Qass- 
 
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 Book_- 
 
•■M'/ED BTISARTAW 
 
ME MOIR 
 
 REV, DANIEL H0LBR00K GILLETTE, 
 
 OF MOBILE, ALABAMA. 
 
 BY HIS BROTHERS, 
 
 REV. W. B. GILLETTE, OF PISCATAWAY, 
 
 REV. A. D. GILLETTE, OP PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 J. B. LIPPINCOTT St CO.,— FOURTH AND RACE STREETS. 
 
 BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, NO. 31 NORTH SIXTH 8T. 
 
 1846. 
 

TO THE 
 
 CHURCHES AND KIND PEOPLE, 
 
 IN 
 
 RAHWAY, N. J.; CHARLOTTSVILLE, VA; MOBILE, ALA.; 
 
 AND 
 
 ABOVE ALL, 
 
 BECAUSE 
 
 NEARER TO HIM THAN ALL, 
 
 TO OUR 
 
 OFT STRICKEN AND EVER BELOVED MOTHER, 
 
 WE 
 
 DEDICATE THESE FAINT OUTLINES 
 
 OF 
 
 THEIR YOUTHFUL BISHOP 
 
 AND 
 
 HER YOUNGEST SON. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Dear Reader, — This volume owes its origin to 
 the affection of three churches, very respectable for 
 numbers, intelligence, and piety, over whom, by ap- 
 pointment of Christ, it was the early lot of our dear 
 young brother successively, and very successfully, to 
 preside. 
 
 Those who knew him best, in health, sickness, 
 life, or even in death, believed that his career, though 
 short, was richly fraught with instruction. His un- 
 common diligence in study, being almost a pastor 
 while but a student — his indomitable efforts to sup- 
 port himself in college — his future rapid exaltation 
 in and by the public mind, from the almost unknown 
 novitiate, in four short years, to the bishopric of 
 churches, worthy of the most commanding talents 
 and experienced wisdom. His almost unparalleled 
 feebleness and vexing bodily infirmities, and yet his 
 continuance, like a fixed star, so long before the 
 world's admiring gaze, though failing bodily, yet 
 growing in mental and spiritual splendour, were cir- 
 cumstances which his devoted people cherished too 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 highly to suffer eclipse from their being written only 
 on the memory of a busy and dying community. 
 
 It would have been a privilege to the compilers, 
 could they have retired within the sacredness of 
 their home circle, and, with their remnant family, 
 mourned, in silence and seclusion, his early death 
 and the death of an elder brother, Rev. Philander 
 Dunham Gillette, of Elmira, New York, which 
 so afflictingly followed. But three highly influential 
 churches, and many thousand weeping admirers, ex- 
 tending from central New York to the Gulf of 
 Mexico, commanded us, and we could not but en- 
 deavour to obey their voice. We would conclude 
 in the language of the Rev. A. Judson, D. D., in 
 reference to the dust of his precious wife, Sarah, 
 " And so, God willing, while [his] prostrate form 
 reposes in death, and [his] sanctified spirit enjoys 
 sweeter repose on the bosom of Jesus, let me con- 
 tinue to toil on all my appointed time until my 
 change, too, shall come." 
 
M EMOIRS 
 
 REV. DANIEL HOLBROOK GILLETTE. 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 BIRTH AND ANCESTRY. 
 
 Daniel Holbrook Gillette's native place was 
 hi the township of Cambridge, which is situated 
 in the south central part of Washington county, 
 in the state of New York, about forty miles east 
 by north of the city of Albany, and thirty-four 
 north of the city of Troy. He was born March 
 25th, 1813. His father's residence was a most de- 
 lightful spot in Nature's landscape. It stood be- 
 tween two ranges of high, round hills, whose sides 
 and summits were covered with beech, birch, maple, 
 and other beautiful forest-trees, from amid the thick 
 foliage of which shot heavenward and high above 
 them the spear-like and ever green white pine, as 
 useful to man as it is ornamental to his hilly home. 
 Five beautiful, small lakes or ponds of fresh water 
 lie along and sparkle in the bottom of this valley, 
 extending their range to the distance of about three 
 miles from their most southern to their northern ex- 
 tremity. On a rounding strait of land which lies 
 between the two most southern of these lovely natural 
 2 
 
2 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 reservoirs of pure mountain springs, in whose bo- 
 soms leap and gambol fish of various kinds, stood 
 the ever, ever 
 
 " Dear to our hearts, 
 The home of our childhood." 
 
 Dr. Fidelio Buckingham Gillette, Daniel's 
 father, was a man of liberal education, and, by pro- 
 fession, a physician, of respectable attainments. His 
 skill in practice is often the theme of the few of his 
 patients who survive him. They are few, for they 
 belong to a former generation, and will soon follow 
 him " the way of all the earth." 
 
 Dr. Gillette was the eldest son of the Rev. 
 Elisha Gillette, who was a native of Connecti- 
 cut, and for more than sixty years witnessed a good 
 profession, and ceased not to teach and to preach 
 Jesus Christ, and him crucified. He spent more 
 than two-thirds of his protracted and useful life on 
 Long Island; where, also, he finished his course and 
 rested from his labours in 1820, aged eighty-six 
 years. His venerable dust lies buried in a grave- 
 yard near the residence of his only surviving son, 
 the Hon. D. Gano Gillette, in Patchogue, Suffolk 
 county, Long Island, New York. 
 
 Elisha Gillette was the son of the Rev. Wil- 
 liam Gillette, M. D., a native of France, who was 
 a Huguenot and a clergyman, as well as physician. 
 When papal persecution burst out in new fury, and 
 raged against this truly apostolic class of Christians, 
 Dr. Gillette, through the importunity of his pa- 
 tients, and mainly on account of his medical profes- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 
 
 sion and usefulness to the health of the neighbour- 
 hood, was exempted from the doom of banishment 
 or death. In compliance with the wishes of his 
 friends, who, during that period of fearful excitement, 
 cared more for the body than the soul, he desisted 
 for a short time from publicly preaching the gospel. 
 But soon he felt constrained to fulfil his ordination 
 vows; fidelity to his Master in heaven prevailed 
 over all temporal policy: he resumed his work, and 
 preached the gospel from house to house,while he took 
 his rounds as a physician, and often public assem- 
 blies were addressed by him in various neighbour- 
 hoods of his ride. 
 
 The infuriated papal policemen and soldiers could 
 not withhold their displeasure at this religious free- 
 dom which the Doctor enjoyed: his property was 
 confiscated, his life in danger, and, while yet a young 
 man, he was exiled from his home in beloved France. 
 One lingering look, one heavy sigh, and he saw its 
 sunny scenes no more. He came to America; came, 
 as thousands of our early settlers came, a pennyless 
 stranger, suffering banishment and privation for con- 
 science, and for Jesus' sake. Soon after arriving he 
 settled in Connecticut, and began the practice of me- 
 dicine, which he continued through his long life. 
 By close application and study he early acquired the 
 use of the English language, and in it he embraced 
 frequent opportunities for preaching the gospel: he 
 officiated as pastor to several congregations among 
 the colonists at Saybrook and vicinity. 
 
 It is proper to state that both of these venerable 
 
4 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ancestors of Daniel lived most of their days and died 
 in communion with the Baptist church; both, how 
 ever, observing " the seventh day as the Sabbath of 
 the Lord their God." Dr. Wm, Gillette died at 
 the advanced age of ninety, and lies buried in Lyme, 
 Conn. 
 
 Daniel's paternal grandmother was the daughter 
 of Lieutenant Governor Buckingham of Connecticut. 
 His mother was a direct descendant of the Rev. Ed- 
 mond Dunham, and Rev. Jonathan Dunham of 
 Piscataway, New Jersey, the former was founder of 
 the Seventh day Baptist Church in Piscataway, and 
 the latter his successor, of which church the Rev. 
 Walter Bloomfield Gillette is now pastor. 
 
 Daniel was the tenth child of his parents, and the 
 fifth son — four of whom became clergymen. — The 
 second son,FiDELio Buckingham Gillette, M. D., 
 was suddenly cut off by disease; a martyr to ex- 
 posure and ambition in his profession in Schenec- 
 tady, N. Y., 1S34. He bore his father's whole name 
 and many of his characteristics; as well as his profes- 
 sion. 
 
 Philandkr Dunham Gillette, the eldest of the 
 brothers, commenced the study of medicine with 
 his father, joined the northern army, near the 
 close of the last war, was dismissed on peace being 
 declared, — went to Salem, New Jersey, became an 
 assistant in the academy, and a student under its 
 preceptor, the Rev. Joseph Sheppard, who also bap- 
 tized him, and directed his way into the ministry. 
 He studied theology under Dr. Staughton of Phila- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 5 
 
 delphia. In the state of New York, in Philadelphia, 
 and elsewhere, he sustained the pastoral relation to se- 
 veral highly respectable and influential churches, five 
 of which, by his own self-supported exertions, he 
 was the means of raising. Worn to premature age, by 
 exposure and toil, he fell on sleep, on the 2Sth day 
 of March, 1845, in the village of Fairport, town- 
 ship of Elmira, Chemung Co., N. York, only six 
 weeks after his young brother, Daniel, to whom 
 he was much endeared, had preceded him into the 
 kingdom of their heavenly Father. 
 
 Here we are compelled to pause in our narra- 
 tive, and give grief its freedom. Seldom has a task 
 more impressively solemn fallen to the lot of bio- 
 graphers, perhaps never one so peculiar as this. 
 Here rush upon our minds the recollections of our 
 venerable, reverend and esteemed ancestors, who for 
 nearly two centuries have ceased not to teach and 
 to preach in the name of Jesus; and^that, too, when 
 persecution raged, because the offence of the cross 
 had not ceased. 
 
 The recollections of departed excellence which have 
 been matured and developed, by a long series of years 
 is mingled with melancholy feelings; and earlier be- 
 reavements demand the tributary tear. We here in- 
 cidentally erect a monument to age, to youth, to ge- 
 nius, to usefulness, and above all to piety. Yes, to pi- 
 ety, which, alas, appears to us mortals, as if it were too 
 prematurely wrapped in the oblivion of the grave. 
 
 Surely we must pursue our mournful work with 
 trembling hands and bleeding hearts. 
 
6 MEMOIRS or 
 
 Experience has doubtless taught the reader that 
 the mind is soothed by the communication of its 
 sorrow, the bosom is relieved of heavy burdens by 
 telling the virtues of the friends it mourns; and our 
 best feelings of heart are gratified with the con- 
 sciousness that instead of indulging alone the luxury 
 of unavailing grief, it has done what it could in por- 
 traying in lively colours for the good of the living, 
 the excellence of the beloved and pious dead. 
 
 With mournful pleasure we sketch the outlines of 
 him, whose life exhibited one of the loveliest and 
 most finished characters the world ever saw in 
 youth. We do this, regretting that one so ripe for 
 heaven should so soon be called from needed useful- 
 ness on earth : and that not to abler hands had this 
 work been committed. 
 
 In solemn sadness we now attempt to detail the 
 chief incidents in the brief and brilliant career 01 our 
 youngest brother in the flesh, youngest of four in 
 the same family, who were in the work of the mi- 
 nistry of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Our effort owes its origin to one of those mysterious 
 providences, which seem sent upon the church to 
 admonish her of the mortality of those on whom 
 she is too apt to depend, to whose abilities and mi- 
 nistrations she too often looks for succour and advance- 
 ment, to the neglect of Him by whose might and 
 love and Spirit, she can alone go on and prosper. 
 
 A life which had been, though short, no less in- 
 structive than its close, needed to be chronicled, that 
 it might be reviewed by his friends, and spread be- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 7 
 
 fore many who but for this imperfect memoir, would 
 remain ignorant of the early struggles against pover- 
 ty, and need of education, the work of faith and la- 
 bour of love, and unwasting patience of one of Christ's 
 young and valiant soldiers, whom he has so kind- 
 ly taken up to an inheritance of the promises. 
 
 The bereaved people in Rah way, New Jersey, Char- 
 lotsville, Va., and Mobile, Alabama, required this la- 
 bour at our hands, and while regretting that abler 
 minds do not perform the duty, we are impelled to 
 make the attempt, hoping at least by this means, 
 to show some of our heart-felt gratitude to those dear 
 churches; and our just appreciation of those many 
 personal friends of our lamented brother, who have 
 advised us to the undertaking. 
 
 The many relatives and social circles by' whom 
 our brother was so much beloved, forbid but that 
 embalmed in a public form, should be a life of one 
 who while lovely and promising in his relations to 
 them, was transcendently more so to those among 
 whom he laboured and suffered and died. 
 
 It is with sensitive diffidence and sincere humi- 
 lity that we beseech the blessing of God upon this 
 short-coming production; for to Him we commend 
 it, as a work sacred to his cause, and to the consi- 
 derations of friendship. To those who knew and 
 loved him it will sometimes recall, with indescri- 
 bable, and we trust grateful emotions, his image and 
 excellencies. May they all, by it, be induced to 
 emulate his bright array of Christian virtues, and if 
 they are aspirants to the bright aims of the Gospel 
 
o MEMOIRS OF 
 
 herald, may they cherish also and largely possess 
 his ministerial graces. 
 
 Great Father in heaven, may it indeed to the 
 candidate for pastorship in Christ's church, be the 
 means of encouragement, instruction, caution and 
 zeal. Be it so, and the labour we have bestowed in 
 this way is not in vain, — no, verily, for then is ours 
 a rich reward, and thine the glory and praise ever- 
 more. Amen. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. 
 
 Daniel's father lived on a public turnpike near the 
 district school house; blessed with maternal care and 
 affection, his youngest son's earliest days were spent, 
 retired from an observing world, and remote from 
 any thing peculiar that might be expected to mark 
 his budding childhood. We do not know that there 
 was excited, or made to appear in him, any remarkable 
 degree of talent, or that there was displayed by him 
 any early genius beyond what intelligent parents 
 and friends discover in most of the children who 
 are the recipients of their instruction and love. 
 
 One child-like anecdote we here record, for it is 
 well remembered. When Daniel was between the 
 ages of two and six years, it was his frequent custom 
 to place three chairs with their backs so together 
 as to enclose the seat of one on three sides, and 
 getting himself within the enclosure, standing 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 9 
 
 on the seat of one, and leaning over the tops of the 
 others, would call us little folks around him : lead 
 us in song, and then from his own childish brain, 
 preach to us, with all the seeming gravity and ear- 
 nestness of one who feels himself sent on Heaven's 
 most important errand to mankind. Thus, as we 
 now see, early presaging his future brief but bril- 
 liant and successfully-pursued calling in his Master's 
 vineyard. 
 
 When Daniel was not yet seven years old he ex- 
 perienced an earthly privation, which is second in 
 degree only — (the loss of a mother being first) in its 
 extent, among the calamities that can befall a child — 
 it was the sudden decease of his father. The ex- 
 citing scenes connected with this bereavement are 
 well remembered; also Daniel's appearance on the 
 mournful occasion. To the conviction of all the 
 friends present, Daniel seemed conscious of what 
 death was beyond what is generally apparent in a boy 
 of his years — he was sedate and quiet, kept himself 
 much within doors, and exhibited in his remarks a 
 participation in the solemn scene, unusual even in 
 many quite his seniors in age. Some whose tear- 
 ful eyes were witnesses of that mournful event, as 
 they occasionally meet, still speak of Daniel's marked 
 conduct during the funeral service. He was seated 
 by his stricken mother's feet, on a small stool: he 
 would frequently look up into her grief-smitten face; 
 and expressing a sympathetic feeling seem to say> 
 " Dear mother, I feel for you. I know your loss is 
 great, and I, alas, am now your fatherless boy. ! 
 mother, who will now be our protector and guardian?" 
 
10 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Though Daniel was then too young to appreciate 
 a father's worth, yet he felt the stroke that cut that 
 father down,in his manhood's prime, and he pondered 
 it deeply in his heart, and the impressions it made 
 upon his youthful mind were lasting. 
 
 There was at this early age something remarkably 
 amiable and winning in Daniel's manner; which, 
 combined with his gentle and frail form, and espe- 
 cially his fatherless situation, gained for him the es- 
 teem of all who knew him, and he was spoken of by 
 parents to their children as the " good little boy." 
 
 Well would it be if parents were more generally 
 in the habit of cultivating and encouraging in their 
 children, the graces of a meek and quiet spirit: these 
 are far more valuable, than the rare but often sought 
 qualities of a prematurely developed mind. Talents 
 too much desired by ambitious parents in their off- 
 spring, if unadorned with real excellencies of heart, 
 are liable to render the idols of their education the 
 ministers of anguish to themselves and irreparable 
 mischief to mankind. 
 
 About this time, Daniel was taken by his eldest 
 living sister, who, though several years married, 
 had but one child, a daughter, six years Daniel's 
 junior. This beloved sister, Mrs. Emeline Taft, be- 
 came as a mother, and her husband as a father to 
 their adopted brother and son. Daniel seemed to 
 know no difference in their relations to himself, than 
 those existing between them and their only child. 
 
 This sister reared Daniel carefully: being educated 
 herself, she took early, and unwearied pains, to en- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 1 1 
 
 grave upon his young mind and heart, the lessons of 
 morality, intelligence, and religious truth. Indeed, 
 for several years, she was his only instructer, and 
 her room his only school — his little niece his only 
 companion and associate in study — for soon after 
 Daniel's union with this little family, Mr. Taft en- 
 gaged in the lumber business, and removed from the 
 pleasant town and society of Cambridge, about fifty 
 miles north, where he settled, amid the wild rocks 
 and towering cliffs, and more than romantic scenery 
 that line the shores of the far-famed mountain-en- 
 closed and picturesque waters of Lake Horicon, com- 
 monly called Lake George. 
 
 Daniel's youthful days were destined henceforth 
 here in this wild retired solitude to be passed — his 
 sweet little niece, Cynthia Maria, his only playmate 
 — as neighbours were two or more miles distant, 
 and a rude path or dangerous lake sail, in a frail 
 skiff or log canoe, was their only means of neighbourly 
 intercourse* 
 
 In this beloved sister, now in heaven, was well 
 performed what would have been, otherwise, the 
 pleasing task of Daniel's yet living pious mother — 
 who in entirely and safely confiding the education 
 of her youngest son to her then eldest living daugh- 
 ter, was actuated by that spirit of devotion which is 
 peculiar to fond mothers — the desire to gratify the 
 wish of her daughter, and at any amount of personal 
 sacrifice to herself, seek to do the best she could by 
 her son. 
 
 In this wild but lovely region, of their new 
 
12 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 home, there was much to inspirit and animate an 
 ardent-minded and guileless boy. Here he was, where 
 nature revelled almost undisturbed by man — wolves, 
 deer, and other wild game, roamed free upon the 
 mountains; fish of rare beauty, and epicurean excel- 
 lence, leaped and abounded in the pure waters of the 
 lake — which washed by its limpid waves three sides 
 of the little grass-carpeted peninsula, in the centre 
 of which stood the humble log-built dwelling of this 
 happy family. Three hundred and sixty-five islands, 
 covered during summer and autumn with beautiful 
 green — surrounded by jutting rocks — dot and adorn 
 the surface of this mountain lakelet. Several of 
 these islands are included in the scene which the 
 eye encircles, as it looks from Mr. Taft's house out 
 on the billowy bosom of the deep, and thereby unite 
 in composing an unrivalled landscape and lake 
 view. On this scene, with early eyes and a suscep- 
 tible heart, this dear boy was wont to look, with 
 wrapped and profitable emotions. 
 
 One of these islands now bears the name of this 
 boy, and we trust it will in all coming time. 
 
 The occasion of its receiving such a designation, was 
 as follows. Daniel and his little niece, as they were 
 accustomed — took a sail upon the treacherous lake 
 one day, and landed on this island: it being his first 
 arrival there, he took formal possession of it in his 
 own family name Gillette, after the manner in 
 which he had seen Columbus represented in en- 
 gravings taking possession of this new world. As 
 he had no standard with him to rear, or cross to 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 13 
 
 plant, he clambered up one of the tallest trees, and 
 high on the bark of its trunk, inscribed his name 
 and the date of the event. To these lovely earth 
 spots, green in the midst of wildly dashing waters — - 
 Daniel and his little niece often paddled their light 
 canoe; nor was it an unusual thing, for their sister 
 mother, to share their billowy voyage, and lovely 
 lake-life pastime. 
 
 It was doubtless while these rude and soft scenes 
 of nature's untamed loveliness were being impressed 
 upon our young brother's heart and mind, that the 
 peculiarly mild and yet enthusiastic temperament of 
 his manhood's character was contracted and formed. 
 These scenes contributed essentially to the web and 
 woof of his matured excellence: after years showed 
 with vividness and power that he received and 
 blended in his very being these soft, bold, and spi- 
 rited associations. 
 
 During this happy spring-tide of life, manhood 
 was drawing nigh, and sterner considerations than 
 he was accustomed to indulge in, began to press 
 themselves upon Daniel's mind. 
 
 In this remote mountain settlement religious pri- 
 vileges were very few and far between. Clergymen, 
 however, did from a distance seek out and visit this 
 retired region, and to the simple-minded inhabitants 
 in their log cabins, and under the shade of their 
 wild native trees, preach the glorious gospel of the 
 blessed God. At Mr. Taft's rude but comfortable 
 dwelling, such usually found a hearty welcome, and 
 a prophet's small room. 
 
14 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Their fare was usually lake trout, which Daniel 
 on such occasions would take special pains to pro- 
 cure, and Emeline, his sister, equal pains frugally to 
 prepare. 
 
 Many a man of God has still in recollection those 
 happy seasons which he spent with this simple- 
 minded and lovely family, nor do they forget the 
 rosy cheek flaxen-haired boy, whose expanding 
 brow and sparkling eye, and unsophisticated ques- 
 tions, bespoke to the observing, a sphere of future 
 usefulness less limited than the one he so happily now 
 filled, amid the rude circle of his there retired, iso- 
 lated home. 
 
 It is to religious privileges such as we have al- 
 luded to, that Daniel refers in the following letter, 
 to his brother A., then Pastor in Schenectady. 
 
 "Dresden, Sept., 1831. 
 
 "Dear Brother, 
 
 "Though cousins and others of our relatives die, 
 it is my privilege to enjoy good health. I yet live 
 on the shore of the beautiful Lake Horicon,and shall 
 be likely to remain here some time to come, but my 
 mind is made up, to leave ultimately. This is a 
 very healthy place, but we have few religious meet- 
 ings, and but poor schools, and they are kept open 
 only a part of the year. 
 
 "In Hague, opposite to this place, the Rev. John 
 Barker is settled, as pastor of a small Baptist church. 
 He preaches frequently in this neglected region, and is 
 settled in what has been a very wicked place, but some 
 have reformed. In August last he held a general 
 meeting, and about sixteen have lately been hope- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 15 
 
 fully converted, thirteen of whom were recently bap- 
 tized — one was a striking case: an old man who had 
 lived in sin eighty-five years: he was led down into the 
 water meekly as a child, and received the ordinance. 
 
 may my preserver not let me live so long in such 
 a way. May I, while young, become a Christian." 
 
 "Dear brother, you wrote me a fine letter: I re- 
 ceived it thankfully, as from one who I knew was 
 my friend. I liked the advice it conveyed to me 
 very much. I do wish I could see you; then I 
 would tell you more than I can now write. I intend 
 to visit mother this fall, and if I arn not too 
 much hurried, I will visit you. how happy 
 
 1 should be to do so. if I could once see all of 
 my brothers and sisters. 
 
 "Receive this as from the hands of your own bro- 
 ther, D. H. Gillette. " 
 
 Truth preached to the inhabitants of this roman- 
 tic and picturesque region, had its desired effect. 
 This whole family were pricked in the heart, be- 
 lieved, and were baptized in the translucent lake 
 near by their own dwelling. Nor was our young 
 brother a mere formal participant in these stirring 
 scenes. 
 
 Owing to the want of the privileges, of which 
 he speaks in the letter — Daniel left home and at- 
 tended school in the village of Plague, which lies 
 on the west shore of the lake, and though several 
 miles towards Ticonderoga, distant from Mr. Taft/s 
 residence, can plainly be seen from that place. 
 
16 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 What were the advantages which this school afforded 
 for intellectual culture we are not minutely informed. 
 Yet from its isolated position and limited population, 
 and they mostly compelled to live by rough hard la- 
 bour, in getting pine and other timber from the rug- 
 ged mountains, it is not probable that education could 
 there be extensively pursued. 
 
 Daniel carried serious feelings with him to this 
 place, which, as is proved in his history, were of much 
 value and a sure support in the hours of trial which 
 so early came upon our young soldier of the cross. 
 He writes, 
 
 " Hague, Warren Co., N. Y., Jan., 1833. 
 "Dear Brother, 
 
 "lam attending school in this place. I make my 
 home at the house of the Rev. John Barker. My pri- 
 vileges are considerable in school and church. — The 
 rich displays of God's tender mercies have caused 
 me to take a bold stand in the cause of Christ. 
 
 "On the fourth day of last December, I was united 
 to the church, by following the footsteps of my Lord 
 into the watery grave. — I aim now to do nothing but 
 my Father's will; I feel his love. It is my duty to 
 work while the day lasts. The harvest truly is great, 
 and the labourers are few. If I am a chosen vessel 
 of the Lord, I am willing to serve him, as I may be 
 able. I heard that you were desirous for me to get 
 a liberal education, and would willingly help me to it. 
 I am willing to receive help from any person, should I 
 need it,butl fear lest by thetime I have graduated, — the 
 Lord having kindled a fire of love in my heart, it 
 would go out, and I should be like a stick of wood. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 17 
 
 covered with ice and snow.-— May the Lord take 
 charge of my mind, and keep it, for I am young, and 
 my heart is 
 
 'Prone to wander from the Lord I love.' 
 
 "You seem nearer to me than any others of my 
 relations, and are many miles nearer than any of my 
 other brothers. I say therefore to you, that in the 
 spring I shall go from these parts, to some place where 
 I can prosecute necessary learning. If you can suggest 
 any plan, do write me word. I long to enter the 
 Lord's service, and exhort sinners to flee from the 
 wrath to come, and seek the salvation of their souls. 
 
 "The Lord has worked mightily in Dresden re- 
 cently: about sixty have been brought to the acknow- 
 ledgment of the truth as it is in Christ. — Brother 
 Taft and sister Emeline think they have found out 
 the way of life and salvation. 
 
 "Your affectionate brother, 
 
 D. H. Gillette.'' 
 
 The above is the only record which we have been 
 able to find of our young brother's first love and 
 early consecration of himself to the service of his Re- 
 deemer. While it would gratify us to peruse the un- 
 varnished accountthat an unsophisticated boy, brought 
 up amid such wild associations, might make of his 
 first impression of Divine truth, convictions of sin, 
 and views of hope, joys of pardon and ecstasy of 
 sonship in the family of the redeemed, yet we can- 
 not partake the joy: for most of his early writings 
 were destroyed. 
 
 But that self-denying man of God whose pious 
 3* 
 
18 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 labours were so abundantly blessed in this region, and 
 who was mainly instrumental in the conversion of 
 our young brother, and of whom such kind mention is 
 made in a former letter, has nearly supplied the de- 
 ficiency in the following letter. 
 
 "Chester, Warren Co., N. Y., August, 1845. 
 "Dear Brother Gillette, 
 
 "Your friendly letter came to hand yesterday — I 
 find by its contents the confirmation of a report 
 which I was hoping might prove untrue. But, alas, 
 it is confirmed. D. H. Gillette, — a name ever 
 dear and sacred to the memory of all who knew 
 him here, — has passed into the eternal world. 
 
 u Dear departed brother, could thy sainted spirit de- 
 scend to earth, and mingle with thy loved ones here, 
 how sweet and interesting would be the precious mo- 
 ments, thus enjoyed. couldst thou speak and tell 
 of thy present enjoyments, thy rapture and bliss, it 
 might sooth every sorrow and dry every tear? But 
 why indulge these reflections? it is enough for us to 
 remember that 
 
 1 Once thou wert a mourner here below, 
 And wet thy couch with tears.' 
 
 "Now thou are absent from the body, and present 
 with the Lord — where pains and cares, sickness and 
 languor shall no more afflict thee; though removed 
 from us, thou art removed to a better society, and 
 fairer scenes, though severed for a time from all the 
 better ones of earth, yet dearer ones, and friends 
 better far are thine. Thou art present with the Lord. 
 Consoling thought. It is thine now to 
 
REV. D. H« GILLETTE. 19 
 
 * Sound his praise in strains, 
 To mortal ears unknown.' 
 
 " To enjoy the infinite riches of his boundless love. 
 Pain would we have had thee continue a little longer 
 here ! but why continue ? What is taken from thy short 
 period of time is added to thy eternity. We saw thee 
 here forming plans for the voyage, but the blessed 
 Pilot took thee almost direct to the desired harbour. 
 
 " Thou wast expecting to enjoy a few more days 
 with beloved friends below, but Christ has taken thee 
 to join with nobler friends above. 
 
 " Farewell, brother — may it be our happiness ere 
 long to be with thee. We leave thy precious remains, 
 with thy loved infant son by thy side until the re- 
 surrection morn — inscribing on thy tomb a memorial 
 of the faithfulness of God. 
 
 "Dear brother, it is with peculiar pleasure that I 
 give you such facts as remain in my recollection, con- 
 cerning the early religious history of your much es- 
 teemed and deeply lamented brother. I am glad that 
 you ask for facts only, some interesting and impor- 
 tant ones 1 think I can give you. 
 
 "In detailing the following circumstances, I shall be 
 obliged to blend a part of my own ministerial his- 
 tory. 
 
 "In the fall of 1 S3 1,1 was called by the people of 
 Hague to labour with them in the gospel. It was 
 with some difficulty that I could decide whether it 
 was duty to go. There were only four or five Bap- 
 tists in the place. Not until after several solicitations 
 and making it a subject of prayer, did I resolve to go. 
 
20 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 I left Dresden in June, 1832, and began my labours 
 for undying souls in Hague immediately. Little 
 evident success followed until the next September, 
 when averyinterestingrevivalof religion commenced, 
 continuing more than ten months." 
 
 It was a powerful display of God's rich and match- 
 less grace: — we hope in charity, that more than sixty 
 Were the fruits of the word and the Spirit employed 
 and applied on that occasion — embracing converts 
 from the age of eighty-six years down to twelve. 
 
 Among this happy throng we recognised with de- 
 vout gratitude to Almighty God your brother Da- 
 niel, the circumstances of whose conversion were as 
 follow : — 
 
 During most of the season past, he had been a con- 
 stant attendant on worship among us, and evinced 
 seriousness much of the time, his conviction of sin 
 seemed to increase every time he heard a gospel 
 sermon; but these impressions and convictions were 
 not very pungent, until that remarkable evening, to 
 which he refers as the time when he was brought to 
 hope in the pardoning mercy and sanctifying grace 
 of his Lord and Saviour. This was a meeting 
 of deep interest. I appointed it in the neighbour- 
 hood where your brother resided; it was well attend- 
 ed — composed principally of young converts and 
 weeping inquirers. After talking about thirty mi- 
 nutes from that interesting passage of Scripture, 
 "Sirs, we would see Jesus," liberty was given for 
 any to express their wishes and feelings. Your bro- 
 ther immediately arose, and spake as follows, as near 
 as my recollection serves me. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 21 
 
 " I feel truly awful ! I see myself a poor self-con- 
 demned, and God-condemned sinner. I know I 
 justly deserve to be banished from bis presence and 
 the glory of his power. But, as I have just heard, 
 that in Jesus' arms there is room to him, I am re- 
 solved to go; if I perish, I will perish at Jesus' feet, 
 breathing out there expressions of penitential sor- 
 row." 
 
 He requested prayer to be made on his behalf 
 from all that were in the room; and it seemed to 
 me that if there were any present who had never 
 prayed before, that they would pray now; — and I be- 
 lieve I was not mistaken, the whole house appeared 
 to be filled with the breath of prayer, and the peni- 
 tent groaning out for pardon. Saints were wrestling 
 with God for their deliverance. Three professed to 
 have found mercy in God's sight that evening, and 
 your brother Daniel was the first that manifested it. 
 He did so by saying, " I feel that the burden of my 
 guilt is gone, that my sins are pardoned, that God is 
 my father, death my friend, and heaven my home." 
 
 A holy calmness seemed to come and rest upon 
 his soul, like to what David felt, when he said 
 "Thou wast angry with me, Lord; but thine an- 
 ger is turned away from me, and thou comfortest me." 
 
 None knowing Daniel, questioned the genuine- 
 ness of his change, for from this time, as long as 
 he remained in the vicinity, he evinced an evident 
 desire to glorify God — he truly walked in the strait 
 and narrow way of holy obedience. He was evi- 
 dently possessed of that principle, which is ever 
 found in the subjects of divine grace. His language 
 
22 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 was, " taste and see, that the Lord is good; blessed 
 is the man that trusteth in him." 
 
 His warning voice was heard in the conference 
 room, his prayers and praises going up from the 
 prayer circle — his daily walk and conversation gave 
 the clearest proof, that he was honest in the sacred 
 cause. He was very anxious to know his whole 
 duty, and ever showed a disposition to do it. 
 
 I well recollect his coming to me, and desiring 
 that I would give him some instruction on the sub- 
 ject of Christian baptism and communion. I in- 
 quired, if he could not satisfy himself on these doc- 
 trines from the word of God. He said he supposed 
 it was there, but I could explain to him more fully 
 than it was therein expressed. I remarked, that it 
 was not in the power of mortals to make it more 
 plain and easy to be understood than it was in the 
 volume of Divine inspiration. He then left me, and 
 I heard no more of the matter until after two weeks, 
 when he came to our church meeting; and by per- 
 mission, at his own request, gave an account of his 
 religious experience and views of gospel doctrines 
 and duties so far as he understood them; at the same 
 time desiring to unite with the church. The church, 
 after due deliberation and prayer, being unanimous 
 in expressing their satisfaction, resolved to comply 
 with his request, and after he should be baptized re- 
 ceive him as a member for whom Christ died. 
 
 Soon after this /, though most unworthy, had the 
 unspeakable privilege of leading this willing candi- 
 date, down into the silver waters of the " Lake Ho- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 23 
 
 RICon," where, on the profession of his faith, and in 
 obedience to the command of the great Head of the 
 church, Jesus Christ, I baptized him " into the name 
 of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." 
 
 The season was delightful, and the baptismal scene 
 a solemn one — producing impressions on many hearts 
 which time can never erase. The strength and in- 
 creasing confidence which he obtained by professing 
 obedience to God in his ordinances, was surprising, 
 and frequently he remarked — " I have greatly received 
 of the Lord's mercy, and am anxious to put it to the 
 best of use." The cause of the blessed Redeemer, 
 and the condition of perishing souls, were the prin- 
 cipal objects that courted and won the affections of 
 his heart. 
 
 A few weeks after his baptism he freely divulged 
 to me some of the impressions his mind had received 
 in relation to his future course of life, saying, that he 
 felt willing to do any thing whereby he could glo- 
 rify God and serve his generation. He thought it 
 would be one of the greatest privileges he could en- 
 joy on earth, to be fitted for, and engaged in preach- 
 ing to his fellow sinners that gospel which had been 
 made to his own soul the wisdom of God and the 
 power of God unto salvation. 
 
 From his remarks to me, the evident and constant 
 improvement of his talents, I was convinced that 
 his Divine Master was about to make him a chosen 
 vessel, by putting him into the ministry. The church 
 formally requested him to lead many of their meet- 
 ings, and so employ his rare gifts for their edification, 
 and his own improvement. 
 
24 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 They requested him finally to explain some portion 
 of scripture, which he might select: he seemed willing 
 to be the servant of the church, though it was with 
 much diffidence that he complied with their request. 
 But in his first effort of the kind he far exceeded our 
 expectation. He read these words: 
 "God is Love." 
 
 I wish I could give you a specimen of this his first 
 formal public address. You must know, my brother, 
 that a heart overflowing with the love of God, must 
 be prepared in some degree to expatiate on that love. 
 From this time, by advice of the church, he held 
 meetings in school-houses and private dwellings, at 
 the request of people in destitute neighbourhoods — 
 to the evident satisfaction of his auditors, and the 
 gradual increase of his own understanding and prac- 
 tice in doctrines pertaining to that great work for 
 which he afterwards became so eminently qualified. 
 
 Soon he left his residence in Dresden and came 
 and spent the winter in my family, and attended 
 school. His mind was evidently as much upon his 
 Bible as upon his mathematics and other studies. 
 His great aim seemed to be to discipline his mind and 
 heart with the rich truths of God's word and useful 
 learning. Had the advantages been suitable in our 
 school, it would have been a great favour to have re- 
 tained him in our family. I can truly assure you that 
 he was a peculiar favourite with us all. I knew 
 however, that his own improvement and the cause of 
 truth, required other and superior opportunities for 
 study than our region afforded. Having been con- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 25 
 
 fined to an obscure neighbourhood on the lake shore, 
 where schools at the best were poor, and only con- 
 tinued during winter, I felt it my duty to advise him 
 to make an effort to obtain a good thorough educa- 
 tion. Knowing that he had three brothers already 
 in the ministry, one especially in the town of Elmira, 
 who had much experience in the cause, and a man of 
 respectable education, able to counsel and instruct him, 
 1 advised him to visit that brother, and about this time 
 his relatives informed him that it was his brother's 
 request that he should come and live with him. 
 
 "In a few days more he took leave and parted from 
 us, all of whose hearts were bound to him by the 
 chords of strongest love. 
 
 "Ah! little did we think that this separation would 
 be for time. How true it is, that there is no place 
 of permanence or security from disease and death here. 
 
 * Dangers stand thick through all the ground, 
 To push us to the tomb.' 
 " I have received his sermon printed, which I value 
 as one of my choicest treasures. Yours in the bonds 
 of the gospel, 
 
 John Barker, 
 Pastor of the Baptist Church, Chester,Warren Co., N.V." 
 
 Of the foregoing scenes Daniel briefly speaks in 
 the next letter — and informs us that his mind was 
 quite decided as to future duty. We think there is 
 a sincerity and simplicity in his first epistles, entitling 
 them to a place in these pages. 
 
 « Dresden, March, 1833. 
 •♦Beloved Brother Abraham, 
 
 "When von present yourself in prayer, remember 
 
 -1 
 
26 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 your unworthy brother, who now informs you of his 
 health and other mercies. 
 
 " I have some privileges in common with good 
 people at large. I enjoy secret devotion, I ask the 
 Lord for grace, pardon, and sanctification. 
 
 u Jehovah is spreading his empire in these parts, 
 his heritage is growing greatly, the Spirit revives us. 
 I trust that not long since God for Christ's sake par- 
 doned my sins. Yes, he has been mindful of me 
 in his mercy, and now I extol him as mine above all 
 others. I hope to be directed by that power which 
 kills all sin. I feel it my duty to try and get ready 
 to publish the gospel. This impression finds increas- 
 ing place in my bosom. I believe it is forced to my 
 heart by the power of God. I realize in some de- 
 gree the worth of souls: this increases my impressions 
 of duty — my salvation cost no less than the blood 
 of Jesus Christ, the Son of God: ' knowing therefore 
 the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.' En- 
 listed for Christ's cause, may 1 study and pray, and 
 watch and be sober. 
 
 " I intend to leave here next spring. Mr. Taft, who 
 has been my father for several years, is willing, and 
 promises to help me. It will be affecting for me to 
 leave this people, and place of my residence. Pray 
 for me that I may have a parting blessing from the 
 Fountain of all holiness. I have no righteousness that 
 I would dare to mention in commending myself to 
 God. 
 
 "Last Lord's day 1 attended a meeting in this 
 town. Rev. John Barker preached from Matt xii. 2 1 : 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 27 
 
 'And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.' I trust 
 
 none other. 
 
 'None but Jesus, none but Jesus, 
 Can do helpless sinners good.' 
 
 "I am but a youth, but youth is the time to serve 
 the Lord. If I live to be old, all along life's way 
 may the prayers of God's people ascend for me, 
 that I may be useful in getting glory to his name, 
 by being instrumental in the salvation of sinners. 
 And now, 
 
 'May I govern my passions with absolute sway, 
 And grow wiser and better as life passes away.' 
 
 " 1 leave you in the hand of the Lord, — may he 
 prosper you for ever. This from your brother, 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 VISITS CAMBRIDGE, SCHENECTABA, AND ELMIRA. 
 
 From the foregoing it is evident that Daniel's quick 
 perceptions had acquired all that the schools in this 
 region could impart. Religion, also, had given addi- 
 tional elasticity to his mind; his heart thirsted for more 
 of that knowledge which is desirable, useful, and good. 
 He felt the love of Christ constraining him; he read 
 of millions perishing for lack of knowledge, for lack 
 of Heaven's bread. But how to leave that sister 
 who had been all a mother could desire her to be; 
 how to leave that sweet little niece, and all that was 
 here associated in his early feelings. Chords bound 
 him to his wild home, and none can wonder that his 
 
28 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 fond young heart lingered; blame we him? the true, 
 the sincere, the good, the lovely I am sure will not. 
 One desperate struggle with nature's first and holiest 
 impulses, and he leaped all these barriers — his spirit, 
 freed by the gospel of Christ sought greater quali- 
 fications for doing his Master's work. Feeling, 'wo 
 is me if I preach not the gospel,' he delayed not 
 to begin the desired preparation, in gaining mental 
 and moral equipment, for that warfare of mind with 
 mind and heart with heart, which is waged in order 
 that we may gain some. We next hear from him in 
 
 M Cambridge, Washington Co., N.Y., May, 1833. 
 "Respected Brother, 
 
 " I am yet in the world. I left Dresden one week 
 since, and am now at our sisters Eunice and Abigail's. 
 — All are well. I expended all the money I had when 
 I left Dresden, two dollars, in getting myself and trunk 
 to this place. If I could I would come and see you. 
 I have decent clothing, but no money. I am now left 
 to provide for myself — may the Lord help me. I 
 should like to go to Philander's at Elmira, but I must 
 work two or three months, and get something to assist 
 myself with. I feel greatly impressed, that it is my 
 duty to attend school — but poverty forbids now. 
 
 " Write soon. If I see you not before, when I get 
 funds enough to carry me, I shall call and see you 
 on my way to brother. 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 Jehovah often prepares our way before us, by means 
 not always such as make it the smoothest and fairest 
 to us in life, but evidently in a manner best adapted 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 29 
 
 to our good. As we have shown, our brother's chief 
 regret at leaving Lake Horicon's shores, was, that he 
 left there his ever beloved sister. God soon took that 
 attraction to himself. By death was this main bond 
 severed. May we not hope that their reunion in 
 glory was as rapturous, as their parting on earth 
 was painful? 
 
 Of this melancholy occurrence, so regarded indeed 
 by all who knew this lovely woman, he speaks: 
 
 " Cambridge, August, 1833. 
 "Dear Brother Abraham, 
 
 "I was calculating to see you here to-day, but 
 am disappointed. I have sad news to send you. I 
 relate it with a mournful heart. Sister Emeline was 
 taken ill the fifteenth of July, and agreeably to the 
 will of God she resigned her breath on the twentieth 
 — she is now gone — gone to try the realities of eter- 
 nity. God has taken but his own. 
 
 " I visited the place she has left. The twenty- 
 seventh was a time of mourning, my best friend 
 upon earth is now gone to return here no more. 
 We may have great comfort in the death of sister: I 
 believe she has gone to heaven, to live for ever with 
 her Maker and Lord. Brother, may this be an awaken- 
 ing event to us. Mourn with me. We have lost a 
 good sister, — a kind friend. Come and see me soon. 
 I am almost worn out with hard work. When my 
 time is out in harvesting, I shall go somewhere to 
 school. Yours, affectionately, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 Daniel having visited his friends in his native re- 
 gion, worked through the busy time of harvest, and 
 
30 MEMOIRS Ot 
 
 having thereby replenished his empty purse with 
 sufficient funds to warrant the undertaking — he bid 
 them all adieu, and turned his face toward the vil- 
 lage of Elmira, where his eldest brother Philander 
 resided — being Pastor of the Baptist church, which 
 he had been instrumental in raising in that town. 
 On his way he spent a few weeks in the city of 
 Schenectada, with his brother Abraham, who was 
 Pastor of the Baptist church in that city — and his bro- 
 ther Fidelio, who was a practising physician there. 
 On this memorable visit Daniel with his afflicted re- 
 latives was called to witness, instead of joy in social 
 intercourse, the violent illness and lamented decease of 
 his brother, the Doctor. From the enjoyment of per- 
 fect health, this rising young physician was cut down, 
 in the midst of hope and usefulness, by a disease which 
 he contracted in self-sacrificing devotion to one of 
 his surviving patients. How true it is, 
 
 44 We should suspect some sorrow nigh, 
 Where we expect delight." 
 
 Concerning Daniel in this his second trial under 
 the bereavement of the affections, after only a few 
 months' Christian experience,an accomplished corre- 
 pondent, then connected with a large Female Semi- 
 nary at Schenectada, and now similarly occupied with 
 a larger one in Utica, New York, writes, 
 
 "March 14, 1845. 
 
 " My Dear Friend.— I have learned that your 
 brother Daniel is no more. How mysterious are 
 the ways of Providence; when those on the walls of 
 Zion are cut down in the midst of usefulness. I well 
 know your deep feeding on this mournful occasion. 
 
REV. ». H. GILLETTE, 31 
 
 He had been the recipient of your care and kindness, 
 in such a manner as to strengthen the chord of bro- 
 therly affection. Well do I remember his first visit 
 to Schenectada, and the current of religious feeling 
 manifested both in his ordinary deportment, and his 
 fervency in prayer. Surely you have the consolation 
 of knowing, that he was prepared for a better world, 
 where may Heaven permit us all once more to as- 
 semble. Your sympathizing friend, 
 
 Cynthia Shelden." 
 
 After this painful separation by death, from a fond 
 and gifted brother, — a brother now with him in glory 
 — Daniel took leave of living friends — not a few of 
 whom had learned really to love him — and journeyed 
 to Elmira, where he became an inmate of the family 
 of his eldest brother. 
 
 Here enjoying increased advantages for study in 
 the academy, by diligent attention he gained rapidly 
 in knowledge, and by exhortation and prayer in the 
 meetings which he enjoyed, he grew in gifts and graces 
 — thus more clearly indicating his high and holy de- 
 signation as a good minister of Jesus Christ. Con- 
 cerning his situation and employment, he writes: 
 
 " Elmira, November 17, 1833. 
 
 " Dear Brother Abraham, — My health is good. 
 My acquaintance is limited here as yet, but it increases 
 as fast as I desire. I am well pleased in all respects, 
 and with the young people especially. 
 
 "Brother Fidelio attached many in this place to him 
 by his winning and gentle manners, who mourn his 
 early death. The physicians here say, he bid fair 
 
32 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 for excellence in the profession — his short career was 
 indeed brilliant and promising. 
 
 "I am now studying in a room in brother Philan- 
 der's house. I want to be prepared to enter the In- 
 stitution in January next. I have many hours of low 
 spirits when thinking of my temporal estate — but by 
 patience, 1 await the things which kind Providence 
 may bring forth. 
 
 "Br. P. has received a call from Trumansburg 
 church: they want him next spring, but I do not think 
 he will go. The young ladies' institute in brother's 
 house is prospering. Miss Slater is the efficient and 
 successful principal — all join me in affectionate re- 
 membrance. Yours truly, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 While thus employed in study, he recited to a gen- 
 tleman of classical education who was engaged in 
 teaching a few select scholars in the place, and he 
 gave lessons occasionally in the Female Seminary, 
 which was taught under his brother's roof. Of the 
 numerous compositions which he prepared, during 
 his academic course, we present the following as a 
 specimen of the direction that piety had given his 
 mind. 
 
 " THE SERPENT AND DOVE. 
 
 " I have supposed that the three worlds, heaven, 
 earth, and hell, illustrate the distribution of the at- 
 tributes of cunning and wisdom. 
 
 " In heaven, though there is no want of wisdom, 
 still, as there is no occasion to use it as a means of de- 
 fence, there prevails the simplicity of the dove. 
 
 "In hell there is the serpent only; but on earth, 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 33 
 
 where the partly sanctified live, and must be conver- 
 sant with total depravity — there must be the serpent 
 and the dove united. 
 
 " The serpent is said to be wise, or rather cunning; 
 perhaps it is so said in reference to his temptation of 
 our first parents, in the form of a reptile. Hence that 
 wandering spirit is styled the old serpent. He has 
 been an angel of light, and doubtless carried down to 
 the pit with him that extensive knowledge, which, in 
 the absence of holiness, must render him eminently 
 mischievous. He is the spirit that worketh now in 
 the hearts of the children of disobedience — hence the 
 prominent trait of character in unsanctified men of 
 talent, is cunning, not wisdom: it is the serpent only, 
 not the serpent and dove united." 
 
 During his residence with his brother, it was his 
 custom often to lead in the devotions at the family 
 altar, and many of that young female group yet 
 remember with what fervour and simplicity he per- 
 formed that service. 
 
 It became necessary for him to attend to many 
 domestic duties which abound in a country pastor's 
 family, his eldest brother — having a female seminary 
 in his house, and a church several miles distant, be- 
 sides his village charge, and accustomed to attend all 
 public meetings that were held for many miles around 
 — was necessarily much from home. Daniel joy- 
 fully performed his healthful task in preparing the 
 wood for the fires, feeding the domestic animals, and 
 going of necessary errands, and then leaped with joy 
 from his toils, to his room, and his books. 
 
 Religion in Daniel assumed its mildest and most 
 
34 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 amiable forms. There was apparent, uncomplaining 
 acquiescence in the will of God, and cheerful resigna- 
 tion to his earthly lot. It is probable that with pa- 
 tient submission to the order of Providence, he oc- 
 casionally mingled warm expressions of desire, and 
 even suffered his ardent' imagination to dwell upon 
 the bright visions of better days — and the animating 
 promise of pursuits congenial to the love and incli- 
 nation of his mind which hope would often give. 
 This was natural: nor is it inconsistent with perfect 
 resignation to the Divine will to dwell on such scenes 
 of promised pleasure and delight. 
 
 Combinations of light and shade are beautiful in na- 
 ture, and often in the history of Christian experience 
 does the sunshine of resignation break in upon the 
 tears of sorrow, and mingle indefinable feelings, 
 which, like the bow of promise, are a pledge of fairer 
 scenery and happier days. 
 
 It must be of incalculable advantage to a youth, 
 destined for the work of the ministry, to pass a year 
 or two in the family and study of a faithful and en- 
 lightened pastor. In this case Daniel was fortunate 
 — his brother Philander had enjoyed the domicili- 
 ated society of one of the best of pastors which 
 modern churches have known, Rev. Joseph Shep- 
 herd, A. M., of Salem, New Jersey, and one of the 
 most finished popular preachers of his time, the Rev. 
 Dr. Staughton, of Philadelphia. 
 
