BX 7260 .M57 S67 1874 
 Sprague, William Buell, 1795 
 -1876. 
 
 The life of Jedidiah Morse 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2014 
 
 https://archive.org/details/lifeofjedidiahmoOOspra 
 
T H E L I F E 
 
 f AUG 10 1965 
 
 OF ? ^ 
 
 . y 
 
 JEDIDIAH MORSE, D.D. 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM B. SPRAC.ri:, D.D., LL-D. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH & COMPANY, 
 
 770 BROADWAY, COR. 9th ST. 
 
Reproduced by 
 
 DUOPAGE PROCESS 
 in the 
 U.S. of America 
 
 Micro Photo Division 
 Bell & Howell Q>[npany 
 Geveland 12, Ohio 
 
 DP # 6169 
 
I 
 
 cornuGBT, 1874, 
 
 BV RlCUAKD C. MOKSK. 
 
 ■ OSetT lUTTCI. 
 •INOEB. 
 
 M MMBAB tlUit. ■. T> 
 
 EDWABO O. JCNCINS. 
 raiHTE* AND STEBEOTTPCB. 
 M BMIB atuua St., a. i. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 [Written with a vieir to pablication in the year 18G7.] 
 
 NoTWTTHSTAXDiNO varioDS and somewhat extended 
 notices of Dr. Morse liav»; appeared on both sides of the 
 Atlantic, no continuous history of his life has ever been 
 written till this time. 
 
 It is fitting that there should be some explanation of 
 the departure, in this volume, from the ordinary mode of 
 constincting a iNIemoir by an-anging the principal events 
 of the life, as far as may Ik?, in chronological order. This 
 wjus what was herc at fii"st attempted ; but it was quickly 
 found that the life, in this case, wjis of so mixed and 
 divei-sified a character, and so prominently identified with 
 almost ever}' great movement of the periotl into which it 
 fell, that it would be impossible to present it to advantage 
 in the foiin of a continuous and orderly narrative. After 
 considerable reflection, the plan here adopted was deter- 
 mined \i[>on — that is, presenting an outline of the history 
 of Dr. Morse's life, sufficient to meet the wishes of those 
 who have not the time or the uichnatiou to go into its 
 miiuiter details, while, without involving the necessity of 
 nuich repetitioUj it may serve as the basis or starting-point 
 of a record of what he accomplished in the various depart- 
 ments of active usefulness. Nearly everything of intere&l; 
 pertaining to his histoiy down to the period of his settlo> 
 
IV 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 iiient iu Charlcstown, will be found in the outline ; but 
 from that time onward the scn'icfs which he rendeixKl iu 
 diftorent spheres form the subjects of as many distinct 
 chai)tei's. 
 
 No smtill embamiisment has been exiierienced in the 
 pivpanition of this ^lonioir, partly from a difficulty of 
 selecting from the nuiltifunu laboi-s of Dr. Moi"se those 
 which ai"e most worthy of an enduring itx'ord, and pailly 
 from the inunense m:iss of mateiial out of which such a 
 i-ecord w:is to be formed. So numei-ous and intimate 
 wei-e his relations with passing events, that his life might 
 have easily been made the germ of the general history of 
 his time ; but as nothing so extensive as that was contem- 
 plated, it h:is only remained to select those facts and 
 experiences in his life which have proved of tiie greatest 
 interest, introducing only so nuich of the history of the 
 period :ts w;is necessjiry to illustrate their comiections. So 
 rich and varied and extensive was his c<>ri-esix)udcnce, that 
 several selections of lettei-s might have Infu made, 
 shedding light upon the principal events of his life, that 
 would have l)een scarcely inferior, in point of interest, to 
 those which are scattered through this volume. 
 
 As Dr. Moi*se lived at an eventful period, especially in 
 the reJigiom history- of New England, and w:is i>erhai>s 
 more signally identified than any other man with the 
 great controvers}"^ of his day, it w:is not to be exijccted 
 that he should eSL*ape animadversion. Accordingly, we 
 find that he was brought into conflict with some distin- 
 guished individuals, and diff*ered widely in opinion with 
 many othei-s ; but the details of these conflicts or ditTer- 
 ences, l>eyond what is absolutely due to histonc fidelity, it 
 has not been thought desirable to record. The controversj* 
 which he had with ^liss Ilanuah Adams, though, to some 
 extent, of a personal nature, wjis i)erhai>s too important in 
 some of its l)eariugs to Ik? iguoi-eil ; but the brief state- 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 V 
 
 ment of the ler.ding facts connected with it in the letter 
 bj Mr. Sidney E. Morse supersedes, it is l)elieved, the 
 necessity of any formal notice of it in the narrative of 
 Dr. Mojse's life. 
 
 It is an act of simple justice to say that ^Ir. Kichard C. 
 Moivic, the youngest of Dr. Morse's sons, has performed 
 an amount of lalK)r in connection with this volume, that 
 has rendered it somewhat difficult for me to allow my own 
 name to appear, unaccompanied h}' his, on the title Jiage. 
 To him belonirs the credit of jratherinjr into a continuous 
 series nearly all the lettei-s that are published, out of an 
 amount of coiTcspondeiice that is tndy appalling ; and my 
 own i)ersonal examination h:is sjitistied me of the good 
 judgment and taste generally manifested in the selection. 
 
 ^lany facts in his father's histoiy, which do n<i find a 
 place in this volume, have Iwen iisceilained and fixed 
 through his indefatigable i-esearches, — all whicli will of 
 e()ui"sc l>e carefully preserved in manuscript for the benefit 
 of posteiity. 1 have endeavoivd to peifonn the office 
 .•issigned me with all impartiality and fidelity, while yet I 
 am quite aware that the result of niy effort falls far short 
 of what is due to the memory- of my illustrious subject 
 
 This Memoir was prejwred sevenil yeare ago at the 
 request of the late sons of Dr. Morse. Owing to a delay 
 in the prepanition of lettera of reminiscences by them, it 
 was not rejidy for publication l)cforc their death. These 
 letters, as found among their papcra, arc now furnished to 
 me by Dr. Alorse's grandson, Mr. Richard C. Morse, and 
 make part of this volame. 
 
 W. R Spr^vgue. 
 
 FLUsnixo, 3faf/ 1, 1874. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Section I. Page. 
 
 Outline of his Life 1 
 
 Skctiov it. 
 
 Details of his History and Development of his Character 
 
 Chaptkr I. 
 
 11 is Labours as a Parish Minister 20 
 
 Chapter II. 
 
 II is Labours in connection with the Unitarian Controversy 4G 
 
 Establishment of the Pano{)Iist C5 
 
 General Association of Massachusetts 72 
 
 Andovcr Theoloj^ical, Seminary. 91 
 
 Establishment of Park-street Church 112 
 
 Dorchester Controversy 115 
 
 Pamphlet on American Unitarianism 120 
 
 Chapter III. 
 
 His Labours as a Philanthropist 128 
 
 Society for Propagating the Gospel 128 
 
 Massachusetts Emigrant Society 137 
 
 Establishment of the Xavy Yard, Charlestown 139 
 
 In behalf of Africans 141 
 
 Chaplaincy of the State Prison 14S 
 
 Circulation of Religious Tracts loO 
 
 Circulation of the Bible 157 
 
 Foreign Mi.ssions 102 
 
 Association for Reformation of Morals 107 
 
 In behalf of Indians.. 107 
 
 Chapter IY. 
 
 His Labours as a Qeogripher 192 
 
ym TABLE OF CONTEXTS. 
 
 Chapter V. P«««. 
 His Labours in other departments of Authorship 223 
 
 Chapter VI. 
 
 His Labours in connection with the Politics of his day, and 
 kindred subjects 229 
 
 Chapter VII. 
 
 His Domestic and Social Relations 244 
 
 Chapter VIII. 
 
 His Correspondence 250 
 
 Chapter IX. 
 
 Suuimar}' of his Character 257 
 
 Chapter X. 
 
 Letters of Reminiscences 2C6 
 
 1. Samuel F. B. Morse 2GG 
 
 2. Sidney E. Morse 201) 
 
 3. Richard C. Morse 284 
 
 Chapter XI. 
 
 Letters of Personal RecDilcctions 291 
 
 1. Benjamin Silliman, L.L.D 292 
 
 2. Rev. Daniel Dana, D.D 297 
 
 3. :Miss Lucy Osgo^wl 302 
 
 4. Rev. Leonard Bacon 306 
 
 Irolex 311 
 
M E M O I H 
 
 or 
 
 JEDIDIAH MORSE, D.D. 
 
 OUTLINE OF mS LIFE. 
 
 Jedidiah Morse was a descendant, in tlie fifth 
 generation, from Anthony Morse, who came to 
 this country from Marlborough, Wiltshire, Eng- 
 land, in 1035, and settled in Newbury, Massachu- 
 setts. Peter Morse, the grandson of Anthony, 
 removed about the year 1698 to New Roxbury, 
 then in Massachusetts, though it subsequently 
 pas-ed to the jurisdiction of Connecticut, and 
 took the name of Woodstock. Here Jedidiah, 
 grandson of Peter, and father of the subject of 
 this memoir, was born in 172G. He (the father; 
 was a man of no small consideration in his day, 
 having held various public offices, and among 
 tliem that of Representative of the town in the 
 Colonial and State Legislatures for more than 
 fifteen years. He w.as also an influential member, 
 and a Deacon, of the First Congregational Church. 
 He lived to the remarkable age of ninety-four 
 3'ears. He was married in 1747 to Sarah Child, 
 also of Woodstock, with whom he lived most 
 happily fifty-eight years. They had ten children 
 of whom Jedidiah^ who is commemorated in this 
 work, was the eighth, and was born on the 23d 
 
 of August, 1761. 
 
 1 
 
2 
 
 OUTLINE OF mS LIFE. 
 
 In his childhood and youth he discovered a 
 gentle and affectionate disposition, together with 
 a conscientious adherence to the convictions of 
 duty. He early exhibited an uncommon fondness 
 for books, and expressed .1 strong desire for a 
 liberal education ; and this desire was the more 
 readily yielded to from the fact that his physical 
 constitution was deemed inadequate to the labours 
 of the farm. He fitted for College in the Academy 
 in his native place ; and so vigorous and success- 
 ful was his application to study that he was 
 examined and admitted to the Freshman class of 
 Yale in the spring of 1779, within less than a 
 year from the time that he commenced his pre- 
 paration. Before the College term commentted, 
 however, he was drafted as a soldier in the Con- 
 necticut Line of the Army. But his fatlier, by 
 an immediate and earnest application to Governor 
 Trumbull, succeeded in procuring for him an 
 exemption from military duty, so that he was 
 enabled at once to take his place in College. 
 
 During his College life he kept up a constant 
 correspondence with his father, which is still 
 preserved; and from it may be gathered not 
 only many of the incidents of his daWy life, 
 but much that is illustrative of the period 
 through which he was passing. As his father 
 was far from being in affluent circumstances, 
 the expenses of his education were necessarily 
 directed by a strict economy, and, in order to 
 meet them fully, he engaged, for a time, in teach- 
 ing a school, and, shortly after his graduation, 
 
OUTLINE OF raS LIFE. 
 
 3 
 
 taught a class in singing, in the neighbouring 
 town of Guilford. In a class distinguished by 
 its honoured names he had a highly respectable 
 standing as a scholar; «ind, by his modest and 
 kindly demeanour, he rendered himself a general 
 favourite. He gave more than ordinary attention 
 to the culture of the social graces, availing him- 
 self of all legitimate opportunities for mingling 
 in cultivated female society. And his presence 
 was always sure to be recognized as an element 
 of pleasure. His fine musical powers were very 
 likely to be called into exercise in any circle 
 into which he might be thrown. He read and 
 studied with great relish Chesterfield's Letters on 
 Politeness; and such was his estimate of this 
 book as a guide in forming the manners, that, 
 even after his settlement in the ministry, an 
 edition of it was published, by a bookseller in 
 Boston, under his supervision. *' Chesterfield on 
 Politeness^ improved by Dr. Morse,** was the ludi- 
 crous title under which the book was advertised 
 in some of the newspapers. 
 
 Though young Morse had had the benefit of a 
 strictly religious education, and had doubtless 
 been the subject of serious impressions in child-r 
 liood and early youth, it does not appear that he 
 was ever brought to regard religion as the great 
 personal and practical concern till his Sophomore 
 year in College. In a letter to his father, dated 
 15 February, 1781, he writes thus: 
 
 " I have conversed with the President " (Stiles) " on the 
 Bubjcet of religion. He gave me excellent advice, and proposed 
 
4 
 
 OUTUXE OP HIS LIFE. 
 
 my joining the church. I think it of the first importance to 
 engage in religion in early life, while we have the promise of 
 finding, and not to delay the duty to old age or a sick bed. I 
 intend to converse with him again on Friday, though I am 
 hardl}' prepared to take the step he proposes, and may defer it. 
 I wish I could now talk to you and my mother on the subject ; 
 but, this being impossible, I hope you will improve every 
 opportunity to give me your advice." 
 
 On I lie 20th of the same month he writes thus: 
 
 " I have now to tell yon something of the greatest importance 
 to me, and of no little interest to 30U, my dear parents. It is 
 my purpose to make a solemn dedication of myself to God, my 
 Creator. Drea»lful, yet pleasing thought! — to enter into cove- 
 nant with the living God I Holmes * and myself were with the 
 President on Saturday, and again on Sunday noon; when we 
 gave our consent to be propounded for admission into the 
 church ; and, accordingly, we were so, at the close of the public 
 service. The President gave us good advice, road to us the 
 Confession of Faith, and the Covenant, a<ked us many questions 
 uiKtn tliem, and whether there were any articles that we could 
 not fully assent to, and, as there were none, he said that he 
 should proceed to admit us into the church a fortnight hence. 
 
 " I now call to mind with pleasure the man}' instructions 3'ou 
 have given me. I reproach myself with having paid so little 
 heed to them. How can I better repay you for all your trouble 
 and care for me, from my infancy', than by giving myself to 
 God, my 3Iaker ? I trust I can do so with the utmost willing- 
 ness, and with a humble dependence on Jesus Christ, the 
 ^lediator. 3Iay it be done in a manner acceptable and well 
 pleasing to Him." 
 
 Accordingly, on the first Sabbath in March, 
 1781, being then in his twentieth year, he made 
 a public profession of his faitlu and was admitted 
 a member of the College Church. Consequent 
 
 • Afterwards Kev. Dr. Iluluies of Cambridge, hi* classmate. 
 
OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 5 
 
 upon this was a resolution to devote himself to 
 the ministry of the Gospel. 
 
 In a letter bearing date June 24, 1783, he writes. 
 
 thus : 
 
 liut threo weeks and I am to go forth into the world to 
 ])ut to practical use the learning I have been acquiring. It ia 
 truly a pleasing, but anxious thought: pleasing, as I may hope, 
 with the blessing of God, to preach the glad tidings of salvation, 
 and anxious when I think of coming in contact with those who 
 reject Christ." 
 
 The following amusing incident he used to 
 relate, as illustrative of the experience of not a 
 small number who enter the ministry. On the 
 da}' that he took his first degree he met, in one 
 of the College buildings, the venerable Dr. Bel- 
 lamy, then far advanced in life, moving slowly 
 up the stair case; and he promptly offered him 
 his arm, tlius assisting him in his somewhat labori- 
 ous walk. The Doctor thankfully acknowledged 
 this polite attention, and asked him his name, to 
 what class he belonged, and to what profession 
 he intended to devote himself; and, having 
 learned that it was his purpose to become a 
 minister of the Gospel, he gave him his blessing, 
 and added, — **Now let me tell you how it will 
 fare with you. after you shall have preached as a 
 candidate, received a call, and been settled over 
 a parish. At first your people will doat on you — 
 they will say to 3'ou, — * Poor pusst/y poor pussy.* 
 Soon their fervour will cool, and the word will 
 he simply * PusSy puss.* And at last it will be 
 ' Scat you: " . 
 
6 
 
 OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 On the completion of his College course, in 
 1783, he continued to reside in New Haven, and 
 prosecuted his theological studies under the joint 
 direction of Dr. Jonathan Edwards, then Pastor 
 of the White Haven Church, as it was called, and 
 Dr. Samuel Wales, Professor of Divinity in Yale 
 College. At the same time, with a view to 
 relieve his father from any additional expense 
 on his account, he engaged in teaching a school 
 of young girls. In this enterprise he was emi- 
 nently successful, commanding the patronage of 
 many of the best families in the city. 
 
 He was remarkable, from his early years, for a 
 habit of persevering mental activity — he always 
 found full occupation for his whole time. Hence, 
 in the winter of 1783-81, besides pursuing his 
 theological studies, and teaching the duy-school 
 for girls already referred to, he met a class of 
 young ladies two evenings in the week, and a 
 class for singeing on two other evenings. And 
 this vast amount of labour was accomplished with 
 a naturally delicate constitution, and with fre- 
 quent interruptions occasioned by ill health. 
 
 The course of theological study at that period 
 was far more limited than it is now ; and hence 
 we find that when Mr. Morse had pursued his 
 studies for only a few months, repeated intima- 
 tions came to him that if he would consent to 
 receive license to preach, he might be advantage- 
 ously employed in an important field; but his 
 good sense prevented him from yielding to an}'' 
 Buch proposals. He had a deep sense of the 
 
OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 7 
 
 importance of the office to which he was aspiring, 
 and was unwilling to jeopard his usefulness by 
 entering on its duties, without what was deemed, 
 at least at that day, mature preparation. 
 
 It was while he was teaching a school at this 
 period that the thought first occurred to him that 
 was destined to have its issue in his becoming the 
 Father of American Geography. But I shall leave 
 the details of this grand enterprise to form the 
 subject of a distinct chapter. 
 
 On the 27th of September, 1785, he was 
 examined and licensed to preach, by the New 
 Haven County Association, met at East Haven — 
 in anticipation of which, his mind seems to have 
 boon deeply exercised in regard to the responsi- 
 bilities he was about to assume. Two days before 
 bis licensure, he was invited to preach as a candi- 
 date in the vacant pulpit in Farmington, Conn. ; 
 and, about the same time, received similar appli- 
 cations from some other places; but the invitation 
 which he accepted was from Norwich, Conn.; 
 where he not only supplied the pulpit, but 
 engaged in teaching a school. In February of the 
 next year, (1786.) an urgent request for his servi- 
 ces was made by the people of Deerfield, Mass. ; 
 but the congregjition at Norwich, as soon as they 
 became apprized of the movement, took measures 
 to retain him which proved successful. 
 
 In the spring of this year he was chosen a Tutor 
 in Yale College He accepted the appointment, 
 though it cost him no small sacrifice of feeling to 
 leave Norwich, where his labours had been highly 
 
8 
 
 OUTLINE OP HIS LIFE. 
 
 acceptable, and he had drawn around him a large 
 circle of warmly attached friends. He was in- 
 ducted into the Tutorship on the 26th of June, 
 and immediatel^"^ entered on his new duties with 
 great zeal and alacrity. 
 
 But scarcely two months had passed when his 
 health began to be perceptibly impaired by reason 
 of his excessive labours. Just at that time his 
 classmate, Abiel Holmes, who was settled as 
 Pastor of a Congregational Church in Midway, 
 Georgia, had returned to New England to escape, 
 for a time, the enervating influence of a Southern 
 climate; and the two friends agreed, with the 
 consent of the College Faculty, that they would 
 temporarily exchange places and occupations, 
 with a view to their mutual benefit- Accordingly, 
 Mr. Holmes assumed the duties of Tutor, and Mr. 
 Morse commenced at once his preparations for 
 going to Georgia. The most important of these 
 was his receiving Ordination, so that he might be 
 qualified to discharge all the duties of the pastoral 
 office. It was arranged that he should be ordained 
 at the same time with Mr. Samuel Austin, who 
 had been his classmate in College. In the pros- 
 pect of this service, he set apart a day for private 
 prayer and fiisting, in respect to which he has 
 left the following record : 
 
 " 7 November, 178G — This day I devoted, as far as the neces- 
 sary preparations for uiy^ journey would permit, to humiliation, ' 
 fasting and praj-er. I renewed my self-dedication to God, 
 resolving, in ibe strength of Divine Grace, to give up myself • 
 wholly to my Saviour, making his glory the ultimate end of my 
 
OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 9 
 
 actions, and subordinating- my temporal pursuits to those which 
 are spiritual." 
 
 Of the ordination and the exercises preparatory 
 to it, he has left the following account: 
 
 "9 November, Thursday — This has been to me the most 
 solemn day of my life. Last evening T requested ordination of 
 the Council convened to ordain Mr. Austin. My request was 
 granted, and I then sustained the usual examination, which was 
 long and critical, lasting till eleven o'clock at night. The hour 
 for the ordination service was fixed for ten o'clock, Thursday 
 morning ; but necessary preliminaries detained the Council till 
 eleven o'clock, when we proceeded to Fair Haven fleeting 
 House. The doings of the council were read ; the Introductory 
 Prayer was made by Rev. David Ripley, of Ripton ; an excel- 
 lent Sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards, 
 from Acts XX, 2G — ' I am pure from the blood of all men ;' the 
 Ordaining Prayer for Mr. Austin was made by Rev. Nicholas 
 iStreet ; the Charge to him was given by Rev. Dr. Stiles, and the 
 Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Dr. AVales. Rev. Noah 
 Williston made my Ordaining Prayer ; Rev. Chauncy Wliittlesey 
 gave me a solemn and weighty Charge ; Brother Holmes the 
 Right Hand of Fellowship; Rev. Mr. Lockwood made the 
 Concluding Prayer. The whole services were performed with 
 great propriety and solemnity." 
 
 Communicating this event to his father the 
 same day, he says: 
 
 '* The weight and importance of the trust committed to me, 
 the solemnity of the transaction, together with the idea of j^art- 
 ing with my dear friends, and going into a distant land among 
 strangers, affected me even to tears. I humbly hope that, 
 through the whole service, I have experienced, in some good 
 degree, the Divine presence and support. I have committed 
 myself to God, and go forth in his strength and under the wing 
 of his protection." 
 
10 
 
 OUTLINE OP HIS LIFE. 
 
 He set out on his journey to the South the day 
 after his Ordination, and reached Midway, Ga , the 
 place of his destination, after a most interesting 
 journey, on the 19th of January, 1787. Here 
 he remained, preaching to great acceptance, for 
 about six months, when, much to the regret of the 
 cono-resration to which he had ministered, he took 
 his leave of them, Avith a view to return to New 
 England. After stopping for a few weeks in 
 Charleston, S. C, he prosecuted his homeward 
 journey, and arrived at New Haven on the 28th 
 of August, 1787. 
 
 In the course of the winter of 1787-88, he 
 received an invitation, through Dr. Rodgers, of 
 New York, from the Collegiate Presbyterian 
 Churches, of which he was a Pastor, to preach to 
 them as a candidate for two months. With this 
 request he complied, commencing his labours there 
 sometime in March. Before the time for which 
 he was engaged had expired, the Session invited 
 him to continue three months longer — to this 
 proposal also he consented, and, accordingly, 
 remained with them till the second Sunday in 
 August. Meanwhile he received a pressing invi- 
 tation to return to Georgia, which some of his 
 friends, among whom was the venerable President 
 Stiles, advised him to accept; but Dr. Rodgers, 
 with whom he was in daily intercourse, advised 
 him to decline it; partly on the ground that his 
 constitution was not suited to a Southern climate, 
 and partly in view of the probability that a more 
 eligible situation would open to him at the North. 
 
OUTLINE OF IIIS LIFE. 
 
 11 
 
 The First Congregational Church in Charles- 
 town, Mass., having become vacant by the death 
 of the llev. Joshua Paine, in February, 1788, the 
 Rev. Dr. Belknap, of Boston, wrote to the Hon. 
 Ebenezer Hazard, Postmaster General of the 
 United States, and a member of one of the United 
 Presbyterian congregations in New York, inquir- 
 ing what impression Mr. Morse had made there as 
 a preacher, that he might thus judge of his quali- 
 fications to become Mr. Paine's successor. Such 
 was the tone of Mr. Hazard's reply that, in May 
 following. Dr. Belknap addressed a letter to Mr. 
 Morse, by request of the Committee of the Cliurch 
 in Cliarlestown, inquiring concerning his engage- 
 ments in New York, and tlie probability of his 
 being able to preach to them as a candidate. 
 Though he could not tlien speak with any certainty 
 of his future arrangements, the purport of his 
 answer was such as to produce a request from tlie 
 Church, through Dr. Belknap, that he would visit 
 Charlestown, and occupy their pulpit, for a while, 
 with reference to a settlement. 
 
 His term of service in New York having expired 
 in August, he left the city and went to New 
 Haven, where he attended the Commencement in 
 September. While there he received a request 
 from the Church in New York to return and preach 
 for them three months longer; but, in view of 
 the peculiar circumstances of the case, he felt 
 constrained to decline. Though he was highly 
 acceptable to a large majority of the people, yet 
 a portion of them were so much attached to the 
 
12 
 
 OUTLINE OF mS UFE. 
 
 Rev. James Muir, a Scotch minister, (then lately 
 from Bermuda, — afterwards the venerable Dr. 
 Muir, of Alexandria,) that he did not believe that 
 he could remain without putting in jeopardy the 
 peace of the congregations. The result was that 
 both candidates withdrew, and the two parties 
 were forthwith brought into harmony, while the 
 friendly relations of the two ministers were never 
 interrupted for an hour. Dr. Muir was one of the 
 most truehearted and generous of men, and withal 
 an instructive and able preacher ; but he was so 
 intensely Scotch that there were coraparativelj' 
 few American consnreKations which were able to 
 suitably appreciate him. 
 
 Meanwhile the Conj^resration in Charlestown 
 were waiting impatiently to welcome him ; and 
 he yielded to their wishes b}' passing the first two 
 Sabbaths in November among them. During his 
 brief visit there, he preached to them almost 
 every day, and sometimes twice a day, besides 
 preaching three times in Boston; and so accepta- 
 ble w^ere his services that, immediately after his 
 return to New York, they sent him the following 
 unanimous call to become their Pastor : 
 
 Charlestown, Mass., 20 Not. 1788. 
 "Reverend Sir: Since your departure, the Church and Con- 
 gregation in this place have held a meeting and given you a 
 call to settle in the work of the Gospel Ministry among them; 
 and the votes which we have the pleasure, by their order, to 
 enclose, will show that the esteem and aflFection which they 
 appeared to entertain for you while you were here, are not, in 
 any degree, abated. The circumstances of the Parish did not 
 admit of their exceeding the terms annexed to their call, and 
 
OUTLINE OF IIIS LIFE. 
 
 13 
 
 we most earnestly wish that these may appear eligible and pro- 
 per in your view. As the usefulness of a Gospel minister in 
 the promotion of true religion and the Redeemer's Kingdom 
 depends very much, under God, upon the degree of unanimity 
 in his call, we are led to hope that this consideration will have 
 such weight in your mind as to induce you to return us a speedy 
 and affirmative answer. In the pleasing expectation of which, 
 and of soon seeing you here, we remain. Sir, your friends and 
 huniblo servants 
 
 RICHARD CARY, 
 NATHANIEL GORIIAM, 
 JOHN LARKIN, 
 THOMAS MILLER, 
 
 Parish Committee. 
 
 " ProceedinfTS of the First Parish of the Town of Charles- 
 town. 
 
 " Voted, unanimously, James Russell, Esq., Moderator, to 
 concur with the Church in the choice of the Rev. Jedidiah 
 Morse to be Pastor of this Church and Congregation, 
 
 *' Voted that he receive eleven dollars a week salary. 
 
 *' Voted that he have 6rewood sufficient for his study until 
 married, and, when married, that he be furnished with a dwell- 
 ing-house, and barn, and twenty cords of wood annually. 
 
 *' Voted that the Parish Committee be requested to trans- 
 mit to the Rev. Mr. Jlorse the Proceedings of this meeting. 
 Charlestown, 21: November, 1788." 
 
 The following is Mr. Morse's answer : 
 
 " New York, 6 December, 1788. 
 " Much Respected Gentlemen : Your letter of the 26th ult., 
 with the Proceedings of your Church and Congregation, was 
 received by the last post, and is now before me. Its contents 
 have been weighed, and the advice of my friends has been 
 taken, so far as the time and the circumstances would allow. 
 The unanimity, the affection and the generosity manifested in 
 the call, induce me and my friends to believe that it is the call 
 of God, and that Providence is, by this means, pointing to 
 2 
 
14 
 
 OUTLINE OF HIS UFE. 
 
 0 
 
 Charlestown as the scene of my future ministerial labours. The 
 pastoral charge of so many precious souls as are in your con- 
 gregation is a burden which could not be borne without the 
 supporting promises of the Gospel. ' Lo, I am with you alway, 
 even unto the end of the world,' are his words, who commis- 
 sions his faithful ambassadors, and who is their Almighty 
 Friend. ' Through Christ who strengtheneth us we can do all 
 things.' Encouraged by your proposals, and by the confidence 
 which I repose in j'our friendship and affection, and supported 
 by the promises of the ISaviour, I send you my answer in the 
 affirmative, and hereby manifest my willing and cordial accept- 
 ance of your call. 
 
 " While I inform you of my acceptance of your call, I must 
 add that, through a very unexpected delay and protraction of 
 the busicess in which I am at present engaged,* it will not be 
 in my power to come to Charlestown till the close of winter or 
 opening of spring. In the course of six or eight weeks, I 
 shall probably be able to fix the time when I can, by leave of 
 Providence, be with you. I hope it will not be difficult for 
 you to obtain supplica for the winter, as I am informed that my 
 worthy friend, Mr. William Woodbridge, is likely to be in your 
 neighborhood. 
 
 " With cordial wishes for your welfare, I am, Gentlemen, 
 with great esteem and respect, 
 
 Your friend and servant in the Gospel, 
 
 JEDIDIAH MORSE. 
 
 Messrs. Caby, &c. 
 
 But, tliough Mr. Morse found it necessary to 
 postpone for a few months his engagement with 
 the Charlestown people, he was meanwhile enter- 
 ing into another engagement, with a young lady, 
 w^hich was destined to have much to do in giving 
 complexion to his future life. The lady referred 
 to was Miss Elizaheth Ann Breese, daughter of 
 
 * The issuing of the second edition of his Ckography. 
 
OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 15 
 
 Samuel Breese, of Shrewsbury, N. J., and Rebecca 
 Finley, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, 
 President of NeW Jersey College. She was the 
 only cliild of her motlier, who died shortly after 
 her birth. Their acquaintance began in New 
 York, at the house of her uncle, Ebenezer Hazard, 
 and was continued at her own home, which was 
 at no great distance from Elizabethtown, where 
 Mr. Morse was obliged to pass the winter. The 
 rumour of the engagement soon reached Cliarles- 
 town, and its eflect there is thus humorously 
 described by Dr. Belknap : 
 
 " In a day or two it was all over town ; and some of the 
 elders are really inquiring how, when and where, the promised, 
 house shall be got. I suppose it would be something to Mr. 
 Morse's advantage, in point of hand.^ and handkerchvfa, if this 
 report could be contradicted. Do tell him, if he is not too far 
 gone, that it will be much in favour of his popularity, and some- 
 thing in his pocket, if he can come to Charlcstown with hia 
 neck clear of the fatal noose. But if he cannot, I shall tremble 
 for him unless he should bring a yoke-fellow, whom they must 
 worship as much as they do him." 
 
 Mr. Morse, having at length completed the 
 business which had detained him so long in New 
 Jersey, returned to Charlestown, arriving there 
 on the 4th of April. He was met by the people 
 with great cordiality, and every thing seemed to 
 betoken much happiness in connection with the 
 union that was soon to be constituted. On the 
 9th of April he addressed a letter to the Parish 
 Committee, relinquishing for two years one dollar 
 per week of the salary which had been voted him 
 
16 
 
 OUTLINE OP raS UFE. 
 
 in bis call. This was in consideration of the 
 great losses to which the people had been sub- 
 jected by the burning of Charlestown at the 
 memorable battle of Bunker Ilill, and from which 
 they had then only partially recovered. The 
 previous arrangements having all been made, the 
 Installation took place on the 30th of April ; — 
 the same day and the same hour that Washington 
 was inaugurated as President of the United States. 
 The Installing Council consisted of tlie following 
 clerg3'men, with their delegates: Rev. Joseph 
 Jackson, of Brookline ; Rev. Joshua Paine, of 
 Sturbridge ; Rev. Timothy Ililliard, of Cam- 
 bridge ; Rev. David Osgood, of Medford ; Rev. 
 Jeremy Belknap, Rev. Peter Thacher, Rev. John 
 Eliot and Rev. Joseph Eckley, of Boston; and 
 Rev. Eliphalet L^'man, of Woodstock, Conn. The 
 lay delegate from Woodstock was the father of 
 the Pastor elect. The Sermon on tlie occasion 
 was preached by Dr. Belknap, from I. Peter V, 
 3 — *' Neither as lording it over God's heritage ; 
 but as ensamples to the flock." The Charge was 
 by Mr. Jackson, and the Right Hand of Fellow- 
 ship by Dr. Osgood. The Sermon being after- 
 wards printed, and a copy sent by its author to 
 his friend, John Adams, then Vice President of 
 the United States, it was acknowledged by him 
 thus : 
 
 " This elegant discourse I have read with the more pleasure 
 because that, beside the good sense, the moral sentiments and 
 Christian benevolence which it breathes, I had the last week an 
 opportunity of commencing an acquaintance with Mr. Morse 
 
OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 17 
 
 himself, who appears to be an interesting character, and a man 
 of litcrarj merit." (See Belknap Papers, Hist. Soc. Rooms, 
 Boston.) 
 
 On Monday, the 4th ot May, he left Charles- 
 town for New York, whence he proceeded, on the 
 13th, to Shrewsbury, and the next day was married 
 to the young lady to whom he had previously 
 pledged his hand. The ceremony was to have 
 been performed by the Rev. Dr. WoodhuU, of 
 Freehold, N. J. ; but a violent North East storm 
 prevented his being present, and, as such matters 
 are not to be postponed for weather, the services 
 of a Justice of the Peace were put in requit^ition, 
 and Thomas Little, Esq., had the honour to con- 
 stitute the relation which was destined, in some 
 respects, to be one of tlie most remarkable of the 
 age. 
 
 In 1794 Mr. Morse was honoured with the 
 degree of Doctor of Divinity from tlie University 
 of Edinburgh. lie was young to receive such an 
 honour as this, especially from a foreign Univer- 
 sity ; but by this time the success of bis Geographi- 
 cal enterprise had become well known in Europe, 
 and it is not strange that this, in connection with 
 his high ceneral attainments, should have called 
 forth this honourable tribute. 
 
 When a new Professor of Divinity in Harvard 
 College was about to be chosen, as successor to 
 Dr. Tappan, in 1804, Dr. Morse felt himself called 
 upon, as a member of the Board of Overseers, to 
 oppose the election of the most prominent candi- 
 date, on the ground that some of his views of 
 
18 
 
 OUTLINE OF HIS UFE. 
 
 Christian doctrine were essentially different from 
 those which the Founder of the Professorship him- 
 self held, and which he must have intended should 
 be there maintained. About this time he published 
 a pamphlet, entitled,: — '*The True Reasons on 
 which the Election of a Ilollis Professor of 
 Divinity in IIui yard College was opposed at the 
 Board of Overseers.'* Shortly after this, in June, 
 1S05, he originated the Panoplist, a monthly 
 periodical, whii h was designed primarily to sus- 
 tain the interests of the commonly received Ortho- 
 doxy of New England. At a later period still he 
 put forth all his energies in aid of the establish- 
 ment of the Andover Theological Seminar}^ and 
 his interest in its prosperity never faltered to the 
 last. 
 
 Dr. Morse continued his ministry in Charles- 
 town until the spring of 1820, when he w^as 
 induced by circumstances, affecting more or less 
 his personal comfort, to resign his pastoral charge. 
 Shortly after this he removed his family to New 
 Haven, and there continued till the close of his life. 
 
 Having now withdrawn from the cares and 
 responsibilities of the life of a Pastor, Dr. Morse 
 enscajjed in a work which had lonjr been near to 
 his heart, — namely, the Civilization and Christian- 
 ization of the various Indian tribes on our borders; 
 and, under a commission of the Secretary of War, 
 he spent two successive summers in visiting those 
 tribes, with a view to ascertain their condition, 
 and devise the most suitable means for their 
 improvement. He was associated also, during his 
 
OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 19 
 
 ministry, with various other benevolent opera- 
 tions, which will be severally noticed in a subse- 
 quent part of this volume. 
 
 After his removal to New Haven, Dr. Morse 
 was engaged chiefly in literary pursuits, and 
 occasionally preached for the accommodation of 
 his brethren, or to supply a vacant pulpit. His 
 health, though by no means firm, continued com- 
 fortable till a few weeks before his death ; and 
 then he underwent a gradual process of decay, 
 without being the subject of an3'' marked disease. 
 His last hours were full of joyful triumph, and his 
 last words were (in answer to a question designed 
 to ascertain particularly the state of his mind) 
 ** A hope full of immortality — that expresses it." 
 He died at New Haven on the 9th of June, 1826. 
 A Sermon was preached on the occasion of his 
 death, by the Rev. Dr. Bacon. 
 
 Dr. Morse had eleven children, eight of whom 
 died in infancy. The three who reached matu- 
 rity — ^all sons — still survive. Mrs. Morse died on 
 the 28th of May, 1828. 
 
II 
 
 DETAILS OF HIS mSTORY AND DEVELOP- 
 MKNTS OF mS CHARACTER. 
 
 I. 
 
 His K\bours as a Parish jMinister. 
 
 Commenciiig Avith his settlement in Charles- 
 town, (the preceding part of his ministry having 
 been sufficiently dwelt upon in the previous 
 chapter,) our attention is arrested first by the 
 earnest and deeply evangelical sermon Avhich 
 he preached on the Sabbath morning after his 
 Installation, from the text, — " For I determined 
 to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ 
 and Him crucified"—! Cor. II, 2. This dis- 
 course was evidently' intended to shadow forth 
 the general type of his preaching; and there is 
 no doubt that the whole course of his public 
 ministrations was a faithful fulfilment of the 
 purpose here expressed in respect to himself. 
 The sermon contains the following allusion to 
 his early predecessors, previous to the period of 
 the burning of Cbarlestown: 
 
 " It is now almost an hundred and fifty-nine years since the 
 First Church was gathered in this place, and entrusted to the 
 pastoral care of the pious Mr. John Wilson. He removed to 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER- 
 
 21 
 
 Boston, and became the minister of the First Church established 
 there. Since that time the Church in Charlcstown has been 
 under the nursing care of twelve ministers, — your present 
 l*astor being the thirteenth in the succession. No less than 
 six of them came over from England, to escape the rage of the 
 Laudian persecution. Several of them left the pastoral care 
 of churches in England, and were men of ability, experience and 
 eminent piety ; nor are records wanting to show that the whole 
 succession have honoured their holy calling, been faithful 
 labourers in the vineyard of Christ, and good stewards of the 
 mysteries of God." 
 
 Every circumstance attending Axr. Morse's set- 
 tlement seemed to give promise of a happy min- 
 istry. The people composing the parish of which 
 he took charge, though generally of the middle 
 and plainer class, were capable of appreciating 
 the excellent qualities of their new Pastor, while 
 there were among them several distinguished for 
 high intellectual culture, the finest moral and 
 religious qualities, and a widely extended and 
 most benign influence. He had just formed a 
 matrimonial connection which was full of promise 
 not only to himself but to his congregation ; for 
 the lady who had become his wife possessed those 
 attractive, generous, noble qualities, which could 
 not but render her a favourite* wherever she was 
 known. He had his home at first with his 
 excellent friend, Richard Gary, a man of great 
 worth, and of high consideration in the commu- 
 nity ; and, in due time, a parsonage was provided 
 for him, contiguous to the meeting-house, which 
 commanded a fine view of Boston, Charles River, 
 the harbour and islands, and much of the 8ur* 
 
22 HIS LABOUBS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 rounding country. He was also within three 
 miles of Harvard College, the oldest literary 
 institution in the land, and very early came into 
 intimate relations with its President and several 
 of its Professors. The whole atmosphere around 
 him was eminently intellectual — the most culti- 
 vated society in Boston was always accessible to 
 him; and the ministers of the Boston Associa- 
 tion to which he belonged, received him with 
 great cordiality, and he, in turn, gratefully recip- 
 rocated their expressions of good will. Dr. 
 Belknap, the well known historian, then a minis- 
 ter of one of the churches of Boston, had been 
 already, for some thne, his intimate friend; and 
 that great man was always on the alert to pro- 
 mote the interests of his young brother in the 
 ministry, by every means in his power. 
 
 It Avas an occasion of great grief to Mr. Morse 
 that Mr. Bichard Gary, the friend who had so 
 cordially welcomed him on his arrival, and by 
 whose vigorous co-operation he had expected to 
 find himself so much strengthened in his work, 
 was, within a few months after the pastoral rela- 
 tion was constituted, called to his reward. When 
 his death occurred, (Februarj^ 1790), the Pastor 
 was absent on a journey ; but, on his return, he 
 preached a Funeral Sermon, in which he pays a 
 warm and grateful tribute to the memory of his 
 friend. The Discourse was published, and it was 
 the first that its author ever published. 
 
 Almost immediately after his Installation he 
 began to devise systematic means for promoting 
 
mS LABOURS AS A PARISH JIIXISTER. 
 
 23 
 
 the spiritual well-being of his people, — one of the 
 first, or the very first, of which was the establish- 
 ment of a monthly lecture in connection with the 
 catechetical instruction of the young. Both 
 Watts* and the Assembly's Catechisms were 
 used as text-books, in accommodation to the ages 
 and capacities of those who were to be instructed. 
 Early in the next year, (1790), there were 
 monthly meetings established in didcrent parts 
 of the toAvn to pray for the outpouring of the 
 Holy Spirit. These prayers seem to have been 
 graciousl}^ answered; for an increased attention 
 to religion quickly succeeded, and, though not 
 amounting to what, in modern phrase, would be 
 called a revival it nevertheless acted as a deci- 
 dedly healthful and quickening influence. During 
 the first year of his ministry eleven were added 
 to the church ; in the second year, ten ; and in 
 the third, fifteen. That he was deeply interested 
 in the general cause of revivals may be inferred 
 from the fact that, during a season of unusual 
 religious attention in Plymouth, in 1794. he went 
 thither to witness and sh.ire the interest of the 
 occasion. The Rev. Dr. Robbins, Pastor of the 
 Church, thus acknowledges his obligation for his 
 services, in a letter addressed to him shortly 
 after his return: 
 
 " My family and people speak of your visit with great satis- 
 faction ; and I have abundant reason to believe your labours 
 were not in vain in the Lord ; for I have heard many speak of 
 the sermons as blessed to their edification and consolation in 
 Christ Jesus. I mention this to excite gratitude in your heart, 
 as well as to encourage you in your Master's work." 
 
24 
 
 HIS LABODBS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 His intercourse with the neighbouring clergy 
 was in the * Boston Association/ at the ^Thursday 
 Lecture/ and by pulpit exchanges. 
 
 The Boston Association of Congregational 
 Ministers, with which he became connected, con- 
 sisted of the several pastors resident in Boston, 
 and a few in the neighbouring towns. Tliis Asso- 
 ciation was accustomed to meet, once a fortnight, 
 in the afternoon and evening, at the houses of the 
 several members, in rotation. Their exercises 
 were of rather a desultory character, and gene- 
 rally looked more towards social enjoyment than 
 any high intellectual exhibitions or theological 
 discussions. 
 
 The Boston Thursday Lecture dates back to 
 the early settlement of the town. It originated 
 with the Rev. John Cotton, who, having beld a 
 similar service in his own parish in Boston, 
 England, re-established it, on his becoming the 
 Pastor of a church here. The hour of meeting 
 was eleven o'clock in the morning. The interest 
 which the Lecture awakened, during its early 
 history, has been thus graphically represented :* 
 
 " On every fifth morning of the week, there is a flowing 
 together of the people for many a mile around. Villages send 
 their Yeomen and Pastors. The walk of Harvard that have 
 risen at Newtown contribute of its few students and Fellows to 
 swell the train. All other instruction must cease while the lips 
 of the benignant old Patriarch Wilson, of the eloquent and 
 commanding Cotton, of the zealous Norton, of Oxenbridge, the 
 well beloved, who broke off his own preaching of this very 
 
 * Shade of the Past. 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 25 
 
 Lecture to be carried to his death-bed, are dispensing Divine^ 
 knowledge. The schools dismiss their pupils for the forenoon. 
 What array is there of dignity and sanctity and comeliness ! 
 What squares of scarlet cloaks ! What borders of white but 
 artificial hair! What living complexions of a less shining 
 whiteness and less presumptously red upon many fair but 
 solemn faces, which the arguments of Cotton have divested o^ 
 their veils." | 
 
 For some time after this Lecture was estab- 
 lished, the service was conducted, from Aveek to 
 week, exclusively by the Pastor of the church. 
 But, in due time, an order from the Magistrates 
 brought in the neighbouring ministers also to serve 
 in turn. Mr. Morse, during the first four years 
 of his ministry, officiated at this Lecture, either 
 in his turn or in the place of some brother minis- 
 ter, fourteen times. 
 
 Pulpit exchanges were then reduced to a 
 system, which rarely, if ever, left the minister to 
 occupy his own pulpit more than half of each 
 Sabbath. Hence we find Mr. Morse writing to 
 his father, a few months after his settlement: — 
 
 " I have exchanged with one or other of the Boston ministers 
 almost every Sabbath since my coming here." 
 
 While his intercourse with the ministers in 
 the neighbourhood was at this time universally 
 agreeable, he regarded it as a highly felicitous 
 circumstance that to the number of his clerical 
 associates was about to be added one, with whom 
 he had been in the most intimate relations from 
 early life — this was the Rev. Abiel Holmes, who 
 had accepted a call from the Church in Cam- 
 8 
 
26 HIS LABOURS AS A PABI8H UDCISTER. 
 
 bridge. Mr. Holmes and himself had been born 
 in the same town ; had been classmates and 
 room-mates, and fellow Tutors at College; had 
 preached for some time in the same pulpit in 
 Georgia; and now were about to occupy contigu- 
 ous parishes, thus having their residences fixed 
 within an hour's walk of each other. Mr. Morse 
 attended the Installation of his friend, as a mem- 
 ber of the Council, on the 25th of January, 1792, 
 and, as long as they both lived, their fraternal 
 relations were never interrupted. Two days 
 before Mr. Holmes' Installation, Lt. Governor 
 Samuel Phillips wrote thus to Mr. Morse con- 
 cerning him: 
 
 " From the character I have had of the Reverend gentleman 
 who is about to take the particular charge of the First Church 
 and Congregation at Cambridge, I feel, as a member of the 
 great Christian family, much indebted to you. Sir, for the 
 influence I am led to believe you had in bringing about the 
 event. I hope for important good consequences therefrom to 
 the university, and through that to many of our churches, as well 
 as to that church in particular." 
 
 Another accession to the number of his friends 
 was made, about the same time, by the appoint- 
 ment of the Rev. David Tappan, Pastor of a 
 Church in Newbury, to the Professorship of 
 Theology in Harvard College. Mr. Morse had 
 not only voted, as one of the Board of Overseers, 
 in favour of his election, but, by his influence 
 with benevolent individuals of his own parish, had 
 assisted in raising the money (about four hundred 
 dollars) required by the congregation of Newbury, 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER, 
 
 27 
 
 as the condition on which they would part with 
 their Pastor. 
 
 At an early period of his ministry, and even 
 before his ministry commenced, Mr. Morse be- 
 came deeply interested in the subject of Baptism, 
 finding himself constrained to adopt views from 
 which many good people then dissented, and 
 wliicli would find still more numerous opponents 
 at the present day. As far back as when he was 
 a member of College, he wrote a letter of twelve 
 pages, defining his views of the subject, which 
 seem never to have materially changed, as the 
 result of subsequent examination. During the 
 period that he exercised his ministry in Georgia, 
 he gave much attention to the question, — *' Who 
 are the proper subjects of Infant Baptism ?" — 
 and he became fully confirmed in the opinion 
 that this ordinance ought to be administered not 
 only to the children of parents, one or both of 
 whom are in full communion, but to the children 
 of all baptized persouo, whose moral character is 
 good, provided they acknowledge a belief in the 
 essential doctrines of the Christian Religion; 
 
 for," he adds, 
 
 " I believe that baptized persons are members of the visible 
 Church, till they are, by a formal vote of the Church, excom- 
 municated. And if they conduct themselves inconsistently 
 with their covenant relations, they should be called to account 
 for their misconduct by the Church, and proceeded against ia 
 the same manner with those who are in full communion." 
 
 Early in 1791 he preached to his people a 
 
28 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 series of five Sermons on Baptism, rem.irkinfj, 
 in the introduction, — ''For twenty years, (so far 
 as I can learn,) the subject has not been discussed 
 among you." He also co-operated with several 
 other distinguished men, in reference to the same 
 object, either in the way of soliciting them to 
 write, or of securing a wide circulation to their 
 tracts. Drs. Moses Hemmenway, Joseph Lathrop, 
 Nathau Williams, and Nathan Perkins, each 
 wrote at some length on the subject, and each 
 of them proved an able advocate of the views 
 he had undertaken to defend. With all of 
 them Mr. Morse was in correspondence while 
 they were performing this service, or immedi- 
 ately after they had performed it, regarding the 
 efforts which they were severally making as 
 having a vital bearing on the prosperity of the 
 Church. 
 
 Dr. Rodgers of New York writes thus to him 
 under date of May, 1793 : 
 
 " I had almost forgot to tell you, what indeed ia one of the 
 principal designs of this letter, — that I have not seen any 
 thing that supersedes the necessity of your finishing and print- 
 ing the Sermons on Church-membership, of which we have 
 more than once talked, — particularly directed to the right of 
 parents to be admitted to offer their children in Baptism, though 
 they cannot see their way clear to come to the Lord's table. 
 The prevalence of the New Divinity principle and practice on 
 that subject has taken off much from the importance and bind- 
 ing nature of the ordinance of Infant Baptism. The ordinance 
 has fallen with many not only into disuse but disrepute." 
 
 It is hardly necessary to state that Mr. Morse 
 reduced his own views to practice, as far as he 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 29 
 
 could, in his own pastoral charge. Early in 
 1793 a Committee was appointed, consisting of 
 the Pastor and eight leading members of the 
 church, on whose report the following plan was 
 adopted and continued in practice during his 
 ministry : *' That persons, wishing the privilege 
 of Baptism for themselves and their children, 
 shall be propounded to the congregation, and, if 
 no objection be offered, they shall be admitted to 
 the privilege, on subscribing a declaration of their 
 belief in the Christian Reliscion." 
 
 Mr. or rather Dr. Morse (for the degree of 
 Doctor of Divinity had been conferred upon him 
 *n 1794) was called, in April, 179G, to mourn the 
 •leath of Thomas Russell, the eminent merchant, 
 who, though at the time of his death a resident of 
 Boston, was a native of Charlestown, and had 
 intended to spend there the evening of his life. 
 He preached a Sermon on the death of that dis- 
 tinguished man, in which he attributes to him 
 the noblest virtues, and declares, with great em- 
 phasis, that he was not ashamed of Christ or of 
 his Cross. Only two months after this, while he 
 was on a journey in the State of New York, he 
 was overtaken with the tidings of the death of 
 his distinguished parishioner, Judge Nathaniel 
 Gorham, President of Congress in 178G. Com- 
 missary Richard Devens writes to Dr. Morse con- 
 cerning the sad event as follows: 
 
 " The day after you left ua was held our Monthly Evening 
 Lecture. The Honorable Mr. Gorham was present, and had 
 seemed for some days past in better than usual health. Be- 
 
30 
 
 HIS LABOUBS AS A PABI8H MDaSTEB. 
 
 tttrning home through h'la garden (the nearest way from the 
 Church) with Mrs. Gorham, and his daughter, Mrs. Bartlett, 
 he told them he could not speak. ' You are notional,' replied 
 Mrs. Gorham with her usual pleasantness. When he got into 
 the house, his face was pale, and, perceiving that thoy noticed 
 it, he said, — ' You are frightened now.' Medical aid was 
 promptly procured ; but in vain. A paralj'sis took place, apo- 
 plexy followed, and on Saturday he left us." 
 
 At the Funeral, the largest which had ever 
 been known in Charlestown, the flags were at 
 half-mast. The Sermon by Dr. Thacher, and the 
 Eulogy by Thomas Welch, M. D., were printed 
 at the expense of the town, and a copy given to 
 each family within its limits. Two years after 
 this, Judge James Russell, father of Thomas 
 Russell, and another eminent parishioner of Dr. 
 Morse, finished his course at the advanced age 
 of eighty-three. He was distinguished for public 
 spirit, Christian philanthropy, and general excel- 
 lence of character. The Doctor preached and 
 published a Sermon containing a just and beauti 
 ful tribute to his memor3\ 
 
 In 1795 a Circular was sent extensively to the 
 Churches, inviting them to institute a Quarterly 
 Concert of Prayer. He acceded at once to the 
 proposal, and held a meeting in his parish. He 
 writes to his father shortly after as follows : 
 
 " I am glad that your Concert Lecture (in Woodstock) proved 
 so agreeable and was so well attended. Ours was private, only 
 church-members being present. The attendance was full, the 
 meeting solemn and agreeable. I opened by reading the Cir- 
 cular Letter of Messrs. Austin and King. I read from Presi- 
 dent Edwards, in 1747, remarks, explaining the object of the 
 
HIS I^VBOURS AS A PAmSII MINISTER. 
 
 31 
 
 Concert and the reasons for it. Dr. Ecklcy and a few of his 
 Church, and myself and Church, arc all that joined in the 
 Concert." 
 
 So it was at first. But two years later, (Janu- 
 ary, 1797,) ill .1 letter to Dr. Erskine of Edin- 
 burgh, he notes an important change: 
 
 *' The Concert of Prayer is regularly attended the first TueS' 
 day of every quarter — January, April, &c., at 3 o'clock, P. M., 
 by six ministers in and about Boston. Our meetings are held 
 iu each other's churches in rotation. They are full and solemn. 
 The effects have been visibly for the advancement of our holy 
 religion. The friends of the Concert increase, I think, rather 
 than diminish. The ministers thus united are Dr. Thacherand 
 Dr. Ecklcy of Boston, Rev. Mr. Harris, of Dorchester, and 
 myself ; Dr. Stillman and Mr. Baldwin, Baptist ministers of 
 Boston. The Concert is, by no means, general in the State 
 Here and there a church observes it." 
 
 In November, 1801. he established a Saturday 
 Evening Lecture, which was followed by very 
 happy results. The idea seems to have been 
 suggested to him by several affecting deaths 
 which had then lately occurred among the youuf : 
 people of his charge; and the lectures were de 
 signed as familiar expositions of the leading 
 truths and duties of religion, taking the West- 
 minster Assembly's Sliorter Catechism as his 
 guide. This course was discontinued after six 
 months, but the lectures were resumed under 
 very favourable auspices in the fall of 1802. At 
 the close of this second course, he writes (May, 
 1803): 
 
 " I continued my Saturday Evening Lectures to young people 
 till the 16th of April. The number who attended constantly 
 
32 
 
 HIS LABODB8 AS A PABISH HINI8TEB. 
 
 was from two hundred to three hundred and fifty or four hnn- 
 dred. The last attendance was fuller than any other. I have 
 enjoyed these exercises, and I can not doubt of their good effect. 
 Eighteen persons have been added to my church the past six 
 months." 
 
 The Church Records show an unusual addition 
 to the number of communicants at this period : 
 in 1802, thirty three; in 1803, twelve; in 1804, 
 fifty-seven; in 1806, twenty-nine — an evidence 
 that the Charlestown Congregation shared in the 
 reviving influence by which so many of the New 
 l«]ngland Cliurches were then favoured. 
 
 On the 10th of January, J 800, some of his 
 parishioners testified their gratitude and respect 
 towards him by presenting to him the cloth, 
 which had been used to shroud the pulpit, the 
 three previous Sabbaths, in token of mourning 
 for the Father of his country.. To a grateful ac- 
 knowledgment of this expression of their good- 
 will he adds : 
 
 Every thing connected with the name of Washington is, on 
 that account, precious. Most sincerely do I wish that one 
 happy effect of the lamented death of the Father of his country 
 may be to cement friendships more strongly, to obliterate eumi* 
 tics, and to harmonize our country.'* 
 
 At the time of Dr. Morse's settlement there 
 was, as there had ever been since the settlement 
 of the town, but one Meeting-house in Charles- 
 town — and that belonged to the Parish ; — that 
 is, to the town organized for the special purpose 
 of the support of the Gospel ; for such was, at 
 that time, the meaning of the word Parish. The 
 
niS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 33 
 
 Parish sold the pews to individuals; and the 
 minister's salary, and other expenses of public 
 Avorship, were defrayed by the pewholders alone ; 
 and yet, strangely enough, " all the legal voters 
 of the town (a few families set off from Cam- 
 bridge excepted) had a right, and exercised it, 
 to attend parish-meetings, and to vote on all 
 matters that came before that Body." While the 
 religious views of all the inhabitants were alike, 
 this was harmless. But when the population 
 increased by immigration, and a variety of reli- 
 gious opinions came to be introduced, the effect 
 of this ill-judged organization of the Parisli 
 began to appear. The pew-holders were out- 
 voted at the parish meetings, and could not 
 gratify their reasonable wishes in regard to the 
 Pastor's salary, and other matters relating to 
 public worship. In 179G they made a voluntary 
 subscription to supply the deficiency of salary; 
 but it was felt that nothing of this kind could be 
 relied on as a permanent arrangement. In Sep- 
 tember of this year he thus shadows forth the 
 possibility at least of his being obliged lo resign 
 his pastoral charge: 
 
 " Our parish matters remain much in atatu quo. All expedi- 
 ents to remove difficulties are pursued without uniou. For a 
 month past I have been often perplexed to know what was my 
 duty, and have seriously considered and weighed the conse- 
 quences of a dissolution of my connection with this people, — an 
 event towards which I have conceived the proceedings of the 
 Parish for some time past have been evidently tending. I 
 have, at length, after many most painful struggles, determined 
 calmly and patiently to hold myself ready either to continae 
 
34 
 
 HIS LABOUBS AS A PAKISH HINISTEB. 
 
 where I am, or to remove, as the hand of Providence shall 
 direct. I have full belief that the path of duty will be made 
 plain to me in due time. I have no reason to doubt the sincere 
 attachment of my numerous Church, nor the friendship of all 
 the mo.st wealthy and respectable part of the rest of the con- 
 gregation. I have often received from all of them the most 
 unequivocal marks of respect and esteem. Yet those who ap- 
 pear united in me, seem so disunited among themselves, through 
 various unfortunate circumstances, that it seems to me impos- 
 sible they will ever be able to devise or execute, unitedly, any 
 plan which will remove the existing obstacles to my continu- 
 ance here. But the hearts of all are in the hands of the Great 
 Head of the Church, and He will, I know, so overrule all 
 events which to us appear dark, as in the most effectual manner 
 to advance his glory. As a confidential friend, I state to you 
 these particulars. The desire of my heart is that existing 
 embarrassments may be removed, and that I may, as happily 
 as I have done, continue where I am ; but this, at present, 
 appears to me doubtful." 
 
 What was primarily needed to remedy the 
 evil in question was an Act of Incorporation ; 
 and vif^orous efforts were made to obtain thi,i 
 from the Legislature, though tliey met witli a 
 decided and clamorous opposition. So palpable 
 however, were the justice and reasouableness ol 
 the measure, that the Legislature piissed the Act, 
 thereby affordiug the necessary relief. Immedi- 
 ately after this object had been gained, he writes 
 to his father, May 5, 1803: 
 
 " My own people are now a body by themselves, and act 
 unimpeded by the rest of the Parish. They have very unani- 
 mously voted that my salary shall be in future the average of 
 that of the Boston ConKre<;ational ministers." 
 
 Until 1801 there was but one meeting-house 
 in the town. In May of that year he assisted 
 
mS LABOUKS AS A PARISH ilDflSTER. 
 
 35 
 
 at the Dedication of a Baptist Church edifice, 
 delivering the Introductory Address, which, 
 with the other services of the occasion, was 
 printed. Between this Society and his own 
 there was unbroken harmony during his whole 
 pastorate. With the Pastor, (Rev. William Col- 
 lier,) as well as with Doctors Stillman and 
 Baldwin, two eminent Baptist ministers of Bos- 
 ton, he occasionally exchanged pulpits. 
 
 Notwithstanding the auspicious circumstances 
 under which Dr. Morse's ministry in Charles- 
 town commenced, and the manifold tokens of 
 blessing by which it was attended in its pro- 
 gress, it cannot be denied that there was much, 
 especially in the latter portion of it, that was 
 vexatious and harassing. When the Parish 
 voted, after the Act of Incorporation, that his 
 salary should in future be the average of that 
 of the Boston Congregational ministers, they 
 rendered him this honourable tribute, — **that 
 he discharges the duties of a minister of th«? 
 Gospel with great fidelity, ability and usefulnesi, 
 and well deserves a handsome support." And 
 on his part he agrees that "he will, as soon as 
 possible, without too great a sacrifice, relinquish 
 the literary employments which were foreign to 
 the appropriate duties of his office, and in which 
 he had been obliged to engage in order to supply 
 a considerable deficiency in the support of his 
 family." 
 
 To meet the exigency of an increase of salary 
 the Parish depended partly upon a tax to be 
 
36 
 
 nis ukBOims as a pakish minister. 
 
 levied on the property of the pew-holders; but, 
 as this proved an unpopular measure, and was 
 resisted by some even of the wealthy inhabitants, 
 he addressed a letter to the Parish on the 4th of 
 January, 1804, informing them of his purpose to 
 annul the new contract, and to return to the 
 sahiry stipulated at his settlement. In this 
 communication he stated explicitly that his 
 salary of eleven dollars a Sabbath, and all his 
 other income, except what he derived from the 
 i-ale of his books, fell considerably short of his 
 annual expenditures. He added that, under 
 these circumstances, he should feel at liberty to 
 consider any invitation which might be presented 
 by some other parish, disposed to give him an 
 adequate support, while he bestowed the due 
 proportion of his time and attention upon his 
 api>ropriate pastoral duties. 
 
 This communication led to an explanation 
 with the Parish Committee, which, by their 
 request, he embodied in a letter to the Parish, 
 (20 January, 1804,) disavowing, at the same time, 
 any wish to leave his pastoral charge, provided 
 he could receive from them a fair and honour- 
 able support. If this should be the result of the 
 pending negotiation, he intimated his purpose to 
 make an arrangement by means of which his 
 geographical works would not be allowed, in any 
 degree, to interfere with his pastoral duties; as 
 he would confine himself to the revision and pre- 
 paration for the press of the several editions as 
 they should be called for — a service that would 
 
niS LABOURS AS A PAItlSII MINISTER. 
 
 37 
 
 not occupy him more than an hour a day, on an 
 average, through the year. The Parish voted 
 that it was expedient that their relation with 
 tlieir Pastor be continued on the terms and con- 
 ditions explained in his letter. During the 
 period of five years that this contract lasted, he 
 records that " not half the time stipulated for 
 was spent by him upon his geographical works." 
 
 In 1808, owing to the difficulty of ascertaining 
 the average of the Boston salaries, and to the 
 want of funds on the part of the Parish, this 
 contract was annulled, and it was stipulated that 
 he should receive twenty- two dollars a week, 
 Avith the use of the parsonage. As the Parish 
 had, without any request from him, increased 
 his salary in 1803, so he made no objection now 
 to its being reduced; and, as the amount was 
 confessedly inadequate to the support of his 
 family, he was expected to resort to the same 
 means as before, — namely, to the prosecution 
 of his geographical enterprise, to supply tho 
 deficiency. 
 
 From the outline already given of Dr. Morsels 
 life, it has been apparent that he was one of the 
 most industrious of men ; and hence it is no 
 ground of surprise that he took upon himself 
 heavier burdens than his health would warrant. 
 In 1809 he found himself so much oppressed by 
 his manifold cares and labours, that, by the 
 advice of his physician, he consented to with- 
 draw from them temporarily, and in November 
 of that year he left home, accompanied by Mrs. 
 4 
 
38 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A PAKISH MINISTER. 
 
 Morse, and went to Charleston, S. C, where they 
 passed the winter and spring in the family of 
 the Rev. Dr. Keith. Shortly after his arrival 
 there, he accepted an invitation from the Scotch 
 Presbyterian Congregation to supply their vacant 
 pulpit for three months. And, having fulfilled 
 this engagement, he made an excursion of a 
 month with Mrs. Morse, of which he gives the 
 following account in a letter to his father, dated 
 Pinckney's Island, 5 April, 1810. 
 
