. He awakens from 
 partial repose, and summons to action all his powers. 
 His first object is to understand the condition of the col- 
 lege, the charge of which he has accepted. 
 
 To illustrate the circumstances of this university, as 
 they existed, at the time of Dr. Finley's undertaking its 
 superintendence, and to develop correctly the difficul- 
 ties he had to encounter, it will be necessary to give a 
 concise history of the institution, from its first establish- 
 ment to that period. 
 
 The citizens of Georgia, impressed Avith a sense of the 
 importance of providing within their own state, the 
 means of sound and useful education, turned their atten- 
 tion very early to this interesting object. In the year 
 1784, the legislature of Georgia, v/ith a highly commen- 
 dable discretion and liberality appropriated forty thou- 
 sand acres of land situated on the northwestern limits of 
 that state, for the purpose of endowing and establishing 
 a university. In the succeeding year, they granted a 
 charter to the institution, and appointed a Board of 
 Trustees to superintend the college affairs, giving them 
 
i34 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 no authority to sell the lands entrusted to their care, but 
 clothing them with discretionary power to use and dis- 
 pose of them, in any other manner y for the best interests 
 of the infant seminary. The donation to the university 
 was situated in the heart of a very extensive tract of un- 
 appropriated state lands, on its northwestern frontier, 
 the settling of which was long prevented by the con- 
 stant dread of savage incursions, to which it was fre- 
 quently and sometimes fatally, subject. When the fear 
 of Indian barbarity began to subside, the population of 
 the state to dilTuse itself over this unoccupied region, 
 and emigrants and speculators to visit it from motives of 
 speculation and emolument — the public lands, a full and 
 permanent title to which could be obtained at once, 
 presented a more interesting and inviting object, to their 
 enterprise and avarice, than the college property, sub, 
 ject to such conditions as had been prescribed by the 
 trustees of the college, to suit the necessities and pro- 
 mote the interests of the institution. Consequently very 
 little of the college demesne, appeared likely to be ta- 
 ken on tenancy, and the endowment remained long un- 
 productive and useless. The institution receiving no 
 other active donation, and the corporation relying on 
 the lands as their only resource, fifteen years elapsed 
 before any eflfort could be prudently made to realize 
 the designs and benefits of the charter. 
 
 The friends of literature and of public improvement 
 in general, perceiving the population of the state to be 
 rapidly increasing, and feeling deeply concerned for 
 the literary honour of Georgia, began to manifest great 
 anxiety to see the affairs of the university placed in a 
 more promising and successful train. Accordingly, in 
 the year 1800, before a sufficient fund had accumulated 
 
DR. FINLEr. I3u 
 
 from the rents of the college property, in conformity 
 with the public impulse, the trustees resolved to com- 
 mence erecting the necessary college buildings. Their 
 pecuniary resources being very inadequate, and the im- 
 patience and importunity of public sentiment seem- 
 ing to prohibit farther delay, to meet the exigence of 
 the case, and as their only alternative, they applied to 
 the legislature of the state for authority to sell five thou- 
 sand acres of the original appropriation, and to use the 
 proceeds in erecting the contemplated edifice. In ad- 
 dition to these five thousand acres now cut off from the 
 endowment of the college, the institution sustained the 
 loss of ten thousand acres more, of its most valuable 
 lands. The one half was lost in a controversy with in- 
 dividuals, and the other part fell into the state of South 
 Carolina, upon the adjustment of a territorial dispute. 
 By these misfortunes which were unavoidable, and, to 
 appearance irreparable, the resources of the institution 
 were much impaired ; and in the building operations 
 was unavoidably incurred, a burdensome debt, which 
 for seventeen years painfully embarrassed all the pro- 
 ceedings of the board of trustees. The exhausted state 
 of the college funds forced the board afterwards into a 
 system of economy and restriction in expenditure, which 
 prohibited their employing a competent number of col- 
 lege officers, prevented the purchase of a library and 
 philosophical apparatus, and very lamentably depressed 
 the reputation and general aspect of the institution. 
 
 In these disadvantageous and discouraging circum- 
 stances, did Dr. Finley find the seminary over which 
 he had been selected to preside — its resources impover- 
 ished — its credit prostrated — its friends disheartened— 
 its principal officers retired from the scene of action— 
 
136 MEMOIRS OP 
 
 the number of siudents greatly diminished — the enemies 
 of the institution encouraged and exiiliing — the vital 
 pov7er of its government paralyzed — its edifices in a state 
 of decay and approaching ruin. He was himself far 
 from possessing tlie strength of constitution and anima- 
 tion of spirit, v/hich had imparted life and po\\ er to his 
 former movements. — The care and fatigue of his voy- 
 age and journey had also produced a considerable im- 
 pression. The country itself did not present to him an 
 interesting and pleasing aspect. The place of his fu- 
 ture abode did not afford a prospect of so much conve- 
 nience and comfort to himself and his family, as he had 
 been accustomed to enjoy and induced to anticipate. 
 
 When we consider all these circumstances in connex- 
 ion, it will not appear surprising, that his spirits should 
 have suffered a temporary depression. Indeed, had he 
 not possessed a mind of extraordinary firmness and reso- 
 lution he must have sunk under the weight of the accu- 
 mulated obstacles, and discouragements that presented 
 themselves on every side. 
 
 Low, however, and reduced, as the funds of the in- 
 stitution were conceived to be, at first view. Dr. Finley 
 found in the progress of his inquiries, that their nominal 
 was far beyond their real value. In the year 1815, the 
 legislature of the state of Georgia authorised a sale of 
 the unimproved lands of the university, and directed 
 the proceeds to be vested in bank stock. To facilitate 
 the accomplishment of this measure, and to put it into the 
 power of the trustees, to make a more advantageous dis- 
 posal of the college lands, by giving the purchasers a 
 reasonable credit, the state very liberally advanced a 
 sum sufficient to enable the college to purchase a thou- 
 sand shares in a bank, expected to go into operation 
 
DR. FINLEY. 137 
 
 soon, agreeing to depend upon the proceeds of land 
 sales for a reimbursement. This arrangement which 
 manifested liberality and public spirit in the legislature, 
 and which promises a very flattering issue, afforded a 
 benefit, principally remote, and not immediate in its in- 
 fluence. The bank in which the funds were vested, did 
 not commence business until the summer of 1816, and 
 then its operations were founded upon only seventeen 
 per centum of its original capital, and, at the expiration 
 of a year, it had demanded but little more than hall that 
 sum. The consequence was, that the university instead 
 of deriving an immediate and extensive advantage from 
 the change produced in the state of its finances, received 
 on account of its stock, and from all its other resources, 
 a sum merely sufficient for current expenses. When 
 therefore, Dr. Finley arrived at Athens in May, 1817, 
 he found upon a thorough investigation of the affairs of 
 the institution, that its funds were good only in prospect, 
 — that although the great cause of the disease was re- 
 moved, the debility remained. 
 
 Difficulties and discouragements, too great to be en- 
 countered by men of ordinary minds, tended only to 
 touch the springs of his intellectual frame and to bring- 
 all his extraordinary powers into vigorous exertion. 
 The truth of this observation was strikingly exemplified 
 in the case before us. Individuals of respectable tal- 
 ents, attainments and zeal, had yielded to the opposing 
 obstructions. But Dr. Finley found in the circumstan- 
 ces of the university, a suitable field for the exercise of 
 all his abilities and virtues, — his enterprise, his firmness, 
 his indefatigable industry and perseverance, and his 
 pre-eminent prudence and address. His character alto- 
 gether was such, as to make him peculiarly adequate to 
 
 18 
 
138 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 the task, of recovering the institution from embarrass- 
 ment and dishonour, and of raising it to prosperity and 
 usefulness. 
 
 Deeply impressed with a sense of the necessity of ob- 
 taining the decided and zealous co-operation of the 
 Board of Trustees, he at first employed all his infiuence 
 with them, and endeavoured to inspire them with a live- 
 ly interest in the state of the college, and concern for 
 the success of the contemplated operations. With his 
 characteristic candour and earnestness he stated to the 
 Trustees, his opinion, that to raise the university to cred- 
 it and usefulness, great alterations and improvements 
 must be made immediately, through their instrumentality 
 — that a philosophical apparatus and a respectable libra- 
 ry must be procured —that the institution must be sup- 
 plied with decent and comfortable buildings for ac- 
 commodating the college officers and students — in or- 
 der to this, that some new edifices would be required, 
 and considerable repairs necessary to those already 
 erected — ^that the officers of the institution should be re- 
 called immediately to their posts — and that the whole 
 establishment should be brought with all practicable 
 speed, to exhibit such an appearance of order and taste, 
 dignity and comfort, as other literary institutions pre- 
 sented to view-, and as would command respect, and op- 
 erate as motives and inducements, with the intelligent, 
 wealthy and honourable inhabitants of the southern 
 states, to place their sons there for the purpose of prose- 
 cuting and completing their education. He declared to 
 them, his full persuasion, that the character of the col- 
 lege was to be redeemed, not so much, by a change of 
 officers, as by a change of measures — that his counsels 
 and efforts Avould avail but little without their cordial 
 concurrence and zealous assistance. 
 
DR. FINLEy. 139 
 
 in this interesting and important crisis, ardent and im- 
 patient, to fiicilitate and expedite their progress, by 
 gaining some signal advantage in the out-set, he propos- 
 ed and urged to the Board their appealing directly to 
 the legislature of the state, in a respectful and importu- 
 nate supplication for relief and aid, relying on the rea- 
 sonableness of their claim, the usefulness of their object, 
 and the former munificence of that enlightened and lib-^ 
 eral body. But this measure appeared to be opposed 
 by so many difficulties and discouragements, that on ma- 
 ture deliberation, it was unanimously agreed not to at- 
 tempt its execution. 
 
 The anxious and determined mind of Dr. Finley, then 
 suggested, as a last resort, the plan of casting themselves 
 directly upon the bounty of a generous and charitable 
 public, with a view to obtain the necessary supplies. In 
 this measure, he was cordially reciprocated by the 
 Board of Trustees, who promptly approved and adopted 
 the proposed system. The necessary arrangements 
 were made immediately and agents were appointed, to 
 carry this plan into effect. But Dr. Finley, unbounded 
 in his solicitude for the success of this measure, and un- 
 willing to commit the execution of it to any other per- 
 son, voluntarily offered his own services in the delicate 
 and ungracious business of courting public bounty. Be- 
 sides his earnest desire for the success of this measure, 
 other important considerations induced him to engage 
 in so unpleasant and laborious a service. By the char- 
 ter of the college it was made the privilege, and duty 
 of the president of the university annually, to visit and 
 inspect the /'M^/i*c schools and academies in the state of 
 Georgia, with a view to their general amelioration and 
 -uccess in the system of instruction and discipline pursu- 
 
140 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ed. As soon as this provision in the charter^ came to 
 his knowledge, he expressed himself in terms warmly- 
 approving of it, resolved to embrace the first opportuni- 
 ty that presented itself, to enter upon this important du- 
 ty of his office. Dr. Finley was also very desirous of 
 becoming acquainted by personal observation, w itb the 
 state of Georgia, not only in relation to the face of the 
 country and its general improvements, but in regard to 
 the character, condition and genius of the people — all 
 with a view to enable him better to understand the dis- 
 positions and habits of the youth, and more successfully 
 to superintend their education. From this tour, he an- 
 ticipated much profit and pleasure in relation to all these 
 objects ; but his principal desire was to obtain pecunia- 
 ry contributions for the aid of the university. The pe- 
 riod allotted, for the performance of this soliciting ser- 
 vice, was that of the approaching vacation in the col- 
 lege. 
 
 The time that elapsed before the close of the session, 
 Dr. Finley spent in diligent attendance upon the va- 
 rious duties of his new and important station. His at- 
 tention was occupied principally with the daily instruc- 
 tion of the students, and with endeavours to give form 
 and success to the internal regulations and movements 
 of the college. He embraced the earliest opportunity 
 to introduce into college the study of the Bible on the 
 Lord's day. This he considered an important and in- 
 dispensable object of attention in schools and seminaries 
 of learning, through all the successive stages of improve- 
 ment. 
 
 While diligently occupied with the duties of his office, 
 he was also anxiouly engaged in devising measures for 
 
 * See note M."--at the close of the volume. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 141 
 
 the general improvement and success of the college. 
 The preaching of the gospel, he had determined never 
 to relinquish while life lasted. The character and the 
 duties of a pastor were endeared to his heart by a thou- 
 sand tender and sacred ties, which he could never dis- 
 solve nor forget. While therefore supremely devoted 
 to his professional duties, as president, he made it an im- 
 portant object to be useful at the same time, as far as 
 possible, as a minister of the gospel. With this view he 
 made use of the leisure time he enjoyed, to organize a 
 regular presbyterian congregation in the village of 
 Athens, and to preach in the surrounding country wher- 
 ever opportunities offered. It was a part of his plan, to 
 institute a class among* the young people in the village, 
 for studying the Bible, as soon as his circumstances 
 would enable him to accomplish it. During the month 
 of June and early in July, he met several times with the 
 Trustees of the college, and by his prudent, dignified 
 and pleasing deportment, he acquired in a very high de- 
 gree the respect and confidence of that honourable 
 Board. His impressive discourses delivered from time 
 to time in the village, before the citizens and students, 
 had a very happy effect, and inspired universal venera- 
 tion. Indeed *" every thing seemed to bid fair for his 
 being in the hand of Providence a rich blessing to the 
 state of Georgia." 
 
 The commencement in the college, which, according 
 to a standing rule, took place on the last Wednesday of 
 July, 1817, was an interesting season. The following 
 account of this transaction, communicated by the Rev. 
 Dr. John Brown, former president of the college, is 
 both appropriate and pleasing:— 
 
142 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 " The commencements in this institution are held 
 on the last Wednesday of July. On the preceding 
 day a commencement sermon is delivered by the presi- 
 dent. Dr. Finley most happily availed himself of this 
 occasion to state to a very numerous and respectable 
 audience, the intimate connexion between the growth 
 of true science and the success of Christianity. His 
 text was, Matt. xxiv. 27 — * For as the lightning cometh 
 out of the East and shineth even unto the West, so shall 
 the coming of the Son of Man be.' This might be con- 
 sidered as the Doctor's inaugural discourse. He shew- 
 ed in several respects, how the past and present progress 
 of Christian knowledge and Christian morals, was beau- 
 tifully exemplified in the progress of that rapid and lu- 
 minous element, the lightning. The subject was hap- 
 pily chosen, the discourse well prepared, and delivered 
 with great energy. To you, sir, who were so well ac- 
 quainted with the powers of his mind and his irresistible 
 manner, I need say nothing respecting the effect. I 
 need not tell you that every eye was riveted on the 
 speaker — every heart impressed. 
 
 " The business of the commencement day, he con- 
 ducted with great dignity and with the most perfect 
 ease to himself. Nothing like embarrassment or per- 
 turbation of mind appeared on any occasion. His hap- 
 py art of making the situation of his pupils easy and 
 pleasant, was also manifestly exhibited. Great God ! 
 how deep and how mysterious are thy ways! How- 
 strange to us, that a life so useful should not have been 
 spared ! When he fell, what an assemblage of qualifi- 
 cations for filling the presidential chair with credit to 
 himself and advantage to the state, fell with him !" 
 
DR. FINLEir. 14H 
 
 The season of commencement having been agreeably 
 passed through, the business determined on for the en- 
 suing vacation took possession of Dr. Finley's mind, 
 and nothing could attract his attention from it, "In 
 augenda, festinat et obruitur, re." On the subject of 
 this tour Dr. Bro\7n writes in the following judicious 
 and interesting manner: — 
 
 "Had Dr. Finley been more indulgent to himself and 
 less ardent in his wishes for the prosperity of the institu- 
 tion, he would have spent the six weeks vacation which 
 ensued after the commencement, in the enjoyment of 
 ease with his family and little circle of friends in Athens 
 and its vicinity. But his solicitude that the Trustees 
 might be able to meet engagements which he expected 
 would be made by the gentleman who had gone on for 
 the purchase of books, induced him to volunteer in the 
 business of soliciting benefactions. With this object in 
 view, he visited the counties of Jackson, Oglethorpe, 
 Wiiks, Hancock, Green and Morgan. Some of his 
 friends attempted to apprise him of the danger of leaving 
 so healthy a spot as Athens, and undertaking fatigue and 
 exposure during the sickly season, and indeed while a 
 bilious epidemic was considerably prevalent in some of 
 the lower counties ; but his mind could not be diverted 
 from its favourite object. On this tour he was very 
 successful in acquiring benefactions to the funds of the 
 university, but imbibed the seeds of a disease that cut 
 short his useful labours, and bereaved the institution of 
 so valuable an acquisition, in the very dawn of its pros- 
 perity. He had been about two months in college, and 
 in about two months more he slept in the arms of his 
 Kedeemer." 
 
144 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 One paragraph in a communication from my honour- 
 able correspondent, Col. Clayton, before referred to, so 
 fully confirms the above representation of his excel'ent 
 friend, and so happily describes the outlinv-^s and inci- 
 dents of this eventful tour, that I shall present it in his 
 own words. 
 
 " Although the necessary arrangements were made 
 and the agents appointed to give efficiency to this 
 scheme, yet such was the eager solicitude of Dr. Fin- 
 ley, at every delay which interposed itself between his 
 plans and his hopes, that he descended from the dignified 
 station of his office, to volunteer his services in the un- 
 gracious task of courting public gratuity, and subjecting 
 himself to all the incidents of chagrin, that are known 
 usually to accompany that delicate engagement. Ac- 
 cordingly he commenced his tour the latter part of Ju- 
 ly, which is the beginning of the sickly season in that 
 state, and although in the short compass which he made, 
 he had the satisfaction to have his most sanguine expect- 
 ations realized, as to the generous spirit of the people 
 of Georgia and their attachment to their university, and 
 that his own views of their benevolence were not un- 
 founded ; yet the knowledge of these valuable facts was 
 obtained by a sacrifice far above their value : for in this 
 tour the fatal sickness was contracted, that bereaved so- 
 ciety of one of its brightest ornaments." 
 
 While performing this journey, a variety of objects, 
 all connected with the great end contemplated, occupi- 
 ed Dr. Finley's attention. He did not here, even in 
 the midst of secular concerns, for a moment forget his 
 character as an ambassador of the Prince of peace. On 
 this point the following observations of Col. Clayton, 
 will be found appropriate and satisfactory :— 
 
DR. FINLEY. 145 
 
 " He returned home on the 8th of September, after an 
 absence of six weeks from his family, in which time he 
 had been arduously and unceasingly engaged in solicit- 
 ing private contributions in furtherance of his design, 
 and, that his useful labours might not be confined to 
 one object, he availed himself of every opportunity of 
 shedding abroad the light of those divine truths of which 
 he had been so long a faithful depository, and from 
 whom it had so often emanated with such divine effect. 
 In this short period, by day and by night, in a season 
 peculiarly unfriendly to mental exertion, he preached 
 sixteen sermons. His constant bodily employment, un- 
 der almost a vertical sun, exposed to heat and wet, his 
 mind seriously and anxiously engaged, with a constitu- 
 tion and habits unaccustomed to the climate, joined to 
 an unusual prevalence of disease, to have escaped indis- 
 position would indeed have been miraculous.. When 
 therefore he reached home, he felt the usual symptoms 
 of an attack, but flattering himself that the languor of 
 his feelings had been produced by excessive fatigue, he 
 unfortunately relied too much upon a state of rest for 
 relief, and omitted such precautionary applications as 
 might have averted the impending blow." 
 
 At this period the Presbytery of Hopewell which em- 
 braces this district of the church, held its sessions at a 
 village considerably distant from Athens. Dr. Finley's 
 extreme anxiety to enjoy an interview, form an ac- 
 quaintance, and establish a regular connexion with that 
 ecclesiastical body, induced him to set out to attend its 
 meeting on the fourth day after his arrival at home from 
 the former tour. In relation to this subject, Dr. Brown 
 writes in the following manner: — 
 
 19 
 
146 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 " It was on the close of this tour that he met with 
 his brethren in the ministry, the members of the Pres- 
 bytery of Hopewell, in sessions at Madison, in Morgan 
 county. He became a member of that reverend body 
 on the 5th day of September. Ve was received with 
 great cordiality by his clerical friends, and they would 
 have been very happy in administering to his comfort 
 and support in his important ofTice as president of the 
 university. Few of his friends have more sensibly felt, or 
 mure sincerely lamented his early removal, than the 
 members of the Presbytery of Hopewell. It is the usu- 
 al practice with this presbytery to have preaching on 
 ev(;ry day during their sessions, and to close with the 
 administr?ction of the holy sacramental supper, on the 
 Sabbath day. A great number of people attended this 
 meeting. It was a very solemn occasion, and Dr. Fin- 
 ley appeared to enjoy it exceedingly. He preached sev- 
 era) times during the meeting, and attempted to preach 
 on the Sabbath morning, but was not able to do it. In 
 the evening he was better, and after night preached a 
 very solemn and intei^esting discourse, from these w^ords 
 of our Saviour, It is finished. On Monday evening he 
 got home to his family in Athens: complained of ex- 
 treme languor and lowness of spirits: on Wednesday he 
 attended the funeral of a person in whom he felt consid- 
 erable interest, and a very deep expression was obser- 
 ved in his countenance while a neighbouring clergyman 
 was making some appropriate observations at the 
 grave." 
 
 Col. Clayton most justly observes that " Dr. Finley, 
 too anxious to fill up the measure of his usefulness, 
 would not surfer the only remedy he had chosen to mit- 
 igate the force of his symptoms, to have its full effect:'* 
 
DR. FIJfLEY. 14T 
 
 for before repose has had an opportunity to produce the 
 desired relief from lassitude of body avid depiessi(;n of 
 mind, he engages in some new service, he exposes him- 
 self to some new hardship. In conformity Avith which, 
 Dr. Brown, after describing his indisposition while at- 
 tending the Presbytery, and his exhausted condition af- 
 ter his return home, proceeds to say : 
 
 " On Friday, though still unwell, he set out to attend 
 a sacramental meeting at the distance of about twenty 
 miles. This meeting had been deferred for some time 
 with the expectation of enjoying the company and as- 
 sistance of Dr. Finley. Here again his exertions were 
 beyond his strength. On Saturday he preached a most 
 excellent sermon from Heb. xii. 22, 23, 24 — * But ye are 
 come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living 
 God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable 
 company of angels ; to the general assembly and church 
 of the first-born w hich are written in heaven, and to 
 God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made 
 perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new^ covenant, 
 and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better 
 things thafi that of Abel.' I know not whether to call 
 this his own funeral sermon. The view which he took 
 of the light in which the gospel represents the things of 
 the eternal world, and the familiar acquaintance which 
 he appeared to have with them, seemed scarcely con- 
 sistent with a longer continuance in this. lie saw with 
 solemn delight in the countenances of his hearers the 
 effect which preaching produced, and was encouraged 
 to attempt it again on the Sabbath : but although the in- 
 troductory exercises were performed by another, he 
 was scarcely able to go throuah with a short dis ourse, 
 until he had to retire for rest. On Monday he came 
 
148 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 home. On Tuesday he lingered about the house, and 
 on Wednesday he was taken down on the bed from which 
 he never arose. I was abroad during his illness, and 
 returned just in time to attend one of the most solemn 
 funerals I ever witnessed/' 
 
 The circumstances of Dr. Finley's sickness and death 
 so far communicated to the writer, will be presented to 
 the reader, principally in the same words in which they 
 were received. The peculiar character of his disease 
 which partook of bilious and typhus symptoms rendered 
 conversation extremely difficult and painful to him. In 
 the commencement of his sickness he considered his re- 
 covery doubtful. Soon after he was taken, a friend was 
 called upon to assist Dr. Finley in settling his affairs, 
 and in making a disposition, by will, of the property 
 which he had acquired by his great industry and econo- 
 my. As is usual on such occasions, his friend asked him 
 If any particular direction should be given respecting 
 the manner of his burial. With a smile on his counte- 
 nance, his hand on his breast, and his ej^es turned to- 
 wards heaven — " Oh no" — he replied, ** 1 care not how 
 they put me away; I know I shall get up safe." 
 
 At the close of a day, early in his sickness, he observ- 
 ed to a friend, that "notwithstanding it had been a pain- 
 ful day, it had been to him a very interesting one, as his 
 views of the plan of salvation had been soul-refreshing; 
 there was nothing of ecstacy in them, but solid peace 
 and comfort." At another time he observed to a friend 
 who inquired respecting his state, "that he had spent a 
 delightful day : his views of the plan of salvation were 
 so clear, that if it w ere not for his wife and family, he 
 had no desire to get well." 
 
DR. FINLBY. 149 
 
 A communication received during Dr. Finley's ill- 
 ness, from the Secretary of the Colonization Society es- 
 tablished at Washini:;ton, giving information of its 
 brightening- prospects, greatly refreshed his languid spir- 
 it, and forced from him expressions and matufestations 
 of peculiar satisfaction. It is much to be regiettod that 
 Dr. Finley's observations in this trying hour, on the 
 subject of colonizing the people oftolour, which, next 
 to the plan of salvation for sinners, had occupied his 
 mind for years, more than any other subject, could not 
 be distinctly heard and recollected. 
 
 Col. Clayton, who attended the Doctor's dying bed, 
 writes in the following interesting manner : — 
 
 " In all his conversations during his illness, he never 
 lost an opportunity to impress upon his friends and fam- 
 ily some sacred truth, and would often make his illness 
 contribute to that holy purpose. " Oh ! my friend," he 
 would say, '* all flesh is grass;" and then, with a calm- 
 ness and tranquillity known only to the bosom of the 
 truly pious, would he enforce the necessity of an ever 
 present recollection of that solemn fact. The last Sab^ 
 bath before his death, as if unwilling to leave the world 
 without making a last effort to lead a valued friend into 
 the paths of peace, and at the same time to give the most 
 convincing proof of his own resignation, he earnestly 
 requested that friend to read to his congregation the af- 
 fecting sermon of Doctor Blair, on the subject o{ dcath^ 
 from this text — * Yea, though I walk through the valley 
 of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art 
 with me : thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.' " 
 
 Another correspondent WTites in the following words : 
 
 "On the tenth day, his disorder took a favourable 
 turn, and we all thought him convalescent. After this, 
 
150 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 I believe, he never realized his danger, until the daj 
 previous to his decease. Indeed a general infatuation 
 prevailed with respect to his death, we felt his life so 
 important to the cause of religion, literature and his 
 family — but He who raises up the means, knows the 
 proper time to lay aside. A letharg^y from which it 
 was not possible to rouse him for more than a few min- 
 utes at a time, made it impossible for him to communi- 
 cate his views and feelings to his friends or family. A 
 (ew hours before his death, beginning to realize his end 
 to be approaching, I inquired of him if his mind was 
 comfortable, and if his views were clear. He answered 
 with much sweetness and composure, *that it was as 
 much so as his extreme sickness and faintness would ad- 
 mit.' We awakened him several times through the 
 night. A few words only he was able to say, before he 
 would fall asleep. About one o'clock I went to him 
 and inquired how he felt. He said he was much revi- 
 ved, and perhaps might yet be able to recover ; ex- 
 pressed a desire, if it was the Lord's will, that he might 
 3^et live for the sake of his wife and dear children. This 
 was but the last effort of expiring nature. In an hour 
 after he awoke, almost suffocated — called for air — 
 said he was going. His lips moved for some few se- 
 conds, as we supposed in prayer. He then sunk into a 
 state of total insensibility, in which he lay nearly two 
 hours, and then with a gentle sigh breathed out his soul 
 into the bosom of his Saviour. The last hour of his life 
 was most interesting indeed. The joy of his soul illu- 
 mined his countenance, and rendered it the most inter- 
 esting object I bad ever beheld. The very place ap- 
 peared to be sanctified b}^ the presence of the Saviour 
 and the spirits of the dear departed saints who had been 
 
DR. FINLEY. 151 
 
 given to him as seals of his ministry, appeared to be 
 waiting- to be the crowns of his rejoicing." 
 
 The rejections of a correspondent may here with 
 propriety be introduced : — 
 
 " H hat consolation have not the friends of Dr. Finley 
 experienced from his passage through this trying test! 
 WiUi what firmness did he sustain his sickness! How 
 sensible of his end, and how resigned to the stroke ! So 
 comfortable, as he expressed himself, were his views of 
 a future state, that, save the ties of his family, he had not 
 a wish to remain connected with the cares of life." 
 
 Dr. Finley once very piously and solemnly observed 
 in conversation with a pious friend, that ^' it sometimes 
 pleased God to enter into a very sore dealing with fami- 
 lies and even wi<:h those of his own people."^ The dis- 
 pensation of G( d in his providence towards the author 
 of that observation and his family, in the event we are 
 here contemplating, furnishes an additional and mourn- 
 ful illustration of the truth and importance of that re- 
 mark. 
 
 The removal of Dr. Finley to Georgia and his sudden 
 death present an instance of darkness and mystery, in 
 the government of God, awful and impenetrable to the 
 view of mortals. When we consider the importance and 
 usefulness of the station he occupied at Basking Ridge — 
 the numerous, enterprising and beneficent plans, in 
 which he was engaged — the multiplied difficulties which 
 were encountered in his translation to the south — the 
 
 * This conversation took place at the house of Col. John Neilson, New Bruns- 
 wick, several years ago, aisd was intendpd for the comfort of that excelleut man 
 and his amiable and pious consort, who were t!»en in deep affliction, and mourn- 
 ing for the sudden death of a beloved son, a* Batavia in the East Indies j infor- 
 mation of which event had recently been received. 
 
152 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 many peculiar and prominent qualiiicatioDs Dr. Finle}/ 
 p(;ssessed for the office to which he was called — the fa- 
 vourable impression and the successful beginning, he 
 had made in his new sphere of duty — the pressing de- 
 mands of the interests of science and religion, in Geor- 
 gia, for the services of such a man — the pleasing pros- 
 pect of eventual success that presented itself — when we 
 consider these things and take into vit w, the size and 
 circumstances of his family, the number and tender age 
 of his children, our emotions can find utterance most 
 suitably in the humble and adoring language of the Apos- 
 tle, Romans ii. 33 — " O, the depth of the riches both of 
 the wisdom and knowledge of God ! — how unsearchable 
 are his judgments and his ways past finding out! For 
 who hath known the mind of the Lord ? or who hath 
 been his counsellor ! — Of him and through him and to 
 him, are all things : to whom be glory forever, Amen." 
 The public mind in Georgia was deeply impressed,* 
 and agitated by the information of Dr. Finley's death. 
 
 * In illustration of this fact, the following extract is introduced from a letter 
 written by the Rev Mr. Shepard, Tiissiouary iu Giuigia, to the Editor of the 
 Boston Recorder,— published in the " Religious Remembrancer" Philadelphia, 
 JVovember29, 1817. 
 
 " Washinzton. {Geo) October 14, 1817. 
 
 " About two weeks after, we were again clothed in sackclotli at the melancholy 
 'tidings of the death of Dr. Finley, President of the University of fieorgia. No 
 death was ever more deeply felt, or more generally lamented, in this region, 
 than this. To this state the loss seems irreparable. The succes<! which amend- 
 ed the few months of his presidency, gave us the nirjst auimaiinr hope that Pcovi- 
 dence had designed him as an instrument for advancing the literary and r<-lHious 
 state of Georgia. His plans of operation were laid with much skill and pxe< ti ed 
 with a zeal highly becoming a man in so important a station, it was in a tour 
 through the lower counties, for the purpose of soliciting donations, to procure a 
 library for the college, that he took the seeds of the disease whiclj terminated 
 his valuable life A daik cloud now hangs over the affairs of the seminary : but 
 we know it will soon be succeeded by a clearer sky, W e know that He whose ' king- 
 
DR. FINLEV. 153 
 
 Expressions of disappointment and grief, at this event, 
 fell from every mouth. The painful impulse was expe- 
 rienced from A thens to New-York, but it was most poign- 
 antly felt in his native state. 
 
 Dr. Finley's death was announced to the public in 
 Georgia, in the following handsome and honourable 
 obituary notice. 
 
 " Died on Friday Morning, the 3d inst. the Rev. Rob- 
 ert Finley, D. D. President of the University of Geor- 
 gia, after a painful illness of eighteen days. His sick- 
 ness which was of the most violent bilious character, he 
 unfortunately contracted, during a tour through several 
 of the lower counties, on professional business, in Au- 
 gust ; he returned home with the fatal indisposition 
 which has imposed so distressing a wound upon all the 
 relations of society. 
 
 "Whether we consider the death of this truly pious 
 man, in a private or public view, the causes of regret 
 multiply upon us, with such successive and increasing 
 rigour as to overwhelm the mind with the most bitter 
 feelings of anguish. He has left an amiable wife and 
 
 dom ruleth over all,' will perfect his own work, in bis own time and In his own 
 manner. 
 
 "The rising slate of literature in this country, no doubt will induce the Board 
 to renew their exertions for the prosperity of their rising seminary, in selecting 
 another man without delay, to fill the important station now left vacnnt," 
 
 In a fiiendly letter received from the south, bearing date April 2d, 1818, I 
 find the following passage, which will probably gratify curiosity and impart pleas- 
 ure to readers concerned for the welfare of this bereaved institution, viz : — 
 
 " The Trustees of Franklin College have lately given a call to the Rev. Mr. 
 Beman, a native of Vermont, who has been some years a resident of Georgia, and 
 has had a large and very respectable school establishm.ent at Mount Zion. Mr. 
 Beman is said to possess great energy, fine talents, and handsome address, joined 
 to warm piety. The public are much pleased with the appointment, ft is both 
 hoijed and expected he will accept it." 
 
 20 
 
154 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 nine children to mourn iiis afflictive loss. This family 
 have recently been brought from the bosom of their 
 friends and relations, and by the melancholy dissoiuticai 
 of its head, are now cast upon a land of strangers. Con- 
 nected vv^ith the fortunes of the lamented deceased, they 
 have forsaken some of the dearest ties, which can arise 
 from a love of country, the early scenes of nativity, or 
 the liveliest sympathies of feeling. United with him, 
 whose whole energy of soul, was bent to the accomplish- 
 ment of an ail-important service to this state, they, by 
 tlie separation occasioned by this awful dispensation, 
 are now left friendless and unprotected upon the grati- 
 tude of that state. 
 
 *^ In the institution, which he had so lately been called 
 to preside over, he commenced the duties of his office, 
 with such a prompt and ardent zeal, so unwearied in his 
 exertions and so constant in his devoted care of all its 
 concerns, as afforded the most certain promise of suc- 
 cess and the no less gratifying assurance, that under his 
 administration it was about to raise its languishing head. 
 To the deep regret of this country, he has left the insti- 
 tution once more to the dubious issue of wayward con- 
 tingencies. 
 
 " In contemplating the private course of Dr. Finley, the 
 mind has a field to rest upon, lovely in prospect, unbro- 
 ken in surface, and endless in variety. If the most fer- 
 vent and durable piety, can give dignity and respect 
 to character ; if equanimity of temper, steady firmness of 
 principle, and the most unbending rectitude of conduct, 
 can secure to pure and worthy motives, their merited es- 
 teem : — if the most inflexible benevolence of heart, con- 
 stantly directed to the advancement of charitable insti- 
 tutions, the relief of misfortune, the diffusion of happi- 
 
DR. JINLEl'. 155 
 
 ness, and the increase of pious contentment, has not lost 
 its influence upon humcin actions, the life and death of 
 this good man must oifer an example full of peace and 
 consolation to his family, comfort and resignation to his 
 friends, and the most lasting usefulness to society. 
 
 " The church has sustained a loss of one of its firmest 
 pillars : in all the pursuits of his life, those ceased to be 
 objects of interest, when they ceased to subserve the 
 purposes of religion. To a mind warmed and animated 
 by those hopes, which devotion contemplates shall sur- 
 vive the stroke of death, he joined the soundest dictates 
 of sober reflection, the cool and unshaken possession of 
 judgment and the open and reconciling stamp of sinceri- 
 ty. From the pulpit he was accustomed to utter, gra- 
 ced with the beauty and armed w^ith the energy of the 
 most impressive eloquence, those eternal truths, which 
 while they stand on " the Rock of ages," were winged 
 with irresistible effect, when delivered with his masterly 
 and affecting management, and never failed to dignify 
 the heart, elevate the affections, and heighten those 
 dread expectations which rest in such mysterious won- 
 der beyond the limits of time." 
 
 To exhibit the sentiments that prevailed in Georgia on 
 this occasion, the following document, with which the 
 writer has been obligingly furnished, is presented to the 
 public. 
 
 '^ Millcdgeville, Senate Chamber, November 12, 181 T. 
 
 "On motion of Mr. Elliot — Resolved unanimously, by 
 the Senatus Academicus,^- that the lamented death of the 
 
 * The body distinguished by this name, is coinpospd of a highly respectable 
 sommittee, appointed annually, by tiie legislature of Gcorg;Ia, for the pii'-pose of 
 exercising a general superintendence over all the literary iaslitutions in that 
 state. 
 
156 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 late President Finley, having deprived Franklin College 
 of an useful and highly important ofhcer, the community 
 of a conspicuous member, and his afflicted family of its 
 only guide and support — The Senatus Academicus en- 
 tertains a just sense of the exalted worth of the deceased, 
 and most unfeignedly mingle their regrets with those of 
 the bereaved family for their common loss. And as a 
 testimony of respect for the memory of Doctor Finley, 
 they do strongly recommend to the Board of Trustees 
 to continue the salary of that officer to the end of the 
 quarter in which he died, and to offer to his family the 
 use of the President's house and its appendages until the 
 same shall be required for the accommodation of his 
 successor 
 
 '' And it is further unanimously resolved, that the eld- 
 est son of the late Dr. Finley be educated, at Franklin 
 College, free of any expense, so far as relates to any 
 charges for tuition and that a copy of these resolutions 
 be handed by the Secretary to Mrs. Finley." 
 
 The following extract from the minutes of the Board 
 of Trustees in Franklin college will be read with pleas- 
 ure. 
 
 *' Athens, Franklin College, December 12, 1817. 
 
 " On motion of Mr. Clayton — Resolved unanimously, 
 by the Board of Trustees that they feel with full force, 
 the testimony of respect offered by the Senatus Academi- 
 cus, to the memory of the late president of the universi- 
 ty, and do most cheerfully acquiesce in the measures re- 
 commended by that body, as demonstrative of their 
 veneration for the lamented deceased and their regard 
 for his respectable family : And in addition to those 
 measures, this Board further unanimously resolved, that 
 
DR. FINLEi'. 16f 
 
 the education in manner recommended to be bestowed 
 on the eldest son of the Rev. Dr. Finley be extended to 
 all his sons, and that the sum of two hundred dollars be 
 appropriated for tht: purpose of erecting over his grave 
 a suitable tomb-stone, commemorative of his worth and 
 services ; and that the Secretary of the Board hand a 
 copy of this resolution to Mrs. Finley. 
 
 ^* Resolved, that the prudential committee be author- 
 ized to sell, in such manner as they may think proper, 
 any lots in the town of Athens, already laid off, or which 
 may be laid off hereafter, in pursuance of a former res- 
 olution of this Board, passed the 31st of July last, first re- 
 serving to Mrs. Finley, widow of the late Rev. Dr. 
 Finley, any two lots which she may choose out of said 
 range, one being a front, and the other a back lot ; and 
 that the President pro tempore be authorized to make 
 her a title to the same. 
 
 *^ True extract from the minutes. 
 
 "JOHN HODGE, Secretary:' 
 
 The following letter exhibits the subject of these me- 
 moirs in a very interesting point of view. No charac- 
 ter could be more properly applied to him than that 
 which he here sustains — the prompt and afTectionatc 
 comforter of the afflicted. As this judicious, pious and 
 tender communication appears likely to be highly grat- 
 ifying and extensively useful, it is inserted with great 
 pleasure, and with many thanks to the excellent lady 
 who first experienced its consoling power, and now, 
 through this channel, bestows it on the public for their 
 instruction and comfort In sorrow^ : — 
 
158 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ''Basking Ridge, April 14, 1815. 
 " JMadaui, 
 
 "Mrs. Y D spent a few minutes with ug 
 
 yesterday, after our worship on the day of national 
 thanksgiving, and gave us the afflicting information of 
 the numerous and heavy trials with which it has pleased 
 the Lord to try you. Your afflictions yet continue, and 
 you perhaps begin to think they will never terminate. 
 The ways of God are full of wonder, and he often makes 
 the cloud his chariot, and the thick cloud his pavilion. 
 Plis providence, which for a season appeared clear and 
 bright, is at other times surrounded with an impenetra- 
 ble gloom. But let us not despair. He remains the 
 same, a God of sovereign mercy , and we through the 
 cloud may believe his grace, secure of his compassion. 
 God is love, nor can he cease to be so. Your afflictions 
 appear to me to be more than commonly great, but yet 
 not so great as the Almighty hand, which is able to sus- 
 tain you. One dear babe is withdrawn from your bo- 
 som, and has taken off a little portion of your heart. 
 But it is well ivith the child,^ Dedicated to the Lord, 
 
 * To illustrate the vievrs of Dr. Flnley in regard to the very interestiDg sub- 
 ject here involved,— to exhibit the basis on which he founds the sentiment here 
 advanced it u wcllrvith the child —^nd to place this precious article of Christian 
 faith in a light at once clear and consoling to the afflicted, the following extract 
 from his sermon en the benefits of lapiis7n, &.c. is introduced : — See 2d general 
 head of discourse— 4th particular, page 20thorthis sermon 
 
 "The last blf'ssing now to l)e mentioned, connected with baptism, is, that it 
 conveys the promises of God. 'whose are the promises.' Among these stand 
 most conspicuous the promises: that those who, being baptised, die in infancy, 
 should be saved : and that the possession of the seal should impart to the possessor 
 the power of conveying both the seal and its benefits to the rising generation. 
 God commanded the seal of his promise to be put on the bodies of infant children, 
 and at the earliest possible period : saying, ' I will be a God 'o "by seed.' To 
 f-.onvey and secure this promise to Abraham, God ordered the seal of his cove 
 
DR. FINLKY. 159 
 
 and presented to hina, a living sacrifice, faith may follow 
 it to heaven, and contemplate it among the happy spir- 
 its. She will not come to you, and wliy should you 
 wish her back to this place of sorrow and sighing and 
 pain? The Lord has need of her in another state, and 
 if the Lord requires who would refuse ? 1 have often 
 thought that the counsels of God may require something 
 of the same variety, which we observe in this state, for 
 our after condition : and that therefore it is requisite 
 that some babes, some tender and some full grown 
 youth, some in the vigour of life and some white with 
 age, should enter into heaven. 
 
 " Your other dear child will, I trust, be spared to you, 
 to be a comfort to you while you have need of earthly 
 
 nant to be put upon the bodies of the infant seed of the father of the faithful. 
 * He gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and so Abraliam begat Isaac 
 and circumcised him on the eiglith day.' Acts vii. 3. What are we to suppose is 
 mean" by the promise, ' I will be a God to thy seed.' Are we to think that it 
 meant nothing more, than that in general, God would take care of Abraham's 
 children, as he had already watched over and blessed him? Or are we to be- 
 lieve that this promise was of such a nature that it conveyed some valuable bless- 
 ing to every individual who became a subject of it ! It appears to be the fair con- 
 strucMon, that when God promised, snying, I will be a God to thy seed, he did 
 engage himself to every individual who should receive the seal of the promise. 
 And is there any way in which he can manifest himself to be the God of those, who 
 by the counsels of his infinite wisdom, are allotted to die in infancy, but by taking 
 them to himself in glory ? To take them from their cradle to his heavenly life, 
 is all that he can do for them, as their God. I mean not here to decide unfavoura- 
 bly on the case of those who die in infancy without being baptised. But 1 do 
 mean te exalt the grace of God, and the efficacy of his sealed promise : And that 
 this is the meaning, at least in part, of the promise, ' I will be a God to thy seed,' 
 is much confirmed by the consideration, that as God suffered the seed of man to 
 perish, by his despising tlie threatening of God, so he hath, in restoring the ruins 
 of that fall, secured the salvation of the dying infant, by connecting it with the 
 promise made to the parent. " These are the little babes, says Dr Watts, who 
 just enter into the world to die out of it, and who are saved from everlasting 
 death, merely by the spreading veil of the covenant of grace, drawn over there by 
 the hand of a parent's faith." 
 
160 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 comforts: or, should her sickness also be unto death, 
 consider, that the Lord knoweth the best time, and she 
 Aviil be taken from the evil to come, and that you shall 
 soon go unto her. Simeon is not and Joseph is not : all 
 these things are against me, said the aged patriarch. But 
 it was not so. It appeared only for evil, but the Lord 
 meant it only for good, and so it appeared plainly at the 
 last. Perhaps the sorest of all your afflictions is the ab- 
 sence of your husband^ in his feeble and declining- 
 state of health. Great indeed must be the grief which 
 a heart of sensibility would feel in a situation like to 
 yours. Your awakened imagination represents to you 
 his situation in all its aggravations. But perhaps he 
 has strength and consolation given to hmi, which make 
 these light afflictions, which are for a moment, aid him 
 in realizing the exceeding weight of glory, which is also 
 eternal, and is wrought out for the saints by the distresses 
 of this life. Perhaps while the outward man decays, 
 the inner man is renewed day by day. In a land of 
 strangers, he enjoys the presence of his Father and his 
 Elder Brother. A wanderer, he is making the greater 
 and more speedy preparation to enter the city which God 
 prepares for his saints. And should he, without ever 
 reaching you, breathe out his spirit into the hands of 
 Christ, his mortal part will be deposited in the grave se- 
 lected for him by his heavenly Father. What place of 
 ending his labours could be so desirable ! But what if ex- 
 cess of grief and the power of disease, should remove the 
 parents and the little babes! Is it any thing else, but the 
 removal of the whole family, to the house not made 
 with hands, eternal in the heavens, whose builder and 
 
 * Then on a journey to Georgia for the benefit of his heaUl». 
 