 Being so entirely at home, Daniel was a daily 
 spectator of his brother's toils and trials — a witness 
 of the varied scenes of duty and devotion which en- 
 gagedness in the labours of the ministry present. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 35 
 
 One week of actual observation will impress more 
 deeply on the mind the substance of lectures on pas- 
 toral care, than a month of abstract study alone; 
 indeed it gives to a young candidate what no general 
 analysis or theory can include. The improvement 
 of this early training may have done much, in so 
 rapidly maturing the capacity of our young brother 
 for the high discharge of those sacred functions, for 
 which he was so prematurely eminent. 
 
 When he entered the holy office, his pulpit efforts 
 and the habits of his life indicated long experience, 
 rather than juvenile theory; showed indeed a mas- 
 ter's rather than a learner's hand. 
 
 A judicious course of reading was marked out for 
 him by his brother, and he had the free use of a 
 good library, with which he closely occupied most 
 of his leisure hours. About this time he writes the 
 following: — 
 
 " Elmira, September 29th, 1834. 
 
 "Dear Brother Abraham, — My present em- 
 ployment is attending school. No pursuit is so 
 agreeable to me as study. If the Lord prolongs my 
 days — an education I intend to get. I pray the 
 Lord to bless my efforts. It will take much time, 
 and close application, but perseverance will con- 
 quer all common obstacles. 
 
 " I would like to see you, but I do not know that 
 I ever shall. Give my love to all inquiring friends. 
 I remain your unworthy brother, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 That in the midst of all his studies and duties re- 
 ligion was dearest to his heart, and the object of his 
 
36 MEMOIRS Of 
 
 brightest aims, is evident from the uniform character 
 of his letters and the testimony of those who knew 
 him most intimately. Of this his now departed 
 sister-in-law, Mrs. Harriet Wisner Gillette, has often 
 been heard to speak with all of a sister's love and 
 admiration. It was her privilege to be with him 
 almost every day. 
 
 His views of the sacred ministry became more and 
 more consistent, and the impression of its vast im- 
 portance deepened on his heart. His ardour for en- 
 tering upon that holy office became tempered, but 
 never checked; he felt its solemn responsibility, and 
 a conscious incapacity for the complete discharge 
 of its multiplied and arduous duties. 
 
 Daniel was admitted to free and unreserved con- 
 versation with his brother, and the state of his heart 
 and his private walk with God, was the oft repeated 
 theme. Constitutionally he was susceptible of the 
 most delicate impressions and keenest feelings — 
 hence in religion he would most deeply feel. Con- 
 science in him, was ever alive and tender, and some- 
 times his bosom was overwhelmed with apprehen- 
 sions of guilt, and again, its heavings were the up- 
 rising of well springs of spiritual delight. Philan- 
 der was a very spiritually-minded man, well fitted to 
 counsel and profit his young, inexperienced, enthu- 
 siastic brother and pupil. 
 
 Daniel frequently relieved his brother, by attend- 
 ing in his place pmyer and conference meetings, while 
 this gave Philander a respite from toils always too 
 severe for his frail frame, — it gave our young novi- 
 tiate an opport unity to improve in that department 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 3? 
 
 of ministerial duty, in which the most skilful are 
 not too nearly perfect. In reading and modestly 
 exhorting from the Holy Scriptures, and in prayer, 
 he evinced an enlargement of mind and heart, a 
 fervency of spirit and propriety of expression truly 
 astonishing. 
 
 In the midst of these privileges and exercises, in 
 the society and under the care of his experienced 
 and judicious brother, Daniel evidently grew in 
 spiritual strength, his mind gained confidence, — his 
 principles were more confirmed, and he advanced 
 rapidly in the deep experimental knowledge of the 
 ways and word of God, while yet occupied only in 
 the elementary studies preparatory to his great and 
 solemn work. 
 
 He had pleasant and familiar intercourse with his 
 brother, for whom he mingled veneration, with natu- 
 ral and Christian affection, and of whom he never 
 spoke but with the rapturous energy of grateful love. 
 Pursuing duties every way calculated to satisfy his 
 ardent thirst for knowledge, — amid scenes and so- 
 ciety congenial — and in anxious preparation for 
 higher studies, and closer toil previous to engaging 
 in that holy office, long the object of his choice, the 
 goal of his efforts — in solemn communion with him- 
 self and his God, did he pass the allotted period of 
 his stay at Elmira. 
 
 The following letter shows the esteem in which 
 he was held by those who knew him and heard his 
 public services. 
 5 
 
38 Memoirs ot 
 
 "Newmarket, N. J., November 14, 1845. 
 
 "Dear Brother, — In the month of July, 1834, 
 brother Daniel paid us a visit, in Friendship, Alle- 
 gheny County, New York. He was then living in 
 Elmira, and had been teaching. Learning that the 
 church had called him to the improvement of his 
 gift, I invited him to preach for me. He did so, to 
 great acceptance. His youthful appearance and 
 pleasing address soon drew crowds to hear from his 
 lips the gospel of the kingdom. The church in 
 Friendship was, at that time, destitute of a pastor. 
 During his stay with me, they gave him an invita- 
 tion to labour with them. He objected, on the 
 ground that it was his intention to study. I 
 was called to attend a council, in the town of 
 Independence, thirty miles distant, for the pur- 
 pose of constituting a church. The country was 
 new and the roads bad, so that we were under the 
 necessity of going on horseback. Six went, and 
 brother Daniel was one of the number. The meet- 
 ing continued a number of days, during which he 
 preached several times, to the astonishment of all 
 present. Our meeting was one of interest. While 
 on this visit, there were a number of young men 
 connected with my church who took much interest 
 in him, — two of whom accompanied us. When we 
 returned the church had appointed a committee, in- 
 structing them to obtain his labours, giving him the 
 privilege of attending an academic school, taught by 
 Rev. Mr. Tuttle. The school was in good repute. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 39 
 
 In it a number of pupils were preparing for college. 
 It was five miles from the church, but they agreed 
 to take him to and fro, and give him a reasonable 
 compensation for his services. To this proposal he 
 had quite an inclination to accede, but he requested 
 time to return home and ask the counsel of his 
 friends. They advised him to go to Hamilton. 
 
 "He had been preaching in private dwellings and 
 school-houses, but never, until he was with me, had 
 he attempted to preach in a pulpit. It was a visit 
 in which we all took much interest. I had, previous 
 to that time, not seen him since he was nine years 
 old. 1 looked upon him as a man, a Christian, and 
 a minister of the cross." 
 
 Without any other means except a small sa- 
 lary from a district school which he taught near 
 Elmira, and what his brother Abraham had encou- 
 raged him to expect out of a limited salary, whiclr 
 he received from a very poor people, whom he 
 served, — Daniel resolved to depart from a home, 
 scenes and friends, so much endeared to his heart, 
 and resort to Hamilton Seminary, and pursue colle- 
 giate and theological studies in that justly and far- 
 famed institution. 
 
 To this decision he was most decidedly prompted 
 by a timely visit, at his brother's church, of James 
 Edmonds, Esq., the unusually successful agent of the 
 New York Baptist Education Society. 
 
40 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 ENTERS THE INSTITUTION SELF - SUPPORT SUPPLIES 
 
 SHERBURNE CHURCH — ACCEPTS A CALL GRADUATES. 
 
 The memoirs of an individual can be best given 
 by himself; and we find among our brother's papers 
 a memorandum in the following words: — 
 
 "I arrived in this town, Hamilton, January 15th, 
 1835, at 4 o'clock, P. m., and at 8 I appeared before 
 the faculty as a candidate for admission to the school. 
 A relation was demanded of my Christian experience ; 
 my call to the great work of preparation for the 
 ministry, and my views of its importance, which 
 I freely acceded to, though with much trembling. 
 'This exercise over, Professors Haskell and Taylor, 
 the only members of the faculty present, pronounced 
 me a member of the institution. With pleasure, 
 though prospects dull, I entered upon the delighful 
 duties incumbent upon me." 
 
 His feelings and circumstances are clearly express- 
 ed at this time in the following letter to his brother 
 A., of Schenectada: — 
 
 "Hamilton, January 20th, 1835. 
 "Dear Brother, 
 
 " With pleasure I commit my thoughts to paper, 
 for the purpose of giving you some information 
 concerning myself. I have occasion to be thankful 
 I am satisfied; being fully convinced that I have 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 41 
 
 acted according to duty. how can we be convert- 
 ed without first being convicted? I had engaged to 
 teach a school for the winter, but I did not com- 
 mence; I became convinced that it was my duty to 
 acquire an education, and for that purpose I left 
 Elmira, and entered as a member of this institution 
 the 15th of January. I came here under some em- 
 barrassments. 
 
 " I have entered only for this term. If I stand, 
 but I apprehend no danger, I think of taking a full 
 course, which will be eight years; for I wish to 
 acquire a knowledge of the languages. 
 
 " In this particular I ask your advice which course 
 I shall pursue, considering my limited means. 
 
 " Never have I been more pleasantly situated than 
 I am at present, the hill of science looks high, but I 
 feel determined to climb it with alacrity and delight. 
 
 "A scholar, if possible, I wish and mean to be, I 
 have been neither home-sick nor discontented since 
 I came here, and money would not tempt me to 
 leave — My health is good, and I progress in study 
 faster than I expected to, I commenced with a class 
 who were advanced one year, and find no difficulty 
 in going along with them. 
 
 " I remain your unworthy brother, 
 
 " D. H. Gillette." 
 
 He writes: " In April commenced a vacation of 
 six weeks, during which time I visited Elmira. 
 Time spent in visiting lingered. I was anxious to 
 return to my studies, my anxieties were so great 
 that 1 found myself here again before the vacation 
 had expired. Having previously pursued nothing 
 5* 
 
42 memoirs or 
 
 but English branches, I soon commenced the Latin 
 grammar, and shortly took up the Latin reader. I 
 was so much taken with my studies, that the sum- 
 mer swiftly passed away." 
 
 About this time he wrote the following:— 
 
 "Hamilton, 1835. 
 "Dear Brother A., — 
 
 " To retire from study for a few moments to think 
 of distant friends causes my mind great relief. The 
 confinement of study, and the perplexing cares of 
 life make me low-spirited. 
 
 " When I first came to college, I supposed there 
 would be no danger of laying down our watch, yea, 
 I supposed it to be a Bethel indeed; but I was in 
 error. Temptations are plenty here; snares are all 
 about us; the eyes of the world are upon us, the 
 enemy is watching for a chance to put in his dividing 
 foot, and make discord. But blessed be Him who 
 protects his children, we yet dwell in harmony* 
 Every day I live, I see more plainly the importance 
 of watching unto prayer. 
 
 "The school, you know, is on a hill; yes, we are 
 as a city set on a hill, that cannot be hid ; but I fear 
 that we are not as lights; though I can only speak 
 for one. Religion is low; but Christ is the same 
 yesterday, to-day, and for ever. As it respects my 
 mind, I never was more content than at present: I 
 never believed my employment to be of so much 
 importance, and so nearly connected with my eter- 
 nal interest as 1 now do. When I think of the great 
 work to which the Lord has called me, I see the 
 importance of being prepared before I am sent; and 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 43 
 
 if I profess to be a disciple of Christ, why not be 
 willing to submit and be like my Master. He was 
 of like passions as we are, yet learned obedience. I 
 think I am willing to do his will in all things, though 
 I have been so disobedient that I am not worthy to 
 
 be called one of His followers Dear brother, 
 
 when young I imbibed many habits, which I find to 
 be very disagreeable; but I have made pruning a 
 part of my business, and I hope that 1 am rid of many 
 that were cumbersome. 
 
 " My progress in study is as good as I could ex- 
 pect. I have been here only about four months. I 
 have commenced the study of Latin, and find it not 
 to be so difficult as I feared. There has been a 
 change of classes in the school, and the lowest Latin 
 class is about fifteen months in advance, and will 
 enter college one year from next October. Profes- 
 sors tell me, that by intense application I can over- 
 take the class in about three months, which would 
 prepare me for freshman. 
 
 " I would like to see you : should we live, I shall 
 try and visit you in two or three years. 
 
 " I request an interest in your prayers. I remain 
 your unworthy brother. 
 
 "D. H. Gillette." 
 
 * MEMORANDUM. 
 
 "The vacation I spent in study, closely confined to 
 my room. Next term I took Caesar's Commentaries 
 and Greek lessons. This was a higher preparatory 
 class. The next spring vacation commenced. 1 
 went to Washington county, to visit my mother and 
 sisters, — it being about one hundred and fifty miles. 
 
44 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 I went on foot, and had a hard, tediotis time of it, 
 though a very pleasant visit. 
 
 LETTER. 
 
 " Dear Brother A., — 
 
 " By this time you will begin to think that I love 
 to write; when mind is brought to work with mind, 
 and to participate in its joys, there is satisfaction of 
 a superior nature, though I confess that little of the 
 like is afforded me, by sympathy; — but I censure 
 you not for delay, for the time since I last w r rote is 
 only six weeks. I am fully aware that your desire 
 for my prosperity and success is of no ordinary cha- 
 racter, for every symptom or development of the 
 kind speaks loudly in its favour, and as a brother, I 
 greatly revere you; as one in whose affections I trust 
 I have a place of no small value, and as a worthy 
 counsellor, a kind friend, I rely upon you with 
 implicit confidence. 
 
 "Being situated as I am, I find it necessary to 
 have one confident friend in whom I can repose the 
 same as if he were a guardian. You may smile that 
 I wish you for a guardian, since I have arrived to the 
 freedom of years ; but had I one who was faithful, 
 and approbated my course of study — it would cause 
 me less trouble of mind. My task at present is great. 
 1 attend two recitations each day lit the languages, 
 and one in mathematics, and pay my board with the 
 labour of my hands, which consumes three hours 
 each day, yet nothing discourages me except that I 
 cannot learn fast enough, and I know not the cause, 
 only that I have a small portion of brain, and a thick 
 head, or that the bumps of intellect are not sufficient- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 45 
 
 ly developed to speed my course. I heard from 
 mother about four weeks since; one of the students 
 called to see her. She and Father Wheldon were 
 well. Uncle James Dunham buried his wife in Sep- 
 tember. 0, that I may be prepared to meet my God. 
 "Your brother, D. H. Gillette." 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 " I returned in due time, and again commenced 
 my labour: read Virgil — Greek reader, spent the 
 summer thus. In August came commencement with 
 all its bustle and hurry — drawing upon the hill of 
 science multitudes from the four winds, to witness 
 the performance upon the grand drama. All passed 
 off joyfully. I immediately left, and went to Troy, 
 Pa., as I had agreed to supply a Baptist church 
 there, during vacation — I laboured with pleasure, 
 and I hope profit. When the appointed season had 
 fled, as upon the w T ings of time I again returned. 
 School commenced — \ entered freshmen class — and 
 took up the study of algebra and Xenophon, in Greek. 
 In the spring, I visited the people of Elmira and my 
 brother Philander. 
 
 " I am connected with the church in that place: I 
 was glad to see my friends, and make them a visit, 
 but I was more anxious to return to my studies. 
 
 "At the time appointed I was here again, occupied 
 with geometry, mathematics; Horace and Homer: 
 thus in the pursuit of my studies, passed away the 
 summer of 1S37 — the other having already gone, 
 never to be recalled. And in August, commence- 
 ment again held out its attractive novelties, both to 
 the rustic and the refined, and not altogether in vain. 
 
46 memoirs or 
 
 Multitudes attended, and the stage was occupied 
 much to the honour of the school, learning, and our 
 holy religion. 
 
 " The vacation, being eight weeks, I spent preach- 
 ing to a small church in Sherburne village — eleven 
 miles from Hamilton. It was a very agreeable and 
 profitable season to my soul. 
 
 The next term commenced in October. I entered 
 upon Day's second course of mathematics — Hebrew 
 commenced. There have rolled into eternity nearly 
 three years since I came within these walls, which 
 are consecrated to God. 
 
 u Uninterrupted health has been my fortune. Pro- 
 vidence has smiled on every hand — yet in reviewing 
 the past, I see that I have made such slow progress 
 in holy attainment, that it gives me much occasion 
 for humiliation. My heart seems as cold as the No- 
 vember winds. May the Lord pardon all I have 
 done amiss, and the rich influence of his Spirit, 
 lead me into all truth; also by cleansing me from all 
 sin, prepare me to be a competent ambassador of 
 Christ, in some vacant portion of the world, where I 
 may point dying souls to Jesus. This grant, Lord, 
 for thy name's sake. Amen." 
 
 The following is an account he gives of a meet- 
 ing he attended. 
 
 " Hamilton, January 16, 1838. 
 "I have just returned from attending a series of 
 meetings, holden in the Baptist church in Brookfield, 
 twelve miles from this place, the Rev. Mr. Turner, 
 pastor; it commenced new year's day, and con- 
 tinued until the fourteenth. It was a season of joy 
 
REV. 0. H. GILLETTE. 47 
 
 to some, and of grief to others. It was not signal- 
 ized by such wonderful displays of divine power, as 
 many are, yet it evidently proved a blessing to Zion, 
 and to my poor soul. The church was greatly re- 
 vived, some backsliders were reclaimed, and many 
 searched out, who had long . cherished a hope of 
 pardon through a Saviour's love, and were enabled 
 to take a bold stand in defence of the gospel. A 
 few of the careless and thoughtless were arrested by 
 the power of truth, while it pleased our heavenly 
 Father, to make bare his potent arm — unsheath the 
 sword of the Spirit, and by his own goodness and 
 mercy to separate between their souls and their sins. 
 
 " Nineteen have trod the yielding wave, in imitation 
 of the example furnished by the Lord Jesus, from 
 heaven; others are desiring to walk the same road. 
 It was a season in which my soul delighted. At 
 times, I could view most evidently the Saviour's 
 presence, and could obtain some foretaste of the bless- 
 ings in reserve for the righteous; but at other times, 
 the most gloomy darkness seemed to break over my 
 mind, and totally obscure the majesty of a Saviour's 
 character and love. Yet I believe I made some 
 holy attainments; I have learned the necessity of 
 living daily more intimately with my Bible, and to 
 strive for closer communion with my God. 
 
 "0 Lord, help me from this time forth to glorify 
 thee more perfectly, and to feel more deeply the 
 worth of souls. Then shall I teach transgressors thy 
 ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 
 Help me to obey thy commandments, for Christ'a 
 sake. Amen." 
 
48 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 His account of a work of grace in the church in 
 Hamilton village, follows : — 
 
 "Hamilton Seminary, January 28, 1838. 
 
 "It is now Sabbath afternoon. I have just returned 
 from one of the most interesting scenes that I ever 
 witnessed. Nothing more forcibly reminded me 
 of my past experience and my present duty. It 
 led me back in mind to the memorable day 
 when I followed the Lamb into the watery 
 tomb; a blessed time to me, that my soul knows 
 right well. But, the guilt I feel creeping over 
 my conscience, when I perceive how little to the 
 glory of God, the time between that period and the 
 present has been spent; since then I have tried to 
 preach the gospel many times; but I fear my example 
 has paralyzed the power of truth — God knows I am 
 determined to live more to his honour. 
 
 "There is a meeting here in progress, which com- 
 menced four weeks since; a large number of souls 
 have been converted to God. Several have to-day 
 been planted in the likeness of Christ's death, and 
 raised again in the likeness of his resurrection. 
 
 "May the Lord continue the good work, until the 
 valleys shall echo his praises, and all the impenitent 
 be brought to a knowledge of the truth. This, Lord, 
 grant for the sake of thine own glory. Amen." 
 
 His means of support being very limited, he spent 
 the vacation in preaching to destitute churches, in 
 order to be enabled to assist himself in the pursuit 
 of his studies; and having preached to the church in 
 Sherburne village during the last vacation, much to 
 their satisfaction, they gave him a call to continue 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 49 
 
 his labours with them. He pursued his studies in 
 the institution, and at the close of the week would 
 walk to Sherburne, a distance of eleven miles, preach 
 twice, and sometimes thrice on Sunday, and on 
 Monday morning return again. Occasionally some 
 of his brethren would take him part way back, but 
 he mostly walked the whole distance. 
 
 In reference to this labour, he writes as follows: 
 
 « Hamilton, July 16, 1839. 
 " Last April I accepted a call from the church 
 in Sherburne village. I commenced preaching for 
 them on the twenty-third. Oh! what need of more 
 piety. My heart seems barren and cold. From 
 that time up to the present, the Lord has seemed to 
 smile upon the little church. Five happy souls 
 have professed faith, by following the Saviour in 
 baptism, and twelve have united with us by letter. 
 
 " To-day I was called to preach a funeral sermon 
 on a very solemn occasion. A young lad, on Sab- 
 bath afternoon, while bathing in the water, drowned. 
 O! it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the 
 living God. My text was from Matthew v. S, 
 '■Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see 
 God.' I tried to tell the people what purity of heart 
 was, and enforced it by urging upon parents the ne- 
 cessity of training up their children in the ways of 
 God — also upon the young people, that they might 
 prepare to meet their God. I then addressed an 
 interesting group of lads, upon the necessity of 
 striving to love God, obey their parents, and keep 
 the Sabbath holy. 
 
 "Mr. Delevan, Presbyterian minister, closed by an 
 
50 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 appropriate prayer. The season was interesting; I 
 felt that death and judgment were near. I trust 
 that the occasion will be blessed to all who were 
 present. God was there. Yes, he showed, by the 
 stroke of death, that he was a God at hand, and not 
 afar off. 
 
 "0 thou whose throne is in the heavens, grant this 
 night, that I, thy servant, may possess more of the 
 spirit of Christianity, the spirit of Christ. O, that I 
 may live with death constantly in view. So help 
 me < to number my days, that I may apply my heart 
 unto wisdom. '" 
 
 The following extracts exhibit him as a studeut 
 and a minister. 
 
 "Sherburne, August 20, 1833. 
 
 "Dear Brother A. — Yours came on Saturday 
 evening, be assured that it was to my mind as gentle 
 zephyrs to the fog which so often obscures the rising 
 splendour of the morning sun. 
 
 " I was at that time lingering between hope and 
 despair, doubting whether my friends had any re- 
 gard for me above an ordinary acquaintance, but 
 these thoughts quickly disappeared, and a gleam of 
 hope, mingled with transcendent joy, beamed on 
 my mind, while I read your message, and from it 
 gained the satisfactory evidence that your solicitude 
 for my welfare was not in the least abated. 
 
 "I am now with the church in Sherburne, and have 
 engaged to preach for them on the Sabbaths, for 
 one year. Last Wednesday was the anniversary 
 of the institution; it was an interesting one too: 
 happy would I have been to have seen you there. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 51 
 
 I shall expect you when I graduate, if Providence 
 allows me to do so. I am now in junior year. The 
 present vacation I shall spend here; my situation is 
 indeed pleasant; the church is small, but happily 
 progressive: located in one of our beautiful western 
 villages ; with a commodious house for worship. The 
 congregation is good; it has grown much during the 
 summer; twenty have been added to the church: all 
 is encouraging. They seem much inclined to pro- 
 mote me. I appear to be by them much esteemed. 
 I hope not to do any thing to destroy this respect, 
 but rather to increase it, that God may be glorified. 
 1 find that preaching constantly and also prosecuting 
 my studies do not very well agree. I cannot make 
 that proficiency in the sciences and polite literature, 
 that I would, did I not preach: but necessity drives 
 me to this course. 
 
 " Oh how I do want to see you ; the wife and child- 
 ren also. Give them my kind respects. Your affec- 
 tionate brother. D. H. Gillette." 
 
 " Sherburne, Nov. 5th, 1838. 
 "Since the last date, the Lord has continued to be- 
 stow the riches of his goodness. My health has 
 been good, and most of the time I have enjoyed 
 peace of mind. But, Oh! my leanness. I have con- 
 cluded not to return to the institution this fall, but 
 to remain with my little church, and prosecute my 
 studies. I enjoy great privileges. I am furnished 
 with all free of expense. I wish to enjoy more re- 
 ligion, and be able to illustrate its great truths by 
 my example, better and more vividly. Lord, take 
 not thy Holy Spirit from me. " As the hart panteth 
 
52 kebjoirs o* 
 
 after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after tfrec* 
 God!" Lead me, Lord! into wisdom's ways: 
 they are ways of pleasantness, and her paths peace. 
 Do thou, Lord, pardon all my sins, and forgive all 
 my transgressions; lead me not into temptation, but 
 deliver me from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the 
 power, and the glory for ever. Amen."' 
 
 " Sherburne, Dec. 23, 1838. 
 
 "Sunday evening. O time, whence art thou fled? 
 Another year has nearly passed, the fierce storms and 
 the howling winds of this wintry month tell loudly 
 that cold and icy January is near. Another year of 
 my life has passed, and may I with any encourage- 
 ment ask, Am I better now than I was one year 
 ago? Have I also within the last twelve months 
 done any good in the church, and have any souls- 
 been saved through my instrumentality? Solemn in- 
 quiry; — Lord, help me to examine my heart, my 
 hope, and my faith. Do I love thee? u O Lord, 
 thou knowest that J love thee!" 
 
 "I tried to preach to-day from the tenth verse of 
 the fifty-first Psalm, from which I tried to remind the 
 church of what their emotions once were, contrast- 
 ing them with the present state of things. I inferred 
 that there was a departure from the faith, and if a de- 
 parture, hence a necessity of returning, consequently 
 the prayer in the text was ours, and in conclusion I 
 offered a few remarks on the result. I sincerely felt 
 its force; that it might rest upon my heart with 
 greater weight ! 
 
 "I am boarding with Joseph Smith, my health is 
 quite good. I am able to study much, but how cold 
 
REV, D. H. GILLETTE. 53 
 
 my heart is! that it might be warmed with hea- 
 venly zeal and divine love. 
 
 "0 Lord! I thank thee for all thy past mercies; on 
 thee I am wholly dependent. Of this may I be 
 constantly sensible, and always possess an humble 
 and contrite heart ! Lord! forgive all my sins: 
 save me with an everlasting salvation, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 About this time we find, in a letter to his brother 
 A., his situation described; and his feelings expressed 
 as follows: — 
 
 "The present season has been different to me from 
 any other since I began to study, I commenced 
 the fall term with health and good spirits, and 
 found myself able to progress with great ease and 
 speed. I nearly thought myself a new creature. 
 My exertions were vigorous, and had I met with no 
 impediment, I should have graduated in the spring; 
 but, my dear brother, I have learned how frail a thing 
 is man. I was seized with illness, which came very 
 near producing an entire prostration. I found friends, 
 however, who extensively manifested the law of 
 kindness, and developed principles of benevolence, 
 by lending me their sympathies. Every requisite fa- 
 vour was freely bestowed, and soon I found myself 
 recovering. At present I enjoy a tolerable degree 
 of health, but I am unable to study with as much 
 vigour as before. I find no special difficulty, how- 
 ever, in keeping up with my class. My disease 
 was principally in the head, a heavy pressure, and 
 great distress over the eyes, from which pain was 
 diffused through the whole system. I am not yet 
 6* 
 
54 MEMOIRS OS 
 
 entirely free from it, and fear I never shall be, for 
 application of mind brings it on. I hope, however? 
 by care I may overcome it. It was first occasioned 
 by hard study. In order to preach twice a week ? 
 and continue with my class, required extra effort; it 
 was too much, however. I yet continue it, and Pro- 
 vidence allowing, shall through the winter, for it is 
 necessary. I have been inclined to leave in the 
 spring, and enter entirely into the ministry, but I do 
 desire to complete my college course. I am now in 
 junior year — good propositions and encouragements 
 have been placed before me, yet I shall wade through^ 
 if possible, and try to be a man. 57 
 
 D. H. Gillette. " 
 
 January 31st, 1839. 
 
 u I am boarding with J. H. Parmely. I ought 
 now to be able to write differently from the last 
 But, Lord, thou knowest that I cannot speak falsely. 
 The weather is cold and stormy, and my heart has 
 sympathized with it. Lord, beneath the wings of thy 
 love, January is as pleasant as June, but elsewhere 
 the bleak winds of winter blow, and the cold chilling 
 storms beat with unrestrained fury. 
 
 " My employment is the most delightful, preparing 
 to point dying sinners to Jesus. But without faith, 
 living and lively faith, it is irksome, because con- 
 science writhes at the thought, and the heart at once 
 sickens: yet I have hope. I am not willing to 
 forsake my Saviour while life and being last. " He 
 that endureth unto the end, the same shall be 
 saved" I desire more of the divine presence; O 
 for a holy unction! Without prayer the spiritual 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 65 
 
 man faints. Lord! admit me to holy communion 
 with thee; I desire that my life may be like a gentle 
 flowing stream, enriching and fertilizing the plain. 
 Lord ! make me more humble, that I may be more 
 useful. Pardon all my sins, do thou, for I have 
 done wickedly: lead me into all truth; be thou with 
 me, and when mortality shall crumble to earth, save 
 my soul." 
 
 "Sherburne, March 27th, 1839. 
 
 "The Lord has in great kindness preserved me 
 until the present date. that I might record won- 
 ders accomplished by me, as an agent of the Divjne 
 will; but alas! a death-like stupor seems to have cast 
 a chilling wand over my mind, and bound my feel- 
 ings as with chains of frost! Why am I so insensible 
 to the worth of souls? Much of the time I have pos- 
 sessed strong desires for the prosperity of Zion. But 
 my mind has not dwelt with sufficient intenseness 
 on the worth of souls or the salvation of those about 
 me. My service with this church is nearly closed: 
 truly I can say, < The Lord hath done great things for 
 me, whereof I am glad.' 
 
 "Yesterday I removed from J. H. Parmely's to 
 Deacon Vanwagner's. My present home, as was the 
 former, is pleasant. that I may exert a hallowed in- 
 fluence, causing many hearts to rejoice, in hopes of a 
 blessed immortality. Lord, to thy hands I resign 
 myself. As a shepherd defendeth his flock, so keep 
 me from the evils that are in the world, and lead me 
 in the way everlasting. May my days, whether few 
 or many, be numbered in thy service, and when the 
 knell of dissolving nature shall call me hence, take 
 my spirit into thy presence. Amen." 
 
66 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 In April, vacation commenced. He visited his 
 brother Walter, pastor of the seventh day Baptist 
 church, in Piscataway, N. J. For about six months 
 his brother W. had been supplying the Baptist church 
 in Rahway upon the first day of the week, and he, 
 wishing to be released from preaching two days in 
 succession and travelling the distance of eleven 
 miles, recommended Daniel, his young brother, as 
 worthy of their regard. After hearing him preach 
 twice, they unanimously invited him to spend with 
 them the vacation, which would be six weeks. His 
 shining talents, his ardent zeal, and his familiar and 
 pleasing address, attracted crowds, who assembled 
 to hear from his lips the words of the kingdom. In 
 a few weeks a strong attachment was formed between 
 him and the church. They became satisfied that it 
 was their duty to secure him, if possible, as their 
 pastor. Before the time expired for which he was 
 engaged, a meeting of the church and congregation 
 was held: the result was, a call for him to settle 
 with them as pastor, securing to him a salary suffi- 
 cient for his support; and the privilege of returning 
 to the institution to close his studies and graduate ? 
 which would require about two months. 
 
 Concerning his supplying the church in Rahway, 
 we find the following record. It also shows his cor- 
 dial reception there. 
 
 " Rahway, April 20th, 1840. 
 "Dear Brother, 
 
 "I received yours by cousin James Ayers, and 
 was glad to hear that you are all well and happy. 
 I am quite pleasantly situated, and receive all the 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 57 
 
 attention from the people that I can wish. The 
 audience is large; yesterday was my second Sabbath 
 here, and the congregation was overwhelming. In 
 the evening I preached for the methodists, and some 
 told me that their chapel was never so full before. 
 They filled every seat, sat and stood in the aisles, and 
 climbed on the pulpit. I tried to preach to them 
 Jesus from the words, l If any man thirst, let him come 
 unto me and drink. ' Walter was highly esteemed 
 here, the people thronged to hear him whenever he 
 preached. I am on some accounts much delighted: 
 the field is large, great opportunity for usefulness, 
 and every where I meet with a cordial reception; the 
 church manifest great love and attachment, and in 
 their feelings have settled me. I have made en- 
 gagements only till the first of June, but they are 
 making arrangements for me to return in August, 
 and become their pastor. The responsibility will 
 be great, for the church is small in numbers and 
 much in debt, so that they cannot give me a large 
 salary. I suppose, however, that they will give me 
 at least four hundred and fifty dollars, which would 
 support me single, and such I intend to remain. 
 
 "I shall come to no definite conclusion until I see 
 you, then we will talk over matters and things. 
 When you go to N. Y., come directly here and 
 spend the night with me, and I will go on with you. 
 I have good boarding but a few rods from the Man- 
 sion House. 
 
 "Tell mother that 1 want to see her very much, 
 your little wife, my sister, also, I must see before I 
 return. Come, brother, I have a story (o tell you, 
 
58 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 long as the moral law. I cannot write it, so if you 
 wish to know it, come and see me. My love to 
 all. Your brother." 
 
 EXTRACTS. 
 
 " The winter, thus far, has been one of the most 
 delightful I ever witnessed: but little snow has 
 fallen. The weather has been remarkably fine. 
 Storms have seemed to be locked up in a prison, 
 and not permitted to shoot their destructive ar- 
 rows over the land, leaving behind that dread- 
 ful aspect consequent upon such occasions. The 
 raging winds have remained hushed, while the sky 
 has appeared like one vast curtain set with the 
 richest gems, all adding beauty to elegance, suffi- 
 cient to swell the heart of a poet to a degree that it 
 should pour forth the richest effusion. We arise at 
 half-past four in the morning, and at the usual time 
 I am permitted to greet the king of day with feel- 
 ings of no ordinary character. What is better cal- 
 culated to lead the Christian's heart to God in 
 purest gratitude, or more forcibly remind him of the 
 beauty of the heavenly world, than to gaze upon the 
 sun in a cloudless morn, while he looks with proud 
 majesty from behind the eastern hills? With a 
 golden embrace he at once encircles all nature, in- 
 spiring and animating it with real life. The little 
 rill tumbling down the lone mountain-side shouts in 
 his brilliancy, the gentle river laughs beneath the 
 brightness of his morning splendour, while the 
 caging sea embraces him as a friend and brother. 
 
 My industry is my fortune, my chief 
 
 dependence for support, and, that I may go on with 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 59 
 
 my studies, time must be improved to good advan- 
 tage My manner of labour has been, 
 
 first, to select a subject appropriate to the people and 
 the occasion, one that is rich with good ideas. 
 Second, to arrange those ideas in the most natural 
 and lucid style possible; mature them in thought, 
 then write my sermons complete in the best compo- 
 sition of which I am master; next, commit them to 
 memory, so that I can preach without notes; then 
 to possess myself with confidence and personal com- 
 mand, and, in delivering, strive to call the mind of 
 the audience to the importance of the subject. In 
 this way, I am happy to say, I have not failed of 
 success, and, while preaching for the church, the 
 
 assemblies were constantly increasing 
 
 "I never had my time more completely occupied 
 than during the present term: as a class, our labours 
 are arduous. Being the last year of our course, our 
 teachers seem determined to measure us, and to 
 know how much we are able to accomplish; but I 
 complain not, for as yet 1 have been enabled to do 
 all that was assigned me, with satisfaction to my 
 teachers and with tolerable credit to myself. My 
 studies are Hebrew, Greek, and the sciences, and a 
 greater portion to each lesson than is generally al- 
 lotted in the colleges, as acknowledged by those who 
 instruct us. In connexion with these, it has been 
 my duty to prepare and deliver an oration before 
 the institution this winter, besides essays and other 
 duties of minor importance; moreover, I preach 
 regularly, two Sabbaths every month. Now all 
 these labours, as you know, together with a little 
 
60 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 negligence, have caused me to defer answering you 
 until the present* Now please forgive my past 
 negligence, and make all due allowances. The 
 weather is extremely cold; yesterday morning the 
 thermometer ranged at thirty-five degrees below 
 zero. Oh how I quaked; I almost tremble now 
 thinking of it. Sleighing is excellent — snow nearly 
 two feet deep, but I, poor boy, am housed up, and 
 can take no pleasure in it. Yet I do not mourn, for 
 it is much greater pleasure to regale myself with a 
 classic breeze than the chilling blasts of the north. 
 The institution never was more flourishing, the num- 
 ber of students never larger, and never, perhaps, 
 more respectable: some compliment to me, you see, 
 and not a little to yourself, that you have a brother 
 
 here It may be necessary, as you style 
 
 yourself a critic, to make a few notes in reference to 
 my penmanship and style of composition. Now, as 
 it regards the former, I think, if you censure me, 
 you take liberty without occasion; for you know, as 
 to brothers and sisters, in reference to elegance with 
 the pen, the talent never prevailed, so from this I 
 free myself with the greatest ease. 
 
 "As to the latter, I stand on self-possessed ground, 
 although, in this respect, may be seen a spirit simi- 
 lar to the old family complaint. You know that a 
 flock of pigeons may be gathering the scattered 
 grains on the harvest-field, and present a most beau- 
 tiful spectacle of harmony, yet the snap of a gun, 
 a hiss with the mouth, or a rustling in the grass, 
 will instantly throw them into confusion. Thus it is 
 with mv ideas — nature ^ave me the stock and situ- 
 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 61 
 
 ated them, but the buzzing of the rattle-snake, 
 the crying of the eagle, the howling of the wolf, 
 and the wild inhabitants of black mountain, on the 
 shores of Lake Horicon, disorganized the whole, 
 so that all you get from me, although a student, 
 
 are but fragments The many 
 
 difficulties and peculiar straits we are obliged to pass, 
 furnish one prominent evidence in favour of the fact 
 that we are finite; and nothing more forcibly teaches 
 us our dependence. On the history of the last three 
 years of my life, I am able to look with feelings of 
 no ordinary character, commencing with the time 
 when I first entered the institution for the purpose 
 of acquiring a liberal education, to aid me in the 
 gospel ministry. You well know my means for 
 defraying expenses were limited, and had it not 
 been for the glory of God, I should never have un- 
 dertaken such a task. That I would accomplish the 
 object seemed impossible, yet I had a determination, 
 the Lord willing, to see the topmost stone of the 
 temple. I entered with the expectation of staying 
 four years, supposing, by that time, I should be so 
 old that I should not be able to do much good. 
 After one year, I discovered that, at the end of four 
 years, the way would just be opened through which 
 I might enter the field, fraught with all the privi- 
 leges requisite for the station I hope to occupy. Con- 
 sequently, with pleasure 1 added two more years, 
 one half of which time has now expired. Age, debt, 
 and toil, are the least things that trouble me. I am 
 intent on completing my course, if circumstances 
 permit. I have dark sens to navigate, and some tre- 
 
62 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 mendous storms to face: yet the Lord is kind and 
 'doth all things well.' .... 
 
 " Last Friday, twelve o'clock at night found me 
 again ascending the rugged steep on which stands 
 and towers amid clouds, basks in the sun-beams, and 
 delights the stranger who passes; the memorable 
 school whence go those who herald the pure gospel 
 of the kingdom. It seemed like returning home 
 and reviewing the scenes of my childhood. Every 
 stone against which my feet chanced to come, seemed 
 to be aware of my return. The stars looked clearer. 
 I read in their bright twinkling a hearty welcome. 
 The rustling leaves, the gentle zephyr, and the 
 dewy atmosphere appeared to extend their friendly 
 arms to give me a kind reception, as though I had 
 returned to those who were waiting with anxious 
 solicitude. When I met those with whom I had so 
 long associated, I found that friendship could kin- 
 dle at the first sight of the object on which it cen- 
 tred. — Faculty and students were well and the in- 
 stitution flourishing 
 
 "Last Wednesday was our commencement. The 
 faculty gave me the third honour. As a class, we 
 were highly gratulated: many who had been accus- 
 tomed to attend, said, that this excelled any previous 
 commencement in interest and literary development. 
 I do not know but the theological boys who are 
 expected to hold forth next August will fear to step 
 on the stage, lest the halo of glory which we left 
 over and around it will eclipse their exhibition. But 
 I know they will make a good display of theology, 
 and try to astound and astonish us by giving a clear 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 63 
 
 revelation of some wonderful mystery, known and 
 comprehended only by the Infinite mind. I pre- 
 sume, seriously, that their commencement will be 
 an interesting and profitable season. I return to 
 Rahway in July, if the Lord will." 
 
 " Hamilton, June 17, 1840. 
 " My Friend and Sister, Mrs. Ely, — 
 
 " I gladly comply with the request to write to 
 you. Since I have learned how to value friendly 
 intercourse, nothing affords me greater pleasure than 
 to exchange thoughts with those absent, whom I 
 regard. It seems that this alone would prove the 
 immortality of the soul. A thought from a distant 
 friend often chases clouds from the mind, and causes 
 the bright star of hope to beam with new and in- 
 creased lustre, giving reanimation and intensity to 
 feelings which, but a moment previous, were going 
 down with the current of despondency. Not only 
 does it prove immortality, but that susceptibility of 
 high social and moral culture which our infinitely 
 wise Creator has imparted for that blessed and sanc- 
 tified society where the resplendent beams of the 
 Sun of Righteousness are never intercepted, and 
 unalloyed bliss pervades every bosom of the myriads 
 who are < kings and priests unto God,' ransomed by 
 the blood of the Lamb. Before leaving you I felt 
 an attachment for the church in Rahway; this, of 
 course, ought to be, else I could do them no good. 
 But, since I am conscious of it, 1 am very anxious 
 to return. It seems that souls are there committed 
 to my care. They are the burden of my heart. 
 Had I not begun to study the German language, I 
 
64 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 would see you within two weeks; but, as it is, I can- 
 not until July. 
 
 "My return from your place lo Hamilton was 
 pleasant and rapid. Wednesday, I went to New 
 York, and there remained until Thursday, five 
 o'clock, p. m., when I took boat, and, on Friday 
 morning, at five o'clock, I found myself in Albany, 
 and from thence I took the cars to Utica, and at 
 three, reached that beautiful place. I then took the 
 stage for Hamilton, and, about twelve o'clock at 
 night, I discerned the beautiful hill on which stands 
 our seminary. Every thing seemed natural and 
 promised much interest, but I was wearied exces- 
 sively. 
 
 " The next Wednesday occurred our commence- 
 ment; a day of no small interest. The sky was 
 clear, the atmosphere bland, the assembly large, at- 
 tention good, and the speakers acquitted themselves 
 honourably. It brought to my mind many things 
 which should lead me near the throne, for now 
 having completed my course of study, I launch out 
 upon the wide world, to sail through life upon its 
 
 rough surface I am well aware that 
 
 unless I have the Bible for my guide, and the star 
 of Bethlehem for my point of compass, I cannot 
 reach the haven of eternal rest, nor conduct others 
 there. How important then that I be in the right 
 way. Sometimes, I feel so deficient and unworthy 
 the notice of my heavenly Father, that I am ready 
 to despair. But, again, I hear < Go ye, 9 and imme- 
 diately I feel < wo is me if I preach not the gospel. 9 
 I am, therefore, resolved to try : may my Lord and 
 Master help me. 
 
REV. D* H* GILLETTE. 65 
 
 11 I should be happy if you would do me the kind- 
 ness to write, on the reception of this, and inform 
 me how affairs are in the church. 
 
 " I am, with much affection, yours in the Lord, 
 D, H. Gillette." 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 "Rahway, N. J., Aug. 4th, 1840. 
 
 "Much time has passed since my last record, and 
 some of it I fear unimproved. May the Lord forgive 
 my sins, correct my errors, and purify my heart from 
 all corruption. 
 
 "My last note was made in Sherburne, in the state 
 of New York, where I was labouring on Lord's 
 days, for and with the people of God. Soon after 
 that date my labours with them closed, and I again 
 resumed my studies at Hamilton, which I continued 
 until April, being the time of vacation. I then left 
 and came to the state of New Jersey. I concluded 
 to labour a few weeks, while the vacation should last, 
 with the church in Rahway, about twenty miles from 
 New York city. At the expiration of this time, they 
 gave me a call to become their pastor: I consented, 
 on condition that I might return to the institution, 
 and complete my collegiate course. To this they 
 agreed. I soon left, and on the tenth of June I gra- 
 duated from the collegiate department of Hamilton 
 Literary and Theological Institution." 
 
 In the foregoing chapter we have traced our young 
 
 disciple through his academic and collegiate course, 
 
 a period, as all can testify who have passed the 
 
 same, fraught with more temptations, and exposing 
 
 7* 
 
66 MeMoiRs dtf 
 
 the student to severer trials of his fidelity to Christy 
 than almost any other in the whole course of art 
 ordinary life. It is due to the institution at Hamil* 
 ton, and the able and pious faculty there, to say, that 
 nothing which they can do to diminish temptation 
 and encourage their young Christian students, is left 
 undone— -and we are confident that no other semi- 
 nary or college, in point of location or society, pos- 
 sesses fewer incitements to evil, or so many to the 
 exercise of manly virtue, true piety, and laudable 
 ambition. 
 
 In this heaven-founded school of the prophets, we 
 unhesitatingly say — for his professors and classmates 
 have authorized it, as did his evident attainments 
 and future course of life — Daniel honoured his pro- 
 fession as a Christian, his relation to his honoured 
 alma mater, his subordination to the able professors 
 at whose feet he profitably and delighted sat, and, 
 what is no small praise, he was an honour and an 
 advantage to his associates in study. 
 
 During the last two years at college he taught 
 some, and supplied with preaching and considerable 
 pastoral labour, the church in Sherburne. 
 
 He shrank from no work in college which would 
 enable him to meet his frugal expenses, necessarily 
 incurred in making preparation for that great work 
 which to perform well was all his ambition and all 
 his desire. 
 
 Many reasons urged him, for a while at least, to 
 repose from the confined and necessary study of the 
 institution. He resolved, therefore, to look over the 
 wide field of usefulness, and, if so called, settle with 
 
REV* D. H. GILLETTE. 67 
 
 Some small church, do the duties of pastor, and take 
 the two years' course of reading which was pursued 
 by the theological class at the institution. A course 
 he rigidly followed out, after his settlement, and one 
 which, we fear, added Weight to those combined 
 causes of his early disease, and consequent lamented 
 death. 
 
 The following oration he delivered in the chapel 
 of the institution, at the close of his senior year. 
 
 " TRtJE GREATNESS. 
 
 " Greatness is the object of man's most fervent 
 aspirations. But there is a wide difference between 
 What the world Calls greatness and that taught us by 
 Divine inspiration. Worldly greatness exhibits evi- 
 dent marks of depravity. It looks with a jealous 
 eye on the spotless form of Virtue, and has laboured 
 unceasingly to rid the earth of her glory. 
 
 "This principle is of ancient date; it came into 
 existence but a little subsequent to the morn on 
 which creation emerged from chaos, and is nearly 
 coeval with mankind. It spread its blighting influ- 
 ence over Eden, and deceived its inhabitants with 
 the expectation of possessing wisdom equal with 
 God; by which deception they took from their own 
 heads the crown of honour and placed it beneath 
 their rebellious feet. The seeds of depravity were 
 now sown, they struck their roots deep into the soil 
 of human nature, and have flourished in every sub- 
 sequent age. Their influence nerved the aim of the 
 first murderer and prepared him for the horrid deed, 
 and burning, inexpressible desires to gain entire as- 
 cendency steeled his heart against all sympathy. 
 
68 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Envy and revenge instigated him, and he bathed his 
 hands in a brother's blood! 
 
 " From the time of this scene, the same spirit with 
 •the speed of lightnings pervaded the whole family 
 of man* It has controlled the decisions of the wise, 
 swelled the strains of orators, and fanned the flame 
 of an unholy ambition in the bosom of partisans; it 
 has ascended thrones, swayed the sceptre over em- 
 pires, and made nations bow in visious subservience 
 to kings. It has entered the field of strife and war, 
 influenced the hero's heart, and inspired him with a 
 brutal daring, that has bid defiance to danger and 
 death. Alexander imbibed this spirit when a child, 
 and often complained lest his father's conquests 
 would leave nothing for him to do. No sooner did 
 he come upon the stage of action than, like a lion 
 coming from the swellings of Jordan, he began his 
 bold march, and anon he had crimsoned the earth 
 with the blood of every nation. Greatness was his 
 object, and now he beheld from an eminence the 
 world lying vanquished at his feet He sat Upon 
 the pinnacle of Fame's proud temple, and bore in 
 his hand the palm of victory: yet, in despairing 
 anguish, he wept, because he could not grasp ano- 
 ther. He began a virtuous youth, but he died a dis- 
 sipated and an abandoned wretch; because he sought 
 not true greatness, and acted as if he were inde- 
 pendent of its source. All who seek it thus, 
 
 ' Seek mellow grapes beneath the icy pole, 
 Seek blooming roses on the cheek of death, 
 Seek substance in a world of fleeting shadows.' 
 " Herod sought greatness in the abject adorations 
 of the subjects of his government, and though all 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 69 
 
 proclaimed that he was no man, but a god, yet his 
 glory faded, and he was slain by the greedy worms, 
 for the wrath of Heaven was against him. Satan, 
 the proud angel, sought greatness, and would have 
 destroyed Jehovah, and ruled over all the universe 
 himself. But, with irresistible force, he was arrested 
 and hurled into the blackness of darkness for ever. 
 
 "This spirit of unholy ambition, however, is not 
 confined to the soldier or to the politician, nor to 
 those who move in the secular walks of life. It has 
 planted its standard behind the sacred desk, and in 
 robes of holy and well-ordered devotion it has elo- 
 quently preached the glorious gospel of the blessed 
 God at home and to people of other lands, professing 
 no motives but to do good to men and benefit the 
 world. A desire for vain superiority and epheme- 
 ral distinction has entered within college walls, and 
 almost against his will, has dragged 
 
 * The stagnant, dull, predestinated fool 
 
 Through learning's halls, and made him labour much 
 Abortively; though sometimes not mispraised, 
 He left the sage's chair, and home returned, 
 Making his simple mother think that she 
 Had borne a man.' 
 
 * The man of science to the shade retired, 
 And laid his head upon his hand, in mood 
 Of awful thoughtfulness, and dived and dived 
 Again ; deeper and deeper still, to sound 
 The cause remote, resolved, before he died, 
 To make some grand discovery, by which 
 He should be known to all posterity.' 
 
 " Worldly greatness may flatter and charm, but it 
 is a delusion, and has drawn thousands, whose minds 
 were of the nobler cast, into the vortex of misery, 
 disappointment, and wo. 
 
