sRHHn aBBHS 9EHR9P n^ral £» m BBHHi Bg2fl sy**gjy< i ."*■',*.■'-» *" SBPSl ^S^SSfe lH EUl i :'■■ Hi IE M J 3£«^£^? {library of congress. I ^ # t [SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.] i\ # # ! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ! lEttoIkfas of k Sttpramutafc OR, SKETCHE L»»* OF LIFE, LABOR, AND EXPERIENCE IN THE METHODIST ITINERANCY. BY EEV. DAVID LEWIS, I \ OF THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE. EDITED BY KEY. S. M. MERRILL CINCINNATI: PRINTED AT THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN, FOR THE AUTHOR. R. P. THOMPSON, PRINTER 1857. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1857, BY DAVID LEWIS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. J m Q cr PREFACE. •++- "Of making books there is no end;" and no doubt the publication of works of superior merit on scientific, literary, and religious subjects, is accomplishing much good. But these do not meet the whole demand. Many will be enter- tained and profited by the perusal of works of humbler pretensions. For this class of persons this volume is designed. In presenting it to the public, the Author is fully sensible that a mass of prejudice must be encountered. Some regard such publications as unnecessary in this day, when such immense quantities of reading matter are issuing from the teeming press ; others think it particularly unbecoming in any one to write his own history. But, being unable to see any impropriety in the course, the Author has yielded to the solicitations 3 4 PREFACE. of bis friends, who have repeatedly expressed their desire that he should do it, and prepared these " sketches/' which he now sends forth, with his sincere prayer to the Father of mercies, that his blessing may attend this last effort of an old man to benefit his fellow-men, and that the little book may be rendered subservient to some useful purpose. This is a reading age. There is little danger of producing too many books for the demand ; but there is some danger that in these fast times the prevailing taste will require too many pub- lications of a peculiar kind — light, trashy, cor- rupting — while solid truths in plain dress will be overlooked. The "rage" is for something new, fresh, racy; the Author does not presume to have produced a work that will meet this fashionable "rage." He has spoken of olden times, of familiar truths, in a plain way. As a writer, he makes no pretensions beyond the mere statement of what he knows. He writes not for the critic, but for the common reader ; and those who can not be entertained with the narration of the every-day life of the Methodist preacher, he can .not hope to please. He has not aimed at PREFACE. elaborate polish, or rhetorical ornament; he claims no striking originality or peculiar felicity of style ; and sincerely requests all who read these pages to refrain from uncharitable criticism, and to pray that God's blessing may rest upon the truths inculcated, so that the name of the Lord may be glorified. To all his old friends among whom he has gone preaching the Gospel, the Author would commend the little volume, without any formal "dedication." He has been much profited, and whiled away pleasantly many hours of his u super- annuated" life, in writing these "recollections;" and if the reader should be in the least bene- fited in perusing them, he will be amply re- warded for his toil. Johnstown, 0., .August, 1856. CONTENTS. -♦♦♦- OHAPTEK I. EARLY LIFE AND EXPERIENCE. Place of birth — Parents — Mother's pious conversation — Early convic- tions — Good resolutions— Satan's delusion — Attend Church with uncle and aunt — Great thoughtlessness — A strange scene — Pride — Mother's admonition — Wicked reply — Conviction — Deep anguish — Firm resolu- tion — Penitence — Earnest struggle — Sins pardoned — Happy change — Further prayer — The witness of the Spirit — First profession — Happy meeting — Exhort sinners — Concern for the unconverted— Unite with Baptist Church — Bigotry — Baptist ministers — First sight of a Methodist preacher — Good advice neglected — Strong temptation — Rash deter- mination — Snares of Satan — Backslidden state — New epoch-— Strange preacher — Interesting discourse — Rev. Joseph Mitchell — Awakened — Restored — Methodist preachers — Slander — Sister converted — Father's opposition to Methodism — Sister's happy death Page 15 CH APTEE II. JOIN THE METHODISTS — COMMENCE PREACHING. Attachment to Methodism — Opposition of the Baptist minister — Result of fighting the truth — Married — Go into business — Selling rum — Con- sequence — Move to Plattsburg — Methodist meetings — Determination formed — Join the Methodist Episcopal Church — Wife joins — New relig- ious interest — Holiday meetings — Persecution— Prayer answered — Op- poser converted — New society formed — Impressions in reference to preaching — Want of qualification — Embarrassment — Mind made up — Lincensed to exhort — Employed to fill the preacher's place — Licensed to preach — Employed on Fletcher circuit, first quarter — First sermon- Temptation — Yow — Woman converted — Encouragement — Employed on Dunham circuit, Lower Canada — Destitute neighborhoods — Obstinate woman — British dominions — Better prospects — Obstinate woman con- 7 8 CONTENTS. verted — Hard fare — Good homes — Bigelow family — Anderson family- Horse lost — Mind beclouded — Deliverance — Opposer converted — Close of first itinerant year Page 33 CHAPTER III. FLETCHER CIRCUIT — UNDER THE ELDER. Yacancy left— Rev. F. Brown — Opposition to Methodism — Circuit distant from home — Waterbury — Good meetings — Temptation — Humbling views of self — Responsibility of the Christian ministry — Jericho — A Calvin- istic objector — Mr. S. W. — Colloquy— St. Alban's Point — Conversion of N. White — First Methodist sermon in Fairfield — Preaching in a new place — Marks of true prosperity — Close of the year 49 CHAPTER IV. GRAND ISLE CIRCUIT. Admitted on trial in the New York conference — The Grand Isle circuit — Narrow quarters — South Island — Good neighbors — Appointment in Canada — A wonderful sermon — Nature and duty of confession — A camp meeting — Discouragement — Success — Advantages of camp meetings — Good result — Quarterly meeting in a barn — Exchange with brother B. — Intemperate young man — Appointments neglected — A crooked stick — A perilous ride — Providential deliverance — We know not when we do most good — Close of the year — Cost of living — Blessed hope- -63 CHAPT ER Y. BRANDON CIRCUIT — FIRST YEAR. Size of the circuit — Rev. T. Madden — British oppression — Interview with Major Powell — American tories — Sentiments respecting the war — Evils of war — Anticipation of universal peace — Irreligious tendency of the times — Mount Holly — Long rides — Kind friends — Pittsford — State of religion — Want of meeting-houses — Brandon village — Leister — Judge Olin — Methodist polity — Rev. S. Draper — An incident — Conference — Elected and ordained deacon — A spoiled preacher — Humility desired -75 CHAPTEK VI. BRANDON CIRCUIT — SECOND YEAR. A new colleague — What the "big-head" did — Hard circuits not shunned — New Haven, Vermont — Route to East Bay — Rev. Mr. W., and deacon M. — Colloquy — Sudbury — First sermon — Advantage of good lungs — The good class-leader — The Plague — Controversy not desirable — Happy CONTENTS. 9 year — Conference in New York city — Preaching — City and country Methodists — Oneness of Methodism — Conference business — Liberality of "mine host" Page 86 CHAPTER VII. CHARLOTTE CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. Generosity of Major H. — Bad roads — No house rented — Goods stored under a shed — Infidel physician — His skepticism learned in College — A great mistake — The appropriate work of the Church — Importance of Christian education — Infidel Doctor awakened — His deep sorrow — His conversion — Happy change — His subsequent course — Field for useful- ness — Start to camp meeting, on Brandon circuit — Became sick on the road — Long affliction — Battle of Plattsburg — Incidents of the contest — A glorious victory — The battle of life — The final triumph — Methodism on the circuit — Conference in Albany — Ordained elder — Dr. Phoebus' sermon — Return to the circuit — Bev. N. White — Starksboro — Twin brothers — Novel call to settle as pastor — Reply — Changes — Perma- nency of Methodist doctrines — Methodist Church government not op- pressive, to ministers or members — Close of the term of service — Power of Gospel truth • • 95 CHAPTEE VIII. BRANDON CIRCUIT, AGAIN TWO YEARS Move to Hubbardston — Rev. J. Byington — Poultney — New Appointment — The privilege of singing — An interesting scene — Young converts — • Enticed to join the Baptists — Return with their parents — Locked out of the school-house — An unconverted friend — Better days — Cold, dry season — Scarcity of food— A day of fasting and prayer in Sudbury — The wicked want prayer in time of danger — Illustration— Close of the year — Quarterly meeting — Eloquent preaching — Conference at Middle- bury, Vermont — Preaching of Bishops M'Kendree, George, and Dr. Emory — Return to the circuit — Rev. James Cowl — Manner of labor — > Power of religion — Exhortation to the reader — Prosperous year — Mount Holly — Interview with a Predestinarian — Common source of error — Fatal reasoning from Calvinistic premises — The right spirit 108 CHAPTEE IX. POWNAL CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. The Rev. Jacob Hall — Hoosack — Petersburg — Pather joins the Method- ists — Oldest brother a local preacher — Pownal society — Williamstown, Massachusetts — Presbyterian tax-law — Charged with preaching Calvin- 10 CONTENTS. ism — Ignorance respecting Methodism — Colloquy on Baptism — Power of early impressions — Close of the year — Friendly greetings — Manner of traveling to conference — The Rev. N. Levings — Rev. D. Ostrander — Presiding eldership — Difficulty of dispensing with the office— Quarterly meeting at Adams's Noch — An extraordinary sermon — Natural and gra- cious ability contrasted — A Colloquy — A funeral sermon — The Rev. Mr. B. — Conversations on Baptism — Play upon a word — Rev. Mr. S. preach- ing that we are under obligation to do what we can not do — Why record familiar conversations? — Camp meeting — Its results — Conversion of a son — His subsequent life and death — Blessed hope — Close of the year Page 124 CHAPTEE X. CAMBRIDGE CIRCUIT — FIRST YEAR. Move to Cambridge — Irish members — Quotation from Rev. Bishop Hed- ding — Father Baker, as class-leader — Model financier — Rev. D. J. Wright — Temptation — Self-examina.tion — Conviction of the necessity of holiness — Nature of this conviction — Seeking full redemption — Earn- est struggle — Continuous seeking — Increasing joy — Fort Edward — Sandy Hill — Wrestling with God — Assault of the enemy — Tempta- tion resisted — Faith prevails — Melting, overpowering joy — Profession of perfect love — Exhortation to holiness — Sore affliction — Loss of a daughter — Beep sense of bereavement — The doctrine of the resurrec- tion of the dead becomes precious — Revival of the work of holiness — Enemies to the doctrine — Paul's profession — The doctrine of Christian perfection defined and defended — Objection answered — Source of light— Prayer for holiness — Close of the year 144 CHAPTER XI. CAMBRIDGE CIRCUIT — SECOND YEAR. Returned without a colleague — Old friends — Controversy not unneces- sary — Character of pioneer preachers — Methodism not yet understood — Success in counteracting prejudices — Conversion of a rigid Calvinist — ■ Brother King and the minister — Reason and faith — Brother King and Judge R. — Conversation with the Judge — Infant salvation— Judge R. converted — Skeptical men, with pious wives — Inspiration of the Scrip- tures proved by prophecy — Incongruities of infidels — Two sermons in the Baptist Church — Advocates for perseverance — Argument from the parable of the leaven hid in meal — Spiritual enjoyment — Hinderance to the work of conversion — An incident — The grace of Christ better than Popish absolution — Perilous situation — Providential preservation — Close of the year — Cheering hope 163 CONTENTS. 11 CHAPTER XII. BEEN CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. An unexpected appointment — Rev. H. Ames — First dissatisfaction — Un- comfortable quarters — Move to Rensselaerville — Reconciled to the field of labor — Prostrate condition of the circuit — Indications of good — Middletown — Calvinistic opposition — A short address — Revival of Re- ligion — Scoharrie — A converted pugilist — Preacher's body-guard — General prosperity — Close of first year — Interview with Bishop George — Returned — New-Light preacher — His zeal in propagating Unitarian- ism— Manner of preaching against the Deity of Christ — Proposed reply — Excitement — Sermon on John i, 1 — Result — Pastoral visiting with the unconverted — A fiery woman — Her conversion — The Glass- works — " I glory in the water " — A rigid Calvinist — Infant damna- tion — Number of the elect — Revolutionary soldier and the " tithing- man " — Better been preaching the Gospel — The fullness and freeness of the grace of Christ — Close of the year Page 179 CHAPTEK XIII. KINGSTON CIROUI T — T WO YEARS. Satisfactory appointment — Kingston — Hard place for Methodism — Rev. John Kennedy — The settled minister — Preacher from Long Island — Extent of the atonement — Marbletown — Impertinent young man re- proved — Baptists — The example of Christ — Incidental circumstances not essential to Christian ordinances — Preparations for conference which are important — Close of first year — Returned to the circuit — Rev. F. W. Smith — Move to Saugerties — Keeping boarders — Conclude to move to Ohio — Economy practiced — The work on the circuit — Glass-works appointments — Rough country — Want of energy — Poverty and riches — Attachment to the people — Good hope. * 211 CHAPTER XIY. MOVE WEST — LOCATE — EMPLOYED BY THE ELDER. Conference in New York — Interesting time — Granted a supernumerary relation — Bishop George — His opinion of Ohio — Farewell — Start west — ■ Nazareth township — The first Sabbath on the road — Second Sabbath — ■ Carlisle, Penn.— Brother Griffin— Kind friends— Third Sabbath, spent in the Mountains — Fourth Sabbath, spent in Virginia — A dance- Arguments for dancing — The subject dropped — Manner of traveling — Reach Ohio — Route to Berkshire — Arrive at our destination — Meeting with friends — First sermon in Ohio — Services in demand — Columbus 12 CONTENTS, circuit quarterly meeting — Presbyterian convinced — Mr. Dus tin— Com- mence business — Building a cabin — Locate — Nominally a local preach- er — Camp meeting — Knox county brethren — Regular appointment — Black Lick camp meeting — Rev. S. Carpenter — Columbus quarterly meeting — Rev. C. Springer — Radical defection — Employed on Fairfield circuit — Extent of the work — Healing the disaffected — Failure of " Re- formers " — Declining spirituality — Close of the year — Rev. L. Sworm- stedt's camp meeting — Attend the Ohio conference first time. ..Page 221 CHAPTER XV. DELAWARE CIRCUIT — ONE YEAE. Readmitted to the traveling connection — Rev. S. P. Shaw — Rev. R. Bige- low — Extent of Delaware circuit — Bad roads— Delaware — Welsh broth- er — Discipline — Marion — The strong man armed — Wyandott camp meeting — Indian worship — Missionary spirit — Young chief — Indian civ- ilization — Camp meeting on Delaware circuit — Close of the year — Con- ference in Lancaster — Bishop Soule — Rev. A. W. Elliott — Appointed to Pickaway circuit — Death of brother Baird — Building a parsonage.. 23 9 CHAPTER XYI. PICKAWAY C I R C U I T — T WO YEARS. Boundary of the circuit — Character of the country — Revival in Circle- ville — Revival in Royalton^-Sudden conversions — Lakin Chapel — So- ciety organized in Kingston — Hopewell — Generosity — Lithopolis — Camp meetings on Adelphi, Deer Creek, and Hillsboro circuits — Result of the year's labor — Conference in Mansfield — Bishop Hedding — A year of general prosperity — Rev. Jacob Dixon — Rev. A. Eddy — Old father Crouse — A noble example — Methodizing new converts — Dealing with delinquents — A good rule — South part of the circuit — Swiftness of time — Attachment to the people — Close of the second year 247 CHAPTER XYII . DEER CREEK CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. Rev. J. A. Reader— Condition of the charge — Old Town— Right kind of reception — Helps and hinderances to pastoral visiting — Call from the Baptist minister — Conversation on doctrines — Gracious, versus Natural ability — Calvinistic paradox — Folly of trying to modify Calvinism — Regular routine of duty — A camp meeting — Rev. C. C. Lybrand — Wil- liamsport — New-Lights — Preaching on the Deity of Christ — Rev. Mr. Harvey's reply — Rejoinder — Power of truth — Close of the year— Old friends — Reviving hope 260 CONTENTS. 13 CHAPTER XVIII. ONE YEAR WITHOUT REGULAR WORK. Bequest to be left without appointment — Conference hesitates on prin- ciple' — Request granted — Sickness and death of oldest son — Comfort in bereavement — Faith in Providence — Quarterly meeting in Columbus, Granville, Newark, and Lancaster — Camp meeting below Kingston — A year of sacrifice Page 269 CHAPTER XIX. MARIETTA AND ADELPHI CIRCUITS. Rev. M. P. Kellogg — Marietta — Sanctified learning — "Revivals — Slave case — Spirit of freedom — Year of affliction — Death of another son — Rev. S. Hamilton — Grace sufficient — Narrow escape from injury — Appointed to Adelphi — Rev. B. Ellis — Dyspeptic — Remedy — Queer Creek — Crooked men — Camp meeting — Happy sight — Close of the year 274 CHAPTER XX. GRANVILLE CIRCUIT SUPERANNUATED. Rev. J. T. Donohoe — Parsonage — Settlement of Granville — Congrega- tional Church — Rev. J. Little — Baptists — Episcopalians — Welsh — Methodism in Granville — First and second quarterly meetings — Rev. J. Young — An incident — Long and severe illness — Near the Jordan of death — Blessed prospect — Convalescent — Happy meeting with friends — A Psalm of praise — Conference in Columbus — Superannuated — Em- ployed in the spring — Arrival of a brother — Happy association — Meet- ing in heaven 282 CHAPTER XXI. LITHOPOLIS AND HEBRON CIRCUITS. Formation of Lithopolis circuit — Rev. J. Young — Centenary subscrip- tion — Groveport — How it got its name — Methodism flourishing — Camp meeting at Needles's — Glorious winding up — Conference in Zanesville — Bishop Hedding — Political excitement — Preachers and Politics — Party strife detrimental to religion — Formation of Hebron circuit — Old friends — Rev. M. Fate — Brownsville, Linnville, George's Chapel, etc. .291 CHAPTER XXII. GLANCE AT SEVERAL YEAR S — C ONCLUSION. Revs. W. T. Hand and J. A. Bruner— Rev. R. 0. Spencer— Granville circuit — C. W. Lewis — Protracted meetings — Major Warren — Blendon 14 CONTENTS. circuit — Rev. N. Emory — Westervilie Academy— Millerism — Johnstown circuit — Character of the work — Irville circuit — Hebron circuit— Rev. P. A. Mutchner — Rev. W. Webster — Thornville circuit — Rev. B. Ellis — Camp meeting — Rev. J. M. Jameson — Exchange with Rev. J. Gilruth — Supernumerary — Baltimore circuit — Rev. A. B. See — Pickerington circuit — Rev. A. Fleming — Rev. R. Pitzer — Groveport circuit — Last colleague — Retire from the work — Superannuate — Health and employ- ment since — Glance over the past — Present comforts and prospects — A delicate subject — Appeal to the Church — Closing invocation... Page 299 RECOLLECTIONS OF A SUPERANNUATE. -♦♦« CHAPTER I. EARLY LIFE AND EXPERIENCE. I WAS born in the state of. Connecticut, in Feb- ruary, 1783. My parents were both pious members of the Baptist Church, having experienced religion prior to their marriage. From my earliest recollec- tion my father prayed in the family, and craved the Divine blessing upon the food before eating. My mother often conversed with her children in reference to the salvation of their souls, and told them of the blessed Savior — of his condescending love, and of his suffering and death to save a guilty world. My tender mind would often be seriously impressed, but, 0, the depravity of the heart ! Soon all would be forgotten, and childish sports absorb my thoughts. Sometimes, however, the day of judgment would appear before me in solemn array, and fill me with fear and trembling. Once, when about six or seven years old, while walking toward my father's barn, sudden thoughts of death and judgment flashed upon my mind, filling me with such awful forebodings, that I wished I had never been born. Annihi- 15 16 RECOLLECTIONS OF lation seemed desirable to me. Indeed, I did wish it possible to sink into nothing, in order to avoid standing before God ; for I knew myself to be a sinner, and felt conscious that I could not s be saved in that condition. I now began to form resolutions of amendment, frequently promising myself to do better, but soon lost my good desires. At length I became deeply impressed with the worth of my soul, and determined to be religious, but to allow no one to know it. This was a stratagem of Satan. He suggested that I could have religion and keep it to myself; and, by falling into this delusion, I once more lost my good impressions. I was not out- wardly immoral, yet the Spirit often led me to feel that my heart was wicked. I went on in this way, vowing amendment and breaking vows, till I was about thirteen years of age. That winter I was sent to board with an uncle for the purpose of attending school. On one Sabbath day in February, I attended Church with my uncle and aunt, but thought only of enjoying the sleigh ride, having no concern for the salvation of my soul. The meeting was held in a private house, which was crowded to overflowing. After the preaching was over, I observed a number of people in another room, including the minister, my father — who was deacon in the Church — and many other prominent members; and out of curiosity I crowded in. The room was quite full, the young people standing on the benches next to the wall, all weeping ; while near the minister, A SUPERANNUATE. 17 a man stood up talking and crying as if nearly overcome with emotion. I looked round upon the young persons who were affected to tears, with a feeling of disdain; and the pride of my heart prompted me to say that I would not stand up there and weep as they were doing for all the world. 0, how thoughtless I then was ! I knew not what the man was talking about, nor why the people wept. I felt ashamed for them. Afterward I learned that God had converted this man, and several others, and he was now telling what great things had been done for him. The meeting closed and I went home, still thinking nothing about seeking religion, or trying to serve God. Xo harassing views of death and judgment then obtruded upon my thoughts. The next morn- ing, with my young heart bounding with merriment, I went home to my father's, and, as usual, went in talking and laughing. My mother spoke kindly to me, and said, " David, what makes you so rude ? Zebulon and Polly — my oldest brother and sister — and all the young people are setting out to be Chris- tians, and I am afraid you will be left to go to hell alone." Looking my mother full in the face, I said, U I would not act so much like salvation!" This was the first, and, thank God ! the last time I ever spoke lightly of religion. My mother sighed and lifted up her heart to God, and with strong faith invoked divine mercy upon her wicked son. I walked to the door and stepped upon the porch, 18 RECOLLECTIONS. OF and just then my mind was suddenly and powerfully impressed with the wickedness of the language used to my mother. Light from heaven flashed into my guilty heart, and discovered to me the wretchedness of my condition as a wicked sinner. I started for the barn, and it seemed that the earth would open to swallow me up. Hell appeared to yawn beneath my feet. The agony of my soul was inexpressible. Overwhelmed with anguish, I fell prostrate upon the earth, and exclaimed, " Whatever others may do, I will plead for mercy!" My mind w T as now made up to w T ait for none of my companions, but to engage at once in the great work of preparing to meet God. I went back to my uncle's a deeply-convicted boy, and for four weeks groaned and prayed for the pardon of my sins. Sometimes it appeared that there was no mercy for me ; sleep departed from my eyes, and I found no rest day or night. I attended meeting, but carried my guilt with me and carried it home again. Wher- ever I went a load of guilt pressed me down. Bear- ing my hell about in my own bosom, my daily prayer was, " God be merciful to me a sinner/' "Save, Lord, I perish." I thus passed four weeks, lacking one day, in pleading and groaning for mercy and pardon, when, on Sabbath morning, — ! that blessed morning, I shall never forget it — I started to go to my father's, and having gone perhaps halfway, I kneeled by the side of a fence to ask God once more to pardon my sins, and then it appeared to me that A SUPERANNUATE. 19 God frowned upon me from above, and that hell was ready to open and receive me. I then thought all was lost, but perceived so clearly the sinfulness of my heart, and. the justice of God's law, that I only expressed my true feelings when I said, "Lord, if thou shouldst send me to hell, it is nothing more than I deserve ; but while sinking down to the bot- tomless pit, I will cry for mercy.' ' Just at that moment, I saw the blessed Jesus, by the eye of faith, as clearly as with the natural eye — I saw his smiling countenance, the most glorious ever beheld — and heard him say in my heart, " Young man, be not concerned, thy sins are all forgiven thee !" Now the gaping hell was closed beneath— heaven, no longer brass, was opened to my vision — love filled my heart, and an indescribable flood of glory over- powered my soul. My guilt was gone; the blood of Jesus washed it all away, and my poor heart was made new. I rose up and gazed upon the old stumps in the field, and they all looked bright and cheerful; the little grove near by, with branches waving in the gentle zephyr, seemed to praise God with delight. My little journey was resumed w T ith a light heart, w T hile my feet seemed scarcely to touch the earth. The earth, air, trees, sky, sunshine — all things, with- out and within me, spoke of the goodness of my Redeemer. When I arrived at my father's house and went in, the old kitchen looked new ; the whole family looked as I had never seen them before — - every thing looked new, and I felt hew all over. 20 RECOLLECTIONS OP " Old things were passed away, and, behold, all things were become new." But, notwithstanding this delightful experience, it had not yet occurred to me that I was in possession of religion ; the idea that my soul was truly regen- erated and born of God, had not crossed my mind ; but I felt a desire to pray again, and accordingly went into a secret place and fell down upon my knees to say — and never thought of saying any thing else — "God be merciful to me a sinner !" But when I attempted to say these words, ere I was aware of it, I said, " Glory !" I was frightened; something seemed to say to me, "What! such a wretch as you say, Glory?" But another "glory" came, and I felt ten thousand glories in my soul ! My next thought was, " What does all this mean ?" And then it seemed to me that a voice from heaven said, "This morning, while down yonder crying for mercy, God pardoned your sins." Then I felt the Spirit of God bearing witness with my spirit that I was a child of God. Then and there I received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father ! Immediately I ran into the house and said, " Fa- ther, can you forgive ? God has forgiven me, and I've found religion !" The manly face of my father lit up with a smile, and with the tear of joy starting from his eye, he said, "David, I have nothing against you! I have ten thousand times more against myself than against you!" This was about the 20th of March, A. D., 1796. A SUPERANNUATE. 21 Soon afterward my untutored mind sought to express the happy experience in verse, and I here present a few of the lines, not for their poetic yalue, but because of their association with my history at this interesting period of my life : "And when I rose up from the place, I thought I saw my Savior's face ; My soul did leap, and shout, and sing, And made the heavenly arches ring. Then to my friends I soon did go, To tell what love I'd found below ; And there we met with joy and peace, And had one glorious Gospel feast." That day I accompanied my father to Church, and found it far the happiest day of my life. The old meeting-house and all the people — in a word, the whole world seemed entirely new to me. God had given me a new heart, and every thing around me rejoiced in the smile of heaven. 