 '* On Fr'ulay the 15th of last month, we left Charleston 
 for Beaufort, which, by water, is about ninety miles distant. 
 Hero lives Dr. James E. B. Finley, Mrs. Morse's uncle. 
 Here, on Thursila}', the 21st, I left her, and came by boat to 
 this place, which is the country residence of Major General 
 Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, who was candidate for the 
 Presidency of the United States in 1804, in opposition to Mr. 
 Jefferson, lie owns the whole of the Island, which is about 
 nine miles in circumference, and is about eighteen miles South 
 of Beaufort, and forty Northeast of Savannah. He is a man of 
 large fortune and is very hospitable. He, with Mrs. Pinckney 
 and daughter, a few years since, spent a summer near Boston, 
 and frequently^ visited at our house. Next day, Friday the 
 22d, General Pinckney sent me in a barge, rowed by four stout 
 negroes, to Savannah, where I arrived in the evening, and 
 remained with Dr. Kollock,* and other good friends, until 
 Monday ; when I took a horse and chaise, with a servant on 
 horseback, and went on to Midway and Sunbury, where I had 
 spent the winter of 178G-87. Here I found a few only of my 
 old friends, most of them having died in this sickly place. The 
 young people whom I married and baptized were still living. 
 The next day (Tuesday 2Gth) I delivered a lecture in a new 
 bouse of worship, on the spot where I had formerly preached, — 
 notice of the service having been given the Sa]»bath before. 
 
 • Lemuel Kollock, M. D., who died in 1823. 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 39 
 
 The lecture iras fully attended and the scene was truly affect- 
 ing. ]\Iany tears were shed, of joy at meeting once more in 
 this world, and of grief at the remembrance of the dead. !Much 
 regret was expressed that I could not prolong my visit. Hut 
 my feelings were so strongly excited that I could not have 
 endured a longer stay. The next day (Monday 27th) I returned 
 to Savannah, and on Saturday, the 3Uth, took boat and came 
 back to this place." 
 
 On their return to Charleston, .about the middle 
 of April, he found letters from home, which hast- 
 ened his departure for the North. Tliese letters 
 Miformed him that some of the religious interests 
 i'u wliich he felt a deep concern would he im- 
 perilled ])y his protracted absence, and urged his 
 return at the earliest period that his health would 
 permit. Agreeably to these suggestions, he com- 
 menced his homeward journey with as little 
 delay as possible, and the last week in May found 
 him at home, engaged in his accustomed pastoral 
 labours. The object of his tour was fully accom- 
 plished in the tJomplete restoration of his health. 
 Shortly after his return, he was privileged to 
 witness a somewhat more favourable religious 
 state of things in his Parish, as the result of 
 which twenty-nine were added to the church in 
 the course of the year. 
 
 Subsequently to this, however, the relations 
 between him and his congregation assumed a 
 more dubious character, though he seems gene- 
 rally to have reposed in the conviction that light 
 would ere long shine out of the darkness. In 
 July, J8IG, he made an earnest Address to the 
 church-members, with a view to arouse them to 
 
40 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A PABISH MINISTEB. 
 
 a higher sense of Christian obligation. In this 
 Address, after having dwelt at some length on 
 the history of the Church, in connection with the 
 ministry of his several predecessors, he speaks 
 thus of his own times : 
 
 " When I was first settled here, this Church consisted of forty- 
 two male and ninety female members — total a hundred and 
 thirty-two ; thirty of whom only now remain alive. The addi- 
 tions since my settlement have been seventy-five males and two 
 hundred thirt^'-three females — three hundred and eii^ht in all — 
 forty-five of them admitted by recommendation from other 
 churches. For the last ten months, there have been no addi- 
 tions to this Church ; so long an interval of the kind has not 
 before occurred since my settlement with you." 
 
 He next adverts to the neglect of church dis- 
 cipline. He says : 
 
 " Some who dwell among us, though often admonished of 
 their sins, have absented themselves month after month, and 
 year after year, from our Communion and worship. Others 
 have been left to fall into open immoralities, for which, though 
 reproved privatel}", and in some instances publickly, they ha^o 
 not been brought to repentance and reformation, and stiil 
 remain in their sins, and in connection with the Church.'' 
 
 The remedy for these evils he proposes to find 
 in individual reformation, in agreeing as a Church 
 to spend a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, 
 in solemnly renewing their Covenant, and in 
 proceeding immediately to acts of discipline 
 in reference to some members whose delinquency 
 has been of long standing. He recommends the 
 appointment of a discreet Committee to examine 
 into the particular condition of all the individuals 
 
mS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 41 
 
 whose names stand on the records of the Church 
 as members. I find nothing to indicate how far 
 this advice was heeded, or whether it was heeded 
 at all. 
 
 Dr. Morse attributed the difficulties into which 
 he was now brought, in no small degree, to the 
 formation of a Unitarian Church in Charlestown, 
 which was incorporated in February, 1816, under 
 the name of the * Second Congregational Society.' 
 Many of the most influential of his parishioners 
 became connected with this new Church, and 
 among them his own family physician, who ad- 
 dressed to him a respectful letter, in February, 
 1817, stating with great frankness the reasons 
 of his withdrawal, all of which were embodied in 
 the one fact of his acknowledged hostility to 
 Unitarianism. To this letter Dr. Morse wrote a 
 vigorous and elaborate reply, in which he charges 
 that his rights as a Christian minister have beeir 
 grossly trifled with by those from whom he had 3 
 right to expect better things, while yet his fuli 
 purpose was to exercise a spirit of candour and 
 forbearance, and do his utmost to extinguish the 
 coals of strife. 
 
 A better state of things seemed now to be 
 opening upon his Congregation. From October, 
 18 IG, till March following, a revival of consider- 
 able power existed among them, in consequence 
 of which not less than fifty new members were 
 added to the Church. This he records as the 
 most remarkable season of religious interest 
 which had occurred during his ministry ; and he 
 
42 HIS LABOUBS AB A PARISH lONISTES. 
 
 was disposed to recognize in it a pledge of peace 
 and prosperity in the future. But herein he was 
 disappointed. After about two years of quietude, 
 a state of things revealed itself rather suddenly, 
 which threw him into deeper perplexity than 
 ever. On the 19th of February, 1819, he received 
 a paper signed by twenty-five church-members, 
 requesting him to unite with the Church in calling 
 a Mutual Council to dissolve his pastoral relation. 
 His family and friends in the immediate neigh- 
 bourhood whom he consulted, earnestly advised 
 him "to take advantage of the opportunity that 
 now ofiered to withdraw quietly from a field in 
 which were open so many sources of perplexity 
 and embarrassment. Professor Stuart, in behalf 
 of himself and his colleagues in the Theological 
 Seminary, addressed a letter to him, expressing 
 deep regret in view of the loss of his influence 
 to various important objects, necessarily conse- 
 quent upon his removal from that region, and 
 yet, from a regard to his own personal comfort, 
 advising, on the whole, to the resignation of his 
 pastoral charge. Though he seems not to have 
 been quite clear in his own convictions of duty 
 on the subject, he felt constrained to yield to 
 what he regarded as the more impartial judgment 
 of his friends ; and, in his request for a dismission, 
 he thought proper to ignore the painful state of 
 things in which the request had originated. 
 
 He took leave of his people, after the usual 
 services of the Sabbath, on the 29th of August, 
 1819, in an Address from the pulpit, announcing 
 
mS LABOUKS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 43 
 
 to them liis purpose to resign his pastoral charge. 
 The general tone of the Address may be inferred 
 from the following extracts : 
 
 For more than thirty years past, in a very peculiar and 
 convulsed state of the world, amidst the rise and rapid propa- 
 gation among us of insidious and dangerous errors, which have 
 assailed us ou every side, and which I have felt it my duty to 
 expose and resist, I have endeavoured faithfully, though in 
 much imperfection, to watch over you, to guard you and to 
 feed you with the bread of life, and to take care of the lambs 
 of my flock. As to these things, my appeal is to you. -Ye arc 
 my witnesses. 
 
 " Amidst the pressing call for service without, which the 
 peculiar state of the Church and of the world at large has 
 seemed to me to require, the necessity too which I have been 
 under to labour for a part of my own support, and the duties I 
 owed to my flock, it has been my endeavour, with all the wis- 
 dom that I could command, to select the things which seemed 
 to me to claim my first attention, and to do them. If I have 
 erred in making a selection, it is an error of the head and not 
 of the heart. I have done what I could in the station in which 
 the Head of the Church has placed me. With Him is my 
 judgment. 
 
 *«•••••* 
 
 " As regards myself, I view the dissolution of my pastoral 
 relation to you as a release from a station of great responsibility, 
 of arduous and constant warfare ; as a relief from cares long 
 sustained, which have impaired my health, and have become a 
 burden too weighty for my years and my slender constitution. 
 *•••«••• 
 
 " In what manner this event is to affect the interests of this 
 Church and Parish, and the cause of religion in this region, 
 cannot be foreseen. I feel more than I dare trust myself to 
 express, for such of you, my brethren and sisters of this Church, 
 as have considered it your duty, with me to resist the evils 
 which have come upon us. Trust in God and cleave to Him 
 with all your heart. He will give yoa the blessings you need.* 
 
44 
 
 HIS LAtoUBS AS A PABISH MIXISTEB. 
 
 This was the last time that he ever appeared 
 before his Congregation as their Pastor. Leaving 
 in the hands of the Parish Committee the whole 
 matter of the appointment of his successor, he 
 entered immediately upon other duties. While 
 on a journey, which he commenced shortly after 
 this, the intelligence was conveyed to him that 
 the Rev. AYarren Fay, of Harvard, Mass., had 
 been selected as a candidate for the vacant pulpit. 
 Regarding Mr. Fay as a tlioroughly orthodox 
 man, and as possessing great decision of character, 
 he immediately wrote to his friends, expressing 
 his hearty approbation of the choice, and a wish 
 that their influence might be exerted in favour 
 of his settlement. In a letter of a later date he 
 expresses a wish that, if the Church and Parish 
 should give Mr. Fay a call, they would address a 
 letter to him in New York, naming the Churches 
 and Pastors they desired to have on the Install- 
 ing Council, and stating that he would name 
 those whom he would choose in addition, that 
 the Installation might take place before his 
 return, if they should desire it. At a later date 
 still, (January 26, 1820,) he addressed a letter to 
 the Parish Committee, containing the names of 
 three ministers, which number it belonged to 
 him to appoint on the Mutual Council, which was 
 to assemble for the joint purpose of acting upon 
 the question of his dismission and installing Mr. 
 Fay as his successor — these were the Rev. Dr. 
 Osgood of Medford, and the Rev. Messrs. Green- 
 ough and Homer of Newton, — *' they being," he 
 
raS LABOURS AS A PARISH MINISTER. 
 
 45 
 
 says, " the most aged Pastors in the vicinity, and 
 naturally caring for the flock which I resign to 
 another Pastor." As he was prevented from 
 meeting the Council, by his prolonged absence, 
 owing to important business, he addressed a letter 
 to them containing his request for a dismission. 
 Tliat request was complied with, at their meet- 
 ing on the 22d of February, immediatel}'^ after 
 which they proceeded to the InstaUation of Mr. 
 Fay. 
 
 Dr. Morse's strictly professional life may be 
 considered as now closed. Thoun;h he often 
 preached subsequently to this, and was engaged 
 almost till the close of life in important fields of 
 evangelical labour, every way worthy of a Chris- 
 tian minister, yet, considering his advanced 
 years, and his very imperfect health, he had no 
 desire to enter, a second time, into the pastoral 
 relation. His intense earnestness and activity, 
 forming, as they did, essential elements of his 
 nature, were patent in all his movements, and 
 would scarcely allow him any rest urtil he went 
 to the "rest that remaineth for the people of 
 God." 
 
n. 
 
 His Labours m connection with the Unitarian Con- 
 troversy AND OTHER MATTERS CONSEQUENT UPON IT. 
 
 Dr. Morse's ministry fell into a period that 
 was rendered memorable in New England by the 
 rise and development of Unitarianism ; and 
 probably his agency in conducting the contro- 
 versy was more marked, as well as more con- 
 tinuous and protracted, than that of any other 
 minister on the Orthodox side. It would be 
 impossible to do justice to his life, without going 
 somewhat into the details of this part of his 
 history. 
 
 Notwithstanding Unitarianism had never, to 
 any considerable extent, taken on a palpable 
 form, up to the period of the commencement of 
 his ministry at Charlestown, there is no doubt 
 tbat it dated back to about the middle of the 
 last century. The elder President Adams, in a 
 letter to Dr. Morse, written in April, 1815, 
 renders the following testimony on this subject : 
 
 " I can testify as a witness to the old age of Unitarianism. 
 Sixty-five years ago, my old minister, (of Braintree), the Rev. 
 Lemuel Bryant ; Dr. Jonathan Mayhew of the West Church 
 in Boston ; the Rev. Mr. Shute of Uinguam, the Rev. John 
 Brown of Cohasset, and perhaps equal to all, if not above all, 
 the Rev. Mr. Gay of Hingham, were UnitarianB. Among the 
 
UNITARIAN CX3NTROVERST. 
 
 47 
 
 laity how maDj could I name, lawyers, physicians, tradesmen, 
 farmers. I could fill a sheet, but at present will name only 
 one, Richard Cranch, a man who had studied Divinity and 
 Jewish Antiquities more than any clergyman now living in New 
 England." 
 
 In 1755 Dr. Mayhew published a volume of 
 Sermons which, though not generally of a con- 
 troversial character, revealed clearly enough the 
 fact that he was an Anti-Trinitarian. The next 
 year was reprinted in Boston " Emlyn's Humble 
 Inquiry into the Scriptural account of Jesus 
 Christ." The author of this work was a learned 
 English Dissenting minister, who, though he had 
 befell previously inclined to Arianism, had con- 
 tinued in fellowship with other Dissenters until 
 this book was published, (about the year 1700,) 
 while he was residing at Dublin; and such was 
 the opposition that it awakened that it was imme- 
 diately suppressed, and he was not only separated 
 from his charge, but arrested and thrown into 
 prison. A few months after its appearance in 
 this country, the elder Jonathan Edwards, then 
 stationed at Stockbridge, addressed a letter to Dr. 
 Wigglesworth, Professor of Theology in Harvard 
 College, deprecating the effect of the then recent 
 publication, and urging him, especially in view 
 of his position as a theological teacher, to write 
 and publish an Answer to the book as early as 
 possible. Dr. Wigglesworth did not, however, 
 accede to the request, alleging, as the ground 
 of his refusal, his conviction that the public 
 notices which had been taken of Dr. Mayhew's 
 
48 
 
 UNITARIAN OONTBOVERSY. 
 
 book had contributed to its wider circulation, and 
 that the best way to neutralize the effect of the 
 work in question was to let it alone. But some 
 of the most prominent Orthodox ministers of the 
 day did not sympathize with the Professor in his 
 apprehensions, as was evident from the fact that 
 the Ilev. Aaron Burr, son-in-law of Jonathan 
 Edwards, and his predecessor as President of 
 Princeton College, the Rev. Noah Ilobart of Fair- 
 field, Conn., the Rev. Dr. Bellamy, and the Rev. 
 Dr. Samuel Hopkins of Newport, all rendered 
 a public and strongly condemnatory testimony 
 in respect to the recent movement in favour of 
 Unitarianism. 
 
 The War of the Revolution was a matter of 
 such absorbing and universal interest that, while 
 it continued, there was little disposition to en- 
 gage in this or any other religious controversy; 
 but, in 1785, two years after the recognition of 
 our Independence, an event occurred iu connec- 
 tion with the Church worshipping in King's 
 Chapel, th.at furnished decisive evidence that 
 the tendencies to Unitarianism had survived the 
 war. The Rev. James Freeman, who had been 
 appointed Reader in the Chapel three years be- 
 fore, was an avowed Unitarian, it is believed of 
 the Humanitarian school ; and he modified the 
 Episcopal Liturgy in accommodation to his own 
 views. He subsequently applied to Bishops Sea- 
 bury and Provost for Ordination, but neither of 
 them would consent to perform the service. In 
 consequence of this refusal, his Congregation and 
 
UNITARIAN CONTROVERSY. 
 
 49 
 
 Church Wardens took upon themselves this 
 Episcopal oflice, and proceeded to constitute Mr. 
 Freeman their Rector or Pastor. This invasion 
 of the Episcopal prerogative naturally occasioned 
 much comment, and, while many were earnest in 
 condemning it, there were some Avho recognized 
 in it a glorious triumph of the right. Dr. Bel- 
 knap, for instance, in the Boston Centinel, vin- 
 dicates the step as the " exercise of a long 
 dormant right, which every Society, civil and 
 religious, has to elect and ordain their own 
 officers," and rejoiced at this triumph over the 
 "sacerdotal, prelatical, and hierarchical usurpa- 
 tion" which he thought inherent in Episcopacy. 
 
 In a letter to the Rev. Theophilus Lindsey of 
 London, one of the fathers of Unitarianism in 
 England, dated July 7, 1786, Mr. Freeman, after 
 having stated that the altered Liturgy which he 
 used was "for a long time unpopular," writes 
 thus : 
 
 *' But your approbation, the note of Dr. Price annexed to a 
 letter of Dr. Lush, and the mention which Dr. Priestley is 
 pleased to make in his sermon on the .5th of November, have 
 raised it in esteem. It noweeems to be acknowledged that the 
 book cannot be very absurd which is praised by men of such 
 great learning and abilities, and who have been so long and so 
 justly admired in this country. I wish the work were more 
 worthy of your approbation. I can only say that I endea- 
 voured to make it so by attempting to introduce your Liturgy 
 entire. But the people of the Chapel were not ripe for so 
 great a change. Some defects and improprieties I was under 
 the necessity of retaining, for the sake of inducing them to 
 omit the most exceptionable parts of the old service, — the 
 5 
 
50 
 
 UNITARIAN CONTROVERSY. 
 
 Atbanasian prayers. Perhaps, in some fature day, when their 
 minds become more enlightened, they may consent to a farther 
 alteration." 
 
 It was only a few months after Dr. Morse's 
 settlement in Cliarlestown that he became aware 
 that some of his clerical associates were Unita- 
 rians. In writing to his father, December 30, 
 1789, he says: 
 
 " I have been writing, by particular desire of a Boston 
 gentleman, a defence of the Divinity of the Saviour, — a doc- 
 trine that is denied by many. I have written twelve sheets 
 upon the subject. I know not but I shall feel it my duty to 
 publish." 
 
 He here refers to an anonymous letter he 
 had received, sij^ned "A Layman" in which 
 the writer asserts the Unity of God, and denies 
 the Divinity of Jesus Christ, deriving his proofs 
 chiefly from Eml3'^n*s Humble Inquiry ; but pro- 
 fesses himself open to conviction, if his arguments 
 can be disproved from the Scriptures. In reply 
 he wrote and sent the Dissertation above referred 
 to, to his Boston correspondent for his perusal. 
 He also composed three Sermons on the Divinity 
 of Christ from the text, — I John, 1,23., which 
 he preached, at the Boston Tliursday Lecture, 
 in his turn successively, in January, July, and 
 December, 1790. 
 
 In his Introductory Discourse he says: 
 
 " This inquiry is not of a mere speculative nature. I know 
 that great and good men have discussed it, and after all have 
 differed widely in their sentiments in regard to the dignity 
 
DNITAIIIAN CONTROVERSY. 
 
 51 
 
 of Jesus Christ. But I cannot suppose that therefore it is a 
 matter of indifference what I believe concerning Ilim. Nor ia 
 the subject of so doubtful and difficult a nature that it is not 
 to be handled, and that every one may be safely left to form 
 what opinion he pleases concerning Jesus Christ. Convinced 
 as I am of his Divinity, and that this is a fundamental truth of 
 Christianity, I desire by every fair argument to convince others. 
 As a disciple of Christ, as his ambassador, — however unworthy 
 of the honour, — I am under indispensable obligations, as far as 
 my knowledge and ability will admit, not only to inculcate his 
 excellent moral precepts, and to illustrate and defend his doc- 
 trines, but especially to maintain his personal honour and 
 dignity, and to assert and vindicate his Divinity. They who 
 have committed their immortal interests to Jesus Christ, will 
 feel constrained to vindicate his right to a Divine character, 
 which the Scriptures assign to Him, and from their faith in 
 which they derive their chief comfort in life, their solace in 
 death, and their only hope for the life to come. That I shall 
 convince those who differ from me in opinion on this point, 
 however earnestly I may desire it, I have not the vanity to 
 expect ; for I do not pretend to bring any new arguments to 
 their view. My aim is to make a plain, frank declaration of 
 what I believe to be the doctrine of the Scriptures. When an 
 article of faith of so much importance comes to be called in 
 question, denied, laughed at, it behooves those who believe the 
 doctrine to lend their seasonable aid for its maintenance. At 
 such a time as this especially, its vindication cannot but be of 
 service, by the Divine blessing, to the cause of truth." 
 
 After a time the anonymous correspondent 
 referred to above, makes himself known by the 
 following communication : 
 
 " Boston, 5 February, 1791. 
 *' To Rev. J. Morse ; Honoured Sir : I ought to apologire 
 for the request I now make, which is that you would favour me 
 with an answer to the arguments contained in the scrap of paper 
 enclosed, cat from the late edition of * Extracts from Stock* 
 
52 
 
 UNITARIAN OONTROVEKSY. 
 
 well's Dissertation on Creeds.* The only apology, however,, 
 which I can offer is that I know of no one whom I thought 
 more able to resolve me in a matter I so much wL:ihed to be 
 satisGed in ; and that I was well assured you was disposed, as 
 well from Inclination as from office, to obviate any objection 
 that might be raised against a doctrine which you have been so 
 assiduous to inculcate on jour hearers. Your compliance will 
 greatly oblige me. I am, &c., JOHN AMOllY." 
 
 To this letter he returned the following an- 
 swer on the 7th of February : 
 
 " Sir : I have received yours of the 5th Inst., with the en- 
 closed Questions, «&c. By your hand-writing I perceive. Sir, 
 that 3'uu are the author of the manuscript, whose name till now 
 I never satisfactorily knew. That manuscript first led me to con- 
 sider with particular attention the proofs of the doctrine of the 
 Trinity. Had I not received it, I should not probabl}' have under- 
 taken the defence of that doctrine from the pulpit, — not certainly 
 so soon. But when I found that sentiments were entertained un- 
 friendly to a doctrine which I conceive fundamental to the 
 Christian scheme, and that these sentiments were covertly 
 propagated in Boston, I conceived It was my duty to be oiyen 
 in my testimony against them. So that I am obliged to you. 
 Sir, as the cause, under God, why I have been, as )-ou say, 'so 
 assiduous in Inculcating the doctrine upon my hearers.' 
 
 " You are pleased to say, by way of apology for your re- 
 quest, that you knew of no person whom you thought more able 
 than myself to resolve you In the matter in hand. I am really 
 at a loss, Sir, to know how to receive your apology : — whether 
 as prompted by^ your partiality and good opinion of me, or as a 
 sarcasm on my vanity and ignorance in undertaking publicly to 
 defend a doctrine which is now generally passed over in silence, 
 and Is considered by many in this enlightened age to be ' ab- 
 surd ' and nonsensical, and such as none but bigots will under- 
 take to defend. Two circumstances led me to consider your 
 apology of this doubtful signification: one is, I have stood 
 solitary among my brethren In the public defence of this doc- 
 trine, which, in view of my age and standing among them, may 
 
UNITARIAN OONTROVEUSY. 
 
 53 
 
 be, and doubtless is, regarded by some of them as savouring 
 of vanity, ignorance and bigotry. I cannot say but it may 
 appear so to you. Sir, especially as you arc not a believer in 
 this doctrine. The other reason is, I am very conscious that 
 my Boston brethren, who are all older, more experienced and 
 better theologians than myself, are any of them better able 
 than I am to resolve you in a question of so much importance. 
 And I cannot have the vanity to believe that any person, espe- 
 cially a gentleman of your good sense and discernment, could 
 think that ' no one ' of them was more able to do it than myself. 
 Those doubts, I confess, have arisen in my mind. Whether 
 you intentionally laid a fimndation for them, I pretend not to 
 say. I am willing to believe you did not till I am certified to 
 
 the contrary. I will therefore proceed to answer the queries." 
 ******* 
 
 To this letter Mr. Amory replied thus on the 
 15th of February: 
 
 " Honoured Sir: I received your favour of the 7th instant, 
 and am obliged to you for it. I should not have again troubled 
 you, had I not been exceedingly mortified that a suspicion had 
 arisen in your mind that I might not have been sincere, but 
 only meant a sarcasm, when T declared that I knew no one so 
 able as yourself to afford me a satisfactory answer (if one could 
 be given) to the question proposed. So far from judging that 
 your standing forth almost the solitary advocate among your 
 brethren of a doctrine which was openly attacked, and which 
 you thought fundamental, savoured of vanity, this very circum- 
 stance created in me an esteem for you. And I cannot help 
 here regretting that those gentlemen of the clergy who, when 
 occasions oflFer which they think suitable, are ready to declare 
 themselves to be Unitarians, do not, with honest boldness, like 
 yourself and Mr. Freeman, avow their sentiments in unequi- 
 vocal terms from the pulpit. Surely if they thought, with the 
 Publishers of the * Extracts,' &c., that it was the incumbent 
 duty of all who disbelieved the doctrine of the Trinity to bear 
 testimony against it, for the reasons assigned in their Preface, 
 they woold'not suffer any consideration whatever to deter them 
 from their duty. With, &c., JOHN AMORY." 
 
54 
 
 UNITARIAN OOXTROVZESY. 
 
 Early in 1790 a new. edition of Emljn's In- 
 quiry was announced as in press in Boston. 
 Referring to the fact in a letter to his father, of 
 the 13th of April, he says : 
 
 " I know not but I shall be called on to publish in defence 
 of the Divinity of Christ. That doctrine is about to be pub- 
 licly attacked. If it is, it mu.^l be publicly defended." 
 
 He intended to print the remarks which he 
 had written in reply to Eralyn's work, and even 
 drew up Proposals to publish ; but scarcely had 
 that work appeared, when it was followed by a 
 reprint of President Burr's Answer to it, which 
 led him to desist from his purpose. 
 
 In the fall of the year 1790, happening in a 
 bookstore in Boston, he took up a little Tract 
 entitled " Divine and* Moral Songs, revised and 
 altered, so as to render them of general use ; to 
 which are added a Short Catechism and Pravers, 
 by Isaac Watts, D. D." On casting his eye 
 over the book, he quickly discovered that the doc- 
 trine of the Divinity of Christ, the doctrine of 
 the Trinity, and other kindred doctrines which 
 were prominent in the original work, had been 
 expunged from this edition. Whereupon he pub- 
 lished, in the Boston Centinel of the 17th of 
 November, a communication headed " Beware of 
 Counterfeits," and signed ** A Friend to Honesty,'* 
 in which he showed precisely what the altera- 
 tions were, and ended with these words : 
 
 " If this should pass upon the public unnoticed, from altering 
 children's books, more important a' "-ations might be under- 
 
UNITARIAN CONTROVERSY. 
 
 55 
 
 taken, nntil, grown bold in the business, even the sacred truths 
 of the Holy Bible may be in danger." 
 
 The Reviser's name not being given on the 
 title page, the printer felt called upon to disavow- 
 any complicity in the alterations, and the rather 
 as he had then in press a quarto edition of the 
 Bible, — an enterprise demanding a large capital, 
 and attended with risk of failure. He hastened 
 to write to the Editor of the Centinel (19 Novem- 
 ber) as follows : 
 
 *• Watts' Divine Songs that I printed was verbatim from an 
 English copy. I printed it at the request of several gentlemen 
 in Boston, of liberal principles — Parson Freeman was one, and 
 he had the copy sent him from London. I had consequently 
 nothing to do with the alterations, but acted merely as a Printer, 
 willing to oblige in my professional line " all parties ;" and 
 then had and still have Watts' Original Divine Songs for 
 sale, and have printed two editions of them. Others beside 
 myself have reprinted the one Mr. 'Friend to Honesty' com. 
 plains of. I send you a copy, and wish you to read the 
 Reviser's candid advertisement" [he refers to the title page 
 above quoted.] " Now, Sir, I blame not your correspondent for 
 making his remarks on the Reviser. I know not but many of 
 his observations are just; and had he omitted the last sentence 
 in his piece, I should not have felt myself injured. * ♦ • 
 I am now struggling under many difficulties to bring out this 
 great and heavy work, — (the Quarto Bible.) » ♦ * For 
 your correspondent, therefore, while the work is in press, to 
 suggest, because he was nettled that somebody had made a 
 few alterations in Watts' Songs, that the like would be made 
 in my edition of the Bible, was gratifying his revenge with a 
 witness, and that on the wrong person. * • • j\Iy Bible 
 is critically inspected, at my request, by several clergymen in 
 the vicinity, of opposite sentiments, and whose names, at a 
 proper time, will be made public.** 
 
56 
 
 UXITARLLH OOXTROVEEST. 
 
 In a subsequent article the " Friend to Hon- 
 esty " absolves the printer from all blame. 
 
 In the summer of 1791, he had the pleasure of 
 receiving a visit from his friend, the Rev. Ashbel 
 Green, of Philadelphia, afterwards the Rev. Dr. 
 Green, who became President of Princeton Col- 
 lege. They had first known each other at the 
 South in 178G, and shortly after Mr. Green's set- 
 tlement in 1787 they met again in Philadelphia; 
 and a mutual friendship was thus early formed, 
 which proved a source of rich eujoyment to both 
 of them. The object of Mr. Green's journey to 
 New England at this time was to invigorate his 
 health. He arrived in Charlestown the 28th of 
 June, and for three weeks was the guest of his 
 friend, wlio joined him with a party of ladies 
 and gentlemen in a sailing excursion among the 
 islands of Boston harbor to inhale the sea 
 breezes ; accompanied him to Salem, Ipswich, 
 Newburyport and Portsmouth; introduced him 
 to his distinguished acquaintance among the 
 clergy and laity, and attended with him the 
 Commencement exercises at Harvard Collence. 
 
 As the result of his observation upon the 
 character and conduct of his friend during this 
 visit, Mr. Green makes the followiug record in 
 his autobiography : 
 
 " I feel myself strongly attached to this worthy man ; and 
 he says that my coming has served to encourage him, and 
 strengthen him in his sentiments and preaching. lie is op- 
 posed to the prevailing opinions of Arianbm and ArminianLsm, 
 and to indifference in religion. Tet he acts with suitahle 
 
UNITAIU.VN COXTROVEKSY. 
 
 57 
 
 meekness and with what I think is a true Christian spirit ; that 
 is, he is firm and fencnt, and yet not bitter or censorious. He 
 appears to be a man of great humility, of a warm heart, a good 
 understanding and considerable improvement." 
 
 It cannot be doubted that Dr. Morse earlj 
 formed the purpose of doing his utmost to cfTect 
 an import.mt change in the ecclesiastical condi- 
 tion of Massachusetts — first, by separating the 
 Unitarians from the Orthodox, and then, by draw- 
 ing the Orthodox of different shades into more 
 intimate relations. Both these objects were ulti- 
 mately effected, and more, probably, through the 
 influence of Dr. Morse than that of any other 
 man. 
 
 The following extract from a letter addressed 
 by Dr. Morse to the Rev. Dr. Kemp, of Scotland 
 in October, 1804, contains his views of the pre- 
 vailing or rather the divided type of religious 
 opinion, that existed among the clergy of Massa- 
 chusetts at that period : 
 
 " In the Eastern part of Massachusetts there remain a few 
 elderly ministers, respectable for their understanding and 
 character, who are Arminians upon the old, scheme of Ar- 
 niinius, Tillotson, &c., and a considerable body of younger 
 men, also of good abilities and character, who may be denomi- 
 nated Arians, and who, there is reason to believe, embrace in 
 their scheme the doctrines of Arminius and the late Dr. 
 Chauncy. These are chiefly in Boston and its neighbourhood. 
 There are a few Socinians, but not I apprehend ten in all New 
 England among the clergy, — not half that number avowedly. 
 Modern Arminianism and the still more liberal views of Chris- 
 tianity, entertained by Arians, Universalists and Socinians, 
 have been on the increase here ever since the close of the 
 Kevolutionary War, till within a year or two, when they appa* 
 
58 
 
 UNITABIAN OONTROVEBSY. 
 
 rentlj became stationary, and I conceive are now retrograde." 
 It appears, however, that his mind underwent a change on this 
 subject shortly after ; for in February, 1805, he writes, — 
 " There is danger of our clergy as a Body becoming Arian and 
 Arminian ; for these sentiments are gaining ground among us 
 to an alarming degree." 
 
 At this time there were removed by death in 
 three successive years three members of the 
 Government of Harvard College — Judge Samuel 
 Phillips, of the Board of Overseers, in 1802 ; Dr. 
 Tappan, Professor of Divinity, in 1803; and Dr. 
 Willard, President of the College, in 1804. It 
 was the vacating of the Theological Professorship 
 that led to the adoption of measures, in opposi- 
 tion to which Dr. Morse exerted his full influ- 
 ence. The power of appointing the members of 
 the College Faculty is vested in the Corporation — 
 a Body consisting then of six members, their ac- 
 tion being subject to the approval of the Board 
 of Overseers ; which was made up of the mem- 
 bers of the Senate ex-officio, and of the Congre- 
 gational ministers in several towns adjacent to 
 Cambridge. It became apparent, soon after Dr. 
 Tappan's death, that the filling of the vacant 
 chair was to be the result of a struggle of par- 
 ties ; and while the orthodox maintained that 
 none but a Calvinist was eligible in consistency 
 with the original terms of the Professorship, the 
 liberal party, on the other hand, thought that 
 little importance should be attached to the doc- 
 trinal opinions of the candidate. After the sub- 
 ject had been discussed for a long time in social 
 circles and in the newspapers, the first meeting 
 
UXTTARIAX CONTROVERSY. 
 
 59 
 
 of the Corporation was held, December 3, 1804, 
 to fill the vacant Professorship; then meetings 
 followed successively on the 7th, 12tli, 15th and 
 2Gth of December, but still the vacancy was not 
 filled. At the repeated ballotings, the votes 
 were for a while equally divided between two 
 candidates, — the Rev. Jesse Appleton, afterwards 
 President of Bowdoin College, nominated by the 
 Ortliodox party, and the Rev. Henry Ware, of 
 Ilingham, nominated by the Liberal party. At 
 length, by the change of a single vote, on the 
 7th of February, Mr. Ware was chosen. 
 
 On Thursday, the 14th of February, 1805, the 
 Board of Overseers met, and, fifiy-six members 
 beinjT present, by a vote of thirty-three to twenty- 
 three, they sanctioned the choice of the Corpora- 
 tion. In the debate which had preceded the 
 vote, Dr. Morse had taken a. leading part, sup- 
 ported by Senator Titcomb and Dr. Holmes. 
 The next month he published his celebrated 
 pamphlet, entitled "The True Reasons on which 
 the Election of a HoUis Professor of Divinity in 
 Harvard College was opposed at the Board of 
 Overseers, 14 February, 1805," — a pamphlet of 
 twenty-eight pages, octavo. 
 
 In the Preface to this pamphlet he says : 
 
 " The following publication, for which some may think an 
 apology necessary, is made with a view to correct certain mis- 
 representations which have gone abroad relative to the late 
 election of a Hollis Professor of Divinity ; to communicate 
 some material information concerning the true design of the 
 pious Mr. Hollis in establishing this Professorship, ^hich the 
 
6a 
 
 UNITARIAN OONTBOVEB8T. 
 
 writer was not permitted to lay before the Board of Overseers, 
 when the above mentioned election was under consideration ; 
 and to acquaint the citizens of the Commonwealth, who have 
 an interest in this ancient and respectable seat of science, and 
 a claim to its privileges, with the real ground of the existing 
 controversy." 
 
 In opening, be refers to the Orthodox founda- 
 tion of Harvard College, and to the motto on the 
 College seal, — " Christo et Ecclesle.*' For proof 
 that Mr. Hollis was a thorough Calvinist, he 
 refers to his letters to Dr. Colman, in which he 
 speaks of " corrupt nature " as the root of sin," 
 ascribes the graces which constitute his Christian 
 character to *' rich, free, sovereign and electing 
 love states that bis hope of justification and 
 acceptance before God rested not in any degree 
 on his numerous and useful chirities, but ' onlj'^ 
 on the obedience, active and passive, of the Lamb 
 of God, the propitiation for our sins,' through 
 faith in whom he expected * peace with God, the 
 continued influences of his Spirit, and complete 
 redemption ; ' and lastly, that he adores *' the 
 economy of the Divine Three in the revealed 
 work of our salvation." From these quotations 
 Dr. Morse supposes there is ample evidence that 
 Mr. Hollis accepted the system of Faith com- 
 monly denominated Calvinistic. 
 
 He next takes the position that Mr. Hollis 
 intended that his Professor should be a Calvinist, 
 and justifies it by the following considerations: 
 1st. That in article XI of the statutes accompa- 
 nying his Bequest, it is provided, *• that the 
 person chosen from time to time to be a Profes- 
 
UNITARIAN COXTROV'ERSV. 
 
 61 
 
 sor be a man of solid learning]; in Divinity, of 
 sound or orthodox principles, one who is well 
 gifted to teach, of a sober .and pious life and of a 
 irrave conversation." As to the meaninjc of the 
 words " sound or orthodox" here used, he appeals 
 to history for the evidence that they have been 
 considered as descriptive of Calvinism, and have 
 even been applied to it reproachfully ; and further 
 he maintains that it would be absurd to suppose 
 that Mr. Ilollis, being himself a Calvinist, could 
 moan, by sound or orthodox principles, the tenets 
 of Arminius, Arius or Socinus. 2dly. That the 
 character and principles of the first incumbent of 
 the Professor's chair, Dr. Wigglesworth, forbade 
 the supposition that the Professor should be any 
 other than a Calvinist. Previous to his election, 
 23d January, 1722, "the Corporation put such 
 questions to Dr. Wig^jlesworth," (say the Records 
 of that Body,) "as, by his answers, gave theiu 
 satisfaction about the soundness and orthodoxy 
 of his principles in Divinity'." odly. That Mr. 
 lloUis manifested a solicitude lest his bequests to 
 the College, those particularly for the support of 
 a Professor of Divinity, should be perverted to 
 other purposes than were intended by him. In 
 a letter to Dr. Colman, of the 14th of January, 
 1723, he says : 
 
 I was displeased to hear that another person of your Board 
 should saj to thin effect, on reading my orders, that when Mr. 
 Ilollis was dead, they would make new orders for him." 
 
 The pamphlet then proceeds to show that Mr* 
 Ilollis took measures to relieve his solicitude on 
 6 
 
62 UNITARIAN CONTEOVERSr. 
 
 this subject. In a letter of the 18th of March 
 following, he says : 
 
 " It is the unanimous advice of Governor Shute, 
 Lords Barrington and Bendick, Mr. Neal and Mr. 
 Hunt, that I should insist on it, to have such an 
 obligation as strong as may be, according to your 
 promise in former letters I should have, that, 
 in all times coming, the Corporation will perform 
 my trust in the manner appointed in my orders, 
 and not divert the moneys devoted, to any other 
 uses." This bond, accordingly, was given by the 
 Corporation, the 23d of September, 1723, and 
 binds " the said President and Fellows of Harvard 
 College and their successors unto the faithful dis- 
 charge of the trust reposed in them, and to the 
 inviolable observance of the Statutes and Orders 
 aforesaid." Three years later, 10th October, 
 1726, he writes thus to Dr. Colman: 
 
 "I desire you, Sir, to give me a particular account of my 
 Professor of Divinity, how he performs agreeably to my written 
 orders, and wherein he is wanting in complying with them." 
 
 The last ten pages of the pamphlet exhibit 
 the grounds of opposition, in the Board of Over- 
 seers, to Mr. Ware's election : 1st, Because no 
 inquiry had been made, into the candidate's 
 religious opinions, as required by the Statutes of 
 the Founder; and 2dly, Because his writings, 
 especially his Catechism, from which quotations 
 were made in proof, showed that he was not a 
 Calvinist. 
 
 The final vote is recorded, and then the 
 pamphlet concludes thus : 
 
UNITARIAN CONTUOVEI^SY. 
 
 G3 
 
 *' Thus was decided a question of incalculable consequence 
 to the future prosperity, and usefulness of the University. 
 We have seen for what objects, and with what care, this literary 
 institution was originally founded. The Charter secures to the 
 benefactors, the appropriate use of their bequests. So docs the 
 Constitution of the Commonwealth, which contains the follow- 
 ing clause : * It is declared that all the gifts, grants, devises, 
 legacies and convej'anccs, are hereby forever confirmed unto 
 the President and Fellows of Harvard College, and to their 
 successors, in the capacity aforesaid, according to the true intent 
 and meaning of the donor or donors, of the grantor or grantors, 
 devisor or devisors.' 
 
 " We have seen the singular anxiety and caution of Mr. 
 HoUis, by his letters and by a bond to secure the object of his 
 foundation, and to guard his Professorship against error and 
 innovation in all future time. Now, if barriers so sacred can 
 be removed, what guard can be devised which can secure anj 
 bequest against violation? What assurance can any well dis- 
 posed persons in future have, that any donations they may wish 
 to make to Harvard College, will be applied to their objects 
 even one century ? How this will affect future benefactions it 
 is easy to predict. AVhat effect this change in the religious 
 character of the Professorship and of the University will gradu- 
 ally and ultimately produce in the state of our churches, and 
 on the moral and religious character of our citizens, cannol 
 with so much certainty be foreseen. In respect to New Eng- 
 land it is an untried experiment. God forbid that this change 
 should be injurious and ruinous ; that, in consequence, the faith 
 of our churches should becom6 less pure, their discipline less 
 strict, the standard of Christian morality lowered, the difference 
 lessened between those who professedly serve God and those 
 who avowedly serve Him not, till at length the spirit and power 
 of our religion shall have evaporated, and its very forms be 
 abolished. 
 
 " For Christ and the Chcrch was this ancient College 
 founded by men whom we delight to call our Fathers; for 
 Christ and the Church has it hitherto been cherished, 
 Instructed and governed by men of like Christian principles 
 
64 
 
 UXTTARIAN CONTROV£RSY. 
 
 and spirit ; for Christ and the Church. Oh may the God of 
 our Fathers, who still lives and reigns, in mercy preserve it, so 
 long as the sun and the moon shall endure !" 
 
 This pamphlet, acknowledged on all hiinds to 
 be written with great spirit and vigour, was 
 received on the one side with marked tokens of 
 approbation, and on the other with unqualified 
 dissatisfaction and disgust. Dr. Morse himself 
 thus refers to it ten years after it was published: 
 
 " It was then, and has been ever since, considered by one 
 class of people as my unpardonable oflFence, and by another 
 class as the best thing I ever did. One of the former party is 
 said to have declared, soon after its publication, that it was so 
 bad a thing that it would more than counterbalance all the 
 good I had done or should do if I lived ever so long ; and one 
 of the other party said, if I had never done any good before I 
 made that publication nor should do any afterward, that single 
 deed would of itself produce effects of sufficient importance and 
 utility to mankind to be worth living for." 
 
 Shortly after this pamphlet made its appear- 
 ance. Dr. Morse received letters from various 
 distinguished clergymen of the Presbyterian 
 Church, among whom were Dr. Rodgers and Dr. 
 Miller of New York, and Dr. William Linn, who 
 had shortly before left his charge in New York, 
 and was then a resident of Albany, — highly 
 approving the stand which he had taken in 
 defence of the accredited Orthodoxy, and bidding 
 him God-speed in any other efforts he might 
 make in the same direction. Meanwhile the 
 • Monthly Anthology, a periodical which had been 
 established in Boston, under Unitarian auspices, 
 the year before, reviewed the pamphlet with 
 
ESTABLISH EXT OF TIIE rANOPLIST. 
 
 65 
 
 some degree of severity, taking the ground that 
 when Mr. Hollis used the words " sound and 
 orthodox" in reference to his Professor, he did not 
 mean to make himself the standard of Orthodoxy, 
 but to leave the electors with the largest liberty 
 to act in accordance with their own convictions. 
 Dr. Morse replied to this article in the next 
 number of the Anthology, boldly vindicating the 
 position he had taken, and adding some new 
 statements as corroborative of what he had said 
 before. The Reviewer follows Dr. Morse's answer 
 with about five pages of criticism, which shows 
 at least that the two parties were not getting any 
 nearer together. 
 
 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PANOPLIST. 
 
 It was at this juncture that a project was con- 
 ceived by Dr. Morse that had its issue in the 
 establishment of that well known periodical, the 
 Panoplist. Of the origin and design of this work 
 he gives the following account in a letter to the 
 Rev. George Burder, of London, of June 1, 1805: 
 
 '* Arrainianism, blended with Unitarianisni, has been gradu- 
 ally increasing in Boston and its vicinity for a number of years 
 past, till within a few months their advocates have boldly taken 
 their ground, and arc fast assuming the form of a distinct sect. 
 Some of the Ilopkinsians, who have become also a sect, seem 
 inclined to vibrate to the opposite extreme. The supporters 
 of the Panoplist take a middle ground, such, we conceive, as 
 the Editors of your Evangelical Magazine occupy. We hope 
 for an amicable coalescence, at a future time, with the great 
 Body of Hopkinsians, who are valuable men. We shall have 
 a struggle, I expect, in order to maintain our ground. But I 
 hope that we shall be enabled to do it, having, as I firmly 
 
66 
 
 ESTAnUSIIMElNT OF THE PANOPLIST. 
 
 believe. Truth and its Divine Author on our side. The present 
 crisis iias been hastened by the publication of a pamphlet which 
 I send you, entitled, — ' The True Reasons,' &c., which I pub- 
 lished in my own defence, as you will perceive." 
 
 The Prospectus of the Panoplist, which appeared 
 about the Isst of April, was viewed with conside- 
 rable jealousy by both the Moderate Calvinists 
 and the Ilopkiusians ; as the work did not promise 
 to be in full sympathy with either party, though 
 it was designed to occupy ground from which it 
 was hoped it might conciliate both. One very 
 prominent Ilopkinsian clergyman wrote a letter 
 to Dr. Morse, objecting to the proposed publica 
 tion, on the ground that it would interfere with the 
 Massachusetts Missionary Magazine, a monthly 
 periodical, which had then been published under 
 Hopkinsian auspices for about two years ; while 
 another younger but not less eminent clergyman 
 of the same school addressed a letter to the vene- 
 rable man whose apprehensions were thus excited, 
 designed to convince him that the interests of 
 Hopkinsianism Avere not jeoparded by the pro- 
 posed measure, and that all opposition to it would 
 not only subserve no good purpose but be posi- 
 tively injurious. Meanwhile several distinguished 
 clergymen from ditterent parts of the country 
 were communicating to Dr. Morse their cordial 
 sympathy in the enterprise and their best wishes 
 for its success. President Dwight, of Yale Col- 
 lege, writes to him, on the 6th of July, as follows : 
 
 ** I enter into all your feelings and interests, as they are 
 mentioned in your letters. I am disappointed in two things 
 which you mention : the union of the Armiuiaus with the Unita- 
 
ESTABLISllilENT OF TIIE PANOrLIST. 
 
 67 
 
 rians, and the separation of the Ilopkinsians from the Old 
 Calvinists, that is, in the recent controversy. Both (the Armi- 
 nians and the Hopkinsians) arc unwise ; for the fjucstion con« 
 cerning the Trinity interests them both equally with the Old 
 Calvinists, so far as they hold their professed doctrines. 
 
 " What assistance can or will be furnished in this State (Con- 
 necticut) I cannot determine. There are men enough and 
 talents enou^^h. Had I eyes, 3-ou would find me at least embark- 
 ing heartily in the design, and forwarding it with something 
 beside mere good wishes. You will find occasion for all your 
 prudence and patience ; but, when the war is fairly begun, I 
 expect soldiers will enlist." 
 
 Before the first Number of the work was pub- 
 lished, Mr. Josiah Salisbury, (afterwards his 
 brotlier-in-law), in whom he found an efhcient 
 co-adjutor in various religious enterprises, sug- 
 gested to him that the pecuniary profits of the 
 work, when any should be realized, should be 
 devoted to some charitable use. To this Dr. 
 Morse cordially assented ; and such a purpose was 
 accordingly announced in the Preface, and was 
 adhered to during the wliole term of his proprie- 
 torship of the Magazine. 
 
 The first Number of the Panoplist appeared in 
 June, 1805; and for six months he was not only 
 its responsible editor but publisher also. Then, 
 in December, by transferring the printing to 
 Boston, he was relieved of much care, and the 
 work was more promptly printed and distributed. 
 But not till February, 1808, did he succeed in 
 engaging a man to publish it at his own expense 
 and risk. During the intervening period of more 
 than two and a half years, the whole of this labour 
 
68 
 
 ESTABLISHMENT OP THE PAJfOPLIST. 
 
 was devolved upon him, superadded to all his 
 other public and private duties. 
 
 It was early a favourite idea with him to secure 
 the leading British periodicals in aid of his own 
 enterprise ; and, in accomplishing this, he re- 
 ceived from several eminent men in England 
 letters, warmly approving his object, and encour- 
 aging him to proceed. From the Rev. George 
 Burder he received the London Evangelical 
 Magazine, and the London Christian Observer was 
 sent to him by its Editor, the justly renowned 
 Zachary Macaulay. In introducing this latter 
 gentleman to him, Mr. Wilberforce says : 
 
 " I return you thanks for your new periodical publication, 
 which I have read over with pleasure, and I trust it will be 
 productive of that best species of good which you have in view 
 in instituting it. In times like these let not Christians be 
 lukewarm or inactive in their Master's service, but be ever 
 abounding in the work of the Lord, in every good word and 
 work, vary ing their efforts as circumstances may require, and 
 judiciously adapting them to the various exigencies which ren* 
 dcr them necessary. 
 
 1 coniniunieatod your letter to the Editor of the Christian 
 Observer, with whom I have the pleasure to be well acquainted. 
 He will no doubt write to you himself; though, being extremely 
 overworked, like most persons in a populous communit}-, who 
 are desirous of doing some good in the world, he may have 
 been prevented from taking up his pen for that purpose so soon 
 as he otherwise would have done. Yet, as whenever he does 
 write or may have written, there can be nothing said personally 
 of himself, I will state what I conceive you may wish to know, 
 that the opinion which, from the tenor of the Christian Observer, 
 you have formed of him, is not erroneous He is a man of 
 very superior good sense, considerable knowledge, and thorough 
 practical and orthodox Christian principles, a man also of 
 
ESTABLISHJIENT OF TIIE l^VNOPLIST. 
 
 G9 
 
 prudence, with whom, therefore, you may carry on any inter- 
 course without anxiety or reserve." 
 
 From Mr. Macaulay he received the following 
 letter, dated Sierra Leone House, London, 28th 
 November, 1805 : 
 
 •* Mr. Wilberforce lately put into my hands a letter from 
 you, expressive of a wish to be acquainted with the Editor of 
 the Christian Observer. That gentleman happens to be known 
 to Mr. Wilberforce and a few other intimate friends, but for 
 reasons which it is unnecessary to explain, is desirous to lie 
 concealed from the public. Ilis secret, however, in conse- 
 quence of Mr. AVilberforce's representations, he feels no objec- 
 tion to intrust to your keeping, and when you wish to honour 
 him with any communication, you may address it to me as 
 above, carefully avoiding any expression on the cover of the 
 letter which might connect me with the Christian Observer. 
 
 " I feel no small satisfaction in the establishment of such a 
 work as the Panoplist, and that the Conductors of it should have 
 80 favourably noticed the Christian Observer. I shall be very 
 happy to forward their pious views in any manner which may 
 be in ray power. ... I send a set (of the Christian Observer) 
 for the present year, which I beg j-our acceptance of. I have 
 consulted with a bookseller who is engaged in the American 
 trade respecting the best mode of your being regularly supplied 
 with copies of the works you require." 
 
 The Panoplist, notwithstanding the significance 
 of its name, assumed scarcely more of a contro- 
 versial type than the Christian Observer. In its 
 Preface it borrows the following language of the 
 Editors of the Eclectic Review : 
 
 While we decline to sacrifice the most certain and important 
 truths to a spurious and affected moderation, we wish to evince 
 a genuine and universal candour respecting subjects on which 
 the best and the wisest of mankind are divided. The temper 
 
70 
 
 ESTABUSHMEXT OF THE PAXOPUST. 
 
 and argument, the composition and expression, of the works 
 they review, will be calmly upprecis^ted, without regard to the 
 party from which they originate." 
 
 How favourably the work was received may be 
 inferred from the fact that of the third Number 
 (that for August) two thousand copies were 
 printed ; which was more than that of any of its 
 older contemporary periodicals. 
 
 The Massachusetts Missionary Magazine, al- 
 ready referred to as the organ of the Hopkinsian 
 party, went on as usual, after the establishment 
 of the Panoplist; and Mr. Woods and Mr. Parish 
 promised to contribute to tlie latter, wliile they 
 still continued to lend their aid to the former. 
 But the Panoplist being designed to promote, as 
 its projector wrote to Mr. Burder, *' an amicable 
 coalescence with the great body of Hopkinsians,** 
 it soon became evident that the union of the two 
 periodicals was desirable. This, however, could 
 not be immediately etfected ; for, contemporane- 
 ous with this enterprise, and to some extent 
 complicated with it, was the effort to unite the 
 two parties in the General Association, and in 
 the establishment of the Andover Theological 
 Seminary. After some unsuccessful negotiations 
 in respect to a union of the two publications, the 
 desired object was finally accomplished in the 
 spring of 1808; and the Panoplist commenced 
 its fourth volume, in June of that 3'^ear, under the 
 title of " The Panoplist and Missionary Magazine 
 united." The two prominent clergymen of the 
 Hopkinsian school, whose hesitation as to the 
 
ESTABLISnMENT OF THE PANOPLIST. 
 
 71 
 
 expediency of the measure delayed the union, 
 were Dr. Samuel Spring and Dr. Emmons. 
 
 During the three years in which the Panoplist 
 had been in existence, Dr. Morse had been both 
 its editor and proprietor. But he now made 
 arrangements with a bookselling house in Boston 
 to publish tlie work on their own account. He 
 was not willing, however, to relinquish his 
 editorial responsibilities, until he could be sure 
 that they would pass into competent hands. 
 Though he had succeeded in accomplishing the 
 anion of the various shades of Orthodoxy, which 
 *vas a chief end of the publication, 3'et to effect 
 the wider circulation of the work, and to secure 
 its permanent popularity and usefulness, he was 
 deeply sensible required an editor of no ordinary 
 ability ; and to obtain such an one became with 
 him an object of no small interest. Accordingly, 
 in the fflll of 1809, when his health had become 
 so much impaired as to demand a suspension of 
 his labours, and to suggest the expediency of his 
 passing the following winter in a milder climate, 
 he set out on a journey to the South, and on his 
 way stopped at New Haven for the purpose of 
 offering the editorship to Jeremiah Evarts Esq., 
 of that city, who had been a liberal contributor 
 to the work, from its commencement. The 
 result of his application was that Mr. Evarts, 
 without actually consenting to become the Edi- 
 tor, encouraged him to hope for such a result ; 
 and the interview seems to have confirmed Dr. 
 Morse in the high opinion which he had previ- 
 
72 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OP MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 ously formed of Mr. Evarts' qualifications for such 
 a position. After reaching South Carolina, he 
 received a letter from Mr. Evarts, intimating 
 his intention to spend some months in Charles- 
 town (Mass.), to enahle him to decide whether 
 or not to accept ultimately the editorship. The 
 result was that he did accept it, and discharged 
 the duties of tho place with signal ability for 
 upwards of ten years. 
 
 It may be proper to introduce in this connec- 
 tion some other collateral subjects, bearing more * 
 or less directly upon the Unitarian controversy. 
 
 One of these relates to the course of measures 
 that bad its issue in the formation of the 
 
 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHC SETTS. 
 
 The idea of a correspondence between the 
 Congregational and Presbyterian Churches in 
 the United States, was first conceived by the 
 General Association of Connecticut. 
 
 At a meeting of that Body, held at the house 
 of the Rev. Timothy Dwight, D. D., then Pastor 
 of the Church at Greenfield, they had voted, 15th 
 June 1790, that such a measure was expedient; 
 and, accordingly, in the beginning of the next 
 year, they had addressed a letter to the Massa- 
 chusetts Convention (as well as to the New 
 Hampshire Convention, the only other eccle- 
 siastical Body iu New England, and to the 
 Presbyterian General Assembly), in which they 
 disavow " any attempt to introduce any thing like 
 a hierarchy," and only wish " to be instrumental 
 in subserving the common cause of Christianity." 
 
GENEUAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 73 
 
 This letter had been read before the Massa- 
 chusetts Convention, at their next succeeding 
 annual meeting in May (1791), and had no doubt 
 been a topic of conversation between Dr. Morse 
 and Dr. Green, on occasion of the visit already 
 referred to, which the latter had made at Charles- 
 town. Hence we find that, in the very first 
 letter which Dr. Green addressed to his friend 
 after his return home, he inquires, — " Will your 
 clergy unite with ours?" — that is, will the 
 Massachusetts Convention of Congregational min- 
 isters unite with the General Assembly of the 
 Presbyterian Church of America ? 
 
 The Massachusetts Convention had meantime 
 appointed a Committee, of which President Wil- 
 lard of Harvard College was Chairman, to make 
 a suitable reply to the Address, and to receive 
 any further communications. The Chairman had 
 accordingly replied, on behalf of the Convention, 
 verbally, to the Committee of the General Asso- 
 ciation of Connecticut, whom he met at Yale 
 College Commencement in September ; but what 
 the reply was does not appear. 
 
 Here the matter rested, so far as any inter- 
 course between the Massachusetts Convention 
 and the Presbyterian General Assembly was con- 
 cerned, for three years, — till May, 1794. The 
 reason of this inaction may be gathered, partly 
 at least, from the following letter of Dr. Morse to 
 Dr. Green, dated September 1, 1792: 
 
 " Till the caase of ' liberality * is revived among you," 
 (referring to an unsuccessful attempt that had just been made 
 7 
 
74 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 in Philadelphia to establish a Unitarian preacher), **or we 
 become illiberal like you, I doubt if a friendly intercourse can 
 be established between Presbyterians and Congregationalists, 
 as some of us ' narrow folks ' strive for. 3Ir. Eckley informs 
 me he has written you on the subject. He is one of a Commit 
 *ee with myself and others to report a Plan of friendly corrcS' 
 pondence with our Presbyterian brethren. But we shall efiect 
 nothing. Too many will throw cold water on every thing of the 
 kind. With the utmost difficulty a few of us got a Committee 
 appointed to deliberate on the subject and report our opinions. 
 The Committee compose half almost of all the friends of the 
 measure. If all our plans are frustrated, I apprehend the 
 aggrieved party will think seriously' of forming themselves into 
 a separate Body, and framing an ecclesiastical constitution for 
 themselves, and one too which will admit of such an intercourse 
 with the Presb^'terian Church, as will be mutually agreeable 
 and beneficial. But this is sub rosa for the present. I have 
 hinted the matter to Dr. Rodgers, and have conversed with Mr. 
 Miller and Mr. Eckley upon it. Write me, will you, on the 
 subject." 
 
 In May, 1794, there was a single exchange of 
 friendly letters between the two Bodies, — the 
 Massachusetts Convention transmitting the fol- 
 lowing vote : 
 
 " That it be proposed to the General Assembly of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, and to the General Association of Connecti- 
 cut, not to receive or countenance any candidate from us who 
 does not bring credentials from a regular Body among us 
 known to them, — assuring them that we will observe the same 
 rule with respect to candidates from them ; and informing them 
 that we shall be glad to hear from them on all subjects which 
 relate to the interests of our common Christianity, and will 
 communicate every information upon such subjects as may tend 
 to promote the interests of religion." 
 
 And the General Assembly responded cordi- 
 ally to these proposals. 
 
GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 75 
 
 In respect to this correspondence Dr. Green 
 writes to Dr. Morse, on the 9th of June, thus : 
 
 " You will see by the General Assembly's Letter that we are 
 ready cordially to unite with you in the measures proposed. I 
 hope the union will promote the interests of religion, as well a3 
 a more extensive intercourse between the ministers of your 
 churches and ours. But be careful you do not send us men of 
 ' liberal ' sentiments, for our churches will not endure them." 
 
 Dr. Morse writes to Dr. Green on the same 
 subject, on the 8th of December, as follows : 
 
 "We (the Convention's Committee) have received from Dr. 
 Rodgcrs the General Assemblj-'s Reply to our Letter, and will, 
 I trust, answer it to your satisfaction. I cannot but flatter 
 myself that the intercourse now opened between the General 
 Assembly and our Convention, though it advances slowly, and 
 on our part heavily, will issue in great good to our churches 
 and to the cause of religion," 
 
 But the hope expressed in this communication 
 was not destined to be realized; and this ulti- 
 mately led, as Dr. Morse had anticipated, to the 
 establishment of a separate Body. 
 
 In April, 1790, a printed Circular of the Boston 
 Association, drafted by Dr. Morse, was sent to 
 the ministers of each Association in Massachu- 
 setts, and to others in New England, which, after 
 setting forth the alarming state of the country, 
 calls upon " each Association to send one or more 
 delegates to meet at Boston early in the day pre- 
 ceding the next Annual Election (in May), to con- 
 sult on the general interests of religion, and the 
 means conducive to its support and advance- 
 ment.** Whether or not such a meeting was 
 
76 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 actually held I am unable to ascertain ; but there 
 Avas an Address, bearing upon the subject, unani- 
 mously adopted by the Convention, May 30, 1799, 
 and afterwards published in three pages folio, 
 signed by Eli Forbes, Moderator, and J. Morse, 
 Scribe, which w^as, in some sense, a response to 
 the above mentioned Circular. A. copy of the 
 Circular was sent to the Rev. Dr. Buckminster, 
 of Portsmouth, which drew from him the follow- 
 ing reply, dated the 24th of April: 
 
 " I am pleased to see the ministers of Boston awakened to 
 a sense of the dangers which beset our altars and shrines. 
 AVhile I am sorry for the foreign accession to the flood of error 
 and infidelity, which has been long swelling in this country, it 
 appears to me that a departure from pure evangelical principles, 
 and a silence respecting the peculiarly humbling, awakening and 
 affecting doctrines of the Gospel in the public teachers of it, 
 have contributed their full ^hare to the evil. I am in no ap< 
 prehension that you are included in this charge. I have heard 
 and seen of your firmness and steadfastness in the truth. But is it 
 not too true that ministers in general, and especially our younger 
 ministers, leave the humiliating state of man as an apostate 
 creature, his helplessness and danger, the gloriou-s character of 
 Christ as a Divine person, the special influences of the Spirit, 
 the necessity of regeneration, and the awful prospects of the 
 impenitent and unbelieving, out of their public discourses ; 
 which they fill with philosophical or moral essays and popular 
 harangues. I don't know but many do this from an honest, 
 though in my view very erroneous, apprehension that it will 
 serve to remove the objections of some amiable moral characters, 
 and conciliate them to the Gospel. But of what advantage is it 
 to conciliate them to a Gospel that b not Ihe Go^i>el of Christ, 
 and lacks the energies necessary to make them holy and happy. 
 It appears to me that the charges contained in that most excel- 
 lent Treatise of Mr. Wilberforce, lately republished, are as 
 appropriate to ua as to the country for which he writes. Defects 
 
GEXERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 77 
 
 in principle are more dangerous and destructive than defects in 
 practice. They are like a disease at the heart. A diseased limb 
 may be amputated. If the fountain is hnpure, all labour upon 
 the stream will be thrown away. The fountain must be cleansed. 
 The heart must be healed. If ministers are really concerned 
 and distressed at the spread of infidelity and immorality, and 
 would seek a remedy, they must return in their preaching to 
 tlio terrors of the law and the grace of the (Jospel. They must 
 jircach the plain doctrines of the Bible, and with boldness and 
 cumlour address to the consciences of men the awful and alluring 
 motives therein contained ; and must represent sin as it is most 
 clearly represented, as such an evil as nothing short of the 
 sufferings of a Divine Person could atone its guilt or remove 
 its malignant effects. Many apprehend such preaching would 
 iffright people from the Gospel, and empty our churches and 
 assemblies at once. Duty is ours, events are God's. * To the 
 Law and the Testimony.' ' It is the truth that sanctifies.' 
 Error may please, but it cannot profit. But is there nothing to 
 be done by us ? Those who fear God must speak often one to 
 another on the things of God, and pray earnestly for tlicm- 
 Bclves and brethren. And as the High Priest always offered 
 for his own sins before he did for the sins of the people, would 
 it not be commendable for us as ministers to have days of 
 private, social fast, and let them be spent as days of real hu- 
 miliation, and not of conviviality. Might not Association 
 meetings be so improved? After this, we might, with greater 
 confidence and hope of success, have more seasons of public 
 prayer, following our devotions. with a fervent spirit of Divine 
 things in all our converse with the world. Dear Sir, I should 
 need to make an apology for the freedom with which I have 
 written, did it not afford the strongest proof of the entire con- 
 fidence I have in you as a faithful friend and experienced 
 servant of Jesns Christ. May God be with you and your 
 brethren, and direct you in the subjects of your inquiries, the 
 results of which I shall be obliged to you to communicate to me." 
 
 The time at length came, after protracted 
 delays and difficulties, for carrying into effect 
 the project which Dr. Morse and some of his 
 
78 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 friends had eo long had in view, of forming 
 themselves into a separate Body, under an eccle- 
 siastical constitution of their own. The Brook- 
 field Association, and seven other of the District 
 Associations of the State, who came at its call, 
 met on the 7th of July, 1802, at Northampton, 
 and formed the Massachusetts General Associa- 
 tion, making belief in the doctrines of Chris- 
 tianity, as they are generally expressed in the 
 Assembly's Shorter Catechism, the basis of their 
 union and fellowship. 
 
 The following extracts from a correspondence 
 between Dr. Morse and Dr. Lyman, at this period, 
 throw considerable light upon the ecclesiastical 
 struggle which Avas then going forward. 
 