DR. FINLEY. 161 
 
 maker is God ? Whatever may be the allotment of the 
 Lord, all things will terminate in the glory of God, and 
 your own best good. When a Christian once complain- 
 ed to his fellow, of the numerous sorrows of which he 
 was partaker, he was answered, ' Never mind it, dear 
 brother, you shall be the happier for it to all eternity.' 
 The consolations of the Lord are not few, nor is his ear 
 heavy, nor is his arm shortened. He is witness to your 
 distress, who told his disciples, they should have tribu- 
 lation in this world, but exhorted them to be of good 
 cheer, for that he had overcome the world. He will 
 either support and comfort you, or, coming forth from 
 the place where he dwells, in the boundless ocean 
 of his infinite love, he will take you up to himself. My 
 
 dear friend Mrs. V D , desired me to write this 
 
 letter, which 1 close with a sincere prayer that it may 
 administer a little comfort. 
 
 '* In the common Saviour, 
 « Yours, 
 
 « ROBERT FINLEY." 
 
 Additional letters, received from a gentleman of distin- 
 guished respectability, with whom Dr. Fin ley kept 
 up a very free and friendly correspondence for many 
 years. 
 
 " Basking Ridge, June 12, 1810. 
 '* Dear Sir, 
 
 " I have copied over the letter which you was 
 pleased to return to me, that I would make some small 
 alterations in it to fit it for the magazine. \ found con- 
 siderable difficulty in making the thing as perfect as it 
 is. The subject matter was gone from m^e, and I found 
 in the copy put into my hands manv words, and these 
 
 21 
 
162 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 all leadiiii^ ones, left out. I felt rather reluctant to do 
 any thing- with it. But how could I resist the wish of 
 a man who has done me many kindnesses, and of a lady 
 whom I much esteem in the Lord? I do not know 
 that it will be of sufficient value for the magazine, but 
 I will submit it to your pleasure. Sometimes the exer- 
 cises of dying men, when represented in a lively man- 
 ner, produce a deep effect on others. There is some- 
 thing very striking to us in the feelings of persons who 
 are isi the very situation in which we must be by and by. 
 I wp.s informed two weeks ago of a /?;or/<i/;//, fashionable, 
 sensible lady of my acquaintance, who sprnt two days 
 and nights to observe the emotions of a pious, godly 
 neighbour. I know nothing of the effect produced. 
 But the man went full of triumph. On a very great 
 change taking place in him, he asked his friends if it was 
 death. They answered that he was dying. Upon this 
 he said, " Glory be to the Lord, the hour of deliverance 
 is come." 
 
 " A letter attends this for Mrs. M and Mrs. 
 
 L . I meant to write to the latter on the subject 
 
 of female societies for prayer. 
 "Yours, 
 
 "ROBERT FINLEY." 
 
 ''Basking Ridge, July 20, 1810. 
 « Dear Sir, 
 
 "I received your favours of June 28 and July 10, 
 the day before yesterday, by one and the same mail. I 
 know not by what means the one of June has been de- 
 layed. It bears the post mark, Newark, July 12th. 
 Having received your answer, I shall consider master 
 B as one of my supplies next fall, and shall expect 
 
DR. FINLEY. 163 
 
 him to quarter with A , who is in good health, and 
 
 doing as usual, 
 
 " As you have made no mention in either of your let- 
 ters of receiving *^ the old letter new vamped/ or my 
 
 letter to ]\lrs. M , I have been apprehensive those 
 
 letters may have miscarried. Both I and ]\Irs. Finley 
 
 are grieved to hear of Mrs. M 's want of health, but 
 
 hope our compassionate Lord and almighty Physician, 
 will soon heal her. It gives us pleasure that she is 
 * slowly recovering.' When her frame, strengthened by 
 the everlasting arm, shall have shaken off disease, she 
 will soon be perfectly recovered. What a thick veil a 
 little disease draws over the scenery of this world! 
 Blessed be the Lord, there is a land, the inhabitant where- 
 of doth never say I am sick. There may our weary souls 
 refresh themselves in the bosom of our Creator. The 
 diseases of my soul are my wH:>rst diseases, especially 
 spiritual sloth, arising from the w^ant of that faith which 
 is * the substance of things hoped for.' This is much 
 increased by the spiritual death in which a large 
 part of my people are sunk. Yet I know of a small 
 number who are considerably alarmed at their situation. 
 But they are not taking by violence the kingdom of hea- 
 ven. They are not striving and pressing into it. Their 
 convictions remain, but they are ready to die. O, that 
 the Lord would be pleased to strengthen them. When 
 I urge them in personal address, they weep and trem- 
 ble ; when I visit them again, I find them nearly as be- 
 fore. I suspect they very much resemble the state of 
 our friend Mr. . He is not easy ; but his impres- 
 sions do not urge him on. He waits for the moving of 
 the w^aters ; but does not consider that the angel of the 
 covenant has moved them once for all, and that they are 
 
164 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 always healing. He sees that something is wrong, bul 
 does not feel that all is lost. He thinks that religion 
 may be necessary, but he means to have it by and by, 
 and not now. If he had as much of the grace of God as 
 his heart could contain, he might be an excellent man 
 indeed. If I find an opening and any liberty, I shall 
 probably write him on this subject. Perhaps the best 
 way is to make an opening, and trust to the Lord for 
 liberty. Be pleased, sir, to accept my thanks for your 
 kindness relative to the money transaction, and believe 
 me to be, with very great regard, 
 " Yours, 
 
 ^'ROBERT FINLEY. 
 " N. B. — I found one of my people, the other day, 
 emancipated from the terrors of hell and slavery of Sa- 
 tan, and rejoicing with most exceeding joy." 
 
 ^^ Basking Ridge y August 9, 1811. 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 « I think our common friend, Mr. W , informed 
 
 me by letter, that you, or some friend of yours, wished 
 to have the filling of the first vacancy that might occur 
 in the school. I now foresee that in the beginning of 
 November there will be a place for four, three being 
 about to go to colleges. And three fine scholars and 
 orderly young men they are. You will be pleased to sig- 
 nify, at your leisure, what may be your wishes on this 
 
 subject. Last spring, a Mr. V , an officer, I think, 
 
 in one of the banks, spoke to me on the subject of a son 
 
 of his. Mr. W stated to me that he was a man of 
 
 excellent and pious character. I believe I signified to 
 him that he should have early notice of any vacancy 
 that might happen, that if his son was not placed accord 
 
DB. FINLEY. 165 
 
 ing to his wish, he mii^ht have an opportunity to 
 send him to our academy. Since I s w you last, 
 I save been v ry busy, as indc-ed I generally am. I 
 have ' er'n catechising the youth and children of my 
 congregation, and having fou>id a small number who 
 appeared to be seriously exercised with the great truths 
 of religion, I have been visiting a good deal. I per- 
 ceive something more than ordinary, on divers of my 
 people's hearts. Here and there a mercy drop fallen 
 down. But alas, the fierce sun of temptation threatens 
 to dry up all again, like as the few scattering drops from 
 a cloud are dried up by the scorching sun. There is an. 
 operation on their hearts, but it does not appear as yet 
 that soul travail which usually precedes the new birth. 
 I have endeavoured to fan the flame ; but my own heart, 
 like theirs, is only half awake and half alive. Yet I 
 trust that God will ^Ive me some {q\v at this time, who 
 shall reign with Him forever. I met one old man the 
 other day, who I do think is made alive to God by the 
 Spirit of Jesus Christ ; and one woman in the caves of 
 the rocks, who begins to see men as trees walking. Pray 
 for us, dear sir, that the gospel may be glorified among 
 us. The day before yesterday, I went in company 
 with another clergyman to a neighbouring church, 
 where there is something of a special display of the 
 mercy of God. It was in a distant corner among the 
 hills, nine or ten miles from my residence. I think it 
 was a solemn season to most, and a precious season to 
 many. The house not being capable of containing the 
 great multitude of rich and poor, but especially the last, 
 we seated ourselves on seats on the house green, under 
 some aged willows and locusts. There were full five 
 hundred persons, who behaved as discreetly as ever you 
 
166 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 saw the same number do in a country church, for a lit- 
 tle more than three hours, while the worship lasted. One 
 lady said, who had never seen an assembly for worship 
 out of doors, when she drew near and saw such a seene, 
 that it appeared at first a fairy scene. But when she got 
 near enough to hear the minister, the scene appeared to 
 be laid in the first heavens. So you perceive that it has 
 wrought on some imaginations. May the Lord send his 
 Spirit to all hearts. The leaven of God continues to 
 work, and the mass must be leavened. Amen. Have 
 you come into j^our new church yet ' I hope to have 
 my little babe baptized next Monday. By the grace of 
 
 God we are all well. A and master B -remain 
 
 as before, good boys and good scholars. Mrs Finley 
 
 sends her Christian love to Mrs. M and family, not 
 
 forgetting your daughter, Mrs. . I unite with 
 
 her, and to you, sir, I tender the assurance of my great 
 respect. Yours, 
 
 "ROBERT FINLEY." 
 
 ''Basking Ridge, December 19, 1814. 
 *^ Dear Friend, 
 
 *•■ For some considerable time back I have felt a 
 desire that the agreeable con t^spondence we formerly car- 
 ried on, should be renewed and especially since I was 
 informed that you had experienced some adverse dis- 
 pensations of Providence. The disappointments of sev- 
 eral of my best and dearest friends, occasioned to me a 
 great many reflections on the vanity and uncertainty of 
 all worldly views and calculations ; and the little that I 
 had fondly called my own appeared ready to take wings 
 and Piy away. Indeed I have not been able to escape 
 entirely the devastation of this day of disaster and of 
 
DR. FINLEY. 16? 
 
 judgment; but have suffered a considerable diminution 
 of that moderate abundance which some time ago I en- 
 joyed. However I desire to be submissive and to see 
 the hand of the Lord in all that concerns me. Your 
 case and situation have been often present with me, and 
 I have longed to know what door would be opened for 
 you. In some former states of society and of commerce, 
 it would have been but the misfortune of a day, and to 
 morrow would have seen you rising into business and 
 affluence. But this I know ; The Lord know^eth how 
 to deliver the righteous out of trouble, and he can open 
 a thousand channels when he will, to pour down com- 
 forts upon his people. May I not hope that already 
 something is presented to your view suited to your con- 
 venience and wishes. It is a day of sad rebuke ; and 
 judgment begins at the house of God, But though it 
 begins at them, and they appear for a moment to be the 
 mark for the arrows of the Almighty ; yet it shall pass 
 away from them ; and when he has afflicted them a little 
 he will give them deliverance and put a song of deliv- 
 erance into their mouths. How far the Lord means to 
 proceed in his present course I do not know^, nor can 
 any one form any conception ; but from the dark clouds 
 which hang over us, it would seem that the fury of the 
 storm is not passed away. There is yet no reformation 
 of heart and life ; no amendment of our ways, no return- 
 ing unto the Lord. Alas, in my own charge the most 
 sad declension of the life of God is experienced. Where 
 have fled all those pleasing expectations on which our 
 hearts rested with so much delight ? Were they only 
 the pleasing reveries of a gilded imagination? No! 
 they were the smiles of our gracious Father previous to 
 the day of chastisement w^hich was to come upon all the 
 
168 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 earth. "VVe through the cloud believe his grace, secure 
 of his compassion still. Though the clouds should re- 
 turn after the rain, yet at last the storra will disperse, 
 and the sunshine of the divine favour will rest upon his 
 people, and on the world. Are we not however to look 
 for some heavier judgments on our land ! It appears to 
 me we are to experience more : but his people who 
 have felt the first of the affliction shall be delivered and 
 set free at the last. Oh ! could 1 feel a spirit of prayer ; 
 could I see the hearts of God's people mourning and 
 contrite ; it would refresh me and make me believe the 
 vengeance was going by. But as blindness happened 
 in part to Israel, so blindness has not only come upon 
 the nation^ but even on the people of the Lord, so that 
 as yet we see but imperfectly the dealings of the Lord. 
 Party, passion, strife, infatuate us, and prepare us for far- 
 ther judgments — But why should we spend all our time 
 in mourning and complaints ? Hath the Lord forgotten 
 to be gracious 1 Hath he in anger shut up his tender 
 mercies 1 Will he be favourable no more ? Zion saith 
 indeed, * The Lord hath forsaken me and my Lord 
 hath forgotten me.' But it is nut so. Zion spoke the 
 language of a weak disconsolate woman. She spoke 
 too the language of her fainting sons. But the walls of 
 Zion are ever before the Lord ; and on the palms of hi? 
 hands, are graven all the names of her sons — In a few 
 minutes I expect to set out to visit a {ew sick, and to 
 preach to a disciple hindered from the sanctuary by 
 long disease. The subject L Corinthians iii. 22. 23. 
 For all thing are yours, whether life or death, &c. May 
 the Lord increase my faith and yours in these words. 
 They suit every case and answer every purpose. For 
 some months Mrs. Fin ley has desired to visit New-York, 
 
DR. FINLET. 169 
 
 and among her friends, to see Mrs. M --. She is yet 
 
 hindered by many cares, but hopes to come after a little. 
 The academy is sufficiently supplied. Let the bush 
 that burned and was not consumed be in your remem- 
 brance. And may the Lord who appeared in the bush 
 bless you. This is the sincere prayer of, 
 
 ** Dear Sir, yonr sincere and affectionate friend, 
 *' ROBERT FINLEY." 
 
 Dr. Finley had no ambition to excel as a fine writer^ 
 or to acquire fame as an author. His great excellence 
 consisted in prudent and useful action. The sermons 
 which he published and which are his only publications, 
 were modestly and reluctantly yielded through the im- 
 portunity of friends, rather than ostentatiously offered 
 by himself to the world. 
 
 The first, of his sermons bestowed upon the publicj 
 was a funeral discourse, "on the victory of Christ over 
 death," delivered at the interment of the Rev. William 
 Boyd, in the congregation of Lamington on the 17th 
 day of May, 1807, from the following words : — 1. Co- 
 rinthians XV. 54. " So when this corruptible shall have 
 put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on 
 immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying 
 that is written, death is swallowed up in victory." 
 
 Notwithstanding the evidences of haste in preparation, 
 which it exhibits, this is an edifying and solemn dis- 
 course on a most interesting subject. The concluding 
 paragraph presents a striking summary of Mr. Boyd's 
 numerous and prominent excellencies of character — 
 and also a just specimen of Dr. Finley's taste in compo- 
 sition at this early period : — 
 
170 MEMOIRS OK 
 
 " Affection and esteem induce me to speak a little of 
 the character of this man of God. In doing this I shall 
 less comply with what is customary on such occasions, 
 than do that which is pleasant to myself. His Creator 
 endowed him with an intellect, strong and vigorous — 
 with a mind clear and distinguishing. This, combined 
 with a retentive memory and much early reading, had 
 furnished him as a fit companion for the man, the gentle- 
 man and the scholar. He had wit without severity, 
 sprightliness without levity, and knowledge without 
 ostentation. Equally ready for easy conversation or 
 profound investigation, no man ever found himself un- 
 easy in his society. Never in his usual intercourse, ei- 
 ther inviting or avoiding contested subjects — (gw men 
 could boast that they had foiled him in solid argument. 
 The great use which he made of his retentive memory 
 was to lay up the rich treasures of Sacred Scriptures. 
 Of these he had gathered perhaps as large a store, as 
 any of his time. And the happy use which he made of 
 his discerning mind was, to be sound in the faith. The 
 doctrines of the reformation were his great delight. 
 They were the theme of his discourse, the objects of 
 his faith and the comfort of his soul. He preached them 
 while he lived : he rejoiced in them in his dying hours. 
 He was far less concerned to find out new things, than 
 to make a wise improvement of truths already known. 
 He walked in much humility and was a lively example 
 of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. I. came not 
 here, however, so much to praise my friend, as to bury 
 him ; not so much to bring his virtues to the light, as to 
 assist in committing his body to the tomb. His burial, 
 without pomp, is splendid, all good men attending him. 
 His name is venerable without the praises of funeral ad- 
 
DR. FINLEY. iTl 
 
 dress, all good men lamenting his departure. But 1 
 cease to speak more of him. His praise hath long since 
 been in all the Churches, and his name is now embalm- 
 ed in every Christian heart. ""^ 
 
 [See this discourse printed in New-Brunswick by " A. 
 Blauvelt— 180r."] 
 
 Soon after this, Dr. Finley was induced to present to 
 the public his very respectable "Sermon on the Bap- 
 tism of John, shewing it to be a peculiar dispensation 
 and no example for Christians'* — from the folio wing- 
 text — Acts xix.— 5^ — " When they heard this they were 
 baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus." 
 
 The subject of baptism in general, and, especially, 
 the question respecting the proper mode and subjects of 
 it, was at this period much agitated and discussed, in 
 the pulpit and in the private circle. Dr. Finley's ser- 
 mon was considered very seasonable and very useful. 
 Its general object, which is faithfully and successfully 
 pursued, is indicated in the title above inserted. The 
 discourse displays clearness of discrimination, strength 
 of argumentation, considerable critical skill and literary 
 research. As it was expected to be considered in some 
 measure controversial, in its nature, it was written with 
 much more care and accuracy than the former discourse. 
 This sermon raised Dr. Finley's reputation, as a man of 
 sound intellect and promising usefulness. [See this dis- 
 course — printed by " Shepard Kollock— Elizabeth- 
 Town— 1807."] 
 
 This sermon was followed, in the next year, by Dr. 
 Finley's distinguished and popular, "Discourse on the 
 
 * For a more extensive view of this excellent man of God, see note N. 
 
ir2 MEMOIKB Ob- 
 
 nature and design, the benefits and proper subjecis ol 
 baptism, troni Acts ii. 39. " For the promise is unto 
 you and to your children and to all that are afar off, 
 even as many as the Lord our God shall call." 
 
 This sermon in itself, possesses great originality and 
 merit; and it was published under circumstances calcu- 
 lated to give it an increased estimation with the public : 
 — in connexion with Dr. Smith's truly finished and elo- 
 quent sermon on the sa,me general subject and with the 
 full approbation of that eminent author. They were 
 both published by " B. B. Hopkins & Co." of Philadel- 
 phia. Dr. Smith, in his preface, refers to Dr. Finley's 
 sermon in the following words — " I can with pleasure 
 refer to a discourse of the Rev. Robert Finley on the 
 same subject, for a more ample elucidation of several 
 points, from the analogy which subsists between the 
 Mosaic and the Christian dispensations." 
 
 This sermon of Dr. Finley is extremely valuable and 
 interesting, and ought to be possessed and studied by eve- 
 ry parent. The matter comprised under its second head, 
 is principally new, and calculated strikingly to repre- 
 sent the importance of this evangelic ordinance. 
 
 These discourses together, probably present as able 
 and interesting a view of the subjects treated and senti- 
 ments maintained in them, as can be found within the 
 same limits, in our language. 
 
 In connexion with the preceding subject, to show Dr. 
 Finley's views of the important practical question, so 
 much discussed recently in the Presbyterian Church, 
 relating to the exercise of ecclesiastical discipline over 
 baptised persons, the following extract, from the session 
 
DR. FINLEY. lT'*i 
 
 records of the congregation of Basking Ridge, is intro- 
 duced : — 
 
 *^ December 31, 1807. — The session entered into a free 
 conversation on the question — are all baptised persons 
 proper subjects of the discipline of the church, and if so, 
 how far will it be proper, at this time to attempt the dis- 
 ciplining of baptised persons, who are not members in 
 full communion ? — It was agreed unanimously, that bap- 
 tised persons, from their relation to the church, not on- 
 ly ma?/, but ought to experience the care and attention 
 of the church — Whereupon : 
 
 1. Resolved, that the session of this church will in fu- 
 ture extend their care to all persons, who by baptism are 
 subjected, to its government. 
 
 2. Resolved, that a register be kept, of all families 
 belonging to this congregation, for the inspection of the 
 session at their meetings. 
 
 3. That there be four regular meetings of the session, 
 in each year, for the purpose signified in the first resolu- 
 tion, on the following days — 
 
 4. Resolved, that the discipline to be administered to 
 those not in full communion, shall never extend to call- 
 ing them before the session, but only to counsel and ad- 
 monition, and finally to a formal notice, that a continu- 
 ance in sin will expose them, to be recorded as exclu- 
 ded from the privileges of the church, which might be- 
 long to them." 
 
 Mr. Finley was requested to explain and enforce this 
 subject, in his public discourses, at a proper time. 
 
 Two additional sermons, which were published in the 
 " New-Jersey Preacher," in July, 1813, complete the 
 list of Dr. Finley's publications — The one from Mat- 
 thew V, 14. entitled '^ The disciples of Christ the light of 
 
174 MEMOinS OF 
 
 the world :'' — the other from Philippians iii. 9.—" The 
 benefits resulting from being found in Christ." 
 
 In these discourses, Dr. Finley appears to have aimed, 
 principally, to be useful. They are such as his talents 
 and piety would naturally and easily produce, and they 
 are such as the editors of the K.'iv-Jersejj Preacher so- 
 licited from him — full of evangelic truth and vital god- 
 liness. Their style is more graceful and agreeable than 
 that of his former productions. 
 
 Dr. Finley manifested great indifference with regard 
 to the dress of his ideas. In this respect, he resembled 
 many of the learned and excellent Scottish preachers 
 and philosophers to whom he bore so near an alliance. 
 His Creator had not endowed him richly with those deli- 
 cate sensibilities and nice perceptions of taste, necessary 
 to eminence in elegant composition: and he voluntari- 
 ly permitted his capacity for this kind of excellence, to 
 remain in a great degree, uncultivated. His grammat- 
 ical and rhetorical improvements were ample. But 
 while he successfully communicated his knowledge to 
 others, he seemed, from choice, to make no effort to em- 
 ploy it to his own advantage in writing. Perspicuity, 
 strength, and effect, were the great things at which he 
 aimed. Ornament he did not employ. A correct skill 
 for the graceful collocation of words in a sentence and 
 harmonious sounding of periods, he did not possess. 
 His style sometimes exhibits a want of ease and smooth- 
 ness, in arrangement and expression. " But there is in 
 his negligence a rude inartificial majesty."*' And the 
 good sense, the uniform simplicity, the unaffected ear- 
 nestness, and the excellent spirit, which characterize his 
 
 * Rambler. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 175 
 
 discourses, render them highly respectable and agreea- 
 ble. Had he written more, he would have written bet- 
 ter. Our great regret is, that we possess so lew of these 
 pious and precious productions of his uncommonly 
 strong, elevated and sanctified mind. 
 
 In presenting a summary view of this eminent man of 
 God, we are called to contemplate an unusually pleas- 
 ing combination and variety of peculiar excellencies. 
 
 Dr. Finley's person exceeded the ordinary size of 
 men : he was about six feet in stature ; erect and well 
 proportioned ; wide across the shoulders and deep 
 through the breast ; grave and contemplative in appear- 
 ance ; deliberate and dignified in his movements. The 
 lineaments of his face were peculiar, and the expression 
 of his countenance was striking. His hair, naturally 
 black, was considerably whitened by the lapse of years 
 and the toils of life. His forehead Vv'as unusually capa- 
 cious and commanding. His eyes were blue, marked 
 with a mixture of mildness and severity. His cheek 
 bones were high and prominent. His nose, above 
 the common size, was on the Roman model. His 
 whole mien exhibited traces of Scotch extraction. Com- 
 pliance and decision, gentleness and asperity, the win- 
 ning softness of conciliation and affection, and the un- 
 courtly sternness of a strong, original, self possessed 
 mind, seemed to mingle their traits, and to give variety, 
 interest and energy, to the expression of his face. 
 
 The outlines of his character corresponded with his 
 personal appearance. The features of his mind, origi- 
 nal and peculiar, were conformed to no living model. 
 Firmness and independence, in him, constituted signal 
 and distinguishing traits. In conversation and acquaint 
 ance, he was open and candid, yet considerate and cau- 
 tious: he was dignified without ostentation ; authorita- 
 
17 Q MEMOIRS OP 
 
 live and determined, without arrogance or disdain : in 
 opinion, he was steadfast and faithful to himself, but not 
 intolerant to others: he was reluctant to admit an unfa- 
 vourable impression respecting any person, and slow to 
 manifest it, even to an enemy : he was plain and easy in 
 manners ; sufficiently attentive to person, dress and 
 equipage, to be respectable, but decidedly opposed to 
 show and splendour, to all compliances with useless 
 forms and frivolous fashions. In receiving and enter- 
 taining a friend, he exhibited a singularly agreeable 
 mixture of carelessness and simplicity, with cordiality 
 and satisfaction. 
 
 The utmost frankness and sincerity ran through all 
 his actions. Mean compliances, little artifices, cunning 
 subterfuges, he utterly abhorred. In the latter years of 
 his life, especially, a high degree of Christian gentleness 
 and meekness, was remarked in his deportment. It was 
 indeed eminently true of Dr. Finley, that whatever was 
 originally unhappy or wrong, in his temper or deport- 
 ment, he controlled, corrected and changed, while, at 
 the same time, the high gifts of God, and the natu- 
 ral excellencies of his character, from good sense, from 
 principle and from grace, he perseveringly and success- 
 fully cultivated and employed, until he was called to 
 the general assembly of the spirits of just men made 
 perfect. 
 
 As a pastor, Dr. Finley has rarely been excelled. 
 His preaching, like himself, was not resembled to any 
 known standard. He was often heard to say, that in 
 early life, he was much attracted and influenced by the 
 powerful eloquence and profound discussions of the 
 Ptev. Dr. Samuel S. Smith, from whom, in part, he re- 
 ceived his theological instructions. For i\\2ii great m^w. 
 
DR. FINLEY. 177 
 
 he entertained, all his days, a very high esteem and ven- 
 eration. But his genius v/as so peculiar and unaccom- 
 modating, and the native impulses of his mind towards 
 something original and unusual, in thought, expression 
 and action, so strong, that he could not bring himself to 
 attempt imitation, or conformity to any proposed exam- 
 ple. Therefore, casting himself upon the resources of 
 his own mind, yielding to its strong, original impulses, 
 and to the directing and governing influence of lively 
 religious feeling, he pursued a new track, and formed a 
 character, sui generis, which was generally admired. 
 
 In public prayer. Dr. Finley's manner w^as slow^ but 
 earnest ; simple, but solemn. He was remarkable for 
 making frequent and long pauses, especially in the be- 
 ginning of this service. The thoughts and views which 
 presented themselves, appeared so deeply to occupy and 
 engross his mind, that he could scarcely proceed from 
 sentence to sentence. His prayers were sensible, pious 
 and devout. He was mighty in the scriptures, and 
 hence his devotional performances were enriched with 
 a great variety of appropriate scripture language. In 
 consequence of his great zeal and devotedness, in this 
 part of the service of the house of God, it was some- 
 times carried to an unusual length, but never so far as 
 to become tedious and uninteresting. 
 
 Lecturing on portions of the scriptures, was with him 
 a favourite mode of instruction, from the pulpit. And, 
 in pursuing this plan, he manifested superior skill and 
 judgment, in selecting, illustrating and applying the 
 most important and useful matter which the passages 
 suggested. A series of lectures, which he delivered to 
 his congregation at Basking Ridge, on the epistle to the 
 Romans, has been represented, by persons highly com- 
 
irS MEMOIRS OF 
 
 petent to judge, and who had the happiness to hear 
 them, as displaying in a very high degree, masculine 
 vigour of understanding, fervent zeal, and eminent prac- 
 tical piety. 
 
 Dr. Finley was one of the most highly approved and 
 useful preachers of his day. In his theological tenets, 
 he was purely and rigidly orthodox. Divinity, in its 
 various branches and departments, had been the subject 
 of his laborious, constant and delightful study. The 
 word of God, was indeed habitually the man of his coun- 
 sel, the subject of his meditation, and the rejoicing of 
 his heart. His experimental acquaintance with the ope- 
 rations of God's Holi/ Spirit, and with the exercises of 
 the soul under divine influence, was deep and thorough. 
 His sermons exhibited a copiousness of valuable matter, 
 ju<iicious arrangement, clearness of illustration, strong 
 reasoning, animating, practical piety, and irresistible 
 power. The sentiments with which he was regarded, 
 as a preacher of the gospel, consisted more of that high 
 esteem, strong approbation, and pious satisfaction, which 
 sound sense, warm piety, and great exertions in a Chris- 
 tian minister produce, than of that light admiration and 
 applause, excited by fine talents, finished sentences, 
 brilliance of fancy, and cultivated gracefulness. He 
 captivated the heart more than the imagination, and se- 
 cured the approbation of the former more than the ad- 
 miration of the latter. 
 
 If we were to analyze his intellectual powers, and 
 his qualifications for eminence as a public speaker, and 
 judge of them by the principles of taste and the rules of 
 eloquence, as separated from the object to which they 
 w^ere devoted, from the service in which they were em- 
 ployed, and from the effect they always produced, we 
 
UR. FIXLEY. irO 
 
 should not pronounce them of the highest order. His 
 voice was loud and commanding-, rather than sweet 
 and melodious — his elocution was strong and significant, 
 rather than easy and graceful — his gestures bore an ap- 
 pearance of stifTness and negligence — he did not ordi- 
 narily employ unusual excellence of speech^ or the enti- 
 cing words of man^s jvisdom. Notwithstanding, he pos* 
 sessed and manifested a peculiar power and capacity to 
 engage and impress the hearer's mind. This we are as- 
 sured was the fact, in the metropolis of the nation. We 
 are furnished with ample evidence, that this was the 
 case, among the wealthy and cultivated citizens of Geor- 
 gia. In the populous cities of New- York and Philadel- 
 phia, few preachers commanded more large and solemn 
 assemblies. And, through his own state, in to^\nand 
 country, he was heard with the greatest attention and 
 pleasure. 
 
 The effect usually attendant upon his preaching, was 
 not produced by an artful, studied appeal to the pas- 
 sions, nor by the play of a sprightly and vivid imagina- 
 tion, nor by any premeditated stroke of eloquence. It 
 was rather an effect naturally and imperceptibly created 
 by his easy, earnest and solemn manner of address. On 
 ordinary occasions, without effort and without design, 
 he would gently draw the attention, gradually interest 
 the hearer, steal on the sensibilities and affections of the 
 mind, and so, imperceptibly bring the whole understand- 
 ing and heart, into a state of painful commotion, or of 
 pleasing captivity. The hearer would be pleased, im- 
 pressed and affected — yet he could scarcely tell why. 
 On surveying the preacher, his talents and faculties, in 
 an abstract point of view, he would find little, of an ex- 
 traordinary nature, to admire : but, on placing himself 
 
V60 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 again under the same voice and in similar circumstances^ 
 the same or a greater effect would certainly follow. 
 The Creator had endowed Dr. Finley, with uncom- 
 mon powers, which could be distinctly perceived, and 
 which were extensively felt, but which cannot be fully 
 described. It may be said, in general, that he saw 
 clearly, felt strongly, and expressed himself with solemn 
 earnestness — that sometimes his imagery was bold and 
 striking, his description frequently rapid, ardent and 
 overwhelming. After all, in estimating Dr. Finley's 
 powers and oratory, we ought not to lose sight of the 
 important truth, that the power of the spirit of the most 
 high God, often rested on his head, penetrated his heart, 
 and pervaded the hearts of his hearers and produced ef- 
 fects as wonderful as they were divine. 
 
 In those interesting seasons, of awakening and revival, 
 which agitated his own mind with strong feeling and 
 prompted him to corresponding efforts, he sometimes 
 exhibited a spectacle in the sacred desk, which cannot 
 now, after the lapse of many years, be contemplated 
 "without lively emotion. Then especially he was ena- 
 bled to speak in demonstration of the spirit and ivith poll- 
 er. The multitude often listened with astonishment, 
 and wept and trembled before him. They saw, that he 
 preached, not to secure to himself a najne, but for 
 them a cronn. Pious sensibility and thoughtless hard- 
 ness, were often deeply moved under his awakening dis- 
 courses. His descriptions, comparisons and illustrations 
 ■were often highly original, significant and striking. 
 
 During the out-pouring of the spirit in 1803, he was 
 preaching, at a particular time, on the atonement and 
 priesthood of Christ. In the progress of his discourse, 
 after the subject in general had been pretty fully explain- 
 
DR. FINLEI. 181 
 
 ed and the work, of Christ as Saviour, illustrated, he 
 made a strong- eifort to convince sinners of the danger 
 of neglecting Christ : — he represented their guilt and 
 misery without Hiui in strong and suitable language : — 
 he described them as approaching an awful precipiccj 
 beneath which the billows of divine wrath were rolling 
 in fearful majesty : — every eye was fixed in deep and 
 silent attention : — the breaking surges of divine ven- 
 geance seemed to send up a dreadful echo to the preach- 
 er's voice: — just at this moment of trembling anxiety, 
 the speaker, as if to rescue the multitude from the dread- 
 ful ruin to which they were rushing, placed himself be- 
 tween them and the frightful brink : — and there, his 
 countenance speaking terror and amazement, with ges- 
 tures suited to his shrill, alarming notes, he cried out — 
 " stand back — stand back — Oh ! sinners, let me push 
 you from this fiery deep !" — An electrical impulse could 
 not, more rapidly, have pervaded the house : — the as- 
 sembly, in general, appeared in a half rising posture, as 
 if starting to recede with horror, from the abyss before 
 them. 
 
 Dr. Finley in discharging various other pastoral du- 
 ties, and in his intercourse with society, was as remariv- 
 able and perhaps as useful as he was in the pulpit. 
 Whether solicited or not, he visited the sick of every 
 age and of every character. The house of affliction he 
 delighted to frequent and to bless with his instructions 
 and prayers. The funeral attentions and services which 
 he rendered, in his extensive congregation, were very 
 numerous and often very laborious. With great solici- 
 tude and diligence would he search for impressed and 
 inquiring souls, that he might impart encouragement, 
 relief and comfort to the troubled mind. It was his 
 
182 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 custom on at least one day of every week, and frequent- 
 ly more, to mount his horse towards evening, and pro- 
 ceed slowly and solemnly towards some retired corner 
 of his congregation, there, by appointment to meet a lit- 
 tle assembly of immortal creatures, often of the obscure 
 and indigent, to pour out his soul before them, in in- 
 structions, entreaties and prayers, for their everlasting 
 salvation. He appeared to be always engaged in the 
 sacred business of his profession. When he went about, 
 like his great Master and model, it was to do good. In 
 the friendly visit, the occasional call, the unexpected 
 interview, by the fireside or on the way, he was a wit- 
 ness and a monitor for God. He carried, with him, a 
 savour of piety, which made him alike precious to the 
 good, and venerable to the wicked. His moral temper- 
 ament w^as warm and active, and his religious frames, his 
 faith and love, his spiritual hopes and comforts, through 
 divine grace, were rendered so uniform and uninterrupt- 
 ed in their character and influence, that he was always 
 alive on the subject of religion and to the interests of 
 souls. Hence, it appeared to be in a very peculiar de- 
 gree, as his meat and his drink to do the will of Him that 
 sent him. 
 
 His ordinary conversation was uncommonly plain, 
 judicious and sensible, always interspersed and enrich- 
 ed with pious remarks and reflections. Practical piety 
 w as interwoven with all the ordinary and extraordinary 
 feelings, views, and transactions of his life — so that he 
 was, "a burning and a shining light," shedding abroad 
 his salutary radiance, equally in public and in private. 
 No person could spend^ even a short time in his company, 
 without being highly pleased, and receiving some useful 
 hints, or seasonable instruction. His common obser- 
 
DR. FINLEY, 183 
 
 vations on every subject bore marks of wisdom, pro- 
 priety and force. His society being very agreeable 
 and useful, was highly appreciated by all classes of peo- 
 ple. He possessed in a remarkable degree, the faculty 
 of inspiring confidence, esteem and regard for him, in 
 the minds of others, young and old, cultivated and plain, 
 acquaintances and strangers. To this faculty, in a con- 
 siderable degree, is to be attributed the popularity and 
 influence which Dr. Finley, so extensively shared, in 
 the church and in the world. 
 
 As a man of sound scholarship and useful science, few- 
 men have ranked higher. He had been early and con- 
 stantly an attentive observer of human life and so be- 
 came well versed in knowledge of the world. His phi- 
 losophical, attainments were very thorough and respect- 
 able. As he studied to extend his capacity for useful- 
 ness, more than to acquire fame, his improvements were 
 solid rather than splendid, and consisted in an extensive 
 enlargement of the understanding rather than in a culti- 
 vation of the finer powers of taste and imagination. 
 Splendour and admiration, were in his view^, things of 
 very little value. Hence solidity of thought, fertility 
 of resource, strength of conception, appeared to him vast- 
 ly more important and desirable, than the most improv- 
 ed capacity to embellish^, amuse and fascinate. There 
 was in his mind and character a constitutional propensi- 
 ty to grasp the strong and prominent points of every sub- 
 ject and every science, and this propensity he cherished 
 and indulged from principle. He perceived the strong 
 and urgent demands of the church for his active servi- 
 ces: he felt that life was too short and his powders too 
 feeble to accomplish all he w^ould wish: and hence hr 
 
184 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 resolved to obtain those requisites first, wiiich are most 
 essential to the greatest practical utility. 
 
 In his knowledge of languages he excelled most men 
 of his age. He had studied the English tongue with 
 great closeness of investigation and soundness of reflec- 
 tion : he understood it well in theory and in practice : 
 his knowledge of its principles was both grammatical and 
 philosophical. Although he did not shine in great ex- 
 cellence or elegance of composition, he was admirably 
 qualified to illustrate and to teach the important practi- 
 cal parts of the English language. In the Hebrew- 
 tongue, his proficiency was sufficient to enable him, to 
 refer with ease and accuracy, to the original language 
 of the Bible, for a solution of any doubts that existed re- 
 specting the correctness of our translation, and with fa- 
 cility to communicate the elements of it to learners. But 
 in the Greek and Latin, his eminence and superiority 
 were more decided and acknowledged. To a careful 
 and finished education, in classical science, had been 
 added the accumulating improvements, of more than 
 twenty years experience and actual service in the busi- 
 ness of teaching. 
 
 Dr. Finley possessed an extraordinary capacity for 
 business. He was more admired, however, for his de- 
 liberation, comprehensiveness and accuracy, than for 
 his quickness of conception, or rapidity of execution. 
 He could embrace and pursue, with ease and efficacy, 
 different kinds of business at the same time. All his 
 transactions were accomplished with great facility, with- 
 out bustle, and apparently almost without effort. Pa- 
 tience and perseverance, judicious enterprise and zeal- 
 ous public spirit, were prominent traits in his character. 
 The village and the country around him, felt happih/the 
 
BR. PINLEY. 185 
 
 influence of his industry and skill in agriculture^ and in 
 various other species of public improvement. With his 
 judicious economy, was combined a high spirit of libe- 
 rality. His beneficence extended to the poor and un- 
 fortunate — to infant congregations and rising churches 
 — to poor and pious young men, preparing for the sa- 
 cred office — to the cause of missionsf in general — and 
 to various public charitable institutions. His bounty, 
 bestowed at different times, on the interests of science 
 and religion, connected with the literary and theologi- 
 cal establishments at Princeton, was unusually large, al« 
 
 * In this business his principles and practice corresponded with tlie sentiments 
 of the Mautuan Bard, whose science, in husbandry, was little surpassed by Lis 
 poetic taste and beauty. 
 
 " Laudato ingentia rura, 
 Exigunm colito." Georg : 
 !Nor is this an employment unworthy the attentive study and practical regard 
 of any man in whatever profession engaged. 
 
 " Quinctius Cincinnatus, cranium consensu, dictator est dictus. Ille, spes unica 
 imperii Romani, trans Tiberim, quatuorjugerum, colebatagrum." — Viii Romae. 
 
 f The following statement, on this subject ; has been recently presented to the 
 writer by a highly respectable minister of the gospel, who received the conimuni- 
 ftation, in confidence, from Dr. Finley, a short time before his removal to the 
 south: — 
 
 They were returning together from a meeting of the presbytery, to which both 
 belonged. A conversation on the subject of missions took place. Dr. Finley 
 ob.«!erved to his friend, that he thought the general assembly of the presbvterian 
 church had not engaged in the business of missions, so extensively and zealously 
 as they ought, and especially that they had been very remiss in paying so liUle 
 attention to the subject of foreign missions. After making some general remarks 
 in relation to these objects, Dr. Finley proceeded to say, that he had made up his 
 mind to offer himself in a short time to the gene- al as«einbly as a missioTiary to go to 
 the east, to be employed under their direction and that he intended to present 
 them with about ^300, to lay the foundation of a fund for the purpose of prose- 
 cuting and promoting this object. Circumstances, recently ascertained, create a 
 belief; that the particular place, of missionary labours intenc'ed. was the contem 
 plated colony of free blacks, to be formed, on the coast of Africa, and eventually^ 
 •ther destitute parts of that great continent. 
 
 24 
 
186 MEMOIKS, &C. 
 
 most beyond his means: and of his liberality of feeling 
 and intention, towards the colonization society, we are 
 furnished with an honourable testimony, in the letter 
 from my correspondent at Washington. 
 
 His attendance on the judicatories of the church was 
 punctual and faithful. In m.ost of the important trans- 
 actions of the church, he bore a conspicuous part. 
 Modest and unassuming, more ready to hear than to 
 speak, he seldom engaged deeply in public debates. 
 There were occasions, however, on which his zeal pre- 
 dominated over his diffidence, and forced him into dis- 
 cussion. At these times, he displayed, both in appear- 
 ance and address, his characteristic plainness, dignity 
 and power. 
 
 On the whole, Dr. Finley's rise and eminence in his 
 profession, must be ascribed to the joint influence of his 
 own talents and exertions, and to the benignant care and 
 assistance of Divine Providence. He had no family in- 
 fluence to bring him forward and recommend him to 
 public regard : no powerful and devoted friends, to pa- 
 tronize and promote him : no patrimonial fortune, nor 
 parental laurels, on which to repose. The native acti- 
 vity and vii^our of his mind were extraordinary, and the 
 ardent inrpulses of his soul to be good and to do good, 
 stimulated his powers, prescribed his course, and con- 
 ducted him to true greatness and true glory. 
 
 *' Vitiis nemo sine nascitur : opliraus ille est, 
 
 Qui miDimis urgetur." Hon. 
 
I^(DTPI1 
 
NOTE A. 
 
 DANGERS OF SENDING SONS TOO EARLY TO 
 COLLEGE. 
 
 Placing sons in college, at this very early age, is ex- 
 tremely imprudent and hazardous. Very few experi- 
 ments of this kin(i, progress and result so happily as that 
 before us, even with the advantage of a faithful father's 
 care. It is obvious, that when the pupil's mind is feeble 
 and immature, his capacity must be so circumscribed, 
 that he cannot proceed in his studies with so much hon- 
 our, ease and advantage to himself, viewing the case in 
 the most favourable light, as he would after a few years 
 more, occupied in preparatory study, in establishing 
 habits of application, and in acquiring a wider compass 
 of general improvement. Parents and guardians, as 
 well as the students, are great losers, in most cases, by 
 the very early introduction of pupils into college, inas- 
 much as they do not obtain so great an amount of solid 
 benefit, as they probably would, by a little more delay, 
 to remunerate them for their attention, anxiety and ex- 
 pense. 
 
 But the morals of youth are exposed to dangers incal- 
 culably great and serious, by their being placed in col- 
 lege, at this tender and inexperienced age, from under 
 the eye of thei' parents and teachers,* among a prorais- 
 
 * Iinb.-rbis Jiivenis, tandfm ciistode renioto, 
 Cereiis in vitiiim flecti monitoribus asper, 
 TTtilium tardii3 provisor, prodigus teris Hor, ar. poet. 
 
190 DANGEKS OF SENDING SONS 
 
 cuoiis multitude of youth, collected from almost every 
 part of our land, and possessing every variety of charac- 
 ter, principle and habit. This is believed to be the 
 case, even with regard to the best regulated colleges in 
 this country. A government, which, in its administration, 
 is enforced principally, if not exclusively, by moral and 
 prudential motives, and which, in all its operations, re- 
 lies for its success and utiiit}^, on the honour, ingenu- 
 ousness and emulation of its subjects, is not calculated 
 for children and boys. In general, no previous instruc- 
 tion and care of parents and teachers can, without the 
 special grace of God, so firmly establish youth in good 
 principles and habits, as to fortify them against the se- 
 ductions of vice, at this early age, and justify their being 
 placed in a situation in which temptation, in its most 
 captivating forms, constantly addresses them, and in 
 which they are left, as their only or principal security, 
 to the genuineness and stability of their moral princi- 
 ples and feelings. 
 
 Sound policy, and prudent regard to the real welfare 
 of colleges, should prompt their officers to discourage 
 the application of very young students for admission. 
 It is not to be apprehended that they will immediately 
 become ringleaders in turbulence and disorder; but it 
 is reasonable to suppose thai they may constitute the 
 materials, with which the really corrupt and disorgan- 
 izing commence their tumultuous operations in resisting 
 government and order. Should they resist or escape, 
 for a season, the danger from this source, to which, from 
 their inexperience and unsuspecting temper, they are 
 peculiarly exposed ; Ixom the length of time they are 
 to remain in college, they enjoy every opportunity ne- 
 cessary to render them, before they complete their 
 
TOO EARLY TO COLLEGE. 191 
 
 course, inveterately expert and sagacious in every cor- 
 rupt and destructive art and practice. When we con- 
 sider, that the pupils placed in college thus prematurely, 
 in general, are such as possess the finest minds — as have 
 made the best proficiency in learning — as are attached 
 to the most wealthy, intelligent and honourable families 
 > — and as afford the brightesi prospects of success in stu- 
 dy, of doing credit to their friends and to the insti- 
 tution, and of usefulness to the st^te, the church or the 
 world — how lamentable is it, that they should be placed 
 in jeopardy at this critical and interesting moment! 
 Were the great mass of the students farther advanced in 
 years, and more mature in understanding, it is highly 
 probable that the convulsions and revolutions experi- 
 enced recently in the colleges and universities of the 
 United States, would much less frequently occur. 
 
 In support of the ideas here suggested, we might, from 
 personal knowledge and observation, recur to many 
 mournful instances, in wiiich amiable and interesting 
 boys, who came from home very young, giving evidence 
 of excellent disposition and virtuous tendency of mind, 
 of good domestic government and s^holasiic instruction, 
 have soon, on entering college and mingling with the 
 promiscuous crowd, changed the purity and simplicity 
 of their manners, become indolent in study, extravagant 
 in dress and expenditure, addicted to vice, and a sacri- 
 fice to the im.prudence and precipitance of those who 
 superintended and directed their movements in life. 
 