0, how delightful the worship of God ! What melody in the hymns of praise ! How precious the word of truth ! How sweet the fellowship of kindred minds ! A short time after this, perhaps the next Sabbath, after the sermon closed I stood upon the pulpit stairs and talked to the people of the love of Jesus. The house was full, and my heart burned with intense desire to tell the congregation what God had done for my soul, and to warn sinners to flee from the wrath to come. While inviting all to come and taste, and see how good the Lord is, my soul was filled with 22 RECOLLECTIONS OF unutterable happiness ; and, though I had never yet heard those beautiful words — " 0, for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer's praise ; The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of his grace," they express the feelings of my heart at that time. My heart was deeply moved at the indifference of those who were slumbering in sin. My past life of thoughtlessness and folly now seemed wonderfully mysterious, and my soul was burdened for the con- version of my young acquaintances. I could say, in the language of the poet, " 0, for a trumpet voice, On all the world to call — To bid their hearts rejoice In him who died for all : For all, my Lord was crucified ; For all, for all, my Savior died." I shortly united with the Baptist Church. As be- fore stated, my parents were connected with that denomination, and I had no acquaintance with any other. I had heard of the Presbyterians, and of the Church of England, but had not the most distant idea that there were any Christians among them. About all I knew of these denominations was, that they "sprinkled babies." This was often mentioned by the Baptist members in my hearing — but only in such a way as to inspire in my heart a feeling of disgust toward all that practiced it. Indeed, the force of A SUPERANNUATE. 23 circumstances surrounding me, at this time, led me to suppose there was not a Christian in the whole world who was not a Baptist. I have no remark to make upon the propriety of educating children to look upon the different Christian denominations in this light, but only record the fact as an important item in my early experience. We were living at this time in Renssellaer county, New York ; my father having moved from Connecticut twelve years previous. Our minister was not a very popular preacher, though he was a man of strong, cunning mind, pos- sessing the " wisdom of the serpent," if not the "harra- lessness of the dove." I continued faithful in the discharge of duty and was very happy most of the time, and still exhorted in the Church nearly every Sabbath. In the township adjoining ours there was a very excellent Baptist preacher, and I would fre- quently go over to hear him, and sometimes would exhort the people there. One Sabbath I attended his meeting, and at the conclusion of his sermon arose and talked of the love of Christ and hope of heaven. I then saw a little man in the pulpit who, when I ceased talking, kneeled down and prayed with great fervor, and most astonishing fluency. After the benediction was pronounced, this strange little man came down, and, throwing his arm around my neck, whispered in my ear, urging me to be faith- ful. Some years after this, I learned that the little man was the Rev. Joseph Mitchell, of the New York conference. 24 RECOLLECTIONS OF Happy would it have been for me, if I had followed his advice ! But the pride of my heart began to struggle, and it soon became very difficult to speak in public. The cross became heavy. More self-denial was requisite ; I began to seek for ease, and, of course, my enjoyments declined. Sometimes I would take up the cross, and then the Lord blessed me; but some- times I would shrink from duty and leave the sanctu- ary, feeling badly. I was subject to strong tempta- tions; indeed, my course was exactly calculated to induce temptations ; and while in this condition, I overheard a conversation between some members of the Church which proved injurious to my spiritual comfort. They were speaking of the duty of exhort- ing in the Church ; some of them said they could exhort if they felt well, but if not, they could not suc- ceed if they tried ; then one remarked, "Yes, but there is little David Lewis, he can exhort any time/' The remark hurt me. I had been thinking, for some time, of giving up the practice, and now the enemy tempted me powerfully ; not that the assault was irre- sistible — we have the promise that no such temptation shall befall us— but I entered into the snare, and made up my mind to exhort no more ! The suggestion was thrust upon my mind, "You can be a still Christian as well as others; you can pray in secret and live religion, and be admired." My mind instantly turned to several who never prayed in public, and were highly esteemed as pious, worthy members of the Church. I then said I would never pray or exhort in A SUPERANNUATE. 25 public again, but would pray in secret and be a still Christian. " Ten thousand baits the foe prepares To keep the wandering heart, And seldom do we see the snares Before we feel the smart." So it was with me ; for the first time I went into secret to pray, after forming this resolution, but I found my relish for prayer was gone ; my access to the throne of mercy was hindered — darkness super- vened, joy fled, and prayer became an irksome task. I still intended to live a Christian life, but found so little enjoyment, that the closet was almost entirely neg- lected. Gradually I sunk into a lifeless state, re- taining the outward form of godliness, but destitute of its power. But while in this condition, every day and almost every hour, something seemed to be say- ing to me, " You are doing wrong." My own heart condemned me and kept me constantly in heaviness ; and I felt truly that God was greater than my heart, and knew all things. I always intended, and fre- quently purposed to come back to- God ; and I remem- ber once to have gone out to pray, and fell upon my knees, but dared not open my mouth before the Lord. So greatly had I sinned that my mouth was stopped, my tongue refused to utter the anguish of my mind in the presence of the Holy One ! But I was never so far backslidden as to lose re- spect for the house and service of God ; his fear was yet, in a measure, before my eyes all the day, and it 26 RECOLLECTIONS OF gave me pleasure to hear of the prosperity of Zion. Even while under the cloud, while destitute of vital communion with Christ in my own heart, nothing would give me more pleasure than to hear of a revival of religion. The report of the outpouring of the divine Spirit would induce me to feel — " that I were as heretofore, When, warm in my first love, I only lived my God V adore, And seek the things above. Upon my head his candle shone, And lavish of his grace, With cords of love he drew me on, And half unvail'd his face. Far, far above all earthly things Triumphantly I rode ; I soar'd to heav'n on eagles' wings, And found and talk'd with God. Where am I now ? From what a hight Of happiness cast down ! The glory swallow'd up in night, And faded is the crown." Yes, reader, "the glory was swallow r ed up in night ?" All was gloom and darkness. I knew there was a reality in religion, for I had felt its power. On eagles' wings my new-born soul had soared to heaven, and found and talked with God! His candle shone upon my head, his love drew me as with cords in the way of duty; far above the glittering things of earth my spirit rode in triumph ! But from this hight of enjoyment, I came down to seek pleasure in the world. Vain effort ! The world, all beautiful A SUPERANNUATE. 27 and bright, with its charming melody and fragrant flowers, so full of goodness, and teeming with the rich blessings of heaven, can afford no pleasure to a soul deprived of the favor of God. 0, the bitterness of backsliding! Father of everlasting grace, pity- all who feel it ! Dear reader, beware of the neglect of duty. You can not enjoy religion without watch- ing unto prayer. In order to maintain the life of godliness, you must keep the great end of life in view, feel that you are not your own, live not to self, but to Christ. Regularly retire into some se- cret place and pour out your soul in prayer. If you feel but little, go the oftener; press your suit before the throne, remembering that Christ enjoins importu- nity; and let no day pass without a new consecration to God. If you thus live — if you make it your de- light to commune with heaven, you shall prove the deep meaning of St. Paul's w r ords, "I am crucified with Christ : nevertheless, I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me : and the life that I now live in the flesh is by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." You will then answer the end of your creation, glorify God in your body and spirit, which are his, live and die happy, and possess the kingdom with the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. But to return. I continued to wander in this back- slidden state for several years — all the time an ac- ceptable member of the Church, and looked upon by others as a good Christian — yet feeling conscious that 28 RECOLLECTIONS OF my soul was barren and desolate, having long since ceased to bring forth the fragrant fruits of the Spirit. But I was approaching a new epoch — a turning point in my history, to which I look back with peculiar interest. I went down, one Sabbath day, to hear the minister in the adjoining township, to whom I have referred, and, in company with two young men of my acquaintance, started toward home. But, instead of going directly home, being full of glee, we rode on till we came to Milltown, rode up into the place, and, seeing a crowd collected about the house of , we were soon in their midst, and found that there was some one preaching in the house. I stood near an open window, and soon found myself deeply inter- ested in the discourse. The preacher was dwelling on the atonement of Christ, its fullness and freeness, and the agency of man in availing himself of its rich provisions. The subject fixed my attention, and I listened to every word with the greatest eagerness, not doubting that the stranger was a true embassador of Jesus Christ. I believed every word he uttered, though brought up to believe in a limited atonement — or, at least, in a Church that taught the doctrine of a limited atonement, and denied the agency of man in the attainment of salvation. In a word, I had been taught the doctrines of unconditional election and reprobation, but could never believe them. I had even held some little disputes on these points; but my mind was beclouded. I stood in need of light; for it was plain to me that there was something A SUPERANNUATE. 29 unsound in the teachings of the Church in relation to these doctrines, but I could not sufficiently compre- hend the subject to tell precisely where the difficulty was. But in this reverend gentleman's discourse, the Gospel method of salvation by grace through faith, was opened to my mind and made so plain that I wondered every one did not embrace it. His remarks were Scriptural, lucid, and convincing. As I listened, a thrill of pleasure ran through my heart. I was instructed, amazed, captivated. The divine simplicity of this truly-evangelical sermon charmed my soul. The preacher was Rev. Joseph Mitchell, the little man once before referred to, who put his arm around my neck, and urged me to be faithful ! This was the first Methodist sermon I ever heard. At the close of the discourse, some of the people came out, and, forgetting my companions, I crowded in. The preacher stepped up on a bench and com- menced singing that beautiful hymn, " Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone." I stepped up by his side so as to look into his book ; for I had never heard the w^ords before, and we sung the hymn through. He then whispered in my ear the question, "Do you enjoy religion?" My answer w T as according to the times, "I hope so F Rev. Mr. Mitchell then said, "I am now going to prophesy: God is about to revive his w r ork here — we shall soon have a reformation in this place. Now, if you have any old backslidden Baptists in this region, they will be the first to oppose the work." He left 30 RECOLLECTIONS OF another appointment, came round in four weeks, and God did revive his work ; sinners were awakened and converted to God. I attended the meetings, and felt the hardness of my heart giving way ; I began to sigh and groan for my forfeited peace ; my hidden sorrow burst forth in gushing tears. Then could I say — " God, thou art my home, my rest, For which I sigh in pain ,* How shall I 'scape into thy breast ? My Eden how regain ?" Thank God! I did not sigh in vain. I now discov- ered all the follies of my backslidden life, felt deeply sensible of my ingratitude, promised the Lord in humility to perform every known duty, pleaded earn- estly the prayer of the humbled Psalmist, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, uphold me with thy free Spirit," and, adding the Psalmist's vow, "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee," I fully consecrated myself to his service, feeling that, living or dying, I would be the Lord's. Thank Heaven! like the first approach of morning, light began to dawn upon my soul, and it continued to shine more and more till every cloud was dispelled, and the full beams of the sun of right- eousness poured down upon my heart — scattering darkness, doubt, fear, and sorrow, and filling my mind with the peace of God that passeth all understanding. There were other preachers on that circuit with whom I was much pleased. Their prayers and exhor- tations interested me very much; and I thought if A SUPERANNUATE. 31 their iives only corresponded with their profession, all would be right. But, alas ! it was reported that they were " black-legs ;" and every thing that was bad was said about them. I was often led to ask myself the question, Can it be possible that men guilty of such wickedness as is charged upon these, can pray as they do? 0, thou tongue of slander, what evil hast thou wrought! What contempt hast thou poured upon the cause of God! What deep injury hast thou inflicted on the servants of Christ ! Truly thou art a deadly poison! Thou art a fire, a world of iniquity! Thou settest on fire the course of nature, and art set on fire of hell! " The dark villain who shall aim To blast a fair and spotless name ; He steals a precious gem away — Steals what both Indies can't repay." I knew nothing at this time of the economy of the Methodist Episcopal Church. I knew nothing of the conference, of the annual examinations of character, of the manner of sending preachers to their fields of labor; and, hence, however difficult it was to suppose men capable of acting a feigned part in such a man- ner, and for such a length of time, some doubts did spring up in my mind respecting these men of God. But still I attended upon their ministry, and my father would sometimes go ; he said they were smart men, but did not preach the Gospel. He became much offended at their preaching, but would not desist from hearing them. We would sometimes talk 32 RECOLLECTIONS OF together about the subject matter of their preaching; he violently opposed it, but I defended it as well as I knew how, with much zeal ; for, though no thought of joining the Methodist Church had yet entered my mind, I dearly loved the doctrines these men preached, and fully believed them to be the doctrines of the Bible. My oldest sister experienced religion about the time of my own conversion, and, like myself, subse- quently lost her enjoyments ; but now, by attending these Methodist meetings, she was renewed in the divine life and made happy. Being but nine years of age when first converted, she was yet under parental control, and being desirous to join the Methodist Church, she asked her father's consent. He peremp- torily denied her the privilege ! After she went out, I interceded in her behalf, but he would not consent. I asked which he would prefer — that she should join the Methodists, and live a religious life, or remain where she was and lose her religion ? He said there was no need of losing her religion. I insisted that she would surely backslide, if she did not join the Methodist Church; and so she did; but, after she was of age, she was again renewed — she then imme- diately joined the Church of her choice, and lived and died a flaming Christian. "Glory to God on high ! the Christian dies ! Dies from the world, and quits the earthly clod : Dies, and receives the crown by Christ bestow'd ; Dies into all the life and plenitude of God." A SUPERANNUATE. 33 CHAPTER II. JOIN THE METHODISTS — COMMENCE PREACHING. I continued to attend the Methodist meetings, and was more and more pleased with them. There I found congenial spirits — Christians baptized with the Spirit of love, whose warm hearts, and generous im- pulses overstepped the narrow limits of sectarian dis- tinctions, and embraced with brotherly affection, all true disciples of the risen Lord. Embracing a Gospel that offered eternal life to all men on equal terms, proclaiming as a fundamental truth that God is no respecter of persons, delighting in the belief that Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man, and aiming at nothing less than the sub- jugation of the world to the reign of Messiah, they evinced a nobler charity and a purer zeal than any people I had ever known. Their simplicity of man- ner, fervor in prayer, and love for the souls of sin- ners for whom the Savior died, rendered their associ- ations agreeable to me, and tended greatly to allay my fears in reference to those who preached for them the word of life, and on whose reputation the poison- ous breath of slander had fallen. But our minister was violently opposed to the Methodists — their success gave him much uneasiness, 34 RECOLLECTIONS OE and he hurled upon them unmeasured denunciation. He frequently gave out that, on such and such Sab- baths, he would expose their doctrines, and these an- nouncements were understood as intimations that his "big gun " was to be fired off. But it would prove to be charged with invective and calumny. The explo- sion w T ould be great enough; but, like all over- charged artillery, the most fearful execution was pro- duced at home. In other words, his vituperation re- bounded, and fell w T ith crushing weight upon his own head. In his over-zealous efforts to counteract Meth- odism, he sunk himself in the estimation of the better part of community, and saw his own Church dwindle away and fall to rise no more in that place. This is the inevitable result of blindly fighting the truth. But the Methodists increased in numbers and influ- ence, bought a lot, built a house of worship, and con- tinued to prosper in spite of the detractions of their enemies. On the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1802, I was united in the holy bonds of matri- mony with Miss Desire Steward — my present wife, who from that time to this has been my companion in labor, and sharer of my joys and sorrows. With the ambition of young, hopeful hearts, we set out in life with fair prospects and high expectations. Possess- ing good health and willing hands, we anticipated the acquisition of a "competency" of this world's good, not doubting that, with the blessing of Heaven, we should spend our days in comparative quiet, with- A SUPERANNUATE. 35 out witnessing much of the bustle and turmoil of the world in its heated strife. How little did we know of the ways of Providence ! I entered into business, but did not succeed well. And no wonder that Heaven frowned, for I rented a tavern stand, opened public house, set up a "bar" and sold rum ! This was then regarded an honorable business, and professors of Christianity would pour out the " liquid fire " for gain, as freely as they would perform any other labor. But, thank God ! light has been poured upon the accursed traffic, revealing in hideous colors the monstrous iniquity attending it, so that it is now expunged from the list of pursuits in which Christians can engage. While thus employed, I lost my enjoyments in religion, and lost several hundred dollars in money; I closed the business in the year 1806. During that same year we moved to Plattsburg, bought land, and went to work in the woods. In a short time I cleared off a spot of ground, built a house, and moved into it. Now we felt happy to find ourselves settled on a little farm of our own, though it was in a rude state, the settlement being new. Our neighbors were very kind, as is generally the case in a newly-settled country, but they were not religious. I still frequented Methodist meetings, but had no thought of uniting with the Church. Why, I can scarcely tell ; for I believed their doctrines, and had enjoyed myself better in their meetings than any- where else ; but the power of early education, preju- 36 RECOLLECTIONS OF dice and association, is very great. Being reared in the very lap of the Baptist Church, I had not yet deliberately looked upon my Church relations as an open question, admitting of choice or preference. I delighted, however, to converse with pious Method- ists, especially in reference to camp meetings. Their reports of the displays of divine power witnesssed by them on these occasions, excited me with emotions of peculiar interest — they struck my mind as in perfect accordance with the Scriptures. After spending some months in this place, the sub- ject of my Church connection was suddenly brought to my view in a different light from what it had ever been before. While chopping in the woods, medi- tating on the goodness of God, and the privileges of Christian fellowship, the question rushed upon my mind, as if uttered by a voice, " Of all branches of the Church, which do you think the most Scrip- tural ?" My mind responded as if by spontaneous im- pulse, " The Methodist." Following this in rapid suc- cession, the following questions and answers sprang up in my mind : " With what people do you best en- joy yourself ?" "The Methodists." "Why then do you not join them?" "Because my relations are all opposed to them — the world despises them, the devil hates them, and the pride of my heart keeps me back." "Did you not promise God that if he would heal your backslidings, you would perform every known duty?" "I did." "Well, now God has shown you that it is your duty to join the Methodist A SUPERANNUATE. 37 Church, has he not?" " Truth, Lord, and if my life is spared, I will join that Church to-morrow !" I threw down the ax, went to the house, and told my wife that I was going to Peru the next day — this being Saturday — to join the Methodists. She expressed much surprise, and remonstrated strongly against it ; said she would rather follow me to my grave, etc. ; but I was decided in my course. She then tried another method : u \would" said she, "join the Church with old T. and J!" These were two poor men in the Church; T. was an excellent, pious man ; but J. was not wdiat he should have been. My wife was not only affectionate, but pious ; and yet her prejudices betrayed her into these remarks, so unlike herself. And this may be taken as a fair illustration of the feelings which other denominations enter- tained toward the Methodists. They felt disgraced if their friends joined them. I then told my wife that she could have her liberty in relation to the mat- ter> and I would take mine ; that she could have a horse and go to her meetings whenever she w r ished ; that if she would go with me to meeting, I would wait on her as I had ever done ; but if she preferred going to her own, we would go together as far as the road would permit, and if we could fall in company on our way home, I would be pleased to assist her as formerly ; but to decline joining the Methodists, I could not. It was my duty to join them several years ago, but my friends were opposed to them, and the pride of my heart had hindered me, etc. We 38 RECOLLECTIONS OF both wept, but nothing could move me from my purpose. I did go the next day, and made appli- cation to be received into the Church, and, thank God ! with all my unworthiness, they accepted me and received me cordially to their Christian fellow- ship. This occurred on the 13th day of June, A.D. 1807 ; and in October following, my wife joined with me, and from that time we went on hand in hand praising God. Our place of meeting was six miles distant, but I was absent only two Sabbaths in twelve months — beside attending prayer meeting nearly every Wed- nesday. These were blessed days to my soul ! God was with us in very deed. As before remarked, our neighbors were unusually kind, but cared nothing for religion. When they heard I had joined the Methodists, they said they were astonished that I should be so deluded. They were ignorant of Meth- odism, and unacquainted with Methodist people ; they had heard something about them, but nothing good. A scene of persecution ensued — manifested princi- pally in petty annoyances. In those days the Methodists held meeting every holiday — would that it were so now — and, of course, myself and family were there. One of my neighbors sent to my house on Christmas day for a pair of bullet molds, and was highly offended because we were not at home. On New- Year's day he sent again, as he wanted to go to a shooting-match — but found the house locked. He was now more angry than before, A SUPERANNUATE. 39 and said he " wished to God the house Was burned down, and Lewis burned up in it." He said we were eternally gone to meeting, and would come to nothing. And just here permit me to record a remarkable instance of prayer answered. On Sabbath night I prayed earnestly for this neighbor, Mr. S , and asked God to convict him so that he could neither eat, sleep, nor work, till he sought religion. On Monday, I made the same request — several times during the day retiring into the grove, and pleading with God to send his Holy Spirit and awaken Mr. S to a sense of his sins, and trouble his con- science so that he could neither eat, sleep, nor work. On Tuesday Mr. S came to where I was, and said that he had been up to his father-in-law's to do some work, but felt so badly that he could not get through with it. He told his father-in-law the state of his mind, and the old gentleman replied that he had been under conviction for six months. "But," said Mr. S , " I know I can not live in this state six weeks; why, I can neither eat, sleep, nor work!" I said to him, "Mr. S , your father-in-law might have been under conviction, six months, but not such as yours — you are on the margin of conversion; and if you will go with me into the grove, we will engage in prayer, and God will pardon your sins." " 0," said he, " Mr. Lewis, it can't be possible that so much filth can be purged away in so short time !" "Come with me and I will pray for you," said I, 40 RECOLLECTIONS OF " and God will have mercy on your soul." We walked together into the grove, and he kneeled down with me. This encouraged me much, for I had heard it remarked as an old saying, that if you could get a Yankee on his knees he was half converted. I commenced praying, and Mr, S manifested deep feeling. I continued to plead with God in his behalf, and he groaned and sobbed. His heart was now broken up, and he poured forth, in the language of confession and contrition, most bitter lamentations for past follies, with earnest supplications for mercy and pardon in the name of the precious Redeemer, whom he had so often slighted. And, 0, the riches of mercy ! God heard his penitent desire, pardoned his sins, sent down the Holy Spirit, and filled him with happiness, and he went home rejoicing in hope of eternal life. I now prevailed on the preacher to make an ap- pointment at my house. He came and preached for us, then came again and preached in Mr. S 's barn, and soon formed a class, giving me the class- book. The good work went on gloriously, so that in a short period we had a good society of forty members. This society was formed in the summer of 1808. About this time, my mind was greatly exercised in relation to preaching the Gospel. Indeed, the thought that I must preach had pressed upon my mind for a long time, but there appeared so many hinderances in the way, that I had not laid the A SUPERANNUATE. 