• ^^^0^ .' 
 
 
 
 
 • *^ 5^^ *'t(CC^f A'*" '^n <^^" ♦ 
 
 
 
 ,^^ "'S^ 
 
 ■/.^^'\ '2 
 
 <> '«•** <0 
 
 
 
 0^. 
 
 'oK 
 
 . ^--r. .^ 
 
 

 
 *• '^ ** » 
 
 
 ^o1 
 
 ^0. 
 
 
 .*• <G' 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■<> '».! 
 
 jP-n^ 
 
 
 ' ^y 
 
 
 
 ;^v 
 
 
 
 ,-4.* >i'J,L»/V c" 
 
 o ^^o^ 
 
 ^ ♦..o" .* 
 
 5-' 
 
 
 
 
 .A' -«• o 
 
 
THE 
 
 YOUNG PASTOR'S WIFE, 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON : 
 
 CONTAINING HER 
 
 BIOGMPHl DIART, LETTERS, ETC. 
 
 BY HORACE MOULTON. 
 
 " A woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised. Give her 
 the fruit of her hands ; and let her own works praise her in the 
 gates." — Prov. xxxi. 30-31. 
 
 
 BOSTON: 
 ^AITE, PEIRCE AND COMPANY, 
 
 No. 1 CornhiU. 
 
 1845, 
 

 ^ 
 
 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845, 
 
 BY H. MOULTON, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of 
 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 i ^ ^ ^ 
 
 Reid & Rand, Printers, 
 No. 3 Cornhill, Boston. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The Biographer presents this brief memoir to the 
 public? with unaffected diffidence. This feeling is 
 produced partly by distrusting his own abilities to 
 prepare the work, and partly by a consciousness that 
 it would become necessary to introduce an outline 
 of the result of his own labors in connection with 
 those of his subject, that the readers of the book 
 might the better understand the extensiveness, as 
 well as the results, of those pious and persevering 
 efforts in which Mrs. M. was so zealously engaged 
 for nineteen years. And it is hoped that the great 
 revivals, in which both were engaged, are so pre- 
 sented, that the biographer will not be considered an 
 egotist, sounding his own trumpet ; for nothing could 
 be farther from his design. Still it was thought best 
 to present the book in its present form, hoping by 
 this plan, it would be read with greater avidity, and 
 be more extensively useful to all, into whose hands 
 
IV PRETACE. 
 
 it may fall, by presenting to the reader a greater 
 variety. It is not pretended that the excellency of 
 our subject consisted in the development of extraor- 
 dinary powers of mind, or in a brilliancy of talents ; 
 but it is believed that it did consist in deep and 
 glowing piety, in uniform and persevering obedience 
 to all the commands of God, and in constant personal 
 efforts for the salvation of souls. These traits in her 
 christian character will embalm her memory and 
 make it precious, like that of the just. She was 
 one among the number of the saints of the Most 
 High, who in her early experience explored the 
 " breadth, and length, and depth, and height, of the 
 love of Christ," and to the honor of God's grace be 
 it spoken, she was a living witness, for eighteen 
 years, " that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all 
 sin." During this period of time, she spread a knowl- 
 edge of this full salvation as far as the providence 
 of God, in her situation, permitted. 
 
 To that class of christians who are aspiring after 
 all the mind of Christ, and are desiring to carry out 
 all the great principles of religion, by bearing every 
 cross, doing every duty, and enduring hardness as 
 good soldiers of Jesus Christ, this little volume can- 
 not fail of being very useful. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 While rehearsing the vicissitudes, and the many 
 painful conflicts which our subject endured in her 
 brief career, her happy and triumphant death, my 
 heart is animated to seek for higher spiritual attain- 
 ments, that I, through grace, may overcome every 
 foe, and share the same triumphant death, and enjoy 
 the same glory, that I fully believe she now pos- 
 sesses in the Paradise of God. The narrative, so 
 far as materials could be obtained, is given in the 
 language of our subject. Her letters and diary are 
 so arranged, and connected, with circumstances, in- 
 cidents, and remarks of my own, as to give variety 
 and interest to the whole, and assist the reflections 
 of the reader. 
 
 I cannot close this preface without remarking, that 
 the reasons why this memoir did not make its ap- 
 pearance before, were, the idea of publishing it was 
 abandoned, after some considerable progress had 
 been made in preparing it, on account of having 
 learned that some of her most important letters and 
 writings were destroyed ; the scantiness of means, 
 also, together with the " perplexities and difficulties'* 
 of collecting, and preparing the book for the press, 
 almost dissuaded the author from his purpose. But, 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 after much prayer, and more mature reflection, being 
 convinced that the biography would prove an auxil- 
 iary to the humble christian in his pathway through 
 this vale of tears, the memoir is at length presented 
 to the careful and prayerful perusal of the public 
 generally. 
 
 It is not presumed, even, that the result of his 
 labors is without its faults, but still it is hoped that 
 the attentive reader will say, when its contents shall 
 have been examined, " with all its faults I love it 
 still." And now that this little volume is closed, it 
 is commended to the " Divine Blessing," earnestly 
 hoping and praying that it may subserve the interests 
 
 of our common Christianity. 
 
 The Author. 
 JVewhunff January, 1845. 
 
CONTEXTS, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Birth. Early Life. Conversion and Experience, 5 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Her estimation of the doctrine of Holiness. Rem- 
 iniscences of her sister. Learns a trade. Reli- 
 gious faithfulness and success, while working as 
 a tailoress. Returns home and teaches school. 
 Interest for scholars. Removes to Oxford. Pro- 
 claims faithfully the great salvation, with suc- 
 cess, in Oxford and Dudley, - - ' - 23 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Continued labors and usefulness in Dudley. Se- 
 lections from her correspondence and diary, 43 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Becomes a member of the Wesleyan Academy at 
 Wilbraham. Religious exercises and corres- 
 pondence. Letter from a Wesleyan Preacher 
 upon the doctrine of Holiness, • - - 59 
 
Vill CONTENTS* 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Leaves Wilbraham, and is married to Rev. Samuel 
 Estin. Stationed in Greenwich — usefulness 
 here. Sickness and death of her husband. Mar- 
 riage with Rev. Horace Moulton, - - 81 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Early life — call to preach, and first pastoral labors 
 of Mr. M. Great trial on Tolland circuit. East 
 Windsor circuit. Painful baptismal scene. Wales 
 and the neighboring towns. Temperance strug- 
 gles. Rupture with Presiding Elder. Hebron. 
 Ministerial support. Mrs. Moulton's diary con- 
 tinued. Gill circuit, 97 
 
 CHAPTER Vn. 
 
 Great revival on Gill circuit, especially in Charle- 
 mont and Greenfield, 123 
 
 CHAPTER Vm. 
 Phillipston circuit. Diary and active labors of 
 Mrs. M. Conversion of her mother. Provi- 
 dential escape from imminent danger, - 139 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Wales. Remarkable answer to prayer in the re- 
 covery of her daughter. Granville circuit. Re- 
 vivals in Blandford and Middlefield. Corres- 
 pondence. Wonderful escape from small pox, 151 
 
CONTENTS. IX 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 BelcTiertown. Devout letters to friends. Marl- 
 borough, 177 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Labors, disappointments and trials in Billerica. 
 Providential opening at Wellfleet ; labors in the 
 latter place. Ashburnham, All Mrs. M.'s family 
 converted. Revival on circuit. Temperance 
 movement among the ladies, - - - 198 
 
 CHAPTER Xn. 
 
 Ashburnham — second year. Interesting revival 
 
 in New Ipswich. Oxford. Revivals in Leices- 
 ter, Charlton and Dudley, ... - 224 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 Revival in Oxford. Closing labors of Mrs. M. 
 Sickness and triumphant death, - - 251 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page 11, 25th line, for " 1839," read 1829. 
 
 Page 98, 17th line, for " A. L." Fletcher, read D. L. 
 
 Page 149, 15th line, omit " as." 
 
 Page 156, 26th line, for " desires," read denies. 
 
 Page 160, 20th line, omit « so." 
 
CHAPTEPv I. 
 
 Elizabeth Ann Moulton, the subject of the 
 following brief memoir, was the daughter of 
 Thomas and Nancy Arnold, of Lunenburg, 
 Massachusetts. Her parents are now living, 
 and are both members of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church in Fitchburg. They had four 
 daughters, three of whom are now living with 
 their husbands, all of whom are members of 
 the household of faith. How great an instru- 
 ment in the conversion of those three happy 
 families, the subject of this memoir was, eter- 
 nity alone can develope. I have no doubt, 
 however, but all of them have blessed God for 
 the prayers and instructions which they received 
 from their lamented sister who agonized in fer- 
 vent supplication for them until her lips were 
 sealed in death. Perhaps no one ever labored 
 more perseveringly, or felt more anxious for the 
 salvation of parents and sisters, than did our 
 departed friend. And when she had an evidence 
 that all were born again, '' not of corruptible 
 seed, but by the word of God," no one could 
 1 
 
6 MEMOIR OF 
 
 have felt a deeper sense of gratitude to God for 
 his unspeakable goodness, in manifesting the 
 riches of his grace to their undying spirits. 
 
 The parents of Elizabeth adopted one daugh- 
 ter into their family when very young, for whose 
 temporal and spiritual interests, Elizabeth felt 
 as much solicitude, as she did for any member 
 of the family, and for whom she prayed and 
 agonized until death w^as swallowed up in vic- 
 tory. When she died, this sister deeply felt 
 that she had lost the most faithful friend to the 
 interests of her soul, as the following extract of 
 a letter, dated May, 1844, will show : — "I can 
 truly say that I never knew a person of whose 
 piety I had a more exalted opinion. 1 think, 
 should her life be faithfully recorded, it would 
 fill a volume. The many times she has en- 
 treated me with prayers and tears, to seek the 
 Lord, are deeply engraved on my memory. I 
 feel myself truly unworthy of all the kindness 
 which she has manifested towards me. She 
 said to me, about the last time she was here, 
 * Dear Louisa! I think you and Br. Darling are 
 not far from the kingdom — I have prayed a 
 great many times for you of late, and have had 
 some evidence that you would come out on the 
 Lord's side.' I hope her prayers will be an- 
 swered, for I know that if lost at last, it will be 
 owing to my own hard and impenitent heart, as 
 she has faithfully done her duty." 
 
 Her parents were respectable, and bad a high 
 sense of what the world calls good morals, but ^ 
 
ELIZABETH AX.V MOULTOX. 7 
 
 neither of them knew any thing of the power of 
 godliness until some time after Elizabeth and 
 her eldest sister had experienced religion ; con- 
 sequently they only taught their daughters to fear 
 that Being who made them ; to keep the Sabbath 
 holy, and reverence the institutions of religion, 
 as they had been taught them by the Unitarian 
 creed. But now having the eyes of their un- 
 derstanding enlightened, and their hearts reno- 
 vated by the power of the Holy Ghost, they not 
 only have an outward form of speculative 
 morals, but are contending for the power of 
 godliness, and, I trust, if faithful to God a few 
 more revolving days, they will unite with their 
 daughter in heaven, in chanting the notes of 
 redeeming praise to God and the Lamb, forever 
 and ever. 
 
 Elizabeth was born in Braintree, Massachu- 
 setts, May 29th, 1804. She gave early proof 
 of firmness and decision of character ; of per- 
 severance in whatever she undertook ; and of 
 an active and zealous disposition. 
 
 When but a few years old, she was very badly 
 scalded with hot water, and so deeply was she 
 afflicted with this burn, that her parents for 
 some time despaired of her life ; the indelible 
 marks of which went down with her into the 
 grave. 
 
 The spirit of God strove with her, at an early 
 period, and taught her that she was a sinner 
 and must go to hell unless converted. Un- 
 doubtedly the spirit of God does often strive 
 
8 MEMOIR OF 
 
 with little children, at the first dawn of human 
 reason ; and its blessed influence is almost as 
 often grieved away, for the want of proper in- 
 struction and encouragement at this tender age. 
 The following is an account of the moving in- 
 fluences of the Holy Spirit upon her heart, in 
 her own words : — " When a child, at the early 
 age of six years, I can well remember, that the 
 Spirit of God strove with me, and I felt the 
 effects ®f a wicked and depraved heart. And 
 many times, at that early period of my life, I 
 formed resolutions to be a better child, and to 
 seek the Lord. I was taught by my parents to 
 reverence that Being, who is the Author of my 
 existence, and the Preserver of my life : but my 
 mind was, as are the minds of many at the pre- 
 sent day, easily drawn aside by the alluring 
 scenes of earth, and the folly of childhood. 
 Thus I lived in the neglect of my soul's salva- 
 tion, indulging myself in sinning against light 
 and knowledge, until I arrived at the age of 
 sixteen years. 
 
 " I lived in a town where the pure principles 
 of religion were but very little regarded at that 
 time. The people appeared by their lives and 
 conduct to say, we are ' rich and increased in 
 goods, and have need of nothing.' But at 
 length, the Lord was pleased to send into this 
 town one of his servants, whom I went to hear 
 preach. I immediately /e/# the truths which he 
 advanced, for his words were like daggers, 
 piercing my heart. But, at this time, pride had 
 
jELIZABEtH ANN MOULTON. 9 
 
 taken such deep root in my heart, that I found 
 it a hard matter to yield, or acknowledge my- 
 self a sinner, or even to sacrifice my little all 
 for the religion of Jesus Christ. Being, how- 
 ever, fully convinced that to persist and live in 
 sin would be ruinous, I formed the resolution 
 to leave the vanities of the world and seek an 
 interest in the Savior. At last, through many 
 obstructions, I was enabled to submit and throw 
 myself on the mercy of God, and then I found 
 the word of God to be true which says, ' they 
 that seek me early shall find me.' " 
 
 Is there any period in human life when the 
 world presents more charms to the youthful 
 mind, than at the age of sixteen years 1 Just 
 stepping forth into the gay and active circles of 
 life, the world in all its diversified dress, pre- 
 sents a thousand pleasing and alluring aspects. 
 The love of the world, its vain amusements, 
 honors, and pleasures, at this age, deceive its 
 multitudes, and lead them on in the anticipa- 
 tions of future bliss. When lo ! a gnawing 
 worm at the root, suddenly despoils them of 
 their foretasted pleasure, and causes them to 
 cry out in the evil day, " how have I hated in- 
 struction, and my heart despised reproof" On 
 the other hand, how interesting to the pious 
 mind, to contemplate the few, but beautiful ex- 
 amples of those who, in all the vigor of youth, 
 are inquiring after wisdom ; counting the cost 
 of living in sin ; renouncing this vain world, 
 with all its flatteries and anticipated pleasures j 
 *1 
 
10 MEMOIR OF 
 
 resolving, in the strength of God, to turn to 
 Zion ; taking the cross of Christ, and follow- 
 ing him through evil as well as good report. 
 How Christ-like to see the youth, with the armor 
 on, wrestling not only against flesh and blood, 
 but against " principalities, against powers, 
 against the rulers of the darkness of this world, 
 and against spiritual wickedness in high places," 
 in order to glorify God on earth, and gain a 
 crown of life. It was at this interesting period 
 of life, that Elizabeth Ann Arnold renounced 
 the world, with all its pride and vanity, and 
 gave her heart to God, for him to live and die. 
 Having now but one sister to encourage her in 
 her heavenly warfare, (her parents knowing no- 
 thing of the power of godliness,) and vital 
 piety being very unpopular in the town of Bol- 
 ton, a storm of persecution broke out upon her, 
 and the little band with which she united : but 
 these things only stimulated her to give up all 
 for Christ and his cross, fully believing that if 
 she suffered with Christ on earth, she should 
 reign with him in glory. The cup of repentance 
 to her was a bitter cup, but being fixed in her 
 purpose, she continued to pour forth her prayers 
 to God in strong cries and tears, until deliver- 
 ance came, and her darkness was turned into 
 light. Her experience from the power of sin 
 and Satan, unto God, was instantaneous, and as 
 clear as a sunbeam at noon-day. Neither did 
 slie rest satisfied long witli an evidence of jus- 
 tifying grace, but pressed on after " the breadth, 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 11 
 
 and length, and deptli, and height " of redeem- 
 ing grace, that she might know the love of 
 Christ which passeth knowledge — that she 
 might be filled with all the fullness of God. 
 Nor did she seek for the deep things of God in 
 vain, for after contending with the devil and 
 inbred sin about one year, she experienced the 
 second blessing, called in the scriptures by the 
 various terms, perfect love, holiness, sanctijica- 
 tioji, a clean heart, &lc. 
 
 This inestimable blessing she enjoyed in her 
 heart and exemplified in her life, more than 
 eighteen years, without wavering. She also 
 taught it to others, both publicly and privately, 
 wherever an opportunity presented, believing 
 that she was under the most solemn obligations 
 to let this great light shine. In this faith she 
 lived and died, and is now undoubtedly enjoy- 
 ing the blessed fruit of it in the Paradise of 
 God. Believing her experience relating to the 
 great work of justification and sanctification 
 upon her heart truly scriptural, and that the 
 perusal of it will be edifying to every anxious 
 inquirer after truth, I will now transcribe a 
 narration of it written by herself in May, 3839. 
 
 " Having looked back upon my past life, and 
 counted over the mercies and blessings of God, 
 from the earliest period of my recollection up 
 to the present time, I feel myself under an obli- 
 gation to Ilim which duty calls me to perform. 
 And may the God of all grace assist me ! At 
 the age of sixteen years I was brought to see 
 
12 Memoir of 
 
 myself again a sinner, ' wretched, and miserable, 
 and poor, and blind, and naked 5' and very un- 
 happy, as well as unholy. I had long sought 
 for bliss in the gay scenes of life, and strove 
 hard to be happy in them, but found it im- 
 possible. At length, I commenced a life of 
 prayer, and resolved that I would seek the Lord 
 in good earnest. I therefore prayed and wept 
 in secret places, and formed many resolutions 
 to live a new life. But, alas ! how easily were 
 they broken, when made in my own strength : 
 for I soon gave way to the allurements of the 
 world, and the evil propensities of my corrupt 
 nature ; and as a consequence, guilt and con- 
 demnation overwhelmed my troubled soul. I 
 learned, by self-examination, that I was not 
 willing to come out from the pleasures and 
 practices of the world, and be separated from 
 them ; neither was I willing to give up the 
 companions of my youth for the sake of reli- 
 gion. The world, the flesh, and the devil 
 crowded into my mind like a flood ; and so great 
 was my conflict, that I had no peace day nor 
 night, when awake. I then thought too, as 
 there was no denomination of christians in the 
 town, except a small class of Methodist people, 
 who were considered mean, and despised by 
 the worldly professor, on account of their zeal 
 and plainness of dress, that, if I should embrace 
 religion, I should be liable to become one of 
 them ; for if any new one even attended their 
 meetings, and became thoughtful and serious, 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 13 
 
 especially if discerned by their friends and ac- 
 quaintance, they would at once say, that per- 
 son has become a Methodist. The pride of 
 my heart had risen to such a height, that I 
 thought I could not be one of them. 
 
 '* While possessing this state of feeling, in the 
 month of September, 1824, I went to reside 
 with a great uncle of mine, in the town of 
 Hingham. My uncle was a man of very even 
 temper, but knew nothing of the nature of vital 
 piety ; neither did any of the family to my 
 knowledge, as they said nothing in favor of it. 
 Having now, therefore, no one to whom I could 
 unbosom my feelings on the subject of religion, 
 I kept my convictions all to myself, and began 
 to pray more earnestly than ever that God 
 would have mercy on my soul. Sometimes, I 
 went into my chamber and fell down before 
 God and wept and prayed, giving vent to my 
 feelings in strong cries and tears, and would 
 obtain some momentary relief occasionally, 
 while pleading at the Throne of Grace. At 
 such times I would resolve again, to live a bet- 
 ter life than ever, and try to watch over all 
 my words and actions. But unawares, the enemy 
 of my soul would get the advantage of me, so 
 that I would yield again to the natural incli- 
 nations of my corrupt heart, and think that I 
 was as bad as ever. I lived in this unhappy 
 state, until the next March, when my father 
 came, wishing me to return home. 
 
 " I had previously determined to rehearse all 
 
14 MEMOIR OF 
 
 my feelings to my eldest sister, who had ex- 
 perienced religion about one year previous to 
 this : but little did I realize what a treacherous 
 and obstinate heart I had to contend with. 
 Having returned home, I had no disposition to 
 relate to her what I had suffered in my feelings, 
 on account of my sins, while absent, but chose 
 again to join with my old associates in levity 
 and pride. Still the Spirit of God followed me 
 from day to day, and so harrowed up ray feel- 
 ings, that I dared not wholly neglect secret 
 prayer. In this state I lived several months, 
 then my convictions became so pungent, that 
 they were discovered by my friends in my coun- 
 tenance. Soon I was invited to go and hear 
 the Methodists preach. I accepted the invita- 
 tion, and went. I had, before this time, kept 
 my convictions to myself, as I was ashamed to 
 manifest them to the despised people of God ; 
 but now, at the meeting, I was anxious to in- 
 form them of the distress of mind and agony of 
 soul, which I had so long kept concealed. 
 When I told some of them that I was determined 
 to seek the religion of Jesus, they invited me to 
 attend a class-meeting, held at noon, during the 
 intermission. After much persuasion, I con- 
 sented. In this meeting my heart was over- 
 whelmed with grief for my past sins, which 
 were set in array before me. I burst forth into 
 H flood of tears, and, so great was my grief, that 
 I could not utter to them my desires. I re- 
 turned home with a heavy heart, laden down 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 15 
 
 with guilt and sin. I attended meeting again 
 in the evening, but found no relief — my bur- 
 den still pressing me down, so that when the 
 meeting closed, I felt that I could not return 
 until it was removed, but said nothing about 
 my feelings to any one, until the preacher, Br. 
 George Fairbanks, came and spoke to me, wish- 
 ing to know if I truly desired religion ? I told 
 him I did. He then asked me how long I had 
 felt the importance of it. I told him, as nearly 
 as I could, what my feelings had been for several 
 months past. The brethren then tarried and 
 prayed for me. After this I requested the class 
 to remember my case before the Throne of 
 Grace, and returned home, as I came, without 
 any relief in my mind. The next morning I 
 went to my closet, shut to the door, and bowing 
 before the Lord, and giving myself to him, I 
 resigned my all into his hands, for him to live 
 and die. At that moment, light broke into my 
 soul. My burden left me, and a voice said unto 
 me, * Thy sins, which are many, are all forgiven 
 thee.' O what love immediately sprung up in 
 my heart ! Joy unspeakable filled my ravished 
 soul ! I now left my closet and went to work, 
 and truly did I feel that heaven was reconciled 
 to me. I said nothing to any one until my 
 eldest sister came up stairs, and said, ' Eliza- 
 beth, how do you now feel in your mind V I 
 told her that the Lord had pardoned all my 
 sins, and she rejoiced with me. Lydia, know- 
 ing what my state of mind had been for some 
 
16 MEMOIR OF 
 
 time past, felt to sympathise deeply with me, as 
 she had often prayed that God would have mercy 
 on my soul. Notwithstanding my conversion was 
 so clear, and my evidence of it so bright, Lydia 
 leaving home to visit a friend, the very day the 
 Lord converted my soul, I was soon tempted, 
 and began to doubt whether I had been truly 
 converted to God. Satan, that arch enemy, 
 who goes ' up and down the earth' to deceive 
 the people, strove with me, desiring to sift me 
 as wheat ; and not being acquainted with his de- 
 vices, and having no one to instruct me, my mind 
 was brought into darkness, and I almost gave up 
 all hope of ever being happy again. I thought, 
 however, that I would not leave off praying, and 
 therefore resorted to the Throne of Grace, all 
 weighed down with doubts and fears. That 
 God who converted my ,soul, again appeared to 
 my relief: my doubts and fears were removed, 
 and I again rejoiced in the God of my salvation. 
 And from that time to the present, I have never 
 doubted my true conversion to God. It was 
 soon noised abroad that I was a Methodist, and 
 that was not a false report in the least. Al- 
 though I had not then joined them, yet my 
 heart was with them, and as soon as an oppor- 
 tunity presented, I offered myself to the church 
 to join on trial for six months; for this step I 
 have ever felt grateful to God. I now felt that 
 this people was my people, their God my God, 
 and with them I resolved to live and die. 
 
 "I soon learned that the christians life was 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 17 
 
 a warfare, and if I would reign with Christ in 
 glory, I must fight and endure hardness as a 
 good soldier of Jesus Christ, while combating 
 with foes without and foes within. A know- 
 ledge of these enemies led me to see that 1 must 
 put my trust in God alone. I tried to do my 
 duty and testify of the goodness of God 
 wherever an opportunity presented, and the 
 Lord blessed me much in so doing. But I 
 found that my foes within, or the evil corruptions 
 of my degenerate heart, were more to be feared 
 than those without. Pride and levity were my 
 greatest besetting sins, and to check these un- 
 holy principles, I found that I must come out 
 from the world and be separated, and touch not, 
 taste not, nor handle sin in any of its forms. 
 My bible informed me also that I must be holy, 
 or I could never see God's face in peace ; and 
 while meditating on the importance of this ines- 
 timable blessing of holiness, many passages of 
 scripture which referred to this blessing, oc- 
 curred to my mind ; such as follows : — ' This is 
 the will of God, even your sanctification.' 'And 
 the very God of peace sanctify you wholly : and 
 I pray God your whole spirit and soul, and body, 
 may be preserved blameless unto the coming of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ.' * Rejoice ever more. 
 Pray without ceasing. In every thing give 
 thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ 
 Jesus concerning you.' ' Be ye therefore per- 
 fect, even as your Father which is in heaven is 
 perfect.' *' Blessed are the pure in heart : for 
 2 
 
18 MEMOIR OF 
 
 they shall see God.' ' Thou shall love the Lord 
 thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy 
 soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy 
 strength — and thy neighbor as thyself.' I was 
 then rationally convinced that the blessing of 
 holiness, or perfect love, was attainable in this 
 life, and I strove to seek it. — Sometimes my 
 convictions were so deep, that it seemed to me, 
 I could not live; another day without the enjoy- 
 ment of it, and at other times my mind wan- 
 dered from the subject, and was so far drawn off 
 by worldly objects that my conviction for it, ap- 
 peared to have left me for a season. Not being 
 satisfied with what I now enjoyed, 1 began to 
 examine myself, and found that my faiUi was 
 weak, often doubting whether such a great 
 blessing could be obtained by such an unworthy a- 
 worm as myself 
 
 '' Thus I lived, day after day, and month 
 after month, until more than one year had ex- 
 pired from the time of my conversion. Then, 
 by the assistance of my heavenly Father, I was 
 so enabled to seek as to find that blessing, which 
 I had so long desired. My experience in ob- 
 taining this state of grace I will now try to re- 
 late. September 25th, 1824, Br. J. Perkins 
 came to our dwelling to visit the family. He 
 soon began to question me concerning the great 
 blessing of holiness. At this time my mind' was 
 not so powerfully exercised with regard to it as 
 it had previously been. But as he began to ex- 
 postulate with me to seek for the blessing with 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 19 
 
 all my heart, and to seek it now, my mind was 
 powerfully exercised about my own state, and I 
 felt more than ever the necessity of making a 
 full surrender, and of having my sinful propen- 
 sities no longer existing in my heart. After 
 Br. Perkins had retired from the house, I im- 
 mediately resorted to a secret place. There I 
 prayed and agonized with the Lord until my 
 faith began lo increase. Then I believed the 
 blessing of perfect love was in reserve for me, 
 and also, that God was about to bestow it upon 
 me. I wrestled, prayed, and yielded all np to 
 him, relying upon the merits of Christ, with a 
 sure trust in the cleansing power of the Holy 
 Ghost. And the very moment I could realize 
 that I had entirely given myself into his hands, 
 firmly relying on the blood of sprinkling, the 
 cloud broke, and peace and joy flowed into my 
 soul like a river. I felt as 1 never had before, 
 crying, Abba, Father ! my Lord and my God ! 
 I stood for some moments, and praised God for 
 his astonishing goodness, manifested to such a 
 worm. I then returned to my work, saying 
 nothing about this second blessing, — perfect 
 love shed abroad in my heart — until an op- 
 portunity presented itself to declare it to my 
 sister; she being the only professor of religion 
 in our family, except myself I related to her 
 my new experience ; and my heart was imme- 
 diately so filled with the love of God, that I 
 could not, for some time, attend to my ordinary 
 duties. I now truly felt that my sins were not 
 
2^ MEMOIR OF 
 
 only blotted out, but that my heart was entirely 
 c eansed from inbred corruption, and my soul 
 filled with all the fullness of God. I was truly 
 humbled under a sense of the mighty power of 
 trod : and pride, which before this had been my 
 greatest besetting sin, I now felt was rooted out 
 Feiirs, however, soon began to trouble me, 
 that I should not hold fast whereunto I had at- 
 tained, but should lose this blessing. I thought 
 too that It would have been better forme never 
 to have experienced the blessing of full sal- 
 vation, than to make shipwreck of this faith 
 But amidst all these temptations of the enemy 
 I realized that that God who had delivered my 
 soul from the thraldom of sin, and perfected it 
 111 love, was able to keep and preserve me blame- 
 less unto the end, should I but trust in him as I 
 ought. I lived in a peaceful state of mind for 
 some time, almost as happy as I could be, and 
 remain on these mortal shores. I felt that what 
 i experienced in receiving the blessing of jus- 
 tification, was only as a drop out of the ocean 
 when compared with this blessed fullness im- 
 parted to my enraptured soul. I now found that 
 my confidence and faith in God were unwaver- 
 ing. I was not at this time as easily moved by 
 trifling things as I had been before. Thus I 
 sailed along, week after week, and could sing 
 with the Poet — ^ 
 
 ' Not a cloud did arise to darken my skies, 
 Or hide for one moment the Lord from my eyes.' 
 
ELIZABETH ANN IVIOULTON. ^1 
 
 "After a few weeks had elapsed, my trials 
 began to be very severe, and my mind was in 
 great heaviness through manifold temptations. 
 In this state of mind, I resorted to a Throne of 
 Grace as often as possible, and in answer to 
 agonizing and fervent prayer, my heaviness left 
 me : and so by degrees, my soul rising in 
 triumph, grew more and more happy — inso- 
 much that I could rejoice almost continually ; 
 thus obeying the precepts of the Apostle, to 
 ' Rejoice evermore : Pray without ceasing, and 
 in every thing give thanks ; for this is the will 
 of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.' 1 
 could also sins with the Poet — 
 
 ' Not a wave of trouble rolls 
 Across my peaceful breast.' 
 
 " Although four years have now elapsed since 
 I experienced this great blessing of entire holi- 
 ness, yet I trust, through the tender mercy of 
 God, that I have never, for a moment, lost sight 
 of it. It is now sweeter than music to hear it 
 held forth as taught in the Bible, and conversed 
 upon by the lovers of Jesus. May I never lose 
 what I have gained ! but with holy courage, 
 press after more and more of the fullness of 
 God's unbounded love ; that I may know what 
 it is ' to comprehend with all saints, what is the 
 breadth, and length, and depth, and height of 
 the love of God ;' that he may present me with 
 ♦2 
 
S2 MEMOIR. 
 
 his glorious church — ' not having spot, of 
 wrinkle, or any such thing;' ' to whom he 
 glory, and majesty, dominion, and power, both 
 now and ever. Amen.' " 
 
CHAPTER It 
 
 Sanctification was the great theme otl 
 which she best delighted to dwell through life^ 
 On this rock she planted her feet with implicit 
 faith in the atoning merits of Christ, and all 
 the opposing powers of earth and hell, never 
 moved her from this faith once delivered to the 
 saints. She had undoubtedly more deeply and 
 extensively explored, by faith, the unfathomable 
 treasures of divine grace than most christians^ 
 and consequently had large possessions of the 
 unsearchable riches of Christ. On the nature 
 of pardon — the evidence which accompanies 
 it — the witness of the spirit, as well as the 
 blessing of entire sanctification — the necessity 
 of obtaining those precious and promised giftSj 
 and the manner in which they were to be re- 
 ceived, were subjects on which she delighted 
 to improve, in all her exhortations and teach- 
 ings. The whole plan of salvation by faith in 
 Christ unfolded its beauties and glories to her 
 understanding, in a mannef that surprised hun- 
 dreds who listened to her instructions. 
 
24 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Her sister Lydia, being a companion with 
 her in her christian warfare, during her early 
 pilcrrimage, informed me that she never partook 
 of the vain amusements of the world, liko many 
 of her age. To balls, pleasure parties, and 
 novel reading, she was an entire stranger : still 
 there was an aching void in her heart that the 
 perishable things of earth could not satisfy. 
 Many there are, who try to satisfy their immor- 
 tal spirits with those phantoms which the world 
 calls pleasure ; but in pursuit of them, they 
 find them but painted bubbles on the wave^ 
 which break at the first touch. And still 
 thousands have become intoxicated with sen- 
 sual pleasures and gratifications ; having their 
 minds inflated with novel and deceptive read- 
 ing, — becoming entirely disqualified to listen 
 with profit to the sound of the gospel, — to read 
 God's word with attention, or to meditate pray* 
 erfully on those things that pertain to their 
 peace. With none of these poisonous sins 
 was the subject of this narrative afflicted. Her 
 parents, although not pious, had carefully 
 watched over their daughter's conduct, and 
 had restrained her from polluting her mind 
 with these wicked influences ; hence she was 
 the better prepared to appreciate the infinite 
 love of God in the gift of His soHj to a lost 
 and perishing world, and to taste and see, for 
 herself, that the Lord was good. 
 
 "While under conviction, which weighed 
 down her spirits for some tixTie, she made the 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 25 
 
 Bible, and the Life of Hester Ann Rogers, her 
 chief companiohs, as I learned of her sister, 
 who, taking the deepest interest in her spiritual 
 welfare, led her to the place where God's ser- 
 vants were preaching *' good tidings unto the 
 meek ; binding up the broken hearted ; pro- 
 claiming liberty unto the captives, and the 
 opening of the prison to them that are bound.'* 
 
 It is an inestimable blessing to a poor peni- 
 tent sinner, when his spirits are sinking under 
 an intolerable load of guilt, to have a friend 
 who careth for his soul, to pray for him, and 
 lead him to Christ. Many have grieved away 
 the Spirit, for the want of some friend to en- 
 courage them, and are now in the broad way 
 to destruction ; and many, it is to be feared, 
 for the want of these human instrumentalities, 
 are now beyond the reach of hope. 
 
 Her sister said, " I saw nothing very special 
 upon her mind until in the fall of 18*24, when, 
 on my return from my frequented place of 
 prayer, in a grove, which nearly overshadowed 
 my father's dwelling ; I met Elizabeth with a 
 Testament in her hand, coming out to join me 
 in my devotion. We went back, and, after 
 reading a portion of God's word, we fell upon 
 our knees together for the first time ; she here 
 offered up an earnest prayer to God for salva- 
 tion ; and I never call that season to mind, but 
 with the deepest sensations of joy. For several 
 days after this, her mind was like the troubled 
 ocean. The Bible and Mrs. Rogers now be- 
 
26 MEMOIR OF 
 
 came her chief study. Soon after this we both 
 went some distance to meeting, and so great 
 was her distress, under the sermon of Br. Fair- 
 banks, that she felt that the 'pangs of hell had 
 got hold upon her,' and said to me, that she 
 did not feel as thougfh she could get home. 
 After the brethren and sisters had prayed for 
 her at the evening meeting, we repaired home, 
 retired to our bed-chamber and knelt before 
 God. Never have I seen a more humble and 
 penitent person than she was : the fountain of 
 the great deep of her heart was all broken up. 
 The next morning she arose, and soon informed 
 me that she was happy in God, while her very 
 looks, and actions, indicated a thorough change 
 * from darkness to light, and from the power of 
 sin and Satan unto God.' O what a blessed 
 morning ! What a joyful hour ! My heart 
 now beat higher for heaven than ever — my 
 painful struggle for her salvation had ceased — 
 we now walked hand in hand, taking sweet 
 counsel together, possessing one hope, one 
 heart, one mind, and one voice : it was heaven 
 on earih begun !" 
 
 These two sisters were inseparably joined in 
 heart after their conversion, and their active 
 piety was remarked, when young, in all the 
 churches where they were known, — exhibited, 
 as it was, in their zeal for souls — at camp meet- 
 ings, quarterly meetings, and in the perform- 
 ance of all their christian duties. They were 
 the means of breaking down much of the pre- 
 
ELIZABETH ANxN MOULTON. 27 
 
 judice which had long bound the female tongue 
 in silence. 
 
 I have thought proper to dwell longer in this 
 memoir, on her experience, than is usual, hoping 
 it will prove a blessing to many in whose hands 
 it may fall, who, being deeply convinced of sin, 
 are inquiring what they must do to be saved. 
 
 Having experienced religion, and being de- 
 termined to do every duty in the; fear of God, 
 she united with the church on trial, and was 
 baptized by Br. Hazelton, colleague of Br. 
 Fairbanks, on Needham circuit. So contrary 
 was this proceeding to the wishes of her pa- 
 rents, who had been trained up in the Unitarian 
 faith, that it brought out a little opposition 
 against her from them. But this she endured 
 with all that fortitude and perseverance which 
 should ever characterize the saints of God ; 
 who, under some circumstances, are called 
 ** to forsake houses, and brethren, and sisters, 
 and fathers, and mothers, and wives, and chil- 
 dren, for Christ's sake." Notwithstanding all 
 that tender regard and parental affection which 
 had ever marked her parents, while training 
 their daughters in the practices of good morals, 
 and in virtue's path, yet so contrary was the 
 faith which their daughter had embraced, and 
 designed, by the grace of God, to contend for, 
 and persevere in, that it caused a division of 
 sentiment in the family for a season, and their 
 former harmony was somewhat interrupted. 
 The Methodists at this time were held in utter 
 
28 MEMOIR OF 
 
 contempt by most of the inhabitants in the town 
 of Bolton, and, considering these circumstan- 
 ces, it cannot be a subject of wonder that they 
 wished to rescue their daughter from the sup- 
 posed stigma, brought upon her by following 
 these supposed fanatical preachers, who had 
 come thither " to turn the world upside down." 
 And what might have farther disturbed the 
 feelings of the parents, was the fact of Eliza- 
 beth's being so sanguine and persevering in her 
 resolutions to serve the Lord, and doing every 
 duty without consulting the feelings of her pa- 
 rents : they very probably thought her obstinate 
 and refractory. I think Elizabeth lamented, 
 in after life, that she had not treated her pa- 
 rents' restrictions in -religious matters, with 
 more respect. I know not but she was always 
 a dutiful child in all their requirements, except 
 in her religious duties. In the performance of 
 them, she always chose " to obey God rather 
 than man," feeling that her obligations were 
 infinitely higher to obey the laws of her Maker, 
 than the laws of man, when they conflicted with 
 each other. Her sister writes, touching these 
 matters, as follows : — " Our parents taught us 
 to regard the Sabbath, to avoid evil company, 
 wishing us to be respectable in the world. But 
 they, not participating in our joys, having not 
 as yet escaped from the bondage of sin, nor be- 
 lieving in our faith, caused storms of sorrow 
 often to fall heavily upon us. But Elizabeth, 
 like the rock in the midst of the tempestuous 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 29 
 
 ocean, stood unmoved and unshaken through 
 them all — continuing to adorn the doctrine of 
 God her Savior, by attending to every known 
 duty, while she lived in Bolton, — a period of 
 about nine months after she obtained saving 
 faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." .Thus choos- 
 ing " rather to suffer afflictions with the people 
 of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a 
 season ; esteeming the reproaches of Christ 
 greater riches than the treasures of Egypt ; for 
 she had respect unto the recompense of re- 
 ward." While she remained in Bolton, she at- 
 tended meeting on the Sabbath in Marlboro' 
 and Harvard^ where they enjoyed circuit preach- 
 ing and lectures — class and* prayer meetings 
 were held in Bolton, which she attended. 
 
 Some time after her conversion she acquired 
 the trade of a tailoress, with sister Asenath 
 Sawyer (now sister Fuller), who had come out 
 and united with the little despised company of 
 Methodists. This was a favorable opening of 
 Providence for Elizabeth ; for she was now fa- 
 vored with an opportunity of enjoying all the 
 means of grace far and near, unmolested ; and 
 also of exercising her gifts and talents to the 
 best of her ability. Said this lady to me, in a 
 letter, *' We had some persecution, but this only 
 served to strengthen us. Elizabeth was very 
 firm and persevering — I think that she was a 
 very devoted christian, ever after she expe- 
 rienced religion." Most persons who expe- 
 rience religion when young, have seasons of 
 3. 
 
30 MEMOIR or 
 
 backsliding, but I think it may be said of her 
 that she ever pressed forward " to the mark of 
 the prize of her high calling which is in Christ 
 Jesus." In the spring of 1825, the family 
 moved to Lunenburg, where the parents now re- 
 side. Elizabeth accompanied them and spent 
 the summer and fall at home. Here she en- 
 joyed the means of grace among her own peo- 
 ple, by walking almost four miles to hear the 
 gospel preached. She soon became much at- 
 tached to the little flock, and they to her ; they 
 cheered her on in her pilgrimage journey, amid 
 all the little trials and difficulties, through which 
 the Lord called her to pass. It was during the 
 fall of this year, -that she experienced the bless- 
 ing of entire sanctification, which opened in 
 her mind such exalted views of the infinite 
 goodness of God, that she looked back upon 
 this e.xhibition of His mercy with the deepest 
 interest, and with the most devout thankfulness 
 to God, for his unspeakable gift, in communi- 
 cating this priceless treasure to her heart. The 
 joys of this blessing were so transporting that 
 she often broke out in the language of the Poet, 
 and sang — 
 
 " I'm happy, I'm happy, O wonderous account, 
 My joys are immortal — I stand on the Mount. 
 I gaze on my treasure and long to be there, 
 With Jesus and angels, my kindred so dear." 
 
 This fall also her father experienced a pardon 
 of his sins, and united with the Congregational 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 31 
 
 Church in Fitchburg. Probably he was con- 
 verted in answer to the many prayers of his two 
 oldest daughters, who had made their parents 
 the special subjects of their prayers, ever after 
 God had converted their souls. These two new- 
 manifestations of God's unbounded goodness ^— 
 the conversion of her father, and the sanctifica- 
 tion of her own soul, were themes to which she 
 ever referred with great delight. And these 
 manifestations of divine grace which were given 
 in answer to prayer, encouraged her to believe 
 that God would convert the whole family, in an- 
 swer to the prayer of faith. 
 
 God having lit up the lamp of perfect love in 
 her heart, she also felt encouraged to witness to 
 a dying world, God's willingness to sanctify the 
 church, that she might be " perfect and entire, 
 wanting nothing, and be found without spot or 
 wrinkle, or any such thing." She felt a high 
 sense of duty devolving on her to extend the in- 
 fluence of this great light as far as the provi- 
 dence of God should permit. The winter fol- 
 lowing she returned to Bolton and finished 
 learning her trade, and returned home again the 
 next summer. To show the estimation in which 
 she was held at Bolton, this incident may be 
 noticed. When about to take her final leave of 
 this place, one brother of the cliurch said, " If 
 sister Arnold leaves us, our little class will go 
 down." After her return, said her sister, 
 " Once more was I favored with her society : 
 over hills and through pastures green, did we 
 
32 MEMOIR OF 
 
 often make our way to the old Meeting-house 
 in Lunenburg, and many were the delightful 
 seasons that we enjoyed in that house of prayer. 
 I think none can say, with whom she was ac- 
 quainted, but that her's was a life deeply de- 
 voted to God. Although she had some sore 
 conflicts with the enemy, who hurled against 
 her his fiery darts, as he ever does at the faith- 
 ful child of God ; yet in the strength of Jesus — 
 the captain of her salvation — she boldly and 
 perseveringly pursued her journey onward to- 
 wards the haven of her eternal repose." 
 
 Elizabeth remained at home and in the 
 vicinity, this time, almost two years, working at 
 her trade from place to place, attending upon 
 all the means of grace, and recommending the 
 great salvation which she so fully enjoyed, to 
 all around. Being among different denomina- 
 tions of christians, she had often to contend 
 with those who violently opposed the doctrine of 
 holiness, believing it impossible to live in this 
 state of probation without committing sin ; but 
 she held on in the even tenor of her way, not 
 however, without hearing jeers and derisions, as 
 being perfect, living witliout sin, &lc. But 
 during these two years, she got a strong hold on 
 the feelings and sympathies of the community, 
 and so popular was her talent for exhortation, 
 that the orthodox deacons, in some places, 
 broke the bands which bound the female tongue 
 in public meetings, and invited her — even 
 going to her seat, and requesting her — to 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 33f 
 
 Speak of the wonderful things of God. This 
 course was very uncommon in those days, 
 among that class of christians, who had been 
 taught that it was a shame even for a woman tO' 
 witness for God in public. 
 