 W^hat then, it may be asked, is to be done with boys, 
 who have been put to the studies preparatory to college 
 very early, and are found fit to become members, in a 
 low class, at ten, twelve, thirteen years of age? Let 
 them be prepared, in a private and less exposed situation, 
 
192 DANGERS OF SENDING SONS, &C. 
 
 for a higher class in college : let them be made to pay 
 much more attention than is usual in academies, to Eng- 
 lish studies, arithmetic, book-keeping, letter-writing 
 composition, geography, history : let them study the 
 French, Italian and Hebrew languages, Jewish, Chris- 
 tian, Grecian and Roman antiquities : and let them prose- 
 ecute the classical studies to a greater extent than is com- 
 mon, by reading the whole of those authors, a part of 
 which is ordinarily esteemed sufficient, and by studying 
 carefully several Roman and Grecian writers not usually 
 read at all, such as Satir^e Juvenalis, Cicero de amicitia, 
 de natura, de oratore, Deorum, &c. of the former, and 
 Thucydides, Longinus, kc. of the latter. 
 
NOTE 15. 
 
 ADVANTAGE OF TEACHING TO YOUNG MEN 
 
 Dr. Witherspoon, experienced and enlightened on 
 every subject, was deeply convinced of the usefulness 
 of this employment to a young man, and recommended 
 it to Mr. Finley and to many others, with great earnest- 
 ness. 
 
 Every teacher is himself a learner, for some time at 
 least, in the common language of the country, " he is 
 going to school." It being his duty to explain clearly 
 and communicate promptly to others, to judge of their 
 performances and correct their errors, he is impelled to 
 view accurately, to investigate deeply and to make him- 
 self master of the author, language or science, which he 
 teaches. By teaching what he does know, he acquires 
 it more thoroughly and renders it familiar to his mind 
 and permanent in his recollection. 
 
 Not only does he improve in science, but, what is un- 
 speakably important, he gains knovrledge of the human 
 character and forms habits of exertion and of business, 
 by this employment. A school is a little world — a teach- 
 er is an observer of all that takes place within it. With- 
 in his narrow limits and in the character and conduct of 
 the small company that surrounds him from day to day, 
 he may see partially exhibited, the talents, designs, pas- 
 sions and machinations of all descriptions of persons 
 
 25 
 
194 ADVANTAGES OF TEACHING 
 
 who display themselves on the theatre of life. On 
 the one side of this little community, he sees integrity 
 and virtue, humbly and diligently devoted to their 
 object: — On another, ambition and restlessness, con- 
 triving, fretting and struggling. Soon the forward, 
 deceitful, arrogant temper will be discovered, assuming 
 its plausible exterior and claiming the high considera- 
 tion due to its pretended merits. Here strong passion, 
 turbulence and noise will manifest themselves — there 
 art'ul, lurking, insidious vice. Here sluggishness and 
 shameless falsehood — there dulness and imbecility. In 
 one place will be exhibited the certain success of pa- 
 tient and persevering application with moderate powers 
 — in another the lamentable deficience of unsteady ef- 
 forts, even with the noble capacity and enterprise of 
 genius. The collisions of interest ; the conflicts of pas- 
 sion and power; the persecutions and injuries of un- 
 resisting meekness and merit — are soon and frequently 
 referred to the teacher as an umpire. He must hold his 
 court — investigate character — pry into motive — hear 
 evidence — gradu.te crime on the scale of guilt — pro- 
 nounce sentence — infJct punishment — prescribe reme- 
 dies for disorder — suggest and enforce motives to obedi- 
 ence adapted to the dispositions and tempers of all who 
 are concerned in the passing scene. After a course of 
 employment and experience, like this, the young man 
 goes out into the world to meet, on a larger scale, 
 the same characters, tempers, arts and vices, which he 
 has seen exhibited in his little commonwealth. He 
 meets scarcely any thing new — any thing which he is 
 not prepared to expect and encounter. This knowl- 
 edge is essential to true greatness of character and em- 
 inent success in the world. The earlier it is acquired, 
 the more immediate, easy and rapid is the progress to- 
 
TO YOUXG MEiV. 195 
 
 wards distinction in honour and usefulness. Other means'*^ 
 will eventiially secure the advantages which have been 
 suggested, as arising out of this occupation, but by a 
 much more slow and devious process. History expos- 
 es the springs and windings of human life. But the 
 method of acquiring practical qualifications for useful- 
 ness in the world, here referred to, considered by itself, 
 unites more advantages, is more immediate and extensive 
 in the benefifs it produces, than any other separate 
 measure that can be suggested, and probably, in most 
 cases^ more than ail others that could be employed by 
 a literary youth. — The kind of discipline and drilling 
 
 * That, resorted to, in early life ])y t!ie illustrious Virginian patriot and ora- 
 tor, Patrick Henry, of which his eloquent biographer, William Wirt, Ei^q. has c-iv- 
 cnus an interesting detail, in his splendid view of that great man, publishtd at 
 Philadelphia 1817, pages 9 and lO, was happily successful—" He found another 
 relief, too, in the fiequent opportunities now aiForded hira of pursuing his favour- 
 ite study of the human character. The character of every customer underwent 
 his scrutiny: and that not with reference either to the integrity or solvency of 
 the individual, in which one would suppose that Mr Henry would feel himself 
 most interested : but in relation to the structure of his mind the general cast of 
 his opinions, the motives and principles which influenced his actions, and what 
 may be called the philosophy of his character." The account of Mr. Henry's 
 manner, stated by Mr. Wirt, is this — " That whenever a company of hiscus- 
 tomers met in the store, which frequently happened on the last day of the week, 
 and were, themselves, sufficiently gay and dnimated to talk and act as nature 
 prompted, without concealment, without reserve, he would take no part in their 
 discussions, but listen with a silence as deep and attentive, as if under the influence 
 of some potent charm If on the contrary, they were dull and silent, he would, 
 without betraying his drift, task himself to set them in motion, and excite them to 
 remark, collision and exclamation. He was peculiarly delighted with comparing 
 their characters, and ascertaining how they would, severally, act, in given situa- 
 tions. With this view he would state an hypothetic case, and call ior their opin- 
 ions, one by one, as to the conduct which would be proper in it. If tliey diflfered, 
 he would demand their reasons, and enjoy highly, the debates in which he would 
 thus involve them By multiplying and varyinz those imaginary cases at pleasure, 
 he ascertained tlie general course of human opinion, and formed for himself, as it 
 were, a graduated scale of the motives and conduct, which are natural to man." 
 
196 ADVANTAGES OP TEAGHING, &C. 
 
 that the mind is daily subject to in this business, strength- 
 ens and improves all its faculties. Could young gen- 
 tlemen be induced, after completing their collegiate 
 course, to spend a few years in this occupation, the 
 public would be benefitted by it, as well as them- 
 selves. Grammar schools would be increased in num- 
 ber as well as improved in quality : and the means of 
 education more extensively enjoyed through the coun- 
 try, in general. 
 
 The principles here advanced and the practice re< 
 commended, derive importance and support from the 
 fact, that a number of the principal characters in our 
 country — in the pulpit — at the bar — in the practice of 
 medicine — on the tribunals of justice — in the first ranks 
 of military honour — and at the very head of depart- 
 ments in government : — have in early life, participated 
 in the labours and benefits of instructing and governing 
 seminaries of learning. And on the whole, from mature 
 consideration of the subject, it is believed, that this em- 
 ployment, if continued sufficiently, has such an influence 
 on the mind, habit and character of an intelligent, judi- 
 cious and reflecting young man, as to secure to him pe- 
 culiarly solid and valuable advantages from it. 
 
NOTE C. 
 
 SKETCH OF 
 REV. JAMJES FRANCIS ARMSTRONG 
 
 The following brief sketches of the Rev. Mr. James 
 Francis Armstrong, were published soon after his de- 
 cease, in a respectable paper printed weekly in Tren- 
 ton. The writer sincerely regrets his not being able 
 to devote more time and attention to the subject of this 
 biographical notice ; a subject which will long be in- 
 teresting and dear to the members of the Presbytery of 
 New-Brunswick, to the congregations of Trenton and 
 Lawrence, and to a very numerous, and highly respect- 
 able circle of relatives and acquaintances. 
 
 SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 
 THE REV. JAMES FRANCIS ARMSTRONG, 
 
 LATE PASTOR OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 IN TRENTON, 
 
 fVho departed this life on the 19th da?/ of January^ 1816, 
 
 He was born in the year 1750, in the township of 
 West Nottingham, in the present state, then province of 
 Blaryland. His father, who was a respectable elder in 
 the church, and an eminently pious man, early placed 
 him at a classical school in Fasj's Manor, under the di- 
 
1*J8 SKETCH OF 
 
 rection of the reverend and deservedly distinguished 
 ]\Ir. John Blair, afteru'ards Vice-President and Protess- 
 or of Divinity, in the college of New-Jersey. Mr, 
 Armstrong, in this elementary stage of his education, 
 was marked as a youth of prompt talents, and promising 
 hopes. After having passed through the usual course 
 of the classics at that seminary, he was renu)ved to the 
 College of New-Jersey, in the fall of the year MTl, and 
 entered the junior class. He was at that time a young 
 man of very sprightly parts, and passed his examinations 
 "with reputation. Buthis father being peculiarly solit itous 
 for his moral improvement, induced the President, the 
 Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, to receive liim as a member of 
 his family. Here he contracted that profound reve- 
 rence for his venerable preceptor, which marked all his 
 conduct in the college, and was a distinguishing feature 
 in his character, to the latest period of his life. 
 
 In the year 1773, he was admitted to the degree of 
 bachelor of arts; and having continued to cultivate the 
 studies of theology, between two and three years longer, 
 he was licensed to preach the gospel, about the com- 
 mencement of the revolutionary war for the existence 
 and independence of the American republic. A zeal- 
 ous friend of his country, he early entered the revolu- 
 tionary army as a chaplain ; and being of a vigorous 
 and athletic constitution, and of great bravery, as well 
 as sincere piety, he served in this arduous war, accord- 
 ing to the demands of duty, or the exigencies of the 
 limes, both as an enterprising soldier, and a faithful min- 
 ister of the gospel ; and it was not a little to his honour, 
 that, in the midst of so many scenes of peculiar tempta- 
 tion, he was never ashamed of the gospel of Christ, but 
 caiiie through all its perils and seductions, with a char- 
 
REV. J. F. ARMSTRONG. 199 
 
 acter without reproach as a brave citizen, and his holy 
 minis- ry unstained by any unhallowed conlbrmity to the 
 manners of the world. 
 
 Having received a cordial invitation to assume the 
 pastoral change of the Presbyterian church in Trenton, 
 he entered upon it in the year 1785, with the humility 
 and friith of a Christian bishop. Connected with the se- 
 rious duties which this office imposed upon him, he ac- 
 cepted the additional charge of the church at Maiden- 
 head, ana in fulfilling the multiplied services of the vine- 
 yard of his Lord, he continued as his health would per- 
 mit, till the period of his death. Towards the decline 
 of life, he was visited with rheumatic affections of un- 
 common severity, occasioned by the arduous services, 
 to which his active spirit exposed him, during his milita- 
 ry career. These he bore with uncommon fortitude, 
 and pious resignation to the will of Heaven. They ne- 
 cessarily created some partial interruptions in his paro- 
 chial obligations. 
 
 But the zeal of his ministerial friends to serve him, 
 contributed to render these interruptions little felt. The 
 warmth of his fraternal affections and his devotion to the 
 service of the church, cheerfully called to his relief, 
 whenever it became necessary, every aid which his 
 brethren, who loved equally the ardour of his piety, and 
 the generous warmth of his friendship, could bestow. 
 
 The character of his discourses in the pulpit was gen- 
 erally fervent, the principles of hii theology orthodox 
 and scriptural. In his friendship he was ardent and sin- 
 cere ; in his piety he was devout, keeping a faithful reg- 
 ister of the religious exercises of his mind for many 
 3^ears; and though firm and established in his own prin- 
 ciples, he embraced with distinguished candour and 
 
26d SKETCH OF 
 
 charity, all who appeared to be the sincere disciples of 
 his blessed Saviour. 
 
 Extract from a sermon delivered at the funeral of the Rev. 
 James F Armstrong, late pastor of the preshyterian 
 church in this city by the Rev, Dr, Miller of Princeton, 
 
 With regard to the reverend and respected brother, 
 whose remains now lie before us, about to be deposited 
 in the house appointed for all living, he isgone beyond 
 the reach of our eulogies and our memorials. He needs 
 not the praise of men. While we bend over his lifeless 
 corpse, with tender and mournful recollections, his disen- 
 thralled and sanctified spirit is enjoying, we humbly 
 trust, the presence and the smiles of his God and Sa- 
 viour. He was well known to you all ; to many of you 
 longer and more intimately than to the speaker. There 
 is therefore the less occasion of my dwelling long on 
 the circumstances of his life, or upon his general char- 
 acter. 
 
 Your departed pastor was a native of the state of Ma- 
 ryland, where he was born in the year IfSO. His pa- 
 rents were highly respectable, and in particular eminent 
 for their piety. They trained up this their son in the 
 nurture and admonition of the Lord ; and at a very ear- 
 ly period of life he received those religious impressions, 
 which concurring with the earnest wishes of a pious fa- 
 ther, determined him to consecrate himself to the work 
 of the gospel ministry. After making the usual prelimi- 
 nary acquirements, he entered the college of New-Jer- 
 sey ; and having completed the course of study in that 
 institution, he received its honours in the Autumn of the 
 vearirrs. 
 
BEV. J. F. ARMSTRONG. 201 
 
 In a short time after leaving college, he entered on 
 his theological studies under the direction of the vene- 
 rable Dr. Witherspoon, and completed them just about 
 the commencement of the revolutionary war; when^ 
 fired with that patriotic ardour, which distinguished him 
 throughout life, he determined to join the army, which 
 was fighting the battles of his country. He accordingly 
 entered it in the capacity of a chaplain ; in which capa- 
 city he served with fidelity and reputation, during the 
 whole of the revolutionary contest. 
 
 At the close of the war, he formed a matrimonial con- 
 nexion with the family of Robert James Livingston, 
 Esq. of the state of New-York, soon after vv^hich he was 
 engaged for more than a year in ministering to the 
 church in Elizabeth-Town, in this state. In the year 
 1785, the church in this city, which had become, a short 
 time before, vacant by the decease of the Rev. Dr. 
 Spencer, invited him to take the pastoral charge of it, 
 in connexion with that of Maidenhead. He accepted 
 the call, and was settled as the pastor of these united 
 congregations, in the course of that year. 
 
 In 1799, he was elected a trustee of the College of 
 New-Jersey, in which office he continued till his death. 
 And few of the members of that board, as long as he en- 
 joyed a tolerable share of health, were more punctual 
 in their attendance on its meetings, or more ardent in 
 their zeal for the interests of the institution, than your 
 deceased pastor. 
 
 He had been seven or eight years settled in thisphicCj 
 when he was attacked by that distressing and obstinate 
 disease, which was the burden of all his after life ; and 
 by which a frame, once the most athletic and vigorous, 
 was gradually enfeebled, borne down, and finally 
 
 26 
 
202 SKETCH OF 
 
 brought to the dust. The foundation of this disease was 
 supposed to have been laid, at least in part, by the pri- 
 vations and sulTerings \\hich he underwent during his 
 connexion with the army. It is certain, that through 
 the whole of that connexion, his enterprise and l^ra very- 
 led him to encounter, with cheerfulness, and even be- 
 yond what his official duty demanded, every hardship 
 incident to military life, 
 
 AVith respect to the character and the success of his 
 labours among you, my brethren, there needs no testi- 
 mony from me. You have seen him, for near thirty 
 years, going in and out before you, labouring with assi- 
 duity, and during a great part of the time, under the 
 pressure of disease, for your spiritual welfare. You 
 have seen him addressing you with affectionate earnest- 
 ness, when his enfeebled frame was scarcely able to 
 maintain an erect posture in the sacred desk. You have 
 heard him lamenting, in the tenderest terms, his inabili- 
 ty to serve you in a more active manner. And you have 
 seen him manifesting with frequency his earnest desire 
 to promote your best interest, even when weakness com- 
 pelled him to be absent from the solemn assembly. 
 
 But why enlarge on these topics, before those who 
 knew him so well ' Or why dwell upon points of ex- 
 cellence in his character, which all acknowledged ? The 
 warmth of his friendship ; his peculiar urbanity ; his do- 
 mestic virtues ; his attachment to evangelical truth ; his 
 decided friendliness to vital piety ; his punctuality, as 
 long as he had strength to go abroad, in attending on 
 the judicatories of the church : — these, among the many 
 excellent traits of character exhibited by the pastor of 
 v/hom you have just taken leave, will no doubt be re- 
 
REV. J. F. ARMSTRONG. 203 
 
 membered with respect and with mournful pleasure, 
 for a long time to come. 
 
 I\Iore than once have I witnessed, during his weak- 
 ness and decline, not only the anxious exercises of one 
 who watched over the interests of his own soul with a 
 sacred jealousy ; but also the affectionate aspirations of 
 his heart for the eternal welfare of his family and flock. 
 Farewell ! afflicted, beloved man, farewell ! We shall 
 see thee again ! see thee, we trust, no more the pale vic- 
 tim of weakness, disease nnd death ; but in the image and 
 the train of our blessed Master, and in all the immortal 
 youth and health and lustre of his glorified family! — 
 ■May it then, O may it then appear, that all thine anxious 
 prayers, and all thine indefatigable labours for the spir- 
 itual benefit of those who were so dear to thine heart, 
 have not been in vain in the Lord 1 
 
NOTE D. 
 
 SKETCH OF REV. GILBERT T. SNOV\^DEN 
 
 Rev. Gilbert Tennent Snowden, was born A. D. 
 1766. He enjoyed in a peculiar degree the advantages 
 of early, pious instruction and discipline : and his youth- 
 ful education was of the most thorough and liberal kind. 
 After completinf^ the course of study preparatory to the 
 sacred office, he was licensed to preach the gospel, by 
 the presbytery of Philadelphia. On the 24th day of 
 November, 1790, he was transferred to the presb3'tery 
 of New-Brunswick and solemnly ordained, by the same, 
 to the work of the ministry and installed pastor of the 
 congregation of Cranbury. — On the 20th of February, 
 1797, in the eighth year of his ministry and in the thir- 
 ty-second of his age, his respectable and useful labours, 
 in the church, were closed by death. The following 
 appropriate and elegant sketch, of his character, is ex- 
 tracted from a sermon delivered at his funeral, by the 
 Rev. Dr. Samuel S. Smith, president of the college of 
 New-Jersey; which discourse was afterwards published 
 in Philadelphia, by Messrs. Ormrod and Conrad. 
 
 " Your pastor has been removed from you, by a sud- 
 den and unexpected stroke of providence, almost in the 
 morning of life, and the beginning of his usefulness. 
 Young, active, and diligent in the duties of his holy call- 
 ing, I am persuaded he has created a deep and tender 
 
"206 SKETCH OF 
 
 interest in each of your hearts. And I perceive that, 
 in this event, you inourn the loss, not only of an excel- 
 lent man, and a worthy and respectable minister of the 
 gospel, but of a monitor, a comforter, a friend, and, may 
 I not add notwithstanding his age ? even of a Father in 
 Christ Jesus. 
 
 "ThebesteulogyofMr. Gilbert T.Snowdenwouldbe 
 a faithful history of himself. I cannot here attempt mi- 
 nutely to trace it. A few only of the prominent features 
 of his character I shall endeavour to sketch. And I 
 shall study to do it with that simplicity and plainness 
 that becomes a narrative of truth. — Early in life, in the 
 studies both of the school and of the college, he discov- 
 ered a promptness of parts, and ardour of mind that pre- 
 saged under a prudent and wise direction, great respect- 
 ability and usefulness, in riper age. Blessed with a pi- 
 ous domestic education, the principles of religion made 
 an early impression on his mind. And notwithstanding 
 the great vivacity of his natural disposition, which so of- 
 ten proves a snare to youth, the restraints of principle, 
 of reason and of conscience, still retained their influ- 
 ence. The same happy principles, under the direction 
 of divine grace, led him eventually to the justest senti- 
 ments of his duty to God, and to mankind. His deep 
 and earnest concern for the things that belonged to 
 his eternal peace issued in a calm and settled hope in 
 the divine mercy through Jesus Christ. His religion 
 rested on the Rock of ages. And a fervent spirit of pie- 
 ty animated all his private virtues, and his public du- 
 ties. 
 
 " For a short time after receiving his first degree in the 
 arts, he applied himself to the study of the laws of his 
 country. But inflamed with the love of doing good. 
 
REV. G. T. SNOWDEX. 207 
 
 and the desire of consecrating his talents to his Saviour, 
 he relinquished the pursuit of that honoural)le and use- 
 ful profession, for one that attracted him still more, as 
 being more immediately connected w ith the glory of his 
 Redeemer, and the immortal interests of his fellow men. 
 An anecdote relative to this subject, which he sometimes 
 repeated to his friends, is, perhaps, not unworthy of being 
 mentioned in this place. His mind being naturally ar- 
 dent and aspiring, he entered on the studies of jurispru- 
 dence and politics with elevated and ambitious views. 
 He pursued them with indefatigable application, and 
 was making such proficiency as promised success to 
 his wishes. At this period, the death of an eminent at- 
 torney who enjoyed great reputation at the bar, and 
 had risen to some of the first honours in his country, 
 struck his mind with one of those trains of reflection 
 which sometimes spring from particular events, and 
 have a great influence on the character and pursuits of 
 life, and which can hardly be accounted for except by a 
 secret agency of Divine Providence. He asked him- 
 self, what now is fame, or wealth, or all the honours and 
 splendours of this world to him who can enjoy them no 
 more? In a few days, all the boasted distinctions 
 among mankind which too often foster vanity and pride, 
 shall be laid in the dust. All that they have been is then 
 nothing, that only is real which they shall he forever. 
 My earthly ambition I see is vain, I will look to higher 
 objects, and give it scope in a boundless and eternal 
 scene — I will seek an inheritance that is uncorrupted, 
 undefiled and that fadeth not away — I will aspire to glory 
 only in that heavenly kingdom, where they that are 
 wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they 
 that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and 
 
208 SKETCH Of 
 
 ever* From that moment he devoted his whole atten- 
 tion to the ministry of the gospel. 
 
 " To embrace the office of the ministry is, in our coun- 
 try, to abandon the road of civil honours and emolu- 
 ments. . It is, when we consider merely the splendours 
 and dignities of the present world, to confine genius and 
 talents to an humble sphere, from which they can never 
 hope to emerge. It is to embrace a voluntary pover- 
 ty,^ and, by two contradictory caprices of public opin- 
 ion, to be obliged to maintain the appearance of a cer- 
 tain rank and fortune, and yet be rigidly precluded, ex- 
 cept at the risk of reputation and usefulness, from the 
 means of attaining or improving either. It is one, and 
 no inconsiderable proof, of a sincere and zealous piety 
 in your departed pastor, that he renounced the pros- 
 pects to which he was invited, in pursuing the first pro- 
 fession he had chosen ; and that he devoted to the ser- 
 vice of Christ, his Master, a genteel and easy patrimony, 
 derived from a parent whose industry had procured for 
 him an honourable affluence. But you, my brethren^ 
 had other proofs of his sincerity and piety. You were 
 witnesses how holily^ how diligently and unhlameahly he 
 behaved himself among you who believe ; with what faith- 
 fulness and zeal he preached the gospel ; with what 
 firmness he reproved the disorderly ; with what tender- 
 ness he consoled the afflicted ; with what paternal assi- 
 duity he visited your families, and taught you, accord- 
 ing to the apostolic exa,mple, from house to house. The 
 affectionate attachment to him which you manifested in 
 life; this numerous assembly that attends his remains to 
 
 * I mean in coraparison with the fortunes which men of talents acquire in other 
 lawful professions. 
 
REV. Gt T. SNOWDEK. 209 
 
 the dust ; and the grief that is settled on every counte- 
 nance, strongly attest the fidelity and prudence with 
 which he discharged his pastoral functions in the midst 
 of you. He recommended himself to every man's judg- 
 ment, and to every man's heart. 
 
 "Mr. Snowden's piety to God was united with the 
 most amiable and benevolent attentions to mankind. 
 His charities were liberal. His social dispositions 
 warmly attached the affections of the people of his 
 charge, and gained a ready access to their hearts, for 
 those pious reflections which he was prone to mingle 
 with the cheerfulness of conversation. Religion in him 
 bore nothing gloomy or austere in his aspect, or allied 
 to superstition in its practice. If in the first moments of 
 his religious zeal, the native ardour of his mind seizing 
 on objects so great, and so new to him, as those of the 
 eternal world, led him to form ideas of piety above the 
 present standard and condition of human nature, reflec-^ 
 tion, judgment and acquaintance with the Holy Scrip- 
 tures soon enabled him to correct them, and to frame to 
 himself a system of virtue and practical holiness, highly 
 rational and just. His pious affections seemed to be ha- 
 bitually in act, and to mingle themselves with every do- 
 mestic, social and public engagement. His conversa- 
 tion was always cheerful and animated, his dispositions 
 to society warm and affectionate, his spirit candid and 
 liberal, and along with the great principles of piety, jus- 
 tice and charity, he considered it as incumbent on a 
 Christian, according to the apostolic direction to culti- 
 vate 'whatsoever things are /oy^/y, whatsoever things 
 are Osgood report: and, if there is any virtue, if there \? 
 any praise ; to think of these things.'^ 
 
 * Philippians, iv. 9. 
 
 27 
 
210 SKETCH OF 
 
 " Your deceased minister and friend is to be consider- 
 ed, not only as a faithful pastor, but as an useful man. 
 He was growing into great importance and respectabili- 
 ty in the judicatories of the church. And the flourish- 
 ing circumstances of this congregation — the decency of 
 its public worship — the order of its finances — the regu- 
 larity of its discipline — the accuracy of its records — and 
 the readiness and pleasure with which the reciprocal 
 duties which a people owe to their pastor have been 
 discharged, are ail so many monuments to his praise. 
 His counsel and example promoted industry. He 
 was forward in advancing every scheme of improve- 
 ment among the people. An excellent citizen him- 
 self, he inculcated the duties of good citizenship, as 
 being among the essential virtues of Christianity. 
 Vigilant for the public liberty, he knew that liberty 
 itself could not exist without subordination to laws. An 
 enemy to faction and sedition — abhorring those in- 
 trigues, cabals, and slanders that tend to disturb the 
 peace of the state, he ever taught it to be as much 
 the duty of a good man to submit to the higher powers 
 in the execution of their lawful functions, as to be pru- 
 dent and circumspect in the use of that portion of sove- 
 reignty that each citizen enjoys, by which those powers 
 themselves are appointed. — But what shall I say ? — as a 
 citizen — as a neighbour — as a friend — as an active, use- 
 ful, amiable member of society, you were witnesses of 
 his virtues, and, I am persuaded, you will long hold the 
 memory of them dear. — As a pastor you loved him. 
 You now follow him with your tears and sighs to his 
 grave. Every family thinks it has lost in him a broth- 
 er or a father. He has left, I trust, in your houses and 
 in your hearts, those precious seeds of piety and truth 
 
REV. C. T. SNOWDEJf. 211 
 
 which will spring up, and bear fruit to the glory of God, 
 when he has received his reward." 
 
 The following passage is added from the same dis- 
 course, as a striking instance, of that superior kind of el- 
 oquence, for which the writer, of the preceding elegant 
 view of Mr. Snowden, is so highl}/ distinguished, and as 
 presenting reflections suited to the occasion and appro- 
 priate to the character of the deceased : — 
 
 "For himself, though just in the freshness and vigour 
 of life, and in the midst of prospects of usefulness and re- 
 putation that were daily enlarging, it has pleased a 
 sovereign Providence to call him away from a young 
 and tender family — from a bereaved congregation — and 
 from his labours in the church of Christ. — Obscure, of- 
 ten, and mysterious are thy dispensations, infinite God ! 
 But though clouds and * darkness appeared to be round 
 about thee,' we believe and confess that * justice and 
 judgment are the habitation of thy throne, mercy and 
 truth forever go before thy face !'^' He rests from his 
 labours and his jiorJcs do follow him. Let this be the 
 consolation of surviving mourners. Though the stroke 
 is painful — though the bereavement is severe, and grief 
 for a moment, may overwhelm the weakness of human 
 nature ; yet a pious man will not murmur against the 
 will of God — a good man would not wish to call him 
 away from the felicity that he enjoys. Our own self- 
 love must yield to the considerations of his superior hap- 
 piness and glory." 
 
 ^ Psalms, xcvii. 2, and Ixxxix. 14. 
 
NOTE E. 
 
 SKETCH OF THE REV. JOSEPH CLARK, D.D. 
 
 Joseph Clark was born October 21st, 1751, near Eli- 
 zabeth-Town, New-Jersey. His fatlier was a man of 
 more than ordinary worth, and his mother was eminent- 
 ly pious. Mr. Claris regarded the good example and 
 pious instruction of his excellent mother, as having been 
 the principal means employed by the Heavenly Father, 
 to bring him to penitence and piety. At an early age 
 he felt the power of religion, and was admitted a mem- 
 ber of the presbyterian church at Elizabeth-Town, un- 
 der the ministry of the Rev. James Caldwell. After he 
 had passed his twentieth year, his views were elevated 
 above the ordinary pursuits of men, and fixed upon the 
 service of God in the ministry of his Son. 
 
 Henceforth his studies and his whole attention were 
 directed to this great object. He encountered many 
 difficulties and embarrassments in prosecuting his pur- 
 pose, and consequently advanced slowly in the path he 
 had chosen. He manifested a very great degree of pa- 
 tience, industry and perseverance, in pressing towards 
 the object of pursuit. The confusion created by the 
 American revolution, retarded his progress. When the 
 British entered New-Jersey, he left college, and joined 
 the American army. He continued several years in the 
 service of his country, rendered important aid in the 
 
214 SKETCH OF 
 
 revolutionary contest, and received attentions irom dis» 
 tinguished raiiitary characters, very flattering- to a youth 
 of his age. At length, after many interruptions, he was 
 honoured with the degree of bachelor of arts, in the col- 
 lege of New-Jersey, A. D. ITSl, just at the close of his 
 twenty-ninth year. Anxious to be engaged in the t,reat 
 and good work in contemplation, be entered upon his 
 course of theological study witheait delay. The princi- 
 pal part of his theological instruct ons, he received from 
 that venerable father-^ in the church, and distinguished 
 teacher of divinity and ecclesiastical history, the Rev. 
 Dr. John Woodhull, pastor of the first presbyterian con- 
 gregation of Freehold, Monmouth, New-Jersey, with 
 whom Mr. Clark resided some time, prosecuting his stu- 
 dies preparatory to the ministry, and improving himself, 
 by assisting his reverend preceptor in the instruction of 
 the highly respectable gramm ir school, which he had 
 established, and was then superintending, at the place of 
 his residence. 
 
 Having successfully accomplished the course of study 
 usually prescribed to candidates for the sacred office, he 
 -was licensed, on the twenty-third day of April, A.D. ir83, 
 by the Presbytery of New-Brunswiri;, to preach the 
 gospel of Christ. On the twenty-first of October 
 following, he was appointed, as a stated supply for six 
 months, for the vacant congregation at AUcntown. On 
 the fifteenth day of June, 1784, Mr. Clark Avas solemnly 
 
 * This honourable appellation is justly due to that distinguished minister of 
 the gospel, on account of his iiaving been a 'iealoiTS and activt^ partaker in most of 
 the important measures by which the Fresh terian Church in the United htates 
 was originally established, and by which, under God, it has been conducted to its 
 present state of prosperity. Fn addition to this, it is believed to be a fact, that 
 he has sustained the office of ar> •••rdained minister of Jesus Christ, a greater num- 
 ber of years, than any other individual now living, in tue Presbyterian Church. 
 
JOSEPH CLABK, D.D. 215 
 
 ordained, sine iituh^'^ to tlie work of the holy ministry, 
 ]iy the Presbytery of New-Brunswick; the Synod of 
 New-York and New-Jersey having been previously 
 consulted respecting the expediency of that transaction, 
 and having approved the contemplated measure. 
 
 Very soon after Mr. Clark commenced his visits and 
 occasional ministrations at Allentown, as a licentiate, 
 the people of that place manifested a strong predilec- 
 tion for his person and services, which in a short time 
 resulted in their giving him a regular "call, to under- 
 take the pastoral office in said congreg?.tion." Although 
 this became immediately the stated place of his ministe- 
 rial labours, he did not regularly accept the call, which 
 had been put into his hands for consideration, until June 
 1788, when he was installed pastor of that congregation 
 by the Presbytery of Nevr-Brunswick. 
 
 Mr. Clark very soon acquired the esteem and confi- 
 dence of his brethren in the ministry, and became high- 
 ly respectable for his talents, his prudence and his pie- 
 ty, in the eyes of the church and of the world. In Jan- 
 uary 1796, he was regularly *' translated" from the pas- 
 toral charge of the congregation of Allentown, to that 
 of the presbyterian congregation in the city of New- 
 Brunswick, where he continued his pastoral services, in 
 growing honour and usefulness until death. 
 
 Mr. Clark was endowed by his Creator, with talents 
 of a superior grade ; and his mind was enlarged and ac- 
 complished by much reading and study. These things, 
 together with his deep penetration into the human heart, 
 and his thorough experimental acquaintance with the 
 springs of human conduct, qualified him to be a judi- 
 
 * Wilhout pastoral diargp 
 
216 SKETCH 0» 
 
 cious and successful agent in business implicating the 
 characters, involving the interests, and touching the sen- 
 sibilities and passions of men. He was independent and 
 firm in his exercise of thought and accustomed to rely, 
 very much, on the dictates of his own understanding: 
 and without appearing to be ambitious, presuming or 
 self confident, he was always forward and ready to aid 
 and direct in every great and good work. He was a 
 very distinguished and zealous instrument in accom* 
 plishing several important public transactions in his day. 
 In the years 1798 and 1799, the state of the western 
 frontier of our country, and the destitute condition of 
 many congregations, either about being formed or regu- 
 larly organized, in different parts of the United States, 
 began to attract the attention of the general assembly 
 and of the leading characters in the presbyterian church. 
 The Rev, Mr. Clark, was conspicuous, from the begin- 
 ning, for activity and zeal in all the measures relating 
 to this new and interesting object of attention, in the 
 presbyterian church. The general assembly, of the 
 year 1800, brought their views to a point and agreed 
 that the following objects deserve consideration, viz : — 
 
 1. ** The gospelizing and civilization of the Indians, 
 on the frontiers of our country." 
 
 2. " The instruction of the negroes, the poor and those 
 who are destitute of the means of grace." 
 
 3. " The purchasing and disposing of Bibles and of 
 books and short essays, on the great principles of reli- 
 gion and moralit)^." 
 
 4. " The provision of a fund for the more complete 
 instruction of candidates, for the gospel ministry previ- 
 ous to their licensure." 
 
JOSEPH CLARK, D.D. 21? 
 
 To carry into effect these seasonable and beneficent 
 plans, the ua,;t of funds, was perceived and deeply de- 
 plored The assembly resolved to appoint and send 
 agents through the country, to solicit donations, for 
 the purposes, above mentioned. For this business, 
 Mr. Clark was peculiarly qualified, by the dispositions 
 of mind and traits of character, before suggested. The 
 assembl}^, sensible of this, selected him as one of the six 
 persons, to whom this agency was committed. He en- 
 tered upon the service with great cordiality and zeal. 
 His heart and hands were warmly devoted to the cause. 
 His success clearly evinced his zeal and fidelity, in the 
 business. Of the agents appointed, only four acted. 
 At the next general assembly, iMay 1801, Mr. Clark re- 
 ported an amount of subscriptions obtained g 6869, 
 47 cts. which, with some unascertained monies due from 
 the same source, exceeded considerably $ 7000, The 
 most successful, oi the other three, reported g2121, 
 70 cts. 
 
 In the year 1800, whilst these things were taking 
 place in the g n'.ral assembly, a measure connected 
 with this subject and auxiliary to it, was introduced and 
 adopted in the presbytery of New-Brunswick, which 
 was important in itself and which reflects great honour 
 on Mr. Clark, who was the prime suggester of the plan, 
 its principal advocate while under discussion, and the 
 most active and influential individual, in carrying it in- 
 to effect. 
 
 It was foreseen, as soon asthe above named subjects, were 
 taken up, in the assembly, that the execution of the con- 
 templated plan, for enlarging the funds of the assembly, 
 must devolve upon the presbyteries constituting that 
 body. The presbytery of New-Brunswick, anxious to 
 
 28 
 
218 SKETCH OF 
 
 afford pecuniary aid, in this exigence of the church, 
 with all possible expedition, and in anticipation of the 
 assembly's probable decision as to the best manner of 
 proceeding, at the suggestion of Mr. Clark, devised and 
 adopted a number of rules, respecting the raising of an 
 annual collection, through their churches, the last one 
 of which is particularly worthy of observation, viz : — 
 "Finally that in compliance with the request of 
 the elders of the churches in presbytery met, and in or- 
 der as far as possible to equalise the contributions and 
 to proportion them, to the abilites (A the respective con- 
 gregations, the annexed schedule of apportionments, be 
 recommended, to be considered as containing, the year- 
 ly rates of contribution i'vom the several churches. 
 * Connected with this resolution stands in the printed mi- 
 nute of that transaction, a specific statement of the sum, 
 to be required annually from each congregation, under 
 the care of the presbytery, to be disposed of agreeably 
 to a foregoing resolution. Some of the most experien- 
 ced and judicious members of presbytery were very ap- 
 prehensive of serious dissatisfaction, and resistance to 
 this measure, anjong the churches. It was however 
 adopted in presbytery. And in order to explain and 
 vindicate the measure in the view of the congregation ; 
 and to procure their approbation and compliance, Mr. 
 Clark consented to become, in person, the bearer and 
 publisher of it, to the churches in general. So ably 
 and successfully, did he perform this voluntary service, 
 that the whole recommendation of the presbytery, on 
 this subject, was received and complied with. The 
 congregations, in general, in their annual collections for 
 
JOSEPH CLARK, D.D. 215* 
 
 the general assembly, observe, at this very time, the ap- 
 portiomiients* then made and enjoined upon them. 
 
 * There appears to he a radical and lamentable defect in the constitution and 
 government of the preslnterian church in regard to the method of obtaiiiinji funds 
 to meet the various and important exigencies of the church. Every govei nraent 
 ought to possess power and to exhibit in its constitution and laws a provision, for 
 obfp.iningfrom its own subjects, on equitable princi;le-, adequate means to accom- 
 plish the important purposes and to promote the best interests, of the system Our 
 ecclesiastic al compact, is destitute of such a provision. The plan pursued is with- 
 out authoiity and therefore comparatively without effect The repeated calls 
 addrt-sscd to tl^e churches. "Ocompanied by a formal recommendation^ feebly and 
 timidly whispered out, are heard oely by a part, and heeded, by very few, 
 Leiivingthe manner a»id amount of contribution entirely to the discretion of the 
 contributor, the present system operates unequally and unjustly as it relates to 
 different sections of the church and individuals in the same portion oithe church. 
 It is attended with vast inconvenience, delay, and SAciilice, imposing hrough the 
 scantiness of it* products, the neces?ity of direct and repeated appeals to the char- 
 ity and liberality of the few disposed to give, by solicitation, subscriptions and col- 
 lections, which at length become burdensome, to the collectors and offensive to 
 the people. And the most material dis^id vantage is, that the resources provided 
 are temporary and inadeqaateto the demand. 
 
 The system introducf d into the presbytery of New -Brunswick, through the in- 
 strumentality of Mr. Clark, prescribing to every congregation the permanent 
 amount of annual contribution, presents an actual demonstration, of the disposi- 
 tion with which, a measure containing this principle, would probably be received 
 in the presbyterian chuich, in general, when once adopted by the voice of the rep- 
 resentatives of the clergy and 1 lily acting in their supreme legislative capacity. 
 The number of professors of religion in this branch of the church, consists of at 
 least eO.OOO : and there are, at a moderate estimate., 250,000 supporters of the 
 gospel, or attendants on public worship within her bounds. How perfectly easy 
 would it be, to provide 7nmns by making a very low assessment, on this great 
 mass of people, for the most part, living in circumstances of abundance and ease, 
 sufficient, to carry on the missionary opei ations—to discharge the clainas on the 
 commissioner's fund,— and to mature and perfect our most valuable and interest- 
 ing Theological Seminary at Princeton ! 
 
 The extracts from the minutes of the general assembly, for the year 1800, in- 
 form us. that a measure somewfiat of this kind was thought of, but imfortunately 
 abandoned at that period. — The paragraph referred to is under the head of 
 '* means by which necessary funds may be provided" &c viz : — " It is not impos- 
 sible nor perhaps improbable, that if experience should demonstrate the practica- 
 bility jnd utility of the measures contemplated, the people, of tie presbyterian 
 denomination, might generally be persuaded to make an annual donation (say 
 
220 SKETCH OF 
 
 In the year 1799, Mr. Clark was appointed by the 
 general assen^biy, in connexion with several other ve- 
 ry r^spe; table gentlemen, • > meet the General Synod of 
 the Reformed Associate Churches, on the subject of their 
 
 twenty-five centp^'each') to render thpm moreexten^ivply effpctive. and this of it- 
 self would ffovery far toward'! providing a fund, adfquatf to all tbe ex[)enses con- 
 templated."- A plan of this nature, to supplv the defect here referred to, and to 
 be «iib>utijted either '.lioaether, or in part, for the method now employed, devised 
 with equity, introduced in a prudent conciliatory manner, recommended and en- 
 forced only by argument, persuasion and entrea*^v b ^an appeal to the pious aflfec- 
 tion, benevolence and zeal of the piesbvterian church, vvowld be a very great im- 
 provement in our system of ecclesiastical finance. That ii would be extensively 
 eflV,ctive, even making the apportionment very low, appears unquestionable, when 
 the extent of the church and the amount of her numbers, are taken into view. 
 And that it would meet the approbation and acceptance of the churches, if judi- 
 ciously managed, there is very little reason to doubt. They who are disposed to 
 contribute to the necessary call^ of the church would not complain of this measure, 
 because it would efTectuaily prevent their being applied to, for more than their 
 fair, and just pioportion. They who possess a contrary disposition and who have 
 manifested it by their practice, ought to be the last to find fault, having so long en- 
 joyed an almost en ire exemption from these reasonable and uecf*ssary burdens. 
 The truth is, the sum required, would appear, to all, so inconsiderable — tbe rea- 
 sonablenes" and necessity ot the measure, so obvious — the good to be produced by 
 this mean so incal.ulahle— and the capacity to contribute, the mites required 
 would be found in general so ample, th^t if proper explanations were to accompa- 
 ny such a measure, in its first publication and proposal to the church, it could 
 not fail to receive the approbation of the enlightened and liberal people, who 
 compose the presb^ terian bodv in this country. 
 
 We need a system of this kind at the present moment. Notwithstanding all 
 the efforts that ave been made and the successes that have followed, without 
 such a resort as this, it i-s difficult to see how the great and beneficent designs, 
 now contemplated in the presb; terian church, caa be speedily and completely 
 attained. 
 
 * This sum is so small, that probahli>. veryfetv would be found, to whom the pay' 
 tntnt of it ri'iuld be burdensome or di ai^reenble But if might be reduced siill lower 
 and, even then, it would, be a producbv* resource, in no ivise inconsistent with the sa. 
 eredness and di^nitynf the church. The I'eter ppnce-tax which consisted of one 
 penny on each house, was continued for ctnturies on the continent if Europe and 
 tven in Great Britain, under ")me of the most illustrious sovereigns. See Mo-; 
 5A«m's Ecclesia'Mcal History^ Vol. ii, page 4S'A. Nrsbit, 151. 
 
JOSEPH dLARK, D.D. 221 
 
 receiving and ratifying, the system of correspondence 
 and intercourse, between the Associate, Dutch Reform- 
 ed and Presbyterian Oh; re es, in the United States, 
 which had been prepared and reported by a joint com- 
 mittee from these several sections of the church, and 
 unanimously agreed to, by the last general assembly. 
 In this business their elforts were unsuccessfal : and the 
 whole plan, so happily calculated to establish friendly 
 intercourse and correspondence between these separate 
 branches of the church, was frustrated. 
 
 Mr. Clark's reputation as a most able and successful 
 advocate, m the cause of charity, was now established. 
 And divine Providence very soon presented, a new and 
 irresistible call fur his services, in this capacity. On the 
 6th day of March 1802, the edifice, hbrary, and philo- 
 sophical apparatus of the college of New>Jersey, estab- 
 lished at Princeton, were destroyed by fire. This was 
 an alarming and desolating conflagration. The funds 
 were in a state so entirely exhausted and the destruction 
 of every thing but the walls of the college was so com- 
 plete, that many doubted whether it could ever be re- 
 covered from Its ru'ned condition. But the trustees of 
 the college immediately resolved to attempt its restora- 
 tiim. On the 18th of March, they issued their eloquent 
 and pathetic address Ho the iiihabitants of the United 
 States,' on this interesting subject. Preparatory meas- 
 ures were imniediately taken, to obtain by so icitation, 
 the funds rerp.iisite, for re-establishing the institution. 
 Mr. Clark, the decided friend of literature, as well as of 
 piety, at the request of the corporation of the college, 
 agreed to perform a soliciting tour, to repair the losses 
 which the college had sust^sined. In company with 
 John Bryan, Esq. of Somerset county, an Irish gentle- 
 
222 SKETCH OF 
 
 man of wealth, intelligence and enterprise, wl^o was se- 
 lected by the iioard of Trustees to be his collcagae in 
 this journey, he set out from home, early in the ensuing 
 autumn. After travelling tt>gether into the interior of 
 Virginia, and meeting with pleasing encouragement in 
 their business, to give wider compass to their efforts, 
 they agreed to separate. Judge Bryan was to direct 
 his course to the west and north, and to return to New- 
 Jersey in the following spring.. The movements and 
 successes of this gentleman Avere, very soon after the sep- 
 aration, terminated by death ; he being attacked by a 
 fit of the bilious colic, a disease to which he was subject 
 occasionally, which proved fatal. Mr. Clark, who was 
 to have continued his journey in a direction inclining 
 somewhat to the south, to the east, and to the northeast, 
 and so to return home, when he came into the vicinity 
 of the Chesapeake, was also taken sick. His disease, 
 though not alarming, was tedious and afflicting; inas- 
 much as it caused a painful suspension of his services, 
 and rendered somewhat doubtful the ultm-jate success of 
 his mission. Although he was prevented by this dispen- 
 sation of divine Providence, from prosecuting his la- 
 bours to the extent originally contemplated, yet his ser- 
 vices were very important to the institution, and highly 
 satisfactory to the Board of Trustees. 
 