41 matter seriously to heart. Now, however, the subject became one of moving interest — so much so that it could not be put off without careful attention, and conscientious decision. I felt that my spiritual en- joyments, my usefulness, and my temporal prospects were involved in the question, to say nothing of my eternal interests. Prayerfully did I revolve the question, " What shall I do ?" To refuse positively, I dare not ; and to undertake the great work seemed impossible. An overwhelming sense of my want of qualification for so important a calling, filled me with fear and trembling. Having been reared in a new country, where school advantages were scarce, my education was defective, and my stock of general knowledge necessarily limited. My embarrassment was great. My brethren would often pray that God would thrust me out to do my duty, yet I felt con- scious that I knew not how to preach. Moreover, I felt that if I preached at all, I must make a business of it, enter the itinerancy and devote my life to the work ; and the thought of subjecting an affectionate wife and dear children to the privations and hard- ships incident to the circumstances of the family of a Methodist traveling preacher, was to me very painful. I knew not how to go, and to stay at the hazard of disobeying God, I felt that I could not. But, after many severe mental conflicts, my mind was made up that if the Church would give me license, I would go out into the wide world and call sinners to repent- ance. In the month of March, 1809, the preacher — 4 42 RECOLLECTIONS OF Rev. Samuel Draper^ of the New York confer- ence, the brother who took me into the Church — left the circuit ; and having previously licensed me to exhort, gave me liberty to preach, and employed me to fill the appointments on the circuit, till the preachers should arrive from conference. The door was now fairly open, and, in the name and strength of God, I started out to commence the work which, in the providence of God, was to " make my heart rejoice, and spend the remnant of my days." I completed my engagement; and, when conference was over, there proved to be a vacancy on the Fletcher circuit, on the eastern side of Lake Cham- plain, which the presiding elder employed me to fill till the first quarterly meeting, at which time the brother appointed from conference would arrive. I attended quarterly meeting on Saturday, and received a regular license to preach, and on Monday, started for the circuit. My trials of mind at this time were very great. The mingled emotions to which the circumstances surrounding me gave rise, kept me in continual agitation. But while crossing the Lake, I strove to give myself up entirely to God and his work. My sincere prayer to God was, that he would make me useful. I lifted my heart to him, and promised that if he would raise up one soul to testify that my labors had been instrumental in his or her con- version, I would travel all the year, provided there should be an opening. I arrived upon the circuit, A SUPERANNUATE. 43 and found my colleague, Rev. 0. Sikes, a deeply pious man and good preacher. He furnished me with a list of the appointments. My first one was at the house of Deacon Thurston, on the river Samile, in Vermont. Sabbath came, and, after preaching as well as I could, it was suggested to me that a thousand such sermons would be of no benefit to any one. Mortified and humbled, I would gladly have hidden myself, if it had been possible; but the class must be met. Without this, our work was never considered clone in those days. I proceeded to the afternoon appointment with my mind under a cloud, thinking of the dis- grace brought upon myself and the cause of religion. I prayed and wept; and, on coming round in two weeks, found an old lady happy in God, saying that, under that sermon, she was awakened, and had found peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ! This encouraged my poor heart, and brought to remem- brance the pledge made to God, that if he would raise up one soul to testify that my labors were instrumental in his or her conversion, I would travel the whole year, if there should be an opening. I felt that God's seal was now placed upon my humble efforts, and desired to follow the leadings of his providence, to whatever labor or sacrifice he might call me. At the first quarterly meeting the preacher came on, as was expected. We had a glorious meeting, resulting in several conversions. The presiding elder then took me with him into Lower Canada, to travel 44 RECOLLECTIONS OF with brother Whiting on Dunham circuit, for the pur- pose of turning it into a four weeks' circuit. Here I found the country new, the people poor, and fear- fully wicked. I preached in townships that had been settled seven and nine years, and never a sermon in them till that fall. The people were very shy of us — so much so, that we found some difficulty in holding conversations with them respecting their souls. I went into the township of Stukely to Mr. L 's. He wanted preaching at his house, but his wife was violently opposed to it. She said she would not har- bor the lazy Methodist preachers, who were going about the country getting money and picking people's pockets. I staid all night, however, and conversed with Mr. L in reference to the salvation of his soul — his wife retiring early, determined not to har- bor Methodist preachers. The next morning — Sab- bath — the people dime in, and I preached to them from 2 Corinthians v, 17: "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." But Mrs. L shut herself up in another room, determined not to hear. We had an intermission, and then preaching again. In the afternoon, I traveled through the woods some distance, and at night preached from, "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." Here the family had no religion, but desired to have preaching. They treated me with so much kindness that I felt quite at home with them. Thus I passed once around the circuit, a stranger in a strange land ; but God was with me, the strength A SUPERANNUATE. 45 of my heart, a very present help in trouble; and his strong arm sustained me. I was now in the British dominions, and often sat and heard many hard things said against the Govern- ment of the United States — the Government of my own beloved, my native land. This was a source of great pain to me, but the only alternative was to sub- mit and bear it. If I should utter a word of objec- tion against their form of government, they would immediately say, "You must not talk so here; we are bound to inform against you." On my second round, the aspect of things was more pleasing. I now found some to bid me welcome to their houses with smiling faces. Soon God gave me the hearts of the people, and even Mrs. L , who would not hear me preach on the first round, was converted, joined the Church, and became an honored mother in our Israel. Her house became one of the best homes for the toiling itinerant that could be found in the country. But while in this province, I suffered extremely from the cold. I would often sleep in open cabins where the snow would cover the bed, and with too light clothing for the season; sometimes in an open loft where the wind had full sweep. On the older part of the circuit, however, I found better accommodations; for I found some old, well-tried Methodists, faithfully serving God night and day. Among these, I may name the Bigelow family — pa- rents of the lamented Russell Bigelow — a most ex- cellent family, and a blessed home for the weary 46 RECOLLECTIONS OF herald of the cross. Here were grandmother, fa- ther, mother, two sons, and three or four daughters, all pious. We would hold family prayer meeting every time I came to stop with them, and I always obtained an increase of strength. Here also was a family of the name of Anderson, whose house was open for the preacher. One daughter belonged to the Church. She would always hold family worship when the preacher was not present. I met with her a few years ago, living in Springfield, Ohio. She was a widow, still holding fast her profession — took great pleasure in talking over olden times, and relating the dealings of God with her. During this year, I lost my horse ; then walked and preached two and three times a day, for two weeks. Previous to this, I had never but once walked the dis- tance of seven miles at one time. I bought another horse, for which I paid all the money I had, gave up my watch, gave my note for the balance, and hired five dollars to bear my expenses home. We had no missionary societies in those days. I remember, while on this circuit, preaching at a brother's house, where I had but little feeling; my mind was beclouded, and religious enjoyments fled. I had another appointment at night, where a lady belonged whose husband was greatly opposed to us, and would not allow her to attend the meetings. Several of the friends started with me to this ap- pointment, but I should have preferred being alone. My mind was much beclouded. I tried to think of A SUPERANNUATE. 47 some subject on which to dwell, but all was as dark as midnight. I could think of nothing to say — the Bible was a sealed book to me, and my mind was depressed with grief. I reviewed my past life, looked into my heart, felt anxious to know the cause of this distress- ing darkness, but could detect no neglect of known duty, nor did I realize any condemnation. In this state of feeling I arrived at the house where the ap- pointment was, retired to a private room, fell upon my knees in prayer, and pleaded with God for light — but all was darkness before me. I continued to wrestle, groan, and struggle in supplication before the Lord, till the congregation assembled. The people were now waiting; the agony of my soul was inexpressi- ble ; but I determined not to rise from my knees till God should bless me. At length faith prevailed, and, suddenly as the spark from smitten steel, light flashed into my heart ! It seemed as though a ball of celes- tial fire burst upon my head, and ran through my soul! "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them/' rushed into my mind. I rose up, entered the room to the presence of the people, and said, "God will let down his power in the congregation!" That wicked man, who hindered his wife from attending her meetings, happened to be present, and as I uttered these words, the power of God struck his heart. I preached with great freedom, and, after preaching, we labored with this poor, convicted sinner, till God, for Christ's sake, pardoned all his sins. We had a shout in the camp. "0 come, let us sing unto the 48 RECOLLECTIONS OF Lord: let us make a joyful noise unto the Eock of our salvation/' I closed my first year of itinerant labor, having received toward supporting myself and family, con- sisting of my wife and three children, the sum of thirty-six dollars, quarterage, and about seventeen dollars given by friends toward making up the loss of my horse. These were times that tried men's souls and bodies too. I returned to the bosom of my family, thankful to God that our lives were preserved, and spent some time visiting old friends, and preaching to them the Gospel of peace. And here let me give glory to God for the good that was done through the instrument- ality of my feeble labors. I saw a large number of souls happily converted to God, and took many into the Church. Doubtless, ere this, some of them are singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, high up in glory. Lord, keep me faithful till death releases me from earth, that I may meet them in the glorious world above! " There is a land where grief can never come, Nor sorrows press the heavy-laden heart ; There friends shall meet in an eternal home, And from each other never more shall part." A SUPERANNUATE. 49 CHAPTER III. FLETCHER CIRCUIT-UNDER THE ELDER. At the session of the New York conference for the year 1810, there was a vacancy left for me on the Fletcher circuit, where I traveled under the direction of the presiding elder. This was the circuit on which I labored prior to the first quarterly meeting of the previous year. My first acquaintance there, though short, was very happy. I was much pleased with the people, and they gave me a hearty welcome to their circuit. My colleague this year was Rev. Francis Brown — a worthy little brother, faithful and w r ell received. We labored together in great harmony, and w r ere permitted to see the work of the Lord glo- riously revive — sinners were pricked in their hearts, cried for mercy, and found redemption in the blood of Christ, even the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace. Methodism had now gained a pretty strong hold on the affections of .the people, but all opposition was not yet broken down in that quarter. In common with all true disciples of Christ, we had to contend with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and, in addi- tion, with some who professed to be Christians. In 50 RECOLLECTIONS OF other denominations, among ministers and members, were many found to cry out against us. I am sorry to record this fact. The recollection of it is painful to my heart. But my old Baptist and Presbyterian friends know that what I affirm of the state of things, forty and fifty years ago, is strictly and literally true. But, thank God! I have lived to see the day when those who were most violently opposed to us, give us the right hand of fellowship. Say not that the former days were better than these. Thank Heaven! light is increasing, darkness recedes, the power of bigotry is broken, truth prevails, error falls to the ground, and let all the people say, Amen. My family lived in Peru, on the west side of Lake Champlain, and my circuit was on the eastern side; of course, I was absent from my family most of the time. The circuit was large, containing from twenty- five to thirty appointments to be filled every four weeks. Generally, I could spend one or two days with my family in two months. My whole time was given up to God and his cause. We met with oppo- sition wherever we went, but God laid to his helping hand, and added to our numbers daily, so that the despised Methodists were happy and prosperous, walking in the light of the Lord. At Waterbury, the society had been for some time in a cold state ; but the set time to favor Zion at this place was come. I went to brother Jones's, where the preaching was held, and spent a happy night with the family. The next morning, Sabbath,, the people A SUPERANNUATE, 51 collected as usual, and I opened the service with singing and prayer, then read the text — Isaiah xl, 9-11 — and proceeded to expound it as well as I was able ; and while I yet spoke, " the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word." God reveal- ed himself in great power — sinners were cut to the heart and cried for mercy. The membership awoke and prayed to God mightily, and the glory of the Lord filled the whole house where we were assembled. About twenty were awakened and cried for mercy, and, God be praised ! they did not cry in vain. God heard our prayers, poured out his Spirit, and shed his love abroad in penitent, broken hearts. I remained and labored with the seekers as long as duty would permit, and then went on to my after- noon appointment, filled with faith and the Holy Ghost. There were, perhaps, more souls awakened here than under any one sermon I ever preached. Once, while preaching in S , in a barn — the men sitting on one side and the women on the other — the power of God came down like the rushing of a mighty wind, and the people fell like men slain in battle. Nearly half the congregation were on the floor crying for mercy, or shouting the high praises of God. But notwithstanding these evidences of God's bless- ing upon my labors, I was often tempted to think he had never called me to this work. I often wished that no one had heard me say I thought it my duty to preach, and thought if I w T ere to begin again, I would 52 RECOLLECTIONS OJF keep it to myself. But now I was committed, and the Church had called me out, and I knew not how to draw back. I frequently prayed to God, that if he had called me to preach, he would send down his sin- slaying power in the congregation ; and I seldom asked for such witness, but, before my sermon ended, one, and (sometimes a dozen persons would fall to the floor. Still, when I looked into the Bible, and saw the depth of divine truth, its precious pearls lying so far beyond my reach, the contemplation so impressed my mind with a sense of my unfitness for the work of the ministry, that I did look upon myself as one having run before he was sent. I seemed like a man standing upon the earth, looking down into the deep mines of gold, viewing the precious metal far beneath his grasp, while he was only permitted to pick up some bits here and there which lay near the surface. And, my brethren, it is not a light thing to be a minister of the Gospel. When we think of standing between God and the souls of men dead in tres- passes and sins, to teach them to escape hell and gain heaven — when we think of being made a mouth-piece for God, and of the account we must give to him in the great day, as to how and what we have preached — and when we remember that our preaching will be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death, we may well exclaim with St. Paul, "Who is sufficient for these things!" Verily, "our sufficiency is of God," who hath said, " My grace is sufficient for A SUPERANNUATE. 53 thee." Thank God ! after forty-seven years' expe- rience in the blessed work, I am now happy, and would that all the world might come and see how good the Lord is. Salvation to God and the Lamb ! This year we took in a new appointment, in the town of Jericho, a gentleman living near having opened his house for our entertainment. I spent many happy nights with this man and his old lady. They had never experienced religion, but were pleased to have us preach in the neighborhood. As we held forth the word bf life in this place, some mocked, but others listened with attention ; for our doctrine was entirely new to them. The people had been taught, in lieu of the Gospel, that God foreordained whatso- ever comes to pass — that he had, from all eternity, elected a certain and definite number to eternal life, and foreordained the rest to eternal death — that the number of each class was particularly and unchang- ably designed, and so certain and definite that it could not be increased or diminished. One day, at the close of preaching here, a man rose up in the congregation and said, " God has his elect, and he gave his Son to die for them, and for them only; and St. Paul says, 'If I or an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel, let him be accursed.' ' I replied, "Paul says, 'Therefore, as by the offense of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life;' and, 'We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels 54 RECOLLECTIONS OF for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that he, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man;' and, again, in speaking of Christ, he says, that ' he gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.' And now, sir, the due time has come, and I am sent to testify this glo- rious truth to all men, and you are found preaching ' another Gospel,' and upon you the curse must fall." When I came round to this point again, a friend told me that he had asked a Mr. S. W why he did not come out to hear me preach. His reply was, " The Methodists are not fit to preach — they are a poor, ignorant set, not fit to preach in any polite place ; but if they can get a lot of ignorant old women together, in some corner of the town, they will do to preach to them. I would like to see your Mr. Lewis." After preaching, notice was given that there would be a prayer meeting at the house of Mr. W , father to the S. W above mentioned, that evening. Mr. W sent word to his son that there w 7 ould be a conference meeting at his house that night — that the Methodist preacher was to be there, and he — the father — would like to have him — the son — attend. I opened the meeting, and in some introductory remarks, took occasion to notice two extremes into which men sometimes fall ; namely, Pharisaism and Antinomianism. Said I, " The Phar- isee will tell us he is going to heaven by his works, and the Antinomian rushes to the opposite extreme, A SUPERANNUATE. 55 discarding works altogether, and claims salvation by faith alone ; hut St. James sets both right when he says, ' Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.' Faith and works must go together. Our faith must be ' of the operation of God, producing good works.' ' After the meeting closed, S. W and myself entered into friendly conversation ; but he soon introduced his favorite notions, no doubt for the purpose of exciting controversy; and to give the reader an idea of the readiness of Calvinists to attack us, and of the manner of their disputations, and with the method adopted for the purpose of setting aside their speculations, I give the substance of what passed on this occasion : L. " I heard Mr. Denison preach a fine sermon the other evening." W. " Did you, indeed ! Was he dwelling on the doctrine of particular election?" L. " No, sir ; if he had been. I should probably not have been so well pleased, as I do not believe in the doctrine of fate — that God, for his own glory, foreordained whatsoever comes to pass." W. " That is what you call the doctrine of fate, is it ? "Well, I never could see how it is possible that any man can have consistent views of the character of God, without believing him to be infinite in knowl- edge/' L. "I do not doubt that God is infinite in knowl- edge." 56 RECOLLECTIONS OF W. " Well, I never could see how God could know a thing unless he had decreed that it should be." L. " Do you believe God is as wise as man ?" W. " Yes, I believe God is infinite in knowledge. " L. " Do you not remember that man foretold that in June, 1806, there would be an eclipse of the sun? And was it not fulfilled exactly to the day and hour V W. "Yes; I recollect it all." L. " Well, did the man decree that the sun should be eclipsed at that time?" W. "No, of course, he did not." L. " Then if man may foreknow a thing without decreeing it, may not God likewise ? But, sir, it is your doctrine that denies the infinitude of the knowledge of God." W. " How do you make that out ?" L. " Do you not believe that the knowledge and decree of God, are one and the same?" W. u Yes, certainly." L. " Well, wherever there is a decree, there must be a being who makes it, and the author of a decree must exist prior to the decree which he makes. Now, God is the author of his own decrees, and he existed before they were made ; and his decrees and knowledge being the same., it follows that he existed before his knowledge ; or, in other words, if he could not know any thing before he decreed that it should be, the time he existed prior to his decrees was a time in which he knew nothing ! But herein, sir, A SUPERANNUATE. 57 is the mistake. Knowledge and decree are not one and the same. Knowledge is an attribute of the Divine nature, and decree is an act or purpose of the Divine mind. Then, if a decree is an act or purpose of the Divine mind, there must have been a time when it was enacted or purposed, and a time previous to that when it w r as not yet enacted or pur- posed ; and if the decree is the same as knowledge, there must have been a time when there was no knowledge, simply because there was a time when there was no decree/' W. "Well, I can not clear it up, but if Mr. D. was here, he could clear it up." L. "No, sir; I beg leave to say that Mr. D. can not clear it up ; neither can any other man, in harmony with the doctrines of Calvinism. But, Mr. W , you are a Universalist !" W. "No, sir, I am no Universalist." L. " Does any thing take place in the world con- trary to the will of God?" W. " Nothing ; he worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." L. " Then all men do the will of God, do they not?" W. " 0, yes, of course." L. " Well, the Savior said, ' If any man do the will of my Father, the same is my brother, my sister, and my mother ;' and these words denote the most intimate union with him — a union which, if we pos- sess it, will enable us to overcome all our enemies, and entitle us to reign with him forever. True, 58 RECOLLECTIONS OF we can not overcome and reign with him, unless we do his will. But you say, all do his will ; and if they do, they will most certainly all be saved.' ' The above conversation took place in the presence of the congregation. The people listened attentively, and we all parted in friendship. We preached on St. Albans Point, where we had an excellent society. Here were brother Brooks, the two Duntons and their wives, brother Green, who finally became a local preacher, and brother Veets, then an excellent local preacher. He sub- sequently settled in the northern part, of Ohio, and died some years ago in the faith of the Gospel. He was a charming man, and greatly beloved. The members of this society were much persecuted. They could find no protection against outrage from their enemies, by appealing to the law ; because the officers thought that Methodists ought not to be protected in their worship. One of the brothers Dunton told me he had been compelled to run his horse all the way home from the county-seat, in order to escape the fury of the mob — and that, when called to the seat of justice to attend court; and for no other reason than that he was a Methodist. Nevertheless, God blessed them, and they flourished like olive- trees planted in the courts of the Lord's house. They were a little Church founded upon solid rock, and "the gates of hell could not prevail against" them. " Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name!" A SUPERANNUATE. 59 One beautiful Sabbath morning of the summer of this year, I was preaching on the Point in a barn, when a number of young people came over in a boat from Georgia township, in Vermont, among whom was a young gentleman of the name of Nicholas White, who was engaged in teaching school. They came on a sort of pleasure excursion, but the atten- tion of this young man was arrested, and he looked and listened with astonishment. He was awakened, and soon afterward gave his name as a probationer for membership in the Church. He then invited me to go over and preach in his school-house. This I did on the day he joined, and at the end of the sermon called on him to close the meeting with prayer. This was putting him to work very soon, but I knew that if he was converted he must pray ; and being in the neighborhood of his friends, I thought that to have him thus decidedly commit himself to the service of God, would have a salu- tary effect both upon himself and others ; and I was not mistaken. He was faithful, and soon obtained license to exhort — then to preach — then he became a member of the New York conference, and, if living, is still a member of that honored body of self-denying men of God. Notwithstanding the oppo- sition we received from the people of St. Albans, and in the neighborhood, before leaving the circuit I preached in the town; and, a few years after this, the place became a station, which has been well sustained. God can work and none can hin- 60 RECOLLECTIONS OE der. w The wrath of man shall praise him, and the remainder of wrath he will restrain." While on this circuit, a brother obtained the priv- ilege from the officers, and made an appointment for me in the town-house, in Fairfield. This town was occupied by Presbyterians ; and as soon as the min- ister heard of my appointment, he determined to crowd me out and preach himself. The brother who made the appointment for me, came and informed me of the fact, and inquired if I would yield. I told him I should preach at the time appointed. I went to the place before the hour, selected my text and hymn, and waited for the congregation ; but when the minister and his company came in, I rose up and commenced the service. Upon seeing my firmness, and the start I had of them, they sat down and quietly listened, while I preached from John iv, 14 : " But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst ; but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." This, I believe, was the first Methodist sermon ever preached in that town. In the course of the same year, I was invited to preach in another town which had never been visited by the Methodists. Here a gentleman of consider- able wealth and influence, living in the place, took my arm, saying it might not be safe for me to walk the street alone. He had no religion, yet he was in favor of liberty of conscience — wished to hear A SUPERANNUATE. 