 She taught one or two small schools during' 
 her stay at home this time. In the performance 
 of this duty, she became very much interested 
 in the welfare of children. This sentiment was 
 deeply impressed upon her mind through life. 
 Having been deeply convinced of sin at the ag& 
 of six years, she believed early piety ought to- 
 be inculcated among the youth. Some of her 
 greatest struggles for the salvation of sinners, 
 were for the youth. Often has she gone into the 
 congregation and led these little lambs to the 
 altar of prayer, and often too, has she been^ 
 heard to rejoice over the conversion of these lit-- 
 tie ones. In the language of the Savior has she 
 frequently cried, " Suifer little children to come 
 unto me, a.nd forbid them not, for of such is the 
 kingdom of God." Rev, Joel Knight taught 
 school in Lunenburg while Elizabeth was at 
 home, and had a precious revival in his school,- 
 and out of it. This was a very interesting time- 
 to Eliz'abeth, who was ready to co-operate with 
 him, and the church, in promoting a work which 
 resulted in the salvation of many souls. 
 
 Elizabeth had a number of correspondents at 
 this period of her history, to whom she fre- 
 quently wrote, but none of her letters were pre- 
 served as I can learn. Her sister Lydia, to 
 •3 
 
84 Memoir of 
 
 whom she often wrote, and to whom she un* 
 bosomed all her feelings and trials, has not pre- 
 served her letters or writings. This fact I 
 deeply regret, as I expected to find much of her 
 experience in this sister's possession, which 
 would have greatly enriched this little volume. 
 The want of materials from this source, caused 
 me to abandon for months the idea of writing 
 out this memoir. But as Lydia spent much 
 time with her at home and abroad, from the 
 time she experienced religion until she was 
 married, and as she kept a journal of her own 
 life, noting down the most important facts which 
 occurred when with her sister, and as she has 
 kindly forwarded them to me in a letter, with 
 liberty to make what use of them I may think 
 proper, after much prayer and meditation, v/ith 
 great distrust of my ability to write a book for 
 the public eye, I have concluded to proceedj 
 and do the best that I can under the circum*- 
 stances, hoping my well meant endeavors will 
 not be altogether in vain. 
 
 In the spring of 1828, the subject of this no- 
 tice left again the parental roof and took up 
 her residence in South Oxford, now Webster. 
 The following is a sketch of it in her own lan- 
 guage : — " In 1828, I removed to Oxford with a 
 family of my acquaintance whom I dearly loved. 
 There I formed a happy acquaintance with 
 most of those who had recently experienced the 
 love of God shed abroad in their hearts. They 
 were lively and animated with zeal, but as only 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 35 
 
 a few of them had been long in the way, they 
 were not much established, and said but little 
 on the subject of holiness, which I delighted so 
 much to hear conversed upon ; therefore I 
 knew not whether it would be prudent for me 
 to say anything about it. Knowing, however, 
 that the Lord always had blessed me when I 
 spoke upon this subject, I endeavored to let my 
 light shine here also, thinking possibly that 
 others might be brought to partake of the same 
 blessing ; and, blessed be God ! it was not in 
 vain, for there have risen up many witnesses 
 within about one year who can testify that the 
 blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin» 
 And there are many more who are seeking after 
 this blessing, and it is my prayer that they may 
 not rest till pure within." 
 
 Had she yielded to temptation, refusing to 
 bear this cross, and reasoned with flesh and 
 blood, saying nothing about this great work of 
 grace in her soul, she would undoubtedly have 
 been shorn of her strength, and entirely lost 
 the blessing. God has never lighted up this 
 flame of perfect love in our hearts to be covered 
 under a bushel. Unless we consecrate all to 
 God, and obey all his commandments, giving 
 him glory for his rich mercies, we cannot long 
 enjoy them. For if we are ashamed to confess 
 His blessings before man, God will not think us 
 fit subjects to retain them. But Elizabeth, re- 
 solving to do her whole duty in the fear of God, 
 leaving consequences with him, not only re- 
 
^ MEMOIR OF 
 
 tained the evidence of sanctification in her own* 
 soul, but was probably instrumental in the 
 hands of God of leading many others to this in- 
 exhaustible fountain of God's fullness. Br. 
 Henry Davis, of Dudley, who is now a living^ 
 witness of entire sanctification, employed Eliza- 
 beth to work in his family a few days, when he 
 was a bigoted Calvinist. He sharply contended 
 with her against the doctrine of christian per- 
 fection in this life, and plead strongly in defence 
 of sin, in all believers, through life. Soon, how- 
 ever, he was so powerfully convinced of his error 
 by her scriptural arguments and christian de- 
 portment, that he renounced his Calvinistic 
 creed, moved his relation to the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church, experienced the power of this- 
 second blessing upon his own soul, and is now 
 one of the most efficient advocates for christian 
 holiness, by his life and conversation. He ex- 
 pressed to me, since the death of Elizabeth, 
 that this change in him was brought about by 
 the faithful labors, and consistent practice of 
 Elizabeth Arnold. Since that event, his house- 
 hold and house have been consecrated to God, 
 and many souls have been converted to God 
 under his roof. While the doctrine of holiness 
 was spreading in Dudley, Br. Hezekiah Davis, 
 since a popular local preacher, who was then a 
 Congregationalist, having caught the sound of 
 free and full salvation, came over with others of 
 his brethren, and united with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. Thus the leaven of holiness 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 37 
 
 spread among the people of the different deno- 
 minations. Her sister says again, "In my old 
 manuscript of June 1, it is written : — Received 
 a letter from my dear sister yesterday, which in- 
 formed me that she is continually happy in the 
 love of God ; that ' not one cloud does arise to 
 darken her skies, or hide, for one moment, the 
 Lord from her eyes.' We here see that she 
 stood firm in the doctrine of sanctification. She 
 informed me that when she first went to Web- 
 ster, the little handful of Methodists in that 
 place and Dudley, all met for class-meeting in 
 one small room in Howard's Village." August 
 3d, says Lydia, " Elizabeth writes that she in- 
 tends to go to Northbridge camp-meeting, and 
 then return home with me and visit her 
 parents." Camp-meetings were a means of 
 grace that she always enjoyed, and took much 
 pains to attend. At these meetings, it was her 
 object to seek out the penitent mourner and 
 urge such to the altar of prayer, and to press 
 the importance of entire sanctification upon the 
 church ; in the performance of these duties, her 
 own soul shared largely in the blessings of full 
 redemption in the blood of the Lamb. After the 
 camp-meeting closed, she made her proposed 
 visit and returned again to Dudley, where she 
 was at this time residing. Lydia writes, " A 
 trying time indeed it was in parting with my 
 dear sister. She started this morning for Dud- 
 ley : I never saw her so ripe for heaven. We 
 have agreed to read the same chapter daily, be- 
 
38 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ginning at the first chapter in Romans. Here 
 we see how this valiant child of grace run the 
 race set before her in the gospel. She seemed 
 to tarry for nothing." 
 
 During this year she persuaded her sister 
 Lucy, younger than herself, to go to Dudley, 
 board with her, and go to school in the Aca- 
 demy ; contributing what little her means would 
 permit for her benefit. She always considered it 
 more blessed to give, or do a favor, than to re- 
 ceive one. Lucy will ever have reason to bless 
 God, and gratefully remember her sister, for that 
 solicitude she manifested for her temporal and 
 spiritual welfare. It was during her stay at this' 
 school, that the first bud of grace sprung up in 
 her heart. Lucy could not be made to believe 
 that she experienced religion here, until some 
 years after this, when the Lord appeared to her, 
 and her husband a second time ; then she dated 
 back her experience to the time when in Dud- 
 ley, under the care of Elizabeth. Elizabeth 
 worked at her trade during the year, excepting 
 when she would take time to attend upon the 
 more public means of grace, on every part of 
 the circuit. This year the work of God revived 
 powerfully under the faithful labors of the ser- 
 vants of God, who then preached the gosper 
 there. The first letter from her pen, of which 
 I have any knowledge, is the following. And 
 here I would say again, this is the only letter 
 preserved by her sister during a correspondence 
 of almost twenty years. This is to be the 
 
I^.LIZABETH ANN, MOULTON. 39 
 
 more regretted, as their correspondence was 
 almost exclusively upon religious subjects, con- 
 taining the exercises of their minds, trials, pro- 
 gress in holiness, &c. 
 
 '' Dudley, July 13, 1829. 
 " Dear Lydia, — Once more I am permitted 
 to use my pen in order to write you a few lines. 
 As it is now ten o'clock in the evening. I must 
 be brief in what I write; and may the Lord 
 help me ' Since I received your last epistle, I 
 have been striving to serve God with my whole 
 heart, and yet, I leel jny short comings from 
 day to day. For about two weeks past, my 
 soul has been drinking deeper and deeper into 
 that ocean or fountain of love, which has nei- 
 ther bottom nor shore. My peace I think has 
 been more constant recently, than ever before. 
 My evidence is still bright, and the prospect of 
 heaven oft-times heaves in view. I am saved 
 from needle- s anxiety, and can believe in God's 
 promises easier, and trust in the merits of 
 Christ with a firmer reliance than fonyierly. I 
 do believe, if faithful, I shall bloom in the para- 
 dise of heaven. Transporting thought, sister ! 
 Last evening our meeting was attended with di- 
 vine power : it was a class-meeting. Two un- 
 converted attended, and their hearts were 
 melted ; one of them we trust found peace in 
 believing before the meeting closed — we hope 
 the other soon will. May God move on the 
 wqrk, and sinners be born into the kingdom of 
 
40 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Christ this year. We have four good, faithful 
 preachers on the circuit this year. My sister 
 Lucy will tell you all about them. A Sabbath 
 school will soon be established here, and we 
 hope it will be crowned with lasting good. 
 May the spirit of the Eternal God rest on all 
 our undertakings and efforts to do good to Is- 
 rael ! I would now inquire relative to the pros- 
 perity of your soul. I trust you are still moving 
 upwards, towards heaven — O live faithful and 
 follow on to know the Lord, and you shall 
 know his goings are prepared as the morning. 
 No doubt you have been expecting the salvation 
 of some of our friends, but as yet, have not had 
 your expectations realized. But my dear sis- 
 ter, God is faithful and powerful, to impart His 
 blessings to all that believe in His name. I 
 want you to continue to pray for our friends 
 and fellow mortals. O when I realize the worth 
 of an immortal spirit, which must run parallel 
 with eternity, I am astonished that I am no 
 more fervent in prayer, and no more engaged 
 for the salvation of precious blood-bought and 
 eternity-bound souls. Still I think almost 
 every day witnesses my greater deadness to the 
 world and all things below the skies. I am try- 
 ing to be prepared for the day of trial, when the 
 cold hand of death shall grasp this mortal lump 
 of clay, that my immortal spirit may take its 
 flight to the regions of the blessed. Yes, I this 
 moment feel, (although unworthy, yet very 
 happy,) that my inheritance is incorruptible^ 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 41 
 
 undefiled, and will never fade away. The time 
 has now come that I must part with my dear 
 sister Lucy : it is hard, but I hope it will be for 
 the best. We have taken great delight in each 
 other's society since she came to Dudley. We 
 have walked to the house of God together, from 
 time to time ; have heard the gospel preached 
 in its power and purity, and I trust we have 
 both profited thereby. May God seal instruc- 
 tion to our hearts that we may so live on earth, 
 that if we meet no more below, we may meet 
 in heaven. My heart is penetrated at the thought. 
 Farewell! — be faithful, and declare a full sal- 
 vation to all around. May God speed you on in 
 your heavenly journey. Yours, in the best of 
 bonds, E. A. Arnold." 
 
 She wrote the following letter to her mother : 
 
 " Dudley, August 14, 1829. 
 *' Dear Mother, — I now sit down to write you 
 a few lines, to let you know that I am in good 
 health and in a state of prosperity. Doubtless 
 you have been expecting me home ever since 
 Lucy returned ; but I would say, that I have 
 now concluded to wait until after our camp- 
 meeting at Pomfret, which commences in two 
 weeks from yesterday. Please invite, from me, 
 some of the brethren and sisters of Lunenburg, 
 to come to this meeting ; as it will be but little 
 farther for them, than to go to the Woodstock 
 camp-meeting. * * * * j have not much 
 4 
 
42 MEMOIR. 
 
 news to write, except that religion flourishes 
 among us, and around us, on the circuit. In a 
 town joining this, a glorious revival has com- 
 menced. I heard Br. Hyde, our Presiding 
 Elder, say that in one little village, in that place, 
 the people were all converted to God. Glorious 
 news, indeed ! What, my dear mother, is more 
 heart-cheering than to hear that sinners are 
 coming home to God ? I still have it in my 
 heart to tell you that I love the Lord in all his 
 ways. I delight in his service, and feel deter- 
 mined to land my soul in the happy abode of 
 the blest, O my dear mother ! time is short, 
 and what we do, we must do quickly. We are 
 hastening to a long and fathomless eternity. It 
 therefore becomes you and I, as rational and 
 intelligent creatures, to be ready, and prepared 
 to go forth and meet the Bridegroom. May 
 God Almighty help us ! Farewell. Respect- 
 fully, Elizabeth." 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 After the Pomfret ctiinp-meeting closed, 
 she returned home again to visit her friends in 
 Lunenburg. She always made it a rule, to 
 visit her parents once or twice a year, however 
 far she might be separated from them. She 
 felt a deep solicitude for their spiritual and 
 temporal welfare ; and could not be denied the 
 privilege of seeing them, as often as prac- 
 ticable, that she might render them some as- 
 sistance, if possible, in their progress towards 
 heaven. During this visit she persuaded Lydia, 
 her eldest sister, to accompany her to Dudley, 
 and learn with her the trade she had herself 
 chosen. October C, Elizabeth and her sister 
 both went to Dudley, and made it their home, 
 in the family of Br. Dwight ; and very highly 
 did Elizabeth always speak of the piety and 
 good regulation of his family — from which 
 have risen two Methodist Preachers, and one 
 Preacher's wife. Lydia writes — "I found a 
 good socie y of well engaged Methodists, and 
 some sanctified souls amonsf them. There vvJia 
 
44 -AiEMOIR OF 
 
 not, at this time, much stir among the wicked ; 
 but the cry for holiness was intense. Here I 
 found sister Elizabeth woven into the affections 
 of this dear society. We went from place ta 
 place to work, and I noticed all the movements 
 of my sister: and many a time did I hear her 
 pleading with the sinner to turn to God and 
 live, holding up to their minds the loveliness of 
 Jesus. She ever seemed in earnest to accom- 
 plish what good she could. Although her cares 
 were sometimes very perplexing, yet they never 
 appeared to disturb that heavenly blessedness 
 within. In December there was an appearance 
 of a revival again in Dudley." January 10, I 
 find written : '* Just returned from Thompson, 
 in Connecticut, where we resided about four 
 weeks. It was a refreshing time. Here my 
 sister labored faithfully for the salvation of 
 perishing souls. We had some powerful dis- 
 plays of God's saving mercy. The people in 
 Masonville, and in a place called Mount Hun- 
 ger, should these lines ever fall into their 
 hands, will call to mind the pious efforts of 
 Elizabeth. She never appeared to be weary in 
 well doing, but with heaven in view, pressed 
 her way onward through every obstruction. It 
 now being more convenient for our work, we 
 changed our boarding-place from Br. Dwight's, 
 who lived in the centre of the town, to the Ma- 
 rino village, in the east part of the town. This 
 village stands on the west side of a small river 
 ■which separates it from Webster. Here, for 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 45 
 
 some time, the gathering cloud of meity had 
 hung over the people, but it was now to break 
 upon them ; the stubborn heart was penetrated 
 with the Spirit of God. Here my sister did not 
 fail to exert every power and faculty of her 
 soul for the good of others. Nor did she con- 
 fine her efforts to the perishing sinner ; but the 
 sick and the dying, and the poor of this world, 
 shared a portion of her sympathies, so far as 
 means and time would permit. So kind and 
 sympathetic was she among the distressed of 
 every class, that I have heard it said of her, 
 * Elizabeth will never want any good thing.' " 
 No person with whom I was ever acquainted, 
 had greater sympathy for the poor, the sick, 
 and the dying, than she had. A poor beggar 
 was never turned away from her door hungry, 
 neither were the sick and dying ever neglected 
 by her, so far as it was in her power to com- 
 fort and assist them. So conversant had she 
 become with the sick in her latter days, and 
 with the nature of some diseases, that her 
 counsel was sought for, in difficult cases. Her 
 remedies were mild medicines, with strong 
 faith and ardent prayer. I think it will be em- 
 phatically said of her in the judgment of the 
 great day, " Come unto me ye blessed, &-c. ; for 
 I was hungry and ye gave me meat, naked and 
 ye clothed me, sick and ye visited me," &c. 
 January 27, 1830. — Lydia continues : " Just 
 returned from West Woodstock to the Marino 
 village again. We have been absent two week* 
 •4 
 
46 MEMOIR OF 
 
 — such glorious displays of God's power, I 
 have never seen before. Sinners on every hand 
 are coming to Christ for mercy. The tears 
 of the penitent flow plentifully. Twenty-six 
 scholars in Br. H.'s school, have already given 
 their hearts to Christ. They cling around 
 Elizabeth and myself, as if loth to let us go, 
 O may we meet these lambs in that better land. 
 Here my dear sister waxed valiant in fight. 
 The congregations not being accustomed to 
 hear females improve in public, listened again 
 and again, with the deepest attention to her 
 powerful exhortations, songs, and prayers. No- 
 thing seemed to be left undone by her which 
 she could do; having strong confidence in God, 
 and a holy boldness, she never fainted by the 
 way." Feb. 8, — The work of God is reviving 
 all around us. There is such an outpouring of 
 the Holy Spirit, that we have a meeting some- 
 where every night. In Dudley, fourteen rose 
 for prayers last night, and the number soon in- 
 creased to about fifty. My sister took a deep 
 interest in this revival and a very active part. 
 The welfare of the rising generation was much 
 impressed upon her mind. The Sabbath school 
 scholars, especially at Dudley, cannot forget 
 her unwearied exertions for their spiritual and 
 everlasting good. In March, April and May, 
 she kept up the good fight of faith, and many 
 were the precious seasons of grace which she 
 enjoyed." January 31, 1830, Elizabeth wrote 
 home as follows : 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 47 
 
 " My dear Parents^ — I expect, by this time, 
 you are almost impatient to hear from us. We 
 are in good health, and at present, prosperity 
 is our happy lot and portion. We have left our 
 former boarding place, and now live in the Ma- 
 rino village, in the family of Br. Pachen. This 
 is a more central place for my business. * * 
 * * * I now come to the most important 
 part of the news. The Lord is reviving his 
 work among us most gloriously. Sinners are 
 coming and embracing the truth as it is in 
 Jesus, from almost every village. Yes, my ears 
 have been saluted to-day with the sound of 
 new-born souls. We have been to Oxford the 
 week past, and have just returned to hear what 
 God has wrought among the people during the 
 week. There is now but little opposition to 
 the revival, and the work is rapidly spreading 
 through the place. I expect what has been 
 done is but a prelude to a great and glorious 
 shower. The penitent sinners are groaning 
 under the burden of sin, while saints are re- 
 joicing in the God of their salvation. I have 
 been at Woodstock to work. About 50 souls 
 in that place have been recently translated from 
 darkness to light, and are now happy in God's 
 pardoning love ; and I heard to-day, by Br. Sa- 
 bin, that it appeared as if the work had but 
 just begun. The tall oaks of Bashan are bow- 
 ing : the North is giving up, and the South is 
 not keeping back. It is God's work, and it is 
 marvellous in our eyes. We live in an age 
 
48 MEMOIR Of 
 
 when the gospel is preached in purity, and at^ 
 tended with power. Who can stand against 
 such light and knowledge, and not yield to the 
 dictates of the Holy Spirit? Dear father and 
 mother, I view the religion of Jesus as my 
 greatest consolation. Although surrounded 
 with the comforts of life, and prospered in my 
 temporal concerns, yet they do not draw my 
 affections away from Him who is the Author of 
 them all. I do realize that God is good to us, 
 and that he orders our way for us in a miracu- 
 lous manner. I have many solemn reflections, 
 thinking it possible we may never meet again, 
 on the shores of time. Life is uncertain, and you, 
 my dear parents, are gliding down the stream of 
 time, and must soon be called to try the reali- 
 ties of death, and an unbounded eternity. 
 Though we, your children, are young, yet how 
 often is the flower of youth blasted, and their 
 fond expectations cut off by an early grave. I 
 believe it is natural for parents to feel a greater 
 anxiety for their children, than children can 
 feel for their parents. Doubtless this is the 
 case with you ; but I hope you will borrow no 
 needless anxiety about us, for we are blessed 
 with friends all around, and what is best of all, 
 Jesus, the sinner's friend, is our friend, and one 
 * that sticketh closer than a brother.' I am as 
 much determined to stand fast in the liberty 
 wherewith Christ has made me free as ever. I 
 know of no idol in my heart. I know of no* 
 thing so delightful as religion, and I do not,. 
 
ELIZABETH AJTJV MOULTON. 49^ 
 
 neither have I ever lamented, that in early life 
 I sought my Savior. How many snares I might 
 have fallen into; ere this period of my life ! I 
 might have caused you to mourn, and to wish 
 that I had never been born, had not the princi- 
 ples of religion early imbued my heart. Since 
 I commenced this epistle, I have attended meet- 
 ing, and a man of much influence, who has 
 been groaning under an intolerable load of sin 
 during the week past, was set at liberty, and 
 seven more rose for the prayers of the church. 
 The work of God is going on powerfully here. 
 I really wish you would come and see for 
 yourselves, for I cannot tell you one half O 
 my dear father and mother ! do you not delight 
 to hear such glorious news ? and are you not 
 striving to trim your own lamps, and fill them 
 with oil, lest they should go out? 1 humbly 
 hope you are. God has spared your lives many 
 years, and crowned them with many blessings ; 
 and I pray that, in return, you may give your 
 hearts, without reserve, to Him, and so live the 
 remainder of your days, as that you may bring 
 honor and glory to His name, and receive that 
 enjoyment which constantly flows from be- 
 lieving in his promises. O may your last days 
 be your best days, and may you at last come 
 down to the grave rejoicing, having a well- 
 grounded hope of immortality beyond the 
 grave. Here I must close, hoping these lines 
 will find you enjoying good health and pros- 
 perity. Lydia and myself wish to be remem- 
 
50 MEXOIH OF 
 
 bered to all our friends. She enjoys her mmd 
 well, and so do I, and we ever remain your af- 
 fectionate children in the tlesh, 
 
 ** E. A. Arxolp. " 
 
 She wrote the following letter to her sister 
 Lucv : 
 
 " Diin.VY. April 4. 1S80. 
 
 ** Ever dear anii njrcctionatc Sister, — Once 
 more, through the blessing of God, I am per- 
 mitted to use my pen to write to you: being yet 
 alive. I love to praise God and obey his divine 
 requirements. Yes, my dear Lucy, religion is 
 still my untiring theme. O how 1 love the way 
 that leads to life and happiness, and glory be- 
 yond the grave. Did I say beyond it ? yes, and 
 this side too ! I think I never enjoyed so much 
 of the divine presence o( God as 1 have during 
 the last week. Although our lot, when ttv 
 gether, was cast in a place remote from the vil- 
 lages, yet God, of a truth, did bless and com- 
 fort our hearts. Last evening, we came home 
 and attended a class-meeting at Br. H. Davis's; 
 and it IS in vain for me to describe to you the 
 glory and peace which 1 felt at that meeting, 
 and do still feel burning in my undoubting 
 heart. O my dear Lucy, 1 love your soul, which 
 is immortal and must run parallel with eter- 
 nity, either in happiness or misery. It seems 
 hard to be separated in this life, but how much 
 harder to think o{ a tinal separation. The 
 
r.l,l7.AHKTII ANN MOll.rOX. 51 
 
 (I road fill t/ioi,ii/it even, wlio c:iu eiuhire it ? 
 All ! Imiuaii nature woiiKl shrink at tlie awlul 
 iilea ! I sometimes t'eel so miioli lor my friends, 
 who remain ih\stitute of reliorion, tliat I hartlly 
 know what io do. It is not my o;reatest object 
 to ijain the riehes of the worUl, but to try to 
 possess durable riches, which cannot fade away. 
 I often think oi' tlie many reliixious privileges 
 whicli you enjoyed whik^ vvitli me lust year ; 
 wliether improved or not, tliey are past and 
 gone for ever. Since you left me, many of 
 your young friends, with wliom you formed an 
 acquaintance, have embraced the Savior, and 
 are now happy in his love. Between torty and 
 tit\y have united witli (nir society, since our last 
 camp-meeting. This is God's work, and it is 
 marvellous in our eyes. Ciod is moving in a 
 mysterious and powerful manner in the town, 
 and throughout the circuit. Almost every 
 part of it, is visited witli reformation. Still 
 there are many whose hearts are yet stubborn, 
 and to all outward appearance, are saying, * I 
 will not bow to his sceptre, nor yield to the in- 
 vitations of the gospel.' O how 1 do rejoice that 
 1 sought the Lord in the days of my youth. If 
 faithful, dear Lucy, I expect to join the blood- 
 washed millions in singing praises to God and 
 the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen. Procas- 
 tination /.>• (hunger a us. 
 
 E. A. Arnold." 
 
52 MEMOIR OP 
 
 The following is taken from her journal : 
 
 April 4, 1830. — "O in what language can I 
 praise God most acceptably, for that peace 
 which I enjoy this morning. Truly I can say 
 it is glory begun in my soul below. Never did 
 I feel so completely lost to all below as at pre- 
 sent. The world, with all its alluring charms, 
 does not move me from the faith of the gospel ; 
 neither do I count my life dear unto myself, so 
 that I might finish my course with joy. O that 
 sinners would learn to serve the Lord ! O that 
 their eyes were opened to see their lost condi- 
 tion ! Willingly would I fall at their feet, and 
 pray to God in their behalf, would it avail any 
 thing. O that this day would witness the dis- 
 play of the great power of an omnipresent Jeho- 
 vah in a glorious manner ! O how I long to be 
 more conformed to the image of my Maker ! 
 How much he has loved the world, even such 
 a worm as myself: and shall I not give Him 
 my heart ? Yea, I will, and have unreservedly 
 given all for Christ. He is my all. I have no 
 idol in my heart — Jesus, the hope of glory, is 
 formed within me, and all is peace and love. 
 May I never leave nor forsake him. 
 
 May 3. — "This morning I feel God's love 
 shed abroad in my heart. 6 that I may enjoy 
 more this week, than ever before." 
 
 May 10. — " The winter past has been a time 
 of rejoicing among God's children. Through- 
 out almost every part of the circuit, the people 
 
ELIZABETH AXN MOULTOX. 53 
 
 have been visited with showers of divine mercy. 
 Nearly three hundred souls have been hope- 
 fully converted to God, and the work is still 
 progressing. I have been in this place more 
 than two years, and feel much attached to the 
 people ; and when 1 think of what God has 
 wrouorht for me, since I came here, I can hardly 
 indulge the thought of leaving the place. I be- 
 lieve God will direct me, that I may be led in 
 the path of duty. 
 
 May 15. — "This morning I feel that my heart 
 is God's. O what shall I render to him for his 
 forbearance and mercy towards such an un- 
 worthy dust. Attended class-meeting at Br. 
 Davis' last evening. The Lord is carrying on 
 his work in the class. Many are desiring to 
 possess clean hearts. O that they may exercise 
 more faith in Christ's atoning blood ! I desire 
 that the church may be made holy. Just re- 
 ceived a letter from my dear sister Richardson, 
 from Wilbraham. 
 
 Sunday Morning. — " Through indisposition 
 of body, I am not permitted to go to the house 
 of worship, but my soul doth m3gnify the Lord ; 
 feeling that God is omnipresent, and always 
 willing to bless those who put their trust in 
 Him. I always feel my spiritual strength re- 
 newed, when I wait on Him as I ought. I find 
 that in God is all that I need to make my hap- 
 piness complete. After trying the vanities and 
 amusements of the world, and striving to make 
 myself happy in them, I found I was left with 
 5 
 
54 MEMOIR OF 
 
 nothing but an aching void, which the world, 
 with all its fascinating charms, could not fill. 
 I at length formed a resolution to seek my 
 bliss in the all-atoning blood of my Redeemer. 
 I sought with tears, night and day, for weeks 
 and months, and did not seek in vain ; for God 
 came to my relief, and whispered I was his. I 
 then could 
 
 ' read my title clear 
 
 To mansions in the skies, 
 Could bid farewell to every fear, 
 
 And wipe my weeping eyes.' 
 
 And although more than five years have ex- 
 pired since that period, yet never have I had 
 one desire to turn acrain to the weak and be^- 
 garly elements of the world. But I have had to 
 lament my little proficiency in this good cause. 
 I realize that there is no standing still in re- 
 ligion. We are either progressing forward in 
 grace and knowledge, or retrograding back to 
 our former state. How important then to watch 
 and pray, lest we, losing our confidence in 
 God, and drinking into the spirit of the world, 
 by small degrees, lose all our enjoyment in 
 religion, and at last lie down in everlasting 
 sorrow and woe, to dwell with hypocrites and 
 unbelievers. 
 
 June 10. — "I am once more permitted to re- 
 turn home and enjoy the society of my parents 
 and sisters. But oh ! I behold some of them 
 without God and without hope in the world ! 
 
ELIZABETH A>--X MOULTO.'T. 55 
 
 when will the time come, that I shall see them 
 happy in the Lord : knowing the joys of par- 
 doned sin I I long for the happy period to ar- 
 rive. O that my prayers for them, during six 
 years past, may not be altogether in vain. God 
 and myself only know what struggles, and secret 
 groans, I have endured for them, since the 
 Lord converted my soul. 
 
 July 23. — "Many solemn reflections arise in 
 my mind this morning, from what has tran- 
 spired this week in my father's house. One of 
 our aged friends, who had lived in my father's 
 dwelling five years, has gone to try the realities 
 of the eternal world. How ought this Provi- 
 dence suitably to affect my heart, and teach me 
 that I may be soon called to die. O that this 
 death may so deeply affect my heart, as that it 
 may bring me nearer and nearer to God ; that 
 
 1 may enjoy m.ore and more of the divine full- 
 ness, and be the better prepared to exchange 
 worlds I"' 
 
 I will here transcribe the last extract from 
 her sister's letter, sent to me ; being copied and 
 corrected from her journal, while thej were 
 together. 
 
 August 25. — " In company with one of our 
 neighbors, we started again for Dudley. It was 
 hard parting with our parents. We arrived in 
 the evening. After one night's rest, we went 
 to Woodstock camp-meeting : there we freely 
 
56 MEMOIR O? 
 
 partook of that salvation which knows no 
 bounds. Here many passed from the thraldom 
 of sin, to a state of grace. I well recollect 
 what a happy being ray sister was, at that time. 
 Methinks, I can now behold that sweet smile — 
 that heavenly penetrating look, which was 
 enough to convince the sinner of the reality of 
 religion. After the meeting closed, we returned 
 to our employment again in Dudley ; and as we 
 were engaged in many different families, we 
 had some leisure time, which we improved in 
 going from house to house among the people. 
 In this duty we learned .some very important 
 lessons. Elizabeth was a help-meet to me, in 
 spiritual things ; and for years, we were of one 
 mind. I rejoice that we were permitted to en- 
 joy each other's society as long as we did : she 
 was always happy. 
 
 Sept. 27. — " More than one hundred met 
 last evening in the meeting-house for a general 
 class-meeting. This meeting was a feast to us 
 all. Here ray sister praised God with full vic- 
 tory in her soul. We were engaged a few days 
 among the ungodly, who abound in wealth, but 
 not in grace : yet, they were willing to listen to 
 the simple truths of the gospel. Among this 
 class, Elizabeth did her duty, and freed her 
 garments from their blood. 
 
 October "23. — " There was another meeting 
 of the classes, last eveninsf. It was thought by 
 some to be the most powerful meeting ever en- 
 joyed in that house. Near the close, several 
 
tLIZABETH Ayy MOULTOJr. 57 
 
 Went forward for prayers, and mv sister, with 
 her usual earnestness and zeal, went to the 
 altar and poured out her soul in prayer to God 
 for the broken-hearted. Nor were her labors in 
 Tain : for one after another was conTerted while 
 praying. 
 
 January 1, 1S31. — ''Went to Watch-night 
 meeting, at the meeting-house. Br. Gould and 
 Br. LoTej'jy preached, and the power of God 
 seemed to rest upon us all, while the hoarse 
 claps of thunder and flashes of lightning, awed 
 us into reverence : feeling that God was nigh 
 at hand. At about twelve, we all kneeled 
 down, and continued in this position until the 
 new year came in. Elizabeth shared largely in 
 this feast, and was the better prepared in this 
 meeting for her spiritual warfare. She con- 
 tinued to seek out the penitent mourner, and to 
 do them good during her short slay in Dudley. 
 After this meeting, her faith being very strong, 
 her eSbrti were continued to destroy the works 
 of darkness ; ever striking powerfully at the 
 root of sin. Notwithstanding her press of 
 work, she would so manage all her affairs, if 
 possible, as to attend all the means of grace 
 within her reach. She thought it her duty to 
 sacritice ease, and the pleasures of life, for a 
 heavenly treasure, and the good of those around 
 her. Thus she travelled on, singing victory 
 over every foe. The brethren in Dudley can- 
 not forget how abundant her labors were for the 
 upbuilding of the cause of God in that place." 
 •5 
 
58 MEMOItl» 
 
 The time has now come when the subject of 
 this notice is about to take her leave of Dudley. 
 New scenes are now about to open before her 
 mind. By industry and economy, she had 
 saved some of her earnings, notwithstanding 
 she had been benevolent to the poor, and to the 
 preachers on the circuit, who received but a 
 small compensation for their labors in those 
 days, when the circuits were new. I have fre- 
 quently heard her tell of the poverty of some of 
 the preachers in that place, and of the efforts 
 the sisters had made to obtain articles of cloth- 
 ing for them and their wives. Living in, and 
 about Dudley, between two and three years, 
 she had become extensively acquainted with 
 most of the societies in that region ; going 
 also, from place to place, working at her trade, 
 and attending so many meetings, she had an 
 opportunity of becoming considerably acquaint^ 
 ed with human nature, and of exercising the 
 gifts, which had been committed to her trust ; 
 this was undoubtedly the means of fitting her 
 for more extensive usefulness in the church of 
 God. The many revivals she enjoyed while 
 there, had prepared her to enter more heartily 
 into the work of God, in after life, which al* 
 ways laid so near her heart. She has often re- 
 ferred with pleasing sensations to the happy as- 
 sociations which she formed in that region, and 
 the many refreshings which she had enjoyed, 
 and the out-pourings of the Holy Spirit upon 
 the people, while she was there. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Having now held correspondence with Br, 
 Samuel Estin, for some two years, a young man 
 who had been preparing for, but now had entered 
 into the ministerial ranks, she felt that she needed 
 more education to qualify her to be more emi- 
 nently useful in her anticipated sphere of life. 
 She therefore made up her mind to suspend her 
 business affairs and go to school ; thinking the 
 providence of God had called her to this duty. 
 She always possessed an ardent desire for know- 
 ledge, scientific and divine. Hence, March 3, 
 1831, her journal proceeds. — " Started for Wil- 
 braham from Woodstock in the stage. Re- 
 mained at school one term, and returned home 
 to my parents." 
 
 I have no desire, neither do I think it expe- 
 dient, to introduce her correspondence with Br. 
 Estin, which was protracted ; nor her corres- 
 pondence with me, all of which was chaste and 
 proper for the public eye. But that the readers 
 may know her style and manner of writing, I 
 will copy one letter which she wrote to Rev. 
 Samuel Estin after her arrival in Wilbraham, a 
 few months before they were united together to 
 share each other's vicissitudes* 
 
60 MEMOIR or 
 
 *' WiLBRAHAM AcADEMY, MaRCH 6, ISSl. 
 
 " My Beloved Samuel : — I informed you in 
 my last that I would write again, should I come 
 to Wilbraham, and let you knov/ of my changes. 
 I am after so long a time permitted to enjoy the 
 society which I have long desired. Through 
 some difficulty in consequence of the badness 
 of the travelling, I did not arrive here until the 
 4th inst. I am enjoying good health both in 
 soul and body. I have just returned from class 
 meeting to my room. We have had a heavenly 
 time indeed. 
 
 *' God has been preciously near to me, and I 
 am much encouraged to persevere in the good 
 old way which leads to heaven and immortal 
 glory. Religion is well calculated to happify 
 our souls, in all the changing vicissitudes of 
 human life. I want more of it in possession 
 than I now have. I do feel that Christ is an 
 infinite fountain, and will grant all that we live, 
 and believe for. God has dealt bountifully with 
 you and me, ever since we became acquainted 
 with each other. And may I not say, ever 
 since we have had a being. I do praise God 
 for what I at present enjoy in my poor heart. 
 I feel that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, is 
 my Redeemer, Sanctifier and Comforter. I 
 desire ever to enjoy this heavenly frame of mind, 
 which I now possess ; pressing after more of 
 the divine fullness. I shall need much of the 
 grace of God to fill my anticipated station, and 
 to keep me in the valley of humiliation. When 
 
ELIZABETH AN.N MOULTO?f. 61 
 
 I tirst went into school some discouraging feel- 
 ings arose. I felt my weakness and ignorance 
 to such a degree, that 1 almost wished I had 
 not come. But to-day, I am somewhat encour- 
 aged to pursue my studies one term if no more. 
 I have not fully concluded what studies I shall 
 pursue, as this is only the second day since my 
 arrival. I find the boarding house to be a 
 heavenly place. I think I shall obtain profitable 
 instruction here, as well as in the Academy. 
 The good order and regulations that are main- 
 tained, I think, are much to our advantage. O 
 may I learn heavenly wisdom, as well as scien- 
 tific knowledge. 
 
 *' Sabbath Morn. — Have just enjoyed a sea- 
 son of prayer with my sisters, in another room. 
 One young lady is seeking religion. May God 
 bless her soul to-day. I expect to hear Br. 
 Fisk preach to-day for the first time. What 
 blessings I do enjoy. Truly, I am unworthy of 
 the enjoyment of such means of grace, but hope 
 I shall improve them to the glory of Him who 
 is the author of them all. I feel nothing con- 
 trary to love in my heart, and do enjoy a mea- 
 sure of the fullness, but how I long for more. 
 Will you pray for me every day, when bowed 
 before the Lord ? I humbly believe you will. 
 Pray that the Father may give me all the prom- 
 ised fullness of joy, an understanding heart, and 
 a retentive memory ; that I may treasure up 
 knowledge both human and divine. I long to 
 see you and converse with you, face to face, 
 
tW MEMOIR or 
 
 about the good things of the kingdom. But 
 although we are separated in body, — a few miles 
 dividing us, — yet, I believe we are inseparably 
 joined in heart and spirit. O my brother ! be 
 engaged for God ; live to him and near him 
 continually. Never, for one moment, distrust 
 him. Strive lo be a son of consolation in very 
 deed. I believe this is your calling. Preach, 
 pray and exhort in the spirit, and you will have 
 souls for your hire. I feel interested in your 
 welfare. I believe it was a good providence 
 that has led us to identify our interests. I see 
 and believe this more and more. And should 
 we ever be so happy as to have our association 
 consummated, I will try to live and be a faithful 
 companion ; and I believe yo.u will reciprocate 
 my intentions. If our anticipated union is of 
 God, we shall be happy in each other's society. 
 According to all that is past, I have reason to 
 believe it is of God. I am happy in this reflec- 
 tion. O may we be so faithful, that God may 
 smile upon us through life ; that when we shall 
 have done with time, we may enjoy an eternity 
 of bliss together, for Christ's sake — Amen. 
 
 " Write as soon as you receive this ; inform- 
 ing me if you intend to go to Conference. I 
 think of attending one day, if the way opens. 
 
 * Not life nor all the toys of art, 
 Nor wealth that golden load, 
 Can to my soul such bliss impart, 
 As fellowship with God !' 
 
 " Believe me your sincere friend, 
 
 Elizabeth Ann." 
 
ELIZABETH AX."V MOULTOZT. 63 
 
 She wrote to sister Eunice Adams of Dudley 
 as follows : — 
 
 WlLBRAIIAM "VVeSLEYAN AcadEMY, ) 
 
 March 5, 1831. i 
 
 " Dear and Affectionate Sister : — It is with 
 no small degree of pleasure that I have the 
 privilege of addressing you at this time. I ar- 
 rived at this place in safety yesterday, much 
 fatigued in body, in consequence of the bad 
 travelling. When I first went into school, I 
 viewed myself so ignorant and unlearned, as I 
 looked over the studies I intended to pursue, 
 that things appeared very dark ; temptations 
 arose, and I almost wished myself in Dudley 
 again. But the order and regulations of the 
 boarding house are so good, and there being so 
 many here who love my blessed Jesus, I think 
 that I cannot be discontented in such a place. 
 In this place, as well as all others, I find that I 
 must watch and pray, in order to keep alive, 
 and be entirely engaged in the things of reli- 
 gion. I need much grace to keep me in my 
 proper place, — the valley of humility. I room 
 with a young lady about 15 years of age, who 
 has no interest in the Savior, but wishes to be 
 happy. May I be of some use to her, and not 
 a hindrance in so momentous a work as reli- 
 gion ! My dear sister, many have been the 
 privileges which we have enjoyed together. 
 They are now past and gone, whether improved 
 or not. I do desire to experience a deeper 
 
64 MEMOIR or 
 
 work of grace in my heart, than I ever have as 
 yet. I know that God is faithful, who has 
 promised, and will withhold no good thing from 
 those who Malk uprightly. O that the life that 
 I now live may be by faith on the Son of God ; 
 that I may, while favored with so many bless- 
 ings, enjoy an uninterrupted peace of mind, and 
 feel from day to day that my ways please the 
 Lord. Any thing less, will never satisfy me. 
 Religion never was designed to make our plea- 
 sures less, and I bless God it does happify my 
 mind, from day to day. It is a cordial for every 
 fear, a balm for every wound. I feel, while I 
 write, that God is my Father, the Holy Ghost 
 my Comforter, and Jesus my Redeemer. What 
 have I then to disconcert my mind, or make me 
 unhappy? Methinks I hear you say, nothing. 
 Truly, I will never be discouraged, nor faint in 
 my mind, while blessed with so good a pilot as 
 Jesus to help me steer my course on toward 
 heaven. I am sensible, my dear sister, that 
 much devolves on you. The eyes of the world 
 are upon you, watching for your halting. Be 
 faithful, then, to all around you. I trust you 
 will. Never neglect your duty to those who are 
 placed under you, in the Sabbath school. It 
 may be, God will soon convert them to himself. 
 O sister, let us be very humble, and fight against 
 that dreadful monster pride, as much as pos- 
 sible. God has done much for us, and we 
 ought, in return, to give our hearts to Him. 
 Much is implied in this command of giving our 
 
F.LIZABF.TH ANN MOULTON. 65 
 
 hearts, our affections, and our all to Him. Then 
 we can say, ' not as 1 will, but as Thou wilt.' 
 Glory to God that this is required in the gospel. 
 We, as a people, believe in the blessed doctrine 
 of sanctification, and this is Bible doctrine too, 
 for He wills our sanctification ; that we may be 
 set apart for His use and service. Some are 
 saying, we cannot attain to it, in this life, but 
 Jesus says, * Be ye perfect, even as your Father 
 in heaven is perfect.' This command, my dear 
 E., is in the present tense, and is applicable to 
 Christians in this world. Then, my dear friend, 
 seek for all the fullness of God; and may you 
 possess the whole Deity within, enjoying a 
 bright evidence that you are wholly His ; and 
 so live, that others, seeing your good works, 
 may be constrained to glorify our Heavenly 
 Father, May you and I, if we are never more 
 permitted to enjoy each other's society below, 
 meet with all the blood-washed millions, to 
 celebrate God's praise for ever and ever — Amen. 
 
 " I have a number of friends to whom I wish 
 to write in different parts. Please remember 
 me to all inquiring friends. Write soon, giving 
 me all the news in D. 
 
 " Believe me yours in the bonds of Christian 
 affection." 
 
 In this school Elizabeth formed a happy ac- 
 quaintance with a large circle of interesting 
 friends, the society of whom she prized highly, 
 6 
 
66 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and to whom she ever after alladed with sweet 
 delight. Among these friends she had several 
 correspondents, bur her letters are mostly he- 
 yond my reach. She became very much inter- 
 ested in her studies, and made respectable im- 
 provement. Religion here appears to have been 
 her all engrossing theme. Her fervent prayers 
 and exhortations in the prayer and class meet- 
 ings, soon attracted more than ordinary atten- 
 tion ; and her peculiar manner of enforcing the 
 blessing of sanctification upon her friends, 
 melted many a heart. So persevering was she 
 in this duty, that some of the preachers thought 
 her immodest ; assuming rights and privileges 
 which did not become a female ; but these 
 feelings rose chiefly from envy, in my humble 
 opinion. Preachers have hinted to me, know- 
 ing that she was accustomed to exhort after 
 preaching, that they did not wish their wives to 
 mend their sermons. One preacher in a certain 
 town, who thought her influence not good, she 
 being so bold, and taking so much liberty in 
 the presence of preachers, was met by another 
 young preacher, who was a student with her at 
 Wilbraham, who said, " she was esteemed by 
 all the school as pure gold without any alloy." 
 