 About this period, Mr. Clark was elected a member 
 of the corporation of Princeton college, in which sta- 
 tion he continued to act, with distinguished fidelity and 
 zeal, till the close of his life. 
 
 In the year lo©6, he was appointed a delegate from 
 the General Assembly of rhe Presbyterian Church, to 
 attend the General Association of the state of Connecti- 
 cut. 
 
JOSEPH CLARK, D.D. 223 
 
 The system recommended by the General Assembly, 
 and adopted by the Presbytery of Ncw-Pninswick, for 
 the charitable education of poor and pious youth, for 
 the gospel ministry, he patronized and promoted with 
 all possible diligence and earnestness. The difhculties 
 he had encour.tered in his course preparatory to the 
 mini>ti'y, seemed to inspire him with increased zeal in 
 forw arding this measure. By the appointment of pres- 
 bytery, he acted for many years, as principal member of 
 the committee of education, whose business it is, especi- 
 ally to superintend the education of such candidates for 
 the sacred office, as are dependent on presbyterial aid. 
 
 Mr. Clark was honoured for many successive years, 
 with being a member of the comnuttee of missions, which 
 acted by the appointment and under the direction of the 
 General Assembly. In all the transactions of this com- 
 mittee, he felt a deep interest, and took an active part. 
 
 In the year 1809, when the preparatory measures 
 Avere commenced for establishing the Bible Society of 
 New- Jersey, Mr. Clark was foremost in zeal and dili- 
 gence, among the founders of that excellent institution. 
 In the course of this year, the degree of Doct;)r of Di- 
 vinity was conferred upon him, by the Board of Trus- 
 tees in Jefferson College, established at Cannonsburgh, 
 in the state of Pennsylvania; a distinction due to his 
 talents and merits. 
 
 Dr. Clark was a warm and decided friend of the theo- 
 logical seminary established at Princeton ; and had his 
 life been prolonged to this day, no man would have re- 
 joiced more than this zealous and active servant of God, 
 in its prosperous course, in the advantages already ari- 
 sing from it, and in iis growing prospects of utility, to 
 the church, and to the world. 
 
224 SKETCH OF 
 
 Notwithstanding the fef:'h!eness of his health and the 
 multiplicity of his enqaj^ements, Dr. Clark exhibited a 
 rare instance of most undeviatine: punctuality and faith- 
 fulness, in attendine: all the meetiiis^s of the judicatories 
 of the church with which he stood connected. So very 
 frequently was he a member of the General Assembly, 
 that he became personally acquainted with all the prin- 
 cipal characters in the church: he was himself well 
 known, throughout the whole presbyterian body; and 
 he embraced in his mind, with extraordinary correct- 
 ness, the whole course of business and manner of pro- 
 cedure, in the General Assembly. Probably his influ- 
 ence and usefulness proceeded, in no inconsiderable de- 
 gree, from these circumstances. 
 
 Thus, through the good providence of God, Dr. 
 Clark rose from obscurity, by the force of his talents 
 and industry, and became an important and leading 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. He lived to the 
 church and to his generation. Concerning most, if not 
 all the great transactions that took place in the Pres- 
 byterian Church, within the last twenty years of his life* 
 he might justly have said, 
 
 *' Q,u£eque ipse vidi et magna pars fui." 
 
 His life exhibited a scene of ardent desire and per- 
 petual exertion to be useful. He was an able and faith- 
 ful pastor. He visited his people much, and taught 
 them from house to house. The state of his health of- 
 ten prevented his attempting as much pastoral service, 
 as his piety and zeal, in circumstances more favoured 
 in this respect, would have prompted him to perform. 
 His public discourses were uncommonly solid and jndi- 
 
JOSEPH CLARK, D.D. ' 225 
 
 cious ; comprising always a full proportion of pious, im- 
 portant and interesting matter ; delivered in a plain, 
 solemn, dignified and affectionate manner. He was 
 thoroughly Calvinistic in all his opinions and represen- 
 tations of Christian faith and doctrine. Practical infer- 
 ence and application, composed a large and material 
 part of all his pulpit performances. 
 
 A sermon, delivered on the occasion of the death of 
 the Hon. William Patterson, Esq. L. li. D. published in 
 New-Brunswick, A. D. 1806, and two of his discourses, 
 inserted in the New- Jersey Preacher, 1813, present hand- 
 some and honourable specimens of his taste and accuracy 
 as a waiter. On ordinary occasions, on account of the de- 
 bility of his breast and lungs, his elocution was slow and 
 languid ; but there were times when he seemed to rise 
 above the weakness of his nature, to be inspired with 
 youthful vigour, and to display much of the spirit and 
 energy of a great Christian orator. 
 
 His talents in debate were remarkable, both to dis- 
 cern and to defeat the arguments and aims of his adver- 
 saries. He had promptness without arrogance in ad» 
 vancing, and firmness wiihout ostentation or obstinacy 
 in maintaining his opinions. When he had inadvertent- 
 ly deviated from fact or order, it seemed to give him 
 pleasure, when reminded of it even by the most incon- 
 siderable of his brethren, to make acknowledgment and 
 reparation. The opinions and pleas of opponents in 
 discussion, he treated with perfect civility and respect. 
 On the introduction of a new subject, he did not employ 
 the popular artifice sometimes resorted to by those who 
 aim at triumph only in debate, of waiting in silence to 
 discover the popular impulse, that he might the more 
 certainly espouse the successful side of the question. 
 
 29 
 
m 
 
 226 SKETCH OF 
 
 On occasions of this kind, he was often one of the first 
 speakers. And instead of betraying himself into the 
 power of others, or laying himself open to critical or 
 captious remarks, by want of previous thought, he gen- 
 erally manifested that his mind was accomplished and 
 prepared to speak at once, \\ ith propriety and efTect, on 
 almost every subject. 
 
 In the details and minutife of business, few men prob- 
 ably have surpassed Dr. Clark. In giving thought in- 
 stantaneously an eligible form on paper, for any speci- 
 fied purpose, in matters of business ; in drawing an ar- 
 ticle of agreement between hostile parties ; in sketching 
 a minute, a report, a resolution, or any preliminary 
 facts and circumstances, he manifested peculiar quick- 
 ness and ability. He was patient, discerning, accurate 
 and indefatigable, far beyond what is usual even with 
 men of his high character and standing. 
 
 Dr. Clark possessed extraordinary colloquial powers, 
 and a peculiar relish for cultivated society; and his ex- 
 tensive and various information, his easy address and 
 facility of communication, rendered him an uncommon- 
 ly instructive and agreeable companion. In his person 
 and manners, he exhibited a due proportion of simplici- 
 ty and neatness, dignity and familiarity, candour and af- 
 fection. In all his walk through life, with the polite- 
 ness and aflfability of the man of literature and the gen- 
 tleman, he mingled that purity of conversation, and that 
 savour of piety, which ought always to characterize 
 and adorn a minister of Jesus Christ. Hospitality al- 
 ways enlarged his heart and presided at his board. He 
 courted the society of the pious, intelligent and honour- 
 able, of every denomination, of all ranks, and from eve- 
 ry quarter. He possessed a peculiar faculty for adapt- 
 
JOSEPH CLARK, D.D. 227 
 
 ing his conversation and manners to all kinds of compa- 
 ny, plain or polished, and for making persons of every 
 description easy and comfortable in his presence and in 
 his family. 
 
 His attention to business, and his exertions to promote 
 science, morals and religion, continued with great uni- 
 formity, until his exemplary and useful life came to a 
 close. This event took place late in the evening ol the 
 third Tuesday in October, A. D. 1813, while the Synod 
 of New York and New-Jersey were attending their an- 
 nual meeting. Although his constitution was very fee- 
 ble at best, and his general state of health considerably 
 reduced, his death was very sudden and unexpected. 
 He appeared through the day and evening preceding his 
 decease, to have been gradually recovering from some 
 increase of indisposition, of which he had before com- 
 plained, and had just retired to rest, under an expecta- 
 tion of setting off early next morning to meet the Synod 
 at New- York ; when Mrs, Clark, whose attention was 
 drawn that %vay by something unusual, on approaching 
 the bed side, found him just expiring. Medical aid was 
 called in with all possible speed, but it came too late to 
 avail. The appointed time and circumstances of his 
 dissolution had arrived. Violent spasms had stopped 
 the motion of his vital powers. Instead of the contem- 
 plated meeting with his brethren, in the Synod of New- 
 York and New- Jersey, we trust he was delightfully sur- 
 prised, by a call from his Master, " to the General As- 
 sembly and Church of the first born in heaven." 
 
NOTE F. 
 
 SKETCH OF REV. SAMUEL KENNEDY. 
 
 Previous to the long' and unhappy vacancy which pre- 
 ceded Mr. FInley*s settlement at Basking Ridge, that 
 congregadon was under the pastoral care of the Rev. 
 Samuel Kennedy, a minister of the gospel highly distin- 
 guished for learning, eloquence and piety. He was 
 born in Scotland, A. D. 1720; and received his educa- 
 tion in the University of Edinburgh. What circum- 
 stances, under divine Providence, induced him thus ear- 
 ly in life, and without a profession, to emigrate to this 
 country, cannot now be satisfactorily determined. The 
 minutes of the Presbytery of New-Brunswick, relating 
 to Mr. Kennedy, establish the fact, that he engaged in 
 study for this sacred office, by their advice. It is proba- 
 ble they were led to this measure, by a discovery of 
 some marks of piety and genius in him, promising use- 
 fulness and eminence in the church. 
 
 Oti the sixth of December, 1749, he was received un- 
 der the care of the Presbytery of New-Brunswick, on 
 trials for the sacred ministry. He was licensed to 
 prea h the gospel, on the eighteenth of May, 1750. On 
 the twenty-fifth of June, 17!)\, he was solemnly ordain- 
 ed to the service of G d in his holy ministry, and at the 
 same time installed pastor of tho congregation of Basking 
 Ridge. 
 
•23© SKETCH OF 
 
 His intellectual powers being naturally strong ; bis ed- 
 ucation thorough ; his piety sincere and fervent ; and his 
 attention devoted to retirement and study, so far as was 
 consistent with his active duties and ardent temperament : 
 he accumulated knowledge rapidly, became profound 
 in his profession, conciliated esteem and inspired re- 
 spect among all ranks in society. And it is not surpri- 
 sing, w^ith such powers, attainments and dispoeitions, 
 that he acquired extensive influence in the church, and 
 rendered himself highly interesting and respectable^^ 
 in the pious circle, in the ecclesiastical judicatory, 
 and in the sacred desk. 
 
 Mr. Kennedy devoted a considerable proportion of 
 his time, at one period, to the instruction and m.anage- 
 ment of a Latin school established at Basking Ridge. 
 Seminaries of this kind were not numerous at that time. 
 His ability as a scholar, and his eneri-y as a disciplinari- 
 an, rendered this business both easy and pleasant to him. 
 His school furnished many respectable students for the 
 college of New-Jersey. And several gentlemen who 
 received the elements of their education under his care, 
 are still living in respectability and usefulness. 
 
 The labours of Mr. Kennedy among the people of his 
 charge, were very extensive and successful. Several 
 glorious awakenings and revivals were experienced 
 there in succession, producing abundant and precious 
 in-gatherings of souls to Jesus, and additions to that 
 
 * A very distinguished clergyman, of the city of New York, while residing in 
 the congregation of Laniingon, to which phce he retired for a short time during 
 the American revolution, became well acquainted with the Rev Mi. Kennedy, 
 and in conversation with an intelligent and pious Udy, observed, " that he had 
 before heard much of Mr. Kennedy'? I nov^ledce and exce'lence, but that he 
 could say as the Queen of Sheba did of Solomon, not half nas told him.''* 
 
REV. SAMUEL KENNEDY. 231 
 
 church, of such as the fervent pastor hoped would be 
 saved, and appear ^5 seals of his ministry and crowns of 
 his rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus, 
 
 Mr. Kennedy was a remarkably evangelic preacher. 
 He made the doctrines of grare and salvation through 
 Jesus the constant theme of his pulpit discourses, and ve- 
 ry often too the subject of private and familiar conver- 
 sation with friends and neighbours. In all his public 
 transactions he appeared as the decided friend of vital 
 piety ; and he was considered as one of the most evan- 
 gelic men in the church. 
 
 The Scotch and Irish clergy, in general, who were 
 quite numerous in the presbyterian church from its es- 
 tablishment in the United States, elevated by a con- 
 sciousness of the superiority they derived from their reg- 
 ular and scientific education in the universities of their 
 native country, were inclined to place too high an esti- 
 mate on talents and learning as qualification for the sa- 
 cred ministry, and in proportion to undervalue and neg- 
 lect experimental religion and personal piety. In ex- 
 amining candidates for the holy office, they insisted 
 more on academic learning, than upon practical godli- 
 ness. The clerical emigrants from the southern part of 
 Great Britain and those of New-England, differed dia- 
 metrically and warmly from them in regard to these im- 
 portant matters. Hence the whole presbyterian church 
 became divided on this subject and others, of a similar 
 nature, into two great parties. The former were de- 
 nominated the old side — the latter the neiv side. The 
 former entertained such sentiments and views respecting 
 qualifications for the ministry as are here ascribed to 
 them : — the latter ran into the opposite but less danger- 
 ous extreme, that of setting a comparatively low value 
 
232 SKETCH UK 
 
 on human science, while they insisted on tiie right and 
 propriety of examining candidates for the holy ministry, 
 in regard to personal piety, before receiving them on 
 trials, and considered satisfactory evidence of a gra- 
 cious change in them, indispensably necessary. This 
 division had been long in existence. The opposed par- 
 ties had been maturing and occasionally trying their 
 strength and the contest progressing, many years before 
 Mr. Kennedy reached his meridian. Although a small 
 proportion of the Scotch and Irish, and not many of 
 their descendants, appear to have deviated from the 
 views of the old side party, and although Mr. Kennedy 
 stood conspicuous among his countrymen in every hu- 
 man accomplishment, the evangelic power of his piety 
 and the judicious independence of his mind prompted 
 him to espouse the new side and to enlist himself under 
 the standard of pure vital piety, in opposition to his feel- 
 ings of national attachment and to the prejudice against 
 every thing American which was then so clearly per- 
 ceived and sensibly felt. 
 
 Mr. Kennedy was one of the eighteen^ ministers who 
 signed the celebrated letter to the archbishop of Canter- 
 bury in behalf of the Rev. Mr. M'Clenachan, an episco- 
 pal clergyman of the city of Philadelphia ; — the follow- 
 ing amusing account of which transaction is extracted 
 from Dr. Miller's interesting "memoirs" of the Rev. 
 John Rodgers, D.D. published in New-York, 1813, page 
 105— 106— viz:— 
 
 * The other seventeen subscribers were — Gilbert Tenneut, William Tec. 
 nent, Samuel Davies, John Blair, Charles Tenn«'nt, Moses Tuttle, Charles 
 M'Knight, Benjamin Chesnut, William Ramsay, John Rodgers, James Fiiiley, 
 Abraham Keteltas, John Roan, A.bner Brush, John Moffat, Alexander Macwhor- 
 ter, and Robert Smith. 
 
REV. SAMUEL KENNEDY. * 233 
 
 ''In the year 1760, an event occurrecl, which made 
 considerable noise intheecclesiasticalcircles of America. 
 There resided in Philadelphia at this time, the Rev. 
 William M*Clenachan, an episcopal clergyman, whose 
 preaching was considered as more evangelical than 
 that of the generality of his brethren of the same denom- 
 ination. While this circumstance endeared him to a 
 considerable number of the episcopalians of Philadel- 
 phia, and rendered them earnestly desirous of retaining 
 him as their minister ; it excited the opposition of a still 
 greater number, and threatened to produce his exclu- 
 sion from the episcopal church, in that city. During a 
 meeting of the synod of Nevr-York and Philadelphia in 
 May, 1760, the character, diificulties and prospects, of 
 Mr. M'Clenachan, happening to be the topic of more 
 general and more warm conversation than usual, a num- 
 ber of the membersof the synod were so deeply impressed 
 with the excellence of his character, and the probable use- 
 fulness of his ministry, and felt so much interested in his 
 continuing to reside in Philadelphia, that they determined 
 to attempt something in his behalf ; and accordingly ad- 
 dressed a letter to the an hbishop of Canterbury, re- 
 questing him to exert his official influence, in favouring 
 Mr. M'Clenachan's wishes and those of his friends, that 
 he might retain his place. 
 
 " This indiscreet and undignified interference with the 
 affairs of another denomination, was condemned by all 
 impartial persons : and, indeed, the authors of the letter 
 themselves had scarcely dispatched it, before they be- 
 came sensible of the impropriety of their own conduct, 
 and wished it recalled. The reception which it met 
 with from the archbishop was such as might have been 
 expected. No answer was returned : and the letter 
 
 30 
 
234 SKETCH OF 
 
 soon found its way into the public prints, accompanied 
 with such comments as were natural, and not wholly un- 
 merited. When the synod convened in Philadelphia, 
 the next year, they found this unfortunate letter, fol- 
 lowed with severe strictures, printed in the form of a 
 pamphlet and circulating very generally among the citi- 
 zens, under the title of * The eighteen presbyterian min- 
 isters.' And not unfrequently, when walking the 
 streets, were their ears assailed by the shrill notes of the 
 hawkers of small books and pamphlets, crying, ' eigh- 
 teen pr'jsbyterian ministers for a groat.' These circum- 
 stances afforded a subject for much merriment, and se- 
 vere remark, not only on the part oflMr. M'Clenachan's 
 episcopal opponents, but also on the part of those mem- 
 bers of the synod who were still denominated old side 
 men ; and who had declined having any thing to do 
 with the letter to the archbishop !" 
 
 Mr. Kennedy was rather above the ordinary size of 
 men, somewhat corpulent and plethorick. His man- 
 ners were very plain, retaining much of their native 
 Scotch simplicity and sometimes approaching to blunt- 
 ness. He was distinguished by an easy, copious and 
 uniform flow of thought and expression, on every sub- 
 ject. His remarks, on all occasions, were pithy, judi- 
 cioub and appropriate. He was a very modest and un- 
 assuming man. With the sacred duties of the ministry 
 he united, for many years, the business of practicing medi' 
 cine in his own congregation. His skill and judgment in 
 this profession were regarded as uncommonly sound and 
 correct. It is believed that he derived from this profession 
 the honourary appellation of doctor, with which he was 
 distinguished irenerally in conversation and sometimes 
 in records, many years before his decease. There is no 
 
RET. SAMUEL KENNEDY. 235 
 
 evidence discoverable now that he received the degree 
 of Doctor of Divinity, although this distinction was mer- 
 ited by his talents, his piety and his zeal. 
 
 The labours, of Mr. Kennedy, were terminated by 
 death on the 31st day of August, Ifsr, which was the 
 sixty-seventh year of his life and the thirty seventh of 
 his ministry at Basking Ridge. 
 
 Mr. Kennedy deserves to be considered as one of the 
 pious and venerable fathers of the church, in the Uni- 
 ted States, who contributed extensively by his prudent 
 counsels and faithful labours, to the promotion of evan- 
 gelic piety and to the establishment of our presbyterian 
 form of government, and system of religious faith and 
 practice. 
 
NOTE G. 
 
 SKETCH OF REV. JAMES CALDWELL, &c. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell was ordained to the work of the holy 
 ministry, in the latter part of the year 1761 ; and, he 
 was at the same time, installed pastor of the 1st presby- 
 terian congregation in Elizabeth-Town, New-Jersey. 
 His intellectual powers, which were of a superior order, 
 his education which united religious strictness with lit- 
 erary culture, and his native elevation of mind combin- 
 ed their influence to create in him, early, a strong ten- 
 dency to a virtuous, honourable and useful course of ac- 
 tion. It pleased the Giver of every good gift, early to 
 foster and sanctify these endowments, and to crown 
 them with distinguished honour by directing them 
 into the channel of his own sacred service, in the min- 
 istry of the gospel. The qualifications with which Mr. 
 Caldwell entered on this high vocation, were such as to 
 adorn the sacred office, to promote the interests of the 
 church and to benefit the souls of men. Of a sprightly 
 temper, comely person, — graceful and engaging address 
 — his voice clear and rnelodious — his mind well improv- 
 ed by theological science, polite literature, and culti- 
 vated society — his piety highly evangelical, a ive and 
 fervent — he was one of the most pleasing, eminet»t and 
 useful preachers of his day. He was much beloved by 
 
238 SKETCH OF 
 
 the people of his congregation and his memory is still 
 dear to a number of them who are now living. He 
 was zealous, laborious and faithful in discharging the 
 duties of his sacred trust. He delighted in visiting the 
 people of his charge, and was accustomed, to carry warm 
 practical piety with him into the private apartment and 
 the social circle. In the small domestic assembly and 
 in the ordinary intercourse of friendship, as well as in 
 the congregation of God's people, he exhibited peculiar 
 charms. Societies, and small meetings, for prayer were 
 his delight. Accordingly, stated and occasional assem- 
 blies for these purposes were numerous in his congre- 
 gation. His ministry was pre-eminently prospered by 
 the great Head of the church, in the year of our Lord 
 1772. A considerable effusion of the divine Spirit was 
 then experienced in his congregation ; and many were 
 added to the church, some of whom are yet living wit- 
 nesses, that this was truly a work of God. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell's character soon became extensively 
 known and highly appreciated, in the church. His su- 
 perior capacity for extemporaneous speaking, his anima- 
 ted, impressive and captivating eloquence in the pulpit, 
 and his fervent piety, rendered him uncommonly inter- 
 esting to every audience, and excited for him, high es- 
 teem, both at home and abroad. The character of his 
 mind, and the nature of his improvements, qualified and 
 designated him for eminent usefulness in various spheres 
 of action and of duty ; and the circumstances of his coun- 
 try, in the revolutionary contest with Great Britain, 
 soon presented an opportunity for the splendid and suc- 
 cessful exercise of all his versatile powers, and for the 
 trial and illustration of all his Christian virtues. In- 
 dependent, prompt and ardent, he espoused the cause of 
 
REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 239 
 
 his country with decision and warmth ; and he pursued 
 her nterests with a degree of intrepidity and enterprise, 
 of zeal a d perseverance, which would have honoured 
 aQiTiiitian pairiot of any age. 
 
 While the British occupied the city of New- York, the 
 borough of Elizabeth and its vicinity were peculiarly 
 exposed to incursions from the foe. Hence the Ameri- 
 cans, to whom the defence of that point was committed, 
 were compelled to exercise peculiar vigilance and ac- 
 tivity in all their movements. Mr. Caldwell, from his 
 perfect knowledge of the people and the place, and 
 from his sagacity, alertness and zeal, was remarkably 
 calculated to give them efficient aid, in counsel and in 
 action : and he rendered them his services on all occa- 
 sions, in a manner corresponding with his known patri- 
 otism and tried courage. 
 
 The frequent alarms and occasional sufferings, that 
 speedily resulted from the warfare, and the insecurity of 
 property and of life, attendant upon a residence at Eli- 
 zabeth-Town, induced Mr. Caldwell to move his family 
 a short distance into the interior of the country. He 
 continued his pastoral labours with as much constancy 
 and fidelity as the state of his congregation and his own 
 peculiar circumstances would permit. Notwithstand- 
 ing the continual guard that was kept, and the precau- 
 tionary means that were employed, a party of refugees^ 
 under covert of night, January 25, 1780, destroyed 
 his church by fire. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell had for some time discharged, in a very 
 acceptable manner, the duties of chaplain, in the Amer- 
 ican army stationed near Morris-Town, and performed 
 voluntarily many other important services, in aid of its 
 operations. His zealous exertions to promote the cause 
 
240 SKETCH OF 
 
 in defence of which his country was arrayed in arms 
 against a powerful foe, his cheerful and affkble disposi- 
 tion, and his urbanity of manners, contributed to raise him 
 high in the respect and confidence of the American offi- 
 cers and soldiers. His popularity and influence in the 
 army, were well known to the enemy, and rendered him 
 particularly obnoxious to those traitors to their coun- 
 try, who had abandoned its interests and joined the bri- 
 tish standard. The wanton and sacrilegious destruction 
 of the church at Elizabeth-Town, was attributed princi- 
 pally to this circumstance. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell shared extensively in the hardships and 
 hazards generally experienced ; and he was called in 
 the year 1780, to encounter a peculiarly afflicting ca- 
 lamity, in the death of his excellent wife. This lady 
 was the daughter of John Ogden, Esq. of Newark, New- 
 Jersey. Her amiable disposition, her piety and her ex- 
 emplary deportment, had obtained for her the very par- 
 ticular respect and attachment of all who knew her. 
 Her life had evinced that she was worthy of the sphere 
 in which she had moved,, and prepared for the event 
 which now prematurely befel her. She was the mother 
 of nine children, the eldest of whom was sixteen years 
 old^ and the youngest was an infant. Notwithstanding 
 these circumstances, on several occasions, when alarms 
 of the enemy's approach had been made, Mrs. Caldwell 
 had been induced to retire from her residence at Con- 
 necticut Farms, for greater security, higher up into the 
 country. Having found these retreats very difficult and 
 troublesome, and, for the most part causeless, she de- 
 termined to cast herself in future on the clemency and 
 magnanimity of the foe, and on the care of her cove- 
 nant-keeping God. 
 
REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 241 
 
 On the sixth of June, 1780, General Knyphaiisen came 
 over from Staten Island, with about five thousand men, 
 and landed in the night, at Elizabeth-Town Point. Ve- 
 ry early next morning they directed their march to- 
 wards Springfield, through the settlement of Connecti- 
 cut Farms. Although Mrs. Caldwell was apprised of 
 their approach in season to escape, her mind was made 
 up on this subject, and she resolved, in liumble reliance 
 on Divine Providence, to remain at home. When the 
 enemy were entering the village, Mrs. Caldwell with- 
 drew from the apartment she usually occupied, into a 
 more retired room, for the purpose of devotion as well 
 as security, with her infant in her arms. The maid, 
 Avho had accompanied her to this secluded apartment, 
 and had charge of the other small children, on looldng 
 out of a window into the back yard, observed to Mrs. 
 Caldwell, that " a red coat soldier had jumped over the 
 fence and was coming up to the window, with a gun." 
 Her youngest son, nearly two years old, playing upon 
 the floor, on hearing what the maid said, called out, 
 *Met me see — let me see !" and ran that way. Mrs. 
 Caldwell rose from sitting on a bed very near ; and at 
 this moment the soldier fired his musket at her through 
 the window. It was loaded with two balls, which both 
 passed through her body. The surrounding buildings 
 and the house in which this deed was perpetrated were 
 soon after set on fire. It was with difficulty that the 
 dead body of Mrs. Caldwell could be preserved from 
 the general des ruction that ensued. After it had lain 
 some time exposed in the open st eet ard in the hot 
 sun, liberty was obtained to place her remains in asmaU 
 dwelling house, on the opposite side of the road, whicl) 
 had survived the conflagration. 
 
 31 
 
:242 SKETCH OP 
 
 The following night Mr. Caldwell spent at a place 
 called Short IIi:h:, not far from Springfield. He retired 
 to rest in the evening in a state of excessive anxiety re- 
 specting the fate of his wife and children. The parti- 
 ti >ns of the house consisted of boards not very closely 
 joined. In his sleepless state he overheard two men, 
 lodging in an adjoinirg room, talking on the sub- 
 ject of the (^eath of Mrs. Caldwell. He rose quickly and 
 entered their room in great agitation, and inquired what 
 they had heard on that subject. They represented it as 
 only a rumour, and probably a mistake, and persuaded 
 him to return to his bed. The remainder of the night was 
 to him a season of most painful suspense and anxiety. In 
 the morning iMr. Caldwell procured a, flag, and proceed- 
 ed with all possible speed to Connecticut Farms, to visit 
 his family and ascertain their state. While yet at some 
 distance, he discovered that the church and village were 
 in ruins, and that the enemy had returned to Staten 
 Island : and very soon, he learned the truth of the af- 
 flicting rumour before received, that Mrs. Caldwell was 
 no more. Her friends were assembled ; and the funeral 
 service was performed, with as much solemnity and or- 
 der as the desolation and alarm universally prevalent 
 would permit. 
 
 While this event was deeply afflicting to Mr. Caldwell 
 and his numerous friends, it made a strong impression on 
 the public mind. The following account of this trans- 
 action, is extracted from MarshalVs Life of Washing' 
 ton,"^ and is introduced to show the views of this distin- 
 guished revolutionary patriot and American historian, 
 as well as of the public in general, in relation to the 
 events we are here recording : — 
 
 * See vol. 4, page 225. 
 
REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 243 
 
 " At the Connecticut Farms, a flourishing settlement 
 which took its name from the country of those by whom 
 it had been planted, and which had been distinguished 
 for its zeal in the American cause, a halt was made. In 
 a spirit of revenge, unworthy the general of an army, 
 w^hich was in the character of Try on, who was present, 
 rather than ofKnyphausen who commanded ; which serv- 
 ed more to injure than advance the interests of those in 
 whose cause he was engaged ; and which tended more 
 to irritate than intimidate : this settlement including the 
 meeting house and the house of the clergyman belonging 
 to the village, was reduced to ashes." 
 
 The author here quoted then adds in a note : — " This 
 circumstance would scarcely have deserved notice, had 
 it not been accompanied by one of those melancholy 
 events, which even war does not authorize and which 
 the civilized world condemns, and which made at the 
 time a very deep impression, 
 
 "Mrs. Caldwell the vv^ife of the clergyman, who has 
 been mentioned, had been induced to remain in her 
 house, under the persuasion that her presence might 
 serve to protect it from pillage, and that her person 
 could not possibly be endangered, as in the hope of pre- 
 serving the f^)rms, Col. Dayton, who at that i'mie 
 commanded the militia, determined not to halt in the set- 
 tlement, but to take post at a narrow pass on the road 
 leading to Springfield. While she was sitting in the 
 midst of her children, having a such'jig infant in her arms, 
 a soldier came up to the window and discharged his 
 musket at her. She received the ball in her bosom and 
 instantly expired. 
 
 " Ashamed of an act so universally execrated, it was 
 contended by the Briiisii, that this lady was the victim 
 
'244 SKETCH OF 
 
 of a random shot, and even that the fatal ball had pro- 
 ceeded from the militia: in proof of which last asser- 
 tion, they insisted that the ball had entered on that side 
 of the house which looked towards the retreating Amer- 
 icans. But it was notorious that the militia made no 
 sland at the Farms, and a pathetic representation of the 
 fact made to the public by the afflicted husband, receiv- 
 ed universal credence and excited universal indignation. 
 The death of Mrs. Caldwell might indeed be considered 
 as the act ol a single soldier, and therefore not of itself 
 involving the reputution of the array ; but when with it 
 was connected, the wanton and useless devastation com- 
 mitted by authority, these act-, formed one connected 
 w hole in the public mind, and served still more to con- 
 firm the settled hate of the well affected, against the 
 British government." 
 
 In this season of public alarm, private suffering, and 
 universal confusion, Mr. Caldwell, after putting his do- 
 mestic affairs in the most favourable situation practica- 
 ble under existing circumstances, returned to his impor- 
 tant avocations. His activity and zeal in the discharge 
 of his various duties were not diminished, and the indig- 
 nation and abhorrence of the public, were greatly in- 
 creased by this recent outrage of violence and rapacity. 
 
 In less than eighteen months after the tragic act which 
 deprived Mr. Caldwell of his inestimable wife, he was 
 himself brought to an untimely grave by a similar deed 
 of horror, which appeared to be instigated by the most 
 savage malevolence, and was perpetrated by the hand 
 of a ruffi in traitor to his country, who attempted to shel- 
 ter himself under the protection of a British flag of truce. 
 
 This event took place on the 24th of November ITSI. 
 The following account of the circumstances is extracted 
 
RJEV. JAMES CALDWELL. 246 
 
 from the "New-Jersey Gazette," a respectable paper 
 printed at the period here referred to, and oI)lip^iLii,'ly 
 furnished to the writer by the Hon. Joseph Bioomfield, 
 dated Wednesday, December 12, ITSI. 
 
 " Mr. Caldwell having; been informed that a young la- 
 dy had arrived at Elizabeth-Tow n Point, in a flagof truce 
 from New-York, who had permission to come within our 
 lines and who is the daughter of a lady who has distin- 
 guished hersf^lf by her great humanity, tenderness and 
 generosity to the American prisoners in Nevv^-York, and 
 considering himself bound by his duty as a citizen to 
 render every possible service to the family of so worthy 
 a character, went down to the Point, with an intention 
 of waiting on the lady up to town : when he arrived 
 there, the officer then commanding the post at Eliza- 
 beth-Town, being on board the flag sloop, asked him 
 >vhether he would go on board. — He then stepped on 
 board the sloop and was informed that the young lady 
 had already gone to the town. Being about to return, 
 a person in the sloop asked him whether he would take 
 a small parcel tied up in a handkerchief. Mr. Caldwell 
 consented to take it, went on shore, put the bundle into 
 a chair-box and was driving off, when a soldier stepped 
 up to him and said " I must search your chair to see 
 whether you have any seizable goods in that bundle." 
 Mr. Caldwell, then seeing it would be imprudent to run 
 any further risk, asked the officer whether he would 
 suffer him to return the bundle to the sloop. To this 
 request the soldier readily agreeing, Mr. Caldwell took 
 the bundle out of the chair-box and was steppijig oq 
 board of the sloop to return it, when the murderer vv ho 
 was on the quarter-deck and within about ten yards of 
 him, said damn i/ou, slop, Mr. Caldwell instantly stop- 
 
246 SKETCH OF 
 
 pedand immediately on his stopping, the soldier present- 
 ed his musket and shot him : — he tell down and instant- 
 ly expired without a groan. His funeral was attended 
 the Tuesday following by a large concourse of people, 
 when a funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. 
 M'Whorter, from Ecclesiastes viii. and 8th. 
 
 " Mr. Caldwell was a man of very superior talents, 
 whether considered as a preacher, a statesman, or a citi- 
 zen. He was one of the first who embarked in the cause 
 of his country, in which he has ever discovered a mind 
 incapable of being intoxicated with partial successes, or 
 meanly depressed by the clouds of adversity. His zeal, 
 activity and unshaken integrity under every circum- 
 stance of the present revolution, are deeply imprinted 
 on the minds of his countrymen. As a preacher of the 
 gospel he was excelled by very few of the present age: 
 his oratory was natural and pleasing and exceedingly 
 persuasive. He was a diligent and faithful minister of 
 Jesus Christ, to which the reformed lives and conversa- 
 tions of a large part of his numerous congregation bear 
 an unequivocal testimony. 
 
 " He has left a most destitute and helpless family, con- 
 sisting of nine children, the eldest about seventeen years 
 of age, and the youngest not exceeding two, to experi- 
 ence the humanity and benevolence of those tender and 
 sympathetic minds, who are not above the feelings of 
 another's woe. Though Mr. Caldwell has been almost 
 constantly engaged in public departments since the pres- 
 ent war, which have been the source of riches and afflu- 
 ence to many others, yet such was his uprightness and 
 love of his country, that his rising family, are now left 
 to deplore the want of a bare subsistence, but from the 
 srenerositv of those who knew their father's virtues. 
 
REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 247 
 
 We may justly conclude with lamenting,- our country's 
 loss, a loss to mankind — to human nature." 
 
 The utmost consternation and horror seized all who 
 were present, at the sudden and tragical death of Mr. 
 Caldwell. The perpetrator of the shocking deed, was 
 for some time forgotten. Mr. Caldwell's body, lifeless 
 and drenched in blood, was taken up and carried to a 
 public house not far distant. After the tumult at first 
 excited, had in some measure subsided, means were 
 employed to secure the murderer, whose name was 
 Morgan. He was pursued, speedily overtaken, and 
 committed to prison. In the course of his trial after- 
 wards, it became manifest that the murder was premedi- 
 tated, and produced in part probably by something more 
 than individual enmity. Morgan was condemned to 
 death ; and at the time of his execution, he manifested 
 an awfully corrupt and obdurate heart. On being in- 
 formed, when led out to be executed, that his time was 
 come, and that if he had any thing to say, he must say 
 it quickly; he replied, " You will all soon come to this. 
 Here, give this blanket," presenting it to the execution- 
 er, *'to my wife. Now do your duty, and don't keep 
 me here suffering in the cold." 
 
 The remains of Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were deposit- 
 ed in the presbyterian church yard, at Elizabeth-l'own ; 
 and on the marble slab which covers them, is the fol- 
 lowing honourable inscription : — 
 
 " Sacred to the memory of the Rev. James Caldwell 
 and Hannah his wife, who fell victims to their country's 
 cause, in the years 1780 and 1781. 
 
 " He was the zealous and faithful Pastor of the Pres- 
 byterian Congregation in this town, where, by his evan- 
 gelical labours in the gospel vineyard, and his early 
 
24i> SKETCH OF 
 
 attachment to the civil h'berties of his country, he has 
 left on the hearts of his people a better moiiuQient than 
 brass or marble. 
 
 " Stop, Passenger ! 
 
 ** Here also lie the remains of a woman, who exhibit- 
 ed to the world a bright constellation of the female vir- 
 tues. On that memorable day, never to be forgotten, 
 when a British {oe invaded this fair village, and fired 
 even the temple of the Deity, this peaceful daughter of 
 heaven, retired to her hallowed apartment, imploring 
 Heaven for the pardon of her enemies. In that sacred 
 retreat she was by the bloody hand of a British ruffian 
 dispatched, like her divine Redeemer, through a path 
 of blood, to her long wished for native skies." 
 
 By the untimely and lamerjuible death of Mr. Cald- 
 well and his wife, their numerous and interesting chil- 
 dren were cast upon the affection of their friends and 
 upon the providence of God. The condition of the 
 country, the agitated state of public affairs, rendered 
 their loss incomparably greater, and the care of them 
 proportionably more difficult. In Mr. Caldwell's zeal 
 for the public welfare he had neglected his private inter- 
 ests. His property in a great measure, as well as his 
 life, he had sacrificed to the good of his country. Nev- 
 er was public sympathy manifested towards a bereaved 
 and afflicted household, more strikingly and affectingly 
 than on this o( casion. The tidings of Mr. Caldwell's 
 death, and the mournful tale of his children's orphanage 
 and helplessness, pervaded the whole land, inspiring 
 deep sorrow and tender concern in every bos-m. In 
 the central regions of the country more especially, this 
 subject shed a gloom over every social company, and 
 was long the melancholy theme of common conversa- 
 
REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 249 
 
 tion. The Heavenly Father mingled his counsels and 
 his care with the sensibilities of the surrounding coun- 
 try and with the weeping anxieties of friends and kin- 
 dred. His wisdom and goodness were peculiarly mani- 
 fested towards this interesting group of orphans, in rais- 
 ing up for them atfectionate and judicious friends, dis- 
 posed to train them with parental fondness and fidel- 
 ity, to knowledge and piety, honour and usefulness. 
 Among their principal benefactors may be enumerated 
 the Hon. Ellas Boudinot, L. L. D. the Marquis de La 
 Fayette and General Lincoln. General Washington, 
 the illustrious father of his country, transferred his re- 
 gard and kindness for his martyred friend, Mr. Cald- 
 well, to his fatherless children. The Father of the fa- 
 therless, by his merciful interposition and care, remark- 
 ably fulfilled to those bereaved children the words of 
 his promise, by the mouth of his servant David, " Vv'hen 
 my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord 
 shall take me up." That distinguished friend of human- 
 ity, who stands as the first of the earthly benefactors of 
 this afflicted family, was the principal instrument em- 
 ployed in divine providence, to accomplish this desira- 
 ble and happy purpose. Dr. Boudinot voluntarily as- 
 sumed the care of these children, and discharged the 
 important trust with a parental faithfulness and constan- 
 cy. Divine wisdom seemed to direct his ways, and the 
 divine blessing to rest upon his measures. With his ju- 
 dicious management, and under the care of the great 
 heavenly Parent, their lives were preserved, their minds 
 were well improved, their patrimony was j'Carly ex- 
 tending, and their prospects brightening before them. 
 Nor have the hopes which soon began to be cherished, 
 and the pleasing anticipations wiiich were formed re- 
 
 32 -• 
 
250 SKETCH OF 
 
 specting their ultimate success in life proved delusive. 
 God remembered his promise ; he regai ded the laith 
 and the prayers of his servant and handmaid The 
 counsel and the care of anxious and devoted friends, of- 
 ten prove weak and inefficient in the government and 
 disposal of children. And how often do the prospects 
 of fortune and the possession of wealth and splendour, 
 become injurious or destructive! But the Lord God is 
 a friend, a helper and a solace indeed, to all who cast 
 their care upon him ; for he carethfor them. 
 
NOTE il. 
 
 A VIEW OF REVIVALS. 
 
 The moral government of God, is in itself stupendous 
 and unsearchable. The glorious Monarch of this great 
 invisible system, performs all things according to his eter- 
 nal counsel and sovereign pleasure. The purchase and 
 establishment of a church upon earth, the calling and 
 sanctification of those predestinated to be the sons of 
 God, and the dispensation of grace to a lost worldy 
 through the mediation of Jesus Christ, are exalted and 
 mysterious subjects, which inspire in the believer's 
 heart, mingled emotions of anxiety and hope. These 
 mysteries, inscrutable to mortals, God has mercifully 
 deigned, in some measure, to develop. The grand and 
 interesting outlines of his kingdom, its end, its laws, its 
 officers, its subjects, its rewards and penalties, and the 
 means of promoting it, he has portrayed in his blessed 
 word. So that when the church, either in reviewing 
 the past, with triumph exclaims, " Now is come salva- 
 tion and strength and the kingdom of our God:"* or, 
 contemplating the future, in obedience to her Lord, sup- 
 plicates, " Thy kingdom come ;" she recognizes with 
 confidence the whole instrumental system, by which the 
 spiritual kingdom of God, the dominion of grace in the 
 
 ^ Rev. X. 12. ij» 
 
'2.r2 A VIEW OF 
 
 heart, is advanced ; she assigns to human agency, au- 
 thorized and employed by the King of Zion in this great 
 work, the influence and the respect it deserves : but she 
 bestows her highest praises and benedictions upon that 
 spiritual Divine Ageni, sent from above, who "quick- 
 ens whom he will ;" from whose almighty co-operation 
 exclusively, all subordinate means derive their efficacy. 
 For " it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that run- 
 neth, but of God that showeth mercy. "^ 
 
 The infinite God, in conducting his gracious and tri= 
 umphant march through this world, has proceeded with 
 an unsteady progress. The interests of his church are 
 advanced, sometimes* in so silent, gradual and hidden a 
 manner, by the invisible influences of the Holy Spirit 
 upon ihe hearts of men, that it may be said indeed, " The 
 kingdom of God cometh not with observation. "f This 
 is the method in which God usually promotes his own 
 cause. When he proceeds in this way, the operations 
 of his Spirit, and the progress of divine truth, are deep 
 and radical, but tranquil and unseen : the heart is im- 
 pressed and changed, but externally all remains calm 
 and uniform: inquirers for salvation are guided by the 
 Spirit to Jesus Christ, free from those strong excitements 
 and violent emotions, which produce visible agitation : 
 and believers are enabled to walk '^in the fear of the 
 Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost." To this 
 state of the church, may be applied such expressions of 
 the inspired writers as these ; "day of small things,"J 
 and "still small voice. "§ 
 
 There are seasons, however, when God is pleased to 
 depart from his usual method of carrying on his sacred 
 
 * Rom. ix. iC. f Lukp xvii. 20. t ^ec, iv. 10. ^ \ Kings x5x, 12. 
 
REVIVALS. 253 
 
 work : when he renders ordinary means more than usu- 
 ally powerful and efTectual, in rousing human attention 
 to divine things: when the Holy Spirit acts upon the 
 hearts of siuners with increased energy, convincing them 
 of sin, of righteousness and of judgment to come: when 
 sudden, powerful and extensive awakenings take place 
 in assemblies and communities: when, perhaps, from a 
 combination of causes, deep excitements are produced 
 in a considerable number of persons at the same time, 
 whose hearts are painfully agitated by strung conflicting 
 passions, and whose countenances and external appear- 
 ances exhibit aflfecting evidence of internal tumult 
 and alarm. These seasons in the church, have been 
 denominated variously : by some, a day of divine ^o/i'- 
 er;^^ an out-poiiring of the Spirit :\ by others, a time of 
 refreshing,'^ and a revival. 
 
 This last mode of expression, as well as those prece- 
 ding, has its foundation in several passages of God's Ho- 
 ly Word; and it has become more prevalent in popular 
 use than any other. The term revival, is drawn directly 
 from the Sacred Scriptures, and by recurring to them, 
 its just import may be easily ascertained. In the Sacred 
 Writings it possesses two meanings. 
 
 1. To bring to life that which is in a dead or lifeless 
 state. 
 
 The most clear instance of its application according 
 to this signification, is contained in Hosea, chapter vi. 
 verse 2. — "After two days will he revive us." The 
 
 * In reference to Psalm ex. 3. . 
 
 f In reference to Isa. xliv, 3. Joel ii. 28. Zee, xli. 10. 
 
 4 Deriving this appellation from Act.s jii. in. 
 
254 A VIEW OF 
 
 meaning' of the original word is, vivificabit nos, i. e, 
 " will revive us."^ On this passage, the pious and ju- 
 dicious Scott observes, "that the nation of Israel, was 
 as it were dead," in their seventy years captivity, "but 
 after two days, that is, on the third day, the Lord would 
 revive them, and they would live in his sight, as his peo- 
 ple, upon their return from the Babylonish captivity, af- 
 ter the appointed time of its continuance. The lan- 
 guage is generally supposed to be prophetic of the res- 
 urrection of Christ on the third day, with whom as her 
 surety the whole church, virtually, arose from the dead, 
 to live unto God : with him the hopes of all believers 
 revived : his power as risen quickens their souls, when 
 dead in sin : and his resurrection was the earnest of the 
 resurrection of their bodies unto everlasting life." 
 