61 for himself — and determined that those of his neigh- bors who wished to hear Methodist preaching, should have the opportunity. Thus God raised up for us friends in the midst of our enemies. And here let me say that those were the days of real prosperity to our Zion. True, we had but comparatively few members, yet what we had were of the right stamp. Worldly men would not join us through sinister motives. No influx of pride and folly had yet corrupted her communion, endangering the spirituality, life and power of her simple worship. Seldom did any unite with us without a mind made up to serve God through life, and to follow Christ through evil report as well as good. In the midst of opposition, we were the happiest people on earth. We loved God and each other, took joyfully the reproaches of the world, and delighted greatly in the services of the sanctuary. " How amiable are thy tabernacles, Lord of hosts t" This was the lan- guage of our hearts. Methodists would go forty and fifty miles to quarterly meetings. These were our great festivals. Here we renewed our covenants with God and his people, obtained encouragement and strength in our souls, and rejoiced together in the salvation of God. " that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!'' Truly our fellowship was with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. At the close of the year of toil and privation, I found that God's grace had been all-sufficient, and 62 RECOLLECTIONS OF returned to my family, having received the sum of sixty-five dollars and some cents, quarterage, and about five dollars' worth of presents. And how thankful I was that a kind Providence had pre- served us all alive and in health, to see the close of the conference year ! And how forcibly does the winding up of the year's labor remind the itin- erant of the truth that here we have no continuing city ! Then he sees the shortness of time, the vanity of the world, and feels the importance of being ready for the close of life, and for the judgment-day, when he shall give account of his stewardship. God grant that, as the revolving years roll us onward to the judgment-seat, we may so acquit ourselves as to triumph over the evils that surround us, and be able to sing — Away with our sorrow and fear, We soon shall recover our home ! The city of saints shall appear — > The day of eternity come. From earth we shall quickly remove, And mount to our native abode ; The house of our Father above — The palace of angels and God." A SUPERANNUATE. 63 CHAPTER IV. GRAND ISLE CIRCUIT. Having traveled two years under the presiding elder, and having made up my mind to continue in the work, if an opening should present itself — indi- cating that it was the will of God that I should, I now offered myself to the New York conference, and in May, 1811, w r as admitted on trial, and appointed to the Grand Isle circuit, on Lake Champlain. This was a two weeks' circuit, including the South Hero, the Middle, the North Hero, the Vineyard, and a point of land which ran down into Canada. The scenery was picturesque — well calculated to impress the mind with sentiments of reverence, and lead to admiration of the wisdom and goodness of the Cre- ator in beautifying the earth with so much pleasing variety. I moved my family, and situated them on the circuit, by renting a small room with the privilege of setting a bed in the loft. We found ourselves in very narrow quarters. In order to get out, we must pass through three doors, and w T hen the wind blew from a certain point of the compass, our chimney had a powerful draught — the wrong way. On such occasions, our only alternative was to extinguish the 64 RECOLLECTIONS OF fire, and dispense with it till the wind changed. "And did you live ?" Yes, and we still live, and, thank God ! that Methodist preachers are not obliged to situate their families now, as we were then. We look upon the change, and with gratitude exclaim, "What hath God wrought !" We lived on the South Island, where we formed agreeable acquaintance with several families who treated us kindly, and sought to make us as com- fortable as circumstances would permit. Here were two families of the name of Lauden, two of the name of Jones, brother Hackets, and others, many of whom are gone to rest. The numerous virtues of these disciples of Christ, with whom we used to mingle in worship, are embalmed among the heart's choicest memories. I had an appointment in a small village in Canada, where we occupied .a large school-house, in which also a reverend gentleman of another persuasion sometimes officiated. I was in the habit of urging my hearers to " cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Yea, I insisted that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." But the reverend gentleman took exceptions, and thought it his duty to enlighten the people in reference to this matter. He came and delivered a wonder- ful sermon — and wonderful it was — for the pur- pose of destroying all our anticipations of deliver- ance from sin through the blood of Christ, without A SUPERANNUATE. 65 the assistance of the purgatorial power of the " king of terrors." In describing the righteous, he said, " I do not know whether I am of the character or not, but this much I do know : I have the proudest heart of any man in the world ; yea, my heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked ; yea, I have committed sin enough in one prayer to damn a thousand souls ; yea, further, I have committed sin enough standing here preaching this sermon to damn a world!" This was doing it after the old style. When I came round to my appointment, a friend told me what had occurred, and described the sermon. I proceeded to preach from Prov. xxviii, 13 : " He that covereth his sins shall not prosper : but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." The preacher alluded to was present, expecting me to say something of his sermon. After speak- ing of the different methods by which men cover their sins, I noticed the duty of confession. Under this head, I remarked that some men confess more than they were ever guilty of — they make them- selves out worse than they really are. " Did you not," said I, " hear the Rev. Mr. say here, the other day, that he had the proudest heart in the world — that his heart was deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked — that he had com- mitted sin enough in one prayer to damn a thousand souls— that he had committed sin enough standing 6 66 RECOLLECTIONS OF here preaching that one sermon to damn a world! Now, if that man told the truth, I advise him never to pray again, unless he asks God to give him a better heart; and never to preach another sermon, for if he keeps on in his present course, he will damn a great many souls ; and I, for one, do not wish to be damned by any man's preaching or pray- ing." I told the congregation that I had a better opinion of these men than they appear to have of themselves — that they were not near so bad as they pretended, but that it was a kind of u voluntary humility/' which prompted them to tell how bad they supposed themselves to be. There was as much impropriety in confessing too much as too little ; we should be honest, confess all, but no more and no less ; and if we thus come before God with deep humility of soul, trusting only in the merits of Jesus Christ for acceptance, we shall obtain salvation ; for the text says, " Whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall have mercy." The preacher took it all in good part, simply remarking that I had sent him to hell and prayed him out again. The friends treated me well here; they welcomed me to their houses, sympathized with me in all my cares and toils, and I have no doubt prayed the divine blessing upon me. In August we held a camp meeting on North Island. On Saturday night, the rowdies gave us considerable trouble. I found it necessary to be on my feet continually, to prevent depredations. The A SUPERANNUATE. 67 labor and anxiety so completely exhausted me that I thought I should never have another such meeting in the bounds of my work. But Sabbath was a blessed day. There was an immense concourse of people present, and the preaching was in the de- monstration and power of the Holy Ghost. Sabbath night, the rowdies left, and the display of Divine power in the congregation was great. Sinners were convicted and converted to God. Like Jacob, we said, " The Lord is in this place, and we knew it not." The scene reminded us of the words of the Lord to Moses, " Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." The grove was made vocal with the high praises of God. Then I thought I should be willing to hold a camp meeting every quarter. God be praised that camp meetings were ever thought of! Their origin, the reader will recollect, was entirely providential. Many attend these meet- ings, and hear the Gospel, who would not go to preaching on ordinary occasions ; and doubtless there are souls in heaven singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, who, but for these extraordinary services, might have lived and died in sin, and sunk down to perdition. I knew a man in the state of New York, who was quite wicked, and seldom attended divine worship of any kind — but went to camp meeting, and acted for some time as ringleader among the profane, and then came into the congre- gation ; and while standing with his back to a tree, 68 RECOLLECTIONS OF looking upon the scene before him, the power of God smote him — flashing conviction upon his mind and heart; and there he stood as if petrified, and almost cold as dead. Before the meeting closed, he was happily converted, joined the Church, and in a short time was preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. " But he was one of the elect," says the Calvinistic objector, " and would have been brought in any how I" Hold, brother! do you not believe " God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass?" Then please remember, camp meetings come to pass. What thrilling, soul-cheering times I have experi- enced in the tented grove ! The contemplation of these gives me, even now, a new spring of joy and gladness. There the best spirits of our Zion assem- bled, and after spending several days in devout worship, gathering new strength, building up the feeble, and pointing the inquiring to the fountain of life, they went out to spread the flame of their new zeal among their associates in different and distant parts. Thus an influence for good was often sent out from the camp meeting which subse- quently resulted in the conversion of souls who had not been there at all. I received quite a number into the Church, as the fruits of this camp meeting, beside the general increase of piety among the old members. During the winter, we held a quarterly meeting in brother L 's barn, "What, hold quarterly A SUPERANNUATE. 69 meeting in a barn, in the dead of winter?" Yes, reader, I have attended a number of such. On those occasions we had crowds of people, and no meeting- house. We would then resort to the barn, and, giving the floor to the women, the men would take the loft, sit close together, with hearts warmed with divine love, and sing, and pray, and shout the praise of God, with hearty good-will. At this meeting we were favored with some divine influence, and closed with rather an upward tendency. The preacher on Fletcher circuit, brother B , proposed to change with me one round — and as that was my field of labor, the previous year, and as a number on my circuit desired baptism, which I was not authorized to administer, being yet unordained — I consented to the proposal. Brother B came on, and w T hile preaching in a school-house, one even- ing, there was a young lady standing and warming herself, when a young man stepped up by her side and said, " Good evening, Miss." Having been well reared, the young lady deigned him no reply, but turned away in disgust. He then sat down and com- menced talking to others ; whereupon, brother B said to him, " Can you not be still?" He replied, "If you could squeeze the brandy out of me and bottle it up, perhaps I might." Said the preacher, "I wish, sir, you would hold your peace." Then clinching a writing-desk, he replied, " I am holding a small piece, and will hold it as long as I can." Said brother B , " Is there not some one here 70 RECOLLECTIONS OF that will put that young man out of the house?" The young man replied, "You would preach half a dozen sermons easier than you would put me out of the house." The reader will discover in this an exempli- fication of the words of Solomon, " Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoso is deceived thereby is not wise." This young man, with his associates, went and complained of themselves, and saved half their fine. For, Methodists as we were, we could en- joy some legal protection at this place. But I ought to say that this is not a fair specimen of the young men on the island. Generally they w T ere well reared, and treated us with respect; but wherever young men have unrestrained access to ardent spirits, some of the "baser sort" will ruin themselves, and disgrace the community. Brother B left some of my appointments and went home; so, on returning and finding the work neglected, I discovered that I would better have remained on my own circuit ; and from that time to this, I have not entered into another such an arrange- ment. Some time after this, I met with brother B and complained to him for leaving my work. He replied, "Well, I am a poor, crooked stick." I remarked to him that I should not mind his being crooked, if he did not always crook one way, and that toward home. And I am still persuaded that when a preacher can just break off and leave his work, to go home, he ought to locate and stay at home. A SUPERANNUATE. 7l In the month of April, I rode fourteen miles on the ice, as afterward discovered, in constant peril of my life. At one place I saw a large crack just before me; but putting spurs to my horse, he jumped it, car- rying me safely over. A brother from North Island attempted to cross with a sleigh, directly after me, but one of his horses fell through and was drowned. You could force an ax through the ice, that same day, in the road over which I passed but a few hours before. When I learned this, I was greatly thankful to my heavenly Father, who preserved me from a watery grave. Yes, it was the hand of a kind Providence that took care of me in that perilous journey. Once before, that same divine hand saved me while traveling on the ice, when one-fourth of the steps of my horse broke through. There was no alternative but to rush forward in the way till I reached the shore. " Through hidden dangers, toils and deaths, He gently cleared my way." That I still live, is a wonder to myself and others. When I started out to preach, my friends thought I could not endure the toil and privation of itinerant life, through one year ; but now forty-seven years are past, and I am still a probationer in time. It is all of the mercy of God, and I ought to love him more, and serve him better. I pray God that my remaining days may prove the earnestness of my desire to dwell only in him ! 72 RECOLLECTIONS OP We ought always to labor in faith, whether we have much feeling or not, for we know not when we do the most good. Here is an illustration : While on this circuit, I preached one evening on North Island, but felt gloomy, and had but little enjoyment; in class meeting I was surprised to find the members all alive, and to hear them tell how greatly they were blessed under the preaching. To me it was very strange, for I could not find much enjoyment, even in the class meeting. The next morning, I called to see an afflicted disciple, who had been thirteen years con- fined to her bed, but w T as always happy. Upon enter^ ing her room she said, "Brother Lewis, you had a good meeting last night." I replied that the mem- bers seemed happy, but I had rather a poor time myself. "Why," said she, "the family say you preached better than you have done since you came on the island." After prayers, I went to the other end of the island, and had scarcely entered the house at which I was calling, when a friend addressed me much as the afflicted sister had done. I made the same reply as before. "Why," said this friend, "our people say, you beat yourself — that they never heard you preach so well as you did last night!" I then concluded that, as preachers of the Gospel, we are not judges of our own efforts ; that, sometimes, where we think we have done most, we have in reality accomplished but little, and that sometimes when we think we have done nothing, God blesses our labor to the positive good of souls. Much also depends on A SUPERANNUATE. 73 the spirit of the hearer. He that listens to the word with an open heart, seeking spiritual nourishment for his soul, and praying God to bless the speaker and the word spoken, will seldom fail of finding divine truth sweet as the honey-comb. But those who listen only for intellectual gratification, are seldom pleased or profited. I know we should always preach as well as we can, and leave the result with God who only can "give the increase;" but I confess I never could feel satisfied without being made happy in my own soul, while trying to preach to others. And surely it is our privilege to find happiness in this work, for if we have been "moved by the Holy Ghost" to preach the Gospel, we may claim our Savior's special promise, " Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world!" This was a year of considerable trial to me. I was greatly wanting in experience as a preacher, and yet had pastoral charge, in this circuit, of the Church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. I was deeply sensible of the responsibility of my position — felt my lack of wisdom, but asked of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. We enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity, and had over a hundred accessions to the Church. I closed my labors on this circuit in May, 1812, having received one hundred and twenty-four dollars for the year. We paid our own house-rent. All the time of my connection with the New York conference, provisions ranged as follows : Corn, from 75 cts. to 74 RECOLLECTIONS OF $1.25 per bushel; wheat, from $1.25 to $2.25; pork, from $5 to $10 per hundred ; hay, from $5 to $20 per tun, and other things in proportion. Does the reader inquire how we lived? We had a little means of our own, and Mrs. Lewis plied the nee- dle, day and night, till she found it necessary to wear glasses at thirty-five. But God was with us, and He is still with us, and we have food to eat, raiment to wear, and a house to shelter us from sum- mer's heat and winter's cold. We are surrounded by kind friends, and lift up our hearts to Heaven in thankfulness for the temporal and spiritual blessings of this life, and for the bliss-inspiring hope of an immortal life of joy and peace in a world all radiant with the smile of God ! A SUPERANNUATE. 75 CHAPTER V. BRANDON CIRCUIT— FIRST YEAR. At the conference of May, 1812, I was appointed to Brandon circuit, with brother Thomas Madden for my colleague. Our field of labor extended over twenty-six townships, in some of which were several appointments. War having been declared against England by our Government, the situation of my col- league, as a Methodist preacher in the United States, was rendered very unpleasant, and resulted in his leaving the work some time before the year expired. He owned land in Canada West, and his father-in-law lived there — he having joined the British in the Revo- lutionary war, and continued a half-pay officer to the time of which I write — so that brother Madden and his wife were, from interest and association, all on one side. This rendered them very unpopular, and very unhappy, although brother M. was an excel- lent preacher. Some time in the winter they deter- mined to visit their friends in Canada, and I advised them to take their children along. Upon this, sis- ter M. said, "You don't want us to come back then." I replied, "When you arrive there and find you can't come back, you will wish your jchildren were with you." Brother M. said that when he 76 RECOLLECTIONS OF reached there, if he found he could not go into Can- ada and out again "when he wished, he would not cross over the line. They went, and the British made brother Madden a prisoner of war. They then sent for their children, and we willingly gave them up to join their parents ; and I have never seen my colleague since. I had several letters from him, and think it probable that he enjoyed himself better than he could have done on this side of the line ; but, how any one can prefer that Government to ours, is passing strange to me. I love the land of my birth. My father fought for the liberty of which we boast. The noble blood of patriot martyrs consecrated this whole land to freedom, and — bating the three and a half millions of slaves, whose groans pierce the heavens — we are the best governed people beneath the sun ; and I trust all who choose to seek asylum in our country, will always find ample protection against the oppressions of tyranny. Politics ran high. Some, in our part of the country, violently opposed the national administration, and denounced the war with unwonted fury. I remember stopping once to rest, at the house of brother G. — he kept public house — when Major Powell, and some other British officers, came in. They were hardly seated before two men, living near by, came in, and, after heartily shaking hands with them, commenced a tirade of abuse against our Government, interspersed with horrid curses upon the war. I sat listening, for some time, and then, addressing one of the men, said, A SUPERANNUATE. 77 " Sir, you speak too diminutively of the Government under which you live. If you were to go into Canada and say half so much against that Government, they would hang you up between the heavens and the earth ! Now, sir, if that Government is so much better than ours, why don't you go there?" He replied that " that Government is the best in the world." " Very well," said I, "but why do you not go there ? I advise you to start immediately, and, rather than fail, I will pay for moving one load of your goods. If that is the best Government in the world, you ought to be off at once." Major P. then said, " Mr. Lewis, your people can never suc- ceed in this war — they are too much divided ; it is not so with us — we are united to a man." I replied, " Major, I know you, and where you have been : Gen. Clark took you and your men prisoners, and you were sent down to Greenbush. There you probably heard some speak against their own Government, and now you are returning to be exchanged, and here you hear two men do the same thing; but what of all that ? What if all New England should rise against the General Government ? The power of the Federal Union would still be unshaken !" "Well," said the Major, "you have gained noth- ing from old Clark's conduct; our Government has sent and taken all the inhabitants of one of your towns." "What town is that?" said I. "Alburg," said the Major. 78 RECOLLECTIONS OF " Well, you are welcome to them," said I, "and I hope you will not let them come back again; for the place was inhabited by Tories, and I have learned that enemies at home can do a great deal more harm than those at a distance." However, the Major was mistaken. The inhabitants of the town were not taken; so we had to live with them as before. But, notwithstanding the occasional opposition, the general sentiment of our people was in favor of the war. The majority cordially supported the adminis- tration, and thought "John Bull" had been borne with too long in impressing our seamen, and searching our vessels. The spirit of freemen was fully arouled. Hundreds rushed to arms, ready, at any sacrifice, to repel the British invaders. But war is a calamity to any people. Though permitted by the Almighty, and sometimes employed, in his providence, as the means of punishing wicked nations, and though he overrules it in its results, rendering it subservient to his own purposes of evangelizing the world, it is, nevertheless, antagonistic to the spirit of the Gospel, and always to be regarded as the last resort to throw off oppression, and to maintain the rights of our manhood, with freedom to worship God^ I know it has been said that war is a glorious strife between contending nations ; and that the brilliant parades, cheering music, and waving banners stir up the soul, and arouse to action, the slumbering patriotism of the people, urging them on to heroic deeds, and to the acquisition of martial glory ! But A SUPERANNUATE. 79 war is more than this : it is the destruction of many lives — the desolation of towns, cities, and country- places — the sacrifice of millions of money — the enemy of the arts and sciences — the demoraliza- tion of the people — the rupture of the ties of friend- ship — the prostration of commercial interests — the downfall of numerous benevolent institutions — and the mightiest obstacle to the advancement of civili- zation ! War consigns innocent wives and children to help- less widowhood and orphanage, compelling them to drag out, in poverty and wretchedness, the life God gave them for happiness and usefulness. War authorizes robbery, oppression, and violence ; and by familiarizing so many with wholesale outrages upon the rights of others, weakens the tenure by which we hold our property, our liberty, and our lives. War excites the baser passions, distorts the public mind, establishes a false standard of merit, and tends to elevate the physical above the intel- lectual accomplishments. It thus creates a morbid taste for military exploits, and leads aspiring youths to put forth ambitious efforts to acquire martial fame, rather than to excel in the pursuits of peace. No proper estimate can be made of the frightful ravages of war. The amount of human suffering it has entailed on our world, is past computation. The withering blight has fallen on each successive genera- tion, from time immemorial. The sighs, the tears, the groans, the inexpressible anguish, which war has 80 RECOLLECTIONS OF caused, will not be fully known till eternity shall unroll the dark record ! And still men love war. Trivial misunderstandings arise between neighboring nations, and immediately heated politicians plunge into angry disputes which nothing can settle but a resort to arms. Then the war-cry is shouted through the land ! Instruments of death are multiplied with all rapidity. Men, trained for the desperate conflict, are hurried to the field. Like infuriated beasts, they thrust each other through, till human gore runs in torrents, and human souls, by scores and hundreds, are driven into the presence of a holy God ! But from the details of the battle-field the heart sickens and turns away. But men will not always delight in carnage. Christianity will yet diffuse her peaceful principles among the nations, and inaugurate a better civiliza- tion. Her transforming power will be felt by rulers as well as subjects. The instruments of death will then be turned into implements of husbandry, and war will be learned no more. Men will no longer be counted valiant according as they have faced the death-dealing artillery, or butchered their fellow- mortals. God hasten the day ! And may we never more hear the roar of the wide-mouthed cannon, the rattle of small arms, or the clash of swords, the groans of the dying, or the w r ail of the bereaved ! But to return. I was now left alone on this large circuit, and, although the prevailing tendency of the times was to irreligion, we had some precious seasons A SUPERANNUATE. 