 March 10. — The journal proceeds. — " Chris- 
 tian benevolence is a property which we, as 
 Christians, ought ever to possess. We may 
 profess Christianity and benevolence too, and 
 yet be destitute of both. The person who is 
 possessed of this qualification, has generous 
 
ELIZABETH ANjV M0ULT0>\ 67 
 
 feelings, and an open and liberal spirit ; desir- 
 ing to do good unto all as far as his ability will 
 admit. His hands are ever open to relieve the 
 poor and distressed, and his heart ever responds 
 to the calls of charity. Much, too, will depend 
 upon the manner in which we bestow our favors, 
 in order to receive the promised rev/ard of our 
 Heavenly Father. Persons deeply devoted, 
 possessing liberal minds and feelings, will not 
 only benefit their fellow men with their money, 
 but by their prayers and counsels ; seeking to 
 do their souls good." 
 
 April 4, 1831. — She wrote home a family 
 letter, as she was accustomed to do ; wishing to 
 give all a portion in due season. In this letter 
 the reader will perceive that she deeply regrets 
 that she had not been more dutiful to her pa- 
 rents, while under their parental watch-care ; 
 alluding probably to the time when she expe- 
 rienced religion. She then thought that she 
 must obey God's commandments, by attending 
 to ail the duties of religion, as she had been 
 taught them, irrespective of the wishes of her 
 parents. And, I would here observe, that she 
 always blessed God that she united with the 
 Methodist E. Church, But her parents, at that 
 time being opposed to the course she took, upon 
 more mature reflection, she regretted that she 
 had not consulted their wishes, fearing her 
 course miorht have deeply prejudiced her mother 
 against religion, and might have proved an hin- 
 drance to her salvation. She, wishing now to 
 
68 MEMOIR OF 
 
 remove every stumbling-block out of the way, 
 made the following concessions ; as her prayers 
 for many years, had not, as yet, been answered 
 in the conversion of her soul. She never 
 thought, however, in religious matters, the pa- 
 rents' authority ought to supersede the divine 
 authority, but on the other hand, when peremp- 
 torily refused the privilege of uniting with the 
 church of their choice, she believed children 
 should forsake fathers and mothers, for Christ's 
 sake. Her house was always a place of refuge 
 for this class of Christians, who had been driven 
 from their homes on account of persecution 
 from this source. 
 
 My dear absent Parents, — As I am now 
 favored with the opportunity of forwarding a 
 few lines by Br. Rice, I cannot decline writing. 
 I am now enjoying good health in every sense, 
 and hope these lines will find you enjoying the 
 same blessing. I am here surrounded with 
 every mercy I need. I still find religion carry- 
 ing me above the things of this transient world. 
 Dear parents : although it is my lot to be sepa- 
 rated far from you, yet I often feel sensations 
 of gratitude that I have an Heavenly Parent, to 
 whom I can go and have my desires satisfied. 
 I often think, that I never shall be able to re- 
 compense you for the kindness you have shown 
 me, from the first dawn of my existence until 
 the present time. O, the obligation of a child 
 to a parent ! I know, my dear mother, I have 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 69 
 
 in many things been disobedient, from my 
 youth up, for which I am led to make the most 
 humble acknowledgment, as a child. I know 
 that 1 have too often been found in forbidden 
 paths, and, instead of setting a godly example, 
 I fear I have manifested an unholy disposition. 
 I realize still, my liability to fall, unless on my 
 watch-tower. I truly feel the need of your 
 prayers for me, while I remain in this place. 
 God is good to me and blesses me with his 
 smiles and favor. I ought, in return, to render 
 my heart obedient to his commandments. I do 
 feel that peace in my soul, which the world can- 
 not give, and blessed be God ! it cannot take it 
 away. I fear oftentimes that my letters to you 
 may seem trite and uninteresting; for I cannot 
 always possess that liberty in writing to you 
 which I desire ; — but dear parents, I trust that 
 so long as I am blest with your society on 
 earth, you will be favored with, not only my 
 letters, but my feeble prayers, for your sal- 
 vation. Yea, I shall remember you at the 
 Throne of Grace, and beseech God to preserve 
 your lives and mine, until we meet again. This 
 I believe He will do, in answer to my prayers." 
 
 "to LUCY. 
 
 " My dear Sister, — I long to see you, as well 
 as the rest of the family. I often wish you were 
 here, participating in the rich blessings which 
 I enjoy. I hope, my dear Lucy, that you are 
 not altogether regardless of the interests of 
 *6 
 
70 MEMOIR OF 
 
 your immortal soul. God lias endowed you 
 with an ability to serve him ; and I hope you 
 will not reject the kind offers of mercy, nor 
 grieve away the Holy Spirit. O that you, in 
 your youthful days, would forsake your vani- 
 ties, and secure an interest in the Savior. Re- 
 member this life is passing away, and you have 
 a great work to do, to prepare to meet your 
 God in peace. O do not neglect your soul's 
 eternal interest, I beseech you ! Can you not 
 be prevailed upon to seek the Lord, before it 
 shall be too late ? I feel concerned for you, 
 and much desire your conversion to God ; you 
 lay near my heart : the ties of nature being 
 strong, I want you to have religion and be 
 happy. You have, in vain, sought for happiness 
 in the world and its fashions : they cannot 
 satiate your spiritual thirst. Come then, and 
 lay hold on eternal life, and you will find sub- 
 stantial enjoyment. I could easily drop the 
 sympathising tear for you. The Lord is wait- 
 ing to be gracious ; He is waiting for your 
 compliance to his terms. O do not the Holy 
 Spirit grieve, I entreat you." 
 
 " A WORD TO MY DEAR LOUISA AND CELIA. 
 
 " You must remember that you are in the 
 days of childhood, and your Heavenly Father 
 has taught you to remember him in the days of 
 your youth ; lest when you are old, the evil 
 days will draw nigh, when you will say, ' I have 
 no pleasure in them.' I hope, dear children, 
 
ELUZABEYH ANN MOULTON. 7l 
 
 you will remember the admonitions of your 
 parents, and be obedient to them in all things 
 consistent. I have heard nothing about your 
 school the winter past, except that you had a 
 female teacher. I trust that you have learned 
 many new and good things. O, get wisdom, 
 and withall, get understanding, so shall you 
 grow up useful and happy in the world, and 
 your deaths shall be triumphant. I will send 
 you a little piece of my room-mate's painting : 
 keep it clean and nice in your drawer. I hope, 
 my dear Louisa, that you will not leave home 
 this spring. I want you to stay until I come 
 home, which will be the last of May. I should 
 like to stay another term, but do not feel able. 
 I expect when I come, to spend some time with 
 you. May the Lord direct us in all things ; 
 teaching us His holy will. In closing, I would 
 say, that I went to a quarterly meeting in Bel- 
 chertown, Saturday last, in company with al* 
 most thirty students. E. A. Arnold." 
 
 Her diary continues : 
 
 May 1, 1831. — *'0, how negligent have t 
 been in the performance of many of my duties, 
 the year past ! Too much of my precious time 
 has not been improved as I could wish. Still 
 the Lord deals bountifully with me. I have felt 
 much of the presence of God this day. Br. 
 Fisk, that good man, preached to us on the im* 
 portance of prayer. His text was, * What profit 
 
73 MEMOIR or 
 
 shall we have if we pray unto Him.' While he 
 was illustrating this subject, and setting forth 
 the importance of prayer, thought I, how little 
 have I realized the worth of prayer. I now re- 
 solve to be more devoted to that Being, who 
 has done so much for me, than I have been be- 
 fore. O, that God would help me ! I have now 
 been at Wilbraham almost one term. I have 
 not made that progress in science which I 
 ought, but God has blessed my soul, and I am 
 encouraged to pursue ray course heavenward. 
 
 May 10. — " In vain do we seek our happi- 
 ness in the things of this world. Every thing 
 that this earth can afford is fading and transi- 
 tory, and yields no substantial enjoyment. We 
 behold the flower that blossoms in the morning : 
 it looks beautiful : we wish it would continue 
 for ever. We look again — it withers and dies. 
 Thus are our lives passing away. We appear, 
 for a little season, in the world, and bid fair for 
 a long life ; but soon, very soon, we droop and 
 die. But there is a source, whence true happi- 
 ness is derived. That God who has created us 
 rational and intelligent creatures, has provided 
 a way, whereby we may escape the pollutions 
 of the world, and be made happy. He has pro- 
 vided for us an infinite fountain of grace, to 
 which we may come and receive mercy — even 
 life for evermore." 
 
 May 15. — "How beautiful to behold the 
 youthful minds entirely engaged in the pursuit 
 of literature, studying the various branches 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 73 
 
 with diligence and zeal. They appear desirous 
 to be persons of eminence and esteem among 
 their fellow men. I rejoice to see many in this 
 school who are striving to excel in knowledge, 
 and become noted for learning. I fear there are 
 too many of us, who possess too little ambition 
 and perseverance to climb the hill of science, 
 and care too little whether we advance in 
 knowledge or not. But who among us, that 
 values the importance and worth of time, can 
 indulge himself in those things, which destroy 
 a relish for the acquisition of knowledge, both 
 human and divine? I hope I may so improve 
 my time, as that I shall not regret the pains 
 taken in coming so far to gain a little know- 
 lodge. I observe that the farther I advance in 
 my studies, the more I am delighted with them. 
 I can scarcely indulge the thought for a mo- 
 ment, that I am so soon to leave this beloved 
 institution. But duty calls, and I must obey. 
 I must soon bid farewell to my beloved asso- 
 ciates of this school, perhaps no more to enjoy 
 their society on earth. O solemn thought ! and 
 yet, how transporting, while considering, if 
 faithful to our Heavenly Benefactor, we are all 
 bound to one place, and shall soon meet in that 
 brighter world, where parting scenes are known 
 no more!" 
 
 After the spring term closed, Elizabeth re- 
 turned home and spent the summer with her 
 parents, and continued her journal. 
 
74 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I have always had my doubts, whether daily 
 occurrences, noted in a journal, ought to be 
 printed, unless something occurs to make iheni 
 interesting. There must, of necessity, be a 
 sameness, which soon becomes irksome to the 
 mind of most readers. I w^ill, however, copy 
 her journal of two or three days, as a specimen. 
 
 June 1 : Evening, — " The sun has now set, 
 in the western horizon, which announces the 
 departure of another day. This reminds me 
 of that period, when the sun of life will set with 
 me. Hov/ delightful to look back on a day 
 that has passed pleasantly away; especially, 
 when we can feel conscious that we have done 
 all that we could to promote the welfare of cur 
 fellow men. 
 
 June 2. — *' Another day has appeared : ex- 
 cessive heat almost overcomes me. I hardly 
 feel any spirit to work or study. But time is 
 very precious ; I must therefore improve it, as 
 it passes along — knowing that I must give an 
 account for the same. 
 
 June 3. — " When I contemplate past mer- 
 cies, and present blessings, which I so richly 
 enjoy, I am led to adore that Being, who is the 
 Author and Bestower of them all. I am now 
 favored with many kind friends, with whom I 
 have enjoyed many social seasons ; who seem 
 strongly attached to me by the ties of true 
 friendship. 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 75 
 
 June 6. — " Another day of my short life has 
 passed, and how delightful to look back upon 
 it, and see that I have been preserved from out- 
 breaking sins. O may my days be spent in the 
 fear of that God, who has done so much for 
 me, that I may at last be re-united with them, 
 who have washed their robes and made them 
 white in the blood of the Lamb." 
 
 About this time, Elizabeth obtained the con- 
 tents of a letter written by a preacher in Eng- 
 land, giving advice to a friend of his, respecting 
 the great blessing of sanctification — how he 
 experienced it, retained it, &lc. She copied 
 and preserved it, for her own benefit ; and, I 
 should think, nearly committed it to memory — 
 as its sentiments were often advanced by her, 
 in after life, while exhorting her friends to be 
 holy. Believing it will be of great practical use 
 to every sincere inquirer after the deep things 
 of God, I have thought proper to copy it into 
 this work, for the benefit of the reader. 
 
 *' Dear Br., — In answer to your letter, re- 
 questing my advice respecting the work of God 
 in your soul, I will shortly state what plans I 
 myself pursue. Formerly, when living in a 
 justified state, there was a double mind in me 
 — a desire to meet the wisdom and prudence 
 of the world : a sort of three-quarters way, that 
 they might be gained over with less disgust, on 
 their part, and less odium of the cross, on my 
 
76 BIEMOIR OF 
 
 part. But now, since God has saved me from 
 self, pride, and unbelief, the fear of man is 
 taken away, and the base man-pleasing spirit is 
 removed. I have set up for myself, making the 
 word of God and the rules of Methodism, my 
 rule and guide ; as well as the conduct of our 
 Savior, and his followers, who are now living, 
 and those who are gone home. I have given 
 God my undivided heart ; believing he does ac- 
 cept it, and believing that the blood of Christ 
 cleanseth from all sin. Like a stone lying on 
 the foundation, so do I lie on God's promises, 
 and Christ's blood, giving God my soul and 
 body — a living sacrifice; covenanting with 
 him, never to doubt more. My language is, 
 * sink or swim, loFt or saved, I will believe.' I 
 will sooner die, than doubt. This decision of 
 mind is attended with a refusal to regard frames 
 and feelings as any criterion of my state ; be- 
 lieving He does save me, whether filled or 
 emptied, raised up or cast down ; leaving the 
 quantity of comfort to God's wisdom ; knowing 
 I am not saved by feeling, but by faith. It is 
 holiness I want and have, and not ecstacy. A 
 solid peace is my birthright. With that, I am 
 content ; knowing that the trial of my faith is 
 more precious than uncertain ecstacies. I 
 never look at my imperfections, without be- 
 lieving that his blood does wash them all away. 
 One act of faith does more good than twenty 
 years of prayer without it. My prayer is dif- 
 ferent from what it was when only in a jus- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 77 
 
 tified state. I do not ask, expecting an answer 
 at some future time ; but I believe that I re- 
 ceive now, while I am praying, and the Holy 
 Ghost says you have it. I am now seeking for 
 all the fullness of the Spirit, and have received 
 some partial glimpses of that state. It is not 
 an overflowing with joy — this would unfit us 
 to live in the world ; but it is a state of the 
 soul, in which God Himself, fills up every part 
 of it. The law of love being perfected in his 
 heart, he thinketh no evil ; beareth all things, 
 knowing that it is done. To be emptied or 
 cleansed from all sin merely, says Mr. Fletcher, 
 is only negative salvation, the positive of which 
 is, * I will put my spirit within you, and cause 
 you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep 
 my judgments and do them.' Love, then, is 
 equal to all its demands. As to my class-meet- 
 ings, I agonize in believing prayer for the 
 whole of my three classes, that all of them may 
 be sanctified throughout, soul, body, and spirit, 
 knowing that while my prayer is offered up in 
 faith, He that hath called them will also do it. 
 I confess before them my utmost salvation to 
 the very outside of what I enjoy. This honors 
 God, and does not exalt self. As no blessing 
 can be held without confession, I endeavor, in 
 the power of the Spirit, to make sharp the 
 knife, and to cut up, and let out, all that is in 
 the inside. The skin is very apt to become 
 tough ; but spare not until the heart is wholly 
 broken down; then, like the wise physician, 
 7 
 
78 MEMOIR or 
 
 who has probed the wound to the very bottom^ 
 and let out all the bad matter, pour in the balm 
 and the wine. Pursuing this course, I have 
 now fifty members who are entirely sanctified. 
 In preaching to sinners, I endeavor to make 
 sure work of the breaking down part first, be- 
 fore any salvation is offered. I then tell them, 
 as bad as their case is, there is hope, if they 
 will be saved on God's terms, viz. : lay down 
 their weapons of rebellion, and come to Christ 
 for pardon. I try to show the difference be- 
 tween desiring pardon and obtaining it. The 
 penitent is disposed to trust in his praying. 
 When children ask for bread, they ask in order 
 to obtain it, and not to perform the duty of 
 asking. And it is bread that they want — no- 
 thing else will satisfy them. I try to make the 
 atonement of Christ as a substitute, and his 
 having died in my stead as plain as possible, to 
 a consciously-lost sinner ; and there is not 
 much difficulty in doing this when the heart is 
 broken for sin, and from sin. Believe on the 
 Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, is 
 spoken with mighty power to one in this state. 
 The act of believing is the penitent's; the 
 same as it is the act of a man to jump into the 
 water, when he wishes to bathe himself. Entire 
 sanctification is the glory of the gospel ; pardon 
 is merely to bring us to an acquaintance with 
 God. When all past sins are forgiven, the out- 
 ward reign of sin over the body has come to an 
 end. But the enemies within — such as self- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 79 
 
 will, self-preference, anger, peevishness, a puff- 
 ing up at times, desires after the world, enmity 
 against God's way of saving souls, self-opinion, 
 uncharitableness in judging others, &c. — must 
 all be destroyed. .We cannot cast them out 
 ourselves, either by prayer, self-denial, or fast- 
 ing. The exercise of these duties, as important 
 and valuable as they are in themselves, will not 
 subdue them. None but God can speak the 
 second time, be clean ! but God does it when 
 the whole soul is given to him. When done, 
 God is loved supremely. Preaching this doc- 
 trine, in the simple way of faith, will be ren- 
 dered a great blessing. As Christ, by his death, 
 purchased a full salvation, and promises it to 
 all who seek it, and as he commands us to be 
 holy, we cannot please Him without it. God 
 can, and will save us, the moment we believe. 
 If we trust and rely on his promises, it will be 
 according to our faith. We are not to wait 
 God's time, as some say : this would be un- 
 scriptural. Now is His time. We are not to 
 wait for more power to believe; for if we wait 
 for power, we cannot believe without it, and 
 consequently all who do not believe are lost 
 because God did not give the power : 
 
 * But if on God I dare rely, 
 The faith shall bring the power.' 
 
 Faith comes by hearing; unbelief is the ab- 
 sence of faith. The key is provided for me, 
 when I repent and forsake sin, but it is by the 
 
BO MEMOIR. 
 
 Strength of my hand and wrist that I turn the 
 lock. You will find many a twenty years' pro- 
 fessor opposed to this simple plan of salvation 
 by faith, without the deeds of the law. The 
 condition of man's salvation is, 'repent and be- 
 lieve,' all the way through. Always preach it, 
 press it; make all the powers of mind and 
 body, of faith and prayer, bend towards it. Do 
 not look at the hardness, prejudice, and un- 
 belief of the people; but at the promises of 
 God, that His blessing mny attend your labors. 
 Believe He does it, and He does do it. I would 
 recommend you to read very carefully Mr. 
 Wesley on repentance of believers, on patience, 
 and his scripture way of salvation, his tract on 
 perfection ; also, Fletcher's Checks, the sixth 
 volume, Hester Ann Rogers, Bramwell's Life„ 
 Mrs. Fletcher's Life. &c." 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 Having spent the summer at home, Eliza* 
 beth returned to school in Wilbraham again in 
 the fall. Having now become attached to her 
 books, she pursued her studies with eagerness 
 and delight ; attending, at the same time, to all 
 the ordinances of God's house, and holding 
 forth, as usual, the great principles of christian 
 holiness. 
 
 Here the Lord was preparing her mind for 
 scenes, through which she then little expected 
 to pass. She is soon to leave the school, by an 
 unforseen providence to her; to enter more 
 publicly upon the theatre of life, and wade 
 through deep afflictions. When she went to 
 school this term, she did not expect to be 
 united to her anticipated companion for some 
 two or three years ; but providential circum- 
 stances had changed his appointment from a 
 circuit to a station, where the brethren had 
 prepared a parsonage, and arrangements con- 
 venient to entertain a family. They, learning 
 that he had a partner in anticipation, urged him 
 to brin^ matters to a crisis, as soon as prac- 
 #7 
 
8Sf MEMOIR or 
 
 ticable. He consulted his Presiding Elder, rela^ 
 tive to these matters, and the wishes of his in- 
 tended wife, who, after much prayer and me- 
 ditation, consented. He resolved upon mar- 
 riage. Elizabeth then left the school ; returned 
 immediately home; made the best preparation 
 she could ; and was united to Rev. Samuel 
 Estin, December 1, 1831. 
 
 They started, the next day, for Greenwich, 
 in Massachusetts, where Mr. Estin was then 
 stationed, to preach the gospel. They arrived, 
 and immediately commenced keeping house, 
 being assisted by their friends with every tem- 
 poral blessing which they needed. They soon 
 began to labor together for the salvation of 
 souls : both professing to enjoy the blessing of 
 entire sanctification. 
 
 It was quickly perceived by the brethren in 
 the charge, that the female department had 
 gained strength by the new comer. Elizabeth 
 now made it her invariable rule to attend all 
 the religious meetings with her companion, 
 which much encouraged him in his labors of 
 love, and the people to whom he administered. 
 They pressed the importance of entire sanctifi- 
 cation, upon the church, with so much earnest- 
 ness and zeal, that the cry was soon heard 
 among them, for holiness. This also aroused 
 the attention of sinners, they wishing to know 
 what these strange things meant. Soon, several 
 received this pearl of great price, and it was 
 noised about that the *' Methodists were getting 
 to he perfect J' 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 83 
 
 About this time, a young lady went from 
 Greenwich to Wales, where I was then labor- 
 ing, and informed me, as if it was one of the 
 strangest things in the world, that ** seven of 
 the Methodists in Greenwich had arrived at 
 perfection." Br. Estin, possessing a slender 
 constitution, labored too hard for his health, in 
 this reformation, and it soon failed him. He 
 was obliged to suspend his labors. For some 
 weeks, it was thought by himself and friends, 
 that he would recover again ; but he gradually 
 failed day after day, until he committed his 
 spirit into the hands of his Heavenly Father, 
 to enter upon the endless happiness of heaven. 
 This painful event took place in about seven- 
 teen weeks after their matrimonial connection. 
 The lamented death of Br. Estin occasioned 
 great solemnity among the people, as he had 
 become interwoven in their affections. The 
 widow of the deceased, although deeply afflict- 
 ed, being bereaved of the companion of her 
 youth, continued to keep house and labor with 
 the brethren until the next annual conference. 
 
 The brethren having already had two preach- 
 ers since the session of the last conferences, 
 asked for no more, until the close of the year, 
 three months of which still remained. They 
 were satisfied to hold prayer-meetings, with the 
 help of E., who was considered by them a 
 good auxiliary in this time of need. Thomas 
 Murcy, Esq., who, although not a Methodist, 
 yet, for the sake of his family, took a deep in* 
 
84 MEMOIR OF 
 
 terest in the temporal affairs of this church, 
 and was its chief supporter, said, that " Mrs. 
 Estin was the greatest female orator that he had 
 ever heard address an audience." The fact was, 
 her powerful prayers and exhortations had a 
 subduing influence upon his heart, as they had 
 upon the whole congregation gathered in that 
 place. Often were the hearts of those assem- 
 bled melted into tears, while listening to the 
 moving strains of mercy, that flowed from her 
 lips. She never attempted to preach : but 
 many that heard her exhort, said that " they 
 had rather hear her, than her husband ;" and in 
 after days it was nothing uncommon for the 
 brethren to tell me, that *' such and such per- 
 sons had rather hear my wife improve, than 
 myself," and ''that if she were going to im- 
 prove, they would go to the meeting." Let it 
 suffice me to say, that the church in Greenwich 
 were satisfied to hold prayer-meetings on the 
 Sabbath until conference, being assisted with 
 the labors of sister Estin. 
 
 One of her correspondents, who lived in 
 Greenwich, the summer after her husband died, 
 wrote as follows : — " Holiness of heart seemed 
 to be a theme on which sister E. loved to 
 dwell, and to urge on others. I believe she in- 
 troduced this subject in every letter which she 
 wrote to me, and it seems to me, that she was 
 ripe for heaven ; and therefore taken to that 
 celestial abode. She always exerted a happy 
 influence in society. The very atmosphere 
 
ELIZABETH AN?J MOULTOJT. 85 
 
 around her appeared to be pure. The circle 
 in which she moved must have been bene- 
 fitted by her holy example. The feeling that 
 they could have no meeting without her pre- 
 sence, prevailed in Greenwich, as it has else- 
 where." 
 
 The three following letters were written to 
 two of her correspondents in Dudley, who were 
 companions with her in tribulation and in 
 christian warfare when she resided there. They 
 were written after her marriage ; one before, 
 and two after, her husband's health had failed 
 him. 
 
 " Greenwich, Dec. 23, 1831. 
 *' to miss eveline gilmore. 
 
 " Dear Sister, — An opportunity presenting 
 to write, I wish to improve it, and answer 
 yours. Probably you have heard of our mar- 
 riage ere this, and would like to hear of our 
 prosperity. I can tell you, my dear sister Eve- 
 line, that God is with us. I have peace in be- 
 lieving, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Praise 
 God, for his unbounded fullness ! O sister, 
 shall I ever meet you again, on the shores of 
 m.ortality? The will of the Lord be done ! I 
 should be happy to see you, and enjoy some 
 more meetings with you, in Dudley. 1 trust 
 you are still rising in the divine life; if so, I 
 would Fay, go on ! I am bound to meet you in 
 the haven of eternal repose. How do all the 
 dear friends do? Have any of them back- 
 
86 MEMOIR or 
 
 slidden from the path of duty ? May the Lord 
 bring them home again. Are any seeking the 
 Savior ? May they soon find him to the joy of 
 their souls ! Give my best respects to all those 
 with whom I am acquainted. Tell them, I 
 have not forgotten them, although time and 
 distance have separated us in this world. I 
 think God has placed me here for something. 
 I desire to be of some little use, while I stay. 
 We have some precious seasons ; also some 
 additions to our little church, for which I 
 would praise God and be thankful. O pray for 
 us, that our feeble endeavors may be blest to 
 the good of precious souls, for whom Christ 
 died. You wrote of the death of sister M. 
 Adams, at which I was much surprised. Dear 
 girl, she has got home. May my last end be 
 like her's. 
 
 " As the intended bearer of our letters has 
 gone, I will lengthen my communications and 
 send by mail. Sister Lydia is well and happy. 
 O how much she enjoys ! May I be like her, 
 continually pressing after all the deep things of 
 God ! O how much there is for us to enjoy 
 in this world ! I sometimes almost long to 
 quit this vile house of clay, and wing my way 
 through the ethereal blue, to mansions of eter- 
 nal bliss. O what an inexhaustible fountain of 
 consolation is there in the religion of Jesus ! 
 What lengths, and depths, to comprehend ! 
 O how diligent ought we to be in all manner 
 of holy conversation and godliness ! Let us 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 87 
 
 Strive so much the more, as we see the day ap- 
 proaching. Let us have holiness for our motto. 
 O, how I praise God, that my lot was ever cast 
 among a people that contend for the life and 
 power of holiness : yea, for clean hearts. O, 
 my sister, do you enjoy this full salvation 1 Do 
 you feel that all the buyers and sellers are 
 turned out ? that * the life you now live in the 
 flesh is by faith on the Son of God V If you 
 do, hold it fast, while life shall last, and show 
 to all around the blessed treasure you have 
 found. May you be abundantly instrumental 
 in the conversion and sanctification of many 
 souls in your day and generation ! is the prayer 
 of your unworthy, but constant friend, 
 
 " Elizabeth Ann Estin." 
 
 *' to mrs. celia adams. 
 " Dear and respected Sister, — Thinking 
 you were anxious to hear from your brother, I 
 would relieve you of your anxiety, by assuring 
 you that he is better, though far from being 
 well. He has rode out several times. We 
 have spent nearly one week in visiting. Yes- 
 terday, he took another ride about fourteen 
 miles distant, and returned just at night, quite 
 overcome with fatigue. He has not been able 
 to sit up much to-day. I fear he will have a 
 relapse. I sometimes feel almost discouraged, 
 and the way looks dark before me. But when 
 I realize that God will not lay more upon us, 
 th^Q we can bear, and that these afflictions are 
 
88 MEMOIR OF 
 
 only for a season, and will work out for us 
 a far more exceeding, and eternal weight of 
 glory, I am almost ready to say, (and can I not 
 say it ?) the ' will of the Lord be done,' I feel 
 very much the importance of a steadfast faith, 
 and an entire reliance on God. I have re- 
 ceived much at His hands, and have as strong 
 determinations to see the end of the christian 
 race as ever. I view, in God, an unbounded 
 ocean of love and mercy, and, from time to 
 time, am enabled to pluck a cluster from the 
 tree of life, and drink of those streams which 
 make glad the city of God. I expect, if faith- 
 ful here, God will make me a sharer iA His 
 glory hereafter. 
 
 " I am happy to inform you that the good 
 work of the Lord is prospering in this place. 
 The brethren are well engaged, and their 
 motto is — give us clean hearts. I trust you 
 and your husband are still alive to God. Go 
 on, and may you possess strong confidence in 
 God and an abiding evidence that you are the 
 Lord's. 
 
 ''Sabbath Evening. — I again resume my 
 pen to finish my letter. Since I wTote the 
 above, my husband has had a relapse of sick- 
 ness at his stomach, and has vomited no less 
 than six times witiiin an hour ; but he now lies 
 quiet and composed. 
 
 " We are surrounded with many dear friends, 
 who are very kind and attentive. May the 
 Lord reward them ! 
 
 '* Elizabeth Ann Estin." 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 89 
 
 TO MISS EVELINE GILMORE. 
 
 " Dear Sister, — I have a few precious mo- 
 ments to spend in writing. There are many to 
 whom I should like to write a ^e\x words, so 
 that you will not expect much from me, es- 
 pecially at this critical moment. We are much 
 rejoiced, to see some of our friends from your 
 region. We heard some solemn news in the 
 death of our friends, M. Harbison and L. Herd. 
 Dear girls! they have left the church militant, 
 to join the church triumphant. A loud call 
 for us to be also ready ! May you and I be 
 so happy, as to join them around the throne, 
 and praise God with them for ever and ever ! 
 
 what a consoling theme is religion ! I trust 
 
 1 am still pursuing my steady course towards 
 heaven ; and if faithful to the grace given, I 
 expect to wear palms of victory and crowns of 
 glory that will not fade away. Yes, blessed be 
 God, notwithstanding my affliction, I feel some 
 of the same hallowed fire in my heart, which I 
 used to feel when we were permitted to enjoy 
 each other's society. I have enjoyed precious 
 seasons, this winter, in going from place to 
 place. Although my prospects are somewhat 
 blasted at present, yet, I believe it is for my 
 good. I have no desire to repine, or murmur 
 at the dispensations of God's providence : I 
 feel assured of the fulfilment of that promise 
 which saith, ' all things shall work for good 
 to thera that love God.' 
 
 8 
 
90 MEMOIR OF 
 
 *' Mr. Estin's health has been declining, for 
 about eight weeks. There were many calls for 
 labor, and no one to preach but him ; he there- 
 fore preached far too long, after his health l)e- 
 gan to fail. It is now twenty-one days since he 
 has been confined to his room ; but we trust he 
 is now convalescent. Our meetings are still 
 continued on the Sabbath ; but we are without 
 preaching. The good work of God is progress- 
 ing in the church and among sinners. God has 
 been better to us than our fears; for, while the 
 shepherd of this little flock has been smitten, 
 the sheep and lambs have not been scattered. 
 No ! the work has gone on ; some precious sin- 
 ners have been converted to God, and some of 
 the members have been sanctified by that blood 
 which cleanseth from all sin. Six of our dear 
 brethren and sisters have experienced this great 
 blessing, within two weeks. Sister, do you 
 enjoy this blessing ? Have you given the Lord 
 your heart, in an everlasting covenant, never to 
 be forgotten 1 Time is on the wing ; death is 
 approaching, and soon it will summon us away ; 
 but * without holiness no man shall see the 
 Lord.' O what a close work ! May you, my 
 dear sister, enjoy all that is for you, in the gos- 
 pel, and be so iiappy as to gain heaven for 
 Christ's sake. E. A. Estin." 
 
 Our subject continues her diary : 
 April 29, 1832. — ''Nearly one year has 
 elapsed since the above journal was written. 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 91 
 
 And oh, what scenes of sorrow, mingled with 
 joy, have I experienced in that time ! I left 
 Wilbraham and returned to Lunenburg, and 
 spent the summer in my dear father's family,- 
 very pleasantly; and returned to Wilbraham 
 again with an intention to pursue my studies. 
 I attended a while ; but was not then aware of 
 what was before mc. A new way opened up 
 suddenly, and unexpectedly ; so that after at- 
 tending school about seven weeks, I returned 
 again to Lunenburg, and tarried, until I was 
 united in marriage to Mr. Estin — one with 
 whom I had held a long and happy correspond- 
 ence. Mysterious were the providences which 
 brought us together ; but more mysterious 
 still, was that providence which so shortly en- 
 sued. Scarcely had four months passed, when 
 I was deprived of my bosom friend. He whom 
 I loved and prized above every other earthly 
 blessing, was torn from my fond embrace, and 
 consigned to the narrow limits of the tomb. I 
 am sometimes led to say, * why is it thus ? why 
 should I be left alone to wander through this vale 
 of sorrow and woe?' But, ah! cease my soul, 
 and be still ! Jesus has done all things well. I 
 was promising myself much happiness with my 
 dear husband ; but oh, how soon were my pros- 
 pects blighted, and my fond anticipations 
 exchanged for participations in affliction, sor- 
 row, and bereavement ! O, let me never more 
 put trust in any earthly form, before my God! 
 O my Father in heaven ! support me while un- 
 
92 MEMOIR OF 
 
 der this heavy rod. O raise my affections from 
 earth to heaven, and ever keep them there !" 
 
 May 10. — "It does seem sometimes, as 
 thouirh I should sink under this heavy stroke ; 
 but He who does not suffer a sparrow to fall to 
 the ground without his notice, has hitherto up- 
 held me and preserved me from sinking." 
 
 May 15. — " O how numerous are the mer- 
 cies and blessings which I receive from the 
 kind hand of God, even in the midst of afflic- 
 tions ! I would not undervalue them, but fear 
 I many times do. O heavenly Father, keep me 
 ever humble at thy feet 1 May I possess godly 
 simplicity at all times, and have abiding faith, 
 and may I so live that when health and flesh 
 shall fail, I may receive a never-fading crown 
 of glory !" 
 
 May 17. — " I spent most of this day at Br. 
 N.'s — had a pleasant time with the family, and 
 trust it has not been a lost season to my soul. 
 
 ' O for a closer walk with God, 
 A calm and heavenly frame.' 
 
 I believe there are greater blessings for me in 
 the treasury of my heavenly Father. When 
 shall I be more lost to all but God, more puri- 
 fied and refined from dross ! O may I, in the 
 language of the Poet, 
 
 ' Plunge in the Godhead's deepest sea, 
 Be lost in its immensity !" 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 93 
 
 May 21. — "This morning reminds me of 
 the solemn event which took place seven weeks 
 ago this day, viz. : the death of my dear hus- 
 band. O how changed is my situation now ! I 
 fear I shall repine — stop my soul; Jesus has 
 done all things well — my mind is calm and 
 peaceful. O may I enjoy more of the deep 
 things of God ! My Heavenly Father, give me 
 all of thy fullness of love to enjoy, that I may 
 adorn Christianity from this time forward and 
 for ever. Amen !" 
 
 So deeply did Elizabeth grieve on account 
 of the sudden death of her husband, that s«me 
 of her friends feared that she would sink into a 
 decline, and soon follow him into the spirit 
 land ; as her journal testifies : 
 
 July 1. — "I yet live to see the light of 
 another Sabbath. O why is my life thus pro- 
 longed ! I trust it is that I may the better 
 honor the Lord. New scenes are constantly 
 opening before me. I sometimes view death 
 very near. Afflictions and hard labor have 
 nearly worn me down. I think much of my 
 dear husband, who has gone the way of all 
 the earth. O when shall I meet his happy 
 spirit, and praise with him, the Lord for ever ! 
 Fifteen weeks ago he was in a fair way to re- 
 cover. But ah ! his disorder soon wore a dif- 
 ferent aspect, and my fond hopes were blighted ! 
 Death seized the clay tenement, and took him 
 *8 
 
94 MEMOIR or 
 
 from earth away. '' O the loneliness of widow- 
 hood ! But the Lord is my support : I shall 
 not want." 
 
 July 4. — "O how shall I praise my God 
 enough for all his mercies? This day and week 
 has hrought many cares with it ; but blessed be 
 God, they do not mar my peace. I have strong 
 confidence in my Savior, and oft-times feel un- 
 speakably joyful, while trusting him, for all 
 things. To-morrow I expect to set out on a 
 journey to Dudley, where I first saw him who 
 now lies sleeping in the silent grave. The 
 thought of meeting our dear friends gives me 
 a painful pleasure. I have long desired to see 
 the dear friends of my departed husband. O 
 may it prove a blessing to me 1 I feel the im- 
 porlance of living near the side of my Savior, 
 that I may be in constant readiness for the 
 hour of death, which I feel is near at hand." 
 
 July 20. — " I find that I lose much enjoy- 
 ment by neglecting small duties; such as read- 
 ing, writing, &C. The cares of life also are 
 apt to hinder me from enjoying my regular 
 hours of devotion. This ought not to be : but 
 how prone to wander from the living God ! 
 This day is set apart by the members of the 
 New England Conference, to be observed as 
 a day of fasting and prayer, that God would 
 avert his judgments which are now afflicting 
 the people." 
 
ELIZABETH AMV MOULTON. 95 
 
 Notwithstanding the pathway of Elizabeth 
 had been strewn with thorns and trials thus far, 
 and her health and spirits were sinking under 
 the weight, still the Lord had more for her- to 
 do and suffer, before he called her home to 
 glory. After her husband's death, her labors 
 were more highly appreciated than ever, in 
 Greenwich ; and consequently, the report of 
 her usefulness spread in every direction, and 
 she was esteemed as one eminently successful 
 in helping to build up the church of God. 
 
 Her name was mentioned to me by some 
 of her friends in Greenwich and elsewhere, as 
 a suitable person with whom to identify my 
 interests. After having visited the place, and 
 prayed much that I might be directed aright 
 in these niomentous matters, my mind was 
 deeply impressed with the fact, that God in his 
 providence, was preparing her to share in my 
 vicissitudes; I then commenced a correspond- 
 ence with her on the subject, which resulted in 
 the consummation of our anticipated union, 
 December 13th, 1832. 
 
 Mrs. Moulton, having now entered the itiner- 
 ant ranks again, commenced, with me, the 
 second evening after our connection, in relating 
 the story of the cross, with all that zeal and 
 fortitude, which should characterize a christian 
 hero. Having no settled home during the re- 
 mainder of this conference year, she continued 
 travelling with me, from day to day, most of 
 the time j and consequently she did not write 
 
96 MEMOIR. 
 
 as much as usual, neither did she ever, after 
 this period, write as much as formerly. In 
 order therefore, to give the reader a just esti- 
 mate of her labors and usefulness, in after life, 
 it will be nec(^ssary to identify her career with 
 mine ; and that I may give some new interest to 
 the readers, where I have labored, as well as some 
 variety to the volume, I will digress from the 
 usual course in small biographies, and glance 
 back to the time when God called me to preach ; 
 and bring out a few facts and incidents, up to 
 the time I left the history, and then progress 
 on, as facts and circumstances may permit. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 I WOULD not be considered an egotist, 
 sounding my own trumpet ; but I would try- 
 to bring glory to God, and good to young 
 Christians, while relating some events, which, 
 in the providence of God, it has been my lot 
 to experience, in my pilgrim journey towards 
 heaven. I have long believed that a faithful 
 record of a few sketches of the most important 
 incidents and facts, relative to our experience, 
 labors, sufferings, ^c, might be rendered a 
 blessing to thousands, who, for want of this 
 instruction, have become discouraged, shrunk 
 from duty, and returned again to the beggarly 
 elements of the world. 
 
 After the Lord converted my soul, I soon 
 felt strong impressions on my mind, that it 
 was my duty to preach the gospel : but instead 
 of following these impressions, having a strong 
 desire for a southern climate, I resorted to Sa- 
 vannah, in Georgia, and spent two winters, after 
 I was convinced, that God had called me to 
 prepare for His work. But God did not prosper 
 
yO MEMOIR OF 
 
 me in this Jonah voyage ; neither temporally, 
 nor Fpiritually. Every thing worked against 
 my wishes; besides I was so deeply afflicted 
 with the yellow fever, on my return home, that 
 none of my friends expected that I should re- 
 cover. This affliction, with others, humbled 
 me, as well as left me almost penniless. 
 
 I now promised to obey God, and follow the 
 openings of Providence ; and after applying 
 my mind to study, as much of the time as I 
 could, consistently with my circumstances, for 
 about four years, I offered myself to the church 
 as a preacher. They gave me license, and re- 
 commended me to the Annual Conference. I 
 was received on trial, and sent to Manchester 
 Circuit, in Connecticut, to labor in connection 
 with Br. A. L. Fletcher, who has since left this 
 world, I trust, for a better one. The manner 
 in which God blessed my labors, soon convinced 
 me that I was not mistaken in my calling. Br. 
 Fletcher was a good man, and an untiring la- 
 borer, but very eccentric. He cared but little 
 whether he pleased or displeased the people. 
 He was determined to make a move among 
 them, even at the expense of good feeling; be- 
 lieving he had better make them mad, than not to 
 make them feel at all. This was a year of great 
 anti-masonic excitement ; and he, being a mason, 
 was requested by the brethren to renounce it in 
 the pulpit, one Sunday morning, in Mansfield; 
 but he refused to comply with their wishes, and 
 consequently vacated the pulpit. This overture 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 99 
 
 was the means of dividing his and my labors, 
 on part of the circuit, during the remainder of 
 the year. Br. Fletcher resorted to the old 
 meeting-house in Mansfield, and I continued in 
 the new one. This division of the work in 
 Mansfield, led us to work separately, in other 
 towns, except on the Sabbath ; but the Lord 
 blessed our labors. He blessed me in raising 
 up a new class at one of the factories in Coven- 
 try. 
 