 2. To preserve and invigorate the principle of life 
 already existing — to quicken and vivify the principle of 
 grace, or spiritual life, in the believer's heart — the se- 
 cond sense of the term revive, is very common in the Di- 
 vine Word. Such is its undisputed meaning, where it 
 is employed by Kzra, ix. 9. — " Our God hath not forsa- 
 ken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto 
 us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us ^reviv- 
 ing, to set up the house of our God, and to repair its des- 
 olations." The same signification is uniformly attrib- 
 uted to this word, where it is so devoutly used by the 
 Psalmist: "Wilt thou not revive us again?" Ixxxv. 6. 
 
 * This passage is explained thus, by Vatublus, a learned coinsaentator : *' Per 
 Christura restituet vitam nobis, qui morlui eramus, per peccatum " Castalio, 
 Drusius, Clariiis and Groliiis, all coincide with V^atabliis in his translation and 
 comment. Vide annotata, ad Ospen, Vatabli, etc. Critici Sacri. For au ac- 
 count of this race and valuable work, see preface to Dr. Adam Clarke's Commen- 
 tary-. 
 
REVIVALS. 255 
 
 *< Quicken us, and we will call upon thy name :" Ixxx. 
 18. "Though r walk in the midst of trt)uhles, thou 
 wilt revive me:''^ cxxxviii. 7. The following: passage 
 is beautifully illustrative of the point before us : " Thus 
 saith the High and lofty one, I dwell with hin^ aiso 
 that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the 
 spirit of the humble, and to revive-\ the heart of the eon- 
 trite ones."J That the prophet here refers to the sin- 
 cere and faithful servants of God, no one will contro- 
 vert. The petition of Habakkuk, "O LotA, revivef^ thy 
 work in the midst of the years," iii. 2, requires a similar 
 translation. 
 
 That, therefore, is a revival, in the true scriptural 
 sense of this terra, in which God is pleased to impart to 
 his church, or to any number of his people, however lo- 
 cally situated, greater than ordinary degrees of gracious 
 influence, stronger exciten>ents of his Holy Spirit than 
 usual ; by which the children of God are animated and 
 
 * The same learned hiblical expositor before referred to. gives the sense of 
 revive in this pas«!ag;e, as follows : '• ViviBcahis me, vel, servabis me iacolumem." 
 Thou wilt quicken, vivifj me, or preserve me safe. Drnsius atrr^es with Vata- 
 blus, and renders the same in Greek, " Perisooseis me j" in Latin, " Servabis 
 me." Crit. Sac, in loc, 
 
 f Forerius gives the su'^stance of thi« text, in the following plain theological 
 Latin of the seventeenth century. Crit Sac in hocloco. " Sensus est, ille, qui 
 cum sit excelsus. et supra omnia et aeternus, et cujus nomen est sanctum, et, juxta 
 naturam suam, excelsum, quoque locum inhabitat et sanctum, ille. inqnam, qui 
 cum '.alis sit, cum contrito tamen, seu contu.^io, et qui est humilis spiritu, cohabitat, 
 ut ejus cor e* spiritumvivificet, recreet, et consoletur." 
 
 X Isaiah Ivii 15. 
 
 § In the margin of some Bibles, this is judiciously expressed by the words pre 
 HTvt alive. 
 
256 A VIEW OF 
 
 comforted in their pious duty, experience an Increase of 
 interest, zeal and st:ibility in the service and hope of the 
 gospel, feel their pious affections gently moved and 
 drawn out towards God, and their whole disposition and 
 frame of mind rendered more spiritual, devout and hea- 
 venly. The soul in which these operations take place, 
 experiences "a time of refreshing from the presence of 
 the Lord :"^ and that church, or company of Christians, 
 who feel these gentle movements of the Holy Spirit, 
 producing such blessed fruits, enjoys a season of revival 
 in religion, whatever may be the state of moral feeling 
 and conduct around them in the world. Numerous and 
 precious are the visits of this kind, which the children 
 and churches of God receive from the blessed Saviour 
 and his Holy Spirit. Indeed without them, every pious 
 grace must dwindle and die. What is the spiritual life 
 of believers on earth, but a series of declensions and re- 
 vivals, through all its progress? <* Awake, O north 
 wind, and come thou south : blow upon my garden, 
 that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved 
 come into his garden and eat his pleasant fruits" ! ! Can- 
 ticles iv. 16. 
 
 Instances sometimes occur, in which many sinners are 
 deeply impressed v/ith a solemn concern, and in due 
 season "added to the Lord,'' while professors of reli- 
 gion experience no uncommon quickening from above. 
 The Christian body is not revived, but enlarged by ad- 
 ditions from the world. This U a day of divine power 
 among the dry bones of the valley, an out-pouring of the 
 Spirit of God. 
 
 Sometimes again, the Lord is pleased to animate and 
 comfort his children in a peculiarly strong and happy 
 
 * Acts Hi. 19. 
 
REVIVAL^ 25F 
 
 oianner ; so that their graces are enlivened, their zeal is 
 excited, their prospects brightened, and their joy and 
 peace greatly increased, v/hile the whole work is un- 
 seen and unobserved by the world ; — sinners remain on 
 every side impenitent and unmoved as before, and the 
 church receives from among them no greater acces- 
 sions than usual. This is peculiarly and emphatically a 
 time of refreshing— a r^yir)'^/, from the Divine Presence : 
 — the principle of grace, the spiritual life, already ex- 
 isting in the believer's heart receives an animating im- 
 pulse, and is invigorated by the Holy Spirit. Such 
 revivals often lead to awakenings among the unregene- 
 rate. Christians are thus excited to a more diligent at- 
 tendance upon the means of grace — they become more 
 earnest and faithful in endeavouring to awaken the 
 zeal of one another and to subdue the insensibility of the 
 careless — they are brought to exercise greater importu- 
 nity and perseverance in public and in secret prayer — 
 and God, who will be inquired of by the house of Isra- 
 el, after having excited his children to fervent supplica- 
 tion, answers.their prayers, in copious eifusions of his 
 Spirit upon thoughtless and perishing sinners. 
 
 The application of the term revival to those cases ex- 
 clusively in which there is exhibited great excitement of 
 feeling and terror, deep conviction and alarm, among 
 those formerly thoughtless and impenitent, manifests a 
 want of precise and accurate attention to the origin and 
 meaning of the word : — it is a use of it whicli does not 
 comport with its scriptural signification, nor with just 
 and liberal views of the subject. 
 
 It is of importance to form just and comprehensive 
 ideas of the divine dispensations. We would admire and 
 adore all the gracious dealings of God with his church 
 
 33 
 
358 A VIEW OF 
 
 — we would rejoice in tlie reviving and refreshing sea- 
 sons with which he has visited, and is still animating, his 
 chilaren — we desire to view with gratitude and encour- 
 agement the sovereignty and grace of God as displayed 
 in the numerous awakenings and in-gatheringsof s nners 
 wiiich have been experienced in all ages of the church 
 and in recent years. But, at the same time, we feel con- 
 strained to remark, that some individuals in consequence 
 of their great zeal on the subject of what they denomi- 
 nate revivals, do not appear justly to estimate the nu- 
 merous undesireable circumstances with which sudden 
 and extensive religious excitements have sometimes been 
 followed and are liable to be attended. 
 
 A sentiment, connected with this subject, very unjust 
 in itself and wounding to Christian sensibility, cannot be 
 passed without notice. It consists in undervaluing and 
 dishonouring the ministry of those Christian pastors, 
 whose labours are not crowned with revivals in the pop- 
 ular, but erroneous acceptation of that term. The work 
 of the Lord proceeds in their hands, in a steady and uni- 
 form course of improvement : — the flocks,' to which they 
 minister, grow in grace and in the knyledge of the 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ :— the nijfeber of profes- 
 sors receives a regular and pleasir^Mncrease : the 
 church under tlicir care is built up in faith, knowledge 
 and purity. But, they have no revivals^ according to 
 the mistaken application of this word. ilThe Lord may 
 descend by his Spirit and refresh his children : — he may 
 arrest and bring hom.e to Christ in the ordinary way, a 
 few loet souls out of the multitudes ready to perish : — 
 the feeble believer may be strengthened, the trembling 
 find relief, the tempted deliverance, the mourning com- 
 fort, the timid courage, the sluggish and inactive obtain 
 
REVIVALS 259 
 
 quickening and life : but, we are told, it is no revival 
 unless " a great and strong wind rend the mountains and 
 break in pieces the rocks before the Lord,"^ unless 
 there are experienced times of powerful conviction and 
 alarm among sinners : — and if these are not felt, the pas- 
 tors are cumberers of the ground, lukewarm and unproduc- 
 tive labourers in the Lord's vineyard. Does not the 
 following passage give a very diilerent vie^\ — " Now 
 saith the Lord thatl'ormed me from the womb to be his 
 servant, to bring Jacob again to him, though Israel be 
 not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the 
 Lord."f What estimak^ would the persons, here refer- 
 red to, form of the preaching of Ncnih — rof Isaiah — of 
 Jeremiah — of Ezekiel — and, even of the ministry of Je- 
 sus Christ himself? — ft is God's ordinary method to 
 build up his ciiurch and to accomplish great moral chan- 
 ges, "by little and little/' and the benelitsofthe Chris- 
 tian ministry, under the "still small voice" and gentle 
 influence of the Spirit, cannot be too highly appreciated. 
 The church in such circumstances often exhibits much 
 of the fruits of the Spirit, knowledge, order, moderation, 
 prudence, |™ee^nd joy, and "a patient continuance in 
 well doing" Wo the praise of God's glorious grace. 
 The additions and advantages, in general, which the 
 church has been continually receiving in this gradual 
 mmner, through past ages, from the divine blessing on 
 the sacred ministry, inconceivably transct nd the utmost 
 benefits it has ever experienced, from occasional out- 
 pourings, of the divine Spirit and powerful awakenings 
 which have been witnessed, and which are by some re~ 
 
 * I, Kings, iix. II. f Isai. xlix. 5. 
 
260 A VIEW OF 
 
 presented as almost the only legitimate and acceptable 
 method of building- i^p the church. 
 
 Another error connected with this subject, and com» 
 niitted by those, who talk oi going about to make revivals, 
 implies such entire ignorance of the true nature of a gen- 
 uine work of grace on the heart of man and manifests 
 such presumptuous and criminal couhdence in external 
 means and iu the arm of flesh, that it deserves no indul- 
 gence, nay it merits the decided condemnation and re- 
 buke of every friend of true religion. It essays to sub- 
 stitute the feeble and inefficacious efforts of a worm, in 
 the place of the sovereign and infinite grace of the Most 
 High, and it would seem to consider every partial ex- 
 citement of temporary religious concera, the transient 
 efiect on the feelings and passions, which human exer- 
 tions can produce, as a rational, solemn and divine im- 
 pression of the Spirit of God— ideas, directly opposed to 
 the plan of salvation, by grace, and hostile io the whole 
 system of gospel tiutli. 
 
 The dispensations of God, towards his church, in past 
 ages, funiish many piensing and animating jn^tances, in 
 which he has ad^ 
 ods here contempi 
 ing influences and by visiting sinners with a day oi pow- 
 er and mercy. A fevv- of these interesting transactions 
 in the church, with a view to illusti'ate somewhat the 
 subject before uSj we rl-.a!! briefly glance at, without at- 
 tempting in every instance to decide the pardcular 
 character of each dispensation briefiy described. 
 
 The first intimation of a revival of religion, to be 
 found ill the history of the church, is presented to us 
 by Moses, in the following words : " Then began men 
 
 nany piensing and animating^nstances, m 
 advanced his kingdom in boflrof the meth- 
 empla^ed by granting to his people reviv- 
 
REVIVALS. 1161 
 
 to Ccill on the name of the Lord.'** Passing by the 
 speculations and controversies of the learned and ingen- 
 ious respecting this passage, we remark, that it furnishes 
 linquestionable evidence of a great increase of order, 
 zeal and devotion in the worship of God, among the 
 pious family of Seth. The quickening power of the 
 Holy Spirit, must have been experienced in an extraor- 
 dinary degree, producing something new and striking 
 in ihe religious character and conduct of men, especial- 
 ly in regard to the duty of prayer, or " calling upon 
 God," to merit so marked and honourable a notice in 
 the concise history of I\Ioses. We have no intimation 
 that any were added to the church, or that any now for 
 the first engaged in the duty of prayer. Pious m.en 
 must, before this, have been accustomed to make known 
 their wauls by prayer to God, and the number of such 
 may have been increased at this time ; but it is certain 
 that the spirit of prayer, praise and devotion, was then 
 cherished and exercised in a degree far exceeding any 
 thing before experienced among men, which must have 
 proceeded from the quickening power of God's Spirit, 
 sent down from heaven. f 
 
 The Divine Record teaches us to believe that the Fa- 
 ther of mercies visited, with his peculiar influence, that 
 portion of the Israelites in the wilderness, who were in 
 the morning of life. The Lord God, provoked by the 
 unbelief and disobedience of those who came out of 
 Egypt in mature age, had sworn that they should not 
 
 * Gen. iv. 26. 
 
 f See Ed\vard8' History Redemption, 8vo. 36; also PtacVhouse'i History of 
 the Bible, 8vo. vol. 1, 146, &c. 
 
262 A VIEW OF 
 
 enter into his promised rest. But the generation under 
 twenty years old, and those born in the wilderness, he 
 addresses with extreme kindness and aifection : " But 
 your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them 
 will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye 
 have despised."^ The Lord describes this generation 
 as a pious, obedient and beloved people : *' 1 remember 
 thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espous- 
 als, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness. Is- 
 rael w^as holiness to the Lord, and the first fruits of his 
 increase."! God speaks of his tender and endearing 
 intercourse with this generation, by the prophet Hosea, 
 xiii. 5 : "I did know thee in the wilderness, in the 
 land of great drought." Joshua says unto them, xxiii. 
 8, "Cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done 
 unto this day." Their piety and zeal were proved and 
 manifested, at the time of Achan's sin ; when the two 
 tribes and a half were suspected of having built an altar 
 in opposition to that of the true God ; in removing the 
 reproach from Israel, by observing the rite of circum- 
 cision : and by solemnly renewing their covenant with 
 God. On the whole, at the season here referred to, re- 
 ligion appears to have been in a greatly revived and 
 flourishing state. This dispensation was intended and 
 wisely calculated to prepare the way for establishing 
 and preserving the divine worship among the Israelites 
 in the land of Canaan. God was pleased to continue 
 this peculiar influence to his people for some time, un- 
 der their illustrious leader, Joshua, and to afford him a 
 double portion of the same spirit, 
 
 * Num. xiv. 31, f Jer. ii. 2, 3, 
 
KEVIVALS* 263 
 
 The church of God enjoyed a very refreshing- season, 
 immediately after their return from the Babyh>nish cap- 
 tivity, under the ministry of Ezra, the priest. Ezra, 
 who was pre-eminently zealous and active in religion, 
 immediately after his arrival from Babylon, devoted 
 hipjseJf, with all his powers, to reform the vices and to 
 correct the evil habits of the Jews. Of the progress and 
 result of his efforts, we are informed io the tenth chap» 
 ter of the book bearing his name, and in the eighth and 
 ninth chipters of Neiiemiah. The congregation of Is- 
 rael, under the preaching of Ezra, mourned and wept 
 sore for their sjhs: they entered into solemn covenant 
 with God, and forsook their evil courses, they observed 
 a fast, confessing their iniquities and imploring the di- 
 \hie mercy : they gave diligent and serious attention 
 to the ministrations in sacred things which they enjoyed : 
 they kept the feast of tabernai les, in the true spirit of 
 that sacred institution : so that the Avorsbip of God was 
 reformed, and the spirit of piety was revived^ glorious- 
 ly in Israel, to the praise of God's free grace. The fol- 
 lowing remarks of a truly eloquent writer, are beauti- 
 fully illustrative of the above suggestions: — ** Ezra, 
 himself a priest and doctor of the law, and Nehemiah, 
 the governor, reformed the abuses which the captivity 
 had introduced, and caused them to observe the law in 
 its purity. The people with them deploi-e the trans- 
 gressions which had brought these chastiseajents upon 
 them, and ackiiowledge that j\Ioses had predicted them. 
 They all read in the t^acred books, the menaces of this 
 man of God — they see tlie accomplishment of them. 
 The oracle of Jeremiah, ar.d the return so much proin- 
 
 * Edwards' Hist. Redemp.— also, Calmet's Die. Bible, word Esdras. 
 
'261 A VIEW OF 
 
 ised after the seventy years captivity, astonish and con- 
 sole them. They adore the judgments of God, aud, re- 
 conciled to him, they live in peace. "^"^^ 
 
 A most extraordinary and wonderful out-pouring of 
 the divine Spirit was witnessed at Jerusalem, on the day 
 of Pentecost. The doctrines of salvation were about to 
 be proci::lmed to a 2:iiilty world. ^* To scatter abroad, 
 in all places and in ail ag;es, truths so exalted^ and to en- 
 force in the midst of corruption, practices so holy, a 
 power was necessary a\ore than human. Therefore Je- 
 sus Christ pr')inised to send the Holy Spirit, to strength- 
 en his apostles, and perpetually to animate the body of 
 the church. This power of the Holy Spirit, to manifest 
 itself the mere eHectually, must appear in infirmity. * I 
 send you,' says Jt sus Christ to his apostles, * the prom- 
 ise of my Father,' that is to say, the Holy Spirit; in the 
 mean time, * tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye 
 be endu';d with po ''er from on high.' In conformity to 
 this order, they remained shut up fort}^ days : the Holy 
 Spirit descended at the time appointed : tongues of fire, 
 fallen upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, mark the effica- 
 cy of their word : the preaching commences : the apos- 
 tles bear witness to Jesus Christ: they are ready to suf- 
 fer all things, to evince that they have seen him risen. 
 Miracles follow their words : under two discourses of 
 
 * "Esdras, pretre lul-;neme et doctenr de la loi, et r*«eheaaias, gouverneur, 
 i'eforn.ereuttouslesabu3quelaca,)tivite avoiliatroduits, et font garderlalol dacis 
 sa pareie. I.e neuple pleure aveceux les tn:n?gressions qaelui avoieut attire^ces 
 chatlmpns et reconnolt que Moise lesnvoit predlts. Tons ensemble liseac dans 
 les SiiinU livres los rannaccs de 1' homme de Dieu ; lis en voient I' accoinplisse- 
 ment ; 1' oracls de Jeremie, et le rclour tant proinit aprea l«s 70 ans dn capt'vite, 
 les etoant^ut et les consolent : ils adcittst kg jagem^ns de Dieu, et, rccrncjiies 
 avec liii, ilsvivent en paix." Vide Bistoiie U]!i%'erselle— Tom, I. 1*2 mo. pnge 
 218. Bossuct. 
 
REVIVALS. 
 
 26S 
 
 St. Peter, eight thousand Jews are converted ; and, 
 weeping their error, they are washed in the blood which 
 they had shed."^ This was a display of divine power 
 and mercy, unequalled in the annals of the church and 
 in the triumphs of heavenly grace. The impulse expe- 
 rienced was immediately traced by the eloquent and pi- 
 ous Peter, to that prediction and promise of God, on 
 which hang the prayers and the hopes of the world :-— 
 "I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. "f The as- 
 sembly was large and promiscuous, composed of men 
 " out of every nation under heaven." And " fear came 
 upon all, and suddenly a sound from heaven, as of a 
 rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where 
 they were sitting. "J So wonderful was the power ex* 
 erted by the Spirit of God, on the promiscuous multi- 
 tude of sinners who attended the preaching of Peter, 
 "that they gladly received his word, v/ere baptized, 
 and the same day there were added to them about three 
 thousand souls " *' They were not Christians in name 
 only: they understood and believed the apostolic doc- 
 trine, concerning repentance and remission of sins in the 
 name of Jesus Christ : they continued united to the pas- 
 tors whom God had made instruments of their conver- 
 sion: they received constantly the ordinance of the 
 Lord's supper, in which they enjoyed real communion 
 with their Saviour: and prayer was their daily employ- 
 ment and delight. Their holy boldness towards God, 
 and their joyful sensation of forgiveness, were tempered 
 with a godly fear. Ever}^ soul was possessed with it. 
 
 '"■ Translated from the French. Vide Histoire Univer Bossuet, Tom, 1. 273. 
 •?• .TosI ii. 28. t Arts ii. 2, 5, &6, 
 
 34 
 
266 A VIEW OF 
 
 They had felt the pangs of guilt : they had seen what a 
 price was paid for their redemption: they "rejoiced 
 with trembling,'* as men just emerged from the pit of 
 destruction: they continued stedfastly in the apostle's 
 doc trine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and 
 in prayers. "'^' 
 
 The power of divine grace was, soon after signally il- 
 lustrated in the land of Samaria. This country was sit- 
 uated between Judea and Galilee. " Vfter the success 
 of the gospel had been so gloriously begun among the 
 proper Jews, the Spirit of God was next wonderfully 
 poured out on the Samaritans, who were not Jews by 
 nation, but the postt^rity of those whom the King of As- 
 syria removed from different parts of his dominions, and 
 settled in the land that was inhabited by the ten tribes, 
 whom he carried captive. "f These people had receiv- 
 ed the books of Moses, and they observed some of the 
 ceremonies required in them ; but they corrupted the 
 institutions of Moses, by mixing idolatrous services with 
 them. They went not up to Jerusalem to worship, but 
 resorted to the temple of Mount Gerizim, referred to by 
 the woman of Samaria: "our fathers worshipped in this 
 mountain." J The Jews and Samaritans had long cher- 
 ished an unhappy enmity towards one another. The 
 blessed Saviour, in the days of his humanity, manifested 
 kindness for this people. His attempts to bring them to 
 piety were unthankfully resisted then ; but his set time, 
 to separate to himself a peculiar people in Samaria, had 
 now arrived. This was effected principally through 
 the instrumentality of Philip, " who went down to the 
 
 * Vide Miluer's Church History, vol, I, page 24. 
 
 + Edwards' His. Redem, €59. \ John iv. 20. 
 
REVIVALS. 267 
 
 city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And 
 the people with one accord, gave heed unto those things 
 which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles 
 which he did. And there was great joy in that city.'*-^ 
 This happy work of God was carried on in many Samar- 
 itan villages, by the visiting and preaching of Peter and 
 John. The arrogant and blasphemous pretensions of Si- 
 mon Magus, who had " bewitched the people with sor- 
 ceries," were no longer tolerated. The power of God's 
 Spirit and the wonders of divine love, were displayed 
 in reconciling and uniting in ties of Christian affection 
 and harmony, many Jews and Samaritans, strongly op- 
 posed in their religious principles, relations and observ- 
 ances, and habitually hostile, from motives of worldly 
 interest arjd false honour. The inveterate enmities and 
 deep rooted prejudices of the carnal mind, were soon 
 subdued and rectified by the triumphant operations of 
 God's most Holy Spirit. 
 
 The Spirit of the Lord was poured out and made to 
 triumph gloriously in Thessalonica. «* A synagogue of 
 the Jew? was established there, and Paul, as his manner 
 was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reason- 
 ed with them out of the Scriptures. And some of them 
 believed and consorted with Paul and Silas: and of the 
 devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief wo- 
 men not a few."f " The growth of this people in god- 
 liness, was soon renowned through the Christian world. 
 Their persecutions appear to have been grievous, and 
 hence the comfort of God their Saviour, and the pros- 
 pect of the invisible world, became more precious to 
 
 ^ Actsviii. 5, 6, 8. f Actgxvii, 
 
26^ A VIEW Oic 
 
 them."^ They appear to have enjoyed with peculiar 
 abundance and constancy, the sanctifying and consoling 
 influences of the divine spirit and presence; hence they 
 were alive to God, zealous and devout in his holy ser- 
 vice. 
 
 The city of Ephesus, in Asia Minor, was remarkable 
 for the great temple of Diana, one of the wonders of the 
 world, erected there, which attracted the attention of 
 mai y stiarigers. Few places upon earth were more 
 strongly devoted to idolatry. Many ingenious ariisls 
 enriched themselves by making shrines and images for 
 the superstitious worship of Diana. The gospel of 
 Christ had» therefore, peculiar obstacles to encounter 
 in that city. And " in no place," says the excellent 
 historianf before referred to, " does the word of God 
 seem so much to have triumphed, as at Ephesus. The 
 work of conversion was deep, vigorous and soul-trans- 
 forming, to a great degree. Many, struck with the hor- 
 ror of former crimes, made an open confession ; and ma- 
 ny who had dealt in the abomi.iations of sorcery, now 
 showed their sincere detestation of them, by burning 
 their books before all men, the price of which amount- 
 ed to a large sum. * So mightily grew the word ot God 
 and prospered.' Thus triuuiphs the sacred historian. 
 Satan must have trembied for his kingdom: the empti- 
 ness of all the systen^s of philosophy appeared no less 
 palpable, than the fiagitiousness of vice and the enormi- 
 ties of idolatry. The spiritual power of -Jesus was nev- 
 er seen in a stronger light, sint-e the day of Pentecost : 
 and the venul priesthood of Diana, the celebrated god- 
 dess of Ephesus, apprehended the total ruin of their 
 hierarchy.'* 
 
 * Milcet'F C. Hist. 77, vol. 1, f Milcer, vol. I. m 
 
REVIVALS. 269 
 
 Another remarkable Wv)rk, of the divine Spirit on the 
 hearts of a^.en particularly distinguishable in the annals 
 of the church, is presented in the history of the W'ddcn- 
 ses. The season of prosperity, which the church of 
 Christ enjoyed under the ministry of the Apostles, Evan- 
 gelists and Fathers, was succeeded by a time of persecu- 
 tion and darkness, which continued for several centu- 
 ries. " There was a certain people," says president 
 Edwards,^ ** called the Waldenses, who lived separate 
 from all the rest of the world, who kept themselves 
 pure and constantly bore n testimony against the church 
 of Rome through all this dark time. The place where 
 they dwelt was the Vcvdcis or the five vallies of Pied- 
 mont, a very mountainous country between Italy and 
 France. The place where they lived was compassed 
 about with those exceedingly high mountains called 
 the Alps, which were almost impassable. There this 
 people lived for many ages as it we c alone in a state of 
 separation from all the w^orld, having very little to do 
 with any other people. And there they served God in 
 the ancient purity of his worship and never submitted to 
 the Church ot Rome. It is supposed that this people 
 first betook themselves to this desert secret place among 
 the mountains, to hide themselves from the severity of 
 the Heathen persecutions which were before Constan- 
 tine the great." Some suppose these people to have re- 
 treated into these peaceful vales first, in the fth centu- 
 ry,f that they niight live free from oppression and en- 
 joy securely their religious modes of worship. But at 
 whatever period this settlement took place, the influ- 
 ence of the Holy Spirit is very manifest in the whole 
 
 * His. Red 19:?, 
 
 t Vide Mooheim'e Ecole. Hi.?. Vol. lii. page 117, also No.^bil'g Ch, History, 18P 
 
2r0 A VIEW OF 
 
 transaction. The corruption, oppression and misery, 
 of the world, under the dominion of papal tyranny and 
 darkness, cannot be expressed. By the special direction 
 and agency of the divine Spirit, the truth, in principle 
 and in niactice, was happily preserved in the hearts and 
 lives of these secluded people. ** Their fundamental 
 doctrine was, that the authority of Scripture is supreme, 
 that this was the sole rule for judsring in matters of reli- 
 gion, and that whatever disagreed therewith must be re° 
 jected. They declared that the decrees of councils 
 were only to be so far approved as they might agree 
 Avith the word of God. They asserted that the reading 
 and knowledge of Scripture were necessary for all and 
 the privilege of the laity os well as the clergy. Their 
 rules of practice were extremely rigid, and austere, and 
 their aim and intention was to reduce every thing in re- 
 ligion to the standard and discipline of the primitive 
 church. They held almost the same opinions as those 
 who are now called reformers and Calvinists."* When 
 their peaceful retirement and their true Christian faith 
 and character became known to the supporters of the 
 papal hierarchy, in the 13th century, the storm of perse- 
 cution soon burst upon them. Thousands perished by 
 cruel deaths and multitudes fled for safety to almost ev- 
 ery part of Europe disseminating the truth of Christ, 
 wherever they went, thus preparing the way for that en- 
 tire deliverance, from the reign of oppression and dark- 
 ness, which speedily followed. In no instance, in the 
 history of the church, do we see more clearly displayed 
 the blessed efficacy of the Holy Spirit, preserving from 
 extinction among men the precious light of Heaven. 
 
 * See Necbit's Ecc. His. 8 vo.— 190— 1. 
 
REVIVALS. 271 
 
 guarding:, refreshing and sustaining, from age to age and 
 from centuiy to century, the elements of truth and the 
 graces of piety. This Avas a uniform, progressive and 
 triumphant work of God which demands the wonder 
 and the praise of every succeeding age. 
 
 The dispersion of the Waldenses, the diffusion of their 
 pure knowledge and the influence of their spotless lives, 
 through surrounding kingdoms, contributed much to 
 hasten and facilitate the glorious reformation, in the be- 
 ginning of the 16th century. This was indeed a season of 
 extensive excitement, revival and reform amonr the na- 
 tions, in which the grace of God was manifested, so ex- 
 traordinarily, as to awaken the admiration of mankind. 
 Li the words of that a^ra we read of no sudden out-pour- 
 ings of the divine Spirit upon congregations and commu- 
 nities, of no powerful and extensive awakenings among sin- 
 ners, in which thousands or hundreds, are in a short period 
 brought home to Christ from the brink of death. Such 
 triumphs God has bestowed upon other days. His 
 work, at the time referred to, assumed a different char- 
 acter. A local revival in some solitary corners of Eu- 
 rope would have been local in its effects and not attend- 
 ed with any great and beneficent result on the con- 
 dition of others. This was not the plan of God. The 
 world was in darkness : thick darkness rested on the 
 minds of the people. It was necessary that the work of 
 God's Spirit should commence in the hearts of some in- 
 dividuals, of exalted and towering genius — of ardent and 
 intrepid spirit — of patient and persevering temper — of 
 quick discernment and extensive forecast — who should 
 become leaders in the great enterprise — enlightening and 
 emancipating a wretched world. Infinite wisdom laid 
 the plan : God's victorious Spirit and grace accomplished 
 
2r2 A VIEW OF 
 
 what his wisdom liad conceived. Wickllff, Hqss, Je* 
 rome, Luther, Melancthoii, Zuinglius, C'^hin and multi- 
 tudes like minded, rise up, in quick sucession, as stars 
 in a dark night : and through them the light of the 
 Spirit of heaven beams upon the darkness of the world. 
 The Spirit of the Lord filled their hearts and supported 
 them in all their conflicts. Animated by his invigora- 
 ting power, " they wrought righteousness, quenched the 
 violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of 
 weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, en- 
 dured trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, of bonds 
 and imprisonment, turned to flight the armies of the 
 aliens, subdued kingdoms" and courted the crown of 
 martyrdom. The Spirit of revival and reform spread 
 from province to province and from hind to land. It 
 visited the humble cottage : — it inspired the battled 
 host : — it diffused itself through the councils of nations : 
 — it entered the habitations of the great: — and it some- 
 times ascended the earthly throne. The " gospel came 
 not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy 
 Ghost and in much assurance." 1. Thes. i. 5. 
 
 Early in the ITth century, it pleased the Lord to com- 
 mence a peculiar work of grace in the central parts of 
 Germany, near which the glorious reforma* ion origma- 
 ted. Many pious and learned men, of Jena, Lunen- 
 burgh, Strasbugh, Wittemberg, Cobuig, Hall, Erfurt, 
 Hanover, and Rostock, were employed in producing 
 and carrying on this happy revival. They were 
 brought at first to mourn the decay of piety in the hearts 
 and lives of God's professing people and to attempt, by 
 publishing pious, appropriate tracts, to arouse the minds 
 of Christians in general to the same subject. These 
 means were employed in the Divine Hand, to revive pro- 
 
REVIVALS, 2^3 
 
 fessors, and also to convert many sinners to God. 
 About 166*2, one of these recently published pious pie- 
 ces, was made the means of opening the eyes and inter- 
 esting the heart, of Dr. Spener, on the subject of reli- 
 gion, after which he became a champion in the cause of 
 godliness. His private counsels, his public ministra- 
 tions, an^d his pious publications, were remarkably pros- 
 pered by the Spirit of God, to the enlargement and sanc- 
 tification of the churches committed to his care, in 
 Francfort, Dresden and Berlin. In Francfort, he open- 
 ed a private conference for the instruction and comfort 
 of impressed and anxious souls. To that meeting, in- 
 quirers for Christ were invited to come " to bring forth 
 any experience or spiritual meditation that was upon 
 their minds." Multitudes of citizens and strangers 
 flocked to this meeting intended for private devotion, 
 and the Lord made it a place of mercy to many souls. 
 So great was the fame of these divine operations, that 
 the evangelic pastor was frequently honoured and en- 
 couraged by the attendance of professors of univer- 
 sities, ministers of state, electors and princes. This 
 work was carried into Leipsick and Hall, through the 
 labours of the Rev. Mr. Schade, and professor Frank. 
 Biblical schools, meetings for expounding and reciting 
 the Scriptures, were made effectual means of promoting 
 this good work. Religion in Germany assumed a new 
 form. The walk of piety and the worship of God be- 
 came emphatically marked with knowledge, zeal and 
 devotion. "^^ 
 
 A few years previous to this revival in Germany, a 
 pious company under the influence of the Spirit of God, 
 
 * Vide Historical Collectioo by John Gillies, Vol. 1. boot, ili. Cb. 4 
 
 ^5 
 
274 A riE'sv oi 
 
 arrived in New-England and commenced the settling of 
 that new and uncultivated country. The divine Spirit 
 was poured out uponthera very remarkably from the begin- 
 ning and the divine presence was peculiarly alforded to 
 these colonists for a considerable time.^ They were in 
 general descended immediately from the 15rst English re- 
 formers. Their religious principles and habits were of 
 the most strict and rigid nature. Difficulties and op- 
 pressions at home, rendered their circumstances unhap- 
 py : and by an impulse, from heaven, they simultane- 
 ously resolved to cross the ocean, to settle in a wilder- 
 ness, there to become a covenant people of God, and to 
 worship Him according to the dictates of their pure, sim- 
 ple and fervent piety. This devout little company, of 
 Christian brethren, soon became a multitude. *' And to 
 the great glory of God be it spoken, there never was 
 perhaps before seen such a body of pious people togeth- 
 er on the face of the earth. "f The Spirit of God was 
 copiously imparted to the successive groups of emigrants 
 that arrived from different parts of Europe, and to the 
 children and youth of the colonies. Churches were es- 
 tabHshed in great number and in rapid succession, and 
 filled with fervent and adoring worshippers. In 1629j 
 the leaders of this pious settlement entered publicly in- 
 to solemn covenantj with God and w^ith one another. 
 " The discourse, not only of the aged, but of the youth 
 also, then, was, — how shall we go to Heaven ? Have I 
 true grace wrought in ray heart ? Have 1 Christ or 
 not ? O, how did men and women, young and old pray 
 
 * IG20— 1650. f See Prince's Christian History. 
 
 \ The instrument, drawn up and signed on this occasion, is preserved ic 
 Neal'8 Hie. of the Puritans, A. D. 1629. 
 
REVIVALS. 275 
 
 for grace, beg- for Christ, in those days ! And it was not 
 in vain : many were converted and others were estab- 
 lished in believing, many joined the several churches, 
 where they lived, confessing their faith publicly and 
 shoM'ing ])erore all the ussemhiy their experiences of the 
 workings of God's Spirit, in their hearts, to bring them 
 to Christ."^ 
 
 It was at this period, that Eliof, tlie pious pastor o( 
 Pvoxbury, near Boston, denominated "the apostle to the 
 American Indians," commenced his arduous and sucess- 
 fulf labours among the natives of this country. He was= 
 aided in this service by the Rev. Messrs. John Cotton 
 and Samuel Treat, and the ministrations of all were 
 greatly blessed to these illiterate and wretched heathen. 
 In the Atlantic sidrts of Massachusetts and in Khode- 
 Island, especially on Martha's Vineyard, very soon, sev- 
 eral Indian congregations were established, consisting 
 of many hopefully pious professors, baptized persons 
 and serious inquirers after salvation in Jesus Christ. 
 The Lord communicated his grace in peculiar abun- 
 dance to his people in the colonies, to support and com- 
 fort their hearts amidst the trials inseparable from their 
 state. He added daily to his church such as gave evi- 
 denceof faith, and made that a long continued and mem- 
 orable period of refreshing from his blessed presence. 
 
 In Windham, Connecticut, 1721, the dispensation of 
 the gospel was attended with extraordinary power, and 
 made instrumental in bringing home to Christ, a consid- 
 erable harvest of souls. Persons of all ages and many 
 of dissolute life, were suddenly awakened and deeply 
 impressed, so that through divine grace, in a very short 
 time, eighty souls were added to the Lord. 
 
 "^ PriiK-.e's Chri?. History. i Sec ?4athci\s life of RJiof 
 
2^6 A VIEW OF 
 
 This was followed at the ch)se of the year ir30, by a 
 very remarkable manifestation of heavenly grace, at Free- 
 hold, under the ministry of the Rev. John Tennent and his 
 successor. Early in the settlement of this place a num- 
 ber of intelligent and pious Scotch people fixed their 
 residence there. Notwithstanding the salutary influ- 
 ence of their example and exertions, religion gradually 
 declined. And the prospect was very unpromising 
 when Mr. Tennent commenced his labours among that 
 people. But he soon expressed a strong belief " that 
 Christ had a large harvest of souls to gather in that con- 
 gregation." His ministerial labours were peculiarly 
 prospered. The place of public worship was crouded 
 with attendants, who listened as for their lives ; and the 
 hearers seemed to behave in God's house as if they stood 
 at his bar. The minister and the people were often w^et 
 with tears. It was not unusual to see many persons in 
 time of service sighing and sobbing with deep agitation. 
 Some were carried out of the public assemblies, as if 
 dead, overwhelmed by the majesty and glory of the divine 
 sanctuary. In consequence of the death of this eminent- 
 ly pious and excellent minister of Jesus, this congrega- 
 tion, with the approbation of the people, was very soon 
 placed under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Ten- 
 nent. Soon after accepting the charge, this unassum- 
 ing man of God observed, that the Lord had sent him to 
 reap that on which he had bestowed but little labour. 
 The gracious work was greatly advanced by his pious 
 and faithful efforts, and tlie fruits of this season of mercv 
 Avere very abundant. The subjects of grace were led to 
 Christ by a strong and deep conviction of sin, guilt and 
 danger. They saw their condemned state : — they ac- 
 knowledged the justice of God : — they felt and mourn- 
 ed their helplessness :— and, so, they were compelled to 
 
KEVIVALS. '2TT 
 
 seek relief by faith in Christ alone. The great doc- 
 trines of the gospel, which abase the sinner and exalt 
 the free grace of God, became dear and precious to 
 their hearts. They gloried only in the Lord who had 
 loved them and given himself for them. They spoke 
 with so much clearness, propriety and aflfection, of di- 
 vine things, that every hearer was convinced the Lord 
 had been their teacher. This work of God was entire- 
 ly free from enthusiasm and extravagance. Divine 
 grace was truly illustrated and magnified therein the con- 
 version of many sinners and quickening of many believ- 
 ers. 
 
 Very soon after this pleasing event in Freehold, 
 JVorthampton, was made the theatre upon which the op- 
 erations of the divine Spirit were ej(hibited more strik- 
 ingly and effectually, than in any other instance record- 
 ed in the 18th century. This spot had long been high- 
 ly favoured of God. The llev. Eleazer Mather, the 
 first pastor there, w^as settled in 1669, and his ministry 
 was crowned with extensive success. Rev. Solomon 
 Stoddard who succeeded him in 1672, continued Im 
 ministerial labours till 1728, in distinguished honour and 
 usefulness. He enjoyed five successive seasons of the 
 out-pouring of the Spirit, which he denominated liar- 
 ^ests, inasmuch as each, in its tarn, produced a consider- 
 able increase of church members, and of vital piety. 
 The Rev. Jonathan Edwards, who was the human agent 
 employed by God to begin and carry on the signal work 
 of grace which followed, in i734, &c. possessed knowl> 
 edge, piety and faithfulness, in a pre-eminent Qle^^rce. 
 His earnest efforts to produce among his people a sa'^cred 
 observance of the Sabbath, his introducing and encourag- 
 ing religious meetings among the youth— and his plahi 
 
2i 6 A VIEW OV 
 
 and solemn preaching on the doctrines of grace, espe' 
 ciaiMj justijicafion by faith ; — were the particular means 
 first used, by God, to carry conviction to the hearts of 
 sinners. The following; plain and solemn account of 
 the work that followed is extracted from President Ed- 
 ward's Narrative^ on this subject: — *^' A great and ear- 
 nest concern about the great things of religion and the 
 eternal world became universal in all parts of the town 
 and among persons of ail ages : the noise among the dry 
 bones waxed louder and louder ; all other talk but about 
 spiritual and eternal things was soon thrown by. Other 
 discourse than of the things of religion would scarcely 
 be tolerated in any company. The minds of people 
 v/ere wonderfully taken off from the world. It was 
 treated amongst us as a thing of very little consequence. 
 The temptation now seemed to lie on that hand to ne- 
 glect worldly affairs too much and to spend too much 
 time in the immediate exercise of religion. The only 
 thing in their view v^^as to get the kingdom of heaven 
 and every one appeared pressing into it. The engag- 
 edness of their hearts in this great concern could not be 
 hid : it appeared in their very countenances. It was 
 then a dreadful thing amongst us, to lie out of Christ in 
 danger every day of dropping into hell. There was 
 scarcely a single person in the town either old or young, 
 that was left unconcerned about the great things of the 
 eternal world. The work of conversion was carried on 
 in a most astonishing manner, and increased more and 
 more : souls did as it were come by flocks to Jesus 
 Christ. From day to day, for many months together, 
 might be seen evident instances of sinners brought out 
 
 * See Prince's Chris. His. No. l.i, 1(5. See extract from that Narrative, Gillie's 
 tiollections vol. ii. page 35. 
 
IIEVIVALS. '279 
 
 of darkness into marvellous light, and delivered out 
 of an horrible pit, and Crom the miry clay, and set upon 
 a rock, with a new song of praise to God in their 
 mouths. This work of God, as it was carried on, and 
 the number of true saints multiplied, soon made a glori- 
 ous alteration in the town ; so that in the spring and 
 summer following, in the year 1735, the town seemed to 
 be full of the presence of God. There were remarka- 
 ble tokens of God's presence in almost every house. It 
 was a time of joy in families, on account of salvation's 
 being brought unto them : parents rejoicing over their 
 children, as new born, and husbands over their wives, 
 and wives over their husi)ands. God's days were a de- 
 light, and his tabernacles were amiable. Our public as- 
 semblies were then beautiful : the congregation was 
 alive in God's service, every hearer eager to drink in 
 the words of the minister as they came from his mouth: 
 the assembly in general were from time to time in tears, 
 while the word was preached ; some weeping with sor- 
 row and distress, others with joy and love, others with 
 pity and concern for the souls of their neighbours." 
 Many villages and congregations in the surrounding- 
 country, shared richly in this copious effusion of the 
 Spirit of God. 
 
 About the year 1738, the apostolic Whitefield com- 
 menced his preaching tours through these states. The 
 effect was wonderful. The Divine Spirit seemed hap- 
 pily to accompany him, and to prosper his fervent and 
 unwearied labours. Thousands traced their first reli- 
 gious impressions and their eternal hopes, to his power- 
 ful and awakening sermons, in the hands of God. The 
 period of bis journies may be viewed as a continued 
 season of awakening among the thoughtless, and revival 
 
280 A VIEW OF f^ 
 
 among the pious. His visits of love and power, were 
 extended to the whole country : he preached in most of 
 the important towns and villages, and often in groves 
 and in the open fields. The fruits of his labours, by di- 
 vine grace, were made abundant and precious, through 
 ail the provinces, 
 
 A few years after these great successes, the Rev. Gil- 
 bert Tennent was induced to visit New-England, in the 
 same evangelizing service. He did not possess so ex- 
 tensively as Mr. Whitefield, the natural powers of elo- 
 quence, but the grace of God rested upon him, and gave 
 astonishing efhcacy to his ministrations, in many places. 
 He seemed to go forth in the name of the Most High, 
 armed with the sword of the Spirit, and clothed with sal- 
 vation. In the city of Boston, many hundreds, some 
 judged thousands, were deeply impressed by his dis- 
 courses. Many children w,ere deeply convinced, and 
 some receiv^ed consolation. In Charlestown and Cam- 
 bridge, great numbers were awakened and hopefully 
 converted. Some very aged, many in the prime of life, 
 some very young, several students in Harvard college, 
 and a number of people of colour, shared this saving in- 
 fluence. Mr. Tennent's sermons were made " the wis- 
 dom of God and the power of God," to the conviction 
 and conversion of many sinners, in Ipswich, Portsmouth, 
 Marblehead, Chelsea, Hampton, Plymouth, Bristol, 
 Providence, Stonington, New-London, Lyme, Guilford, 
 Taunton, New-Haven, Stratford, Newport, and Milford. 
 Through all the region from New-Jersey to New-Hamp- 
 shire, the Spirit of the Lord was poured out powerfully 
 upon the principal towns and villages. It was a glori- 
 ous triumph o- the Son of God among sinful men. Ma- 
 ny pious and excellent persons appeared to entertain a 
 
Jp REVIVALS. 281 
 
 joyful persuasion, that the latter day glory was arising 
 upon them. 
 