70 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "There is that which Heaven calls greatness; it 
 is not found in the vanities of earth, therefore it 
 cannot wear the sordid garments of pride, nor dwell 
 in the heart of a tyrant. True greatness will abide 
 the scrutiny of Him who is all eye; and when he 
 shall withdraw the cloud that surrounds his throne, 
 the blaze will not consume it. The greatest man, in 
 one sense, is least of all. He fears not the tongue of 
 the slanderer, and he shuns the feet of the scornful. 
 Though despised by the proud, yet the recording 
 angel, who obeys the will of Heaven, writes his 
 name in living characters in the book of eternal life. 
 He may be a beggar, and lie at the rich man's gate 
 neglected; but he will eventually wear garments 
 clean and white, and be made meet to be a partaker 
 of the inheritance of the saints in light. A great 
 man is willingly a servant of others for their good. 
 Abraham had a greater regard for high authority 
 than for his own personal comfort, or even for the 
 posterity and life of his son. Who could tear a 
 tender offspring from its mother's arms, and take 
 from his own bosom also, his dearest earthly object? 
 Who, possessing feelings of humanity, could offer it 
 a sacrifice, in obedience to the command of Heaven? 
 He, only, who could offer himself. Few have drunk 
 deeper from the bitter cup of self-denial than did 
 this good patriarch; and all who would be truly great 
 must take to their lips the same cup; on its brim he 
 has left a lingering fragrance. Moses was justly 
 entitled to be the wearer of Egypt's crown; but he 
 dashed it from his manly brow, esteeming the re- 
 proach of Christ greater riches than all the trea- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 71 
 
 sures of Egypt. Though his foes, like prowling 
 tigers, threatened to destroy him, yet he feared not, 
 for the arm of Omnipotence was his strength, and 
 he caused them to flee as did the terrified Philistines 
 before the shepherd's boy of Israel's host, whose 
 strength and confidence w r as also in the God of the 
 faithful. The same arm immediately caused the sea 
 to part before his followers, and stand up as walls 
 for their protection: to his famishing host, under 4 
 God it unlocked a store -house in the desert, and 
 unsealed a fountain in the thirsty wilderness. Some 
 think themselves honoured to see those who are 
 called great by the world, but Moses talked with 
 God on the mount, which shook by the thunder of 
 his voice, and was enveloped in the lightning of his 
 glory. He entered the tabernacle, the audience- 
 place of the Most High, when it was overshadowed 
 by his broad-spreading wings. He stood near the 
 bush which blazed with the presence of Jehovah, 
 and conversed with him. No tomb or sculptured 
 marble directs the inquiring traveller to the spot 
 where his body lies, but faith's piercing eye sees his 
 soul in heavenly glory. When an infant, he was 
 exposed to the fury of the elements, but now he sits 
 in the regions of eternal day, crowned with unfading 
 honour. The prophet despised the idolatrous king's 
 decree, and his unholy audacity, for which Jehovah 
 closed the mouths and paralyzed the jaws of the 
 hungry lions. The three children of the covenant 
 refused to worship the golden image of paganism — 
 their holiness being from God, he quenched the vio- 
 lence of fire, and gave them audience with the King 
 
72 MKMOIRS OF 
 
 of kings. Elijah regarded that honour which cometh 
 from above, and he went to heaven without tasting 
 death. Enoch, walking with God, had this testi- 
 mony, that he pleased God, and he was not, for God 
 took him. 
 
 " A greater regard for earthly honour has encou- 
 raged and strengthened the martyr to meet the 
 wrath of his foe, and to feel no sting in death: the 
 same led the inspired apostle to say, < I am ready to 
 be offered; the time of my departure is at hand; I 
 have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, 
 henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of glory, 
 which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give 
 unto me in that day.' Paul, once sat in the halls 
 of human learning; but he has lifted the veil of 
 the inner glory and heard the rustling of seraphs' 
 wings; he listens to the song of angels. Stephen was 
 despised, and became an outcast of the earth; yet, in 
 death, he saw the heavens part like a cloud, and his 
 Saviour near the throne ready to embrace him. 
 
 "The philosopher may be called great, yet all his 
 greatness will burn like dross. The truly great 
 man is an angel in embryo. The disciples of Christ 
 called him Master and Lord, and they did well, for 
 so he was; — yet He could wash their feet. Christ 
 died loving his friends, pitying and praying for his 
 enemies; and, in view of his departing glory, the 
 sun veiled his face, the earth quaked, and the dead 
 awoke. He who was God became man that we who 
 are men might become children of God. 
 
 "The great man, says the Bible, < walks with 
 God.' 
 
REV. D. 11. GILLETTE. 7^ 
 
 ' Surveys far on the endless line of lite — 
 
 his soul thinks on eternity, 
 
 Both worlds considers, and provides for both. 
 With reason's eye his passions guard, 
 Abstains from evil, lives on hope — 
 On hope, the fruit of faith- 
 Looks upward, and purifies his soul, 
 Expands his wings, and mounts unto the skies, 
 Parses the sun, and gains his Father's house, 
 And drinks with angels at the fount of bliss.'" 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 ORDINATION, SUCCESS, ILLNESS, RECOVERY. 
 
 m 
 
 The following, found among our brother's papers, 
 may with propriety be inserted here: — 
 
 "Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution, July, 1840. 
 " This certifies that the bearer, Mr. Daniel H. Gil- 
 lette, is a member of this institution, in good stand- 
 ing, and connected with the senior collegiate class, 
 with which he has recently graduated, and that he 
 is now honourably dismissed. 
 "In behalf of the faculty. 
 
 J. F. Richardson, Secretary." 
 
 Having finished his studies at the institution, he 
 was about to enter upon duties of an entirely diffe- 
 rent character. Although he had been preaching 
 occasionally for some years, in connexion with his 
 
74 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 studies, and had supplied different churches — yet to 
 take the pastoral care of a church, to be to them an 
 under-shepherd, and a spiritual guide, was taking 
 responsibilities numerous and weighty, concerning 
 which he writes, August, 1840, — 
 
 " In the second week of July, I 
 
 returned to Rahway, under circumstances quite 
 favourable, and on the twenty-ninth of said month 
 the church called me to ordination. . . . Now 
 arrived a day of more than usual interest. The 
 council to examine me was very respectable; the 
 assembly large, and attentive. After examination 
 the council resolved to ordain me. I felt that I was 
 about to assume responsibilities weighty and fearful. 
 In the afternoon the council proceeded to ordina- 
 tion. My brother, A. D. Gillette, of Philadelphia, 
 preached from Acts, twenty-sixth chapter, and thirty- 
 ninth verse, — '■And Paul said, I would to God that 
 not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, 
 were both almost, and altogether such as I am, 
 except these bonds? I do not know that I ever 
 felt more sensibly the need of deep-toned piety of 
 heart, and entire consecration to God. On the Lord's 
 day following, I baptized, in this beautiful little 
 river, four happy converts, in imitation of their Lord 
 and my Lord. 
 
 " The same day we celebrated the Lord's supper. 
 My brother was with me. It was, on the whole, a 
 delightful day. The people seemed eager to- hear 
 the word, and willing to listen. that the Lord 
 would incline their hearts to love the truth and 
 brine: them to a saving knowledge of Christ Jesu* 
 
REV. D. ii. GILLETTE. 75 
 
 "CERTIFICATE OF ORDINATION. 
 
 uT To all whom it may concern — -Be it known, 
 that by the request of the Baptist Church of Rah way, 
 N. J., delegates from the following named churches, 
 New Brunswick, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Samp- 
 ?;own, Newark, Lyon's Farms, Piscataway, Perth, 
 Amboy, Oliver Street and Berean Churches, N. Y., 
 East Church, Brooklyn, and Eleventh Church, Phi- 
 ladelphia, convened in council at Rahway, on the 
 twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord 
 eighteen hundred and forty. After due examination 
 of Brother Daniel H. Gillette, as to his^call to the 
 gospel ministry, and being fully satisfied as to his 
 qualifications, therefore did, by the imposition of 
 hands and prayer, publicly and solemnly ordain him 
 a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to the 
 full discharge of all the duties thereof, also as pastor 
 of the Rahway Baptist Church. In behalf of the 
 council, ( x . C G-. S. Webb, Moderator, 
 
 (Attest,; £ s j. Drake, Clerk." 
 
 "0 Lord, grant me thy special favour in this new- 
 department of labour, and make me wise that I may 
 win many souls unto thee. Make me very hum- 
 ble, and forgive all my sins, Lord, for thy Son's 
 sake, and for thine own glory, and lead me in the 
 way everlasting. Teach me to number my days, 
 that I may apply my heart unto wisdom, and lead 
 me to the rock that is higher than I. Amen." 
 
 His encouragements to labour in this delightful 
 field were daily urging him to exertions beyond 
 what his constitution would bear. 
 
 The female seminary in Rahway was, at this time, 
 
76 MEMOIRS OI 
 
 in a very flourishing condition. Mrs. Phelps, the 
 principal, (now of Patapsco, Maryland Female In- 
 stitute,) made application to him to assist her. After 
 counselling with some of his friends, he consented to 
 instruct a class of young ladies in the languages 
 and moral philosophy, which occupied about three 
 hours, three days of each week. Add to this his 
 ministerial duties, attending funerals, visiting the 
 sick, &.C., his task was laborious indeed. The church 
 had been, and was yet dependent upon the New Jersey- 
 State Convention for aid in its support. A debt rested 
 upon the house. Immediately after his settlement, he 
 determined that the church should not only sup- 
 port itself, but throw something from what Provi- 
 dence had blessed them with into the Lord's trea- 
 sury. And, by his persevering industry in this work, 
 he succeeded, after the first year, in securing them in 
 circumstances to support themselves, and to pay a 
 small sum to the convention, which had so liberally 
 assisted them while in want. He was successful in 
 getting about one half of their heavy debt discharged, 
 which tells much, not only for his industry, but for 
 the benevolence and enterprise of the people with 
 whom he laboured in the Lord. He writes, Sep- 
 tember 7, 1S40, — 
 
 u Affairs in the church are quite encouraging, 
 although no special revival. It is, at times, a mat- 
 ter of great astonishment to me that people can be 
 so indifferent about judgment, eternity, and God, 
 while they are so repeatedly warned of their dan- 
 ger, and called upon in numberless ways to pre- 
 pare to meet their God. Death is among us, mark- 
 
&EV. D. H. OtLtETTt. 77 
 
 ing his victims, and they are many. The first week 
 In August I attended two funerals: the deceased 
 were children. Last week I attended two more; one, 
 a child, the other, a young married woman. You 
 perceive my labours are quite arduous; but how 
 delightful to labour for God! I lectured at both 
 funerals also on Wednesday evening; attended Bible 
 class on Thursday evening, visited fourteen families, 
 performed my duties as teacher in the Female Insti- 
 tute on the afternoon of three days, and yesterday 
 preached three times, to large assemblies, and to-day 
 I feel no inconvenience from those duties. 
 
 « I believe it not only true, that the Lord will not 
 leave me nor forsake me, but he will also help me to 
 do much in his cause, and that too with great de- 
 
 light. 
 
 " There are, indeed, losses and crosses in this life, 
 and very many things which tend greatly to discou- 
 rage, but when we look to the Lord, and discover 
 how good and holy he is, and how much in love are 
 all his dealings with us; then assuredly these trifles 
 which we are disposed to call, at times, discourage- 
 ments, quickly disappear, and we are lost amidst 
 the multitude of mercies. O that my heart may feel 
 more sensibly the love of Ood, that while labouring 
 for him, and for the good of souls, I may throw my- 
 self at his feet as unworthy, and be wholly willing 
 to become his servant. Lord, purify my heart 
 and make me clean. O help me, that the flatteries 
 of men may not lift my heart with vanity, and prove 
 my ruin. 0, that I may be more humble and con- 
 S* 
 
78 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 trite, and have deeper repentance for sin. Forgive 
 me Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen." . . , 
 
 "September 14, 1S40. Last Lord's day I had con- 
 siderable enjoymentof mind and freedom in speaking. 
 I preached twice in church, and at half past four, 
 p. m., attended a funeral up town. The deceased 
 was a child, the parents not religious. Lord, sanc- 
 tify this affliction to them, and make it a savour 
 of life unto life. I feel quite too languid. Oh for 
 some kindlings of soul, and more ardent desire for 
 the salvation of sinners. Grant this, gracious Father 
 and Lord. Amen." 
 
 "September 24, 1840. 
 
 u Last Lord's day, two o'clock, p. m., we went 
 down by the river-side, when prayer was made, and, 
 in the presence of a large concourse, I baptized five 
 converts to Jesus Christ in the name of the Father 
 and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. I felt 
 happy in the Lord. ...... 
 
 After which we repaired to the meeting-house, 
 which was crowded with anxious spectators; 1 tried 
 to preach to them from these words: " How long halt 
 ye between two opinions?" My mind was not as clear 
 as usual, and at the close I felt quite dissatisfied; per- 
 haps, however, it was only a suggestion of the adver- 
 sary. 0, that I may be kept humble, and as an exem- 
 plary Christian shou'd, so live that I may preach 
 by example as well as by precept. I fear that I may 
 lean to my own understanding, and neglect God, my 
 maker. Keep me at thy feet, Lord, and never 
 let me wander: guide me in the way everlasting, and 
 uphold me by thy free Spirit." 
 
HEV. ». H. GILLETTE. ?0 
 
 "October 29, 1840. 
 " I changed boarding places. I left for necessary 
 reasons. I have been very happily situated, t now 
 board in a pleasant family. I am in good health, ex- 
 cept a slight attack of the influenza. My mind, much 
 of the time, is in a very good frame. I enjoy the 
 work of preaching, and succeed as Well as could be 
 expected. The most I have to regret is that I am 
 not more thankful for what I have and Constantly re- 
 ceive from my heavenly Father, for his mercies are 
 new every morning and fresh every evening. No- 
 thing special in the church, except that there is a 
 gradual increase of members. Last Lord's day I 
 baptized one. 0, that hundreds might come to al 
 knowledge of the truth, and walk in the same way. 
 I have baptized ten, all of whom I hope will shine in 
 heaven for ever. Lord, make me more humble 
 and holy, that I may lead many souls unto thee, and 
 to thy name shall be the praise." 
 
 Soon after this date, he went north with his 
 mother, who had been staying in New Jersey, 
 among her friends, a number of months. He ac- 
 companied her to Troy, New York, and saw her 
 safe aboard the stage, that would convey her in 
 a few hours to the door of her oldest daughter, in 
 Cambridge. He took the cars for Utica, and from 
 thence the stage to Hamilton. It being a cold, 
 damp, stormy night, in October, and having the in- 
 fluenza previous to leaving, he was not in a con- 
 dition to endure such exposure. He soon found 
 that he had taken a severe cold; a heavy cough en- 
 sued, with some fever and nervous affection. His 
 
80 Memoirs oi 
 
 stay at Hamilton Was necessarily short; and in a' few 
 days he returned to Rahway, where, by taking sim-* 
 pie remedies for his cough, he was enabled to conti* 
 nue his labours in the ministry, but not without much 
 effort and inconvenience. He had been intending td 
 hold a succession of afternoon and everting meetings 
 with his people as soon as circumstances would 
 allow. Accordingly, he engaged the assistance of his 
 brother, Walter B. Gillette, and commenced the 
 first week in December, and continued evenings and 
 afternoons for about two weeks. During this time he 
 was able to preach but little. After the close of the 
 above-named meetings he baptized fourteen converts. 
 The Weather Was extremely cold, and he very feeble 
 in body, yet his ambition and zeal urged him in 
 lecturing, visits, and studies, beyond what his strength 
 was able to bear. On Lord's day afternoon he re- 
 turned to the meeting-house, and attempted to 
 preach to a densely crowded assembly;— but, after 
 speaking a few moments, he was obliged to desist. 
 He went from the pulpit to his bed ; where he Was 
 confined for two weeks. He was so feeble in body, 
 and his lungs were so affected, that it Was thought 
 by his physician not prudent that company should 
 be permitted to see him. We have often thought 
 of the following remark made by his faithful and 
 worthy physician, Dr. L. Drake, during this his first 
 attack: "He may recover so as to preach again, and 
 may live some years, and be useful, but he will never 
 be a sound well man." This prediction has proved 
 true; he never got clear of that distressing cough, 
 and that flush which then settled upon the cheek, he 
 
REV. 1). H. GILLETTE. 81 
 
 carried to his last days. Having begun to amend, he 
 was taken to his brother Walter's, where he was 
 retired from company and tarried for a few weeks, 
 until he was able to return again to Rahway, and 
 resume his duties in the ministry. 
 
 Respecting this sickness he writes as follows : — 
 
 "January 10, 1841. 
 
 u How frail a thing is man, and how unable to keep 
 his own body from disease and his heart from evil, 
 and walk in all the ways of the Lord blameless! By 
 thy grace, Lord, only can we stand, and only being 
 guided by thy Spirit, can we do that which is right. 
 I find that my path is thickly beset with evils, the 
 enemy tempts on every hand: alas, how prone is 
 this wicked heart of mine to yield. 
 
 "I ought now to be able to discover a large growth 
 in grace since my last date, but I fear that I am on the 
 retrograde, am losing ground. I sometimes think 
 that I have chosen the wrong enterprise by engaging 
 in the ministry: such is my unworthiness, that I 
 wonder why God works by me. All I can say is, 
 Send, Lord, by whom thou wilt, and if thou wilt, send 
 by me. The sickness I have had ought to humble 
 me, but I fear it has not. May grace humble me. 
 The Lord has been kind and merciful to me; he has 
 blessed my dear church and added to her numbers. 
 I baptized fourteen in December, soon after which I 
 was confined by ill health, and was unable to preach 
 till yesterday, — the ninth of January, — that I were 
 free from all sin, and holy as God is holy. I will, by 
 the grace of God assisting me, live nearer unto him. 
 I will try and be more like Enoch, < walk with God.' 
 
82 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Lord, forgive all the sins I this day have committed 
 in word, thought, or deed, and wash me in the blood 
 of thy dear Son. Make me more heavenly-minded, 
 and let the radiant light of thy throne shine into 
 my mind, and banish hence all the unfruitful works 
 of darkness. May 1 so live that I may be always 
 prepared to die. I beseech thee, Lord, have mercy, 
 forgive every sin and save me at last, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. — Amen." 
 
 Great anxiety was felt on the part of the loving 
 and beloved people of his charge during his sickness. 
 A large number had recently obtained a hope in the 
 salvation of God which is through Jesus Christ, and 
 a number of anxious souls were inquiring the way to 
 Zion. With this state of things in the church, to have 
 the shepherd smitten and taken from the flock in the 
 midst of promising usefulness, rolled upon them bur- 
 dens and responsibilities which they had not expected 
 and felt unable to bear. Their pastor was made a 
 subject of continued and special prayer; that he 
 might be again restored to health and usefulness. 
 God, who always hears prayer, regarded their cry, 
 and sent them deliverance in restoring him to a par- 
 tial state of health sooner, by far, than his friends or 
 even his physician thought probable. The anxiety 
 of his people met with corresponding feeling and 
 anxieties in him, as may be seen by the following 
 letter which was read to them, and the congregation 
 by his brother Walter, who supplied the pulpit 
 during his illness. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 83 
 
 "To THE DEAR PEOPLE OF MY CHARGE .* 
 
 "A good man who was painfully afflicted, once 
 said: 'All the days of my appointed time ivill I 
 wait, until my change come. 1 These words, we may 
 very justly say, imply calm resignation to all the 
 arrangements of Providence: however there might 
 have been strong inclinations in his heart to murmur, 
 yet he had so great deference for God, that he 
 yielded to all his dealings, without an opposing 
 thought. 
 
 "Another holy man, in giving instructions to 
 Christians, has said, 'Remember the patience of Job.' 
 These are expressions which demand serious atten- 
 tion, and which if duly considered cannot fail to im- 
 part solace to the afflicted saint. Such, my brethren, 
 I trust they have been to me. 
 
 "At the first of my illness I was a little disposed 
 to disquietude, and hardly knew how it could be pos- 
 sible for me to remain away from the sanctuary, and 
 to cease, for a time, to preach a Saviour who had 
 stooped from the heavens and died to become a suf- 
 ficient mediator for a guilty world. But, on a mo- 
 ment's reflection, it occurred to me, 'It is the Lord, 
 ivho doeth all things well. 7 I need not give you 
 an account of my illness, nor of its nature, which you 
 already know is a disease of the lungs. For a few 
 days I was much inclined to think that I had preach- 
 ed my last sermon, and would never again stand be- 
 tween the living and the dead, as an ambassador for 
 Christ. And what I felt to think of parting with my 
 dear people so soon, with whom I had just begun 
 delightful service, and where the Lord hod, as I 
 
84 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 thought, given me some testimony that he approved 
 of my services, was almost overwhelming. But 
 when I examined my heart, and thought myself yet 
 in the faith, I could not but exclaim, in my soul, 
 i Not my iv ill, but thine, Lord! be done.' 
 
 " I feel quite happy, and still think that my 
 Saviour has been with me. I suppose that I am 
 now mending. My physician has been attentive, 
 cautious, and solicitous for my welfare. Other 
 friends, also, with the best feelings, have extended 
 their helping hands. Nothing has been wanting 
 that could add to my comfort, and after a few weeks, 
 by the will of my heavenly Father, I hope to ad- 
 dress you again in his holy name. Now, my dear 
 brethren, while 1 am absent shall I hear that you 
 leave your posts, and neglect your duties? You do 
 know and I wish you to remember, that the church 
 is not under a worldly policy, and therefore may the 
 Lord help you to be living branches grafted into 
 Christ the living body. Do not neglect the prayer 
 meetings, for there Jesus deigns to show his smiling 
 face. You who have been some time in the vineyard 
 are expected to do much, and 1 doubt not will feed 
 the lambs, and lead them into green pastures, and 
 down by the pool of life. Attend to the Sabbath 
 school, and do not neglect little children, whom Jesus 
 blessed, but feed them with the milk of the word. 
 Suffer me to say a word to those young disciples 
 who have just begun. You have engaged in a good 
 cause, the angels rejoiced when you made the good 
 resolution: do not break it, but be faithful. I have 
 thought of you often: you have not been forgotten 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 85 
 
 in my prayers. I would be with you, but the Lord 
 forbids. Let the church be your home, and make 
 the people of God your people, and, above all, grow 
 in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. 
 
 "I must also indulge in a word to those who have 
 been accustomed to attend my ministry. I have 
 thought of you often, and while I had feelings of 
 gratitude for your close attention, I was led to ex- 
 amine what I had preached to you; and believe 
 that it had been with this desire: i Sanctify them 
 through thy truth : thy word is truth. 9 If I 
 never speak to you again 'the words of this life,' 
 do not, I beg of you, neglect the one thing need- 
 ful, * but choose that good part that shall never 
 be taken away from you. 7 And then, if we meet 
 no more on earth, 1 hope through grace to meet you 
 where parting will be no more.— Brethren, be much 
 in prayer, and when at the throne remember me, that 
 I may be restored to the bosom of the Church. 
 " Your affectionate pastor, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 Having recovered from his illness, he was quite 
 successful in the work of the Lord, both in re- 
 ceiving members into the church, and in giving the 
 denomination character in Rahway and the sur- 
 rounding community. He was often called on to 
 preach on special occasions, and among other deno- 
 minations. On the fourth of July, he delivered an 
 oration in the Presbyterian Church at Rahway. That 
 production was spoken of by many with high com- 
 mendation. During the spring months he w T as much 
 engaged in obtaining money to liquidate the debt of 
 
86 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 the church. After obtaining what he could at Rail- 
 way, he visited the neighbouring churches. Among 
 these his urgent appeals met with good success; so 
 that in a few weeks, he returned to his people with 
 money enough to pay half of what they owed. 
 This debt had been the occasion of anxiety and 
 many fears lest, for the want of means, the candle- 
 stick would be removed out of its place. He was 
 released from this only that he might enter into 
 another laborious enterprise. Their house was in 
 need of paint and repairs both without and within, 
 and many who were not members of the church 
 were willing to contribute largely to do this, pro- 
 vided the interior could be new-modelled in some 
 particulars. He wrote a subscription, and in a few 
 days enough was pledged to pay for the alterations. 
 About this time he writes as follows. 
 
 "August 16, 1841. 
 "Since my last the scenes through which I have 
 gone have been diversified. I often think that none 
 are called to encounter so great and severe trials as 
 the ambassadors of Christ. Men of the world have 
 their open enemies, but Christians must contend in 
 secret with secret foes, who, at times, seem almost 
 invincible. Did one victory suffice, they might enjoy 
 a rest, but no sooner is one party vanquished, than 
 a mightier re-enforcement appears, and yet wearied 
 with the first, the second conflict seems the last and 
 the one in which we must be overcome. The mi- 
 nister takes the highest place in the field, and, like a 
 bold leader, there he must stand in open defence of 
 truth, while he knows that many return nothing but 
 sneers for his faithfulness. 
 
* REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 87 
 
 "But what am I saying? Would I complain? No: 
 Though all men forsake, I will not. God is with me, 
 and if he be for me, who can effectually be against me? 
 In the ministry of the word, I am sure that God has 
 assisted me often, for I have enjoyed much freedom of 
 speech, and elevation of soul. But I have not enjoy- 
 ed as much of the uninterrupted light of my Father's 
 countenance, as I have anxiously desired: yet the 
 fault must be with myself, not with him. Yester- 
 day I, with my brethren, went down to our Jordan, 
 in whose tide I buried with Christ in baptism two 
 subjects, then returned to the house and preached 
 from the latter part of the second verse of the fif- 
 teenth chapter of second Chronicles, from which 
 my own soul drew much consolation. In the after- 
 noon was our communion season, and during the 
 whole day, I felt that God was with me. that 
 he may always be with and sustain me, that I may 
 offend him not, but enjoy his Holy Spirit. 
 
 "0 Lord my God, the heavens and the earth are 
 thine; I am thine, and I know that, having no right 
 to my own services, they should all be given to thee. 
 Teach me thy will and my duty, and give me 
 strength to obey; keep me back from secret faults, 
 preserve me from presumptuous sins, and by thy 
 grace may I shun every appearance of evil." 
 
 In June he writes thus, to his brother A. 
 
 " I get along very well, being a bachelor, and 
 away from dear friends; except when ill, or on a 
 Sabbath evening after having passed the arduous du- 
 ties of the day, then I feel that a good friend of my 
 heart, would be like an angel of love. But you 
 
88 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 begin to say, 'Well, 1 guess he is about to get mar- 
 ried.' Of all things, I want a wife the least, and, to 
 be honest, marrying was never more remote from 
 my feelings and plans. A sister, mother, or a bro- 
 ther near, would be a blessing, yet people urge me 
 to marry, and perhaps it might be best. But the 
 thought sends a thrill of horror through my soul. 
 It may be right, after all, for God has said that 'it is 
 not good for a man to be alone;' yet I am alone, and 
 think I may be for some time. I am not engaged, 
 neither do I intend to be, till of different feelings and 
 views. However, this is a subject of but little im- 
 portance to me or you just now, therefore I will 
 leave it. 
 
 " My health and prospects. — I now have a severe 
 cough, though it is better than it was a few days 
 since, and I hope soon to be able to remove it alto- 
 gether. I have no reason to complain of the Lord; 
 he has been very good to me, and to my dear flock. 
 This is a small band: nine years since they were joined 
 into a church relationship and union, with no pastor. 
 They built a good and roomy house for worship, 
 though somewhat in debt. They soon got a pastor, 
 but after a short time he left. Brother Drake, now in 
 Plainfield, succeeded him, who laboured here three 
 years with success; but much of their time the 
 dear flock was without a shepherd. I began in July, 
 1840, and since then God has looked upon us with 
 a gracious smile. The debt, which before was swell- 
 ing by interest, we have reduced one half. In April, 
 we began a Sunday school, with thirty pupils, and 
 now it numbers one hundred and fifty, and I have 
 
UEV. 0. li. GILLETTE. 80 
 
 baptized thirty-one happily converted persons, and 
 We expect more candidates for baptism soon* 
 * Yours With respect, 
 
 D. H. Gillette. 5 ' 
 
 December 20th, he writes:— 
 
 "Nothing could be done by a people, with a more 
 spirited design to make me contented and useful 
 than is done by this little church. I often think 
 that many of them would take bread from their 
 mouths, and clothes from their backs, if I were needy* 
 I have never suggested a thing that has met with 
 the least opposition, Some of the members and hear- 
 ers thought that our meeting-house should be repair- 
 ed, and they have acted accordingly. They have 
 painted the seats a bright pea green, with mahogany 
 book-boards. The old pulpit is entirely ousted, and 
 its place is supplied with the neatest and most con-* 
 venient one I have ever seen. 
 
 January 1, 1842, he writes as follows:— 
 
 11 eighteen hundred and forty-one, where hast 
 thou gone? Another year has whirled into eternity, 
 and a new one has mounted the car of time. One 
 year to-day, the cold north winds blew, the snow fell 
 like impenetrable mist, and the chill frost was 
 withering. Then I was ill, the Lord had justly 
 and kindly afflicted me. But this day has been 
 beautiful and mild, dressed in the gold livery of a day 
 in April, and I have been blessed with tolerable 
 health, and a thousand smiles from my heavenly 
 Father. During the whole past year, I have been 
 the subject of unnumbered blessings, and have often 
 felt myself totally unworthy of the least of them. 
 
90 Memoirs of 
 
 I have laboured to promote the cause of my Re- 
 deemer, but how little have 1 done. I am strongly 
 attached to my church: it is glued to my heart, and, 
 at times, I am much dejected on account of my 
 health and the low state of piety. The feeling in 
 Zion is not deep enough in anxiety for the salvation 
 of souls. Though I have baptized many the past 
 year who gave evidence of piety, and whose fruit 
 yet remains, still I am not satisfied. 0, that hun» 
 dreds more might come to the fold of Christ. We 
 intend to hold a meeting soon, with a view of making 
 special efforts for the conversion of precious souls. 
 May the Lord be with us, pardon all my sins, and 
 help me to live to his glory. Nomine Jesu Christi. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 BICKNESS^-VISIT TO PHILADELPHIA, BALTIMORE, WASHING* 
 TON, CHARLOTTSVILLE, VIRGINIA. 
 
 Nothing is more certain to mortals than disap- 
 pointment. Our brother never was in perfect health 
 after his severe attack of il'ness in Rah way* At 
 times he felt quite comfortable, and supposed him* 
 self well, and speaks as if he were. We who knew 
 him, knew his health and life were exceedingly pre- 
 carious. His cough was severe at times, and yet 
 some weeks it would almost cease. We feared the 
 seeds of death were taking deep and abiding root in 
 his frail frame. Time, alas! has solemnly confirmed 
 our fears. 
 
ft£V. D* H. GILLETTE. 91 
 
 III January, 1S42, his cough became suddenly 
 alarming; he was obliged to seize hold of some firm ob- 
 ject, in order to stand during its racking operations. 
 A sharp pain continued under his left arm, and in 
 the lower part of his chest; but he continued his 
 pastoral duties. Many desired him to repose for a 
 season — to whom his uniform reply was, he could 
 not endure the sad thought, and hoped soon to be 
 well again. 
 
 After the improvements were made in his church, 
 his ardour was more intense, and his hearers were 
 multiplying from a most lovely circle of the com- 
 munity. Converts were frequently added to them. 
 This, and a desire to benefit the impenitent, led him 
 into efforts beyond what his strength could bear. 
 
 Soon it was evident, that his work in this field 
 was over. From it he was obliged to retire: reluctant 
 indeed he was; but he submitted, and although not 
 having accomplished half he wished, yet all were 
 amazed at his success, and could say to him, with 
 the sweet poet Montgomery, 
 
 "Servant of God, well done — 
 Rest from thy loved employ." 
 
 He writes, 
 
 "In the morning of the first Lord's day in this 
 year, I had a slight hemorrhage of the lungs, which 
 awoke me from calm sleep. Not being alarmed, I 
 preached twice and administered the Lord's supper, 
 with much enjoyment to myself, and I hope to the 
 ^ood of others. Such was the state of devotion 
 among us, that we wished to hold a series of meetings, 
 fondly anticipating a lovely time. Next morning I 
 
02 memoirs ot 
 
 was attacked much more severely: bleeding con* 
 tinued half an hour, which was repeated seven times 
 itt five days; reducing me so, that 1 could only speak 
 in a whisper. My physician, friends, and myself 
 considered my case hopeless — but Providence or- 
 dered it otherwise. Having the best attentions, I 
 soon improved, and in four Weeks I could walk my 
 room and talk a little, I rode to brother Walter's, 
 and spent three weeks. I then went to Philadelphia, 
 Baltimore, Washington, and then to Charlottsville, 
 Virginia. I gained strength by the journey, and was 
 able to preach occasionally. So protracted is my 
 inability, that I feel it my duty to resign my charge 
 of the Rahway church." 
 
 Immediately after his sevefe illness, his brothers 
 W. and A. were sent for, but such was his weak- 
 ness that he could say but little. W's wife re- 
 mained some time administering to his comfort; and 
 Mrs. Ely being freed from the cares of home, con- 
 tinued by him until he was qiiite recovered. We 
 Were anxious to know the state of his mind; but 
 gained it only by signs. Since, however, his letters 
 have amplified upon the subject, sufficient to satisfy 
 the most prying, into such sacred emotions, as those 
 which a dying Christian has, when looking over 
 Jordan, and longing to depart. He has often said, 
 that his joy and peace were indescribable; more so 
 than he had supposed was possible for him ever to 
 experience on earth. " I felt a settled calmness in 
 my mind about the future. I had no choice, and was 
 willing the Lord should dispose of me as would be 
 most for his glory." 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 93 
 
 But as returning health greeted him, his wonted 
 solicitude for Zion's welfare revived, with all its ab- 
 sorbing weight and delightful responsibilities. When 
 receiving the calls of his brethren in his room, his 
 inquiries were about the church — his anxieties, that 
 the congregation should be kept up — urging them to 
 be prompt in attendance upon their social meetings. 
 He entreated them not to be disheartened because 
 their under shepherd had been smitten, but be there- 
 by roused to more vigorous action in their Saviour's 
 cause. Brethren, he would feebly say — "stand to 
 your posts, let not the enemy triumph — God has 
 much people here, and he designs you shall become 
 an influential church. If I never preach for you 
 again, God will send others to do so, with^equal and 
 far greater success than I have enjoyed." 
 
 Mrs. Ely wrote to his brother A. as follows: — 
 
 "You regretted not ascertaining your brother's 
 feelings, when you were called to his-bedside. I will 
 relate some things. The morning he was taken, he 
 felt that he could not long survive — but was per- 
 fectly composed, and said, "If it was the Lord's will, 
 he was ready to die. He had a good hope through 
 grace. Death had no terrors, yet when he thought 
 of his friends — of the church — of the cause of 
 Christ — he was willing to live; but if he should die 
 bleeding, he could say, thy will, God! be done." 
 
 He writes February, 1S42. 
 
 "I am able to write to you with my own hand, 
 although quite feeble and scarcely able to guide my 
 pen. When you were here, I did not expect to ever 
 be well again ; I felt so four or five clays. Yet I then 
 
94 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 had joy. I never before knew the value of a hope 
 in Christ. Had I then been obliged to have sued 
 for mercy, I believe the excitement would have ag- 
 gravated my disease, and hastened dissolution. I 
 have pleasure in the retrospect. I was not, nor do 
 I now feel alarmed. The burden of my prayer is, 
 calmly and cheerfully to submit to all God's plea- 
 sure. At first, the church rested heavily upon my 
 mind. But when I thought of the Saviour's cheer- 
 ing promise, 'Fear not, little flock, it is your Fa- 
 ther's good pleasure to give you the kingdom,' I 
 resigned her to his hands, for I knew he was able 
 to keep her. Friends often came to my bed-side, and 
 asked if I did not think I would recover. I could 
 not give them a definite answer, for it was a matter 
 of indifference, so fully resigned was my will to the 
 will of Heaven. I knew, if I was a child of God, 
 I should rest from sorrow; and if restored, I should 
 be exposed to the evils of a tempting world. I 
 thought I knew something of Paul's feelings, when 
 he said, I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire 
 to depart, and be with Christ, which is far better. 
 When I began to mend, I prayed that the affliction 
 might be sanctified to me; and now feel, that if I am 
 again allowed to preach Jesus, I can set forth his 
 goodness from the fervour of my own experienced 
 heart. I have rode out twice, and endured it well. 
 My lungs are strengthening. I hope by spring to 
 be able to preach." 
 
 " Philadelphia, March, 1842. 
 
 "Dear Brother Walter, — 
 
 "You doubtless expect a letter from me soon ; and 
 
REV. D. II. GILLETTE. 95 
 
 of course are anxious to hear respecting my health. 
 I had a pleasant tour to the city, arrived safely, and 
 not more fatigued than I expected. 
 
 " Since here I have felt my wonted strength return- 
 ing. I hope, and even believe, that I may again en- 
 joy perfect health. I do not expect it immediately. 
 But being partially restored, I have an increased 
 anxiety to be well at once, and enter again the 
 sphere of labour, which is my joy and delight, preach- 
 ing to immortals the unsearchable riches of Christ. 
 
 " I constantly have something to remind me of my 
 weakness. Last week I suffered much from pain 
 in the left side, which gave me reason for some 
 alarm, and I could not easily suppress my feelings. 
 My lungs were also much affected, and at times I 
 was about to decide that I should never become well 
 again ; but to-day I feel like another man, those 
 pains have nearly all left me. I am disposed to at- 
 tribute my sufferings in part to the very unpleasant 
 and damp weather of last week. 
 
 "This has been a fine day, and I have been much 
 disposed to elevate my spirits, and sing with the 
 birds that rest upon the wing, and so sweetly lift 
 their notes of melody and praise. 
 
 "I do not know how soon I shall go south, though 
 I now think of starting next week; however, it will 
 depend much upon the state and temperature of the 
 weather. I am now very certain that I shall not be 
 able to preach at all sooner than May, if then, or if 
 ever; but 1 trust in the Lord, and use the means 
 given me for improvement. 1 wish you to continue 
 U) preach for my people until May, and then, should 
 
96 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 I not be able to resume the care of the church, we 
 will make further arrangements. 
 
 "I feel exceedingly anxious for the church and 
 people of Rah way; it is very near my heart, but 
 whether I shall labour with them again or not, God 
 only knows, they are all in the hands of a holy, wise, 
 and a just Being. I should like to have you write to 
 me all about the church, how they get along and 
 prosper. I hope that God may bless your preach- 
 ing to them, that he will revive his Spirit in their 
 souls, and through you bring sinners to repentance, 
 and to a knowledge of the truth. I should be happy 
 to spend a Lord's day with you there, but I think 
 this climate belter for me at present. Fruit trees 
 are here in full bloom, and when summer arrives, I 
 shall enjoy it much, by the Divine blessing. 
 
 "Brother has a pleasant season in his church, just 
 now: about fifty have been converted hopefully within 
 a few months: yesterday he baptized twenty in the 
 presence of a large congregation. 
 
 "You shall hear from me again soon, I have not 
 felt so well since I was first taken as I do to-day, 
 you may tell the church how I am, and also inform 
 them that they are not forgotten in my prayers, and 
 I trust that they do not forget their afflicted Pastor. 
 My hope is, that each one will do his duty as a mem- 
 ber of the church of God. They will not regret, 
 when on a dying bed, that they have been devoted 
 and faithful. I wish to be remembered by them all, 
 and my earnest prayer is that a blessing may rest 
 upon both church and congregation. 
 
REV. D. II. GILLETTE. 97 
 
 We here give a sketch from the worthy Pastor of 
 the Rah way Church. 
 
 '•Railway, August. 1845. 
 
 "Dear Brother Gillette, — 
 
 "The church appointed a committee of three, con- 
 sisting of Deacons Cole, Decker and Noe, to collect 
 and forward such intelligence r.s they were possessed 
 of concerning your brother's devoted and successful 
 labours among them. 
 
 "The proposition meets with universal favour, 
 — as a church, we have taken no formal vote upon 
 the subject; but every one with whom I have con- 
 versed regards it with approbation, and I doubt not 
 that the "memoir," when published, will be hailed 
 by very many here as a most acceptable memento 
 of one, of whom it is universally said — 
 
 1 None knew him, but to love him, 
 None named him, but to praise.' 
 
 "In the spring of 1S40, the Baptist church at Rail- 
 way being destitute of a pastor, Brother Daniel H. 
 Gillette then pursuing the studies of the senior year 
 at the Hamilton Literary and Theological Seminary, 
 preached before them, not as a candidate for the pas- 
 toral charge; but the church and congregation were so 
 much pleased with the manner in which the services 
 of the day had been performed that he Was earnestly 
 requested to spend with them the vacation. With 
 this desire he complied, and so general was their 
 satisfaction, that he almost immediately received a 
 unanimous call to the pastoral care of that people. 
 That call he accepted, and after graduating he was 
 ordained. 
 10 
 
98 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "At that time the church was in an unprosperous 
 condition. Their house of worship, which was new 
 and commodious, was encumhered by a considerable 
 debt — the church was weak in numbers and deficient 
 in resources, being partially dependent upon the New 
 Jersey State Convention, for the means necessary to 
 sustain the preaching of the word among them — but 
 scarcely had the newly elected pastor entered upon 
 the regular discharge of his ministerial duties, ere a 
 manifest and decided improvement was visible. The 
 services of the sanctuary, which in former days had 
 been but thinly attended, were now participated in 
 by crowds of interested auditors, until at length the 
 house was not large enough to contain those who 
 sought to worship there. Nor was his usefulness 
 limited to the mere increase of the congregation — the 
 Gospel as proclaimed by him came in "demon- 
 stration of the Spirit, and in power." The mem- 
 bers of the church were refreshed and strengthened, 
 while sinners were aroused, convinced and saved, 
 and the church witnessed in his success and prudence 
 the wisdom of their choice, as they also did in the 
 constant increase of their spiritual and temporal 
 prosperity. But neither the usefulness nor influence 
 of Brother Gillette was confined to the pulpit — if 
 there, by the highly acceptable character of his public 
 ministrations, he wielded influence and secured es- 
 teem, so also in private life — mingling with the peo- 
 ple of his charge, or with the community in which 
 he lived, his refinement of feeling, the kindness of his 
 disposition and the gentleness of his manners secured 
 for him affectionate regard, and it is not too much 
 to say that he was universally beloved. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 99 
 
 "As at the lime he entered upon the charge of the 
 church it was embarrassed by a heavy debt; to liqui- 
 date this was his earnest desire, and for the attainment 
 of this end, he laboured long and zealously, and with 
 such success that in the course of about one year, 
 one half of the full amount had been paid, while dur- 
 ing the same time several hundred dollars were ex- 
 pended in increasing the accommodations and the 
 beauty of the house of worship, but here a sudden 
 and unexpected stop was put to his activity. His 
 health, which at no period during his residence at 
 Railway had been robust, became seriously impair- 
 ed ; he was attacked by a severe cold and hemorrhage 
 from the lungs, which completely prostrated his 
 strength and brought him to the verge of the eternal 
 world. During this illness, which was protracted, 
 he manifested the influence upon his own heart of 
 those doctrines which he had taught. His pains, 
 which were oftentimes severe, drew no murmur 
 from his lips, and amid the sufferings that marked 
 a portion of his illness, as well as throughout the 
 feebleness and lassitude that attended a long and 
 tedious convalescence, he ever displayed a spirit of 
 cheerful resignation. He partially recovered, and 
 resumed the duties of his ministerial office, but it 
 was evident to all that the shock had been too 
 great for a constitution before delicate. It was now 
 shattered, and subsequent events have shown, what 
 many others fearfully supposed, that when he came 
 forth from his sick chamber, he came with the seeds 
 of early death within his frame. He continued their 
 pastor until the month of May, 1842, when finding 
 
100 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 his strength inadequate to the arduous and respon- 
 sible labours required, lie tendered his resignation to 
 the people of his charge. It was reluctantly ac- 
 cepted, accepted with a deep regret that considera- 
 tions of health — nay of life itself had rendered it im- 
 perative. And when Bro. Gillette departed he left 
 behind him a church each member of which, while 
 they revered hint as a pastor, loved him as a friend, a 
 brother — and a community that bore for him a deep 
 affection, and it will be long before his remembrance 
 will be lost to tho«e by whom the influence of his 
 talents and his riitues have been felt so deeply. It 
 is but proper to remark that he left the church in a 
 prosperous condition, able to sustain the ordinances 
 of the gospel without extraneous aid, and in their 
 improved condition the influence of his labours 
 amongst them is, and will long continue to be felt. 
 William Rollinson." 
 "Charlcttsville, Virginia, April, 1842. 
 
 " Dear Mrs, Ely, — 
 
 * •* Before this time, I should have written, and would 
 have well answered my feelings in so doing, for none 
 but myself knows the high regard and affection I 
 have for you. The principal reason why I have so 
 long delayed is that I have been in no place since 
 leaving Philadelphia long enough, and here I have 
 been but a short time. Since seeing you I have been 
 on the wing, and much of the time borne rapidly 
 along, though I have not been urged on because ot 
 necessity, except the improvement of health. 
 
 " I have seen much, possessing the deepest and 
 liveliest interest. I am about four hundred miles 
 from you, and thus far I have found the journey use- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 101 
 
 ful. As I left Philadelphia, I made some stop in 
 Baltimore, and with Judge Phelps of the Patapsco 
 Institute for young ladies, twelve miles distant. On 
 account of a storm, I was delayed longer than I de- 
 sired, though, as elsewhere, I found kind and sym- 
 pathizing friends, who did all in their power to make 
 me comfortable and happy. I went to Washington, 
 spent two nights and one day with advantage and 
 pleasure, for congress and the senate were in ses- 
 sion. Thence I took the steam-boat down the Po- 
 tomac, and had for a companion in travel the Nesto- 
 rian Bishop, late from Persia, of whom you have 
 heard. He was in his native costume; the large tur- 
 ban, long loose gown, and beard never shaved. He 
 excited much attention, but was simple and affable in 
 his manners, and seemed to possess deep-toned piety. 
 
 "The boat carried us about sixty miles, then we 
 took stage-coach nine miles, then the cars about a 
 hundred, and then the stage again about twenty to 
 Charlottsville, Virginia. 
 
 " On last Saturday I arrived. This is the most 
 delightful country I ever saw. There is much 
 connected with this town to make it hallowed. 
 About two miles on the one side is the celebrated 
 Monliccllo, the lofty hill upon which stands Presi- 
 dent Jefferson's mansion, where he died, and where 
 is his tomb; on the other side is the flourishing 
 university founded by this noble patriot. The 
 citizens here, in kindness and hospitality excel any 
 I ever saw. I had only to tell them my name, when 
 1 W9B kindly received with a hearty welcome, and 
 they spare no pains to make me happy. They are 
 10* 
 
102 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 quite urgent to keep me two months. The country 
 is very hilly, but beautiful and healthy. The Bap- 
 tist is the strongest society, the largest number, and 
 the most wealthy, and they have a pleasant and 
 worthy man for their pastor, Rev. Isaac Tinsley. 
 
 "Ere you get this, you will learn that I have sent 
 my resignation to Rahway. I felt it my duty thus 
 to do, for my health will not allow my entering 
 upon pastoral labours, and I could not be willing to 
 keep them in suspense. I think the Lord directed 
 me. I hope he will give you all grace to do his will 
 respecting it. I have not lost my attachment for the 
 church: no, it was a great struggle with my feelings 
 to make the decision; but I believe I have done 
 right, and I hope I shall be succeeded by a man after 
 God's own heart, who will more than make my 
 place good. I can never cease to pray for you. I 
 rejoice in your prosperity, and if the Lord will, I 
 shall visit you in the summer. I have not been called 
 to any church, but several have asked me if I would 
 settle; but my health will not allow it. I do not 
 design to act as pastor the present summer. My 
 health improves, and I hope soon to recover. My 
 visit south has done me good. 
 
 "Religion in these parts is very low, though the 
 Baptists are numerous and wealthy, comprising the 
 better part of citizens. You don't know how much 
 and how often I think of you. Your kind attention 
 to me when I was ill I can never forget, neither can 
 I repay it. I love you a3 a sister and a mother. 
 Do not forget me at the throne of grace. Yours 
 obediently, D. H. Gillette." 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 103 
 
 The following was written while he was on a 
 visit, by request of the church in 
 
 "Danbury, Conn., May 11th, 1842. 
 
 "Dear Brother Walter, 
 
 "It may seem that I have neglected you, but such 
 has been my situation, that I could not well let you 
 hear from me oftener than you have. 
 
 "I spent one month in Philadelphia, thence I 
 went to Baltimore, from which place I wrote to 
 you. Thence 1 proceeded to Virginia, where I 
 spent a few weeks, as you have heard; though I did 
 not write you direct. All this time I felt myself 
 improving in health, and have much reason for gra- 
 titude. God has been pleased to restore me to such 
 health as I now enjoy. Though I am by no means 
 well, and know not that I ever shall be; yet 1 fondly 
 hope to be restored and spend my life in the cause 
 of the Redeemer. I am not able to preach regularly, 
 and do not think it my duty to resume pastoral la- 
 bour this season; indeed I hardly think I could with- 
 out great injury to myself. I have heard that some 
 in Rahway have complained because I resigned, 
 I hope they will bear in mind that I told them I 
 should resign my charge, if 1 was not able to resume 
 my labours by the first of May. I would have re- 
 signed before, but they were unwilling. I think I 
 have said and done enough to convince them that 
 they above all people were dear to me: it pained my 
 heart to leave them; and to think of settling with 
 others is no pleasurable task. I have been often in- 
 vited to visit this people; they have wished me to 
 settle with them, and labour as my health would al- 
 
104 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 low, but it requires a warmer climate. I feel in- 
 clined to return to Virginia in the fall, but I leave 
 all this with God. This is a beautiful town, a good 
 church; strong and wealthy; they have an elegant 
 parsonage, and they offer me a salary of five hun- 
 dred dollars; but what is all this? it does not move 
 me; for without health I never expect to be happy 
 or useful in any place. I think much of the dear 
 church in Rahway, and I hope to see them soon. I 
 can preach occasionally, though not with my accus- 
 tomed vigour; however, I am much improved. I 
 hope soon to see you. As a brother I love you ; 
 you have shown yourself kind to me, for which I am 
 very thankful, and wish I could express to you my 
 gratitude. I think now of spending part of the 
 summer among my friends ; it would afford me plea- 
 sure to be much with you, it would do me good to 
 assist in working your parsonage, which I will cheer- 
 fully do. 1 have not heard who the church in Rah- 
 way have as supply. 1 am willing to give them 
 any assistance I can, for my heart is with them, and 
 I earnestly pray for their prosperity. 
 