 Here, in the midst of the revival, the wicked, 
 one evening, took one of the wheels from my 
 carriage, and raised it up to the top of the fac- 
 tory ; but thinking probably I might obtain it, 
 they afterwards hid it at some distance behind 
 a high hill. Here the hand of persecution was 
 first raised against me and my carriage ; but it 
 has never ceased down to the present time, 
 which has been more than sixteen years, xlt 
 the AVillimantic Factory village, I commenced 
 operations this year ; had some revival, and 
 the people commenced building their meeting- 
 house, which, in consequence of the great de- 
 cline in the manufacturing business, much em- 
 barrassed the brethren. Here the Orthodox 
 minister reproved me sharply for preaching in 
 the house of one of his members, without first 
 asking him. This difficulty, I fear, was the 
 means of breaking up the reformation, which 
 had commenced with a blessed prospect. This 
 year also, I went into the Congregational parish 
 in the west part of Mansfield to preach ; the 
 
100 MEMOIR or 
 
 minister of which accosted me one day rather 
 abruptly, and asked, " what business I had 
 there? *' I told him I wanted forty good mem- 
 bers, in that part of the town, to give perma- 
 nency to the little cliurch in the east part of the 
 town, and if I mistake not, the Lord gave us a 
 class of forty-four, that year. Some of the 
 sisters of his church began to speak in our 
 meetings, which he strongly opposed, in private 
 and public ; this led him and myself into a long 
 discussion, whether the Scriptures granted fe- 
 males a privilege to speak in a public meeting. 
 The next year, I was appointed to Tol- 
 land Circuit, in connection with Brs. Heze- 
 kiah Ramsdell and Paul Townsend. This cir- 
 cuit included, this year, all that belonged to the 
 east part of Manchester circuit, last year, with 
 the addition of several more towns. It was a 
 large six weeks circuit. When the new preach- 
 ers first came on to this circuit, they were very 
 popular among the people in Tolland, and I 
 was quite unpopular, having taught school five 
 months in the centre of the town, only two 
 w^inters previous. They very much doubted 
 whether I could preach. On this account, 
 they requested Br. Ramsdell, the preacher in 
 charge, not to have me preach in Tolland ; but 
 to keep me down in that part of the circuit, 
 where 1 had preached one year already. This 
 however, was not satisfactory to the people in 
 that part. They having heard that two new 
 and interesting preachers had come on to the 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 101 
 
 circuit, wished to hear them at least their pro- 
 portion of the time. This to me was like 
 scudding under hare poles ; but what was worse 
 still, I soon learned that my colleagues thought 
 the people could not support but two preachers 
 on the circuit. This I knew was a hint for me 
 to look out for quarters. I did look to the 
 Stronghold for help. I cried unto the Lord to 
 direct me, I looked back upon the last year, 
 when I enjoyed revival after revival, and now, 
 thought I, no one wants me. Must I leave the 
 field ? shall I go down ? I feared this approach- 
 ing crisis would be a turning point with me. 
 Amid these trials, I threw myself upon Jesus, ' 
 and hung my hopes upon his cross ; and while 
 pleading for grace and direction, I believe the 
 Lord again renewed the evidence of sanctifica- 
 tion in my soul. Previous to this the preacher 
 in charge had conversed with me about my stiff- 
 ness and preciseness in preaching, and concern- 
 ing my apparent lack of vivacity or interest. 
 He wanted me to break away from these fetters, 
 and launch out into the work. In this state of 
 things, our first quarterly meeting was held; 
 and, sure enough, a move was made to have 
 one of the preachers removed, for the want of 
 ability to support three. I knew this meant 
 me, — and told the Conference that I could not 
 leave under these embarrassing circumstances. 
 The field was large enough, and I must stay. 
 I did stay. The new baptism I had received, 
 and the determined resolution I had formed to 
 
108 ME5I0IR or 
 
 go to iDork, urged me on to action. I visited 
 day after day, from house to house, preaching 
 in every new place that opened, filling every 
 Sabbath appointment, as usual, excepting Tol- 
 Jand. I made it my home at Br. Keney's, in 
 Bolton ; hardly ever staying, however, more 
 than one night at a time, on my return from 
 round the circuit. Here a new class was 
 formed the year before. I took hold without 
 the co-operation of my colleagues, and obtained 
 on subscription all the money I could for a 
 meeting-house, and succeeded so well, that the 
 brethren soon- erected a temple of worship, 
 where the people have ever since enjoyed the 
 stated means of grace. I also went up to 
 West Stafford, and asked the little class, if they 
 had any place w^iere we could worship Sab- 
 baths. They said they could have the tJniver- 
 salist meeting-house. I told them I dare not 
 go in, unless they could get a lease of it, know- 
 ing that should God revive his work, it would 
 be a signal for them to turn us out. The Uni- 
 versalists granted them a lease of it for three 
 years. Preaching was immediately commenced, 
 and a revival soon followed ; it spread into the 
 East parish, and, as the result, the church in 
 the West parish was much enlarged, a new 
 church formed in the East parish, and a re- 
 spectable meeting-house built near the pool, 
 where the ordinances of the gospel have been 
 administered ever since. In this revival, I 
 shoujd think that forty families of Universal- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 103 
 
 ists and Nothingarians were converted to God, 
 and they have made good members in the 
 household of fiiith. There was nothing more 
 said about my leaving the circuit. While this 
 revival was in progress, Tolland pulpit was 
 opened for poor me, and so all was harmony 
 again during the remainder of the year. While 
 the revival was progressing, I had an especial 
 call to go to the town of Somers, and spend 
 the remainder of this year, where a powerful 
 revival had commenced. I applied for permis- 
 sion to leave, as some were anxious to have me 
 leave at the commencement of the year. But 
 they could not then spare me, — the tables were 
 turned, for the Lord had given me favor in 
 sight of the people all over the circuit. I 
 mention this thing, because, had I given way 
 to the embarrassments thrown in my way, — 
 yielding to the wishes of a few interested peo- 
 ple in Tolland, who had prejudiced the preach- 
 ers against me, probably I should have sunk to 
 rise no more, as a preacher of the gospel ; but, 
 throwing myself upon Christ for guidance, I 
 obtained complete victory, and can number 
 that year with one of my best. 
 
 I would here counsel our brethren to bear 
 with young and inexperienced preachers ; they 
 need your sympathies and prayers. 
 
 We reported this year on the circuit, about 
 five hundred conversions, and between two 
 and three hundred united with our church. 
 We lost the fruit of one revival, which com- 
 
104 MEMOIR OF 
 
 menced through the instrumentality of the 
 Methodists, at a camp-meeting in Willington, 
 for the want of lime to gather the fruit ; but 
 the Baptists reaped a rich harvest from it. . 
 
 At the close of this year, Br. Ramsdell and 
 myself got it into our heads to petition the 
 Conference to let us go together on East Wind- 
 sor Circuit, and agreeably to our wishes, we 
 were appointed there. After having travelled 
 round this new circuit two or three times, I 
 was greatly disappointed in relation to its ability 
 to support preaching, and in the prospect of 
 doing good. I learned, after having preached a 
 very pointed discourse against dead formality, 
 at Ware-House-Point, in which sermon I cut 
 off the ears of some proud Episcopalians, who 
 then hung upon that little church, like a dead 
 carcase upon a living one, that I should not 
 probably suit the people in that place. In 
 short, I learned that one of the fearful brethren 
 who wanted a minister that would please the 
 Episcopals, had already been to the Presiding 
 Elder, and requested him to remove me, and 
 send them another man. Another circum- 
 stance occurred about this time, which served 
 to lower me in the estimation of the people, in 
 this place, the performance of which I have re- 
 gretted many a time. Br. Ramsdell had the 
 charge of the circuit, but we both had authority 
 to baptize. Some of the converts at this place 
 asked me to baptize them ; I readily consented ; 
 appointed the meeting, and then rode off after 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 105 
 
 Br. Ramsdell to come, and assist me in this 
 work ; but he refused. No one could now de- 
 scribe my feelings. Thought I, what shall I 
 do ? — the appointment is given out, and the 
 people will assemble, and I must return alone. 
 When the time came for the meeting to com- 
 mence, an inquiry was made, where is Br, 
 Ramsdell ? I explained as well as I could, but 
 by this time, my feelings were indescribable ; 
 however, I went into the desk and preached a 
 sermon, but had no liberty; then I could hardly 
 look any one in the face, thinking every one 
 felt ashamed of my performance ; but on we 
 went, down the banks of the old Connecticut, 
 and crowds of people followed. I now learned 
 that about twenty wished to be baptized — some, 
 by having water poured on their heads, some by 
 sprinkling, and some by immersion. Having 
 never baptized any person by any of these 
 modes, I soon became much agitated in mind, 
 while the people were all gazing, and the boats 
 cheering us in the river. My inward emotion 
 was, what shall I do? I first took a young 
 brother by the hand and led him into the water 
 to immerse him ; but not venturing far into the 
 river, the water was so shallow, that when I 
 plunged him into it, it was with much difficulty 
 that I could cover him with the water ; and in 
 my exertion, by some means I lost my hold of 
 his hands, and tried to bring him upon his feet 
 by his collar ; and such a splashing in the wa- 
 ter I hope never to witness again, and such 
 *9 
 
106 MEMOIR OF 
 
 deep mortification, I hope it will never be my 
 lot to suffer more ! But I got through the best 
 way I could ; called for my horse, left the place, 
 and as the providence of God has directed, I 
 think I never have seen that beautiful village 
 since. 
 
 Things having rather worked against me, at 
 the most popular appointment on the circuit, I 
 now came to the conclusion that it was about 
 time for me to find a new field of labor. To 
 bring this about, I took the following course. 
 I sat down and wrote a letter to Wales, the 
 town in which I was reared up, requesting 
 them to give out an appointment for me to 
 preach to them, the Sabbath that the pulpit 
 would not be occupied — as it was then only 
 occupied every other Sabbath. I repaired to 
 Tolland and engaged a local preacher to supply 
 my place two Sabbaths, and journeyed on to 
 my new field of operations. 
 
 The Sabbath came, and the Lord gave me a 
 good time in preaching ; so much encouraged 
 was I, that I gave out meetings for every 
 night during the week, together with one for 
 the next Sabbath at a school-house. At the 
 close of the second Sabbath, the excitement 
 had become general in the town, and there had 
 been a few conversions. I then, wrote to the 
 Presiding Elder for a discharge from my cir- 
 cuit. He granted it upon condition that I 
 would release my claims on the circuit, and 
 look out for my support where I labored. To 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON; 
 
 107 
 
 this 1 consented. As soon as the Baptists, 
 and Universalists, learned that I was going to 
 stay in Wales, a violent persecution arose 
 against me : but the work of the Lord went on 
 throughout the town, and extended into some 
 of the adjoining towns. As the fruit of this 
 revival, we gathered into the church about 
 one hundred and twenty-five, amidst the fiercest 
 opposition I hardly ever witnessed. 
 
 The next year, I was appointed to this place 
 with Br. Joel Knight. Our circuit extended 
 this year to Worcester, embracing in all 
 eighteen towns, including a new field occupied, 
 the year before, by Br. D. S. King — a Home 
 Missionary. On this circuit, we labored very 
 hard ; we formed several little classes, and were 
 instrumental in enlarging others, where they 
 now have permanent churches. Had this cir- 
 cuit been provided for, as it ought to have been 
 the following year, Methodism would have taken 
 deep root in some places, where, for the want 
 of attention, the little classes soon withered 
 away, after we left ; but most of these places 
 since have sprung up again, and begin to bud 
 and blossom. This is especially true of Bar- 
 ry, Oakham, Rutland, and Leicester. This 
 year we gathered in a goodly number of souls 
 in Barry, Spencer, New Worcester, Stur- 
 bridge, Brimfield, and Clapville. We also 
 gathered souls into the fold this year in the 
 towns of Wales, Stafford, and Union. It was 
 from this field of labor, that Br. Scott, our Pre- 
 
lOS MEMOIR or 
 
 siding Elder, wished to remove me in the midst 
 of unparalleled prosperity. This summons I 
 promptly refused to obey; for which refusal, I 
 was cited to nppear at the next annual confer- 
 ence, to answer for my non-compliance. 
 
 Fearing the result of disobeying his man- 
 date, I made a hearty confession to him that I 
 had done wrong, and he withdrew his com- 
 plaint ; but made me suffer the effect of my dis- 
 obedience severely by giving me an appoint- 
 ment the next year on the Hebron circuit, 
 where there was but little prospect of doing 
 good, and where there was no probability of 
 my obtaining a comfortable support. This cir- 
 cuit had been divided into two, at the last con- 
 ference, and an expensive family and myself 
 were sent on to the north part of it, where the 
 societies were small, with but little prospect of 
 an enlargement, at present, in consequence of 
 the excitement that then prevailed on the sub- 
 ject of temperance. 
 
 Dr. Fisk had lectured on this subject upon 
 the circuit, and had very much displeased the 
 brethren, on one part of it, by the course he had 
 taken. My predecessor also was decided against 
 the practice of drinking intoxicating drinks. 
 Many of the brethren, all over the circuit, were 
 arraigned against the temperance cause. At one 
 of the appointments, one of the stewards came 
 to me, on my arrival in the place, and informed 
 me that it would not do to preach against the 
 practice of drinking in that place. I asked him 
 
ELIZABETH AN.N MOULTO.X. 109 
 
 the reason, and he said the people would not 
 hear a man who preached against it ; and also 
 that I should break down the church, if I per- 
 sisted. Said I, at once, *' if such a course will 
 break down the church, let it corne down." 
 This only made me the more anxious to charge 
 home upon the enemy. The first Sabbath I 
 commenced in Chatham, I touched rather easy 
 upon the subject, which did not much frighten 
 the people ; but soon I began to thunder in such 
 strong terms against the use of intoxicating 
 drinks in this place, that the fiercest opposition 
 was raised against me. The brethren not only 
 brought the bread and cheese law to bear heavily 
 against me, but defiled the meeting-house with 
 filth, on the Sabbath they supposed I should 
 preach there. One of the brethren, being a 
 justice of the peace, wrote a long letter to me, 
 charging me with slandering the brethren of 
 Chatham, and of disturbing the peace of soci- 
 ety ! and threatened, unless I came and made 
 satisfaction, that the difficulty should be settled 
 before the Civil Court. It passed ofT, however, 
 with their punishing me, by withholding my 
 support. Here I much blamed my colleague, 
 who was a temperance man ; but as he was 
 very poor, I conclude he feared that if he 
 seconded my efforts, his family must suffer. I 
 applied to Br. Scott to release me from the re- 
 s{)onsibilities of this charge, as there were 
 other openings, which I could fill with accept- 
 ance ; but he refused, as I had not, as yet, suf- 
 
110 MEMOia OF 
 
 fered enough for my disobedience to him. So 
 I held on through the ye;tr, being afflicted with 
 the same anti-temperance feeling in both of the 
 appointments in Hebron. 
 
 In this state of things, I introduced my wife 
 to the people in the month of December, 1832. 
 
 I have now come back to the point from 
 which I digressed, and will pursue the history 
 of the subject of this memoir, as well as loan, 
 with the materials I have. I observed before,' 
 that she travelled with me most of the time 
 during this year, as did Br. Rogers, my colleague; 
 neither of us at this time, having any house in 
 which to put our families. During two or three 
 winter months, my colleague hired a house, and 
 I obtained board for ray wife, a few weeks. But 
 most of the time we were going from place to 
 place ; not knowing in the morning where we 
 should lodcre at nisrht. 
 
 Some of the people being prejudiced against 
 us on account of my temperance principles, we 
 did not feel free to call upon them. The 
 people's hearts were so closed up against sup- 
 porting the gospel, that it was not only a scene 
 of continual perplexity, but almost discouraged 
 me from thinking I could do them good. 
 
 One wealthy farmer, who was a brother in 
 our church in the south-west part of East 
 Hampton, who, I think, had no children, was 
 so unwilling to support the gospel, that I could 
 hardly endure his niggardly spirit. Having 
 heard that he had paid nothing for preaching. 
 
ELIZABETH A^:M MOULTON. Ill 
 
 ?X the closing up of the year, I called on him, 
 and he offered me one dollar. (There were 
 then three married preachers on the circuit — 
 Br. Heath, Br. Rogers, and myself) I asked 
 him if that was all that he was calculating to 
 give for our services during the year ? He 
 said it was. I told him to keep his dollar to 
 himself! Another circumstance occurred in 
 Hebron worthy of notice : an aged father in the 
 gospel, who had a good farm, and a large stock 
 of cattle, with a thousand dollars, or more, at 
 interest, said, that he had always paid twenty- 
 five cents per quarter, or one dollar per year, 
 ever since he had been a Methodist, and kept 
 the preachers whenever they called upon him. 
 My wife, and myself, called upon him to spend 
 a night, as we were travelling from place to 
 place. This visit happened soon after we were 
 married. In the morning, being about to de- 
 part, he gave me twenty-five cents. I asked 
 him what he designed by this offering ? He 
 said this was his regular quarterage. Said I, 
 *' this is not all that you intend for the three 
 preachers, for their three months labor." He 
 said, it was all that he could afford to give. 1 
 then refused to accept of his donation, sharply 
 reproving him for his parsimonious spirit ; and 
 left the house, after telling him that he was not 
 a fit person to belong to the church of God, 
 &LC. My proceedings with this family, brought 
 a severe trial upon my companion. The man- 
 ner of my reproof was so exceptionable to her, 
 
112 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that she thought she must rebuke me before 
 the family ; but I justified my course, consider- 
 ing the circumstances. So discouraged was 
 my dear wife at my course with this family, 
 having but just commenced her warfare with 
 me, that I did not know as she would ever rise 
 above it; and so deeply did this affair afflict my 
 feelings, with other discouragements, that I 
 feared, for a while, that the whole would en- 
 tirely upset me and my companion together. 
 
 From this little twenty-five cents, offered me 
 as a donation, by one of our brethren, arose 
 the deepest mental conflict, ever suffered by 
 myself and companion, during the almost 
 eleven years which we shared each other's 
 trials and conflicts, in this vale of tears. But 
 the Lord gave us grace to weather the storm, 
 and to continue laboring unto the end of the 
 year. For our services on Hebron Circuit this 
 year, we received in all eighty dollars. 
 
 The journal proceeds : 
 
 Dec. 11, 1832. — "I was united to Mr. 
 Moulton, to share in his vicissitudes, until 
 death shall sever our bond of union. The cere- 
 mony was performed after Mr. Moulton had 
 preached a short sermon. It was a solemn 
 time. Many tears of affection were shed. The 
 Lord approbated our proceedings by blessing 
 our souls and making us happy in Him." 
 
 Dec. 12. — " Travelled to Wales through 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 113 
 
 mud and water, and attended meeting at Br. 
 Squier's. We had a good meeting and a good 
 visit with these friends." 
 
 Dec. 13. — " Left Wales and arrived at Staf- 
 ford, where Mr. Moulton spent about two 
 weeks, having made a change with Br. Hay- 
 ward, who was then their stationed preacher. 
 Here I attended meeting with Mr. M, al- 
 most every night. The brethren were much 
 revived, and the prospects were good for a re- 
 vival." 
 
 Dec. 19. — "Mr. M. went to > his sister 
 Leonard's, and made a visit: had great liberty 
 in speaking to the people. I'here were pre- 
 sent, at this meeting, two Baptist clergymen." 
 
 Dec. 20. — " Started from Br. Leonard's, this 
 morning, visiting on the way. Mr. M. preached 
 in the evening, at a school-house in West 
 Stafford. Meetings were continued every 
 night until Monday, 27th. We then journeyed 
 on towards our circuit, and put up at night at 
 father Keney's, in Bolton, the home of Mr. 
 Moulton when he travelled Tolland circuit. 
 Here we met Br. Hay ward, who preached to us 
 in the evening. We had a good time among 
 Mr. Moulton's old friends." 
 
 Dec 25. — " Arrived at Br. Strong's, in East 
 Hampton, on Hebron circuit. Here I tarried 
 a few days to rest, and Mr. M. proceeded 
 around the circuit." 
 
 }0 
 
114 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Di^c. 31. — ''Went with Mr. Moulton to a 
 wedding in East Hampton : this was the first 
 wedding ceremony that he ever performed." 
 
 Jan. 5, 1833. — " Went to Hebron, and read 
 some very afflicting news in the Herald with re- 
 gard to Rev. E. K. Avery. In Hebron Hollow 
 class, there is a prospect of revival ; some have 
 already found their Savior. After travelling 
 round the circuit a few weeks, with my hus- 
 band, doing what little we could to advance the 
 interests of religion, we started, Feb. 11, to visit 
 Mr. Moulton's sister in West Windsor. Here 
 we enjoyed a good, and, I trust, a profitable 
 visit. Aly husband preached twice, and un- 
 worthy me, tried to exhort the people to repent- 
 ance ; the prospect was very good for a revival 
 — several rose for prayers. On our return, Mr. 
 M. spent the Sabbatli at East Hartford, 
 (a town connected with Manchester circuit, 
 where he received his first appointment from 
 conference;) and then returned again to Br. 
 Strong's, where I first tarried when I arrived on 
 the circuit." 
 
 Feb. 22. — " My mind, for some days, has 
 been powerfully impressed to write. I fear I 
 have neglected duty in this respect. I praise 
 God for some peace this day : but O, how I 
 long to feel more of that vital principle of love 
 in ray soul, from day to day, that duty may not 
 seem a load, nor worship prove a tasli !" 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 115 
 
 Feb. 25. — *' Resolved to live nearer to Ciod. 
 I have peace in believing — I was blest this 
 morning in family devotion." 
 
 The above is the faintest expression of God's 
 goodness to her soul, that I have noticed in her 
 writings. I conclude that she was weighed 
 down through manifold temptations. It not 
 being yet one year since she buried her first 
 husband, and coming from Greenwich, where 
 the people were enjoying prosperity, and where 
 they had shown her every expression of 
 kindness, to a place where the people were 
 cold, and appeared distant towards their preach- 
 er; contending for their rights to use intoxi- 
 cating drinks ; and the administration of her 
 newly married husband, being so different from 
 that of her former husband, it is not a cause of 
 wonder, that all these discouragements weighed 
 down her spirits, and produced seasons of 
 melancholy. But she passed through them all 
 like a christian hero ; hardly ever unbosoming 
 her trials and troubles to any one, not even to 
 her husband ; believing undoubtedly that every 
 preacher of the gospel has a sufficiency of 
 trials, growing out of his relations to the 
 church, &c., without being additionally bur- 
 dened with his companion's woes. When temp- 
 tations and trials rolled in upon her like a flood, 
 she always resorted to a throne of grace, and 
 found immediate deliverance, or grace to sup- 
 port her in them. Her trials, rising from various 
 
116 MEMOIR OF 
 
 sources on Hebron circuit, were all sanctified 
 to her, for her spiritual good ; teaching her 
 many lessons which proved profitable to her in 
 after life. Elizabeth ever looked back upon 
 this year as one of peculiar trial, embarrass- 
 ment, and affliction. But God's dealings to- 
 wards her the past year, were only a dark cloud 
 that eclipsed her prospects for the moment, that 
 she might learn to distrust all sublunary things, 
 and put her entire confidence in the God of her 
 salvation. 
 
 The time is now drawing near when her star 
 of hope, which had somewhat faded, with re- 
 gard to her usefulness, during the past year, 
 was about to shine again with peculiar lustre. 
 She learned, in the change which was about to 
 be effected, that it would not do 
 
 " To judge the Lord by feeble sense, 
 But trust him for his grace ; 
 Behind a frowning Providence, 
 He hides a smiling face." 
 
 The next year was one in which the Sun of 
 Righteousness never shone brighter upon her 
 soul; her hopes and courage never were stronger, 
 and her usefulness never greater. During the 
 past year, I obtained many enemies in and out 
 of the church, mostly by my ultra measures on 
 the subject of temperance ; while my dear com- 
 panion, by her mild and pleasant course, gained 
 the esteem and approbation of all who became 
 acquainted with her. We both learned a les- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN' MOULTON. 
 
 ii^ 
 
 son here, by experience, which proved very 
 useful to us in after life. And although we 
 considered this the most unprofitable year we 
 ever had, so far as the salvation of souls was 
 concerned ; yet, we ever looked back upon it, 
 as one of the most profitable, so far as the 
 learning a lesson of human nature was de- 
 sirable. 
 
 The approaching conference held its session 
 in Boston. After a long and tedious session of 
 almost three weeks, I received my appointment 
 to labor on Gill circuit, in connection with Br. 
 Stevens, who was received on trial this year. I 
 then returned to Lunenburg for my companion, 
 and hastened with her and her youngest sister, 
 to my anticipated field of labor. This circuit 
 was located on the mountains, the west side of 
 the Connecticut river, — some one hundred and 
 thirty miles from Boston. The very name of 
 Gill circuit sounded like death to us ; but in 
 the name of Jesus, with our lives in our hands, 
 we started ; reached Gill, and put up with Br. 
 Munn. We here learned that there was no 
 house provided for us to live in. I therefore 
 left Gill, and went to Coleraine, and hired a 
 convenient house to accommodate myself and 
 Br. Stevens. Here we found ourselves in the 
 midst of a warm-hearted, loving church of 
 young converts, who had been gathered together 
 through the instrumentality of Br. Colburn, the 
 far-famed mathematician 
 
 As seen as our fam.ilies were settled, we 
 *10 
 
118 MEMOIR OF 
 
 surveyed the dimensions of our fcircuit, and 
 
 learned that it extended from Gill, to Florida ; 
 
 embracing no less than twelve towns, with the 
 
 most diversified scenery imaginable. On the 
 
 east, lies Gill, Greenfield, and Deerfield, beside 
 
 the beautiful Connecticut river, with its smooth, 
 
 polished surface, gliding along within its banks. 
 
 As we move along towards Coleraine, afler 
 
 passing a few miles through fertile fields, we 
 
 commence a gradual ascent, winding our way, 
 
 for miles, beside a purling stream, with cragged 
 
 rocks and peaks, on either side ; ornamented 
 
 with the stubborn beech and maple ; — - while 
 
 the rushing stream, rolling between the mossy 
 
 rock and then dashing upon the ledge below, 
 
 strikes the contemplative mind with wonder, 
 
 leading it to adore the Author of those huore 
 
 . . . 
 
 piles, and sunken cavities. Ascending the top, 
 
 we inhale the pure mountain air, and view the 
 beautiful scenery of nature on every hand ; 
 then descending down a stream running ano- 
 ther way, we reach the beautiful village of 
 Coleraine, lying beside a lovely stream. De- 
 scending this river as far as Shelburn falls, we 
 then follow up the Deerfield river, at the foot of 
 the mountains, until we arrive at Charlemont. 
 Then we proceed on to Zoar, and Florida, 
 where lay, on either side the river, the most 
 massive piles of huge mountains, and cragged 
 rocks, that I ever witnessed. We then cross 
 over an almost unbeaten path, to the town of 
 Rotve, which lies on the height of the moun- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 119 
 
 tains; then through Heath down again to Cole- 
 raine, taking a view of Catamount Hill, on the 
 top of which is a large den where those animals 
 found a shelter from the dog and hunter : about 
 which den dwell the rustic inhabitants in the 
 most rude and uncultivated state. I was in- 
 formed that a man, pursuing a catamount 
 into his den, and seeing him looking out, fired 
 at him, and so terrified the animal, that in run- 
 ning out, he passed between the feet of the 
 hunter, taking him upon his back. Thus he 
 continued his flight down the ledges, without 
 injury to the affrighted rider. 
 
 Passing on through Coleraine to Leyden, we 
 find the most hilly and uneven course ever trod 
 by man, if I may judge. Having reached Ber- 
 nardstown, near the old Connecticut, we have 
 finished the borders of the circuit. Our location 
 in Coleraine was very agreeable to my com- 
 panion. We commenced operations by visit- 
 ing the societies, Elizabeth going with me, 
 when practicable, until we had surveyed the 
 whole field. We found that the Unionists — 
 a set of seceders from the Congregationalists 
 — with a Mr. Truar, for their leader, had 
 made considerable progress in this vicinity ; 
 and especially in Coleraine. Her journal pro- 
 ceeds : 
 
 July 25, 1833. — " Our prospects are good 
 on the circuit ; several have already expe- 
 rienced religion. This is an evening of some 
 
120 MEMOIR OF 
 
 trial, but I feel a perfect reliance on God : He 
 has hitherto been my helper, and shall I now 
 distrust his mercy to deliver ? No ! I feel a 
 sweet consolation while I believe. O how 
 much will faith accomplish : it will remove 
 mountains of sin, and enable the soul to rise 
 as on the wings of an eagle, aiid bear us to^ 
 wards the port of endless life, amidst the sor- 
 rows and trials of human life V 
 
 July 26. — " This is a morning of great peace 
 to my soul. Not a cloud of trouble intervenes. 
 O the wonderful goodness of God ; how great ! 
 May I ever trust in him with unwavering faith ; 
 for I view in him an unbounded ocean of love 
 divine, into which I long to plunge. O my 
 God, help me to follow thee fully, as did Joshua 
 and Caleb of old." 
 
 The subject of this narrative never said 
 much about her own public labors. Her diary 
 — a specimen of which you have — it will be 
 observed, has reference, mostly, to the work of 
 God's Spirit on her own heart, and the strug- 
 gles and trials through which she was called to 
 pass. Hence, in order to narrate her usefulness 
 in the cause of Christ, I must identify my 
 movements with her's. And in doing this, 
 should the reader think that I wish to sound 
 my own trumpet, to gain glory of men, I 
 would meekly say, " God forbid that I should 
 glory save in the cross of Christ !" I care but 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 121 
 
 little what the critic may say, if, in presenting 
 this work to the public, I may but magnify the 
 riches of divine mercy, in the great work of 
 grace performed through our feeble instru- 
 mentality, on this circuit, during the year. 
 I have long thought, that a succinct history of 
 all the revivals, which God has wrought through 
 our feeble efforts, might be the means of ad- 
 vancing the Redeemer's kingdom ; and now, as 
 the Providence of God has opened the way by 
 the removal of a faithful laborer from my em- 
 brace, my duty both to God and man seems to 
 require, that I should just sketch those revivals, 
 in which my companion took such a deep in- 
 terest. 
 
 No one who was acquainted with Elizabeth, 
 doubts but that she was instrumental in help- 
 ing forward every revival of religion, in which 
 she ever labored. One sagacious divine, of the 
 Congregational order, said, to one of his friends, 
 " that the great secret of his (the writer's) suc- 
 cess, consisted in the labors of his companion; for 
 there is nothing peculiar in him." This same 
 sentiment was adopted by thousands of friends, 
 and by most of my enemies, who envied my 
 success. One thing was always true : her ex- 
 hortations were so drawing and melting, and 
 mine so cutting and piercing, that she received 
 the praise, and I, the frowns from the multitude. 
 After the Lord had helped me to wound the 
 heart, the people would sit with almost breath- 
 less attention, listening to her exhortations. 
 
122 MEMOIR. 
 
 while she poured in the bahn, to heal up their 
 broken hearts. Thus God had fitted her, and 
 given her strength, to labor with me, for al- 
 most eleven years, on some of the largest cir- 
 cuits in the New England conference. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The good work of God commenced with us 
 in Coleraine, in July : so great was the interest, 
 that we held some of our meetings out of 
 doors: and to the surprise of most of our rising 
 church, a number of the Unionists presented 
 themselves at our Jordan for baptism, and 
 united with our church. This course led the 
 two preachers, who had formed a circuit in this 
 region, to abandon the remainder of their 
 church in Coleraine; after which, I formed a 
 class called the Unionist class, and appointed 
 Rev. Thomas Marcy leader. This probably 
 was the means of bringing him the sooner into 
 the ranks of the ministry. Our church con- 
 tinued to prosper throughout the year. Eliza- 
 beth always attended with them Sabbaths, 
 when not with me on the circuit. I learned, 
 that their Sabbath prayer-meetings became as 
 interesting, and drew out as many people, as 
 did the preaching meetings. This society was 
 dearly loved by Elizabeth, and the society 
 highly respected her for her work sake; and 
 
124 MEMOIR OF 
 
 when compelled to leave them, it was like 
 severing the tender chords of her heart. Many 
 who were young converts in Coleraine, when 
 Elizabeth was there, who have now become 
 strong men and women in Israel, will bless 
 God for such a counsellor as was E. ; for they 
 then looked up to her for instruction, as a 
 pupil looks to his teacher. I fear Coleraine has 
 never since seen such days. Early in the fall, 
 we arranged our plans for a general campaign, 
 on our large six weeks circuit; throwing in 
 evening lectures wherever there were calls for 
 them. When the work took effect, we held on 
 every night and visited day-times, as long as 
 circumstances called for the labor ; always 
 bringing in our wives to our help. This fall, 
 we held a camp-meeting on our circuit, in 
 Bernardston. Many souls were converted here. 
 Elizabeth labored and toiled for her friends as 
 usual, night and day, holding up the doctrine 
 of entire sanctification, from tent to tent. This 
 meeting gave a new spring to the work of re- 
 vival, all over the circuit, and prepared myself 
 and wife for labor. 
 
 Her diary continues : 
 
 Sept. 16, 1833. — "Attended camp-meet- 
 ing at Bernardston, which was visited with the 
 power of God, in the salvation of many souls. 
 The prospects on the circuit are good for a 
 general reformation. Many have already found 
 the Savior and joined us on probation." 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 125 
 
 Oct. 8. — ''I have attended two protracted 
 meetings, at which there were about forty con- 
 versions. At the meeting in Leyden, but few 
 were converted ; but Mr. Moulton has organ- 
 ized two new classes there." 
 
 The circumstances in Leyden were these : 
 when I first went to Leyden, there was a small 
 class of Methodists in the north-west part of 
 the town, who worshipped in their old school- 
 house. There was a large meeting-house in 
 the middle of the town, which belonged to 
 almost all sorts of folks ; it was forsaken by all, 
 and no regular meeting was held in town, ex- 
 cept the prayer-meeting held by the few Meth- 
 odists. The people offered me the house for 
 circuit preaching; I accepted, on condition 
 that they would pay us the small sum of $50 
 for preaching half the time during the remain- 
 der of the conference year. They agreeing to 
 my proposals, preaching commenced. We soon 
 learned that our Methodist class would pay no- 
 thing; neither would many of them come to 
 meeting in the meeting-house. 
 
 The leader, then a rum-drinker, being a man 
 of much influence in the town, had persuaded 
 his class not to go to the meeting-house; but con- 
 tinue on as usual their prayer-meetings. Call- 
 ing for an explanation of his course, he said, 
 they had previously worshipped at the meeting- 
 liouse, but could enjoy no liberty there. Fur- 
 thermore, he believed God had cursed the house 
 
 U 
 
126 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and forsaken it, and that the devil had taken 
 possession of it; for that base-viol which was 
 used in the house, was the devil's fiddle. After 
 much labor with him, and some of his class, 
 we preferred charges for schism against the 
 leading members of the class, which the quar- 
 terly conference sustained. As a final result, 
 six charges were preferred against me, which 
 followed me, as I suppose, to conference. 
 
 Having prepared the way, and removed a 
 difficulty, which had been of long standing, 
 and which none of my predecessors dared to 
 touch, the Lord poured out His Spirit the fol- 
 lowing year in such effasions as were never 
 known before in that place, nor since. 
 
 In all of this affair, my companion submitted 
 the whole to God, believing He would overrule 
 all for His glory. When she learned that my 
 character was suffering, by the hand of perse- 
 cution, it only nerved her up for the warfare, 
 knowing that God would not suffer the innocent 
 long to endure without rescue. 
 
 The journal proceeds : 
 
 Nov. 24. — " This day I have spent most of 
 my time in reading and praying, which, I find, 
 has been very profitable to my mind. For a 
 number of weeks past, I trust my soul has been 
 advancing in the divine life. My evidence of 
 sanctification is brighter than for months be- 
 fore. I praise God for a fullness of divine love. 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 127 
 
 O, may I ever pursue the path of holiness, with 
 unabating zeal, and never he found on the 
 back ground. 1 have to acknowledge that 
 hitherto, I have manifested too great backward- 
 ness in speaking upon this all important sub- 
 ject." 
 
 Dec. 5, 1833. —" This day find^ me rather 
 indisposed in body — so much so, that I am 
 unable to attend a public means of grace. But 
 blessed be God, for peace at home, and in my 
 own soul. I find that God's grace is sufficient 
 for me under every trial. It is now more than 
 nine years since I found the Savior to be pre- 
 cious, and I can truly say, that I never found 
 him to be a barren wilderness to my soul. O, 
 how unworthy to enjoy the smiles of a recon- 
 ciled God ! All glory to his exalted name. He 
 stoops so low, as to bless the most unworthy of 
 His creatures, when they come aright to Him. 
 O my Father in Heaven, bless me with all 
 thy fullness, that I may be prepared for useful- 
 ness, and glory hereafter ! Amen." 
 
 From December to March, my companion 
 was engaged with me most of the time at pro- 
 tracted meetings, and therefore did not write 
 much. Our house was shut up, for weeks to- 
 gether, during this cold winter ; and my wife 
 was laboring with me every day and every 
 night, for the salvation of souls. So efficient 
 were her labors in the female department, in 
 
128 MEMOIR OF 
 
 our protracted meetings, especially in new 
 places, that I thought we could not progress 
 successfully without her aid ; and never was a 
 person more willing to leave all, under every 
 circumstance, to work for the salvation of 
 souls, than was Elizabeth. 
 
 The journal proceeds : 
 
 March 16: Sunday Morning. — "I feel 
 under great obligations to my Heavenly Bene- 
 factor for the mercies of the past week. This 
 morning finds me surrounded with many bless- 
 ings. Although not permitted to attend the 
 more public means of grace, in consequence of 
 ill health, yet, I do feel the power of that grace, 
 and the influence of that Spirit on my heart 
 this morning, which has been my support for 
 nearly ten years. While pursuing the History 
 of Methodism, this morning, in reading the 
 abridged lives of a Wesley, and a Coke, my 
 heart was melted into tenderness, and I could 
 not refrain from weeping. Again, I took the 
 third volume of Dr. Clarke's li^e, and read an 
 account of the happy death of Mrs. Butter- 
 worth, and a letter from Dr. C. to her hus- 
 band, which very much affected me. But the 
 cause of my present feelings, is in some mea- 
 sure, owing to my situation. I sometimes view 
 death very near. I am apt to shrink at suffer- 
 ing, although I feel that death would be the 
 gate to endless joy. I, nevertheless, have a de- 
 
kLltXRETH ANN MOULTON. 129 
 
 sire to live, if I can be useful. The last six 
 months of my life, have witnessed a happy era; 
 I have almost incessantly enjoyed the witness 
 of the Spirit. I have also witnessed the con- 
 version of many happy scores of precious 
 souls. To God be all the glory !" 
 
 March 33. — " i have enjoyed a good sea- 
 son to-day, although not permitted to attend the 
 house of worship. I am under great obliga- 
 tions to God for the blessings received during 
 the past week. Health and prosperity have 
 been my portion each day. What will be the 
 result of the ensuing week, I know not. I 
 leave all to Him, who does all things well. I 
 am assured that the willing and obedient shall 
 eat the good of the land. O that I may be one 
 of that happy number!" 
 
 Sunday, March 30. — *' This day, I find 
 myself under strong obligations to serve God 
 more faithfully than I have, for nearly ten 
 years that are past. I know not what is before 
 me, but I leave all with the Lord, that He may 
 do as seemeth to Him good in His sight. I 
 look back upon the past conference year with 
 supreme delight. The Lord hath wrought 
 wonders on our circuit. Hundreds of souls 
 have been converted to God. To Him be all 
 the glory. Our three preachers, Brs. Stevens, 
 Banister, and my husband, have labored with 
 unabating zeal in the vineyard of the Lord 
 *11 
 
130 Memoir of 
 
 and they have had the unspeakable pleasure of 
 seeing the fruit of their labors, in the salvation 
 of more than three hundred souls, during the 
 winter past, in the towns of Charlemont and 
 Greenfield ; besides the scores that have been 
 converted in other places on the circuit. In 
 about two months more, we must take up our 
 little all, and go to some other part of the 
 work, — where it will be, I know not; perhaps 
 I shall be in eternity before that time ap- 
 proaches. Be this as it may, I feel as willing 
 to go to heaven from Coleraine, as from any 
 other part of the world. I only wish to know 
 that God is mine and I am His for ever. This 
 I do knoWj that if faithful until death, He will 
 bring me to the endless joys of heaven." 
 
 The revivals referred to in Charlemont, and 
 Greenfield, were among the most powerful dis- 
 plays of divine grace, I ever witnessed. These 
 towns were places, where Sabbath preaching 
 was commenced this conference year, although 
 there were two small classes, one in each town, 
 before we went on to the circuit. In Charle- 
 mont, we worshipped in a small school-house, 
 which would hold about one hundred persons; 
 and in Greenfield, in a Masonic Hall. In both 
 of these towns, we held protracted meetings. 
 In Charlemont, where we held the first, we en- 
 gaged the Baptist meeting-house, as they had, 
 at this time, no preaching in the place. Hav- 
 ing Commenced, the iulerest soon rose to such 
 
feLIZABKTlI ANN MOULTON. 131 
 
 a height, that it was with the greatest difficulty 
 that we could accommodate the people, al- 
 though the house had galleries on three sides ; 
 and so intense was the excitement the second 
 week, that one hundred, or more, would press 
 their way to the altar for prayers at once4 
 when we could make room for them. Two or 
 three nights, we set apart three places in the 
 house for the anxious ; two in the galleries, 
 and one at the altar. The people were praying all 
 over the house at once ; I do not wonder, that 
 it seemed like a scene of confusion to many, 
 who had never before seen the displays of God's 
 Spirit on this fashion. So deep was the feel- 
 ing upon many minds, that we had prayer- 
 meetings for the serious before, and after, short 
 sermons, in the morning, afternoon, and even- 
 ing. Br. Banister, numbering them on the 
 anxious seats, as they professed to be converted, 
 counted two hundred in eleven days ; and one 
 of these days, he numbered forty conversions. 
 While the revival was at the highest pitchy 
 two Congregationalist ministers, being greatly 
 alarmed about their flocks, whom they saw 
 among the crovt^d, talked in our meeting 
 against our proceedings; warned their own 
 people against being deceived : charging the 
 young converts to be very cautious about '* in- 
 dulging false hopes," " getting on board of a 
 leaky ship," &lc. This soon occasioned a di- 
 vision among us : throwing at the same time 
 many of the converts into temptation and 
 
139 MEMOIR Of 
 
 doubts. The Baptists had now sent for a 
 minister, and wanted their house, as well as the 
 fruit. In this state of things we were obliged 
 to retire back to our little school-house again. 
 We immediately started a subscription paper 
 for money to build a house, and used all proper 
 means to save the converts; but so strong did 
 the tide set against us, by the persecution of 
 our neighbors, that many became discouraged ; 
 and consequently much of this harvest was 
 lost. We, however, received members enough 
 for a respectable church, and they went forward 
 and built a house. The news of this revival 
 so cheered up the little class of seven, I think, 
 in Greenfield, that they wished to have a pro- 
 tracted meeting, as soon as pospible. The class 
 here had enjoyed some revival since the camp- 
 meeting in Bernardston^ and we had already 
 held many evening meetings in the Masonic 
 Hall. This place was thought not sufficiently 
 large to accommodate all that might wish to 
 attend ; therefore, the brethren applied for the 
 Court House, and obtained consent to hold our 
 m.eeting in it. We immediately issued the 
 Macedonian cry for help, and to our surprise, 
 about twenty preachers responded to our call. 
 We commenced, not knowing what to do with 
 all the company that came from every quarter 5 
 and especially fiom Charlemont, as they came 
 pouring in, in crowds : and so full of zeal were 
 they, and the preachers who labored in that re- 
 vival, that they often made the old Court House 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 133 
 
 ring with the praises of God. This not only 
 frightened the inhabitants of Greenfield, who 
 before, had scarcely ever heard a loud amen in 
 public meeting ; but the shouts of the young 
 converts frightened some of our preachers, who 
 had come to our help ; so that they felt it their 
 duty, in some instances, to reprove us. But 
 amidst all the supposed confusion in the meet- 
 ing, the alarm was sounded out, and in a few 
 days, as the meeting progressed, there were 
 seen multitudes of the rich and poor, bowing 
 at our altar, surrounding our entire circle, in 
 the Court House, crying for mercy. Before 
 this meeting closed, which held twenty-one 
 days, and evenings, between one and two hun- 
 dred had been converted at our altars. 
 
 In these two revivals, Elizabeth took a very 
 active part. At Greenfield, where the ladies 
 and gentlemen sat apart, Elizabeth took charge 
 of the female department, while at, and while 
 coming to, the altar ; giving them instruction ; 
 at intervals in the prayers learning the state of 
 each one's mind, that she and others might the 
 better know how to present each individual to 
 God, in supplications. So arduous were her labors 
 at this meeting, and so ardent her desires for 
 the salvation of her friends, that she became 
 literally exhausted, and I was obliged to carry 
 her home some days before the meeting closed, 
 that she might obtain rest from her labors and 
 anxieties. After she returned from this meet- 
 ing, she did not go away from home much 
 
134 MEMOIR OF 
 
 more, until after her daughter was born, which 
 was June 1 , 1834, while our conference was in 
 session in Webster. Some of the brethren and 
 sisters will remember how faithfully she perse- 
 vered in laboring in Greenfield, for the salva- 
 tion of sinners, even after some of her friends 
 thought she was not well enough to be abroad ; 
 but there was no circumstance in which she 
 had ever been placed, in which she thought it 
 improper to go to meeting, and work for God, 
 when her health would justify it. She had a 
 standing rule, to attend upon all the means of 
 grace when practicable, regardless of the speech 
 of a gainsaying people. 
 
 In this revival, we gathered about one hun- 
 dred probationers into the church. The pros- 
 pects now being so good, some of the leading 
 members thought, they must now have a popu- 
 lar preacher stationed with them, at once; for 
 some of the first class of men had told them, if 
 they would, they should join with them. So 
 they wrote to the Presiding Elder, who, obtain- 
 ing our consent, removed Br. Paul Townsend 
 from his station to Greenfield, and all the cir- 
 cuit preachers immediately left the place. We 
 were willing to leave ; but felt much grieved, 
 that they should turn us away without any 
 compensation, more than the small class had 
 signed before the revival, after having labored 
 and toiled almost a year, suffering all manner 
 of persecution, in our persons, and otherwise. 
 This course very much grieved myself, and 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 135 
 
 wife ; especially after having suffered so much 
 to plant, and establish a church of God there. 
 Some of the most abandoned would have mur- 
 dered me in the Masonic Hall, one evening, by 
 sending a slug of iron, or some other hard 
 substance at my head, while preaching before a 
 large window, had not the Special Providence 
 of God interfered. This weapon of death 
 struck against the two sashes which met toge- 
 ther in the middle of the window, with such 
 tremendous force, that it broke and shivered 
 every pane of glass in the window into many 
 pieces. Had it struck two or three inches 
 lower, or higher, it would have hit my head, 
 with force enough to have killed me, as was 
 thought by many. The report was so loud, 
 that the congregation sat amazed, some of the 
 women involuntarily screamed ; but the audi- 
 ence was soon composed, and I was permitted 
 to finish my sermon unmolested. 
 