81 of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Sinners were awakened, converted, and added to the Church, and believers were strengthened and built up in their most holy faith. One of my preaching-places was Mount Holly. I used to go there and preach, then visit, sing and pray with the families, and the next morning ride twenty- three miles before breakfast ; then ride three miles further and preach, sometimes to six or eight persons. Here, however, we had some good times, and God in- creased the little society both in numbers and graces. At this place, I formed a most delightful acquaintance with a family of the name of Anderson ; and, after the fatigue of such a long ride, it was truly refreshing to find one's self at home with such kind friends. They were surrounded with worldly comforts, and their warm-hearted friendship increased the pleasure of their society. Many a happy night did I spend beneath their roof, talking of the loving-kindness of our God. In Pittsford we had a very good society of from forty to fifty members — warm-hearted, zealous, happy souls. • Here the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches were established, had meeting-houses, and regarded us as intruders into their "parishes." One day I fell in company with Elder II , in the road, and, after riding with him some distance, said, "Well, Elder, what is the state of religion in your Church?" " 0, a pretty cold time with us," said he ; " but this is our seed-time, you know ; if we should always 82 RECOLLECTIONS OF have harvest, we should have no seed-time; and if we always had seed-time, we would never have harvest." True, in regard to the vegetable kingdom ; but is not this illustration resorted to sometimes as an apology for barrenness in the kingdom of heaven? I thank God, the economy of grace is such that we may have seed-time and harvest both at once. We are often permitted to sow the seed of the kingdom, and imme- diately witness the glorious fruit ! We labored under great disadvantage through want of meeting-houses. We had but one on this large circuit, and that was built on a cheap plan, and quite small. Our preaching was in school-houses, dwelling- houses, barns, shops, and in God's own temple, the leafy grove. But the Lord blessed us greatly, and being sweetly united in the bonds of "the glorious Gospel," we were happy. It was a great cross in those days to be a Methodist; hence, the people gen- erally counted the cost before giving their names for membership ; and when they did come they generally held on their way, growing strong in faith and hope. In the village of Brandon we had an excellent society. Here my principal home was at the house of brother Pomeroy, father to Rev. Charles Pomeroy, of the New York conference. In Leister our society was large. At this place, I made the acquaintance of Judge Olin, the father of the lamented Dr. Stephen Olin, the distinguished writer, traveler, preacher, di- vine, and scholar. The Judge was a tall, robust man. He used to attend our meetings, and, on first seeing A SUPERANNUATE. 83 him in the congregation, I took him to be a sleepy, dull man, and not much given to talk ; but, on further acquaintance, after visiting him in his own house, my first impressions proved incorrect; for he was a man of sound mind, of extensive information, and a great talker. He told me he thought our Church polity the best in the world, so long as the officers have plenty of religion; " but," said he, "you have the machinery all arranged so that if your leading men lose their religion, they can cut your heads off at a stroke." I told him that all Church governments have their diflBculties; that we did not pretend that ours was entirely perfect; but it had hitherto worked well, with as little, and perhaps less friction than any other, and we were disposed to hold on to it; and that I believed it would stand the test as long as Church governments are needed in the world. I formed the acquaintance of many Christian fam- ilies on this circuit, who welcomed me to their houses, ministered to my temporal wants, and sympathized with me in all my labors, trials, and privations. The year closed with the very best of feeling among the entire membership. In looking over the stewards' book, it appeared that I had received one hundred and fifty dollars for the year. After a few days' rest, I started to conference in company with my presiding elder, Rev. Samuel Draper. On our way, we called at a house to lodge for the night, when the man came out, shook hands heartily with brother Draper, and asked him if he remem- 84 RECOLLECTIONS OF bered preaching up in the Green Mountains at a cer- tain time, when he had but one man for a hearer. Brother D. remembered it well. He took the text, " Thou art the man ;" and the hearer was convicted and converted to God, and now stood before us, happy to welcome us to his house. We often preached to small congregations in those days, and incidents similar to the above have often occurred. Our business was to declare the whole counsel of God to few or many, whether they would hear, or whether they would forbear. " Sow thy seed in the morning, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both shall be alike good/ 5 The conference sat in Amenia, New York. The exercises of the session were peculiarly interesting to me. In company with several others, I was admitted into full connection, and elected and ordained deacon. In the examination of character, it appeared that one brother had not been to his work. His reason was, that his appointment was too far off. He had friends, and wished to live near them. It was also discovered that this brother was somewhat afflicted with that unfortunate disease, the "big-head." He was sus- pended. He was a man of more than ordinary mind for one of his years, but by some means or other, he found it out when he was too young, and was led to "think more highly of himself than he ought to think;" and then, of course, he was ruined for a A SUPERANNUATE. 85 Methodist preacher. Whenever a young preacher is attacked with this disease — unless, by some means, he is cured immediately — his usefulness is at an end. " Humility is the forerunner of advancement and honor; and ambition, the harbinger of destruction and ruin." Humility adorned the life of Jesus, and crowns the worship of angels. And shall man — poor, frail, short-sighted man — called to minister in holy things — to lead wretched, sinful, perishing souls from the verge of hell to the foot of the cross of Jesus, to be pardoned, purified, and saved through his atoning blood — shall man, I say, thus employed, be proud or vain of a little talent, which God has given him for improvement, and for which he must give account in the great day? Rather * Let me be little and unknown, Loved and prized by God alone." 8G RECOLLECTIONS OF CHAPTER VI. BRANDON CIRCUIT — SECOND YEAR. From the conference of May, 1813, I was returned to Brandon circuit, with a young brother, B N- , for my colleague. We traveled together in harmony. He was brought up in Canada, was with- out polish, staid with us a few years, and then concluded there was too much labor devolving on a Methodist itinerant — 'got the " big-head" — -joined the Episcopalians, and became a " lay-reader'' in the "Church;" of his subsequent history I know nothing more. It was strange, in those days, to hear men complain of hard labor ixi the Methodist ministry. We used to vie with each other for difficult appointments, consid- ering such the more responsible, and therefore the more honorable, as affording better opportunity for self-denial, and for testing our attachment to the cause of Christ. For the first nine years of my itiner- ant life, I volunteered for work in the old North dis- trict, in the New York conference. I never desired to be any thing other than a traveling — yes, a traveling Methodist preacher. In the midst of the toil of such a life, I could ever sing, " This work shall make my heart rejoice, And spend the remnant of my days." A SUPERANNUATE. 87 I was soon among old friends, who gave me their warm congratulations, and contributed in every pos- sible way to make us comfortable among them for another year. This was truly a warm-hearted, gen- erous people. I loved them dearly, and I love them still ; but most of them have passed on before me to the land of promise. I pray God to keep me faithful a little longer, and then I shall meet them in heaven. This year we took in a new appointment, in New Haven, Vermont. We met with much opposition, but the hand of our God was upon us for good, and we had a glorious revival of religion. We organized a new society of forty or fifty members, among whom were some noble spirits. One of these was Mrs. Smith — sister to Rev. William Jewett, of the New York conference. She now resides near Granville, Ohio, and enjoys the esteem of her brethren and sis- ters as a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. These were seasons of refreshing indeed. God was with his people, working salvation in the midst of the earth! We did then, do now, and ever will, give all the glory to God, "who is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. " "It was not by might, uor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." On going to one of my appointments, in the re- motest part of the circuit, I took a road on which I was not acquainted, and, having a long ride, thought best to stop at a public house and refresh my horse. While sitting in the "bar-room," there were present 88 RECOLLECTIONS OF two men enjoying themselves exceedingly in conver- sation, who, I learned, were Bev. Mr. W , of the Baptist Church, and Mr. M , one of his deacons. When ready to start, I inquired if there was a nearer way to East Bay than through New Haven. Mr. W answered, "Yes, but to what part of East Bay do you wish to go?' ' "To Mr. Harlow's/ ' "To Isaac Harlow's ?" said he. "I do not know his first name, sir." "Well, is he a Methodist?" "Yes, sir." "And are you a Methodist preacher?" "Yes, sir." "Well I am a Baptist preacher," said he. "Yes, sir; how do you do, sir?" said I. "Mr. Harlow once belonged to the Baptist Church," said he; "but he was always a Methodist at heart." "And so is every man when his soul is converted," said I. At this the deacon spoke and said, "0 no! I never was." (Here they both talked at once.) " One at a time," said I, "and it will last the longer, or both at once and the sooner over." The deacon continued, " When I was convicted I fought against God with all my might." " Well, did you not submit to God before you was converted?" "No," said the deacon, "I fought against him all the time!" "Well," said I, " St. Paul says, i As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:' and as you received him fighting against God, you must be walking in him fighting against God ; and so you can not be one of his people ; for the Bible says his people shall be willing in the day of his power ; not that they shall be forced to submit, but they shall be a ' willing peo- A SUPERANNUATE. 89 pie;' as the Psalmist said, so do they, as he ever did in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; he has found abundant use for his talent of fault-finding, and not a few of his brethren have been made to feel the withering power of his sarcasm. After reading these letters, brother Young insisted, saying, "JSTow you have the whole matter before you; the circuit is large, it contains many excellent members, some of them have their minds poisoned, and I want a man who has had some experience, to counteract the mischievous influence." My answer was, that it would damage me pecuniarily not less than a hundred dollars, and I could not go. Brother Swornistedt had previously traveled the cir- cuit, and he urged me not to refuse. I yielded, and in ten days was off to the work. The quarterly meeting was held in Somerset ; and on the clay of its commencement I arrived in the place. That night I opened my ministry from 2 Tim. ii, 19 : " Xevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure," etc. I had some light, but not much liberty. Our meeting was tolerably good, though some excitement prevailed on the subject of " Radicalism." I was now fairly upon Fairfield circuit, with brother Jacob Young, preacher in charge. At that time this circuit extended into Fairfield, Licking, and Perry 236 RECOLLECTIONS OF counties, including the territory now embraced in Lancaster and Somerset stations, Rushville, West Rushville, Rehoboth, Baltimore, and Hebron circuits. We found, as already intimated, a good many whose minds were soured and strongly tinctured with radical notions, and our first aim was to " heal the breach/' Brother Young administered the dicipline judiciously, and with mildness, and I co-operated with him as best I could, seeking to keep the minds of the people on the cross of Christ, as well as to exhibit the beauty and efficiency of our Church polity. I preached at all the appointments, met the classes, and after class meeting would give a short lecture on the peculiarities of our Church government. I also sought private conversations with the dis- affected ones, met their objections as well as I could, and in a short time we had the pleasure of seeing many that were leaning over, righted up again, and quietness generally restored. Mr. Springer traveled all over our bounds, preaching, visiting and laboring to propagate his faith, but only succeeded in organ- izing one class in our territory. That consisted of eleven members, and the brother they elected leader, the first time we preached where he formerly belonged, came forward, and with tears in his eyes, begged that his name might not be taken off the class-book; and that, I believe, was about the last of the class. Shortly after commencing labor on this circuit, I discovered that, notwithstanding I had been preach- A SUPERANNUATE. 237 ing from one to six times per week, the world was gaining too strong a hold upon my mind, and that my spirituality had proportionably declined. Then I concluded I must be a traveling preacher, or lose my soul. The world dwindled into insignifi- cance, and I was enabled to say to its charms, fare- well. I now determined to give my whole time to the work, drop the world, and trust all in the hands of God. " What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" This solemn interrogatory was impressed with great force upon my heart. And I thank God that it was so ; for, had I continued in secular employ, succeeded in business, accumulated property, and, consequently, fallen under the influence of worldly maxims and policy, the good Being only knows what the result would have been. But, in the providence of God, when this opening occurred, the good brethren pressed me to enter into the " open door." Here the cloud gathering in the spiritual heavens was revealed, and before the Sun of righteousness was hid from my vision, faith prevailed, and the impend- ing storm was averted. The shadow of a cloud passed over my soul, and I was again light in the Lord. " What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me ? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people." At the close of the year, in company with my 238 RECOLLECTIONS OF worthy colleague, I started to attend the session of the Ohio conference, which was to be held in Urbana. On our way, we attended brother Swormstedt's camp meeting, about one and a half miles below Columbus. The meeting was a deeply-interesting one. Brother Swormstedt was a good presiding officer, kept fine order, and was not opposed to shouting, when the people were ready to shout, being full of God. At this meeting I preached from Ephesians iii, 7-9. The Spirit helped my infirmities, and the grove was made vocal with the high praises of God. The camp meet- ing over, we went on to conference. This being the first session I attended in Ohio, was specially inter- esting to me. I formed acquaintance with many of the preachers, found them like those I left behind — men of God, sweetly united in the work of saving souls. The cordial welcome they gave me, made me feel that I was among brethren beloved. Thank heaven that it was my lot to become identified with these lovely men of God ! A SUPERANNUATE. 239 CHAPTER XV. DELAWARE CIRCUIT — ONE YEAR. My name was now presented for re-admission into the traveling connection. My health had been some- what impaired, by an attack of influenza, and some of the brethren thought I would not be able to endure the hardships of an itinerant life, in the west. The conference hesitated ; just then the Rev. John Collins made some remarks on the subject — said he believed I was as able for the work as he was, when he was received, etc.; I was admitted, and appointed to the Delaware circuit, in company with brother S. P. Shaw. My colleague was dissatisfied with his ap- pointment. On this account, his usefulness was hin- dered, in the forepart of the year, but, in the latter part, he did well. Rev. R. Bigelow was our presiding elder. I became acquainted with him when he was a boy, at his father's house, in Lower Canada. But he is too well known to need further notice from me. I will only add, that I can bear witness, from personal knowledge of his life and spirit, that, as a preacher, a diligent laborer, a man, and a meek disciple of Christ, he was all that others have said of him, and, even more. His name is embalmed in the hearts of all that knew him. 240 RECOLLECTIONS OP This was a heavy circuit. We had thirty-three appointments to be filled every twenty-eight days ; and, when I say the roads were extremely bad, the old pioneers will* know precisely what I mean. We went six miles above Bucyrus, and six miles below Delaware. Twice, during the winter, I was caught above Bucyrus, when heavy rains fell, covering the whole surface of the country with water, followed by severe cold, which made the roads a glare of ice. I rode thirty or forty miles when there was scarcely a rod not covered with it. We passed out through the beech woods, over the Salt Section, and down below Delaware. These trips were trying to man and horse. In Delaware, we preached in the court-house. We had a good congregation, and an excellent so- ciety. There were about sixty or seventy members, and they all met together for class. I never favored this plan, but it was very difficult then to " divide each society into smaller companies, called classes, " as the Discipline directs. I recollect meeting class here, one day after preaching, when a number spoke of their desire to die happy. A good old Welsh brother arose and said, he heard a number express much concern about dying happy; "but," said he, " I have no anxiety about dying, my anxiety is all about living ; for I know I shall die right, if I only live right." This is both Scriptural and philosophical. Many give themselves unnecessary pain about the dying hour. If all the anxious thought that is be- stowed upon that point, were directed to a proper A SUPERANNUATE. 241 regulation of the life, many more would die happy than really do. The true servants of Christ, need not be, " through fear of death, all their life-time subject to bondage." Only let this thought, " that, if we live right, we shall be sure to die right," become a matter of veritable faith, of fixed conviction, and we may be delivered from that servile fear, which hath torment. God help us to live for eternity ! At one point on the circuit, I experienced some difficulty in administering discipline. A man, highly esteemed among his neighbors, opposed me ; but, as he is now done with the contentions of this life, I would only remark, that, however much the brethren respected this man, they proved, by rallying to its support, that they loved the Church more ; and, by firmly co-operating together, we succeeded in carry- ing out the principles of Methodism. If discipline must be enforced, it is cheering to the preacher's heart, to find the membership ready to sustain him in its administration. The first time I preached in Marion, I felt that God had a people in that place. At our first quar- terly meeting I made a remark to that effect, adding, " I am after you, and, in the name of God, I will have you !" A man, in the congregation, said to himself, as he afterward told me, " Well, old fellow, you will not catch me, at any rate." Yet he was among the first to approach the altar of prayer — was happily converted, and become a useful member of the Church. The strong man armed keepeth his 21 242 RECOLLECTIONS OF goods in safety, but when a stronger than he is come, the strong man is bound, etc.; that is, when a man rests in carnal security, he scorns the weakness of those who repent and pray, but, when the Spirit of, God takes hold of his heart, then he finds himself so miserable and vile, that he cries out, " 0, w r retched man that I am!" Breaking off from his sins, by righteousness, and from his iniquities, by turning unto the Lord, he finds that, "With God there is forgiveness, that he may be feared." We were favored with a very good revival in this place. In the fall, my colleague and myself attended a camp meeting among the Wyandotts, at the mission. The sight of these red brethren, coming on to the ground, pitching their tents, and making ready for the worship of God, filled my heart with gratitude. As I looked upon their sobriety, order, and devotion, I could but exclaim, "What hath God wrought!" They paid strict attention to all the preaching, sung the songs of Zion most delightfully, and their prayers were fervent, full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Their exhortations were full of fire — the fire that kindles in the soul- — that runs from heart to heart, encircling all in a flame of love. I felt it burning in my own soul, as I mingled in their devotions, and, thank God ! it made me feel clever! They were addressed on the subject of missions, and responded in the sum of forty dollars. They had the true missionary spirit. One of them, in speaking of the Gospel being brought to them, and of the change it had wrought for the A SUPERANNUATE. 243 better, exclaimed, " And, now I feel like giving it another push !" I noticed a young chief, per- haps eighteen years of age ; he was covered with rings, beads, and all the tinsels and gew-gaws, found among the wild sons of the forest ; when he walked he appeared to cover over more ground than any per- son I ever saw. I could but contrast him with the converted Indians. In looking at his pride, and their humility, the change wrought by Divine grace, was fully manifest. I have attended a great many camp meetings, but for order, devotion, and happiness, I have never seen this one excelled. These Indians were a pat- tern for any congregation, worshiping in the wilder- ness or in the city. And let me say that the sisters spread as white linen upon their tables, as ever graced the tented grove. I left the ground with feelings which I can never describe. Halleluiah to God ! The degraded, abused red man can be saved ! The redeeming grace of God has already housed many of them in heaven, and many more are on their way ! This is no fiction. God is no respecter of persons, and the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. " 0, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the children of men !" But the marks of improvement in their condition, attrib- utable to their having received the Gospel, were not confined to the camp-ground, or their solemn assemblies. We passed through their country, and 244 RECOLLECTIONS OF on beholding their neat, well-finished houses and barns, their clean yards, high fences, well- cultivated fields, and luxuriant corn, were led to praise God on their behalf. What we witnessed was sufficient to con- vince the most skeptical of the practicability of Chris- tianizing and civilizing this portion of our fallen race. We had a camp meeting on our circuit this year ; it was a tolerably good meeting, though nothing of special interest transpired. The year closed pleas- antly, and we took our departure, leaving many friends behind, whom we shall no more see till the day of eternity dawns upon us. I had reason for thanksgiving to God that myself and family — still living on my little farm in Berkshire — had been graciously spared another year. I received one hundred and thirty-seven dollars for my services on the circuit ; and the stewards' book revealed the fact that ninety dollars more had been raised on the circuit than any previous year. My predecessors had close living. In September, 1830, the conference sat in Lan- caster, Ohio — Bishop Soule presiding. The business of the conference was transacted with harmony and dispatch. On Sabbath, the Bishop preached a. power- ful sermon from the words, " If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost," etc.; many were made to feel and tremble at the word. After the sermon, the newly-elected deacons were ordained. In the afternoon, the Rev. T. A. Morris — now Bishop — preached one of his plain, instructive, forci- A SUPERANNUATE. 245 ble sermons, after which occurred the service of ordaining elders. On one evening of the session, the somewhat eccentric A. W. Elliott preached on, " Behold, I stand at the door and knock," etc.; under this sermon, the congregation manifested deep feeling. The speaker, as usual, threw his whole soul into his subject, and God attended the word with power. The next day brother Elliot's char- acter was examined, and he asked that his relation to the conference — he was superannuated — might be continued. The Bishop remarked, " Brethren, I am not a superannuated man, but if I should preach as brother Elliott did last night, I soon would be." Brother E. was an impulsive man ; what he attempted to do at all, he did with all his might; and some- times he made draughts upon his physical strength, such as the stoutest constitution could not bear with- out detriment. He wielded a powerful influence in the days of his strength, and has doubtless won many souls to the Redeemer's praise. At the close of this conference, I was sent to the Pickaway circuit, the head of which was Circleville. Brother Baird, who was just admitted on trial, was my colleague ; and that faithful old pioneer, the now sainted John Collins, was my presiding elder. Brother Baird was a blessed, good man, and a prom- ising preacher; but his race was short. In March following, he died in sight of heaven, and I preached his funeral sermon. It was a deeply solemn time. I dwelt on the words, " Let me die the death of the 246 RECOLLECTIONS OF righteous, and let my last end be like his." The deceased brother had greatly endeared himself to many on the circuit, and to me in particular ; we mourned his departure with unaffected grief. The event led me to close self-examination ; I purposed to live better, to be more useful, that I also might be fully ready when summoned away. My circuit lying fifty miles from home, with several unbridged streams between, rendered it necessary that my family should move to the circuit ; but there was no parsonage, and no house provided for the preacher's family. I rented a room and moved in, drew up a subscription-paper, and purposed to build a preachers' house. Some noble-hearted brethren and sisters pledged assistance, and I went about it with good hope of success. The members in Circle- ville were just building a church, had it up and roofed, and thought they had all they could do to finish that. At the first quarterly meeting confer- ence, I called attention to the subject, but none were willing to take hold of it ; I then drew out my sub- scription-paper, and read the names and amounts pledged. Upon seeing the encouragement given from distant parts of the circuit, the friends in town took hold in earnest, and we succeeded in the enterprise — not fully, however, till my second year. The most liberal subscriptions were from Grooms' neighbor- hood, on Walnut creek ; an appointment now called Hopewell, on Groveport circuit. But the progress of the work here, will occupy another chapter. A SUPERANNUATE. 247 CHAPTER XVI. PICKAWAY CIRCUIT— TWO YEARS. The Pickaway circuit, at this time, was pretty large. It embraced most of Pickaway county, and part of Franklin, Ross, and Fairfield counties. We preached at Richmond, Londonderry, and at a point six miles below Chillicothe, in Ross, came up to Litho- polis in Fairfield, and to Hopewell, in Franklin ; in- cluding, of course, the territory now occupied by Kingston and Royalton circuits, and Circleville station. Though the circuit was large, the country had been settled longer, and the roads were better, than on the Delaware circuit. We set out with earnest- ness to explore the ground, to ascertain the condition of the work, and to get ready for a " winter cam- paign. 55 We had sufficient room ; and upon learning where our efforts were most needed, we went into it, calculating to be limited in our exertions, only by our capability of endurance. The blessing of God rested upon us, and our labors were crowned with success. In the month of February, we held a protracted meeting in Circleville. As our meeting-house was in an unfinished state, we occupied the court-house. 248 RECOLLECTIONS OF The weather was extremely cold. As I was adminis- tering the sacrament of the Lord's supper, it seemed to me that my fingers would freeze. That night there was a move in the congregation ; we called for mourners, and they came, evincing the depth and sincerity of their convictions, by confessing their sins, and pleading earnestly for divine mercy. The mem- bership came up delightfully, " to the help of the Lord," and we continued the meeting, day and night, for three weeks. Many souls were born into the kingdom of Christ. We closed up with one hundred and twenty accessions to the Church. This was one of the best revivals I ever had in any one place. In Royalton, religion was at a low ebb, though there were some good members in society. We made arrangements to hold a protracted meeting with them. The services commenced on Friday night. On Sat- urday, we had preaching at 11 o'clock, and in the afternoon. At the close of this sermon, I sat out a bench, and invited any who wished an interest in the prayers of the Church, to come forward. There was a complete rush; many started from the back part of the house, and, before reaching the place of kneeling, some threw up their arms and cried out, "God be merciful to me, a sinner 1" This was a time of un- usual power. Some were converted in the space of ten minutes from the time they approached the place of prayer. Many were enabled to say, " Lord, I will praise thee: for though thou wast angry with A SUPERANNUATE. 