 "Give my love to all the friends, especially I would 
 be remembered to sister Sarah Ann: she may be as- 
 sured that I love her with a brother's affection. I 
 cannot otherwise requite her regard for, and kind, 
 deep-felt attention to me. I hope to see you soon, 
 May the Lord be with you. Yours affectionately, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 u My residence is now one hundred miles from 
 where it was when I made the last entry. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 105 
 
 " Having been invited to visit the church in Dan- 
 bury, Connecticut; I accordingly came and preached 
 on the second Sabbath in May. I spent three weeks 
 with them. On the third they tendered to me an 
 affectionate and unanimous call to become their pas- 
 tor. I returned to N. J., but having also been in- 
 vited by the church at Charlottsville, Virginia, it 
 required some time to decide which place I should 
 choose. Finally I decided to come here, and yes- 
 terday became pastor of the church. In the A. M. 
 I preached from 1 Corinthians ix. 12, " Lest we 
 should hinder the gospel of Christ." 
 
 "This church has received me with much warm 
 affection. I am not entirely well, yet they exercise 
 much sympathy for me, and I begin to feel quite 
 happy with them. 0, that God may sanctify the 
 union, and may it please him to give me once more 
 sound health and enable me to preach the word faith- 
 fully and with great success. I pray God to help 
 me in this new field of labour; his grace is sufficient 
 for me. I hope I may enjoy much religion, with 
 good health ; preach the gospel with great power, 
 and win many souls to Christ. 
 
 "0 God! be thou my strength and wisdom, and 
 keep me from the evils that are in the world, guide 
 me in the right way, and keep me from falling, and 
 my steps from sliding, that I may live and labour 
 for thy praise, and be saved at last: thine shall be all 
 the glory. Amen." 
 
 The following is a copy of the call of the church 
 at D anbury. 
 
 * At a meeting of the Baptist church at Danbury, 
 
106 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Connecticut, held May 22d, 1842, it was unani- 
 mously — 
 
 "Resolved, that we tender to our esteemed brother, 
 the Rev. D. H. Gillette, late of Rahway, N. J., a 
 call to become our Pastor. The vote was heartily 
 responded to by every member present. 
 
 " Resolved, that we will give to brother Gillette the 
 sum of five hundred dollars, with the use of the par- 
 sonage, house and premises. 
 
 " It vvas also resolved, that we will pay promptly 
 the salary at the expiration of every three months. 
 We will also strive by our prayers, and mutual co- 
 operation, to encourage our pastor in his labours of 
 love among us; that the pleasure of the Lord may 
 prosper in his hands. 
 
 "It is expected also that brother Gillette shall re- 
 ceive the avails of the subscription, though a sum ex- 
 ceeding five hundred dollars should be collected. 
 
 "By order and in behalf of the church — 
 
 W. A. Crocker, Ch. Clerk." 
 
 "Danbury, Lord's day, June 5th, 1842." 
 
 The following is a copy of the letter received from 
 brother Gillette, in reply to the call, which was 
 read to the church. 
 
 "Plainfield, June 2, 1842. 
 "To the Baptist Church, Danbury, Conn.: — 
 
 "Dear Brethren, — In reply to the call you tendered 
 me on the 22d of May, 1842, in which I was cordially 
 and unanimously invited to become your pastor and 
 minister of the word of life, accept the following ad- 
 dress, in the love and fear of the Lord. I hope that a 
 deep sense of duty, and a love for the service of God, 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 107 
 
 with an ardent desire for the salvation of souls, alone 
 induce me to the decision. I have carefully con- 
 sidered all things so far as possible, and relying im- 
 plicitly upon your cheerful and prompt co-operation, 
 in all spiritual things, and trusting that the blessing 
 of God will attend our efforts, I have resolved, 
 though with fear and trembling, to accept your affec- 
 tionate call. And now may the Holy Spirit sanc- 
 tify the new relation ! that you as a church, and I as 
 your pastor may enjoy much of pure and undefined 
 religion, and be blessings to each other, and espe- 
 cially to the worldly, that when we stand up in the 
 judgment we may have souls as seals of our useful- 
 ness. Your obedient servant, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 It was not without many fears that he accepted 
 the call, lest his strength would fail, and he be 
 obliged to abandon the field. But suddenly he and 
 the people became greatly elated with their pros- 
 pects. Increased attention was given to the word; 
 a stronger attachment formed between pastor and 
 people. Soon God in his providence saw proper to 
 blast those shadowy prospects, and show them in 
 whom their strength was reposed. Only three 
 weeks had he laboured with them since his accep- 
 tance of the call, when disease, that destructive ene- 
 my, again laid upon him a heavy blow. Painful 
 indeed was the task and sore the trial, yet he was 
 obliged to tell them that he must cease to preach; 
 his labours with them must close. But they felt 
 very unwilling to part with him so soon, and he, 
 himself equally loath to part with them. They ad- 
 
108 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 vised him to retire from the field a few weeks; 
 hoping that his health would again improve, and 
 allow him to resume his labours; they would obtain 
 a supply for the pulpit. He was almost discouraged. 
 He wished to return to his brother's at N. J. — 
 Thinking that the state of his health forbade his 
 going alone, a member from the church accompanied 
 him. When he arrived, he was much cast down in 
 his spirits, and weepingly said as follows: " Brother 
 and sister, I want to stay with you, perhaps until 
 I die!" 
 
 His health improved after a few weeks, and he 
 again enjoyed his usual flow of spirits; his natural 
 turn when well, was of a lively cast; sometimes, un- 
 less restrained, it extended almost as some would 
 suppose to levity, but no one who was intimately 
 acquainted with him, could doubt his being a young 
 man who drank largely out of grace's fount. His 
 unshaken confidence in God, his willingness to sub- 
 mit all to him, his calm resignation to afflictions, 
 which were at times very severe, his delight in the 
 word of the gospel, and his ardent zeal for the cause, 
 were evidences which can never be gainsaid ; proving 
 that he was one whose motives were pure — and 
 whose inheritance was in heaven; thither he has 
 gone to possess his reward : it is a crown of glory 
 which is in reserve for the righteous. 
 
 He writes as follows: — 
 
 "Newmarket, N. J., July, 1842. 
 
 "I will inform you about the state of my health. 
 It is not at all good, though improving. Had it con- 
 tinued as it was two weeks since, I must have been 
 ere this confined to my bed. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 109 
 
 * After reaching Danbury, with my furniture, 
 fitting up my room, and commencing to study and 
 preach, something like an ulcer gathered upon my 
 lungs; and on the evening of the Sabbath, it broke 
 while in church, and caused me to feel very unplea- 
 sant. I began to be weak immediately, and within a 
 few days I could scarcely dress myself. It gave 
 me pain to converse. It was evident that I could 
 not preach. I consulted a physician, who advised 
 me to leave them, and said that with prudence and 
 care I might soon recover. I complied, though it 
 was hard for the church to part with me ; for no peo- 
 ple could be more warmly attached to any one. But 
 they said that it was all right. One of them came to 
 Plainfield with me, where I stayed a few days, and 
 then I came to brother Walter's, where I now am. 
 
 "After the breaking of this ulcer, my cough in- 
 creased and was quite severe; but now it has nearly 
 all left me, and my strength rapidly increases; yet I 
 am not able to preach. I feel but little ambition — 
 vastly different do I feel from what I did one year 
 ago: however, I am not now discouraged, for every 
 symptom is favourable, and I see nothing to forbid 
 my entire restoration. If I continue to improve for 
 a few weeks as I have the past week, I shall soon 
 be a well man; though I do not allow myself to be 
 flattered beyond measure. I am content to take 
 things as they are. Such is my health now that I 
 shall spend next winter somewhere south. The rea- 
 sons that I settled in Danbury were in part, the ad- 
 vantages I would there have had for retirement. I 
 11 
 
110 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 thought these were just what my feeble frame re- 
 quired, and the support was ample." 
 
 " Newmarket N. J., July, 1842. 
 
 "Mrs. Ely,— 
 
 "How darkly obscured from our eyes are all the 
 ways of God. In the morning we may anticipate one 
 thing and a certain course of events ; but as the day 
 advances we learn, to our sad disappointment, that all 
 our hopes were vain and groundless. Thus we learn 
 that our minds are depraved and finite; and, how- 
 ever much occurrences may be against our will, yet 
 if attentive to the monitions of God, we learn that 
 as different and high are his ways from ours, and his 
 thoughts above ours, — so much superior is his wisdom 
 to ours, and we cannot but be still in his holy pre- 
 sence. Little did I think when we parted that I 
 should so soon be in this State again, and especially 
 in such circumstances. But God hath ordered it thus, 
 and I cheerfully obey. After leaving you, I pro- 
 ceeded to Danbury, Conn., was received by the breth- 
 ren with a hearty welcome; they furnished my study 
 very pleasantly, and I began labour: however, after 
 arriving I did not feel well as usual, but I preached 
 on Lord's day, and on the following week felt 
 my strength declining, though the next Sabbath I 
 preached again with much pleasure and ease to my- 
 self, and with apparent acceptance to the church; 
 but the same evening I was feeble, my cough in- 
 creased, and while in church an ulcer broke on my 
 lungs, and caused a very profuse discharge. This 
 continued for several days. My lungs were very 
 sore, and I felt myself fast declining. I hardly 
 thought I could survive two months, and probably 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. Ill 
 
 could not, had I not begun to mend. I consulted a 
 physician, he advised me to retire from the minis- 
 try at once, for there was no other way, he said, in 
 which I could regain my health; but in retirement 
 and with care, I might get well again. The church 
 advised me to the same, saying that they would get 
 a supply until next spring, giving them a prospect 
 that I could then preach. So I came immediately 
 to New Jersey, stopped at my friends' near Plain- 
 field, who appeared to feel worse on hearing the sad 
 story of my illness, than I did myself; but after a 
 few days they were much encouraged, for I was 
 better, and now feel myself rapidly improving. 
 However well I may be, I do not design to preach 
 any more this summer. I make my home with 
 brother Walter, take daily, moderate exercise. It 
 is very trying to a young man of ambitious feelings 
 and habits, to be thus laid aside; but it is all right. 
 If God has no more for me to do, I will freely sub- 
 mit ; but if he has, and I shall again enjoy health, and 
 be able to perform it, may I have grace to sustain 
 me in all circumstances. 
 
 " It may seem that I have neglected you, yet it was 
 not designed, for my heart is too sensible to kind- 
 ness, not to be strongly attached to you. You 
 have been to me all that any one could be in vo- 
 luntary and cheerful attention, and though I cannot 
 reward you, yet I know the Lord will. I shall 
 ever regard you none other than one of my best 
 friends, and I shall always meet you with the warm 
 affection of a son. 
 
 "I hear that you have settled brother Breed. I 
 hope that you will pray for him, and that God will 
 
112 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 bless his labours abundantly. I can do no good now, 1 
 know not as I ever shall. I am at brother Walter's. 
 I feel better than usual, and hope I may continue to 
 improve. I design to spend the summer with bro- 
 ther and his family. Your sincere friend. 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 " New Market, New Jersey, July 20th, 1842. 
 "Dear Brother Montgomery, 
 
 " I am yet blessed with the mercies of an indulgent 
 Providence, and have great reason to be thankful and 
 bless his holy name. The afflictions I have been 
 called to endure for the last few months have been 
 sanctified to my heart and been the means of bring- 
 ing me near the throne of grace. But oh the dis- 
 tance of my heart from God, would that I had been 
 so near, that I could feel the genial warmth of his 
 countenance always beaming on my soul. 
 
 "I think that I am somewhat better than when I 
 left you, though it is difficult to ascertain, for at times, 
 I feel very well, and again am quite feeble, hardly 
 able to be about; yet I attribute these different 
 feelings to the weather, and the fatigue, I sometimes 
 have from too much exercise. My cough is much 
 abated, but my lungs are very sore and weak : I 
 may again be well, and preach the gospel of Jesus, 
 yet it will doubtless be some time before I can be- 
 gin. It is hard, yes, it pains my heart to tell you 
 this; but duty demands it, and 1 must yield. May 
 God give me grace to submit with cheerfulness to 
 all his dispensations. I love you as a church and 
 people, and with health I could be happy with you, 
 and with the blessing of God could be useful. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 113 
 
 R It seems duty both for you and me that I should 
 no longer be your Pastor, for it is very uncer- 
 tain whether I shall be able to preach in the fall; 
 and for you to wait would only keep you in uncer- 
 tain suspense. 0! how my soul yearns over you. 
 May God send you a man after his own heart, who 
 may break unto you the bread of life. I can only 
 commend you to God and to the word of his grace. 
 
 " I hope to visit you next week, and spend the 
 Sabbath with you, but shall not be able to preach, and 
 if you have no supply, and will write me on the re- 
 ception of this, if you desire it, my brother will ac- 
 company me and preach for you. You need not pre- 
 sent my resignation to the church until I see you, 
 when I will do it myself. You cannot doubt the pro- 
 priety of the course I take. No! you cannot, for 
 without health I can do you no good. I know I shall 
 have your prayers for my speedy recovery, and for 
 the blessing of my God to attend me. 
 
 "A sense of duty leads me to this step. It was dif- 
 ficult to decide, for I love my Master and his cause, 
 and I have but little else for which to live. I 
 am very anxious to see you, and never, no! never 
 can I forget you. To you and your family, I have 
 a sincere attachment. I love you with Christian af- 
 fection, and to know that I have an interest in your 
 prayers is a solace to my heart. If we are never al- 
 lowed to labour more together, ! may eternity 
 be made vocal with our notes, and there may we sing 
 and praise together in glory. 
 
 "Give my love to all the brethren, and tell them 
 11* 
 
114 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 that I shall expect to see them all at church. Love 
 to your family. 
 
 "Yours affectionately. D. H. Gillette." 
 
 The following is the resignation which he tendered 
 to the church. 
 
 "To the Baptist 'Church, Danbury, Conn. Dear 
 brethren, it has become my duty as your pastor to 
 dissolve that relation which I have held to you but 
 a short time. My heart was with you, and the kind 
 reception I met with in being called to this relation, 
 gave me a peculiar fondness for this field of labour, 
 and caused me to hope that we might live happily 
 together for a long time, and be the means of ad- 
 vancing the kingdom of Christ, in bringing many 
 souls to a knowledge of the truth. But it seems 
 God had otherwise determined. It pleased him to 
 show me my weakness and dependence by under- 
 mining my health; and you your dependence by 
 proving that you might appoint, but he could disap- 
 point It was a great trial to my feelings, yet I 
 trust that I have an interest in your prayers for the 
 recovery of health, that I may yet labour more in 
 the vineyard of the Lord. 
 
 "Dear brethren, accept this my resignation of the 
 pastoral office of this church, and be assured that I 
 commend you to God and to the word of his grace, 
 praying earnestly that he may send you a man after 
 his own heart, — who may preach to you faithfully 
 the words of the kingdom. I am your obedient 
 servant. D. H. Gillette." 
 
 He writes as follows: — 
 
REV. ]>. H. GILLETTE. 1I& 
 
 " August, 1842, 
 "One month since I was more than one hundred 
 miles north of this, and located, I hoped, for happi- 
 ness and joy in the service of God. But how often 
 we learn that finite minds cannot penetrate the fu- 
 ture. Though not entirely restored to health, yet 
 I anticipate a gradual improvement, by which 1 may 
 moderately advance, and some day be able to' fulfil 
 all the functions of a pastor's office. But God is 
 wiser than man, and knows what is best for us. 
 
 "I returned to Danbury last Lord's day, and re- 
 signed my charge of the church. This was to me 
 and to them a great trial; but the will of the Lord 
 be done. If it please him to restore me, it is my 
 prayer that I may have much grace, and be able to 
 serve acceptably, with reverence and with godly 
 fear. I have earnestly prayed that this affliction 
 might be sanctified. I believe it is in some mea- 
 sure. I do not feel the least disposition to murmur; 
 it is all just, and I feel it so. O that I may improve 
 it! I have no illness at present, except weakness 
 of the lungs, which affects my whole system. God 
 in his own time will dispose of me as seemeth good 
 in his sight. O God, for thine own designs of mercy 
 and love, give me grace and wisdom, and save my 
 soul in heaven. Amen." 
 
 « Newmarket, August 20th, 1842. 
 " Dear Brother A., 
 
 "I am housekeeper general, lord of the soil, and 
 monarch of all I survey. Walter and wife left on 
 Monday, designing first to visit mother, sisters, and 
 friends, and then go to conference in Rensselaer 
 
116 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 county, thence home; which will occupy about three 
 weeks. I felt very anxious to accompany them, and 
 at first designed to, but after resolving to go south, I 
 felt the journey would be more than I could endure; 
 for I would be obliged to visit Whitehall and Lake 
 George: to which place and here again would be at 
 least six hundred miles, and then four hundred 
 more south. I have travelled too much this sum- 
 mer and last spring. The nights begin to lengthen, 
 and dews are heavier. I thought it the part of wis- 
 dom to forego the pleasure of visiting friends this 
 f«ason, and take better care of my own shattered 
 person. 
 
 " A widow is my house-maid, and the two child- 
 ren are the only musical instruments we have at 
 present, which are rather more noisy than harmo- 
 nious. I am quite happy, for I can enjoy solitude 
 much as I please, which was always very desirable 
 to me. If I choose company, I have but a short 
 distance to go, where I can enjoy that society for 
 which in all the world there is none can compensate. 
 So you see I am happily situated. There is but one 
 thing now wanting for me to enjoy altogether be- 
 yond what I ever anticipated, that is, good health. 
 If it were my blessing, with the feelings I now and 
 for some months past have had, earth would be al- 
 most a paradise. However, I have no reason to 
 complain, neither do I, for I am much better than 
 might be expected, considering how low I was re- 
 duced last winter. I have had no cough for three 
 weeks. I suffer no pain, and the only difficulty is 
 weakness of the lungs, though they are gaining 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 1JT 
 
 strength. I expectorate considerably, but not so 
 much as some time previous, and I am much encou- 
 raged at times that I may once more be well. The 
 Lord knows best, and I feel resigned to his sove- 
 reign disposal, earnestly desiring to have grace suffi- 
 cient to meet calmly any event he may be pleased to 
 bring upon me. 
 
 "Next Tuesday I expect to preach in the city of 
 Newark before our Missionary society. I was ap- 
 pointed to this last year. I feel quite able, though 
 I have not attempted since the last Sabbath in June. 
 1 have just prepared my sermon, text Heb. xi. 7> 
 in which I illustrate the power and rewards of faith.. 
 These are my points: first, the power; secondly,, 
 the rewards, 
 
 "I have heen solicited by R. W. Martin, treasurer, 
 and Rev. B. M. Hill, corresponding secretary, to 
 take an agency for the winter in the southern states 
 for the Home Mission, but it would expose me ra- 
 ther too much, therefore I decline. I shall leave here- 
 for the south, the Lord willing, about the third week 
 in Sept., make you a call, and leave for Virginia^ 
 that 1 may be there the first of October. 
 
 " I want to see the little ones. Give that five dollars, 
 to my little namesake, and kiss sis when you please,, 
 and put just so much to my account as you have a 
 mind to. 
 
 "Remember me to all the friends, and tell them I 
 have good spirits, though afflicted. Yours truly in 
 love. D. H. Gillette." 
 
118 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 SETTLES AS PASTOR IN CHARLOTTSVILLE, VIRGINIA. 
 REVIVAL. 
 
 After returning from Danbury to his brother's, 
 in New Jersey, he passed his time very plea- 
 santly, as he has frequently intimated. He employed 
 his time in working the garden, riding on horseback, 
 reading, writing, and visiting his friends. During 
 the whole summer, he preached but once, and that 
 was to fulfil a previous appointment made by the 
 East New Jersey Missionary Society, at its session 
 in the city of Newark. Sometimes he appeared al- 
 most well, at others especially in damp weather, 
 his disease w r as quite observable. 
 
 His natural turn was active and industrious; he 
 had been early inured to laborious habits; and to 
 content himself doing nothing was utterly impossi- 
 ble. In the midst of his enjoyments and recreations 
 there was an uneasiness of mind manifest. He con- 
 sidered that God had put him into the ministry, and 
 if health would permit, he ought to be engaged in 
 his Master's work. Soon, as the autumn com- 
 menced, he began to be anxious about the future; 
 and, finally, came to the conclusion to go south, to 
 some place where he could be useful, and spend the 
 winter preaching, as his health would admit. 
 
 Having held correspondence with the brethren in 
 Charlottsville, Virginia, since his visit there, and 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 119 
 
 their pastor having resigned his charge, they mani- 
 fested quite a desire that he should settle with them. 
 He was soon called to become their pastor, but, 
 being fearful that the field required more labour 
 than he should be able to perform, he hesitated, 
 knowing that, with a mere nominal pastor, the cause 
 would suffer rather than be advanced. Finally, he 
 consented to stay with them during the winter, on 
 condition that he should not be required to labour 
 beyond what his constitution could reasonably en- 
 dure. Accordingly, after making what preparation 
 was necessary, about the middle of September, he 
 left New Jersey, and his friends, for a residence in 
 the south. Many fears were entertained that his 
 ambition and zeal would prompt him to undertake 
 too much. But they were soon happy to hear that 
 his health continued as good as when he left, and he 
 was flattered with the idea that it constantly im- 
 proved. How often it is, alas! that we are thus de- 
 luded with the hope of long life, while, with rapid 
 strides we are hastening to the tomb! 
 
 Concerning his settlement in Virginia, and his 
 success in the ministry, while there, he writes as 
 follows: — 
 
 " Charlottsville, October, 1842. 
 
 " My last entry was made at Newmarket, New 
 Jersey, when my health was quite bad, though 
 rather improving. Having resigned my charge in 
 Connecticut, I received a call from this place, which 
 I accepted, should my health allow me to preach. I 
 commenced labour on the first of this month. It 
 has pleased the Lord to restore me quite rapidly. I 
 
120 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 reached here in due time, and, on the first Sabbath, 
 preached, in the morning, to a very large audience. 
 I am very happy in the prospects with this people: 
 the church is quite numerous and wealthy, and ap- 
 pear to be very desirous to honour their Lord and 
 do all they can to promote the cause. They are 
 now enjoying a very pleasant revival; converted 
 souls are rejoicing in the Lord. I anticipate much 
 success here, should the Lord restore me to health 
 and continue with me his Holy Spirit. I mourn on 
 account of my barrenness; 0! that I were more 
 fruitful in the knowledge of my Lord, and were a 
 more able minister of the New Testament. God ! 
 forgive all my sins, let thy grace be sufficient for 
 me, and honour thou my feeble efforts, and save 
 many immortal souls from the wrath to come. 
 Amen." 
 
 The anxiety of the people in Charlottsville to ob- 
 tain his labours among them, is seen in the numerous 
 letters of correspondence that passed between them 
 during the summer previous to his settling there. 
 The following valuable epistle was written to his 
 brother A., by a gentleman to whom with some 
 other of his friends in that place he had given Da- 
 niel an introduction: 
 
 "Charlottsville, 1842. 
 " Dear Brother Gillette, — 
 
 " I cannot let so favourable an opportunity pass 
 without expressing my own as well as my brethren's 
 gratitude for the interest you have taken in our 
 spiritual welfare. Your brother reached our place 
 on the 22d instant, and has preached for us three 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 121 
 
 times, and will preach again to-night. His preach- 
 ing is calculated to satisfy us beyond our most san- 
 guine expectations, and to draw crowds to hear him. 
 To-day our church was thronged to overflowing, and 
 the deep interest felt by all could not be otherwise 
 than encouraging to the speaker and cheering to the 
 hearts of his hearers. I do seriously believe that a 
 kind Providence has directed this matter. I am 
 aware of the vanity of our natures, and, whilst some 
 of other denominations may ascribe it to this cause, 
 and others to that, in our trying to obtain the ser- 
 vices of talents that will command the attention of 
 all classes; yet they must hear before they will be- 
 lieve, and they cannot be brought to hear unless 
 we have a preacher that is interesting. I believe 
 and hope that your brother is pleased with our coun- 
 try, and, especially, with our church and people, and 
 I do think that a kind Saviour indicates that we 
 should try and secure him as our permanent pastor. 
 He has promised not to engage with any church 
 
 until he hears more from us 
 
 " The brethren are unanimous in saying, that we 
 should, by all means, try and secure your brother. 
 The only difficulty I can see is, that we shall not be 
 able to make him such an offer as he will have made 
 him by others. I must solicit your aid in our behalf, 
 In as short a time as we can, consistently with duty, 
 we shall make known to him what we can do: 
 and I trust that he may be directed by Him who 
 manages the affairs of the world for his own glory, 
 and the advancement of his cause. . . . , 
 
 "Accept our best regard for the deep interest 
 12 
 
122 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 that you have taken in our welfare. May the Lord 
 reward you richly, and restore to health your dear 
 brother, and direct his sojourn, ere long, amongst us, 
 is the prayer of your very unworthy brother, 
 
 Wm. P. Farish." 
 The following call soon came, made in due form: 
 
 « CharlottsYille, 1842. 
 "Dear Brother Gillette, — 
 
 * Brother Isaac S. Tinsley having resigned the 
 pastorate of this church, the church are unanimous 
 in their wish that you should accept the charge over 
 them in the Lord, and have appointed us to commu- 
 nicate to you their wishes. This duty we perform 
 with peculiar pleasure, convinced, as we are, that 
 we not only meet the unanimous wishes of the 
 church and community, but secure the advancement 
 of our best interests. If you can feel it your duty 
 to accede to our proposition, your visit to us and 
 the communications already made to you by our 
 brethren, render it unnecessary to say any thing of 
 our condition and prospects. We therefore submit 
 the matter to your determination, assuring you of 
 our deepest interest, and of our sincere desire that 
 you may be our pastor. 
 
 * With sentiments of great regard and Christian 
 kindness, we are, very truly, your brethren, — 
 
 Nimrod Bramham, John Simpson, 
 
 W. P. Farish, H. Mason, 
 
 Joseph Bishop, James Alexander, 
 
 Benjamin Morly, Clifton L. Thompson, 
 
 Elijah Dunham, Alex. Pope Abell, 
 
 ^I'^e Purvis, — Committee." 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 123 
 
 "Charlottsville, 1842. 
 ""Dear Brother Gillette, — 
 
 " A committee, with which we acted, have this 
 evening addressed a communication to you, in 
 the name of the church, requesting you to become 
 our pastor 
 
 " We know not what to say that we have not 
 already said, to urge you to accede to our wishes. 
 The plan adopted by the brethren is, that a portion 
 of us shall assume the payment of the subscription, 
 which will amount to six hundred and fifty dollars, 
 perhaps more. If this were contrasted with the 
 amount subscribed heretofore for the same object, 
 it would show what we wish you to appreciate — the 
 ardent feelings of the church on the subject. . . . 
 
 " Brother Tinsley having resigned, and being anx- 
 ious to travel, we desire you to come immediately, 
 should it suit your convenience, and you kindly de- 
 termine to settle among us 
 
 u If your health will not allow you to engage at 
 once in active labour, (and this you should jealously 
 take care of,) you will be able, and we shall be glad 
 to help you, to spend much of the summer in riding 
 about the mountains, or in visiting the Virginia 
 springs. Brother! the matter is now before you. 
 May we not hope that our wishes are soon to be 
 gratified? These are not selfish feelings only; they 
 are induced by a conviction that the cause of our 
 Redeemer will be more certainly advanced by your- 
 self than by any one of our acquaintance. 
 
 " We are, very truly, your brethren, 
 
 W. P. Far^p, 
 Alex. PorE A bell." 
 
124 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 The following is from a highly respectable mem- 
 ber of the congregation, his lady being a member of 
 the church: — 
 
 " Charlottsville, May 15, 1842. 
 
 "Esteemed Friend, — 
 
 "Your kind favour of the ninth instant, came 
 safe to hand. It gave us much pleasure to hear of 
 your safe arrival at your journey's end, and also to 
 bear of your health being improved after having 
 visited us awhile. Knowing that you must have 
 had a very fatiguing time to go, not only the dis- 
 tance, but in such bad weather, my wife and myself 
 thought of you often, and, especially, when Sabbath 
 came, whether you had got to Danbury, and whe- 
 ther you were preaching on that day. 1 am pleased 
 to hear of the manner you speak of that charming 
 little town, as to its beauty, sociely, &c, but, as to 
 the climate, I agree with you, it is too cold. I hope 
 Providence may direct you to one more congenial 
 to your health and constitution, say, for instance, 
 Charlottsville! 
 
 " I understand that the church intend to write to 
 you as soon as an opportunity offers, which, I ex- 
 pect, will be in a few days. Mr. Farish received a 
 letter from your brother A., of Philadelphia, yester- 
 day, speaking of your passing that place, and that 
 all was well. ..... 
 
 "My wife joins in affectionate respect to you: 
 please accept the same from yours, sincerely, 
 
 John Vowles." 
 
 Having arrived at Charlottsville, it appeared that 
 a kind Providence had thus ordered it, although his 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. H5 
 
 health was feeble, yet the field upon which he had 
 entered was evidently ripe for the harvest; much 
 good seed had been sown by his respected predeces- 
 sor; the tender blades began to appear, and now the 
 ripening grain. Others had been sowing, he had 
 now entered into their labours. Immediately he 
 began to see the fruit. Inquirers were multiplied, 
 souls were converted, and many, in a few months, 
 were added to the church. He was, by co-operation 
 and by grace, remarkably sustained in the work. 
 He afterwards said, that without faithful brethren 
 in the church, who were to him Aarons and Hurs, 
 he could not have performed the amount of labour 
 required. As to his views of the settlement, labour, 
 and success which followed him in Charlottsville, we 
 refer to his correspondence, of which we give the 
 following extract: — 
 
 "Charlottsville, October, 1842. 
 "My Dear Brother, — ■ 
 
 " You may have been disappointed in not re- 
 ceiving a letter from me sooner. I have neglected 
 it for two very good reasons. My time was very 
 much occupied by the calling of friends, and on ac- 
 count o( my precarious health, I was desirous to 
 make you a report from trial and experience. I 
 will give a narrative. After leaving you, the last 
 Tuesday in September, I met with the eldest son 
 of Rev. E. Galusha, on the steam-boat, whom I 
 was pleased to sec, having formed an attachment from 
 previous association. We were several years fellow- 
 students. He solicited me to stop in Baltimore, and 
 12* 
 
126 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 spend the night with him. I cheerfully consented. 
 On arriving there, about one o'clock, a. m., I was 
 very much fatigued and needed rest The remain- 
 der of the night I slept sweetly, and, in the morn- 
 ing, arose very much refreshed. After breakfast, I 
 called on some of my acquaintances in the city, 
 found them well, and, from a short visit with bro- 
 ther S. P. Hill, pastor of the First Church, I learned 
 that his, and also the church of which brother G. F. 
 Adams is pastor, were enjoying a very interesting 
 revival. The Sabbath previous, brother Hill baptized 
 
 twenty-six 
 
 " My calls were rather short, but pleasing to my- 
 self, and apparently so to my friends. All seemed 
 delighted to know that my health was so far re- 
 stored, and also with the prospect of my settling 
 south, where they thought it probable that my health 
 would be confirmed. I bid them all farewell with 
 their best wishes on my head. At four in the even- 
 ing I took the cars, and, at six, reached Washington, 
 where I spent the night with a Baptist family from 
 the north; the mother and daughter were members 
 of a church that I served while at the institution. 
 But I was obliged to leave them early next morning, 
 so, on the evening, I took leave of them and retired, 
 and, with the first light in the gray east, I left my 
 bed for the boat. Soon, I was borne rapidly along 
 the calm surface of the Potomac. The light of the 
 morning sun, throwing his smiling beams over hills, 
 lawn, and river, seemed to impart to them golden 
 beauty, which quite ravished my gaze. The passen- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. J 27 
 
 gers were not numerous, though sufficiently so to 
 give a lively interest to the scene. Among these 
 were Judge Elliot, Mexican minister, and Judge 
 Tucker and family, professor of law in the university 
 of Virginia; both pleasant men. With the latter I 
 formed a partial acquaintance, as we were both 
 bound for the same place. Down the river our ride 
 was delightful, but, when we took coach at the 
 creek for Fredericksburg, we were about to encoun- 
 ter another and a more unpleasant influence. The 
 dust was suffocating, and, when we reached the 
 depot, there must have been much less on the road, 
 for our clothes were heavily loaded. About three 
 in the afternoon, we reached the junction, where we 
 remained until seven next morning. Then we took 
 the cars for Gordonville, fifty-one miles; thence 
 stage twenty-two miles, to Charlottsville. It was 
 the gathering of the students at the university, and 
 several were with us; some with whom I became 
 acquainted were very agreeable, though none of our 
 company were professedly pious. It occurred to 
 me that those young men were perverting the object 
 of their existence! — acquiring an education only to 
 signalize themselves in the world. But how much 
 happier they would be, and how much more good 
 they could do, were they only pious, and so dis- 
 posed to benefit man and glorify God. I reached 
 the place of my destination on Friday, about four 
 o'clock, p. m. 1 met several of the brethren at the 
 stage-house, and was soon pleasantly escorted to the 
 residence of brother A. P. Abell, with whom I now 
 
128 MEMOIRS O? 
 
 board. My study is an office, separate from his 
 house, about eighteen feet square; here I think, study, 
 and sleep. I am happily situated, and every thing is 
 done by this warm-hearted, zealous people to make 
 me comfortable, that is desirable. I preached on 
 Sabbath morning; the congregation is large, and in 
 the afternoon, three were baptized. The church is 
 prosperous. During the week, I visited some and 
 studied some, and yesterday morning I preached to 
 a very large congregation. I preached but once on 
 the Sabbath; the attention was good and the audience 
 seemed solemn. There are now about five and 
 twenty coloured people who are hopefully converted, 
 waiting for baptism; the larger part of them have 
 been received as candidates. This morning I can 
 say, with pleasure, that my health is much bettef 
 than it has been during the last year. May the Lord 
 increase my strength and confirm my health. This 
 field of labour is extensive. Much remains and needs 
 to be done. The people here often speak of you, 
 and ask anxiously about your health. Our situation 
 seems to demand a special effort, and the thought 
 that you can be obtained to labour here a few weeks- 
 pleases them very much. 
 
 " Write to me soon. My love to you all, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 " Charlottsville, Virginia, October 24, 1842. 
 "Dear Mrs. Ely, — 
 
 "It affords me much pleasure to write to you, 
 on several accounts. I can address you as one for 
 whom I have a very high esteem, founded upon the 
 
REV. D. B. GILLETTE. 129 
 
 best reasons. It may seem to you that I have 
 slighted you; but, be assured, if I have, it is not be- 
 cause I designed it, nor was it in my heart; and if I 
 ever neglect to write to you as soon as I ought, it is 
 because of the duties pressing upon me. Your at- 
 tention and kindness to me are not only worthy of 
 my regard and thanks, but they deserve blessings, 
 and shall have them in all due proportion. Now 
 I will begin my story. I left New Jersey much 
 cast down. ! it was hard to part so long, and per- 
 haps, yea, very possible, for ever, with friends who 
 are near and very dear. I reached Philadelphia, and 
 found brother Abraham very ill, but getting a little 
 
 better There I spent the Sabbath, and 
 
 preached, and, on Tuesday, 1 left; spent the next 
 night in Baltimore, the second in Washington, and 
 the third in the eastern part of this state, and the 
 fourth in this place, much fatigued, though rather 
 better than when I left you. I preached once on 
 the Sabbath : three were baptized. I have preached 
 once each Sabbath to an increasing assembly, and 
 yesterday, being the fourth in the month, our meet- 
 ing-house, (being nearly the size of yours,) would 
 not hold the people. I baptized one, and gave 
 the right hand of fellowship to twelve. There 
 are about thirty ready for baptism. Many of our 
 white assembly, embracing the better part of the 
 community, are very solemn and anxious. 0! that 
 I was able to preach more to them ; I believe the 
 Lord would pour out his Spirit here and convert 
 many. I design to have a continuous meeting soon, 
 
130 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 and hope I may have my brother A. to be with and 
 help me. I anticipate a good work. I wish you 
 were here; the people are those warm-hearted, 
 every-day-alike people you love, and their manner 
 in meetings would suit you. To sing, talk, and 
 pray, is the joy of their souls. I could not be more 
 pleasantly situated — nothing in their power is left 
 undone to make me useful and happy. Besides the 
 seven hundred dollars they pay me, I have received 
 valuable presents. But what are earthly treasures 
 compared with good health, and the grace and love 
 of God in the soul? I am very glad to hear that 
 Rah way has been blessed and the church there re- 
 vived. I love many there; I must, I cannot do 
 otherwise. Their kindness to me and devotion to 
 the cause, won my affections, and I desire to see 
 them a large and happy people. M. A. W. was 
 there, as she said, and I was happy to know that 
 the Lord converted her by his Spirit. She has 
 often, nearly always, from childhood, been a subject 
 of conviction, and when I have been speaking to 
 her of my own feelings, would weep, and assign as a 
 reason for so doing, that she had no religion! 0! 
 how much I feel for her; will you not pray for her? 
 She wrote to me that she had resolved to seek the 
 Lord till she found him. May he hear and answer 
 her prayer, — help her to make a valuable decision, 
 to be on the Lord's side. There are very great 
 revivals in this state; one association received, by 
 baptism, the last year, nearly eight thousand. What 
 encouragements to serve, love, and praise God ! 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 131 
 
 a My health is very much improved, — better now 
 than it has been for a year. May the Lord confirm 
 it. I hope to hear from you soon. — You shall hear 
 from me again, bye and bye. I am more happy 
 than I expected to be. If the Lord is willing, I 
 shall visit my friends next spring. 
 
 " I am your servant and brother, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 "Charlottsville, November 30, 1842. 
 "Dear Brother, — 
 
 "I received your very kind epistle, after anxious- 
 ly waiting a long time, but upon the perusal of it, 
 required no other apology, than your ill health, and 
 absence from home. You have my deepest sympa- 
 thy, for your afflictions have been far beyond all I 
 anticipated on leaving you. There was upon my 
 mind no doubt that you would very soon be preach- 
 ing again, but it seems that the Lord looks upon 
 things very differently from ourselves, and happy is 
 it for us if we can know that he does all things well. 
 — I hope you may very soon be able to preach. I 
 cannot tell you how the people here were disap- 
 pointed when the intelligence came that you could 
 not visit us; their minds were fixed upon it. We 
 have been prospered since I saw you ; we have re- 
 ceived about fifteen white and thirty black mem- 
 bers; the assemblies are good; we feel it duty to 
 have a series of meetings, though the season is rather 
 unfavourable; snow fell last night about six inches 
 deep, and the country population is so sparse, that it 
 is very difficult for them to attend, but we can de- 
 
132 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 pend upon the town, and have another meeting 
 when it may be more pleasant for the country. We 
 design to commence next Sabbath, with brother J. 
 B. Taylor, of Richmond, and J. L. Magoon. I hope 
 they will come. 
 
 "You ask after my health, and with pleasure 1 can 
 tell you it is very much improved: with the excep- 
 tion of occasional weakness I am quite well. I 
 preach every Sabbath morning, lecture at night, also 
 on Wednesday evening, and visit some. The friends 
 do all in their power to make me happy and success- 
 ful in my labours among them. 
 
 "My love to all the friends. 
 
 "Yours, D. H. Gillette." 
 
 "Charlottsville, December 11, 1842. 
 "Dear Brother, — 
 
 u I received your welcome epistle on Saturday 
 evening, and was happy to learn that your health 
 was improving and your church had so well endured, 
 though you for a long time have been sick, and un- 
 able to serve them. Doubtless you have learned 
 by experience now that man is a very frail piece of 
 creation, able to sustain but a slight shock unmoved, 
 and, when once shaken, it seems that we can never 
 again become firm. By theory w r e know how frail 
 we are, but we seem to attach the thought to all 
 others, till the wind of destruction blows upon our 
 tenement; then, indeed, we feel that a little op- 
 posing force, put into action by Divine power and 
 skill can very soon demolish these mud walls which 
 we hitherto may have thought ourselves very secure 
 in tenanting. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 133 
 
 <C I have been so powerfully assailed, that when I 
 am aware of no unfavourable symptoms, I still tread 
 with trembling and caution. — I have always known 
 that I must die, but since the attack of last winter, 
 the effect of which 1 yet feel, and always expect to, 
 
 death has seemed very near to me At 
 
 the close of one week I think, well, I am yet alive; 
 but at the end of another week I may be gone ! The 
 thought of my visible mortality prevents me from 
 planning for the future ; however, it does not make me 
 unhappy, for I am resigned, I think, to the will of 
 the Lord 
 
 "My health is now much better than once I ex- 
 pected it ever would be; it is not rapidly improving; I 
 never expect to recover entirely. It is an embarrass- 
 ment in my labours, yet I succeed better than I antici- 
 pated. Our assemblies are very good, and we have 
 had an accession of forty, since I came here. Our 
 meeting did not begin last week on account of the 
 storm ; we design commencing on Wednesday night, 
 if the weather will allow. Brethren Taylor and 
 
 Magoon are expected to help us We 
 
 were much disappointed in not having you; but 
 another time may do as well, if not better." 
 
 It is a true saying, we know not the value of 
 health until deprived of it, and, when afflicted our- 
 selves we then feel for others' woes. Our young 
 soldier of the cross learned, by experience, that afflic- 
 tions were grievous to be borne, though they were in 
 mercy sent, and that it required grace and wisdom 
 to be at all times reconciled to his frail condition. 
 13 
 
134 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Prosperity was in appearance at hand, both 
 spiritual and temporal, — but, alas ! the want of good 
 health was always presenting discouragements and 
 fears. Instead of rejoicing at others' woes, he deeply 
 lamented the condition of those who were thus 
 afflicted, especially his ministering brethren ; but, 
 in the midst of all his trials, he was always ready 
 to say, " Let the will of the Lord be done." 
 
 He was often heard to say, when by his friends 
 advised to refrain from the work of the ministry, that 
 if he could do good in any way it was in preaching, 
 and he had no desire to live, only that he might 
 be useful to his kindred clay. 
 
 Flattering prospects of the future have a ten- 
 dency to form strong attachments to earth. Imme- 
 diately upon entering this new and promising field, 
 prosperity attended him in all his movements. 
 While he saw his ministry blessed to the conver- 
 sion of sinners, he flattered himself, that his health 
 was rapidly improving, — but, in the latter, he was 
 evidently deceived. 
 
 However severe our afflictions, it is well; yes, it is 
 very well ! The Judge of all the earth does right. 
 Notwithstanding our repinings, — repinings! no! we 
 will not repine. It was best our brother should be 
 afflicted, both for us, for him, and for the cause. 
 This we must allow. Do we see it thus? what 
 poor, ungrateful, short-sighted worms are we! We 
 will submit, and if we do not see it thus while on 
 earth, when we get to heaven, we shall see that God's 
 ways and wisdom were infinitely better than ours. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 135 
 
 It is common for us to suppose that we must die ; 
 but to bring death near, to believe that we must 
 die soon, is generally revolting to our feelings. 
 For a long time the sermons of the subject of this 
 memoir were as the sermons of one who was con- 
 scious that he was rapidly doing up his work for 
 eternity. He preached and prayed as though every 
 sermon and service were his last— as though he were 
 delivering to his people his dying charge. His heart- 
 touching appeals to the unconverted, was an evidence 
 that he intended to clear his garments of their blood. 
 He evidently lived near to God in his meditations, 
 hence his preaching had a power in it, a power 
 that is seen only in that minister who is "filled 
 with the Spirit." Many precious souls, we trust, will 
 bless God for ever that they were brought under his 
 solemn ministry; and that it was made a means of 
 their conversion from sin to spiritual hope and joy. 
 He was labouring to fulfil the ministry in which 
 the Holy Ghost had put him, caring but little for the 
 things that perish, but aiming and striving for those 
 things which are eternal, at the right hand of God, 
 even pleasures, crowns, and sceptres which are for 
 evermore. 
 
 • Sweet are the gifts which gracious Heaven 
 
 On true believers pours ; 
 But the best gift is grace to know 
 
 That Jesus Christ is ours. 
 
 Our Jesus ! what rich drops of bliss 
 
 Descend in copious showers, 
 When ruined sinners, such as we, 
 
 By faith can call him ours ! 
 
136 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Differ we may in age and state, 
 Learning and mental powers, 
 
 But all the saints may join and shout, 
 Dear Jesus ! thou art ours.' " 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 REVIVA L M ARRIAGE. 
 
 "Charlottsville, Jan. 17th, 1843. 
 "Nearly four months have elapsed since the last 
 date in my memorandum. It has pleased my hea- 
 venly Father to spare my life, to restore in a measure 
 my enfeebled health. One year ago this night I was 
 prostrate with sickness, from which 1 was not ex- 
 pected to recover. Then with shattered bleeding 
 lungs not able to speak; but now I am able again to 
 preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Why has 
 God spared me? For his glory? I hope so; but how 
 little have I done for him, though he has been so 
 merciful and kind to me! I am very happy in this 
 my new relation, though a stranger in a strange land ; 
 yet the Lord has given me his smiles, and caused 
 his pleasure to prosper in my hands. It is indeed 
 cheering that he will so honour such feeble and un- 
 worthy instrumentality. Many among us have re- 
 cently been converted to God, and added to the 
 church, and my earnest prayer is that the number 
 may be increased. Thirty coloured persons and 
 twelve whites have been baptized into the fellow- 
 ship of the church since I came here, October, 1842. 
 May God help me to live more exclusively for him. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 137 
 
 I am sometimes a little lonely, in view of my dis* 
 tant removal from my dearly beloved friends; I have 
 a Friend who 'sticketh closer than* a brother;' him 
 may I love with all my heart. At times death 
 seems at the door. And when it seems so near then 
 I feel better prepared to meet it. It helps me to 
 preach, it kindles my soul. I can appeal to others as 
 if standing on the edge of the grave. I desire to be 
 useful while I live. Lord, thou art worthy of all 
 homage; to thee would I give my heart: forgive my 
 sins ! for Jesus' sake, and save me in thy kingdom. 
 Amen." 
 
 " Charlottsville, Jan. 31st, 1843. 
 Dear Brother, — Your welcome message came 
 to hand in due time, and by it I was admonished of 
 what my conscience often reproved me, but I ex- 
 cused myself for not writing on account of multi- 
 plied duties; the interesting state of my church, of 
 which I wished to give you a full and fair account. 
 A more pleasing work of grace I have never seen, or 
 one more serviceable to a church and satisfactory to 
 the people. We have been baptizing from the first 
 of my residence here. During October, we bap- 
 tized five, and the next month about thirty. About 
 Christmas we felt it our duty to consecrate more 
 time to the Lord, and invited some ministering 
 brethren to our aid, but they could not come. * We 
 began a series of prayer meetings, and at the first 
 the Lord was with us, there were soon about twelve 
 happy conversions of a very interesting character, 
 and many more inquiring the way of life; the con- 
 13* 
 
138 MEMOIR OP 
 
 verts Were soon baptized, but being rather exhausted 
 and fearful that my improving health might again 
 suddenly fail, we* suspended meetings every night, 
 for a time: but the inquiry, what must I do? in- 
 duced us to resume, and very soon several almost 
 miraculous conversions occurred. Week before last 
 on Thursday, Brother J. B. Taylor, of Richmond, 
 came to us, and spent one week. His kind spirit, 
 simple clear gospel sermons were blessed to us all, 
 and by the welcome service of brother Fife, from 
 the country, we have been able to continue our meet- 
 ings every night, and sometimes during the day, till 
 the present. The number of conversions I am un- 
 able to tell. Many are anxious. The work has not 
 yet stopped, though now it rains, and the weather 
 seems unfavourable: still the Spirit we need notquench. 
 Many of these additions have been valuable, bringing 
 into our ranks those who had not been accustomed 
 to attend meetings with us: some of them are among 
 the most respectable of our citizens. We have can- 
 didates to baptize next Sabbath. Last Sabbath week I 
 baptized a young married couple, who were brought 
 up methodists, and sprinkled in infancy. Theirfather 
 is a minister. I have baptized one Episcopal young 
 lady, who is a niece of President Harrison. The 
 excitement among the Pedo-baptists is beyond any 
 thing I ever saw, or heard of. Our house is 
 crowded in fair weather, and the ingathering 
 is mainly with us. Truth prevails. We have 
 three times the number of members that any 
 other church have, and with prudence and piety 
 
REV* D. H. GILLETTE. 139 
 
 nothing can harm us. 1 have nothing to do with con- 
 troversy, I make no allusion to others in my ser- 
 mons, but preach the truth as it is in Jesus. We 
 have baptized since I came here fifty, received about 
 fifteen by letter. Though we cease now for a few 
 days, yet we design to resume our efforts again for 
 the salvation of souls shortly. I wish you could be 
 with me about one month. My health is good, for 
 poor me. I am able to preach without much difficulty, 
 though I am obliged to be cautious." 
 
 "I am quite happy the Lord has crowned the la* 
 bours of my hands, poor as they are. We need a larger 
 and better meeting-house; the brethren talk of build* 
 ing: they are abundantly able. They ought to build, 
 and no doubt will soon. 
 
 " My love to all. 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 "Charlottsville, Va. Feb. 24th, 1843* 
 
 "Dear Brother Walter, — 
 
 "I received your kind letter in due time; 1 would 
 have answered it sooner, had not other duties for- 
 bid. I have often heard from your vicinity, and 
 knew quite well how you all are. It cheered my 
 heart to hear what God has done and is yet doing 
 for yourself and others. 
 
 "The churches in Plainfield I hear have been much 
 refreshed, and many added to them. 
 
 "May the leaven spread through all that country 
 the world over, and fill it with the glory of God. I 
 also learn that your flock are enjoying mercy drops. 
 I hope they may multiply to an abundant shower, 
 that many souls may be given you for the Lord. 
 
140 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 " I wish you could have been with me this winter. 
 We have enjoyed a revival from the first of my 
 coming here, but I have had no help except about 
 two weeks: we have held constant prayer-meetings. 
 I have preached what I could for several weeks- 
 Many were the most interesting conversions I ever 
 witnessed. More when I had no help, than when I 
 had. Could you have been here about two months, 
 it is very probable that some hundreds would have 
 been born again, but my feeble health would not al- 
 low me to labour much. I should have written for 
 you, but about that time I heard that you had gone 
 to west Jersey. We should have paid you well for 
 it, and the Lord would have paid you better. Since 
 I came out here we have baptized about fifty-five, and 
 have some twenty more candidates, many asking 
 what they must do to be saved. I am very happy 
 here, my health is better than I once expected it 
 ever would be. 
 
 " I wish you might come to this country, there is 
 such a field for usefulness, and you would like the peo- 
 ple so well. 
 