 After the close of our protracted meeting, 
 some of this gang sheared my poor horse in a 
 most ridiculous manner ; so that he did not 
 look fit for use, for some time. I had the mor- 
 tification, the remainder of the year, of using a 
 beast which carried prominent marks of the 
 depravity of the natural heart. At a meeting 
 at the north part of this town, while preaching, 
 a Universal ist preacher feeling irritated at 
 what was said, muttered out something which 
 disturbed the audience ; I said to him, " what! 
 have 1 pulled out a leviathan by the hook," 
 
136 MEMOIR OF 
 
 which stilled him, until I closed my sermon. 
 Then he arose to speak : I requested him to 
 desist ; but he raised his voice. When on a 
 sudden, my wife commenced a lively hymn, and 
 before one verse was sung, many helping her, 
 the man was sung down, sitting quietly on his 
 seat. I immediately closed my meeting, and 
 we hastened to our carriage ; but before we 
 could get away, the mob gathered around us, 
 and had it not been for the presence of my 
 companion, I presume I should not have left in 
 safety. I went once more to that place, but 
 the signs of the times were such, as to ad- 
 monish me that trouble was meditated, and I 
 left, after the people had gathered, and went 
 there no more. Considering how m.uch we had 
 suffered in Greenfield in various ways, to build 
 up the church of God, and then to be turned 
 off amidst unparalleled prosperity, with but 
 little or no remuneration for our labors, we 
 told the brethren, that God would not prosper 
 them in the course they took. They built a 
 convenient church ; had a good preacher, but 
 none of those rich ones whom they were fish- 
 ing for, by obtaining a popular preacher, 
 joined them. In fact, no more joined them 
 that year : the next year they lost a number, 
 and continued to reduce in strength and num- 
 bers, until it was thought by themselves and 
 others that they would be obliged to give up 
 the means of grace entirely. This should teach 
 us to be contented wath such means as God 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 137 
 
 employs, when rapidly advancing. Many soci- 
 eties, when looking too high, have been brought 
 low before they could see that all their suffi- 
 ciency is of God. 
 
 The journal proceeds : 
 
 March 31. — " Have this day finished read- 
 ing the life of Dr. Adam Clarke, published in 
 three volumes ; and a most interesting work it 
 is. I think I have never read the life of any 
 man which contains more moral and religious 
 instruction. Also, finished reading the book of 
 the Ancient Israelites, written originally in 
 French, and since translated into English by 
 Dr. Clarke, LL. D. This book affords much 
 light on the Old Testament." 
 
 Elizabeth cultivated a taste for reading when 
 young, and spent most of her leisure hours in 
 reading good books : the Bible was her daily 
 companion. She was not a stranger to reli- 
 gious newspapers, and other periodicals of a 
 moral character. It has been said of her, that 
 while her eldest sister would spend all her lei- 
 sure moments in writing, Elizabeth would em- 
 ploy her's in reading. 
 
 April 6. — " This day I find myself rather 
 
 indisposed in body. I know not what is before 
 
 me, but in God will I trust. The past week 
 
 has been a season of great enjoyment. I have 
 
 12 
 
138 MEMOIR. 
 
 enjoyed a measure of the fullness, but O, how 
 unworthy ! I feel the importance of having my 
 walk close with God. O Lord, enable me to 
 adorn my profession, while I live, that when 
 the cold hand of death shall seize this vile 
 body, my happy spirit may go and dwell for 
 ever in tliy heavenly kingdom !" 
 
 So extensive was the work of God this year, 
 that our circuit was divided into two stations, 
 and two circuits, the following year, and six 
 preachers were sent from conference to supply 
 our places. There were also nineteen young 
 men on this circuit, who felt it their duty to 
 preach the gospel — several of whom are now 
 members of our conference. The temperance 
 and missionary causes received a new impulse, 
 and three new churches were about being 
 erected when we left the circuit. How great an 
 instrument my companion was in this glorious 
 work, eternity alone can tell. But many, I 
 have no doubt, will rise up and call her 
 blessed. I have dwelt so long already, that I 
 cannot stop to describe the revivals in Rowe, 
 Gill, Bernardstown, &/C. Br. Stevens, by im- 
 prudence with some of the young converts, 
 was discontinued. This was a great trial to 
 Elizabeth, who deeply sympathized with his 
 wife ; they having lived together, in great har- 
 mony, during the year. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Our next appoiutment was at Phillipston 
 circuit. I had for my colleagues, Brs. David 
 Todd, and Philetus Green, whose body is now 
 in the grave. Brs. Todd and Green lived in 
 Winchendon, and my family in Phillipston. 
 We lived some two miles from the place of 
 public worship. Notwithstanding this, Eliza- 
 beth was almost as constantly at meeting as 
 myself, with her little child. She never con- 
 sidered it her duty to neglect the public means 
 of grace, because God had blessed her with an 
 interesting babe. She commenced carrying 
 her child at five weeks old to church, and con- 
 tinued, with but little apparent trouble to her- 
 self or to the audience. She soon dedicated 
 her little one to God, in the ordinance of Bap- 
 tism, and was instant in prayer for its salvation, 
 ever after it was born. Long before the mother 
 died, she received an evidence from God, that 
 the child would be converted in God's own best 
 
140 MEMOIR OF 
 
 time, should she give her a faithful training, 
 which was her fixed purpose to do by the grace 
 of God helping her. 
 
 June, 1834. — "My little daughter was born 
 June 1st. She is a sweet and interesting little 
 babe. O, may I have grace and wisdom to 
 train her up in the fear of the Lord. I desire 
 to live above the world, and have my all placed 
 in Him, who has thus kindly and unexpectedly 
 preserved me through my season of confinement 
 and affliction, and raised me to health again." 
 
 June 26. — "We moved to Phillipston. 
 Found the people rather low in religion, with 
 some difficulties in the church; still we are 
 looking for a cleansing in the church, and a 
 revival among sinners. There are three preachers 
 sent to two towns, with less than 150 members 
 in all, for the watchcare of the three." 
 
 Aug. 27. — " We are pleasantly situated, enjoy 
 good health, but have no revival. Prospects are 
 good in Athol. Mr. M. has commenced giving 
 them Sabbath preaching, which is a new thing, 
 in that place. It is expected that many will op- 
 pose it." 
 
 Our field of labor being so small this year, 
 I thought it my duty to enlarge it, if pos- 
 sible; and consequently, obtained the use of 
 the Town-House in Athol, and commenced 
 preaching, on the Sabbath, half of the time. 
 But no sooner had I well commenced, and the 
 
feLIZABETl! ANN MOULTON. 141 
 
 Work of conviction begun to go forward on 
 many minds, than the Baptists sent for an 
 Evangelist to come, and hold a pro|racted meet- 
 ing with them ; this drew off my congregation, 
 to such a degree, that I left the place, after a 
 severe struggle to sustain myself" 
 
 Sept. 23. — "It is with peculiar feelings of 
 heart that I. attempt to write this morning. I 
 have been somewhat indisposed in body for a 
 number of weeks, so that I have been unable 
 to do my work ; but in the midst of these light 
 afflictions, I have consolations which are nei- 
 ther few nor small. My hope is founded on a 
 sure rock, — even Christ the chief corner-stone. 
 My evidence is bright for Heaven and eternal 
 glory. I now submit all to God, and if my life 
 is spared, religion shall be my theme. If death 
 is soon to be the portion of my cup, I fear it 
 not. No ! / believe it will be the gate to joys 
 more refined, and happiness, as lasting as eter- 
 nity itself O glorious thought! It revives 
 my spirits, and gives me fresh courage to per- 
 severe in my Christian course, a few more fleet- 
 ing days, or years. We are now enjoying a 
 good revival in Phillipston. Many, who, a ie.\v 
 days ago, were in the broad way to death, are 
 now rejoicing in God. The work commenced 
 at the time we commemorated the death and 
 sufferings of Christ ; at which time I solemnly 
 offered up my little one to God, in the ordi- 
 nance of holy baptism. The power of God 
 *12 
 
142 MEMOIR OF 
 
 evidently attended these sacraments. Mr, M. 
 commenced a series of meetings which con- 
 tinued fifteen evenings and some days. About 
 25 were converted, most of whom joined the 
 
 class. 
 
 Although Elizabeth was unwell during the 
 above meeting, yet so intensely did she feel for 
 the result of the revival, that she found her way 
 to many of the services, with her little one ; 
 and when at meeting in revivals, she always 
 found something to do. Having become ac- 
 customed to her help, I hardly felt right with- 
 out her presence, and probably encouraged her 
 to go to meeting, when she was not able ; which 
 course I have since greatly regretted. In after 
 years, when I could be assisted by her, I did 
 not call in much help from abroad. We have 
 frequently held meetings successively, month 
 after month, with but an occasional sermon 
 from abroad. 
 
 The revival here was greatly checked, if not 
 entirely stopped, by the wicked Universalists, 
 who came with their minister, and presented 
 themselves at the altar for prayers, in derision. 
 These wicked acts, with some imprudence on 
 our part, turned the attention of the people 
 from the work of revival to vain janglings, 
 which soon put a period to a most interesting 
 work of grace in P. During this revival 
 thirty were converted, and twenty united 
 with the church on probation. The brethren 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 143 
 
 were much quickened, and are hoping for bet- 
 ter times. 
 
 " Dec. 24, 1834. — Since I last wrote, I have 
 visited my friends in Lunenburg. Found my 
 mother very different from what I had ever seen 
 her before. She has been awakened to a sense 
 of her danger for some time, as she informed 
 me, and has now come to a decision of mind 
 to serve God, and is made a happy subject of 
 converting grace. This to me is joyful indeed. 
 O, how many times have I prayed for her in 
 years that have rolled away, and God has, at 
 last, answered my prayers ! To Him be all the 
 glory for ever. My mind has been in a peaceful 
 frame for some weeks past, with a very few ex- 
 ceptions. O what sweet enjoyments the Chris- 
 tian finds in serving God faithfully." 
 
 Should all pious children pray as much for 
 their unconverted mothers, as Elizabeth did for 
 her mother, I think the promise " ask and ye 
 shall receive," would be verified. I will pre- 
 sume her mother's case was carried to a throne 
 of grace, several times a day, for more than 
 ten years; and when converted, her daughter's 
 cup was full of glory. The circumstances of 
 her mother's conversion were these. Being in- 
 vited to a protracted meeting in Lunenburg, 
 which was then in session, Elizabeth received 
 a promise for the first time, from her mother, 
 that she would go half a day with her to meet- 
 
144 ME.\/OlR o:^ 
 
 ing. After sermon it was observed that coif-» 
 viction had fallen upon the people ; but none 
 were disposed to go forward for prayers, until 
 some of us went in among the congregation, in- 
 viting the serious. At this time, Elizabeth 
 whispered to Br. Joel Knight, requesting him 
 to give her mother an invitation to go forward 
 to the altar, for prayers. He went, and she 
 came out, with several others, and during that 
 prayer-meeting, the Lord converted her soul, to 
 th° exceeding great joy of Elizabeth and others. 
 She not being willing to unite with the Calvin- 
 istic church, where her husband belonged, he 
 came off, and with his wife, united with the 
 Methodist E. Church, and both are walking, as 
 I humbly trust, in all the commandments and 
 ordinances of the Lord blameless. The bur- 
 den of Elizabeth's prayers now ceased for her 
 mother, and she commenced with new interest 
 praying for her three sisters who were as yet 
 unconverted. 
 
 The following letter was written to her sister 
 Lucy, who had been recently married, rather 
 reproving her for not manifesting more interest 
 in her welfare. Elizabeth always keenly felt 
 any supposed neglect on the part of her friends ; 
 her object was not to retaliate, but to give 
 them good advice, and let it pass 
 
 " PiiiLLiPSTON, Dec. 21, 1834. 
 
 " Dear Sister : — As it is more than a year 
 since I last saw you, and nearly a year since I 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 145 
 
 wrote you, without having received an answer ; 
 and as I love you, and feel a deep interest in 
 your welfare, I think the little notice I hftve re- 
 ceived from you since your marriage, is not a 
 sufficient apology for me to withhold my pen 
 from writing, although it would perhaps be just. 
 I think you may have had much to do, and 
 much to occupy your mind, yet, I think this is 
 not a sufficient excuse for your negligence. 
 Various have been the scenes through which I 
 have passed, since I last saw you. Prosperity 
 and adversity, joy and sorrow, have been min- 
 gled in my cup. My health has been feeble 
 most of the time, for six months past. I have 
 sometimes felt as though disease was fast prey- 
 ing upon me, and that my days on earth would 
 be few. I have been unable for several weeks 
 together to do my work. My health now, how- 
 ever, is improving. Mr. M. enjoys the best of 
 health. Our little girl is well and sprightly, 
 just beginning to creep. We are very pleas- 
 antly situated this year. We have had but few 
 additions to our church compared with last 
 year, but we are not discouraged. About fifty 
 have united here, and at Winchendon, since we 
 came to the circuit. Last Sabbath several 
 came forward for prayers. An old gentleman 
 since came and informed us that he was a great 
 sinner. 
 
 " I spent about two weeks at my parents in the 
 fall, and while there, my dear mother presented 
 herself at the altar for prayers, and soon found 
 
146 MEMOIR Of 
 
 her Savior. O, what a glorious sight to me * 
 and when she found deliverance, joy unuttera- 
 ble filled my heart O, to have our dear mother 
 singing praises to God, was indeed a joyful 
 sound to me ! And my joys were not a little 
 increased, to see her manifest such an anxiety 
 for her neighbors. She thought they would be 
 converted if they would only attend the meet- 
 ings. So she sent our father out among them ; 
 but to no purpose ; for they would not attend. 
 Having made my visit, I took the stage and 
 went to VVinchendon, where I met my husband 
 enjoying a glorious revival, such as has not 
 be^en enjoyed there for five years past. AH 
 the musicians were converted, or reclaimed. 
 They then found, that they could praise God 
 better with their voices, than with their instru- 
 ments. I must now hasten to a close ; but per- 
 mit me first to exhort you to seek an interest in 
 Christ. O, my dear friend, the wheels of time 
 are rapidly rolling round, to hurry us into eter- 
 nity ; and now while reformation is spreading- 
 through our happy land, and the heralds of sal- 
 vation are proclaiming liberty to the captives, it 
 is my earnest prayer that you, my dear brother, 
 and sister, may with the many thousands who 
 are now flocking to Christ, secure an inheri- 
 tance, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and 
 that fadeth not awny. I know not but you have 
 already set about this great work ; if not, I be- 
 seech you, to delay no longer. I sometimes 
 jTear that I shall never meet you again on eartK 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 147 
 
 but do meet me in heaven. I feel that I am 
 bound thither, and shall, if faithful, join the 
 church of the first-born, together with my com- 
 panion, and friends, who have gone before to 
 celebrate the praises of God and the Lamb for 
 ever. O, the blissful thought ! " 
 
 ''E. MoULTON." 
 
 The following letter was written to my sister 
 in Monson, who was a dear friend to my wife. 
 It is only the filling up of a blank left by my- 
 self; when writing to my friends, Elizabeth al- 
 ways wished for a small place to throw in a 
 [ew sentences. 
 
 " Phillipston, Jan. 30, 1S34. 
 ^'Dear Sister: — Having a few leisure moments, 
 and a blank left on Mr. M's sheet, I would in- 
 form you that Jesus is still precious to my soul. 
 I feel that great is my responsibility, yet, I am 
 doing but little for God. My motto, however, 
 is onward and upward ; and by the grace of 
 God, I intend to gain heaven. I enjoy my mind 
 well. We have good seasons on the circuit. 
 The class, to which I belong, is on good 
 ground, and well engaged. I made a visit to 
 my father's in November, at which time, my 
 dear mother experienced religion. Truly my 
 heart rejoices at this miracle of grace. It has 
 long been ray prayer that God would convert 
 my mother, and now I know that He has an- 
 swered prayer. Blessed be His holy name ! . 
 
148 MEMOIR OF 
 
 how infinitely good He is ! I feel, my dear sis- 
 ter, that we shall add a few stars to our crowns 
 on this circuit, if faithful. O, pray for us. 
 I must now close, hoping these few lines will 
 find you in good health of body and soul. 
 Amen. E. A. Moulton." 
 
 Feb. 2, 1835.— " Mr. M. has attended re- 
 cently two protracted meetings — one at Fitz- 
 william, the other at Greenfield ; but little was 
 accomplished at either of them. Circumstances 
 were such that I did not go. Br. James O. 
 Dean, of Gill, has come to study with Mr. M., 
 and preach Sundays until Conference." (This 
 dear brother, having served effectually in the 
 ministry, has lately ascended to his "Father and 
 our Father, his God and our God.") 
 
 Feb, 29. — " Mr. M. has held an evening pro- 
 tracted meeting in Royalston of late. This is 
 a new place; several have been converted, and 
 a class of 15 formed. About 30 were con- 
 verted." 
 
 Having supposed that the several towns 
 about Phillipston, where Unitarianism had 
 thrown a dark shade over the community, 
 were about ready to receive the word of God, 
 I wrote for Br. Dean, who was about entering 
 the ministry, to come and spend the remainder 
 of the Conference year with me, promising to 
 board him, and let him study week-days, if he 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 149 
 
 would give the people his services Sabbaths ; 
 expecting to obtain enough for his labors to 
 compensate ine for his board ; but in this I was 
 mistaken. The people, having learned my in- 
 tention, shut me out of four towns; in two or 
 three of which, revivals had begun, when the 
 doors were closed against me and my col- 
 leagues. I am happy to learn that Methodism 
 has been introduced into all these towns since, 
 namely, Athol, Petersham, Royalston and Tem- 
 pleton. Had not this persecution been raised 
 against me, at a time when it was not con- 
 sistent to preach in the open air, I think by the 
 grace of God, I should have prevailed. 
 
 My companion's health not being as good 
 this winter, and her domestic cares increasing, 
 she did not go abroad with me as much as 
 formerly. She always found time, however, 
 in her multiplied cares, to ride with me occa- 
 sionally around the circuit. About the first of 
 April, she took her infant and started with me 
 for Winchendon. Having come into the limits 
 of the town, we thought we would just call 
 upon our brethren as we passed. It being 
 rather late when we reached Br. Poland's 
 house, and we, desiring to go farther, I turned 
 up into the door-yard, jumped out, leaving my 
 wife and child in the carriage; and run into 
 the house without stopping to hitch my horse, 
 as he had always been good to stand. No 
 sooner had I reached the door of the house, 
 than the horse took fright, and started with full 
 speed, and when he turned from the yard to 
 13 
 
150 MEMOIR. 
 
 follow the road, my wife and child were thrown 
 out of the carriage with great force, the distance 
 of a rod back of the place, where the carriage 
 turned over. In this fall, Br. Poland, who saw 
 her when she was thrown out, said that she 
 turned a complete summerset, before she struck 
 the ground. The child lay breathless about 
 twelve feet from its mother. All who saw this 
 perilous adventure, acknowledged the special 
 interference of the Providence of God, in pre- 
 serving the life of my wife and child. In this 
 fall she broke her arm, otherwise she did not 
 materially injure herself Supposing the child 
 was dead, she lost all anxiety for herself, mourn- 
 ing for the child. But the little child was 
 brought to life, after it had ceased to breathe 
 for some time, having no limb injured ; and the 
 mother, after suffering much a few weeks, re- 
 ceiving every mark of attention from Br. Po- 
 land and family, went with her little daughter 
 to her father's house, and tarried till after Con- 
 ference. 
 
 My companion, and myself always consid- 
 ered this affliction in its results, the greatest 
 blessing we ever received, sent in disguise. 
 For it truly humbled us in the dust. It also 
 brought us to view God's protecting hand in 
 dangers as we never had viewed it before. We 
 never could look back upon this narrow escape, 
 but with the deepest sensations of gratitude to 
 God, for preserving mercy in time of trouble. 
 This was a year of deep affliction and trial to 
 my wife, but out of them all God deliverd her. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 We received our next appointment in Wales, 
 where I had formerly labored two years. Some 
 of my relations living there, and the health of 
 my wife not being very good, I chose to go 
 there, notwithstanding the society was very low 
 and feeble. On our v/ay from Lunenburg to 
 Wales, we called upon her sister, Lucy War- 
 ren, and spent the night. Elizabeth feeling 
 much for her sister, and having prayed for her, 
 for more than ten years, exhorted her and her 
 husband to seek the Lord, night and morning; 
 and both of us prayed earnestly that God 
 would have mercy on them. Elizabeth soon 
 received a letter from her mother, assuring her 
 that Lucy and her husband had experienced re- 
 ligion. The conversion of these two friends, 
 through the faithful entreaties and prayers of 
 their sister, was the beginninop of a revival in 
 
 J DO 
 
 the town of Holden, where they then lived. 
 Elizabeth having received the happy news of 
 
152 MEMOIR OF 
 
 their conversion to God, wrote them the fol- 
 lowing letter : 
 
 '* Wales, Aug. 30, 1835. 
 ^^ Dear Br. and Sister, — I would inform 
 you that we are very pleasantly situated this 
 year ; surrounded with relatives and friends, 
 and what is better than all, a superintending 
 Providence is over us for good. Although my 
 bodily health is somewhat feeble, I feel that 
 God is my refuge, and in Him I find all that 
 consolation which I need ; yea, ' He is a 
 stroncr tower into which the righteous run and 
 are safe.' I recently received a letter from 
 mother, informing me that you, and your hus- 
 band, have both obtained the pearl of great 
 price, since we visited you. I can assure you, 
 that on hearing such news, my heart was not a 
 little elated with joy and gladness. It always 
 rejoices my soul to hear of the conversion of sin- 
 ners ; but more especially to hear of the conver- 
 sion of my nearest relatives, for whom I have so 
 long prayed and agonized. Often, have I poured 
 out my soul to God in prayer, that you might 
 secure an interest in Christ, before it should be 
 too late. Mother writes, ' It is rejoicing news,' 
 and surely it is ; for the angels in heaven re- 
 joice, and well may we, when our dear friends 
 are brought to God. And dear brother and 
 sister, I beseech you, ' hold fast the beginning 
 of your confidence steadfast unto the end,' and 
 you shall reap a never-fading crown of glory, 
 and mingle with the heavenly host above, in 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 1^3 
 
 ascribing praise to God and the Lamb for 
 ever and ever. I hope too, to hear that Louisa 
 has also found the Savior. We returned last 
 evening from a protracted meeting, held in 
 New Salem, in a grove. My health being feeble^ 
 I only attended two days. God was there, of a 
 truth, to save souls. Many presented them- 
 selves at the altar for prayers, and more than 
 twenty witnessed that * Christ hath power on 
 earth to forgive sins.' It was truly a memor- 
 able season. I visited Greenwich, and saw 
 many of my old friends. I have no more news 
 in particular to give you. The churches are 
 rather low, but we are looking for better days. 
 This week Mr. Moulton commences a pro- 
 tracted meeting in Monson ; and next week, we 
 are going to attend camp-meeting in Wilbra- 
 ham. O, be faithful to the grace given you, 
 and God will make you the happy instrument 
 of saving many souls from ruin. God has 
 taught you that you have a work to do for 
 him ; therefore, let your light so shine before 
 men, that you may constrain others to come to 
 Christ. May heaven vouchsafe to you his rich- 
 est blessings. Yours with great respect, 
 
 " E. A. MoULTON." 
 
 July 1, 1835. —" We moved to Wales. Mr. 
 Moulton expects to preach half of the time in 
 Wales, and the other half in Monson. The 
 societies are small in both towns. We are all 
 enjoying comfortable health, and we think the 
 prospects are good for reformation." 
 *13 
 
154 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The field in this region being large, by the 
 consent of my wife, I engaged Br. G. W. 
 Green, to spend the year in my family, preach- 
 ing Sabbaths for his board, and employing the 
 rest of his time in my study. But I soon 
 learned, that my call for help was premature. 
 The enemy had not only intrenched himself 
 against us, but other denominations were all 
 arrayed against us ; so that we could break up 
 but little new ground, on which we could es- 
 tablish any permanent churches. The influ- 
 ence of Elizabeth was much crippled this 
 year, by my taking Br. Green into my family, 
 which confined her mostly at home ; and also 
 our pecuniary prospects looking so embarrass- 
 ing, Elizabeth thought that she must take her 
 needle and help support the family. 
 
 The journal continues : 
 
 " Wales, Jan. 10, 1836. 
 
 " The Lord hath kindly preserved my life an- 
 other short year. Every thing calls loudly for me 
 to awake, and gird on the whole armor of right- 
 eousness. I find myself too stupid and inactive 
 in the cause which most deeply concerns my 
 present and future welfare : still, my enjoyment 
 for a month past has been greater than for 
 years before. Blessed be the name of God for 
 it ! We find in this place many things which 
 serve as discouragements to a preacher of the 
 gospel ; yet, we are surrounded with friends, 
 and relatives, which greatly adds to our tem- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 155 
 
 poral comforts ; and thereby tends to promote 
 our spiritual enjoyments. But O the spiritual 
 dearth among the people ! The world — its 
 fondness for pleasure, passion, and vain amuse- 
 ments — appears to drown the influence of the 
 gospel. We have, however, had a few addi- 
 tions to the little church in this place, and we 
 believe that the church stands on much better 
 ground, than when we came. O Lord, may I 
 be rendered a blessing to this little branch of 
 Zion, for Jesus' sake. Early last spring I had 
 the misfortune to break my arm, which unfitted 
 me for the active duties of life, for many 
 weeks ; but through the blessing of God, and a 
 faithful physician, my arm is now nearly re- 
 stored to its former strength and soundness." 
 
 Jan. 29. — " Mr. Moulton is now preaching 
 in Stafford, Wales, Union, Monson, Brimfield 
 and Sturbridge, being assisted Sabbaths, by Br. 
 Green, who is studying with him, preparatory 
 to joining conference next year. May God 
 make him a son of thunder to the wicked, and 
 a son of consolation to the penitent." 
 
 April 26. — " My little daughter was taken 
 sick suddenly with the canker-rash — then with 
 the chicken pox ; and before she got well of 
 that, she had the mumps ; but she soon re- 
 covered from them all. That God who heard 
 the prayer of Elijah, heard our prayers for her. 
 All praise be given to his name !" 
 
156 MEMOIR OF 
 
 April 30. — " Two or three weeks since, 
 Mr. Moulton's only brother experienced reli- 
 gion. He is the last of six children who, in 
 early life, were thrown out into the world, 
 fatherless and motherless. How true the say- 
 ing of the Psalmist, ' when father and mother 
 forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.' 
 
 " We were obliged to move the first of 
 April, which makes twice, in about ten 
 months." 
 
 May 28. — " Another conference year is 
 about to close. About fifty souls have been 
 gathered as the fruit of our labors; the preceding 
 year about eighty ; and the year before about 
 five hundred. Time, O how swift it flies away ! 
 Who that duly reflects on the worth of Time 
 and the importance of improving it, can per- 
 mit one moment of it to pass unimproved ! 
 Who that justly realizes that he has an immor- 
 tal soul that must exist hereafter, either in hap- 
 piness or misery, can while away time, and suf- 
 fer his moments, hours, days, months and 
 years, to roll into eternity without improvement, 
 unless his heart is like the adamantine rock or 
 the nether mill-stone ? Where is that person 
 who desires God, who has given us time to 
 prepare for eternity, and all that awaits us be- 
 yond this vale of tears ? Shall we, who are 
 creatures of a few years, blessed with rational 
 powers and faculties of mind, be so stupid as to 
 squander away our time in idleness, when ac- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 157 
 
 countable to God, for all our words and ac- 
 tions ? What folly ! How great our condem- 
 nation in the coming judgment ! O may I re- 
 flect duly on the vast importance of improving 
 every moment of time to the good of my own 
 soul, and for the benefit of all around." 
 
 May 29. — '' O, how little I honor my 
 blessed Savior ! O, that I may know that I am 
 of some little use in the world ! O, when shall 
 I serve Thee as I ouaht in all things ! Gracious 
 Savior, visit me, just now, with thy presence 
 and power, that I never may depart from thee 
 more !" 
 
 May 30. — " With this year, closes three 
 years that Mr. M. has preached on Wales cir- 
 cuit. He was instrumental of introducing Me- 
 thodism into several other towns besides Wales, 
 while located here. Soon we must leave here, 
 and where we shall go, the Lord only knows. 
 We leave it all to Him. Lord direct us where 
 we may be instrumental in saving scores and 
 hundreds of souls." 
 
 We had some revival this year at Monson, 
 and formed one new class in the north-west 
 part of it, of about thirty members. We also 
 gathered a few Congregationalists into our 
 church in Wales, who for some time had been 
 left without a shepherd. We also paid off a 
 little debt on the church here, by lifting very 
 
158 MEMOIR OF 
 
 hard ourselves. We set up Sabbath preaching 
 in the towns of Sturbridge, and Brimfield. In 
 the last named town there had risen up quite a 
 society of New Haven Perfectionists, which 
 God enabled myself and wife, to scatter to the 
 four winds, in the name of Jesus ; some of 
 whom afterwards joined the Methodists. This 
 year the canker-rash prevailed in Brimfield, to 
 an alarming degree. Elizabeth taking her little 
 girl with her, while laboring with me there, 
 day after day, and night after night, she took 
 this disease, and brought it to Wales. We were 
 both much alarmed about it, and I hurried for 
 a physician who was the best acquainted with 
 treating the disease. Having come, he pro- 
 nounced it the canker-rash ; left directions 
 how to treat it, and promised to come again, 
 the next day. The child growing worse, at 
 evening, instead of giving it the medicines, we 
 both repaired to the Great Physician, and ago- 
 nized in prayer, until the Lord appeared, and 
 rebuked the disease. We gave her no more 
 medicines. The physician came again the next 
 day, and, to his great surprise, the daughter 
 was healed. This special, and speedy cure, 
 Elizabeth always attributed to the power of di- 
 vine grace, in answer to agonizing and prevail- 
 ing prayer. This is only a specimen of her 
 strong faith in prayer for the sick. Whenever 
 she began to cry out, " Lord, we believe thou 
 wilt bless," you might expect the fountain of 
 the disease would give way, whether physical 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 159 
 
 or spiritual. Scores of penitents have felt the 
 healing virtue applied to their souls, while she 
 was agonizing in fervent prayer for them. 
 
 Jan. 15, 1837. — " At the next conference, 
 Mr. M. received his appointment on Granville 
 circuit. We arrived at this place under some 
 embarrassing circumstances, as there was no 
 house provided for us to live in. Mr. M. left 
 me at Br. Bates', and rode until he found a 
 comfortable home, in the house with Br. Barns. 
 This is a very large circuit, and a very moun- 
 tainous region of country ; roads are very bad ; 
 the people are agitated with the temperance 
 question, and opposition rises high against it, 
 by some of the brethren. There was in the 
 church, one Methodist member, but a few rods 
 from our location, whose distillery was not 
 more than a stone's throw from our dwelling, in 
 which was distilled cider-brandy for his breth- 
 ren and neighbors. There were two Methodist 
 merchants on the circuit who sold it ; one Me- 
 thodist sister who kept a rum-tavern, and one 
 class-leader,one steward, and one local preacher, 
 who made use of this poison as a drink ; con- 
 sequently, the circuit was in a very low state, 
 when Mr. M. and Br. Lewis came here. But 
 they went to work, in the name of the Lord, 
 visiting from house to house, reproving sin and 
 the rum-drinker, wherever they went, until the 
 churches were set right — until the distillery 
 had been removed ; the rum-sellers had ceased 
 
160 MEMOIR or 
 
 to retail intoxicating drinks, and the classes 
 had promised reformation. Their efforts were 
 soon succeeded by a glorious outpouring of the 
 Holy Spirit, in Blandford ; and souls have been 
 converted on other parts of the circuit — pro- 
 bably one hundred in all." 
 
 Here my dear companion went with me from 
 place to place, over mountains, and through 
 valleys, up to the present date, whenever it was 
 practicable, to assist me in the work of the 
 Lord; some times taking her little daughter 
 with her, and sometimes leaving her for weeks 
 among the brethren. So intensely did her soul 
 burn for the salvation of her fellow men. 
 
 During the revival in Blandford, we held meet- 
 ings successively forty nights, some of the time, 
 day and night. Here E. put forth all her 
 strength for weeks, in exhorting, praying, and 
 in visiting with me the people. At this time 
 the excitement was so intense on the subject of 
 temperance, and many had threatened to with- 
 hold from us our support, but Elizabeth fearing 
 not the consequences, seconded all my efforts 
 in carrying out the great principles of temper- 
 ance, and abolition, in connection with the gos- 
 pel of Jesus Christ. Another thing, which al- 
 most enraged some of the brethren against me 
 on this subject, was, my exertions to enlighten 
 the people on the great evils of slavery. To 
 assist me in this great work, the Female Anti- 
 Slavery Society sent me, weekly, ten copies of 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 161 
 
 the Liberator, which my wife, and myself, cir- 
 culated gratuitously all over the circuit ; be- 
 sides at this time, I became responsible for ten 
 copies of Zion's Watchman. For these acts of 
 interference, which were supposed by the good 
 people here, would result in filling up their 
 community with a black population, I was 
 thought almost unpardonable, by many of our 
 friends ; hence our sufferings were greatly aug- 
 mented by these benevolent deeds. But for the 
 performance of these things, the subject of our 
 notice suffered cheerfully, believing it was for 
 righteousness' sake. In December, I left the 
 circuit to urge the claims of the Missionary 
 Education Society. Elizabeth feeling a deep 
 interest in this cause, and wishing to visit some 
 of her old friends, journeyed with me, taking 
 her little daughter. This proved the most peril- 
 ous enterprize she ever undertook. But with a 
 martyr's courage, she persevered amid dangers, 
 and the cold winds, and storms, and floods, 
 which must have been very discouraging to any 
 but the bold adventurer, who is fearless of dan- 
 ger, knowing that God directs the storms and 
 winds, and has promised that the floods shall 
 not overwhelm those that trust in Him. Per- 
 haps, but few ever came nearer perishing, with- 
 out receiving but little injury, than we all did 
 in crossing a stream, after a violent storm, 
 which raised the water above its banks; the ex- 
 treme cold having frozen the water almost hard 
 enough to bear. In this perilous situation, we 
 14 
 
162 MEMOIR OF 
 
 crossed a stream about 25 rods wide. Having 
 entered it, we could not return ; hence, we 
 persevered, and nothing but a superintending 
 Providence saved us from a sudden death ; but 
 God preserved us. All glory be to his name. 
 In this enterprize we raised, and obtained 
 pledges for over two hundred dollars. Never 
 should I dare to undertake another such enter- 
 prize with my family on the mountains in the 
 winter. In all these difficulties, Elizabeth ex- 
 hibited the character of a christian hero, with- 
 out any murmuring or complaint, where dan- 
 gers, storms, drifts and bad roads intercepted 
 our path. We not only had good success in 
 begging, but the Lord gave us souls, for our 
 hire. In two places, revivals commenced, and 
 we made arrangements to spend a few nights in 
 them. After we returned, Elizabeth was so 
 much exhausted, and the snow had fallen so 
 deep, and drifted so high, that she travelled 
 with me but little more on this circuit. 
 
 The journal proceeds : 
 
 Jan. 25. — " Another year of my short life 
 has rolled away. Blessed be God ! during the 
 past year, my soul has participated largely in 
 the rich treasures of the gospel ; especially dur- 
 ing some portions of it. Although I have to re- 
 gret the too little progress I have made in my 
 christian journey ; yet, for a few days past, I 
 have felt a solemn peace of mind. I realize 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 163 
 
 that my situation is a very responsible one, in 
 as much as I am the wife of a Methodist 
 preacher, and the mother of one lovely daugh- 
 ter. Gracious God, grant me Thy special grace, 
 that I may endure hardness as a good soldier, 
 in all the trying scenes through which I am 
 called to pass. Without Thee I am helpless ; 
 with Thee, I can do all Thy will. O give 
 grace and glory ! Amen." 
 
 May, 1837. — "The closing up of our labors 
 on this circuit is glorious. The additions are 
 not great, but the standard of piety is raised 
 very much. About one hundred joined our 
 church on the circuit, and about fifty were con- 
 verted through the instrumentality of Mr, M., 
 within the bounds of the Troy conference ; be- 
 tween thirty and forty of whom were gathered 
 together, and formed into a church. The Sab- 
 bath school and temperance causes have been 
 greatly blessed. The missionary enterprize 
 has taken a new impetus all over the circuit, 
 and the anti-slavery movements have resulted 
 in making many thorough abolitionists. Mr. 
 M. gave ten dollars for Zion's Watchman, and 
 had ten Liberators sent him weekly by the Fe- 
 male Anti-Slavery Society, which he spread 
 broad cast throughout the circuit." 
 
 The following letter was written to her 
 adopted sister, who lived at this time with her 
 sister Lucy, in Holden. Elizabeth feeling 
 
164 MEMOIR OF 
 
 much interested for her soul's salvation, ad- 
 dressed her in the following language : 
 
 " East Granville, Oct. 30, 1836. 
 
 '' Dear Sister Louisa: — Having a few lei- 
 sure moments, I embrace them in writing to 
 one, who is near and dear to me, by the ties of 
 nature and affection. I have ever felt deep so- 
 licitude for your present and future welfare; 
 and for this reason, I am constrained to take 
 up my pen and address you on the all-important 
 subject of religion. Perhaps, as I know not 
 the state of your present feelings, my senti- 
 ments may appear to you as an idle tale, but be 
 assured you have my prayers, with the letter, 
 and my best wishes for your spiritual welfare. 
 Yes, my dear Louisa, ever since you came to 
 years of understanding, I have felt an ardent 
 desire, that you might become a christian. I 
 know not but you have already given your 
 heart to the Savior : but if not, I beseech you, 
 to delay seeking the salvation of your soul no 
 longer. Time is on the wing, and sickness and 
 death are the common lot of us all ; and oh ! 
 to die without hope, without God, without an 
 interest in the Savior — the very thought of 
 which, is enough to shock human nature. Hea- 
 ven lost, is lost for ever ! Heaven gained, is hap- 
 piness eternal ! O how would my heart rejoice 
 to hear of your espousals to Christ — to hear 
 that you have made choice of religion. 
 
 " I would just inform you, that we are en- 
 
feLlZABEfH ANN MOULTON. IGS 
 
 joying a gracious revival on this circuit. About 
 one hundred souls have recently been brought 
 from darkness into God's marvellous light. 
 
 *' Others are inquiring the vi^ay to Zion. We 
 are much encouraged. The Lord is our helper, 
 and will be out exceeding great reward. Mr. 
 M. has been at home only one week out of the 
 seven last past — ' in labors abundant.' I have 
 a great desire to hear from you all, and of your 
 prosperity. We do not mean to complain of 
 our circuit this year ; although far from home, 
 and connections, we find christian friends. 
 Elizabeth has learned several Verses by heart. 
 I have just written to our parents. We live in 
 a very mountainous country, where are plenty of 
 farmers, who bring in all the good things we 
 need. Our healths are all good. 
 
 " E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 The following letter was written to her sister, 
 Lucy Warren, who lived now in Holden, and 
 had joined the Baptist church, Elizabeth 
 always felt that her sister was proselyted away 
 from her home, where she had received her 
 early impressions ; and fearing she would back- 
 slide from duty, exhorted her to holiness, not- 
 withstanding this sentiment is opposed to the 
 articles to which she had subscribed : 
 
 '' East Granville, Jan. 8, 1837. 
 
 " Dear Sistei^ Lucy, — Not being permitted 
 to visit you while on our tedious and perilous 
 *14 
 
166 MEMOIR OF 
 
 journey, I will now address a few lines to you. 
 We anticipated visiting you, but the weather 
 was rough and the time short, so we hurried 
 home as soon as possible. We spent about 
 twenty-four hours at father's, and about as much 
 time at our sister Lydia's. I was sorry to hear 
 of the feeble state of your health ; but remem- 
 ber the promise, ' all things shall work together 
 for good to them that love God ;' and doubtless 
 you can claim this promise. 
 
 " Afflictions prove blessings in disguise, when 
 sent to God's people ; especially if a proper use 
 is made of them. I trust, dear sister, that you 
 are still pursuing the narrow way to heaven ; 
 that your motto is ' onward and upward ' still. 
 O, be not discouraged ; the crown is at the end 
 of the race! Although the way is beset with 
 trials, afflictions, and crosses ; yet, we may, by 
 the constant observance of all the commands of 
 God, be kept from sliding back into sin, and 
 gain, at last, the haven of eternal rest. 
 
 " O what a glorious hope is ours, 
 While here on earth we stay ! 
 We more than taste the heavenly powers, 
 And antedate that day." 
 
 O, how little does the world and all its sublu- 
 nary things appear, when we view our joys im- 
 mortal ! when we stand aloof from pride, self- 
 will, unbelief, and hatred ; yea, when we pos- 
 sess victory, perfect victory, in our souls, over 
 the world, the flesh and the devil ! My dear 
 
ELIZAfiETH A>'.N MOULTO.^. 167 
 
 sister, I would insist that you seek for that holi- 
 tiess, without which no man can see the Lord 
 Doubtless, your christian experience has been 
 similar to that of others ; and if so, you have 
 felt after conversion, the risings of corrupt 
 nature — sinful tempers and appetites, such as 
 pride, self-will, anger, peevishness, &c. Now, 
 if we give way to these, barrenness and con- 
 demnation will ensue. 
 
 *' You may say that you have no conviction 
 for holiness. But is not a feeling sense that sin 
 remains in the heart, conviction for it ; such sins 
 as malice, evil surraisings, jealousies, fcc. Now, 
 my dear sister, the attainment of this blessing 
 is every way calculated to secure a more rapid 
 advancement of the christian, in his warfare 
 towards heaven. But perhaps excuses may rise 
 in your mind, like the following : I must wai: 
 for more feeling, and until better prepared. 
 Again, I am so sinful, and unworthy, I cannot 
 come ; and should I attain to this, I cannot 
 live it ; or if I could, I must appear so singular 
 to the world, and the common class of profes- 
 sors, that I cannot endure it. But I would 
 say, obey God I and his command is — ' be ye 
 holy ;' ' purify your hearts, ye double minded ;' 
 ' it is the will of God, even your sanctification ;' 
 * pray without ceasing — in every thing give 
 thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ 
 Jesus concerning you ;' * thou shalt love the 
 Lord thy God with all thy heart, and soul, and 
 strength, and thy neighbor as thyself Much 
 
168 MEMOIR OP 
 
 is implied in these texts, and all things are pos* 
 sible to him that believeth. You may say, I 
 know not how to seek it ; but God says, * give 
 me thy heart.' Renounce every idol, claim the 
 great and precious promises, firmly relying on 
 the atonement of Christ, and his blood will 
 wash thy soul whiter than snow, and thou shalt 
 be perfected in his love. Then will you cry, 
 Abba, Father. I view this blessing to be indis*- 
 pensably necessary to the saving of the soul in 
 the kingdom of God. Your views on this sub- 
 ject may be different from mine ; yet you must 
 believe God's word. O ray sister, so ruri that 
 you may obtain a crown of glory at last. 
 
 " Please show this broken letter to no one. 
 I was much disappointed in not seeing Celia at 
 father's. Give my love to her, and inform her 
 that I feel a deep interest in the welfare of her 
 soul. I hope she will seek the Lord before it 
 is too late. My love also to Louisa. Inform 
 her that I have not received an answer to my 
 last letter. We have had precious times on the 
 circuit this year. Sister Lydia and her husband 
 appear very happy in their new situation in Ash*, 
 biirnham. I have some idea of living in Bel- 
 chertown next year. If so, please visit us. Tell 
 Br. Warren not to neglect his duty. Remem- 
 ber us in your prayers, and believe us, yours 
 affectionately, in the bonds of a peaceful gos- 
 pel. Elizabeth A. Moulton." 
 
 The following letter was written to her pa- 
 rents on the same sheet on which I wrote to 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 169 
 
 them, describing some incidents connected with 
 our return from our missionary tour, and the 
 state of the church. 
 
 *' Granville, Jan. 24. 
 " Dear Parents, — As my husband has left a 
 blank space, I will fill it up. This is a very 
 pleasant morning overhead, but the snow-drifts 
 look rather dubious, being nearly as high as 
 the top of our front door. We rejoice at what 
 the Lord is doing on our circuit at the present 
 time. I have not been permitted to attend the 
 meetings since I returned home, on account of 
 the roughness of the weather, and the violent 
 colds in our family. I regretted very much, 
 that we could stay no longer with you. The 
 next day, we arrived at Phillipston ; put up with 
 Br. Doane's family, and spent the Sabbath. Mr. 
 M. went to Winchendon in the evening, and in 
 consequence of the violence of the storm, could 
 not return until the next day. Tuesday we 
 found our way to Greenfield. This was a dan- 
 gerous route, occasioned by the late storm, and 
 the sudden freezing of the weather ; but we 
 were mercifully preserved from harm. The 
 next day we arrived on the borders of our cir- 
 cuit, and attended a wedding. All things went 
 off pleasantly, but we did not arrive at home 
 until the next Monday. I might relate many 
 little incidents, but have no time. Write as soon 
 as you receive this. Tell us how your souls 
 prosper, and the state of religion generally. 
 I think it of the greatest importance that we 
 
470 MEMOIR OF 
 
 make sure work for eternity— that we guard 
 against a worldly spirit, and seek for that in- 
 ward purity, without which, we cannot see 
 God. I must now close by subscribing myself 
 your unworthy child, Elizabeth Ann." 
 
 to lucy warren. 
 