 Dr. Morse writes thus to Dr. Lyman, under 
 date of 19th of April, 1803 : 
 
 " I approve the doings of your meeting of last July, and 
 hope good consequences will follow. I wish the ecclesiastical 
 interests of all the State may be united, and that, for this purpose, 
 we may agree to revise our ecclesiastical constitution or Cam- 
 bridge Platform. I hope the subject will be brought forward 
 at the next meeting of the (Massachusetts) Convention. I 
 want a long conversation with you, and hope you will come to 
 the Election,* and to my house the Sabbath preceding. If we 
 can preserve union and avoid disunion, by some concessions and 
 sacrifices, it will be best. And I hope that, with due care and 
 exertions, this may be done." 
 
 From this letter it appears that, though favoura- 
 
 • The day in the month of May when the Legislature convened, and 
 the week when it occurred, called " Election week," was selected by the 
 Massachusetts Convention of Congregational Clergy, and since by some 
 other Religious Bodies and Benevolent Societies, to bold their meet- 
 ings, — now commonly called " Anniversary week." 
 
GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF M^VSSACIIUSETTS. 79 
 
 ble to a movement for a General Association, he 
 did not yet despair of attaining, in and by the 
 Convention, the basis of union and fellowship 
 which that Association had been just formed to 
 procure. 
 
 On the 6th of May, 1803, Dr. Lyman thus 
 writes to him : 
 
 " I shall be glad to confer with you on the contemplated 
 union of Christian ministers and churches. As to the Cam- 
 bridge Platform, my opinion is that it is too democratical and 
 anarchical. I think Moderate Presbyterianism is the Scripture 
 Platform. • * ♦ Wq must all be Christians upon the 
 doctrines of grace, or we may as well not call ourselves Chris- 
 tians at all. And a belief of these doctrines being first had, 
 great indulgence is to be given to all other differences of 
 opinion." 
 
 On the 15th of November following. Dr. Morse 
 writes to Dr. Lyman as follows ; 
 
 The subject of a * Platform ' or * Ecclesiastical Constitu- 
 tion ' is revived here, and must be brought to a point next May, 
 (at the meeting of the Convention), or the Congregational 
 interest will be split in pieces, to the great injury of the cause 
 of religion and the rejoicing of sectaries. * * The two 
 extremes " (the Arminians and Hopkinsians) " must be concili- 
 ated, or else strength enough be collected on the middle ground" 
 (that is the ground occupied by the Old Calvinists and the 
 Moderate Calvinists) " to do without them. I believe th» 
 thing can be done, if undertaken resolutely and pursued with 
 a Christian spirit." 
 
 Dr. Lyman replies to this on the 4th of Janu- 
 ary, 1804 : 
 
 " I shall be pleased with any plan and any legitimate means 
 to obtain » bond of union ; but if there ia not doctrinal agree- 
 
80 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OP MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 ment, it will be a rope of sand. And how can persons who 
 say our blessed Redeemer was a man, or a mere creature, unite 
 with those who worship and rest upon Him as the true God and 
 eternal life ? There will be much to fear from the opposers of 
 Christ's Divinity ; and perhaps no less from «onie of our 
 Hopkinsian brethren, who are' high Independents. If any 
 body can coalesce the contending parties upon a safe and 
 promising basis, it will be happy. Who can do more than my 
 friend Morse ? The Convention does not represent the clergy 
 of the State — far from it ; but that Body may recommend to 
 the District Associations to appoint delegates to meet for the 
 purpose you mention," 
 
 Accordingly, on motion of Dr. Lyman in Con- 
 vention, May 30, 1804, a Committee was appointed 
 to inquire by letter of the several District Asso- 
 ciations in the State, if they would delegate each 
 a member to meet for the purpose of agreeing 
 upon a plan of ministerial union, and establishing 
 a General Association ; and to request them to 
 send their replies to the Committee, previous to 
 the meeting of the Convention in May, 1805. 
 This Committee consisted of seven. President 
 Willard being Chairman and Dr. Lyman a mem- 
 ber. Though Dr. Morse was not on the Commit- 
 tee, he was deeply interested in the object, and 
 was constantly on the alert to secure its accom- 
 plishment. 
 
 President Willard died on the 25th of Septem- 
 ber, and Dr. Samuel Hopkins, of Hadley, the 
 senior surviving member of the Committee, be- 
 came Chairman. 
 
 On the 4th of December, Dr Morse writes to 
 Dr. Lyman thus: 
 
OEXEILVL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 81 
 
 "President Willard had, I believe, signed copies of the Let- 
 ter enough for all the Associations ; and I believe all have been 
 sent. I assisted him in the distribution. His death is a serious 
 blow to the object ; and Dr. Forbes, another member of the 
 Coniniittce, friendly to the plan, is sick probably unto death. 
 Nil (lr)ipn'an(iiini, however, is my motto. Let \is faithfully do 
 our duty and leave the event. Great pains are taken to defeat 
 the object. You and Dr. Hopkins must draw up some defiuite 
 outlines of a Plan to be laid before the Committee, shaped 
 according to the communications you receive from the Associa- 
 tions. Leave not all to be done on the spot, or it will be 
 difficult to do any thing. Collect as many communications as 
 possible. Should the Plan be rejected by the Committee or 
 the Convention, as many as agree to it, must, I think, unite." 
 
 On the 9th of February he writes : 
 
 *' Mr. Holmes, Dr. Osgood and I have met and agreed that the 
 Cjmmittee assemble at my house on the Friday before Election, 
 at 9 A. M., and tlicn determine where to liold their session. 
 Convene as many as possible of our brethren who are rUjhIy at 
 this year's meeting of the Convention, and lot us be prepared 
 with a Plan which will unite all the OrtluMlox, provided the 
 Committee's Plan (which I hope will be conciliatory) shall be 
 rejected. I wish there may be a majority for the Plan, and 
 that those who reject it may be the Scceders. You must be 
 armed in complete panoply, for you will be placed in the fore- 
 front of the hottest battle. I wish a short pamphlet could be 
 written and printed, informing the people of the real object of 
 the proposed Association. If you will commit your thoughts 
 on the subject to paper and send them to me soon, I will add 
 to them, if necessary, and sec them published." 
 
 The Comraittee met at his house according to 
 agreement, and, on finding that a majority of Asso- 
 ciations in the State expressed themselves in 
 favour of the measure proposed, they so repprted 
 to the Convention at its session in May 1805 in 
 
82 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OP MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 the hope of meeting an efficient co-operation. 
 In tliis, however, they were disappointed. No 
 vote was taken by this Body on the Report, and 
 thus the efiurt to effect a union among the Con- 
 gregational churches, from which so much had 
 been hoped, proved unsuccessful. 
 
 Notwithstanding the General Association had 
 now been in exi>tence for some three years, but 
 few of the District Associations had 3et become 
 connected with it. Out of twenty-four, the whole 
 number of District Associations in the State, 
 only five in 1S03 and 1804, and only three in 
 1805 and 1800, were represented in its annual 
 meeting. Dr. Morse himself, for reasons which 
 will appear in the sequel, did not join it until 
 1811; but he was still active in promoting its 
 growth. lie Avas reluctant to yield the hope of 
 gaining the Convention's approval of a General 
 Association ; and a year later, (April 22, 1806), 
 in writing to Dr. Lyman, he expresses the wish 
 that a larger number of delegates from the 
 Western part of the State might attend the Con- 
 vention that 3'ear; and adds his confident belief 
 that its concurrence with the proposed object 
 might be secured. 
 
 Both Dr. Morse and Dr. Lyman, and several 
 other prominent clergymen, continued to labour 
 with unabated zeal in aid of the General Associa- 
 tion ; and special efforts were made to secure the 
 co-operation of Drs. Spring and Emmons, but 
 without any satisfactory result Dr. Spring, 
 when addressed on the subject, answered cau- 
 
GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF JLVSSACIIUSETTS. 83 
 
 tiously, and forebore to say any thing from which 
 his opinion could be definitely gathered. Dr. 
 Emmons was outspoken against the organization, 
 and thought he saw in it indications of clerical 
 oppression that betokened great evil to the 
 Church. His opinion on the subject never changed, 
 anc), through his influence, the Mendon Associa- 
 tion, to which he belonged, never joined the 
 General Association till 1841, after his decease. 
 
 In the Panoplist for April, 1807, there are 
 several distinct arguments presented in favour of 
 a General Association in Massachusetts, in which 
 the nature of the proposed Body is explained. 
 Thej'^ constitute one of a series of articles, entitled 
 " Survey of the New England Churches." They 
 were written by tlie Rev. Leonard Woods, of 
 Newbury, afterwards the Rev. Dr. Woo'ls, Profes- 
 sor in the Andover Theological Seminary, and 
 were subsequently printed in a pamphlet. 
 
 The next meeting of the General Association, 
 was held at Windsor, Berkshire County, in June, 
 1807. The meeting is represented as heaving 
 been one of great interest, and several of the 
 more prominent ministers of the State were in 
 attendance as members, among whom was Dr. 
 Spring of Newburyport, whose presence was 
 regarded as a special occasion for gratulation, as 
 it showed that his Hopkinsian predilections were 
 not sulTicienl to keep him any longer aloof from 
 the new ecclesiastical organization. 
 
 Early in 1808 Dr. Morse wrote to the venera- 
 ble Dr. Lathrop, of West Springfield, who replied, 
 
84 
 
 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OP MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 in February and March, that a Gcnerttl Associa- 
 tion, separate from, and without the approbation 
 of the Convention, he should regard as of * danger- 
 ous tendencj', as it might interrupt harmony, 
 produce animosities, jealousies and obloquy, and 
 give ndvantage to the common enemy/ He also 
 thought tlie time unfavourable. And not only he 
 could * see no important end which such Associa- 
 tion could answer,' but he was *not pleased with 
 some of the means taken to accomplish it.' Par- 
 ticularly he could * not see the necessit}' of a test.* 
 The Asseiiibly's Catechism was perhaps the best 
 Compendium of Divinity he ever saw; and if he 
 were to propose a test, he could not think of a 
 better. Yet he says: — *If we cannot put confi- 
 dence enough in Associations to receive their 
 delegates without requiring their consent to a 
 certain test of Orthodoxy, we are not capable of 
 forming a General Association.' He should ' not 
 judge every man heretical who did not consent 
 to every sentence in the Catechism, and who had 
 not joined an Association that required such con- 
 sent.' He remarked * the tendency which the 
 requisition of subscriptions had to make hypo- 
 crites and to prevent honest inquiry.' From some 
 things he had seen in the Panoplist, and heard in 
 conversation, he suspected there was a design to 
 form a new system of Church discipline, with 
 special reference to the trial of ministers, — * a 
 dangerous attempt which he hoped would not be 
 made.' He deprecated innovations in ecclesiasti- 
 cal as in political constitutions, except in urgent 
 
GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACTIUSETTS. 85 
 
 cases, and feared that if the present one was 
 thrown aside, another would not soon be adopted. 
 
 The following explanator}'^ letter was addressed 
 by Dr. Morse to Dr. Lathrop, on the 18th of 
 April, 1808 : 
 
 " The note in the Panoplist to which you allude had not for 
 its object the erection of any ecclesiastical tribunal incompati- 
 ble with the spirit of true Congregationalism or the Platform of 
 our churches. It was intended merely to awaken attention to, 
 and to revive the Christian spirit, energy and faithfulness in 
 Church discipline and government of former times, • to strengthen 
 the things that remain and are ready to die.' I am no friend 
 to innovations in ecclesiastical government. I am strongly 
 against them. I conceive there has been, for years past, a 
 growing departure, especially in this region, from the faith once 
 delivered to the saints, and from the order of the Gospel. My 
 desire is that our churches may be brought back to the aid 
 paths and good ways of the Fathers of New England, with suoh 
 inodiGcation3 and improvements as may be consonant with the 
 Scriptures, and adapted to the present state of society and of 
 the times. I can perceive no reasonable objection against a 
 meeting of ministers in General Association to consult on the 
 best means of promoting the welfare of the churches and to 
 cherish brotherly love. I know not what maybe the particular 
 views of all the advocates of a General Association ; but for 
 myself and those with whom I am conversant, you may be 
 assured we intend nothing which is incompatible with the true 
 spirit of Congregationalism ; nothing schv<malicalj unless a 
 plain declaration of our faith, and an honest zeal to maintain it 
 can be so deemed ; nothing hierarchicafj unless an attempt to 
 establish some uniform method of Church government, like that 
 recommended in your communication,* shall be so stigmatized; 
 nothing unprecedented in the purest ages of Christianity, and in 
 the most intelligent and correct portions of the Christian world. 
 
 * Panuplist, Vol. Ill, p]>. 498-503, September, 1808. 
 8 
 
86 
 
 OENEKAL A8SOCIATIOX OP U^VSSACHUSETTS, 
 
 I Icnow that onr views are misrepresented by some, and I 
 
 believe they are misconceived by others. 
 
 "The subject of a General Association was brought before 
 the Convention, when President Willard and Dr. Tappan were 
 members of it. They were open and decided advocates of the 
 plan of forming a General Association, and a uniform mode of 
 governing our churches. Theso good men, and some others 
 who promoted the object, were removed by death before the 
 Report of a Committee, of which they were members, was acted 
 upon by the Convention. There was, from actual returns to 
 the Committee, a majority even of the members present in Con- 
 vention — (a Body which is not a fair representation of the 
 clergy of the State.) But the opposition by a few members was 
 80 violent and so unreasonable that it was thought prudent to 
 drop the subject in that Body, and to resume it in a more prac- 
 ticable form, and to leave each Association and individual 
 minister to act at his pleasure'? The experiment of uniting all 
 the Congregational clergy of the State in one General Associa- 
 tion having thus failed, the advocates of the measure, finding 
 themselves generally of one faith, thought it expedient to adopt 
 the Catechism, as vindicating their general views of the 
 doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel. And it is believed 
 that few, if any, of different sentiments would wish to join any 
 General Association. They had the opportunity and have 
 refused. I have never been informed — for I am not a mem- 
 ber — that aubscription to the Catechism has been required as a 
 prerequisite to becoming a member of the General Association. 
 It is rather taken for granted that this Catechism expresses his 
 general views of the Christian doctrines. 
 
 " But what has been done already is only a preliminary, and 
 intended to collect such portion of the clergy as are willing to 
 act together for the good of the churches ; and when convened, 
 then to deliberate and determine what is best to be done. By 
 their works, whatever they may be, let the General Association 
 be judged. I think it premature to condemn a measure before 
 its specific object is understood. If the General Association, 
 at the beginning, and from necessity, consists of men of a 
 particular faith, the door may be open to others, should the 
 
GENERAL, ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 87 
 
 purity, peace and harmony of the churches require it. We took 
 this liberal ground of union in the first instance, but failed. 
 "We may attain the same object by pursuing a different course. 
 I have no wish to cause divisions ; but I would ' contend 
 earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.' 
 
 " I have long thought that something like the measure con- 
 templated was indispensable to the preservation of our Congre- 
 gational Churches. If we proceed ten years longer in our 
 present loose, desultory, diverse and contentious manner of con- 
 ducting our ecclesiastical government and discipline, the various 
 sectaries (who all act upon a plan and have their General Asso- 
 ciations for conference) will well nigh root out our denomina- 
 tion. The State laws already favour them, and probably will 
 do so more and more. I see no way so likely to preserve the 
 tilings which remain, and which are thus threatened, as a General 
 Association to confer and act together upon the great concerns 
 of our churches ; and perhaps, should it be thought best, to 
 revive, revise and re establish our Cambridge Platform. 
 
 " I have no wish myself, nor have I heard any one express a 
 wish, to 'form a new system of Church discipline,' much less, 
 with ' special reference to the trial of ministers.' 
 
 *' I presume. Sir, could you feel it to be j-our duty to join 
 the General Association, with your brethren in your vicinity, 
 and could you come as a delegate to the meeting in June next 
 at Worcester, and afford the benefit of your counsel and ex- 
 perience, it would have a most conciliating and happy effect, 
 and prevent unfounded suspicions as to the views of that Body. 
 I believe you would find their views not materially diflFerent 
 * from your own. I contemplate joining the Association with 
 motives and views such as I have now expressed. ♦ ♦ * 
 
 " If gentlemen of your age and standing and influence in the 
 churches could feel willing to co-operate in conducting a Gene- 
 ral Association, I am persuaded all would go harmoniously and 
 agreeably. Opposition would then be limited to men who are 
 no friends of the ecclesiastical government ever practised in 
 the New England churches. Bat if, by misrepresenting our 
 views, these men can excite the fears and neutralize the exer* 
 tions of good men, and even induce them to oppose our honest 
 
88 • GENERAL ASSOCLATION OF iUSSACUTSETTS. 
 
 and well meant efforts to restore the ancient order of oar 
 churches, we are reduced to the alternative either of silently 
 and calmly witnessing the corruption, disorganization and de- 
 struction of our Congregational churches, or of persisting in 
 our efforts to apply a remedy to these evils at the hazard not 
 only of the violent opposition of the avowed enemies of eccle- 
 siastical government, but, — what is more painful to us, — also 
 of wounding the feelings of men whom we love and venerate 
 as our brethren and fathers. The neutrality and disapproba- 
 tion of the aged friends of the Platform of our churches in 
 respect to the contemplated measures, will strengthen the advo- 
 cates for a lax government, and discourage those who would 
 restore the ancient government and discipline ; then a party 
 disposed to form a new and rigid Platform of government might 
 be strong enough to do it, and the true, temperate, conciliatory 
 policy must be abandoned. For none to move is to j'ield the 
 ground to the enemies of ecclesiastical order and to sectaries. 
 For only one class, friendly to a strong government, to move, 
 is to give the ground to the other extreme party. The proper 
 course is for all who are friendly to some known and established 
 plan of government and discipline to meet and act in concert." 
 
 The reason why he was not yet himself a mem- 
 ber of tlie General Association is now to be given. 
 The Boston Association to which he belonged, of 
 course did not sj inpathize with that Body. Be- 
 ing thus in a minority, what was the proper 
 course for him, and others in like circumstances, 
 to take, Avho were desirous of promoting the 
 designs and enjoying the benefits of the General 
 Association ? 
 
 Through Dr. Lyman he asked the advice of that 
 Body, and the reply was that it was not thought 
 best for the General Association to be in corres- 
 pondence with parts of Associations or with 
 individuals, lest it should give occasion to scan- 
 
GENERAL ASSOCIATIOX OF MASSACHUSETTS. 89 
 
 (lal ; but that these should devise expedients of 
 their own by which to enter the General Asso- 
 ciation. Three expedients were suggested by a 
 writer in the Panoplist (Vol. III. p. 18). He 
 adopted the one of dissolving his connection with 
 the Boston Association, and joining with others 
 of his own views in forming a new Association. 
 But this change was not to be effected without 
 considerable labour ; and pressed, as he was at 
 this time, (1808), with a great variety of cares, 
 he found it absolutely necessary to postpone it. 
 Meanwhile his brethren, from different quarters, 
 were writing to him, and urging the formation 
 of the new Association at the very earliest period. 
 The project, however, did not take efl'ect until 
 the spring of 1811. At that time a new eccle- 
 siastical Body, under the name of the Union 
 Association, was formed of Orthodox ministers 
 from the Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Middlesex 
 Associations, and Dr. Morse attended, as one of 
 its Delegates, the Sessions of the General Asso- 
 ciation in Salem, June 25, 1811. 
 
 At this meeting Dr. Morse received not only 
 a cordial welcome from the ministers composing 
 it, but that sort of evidence of confidence in 
 liis ability that consisted in placing him at 
 once in several positions of high responsibility. 
 He was appointed on no less than five Commit- 
 tees — to make arrangements ; to prepare the 
 Narrative of the State of Religion, (of which 
 Committee he was Chairman;) to revise the 
 Rules of the Association ; to publish the Report ; 
 
90 QEXERAL ASSOCIATION OP MASSACIirSETTS. 
 
 and to devise measures for the suppression of 
 Intemperance. 
 
 At the next meeting of the General Associa- 
 tion, (June, 1812,) he was again appointed on 
 numerous Committees ; and also was one of the 
 two delegates chosen to represent the Body in 
 the next General Assemhly of the Presh^ terian 
 Church, at Philadelphia. lie fullilled the appoint- 
 ment in May, 1813. 
 
 As early as 1811 the question of forming Con- 
 sociations (a union of Congregational Churches 
 hy Pastors and Delegates, Avith a measure of 
 judicial authority) was considerahly agitated, 
 but the prevailing opinion seemed to be that it 
 was inexpedient at that time to attempt it. 
 Three 3'ears later, however, (in 1814,)* in conse- 
 quence of the discovery of a manuscript among 
 the papers of Cotton Mather, containing a record 
 of the doings of the Massachusetts Convention in 
 1704-OG, which was strongly fjivourable to Con- 
 sociations, the General Association appointed a 
 Committee to obtain more definite information 
 concerning the doings of that Bcdy, and to report 
 at the next annual meeting on the expediency 
 of carrying out some such pla»i as the one pro- 
 posed at that early day, which was nothing more 
 nor less than the forming of Consociations. The 
 Committee consisted of seven prominent clergy- 
 men, Dr. Morse being Chairman. This Com- 
 mittee addressed themselves to their work with 
 great earnestness, and in due time had prepared 
 their report, approving, on the whole, of Con- 
 
ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 91 
 
 sooiations, but in a form differing somewhat from 
 that which was proposed in 1705. Tliis Report 
 was presented to the General Association in 1815; 
 and, after being duly discussed, was ordered to 
 be printed and sent to the several Associations, 
 that they might pass their judgment upon it, 
 with a view to an ultimate decision of the ques- 
 tion at the next annual meeting. Accordingly, 
 the matter came up at the meeting in June, 1816, 
 and the General Association accepted, as their 
 final action on the subject, a Report which, while 
 it recognizes the desirableness of .a more eflicient 
 system of discipline, and authorizes the forming 
 of Consociations where the ministers and churches 
 favour it, does not go so far as even to recom- 
 mend the general adoption of the principle. Dr. 
 Morse was, from the beginning, deeply impressed 
 with the importance of effecting this organiza- 
 tion, and his earnest efforts for the object seem 
 to liave subjected him afterwards to no small 
 obloquy even from individuals of his own pastoral 
 charge. But the idea was finally abandoned, and 
 has never since been practically revived. 
 
 ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 It is proper to premise that it is not the design, 
 under this head, to present a continuous history 
 of the founding of the Andover Seminary, but 
 only to show the agency that Dr. Morse had in 
 it. And many of the details even of that are 
 necessarily passed over, partly because it is not 
 easy at this day accurately to trace them, and 
 
92 
 
 ANDOTEB THEOLOGICAL 8EMINABT. 
 
 partly because they were not of sufficient signifi- 
 cance to become matter of permanent record. 
 
 The first conception of this noble Institution, 
 of which I find any notice, is in connection with 
 the prospect of Dr. Pearson's resigning his Pro- 
 fessorship in Harvard College. This resignation 
 was understood, by the Doctor's friends, to have 
 been in consequence of the Unitarian tendencies 
 which had been, for some time, in a process of 
 development in the College, and which were then 
 becoming more strongly marked in the probable 
 election of the Liberal candidate for the Presi- 
 dency. Dr. Morse, referring to the then existing 
 state of things, in a letter to Dr. Green, dated 
 December 24, 1805, thus shadows forth the in- 
 cipient project for a new institution: 
 
 *' These events may probably be tbe means of founding a new 
 Literary and Theological Institution, on principles and for 
 purposes similar to those on and for which Harvard College 
 was founded. A Phoenix may arise out of the ashes of this 
 ancient Seminary. At least such an event is not improbable. 
 Dr. Pearson has decided to resign his oflSce at the close of the 
 vacation (in March) ; and he is by far the most efficient officer 
 belonging to that Institution." 
 
 Dr. Pearson's purpose to resign bis office, which 
 seems to have originated with the election of 
 Mr. Ware to the Professorship of Theology, was 
 carried into eflect in March, 180G; and in his 
 Letter of Resignation addressed to the Overseers 
 of the College, he thus sums up the reasons for 
 his taking this painful step: 
 
 " In a word, such a gloom is spread over the University, and 
 such is my view of its internal state and external relations, of 
 
ANDOVER TIIEOLOOICiVL SEMINXRT. 
 
 93 
 
 its cardinal and constitutional maladies, as to awaken all my 
 fears, and exclude the hope of rendering any effectual service to 
 the interests of religion by continuing my connection with it." 
 
 When Dr. Pearson's friends became apprised 
 of his intention, several of them, among whom 
 Dr. Morse was prominent, began to inquire in 
 what way his great talents and acquirements 
 might still be rendered serviceable to the Churcli ; 
 and their deliberations resulted in the conviction 
 that it was best to establish a Theological Semi- 
 nary and make him one of its Professors. 
 
 There were special reasons growing out of the 
 Constitution of Phillips Academy, Andover, for 
 endeavouring to engraft the projected Theological 
 Scliool upon tliat already venera])le Institution. 
 The founders of that Academy had declared the 
 " principal object of their Institution" to be " the 
 promotion of true piety and virtue"; and when 
 the endowment was enhirged by a subsequent 
 bequest, it was arranged that those wlio were 
 designed for the ministrv should receive the in- 
 struction of some eminent Calvinistic minister of 
 the Gospel, until a Tiieological Professor should 
 be appointed. In addition to this, Mr. Samuel 
 Abljot, who was an intimate friend of Dr. Pear- 
 son, by a codicil of his will, dated June 11, 1805, 
 diverted the money which he had bequeathed to 
 Harvard College, to a Professorship to be estab- 
 lished at Phillips Academy, Andover. The in- 
 strument contains this remarkable clause : 
 
 " And, furthermore, my will is, that provided said Academy 
 shall, at any future time, be converted into a College, or in 
 
94 
 
 ANDOVHR THEOLOGICAL SEMINABT. 
 
 case a College shall be instituted in that parish in Andover in 
 which Phillips Academy is situated, then the said fund be 
 for the establishment of a Professorship of Divinity in said 
 College." 
 
 In all the primary movements looking towards 
 this enterprise Dr. Morse bore a prominent part; 
 and letters still exist, not only from himself, but 
 from several other of the most influential Ortho- 
 dox clergymen of the day, showing that he was 
 most intent upon the accomplishment of this 
 object. In writing to Dr. Lathrop, of West 
 Springfield, on the subject, under date of No- 
 vember 18, 1807, after alluding to the origin of 
 the Institution as above stated, he says: 
 
 " It was thought wise and prudent to lay the foundation of 
 the Institution on so broad a scale as to embrace, if I may so 
 speak, all shades of CalvinLsts, or all who approve the Assem- 
 bly's Catechism, or the doctrines of the Reformation, in hope 
 that time and friendl}' intercourse and discussion would bring 
 all together on some middle ground. With these views it was 
 intended that the Professors should be selected from the several 
 shades, so to speak, so as that the confidence of each might be 
 secured by an equal representation." 
 
 It came to Dr. Morse's knowledge, at least as 
 early as February, 180G, that Mr. William Bart- 
 lett, a distinguished merchant of Newburyport, 
 and a parishioner of Dr. Spring, had intentions 
 of endowing liberally an Institution for theologi- 
 cal education at Newbury ; also that Mr. Moses 
 Brown, another of Dr. Spring's parishioners, and 
 Mr. Norris, of Salem, would join in this enter- 
 prise ; the purpose having been suggested, as in 
 
ANDOVEU THEOLOGICAL SE.MIXAKY. 
 
 95 
 
 the other case, by the revolution in Harvard 
 College. This was justly regarded as the germ 
 of a rival Hopkinsian Seminary ; and, as Dr. 
 Morse deprecated such a measure as tending to 
 divide the Orthodox ranks, he immediately un- 
 dertook to prevent it, by merging the proposed 
 institution into the one projected by the friends 
 of Dr. Pearson. 
 
 A series of articles appeared in the Panoplist, 
 in successive numbers, from June, 180G to June, 
 1808, written by Mr. Woods, at Dr. Morse's sug- 
 gestion, the design of which was to reach the 
 grand conclusion that a Theological Seminary, 
 on the Orthodox plan, was loudly called for by 
 the ecclesiastical state of thinj^s in that reirion 
 and was even essential to the transmission of an 
 incorrupt Christianity to posterity. These arti 
 clcs had an important influence in giving to the 
 public mind the direction which it finally assumed 
 
 Immediately on the resignation of his Profes- 
 sorship at Cambridge, Dr. Pearson removed, with 
 (lis family, to Andover. Here, in conjtniction with 
 Dr. Morse, Samuel Farrar, Samuel Abbot, Mark 
 Newman. Mr. French and Nehemiah Abbot, he 
 formed a Body called the '* Andover Associates," 
 having for their object to promote tlie design of a 
 Theological Seminary at Andover. They first 
 met in July, 180G. 
 
 In September following, a paper was read 
 before this Body, by Dr. Pearson, whose mind 
 had been all summer occupied with the subject, 
 on the importance of a Theological Seminary, 
 
96 
 
 ANDOYER TlfEOlXXJICAL 8EMIXARY. 
 
 which was afterwards printed in the Panoplist.* 
 And the same month a Committee was appointed, 
 of which Dr. Morse was one, to draft the " Out- 
 lines of a Theological Seminary,** which paper 
 was read before the associates in October follow- 
 ing, and also published.! These "Outlines'* are 
 substantially the present Constitution of the 
 Theological Seminary, adopted in the fall of 1807. 
 
 The next step in the process was the connect- 
 ing of the Seminary with Phillips Academy, and 
 placing it under the patronage and control of the 
 Boardof Trustees, of which Dr.Pearson was Presi- 
 dent, and Dr. Morse and the other Andover Asso- 
 ciates were all members. They proposed to com- 
 municate their plan to the Trustees at the next 
 meeting, but it was not then sufficiently matured, 
 and it was actually delayed for several months. 
 Meanwhile the prospect of the union of the dif- 
 ferent parties seemed to brighten, and on the 17th 
 of October, 1800, Mr. Woods writes thus to Dr. 
 Morse : 
 
 " I spent a long evening with Dr. Emmons. As to the Col- 
 lege (the Thculugical Seminary) I think he will co-operute with 
 all his might, and so will other influential men of his stamp, if 
 they can see that Ilopkinsians are not neglected iu the plan 
 and direction of the Institution. He is phased with the idea 
 of a College on jiwpose to make ministers. He expressed fears, 
 however, that such ministers would be less respected than 
 those educated at a University. * * * He thought it im- 
 portant to have one Theological College, which all the orthodox 
 should join to support." 
 
 • Vol. Ill, pp. 306-316.t lb. pp. 34S-348. 
 
ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARF. 
 
 97 
 
 To this letter Dr. Morse replies thus on the 
 2 1st of October : 
 
 " Your interview with Dr. Emmons docs my heart good. I 
 am greatly encouraged to hope that a cordial union, so devoutly 
 to be wished by all good men, may yet be effected. Talk with 
 Brother Austin on the subject. Its importance magnifies the 
 more it is contemplated. Call not the Institution a College, 
 but a Theological Seminary. The idea is to adnut young men 
 into this school who have received education at some one of our 
 Colleges. I believe a plan can be formed which shall meet the 
 views and feelings of all evangelical men. There is no wish to 
 put in the back-ground the Ilopkinsians, but to have them 
 anite on generous principles. Do write Dr. Kmmons and press 
 \he idea of union in the General Association and in the Thcolo- 
 fiical School. I wish he could converse with Dr. Dwijclit on the 
 subject, and know how much he desires such a union, as indis- 
 pensable to the maintenance of evangelical truth in Massa- 
 chusetts." 
 
 That the plan of the Seminary had, in various 
 respects, been matured at this time, is rendered 
 farther evident from the following extract from 
 a letter, addressed by Dr. Morse, on the 23d of 
 December, to Mr. Charles Taylor, a London book- 
 seller, to whom he sends a list of books to be pur- 
 chased, to the amount of five hundred dollars: 
 
 " These books are to make part of a Library for a Theologi- 
 cal Seminary now in process of formation by a number of chari- 
 table individuals. It is to be on a broad foundation, and to 
 have three Professors at least. By an article in the Constitu- 
 tion the Professors are to sustain the character of sober, honest, 
 learned and pious men, of sound and orthodox principles in 
 Divinity, according to that system of evangelical doctrine con- 
 tained in the Assembly's Shorter Catechism. This will enable 
 you, Sir, to determine what will be the religious character of 
 the Seminary. Gontribations to its library, of ancient and 
 9 
 
98 
 
 ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINART. 
 
 modern books of value, by men of piety and liberality on yoor 
 side of the water, would be received and acknowledged with 
 gratitude by the Founders. This institution has to struggle 
 hard against the latitudinarian sentiments, which are prevailing 
 among us at the present time, and whatever is given will aid 
 the cause of evangelical truth. I wish you to show this letter 
 to my friend, the Kev. George Burdcr, to whom I shall write 
 by this opportunity, and shall refer him to you for the informa- 
 tion here communicated, relative to the Seminary, in aid of 
 which his influence also is solicited." 
 
 It was now understood that Dr. Pearson and 
 Mr. AVoods were to hold Professorships in the 
 new Seminary, hut there was to he auother, who 
 had not yet heen selected. Accordingly, on the 
 12th of January, 1807, Dr. Morse wrote to Dr. 
 Rodgers of New York, requesting him to confer 
 with the Rev. Dr. Miller, his colleague in the 
 pastorate, and ascertain if he would accept the 
 third Professorship. The application met a nega- 
 tive response ; tliough a subsequent attempt, after 
 the Seminary was established, to secure a repre- 
 sentative from the Presbyterian Church for the 
 Andover Faculty, proved successful. 
 
 Dr. Morse, regarding, as he did, the matter of 
 union as paramount to every thing else, was 
 endeavoring to reach Mr. Bartlett, through the 
 influence of several clergymen in the neighbour- 
 hood who were acquainted with him, and thus 
 bring him to abandon the idea of a separate estab- 
 lishment, when, on the 17th of March, 1807, he 
 received a communication that seemed decisive 
 against his wishes. Mr. Woods came on that day 
 from Newbury expressly to inform him that the 
 
ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMIXAUY. 
 
 99 
 
 evening before, he had met, by invitation, Messrs. 
 Bartlett and Brown, at tlie house of their Pastor, 
 Dr. Spring, when the Doctor announced the inten- 
 tion of forming a separate Seminary at Newbury, 
 to which each of the two wealthy parishioners, 
 who were present, pledged ten thousand dollars 
 on the spot; that they named Mr. Woods as Pro- 
 fessor of Theology ; and that, while he had come 
 to Charlestown with this announcement. Dr. 
 Spring had gone to Salem to inform Mr. Norris 
 of what had been done, and to secure for the 
 * object the donation of ten tliousand dollars 
 which he had pledged several months before. 
 Mr. Woods, though he seems to have felt some- 
 what embarrassed by the position in which this 
 appointment had placed him, wrote to Dr Morse, 
 on the 10th of April, that he was opposed to a 
 separate Institution, and would exert himself to 
 the utmost in favor of union in founding the 
 Andover Seminary. 
 
 On the 15th of April, a conference took place 
 in Charlestown, between Dr. Spring. Dr. Pearson 
 and Dr. Morse, of which the latter gives the fol- 
 lowing account in a letter to Mr. Woods, written 
 the next day : 
 
 " Brother Spring arrived yesterday afternoon, and, with Dr. 
 Pearson, has been here till six o'clock this morning. It was 
 between one and two o'clock in the morning before we retired. 
 You may easily suppose that we have been over the whole 
 ground. Brother Spring says that Dr. Emmons is afraid of 
 union both in General Association and Theological Academy. 
 He will act neither for nor against the former. I hope he will 
 Dot act against the latter. 
 
100 
 
 ANDOVER THEOLOGICAl. SEMINARY. 
 
 ** Brother Spring sa^'S our conference has produced in him 
 only painful doubt. I hope, since reflection has produced, in 
 some degree, a favourable change in his views, that more infor- 
 mation and reflection will ultimately induce entire conviction 
 of the practicability and duty of union. In my opinion, per- 
 sonal con.siderations as respect him, and you, more especially, 
 call for union. But these, compared with intiiiitely superior 
 reasons, should not be named. I believe that, as Christians, 
 as ministers of Christ, we are bound in this case to unite. 
 
 " I cannot but wonder that, in existing circumstances, in so 
 singular a state of things, when Providence is speaking to us in 
 passing events in a voice so loud and impressive, to combine 
 our influciice and eff"orts to strengthen the things that remain 
 and are ready to die. Christians, like those concerned in this 
 business, should need persuasion to unite. One would suppose 
 that they would all rejoice in the opportunity of doing so, and 
 would accept union, wlien offered, with eagerness and grati- 
 tude. It is to me unaccountable. But I trust it is only a trial 
 placed in our way to test our zeal, fidelity and perseverance in 
 our Master's service, and that, if we are not wanting in our 
 duty, the object will be happily accomplished. Much, under 
 Providence, will depend on you. On all your influence and 
 exertions I confidently calculate. I know your situation is deli- 
 cate, but 3'ou need not, you must not, be afraid to act. I believe 
 Brother Spring is possessed of the whole of our views. He has 
 heard with candour and conferred with frankness, and has 
 pleased and interested both Dr. Pearson and niyself. I think 
 he will be led to a result which will be satisfactory to us. Let 
 Dr. Pearson see and talk with the donors. He can best explain 
 to them the Visitorial plan of Union, with which I cannot but 
 think they will be pleased." 
 
 This refers to the Plan of a Board of Visitors 
 with supervisory power over the Trustees of 
 Phillips Academy. Tliis Board was ultimately 
 established, and under it the desired union was 
 effected. 
 
 From the middle of April till the middle of 
 
ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 101 
 
 May, Dr Morse was occupied in journcj^ing for 
 his health. He stopped at New Haven, and 
 there enlisted Dr. Dwight heartily in the cause 
 of union ; and in New York and Philadelphia 
 looked out for another Professor for the Scini- 
 nury. Some time during his absence, he received 
 a letter from Mr. Woods, informing him that 
 repeated interviews had been held between Drs. 
 Pearson and Spring ; and Messrs. Brown, Bartlett 
 and Norris ; that Dr. Pearson had contributed 
 much to the gratification of the others, but that 
 still tliey decided to have no connection with 
 Phillips Academy, though they were willing the 
 Andoverians should join them in est iblisliing a 
 Seminar^^ at Newbury. They agreed, however, 
 to suspend for the time every operation that 
 would preclude union in a new Institution, and 
 to appoint a conference on the subject after Dr. 
 Morse's return. 
 
 This conference was held at Newburyport on 
 the 15th of June; but the death of an infant 
 child prevented Dr. Morse's attendance. The 
 persons assembled on the occasion were Drs. 
 Spring, Emmons and Pearson, Messrs. Brown, 
 Bartlet and Norris, and Samuel Farrar Esq. 
 The v.irious questions pertaining to the Seminary 
 were discussed with great earnestness, and the 
 result, so far as any was arrived at, was altogether 
 unfavourable to the prospect of union. The next 
 week, however, Dr. Morse's hopes were again re- 
 vived by the appearance of Dr. Spring at the 
 meeting of the General Association at Windsor, 
 
102 ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SE3IIVART. 
 
 as a delegate from the Essex Middle Association, 
 which had not hefore been represented in that 
 Body. This he seems to have looked upon as a 
 very important point gained, and as foreshadow- 
 ing a favourable result in respect to the Seminary. 
 
 During the months of July and August vigor- 
 ous negotiations for union were kept up ; and in 
 the last week of August earnest consultations 
 were held on the subject in Salem, Newburyport 
 and Andover. Meanwhile Dr. Dwijirht had come 
 from Connecticut to add the Aveight of his influ- 
 ence in favour of union. The result was that 
 the idea of a Seminary at Newbury was aban- 
 doned, and the projectors consented that its seat 
 should be at Andover, where further efforts for 
 union were destined to be made. 
 
 In a letter to the Trustees of Phillips Acadeniy, 
 communicated at their meeting on the 1st of 
 October, Mr. Abbot, who had reserved to him- 
 self the appointment of his own Professor, ap- 
 pointed the Rev. Leonard Woods, and that 
 Body immediately ratified the appointment. 
 The sujricestion that Mr. Woods should be the 
 Professor was made to Mr. Abbot by Drs. Pearson 
 and Morse. It was not, however, publicly known 
 until effectual measures had been taken, especial- 
 ly by Dr Morse, to overcome the scruples of a 
 portion of the members of the Board of Trustees 
 to this selection of a reputed Ilopkinsian. When 
 the appointment Avas made, its conciliatory tend- 
 ency became manifest ; for the Andover Founder, 
 by adopting, as his Professor of Christian Theo- 
 
ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMIXAIIY. 
 
 103 
 
 logy, the man of their choice, provoked the 
 New hury Founders to reciprocate the civility, by 
 afterwards appointing Dr. Pearson, the Ando- 
 verian fiivourite, to the Professorship of Sacred 
 Literature. 
 
 But there was still another difliculty to be 
 encountered, after doctrinal differences had been 
 reconciled. The Ilopkinsians expressed appre- 
 hensions that the Constitution of Phillips Aca- 
 demy would not admit of a Board of Visitors, 
 with supervisory power over the Trustees, and 
 tliat, if such a Board were constituted, its acts 
 miglit hereafter be annull«*d. But, after con- 
 siderable consultation on the subject, in which 
 Dr. Morse had a very prominent part, and after 
 having received the opinion of two eminent 
 jurists (His Excellency Caleb Strong and the 
 lion. George Bliss) in favour of the practicability 
 of the Yisitorial Plan of* Union, that Plan was 
 finall}' adopted, as an experiment to be continued 
 for seven years. Accordingly, on the 30th of 
 November, Dr. Spring on the one side, and Drs. 
 Pearson and Morse on the other, met, by appoint- 
 ment, in Dr. Morse's study, at Charlestown, and 
 the next morning they had drawn up and mutu- 
 ally signed the following document : 
 
 "1. Upon serious and mature deliberation it appears that 
 TTnion, founded on Visitorial principles, will be safe, honourable 
 and effectual ; and that the power and influence of a Board of 
 Visitors will be as commanding and extensive as that of anj 
 Board of Trustees. 
 
 *• 2. It is mutually understood that there shall be one com- 
 mon and permanent creed, — vis., that exhibited bj the Andover 
 
104 
 
 ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 Associates in their late conference with the Gentlemen at 
 Newburyport. 
 
 *'3. It is mutually understood that the Donors, Messrs. 
 Brown, Bartlett and Norris, shall have the liberty and right of 
 supporting two Professors, one of whom shall be a Professor 
 of Revealed lleligioii, and as many students as the income of 
 their funds will maintain. 
 
 " 4. It is mutually understood that the Donors have the sole 
 right of prescribing their own Statutes, in consistency with the 
 object and general regulations of the Institution. 
 
 '* 5. The Visitorial System is understood to place the power 
 of choosing Professors in the Trustees ; but that the Visitors 
 possess the right of approving or negativing their elections. 
 
 6. Upon the death, resignation or removal of a Professor, 
 a successor shall be chosen within six months; and if the first 
 election be negatived, a choice shall be made which shall be 
 approved b}- the visitors, Mies ^mo/iW, within twelve mouths 
 from the commencement of the vacancy. 
 
 "7. No student shall be placed on this foundation, who has 
 not been previously recommended by a Committee appointed 
 by the Visitors. 
 
 " 8. It is understood that the tuition of the students of the 
 Seminar}' shall be gratis. 
 
 " 9. The funds of the Associate Founders shall be preserved 
 forever, distinct from all other funds whatever, without being 
 blended with any other property, by exchange, sale, purchase, 
 loan or otherwise, aud separate accounts kept by the Treasurer ; 
 and books and all evidence of property kept in a separate trunk 
 or box prepared for prompt removal in case of any emergency. 
 
 " 10. It is mutually understood that the Associate Founders 
 defray one half of the expense of the necessary buildings and 
 Library of the Seminary. 
 
 *' 11. The Statutes of the Founders, and the Covenant 
 between the Founders and the Trustees, will be submitted to 
 the examination and approbation of two gentlemen learned in 
 the Law, mutually chosen by the parties, — viz., by the Associate 
 Founders and the Trustees aforesaid. 
 
 " It is mutually understood that the proposed coalition com- 
 
ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEM7XAUY. 
 
 105 
 
 mcnccs \rith the ardent hope that the sacred cause of evangelical 
 truth will be thereby most effectually promoted ; and that thia 
 connection, after an experiment of seven years, will terminate 
 in perfect and indissoluble union. 
 
 p]LIPIIALET PEARSON, 
 JEDIDIAU MOUSE, 
 SAMUEL SPUING. 
 Charlestown Mass., 1st December, 1807." 
 
 The Visitorial Plan of Union being thus agreed 
 upon, the next thing was to embody its principles 
 in the Statutes of the Associate Founders ; but 
 the attempt to do this suggested other difiiculties 
 still of a threatening aspect, which it required 
 great sagacity and perseverance to bring to 
 a successful issue. The object, however, was 
 accomplished, after a few weeks, and Dr. Morse 
 was permitted to see this long cherished wish of 
 union between the two parties fully gratified, 
 lie announces the crowning step in the process, — 
 namely, the fact of Mr. Norris' having signed 
 the Constitution, — in a letter to Dr. Pearson, of 
 the 28th of February, 1808, and adds the following 
 reflections : 
 
 " /vflu-s' Den. How faithful is the Lord to fulfil his promises. 
 In due time ye shall reap, if ye faint not. Hitherto the Lord 
 hath helped us. In his own way and time. He will accomplish 
 his own purposes in this Institution. How honourable to be 
 employed as instruments of laying the foundation of such an 
 establishment for the advancement of his glory I I ever 
 believed that this thing was of God, and that He would in due 
 time accomplish it. The difficulties which we have been called 
 to encounter, however painful and discouraging at the time, 
 have, I trust, made both ourselves and the Institution better." 
 
106 ANDOVER THEOIXWICAL SEMIXART. 
 
 The Creed which la given at length in the 
 Associate Statutes, and the Visitorial Plan of 
 Union, the Andover Founders adopted as their 
 own, and submitted them as " Additional Stat- 
 utes " to their Constitution, for acceptance by the 
 Trustees of Phillip*s Academy, on condition that 
 that Body accepted the Statutes of the Associate 
 Foundation. The Statutes of the Associate Found- 
 ation were submitted at tlie same time, and, after 
 a protracted discussion, and one or two adjourn- 
 ments, these also were accepted. The measure 
 was adopted by the following vote : 
 
 " That this Board, deeply impressed with the magnitude of 
 the objects of the donations presented, and with the goodness 
 •of God in putting it into the hearts of his servants, the Associ- 
 ate Founders, to give so liberally to the offerings of the Lord, 
 •do cheerfully accept the same for the purposes and upon the 
 terms and conditions expressed in the same instrument, and 
 that we do covenant and engage faithfully to execute the said 
 trust reposed in us agreeably to the said Statutes, and that we 
 will cordially and actively' co-operate with the said Founders in 
 the promotion of an object so intimately' connected with the 
 glory of God, and inconceivably momentous to the present 
 and future generations of men, in relation both to time and 
 eternity." 
 
 At this meeting Dr. Morse handed to the Trus- 
 tees Mr. Woods' letter of acceptance of the 
 Abbot Professorship of Christian Theology, dated 
 27 April. 
 
 The opening of the Seminary and the inau- 
 guration of the two Professors took place on the 
 28th of September. The following account of 
 
AXDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEmXARY. 
 
 107 
 
 the public services appeared in the Panoplist of 
 that month : 
 
 Andovcr, September 28, 1808. This day the Theological 
 Institution established in this town was opened with the follow- 
 ing appropriate solemnities: 
 
 " The Morning Exercises commenced with a Prayer by the 
 Kcv. Mr. French. This was followed by an Historical Sum- 
 mary of the rise and progress of Phillips Academy, by Dr. 
 Pearson. After this the Constitution of the Theological 
 Academy was read by Dr. Pearson, the Statutes of the Asso- 
 ciate Founders, by the Rev. Dr. Morse, and the Additional 
 Statutes of the Founders, by llev. Mr. Dana, of Ncwburyjwrt. 
 
 " In the afternoon Divine service was opened with prayer by 
 Rev. Mr. Dana. A Sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. 
 D WIGHT from JIatthewxiii., 52: ' Therefore every Scribe which 
 is instructed unto the kingdom of Heaven,' etc. To this suc- 
 ceeded the Ordination of Dr. Pearson. The Consecrating 
 Prayer, by Rev. Dr. Sprino ; the Charge, by Rev. Mr. 
 French; and the Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. Dr. 
 Mouse. 
 
 " After the Ordination was 6nished, the Creed was read by 
 Rev. Dr. Spring and repeated and assented to by the Pro- 
 fessors. Rev. Dr. Pearson was then declared to be a l*rofessor 
 in this Institution, and invested with the rights of office by Dr. 
 DwiGHT, and Rev. Leonard Woods by Dr. Pearson. 
 
 " Professor Woods then delivered his Inaugural Oration, on 
 the Glory and Excellency of the Gospel. 
 
 " Professor Pearson, in consequence of ill health and 
 
 fatigue, was obliged to decline delivering his Oration. The 
 
 solemnities were concluded with a Prayer by Dr. Dwight. 
 * • • • * • * 
 
 " The Assembly, convened from various parts of our country, 
 
 on this novel and interesting occasion, was numerous and 
 
 highly respectable. 
 
 *»••••• 
 
 •* The aospicioos commencement of an Institution, so im- 
 portant to the interests of religion and our country, will, we 
 hope, prove x bright morning of a prosperous day." 
 
108 AXDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINART. 
 
 Dr. Morse had an important agency also in the 
 appointment of Dr. Griffin as Bartlett Professor 
 of Pulpit Eloquence. It has already been noticed 
 that, as early as January, 1807, he had, through 
 Dr. Rodgers, inquired of Dr. Miller whether he 
 would accept a Professorship in the then pro- 
 posed Seminary, to which Dr. M. had returned 
 a decided negative. Before the close of that 
 year he made two visits to New York, the object 
 of each of which was, partlj'^ at least, to secure a 
 suitable Professor; and the followiug extract of 
 a letter from Dr. Miller to Dr. Griffin, then of 
 Newark, dated November 4th, shows the direc- 
 tion in which Dr. Morse's thoughts were turned 
 in the prosecution of his object: 
 
 " I wish very luuch to see you on some particular and very 
 important business. Can 3-ou not coiuc in next week, — if only 
 you can spend an hour with me. It is on a subject on which 
 Dr Morse earnestly desired me to converse with you, and in 
 which he thinks the evangelical interests of Massachusetts, and 
 even of New England, are deeply involved," 
 
 Again, on the 24th of November, he writes 
 thus: 
 
 " Dr. Morse wishes me to converse with you on two points. 
 The first is a Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. When 
 he last saw you that Institution existed only in design. Now 
 very large funds are actually secured, and the organization 
 is commenced. There are five Professorships : of Natural 
 Theology ; of Christian Theology ; of Biblical Criticism ; of 
 Ecclesiastical History ; of Sacred Eloquence. Two are already 
 filled — Mr. Woods is Professor of Christian Theology, and Dr. 
 Pearson, of Harvard College, is Professor of Biblical Criticism. 
 The other three are wished, by the gentlemen who take the 
 
ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 109 
 
 lead in this business, to be got from the Middle and Southern 
 
 States. 
 
 "The second subject is this: Some worthy and influential 
 gentlemen, devoted to the interests of evangelical truth, propose 
 to build a large and handsome church in the heart of Boston, 
 and to call one, if not two, able, evangelical and decided men 
 to undertake the pastoral charge ; and to make this, like the 
 Seminary, a centre of Orthodox operations. The persons con- 
 cerned also wish to get a Pastor for this Church from the 
 Southward. 
 
 " Dr. Morse and his friends, before he left Boston, had con- 
 versed respecting several Southern gentlemen for the above 
 place. At New Haven he and Dr. Dwight conferred, and the 
 result was a determination to turn their eyes toward the fol- 
 lowing gentlemen — Mr. Griffin of Newark, Mr. Bomcyn of 
 Albany, Messrs. Abecl and Miller of New York. You have 
 the whole matter before you. 
 
 " Dr. Morse is much engaged on these subjects. lie informs 
 me that the funds of both institutions will be ample, and that 
 discerning, pious people think they see in those institutions 
 great and permanent benefit likely to redound to the interests 
 of religion in Massachusetts and New England, and perhaps in 
 the United States. He considers whoever is invited to take 
 part in these institutions, as having a call not easily or lightly 
 to be put aside. 
 
 "The Evangelical men in Massachusetts have also organized 
 a General Association, between which and our (Presbyterian) 
 General Assembly they mean to propose a system of inter- 
 courso and co-operation. All these may be considered as parts 
 of one great whole, the object of which is to promote the 
 interests of truth. 
 
 " The plan of establishing a new church in Boston is not at 
 present ripe enough to be freely spoken of. Please consider it 
 in confidence. 
 
 P. S. Dr. Morse earnestly wishes you to visit Charlestown 
 and Boston as soon as possible." 
 
 Accordingly Dr. Griffin, and with him the Rev. 
 10 
 
110 
 
 ANDOVER TnEOLOGICAL 6EMIXAKY. 
 
 Henry Kollock, D. D., of Savannah, visited Ando- 
 ver and Boston in the summer of 1808; and then 
 it was proposed that Dr. Kollock should take the 
 pastorate of tlie Church in Boston, and Dr. Griffin 
 the Professorship at Andover. The latter was 
 accordingly appointed ; but he delayed his ac- 
 ceptance on the ground that he wished to unite 
 the two offices of Co pastor at Boston (for it 
 seems to have been originally contemplated that 
 that should be a collegiate charge) and Professor 
 at Andover. This proposal did not suit the 
 views of the Donors, but a compromise was finally 
 entered into to this eflect — that the Professor 
 might preach during half the year in Boston, 
 where also he might reside for four months in the 
 year. On these conditions Dr. Griffin accepted 
 the Professorship late in March, 1809, and was 
 inaujxurated on the 20th of June followinor. 
 
 Dr. Pearson, from some cause which perhaps 
 is not well defined, but which some have supposed 
 to have been a feeling of disappointment that 
 the Seminary, after commencing its operations, 
 seemed to lean too much towards Ilopkinsian- 
 ism, — retained his position as Professor but little 
 more than a year. lie, however, held his office 
 as President of the Board of Trustees of Phillips 
 Academy until his death, in 1826. Dr. Morse 
 also remained a member of the Board until his 
 death, which occurred in the same year ; but he 
 did not share the apprehensions of his friend 
 that the Seminary had not realized the advan- 
 tages of the Plan of Union. Not only as Trustee, 
 
. ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 Ill 
 
 but in his private capacity, he was always ready 
 to do his utmost in the way of devising and exe- 
 cuting measures for the benefit of the Institution. 
 
 Dr. Morse's agency in the establishment of the 
 Andover Seminary may perhaps be summed up 
 in the following statement — That he was con- 
 cerned in the idea of the origination of the Insti- 
 tution; that, as one of the Trustees of Phillips 
 Academj^ he exerted a powerful influence in 
 connecting the project with the Academy; that 
 his hand is to be traced in much that was done 
 at Andover during the first year, especially in 
 drawing up the Constitution ; that to him is 
 chiefly due the comprehensive and liberal policy 
 of embracing the different classes of Calvinists 
 in the grand enterprise ; that when the Ilopkins- 
 ians projected a similar Institution, on a narrower 
 basis, it was in a great degree through his influ- 
 ence that a course of measures was inausru rated 
 and successfully prosecuted for bringing them to 
 co-operate with the other party ; that when, in 
 carrying out the Articles of agreement, new 
 difliculties arose at every step, they were obviated 
 chiefly by his great sagacity and untiring eftbrt ; 
 that when, ui.der his advisement, those Articles 
 had been embodied by the two classes of Donors in 
 their respective Statutes, he was chiefly instru- 
 mental of securing their adoption by the Trustees 
 of the Academy, by which the foundation was 
 completed ; and, finally, that he took part in the 
 opening of the Seminary, and remained till the 
 close of life its active friend and supporter. In 
 
112 ESTABLISHMENT OP PARK ST. CHURCn. 
 
 view of this array of facts it admits of no ques- 
 tion that he had a most important agency in 
 originating and giving complexion to this vener- 
 able institution. 
 
 ESTABLISHMENT OF PARK STREET CHURCH, BOSTON. 
 
 The project for establishing Park Street Church 
 originated as early as 1807. As it was designed 
 especially to sustain the interests of Orthodoxy 
 in the capital of New England, Dr. Morse, as 
 was to be expected, not only sympathized with, 
 but lent his active influence to, the enterprise. 
 On a visit which he made to New York in Octo- 
 ber, 1807, he was requested, in the prospect of 
 the formation of the Church, by several influential 
 gentlemen who were to be connected with it, to 
 endeavour to find some one suitable to become 
 its Pastor. Dr. Miller was first applied to, but 
 could not be persuaded even to entertain the idea 
 of a separation from his own charge. Proposals 
 were then made to Dr. KoUock, of Savannah, 
 who, as has been already stated, visited Boston in 
 the Summer of 1808, and made an impression by 
 his preaching so favourable that an invitation 
 was at once extended to him to take charge of 
 the proposed Society. This invitation he was 
 at first strongly inclined to accept; and indi- 
 cated his half formed purpose to this efl*ect, in 
 a letter to Dr. Morse, Avritten shortly after his 
 return to Georgia ; but, upon more mature reflec- 
 tion, he was led to a different view of the case, 
 
ESTABLISnMENT OF PARK ST. CIIURCH. 113 
 
 and in September following returned a negative 
 answer. 
 
 Meanwhile measures were taken to organize 
 the Church, and a subscription w as opened for 
 building a house of worship. On the evening of 
 the Gth of February. 1809, ten individuals met at 
 the house of Willi.ara Thurston Esq., afterwards 
 a Trustee ; and a Committee appointed by them 
 framed the strictly Calvinistic Confession of 
 Faith, subsequently adopted and still used by 
 that Church. 
 
 On the 27th of February, at the invitation of 
 this Committee, were assembled at Mr. Thurston's 
 the Pastors of the three churches in Charlestown, 
 Cambridge and Dorchester, each accompanied by 
 a lay delegate ; and by this Ecclesiastical Council 
 the new Church was organized, consisting of twen- 
 ty-six members. The Sermon on tlic occasion was 
 preached by Dr. Morse from Ps. cxviii, 25: " Save, 
 now, I beseech thee, O Lord ; O Lord, I beseech 
 thee, send now prosperity." The Old ^ outh Church 
 and the Federal Street Church in Boston were 
 also invited to be on the Council, but declined. 
 
 The new Church was organized in March, and 
 the corner-stone of the new edifice was Laid in 
 the beginning of May following, the Prayer and 
 Address on the occasion being by the Rev. Drs. 
 Holmes and Morse. The building was dedicated 
 the next winter while Dr. Morse was on a visit 
 to South Carolina. Dr. Griffin, who preached on 
 the occasion, writes thus to him under date of 
 17 January, 1810 : 
 
114 ESTABUSmiENT OP PARK ST. CHURCH. 
 
 *' On the 10th oar new church was dedicated, and the con« 
 tract between the Church and myself explained and publicly 
 renewed. Mr. Codnian began the exercises of the day by read- 
 ing an Anthem, and then made a Dedicatory Prayer. Mr. 
 Huntington followed the Sermon with a Prayer and a Psalm. 
 Dr. Holmes then explained the contract, and led the parties to 
 a public renewal of it, and then prayed. The whole was con- 
 cluded with the ble»>in;r. The hoiLse was filled. Next Monday 
 is the day appointed for the sale of our pews. It is believed 
 we shall sell from seventy to a hundred the first day. Last 
 night the Church voted to give Dr. Nott a call." 
 
 Dr. Morse was informed by a letter from Mr. 
 Thurston of the 4th of April that this call had 
 been declined, but that it was renewed, and he 
 Avas requested to write to Dr. Nott, to induce 
 him, if possible, still to accept it. On hearing of 
 the Rev. Dr. Mason's resicnation of liis pastoral 
 charge of the First Associate Reformed Cliurch 
 in New York city, he addressed a letter to him 
 from Charleston. S. C, on the 2'jth of April, 
 from which the following is an extract: 
 
 " If your i>lans are not already formed, and 3-ou can suspend, 
 till I see you next mouth, your determination as to your future 
 course, I pra}' j-ou to do it. Perhaps Providence intends 
 Boston, Audover or Cambridge as the scene of your future 
 labours. Here 3'ou know is a wide and most important field of 
 usefuluess. Should j'our way be directed thither, my heart 
 would be encouraged more than you can imagine, to go home 
 and renew my labors with you in that part of the vineyard of 
 our Lord, which is so awfully overrun with error and torn by 
 divisions. I hope jour views have been toward Boston. If 
 not, turn them, I pray you seriously, that way." 
 
 Late in the summer. Dr. Morse met the pew 
 proprietors of Park Street Church, at their re- 
 
THE DORCHESTER CONTROVERST. 
 
 115 
 
 quest, as their Moderator, for the purpose of con- 
 curring with the church members who had voted 
 unanimously a second time to call Dr. Nott. At 
 the close of the meeting, the Moderator Avas 
 requested to write and urge Dr. Nott to accept 
 the call. With this request he complied, but to 
 no purpose, as the call was again declined. 
 
 Dr. Griffin had continued to supply- the pulpit 
 after the dedication of the church, as far as his 
 engagements at Andover would allow. After Dr. 
 KoUock had declined their call in September, 
 1809, a call was presented to Dr. Griffin, which 
 he also declined ; but it was renewed in Febru- 
 ary, 1811. After hesitating for a long time, he 
 resigned his Professorship at Andover, and was 
 installed Pastor of Park Street Church on the 
 31st of July, 1811. The Sermon on the occasion 
 was preached by Dr. Worcester, of Salem, and the 
 Introductory Prayer was offered by Dr. Morse. 
 The establishment of this church Dr. M. regarded 
 as marking an epoch in the religious history of 
 New England. 
 
 THE DORCHESTER CONTROVERSY. 
 
 From October, 1811, till May, 1812, Dr. Morse 
 was actively engaged in assisting his friend, the 
 Rev. John Codman, of Dorchester, in the prose- 
 cution of a controversy which threatened, at one 
 time, to drive him from his pulpit. Mr. Codraau 
 was settled on the 7th of December, 1808, as 
 Pastor of the Second Church and Congregation, 
 then lately organized in Dorchester. While a 
 
116 
 
 THE DORCHESTER CONTROVERSY. 
 
 student of Divinity at Hingham, under the Rev. 
 Henry Ware, (afterwards Professor in Harvard 
 College), in 1803, four printed sermons, on Pre- 
 destination, by the Rev. William Cooper, of Brat- 
 tle Street Church, Boston, were put into his 
 hands, with a request by his teacher that he 
 would write a Review of them for the Monthly 
 Antholog3\ But, on perusing them, he became 
 a convert to the doctrine that he was expected 
 to condemn, and, though he wrote the Review, 
 as requested, it appeared, not in the Monthly 
 Anthology, but in the Panoplist.* His convic- 
 tions in favour of the Orthodox s^'stem were 
 subsequently rendered clearer and stronger by a 
 residence for some time in Edinburgh, and an 
 attendance on the Theological Lectures in con- 
 nection with the Universit}'^ there. 
 
 After his settlement in Dorchester he came to 
 have scruples in respect to indiscriminate ex- 
 changes with the surroun<ling clergy, on the 
 ground that a portion of them h.ad abandoned 
 doctrines which he regarded as fundamental in 
 the Christian system. This course proved offen- 
 sive to some prominent persons in his congrega- 
 tion, and their complaints ripened into personal 
 charges, which, on the 30th of October, 1811, a 
 Mutual Council was called to adjudicate. 
 
 The Letter Missive to the Churches repre- 
 sented on the occasion, is dated 4 October, and 
 runs thus : " to hear and determine certain arti- 
 
 • Vol. I., No. 1, for June, 1805. 
 
THE DORCHESTER (X)XTROVERSY. 
 
 117 
 
 cles of charge presented by certain aggrieved 
 brethren of the Church, and the Parish Com- 
 mittee against their Pastor." When Dr. Lyman, 
 who was one of the ministers selected, received 
 the letter, in the expectation of not responding 
 to the call by personal attend ince, he addressed 
 a letter to Dr. Morse, complaining of the very 
 limited powers with which the Council were in- 
 vested, and reprobating the course which the 
 liberal party were disposed to pursue. He, how- 
 ever, in consequence of being informed that his 
 absence " might impede the course of justice, 
 and destroy the equality necessary to give con- 
 tentment and safety to parties in a controversy," 
 changed his purpose, made the journey to Dor- 
 chester, and took his seat in the Council. 
 
 When the Council convened, it consisted of 
 twelve Pastors, each with a lay delegate. As 
 half of these were chosen by the Complainants 
 and half by the Pastor, they took their com- 
 plexion accordingly.* When called to decide 
 whether there was just cause of complaint against 
 the Rev. Mr. Codman for having neglected to 
 exchange ministerial labours with the ministers 
 of the Boston Association generally, they were 
 
 • The names of the Pastors were as follows: Chosen by the complain- 
 ants: Rev. John Reed, D. D., Bridgewater ; Rov. R. R. Eliot, Water- 
 town; Rev. Thomas Thachcr, Dcdham; Rev. Aaron Bancroft, D. D.. 
 Worcester; Rev. Samuel Kendall, D. D., Western. Chosen by the 
 Pastor: Rev. Thomas Prentiss, D. D., MedQeld; Rev. Joseph Lyman, 
 D. D., Hatfield; Rev. William Greenongh, Newton; Rev. Samuel 
 Austin, D. D., Worcester; Rev. Jcdidiah Morse, D. D., Charlestowo; 
 Rev. Samuel Worcester, D. D., Salem. 
 