 "I shall be at your place about the twentieth of 
 April, should the Lord allow. Hold yourself ready 
 for any lawful or ministerial action, as we now ex- 
 pect to be married about the twenty-sixth of April. 
 You and yours must be with us. 
 
 « D. H. Gillette." 
 
 " Charlottsvffle, Feb. 24th, 1843. 
 
 "Dear Sister Ely, 
 
 "1 did not design to be so long silent when I last 
 wrote, but my duties have been so numerous and im- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 141 
 
 perative that I have been obliged to defer. Let this 
 pass for one omission. I have frequently heard 
 from your vicinity, and the intelligence has been 
 very cheering. It does my soul good to hear of the 
 glorious work of God among you, in converting souls 
 and in building up that church. I believe God has 
 destined to have many people in that town. We can- 
 not call any people God's people in every sense of the 
 word, except they obey all his commands, and what 
 people do this so nearly as the Baptists? I hope the 
 time is not distant when that church will be large 
 and influential, but very much depends upon her 
 members. How much piety Baptists need, for they 
 meet with much opposition. They require the Spirit 
 and power of God to sustain them. I most fervently 
 pray that brother Breed, your pastor, may do you all 
 much good and win many souls to Christ. May God 
 help him. I have heard and am made to rejoice in the 
 work of grace at Samptown and that vicinity; espe- 
 cially that one dear to me has been a sharer. God 
 has converted her soul. I never saw a better spirit 
 than she breathed after professing conversion, in the 
 letter she wrote me. This has kindled a bright spot 
 in my future prospects. 
 
 " I have a regard for you far superior to that of a 
 common friend. As I have often said, you are my 
 mother, sister and friend, and in due regard to all 
 these relations, I still feel a high esteem for you. 
 My health is much improved, yes, nearly, but not 
 quite perfect. I preach without interruption, and the 
 blessings God has been pleased to give us, tend much 
 to encourage and elevate my mind. I have never 
 
142 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 been more happy than this winter, though at times 
 very lonely, being so far from those friends I love 
 so well: but God has been with me, and this has been 
 a full compensation. 
 
 " We have had a revival nearly all the time since 
 I came here. Our congregations are overflowing 
 when the weather will allow. I think I never had 
 more of the holy unction in preaching; my sickness 
 has been sanctified. I look upon death as my next 
 door neighbour. What I do must be done quickly, 
 though I now feel so well ; yet I cannot and I hope 
 I may never forget the time when over me you so 
 fondly bent; watched my throbbing pulse, beating 
 heart, and apparently waning life: and though God 
 blessed the means and has so far restored me, yet 
 life now seems as it never did before, a mere vapour, 
 a cloud, a shadow, and my desire is to improve it 
 for the glory of God. 
 
 "0! how happy you would have been with us; 
 such conversions! the burdens would roll off from 
 those who had long been mourning, and so great the 
 change that during service passing from death unto 
 life, they would sJiout aloud and praise God. 
 
 "We need much grace; we have about four hun- 
 dred members. I expect to sec you in about eight 
 weeks, if the Lord will ; should any thing compel us 
 to alter our plans, you shall know it in season. 
 
 " Love to your family and the friends generally, 
 while, 
 
 " I am as ever y ours, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 
REV. D. U. GILLETTE. 143 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 March 24. 
 
 "It has pleased God to prolong my life to the thirti- 
 eth year. I have long lived, but apparently done lit- 
 tle good. It is nearly six months since I came here, 
 and, unworthy as I am, the Lord has blessed my 
 feeble efforts to the salvation of many souls. Since 
 I have settled we have baptized sixty-six, and there 
 are many waiting to follow the example of their 
 blessed Lord. 
 
 I have been quite ill the last few weeks, much af- 
 flicted with a cold, which produced a violent cough; 
 I am much better. I have little to live for but the 
 glory of God, and if it please him, I hope yet to be 
 able to point many souls to the Lamb that taketh away 
 the sin of the world. 
 
 " I hope I may soon see this whole region moved 
 by the Holy Ghost, and multitudes converted: for I 
 feel that the coming of my Lord draweth nigh. May 
 all be ready. 
 
 "0 Lord, may I watch and pray that I enter not into 
 temptation. Give me thy Spirit and grace, that at 
 last I may enter upon the rest that remaineth for the 
 people of God. Jlmen." 
 
 The young lady to whom he had given his warm- 
 est affections, and to whom he was married, accord- 
 ing to the following record by himself, was Miss 
 Mary Ann Wells, daughter of Mr. George and Mrs. 
 Mary Wells, recently of New York, now of Plain- 
 field, Essex County, New Jersey, worthy members, 
 formerly in Gold Street, New York, now of the first 
 Baptist Church in Plainfield, under the pastoral care 
 of Rev. S. J. Drake. 
 
144 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 He writes in his memorandum book as follows; 
 
 " Charlottsville, June 12th, 1843. 
 " Since my last record, I have not been able to re- 
 alize all I then anticipated. My poor health had been 
 improving, and it seemed that before this time I 
 should have been restored. 
 
 " But God has ordered otherwise. I am yet fee- 
 ble, and have been since the second week in March* 
 1 have a severe cough, and have been attacked seve- 
 ral times with spitting of blood, which is rather an 
 alarming symptom. But in all this I feel resigned , 
 to the will of the Lord, who cannot do amiss. 
 
 " I am improving, however, and have for the last 
 live weeks preached once on each Sabbath. I hope 
 it is the Lord's pleasure, that soon I may be able to 
 preach twice on the Sabbath. On the 25th of April 
 I left this place for the north. I reached New Jer- 
 sey on the 2Sth, and on the 4th of May, I was 
 married by my brother, Rev. Walter B. Gillette, 
 to a lady whom I had long and tenderly loved. We 
 spent several weeks in visiting friends, and returned 
 to this place June 7th. We are both quite happy in 
 this new relation, and in this new field of labour, and 
 nothing but the want of confirmed health, prevents 
 my being almost perfectly happy. Since we re- 
 turned thirty-six have been baptized and others are 
 also ready. I find it, indeed, very difficult to enjoy 
 my mind in religion so much when afflicted as when 
 I am well, but no doubt this serves as a restraint; 
 for were I perfectly well, and prospered, I might be- 
 come proud, and forget God. 
 
 "0 may such never be the case! never, no never; 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 145 
 
 when away from his throne, all is darkness; but when 
 there all is light and glorious. 
 
 "It is my prayer that I may glorify Gon in all 
 things. Sometimes I think my work nearly done. 
 If so, may I at last exhibit the salutary influence of 
 Christianity." 
 
 After this young couple's marriage they spent a 
 few days in visiting their friends, in New Jersey, 
 and then went to Washington Co., New York, the 
 place of his birth, to visit his aged mother and two 
 sisters who reside in that vicinity. Their stay 
 was short; the cold, damp, north winds of May 
 evidently affected his diseased lungs, which made 
 him very anxious to return south; and he could 
 never content himself in idleness, when he was sa- 
 tisfied that in any place God had a work for him to 
 do. He had left a promising field, without any la- 
 borer to fill his place: to it he was anxious to return. 
 
 They soon bade their loving friends farewell, and 
 started for their home in the south in good spirits, 
 and with flattering prospects, where as we shall soon 
 see they safely arrived. 
 
 • Charlottevilie, June, J 843. 
 "Dear Brother A. 
 
 " After leaving you we were safely conveyed to 
 Washington. The next morning we took steamboat, 
 The cool breeze of the day and night previous had 
 not yet subsided; we were pierced with a chilling 
 atmosphere all the way down the Potomac, though 
 on the whole the sail was rather interesting, especial- 
 ly so to Mary, as this was her first tour south. But 
 when we entered the cars, the heat began to be more 
 14 
 
146 MEMOIRS OF " 
 
 perceptible, and before reaching Richmond, it was 
 very oppressive. 
 
 " By this time I was much exhausted; we found a 
 hearty welcome, however, and good quarters: every 
 thing was done to make us happy. I was frequently 
 invited to preach and participate in other interests 
 and services of the association. 
 
 " Three afternoons I kept my bed. After an har- 
 monious close of the meeting the previous njght, my- 
 self and wife left on Wednesday morning, and 
 reached here in the afternoon of the same day. We 
 were welcomed home with much cordiality, and 
 found matters pleasant both in church and society. 
 
 " Last Lord's day thirty-five were baptized, and 
 became members of the church ; others are waiting 
 for an opportunity to follow the same example. 
 Since last October we have received one hundred 
 and thirty. I have preached the last two Lord's 
 days, and my health seems much improved. I 
 preach but once in the week, and in the morning. 
 
 " The citizens have been very attentive indeed. 
 Mary has no time to be home-sick, or lonely. Her 
 attention has been totally absorbed; we have visited 
 Monticello, where she viewed the world with feel- 
 ings of rapture; to-day we have been into the coun- 
 try, to Mr. Farish's, where we enjoyed a very plea- 
 sant visit in a very romantic spot. She is much 
 pleased and seems quite happy, indeed much more 
 so than I anticipated. This is a beautiful country. 
 It would do you good to be here now and revel in 
 the rich scenery, and our other good things. But 
 alas! these are vanity. — Yours, 
 
 "D. H. Gillette." 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 147 
 
 EXTRACTS. 
 
 iC I hesitated very much about going north 5 but 
 the thought that I might never again see my be- 
 loved mother induced me to encounter all obstacles, 
 and make, at least, a passing visit. Be assured that 
 it would have given me more pleasure to have visit- 
 ed you, than any other person, except my mother 
 and sisters ; but such were circumstances that it be- 
 came impracticable. Before going North the wea- 
 ther was unpleasant, and my health very delicate ; 
 after we returned time would not allow. You must 
 not think that we have no love for you. There is 
 no mortal except a near relative for whom I have so 
 great regard as for yourself. I shall never forget 
 you, nor can I think of you with any feeling except 
 of deepraflection. It was you who stood by my side, 
 smoothed my pillow, and administered consolation 
 and relief. I looked upon you as an angel of mercy, 
 and the thought of that time yet burns in my memo- 
 ry — can I forget you? As soon could I forget the 
 mother who gave me birth. May you long live and 
 do as you have done. I hope we may meet again. 
 I hope you will visit us. You would be happy here. 
 Mary and I often speak of you. We left New Jer- 
 sey on Wednesday, June 1st, when a mother and 
 daughter, and also a father learned something of the 
 pain of parting for a time. That day we reached 
 Philadelphia, found brother and family well; we left 
 them on Friday, and on Saturday evening reached 
 the city of Richmond and attended the anniversaries 
 of Virginia. The next Wednesday morning we left 
 and reached here in the afternoon. My health is 
 
148 MEMOIRS or 
 
 somewhat improved. I have preached every $ar>- 
 bath since I returned. My cough has been very se- 
 vere till within the last few days It is much decreased, 
 and I hope it may pass off; for it is a great affliction, 
 and I could not have endured it much longer. But 
 God doeth all things well. My general health 
 seems much better. 
 
 "Mary is much pleased with the country and 
 people here. 
 
 " I heard of the death of Jonathan Ross, and am 
 pleased to know that he left life, rejoicing in Christ. 
 
 "Who is }'our preacher? Give my love to your 
 clear family, and all other friends, — and know that 
 as ever, 
 
 " I am vour sincere friend, 
 
 I>. 8. Gillette.'' 
 
 •Charlottsvilte, Augaet 28tb, 1843. 
 " Dear Brother Walter, 
 
 u Do not think I have forgotten you, though so long 
 silent. I would have written sooner, but I knew that 
 you must often hear from us through Mr. Wells, as 
 Mary often writes to her mother. 
 
 u We had a safe and pleasant trip south, spent two» 
 nights- and one day in Philadelphia, and threeday»ii> 
 Richmond. One week from the day we left New Jer- 
 sey, we were here. I became much fatigued, but af- 
 ter resting some days, I was refreshed and improved. 
 The weather has been almost insufferably warm: many 
 days have been from ten to fifteen degrees hotter 
 than I ever before experienced. A great drought 
 prevailed here in July, and threatened to destroy the 
 
REV. C. H. GILLETTE. 149 
 
 crops, but the rains of August have brought them 
 to life and verdure again, 
 
 "I have rode much on horseback, among the hills, 
 and my health has improved, though my cough yet 
 troubles me. I have preached every Lord's day once, 
 and find myself stronger at every succeeding ser- 
 vice. 
 
 "Last week was our Association. The business 
 was done in the meeting-house, the preaching and 
 devotional services were in a grove. I preached once 
 to about two thousand people. It was my first ser- 
 mon in the bushes. I think I sustained no injury 
 from it. I wish you had been here ; it would have 
 done your soul good to see and to preach to so many 
 attentive listeners. An arbour was made very large, 
 to break off the sun, and a very good pulpit was 
 reared at one end of it. 
 
 "This Association has received by baptism the 
 last year more than eight hundred souls, and our 
 church one hundred and twenty-eight, being more 
 than any other church of the Association. 
 
 " I understand by letter from Rahway, that they 
 
 have called a Brother Rollinson to become their 
 
 pastor. I hope that he will do them good — I was 
 
 pleased that they sent me his fourth of July Oration. 
 
 " Yours affectionately, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 "Charlotlsville, Sep. 18th, 1843. 
 " Dear Brother A., 
 
 " It is rather out of character that I have not written 
 before, but just consider when once a man is mar- 
 ried then he takes a little world upon his shoulders; 
 14* 
 
J5(? memoita of 
 
 and to manage its affairs skilfully is the height of hist 
 ambition, and future prosperity ckpends much upon 
 the outset. 
 
 "Our congregations are large and attentive to the 
 word, but few seem to feel properly for poor sin- 
 ners. I hope it will not be so long. 
 
 "I have been all summer an afBicted man, and 
 must expect to be through life — be it long or short, 
 I have been able to preach but once a week, and not 
 able to attend any of their prayer- meeting*. I have 
 suffered much, but the Lord has sustained me, and 
 my spirits have not failed. I have looked on the 
 brightest side of the scene. 
 
 "The past has been a happy year for this church ; 
 the most so it ever knew. Its members have in- 
 creased one third, its congregation is about twice 
 as large as formerly. This week will close my first 
 year with them : they are more able and prosperous 
 every way than when I came here. 
 
 " The season has been very warm, and it is so to- 
 day. This is a lovely country. I have been much 
 among the farmers: I expect we shall go out to-mor- 
 row and spend a few days. 
 
 " Your affectionate brother, 
 
 D. H. Gillette. " 
 
 As the cool weather commenced, and the damp 
 winds of autumn began to blow, they affected him 
 very visibly: his cough increased, attended with 
 much weakness and debility. His friends, fearing 
 that the cold winter as it approached would prove 
 fatal to him, advised him to go farther south, to 
 spend a few months. This was a severe trial: he 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 151 
 
 was much attached to the people in Virginia and 
 the place. There he had seen the pleasure of the 
 Lord prosper through his instrumentality. And 
 now to leave and take a long tedious journey, far 
 south among strangers, in his feeble state of health, 
 required much fortitude and decision; but after 
 making it a subject of prayer and consulting with 
 some skilful physicians, he concluded to go, and trust 
 to Providence for the result ; as he writes in the fol- 
 lowing letter. 
 
 "Nov. 17th, 1843. 
 "Dear Brother A,— 
 
 " My health is much the same as when I last 
 wrote to you. I have a very bad cough, and ex- 
 pectorate profusely. I preach once each week, and 
 have done so all the summer. I do not think it in- 
 jures me. The church appear to be much attached 
 to me, and are willing to do any thing for my com- 
 fort, as you will discover from this. They are very 
 anxious for my health, and have offered to aid me 
 in any way to improve it. The winter winds here 
 are very strong, and to escape them, they have ad- 
 vised me to spend the winter farther south, with the 
 offer that my salary shall continue for my support. 
 This is truly liberal. I have finally resolved to com- 
 ply, and will now tell you my prospects and plans. 
 I design to spend the winter with my wife in the 
 city of Mobile, Alabama. The Baptist church there 
 was bereft of its pastor in September. I know some 
 of its members. They ascertaining that I thought of 
 going south, sent me a letter last evening, requesting 
 me to visit them. They say that my expenses shall 
 
152 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 be met, at all events, and if I am able to supply 
 them, I shall be well rewarded. 
 
 "My first object in visiting them is the improve- 
 ment of health. It is said to be a fine winter cli- 
 mate, fanned by constant south winds, from the 
 gulf of Mexico. I do not go with the design of 
 leaving this church, it would grieve them if they 
 thought so, and I love them too devotedly to give 
 them undue anxiety. 
 
 "I would be happy to see you before leaving, but 
 it is getting cold and stormy, and if I go this season, 
 I must start soon as possible. It seems strange that 
 I am obliged to resort to so many ways for my 
 health. 'But all that a man hath will he give for 
 his life.' 
 
 "If seasonable, I shall leave next week for Mobile. 
 Soon after 1 arrive I will write to you. Your es- 
 teemed brother, D. H. Gillette." 
 
 "Charlottsville, Virginia, Nov. 20th, 1842. 
 
 "My very dear Father-in-law, 
 
 "Though this is the first time I have written to 
 you since our marriage, yet the delay has not been 
 from want of due filial regard, nor because it would 
 have afforded me no pleasure: circumstances have 
 been of such a nature that it seemed hardly requi- 
 site for me to write to you sooner. Your beloved 
 daughter I knew was a faithful correspondent with 
 her dear mother, and knowing that she would not 
 fail to tell you all about myself, I have left the 
 writing with her till the present. 
 
 "But now let me talk a little with you. We are 
 very happily situated: a more beautiful and fertile 
 country I never saw; and one in the enjoyment of 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 153 
 
 good health has it in his power to be happy, almost 
 to perfection. The people of this town and vicinity 
 are attentive and kind to every possible degree, and 
 cheerfully make every effort to render us comfort- 
 able and happy. 
 
 "In respect to the church of which I have the 
 honour to be pastor, it is scarcely equalled. I 
 could not wish a people more devoted, and at- 
 tached to myself and wife. It seems to be their 
 study to make us contented, useful, and happy. I 
 have abundant reason for gratitude to my heavenly 
 Father, for casting my lot among them. 
 
 " The last year with me presents a very chequered 
 scene. I have been much afflicted with sickness, 
 and blessed with some health, and much prosperity 
 in Zion. During the last year we have baptized one 
 hundred and thirty into the fellowship of the church. 
 Attention to the gospel which I have presented in 
 much weakness, has been exceedingly good. 
 
 "Nothing on the part of the people has occurred 
 of which I could complain; and certainly I cannot 
 murmur against God, let him deal with me as he 
 may. 
 
 ** I have preached once each week during the sea- 
 son thus far, and feel better than I did a few weeks 
 since; but I am still afflicted with a perplexing 
 cough, which I feel extremely anxious to remove. 
 I have been advised by the church to spend the 
 coming winter farther south: they are so desirous 
 that I may become entirely well, that they offer to 
 let me go the whole winter where I may enjoy a 
 warm climate. They will continue my salary as 
 
154 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 though I were serving them. I have resolved to do 
 so. With this step my dear wife perfectly agrees; 
 and though we are both reluctant to leave so plea- 
 sant a home for six months, yet we have no doubt 
 that we shall find warm-hearted friends, even in the 
 distant south. 
 
 " I have been urgently invited to visit the city of 
 Mobile in Alabama, situated on a branch of the gulf 
 of Mexico. The first Baptist church there has no 
 pastor; he died last September. They press me to 
 visit them : I shall do so, if the Lord will. We de- 
 sign to start this week: it will be about seven days' 
 journey, and is about twelve hundred miles. I do 
 not go to become their pastor; my object is the im- 
 provement of my health ; and indeed this church 
 would not be willing to release me but for a season. 
 I trust to the providence of God for my future course. 
 I have thus far been prospered, and hope I may con- 
 tinue to be to the close of my life. 
 
 " Myself and dear wife often speak of yourself, 
 mother, Adelia and the boys. It would afford us 
 pleasure to see you. Though we cannot now meet, we 
 can hold sweet converse by letter, and learn how you 
 are. We never forget you at the throne of Grace, 
 praying that in advanced life, you may both be 
 strong in the faith of Christ, and well prepared by 
 grace for all that awaits you. 
 
 "Mary is well, and apparently happy. She is 
 quite useful in the church, and much esteemed. She 
 joins me in love to you all. You shall hear from us 
 soon after we reach our place of destination. 
 
 "Your attached son, D. H. Gillette. " 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 155 
 
 Alas ! how uncertain is the future. Faintly hoping 
 that a more southern climate would be of use to his 
 health, and influenced by the persuasion of friends ; 
 our clear brother prepared to leave Charlottsville*, 
 to whose people he was strongly attached. Indeed, 
 there was a variety of reasons why his fond heart 
 should linger around that beautiful place, and those 
 zealous disciples and friends, who had ever proved 
 from his first coming among them their unfeigned 
 Jove for him and his. 
 
 Great success had attended his ministry: many 
 had been by him there won to Christ, who looked 
 to him as a spiritual teacher and guide. The very 
 place was hallowed to him; but "we have here no 
 continuing city or abiding place." Nov. 24th, he 
 and his young wife took leave for Mobile, Alabama. 
 They journeyed most of the long distance by stage, 
 and passed through the principal cities of the southern 
 states. After two weeks' exposure to fatigue, and 
 wet, they arrived, strangers among strangers, but 
 were soon convinced that they were surrounded by 
 those " who were made nigh by the blood of Christ." 
 
 Here a new scene was before him; all was uncer- 
 tain; whether he should be strengthened to labour, 
 or find an early grave; but he seemed prepared for 
 either, and was willing to live for his Master's glory ; 
 believing that to live was Christ, and to die would 
 be gain: he would often say, however, that he u had 
 a desire to depart, and be with Christ, which was far 
 better." 
 
 Our young but sorely wounded soldier of the 
 cross was now in a southern commercial city, at the 
 
156 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 busiest season; he saw iniquity abounding, and souls 
 pressing towards ruin, and few to warn them of dan- 
 ger, or point them to Christ; to these he longed for 
 strength to publish the gospel of the kingdom with 
 power from on high. He had not laboured long in 
 any one place, yet every where success had marvel- 
 lousty crowned his feeble efforts: this encouraged 
 him to believe that if here he could preach, here also 
 would prosperity follow. 
 
 A few months before, his brother A. D. Gillette, 
 pastor of the Eleventh Baptist Church, Philadelphia, 
 had been unanimously elected Chaplain to the Vir- 
 ginia University at Charlottsville, with some pros- 
 pect of his accepting the important trust. Daniel had 
 hoped for it, ardently desiring that in the event of his 
 own failure, his brother would be able to preach once 
 on Lord's day for the church, the University re- 
 quiring but one service. Protracted illness during the 
 last year, had kept that brother four months from pas- 
 toral privileges among the people of his charge, and 
 the nine months' additional absence consequent upon 
 the acceptance of the Chaplaincy, was too long a se- 
 paration to suit his own, or the feelings of the dear 
 people, between whom and himself an attachment 
 for several years had been steadily maturing. All 
 that had been hoped by this arrangement, was soon 
 realized in the unanimous election, and speedy ac- 
 ceptance to that office, of the author of the following 
 lines, which as our young brother would be journey- 
 ing where he was not known, the Chaplain kindly 
 placed at his disposal. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 157 
 
 "University of Virginia, Nov. 20, 1843. 
 
 " Learning that the Rev. D. H. Gillette, pastor of 
 the Baptist church in Charlottsville, contemplates vi- 
 siting the south this winter for the benefit of his 
 health, it gives me sincere pleasure to recommend 
 him to all whom he may meet with, as a Christian 
 brother of real worth, and as one who is held in very 
 high esteem, by all who know him. It is with the 
 deepest regret that his church and acquaintances part 
 with him; indeed the people of his charge are filled 
 with grief at the necessity of his departure, consent- 
 ing to his absence only because their solicitude for 
 his welfare outweighs every other feeling or conside- 
 ration. 
 
 "May he find, as he deserves, many true-hearted 
 friends in his absence: but more especially that for 
 which he so reluctantly goes forth, and for which the 
 prayers of his friends will continually ascend, the com- 
 plete restoration of his health. 
 
 "E. G. Robinson, 
 
 Chaplain of the University of Virginia." 
 
 It affords solace to riven and bereft hearts, to be 
 able to give, as an exhibition of the kind feelings of 
 the gentlemen whose names are appended, the fol- 
 lowing commendatory letters. 
 
 " Charlottsville, Virginia, November 23d, 1843. 
 ft Inasmuch as God in his all-wise providence, has 
 laid his afflicting hand on our esteemed and beloved 
 pastor, the Rev. D. H. Gillette, by so far depriving 
 him of health and strength, as to render it necessary 
 for him to seek a milder climate during the ensuing 
 winter; although it is with regret and tears, that we 
 15 
 
158 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 submit to its dictates, yet we feel that duty demands 
 that we shall assent to the separation until the re- 
 turn of a milder season. 
 
 " This is, therefore, to certify that Brother Gillette 
 is a member in full fellowship of the Baptist Church 
 of Charlottsville, Virginia; and to commend him 
 most cordially and affectionately to the kind regards 
 and Christian sympathy of all with whom he may 
 meet. 
 
 "As a church we are attached to our beloved 
 brother, not only because of perfect congeniality of 
 views and feelings, but also because of the rich bless- 
 ings which have followed his labours amongst us; 
 and because he sustains the relation of a spiritual fa- 
 ther to many of us. We deeply sympathize with 
 him in his afflictions, and are peculiarly affected by 
 the dispensation of a mysterious but unerring 
 Providence, which deprives us of his labours and 
 counsels. Yet we are happy in the reflection, that 
 we shall mutually share the protection and blessing 
 of our common Lord and Father, who will supply 
 all who faithfully serve him, with ' grace sufficient 
 unto the day.' 
 
 "Done in behalf of the church, this* 23d day of 
 November, 1S43. 
 
 Alex. Pope Abell, 
 
 Church Clerk." 
 
 "Richmond, Nov. 27th, 1843. 
 
 "This is to certify that the Rev. D. H. Gillette, 
 
 now on his way to Alabama, is a brother beloved by 
 
 the churches, and entitled to the confidence and warm 
 
 Christian regard of all among whom, in his absence 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 159 
 
 from home, he may be thrown. Having suffered 
 with a tendency to pulmonary affection, he has been 
 advised by physicians and friends to spend the win- 
 ter in a more genial clime, with the hope that his 
 health may be restored. The church in Charlotts- 
 ville of this state, have consented to relinquish his 
 pastoral services for a season, expecting him to re- 
 sume them in the spring. 
 
 "I trust, as I doubt not, he will receive a cordial 
 welcome among the brethren at the south. Any fa- 
 vours conferred or attentions shown, will be duly ap- 
 preciated by him. Jas. B. Taylor, 
 
 Pastor of 3d Baptist Ch., Richmond, Va." 
 
 "I am happy to add my name to the above. 
 J. B. Jeter, 
 
 Pastor of 1st Baptist Ch., Richmond, Va." 
 
 "Richmond, November 28th, 1843. 
 "To whom it may concern. 
 
 "The bearer hereof, Rev. D. H. Gillette, proposes 
 to spend a few months in the more genial south in 
 search of sounder health. He is a pastor much es- 
 teemed by a large and affectionate congregation who 
 have reluctantly submitted to a temporary separation, 
 with the anxious hope that he may soon be confirm- 
 ed in health and restored to wonted usefulness. 
 
 "To Christians in general and to Baptists in parti- 
 cular, 1 take great pleasure in commending brother 
 Gillette. Any attentions they may render to his 
 comfort, and any solicitude they may manifest for 
 his prosperity, will neither be unworthily bestowed 
 nor ungratefully received. E. L. Magoon, 
 
 Pastor of 2d Baptist Ch., Richmond, Va." 
 
160 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 With the foregoing epistles of love and commen- 
 dation, he was introduced in Mobile. The church 
 had a knowledge of his general character, and at 
 once requested him to supply them for the winter, 
 as he might be able. No sooner had he complied, 
 than they proceeded to plan for his becoming their 
 pastor. He assured them their mutual acquaintance 
 was too superficial to allow of such a step, and was 
 not prepared to entertain the proposal. 
 
 His health seemed to increase with moderate ex- 
 ercise, and his lungs to heal by feeding on the balmy 
 breezes which fan that city from the adjacent gulf 
 of Mexico. This gave new life to his unbounded 
 ambition to be useful; and when his appearance in- 
 dicated scarcely ability enough to walk the short 
 distance to his church or ascend his pulpit, he would, 
 when there, preach as if new vigour and new 
 lungs, yea, and a new spirit had been given him — 
 and it is a strange fact that his cough, which was so 
 distressing at other times, seldom attacked him 
 while leading the solemn services in the sanctuary. 
 
 In the subject of our memoir, we see, in strong 
 and lovely light, the solace, peace, and holy joy which 
 true religion administers when earthly enjoyments 
 are withered. What is termed a little religion, if it 
 be any at all, is only enough to keep alive a reproving 
 conscience which our moral deficiencies are supply- 
 ing with ample means for self-reproach. Much true 
 religion keeps the heart alive, and causes us to drink 
 of the brook by the way. Alas ! too much of the spirit 
 of bondage and too little of the spirit of adoption pre- 
 vails among us. Have we not too much reason to 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 161 
 
 fear that ours is an emotional religion only, occasion- 
 ally enjoyed, and that too often realized in spasms, 
 which are produced by the strange fire of a profitless 
 enthusiasm, rather than by the steady flame of pa- 
 tient and untiring devotion? 
 
 Our spiritual hero's zeal was ardent, steady, and 
 pure — kindled by faith at the sacrificial altar of 
 Christ as a Lamb that was slain for our sins — like 
 the fire of the ancient temple, it went not out day 
 nor night. How meekly he endured afflictions, as 
 a good soldier of Jesus Christ, we learn from his 
 own pen. 
 
 "Mobile, December, 1843. 
 "Dear Brother A., — 
 
 " Two weeks ago last Friday I left Charlottsville ; 
 spent Saturday and Sunday in Richmond, supposing 
 a week sufficient time to come here. We came to 
 Macon, Georgia, on Friday night, much fatigued ; 
 and conscious that we could not go much farther 
 that week, we resolved to stop till Monday. We 
 found a Baptist church with which we worshipped ; 
 and who was the pastor, but one of my fellow stu- 
 dents, R. Kendrick, brother of Professor A. Ken- 
 drick? I preached for him at evening. My health 
 was a little improved, at all events no worse. Mon- 
 day morning we left, having six hundred miles be- 
 fore us. Little did I think how tedious a journey 
 awaited me. We reached Montgomery, Thursday 
 night. For size and business, this town is next to 
 Mobile. Here I found another fellow student, a 
 pastor : his prospects were encouraging, though the 
 church is small. Friday evening we started down 
 15* 
 
162 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 the Alabama River, first look on your map and sec 
 how crooked it is, then be assured the picture is 
 not false. Death seems to line its banks, or shores 
 I should say, for banks it is nearly destitute of. On 
 either side it has flooded the country, and is gene- 
 rally so during spring and fall. The land is very 
 fertile, produces cotton in great abundance. Few 
 but blacks live there, however, and they die by 
 scores. 
 
 "We did not arrive in port till late Sabbath night ; 
 so much cotton ! — it was stop and load, stop and 
 load ; and our bark was nearly sunken with its 
 weight. Monday morning, by the hospitality of a 
 friend, we were lodged in the Waverley hotel, where 
 we shall remain until next week, when we shall go 
 to private boarding. 
 
 "Several Baptist friends have called, and given us 
 a very warm reception, and they have made calcu- 
 lations on our arrival. I have not been here a Sab- 
 bath yet, so I know but little of them. The popu- 
 lation of this city is thirty thousand : it is rather 
 pleasant, and now healthy ; though in summer it is 
 a place of sickness and death. I hope this genial 
 climate may restore me : but life and health are in 
 the Lord's hands. 
 
 « This is the third day after our arrival, so you 
 see you are not neglected. Write me, and be assured 
 that I am your faithful brother, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 " Mobile, Alabama, December 23d, 1843. 
 * Dear Sister Ely, — It affords me pleasure to 
 devote an hour to you. But you are surprised to see 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 163 
 
 from what city I date. I give you the plain reasons 
 for being here. Since you saw me I have been trou- 
 bled with my old cough: though it did not lay me aside 
 from duty, yet it caused considerable weakness and 
 debility. During the hot weather I was nearly over- 
 powered; still f worried on, hoping that every succeed- 
 ing day or week would bring relief: thus I continued 
 till autumn,when returning coolness gave me some in- 
 creased vigour. I still coughed, though with not much 
 severity, yet it was bad enough, and to get rid of so un- 
 pleasant an affection is very desirable. Friends and 
 physicians advised me to spend the winter farther 
 south, where I would entirely escape the cold north 
 winds of winter. My church took an active part in 
 the move, and instead of wishing my salary to stop, 
 proposed to continue it till next June, and pay me 
 in advance. 1 complied, and on the 24th of Nov., 
 myself and wife started for this distant part, a jour- 
 ney of more than one thousand miles. We reached 
 here after two weeks through wind and rain and mud, 
 which I fearfully expected would make me worse, 
 but I gained strength constantly. We passed 
 through nearly all the cities in the southern states, 
 they are large, commercial, and not a little immoral 
 in character, and generally flourishing. This is a 
 very pretty city, about 30,000 inhabitants, and im- 
 proving: it is next to New Orleans for business, and 
 is only about two hundred miles distant Since I 
 have been here my health is improved, and the warm 
 winds from the gulf of Mexico, are very pleasant. 
 It has not frozen any yet, the frogs sing cheerfully, 
 and musketoes bite us at night. 
 
164 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "There is a large Baptist Church here, but it has 
 no pastor: he died in September, with the yellow 
 fever, which raged fearfully here last summer. I 
 have been invited to supply the church. Should 
 this climate agree with my health, I might feel it 
 duty to remain here. There is a large field for use- 
 fulness, as also in many other places in the world. 
 Expenses here are very great. Should we remain, 
 and my health allow, we shall visit you next summer, 
 I am anxious to see you all. It did me good to read 
 an account of the ordination of your new pastor. I 
 hope God will bless his labours abundantly, and make 
 you through him a happy and a numerous people. 
 I have a lingering love for that church which time 
 and distance cannot destroy. Tell me how you all 
 get along: be minute. Tell me of your pastor and all 
 others, every thing; yes, every thing. Mary is out 
 riding, she receives much attention; we have many 
 kind friends. ! that we may live long together, 
 and do much good in the world. Let the Lord's will 
 be done. I count but little upon long life. Suffi- 
 cient unto the day is the evil thereof. Give our love 
 to your dear family, and to all the friends in Rahway. 
 "With strong affection I am your brother in Christ, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 Having entered upon this new field of labour in a 
 southern city, he was enabled through mercy to 
 supply the pulpit through the winter, and encou- 
 raged at times to hope for better health; assured that 
 this mild southern climate suited his shattered con- 
 stitution, better than the cold bleak winds of the 
 north. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 165 
 
 He soon found an attachment, daily growing 
 stronger and stronger between himself and the peo- 
 ple. They would often express the wish that he 
 might consent to become their permanent pastor. 
 
 Another source of encouragement, and not the 
 least among the many, was the increase of numbers 
 who were weekly pressing to hear from his lips the 
 gospel of Christ, that precious gospel, which he so 
 much delighted to preach to his fellow men. 
 
 During the winter several of the members of the 
 Baptist church in the city of Columbus, Mississippi, 
 being at Mobile, attended meeting and heard him 
 preach, and gave him a very pressing invitation to 
 make them a visit. He gave them some encourage- 
 ment, that he would do so when his time of service 
 closed in Mobile. He received from them the follow- 
 ing letter. 
 
 " Columbus, Miss., March 9th, 1844. 
 
 "Dear Brother Gillette, — 
 
 "The Baptist church in this place is destitute of a 
 pastor, and the undersigned, being a committee ap- 
 pointed by the church, to endeavour to obtain one, 
 have taken the liberty of addressing you on the sub- 
 ject. We would be much pleased to receive a letter 
 from you, but still better pleased if you would visit 
 us: you have been highly recommended by our 
 brethren who have heard you preach. Columbus is 
 an important city: it is healthy, and the community 
 are interesting, intelligent, and moral. The Baptists 
 have an excellent house of worship; in fact the best 
 building in the place, and a very respectable congre- 
 gation. The church will pay any expenses you may 
 
166 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 incur in making us a visit, and we will do every 
 thing in our power to render yob comfortable, while 
 among us. We hope you will come here as soon as 
 possible. If you visit us, inquire for any of the sub- 
 scribers. Respectfully yours in the gospel, 
 
 Sterling H. Lester, 
 David Ferguson, 
 James A. M'Lean." 
 
 "Columbus, Miss., April 20th, 1844. 
 "Dear Brother Gillette, — 
 
 "Yesterday being our first conference since we 
 received your letter, it was read to the church, and 
 I was appointed to reply. 
 
 "The church will wait until the time of your en- 
 gagement at Mobile expires, at which time they will 
 anxiously expect you. I would have replied to 
 your letter myself, were it not that brother Blewit 
 had gone to Mobile, and I supposed he would have 
 an interview with you. He and his family have 
 just returned, and are well. Our deacons have had 
 the pleasure of hearing you preach in Mobile, and 
 also some of our lay brethren, and I am happy to 
 state that they are well pleased with you. They 
 prefer waiting for you. Come as soon as you can. 
 Our Zion here is in a languishing state, we have 
 weekly prayer-meetings which keep us alive. Dear 
 brother, we will not fail to pray for you, that God 
 may enable you to reach us in safety, and bless you 
 in spirit and in body. Yours in Christ, 
 
 James M'Lean." 
 
 According to this invitation, about the middle of 
 May he started to make that people a visit, it being 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 167 
 
 a distance of about three hundred miles by steam- 
 boat. But previous to his leaving Mobile, the church 
 in that place gave him a call to become their pastor, 
 with every necessary encouragement for his temporal 
 comfort and support. 
 
 But having promised to make a visit to Columbus, 
 he thought it needful to fulfil the engagement. 
 
 Concerning his visit there, the prospect of useful* 
 ness, and his own feelings, we may learn from the 
 following letter. 
 
 "Columbus, Miss. May, 1844. 
 "Dear Brother Walter, 
 
 " I have not been silent to you this long time 
 because I had forgotten, or lost my regard for you. 
 I supposed that you frequently heard from us, through 
 Mr. Wells' people. I contented myself till the pre- 
 sent. I am now far from Mobile, though I have not 
 long been here. Nearly three months since I was 
 invited by the church in this city to visit them, 
 with a view of becoming their pastor. I consented 
 to it, when my time with the Mobile church ex- 
 pired. I came here last Lord's day. I like the ap- 
 pearance of things. This is a beautiful city, contain- 
 ing about five thousand inhabitants, and the Baptist 
 church is one of the most wealthy in the country. 
 Their meeting-house is elegant. One member paid 
 twenty thousand dollars towards the building of it. 
 "Before I arrived, their deacons, and a few other 
 members who were down to Mobile on business, 
 having heard me preach, they elected me their pas- 
 tor; but I have not accepted the call, though it is en- 
 forced by the prospect of fifteen hundred dollars 
 salary. 
 
168 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 " Before leaving Mobile, that church gave me a 
 pressing call to become its pastor; and the service of 
 five months seemed to form such an attachment be- 
 tween us, that I shall regard their call first. They 
 appointed a committee of five, gave to their disposal 
 all the finances of the church, with authority to stipu- 
 late for the salary: this committee then presented 
 me with a written article, in which each one bound 
 himself for three hundred dollars per year, if I be- 
 came their pastor. So you see they have made me 
 safe for the salary, should I accept the call. It may 
 seem large: it would be in some places, but it is not 
 in Mobile. 
 
 " They give me the privilege of being absent during 
 the hot season, and return to them in the fall. My 
 health is such that I need rest, though I am better 
 than I was last summer; yet I am racked with a 
 cough and general debility, and my constitution 
 seems to call for repose. 
 
 " Mary is in Mobile, about three hundred miles 
 from this ; but I design to return to her next week. 
 We shall start for New Jersey soon. I design to 
 stay a few weeks at the springs in Virginia; but 
 Mary will proceed directly to her parents. I shall 
 soon be after her, and hope we may all have a plea- 
 sant visit during the summer. 
 
 " This is a beautiful country and the climate in 
 winter such as I never before saw. I have not seen 
 one particle of snow and very little frost ; roses have 
 blossomed in the gardens all winter ; apples are now 
 ripe; plums and peaches are nearly full grown. 
 The country is full of all kinds of fruit. Corn is 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 169 
 
 tasselled ; wheat and rye long since harvested, and 
 every thing has the appearance of mid-summer. 
 The field here for ministerial usefulness is very exten- 
 sive and inviting. This is the valley of the west; why 
 do so few ministers enter it? Give my love to all 
 the friends. Your affectionate brother, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 On returning to Mobile, he came to the conclu- 
 sion that it was his duty to accept of the call they 
 had given him. He immediately gave the church 
 in Columbus to understand that he could not ac- 
 cept of theirs, deeming it his duty to continue with 
 the people in Mobile. 
 
 After receiving his letter, they wrote him the fol- 
 lowing reply: — 
 
 "Columbus, Miss., June 21st, 1844. 
 
 "Dear Brother Gillette, — 
 
 "Your letter of the 9th, declining the call to the 
 pastorate of the church which we represent, was re- 
 ceived a few days ago. 
 
 " We exceedingly regret the existence of the cir- 
 cumstances that have produced this result; but un- 
 der them we can but justify you fully in the course 
 you have determined to pursue. If your health had 
 been such, as to justify you in accepting our call, we 
 should have received you most gladly; for in the 
 sincerity of our hearts we made it. And after you 
 came among us, and an acquaintance was formed; 
 we were not only satisfied with what the church had 
 previously done in electing you, but we were anx- 
 iously solicitous that you should accept. But an 
 over-ruling Providence has otherwise determined, 
 16 
 
170 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 and we shall endeavour to be resigned to his dis- 
 pensations. Your visit here will long be remem- 
 bered with pleasure by the members of this church, 
 mingled with affectionate sympathy for your afflic- 
 tions; which we hope may soon be removed, and 
 that you may be speedily restored to health and vi- 
 gour; so that you may yet labour much in our Mas' 
 ter's vineyard. May he guard, protect, and afford you 
 much oT his spiritual presence and consolation. 
 
 " Whenever you can make us another visit we 
 shall be happy to see you, and to hear you preach in 
 our pulpit. May the Lord bless you. With re- 
 spect for your lady, receive assurances of our affec- 
 tionate consideration. 
 
 n ... C S. H. Lester, 
 Committee } andothers „ . 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 HIS LAST VISIT NORTH — RETURNS TO MOBILE — 
 PREACHES DIES. 
 
 Having returned to Mobile, he made arrange- 
 ments, to leave, for the summer, and visit his friends 
 at the north. Accordingly, himself and companion 
 took leave of their kind friends and started on their 
 long and tedious journey, expecting to be absent 
 until the ensuing autumn. They went to New 
 Orleans, and from thence up the Mississippi river, 
 and the Ohio, to Parksburg. Having heard of a 
 mineral spring which had recently been brought 
 into public notice, in the north-west part of Virginia, 
 the waters of which had proved beneficial to indivi- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLfifTiS. 171 
 
 duals afflicted with the dyspepsia, he resolved to stop 
 and spend a few weeks there, hoping they might 
 prove beneficial to him. His wife pursued her 
 journey in company with friends, to her parents 
 in New Jersey. This spring not being known suffi- 
 ciently long to make it a place of general resort, has 
 no convenience of boarding, other than such as an 
 ordinary farm house affords. This was his home for 
 four weeks; where, being the only visiter, it was a 
 lonely season to him ; but he loved retirement. After 
 four weeks' residence here, without deriving any 
 essential benefit, he went, in company with a minister 
 who was travelling over the mountains to the south, 
 in a small carriage direct to Charlottsville: this had 
 been the place of his former residence, and here his 
 ministry had been abundantly blessed. Here were 
 many, very many, much delighted to see him; yet they 
 could not but regret that he had not, by the use of the 
 means resorted to, been restored to sounder health, 
 and brighter prospects for life and usefulness. They 
 looked upon him as a dying man, and yet at times 
 he flattered himself that he should be restored. 
 
 Up to this time he was the pastor of their church, 
 for, although they parted with him for the winter, yet 
 they were in hopes that he might be able to return, 
 and labour long with them, in the gospel. Before this 
 he had given them to understand he thought it most 
 expedient to continue south; but he had not taken 
 a dismissal from them, and it was painful for him 
 to do so. He has often said that, could he have health, 
 there was no place where life and pastoral duty could 
 be enjoyed by him so well as in Charlottsville. 
 
172 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Having only a few days to stay, he preached to them 
 but once, — after which he requested to be dismissed 
 from the pastorate, and from his membership with 
 the church. Receiving from them the following, he 
 started for his companion and friends in Philadelphia 
 and New Jersey. 
 
 " At a meeting of the Baptist Church in Charlotts- 
 ville, on Wednesday evening, the 14th of August, 
 1844, the following preamble and resolutions were 
 presented and unanimously adopted: — 
 
 " Whereas God in his providence has seen fit to 
 protract the illness of our beloved pastor, D. H. 
 Gillette, so as to require of him the resignation of 
 his charge; 
 
 "Resolved, therefore, that, while we bow in humble 
 submission to this afflicting dispensation, knowing 
 that the God of heaven and earth cannot do wrong, 
 yet our bleeding hearts cannot but deeply deplore 
 our loss. 
 
 a Resolved, that, in accepting the resignation now 
 tendered us by brother Gillette, we feel that the 
 most sacred tie possible for the mutual enjoyment 
 of pastor and people is rent asunder, and that we 
 shall ever delight to extend to him the kindest 
 Christian sympathy and affection. 
 
 "Resolved, that, although separated from him, we 
 will not cease to seek, at a throne of grace, the bless- 
 ing of our heavenly Father upon him and his labours, 
 wherever bestowed. 
 
 Alex. Pope Abell, Church Clerk." 
 
 " Charlottsville, Virginia, August 15, 1844. 
 " This is to certify, that our beloved brother, Rev. 
 
REV. D. H. GILI^TTE. 173 
 
 D. H. Gillette — a regularly ordained minister of the 
 Baptist Church — has, for two years, been the pastor 
 of the Baptist Church of this place; and, knowing 
 him well, and being compelled to part with him, on 
 account of his severe and continued ill health, we 
 take pleasure in this expression of our very high 
 estimation of him as a man, a scholar, a Christian, 
 and a minister. 
 
 " In each of these characters he occupies an exalt- 
 ed position. While settled with us he commanded 
 the profoundest respect of every class of the com- 
 munity. Being received to our homes and affections 
 as a friend and pastor, we found in him all that heart 
 could wish, and the peculiar relation required. 
 
 "As a minister, he is indeed 'a workman that 
 needeth not to be ashamed '/ for, having 'a heart 
 laden with the rich experience of a Saviour's love,' 
 he seems desirous to know nothing before the world 
 but i Christ and him crucified.' 
 
 " His superior literary attainments, peculiarly hap- 
 py address, and powerful oratory, prepare him for 
 any position, and commend him to any church where 
 his health can be enjoyed. 
 
 "The failure of brother Gillette's health, and his de- 
 sire to seek a milder climate, alone force us to ac- 
 cept the resignation which he has tendered us, — for 
 truly the relation has been pleasant and profitable. 
 Finding us in a low condition, and but poorly quali- 
 fied to second his efforts, and though obliged by his 
 illness to spend more than one third of the time during 
 which he held the pastorate of the church, in a dis- 
 tant state, yet he was made to us an instrument of 
 16* 
 
174 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 great good, and many, very many, remember him as 
 their spiritual father and comforter. 
 
 " But an unerring God in his providence has bid us 
 part, and we, though mournfully our hearts sink 
 within us, at conviction of the dispensation, would 
 say, 'Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy 
 sight.' "John Simpson, ^ 
 
 Benjamin Morby, v Deacons." 
 Alex. Pope Abell, ) 
 
 After leaving Charlottsville, and the dear friends 
 who, with painful hearts and tearful eyes were sor- 
 rowing most of all that they should see his face no 
 more; he went to Philadelphia, where his stay with 
 his brother was richly enjoyed, though but short. He 
 soon left for his father-in-law's, where he met with 
 his companion and friends, to all of whom he was 
 much attached. But, to all who saw him, it was 
 apparent that his nature was slowly wasting away 
 under the weight of protracted disease. He refused 
 all invitations to preach, intending to rest from the 
 fatiguing labours of the pulpit, for a short season at 
 least. In the month of October, his estimable wife 
 gave birth to a son, an occasion of much joy to an 
 affectionate husband and afflicted father; for he said 
 he was thinking, that although his days were few, 
 yet this little son might live to perpetuate his me- 
 mory, and be useful in the world. To this son he 
 gave the name of his esteemed friend, William Fa- 
 riSH, of Virginia. 
 
 Notwithstanding his rapid decline, still he was 
 very anxious to return to the south, and resume 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 175 
 
 his labours; and, if he must, die with his church at 
 Mobile. In October, he went to Philadelphia, to 
 consult a physician to whom he had been recom- 
 mended. The advice and prescriptions he received 
 brought only temporary relief. 
 
 November 24, 1844, they took ship at New York, 
 for Mobile. Many of his friends were fearful he 
 could not endure the passage, and that in all proba- 
 bility the sea would become his resting place until 
 she shall be called upon to give up her dead. But 
 to us the future is all unknown ; his hour had not 
 yet come. "Our days are as the days of an hire- 
 ling." 
 
 Their voyage at sea was very tedious, yet he was 
 so much favoured that he endured the hardships 
 through which they passed, much better than was 
 anticipated. Concerning which he writes, — 
 
 "Mobile, December 27, 1844. 1 
 "Dear Brother A., — 
 
 "We arrived at this city one week yesterday, after 
 a tedious voyage of twenty-six days. I was quite 
 feeble when we embarked, suffering from dyspepsia 
 and a bad cough, which was causing me to expec- 
 torate much putrid matter; but after a few days at 
 sea, I began to feel a little better. I adopted the 
 Graham system; soon my cough abated, and the bad 
 
 watery mucus nearly ceased The latter 
 
 part of our passage became trying to me. We 
 were kept by head winds ten days, within three 
 hundred miles of the city, and the weather was very 
 cold. But now I feel somewhat improved. . I 
 coqgh much less than formerly; but I am so very 
 
176 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 weak I can scarcely walk. Strength is what I seem 
 most to need; my food is the coarse cracker and rye 
 mush ; any deviation from that regimen throws me 
 back. . . I preached last Sabbath morning, and 
 endured it well ; but how weak my limbs are ! I 
 feel a little stronger, but I expect slow improvement 
 if any; though now, for the first time, I feel encou- 
 raged. May the Lord heal me, if it be his good 
 pleasure. Wife and child endured the voyage ex- 
 ceedingly well ; the boy has grown finely; the peo- 
 ple of Mobile pronounce him the noblest child they 
 ever saw at his age. We are now comfortably 
 fixed. The weather is mild and clear, and many 
 beautiful roses are in full bloom, adorning the yards 
 of our city. ... 0, how you freeze and quake 
 up yonder, while we down here, bask in a warm 
 summer sun. . . . We spent Christmas with a 
 family that attend our church; they gave a splendid 
 dinner. I wish that you and sister could have been 
 two of the guests at table; for poor me, I had to 
 stand back and look on the luxuries. 
 