249 me, thine anger is turned away ; and now thou dost comfort me/' The whole Church were made to rise and shine, their light being come, and the glory of the Lord having risen upon them. I never knew so many conversions, in so short a time, under similar circumstances. Some do not believe in such sudden conversions; but it seems to me we ought not to be concerned about the manner of the Lord's work, so it is done, and the people saved. The question is not whether we would expect God to work powerfully and rapidly in the hearts of some, but whether he has done it. As to the possibility of it, there can be no question, for we dare not limit the Holy One. It is, therefore, simply a question of fact, as to whether he ever does produce the moral change in the soul by a sudden manifestation of regenerating power; and the fact is to be determined by the experience of those who profess such conversion, and not by the experience, or want of experience, of those who make no such profession. And it is not at all improper to look into the Scriptures for precedents in this matter. If God did once convert sinners suddenly, he may do so again. Thus, the scenes of the day of Pentecost, when the Gospel ministry was fully opened, the con- version of Saul, and numerous other instances of quick conversions, will be in point. But just here I call to mind a conversation had with a person who objected to so much " confusion." Said I, "Do you not think there was some ' confusion ' on the day of 250 RECOLLECTIONS OF Pentecost, when three thousand were pricked in their hearts, and cried out, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'" "0 yes/' was the reply; "but then that was in the days of the apostles, and we don't look for such things now." "No," said I, "you don't look for them, and you don't have them; for the Scrip- tural rule, c according to your faith, so be it unto you,' is perfectly true ; but we do look for them, and we do experience thein." Here is the secret of the matter: the opposers of sudden conversions are un- willing to take Scriptural precedents; they do not expect such conversions as are recorded in the New Testament ; they do not look for them, they do not desire them, and hence they do not have them; and because they know nothing about them, in their unbe- lief, they are unwilling to credit the testimony of those who claim to know. Like the Jews of old, they close their eyes to the evidences they have, and persistently require a sign from heaven ! The meet- ing in Royalton continued several days, resulting in over twenty accessions to the Church. I then invited all who felt interested in having a house of worship, to meet me at the school-house, to see what could be done. The result was, we had a good church built; and now they have, in that place, a parsonage, and it is the headquarters of the circuit. We had an old church about four miles above Chil- licothe, in the Crouse neighborhood, which was called Lakin's Chapel. Near this lived father Crouse, who was getting old — was wealthy, and retiring from busi- A SUPERANNUATE. 251 ness. He was building a house in Kingston, a beau- tiful little village, ten miles from Chillicothe, and was very anxious to have a Methodist society organized there. After conversing with the old gentleman in relation to the matter, I determined to establish an appointment in the place, and take it into the regular plan of the circuit. We collected a few members who lived in the vicinity, formed a small class, and God added to their numbers by happy conversions; so that, before the year closed, we had a society of forty members, sweetly united in spirit, worshiping God, and walking in the light of his truth. But more of this hereafter. I was especially interested in the society on Little Walnut, before alluded to as the Hopewell appoint- ment on Groveport circuit. This was a large, flour- ishing society, established, in a very early day, by Rev. James Quinn. Here were parents, children, and grandchildren, all united in Church fellowship, and laboring to sustain the Church by building up the cause of religion at home, and by contributing to her benevolent operations abroad. I have been inti- mately acquainted in this neighborhood for twenty- six years, and it gives me peculiar pleasure to look over the past and review my associations with this people. As in every other neighborhood, time has wrought many changes. Some of the older members have died in the faith and gone to heaven, some have emigrated to the far west, others have built a neat brick church, and now worship at Locust Grove, 252 RECOLLECTIONS OF about two miles from Hopewell; but still there is a goodly company left, who, retaining the spirit of their fathers, "walk by the same rule, minding the same things" These have a good house of worship, keep it neat and clean, attend regularly the means of grace, bestow proper attention upon the Sabbath school, and never fail to meet their proportion of circuit expenses ; but, in doing this, the leaders have to put their hands pretty deeply into their own pockets. They calculate to "foot the bill," whatever it may be after having made their regular collections. But this noble generosity on the part of official members sometimes operates injuriously, not to the general cause, but to particular individuals. Members come to think it matters little whether they pay their "little mite" or not; the demands will all be met, at any rate; the society will not suffer in credit, nor the preachers in pocket, though they hold on to their pittance ; thus virtually taking it out of their neigh- bor's pocket! "It is more blessed to give than to receive;" and those who neglect their own duty be- cause others are more liberal than themselves, rob their own souls of the richest benedictions of Heaven. At my first visit to Lithopolis, I met with Dr. Minor, with whom I had formed a slight acquaintance in Vermont. The Doctor showed me no little kind- ness; and, from that day to this, I have been made welcome to the hospitality of his house, whenever I visited that place. He has shown himself a substan- tial friend, and I trust he will yet obtain the mercy A SUPERANNUATE. 253 of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. We had a good society in that place; but Methodism has found much to contend with in that region. The population was made up, in good part, of German Lutherans, whose prejudices against Methodism were very strong. Many of them were good citizens, and exerted a pow- erful influence in the community. Nevertheless, some such have been converted, and now form the bone and sinew of the Methodist Church. It is by no means uncommon that persons educated in an opposite faith, and taught to hate Methodism from their youth, when they experience an evangelical conversion, become her warmest admirers, and most unflinching sup- porters. During this year, I had the pleasure of attending several camp meetings. The first was a very good meeting, held in conjunction with Rev. E. H. Field, of the Adelphi circuit, for the benefit of his charge and mine. From this, in company with the presid- ing elder, I went to one on the Deer Creek circuit, held on the old camp-ground at White Brown's. Old brother Brown and his companion were pioneers in Methodism ; they were emphatically " old-fashioned Methodists;" for many long years their house stood open to receive the toiling itinerant, and many of the old soldiers have been refreshed and gladdened within their truly Christian habitation. But now they dwell in the " house not made with hands," and their children, rising up to call them blessed, delight to follow their godly example. The meeting was 254 RECOLLECTIONS OF such as were only witnessed in the tented grove, when Christians met to worship in the simplicity of true devotion. From this, I accompanied brother Collins to a similar meeting in the Hillsboro circuit. This was held on the old Rattlesnake camp-ground, under the direction of Revs. G. Maley and G. W. Walker, circuit preachers. This also was a season of great interest and power. The people present on Sabbath were estimated at seven thousand. The presiding elder appointed me to preach that day at eleven o'clock. Why he did so, I can not tell — per- haps it was because I was a stranger in that part, and had a clear, strong voice. The latter was a quali- fication by no means unessential, on such an occa- sion. During the day, the attention was good, con- sidering the vast numbers on the ground; and the interest increased as the meeting advanced, till one hundred and forty gave their names as probationers for membership, before the services closed. The membership were not there to vie with each other in displaying fine clothing and setting extravagant tables, but to worship the God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob, and of Moses, in the wilderness, and to labor for the salvation of precious, blood-bought sin- ners. God was there in very deed, and his word was with power. On returning to my circuit, I found the good work still prospering. I received between three and four hundred on trial that year, most of whom stood fast in the faith of the Gospel. It was a blessed year. A SUPERANNUATE. 255 I look back upon it with gratitude to God, who poured out his blessing so freely upon my humble efforts, making them instrumental in the accomplish- ment of good. "We have this treasure in earthern vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us." To his name be the glory forever ! Amen. The quarterage claims were all met. When the hearts of the people are open to receive Christ, the spirit of liberality prevails to such an extent that the management of the financial concerns of the Church becomes an easy matter. The people were alive in religion, and not backward to duty ; abound- ing in the other graces, they abounded also in the grace of liberality. Committing my flock to the care of the great Shepherd above, I made ready for another session of conference. This was held, Sep- tember 8, 1831, in Mansfield, Ohio, Bishop Hedding presiding. The reports at this conference showed that the year had been one of general prosperity, there being over four thousand of an increase in our bounds. My heart prompts me to speak of the Bishop — but since Dr. Clark has given so faithful a portraiture of the man, of his life and times, all of which every one acquainted with him can fully indorse — such a notice as I could give would be superfluous. The session was a very pleasant one. I was returned to Pickaway circuit, with Rev. Jacob Dixon for my col- league. He was an excellent preacher, possessed 256 RECOLLECTIONS OF considerable talent, but was wanting in economy ; he therefore found much trouble in supporting his fam- ily on the income allotted to a Methodist preacher. Our presiding elder this year was Rev. Augustus Eddy. He is well known in Ohio and Indiana as a faithful, laborious minister of the Gospel. In 1831, he was in the vigor of life ; he was humble, devoted, persevering — beloved by the preachers of his district, and highly esteemed among the people. He is yet upon the walls of Zion in Indiana — but doubtless begins to feel the advances of age, and looks for- ward to his discharge from the militant service, as not very distant. He has done a goodly share of pioneer work, contributed much to the advancement of religion where he has labored, and his name will live, richly embalmed in the affections of children's children, when he shall rest from his labors, in the paradise of God. "The memory of the just is blessed." Father Crouse had now moved into Kingston, and was laboring with a large heart for the advantage of the Church. He purchased a house and two lots, put up an addition to the house, built a stable, and then gave it all to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The citizens had, several years before, erected a brick building, which was partly finished, and used for public business, schools, preaching, etc. Father Crouse bought it, remodeled and enlarged it, making it suitable for the worship of God, and deeded it to the Church. In this he might have received some A SUPERANNUATE. 257 small contributions from others, but the main expense was borne by himself. The Lakin Chapel was getting old, and, on account of the burying-ground con- nected with it, father Crouse was anxious to have it kept up ; he therefore gave fifteen hundred dollars for building a new house at that place. After distribut- ing these and other munificent benefactions, the old man fell asleep in Jesus ; but his name and his works still live. " The righteous shall be had in everlast- ing remembrance. " Not the least responsible part of our work, this year, was the training, indoctrinating, Methodizing the converts of the previous year. These generally did well ; some became useful members, and some, ere this, have finished their course, and " passed, through death, triumphant home." We were favored with some prosperity this year. Souls were con- verted at several places. At one point, the members neglected to attend class. I visited the delinquents, admonished them of the error of their ways, pleaded with them to come up to the work, and be Methodists — but all to no purpose ; they seemed intent on breaking down the rule on that subject, so far as they were concerned. I then cited them to appear before the society, and give a reason for their course ; they did not appear. I then read the clause of Discipline, bearing on the case, and called upon those who believed the accused were guilty of violating the rule, to manifest it by raising their hand — not a hand was raised. "What!" 22 258 KECOLLECTIONS OF said I, "are persons not guilty of breach of rule, who absent themselves from class for six months, and then refuse to assign any reason when called upon?" I informed them, that, as I differed from them in judgment, I should refer the case to the quarterly conference. But, rather than have the case referred, they reconsidered their action, and voted them guilty; the delinquents were, accordingly, set aside for breach of rule. This case illustrates the import- ance of the rule which gives the preacher the power of reference, when he disagrees with the majority, before whom the accused person is brought. But for the existence of it, these notoriously delinquent per- sons would have been retained in the Church, through the influence of merely personal partiality, or local prejudice. Down, on the southern end of the work, I found several excellent families, of whom I would like to speak, did space permit. Old brother King and his whole family were of the right stamp. Here, also, were the Joneses, Gundys, Buns, Orrs, and many others — all striving for the " better land." I shall never forget their kindnesses and Christian fellow- ship. They loved God and his Church — stood up for Methodism in its primitive simplicity; and sustained me nobly in the administration of Discipline. But, soon the grave will close over the last of the old stock. " On this side, and on that, we see our friends Drop off, like leaves in autumn !" A SUPERANNUATE. 259 I call up the pleasing sensations experienced in conversation with these old friends, and can scarcely realize, that a quarter of a century has dropped into eternity, since their familiar faces and friendly voices cheered my heart; but, so it is; time, like an ever-flowing stream, moves swiftly on, bearing us rapidly to the ocean of eternity ! At the close of my second year, I found myself even more attached to the people than ever before. I gave to many the parting hand, to meet no more on earth. Some have made a good escape from earth — some still linger, amid the storms of this tempestuous world, looking out, in cheerful hope, to the clime where all is calm and sunshine; but, perchance, others have made shipwreck of faith, and are now stumbling upon the dark mountains ! " Brief time, Advances quick, in tread ; few hours, and dark, Remain : those hours, in frivolous employ, Waste not impertinent; they ne'er return ! Nor deem it dullness to stand still, and pause, When dread eternity has claims so high." 260 RECOLLECTIONS OF CHAPTER XVII. DEER CREEK CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. In September, 1832, I received my appointment to Deer Creek circuit, with brother J. A. Reader, for my colleague. Brother Reader was a pleasant companion, a good man, and an acceptable preacher. I moved my family to Old Town — now Frankfort — in Ross county. The circuit was large, but in good condition ; our predecessors, J. EL Power and J. Gurley, were dili- gent workers, and left the charge as it should be. The territory is now divided into Frankfort, New Holland, and Deer Creek circuits — each sustaining two preachers, and affording work enough to keep them well employed. The village of Old Town was one of the oldest places in that part of the country ; it occupied the site of an Indian village, and was originally called Chillicothe. Methodism was planted there in an early day, by some of the pioneers who penetrated the wilderness, upon the very heels of the first settlers, and preached Christ to them, in their yet unfinished cabins. We found there a good society of plain Methodists — some of them wealthy and lib- eral ; indeed, the membership on the circuit generally, would compare favorably with that of any other field. A SUPERANNUATE. 261 The members flocked around us, giving us a most cheering reception. The steward, living in the place, called and inquired whether we would like any finan- cial aid before the quarterly meeting ; and thus, in the very outset, we were inspired with confidence, and impressed, favorably, toward the people of the charge. And, how delightful to the itinerant, on leaving an affectionate people, and moving among strangers, to be greeted with such manifestations of Christian regard ! Would that all our people understood how much depends on this ! If the membership would call upon the preachers, immediately upon their arri- val — show them a cheerful countenance — lend them a helping hand, in settling in their new home, exhibit- ing the religion they profess, they would be much more likely to have preachers with frank, warm hearts, strongly attached to their flocks, than by pursuing the course which is now far too common. People often complain that their preachers do not visit them enough. I wish to say that, in my judg- ment, there is nothing so well calculated to induce a preacher to come up to the line of duty, in the way of pastoral visiting, as the simple and easy method above indicated, of making him feel at home, when he first arrives upon his circuit or station. And, on the other hand, there is nothing which so discourages him, and renders this duty embarrassing, and un- pleasant, as to leave him to hunt up his strange mem- bers, and thrust himself upon their acquaintance, without any previous knowledge as to whether they 262 RECOLLECTIONS OF desire it or not. Preachers are but men ; and, many of them start in the work with timidity and embar- rassment ; and, being held at a distance, by the peo- ple, or compelled to put themselves forward, to seek acquaintance with the members, and then finding much formality and stiffness of manners to encounter, confirms, in them, habits of backwardness, and ac- tual dislike to this most important, and what should be the most pleasing, part of their work. These re- marks are made after years of experience and obser- vation ; and I am fully persuaded that reform is needed, and that reform, on the part of the people, will be speedily followed by reform on the part of the pastors. Shortly after locating my family in Old Town, the Rev. Mr. J , of the Baptist Church, called upon me, and expressed a desire to be friendly with all denominations. We conversed together freely, and with much interest, on the subject of religion. He informed me that he had abandoned the old doctrine of limited atonement, and believed that Christ died for all — that all might be saved if they would. Thus far we agreed well. But he went on to say that men have natural ability to repent and believe the Gospel. Here I was compelled to dis- sent. I could not believe that fallen, depraved human nature, possessed any such excellent capa- bility — for I was a firm believer in the doctrine of total depravity. I believed the words of Christ, "Without me, ye can do nothing." I told him that A SUPERANNUATE. 263 if men Have natural ability to perform the moral duties they owe to God, they might exercise that natural ability and go to heaven without grace. He still insisted that we have " natural ability." I told him that if he meant by that phrase — physical ability — to chop wood, or to lift a man out or thrust him into the gutter, I would acknowledge that we have it ; but even this we have through the atone- ment of Christ, to whom we owe all we have, and it is therefore of grace, after all, " and not of works, lest any man should boast." He then said he be- lieved, as he heard me preach a few evenings before, that religion was the one thing needful, and that it is a matter of choice, " but the change comes before," said he. Here is a strange paradox : Religion is a matter of choice— but the heart must be changed before the choice can be made. This is much like the common blunder of Calvinists, in placing regeneration before faith. I pointed him to a water-mill, with its ponderous wheel moving beneath the running stream. Said I, " That wheel appears to move freely, but a glance at the impell- ing cause found in the current above, shows that its motion is necessitated ; and this is the sort of freedom you allow to man. Religion is a matter of choice, but the choice can not be made till God changes the heart — that is, man has the power of choice after his heart is changed, but has no such power antecedent to the change ; what then becomes of your natural ability — what is it all worth ?" We 264 RECOLLECTIONS OF conversed on many points of doctrine, sometimes seeing alike, and sometimes not. Old-fashioned, unadulterated Calvinism, which disrobes man of all moral freedom, and degrades him to the pitiful con- dition of absolute passivity, may be arranged into a harmonious system, though it be without any true foundation to rest upon ; but when men attempt to modify it — to throw out the repulsive parts, and introduce some truth into it — they mar its harmony, and present a conglomeration of incon- gruities. There is no middle ground between Calvin- ism and Arminianism. Man is free or bound, the atonement is limited or universal, the decrees of God are absolute or conditional ; there is no such thing as modifying the old-fashioned absolutism of Calvin and Augustine, so as to blend it with some of the great truths of the Gospel. Truth and error will not blend; there is between them an irreconcilable enmity, and whenever they are brought in contact, the antagonism will show itself. Men may talk as much as they please about moderate Calvinists, modified Calvinism, etc.; I want none of it, unless I take it all. None of the modern improvements on the out-and-out predestinarianism of Calvin, could get a foot-hold in his day ; one glance of his mighty intellect would detect the adulteration, and one stroke of his masterly logic was sufficient to banish it forever. Surely, if the old man were living, and could examine the mixtures of theology, with which his name is associated, and in support of which his A SUPERANNUATE. 265 learning, piety, and zeal are invoked, he would cry out in righteous indignation against the abuse. We found plenty to do on the circuit; but to particularize, would be but to detail the every-day life of the Methodist preacher, much of which has already been done. Much of the same variety of riding in the cold and heat,, wet and dry, and find- ing good, bad, and medium accommodations, with the labor of preaching, praying, visiting, etc., which made up former years, occupied us during our stay on this circuit. We had a camp meeting near New Holland; but, though it was a good meeting, I remember nothing that transpired worthy of special record. The Rev. Charles C. Lybrand was my colleague in Deer Creek circuit, the second year. He is still in the active work of the ministry — an amiable, con- sistent Methodist preacher. We labored together in great harmony, and with reasonable success. We took in a new preaching-place this year, in the vil- lage of Williamsport. This was in the midst of a New-Light community. (I intend no disrespect in using this term; the word " Christian" is too general to be distinctive.) After preaching several times in a cabin, where we were cramped for room, I was invited to preach in the New-Light church. To this I consented, with the understanding that I should feel at full liberty to preach the doctrine of our Church, without hinderance. Accordingly I an- nounced that at such a time, I would preach on the 23 266 RECOLLECTIONS OF Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. The term deity was used in preference to divinity, because many that regard the Savior as a created, dependent being, call him divine, because he was divinely inspired, as were Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, and Paul. A large audi- ence assembled, including four or five " Christian " preachers, with paper and pencils to take notes. My sermon was much the same as the one the substance of which is given in this work. Rev. Mr. Harvey said, at the close, that he was to have replied to the discourse, but the house was so full and the weather so warm, he thought best to postpone the reply for three weeks. He then said, "If I do not show that Christ is a distinct being from the Father, we will give it up." I immediately remarked, "You must disprove that Christ is God, or it will be no reply to my discourse." The time came, and a large congre- gation assembled. Mr. H. spent nearly two hours in proving that Christ was the Son of God, and in some sense distinct from, and inferior to, the Father. This he called a refutation of my discourse. I rose and remarked, "It is too evident to be called in question, that Mr. H. is blessed with the gift of continuance ; he has spent nearly two hours in his professed reply, which is no reply at all to what I advanced. I dwelt on the Deity of Christ ; he dwelt on the humanity of Christ. I proved that Christ is God ; he has been proving that Christ is man : this he calls a refutation ! To illustrate : Suppose I deliver a discourse proving that the soul of man is A SUPERANNUATE. 267 immortal, and Mr. H. proposes to refute it; he pro- ceeds to prove that the body is mortal, and calls that a refutation of my argument ; would you admit his claim to be legitimate ? It could not be a refutation, because both positions are correct — and they are not incompatible ; so in this case, Christ is both God and man; and proving him man no more disproves that he is God, than proving the body mortal dis- proves the immortality of the soul. Here are two distinct points of doctrine. I dwelt on one, and Mr. H. on the other; but both are equally true!" I then noticed a few points in his argument which I thought deserved attention, and closed. One point I will give: Mr. H. called up the common objection to his hypothesis, that if Christ be not God, we can not worship him without being guilty of idolatry. Said he, " We do worship Christ, and we have no fears of being accounted idolaters therefor — because God commands us to worship him." "That is an excellent thought," said I. "Just look at it: God says, 'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve,' but he also commands us to worship Christ — therefore Christ is God, or we are commanded to worship what is not God!" We succeeded in organizing a good society in the place; now they have a pretty good Church, and stand as a prominent point on the circuit. The truth — Bible truth, will prevail; it has God for its author, and salvation for its end; it will become a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. 268 RECOLLECTIONS OF In conclusion, I will say that the two years spent on Deer Creek circuit, were pleasant years to me, and not altogether without prosperity. Since then 1 have frequently had the pleasure of meeting with some of the old friends on that circuit, and their cordial press of the hand always betokened the sin- cerity of their friendship. I shall ever cultivate the memory of their kindness while with them, and hope to meet them again in heaven. u This glorious hope revives Our courage by the way ; While each in expectation lives, And longs to see the day. From sorrow, toil, and pain, And sin, we shall be free ; And perfect love and friendship reign Through all eternity." A SUPERANNUATE. 