118 THE DORCHESTER CONTROVERSY. 
 
 equally divided, after a session of ten days, so 
 that they left the case substantially as they 
 found it. 
 
 Mr. Codman's friends were not a little en- 
 couraged by this result to hope that the contro- 
 versy would now cease, and that he would be 
 unembarrassed in the exercise of his own dis- 
 cretion in respect to the matter of exchanges ; 
 but in this they were disappointed. In conse- 
 quence of the continued dissatisfaction of the 
 Liberal party, the Pastor and his friends united 
 with them in calling another Mutual Council, 
 which convened on the 12th of May, 1812. This 
 Council was constituted like the former, half 
 Liberal and half Orthodox. The only question 
 presented was, — '* Is it expedient that the minis- 
 terial and pastoral relation between the Rev. Mr. 
 Codman and the Second Parish in Dorchester be 
 dissolved ?" The casting vote was given by the 
 Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Lathrop, of West 
 Springfield, and was in the negative ; so that 
 Mr. Codman still remained Pastor. But the 
 Moderator had appended to his decision the fol- 
 lowing note : 
 
 " I gave my vote in the negative on a full belief and strong 
 persuasion that, from this time forward, Mr. Codman would 
 open a more free and liberal intercourse with his ministerial 
 brethren, and thus remove the only objection alleged against 
 him, and the only reason urged for his dismission. If his 
 future conduct should be the same as in time past in this respect, 
 I should be much disappointed and grieved ; and if I should 
 find myself thus disappointed, I should certainly have no hesi- 
 
THE DORCHESTER COXTKOVEKSY. 
 
 119 
 
 tancy in giving my vote for his dismission, if called in Pro- 
 vidence to give my voice on the question." 
 
 This note was regarded by Mr. Codiiian*s 
 friends as of somewhat dubious import, though 
 Mr, C. subsequently recei\ed' an explanation of 
 it from the writer that must have relieved him, 
 in some degree, of his embarrassment. Two 
 months later the Parish Committee addressed a 
 letter to Mr. Codman, claiming that the Council 
 had sanctioned their complaints, and demanding 
 a categorical answer whether or not he intended 
 to exchange indiscriminately with twelve minis- 
 ters (naming them) of the Boston Association, 
 lie showed the letter to his friend, Dr. Morse, 
 who made it the subject of a communication to 
 Dr. Lathrop, in which he expresses the fears he 
 had entertained from the first tliat the meaning 
 of his note would be perverted, and assures Dr. 
 Lathrop that, in the state of ecclesiastical affairs 
 in tlie region of Boston, the declining to exchange 
 freely with all the Congregational ministers 
 around him was not a sufficient reason for depriv- 
 ing a church of a Pastor to whom they were 
 tenderly attached, who filled an important sphere 
 of influence, and whose labours had been abund- 
 antly blessed. lie adds : 
 
 " If such a principle were admitted as correct, there is not 
 a faithful minister in this whole region, holding the doctrines 
 which you hold, Sir, who would be permitted long to remain in 
 his station. In every parish there would be found a sufficient 
 number, (at least as many as existed originally in the Dor- 
 chester Society, which did not exceed three or four,) on this 
 principle to remove him." 
 
120 PAMPHLET OX AMF.RTCAX CNITARIANISM. 
 
 The dissatisfied members continued for a few 
 months longer to urge Mr. Codman*s dismission ; 
 but at length, in December, 1812, they accepted 
 the terras of compromise, which had been previ- 
 ously offered them, and, their pews being pur- 
 chased at cost by the Pastor and his friends, they 
 withdrew their names from the parish roll. 
 Thus terminated a controversy of about a year 
 and a half, which was the first decisive step 
 towards the division of the Confirreicational min- 
 isters of Massachusetts. 
 
 PUBLISHING THE PAMPHLET ON AMERICAN UNITARIANISM. 
 
 In the spring of 1816, Dr. Morse learned, 
 through one of his sons, that a book had lately 
 been issued from the London press, containing an 
 account of Unitarianism in this country — it was 
 the Memoir of the Life of Theophilus Lindsey by 
 Thomas Belsham. On obtaining the loan of a 
 copy of this work from a gentleman in Boston, he 
 found, as had been reported to him, a chapter 
 devoted to the History of American Unitarian- 
 ism. This chapter he caused to be transcribed, 
 and published in a pamphlet, entitled " Ame- 
 rican Unitarianism, or a Brief History of the 
 Progress and Present State of the Unitarian 
 Churches in America, compiled from Documents 
 and Information communicated by the Rev. 
 James Freeman. D. D., and William Wells, Jr. 
 Esq., of Boston, and from other Unitarian gentle- 
 men in this country By the Rev. Thomas 
 Belsham, Essex Street, London. Extracted from 
 
P^VSIPHLET ON AilERIC.VN UXITARIAXISM. 
 
 121 
 
 the * Memoirs of the Life of the Rev. Theophilus 
 Lindsey,' published in London in 1812, and now 
 published for the benefit of the Christian Churches 
 in this country, without note or alteration." 
 
 First in the pamphlet appear Letters of Dr. 
 Freeman, containing an account of the introduc- 
 tion of the Unitarian Liturgy in the Stone Chapel, 
 and other events in the progress of Unitarianism 
 in this country previous to the year 1800. These 
 letters contain also accounts of some later at- 
 tempts to form a few Unitarian churches in the 
 States of Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New 
 York and Pennsylvania. Then follows a letter 
 from William Wells, Jr., Esq., dated Boston, 21 
 March, 1812, from which the following is an 
 extract : 
 
 " With regard to the progress of Unitarianism, . . its teneta 
 have spread very extensively in New England, but I believe there 
 is only one church professedly Unitarian. . . 3Iost of our Boston 
 clergy and respectable laymen (of whom we have many enlight- 
 ened theologians) are Unitarian. Nor do they think it at all 
 necessary to conceal their sentiments upon these subjects, but ex- 
 press them without the least hesitation when they judge it proper. 
 I may safely say, the general habit of thinking and speaking 
 upon this question in Boston is Unitarian. At the same time, 
 the controversy is seldom or never introduced into the pulpit. 
 I except the Stone Chapel Church. If publications make their 
 appearance attacking Unitarian sentiments, they are commonly 
 answered with spirit and ability; but the majority of those 
 who are Unitarians are perhaps of those sentiments without any 
 .distinct consciousness of being so. Like the first ChriRtians, 
 finding no sentiments bat these in the New Testament, and not 
 accustomed to hear the language of the New Testament strained 
 and warped by theological system-makers, they adopt naturally 
 a just mode of thinking. This state of things appears to me so 
 11 
 
122 PAMPHLET ON AMERICAN UNITABIANISM* 
 
 favourable to the dissemination of correct sentiments, that I 
 should perhaps regret a great degree of excitement in the pub- 
 lie mind upon these subjects. The majority would eventually 
 be against us. The ignorant, the violent, the ambitious, and 
 the cunning, would carry the multitude with them in religion 
 as they do in politics. One Dr. M — , in a contest for spread- 
 ing his own sentiments among the great body of the people, 
 would, at least for a time, beat ten Priestleys." 
 
 The letter goes on to deprecate controversy, 
 and to give reasons why it should be avoided. 
 
 Mr. Belsham thus expresses his doubts in 
 respect to the correctness of the views contained 
 in the above extract : 
 
 " Being myself a friend to ingenuousness and candour, I 
 could wish to see all who are truly Unitarians, openly such, and 
 teaching the doctrine of the simple, indivisible unity of God, 
 as well as to practise the rites of Unitarian worship. But I 
 would not presume to judge for another. There may possibly 
 be reasons for caution which do not occur to me, and of which I 
 &m not competent to judge. The time, however, must come, — 
 perhaps it is near, — when truth will no longer endure coufine- 
 
 Though the Memoirs of the Life of Lindsey 
 appeared in London in 1812, there were but few 
 individuals in this country who knew of the 
 existence of such a work until some three years 
 after its publication. One of these was John 
 Adams, as appears from the following letter of 
 his to Thomas Jefferson. The letter to which he 
 alludes was one of Jefferson's to Dr. Priestley, 
 contained in Belsham's book : 
 
 Braintree, June 10, 1813. 
 
 "Other parts of this letter may hereafter be considered, if I 
 ean keep the book long enough; but only four copies have 
 
Pamphlet on American unitarianism. 123 
 
 arrived in Boston, and they have spread terror, as jet however 
 in secret." 
 
 The Pamphlet is introduced to the American 
 Public by the following Preface: 
 
 '* When such radical and essential changes take place in the 
 religion of a couutrj as have been witnessed in some parts of 
 New England, particularly in Boston and the region about it, 
 during tlie last thirt}- years, it is gratifying to inquiring minds 
 to know from correct and undisputed sources and documents, in 
 what manner and by what steps such changes have been effected. 
 The Publishers of this pamphlet are hap]>y that they have it in 
 their power to satisfy the inquisitive on this subject. The 
 information desired will be found in the following pages. 
 
 " It is proper in this place to admonish the reader that it is 
 not our object to decide the great question, — which has the 
 preference, — the old faith of the Fathers of New England, which 
 Unitarians (to give them their own title) reject as irrational 
 and unscriptural ; or that which they have desired, under the 
 idea of reform, to introduce into its place. On this question 
 every one in this land of freedom of opinion, and of abundant 
 means of information, must judge for himself. To his own 
 Master each must stand or fall. We mean here to offer no 
 opinion of our own; to introduce nothing of controversy; but 
 merely to give a plain history of very important facts, derived 
 from unquestionable sources, disclosing the instruments and 
 operations by which these great and visible changes in the 
 religious faith of so many of our Clergy, of the Churches, and 
 of the University, in this part of New England, have been 
 accomplished. This publication seems now to be required, and 
 even necessary ; because those who have been chiefly concerned 
 in conducting these operations, have deemed it expedient till 
 this stage of their • process, to conceal from the mass of the 
 Christian community their ultimate designs. The History, 
 therefore, which we now lay before the public, will be, in its 
 most material parts, new to most of our readers, and, as we 
 believe, interesting to all. Though this History is now before 
 the public, we are not quite certain that all the advocates of 
 
124 PAMPHLET ON AMERICAN UNITARIANISM. 
 
 the changes in the religion of our country, which it relates, are 
 agreed as to the expediency and seasonableness of the present 
 disclosure, or are disposed to commend Mr. Belsham for making 
 it, in the manner he has done, on the other side of the Atlantic. 
 The care which has been manifested to limit the knowledge of 
 this extraordinary work during many months, (probably two 
 j'eurs,) since its arrival in Boston, indicates pretty plainly the 
 unwillingness of those who possessed copies of it, to have its 
 contents generally known. On this subject, however, we would 
 not be positive. Appearances may have deceived us. The 
 gentlemen who received this work from its author, may have 
 had other and very satisfactory reasons for this apparent con- 
 cealment of it for so long a period. If so, we mayj and we 
 hope we shall, receive their thanks, and the thanks also of other 
 American Unitarians, in bringing before the public their own 
 history in so unexceptionable a form, from the pen of a man, 
 considered deservedly as standing at the head of their dcnomi- 
 nation, who derived his facts and information confessedly from 
 gentlemen in this country, who were best acquainted with the 
 subject ; who have been principals in the History which they 
 narrate, and who wrote, moreover, evidentl}- not for the public 
 eye, but only for the information of private, confidential friends, 
 and of course what they conciiived to be naked and undisguised 
 truth. Karely, indeed, has the Christian public been favoured 
 with a portion of history, which has had as high claims to 
 attention and credit, for the reasons above stated, as that which 
 is contained in the following pages. We may, therefore, with- 
 out presumption, anticipate the pleasure we shall afford to all 
 denominations of Christians by giving them, in a cheap form, 
 this very interesting portion of ecclesiastical history. 
 
 " We have another reason for making this publication. 
 Many complaints have been made that the Boston clergy are 
 ' slanderously reported ' to be Unitarians. This pamphlet will 
 show who are the 'slanderers,' if indeed they deserve this 
 epithet, and exculpate some who have been falsely accused in 
 this thing." 
 
 The pamphlet excited great interest, as was 
 indicated by the fact that, within a little more 
 
PAMPITLET ON AMERICAN UNITARIANISM. 125 
 
 than a month, five editions, of five hundred each, 
 Avere printed and sold. Dr. Morse sent a copy 
 to John Adams, not aware evidently that he had 
 any previous knowledge of the book, accompanied 
 with the following note : 
 
 " 10 May. The enclosed pamphlet may not have fallen 
 under your eye. It contains some things which may amuse and 
 interest you." 
 
 It brought from the venerable statesman this 
 characteristic replj^ which is here given entire, 
 though part of it has already been quoted : 
 
 [** This letter must not be printed."] 
 
 " QuixcY, May 15, 1815. 
 *' Dear Doctor: I thank you for your favour of the 10th and 
 the pamphlet enclosed, — ' American Unitarianism.' I have 
 turned over its leaves and found nothing that was not familiarly 
 known to me. 
 
 " In the Preface Unitarianism is represented as only thirty 
 years old in New England. I can testify as a witness to its 
 old age. Sixty-five years ago, my own minister, the Kev. 
 Samuel Bryant, Dr. Jonathan 3Iayhcw, of the West Church in 
 Boston, the Rev. Mr. Shute, of Hingham, the Rev. John Brown, 
 of Cohasset, and perhaps equal to all, if not above all, the Rev. 
 Mr. (ray, of Hingham, were Unitarians. 
 
 "Among the Loit}-, how many could I name, Lawyers, 
 Physicians, Tradesmen, Farmers. I could fill a sheet, but at 
 present will name only one, Richard Cranch, a man who had 
 studied Divinity, Jewish and Christian Antiquities, more than 
 any clergyman now existing in New England. 
 
 " More than fifty years ago, I read Dr. Samuel Clark, 
 Emlyn and Dr. Waterland. Do you expect, my dear Doctor, 
 to teach me any thing new in favour of Athanasianism ? 
 
 " There is, my dear Doctor, at present existing in the world 
 a Church Philosophic as subtle and learned, and as hjrpocritical, 
 as the Holy Roman Catholic, Apostolic and (Ecumenical 
 
126 PAMPHLET as AUEBICAX UNITARL&NI8M^ 
 
 Church. This Philosophical Church was originally English; 
 Voltaire learned it from Lord Herbert, Hobbs, Morgan, Col- 
 lins, Shaftsbury, Bolingbroke, Sic. You may depend upon it 
 your exertions will promote the Church Philosophic more than 
 the Church Athanasian or Presbyterian. 
 
 " This and the coming age will not be ruled by InquLsitlons 
 and Jesuits. The restoration of Napoleon has been caused by 
 the resuscitation of Inquisitions and Jesuits. 
 
 " I am and wish to be your friend, 
 
 *' Rev. Dr. Morse. JOHN ADAMS." 
 
 How this letter came to be published, in face 
 of the distinct prohibition at the beginning, is 
 thus explained by Dr. Morse : 
 
 " 9 September, 1815. I find that a copy of your letter (not 
 from me) has found its way on Change in Boston, and copies have 
 been multiplied and sent into different parts of the country. 
 In these circumstances, I presume. Sir, you will have no objec- 
 tion to its being printed. Otherwise, it may produce effects, 
 from the manner in which it was circulated, which were not 
 anticipated by you, and which it would not be pleasant to me 
 to contemplate. I had no expectation nor design to enlist you. 
 Sir, in the controversy, when I sent you the Pamphlet ; but I 
 supposed merely that the letters of Dr. Priestley and Mr. Jeffer- 
 son particularly might amuse you. Such an answer to my 
 letter and communication was not expected. But the informa- 
 tion it contains is highly important and very interesting, and 
 such as I should be very glad, with your permission, to lay 
 before the public. Any further iuformation which you may 
 possess on this subject will be gratefully received." 
 
 The publication of this pamphlet proved the 
 harbinger of a controversy that was continued 
 through several years, being conducted chiefly 
 by Dr. Worcester, Professors Woods and Stuart, 
 and Mr. Evarts, the Editor ot the Panoplist, on 
 the Orthodox side, while Dr. Channing, Professor 
 
PAMPHLET ON AMERIOAN UNITARIANISM. 127 
 
 Ware, and the Editor of the General Repository 
 and Review were the principal writers in favour 
 of Unitarianism. The pamphlets on both sides 
 were written with marked ability, and withal 
 with great fairness; and it may reasonably be 
 doubted whether there is to be found in the 
 English language a discussion of the same themes 
 equally luminous and satisfactory. 
 
III. 
 
 His Laboubs ab a Philantiibopist. 
 
 As Dr. Morse's ministry fell within the period 
 signalized by the opening of the modern era of 
 Christian benevolence, it was to be expected, 
 considering the great energies of his intellectual 
 and moral nature, that he would acquire an hon- 
 oured name among the Philanthropists of his 
 generation. Such an expectation is fully justi- 
 fied and met in the history of his life. To the 
 success of nearly all the leading benevolent en- 
 terprises of his day he was not only a cordial 
 well-wisher but an efficient contributor. The 
 design of this chapter is to present him in the 
 relation he sustained to some of the more pro- 
 minent of these objects. 
 
 Society for Propagating the Gospel. 
 
 First, in the order of time, were the benevo- 
 lent efforts which he put forth in connection with 
 the Society for propagating the Gospel among 
 the Indians and others in North America, — 
 the oldest Missionary Society in the United 
 States. 
 
 In 1787 the Society in Scotland for the propa- 
 gation of Christian knowledge constituted a 
 number of gentlemen in Boston and its vicinity 
 
niS LABOURS AS A PHILAXTIIROPIST. 
 
 129 
 
 a Board of Commissioners, to disburse that por- 
 tion of their funds which was appropriated to the 
 evangelizing of the Indians. The gentlemen ap- 
 pointed to this work were painfully impressed 
 by the idea that such an object should attract 
 less attention at home than abroad; and they 
 resolved to wipe away the reproach by forming 
 an organization with reference to the same work. 
 The result was that, within a very short time, 
 was formed '* the Society for Propagating the Gos- 
 pel among the Indians and others in North Ame- 
 rica." It was incorporated by the Massachusetts 
 Legislature in December of that year, but had 
 not the requisite funds for missionary operations, 
 till it received what is called the * Alford Dona- 
 tion ' — a bequest of thirteen thousand dollars from 
 •John Alford, a wealthy inhabitant of Charles- 
 town, who had died a short time before Mr. 
 Morse's settlement. Of this Society Mr. Morse 
 was elected a member in 1792; and appointed 
 Assistant Secretary in 1795 ; and on the death 
 of Dr. Thacher in 1802, he succeeded him as 
 Secretary. 
 
 In the summer of 1796 the Society in Scot- 
 land requested their Board of Commissioners in 
 Boston " to send a deputation of their number to 
 the Oneida country (in the State of New York), 
 to examine into the stuto of religion in the mis- 
 sion." Dr. Belknap anfl '^r. Morse were selected 
 to perform this service. I'hey were gone on their 
 mission for several weeks ; and the Report which 
 they presented on their return, is preserved in 
 
13Q 
 
 HIS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 
 
 the Collections of the Massachusetts Historical 
 Society. 
 
 The effect of this visit upon Dr. Belknap, who 
 was of a cool and cautious temperament, was to 
 convince him of the utter hopelessness of all 
 efforts to civilize and Christianize the Indians; 
 while Dr. Morse, on the other hand, with his 
 more sanguine habit of mind, was encouraged to 
 prosecute the work with unfaltering zeal. Refer- 
 ing to this journey, in a letter to Governor Jay, 
 (21 April, 1797), he says: 
 
 " On my way from Oneida last summer, I met in New York 
 with Mr. Jones, (Comptroller of the State), who cheered me 
 with the information that the sale of the Indian lands would 
 supply the funds necessary to support missionaries among the 
 Indians of your State. Should you. Sir, and the Commissionera 
 of Indian Alfiira think proper so to appropriate the money, 
 the Society in Boston will use their best endeavours to procure 
 and recommend suitable persons for missionaries." 
 
 Besides this mission patronized b}'^ the " Board 
 of Commissioners*' of the Society in Scotland, 
 the Society for propagating the Gospel had 
 missions among the Indians at Marshpee and 
 Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; Narragansett, 
 Rhode Island; Penobscot, Maine; and Wyandotte, 
 Ohio. In the other department of the Society's 
 labours, — the supply of religious instruction to 
 the destitute settlements of whites, from four to 
 nine missionaries were employed at this period, — 
 their term of service varying from three weeks 
 to twelve months — in Maine, Rhode Island, Ver- 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PniLANTIIROPIST. 
 
 131 
 
 mont and New York. His personal labours in one 
 of these fields may here properly be noticed. 
 
 Early in the present century the spiritual 
 wants of the fishermen, inhabiting the Isles of 
 Slioals, off Portsmouth, N. H., attracted the at- 
 tention of the Society for propagating the Gospel. 
 As Assistant Secretary of that Society he re- 
 ceived a letter, in April, 1799, from Dudley 
 Atkins Tyng, of Newbury port, who was deeply in- 
 terested in behalf of these poor people, containing 
 a most graphic account of their phj-^sical as well 
 as spiritual degradation, and earnestly invoking 
 the Society's aid for their relief and improve- 
 ment. The application was successful, and the 
 Society voted the sum of one hundred dollars a 
 year towards the support of a religious teacher, 
 and sent a missionary to labour among them for 
 three months. In the summer of 1800, Dr. 
 Morse, by the appointment and at the expense 
 of the Society, visited these Islands in the ca- 
 pacity of a missionary. His mission occupied 
 ten days, — from the 5th to the 15th of August. 
 He kept a journal, which, on his return, was sub- 
 mitted to the Society as his Report, and which 
 is preserved in manuscript in their archives. 
 The following extracts may give some idea of 
 the manner in which he was occupied during 
 this period : 
 
 " 7 Augnst (Thursday). — I have visited every family and 
 most of them several times, and inquired particularly into their 
 circumstances. From no individual did I receive the least 
 personal disrespect during mj stayj and my reception was as 
 
132 
 
 ms UkBOURS AS A PHTLANTHROPIST. 
 
 favourable and respectful as ought to be expected from people 
 in their circumstances. When I informed them whence I 
 came, by whose request and the object of my mission, they 
 Becuicd generally deeply affected, and several shed tears, and 
 expressed surprise that people at such a distance should think 
 of them, and be even more concerned for them than they were 
 for themselves. At three o'clock I preached a lecture to an 
 audience of about seventy persons, who behaved with decency, 
 were attentive and solemn. After service I gave notice that 
 all who wished to have their children baptized, must make it 
 known to me jireviously to the Sabbath, that I might converse 
 with them on the subject. This notice was generalh* regarded. 
 Appointed a lecture for the next day at three o'clock on Star 
 Island. 
 
 " 8 August (Friday) — Spent the morning in catechising and 
 instructing about a dozen children. Distributed such portions 
 of the books sent by the Society as I thought most needed. 
 Agreeably to appointment, went to Star Island at three o'clock, 
 P. M., and preached at the house of Mrs. Mace Two-thirds 
 of the people, as nearly as I could judge, attended. After 
 service, gave notice that I should spend the next day (Saturday) 
 in catechising the children and visiting the people at their 
 houses. 
 
 "9 August (Saturday) — Twenty-four children assembled. 
 Spent two hours in hearing them read, catechising, praying 
 with and instructing them. Two or three could read tolerably 
 well ; but the greater part appeared totally ignorant- The 
 aftoruoon I spent in conversing with those who were desirous 
 of having their children baptized, and in visiting the people at 
 their own houses. 
 
 " In regard to Baptism, I found some difficulty in my own 
 mind to determine who were the proper subjects. Several 
 beads of families had had some of their children baptized, as 
 opportunity offered. In respect to these parents, it appeared 
 to me proper that the rest of their children should be admitted 
 to the same privilege. To other parents I endeavoured to 
 explain the nature and design of the ordinance, questioned 
 them as to their faith in the Christian religion, informed them 
 
ins LABOURS AS A rillLAXTIIROPIST. 133 
 
 of the obligations which an admission to this ordinance laid 
 them under to see that their children were properly educated, 
 and to set a good example before them ; and in cases where 
 the answers were satisfactory, I allowed them to bring tlieir 
 children for baptism. 
 
 *' To-day I was told of two couples who had lived together 
 as man and wife for a number of years, but who had not been 
 married, and each had several children. I asked m3self 
 whether it would not now be proper to marry them ? After 
 consideration I decided the matter in the aflSrmativc. It would 
 be improper, I thought, to separate them, or to suffer them to 
 continue to live together unmarried. Further, tlie marrying 
 of them would tend to keep up a respect for the marriage 
 institution. As I found these islanders without civil law and in 
 a state of nature, I presumed upon my right, as a minister of 
 Christ, to njarry them, which I accordingly did the next day ; 
 not, however, without reproving them for their past sin, repre- 
 senting to them the importance of the marriage covenant, and 
 inculcating upon them its duties. 
 
 "10 August (Sunday). — Never did I spend a Sabbath more 
 laboriously and more satisfactorily than this. The people very 
 generally assembled, and with great apparent cheerfulness. 
 I preached morning and afternoon. At the conclusion of the 
 afternoon service and in the evening I baptized thirty-one 
 children. 
 
 " 11 August (Monday). — Went round to every family on 
 Star Island to bid them farewell. Many of the people mani- 
 fested the usual sensibilities on such occasions, and several 
 expressed their thanks for my visit, their obligations to the 
 Society, and their earnest desires not to be forgotten." 
 
 Having accomplished his mission at the Isles, 
 he took leave of the people, and went first to 
 Portsmouth, where he called on a number of 
 prominent individuals, representing to them the 
 necessities of the Islanders, and informing them 
 of what the Society had done for them, and what 
 12 
 
134 
 
 HIS LABOUCS AS A PinLANTTTROPIST. 
 
 he supposed they were still ready to do. He was 
 much gratified to find that these gentlemen were 
 ready to assist in building them a meeting-house, 
 and in furnishing them the means of instruction 
 and comfort. From Portsmouth he passed on to 
 Exeter, where he saw Governor Gilman, Judge 
 Tenney, Judge Peabody, and others of high stand- 
 ing, all of whom expressed their hearty approval 
 of the object of his mission, and their willing- 
 ness not only to contribute to it themselves, but to 
 endeavour to secure aid to it from the Legislature. 
 Thence he proceeded to Newburj'port. where he 
 had a cordial welcome from his friend Mr. Tyng, 
 who listened eagerly and gratefully to the ac- 
 count which he had to give of the Islanders. At 
 the suggestion of the gentlemen whom he had 
 met in Portsmouth, he proposed to Mr. Tyng 
 that a subscription paper in aid of the object for 
 which he was labouring, should be printed, and 
 circulated in the principal towns between Ports- 
 mouth and Boston; and this, he was gratified to 
 find, met Mr. T.'s cordial approbation. The 
 paper was accordingly drafted at once, and a 
 number of copies printed for distribution. The 
 people of Newburyport entered with great spirit 
 into the enterprise, and so much was done within 
 a few hours as to render it almost certain that 
 not many months would elapse before the Island- 
 ers would have a decent place of worship. He 
 distributed the subscription papers in the several 
 towns through which he passed on his homeward 
 way from Newburyport, and was encouraged to 
 
raS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 135 
 
 expect considerable success. The closing record 
 of his journey is : 
 
 15 August (Friday). — At 5 P. M. arrived at Charlestown, 
 from a ten days' journey, the most pleasant and prosperous that 
 I ever performed in the course of my life." 
 
 The new meeting-house was completed by the 
 end of October. It was a small edifice built of 
 stone, and with a steeple ; so that it served the 
 double purpose of a place of worship for the 
 inhabitants and a landmark for seamen. On the 
 14th of November, Dr. Morse went, by invitation 
 of Mr. Tyng, and accompanied by Mr. John Low, 
 the Society's newly appointed missionary to the 
 Islands, and the same afternoon dedicated the 
 meeting-house, preaching an appropriate sermon 
 on the occasion. In the evening the inhabitants 
 assembled at his lodgings, and entered into a 
 covenant for their future conduct, agreeably to 
 articles which had been prepared by Mr. Tyng. 
 In the spring of 1801 Mr. Low was succeeded in 
 this mission by Mr. Josiah Stevens, whom the 
 New Hampshire Legislature constituted Justice 
 of the Peace, that he might thus restrain some 
 immoralities which he could not reach from the 
 pulpit. He died greatly lamented in 1804. 
 
 While this missionary work was thus going 
 forward. Dr. Thacher was the Secretary of the 
 Society ; but, owing to his delicate health, the 
 duties of the office were performed chiefly by 
 Dr. Morse. In the fall of 1802 Dr. Thacher 
 went to Savannah, by the advice of his physi- 
 
136 raS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTHliOPIST. 
 
 cian, and in December the Society received 
 tidings of his death. What Dr. Morse's estimate 
 of his character was, may be gathered from the 
 following extract of a letter which he addressed 
 to the Rev. Dr. Kemp, Secretary of the Society 
 in Scotland, 4 February, 1803 : 
 
 " I am sorry that my first official letter to you must announce 
 melancholy tidings. Our worthy and excellent friend Dr. 
 Thacher is no more I lie died at Savannah, in Georgia, the 
 10th of December. His remains have been since brought to 
 Boston. His disease was pulmonary. His end was peace. 
 He died in the full faith of the doctrines he had preached, 
 which were the doctrines of grace, and in the hope that is full 
 of immortality. His death I consider as an irreparable loss to 
 hia family, his congregation, and to the Society for Propagating 
 the Gospel and Board of Commissioners, of which he was the 
 worthy and faithful Secretary. I feel quite unworthy to 
 succeed him in that office, to which I have been appointed 
 since his death." 
 
 Though aided by a Board of Directors, the 
 greater part of the labour performed by the So- 
 ciety devolved on the Secretary. The period in 
 which he held this office — about seven years — 
 witnessed to a great enlargement of the Society's 
 operations. The State of Massachusetts which, 
 from 1701 to 1803, had only granted in all one 
 thousand dollars, made now an annual donation 
 of this same sum for four years, commencing with 
 1804. In addition to these several grants from 
 the State, the Society, for several years, held a 
 public religious service, at which its claims were 
 presented in a Discourse by some one of its 
 members, and a collection taken up in aid of the 
 
niS LABOUKS AS A I'lIILAX TIIHOriST. 
 
 137 
 
 object. The first service was held in Brattle 
 Street Church, Boston, on the 19th of January, 
 1804, much havinj; previously been done to give 
 both publicity and interest to the occasion. Dr. 
 Morse preached the Annual Sermon before the 
 Society, in 1810, which was published. lie re- 
 signed his office as Secretary of the Society, in 
 1810, but continued still a member of the Select 
 Committee, and retained the Secretaryship of 
 the Board of Commissioners. 
 
 MAFSACIIUSETTS EMIGRANT SOCIETT. 
 
 The republication of Dr. Morse's American 
 Geography in England had a very decided influ- 
 ence in promoting emigration from Europe to this 
 country. The Rev. William Wells, Dr. Priestley, 
 and several other distinguished Dissenting minis 
 ters, a(idressed letters to him, assuring him of the 
 important service he had rendered to maiiy peo 
 pie on that side of the Atlantic, by inducing 
 tliem to seek a permanent home in the United 
 States. To this no doubt may be traced the 
 origin, about the close of the year 1703, of " the 
 Massachusetts Society for the Information and 
 Advice of Immigrants." Of this Society, the 
 eminent merchant, Thomas Russell, his parish- 
 ioner, was President, and himself the Correspond- 
 ing Secretary. In the Prospectus, still preserved, 
 in his hand-writing, he says : 
 
 " The inhabitants of New England, satisfied with the natural 
 increase of their population, have, hitherto, rather discouraged 
 than countcDanced foreigners from settling among thenv. 
 
138 HIS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTIIROPIST. 
 
 Hence few Europeans have come to os since 1&40. The great 
 body of the present inhabitants are the oflfspring of about 
 twenty-one thousand persons, who came over previous to that 
 period, driven from their native land by persecution and 
 oppression. This wise policy has preserved a homogeneity of 
 habits, manners, language, government and religion. But, 
 owing to the present disturbed state of Europe, causing large 
 emigrations and jeoparding our commerce with that quarter of 
 the globe, it becomes a question now whether a change of policy 
 on our part is nut required alike by humanity and self-interest." 
 
 Such were the motives that prompted to the 
 formation of this Society. It was established 
 under very favourable auspices, and numbered, 
 on the original list of its members, upwards of 
 fifty of the prominent clergymen and laymen 
 of Boston and its vicinity. 
 
 AVithin a year afterwards a similar Society was 
 formed in New York, and another in Philadelphia, 
 with both of which the Massachusetts Society 
 held correspondence. To the Secretary of the 
 latter Dr. Morse writes, December 22, 1794: 
 
 " Our Societ}' originated from the evident necessity of some 
 such institution at a period when foreigners were flowing in 
 upon us in great numbers, seeking a quiet retreat and peaceful 
 settlement in our happy country. To show a friendly attention 
 to these people according to their several necessities and views, 
 to do to them as we would wish them to do to us in like cir- 
 cumstances, are the objects of our Association. It is with plea- 
 sure we hear that other similar Bodies are formed in New York 
 and Philadelphia. By our mutual correspondence the advan- 
 tages to Emigrants will be increased. It is desirable that such 
 Associations should be formed in other capital towns in the 
 United States. In this Commonwealth are established iron, 
 glass^ woolen and duek manufactories ; and workmen are much 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PHILANTTIROriST. 139 
 
 wanted. Should any such land in Philadelphia, and need 
 employment, let them come this way." 
 
 On the 26th of April, 1795, he writes: 
 
 " The current of immigration is turned principally to the 
 Southward. Few, during the past year, have come to New 
 England, so that our Society has had little to do." 
 
 For the reason stated in the last extract, the 
 Massachusetts Society first suspended, and in a 
 few years ceased altogether, its operations. But 
 no one probably had more influence in originating 
 it, or in promoting its interests during the period 
 of its continuance, than Dr. Morse. 
 
 IN AID OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NAVY YARD AT 
 
 CIIARLESTOWN. 
 
 While Dr. Morse, even in his philanthropic 
 movements, habitually recognized the fact that 
 he was a Christian minister, and, as such, directed 
 his efforts generally to the moral and spiritual 
 improvement of his fellow men, or to the relief 
 of human suffering, he did not hesitate, as oppor- 
 tunity offered, to put forth his energies in aid of 
 the secular interests of the community. One 
 occasion on which he did this was the establish- 
 ment of the two docks, in other words, the Navy 
 Yard, at Charlestown. On the 29th of March, 
 1799, he writes thus to Benjamin Stoddert, Secre- 
 tary of the Navy : 
 
 " I perceive that Congress has passed an Act authorizing the 
 establishment of • two Docks for the convenience of repairing 
 the public ships and vessels, in suitable places in the United 
 States." •••••• 
 
140 
 
 raS UIBOUBS AS A PHILANTHBOPIST. 
 
 After stating the advantages that Charlestown 
 offers for this purpose, he adds : 
 
 " I have no particular interest to serve in this business, 
 separate from that of my country." 
 
 He subsequently obtained from Col. John May 
 an accurate account of the tides in Boston Har- 
 bour, with other information, which he forwarded 
 in October following to the Secretary. 
 
 Early the next year (1800) he was absent from 
 home six weeks, part of which time he spent in 
 Pliiladelphia, bis fellow townsmen having com- 
 missioned him to promote their object by his 
 personal influence with the Government. On his 
 return to Charlestown he writes to his father-in- 
 law. Judge Breese: 
 
 " The people seem pleased with what I have done respecting 
 the Dock ;" and a few days later, he writes, — " We are all 
 alive respecting the Dock. On Thursday we are to have a 
 town meeting ou the isubject, to determine at what price the 
 Government shall have the land, provided they conclude to 
 establish the Dock here. Some of the land-owners are very 
 obstinate. The Bostouians are attempting to get the Dock on 
 Noddle's Island. I think they^ will not succeed." 
 
 At the Town meeting, on the 27th of March, 
 Dr. Morse was appointed to furnish instructions 
 to the Agent commissioned to prosecute their 
 cause at the seat of Government. The matter 
 was kept awhile in abeyance; and President 
 Adams, in the mean time, wrote to him, express- 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 
 
 141 
 
 ing some doubt of the final issue ; but the result 
 was fully in accordance with Dr. Morse's wishes. 
 
 IX BEHALF OF THE AFRICANS. 
 
 During Mr. Morse's sojourn in Georgia, pre- 
 vious to his settlement in Cliarlcstown, both his 
 thoughts and sensibilities seem to have been 
 deeply exercised in respect to tlie abject condi- 
 tion of the slaves. On the death of one of them 
 in the family in which he lived he makes the 
 following touching reflections : 
 
 " To day Sullivan, one of the negro fellows, flicd very sud- 
 denly. The negroes lay it to heart. Sullivan's wife is much 
 affected, which shows that the negroes have sensibility. The 
 death of a negro is considered by his master as only the loss of 
 60 much property, just as the loss of cattle is with us at the 
 North. If a valuable negro die, it calls forth the remark that 
 some old worn-out slave could have been l)etter spared. Can 
 this be right ? Are not the slaves immortal beings ? Should 
 they not have the opportunity of rising in the scale of humanity 
 as the whites have ? " 
 
 No doubt the observation which he made at 
 this period on the degradation incident to 
 Slavery, predisposed him to the course of vigor- 
 ous elTort which he afterwards commenced and 
 prosecuted in aid of the improvement of the 
 African race. In the fall of 1802, while engaged, 
 oil a Saturday evening, in making his prepara- 
 tion for the Sabbath, he was disturbed by the 
 noise of a profane rabble in the street; and, taking 
 his cane in his hand, went out to see what he 
 could do to disperse them. As it was bright 
 moonlight, he saw at once that they were coloured 
 
142 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A PUILANTHBOPI8T. 
 
 people, and the thought of their degraded condi- 
 tion disposed him at once to a kindly forbearance. 
 Instead of assuming towards them a menacing 
 attitude, he calmly and affectionately expostu- 
 lated with them, and the desired effect was 
 produced — they obeyed his counsels and went 
 away. 
 
 Tliis circumstance produced an effect upon his 
 mind that reached much beyond the moment — 
 he reproached himself for having done little or 
 nothing for these wretched outcasts from society, 
 and resolved that he would institute measures at 
 once for the improvement of their condition. It 
 was during this winter of 1802—03 that he de- 
 livered his first course of Saturday evening Lec- 
 tures to the young people of his congregation. 
 But now, in addition, he delivered a discourse 
 every Sunday evening to the negroes assembled 
 in the town school-house. In this service he felt 
 the deepest interest. In May, 1803, he writes 
 to his father : 
 
 " From December to April I gave lectures to the negroes 
 every Sabbath evening. From one hundred to three hundred 
 attended from this town and Boston. They were very atten- 
 tive, serious and grateful, and the meetings have, by the Divine 
 blessing, contributed much to their reformation." 
 
 This benevolent service which he was perform- 
 ing became known to many of his friends in 
 different parts of the country, and some of them, 
 among whom were Dr. Lyman, and Dr. Cutler, 
 of Hamilton, then a member of Congress, ad- 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A rillLAXTIIROriST. 143 
 
 dressed letters to him, expressing their warmest 
 syinpjithy in these benevolent labours. 
 
 Early in the year 1803. he induced Mr. Oliver 
 Brown, a member of his congregation, and at that 
 time a student in Harvard College, to spend his 
 long winter vacation in teaching the negroes, and 
 for this purpose he provided him a school-room 
 in Boston. 
 
 In March of the same 3'ear he was called on by 
 Mr. Williams, — afterwards the Rev. Thomas Wil- 
 liams, still living at a very advanced age. This 
 gentleman had visited him in Charlestown two 
 years before, and thus had become personally and 
 favourably known to him. He was now a school 
 teacher in Norwich Landing ; and being known 
 to take a deep interest in the welfare of the 
 coloured people. Dr. Morse, after learning from 
 a judicious friend in Norwich that he was quali- 
 fied for the service in which he wished to employ 
 him, had invited him again to his house. He 
 immediately arranged with him for taking charge 
 of the school, and he entered at once upon the 
 work ; and Dr Morse subsequently procured for 
 him a license to preach, and also the Chaplaincy 
 of the Boston Almshouse. The school grew and 
 became a permanent institution, with a Board of 
 Trustees, of which Dr. Morse was a leading mem- 
 ber. Among others who co-operated with him 
 in this good work were the late President Kirk- 
 land of Harvard College, Lieutenant Governor 
 William Phillips, Dr. Channing and Mr. Stephen 
 Higginson Jr. 
 
144 
 
 mS LABOURS AS A PimJkXTHROPIST. 
 
 In the spring of 1805, it was proposed to build 
 a church for the coloured people, to be under the 
 direction of this Board of Trustees; and the 
 means for accomplishing it Avere provided by 
 subscription. On this occasion sixty-eight of 
 the coloured people petitioned that the building 
 should serve the double purpose of a school-room 
 and a place of worship. To this the Trustees 
 assented, only recommending in their answer, 
 which was drawn up by Dr. Morse, that ** the 
 building, if rented, should be for all denomina- 
 tions to which tlie Africans now belong, and be 
 uuder a special Board of Trustees, in Avhich these 
 denominations shall be severally represented ;" 
 and concluding with a promise of their co-opera- 
 tion if these conditions were complied with. To 
 this object Dr. Morse subscribed one hundred 
 dollars, — a liberal sum, especially for a clergyman 
 of that day. 
 
 The 14th of July, 1808, was observed by the 
 Africans and their descendants in Boston as a 
 day of Tlianksgiving, in commemoration of the 
 Abolition of the African Slave Trade, by the 
 Governments of the United States, Great Britain 
 and Denmark. AVith the express approbation 
 of Governor Sullivan and the selectmen of the 
 town, about two hundred coloured people marched 
 in procession through several streets to the Afri- 
 can meeting-house, where religious services were 
 performed in the presence of a large assembly, 
 including many clergymen and others from the 
 • neighbouring towns. Dr. Morse preached on the 
 
niS L.VBOURS AS A PHILAXTIIUOnST. 145 
 
 occasion, from the text, — " If the Son therefore 
 shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." 
 It was a noble effort, designed to lead those to 
 whom it was especially addressed, to look beyond 
 mere earthly freedom, and seek that higher free- 
 dom from sin and its consequences, which it is 
 the design of the Gospel to impart. The Dis- 
 course was published, with an Appendix con- 
 taining valuable information in respect to the 
 abolition of the Slave-trade, not only in this 
 country but in Great Britain. 
 
 His kind offices to this class of people secured 
 to him, in large measure, their confidence and 
 affection, and they often came to ask his advice. 
 His sons were then in College ; and they remem- 
 ber once, on coming home to spend their vaca- 
 tion, how much they were surprised to find the 
 yard filled with negroes, and what a relief it 
 was to them lo be told that it was a peaceful 
 gathering of coloured people from Boston and 
 the vicinity, come to ask the advice of their 
 friend Dr. Morse on some matter regarding their 
 welfare. 
 
 In 1812 they consulted him on the expediency 
 of migrating to Sierra Leone, and showed him 
 letters from Captain Paul Cuffee, encouraging 
 them to such an enterprise. That actively be- 
 nevolent man had, the year before, made a voyage 
 in his own vessel (the brig Traveller) to the 
 Western coast of Africa, to ascertain for himself 
 the advantages which the British Colony of 
 Sierra Leone afforded as a settlement for his 
 13 
 
146 mS LABOCBS AS A PHILANTHBOPIST. 
 
 coloured brethren in America. On his return 
 he wrote thus to those in Boston: 
 
 "If the war does not prcTent, I intend, by advice of friends, 
 to send a vessel to Sierra Leone in October. I have visited 
 Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, where the people of 
 colour propose forming themselves into societies. They are 
 put in possession of all the information I can give them. I 
 think you might couclude on a similar plan of Association ; and 
 if any should be desirous of going, such society would aid in 
 forwarding their views." 
 
 Dr. Morse thought favourably of the project 
 and encouraged it. After the close of the war, 
 the vessel sailed from New Bedford, 9 Decem- 
 ber, 1815, Avith thirty-eight coloured persons of 
 Boston, who bore the following letter from him 
 to the Governor of the Colony : 
 
 " Boston, 10 November, 1815. 
 " To His Exc'y Charles Will. Maxwell : Sir— From the Re- 
 ports of the Directors of the African Institution and of the London 
 Church Missionary Society, and from the statements of Captain 
 Paul Cuffee, I am made fully acquainted with the history for 
 the present year, of the wise and benevolent establishment over 
 which you are called, in the Providence of God, to preside. It 
 has ever had my hearty approbation and my good wishes for its 
 prosperit}'. The account of its progress I have read from time 
 to time with deep interest, and I have strong confidence that it 
 will continue to grow in importance and influence, and prove a 
 great and widely extended and lasting blessing to that portion 
 of Africa which has suffered most severely from the Slave- 
 trade. 
 
 " I have taken the liberty to write you. Sir, at this time, for 
 the purpose of introducing to your protection and patronage the 
 persons of African descent, herein named, all of Boston, who, 
 with their families, go out with Captain Paul Cuffee, with a 
 view to settle at Sierra Leone, in expectation of being admitted 
 
HIS L.VBOURS AS A PIIIL^VNTIIROriST. 
 
 147 
 
 to share in the privileges afforded to settlers. From the certi- 
 ficates of character which thc}' will show you, sijrncd by respect- 
 able citizens of Boston, — all which certificates I have read and 
 know them to be genuine, — as well as from my own personal 
 knowledge of their character, I have reason to believe thoy will 
 prove to be wholesome inhabitants, and a valuable acquisition to 
 your Colony. And as most of them, I trust, arc truly pious, 
 and as some of them have considerable knowledge of the 
 doctrines of the Gospel, I trust they will be the instruments, 
 by their exertions and example, of spreading the blessings of 
 the Christian religion among their countrymen. Going among 
 strangers in a distant land, with small pecuniary means and 
 little knowledge of the world, they will need a friend in whom 
 they may confide for advice, direction and support. That friend, 
 I ha\e no doubt, from my knowledge of your character, they 
 will find in you. 
 
 " Each family is furnished, by our Charitable Societies, with 
 a Bible, Psalm Book, and some other useful books. More, I 
 doubt not, will be readily furnished, as they may need, by youi 
 Church Missionary Society." 
 
 Two months after their arrival one of the 
 company writes him from Sierre Leone (3 April, 
 ISIG) of their safe arrival after a passage of 
 fifty-five days ; of their friendly reception by the 
 Governor, who gave a town lot and from fifty to 
 fifty-five acres of land for cultivation to each 
 householder, according to the number of persons 
 composing his family; of their abundant supply 
 of rice, corn and other food ; of the three or four 
 schools, one of which contained an hundred and 
 fifty female children; of the churches, five in 
 number, &c. 
 
 Capt. Cuffee was applied to the next year to 
 convey a second company of Colonists to Sierra 
 
148 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 
 
 Leone, and, in reply to Dr. Morse*s inquiries, lie 
 writes : 
 
 " Westport, 10 August, 1816. The prospect of my going to 
 Africa this fall is uufavourable. When I went out before, 
 there was not such provision for receiving my passengers as I 
 could wish ; so that the expense fell heavily on me. I had to 
 supply these people at my own cost with provisions till they 
 could furnish themselves by raising crops. 1 had not procured 
 a license to protect me while in the Colony. I am now in 
 further correspondence with my friend, Mr. Allen of Loudon, 
 on the subject. When suitable provision can be made, I shall 
 be ready and willing. Providence permitting, to serve my 
 brethren in any way that may tend to their advancement. Mean- 
 while I recoiaiuend the people of colour in Boston not to flatter 
 themselves with too great prospects. After a year or two of 
 progress, they can form a better judgment of the wisdom of this 
 emigration. . . . I am convinced that Africa is the country 
 in which they may rise to be a people, if they will only prepare 
 theniselves for self-government, and especially leave off that 
 monstrous evil. Intemperance." 
 
 The benevolent purposes of the writer of this 
 letter were broken oft* by death shortly after its 
 date; but there is no doubt that the service which 
 he actually performed is to be reckoned, as a 
 link in the chain of causes from which sprang 
 that noble institution, the American Colonization 
 Society. 
 
 CHAPLAINCY OF THE STATE PRISON. 
 
 On the erection of the State Prison in Charles- 
 town Dr. Morse was appointed, by the Governor 
 of Massachusetts, Chaplain and Visitor of that 
 important institution. His certificate of appoint- 
 ment is dated 17 October, 1805. In a journal 
 
HIS L^BOUKS AS A PIIII^VXTHROPIST. 149 
 
 that he kept during the year and a half that he 
 held these offices, from January, 1806 to June, 
 1807, he says: 
 
 " Have attended meetings of visitors twcnt3'-six times. 
 There have been preached to the prisoners by myself, or by 
 those 1 have engaged, fifty-three sermons. Have visited tho 
 prison in person, or have employed some one to go in my place, 
 to instruct the prisoners and pray with them, as nearly as I can 
 ascertain, two hundred and fifty times. More time than all the 
 above labours required has been spent in attending to the 
 friends of prisoners, or to persons whose curiosity has led them 
 to view the prison." 
 
 In his letter to Governor Sullivan, of June 5, 
 1807, in which he tenders his resignation of these 
 offices, he says : 
 
 " I have endeavoured faithfully to discharge the ver}' arduous 
 duties which have devolved on me during the infancy and form-, 
 ing period of this important institution. Nothing but an 
 ardent desire to see an institution congenial with my own feel- 
 ings for an unhappy class of men, put into successful operation, 
 would have induced me, already crowded with other professional 
 employments, to accept my appointment. I have contin- 
 ued to hold the offices against the advice and urgent solicita- 
 tions of my friends, reiterated for a year past, and I am now 
 constrained to yield to their wishes, and to those of the people 
 of my charge, whose affection is necessary to my usefulness." 
 
 In token of their respect and affection, a letter 
 was addressed to him, signed by fifty-six of the 
 prisoners, expressing their gratitude for his excel- 
 lent instructions and advice, and their regret to 
 part with so firm and faithful a friend. 
 
150 
 
 mS LABOUBS AS A PIIILANTIIBOPIST. 
 
 CIRCULATION OF RELIGIOUS TRACTS. 
 
 With Dr. Morse's great facility at discovering 
 means and opportunities of doing good, it is not 
 strange that the distribution of Religious Tracts 
 should have early engaged his attention. The pam- 
 phlets on Infant Baptism, by Doctors Hemmenway, 
 Lathrop, Strong and Williams, which have been 
 already referred to, were tracts which he printed, 
 published and distributed. As Assistant Secre- 
 tary of the Society for Propagating the Gospel 
 among the Indians and others in North America, 
 it fell to him to distribute gratuitously the books 
 and tracts to the purchase of which a portion of 
 their funds was applied. But this was only the 
 beginning of his labours in this department. 
 
 In October, 1802, he addressed a letter to the 
 Rev. George Burder, of the London Tract Soci- 
 ety (formed in 1799), in which he writes thus: 
 
 " In my own parish a few individuals who choose not to let 
 their left hand know what their right hand doeth, have, within 
 the last four months purchased and in part distributed more 
 than twenty thousand religious tracts of different kinds. A 
 wonderful disposition prevails to promote in this manner the 
 interests of religion." 
 
 But the distribution began at an earlier period 
 than that indicated in the preceding extract ; for 
 in January of that year (1802) the Society's Mis- 
 sionary at Freeport, Maine, the Rev. Alfred 
 Johnson, speaks of a bundle of books just received 
 from him, and alludes to another previously sent, 
 adding: 
 
*• I do not know a charity so cheap, that is so useful. The 
 blessing of many ready to perish comes upon j'ou. I labour 
 among four hundred families, mostly young and poor, and am 
 often asked for the books. Do your Geographies furnish you 
 with this large stream of charities ? Or do you beg to give ?" 
 
 The true answer to this inquiry seems to have 
 been that his well known charitable spirit gave 
 him great power, which he used to the best 
 advantage, in putting in requisition the liberality 
 of others. Both in and beyond his own parish, 
 there were numbers of generous individuals who 
 heartily engaged with him in this work. Lieu- 
 tenant Governor Sanmel Phillips, then lately 
 deceased, had left a bequest of five thousand dol- 
 lars, the income of which was to be appropriated 
 to the purchase of religious bisoks and tracts, for 
 distribution among the poor. The dispensing of 
 this charity was committed to the Trustees of 
 Phillips Academy, of whom Dr. Morse was one. 
 In a letter to the Rev. George Burder, written 
 about this time, he mentions that this legacy of 
 Governor Phillips had suggested the idea of a 
 new Society, which he says \vill probably be 
 formed in a few weeks, and asks for the printed 
 Constitutions, &c., of similar Societies in Eng- 
 land. The Society for Promoting Christian 
 Knowledge, the intended formation of which he 
 here refers to, was not established till September, 
 1803. 
 
 But meanwhile his zeal in the promotion of 
 this good cause suffered no abatement. In the 
 fall of 1802 there were printed, under his super- 
 
152 
 
 HIS LABOUBS AS A PHrLANTHROPIST. 
 
 intendence, editions of no less than nineteen 
 Tracts, amounting to thirty-two thousand eight 
 hundred and six copies. Of these publications 
 some were selections from the writings of Edwards 
 and Doddridge, and others reprints of English 
 Tracts which he had received from the venerable 
 Dr. Erskine of Scotland. The largest amount sub- 
 scribed for this purpose was by his parishioner, 
 Richard Devens ; which led his Pastor to say of 
 him, in an obituary notice, five years later, that 
 " he gave away one hundred thousand tracts, 
 Bibles, &c., during his life-time." 
 
 The Tracts were sent chiefly to the new settle- 
 ments in Maine, Kentucky and Tennessee. They 
 were put up in parcels of sixty each ; and a 
 package, containing from fifteen to forty parcels, 
 was sent to a responsible person, minister or 
 layman, in each town, with a letter of which the 
 following is a sample : 
 
 " CiiARLESTOWS, 18 September, 1802. 
 " My Dear Sir : On the 15th instuDt I put ou board the 
 schooner William Henry one box of books, and one package 
 containing twent^'-seven small parcels, which I hope yon re- 
 ceived safely. Similar packages are sent to all the towns in 
 Maine. They are put into my hands by persons whose names 
 are not to be disclosed. I have to request y^ou to send one of 
 these bundles, as soon as convenient, to each minister in Ken- 
 nebeck county, and, where there is no minister, to some other 
 suitable man in the town, and to accompany each package with 
 a letter like the one addressed to you, in 3-ours. They are to 
 be distributed at the discretion of the minister or other person 
 to whom they are committed. You will please to send me a 
 receipt for the packages you receive, and take a receipt for 
 each one delivered, and send to me the receipts, that I may 
 
mS LABOURS AS A riULAMlIROPIST. 
 
 153 
 
 exhibit them as vouchers of my fidelity to the gentlemen who 
 put the books into niy hands. 
 
 " I wish to be particularly informed, and as early as con- 
 venient, what reception the books meet with from those to whom 
 they are given, and of any good effects produced. Such in- 
 formation will govern future proceedings of the kind. If these 
 do good, more will be sent. 
 
 I persuade myself you will consider this business worthy 
 of your attention ; and that the good you may do in tluis dis- 
 pensing the charity of benevolent men, and in collecting and 
 transmitting to me the fruits of this charity, will be an ample 
 reward for the labour you may bestow. 
 
 " With esteem, your friend and brother, J. MORSE." 
 
 The late Rev. Dr. Alexander, of Princeton, 
 then a resident of Prince Edward county, Va., 
 writes him, under date of 19th of November, 
 1802, as follows: 
 
 "I am much pleased with the hint given of a plan on foot to 
 institute a Society for the circulation of useful Tracts. I am 
 persuaded much good might be done by such means. In this 
 country especially, where religious books arc so scarce among 
 the lower classes of society, vast advantages would result from 
 the circulation of good books or pamphlets. It occurs to me that 
 if suitable persons could be procured to carry such about the 
 country for sale in carts (as the Connecticut people do their small 
 articles of merchandise), the desired ends would be answered 
 more completely than in any other way. A cheap assortment 
 of valuable religious books and tracts would sell very well, and 
 easily repay the expense incurred. 
 
 " I greatly wish that some plan could be devised to spread the 
 knowledge of Christianity among the poor ignorant negroes of 
 this country. What occurs to me as most likely to be useful 
 is the distribution of Bibles, Testaments, Hymn Books, &c., to 
 such as would learn to read. The effect of such a measure 
 would be very great, I know from fact. Formerly such book* 
 were sent over bj the Society in Londoa, and were given to 
 
154 raS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTIIROPIST. 
 
 such as expressed a great desire to learn. And I am acquainted 
 with a considerable number who were induced by these means 
 to learn to read. And what is remarkable, some of them were 
 grown up before they were brought from Africa. I know an 
 old African, who, I suppose, is nearly ninet}', who retains to this 
 day the Bible giv<jn to him fifty years ago. I am acquainted 
 also with the case of a negro woman, who is supposed to be a 
 hundred years old, who can read the Bible without spectacles, 
 who also was taught by the same means. If your benevolent 
 Society would turn their attention to these unfortunate crea- 
 tures, I would undertake the distribution of any books or tracts 
 they would please to furnish." 
 
 The Hampshire (in Massachusetts) Missionary 
 Society, established in 1802, undertook, among 
 its other benevolent agencies, the distribution 
 of Books and Tracts in the new settlements. 
 Of this Society, his intimate friend. Dr. Lyman, 
 of Hatfield, was a Trustee ; and the letters that 
 passed between them at this period (spring and 
 summer of 1803) showed the deep interest wliich 
 the}'' respectively felt in the subject. The pub- 
 lications of the Hampshire Society being different 
 from those issued under Dr. Morse's supervision, 
 frequent exchanges were made by the two friends 
 for the supply of their respective fields. They 
 also made a joint effort for publishing works, 
 which neither party felt able to publish alone. 
 It was the day of email things ; and an edition 
 of three thousand copies of Doddridge's * Rise and 
 Progress' required the combined efforts of the 
 Hampshire Missionary Society, the Society for 
 Propagating the Gospel, and the Phillips Fund ; 
 and when only two thousand copies had been 
 
raS LABOURS AS A PHILANTIIROriST. 
 
 155 
 
 subscribed for, nnd the contract with the printer 
 was likely to fail, because one thousand copies 
 would remain on hand, said Dr. Morse, — " Let the 
 three thousand be printed, agreeably to the con- 
 tract — I will take what are not taken by subscri- 
 bers and the Societies." 
 
 The Constitution of the Massachusetts Society 
 for Promoting Christian Knowledge — the outlines 
 of which had been, on the loth of April previous, 
 read and referred to a Committee — was discussed, 
 adopted and signed, on the 1st of September, 
 1803, by twelve associates, — namely, Samuel 
 Abbot, Daniel Chaplin, William Coombs, Joseph 
 Dana, Jonathan French, Caleb Gannett, William 
 Greenough, Abiel Holmes, Jed id i ah Morse, Eliph- 
 alet Pearson, John Phillips and John Treadwell. 
 Tliey had "solemnly associated themselves for 
 the benevolent purpose of promoting evangelical 
 trutli and piety; in the tirst place by a charit- 
 able distribution of some of the best relisrious 
 books and tracts among poor and pious Christians, 
 to Avhom such writings may be peculiarly grate- 
 ful, and also among the inhabitants of new towns 
 and plantations, or other places where the means of 
 religious knowledge and instruction are but spar- 
 ingly enjoyed; and in process of time, if ability 
 permit, and circumstances appear to require it, 
 by supporting charitj' schools or pious mission- 
 aries in the places just described, for the express 
 purpose of instructing and establishing the young 
 and ignorant in the truths of the Gospel, and 
 
156 ms LABouss as a philantubopist. 
 
 in the great doctrines and duties of our holy 
 religion." 
 
 Dr. Morse was appointed Secretarj' of this 
 Society. His personal * Record ' was now super- 
 seded; and in the Society's Books he entered 
 the names of donors and amounts of donations. 
 He also still kept up an extensive correspondence 
 with charitable individuals, and with kindred 
 Societies at home and abroad. He continued to 
 hold the office of Secretary till the period of his 
 removal from Charlestown. The letter grate- 
 fully acknowledging his services, on the resigna- 
 tion of his office, is dated 25 May, 1819. 
 
 The idea out of which grew the New England, 
 now the American, Tract Society, originated at 
 the weekly Monday evening meeting of the Pro- 
 fessors of the Theological Seminary at Andover, 
 in January, 1814; and the co-operation of Dr. 
 Morse, from his known experience in that depart- 
 ment of Christian charity, was at once solicited. 
 Before the close of the month he and Mr. Evarts 
 were consulted in regard to the plan, and were 
 appointed with Samuel Farrar, John Adams, 
 Principal of the Phillips Academy, and the Rev. 
 John Codman, a temporary Executive Committee, 
 Dr. Morse being the Chairman. In a list of sixty 
 founders by donations early in 1814, only three 
 subscribed a larger amount than himself. 
 
 It devolved partly upon him also to select 
 tracts and secure funds for their publication. 
 In March a Circular Letter was issued by the 
 Executive Committee, soliciting aid by subscrip- 
 
raS LABOURS AS A PHILAN'TirROPIST. 157 
 
 tions and by the formation of Auxiliary Societies. 
 They succeeded thus in printing editions of fifty 
 tracts, making in the aggregate two hundred 
 and ninetj'-seven thousand copies. 
 
 When the Society was organized, on tlie 23d 
 of May, he was chosen Vice President and Chair- 
 man of the Executive Committee, and hehl both 
 offices till his removal from Charlestown, in 
 1820. In the first Annual Report, May. 181G, « 
 he speaks of the organization as not beiug a 
 Charitable Society, engaging in the gratuitous 
 distribution of tracts, but furnishing them in 
 ample measure and on easy terms to existing 
 Tract Societies, and other benevolent agencies, 
 for this purpose. He states that all the pecuniary 
 demands against the Society have been met ; and 
 also that a permanent connection has been formed 
 with the printers on such terms that the tracts 
 will be printed to any amount required. He adds : 
 
 This completes the system, and, in an important sense, 
 makes it easy, consistent and perpetual. The Committee have, 
 therefore, the satisfaction to announce that, at the close of the 
 first year, a degree of perfection has been attained in the 
 internal state of the Society, and in the extent of its operations, 
 altogether unlocked for at its origin." 
 
 CIRCULATION OF THE BIBLE. 
 
 Dr. Morse's interest in Bible Societies pre- 
 ceded by several years the formation of the first 
 Bible Society in the United States. In the sum- 
 mer of 1805, when he established the Panoplist, 
 he inserted in the third Number a notice of 
 14 
 
158 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 
 
 the then recent formation of the British and 
 Foreign Bible Society ; and, from time to time, 
 in subsequent Numbers, he recorded the rapid 
 growth of that noble institution in funds, and the 
 extension of its influence on the Continent of 
 Europe in the formation of other Bible Societies 
 in German}^ France and Prussia, to furnish the 
 bread of life to famishing millions. 
 
 The idea of forminj:; a similar Society in this 
 country had been suggested as early as 1806, and 
 again in 1807, but it did not take effect until 
 December, 1808, when such a Society was formed 
 in Philadelphia ; and a few months later was 
 formed the Connecticut Bible Society. 
 
 A meeting being called for the 6th of July in 
 Boston to consider the expediency of forming a 
 similar State Association for Massachusetts, he 
 w rote to Robert Ralston, Treasurer, and the Rev. 
 Dr. James Gray, Corresponding Secretary, of the 
 Philadelphia Societ^^ from whom he received, in 
 due time, the desired information concerning the 
 condition and prospects of that institution. This 
 information he laid before the meeting at which 
 the Massachusetts Bible Society was formed in 
 Boston, on the 13th of July, 1809,— William Phil- 
 lips, Esq., being chosen President. 
 
 On his journey to the South in 1809, he ad- 
 dressed a letter to Mr. Ralston, suggesting the 
 desirableness of a National Bible Society, and 
 suggesting the outline of a plan on which he 
 thought it should be formed. The answer was 
 
niS LABOURS AS A PIULuVXTIlROriST. 
 
 159 
 
 not favourable to engaging immediately in such 
 an enterprise. Mr. Ralston writes in reply : 
 
 " Your valuable and interesting letter has been shown to Dr. 
 Green and 31 r. Jancwa}', and the important subject it contains 
 maturely reflected upon. The result is a belief that a Gene- 
 ral liiblc Society, at the present time, will not be expedient. 
 * * * The plan you suggest, whenever it shall be proper 
 to make the attempt, is considered a very good one, — that of 
 conducting the business in a similar manner to the 2sational 
 Bank and its branches." 
 