 " Give my respects to all the friends. — My wife 
 joins me in love to you. — As ever, 
 
 D. H. Gillette." 
 
 After his arrival in Mobile, his strength failed him 
 so rapidly that he wrote no record in his memo- 
 randum book, and only occasional letters to his 
 friends. A few days before his confinement he 
 wrote a long letter to his brother Walter, expressive 
 of his feelings. He appeared to be sensible that his 
 end drew near, yet, expresssing perfect resignation 
 to the will of Providence. He spoke of his aged and 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 177 
 
 pious mother, being well assured that he had seen 
 her for the last time on earth ; but said he hoped to 
 meet her in heaven, where parting will be no more. 
 He says, "When I thought of leaving my mother, 
 whom I love so much, to see her no more on earth, it 
 seemed that nature could not endure it; but grace is 
 always sufficient. Our separation will be but short; 
 we shall meet again." 
 
 This letter has been mislaid, and cannot be found, 
 which we regret very much, as it was the last 
 he ever wrote. 
 
 He continued to preach until two weeks before his 
 death, when he prepared a sermon to preach on the 
 evening of Lord's day, from these words: "A man 
 of sorrows and acquainted with grief," Isaiah liii. 3. 
 This text, he remarked to his wife, was expressive of 
 his feelings. After commencing the devotional exer- 
 cises of the meeting, he failed, very suddenly, and 
 sunk in the pulpit: he was assisted to come down out 
 of that sacred place which he had so eloquently and 
 beautifully adorned; and brought from the church to 
 his lodgings, remarking at the time, that he should 
 not go out until he was carried. Physicians ex- 
 amined him, and pronounced the left lung nearly 
 gone, and the right one considerably affected. 
 After they retired he said to his dear young wife, 
 " I am conscious that I am failing very fast; we must 
 part soon, my dear." He wept considerably, add- 
 ing, "These tears are not for myself. I commit you 
 to Him who hath promised to be the widow's God, 
 and my child to an undying Father." He took 
 the babe in his arms, put his hands on its head, say- 
 
178 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ing, "I consecrate this child unto the Lord, and crave 
 his blessing for my boy. May we all be reunited, a 
 happy family, in heaven." The following day he 
 settled all his worldly concerns, that his mind might 
 be constantly upon his rapidly approaching change. 
 After this he appeared perfectly composed, and 
 longed for his Master's coming: with heaven in full 
 prospect, he said, "All the days of my appointed 
 time will 1 wait until my change come." 
 
 He said that he " Had only wanted health that he 
 might serve his Master; but, if he could not do that, 
 he desired to depart and be with Christ, which is 
 far better." He said that it was pleasant to think 
 that he had worn out in the Lord's service. He 
 had preached the gospel while in health, and he had 
 done it, as cheerfully, while pressed down by weak- 
 ness and disease; and, he added, I hope to preach him 
 when I am dying. — Though I have served him but im* 
 perfectly, 1 have a firm trust that he will be very 
 near me when I pass through the valley of the 
 shadow of death. I had hoped to get well, that I 
 might labour many years in my Master's vineyard; 
 but God has ordered otherwise. It is my heavenly 
 Father who has willed it to be so, and I resign all 
 into his hands. "I know in whom I have be- 
 lieved." When his friends came to see him, he said 
 to them, "I am going home," pointing upwards, 
 with a sweet smile. " I have no wish to stay one day 
 longer upon earth ; and, if it be the Lord's will, I 
 would like to go now. l Come, Lord Jesus, come 
 quickly, If it be thy will, I would not linger 
 here, but while I tarry may I never be impatient. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 179 
 
 My sufferings are nothing compared to what my 
 Saviour endured for me. It is almost too much to 
 hope for, that an unworthy creature, such as I am, 
 should have an interest in the precious blood of 
 Jesus; but I trust in a forgiving Saviour." He fre- 
 quently said, "Oh that I had strength that I could 
 shout, and sing my Master's praise; but I am too weak 
 now; I hope soon to be clothed upon with immor- 
 tality." 
 
 On the ninth of February, it became evident that 
 nature was almost dissolved; but the energy of his 
 soul was unabated. He expressed an anxious wish 
 that he might be favoured with his reasoning faculties 
 to the latest moment. He told his wife that he ex- 
 pected to die on that evening, but said, I am perfectly 
 resigned. His mind was constantly elevated with 
 the joyful anticipation of the felicity that awaited him. 
 As the hour of his dissolution approached, his faith 
 was greatly increased ; and the glories of heaven 
 seemed to burst upon his enraptured vision. About 
 half an hour before his spirit took its flight, he con- 
 versed much, and realized that he was dying, exclaim- 
 ing, "Oh! precious Jesus! what is the world to me 
 with all its vanities? Give me Jesus." 
 
 He then said to his wife, " Oh ! that you may 
 have the Saviour's love deeply implanted in your 
 heart, — the hope of immortal glory." He asked his 
 wife if " She thought the crown fitted well," point- 
 ing to his head, and wiping the death sweat from 
 his brow. At seven o'clock, on the evening of the 
 ninth of February, his soul found rest; without a 
 struggle he fell asleep in Jesus. That mind, the 
 
180 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 energies of which were consecrated entirely to the 
 glory of God, shall wear its splendid imagery no 
 more; but, all, all those powers shall be perfected in 
 the land of his joyful habitation, and all shall be 
 swallowed up in the near and rapturous view of the 
 Lamb, whom he shall follow whithersoever he 
 goeth. Thus died the Rev. D. H. Gillette the 
 minister, — the Christian. 
 
 The following letter, written by the Rev. Mr. 
 Grant, of Mobile, will be read with much interest, 
 as he was present and had frequent conversation with 
 him ; who, also, as an angel of mercy, administered to 
 him in this scene of trial, until the last flickerings 
 of the lamp of life had become extinct: — 
 
 "Mobile, January 29, 1845. 
 "Rev. A. D. Gillette: — 
 
 "Dear Brother, — In obedience to the wish of our 
 beloved brother D. H. Gillette, it is my duty to in- 
 form you, that his disease has taken a very unfavour- 
 able turn ; it is not probable that he will survive many 
 days; he has arranged his worldly affairs; his family 
 will be provided for while here, and sent home un- 
 der proper protection. He feels himself well cared 
 for, and he has the prayers and sympathies of the whole 
 church and community. He wishes me to assure you 
 that he feels perfectly at home, as the brethren do all 
 that can be done to make him comfortable. He does 
 not suffer pain, but is rapidly declining, and has the 
 most abiding confidence in God; in whom he has 
 trusted. He enjoys perfect peace and tranquillity of 
 mind, and is waiting, with patience, until his change 
 comes. He wishes you to let his brothers know his 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 18* 
 
 prospects. Is it not worth living the life of the 
 righteous, in order that our death may be as his? 
 He does not expect again to see your face in the 
 flesh, but feels pleased in the belief that, when your 
 labours in the Lord's vineyard shall have been com- 
 pleted, you will again be united in the joys and 
 service of the upper sanctuary; and while nature 
 might be disposed to grieve at the providence of 
 God, it should be a matter of consolation to the 
 mind, and a cause of gratitude in the heart of a disci- 
 ple, that when one of his children is removed from 
 this earthly house, it is to make him participate in 
 the inheritance of the saints in light. That we may all 
 so live in the cultivation of every grace and virtue 
 which results from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, 
 that we need not fear any evil, while we pass through 
 the valley of the shadow of death, is the prayer 
 of your brother, in the bonds of the gospel, 
 
 John Grant." 
 The Rev. R. Babcock, D. D., of New York, con- 
 nected with 'the American and Foreign Bible So- 
 ciety, was providentially allowed to be in Mobile, at 
 this solemn time. This was very gratifying, in 
 consequence of his intimate acquaintance with the 
 family, and the relationship, though distant, that he 
 bore to the afflicted and bereaved companion. The 
 following letters were written by him to his brother, 
 of Philadelphia; one of them two days before, and 
 the other, the next day after his death. 
 
 "Mobile, February 7, 1845. 
 
 "My Dear Gillette, — 
 
 " If you have followed me in this long tour of 
 17 
 
182 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 official wanderings, you will not be surprised to hear 
 from me in this city. But I take the pen this 
 morning, not to advise you of my movements, but to 
 apprize you of the situation of that beloved brother 
 of yours, who is now lying down close by the side 
 of the grave, and with calmness and holy joy, look- 
 ing into eternity. 
 
 "Having heard of his rapidly declining condition, 
 J came hither, from New Orleans, sooner than I had 
 intended. Brother Hinton, pastor of the New 
 Orleans church, accompanied me, for we had reason 
 to fear that the final hour would come before we 
 could arrive. We reached here yesterday noon, and, 
 soon after, repaired to his boarding-house. He was 
 very low, and only saw brother Hinton yesterday. 
 The impression seemed to be, that he had scarcely 
 life enough in him to remain through the night. 
 We had service in the church last evening. In 
 the prayers your brother was most affectionately re- 
 membered, and it was delightful to notice how deep, 
 universal, and tender was the sympathy of all hearts 
 with him, and his dear companion. 
 
 "This morning I called on him, and sat a few mo- 
 ments by his side; yes, my dear brother, the hand 
 which traces these lines has just been embraced for 
 near half an hour in those attenuated fingers which 
 will never clasp yours again. 
 
 "He had a more comfortable night, and seemed 
 quite cheerful. It had been arranged that I should 
 write to-day to you. And he said very sweetly, tell 
 my brother Abraham that I am waiting, waiting, 
 waiting, till my blessed Saviour shall call me to his 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 183 
 
 bosom. Blessed position! enviable prospect! glori- 
 ous transition! 
 
 "His dear young wife has also regained a delight- 
 ful state of composure; her trust in God seeming to 
 swallow up all unholy disquietude. 
 
 "The little one has been suffering from a severe 
 cold, but is better. The friends seem exceedingly 
 kind and attentive, and our dear dying friend and 
 his family want for nothing. 
 
 "Rev. Mr. Grant, who wrote you last week, is al- 
 most constantly at the side of your brother, and 
 should the expected melancholy, yet glorious ter- 
 mination of this scene be delayed till after I leave 
 the city, he will announce it to you. 
 
 "I shall remain here until Monday or Tuesday 
 next; when imperative official duties will call me 
 homewards. Still I shall be obliged to stop in so 
 many places, that I have no hope of reaching your 
 city till the middle of March, long before that time, 
 probably, this brother will be ushered into the imme- 
 diate presence of his divine Redeemer. 
 
 "'Life take thy chance, but 0, for such an end!' 
 May this event, and another in my own family since 
 I left* conduce to our more perfect sanctification. 
 0, how many and how solemn the urgencies which 
 press us to more perfect devotement of all we have 
 and are to our glorious Saviour. 
 
 "It is the special request of your afflicted sister-in- 
 law that immediately on the reception of this, you 
 will write to her father, informing him of her situa- 
 tion and prospects. 
 
 ♦Death of his beloved daughter, Emily. 
 
184 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "This I have ventured to assure her she might 
 safely rely on; as her constant attention to your bro- 
 ther and her babe, besides the state of her own feel- 
 ings, quite unfit her for writing at present. Bro- 
 ther Hinton returns to New Orleans to-day. He 
 joins me in sympathy and regard to you. Most 
 truly yours. Rufus Babcock." 
 
 "Mobile, Feb., 10th, 1845. 
 "My dear Gillette, 
 
 "The agony of suspense is at length ended. Thy 
 Brother Daniel has finished his earthly course. Af- 
 ter my interview with him on Friday morning, just 
 before I wrote to you, he remained much as I then 
 described, patiently waiting the Lord's pleasure. 
 Saturday, just before night, they thought him dying; 
 but he revived in a few moments, and remained much 
 as before. Yesterday morning brother Grant went 
 to his bed-side with his usual salutation. Your bro- 
 ther replied, <I am here yet.' Yes, said Mr. Grant, 
 < but you will spend the next Sabbath in heaven.' 
 
 "To this he cheerfully and joyously assented, 
 'Amen.' Through the day he was more troubled for 
 breath, wished to be frequently moved, raised up, 
 and to have the window raised. While the family 
 were at tea, Mrs. Gillette called Brother Grant, say- 
 ing she thought there was an obvious change. He 
 was not from this time able to speak. He continued 
 to breathe until a little after seven o'clock, when 
 quietly, and sweetly, he fell asleep. 
 
 "We were at church; and had gone through the 
 introductory services, but, just before 1 rose to preach, 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 180 
 
 brother Grant came into the pulpit, and pleasantly 
 whispered in my ear, Dear Brother Gillette is in 
 heaven. ' . . . Standing in the place where only 
 two weeks before he had stood, it was indeed holy 
 ground,— a solemn place, — a touching scene: I tried 
 to improve it for the benefit of his afflicted, and now 
 deeply affected flock. May the voice of God, thug 
 loudly and renewedly sounding in their ears, be bless- 
 ed to every one of them. This evening we are to 
 meet in the same church for his funeral services. 
 The clergymen of the city will all be united, and 
 share in the exercises. His bereaved companion is 
 wonderfully supported: I sat with her for half an 
 hour this morning, by the side of that emaciated 
 lifeless frame. It was a melancholy, but, I hope, pro- 
 fitable season. She has written to her mother, and 
 the same mail that carries her letter, will take this. 
 Excuse its brevity; you know it does not arise 
 from an unfeeling heart. Deeply do 1 sympathize 
 with you, but have time to add no more this morn- 
 ing. 
 
 "Truly yours, affectionately, 
 
 Rufus Babcock." 
 
 DEATH OF THE REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 
 
 Sabbath Recorder: — New York. 
 As we gave notice a few weeks since of the death 
 of Rev. D. H. Gillette, at Mobile, Ala., on the 9th of 
 February, I presume that the following extracts from 
 a letter written by his widow to his mother, will be 
 interesting to that portion of our readers who were 
 personally acquainted with the deceased. 
 
186 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "My very dear Mother, — You have heard of 
 the death of your dear son, my beloved husband. 
 
 "He had been very feeble ever since we arrived 
 here. But I hoped, alas! too fondly, that he would 
 be spared. He went to the church only two weeks 
 before his death, and feeble as he was, had a sermon 
 prepared, which he could not preach, for he failed 
 very suddenly while there. He had chosen, as he 
 told me, adapted to his feelings, these words, <•/# 
 man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.' He 
 was brought from the church, to his room, remark- 
 ing at the same time that he should not go out until 
 he was carried. Two physicians examined, and pro- 
 nounced the left lung nearly gone, and the right 
 one considerably affected. After they had left he 
 said to me, 'My dear wife, I am failing very fast; 
 we must part soon. Try to keep as good spirits as 
 you possibly can. It may be but a short separa- 
 tion.' He wept aloud, and shed many bitter tears. 
 He said, 'You know it takes a great deal to make a 
 man weep. Though I weep, I do not murmur; I 
 only weep for you, and for my child, who will soon 
 be fatherless. God will be a husband to you, and a 
 father to the dear boy.' 
 
 "He took the babe in his arms, put his hand on its 
 head, and said, 'I consecrate this child to the Lord, 
 and crave His blessing for my son. Train him up 
 in the nurture of the Lord, and make him meet to 
 be an heir of glory. May we all be reunited, a happy 
 family, in heaven.' 
 
 "He settled all his worldly concerns, that his mind 
 might be entirely upon his rapidly approaching 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 187 
 
 change. After this he appeared perfectly composed, 
 and longed for his Master's coming. He spoke of- 
 ten of his dear mother, and wished me to give you 
 an affectionate farewell, hoping to meet you where 
 all tears shall be wiped away, and parting unknown. 
 
 what a triumphant death-bed ! He said that the 
 world had no charms for him; if he could not get 
 well enough to serve his Master, he would desire to 
 depart. It hurt him to talk in a whisper; and 
 though many came to see him, he could admit but 
 few. He said to them, 'I am going home/ pointing 
 upwards with a sweet smile. He would often say 
 to me, 'If it be the Lord's will, I would like to go 
 home to-night; but the will of the Lord be done.' 
 He also said, '0 that I had strength to shout, I feel 
 so happy; I hope soon to be able.' 
 
 You may mourn, dear mother, that your son has 
 found a grave so far from kindred : I know that it 
 must distress you. I write this letter, hoping that 
 it may console you, though my own heart is bleed- 
 ing, and daily mourns afresh. If the news of his 
 death overcomes you, think of the anguish of my 
 own heart, to watch by the bed-side of a dying hus- 
 band, far from kindred and home, and day by day 
 see life ebbing swiftly away. I have buried all my 
 earthly hopes. Though we may mingle our tears, 
 we will not murmur. That precious treasure was 
 not ours: God only lent him to us, and in his own 
 good time took him to himself. Consoling thought, 
 that we can look forward to a meeting beyond the 
 grave, there to join our beloved one, and sing the 
 praises of the Lamb. Friends come to console me, 
 
188 MEMOIRS or 
 
 but God alone can console the widow's heart. He 
 has a gracious purpose in afflicting us. 
 
 There was a very large procession at his burial* 
 All the ministers in the city met at the Baptist 
 church. All denominations here appear to mourn, 
 that a pillar in Zion has fallen ; so useful was he, and 
 so promising. The ways of a kind Providence are 
 very mysterious, and we cannot understand them* 
 but what we know not now, we shall known here- 
 after. His corpse had a placid and composed ex- 
 pression, and appeared only to have fallen asleep. 
 He expired without the least struggle, on the 9th, at 
 evening. He asked me if I thought the crown fitted 
 well, pointing to his head, and wiping the sweat from 
 his brow. He talked much for an hour before he 
 died, saying, <0 the precious Saviour; what is the 
 world to me, with all its vanities'? Give me Jesus.' 
 The last words he said were, * Do not weep for me. 
 I am going home.' Mary." 
 
 Disappointment seldom comes alone: a young 
 companion, the partner of toils, and the solace of his 
 heart, was now left a widow, to rely upon the pro- 
 tection of the widow's God. Though her husband 
 was gone, never to return, she had one earthly com- 
 fort left. The little son who had received the bless- 
 ing of a dying father, she hoped would long live 
 to comfort her heart. But, previous to the death of 
 her husband, the child was much indisposed, and 
 continued to grow worse. She intended to have 
 started for the north soon after his death, but, with 
 deep anxiety she waited day after day, watching 
 every moment for some favourable symptom, to en- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 189 
 
 courage her, that her child, her only earthy comfort, 
 might be restored; but God had otherwise directed. 
 Another trying hour was near, — that beloved babe, 
 — William Farish Gillette, was soon to follow his 
 father, and be united with him where the pain of 
 parting will never be experienced again. He lin- 
 gered until the twelfth of April, when, by death, he 
 was released from his sufferings, and taken to his 
 eternal rest. To the Christian the grace of God is 
 always a support, — as we learn in the following let- 
 ter. 
 
 "Mobile, April] 3th, 1845. 
 "My very dear Brother A., — 
 
 "I am here still, though I have made many arrange- 
 ments for leaving, and have been disappointed. Now 
 I see disappointments are always for the best. My 
 dear child has been very delicate since my husband's 
 death, and I have nursed him day and night. He 
 has had a very bad cough: his lungs were seriously 
 affected. A great change took place at. twelve o'clock 
 on the eleventh, and, on the evening, at six o'clock, 
 God relieved him from his sufferings, and took him 
 to himself. Was ever any thing so hard to bear as 
 this? Now my all is gone, husband and child have 
 joined each other — kindred spirits in a brighter 
 clime — and I am alone. God is near me, dear bro- 
 ther: even in this dark hour, my fortitude is un- 
 changed, my faith is unshaken. Though He has 
 taken my choicest treasures, it is all right, and I can 
 truly say, 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in 
 him.' My trust is in the rock of ages — therefore I 
 shall not be dismayed. 
 
190 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "I shall leave to-morrow with Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 by way of the Mississippi, and be at home as soon 
 as possible. I would have answered your comforting 
 letter before, but I have been waiting until I could 
 tell you I had made some definite arrangements. 
 " Affectionately your sister, M. A. G." 
 
 "I cannot write more now: I send much love to 
 mother Gillette, and to your dear wife. Pray for 
 me." 
 
 CHAPTER X, 
 
 PUBLIC EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF AND RESPECT AFFECTING 
 
 SERVICES AT THE FUNERAL. 
 
 In the preceding chapters we have set forth the 
 life, ministry, death, and consequent loss to society 
 and the church of Christ, of one of the loveliest 
 of young men — one of the most eloquent of minis- 
 ters — one upon whose lips thousands had hung with 
 delight — the long-continued and extended exertion 
 of whose powers multitudes anticipated with eager 
 and pious desire. 
 
 To tell how many hearts have bled beneath this 
 stroke, would require fortitude we do not possess, and 
 fill a volume unsurpassed in the anguish it would de- 
 scribe, and the bright hopes it would exhibit as 
 shining on earth for a short season only, then fall- 
 ing, in unutterable wo. Among all ranks our bro- 
 ther's death spread and excited one common feeling 
 of respect: those who knew him personally mourned 
 the loss of one they loved, those to whom he was 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 191 
 
 known by reputation, or his public ministry, felt the 
 agitation and general sympathy consequent upon the 
 removal of such rare and consecrated gifts, from so 
 important a sphere of usefulness to man, as the minis- 
 try of the glorious Gospel. 
 
 Gloom spread over Mobile, and each citizen 
 looked as if he had lost a friend, his intimate ac- 
 quaintances yielded for awhile to the influence of 
 deepest sorrow. Kind Providence afflicted our bro- 
 ther, and removed him from all by whom he was be- 
 loved. We should seek consolation in one who has 
 suffered more than we all — there is enough to quiet all 
 our fears, in the distinguishing consideration "God 
 so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten 
 Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not 
 perish, but have everlasting life." Cheerfully he gave 
 us the Holy child Jesus — shall we refuse to resign 
 to Him our friends, when he calls them to himself? — 
 He gave us his Son to suffer. He took our brother 
 to enjoy after having loved, laboured, suffered, re- 
 joiced, and Died — 
 
 Died did I say 1 he doth but sleep, 
 And every dust his Lord shall keep ; 
 
 Until the happy rising day, 
 When he shall quit his house of clay. 
 
 Thrice happy happy shall he be, 
 When his pure eyes his Lord shall see. 
 
 " Why stand ye gazing up into heaven 1" 
 
 Who has not felt, when one dearly beloved ha» 
 been snatched away — an inclination to forget all 
 the things of earth, and to stand^idle — helpless — 
 stricken — on the shores of time, gazing, longing, 
 
192 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 after the lost, regardless of all that is left; all love, all 
 hope, swallowed up in the one agonized sense of 
 bereavement? 
 
 " Smitten of God, and bereaved," — was not this, 
 too, written by one who knew of what he spoke? 
 who had felt the bitter pang of parting; the awful 
 sense of God's agency in earthly sorrow — the struggle 
 between passionate regret and holy submission? 
 
 The human soul knows no variety in sorrow for 
 the dead. Whatever else may change in the course 
 of time, this remains the same throughout all ages. 
 Paul, the sainted, the subdued, wrote not those ten- 
 der words without a swelling of the heart; and many 
 a mourner since responds to them with tears. 
 
 "Death has been busy, of late. Many a tender 
 flower — many a "shining mark" — many a house- 
 hold stay and comfort has he snatched away with- 
 in a few short days. To many of our friends and 
 fellow citizens, the bright spring heavens seem hung 
 in black; and all the joyous associations that came up 
 with the warm sunshine are changed to images of 
 sadness and despondency. The idea of " a gloom on 
 the face of Nature " is not a mere poetic fiction. To 
 the mourner whose grief is in its fresh bitterness, 
 there seems an absolutely perceptible shadow — like 
 a pall of dark vapour — spread over the gayest objects/ 
 Nothino- looks as it used. The heart sees not like 
 the careless eyes. We feel as if the sun could never 
 shine again for us. 
 
 Few have entered upon and gone through their re- 
 ligious profession with a warmer zeal than the sub- 
 ject of this memoir. Few have exceeded him in the 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 193 
 
 possession and display of that charity which adorns 
 the Christian minister above everything else; "that 
 vaunteth not itself, and is not puffed up, that doth 
 not behave itself unseemly; that seeketh not her own, 
 is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; that beareth 
 all things, believeth all things." 
 
 To those acquainted with him, these things need 
 not be spoken; for they were seen in his intercourse 
 in society, in his amiableness of spirit and behaviour. 
 It is sometimes the case, when the talents of a young 
 man have been admired and his early labours flattered, 
 that the effects have proved fatal to his future pros- 
 perity. 
 
 Not so our brother: amidst the popularity that at- 
 tended his ministry, even when a student, he never 
 appeared to be elated above measure, or to have 
 neglected his necessary studies : he was uniformly 
 the same, pious, industrious, docile, modest, and 
 unassuming young man. But his work on earth is 
 finished, his heavenly state is begun. 
 
 Lest the reader should suppose that the foregoing 
 excellencies were made in part to appear from the 
 fond relation which existed between the lamented 
 subject and the writers of this memoir, we give the 
 following voluntary testimonials from others. 
 
 "Danbury, Conn., June 2d, 1845. 
 
 "Respected Brother, 
 
 "I received yours, but had heard of the death of 
 our brother some days previous. The union between 
 him and us was a most cordial one: when he was 
 here, the church seemed to be growing in grace and 
 knowledge. 
 IS 
 
194 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 "The first sermon he preached to us was full of 
 interest: the text was 1 Corinthians, i. 12: "I of 
 Christ," and the first hymn he read to us began — 
 
 1 Lord, thou hast heard thy servant cry, 
 And rescued from the grave.' 
 
 "Our dear brother was quite happy the short time 
 he was able to preach, and we were as happy to lis- 
 ten to his sweet voice. 
 
 " Many of various denominations came to hear the 
 word of life dispensed by him: he was beloved by all, 
 and could he have been spared, he would have been 
 very useful to this community. 
 
 "I often conversed with him on the flattering 
 prospects of the church; but how soon we were dis- 
 appointed ! After preaching two sabbaths he said he 
 must discontinue, but felt reliance on God, and be- 
 lieved this affliction would be for the Divine glory. 
 
 "You may think, dear brother, after having fur- 
 nished his study and put up his library, and made 
 every thing as pleasant as could be, and with a large 
 field to labour in — so soon to retire was indeed a 
 trial, which nothing but grace could support. While 
 your brother was with us he lived in my family: he 
 endeared himself to us by his amiable disposition. 
 He used frequently to sing the "Bower of prayer." 
 Since then, my little daughter, Ann Elizabeth, often 
 sings that hymn. We all deeply sympathize with 
 you. We write on behalf of the church, and remain 
 yours affectionately, William Montgomery, 
 Noble Lyon." 
 
 The following is as acceptable as it is delicate. The 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 195 
 
 beloved writer has for some time sustained the en- 
 dearing relation of pastor to the venerable mother of 
 the lamented friend of his heart. The dear church 
 in Cambridge, New York, will long bear the fruit of 
 his ability, gentleness, and fidelity. 
 
 "Rev. Daniel H. Gillette, — My eye fell upon 
 the epitaph which is inscribed on the monument of 
 this dear brother, with the most feeling emotion. 
 He was in the same class with me at Hamilton, and 
 for three years we sustained the endearing relation 
 of room-mates, without one wave of discord to ruffle 
 the hallowed peace of those sunny hours, now cherish- 
 ed in memory dear. Our mutual confidence was per- 
 fect and unreserved. We loved as brothers; and 
 0, how often have we bowed together before the 
 mercy seat, to unbosom all our heart to God, and 
 breathe forth every hidden desire of the soul. Still 
 he visits me in dreams, and again I hear that voice 
 of sweet familiar affection and tenderness. As a 
 scholar, he attained a respectable meed: he evinced 
 a marked love for the classics, his mind being of the 
 emotional and poetic temperament. But even in his 
 collegiate course his main drift of thought seemed to 
 be toward writing and sermonizing; thus aiming to 
 make all other attainments serve the great interests of 
 his calling, as a minister of our Lord Jesus Christ. In 
 his removal I feel that death has indeed come near 
 to me: two, whose hands were linked together in 
 sweet and brotherly affection have been parted — one 
 taken, the other left. But I fondly hope the separation 
 is not final; and 0, that I may be prepared to follow 
 
106 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 him through a death as happy and peaceful as the one 
 in which I am told 'he fell asleep.' 
 
 Levi Parmely." 
 
 At a meeting of the Albemarle Baptist Associa- 
 tion, Virginia, of winch he, when pastor of the Char- 
 lottsville church, was a member, held August 16, 
 1S45, 
 
 "On motion of William P. Farish, Esq., the fol- 
 lowing preamble and resolutions were unanimously 
 adopted : — 
 
 u Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to re- 
 move by death our beloved brother, Daniel H. 
 Gillette, late bishop of the church in Charlottsville, 
 
 "Resolved, that we cherish his memory, as a faithful 
 and efficient minister of the gospel of Christ; and 
 while we rejoice with him that so early he was re- 
 leased from his sufferings, and crowned with the vic- 
 tor's wreath, — yet we can but deplore the loss from 
 our Master's vineyard, of so successful a winner of 
 souls, when the demand for such is so pressing. 
 
 "Resolved, that we tender to his bereaved widow, 
 and other relations, our most affectionate sympathies, 
 and pray God that this dispensation of his providence 
 may be sanctified to both them and us." 
 
 From the Religious Herald, Va. 
 
 " We had prepared a notice of the death of bro. Gil- 
 lette, to accompany extracts from the Baptist Record. 
 The following communication from a member of 
 the Charlottsville church, renders it unnecessary to 
 add any thing more on this subject. He was an 
 amiable brother, an able minister, and his demise is 
 a severe loss to the church. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 197 
 
 "Charlottsville, February 22, 1845. 
 "Dear Brother Sands, — 
 
 "The painful intelligence of the death of our late 
 beloved pastor, Rev. Daniel H. Gillette, has just 
 reached us, and, although our minds had been, in 
 some degree, by his protracted and severe illness, 
 prepared for this afflictive dispensation of Pro- 
 vidence, yet we cannot but deeply sorrow that 'we 
 shall see his face no more' — that from the walls of 
 Zion one of the most faithful and efficient watchmen 
 is fallen — that from the vineyard of our Master, a la- 
 bourer so rarely gifted and consecrated to the work 
 when the demand for such is so pressing, should, 
 in the very opening of a life giving promise of so 
 much usefulness, be called away, even though it be 
 to the enjoyment of a 'crown of life.' 
 
 " But it is done, and in the determination of a wis- 
 dom which, though it be higher than we, and there- 
 fore to us inscrutable, is yet perfect and right. 
 And while our hearts bleed at the loss we experience 
 — and the fond hopes we had indulged of the great 
 and lasting usefulness of the future labours of our 
 brother, lie blasted and withered at our feet — we 
 would school our heart to turn from these, and fol- 
 lowing him up to those bright mansions where 
 • Sickness, sorrow, pain, and death, 
 Are felt and feared no more,' 
 
 rejoice with him, that he has so early received the 
 glorious reward of the victor. 
 
 "Of brother Gillette's early life it is unnecessary 
 that I should say any thing. The task of collecting 
 the many deeply interesting circumstances connected 
 18* 
 
198 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 with it, and of marking its course as he triumphed 
 over difficulties before which many a noble spirit 
 would have cowered, will no doubt be 'assumed by 
 one better prepared in every respect. 
 
 " I shall content myself to speak of him, as I knew 
 him well and personally, in the characters of a pastor 
 and a friend. 
 
 "He came among us — nay, he was sent of God to 
 us — in the summer of 1842, and we were favoured 
 with the first sermons he had preached for twelve 
 months; he having suffered severely during that 
 period from hemorrhage of the lungs, and its conse- 
 quent prostration. 
 
 "A call to the pastorate of the church which was 
 tendered him in July of that year, was accepted ; and 
 his labours among us commenced in October, 
 
 "His health, though far from being good, was so 
 much improved that he was able to perform, most 
 faithfully and acceptably, the arduous labours im- 
 posed on him by his office; and truly the blessing of 
 God was upon the work of his hands, for the church 
 was by his instrumentality 'built up in its most holy 
 faith,' and was made constantly to rejoice at accessions 
 of happy converts to its growing numbers. So that 
 in the first year of this delightful connexion, more 
 than one hundred were 'added to the church of such,' 
 we confidently hope, 'as shall be saved.' 
 
 "But it was soon observable that the insidious 
 disease which preyed upon his system was not 
 overcome, but was gradually wearing away a consti- 
 tution naturally of the first order, but now almost a 
 wreck; and indeed often and unknown but to his most 
 

 REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 199 
 
 intimate friends, his labours were performed under 
 extreme suffering, when duty to himself would seem 
 to have required rest for the fainting body. 
 
 " Laid aside from the work for several months by 
 increasing ill health, he sought the genial and re- 
 viving influences of a southern clime in the winter of 
 1844-45. Finding a home and friends in the city of 
 Mobile, and his strength a little recovered, he com- 
 menced at once to supply the pulpit of the St. An- 
 thony Street Church, then vacant by the death of its 
 late pastor, Schrobel. 
 
 "Winning, as he did wherever he went, the hearts 
 of all, he proved a great blessing to the church, be- 
 ing made instrumental in healing their divisions, in 
 restoring backsliders, and converting many from the 
 error of their ways, and winning them to Christ. 
 
 "After spending the winter and spring with that 
 people he returned to the North, and passing through 
 this State, paid us the last visit we enjoyed from him. 
 
 "Having accepted before he left Mobile a call to the 
 pastorate of the church, he returned and entered upon 
 its duties in December last. But debilitated and 
 worn out; although continuing his ministrations to 
 crowded congregations until within two weeks of 
 that period, he lingered until the 9th inst., when he 
 sweetly ' fell asleep in Jesus.' 
 
 "A brother, who communed with him often during 
 the last few days of his life, thus speaks of him 
 in a communication to a gentleman of this place. 
 * During the last two weeks of his life, while con- 
 fined to his bed, he appeared to enjoy uninter- 
 rupted peace of mind; and having settled all his tern- 
 
200 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 poral concerns, had but one wish, which was grati- 
 fied at 7 o'clock P. M., Lord's day, when he departed 
 to be with Christ.' 
 
 "Brother Gillette, while with us, by his native 
 kindness of disposition, and suavity of manner, won 
 the highest regard and warmest affection of all who 
 knew him; while his peculiarly dignified deportment 
 commanded as generally the profoundest respect. 
 
 "A mind highly cultivated and richly stored with 
 useful knowledge— with an unusual flow of spirits — 
 eminently qualified him for the kind offices of friend- 
 ship — and it is therefore that the deep pang of sorrow 
 which thrills the whole church at the sad bereavement, 
 extends through the community, there is not one of 
 his numerous acquaintances but feels that he has lost 
 a friend. 
 
 Yours truly, Alex. Pope Abell." 
 
 A called session of the Baptist Church of Char- 
 lottsville, was held on the evening of Wednesday, 
 Feb. 26th, 1845. 
 
 The painful occasion of the meeting having been 
 stated, the following preamble and resolutions were 
 presented, and after being seconded in a feeling ad- 
 dress, were unanimously adopted: 
 
 "Whereas it has pleased God to call to his final rest 
 our late beloved pastor, D. H. Gillette, we deem 
 it proper to notice the event, therefore, 
 
 "Besolved, That we cherish with affection the me- 
 mory of our brother as a man, a Christian, and a pas- 
 tor. We remember with gratitude to him and to 
 his God, his labours of love performed among us 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 201 
 
 often in great personal suffering; and many of us 
 cherish in our hearts towards him the affection of 
 spiritual children. 
 
 " Resolved, That while we acknowledge the justice 
 of that mysterious providence which has so early 
 removed from the church of Christ so able an ambas- 
 sador, yet we cannot but deplore the loss of one so 
 well qualified by nature, acquirements, and grace to 
 win souls to Christ, and are called upon to pray with 
 renewed earnestness, that the Lord of the harvest 
 would send forth more labourers. 
 
 "Resolved, That we render our most heart-felt 
 sympathy to his bereaved companion, and mourn her 
 loss as our loss. 
 
 " Resolved, That Rev. Stephen H. Mtrick be re- 
 quested to preach a sermon in memory of our bro- 
 ther, on Lord's-day morning, the 30th of March. 
 
 " Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be fur- 
 nished Mrs. Gillette, and the Religious Herald, with 
 the request that they may be published in that paper. 
 A. P. Abell, Ch. Clerk." 
 
 "CharlottsviUe, 9th October, 1845. 
 "Very dear Brother, — 
 
 "I fear you will think me neglectful, if not indif- 
 ferent, in not sooner furnishing you with informa- 
 tion of your sainted brother. 
 
 "To w r rite his history while with us — were like 
 writing of the bright meteor as it flashes through 
 the sky, and awakens admiration in the mind of the 
 beholder. Often and again have I heard men who 
 were wont to be reasonable — declare as their asto- 
 nished ears drank in the music of his voice, and their 
 
202 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 souls were thrilled with his startling eloquence — that 
 he seemed much more an angel than a man. And 
 as an inspired historian in a single verse recorded 
 the visit of a mighty host of angels to the earth — 
 « Shouting glory to God in the highest; on earth 
 peace, and good-will towards men !' So I with hum- 
 ble pen cannot say much, of one who, if not then, 
 is now a bright spirit made perfect in the presence 
 of our God. 
 
 "I had designed to say something of his manner 
 of prayer, because this made a deeper impression on 
 my mind than almost any thing connected with his 
 public ministrations. 
 
 "He seemed, much more than any one I have 
 seen, to realize that he was in the immediate pre- 
 sence of Jehovah during this solemn exercise. He 
 asked as though he was confident he would receive. 
 And there is satisfactory reason to believe the un- 
 failing promise of the Redeemer — that such prayer 
 should be answered was frequently fulfilled. 
 
 "On one occasion, at the commencement of ser- 
 vice, one of his fervent prayers was immediately an- 
 swered in the conversion of a very interesting young 
 lady, having kneeled, burdened with a sense of her 
 sins, she arose in the liberty of Jesus Christ, rejoicing 
 in a sense of pardoned sin. 
 
 "Another conversion equally happy was that of a 
 gentleman who being deeply concerned on the sub- 
 ject of religion, requested a visit from him, and there, 
 before the throne of grace, as that dear young minis- 
 ter of God pleaded with the Saviour of sinners, — the 
 Spirit whispered peace to the troubled soul, and the 
 dead in trespasses and sins was made alive unto God 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 203 
 
 "These are a few of the many instances in which 
 we believe that his prayers were effectual in se- 
 curing the blessing of God in the salvation of sinners. 
 His written sermons furnish an imperfect idea of 
 what his preaching was: although many were fully 
 written, yet getting the arrangement clearly in his 
 mind, he awaited the excitement of the moment to 
 furnish the words to clothe the thoughts — which 
 coming fresh from a spirit yearning for the salvation 
 of sinners, and burning with the love of God, often 
 found their way to the heart. Hardened indeed was 
 the man who listened unmoved to his warnings. I 
 have seen the outbreaking sinner of three-score 
 years melted as humble as the child beneath him. 
 I have seen the little girl, as in sportive innocence 
 she passed charmed by their sweetness, stop and 
 with the trembling, gray-headed sinner, fall low at 
 the feet of Jesus, and gladly take his yoke. 
 
 "There was ever about him a finish — a grace, 
 such as I never saw in another, and this extended to 
 all that he did. In his intercourse with the church 
 and the world — as a presiding officer, of the meetings 
 of the church, and even in making an appointment for 
 service— all, all was done in his own way, and as 
 I have seen no one else do it. 
 
 "Will you present me very kindly to sister Gil- 
 lette? and believe me very truly and affectionately, 
 Alex. Pope Abell." 
 
 "In our last we intimated that in all probability 
 I he youngest brother of the four Rev. Gillettes, had 
 fallen asleep in the arms of the blessed Redeemer. 
 
204 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 We now confirm the melancholy intimation, and 
 furnish the sad intelligence. 
 
 DIED, 
 
 "On the 9th ult., in the city of Mobile, the Rev. 
 D. H. Gillette, youngest son of the late Dr. F. B. 
 Gillette, of Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y., 
 aged about 32 years. The deceased was a graduate 
 of the Hamilton Institution in that state, and at the 
 time of his decease, Pastor of the First Baptist 
 Church in the city of Mobile, Ala. A memoir of 
 this interesting young soldier of the cross may be 
 soon expected from the pen of his brothers. 
 
 "This will be sad intelligence to his numerous 
 friends and relatives in New York, New Jersey and 
 Pennsylvania. He was well educated and highly 
 esteemed. Soon after he graduated he was installed 
 Pastor of the Baptist Church in Rahway, N. J. 
 While there, he found that the confinement attend- 
 ing the prosecution of his studies, added to the per- 
 formance of h*s laborious ministerial duties, had 
 greatly impaired his health : and in the hope of re- 
 gaining it, he removed, about two years since, to 
 Charlottsville, Va., and became the Pastor of the Bap- 
 tist Church in that place. After remaining a year 
 or more without experiencing any beneficial change, 
 he acceded to the request of friends and physicians, 
 and removed to Mobile, hoping that a change of 
 climate would prove advantageous. He there as- 
 sumed the pastoral charge of the St. Anthony Street 
 Church, and continued faithfully the duties of his 
 sacred office until his strength failed. After being con- 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 20& 
 
 fined a few days, death relieved him of his sufferings, 
 and the spirit of a faithful servant wended its way to 
 " that blissful sphere 
 Where sound the lute-notes of eternal love." 
 "Only five years have elapsed since he was or- 
 dained a minister of the Gospel; but his short ca- 
 reer has been honourable to himself and his ad- 
 visers, and useful to the congregations over which 
 he has been placed. He always listened with a will- 
 ing ear to the pleading of the distressed, and never 
 refused or neglected to extend to them a helping 
 hand. He had a feeling heart for the wayward and 
 a consoling word for the afflicted ; but both his la- 
 bours and his sufferings have ceased, and we can 
 only drop a tear — not for him, — < after life's fitful 
 fever he sleeps well;' — but for those who are hence- 
 forth deprived of his ministrations. He has left a 
 wife and child to mourn his loss. May Heaven 
 bestow its richest blessings upon the widow and 
 orphan. — N. American, Phila. 
 
 From the Baptist Record. 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF THE REV. D. H. GILLETTE, OF MOBILE, 
 
 ALA. 
 
 BY F. B. GRAHAM* 
 
 The minister of God 
 Sleeps with his fathers in the earth's embrace. 
 It was the will of Heaven, and 'tis well. 
 Tears cannot him resuscitate, nor work 
 The good he would have done below. He needs 
 No tears, for they can ne'er bestow upon 
 The soul in Faradise more perfect joy. 
 I'll weep no more. 
 
 * Editor of the National Forum, Philadelphia; now of the Washington 
 County Post, N. Y. 
 
 19 
 
206 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 He had a glorious duty to perform — 
 A mandate from his Maker to obey, 
 And his whole heart was in his Saviour's cause. 
 He listened to the love-inspired command, 
 u Go preach the gospel unto all the world." 
 And with a willingness to serve his Lord, 
 And faith in all the Scriptures have proclaimed, 
 He went a missioner of truth and love 
 To teach his fellow-men. I oft have seen, 
 In heaven's earthly courts, his bended form, 
 And heard his voice in supplicating tones 
 Beseeching God to hear his prayers, and bless 
 Mankind with peace, good will and happiness. 
 
 Earth had its pleasures and its woes for him. 
 E'en in affliction 'twas his joy to serve 
 Untiringly, with ardent zeal, and faith 
 Unmoved, his Master who had placed him here, 
 A shepherd o'er a flock whose future doom 
 No human being can predestinate; 
 And faithfully did he discharge the task 
 Thus by th' Almighty given : " Feed my lambs." 
 In meekness, love, and charity, he sought 
 To imitate the humble Nazarene. 
 
 But the same Righteous One 
 Who sent him here, and on whose arm he leaned 
 For sure support when trials weighed him down, 
 Has called him hence and given him peace and rest, 
 Upon the bosom of the God he served. 
 E'en now methinks I hear the Saviour's voice 
 Pronouncing in mild tones, " Well done, thou good 
 And faithful servant ; into all the joys 
 Of thine own Father, enter thou and rest 
 For evermore." 
 
 And now, God, 
 Thy richest blessings shower on her he left 
 A widowed mourner here. Be Thou, Most High, 
 Her Lord and Saviour ; and whene'er beside 
 The cold depository of the dust 
 Of one beloved she kneels, be Thou there too, 
 And hear and answer all her prayers. And when 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 207 
 
 She weeps in sorrow on that spot, her tears 
 Will fall like glittering dew-drops (angel's tears,) 
 Upon the full-blown rose she nurtures there, 
 And rise in fragrance on the ambient air 
 A grateful incense to the throne of Him 
 Who reigns supreme in heaven. * 
 
 The following graphic and touching outlines of 
 the funeral services were furnished by an eye-witness, 
 of conceptions and ability admirably adapted to 
 value and portray their simplicity and impressive- 
 ness. 
 
 " Rev. D. H. Gillette's death occurred on Lord's 
 day evening, just as Rev. Dr. Babcock of New York, 
 had entered the pulpit which he had so lately occu- 
 pied, to commence the religious services. During the 
 singing of the second hymn, immediately preceding 
 the sermon, the Rev. Mr. Grant, who had been with 
 him at the last moment, came into the pulpit, and 
 whispered — "Brother Gillette is in heaven!" The 
 congregation were not apprized of it till near the 
 close of the discourse: when the speaker with great 
 solemnity and power announced the mournful tidings, 
 and endeavoured to lead the minds of his hearers to 
 a right improvement of the loud and impressive warn- 
 ing, which God was thus sounding in their ears. 
 Though the event had been generally anticipated, 
 and nothing like a sensation of surprise was experi- 
 enced; yet the whole congregation mourned and 
 wept, many of them in audible accents of grief. 
 
 Affecting were the testimonies of young and old, 
 of rich and poor, of saints and sinners. All seemed 
 to feel that they had experienced no common loss. 
 Many eyes unused to tears were suffused, and as the 
 
208 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 congregation slowly retired from the house, many a 
 stifled sigh, and tremulous, half-choked utterance from 
 the multitude, showed plainly how deep were their 
 emotions. 
 
 At a late hour the following evening, a densely 
 crowded assembly were again gathered in the church* 
 where he was wont to minister. The shrouded, 
 coffined form of him whose eloquence had often led 
 them thither, was now laid before the pulpit. The 
 Reverend clergy of nearly all the protestant congre- 
 gations were present; more than filling the ample plat- 
 form around the desk. Several of these engaged in 
 solemn fervent prayer. The Rev. Dr. Babcock, after 
 announcing that in accordance with the desire of the 
 deceased brother, a funeral sermon would on a sub- 
 sequent Lord's day be delivered by the Rev. Mr. 
 Hinton, of New Orleans, proposed to remark: — that 
 in a dispensation shrouded with such thick darkness? 
 he felt grateful that the path to the sepulchre, that 
 day, led through the sanctuary, and invited the sorrow- 
 ing hearts before him to give heed to the consolatory 
 instructions of the divine word. He then read, 
 with an impressiveness never to be forgotten, appro- 
 priate lessons from the Psalms, the Prophets, the 
 Evangelists, and Epistles — following them with 
 brief and pathetic illustrations and enforcement. 
 Among others, it is recollected that he read and re- 
 marked on that significant portrait drawn by the 
 evangelical prophet, Isaiah liii. 3, of our divine Re- 
 deemer, as "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with 
 grief" — which was the text selected by the deceased 
 for his last sermon, an outline of which he prepared, 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. % 109 
 
 but was unable to deliver. He had mentioned to 
 bis beloved companion, while studying that theme, 
 that it seemed now peculiarly appropriate to his 
 circumstances, and he thought he could enter more 
 fully and adequately into the conception of it than 
 ever before. On that hint, the speaker now enlarged. 
 Christian ministers, he said, were like their Master, 
 men of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Some of 
 the elements of it were truthfully, and with deep 
 intensity of emotion and language, delineated. The 
 multiplied sorrows, caused to the faithful ministers, 
 by those professing to be disciples, who so walk as 
 to constrain him to bear testimony against them, 
 even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of 
 Christ, whose end is destruction: — those who bite 
 and devour one another, and are in danger of being 
 consumed one of another: — those who make their 
 appetite, or the world, or their wilful passions, their 
 God; and will not yield to be led by their Shepherd 
 in right and safe paths. 
 
 The unbelieving, too, cause the minister of Christ 
 to be acquainted with grief, when he mourns and 
 weeps over them in vain, and they refuse to come to 
 the full fountain of life and love, and drink of its 
 healing waters. Pungently did he enforce on those 
 who from that sacred desk had heard the tongue 
 now silent in death, pleading with them, — and yet 
 had disregarded those entreaties, — that now the am- 
 bassador had returned to Him who had commission- 
 ed him, and would there make a faithful report. 
 Conjuring them to prepare without delay to meet 
 there, the speaker finished this part of his address. 
 19* 
 
210 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 Turning then to that sublime exode of the Apos- 
 tle, 2 Timothy, iv. 6, 7: "I am now ready to be of- 
 fered, and the time of my departure is at hand," 
 having fought the good fight, and kept the faith, and 
 finished the course, he looked with confidence for 
 the crown of righteousness to be given him! and in 
 a few words of glowing lofty eloquence he portrayed 
 the splendours of that crown — as one who hoped 
 through grace himself to reach it— as one whose re- 
 joicing sympathy exulted in the thought that this 
 late suffering brother had reached and wore it now. 
 
 Then followed an address by the Rev. Mr. Grant, 
 to the bereaved companion, and to the church. At 
 the grave, the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, of the Presbyte- 
 rian church, spoke with his accustomed ability. 
 
 Thus closed this solemn day, and many a throb- 
 bing heart bore testimony to the power of youthful 
 genius and eloquence and loveliness thus early laid 
 low, — to win its highest homage. 
 