 " Granville, April 10. 
 '' Dear Sister:— I received your letter of 
 March 21, with much joy and gladness, statmg 
 that your health is improving. I much feared 
 the result of your illness, but the Lord has no 
 doubt restored you, for further usefulness in the 
 church. May you cheerfully fulfil your high 
 and holy calling, adorning the doctrine of God 
 your Savior in all things. Surely, I cannot ex- 
 press my gratitude to God, for the great things 
 he has done for you and yours ; and for all ot 
 us as a family. I rejoice, likewise, that the 
 Lord is again visiting your town with the out- 
 pouring of the Holy Spirit. Its continuance 
 depends much upon the faithfulness of God s 
 children. Then be instant, in season and out 
 of season ; in reproving, exhorting, and rebuk- 
 ing sin and sinners. You may be instrumental, 
 should you not get weary in well-doing, in 
 bringing many souls to the Savior. You say 
 that you have thought much of the subject ot 
 holiness, of which I wrote in the last letter, and 
 ask, what more can we do than give our hearts 
 unreservedly to Him, pray without ceasing, &c. 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 171 
 
 I answer, if we do thus give our hearts to Him, 
 I believe we shall have an evidence that we are 
 cleansed from unrighteousness ; an inward tes- 
 timony that we please God, even a fullness of 
 joy, a death to sin and a life to righteousness ; we 
 then can say we love God with all our hearts, and 
 our neighbor as ourselves. I believe there are 
 many who do receive this inestimable blessing, 
 but for want of light on this subject, yielding 
 to temptation, are brought into doubt, and thus 
 lose the blessed enjoyment. We shall always 
 be subject to temptations, and infirmities, in 
 the highest state of grace; but faith, strong, 
 constant faith, in the merits of Christ, will en- 
 able us to surmount every obstacle. That this 
 may be your unspeakable, and happy portion, 
 is the prayer of your unworthy sister. God has 
 done much for the people this year, in reviving 
 his work on different parts of the circuit. 
 
 " Elizabeth Ann." 
 
 to her parents. 
 
 " Granville, May 19, 1837. 
 ^^ Dear Parents, — Mr. M. having given a 
 sketch of the news, I can only write a line in 
 the hurry of business. We are expecting to go 
 to Belchertown next year. If we should, do 
 not fail of visiting us, as we shall be some 50 
 miles nearer your dwelling than we now are. 
 The Lord has been very good to us during the 
 past year. We have not been obliged to call 
 
172 MEMOIR or 
 
 in a physician during the year. We have re- 
 ceived but little this year, and our expenses 
 have been but light. We have not paid out a 
 cent for butter, cheese, or meat, during the 
 year. We have now a very interesting revival 
 in the town of Middlefield, in the bounds of the 
 Troy Conference. Next Monday eve, Mr. M. 
 returns there again. Yours in love, 
 
 " E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 The revival referred to in the last letter, in 
 the town of Middlefield, is worthy of a more 
 public notice than it has yet received, owing to 
 the circumstances that attended it. Having 
 closed up all our protracted efforts on the cir- 
 cuit, and having a special invitation from one 
 of the young sisters in our new church in 
 Blandford, who was about to go to Middlefield, 
 and spend a season with her sister, to come up 
 and preach in her brother's house, an owner of 
 one of the factories in the place, I consented 
 to go. Said she, " If you will come up and 
 preach, there will be a revival.'' I went. Peter- 
 like; and having arrived, the meeting was given 
 out, and the people soon met for worship. At 
 the close of the sermon, it was evident that the 
 word of God had taken effect. None, however, 
 rose for prayers. I appointed another meeting 
 for the next evening, and closed. The Lord 
 had so deeply convicted one young lady, who 
 lived in the boarding-house, that she could not 
 rest, neither did she give any that were in the 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 173 
 
 house, rest, so ardent were her cries for mercy ; 
 fearing as she did, that she had sinned away 
 the day of grace, because she was ashamed to 
 confess Christ at the meeting. The next even- 
 ing the village was all awake. The house was 
 filled at an early hour, and the street was 
 thronged with a company of the baser sort, 
 marching up and down, roaring for their prey, 
 and making occasionally hideous yells. Some 
 of my friends, learning the signs of the times, 
 locked up my horse in the barn ; not even think- 
 ing they would injure my wagon, they let it re- 
 main under the shed. The meeting was awfully 
 solemn, many having been alarmed by the cries 
 of the girl during the previous night. After 
 prayer-meeting and sermon, a goodly number 
 came out for prayers, and several, I think, were 
 converted. As soon as the meeting closed, all 
 was still without. But the next morning re- 
 vealed the workings of the devil, in a manner 
 that it had never been seen before in that vil- 
 lage. For these agents of the devil had fallen 
 upon my carriage, disfiguring it, cutting the 
 thorough-braces, and throwing some parts of it 
 into the river, &/C. &c. This was providentially 
 overruled for good ; for it brought out all the 
 good, to sympathize with me, and also detained 
 me much longer than I should otherwise have 
 tarried ; the work went on gloriously while 
 I was there, a period of about three weeks in 
 all. And perhaps no people poured their 
 blessings upon me more profusely than they did. 
 15 
 
174 MEMOIR OF 
 
 My companion never murmured at any such 
 persecution, but rejoiced that we were counted 
 worthy to suffer for His name. 
 
 Our Conference year now drawing to a close, 
 I started, witli my wife and daughter, for Con- 
 ference, expecting to leave them at Monson, 
 and proceed on to Nantucket, a distance of 
 more than two hundred miles from Granville. 
 While on our way to Monson, two events oc- 
 curred, which were peculiarly hazardous to our 
 lives. Our preservation from death, in this 
 time of trouble, I have always attributed to the 
 over-ruling hand of God. First, while on our 
 journey, in the village of West Springfield, our 
 horse took fright, just at dark, and ran with all 
 his speed, being unmanageable for a while ; — 
 still God preserved us from the imminent dan- 
 ger, to which we were then exposed. I can 
 hardly look back upon it without shuddering. 
 Elizabeth, as calm as a summer's evening, held 
 on to her little child, until I gained command 
 of the horse. To God be all the praise, for his 
 preserving mercy ! We arrived in safety at 
 Springfield, and put up at Dr. Bassett's. 
 
 While on our way to Monson, the next morn- 
 ing, we met two^men, in a wa^n, at a tub of 
 water, (both horses drinking at the same time,) 
 the wind blowing fresh from them towards us. 
 We observed that the face of one of the men 
 was shockingly swollen, and wondered what 
 could be the matter. I thought but little more 
 of it, until I had arrived near New Bedford, or 
 
ELIZABETH AIS^ MOULTON. 175 
 
 Nantucket. I was then asked by one of the 
 preachers from Springfield, if I had heard of a 
 man as I passed through the place, who was 
 taken up a few miles east of Springfield, and 
 carried into town, in an open wagon, almost 
 dead with the small-pox ; which circumstance 
 greatly terrified its inhabitants. I said, " No !" 
 But it occurred to my mind immediately, that 
 he was the man whom I met at the watering- 
 trough ; and for the moment, I remembered, 
 with a thrill of amazement, how fresh the wind 
 must have blown the poisonous infection from 
 him, into all our faces. I had not much doubt 
 then, that my wife and child, who had never 
 been vaccinated for the kine-pox, had both 
 taken the disease. I was in an agony of suffer- 
 ing ; but concluded to write, directing the post 
 master to forward the letter as soon as it ar- 
 rived, without fail. 
 
 The next day I wrote again, and both letters 
 arrived at the same time. The reception of 
 these unexpected letters, coming in the way 
 they did, greatly affected my wife, (her health 
 at this time being rather delicate,) and pro- 
 duced such a shock upon her physical system, 
 that the result was not only feeble health for 
 several months, but the loss of a little son, who 
 found an untimely grave. 
 
 But the plague we so much dreaded was not 
 permitted to come nigh our dwelling. God re- 
 moved the plague in answer to agonizing and 
 prevailing prayer. Thus was the pathway of 
 
176 MEMOIR. 
 
 my dear friend strewn with trials and anxieties 
 all the way to heaven ; but every one only 
 brought her nearer and nearer the gate of end- 
 less joy. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 At Nantucket, we received our appointment 
 to Belchertown and Three Rivers, where we 
 divided our labors among the people. The fol- 
 lowing is an extract of a letter directed to her 
 parents, soon after Conference, dated 
 
 " MoNsoN, June 25, 1837. 
 
 ''Dear Parents, — Mr. M. has gone for our 
 goods, and will probably return to-morrow eve- 
 ning. I would just inform you that the small- 
 pox is raging in the town of Springfield. As 
 we were passing through the place, we met a 
 man just taken down with it. His head was 
 swollen as big as the size of two. They were 
 then carrying him to the pest-house. We since 
 learned that he did not live to arrive there. 
 For a while, learning the circumstances, we 
 were very much alarmed, fearing that we had 
 all taken it ; but we have been mercifully pre- 
 served. After we learned our exposure, our 
 *15 
 
Its teEMOlfe OF 
 
 friends hastened immediately to Springfield^ 
 and obtained some vaccine matter, with which 
 myself and daughter were vaccinated for the 
 kine-pox ; but serious results are anticipated 
 relative to our fright. Elizabeth." 
 
 In consequence of feeble health and other 
 circumstances, Elizabeth did not labor so much 
 abroad as usual this year. She attended two 
 or three protracted meetings with me, on our 
 own charge; and still continued in all the 
 means of grace within her reach, in the place 
 where we lived. Elizabeth became so much 
 attached to the little church in Belchertown, 
 that it was harder for her to leave here than 
 any previous appointment, notwithstanding ouf 
 support was hardly enough to keep soul and 
 body together. But when the people did not 
 give us enough, for our comfort, God gave her 
 strength to earn it with her shears. It was 
 always a principle with Elizabeth, to live with- 
 in our income, and never run in debt for any 
 thing which we could do without. 
 
 We formed three new classes this year, and 
 I labored much abroad at protracted meetings. 
 
 The two following letters were Written to her 
 sisters. It will here be seen that the blessing 
 of entire sanctification is still her theme. In 
 every place where she has been, I think she has 
 been the means of leading souls to this blessed 
 fullness. Truly, no doctrine of the cross ever 
 so elated her soul as the faithful preaching of 
 
^lirZABETH ANN SlOULTON. i1f9 
 
 full salvation; and upon no subject did her 
 soul so delight to dwell. 
 
 " Belchertown, Nov. 20, 1837. 
 " Dear Sister : — I gladly embrace this op- 
 opportunity of writing you a few lines. Various 
 have been the changes through which I have 
 passed, since I last saw you. Some light af- 
 flictions, for so I would call them, have been 
 mingled with my cup of prosperity, the past 
 season ; but the blessings which I have received 
 from my kind Preserver, have far out-balanced 
 them all. You heard of my misfortune on the 
 21st of July. My disappointment w^as so great, 
 that I found it hard to submit, until I con- 
 sidered the mercy of God in preserving my life, 
 and in so soon raising me up to my accustomed 
 health again ; then I felt entire resignation to 
 the Providence of an all-wise God. The good 
 Lord is dealing bountifully with my soul. I 
 think I never enjoyed so long a season of unin- 
 terrupted peace as of late. Since our protracted 
 meeting which closed about six weeks since, I 
 think I have enjoyed the blessing of perfect 
 iove more clearly than ever before. Some in our 
 church have experienced this great salvation, 
 and others are seeking for it. May God help 
 them to believe. I think, my dear sister, that I 
 prize this blessing higher than ever. I am de- 
 termined to hold it up before my brethren, and 
 live it. I am sensible that God has spared my 
 life for some farther tisefulness in the church. 
 
IgO MEMOIR OF 
 
 I feel that my station in life is very responsible,- 
 and I wish that it may be filled up with useful- 
 ness, and that I may so live on earth, as that I 
 may gain heaven, and join the innumerable 
 host above, who have washed their robes and 
 made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 
 As to our pecuniary affairs, we are prospering 
 about as usual. We live in an excellent little 
 society. The little branches within our charge 
 are on good ground. We have not as yet had 
 a great number of conversions, but are expect- 
 ing greater things before the year closes. It is 
 now a time of revival all around us. Glory to 
 God, peace on earth and good will to men ! 
 Our little girl is well, and can go to meeting, 
 and find our pew alone. She sometimes says, 
 "how they do shout, ma!" and appears to en- 
 joy it much. Mr. M. has been absent most of 
 the time for four or five weeks past, attending 
 protracted meetings, and I am at home working 
 at my trade, when well enough. I trust you 
 are still striving for heaven, and have frequent 
 foretastes of your future inheritance. Go on, 
 and may God vouchsafe His choicest blessings 
 to you both. E. Moulton." 
 
 " Belchertown, Dec. 14, 1837. 
 " Very dear Sister : — With grateful emo- 
 tions I retire from the busy cares of life to 
 spend an hour in addressing you, through the 
 medium of my pen. I am at home with a great 
 supply of work, and Mr. M. is now holding a 
 
liLIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 181 
 
 protracted meeting in the north part of the 
 town. A number have been converted at this 
 meeting, and many are enquiring the way to 
 Zion. To God be all the glory ! We have en- 
 joyed no special revival on our cliarge this 
 year, but have had good and interesting meet- 
 ings. Our church stands in the liberty, and 
 we are all united together in the bonds of 
 christian union, expecting the Lord will yet 
 grant us a gracious visitation ; yea, w« believe 
 the work has already commenced in one part 
 of the town. O pray for us, that the Spirit 
 may have free course, run and be glorified ; 
 that the great Head of the church may ride 
 triurtiphantly through these barren regions and 
 subdue the people. Although various have 
 been the changes, through which I have passed 
 since I last saw you, yet God has been very 
 merciful to us. I never felt more like serving 
 Him than for a few months past. Religion to 
 me is indeed a glorious treasure. I trust you 
 are still pursuing your course towards heaven. 
 Be faithful and the Lord will make you burning 
 and shining lights in the place where you live. 
 I am glad that your health is improving. I am 
 obliged to be exceedingly careful about taking 
 cold, as my head still troubles me. For this 
 reason i go out but very little this winter. But 
 O, how good the Lord is to unworthy me ! 
 What shall I render unto Him for all His bene- 
 fits ? ' I will take the cup of salvation and 
 'sall on the name of the Lord.' 
 
182 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The journal proceeds : 
 
 April 10, 1833. — "How swiftly has the 
 last conference year passed away ; and how 
 little have I done to promote the cause of God. 
 Still, God has been my supporter through all 
 the changes of the year. I am strongly at- 
 tached to the little flock in this place. The 
 brethren have been kind to us, and well en- 
 gaged in the work of the Lord. I am thankful 
 that my lot has been cast here, although we 
 have not had so many conversions as we ex- 
 pected.'' 
 
 The following are a kw scraps without date, 
 which may be interesting to the reader : 
 
 " O how fleeting is time ! How fast its gold- 
 en moments fly ! Scarcely does the dawn of 
 life begin, ere we are called from this stage of 
 action to try the unknown realities of an eter- 
 nal scene. Who that realizes the worth, and 
 shortness of time, can suffer his hours, or even 
 his moments, to pass unemployed ? Were we 
 to consider that time is given us for improve- 
 ment, and that we shall be held strictly 
 accountable for the abuse of it, could we 
 suffer so many precious moments to run to 
 waste ? I have often been astonished at the 
 carelessness and inattention manifested by so 
 many with regard to its improvement. There 
 is much for us to do, — and yet many of us 
 live, as though there was nothing at stake, re- 
 gardless not only of time and the shortness of 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MO'CLTON. 183 
 
 it, but of a future state, and its awful retribu- 
 tions. When I look around, and behold the 
 vanity of all sublunary things, I am led to con- 
 template the goodness and mercy of God, in 
 that my feet have been turned into his testi- 
 monies." 
 
 " Religion is a source whence true happiness 
 springs. In all the paths of human life we may 
 find substantial peace from this source. With 
 this heavenly treasure we are ha})py amidst all, 
 the snares and temptations which surround us. 
 Religion is a blessing which all may receive 
 and enjoy. It is this that will make the rough 
 paths of nature even, and calm the troubled 
 mind, when sorrows and afflictions beset our 
 way, and all before us seems dark and dreary. 
 And that God, who is the bestower of this sal- 
 vation, has offered it freely to all, — therefore 
 all may come, partake, and be happy. My 
 mind has often been shocked at the depravity 
 of human nature; the wilfulness and stubborn- 
 ness of the natural heart — that heart which 
 ought to be devoted to the service of our hea- 
 venly Benefactor and Redeemer. It is certain, 
 we all wish to be happy, and are seeking for it 
 in different ways ; but there is only one way, 
 and one source, from which we can derive true 
 happiness, and that is, in the service of God. 
 In his service there is great recompense of re- 
 ward, even that peace which is like a river, con- 
 tinually flowing from its fountain. 
 
 " Elizabeth." 
 
184 STEMOTR OF 
 
 ** Prayer is appointed to convey the blessing? 
 God designs to give. Prayer is the key that 
 unlocks Iteaven^ and brings down the blessings 
 from above. Christians should attend to the 
 exercise of prayer, and mingle this duty with 
 all their concerns in life. How can a christian, 
 who knows the worth of prayer, expect to pros" 
 per in the neglect of this duty? The truly 
 faithful, in all ages, we shall find to have been 
 men of persevering and ardent prayer, living 
 constantly in the prayerful exercise of faith. 
 Moses, Noah and Daniel, were men who al- 
 ways prevailed with God in prayer. Many are 
 the promises made to the faithful, praying souls. 
 How encouraging this to the poor penitent, and 
 to all the church of God. And God is not 
 slack concerning his promises, but wiH provide 
 a way of deliverance to all who call upon him, 
 O, may it ever be my delight to pray, while I tab- 
 ernacle in this vale of human wo ! so that when 
 time with me shall be no more I may hear the 
 welcome plaudit, ' come ye blessed of my Fa- 
 ther, enter ye into the joys of the Lord.' 
 
 " Elizabeth." 
 
 " For many years I have professed to be a 
 follower of Jesus Christ, the Savior of lost 
 men. At an early period in my christian expe- 
 rience, I became convinced that holiness of 
 heart, and nothing short of it, would qualify me 
 for a dwelling place in the kingdom of glory. 
 Viewing as I did in some degree the extensive 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 185 
 
 nature of the gospel requirements, and the ne- 
 cessity of being pure within, I frequently called 
 upon the name of the Lord, with special refer- 
 ence to this important subject. Notwithstand- 
 ing I had an evidence within that my sins were 
 forgiven, yet, to my sorrow, I found that I 
 came far short of possessing such a state of 
 mind, as would enable me to ' rejoice evermore, 
 pray without ceasing, and in every thing give 
 thanks.' From reading the scriptures, with 
 prayerful attention, together with the writings 
 of eminently pious and holy persons, I was con- 
 vinced that I came far short of enjoying the 
 fullness of the Savior's love, and that it was my 
 duty to * leave the principles of the doctrine of 
 Christ and go on unto perfection.' Convincing 
 testimony presented itself to my mind frequent- 
 ly, that it was the privilege and duty of the 
 children of God to have a constant evidence 
 within of their acceptance with Him. But see- 
 ing my need of full salvation, I delayed too 
 long; unbelief, or some unlawful indulgence, 
 kept me, as I fear it does many others, from 
 coming right into its possession, and enjoying 
 its powerful and renovating influence. Not- 
 withstanding all my backwardness and unfaith- 
 fulness in seeking this invaluable blessing, I 
 feel to praise God that I did, in about one year 
 after my conversion, resolve to give my whole 
 heart to him, to serve Him with undivided af- 
 fections, and give up every thing that should 
 
 16 
 
186 MEMOIR OF 
 
 keep me from enjoying a fullness of this gospel 
 grace, which God has promised to all the faithful. 
 
 " Elizabeth." 
 
 The following year, we were stationed at 
 Marlborough. This appointment my companion 
 hailed with joy. It was with the society in 
 this place, that she first united, when living in 
 Bolton. Many of her friends with whom she 
 first enjoyed church fellowship, were still living 
 members in the church of God. Although this 
 church had been badly rent by various dissen- 
 sions, during her absence from it; yet, there 
 were still remaining some who appeared to be 
 pillars in the church of God. 
 
 At our arrival, the brethren, as well as our- 
 selves, were much encouraged ; for we now 
 learned that they were anticipating our services, 
 and this was an additional satisfaction to us. 
 As soon as we were settled, we commenced 
 operations, and the living members seconded 
 all our efforts in helping build up the church. 
 After cutting off some dead branches, a revival 
 commenced, which continued, gradually in- 
 creasing, during the conference year. 
 
 This year we made a long protracted effort 
 in the town of Stowe, for the salvation of sin- 
 ners. We commenced by holding a meeting 
 in the grove, which continued some two weeks. 
 At this time there was no meeting held in the 
 town, except by the Unitarians, and this was 
 thinly attended. Our protracted meeting shook 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 187 
 
 this old church to its centre, and had it not 
 been for the f^ict that they immediately dis- 
 missed their minister, and settled a new one, 
 they probably would never have recovered. Sev- 
 eral having experienced justifying grace at 
 this meeting, and the excitement having be- 
 come general, we immediately procured a hall, 
 and commenced Sabbath preaching with a good 
 prospect for building up a church of Christ. 
 A few Presbyterians living in this town, watched 
 all our movements, and thinking probably that 
 now would be the time for them to strike, as 
 they had already a minister in the place, who was 
 teaching a high school, they commenced hold- 
 ing meetings Sabbaths, side by side, with ours. 
 These two new Sabbath congregations havinor 
 sprung up so suddenly in the town, greatly di- 
 vided the feelings of the inhabitants, and were 
 the means of giving a sudden check to the 
 work of conviction on sinners' hearts. By the 
 aid of a local preacher, however, we continued 
 Sabbath preaching there almost one year, 
 struggling for victory, but were at last obliged 
 to yield the ground to the Congregationalists, 
 who finally reaped most of our fruit, and raised 
 up a church there ; and they have since en- 
 joyed permanently the stated means of grace. 
 
 This is the first time in our short history 
 that we have been obliged to give up to any 
 other denomination under such circumstances. 
 My companion labored and suffered with me, 
 day and night, during our protracted effort in 
 
188 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Stowe, to advance the interests of the Re- 
 deemer's Kingdom. She spent most of her 
 time, however, this year in Marlborough. Here 
 she put forth all her strength in the vineyard, 
 when circumstances would permit, only occa- 
 sionally going abroad with me to protracted 
 meetings. 
 
 The following extract of a letter was written 
 to her sister, Lucy Warren — she having expect- 
 ed to meet her at their parents, in Lunenburg — 
 and is dated 
 
 " Sept. 14, 1838. 
 
 '' Dear Sister : — We were much disap- 
 pointed in not seeing you at Lunenburg. We 
 tarried there more than a week ; during this 
 time, Mr. M. held a protracted meeting in the 
 place, at which Sarah Marsh found the pearl of 
 great price, and a few others. The prospect 
 was quite good for a general revival, when we 
 left. We like our station in M. very much 
 this year. We have already had a number of 
 conversions, and the prospect is good for a 
 glorious work. Pray for us, that the Spirit 
 may have free course, run, and be glorified 
 among us. I have enjoyed much peace of mind 
 the summer past, and realize that it is of the 
 greatest importance to live in readiness for 
 death. O heaven ! it looks worth possessing ! 
 At times I long to be there. O happy thought, 
 to be for ever shut in with Christ, for ever freed 
 from sickness, pain, and death, and for ever 
 joined to the innumerable company of holy 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 189 
 
 spirits, who have gone before us, singing loud 
 hallelujahs to Him who sitteth upon the throne 
 for ever and ever. O delightful theme ! O blessed 
 thought ! We'll try to be faithful, and meet 
 then, if not before. Here on this earthly ball 
 we wander up and down to seek the lost sheep 
 of the house of Israel, having no abiding place 
 or continuing city ; but blessed be God, I trust 
 we are seeking one that hath foundation, 
 Christ being the chief corner stone. Then 
 let us leave no duty undone. Much, very 
 much, is devolving upon the christian. I be- 
 lieve it is very possible that souls may, and do 
 go to ruin, through the negligence of the chris- 
 tian. Terrible thought, indeed ! Shall I be 
 one of that heedless number ! O no. Me- 
 thinks, I '11 bear the cross, and despise the 
 shame. I '11 try to make every effort to gain 
 heaven myself, and win others to go there too. 
 
 '' E. A. MoULTON." 
 
 The following extract was written to her 
 adopted sister, dated 
 
 " Marlborough, Dec. 9, 1838. 
 " My Dear Louisa : — Your short letter 
 came to hand soon after date. We are very 
 pleasantly situated this year, and possibly we 
 shall never be stationed so near you again. I 
 rejoice to learn by your letter, that you feel the 
 importance of securing an interest in Christ. 
 O my dear L., how would my heart rejoice, 
 yea, leap for joy, could I hear that you had 
 »16 
 
190 MEMOIR OF 
 
 found the heavenly pearl. You say that you 
 have not yet met with a change. Let me tell 
 you then, noiv is the accepted time and the day 
 of salvation. O do not neglect your soul, that 
 better part, which must eternally exist, either in 
 happiness or misery. We have had some very 
 refreshing seasons of revival since we came 
 here. About thirty have passed from death 
 unto life, and joined our church on probation ; 
 and christians are coming up to the help of the 
 Lord against the mighty foe. I have been en- 
 gaged as a teacher in the Sabbath School during 
 the season past. One of my class has experi- 
 enced religion recently, and was received into 
 the church on trial last Sabbath. 
 
 " E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 The revival mentioned in the Jast letter, in 
 which Mrs. M. took such a thrilling interest, 
 consisted not only in the renewing of the hearts 
 of the people, but in reviving up the principles 
 of the temperance cause in the minds of many. 
 The temperance reformation lay almost as near 
 the heart of my companion as did the salvation 
 of the soul. And never, to my recollection, 
 did she refuse, or neglect, to administer reproof, 
 at home or abroad, to all who used intoxicating 
 drinks. Tobacco, too, " that filthy weed, which 
 from the devil did proceed," often from her re- 
 ceived a just rebuke, when in a christian's mouth 
 or nose. Often has she plead with the drunk- 
 ard, spraqtimes under his own roof, to dash the 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 191 
 
 poisonous cup from his mouth, with an eloquence 
 that would break the hardest heart, and melt it 
 into tears. 
 
 The Sabbath School, in which Mrs. M. always 
 took a deep and abiding interest, increased to 
 thrice its former numbers this year, and a large 
 accession was made to the library. Perfect 
 unity was restored to the church; a goodly 
 number converted and added to it, and twenty 
 or more professed to experience the blessing of 
 entire sanctification. A more loving and de- 
 voted society we never watched over, and the 
 fellowship of no church did Elizabeth ever enjoy 
 more than this. 
 
 The following extract of a letter was directed 
 to her parents, dated 
 
 ''Marlborough, Jan. 21, 1839. 
 
 " Dear Parents : — I sit down to address 
 you a few moments this eve. Mr. M, expects 
 to start for Cambridgeport in the morning, to 
 attend an Anti- Slavery Convention, and will 
 then go to Boston to attend another, before he 
 returns. His time has been principally taken 
 up of late, in preparing for a discussion with 
 Mr. Greenwood, a Universalist minister, on the 
 two following propositions : 1st, Do the Scrip- 
 tures teach the future and unending misery of 
 any of the human race ? 2d, Do the Scriptures 
 teach the future and unending happiness of all 
 the human race? On the first proposition, Mr. 
 M. took the affirmative, and on the second, the 
 negative. Much interest is already felt by both 
 
192 MEMOIR OF 
 
 parties. Come, if possible, and hear the de- 
 bate. The Lord has been with, and blessed us, 
 the present year. Mr. Hunt, with whom we 
 live, his wife, his .sons, and one of his son's 
 wives, and her mother, have all recently become 
 the subjects of converting grace. These are 
 joyful times. I hope you are both enjoying a 
 good degree of the love of God shed abroaa in 
 your hearts. Time is rapidly flying, and we 
 are tending towards the tomb. O, let us be up 
 and doing, all that in us lies, to prepare for 
 death and eternity, even for happiness and 
 heaven. E. A. Moulton." 
 
 The discussion with Mr. Greenwood, referred 
 to in the above letter, excited much interest 
 among the Universalists in several towns. Mr. 
 G. having gained some advantage over my pre- 
 decessor the year previous, in a public meeting, 
 in obtaining an answer from him on an 
 important question, without forethought, which 
 made him acknowledge, by the quotation 
 of another passage of Scripture, that Christ 
 had already come in his Kingdom, and 
 judged the world, the Universalists, being 
 elated with the success of their minister, in 
 thus catching my predecessor in his words, in- 
 troduced him to me as a champion of their 
 faith, and dared me to meet him in public de- 
 bate. This challenge brought about a discus- 
 cussion, which, in its results, roused up the 
 whole fraternity of Universalists, throughout 
 the length and breadth of their dominions. 
 
ELIZABETH ANW MOULTON. 193 
 
 Never did I know my wife to be more deeply 
 interested for the result of any enterprise, 
 than for this. She therefore ardently prayed 
 for weeks, that God's truth might prevail, error 
 be refuted, and infidelity receive a mortal check 
 by this discussion. So deeply interested did 
 our church feel, too, with regard to the conse- 
 quence of this debate, that we appointed a day 
 of prayer and fasting that God would confirm 
 his word by signs following, and truly the Spirit 
 of God pervaded the audience during the entire 
 discussion, and instead of checking the revival 
 influence in our church, as some supposed it 
 would, it advanced it. 
 
 The conversion of the family referred to in 
 her last letter, was an illustration of the power 
 of example and personal effort. The example 
 of Mrs. M. was not only considered uniform by 
 this family, but truly Christian, which undoubt- 
 edly had a happy influence on their minds. 
 Elizabeth too, not only interested their minds 
 frequently in religious subjects, but made them 
 objects of special prayer, both in the family 
 and in her private devotion ; the appropriate 
 fruit of which, v/ith other instrumentalities, soon 
 appeared in the conversion of the family. This 
 almost unexpected miracle of Divine grace, in the 
 salvation of this household, under our own roof, 
 was a source of unspeakable joy to Elizabeth. 
 
 February 2, 1839, our little son, Theodore 
 Weld, was born. This additional care of anoth- 
 er precious immortal, necessarily detained Mrs. 
 
194 MEMOIR OF 
 
 M. at home most of the winter. Our little son 
 received his name from the following circum- 
 stance : — Mr. Theodore Weld, of New York, 
 wrote to me some time during the fall, desiring 
 me to give him an account of my views of the 
 evils of slavery, for publication. To this I 
 consented, and for which I received a pamphlet, 
 in which I was associated with one thousand 
 witnesses against the enormous evils of slavery. 
 Saying to my wife one day, " what shall we call 
 the name of our son?" our little daughter 
 immediately answered, ** Theodore Weld." To 
 this we both assented, praying that he might 
 live and become as pure an abolitionist as the 
 man after whom he was named. 
 
 The following extract of a letter was address- 
 ed to her brother and sister Warren, dated 
 
 '' Marlborough, May 13, 1839. 
 " Dear Br. and Sister : — You may think, 
 having delayed so long to answer your letter, 
 that I have almost forgotten you ; but I will 
 assure you that this is not the case. Other and 
 weightier concerns have occupied my mind 
 since I received your last. Doubtless you have 
 heard that I am the mother of a little son, three 
 months old. I have carried him to meeting six 
 Sabbaths, all day — so you may judge of his 
 good nature. I now belong to a Bible class in 
 the Sunday School. We have a flourishing 
 school of about one hundred members. We 
 have had a good revival the present year. The 
 
ELIZABETH AJSN MOULTOW. 195 
 
 church is well united, and our meetings are 
 well attended. I feel much attached to this 
 dear people, but the time of our departure is at 
 hand, as you know we are one-year-in-a-place 
 folks. Where we shall go is quite uncertain. 
 Were I to consult my own feelings and wishes, 
 I should bend my course towards your region, 
 but I must submit to the openings of Provi- 
 dence, and thereby be directed. 
 
 " E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 The reader may learn from one sentence in 
 this last letter, the strong attachment Mrs. M. 
 had for the public means of grace. With a 
 child only three months old, she had been to 
 meeting with it six Sabbaths all day ; having the 
 additional care also, of her little girl, who had al- 
 ways been to meeting with her from five weeks 
 old to this time, with a very few exceptions. With 
 this care upon her mind, she enjoyed the preach- 
 ing of the word, and during the intermission at 
 noon recited her lesson in the Bible class, and 
 returned home after meeting in the afternoon, 
 with her little ones, richly laden with the bless- 
 ings of the gospel. And all this perseverance 
 was under the additional weight of feeble 
 health. Many an exhortation has fallen from 
 her lips in the public congregation with a child 
 in her arms. Her personal efforts, during in- 
 termissions, on Sabbaths, have been great bless- 
 ings to many, to whom she could have no ac- 
 cess, except on these occasions. Mrs. M. was 
 
196 MEMOIR. 
 
 emphatically a church-going, and a church- 
 working Christian. She never stayed from 
 meeting herself, nor permitted her children to, 
 unless she thought it absolutely necessary ; be- 
 ing regardless of the speeches of the more 
 delicate, who sometimes thought her persevering 
 course imprudent. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Mrs. M. was very anxious to stay in Marl- 
 borough another year, as the church were 
 mostly desirous that we should; but on the 
 other hand, I was strongly impressed, that it 
 was our duty to be removed to a new field of 
 labor, having been convinced for years that we 
 could be more useful to change stations every 
 year. But when we learned where our next 
 appointment was, then did I deeply regret, for 
 my wife's sake, that we were removed. I had 
 now become more convinced too, that the 
 anxieties and fatigue of moving yearly, leaving 
 dear friends, and forming new associations, had 
 a great tendency to produce an unhappy effect 
 upon the health of my companion. Notwith- 
 standing these misgivings, and heart relentings, 
 when it was too late to remedy them, as a kind 
 Providence ordered our affairs, we moved twice 
 the following year, and once every year until 
 death removed my partner from my embrace. 
 17 
 
198 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Hers truly was a life of toil, deep anxiety, and 
 vicissitude. But she ever clung to this princi- 
 ple, that it was better to wear out than to rust 
 out. 
 
 Occasionally, when preparing for meeting, or 
 for a journey, in anticipation of a storm, I 
 have advised her to defer going, her answer 
 would usually contain the following sentiment, 
 ** I am neither sugar nor salt, that I should 
 melt," — always believingj when God called 
 her to the performance of any duty, however 
 insurmountable it might appear to the world. 
 He would give her grace and strength to per- 
 form it. 
 
 The time having now arrived for our depart- 
 ure from Marlborough, we with great reluct- 
 ance went to work, packed up our goods, and 
 started for our new field of labor in Billerica. 
 The very idea, however, of making this place 
 the scene of our labors and toils for one year, 
 knowing the situation of things there, made us 
 both feel sick at heart. But the decree having 
 passed, on we went with heavy hearts. Having 
 arrived, we were directed to Br. Howes, in 
 whose house we obtained an excellent tene- 
 ment in which to dwell. Br. Sereno Fisk, who 
 had become very rich by the recent death of a 
 brother at the South, had pledged to the con- 
 ference the support of a preacher, should one 
 be sent there. Br. Fisk had been instru- 
 mental the year previous in collecting a small 
 congregation by calling into the place, in his 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 199 
 
 employ, a few Methodist families, and several 
 young men. This year the shoe-making busi- 
 ness being rather dull, he was obliged to cur- 
 tail his operations, and this of course would 
 have a tendency to diminish our floating church 
 and congregation. But having now located 
 ourselves in the place, we soon surveyed the 
 length and breadth of the town and of our 
 parish, and learned that the town contained 
 about 1300 inhabitants, with four organized 
 churches, and nine regular licensed drunkeries. 
 We also learned that the Universalists and Uni- 
 tarians, who composed the main body of the 
 people, possessed bitter prejudices against the 
 Methodists. Some of these families refused to 
 associate with us, and even refused us admit- 
 tance into their dwellings, while visiting from 
 house to house, fearing our object was to gain 
 proselytes from their churches, knowing well 
 that there were already more denominations in 
 town than the people could sustain. 
 
 The first holy Sabbath having come, we 
 were directed, for our place of worship, to the 
 extreme north part of the town, into a small 
 school-house, located near by two licensed 
 grog-shops, where some boatmen and loafers 
 kept holiday, while we were worshipping in the 
 school-house. To rise above these discourage- 
 ments, with no human prospect of bettering our 
 condition, needed stronger faith than we pos- 
 sessed. But having commenced, we thought 
 we must make the best of a perilous situation ; 
 
200 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and therfore began as usual, to visit all classes 
 in the community. In the performance of this 
 duty, for the first time, we failed of success — 
 all parties suspecting our motives. We then 
 made arrangements to hold a few evening meet- 
 ings successively, and after toiling about two 
 weeks, making every effort to save souls, our 
 prospects brightened a little. Two or three 
 were hopefully converted. We then invited a 
 number of our most engaged brethren from 
 Lowell to come and help move the wheels of 
 salvation. Several came, filled with the good 
 spirit. They prayed in agony, shouted freely, 
 and exhorted powerfully, but so novel were the 
 exercises of these brethren, to the people in 
 this place, who were wholly unaccustomed to 
 such performances, that instead of this meet- 
 ing's advancing the interests of our revival, it 
 well nigh put out what little fire had been kin- 
 dled, by throwing a counteracting influence in 
 the way of all our efforts afterwards. We then 
 adjourned our meeting to the village in the 
 centre of the town ; called in help from abroad, 
 and continued some two weeks longer, with but 
 little apparent good resulting from our labors. 
 Seeing now no prospect of building up a per- 
 manent church here, we felt discouraged and 
 disheartened. With these feelings, my study 
 became a prison to me. My wife noticing my 
 depression of spirits, although as much de- 
 jected as myself, began to encourage me to 
 trust in the Lord, that He would direct our steps. 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 201 
 
 The derangement of Br. Fisk's business af- 
 fairs were such now ihat we did not think it his 
 duty to be responsible for our support any lon- 
 ger, under our embarrassed circumstances; 
 neither would our consciences permit us to 
 spunge our living out of him without making 
 him any compensation, or without a prospect 
 of doing the people any good. I therefore ad- 
 dressed a letter privately to the Presiding El- 
 der, wfio was the means of my coming here, 
 entreating him to provide for us another field of 
 labor ; but he gave no affirmative response to 
 my prayer. I then wrote to another Presiding 
 Elder, and consulted with my own, (Br. Othe- 
 man,) but none could help us out of our diffi- 
 culties. Having now toiled and suffered with 
 my companion six months, and our prospects 
 for doing good growing darker and darker, I 
 came to an honorable adjustment in our finan- 
 cial affairs with my employer. I had no sooner 
 closed my mission here than I had a call to go 
 to Wellfleet, on the Cape, and supply the place 
 of Br. I. M. Bidwell, whose health had failed 
 him. Myself and wife both believed this call 
 was from the Lord ; and I therefore responded to 
 it. Before I take my leave however, I will in- 
 troduce to the readers a part of the correspond- 
 ence of Mrs. M. during her first six months' 
 residence in Billerica, that they may know how 
 she prospered when adverse winds blew, 
 and disappointments met us at every turn. 
 
 17 
 
202 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The following letter was written to Br. and 
 sister Warren soon after she removed to Bille- 
 rica, dated 
 
 " July 21, 1839. 
 
 " Dear Br. and Sister ; — I again take up 
 my pen to address to you a few lines. We are 
 now pleasantly settled in this place. We had 
 not the most distant thoughts however of com- 
 ing here. We are to receive our salary princi- 
 pally from one man who is rich in this world's 
 goods. Our society is in its infancy. We 
 number about 25 members only in the church, 
 and these are mostly transient members. We 
 meet in a small school-house in the north part 
 of the town, on the Sabbath ; and at five 
 o'clock, in the Tavern Hall, where we unite 
 with the Congregationalists and Baptists, in 
 trying to pull down the strongholds of Satan's 
 kingdom. Our way is as yet rather dark before 
 us, but we hope and pray for success. I sup- 
 pose fou are happy to return back to Holden 
 again, where you can enjoy your former church 
 privileges. May you be rendered blessings to 
 the church and society where you live. I want 
 you to inform me respecting your health, and 
 the prosperity of your souls in the way to hea- 
 ven ; whether Louisa has yet found the Savior, 
 &c. Remember me in your prayers, and may 
 we all at last meet in heaven. 
 
 " E. A. MOULTON." 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 203 
 
 The following letter was addressed to sister 
 Emeline Moore of Marlboro', dated 
 
 " BiLLERicA, Oct. 17, 1839. 
 " Dear Sister Emeline : — After some delay, 
 I sit down to answer your letter. I am glad 
 that you are pressing your way onward towards 
 heaven. I perceive by your epistle, that your 
 motto is still JioUness. I hope and trust you 
 will never be satisfied with any thing short of 
 this inestimable blessing ; for surely, it is the 
 marrow of the gospel. I have enjoyed this 
 blessing, in all its fullness ; and for weeks and 
 months could say, ' I know that my Redeemer 
 lives' in mi/ soul But, dear sister, I do not feel 
 all that divine fullness that I have in past time ; 
 yet, I am praying to get deeper into the work. 
 We have had some good seasons even here, but 
 no special revival. We only number two con- 
 versions. For these we are very thankful to 
 God. Several have been reclaimed from back- 
 sliding ; and to God be all the glory ! I have 
 my doubts whether it was in the order of Divine 
 Providence that we were appointed to this 
 place. I think we might have been more useful 
 somewhere else. We have been using some 
 extra exertions to promote the Redeemer's 
 kingdom, but to little purpose. We are too 
 circumscribed, and cannot put forth our ener- 
 gies as we would. I fear this year will not 
 pass as sweetly away as the last. O pray for 
 us, dear Emeline. We were much surprised 
 
204 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to hear of the sudden death of the Rev. Mr. 
 Goodhue. I think that I can truly sympathize 
 with his dear wife, having once been left a 
 lonely widow. I trust she will be sustained, 
 and have grace to support her in this time of 
 need. I hope, ere this, you are having a good 
 revival in Marlboro'. 
 
 '* Do not forget to pray for us while in this 
 barren region. I sometimes think we cannot 
 be contented here until our year closes ; but I 
 am resolved still to press onward towards 
 heaven, knowing that the promise is to them 
 who endure unto the end. Professors here ap- 
 pear to be mostly asleep, and sinners, gay and 
 thoughtless, are rushing their way down to 
 ruin. O when will they awake ! When will they 
 see their danger and flee to Christ! I fear 
 many of them here will mourn at the last, when 
 they shall see how many invitations, and warn- 
 ings they have slighted ; even when God shall 
 swear in his wrath, they shall not enter into his 
 rest. E. A. Moulton." 
 
 The time had now come to take my leave of 
 my wife and the two little ones. After com- 
 mending them to the care of the Almighty for 
 protection, I started for Boston, and from 
 thence sailed in a packet for Wellfleet, just as 
 that noted December gale began to blow. After 
 combatting with the waves a few hours, the 
 captain run his vessel back into the harbor, and 
 after the storm had passed, he landed all safe in 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 205 
 
 Wellfleet. I now realized what it was to for- 
 sake all for Christ and the gospel. During this 
 cold winter, perhaps no one ever exhibited more 
 of christian meekness and fortitude, than did 
 my wife. Not a murmur escaped her lips dur- 
 ing the almost three months during which we 
 were separated, notwithstanding she had an in- 
 fant at her breast, and no one to help her. She 
 truly felt that God had called her to suffer His 
 will, and she cheerfully acquiesced. Sometimes, 
 as her health was rather feeble, she felt that it 
 was hard for nature to submit to the allotments 
 of Providence. She was careful in her letters 
 to me, however, not to say a word about the 
 poor state of lier health, and severe trials, 
 fearing undoubtedly it would afflict my feelings 
 and embarrass my usefulness. But the follow- 
 ing extract of a letter to her parents, dated Dec. 
 29, indicates that trials and loneliness were the 
 portion of her cup during this winter. 
 