 He now applied himself the more earnestly to 
 the formation of local Societies ; and his eftbrts 
 in this way were eminently successful. Before 
 the close of his visit to the South he wrote to 
 his father, — '* Three Bible Societies are in a Aiir 
 way to be established — at Charleston, Beaufort 
 and Savannah." To the formation of eacli of 
 these he was an efficient contributor. Tliat in 
 Beaufort was formed in March before he returned 
 to the North. Seven hundred dollars were raised 
 in that small town, three hundred of wliich were 
 appropriated to purchase Bibles in Piiiladelphia. 
 After his return home, he had the pleasure to 
 hear of the formation of the Bible Society of 
 Charleston, its President being General Charles 
 Cotesworth Pinckney. And at a little later 
 period came the gratifying intelligence that a 
 similar Society Avas formed in Savannah, under 
 the most f^ivourable auspices. Though the two 
 last mentioned Societies were formed after he 
 left the South, it is believed that both of them 
 had their origin in his intense and ever active 
 desire to do good. 
 
160 
 
 HIS IiABOUBS AS A PHILANT11BOPI8T. 
 
 At a meeting called at Concord, Massachu- 
 setts, in February, 1814, he was appointed, with 
 six others, to draft the Constitution of the Mid- 
 dlesex (County) Bible Society, which was adopted 
 the next month. Of this Society he was chosen 
 one of the five Vice Presidents. 
 
 The American Bible Society was formed in 
 181G. Early in that 3'ear the New York and 
 New Jersey Bible Societies issued their call for 
 a Convention of Delegates from Bible Societies 
 disposed to concur in the measure, to meet in the 
 city of New York th^ second Wednesday of the 
 ensuing May. He was present at that meeting, 
 and was one of the Committee of eleven, ap- 
 pointed to draft the Constitution and the Address 
 to the People. Of this meeting he gives on the 
 spot the following account : 
 
 ' " 10th of May.— On Wednesday (the 8th) the Delegates and 
 others, a very respectable Body, some from distant parts of the 
 Union, met, and as Dr. Boudinot could not be present, nor 
 Governor Jay, 3Ir. Wallace, a respectable Episcopalian and 
 layman, the friend and relative of Dr. Boudinot, vras appointed 
 to the chair, and Dr. Romeyn and Mr. (Lyman) Beecher, 
 Secretaries. The discussion was animated, frank, independent 
 and conciliatory ; and late in the afternoon the vote to form an 
 independent National Society passed unanimously. A Com- 
 mittee of eleven members was appointed to draft a Constitution 
 and an Address to the People, and the meeting adjourned to 
 this day, 10 o'clock, to receive the Report of the Committee, 
 consisting of the Rev. Dr. Nott, of Schenectady, the Rev. Dr. 
 Mason, of New York, (who has prepared the Address), Samuel 
 Bayard, Esq., Rev. S. Wilmer and Rev. Dr. Jones, of New 
 Jersey, Rev. L. Beecher, of Connecticut, Charles Wright, 
 Esq., of Long Island, Rev. John H. Rice, of Virginia, Rev. 
 
mS LABOURS AS A PHILANTHKOPIST. 161 
 
 Dr. Morse, of ^Massachusetts, William J.iy, Esq., of West- 
 chester County, N. Y., and Rev. Dr. BIythc, of Kentucky. 
 The Committee sat yesterday all day ; and this morning they 
 have unaniniou!?ly agreed on a Constitution and Address, which 
 are to be reported an hour hence. Wc hope these will be 
 unanimously adopted. There is great interest taken in this 
 matter, and by such men as, with the blessing of Heaven, will 
 give it a strong impulse. Our hopes are high. We think 
 jealousies will subside. Every thing will be done to remove 
 them." 
 
 A few hours later, at the close of the meeting, 
 he writes: 
 
 " I have great pleasure in informing you tliat the Constitu- 
 tion and Address and measures for the com plot c organization 
 of the Society, after a few hours of interesting di>cussion, were 
 all unanimously, and with a marvellous cordi.vlity, adopted by 
 a very full Convention. A unanimity in so mixed a Body of all 
 denominations of Christians, — Quakers and Roman Catholics 
 among the rest, — so unexpected, perfect and affectionate, had 
 a surprising effect on the Convention, and drew tears of joy 
 from many eyes. It has been one of the most interesting and 
 happiest meetings of the kind that I ever attended. It excites 
 much interest in this city. We have adjourned till to-morrow 
 ten o'clock. Meanwhile the thirty-six Managers, already con- 
 stituted, will meet and appoint, agreeably to the Constitution, 
 the rest of the officers of the Society. On the Sabbath public 
 notice is to be given from the pulpits to the citizens to meet on 
 ]\Ionday, and enrol their names as members of the Society. A 
 strong impulse will be given to the institution in this city. 
 Every thing augurs well." 
 
 The deep interest which Dr. Morse thus mani- 
 fested in the American Bible Society, at its forma- 
 tion, never subsequently waned ; and though, 
 owing to the circumstances in which he was 
 . placed, his active efforts in its behalf were not 
 
1G2 
 
 HIS iJkBOUBS AS A PHUJ^THKOPIST. 
 
 continued, yet he never ceased to regard it with 
 the warmest interest as one of the grand agen- 
 cies employ ed hy the American Church for the 
 conversion of the world. 
 
 FOREIGN MISSION'S. 
 
 Dr. Morse, in becoming a member of the 
 General Association in June 1811, became eli- 
 gible to a seat in the American Board of Com- 
 missioners for Foreign Missions. At their first 
 meeting, which occurred the previous year (1810), 
 on motion of Drs. Worcester and Spring, the 
 General Association had appointed four indi- 
 viduals from Connecticut, — namely. His Excel- 
 lency John Treadwell, Timothy Dwight, D. D., 
 General Jedidiah Huntington, and the Rev. 
 Calvin Chapin ; and four from Massacliusetts, — 
 namely, Jose})h Lyman, D. D., William Bartlett, 
 Esq., the 11 ev. Samuel Worcester and Deacon 
 Samuel II. Wulley," a Board of Commissioners for 
 Foreign Missions, to devise ways and means, and 
 adopt measures for promoting the spread of the 
 Gospel in Heathen lands." This Committee had 
 been chosen for the year only, and the subse- 
 quent election of the Connecticut members was 
 confided to the General Association of that State. 
 At the meeting of 1811 Deacon Walley resigned 
 his seat in the Board, but the other Massachu- 
 setts members were re-elected, and Dr. Morse 
 was added to their number. 
 
 Early in the year 1812 the American Board 
 Bent out its first band of missionaries to India, — . 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PIILLANTnROPIST. 
 
 1G3 
 
 consisting of Messrs. Adonirara Judson, Samuel 
 Nott and Samuel Newell and wives, and Messrs. 
 Gordon Hall and Lutlier Rice. While they were 
 waiting for an opportunity to embark, the Pru- 
 dential Committee, — Dr. Spring, Dr. Worcester 
 and Mr. Bartlett, learned that a vessel, the 
 Harmony of Philadelphia, was about to sail for 
 Calcutta, and would take the missionaries as 
 passengers; whereupon they met at Newbury- 
 port, on the 27th of January, to take the subject 
 into consideration. The result of their delibera- 
 tions Tvas a unanimous agreement in the opinion 
 that they ought to embrace the opportunity 
 which then offered for conveying their mission- 
 aries to their allotted field. But, in order to 
 accomplish their object, they found it necessary 
 ' to raise, within a week or ten days, at least two 
 tliousand dollars more than they could then com- 
 mand. The desired sum seems to have been 
 obtained ; for the Ordination took place on the 
 6th of February. The service was performed in 
 the Tabernacle Church, Salem ; and the churches 
 represented in the Council were Dr. Spriiig's, 
 Dr. Morse's, and the Tabernacle. The other 
 ministers invited were Dr. Griffin, Dr. Woods, 
 and the Rev. Moses Stuart, the three Professors in 
 the Andover Theological Semin.iry. Dr. Woods 
 preached the Sermon, Dr. Morse offered the Con- 
 secrating Prayer, and Dr. Spring delivered the 
 Charge. 
 
 Six days later (12 February) Dr. Morse's name, 
 with Dr. Worcester's, was signed to a petition 
 
164 HIS LABOUBS AS A PllILANTHItOPIST. 
 
 presented to the Massachusetts Legishiture for a 
 Charter for the Board. Owing, as he heliev6d, 
 to a prejudice which some of the members of the 
 Senate and House of Representatives had con- 
 tracted against himself, and especially to a want 
 of sj'uipathy with the religious views maintained 
 by the Board, the bill failed to pass ; but it was 
 called up by the next Legislature and became a 
 law. B}"^ this Act of Incorporation the Board 
 became independent of the General Association, 
 ■who, at their annual meeting, the same month, 
 (Doctors Spring and Morse being present), " Voted 
 that the measures adopted by the American 
 Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in 
 procuring the Act of Incorporation for securing 
 its funds, meet the entire approbation of this 
 Body." 
 
 In consequence of the AYar existing at this 
 time between Great Britain and the United 
 States, the East India Company manifested little 
 sympathy with the American missionary enter- 
 prise, suspecting that there was some political 
 plot concealed under the guise of religion. In 
 these circumstances, Dr. Morse wrote, in behalf 
 of the American Board, in August, 1814, to Mr. 
 Wilberforce, invoking his aid and that of Mr. 
 Charles Grant, a member of the Court of Direc- 
 tors of the East India Company, in removing 
 these prejudices and securing to the missionaries 
 the requisite facilities for the prosecution of 
 their Avork. Mr. Wilberforce replies early in 
 October : 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PIIILANTIIROriST. 
 
 165 
 
 " Two days ago, I received jour letter. * * * j ^jjj 
 write to Mr. Grant. * * ♦ I greatly fear we shall fail, 
 though I promise you I will use all my best endcavonrs, and 
 I think I may venture to promise the same for ni}- friend, ^Ir. 
 Grant, and for several others also. But you will perhaps be 
 surprised to hear that, notwithstanding all that has passed in 
 the Ilouse of Commons the present spring, the East India 
 Directors refused the very first application which was made 
 under the new charter for leave for a missionary to go out. 
 And, by the way, I might tell you that one of the arguments 
 urged against it was the misconduct of some of your country's 
 missionaries, who had gone without leave, and it was alleged 
 contrary to their OAvn engagement, to Bombay from Calcutta, 
 and had shown some letters which Mr. Thompson, your coun- 
 try's Chaplain, had written to them, thereby, by the way, I 
 heard, exciting so much anger against him, that there was once 
 an idea of removing or punishing him for this misconduct. It 
 is to be regretted also that some of your missionaries should 
 become Baptists, almost immediately after their arrival in 
 India. It is an indication, the ill-disposed will say, of an un- 
 settled mind, and suggests the suspicion that the Society which 
 selected them was hasty or misjudging. I write to you with 
 the freedom of a friend, and trusting that you will not suppose 
 I keep behind more than I express. Neither need I, I am 
 persuaded, enforce on you the practical inference fairly to bi 
 drawn from these various incidents. 
 
 " 12 October. I have received from my dear friend, Mr. 
 Charles Grant, a letter confirming but too fully all my gloomy 
 anticipations. Indeed he suggests, and I quite concur with 
 him in the opinion, that it would be more prudent not to pre- 
 sent to the Court of Directors the petition (of the Board), on 
 the ground of its probably increasing the obstacles another 
 time, without doing any good now. I trust, after what I have 
 published to the world as my sentiments, I need not assure you 
 that you cannot condemn or regret this conduct of the Court 
 of Directors more strongly than I do." 
 
 But, notwithstanding all these discouragements, 
 Mr. Grant finally prevailed, and through his in- 
 
16G 
 
 mS LABOUES AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 
 
 fluence mainly that Body " avowed their belief 
 that the object of the American Missionaries was 
 simpl}'^ the promotion of religion, and authorized 
 the Governor of Bombay, Sir Evan Nepean, to 
 allow them to remain." 
 
 Dr. Morse's interest in the American Board 
 continued undiminished till the close of life. 
 He was elected a member of the Prudential 
 Committee in 1815, and continued in this re- 
 sponsible position until his final removal from 
 Charlestown. Tlie Reports of the Board in 
 sficcessive years show that he was most punctual 
 in his attendance on its annual meetings, and 
 always ready to perform any service that might 
 be allotted to him. In 1821, when the Board 
 met at Springfield, Mass., he preached the Anni- 
 versary Sermon ; and though the sermon was 
 prepared on short notice, as he was called un- 
 expectedly to take the place of the Bev. Dr. 
 Proudfit, who was prevented by ill health from 
 fulfilling the appointment, yet it was eminently 
 appropriate and was written with marked ability. 
 As his influence had much to do in moulding 
 the character of the institution in its incipient 
 stages, 80 he evidently' bore it upon his heart to 
 the last ; and it is safe to say that to scarcely 
 an}"^ other individual was it more indebted than 
 to him for the elements of its remarkable and 
 enduring success. 
 
niS I^VDOURS AS A PnrLANTTIROriST. 1G7 
 
 CHARLESTOWN ASSOCIATION FOR THE REFORMATION OF 
 
 MORALS. 
 
 Early in 1813 Dr. Morse engaged in the forma- 
 tion of the Charlestown Association for the 
 Reformation of Morals." He drafted the Con- 
 stitution of the Society, and was chosen its 
 President. The object of the Society was to dis- 
 countenance and suppress, especially among the 
 youth, the prevailing vices of idleness, falsehood, 
 disobedience to parents, gambling of every sort, 
 intemperance, profaneness, dishonesty, and Sab- 
 bath-breakinir, Avith their kindred vices. 
 
 In November the Stand inj; Committee of this 
 Society issued a printed Circular Letter, calling 
 the public attention to the alarming increase 
 of the business of distilling and vending ardent 
 spirits. 
 
 Dr. Porter, of the Andover Theological Semi- 
 nary, writes him, February 13, 1814: 
 
 "I cougratulatc you on the auspicious progress of your 
 measures of Ilcform. While the State Society drags its slow 
 length along, your Charlestown Circular is producing effect 
 extensively." A letter to him from a clergyman in Vermont 
 states that in the town where he resided a similar Society had 
 been formed, and adds : " Moral Societies are forming generally, 
 I believe, through this State." 
 
 IN BEHALF OF THE INDIANS. 
 
 Dr. Morse's interest in behalf of the Indians 
 began to discover itself as early as 179G, when, 
 as already related, as a member of the Society in 
 Boston for Propagating the Gospel among the 
 
1G8 
 
 HIS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTHEOPIST. 
 
 Indians, and others in North America, he made 
 a visit, in company with Dr. Belknap, to the 
 Stockbridge tribe in Oneida Count}', N. Y. In 
 1810, when he was obliged, on account of feeble 
 health, to resign his Secretaryship, he still re- 
 mained in official connection with this Society, 
 and was always ready to promote its interests by 
 any means in liis power. In December, 1817, he 
 acted with Dr. Holmes, as the Society's Com- 
 mittee, to confer withDe^'^itt Clir.ton, Governor 
 of New York, in relation to the taking of some 
 more active measures by that State for improv- 
 ing the condition of the Indians within its 
 borders. At this time there was a desire exten- 
 sivel}"^ manifested by these Indians to remove to 
 the AVest. 
 
 To the Stockbridge, Delaware and some other 
 tribes of Indians, a large tract of land on White 
 River, a branch of the Wabash in Indiana, had 
 been given more than a century before, by the 
 Miamis; and more than eight hundred of the 
 Delaware tribe had actually removed thither. 
 In the spring of 1S17 it was stated, in one of the 
 Boston newspapers, that the Dela wares had sold 
 out the rights of the Stockbridge tribe to white 
 men. Alarmed by this report, the Stockbridge 
 Indians wrote to the Delawares, who promptly 
 denied the charge, and said they were waiting to 
 see their brothers : " When we rise in the morn- 
 ing, we have our eyes fixed towards the way you 
 are coming, hoping you will sit down by us as a 
 nation." This statement was confirmed by a 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A riHI^VNTIIROriST. 
 
 1G9 
 
 letter, written about the same time, by Mr. John- 
 son, the Indian Agent. 
 
 While he was thus encouraged in regard to the 
 success of this project of emigration, he addressed 
 a letter to the Ilev. Dr. Campbell, Secretary of 
 the Society in Scotland, (February, 1818,) from 
 which the following is an extract: 
 
 " Other ways of spending this money (the money appropriated 
 to the support of Moor's Indian School) and also the income 
 (»f other funds in your treasury, destined to the benefit of tho 
 Indians in this country, have lately been opened in Providence 
 in a wonderful manner. The subject, as it has presented itself 
 to my view, is too copious for a letter. I refer you and your 
 Board to the accompanying printed and manuscript documents 
 for some important details. Summarily I would say, the 
 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (whose 
 last Reports I send you) have established a mission and schools 
 among the Cherokee Indians with hopeful prospects ; and are 
 preparing to make like establishments amcng the Choctaws 
 Chickasaws and Creeks. The United States Government 
 favours the object and lends its aid. 
 
 " There is a remarkable desire among the Indians extensively 
 to receive the offered blessings. The Stockbridge, Oneida, 
 Seneca and other tribes, having become reduced in numbers, 
 are disposed to sell their rich lands, and to remove to the tract 
 of country reserved for the Delawares on White Biver in Indi- 
 ana." He then suggests that the Society in Scotland appoint 
 an Agent to visit the Government of New York, and mature 
 the business which had been put in a favourable train by his 
 former communications with Governor Clinton ; to visit the 
 several Indian tribes in that State, ascertain their views, plan 
 for them, aid them in the disposal of their lands and in their 
 removal. He concludes thus: "Any member of our Board, 
 whom you would appoyit, (should you think proper to appoint 
 one), would not decline a sorrioe of bo great importance as I 
 conceive this to be.** . 
 
 15 
 
170 
 
 mS LABOUB8 AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 
 
 In June following, Mr. Sergeant, the Mission- 
 ary to the Stockbridge Indians in Oneida County, 
 writes to him thus: 
 
 " Five families of my people will set off in aboat three weeks 
 for White River." "But," he adds, "they are still troubled by 
 reports that the State Government of Indiana intend to pur- 
 chase the Indian lands, which, if they should do so by a stretch 
 of power, — for the United States Government has this exclusive 
 right, — there will be an end to the proposed plan." 
 
 In December Mr. Sergeant writes again : 
 
 " The families left in August, consisting of a third part of 
 my church-members, and a quarter part of the tribes — in all 
 from sixty to seventy souls from Oneida. They did not set out 
 on their journey so soon by a month as they intended ; and 
 when they arrived, the lands had all been sold. The poor 
 Delawares had been forced to sell their lands. When remon- 
 strated with by the Stockbridge Indians, they were much af- 
 fected, and said they would write to the President of the 
 United States, aod tell him how greatly they had been de- 
 ceived by their pretended white friends in Ohio and Indiana.' 
 
 But their lands were sold, and the Delawares 
 had no longer any territor}*^ east of the Missis- 
 sippi. All this seemed indeed disheartening, and 
 yet Dr. Morse's ever hopeful spirit could see 
 light in the distance. 
 
 The next summer (1819) he received, in reply 
 to his letter to Dr. Campbell, a Commission from 
 the Society in Scotland, dated 1 April, 1819, as 
 their Agent, the sura of fifty pounds being voted 
 to defray his expenses. In his acceptance of 
 this Commission, originated his Indian Agency ; 
 and he would have engaged in it during that 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PHILANTHROriST. 
 
 171 
 
 summer, but for the parish troubles which de- 
 tained him in Charlestown. Being now wholly 
 released from these troubles, his Indian Agency 
 became with him the all-engrossing object. 
 
 It w.as an eminently favourable time for the 
 prosecution of such an enterprise. To aid the 
 Government to apply judiciously the annual ap- 
 propriation of ten thousand dollars, which Con- 
 gress had made for civilizing the Indians, Mr. 
 Callioun, the Secretary of War, had just then 
 (3 September, 1810) issued a Circular, by order 
 of Mr. Monroe, to disclose the views of the Presi- 
 dent, and to obtain information from various 
 individuals and Societies, whose attention was 
 directed to this benevolent object. 
 
 Among those to whom the Circular was sent 
 was the American Board of Commissioners for 
 Foreign Missions. To this Circular the Pru- 
 dential Committee of that Board, of which Dr. 
 Morse was a member, had replied ; and, under the 
 impression made by this Circular and the answer 
 to it, he wrote thus to Dr Campbell, on the 14th 
 of September, 1819: 
 
 I expect in about a month to commence my tour of sur- 
 vey of the Indian Tribes of our country, with a view to find a 
 suitable place for establishing a mission among them. Circum- 
 stances have prevented my going earlier; and indeed this is the 
 best season of the year for the purpose. Events of recent 
 occurrence favour our project, and encourage the hope of ulti- 
 mate success. There are many remains of Indian tribes 
 scattered over the thickly settled parts of our country, en 
 valuable reservationfi of lands, who are in a degraded condition, 
 a prey to the vices and frauds of their white neighbours and 
 
172 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A PHmANTHBOPIST. 
 
 diminishing in numbers. They amount now probably to fifteen 
 or twenty thousand. I have conceived a plan for the rescue 
 of these outcasts from civilized society, dwelling yet in the midst 
 of a Christian people. I propose,— clothed with the authority 
 I possess from your honourable and highly respected Board, and 
 probably with that of some other respectable Societies in this 
 country, — to apply in person to the Government of the United 
 States, — who are known to favour such plans, — to give or sell, 
 in some suitable part of our territory, a tract of country sufli- 
 cieutly large to accommodate these scattered and parted tribes, 
 and then use my endeavours personally with them, severally, 
 to sell their lands and remove to this new residence. Their 
 lands are valuable, and will sell for such sums as, when invested 
 in our public funds and secured to their benefit, will be aniple 
 for tlie suppl}' of all their wants. The establishment should 
 consist of a sufficient number of missionaries, school-masters, 
 merchants and farmers ; the Indians to hold their lauds by the 
 same tenure as their white neighbours, become freemen and 
 citizens, and ultimately be represented in the Government. 
 This will be, I believe, the first attempt of the kind on so large 
 a scale to elevate this unhappy race ; and should it succeed, 
 your Board will have the satisfaction of having made it." 
 
 With this plan in view, he left home on the 
 20th of Octoher, 1819, and went first to New 
 York, where he conferred with the Managers of 
 the United Foreign Mission Society, who en- 
 couraged the enterprise. Thence he proceeded 
 to Alhany, and Westward to Oneida County ; and 
 at the latter place had an interviev/ with the 
 Chiefs of the Stockhridge Indians, and their mis- 
 sionary, Mr. Sergeant, and was requested by them 
 to make known to the United States Govern- 
 ment, when he shoidd be in Washington, their 
 concurrence in his views. 
 
 The Northern Missionary Society, in the North- 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A rillLANTIIROriST. 
 
 173 
 
 crn part of the State of New York, also commis- 
 sioned him as their agent. The Rev. Dr. Chester, 
 of Albany, thus notified him of his appointment: 
 
 "Albany, 23 November, 1819. I have much pleasure in 
 informing you that our wishes are fully accomplished. Our 
 meeting yesterday was respectable and perfectly unanimous. 
 The Society has taken up the object with great zeal ; and I 
 feel confident that, though no other Society should come for- 
 ward to your aid, ours will give you all the aid in its power. 
 The Society agreed to employ you for three months. And you 
 arc to prosecute your inquiries in your own way. They voted 
 that they had so much confidence in your ability, zeal and dis- 
 crcticm, that they would prescribe no duties, but leave the whole 
 to yourself. You would have been gratified with the cordial 
 expressions of regard for your character. . . . As soon as I 
 get your commission from the Secretary, I will forward it to 
 you at Charlestown." 
 
 He returned to his family in Charlestown early 
 in December, but left home again the first week 
 in the new year, and, after visiting Albany and 
 New York, proceeded to Washington, where he 
 arrived on the 20th of January, to la}' his plan 
 before the National Government. His arrival 
 was very opportune ; for the Secretary of War 
 had just then (15 January, 1820) communicated 
 to the House of Representatives his Report on 
 the subject of civilizing the Indians, in which 
 he says: 
 
 " No part of the appropriation of ten thousand dollars annu- 
 ally, made at the last session, for the civilization of the Indians, 
 has yet been applied. The President was of the opinion that the 
 object of the Act would be more certainly eflFected by applying 
 the sum appropriated, in aid of the efforts of Societies or indi- 
 viduals, who might feel disposed to bestow their time and 
 
174 HIS IiABOUBS AS A PHILANTHBOPI8T. 
 
 resources to effect the object contemplated by it ; and a Girca> 
 lar was addressed to those individuals and Societies who - have 
 directed their attention to the civilization of the Indians." 
 
 Shortly after his arrival in Washington, he 
 had a very gratifying interview of several hours 
 with President Monroe, in which he communi- 
 catecl freely his views in respect to the object of 
 his mission, and had the pleasure to hear the 
 President express his hearty concurrence with 
 them. The same day (January 2G) he writes : 
 
 " I have just returned from visiting the Secretaries, 3Ir. 
 Calhoun particularly, with whom my business chiefly lies. It 
 is agreed by the President and the Secretary of War that I 
 shall be appointed the Agent of the United States Government, 
 to make next summer and winter the tours I proposed. My 
 commission and instructions are to be made out immediately. 
 All my hopes and desires are accomplished. Thanks to God 
 for his goodness." 
 
 His Commission, which was delivered to him 
 by the Secretary, on the 7th of February, is as 
 follows : 
 
 " Department of War, 7th February, 1820. 
 "Sir: I have laid before the President your proposition to 
 make a visit of observation and inspection to the various 
 Indian tribes in our immediate neighbourhood, in order to ac- 
 quire a more accurate knowledge of their actual condition, and 
 to devise the most suitable plan to advance their civilization 
 and happiness. The President approves of the proposed 
 arrangements, and has directed me to allow you the sum of 
 five hundred dollars towards the expense of your contemplated 
 journey ; and he further authorizes me to state to you that, 
 should your actual expense exceed that sum, the excess will be 
 allowed you, provided the state* of the appropriation for the 
 
mS LABOURS AS A nilLANTHROriST. 175 
 
 Indian Department will, at the end of the year, justify the 
 allowance. 
 
 *' It is desirable that you should make your visit to the 
 Northern tribes next spring and summer, and to the Southern 
 the next autumn and winter, as it is the wish of the Dcpart- 
 nieni; to have your Keport as early as practicable, in order to 
 avail itself of it in the future application of the fund for the 
 civilieation of the Indians. 
 
 " I enclose a general letter of introduction to the Superin- 
 tendents and Agents for Indian Affairs, with a list of their 
 names- and residences, who will afford you all the information 
 and facilities in their power. 
 
 " Your attention will be directed to ascertain the actual con. 
 dltion of the v;n-ious tribes which you n>ay visit, in a religious, 
 moral and political point of view, and your Keport to the 
 Department, which you will make at such times as will be con- 
 venient, will comprehend all such facts, with your reflections on 
 them, as will go to illustrate this interesting subject. Yon 
 will particularly ascertain, as far as practicable, the number of 
 the various tribes which you may visit, and those adjacent, the 
 extent of territory, with the nature of the soil and climate 
 of the country occupied by them ; their mode of life, cus 
 toms, laws and political institutions ; and the character and 
 disposition of their most influential men. Y''ou will also report 
 your opinion as to the improvements that may be made, and 
 the new establishments, to promote the objects of the Govern- 
 ment, in civilizing the Indians, which can be advantageously 
 formed. 
 
 " The moral condition of the Indians will necessarily be 
 very dependent on the character of the trade with them, and 
 a subject so important will of course claim 3-our attention. 
 Y'ou will report such facts as may come within your knowledge, 
 as will go to show the state of the trade with thcra, and the 
 character of the traders, and will suggest such improvements in 
 tlie present system of Indian trade as, in your opinion, will 
 render it better calculated to secure peace between them and 
 us, and will contribute more efficiently to advance their moral 
 ooudition. 
 
176 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 
 
 " You are so fully apprised of the views of the President in 
 your intended visit to the Indian tribes, that a further enumera- 
 tion of the objects which are thought interesting, is deemed 
 unnecessary; satisfied as I am that your zeal and intelligence 
 will permit nothing to escape your observation, which mar be 
 usDful to be known to the Government. 
 
 " After 3-0U have collected your materials, you will digest 
 the whole into one body, and present it in such form, and 
 accompany it with such reflections and suggestions as you may 
 deem necessary to accomplish the interesting objects which it 
 is iuteuilod to promote by your tour. 
 
 " I have the honour to be 
 
 " Your obedient Servant, 
 
 "J. C. CALHOUX." 
 
 Dr. Morse was now greatly encoura(!;ed in his 
 enterprise by letters whicli he received from 
 several of his brethren in the ministry, particu- 
 larly Dr. Green and Dr. Lvinan, whose views of 
 the general subject exactly corresponded with 
 his own. He had the pleasure also to know that 
 the Secretary of War was fully in sympath}'- 
 with all bis proposed movements. 
 
 In fuHilment of his Commission from the 
 United States Government, Dr. Morse set out 
 from New Haven on the 10th of May, 1820, with 
 his 3'oungest son, Mr. Richard C. Morse, who, at 
 my request, furnishes the following account of 
 their long tour : 
 
 " There was much in the incidents of the 
 journe}', adapted to recruit my father's health 
 and spirits. We were so fortunate as to be on 
 our way when the Middle section of the Erie 
 Canal, reaching from Utica to Montezuma, — 
 ninety-six miles, was just opened for naviga- 
 
niS LABOURS AS A PHILAXTIIROPIST. 
 
 177 
 
 tion, — the first completed portion of that great 
 work. We left Utica on a fine morning, 22d 
 of May, 1820, as passengers in the Canal boat 
 * Montezuma,' Avhich was gaily dressed with Hags, 
 and provided with a band of music, and chartered 
 to convev tlie Canal Commissioners, DeWitt Clin- 
 ton, Stephen A^an Rensselaer and Myron Ilolley, 
 to examine the Avorks for the first time along the 
 whole line. Mr. Clinton had just be^'n chosen 
 Governor of the State, after a sharp political 
 contest, and his vo^'age was a triumphal march; 
 at every landing he was received by his con- 
 stituents with salvos of artillery and Congratu- 
 latory Addresses. The rumour, too, of the 
 American Geographer's coming had fiown before 
 him, and at more than one stopping place, the 
 Governor was content to divide Avith him the 
 curiosity of the by-standers. 
 
 " Of the Canal he says in his Journal : 
 
 " This noblest of all the internal improvements in our 
 favoured country was begun 4 July, 1817, about two miles 
 West of Komc. Judge Jonas Piatt has the honour of striking 
 the first stroke in opening this canal. Among the projectors, 
 or more correctly the suggesters, of. it, probably, the first was 
 Elkanah Watson Esq., who, in this and various other projects 
 and enterprises for public improvements, has been a benefactor 
 to his country. Its prominent and efficient patron is Uis 
 Excellency Dewitt Clinton, to whose wisdom, energy, perse- 
 verance and commanding influence this country will, to the 
 latest posterity, be indebted for the accomplishment of this 
 splendid and immeasurably useful work." 
 
 " The letter of introduction which he bore from 
 the Secretary of War to the Superintendents and 
 
178 
 
 mS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTHBOPIST. 
 
 Agents for Indian Affairs, and his own widely 
 known and venerable character, procured for him 
 every attention from the intelligent gentlemen 
 whom we met with on our way, and at the mili- 
 tary posts where we stopped. 
 
 *' From Canandaigua to Mackinaw, and during 
 our stay of a fortnight at the latter place, we had 
 the company of Dr. William Beaumont, of Platts- 
 burg. Post Surgeon of the Third Regiment of the 
 United States Armj^ a gentleman of much skill 
 in his profession, and of most amiable and kind 
 dispositions. * To his medical care,* my father 
 says, * I feel indebted, under Providence, for the 
 degree of health which enabled me to perform 
 my duty to the Government, probably even for 
 mv life.' 
 
 " Among the passengers who crossed Lake Erie 
 with us was Charles Stuart Esq., of Canada, who 
 took a deep interest in the object of the mission, 
 and expressed the hope that the British Govern- 
 ment would co-operate with our own in some com- 
 mon plan for the benefit of the Indians. Other 
 intelligent gentlemen, British subjects, whom we 
 met at Detroit, expressed similar views; and 
 these conversations suj^jrested to him the idea of 
 the visit to Canada, which he made in the follow- 
 ing summer, (1821). 
 
 *' Twelve days were spent in Detroit, where 
 much valuable information was gathered on the 
 topics suggested in his Commission, and we waited 
 for the return of the Steamboat Walk-in-the- Water 
 from Buffalo to take us farther up the great Lakes. 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A PHILANTHROPIST 
 
 179 
 
 The boat brought Colonel (now General) Wool on 
 his way, as Inspector General, to visit the North- 
 ern Military Posts. His route was identical with 
 tlie one prescribed for us, comprising Mackinaw, 
 Green Bay, Chicago, Prairie du Chien, St Peters 
 on the Mi^sissippi, Fort Armstrong and St Louis. 
 With the pleasing prospect of being, during all 
 thif long journey, under his powerful escort, and 
 favoured with his company, we left Detroit with 
 him, and also with General Macomb and Mr. 
 Stuart, members of the American Fur Company, 
 and other intelligent fellow passengers, and went 
 to Mackinaw. But here an important change 
 was made in his plan, and the idea of going 
 through the wilderness to the Mississippi River, 
 was abandoned. The reason for this step he thus 
 gives to Mr. Calhoun in a letter : 
 
 'Mackinaw, 22 June, 1820. — The day after my arrival here, 
 I was taken (juite ill and kept my bed a great part of the day. 
 General Macomb, Col. Wool, and Captain Pierce, and the 
 Physician of the Post, held an informal consultation on my case 
 without my knowledge, and Col. Wool was deputed to inform 
 me that it was their unanimous opinion that 1 must not think 
 of going farther; that the remaining part of our journey, by far 
 the most difficult to perform, should I attempt it, would immi- 
 nently hazard my life ; that I could not endure the exposures 
 and fatigues inseparable from the wilderness, in which I must 
 travel nearly three thousand miles before reaching again the 
 settled parts of our country. When Col. Wool first mentioned 
 these things and the unanimity of opinion expressed by the 
 gentlemen, my mind reluctated at the thought of relinquishing 
 so large a part of my route. But the reasons afterwards 
 stated by them and my own reflections, and the view of my fields 
 of labour, which opened here and at Green Bay and other 
 places to the South, haye satbfied me that, aside from my fee- 
 
180 
 
 niS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTHBOPIST. 
 
 ble health, which of itself would have been sufficient, other 
 weighty considerations make it my duty to yield to their deci- 
 sion as wise.' 
 
 " So only the hardy soldier could penetrate 
 the wilderness — the puny citizen must be con- 
 tent to peep into its borders. 
 
 ' But he found enough to do. For Mackinaw was the resort 
 in the summer season of Indian traders throughout the w^ole 
 Northwestern section of our country, North of latitude 40**, 
 quite to the Pacific Ocean. Here also five or six thousand 
 Indians assembled every year, some of them living five hundred 
 miles Westward, with whom he could communicate through the 
 Government's Interpreters. Thus the Indians were brought 
 to him, and he could confer with them better even than in their 
 homes.' 
 
 ** We had arrived in the harbour of Mackinaw 
 in the evening of the 16th of June, and the next 
 morning, from the deck of the steamboat we 
 looked upon the town, the forts towering at a 
 gidd}" height above it, a swarm of Indian canoes 
 drawn up on the beach, along which were pitched 
 fifty or a hundred lodges, — cone-shaped bark 
 tents, — filled with three or four hundred Indians, 
 men, women and children, come to receive their 
 annuities from the United States Government, 
 and to trade. The sight of these degraded be- 
 ings moved his heart ; and so did the condition 
 of the white population destitute of religious 
 instruction. There had not been, he writes in 
 his journal, a Protestant sermon preached in the 
 place for ten 3'ears or more. During our fort- 
 night's i-tay, the Gospel was preached by us in 
 the Court House to full and attentive audiences. 
 
1II8 LABOURS AS A PlIILANTIIKOriST. 
 
 181 
 
 At his suggestion and by his personal aid, a Sab- 
 bath School and a day School were formed for 
 the children; a Bible Society, auxiliary to the 
 American Society, and a Tract Society, auxili- 
 ary to the New England (now American) Tract 
 Society. 
 
 " We left Mackinaw the 3d of July, to attend 
 by appointment a Council of the Ottawa Indians 
 held at their lodges, thirty-six miles from Macki- 
 naw on the Nortliwest point of the Michigan 
 Peninsula. To this spot we were conveyed in 
 two canoes, each paddled by eight Indians. On 
 this occasion an incident occurred which illus- 
 trates the sagacity of the Indians in penetrating 
 the artifices of those with whom they deal. Col. 
 Boyd, the United States Agent at Mackinaw, had 
 accompanied us for the purpose of purcliasing of 
 these Indians the Martin Islands, — two small 
 islands lying four miles East of Mackinaw, desira- 
 ble for the use of the Government, abounding 
 with gypsum, and also being well-wooded and 
 possessing a good soil. * These Islands,' said he 
 to the Indians, *are already virtually sold by 
 you. I have named the price, your Chiefs have 
 assented to it, the money is ready to be paid, 
 and now I bring the Treaty drawn up for us 
 mutually to sign, that so the United States may 
 own the Islands in fee.' Thinking they might 
 scruple to part with them, he added, — * Under- 
 stand, it is not for the soil nor for the timber 
 that your Father buys the land, but for the 
 gypsum which he will give to his red children 
 16 
 
182 niS LABOURS AS A PHILAXTnUOPIST. 
 
 to enrich their grounds.* He had overshot his 
 mark. The Indians retired as usual for consulta- 
 tion, and returned with this answer, — that * since 
 their Father did not want the soil nor the tim- 
 ber, they would keep tliese and make him wel- 
 come to the gypsum.* The Agent had now to 
 change his tactics, and witness the chuckling of 
 the Indians among themselves, as slowly, and 
 with affected reluctance, one by one, they put 
 down their names to the treaty, enjoying all the 
 while his embarrassment at their detection of 
 his petty manoeuvre. 
 
 " Ilere we embarked on the Revenue Cutter Dal- 
 las, Capt. Kapp, designated to convey us to Green 
 Bav, where we arrived the 9tli of Julv and 
 remained a fortnight in the hospitable fimily 
 of the Commander of the Military Post, — Col. 
 J. Smith. My father found a most eligible 
 place for the establishment of a Mission Family, 
 and wrote, according!}', to the Secretary of War, 
 urging the co-operation of the United States 
 Government in aid of the object, and promising 
 to propose to the Northern Missionary Society 
 of New York to occupy the field. Accordingly-^, 
 on his way home, in August, he met the Direct- 
 ors of this Society in Albany, and the result of 
 his ajjplication was communicated to him by the 
 Rev. Dr. Chester, in a letter, as follows: 
 
 * 7 September. By order of the Northern Missionary Society 
 as well as from the dictates of my own feelings, I inform yoi 
 that, after a most animated discussion, it was unanimousl; 
 resolved, in full meeting, to commence the establishment of 
 
niS LABOURS AS A nilLAXTIIROnST. 
 
 183 
 
 Mission Family at Mackinaw and Green Bay immediately. 
 The Board passed a high compliment on yourself. I will for- 
 ward you the Report as soon as it is out of the press.' 
 
 *'Tre found the Menominees of Green Bay 
 distressed by an attempt of wicked speculators 
 to defraud them of valuable lands. The Indian 
 Agent, acting professedly in behalf of the United 
 States Government, had drawn up a Treaty, con- 
 veying away a Tract of their land, on both sides 
 of Fox River, extending from the mouth of that 
 stream upwards, and comprising forty miles 
 square, for an annuity of eight hundred dollars ! 
 The real Chiefs, having the blood of former Chiefs 
 running in their veins, were opposed to the 
 sale, and refused to meet in Council at the 
 Agent's request, who thereupon assumed in his 
 own name to create other Chiefs, and forwarded 
 the Treaty, signed by them, to Washington. 
 One of the signers of the spurious Treaty had 
 been killed in the quarrel between the contend- 
 ing parties. My father, on learning these facts 
 on the spot, wrote to the Secretary of War : 
 
 ' 14th July. I have seen a copy of Col. Beyer's Treaty, 
 by which the United States obtain a very valuable tract of 
 land on Fox River. I wish the President and Senate to be 
 in possession of all the information necessary to enable them to 
 act wisely in the case. Before the Treaty is submitted to the 
 Senate, I shall probably be in Washington, and will defer till 
 then what I have to communicate on the subject.' 
 
 " The mischief of this wicked Treaty began at 
 once to appear. For we had hardly left that 
 region on our return home when we learned that 
 
184 
 
 ms LABOURS AS A rmLAXTUROPIST. 
 
 a delegation of the Stockbridge Indians, consist- 
 ing of the Rev. Eleazar Williams and others, 
 furnished with letters from the United States 
 Government, were on their way to Green Bay to 
 purchase lands of the Menominees, but, meeting 
 friends who told them what had taken place, 
 they gave up their purpose of emigrating and 
 went back to their homes. The sequel will show 
 that his intervention was not too late. Rev. 
 Mr. Sergeant wrote to him on the 22d of October : 
 
 ' The Menominees told the Delegates that there was no 
 difficulty in the way of their settlement among them but this 
 hateful Treaty ; for they would much rather their kindred 
 should occupy their l.iuds than the whites.' He adds : ' If, 
 Sir, through your influence with the President and the Senate, 
 this treaty should be set aside, and the lands retained by the 
 rightful owners, you will do more to establish the honour and 
 respectability of the Government, and the cause of civilization 
 and religion, than ten missionaries could do in a life-time.' 
 
 " The Stockbridge Indians addressed a letter to 
 the President, dated Gth of November, express- 
 ing their disappointment and asking redress. 
 Their request did not pass unheeded, ^ly father 
 wrote to Dr. Chester, of Albany', from Washing- 
 ton, on the 15th of December, — *! have happily 
 succeeded with the President and the Secretary of 
 War in preventing the ratification of Col. Boyer's 
 Treaty. The Government, from what I stated 
 to them, were satisfied that it was an iniquitous 
 transaction.* 
 
 " Mr. Calhoun replied to the Stockbridge 
 Indians as follows : 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A rniLANTimOPIST. 
 
 185 
 
 •Department of War, 14 April, 1821. 
 'Brothers: Your communication of the Cth of November 
 last was (luiy received. I regret extremely that you have 
 returned without accomplishing the object of your visit to the 
 Michigan Territory. The Treaty which has been the cause of 
 your disappointment was made by the U. S. Agent at Green 
 Bay without proper authority, and it affords me satisfaction to 
 inform you that the President, after delaying to submit it to 
 the Senate for the purpose of obtaining all the information con- 
 cerning it, Bnally concluded, under all the circumstances, to 
 withhold it altogether. The Treaty, therefore, was not ratified, 
 and the territory ceded by it is consequently in the same 
 situation as previously. I am pleased to find that it is your 
 intention to visit the country this summer with the same views, 
 in which I hope you will be entirely successful.' 
 
 " Thus, by my father'.*? representations, the 
 Indian Agent was defeated in his attempt to 
 cheat the Menominees ; though eventually the 
 United States Government purchased the lands, 
 and the Indians were removed beyond the 
 Mississippi." 
 
 The Southern tour, which it was proposed in 
 his Commission that Dr. Morse should take dur- 
 ing the fall and w^inter, Avas given up, because 
 the Missionaries of the American Board among 
 tlie Cherokees and Choctaws could furnish the 
 United States Government with all necessary 
 information. He now occupied himself at home 
 and at Washington with gathering further ma- 
 terials, for which the War Department furnished 
 him with every facility, and compiling his 
 Report. On the 14th of February, 1821, he sent 
 to Mr. Calhoun the first part of this important 
 document, including the Table of the Indians of 
 
186 
 
 mS LABOURS AS A PHILANTUBOPIST 
 
 the United States; names of Tribes, number 
 of souls, and place of residence of each tribe. 
 
 Not only was it too late to present it to Con- 
 gress, but the President and Secretary of War 
 were so burdened with pressing engagements 
 that they found it impossible to read it before 
 the close of the session. After they had read it, 
 the manuscript was returned to him, agreeably 
 to his request, by Mr. Calhoun, accompanied by 
 a communication of which the following is an 
 extract : 
 
 "War Department, 2J of April, 1821. The President has 
 perused with care the portions of your Report, contained in 
 your two last favours, and I have directions, in returning them 
 to you, to express his wish that you should draw up your Report 
 on all points as full as you may judge advisable, and according 
 to your views of the policy which ought to be adopted in our 
 relations with the Indians. 3Iuch of the value of the Report 
 will depend on its presenting the entire and iudicidual views 
 of one who has reflected so much on the subject of which it 
 treats, and has taken so much pains to be correctl}' informed. 
 
 . . The proper course at present would seem to be to ob- 
 tain all the light which may be practicable in relation to the 
 Indians, and the existing intercourse with them ; to digest the 
 whole with care, and be prepared to present to Congress a well 
 digested body of facts, and a system which would be fully sus- 
 tained by such facts. It was with a view to this in part that 
 you were originalU' employed by the President, and he doubts 
 not that the fruits of your research and representations will 
 constitute materially a correct decision." 
 
 Agreeably to a purpose which he had formed 
 while on his journey to the West, the preceding 
 year, he visited Canada in the summer of 1821 
 and spent several weeks in the prosecution o 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A nilLANTnROriST. 187 
 
 wh.at had now become his favourite object. This 
 visit resulted in his acquiring much vahiable in- 
 formation concerning the Indians of that country, 
 and enlisting the sympathy and promise of co- 
 operation of the officers of the Government and 
 other influential men of the Province in efforts 
 to promote their welfare. 
 
 About the close of the year he visited Wash- 
 ington again, and remained there during the 
 winter to finish his Report. In due time he de- 
 livered it to the President, who sent it, on the 
 2Tth of January, with a Message, to the House of 
 Representatives. Here it remained with the 
 Committee on Indian Affairs till the close of the 
 Session, the 4th of Marcli, when it was given 
 back to its author, by his request, and the next 
 summer was published by him, in New Haven, 
 at his own expense. 
 
 Among the commendatory notices which it 
 received from various quarters was an article in 
 the North American Review, from which the 
 following is an extract: 
 
 We have read this volume with great interest, which is 
 perhaps the highest compliment in our power to pay to a closely 
 printed book of five hundred pages." 
 
 Among others to whom a copy of the Report 
 was sent was the eminent Prussian, William Von 
 Humboldt, from whom the following compli- 
 mentary notice was received, communicated to 
 the author by the late John Pickering, LL. D. ; 
 
188 HIS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTHROPIST. 
 
 " Salem, 13 June, 1823. 
 
 " I have just received a letter from William Von Humboldt, 
 acknowledging the receipt of a copy of your Report on Indian 
 Affairs, from which I have the pleasure to send you the follow- 
 ing extract, translated from the original : 
 
 ' The work of Dr. Morse has interested me greatly. I first 
 read it through from one end to the other, and now continually 
 refer to it from time to time. It does not, as you remark, con- 
 tain many data in respect to the languages of the Indians. 
 But in an indirect way I have found it extremely interesting, 
 in a double point of view, and indeed essential in the studies to 
 which I have devoted myself. On the pne hand it gives valua- 
 ble details respecting the numbers, names and strength of the 
 various tribes throughout a great part of North America, and 
 designates with much greater accuracy and authenticit}' the 
 different districts they occupy than is to be found in any other 
 work. And, on the other hand, only in this book can foreigners 
 find exact and just notions of the relations existing between the 
 Indians and the United States Government, of the degree of 
 civilization to which the former have arrived, and that which 
 your Government, alike wise and humane, wishes them to at- 
 tain to. 
 
 " The geographical details are absolutely indispensable, if 
 one wishes to form a clear idea of the distribution of the dif- 
 ferent idioms Over such a vast territory ; and it would be impos- 
 sible to note the emigrations, affinities and ramifications of 
 these different tribes, without this essential aid. 
 
 " As to their moral and intellectual state, it is very curious to 
 distinguish what these savages owe (if we may so speak) to 
 nature, and which consequently they possessed, perhaps too in 
 a superior degree, before they knew the Europeans, from what 
 they have since acquired. I have been surprised to see by 
 their speeches, their replies, and their slight sketches of poetry, 
 with what talents nature has endowed them. It would be in- 
 teresting for Mr. Morse to communicate some of these speeches 
 (which he gives us) in the original language. Some originals 
 already are preserved in other works, but it would be very 
 useful to add to the number. 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A rHILANTIIROPIST. 189 
 
 "I beg you. Sir, to thank Mr. Morse warmly for the plea- 
 sure he has afforded me by the preocnt of his work; and to 
 request him urgently also, in my name, to publish soon tho 
 materials which he sa^'s he possesses, respecting the idioms of 
 those Indian nations, which were the subjects of his inquiries." 
 
 With the publication of his Report the labours 
 of his Indian Agency terminated. That Agency 
 liad kept him constantly occupied for tliree years. 
 Yet the pecuniary appropriations to the object 
 by the United States Government, and the two 
 Societies under whose auspices he had engaged 
 in the work, were so scanty that they did not 
 cover his travelling expenses, and his whole time 
 and services were given gratuitously. He, how- 
 ever, found an ample recompense in the belief 
 that, sooner or later, his mission would prove 
 fruitful in blessings to the poor ludi.ms. 
 
 In his Report he had suggested the idea of 
 forming a Society for the benefit of the Indian 
 Tribes within the United States; and chiefly 
 through his instrumentality, such a Society was 
 actually foruied while he was in Washingtou, (7 
 February, 1822,) the officers choseu, and the 
 annual meeting appointed to be held in Decem- 
 ber, at the opening of Congress, in 1823. The 
 distance from his home and his feeble health 
 prevented his personal attendance. 
 
 James Madison writes to him, under date of 
 February 26, 1822, as follows: 
 
 " Esteeming, aa I do, the objects of the institution, 1 cannot 
 decline the honorary relation to it which has been conferred on 
 me; though good wishes be the only returns I shall be able to 
 make. 
 
190 
 
 HIS LABOUBS AS A PHILANTIIKOPIST. 
 
 " Beside the general motive of benevolence, the remnants of 
 the tribes within our limits have special claims on our endea- 
 vours to save them from the extinction to which they are 
 hastening, and from the vices which have been doubled by our 
 intercourse with them. This cannot be done without substi- 
 tuting for the torpid indolence of the wigwam, and the precarious 
 supplies of the chase, the comforts and habits of civilized life. 
 With the progress of these may be sown those elements of 
 moral and intellectual improvement, which will either not be 
 received into the savage mind, or be soon stifled by savage 
 manners. 
 
 " The Constitution of the Society very properly embraces 
 the object of gathering whatever information may relate to 
 the opinions, the government, the social condition, &c., of 
 this untutored race. Materials may thus be obtained for a 
 just picture of the human character as fashioned by circum- 
 stances which are yielding to others which must efface all the 
 peculiarities of the original.' 
 
 Mr. Calhoun writes to him thus on the 16th 
 of December : 
 
 " I partake with you in your deep solicitude in relation to 
 the Indians within our limits. AVe owe them all the aid which 
 we can bestow, to raise them from their present depressed con- 
 dition to that of civilization and happiness. And if we permit 
 the present opportunity to pass without suitable efforts for that 
 purpose, it is to be feared that, in a few years, it will be too 
 late to do any thing. 
 
 " I have no doubt that a Society duly organized would do 
 much, if it could be brought into activity ; but it seems to me 
 that that activity can only be given, in the first place, by the 
 religious and benevolent. If persons, occupying high public 
 offices, were to move first, it would be attributed to political 
 motives, and would tend to repress rather than advance the 
 object. If you could give the impulse from Religious Societies, 
 much might be done. But till then I fear the Society will 
 languish." 
 
HIS LABOUBS AS A riULANTHROFIST. 
 
 191 
 
 The event fully justified Mr. Calhoun's appre- 
 nensions; for the Society, from its birth, showed 
 signs of decay, and, after two or three years of 
 doubtful existence, expired. 
 
IV 
 
 His Laboubs as a Geografheb. 
 
 Dr. Morse's career as a Geographer commenced 
 as early as the winter of 1783—84, while he was 
 teaching a school in New Haven, and pursuing 
 at the same time the study of Theology. The 
 English Geography by Guthrie was the only 
 Compeud then in use in any of our schools; and 
 that was lamentably deficient in what related to 
 our OAvn country. To supply this deficiency he 
 gathered information from all the sources within 
 his reach, and imparted it in lectures to his pupils. 
 Aware that the same need was felt in other 
 schools, he was led to frame the substance of his 
 lectures into a book ; and this was published in 
 1784, — the first Geograpliy of any kind ever pub- 
 lished in America. It was a duodecimo of two 
 hundred and fourteen pages, entitled " Geography 
 made easy/* This, taken in connection with his 
 subsequent efforts in the same direction, fairly 
 entitles him to the distinction of being the Father 
 of American Geography. 
 
 In consequence of the very rapid sale of this 
 edition, indicatiug clearly that the work had met 
 an important demand of the times, he formed 
 the purpose of publishing an enlarged and im- 
 proved edition ; and, with a view to this he 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 193 
 
 framed a series of comprehensive geographicfil 
 questions, which Avcre circulated widely, through 
 the newspapers, and hy means of his correspond- 
 ence with intelligent gentlemen in the difter- 
 ent States ; and his success seems to have fully 
 equalled his expectations; though, owing to cer- 
 tain circumstances, the next edition of the work 
 was not puhlished until several years afterwards. 
 
 One important end that he had in view in going 
 to Georgia, was to collect information in aid of his 
 geographical enterprise ; for he had become con- 
 vinced that, to succeed in this, it was absolutely 
 essential that he should personally explore, at 
 least to a considerable extent, the regions whicli 
 he described. The same idea had been susTj^ested 
 to him by several gentlemen of liigh standing, 
 among whom was the Rev. Dr. Belknap, who 
 thus writes to him in a letter of the 28th of July, 
 1784: 
 
 " To be a true Geographer it is necessary to be a Traveller. 
 To depend on distant and incidental information is not safe ; 
 and there is a material difference between describing a place 
 that we have seen and one that we have not seen. I would 
 advise you to collect as little as possible from second-hand 
 authors. The best descriptions are given by eye-witnesses, 
 provided they are honest. As water passing through various 
 strata of earth acquires different tinctures, so a story, told by a 
 succession of writers, partakes of the humours, inattention and 
 preju lices of them all." 
 
 Abdut lialf the time, during his absence from 
 New Haven, he devoted to collecting material 
 ior his Geography ; and, besides this, he secured 
 the vigorous co-operation of many highly intel- 
 17 
 
194 
 
 mS LABOURS A8 A OEOGRAPIIEB. 
 
 ligent men, among whom was Dr. Ramsay, of 
 Charleston, the celebrated Historian. It was at 
 this time also that he first conceived the idea of 
 •i Gazetteer of the United States, — a work to 
 which, in due time, his skill and industry proved 
 abundantly adequate. 
 
 On his return from Georgia, Mr. Morse had 
 become so deeply interested in his geographical 
 pursuits, that he thought it his duty to suspend, 
 for a short time, the active exercise of the min- 
 istry, for the sake of devoting himself exclusively 
 to them. His correspondence with reference to 
 the work he had in hand had now become very 
 extensive ; and, as his materials were constantly 
 accumulating, the prospect of publication seemed 
 to become more and more distant, while his en- 
 ergies and industry were proportionally taxed. 
 There was much in the then existing state of the 
 country to call for just such a work as he con- 
 templated. The United States were now first 
 assuming a fixed national character in the adop- 
 tion of the Constitution ; and it seemed especially 
 desirable that some authentic and correct account 
 of the country, including its territorial extent, 
 its natural resources, its governmental institu- 
 tions, its systems of education and religion, should 
 be given to the world. To an object of so much 
 importance as this, Mr. Morse felt at libertj'^ to 
 devote himself for a time, to the exclusion of all 
 other public engagements. 
 
 Not long after his return from the South, he 
 learned that Captain Thomas Hutchins, Geogra- 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 195 
 
 pher General of the United States, had projected 
 the plan of an American Gazetteer, — just the 
 work which he had himself determined to un- 
 dertake. Regarding Ilutchins as more competent 
 than himself to perform such a service, he at 
 once relinquished the idea of attempting it, and 
 oftered him the material he had collected. In- 
 stead, however, of accepting the offer, the Geo- 
 grapher General relinquished his own design, in 
 favour of Mr. Morse, committing to him all the 
 collections he had made, together with his maps 
 and explanatory pamphlets. Dr. Belknap also 
 had formed a similar purpose, — that of producing 
 a Universal Gazetteer ; but, on being informed, by 
 Mr. Ebenezer Hazard, that Mr. Morse had antici- 
 pated him in the idea, he, too, abandoned the 
 purpose, not doubting that the enterprise had 
 fallen into hands every way competent to ita 
 execution. 
 
 The following letter addressed by Mr. Morse 
 to Dr. Belknap, 18 January, 1788, forms a good 
 illustration of the spirit with which he was pur- 
 suing his geographical inquiries : 
 
 " Dear Sir : Though I have not the honour of a personal 
 acquaintance, yet your writings and reputation are such that 
 I presume upon your indulgence, while I send you the enclosed 
 manuscript Geography of New Hampshire." After referring 
 to a letter which Dr. Belknap had addressed to him, some 
 eighteen months before, relative . to the first edition of his 
 Geography, he goes on to say, — *' Since that time I have 
 travelled through all the States, with a particular view of col- 
 lecting the necessary information for a second publication on 
 the same sabject. I have been, in some good degree, successful. 
 
196 
 
 HIS UUJOUBS AS A GEOGRAPHEB. 
 
 The work, which will be enlarged to an octavo Tolnme, of at 
 least four hundred pages, is preparing for the press with all 
 suitable expedition. 
 
 " That the book may be as complete and accurate as possible, 
 I propose, when I shall have written my account of each State, 
 from the best materials I have collected, to send it to some 
 gentlemen, who will be capable of correcting the errors of the 
 description, and of supplying deficiencies. With this view I 
 have taken the lihorty, Sir, to enclose you the account of New 
 Hampshire. T have left blank leaves for j'our corrections and 
 adtlitions. Do not spare me in the former, nor deny me the 
 latter. I know of no one more capable of assisting me in 
 botli than yourself. 
 
 " The nature of the work docs not admit of much originality. 
 The book must derive its merit — if it have any — from the 
 accurMcy ami <.'ood jud^ruiont with which it is compilfd, rather 
 than the genius with which it is ronijiusrd. To save me from 
 the odious character of a Plagiarist, general credit will be given 
 in the preface for all selections inserted in the work. To par- 
 ticularize such would be needless and endless. This is my 
 apology for having made so much use of 3'our publications in 
 the enclosed account of New Hampshire. 
 
 " I shall wish also to submit my account of Massachusetts, 
 when written, to your inspection, (if I do not trouble you too 
 much,) to be shown by you to such of your literary friends as 
 you may think proper. 
 
 " I have been, for some time, making Collections for a 
 Gazetteer of the United States." 
 
 Dr. Belknap, in reply to this letter, gave him 
 a list of authors, which he might advantageously 
 consult for desired information, at the same time 
 assuring him that he might freely command his 
 services, whenever they were, in any way, use- 
 ful to him. 
 
 The following letter, bearing upon the same 
 subject, was addressed to Mr. Morse, a few weeks 
 
niS K.VBOUi:S as a GEOCRArilEU. 
 
 107 
 
 before the date of the preceding, by the Hon. 
 William Livingston, Governor of New Jersey, 
 who was a fine classical scholar, an earnest Chris- 
 tian, and one of the most illustrious patriots of 
 the Revolution. It was in reply to a letter which 
 Mr. Morse had written, proposing to dedicate the 
 contemplated work to the Governor : 
 
 " Trextox, 1 November, 1787. 
 
 " Rev. Sir : I received your letter of the 2(]th of October 
 yesterda}'. Since I sent a description of three of our Counties 
 to Mr. Whittlesey, (whose death I sincerely dei>lore,) I have 
 received that of one or two others, which shall be at your 
 service, when you do me the pleasure of what you have given 
 me the agreeable expectation, — I mean a personal visit at my 
 Hennitago, fl/f(T.v Libert}' Hall, in the vicinity of Elizabcthtown. 
 
 "That I have received the descriptions of so few of out 
 Counties as you mention, I now find, or at least am told, is my 
 own fault. Although I had a number of copies made of youi 
 queries, immediately after you delivered them to mc last fall 
 and, as I thought a sufficient number to give one to each of oui 
 Council, yet some members of that Body tell me they went 
 home without one, and that I promised to send them after the 
 rising of the Legislature ; but that they never received them. 
 If the case be really so, (of which, however, I have not the least 
 recollection, nor greater faith than I have in St. Athanasius I) 
 I can atone for my neglect only by delivering them at our 
 present sitting, and pressing those members to transmit to me 
 their answers as speedily as possible. The Legislature expect- 
 ing to adjourn next week, it is probable that I may receive 
 them seasonably enough before your intended public.ition. If 
 I do, I shall make it my business to forward them to you with- 
 out loss of time, — with this condition, (which I wish to have 
 annexed to those already sent,) that you either return them to 
 me, after you have extracted from them what you may think 
 proper to insert in the book, or copies of them. My reason is 
 that those already sent, and I hope the same of those to come, 
 
198 
 
 raS LABOURS AS A GEOGIl-\PnER. 
 
 contain a more parlicalar description of this State than I 
 imagine I shall ever obtain in any other way ; and the poor 
 Governor of New Jersey has not at present a creature in his 
 bouse that can copy them except himself, and to make such 
 copies himself, he verily hath uot sufficient leisure. 
 
 " As to your kind and polite offer, Sir, to dedicate the work 
 to me, with my permission, I confess myself under great obliga- 
 tions for your intention. I have no other objections against it 
 than these two, (the last of which it is, however, in your power 
 to obviate). In the first place, I do uot know what umbrage 
 such a choice of ^our patron might not give to the Governor 
 (Jonathan Trumbull) " of your own State, who, I am per- 
 suaded, has been very prompt to promote your undertaking, 
 and is, by all accounts, a gentleman of a very amiable charac- 
 ter. Secondly, next to my dislike of being slandered, I 
 hate to receive any praise that I do not deserve ; and, accord- 
 ing to the usual run of Dedications, incense is offered to those 
 who are no Deities. 
 
 " Relative to the map, I doubt. Sir, whether I have sufficient 
 skill to comply with your request ; but, if I can, I will procure 
 a person to do it, that has. 
 
 " As to news from this point of the ' terraqueous globe,' I 
 can inform you of one fact that gives me great pleasure. It is 
 that both branches of our Legislature are unanimous in laying 
 before the people the Constitution planned b}' the late Conven- 
 tion ; and I hope, and doubt not, that the citizens of Connecti- 
 cut will be as ready to adopt it as I have reason to think we 
 shall ; and then I think we shall even make my native country. 
 New York, a little sickish of her opposition to it. 
 " I am. Rev. Sir, 
 
 " Your most humble servant, 
 
 " AVILLIAM LIVINGSTON." 
 
 The following letter from the French Consul 
 in New York, dated 28 February, 1788, shows 
 the deep interest which he took in the enterprise : 
 
 " Sir : I have perused with infinite pleasure your proposals 
 for publbhing an American Geography. This country, now be- 
 
HIS LABOUES AS A GEOGRArilER. 
 
 199 
 
 come independent, is so populous and interesting as to deserve 
 being better known. I beg you to put my name on your list 
 of subscribers ; and I know a gentleman in Paris who could 
 procure the sale of many copies of the work. When you come 
 here, I wish you would take the trouble of calling on me — I 
 might give you some useful hints. I should introduce you to 
 our yice-Con?ul, who could furnish you with much important 
 information ; and if an introduction to our Minister Plenipo- 
 tentiary would be acceptable, I would, with great pleasure, 
 present to him the author of an intended work, which I am 
 sure will earn the applause of every man here and in Europe, 
 who feels himself interested in the progress of American 
 knowledge and genius. 
 
 " I am, with infinite respect, 
 
 " Your very humble servant, 
 
 ST. JOHN, Comul of France." 
 
 The above are but a specimen of the many 
 letters he received from prominent individuale 
 in various parts of the country, who re^^arded it 
 a privilege to become his helpers in the import- 
 ant work in which he was engaged. 
 
 In accepting an invitation to supply the pulpit 
 of the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, of New York, for two 
 months, in the spring of 1788, he was influenced 
 partly by the consideration that a residence in 
 New York would bring him into the neighbour- 
 hood of Elizabethtown, where his book was to 
 be printed, while it would afford him the best 
 facilities for obtaining additional information. 
 
 But now there occurred a fresh cause for the 
 delay of his publication. Though the Constitu- 
 tion had been framed, much the greater part of 
 the States had not yet adopted it ; and, as its 
 ratification would mark a most important epoch 
 
200 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 in bur national history, it seemed proper tliat not 
 only that fact but the Constitution itself should 
 find a place in the contemplated work. The 
 Hon. Ebenezer Hazard, Postmaster General, with 
 whom Mr. Morse had now come into intimate 
 relations, wrote him an earnest letter on the sub- 
 ject ; and this, together with his own mature 
 reflection, and the hope of gaining further infor- 
 mation by the delay, led him to postpone the 
 publication a while longer. 
 
 In accepting the call from the Church in 
 Charlestown, in December, 1788, he intimated 
 that, on account of an unexpected delay in the 
 business in wbich he was engaged, it would be 
 impossible for him to commence his labours there 
 until the close of winter or the opening of spring. 
 The business to which he referred was the publi- 
 cation of his Geography. With a view to hasten 
 this as far as possible, he went to reside tempo- 
 rarily at Elizabethtown, and, after his arrival, 
 there, he had to encounter some unexpected 
 obstacles, which were a source of great annoy- 
 ance to him. He writes to Dr. Belknap : 
 
 " i\Iy work goes on heavily. I can compare it to nothing but 
 sleighing in wet weather, in a gravelly road, without snow. I 
 cannot even guess when the book will be printed." 
 