 In 1739, the Spirit of God commenced a glorious 
 work of awakening among sinners, and refreshing among 
 Christians, in the united congregations of Arawell, 
 Hopewell and Lawrence, under the pastoral service of 
 the Rev. Mr. Rowland. His faithful labours, in preach- 
 ing and visiting, were made the means of beginning this 
 gracious work. It commenced in Am well, May 17 9. 
 A discourse upon these words, *^ The Master is come 
 and callcth for thee," was made powerful and awaken- 
 ing to many souls. A sermon at another tim.e, on the 
 following passage, "All things are ready, come to the 
 marriage," proved sweetly encouraging and comforting 
 to many agitated spirits. The power of God's grace 
 was exercised remarkably, in a iew instances. October 
 6th, 1736, at a night meeting, only about fifteen persons 
 assembled, eleven of whom were deeply convinced of 
 their misery, and brought to cry out so distressingly, 
 that Mr. Rowland thought it prudent to conclude the 
 service. When he asked them afterwards the reason of 
 their loud and awful cries, some answered, " that they 
 saw hell opening before them, and themselves ready to 
 fall into it :" others added, '' That they were struck with 
 such a sense of their sinfulness, that they were afri^iid the 
 Lord would never have mercy on them." Another of 
 these special seasons, was December 30, 1739; when 
 the Lord was pleased to manifest his grace exceedingly, 
 through the whole service. Some hardened creatures 
 w^ere deeply co'ivinced of the truth and beauty of reli- 
 gion. Some persons present said, "they never would 
 forget this day, in whi-.h God had been so gracious to 
 them," 
 
 36 
 
282 A VIEW OF ^ 
 
 In Lawrence, tl-e work of grace commenced and pro- 
 gressed in a manner somewhat different. April 6th^ 
 1740, at public service, the subject was the gospel net, 
 Mat. xiii. 47 ; and many were deeply humbled before 
 the Lord. The whole assembly, believers and unbe- 
 lievers, seemed to be much moved and affected by di- 
 vine influence. On the 24th of July, the same year, 
 public service seemed to produce a lively and sweet 
 impression on the minds of hearers, especially on Chris- 
 tians. After public worship, some as they were return- 
 ing home, stopped at the house of a Christian friend on 
 the way. The company, at first small, was soon increas- 
 ed to forty. An address to them, on the first verses of 
 the fiftieth Psalm^ was attended with peculiar effect, and 
 "the Spirit of the Lord was made to work by it upon 
 all that were present. The love of God's people was 
 uncommonly inflamed to Jesus Christ ; (heir views of 
 liis majesty and glory were much enlarged ; their long- 
 ings after him much stirred up; their zeal for God's 
 glory enkindled anew. And as to the unconverted that 
 were present, they received very clear discoveries of 
 their undone state by nature. This was followed with 
 the mighty power of God, in a sermon, the next eve- 
 ning, to a large congregation, in the same town." In 
 Lawrence, August 8d, " God was pleased to magnify 
 his grace, in visiting many poor sinners. He opened 
 their eyes, to see themselves without Christ, and with- 
 out hope in the world : their convictions were attended 
 with great horror and trembling and loud weeping. 
 Many did continue crying in the most doleful manner 
 along the road, in their way home, and it was not in the 
 power of man to prevail with them to refrain ; for the 
 word of the Lord remained like a fire upon their hearts. 
 
REVIVALS. 283 
 
 Respecting the nature of this work, their views of heart 
 corruption, their distance from God and their having 
 lived so long without him, were very clear and aflect- 
 ing: their hardness and unbelief, their ignorance and 
 blindness, pressed very close upon them: their need of 
 Christ and his Spirit was such, that there was no rest to 
 be taken in any thing here below, until they did obtain 
 an interest in Jesus Christ, and receive his Spirit, to pu- 
 rify and sanctify their hearts."* 
 
 While God was performing these things in Am well 
 and Lawrence, he commenced an abundant out-pouring 
 of his Spirit, in the congregation and town of Newark, 
 New- Jersey, peculiarly upon the youth of that place. 
 Christians in general were refreshed, and multitudes 
 of young sinner^ laid under deep and solemn con- 
 victions. This divine w^ork progressed steadily, through 
 the months of November, December and January. In 
 the following March, the " whole town was brought 
 under an uncommon concern about their eternal inter- 
 ests, and about that time, a considerable number expe- 
 rienced a saving change." 
 
 No corresponding excitement was felt at Elizabeth- 
 Town, though very near, till June, 1740, when the work 
 at Newark considerably declined. The eloquent and 
 flaming Whitefield, had preached there just before, it was 
 believed, in vain : and the profound and pious Dickin- 
 son, their stated pastor, had appeared to labour w ith ve- 
 ry little success. But God's set time to visit this people 
 in mercy, had now come. The windows of heaven 
 were suddenly opened, and a glorious 'shower of grace 
 was sent down upon them. As in Newark, the impres- 
 
 * Vide Letter of Mr. Rowland, in Gillie's Coll'e, vol. 2, p. 138. 
 
284 A VIEW OF 
 
 sion was made at first principally upon the young. The 
 account of this work, by the great and venerable pastor, 
 is very interesting: — "Having at that time invited the 
 young people to hear a sermon, there w^.s a numerous 
 congregation convened, which consisted chiefly of our 
 youth, though there were many others with tiiem. I 
 preached to them a plain, practical sermon, without any 
 special liveliness or vigour: for I was then in a re- 
 markably dead and dull frame, till enlivened by a sud- 
 den and deep impression, which visibly appeared upon 
 the congregation in general. There was no crying out 
 or falling down, as elsewhere happened, but the inward 
 distress and concern of the audience, discovered itself 
 by their tears, and by an audible sobbing and sighing in 
 almost all parts of the assembly. There appeared such 
 tokens of a solemn and deep concern as 1 never before 
 saw in any congregation. We had no instances among 
 us of such sudden conversions as I have heard of else- 
 where: but our new converts were all for a considera- 
 ble time under a law work, before they were brought 
 to any satisfying views of their interest in Christ, and the 
 favour of God. It was remarkable, that they who were 
 formerly eminent for religion, were now greatly quick- 
 ened and revived, and some of them had now such joy- 
 ful manifestations of God's love to their souls, as they 
 had never belore experienced."^ 
 
 The regular worship of God, was introduced into the 
 Northern Neck of Virginia, about 1 730, through the lau- 
 dable exertions of Mr. John Or/^an, a pious schoolmas- 
 ter, of that place from Scotland, and a church was or- 
 ganized there through the instrumentality of the Rev, 
 Mr. Anderson. 
 
 * Vide Gillie's Coil's. toI. 2, p. 143. 
 
REVITAL8. 285 
 
 In ir42, the divine work which had prospered so glo- 
 riously in the eastern states, was carried by the divine 
 Spirit into soire parts of Pennsylvania, and more espe- 
 cially, into Hanover, in the state of Virginia. The 
 manner of its commencing there was very extraordinary 
 and interesting. Mr. Samuel Morris, a pla»)ter of dis- 
 tinction, residing in Hanover, providentially obtained 
 some old, pious books, from rearing which he became 
 solemnly concerned for his soul's salvation. His im- 
 pressions were cherished by the divine Spirit till he 
 found hope and comfort in Christ. Piorapted by the 
 Spirit of true piety, he invited his neighbours to come 
 to his house, that he might read to them out of the pre- 
 cious volumes* which he believed had providentially/ 
 fallen into his hands and which had been, he humbly 
 trusted, so graciou-ly blessed to his everlasting interests. 
 His neighbours attended numerously and very soon, 
 many were solemnly impressed and made hopefully the 
 subjects of recovering grace. When his own house 
 became too small for the crouds that attended, a more 
 convenient building was prepared for their accommoda- 
 tion, which was known extensively by the name o( Mr. 
 Morrises Reading House. Soon after this arrangement 
 was made, the leaders of this company ofanxious inquirers 
 and devout worshippers, got some knowledge of the Rev. 
 William Robinson, a missionary of the presbytery of 
 New-Brunswick, who entered Virginia and preached at 
 a place not very remote from the Heading House. Mes- 
 sengers were dispatched to invite Mr. Robinson to come 
 
 * The books from time to time useH in this manner, were Boston's Fourfold 
 Statp— Luthpr on the Galatiana— some of Buiiyan's Works— and Whitefield'g 
 Sermons ; — all admirably calculated to produce a eerious and lasting impression 
 •Q the mind. 
 
28C A VIEW OP 
 
 and preach to them. He yielded to their solicitation 
 and visisted them in the fulness of the power and mercy 
 of the gospel. " He continued with us," says Mr. 
 Morris in a letter on this subject, "preaching four 
 days successively. The congregation was large the first 
 day and vastly increased the three ensuing. 'Tis hard 
 for the liveliest imagination to form an image of the con- 
 dition of the assembly on these glorious days of the Son 
 of man. Such as had been hungering for the word before 
 were lost in an agreeable surprise and astonishment, and 
 some could not refrain from publicly declaring their^ 
 transport. IMany that came through curiosity were 
 pricked to the heart and but few in the numerous assem- 
 blies on these four days appeared unaffected. They 
 returned alarmed with apprehensions of their dangerous 
 condition, convinced of their former entire ignorance of 
 religion and anxiously inquiring what they should do to 
 be saved."* After this, the private use of the means of 
 grace became more general and more effectual there, 
 A spirit of inquiry and concern, on the subject of reli- 
 gion seemed to pervade the whole country. Soon after 
 the Rev. Messrs. Blair, Ptoan, Tennent and Finley 
 preached at Hanover with great effect. Whitefield 
 spent several days in the same region, and his sermons 
 were made the means of giving additional earnestness to 
 those already impressed and of awakening others to seek 
 the Lord. In a short season the Lord was pleased to 
 send these people a pastor after his own heart, in the 
 Rev. Samuel Davies,f under whose able and faithful la- 
 
 * See this letter of Mr. Morris, Gillie's Col. vol. 2. page 331. 
 t Afterwards President of Princeton college, New-Jersey. 
 
REYIVALS. 287 
 
 bours the cause of the Redeemer was greatly advanced 
 in that part of Virginia.'^ 
 
 About the same time and during a few of the following 
 years, the Lord was pleased to display his power glori- 
 ously among the natives of this country, through the 
 missionary services of the pious and indefatigable Rev. 
 David Brainerd. These labours were commenced and 
 continued some time exclusively among the tribes on the 
 Delaware and Susquehanna rivers, and they were at- 
 tended with many useful and happy effects on those ig- 
 norant and savage people. But his efforts among the 
 Indian settlements at Crosweek's, in New-Jersey, If 45, 
 were blessed in a much more remarkable degree. His 
 own humble representation of the success with which 
 he was honoured in this important mission, is very inter- 
 esting. 
 
 " I discoursed to the Indians, at tiie place where T 
 have usually preached to them. There appeared no- 
 thing very remarkable till near the close of my dis- 
 course, and then divine truths w^ere attended with a sur- 
 prising influence. There were scarce three out of for- 
 ty that could refrain from tears and bitter cries. They 
 all, as one^ seemed in an agony of soul, to obtain an in- 
 terest in Christ. It was surprising to see how their 
 hearts seemed to be pierced with the tender and melting 
 invitations of the gospel." On the 3th of August, when 
 Mr. Brainerd preached to them ap^ain, "the power of 
 God seemed to descend upon the assembly, like a 
 rushing mighty wind, and with an astonishing energy, 
 bore down ail before it. * I stood,' says he, * amazed at 
 
 * For a more ample view of the origin and progress of religion in Virginia, 
 see Notes on Virginia by Thomas Jefferson, Esq, Query xvii. Memoirs of the 
 Rev, John Rodgers, D.D. by Samuel Millar, B.D. Cliaptpr ii, 
 
288 A VIEW OF 
 
 the influence which seized the audience, almost univer- 
 sally, and could compare it to nothing more aptly than 
 the irresistible force of a mighty torrent or swelling de- 
 luge. Old men and women, who had been drunken 
 wretches for many years, and some little children, not 
 more than six or seven years of age, appeared in dis- 
 tress for their souls, as well as persons of middle age.*' 
 A considerable number of these poor perishing crea- 
 tures, were brought to a saving knowledge and accep- 
 tance of Christ Jesus. An observation of this humble 
 and heavenly minded missionary, shall close this ac- 
 count : — " God*s manner of working upon them, appear- 
 ed so entirely supernatural, and above means, that I 
 could scarce believe he used me as an instrument, or 
 what I spake, as means of carrying on his work. I 
 seemed to do nothing, and indeed to have nothing to do, 
 but stand still and see the salvation of God."* During 
 the ensuing fall and winter, a considerable congrega- 
 tion was collected and formed. Many adults and chil- 
 dren were baptized, and twenty-three natives were ad- 
 mitted to the holy communion of the Lord's supper, 
 whose lives were exemplary and honourable to their 
 Christian profession. 
 
 To avoid awakening invidious feelings, and to keep 
 within proper limits, our sketch of revivals must close 
 here; but we leave the power and mercy of God in 
 their victorious progress through the church and through 
 the world. God has chosen the close of the eighteenth 
 century and the beginning of the nineteenth, as the sea- 
 son in which to display, with peculiar sovereignty and 
 glory, the riches of his grace. He is from year to year, 
 
 * For the interesting particulars of this mission, see Lifeof Brainerd, hy Pres- 
 ident Edwards. 
 
REVIVALS. 
 
 289 
 
 riding forth in the chariot of his everlasting gospel, con- 
 quering and to conquer. Towns and cities, cultivated 
 plains and unfrequented deserts, continents and islands, 
 submit before him and hail his approach ! 
 
 On the whole, from the preceding view, it appears, that 
 God has always adapted his dispensations to the condi, 
 tion of his church, to the state of the world, to the ne- 
 cessities of his people, and to the nature of his own prom- 
 ises and purposes respecting the salvation of men. 
 Sometimes we see almighty powder adorably exerted for 
 the overthrow of unbelief, for the awakening and con- 
 version of sinners, for the separation and establishment 
 of holy communities to worship and praise the Lord, 
 where ignorance, vice and superstition had lately held 
 their throne. Sometimes we see the Father of mercies 
 deigning to visit, to collect, reanimate and cheer a fee- 
 ble, scattered, declining group of his own people, pre- 
 serving and invigorating the things that remain, lest they 
 may wholly perish. In some instances, we see the hearts 
 of saints and sinners both deeply and simultaneously im- 
 pressed and affected, the work of grace, happily advan- 
 ced in many where it had been previously commenced, 
 and effectually, begun in others, formerly under the 
 deadly dominion of sin and guilt. Sometimes we see 
 individuals in churches and in communities, richly re- 
 plenished with grace, animated with noble and ardent 
 zeal, and thus becoming, through tlie signal favour of 
 heaven, leaders and champions in reforming, reviving 
 and advancing God's earthly kingdom, on a small or an 
 extended scale. And sometimes the divine Spirit has 
 been afforded abundantly, in dark periods of the world, 
 to companies living in retirement and seclusion, to en 
 able them to resist error, to preserve *' the faith deliver- 
 
290 A VIEW OF 
 
 ed to the saints" — that they may become a source ot 
 light, instruction and benefit to their darkened and 
 groping fellow men. This, wherever realized, ought 
 to be viewed as a work of God's Spirit — a steady and 
 prevailing operation of divine grace, against the en- 
 croachments of de])ravity, delusion and guilt. 
 
 We are not competent, v\ ith all the lights of divine 
 revelation, to delineate with entire accuracy, the sea- 
 sons and modes, which the Hob/ Spirit will observe in 
 accomplishing the eternal purposes of grace to men. 
 But we are encouraged to believe, that the Son of maii 
 will, at no distant period, obtain a great victory and en- 
 joy a lasting reign in this world over 7noral <ind phi/sic- 
 al evil. In producing this salutary change, the "min- 
 istry of reconciliation" will be the principal means em- 
 ployed. Missionary associations — Bible and tract soci- 
 eties — Sunday schools — institutions for the instruction 
 of the deaf and dumb — missionary and theological semi- 
 naries — prayer meetings — reformation and benevolent 
 societies, will be made extensively conducive, through 
 divine grace, to the promotion and establisiiment of 
 Christ's dominion upon earth. This will be an awaken- 
 ing and revival, infinitely extended, exalted and delight- 
 ful, bringing boundless glory to God and gladness to 
 men. 
 
 A very interesting object to be contemplated in the 
 new and highly improved state of morals and religion, 
 which we anticipate, is the universal diffusion of divine 
 knowledge. The truth of God shall every where 
 abound. Now ignorance, error and superstition pre- 
 vail, entirely, over a great part of the earth, and hold 
 their dominion, lamentably in the most enlightened 
 countries. How many nations are without God and 
 
REVIVALS. 291 
 
 without Christ in the world, sittinc; in the dark vale 
 of the shadow of spiritual death, perishing for lack 
 of knowledge ! Then, the earth shall he full of the 
 knojvledgc of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.^ 
 Jesus Christ, now so unknown and neglected, will be 
 the object of universal inquiry and admiration. The 
 gospel will be possessed and read, by every people and 
 in every tongue, as the only source of true wisdt)m and 
 enjoyment: — it will be received and cherished rs the 
 word of God widch workHh effectualhj in them that hc' 
 ZfeDe,f producing faith and penitence, obedience and 
 holiness. 
 
 In consequence of the universal diffusion of knowl- 
 edge and piety, the principles of justice and benevo- 
 lence, will generally prevail among men. Deception 
 and violence shall, in a great measure, cease — fraud and 
 malice disappear — and the great precept of our Lord 
 be universally observed, "Whatsoever ye would that 
 men should do to you, do ye even so to them."t now- 
 delightful, when humanity, forgiveness and mercy, shall 
 be as widely difTused as the dews of Heaven ! — What an 
 immense impi-ovement in the moral face of things — what 
 an accession to the happiness of human societ}' — how 
 unlike the dissentions in families and communities which 
 distract the world — what an advance towards human 
 perfection — how near an approach to the harmony and 
 bliss of heaven! 
 
 It will be a season of general peace on earth. The 
 prophetic declarations on this subject, are very nume- 
 rous and very strong : — " Nations shall beat their 
 swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning 
 
 * Isai. xi. p. !• I Thcs. \\. 13. % Mat. vii. 12. 
 
292 A VIEW OF 
 
 hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, 
 neither shall they learn war any more.^ But they shall 
 sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and 
 none shall make them afraid. f The wolf also shall 
 dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with 
 the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the failing 
 together, and a little child shall lead them."J A great 
 part of the earth, is now inhabited by"' fierce, savage 
 tribes, who delight in war and glory in shedding human 
 blood. Ferocity and violence are cherished among 
 them as the most honorable characteristics of their na- 
 ture, and transmitted as an invaluable heritage, from 
 generativ:>n to generation. But their savage passions 
 shall be subdued by heavenly grace. The peaceful 
 Spirit of God shall reign in their hearts and in their 
 councils. The plundering Arab — the migratory Tar- 
 tar — the barbarous Indian — the debased African JJ — the 
 brutal Hottentot^ — the treacherous Malay — shall be 
 united to the now civilized nations of the earth in joy- 
 ful bonds of harmony, mutual confidence and recipro- 
 cal kindness. Civil government will probably exist, in 
 this millennial period, but receive much less attention 
 than it does at present. It may be, and indeed, it seems 
 not improbable, that the whole world will be governed 
 as the Jews formerly were, under a Thcocracj/f God 
 himself acting as the Supreme Magistrate and execu- 
 ting his holy pleasure, by persons specially called and 
 appointed. It seems evident, that there will be very little 
 occasion for laws and civil officers, when wickedness shall 
 
 * Isai. ii. 4. Mic. iv, 3. -J- Mic. iv. 4. \ Isai. xi. 6. 
 
 6 By this is meant more especially the African IWgro. 
 
REVIVALS. 293 
 
 generally cease, and righteousness every where prevail. 
 There will arise differences of opinion between indi- 
 viduals and communities respecting property and rights, 
 but these diflerences, it may be reasonably presumed, 
 will be, in general, amicably adjusted by referring them 
 to the decision of a common earthly umpire, or to God 
 himself, who may judge and decide between the parties. 
 If any forms of government and codes of laws shall re- 
 main, they will exist, principally, as a terror to the few 
 who may persist in doing evil, and they will generally 
 lie in a dormant state, ready to be awakened and em- 
 ployed, if returning iniquity should require it. 
 
 When we consider that diabolical^ influence in tempt- 
 ing and deceiving men, will be greatly diminished, if 
 not entirely prevented, through this happy period— when 
 we reflect how much more constant and vigorous, hu- 
 man attention, to divine things, will become, when war, ci- 
 vil government, indolent repose and schemes of ambition, 
 of pleasure and of vice, shall cease to engross the mind 
 and to alienate it from God — and, especially, when we 
 realize, how abundantly and triumphantly God will pour 
 out his Spirit into the hearts of men — we may reasonably 
 expect that Christians will then attain to exalted and un- 
 paralleled degrees of holiness and of maturity in every 
 pious grace and virtue. The true worship, faithfal obe- 
 dience and ardent love of God, will occupy the hearts 
 and lives of all ranks and ages of men. The acceptable 
 incense of unfeigned devotion shall ascend from every 
 habitation of men, to the Father of mercies. Every 
 tongue shall break out in evangelic strains and the whole 
 human race, in one grand chorus raise the glad song, 
 
 * Rev. XX. r;' 
 
294 ~ A VIEW OF 
 
 " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good 
 will to men !" 
 
 Physical changes, corresponding with these moral and 
 religious improvements, it appears rational to anticipate. 
 When the human race, universally, shall become obedi- 
 ent and holy, it is reasonable to suppose, that the ex- 
 tremes of heat and cold, of wet and dry, and various 
 other evil consequences of sin, will be either totally 
 remedied, or experienced in a much smaller degree, 
 and that the seasons will become uniformly serene and 
 pleasant, and the earth generally productive. It is dif- 
 ficult indeed, to conceive how so great a change can be 
 speedily produced. But will not the effects of human 
 population, industry and ingenuity, carried to perfec- 
 tion, be exceedingly great and manifest, in ameliorating 
 and beautifying the face of the earth, in cJianging the ir- 
 regularity, and in moderating the severity of the seasons? 
 When the vast forests and thickets, which in some pla- 
 ces exist, come to be cut down and cleared out- — w^hen 
 extensive morasses and swamps, in other places, shall be 
 drained — when canals shall be cut, and streams opened, 
 for the purpose of carrying off the offensive matter col- 
 lected in some places, and to water other dry and thirs- 
 ty regions of the earth — when agriculture shall be car- 
 ried to the highest possible degree of perfection ; what 
 inconceivable changes in the climate and fertility of the 
 earth, will not all this create? But if human and ordi- 
 nary means are not deemed sufficient to effect the alter- 
 ations contemplated, why may we not expect divine in- 
 terposition, to "comfort mankind concerning their work 
 and the toil of their hands, because of the ground which 
 the Lord hath cursed" 1^ How easily could he pro- 
 
 * Gen. V. 29. 
 
REVIVALS. 295 
 
 duce the greatest changes, by the operation of natural 
 causes, without the appearance of any thing miracu- 
 lous ? A small alteration in the elements above us, 
 might easily produce the happiest consequences, all the 
 improvements that we anticipate in the temperature and 
 fertility of the globe. A change in the air, in the winds, 
 in the dews, in the rains— how extensive might be its 
 effects! how extensively might it contribute to bring 
 about the ameliorations we predict! how readily might 
 it make fountains of living waters break forth in deso- 
 late places, and deserts rejoice and blossom as the rose ! 
 When the children of men universally, shall be made 
 sons of God, shall not the tempests, hurricanes and 
 earthquakes, which now with awful voice declare the 
 majesty and wrath of God, cease to agitate and desolate 
 the earth ? The probability of this happy change in 
 the earth, is rendered very strong, by the recollection 
 that God, in his providence, has always acted agreeably 
 to his ancient determination, to bestow temporal bless- 
 ings upon those individuals and nations who were obe- 
 dient and holy. He threatened his ancient people with 
 earthly judgments, in case they should rebel against 
 him : and he promised fruitful seasons, abundance and 
 length of days, to those who should be persevering and 
 faithful in his service. In administering his govern- 
 ment, he acts upon the same principles still. And when 
 mankind in general shall, through the grace of God, be 
 restored from the ruins of the fall, then will he release 
 the earth, in a great measure, from the curse inflicted 
 on account of their apostacy (rom him. It will be 
 no more difRcult for God to repair the ruins of the earth, 
 and to renovate the atmosphere, than it was for him af- 
 ter the rebellion of man, whom he had placed on this 
 
"296 A VIEW OF 
 
 globe, to mar its beauty, to interrupt its regular genial 
 seasons, and to suspend its constant and universal fertili- 
 ty. Thus Avill be fulfilled the promise of God : — " Be- 
 hold, I create new heavens and a new earth : and the 
 former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind."^ 
 
 In consequence of the changes predicted, it appears 
 highly probable, that men in general will enjoy uniform 
 health and long life upon earth. The diseases which 
 now afflict and destroy our race, proceed principally 
 from the impurity of our atmosphere, the sudden transi- 
 tions from heat to cold and wet to dry, and from the ir- 
 regularity of our habits. But when uniform mildness 
 shall take place in our climate, and regularity appear in 
 the course of the seasons — v/hen plenty shall be enjoy- 
 ed over the face of the whole earth — and when early, 
 habitual and general industry, piety, temperance and 
 joy shall prevail — how extensive must be their united 
 influence, in promoting length of days, among our frail 
 and short lived race ! Then will the prophecy be ful- 
 filled : ^* As the days of a tree are the days of my peo- 
 ple, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their 
 hands."f 
 
 Another consequence, of the alterations we expect, 
 will be, an immense increase in the population of the 
 world. When the days of man shall be lengthened to 
 the antediluvian age— when famine and pestilence shall 
 no more devour the children of men — when the cor- 
 rupt and cruel practices of some eastern nations of de- 
 stroying infants and sacrificing adults through vice and 
 superstition, shall be abandoned — when wars shall cease, 
 and tyrants no more deluge countries in human blood—- 
 
 *= (sa. Ixv. 17. ^ Isa. hv, 22. 
 
iiEV*IVALS. 29/ 
 
 when pride and excess shall disappear — when the air 
 shall be universally pure and healthful, and the earth ex- 
 ceedingly productive — when the waters which now 
 hide two-thirds of the surface of the globe from our 
 view, shall bear along floating mansions for multitudes 
 of ourfeJlow creatures, deriving subsistence from their 
 traffic with the surrounding shores, and from the bosom 
 of th« tranquil deeps beneath — how large indeed will 
 be the number of the human race in this long and happy 
 period! 
 
 It is really delightful also to reflect hov7 beautiful man- 
 kind will generally become in the season of universal 
 change and perfect reformation, here contemplated. No 
 ^A'here do we meet with more striking and aiTecting dis- 
 plays of divine wrath and of human depravitj^^ than in the 
 form and face of man. In some, what shocking deformity, 
 what horrible expression of brutal passion! — In many, 
 what want of regularity, mildness and benevolence! — 
 In most, what weakness and dulness ! — how little of real 
 loveliness and goodness! — But in the improved condi- 
 tion of things approaching, there will be a surprising 
 and delightful amelioration of the human countenance. 
 The irregularities and deformities, which now appear, 
 proceed from the operation of disease and vice, either 
 on the individuals possessing them, or from their previ- 
 ous effects upon the parents.. But when health, activi- 
 ty, frugality, intelligence and piety shall all operate 
 from early life aud be continued from generation to 
 generation, — what regular proportion, what elegance 
 and dignity, of form — in the countenance, what sereni- 
 t}", what perfection of features, w^iat S3'mmetrv of parts, 
 whatglow^and colouring- — inthe eye, what sparkling and 
 animation, whnt intelligence and cxprci^s inn—on. (he 
 
 38 
 
298 SKETCH OF 
 
 whole, what elevated and transporting beauty in man, 
 must result from the operation of so many causes ! — 
 Then will men probably recover in a considerable de- 
 gree, their primeval form and comeliness. However, 
 although delightful, beyond expression, to every be- 
 holder, yet Avill this consummate beauty be little val- 
 ued. 
 
 A great and corresponding change will take place in 
 the occupations and employments of men. No arts of 
 war wili then be studied. There will be few physicians 
 and probably no professors of the law. With regard to 
 dancing masters, theatres, and stage players, the scene 
 will be closed. Teachers of the truth and ministers of 
 the gospel will be very numerous and highly honoured. 
 Innocent and industrious traders from land to land will 
 probably exist. There will be constant necessity for 
 mechanical skill and labour. Cultivators of the earth 
 will every where abound. But the chief business 
 which will interest the feelings and occupy the hearts 
 of mortals will be the service, the love, and the praise 
 of God and the Redeemer. 
 
 How delightful and animating the prospect with 
 which Christian faith and hope are here presented! 
 Are then these grand results, these inestimable blessings, 
 on the condition of mankind, to proceed from the gene- 
 ral diffusion of the grace of God ? And is this to be 
 promoted, by the diligent and faithful use of the means 
 of grace which God has appointed in connexion with 
 the sincere, fervent and persevering prayers of Zion 
 and of all her children ? — In whose heart, is not the 
 strong desire for this glorious event already enkindled I 
 Whose lips shall not utter fervently and constantly the 
 evangelic prayer " Thy kingdom come" ? "Even so, 
 come Lord Jesus T' Amen. 
 
NOTE I. 
 
 IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYING GOOD 
 ENGLISH TEACHERS. 
 
 Xeaciiers of English schools have in many situations 
 great opportunity, by their example and conversation, 
 to influence the opinions and conduct of both parents 
 and children. In general, they enjoy free access to the 
 persons and families of those whose children they in- 
 struct: — they often possess a degree of intelligence and 
 shrewdness which give them some influence, even when 
 radically corrupt : — and they are often, especially in 
 retired places, among uncultivated people, who do not 
 discriminate character nicely, considered in some de- 
 gree as standards of correct principle and deportment. 
 Their influence with the children, which is more certain 
 and extensive, arises from their relation to them, au- 
 thority over them, and constant intercourse with theme 
 Peculiar care should therefore be exercised, by those 
 who have the superintendence of these important insti- 
 tutions, to prevent unprincipled, ignorant and vicious 
 teachers, whose influence may be so pernicious in prop- 
 agating error and vice, from being employed in them. 
 Trustees and all persons concerned in schools, should 
 endeavour as far as possible, to engage, for teachers, 
 men of such moral principles and habits, as they would 
 
;>0U ijiM'onTA:«CK of employixC; 
 
 wish their own children to acquire. The iiDprcssionf 
 and biases of children in regard to moral conduct, are 
 received and formed very ea,rly. They are strongly 
 prone to imitation. They will graduilly conform 
 themselves to the example which is daily exhibited be- 
 fore their eyes, by one, whom they are taught to respect 
 and obey. AVhen children find themselves placed un- 
 der the control and culture of immoral men, it is nei- 
 ther unnatural nor difiicult, for them to draw the infer- 
 ence, that their parents and guardians care very little 
 about good principles and habits, provided their chil- 
 dren progress in their education: — this inference once 
 made, respect for their parents and friends around them, 
 and the natural propensity to evil, will lead to another 
 more pernicious, that moral principles and virtues are 
 things of little value, in themselves; and then these 
 young learners and reasoners are prepared to become 
 prompt imitators of vice, and apt disciples in the school 
 of iniquity. 
 
 Besides, what security is there, in employing men of 
 corrupt niorals, or even of suspicious character, that 
 they will conscientiously and faithfully endeavour, to 
 forward their little pupils in obtaining the elements of 
 education. How great must the difference be, in the 
 discharge of the duties of their station, between teach- 
 ers who have no characters to support, who are desti- 
 tute of moral principle, and whose minds are already 
 brol^en dov/n and their hearts hardened by vice — and 
 teachers who have a character at stake and prospects 
 before them, whose powers and feelings, principles and 
 hopes, are alive and active ! AVhenever a teacher is 
 wanted, one ought to be sought for who possesses the 
 necessary moral as well as literary qualifications-— a 
 
GOOD ENGLISH TEACHERS. 301 
 
 man who will probably be actuated not merely by a 
 regard to present convenience, interest or necessity, but 
 by a regard to character, by just views of his own fu- 
 ture interests, by feelings of rectitude and a sense of 
 duty. Negligence on this subject is often attended 
 w^ith the most injurious and unhappy consequences. 
 
NOTE J. 
 
 PROPRIETY OF USING THE BIBLE IN 
 ENGLISH SCHOOLS. 
 
 It cannot be too deeply and seriously regretted, that the 
 Bible has been, so generally, excluded from common 
 use, in our English schools, and that many judicious 
 and even pious people, should have, unwisely and un- 
 happily, concurred in this infidel measure, unconscious 
 of its corrupt origin and destructive tendency. 
 
 AVhat book is so suitable to be put into the hands of a 
 child, as the Sacred Scriptures ? — Children very early 
 manifest a degree of curiosity, respecting the origin, the 
 history, and the destination, of this world, which, from the 
 Bible, may be fully, agreeably and profitably, gratified. 
 Here also are revealed those sacred truths, and princi- 
 ples of duty, a knowledge of which it is of the highest 
 importance, that their uninformed and susceptible 
 minds, should very early acquire. The grandeur, nov- 
 elty and variety contained in sacred history, are found 
 to be, in general, extremely interesting to young minds. 
 No other book presents scenes so tender and affecting as 
 many recorded in the Old and New Testament. The style 
 and language of Scripture, are various, adapted peculiar- 
 ly to the different capacities, ages and improvements of 
 children and youth : and in general the plainness, of 
 the truths conveyed, corresponds with the simplicity of 
 
t^04: TROrRlKTV OF USING THE BIBLF. 
 
 the style. A judicious and attentive teacher can, there- 
 fore profitably, use the sacred volume for the purpose of 
 teaching his little learners how to read ; and he may 
 lead them gradually onward and upward, as they ad- 
 vance in years^ knowledge and reflection. The divine 
 account of the work of creation and of the fall of man, 
 of the life of the patriarchs and of the first migrations 
 and settlements of men, is wonderfully simple and easy 
 to be understood. The book of Proverbs abounds with 
 wisdom and piety, in so plain, concise and comprehen- 
 sive a form, that a child of (ew years, may here by a 
 mere exercise of memory, acquire in a few short senten- 
 ces, a most valuable mass of useful knowledge, on eve- 
 ry subject, of human life and conduct. The Psalms of 
 David are pious, familiar and devout, calculated to 
 teach the infant tongue to utter the penitential com- 
 plaint, the prayer of faith and the praises of God. 
 The gospel history possesses every quality necessary to 
 please and interest, to inform and aflect, to impress and 
 improve, the youngest and most untutored reader. The 
 writings of the prophets are figurative, elevated and 
 sublime in sentiment and expression, adapted to strong- 
 er powers and higher improvements. The Epistles of 
 Paul, which exhibit the mighty movements of a strong 
 and inspired intellect, exploring and developing diffi- 
 cult and solemn subjects, afibrd scope for the exercise 
 of more vigour and cultivation of mind. The Bible, so 
 full of every thing sacred, attracting and useful, can be 
 purchased on terms incomparably more cheap and ad- 
 vantageous than any other book. Considerations of 
 propriety and interest, of utility and duty, call there- 
 fore imperiously for the restoration of the sacred vol- 
 ume to conimon use as a school book. 
 
IN ENGLISH SCHOOLS. 305 
 
 God in infinite wisdom and mercy is now remedying 
 the evils resulting from human delusion and remissness 
 on this subject, by causing Bibles to be multiplied and 
 diffused with great abundance and rapidity through ev- 
 ery part of our land and through the whole world. 
 While we co-operate with God and associate with men, 
 in this great and benevolent work, shall we not give the 
 sacred volume to our dear children as soon as they be- 
 come capable of acquiring a knowledge of its sacred 
 truths ? 
 
 The objection sometimes urged, that children acquire 
 a disrespect and disgust for the Bible, by being com- 
 pelled to use it, so much, in the beginning and progress 
 of their education, is believed to be unsupported by fact 
 and by rational reflection. The knowledge they thus 
 obtain, has a direct tendency to form in their minds cor- 
 rect views and favourable impressions respecting reveal- 
 ed truth and human duty, and often produces effects 
 most salutary and happy to them through life. The 
 truth is, with regard to the greater part of those chil- 
 dren who compose common country schools, the knowl- 
 edge of the Bible which they thus acquire, by reading 
 it as an exercise, is almost the only knowledge they ev- 
 er obtain, of this inestimable volume. How inconceiv- 
 ably important then is it, that it should be daily in their 
 hands, through all their period of instruction ! — In rela- 
 tion to others of more favoured circumstances and bet- 
 ter prospects, the knowledge of sacred truth thus ac- 
 quired, and the familiar acquaintance, with scripture 
 history and scripture language, thus obtained, facilitate 
 all their subsequent religious studies, and lay a founda- 
 tion for the most Interesting and useful improvements, 
 in the knowledge of God, and of his revealed will. 
 
NOTE K. 
 
 EXCELLENCE OF THE BIBLE CLASS SYSTEM. 
 
 Among the numerous plans that have been devised and 
 adopted, in recent years, for the diffusion of scriptural 
 knowledge, for the propagation of evangelic principles, 
 and the promotion of pure morals, among all classes of 
 people and especially among the youth, there is none 
 which promises advantages, so immediate, important 
 and extensive, as that of " forming classes of young 
 people for studying and reciting the Bible." 
 
 The subjects of instruction suggested in the recom- 
 mendation of the general assembly, are very various 
 and comprehensive — suited to the different ages, capa- 
 cities, improvements, and circumstances, of the pupils. 
 The particular manner of conducting this new and im- 
 proved department of pious education, is judiciously 
 left to the discretion of those who may have the super- 
 intendence and management of it, in individual cases. 
 But under whatever different modifications it may be 
 attempted, if the spirit of the system be retained and 
 cherished — if the plan be generally adopted and pursu- 
 ed With any considerable degree of care and persever- 
 ance, it will produce results most beneficial to the 
 minds and manners of the classes themselves., and gradu- 
 ally on the whole body of the church and state of soci- 
 ety. 
 
308 EXCELLENCE OF THE 
 
 If knowledge be desirable, the noblest, the purest 
 and the best knowledge, is most desirable. If this 
 knowledge be important either for the purpose of use- 
 fulness or of enjoyment, of being guarded against error 
 ^and vice, or established and advanced in ways of well 
 doing, the sooner it is acquired the better. 
 
 " Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way ? By- 
 taking heed thereto according to thy word." Ps. 116. 
 
 Is there not a strong propensity in the great mass of 
 Christian people, to derive their religious knowledge 
 and faith, credulously and implicitly, from the repre- 
 sentations of men, and the public discourses of ministers 
 of the gospel, without " searching the Scriptures, wheth- 
 er tho?e things are so ?" — This system of instruction, so 
 far as introduced, tends to bring all concerned as teach- 
 ers or learners, of every age, directly to the original 
 source of knowledge and fountain of true light, to see 
 with their own eyes and learn with their own under- 
 standings. 
 
 Is it not found from experience and observation, that 
 far the greater part of persons in the inferior and even 
 middle ranks of fortune, who become heads of families 
 and engaged in the cares of the world, enjoy very little 
 opportunity for acquiring knowledge and for general im- 
 provement — th< t from want of early habits of attention 
 and some elementary principles of pious cultivation, on 
 which to conuiience, they have very little inclination and 
 capacity for study — and that consequently, they remain in 
 general deplorably destitute of this most useful and in- 
 dispensable knowiedge ? This plan of instruction is in- 
 tended and calculated to remedy these evils — to store 
 the youthful mind with these elementary principles — 
 to create these early habits of inquiry and reflection — 
 
BIBLE CLASS SYSTEM. 309 
 
 and thus to furnish and prepare men to proceed with 
 ease and comfort, in the various relations and duties of 
 life. 
 
 Is it not obvious, that the ministry of reconciliation 
 to be received and enjoyed in ail its excellence and ad 
 vantage, requires previous acquaintance with the sub 
 jects of public discussion and in various respects, pre 
 paratory, culture and discipline, of the mind and char- 
 acter ? — How admirably is the method here proposed 
 calculated to furnish the improven^ents, dispositions and 
 qualifications necessary, profitably to attend on the 
 preaching of the gospel ! 
 
 Is it desirable, as far as possible to give uniformity, in 
 faith and practice, in form and spirit, to the Presby- 
 terian Church and body ? What could more happily 
 and effectually tend to make them of one heart and mind, 
 than this mode, of instruction, commenced and continued 
 through the whole church, by pastors and teachers, for 
 the most part, possessing similar views of Scripture his- 
 tory and doctrine, and formed on the same evangelic 
 Christian model ! — 
 
 Perhaps one of the greatest advantages resulting from 
 this study will consist in bringing youth, early, to em- 
 ploy their thoughts on serious and sacred subjects, to 
 search the Scriptures, inquire into their meaning and 
 reflect upon their excellence and importance. By the 
 study of the divine word, the youthful mind may be 
 early brought to possess just and elevating views of the 
 infinite God, in his works of creation providence and 
 grace — be disposed and enabled to trace his wisdom, 
 power and beneficence through the lapse of past ages — 
 and be led to recognise Jehovah in the revolutions and 
 events of every year and bear within it solemn impres- 
 
310 KXCELLENCK OF THE 
 
 sions of his infinite perfection and awful majesty. I» 
 this manner the subjects of duty, the realities of futu- 
 rity, and the idea of personal concern in this great sys- 
 tem of revelation, will be made more near and impres- 
 sive to the understanding and heart. 
 
 From a general view of the subject, and from several 
 years experience of its operation on the youthful pupil, 
 is there not also good reason to hope that the Bible stu- 
 dy may be made a substitute for many of the vain and 
 frivolous amusements, whose prevalence is so detri- 
 mental and deplorable? Hoav delightful would it be, 
 could the subjects of Bible recitation be made the theme 
 of social converse and friendly interview, in the occa- 
 sional meetings and assemblies of the young I ! 
 
 Christian pastors, who faithfully pursue this plan of 
 instruction, will soon have the happiness to see around 
 them, considerable numbers of individuals, instructed 
 and accomplished in the most important and useful 
 truth, intelligent and agreeable companions and able 
 assistants in their arduous cares. Besides, from the gra- 
 cious manner in which God has regarded and prospered 
 this measure, in many instances already, is there not en- 
 couragement to hope, that it will prove an efficient in- 
 strument, to prepare the Avay of the Lord, to facilitate 
 and promote the work of the ministry, to build up the 
 church of Christ, and to accomplish God's purposes of 
 grace to man? 
 
 The church will have reason to rejoice in the change 
 produced by this system, wherever it is faithfully pursu- 
 ed. Her sons and daughters will be better instructed 
 in the things of Christ's kingdom. Her affairs will be 
 conducted in a more prudent and successful manner. 
 Her institutions will be more highly estimated because 
 
BIBLE CLASS SVSTEM. 311 
 
 better understood. Ilcr necessities will be more 
 promptly and abundantly supplied, from men enlighten- 
 ed and liberalized, by a correct knowledge, of the gos- 
 pel plan, and of ecclesiastical ordinances and privileges. 
 
 The Bible presents to learners of every age, capacity 
 and taste, subjects of inconceivable vastness, variety 
 and interest. It commends itself to the attention, by in- 
 numerable charms and attractions, to be found no where 
 else. The opinion of Sir William Jones, one of the 
 most learned and excellent men of his age, ought to in- 
 fluence every judgment on this subject. *' I have regu- 
 larly and attentively read," says he, '* the Holy Scrip- 
 tures, and am of opinion that this volume, independent- 
 ly of its divine origin, contains more sublimity and beau- 
 t}-, purer moralit}/, more important history, and finer 
 strains of poetry and eloquence, than can be collected 
 from all other books, in whatever age or language they 
 may have been composed." 
 
 Finally, as the principal ground, upon which this vol- 
 ume demands htmian attention, and is recommended to 
 be made the subject of youthful study, let it be remem- 
 bered, that it is of divine origin — that it contains a per- 
 feet system of sacred truth — a revelation of divine wis- 
 dom and grace, to a world in darkness and ruins — a re* 
 cord of events^ perhaps, the most astonishing, admirable 
 and glorious, which the universe has ever beheld, or 
 will behold. 
 
NOTE I... 
 DIALOGUES ON THP: AFRICAN COLONY. 
 
 The following conversations, taken from *' The Un- 
 ion" of June 1818, upon the subject of colonizing- tlic 
 free people of colour, on the western coast of Africa, 
 contain a comprehensive and candid view, of that be- 
 nevolent and interesting enterprise : — 
 
 Dialogues betjveen William Pcn?i, Paul Cufcc, and 
 Absalom Jones, 
 
 Paul Cuffee. — At leasts Mr. Penn, in this world of 
 spirits to which we have now attained, it is of no ad- 
 vantage or disadvantage to us, that while we remained 
 on earth we were shone upon by a milder or more 
 burning sun, and that our complexion was of a darker 
 or lighter hue. Distinctions and prejudices arising out 
 of such trivial circumstances as the colour of a skin or 
 the peculiar form of our features, are not recognised or 
 allowed in Paradise, where the happiness we enjoy is 
 proportioned only to the good which we have done in 
 life, and the purity of those motives that influenced our 
 conduct. 
 
 Penn, — Yes, Mr. Cuffee, I assure you it affords me a 
 very high degree of enjoyment to perceive prevalent in 
 this world, the same kind and humane spirit which I my- 
 
 40 
 
S14 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 self, while alive, endeavoured to cultivate towards all 
 men, and wliicli I may with truth, and without flattery, 
 (for this is out of the question here) affirm to be the dis- 
 tinguishing characteristic of that denomination of Chris- 
 tians to which I belonged. It is truly a most interest- 
 ing and refreshing sight to angels, as well as the spirits 
 of just men, to see you and Mr. Jones mingling in unre- 
 strained intercourse vrith the Divines, the Sages, Philoso- 
 phers and vv^orthies of every age and nation. I shall 
 shortly have the pleasure of introducing you to the bish- 
 ops Cyprean and Augustine, two of the greatest orna- 
 ments, and brightest lights of the ancient church, to- 
 gether with a numerous body of no less illustrious cler- 
 gy, who like you once sustained the rigour, and were 
 marked with the impressions of an African climate. — 
 They are, on that account, no less highly estimated in 
 this place. 
 
 Absalom Jones. — Having just ascended to these 
 realms, from a city which will ever endear its memory 
 to the wise and good, no less for its charitable institu- 
 tions generally, than for the efforts it has made in behalf 
 of the African race, I assure you, Mr. Penn, it is with 
 emotions which cannot be expressed, that I approach 
 the founder of one of the greatest American states, and 
 the Father of that good and amiable people who commen- 
 ced its settlement under his auspices. In behalf of that 
 afflicted and persecuted race to which I belonged, I 
 here tender you, and through you, that humane portion 
 of Christians who pitied and hospitably received us, our 
 grateful and most cordial acknowledgments. The re- 
 membrance of the kindness we have experienced from 
 the Philadelphians, will never be obliterated from our 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONS. 31iJ 
 
 aiinds ; as long- as our hearts shall beat, it will be with 
 gratitude for such acts of disinterestedness and humanity. 
 
 Penn. — I stil! reflect with the greatest complacency 
 and satisfaction upon the good which I did while on 
 earth, and the recollection of it enhances the enjoy- 
 ment of my perfect state. From the time in w^hich I 
 made my first peaceful purchase of lands from the na- 
 tives, the whole tenour of my proceedings, and the 
 w^armest wish of my heart, were to unite my fellow-citi- 
 zens in the bonds of amity and good will. 
 