 The following is from a Mobile paper: — 
 
 Obituary of the Rev. D. H. Gillette. 
 When the grave has closed over the mortal remains 
 of unusual talent and worth — of piety and religious 
 beneficence, it is a privilege of survivors to pause a 
 moment in the giddy whirl of life's career, and mark 
 that they may imitate such excellence. An occa- 
 sion of this kind is furnished us in the early removal 
 of the individual named at the head of this article. 
 The brief incidents of his short earthly career may 
 be first noticed, before attempting an honest estimate 
 of his character. 
 
 Daniel Holbrook Gillette was born near the 
 
REV. ». H. GILLETTE. 211 
 
 village of Cambridge, N. Y. His father, a highly- 
 esteemed physician, died when his young son was 
 five years old. Reared by the fraternal care of a 
 married sister, at the age of 18 he became decidedly 
 pious, and two years later commenced a course of 
 studies for the Christian ministry. He completed 
 his course with honor and success in 1840, and he 
 was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church in Rail- 
 way, N. J., where he ministered acceptably and use- 
 fully for 18 months. At this period he suffered a 
 violent hemorrhage of the lungs, which laid him by 
 from preaching one year. Having partially re* 
 covered, he accepted a call from the Baptist Church 
 in Charlottsville, Va., and commenced his labours 
 with them in October, 1842. So successful was his 
 ministry there, that during six months one hun- 
 dred were added to the church. Having suffered 
 from the recurrence of ill health, he was constrained 
 in the autumn of 1843 to visit Mobile; and was soon 
 invited to occupy the pulpit of the St. Anthony Street 
 Church, then vacant by the recent death of the la- 
 mented Schrobel. After mutual and satisfactory ac- 
 quaintance he was invited, by a unanimous vote of this 
 church, to become its pastor. In accepting this im- 
 portant post, it was distinctly understood between 
 him and the people of his charge, that every practi- 
 cable indulgence should be extended to him on ac- 
 count of his infirm health. Accordingly, he spent the 
 last summer North, and returned to his post in De- 
 cember last. Though evidently and rapidly sinking 
 under disease, he continued to officiate till within 
 two weeks of his death, and finally fell asleep in 
 peace on Sabbath evening. 
 
212 memoirs or 
 
 His brief sojourn among us has endeared him un- 
 commonly to all who enjoyed his acquaintance. His 
 bland, engaging manners, his guileless and affection- 
 ate heart won the love of all who knew him. These 
 traits of character shone conspicuously in his pastoral 
 relation. He loved its tender, solemn, and assiduous 
 toils, and as far as his strength allowed he discharged 
 them in the most acceptable and useful manner. 
 
 His native endowments both of mind and heart, 
 were of a superior order. Few men so young, who 
 have grappled with so much infirmity and interruption, 
 have risen so high or accomplished so much. Una- 
 ble from feeble health to devote himself to laborious 
 and extensively studious research, his preaching was 
 rather the exhibition of what his own genius and elo- 
 quence could accomplish, than an exemplification of 
 the garnered stores of theological wisdom. It may 
 have proved less didactic and variously instructive to 
 some portions of his hearers than he would other- 
 wise have rendered it; but in the power to interest, 
 to chain the thoughts and warm the affections of his 
 hearers, he had few superiors. The angelic sweet- 
 ness and pathos of his oratory never failed to make 
 a favourable impression, and take him all in all, not 
 soon shall we look upon his like again. 
 
 The simple but affecting rites of sepulture, were 
 attended at the church where he was wont to offi- 
 ciate, the evening after his decease. The thronged 
 attendance of a deeply sympathizing audience, and 
 the touching and truthful testimonies in his behalf 
 furnished by nearly all the clergymen in the city, 
 were an appropriate sequel to the good man's life. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 213 
 
 The tears of gratitude and sympathy of the sorrow- 
 ing whom he had comforted, the ignorant whom his 
 lips and life have taught, the wayward and care- 
 less whom he has faithfully warned, and the pious 
 whose faith and hope he has strengthened, shall be 
 his sweet memorial. " * 
 
 The eminent and sacredly social source, from 
 whence the following sweet tribute comes, (Fanny 
 Forester's pure pen,) entitles it to a high rank 
 and welcome place among these closing memorials 
 of one whose heart, though masculine, "was warm 
 too, and full of exquisite sensibility." 
 
 "My highly esteemed Friend, — 
 
 I have spoken often to you of your brother Daniel, 
 whom I remember with much interest. My brother 
 and he were friends, while he was a student, and 
 they often came together to our snug little home, to 
 make us a visit. I was young, and perhaps thought 
 more of personal than intellectual qualities. Yet 
 the loveliness of his character — so simple and truth- 
 ful — was a thing within the limits of my compre- 
 hension. He always brought a gleam of sunshine 
 to us, which made us dread to have him go away. 
 He was a general favourite with both old and young. 
 He sometimes preached for us; and although these 
 were among his very earliest sermons, I can assure 
 you he never lacked for interested hearers. There 
 was something exceedingly soft and winning in his 
 voice and manner, which drew all hearts to him, and 
 consequently to the truths he was presenting. 
 
 "After he left Hamilton, I watched him at a dis 
 
214 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 tance; until the shadow of the grave was thrown 
 upon his brilliant prospects; and Jesus Christ took 
 the loved disciple to himself. His labours were 
 soon ended, his course early finished, and he is now 
 in glory. God grant that we may meet him there, 
 with others that we have loved in this life — with 
 saints and angels, and our incarnate Saviour. 
 Ever yours, most sincerely, 
 
 Emily Chubbuck." 
 
 * Is aught so fair 
 As virtuous friendship?" 
 
 Surely when those we loved are upward taken, it 
 is no offence to own 
 
 " That our bosoms e'er incline 
 Toward immortal glory's throne*" 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 
 
 215 
 
 The annexed engraving will give a general idea 
 of the marble obelisk which now marks the sa- 
 cred spot where rest the mortal remains of our la 
 mented brother and his baby boy. 
 
 Dr. Babcock, whose sympathies are so kindly 
 expressed in his depicting the death-scene of our 
 moral hero, was not weary in well doing. His kind 
 heart prompted the suggestion to the churches in 
 
216 memoirs or 
 
 Rah way, Charlottsville, and Mobile; and we are 
 happy to know that it found a responsive throb in 
 each of those parishes. Means were furnished, and 
 the Dr. procured in New York, an elegant Italian 
 marble monument twelve feet high, of symmetrical 
 proportions — and it now stands over that hallowed 
 dust, on which God and Christ look down, intend- 
 ing to raise it at the resurrection of the just at the 
 last day. 
 
 ^he inscriptions upon it are as follow : — 
 {East side.) 
 
 REV. DANIEL H. GILLETTE. 
 
 Born in Cambridge, N. Y., 1813; died in 
 
 Mobile, Alabama, Feb., 
 
 1845; aged 32. 
 
 [North side.) 
 
 Ordained in Railway, N. J., July, 1840; he served 
 
 the Baptist church there — that in Charlotts- 
 
 ville, Va., and that in Mobile, as an 
 
 eloquent preacher and beloved 
 
 pastor till his death. 
 
 (South side.) 
 A graduate of Hamilton Seminary, N. Y.; a scholar 
 of respectable attainments; the best of hus- 
 bands, and a rejoicing father. In all the 
 various relations greatly beloved 
 and respected, now equally 
 deplored. 
 (West Side.) 
 Erected by the churches 
 he served. 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 217 
 
 The important agency of the Rev. Dr. Babcock 
 is duly appreciated by a mourning company, who 
 in the language of Oberlin can sincerely say, they 
 are "Uncertain whether they are more sensi- 
 ble of the loss, or the joy of having possessed 
 such a brother." 
 
 In view of the above exhibition of timely sympa- 
 thy from that kind minister, who with one of the 
 biographers was for several years associated as col- 
 league in the work of the gospel in Philadelphia, 
 we must say with our favourite poet and philoso- 
 pher, and indeed let us apply it to the many who 
 abounded in kindness to our long afflicted but now 
 glorified brother, — 
 
 "I've heard of hearts unkind, unkind deeds 
 With coldness still returning. 
 Alas! the gratitude of men 
 
 Hath oftener left me mourning." 
 
 " IN MEMORY OF THE REV. D. H. G. 
 
 " The case of my friend has such a hold on me thai 
 I cannot shake it off. There is scarcely a night in 
 which I do not dream of him, with dreams of so 
 vivid and half wakeful a character, that their im- 
 pression remains with me through the day. So 
 long as he was alive and there was any hope, he 
 was the object of my anxieties. His long illness, 
 and final decease, have become now the subject of 
 thought. He died in the midst of usefulness. He 
 died in the enjoyment of universal confidence and 
 respect. He died in the satisfaction of unwearied 
 and unbounded love. He was one in whom the 
 spirit "o'er-informed" the flesh. He had a great 
 20 
 
218 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 heart, and its throbbings had worn out its frame. 
 The overworking of the mind had loosed his hold 
 on life. He sank under the shock of the disease 
 which assailed him. Though not for himself too 
 soon, it is too soon for us. His greatness grew with 
 every day. The vigour of his mind grappled all 
 subjects, and could master all. His generous enthu- 
 siasm kindled the hearts that it drew to him with its 
 own fires. And in the last service of his life — his 
 very last developed with all that is bravest in a man, 
 whatever in a woman is most lovely and engaging. 
 
 Of his intellectual character and attainments, of 
 the daily beauty of his social and domestic life, of 
 his Christian walk and conversation, others have 
 spoken, and will speak with fuller opportunities 
 than I could have. Few with a fuller love. I 
 never met with him that we did not warm or grow 
 together. He was a-glow with all the generous in- 
 stincts of humanity. They were refined, in him, and 
 sanctified, by the '-live coal," which seraphs have 
 in hand. He combined most rarely a keen, broad, 
 sound and manly practicalness with the loftiest and 
 most generous enthusiasm. 1 have often thought, 
 „ that had he not been a good theologian, he would 
 have been a good poet. He illustrated this in his 
 zealous devotion to that, which, of all pursuits of 
 men, combines the most of the practical with the 
 best of the poetical, the gospel. It was his favourite 
 study, and most fervent theme. He was in love with 
 it. i; You will say," he said to me, in his own 
 hearty playfulness, "that I have stolen your thun- 
 der!" 
 
REV. D. H. GILLETTE. 219 
 
 His last nets and words were of friendship. And, 
 what I value most of all, I was among the thoughts 
 of his last hours. — None, from beyond the imme- 
 diate circle in which my life is passed, have won 
 from me a livelier interest and affection. No mes- 
 sage from a death-bed has come nearer to my heart, 
 or dwells more warmly there. 
 
 Into the secret place of that venerable mother's 
 sorrow to whom this stroke comes so near, it were 
 rude to enter. Thanks be to God for the revela- 
 tion, which the ages that had wandered from him 
 farthest cherished as a pleasing dream, "that the 
 bolt makes sacred what it strikes!" Her heart 
 bowing says — "Though my son will not return to me, 
 yet I shall go to him." 
 
Note. — Among the many fragments from his 
 gifted mind, which have survived him, our brother 
 left many sermons, fully and carefully written, — but 
 they cannot, in print, carry with them that manner, 
 voice, spirit, look, and impressive pathos, that 
 glowed so brilliantly in their simple delivery. 
 
 The following, we give just as his pen left it. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Sermon preached before the East New Jersey Missionary So- 
 ciety, at its meeting, in the City of Newark, in the summer 
 0/1842, on Christian Faith. 
 
 BY DANIEL H0LER00K GILLETTE. 
 
 «« By faith Noab, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved 
 with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house ; by the which he con- 
 demned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by f.tith." 
 — Uebkews xi. 7. 
 
 All the inspired writers have, with, great earnestness 
 and zeal, insisted on the plan of infinite wisdom. They 
 saw this plan, perfect in all its parts, immutable in 
 all its results, stretching over, and embracing the whole 
 field of their labour, the same eternal and unchanging 
 counsel of God. In this scheme they rejoiced, and upon 
 it they rested; nor did it at all lessen their views of human 
 duty, or weaken their confidence in the instrumentality of 
 man. For though they taught the election of God as sure 
 and indefeasable, yet too frequent had been their attacks 
 with the powers of darkness, and too signal had been their 
 conquests, to allow them to doubt that one of the most effec- 
 tual methods in which God was pleased to accomplish his 
 own purposes among the nations of the earth, is in sending 
 man to work. From the time when men first, began to call 
 upon the name of the Lord, even down to this day, it has 
 been proven clear as demonstration can make it, and to the 
 full satisfaction of every sincere Christian thinker, that with- 
 out faith it is impossible to please God, and in proportion 
 to evpry man's faith in lhr» Lord Jesus Christ, nm] in the 
 20* 
 
222 APPENDIX. 
 
 bright, cheering promises of Jehovah, would be his pleasure 
 and success. The world, overspread with polluted waters, 
 and enshrouded with fogs of corruption, is destined to 
 emerge the flood, peer through the darkness, and roll in eter- 
 nal light. But this has been revealed to man only through 
 the medium of divine communication, and impressed upon 
 his mind by the controlling and transforming influence of the 
 Holy Ghost. In every age, all who obeyed God were led on 
 to duty and to toil, while all they saw was gloomy and terri- 
 fic. Nevertheless, they did not stagger at the promise, for 
 every advancing step increased their vigour for the next, 
 until with more than giant tread they entered their field 
 of action, and with faith's keen eye surveyed it as their in- 
 heritance, won by themselves through Christ, and secured 
 to them by the love and power of God. It was proper for 
 Jehovah to drown the old world because they would not 
 believe on him and repent of their sins; and though he com- 
 manded Noah to build an ark 120 years before the flood, 
 yet so strong was his faith in the wisdom and purposes of 
 God, that he cheerfully entered upon the work; and, awed 
 into reverence, and humility, and believing the world would 
 yet be deluged, with great fervour and zeal he ceased not, 
 during all this time, to preach the acceptable year of the 
 Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God. He left 
 nothing undone, and when the windows of heaven were 
 opened, and the deep could no longer keep her fountains, 
 he calmly looked upon the gathering storm, entered the 
 ark with all his family, and, when millions were driven 
 away in their own wickedness, this bark with her sacred 
 crew, rested beautifully upon its own shadow, borne on 
 and directed by an unseen hand, and was saved from the 
 ruins of an ungodly world. It was the faith of Noah 
 which made him believe that the wicked would be drowned, 
 and through fear to offend, through love to obey God he 
 built an ark, to the saving of his house, from which, on 
 the waves' mountain height, he looked down upon a guilty 
 and condemned world, and by faith and works combined 
 he became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 
 
APPENDIX. 223 
 
 Christian faith is the subject of this discourse; which we 
 shall make the basis of a few thoughts. 
 
 I. On the power, and, 
 
 II. The rewards of faith. 
 
 I. The power of faith. — It is written that faith is the sub- 
 stance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 
 And we have only to adopt the same process of reasoning 
 in spiritual which all enjoy in temporal things, to show the 
 human mind highly susceptible of an exercise by which it 
 yields assent to divine authority without natural proof. 
 This is faith; a principle not more elevated in its nature 
 than glorious in its tendencies, — it is full of grandeur and 
 sublimity. It makes the whole man subservient to all its 
 purposes, withdraws him from the senses, gives him intel- 
 lectual nerve, and advances him in the dignity of a think- 
 ing being. None can possess this principle and be insen- 
 sible of its mightiness — like the fires of Etna, it cannot be 
 confined — its first developments may be only a few feeble 
 corruscations, but anon it bursts forth in full blaze, and burns 
 to immeasurable height. There is no faith without works 
 acceptable with God; and in its simple exercise the saint 
 feels great majesty of mind, and his thoughts seem omni- 
 potent. The momentary interests of self find no place in 
 his soul, and he counts all the sufferings of this present life 
 not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be re- 
 vealed hereafter. His thoughts soar above, and he knows 
 it well adapted not only to the brilliancy of present effect; 
 but to the purpose of more invincible endurance, for on 
 more occasions than one has she arisen like the phoenix 
 from the ashes of desolation, plumed her pinions anew, and 
 with more ample circumference of motion, mounted again 
 towards her native heaven. The child of God drinks down 
 the spirit of unbending audacity, and makes the future 
 predominate over the present, and firmly believes in the 
 existence of things not seen. He bends a keen, piercing 
 glance on the weight of eternal glory, and makes this a 
 constant motive to vigorous, perpetual action. It enables 
 him, though a feeble worm of the dust, to take strong hold 
 
224 APPENDIX. 
 
 upon all the perfections of Deity, and trusting in the vera- 
 city of God, the righteousness of Christ, and the faithfulness 
 of the Holy Ghost, he fastens his hand on the eternal 
 throne, 
 
 " And bids earth roll, nor feels her idle whirl." 
 
 Thus stimulated, he cheerfully practises self-denial and 
 benevolence; and, placing a firm reliance on the faith- 
 fulness and verity of all the divine promises revealed, 
 he evinces the spirit and excellency of his calling by at 
 once, and joyfully, becoming an agent in carrying out 
 that stupendous scheme which is destined to cleanse 
 the earth from every foul blot. And the servants of 
 God have always succeeded in every sacred enterprise 
 in proportion to their faith. Do obstacles arise mountain 
 high? if thy faith be as a grain of mustard seed, thou 
 shalt say to them, Be ye removed, even into the depths 
 of the sea, and they shall obey thee. Faith has hushed 
 the lion's roar, calmed the fierce wave, and dried up the 
 sea. 
 
 Sustained by this, the ancient people of God eagerly 
 looked for the rising of the gospel sun, which by the pur- 
 pose of God, was to beam on the darkened east — to throw 
 light over on the distant west — to encircle the world with its 
 rays, and shine with more than noontide effulgence on all the 
 nations of the earth. Though the religious ceremonies of 
 that ancient economy were but dim shadows of living 
 realities, nevertheless, they became vast sublimities by 
 revealing what is profound and terrible in invisible power, 
 and, by the ardour of the suppliants, seemed about equally 
 blended with beauty and loveliness. So firmly was their 
 confidence fixed in the unseen reality, while they enjoyed 
 the deep, luxuriant shadow, that no earthly power could 
 move them. The patriarch could leave his home and kin- 
 dred, sever all ties of consanguinity, and journey to a dis- 
 tant, unexplored land, led only by the promptings of an un- 
 seen hand — and with equal readiness would he have bathed 
 the dreadful knife in the vitals of his son, had it pleased 
 thp mind of the Lord. Timp would fail us to observe the 
 
APPENDIX. 225 
 
 many striking examples in which the power of faith is 
 seen equalled by no human strength. But let us take one 
 more as seen in the rites of the temple worship, than 
 which nothing can be conceived more imposing and sub- 
 lime ; that the suppliants, while won by the attractions of 
 the scene, might be awed into humility, contrition, and 
 adoration. There were the priests ministering before the 
 Lord in their splendid livery — victims burning upon the 
 altar, from which savoury vapour floated off upon the 
 breezes — skirting the brow of the neighbouring mountains 
 with beautiful festoons. The sound of the golden bells 
 fastened to the high priest's robes, as he entered the holy 
 of holies — mingled with the half uttered and half sup- 
 pressed ejaculations of ten thousand hearts, pleading w T ith 
 God that their offerings might be accepted and their sins 
 forgiven. The vast concourse filling the temple and 
 stretching off in the distance like a forest of moving trees. 
 — These are the brief outlines of a scene that was yearly 
 repeated before the enraptured view of God's ancient peo- 
 ple. But their faith only made their worship acceptable 
 — enabled them to wait patiently for the coming Messiah, 
 and disclosed to their mind a much sublimer scene beyond. 
 They listened to the stirring melody of the prophetic muse, 
 and it seemed as the voice of angels. The abrupt and 
 broken, but mighty accents of the rapt seer, were equally 
 cheering, for they proclaimed liberty to the captives — the 
 opening of prisons to them that are bound — the ultimate 
 destruction of sin, and the universal triumph of peace. All 
 this they firmly believed, and though they little expected 
 to see it, yet they knew that such wquM be the condition 
 of the world, and that all nations would enjoy peace like a 
 river of righteousness — like the waves of the sea. 
 
 Faith, by the great apostle, is called the substance of 
 hope, or of things hoped for, and hope he compares to an 
 anchor: now what is the power of faith but the securing of 
 the soul from all trouble, toil, and affliction'? Yon anchored 
 ship enjoys rest from the labouring sea, and though winds 
 howl through her cordage, and the ocean heave with mad- 
 
226 APPENDIX. 
 
 ness, though the storm rage, and heaven seem discharging 
 its fearful artillery upon the face of the boiling deep, yet 
 neither ship nor crew are in danger either of the might of 
 the tempest, the violence of the impetuous flood, or of 
 the surge-repelling rock, for they have both outrode the 
 storm, and are safely moored in a haven of rest. They 
 watched the breeze, kept an eye upon the polar star, and a 
 hand on the helm, and when they entered the harbour they 
 cast anchor, whose flukes take hold upon the mountain's 
 firm base, and though they may have been brushed by the 
 sweeping wing of the gale, yet now they defy the raging- 
 elements, and rest from all their toil. 
 
 Brethren, we are yet upon life's foaming sea, and our 
 bark, at times, is fearfully tossed by opposing winds and 
 storms; her rigging now and then creaks, she careens to the 
 water's edge, we tremble, lift our hand in fearful weakness, 
 expecting to be overborne; darkness gathers, and discou- 
 ragements ensue. But the cloud parts, the gale subsides, 
 our ship comes erect, and we glide on. and again see our 
 polar star; 'tis the bright star of Bethlehem. A few more 
 such storms and life's toils are past. But we have now 
 an anchor cast within the veil, which fastens on to Christ 
 the rock of ages, a rock rent from before the foundation of 
 the world, to make fastening-places for the anchor of the 
 believing mariner. Let us all hold to that anchor with 
 faith's strong grasp, and no power can harm us. And amid 
 passing elements and revolving worlds we will keep our eye 
 steadily fixed on the mark for the prize of the high calling 
 of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. And by and by, though 
 the shore of eternity be strewn with the broken fragments 
 of ten thousand wrecked barks, yet we, with the whole 
 church of the redeemed, with the entire host of God's elect 
 gathered up and brought in from all the kindreds of the earth, 
 will float in Zion's ship on the unruffled surface of yon 
 sea of glass; through faith we shall reap a rich reward for 
 every sacrifice, sorrow, and affliction. Fathers and brethren, 
 be not wearied in well doing, for in due time ye shall 
 reap if ye faint not; for these light afflictions which are 
 
APPENDIX. 227 
 
 but for a moment work out for us a far more exceeding and 
 eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things 
 which are seen, for they are temporal, but at the things 
 which are not seen, for they are eternal. 
 
 Lord, increase our faith, " for by grace are we saved 
 through faith ; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of 
 God." We are admonished here to speak of the rewards 
 of faith. 
 
 II. The rewards of faith are twofold — they pertain to this 
 and to the world to come. We do not live, however, in an 
 age of council, like that of the third century, when Con- 
 stantine sat on the throne, and was made head of the 
 church, and cruelty oppressed the humble follower of 
 Jesus; neither is it, like the seventh,chivalrousand bloody — 
 when Mahomed, with his creed in one hand and a sword 
 in the other, rode on conquering and to conquer; nor is it 
 like the sixteenth century, when the voice of Luther and 
 Melanchthon shook down profane crucifixes and altars, and 
 made all Europe tremble. 
 
 But this is an age of light and reason — an age in which 
 the truth appears as it is in Jesus, except it be clothed 
 and burdened with the inventions and dogmas of men. 
 And it is our province, as a denomination, to strip off the 
 last vestige of error, and give it to the world, as it came 
 from the Holy Ghost. This day, kings and prophets longed 
 to see, but died without the sight. 
 
 The first advocates of Christianity, though amid the first 
 glory of the gospel and the full blaze of miracle, required 
 then the greater assistance, for they were obliged to en- 
 counter the stronger opposition. Before an indiscriminate 
 throng adopted one common creed; but now a despised 
 few were contending with the world. The proud Pharisee 
 scorned the humble doctrines of the cross; the Sadducee de- 
 nied the resurrection of Christ; and the vile, besotted Gentile 
 worshipped the gods of this world. To all these the church 
 was then destined to administer the bread and water of 
 life; and though few and feeble, yet their faith never failed 
 them. They took the spoiling of their goods joyfully, and, 
 
228 APPENDIX. 
 
 looking through the vista of ages, saw the church in more 
 than its present magnificence and glory. At the first, it 
 seemed as a little stone cut from the mountain without 
 hands — small and unshapely — but they saw it roll on till it 
 became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. They 
 were denounced and persecuted by all nations, but stood 
 unmoved — were happy in flames that consumed them — and, 
 with the sword of the Spirit, slew thousands at their death, 
 and were then ready to be offered ; for they had finished 
 their work ; they had kept the faith, and were fitted for a 
 righteous crown. These now all rest from their labours, 
 but their works follow them. 
 
 But that age, with all its cruelties, is past ; the present, 
 however, does not allow us to be idle. Though sentiments 
 of truth and virtue have made signal triumph and obtained 
 apparent favour in the eyes of the world, yet now even the 
 more arch and subtile are the enemies of the cross. They 
 make every possible and vigorous attempt at success. Their 
 schemes appear harmless— tinctured with sufficient truth 
 to deceive — they shine to allure, and allure to destroy. 
 Human wisdom alone cannot detect them, it requires wis- 
 dom from above — the unrenewed soul can do nothing in 
 the conflict, it requires the light of God's countenance with 
 the light of reason — for these things are spiritually discern- 
 ed. This is the province of the Christian. The humble 
 follower of Jesus alone is able to detect error and arrest 
 vice — he it is, skilled in his Master's cause and learned 
 in the school of Christ, who can investigate every human 
 purpose — trace, in morals, effects to their causes, and fore- 
 see, from every cause, its consequent effect. 
 
 Where now are such men to be found — men who already 
 anticipate the enemy of God, and the recapturing of the 
 world 1 Where, did I say ? They are here before me ; your 
 cause is a noble one, only trace the footsteps of your Lord 
 — imitate his zeal and example. Let not your faith fail 
 you, and by his might giving strength to you ere long 
 death and hell will lie vanquished at your feet. 
 
 But this age teems with diverse sentiments, and its 
 
APPENDIX. 229 
 
 genius is invention. The Bible teaches but one Lord, 
 one faith, one baptism. But thousands who profess to be 
 holy and wise — teach another doctrine. These, untiring 
 in their efforts, and intent on success, like Prometheus, a 
 heathen deity, have stolen from heaven sufficient fire to add 
 life and character to the creeds which their plastic hands 
 have formed from the crude materials of their vile ima- 
 ginings. These must be encountered, and it requires cou- 
 rage, not that which, wrought up by the stimulations of ani- 
 mal passion, or popular applause, can rush with apparent 
 audacity now and then upon the cannon's mouth; but that 
 which, single-handed and alone, can easily withstand all 
 the fiery darts of the adversary — can gaze upon impending 
 and expected calamity, yet never shrink from its purpose. 
 The loftiest mind, guided only by the light of science and 
 nature, is totally unable to grapple with these foes — for they 
 have often involved the adroit metaphysician in the laby- 
 rinths of error and perplexity, from which he could never 
 escape. He alone can safely meet them whose weapons 
 are spiritual, and he has nothing to fear from their power. 
 
 Such are our weapons ; and such is our courage while 
 surveying the world's wide waste, that we have resolved, 
 in the strength of the Lord, to push our spiritual conquests 
 to the utmost bounds of the earth, nor have we resolved 
 in vain. Though our opponents collect all their forces, 
 and summon up all their energy, yet grasping the very 
 pillars of falsehood and vice, with the strength of the blind 
 Samson, and a zeal well worthy of our cause, we can easily 
 demolish the whole fabric, and whelm it in one common 
 ruin. 
 
 We now, at one glance, comprehend a large portion of 
 the human kind, who have no knowledge of the Lord 
 Jesus, and of the way of life : our eye rests on Asia, whose 
 380,000,000 of souls seem to us, like the vale of vision filled 
 with dry bones; and the voice breaks upon our ears, say- 
 ing, Can these bones live? And we reply, O Lord, thou 
 knowest. Our hearts sicken at the sight of so many im- 
 mortal souls who have no hope, and are without God] in 
 21 
 
230 APPENDIX. 
 
 the world, and we offer up this fervent prayer, Come, thou 
 breath of the Lord, and breathe upon these slain, that they 
 may live. We look elsewhere, and the world seems covered 
 with men dead in trespasses and in sins. But the word of 
 God is able to make them alive and bring them forth to a 
 spiritual resurrection. This teaches the way, the truth, 
 and the life, and points to Jesus, and proves that whosoever 
 believeth in hira, though he were dead, yet shall he live. 
 All this we believe: this is the bread of life, and the object 
 of this society is to give it to the world, that the hungry, 
 starving soul may eat and live for ever. 
 
 But human wisdom has laid polluted hands on the 
 Bible in which is wrapped up the last hope of man, 
 and thousands make it teach what it never did teach, 
 framing from its pure pages a thousand spurious creeds, 
 and all claim to be holy and divine. How, and by what 
 means can these evils be avoided, the truth ascertained 
 and given to the nations pure and unmutilated ? The power 
 and means are ours — we have the means to meet the ade- 
 quate expense — an impartial eye to trace every line of the 
 inspired page in the bright sunshine of heaven. It is the 
 impartial disciple who sees that its thoughts are God's 
 thoughts — rays darted directly from light insufferable. This 
 he knows to be a book written by infinite wisdom — drawn 
 from the library of heaven, and thrown out, like the flying 
 roll in prophetic vision, to supply the world with light and 
 knowledge. 
 
 This, brethren, is your prerogative, and will you not 
 improve it? The faith is yours, the ability and works are 
 yours, and the reward will inevitably be yours. An Alex- 
 ander could face all danger to gain a temporal kingdom; 
 but you have no dangers to face, for your leader is invinci- 
 ble, and the kingdom and the greatness of the kingdom un- 
 der the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the 
 saints of the most high God; then shall they receive an 
 everlasting kingdom which cannot be moved. 
 
 Genuine faith in Christ — leads to unbending decision, 
 for the cause is well understood before one step is taken. 
 
APPENDIX. 231 
 
 Such faith, like Galileo with his telescope, views distant 
 worlds as they are, and with burning sympathy commise- 
 rates their woes, yea, like the glass and lever of Archi- 
 medes, it will set on fire the entire fleet, and upheave the 
 battlements of the enemy of God. Such decision and 
 sympathy moves the heart to wipe away the tear of 
 orphan wretchedness, and sooth the widow's anguish, to 
 enter the abodes of incarcerated criminals and soften the 
 stony pillow of the prisoner. 
 
 It was such faith, decision, and zeal, that kindled our 
 present missionary spirit — a spirit which we hope will 
 continue to burn 
 
 "Till the dwellers in the vales and on the rocks 
 Shout to each other, and the mountain tops 
 From distant mountains, catch the flying joy, 
 And nation after nation taught the strain, 
 Earth will roll the rapturous hosanna round." 
 
 O who would not have faith and benevolence; who will 
 withhold more than is meet, when they know it tendeth to 
 poverty? Will not Christians of this peaceful nineteenth 
 century have strong faith in God? Ask of him, and he will 
 give to his Son, and to your Lord, the heathen for his inhe- 
 ritance and the utmost bounds of the earth for his posses- 
 sion. The influence of such faith the proud ocean could not 
 retain, for it impelled Carey to self-denying labours, and 
 brought him to a glorious death among eastern idolaters. 
 It encouraged Bunyan to meet his adversaries calmly and 
 defy their power. To Luther it gave a panoply in which 
 he boldly met the forces of earth and hell in arms. It was 
 this that enabled him to take the writings of the mother 
 of harlots, to cast them into the lire, and exclaim, "Be- 
 cause ye have troubled the saints of the Lord, therefore 
 let eternal fire trouble you." It was faith only that im- 
 parted to him thunder which shook kings upon their thrones, 
 and nerved his arm to seize and overwhelm the strong pil- 
 lars of popery. He read prayerfully, and digested the 
 truths of his Bible — and drank at the fountain of life in the 
 dreary cells of his monastery — and this alone prepared him 
 
232 APPENDIX. 
 
 for those unearthly deeds which broke the repose of a 
 slumbering world. Yet he failed to teach the whole truth. 
 But this privilege, with the power, is put into our hands) 
 and it requires only the faith of Abraham, Noah, Enoch, 
 and Elijah to lift up the lamp of life and cause its mist-dis- 
 pelling rays to shine on every land. 
 
 Brethren, we are all sentinels of Zion and stewards of 
 God's house. We are set to watch for souls as those who 
 must give account — and the money we have is not our own, 
 it belongs to our Lord. How much of it are we willing to 
 give back to him 1 Let us beware lest we be found senti- 
 nels false to our trust — and standing finally at the foot of 
 the throne, perjured stewards having the blood of immor- 
 tal souls on our head and on our hand. Deliver us, O 
 Lord, from blood-guiltiness, and enable us in the judgment 
 to feel that we have given up all for thy sake, and then 
 be able to call the world to witness that we are pure from 
 the blood of all men. With your alms withhold not your 
 prayers, but offer them in faith j and they will ascend into 
 the ear of benignant Heaven, like the exhalations of earth 
 and ocean, to return again in fertilizing drops of mercy 
 upon the soul and society of man. Though you go forth 
 weeping, bearing precious seed, doubtless you will return 
 from the harvest bringing your sheaves with you, and 
 rejoicing. 
 
 But the hour is passing, and we have only to say that the 
 rewards of faith are more fully realized in the world ta 
 come. Here, for self-denial and sacrifice, we have a 
 hundred fold } but in the world to come life everlasting. 
 
 Let the impenitent sinner come with us to the bed of the 
 dying saint who has spent a life of toil in the service of 
 God. He not only dies calmly and resigned, but goes up 
 to glory with souls who were redeemed through his instru- 
 mentality, and says, Here, Lord, am I, and those thou hast 
 given me. O sinner, do you not envy the dying saint his 
 joy] He feels earth recede and heaven draw nigh; 
 
APPENDIX. 233 
 
 " Ilis soul bursts forth in unknown strains, 
 And sings surprising grace. 
 Had I the pinions of a dove, 
 I'd mount yon heavenly road, 
 There sits my Saviour, dressed in love, 
 And there my smiling God. 
 Faith climbs the ladder Jacob saw, 
 It makes the darkest cloud withdraw." 
 
 And the expiring saint, like Payson, who represented 
 God to have once been in his eye as the twinkling of a dis- 
 tant star, but now as coming down upon him like a broad 
 sun, flooding the entire hemisphere with light and glory, 
 feels that he is not a distant pilgrim from the land of pro- 
 mise. Ere life is extinct he seems to be a borderer upon 
 that happy land, and to tread the outskirts of heaven. He 
 feels its genial warmth upon his soul — his ear drinks in 
 the strain of its music, as it floats across the distance 
 — its crowns of glory catch his vision, and he hastens 
 to meet with Him in whom is all his delight. As he ap- 
 proaches the Jordan of death, hitherto broad and cold, now 
 it dwindles to a rill — he leaps it with a single bound — then 
 arises to possess a mansion on high, where the bright 
 beams of the sapphire throne pour for ever on his head, as 
 he sits encompassed with heaven's jasper walls. 
 
 Finally, Oh ! that the saints of God had more and 
 stronger faith ! for by and by Jehovah will not shake earth 
 only, but heaven also ; and where then shall we all be 
 found? have we an ark? have we been moved by holy fear, 
 prepared for the saving of our house — for our own and for 
 the immortal souls of our fellows % and when God shall 
 arise to shake terribly the earth, will our faith condemn 
 the ungodly, and make us heirs of an inheritance which is 
 incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away? O 
 that we could see all of our church arise in that mightiness 
 which God has promised to give them; then would they 
 appear beautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, and 
 terrible as an army with banners. We can boast of the 
 simple truth, and we have only to use faithfully the 
 means we have, and, through the instrumentality of our 
 22 
 
234 APPENDIX. 
 
 hitherto despised denomination, the world will be recap- 
 tured to her rightful Lord. Think of the destruction of the 
 old world, and then look forward to God's coming wrath, 
 and how much more terrible is the future judgment upon 
 the ungodly ! 
 
 Oh! that the impenitent part of this audience might 
 hear, and live. I know of a coming tempest, in which 
 the earth will not only shake, and the sea and waves roar, 
 but the heavens will drop their stars as trees their 
 untimely figs, and the ocean upon which the whole 
 family of man is borne will be stirred and driven into 
 raging foam, and all who have not built an ark by 
 faith — all who have not made Christ their anchorage 
 — though their vessels be laden with reason, and high 
 intelligence, and noble faculty, they will be drifted to and 
 fro, shattered, and dismantled, and, at last, thrown on the 
 shore, fit for the burning. But there are ships which shall 
 not founder in this battle and dissolution of elements. 
 There are ships which shall not be consumed when the sea 
 of fire shall inundate the world. They shall be found upon 
 crystal and tranquil waters, bearing the colours of victory 
 and of peace. Come, now ! all ye that would board them ! 
 — the price is within your reach ! — grasp the standard ! — 
 unfurl the banner ! — let it vibrate upon the breeze ! Then 
 you can proclaim victory, and say, "I know that my 
 Redeemer liveth." 
 
J. B. LIPPINOOTT & CO., 
 
 BOOKSELLERS & PUBLISHERS, 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 Respectfully inform the public that they have 
 recently purchased the Copyright and Plates, of 
 the following invaluable work, with the balance of 
 the present edition, (printed in six volumes super- 
 royal octavo,) which they are now selling at the 
 reduced price of $2,00 per volume. A liberal dis- 
 count will be made to agents and those who buy 
 to sell. 
 
 I^HE COMPREHENSIVE COMMENTARY ON 
 _ THE HOLY BIBLE; containing the Text accord 
 ing to the authorized version; Scott's Marginal refe- 
 rences; Matthew Henry's Commentary, condensed, but 
 retaining every useful thought; the Practical Observa- 
 tions of Rev. Thomas Scott, D. I).; with extensive ex- 
 planatory, critical, and philological Notes, selected from 
 Scott, Doddridge, Gill, Adam Clarke, Patrick, Poole, 
 Lowth, Burder, Manner, Calmet, Rosenmucller, Bloom- 
 field, Stuart, Bush, Dwight, and many other writers on 
 the Scriptures. The whole designed to be a digest and 
 combination of the advantages of the best Bible Com- 
 mentaries, and embracing nearly all that is valuable 
 in Henry, Scott, and Doddridge: conveniently arranged 
 for family and private reading, and, at the same time, 
 particularly adapted to the wants of Sabbath School 
 Teachers, and Bible Classes; w ith numerous useful Ta- 
 bles, and a neatly engraved Family record. Edited by 
 Rev. William Jknks, I). I)., Paster of Green Street 
 Church, Boston. Embellished with jive portraits, and 
 other elegant engravings, from steel plates; with several 
 Maps and many wood cuts, illustrative of Scripture 
 manners, customs, antiquities, &c. 
 
( 2 ) 
 
 'Perhaps there has never been offered to the patronage of 
 the American public, a work of greater magnitude and import- 
 ance, nor of a religious character, involving so much expense 
 to the publisher, as the Comprehensive Commentary — and it 
 may be added with truth, never has one been received with 
 more universal approbation, or sustained with more important 
 testimonials. It embraces, in one work, nearly every thing of 
 value in numerous popular Commentaries, (the purchase of which 
 would require a large sum,) together with a vast amount of 
 matter drawn from other sources, calculated to illustrate the 
 sacred text, while the price, all things considered, is undoubtedly 
 less than that of any work ever issued from the press of an 
 American publisher. It is well printed, on fine paper, and neatly 
 and durably bound. The Maps arc done in a new style, on 
 steel, by Jlnnin, from new designs, and are among the finest 
 specimens of the art. The Engravings, also on steel, (Frontis- 
 pieces and Vignette Titles,) have been done by the first artists, 
 at an expense of frem $200 to $300 each. The outlines are 
 from paintings by the old masters; the wood-cuts are all illustra- 
 tive of the manners and customs, natural history, botany, &c, 
 of the Bible, and cannot but be useful and acceptable, and are 
 a novelty in such a work. On the whole, it is believed all 
 will admit, that it is what it has been pronounced to be — a credit 
 to the country, " and a truly national work.'" It is admirably 
 fitted for the use of families; and meets the wants of every one 
 who desires to study the Scriptures understandingly, while to the 
 Sabbath School Teacher it is almost indispensable, and to the 
 Minister of the Gospel, a treasure. To the latter, the publishers 
 especially look for countenance and aid in their undertaking. 
 
 The work is designed to accomplish the following pur- 
 poses: 1st. To combine, as far as possible, in one work of 
 reasonable and convenient compass, at a price to bring it within 
 the reach of all, the peculiar excellencies and advantages of 
 Henry's, Scott's, and Doddridge'' s Commentaries, (confessedly 
 the most popular and useful in the language,) together with a 
 large quantity of other matter, explanatory and illustrative of 
 the Scriptures, from other sources. 2d. To present the whole, 
 thus collected and combined, in a form at once attractive and 
 convenient for family use and private readings with special 
 reference to the wants of Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes. 
 3d. In the selections, the aim has been, throughout, on the one 
 hand, to be as full as possible, drawing largely from the rich 
 
( 3 ) 
 
 sources opened by a range of as many as a hundred authors; 
 and, on the other hand, to guard against tediousness and repul- 
 siveness.by too great minuteness. The design lias been to draw 
 out the best parts of the best writers, with a strict watchful- 
 ness that every part should be evangelical, plain, familiar, 
 and applicator!/, and adapted to the exigencies of our country 
 and the times, and suited to the wants of the great body of the 
 people. To this end, all words in foreign languages are omitted 
 in the critical notes and quotations. 
 
 Each of the leading Commentaries forming the main body 
 of this work has its peculiar advantages, and its friends and 
 admirers; and each has its defects. It is hoped that here, the 
 advantages of all will be found combined without their defects, 
 so that the admirers of each may here meet on common ground. 
 To accomplish this object, great care has been taken. The Text, 
 according to the authorized version in common use, is arranged 
 in a column by itself, to admit of its being read independently 
 of all remarks; to this are added the popular and full Mar- 
 ginal References of Scott, entire, Henry's Exposition or Com- 
 mentary will be found slightly abridged, or, more properly, 
 perhaps, condensed; but every useful and important thought 
 is retained, and in his own language, and this is also placed by 
 itself in columns parallel with and by the side of the text, so 
 as to be read independently of all the rest. At the end of every 
 suitable division of the text, are placed the Practical Observa- 
 tions of Scott, arranged separately as in his own work; and at 
 the bottom of the page is a large body of explanatory, illustrative, 
 and Critical Notes, containing whatever in addition is valuable 
 in Scott and Doddridge, with copious selections from Adam 
 Clarke, Gill, Burder, Calmet, Rosenmueller, Bloomfield and 
 many other authors. Wherever it is practicable, wood engravings, 
 illustrative of the subjects, arc introduced. Thus an amalga- 
 motion of the different authors is carefully guarded against 
 <md 9 each reader -may often consult his own favourite. In 
 the notes, also, the manners and customs, natural history, 
 geography, botany, &c, of the Bible, are fullv illustrated. 
 
 It is therefore belie\cd that this work oilers to the reader 
 more advantages than the possession of the works of Henry, 
 Scott, and Dofldrrdge themselves would, even could they altoge- 
 ther be procured at the same expense; as he is saved the trou- 
 ble of turning over and searching for a passage in three different 
 works, and finding much of the same matter in all, besides having 
 the additional views of many other esteemed writers. 
 
In the abridgment of Henry, great carefulness has been used, 
 so that his most jealous friends should not he offended by any 
 liberties taken; and it is confidently believed it will be found 
 much more pleasant reading in this form than in the original. 
 
 On the doctrines, it may confidently be asserted that Henry, 
 Scott, and Doddridge speak their own opinions unadulterated 
 and entire. Where any thing has been omitted from Scott, it 
 w T as because it was anticipated in the remarks of Henry. 
 
 In the mechanical department, the publishers have exerted 
 themselves to the utmost to present the work in a handsome 
 and durable form, and have spared no pains nor expense to pro- 
 cure materials, having imported every work which they could 
 learn would be of essential service to the Editor. In preparing 
 the work, also, the Editor has had access to two or three of 
 the most valuable Libraries in America* 
 
 To render the Comprehensive Commentary the most com- 
 plete work of the kind in the English language, and as perfect 
 a help to the study of the Bible as possible, the publishers 
 have issued a sixth or supplementary volume, uniform in size, 
 paper, binding, and price, with the regular volumes, and super- 
 intended by the same editor. Its principal contents are as 
 follow : 
 
 I. A VERY FULL AND COMPLETE ALPHABETICAL INDEX of all 
 
 the matters discussed in the Commentary. The importance 
 of this must be obvious. It will enable any one to turn, readily 
 and without delay, to every passage in the Bible and Commen- 
 tary, where any given fact, opinion, or sentiment is touched upon ; 
 thus bringing together, for comparison, on each topic, all the 
 different remarks scattered through more than 4000 pages ; 
 saving much time, which must, for want of such a help, be con- 
 sumed in tedious researches, oftentimes in a great degree fruitless. 
 In this respect, there is a great deficiency in the works of Henry, 
 Scott, Clarke, and others, which any person who has had 
 occasion to consult them extensively, must have frequently 
 felt. In such extended works, an index of this kind is invalu- 
 able, not only to the Minister and Sabbath School Teacher, but 
 to every student of the Bible. How often, indeed, does it 
 happen, that one wishes to consult the Commentary on some 
 subject, and to examine it fully and in detail, when the remarks 
 upon it may be scattered through all the volumes, and based, 
 perhaps, upon twenty different passages of Scripture, to find 
 which would require much time and careful attention? Such 
 
( 5 ) 
 
 an Index would at once place them all as it were under the 
 eye. 
 
 II. A New, Full, and Complete Concordance; illustrated 
 with monumental, tiaditional, and oriental engravings, founded 
 on Butterwortli's, with Crudea's Definitions; forming, it is 
 believed, on many accounts, a more valuable work than either 
 Butterworth, Cruden, or any other similar book in the language. 
 The value of a Concordance is now generally understood, and 
 those who have used one consider it indispensable in connexion 
 with the Bible. 
 
 III. A Guide to the Reading and Study of the Bible; 
 being Carpenter's valuable Biblical Companion, lately published 
 in London, containing a complete History of the Bible, and 
 forming a most excellent introduction to its study. It embraces 
 the Evidences of Christianity, Jewish antiquities, manners, 
 customs, arts, Natural History, &c, of the Bible, with Notes 
 and Engravings added. 
 
 IV. Complete Biographies of Henry, by Williams ; Scott, 
 by ins Son; Doddridge, by Orton; with sketches of the lives 
 and characters, and notices of the works of the writers on the 
 Scriptures, who are quoted in the Commentary, living and 
 <lead, American and foreign. This part of the volume not 
 only affords a large quantity of interesting and useful reading for 
 pious families, but will also be a source of gratification to all 
 those who are in the habit of consulting the Commentary, — 
 every one naturally feeling a desire to know some particulars of 
 the lives and characters of those whose opinions he seeks. 
 Appended to this part will be a Bibliotheca Biblica, or lisj of 
 the best works on the Bible, of all kinds, arranged^under their 
 appropriate beads. 
 
 V. A Complete Index of the matter contained in the Bible 
 Text. 
 
 VI. A Symbol Dictionary. A very comprehensive and valu- 
 able. Dictionary of Scripture Symbols, (occupying about fifty-six 
 closely printed pages,) by Thomas Wemyss, (author of" Biblical 
 Gleanings, 1 &c.) Comprising Daubnz, Lancaster, Hutche- 
 Bon, &c. 
 
 VII. The work contains several otiif.r Articles, Indexes, 
 Tables, &c, &c, and is, 
 
 VIII. Illustrated by a large Plan of Jerusalem, identi- 
 fying, as far as tradition, &c., go, t!:: 1 original sites, drawn on 
 the spot, bv F. Gather wood, of London, architect. AIfo, 
 
 ! 
 
( 6 ) 
 
 two steel engravings of Portraits of seven foreign and eight 
 American Theological writers, and numerous wood engravings. 
 
 The whole forms a desirable and necessary accompaniment 
 to the original work, and affords a great fund of instruction for 
 the use not only of Clergymen and Sabbath School Teachers, 
 but also for families. When the great amount of matter it must 
 contain is considered, it will be deemed exceedingly cheap, 
 and could not be afforded, at the price proposed, ex- 
 cept in connexion with the Commentary, the value of which 
 it greatly enhances. 
 
 gO^The work is bound and lettered exactly to match the 
 Commentary, forming a sixth volume. Some copies are also 
 bound without the index to the Commentary, and published 
 under the title of "A COMPANION TO THE BIBLE," 
 designed to accompany the Family Bible, or Henry's, Scott's, 
 Clarke's, Gill's, or other Commentaries. 
 
( 7 ) 
 NOTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COMPREHENSIVE COMMENTARY. 
 
 The Publishers select the following, from the testimonials they have 
 received as to the value of the work: — 
 We the Subscribers having examined the volume of the Comprehensive 
 Commentary, just issued from the press of Messrs. Fessenden &, Co., and 
 highly approving its character, would cheerfully and confidently re- 
 commend it as containing more matter and more advantages than any 
 other with which we are acquainted; and, considering the expense in- 
 curred, and the excellent manner of its mechanical execution, we believe 
 it to be one of the cheapest works ever issued from the press. We hope 
 the publishers will be sustained by a liberal patronage, in their expensive 
 and useful undertaking. We should be pleased to learn that every fa- 
 mily in the United States had procured a copy. 
 
 B. B. WISNER, D. D. Secretary of Am. Board of Com. for For. Missions- 
 
 WM. COGSWELL, D. D. " " Education Society. 
 
 JOHN CODMAN, D. D. Pastor of Congregational Church, Dorchester. 
 
 WARREN FAY, D. D. " " » Charlestown. 
 
 Rev. G. W. BLAGDEN, " « " Salem-st. Bos. 
 
 Rev. HUBBARD WINSLOW, " « Bowdoin-st. " 
 
 Rev. SEWALL HARDING, Pastor of T. C. Church, Waltham. 
 
 Rev. J. H. FAIRCHILD, Pastor of the Cong. Church, South-Boston. 
 
 GARDINER SPRING, D. D. Pastor of Presb. Chh. JYcio York city. 
 
 CYRUS MASON, D. D. « " « « « 
 
 THOS. McAULEY, D. D. " " « " « 
 
 JOHN WOODBRIDGE, D. D. " « « " « 
 
 THOS. DEWITT, D. D. « Dutch Ref. « " « 
 
 E. W. BALDWIN, D. D. " » " « « 
 
 Rev. J. M. McKREBS, " Presb. " « « 
 
 Rev. ERSKINE MASON, " " « « " 
 
 Rev. J.S.SPENCER, «< " « Brook/an. 
 