 *' Dear Parents : — It is now more than two 
 weeks since Mr. M. left here for the Cape. He 
 has written me that Br. Bidwell is desiring 
 soon to leave the Cape, and therefore wishes 
 me to come down as early as the packets start 
 in the spring. It has been a severe trial to me 
 to be left alone with my little ones this winter, 
 being separated from all my connections. I feel 
 very lonely ; some of the time I think I cannot 
 submit to it. But I do not wish to murmur at 
 the dealincrs of a kind Providence. We had 
 
206 MEMOIR or 
 
 made our calculations to visit you before hus- 
 band left, but were disappointed. I want Celia 
 to come down and spend the winter with me 
 and go to school, and get a few scraps of Latin 
 — it will give her a better understanding of the 
 English language. I shall not go to the Cape 
 before warm weather. Please write soon, and 
 inform me of the state of religion in your com- 
 munity. E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 The class to which E. belonged was now re- 
 duced to four members, but was kept up 
 through her instrumentality. This class meet- 
 ing was almost the only public means of grace 
 which Elizabeth enjoyed during my absence, 
 as much as she loved the sanctuary. In this 
 sacrifice, I think my wife manifested a heroic 
 spirit ; willing as she was to deprive herself of 
 all the public means of grace, and live alone 
 with two little helpless children upon her hands, 
 purely that I might preach where there was 
 some prospect of being of a little use to my fel- 
 low men. Early in the spring I returned to 
 Billerica, and moved my family to Wellfleet, 
 and tarried there until the next conference 
 commenced its session ; then I took my family 
 and goods, and started for conference. The 
 following letter was written to sister Warren, 
 while we were located in Wellfleet, dated 
 
 *' April 19, 1840. 
 
 " Dear Sister : — You have probably heard 
 of our removal from Billerica to this place. I 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 207 
 
 took cold on board the schooner, which very 
 much increased my cough for several weeks 
 after. I felt after I came here, that truly I 
 had no abiding place, but was a pilgrim and a 
 stranger on the earth. I trust, however, that I 
 am seeking one which is to come, which halh a 
 solid foundation. The year past, has truly 
 been a trying one. We have had to move twice, 
 and have seen but little fruit of our labors, &:.c. ; 
 still I believe a wise Providence directed our 
 steps to this place. I do not think Mr. M. 
 could have been hired to stay in Billerica ano- 
 ther month. I much admire the equality exist- 
 ing among the people here ; but I could not 
 persuade myself to live here another year. I 
 trust you are still pursuing your christian 
 course with delight. I want to see you very 
 much. It is now almost four years since we 
 saw each other ; but, if faithful, we shall all 
 soon meet in heaven. I still find sweet conso- 
 lation in the religion of Christ. I prize it as 
 my chief good. I esteem it as my highest priv- 
 ileore, to retire from the busy cares of life, and 
 converse awhile with Deity. O what a gift is 
 ours. A throne of grace is made accessible by 
 the blood of Christ ; and ' who that knows the 
 worth of prayer, but wishes often to be there.' 
 Let us take the whole armor of God, and seek 
 after that divine fullness which is promised in 
 the gospel. Much is now being said and writ- 
 ten on the subject of holiness, and I deem it 
 highly important to know from personal expe- 
 
208 MEMOIR or 
 
 rience, that the blood of Christ cleanseth from 
 all sin. I believe this inestimable blessing is 
 obtained by simple faith — a firm reliance on 
 him who has promised it. Many, I think, look 
 too high for this blessing, while others come 
 not up to the mark. I believe, if we give our 
 hearts to the Lord unreservedly, with a willing- 
 ness to surrender, we are the Lord's, and He 
 is ours. We may then consider ourselves cru- 
 cified to the world with its affections and lusts, 
 and say, in the language of the Apostle, * we 
 live, yet not we, but Christ liveth in us, and 
 the life that we now live is by faith on the Son 
 of God, who hath loved us and given himself 
 for us.' 
 
 " We know not where our lot will be cast 
 another year. I much prefer the country, and 
 wish we might receive an appointment near our 
 friends. I trust you are still pleading the cause 
 of the poor slave, and are not growing tired of 
 the heavenly way. Be assured you have our 
 prayers and best wishes for your present and 
 future welfare. E. A. Moulton." 
 
 The journal proceeds : 
 
 April 24 — " We are all now in good 
 health and fine spirits. Yesterday, I went to 
 meeting at the Alms-house with my husband ; 
 had a precious season. One of its inmates 
 rose for prayers, and probably about twenty 
 spoke after the sermon. Truly, this seemed 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 209 
 
 like old times. Our Congregational brethren 
 here can shout as loud as Methodists. All are 
 one, when they meet together. There appears 
 to be no distinction of sects." 
 
 June 3. — " Our church and congregation 
 are large in this place during the winter. 
 There is connected with it a large Sabbath 
 school. The means of conveyance to this place 
 are difficult, especially in the winter, as the 
 vessels are generally frozen in." 
 
 June 5. — " Mr. M. attended the anniversary 
 meetings in Boston last week. Several minis- 
 ters went up in the same vessel. Religion is 
 at a low ebb here. Almost every man and boy 
 at this season of the year, is on the mighty 
 deep, coasting, or catching fish. Consequently, 
 but little can be done in the summer, to pro- 
 mote revivals, as the married women almost in- 
 variably are confined at home with little chil- 
 dren. Our congregations now are chiefly com- 
 posed of aged men and females. Soon I hope 
 to have the privilege *of inhaling again the 
 mountain air. Lord direct." 
 
 Elizabeth labored and toiled with me here, 
 walking through the sands to attend the means 
 of grace, but her usefulness was more limited 
 than formerly, owing probably to the prejudice 
 that rose against me for making an insurrection 
 among the rum-jugs, and rum-drinkers. Our 
 18 
 
210 MEMOIR OF 
 
 usefulness consisted here in preparing the way 
 for the coming of the Lord in power. For 
 truly, when a new preacher came, and the ex- 
 citement on temperance was allayed, the great- 
 est revival ever enjoyed there was witnessed. 
 Billerica and Wellfleet, the scenes of this 
 year's labor, were places of extreme toil and 
 suffering to Mrs. M. It may be said of her, 
 that she was made " perfect through suffering." 
 But from her discouragements the Lord de- 
 livered her, by our being appointed to Ash- 
 burnham the following year. This was placing 
 her in the midst of her connections, and where 
 we had territory enough on which to work. We 
 found this church rather pro-slavery in its cha- 
 racter ; several of its oldest members had never 
 come into the temperance measures. Conse- 
 quently, some of them had entirely deserted the 
 ordinances of the gospel. We both went to 
 work, determined to repair the breaches of 
 Zion in the name of the Lord, believing God 
 had sent us here. Mrs. M. was highly grati- 
 tified with this appointment, it bringing her into 
 the neighborhood of her parents and sisters, 
 whose society she so highly prized. As soon 
 as the classes were regulated, we commenced 
 holding series of evening meetings in remote 
 parts of the town. E. attended whenever cir- 
 cumstances would permit. The first meeting 
 continued seventeen evenings, the results of 
 which were about twenty conversions, and the 
 whole church was much encouraged. About this 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 211 
 
 time, the Lord afflicted my wife in the person 
 of her sister Celia, who was teaching school in 
 the place. No sooner had she recovered from 
 a burning fever, which instrumentally brought 
 her to God, than Louisa, her adopted sister, 
 who was boarding with us, and attending the 
 high school, was taken sick also with a raging 
 fever, which occupied the attention of Eliza- 
 beth much of the time for several weeks. Nev- 
 er did I see any person more attentive to a 
 sick person than Elizabeth was to her sister, 
 besides discharging the duties of her family. 
 She did not complain of the weight of addi- 
 tional cares, although it was a great affliction 
 to her to be so closely confined at home, while 
 the fields were all white, and the harvest was 
 being gathered ; for in the midst of this afflic- 
 tion the work of God was increasing among us. 
 My second series of meetings had now com- 
 menced in another part of the town, and the 
 Lord was working for us gloriously. To and 
 from this meeting, which was four miles from 
 home, I walked, every night for weeks, in con- 
 sequence of sickness in my family. We gather- 
 ed into the fold of Christ, as the fruits of this 
 meeting, which continued about three weeks, 
 some thirty souls. As Mrs. M. was provi- 
 dentially detained at home during the progress 
 of this meeting, tarrying by the '* stuff," I went 
 to the battle without her, almost for the first 
 time ; but when her duties called her to stay at 
 home she could realize the fulfillment of the 
 
212 MEMOIR OF 
 
 following scripture : " But as his part is that 
 goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be 
 that tarrieth by the stuff." 
 
 About this time my wife addressed a letter to 
 Sister Warren, giving the following particulars : 
 
 " ASHBURNHAM, OcT. 11, 1840. 
 
 " Dear Sister : — I sit down to inform you 
 that we are at present receiving the rod of af- 
 fliction. Sister Celia has been sick with the 
 typhus fever ; but is now convalescent. She 
 continued her school about thirteen weeks, but 
 was unable to finish it. Then Louisa was taken 
 sick at our house with the same fever. She is 
 now very low, and fears are entertained that 
 she will not recover. It is now nearly midnight, 
 and I write while watching with her. My chil- 
 dren have both been sick, but have recovered. 
 We are enjoying a glorious revival, which 
 sweetens all our trials. Several have been 
 converted the week past. E. A. Moulton." 
 
 Immediately after Louisa recovered, our 
 little son Theodore was prostrated with the 
 same disease. Mrs. M. dreading the very idea 
 of giving her son much mineral medicine, 
 chose to carry him through the fever without 
 medical advice. Having engagements abroad 
 to a protracted meeting when our son was at- 
 tacked with the fever, I of course declined 
 going, and leaving a sick family at home ; until 
 Elizabeth thought I had better go, as the peo- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 213 
 
 pie would then expect me, fully believing that 
 God would give her strength and grace to take 
 good care of the child. She also had faith 
 that God would raise her son to health again, 
 and her faith was not in vain, although severely 
 tried, when the fever came to its crisis ; yet in 
 the course of three weeks, he was playing about 
 the house again. Our afflictions now being 
 over, Mrs. M., as usual, commenced working 
 at her trade, as it was not suitable for her to 
 work with me much during the cold weather 
 this winter. Had it not been for the money 
 Elizabeth received for work done for the pub- 
 lic, I know not how we should have lived com- 
 fortably some years during our vicissitudes to- 
 gether. My companion had learned before I 
 knew her, "never to be unemployed, and nev- 
 er to be triflingly employed." I will presume 
 that she earned from 30 to 50 dollars annually, 
 from the time I became acquainted with her to 
 the present time, besides taking care of her 
 family, and attending with me yearly so many 
 meetings. In addition to these duties, her per- 
 sonal-effort movements were extensive. She 
 probably conversed personally with hundreds 
 every year, on the subject of experimental and 
 practical religion, from the commencement of 
 her toils with me until her tongue was silent in 
 death. 
 
 Celia, Elizabeth's youngest sister, having 
 now experienced a change from nature to 
 grace, the following extract of a letter dated 
 *18 . 
 
214 MEMOIR OP 
 
 January 11, 1841, announces the news to their 
 parents : 
 
 *' Dear Parents : — We are still enjoying 
 revival seasons among us. Celia, your youngest 
 daughter, has at last found the pearl of great 
 price. She was brought into the liberty of the 
 gospel on New Year's day. She has already 
 spoken of her joys in public meetings several 
 times. What a source of consolation it must 
 be to you, that all your children are walking in 
 wisdom's ways ! that all have been made sub- 
 jects of redeeming grace ! O may we all pur- 
 sue the path that leads to heaven with joy and 
 delight, that at last we may all meet in that 
 better land to go no more out for ever. 
 
 '' E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 Celia now being adopted into the family of 
 heaven, and her anticipated companion with 
 whom she was about to unite, being aroused again 
 to newness of life, completed the list of the con- 
 versions of this whole family of parents 
 and children with their husbands. It was 
 truly a matter of great rejoicing to Elizabeth 
 that she was permitted to live to see them all 
 walking in the truth, after a continued struggle 
 of prayer for their salvation during almost twenty 
 years. It is somewhat remarkable in view of 
 all the circumstances, how providentially all 
 were preserved, while scattered in different 
 places and brought to Christ one by one, 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 215 
 
 Ihrough the instrumentality of faithful and per- 
 severing praying, exhorting, and writing. O 
 how encouraging are the faithful prayers of 
 Elizabeth to all pious females, who have un- 
 converted friends. Let them but continue 
 ardent and persevering in their pious efforts for 
 their salvation, knowing that although the vision 
 may tarry long, yet it is written, " The fervent 
 and effectual prayer of a righteous man avail* 
 eth much," and " in due season ye shall reap if 
 ye faint not," — and they will prevail. 
 
 Louisa, while sick at our dwelling, fearing 
 she should not recover, earnestly and implor- 
 ingly begged my companion to pray for the 
 conversion of her soul, promising her that she 
 would seek the Lord. But having recovered 
 her health, and being about to be married and 
 leave home, not having fulfilled her solemn pro- 
 mise, Mrs. M. addressed the following note to 
 her, reminding her of her solemn obligations 
 to God : 
 
 *' Dear Louisa : — How do you now regara 
 the interests of your immortal soul 1 Are you 
 still striving to make your way to heaven ? 
 Have you not vowed, and will you not perform 
 your vows unto the Lord ? I have often felt 
 ardent desires that you might become a child of 
 God — that you might taste those joys which 
 are immortal. O seek Christ and prepare for 
 heaven. E. A. Moulton." 
 
216 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The following extract of a letter was ad- 
 dressed to sister Warren, dated March 2, 1841 : 
 
 '' Dear Sister : — We are enjoying refresh- 
 ing seasons from the presence of the Lord: 
 Many have experienced religion, and about 
 forty have joined our church on probation. 
 And let me tell you that Celia has become a 
 follower of the Lamb. Your heart would leap 
 for joy could you but hear her speak forth the 
 wonders of redeeming grace. O what cause 
 have we for gratitude to God, that all our 
 family are now on their way to heaven. Mr. M. 
 recently closed another series of evening meet- 
 ings, held in the south part of our parish, on 
 the borders of Westminster. A goodly number 
 obtained hope in Christ at this meeting and ten 
 united with us on trial. Probably one of the 
 most hardened infidels in the town was con- 
 verted at this meeting. Mr. M. having held 
 several series of meetings in the remote parts of 
 our parish with good success, has now drawn 
 into the centre, and commenced a protracted 
 effort in our meeting-house. 
 
 " E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 Having raised beacon fires in the remote 
 parts of the town, our meeting in the centre 
 worked admirably. After continuing the meet- 
 ing here several nights, the strongholds of in- 
 fidelity began to give way, and we continued 
 the meetings about forty nights or more, without 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 217 
 
 cessation. During this effort we gathered forty 
 souls into the fold of Christ, making in all, this 
 year, about one hundred converted to God within 
 the limits of our parish. At this last protracted 
 meeting Mrs. M. exerted all her strength, help- 
 ing to promote the interests of the revival. 
 Some of the hardest hearts were brought to bow. 
 I learned that no instrument was more efficient 
 in melting down the hearts of these hardened 
 sinners, than Elizabeth. The harvest in Ash- 
 burnham this year was truly great and glorious, 
 considering our population. 
 
 I wish to relate a part of the history and vi- 
 cissitudes of one man, for the space of about 
 three months, who, it was supposed, was aroused 
 to a sense of his situation by the faithful labors 
 of Elizabeth. This man, who had not attended 
 a religious meeting for years, was seen in one 
 of our evening meetings, after they had pro- 
 gressed for a few weeks, and the same evening 
 he was seen at the altar for prayers. But it 
 was supposed by all, that he came forward for 
 ridicule. He continued to attend meeting, 
 however, every evening, but came no more to 
 the altar for prayers, although he became 
 very serious. After our protracted meeting 
 had closed, he came often to our house, and 
 conversed freely with my wife concerning the 
 interests of his soul, and she encouraged him to 
 believe in Christ, and we were animated to 
 hope that he was truly converted. He com- 
 menced attending our class-meetings, and spoke 
 
218 MEMOIR OF 
 
 his mind freely ; but this confessing Christ be- 
 fore men so enraged his wife, that he told my 
 companion, he should have no peace at home, 
 unless he ceased going to our meeting. He 
 said that he could previously go away to the 
 tavern and stay till midnight, without making 
 any trouble, but now he could not go to a class 
 meeting and spend an hour in the service of 
 God, without making his house a Bedlam. He 
 was advised, however, to go forward, leaving 
 the consequences with God. During this strug- 
 gle, his old comrades sympathized with his 
 wife, and some soul-destroying Universalist 
 handed him a book, which, it is to be feared, 
 was the means of completing the work of his 
 destruction ; for being asked, a few days after 
 he had entirely yielded to the tempter, how his 
 soul prospered, he said with much apparent 
 feeling, *' My damnation is eternally sealed." 
 As striking as it may appear, this sentiment 
 was uttered but a hw days before he was taken 
 violently sick, and after extreme suffering, his 
 body was consigned to the tomb, and his spirit 
 passed into the presence of God. During this 
 short sickness, none of the church knew the 
 state of his mind, for none were permitted to 
 speak a comforting word to him on his dying 
 bed. Neither was one Christian permitted to 
 offer a prayer for him in his presence, to soothe 
 his fainting spirits, while sinking down into the 
 valley and shadow of death. I knocked at his 
 door and imploringly asked liberty to go in and 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 219 
 
 see him, but was denied. My wife also, who 
 felt intensely for the interests of his soul, went, 
 again and again, but was not permitted to see 
 his face. So died this man as the fool dieth. 
 Mrs. M. mourned much that a neighbor who 
 had lived only a few rods from our door, should 
 sicken and die, and she not have one opportunity 
 to adminster consolation to his soul on his dy- 
 ing couch, having previously had so many op- 
 portunities to recommend him to Christ. 
 
 During the progress of this last series of 
 meetings, Br. Smith, one of the preachers who 
 came to help me, was taken sick. This occu- 
 pied much of the attention of my wife for two 
 or three weeks ; still as she felt deeply for anx- 
 ious souls, she found some time every night to 
 go to some part of each evening meeting while 
 it continued. She also took some active part 
 in every religious meeting which she attended. 
 If there was no time for exhortation, she al- 
 ways found time for prayer, and to go into the 
 congregation after the anxious. Some of the 
 most hardened sinners in the village will un- 
 doubtedly rise up and call her blessed, in the 
 day of judgment, for the exertions she put 
 forth for the salvation of their souls. Her exer- 
 lions were not confined to the meeting-house ; 
 when opportunities presented, she went into the 
 families of believers and unbelievers, inviting 
 them to come to meeting and to the Savior. In 
 this revival more of the converts than usual, as 
 well as the older members of the church, 
 
220 MEMOIR or 
 
 praised God for the instructions and prayers of 
 Elizabeth in their behalf. 
 
 Our protracted efforts for the conversion of 
 sinners having closed for the present conference 
 year, and much of the fruit being gathered in to 
 the church, vi^e commenced a campaign against 
 intemperance which, in its results, worked to a 
 charm. 
 
 Notwithstanding the town had taken a vote 
 this spring not to approbate any person to sell 
 intoxicating drinks, a man, who had hired some 
 rooms in the town-house in which to keep store, 
 went to Worcester and obtained license of the 
 county commissioners to retail it. The tem- 
 perance men called several meetings to concert 
 measures to counteract the influence of this 
 rum-seller, but all seemed to avail nothing until 
 the women took it in hand — Elizabeth taking 
 the lead of this enterprise. And what think you 
 was their conclusion, while deliberating at the 
 first meeting? It was to try to starve this 
 rum-trafficker. They took the following mode. 
 They fii-st chose a committee whose duty it 
 was to obtain all the female signers who would 
 pledge themselves not to patronize his store, 
 and after procuring one hundred signatures, 
 they met at an adjourned meeting and drew up 
 a set of resolutions deprecating his course, &c., 
 but promising to patronize him as soon as he 
 would give up his traffic. The ladies having in- 
 formed hiin of their doings, he spurned at their 
 proposals, disdaining the very idea of changing 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 221 
 
 his course at their request — thinking that the 
 rum party would sustain him in his traffic. But 
 the persevering efforts of the females soon 
 made his traffic so unpopular, that even his 
 old friends and customers were ashamed to be 
 seen calling at his store, fearing that all who 
 called, would be charged with buying rum. In 
 a few weeks after the ladies commenced this 
 starvation process, the rum-seller was obliged 
 to cut and run, notwithstanding he had re- 
 ceived a lease of the town-house for three 
 years. No one was more active than Elizabeth 
 in this enterprise, and probably no one rejoiced 
 more in obtaining such a signal victory in the 
 temperance cause. Let it here be observed, 
 that the ladies obtained this victory, while the 
 gentlemen were consulting what measures they 
 should take to obtain it. This rum-seller being 
 forced to give up his traffic, no temperance per- 
 son pitied him. 
 
 Elizabeth hud now become so identified 
 with the interests of this society, and the Con- 
 gregational society too, and the people were 
 so united to her in affection, that it would have 
 been hard parting had we been removed at the 
 close of this year. 
 
 The following letter was directed to her 
 adopted sister just before conference, dated 
 
 '* ASHBURNHAM, JuNE 28, 1841. 
 
 " Dear Louisa : — You will excuse my neg- 
 ligence in writing, when I tell you that a multi- 
 19 
 
222 MEMOIR OF 
 
 plicity of cares has prevented. Our children 
 have had the measles, whooping-cough, chicken 
 pox, and the mumps, since you were sick here. 
 Br. Smith, from Lunenburg, also was confined 
 here two weeks. So you see that I have had 
 much business, and many cares on my hands. 
 We visited sister Lucy in May, and found her 
 very pleasantly situated. We have also been 
 at father's since you left. I was sorry to hear 
 of your poor state of health, but hope you are 
 better now. 
 
 " We have had a large accession to our 
 church in this place since you left. We have a 
 large congregation, and a very interesting Sab- 
 bath school. Considerable is being done here 
 at present, in the temperance cause. We are 
 to form a cold water army on the fourth of 
 July. We are calculating also to have a Sab- 
 bath school celebrcition in the Grove the same 
 day, where we expect to hear several speeches, 
 and after these, to partake of some refreshment. 
 I did intend to visit you during the session of 
 conference at Worcester, but it will not be 
 practicable. 
 
 " I hope and trust you are not wholly regard- 
 less of those things which will make for your 
 peace here, and hereafter. Possibly, the sub- 
 ject of religion may appear to you dry and mo- 
 notonous; but be assured, it is a subject which 
 most deeply concerns us all, whether you be- 
 lieve it, or not, I hope you, and your dear 
 husband, will not fail to secure an interest in 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 223 
 
 Christ ; for religion will lay the rough paths of 
 nature even, and open in the breast a little hea- 
 ven. I shall think of you both and pray much 
 for you, as your eternal interests lay near my 
 heart. I hope, should we not be permitted 
 to meet again on these mortal shores, we shall 
 be so happy as to meet in heaven to praise God 
 for ever. E. A. Moulton." 
 
CHAPTEU XIL 
 
 Having returned to Ashburnham the second 
 year, we learned that some Methodist back- 
 sliders had been usincr their influence acrainst 
 us. One, on hearing of my re-appointment, 
 was so deeply afflicted, that, giving way to 
 temptation, he became very much excited in his 
 feelings, and took an oath that he would never 
 hear me preach again. Then, to satiate his 
 bad feelings, he went almost tliree times as far 
 to hear a Universalist preach, and after a while 
 invited him to come into our Methodist com- 
 munity, Sunday evenings, and give lectures, 
 where probably no Universalist had ever 
 preached before. The minister complying with 
 his request, made an appointment to come in 
 two weeks from that Sunday, commencing his 
 exercises at 4 o'clock, P. M. In about one 
 week, as the Providence of God ordered it, 
 this aggrieved man was taken sick, and struck 
 dumb, so that he could not speak one word 
 
lELlZABEtH ANJS MOULTON. 225 
 
 to his friends. They could understand him, 
 however, by signs. Seeing that he was deeply 
 humbled in his affliction, believing that the 
 judgments of God had overtaken him, I faith- 
 fully exhorted him to give his heart to God, 
 asking him if he would try ; he made a great 
 effort to answer me in the affirmative, but could 
 not speak. His very countenance, and actions, 
 evinced to me the mental agonies of his mind. 
 But the most convincing testimony that his 
 course was displeasing to God, was exhibited 
 in the following fact : the very liour that the 
 Universalist was invited, hy his request, tO 
 preach a sermon, laas the very hour that I was 
 called to attend his funeral. 
 
 The revival having now subsided in Ash- 
 butnham, we Went to Winchendon Springs, 
 and held a series of evening meetings. Her6 
 the Lord wrought gloriously for us, and we 
 formed a society of about forty members. My 
 companion's labors were so signally blest at 
 this meeting, that the people were hardly will- 
 ing that I should come and preach without 
 bringing her to assist me. 
 
 We then made an effort in Ashby to save 
 souls, and after enforcing truth upon the con* 
 sciences of the hearers three or four weeks, 
 contending earnestly for free and full salvation, 
 against the prejudices of the people, the Lord 
 converted about forty more to himself This 
 meeting served as a key to open the way for 
 Methodist preaching in the beautiful town of 
 *19 
 
226 MEMOIR OF 
 
 New Ipswich, containing about two thousand 
 inhabitants. This was truly a walled town. 
 The doctrines as preached by the Calvinists, 
 had reigned triumphant here from the settlement 
 of the place; consequently, the Methodists had 
 found no place for the soles of their feet. 
 
 There was a large Congregational church 
 consisting of about five hundred members, and 
 a small Baptist church of about fifty members, 
 struggling hard for life. 
 
 There having been no revival in this town 
 for years, the churches had become very luke- 
 warm and proud. I learned that the ministers 
 at this time opposed females opening their* 
 mouths in public meetings, believing it a 
 '* shame for women to speak in a church," A 
 Congregational brother having heard of our 
 success in Ashby, a town joining New Ipswich, 
 ventured to invite me to preach a lecture in the 
 school-house in the village where he lived. 
 Having accepted the invitation, I sent an ap- 
 pointment, making calculations in my own 
 mind, should the Lord open the way, for a long 
 continued effort. At the close of the first meet- 
 ing, I proposed, with diffidence, being a stran- 
 ger, the propriety of holding another, the fol- 
 lowing evening, as I wished to make some calls. 
 None objecting, I announced the appointment 
 and closed the meeting. The second evening 
 the congregation had greatly increased, and it 
 was perceived that seriousness had fastened 
 upon the minds of many who were present. I 
 
£L1ZABETH ANN MOULTOWo 227 
 
 then appointed another, and so continued 
 through the week ; announcing one meeting at 
 a time, fearing every night that the farther con- 
 tinuance of ray meeting would be opposed, as 
 there were no Methodist brethren in the place 
 to sustain me. Saturday evening, after meeting, 
 I returned to Ashburnham to spend the Sab- 
 bath, leaving an appointment to return again 
 Sunday evening. I now informed my wife that 
 I wished her to prepare for another campaign. At 
 this period the seriousness had become general 
 in the district where the meetings were held j 
 but the ministers of the place, not knowing that 
 my design was to continue the meeting, had not 
 as yet come out to see what the Lord was doing 
 for the people. But no sooner did my wife 
 come, than it was noised abroad that none 
 ever spoke like her ; after which we were soon 
 thronged with hearers. Some then wished me 
 to move the meetings to the town-house, in the 
 centre of the town ; others requested me to ad- 
 journ to the Baptist meeting-house. I thought 
 proper, notwithstanding this advice, to remain 
 where I was, and divide the meeting, calling the 
 anxious and some praying souls into a private 
 house, while all others crowded into the school- 
 house. During the latter part of the second 
 week, the Baptist minister came to our meeting 
 one evening, making many apologies for not 
 having attended before. 
 
 At the commencement of the third week, I 
 think, the Congregational minister was an- 
 
228 MEMOIR OF 
 
 nounced as being in the congregation, I asked 
 him to take a seat with me and make some re- 
 marks after sermon, but he refused either to 
 sit with me, or to take any part in the exer- 
 cises. I now apprehended, by the signs of the 
 times, that a storm might be expected ahead ; 
 nor was I mistaken in my apprehensions, as the 
 sequel will show. Having now gained some 
 foothold, I gave out notice that meetings would 
 be held every evening during the week, think- 
 ing, should I defer the meeting one evenings 
 the place would be occupied by another minis- 
 ter, who, I believe, was now waiting for an op- 
 portunity to take the ground. 
 
 The next night, Mr. Lee, the Congregational 
 preacher, came again, and made some remarks, 
 but in a fault-finding way, cautioning the peo- 
 ple against receiving error, &c. These remarks 
 nerved up Mrs. M. to exhort and pray as I 
 hardly ever heard her before, being filled with 
 the Ploly Ghost. Mr. Lee continued two nights 
 more, each night giving contrary instruction to 
 the anxious from what they had received, labor*- 
 ing hard to impress the people with the idea 
 that this revival was the result of his preaching, 
 and the long continued prayers of his church ; 
 and therefore more than hinted, that he ought 
 to have the control of the meeting, and manage 
 the revival. It was now clear to my mind, that 
 he would be the means of destroying the revi- 
 val unless he should be arrested in his course. 
 He, being opposed to females improving in pub- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 229 
 
 lie meetings, labored hard one evening to pre- 
 vent my wife from speaking, by improving the 
 time himself, which was appointed for the social 
 meeting. Then turning to me, he said, " If 
 you are not ready to commence the public 
 exercises, I will preach." Said I, " Go ahead." 
 He commenced exhorting again, but as the 
 wheels rolled rather heavily, he soon yielded 
 his position. Then Mrs. M. rising, being full 
 of the spirit of her Savior, delivered a message 
 which produced such a thrilling effect on the 
 minds of the audience, that even Mr. Lee af- 
 terwards, as I understood, said to a member of 
 his church, '' I am willing that that woman 
 should improve her gift." 
 
 The next evening, which was the last he 
 came there, his feelings being much excited, 
 his course was so very objectionable to me and 
 most of the people present, that I arose and 
 informed the congregation that it was evident 
 to all, that Mr. Lee was determined to crush 
 my influence by his exceptionable course, in 
 publicly criticising every sentiment and mea- 
 sure which did not accord with his views ; and 
 therefore, I called upon the audience to sustain 
 the meeting, and the means then being used, 
 which had already resulted in the conviction and 
 conversion of many souls. To these remarks Mr. 
 L. replied, asserting his right to detect error, 
 whenever advanced among his own people, and 
 therefore called upon his church, many of whom 
 were present, to stand by him in this exigency, 
 
230 MEMOIR OF 
 
 appealing to their consciences whether" it was 
 not his right to expose strange doctrines wher- 
 ever advanced. To this reply, a rejoinder was 
 given, in which I noticed his unheard of breach 
 of the rules of politeness, in thus disturbing a 
 peaceable assembly collected for religious ser- 
 vices. He rose once more, and plead for the sym- 
 pathies of the people, &c., referring to his 
 prayers, labors, and sacrifices among them; "and 
 now," said he, *' will you forsake me, and follow 
 the counsels of a stranger ?" He was then in- 
 formed peremptorily that we should not aban- 
 don the field, so long as the Lord blessed, and 
 the people would sustain our feeble efforts. 
 The meeting then closed in some confusion, 
 after Mr. L. had advertised the audience that he 
 should be present every evening, and expose 
 whatever of false doctrine might be advanced. 
 The next evening came, and multitudes assem- 
 bled, but my antagonist did not appear. His 
 friends, as I afterwards learned, met and advised 
 him to come no more. During all this rupture, 
 the work of revival progressed in an unprece- 
 dented manner, considering the circumstances. 
 It being impossible to accommodate the people 
 in our two present places of worship, after w^e 
 had continued the meetings here twenty-one 
 evenings successively, I ventured, on my own 
 responsibility, to remove it to the town-house 
 in the centre of the town. And as Mrs. M. 
 could not attend with me constantly, I engaged 
 a preacher to assist rae a few evenings. After 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 231 
 
 having continued here two weeks, afternoons 
 and evenings, with glorious success, the Con- 
 gregationalists, having invited to their help 
 several clergymen, commenced a protracted 
 meeting. Here we continued side by side with 
 them three or four weeks longer, without any 
 intermission. And such management to draw 
 the young converts from our meeting to theirs, 
 I never saw before ! One of their ministers 
 stood at the door of the town-house several 
 afternoons, during the time that the people were 
 assembling, entreating one and another to at- 
 tend their own meeting. 
 
 Up to the sixth or seventh week the Baptists 
 generally attended our meeting ; I then learned 
 that Mr. Lee proposed to the Baptists to unite 
 with them, promising when they should close 
 their meeting, that they would reciprocate their 
 attendance. To this proposal the Baptists con- 
 sented, expecting by this forced union of effort, 
 undoubtedly to counteract my designs in building 
 up a new church in the place. But before the 
 Congregationalists were willing to give way for 
 the Baptists to commence the meeting in their 
 house, we commenced gathering in the fruit of 
 our revival. This course soon terminated the 
 union meeting between the Congregationalists 
 and Baptists, but we held on our meetings, 
 minding our own business, until they had con- 
 tinued about eighty nights. Through this long 
 series of meetings we judged that about three 
 hundred had been converted at our altars : but 
 
232 MEMOIR OF 
 
 by a continual storm of persecution against us 
 as a people, and a regular organized system of 
 proselyting, many were drawn away from our 
 church, and many, it is to be feared, from 
 Christ. About one hundred who were aroused 
 to a sense of their guilt through the instrument- 
 ality of the Methodists, united with the Con- 
 gregationalists, about twenty with the Baptists, 
 and about eighty with the Methodists. The 
 remainder, having heard so much said against 
 us, refused to join any of the churches, and 
 probably most of them soon lost their first love. 
 Having now been long from home, with my 
 wife laboring and suffering, side by side, with 
 me much of the time, and being obliged to 
 spend several Sabbaths here, and supply my 
 people at Ashburnham, the brethren there had 
 become dissatisfied with my course, being so 
 long neglected. In this s'raitened situation, 
 knowing that it would not do to neglect the 
 converts in New Ipswich one Sabbath, I adver- 
 tised in Zion's Herald for help, and Br. H. B. 
 Skinner responded to the call. But while mat- 
 ters were maturing for his services, the devil 
 stirred up an adversary against me in Ashburn- 
 ham, who warned me out of the house in which 
 we lived. This I received as providential, in- 
 dicating to me that it was my duty to move my 
 family to New Ipswich. The brethren there- 
 fore, agreeing to accept of the labors of Br. 
 Skinner in Ashburnham, and pay him for his 
 services the remainder of the year, I immedi- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 233 
 
 ately. repaired to New Ipswich to share in their 
 vicissitudes, and receive what they might be 
 willing to allow me for my services. 
 
 This move was a great trial to Elizabeth, who 
 had become strongly attached to Ashburnham :" 
 still she thought it providential, and therefore 
 submitted without a murmur, believing God 
 had called us to make this sacrifice. We doubted 
 afterwards whether this was not a hasty step, as 
 the remainder of the year was one of deep men- 
 tal, and outward conflict to us both, occasioned 
 partly by the trial produced by the change in 
 Ashburnham, and partly by the increased per- 
 secution of the lambs in New Ipswich. Br. 
 Skinner soon introduced Millerism into the 
 church in Ashburnham, which resulted in di- 
 vision, and rabid Come-out-ism. In this move- 
 ment the church received a stroke from which 
 I fear it will never recover. 
 
 By the time we had settled in our new field 
 of labor, there had been some falling off from 
 us ; our enemies being diligent among the con- 
 verts, during a few days absence. My dear 
 companion and myself, however, went to work 
 acrain, trying to strengthen and confirm the con- 
 verts in the faith. 
 
 At this time the Baptists had dismissed their 
 preacher and settled a new one, whose hand 
 was against every man ; and as I would not fight 
 with him, he commenced a quarrel with the 
 Concrregationalists, which continued for a sea- 
 son. His character afterwards being developed, 
 30 
 
234 MEMOIR OK 
 
 he was deposed, and soon *' went to his own 
 place," or among his own class, and is now a 
 vile abuser of the churches of Christ, During 
 this rupture between those professed union par- 
 ties, we had a little respite among ourselves. 
 
 Being now convinced that we could not sus- 
 tain ourselves without a permanent place of 
 worship, the brethren, although mostly poor, 
 made an effort to build a house for the Lord. 
 Nine persons, with myself, obligated ourselves 
 to become responsible for its expense. This un- 
 dertaking turned the attention of our enemies 
 towards us again, and two of the nine were im- 
 mediately dissuaded from their engagements. 
 The responsibilities of building then rested on 
 seven. This burden I knew not how to bear, 
 but Mrs. M. believing that the Lord would re- 
 ward our enterprise, encouraged me to proceed, 
 saying, " the Lord will provide for me and our 
 children." I was surprised that she was so willing 
 to have me sacrifice what little she had saved in 
 the course of years by hard work and by practis- 
 ing the most rigid economy, knowing that previ- 
 ously she had been anxious to lay up a little some- 
 thing for a future day. I knew not then that she 
 was bordering near the heavenly land. Neither 
 did I then know that she had a presentiment in 
 her own breast that her departure was nigh ; al- 
 though she had often hinted that death might 
 be near. Her thoughts having now become so 
 absorbed in the glories of that better land, that 
 it appeared, she wished her little interest there. 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 235 
 
 believing God would amply provide for the 
 family. 
 
 We all proceeded and soon erected a beauti- 
 ful house of worship, dedicated it to the Lord, 
 and I had the pleasure of preaching in it the 
 first Sabbath. The session of our conference 
 now being at hand, we took our leave of these 
 tender lambs, after having given them up to the 
 pastoral watchcare of the New Hampshire con- 
 ference. This conference cordially received 
 them, and has yearly provided them with pas- 
 tors, who have faithfully watched over their 
 spiritual interests, and fed them with the bread 
 of life. And had it not been for the withering 
 influence of Millerism, which crept in there 
 soon after our departure. New Ipswich would 
 now have been one of our most flourishing 
 country stations. 
 
 I have long detained the reader with our five 
 months' tour in New Hampshire, not merely on 
 account of the blessed revival we enjoyed there, 
 and the circumstances connected with it, but 
 because it was in this place, that an incident 
 transpired in connection with the abundant 
 labors of Elizabeth, which laid the foundation 
 of her final sickness. It is evident, although she 
 continued with me about one year from this time, 
 in labors more abundant than ever, that she had 
 premonitions of her near approach to the end- 
 less joys of heaven. The holy influence which 
 she exerted here on community generally, will 
 not soon be forgotten. Many of the young per- 
 
S36 MEMOIR OF 
 
 secuted converts, especially the sisters, will 
 long remember that her home was an asylum for 
 them in time of trouble and persecution. An 
 opportunity to comfort their souls and feed 
 their bodies, was a great gratification to her 
 mind. And when about to take her final leave, 
 many gathered around her, to receive her part- 
 ing blessing, as it flowed from her lips. Many 
 looked up to her as their spiritual mother, 
 thanking God for the instructions they had re- 
 ceived, and the consolations she had adminis- 
 tered to them again and again. 
 
 I frequently felt some misgivings at the sacri- 
 fice we had made in instrumentally building up 
 this branch of Christ's church, but as often, did 
 Elizabeth check my murmurings, citing me to 
 heaven for my reward. 
 
 The revivals here, at Ashby, and at Win- 
 chendon, and the blessed state of prosperity we 
 enjoyed while in Ashburnham, constituted this 
 a great and glorious year in our brief history, 
 notwithstanding it proved to be a year of un- 
 precedented temporal embarrassment and sac- 
 rifice. 
 
 The following is a letter written to sister 
 Warren, dated 
 
 " New Ipswich, March 27, 1842. 
 
 ^^ Dear Sister: — Being now permitted to 
 
 enjoy a few moments of retirement, a privilege 
 
 which I have not often enjoyed during the fall 
 
 and winter past, I will improve it in writing. 
 
fcLtZ,ABKtll AMV M0ULT05. 2!^f 
 
 The year past has been one of almost continual 
 hurried scenes of confusion ; hut I bless God, 
 that we have been carried through thus far. I 
 have repeatedly resolved to write to you, and as 
 often neglected it. No less than two persons 
 have presented themselves at the door since I 
 commenced this scroll. But I will again pro- 
 ceed. The work of salvation has been progress*- 
 ing powerfully among us for months in this 
 place. My husband commenced a series of 
 evening meetings in one of the villages in this 
 town, in December last, which with the excep- 
 tion of a few evenings, have continued down to 
 the present time. A more general work of grace 
 than this I never witnessed. Persons, from the 
 aged sire down to the child of eight years old, 
 have shared in this blessed work. In the history 
 of this great revival, of the conversion of 
 hundreds, I might relate many interesting par- 
 ticulars, but time will not permit. Suffice it to 
 say, it has been a season of great and deep in- 
 terest among us. We thought it expedient to 
 leave Ashburnham and move to this place, for 
 several reasons. One was, our little, newly or*- 
 ganized church was about building a meeting- 
 house in the centre of the town, and they very 
 much needed our assistance, lest the enemy 
 might divert them from their purpose. We 
 shall not probably stay here longer than up to 
 the time of the session of our next annual con- 
 ference. Mr. M. does not wish to be trans- 
 ferred to the New Hampshire conference. The 
 
238 MiEMOiR OF 
 
 canker-rash is prevailing here and cutting down 
 the children. Twenty have died since the year 
 rolled in. Our little son had a slight touch of 
 it. Four persons lay dead in town yesterday* 
 Mr. M. has just returned from meeting. Se* 
 veral rose for prayers. 
 
 " I trust you are still engaged in securing a 
 treasure in heaven. I think I never felt more 
 sensibly the importance of living in constant 
 readiness for death than of late. I think the 
 world sits as a loose garment about me, and I 
 can say that I never loved it less. It has no 
 charms for me ; but holiness, that brightest gem 
 of the christian, is my untiring motto. O my 
 dear sister, seek for this inward testimony. 
 
 " E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 Holiness was still the great theme on which 
 the subject of our narrative delighted best to 
 dwell, and so untiring were her eiforts on this 
 subject, in New-Ipswich, in pressing home this 
 truth on the minds of the young converts, that 
 the whole society were apparently aroused to 
 the importance of seeking this inestimable pearl 
 of perfect love, and several experienced its 
 power before we removed. We afterwards 
 learned that this panting and thirsting for full 
 redemption had declined in this young church. 
 Never did I realize the effect which the ex* 
 hortations, prayers, and counsels of Elizabeth 
 produced while enjoying her society. Never, 
 no never, did I know her worth as an instru- 
 
ELIZABETH AWN MOULtON. 239 
 
 ment for waking up the churches to the all- 
 important subject of holiness, until the hand of 
 death had removed her far away from my em* 
 brace. Truly, the very atmosphere in which 
 she breathed, was holy. All denominations ac- 
 quainted with her, believed the circle of friends 
 in which she moved, were benefitted by her 
 precept and example. 
 
 From New Ipswich providence removed us 
 to Oxford, where the labors and trials of Eliza- 
 beth terminated. Having some premonitions of 
 the shortness of her stay on the earth, she sunk 
 more deeply into the will of God than, ever, 
 counting not her life dear unto herself, so that 
 she might finish her course with joy, and be 
 ever ready to enter into the abodes of the Eter- 
 nally Blessed. 
 
 The brethren in Oxford had petitioned for 
 years that they might enjoy the benefit of our 
 labors, consequently we were warmly received. 
 No sooner were we settled in our new station, 
 than we waged perpetual war against the powers 
 of darkness in this place. 
 
 One circumstance that occurred long before 
 we came to this station, is worthy of notice. A 
 leading brother in this church dreamed that we 
 were appointed to preach in Oxford, and that 
 through our instrumentality the whole region 
 was engaged in one general work of reforma- 
 tion. This dream was so deeply impressed on 
 this brother's mind, that he fully believed, 
 could our services be obtained, this dream 
 would be realized. 
 
^MO MEMOIR OF 
 
 He said he knew just how we looked, and 
 could he see the preacher, he could select him 
 from the whole conference of preachers, al- 
 though at this time an entire stranger. So san- 
 guine was he of this fact, that he came to con- 
 ference, one year before our appointment there, 
 and as soon as his eyes were fixed on me, he 
 said, " That is the man whom I saw in my 
 dream." He then came to me, wishing me to 
 use my influence to become their preacher the 
 ensuing year, and obligating himself to become 
 responsible for my ample support. But a circum- 
 stance happened in Ashburnham during the 
 session of this conference, which made me be- 
 lieve it my duty to return there another year. 
 Still the influence of this dream, and the 
 anxiety occasioned by it, in the hearts of some 
 of the brethren, thinking it might possibly be 
 from the Lord, were probably the instrumental 
 means used in fixing our location this year 
 on the beautiful plains of Oxford. 
 