 Cufee, — Never was there a nobler object presented 
 to the view, ]\Ir. Penn, than thrit which you exhibited, 
 when, instead of acting the part of a Cortez or a Pizarro, 
 in exterminating the original inhabitants to gain posses- 
 sion of their lands, you were seen respecting the rights 
 of ignorance arid imbecility, acknowledging the claims 
 of justice even towards those who were strangers to its 
 laws, and treating amicably with savages for their terri- 
 tories. It w^as in a similar spirit of humanity and benev- 
 olence that the inhabitants of that city which you had the 
 honour to found, received with hospitality and kindness, 
 and sheltered from outrage and oppression, the houseless 
 sons of Africa. For acts of such disinterested and noble 
 virtue, no doubt there are laid up in store for them the 
 choicest blessings of heaven. 
 
 Pen7i, — It is a subject of the highest gratification to 
 me, to find that my successors have so faithfully imbi- 
 bed my sentiments and imitated my example. They are 
 certainl}^ entitled to the highest praise in having furnish- 
 ed an asylum to that enslaved and persecuted race ; and 
 that Being who beholds with an equal eye the whole 
 family of mankind, and dispenses justice to them with a 
 steady and impartial hand, will not fail to send them a 
 
316 IJIALOGt'ES ON 
 
 larg-e and ample reco.n},.'eiise ; but what nev/s h this 
 which has been lately circrtlaied through the couns of 
 heaven, having reference to a scheiXie in agitation of 
 sending- the Africans back again to their own country ? 
 It is fervently to be hoped that no further violence or 
 cruelty will be attempted against them. 
 
 Cujjy-e. — By no means. The plan to which you al- 
 lude, instead of being calculated to inflict still further 
 injuries upon them, is one of the most beneficent that 
 human genius could have devised, or celestial charity 
 herself have dictated — It is calculated to restore to the 
 race of Africa all the losses they have sustained ; heal 
 their wounds : make reparation for their injuries ; rein- 
 state them in the honours of their nature ; retrieve 
 their sullied glory ; and convert their greatest curse 
 into the most signal blessing to themselves and to the 
 world. 
 
 Penn. — Explain your meaning, for I must confess mj^- 
 self in the dark as to any train of causes which could 
 lead to the results you mention — In what consists a 
 scheme replete with such numerous advantages? 
 
 C'jffee. — The plan referred to was projected before 
 my death, and I was among the number of its most sin- 
 cere and zealous advocates (and God forbid that I 
 should have been an advocate of any thing injurious to 
 coloured men) is simply to send over a colony of free 
 people of colour to take possession of some eligible post 
 upon the Western Coast of Africa, say Sierra Leone, on 
 the Congo, the Gambia or Senegal ; in order, that form- 
 ing a settlement in this part, they may gradually extend 
 themselves over the whole continent, and carry with 
 them into that barbarous portion of the globe, the arts 
 ^nd improvements, the religion and laws of civilized so- 
 
THE AFIJICAN COLONY, 317 
 
 ciety — It is calculated that if a colony of this nature 
 was once planted upon that coast, the whole of the col- 
 oured population in America would gradually Hock to 
 their standard, and thus many objects of the highest na- 
 tional importance would be accomplished. By this 
 means the United States would relieve themselves from 
 their deepest national sin, that of slavery ; and to which 
 thc^y may be assured, while they allow it to rest upon 
 their reputation, there is annexed a curse, either imme- 
 diate or remote in the stores of heaven's justice — a 
 whole nation w^ould be released from bondage and re- 
 stored to the land of their forefathers, a continent hither- 
 to inaccessible at once to the researches of science, and 
 the advance of civilization, would be explored and civ- 
 ilized ; the institutions of political freedom, and the be- 
 nign influence of the gospel extended over that most 
 dreary and benighted corner of the earth. 
 
 Penn, — Sureiy, upon the first blush of the question 
 these would seem to be objects worthy of any exertions 
 to obtain them, and the project a most noble and sub- 
 lime one ; but what are the opinions and feelings of the 
 Africans themselves about it ? 
 
 Cuffee. — Upon this point, I have to regret, that al- 
 though their interests in the matter would appear so 
 clear and undeniable, yet there is the greatest diversi- 
 ty of sentiment about it, and that too among the most 
 respectable and intelligent portion of them. Some are 
 in favour of it, while others oppose it with the utmost 
 vehemence and violence. 
 
 Penn. — I take it for granted that nothing like force 
 or coercion is contemplated in the affair, and that it 
 will be left entirely at their discretion whether or not 
 they will accept of the proposal for emigration. 
 
318 DIALOGUES OK 
 
 Cuffee»' — Undoubtedly— nothing like constraint or 
 compulsion has ever been contemplated for a moment. 
 
 Pe/m. — Mr. Jones, as you have just left this people, 
 you must be acquainted with their opinions and views 
 upon this affair, pray inform us of them. What are the 
 objections which they are in the habit of alleging 
 against a project so feasible in itself, and Avhich, in its 
 execution, promises the attainment of objects so flatter- 
 ing to their vanity, so likely to be useful at no very re- 
 mote period, and so gratifying to their laudable ambi- 
 tion. 
 
 Ab. Jones, — It is difficult to comprise in a (ew words 
 the views of the coloured people in reference to this sub- 
 ject. A majority of those with whom I was in habits 
 of intercourse and intimacy were greatly averse from 
 the measure, but their opposition sprang out of feelings 
 and considerations as diversified as their dispositions and 
 characters. They never allude to the subject but Avitb 
 the most lively sensibility, and their language, when 
 speaking of it, is often tinctured with bitterness and 
 reproach. Some hesitate not to declaim against the 
 whole project at colonization as only a veiled attempt 
 forcibly to get rid of them, or as the entering w edge to 
 a system of ulterior measures that shall cruelly drive 
 them from a country, in w^hich, after many sufferings, 
 they are beginning to feel themselves at home ; and 
 again let them loose on an inhospitable shore, where 
 they shall either perish with famine, or be destroj^ed by 
 the sword. Almost all agree, that it is a case of ex- 
 treme hardship, indeed, now that a portion of them are 
 released from bondage, and are every day becoming 
 more and more contented with their condition, which is 
 evidentl}^ improving, a plan should be projected, calcu- 
 
-THE AFllICAN' COLONF. 319 
 
 la(e(j, (or a time at least, to rencv/ their iiardships and 
 sulferinu^s, and perhaps, in the iisiie, expose them to 
 evils more insupportable than any thej^ have yet sus- 
 tained. 
 
 Pc7in.^l( these are their sentiments, undoubtedly 
 they should be respected, and the utmost delicacy 
 should be di'^played in the future proceedings of the 
 white people towards them. They have already been 
 sufficiently outraged and trampled upon, and it is high 
 time that they should be allowed to resume the rights of 
 human nature. 
 
 Ab.Jmcs. — When speaking upon this subject, both 
 in private conversation, and in their public meetings, 
 which have been held upon it, they break forth into that 
 natural and impassioned eloquence which has a thou- 
 sand times more effect upon the heart and affections, and 
 more powerfully propels mankind to action, than the 
 most laboured and highly finished specimens of oratory. 
 What ! they are perpetually exclaiming — is it not 
 enough that the white people have been, century after 
 century, indulging in that nefarious traffic in human 
 Hesh, that, to glut an insatiable avarice, they have been 
 in the habit of stimulating those savage tribes to hostili- 
 ty with each other, in order that they might purchase 
 from them, like sheep and oxen, the captives taken in 
 war — that, in this impious commerce, the ties of nature 
 and the sacred voice of humanity have been disregard- 
 ed — husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, parents 
 and children, being severed from each other ! Is it not 
 enough that when our forefathers were thus transferred, 
 by the foulest iniquity, into the hands of unfeeling mas- 
 ters, torn from the embraces of friends, from the sweets 
 of home, and the innumerable recollections of country 
 
320 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 and kindred, that croud around the heart at parting, 
 they were crammed into the holds of vessels, condema- 
 ed to breathe a pestilential air, and live upon bread and 
 v/ater, during a long and tedious voyage? Is it not 
 enough that, after they had passed through scenes too 
 afflictive to be thought of without anguish, upon their 
 arrival in America, they should have found that these 
 things were to them but the beginning of sorrows, but 
 the prelude to evils still more intolerable — that they 
 should again have been exposed to sale, like beasts of 
 burthen, in the markets of America, where the purchas- 
 ers were equally as before, deaf to the claims of nature 
 and of kindred? Is it not enough that our forefathers, 
 when thus conveyed into the hands of their masters, have 
 been compelled to hard labour both day and night, 
 amidst the snows of winter and the burning sun of sum- 
 mer, half fed and half clothed, sometimes up to their 
 waists in water in the rice fields and stagnant ponds ; 
 and all this time under the lash of unfeeling overseers, 
 who for the slightest provocations, beat, scourge Avith 
 rods, and if perchance the unhappy victims escape for a 
 moment from their oppression by flying to the woods 
 and wilds, pursue them with savage fury, hunt them 
 down, and destroy them like wild beasts ? Is it not 
 enough 
 
 Fenn, — I perceive, Mr. Jones, you are overcome with 
 emotion. The picture is surely enough to melt the 
 heart of a savage. Can it be possible that such things 
 have taken place in an age of light, in a free country, 
 and under the influence of a religion which breathes 
 peace on earth and good will to men ? 
 
 Ah. Jones, — I have yet related to you but a very small 
 part of our sad story. It would require volumes to re- 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONV. S'2l 
 
 cord the history of the wrongs and sorrows of colour- 
 ed people. The recital would make every fibre of the 
 heart bleed with agony. Let us now rather endeavour 
 to conceal these miserable objects with a veil of pa- 
 tience and forgiveness. But after the African race 
 have sustained such unnumbered injuries and outrages 
 — when they have been bruised, as it were, in the wine- 
 press of Heaven's wrath, depressed and trodden under 
 the feet of men,, just at the moment when they are begin- 
 ning once more to lift up their heads, when their chains 
 are falling otT them from the influence of the Genius 
 of Freedom, and they are every day becoming more 
 and more contented with their condition^ happy in them- 
 selves and respected by others, shall they again have 
 their labours and sufferings renewed, be set adrift upon 
 a hazardous and tempestuous sea, in which they know 
 not what storms may arise, and what quicksands may 
 absorb them ? Forbid it, Heaven ! Forbid it, Genius of 
 American Freedom I Forbid it, Spirit of Benevolence 
 and Humanity I 
 
 Penn. — You speak with great vehemence and earnest- 
 ness; and it is certain that your feelings towards a race 
 to which you were once united by so many sympathies, 
 are natural and praiseworthy ; and I must confess that 
 my mind is in a state of too much excitement, from the 
 picture you have drawn, to enable me to decide upon 
 this matter with an unbiased judgment. Let us, there- 
 fore postpone the further prosecution of the subject for 
 the present. After more mature reflection, and after I. 
 -;hall have consulted with Washington, and other hu- 
 mane and illustrious shades in paradise, I shall be able 
 to deliver a more dicrested and accurate opinion about it, 
 
 n 
 
322 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 DialGgve Second. 
 
 Penn, — Well, Mr. Ciiffee and Mr. Jones, after more 
 mature reflection, what do you still contijme to think 
 of the subject which we bee^an to discuss in ouj;- former 
 conversation, in reference to sending a colony to Afri- 
 ca, of the free people of colour? 
 
 Ah, Jones, — My sentiments about it are unaltered, and 
 m}^ determination to oppose it unshaken. 
 
 Cufee. — And I, the more I reflect upon the subject, 
 feel more and more deeply impressed with the convic- 
 tion, that it would be the most beneficial scheme that 
 human genius could devise, or human powers execute, 
 in behalf of the African race. What is the opinion to 
 which you have come, Mr. Penn, after the profound at- 
 tention and impartial consideration, which, I doubt not, 
 you have bestowed upon this pcant? 
 
 Penn. — After consultation with "Washington, and ma- 
 ny other distinguished men, who, Avhile on earth, were 
 the deliverers of their country, and champions of the 
 rights and liberties of mankind, 1 have entirely satisfied 
 my mind as to its expediency and advantage. They are 
 all, without exception, warmly interested in the success 
 of the undertaking. 
 
 Cufee. — I am much gratified with finding that an 
 opinion I have so zealously espoused, is sanctioned by 
 such high authority. This result, however, I had good 
 reason to anticipate : as the measure, it is well known, 
 meets with the decided approbation and encouragement 
 of the most respectable patriots and statesmen of Ameri- 
 ca ; and we find, moreover, acting at the head of the 
 society instituted to promote it, a statesman who is the 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONY. 3'23 
 
 heir at «nce of the estate, tlie name, and the pul^lic esti- 
 mation of 'Washington — and whose talents, virtues and 
 amiable character, render him worthy to succeed, in all 
 these titles, his illustrious relative. 
 
 Ah' Jjncs. — After liearing the opinions of so many 
 eminent men upon this matter, I ought surely to feel 
 some diffidence of the soundness of m}' own views, and 
 the justness of my own concepUons about it. But real- 
 ly, it is matter of surprise and astonishment to me, that 
 you two, considering- the acknowledged benevolence 
 and humanity of your characters, should allow your- 
 selves to be betrayed into acquiescence in a measure, 
 which you must perceive will at once deprive the Af- 
 rican race of all the comforts which some of them are 
 now enjoying, and again renew their toils, their hard- 
 ships and sorrows. Our race have contributed their due 
 proportion of toil, though with but little enjoyment of the 
 profits, to transform this western world, and more espe- 
 cially the southern division of it, from being the abode 
 of savages and beasts of prey, into the beautiful residence 
 of improved and civilized man ; and shall they not now 
 become partakers of the benefits, reap the fruits of their 
 own toils ? — Some of them were found in the ranks of 
 the American army during the revolutionary war, and 
 it was never asserted, that they were deficient in spirit 
 and activity. Shall they now be transported, like con- 
 victs, from a country whose battles they have assisted 
 in fighting, and in whose struggles for independence^ 
 they so deeply sympathised ? 
 
 Penn. — I again repeat that I would consent to no- 
 thing that should wear the slightest appearance of force 
 or compulsion in the affair. Let the sacrifices they 
 must make, if the colony contemplated U established- 
 
i>24 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 be a free and voluntary ofiering of their own, and niad<^ 
 from a regard to the immense benefits which will result 
 to themselves and the world. At the same time^ howev- 
 er that I am willing to admit that some sacrifices are to 
 be made and some dilTicuhies encountered in accom- 
 plishing this enterprize, yet let us not delude or terrify 
 ourselves by exaggerated representations of them, by- 
 picturing to our minds scenes of visionary suffering, or 
 imagine that as soon as the Africans engage in this un- 
 dertaking, they are to make their way towards its exe- 
 cution only along dangerous precipices, and by plung- 
 ing into gulfs of horror. For my part, I can perceive 
 nothing so extremely formidable in the projected expe- 
 dition, or that the coloured men who shall engage in it 
 are likely to meet with any more difficulties and hard- 
 ships than those which were encountered by me and 
 those who united vvith me in forming a settlement in 
 Pennsylvania. What is the plan in contemplation? 
 Let us endeavour to form clear and distinct ideas about 
 it; to ascertain its nature and extent ; before we allow 
 our minds to be filled with chimerical fears, and to be de- 
 terred from the design by indiscriminating invectives 
 against it. As far as I can understand the matter, there 
 is nothing that can prove the slightest cause of anxiety 
 or alarm to the people who are concerned, but every 
 thing to awake the most cheering hopes and kindle 
 them into enthusiasm in its favour. From the most 
 exact calculations that have been made, it is concluded 
 that there m.ust be at this time in the U. S. a million and 
 a half of coloured people — Of this immense number we 
 will suppose one hundred thousand to be free men. 
 Kow, out of this million and a half of coloured people 
 and this hundred thousand free men, all that would b^ 
 
THE AFRICAN- COLONV. j 325 
 
 necessaiT to enter upon this undertaking would be 
 about 10,000, tliat is one tenth of the number ofthosethat 
 are free, and the one hundred and fiftieth part of the 
 whole number at present in the territories of the United 
 States. These 10,000 being provided with food to sup- 
 port them and carrying with them the implements of hus- 
 bandry, can without material difficulty, be planted upon 
 the Western coast of Africa, and as soon as the settle- 
 ment becomes flourishing, will gradually attract to it the 
 remainder of the coloured people, who would find it 
 their interest and happiness to join them. Is this an 
 enterprize so very hopeless, or which is calculated to 
 excite so much and such serious alarm ? i\Iore than 
 half the globe has been peopled in a similar way. 
 Greece was originally peopled by colonies from the 
 East ; Italy by those from Asia ; Carthage from Tyre ; 
 our own hemisphere we know has been entirely popu- 
 lated by this kind of emigration from the old world — 
 The history of man is pregnant with examples of expe- 
 ditions much more hazardous, and undertaken for far 
 less important objects. What is this when compared to 
 the passage round the Cape of Good Hope by Vasco 
 de Gama ; to the discovery of America by Columbus ; 
 or to the expedition at this moment in a train of pre- 
 paration in England to visit the North pole and con- 
 tend with the mountains of ice and the numberless perils 
 of these frozen regions? Are the Africans willing to 
 allow themselves the only nation incapable of great and 
 noble exertions? 
 
 Ah, Jones. — If it should be thought advisable by the 
 coloured people to emigrate from a land in which they 
 have now become domesticated, why not allow them 
 to settle in this country upon the banks of the Mississip- 
 
326 DiALOCiUES OiV 
 
 pi or I\Iissouri, where they would feel Iheinseives in 
 the midst of friends and the comforts of civilized life, 
 instead of having them transported to the wiids of a 
 barren and savasre land ? 
 
 o 
 
 Pemu — Insuperable objections at once present them- 
 selves against a plan of this nature — The stream of 
 white population flows so strongly in that direction, 
 that nothing probably could arrest its progress. If the 
 Africans, therefore, were to commence a settlement 
 here, they would not long be permitted quietly to pos- 
 sess their lands. The same scenes would immediately 
 be exhibited between them and the whites as are every 
 day acted at this time between these and the Indians. 
 The ultimate consequence would be the utter ruin and 
 extinction of the colony, from the wars that would be 
 provoked by mutual injuries and aggressions. No — 
 Perhaps no part of the globe could be fixed upon bet- 
 ter suited to the purpose in vievr than that which has 
 been selected. Instead of a barren soil, an intolerable 
 climate, and a dreary wild, they would find along the 
 banks of the Gambia, the Senegal or the Congo, a 
 temperature of the air suited by the God of nature to 
 their constitutions, and one of the richest and most fer- 
 tile territories upon earlb. If nature has, indeed 
 stretched upon the face of Africa the wide and sandy 
 desert of Zaara, where scarcely a shrub can grow, or 
 an animal subsist, with her usual equity and benignity, 
 for this deficiency she has afforded it a compensation in 
 those happy regions in which whole nations subsist by 
 little more than the spontaneous productions of the 
 earth. 
 
 Jlh. Jones. — But, supposing all you say to be true, 
 and that this colony might easily be planted, and would 
 
THE AFRICAN COLON r. 327 
 
 become fioiirishing, where is the necessity or advantage 
 of a removal to the race of Africa? They are becom- 
 ing every day more and more contented and happy. 
 Efforts are continually made to procure their gradual 
 emancipation ; schools are erected for their education ; 
 there is nothing to prevent them from practising those 
 useful arts, either of agriculture, commerce, or manu- 
 facture, or engaging in those mechanical employments 
 by which they may be enriched, and thus their condi- 
 tion still further meliorated. Whence the necessity of 
 their leaving a country to which they have now become 
 attached by long habits, and in which their means of 
 comfortable subsistence and their modes of living are 
 constantly improving ? 
 
 Penn. — I perceive that your prejudices and prepos- 
 sessions upon this subject are extremely strong, if not 
 insuperable, and that it is a very arduous attempt to 
 subdue or remove them. Nevertheless, in so important 
 a business, 1 will not despair of success. Let us en- 
 deavour, as far as possible, to divest our minds of every 
 bias that influences them against the suggestions of rea- 
 son, and enter upon the cool and dispassionate investi- 
 gation of this point. After having well digested the 
 matter, considered it on all sides, and in ail imaginable 
 points of light, canvassed every thing that can be alleg- 
 ed in recommendation or in oppositioirto it, I think 
 that the arguments in its favour most decidedly and 
 greatly preponderate. 
 
 Jib, Jones. — Let us hear them then ; for aUhougli I 
 must confess myself strongly prepossessed against the 
 measure, and even warmly hostile to it, yet I am ready 
 to lend an ear to the suggestions of reason and good 
 sense, and to yield to conviction. 
 
328 DIALOGUES on 
 
 Penn. — In the first place, an establishment of this na- 
 ture, is the only imac^inable expedient which can be 
 adopted to elevate the coloured people from that debase- 
 ment into which slavery has sunk them, and confer on 
 them the acknowledged rights of human nature. 
 
 Ah, Jones, — But will not this end be as certainly and 
 speedily accomplished, without having recourse to an 
 expedient of this nature? Do we not see the prejudi- 
 ces which have hitherto subsisted among the whites 
 against the.coloured people, gradually subsiding under 
 the influence of reason and good sense ; and the latter 
 rising every day into rank and respectability ? Is it 
 not to be anticipated that humanity and justice will ul- 
 timately obtain a complete triumph, and that every 
 member of this republic, whatever may be the shade of 
 his complexion, will be placed upon a perfect equality T 
 
 Pcnn, — This is, undoubtedly, the wish of every phi- 
 lanthropic mind ; but the wishes of good men, and even 
 their most strenuous exertions, cannot obliterate the sen- 
 timents of nature, or overrule the settled course of 
 things. — The mode in which the unhappy race of 
 Africa were first ushered into the notice and attract- 
 ed the attention of the American people, was the most 
 unfavourable that could be conceived to their be- 
 ing considered upon a footing of respectability. — First, 
 they were found in a rude and savage condition in their 
 own country, from w hich they w^ere transferred to the 
 most abject slavery, where, writhing under tiie torture 
 inflicted on them, by such outrage, they naturally exhib- 
 ited such features of deformity as were calculated to 
 excite contempt, disgust and indignation. From these 
 •circumstances, the whites, in spite of their better rea- 
 son, must long, if not always, continue to view them 
 through the discoloured medium of such early assorin- 
 
THE AFRICA* COLONY. 529 
 
 'lions. It is in vain to disguise the matter. It is a re- 
 sult which is clear, incontestible, palpable. However 
 the good and humane may struggle to eradicate such 
 prejudices from their hearts and endeavour to mitigate 
 to the Africans the rigours of their fate, these people can- 
 tuot but be sensible of the line of distinction, which is 
 drawn between them and their white iieighbours, and 
 the insurmountable barrier presented against a free and 
 unrestrained intercourse between them ; they cannot 
 but be acutely alive to a sense of this discrimination.. 
 They have but to move a limb, and they feel it — it vi- 
 brates in every nerve, and beats in every pulsation of 
 their hearts: and shall they delude themselves with 
 the hope of a more favourable state of things at a fu- 
 ture period? Dolliey discern any thing in the signs of 
 the times that prognosticates such a change in the course 
 of events ? They may, indeed, be hospitably received 
 by the humane inhabitants of Philadelphia, be protect- 
 ed, encouraged and fostered by their laws — be allowed 
 to earn a comfortable subsistence by the performance of 
 various menial and necessary offices — be permitted even 
 to enjoy all the privileges of freemen, and to ascend pul- 
 pits to preach the Gospel to people of their own com- 
 plexion ; — but can any one imagine that the period will 
 ever arrive in which they will bear any sway in our 
 country, guide our legislative councils, preside in our 
 courts of judicatiire, or take the lead in the aflfairs of the 
 republic? Is it probable that the time will ever come 
 in which intermarriages will besought between their 
 families and those of the most respectable whites ? It 
 would be the height of folly to indulge such an expect- 
 ation ; and until this is the case, they will never occu- 
 py the rank or enjoy the privileges of white men ; until 
 
 42 
 
330 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 this is the case, they will ever hold an inferiour and 
 subordinate place in society, and be in some degree 
 aliens in their own land. — Paul Cuffee had the sensibili- 
 ty and discernment to perceive this state of things, the 
 penetration to discover the only practicable means by 
 which his race could be relieved from their painful 
 t»ense of iuferiorit}^, and the activity to commence the ex- 
 ecution of a project to remedy the evil. 
 
 Paul Cuffee. — Yes — If the Africans wish to elevate 
 themselves to the rank and respectability of Americans 
 and Europeans, let them establish a colony upon the 
 coast of Africa. When this colony is planted, and be- 
 comes prosperous, as it would soon do, — when they 
 shall have instituted a government of their own model- 
 ling, and elected rulers of their own choice — when their 
 strength shall be increased by vast accessions of their 
 brethren from all parts of the world, invited to unite 
 themselves to them — when agriculture, commerce and 
 manufactures shall be cultivated by them — when the 
 earth shall be covered and beautified with the products 
 of their industry, and the sea whitened with their canvass 
 — when flourishing cities, magnificent churches, richly 
 endowed colleges and seminaries of learning, philoso- 
 phers, historians, poets, orators, statesmen and heroes, a 
 powerful army and a triumphant navy, shall proclaim 
 their glory, and contest the palm of greatness with the 
 other nations of the earth — then it is that mankind will 
 learn to hold that much injured race in just and respectful 
 estimation. Compassion is spontaneously bestowed up- 
 on the unfortunate and the wretched ; and of this the 
 coloured people have at this time, from the intelligent 
 and worthy, a full proportion — but respect is to be 
 wrested from mankind only by violence and compul- 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONY. 331 
 
 sion, and, to purcliase this, the Africans have still to un- 
 dergo many hardships and toils. 
 
 Ab. Jones, — You draw such a glowing- picture of the 
 future probable prosperity and grandeur of this colony, 
 that you almost excite my desire that my countrymen 
 in the world below should make the attempt, thus to 
 aggrandize their name and nation. 
 
 Penn. — Would to heaven ! that they would be made 
 sensible of the numberless and inestimable benefits 
 which would redound to them from this measure. But 
 supposing that it is not to be expected of a whole peo- 
 ple to be inspired with such a thirst for glory as to 
 make great sacrifices in the attainment of objects so il- 
 lustrious as those which have been enumerated ; at least 
 w^e might calculate that a sufficient number of them might 
 be found, who would have the spirit to embark In the 
 only undertaking which can relieve them from that state 
 of inferiority and degradation to which they are at 
 present reduced in society, and which is the source of 
 so many mortifications, indignities and mischiefs — at 
 least it might be anticipated, that a competent number 
 could be found, who would meet any hazards and en- 
 counter any difficulties to wipe off the reproach and 
 disgrace that have so long adhered to them, and rein- 
 state them in their native honours among the nations of 
 the earth. Some persons, indeed, on account of their 
 having failed to exhibit any proofs of genius since their 
 transportation to America, have felt disposed to deny 
 them the same grade in the scale of being with white 
 men ; but this opinion is not substantiated by facts, nor 
 deduced from premises adequate to sustain the conclu- 
 sion : it is confirmed neither by reason nor revelation ; 
 neither by the authentic voice of history, nor by the 
 
3S2 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 maxims of a just philosophy — They want nothing but 
 time and opportunity to refute this calumny. I could 
 not conceive of a more favourable opportunity than 
 that which would be afforded them by the proposed 
 settlement upon the coast of Africa. 
 
 Jl'\ Jones, — But will not the same result be likely to 
 take place in t e ountry in which they now reside? 
 AYe see the most benevolent and extensive means re- 
 sorted to, to improve and civilize them — Schools are 
 ere.'ted for their education ; churches founded in which 
 they assemble for public worship, and no mean of in- 
 struction is withheld from them — Is it not probable that 
 this state of things is the prelude to a still more hap- 
 py change in their favour, and that the prejudices sub- 
 sisting against them will be obliterated, and they will 
 be elevated to a perfect equality with the whites? 
 
 Penn, — It is much to be feared that all will be una- 
 vailing. 
 
 Paul Ct'fcc. — It ig in vain, iJr. Jones, that our race 
 should indulge in visionary expectations — As I w^as of 
 the same family of mankind with them, and must, of 
 course, be supposed to have all my sympathies enlisted 
 in their behalf, I can communicate my sentiments 
 without fear of offence or misconstruction. AVhat has 
 been done for our injured and abused race reflects the 
 highest honour upon those who have interested tliem- 
 setves in their concerns, but I am convinced that no 
 efforts which can be made will ever lilt them out of that 
 inferior and ignominious condition in which they now 
 stand in America, and out of which condition spring 
 many virulent and fatal disorders, which nothing else 
 can remedy but their transplantation to a more natural 
 «nd happy soil. The station which the Africans at pres- 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONY. 333 
 
 ent occupy, is the most inauspicious that could be ima- 
 gined to the developement of their powers, or the 
 growth and expansion of their virtues. Their minds 
 are in too depressed a sphere to be reached by the influ- 
 ence of most of those motives that most powerfully op- 
 erate upon mankind; awake their energies; or stimu- 
 late them to exertion. They cannot aspire to the high- 
 est dignities of church or state ; the chairs of executive 
 authority; the benches of justice ; seats in senates and 
 legislative bodies; the palm of eloquence at the bar 
 and in the pulpit; the fame of philoso|)hers, statesmen, 
 authors, are objects to which they never lift their view, 
 and yet these are the objects which rouse itito restless 
 activity the dormant powers of human genius. They 
 cannot even anticipate an admission into the first circles 
 of society, and the pleasures and advantages of polite 
 intercourse, however incontrovertible might be their 
 claims from the pre-eminence of their virtues or the re- 
 finement of their manners. Now, whatever may be 
 thought of such circumstances b}^ superficial observers, 
 I hesitate not to decide, that upon any community on 
 earth they would have a most baneful influence upon 
 their present character and morals, and an inauspicious 
 aspect upon their future prospects. And in fact, this 
 very consideration reveals the true secret, which is not 
 to be found in any diversity in their original structure ; 
 why, when translated to this seat of civilization and the 
 arts, they have never produced an Esop, a Terence, or 
 an Epictetus, or any men who have rendered them- 
 selves illustrious bv their tal«^nt3. Under other circum- 
 stances and in other countries, they have furnished a 
 list of worthies, who would not have dishonoured any 
 age or nation. Let it once become an established usage 
 
334 jjiALOGUES ojr 
 
 or positive law, that as soon as they shall distinguish 
 themselves by their talents and virtues, they shall reap 
 the same advantages and be crowned vvith the same hon- 
 ours with white men, and I doubt not they would soon, 
 by the exercise of their powers, blot out the imputation 
 which has been cast upon them, and retrieve the fallen 
 honours of their nation. But what is reasonably to be 
 expected of a people in a state of such abject slavery, 
 with their powers ground under the mill-stone of op- 
 pression, with minds uncultivated, accustomed to the 
 lowest and grossest habits ; and then, as soon as they 
 have been happily manumitted and allowed to act for 
 themselves, finding every avenue to distinction, to hon- 
 our, or even respectability, blocked up by obstacles 
 that cannot be surmounted ? They must have been 
 more than human, instead of less, if, while thus circum- 
 stanced, they exhibited any proofs of superiority. But 
 even this is not the most unfavourable point of light in 
 which this subject may be viewed. Allowing their 
 powers to lie inactive from the want of high motives to 
 exertion, and precluded all hope of being received into 
 the company, and enjoying the refined pleasures of 
 those whom they most respect, they sink into an indif- 
 ference to those objects which they know to be unat- 
 tainable, become contented with inferiority, and even 
 fond of debasement : contract habits of indolence, sloth 
 and intemperance, or perhaps plunge into all the depths 
 of vice. Hence their education is neglected, their 
 minds totally uncultivated, their moral characters low 
 and depraved, their manners coarse and vulgar, and 
 they themselves dispirited and contemned. And can the 
 coloured people allow themselves to lie for ever amidst 
 the mire and dirt of their abasement, and never be rou?- 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONY. 335 
 
 ed to a sense of their own dignity ? O, race of Africa ! 
 were I able to re-appear upon earth, and had a voice 
 that could resound through every corner and crevice of 
 the glo])e in which you are scattered, I would impor- 
 tune you with infinite vehemence and solicitude, to 
 awake from your disgraceful slumber — arouse to a just 
 sense of your condition — fiee as fast as possible from a 
 land in which you must ever remain dishonoured — re- 
 turn to the land of your forefathers — hasten to that 
 country and climate suited by the God of nature to 
 your constitution and temperament — fiee to that region 
 in which you shall walk at large and breathe a conge- 
 nial air, and where your spirits will no longer be damp- 
 ed, despised, and palsied in their exercise, by a painful 
 sentiment of inferiority; where the noblest objects will 
 be presented to quicken your exertions, and inflame a 
 laudable ambition — in a word, to a country whose laws,, 
 government, honours, victories, and the whole of whose 
 destinies you can proudly and triumphantly call your 
 own. 
 
 Dialogue Third. 
 
 M, Jones. — The view which you gave, Mr. Cuffec, 
 at our last meeting, of the condition of the coloured 
 people in the United States, sank deeply into my heart ; 
 and I must confess, that after mature reflection upon 
 your arguments, I find myself unable to impugn or re- 
 fute them. The moral character of that people is un- 
 doubtedly greatly influenced and modelled by the 
 causes you have mentioned, and that subordinate rank, 
 which, I fear, they must forever hold among the whites, 
 presents an insurmountable impediment to their refine* 
 
236 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 ment and civility of manners, and at the same time gives 
 birth to many baneful consequences. It appears to me, 
 however, that you have forgotten one material circum- 
 stance in the estimate you have furnished of their pre- 
 sent condition. If they cannot aspire to the highest dig- 
 nities of the republic, and to those great and exalted 
 objects which kindle in men the ardour of ambition, and 
 stimulate them to unusual exertion, the road to wealth 
 is, at any rate, open to them ; and may they not, through 
 this track, ascend those eminences which mankind are 
 so anxious to obtain ; and which, from the efTorts ne- 
 cessary to reach them, are found to produce so happy a 
 moral effect upon society ? 
 
 Perm. — That trash, indeed, is witliin their reach, and 
 they may add pile to pile without molestation from any 
 one: but after they have accumulated as much as ava- 
 rice itself can covet, what will they have acquired? 
 The coloured people, it is true, when they shall have 
 an opulent class among them, may enjoy all the com- 
 forts^ and even luxuries of life, in a distinct society by 
 themselves (and if they continue in the country, it is to 
 be hoped that this will soon be the case,) but still the 
 line of distinction between them and the whites will sub- 
 sist ; still they will have no home which they can proud- 
 ly call their own, or soil upon which they can walk as 
 its lord ; still they will feel themselves, in a great de- 
 gree, strangers, inhabiting a land which is possessed by 
 others. They may not, and I believe they will not be 
 so well satisfied with their lot when they become weal- 
 thy, as they are at present; but their discontent or mur- 
 murs will not prevent the wall of partition between 
 them and the whites from remaining impassable. And 
 't is not at all improbable, that when they shall find this 
 
*HE AFRICAN COLONr» 83^ 
 
 to be the case, and the truth shall be brought home to 
 their understandings by irresistible evidence, that the 
 prejudices entertained against them by white people 
 are unconquerable, they will then wish to resort to thai 
 very expedient to relieve themselves, to which they al 
 this time discover so strong a repugriancCo 
 
 Ah. Jones, — It is not impossible. Even in Heavei,. 
 we are not indulged the privilege of foreseeing future 
 events. It is not in my power therefore to predict 
 what the African nation at a future day may be willing 
 to perform. Perhaps at a remote period, too, they ma^f 
 be able to accomplish the object now contemplated,, 
 without encountering so many privations and perils up- 
 on the part of the adventurers, or without jeoparding^ 
 ptS some think they must do, the best interests of others-. 
 
 Paul €ufec,— l QiiwviOi imagine what you mean hj 
 «uch an insinuation* Whose interests could be put m 
 jeopardy by a measure of this nature? 
 
 A'u Jones. — There are not wanting those, and some 
 serious and refiecting men too, who have imbibed the 
 opinion, that this attempt at colonization, if successful 
 would tend to check, if not entirely put a stop to the 
 em^incipation of slaves. 
 
 Penn, — Indeed! a most strange idea I The direct 
 .contradictory of the proposition, would seem to be the 
 natural and unavoidable inferen'.e. I should certainly 
 be disposed to think that the planting of such a colony 
 would contribute to the raanumissi.)ii of more slaves in 
 half a century, thavi will be manumitted by nny expe- 
 dients now adopted, or likely to be adopted, for some 
 centuries to come. But upon what concei.val''e grnuni 
 do thev rest such an opinion ? 
 
 43 
 
*i38 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 Ah, Jones. — It is thought that this colony, -when once 
 flourishing, will attract to it all the free people of col- 
 our, and thus, by drawing them offfrom the United States, 
 relieve the southern planters from their apprehensions 
 for the tranquillity of the country, and at the same time, 
 by increasing the value of the remaining slaves, disin- 
 cline them, on both accounts, to part with this species 
 of property. 
 
 Penn. — The argument, though plausible, is evidently 
 founded in very great misapprehension of the state of 
 the case — So far from this statement being true, or there 
 being any shadow of reason for a surmise of this nature, 
 it is a well known fact, that there are many gentlemen 
 in the Southern States, who stand ready at any moment, 
 to set their slaves at liberty, as soon as they are convin- 
 ced that they can do so consistently with the duties they 
 owe society ; or in other words, as soon as it shall ap- 
 pear that a measure of this kind will promote the sub- 
 stantial interests of the slaves themselves, not endanger 
 the peace and welfare of the stat^, and be conformed to 
 the maxims of a true and enlarged humanity — The expe- 
 rience of our southern planters, many of whom are in- 
 telligent men, is leading them rapidly to the conclusion, 
 that from motives of interest, as well as justice and hu- 
 manity, they should liberate their slaves as fast as possi- 
 ble, if any comfortable provision could be made for 
 them ; since the existence of slavery shuts the door 
 against the emigration of white people ; and, moreover, 
 their lands are never so disadvantag<eously cultivated as 
 b}'^ an order of men who feel no personal interest in the 
 soil or its productions. They are becoming convinced, 
 therefore that an enlightened policy, as well as the 
 claims of justice, exact from them this sacrifice. No 
 
THE AFRICAN COLOXY. 839 
 
 sooner, then, shall this colony be established upon the 
 coast of Africa, and regarded as affording a safe retreat 
 for this unfortunate people, than we should see thou- 
 sands of them voluntarily released from bondage by 
 those masters who are at present restrained from this act 
 of justice and generosity by the fear of inflicting an inju- 
 ry both upon the slaves manumitted and upon society. 
 Upon the slaves themselves, by rendering them idle, vi- 
 tious, and desperate ; — and upon society, by letting loose 
 upon it those who in all probability will become vaga- 
 bonds, plunderers, and pests. All objections of this 
 nature will be removed by obtaining a home for them 
 in the manner contemplated ; and as soon as this is done, 
 every bondman in the Southern States will be regarded, 
 by the humane, as a captive in a hostile land, and the 
 most strenuous endeavours be made use of to redeem 
 him. More societies than already subsist, would be in- 
 stituted for the purpose ; their powers of usefulness en- 
 largad ; and their resources vastly augmented. The 
 wealthy men of America, whose hearts are touched with 
 compassion, would consider their treasures as nobly ex- 
 pended in such a cause ; and even the government of 
 the United States, guided by the same large and liberal 
 policy which led to the prohibition of the Slave Trade, 
 would cheerfully appropriate a portion of its revenue in 
 accomplishing objects of such high national importance, 
 as to relieve the American institutions of civil policy 
 from the only blot that sullies them ; to restore so many 
 human beings to the station and privileges of freemen ; 
 and to rescue the southern section of the union from 
 those dreadful commotions and tragical disasters which 
 at some future day may flow to them from this fountain. 
 From the operation of all these causes united, there can 
 
u^ 
 
 DIALOGUES or? 
 
 Irsrdly ren)ain a doubt that the United States, in the 
 eawrse of a few years, would be relieved from their 
 greatest national sin, and the most portentous evil lurk- 
 ing in their vitals. 
 
 Ab, Jmes. — But is it not probable that these results 
 Ivill be as surely and speedily produced by the methods 
 tiow set into action to further the emancipation of slaves 
 and that the time will come in which no such thing as a 
 bondman will be found in this great republic ? 
 
 Pevrio — Such is the high estimate which I have form- 
 ed of the American character, and such the deep root 
 which I am confident the principles of freedom have ta- 
 ken in the republic, I do not entertain a doubt that in 
 the course of time there will not be a slave in the wide 
 extent of that country : but at the same time I must be 
 so candid as to affirm, that this period must be at present 
 a very remote one. There are no symptoms that de 
 note its speedy arrival. If some means, more effectual 
 than those which are now^ in operation, are not resort- 
 ed to, to effectuate the manumission of slaves, it is im- 
 possible for the imagination to descry, down the long 
 iapse of time, the termination of tliis crying eviL 
 Through many a tedious century to come, will the crie? 
 and groans of this afflicted race ascend to Heaven, im- 
 portuning its pity, before they obtain relief from any 
 succours which are now afforded them. 
 
 Aj. Jones, — It is certain that they will not obtain 
 their freedom, as long as those southern nabobs con- 
 ceive it their interest, or have it in their power, to re- 
 tain them in servitude. To relieve themselves from 
 future utieasiness, alarm, and perhaps massacre, we find 
 'hem ready to engage in a scheme of colonization ; but 
 h\\ their movements of this kind are naturally viewed 
 
TFIE AFRICAN tOLONF* S41 
 
 trith a suspicious eye by the race which they have en- 
 slaved and oppressed. 
 
 Penn. — The language of reproach and recrimination 
 may be indulged to those who have received sucli bit- 
 ter provocations ; but I cannot but view with displeas- 
 ure and regret the style of invective in which the people 
 of the Northern St^ites sometimes speak, on this subject, 
 of their southern brethren. Instead of tending to pro- 
 mote the great purpose of meliorating the condition of 
 the slaves, it rather inflames a spirit of animosity, and 
 sows the seeds of discord between the two great sections 
 of the American union. No one, indeed, can utter 
 himself in terms of too decided reprobation and deep 
 abhorrence of slavery; and in this sentiment lie will 
 be joined by every intelligent man at the south ; and 
 where unnecessary rigour or an odious revenge and cru- 
 elty are exercised towaros them — (and hard and cruel 
 masters will be found among every community, and 
 the authority of the master, when armed with despotic 
 sway, will display itself in acts of violence and atrocity) 
 — let every tongue be loud and bold in exclaiming 
 against it, and the public indignation be roused into ac- 
 tion to punish and repress it. While the northern peo- 
 ple are thus faithful to the dictates of nature, and alive to 
 the sentiments of humanity, let them not be unjust, in 
 the opinion which they entertain of their southern 
 neighbours. The evils that are perceptible in the 
 Southern manners and habits are not so much the result 
 of any distinctive traits of character in the masters and 
 slaves, as they are the natural offspring of a state of 
 slavery. This will ever be found, and more especially 
 in a free country, a condition of human life in which 
 evil will accumulate upon evil. The slave, galled by 
 
342 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 the yoke of his thraldom, will be perpetually prone to 
 disobedience and resistance to the exercise of what, if 
 he has any discernment, he cannot but feel to be a ty- 
 rannical authority; and this will occasion irritation, re- 
 sentment, revenge, and even cruelty, on the part of the 
 master. If the possession of absolute power by any single 
 man in a state is so apt to convert that man into a monster 
 of arrogance and cruelty, and to dispose his subjects 
 to tumult and revolt, what must be expected when 
 the laws them.selves constitute so many petty tyrants, 
 whose will is their only rule of action, and whose 
 passions are subject to no restraints. On these and 
 other accounts, it is perceptible to every observer, that 
 the southern planters are of all other cultivators of the 
 soil the most anxious and unhappy. Of these circum- 
 stances they are themselves becoming every day more 
 and more convinced, and hence the cheerfulness and 
 alacrity with which they catch at every opportunity of 
 ridding themselves, without ruin to their families, of 
 this portion of their population. No people are more 
 alive to the claims of justice, humanity and generosity. 
 It is the nature of their ardent sun to kindle the fires of 
 all the noblest virtues; and I am assured they want on- 
 ly a favourable opportunity to display these qualities to- 
 wards that degraded class of their fellow-men, which 
 every humane and intelligent man among them is dis- 
 posed, from his heart, and by every effort in his power, 
 to pity and console. 
 
 Jl-\ Jones. — If these be their sentiments, is there not 
 a flagrant inconsistency between their principles and 
 conduct? Let them set their slaves at once at liberty, 
 and show, by this liberal act, their sense of justice and 
 sacred regard to the rights of mankind. 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONY. 343 
 
 Term. — It would surely require but a very small de- 
 gree of insight into the affairs of mankind to perceive 
 that a sudden and indiscriminate emancipation of slaves 
 in the Southern States, would not only be a measure not 
 advisable or expedient; but in the highest degree de- 
 structive. It would uptear the social state from its very 
 foundation, and make of it for a time, but one dreary 
 scene of desolation and ruin. The soil would be left 
 uncultivated; families impoverished ; the broken rem- 
 nants of men's fortunes would be plundered and destroy- 
 ed ; one scene of tumult and combustion would succeed 
 another; and the nation sink into a state of anarchy and 
 confusion. All, therefore, that can be anticipated, by 
 any rational and reflecting man, is the gradual and judi- 
 cious emancipation of slaves. And in what way is this 
 great object to be most speedily and effectually accom- 
 plished ? No plan could be devised so wisely adapted 
 to the end, as the plantation of the colony contempla- 
 ted. 
 
 Ab, Jones. — If the southern gentlemen feel so benev- 
 olently disposed towards them, why not gradually re- 
 release them, of their own will, from servitude ? It is 
 at least in the power of each to set his own slaves at 
 liberty ? 
 
 Penn. — Much has already been effected by individu- 
 al acts of this nature ; but even here we have to lament 
 that, from the depravity of human nature, it has been 
 found necessary to throw some restraints upon such ef- 
 forts of private generosity, from a regard to the public 
 good. In Virginia such serious evils have arisen out 
 of a partial emancipation, out of that mixed condition 
 in which some men of the same complexion, rank and 
 habits have been allowed to have their freedom, and 
 others to be retained in servitude, that a law has lately 
 
844 DIALOGUES ON 
 
 passed the legislature of that state, prohibiting all citi> 
 zens from manumitting their slaves, unless provision be 
 made at the same tiaie for their removal from the state. 
 This measure reveals to us an important secret, in re- 
 ference to this subject, of the extreme tardiness with 
 which the business of emancipation will proceed, if it 
 be acted upon only by causes within the States, and not 
 propelled and accelerated by foreign springs. 
 