269 CHAPTER XVIII. ONE YEAR WITHOUT REGULAR WORK. In September, 1834, our conference sat in Circle- ville. At this session, I asked to be left without an appointment, on account of family afflictions. My oldest son had been suffering from pulmonary con- sumption for about fourteen months ; his wife was dis- abled, through ill health, from giving him the atten- tion he needed; and their means were exhausted, so that they could not provide for themselves. It was clearly my duty to take care of them; but this I could not do, and, at the same time, perform regular pastoral work. I was wanted for Portsmouth station; but a station I never desired. However, I should have felt it my duty to fill, as well as possible, any appointment assigned me by the appointing power, if sickness had not interfered. The request excited some debate in the conference. Some were opposed to granting it, because they saw no Disciplinary provision for such a case. I was not, myself, worn-out or disabled, and did not want a superannuated or a supernumerary relation to the conference; but that, while my name stood upon the effective list, I should simply be left without an ap- pointment. Some of my best friends thought it con- 270 RECOLLECTIONS OF trary to our economy to grant such a request — that it would establish a bad precedent, etc. ; but the ma- jority were of opinion that if there were no Disci- plinary provision made expressly for such eases, it was clearly within the discretionary power of the confer- ence to grant the request, and that it ought to be done ; they voted accordingly, and I was left at lib- erty to bestow all my attention upon the wants and afflictions of my family. I immediately proceeded to the residence of my son, settled up his business, and moved him and family home to my own house. It was now our daily concern to make him as comfort- able as possible, the short time he had to live. He lingered with us, suffering and rejoicing, till the 24th of March, 1835, when he pushed off "life's ambiguous shore/' in full prospect of a better inher- itance beyond the grave. His last words were those of the poet — "Never will I remove Out of " Here his voice failed, and he uttered no more. The whole verse which he attempted to quote, reads — " Never will I remove Out of his hands my cause ; But rest in thy redeeming love, And hang upon thy cross. ,, Thus departed our first-born, in the 32d year of his age. To those who never experienced a like afflic- tion, I would say, you know not the sorrow, the A SUPERANNUATE, 271 crushing anguish that parents feel, upon the loss of a son or daughter* You may imagine you sympathize with them, hut you can not realize the bereavement of their hearts. But then, there is One whose eye can see the silent workings of the soul, behold all the unuttered grief; who looks upon the secret springs of sorrow, and always looks with tenderness. There is One whose heart can feel the very depth of hu- man woe, whose compassion is infinite, whose sym- pathy is divine; to him we looked for succor, and we looked not in vain: "For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." Our hearts were truly stricken and sorrowful ; but we sung— " Courage, my soul ; thy bitter cross, In every trial here, Shall bear thee to thy heaven above, But shall not enter there. The sighing ones, that humbly seek In sorrowing paths below, Shall in eternity rejoice, Where endless comforts flow." Without faith in divine Providence, we should have been utterly desolate and comfortless; but, knowing that God is too wise to err, too powerful to be de- feated, and too good to be unkind, we bowed in sub- mission to this stroke, saying, "Thy will be done." If his wisdom sees, his goodness provides, and his power executes, what is best, why should we not trust in him and not be afraid? I was now at liberty to go out into the field, and 272 RECOLLECTIONS OF join the brethren in the " battle-cry ." In company with brother Eddy, I attended quarterly meeting in Columbus — preached twice during the meeting ; once from John xv, 14, and again from the 4th Psalm. On Sabbath, brother Eddy preached a powerful ser- mon. The power of the Lord was in the assembly to apply the word, and good was done in the name of Christ. Brother Eddy being detained on Church busi- ness, I went on to his next quarterly meeting, which was in Granville. I preached on Saturday, from Phil. i, 6: " Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it till the day of Jesus Christ." On Sabbath, at 11 o'clock, I dwelt upon 2 Timothy ii, 19. This was one of my happiest visits to Granville. I shall never forget it. Brother Joseph Carper was on this work, and had been favored with considerable revival influ- ence. This meeting wound up with a fine ingathering of souls, and I trust many of them will land safely in the better world. During the meeting, we went down to the creek and administered baptism to eight or ten persons. Leaving Granville, I went to New- ark, where I preached from Jeremiah viii, 22. This was a very good meeting. Here I met with brother L. White, then stationed in Lancaster. Upon invita- tion from him, I attended his quarterly meeting the next Saturday and Sabbath. It was a profitable sea- son. I endeavored to expound Luke xiii, 24. From this place, I accompanied brother Eddy to a camp meeting, below Kingston. The meeting was a de- A SUPERANNUATE. 273 lightful one, although my own enjoyments were not so good as usual. I now returned home, and assisted the preachers on the circuit where my family lived, in holding pro- tracted meetings, etc., till conference. It was to me a year of sacrifice, toil, and affliction; but I felt that I was in the line of duty, and therefore in the path of safety. In the midst of all, I could say, with Job, " Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Thank God that it is written, "All things w T ork to- gether for good to them that love God!" May he still protect and keep us humble before him ! " Glad frames too often lift us up, And then how proud we grow ! Till sad desertion makes us droop, And down we sink as low. He that is down, need fear no fall ; He that is low, no pride ; He that is humble, ever shall Have God to be his guide. ,, 274 RECOLLECTIONS OF CHAPTER XIX. MARIETTA AND ADELPHI CIRCUITS. In September, 1835, conference sat in Springfield, Bishop Soule presiding. My appointment was to Marietta. M. P. Kellogg was my colleague. He had previously belonged to the Presbyterian Church, in which he was a distinguished revivalist — some- thing after the style of the Rev. Mr. Finney. He was constantly inclined to get up revivals, by some sort of maneuvering ; some of his plans were admira- ble, but others, I could not approve. I considered him a pious, good man ; he read the Bible on his knees more than any man of my acquaintance ; but he was impulsive, hasty, and sometimes very incon- siderate in his movements ; he subsequently got into difficulty, was suspended for a year, and then per- mitted to locate. The last I heard of him, he was preaching in another branch of the Church. I trust he will find rest in heaven. We labored together harmoniously, and had a good work on the circuit. Brother Kellogg was undoubtedly a useful man in that day. Having purchased a home, and located my family in Kingston, my work was one hundred and five miles from my residence. While in Marietta, I boarded with brother Crawford, an excellent local A SUPERANNUATE, 275 preacher, in whose kind family I found agreeable entertainment. Marietta was the point at which the first settlements in Ohio commenced. The peo- ple were mostly of the New England stock, and to this day they retain many of the customs of Yan- keedom. Some of these peculiarities are worthy of imitation every-where. They cultivate taste in arranging their houses, barns, yards, gardens, fences, etc.; so that their residences are characterized by order, neatness, and comfort. There is a college in the place of good reputation ; it is under Presby- terian control, and has sent out a large number of graduates, who, as teachers, preachers, and members of other professions, occupy positions of usefulness and honor, and may be justly esteemed blessings to the country. I bless God for sanctified learning ! All true science links the soul to God. Leave him out of the account, and philosophy loses its sub- limity, and sinks into blind conjecture. And our holy Bible courts the light. Its author is the author of all things ; He who inspired the prophets, hung the world upon nothing, spread abroad the heavens, ordained the laws of gravitation, and upholds all things by the word of his power. The study of science, is but the study of God. The heavens declare his glory, and the firmament showeth his handy work. The rocky pages of geology beneath our feet, and the shining stars above our heads, alike display the wisdom, power, and glory of that God whose loving kindness the Bible reveals. 276 EECOLLECTIONS OF Marietta was a half-station; we preached there every Sabbath morning, and in Point Harmer in the afternoon. In the winter, I held a protracted meeting on the Marietta side, which resulted in the happy conversion of a goodly number of souls, who united with us in Church fellowship. We had some revival influence at nearly every appointment on the circuit. We also raised money and built two churches in the course of the year. The first and last slave case I ever had any thing to do with, occurred in Marietta this year. A mem- ber of the Church in Virginia, who owned a number of slaves, sold them, and came here and commenced living in princely style, on the price of blood. I had him arraigned under our General Rule which forbids the buying or selling men, women, and children with the intention of enslaving them ; he was found guilty and expelled the Church — but took an appeal, and pleaded nearly two hours in his own defense ; the appeal was not sustained ; so he remained expelled, becoming very bitter against me for the part I took in administering the Discipline against him. It was truly a sad spectacle to see a man professing Christianity, guilty of the black crime of selling his fellow-beings into slavery, stand up to justify the deed before an ecclesiastical court. In slave states such things may yet be done, but I mistake the signs of the times if the light of truth does not yet put an end to scenes so humiliating, even there. The spirit of freedom, flowing on with A SUPERANNUATE. 277 a deep, smooth current, will rise and extend, till it spreads over all the area of oppression, inundating our whole land with a flood of glory. Sectional animosity, and political strife, may, for a time, im- pede its progress ; but, like every running, living stream, it will gather strength, surmount every obstacle, and sweep away every obstruction. May God hasten the day when the Church, the state, and nation, shall be freed from the curse of slavery ! The prospect looks forbidding, but we may still hope, for God reigns. But this, no less than the last, was a year of trial and deep family affliction. God saw fit to remove by death another of our sons. He was in the twenty- third year of his age, doing business in Kingston, possessed a good mind, was well educated, and — permit a father to say it — was highly esteemed in the community. He was scrupulously moral and upright. The Rev. S. Hamilton said if there was ever any one retained his infantile justification, he was the person ; but he deferred a profession of religion, till the spring he died. While he was yet in good health, he wrote me as follows : "I have, at last, joined the Church. I did not do it in the time of excitement, nor in an excited moment ; I joined because I wanted to be a Methodist, and a Christian. I can not say that I do now, or ever did, feel that conviction which others speak of feeling ; but I feel badly because I can not feel worse than I do." This was his last letter. He never entered the 278 RECOLLECTIONS OF Church after the night he joined, till his lifeless remains were carried there for funeral services prior to interment. He was suddenly prostrated with hemorrhage. Another son wrote me, and I hastened home. Brother Hamilton was on the Kingston circuit, and kindly offered to exchange work with me, during this affliction ; this was a great accommo- dation. I could fill his appointments, and be home every night. The attacks of hemorrhage were repeated, till all hopes of saving him from death were at an end. Thus, in the " morning of life," he must be resigned to the fell destroyer. It was hard — but God is good and wise! He lingered till the 22d of May, 1836, when he breathed his last, saying, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." This was in the same room in which, fourteen months before, my eldest son sank sweetly to rest. But they dwell together in the world of light. They were, perhaps, "taken away from the evil to come." As parents, we could but weep and trust in God. We must learn to suffer, as well as cfo, his will. " Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." We must look for afflictions — but we may, at the same time, look for supporting grace. Thank heaven ! we have a loving Savior. " His heart is made of tenderness, His bowels melt with love/' This is a precious truth ; and I can say, with a grateful heart, that, as my trials have been, so has A SUPERANNUATE. 279 been the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. After the decease of this son, I returned to Marietta, and con- tinued in the work till the close of the year. We were permitted to wind up pleasantly. On my return home, while riding through Logan, my horse stumbled and fell upon his side, fastening my leg beneath him. Some time after, he released me by rising. I arose, and was astonished to find that the limb was not broken. Surely, it was God's providence that pre- served me from serious harm. Praise his name ! The field of labor assigned me, in September, 1836, was the Adelphi circuit. My colleague was the Rev. Benjamin Ellis, a good preacher, and a pious, companionable man. We worked sweetly to- gether in the Gospel yoke. Most of this circuit ex- tended over the hills, which were covered with white- oaks and pitch-pine. My health was not very good ; by some means, I had become dyspeptic ; but I found the invigorating atmosphere, and pure water, of these hills, together with plenty of good corn-bread, to be very efficacious in relieving me from this annoying and distressing disease. Perhaps, however, a share of the credit is due to the picturesque scenery, which, with ever-varying aspect, passed before the eye, in crossing the lofty hills, and passing the deep ravines. No doubt the exhilarating influence arising from fre- quent contact with the grand and beautiful in nature, is calculated to counteract the nervous depression, which is one of the attendants of deranged digestive organs. But the pleasurable sensations which the 280 RECOLLECTIONS OF romantic scenery inspired, were greatly enhanced by finding, scattered through the hills and valleys, a goodly number of earnest, self-denying Christians, who were always ready to work for God. Passing through this circuit, was a stream very appropriately called Queer creek. It wound its way through the hills, in such a serpentine course, that, in traveling the distance of two miles, we crossed it not less — and I am not certain but more — than forty times. I used to think it fairly represented the zig- zag life of some specimens of humanity with whom I have had acquaintance. They seem utterly incapable of pursuing a straight-forward course, but exhibit as many windings and turnings as Queer creek. They will make a contract with you to-day, and, to-morrow, if they see opportunity of making a little, a very little, too, they will violate it without scruple. They care nothing about their word; and, as for honor, they know nothing of its import. Poor creatures. They are objects of commiseration, when we look at them as immortal beings, led captive by the devil at his will; but much of their crookedness results from downright dishonesty. Having abandoned themselves to absolute selfishness, they become the victims of passion and self-interest, so fully as to be incapable of resisting any gust that may break upon them ; the winds and waves drive them hither and thither, so that, like the "double-minded man," spoken of by St. James, "They are unstable in all their ways" — a poor, motley mixture of contrarieties — a heap of A SUPERANNUATE. 281 jumbled contradictions. God pity them ! I lift my heart to Him, in prayer, that they may be rescued, by infinite mercy, from their perilous condition. In the course of the year, we held a camp meeting, in conjunction with the preachers, on the Logan circuit. The meeting was pretty well attended, the preaching was evangelical, and, of course, profitable ; sinners were awakened and converted to God, and the Church was enlivened in faith and holiness. How delightful is the tented grove, with hundreds of happy souls assembling to worship God ! and, how much more delightful, when answers of prayer are visible, in the awakening of sinners, who, with broken hearts, cry to Heaven for mercy! but, how transcendently glorious, when the cloud passes away, and the Sun of righteousness pours into their mourning hearts the rays of heavenly light, and they, with countenances beaming with joy, arise, exclaiming, "0 Lord, I will praise thee : for though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and now thou dost comfort me!" We had peace and quietness in all our borders, and closed up the year with thankfulness to God for his protecting care. Many of the mem- bers of this charge still live in the affections of the writer. May the smile of Heaven cheer us all in the close of life! 24 282 RECOLLECTIONS OF CHAPTER XX. GRANVILLE CIRCUIT— SUPE RANNU AT ED . September, 1837, I was appointed to Granville circuit, with Rev. J. T. Donohoe for my colleague. Brother D. is too well known to require a lengthy notice here. He was in the regular work in the Ohio conference for a long time, then located for several years, and was, last year, readmitted, and placed upon the superannuated list, in order that he may die in connection with the conference which he served so many years. Granville was fifty miles from my resi- dence in Kingston, the circuit was large, and, believ- ing I could not do justice to the work without living upon it, I moved my family to that place. We found a noble board of stewards, but they were unable to procure us a house ; they did, however, succeed in renting part of a very poor one. We went at it and raised funds and bought a parsonage. It was good enough, at that time, but, though still used for the purpose, it evidently is some the worse for age. Would that the people could realize how much they would save themselves and ministers, by keeping com- fortable accommodations for the families that lead the wearisome life of itinerants ! Granville was settled nearly fifty-one years ago, A SUPERANNUATE. 283 by a colony from Granville, Massachusetts. Most of the original settlers were Congregationalists. They were organized into a Church, under, the pastoral direction of the venerable Dr. Cooley, who still lives, before leaving for the west. The Congregational Church, in Granville, is, therefore, older than the town itself. The fiftieth anniversary of their arrival on the site of the town, was celebrated by a jubilee, in October, 1855, at which Dr. Cooley was present, and delivered an address. The Congregationalists, having thus preoccupied the ground, have kept the ascendency ever since. The membership is large, and, under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. Little, this Church occupies a position of influence and high respectability. The Church is Congregational, but the pastor is a Presbyterian, of the New School. It requires no little skill, patience, and perseverance, to keep together so large a membership, composed of such variety of material, under a government so peculiar. But, with very moderate abilities as a preacher, Mr. Little performs this difficult task, thereby displaying unusual capabilities as an admin- istrator. Perhaps the secret of his success is attribu- table to the great personal influence he has acquired, by his position among his people, most of whom he has known from their youth. The Baptists commenced operations here at an early day, established a Church, and by making it the seat of their College, were enabled to concentrate an influence which has raised their Church to a 284 RECOLLECTIONS OF position above that which it occupies in other places in the state. Their Church is large, and their Col- lege, though prostrate for some years past, is being resuscitated, with fair prospect of a career of use- fulness. The Episcopalians have a respectable Church, and a literary institution for females ; but their influence in the community is not felt a great deal — though some of the best citizens of the place are members of that sect. The Presbyterians, and the Calvinistic Methodists, each have a congregation of worshipers in the Welsh language. Both are rigid Calvinists, and why they do not unite, I am unable to tell. A note in the stewards' book reads thus : " Meth- odism was introduced into Granville, Licking county, Ohio, by Rev. James B. Einley, in the year 1810, at which time a class was formed in the house of Mr. William Gavit, one of the early settlers of the place." The place was taken into the Knox circuit, in 1811; James Quinn was presiding elder, and Elisha W. Bowman circuit preacher. Brother Bowman was, therefore, the first preacher who regularly preached in Granville, A long list of worthies have followed him, and preceded the writer, in this field. The list continues : Michael Ellis, David Knox, Samuel West, John Solomon, John M'Mahan, Shadrick Ruark, Henry Baker, etc. I noticed in the list the names of C. Goddard, H. S. Fernandes, L. L. Hamline, and others, which will long live in the affections of the Church. But, occupied as the ground has A SUPERANNUATE. 285 been by other denominations which had an earlier start and superior advantages, Methodism has not flourished in Granville, as in many other places; and when the circumstances are fully known, the wonder is not that it has not prospered so well here as elsewhere, but rather that it has lived at all. But with all its disadvantages, Methodism has done a work for God, even here. Hundreds through her instrumentality have been born of the Spirit in this place, many of whom have landed safely in heaven, and some of whom are upon the walls of Zion, while others have emigrated to the far west, leaving a "remnant" who still keep the altar-fires burning, waiting and trusting that God will enlarge the borders of his heritage, and bless his people with abundance of prosperity. God grant unto them the desire of their hearts ! Our first quarterly meeting was held in Granville, and was an excellent meeting, all things considered ; near twenty gave us their names as probationers for membership in the Church. The second was held in Etna — a small village on the National road. The society was in a cold state, and there was little prospect of success; but on Friday night, before the regular commencement of the quarterly meeting services, I delivered a dis- course in which the low state of religion was de- scribed, and the operations of unbelief in the heart pointed out. I remarked, " You say there will be nothing done at this meeting — that is the language 286 RECOLLECTIONS OF of unbelief; I do not believe a word of it. I feel assured that God will work at this time." Our faith was quickened, and God did work for us gloriously. Rev. J. Young was our presiding elder. He preached, Saturday, and attended quarterly conference, but was out of health and did not get out at night. The next morning he told me to attend the love-feast, and he thought he would be able to preach at eleven. The hour arrived, and he came and attended the preliminary services, but, after prayer, he turned to me and said, u You will have to preach, I am so hoarse I can not do it." There was no time for premeditation. I announced a text at once, and entered upon its elucidation in the name of Him whose presence is promised. I was graciously as- sisted. Our meeting increased in interest, power, and glory. The services lasted for several days, and were profitable to the Church, and to many others. On Monday morning, two of the stewards started home, but, like the disciples that journeyed to the village of Emmaus, they talked by the way of all these things, and their hearts warmed as they talked, so that they felt they were doing wrong, and resolved to return. They did so — and, after coming back, they told what had transpired ; they had talked over the qualifications pointed out in the book of Disci- pline, as necessary to be possessed by stewards, con- cluded they did not possess the deep piety required, and proposed to resign. I dissuaded them from that course, and urged them to seek for more grace. A SUPERANNUATE. 287 At our third quarterly meeting, which was held in April, I got wet, took cold, and was, in a short time, disabled from preaching. I returned home, and re- member putting my horse in the barn, and the next I had any knowledge of was, finding myself lying in my own bed, very sick. There I lay twelve weeks, at the point of death. For a number of weeks, I could move neither foot nor hand any more than if dead. Many of my friends called in and prayed with me, of which I had no knowledge. The amount of food taken, within the twelve weeks, might have been put in a tea-cup. My life was despaired of by all except my dear wife, without whose skillful nursing and persevering efforts, I must have died. Almost constantly, through those long twelve weeks, was she upon her feet, striving to allay the burning fever, and to minister to the demands of my helpless body. At one time, two physicians said I could not live, and the third said I was already dying ; but she would not yield ; her trust was in God. To him she looked, by him she was sustained, and, under his blessing, my life was spared. At about the close of the twelve weeks, I was enabled to hold a little conversation with my wife, by whispering in broken sentences, in which we agreed in reference to my burial, etc. I took, as we supposed, my last farewell of my family, and viewed myself as just crossing the cold stream. I realized no ecstatic joy, neither had I any dread or fear. I seemed to be moving calmly out upon the dark waters, till the impression became vivid in my 288 RECOLLECTIONS OF mind that I was half over the swellings of Jordan; then looking before me, all was light and glorious ; I gazed, as I supposed, upon the trees of paradise, waving their immortal branches in the winds of heaven, and beckoning me to the shore. I fully expected to rest, in a few moments, upon the plains of light, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the redeemed from earth; with my children and friends who had died in the Lord; and, above all, with my blessed Savior. This was not delirium; my mind was clear, and my consciousness distinct; but I can scarcely say whether I was more in the body than out of the body. It was a blessed night, which I shall never forget. The next morning, I was pronounced better. Though the improvement was almost imper- ceptible, I continued to grow better; and, at our last quarterly meeting, some of the friends lifted me into a carriage, and took me to it. I appeared to many as one risen from the dead. Some had heard that I was dead, and none expected me to recover. All greeted me with much tenderness and affection, de- claring it a privilege to meet me again in the sanc- tuary, which they had not expected on earth. It was a solemn, weeping, glorious time, but my pen can never describe the happiness of that hour. Unin- spired language can not express the gratitude of my heart, in reviewing the past mercies of my heavenly Father. "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the hights. Praise ye him, all his angels : praise ye him, all his hosts. A SUPERANNUATE. 