 EZRA STILES ELY, D. D. Stated Clerk of Gen. Ossein, of Presb. Chh. 
 
 JOHN MDO WELL, D. D. Permanent" " 
 
 JOHN BRECKENRIDGE, Cor. Scc'y of Assembly's Board of Education. 
 
 SAMUEL B. WYLIE, D. D. Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Chh. 
 
 N. LORD, D. D. President of Dartmouth College. 
 
 JOSHUA BATES, D. D. " Middlebury « 
 
 H. HUMPHREY, D.D.« Amherst 
 
 E. D. G I U FFI N , D . D . " WUUamstown " 
 
 J. WHEELER, D. D. " University of Vermont, at Burlington. 
 
 J. M. MATTHEWS, D.D. " JS'eio York city University. 
 
 ( ; BO. E. )'I ERCE, D. D." Western Reserve College, Ohio. 
 
 Rov. DR. BROWN. « Jefferson College, Penn. 
 
 LEONARD WOODS, D. D. Prof, of Theolnny, Andovcr Seminary. 
 
 THOS. H. SKINNER, D. D. " Sac. Rhet. " " late of Phil 
 
 Rev. RALPH EMERSON, « EccL Hist. 
 
( 8 ) 
 
 Rev. JOEL PARKER, Pastor of Presb. Church, jXeic Orleans. 
 
 JOEL HAWES, D. D. " Co7i<r. « Hartford, Conn. 
 
 JN. S. S. BEAMAN, D. D. " Presb. " Troy, N. Y. 
 
 MARK TUCKER, D. D. " " « 
 
 Rev. E. N. KIRK, " " " .*tay, " 
 
 Rev. B. B. EDWARDS, Erf. of Quarterly Observer. 
 
 Rev. STEPHEN MASON, Pas/or 1st Cona. Church, Nantucket. 
 
 Rev. ORIN FOWLER, « " » " Full River. 
 
 WILLIAM M. ENGLES. Editor of the Presbyterian. 
 
 GEORGE W. BETHUNE,D.D. Pastor of the First Reformed Butch Ch. 
 
 The following arc Extracts from Letters to the Publishers, and Notices 
 in Periodicals. 
 
 Dr. Humphrey. President of Amherst College. 'The execution of 
 the plan thus far exceeds my high expectations: I have Henry, Dod- 
 dridge, and Scott, and admire them all; but to say that your great work 
 promises, when completed, to be more valuable than either, would be 
 little more than saying that the best things in the three combined must 
 be better than any one of them alone.' 
 
 Dr. Lord, President of Dartmouth College. 'I have made conside- 
 rable examination of the Comprehensive Commentary, and am satisfied 
 of its superiority over all others which I have seen for the purposes 
 intended.' 
 
 Dr. Griffin, President of Williams College. ' The Comprehensive 
 Commentary appears to be on a plan better than any other which I have 
 seen, and, judging from a short examination, and from the strong testi- 
 mony of the ministers of Boston and vicinity, 1 have no doubt the exe- 
 cution is as good as the design.' 
 
 Dr Hawks, Hartford. 'The plan and execution, so far as I have 
 been able to examine, I highly approve. * * * I sincerely hope that the 
 work may have a wide circulation, and any thing I can do to aid it, 
 shall be done cheerfully.' 
 
 Dr. Wisner, Secretary of American Board of Foreign Missions. 'I 
 am exceedingly pleased with the volume published of the Comprehen- 
 sive Commentary. 1 have all along had strong confidence that it would 
 be well done, but my expectations are more than realized.' 
 
 Dr. Matthews, Chancellor of .Yew York city Vnirtrsitu. * I had ex- 
 pected that the Comprehensive Commentary would be a valuable work; 
 but, judging from the volume on the Gospels, it exceeds my expectations. 
 It gives us Henry nearly at large; and superadds a synopsis of what is 
 important in many of the other most enlightened commentaries on ihe 
 Bible. I have no hesitation in saying, that I shall esteem it the most 
 valuable Commentary in our language, should it be finished as it has 
 been commenced.' 
 
 New York, Aug. 2.% 1834. J. M. MATTHEWS. 
 
 Dr. Bates, President of Middlehury College. 'I am free to express 
 my entire approbation of the work, both in respect to the editorial la- 
 bours, and the mechanical execution. Notwithstanding my previous 
 high opinion of the Editor, the present specimen of the work altogether 
 
( 9 ) . 
 
 exceeds my high expectations. Most sincerely do I hope that it will 
 obtain an extensive (and I might say universal) circulation through our 
 country and in England. Besides the other qualities which recommend 
 it, it possesses one of great importance to English Literature, viz. that 
 of possessing the same Saxon purity, both as to the choice of words, and 
 to idiomatic arrangement in the Commentary (Henry) as characterizes 
 the Text of the Bible, which Fisher Ames used to say had done more to 
 guard against the corrupting influence of foreign words and idioms, and 
 thus to preserve the purity and simplicity of the English language, than 
 all other causes combined.' 
 
 From Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D. Pres. of Lane Theoi. Seminary, Ohio' 
 
 Of evangelical expositors of the Bible, Henry and Scott are among 1 
 the best for family use. The Comprehensive Commentary is intended 
 to include, in a condensed form, the excellencies of both, with copious 
 explanatory notes from all the best critics and commentators. From 
 what I know personally of the publishers and the editor of the work, 
 and from what I know of its execution, I am persuaded it will meet the 
 expectation of subscribers, and be cheaper and better for Family use 
 than any other; and that it will be a treasure to any family who shall 
 obtain it: and I cordially recommend it for universal family use.' 
 
 LYMAN BEECHER. 
 
 Dn. Woods, Professor of Theology in Andover Seminary. ' I hope it 
 will be extensively circulated, and doubt not that it will be very useful 
 in Bible classes, as well as in the study of Ministers, and the closets of 
 private Christians.' 
 
 Rev. Asa Cummings, Editor of Christian Mirror, and author of Memoir 
 of Pay son. 'It is with no ordinary degree of pleasure that I can express 
 myself satisfied with the Comprehensive Commentary — it is far superior 
 to what 1 have dared to expect.' 
 
 From the Professors at Princeton Theol. Seminary. 
 
 'The Comprehensive Commentary contains the whole of Henry's 
 Exposition in a condensed form, Scott's Practical Observations and 
 Marginal References, and a large number of very valuable philological 
 and critical notes, selected from various authors. — The work, as far as it 
 has proceeded, appears to be executed with judgment, fidelity, and care; 
 and will furnish a rich treasure of scriptural knowledge to the Biblical 
 student, and to the teachers of Sabbath Schools and Bible classes.' 
 
 A. ALEXANDER D. D. 
 
 SAMUEL MILLER, D. D. 
 
 CHARLES HODGE, D. D. 
 
 From the Professors at Bangor Theological Seminary, fy-c. 
 
 'This certifies that we have examined to some extent the volume of 
 the Comprehensive Commentary, recently issued from the press; and 
 although from our knowledge of the design and plan of the publication, 
 and of the qualifications and character of the gentlemen concerned in it, 
 avo had no doubt as to its general interest and importance, we must say 
 that our expectations are more than realized. The work is altogether 
 one of great value, and merits the attention and patronage, not only of 
 
( io ) 
 
 private Christians, and those concerned in Sabbath Schools, but of the 
 public teachers of religion also.' 
 
 ENOCH POND, Prof, of Theology, Thr.ol. Seminary, Bangor. 
 A EVAN BOND, " Biblical Lit. " 
 L. S. POMROY. Pastor of 1st Con <r relational Church, " 
 JOHN MALTBY, " Hammond-si. " 
 American Quarterly Observer. ' We have looked over the first 
 volume of this long expected work, with great satisfaction. * * * Henry 
 is permitted to speak his own sentiments in his own quaint and admi- 
 rable manner. The notes are selected with taste and judgment. * * * 
 We are well satisfied that it has been done judiciously and faithfully.' 
 
 Boston Recorder. ' We are glad to learn that the publishers have 
 received many names as patrons of the work from various porlions of 
 the United States; we think now that they can present a volume libe- 
 rally "got up" as this is in respect to engravings, paper, printing and 
 binding, and combining so many advantages, their list will receive daily 
 additions, and the cheapness of the work is such that they can only be 
 remunerated from extended sales.' 
 
 New Hampshire Observer. 'The excellence of the design is too 
 obvious to be mentioned. To bring together in one work what, is most 
 valuable in all our commentaries, for about the price of one of them, is 
 certainly doing the public a great service. Such a work, tolerably exe- 
 cuted, must, we think, take the place of all other Commentaries for ge- 
 neral reading.' 
 
 New York Observer. Whoever des-ires to obtain the exposition of 
 Matthew Henry, along with the better part of Scott and Doddridge, and 
 the most valuable criticisms on the English text, of Adam Clarke, Gill, 
 Iiurder and others, will do well to subscribe for the Comprehensive 
 Commentary. The character of the editor is a sufficient guarantee for 
 the remaining volumes, that neither learning, integrity nor industry, 
 will be wanting to render them worthy cf the most extensive patronage. 
 New York Evangelist. 'The Editor is well known as a gentleman 
 of extensive learning and deep research, and in this work he has dis- 
 played a good judgment in the selection of notes. It is handsomely 
 printed, well bound, and on good paper. We hope the publishers will 
 take special pains to gain the assistance of American ministers. The 
 note from Dr. Wisner,on Euke xxiv. 3G— 4- 1 , is a sample of what might 
 be done by American writers in making portions of Scripture tell upon 
 the Christian action of the church. The work has been unusually fortu- 
 nate in obtaining the commendation of ministers!' 
 
 Conn. Observer. Comprehensive Commentary. 'The publishers of 
 the Comprehensive Commentary, seem determined to make it as near 
 perfect as it can be made by care, and labour and expense. It bears 
 examination well, and the attentive reader after a thorough perusal will 
 doubtless assent to the correctness of the remark, that aside from ait its 
 other excellencies it presents the commentaries on which it is baaed in a 
 better shape than the originals.' 
 
 Vermont Chronicle. 'We have examined parts of it with a good 
 deal of care; and can assure subscribers and others, that the work is in 
 all respects faithfully done. Having taken pains to compare the abridg- 
 ments of Henry, and the extracts from Scott with the originals, to con- 
 
( 11 ) 
 
 siderable extent, and looked ciitieally at the notes from other sources, 
 we have no hesitation in saying that, in our opinion, it is very decidedly 
 superior, in many important respects, to any Commentary ever pub- 
 lished in this country. The admirers of Henry have the substance of 
 his Commentary faithfully before them, in his own language, and fitted 
 to be more generally useful by the removal of repetitions and other re- 
 dundancies, and the omission of words and phrases that are ill-judged 
 and in bad taste. The selections from Scott and Doddridge have been 
 carefully and judiciously made. The miscellaneous notes from other 
 sources are the result of extensive reading, and furnish a great mass of 
 illustrative facts and hints that can be found together nowhere else. 
 Large libraries, accessible only to the few, have here been laid under 
 contribution for the service of all. The whole has been prepared for 
 popular use, and is conveniently arranged. As to its orthodoxy, and 
 the spirit that it breathes, we need only say that Henry, Scott, and Dod- 
 dridge, are permitted to speak out their views and feelings fully, and 
 that with these, the other materials are in harmony. The price is very 
 low — so low as to place the work within the means of almost every one. 
 Many thousands of copies of Henry and Scott have been sold among us 
 at a higher price. Can pastors do a better service to the interests of 
 religion, in any similar way, than by exerting themselves to introduce 
 this work among the people of their charge?' 
 
 From the Literary and Theological Review, New York, Edited by Rev. 
 Leonard Woods, Jr. 
 
 1 While the standard Commentaries in our language certainly have 
 great excellencies, they also have glaring defects, and it was a good 
 thought to form a commentary which should combine the excellencies 
 and exclude the defects of our most approved interpreters of the Bible. 
 Such is the object of the Comprehensive Commentary. The task was 
 certainly a difficult one, and failure would not have been strange. But 
 it has been accomplished thus far, under the auspices of the learned and 
 able editor, in such a way as to realize the expectations of the public. 
 We have no doubt that the best and only way of promoting a thorough 
 knowledge of the Scriptures, is for writers to devote themselves to the 
 more careful study of particular books. The whole Bible is too large a 
 field to be successfully cultivated by a single hand, hence we think the 
 labours of Prof. Stuart, Robinson, Bush and others, are far more wisely 
 directed in being employed on particular portions of the Sacred Word, 
 than in being extended like those of some others over the whole Bible. 
 
 This opinion, however, does not diminish our approbation of the at- 
 tempt to render the riches of scripture knowledge and particular in- 
 struction already existing in the Language, more available by the great 
 mass of the community. The one is an effort to elevate the standard 
 of Biblical learning — the other to disseminate the knowledge already 
 accumulated; and for the latter object no work on the Scriptures which 
 we have seen is better calculated than the Comprehensive Commentary. ' 
 
 From the Portland, (Me.) Christian Mirror, Edited by Rev. Asa Cummings, 
 
 author of Life of Pay son. 
 
 1 When the first volume of this work made its appearance, we spoke 
 
 with a measure of caution, as to its merits. From the time of issuing 
 
 the Prospectus, we have heard good men express fears, that it was to 
 
( is ) 
 
 favour a mitigated theology, and weaken the hold of the Churches upon 
 "the faith once delivered to the saints." We of course felt it incum- 
 bent on us to wait till we could examine it with some care before ex- 
 pressing a full and decided judgment of its merits. We have accord- 
 ingly made it a part of the business of every week to consult the Com- 
 prehensive Commentary, and the examination has afforded us a degree 
 of satisfaction which we did not anticipate. So far from commending it 
 with reluctance, we feel that we should do wrong to withhold an ex- 
 pression of approbation. — This we give in the language of the Editors of 
 the Protestant Vindicator, — and we could not use stronger.' 
 
 New York Protestant Vindicator. 'Having devoted nearly a 
 whole day to a close scrutiny of its contents, we are able to express a 
 decisive opinion respecting its merits and its claims to public patronage. 
 Of the quantity of matter contained in this volume an accurate idea 
 may be formed from one remark. The Commentary of Henry, and the 
 practical observations of Scott, are published nearly entire. The addi- 
 tional notes are selected from a regiment of authors, for we ascertained 
 that there are nearly fifty different writers quoted in the first four chap- 
 ters only of the gospel by Matthew. The decorations are fine specimens 
 of the artist's skill and are judiciously selected, .is printers, we pro- 
 nounce, that the mechanical execution of this volume cannot be sur- 
 passed until some additional discovery in the typographical art gives 
 more accuracy of composition and lucidness to ink, for we have not 
 encountered one literal error or a stray "Monk or Friar," through any 
 of the "foryns," which we have deliberately perused. These topics, 
 however, although they comprise economy, taste and even the multi- 
 plication of books at a price so low that there is not a Christian parent 
 in this republic " Giory to God in the highest," who cannot procure 
 them; yet these attractions are "altogether lighter than vanity," when 
 placed in competition with the momentous inquiry, — Does the Compre- 
 hensive Commentary on the Holy Bible speak " as the truth is in Jesus?" 
 To this ineffably important inquiry, we give a deliberate answer. As 
 we have already staled, we have extensively searched the volume which 
 comprises the four Gospels. We have amply scrutinized its pages in 
 reference to the fundamental doctrines of Christian theology, and our 
 examination has been very gratifying. The passages which we most 
 inquisitively explored included the topics to which the principal modern 
 controversies advert, and especially the cardinal points " of the faith 
 which was once delivered to the saints." We have not stumbled upon 
 a comment that in our opinion is contrary to "that which is noted in 
 the Scriptures of truth." — We therefore, most conscientiously avow our 
 preference of the " Comprehensive Commentary on the Holy Bible," 
 to any others, or rather we say all others. 
 
 It must be remembered this is not an ephemeral publication. A sum 
 of money the ordinary interest of which is amply sufficient to support 
 any temperate family in comfort, must be expended and laid up only in 
 the Stereotype plates, which are requisite to complete the work. We 
 have often recommended books to the perusal of our brethren and friends, 
 but never have we performed that duty with such deep solicitude; as 
 we now advise all who duly value the "one pearl of great price, 1 ' to 
 buy this most "goodly pearl."' 
 
 Salem, (Mass.) Landmark. ' We have no hesitation of giving it as 
 
13 ) 
 
 ou? opinion, that for the greater portion of readers, this work will be 
 more valuable than the separate Commentaries of the various eminent 
 men who have just been named. The most important matter that these 
 severally contain is here collected together, and the reader can be fur- 
 nished with it without looking through a number of volumes. 
 
 There is a rich variety of notes supplying abundant information re- 
 specting the geography, and the manners and customs of the country 
 in which the writers of the Bible lived. * * * The Sabbath School 
 teacher will find it an able coadjutor in the instruction of his class.' 
 
 Christian Intelligencer. {New York city. From the pen of the Rev. 
 W. C. Brownlee, D. D.) • The able Editor is the Rev. Dr. Jenks, of Bos- 
 ton; one in whom the evangelical community have full and unshaken con- 
 fidence. We call the attention particularly of young clergymen, and of 
 all lovers of sound and practical truth, to this great work. Were I again 
 to select my books of this character, and were 1 to have my choice of 
 this work on the one hand, and of Henry, Scott, and Doddridge, I would 
 decidedly choose this work. Besides the choice being one suggested 
 by economy, which is always something to young clergymen, I should 
 in that case have every leading sentiment and valuable idea of these 
 favourite Commentators set down together on the page before me, and 
 thereby save much time and trouble in examining each of them apart. I 
 have had this volume under examination for several months, and for one 
 I say deliberately that the more I examine it, the more I am convinced 
 of its intrinsic value and superior excellence. It appears evident to us 
 that the able and truly estimable Editor has faithfully exhibited the 
 doctrinal sentiments of Henry, Scott, and Doddridge. It would be ex- 
 tremely difficult to detect a single omission of any real consequence. 
 And the labour and industry of Dr. Jenks in quoting and culling valu- 
 able sentiments from such a host of writers, is really astonishing. The 
 grand and precious doctrines of the gospel are carefully exhibited in this 
 work. And we must add, that we have not yet met with one sentiment 
 which the devout and intelligent Christian who embraces the doctrines 
 in the standard of the Reformed Churches can with any show of justice 
 find fault with. Hence it is a work of exceedingly great value to the 
 private Christian, and to the heads of families. 
 
 It exhibits a most correct and truly beautiful specimen of printing. 
 * * * Here is an honest appeal to every patriot, who is called on to en- 
 courage domestic enterprise, and the arts and manufactures among us; 
 and to every lover of the gospel of Jesus, to patronise the excellent Edi- 
 tor and enterprising publishers, who are undertaking such a laborious 
 work, and embarking such immense capital in the laudable endeavour to 
 promote evangelical truth and diffuse the knowledge of our Saviour 
 throughout the land. 
 
 We conclude by earnestly recommending this work to our brethren 
 and friends. It is indeed " a goodly pearl," which every devout and 
 good man should seek to possess in his family, for his own benefit and 
 that of his children. W. C. B.' 
 
 The Philadelphian. {Edited by Rev. Ezra Stiles Ely, D. D.) ■ The 
 work we confidently expect will be as valuable as any two, if not three, 
 of the Commentaries from which extracts are made, and all, we repeat it, 
 for fifteen dollars. We like the plan and execution of the work. 
 
 1 Having so far examined the Comprehensive Commentary now in 
 2 
 
( I* ) 
 
 course of publication by Fessendcn <£• Co., and edited by Rev, Dr. Jenks, 
 as to be satisfied of its great advantages over those of any other work of 
 the kind extant; — in addition to the already copious recommendations, 
 from a large number of highly distinguished clergymen, Presidents of 
 Colleges and other literary gentlemen in the Northern and Middle 
 States, we would cheerfully commend the work to the Southern com- 
 munity as one of great and permanent value — highly worthy the patron- 
 age of all — especially heads of Families and Bible Class and Sunday 
 School Teachers; and we cannot but cherish the hope that it will be re- 
 ceived with the favour and patronage which its merits deserve, and 
 which are so indispensable to the arduous and expensive enterprise of 
 publishing so extensive and valuable a work.' 
 
 Rev. ST EPH EN TAYLOR, Pastor of 2d Presb. Church, Richmond, Va. 
 Rev. H. KEELING, 3d Baptist " " " 
 
 Rev. GEO. WOODBRIDGE, Rector of Christ " " ' 
 
 Rev. JAMES B. TAYLOR. Pastor of 2d Baptist " " 
 
 Rev. A. CONVERSE, Editor of So. Rcl Telegraph, Richmond, Ya. 
 Rev. WM. S. WHITE, Gen. Agent of Virginia Tract Society. 
 
 From Clergymen in Baltimore. 
 
 1 I cordially approve of the plan and design of the Comprehensive 
 Commentary, and of the execution of the work, so far as a cursory ex- 
 amination of the volume published qualifies me to judge of it, and I re- 
 commend it to the people of my pastoral charge and others, as a work 
 well deserving of their patronage.' 
 
 WILLIAM NEVINS, 
 Pastor of the First Presb. Chh. Baltimore. 
 
 1 The commentaries intended to be comprised in the work for which you 
 propose to solicit subscribers are too well known and too generally ap- 
 preciated to require commendation. The plan, as set forth by the pros- 
 pectus, is a very good one, and if the whole execution proves to be in 
 keeping with the specimen which you have sent me for inspection, the 
 work will well deserve, and I have no doubt will receive, the liberal pa- 
 tronage of the Christian community.' J. JOHNS, 
 
 Rector of Christ's Church, Baltimore. 
 
 'I entirely concur in the recommendations of the Comprehensive Com- 
 mentary, given by Drs. Johns and Nevins.' 
 
 J. P. K. HENSHAW, 
 Rector of St. Peter's Church, Baltimore. 
 
 'If my opinion is considered of any value by any one, I very readily 
 say, that I should consider the " Comprehensive Commentary," when 
 faithfully completed on the plan laid down in the prospectus, by far the 
 most valuable work of the kind to be found in any language, for the com- 
 mon reader. Matthew Henry is before all men as an expositor, and Dr. 
 Scott's Practical Observations are scarcely equalled; while those two, 
 with Doddridge, are of all doctrinal guides the safest amongst commenta- 
 tors, to say nothing of others. Such a work as the one proposed, if 
 fairly executed upon the basis of the labours of these holy, wise, and I 
 will add learned men, must be above price.' 
 
 J.R. BRECKENRIDGE, 
 Pastor of the York-st. Presb. Church, Baltimore. 
 
( 15 ) 
 
 From Clergymen in Washington City, D. C. 
 'To those who are at all acquainted with the character and standing 
 of the distinguished men who have recommended this work, no other 
 recommendation can be necessary. The undersigned fully accords 
 with them in their opinion, and believes that they have not rated its 
 merits too high. To Families, Bible Classes, and Sabbath School Teachers, 
 it must be an invaluable help to the correct understanding of the sacred 
 Scriptures. All, indeed, who wish to have an excellent Commentary on 
 the Bible — even the excellencies of the best Commentaries in one single 
 work — will, if possible, possess themselves of this. It is handsomely ex- 
 ecuted, and offered on very reasonable terms. R.-POST, 
 
 Pastor \st Pres. Church, Washington City' 
 'I cheerfully concur in the views and recommendationsexpressed above. 
 JAMES LOWR1E, D. D. 
 
 Pastor F Street Church: 
 
 'The high recommendation given to the work above referred to, by 
 the reverend gentlemen whose names are well known to the public, in- 
 duces me to believe that it is entitled to the approbation and patronage 
 of all who are desirous of rightly understanding the Scriptures of Divine 
 Revelation, which are able to make them wise unto salvation. 
 
 WILLIAM HAWLEY, 
 Rector of St. John's Chh. Washington City: 
 
 1 After such an inspection of the first volume of this work as my time 
 has permitted me to make, in the space of three or four days, I freely 
 add my suffrage to that of many others, that it is a publication well 
 worthy the title which it bears. It is "a Comprehensive Commentary. " 
 Whoever possesses it, will be able, without reference to other books, to 
 make himself acquainted with the leading opinions of the best and most 
 approved Commentators, both critical and practical, on the four Evan- 
 gelist?. If the subsequent volumes shall be prepared with the same 
 care, judiciousness and talent, which are exhibited in the one already 
 published — and this it seems reasonable to presume — the work will be 
 one of great value to young clergymen, to Sabbath school teachers, and 
 to heads of families; and, indeed, to all who love the study of the Bible, 
 not excepting those who are already provided with other expositions of 
 the sacred text. ASHBEL GREEN, D. D. 
 
 Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1834.' 
 
 National Intklligencer, Washington City, D. C. l The first volume 
 of this long expected work is just published in royal octavo, in a very 
 superior style, on a beautiful clear type and fine paper. The price of thi3 
 valuable work is only three dollars per volume, substantially bound, and 
 a cheaper work has perhaps never issued from the press.' 
 
( 18 
 
 Statesman*. ( Washington, North Carolina.) < We are confident it is a 
 \vx>rk of very great merit, and for beauty of its typography and engra- 
 vings,surpasses any thing we have seen on the same subject. This work 
 is edited by Dr. Wm, Jenks, of Boston, and professedly combines the 
 labours and learning of those great lights in the Christian world, Henry, 
 Clarke, Scott, Lowth, Doddridge, Gill, and others, and will bind up in 
 five volumes of about 800 pages each, in quarto form, embellished with 
 superb engravings, at the astonishing low price of three dollars per vo- 
 lume. The high recommendations of the work by distinguished Clergy- 
 men conclusively attest its value.' 
 
 The Presbyterian. (Philadelphia.) ' We have heard thus work 
 highly commended by competent critics. * * * The volume contain- 
 ing the Evangelists has been submitted to us, and we are decidedly of 
 opinion, that if the other volumes are equal to this in point of execution, 
 it will be a work every way worthy of patronage, as comprehending for 
 family use, a larger amount of valuable matter than any Commentary 
 extant. To such as are not furnished, we would recommend an ex- 
 amination of this work, as containing a vast fund of matter, and at a rea- 
 sonable price.' 
 
 Petersburg Virginia Constellation. 'The price is lore, we think, 
 for the splendid manner in which this edition of the sacred writings is 
 gotten up.' 
 
 ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE; 
 
 OR, 
 
 Dictionary of the Bible, Theology, Keligious Biography, all Religions, 
 Ecclesiastical History, and Missions; containing Definitions of all 
 Religious Terms; an impartial Account of the principal Christian De- 
 nominations that have existed in the World from the Birth of Christ 
 to the present Day, with their Doctrines, Religious Rites and Cere- 
 monies, as well as those of the Jews, Mohammedans, and Heathen 
 Nations; together with the Manners and Customs of the East, illus- 
 trative of the Holy Scriptures, and a Description of the Quadrupeds, 
 Birds, Fishes, Reptiles, Insects, Trees. Plants, and Minerals men- 
 tioned in the Bible: a Statement of the most Remarkable Trans- 
 actions and Events in Ecclesiastical History; Biographical Notices of 
 the early Martyrs and distinguished Religious Writers and Characters 
 of all Ages. To which is added a Missionary Gazetteer, containing De- 
 scriptions of the various Missionary Stations throughout the Globe; 
 by Rev. B. B. Edwards, Editor of Quarterly Observer. The whole 
 brought down to the present Time, and embracing, under one Alpha- 
 bet, the most valuable part of Calmet's and Brown's Dictionaries of 
 the Bible; Buck's Theol. Dictionary ; Abbott's Scripture Natural His- 
 tory ; Wells' Geogrcphy of the Bible ; Jones' Christian Biography ; and 
 
( w; ) 
 
 numerous other similar Works. Designed as a complete Book of 
 Reference on all Religious Subjects, and Companion to the Bible"; 
 forming a cheap and compact Library of Religious Knowledge. Edited 
 by Rev. J. Newton Brown. Illustrated by Wood Cuts, Maps, and 
 Engravings on Copper and Steel. 
 
 PUBLISHERS' ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The present is an age, and ours is a country, demanding great con- 
 densation and brevity in writers who would secure attention. So active 
 and busy are the habits of the mass of our countrymen, that they have 
 neither time nor patience to turn and peruse the pages of the cumbersome 
 quartos and folios of the 17th century; while a tolerable competency 
 would scarcely suffice for the purchase of the numerous works of which 
 the modern press is so fruitful, on the subjects embraced in this volume. 
 The work, then, combining and condensing the most valuable results of 
 the researches of the best writers on any subject, while it will be most 
 likely to be received with favour, will at the same time be best calculated 
 to facilitate the acquisition, and consequently the diffusion of knowledge. 
 With these views the "Comprehensive Commentary on the Bible" 
 was projected; and in its unprecedented sale has encouraged the same pub- 
 lishers to offer to the public the present volume. The subjects embraced in 
 this work are interesting to all, and as it is not designed to be in the least 
 sectarian, or denominational, it cannot fail to be desirable for all, whether 
 professedly religious or not, at least as a book of reference. 
 The following are some of the peculiarities of the plan: — 
 1. It is designed to be a standard and permanent work; and here it is 
 believed will be found collected and compressed in one super-royal 
 octavo volume of upwards of twelve hundred pages, in a shape combin- 
 ing convenience and cheapness, and in a style blending the sweetness of 
 the popular with the richness of the profound, what has heretofore been 
 scattered through more than forty volumes, and mixed with much of 
 little or no value. Among the works, all the valuable matter of which 
 will be found in this, together with some from which copious extracts 
 have been made, are the following: — 
 
 Biblical Illustration. — Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible; Brown's 
 do.; Barr's do.; Wells' Scripture Geography; Home's Introduction; 
 Harris' Scripture Natural History ; Abbott's edition of Carpenter's do.; 
 Paxton's Illustrations of Scripture; Draper's do ; Harmer's Observations: 
 Juhn's Archaeology ; Mrs. Sherwood's Dictionary of Types and Emblems; 
 Burdur's Oriental Customs; Josephus' Jewish Customs; Keith's Evi- 
 dence of Prophecy ; Cogswell's Harbinger of the Millennium; Robinson a 
 Biblical Repository; Crabbe's English Synonymes. 
 
 Ecclesiastical History. — Mosheim's History of the Christian 
 Church; Milner's do.; Jones' do.; Waddingtoh's do.; Neander's do. ; 
 Murdock's Elements of Dogmatic History; Lord King's History of the 
 Primitive Church; Robinson's History of Baptism; Sismondi's History of 
 the Crusades against the Albigenses. 
 
 Rkligious Biography. — Fox's Lives of the Martyrs; Middleton's 
 Evangelical Biography; Jones' Christian Biog.; Davenport's Dictionary 
 of Biography; Universal Biographical Dictionary; Betham's Female Bi- 
 ography; Clissold's Last Hours of Eminent Christians; Ivimey's History 
 
( 18 ) 
 
 of the Baptists; Benedict's do.; Mather's Magnalia; Elliot's American Bi- 
 ography; Allen's do.; Memoirs of American Missionaries; Encyclopaedia 
 Americana. 
 
 Theology. — Buck's Theological Dictionary, enlarged by Dr. Hender- 
 son ; Jones' Biblical Cyclopedia; Hawker's Biblical Dictionary; Watson's 
 Biblical and Theological Dictionary ; Christian Examiner; Campbell's 
 Dissertations; Dwight's Theology; Spirit of the Pilgrims; Works of 
 Andrew Fuller; do. of Robert Hall; Douglas on the Advancement of So- 
 ciety in Knowledge and Religion. 
 
 Christian Denominations. — Evans' Sketch of Religious Denomina- 
 tions; Jones' Dictionary of Religious Opinions; Hannah Adams' do.; 
 Robbins' do. ; Douglas on Errors regarding Religion; Benedict's History 
 of all Religions; Williams' Dictionary of do.; Ward's Farewell Letters; 
 Edwards' Quarterly Register. 
 
 Missions. — Edwards' Missionary Gazetteer. 
 
 \£jT Many articles are original, especially those relating to the principal 
 denominations in this country, as will be seen on reference to the fourth 
 paragraph below. 
 
 2. It is designed for a complete book of reference on all religious sub- 
 jects,- to which a person can turn when any thing occurs in reading or 
 conversation connected with Religion which he does not understand, or 
 in regard to which he wishes to refresh his memory, as he would to a 
 dictionary for the definition of a word. Nearly every subject treated in 
 the books which form the basis of this, is touched upon ; but those which 
 are of minor importance are very brief, and those of greater utility 
 handled more at length. Articles rarely recurred to will be found here ; 
 but it is not burdened with any thing that is altogether useless. 
 
 3. In Theology, the general plan of Buck'' s Dictionary is followed ; espe- 
 cially in its evangelical cast and Christian candour, in its copious illus- 
 trations of important topics, and its valuable references to the best 
 works on both sides of the question. Watson, Jones, and others, how- 
 ever, have supplied us occasionally with articles of superior value. 
 
 O" The edition of Buck which has been used is the new one lately 
 published in England, edited by Professor Henderson, who has added 
 nearly jive hundred new articles, which will be found incorporated in 
 this. 
 
 4. The accounts of the History. Doctrines, fyc. of different denominations, 
 have been prepared with an aim at the strictest impartiality. Where it 
 icas practicable, some leading man of the principal sects existing in this 
 country has been employed to prepare the article relating to it; and where 
 it has not been, the matter has been drawn from some one or more promi' 
 nent writer of the denomination, of acknowledged authority. The work 
 does not aim to effect a compromise of opinion among the different 
 denominations of Christians, but to present the views of each fully, and 
 in their own words, leaving the reader to form his own conclusions as 
 to which is most correct. This must be a truly acceptable course to all who 
 can respond to the sentiment quoted by Robert Hall, "Amicus Plato, 
 amicus Socrates, sed 7nagis arnica Veritas." 
 
 The following are some of the contributors under this head: — 
 
 Baptism. Pedobaptist Views, Rev. J. Tracy, Editor of the Boston Re- 
 corder. Baptist Views, Rev. J. D. Knowles, Professor in the Newton 
 Theological Institution. 
 
( 19 ) 
 
 Baptists. Prepared under the revision and sanction of Rev. Dr. Sharp, 
 Boston. 
 
 Congrcgclionalists. Prepared by a member, and revised and sanctioned 
 by Rev. Prof. Emerson, of Andover Theological Seminary, and Rev. Dr. 
 Wisner, of Boston. 
 
 Christians. Rev. J. V. Himes, Boston. 
 
 Discipks of Christ, or Reformers. Alexander Campbell, of Bethany, 
 Virginia. 
 
 Free Will Baptists. Rev. S. Beede, Editor of the Morning Star, 
 Dover, N. H. 
 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. S. W. Willson, Editor of Zion's 
 Herald, Boston. 
 
 Presbyterians. Rev. Dr. Miller, of Princeton Theological Seminary. 
 
 Protestant Episcopal Church. Rev. Mr. Boyle, presbyter, of Boston. 
 
 Protestant Methodist Church. Rev. T. F. JNorris, President of the New 
 England Conference. 
 
 Unitarians. Rev. Prof. Palfrey. 
 
 Universa lists. Rev. L. R. Paige. 
 
 Universal Restorationists. Rev. Paul Dean, 
 
 5. To adapt it to popular use, all words in foreign languages have been 
 omitted; or where Hebrew, Chaldee, and Greek terms unavoidably oc- 
 cur, they are given in English characters. 
 
 G. Scripture Biography, which occupies a large space in most Bible Dic- 
 tionaries, is handled here in the briefest manner possible — giving only the 
 characteristic outlines, except when difficulties occur which require to 
 be cleared up. 
 
 7. In consequence of the space thus gained, the new department of Re- 
 ligious Biography is made full and extensive; embracing, it is believed, 
 every distinguished religious writer, preacher, and character, including 
 the most distinguished females, and those philanthropists who were 
 actuated by religious principles. Every denomination will find here 
 notices of its most illustrious men, especially such as have lived and died 
 in this country, from its settlement to this time. To every notice of an 
 author a list of his principal writings (so far as possible) is given, with a 
 reference to the best biographies of the individual. 
 
 8. As a Dictionary and Gazetteer of the Bible, the work will be found, 
 it is believed, more copious and accurate than any other now in use, 
 adapting it to the wants of the Pulpit and of Sabbath Schools. In 
 the notices of the various cities and countries mentioned in the Bible, 
 the fulfilment of the prophecies regarding them, so far as developed, are 
 particularly noticed. 
 
 i). The object of the Encyclopedia being to do good on evangelical 
 principles, the work preserves throughout, as far as possible, a devotional 
 and practical, as well as a critical, picturesque, and popular character, 
 that it may minister to the heart, no less than to the judgment and the 
 imagination. 
 
 10. Maps and Engiiavings, as well as Wood Cuts, have been added 
 to enrich and adorn, as well as illustrate, the work. 
 
 On the whole, the amount of information imbodied in this work is 
 immense, and it is hoped the matter, by collation, arrangement, abridg- 
 ment, and addition, has been very greatly improved; and while it will be 
 found interesting and valuable to Families, and those individuals who 
 only desire to acquire general knowledge, to the Sabbath School 
 
( 20 
 
 Teacher and Bible Class Leader it cannot but prove an invaluable 
 treasure. 
 
 NOTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE. 
 
 'The Encyclopaedia of Religious Knowledge is, upon the whole, a 
 valuable book of reference, and the theological articles are, in the main, 
 good. The work is rich in biographical notices, and contains much use- 
 ful information respecting the tenets of different sects, which in most 
 cases is supplied by their own writers. The theological student will find 
 it a convenient and useful companion. A. ALEXANDER, D. D. 
 
 Princeton Theological Seminary, N. J.' 
 
 l l regard the Ency. of Rel. Knowledge as a very valuable book of re- 
 ference. While it is particularly convenient and useful to ministers of 
 the gospel, it will be found to be very entertaining and instructive to 
 others, and is well worthy of a place in every family librani. 
 
 B. TYLER, D. D. 
 Pres. of E. Windsor Thcol. Institute, Conn. 1 
 
 'I have examined the Ency. of Rel. Knowledge in sundry of its arti- 
 cles; and holding in my library its principal authorities, I am ready to 
 say that 1 much approve it. We have no work which contains, and judi- 
 ciously contains, so much informing matter at so moderate a price. 
 Rev. JONATHAN HOMER, D. D. 
 
 Newton, Mass.' 
 
 'This volume is certainly an exception to the general style in which 
 compends, summaries, and Encys. are manufactured among us. It 
 bears the marks of care, honest research, and accurate statement. The 
 commendable practice is followed of giving the authorities at the close 
 of each article. 
 
 It is not a bookselling expedient, prepared in the haste of a plagiary 
 from English works; but in part original, and in part condensed, and ac- 
 commodated to suit the general intention of the volume. The depart- 
 ment of religious biography is very complete ;— a field of labour in which 
 the American Encyclopaedia is notoriously deficient. Candour and good 
 judgment are here manifested. 
 
 On the whole, we heartily commend this publication to our readers. 
 It will repay many fold the cost of its purchase. JS'o single volume in 
 the language, so far as ice knoio, contains a larger amount of valu- 
 able knowledge.' [Biblical Repository and Quarterly Observer. 
 
 1 We are confident that this must be a valuable acquisition to any 
 man's library; and one who expects to purchase and use much literature 
 of this sort, we are equally confident, will save both money and time by 
 subscribing for this. 
 
 W T e have Encys. in other departments of science; but we do not 
 know that any thing in the form of a Religious Ency. has ever been 
 published in this, or any other country. A work of this kind has there- 
 fore been a great desideratum in the religious and reading community. 
 
( 21 ) 
 
 So far as We have examined it— and we have devoted some time and 
 care lo the subject — the book fulfils the large promise of the title quite 
 as well as could reasonably be expected. It is a vast storehouse of in- 
 formation — all the subjects indicated, judiciously selected — condensed, 
 perspicuous, and well arranged; and, what is of great importance, with 
 references, at the end of the more important articles, to works from 
 which more particular information may be obtained. The work is hand- 
 somely printed, on good paper; the type is clean and fair, and sufficient- 
 !y large. On the wnole, it is entirely beyond any thing else extant as a 
 convenient book of reference for clergymen, teachers of Bible classes 
 and Sabbath schools, and all, in fact, who wish for any book of reference 
 of the kind to assist them in their biblical and religious reading. It is 
 marvellously cheap. We recommend it confidently. It will not disap- 
 point any reasonable expectations/ 1 [Vt. Chronicle. 
 
 'A very useful work, 1300 imp. 8vo. pages. Its usefulness in the fa- 
 mily, in reading religious intelligence and other publications, and in 
 writing on religious subjects, is obvious. The price, for so large a vo- 
 lume, prepared with so much labour, must be acknowledged very rea- 
 sonable — cheap.' [JV. Y. Evangelist. 
 
 ' The editorial execution altogether surpasses my expectations, and I 
 am persuaded the work will be extensively popular. 
 
 Rev. GEO. BUSH. 
 Prof, of OH. Lit. in JV. Y. City University.' 
 
 'Its plan is very comprehensive, and embraces a variety of informa- 
 tion respecting the state of religion throughout the world, which cannot 
 be obtained except by recourse to a great number of original sources. 
 
 In regard to the different denominations in our own country, it is ne- 
 cessary only to recur to the names of the gentlemen who furnish the ac- 
 counts of them, to obtain full confidence in the fidelity with which those 
 accounts may be expected to be composed.'— Boston Christian Register. 
 
 This work contains in itself a religious library; and as such we 
 consider it one of great value to the Christian public. 
 
 The plan of it is happily adapted to make it a book of reference, a con- 
 venient substitute, and more than a substitute for many volumes which 
 Christian readers have heretofore had occasion to consult. And from 
 an examination of a large number of articles, the plan appears to have 
 been well executed. Many of the original articles are ably written. 
 Those condensed from other works were evidently prepared with great 
 care and attention, and show the result of extensive reading and pa- 
 tient research. 
 
 Its cheapness strongly commends it to public favour.' 
 
 [Soutlurn Ret. Telegraph, Richmond, Va. 
 
 'The Encyclopaedia of Religious Knowledge is deservedly having a large 
 sale.' {Boston Recorder. 
 
 ' Though it is a large volume, yet in view of its variety and compre- 
 hensiveness, it is multum in parvo, — much in a small space, — an ocean 
 of matter in a drop of words. The work has been compiled with im- 
 mense labour, with groat accuracy and uncommon impartiality. Mr. 
 Brown has performed his difficult and delicate task in a judicious man- 
 ner — in a manner to highly promote the public benefit, and to entitle him 
 
( 22 ) 
 
 to the approbation and gratitude of the community. We are happy to 
 add, that the work has been got up in a handsome style, and in good 
 taste. We should sincerely hope, that the cause of truth and the inte- 
 rest of the religious public may be promoted by its extensive circula- 
 tion. It should be a companion to the Bible in every family; it should 
 find a place in the library of every Sunday school teacher; and we ven- 
 ture little in saying that, as a work of reference, the minister of the gos- 
 pel would find it convenient and useful.' — American Baptist (JV. Y.) 
 
 'The object of the work is to condense into one volume the most im- 
 portant matter now scattered throughout many expensive publications. 
 The compiler appears to have executed his task with commendable dili- 
 gence and good judgment. It requires more than ordinary wisdom, in 
 compiling such a work, to determine what to reject and what to retain. 
 As far as we have been able to examine the work, we think the author 
 deserves the credit of a faithful and judicious compiler. — We deem the 
 work worthy of extensive patronage. It is well executed, on good paper, 
 and illustrated with engravings and wood cuts; and we hope the enter- 
 prising publishers will be well repaid for their expenditure on this praise- 
 worthy and expensive work.' [Richmond Rel. Herald. 
 
 'The general execution of the work is decidedly good. We recom- 
 mend it for its general excellence, as a most useful book of reference, to 
 families which desire information on religious subjects.' 
 
 [Presbyterian {Philadelphia.) 
 
 'This work is emphatically what its title imports, a repository of every 
 description of religious knowledge, alphabetically arranged, for easy and 
 familiar reference. It seems to embrace just that kind of knowledge 
 which the ministers of the gospel, and the curious and enlightened 
 Christian of every denomination, requires, relative to the Bible, theology, 
 religious biography, ecclesiastical history, missions and all religions. 
 The amount of matter embraced in about 1300 large octavo pages on 
 these subjects is incalculable — enough, we should think, to fill 15 or 20 
 volumes of the Family Library. We consider it, in fact, if not the only, 
 the most recent, comprehensive, illustrative, and trustworthy work of 
 reference on all denominational points, and topics adverted to above, 
 extant. It is designed as a complete book of reference on all religious 
 subjects, and companion to the Bible, forming a compact library of reli- 
 gious knowledge: and when its excellence is fully known, it will, we 
 doubt not, find a place in almost every Christian family.' 
 
 [JY. Y. Weekly Messenger. 
 
 1 We have recently procured a copy of this excellent work; — it is just 
 such a work as the religious public have long needed. It fills a place 
 that is not occupied by any other zcork in the English language. We 
 wish one could be placed in the hands of every minister of the gospel 
 throughout our country. This one volume would be to him a valuable 
 library of religious knowledge; he might accumulate a great variety of 
 books before he could otherwise obtain the information which he needs 
 upon various points, and which w T ould be directly available in the great 
 work in which he is engaged. Here he has a condensed, but accurate 
 and satisfactory view of the religious customs and sentiments of the dif- 
 ferent denominations of Christians; and, notwithstanding their number 
 and diversity, he can in this volume hear them nearly all speak their 
 own language and assign their own reasons. 
 
( 23 ) 
 
 But besides information with regard to different religions, and the dif- 
 ferent denominations of the Christian religion, the minister of Christ 
 may here find a distinct and evangelical statement of the great leading 
 doctrines of the Scriptures; which will be no small advantage to any 
 who may have had to enter upon the ministry with but little prepara- 
 tion. 
 
 On the same account, this work recommends itself as a most impor- 
 tant help to every Bible class and Sabbath school teacher. Indeed, 
 every head of a family, who wishes to acquire and impart to his children 
 correct and enlightened views upon religious subjects in general, should 
 have in his library this Encyclopaedia. Were this generally the case, we 
 might soon expect to see a higher degree of religious knowledge in cir- 
 culation, and fewer misconceptions and misrepresentations respecting 
 the sentiments of different religious denominations.' 
 
 [Zioris Advocate {Portland.) 
 
 'Few works of more value can be named, even in this time of con- 
 densing books. For theological students as a book of reference, and as 
 a family book for youths, to which they may devote their evenings, and 
 imbibe correct information upon the almost boundless field of survey 
 which is connected with the moral and religious condition of mankind, 
 it is unequalled in variety and amplitude of knowledge. We have ex- 
 tensively searched the articles of which it is composed; and can attest 
 to the general fidelity with which the work has been compiled. We 
 have ascertained that the Ency. of Rel. Knowledge comprehends the 
 substance of FIFTY valuable works; all of which formerly were consi- 
 dered necessary to the library not only of a scholar, but also of all Chris- 
 tians who were anxious to obtain accurate and enlarged information of 
 scriptural truth and ecclesiastical history. We can conceive of nothing 
 more beneficial to the American churches than this laborious and grand 
 scheme for the diffusion of religious knowledge. 
 
 [N. Y. Protestant Vindicator. 
 
 (From the Literary and Theological Revieio, {New York,) edited by Rev. 
 Leonard Woods, Jr.) 
 1 It is enough to say in commendation of it, that it fulfils the promise 
 set forth in its long, descriptive, comprehensive title. The original arti- 
 cles contained in it are numerous, and of great value. The mechanical 
 execution is excellent, and the whole constitutes, we have no doubt, the 
 completest and most valuable book of reference, adapted to the use of 
 families, Sunday school teachers, and ministers of the gospel, that has 
 ever been prepared and published in this country.' 
 
 {From the New York Observer.) 
 
 'This volume is on a plan which we believe to be original, and which 
 cannot fail, if its execution be judicious and faithful, to secure to the 
 work extensive popularity and usefulness. So far as we have examined 
 the articles in the work, with a few exceptions we think favourably of 
 the skill, judgment and fidelity with which it has been executed. The 
 names of several of the original contributors are sufficient to warrant the 
 highest expectations concerning the articles which they have prepared.' 
 
( 24 ) 
 LIPFINCOTT'S EDITION 
 
 OF 
 
 THE OXFORD QUARTO BIBLE. 
 
 The publishers have spared neither care nor expense in their edition 
 of the Bible, it is printed on the finest white vellnni paper with large and 
 beautiful type, and bound in tiie most substanial and splendid manner, 
 in the following styles: — Velvet, with richlyt gilt ornaments; Turkey, 
 super extra, with gilt clasps, and in numerous others to suit the taste of 
 the most fastidious. 
 
 Opinions of the Press, 
 
 " In our opinion, the Christian public generally will feel under great 
 obligations to the publishers of this work, for the beautiful taste, arrange- 
 ment, and delicate neatness with which they have got it out. The in- 
 trinsic merit of the Bible recommends itself. It needs no tinsel orna- 
 ment to adorn its sacred pages. In this edition every superfluous ap- 
 pendage has been avoided, and we have presented us, a perfectly chaste, 
 specimen of the Biblk without note or comment. It appears to be just 
 what is needed in every family, 'the unsophisticated word of God.' 
 
 "The size is quarto, printed with beautiful type, on white sized velldm 
 paper of the finest texture, and most beautiful surface. 
 
 "The publishers seem to have been solicitous to make a perfectly 
 unique book, and they have accomplished the object very successfully, 
 We trust that a liberal community will afford them ample remuneration 
 for all the expense and outlay they have necessarily incurred in its pub- 
 lication. It is a standard Bible. 
 
 "The publishers are Messrs. J. B. Lippincott &. Co., corner of 4th and 
 Race Streets, Philadelphia." — Bapt. Record. 
 
 " A beautiful quarto edition of the Bible, by J. B. Lippincott & Co. 
 Nothing can exceed the type in clearness and beauty; the paper is of 
 the finest texture; and the whole execution is exceedingly neat. No 
 illustrations or ornamental type are used. Those who prefer a Bible 
 executed in perfect simplicity, yet elegance of style^ without adornment, 
 will probably never find one more to their taste." — .1/. Magazine. 
 
 THE COMPANION TO THE BIBLE, 
 
 Designed to accompany the Family Bible, or Henry's, Scott's, Clarke's, 
 Gill's, or other commentaries. 
 
 II. A new, full, and complete concordance,- illustrated with monumental, 
 traditional, and oriental engravings, founded on Butterworth's, with 
 Cruden's definitions; forming, it is believed, on many accounts, a more 
 valuable work than either Butterworth, Cruden, or any other similar 
 book in the language. 
 
 The value of a concordance is now generally understood, and those 
 who have used one. consider it indispensable in connexion with the 
 Bible. 
 
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