 But the time for the publication of his Geo- 
 graphy had now nearly come ; though there were 
 obstacles to its profitable circulation, both abroad 
 and in this country, that still occasioned him 
 much embarrassment. He had hoped, and had 
 
niS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 201 
 
 been encouraged on high .authority to believe, 
 that he might be able to control its sale in Eng- 
 land ; but the result of his inquiries on the sub- 
 ject was a full conviction that there was no law 
 to permit an author to secure a copy-right, ex- 
 cept in the country where the book was origi- 
 nally published. The most advantageous ar- 
 rangement he could make, was to send five 
 hundred copies to Mr. Stockdale, a London book- 
 seller, who had been recommended to him by Dr. 
 Ramsay, and two hundred more to Paris, which 
 had been ordered through the agency of the 
 French Consul in New York. 
 
 In regard to our own country, his embarrass- 
 ment arose from the fact that there was no 
 national copy-right law. An author could con- 
 trol the sale of his book only in the State in 
 which it was printed — to the other States the 
 copy-right did not extend. By the new Consti- 
 tution there had been delegated to Congress the 
 power of " securing, for limited times, to Authors 
 and Inventors the exclusive right to their writ- 
 ings and dif^coveries but no law had yet been 
 passed by that Body on the subject. Applica- 
 tions, however, were now made for it, particularly 
 one by Dr. Ramsay, which proved availing; and 
 the desired law was enacted in May, 1790. The 
 Copy-right of the Geography is registered on the 
 15th of September following. 
 
 This edition of the Geography, which appeared 
 in March, 1789, is an octavo volume of five hun- 
 dred and thirty-four pages, — ^more than seven- 
 
202 
 
 HIS LABOUBS AS A GEOGRAPHEK. 
 
 eighths of its contents being occupied with the 
 United States. In addition to what is strictly 
 geographical, it contains a large amount of his- 
 torical and political information, well fitted to 
 meet an important exigency, especially of the 
 time at which it appeared. Some of Mr. Morse's 
 most intelligent friends Avere of the opinion that 
 he misjudged in not making it cxdysivdy a Geo- 
 graphy of America ; but his reason for adopting 
 a different course was that he desiejned his book 
 for schools, and intended that it should take the 
 place of certain English works, then exclusively 
 in use. Dr. Ramsa3', in a letter written in June, 
 1798, thus hints at the monopoly of the English 
 booksellers, in connection with their ungracious 
 treatment of every thing American : 
 
 ^' They aflToct a contempt of every production that is Ameri- 
 can, and a total indifference to what is going on, on this side 
 of the Atlantic. Even Mr. Jefferson's book does not sell. 
 The truth is, they do not wish to encourage literature or manu- 
 factures among us. Their unmerited and severe strictures on 
 the literary performances of Americans have made me more an 
 American than ever. I have escaped jiretty well ; but you 
 bave doubtless seen what they have said of Mr. Adams', jMr. 
 Jefferson's and Mr. Dwight's performances." 
 
 Mr. Morse, instead of yielding to the idea that 
 his Geography should be confined to our own 
 countr}"^, so far enlarged, in his next edition, his 
 account of other parts of the world, as to make 
 it occupy about half of the entire work. 
 
 Almost as soon as the book was in print, it 
 became certain that it was destined to be an 
 entire success. In a letter dated at New Haven 
 
mS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 203 
 
 April 1,— only four days after its publication, he 
 writes thus: 
 
 "Shall I tell you that my Geography is already introduced 
 into Yale College as a text-book ? This is a flattering circum- 
 stance, and will tend, more than any thing, to give the book a 
 reputation." 
 
 Various distinguished individuals, among whom 
 were Drs. Belknap, Stiles, AVheelock, Ramsay 
 and Mr. Hazard, who were every way capable 
 of estimating the importance of the work he had 
 performed, offered him their congratulations on 
 the great service he had rendered to the country 
 and the world. In less than five months from 
 the date of publication, one half of the edition 
 (which consisted of three thousand co2)ies) was 
 sold; and within less than a year a second edi- 
 tion was called for. This, however, did not 
 appear until 1793; but, meanwhile, an Abridg- 
 ment for the use of schools — a duodecimo volume 
 of three hundred and twenty-two pages — ap- 
 peared in 1790, and passed rapidly through 
 several large editions. 
 
 Of the five hundred copies stipulated to be 
 taken by Stockdale, the London publisher, only 
 forty were sent; but editions were soon published 
 in London, Edinburgh, Dublin and elsewhere, 
 some with due acknowledgment of the author- 
 ship, and others without any acknowledgment 
 at all; and thus the work became extensively 
 known in Great Britain and Ireland. Though he 
 received no pecuniary benefit from the sale of his 
 book abroad, he received gratifying testimonials 
 
^04 mS LABOURS AS A GEOGEAPHER. 
 
 to its value from many prominent individuals, 
 and among them some of the most distinguished 
 men of the age. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Price, the great friend of Amer- 
 ican liberty, in acknowledging the receipt of a copy 
 of the book from the author, says, 29th March, 1790 : 
 
 " I think this indeed a curious and valuable work, and hope 
 that the reception of it by the public will be so favourable as to 
 reward you, in some degree, for the pains you have taken 
 about it " 
 
 Dr. Rippon, a celebrated Baptist clergym.m, 
 compiler of the well known Hymn Book, and 
 Editor of a Monthly Magazine, writes to him 
 thus, 30th, June 1791 : 
 
 The large octavo Geography was lent me for a few days. 
 I applied for three copies, but was too late, all of that edition 
 being sold. And permit me to inform you that they were sold 
 at the immoderate price of nine shillings sterling. The price 
 should not have been more than six or seven shillings, allowing 
 for the maps, binding and quantity of matter. I mention this 
 that you may know how the work has been treated, and be pre- 
 pared to lay a plan which shall expedite the sale of so masterly 
 a performance. I fear some bookseller here has made an ex- 
 change with a bookseller or agent of yours in America, and 
 has put his own price on a scarce article. I feel interested in 
 the spread of your work, or I would not have presumed to write 
 80 freely." 
 
 « 
 
 Dr. Priestley, well known in the scientific, 
 political and religious world, writes, under date 
 of August 24th, 1793: 
 
 " I think myself greatly obliged to you for the perusal of 
 your excellent treatbe of Geography. We had but a Terv 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 205 
 
 imperfect idea of America before, and it has contributed not a 
 little to the spirit of emigration that now prevails in this 
 country. But the chief incentive is the spirit of bigotry en- 
 couraged by the Court, that makes it very unpleasant and 
 almost unsafe for the friends of liberty, civil or religious, to 
 continue here. One of my sons will deliver this, and it is my 
 wish to settle them all with you, in order to follow them myself, 
 some time hence. My friends, Mr. Wells and Mr. Toulmin, 
 are already gone, — the former, I understand, under your kind 
 patronage, and a worthier man you could not befriend. Great 
 numbers would go, if they knew how to get to America, or how 
 to live after they were there." 
 
 The Rev. Dr. John Erskine, of Edinburgh, 
 writes, 7 March, 1796 : 
 
 " Your American Geography has met with universal accept- 
 ance. It has been translated into German, and in Britain has 
 been printed by two or three compilers, some with and some 
 without acknowledgment to whom they were indebted, besides a 
 fair and honourable republication." 
 
 Professor Ebeling, the distinguished German 
 Geographer, opened a correspondence with Mr. 
 Morse in October, 1793. After complimenting 
 him as " the first who has cut a road through a 
 vast wilderness," he says of himself: 
 
 " As early as 1777 I had contemplated writing a Geography 
 of America, but suspended my purpose because of the great 
 and rapid changes then going on in your country. I am now 
 glad of my delay ; for I find I was misled by following Eng- 
 lish authors, and had imbibed from them prejudices which the 
 perusal of your work has happily removed." 
 
 The sale of the Geography of 1789 was so 
 rapid and extensive that, within less than a year 
 from its publication, a new edition was called 
 18 
 
206 
 
 HIS LABOURS AS A OEOGRAFUEB. 
 
 for. The Abridgment had been published in 
 Boston in January, 1790, making a duodecimo 
 volume of three hundred and twenty-one pages. 
 The printers of this volume (Thomas & Andrews) 
 proposed to the author the next spring that they 
 should become the publishers of his larger work. 
 Mr. Carey, of Philadelphia, also made similar 
 proposals, but the Boston printers urged their 
 claim on the ground of their having printed his 
 smaller work, and withal of their living in his 
 immediate neighbourhood; and they had even 
 imported type in anticipation of the job. In 
 the spring of 1792 lie contracted with them to 
 print all future editions of his two works: "the 
 American Geography,'* and its Abridgment, 
 "the Geography made Easy," for fourteen 3'ears. — 
 the term during which the copy-right lasted. In 
 pursuance of this contract, the parties entered 
 at once upon an edition of the first mentioned 
 work, — " the American Geography." 
 
 The amount of labour which he performed 
 now in the revision of his Geography and the 
 duties of the Pastorate, it is not easy to estimate. 
 He writes to his father on the 12th of July: 
 
 " Two printers are engaged on the work. They have printed 
 about one hundred pages. They will go on faster as they pro- 
 ceed. I shall not do my part so fast as they do theirs. But 
 luy health and spirits are good. I hope to finish the work in 
 the fall through a kind Providence. I am encouraged to be- 
 lieve I am doing good, not only to my own country but abroad. 
 Late letters from London say that the Geography is well re- 
 ceived by the candid and judicious. The London edition sells 
 fast. All the Reviewers speak well of it. I enclose Stock- 
 
raS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 207 
 
 dale's advertisement, in which is the Monthly Review's notice 
 of the work. I mention these things to encourage you, Sir, to 
 let me go on, without anxiety. I hope I shall not injure ray 
 health. And I find my mind, after being engaged in geogra- 
 phical pursuits, returns with ease and pleasure to my theologi- 
 cal studies. I hope the Geography has done and will do great 
 good, and that it will appear, in due season, that I have not 
 misspent my time in writing it, whatever some good people may 
 think to the contrary." 
 
 Though he calls the new work a second edition 
 of the Geography of 1789, it is really much more ; 
 for, instead of being confined chiefly to the 
 United States, it is a general system of Geo- 
 graphy, and the title is altered accordingly from 
 " American " to " the American Universal Geo- 
 graphy." It consists of two volumes, octavo, 
 containing together more th.m sixteen hundred 
 pages. The first volume relates wholly to the 
 AVestern Continent, and chiefly to the United 
 States, and is properly a second edition of the 
 former work, — the rapid growth of the country 
 in four years having rendered necessary many 
 additions and corrections. The second volume, 
 devoted to the Eastern Continent, is compiled 
 from European works, chiefly from Guthrie's 
 Geography; and he was induced to publish it 
 from a wish to supply Americans with a book 
 better suited to their tastes and their wants than 
 one which was wholly of European origin. 
 
 When the work appeared, it was received with 
 great favour, and brought to him many testi- 
 monies of warm approval from both sides of the 
 Atlantic. Among other letters was the follow- 
 
208 
 
 mS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 ing from General Washington, acknowledging a 
 copy of the work, dated Philadelphia, 17 July, 
 1793: 
 
 " Rey. Sir: I should have, at an earlier moment, acknow- 
 ledged the receipt of your f>olite letter of the 25th of June, and 
 returned mj best thanks for the acceptable work which accom- 
 panied it, had I not been at Mount Vernon when they reached 
 this place. You will, therefore, be pleased now. Sir, to accept 
 the thanks and acknowledgments which are due for your 
 polite attention in sending me a set of the American Universal 
 Geography. And, at the same time, be assured that you have 
 my best wishes that you may be amply rewarded for the time 
 and labour spent in preparing so valuable a work. 
 " With due consideration, I am. Rev. Sir, 
 " Your most obedient servant, 
 
 "GEORGE AVASHINGTON." 
 
 But, notwithstanding the general approving 
 voice in respect to the work, there were some few 
 instances of decided and open dissent Of these 
 • the most marked was a pamphlet which appeared 
 in the fall of 1793, entitled "Remarks on the 
 American Geography, by J. F." A copy of this 
 pamphlet was sent to Mr. Morse by the author, 
 accompanied by the following note : 
 
 "1 October, 1793. Dear Sir: I take the liberty to present 
 you a small pamphlet, containing Remarks on the last edition 
 of your Geography. Though I have given the public nothing 
 more than the initials of my name, yet to you I acknowledge 
 myself to be the author. Perhaps in some places you may 
 charge me with too much severity ; but I assure you that I have 
 suppressed many observations, which, though they appeared to 
 be well founded, I was afraid might give you pain. As a man, 
 as a gentleman, and as a Christian, I respect your character. 
 But I conceive that every work that b offered for sale, however 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 209 
 
 worthy the author of it may be, is a proper subject for criticism, 
 and that you have no reason to be offended if your mistakes and 
 prejudices are fairly and impartially pointed out. I hope you 
 will believe mc when I say that nothing is farther from my 
 thoughts than to injure the sale of your Geography. A fugitive 
 pamphlet, which perhaps may never be read, or if read will soon 
 be forgotten, cannot possibly hurt the reputation of a book 
 which has been recommended by some of the most distinguished 
 characters in the United States, and which has been introduced 
 !nto almost all our schools and Colleges. As far as my small 
 influence extends, I have always been ready to do honour to 
 your work. When I was one of the School Committee of 
 Boston, I cheerfully voted for the introduction of your Abridg- 
 ment into our Reading Schools ; and not long ago I republished 
 in the Centinel an English Review, in which your American 
 Geography is highly applauded. These facts will show you that 
 I owe you no ill will, but that my object in writing the 
 Remarks is to induce you to render the future editions of your 
 Geography more worthy of yourself, and more honourable to 
 your country. 
 
 " With respect, I am, Dear Sir, 
 
 •* Your friend and humble servant, 
 
 "JAMES FREEMAN." 
 
 To this letter he replied : 
 
 " Charlestown, 2 October, 179.3. Sir : Last evening, at a 
 late hour, I received your letter of yesterday, accompanied with 
 *a pamphlet containing Remarks on the last edition of my 
 Geography,' for which I take the earliest opportunity to return 
 you my thanks. Depend on it. Sir, I shall give it an attentive 
 and candid reading. After the perusal, should I think proper, 
 in my own vindication, to publish Observations on your pam- 
 phlet, I presume you will have no objections to my introducing 
 them to the public with your letter. I can surely have no 
 reason to be offended when * my mistakes and prejudices are 
 fairly pointed out and if I find this to be the case in your 
 Remarks, yon may rest assured of receiving my most sincere 
 thanks. How far your sending me your criticisms through the 
 
210 
 
 mS LABOUB8 AB A G£OOBAPfl£K. 
 
 mediam of the press, rather than in a more private manner, 
 comports with the professions you make of friendship for me, 
 and of having no thought to injure the sale of my Geography, 
 I shall perhaps be better able to determine when I have read 
 your pamphlet. A needless public exposure of the faults of 
 any person, when their correction can as well be effected in a 
 more private manner, is, upon every principle of honour, friend- 
 ship and religion, unjustifiable. And if a man finds himself 
 compelled, from a sense of duty, to accuse his friend before the 
 public tribunal, he ought at least previously to acquaint him 
 with the charges he means to exhibit against him, and hear 
 what he has to say in his own vindication. A real friend would 
 certainly do this. But this you have not done. 
 
 " Your pamphlet may or may not ' hurt the reputation of the 
 Geography.' . If it should not, (and you say it caunot possibly), 
 I see no necessity for your having published it. For if the 
 faults of the work are of such a nature as, if publicl}' known, 
 would not lessen its reputation in the public mind, then they 
 must be faults of no great magnitude and importance, and in- 
 herent in the nature of the work, such as a candid mind would 
 easily account for and excuse, and therefore such as might, 
 without injury to the public, have been seasonably corrected in 
 a future edition. But if the errors are such as to demand 
 public and severe censure even by a profes>ed friend, the publi- 
 cation of them can hardly avoid hurting the reputation of the 
 work. I must confess I am at present at a loss to know how 
 to reconcile your conduct with your professions. But I suspend 
 any further remarks till I shall have examined your pamphlet. 
 
 " In the mean time, after grateful acknowledgments for all 
 your influence and endeavours to promote the honour and extend 
 the sale of my work, 
 
 " I subscribe myself. Sir, with respect and esteem, 
 " Your most obedient servant, 
 
 "J. MORSE." 
 
 Dr. Morse, both then and at a later period, ex- 
 pressed the undoubting conviction that this 
 pamphlet would not have been written but for 
 
fflS liABOUKS AS A GEOGRAl'IIER. 
 
 211 
 
 the antaj^onism that existed between the writer 
 of it and himself, in their theological views. The 
 Rev. Dr. Jenks of Boston, an intimate personal 
 friend of Dr. Freeman, in reply to a note 
 addressed to him on the subject by one of Dr. 
 Morse's sons, in November, 1859, says : 
 
 " You are right, I think, in attributing the severity of this 
 criticism on the Geography, in part at least, to tlie odium 
 theologicum of that contentious period. No doubt exists in 
 my own mind, however, that your much honoured and much 
 abused father made use of these animadversions in subsequent 
 editions of his work." 
 
 If this was really so, as it undoubtedly was, it 
 only proved that, whatever might have been Dr. 
 Morse's sense of injury, it did not lead him to 
 undervalue correct criticism. 
 
 Some two years after this there appeared 
 another anonymous pamphlet entitled *' Letter 
 to the Rev. Jedidiah Morse, A. M., Author of 
 the American Universal Geography, by a Citizen 
 of Williamsburg, Virginia." The writer, known 
 afterwards to be St. George Tucker, was at 
 the time Professor of Law in William and Mary 
 College, Williamsburg, and had been dissatisfied 
 with some remarks in the Geography of 1789, 
 which he considered as reflecting upon the moral 
 and religious character of his townsmen. He 
 did not observe the usual civility of sending a 
 copy of the Letter to the person to whom it 
 was publicly addressed ; but Dr. Morse borrowed 
 the pamphlet from the Historical Society ; and, 
 Laying read it, returned it with his criticisms, 
 
I 
 
 212 
 
 mS LABOUES AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 accompanied by a request that they also might 
 be deposited in the archives of the Society. In 
 view of the same facts which had provoked 
 Judge Tucker's indignation, another still more 
 eminent Virginian, James Madison, in a note, 
 written in May, 1792, had said: 
 
 "The only part of your account of Virginia, which, on a 
 bare perusal, might seem to need correction, is that relating to 
 the manners of the country ; and here a native should always 
 be diffident, especially when the colours of the picture appear 
 to him to be unjust to the original, towards which he may be 
 supposed not to be impartial." 
 
 In May, 1794, a year after the publication of 
 the Geographj'^ of *93, he writes thus to Professor 
 Ebeling : 
 
 "Since the year 1784, when I published my first juvenile 
 Essay, there have been printed in America twenty thousand six 
 hundred copies of my Geography, including in this number the 
 copies of the several editions of the Abridgment of the larger 
 work for the use of schools. * * * I am as seusible as any 
 person of the defects of my work. I have trodden an unbeaten 
 path. I have had every thing to collect anew. My sources of 
 information have not al vays been accurate. Many have failed 
 and much remains yet to be done. The field before me is ex- 
 tensive, and I sometimes contemplate it with a misgiving heart. 
 I have but a slender constitution, a large and growing parish, 
 many interruptions inseparable from my situation, and, as you 
 know from the nature of geographical labour, an extensive cor- 
 respondence. In such forbidding circumstances, to undertake 
 the description of an unexplored, or but partially explored 
 country, rising into importance with unexampled rapidity; and 
 to attempt, in successive editions of an Universal Geography, to 
 keep pace with the progress of this age of discoveries, of 
 changes, and of revolutions, are objects from which I shrink 
 when I think of their difficulty and magnitude." 
 
mS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER, 
 
 213 
 
 But, notwithstanding the difficulty to which he 
 refers in this letter, he had already set himself to 
 the task of preparing a third edition ; and, in 
 view of his greatly increased amount of mate- 
 rial, he had half formed the purpose of enlarging 
 his book and issuing it in the quarto form. But, 
 before venturing upon this plan, he consulted 
 Dr. Stiles, in whose judgment and friendship he 
 had great confidence, and received from^him the 
 following characteristic advice, in a letter dated 
 Yale College, 19 February, 1794: 
 
 " As to the quarto edition, you know that it can be purchased 
 by but few. But if Mr. Thomas (the printer) will adventure 
 it, were I in your case, I should make no objection ; though I 
 think your principal profit can be expected only from the octavo 
 edition. 
 
 " In Philosophy, Desaguliers wrote first a convenient vol- 
 ume, which rose into repute, and induced him to augment it 
 into two quarto volumes,— excellent indeed, but it spoiled his 
 market, or confined it to the opulent only. 
 
 " Gravesande wrote two convenient volumes of Philosophy 
 in octavo. It had a run, was excellent, its reputation high 
 His literature and his ambition enlarged the work to two quarto 
 volumes, ended the sale, and put it to sleep. 
 
 " Salmon enlarged his Grammar of Geography to a folio, 
 and it is lost in oblivion. Guthrie is in the road to death by 
 enlarging itself, like the Roman empire, to ruin and suicide. 
 Mr. Morse has gotten a Geography superior to all of them. It 
 has grown uncommonly under his hands ; and if it goes on 
 growing with his universal information, it will grow itself into 
 oblivion. 
 
 " My advice is to restrict it with absolute permanency to two 
 convenient octavo volumes, and there abide fixed as fate. 
 Alterations and corrections may be made, but I would take 
 oat as much as I put in. Then let the volumes be printed in 
 octavo or qaarto — it is immaterial. Only never let the matter 
 
214 mS LABOUBS AS A GEOORAFHEB. 
 
 exceed tbe comprebension of two octavo volumes. If you do, 
 somebody else will start up, witb even a single octavo, like 
 Gordon, and put you to sleep. I bave tboagbt you in danger 
 of too copious an enlargement, in order to comprebend and 
 communicate all tbe curious, learned and entertaining discove- 
 ries and accurate observations and information of modem 
 travellers. Stop wbere you are. Retrencb and substitute, if 
 you find new and more profitable matter. Otberwisc you will 
 get into tbe bi.storics of Empires and of tbe World instead of 
 Geograjiby. And tben tbe world will leave you for Hume, 
 Gibbon, Voltaire, Rollin, Robertson, and perbaps for the an- 
 cient Latin and Greek Historians. In sbort, they want you 
 for Geograpby, and otbt^rs for History. And tbougb some 
 summary and succinct History may be well to be coujoiued 
 witb Geograpby, yet * sunt vest i den ique Jines.^*^ 
 
 This advice was followed, the idea of a quarto 
 abandoned, and three years after, (in 1796,) the 
 third edition of the work, consisting of four thou- 
 sand five hundred copies, and fifteen hundred 
 copies extra of the first volume, appeared in the 
 same form Avith its predecessors. Two hundred 
 pages were added, and the number of maps was 
 increased from eleven to twenty-eight. 
 
 Though he had conceived the idea of publish- 
 ing an American Gazetteer as early as 1786, and 
 had it in a state of considerable forwardness in 
 the spring of 1790, yet so manifold were his pro- 
 fessional engagements, and so much time was 
 necessarily given to the preparation of the several 
 editions of his Geography, that he was obliged to 
 delay the issue of his Gazetteer much beyond his 
 wishes and expectations. In 1793 Mr. Noal 
 Webster entered into an engagement to assis 
 him in compiling the Gazetteer, but, in conse 
 
mS LABOITRS AS A OEOGILVPnER. 215 
 
 quence of his removal to New York to become 
 the Editor of a daily newspaper, which required 
 his whole time, he was obliged to withdraw from 
 the engagement. The Rev. Samuel Austin also, 
 who had been Mr. Morse's College classmate, and 
 had co-operated with him for some time in tlie 
 Gazetteer, had grown weary of the delay of 
 publication, and had retired from the enterprise, 
 leaving him without any coadjutor. lie now 
 employed a gentleman from Aberdeen, Scotland, 
 resident in Boston, to prosecute the compilation 
 of the work from such material as he should 
 furnish ; and most of it seems to have been 
 gathered from his own Geograph3^ Early in the 
 year 1796, proposals to print and publish the 
 work were issued by T. and J. Swords, of New 
 York; but, in consequence of some pecuniary 
 embarrassment to which they were subsequently 
 subjected, ihey abandoned the project even after 
 the printing had actually commenced ; and the 
 work was now transferred to Boston, where it 
 could be done di recti}' under the author's eye. 
 The book appeared in May, 1797, — an octavo 
 volume of six hundred pages. Copies of it were 
 sent by the author to various distinguished per- 
 sons, one of whom, the most eminent of all, 
 returned the following acknowledgment: 
 
 "Mount Vernon, 20 June, 1797. Dear Sir: The last 
 Eastern mail brought me your favour of the 1st instant. I beg 
 yon to accept mj best acknowledgments, and the assurance of 
 my belief that it will be found a most useful and valuable work. 
 As evidence of this belief, I had, just before the receipt of your 
 
210 HIS LABOUBS AB A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 letter, requested my correspondent in Philadelphia (where I 
 found they were to be had) to send me a copy. And for the 
 kind and flattering sentiment, which you have expressed for 
 me and Mrs. Washington in the former, I offer you my grateful 
 thanks ; Leing, with much esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your 
 obliged and obedient humble servant, 
 
 "GEORGE WASHINGTON." 
 
 Though a law securing to authors the copy- 
 right of their works had been passed by Congress 
 in 1790, he was not, owing to various circum- 
 stances, without a measure of distrust as to the 
 security of his rights ; and this distrust was fully 
 justified by subsequent developments. In Octo- 
 ber, 1794, he was informed b}' the London pub- 
 lisher (Stockdale) of a G20graphy just then 
 published by three persons confined in Newgate 
 prison. This was no other than Winterbotham's 
 Geography. The book was reprinted in New 
 York, by John Reid, an English bookseller. It 
 turned out that six hundred pages, out of the two 
 thousand which the work contained, were copied 
 verbatim from Morse*s American Geography, 
 being nearly the whole of that work. Belknap, 
 Jefferson, and several other American authors, 
 shared a like fate ; but Morse was the only one 
 who did not consent to pass over the offence in 
 silence. He felt that it was a duty that he owed 
 to the public not less than to himself to test the 
 efl&ciency of the copy-right law. He therefore 
 commenced a suit immediately, having for his 
 counsel James Kent (afterwards Chancellor of 
 New York) and Alexander Hamilton, the latter 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A GEOGRArilER. 
 
 217 
 
 of whom kindly proffered his services in the 
 following note : 
 
 " New York, January 4, 1795. 
 "To the Rev. J. Morse, D. D. — Sir: You will confer a 
 favour upon me to allow me to render you the little service 
 which may be in my power on the present occasion, and without 
 compensation. Bo assured it will give me real pleasure, and 
 let that be my recompense. 
 
 Mr. Kent and I have conferred on your affair. It is neces- 
 sary for us to see the book in question, in order to a safe 
 opinion. Can one be had ? 
 
 " With respect and esteem, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 "ALEXANDER HAMILTON." 
 
 The book was sent as requested; but, before 
 prosecuting his claim, the author made amicable 
 overtures to the offending part3% through his 
 friend, Mr. Noah Webster, which, however, were 
 rejected. About the same time he received a 
 letter from Stockdale, the London Publisher, in- 
 forming him that tl)e London quarto and octavo 
 editions of his American Geography would not 
 all be sold for some years, "owing to that vil- 
 lainous Newgate compilation," — adding, "If you 
 can prevent its publication in America, by all 
 means do it, as it will injure your work greatly." 
 
 The case, after having undergone considerable 
 delay in the Courts, was finally decided in April, 
 1798, to Dr. Morse's entire satisfaction. There 
 were allowed to him the nett profits arising from 
 the sale of seventeen hundred copies of the first 
 volume of his Geography, — equal to the number 
 of copies of Winterbotham*8 Geography that had 
 19 
 
218 HIS iJkBOUBS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 been sold. But as it was not 80 much damages as 
 the establishment of a principle, fixing literary 
 property on a firm basis, that he contended for, 
 he afterwards consented to take less than half 
 the sum proposed by the Clerk of the Court as a 
 fair settlement, and even allowed Reid to sell the 
 eleven hundred copies of his book which remained 
 on hand, notwithstanding the Court had ruled 
 to the contrary — to this generous act he was 
 prompted from hearing that the man who had 
 thus wantonly assailed his rights, had an ami- 
 able, deserving famil}', who would sutler by an 
 infliction of the whole penalty imposed by the 
 verdict. The principle established by this law- 
 suit was one of great importance; and the case 
 has ever since been recognized as a precedent, 
 securing to authors the benefit of the copy-right 
 law. 
 
 One effect of the American Geography abroad 
 was to promote immigration to this country. 
 Accordingly, we find the Rev. AVilliam Wells, of 
 Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England, writing 
 thus to Dr. Morse, under date of September, 1791 : 
 
 ' Having read your Abridgment of American Geography, I 
 lake the liberty of addressing you this letter. 1 am a Pro- 
 testant Dissenting minister, keep a boarding school for boys, 
 and occupy a little farm. I have also a large family of my 
 own. I have long talked of going to America. My reasons 
 for wishing to remove from England are the enormous burden 
 of public and parochial taxes, the corrupt s^'stem of govern- 
 ment, and the resentment and bitterness raised against Dis- 
 fieuters by the late Birmingham riots." 
 
HIS LABOURS AS A GEOORAPHER. 
 
 219 
 
 In another letter, bearing date January, 1792, 
 Mr. Wells says : 
 
 "Stockdale has ptiblished an edition of your Geography, 
 which I have, — a valuable book and much read. A gentleman 
 of distinction for abilities, character and fortune in this neigh- 
 bourhood, tells his children — ' Study the book, as North America 
 is the place yoa will probably go to.' People here are on tiptoe 
 to be gone, and were some few to lead the way, and give a good 
 account of things, multitudes would follow." 
 
 The year after the date of this letter, Mr. 
 Wells came over with his family, and established 
 himself at Brattleboro', Vt. He was the father 
 of the late William Wells, for many years a dis- 
 tin^;uished publisher and bookseller in Boston. 
 
 Some other Dissenting ministers addressed 
 him in a similar strain, in behalf not only of 
 themselves, but their friends, who were strongly 
 predisposed to find a home in this countr} , from 
 the ideas in respect to it which his Geography 
 had communicated to them. 
 
 The American Gazetteer was considered incom- 
 plete without a second volume, which should 
 embrace the other three-quarters of the Globe. 
 But this required an amount of labour which he 
 could not undertake, unassisted, in addition to 
 his professional engagements and numerous other 
 cares already devolved upon him ; but, happily, 
 he was allowed to put in requisition the aid of 
 his friend, the Rev. Dr. Elijah Parish, of Byfield, 
 who was every way competent to such a service. 
 Accordingly, the Gazetteer of the Eastern Conti- 
 nent was in due time completed ; and in 1802 it 
 
220 HIS Labours as a geographee. 
 
 was published as the joint production of the two 
 men. In 1804 they published a second and re- 
 vised edition of the first volume, or American 
 Gazetteer, and in 1808, of the second volume, or 
 Gazetteer of the Eastern Continent. 
 
 A fourth edition, of three thousand copies, of 
 the American Universal Geography was pub- 
 lished in 1801 ; and in 1805, a fifth edition of 
 five thousand copies; both without being much 
 enlarged, but enriched with new matter, to the 
 exclusion of what had become obsolete .or less 
 important. The sale of this work, from its 
 first publication, had been about one thousand 
 copies a year; and in the fall of 1810, he issued 
 a printed Circular which he scattered among 
 intelligent men throughout the country, request- 
 ing of them geographical information in aid of a 
 sixth edition. This edition was published in 
 due time, and also consisted of five thousand 
 copies. 
 
 In its preparation Dr. Morse was assisted by 
 Sereno E. Dwight, Esq., then just admitted to 
 the Bar in New Haven, but afterwards Pastor of 
 the Park Street Church, Boston. Mr. Dwight 
 had been for some time gathering and arranging 
 materials for a work on Geography, intending to 
 complete and publish it in his own name. Dr. 
 Morse, having become apprised of this, proposed 
 to him that the materials thus collected, with 
 some others which he himself would furnish, 
 should be moulded into a new edition, which 
 should still bear his own name. To this pro* 
 
raS LABOURS AS A GEOGRAPHER. 
 
 221 
 
 posal Mr. Dwiglit cheerfully gave his consent ; 
 and the work was thus ultimately written, much 
 after the plan of the Geography of Pinkerton. 
 There were some doubthil points to be settled in 
 respect to the publication, partly between the 
 authors and the publishers; but their views 
 were at last entirely harmonious. The time oc- 
 cupied in preparing the work was about fourteen 
 months — from December, 1810 to January, 1812; 
 and during nearly the whole of this period Mr. 
 D wight gave to it not less than ten hours a day. 
 His name would have appeared on the title page, 
 if he had not particularly requested that it should 
 be withheld, on the ground that it would be un- 
 favourable to his professional prospects to have 
 the impression get abroad that he was not ex- 
 clusively devoted to the Law. In a letter ad- 
 dressed by Mr. Dwight to Dr. Morse, 2G May, 
 1812, he says; 
 
 " Your generous approbation of the part of the Geography 
 executed by me, is extremely gratifying to my feelings. I also 
 freely acknowledge that without the assistance furnished by 
 you, particularly in the American volume and in Hassel'a 
 Tables, the undertaking on my part would have been hopeless." 
 
 Mr. Dwight subsequently prepared for the 
 author an Abridgment of this Geography, in an 
 octavo volume of five hundred pages, of which 
 an edition of three thousand copies was published 
 in 1814. 
 
 From this period, or perhaps a little earlier, 
 nearly the whole labour of editing Dr. Morse's 
 principal geographical works was devolved on 
 
222 
 
 HIS LABOUUS AS A G£OGRAPII£B. 
 
 . his son, Mr. Sidney E. Morse. He rewrote the 
 duodecimo School Geography in 1820, the octavo 
 Geography in 1822, and, in connection with his 
 brother, Mr. Richard C. Morse, the Universal 
 Gazetteer, in one royal octavo volume in 1823. 
 He also prepared the Atlases to accompany all 
 these works. 
 
 A year or two before his death, Dr. Morse 
 amused himself with the preparation of a 21 mo. 
 Geography for small children, which" was pub- 
 lished, and was highly spoken of by those who 
 used it. This was the last of his geographical 
 works. 
 
 After Dr. Morse*s death, his son continued to 
 prepare new editions of the School Geography ; 
 and having invented a mode of engraving, adapted 
 especially to tlie production of plates for printing 
 maps, in connection with type, under the common 
 printing press, he applied the new art, named 
 Cerography, to the illustration of a School Geo- 
 ' graphy, which was published in 1844 by the 
 Harpers. The cheapness of the book, in connec- 
 tion with its great value, gave it at once an 
 immense circulation. More tlian one hundred 
 thousand copies were put into the market during 
 the first year, and the work continued to be 
 disposed of at this rate for a number of years. 
 
V. 
 
 IIis Labours in other Departments of Authorship. 
 
 Closely allied to a taste for Geography is the 
 taste for History ; and the two were united in 
 Dr. Morse. His Geography of course embodied 
 a large amount of historic material ; but he had 
 collected a much larger amount, and had formed 
 the purpose, which, however, was, in great mea- 
 sure defeated by death, of giving to the world 
 the full benefit of his researches in this depart- 
 ment. 
 
 Dr. Morse's first distinct historical publication 
 dates back to about the commencement of the 
 present century. By request of Thomas Dobson, 
 the Philadelphia publisher, he wrote the article. 
 New England, in the supplement of the Ameri- 
 can edition of the Encyclopedia Brittanica in 
 1801. The article attracted much attention 
 in literary circles, and a wish was expressed by 
 several prominent individuals that it might be 
 republished in a volume by itself. Accordingly, 
 with Mr. Dobson*s consent, and the editorial as- 
 sistance of the Rev. Elijah Parish, it was revised, 
 enlarged, divided into chapters, and issued from 
 the«pre8s early in the fall of 1804, in a duodecimo 
 volume of three hundred eighty-eight pages, with 
 
S24 
 
 HIS OTHER UkBOURS IN ArTHORSHIP. 
 
 the title, — " A Compendious Ilistory of New Eng- 
 land designed for Schools and Private Families. 
 By Jedidiah Morse, D. D., and Elijah Parish, 
 A. M." This work was very favourably received, 
 and reached its third edition in 1820. 
 
 In the fall of 1806 the Rev. Benjamin Trum- 
 bull, D. D., the Historian of Connecticut, made 
 overtures to Dr. Morse to continue and complete 
 the History of the United States, in the prepara- 
 tion of which he ( Dr. T .) had already engaged. 
 He was disposed to listen to the proposal, and, on 
 consulting his friend, John Adams, on the subject, 
 he received from him a letter containing valuable 
 historical information which concludes thus: 
 
 " I cannot pretend to any extraordinary knowledge of the 
 history of this country, or of what a General History of it ought 
 to contain ; nor is my letter written with sufficient care for 
 publication. But as this is equally true of every other thing 
 of mine that has been published, you are quite at liberty to 
 make whatever use of this you please. My life has passed in 
 too much hurry to allow me to keep any thing nine years or 
 nine minutes under correction. The task you have undertaken 
 is very arduous, but if any industry can accomplish it, you will 
 be more adequate to it than any other man I know. My house, 
 library, letters, written or received, shall be open to you, as 
 well as any papers I possess, whenever you please. You will 
 find them indeed rudis indigestaque moles, and enough to try 
 the patience of Job ; but whether they will, after all, be of 
 much use to you, I doubt." 
 
 Notwithstanding Dr. Morse was, from the first, 
 disposed to entertain Dr. Trumbull's proposal 
 favourably, so much time passed before he re- 
 sponded to it definitely, that his friend grew im- 
 
HIS OTHER LuMJOURS IN AUTHORSHIP. 225 
 
 patient, and began to think that he must put in 
 requisition the services of some other person. 
 At length, however, Dr. Morse gave a definite 
 answer in the .nffirmative. But the burden of 
 cares, which he found it impossible to throw off, 
 kept him from doing any thing towards the fulfil- 
 ment of his purpose for several years. In 1809 
 pubscription papers were issued for the publica- 
 tion of the first volume, which had already been 
 written by Dr. Trumbull. The manuscript was 
 submitted, through Dr. Morse, to Mr. Adams, 
 who, after carefully reading it, with eyes that 
 were scarcely able to perform their office, re- 
 turned it with the strongest expressions of appro- 
 bation. The next year (1810) the first volume 
 was published under Dr. Morse's auspices, and, 
 by Dr. TruinbuH's request, he retained the papers 
 relating to the remainder of the History, which 
 had been previously deposited with him. Several 
 other eminent men were requested to carry 
 forward the work, but none of them could be 
 induced to undertake it. 
 
 Here the matter rested several years longer. 
 In 1815, being partially relieved from other cares, 
 Dr. Morse yielded to the desire, still expressed, 
 that he would himself undertake to write the 
 History. Accordingly, he applied to several 
 eminent men, among whom were John Jay, Mr. 
 Wilberforce, and John Adams, for further mate- 
 rial in aid of his undertaking ; and from Mr. 
 AdamR he received several letters of great inte- 
 rest, which he was able to turn to good account. 
 
226 
 
 HIS OTBJBR LABOUB8 IS AUTHOBSHIP. 
 
 But the work for which those letters were soli- 
 cited, was again unavoidably postponed, though 
 the purpose to prepare and ultimately issue it, 
 was still firmly adhered to. After his removal 
 to New Haven, he compiled a History of the 
 American Revolution, which was published, of 
 which the letters of Mr. Adams, above referred 
 to, form a part. In the Preface he says, — *' The 
 Compiler of this work is pledged to complete the 
 history of the United States, begun by tbe late 
 venerable Dr.TrumbuU. He intends, should his 
 life and health be prolonged, to fulfil his engage- 
 ment in three or four volumes, in the course of as 
 many years.'* This was written on the 4th of 
 October, 1824, less than two 3'^ears before his 
 death. His purpose in respect to the continua- 
 tion of Trumbull's History he did not live to ac- 
 complish. 
 
 Besides the Geographical and Historical works 
 referred to in this chapter and the one immedi- 
 ately preceding, Dr. Morse published the follow- 
 ing, some of which have already been noticed 
 in connection with the events that called them 
 forth : 
 
 A Sermon at Charlestown on the Death of Richard 
 
 Cary, Esq... 1790 
 
 A Thanksjjivinjj Sermon at Charlestown 1795 
 
 A Sermon at Charlestown on the death of the 
 
 Hon. Thomiu^ Russell 1796 
 
 A Sermon at Charlestown on the Death of the 
 
 Hon. James Kussell 1798 
 
 A Sermon at Charlestown on the National Fast,, 1798 
 A Sermon at Concord before the Freemasons' 
 
 Lodge 1798 
 
mS OTHER LABOURS IN AUTHORSHIP. 227 
 
 A Thank.sjjivinji Sermon at Cliarlestown . _ 1798 
 
 A Sermon at Cliarlestown on the National F:ist.- 1799 
 
 An Address to the Students of Phillips Academy, 
 Andover 1799 
 
 A Sermon at Charlestown on the Death of AVash- 
 ington 1800 
 
 An Introductory Address at the Dedication of the 
 l^aptist Meeting-house, Charlestown 1801 
 
 A v^ormon at Boston before the Massachusetts 
 Humane Societ}" 1801 
 
 A Sermon at Boston before the Ancient and 
 
 Honourable Artillery Company 1803 
 
 A Sermon at Marblehead at the Ordination of 
 Ilezckiah May 1803 
 
 Tnie licasons on which the Election of a Ilollis 
 Professor of Divinity' in Harvard College was 
 Opposed at the Board of Overseers 1805 
 
 A Sermon at Charlestown on the Death of Mrs. 
 
 Mary Kussell 1806 
 
 A Sermon before the Managers of the Boston 
 Female Asylum _ 1807 
 
 A Sermon at Boston at the Ordination of Joshua 
 Huntington 1808 
 
 A Sermon at Boston on the Anniversary of the 
 Abolition of the Slave Trade 1808 
 
 A Sermon at Boston before the Society for Propa- 
 gating the Gospel among the Indians and others 
 in North America 1810 
 
 A Sermon at Boston l)eforc the Massachusetts 
 Convention of Con<jre*rational Ministers 1812 
 
 A Sermon at Charlestown on a day of Fasting 
 and Prayer in conseipiencc of a Declaration of 
 War with Great Britain 1812 
 
 An Appeal to the Public in respect to the Revolu- 
 tion in Han'ard College, and the events which 
 have followcd.it 1814 
 
 A Sermon before the Society for Foreign Mis- 
 sions in Boston and the vicinity 1815 
 
228 HIS OTHEB LABOUB8 IN AUTHOBSHIP. 
 
 A Sermon at West Brookfield at the Ordination 
 of Eliakim Phelps 1816 
 
 A Sermon at Springfield before the American 
 Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. . 1821 
 
 Report to the Secretary of War of the United 
 States on Indian Affairs, with a Tour among 
 the Indians in 1820 1822 
 
VI. 
 
 ilis Labours in Coxxectiox vrrm tiie Politics of 
 
 niS DAY AND OTHER KiNDRED SuiWECTS. 
 
 Dr. Morse, though a minister of the Gospel, and 
 deeply sensible of his obligations as a minister, 
 was not unmindful of the relations he sustained 
 as a citizen, and he thought it fitting that he 
 should recocnize those relations by correspond- 
 ing acts. Besides, a considerable portion of his 
 ministry fell into a period of high political excite- 
 ment, — when great questions involving the 
 nation's weal or woe were in the process of being 
 settled; and, as he regarded these questions as 
 having a vital bearing upon the religious interests 
 of the country, he could not conscientiously re- 
 main passive in respect to them. Accordingly, he 
 did not hesitate to avow his opinions openly and 
 boldly, though at the expense of incurring no 
 small degree of party odium. He was an earnest, 
 outspoken Federalist ; a staunch advocate for the 
 administrations of Washington and John Adams, 
 and in full sympathy with the views of Jay and 
 Hamilton. The first important political measure 
 mentioned in his correspondence, id the well 
 known Treaty with Great Britain, known as 
 Jay's Treaty, by which points of dispute, threaten- 
 ing war, were amicably adjusted. The Treaty, 
 
230 HIS LABOUB8 IN CONNECTION WITH POLITICS. 
 
 after being discussed and adopted by the Senate 
 in secret session, was rati Bed by the President, 
 and published as a law early in the summer of 
 1795. On the 12th of August, he writes to his 
 father thus concerning it: 
 
 " The Treaty which many — chiefly Jacobins — do not like, 
 has created much heat and fever among us, without any just 
 cause. It is, and I doubt not will some months hence be 
 acknowledged to be, a blessing to our country, especially as it 
 secures to us the continuance of Peace, which could not have 
 been preserved on other terms. The opposers of the Treaty 
 have behaved as men do when in a violent passion. Reason 
 and truth have had little to do in their proceedings, and the 
 thinking ones among them begin to be ashamed of their conduct. 
 Our dependence is on the stability and good sense of the yeo- 
 manry of the land, who, I am happy to learn from various 
 quarters, are disposed to confide in their rulers. In the sea- 
 ports there will alwa^'s be mobs at the beck of artful dema- 
 gogues." 
 
 Of this last remark a practical illustration was 
 furnished shortly after in connection with his 
 own experience. On a certain evening the effigy 
 of Mr. Jay was burnt by a tumultuous assemblage 
 on Charlestown Square ; and Dr. Morse happened, 
 at the time, to be at Judge Gorham's, before 
 whose door the tragic farce was enacted. Against 
 the better judgment of his friends, but in obedi- 
 ence to his own patriotic impulses, he went out 
 to remonstrate with the mob; but scarcely had 
 he made his appearance there, when a blow on 
 the head from a brickbat rendered it necessary 
 that he should be taken home. He was not, 
 however, seriously injured. One of his friends, 
 
HIS LABOURS IX CONTfECTION WITH POLITICS. 231 
 
 who called to ascertain the extent of the injury, 
 inquired if his brain was hurt; to which he 
 replied, — " No, if I had had any brains. I should 
 not have been there." 
 
 In January, 1798, he writes thus to Dr. Erskine 
 of Edinburgh : 
 
 " As the war is likely to be continued in Europe, I foar that, 
 notwithstanding the upright and strictly neutral conduct of our 
 Government towards the belligerent powers, we shall be forced 
 into it. The French treat us shamefully, and seem determined 
 cither to subject us to their influence and control, — which they 
 never can do, — or to plunge us into the war. They have a 
 busy, intriguing and unprincipled party among us, which, 
 though numerous, is, I hope, diminishing. They would sacri- 
 fice freedom, government, independence, all that is dear, to serve 
 France. Our Commissioners for Peace we have little expecta- 
 tion will succeed. Should they be sent home unsuccessful, I 
 see nothing but disgrace and war before us. The policy of 
 France, from our first connection with that insidious nation, is 
 now pretty fully understood among the enlightened and un- 
 prejudiced of our citizens, whom now I think it is impossible 
 for them to deceive. They can and will disquiet us through 
 the influence of their party in this country, but I trust they 
 will not be permitted to subvert our excellent Government. 
 The prejudices of the American people against Great Britain 
 are subsiding, and now is the time to do them away forever, 
 and to cement our national union by a just, upright and friendly 
 conduct." 
 
 On the 9th of May, 1798, he preached a Fast 
 Sermon, which was printed ; and, oh the 29th of 
 November following, a Thanksgiving Sermon, 
 wliich was also printed. To the latter there was 
 an elaborate Appendix, in illustration of some 
 parts of the Discourse, " exhibiting proofs of th,e 
 early existence, progress and deleterious efifects 
 
232 HIS IiABOUBS IS CONNECTION WITH POLITICS. 
 
 of French intrigue and influence in the United 
 States." The Discourse, including the Appen- 
 dix, was written with great ability and char- 
 acteristic fervour, and drew forth many testimo- 
 nies of high approbation from distinguished men, 
 of which tlie following are a specimen. 
 
 General Washington, in a letter dated Mount 
 Vernon, February 28, 1799, writes thus: 
 
 "The letter with which you were pleased to favour me, 
 dated the 1st instaut, accompanying your Thanksgiving Ser- 
 mon, came duly to hand. For the latter I pray you to accept 
 my thanks. I have read it and the Appendix with pleasure^ 
 and wish the latter at least could meet a more general circula- 
 tion than it probably will have ; as it contains important iufor- 
 mation as little known out of a small circle as the dissemina- 
 tion of it would be useful, if spread through the community." 
 
 The Hon. Dwight Foster, United States Sena- 
 tor from Massachusetts, writes thus from Phila- 
 delphia on the Gth of February : 
 
 " The valuable information the Discourse contains will be of 
 great service in the present situation of affairs in the United 
 States. Some gentlemen here are desirous to have it more 
 generally circulated. Members of Congress from the South 
 wish for copies to send to their constituents. A large number 
 could be disposed of immediately in Virginia and elsewhere, if 
 sent to this place." 
 
 The Hon. Robert Goodloe Harper, of Mary- 
 land, at that time the Federal leader in the House 
 of Representatives, says, in a letter dated the 
 14th of February: 
 
 . *' The Appendix contains much carious and important matter, 
 fully confirming the doctrines long contended for by the sup- 
 
mS LABOURS IN CONNECTION WITH POLITICS. 233 
 
 porters of the American Government, and highly worthy of 
 attention at all times, and especially at the present. Having 
 been requested to collect the most valuable tracts on American 
 affairs for the use of a gentleman high in office in England, — I 
 mean Sir William Scott, Judge of the Admiralty, I have taken 
 the liberty of adding yours to the number. I intend also to 
 prevail on our printers to republish it." 
 
 The Sermon j^ained a wide circulation. Though 
 thirteen hundred copies were originally printed, 
 a second edition was issued in the course of a few 
 months ; and, through the generous contrihution 
 of several gentlemen in Boston, a copy was sent 
 gratuitously to every clergyman in Massachu- 
 setts. Mr. John Lang, the well known editor 
 of the New York Gazette, pronounced the Dis- 
 course the best he had met w^ith on the subject 
 of our controversy with France, and expressed 
 tlie opinion that the information contained in the 
 notes w*as deserving of the widest circulation — 
 he requested, therefore, that he miglit be per- 
 mitted to republish the entire pamphlet in his 
 paper. To this Dr. Morse consented, and, accord- 
 ingly, the Sermon, with the Appendix, appeared 
 in six successive numbers. 
 
 But the political and religious bearings of the 
 question of French influence were so intertwined 
 that it was not easy to separate them ; and, on 
 both grounds, he resisted that influence with all 
 the energy of bis nature. In his printed Thanks- 
 giving Sermon of '95, he condemns the French 
 Revolution as at once the offspring of Infidelity 
 and the means of its growth. In January, 1797, 
 
234 HIS I.ABOURS IN OOXNECTIOX WrTH POLITICS. 
 
 Dr. Erskine, of Edinburgh, informed him of an 
 organized effort in Europe for the extirpation of 
 Christianity. He says : 
 
 " A Society was created first under the name of the ' Illu- 
 minati ; ' and, when they had been prohibited under that name, 
 they found means, under the name of the German Union, to 
 get control of the greater part of the literary journals, periodi- 
 cal publications, circulating libraries, and reading clubs, nay, 
 even of printers and booksellers through Germany, so as to 
 prevent, as much as possible, the sale and spread of pieces of 
 any ability, in which the doctrines of true Christianity were 
 defemled." lie adds,' — "Full accounts of these artifices have 
 been published in the last ten j-eurs of ' The latest Facts in 
 regard to Keligion,' — a work which, for nineteen years, has 
 been carried on by Kiiester, a worthy Professor at Giessen, 
 from which and other materials a learned gentleman here is 
 preparing an account of these manoeuvres." 
 
 Tlie work here referred to was by Professor 
 Robison of Edinburgh, and was entitled "Proofs 
 of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and 
 Governments of Europe," carried on in the secret 
 meetings of Freemasons, Illuminati, and Reading 
 Societies, collected from good authorities. It was 
 first published in Scotland in the fall of 1797, 
 and such was the interest which it awakened 
 that the whole of the first edition was sold within 
 a few da3'^s. It was sent immediately to this 
 country, and published almost simultaneously in 
 New York and Philadelphia. The work came 
 into Dr. Morse's hands first in April, 1798, and 
 he read it with great eagerness and interest. In 
 the Fast Sermon which he preached and pub- 
 lished in May following, he says: 
 
HIS L^UIOURS IN CONNECTION VrnH POLITICS. 235 
 
 " There are to6 many evidences that this order (of Illaminati) 
 has had its branches established in some form or other, and its 
 emissaries secretly at work in this country for several years- 
 past. From their private papers which have been discovered 
 and are now published, it appears that, as early as 178G, 
 they had several Societies in America. And it is well known 
 that some men, high in office, have expressed sentiments accor- 
 dant to the principles and views of this Society," 
 
 Some of the Society of Freemasons found 
 fault with his commendatory remarks upon the 
 book, but, on becoming satisfied that they were 
 not implicated in the charge of conspiracy, they 
 withdrew their censure as unfounded. The very 
 next month he preached before the Grand Lodge 
 of Massachusetts a Sermon which was printed 
 by their request; and hy afterwards received 
 from them more than one token of good-will. 
 . The book was denounced hf many as contain- 
 ing charges that had no foundation except in the 
 illiberal and enthusiastic brain that generated 
 them ; and those who accepted and recommended 
 it were stigmatized as the victims of cherished 
 prejudice or a pitiable credulity. Dr. Morse felt 
 that he ow^ed to himself and the public a vindi- 
 cation of his course in respect to the matter; 
 and, accordingly, in the summer of 1798, he 
 wrote and published in the Massachusetts Mer- 
 cury, a Boston newspaper, half a dozen articles, 
 in which he presented the case with great clear- 
 ness and fulness. In the fourth number he says : 
 
 " I have the best authority to support me in the assertion that 
 not a few of the most distinguished, respectable and worthy 
 men among us, in civil as well as ecclef>iastical life, have given 
 
236 ms LABOURS in c»xnectiox with politics. 
 
 credit and approbation to the book in question, in regard to 
 those parts of it, and for the purposes for which I have recom- 
 mended it. Among these Professor Tappan and President 
 Dwight have published their sentiments." 
 
 _ On the 25th of April, 1799, he preached 
 another Fast Sermon, which was also printed, in 
 which he dwells at length upon some of the ap- 
 palling features of the times. Particularly he 
 discourses at large upon the Secret Societies in 
 the United States, the number of which he had 
 ascertained to be fourteen; and in a Note he 
 copies the Constitution, their insignia, symbols, 
 ciphers, &c., marks their agency in promoting 
 political dissensions in the land, and charges that 
 among the miscliiefs plotted is the destruction of 
 the Clerg3^ The apprehensions which he felt 
 were shared by many eminent men, both in this 
 country and in Europe. 
 
 To the Rev. Dr. Nisbet, President of Dickinson 
 College, Carlisle, Pa., he writes under date of 
 April 4, 1800: 
 
 " I feel myself flattered, consoled and supported by your 
 approbation of my political creed, and by your opinion that it 
 is sufficiently established by my Appendices. These publica- 
 tions have subjected me to much abuse from the Jacobins, 
 which, however, does not make me uneasy, as I sufi*er in a good 
 cause aud in good company." 
 
 The following is an extract from a letter ad- 
 dressed to him by the Rev. Dr. Gordon, under 
 date of May 8, 1799 : ' . 
 
 " It is indeed an age of Revolutions in which our lot is cast. 
 My quietus is, Tlie Lord reignelh ; lei Ihe earth rejoice. I con- 
 
HIS LABOURS IN CX)NXECnON AnXH POLITICS. 237 
 
 sole myself with this, — that the several Powers and Governments 
 at war are permitted agents for the accomplishment of th6 
 Divine purpose. The several Powers of Europe, laid in the 
 balance, one against another, may be nearly equally corrupt, 
 though the individuals of one may exceed those of others. As 
 to the great body of the French, I consider them as an unprin- 
 cipled set of mortals, who think nothing about moral evil, or 9 
 who, if they do, think they may do evil, if good can come of it. 
 I have known my friend Gerry, from an early period of the 
 American struggle for liberty, and have a good opinion both of 
 his abilities and his integrity. I am glad to find that the public 
 opinion respecting him has changed considerably for the better. 
 I am also glad that the insidious designs of the French and 
 their party in your country are daily coming to light. I wish 
 the American Government wisdom to prevent internal disturb- 
 ances ; but a free discussion of public measures must be al- 
 lowed, or freedom will go into a rapid decline. As there are a 
 number of Societies of Illurainces in your country, I am glad 
 you have received indubitable proofs of their existence, and a 
 printed list of the names of the officers and members of them, 
 signed officially in the hand-writing of their Secretary. The 
 communication would seem to indicate a conviction that there 
 is nothing wrong among them, but docs not remove my suspi- 
 cion, especially as it is composed partly of Americans, but 
 chiefly of French emigrants, and some from five or six different 
 European nations." 
 
 Mr. Jay writes to him, under date of 30th of 
 January, 1799 : 
 
 " Infidelity has become a political engine, alarming both by 
 the force and the extent of its operations. It is doubtless per- 
 mitted to be used for wise ends, though we do not clearly 
 discern them. When those ends are accomplished, it will i)c 
 laid aside. Much ill use has been and will yet be made of 
 Secret Societies. I think with you that they should not be 
 encouraged, and that the most virtuous and innocent among 
 them would do well to concur in their suspension for the 
 present." 
 
238 HIS LABOUBS IS OONNECmON WITH POLITICS. 
 
 Three moDths later he writes thus : 
 
 " The facta which you have given to the public, relative 
 to the conduct of France in our Revolution, as well as your 
 strictures on the design and intrigues of the llluminees, have, 
 to a certain extent, been useful — they have made proper 
 impressions on many sedate and candid men, but I suspect they 
 ^ have detached very few of the disciplined adherents of the 
 party." 
 
 In July, 1799, Professor Ebeling wrote him a 
 letter condemning the " Proofs of Conspiracy — 
 a fact which President Dwight accounted for on 
 the ground that Ebeling's tendencies were far 
 from being in an evangelic.il direction. Some 
 ill-disposed person, who overheard him read this 
 letter, carried a report of it to Hartford, which 
 was printed in the American Mercury of the 26th 
 of September, as the substance of the letter itself, 
 with abusive representations of the lleverend 
 gentlemen to whom it was addressed. Dr. Morse 
 publicly pronounced the letter, as thus given, a 
 spurious one, and his assertion was supported by 
 the published certificate of Professors Tappan 
 and Pearson of Harvard College, to whom Pro- 
 fessor Ebeling's letter had been read, on its 
 reception, at the writer's request. 
 
 A fortnight later (9th of October) there ap- 
 peared in the (Worcester) Massachusetts Spy an 
 anonymous letter, with this introduction: "A 
 gentleman in this State, who has a literary cor- 
 respondent in Germany, has lately received from 
 him the following letter on the subject of Robi- 
 son's Book of Illuminati, &c. As that book has 
 
HIS LABOURS IN CONNECTION WIXH POLITICS. 239 
 
 been so much the subject of conversation, the 
 letter may be interesting to some of our readers.'* 
 As it seems to have been doubted bj some 
 whether Ebeling was really the author of this 
 letter, a copy of it was sent to him with the 
 inquiry whether he wrote it, and he promptly 
 acknowledged its authorship. 
 
 Early in 1801, a writer in the National Intel- 
 ligencer, assuming that this letter was the one 
 addressed to Dr. Morse, boldly charges him with 
 falsehood, appealing for proof to the above testi- 
 mony of Professor Ebeling. Meanwhile, the 
 person, to Avhom the authenticated letter was 
 addressed, remained unknown. The secret, how- 
 ever, was soon after revealed through the fol- 
 lowing correspondence : 
 
 "CiiARLESTOWX, 20 February, 1801. 
 "Reverend Sir: You will have observed that the long 
 letter (now ascertained to have been from Professor labeling) 
 which appeared in the Massachusetts Spy of the 9th of Octo- 
 ber, 1799, from the uncertainty in respect to the name of its 
 author, and of the person in this State to whom it was addressed, 
 has been publicly but erroneously asserted to be J'rnfrHsor 
 Ebeling^ H h Her to me. This rendered it necessary forme at the 
 time to make a public denial of it ; which, however, seems not 
 to have been universally credited. The consequence has been 
 a public formal charge of falsehood upon me, which has been 
 circulated extensively in several of our newspapers, and has 
 occasioned me and my friends a good deal of trouble. It would be 
 very easy for the person who received and who holds the original 
 of this letter, and who handed it to the printer, to satisfy the 
 public, and to put an end to this unpleasant business ; and I 
 clearly think it his duty to do it under present circumstances. 
 
 Now, Sir, it has been, within a few days, intimated to a 
 friend of mine, bj Mr. Benjamin Austin Jr., of Boston, that 
 
240 HIS LABOURS IN OONXECTIOX WITH POLITICS. 
 
 this much talked of letter was addressed to you by Professor 
 Ebeling. Where he obtained his information, and whether it 
 be correct or not, I am unable to say. As it is a matter in 
 which my character is implicated, I have to request you to 
 inform me, by return of mail, whether or not the letter afore- 
 said, published in the Massachusetts Spy of 9th of October, 
 1799, was in fact written to you by Professor Ebeling, and 
 whether or not you handed it to the printer, for publication. 
 Your speedy answer will much oblige 
 
 " Rev. Sir, your most obedient servauf, 
 
 "J. MORSE." 
 
 To this communication he received the follow- 
 ing answer : 
 
 "Salem, 21 February, 1801. 
 " Rev. Doctor : The letter from Professor Ebeling, as pub- 
 lished in the Massachusetts Spy of October, 1799, was addressed 
 to me, and printed at my request. 
 
 " AVILLIAM BENTLEY." 
 "To Rev. Jedidiah 3Iorse, D. D." 
 
 Thus was at lenj^th solved the mystery which 
 had haflled all efforts at explanation for sixteen 
 months. But meanwhile he had been subjected 
 to the offensive imputation of having printed in 
 the newspaper a letter hastily written by Pro- 
 fessor Ebeling, and by no means intended for 
 publication. He had also been compelled to vin- 
 dicate himself publicly against the charge of 
 falsehood. This he did in a series of five articles 
 in the Boston Independent Chronicle, commen- 
 cing 16th of February, 1801. It was a gratify- 
 ing circumstance that, during this unpleasant 
 controversy, his amicable relations with Professor 
 Ebeling remained unimpaired. 
 
niS LABOURS IN CONNECTION WITn POLITICS. 241 
 
 Dr. Morse preached a Sermon commemorative 
 of Washington on the 31st of December, 1799, 
 which, together with a Biographical sketch from 
 his pen and the Farewell Address of the Father 
 of his country, was printed, at the expense of 
 the town, in a pamphlet of a hundred and forty- 
 six pages, octavo. Each family in the town was 
 furnished with a copy. 
 
 About the beginning of the present century 
 Dr. Morse engaged actively in the establishment 
 of a new paper, in the Federal interest, in 
 Boston, — the New England PaHadium. Dr. 
 Dwight writes him, 7 November, 1800: 
 
 " Mr. Button will undertake the business (of Editor) on the 
 terms proposed. ♦ ♦ ♦ j have conversed with Lieutenant 
 Governor J. Smith, Messrs. Daggett, J. C. Smith, Goodrich 
 and Theodore Dwight, for the express purpose of contributing 
 as literary men. All will heartily unite in the design, and will 
 furnish their quota, so far as their business will permit. I have 
 conversed with many other gentlemen, all of whom think it of 
 high importance to our well-being, and will lend it their whole 
 countenance and support. I have applied to no person for aid 
 who has not promised it ; and Mr. Goodrich and my brother 
 told me that, without any doubt, their friends in Hartford will 
 aid the detsign by their contributions. Mr. Goodwin (Editor 
 of the Courant) told me, he and his partner will aid the sub- 
 scription heartily and republish from the paper with the utmost 
 pleasure." 
 
 Mr. Oliver Wolcott writes from Washington, 
 under date of 28th of November : 
 
 I will with pleasure contribute all in my power to the suc- 
 cess of the Palladium, and doubt not but the officers of Govern- 
 ment will make it the medium of their communications with 
 the people." 
 
 21 
 
242 HIS LABOUBS IN OONKECTION WITH FOUTICS. 
 
 In the printed proposals, the intention of the 
 paper is declared to be " to support the Govern- 
 ment, morals, religion and state of society in our 
 country in general, and particularly the institu- 
 tions and state of society in New England; to 
 defend these on the one hand, and on the other 
 to expose Jacobinism in every form, both of 
 principle and practice, both of philosophism and 
 of licentiousness." 
 