 A'f. Jones.— T\\h is, indeed, a most discouraging view 
 of this matter. My heart sinks and dies within me upon 
 the contemplation of it. Is there, then, no hope of 
 more sure and speedy relief to those distressed bondmen 
 In the southern section of the American union ? 
 
 Paul Cufee.—\ can see no hope for them but in the 
 plantation of this African colony. This step will soon 
 afford a prompt and effectual relief. Often did my mind 
 dwell upon this matter during m.y life, until ray heart 
 melted with pity ; my feelings glowed to enthusiasm ; 
 and I would have encountered any privations, toils, 
 sufferings and death, for the deliverance of my coun- 
 trymen. Could I descend again to earth I would be- 
 come a missionary in this holy cause. I would never 
 cease my importunities to the free people of colour un- 
 til I induced them to embark in that undertaking, by 
 which they may render themselves the saviours of their 
 southern brethren. Can they set themselves down in 
 ease and comfort, and listen with indifference to the 
 sighs and groans and bitter complaints, wrung from their 
 brethren by their sufferings T Can they without resolu- 
 tions of encountering any evils for their rescue, con^ 
 template their hardships and toils, their hunger thirst 
 and nakedness ; the tortures to which they are but too 
 often exposed ; the tumults and butcheries to which 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONY. 343 
 
 they will give rise at every future period, by their fran- 
 tic and convulsive efforts to release themselves ? Shall 
 the cry of their sorrows by reason of their task-masters, 
 for ever ascend to heaven, and no succour be extended 
 to them ? 
 
 Penn, — Is there no Moses among them to carry this 
 second Israel out of Egypt, and conduct them to the 
 promised land ? 
 
 Paul Cufee» — Would that God himself would raise 
 up a prophet like unto Moses^ to redeem this enslaved 
 and much injured nation ! 
 
 Pe7in, — What has been already adverted to during 
 the progress of these conversations, I consider as con- 
 clusive arguments in favour of this expedition; but 
 when, passing from the present moment, I allow my im- 
 agination to take a more extensive range, and trace this 
 great undertaking to its ultimate consequences, my mind 
 h filled with the most sublime conceptions, and my heart 
 dilated with the most delightful anticipations. Let the 
 colony be once supposed planted, and become flourish- 
 ing, and what will be the unavoidable results ? It will 
 gradually attract to its sphere every slave in America. 
 In this single consideration, what a feast would be af- 
 forded to the philanthropic mind ! Those who Avere 
 dragged by violence from the land of their fathers; 
 doomed to miserable bondage ; and having their ears 
 greeted only with the clanking of chains, and the sighs 
 and groans of their unhappy associates, now return to 
 the land of their forefathers, their native home, singing 
 the songs of triumph, and bearing the standard of liber- 
 ty. How rich will be the return, and how noble the 
 reparation, which America will make to Africa, for all the 
 injuries she has done her! For the wretched captives 
 
 44 
 
344 DIALOGUES Om 
 
 of which she had deprived her and doomed to siaver)f, 
 she restores her an industrious and humanized people, 
 bearing with them to her bosom the arts and improve- 
 ments, the religion and laws of civilized society ! Thus 
 that which was the greatest curse of mankind, -is unex- 
 pectedly, under the direction of Heaven, transmuted in- 
 to their most signal blessing ! 
 
 Paul Ciifec. — This, indeed, is a most delightful anti- 
 cipation. Bat I do not even stop here, in pursuing the 
 train of consequences. I regale my fancy with brighter 
 prospects, and more splendid visions of future glory to 
 my race and nation. 1 beliold the enterprising people 
 Avho engage in this scheme, becoming missionaries of the 
 Christian faith, and erecting the structure of pure reli- 
 gion, upon the ruins of the gloomy doctrines and idola- 
 trous rites of paganism. I behold at their approach the 
 wilderness blossom as the rose; the arts, sciences, com- 
 merce, manufactures and agriculture, spring up and 
 flourish together. The banks of the Gambia, the Sene- 
 gal and the Congo, are studded with magnificent cities 
 and villages, and resound with the hum of industry. A 
 new and mighty empire rises to my view, founded upon 
 republican principles, and participating its liberties and 
 its glories. I see its armies extending its conquests 
 throughout that continent, and its navy covering the 
 ocean. I behold the united influence of Christianity, 
 civilization and good government, radiating from this 
 point, and at length diffusing itself to the Cape of Good 
 Hope on the one hand, and on the other crossing the de- 
 sart of Zaara, overspreading the southern shores of the 
 Mediterranean. The Crescent is again made to bow 
 to the Cross; and Christian nations, nations friendly to 
 civilized man, take possession of those capitals now oc- 
 
THE AFRICAN COLONY. 345 
 
 Gupied by pirates and robbers, whose thirst for ])]ood is 
 whetted by religions animosity, and stimulated by the 
 lust of plunder. I behold tliis empire crowning all its 
 other glories with the splendour of literary fame. I see 
 it rivalling, if not eclipsing, the most celebrated nations 
 in science and the arts. I perceive its philosophers 
 solving the phenomena of nature ; its orators thunder- 
 ing in the pulpit and at the bar ; its senators enlighten- 
 ing the councils of the nation ; and its statesmen sway- 
 ing, with a firm but equal hand, the sceptre of empire ; 
 its poets, painters and sculptors, animating by the magic 
 touch, the lyre, tlie canvass and the marble. Overcome 
 with the scene v/hich my fancy has painted, I can only 
 exclaim, amidst the rapture of emotion, Heaven grant 
 that these visions may be realized ! 
 
 Pe7in. — My most fervent aspirations ascend to Hea- 
 ven with yours, on this subject. The day that beholds 
 such an expedition embark from the shores of America, 
 should be celebrated as a jubilee, throughout the civili- 
 zed world. Those who shall have the honour to enlist 
 in the enterprise, will have their names consecrated in 
 the memory of all succeeding ages. 
 
 Ah, Jones, — I can resist such considerations no long- 
 er. The prospects that open to my view are too grati- 
 fying not to excite my enthusiasm. My objections have 
 been refuted ; my scruples vanquished ; and all my 
 doubts satisfied. Heaven speed the undertaking ! — 
 Arouse, my countrymen, to a sense of its importance, 
 and make it redound to the present and everlasting inter- 
 ests of the African nation. 
 
NOTE M. 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING SCHOOLS AND COL 
 LEGES, 
 
 The following extracts from the charter of Franklin 
 College, are deemed so important, as to deserve partic- 
 ular notice : — 
 
 " The public schools instituted or to be supported by 
 funds or public moneys, in this state, shall be consider- 
 ed as parts or members of the university, and shall be 
 under the foregoing directions and regulations." 
 
 " The president of the university, as often as the du- 
 ties of his station will permit, at least once a year, shall 
 visit them, and examine into their order and performan- 
 ces." 
 
 In a country like ours, where the interests of science 
 do not experience extensively the benefits of legislative 
 patronage, literature, left to depend upon her own con- 
 tingent resources, must be expected to make slow pro- 
 gress in accomplishing her views. Her success will 
 depend, in a very great degree, upon the wisdom, zeal 
 and energy, which characterize the system pursued in 
 the seminaries established for the promotion of litera- 
 ture. 
 
 The interests of classical science, in the United States, 
 are suffering materially, from that want of uniformity 
 
348 HINTS FOR IMPROVING 
 
 in elementary books, which generally prevails. The 
 variety exhibited by our schools and colleges, in this 
 respect, corresponds fully with the varieties of climate, 
 soil and character, which oar country in general sus- 
 tains. This want of uniformity exists, not only between 
 the northern and southern districts of our country, but 
 is found unfortunately to prevail in the central regions, 
 and in schools and seminaries situated quite contiguous 
 to one another. It would facilitate the progress of 
 youth in a collegiate course, to make all their prepara- 
 tory books of study, on every subject, bear as much gen- 
 eral resemblance, as circumstances would permit. 
 
 From the frequent migrations from school to school, 
 which take place among pupils, and from the examina- 
 tions for entrance into college which constantly occur, 
 it is discovered that there are in use in our schools and 
 academies, a great number of distinct grammars, both 
 in the Greek and Latin language. In the course of 
 these removals, which are often unavoidable and ad- 
 vantageous, cases frequently occur, in which it be- 
 comes necessary, either to permit the pupils, entering 
 upon a new situation, to continue in the use of the ele- 
 mentary books they have been accustomed to, which 
 impedes their progress and introduces confusion into 
 the school, or to compel them to lay aside the grammars 
 thpy first -rxquired, and commence others, very different 
 in form and expression, which is imposing upon them a 
 heavy burden, productive of no real good to the learner, 
 and leaves him liable, between his faint recollection of 
 the former and imperfect knowledge of the latter, to be- 
 come really and thoroughly acquainted with neither. 
 
 The evil here complained of, is felt more extensively, 
 in more large and important institutions. The system 
 
SCHOOLS AWD COLLEGES. 349 
 
 now pursued is calculated to compel the great mass of 
 students who receive a collegiate education, to enter 
 one of the lower classes, in which the classics are read 
 and in which uniformity cannot be dispensed with, with- 
 out injury to the institution as well as to the pupils. 
 
 The provisions exhibited in the preceding " Extracts'* 
 from the charter of Franklin College, are calculated to 
 remedy this evil in a certain degree. Dr. Finley, who 
 had long, at the head of his flourishing Academy at 
 Basking Kidge, lamented the existence of the evil re- 
 ferred to, contemplated this trait in the character of the 
 university of Georgia with lively interest, and anticipa- 
 ted from it many happy results. At the very first oppor- 
 tunity offered, he entered on that part of his official 
 duty as president of that college, which is intimated in 
 the latter of the two extracts and actually visited four 
 of the public schools of Georgia in his fatal tour. 
 
 The plan suggested in the preceding extracts, if sub- 
 stantially complied with, would produce many import- 
 ant advantages. The annual visit of the president to 
 the several academies in the state, in connexion with 
 the idea of their subordination to him and to the insti- 
 tution over which he presides, would stimulate the 
 scholars and their teachers to greater diligence in their 
 respective duties, and might be employed as an import- 
 ant auxiliary in the instruction and discipline of the 
 several institutions embraced in this connexion. And 
 under such a system of regulation, it would be easy to 
 give strict uniformity to the collegiate establishment, in 
 all its members and departments. This regulation, 
 which occupies a conspicuous place in the charter of 
 Franklin College, appears to be pre-eminently wise 
 and useful, and may be rendered exceedingly beneficial 
 
;^5(* HINTS FOR IMPROVING 
 
 to that institution, to the literature of Georgia, and to 
 that of the surrounding country. 
 
 Would not the introduction of similar arrangements, 
 through our country in general, be practicable in itself, 
 and productive of important advantages to all our litera- 
 ry institutions ? Might not every college establish a con- 
 nexion of this kind with those grammar schools which 
 are situated in its vicinity or from which it usually re- 
 ceives its pupils, on the condition of affording its pat- 
 ronage, giving direction in regard to the subjects of 
 study, furnishing auxiliary teachers, perhaps sending 
 with the consent of the schools, annually, an examining 
 committee, and requiring the schools, in return for these 
 favours, to adopt their course of instruction, to the sys- 
 tem pursued in the college with which they stand thus 
 connected.^ The proposed connexion might be made 
 happily instrumental in exciting and fostering the prin- 
 ciple of emulation between these subordinate institu- 
 tions, and on the whole, extensively conducive to the 
 cause of science. And would it not probably operate, 
 with ingenuous youth, as a strong incentive to industry 
 in study, if the college, in each of the contemplated 
 associations, should appoint a premium, to be conferred 
 upon the best scholar admitted annually into each of its 
 classes from the allied seminaries 1 
 
 To introduce entire uniformity into the American 
 system of education, would it not be advisable for those 
 colleges which can be brought to adopt the same ele- 
 mentary books ill the several departments, classical, 
 
 * Such a plan having beeu adopted, inforraation of it, pbould be given to the 
 public, that they who are abodt to commence the education of their sons, may 
 be able to couform their first studies to the system puriu«d in the institution w. 
 which they are expected to complete their literary course. 
 
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. 351 
 
 mathematical and philosophical, to select, arrange and 
 publish a complete set of studies, to be distinguished 
 and known as the particular studies of these institutions? 
 And, should this arrangement be found impracticable, 
 would it not be highly advantageous for each college 
 to make this selection for its own use, and as far as ne- 
 cessary, for the accommodation of its subordinate 
 schools ? By this measure 
 
 1. Money miglit be saved to the learner. 
 
 Most of the books now used in schools and colleges, 
 are published in a style of execution more costly than 
 necessary, and are bought at too dear a rate. In many 
 instances the expense of procuring a whole work is in- 
 curred, while only a small portion of it is read or studi- 
 ed. The paper is often thin and perishable, and the 
 binding very slight and inferior. In the proposed pub- 
 lication these disadvantages might easily be remedied. 
 The materials and the workmanship should be of the 
 most substantial and durable nature. All unnecessary 
 matter it is proposed to leave out. 
 
 2. On the plan here contemplated, accuracy^ in classi* 
 cal books, might be restored. 
 
 The Latin and Greek authors printed in this country 
 abound so exceedingly with typographical errors that 
 very great injury is sustained from the use of them in 
 schools. When inaccuracies frequently occur, the 
 teacher is incessantly harrassed and the business of 
 school interrupted, by applications to have the classical 
 text examined, and existing errors exposed and correct- 
 ed. In this manner much time is lost and the school is 
 injured ; and, besides, the student, always ready to im- 
 pute difficulty to inaccuracy and to suspend his efforts 
 till doubt is removed, finds his diligence in application 
 
352 HINTS FOR IMPROVING 
 
 and independent exercise of thought much impaired* 
 These disadvantages have been experienced so seriously, 
 that it has been judged expediejit in some instances to 
 keep a European edition, of the principal authors read, 
 as a standard to refer to — a fact disgraceful and humilia- 
 ting to American scholars ! 
 
 3. The proposed publication might be made entirely 
 free from those impurities, with which some of the best 
 classical writers unhappily abound. Retaining passa- 
 ges, which convey insinuations against religion and 
 morals and which are of an obscene and vitiating ten- 
 dency in those hooks which are very early put into the 
 hands of youth, to be carefully studied, is very mani- 
 festly dangerous and improper. It would be a favor, of 
 no common magnitude, to the principles and morals of 
 literary youth, to have every thing licentious, low, and 
 polluting, removed from our classical authors. A 
 remedy might thus be furnished for the evils and the 
 dangers arising from making our j^oung men whom we 
 wish to lead to the knowledge of the one only living 
 and true God, too early and too intimately acquainted 
 with Grecian and Pvoman Polytheism — with the fictions 
 and absurdities of their mythology — and with the vices 
 and follies of their imaginary deities. 
 
 4. This measure would contribute very extensively 
 to that uniformity which is so much desired. Wherever 
 this work would circulate, the plan of education pursu- 
 ed in the institution, which had given it existence might 
 be fully understood, and easily followed. The public 
 in general, teachers and schools especially, would know 
 precisely in what manner, the preliminary studies of a 
 candidate for that college must be conducted, to obtain 
 for him an easy and honorable admission into it. 
 
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. 353 
 
 Might we not adopt with some prudent modifications 
 in oar literary iiistitiitions, that part of the ancient Jew- 
 ish system of education, in which they trained their pu- 
 pils to an acquaintance with mechanical* pursuits, in 
 connexion with letters and science, and while they 
 strengthened and enriched the minds of their scholars 
 with literary culture, established them in the practical 
 knowledge of the useful arts and mechanical employ- 
 ments of life ? If acquiring practical knowledge of me- 
 chanics, of gardening, of agriculture could be made to 
 occupy a portion of that time which is commonly spent 
 in idleness and amusement, and be brought to answer 
 the purpose of necessary exercise, several additional ob- 
 jects of considerable importance would be in some de- 
 gree gained, by the alteration. 
 
 Many ofthe ordinary complaints such as bruises, sprains, 
 local inflammations, and fevers which most commonly 
 occur among boys at public schools, arise from the ir- 
 regular and violent exertions which they make in their 
 ordinary»plays. The substitute here suggested, besides 
 preventing in a great degree these evils and dangers, 
 and that fatigue and unfitness for study produced by 
 violent play, would aflford much more certainly and 
 regularly the gentle and uniform exercise necessary to 
 the health and vigour ofthe youthful constitution. 
 
 * See Stackhoiise's Flistory Bible 8 vo vol. 6, page 252. *' It wag a received cus- 
 tom ainona; the Jew?, for every man, of what rauk or quality soever, to learn some 
 handicraft; for one of their proverbial expressions is, that whoever teaches not his 
 son a trade, teaches himto be a thiff. 
 
 See also \nnotationsor/)rusms upon Acts 18 chap — " Sapienfes olim artificinm 
 aliquod exercehaut, ne ^ravarent alios. Sic alius eiat coriarius — alius, Librarius 
 — alius, calcearius, aut putor — aliu?, pistor." 
 
 See also Grotiu3 — ibidera — " Mos earat etiam doctlssimis Judoeorum opificium 
 aliquod discere, unde, ubi res ferret, se susteutarent. Erant, Pelliones, Sutores, 
 Pistores, Librarii, etra. 
 
354 HINTS JOIl IMPROVIN* 
 
 Most of the unhappy exasperations and contlictSj 
 which take place among boys asserubled at school, 
 o.iginate in their warm competitions and eager endea- 
 vours to excel each other in the games and amusements 
 usually resorted to in leisure hours. Furnishing an 
 easy and effectual remedy for this evil would be ac- 
 complishing an object of no small magnitude. 
 
 One great object contemplated in placing boys at 
 school ought to be to ascertain the degree and the pe- 
 culiar character of their talents, to discover towards 
 what objects their genius tends most strongly, with a, 
 view to the judicious direction of their future and per- 
 manent pursuits in life.^ In order to bring this experi- 
 ment to a successful issue, it ought not to be partially 
 made ; mechanic arts and manual employments in some 
 measure ought to be placed before every pupil and some 
 attention to them required. Had this plan been faithfully 
 pursued heretofore, our academies and perhaps colleges 
 too, would have produced more good mechanics and not 
 so many dull literati I 
 
 * The following anecdote will be appropriate here : it is extracted from the 
 Christian's Magazine, vol. iii. No. 8, page 447. 
 
 " Some years ago a young man who had been originally a maker of brooms, and 
 had " studied divinity," as it is termed for two or three sessions, was exhibiting 
 a specimen of his improvement before a foreign presbytery : and acquitted him- 
 self so little to their satisfaction, that theyjudgpd it necessary to remand him to 
 his first vocation, as more commensurate with hlsi abilities. This decision was an- 
 nounced by a venerable old minister in the following; manner : — " Young man It is 
 the duty of all men to glorify God. But he calls them to glorify Him in different 
 •ways, according to j^ifts he bestows on tiiem Some Jie calls to glorify Him — by 
 preaching the gospel of his Son ; and others by making besoms, (brooms.) Now 
 it is the unanimous judgment of this presbytery that he has not called you to 
 the ministry, since he hds not qualified you for it: and therefore that it is your 
 duty to go home to jovn father and glorify Gcd by decent industry in making bp^ 
 soma." 
 
{SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. 355 
 
 The plan proposed might be rendered an excellent 
 security against the noisy habits, and above all, many of 
 the vices, of which too much leisure and amusement, 
 are the fruitful source. 
 
 Could not the alteration here contemplated be so 
 modified as to become a powerful auxiliary in the gov- 
 ernment of youth ? and be made the means of prevent- 
 ing altogether the necessity of corporal punishment ? 
 
 The last consideration is, that every man, whatever 
 his grade of talent, his degree of education, and his 
 sphere in life, ought to have a practical acquaintance 
 with some mechanic art. Should he never pursue any 
 branch of mechanical employ, his progress through life, 
 his respectabilitj, ease and comfort, will be greatly pro- 
 moted by a general acquaintance with the common ne- 
 cessary and useful arts and occupations of men. 
 
 Quid munus Reipublicoe majus aut melius offere pos- 
 simus, quam si juventutem bene erudiamus ? 
 
 Cicero. 
 
 Great exertions have recently been made to estab- 
 lish new colleges in several states in the union, and 
 measures have been adopted in some of the best institu- 
 tions in our country, to enlarge and ameliorate their 
 capacity for the accommodation and instruction of youth. 
 JBut, notwithstanding, a U/nversiiT/ \oc?ited near the cen- 
 tre of the United States, amply endowed and extensive- 
 ly patronised by the national government, is a desidera- 
 tum of great magnitude. The wise and patriotic Wash- 
 ington suggested an idea of this nature in his last will 
 and testament, and the reasons on which he founded that 
 intimation are still applicable in all their force. " It has 
 been," says he, "my ardent wish to see a plan devised 
 on a liberal scale, which would liave a tendency to 
 
356 HINTS FOR IMPROVING 
 
 spread systematic ideas through all parts of this rising 
 empire, thereby to do away local attachaients and st >te 
 prejudices, as far as the nature of thincjs uouid, or in- 
 deed ought to admit, from our national councils. Look- 
 ing anxiously forward to the accomplishment of so de- 
 sirable an object as this is, in my estimation, my mind 
 has not been able to contemplate any plan more likely 
 to effect the measure, than the establishment of a uni- 
 versity in a central part of the United States, to which 
 the youths of fortune and talents, from all parts thereof, 
 might be sent for the completion of their education, in 
 all the branches of polite literature, in the arts and sci- 
 ences, in acquiring knowledge in the principles of poli- 
 tics and good government : and, as a matter of infinite 
 importance, in my judgment, by associating with each 
 other and forming friendships in juvenile years, be ena- 
 bled to free themselves, in a proper degree, from those lo- 
 cal prejudices and habitual jealousies which have just 
 been mentioned, and which, when carried to excess, are 
 never fdiling sources of disquietude to the public mind, 
 and pregnant of mischievous consequences." 
 
 The colleges of the United States are so circumscri- 
 bed in their resources and restricted in their views, as 
 to embrace in their system of instruction only those 
 subjects which are most common and essential in a lite- 
 rary course. Other objects, hitherto neglected, are be- 
 coming hit;hly interesting. A vniversih/, established on 
 a widely extr^nded scale, so as to comsprehend them all, 
 would be truly worthy of national attention, and exten- 
 sively conducive to national honour and interest. 
 ■ This institution, besides the classical, mathematical 
 and philosophical professorships, ought to possess. 
 
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. 357 
 
 1. A theological department, amply endowed for the 
 purpose of teaching the elements of natural and reveal- 
 ed religion, biblical and ecclesiastical history, moral 
 and theological s( ience in general. 
 
 2. It ought to include a professorship for the langua- 
 ges of modern Europe. 
 
 This would be a great convenience to young men of 
 talent and enterprise, seeidng education principally 
 as an auxiliary in the honourable pursuits of foreign 
 commerce. It would afford to American genius a more 
 direct and easy access to those stores of polite and ac- 
 complished literature, which have been accumulating 
 for centuries in the South of Europe, but from which 
 our sons must be excluded while ignorant of the lan- 
 guages which are the only key to their depositories. 
 And it would be an important accommodation to that 
 part of our citizens who inhabit the regions in the South 
 and West, where the French and Spanisli especially, 
 are becoming almost vernacular tongues. 
 
 3. A professorship for the purpose of extending the 
 knowledge of the languages of the various nations of 
 America, Asia and Africa. 
 
 Thfs would facilitate the necessary intercourse with 
 the American tribes both in treaty and in traffic ; it 
 Avould furnish a ready and happy assistant in carrying- 
 on the lucrative commerce v, ith the Eastern World ; it 
 would extensively aid the glorious cause of foreign mis- 
 sions, in promoting which, , every American statesman 
 and philanthropist should fee) a pride and an intenst; 
 it would enlars^e the compass of human knowledge, by 
 extending the sphere of education in tin's Western land ; 
 and in the course of time, by its indirect operation on 
 the aborigines of India, Africa* and America, it might 
 
358 HINTS FOR IMPROVING 
 
 have extensive influence in producing that community 
 of sentiment and manners, that amelioration of aspect 
 and condition, which will soon, we hope, be exhibited 
 by the human race. 
 
 4. In this institution provision should be made, in the 
 best manner practicable, for exciting, directing and aid- 
 ing the efforts of American genius, in the cultivation of 
 the Jine arts. 
 
 With success in this departm.ent of science, the hon- 
 our of the nation is closely connected. Europe claims 
 pre-eminence in the arts, and looks down upon the Uni- 
 ted States with disdain. Let every encouragement and 
 facility for the successful cultivation of American talent 
 and taste, be afforded by a liberal and enlightened gov- 
 ernment, jealous of its own honour, and anxious for the 
 best improvement of its own sons, in those arts and ac- 
 complishments which peculiarly liberalize, elevate and 
 adorn the human character. 
 
 5. This establishment ought to afford to American 
 youth, the means of obtaining accurate theoretic and 
 practical knowledge of agriculture. 
 
 The course of improvement which this country seems 
 destined to undergo, by means of canals, turnpikes, 
 bridges, fortifications, &c. &c. will demand increasing 
 skill in mechanic arts and operations. The American 
 people have also manifested a strong predilection for 
 manufacturing pursuits of various kinds. These objects 
 respectively are highly deserving of national patronage. 
 But, from the extent of our territory, the excellence of 
 our climate, the fertility of our soil, the ideas, habits 
 and necessities of the people, agricuUure appears likely 
 to be the general and predominant occupation of the 
 American States. And as a warrant for making a sys- 
 
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. 359 
 
 tern of instruction on this subject, an appendnge of a 
 great literary institution, it may be recollected that the 
 example has been set in many of the mo^t celebrated 
 universities of Europe. A writer of considerable abil- 
 ity, on the state of the univ^ersity at Oxford, makes the 
 following- pertinent remarks: ** Theolo£>-y and cla'?sical 
 literature have long flourished at Oxford, and in mod- 
 ern times, mathematics have not been neglected. Let 
 these, and all the sciences taught at our universities, 
 expand their influence in every direction ; but that ag- 
 riculture should be utterly neglected, and that Oxford 
 and Cambridge should be the only two universities in 
 the enlightened part of Europe without professors for 
 teaching this most useful of all arts, is a circumstance 
 that must excite some degree of surprise." The follow- 
 ing remarks of the same writer, will apply to our own 
 circumstances, and probably be approved ])y every 
 reader: "Mere lectures are insu flic lent to conunand 
 the attention, and give a turn to the pursiiiLS of young 
 men. The university abounds with those who are des- 
 tined to be considerable land proprietors,^ and if the 
 proper means w^ere used, it would not be difiicult to en- 
 gage them in itiquiries which would form not only a 
 most beneficial pursuit, but a rational, harmless and en- 
 tertaining amusement. The effect might be durable, 
 end must be advantageous to the best interests of the 
 empire. "t 
 
 * This i^iliterall}' tine in rf^jard to multitudes of young aien pursuing their 
 educatioo in the Aujcjicau colleges. 
 
 f See appendix, ptige 313, 8 vo. to the general view of the agriculture of Ox- 
 ^ordslr.re, drawn up by the secretary of the board and published in T/>iidon 181 < 
 
 4V^ . 
 
360 HINTS FOR IMPROVING, &€► 
 
 6. Considering the infant state of eloquence and polit- 
 ical knowledge in the American republic, it appears 
 reasonable and necessary, that, in the contemplated in- 
 stitution, the duty of affording to American youth pro- 
 found and expanded instruction, in civil and national 
 law, in political economy, and on the whole science of 
 government, should receive special attention. The 
 spirit of our government, the nature of our climate, the 
 lofty and independent sentiments of our citizens, and 
 the peculiar character and power of genius which they 
 have already manifested, at the bar and in the legisla- 
 tive hall, inspire us with the pleasing expectation that 
 the United States will soon possess many orators and 
 statesmen, who will be the pride of their country, and 
 may be the admiration of mankind. Animated by this 
 hope, should not the genius of our sons be excited and 
 fostered in the most efficient raiinner practicable ? Can 
 any thing be conceived more worthy the attention of the 
 supreme legislature of an enlightened and liberal peo- 
 ple, than providing suitable motives and facilities for 
 this progress to national honour, greatness and glory ? 
 
NOTE N. 
 SKETCH OF REV. WILLIAM BOYD. 
 
 The following brief sketch of the Rev. William Boyd^ 
 of Lamington, in the state of New-Jersey, was prepared 
 soon after his decease, by the writer of the preceding 
 narrative, and, at his request, published in the General 
 Assembly's Missionary Magazine. It is introduced in 
 this place, to give it that increased circulation, which 
 the facts it records deserve. 
 
 There are (ew duties in the discharge of which, a 
 friend of pious worth can be more profitably engaged, 
 than in that of endeavouring to keep in remembrance 
 the characters and virtues of those great and good men, 
 whom it has pleased God to take from this world to his 
 immediate presence and enjoyment. Whilst it pre- 
 serves their memories from unmerited oblivion, it ex- 
 tends the knowledge of their virtues : it exalts the grace 
 of God by displaying its happy effects in their holy con- 
 versation : it often attracts the solemn attention of the 
 wicked : and it always serves to guide the footsteps of 
 those who desire to walk as becomes the gospel of Je- 
 sus Christ. 
 
 It is under a sense of the truth and importance of 
 these observations, that the following sketch has been 
 written of the late Rev. William Boyd, of Lamington, 
 Somerset county, state of New-Jersey. 
 
362 
 
 SKETCH OF 
 
 Robert Boyrl, (he grandtather of the subject of thi? 
 memoir, was a native of Scotland. During a persecu- 
 tion in that country he lied to Ireland, where John 
 Boyd, the father of William, vvris born. After residing 
 there for a considerable tinne, he removed with all his 
 family, to America and settled in Peimsylvarjia. Jol-n, 
 probably his eldest son, was married to a young lady, a 
 native of that state, and settled near the same place in 
 Franklin county. In this place was born^ A. D. IfSS, 
 William Boyd. He had three brothers and some sisters, 
 several of wiiom are still living in respectability and 
 usefulness. He was deprived of his father when about 
 fifteen years of oge. But this loss was more than made up 
 to him, by that grace which it pleased the Father of mer- 
 cies to m.anifest to Jiis soul ab(jut the sanie time, in turn- 
 ing him from darkness unto light. Although his patrimony 
 was small, he was by some means prepared for college, 
 and his education was completed under the presidency 
 of Dr. Witherspoon, at Princeton, in the year 1778. His 
 uncommon zeal ^nd perseverance in study, appear to 
 have proceeded from a strong desire, which he express- 
 ed very early in life, to enter into the sacred ministry. 
 The first kw years which passed, after he received his 
 degree at college, he spent in teaching an academy in 
 the city, or vicii^ity of Annapolis, and in a private fami- 
 ly near Baltimore. He was soon after licensed to 
 preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Carlisle, under 
 the direction of which he continued till he entered that 
 of >knv-Brunswick. He remained for some time unset-- 
 tied, preaching as providence directed, in the states of 
 Pennsylvania, Nev/-Jersey, and New York ; and his 
 first ministrations were both popular and successful, 
 invitations and proposals to settle, crondcd upon iiiift 
 
REV. WILLIAM BOYD. 363 
 
 from different places. His talents could easily have 
 procured lor him one of the most conspicuous vacancies 
 in our couiitry, but, as he informed the writer of this 
 memoir, he chose a more humble and less public station. 
 Young and inexperienced, our cities filled with dissipa- 
 tion and temptations of various kinds, would, he feared, 
 draw him aside from that life of pict\^, and that plain, 
 pointed, apostolic mode of preaching, which appeared 
 to him so supremely excellent and necessary. So early 
 was his dislike formed to the smooth temporising spirit 
 which is too apt to insinuate itself into the pulpit, and 
 to which young preachers are peculiarly exposed, be- 
 fore they are seasoned and confirmed in grace, and when 
 the sentiments of society in general, the pride of the 
 human heart, the vice and the caprice of a populous 
 city, are all to be encountered. For these reasons Mr. 
 Boyd determined on a retired situation, where he might 
 execute his purpose of faithfully preaching the gospel, 
 with less interruption and difficulty. He accordingly 
 accepted the call that he received fr^im the congrega- 
 tion of liamiiigton, where he had bestov* ed some of his 
 itinerating labours. Soon after his settlement in that 
 congregation, in the year 1784, he was married to a 
 daughter of Col. Taylor, who lived not far from the 
 place of his residence. SJie proved to be a woman of 
 much real worth, and completely calculated to make 
 him happy. Whilst her piety and vivacity tended to 
 cheer and enliven him in his dullest hours, when op- 
 pressed with disease or exhausted by labor, her indus- 
 try and discretion contributed much to their Avorldly 
 prosperity and to the regularity and success of their va- 
 rious concerns. Happy in his pastoral and family rela- 
 tions, he devoted himself with zeal and constancy to 
 
"364 SKETCH OF 
 
 the duties of his charge. Of a humble and domestic 
 disposition, he seldom entered into the world bat when 
 called by the voice of duty. He delighted in the socie- 
 ty of his wife and children, and devoted himself much 
 to perusing carefully and repeatedly those books to 
 which ho had access in his retired circumstances. 
 
 As a preacher of the gospel he was peculiarly excel- 
 lent. Himself deeply penetrated with a sense of the to- 
 tal depravity of the human heart, o( its inability to per» 
 form anything acceptable to God without his gracious 
 assistance, he endeavoured to impress these great and 
 fundamental truths upon every heart. His principal 
 objects were to demonstrate the necessity of a divine 
 atonement and of faith in the Redeemer in order to jus- 
 tification : to exalt and establish the grace of God upon 
 the ruins of human pride and greatness ; to pour the con- 
 solations and encouragements of the gospel into the 
 humble and contrite heart! to expose the labyrinths of 
 hypocrisy and the dangers of self deception : to awe or 
 allure the wicked from those fatal refuges to v hich 
 they often have recourse: in a word, to promote the 
 glory of God, by the conversion of sinners and the edi- 
 fication of saints. His talents were good and his acquire- 
 ments veri/ considerable. He was remarkable for quick- 
 ness of apprehension, strength of memory, depth of pen- 
 etration and soundness of judgment. These had all 
 been improved and cultivated, by early, habitual and 
 continued application. Hence it is easy to account 
 for his extensive and accurate information, though much 
 secluded from the world. He had studied human na- 
 ture too, in its hidden springs and secret windings. 
 Few men of the present age Lave acquired a more 
 clear and extensive knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures, 
 particularly of the New Testament, He possessed a 
 
REV. WILLIAM BOYD. 366 
 
 mind happily formed for historical and theological stu- 
 dies, for polite learning and profound investigation. 
 In all the branches of science he had made considera- 
 ble acquiren[ients. lie was an excellent classical schol- 
 ar. He vras thoroughly instructed and confirmed in 
 the calvinistic doctrines. He was not ostentatious, but 
 always sensible and pertinent in his pulpit discourses. 
 Besides solid instructions, pathetic remonstrances and 
 affectionate invitations, his sermons contained much 
 matter that was original, the result of deep reflection. 
 His views of divine subjects were often much expanded 
 and highly elevated. But experimental, practical piety 
 was the subject in which his sovil most delighted, and 
 which therefore, was the frequent theme of his public 
 addresses. Being thoroiighly furiiishcd unto all good works 
 and from a child having known the Scriptures, he could 
 use them aptly, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction 
 and for instruction in righteousness. 
 
 His style of preaching was in general, simple and sol- 
 emn, dignified and impressive. He was remarkable for 
 a natural facility and perspicuity of expression. His 
 ideas flowed freely and profusely. He spoke of di- 
 vine things with that simplicity which indicated his fa- 
 miliarity with them, and his sense of their infinite weight 
 and importance. For a few years he adopted the cus- 
 tom of writing his sermons and committing them to 
 memory ; but for the remainder of his life he depended 
 principally upon the vigour and promptness of his parts, 
 upon the variety, and extent of his intellectual resour- 
 ces, after he had studied and digested his subject. 
 Method, natural and just was so much at his command, 
 that it seemed difficult for him to depart from sys- 
 tem in his discourses. He appeared without the least 
 eflfort, to enter into the spirit of the gospel, and to 
 
36iy SKETCH OF 
 
 illustrate and apply its truths, lie was in general 
 cool and deliberate, easy and graceful in his deliv- 
 ery. His eye lively and penetrating, his counte- 
 nance grave and solemn, his person regular and hand- 
 some, his gestures natural and often striking, liIs voice 
 sweet and commanding, all tended to give weight and 
 impression to his words. But especially his holy exam- 
 ple contributed much to enforce his doctrines. The 
 delicate state of his health, to which immoderate study 
 for a [ew years after his settlement had reduced him, did 
 not permit him often to indulge in that vehement address 
 of which he was highly capable and to which the im- 
 portance of his subjects and the warmth of his feelings 
 often impelled him. There were, however, occasions, 
 on which, passing the limits imposed by his debility, he 
 displayed that justness and grandeur of sentiment, that 
 purity and elegance of language, that warmth and ear- 
 nestness of manner, which are the essentials of true elo- 
 quence. He commonly spaive as one having authority : 
 his words could scarrely be resisted, carrying with 
 them a kind of internal evidence that the speaker had 
 been with God. But to the character and the fame of 
 an orator he did not aspire. Tlie flowers of rhetoric 
 and the graces of expression, had little of his attention 
 or concern. His supreme desire was to be a faithful ser- 
 vant and humble follov/er of the blessed Redeemer. 
 
 With such excellent natural endowments, with such a 
 fund of acquired knowledge, with such an affectionate, 
 benevolent heart, and especially, with such an active, 
 glowing piety, it would be natural to anticipate from him 
 more than usual success in the service of Christ. But, 
 as with many other wise and good men, his labours were 
 attended with only a gradual and ordinary in rease of 
 the church of which he had the charge. It is reasona^ 
 
REV. WILLIAM BOYD. 367 
 
 ble, however, to expect that the seeds which he has 
 scattered in the vineyard of God, will not be permitted 
 to perish, but under the care and culture of the great 
 Lord of the harvest, will yet be made to grow and 
 bring forth fruit, to the praise of God's glorious grace 
 and the salvation of immortal souls. And " if in the 
 estimation of heaven, our services are appreciated, 
 not by the good we accomplish, but the sincerity, the 
 strength and constancy of our exertions," great indeed 
 is his reward in heaven. 
 
 Mr. Boyd appears to have been formed not less for 
 society than for the pulpit. As in the sacred desk, so in 
 the social circle, his manners were always becoming. 
 His carriage was agreeable and unaffected ; his temper, 
 naturally high, was reined in by reason and subdued by 
 grace : his disposition was remarkably friendly and af- 
 fectionate : he was sprightly and animated in conversa- 
 tion ; he mingled condescension with dignity ; he had a 
 happy turn of accomm.odating himself to the tempers 
 and circumstances of others, without sanctioning what 
 was wrong ; he abounded in anecdotes and historical 
 narratives of families, of persons and of events, a knowl- 
 edge of which he had acquired in his extensive early 
 reading, in his journeyings, and in his personal observa- 
 tions and intercourse among men. He could make 
 himself agreeable and entertaining to persons in every 
 rank and employment in life ; and in the whole of his 
 conversation there was discoverable such a vein of gen- 
 uine piety as to make him equally agreeable to the se- 
 rious and venerable to the wicked. He exercised the 
 highest degree of prudence and moderation in all his 
 deportment. He abstained in a great measure from 
 those endless controversies which constantly divide the 
 
 47 
 
368 SKETCH OF 
 
 world on the subjects of religion and politics. He pos-^ 
 sessed his opinions, and they were generally founded in 
 reason and equity; but he displayed the soundest dis- 
 cretion, by declaring them only when there was a pros- 
 pect of doing good, or at least, of not creating evil. He 
 was a man of true and unfeigned humility. In the cir- 
 cle in which he moved, he was the only one insensible 
 of his worth and distinction. He knew so much of the 
 glory and excellence, of God, he realized so deeply and 
 affectingly the vileness and vanity of man, that he 
 thought himself the least of all saints. 
 
 It is worthy of remark, that he was a sincere and par- 
 ticular friend of 5^outh. He seemed to be peculiarly 
 concerned for their welfare. He used every means of 
 encouraging the difHdent, of stimulating the indolent, 
 and of tempering the efforts of the ambitious. He af- 
 fectionately took them by the hand, pressed them into 
 his society, administered to them his counsels, and con- 
 versed with them m.ost familiarly and impressively. 
 
 Following the law and example of our Lord, Whatso^ 
 ever ye ivould that men should do to youy do ye to them like- 
 nise, Mr. Boyd was upright and liberal in his dealings: 
 he was ever ready to forgive injuries and confer favours: 
 he was incapable of wantonly aspersing the character of 
 any man, even of an enemy. He had much firmness 
 and independence of spirit, and at the same time much 
 gentleness and condescension. He was really ami- 
 able in all the relative characters of social life, as a 
 husband, a father, a friend ; and his natural sweetness 
 was rendered still more lovely and endearing by the 
 charms of divine grace. 
 
 He delighted most, as we have already hinted, in ab- 
 straction from the world, and in secret communion w^ith 
 the Father of his spirit. Satisfied with his state, h@ 
 
REV. WILLIAM BOYD. 369 
 
 Courted not the smiles of the affluent and vain glorious. 
 Humble and unambitious, he cultivated principally an 
 intimacy with heaven, and a meetness for an inheritance 
 among the saints in light. 
 
 But the lustre with which he shone could not be con- 
 fined to that retired corner which he had chosen for his 
 abode. The public became acquainted with his worth. 
 He was reverenced and esteemed by all who knew him, 
 as an Israelite indeed. His opinions were regarded in 
 ecclesiastical courts and assemblies with attention and 
 solemnity, He was elected a Trustee of the College of 
 New-Jersey a few years before his death, and continued 
 in that capacity till his decease. < 
 
 Our view of this excellent man becomes most inters 
 esting, as we approach his final moments. Several 
 times in the course of the last twenty years, he had been 
 alarmed with a great weakness in his breast, a small dis- 
 charge of blood from the lungs, and a hectic cough. 
 These consumptive symptoms scarcely ever totally dis- 
 appeared. But with great prudence and management, 
 he retained the ability of attending to the duties of his of- 
 fice generally, until about the beginning of last March. 
 
 He had been appointed by the Presbytery of New- 
 Brunswick, to supply, at this time, in a neighbouring 
 vacant congregation. The weather being cold and 
 wet, the exposure was too great for his feeble constitu- 
 tion. On his return he was seized with an obstinate fe- 
 ver, the consumptive symptoms increased, and the disease 
 became fixed. He continued in this weak and declin- 
 ing state till IMay, on the fifteenth day of which month 
 it pleased God to take him from the world. As his 
 complaint was of the lingering kind, it afforded him an 
 excellent opportunity of manifesting the power and 
 glory of the religion of Jesus. And very seldom 
 
370 SKETCH, &C. 
 
 indeed are we presented vv ith such a complete and happy 
 Christian triumph, as was beheld in this servant of the 
 Lord. He had endured so many bodily pains in the 
 course of life, that he had learned to be patient. He had 
 anticipated death so often, and conversed with it so famil- 
 iarly, that its terrors did not alarm him. The inmate of 
 his bosom had several years before been taken from his 
 embrace. By industry and economy he had amply pro- 
 vided for the comfortable establishment in the world of 
 his four surviving children. Although his attack was 
 almost hopeless from the beginning, he was calm and re- 
 signed. He remarked soon after its commencement, 
 " I have for many years felt this weakness growing up- 
 on me. I have a long time apprehended that I should 
 fall a victim to it, and now the time is coming." Being 
 asked whether, if such were the appointment of God^ 
 he would be willing now to leave the world, he replied;, 
 *' I have been examining myself and searching out the 
 evidence of my being in a state of grace, and upon the 
 whole I feel pretty well satisfied that I have really un- 
 dergone a gracious change ; and I am, therefore, willing 
 to submit to God, knowing that his own time and way 
 are best." He enjoyed constantly, through his tedious 
 and painful illness, a high degree of those cheering 
 hopes with which a lively faith in the Redeemer inspires 
 its possessor. His faith was well founded and would 
 therefore bear the strictest scrutiny. He had " the tes- 
 timony of his conscience, that not with fleshly wisdom 
 but by the grace of God, he had had his conversation 
 in the world." His heaven commenced before his life 
 was extinguished. His prospects brightened to the lasto 
 With his expiring breath he exclaimed, "I am not afraid 
 to die !" Let me die the death of the righteous, and let 
 my last end be like his I 
 
i printer tiiinks proper, ia justice to the writer of tlili work, lo state, that hit^ 
 engagements were such, during the time of printing it, as to render it imprac- 
 ticable for him to superintend the r-orrecting of the press. 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Pa-re 57, note, 4tb line from bottom, for " or," read on. 
 
 60, do. 13th for " last » readj^'/-i«. 
 
 62, do 4lh line — erase the mark of quotation before " A Committee, &,c. 
 
 tii", IZth line from top. — The period at the word "prepared." should be ti 
 comma.— prepared, 
 
 (16, ir-th line — for " refreshing, read rushing. 
 
 7.-), last Hae— for " 1815," read 1816. 
 
 78, bottom— for '' interest." read intsrests. 
 J 17, bottom line— fcr period after the word "congregation." substitute a 
 
 comma, thu.s — congre-^fitioit, the 
 121. 3d Hue oJ note— for " iiresistabl*^," read, ible, 
 1-'8, 7th liue— for, " so far communicated," read so far ai communicahd. 
 392. for • de natura, de orntore, Deorum," read de nalura. Deorum, &c. 
 218, end ot iith line— insert " i\ms, the several churches ''^ 
 
 8th line from bottom— for ''congregation," read congregations. 
 2-0 in v.\c no'e near the bottom, for •' this mean," read^f^is means. 
 231, ;^>tli line— for ' qii .llfication." read qualifications, 
 27!, 14th line — for" word." " read records. 
 3.')0, ' th line -for " adopt." read adapt 
 {ib'S. 3d line from bottom p. — for " earat," read erat, 
 35'>, J7th line — for ''oflTere," read offerrt. 
 .359, ith line from bottom -for " in pursuing," read pursuing' 
 3^4, 1st line — read '* Of on humble," 
 

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