 We make the following brief extracts from 
 letters written in Oxford, to her parents, and 
 brotheis and sislers Warren and Smith ; as 
 they indicate the state of her health, and of 
 her religious enjoyment during two or three 
 months. She notices also the commencement 
 of a glorious revival at the factories in Oxford, 
 which abated after some thirty souls were con- 
 verted. But after an interval of some fout 
 months it commenced again, and progressed 
 more rapidly than before. This revival pro- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 241 
 
 bably received a check from tlie excitement 
 raised about this time on the temperance ques- 
 tion, which, when settled in the church in favor 
 of abstinence from all intoxicating drinks, took 
 a new start, and soon spread throughout the 
 whole town. 
 
 " Dear Parents, — Doubtless you are anxious 
 to know how we do, and how we like old Ox- 
 ford. We are in usual health, myself excepted. 
 I am now, however, fast recovering my health. 
 One week ago, to-day, I was taken very ill, 
 and my case was considered extremely dan- 
 gerous, but through the mercy of God, and the 
 attendance of a kind physician, I was soon re- 
 lieved. I think I have abundant reason to 
 praise God for his tender mercy towards me, 
 who am so unworthy. I now feel that the Lord 
 has still a work for me to do, and, with the 
 assistance of his grace, I am resolved to do it. 
 We like our station very well, and are expect- 
 ing good seasons this year. 
 
 E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 Oxford, Sept. 22, 1842. 
 '' Dear Parents, — I am now happy to inform 
 you that my health is unusually good. We are 
 already enjoying, at the North Factories, a re- 
 vival of religion. Some twenty or more have 
 recently found the Lord, and others are inquir- 
 ing. Seventeen were received on trial, last 
 Saturday evening. We are expecting more to 
 
*242 MEMOIR OF 
 
 join soon. We all went to Pomfret camp-meet- 
 ing. We had a very interesting time. The 
 Lord blessed his people, and converted sinners. 
 I saw many of my old friends there, with whom 
 I used to associate, — most of whom stand in 
 the liberty of the gospel of Christ. 
 
 " We have meetings in Oxford every night, 
 and I have attended almost every evening for 
 some time past. I have been greatly blessed, 
 both in body and soul, since I came to this 
 place. I thought, when I last saw you, it 
 would be very doubtful whether we ever met 
 again on earth, although I said but little about 
 it ; but God, for some wise purpose, has seen 
 fit to spare me ; and now I am determined to 
 do more in the vineyard of the Lord than ever, 
 by his grace assisting me. I think I never en- 
 joyed so great liberty of soul, in speaking and 
 praying, as of late. My peace has been like a 
 river, while I have thought upon the goodness 
 of God to unworthy me. I trust you are both 
 walking in the truth, and striving for heaven. 
 Do not let the world too much engross your 
 minds. I hope, dear mother, you will join the 
 church in full connection, that you may enjoy 
 all the ordinances of God's house. Your peace 
 would then be greater, and your mind more 
 established. E. A. Moulton." 
 
 " Oxford, Sept. 22, 1842. 
 " Dear Br. and Sister Smith, — We are all 
 enjoying good health, and have prosperity in 
 
ELIZAUETH ANN MOULTON. 243 
 
 all our borders. Glory be to God ! I feel like 
 laboring in God's vineyard. I think I have not 
 enjoyed so much religion for years as I have of 
 late. My peace is flov^ing like a river, as I 
 pass along down the current of time. I think 
 I never enjoyed more complete victory over the 
 world and all its allurements, than for three 
 weeks past. I think our appointment here was 
 ordered of the Lord. We have now a good 
 revival in progress. Twenty or more were 
 hopefully converted last week, most of whom 
 united with our church, on trial, last Saturday 
 evening. We have had a hot battle with rum- 
 sellers and rum-drinking professors; but not 
 without success. Blessed be God ! I think 
 our church is now clear of the accursed thing. 
 The only two rum-taverns in the place have 
 recently blown their last blasts. As Mr. M. 
 took the lead in this enterprize, we are now 
 branded by the wicked with the epithet of 
 ' Moulton's laws,' &lc.; but this we care not for, 
 as the object of this warfare is accomplished. 
 
 " I have met with many of my old friends 
 since I came here, with whom I formed an ac- 
 quaintance some fourteen years since, — many 
 of whom are still living witnesses for Christ. 
 I often look back with pleasure upon the bless- 
 ed seasons we enjoyed together when at Ash- 
 burnham. I trust you are both pressing your 
 course towards heaven. I feel a deep interest 
 for you, and often think of you when at a throne 
 of grace. O, my dear Celia, trust in God, and 
 
244 MEMOIR OF 
 
 he will sustain you in your most trying circum- 
 stances. Give God your whole heart. I have 
 not taken in a stitch of needle-work since I 
 came here, and do not think 1 shall, as I wish 
 to give myself wholly to the work of saving 
 souls. I hope you still keep up your class and 
 prayer meetings. O, that heaven may vouch- 
 safe to you His richest blessings, is the prayer 
 of your unworthy sister, 
 
 Elizabeth A. Moulton." 
 
 It will be perceived, by reading the above 
 extracts, that the subject of our notice still had 
 some presentiment that her work upon earth 
 would soon terminate, or that the Lord had en- 
 joined it upon her to devote a larger share of 
 her time to the more public duties of religion. 
 Every year previous to this, since our acquaint- 
 ance with each other, Elizabeth thought it her 
 duty to spend some portion of her time in 
 tailoring. This year she came to the conclu- 
 sion, deliberately, that it was her duty to lay 
 this work aside, and devote herself, with me, 
 wholly to the work of revival, when practica- 
 ble. Although she considered her health now 
 good, yet her constitution had become much im- 
 paired by her continual labors and sufferings 
 the year previous. Notwithstanding this, she 
 now resolved to try to do more to advance the 
 Redeemer's kingdom than she ever had done 
 •before ; and, ere she closes her pilgrimage, it 
 will be seen that her last days were her most 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 245 
 
 useful and happy. Having consecrated herself 
 to God entirely, her soul now became enrap- 
 tured with the glories of the cross, and the suc- 
 cess of the gospel of Christ. 
 
 The temperance struggle, to which she al- 
 ludes, caused the whole cliurch to fear with re- 
 gard to its results. But fully believing that 
 God would not do any mighty works among us 
 out of the church, while we tolerated sin in the 
 church, we pushed the battle through, leaving 
 the consequences with God. And after a pain- 
 ful and vigorous effort of some weeks, the Lord 
 gave us complete victory over this foe. While 
 this temperance battle was waxing hot, Eliza- 
 beth and some of the sisters prayed earnestly 
 that God would have mercy on our erring 
 brethren, and save them from the intoxicating 
 cup, and the church from dividing. One even- 
 ing, said Mrs. M., we got into such an agony, 
 praying that God would save them, that one 
 sister lost her strength while praying for one 
 of the delinquents, but soon shouted, clapping 
 her hands and crying, " God has heard prayer. 
 The Lord has given us victory," &/C. And to 
 the surprise of all, this brother soon came for- 
 ward and signed the temperance pledge. 
 
 This temperance triumph in our little church 
 turned the scale in a vote of the town, for the 
 first time, in favor of temperance principles. 
 My interference, however, in this cause, which 
 was attended with such glorious success, 
 brought out a large portion of the unconverted 
 21 
 
246 MEMOIR OF 
 
 part of the community against me, during the 
 heat of this excitement, which greatly counter- 
 acted ray influence among poor sinners, for a 
 season. These things will account, in part, for 
 my mission labors abroad about three months, 
 waiting for the excitement to be allayed in Ox- 
 ford. The revival referred to had now come 
 to a stand, probably owing to the excitement 
 on temperance. 
 
 " Oxford, Oct. 25, 1842. 
 " Beloved Br. and Sister Warren, — I think 
 I have enjoyed a greater victory over the world 
 since I came here than ever before. Glory be 
 to God, I feel that my treasure is all above. I 
 have laid all upon the altar of sacrifice. ' For 
 me to live is Christ, but to die would be infinite 
 gain.' We are pleasantly situated ; but I miss 
 very much the society of our sisters in Ash- 
 burnham, which I enjoyed the two last years. 
 We are now having a blessed revival in Lei- 
 cester, whither we are expecting to go this af- 
 ternoon. I visited Louisa (the adopted sister) 
 when at Leicester last. I think she has found 
 the consolations of religion, although her evi- 
 dence is not bright. Her husband, I think, is 
 serious. Elizabeth A. Moulton." 
 
 The revival referred to in this extract, de- 
 serves a place in this memoir, as the subject of 
 it was actively engaged in its promotion, and 
 greatly instrumental in its progression. The 
 beautiful and popular village of Leicester has 
 
ELIZABETH AWN MOULTOIV. 247 
 
 enjoyed Congregational preaching from its set- 
 tlement, but no Methodists had ever obtained 
 foot-hold here until about this time. Our in- 
 troduction into this place was brought about 
 by Br. Barnes, who lived in the north 
 part of the town ; he belonged to the 
 Methodist church in Worcester. He gave me 
 an invitation, early in the fall, to come into the 
 place, and hold a few meetings in the town- 
 house. I consented to go, and sent on the 
 appointment for one evening only. Before the 
 time arrived, however, to commence this meet- 
 ing, my dear brother expressed some doubts 
 whether we had better proceed with our con- 
 templated meeting, having been advised, as I 
 afterwards learned, by some of his friends, to 
 abandon this project. To which I answered 
 him in substance as follows : — " Having made 
 arrangements for this meeting, I cannot now in 
 conscience abandon it, until we have made a 
 trial. Nay, should you all forsake me, and 
 should the town-house be closed, as you antici- 
 pate, rather than leave the place now, I will 
 climb upon the horse-sheds, back of the town- 
 house, and contend with ihe cold north-east 
 winds alone." He finally consented to have 
 me make a trial, and opened the town-house. 
 The Lord manifested his approval of our meet- 
 ing by converting one soul the first evening. 
 This was the commencement of a series of 
 meetings, which continued about eight weeks, 
 every night, either in the town-house or some 
 
248 MEMOIR OF 
 
 of the school-houses ; the days mostly being 
 occupied in visiting from house to house, warn- 
 ing the people of their danger, and pointing 
 them to the Lamb of God. This novel manner 
 of proceeding soon aroused the people from 
 their slumbers. The Congregationalist minis- 
 ter began to fly round among his people, warn- 
 ing them against being led away by excitement, 
 and using means, as I had reason to apprehend, 
 to hedge up our way in the town. But, pro- 
 bably not being so much accustomed to visiting 
 as myself, he could not keep pace with me. 
 The people too, having been stupid so long, 
 and hearing of the powerful meetings, would 
 break over their sectarian prejudices, and come 
 out and see for themselves what was going on, 
 until their pastor appointed meetings of his 
 own, to keep his people from ours. Even then 
 our congregations were large. What contri- 
 buted much to the interest and prosperity of 
 our revival amidst all the opposition and perse- 
 cution which we encountered in planting a new 
 church in this place, was, the continued and 
 persevering faithfulness of Elizabeth in exhort- 
 ing and praying for the people. Notwithstand- 
 ing they had been educated to believe the fe- 
 males must keep silence in all the churches of 
 Christ, they received her testimony as readily as 
 if she had been an angel of God. The young 
 converts clustered around her for instruction, 
 and looked up to her as their spiritual mother. 
 She always had a word of encouragement to ad- 
 
Elizabeth anS moulton. 249 
 
 minister to the young and tender lambs. So 
 anxious was she for the spiritual welfare of 
 this people, that she thought it her duty to be 
 with me most of the time ; sometimes bringing 
 her children with her, while at other times they 
 Were left in the care of other hands. We re- 
 mained here faithfully using the means of grace 
 among the citizens until we had organized a 
 new church consisting of about eighty mem- 
 bers, and had secured for them a good preacher. 
 They have ever since enjoyed statedly the pub- 
 lic means of grace. Then we returned again 
 to Oxford, where the brethren for some time 
 had been supplied by our local preachers. 
 After holding a kw more meetings at home^ and 
 perceiving that our brethren generally were not 
 yet ready to co-operate with me in putting forth 
 an extra effort for the salvation of souls, I sus- 
 pended our meetings at home again, and imme- 
 diately repaired to the town of Charlton, and 
 commenced an extra effort there. After having 
 continued this meeting with good success two 
 weeks, I removed it about four miles into the 
 borders of Dudley, at Tufts' factories, where I 
 continued holding meetings about three weeks 
 longer. Here we added about forty more to the 
 church on trial. The results of these extra 
 means of grace in Charlton and Dudley en- 
 couraged the brethren in these two places to 
 send to the conference for a preacher ihe fol- 
 lowing year, and having obtained one, they 
 have since alternately enjoyed the blessings of a 
 *31 
 
250 MEMOIR. 
 
 preached gospel. My companion, having be» 
 come much fatigued in her arduous struggles 
 with me at Leicester, and the brethren at Ox* 
 ford desiring her presence at home in my ab- 
 sence, did not spend much time abroad with me 
 in my last campaign against the enemies of 
 Christ. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 The brethren at Oxford had now become 
 quite impatient at my long absence from theraj 
 and more than hinted that unless I was more 
 dutiful to their wishes, I should be obliged to 
 suffer the penalty growing out of the bread and 
 cheese law. Consequently, the following Sab- 
 bath evening I informed the congregation that 
 I was then ready to work at home if the church 
 would stand by me. They manifesting a dis- 
 position to work and do what they could to 
 sustain our feeble efforts, I then announced to 
 the audience a series of meetings, which, hav-^ 
 ing commenced that night, would continue 
 eighty evenings successively. To this procia* 
 mation a hearty response was given by some of 
 the brethren. But before I proceed to narrate 
 the progress and particulars of this revival and 
 the all-absorbing interest Mrs. M. took in its 
 promotion, I will insert two brief extracts from 
 her letters. The following extract to Br. and 
 
252 MtMOIR ot 
 
 sister Squier, of Wales, is in harmony with 
 what we have related concerning our departed 
 friend. As she is drawing near the gates of 
 death, her labors are more abundant, and her 
 entire deadness to the world is manifested in 
 her writings. O what a divine cheerfulness and 
 elevation of mind the enjoyment of holiness 
 gave its possessor. It gave her a hallowed charm 
 for all that is heavenly and divine, and weaned 
 her affections from all that is worldly and 
 sinfuL 
 
 '' Oxford, Nov. 25, 1842. 
 
 " Dear Bro. and Sister : — As Mr. M. has 
 left a space in his letter directed to you, I 
 gladly sit down to fill it up. I regretted that we 
 Could not visit you at the time of your sickness. 
 We were then much engaged in holding meet- 
 ings. I have been to Leicester four times dur-* 
 ing our protracted meeting there. Some of the 
 time I was obliged to board out Elizabeth, and 
 take Theodore with me. I have not taken in 
 any work since I came to Oxford. Although 
 my health is good, if I do not overdo. I find 
 my constitution, however, much impaired, since 
 my last sickness. Sister Louisa probably re- 
 lated to you the circumstances. 
 
 " I feel that God is dealing faithfully and 
 mercifully with us as a family. I think we never 
 felt greater deadness to the world than at pre- 
 sent. Never more given up to the work of sav- 
 ing souls. I have heretofore been too anxious 
 about the body, but now the salvation of souls 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 258 
 
 is my one object. Glory be to God, I feel that 
 I was never nearer heaven than at this moment. 
 I have given God my undivided heart, with a 
 determination never to take back the sacrifice. 
 I am sure it is high time that we were all holy, 
 since it is God's command and will that we 
 should be. There is much said and written at 
 present upon the second advent of Christ — re- 
 lative to his speedy coming to set up his king- 
 dom upon the earth. Many are in the full be 
 lief, that he will come in power and great glory 
 next year. Should it be so, how it becomes us 
 to be ready, watching for the sudden approach 
 of that awful and glorious event. I have no 
 settled opinion on this subject. Many things, 
 however, indicate some great event at hand. O 
 may we all be ready, that when called, we may 
 enter upon the endless joys of heaven and sing 
 hallelujahs to God and the Lamb for ever. 
 Amen. E. A. Moulton." 
 
 " Oxford, Dec. 5, 1842. 
 " Ml/ Dear Louisa : — We are all in health 
 and good spirits. I think we never enjoyed more 
 of the divine presence than of late. I trust you 
 are striving for the kingdom. O be not weary. 
 God is abundant in mercy. Trust in Him and 
 you will be safe. I think much of you and your 
 dear husband. I am hoping and praying that 
 you may both become the decided followers of 
 the meek and lowly Jesus. I received a letter 
 this morning stating tkat Br. Warren is near 
 
254 MEMOIR Of 
 
 the close of life. We have written to Lucy, 
 and are waiting with the deepest anxiety to hear 
 from them. O how soon may all our earthly pros- 
 pects be blighted. Hence the necessity of hav- 
 ing our treasure laid up in heaven, where neither 
 moth nor rust can corrupt. 
 
 " E. A. MOULTON." 
 
 Having now commenced our eighty nights' 
 meeting, we continued it some two or three 
 weeks without any great encouragement, except 
 it was manifest that the brethren and sisters 
 were gradually rising in spirituality. We now 
 doubted whether we should be able to sustain 
 the meeting as long as we had published it to the 
 world. Some anxious sinners however, present- 
 ing themselves at the altar for prayers almost eve- 
 ry evening,and we continued on holding meetings 
 until more than fifty nights had passed. At this 
 period the work took a more general spread, and 
 some of the hardest sinners were brought to bow 
 at a throne of grace, and cry for mercy ; and 
 when the eighty nights were past, we had estab- 
 lished meetings in other parts of the town, and 
 our meeting in the centre appeared now only just 
 to have got well under way, — the brethren, but 
 just harnessed for the battle. The revival had 
 now taken a new start at the factories, where it 
 first commenced, to which some reference has 
 been made. The revival having become so 
 powerful at the factories, and having as much as 
 I could do at the meeting-house, several of the 
 
ELIZABETH ANJN MOULTON. 255 
 
 brethren gave up most of their time for many 
 weeks to the work of holding meetings there, 
 and to visiting from house to house. IN ever was 
 it my lot to enjoy the society of any brethren 
 who sacrificed as much time, and labored as dili- 
 gently, day and night, for the salvation of perish- 
 ing sinners, as did the brethren in Oxford, who 
 stood side by side with me in wet and cold, dur- 
 ing the one hundred nights which our meeting 
 continued. V/e sent them out two by two, as 
 it were, in every direction, and they returned 
 saying in substance that the *' devils were sub- 
 ject unto them." In this revival, from its 
 commencement, we numbered about one hun- 
 dred and fifty converts. 
 
 During this long series of meetings, Mrs. M, 
 did not miss attending more than three or four 
 evenings ; neither did she ever fail to open her 
 mouth in prayer and exhortation, whenever a 
 suitable opportunity presented itself. And 
 many a time did she go into the congregation, 
 and importune with the convicted smner to 
 come to Christ, and to the altar for the prayers 
 of the church. Besides attending meeting and 
 to the duties of the family, and waiting upon 
 the company that she entertiiined at her house, 
 during its long continuance, she also found 
 time to visit the penitent and the careless, and 
 invite them to come to meeting and to the Sa- 
 vior. Some hardened sinners, who fought 
 against the strivings of the Spirit through the 
 whole revival, will remember how anxiously she 
 
256 MEMOIR or 
 
 plead with them to go to meeting and give 
 their hearts to God. 
 
 After this protracted meeting closed, so great 
 was her anxiety for the conversion of sinners, 
 and to try to be instrumental in establishing 
 the young converts in the faith, that she re- 
 peatedly told me that she felt that she wanted 
 to be among the people all the time. 
 
 To Mrs. Whitman, wife of Rev. Joseph 
 Whitman, Mrs. M. addressed the following let- 
 ter while the above protracted meeting was in 
 session ; to which are subjoined some very per- 
 tinent remarks from Mrs. W. 
 
 " Worcester, Feb. 23, 1843. 
 '' Dear Sister, — Having just arrived here 
 with my parents, I thought I must write you a 
 few lines. I rejoice to hear that old Fitchburg 
 at last has taken a mighty shaking, and the dry 
 bones are now coming to life. Truly you have 
 great reason to praise God for what He is now 
 doing in your midst. What can be more satis- 
 factory than to see the pleasure of the Lord pros- 
 pering in our hands'? I trust that you, and 
 your husband too, have the witness in your own 
 souls of an entire consecration to God. Well, 
 how blessed it is to feel that we are the Lord's 
 entire. Yea, and how highly important to be 
 useful in the vineyard of the Lord. The young 
 lambs will need a great deal of tender nursing, 
 and prompting to duty, to keep them alive unto 
 God. I have sometimes thought, that to estab- 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 257 
 
 lish young converts in the faith, required as 
 much effort on our part, as to get them con- 
 verted. For we know, from experience and 
 observation, that unless they grow in grace and 
 are established in the faith of the gospel, they 
 will soon lose their first love. I suppose you 
 wish me to give you a little account of the re- 
 vival among us. I can assure you, it is a 
 blessed one. The work, however, has been 
 gradual, but very deep and pungent. The 
 faith of christians is so strong, that when 
 the penitents present themselves at the altar, 
 we are almost sure of their conversion. I have 
 devoted nearly all my time to the great work 
 of saving souls, since I recovered my health. 
 I think I can truly say that I never enjoyed 
 greater peace, and greater deadness to the 
 world, than for a few months past. Glory be 
 to God, I feel while I write that God has the 
 entire affections of my heart, and that I am 
 wholly His. O, my dear sister, let us trust on, 
 nor faint, nor tire, in the king's highway, al- 
 ways remembering that the crown is at the end 
 of the race. Yours, in gospel bonds, 
 
 *' Elizabeth A. Moulton." 
 
 '' Malden, March 25, 1844. 
 ''Br. Moulton: — This letter was received, 
 as you will perceive, a few months before the 
 death of your wife. It was perused with much 
 pleasure and profit. Sister Moulton was one 
 of my choicest friends. Her society was such as 
 22 
 
258 MEMOIR or 
 
 I loved. Her theme was salvation, and her spirit 
 ever partook of heaven. I loved her as a friend, 
 as a christian sister, and as a companion of a 
 Methodist minister. As such, I ever wished to 
 imitate her worthy example. Such zeal, perse- 
 verance, and entire devotedness to the cause of 
 God is rarely found. I think of her now with 
 much profit to my soul. Though dead, she still 
 lives in my memory, and often speaks to me by 
 her precept and example. I rejoice that you are 
 about to publish her memoir. I believe it will 
 prove a blessing to all into whose hands it may 
 fall. May the God of all grace be with you and 
 bless you in preparing the work. 
 
 " Eleanor Whitman." 
 
 We have not knowingly designed to impress 
 the reader, in the preceding pages, with the idea 
 that the subject of our notice was endowed with 
 superior talents, or that she possessed any extra 
 advantages. Her native talents probably, were 
 not m.uch above mediocrity, and her literary ac- 
 quirements were no greater than many now re- 
 ceive at our common schools. But the great 
 secret of her success consisted first in her deep, 
 glowing, and persevering principle of holiness 
 which she enjoyed in her own heart. And 
 secondly, in her continued persevering efforts to 
 do good. She resolved to he good and to do 
 good. She made up her mind in early life to 
 seek for all that God had promised in His word, 
 and when obtained, she resolved by the grace of 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 259 
 
 God to carry out the principle of holiness by 
 doing all the good she could. By prosecuting 
 these heavenly designs, she was enabled for 
 about eighteen years to be a living and con- 
 stant witness for Christ that his blood cleanseth 
 from all sin, and that in Him is no darkness at all. 
 With this heavenly and abiding principle in her 
 soul, the path of duty was marked out plain be- 
 fore her eyes, and she resolved to do it regard- 
 less of consequences. The closet was a place 
 to which she often resorted. No exercise pro- 
 bably was prized higher by her than communion 
 with God in secret. No engagements prevented 
 her from her regular hours of devotion daily. 
 Nor did she copfine herself to this duty three 
 times a day merely, as some do; but oft was 
 she there pleading with God in prayer. The 
 Bible was her daily companion and her chief 
 study. From its precious promises she often 
 drew consolation to comfort the mourner, and 
 from its threatenings arrows to alarm the care- 
 less sinner. When absent myself the family 
 altar was never deserted, and when present it 
 was always her privilege to take a part in this 
 heavenly exercise. The children too, were 
 taught by her at a very early age to repeat the 
 Lord's Prayer, and other appropriate prayers in 
 family devotion, — a practice which they still 
 continue. Our children now think of reading 
 and praying with us daily, as much as we do 
 ourselves. By being faithful at home in all her 
 domestic, social, and religious duties, God en- 
 
260 MEMOIR OF 
 
 dowed her with strength to do all her duties 
 abroad. 
 
 The riches of divine grace were magnified, 
 and his name honored in choosing Elizabeth 
 Ann Arnold from a family whose parents knew 
 nothing of the power of godliness; in making 
 her somewhat instrumental in their conversion, 
 and in enlightening and comforting the hearts 
 of thousands. This great honor was conferred 
 upon her, because she was faithful to the grace 
 given her. She possessed not uncommon gifts, 
 but faithfully improved all the talents committed 
 to her trust, and by thus doing, added other 
 talents to those given her. Her holy boldness, 
 having risen entirely above the fear of man, 
 and her happy art of communicating all she did 
 know, contributed much to the success of her 
 labors. 
 
 How encouraging then is the success of Eli- 
 zabeth to all true-hearted, pious females, 
 whether possessed of one, two, or five talents, 
 to work in the vineyard of the Lord. Then 
 cheer up to the duties of the cross, my sisters, 
 and soon God will give you complete victory 
 over all your inward foes, and make you instru- 
 mental of saving your fathers and mothers, 
 your sisters and brothers, your husbands and 
 children, and the friends with whom you asso- 
 ciate, from pursuing their passage in the broad 
 road which leads to destruction. James saith, 
 " Let him know that he which converteth the 
 sinner from the error of his way shall save a 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 261 
 
 soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of 
 sins," Then remember, my sisters, there are 
 responsibilities rolled upon you, which no other 
 person can perform to that circle of friends in 
 which you move. 
 
 The following extract from the last letter she 
 ever wrote, was addressed to Br. and sister 
 Warren. As this letter relates mostly to social 
 affairs, I shall only make a brief extract from it 
 for the purpose of appending a few remarks 
 written by her sister, Lucy Warren, on the 
 back of one of the letters, which she forwarded 
 to me for publication, and also for the sake of 
 making a few remarks respecting her last visit 
 to her friends. 
 
 " Oxford, March 23, 1843. 
 
 '^ Dear Br. and Sister: — Having a few 
 leisure moments this evening, I will employ 
 them in writing. Our dear parents visited us 
 in February. They were in good health and 
 fine spirits, enjoying more religion than ever 
 before. We have enjoyed a gracious revival in 
 this place. Probably about one hundred souls 
 have been converted during a series of meet- 
 ings which have continued eighty evenings in 
 succession. I have had quite enough to do the 
 present year, without working at my trade. I 
 think we enjoy as much religion, if not more 
 than at any former period. God is dealing 
 bountifully with us, both temporally and spirit- 
 ually. I think we shall not stay here another 
 year. Mr. M. some expects to be employed on 
 *22 
 
262 MEMOIR OF 
 
 .missionary ground another year. We expect now 
 to take a journey to the North ill May, and visit 
 New Ipswich before we return. I wish we could 
 meet you thereabouts. E. A. Moulton." 
 
 Sister Lucy says of her lamented sister : 
 
 " Of her faithfulness to me some of these 
 letters will testify. She always manifested a 
 deep interest in my spiritual welfare. Often did 
 she exhort me to flee from the wrath to come, 
 and secure an interest in Christ before it should 
 be too late. Without doubt it was owing, un- 
 der the blessing of God, in a great measure, to 
 her faithfulness and prayers, that I was led to 
 see my lost condition and submit to Christ. 
 After her conversion, which took place when I, 
 was quite young, she ever manifested a deep 
 interest for the conversion of the family, and 
 especially for mother. To this fact you are a 
 witness. I recollect of her once falling upon 
 lier knees by the side of mother, and pouring 
 out her soul to God in prayer for the salvation 
 of her soul. At another time, after returning 
 from a prayer-meeting and retiring to her 
 chamber, she was in such an agony for mother 
 that she could not rest. On opening the Bible, 
 she read the following words, ' He that goeth 
 forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall 
 doubtless come again rejoicing, bearing his 
 sheaves with him.' From that time she never 
 doubted but that her mother would become a 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON- 263 
 
 christian. She always sought the best good of 
 the family. Td her we were accustomed to go 
 for advice, both in our temporal and spiritual 
 affairs, and felt safe in abiding by her judg- 
 ment. And now, though we have long been 
 separated, I feel that the loss our family has 
 sustained, is irreparable.*' 
 
 It seemed in this last protracted meeting 
 which Mrs. M. ever attended, which continued 
 one hundred nights, that my companion was 
 doing her last work. To the promotion of this 
 revival she gave all the time she could spare 
 from her domestic concerns. At the close of 
 this meeting, she was much worn down with fa- 
 tigue, and complained much of the headache, 
 but we apprehended nothing serious. After we 
 had gathered the fruit of this revival into the 
 church, and arranged the classes, we made our 
 calculations to visit our friends, as Mrs. M. was 
 very anxious this spring to see all her connec- 
 tions, and mine. Having spent some time in 
 the society of her parents, and sisters, and the 
 new society in New Ipswich, we returned 
 home, expecting, after two weeks rest, to visit 
 my relations; but the providence of God inter- 
 fered, and our intentions were thwarted. Some 
 sentiments were expressed by her during our 
 visit, which impressed her friends with the idea 
 that Elizabeth thought she should not see them 
 all again. One was, she said to her mother, 
 " You must take the children, if I should not 
 
264 MEMOIR or 
 
 live ;" and when returning home, she observed 
 to me, *' that her father's house would make a 
 good home for our children, should she be 
 called away." The manner she expressed this 
 to me, produced a deep impression on my mind. 
 From these remarks, with other incidents which 
 happened, I am convinced that she had some 
 indications from the hand of Providence that 
 her end was nigh. After our return from our 
 journey, Elizabeth still continued her personal- 
 effort labors among the people, although her 
 health was evidently declining. Her last public 
 efforts to do good, which took place but a few 
 days before her entire physical prostration, were 
 the followino^. She went amona a class of our 
 unconverted friends over whom J had but little, 
 or no influence, soliciting subscriptions to com- 
 plete the sum of fifty dollars for the Sabbath 
 school Library, and exhorting them to seek an 
 interest in the Savior. The next evening, I 
 should think it was, she went with me to the 
 house of a rich unconverted man who lay on 
 a sick bed, near the borders of eternity. This 
 man having imbibed some prejudice against me 
 previous to his sickness, I said but little to him 
 this evening; but Mrs. M. commenced, with 
 lier heart full of sympathy, beseeching him to 
 give his heart to God, presenting to his troubled 
 spirit some of the great and precious promises 
 of the gospel. In this sympathetic address to 
 his conscience and feelings, I observed that the 
 heart of this sick man was melted into contri- 
 
ELIZABETH A.NJV MOULTOIV. 265 
 
 tion and deep penitence. And truly it was an 
 affecting scene to see my dear wife for the last 
 time standing over the bed of a dying man, 
 when hardly able to be from home herself, and 
 hear her exhorting him in the most pathetic 
 strains to be reconciled to God. This call, I 
 think, in the hands of God, was made instru- 
 mental in opening the eyes of this dying man, 
 and, as we humbly trust, of bringing him to 
 the Savior at this critical moment. Probably it 
 was the good effects which this short call pro- 
 duced, in connection with the moving influence 
 of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, which led 
 this man in his last sickness to bequeath to the 
 Methodist church in this place, the handsome 
 donation of five hundred dollars for the purpose 
 of enlarging their meeting-house, which had 
 now become too small for their convenience. 
 
 The last public effort Elizabeth ever made 
 was the following Sabbath, and this Sabbath 
 was the last she ever enjoyed in the temple of 
 God with the church militant. This day many 
 of the young converts were to be baptized, and 
 my companion, though very restless the night 
 previous, thought she must have one more pri- 
 vilege of enjoying the society of the saints. 
 Knowing the state of her health, I advised her 
 not to go but half a day, and be sure not to go 
 down to the water side. But intermission hav- 
 ing come, and hundreds flocking to the place de- 
 signated for baptism, having such an intense 
 desire to follow the crowd, she let her feelings 
 
2G6 MEMOIR OF 
 
 overcome her judgment, and went with the mul- 
 titude. Here she was very active in encourag- 
 ing the converts to duty, and in helping change 
 the baptizing gowns from one sister to another, 
 until all were baptized. Elizabeth, exposing 
 herself here to the water, while the north-east 
 wind was blowing fresh upon us, renewed her 
 cold. She now returned from the water to the 
 meeting-house, and heard her last sermon. 
 From the meeting-house, she returned home 
 much exhausted with the labors of the day, and 
 immediately threw herself upon the bed, and 
 hardly rose from it again, except when helped 
 up to have it made. She said, she had great 
 reason to bless God for this day's privilege, al- 
 though apparently, it had occasioned her great 
 prostration of body. 
 
 As strange as it may appear to many, I had 
 a warning of her death, the Thursday night 
 previous to her being taken sick. This night, 
 I went to our stated meeting at the North Fac- 
 tories, calculating to return home the same 
 evening. The weather being rather unplea- 
 sant, I was persuaded to tarry over night. 
 When asleep in bed I imagined that I saw my 
 wife in the arms of Jesus, and the children and 
 myself standing at a little distance, and full of 
 trouble. So deeply was this sentiment im- 
 pressed upon my mind, that I awoke full of 
 anxiety concerning the dream. Its interpreta- 
 tion being clear to my mind, I hastened home 
 before my family rose, and found all as well as 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 267 
 
 usual, except Mrs. M. was suffering some with 
 a bad cold. The dream, however, made such 
 an impression on my mind during the day, that 
 I thought I must relate it to my wife. Having 
 rehearsed it, neither of us made any comments 
 on it. I had great reason to praise God for 
 this interposition of Divine Providence, for it 
 enabled me to fortify myself for the awful con- 
 flict, by renewedly consecrating myself to God. 
 Expecting now that God was about to make a 
 breach in my family, I prayed much for grace 
 to sustain me. From Thursday until Sunday, 
 when she took her bed, she was evidently 
 gradually failing. During these few days, she 
 had some severe conflicts with Satan, and was 
 apparently in heaviness through manifold 
 temptations. Saturday night she was very rest- 
 less all night, suffering probably both in body 
 and mind. But this was the last conflict she 
 ever had with the adversary. When the beau- 
 tiful sun arose, Sabbath morning, although weak 
 in body, she was animated with the anticipated 
 privileges of this blessed occasion, and said that 
 she must go to meeting hal f a day. When noon 
 came, she was not willing to deny herself the 
 privilege of seeing the young converts bap- 
 tized. On her return from the water, she 
 wanted to hear one more sermon, and enjoy 
 one more privilege of kneeling with her breth- 
 ren and sisters at the table of the Lord, and of 
 commemorating with them his sufferings ; an- 
 ticipating that this might be the last time that 
 
268 MEMOIR OF 
 
 she should have this blessed privilege with the 
 saints below. So she tarried all day without 
 any refreshment, and when she returned home, 
 being completely exhausted, she took her bed, 
 and after suffering severely about eleven days, 
 her spirit took its flight to the Paradise of God, 
 there to remain until the judgment of the great 
 day, after which the Savior will say unto her, 
 and all the blood-washed throng, "Come, ye 
 blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre- 
 pared for you from the foundation of the 
 world." 
 
 Elizabeth blessed the Lord that she was per- 
 mitted to go to meeting this last Sabbath, al- 
 though she caught an addition to her cold, for 
 it was daring this day that she gained a com- 
 plete victory over all the powers of darkness. 
 Although death, hell, and the grave, in clamor- 
 ing for their victim had aroused Satan to hurl 
 at her all his fiery darts, at this critical moment ; 
 yet, through the strength of Jesus, the Captain 
 of her salvation — having hung her hopes, and 
 her all, upon her Redeemer's cross — she 
 weathered the storm, although fierce was the 
 contest on the battle field, and came off more 
 than conqueror through Him who had loved 
 her. She now took her bed in glorious triumph, 
 although the body had become all weakness. 
 She had now fought her last battle with the 
 devil. Although she had not now sheathed her 
 sword, yet the advecsary of her soul was never 
 permitted after this even, to suggest one temp- 
 tation to her mind. 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 269 
 
 Having now prayerfully commended all her 
 connections abroad to the care of her Heaven- 
 ly Father, she manifested no particular desire 
 to see any of them again except Lucy, whom 
 she manifested great anxiety to see before she 
 left the world ; but the providence of God so 
 ordered events that she did not enjoy this pri- 
 vilege. Before she was thought to be danger- 
 ously sick by her physician, she took an oppor- 
 tunity to converse alone with me one morning 
 about our social and religious affairs, and then 
 after giving me some good advice, committed 
 me to the care of Him who never sleeps nor 
 slumbers. The character of this interview with 
 my wife was such, that time will never efface it 
 from my memory. It was her last private in- 
 terview with one with whom she had labored 
 and suffered almost eleven years. This was a 
 heart-searching and melting season to us both. 
 Painful indeed was it to me, to see my dear 
 wife weeping on her sick and dying bed, while 
 rehearsing over her vicissitudes with me in full 
 view of the expectation of soon leaving me for 
 a better world. But the tears which rolled 
 down her pallid cheeks this morning, were the 
 last she ever shed, and these were tears of joy 
 and affection ; for she said, during this inter- 
 view, that her soui was unspeakably happy. 
 Having tried to pray for my companion, from 
 the time of my singular dream, that God would 
 preserve her to me, and the children, a little 
 longer, without having any access or faith when 
 23 
 
270 MEMOIR OF 
 
 pleading that her life might be prolonged, I be- 
 came convinced that it was God's will to take 
 her soon to Himself, and therefore, submissively 
 committed her case into the hands of that Being 
 who is too wise to err ; believing God's name 
 would be honored, and His cause advanced in 
 the deep trials I now saw before me. I had 
 previously seen persons reconciled and happy 
 at times, on sick-beds, and have heard shouts 
 of glory to God, just before the spirit has taken 
 its flight to the spirit-land ; but never before 
 did I see a person, who, through all her sick- 
 ness, possessed momentarily that faith which 
 gave constant resignation, and sweet sub- 
 mission to the will of God. She appeared, 
 when sick, as willing to suffer the will of God, 
 as when well, to do it. We could discover in 
 her no hallucination of mind during her last 
 sickness, except when first aroused from sleep. 
 So great was her distress, however, that she 
 had but very little, or no sleep, during the last 
 sixty hours of her life, but God's grace enabled 
 her to triumph to the last. No dark cloud, or 
 temptation, for one moment, pervaded her mind, 
 either by day or by night. No murmur escaped 
 from her lips. Neither did she even desire, as 
 I could learn, to have her situation altered, or 
 that of her family, except she wished after her 
 decease to have the children placed under the 
 care of her parents, to which I consented. 
 Then she committed them to the care of Him 
 who gave them to her, consecrating them anew 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 271 
 
 to God, by laying her pallid hands on their 
 heads, and invoking the blessings of heaven on 
 their souls. Never after this, did she express 
 the least anxiety for the future welfare of the 
 little ones, having, previous to her illness, re- 
 ceived an evidence in answer to agonizing, and 
 persevering prayer, that God would adopt the 
 children into His family, and make them heirs 
 of heaven. 
 
 The news having spread that Mrs. M. was 
 very sick, and that her soul was on the mount, 
 exhorting all who came in to see her, the peo- 
 ple flocked in scores, and hundreds, to see her, 
 and listen to the strains of mercy which flowed 
 from her lips. To all she made some appro- 
 priate remarks, until her strength failed her. 
 She was so anxious to do a little good upon her 
 death-bed, that we permitted her room to be 
 mostly filled with visiters for several of her last 
 days. Nor was she satisfied with speaking to 
 those only, who came in voluntarily to see her ; 
 but remembering some poor sinners in the 
 neighborhood, who had resisted the Spirit 
 through the protracted revival which they had 
 witnessed, she sent for several of them to call 
 and see her. Sope came to gratify her wishes, 
 others would not. And surely, it was enough 
 to melt the hardest heart, to see her eagerly 
 grasp the hand of the impenitent man, after 
 the body had become all weakness, and to hear 
 her inviting him by all that was lovely and glo- 
 rious in heaven, to come to Christ. A few of 
 
272 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the last with whom she conversed, so exhausted 
 her strength, that she was obliged, after she 
 commenced talking, to stop for breath, then 
 begin again, and thus continue holding on to 
 their hands, until her message was delivered. 
 It was truly heart-cheering to her friends, to 
 hear the voice of a dying saint on the very 
 threshold of eternity, still relating the story of 
 the cross, with a fullness of glory in her soul. 
 In her life (hey had seen the glories of the cross 
 exemplified, and in her sickness and death, its 
 victories. Two days before her death, she had 
 become so exhausted, that she informed me 
 that she feared she should not be able to re- 
 ceive any more company ; but at this time, the 
 desire of the people had become so intense to 
 look at her, having heard of her heavenly ex- 
 hortations, coming as it were from the dead, 
 that we could not well prevent her room from 
 being thronged much of the time, but she did 
 not converse much with them. Her work being 
 now closed, all sublunary objects seemed to be 
 removed far away from her mind, and her soul 
 firmly fixed on heavenly objects. Her parents 
 having arrived the night before she died, she 
 appeared to be very glad to s^ them, but con- 
 versed but very little with them, or any other 
 one after this, as her weakness of body was 
 great, and her mind wholly absorbed in the 
 heavenly glories. About two o'clock the next 
 morning, she was struck with a death struggle, 
 and it was thought she would immediately quit 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 273 
 
 this vale of tears; but reviving a little, she con- 
 tinued lingering and struggling with the mon- 
 ster, until about four o'clock, P. M. Not only 
 were her soul and spirit sanctified to God, but 
 her body too ; for it shone with the glory of 
 God even after the spirit had fled from its cas- 
 ket. Still she had no great rapture of joy at 
 any period of her illness. Her's was a steady 
 peace, like a river, and a constant victory ; oc- 
 casionally, however, she shouted for the battle, 
 crying " Glory to God," but often did she say 
 *' that her soul was unspeakably happy." The 
 grace she possessed, triumphantly bore up her 
 spirits, while the rough sea of affliction was 
 raging, and the cold rude winds of death tossing 
 her foundering bark, near the yawning ocean 
 of eternity. In this crisis, she called for a slate, 
 wishing to note down a few things which she 
 wished to give to her friends ; but finding her 
 strength was too far gone to use a pencil, she 
 then tried to communicate verbally her wishes 
 to us, after which her mind was again fixed on 
 her future reward. When Elizabeth came to 
 her last hour, she remained the same calm, col- 
 lected person, possessing the gift of reason as 
 bright as ever. When drawing almost her last 
 breath, she, by request, gave a gentle squeeze 
 with her hand, denoting that she knew us, and 
 that all was well, although death had struck, 
 and Elizabeth was just ceasing to stem the tide 
 of life. When the wheels of time had ceased 
 to move, the body looked so perfectly natural, 
 *23 
 
2l74 MEMOIR or 
 
 and pleasant, with a sanctified smile upon the 
 countenance, that some of her friends doubted 
 whether she was dead, and were very anxious 
 that the body should be kept uijtil there should 
 be an alteration. But the parents desiring that 
 the body might be buried in the ground on 
 their own land, her remains were carried to the 
 meeting-house the next morning, at nine 
 o'clock, and after listening to an appropriate 
 discourse, suited to the solemnities of the occa- 
 sion, by Rev. Benjamin Paine, the body was 
 removed the same day to her father's house in 
 Lunenburg. The next day her connections 
 and friends came and took the last view of 
 their departed friend, and after listening to a 
 solemn address by the Rev. Mr. Tracy, of 
 Fitchburg, her body was deposited in the family 
 burying-ground of her parents, to remain until 
 the resurrection of the just, and unjust ; then it 
 will arise, and again re-unite with its happy 
 spirit, which is now resting in paradise, and 
 enter upon the endless glories of heaven, to 
 chant the notes of redeeming love in a world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
ELIZABETH ANN MOULTON. 
 
 275 
 
 Two beautiful marble grave-stones, presented 
 by the ladies of Oxford, mark the place of her 
 repose ; on the front of the one placed at her 
 head, is the following inscription : 
 
 DIED, IN OXFORD, JUNE 1, 1843, 
 
 WIFE OF 
 REV. HORACE MOULTON, 
 
 FORMERLY WIFE OF 
 
 « 
 
 REV. SAMUEL ESTIN, 
 AGED 35 YEARS. 
 
W 76 "89 '1? 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 <^ n*. ' • • " Ay ' 
 
 • ••. "> 
 
 flair « av ^^ •"e^^'*'* ^ 't^ V *^«IK«r^ 
 
 
 
 
 

 % 
 
 
 'bV 
 
 
 i*<?«. .' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 v^ 
 
 HECKMAN 
 BINDERY INC. 
 
 i^ JUL 89 
 
 N. MANCHESTER, 
 INDIANA 46962