 To facilitate the enterprise, the editors of the 
 Mercury, a paper already existing, were induced 
 to merge their paper in the new one. The first 
 Number was issued on the 2d of January, 1801, 
 under the title, — " The Mercury and New Eng- 
 land Palladium.'* 
 
 In June, 3803, Dr. Morse preached the Annual 
 Sermon before the Ancient and Honourable Ar- 
 tillery Company in Boston, which was published. 
 It consists of a comprehensive and eloquent sketch 
 of New England History, including an account 
 of the origin, object and services of the Artillery 
 company, and followed by an earnest enforce- 
 ment of the obligations resting upon the descend- 
 ants of such worthy ancestors. In a letter to 
 the Rev. Dr. Lyman, written the day after the 
 Sermon was preached, he says : 
 
 " Yesterday I relieved myself of considerable anxiety. I 
 have endeavoured to discharge my duty. I leave the result. 
 When I tell you that I preached a discourse seventy-two min- 
 utes long, you will suppose that it must at lea^t have cost me 
 some labour to correct it. It is over and I am glad. Now for 
 the Ordination Sermon week after next " — (preached at the 
 
HIS LABOUKS IN CONNECTION WITH POLITICS. 243 
 
 Ordination of the Rev. Hezekiah May, and printed) — " then I 
 shall be worn down sufficiently for a journey." 
 
 Dr. Morse retained through life a deep interest 
 in every thing pertaining to the civil \vell being 
 of the country. The War with Great Britain of 
 1812—15 he regarded as unjustifiable and unneces- 
 sary, and did not hesitate to speak out his inind 
 in relation to it, both in private and in public. 
 He, however, never counselled extreme mea- 
 sures, and had no sympathy with any thing like 
 conspiracy or revolt. Indeed, his views of that 
 scene of national agitation and turmoil were in 
 substantial harmony with those of much the 
 larger portion of the Congregational clergy of 
 New England. From the foundation of the Go- 
 vernment his political proclivities were always 
 in the same direction. 
 
vn. 
 
 His Domestic and Social Relations. 
 
 Dr. Morse was eminently favoured in respect 
 to his parentage and early training. Both of his 
 parents were persons of more than ordinary in- 
 telligence, and of high moral and Christian 
 character, and the estimation in which his father 
 was held was suflficiently indicated by the vari- 
 ous posts of honour and responsibility assigned 
 to him by his fellow citizens. From his earli- 
 est childhood there seems to have existed, be- 
 tween the father and the son, an unusually affec- 
 tionate intimacy, marked by the most thought- 
 ful and loving care on the one side, and the most 
 reverent, confiding and obedient spirit on the 
 other. From the son's earliest intellectual de- 
 velopments, through the whole course of his 
 education, and a large part of his subsequent 
 protracted career of honourable usefulness, the 
 father and the son were constantly kept informed 
 of each other's circumstances, and were not only 
 sharers but helpers of one another's joy. It 
 may be doubted whether a domestic atmosphere 
 could be found, more favourable to the healthful 
 growth of both the mind and the heart, than 
 that in which Jedidiah Morse passed his earliest 
 
BIS IX>M£STIC AND SOCIAL RELATIONS. 245 
 
 years, and received the impulse that gave direc- 
 tion to his whole life. 
 
 In due time, this man, so highly favoured in 
 respect to early domestic influences, came to 
 have a family of his own. The lady to whom 
 he was married was connected with one of the 
 most honoured families of New Jersey, being 
 the granddaughter of the venerable President 
 Finley, of Princeton College. Her personal 
 qualities were every way worthy of her honour- 
 able descent. With a mind naturally quick and 
 versatile, and withal subjected to the best cul- 
 ture of the day, she united a most kindly and 
 genial spirit, and great simplicity and graceful- 
 ness of manners — all under the control of a liv- 
 ing and earnest piety. Her naturally calm and 
 considerate turn was a felicitous offset to the 
 more earnest and impulsive habit of her husband ^ 
 and no doubt this very diflerence of moral con- 
 stitution contributed to their mutual happiness 
 and usefulness. She presided over the affairs of 
 her household with great dignity and efficiency, 
 assuming, in no small degree, the labour and re- 
 sponsibility of providing for their daily wants. 
 She was a most watchful and vigorous coadjutor 
 with her husband in carrying out the great objects 
 of his ministry ; and she seemed to regard it as 
 her chief vocation to share his burdens, and by 
 a silent, unobtrusive, and yet energetic influ- 
 ence, to minister to his success. She was, in 
 the best sense, a help meet to him as long as he 
 lived — it was her privilege to watch around his 
 
246 
 
 HIS DOMESTIC AND SOCIAL RELATIONS. 
 
 death bed ; and long since have they been re- 
 united to trace the gracious dealings of God's 
 providence towards them while they were on 
 earth, and perhaps also to give thanks that their 
 united influence is still to be recognized in 
 moulding the characters of a second and even a 
 third generation. 
 
 Dr. Morse, in respect to his children, was at 
 once one of the most afflicted, and one of the 
 most favoured, of men. Of the eleven who were 
 born to him, only three, namely, Samuel Finley 
 Breese, Sidney Edwards and Richard Gary, sur- 
 vived the period of infancy ; but those three have 
 lived to fulfil his best expectations. They are 
 all graduates of Yale College, all, in different 
 ways, devoted to the best interests of their fellow 
 men ; and all, as occasion ofiers, ready to lay 
 their offerings of filial reverence and gratitude 
 upon their father's grave. It is scarcely neces- 
 sary to say that considerations of delicacy alone 
 prevent a more extended notice of them. 
 
 Dr. Morse's social relations, outside the circle 
 of his own kindred, that contributed largely to 
 give the complexion to his life, may be said to 
 have commenced with his admission to Yale 
 College — even before that ; for Abiel Holmes, 
 afterwards the Rev. Dr. Holmes of Cambridge, 
 who was, through life, one of his most steadfast 
 friends, was a play-mate of his boyhood. In the 
 catalogue of his class in College we find, beside 
 the name of Abiel Holmes, the names of Samuel 
 Austin, President of the University of Vermont, 
 
HIS DOMESTIC AKD SOCIAL KELATIOXS. 
 
 247 
 
 David Daggett, ChiefJusticc of Connecticut, John 
 Cotton Smith, Governor of Connecticut, Richard 
 Salter Storrs, a distinguished clergyman of Massa- 
 chusetts, and various others whom to have known 
 was to have esteemed and honoured. With the 
 President of the College, Dr. Stiles, with whom 
 he was brought in contact, first as a student, then 
 as a graduate, and afterwards as a minister of the 
 Gospel, he was on terms of much more than com- 
 mon friendship, and ultimately in habits of very 
 free and confidential intercourse. At a later 
 period, when he journeyed to the South, he made 
 the acquaintance of not a few of the most promi- 
 nent men on his route ; among whom were Dr. 
 Rodgers, of New York; Ebenezor Hazard, of Phila- 
 delphia; Dr. Ramsay and Charles Cotesworth 
 Pinckney, of Charleston ; and last and greatest, 
 the Father of his countrj' ; and with some of these 
 he continued in the most intimate relations as 
 long as he lived. His settlement in Charlcstown 
 threw him into a large circle of educated minds 
 and noble spirits, to which he became at once 
 allied by both his tastes and habits. In addition 
 to this, his geographical pursuits, and each of 
 the various forms of public enterprise or Christian 
 benevolence to which he was devoted, enlarged 
 the sphere not only of his observation but of his 
 acquaintance, .and in some instances brought him 
 into communion with other classes of minds than 
 those with which he had previously been familiar. 
 With the eminent Professors of all of our then 
 existing Theological Seminaries, and most of our 
 
248 
 
 HIS DOMESnO AND SOCIAL RELATIONS. 
 
 Colleges, especially with President Dwight, and 
 with nearly all the more distinguished Presby- 
 terian and Congregational clergymen throughout 
 the land, he was more or less acquainted, and 
 not a few of them were among his intimate friends. 
 So also his acquaintance included a large portion 
 of those who were most prominent in civil life ; 
 with many of whom he co-operated in sustaining 
 and earr^'ing forward objects of common interest. 
 And there were those who knew and honoured 
 him scattered all over the world — some of the 
 most illustrious British names, both in Church 
 and in State, were of the number — and there 
 remains a written record to show that in their 
 intercourse with him they recognized the pre- 
 sence of a master-spirit. His naturally genial 
 and earnest temperament drew him near to the 
 hearts of his friends, while his versatile and well 
 stored mind, and his facility at applying himself 
 successfully to any praise-worthy object, led 
 multitudes to seek the privilege and the honour 
 of his acquaintance. 
 
 It is not to be concealed that the attitude 
 which Dr. Morse felt himself called upon to 
 assume in regard to the prevailing religious 
 tendencies in the community in which he lived, 
 affected materially his relations, not only with a 
 considerable portion of the ministers, but with 
 private members of the Church, and many who 
 had no connection with it. There were many 
 things not only spoken but written that be- 
 tokened aversion, and even positive alienation ; 
 
raS DOMESTIC AND SCKIAL RELATIONS. 249 
 
 but this is easily accounted for by a reference to 
 the principles of human nature, and the para- 
 mount importance that attaches itself to men's 
 religious convictions. Most of the generation 
 which had to encounter him as an adversary to 
 their theological views have passed away; but 
 the graphic and beautiful letter of personal recol- 
 lections from Miss Lucy Osgood, w^hich will be 
 found farther on in this volume, may be accepted 
 as evidence that some at least who did not sym- 
 pathize with Dr. Morse's religious views, were 
 still ready to testify their veneration for his 
 character. 
 
VIII. 
 
 His Correspondence. 
 
 Perhaps nothing in connection with Dr. 
 Morse's eventful life was more remarkable than 
 his Correspondence. It covered a most inter- 
 esting period, both civil and religious, in the 
 history of our country ; ranging from the close 
 of the Revolution to the close of the first quar- 
 ter of the present century. During this time 
 various changes — some of them of momentous 
 bearing — had occurred in our political condi- 
 tion ; many difficult questions pertaining to the 
 public weal had been earnestly discussed and 
 finally settled ; and more than once had dark 
 clouds settled over the nation that seemed to 
 portend approaching ruin, though, through the 
 interposition of Divine Providence, the ruin 
 was always averted. Within the same time 
 had the Church been aroused to the prosecution 
 of her mission in evangelizing the Avorld — the 
 great missionary enterprise existed at first only 
 as a glorious conception, then it began to take 
 on a palpable and practical form ; and for years 
 before the subject of this Memoir had finished 
 his earthly course, it was moving forward with 
 a power and a grandeur, which constituted a 
 
mS OORRESPOXDEXCE. 
 
 251 
 
 certain pledge of its final triumph. As Dr. 
 Morse was prominently identified with all 
 these great objects and interests, so he was in 
 correspondence with nearly all those who had 
 most to do in sustaining and directing them. 
 There was scarcely a man of note, either in 
 Church or State, whose religious or political 
 sympathies were in harmony Avith his own, 
 with whom he did not have occasional commu- 
 nications, and, in many instances, they kept up 
 a constant and vigorous correspondence. 
 
 Of the many distinguished men whose names 
 are found on the list of his correspondents, a 
 few only can be mentioned. Among his cleri- 
 cal correspondents were Drs. Stiles and Dwight, 
 Presidents of Yale College ; Dr. McKecn, Presi- 
 dent of Bowdoin College ; Dr. Nott, President 
 of Union College ; Dr. Davis, President of Mid- 
 dlebury College ; Dr. Austin, President of the 
 University of Vermont ; Drs. Smith and Green, 
 Presidents of the College of New Jersey ; Dr. 
 Nisbet, President of Dickinson (Jollege; Drs. 
 Pearson, Griffin, Woods and Rev. Moses Stuart, 
 Professors in the Andover Theological Semin- 
 ary ; Drs. Miller and Alexander, Professors in 
 the Princeton Theological Seminary ; Dr. Hem- 
 mcnway, of Wells, Me. ; Dr. Buckminster, of 
 Portsmouth, N. H. ; Drs. Belknap, Thacher and 
 Stillman, of Boston ; Dr. Osgood, of Medford ; 
 Dr. Spring, of Newburyport; Dr. Parish, of 
 Byfield; Dr. Emmons, of Franklin; Dr. 
 Cutler, of Hamilton; Dr. Lathrop, of West 
 
252 
 
 HIS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 Springfield ; Dr. Worcester, of Salem, Mass. ; 
 Dr. Trumbull, of North Haven, and Dr. Backus, 
 of Somers, Conn. ; Drs. Rodgers, Livingston, 
 Mason, Abeel, Romeyn, Linn and McKnight, 
 of the city of New York ; Dr. McWhorter, of 
 Newark, N. J.; Dr. Hall, of Iredell County, N. 
 C. ; Drs. Keith, Flinn and Hollingshead, of 
 Charleston, S. C. ; Dr. Kollock, of Savannah, 
 Ga. ; and Dr. Blackburn, whose residence was 
 chiefly in Tennessee. Among those of his cor- 
 respondents, who had an honoured name in 
 other departments of public usefulness, were 
 the first four Presidents of the United States ; 
 Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of 
 Independence; Alexander Hamilton; Fisher 
 Ames ; Elias Boudinot, President of the old 
 Congress ; Oliver Wolcott and Samuel Dexter, 
 Secretaries of the Treasury; Timothy Pick- 
 ering, Secretary of AVar ; Robert Goodloe 
 Harper, Samuel L. Mitchell, M. D., and Na- 
 thaniel Macon, Members of the United States 
 Senate ; William Plumer, Governor of New 
 Hampshire ; Samuel Phillips, Lt. Governor of 
 Massachusetts ; John Cotton Smith and John 
 Treadwell, Governors of Connecticut ; James 
 Kent, Chancellor of New York, and H. AV. 
 Desaussure, Chancellor of South Carolina ; 
 Richard Cranch, Francis Dana, Dwight Fos- 
 ter, John Lowell and Isaac Parker, Judges 
 in Massachusetts; Josiah Quincy, distinguished 
 Statesman and President of Harvard College ; 
 David Ramsay, the Historian; Nicholas Pike, 
 
HIS OORRESrOXDENCE. 
 
 253 
 
 the Mathematician ; Noah Webster, the Lexi- 
 cographer ; John Trumbull, the Poet; and 
 John C. Calhoun, South Carolina's most cher- 
 ished son. Among his distinguished corres- 
 pondents abroad were Professor Ebcling, the 
 celebrated Geographer of Hamburg ; Dr. John 
 Erskine and Professor Robinson (author of 
 the celebrated work entitled ** Proofs of a 
 Conspiracy," &c.), of Edinburgh ; Dr. Ward- 
 law, of Glasgow ; Drs. Priestley, Price, Rippon, 
 Lettsora (M. D.), of London ; William Cobbett, 
 the celebrated Zachary Macaulay, and the yet 
 more celebrated William Wilberforce. With 
 some of them his correspondence was only 
 casual and occasional ; while, with not a small 
 portion of them, it was continued, without 
 interruption, through many successive years. 
 
 In looking over this vast collection of let- 
 ters, the first impression that one receives is 
 of the wonderful industry and activity of the 
 person to whom they were addressed. Each 
 of these letters, as a general rule, was either 
 an answer to one that he had previously writ- 
 ten, or else it drew an answer from him; and 
 hence the whole mass becomes a legitimate 
 measure of what he himself accomplished in 
 this department of labour. But not only must 
 there have been a vast expenditure of time and 
 effort in maintaining such a correspondence, 
 but the correspondence itself was only an 
 auxiliary to the accomplishment of higher 
 ends — it was one of the means by which his 
 22 
 
254 
 
 HIS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 own wakeful and energetic spirit was penetrat- 
 ing into the various departments of human 
 activity, and making itself felt in the most 
 practical and honourable results. No one can 
 examine this huge mass of letters, and trace 
 the multitudinous and varied paths through 
 which they lead, without a feeling of wonder 
 that any one man could have accomplished the 
 amount of labour that is here indicated. 
 
 Another reflection which the reading of these 
 letters suggests is, that the person who received 
 and ansAvered them must have been liberally 
 endowed with both the power and the spirit of 
 accommodation. They relate to nearly every 
 subject of importance that occupied the public 
 mind during the whole of Dr. Morse's active 
 life ; and one marvels at the graceful facility 
 with which he^ passes from one subject to 
 another, as if it were impossible for his 
 thoughts to pause at any point where they 
 were not entirely at home. A large part of 
 the letters he received, related to subjects that 
 he deemed important, and in relation to which 
 he considered it a privilege to co-operate with 
 the writers ; but he was also well-nigh flooded 
 with communications designed to subserve mere 
 personal ends on the part of those from whom 
 they came, and many of which it might have 
 seemed natural enough that he should pass in 
 silence. This, however, he was not accustomed 
 to do — every letter that was decent and respect- 
 ful in its tone, however troublesome might be 
 
mS CORRESrOXDEXCE. 
 
 255 
 
 the request it contained, was sure to be promptly 
 and kindly answered. This was the more 
 remarkable in view of the constant claims that 
 were made upon his time by objects of acknowl- 
 edged public importance. 
 
 And Avhile Dr. Morse's almost world-wide 
 correspondence served to develop and keep in 
 exercise some of his more striking proclivities, 
 it cannot be doubted that it re-acted, as a benign 
 influence, in improving and elevating his char- 
 acter. It is proverbial that we naturally become 
 conformed to the characters of those with whom 
 we are brought most in contact — the quality of 
 the intellectual and moral atmosphere that we 
 breathe, makes itself felt, either for good or 
 evil, in our inmost mind and heart. Dr. Morse's 
 correspondence kept him in constant inter- 
 course with many of the purest and most 
 exalted characters of the age ; and it would 
 have been strange indeed if the effect had not 
 been to render his own virtues more conspicu- 
 ous. Such undoubtedly was the effect ; and 
 there is equal reason to believe that a corre- 
 sponding influence was exerted by himself upon 
 other minds, in elevating them to a higher tone 
 of thought and feeling and action. 
 
 While there is so much in this correspond- 
 ence to gratify curiosity, and especially to aid 
 in the settlement of many questions of histori- 
 cal interest, one can hardly look through it at 
 this day without the sad consciousness of walk- 
 ing among the dead. With very few excep- 
 
256 
 
 HIS OORRE8FONDENGE. 
 
 tions, all the hands by which this vast collec- 
 tion of letters were written, have turned into 
 clods ; and those that remain are, generally, at 
 best, specimens of Avaning vigour and power. It 
 is a delightful reflection, however, that, while 
 this correspondence represents a vast throng 
 who have passed on to mingle in the scenes 
 beyond the vail, not a small portion of them 
 have been gathered to the final inheritance of 
 the saints. Precious indeed is the thought that 
 he and they who were so long fellow-labour- 
 ers on earth, sharing one another's confidence 
 and rejoicing in one another's success, should 
 now form part of the same glorified community, 
 and walk in the light of the same throne, and 
 prosecute their researches together into the 
 works and ways of God. 
 
IX. 
 
 SuMilARY OF HIS CHARACTER. 
 
 Dr. Morse was far from having a vigorous 
 physical constitution — indeed it was the absence 
 of this that seems to have first suofjirested to his 
 parents the idea of giving him a liberal educa- 
 tion. He was struggling with bodily infirmities, 
 more or less, during the greater part of his life, 
 and the marvel is that, under such disadvantage, 
 he was able to perform such vast and varied 
 labour. lie was of a somewhat slender form, 
 of about the medium height, with a bright 
 piercing eye, and a general expression of coun- 
 tenance, indicating at once a vigorous intellect 
 and quick sensibilities. While his manners 
 were gentlemanly and cultivated, there was an 
 earnestness in his movements that seemed to 
 say that he understood well the value of life, 
 and that, like his Divine Master, he must be 
 *' always about his Father's business." 
 
 His intellectual character was marked by 
 uncommon quickness and clearness of percep- 
 tion, by a retentive memory, a correct and del- 
 icate taste, and a habit of wide and close obser- 
 vation. Though he made no claim to any 
 remarkable acquirements in any other depart- 
 
258 
 
 8UM1IABY OF HIS CHARACTER. 
 
 ment than that of Geography, yet with liis 
 uncommonly active mind, in connection with 
 his untiring industry, he accumulated aa 
 amount of general knowledge of which very 
 few minds have ever been the depositories. 
 It was not easy to introduce a subject, within 
 the ordinary range of a cultivated intellect, 
 upon which he was not able to converse intel- 
 ligently, as well as to suggest thoughts in 
 which was found rich material for subsequent 
 reflection. 
 
 No ■ feature of his mind was perhaps more 
 remarkable than its versatility — his wonder- 
 ful power of bringing his faculties into exer- 
 cise with equal ease and to equal purpose, in 
 any or all of the various fields which invited 
 his eflforts. Whether labouring for the spirit- 
 ual interests of his flock in the Pulpit, or in 
 the Lecture room, or in the Family ; whether 
 framing a Geography or a History, or establish- 
 ing and conducting a Periodical ; whether origi- 
 nating and sustaining Societies in aid of Evan- 
 gelical Truth or Christian Benevolence, or 
 defending the cherished principles of his faith 
 against the objections of those who questioned 
 or denied them; whether exchanging thoughts, 
 either in conversation or by letter, with the 
 Tather of his country, or labouring to enlighten 
 the poor negroes of Georgia or of Boston, — in 
 all these various circumstances he seemed 
 equally at home, and whatever he undertook, 
 Lis heart entered into it with all the energy 
 
SUTkniARY OF HIS CnARACTER. 
 
 259 
 
 of a ruling passion. And with this remarkable 
 versatility there was united an indomitable 
 perseverance, that looked at obstacles only as 
 things to be met and overcome ; and it was a 
 rare case indeed that he failed ultimately of 
 accomplishing his object. Indeed, it cannot be 
 denied that some of his best friends regarded 
 his tenacity of purpose as having been occa- 
 sionally excessive ; and though they felt assured 
 that his movements were always dictated by a 
 conscientious regard to right, yet they were 
 also satisfied that he might have sometimes 
 paused, advantageously to himself and to the 
 cause he was endeavouring to sustain. 
 
 Dr. Morse's general love of improvement, 
 combined with his highly adventurous spirit, 
 led him often to traverse ground that Avould 
 have possessed no attractions to ordinary minds. 
 It may be mentioned, as an instance of this, 
 that, upon the first discovery of Vaccination, 
 while the community in which he lived almost 
 universally looked upon it with distrust and 
 aversion, he at once manifested his confidence 
 in it by introducing it into his own family ; and 
 his example soon came to be extensively fol- 
 lowed in the vicinity, and, at no distant period, 
 the country at large gave its assent to the genu- 
 ineness of the discovery. 
 
 Dr. Morse was, in many respects, in advance 
 of the period in which he lived. It was during 
 his ministry, as I have already had occasion to 
 state, that the Church, on both sides of the 
 
2G0 
 
 SUMMARY OP mS dlABACTBB. 
 
 ocean, awoke from a protracted slumber, to a 
 sense of her obligation to send the Gospel 
 through the world ; and contemporaneous with 
 this was an incipient reform in almost every 
 department of human life and action. Dr. 
 Morse was not only ready to lend a helping 
 hand in every benevolent movement, but, in 
 some of the most prominent enterprises of the 
 day, he was actually a pioneer. While he was 
 far from any tendency to extravagance or eccen- 
 tricity, and rarely, if ever, projected a plan 
 of reform that did not ultimately approve 
 itself to the mature judgment of the wise and 
 benevolent, he was not afraid to penetrate into 
 regions of benevolence that had not before been 
 explored; nor did he hesitate to take counsel 
 of, or co-operate with, those with whose opin- 
 ions on other subjects his own were far from 
 being in harmony. There was scarcely an im- 
 portant object of benevolence in his day, with 
 which he was not connected, either as an origi- 
 nator or a vigorous promoter; and not only 
 was he ready to respond to every claim that 
 was made upon him either for thought or 
 action, but his inquisitive and far reaching 
 mind was perpetually on the alert for devising 
 new plans, and wakening into exercise new 
 energies, to meliorate the condition, im- 
 prove the character, and exalt the destiny, 
 of man. 
 
 Without attempting to decide whether Dr. 
 Morse's multiplied engagements, outside the 
 
SUMMARY OF HIS CIIAllACTER. 
 
 2G1 
 
 immediate range of his profession, detracted 
 at all from his power and success as a preacher, 
 it may safely be said that he took rank among 
 the excellent preachers of the day. He was 
 as far as possible from what would be called, 
 in modern phrase, " a sensation preacher.'* 
 His sermons, which were all carefully written, 
 were unusually clear and logical in their con- 
 struction, and graceful in their style, and some 
 of them contained passages of rare beauty. 
 Their general tone was highly evangelical, 
 though few of them seem to have taken on a 
 controversial form — much fewer than might 
 have been expected, considering the peculiar 
 circumstances in which he was placed. In 
 looking over his manuscript discourses, I have 
 been struck with the fact that, though they are 
 not generally of an argumentative cast, in the 
 sense of being elaborate or profound^ yet they 
 are marked by a comprehensiveness and com- 
 pleteness, which could not fail to give them 
 favour with the more thoughtful class of hear- 
 ers, and, at the same time, by a beautiful sim- 
 plicity, that brought them within the range of 
 the commonest intellect. His manner in the 
 pulpit was calm and unstudied j his voice dis- 
 tinguished for its silvery and melodious tones, 
 his countenance expressive of vigorous thought, 
 as well as great sincerity and earnestness, and 
 his whole appejirance such as became an ac- 
 credited ambassador for Christ. It was my 
 privilege to hear him preach only twice; 
 
262 
 
 SUMMARY OP raS CHARACTER. 
 
 but in one of these cases particularly, both the 
 discourse and the manner of delivery left upon 
 my mind an impression, that the lapse of more 
 than half a century has not been sufficient to 
 efface. 
 
 It was natural enough, considering the great 
 number and variety of objects to Avhich Dr. 
 Morse's attention was drawn, that some should 
 have charged him with being neglectful of the 
 immediate duties pertaining to the sacred office. 
 But, as far as the record of his ministry has 
 come under my eye, I find nothing that fairly 
 sustains such a charge. The spiritual interests 
 of his people seem always to have been upon 
 his heart ; and while he was labouring for other 
 objects, this was evidently, in his estimation, 
 paramount to all others. Many a minister who 
 has not approached Dr. Morse either in the 
 number of sermons he has written and preached, 
 or in the amount of private pastoral duty that 
 he has performed, has never been suspected of 
 any delinquency — the Doctor's only fault in 
 the matter seems to have been, that what were 
 hours of leisure to others were hours of work 
 to him ; and that by a strict economy of his 
 time, he was able to superadd to at least the 
 ordinary amount of professional labour, a degree 
 of vigorous and successful effort in other fields 
 of usefulness, which exceeded that of almost 
 any of his contemporaries. 
 
 Dr. Morse, notwithstanding his controversial 
 habits, growing out of his peculiar relations 
 
SUM3IARY OF HIS CHARACTER. 
 
 263 
 
 and circumstances, possessed a naturally amia- 
 ble and kindly disposition. Hence his inti- 
 mate friends were drawn to him by cords of 
 the strongest affection. In his house was prac- 
 tised the broadest and most generous hospi- 
 tality. Letters almost innumerable still exist 
 from persons — many of them men of emi- 
 nence — who, after having sojourned with him, — 
 some of them perhaps for weeks, — have thus 
 sent back their grateful acknowledgments for 
 the favours he had conferred upon them. This 
 largeness of heart prevented his ever becoming 
 rich, as he might otherwise have done, and left 
 him in his last years with a bare competence. 
 
 In nothing pertaining to pastoral duty was 
 Dr. Morse more distinguished than his con- 
 siderate, tender, appropriate treatment of per- 
 sons in affliction. He seemed able always to 
 command the best thoughts, and to communi- 
 cate them in the most sympathetic and conso- 
 latory manner, while he took care to blend 
 with words of comfort, words of counsel, or, as 
 the case might be, of admonition. There are 
 those still living, who have treasured among 
 their most cherished remembrances the kindly 
 and delicate manner in which he has conveyed 
 to them the tidings of some domestic bereave- 
 ment or other form of calamity ; and they can 
 scarcely speak of him now without invoking 
 blessings upon his memory, as having been at 
 once their comforter and guide in the hour of 
 their sorrow. 
 
264 
 
 SUMMABT OF HIS CnARACTER. 
 
 But that which more than anything else gave 
 complexion to Dr. Morse's character and life, 
 was an earnest piety, discovering itself espe- 
 cially in a conscientious adherence to his own 
 convictions of duty, and a devout and reve- 
 rent acknowledgment of the Divine Provi- 
 dence. Not only in his correspondence but in 
 the record of the more private movements of 
 his mind and heart, is to be found the evidence 
 . that, sometimes, when he was bearing heavy 
 reproach for acts which some charged to un- 
 worthy motives, he was not only obeying the 
 honest dictates of conscience, but was doing 
 it at the expense of no small degree of self- 
 denial. Amidst all his diverse and manifold 
 engagements, the great matter of personal 
 Christian culture was never overlooked — on 
 the contrary, his varied experiences seem to 
 have been rendered tributary to this important 
 end ; and hence the work of his last hour was 
 a mere calm, trustful, cheerful exchange of 
 earth for Heaven. 
 
 The monument over his grave in the New 
 Haven burying-ground is of Rhode Island 
 white granite, and is twenty feet high. It 
 consists of a column surmounted with a globe, 
 and resting on a square base, on the four sides 
 of which are the following inscriptions : 
 
MONUMENT TO DR. MORSE, IN CEMETERY, NEW HAVEN, CONN. 
 
 Face p. a6s 
 
SUMMARY OF HIS CHARACTER. 
 
 In Memory of 
 
 JEDIDIAII MORSE, 
 
 THE FATHER OF AMERICAN GEOGRAPHY; 
 Bom in Woodstock, Wlndliam Co., Conn., Aag. 23, 1761 ; 
 Died In New Haven, June 9, 1826; 
 
 IK THB JOT OF A TRIOUPIIANT FAITH 
 IN CUBIST. 
 
 A GRADUATE OF YALE COLLEGE in 1783; 
 
 AUTHOR OF THE FIRST GEOGRAPHY PRINTED 
 
 IN AMERICA in 1781; 
 
 HONORED BY THE UXIV. OF EDINBURGH (SCOT.) 
 "WITH THE DEGREE OF S. T. D. in 1791; 
 
 PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN 
 CHARLESTOWN, MASS., 
 from 1789 to 1820; 
 
 tJ. 8. COMMISSIONER TO THE INDIAN TRIBES, 
 Crom 1820 to 1822. 
 
 THE ORIGINATOR 
 AND EFFICIENT PROMOTER OF 
 GREAT AND WISE PLANS FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD. 
 
 THE BOLD AND FIRM DEFENDER OF 
 EVANGELICAL TRUTH. 
 
 In Memory of 
 EI.IZ4BETII AN]V nORSE, 
 
 WIFE OF JEDIDIAH MORSE, 
 daagtater of Samael Breese, and grand-daaghter of 
 Bamoel Finley, President of the College of New Jenejr* 
 
 Born in New Yorlc city, Sept. 29th, 1766; 
 Died in New Haven, May 28, 1828. 
 
 KXnmT POR AI.I. THB VIRTtTES THAT ADORIT THB 
 CHRIOTIAK WTFB AITD XOTHBR. 
 
 This Monument 
 TO THE BEST OF FATHERS AND OF MOTHERS, 
 
 IS BRBCTED BT THEIR SONS. 
 
 23 
 
X. 
 
 LETTERS OF AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRAKCE 
 ■ From the Sons of Dr. Morse. 
 * From Samuel F. B. Morse. 
 
 POUGHKEEPSIE, NeW YoRK, 
 
 May 24th, 1856. 
 
 Wm. B. Spraque, DD. 
 
 My dear Sir: — ^At your request, I give you 
 very hastily some personal reminiscences of my 
 venerated father. I say " hastily," for I am called 
 upon for them quite unexpectedly, and on the eve 
 of my departure for Europe. 
 
 The most prominent trait of my father's char- 
 acter, and that which is indelibly inscribed on 
 my memory, is his charity, — charity in the New 
 Testament sense the great master principle of 
 Christianity. As the fruit and evidence of this 
 may be mentioned his untiring invention of 
 enlarged plans for benefiting his fellow-men. 
 
 * This letter was originally written to accumpany the biographical 
 sketch of Dr. Morse in the '* Annals of the American Palpit " (voL II., 
 page 255). It is reprinted here by special permission 
 
LETTERS OF AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE. 267 
 
 His mind was ever on the alert to seize every 
 means, and press them into the service of good 
 to all mankind. In no other man, whom I liave 
 known, was the "love of Christ" so evidently 
 the great controlling and constraining motive in 
 all beneficent planning. In no other one have 
 I known this love to be in such constant exercise. 
 
 It was shown towards mankind at large, in his 
 nursing of the infant Tract Society, when, in 
 its earliest existence, it was embodied in himself 
 as the selector, the publisher, and chief distrib- 
 utor of religious tracts, and when the first tract 
 depository in the United States was a small room 
 partitioned off from his stable. It was shown 
 towards the African race, when he planned with 
 the well known and intelligent colored sea cap- 
 tain, Paul Cuffee, the first colonization scheme 
 for the Christianizatibn of Africa with emanci- 
 pated Christian blacks. It was shown in his 
 zealous cooperation with the first planners of the 
 American Bible Society, to give a permanent 
 location and organization to that noble institu- 
 tion. It was shown in his prominence as a 
 founder of the Theological Seminary of Andover 
 and in his labours with other kindred minds in 
 the planning and organizing of the American 
 Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, 
 and in his personal efforts as one of the Pruden- 
 tial Committee, with Worcester and Evarts, in 
 managing its concerns. And it was shown in the 
 last days of his life, when his ruling passion 
 
268 LETTE&S OP AFFECTIONATE KEMEMBRANOE. 
 
 exerted itself in labours to benefit the American 
 Indians. 
 
 Nor was his benevolence limited to these 
 larger fields for its exercise. Hospitality was 
 the sign of my father's house, not for the wealthy 
 and distinguished alone, but for the poor and 
 unpretending. Talleyrand, when an exile, was 
 cordially entertained at his table, but not more 
 so than some of his poorer and more unpolished 
 clerical brethren. 
 
 His property, earned by his geographical and 
 other literary labors, was liberally dispensed to 
 the foreign exile, as well as to the needy native. 
 I remember well the tears of gratitude of a 
 Frenchman to whom my father had given a small 
 supply of funds and letters to some of his friends 
 which procured for the foreigner an honorable 
 and lucrative position as a teacher in the interior 
 of the state. He came into my father's study to 
 express his thanks. My father had said to him, 
 " I can give you but little money, but I hope my 
 letters will be of service." On receiving his 
 thanks and being made acquainted with his suc- 
 cess, my father replied : " I could give you but 
 little money." " Yes," said the exile, " but it 
 was given so heartily, with so much good will. 
 It was enough. I read your heart. I wanted 
 sympathy more than money, but you gave both." 
 
 This, in a few words, my dear Sir, was my 
 father. With sincere respect. 
 
 Your friend and servant, 
 
 SAMUEL F. B. MORSE. 
 
LETTERS OF AFFECTIONATE EEMEMBEANCE. 269 
 
 From Sidney E. Morse. 
 
 New York, November, 18G7. 
 
 VVm. B. Sprague, D.D. 
 
 Dear Sir; — You ask me for a letter of reminis- 
 cences of my venerated father, for your Biogra- 
 \A\y of him soon to be published. In reply allow 
 me to say that I had occasion some time ago, 
 in answer to an invitation to the celebration of 
 the fiftieth anniversary of the First Sabbath 
 School Society in Massachusetts founded by my 
 father, in 1816, to write a letter in which I give 
 an epitomized narrative of what was most memo- 
 rable in his life, touching very lightly on those 
 principal topics which you have treated so fully 
 and satisfactorily, and dwelling with detail on 
 other matters which belong as properly, perhaps, 
 to the letter of reminiscences you now ask for as to 
 the jubilee* occasion for which they were origin- 
 ally intended. A part of the narrative that follows 
 is therefore derived from that source. 
 
 • The first Sabbatii School society in Massachusetts was fonncd 
 in October, 1810, by Dr. Morse and inemlH.'rs of his Church, in 
 Charlostown. His eldest son, Samuel F. B. Morse, his sucond son, 
 Sidney E. Morse, and the Rev. Dr. John Todd, of Pittsfield, Mass., 
 were three of the first teachers of the first scliool established by this 
 Society; and Mr. S. F. B. Morse was also the first superinli-ndent 
 of the school. These three surviving teachers were invited to nt.tend 
 and take part in the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of tho 
 school and the Society. The meeting for the celebration was lield 
 in the church of the First Parish in Charlcstown, on tho 14th of 
 October, 1866. Dr. Todd and Mr. Si«lney E. Morse were present. 
 Professor Morso was absent at the time with his family in Europe. 
 
270 LETTESS OF AFFECTIONATE KEMEMBBANCB. 
 
 I remember well the circumstances in which 
 the First Sabbath School Society in Massachu- 
 setts was originated in Charlestown. The merit 
 of originating it belongs pre-eminently to the late 
 Rev.Ward Stafford, of New York. Sixty years ago, 
 Ward Stafford was a poor farmer's boy in New 
 Hampshire. Becoming hopefully pious, he was 
 placed at Phillips Academy, in Audover, to be 
 trained to the duties of a country schoolmaster. 
 My younger brother, Richard, was at that time at 
 the Andover Academy, preparing for admission 
 to Yale College. Rooming with Stafford, highly 
 appreciating his talents and Christian spirit, and 
 earnestly desiring to extend his power of useful- 
 ness, my brother presented Stafford's case to my 
 father, who at once obtained the subscription of 
 the late Josiah Salisbury, deacon in the Old 
 South Church in Boston, for four hundred dol- 
 lars, and of other wealthy friends for three hun- 
 dred dollars more ; and with this money Mr. 
 Stafford was educated at Yale College, Avhere he 
 was graduated in 1812 with the second honor in 
 his class, delivering the salutatory oration on 
 that occasion, although among his competitors 
 for that honor were such men as the Hon. George 
 Bliss, of Springfield, and the late Hon. John 
 Davis, of Worcester, whose talents the people of 
 Massachusetts have appreciated by bestowing 
 upon them the highest offices in their gift. 
 
 After leaving New Haven, Mr. Stafford went 
 to New York, and became a devoted missionary 
 to the poor of that city, on a plan originated by 
 
LETTEES OF AFFECTIONATE KEMESIBKANXE. 271 
 
 himself, and set forth in a small work, entitled 
 "A New Missionary Field," a work which 
 DeWitt Clinton, the great statesman of New 
 York, pronounced " a masterly performance," and 
 which prepared the way for the City Missions, 
 now so generally established in this country and 
 in Europe. 
 
 The class of poor with which Mr. Stafford 
 specially occupied himself were the seamen of 
 the port ; and, in his labors for them, he founded 
 the institutions which ripened into the American 
 Seamen's Friend Society, whose influence for 
 good is now felt throughout the world. 
 
 Mr. Stafford engaged also enthusiastically in 
 the establishment of Sabbath schools in New 
 York. In the autumn of 181G, he made a visit 
 of several weeks to my father in Cliarlostown, 
 and enlisted him in the Sabbath school enter- 
 prise. At that time good people in Massachu 
 setts regarded Sabbath schools as fitted only for 
 the children of the poor, in such cities as Lon- 
 don and New York, where ignorant and vicious 
 parents neglected the religious education of their 
 offspring, and where no adequate provision was 
 made for secular instruction during the week. 
 In Massachusetts, where ample provision was 
 made by law for teaching every child to read 
 and write on week-days, and where parents were 
 presumed to devote a part of every Sabbath to 
 the religious instruction of their children. Sab- 
 bath schools, it was thought, would be entirely 
 out of place. Some of the best men that I saw 
 
272 LETTERS OP AFFECTIONATE BEKEMBSAKGB. 
 
 at my father's at that time maintained that it 
 would be actually a profanation of the Sabbath 
 to open a school on the Lord*8 Day, as it would 
 be doing work on that holy day which the fourth 
 commandment requires to be done on the other 
 days of the week. 
 
 On Mr. Stafford's arrival the whole subject 
 was discussed in the parlor of the parsonage by 
 Mr. S., Jeremiah Evarts, Dr. Worcester and my 
 father. I remember that even Mr. Evarts and Dr. 
 W., in the beginning, expressed the opinion that 
 Sabbath schools were not fitted for New Eng- 
 land. My father, however, was convinced by 
 Mr. S.*s representations, and having examined 
 - the matter carefully acted with his usual perspi- 
 cacity and promptness and became the founder of 
 the First Sabbath School Society in Massachu- 
 setts. 
 
 Near the close of last century, Dr. Jenner, in 
 England, made his celebrated discovery of Vac- 
 cination as a preventive of small pox. At first 
 he was violently opposed in London by members 
 of the medical profession, who would have 
 branded him as a monster, seeking to bestialize 
 the human species by introducing among men 
 the diseases of the lower animals. There was 
 also a strong feeling of repugnance to vaccination 
 in this country ; and when Dr. Waterhouse, of 
 Cambridge, in the autumn of 1800, imported vac- 
 cine matter from England, he reported to my 
 father that he could not find persons willing to 
 submit to the experiment. My father, who had 
 
LETTERS OF AFFECTIONATE EEMIMBRANCE. 273 
 
 probably been enlightened on the subject by Dr. 
 Lettsom and other correspondents in London, 
 invited Dr. W. to Charlestown, engaging to find 
 him there fit subjects for his purpose. When 
 Dr. W. arrived, my father went with him to Mrs. 
 Henley's store on Main street, and presented the 
 case to S. V. S. Wilder, who was at that time a 
 clerk in Mrs. Henley's employment. Young 
 Wilder, having unbounded confidence in my 
 father, at once submitted to the operation. Dr. 
 W. then returned to the parsonage, and vacci- 
 nated me and Richard, my younger brother. He 
 had previously vaccinated a member of his own 
 family ; and we four, I have been taught, were 
 the first four persons vaccinated in America. 
 
 In the autumn of 1801, my father established 
 a Saturday evening Lecture for tlie Religious 
 instruction of the Youth of his parish, taking for 
 his text the answers to the questions in the West- 
 minster Assembly's Catechism. This lecture w.as 
 soon attended by more than two hundrd ^ oung 
 men ; and in the autumns of 1802 and 1803, when 
 it was renewed, by three hundred and four hun- 
 dred ; and it was kept up for several subsequent 
 years with evident good effect, the persons 
 added to my father's church during three years, 
 at this period, having been more than one hun- 
 dred. Among the young men most prominent 
 in promoting these gatherings was Mr. S. V. S. 
 Wilder, to whom I have already alluded. My 
 father was strongly attached to Mr. Wilder, and 
 paid special attention to his religious instruction, 
 
274 LETTERS OP ATFECTIOHATE BEMKMBRAKOB. 
 
 inviting him to spend his Saturday evenings in 
 his study, to commit there his Catechism and 
 Bible lessons, while my father was engaged in 
 writing his sermons for the Sabbath. The inti- 
 macy and friendship thus formed continued 
 through life, and they often afterwards co-oper- 
 ated in the same enterprises ; Mr. Wilder, as is 
 well known, having been, like my father, an 
 eflScient promoter of numerous religious chari- 
 table societies, and especially of the American 
 Tract Society, of which he was annually elected 
 the president for the first sixteen years of its 
 existence. 
 
 In 1802, an incident occurred, as related in the 
 Biography, which led my father to take a deep 
 interest in the welfare of the negroes. His labors 
 on their behalf greatly endeared him to the 
 colored people in all that part of the Common- 
 wealth; and in every important matter which 
 concerned them, they afterwards consulted him 
 as their earliest influential friend. When 1 
 returned home from college one vacation, I think 
 it was in the year 1811, I found the hall of the 
 parsonage crowded with negroes; and when I 
 asked what it meant, I was told that they were 
 a deputation, composed of the most respectable 
 colored people of Boston who had come to con- 
 sult my father respecting a plan for colonizing 
 American negroes in Africa, which had been 
 recommended by Paul Cuflfee, a colored ship- 
 owner of New Bedford. Mr. Cuffee had corre- 
 sponded with the leading negroes in New York, 
 
LETTEB8 OF AFFECTIOXATE REMEMBRANCE. 275 
 
 Philadelphia and Baltimore, on the subject, and 
 had offered all who inclined to go to Africa a free 
 passage in his vessels. The Boston deputation 
 wished my father to use his influence with his 
 London friends to obtain permission for Ameri- 
 can negroes to go and settle in Sierra Leone, for 
 the Americans at that time had no territory on 
 the African coast; and they wished Dr. Morse 
 to write also to his friends in Washington to get 
 the United States Government to share in the 
 expenses of the expedition. In compliance with 
 their request he wrote a letter on the subject to 
 Hon. Christopher Gore, then in the United States 
 Senate from Massachusetts. The project, how- 
 ever, was discouraged, owing to the prospect 
 afterwards realized of a war with Great Britain. 
 This rendered an application for aid from the 
 Government at that time, in Mr. Gore's judg- 
 ment, inexpedient. But the scheme was revived 
 in 1815, when a company of colored people left 
 Massachusetts for Sierra Leone, bearing with 
 them, as related in the Biography, a letter from 
 my father to Mr. Maxwell, governor of the col- 
 ony. This settlement of colored people from 
 Massachusetts in Sierra Leone, in 1815, was the 
 first actual colonization of American negroes in 
 Africa. The American Colonization Society had 
 not then been formed, and the territory of Liberia 
 was not purchased until several years afterwards. 
 
 "A Compendious History of New England," 
 written by my father and his friend, the Rev. 
 Dr. Parish, in a style adapted to the capacities 
 
276 LETTEB8 OP AFFBCTIONATE BEMEMHRANCE. 
 
 of students of the higher classes in common 
 schools, and intended as a school book, to excite 
 in the minds of New England youth admiration 
 of the virtues of their Puritan ancestors, was first 
 published in September, 1804, and met at once 
 with remarkable success ; the greater part of a 
 large edition having been sold in the course of a 
 few weeks after it was issued. Tlie further sale 
 of this work, and the good which it was calcu- 
 lated to do, were defeated, however, by the 
 utterly groundless charge that, in preparing and 
 publishing it, Dr. Morse had violated the rights, 
 as an author, of Miss Hannah Adams, who had 
 published, in 1799, "A Summary History of New 
 England," many copies of which in 1804 were 
 still unsold. 
 
 This charge of violating the rights of Miss 
 Adams, as an author, was made so boldly, reiter- 
 ated for years so persistently, and countenanced 
 80 extensively, that it affected my father deeply 
 and disastrously, in his property, in his pastoral 
 and social relations, and in other relations inti- 
 mately connected with his happiness and useful- 
 ness. His influence in Boston and its vicinity 
 was indeed, to a great extent, destroyed by it. 
 The charge was met at last, as it should have 
 been at first, by an examination and comparison 
 of the two works. When this was done, it was 
 manifest at once that they differed so widely in 
 object, plan, style, size, price, subdivisions of the 
 general subject, and space devoted to each sub- 
 division, that there could be no improper resem 
 
LETTEBS OF AFFECTIONATE BEMEMBRANCE. 277 
 
 blance or interference. But the most important 
 result of this examination was the discovery of 
 the astounding fact, that Miss Adams, when she 
 lent her name to the enemies of Dr. Morse, to 
 destroy his reputation on the false charge of vio- 
 lating her rights as an author, was herself guilty 
 of a real and gross violation of the rights of 
 another author; she having copied verbatim, or 
 with only colorable alterations, nearl}' one-third 
 of her whole work, one hundred and sixty out 
 of five hundred and thirteen pages, from Dr. Ilam- 
 say's History of the American Revolution ! After 
 the publication of this fact, Miss A. and hei 
 friends became at once totally silent, and contin- 
 ued so during the remainder of my father's life, 
 more than twelve years. 
 
 I have recently compared carefully the two 
 histories; and, if Drs. Morse and Parish were 
 indebted to Miss Adams for a single fact in their 
 " Compendious History," I have not been able to 
 find it. It is true that Miss Adams is referredi 
 to as an authority in the " Compendious History " 
 four times ; but in every one of the four cases 
 the credit should have been given, not to Miss 
 Adams, but to the authors from whom she copied. 
 Dr. Parish explained this in a letter to Miss 
 Adams, in which he told her, that he wrote her 
 name as an authority when he knew that " it 
 would have been more exact to have inserted 
 another name ; but this I did," he said, " to show 
 my respect for you, and to keep your book in 
 view." So that, really, the only wrong done by 
 24 
 
278 LETTERS OF AFFECTIOXATB BEMEUBKANCB. 
 
 either of the compilers of the " Compendious His- 
 tory " to other authors was the wrong done by 
 Dr. Parish to Chalmers, Hutchinson, Neal and 
 Trumbull, in giving credit due them to Miss 
 Adams, for the purpose of promoting the sale of 
 her book ! 
 
 In the fall of 1802 my father, as described in 
 the Biography, selected nineteen religious tracts; 
 procured fifty-five reams of paper ; printed the 
 nineteen tracts in editions varying from six hun- 
 dred to three thousand, making in all 32,G00 
 tracts ; had the greater part of them done up in 
 assorted parcels of sixty tracts in a parcel, and 
 sent two parcels to each one of one hundred and 
 sixty towns in the district of Maine, then a part 
 of Massachusetts, making 19,200 tracts sent to 
 Maine ; and furnished upwards of 5,000 more for 
 circulation in other places, but chiefly in Ken- 
 tucky and Tennessee, where several efficient 
 missionaries, with whom my father was person- 
 ally acquainted, were then laboring. The money 
 expended in the publication of these 32,600 
 tracts, amounting to S571, was contributed 
 chiefly by my father's parishioners, Richard 
 Devens alone giving $281, — nearly one-half. 
 Among the other contributors in Charlestown 
 were Miss Bradstreet, $8 ; Joseph Barrell, $5 ; 
 Artemas Ward, $5; Thomas Kettell, $4 ; S. V. S. 
 Wilder (then a clerk in Mrs. Henley's store), ten 
 cents ; and among those in Boston and elsewhere 
 were Dr. Lathrop, $20 ; . Mrs. Codman, $18 ; 
 Lieut.-governor Bobbins, $14 ; Deacon Salisbury 
 
LETTERS OF AFFECTIONATE I E5IE1IBKANCE. 2TD 
 
 $10; Rev. Mr. Grcenougli, $10; Dr. Kirkland, 
 $5. My father himself seems to have given 
 $119; for all the subscriptions amount to only 
 $452, while the expenses were $ >71. There can 
 be little doubt, I think, that, in 1802, the pastor 
 and people of the First Parish in Charlestown had 
 done more in circulating religious tracts among 
 the poor and destitute in the United States than 
 any other people in New England ; for at that 
 time, as I have said, there was no tract society in 
 the land, and I never heard of an individual engag- 
 ing in the work with an enthusiasm approaching 
 that of my father. The work thus begun was fol- 
 lowed up till it ended in the establishment, first 
 of the New England Tract Society, and after- 
 wards of the American Tract Society. 
 
 Prior to the formation of any Bible society in 
 America or Europe my fiither co-operated with 
 his munificent parishioner, David Devens, and 
 with other individuals, in distributing Bibles and 
 Testaments, as well as religious tracts, in the 
 newly-settled parts of our country. 
 
 The era of Bible societies commenced with 
 the est.ablisliment of the British and Foreijm 
 Bible Society in 1804. The American Bible 
 Society was not formed until 1816. Prior to 
 1816, the work of printing and distributing 
 Bibles in America was performed by individuals 
 and by local societies. The first local Bible 
 society in America was that of Philadelphia, 
 formed in 1808. In the summer of 1810, the 
 whole number of Bible societies in the United 
 
280 LETTEBS OF AFFBOTIOHATZ SEMEMBRANOX. 
 
 States was only eleven, viz.; three in Massachu- 
 setts, one in Connecticut, two in New York, one 
 in New Jersey, one in Pennsylvania, two in 
 South Carolina, and one in Georgia. That South 
 Carolina and Georgia had three out of the eleven 
 Bible societies is explained by the fact that my 
 lather was compelled, for the benefit of his health, 
 to spend the winter of 1809—10 in those States, 
 and that he there, as a voluntary unpaid agent, 
 engaged in the labors which led to the formation 
 of the Georgia Bible Society at Savannah, and of 
 the Charleston and Beaufort Bible Societies in 
 South Carolina. The Bible society of Beaufort, 
 formed in March, 1810, when my father was 
 - there on a visit to a relative, contributed, as its 
 first offering to the Bible cause, the sum of seven 
 hundred dollars, although the whole population 
 of the place, white and black, at that time was 
 less than 1,000! 
 
 The Paris Tract Society was formed in 1818, 
 the Paris Bible Society in 1819, and the Paris 
 Missionary Society in 1822. It is stated in the 
 " Records of the late S. V. S. Wilder," published 
 by the American Tract Society, New York, that 
 these French societies owed their being to a let- 
 ter of introduction which my father gave Mr. 
 Wilder to the famous Prince Talleyrand, who, 
 when traveling in America, had been hospitably 
 entertained by him and some of his princi- 
 pal parishioners, in Charlestown. The laws of 
 France, forbidding assemblages for the purposes 
 contemplated by these societies, were in 1818 
 
LEITEBS OF AFFECTIONATi: KEMEMBKANCE. 281 
 
 and the years immediately subsequent, strictly 
 enforced against " the hated English but Mr. 
 Wilder, an American, under the protection of Tal- 
 leyrand, a protection granted in consequence of 
 the letter mentioned above, was encouraged to 
 invite the founders of these societies to hold their 
 meetings for organization in his private apart- 
 ments, and there they were held without inter- 
 ruption from the police. The Bible enjoins it 
 upon us not to be forgetful to entertain strangers, 
 for unexpected good may come as the reward of 
 our hospitality. My father and his parishioners 
 doubtless little expected, when they were enter- 
 taining Prince Talleyrand in their houses in 
 Charlestown, at the close of the last century, 
 that they were thus preparing the way, under 
 Providence, for the spread of the Bible and evan- 
 gelical religion in one of the most populous and 
 powerful empires in the world. 
 
 I retain a vivid and delightful recollection of 
 my father in the prime of his life. His personal 
 appearance was very prepossessing. The tall, 
 slender form, the well shaped head, a little bald, 
 but covered thinly with fine silken powdered 
 hair, falling gracefully into curl, gave him, when 
 only middle-aged, a venerable aspect, while the 
 l)enignant expression of his whole countenance 
 and especially of his bright, speaking eye won 
 i'or him at first sight respect and love. His aflec- 
 tionate disposition, mild temper and persuasive 
 address, his sympathy with every one in distress, 
 the tenderness with which he ministered conso- 
 
282 LETTEBS OF AFFECmONATK BKVKMBRAWCg. 
 
 lation to the afflicted, his delicate sense of pro- 
 priety and freedom from every offensive habit, 
 his neat dress, polished manners and the care 
 with which he avoided every word and look that 
 might wound the feelings of another, his defer- 
 ence to the aged, his complaisance to the gentler 
 sex, his fondness for children and their fondness 
 for him, the ardor with which he enlisted in all 
 good enterprises, the cheerfulness and courage 
 with which he prosecuted them when others 
 yielded to despondency, his conciliatory spirit, 
 the readiness v. • U which he modified and even 
 abandoned his own plans in the less important 
 parts to secure the co peration of others in the 
 great end, while he ever maintained resolutely 
 but courteously whatever he could not conscien- 
 tiously yield ; in short his true Christian gentle- 
 manliness, the result of long, earnest and prayer- 
 ful endeavors to shape his feelings and conduct 
 in all the relations of life by the rules, precepts 
 and examples of the New Testament, gave him a 
 deep hold on the affections and confidence of all 
 who knew him and particularly of the religious 
 community. 
 
 To all this must be added still other attrac- 
 tions. As a fine singer my father had few equals, 
 and this accomplishment, in connection with his 
 fund of anecdote and information, acquired in 
 extensive intercourse with men of intelligence, 
 wit and humor, and in connection, too, with his 
 aptitude and willingness to use all his gifts for 
 the instruction and entertainment of others, made 
 
LETTERg OF AFFECTIONATE REMEilBRANCE. 283 
 
 him an agreeable companion, a welcome guest 
 and a favorite in every social circle that he 
 entered. 
 
 The closing years of my father's life were 
 spent in his quiet and pleasant home in New 
 HaVen, Connecticut. Here he lived in the midst 
 of a highly cultivated, intelligent, and Christian 
 community, the leading members of which, men 
 of world-wide literary and scientific fame, and 
 of religious sentiments in harmony with his own, 
 were his daily companions; while all, of all 
 classes, loved and honored him for the services 
 he had rendered to his country and to mankind. 
 
 In the near prospect of death, my fatlier was 
 even more buoyant, hopeful and joyous, than in 
 the midst of life and health. For him death had 
 no terrors, and the grave no gloom. They were 
 to him the portals of heaven. Death, as he 
 viewed it, was the gate through which he must 
 pass on his way to a new and nobler life. Mors 
 jama vita. Resurgam. Christ is the Resurrec- 
 tion and theLife. "I have a hope full of immor- 
 tality, — that expresses it," was his response to 
 my elder brother, who arrived from New York 
 in season to hear and record his last words. To 
 my brother's question, " Have you any doubt of 
 the truth of the doctrines you have preached?" 
 he replied, " Oh, no ! they are the doctrines of 
 the Bible ;" and, alluding to my brother's 
 remark, " The Saviour, whose honor you have 
 defended, will not now desert you," he said. 
 
284 LETTEBS OF AFFBOTIONATB BEMEMBRANCE. 
 
 " Oh, no ! he gives me a foretaste of heaven. I 
 have not strength to express what I feel." 
 
 " The chamber where the good man meets his fate 
 
 Is priTileged beyond the common walk 
 
 Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of heaven." 
 
 It was not my privilege to be in that chamber 
 when my father died. I was too late. When I 
 arrived, his sun had set ; but its golden light still 
 radiated from the sky, tempering, with its beams 
 of hope and joy,' the sorrow of those who had 
 gathered around his bed to witness the hallowed 
 scene. I joined in the prayer which rose from 
 every heart, " Let me die the death of the 
 righteous, and let my last end be like his !" 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 SIDNEY E. MORSE. 
 
 From Mr. Richard C. Morse. 
 
 My Dear Dr. Sprague : 
 
 You have kindly asked of me some personal 
 recollections of my father. You could hardly 
 have made a request that affords me bo much 
 pleasure as that of recalling the traits of one so 
 venerated as he was by his children. With the 
 thought of him, some of his prominent qualities 
 come to my mind, and I will take them in the 
 order in which they present themselves. My 
 recollections have been quickened by a recent 
 examination of his diaries and letters. 
 
 The first trait I shall notice is his filial love 
 
LETTERS OF AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE. 
 
 285 
 
 Owing to my father's delicate constitution, 
 and, perhaps, because he was the Benjamin of 
 the family, my grandfather would not subject 
 him to the hardships of a farm, but gave him a 
 liberal education. Some of the neighbors cen- 
 sured him for this seeming extravagance. But 
 wlien they found that he still retained his 
 domestic comforts, that he met his other liabili- 
 ties, and yet had paid all his son's college dues, 
 and when they saw throughout the life of the old 
 gentleman the reverence and respect shown by 
 the son, who sought his father's counsel, shaped 
 liis plans to meet his approval, and even was 
 influenced in accepting the call to Charlestown 
 by the desire that the two might be near each 
 other, they admitted that my grandfather had 
 done wisely, and was reaping his reward. I 
 recall the pleausre I felt, Avhen a child, on seeing 
 my grandfather arrive at our door, after a ride on 
 horseback, from Woodstock, of seventy miles, 
 and their warm greeting and eager conversation 
 on the new plans which my father's fruitful mind 
 was ever devising. 
 
 His industry was another prominent charac- 
 teristic. I remember him as ever busy. Through- 
 out his whole life, he had no idle moments. I 
 find from his letters, too, that from the day he 
 left his father's house, till he became too feeble 
 to act, the sun found him no sluggard, and the 
 midnight lamp often shone upon him still at his 
 labors. He was a man of no amusements apart 
 from his business. Cards, of course, were never 
 
286 LKTTEBB OP AFFBCTIONATS BEMEMBBAITCK. 
 
 in our house, and I do not believe that he was 
 acquainted with any game of chance. I may add 
 here that he never used tobacco in any shape. 
 His sufficient relief consisted in change of labor- 
 ious occupation. Though keenly alive to social 
 enjoyments, he did not suffer these to interfere 
 with positive duties. He always travelled with 
 note-book in hand. I remember him in the boat 
 on the Erie canal, with a delightful party on 
 board, among whom was De Witt Clinton. He 
 allowed himself to be detained from this pleasant 
 company an hour or more in the cabin, to get 
 some information from a passenger, who at 
 length, emerging on deck, was thus accosted by 
 Mr. Clinton : " Now, friend, you are like an 
 exhausted receiver ; Dr. Morse has pumped you 
 dry." 
 
 I can readily call him to mind, now gathering 
 materials for his Geography and superintending 
 its publication, now writing his sermons for the 
 Sabbath, or letters to his correspondents in our 
 own and in foreign lands, now hurrying to the 
 Convention, the Association or other public meet- 
 ing, now visiting the sick and bereaved in their 
 affliction, and now hospitably entertaining his 
 friends ; for, as Daniel Webster said of him : " He 
 was always thinking, always writing, always 
 talking, always acting." 
 
 To his children he would say, when the day 
 was ftiir : " Now, boys, is the time for study, 
 for all is bright and cheerful." And when the 
 sky was dark and lowering, the word still was : 
 
LETTERS OF AFFECTIONATE EKMEMBBANCE. 287 
 
 " Study, boys, to drive away discontent." But 
 he had no need to speak to us. His own example 
 of industry was reproof enough, if we were dis- 
 posed to be idle. 
 
 Even in his journeys recreation must be sacri- 
 ficed to business. His physician, referring to his 
 habit of rapid travelling, said : " He first wore 
 out his mind in his study at home, and then 
 jumped into the stage-coach, and rode day and 
 night till his body was exhausted, and when an 
 equilibrium was thus produced, he pronounced 
 himself well." 
 
 When persuaded that he was in the way of 
 duty, he was fearless of consequences. He was 
 sometimes insulted by rude men. Going once to 
 cast his vote at an election when party politics 
 ran high and the propriety of a clergyman's vot- 
 ing was questioned, a coarse fellow, soliciting 
 votes for the other side, used offensive language, 
 and doubling his fist threatened to thrust him 
 from the polls, adding : " Only your cloth pro- 
 tects you." Looking his .antagonist calmly in 
 the eye, he said : "My friend, you are mistaken, 
 my cloth protects you." 
 
 I always associate with my father the ideas of 
 indomitable energy and irrepressible buoyancy. 
 While others doubted and were desponding, his 
 motto ever was nil desperandum. Chief Justice 
 Parsons, referring to the futile attempts of his 
 political opponents to destroy his influence, said 
 of him : " He is like the camomile bed, the more 
 it is trod upon, the more it grows." 
 
288 LETTERS or AFFECmONATB SEICEMBRANCE. 
 
 Though much engaged in controversy, his tem- 
 per was not pugnacious, but his conscience com- 
 pelled him to the maintenance of what he 
 regarded as vital truth. He was providentially 
 placed in a prominent position, at a time when a 
 revolution took place in the theological world 
 around him. He stood in the breach, and upon 
 him fell blows which should have been shared by 
 others. He would sometimes say pleasantly of 
 those who opposed him, that they unwittingly 
 complimented him by ascribing to him alone the 
 Panoplist, the General Association, the Andover 
 Theological Seminary, Park street Church in 
 Boston, and whatever like mischiefs occurred. 
 Dr. Lyman, when visiting him in Charlestown, 
 used to say : " It matters not what I do here. Dr. 
 Morse will bear the blame." 
 
 Two persons more unlike than my parents in 
 their temperament, and yet more affectionately 
 united in their lives could hardly be found. He 
 was sanguine, easily imposed upon, prompt to 
 engage in whatever scheme approved itself wor- 
 thy, ignoring difficulty and danger. But her 
 caution and cooler judgment served as a balance 
 wheel to his impulsive nature, and lessened the 
 evils into which such a nature betrayed him. 
 She sometimes complained to her friends that 
 but for her restraint he would beggar himself 
 to bestow charities on others. Yet, under the 
 provocation of injuries, her patience and forbear- 
 ance gave way sooner than his. Says a member 
 of his parish : " Hearing of a painful interview 
 
LETIERS OF AFFECTIOXATE EEMEMBKANCE. 289 
 
 between the pastor and disafifected members of 
 his church, I called on him to learn the particu- 
 lars and relieve my anxiety. The Doctor related 
 the facts in his usual calm mild manner; but Mrs. 
 Morse, who sat by, less disposed than her husband 
 to hide her displeasure at the unworthy treat- 
 ment he had received, expressed warm indigna- 
 tion ; and when he gently placed his hand on her 
 shoulder and said : * You know, my dear, we 
 must cast the mantle of charity over the faults 
 of others,' she replied with no abatement of her 
 earnestness, * Mr. Morse, charity is not a fool.' " 
 
 He was ever ready to use his money and his 
 influence for the good of others. The poor found 
 in him an active friend, and I could mention 
 instances where he suffered loss himself rather 
 than it should fall on those who were less able 
 to bear it. One who had infringed upon the 
 copyright of his geography found him, in the 
 hour of need, a friend and benefactor. 
 
 His acquaintance with distinguished men 
 abroad caused him to be often applied to by per- 
 sons going to Europe, for letters of introduction, 
 and the thanks they sent him in return show how 
 important these letters were to the bearers, and 
 the high estimation in which he was held by 
 such men as Dr. Erskine, Wilberforce and others. 
 A letter to Talleyrand, then high in power, who 
 had 'once been a guest at our house, procured for 
 the bearer very courteous reception and timely 
 aid. 
 
 He was a sweet singer. His study windows 
 25 
 
290 LETTERS OF AFVECTIONATE BEICEMBBASCB. 
 
 overlooked Charles river ; and often of a quiet 
 Sunday morning, as the chime of hells in the 
 tower of Christ church, Boston, floated the tune 
 of " Old Portugal " over the water, I have heard 
 him catch the inspiration, take up the notes and 
 shout aloud : 
 
 "Oh, could I soar to worlds above. 
 The blest abode of peace and love." 
 
 He always sang in the pulpit, and his rich sil- 
 ver voice could be heard above all others. Once 
 when the choir took offence at some stricture he 
 made upon them, and absented themselves from 
 their seats for several Sabbaths, he took the 
 whole singing upon himself till they returned 
 to their duty. 
 
 His religious character I need hardly speak of, 
 for his whole life was evidence of the sincerity 
 of his love to God his Saviour, and to his fellow 
 men. He wore himself out in their service. He 
 fought a good fight and kept the faith. He will 
 ever live revered in the memory of his children, 
 leaving an instructive example to them and their 
 descendants. 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 RICHARD C. MORSE. 
 New Haven, Ct., August 14, 1866. 
 
XI. 
 
 Letters of Personal Recollections. 
 
 The following Letters form only a selection 
 from a larger number that have been written 
 by Dr. Morse's friends, in token of the high 
 regard and veneration with which they cherish 
 his memory. As the remaining ones do not 
 appear to have been specially designed for pub- 
 lication, and are, in the main, but a repetition 
 of those which are actually printed, it has been 
 thought best not to include them, while yet 
 they are regarded, and will be preserved, by 
 the family, as precious memorials. It will be 
 observed that, in the letters that are published, 
 there is, to some extent, the same statement 
 of fticts that forms part of the narrative of the 
 Life ; but as this comes as the result of the 
 actual observation and recollection of the seve- 
 ral writers, in connection with their own im- 
 pressions concerning the facts in question, it is 
 jDresumed that it will not be regarded as an 
 undesirable repetition. The different types of 
 religious opinion, represented in these letters, 
 may be taken as evidence that there are still 
 those whose religious views were in decided 
 antagonism to those of Dr. Morse, who are as 
 
292 
 
 LETTERS OF PEBSONAL EEOOIXECTIONS. 
 
 ready as any others to lay a grateful offering 
 upon his grave. 
 
 From Benjamin Silliman, LL. D. 
 
 Profe**ar u» Yale OalUge. 
 
 New Haven, February 26, 1863. 
 
 To Mr. Richard C. Morse: 
 
 Dear Sir: — Your father's appearance in the 
 chapel was always very acceptable to us stu- 
 dents. There was an air of gentlemanhood 
 about him that was attractive and original. In 
 the winter or cool weather, requiring an outer 
 garment, he generally wore a drab or slate 
 coloured great-coat, with a silk velvet collar 
 turned over; his hair, rather thin, was parted 
 80 as to cover his head, and in public I believe 
 he usually wore powder, some of which was 
 snowed down upon the great coat. His aquiline 
 nose, and rather sharp but very pleasant 
 features, were indeed peculiar, so that his 
 entire appearance made an agreeable impress- 
 ion ; and so different from the plain garb and 
 manner of our village clergymen, that every 
 eye was turned towards him, as, with a stately 
 mien, although with a slender frame, he walked 
 up the main aisle of the chapel. 
 
 He was generally preceded on the Sabbath 
 by President Dwight, whose massy stalwart 
 form and round features were strongly con- 
 trasted with those of his friend; but, together, 
 they made an interesting duality both in mien 
 
LETTERS OF PEKSOXAL RECOLLECTIONS. 203 
 
 and appearance. Concordia discors et Discordin 
 concors. Your father had a mellifluous voice, 
 and my recollection is that he joined with spirit 
 in the psalmody, as President Dwight often did. 
 
 He was a dignified and polished old-school 
 gentleman, and a gentleman everywhere. His 
 elocution was calm, distinct and impressive — 
 not vehement and declamatory, but attractive 
 and in excellent taste, and it always secured 
 the attention of the students. An expression 
 which used sometimes to occur in his prayer 
 was, — "We thank thee. Heavenly Father, that 
 thou hast given us this large and beautiful 
 world." Upon its beauty and the rich garni- 
 ture with which it is so bountifully furnished, 
 he was fond of expatiating. I remember a ser- 
 mon of his, the text of which was, — '* The fash- 
 ion of this world passeth away.*' In it he 
 illustrated the moral changes by the physical, 
 and for this purpose he gave a spirited and 
 graphic sketch of certain geological changes ; 
 and this struck a chord of sympathy, almost 
 unknown to myself, in my then embryo geo- 
 logical mind and taste, which were fully devel- 
 oped in succeeding years. 
 
 Dr. Morse was well known to the College by 
 his Geography, then fresh and original. It 
 was a classic. I recited it as a Pupil, and in 
 after years taught it as a Tutor. It was esteemed 
 very valuable, and the materials, rich and 
 abundant, were soon elaborated into a more 
 perfect form by your older brother. 
 
294 LETTEB8 OF FEBSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 
 
 In personal intercourse the manners of Dr. 
 Morse were always gentle, polite and winning — 
 to youth peculiarly paternal, and to older per 
 sons respectful and reverential. His voice and 
 manner were soothing in affliction, and in pros- 
 perity bright, cheerful and encouraging. 
 
 When the family arrived in New Haven with 
 a view to a permanent residence, (in 1820 I 
 believe,) they were welcomed by a large circle 
 of friends, and the ladies of the family made 
 the most agreeable impression, which was only 
 deepened by the passing years. Mrs. Morse was 
 a noble lady, still handsome in life's evening, 
 and of dignified person and manners. Her 
 appearance was that of a lady of energy and 
 decision, softened by high courtesy and a mild, 
 persuasive manner. She had evidently a pre- 
 vailing influence over her husband, but exer- 
 cised with such discretion and gentleness that 
 he perhaps hardly perceived the delicate rein 
 by which he was guided. Both from principle 
 and impulse he was prompted to benevolent 
 acts, and his wife sometimes checked his too 
 free distribution of alms, especially to objects 
 that were not always deserving. 
 
 Dr. Morse's first residence on the corner of 
 Trumbull street and Whitney avenue, brought 
 our families into desirable proximity, and still 
 nearer in friendly intercourse. Our ice-house 
 was convenient to both families, so that we 
 held it in common ; and Mrs. Morse, with a 
 vein of pleasantry, used to say that, in the 
 
LETTERS OF PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 295 
 
 midst of mutual good will and friendship, a 
 great coldness existed between the families. Mrs. 
 Trumbull, the mother of Mrs. Harriet Silliman, 
 and the daughter herself, were much attached 
 to Mrs. Morse, and enjoyed her societj^ highly. 
 There was also an additional attraction between 
 the families — Mrs. S. F. B. Morse, a young lady 
 from Concord, N. H., came with the group, as 
 the wife of Dr. Morse's oldest son. She was 
 very beautiful in person, lovely in temper and 
 fascinating in manners; while her gentle nature 
 seemed to veil from herself those attractions 
 and accomplishments which charmed every one. 
 Alas, in the absence of her husband from home, 
 she was suddenly called away to mingle in 
 higher scenes. His affectionate tribute to her 
 memory in the inscription on her monument 
 in the New Haven Cemetery, although ratlier 
 long, was so just that no friend who knew the 
 lovely original, would wish it shorter. This 
 lady was often the companion of Mrs. Silliman 
 and myself in our pleasant rides, and Mrs. 
 Morse usually took one of her children with 
 her. She was to us like a daughter, and we 
 loved her with almost parental affection. 
 
 President Dwight held Dr. Morse in high 
 esteem, respect and affection, and it is no new 
 thing that persons of different temperament 
 and mental character should thus happily 
 coalesce in harmonious unity. President 
 Dwight's bold and sometimes impetuous mind, 
 prompted by his ardent but noble tempera- 
 
296 I£TTEB8 OF FEB80NAL RECOLLECTIONS. 
 
 ment, bore him along with prevailing weight 
 and power. He found an acceptable counter- 
 part in the milder attributes of his friend ; a 
 friend ever responsive to the calls, the duties, 
 the pleasures of friendship ; ever ingenious, 
 active and devoted to the furtherance of some 
 good and worthy purpose in which both friends 
 could harmonize, and for whose success they 
 could unite in supplicating the blessing of God. 
 In a word, they were truly Christian friends. 
 
 The mind of Dr. Morse found its highest gra- 
 tification, not in self-indulgent repose, but in 
 almost ceaseless activity for the promotion of 
 the welfare of his fellow-men. His plans were 
 quietly formed, and the steps of their progress 
 towards their consummation were not always 
 apparent. In adroit management he had both 
 talent and taste, and he seemed to take plea- 
 sure in the progress as well as in the result 
 of a good undertaking. What might have been 
 intrigue in a cold and selfish mind, was benevo- 
 lence in him, in whom the love of his fellow 
 men and the reverential fear of God were 
 mature and fixed habits. 
 
 A great object of benevolence occupied him 
 during the later years of his life, while he 
 resided in New Haven. It was a favourite pur- 
 pose of his to induce the General Government 
 to collect the scattered and broken fragments 
 of the Aboriginal Indian tribes, and to form 
 them, upon a territory held in common, into a 
 regular, civilized and Christianized community. 
 
LETTERS OF PERSOXAL RECOLLECTIONS, 297 
 
 Ilis pen and his tongue were industriously 
 employed upon this subject. He sought and 
 obtained valuable information respecting the 
 Indians from many sources, and thus amassed 
 a large collection of documents, most of which 
 were original. 
 
 lie lived to see himself and his family agree- 
 ably established in a house of their own in 
 Temple street, where he closed his life. I saw 
 him on his death-bed, and received his assu- 
 rance that, in the contemplation of death, he 
 had "a hope full of immortality;'* and this 
 consoling sentiment was uttered Avith a clear 
 and strong voice, and with a benignant expres- 
 sion of countenance that testified to the peace 
 within. 
 
 I have thus endeavoured to comply with 
 your request, and remain 
 
 Your faithful friend, 
 
 B. SILLTMAN. 
 
 From the Rev. Daniel Dana, D. D. 
 
 Newburyport, January 18, 1848. 
 
 To Mr. R. C. Morse: 
 
 Dear Sir: — I had some general knowledge 
 concerning your venerable father, when he 
 first came to Charlestown, though I was then 
 a youth. In the year 1793, he had occasion 
 to take^a journey, and was pleased to employ 
 me, then a candidate, to supply his pulpit, and 
 
298 LETTERS OF PEKSOXAL REOOLLECTIOXS. 
 
 to perform the requisite duties among his peo- 
 ple during his absence. From that time I was 
 favoured with a more particular acquaintance, 
 and with a portion of his friendship to the time 
 of his decease. 
 
 From his first coming into this region, he 
 was an unusually acceptable and popular 
 preacher. His sermons, being fraught with 
 evangelical truth, composed in an elegant style, 
 and delivered in a manner bland vet forcible, 
 engaged general attention. Wliile chiefly intent 
 on inculcating and defending Gospel truth, he 
 took a deep interest in all that concerned his 
 country. His Fast and Thanksgiving Sermons 
 were often replete with instruction and warn- 
 ing, derived from the existing aspects of the 
 world, and particularly from the excesses and 
 atrocities of the French Revolution, and from 
 the Infidelity and Atheism which seemed for 
 years to incorporate themselves with it. 
 
 The year 1803 was marked by the decease 
 of his friend. Dr. Tappan, the excellent Pro- 
 fessor of Divinity in Harvard College, and by 
 an attempt to introduce Dr. Ware, a gentle- 
 man of very difl*erent theological character. 
 Your father took a very active part against the 
 new election. This measure brought on him 
 much odium, especiall}'^ from the Liberal parti/, 
 as they were styled at that time. Yet the pre- 
 vailing opinion was that Dr. Ware had embraced 
 the liberal system, and that, in opposing his 
 
LETTERS OF PERSONAL KECOLLECTIONS. 299 
 
 election, your father acted a very sincere and 
 consistent part. 
 
 Perceiving that a lax theology was gaining 
 great prevalence, and apprehending much dan- 
 ger of its approaching triumph, your father 
 projected, in 1805, the plan of the Panoplist. 
 The design of this journal was to raise the 
 standard of piety, to oppose prevailing error, 
 and to unite good ministers and good men in 
 defence of the pure truths of the Gospel. In 
 pursuing this object, your father, while receiv- 
 ing counsel and aid from his most valued' breth- 
 ren among the clergy and laity, was himself 
 the heart and soul of the undertaking. With 
 the countenance and co-operation which he 
 received, he conducted, for five years, a jour- 
 nal, which, in point of orthodoxy and piety, 
 of learning and good taste, holds a respectable 
 rank at the present day. Nor was its influence 
 small in checking the prevalence of error, and 
 promoting the progress of truth and piety. 
 About the year 1810, it Avas transferred to the 
 beloved and lamented Evarts, by whom its 
 design was very faithfully pursued, and its 
 usefulness still further extended. 
 
 Your father was an active and efficient mem- 
 ber of the Board of Trustees of Phillips Acad- 
 emy, in Andover. The importance and respon- 
 sibilities of this Board were, in the year 1808, 
 greatly increased by having committed to it 
 the care and superintendence of the Theologi- 
 cal Seminary in that place. The circumstances 
 
300 LETTERS OP PERSOXAIi RE0OLX.ECTIOX8. 
 
 under which the Seminary commenced its exist- 
 ence, are worthy of notice. Two companies of 
 opulent and generous donors, in distant parts 
 of the county of Essex, were, at the same time, 
 and without any mutual disclosures, meditating 
 the establishment of a Theological School. 
 When the separate designs were mutually 
 known, a question was to be settled of the 
 deepest interest, — the question whether the 
 parties should proceed separately or in union. 
 The question was long and anxiously discussed; 
 and as it was discussed with Christian feeling 
 and candour, the plan of combination and union 
 prevailed. This was the favourite plan of 
 your father, and, from its adoption, his feelings 
 experienced the highest gratification. 
 
 Your father was one of the earliest members 
 of the American Board of Commissioners for 
 Foreign Missions. In its great desigus and 
 operations his expansive benevolence found 
 full scope. He had long witnessed with inter- 
 est the exertions of British Christians in this 
 sublime cause, and .ardently wished that his 
 own beloved country might share in the benevo- 
 lence and felicity of the work. And he devo- 
 ted himself with his characteristic ardour to its 
 promotion. 
 
 To your father belongs the honour of project- 
 ing and establishing a weekly religious journal, 
 the Recorder, which, if it was not, in the strict- 
 est sense, the first work of the kind, was yet a 
 work truly original, and in a measure unprece- 
 
LETTERS OF PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 301 
 
 dented. I well remember the discouragements 
 which met him, while planning the publication. 
 Some apprehended that it would fail for want 
 of support. Others, that it would be dilhcult, 
 if not impossible, to find or furnish the mate- 
 rial. But 3'our father, with his usual ardour, 
 determined to proceed ; and what he attempted, 
 he accomplished. The publication soon attained 
 a highly respectable character and an extensive 
 support. It had great success in promoting the 
 religious enterprises of the day. Since its first 
 establishment it has gone into various hands, 
 and been conducted with various success. It is 
 remarkable that its most successful rival, in 
 point of merit and usefulness, is now sustained 
 in the family of the original projector. 
 
 Indeed, few men have lived in the last or the 
 present century, who have been so uniformly 
 and exemplarily devoted to the best interests 
 of the human race. Whatever object, what- 
 ever design, bore the stamp of benevolence^ seized 
 his heart and enlisted his actual efforts. Nor 
 could he stand aloof from any cause which 
 connected itself with the glory of God or the 
 good of man. 
 
 If the above hints concerning your revered 
 father shall be of the least service, I shall be 
 gratified. They are much more meagre than I 
 could have wished ; and they have been penned 
 under the somewhat unpleasant apprehension 
 that I could offer nothing which is not already 
 
 26 
 
302 JLETTEBS OP PERSONikL BEOOLLECnONS. 
 
 known at least to your father's friends, if not 
 to the public generally. 
 
 Believe me, my dear Sir, 
 With great regard. 
 Your friend, and your father's friend, 
 
 DANIEL DANA. 
 
 From Miss Lucy Osgood. 
 
 Medford, June 4, 1860. 
 
 Mr. R. C. Morse : 
 
 Dear Sir : — After seeing you last Monday, I 
 recollected a source of information concerning 
 your father, new probably to yourself, which, 
 in a measure, supersedes the trifling communi- 
 cation it is in my power to afford. The Rev. 
 Thomas Whittemore, for many years the Uni- 
 versalist clergyman of Cambridge, and also 
 Editor of that widely circulated Universalist 
 newspaper, called the " Trumpet," published, 
 a year or two since, his autobiography, in 
 which he reports himself to have been the son 
 of a baker in Charlestown, a man of slender 
 health, who died in early life, leaving his liimily 
 very poor. He was a constant attendant on 
 your father's ministry, and experienced from 
 him, in his last illness, a token of pastoral kind- 
 ness and generosity, rarely recorded of any 
 clergyman. This poor man was sued for a debt 
 exceeding a hundred dollars, which he had 
 incurred in the necessary purchase of flour for 
 his business during the war of 1812, when the 
 
LETTERS OF PERSOXAL RECOLLECTIONS. 
 
 303 
 
 price of the staff of life was excessive. Your 
 fjither found him in great distress, and, upon 
 learning the cause of it, at once relieved him 
 by promptly offering to become his surety. If 
 I remember rightly, there are two other notices 
 of Dr. Morse in the same work — one describing 
 most correctly his personal appearance and 
 manners, and the other his calm demeanor 
 during an alarming thunder tempest, on Sun- 
 day afternoon, in sermon time. 
 
 My own remembrance of your father goes 
 back to my earliest years. He was one whom, 
 even when a child, I always loved to see, as, 
 from time to time, he visited at our house. It 
 is, therefore, a fair inference that he must have 
 been very kind to children. Indeed, the bland 
 softness of his whole deportment was rather 
 antagonistic to the pugnacious attitude in which 
 he often stood before the public. But this pro- 
 ceeded from a sense of duty, from his zealous 
 anxiety that the churches should remain sound 
 in the orthodox faith. The contests in which 
 he was so often engaged, seldom affected his 
 outward bearing, as he entered into them rather 
 from principle than from the gratification of a 
 hot temper. 
 
 I look back upon him as a perfect gentleman, 
 of peculiarly attractive manners, which were 
 greatly aided by a low sweet voice, yet of great 
 compass, as it was heard without difficulty when 
 he spoke in public, and, whenever he sang, was 
 capable of filling the largest churches with its 
 
304 IfTTEBS OF PERSONAL REOOLXfCTIONS. 
 
 melody, overtopping all the instrumental mnsic, 
 and drowning in its rich peculiar tones the 
 voices of any common choir. He must have 
 been fond, I think, of the society of the young, 
 as my sister and I were never disappointed in 
 our expectation of being specially noticed by 
 him. And he, by no means, neglected what 
 he considered the duty of warning and admon- 
 ishing, as he observed in us a tendency towards 
 what seemed to him latitudinarianism. I remem- 
 ber receiving from him a very tender, but 
 deeply solemn, reproof for expressing my fer- 
 vent assent to the Rev. Noah Worcester's 
 "Bible News," soon after it was published. He 
 assured me that the first step of deviation 
 from the old orthodox faith was the begin- 
 ning of a descent down an inclined plane 
 towards the bottomless pit. 
 
 His conversation, however, was by no means 
 confined to the discussion of theological dog- 
 mas. It took in a wide range of subjects, and 
 was garnished with even more than the usual 
 clerical amount of anecdote. His extensive 
 travels in quest of geographical information 
 had made him acquainted not only with places, 
 but with a vast variety of people. He narrated 
 extremely well. If he did not originate, he 
 faithfully reported and highly enjoyed wit and 
 humour, and hence always made himself agree- 
 able. I once met him at the bedside of a dying 
 relative who lived in Charlestown, and I was 
 extremely touched by his overflowing sympa- 
 
LETTERS OF PERSON^VL RECX)LX,ECnON8. 305 
 
 thy and tenderness. Nothing could have been 
 more soothing. Before commending her depart- 
 ing soul to God, he carefully inquired whether 
 there was any special petition which she wished 
 him to offer, particularly whether she wished 
 him at that hour to make mention of a darling 
 son in a foreign land, from Avhom she had been 
 separated several years. 
 
 Of his style of preaching I retain no distinct 
 impression, as neither my earlier nor later 
 biases were in harmony with his theological 
 tenets; yet few of my departed friends have 
 left with me clearer images of their personal 
 appearance or of their individualit}' in social 
 converse. His tall, slender form, the head 
 always slightly inclining forwards, his ex- 
 tremely neat dress, mild manners and persua- 
 sive tones, aided by the charm of that perfect 
 good breeding which inspires even the rudest 
 with a sense of respect for the true gentleman, 
 made him in all places a most acceptable guest, 
 while his own house was always celebrated as 
 the very home of hospitality. Foreigners very 
 extensively brought letters of introduction to 
 Dr. Morse, and, though his kindness of heart 
 sometimes exposed him to imposition, he often 
 had the opportunity of yielding efficient ser- 
 vice to estimable and meritorious characters. 
 In his duties as a host, his admirable wife zeal- 
 ously co-operated, making his home attractive 
 to visiters of every description, by her cordial, 
 dignified and graceful manners, and her anima- 
 
306 LETTERS OP PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 
 
 ted conversation. She was indeed distinguished 
 - for possessing, in an eminent degree, both the 
 fascination and the virtues which most adorn 
 a woman. 
 
 If these very meagre reminiscences can be 
 of any service to you, I make you heartily 
 welcome to them, and sincerely thank you for 
 having given me the opportunity to revive, in 
 my own mind, the image of a venerated friend 
 of my father, whom I have always remembered 
 with affection. 
 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 L. OSGOOD. 
 
 From the Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D. 
 
 New Haven, November 15, 18G6. 
 
 Rev. Wm. B. Sprague, D. D. i 
 
 Dear Sir: — My first sight of Dr. Morse was 
 in my boyhood. I had read with wonder, and 
 not without some advantage, years before, the 
 two thick octavo volumes of his Universal 
 Geography. That was almost the first con- 
 siderable book which I had the opportunity 
 of reading after the Bible ; and though, at that 
 early age, (between my seventh year and my 
 tenth), the knowledge which I gained from it 
 without the aid of an atlas, and with no teacher 
 but my mother, was much less than that which 
 children now acquire in a good school from a 
 much smaller text-book, I was profoundly 
 impressed with the greatness of the man who 
 
LETTERS OF PEKSOXAL RECOLLECTIONS. 
 
 307 
 
 could write so great a book. In September, 
 1816, the American Board of Commissioners 
 for Foreign Missions held its seventh annual 
 session at Hartford ; and though the business 
 of the session was transacted in private, there 
 was one public meeting in which the Annual 
 Sermon was preceded, or followed, by the read- 
 ing of extracts from the report of the Pruden- 
 tial Committee. Of the eminent men who 
 appeared in Dr. Strong's pulpit on that occa- 
 sion, the one upon whom I looked most intently 
 was the author of the great Geography. From 
 that time I always retained a vivid remem- 
 brance of his spare figure, his thin face, his 
 keen eyes, and his white hair, my memory 
 being refreshed by seeing him once or twice 
 within the next four years in the chapel pul- 
 pit of Yale College. 
 
 My nearer acquaintance with him commenced 
 while I was a theological student at Andover. 
 I happened to be a fellow-traveller with him 
 in a stage-coach, performing a night journey 
 between Boston and Hartford ; and, of course, 
 as a young man unknown to him, (being then 
 not twenty years old,) I had an opportunity 
 of seeing him with very little of the perspec- 
 tive in which " distance lends enchantment to 
 the view," and of experiencing something of 
 his kindness and affability toward the young, 
 and of his old school courtesy toward strangers. 
 
 Three years afterwards, in the autumn of 
 1824, I came to supply, for a few Sabbaths, the 
 
308 
 
 LETTERS OF PERSONAL KECOLLECTIOXS. 
 
 pulpit of ihe First Church in New Haven. Dr. 
 Morse had, in the mean time, removed from 
 Charlestown to this city ; and having connected 
 himself with the First Church, was one of the 
 venerable and distinguished men who gave 
 character to the congregation, and whose pres- 
 ence had something of awe in it for a young 
 preacher. He was very kind in his judgment 
 of me, estimating my performances above their 
 worth, and interesting himself in the move- 
 ment which fixed me here. He presided in 
 the meeting of the Church when I was elected 
 to the pastoral office. And when, in March, 
 1825, I entered on my work, he gave me a 
 most paternal welcome ; and, though ex-minis- 
 ters are sometimes thought to be dangerous 
 parishioners, I had no better parishioners, none 
 more kind, none more ready to hold up the 
 hands of the inexperienced pastor, than he and 
 his excellent wife, so long as they lived. 
 
 Dr. Morse seemed then much older than other 
 men of the same age. AVhen he told me that 
 Judge Daggett, who had not then become a judge, 
 being in the full activity of his practice at the 
 bar, was a classmate of his, I could hardly be- 
 lieve him. I think he was prematurely old. 
 His mind was active ; he seemed full of literary 
 enterprise, and of schemes for doing good ; but, 
 if I judge correctly, " his natural force," the 
 executive energy which he had so much of in 
 his earlier years, was somewhat "abated." He 
 was full of conversation, and overflowing with 
 
LETTERS OF PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 
 
 309 
 
 recollections of old times and of times more 
 recent ; he was as well informed of Avhat was 
 then going on in the world, as he could have 
 been when he was most actively concerned in 
 public affairs; but his whole appearance was 
 that of an old man who has done his work, and 
 in Avhom, consciously or unconsciously, the phy- 
 sical force of earlier years is graduall}-^ failing. 
 
 Some notes of the sermon preached at his 
 funeral, June 11, 1826, help me to recollect the 
 impressions which I then had concerning him^ 
 My thought of his religious character was that, 
 being grounded on a definite understanding and 
 firm belief of evangelical truth, it had been 
 marked by steadiness and calmness of Christian 
 experience. Having intelligently embraced the 
 faith while he was young, he kept it to the end ; 
 and it sustained him through the labours and 
 conflicts of his riper manhood, and the infirmi- 
 ties of his declining years. The faith which he 
 held, as a believer in Christ, was the impelling 
 force in a life of active usefulness. He seems 
 to have been one of those who begin their 
 Christian course in the devout purpose of serv- 
 ing God by doing good^ The age in which he 
 lived was not less important in its relations to 
 the future than the age now passing, and he 
 threw himself with all his force into the ques- 
 tions and movements of the time. No contro- 
 versy could arise, but he must have a part in it. 
 No hopeful enterprise could be proposed for the 
 advancement of religion, or for the public good 
 
310 LETTERS OP PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 
 
 in any form, but he went into it with charac- 
 teristic forwardness. Nor did he wait for such 
 enterprises to be projected or proposed by oth- 
 ers; he was always devising schemes and 
 methods of his own for doing good. He had 
 by nature a restless energy of mind which must 
 be always planning and doing, and to which re- 
 pose was irksome ; and he had trained himself, 
 from his youth up, to a habit of industry which 
 seized on every occasion and gathered up every 
 fragment of time. It Avas his prayer that he 
 might not outlive his usefulness ; and while he 
 rejoiced, as he often said, to see the young men 
 coming forward and standing in the places of 
 the fathers, he felt that for him the fight was 
 not fought through till his course should be fin- 
 ished, and that so long as he had any strength 
 he must do something. 
 
 T cannot think that these few recollections 
 will add anything to your knowledge of the 
 man ; but, such as they are, they are at your 
 service. 
 
 Youi's, truly, 
 
 LEONARD BACON. 
 
UETTTERS OF PERSONAL RECOTXFXmOXS. 311 
 
 ♦From the Rev. John Todd, D.D. 
 
 PiTTSFiELD, May 21, 1855. 
 
 Dear Dr. Sprague : 
 
 I was a boy, perhaps fourteen years old, when 
 I first saw Dr. Morse. He was then the pastor 
 over the old church and society in Charlestown. 
 As I was then living with my cousin, Jeremiah 
 Evarts, who was a member of Dr. Morse's church 
 and a very particular friend, I was, therefore, 
 often at his house on errands. Moreover, as I 
 sat under his ministry for several years, and as 
 I first made a profession of religion at about the 
 age of fifteen under him, I had a good opportunity 
 to know him well as a teacher, friend and guide, 
 and to receive such impressions • as would be 
 natural to a boy of my age. It is such impres- 
 sions only that I now propose to give. 
 
 I recall him as I remember him in the pulpit, 
 and in the social circle. On the canvass of the 
 memory his form stands out before me, tall, slight, 
 graceful, and a little stooping, as he rises in the 
 pulpit on the Sabbath morning. His countenance 
 is uncommonly mild and benignant, — his face is 
 rather long, pale and careworn, — his forehead 
 high and fair. His hair is thin, white, silky, 
 dressed with great care, and I think neatly pow- 
 dered. His eye runs over the congregation 
 
 • This letter was ori^nally written to accompanj the biographical 
 sketch of Dr. Morse in the " Annals of the American Pulpit " (vol. 11, 
 page 253). It is reprinted here hj special permission. 
 
312 LETTERS OF PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONa. 
 
 quickly, and, though mild and gentle, I presume 
 it instantly takes in every full pew, and every 
 vacant pew, and every stranger, in his large 
 church edifice. It is an eye that unites the 
 gentle, the bright and the quick in an uncommon 
 degree. His voice is soft, mild and musical, 
 though on too high a key and not of great com- 
 pass. Perhaps it comes too near to the term 
 chanting ; not that it is unpleasant, but that it 
 lacks depth, compass and power. In delivering 
 the sermon, which he always writes out in full, 
 and which lies before him in its black morocco 
 case, he seems to aim to win, draw and persuade 
 rather than to overwhelm with argument, or 
 drive by the awfulness of manner or m>.tter. 
 Though all my remembrances of his preaching are 
 only pleasurable, yet I cannot now recall striking 
 things, peculiar things, or odd things, that he says 
 in the pulpit. He never cultivates prongs. He has 
 the appearance of a venerable and most affection- 
 ate father, addressing his children, rather than a 
 reprover rebuking evil doers, or a judge reading 
 from his scroll the condemnation of the guilty. 
 He loves rather to pluck the roses that grow on 
 Mount Zion, than to handle the thorns which 
 cluster around Sinai. I can recall no one thing 
 M hich I ever heard him say in the pulpit, which 
 left an unpleasant impression, nor can I recall 
 many that pricked like goads and left their 
 impression upon the conscience, like a nail fixed 
 in a sure place. His mild, beaming face and 
 
LETTERS OF PERSONAL EECOLLECTIOXS. 313 
 
 melodious voice do much to cover up asperities, 
 should there be any. 
 
 In his dress, personal appearance and manners, 
 Dr. Morse still stands before the eye as a gentle- 
 man of the old school. lie wears a long coat and 
 fu]l vest of the day, small clothes with buckles 
 at the knee, black silk stockings and nicely pol- 
 ished shoes. His neckcloth is of snowy white- 
 ness, and his gloves black silk, with the tips of 
 the fingers cut off. When he walks the street 
 with his gold-headed cane, his tall and graceful 
 form and his whole appe.arance point him out to 
 a stranger as a gentleman in all his habits. His 
 manners are highly polished, and he has uncom- 
 mon conversational powers. Having a personal 
 acquaintance all over the country, in correspond- 
 ence abroad with such men as Wilberforce, 
 Zachary Macaulay and Dr. Erskine, having a 
 memory which is a vast repository of informa- 
 tion, individual history and anecdote, it is not 
 surprising that he is one of the most agreeable 
 of men in conversation. At his day, before the 
 religious press had become a power, or had hardly 
 an existence, men had more intercourse by corre- 
 spondence and by personal interviews than now. 
 
 He lived before, rather than behind his age, 
 and there was no great and good enterprise 
 moved, whether through the press. Home Mis- 
 sionary Society, Theological Seminary, Educa- 
 tion Society, or Foreign Missions, where he was 
 not foremost. I remember with what energy he 
 took hold of the first religious newspaper ever 
 27 
 
314 IJBTTEBS OP PERSONAL RE0OIXBCTION8. 
 
 published in the land — The Recorder — started and 
 brought into existence by his son, Sidney E. 
 Morse, and that he took upon himself the pecuni- 
 ary responsibility, when otherwise the enter- 
 prise would have failed. 
 
 At a day when strong men were smiting the 
 rock to draw out the waters of the many rivers 
 which. now make glad the city of our God, there 
 had to be, of necessity, a great amount of consul- 
 tation, discussion and planning. All the great 
 benevolent institutions of the land were organ- 
 ized almost simultaneously. At that day, too, 
 hospitality was a greater, or certainly a more 
 common virtue than now, and the house of Dr. 
 Morse was always full. Living in the centre of 
 the town, within a few minutes' walk of Boston, 
 and keeping open doors, he had no lack of com- 
 pany. 
 
 Mrs. Morse, too, was a noble specimen of a 
 woman. And here let me say, that if we men 
 who toil out amid the storms of life, and whose 
 works are noisy, seen and known, — if we accom- 
 plish anything of value, it is often, if not gen- 
 erally, fully as much owing to the encourage- 
 ment and aid we receive from those who are 
 not seen, known or praised, as to our own efforts. 
 Mrs. Morse was the first woman that ever gave 
 me the full impression of what a wife and mother 
 can be. Her sons were then with her, and the 
 genius and enterprise that have since been mani- 
 fested through the press, authorship, the pencil 
 of the artist, and the telegraph wires, were then 
 
LETTERS OF PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 315 
 
 beginning to show themselves. An orphan my- 
 self, and never having known a home, many a 
 time have I gone away from Dr. Morse's house 
 in tears, feeling that such a home must be more 
 like Heaven than any of which I could conceive. 
 
 The inventor of the Telegraph, — that marvel 
 which will carry his name down to the end of 
 time, which will do more to civilize and elevate 
 humanity than we can now conceive, — had just 
 returned from Europe, where he had been to com- 
 plete his professional studies. One of the first 
 things he did, on his return, was to paint his 
 mother, reading by candle light. It was a small 
 picture, and though I saw it in a room contain- 
 ing "The dying Hercules," and the like, yet it 
 was the only picture I saw. It made my flesh 
 creep. It might not do so now, but I have seen 
 many paintings since, and never one that made 
 the impression on me which that did. Was it 
 the picture or my youth ? Or does every one 
 receive such an impression from some one picture ? 
 Alas ! the apple we eat in boyhood will never be 
 the same when plucked by manhood. 
 
 Mrs. Morse did her full share in managing the 
 domestic affairs of the family, in receiving and 
 entertaining her numerous guests, and in making 
 her house what the people were wont to call "a 
 public place, though not a tavern." Her house 
 was open to all, and seldom did I go there, as I 
 often went on errands, without finding it full. 
 It was a hospitality beyond anything I have ever 
 seen. Without detracting a whit from the father, 
 
316 I^KFTERS OF PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 
 
 I feel that the mother of the Morses deserves to 
 be held in most honorable memory. If she made 
 impression on them in proportion as she did on 
 me, her influence in forming their characters 
 must have been very great. 
 
 Dr. Morse lived before his times, and was in 
 advance of his generation. So I thought when a 
 boy, and so I think now. Others will speak on 
 these points ; I am only recalling the impressions 
 which I received. I well remember attending 
 the first meeting ever held in that region, to 
 organize a Sabbath School. Dr. Morse was the 
 mover in it, and I was a teacher from its very 
 opening. I remember him as he stood at the 
 weekly meetings in the chapel in his garden, — 
 his tender intercourse with young converts, — and 
 as he stood at the communion table, and with the 
 affection of John, the beloved disciple, brake 
 bread to his flock. Those who agreed with him 
 in doctrinal belief, loved and revered him as a 
 father, — those who did not, were anything but 
 cordial. His friends were warm and so were his 
 enemies. He lived in a transition day, when old 
 things were crumbling away and new elements 
 were combining and crystallizing; when opinions 
 had to be weighed and tried; when every part 
 of the character was put to rack, and when things 
 which are now known to be small and of little 
 consequence looked large. It is no wonder if a 
 ship, rolling and tossing on those stormy waters, 
 should be made to reveal all the weaknesses she 
 had. But when the time comes, if ever it shall 
 
IjEtters of personal recoixections. 317 
 
 come, when the men of that generation shall be 
 impartially estimated, I have no doubt but it will 
 be found that one of the most ready and efficient 
 workers and far-reaching planners of his day was 
 Jedidiah Morse. Yours, most truly, 
 
 J. TODD. 
 
 Funs. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Abbot, Nehemiah, 95 
 
 " Samuel, 93, 95, 102, 155 
 
 Abeel, John N., D.D., 109, 252 
 
 Adams, Hannah, 276, 277 
 
 " John, 16, 46, 122, 125, 126, 140, 202, 224, 225, 
 
 226, 229, 252 
 
 " John (Principal of Phillips' Academy) 156 
 
 Africans, His Efforts in behalf of, 141-143 
 
 African Slave Trade, Abolition of, 144 
 
 Alexander, Archibald, D.D. 153, 251 
 
 Alford, John, 129 
 
 American Bible Society, 160, 161 
 
 " Board C. F. Missions (See " Foreign Missions"), 267 
 Indians, ,^ 268 
 
 " Revolution, History of, 226, 277 
 
 " Seaman's Friends Society, 271 
 
 Ames, Fisher, 252 
 
 Amory, John, 52, 53 
 
 Andoveb Toeological Seminart, 18, 91-112, 267, 288 
 
 "Andover Associates," 95 
 
 " Founders," * 106 
 
 Anthology, Monthly, 64, 65, 116 
 
 Appieton, Jesse, D.D., 59 
 
 Arminians, 57, 79 
 
 "Associate Founders," 105 
 
 " Statutes," 106 
 
 Austin, Benj., Jr., 239 
 
 Austin, Samuel, D.D., 8, 9, 30, 117, 215, 246, 251 
 
 Backus, Charles, D,D., 252 
 
 Bacon, Leonard, D.D., 19, 306-310 
 
 Baldwin, Thomas, D.D,, 31, 35 
 
320 
 
 INDEX, 
 
 Paf«. 
 
 Baltimore, 275 
 
 Bancroft, Aaron, D.D., 117 
 
 Baptism, Infant, ..27, 28 
 
 Barrington, Lord, .' C2 
 
 Barrell, Joseph, 278 
 
 Bartlvtt, Mrs. George, 30 
 
 Burtlett, Wra., 94, 98, 101, 104, 1C2, 103 
 
 Bayard, Samuel, ICO 
 
 Beaufort (S. C.) 38, 159 
 
 Beaumont, Wm., M.D., 178 
 
 Beecher, Lyman, 100 
 
 Belknap, Jeremy, D.D., ....11, 15, 10, 22, 49, 129, 130, 108, 
 
 193, 195, 190, 200, 203, 210, 251 
 
 Bellamy, Joseph, D.D., '. 5, 48 
 
 Belsham, Thos., 120, 122, 124 
 
 Bentlick, Lord, 02 
 
 Bentley, Wm., D.D., 240 
 
 Bible Circulatiok, 157-102 
 
 Bible Societies, 207, 279 
 
 " Philadelphia, 279 
 
 " Georgia, 280 
 
 «* South Carolina 280 
 
 " Massachusetts, 280 
 
 ** Connecticut^ 280 
 
 « New York, 280 
 
 " New Jersey, 280 
 
 Blackburn, Gideon, D.D., 252 
 
 Bliss, Geo., 103, 270 
 
 Blythe, James, D.D., 101 
 
 Bolingbroke, Lord 120 
 
 Boston (Mass.) Alms House, Chaplaincy, 143 
 
 " Association of Ministers, Circular,. .. .22, 24, 
 
 76, 88, 89, 119 
 
 « " Old South Church, 270 
 
 «* " Park Street Church, 288 
 
 «* •* Recorder, *..... 314 
 
 «' " Thursday Lecture, 24 
 
 Boudinot, Elias, '. 252 
 
 Boyd, Ool., 181 
 
 Boyer, Col., 183, 184 
 
 Bradstreet, Miss., 278 
 
 Breeze, Elizabeth Ann, •< , 14 
 
INDEX. 
 
 321 
 
 Pago. 
 
 Breeze, Samuel, 15, 140 
 
 ]{rnokHel(l Association, 78 
 
 Brown, John, 40 
 
 Brown, Moses, 94, 101, 104 
 
 Brown, Oliver, 143 
 
 Br3'ant, Lemuel, 4G 
 
 Buck minster, Joseph, D.D., 76, 251 
 
 Bunker Hill, 16 
 
 Bunler, George, D.D., 65, 68,70, 98, 150, 151 
 
 Burr, Aaron, 48, 54 
 
 Calhoun, John C, 171-191, 253 
 
 Calvinists, 67, 79, 94 
 
 Caml.ri<lge, 20, 95 
 
 Campbell, , D.D., 169-171 
 
 Cany, Matthew, 206 
 
 Cary, Richard, 13, 14, 21, 22, 226 
 
 Catechism, Westminster Assembly's,.... 23, 31, 78, 84, 86, 94, 
 
 97, 273 
 
 Cerography, 222 
 
 Chalmers, Dr., 278 
 
 Channing, William Ellery, D.D., 120, 143 
 
 Chapin, Calvin, D.D., 102 
 
 Chaplin, Daniel, D.D., 155 
 
 Charleston (S. C.) Bible Society, 159 
 
 Charlestowm (Mass.), 11-15, 20, 21, 32 
 
 ** '* Association for Ref. Morals, 107 
 
 « " Navy Yard, 139 
 
 Chauncey, Charles, D.D 57 
 
 Che.'^ter, John, D.D., 173, 182, 184 
 
 Chesterfield on Politeness, 3 
 
 Chicago, 170 
 
 Child, Sarah, 1 
 
 Christian Observer (London), Letter of Editor, 68, 09 
 
 Chronicle (Boston), Independent, 240 
 
 City Mis.sions, 271 
 
 Clark, Samuel, D.D., 125 
 
 Clinton, De Witt 168, 169, 177, 271, 286 
 
 Cobbett, Wm., 2.53 
 
 Codman, John, D.D 114-119, 156 
 
 Collier, William, 35 
 
 Collins, Anthony, 126 
 
822 
 
 PiDBX. 
 
 Gdllman. Benf „ P.D., .60, 61, 62 
 
 Colonmtion,..,..., 148,267, 274, 275 
 
 Connecticut Gen. Association, 72, 73, 74 
 
 *' Consociations," defined, attempt to form, 90 
 
 Coombs. William, , 155 
 
 Cooper, William, D.D., 116 
 
 Copyright Lavr, Enacted, 201 
 
 " " Suit for violating, 216-218 
 
 Cotton, John, 24 
 
 Cranch, Richard, '. 47 j 125 
 
 Cuffee, Capt. Paul, 145, 146, 147, 267, 274 
 
 Cutler, Manassah, D.D., 142, 251 
 
 Daggett, David, 241, 247 
 
 " Dallas," Revenue Cutter, 182 
 
 Dana, Daniel, D.D., 107, 297, 302 
 
 " Francis, 252 
 
 " Joseph, D.D., 155 
 
 Davis, Uenry, D.D., 251 
 
 " Hon. John, 270 
 
 Deerfield (Mass.), 7 
 
 Delaware Indians, 168, 1C9 
 
 Desnguliers, John T., 213 
 
 Desau.ssure, Henry W., 252 
 
 Devens, Richard, 152, 278, 279 
 
 Dexter, S., 252 
 
 Dobson, Thos. , 223 
 
 Doddridge, Phillip, D.D., 152, 154 
 
 DOBCHESTEK COXTKOVKRST (1811, 1812), 115-^120 
 
 Dublin, 203 
 
 Dutton 241 
 
 D wight, S. E., 220, 221 
 
 Dwight, Timothy, D.D., ..66, 72, 97, 101, 102, 107, 162, 202, 
 
 236, 241, 248, 251, 292, 293, 295 
 
 East Haven (Ct.) 7 
 
 East India Co., 164 
 
 Ebehng, Prof., 209, 212, 238, 239, 240, 253 
 
 Eckley, Joseph, D.D., 16,31, 74 
 
 Eclectic Review (London), 69 
 
 Edinburgh (Scot.), 17, 203 
 
 Edwards, Jonathan. D.D., 6, 9 
 
 " " (Elder), 30, 47, 152 
 
INDEX. 
 
 323 
 
 Pn^e. 
 
 " Election-Week," term defined, 78 
 
 Eliot, John, D.D., 16 
 
 " R. R., 117 
 
 Elizabethtown (N. J.), 15, 200 
 
 Em iG BANT SociKTT (Mass.)f 137-139 
 
 Emmons, Nathaniel, D.D., 71, 82, 96, 97, 101, 251 
 
 Eml} n, Thos., 47, 50, 54. 125 
 
 Eric Canal, 176 
 
 Erskine, John, D.D., 31, 152, 205, 231, 234, 253, 289 
 
 Evan<^lic«l Magazine (London), 65 
 
 Evarts, Jeremiah 71, 72, 126, 156, 267, 272 
 
 Farmington(Ct.)> • • 7 
 
 Farrar, Samuel,... 95, 101, 156 
 
 Fay, Rev. Warren, 44, 45 
 
 Finley, James, E. B., Dr., 38 
 
 " Rebecca, 15 
 
 " Samuel, D.D. 15, 245 
 
 Flinn Andrew, D.D., 252 
 
 FoREir.N' Missions, 162, 166, 267 
 
 Forbes, Eli, D.D., 76, 81 
 
 Fort Armstrong, 179 
 
 Foster, D wight, 232 
 
 Foxriou, 183 
 
 Freehold (N. J.), 17 
 
 Freeman, James, D.D., 48, 49, 53, 55, 120, 121, 208, 209 
 
 Freemasons, 235 
 
 Freeport (Me ), 150 
 
 French, Jona., D.D., 95, 107, 155 
 
 " Consul, St. John 198, 201 
 
 Infidelity, 233, 237 
 
 " Intrigue, 232 
 
 Gannett, Caleb, 155 
 
 Gay, Ebenczer., D.D., 46 
 
 Gazette, N. Y., 233 
 
 Gazetteer, first conceived, , 194, 195, 196 
 
 " Published, 214,215,219 
 
 Geography, various nlitions, 192, 222 
 
 Georgia, 10, 141, 193 
 
 Gerry, El bridge, 237 
 
 Gilman, John T., Gov., 134 
 
324 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Goodrich, Elizur, 241 
 
 Goodwin, Ed. Coorant, 241 
 
 Gordon, Wm., D. D., 236 
 
 Gore, Hon. Christopher, 275 
 
 Gorhtm, Nath., 13, 29, 30, 230 
 
 Grant, Chas., 164, 105 
 
 Gravesande, Wm. James, 213 
 
 Gray, James, D.D., 158 
 
 Green, Ashbel, D.D., 66, 73, 75, 92, 176, 251 
 
 Green Bay, 179, 182, 183, 184 
 
 Greenfield (Ct.) 72 
 
 Greenough, AVm., 44, 117, 155, 279 
 
 Griffin, Edw. D., D.D., 108, 109, 110, 113, 115, 163, 251 
 
 Guthrie, Wm., 213 
 
 " his geography, 192 
 
 Hall, Rev. Gordon, 163 
 
 Hall, James, D.D., 252 
 
 Hamilton (Mass.), 142 
 
 Alex., .216, 217, 229, 252 
 
 Hampshire (Mass.) Missionary Society, 154 
 
 Harper, James, Brothers, 222 
 
 Robt. G., 232, 252 
 
 Harri.s, Thad. M., D.D., 31 
 
 Han ard (Mn.ss.), 44 
 
 " College, 17,22,66,58, 95 
 
 Has.sel, 221 
 
 Hatfield (Mass.), 154 
 
 Hazard, Ebenezer, 11, 16, 195, 200, 203, 247 
 
 Heumienway, Moses, D.D., 28, 150, 251 
 
 Herbert, Lord, 126 
 
 Higginson, jr., Stephen, 143 
 
 Hilliard, Timothy, 16 
 
 Historical Society, Mass. 117, 130, 211 
 
 Hobart, Xoah, 48 
 
 Hobbes, Thos., 120 
 
 HoUey, Myron, 177 
 
 Hollingshead, Wm., D.D., 252 
 
 HoUis, Thomas, 59, 60, 61, 65 
 
 " Professor of Divinity, 18 
 
 Holmes, Abiel, D.D.,....4, 8, 9, 25, 59, 81, 113, 114, 155, 168, 246 
 History of New England, summary, 276 
 
INDEX. 
 
 325 
 
 History of New England, compendium 275, 277, 278 
 
 Homer, Rev. Jona...... 44 
 
 Hopkins, Samuel, D.D. (of Hadley) 80, 81 
 
 " " " (of Newport), 48 
 
 Hopkinsianism, 110 
 
 Ilopkinsians, 66, 67, 70, 96, 97, 103 
 
 Ho])kiiisian Seminary, 95, 99 
 
 Humboldt, Baron Wm., ...187, 188 
 
 Hunt, Jeremiah, D.D., 62 
 
 Huntijigton, Jed'h, 162 
 
 Joshua, 114 
 
 Hutchins, Capt. Thos., 194, 195 
 
 Hutchinson, , 278 
 
 Illuminati, 234, 235, 238 
 
 Indians, Society for benefit of, 189 
 
 Infant Baptism, 27, 28 
 
 Inquisition, 126 
 
 Isles of Shoals (N. H.), 131 
 
 Jackson, Joseph, 16 
 
 Janeway, Jacob J., D.D., 159 
 
 Jay, John, 130, 160, 225, 229 
 
 " " Burnt in Effigy, 230 
 
 " " Letters from, 237, 238 
 
 " William, ....161 
 
 Jefferson, Thos., 38, 122, 126, 202, 216, 252 
 
 Jenks, Wni., D.D., 211 
 
 Jcnner, Dr. D., 272 
 
 Jesuits 126 
 
 Johnson, Alfred 150 
 
 Jones (Comptroller), 130 
 
 " Joseph H., D.D. * 160 
 
 Judson, Adoniram, D.D., 163 
 
 Keith, Isaac S., D.D., 38, 252 
 
 Kemp, , D.D., 57, 136 
 
 Kendall, Samuel, D.D., 117 
 
 Kent, James, 216, 217, 252 
 
 Kettell, Thos., 278 
 
 King, Walter, 30 
 
 Kirkland, John T., D.D., 143, 279 
 
326 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Tag*. 
 
 Knapp, Capt., 182 
 
 Koester, (Sec Erekine's Tracts), 234 
 
 KoUock. Henry, D.D., 110, 112, 115, 252 
 
 KoUock, Lemuel, M.D., 38 
 
 Lang, John, 233 
 
 Larkin, John, 13 
 
 Lathrop, Joseph, D.D., .28, 83, 94, 118, 119, 150, 251, 278 
 
 Lettsoni, John, M.D., 253, 273 
 
 Lindsey, Theopholus, . . . . a 49, 120, 121, 122 
 
 Linn, Wm., D.D., 64, 252 
 
 Little, Thomas, 17 
 
 Livingston, John, D.D., 252 
 
 '* Gov. Wra., His Letter, 197, 198 
 
 Low, Rev. John, 135 
 
 Lowell, John, 252 
 
 , Lush, Dr. , 49 
 
 Lyman, Rev. Eiiphalet, IC 
 
 Lyman, Joseph, D.D.,.. 78, 79, 80, 82, 88, 117, 142, 154, 162, 176 
 
 242, 288 
 
 Macaulay, Zachary, 68, 69, 253 
 
 McKeen, Joseph, D.D., 251 
 
 , 179, 180, 181 
 
 McKnight, John, D.D., 252 
 
 Macomb, Gen., 179 
 
 Macon, Nathaniel, 252 
 
 Madison, James, 189, 212, 252 
 
 McWhorter, Alexander, 252 
 
 Marlboro' (Eng.), 1 
 
 Marshpee Indians, 130 
 
 Martha's Vineyard, 130 
 
 Martin Islands, 181 
 
 Mason, John M., D.D., 114, 160, 252 
 
 Massachusetts Convention, 72, 73, 74 
 
 " Address, 76 
 
 Massachusetts Emigrant Society, 137-139 
 
 Massachusetts Gexesal Association', 72-91, 97, 109 
 
 Historical Society, 117, 130, 21 1 
 
 Missionary Magazine, 66, 70 
 
 Mather, Cotton 90 
 
 Mairell, Gov. C. W., 146, 275 
 
INDEX. 
 
 327 
 
 Pape. 
 
 May, Ilezekiah, 227, 243 
 
 " Col. John, 140 
 
 Mnyhcw, Jona., D.D.,. 40, 47 
 
 Mcndon Association, 83 
 
 Mcnominces Indians, Attempt to defraud defeated,. ... 183, 184, 185 
 
 Mercury newspaper, 242 
 
 Miami Indians, 168 
 
 " County Bible Society, 100 
 
 Midway, Geo., 8, 10, 38 
 
 Miller, Samuel, D.D., 04, 74, 98, 108, 112, 251 
 
 " Thomas, 13 
 
 Mitchell, S. L., M.D., 252 
 
 Monroe, James, 174 
 
 Monthly Review (London), 207 
 
 Morse, Anthony, 1 
 
 " Mrs. E. A., 14, 15, 19, 38, 245, 289, 294, 314, 315, 316 
 
 " Esq., Jedidiah, 1 
 
 " Peter 1 
 
 " R. C, 176, 222, 246, 284, 290 
 
 " S. E., 222, 246, 209, 284, 314 
 
 " S. F.B^ 24(j, 209 
 
 " " Letter of, 200-2(38 
 
 Muir, James, D.D., 12 
 
 Napoleon, 126 
 
 Narragansett (R. I.), 130 
 
 Navy Yard (See Charlestown), 
 
 Neaie 278 
 
 Negroes (See Africans),.. 
 
 Ncpean, Sir Evan 106 
 
 Newell, Samuel, 103 
 
 New Bedford (Mass.), 146, 274 
 
 Newbury (Ma.ss.), 1, 26, 83, 94, 101, 102 
 
 Newburyport (Mass.), 94, 101, 104, 134 
 
 New England, Art. in Encycl., 223 
 
 " Comp. Hist., 224 
 
 Palladium, 241, 242 
 
 Newgate, 217 
 
 New Uampshire Convention 72 
 
 New Haven (Ct.), 6, 10, 18, 19, 283 
 
 « (monument) 176, 226,270, 283 
 
 Newman, Mark, .• 95 
 
328 
 
 INDEX, 
 
 , New Roxbury (CU) 1 
 
 Newtown (Mass.)> ••v- 24 
 
 New York 11 
 
 Nisbet, Charles, D.D., 236, 251 
 
 Noddle's Island, 140 
 
 Norns, John, 94, 99, 101, 104, 105 
 
 North American Review, 187 
 
 Northampton (Mass.) 78 
 
 Northern Missionary Society, 172, 182 
 
 Norton, Rev. John, 24 
 
 Norwich (Conn.)> 7 
 
 Norwich Landing (Conn.), 143 
 
 Nott, £li|>halet, D.D., 114, 115, 160, 251 
 
 " Rev. Samuel, 163 
 
 Oneida Country, 129 
 
 Osgood, David, D.D., 16,44,81, 251 
 
 O-sgood, Lucy, 249, 302, 306 
 
 Ottawa Indians, 181 
 
 Oxenbridge, 24 
 
 Paine, Rev. Joshua, 11, 16 
 
 Palladium (See New £xgi«axd), 
 
 Panoplist, 65-72, 89, 95, 96, 107, 116, 157, 288, 299 
 
 Paris Tract Society, 280 
 
 " Bible Society, 280 
 
 " Missionary and Foreign Societies, 280 
 
 *' Parish," the word defined, 32 
 
 Parish, Elijah, D.D., 70, 219, 223, 224, 251, 275, 277, 278 
 
 Parker, Isaac, 252 
 
 PARC Street Church (Boston), 112-115, 288 
 
 Parsons, Chief Justice, 287 
 
 Peabody, Oliver 134 
 
 Pearson, Eliphalet, D.D., 92, 93, 95, 96, 98, 99, 101, 102, 
 
 103, 105, 107, 108, 110, 155, 238, 251 
 
 Penobscot (Me.), 130 
 
 Perkins, Nathan, D.D., 28, 138 
 
 Philadelphia (Pa.), 139, 140, 275 
 
 Phillips, John, 155 
 
 " Samuel, 26, 58, 151, 252 
 
 " William, 143, 151, 158 
 
 Phillips* Academy, 93, 94, 96, 101, 102, 151, 270, 299 
 
INDEX. 
 
 329 
 
 Pajrc. 
 
 Pickering, John, LL.D., 1^7 
 
 Pierce, Capt., 
 
 Pike, Nicholas, 252 
 
 Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth,. 38, 159, 247 
 
 Pinckney's Island (S. C). 38 
 
 Piiikerton, 221 
 
 Piatt, Jonas, 177 
 
 Piuiner, William, 252 
 
 Plymouth (Mass.), 23 
 
 Porter, Ebenezer, D.D., 167 
 
 Portsmouth (N. U.), 131,133, 134 
 
 Prairie du Chien, 179 
 
 Prentiss, Thomas, D.D., 117 
 
 Presbyterian General Assembly, 72, 73, 74, 90, 109 
 
 Price, Richanl, D.D., 49, 204, 253 
 
 Priestley, Joseph, D.D., 49, 122, 126, 137, 2.53 
 
 Prince Edward County (Va.), 153 
 
 Proudiit, Alexander, D.D., 166 
 
 Provost, Samuel, 48 
 
 Quincy (Mass.),. 125 
 
 Quincy, Josiah, 252 
 
 Ralston, Robert 158, 159 
 
 Ramsay, Dr. David, 194, 201, 202, 203, 247, 252, 277 
 
 Recorder (Boston), 314 
 
 Reed, John, D.D., 117 
 
 Reid, John, 216, 218 
 
 Rcpo.sitory, General, 127 
 
 Rhode Island, 130 
 
 Rice, John H., D.D., 100 
 
 Rice, Luther ' 163 
 
 Ripley, Rev. David, 9 
 
 Rippon, , D.D., 204, 253 
 
 Robbing, Chandler, D.D., .* 23 
 
 " Lieutenant-Govemor, 278 
 
 Robison, Prof. John, 234, 238 
 
 Robinson, , 253 
 
 Rodgers, John, D.D...... ....10, 28,64,74, 98, 108, 199,247, 252 
 
 Romeyn, John B., D.D., 109, 160, 252 
 
 Rush, Benj., M.D., 252 
 
330 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Russell, James, 13, 30 
 
 " Thomms, ....29, 30, 137 
 
 Sabbath School, The first in Massachusetts, 269, 270, 272, SIC 
 
 St. John, French Consul, 179, 190 
 
 Salera (Mass.), 89, 99 
 
 Salisbury, Josiah, 67, 270, 278 
 
 Salmon. Thomas, 213 
 
 Saturday Evening Lecture 31, 273 
 
 Savannah (Georgia), 38, 135, 159 
 
 Scott, Sir William, 233 
 
 Seabury, Bishop Samuel, D.D., 48 
 
 Secret Societies, 236 
 
 Sergeant, John, 170, 172, 184 
 
 Shaftsbury, 126 
 
 Shrewsbury (X. J.), 15, 17 
 
 Shutc, Daniel, D.D., 46 
 
 " Gov. Samuel, 62 
 
 Sierra Leone, 145, 275 
 
 Silliman, Benj., LL.D. (letter), 292 
 
 Smith, Col. J., 182 
 
 " J. C, 241, 247 
 
 " S. Stanhope, D.D., 251 
 
 Society for beneiit of Indians, 189 
 
 " " Promoting Christian Knowledge, 151, 155 
 
 " Propagating tUe Gospel, 128-137, 150,154 
 
 Society, Massachusetts Emigrant, 137-139 
 
 Spring, Samuel, D.D.,. ..71, 82, 83, 94, 99, 100, 101, 103, 105, 
 
 107, 162, 1C3, 251 
 
 Spy, Worcester, 238, 239 
 
 Stafford, Ward, 270, 271, 272 
 
 State Prison. Chaplaincy, 148, 149 
 
 Stevens, Jo.siah, « 135 
 
 Stiles, Ezra, D.D., 3, 9, 10, 203 
 
 " hU letter, 213, 247, 251 
 
 Stillman, Samuel. D.D. 31, 35, 201 
 
 Stockbridge Indians, 168, 169, 172, 184 
 
 Stockdale, John, 201, 203, 206, 216, 217, 219 
 
 Stoddert, Benj., 139 
 
 Stone Chapel (Boston) 121 
 
 Storrs, R. S., 247 
 
 Street, Nicholas, 9 
 
INDEX. 
 
 331 
 
 Papa. 
 
 Strong, Caleb, 103 . 
 
 Stuart, Charles, 178 
 
 " Moses, 42, 126, 163, 251 
 
 Sullivan, the ne?r<5, 141 
 
 " Got. James, 144, 148, 149 
 
 Sunbury (Ga ), 38 if 
 
 Sunday Evening Lecture, 142 
 
 Sword, T. & J., 215 
 
 Talleyrand, 268, 280, 281, 289 
 
 Tappan, David, D.D., 17, 26, 58, 86, 236, 238 
 
 Taylor, Charles (of London), 97 
 
 Tennessee, Tracts sent to 152 
 
 Tenney, Samuel, M.D., 134 
 
 Thanksgiving, Sermon of, 198, 231 
 
 Thacher, Peter, D.D., 16, 30, 31, 129, 135, 136, 251 
 
 " Thomas, 117 
 
 Thomas & Andrews,.. 206 
 
 Thomas, Isaiah, 213 
 
 Thursday Lecture (Boston), 24, 50 
 
 Thurston, William, 113 
 
 Tillotson, , 57 
 
 Titcomb, Senator, 59 
 
 Toulmin, , , 205 
 
 Tracts, Religious, 150, 157 
 
 Tract Society, American, 156, 267, 274, 279, 280 
 
 " London, 150 
 
 Treadwell, John, 155, 162, 252 
 
 " True Reasons "(pamphlet), 18, 59-64 
 
 Trumbull, Bcnj., D.D , 224, 225, 278 
 
 " Jonathan, 2, 198 
 
 " John (the poet), 253 
 
 Tucker, St. George, 211, 212 
 
 Tyng, Dudley A., v.. 131, 134, 135 
 
 Union Association, 89 
 
 Unitarian Church (Charlesto\m), 41 
 
 Unitariani.sm,..; ,,,, 41 ^ 45 
 
 " Unitarianism, American" (pamphlet, 1815), 120-127 
 
 Unitarians, 57 
 
 United Foreign Miss. Society (N. T.), 172 
 
 United States, History of, 226 
 
332 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Vaccination, 272 
 
 Van Reiissclaer.... 177 
 
 " Visitorial Plan of Union," 103, 106 
 
 VolUire, ^ 126 
 
 Wales, Samuel, D.D., * ....6, 9 
 
 Walk-in-the- Water (boat), 178 
 
 Wallace, AVilliam, 160 
 
 Walle}-, S. n 162 
 
 Wardawr, Ralph, D.D., 253 
 
 Ware, Henry, D.D., 59, 62, 92, 116, 127, 298 
 
 Ward, Artcuias, 278 
 
 Washington, George, 16, 32 
 
 " Letters,. 208, 216, 232, 241, 252 
 
 Waterhouse, Dr., 272 
 
 Waterland, Dr. Daniel, 125 
 
 Watson, Elkanah, 177 
 
 Watts' Catechism, 23, 54 
 
 Watts' Divine Songs, 54, 55 
 
 Webster, Daniel, 286 
 
 Noah, 214, 217, 253 
 
 Welch, Thomas, M.D., 30 
 
 Wells, William, 137, 205, 218, 219 
 
 " Jr., William, 120, 121, 219 
 
 Wheelock, Eleazor, 203 
 
 White Kiver (Ind.), 168, 169 
 
 Whittlesey, Chauncey, 9 
 
 Whittemore, Thomas, 302 
 
 Wiggles worth, Edward, D.D., 47, 61 
 
 Wilberforce, William, 68, 69, 164, 225, 253, 289 
 
 Wilder, S. V. S., 273, 274, 280, 281 
 
 Willard, Joseph, D.D., 58, 73, 80, 81, 86 
 
 Williams, Eleazer, 184 
 
 " Nathap, D.D., 28, 150 
 
 " Thomas, 143 
 
 Williamsburg (Va.), 211 
 
 Williston, Noah, 9 
 
 Wilmer, S., 160 
 
 Wilson, John, 20, 24 
 
 Wiadcor (Mass.), 83, 101 
 
 Winterbotham . . 216, 217 
 
 Woolcott, Oliver, 241, 252 
 
INDEX. . 333 
 
 Page. 
 
 Woodbndge, William, 14 
 
 AVoodhuU, John, D.D., 17 
 
 Woods, Leonard, D.D., 70, 83, 95, 96. 98, 99, 102, 107, 108, 120, 
 
 163, 251 
 
 Wool, General, 179 
 
 Woodstock (Ct.) .• 1, 285 
 
 Worcester, Spy, 238, 239 
 
 Samuel, DD.,. . . . 115, 117, 126, 162, 163, 252, 267, 272 
 Wyandotte (O.), 130 
 
 Yale College, .2, 203, 270 
 
Pnntrior Theological Seminary-Spw LiD'ary 
 
 
 \\ 
 
 1! 
 
 
 IP III' 
 
 II III! 1 
 
 1 11 
 
 
 
 1 ' 
 
 0 
 
 2 010 
 
 43 4407