289 Praise ye him, sun and moon : praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also established them forever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: fire and hail; snow and vapor : stormy wind fulfilling his word: mountains, and all hills: fruitful trees, and all cedars: beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: both young men and maidens; old men and chil- dren: let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is excellent ; his glory is above the earth and heaven. He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord!" When the conference for this year — 1838 — sat in Columbus, I was able to reach there ; but my limbs were swollen, and I was yet so debilitated as to be unable to put on and off my clothing without assist- ance. Of course, I was not able to take work, but took a superannuated relation to the conference, and returned home and spent the winter. In April, 1839, four appointments were set off from Circleville, and, in pursuance of the desire of the membership, the presiding elder prevailed with me to take charge of them. My old friends made me welcome among them, and we had some most delightful meetings. 25 290 RECOLLECTIONS OF In the month of May, a brother of mine came, with his family, and settled close by me. We had been separated thirteen years. He is the only rela- tive of mine that ever settled in Ohio. Soon after his arrival, he and brother R. Green commenced a series of meetings a few miles from Johnstown, which they continued till God blessed them with a glorious revival of religion. Many souls, through their instru- mentality, were happily converted to God, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church ; and a large portion of them still hold on their way. Praise God for con- verting power! This brother was very dear to me. While I was stationed on Lake Champlain, he made me a visit, and God made me instrumental in his awakening and conversion. He still lives near by me. We often visit each other, and talk of the deep things that pertain to the kingdom of God. Here we meet and part; but, if faithful a few more days, we shall meet where parting is not known. " When all our toils are o'er, Our sufferings and our pain ; Who meet on that eternal shore, Shall never part again." A SUPERANNUATE. 291 CHAPTER XXI. LITHOPOLIS AND HEBRON CIRCUITS. At the conference of 1839, some appointments taken from Worthington circuit were added to those of which I had charge the latter part of the previous year, forming Lithopolis circuit. Upon this work I was sent, in connection with brother Jacob Young, who had just completed his term as presiding elder of the district. We labored together in love, and were blessed with some good times. During this year, we raised a " centenary subscription " for the purpose of building a parsonage in Groveport, a small village on the canal, ten miles from Columbus, which subsequently became the head-quarters of the circuit. This charge contained some excellent, old-fashioned Methodists. I have before spoken of the Hopewell appointment in Grooms's neighborhood, which was now connected with Lithopolis ; in the latter place were some whose names I cherish with pleasure, as also in Groveport. This last place was originally called Rarysport, from the fact that it wa3 laid out by W. Rary, who did considerable business in the produce line ; it was also known by the name of Wert's Grove — a Mr. Wert owning part of the 292 RECOLLECTIONS OF land on which it was built. When the village came to be incorporated, some strife arose as to the name it should bear, both proprietors, with their respective friends, contending for the honor. The controversy was settled by a " compromise ;" the names of both the men were left off, while the " Grove " and the "Port" were united, making the very appropriate name — Groveport. For many years Methodism flourished well in this place. Men of sterling worth lived here, some of whom will long be remembered by the preachers whose lot it has been to spend a year or two on this work. One fact may be named, of some significance. It has several times happened that the presiding elders on the district, who were well acquainted with the work, and whose position gave them some advantages in the way of selecting their own fields, have closed their term of service in that relation, and then taken this circuit. I love to think of the old soldiers of the cross — but many of them have removed to the Church triumphant, while their children occupy their places in the army still in the field. We held a camp meeting, that year. The site selected for the purpose was a beautiful grove offered by old brother Needles, between Pickering- ton and Columbus. This was in one of the finest farming sections in Ohio, and surrounded by a neigh- borhood of moral, enterprising, industrious, and, of course, prosperous citizens. On the. day appointed for preparing the grounds, there . was a general A SUPERANNUATE. 293 turnout. Quite a number of noble-hearted men who made no profession, came and took hold manfully; we took this as a good omen. The best of order prevailed throughout the meeting. I do not recol- lect of having occasion to administer reproof but once the whole time of the encampment. Every- thing moved on delightfully till the last day — " the great day of the festival/' Then the "doors of the Church" were opened — that is, they were announced as open ; for, like the " happy gates of Gospel grace," they stand " open night and day" — persons were invited to join the Church on proba- tion ; they came one after another till about fifty names were enrolled as new recruits. Many were converted to God, became useful members of the Church, and still live to honor their profession ; some of them holding official stations, are now stand- ing in the fore front in the battle with sin and error. Some will read this sketch and say from the heart, " Thank God for that meeting ! that was the time I started for heaven." God bless them ! May they one and all obtain the crown of life ! In 1840, our conference sat in Zanesville. Bishop Hedding presided with his usual dignity and urbanity of manners — a perfect specimen of the refined Chris- tian gentleman. He permitted each member, who wished, to speak on every question that came up, and yet the business was done up with unusual dis- patch. The year 1840 will be remembered as the time of the most excited political campaign our 294 RECOLLECTIONS OF country has ever known. The business of confer- ence was hurried to a close to give the members opportunity to reach home in time to vote for the man of their choice. I do not mean that the con- ference, as such, hurried business for this purpose ; but the members doubtless refrained from consuming time with long speeches, and from introducing matters of an extraneous character, in order that the session might not be unnecessarily prolonged. Preachers are men, and citizens, and as citizens, if not as preachers, they have equal rights and privileges, politically, with their fellow-citizens ; and, though prudence would always dictate that they should not become entangled with the partyisms that prevail, so as to hinder their usefulness as ministers, they ought not to yield to the bullying cry of political demagogues, and be driven from the exer- cise of their rights, simply because they are called to minister in holy things. They must not only "render unto God the things that are God's," but they are equally bound to " render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's ;" and in performing this latter duty conscientiously, they will find it necessary to give the weight of their influence in favor of that form of civil government which, to them, appears best calculated to promote the interests and happi- ness of the people. In a country where the people are the sovereigns, no man can innocently stand aloof, and allow the elections to go by default, so as to raise to offices of trust and power corrupt, A SUPERANNUATE. 295 time-serving politicians, when by attending to his privilege and duty he can contribute to hinder such unworthy elevations, and promote the election of men at least a little better fitted for the responsible positions. The right of suffrage, secured to us by the organic law of the state and nation, is no less a right than a duty ; as good citizens, we can neither refuse to vote, nor vote carelessly, under the influ- ence of mere party bias ; we owe it to ourselves, to the country, and to posterity, to vote, and to vote understandingly, with an eye single to the best inter- ests of the whole country. Viewing the matter thus, we can not find fault even with a body of Christian ministers for being anxious to perform this duty of citizenship, at a time when grave interests were pend- ing; nor can we envy the wisdom or patriotism of those partisan tricksters who are forever harping about the importance of keeping politics and religion sepa- rate. The fact is, politics have been separated too far from religion ; men are coming to think it pos- sible to be, at the same time, religious saints, and political knaves ; and, on the other hand, some are looked upon, through party prejudices, as being perfect paragons of political purity, while they are known to be morally and religiously corrupt. Such things ought not to be. But we hope to see no more such contests for the Presidency. The influence of the political excite- ment of 1840, was detrimental to religion. Many pious members of the Church, in different places, 296 RECOLLECTIONS OF were led away by the intoxication of the times, and "made shipwreck of faith, and a good conscience;" while the minds of the irreligious were too much dis- sipated to be reached with the serious truths of the Gospel. Although it is to be hoped that party politics will never again rage as in that year, w r hile I w T rite these lines, deprecating the irreligious tend- ency of such excitements, there is reason to appre- hend a return of similar scenes, during the election campaign which is now begun. I pray God to save his Church and people from corruption and apostasy ! At this conference some appointments were taken from Granville, and some from the Rushville circuit, and the Hebron circuit organized^ and I was ap- pointed to labor on it. The arrangement suited me "well; for, having purchased a snug little farm near Johnstown, and located my family upon it, this work was convenient to my residence. My health was not very good, and as very many of my old friends lived in the bounds of this new charge, I considered myself well favored in receiving this appointment. There were some whole-souled Meth- odists here of the original type. I found them ready to co-operate in the good work, willing to bear the cross and make the sacrifices necessary to advance the cause of religion. My mind reverts to the different preaching-places, and before it rises the image of familiar faces, some of whom shall no more be seen in this world. Of many I would like to speak freely, but must not indulge. There were A SUPERANNUATE. 297 the Pitzers, Brights, Coulters, Siglers, Hulls, Wil- sons — but the list extends, suggesting names loved and honored as disciples of our blessed Lord; yet I must not omit the name of that venerable servant and minister of Jesus Christ, Rev. Martin Fate. For many long years, when the country was new, and Methodism, not being understood, was despised, he as a faithful sentinel stood upon the walls of Zion, watching for souls as one who should give an account; and God made him instrumental in comforting the bereaved, in directing the inquiring penitent to the cross, and in convincing the gainsayers of the truth and beauty of our holy religion. His walk and con- versation accorded with the Gospel of Christ, and his example of unobtrusive piety exhibited the spirit of meekness, faith, and charity, sending out an influ- ence more potent for good than can be exerted by scores of impetuous, time-serving professors. He lived to see his children " walking by the same rule, and minding the same things;" and, enjoying a "green old age," he lingers in happy expectancy of a blessed immortality. "May his sun go down in smiles, and bring a pleasing night !" In Brownsville we had a small brick chapel, since used by brother J. Fluke as a wagon-shop ; but the commodious church in which the congregation now worship was then building, and it was completed and dedicated that year — Rev. Samuel Hamilton preach- ing the dedicatory sermon. The friends in Linnville built a good church the year previous; in Hebron 298 RECOLLECTIONS OF we had no house, but went to work and secured funds for building one, which was afterward done ; and it has been the chief ornament of the place since its completion. There, too, was George's Chapel — a large brick church, one and a half miles from Hebron, with a good society and congregation — but now, owing to changes in the community, the mem- bership are scattered, and the "old brick" is gone — as these old tabernacles which we inhabit will soon be gone — taken down and applied to some other use. The year passed away pleasantly, and I left the circuit thankful to God for inclining the hearts of this people to bear with my infirmities, and to sympathize with me in my afflictions and toils. Thus closed the third year after the severe sickness which brought me to the grave's mouth. A SUPERANNUATE, 299 CHAPTER XXII. GLANCE AT SEVERAL YEARS-CONCLUSION. In 1841, I was on the Granville circuit in company with Rev. W. T. Hand and J. A. Bruner — two effi- cient and agreeable companions in labor. My family lived in the bounds of this work, and, having previ- ously traveled the circuit, I was well acquainted with the people, and felt myself at home among them. Rev. R. 0. Spencer was presiding elder. He was a good theologian, a faithful, affectionate preacher, and a warm-hearted Christian. He filled the office with dignity and usefulness — but he is still in the good work, and I will indulge in no further remarks in reference to him, in this place. We all united, heart and hand in the " labor of love," and were soon permitted to see that our " labor was not vain in the Lord/' The Spirit of God fell upon the people, quickening believers and convicting sinners, causing the powers of darkness to tremble. Penitent souls were led to cry out, "What must we do to be saved?" We stood ready to point them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and witnessed the conversion of a large number. My son, C. W. Lewis, lived about two miles from Johnstown, where he and the neighbors erected a 300 RECOLLECTIONSOF log meeting-house, in which, when it was finished, we held a protracted meeting, and, through the divine mercy, we had a glorious time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Many were awakened and converted, and taking these with some members who lived in the vicinity, we organized a large society. My brother, of whom I have spoken, and this son, who had been preaching for some time, rendered us efficient aid during this meeting. At another place, brother Bruner and myself held a protracted meeting in a log-house, which, all things considered, excelled any thing of the kind I ever wit- nessed. We took in about ninety members, some of whom, alas! have " fallen away; " but others remain steadfast, and are now living members in the Church. In the spring, brother Hand and myself held a pro- tracted meeting in the town of Granville, which was an excellent meeting, the fruit of which yet remains. Here, a young lady, reared by Major Warren, sought and obtained peace in Christ, and the day following her conversion, I visited the Major and family. The young lady, in answer to a question, said she was still happy. I conversed with the Major, and learned from him, that he thought it right and proper to have meetings on the Sabbath, but saw no propriety in having services through the week. I urged him to attend, but he would not promise. I had prayer and left, not much expecting to see him again, while the meeting lasted ; but he was in the congregation that night. The next day he came again, and, when A SUPERANNUATE. 301 mourners were invited to the altar, he arose delib- erately, and came forward. While upon his knees, he requested us to take his name as a probationer, which we did, and he was shortly afterward enabled to em- brace the Savior by faith, and has continued in the narrow way till the present time. In November — 1855 — he was smitten down with a stroke of palsy, and remains in a very feeble condition, with little prospect of restoration of bodily health, but enjoys a cheering hope of immortality and eternal life, which is as an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast, sus- taining his spirits, and affording him holy comforts, under the trying providences through which he is called to pass. "VVe had other special meetings on the circuit, which were attended with good success ; but I must not par- ticularize ; the year closed happily. I look back upon it with pleasure, and know not that I can ex- press my feelings in regard to it better than by repeating the well-known doxology — " Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ,* Praise him, all creatures here below ; Praise him above, ye heavenly host ; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." In 1842, I was appointed to the Blendon circuit, without a colleague. The Rev. Nathan Emory was then living on the circuit, sustaining a superannuated relation to the conference; but, being able to do some work, he was employed to fill the vacancy. He was formerly a member of the New York conference — was 302 RECOLLECTIONS OF a man of noble, generous impulses — a good theologian, and delighted to point out, to inquiring hearers, the way of life and salvation, through the blessed Re- deemer. In the days of his strength, he filled some important stations in the Church, and always acquit- ted himself well. He lived to a good old age, and died, a few years ago, in cjear prospect of heaven. We labored together in harmony, and with some suc- cess. It was not a year of extensive revival influence, though we were favored with reasonable prosperity. The high school was then flourishing at Westerville, under the direction of brothers Kingsley and Blair. Brothers Ingals, Westervelt, and Lonnis, were there in course of preparation for the ministry. The Insti- tution has passed into the hands of the United Brethren, and, under the patronage of that denom- ination, it is enjoying a fair degree of prosperity as the Otterbein University. At our last quarterly meeting conference, the three young brethren named were recommended for the traveling connection, and, at the next session of the Ohio conference, they were admitted on trial. Brother Ingals is now a member of the Iowa conference ; brother Westervelt died in the work, several years ago ; and brother Lonnis is still a member of the Ohio conference. It was that year that the great Millerite excitement swept over the country. It became, for a time, the main topic of conversation in many places — some were alarmed — some became serious — some went crazy, and others treated the whole matter with A SUPERANNUATE. 303 indifference. It was a fearful delusion, the effects of which have not yet terminated. In many places, that year, large numbers flocked into the Churches, whose minds were probably brought to bear on the subject of religion, under the influence of that excitement ; and, it is altogether likely, that some, by that means, became good Christians — nevertheless, the evils at- tending the propagation of Millerism, were apparent to all candid observers. It was a grand deception ; yet, perchance, the good Being made it the occasion of the awakening of some who were really converted. He can overrule evil so as to bring good out of it, without sanctifying the evil. On the other hand, it may not be contrary to his plan of providence to permit such delusions to prevail as a scourge to the Churches for their indifference to the true objects of their holy mission. At all events, the prevalence of such heresies should serve as warnings to Christians, of every name, never to relax their efforts for the maintenance of sound doctrines and pure morality. Here, as in all other places where I have traveled, there were some members whose light, like the city upon the hill, could not be hid. Such are, indeed, the "salt of the earth." Praise God, religion is the same every-where! It enlightens the eyes, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart, and, in a word, it exalts man to his proper dignity, fits him for living and for dying, and qualifies him to live forever with the holy and the happy in heaven. Having finished the work, made new class-books, etc., I started to 304 RECOLLECTIONS OF conference, praying God to pardon all he had seen amiss in preachers or people, and to direct in the appointments for the coming year. In 1843, at the session of conference held in Chil- licothe, there were some appointments taken from the Granville charge, and formed into a separate two- weeks' circuit, called Johnstown circuit. Here I was appointed to labor. This was home work. Having traveled over the ground two years, while it was con- nected with Granville, I was well acquainted with the people. No time was lost from moving, or other causes, but I entered at once upon the work of visit- ing from house to house, talking and praying with the families, and preaching nearly every day in the week. I probably prepared more new pulpit subjects, this year, than any one year of my life. I had preached a great many times to this people, and felt anxious to feed them with food convenient for them — some with "milk/' and some with "strong meat," that they might grow thereby. We had no special revival, yet the people lived in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. Love and harmony prevailed through all our borders. It was a year of real profit to my- self. In applying my mind to books, in studying the holy Bible, seeking to bring forth from that store- house of knowledge things new and old, I found great delight. Some incidents occurred worthy of record, but space will not permit me to dwell. In 1844, I was appointed to Irville circuit, in con- nection with Rev. Samuel Hamilton. We labored A SUPERANNUATE. 305 together as brethren, in love and harmony, had some good times, but no special revival; the circuit was large, and the work was pretty heavy. In 1845, I went to the Hebron circuit with brother P. A. Mutch- ner, who has long since departed this life, in full prospect of the heavenly glory. This was a year of some prosperity. In 1846, I was returned with Rev. Wesley Webster, now of the Cincinnati conference, a worthy, faithful preacher, and a most amiable col- league. We had some revivals during the year, and closed up, thankful to God for comforting and sus- taining grace. This was a warm-hearted people, who exerted themselves to meet their obligations to the Church and ministry with promptness and fidelity. In 1847, the Thornville circuit was my field of labor, and Rev. Benjamin Ellis my colleague. The year passed away pleasantly, closing with a camp meeting, which was held four miles from Rushville, and resulted in fortv accessions to the Church, most of whom found redemption, in the blood of Christ. This was a glorious meeting. The numbers present on Sabbath were estimated, by good judges, at fifteen thousand. Rev. J. M. Jameson was presiding elder. He filled the office well, and met the responsibilities of this occasion to admiration. He still lives to do battle in the Lord's army — an affable man, and an able minister of the New Testament. In 1848, I traveled the Granville circuit, with Rev. C. C. Lybrand. My appointment, this year, was to Irville, and Rev. James Gilruth was appointed to 26 306 RECOLLECTIONS OF Granville; but it was ascertained, after conference closed, that brother G. had only been absent from that circuit three years, and could not constitutionally travel it this year. So a change was effected, he going to Irville and I to Granville. In 1849, my name was attached to Hebron circuit, as supernu- merary. The next year I traveled Baltimore circuit with Rev. A. B. See, a warm-hearted brother, a good preacher, and a pleasant enough colleague for any man. In 1851, with Rev. Archibald Fleming, I went upon the Pickerington circuit. Brother F. was, like most of those of whom I have had occasion to speak, a lovely man of God. I was returned, the next year, with brother Richard Pitzer. We had a very prosperous year. Brother P. is a zealous, faith- ful laborer. He follows the direction of Solomon, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Pickerington is one of the best little cir- cuits in the conference. In 1853, I was appointed to the Groveport circuit, with brother S. M. Merrill, my last colleague; and this was my last circuit. The connection of brother M. with the preparation of this volume, precludes remarks. Before this year closed, my health failed, and I was compelled to retire from the field. Thank God ! that, upon retiring, I could say, of a truth, that I never retreated from the hottest of the battle ! In my humble way, I ever sought to advance the cause of truth and piety; and now, in reviewing the past, my conscience bears me witness that my motives have A SUPERANNUATE. 307 been pure ; and it is a source of great satisfaction to me to be able to say and feel that my endeavors have not been altogether unavailing. In September, 1854, I received a superannuated relation to the conference, and from that time to this, August, 1856, I have only been able to preach an occasional sermon. At times, it has been difficult for me to pray in my family; at other times, my voice has been better, so that I could preach with such apparent ease that the hearers would not suspect the labor caused me any pain. For the greater part of the time, I have enjoyed uninterrupted communion with my heavenly Father, and felt a comforting as- surance that, if my earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, I have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. How good the Lord is ! I used to imagine that, if I should live to be super- annuated, I would become a lugubrious old man, and feel like retiring from society, and shutting myself up in some unfrequented place, to linger out the "evil days" in hermit loneliness. Thank Grod! such is not the case. Never in my life did I enjoy the society of friends better than now. To go out and mingle with those whose kind words and friendly voices cheered me in the days of my toil, is to me like living life over again. This I am sometimes per- mitted to do ; and I find the same warm hearts and open hands ready to greet me, and the same willing- ness to hear what words I can yet utter in honor of 308 RECOLLECTIONS OF the name of my precious Savior. Praise God for friends and friendship ! And now let me glance over the past. The provi- dence of God hath led me in a way that I knew not. Reared in the Baptist Church to the years of man- hood, without any particular inclination to public life, and with only such advantages for education as the common schools afford, the idea could not possibly have entered my mind, when setting out in life, that I should ever become a Methodist preacher; but so it is. More than forty years of my life have been spent in this work. My pathway has been checkered; the " lights and shades" of itinerancy have alternated in my experience; but, in reviewing the past, I must say, that " goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life." Some of the dispensations of Providence have been not only mysterious, but sorely afflictive; yet, in the hour of darkness, when earthly comforts fled, and lowering clouds overspread my spiritual sky, I trusted in the Lord, " endured as seeing the invisible," and, through his abounding grace, my soul found refuge and safety. In Clinton county, in the state of New York, on the shore of Lake Champlain, we consigned to the grave the mor- tal remains of two lovely babes. In Washington county, of the same state, stands a stone sacred to the memory of Betsey, the daughter, of whose death I have already spoken. In Albany county, sleeps the dust of another tender babe. In Ross county, Ohio, lie the two sons whose deaths were mentioned. And A SUPERANNUATE. 309 in Sangamon county, Illinois, the body of my son, Calvin Wesley, rests in hope. " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the Lord !" All of these which had come to years, died triumphantly. Sleep on, dear children ! Rest in peace till the angel of God shall sound the trumpet, when the dead shall rise incorruptible! Then shall ye come forth, glorious and immortal, with the tri- umphant shout, "0 death, where is thy sting? grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law ; but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ !" Most of my family have preceded me to that land which is very far off, where the inhabitants never say they are sick, where all darkness is excluded, where light, pure, unsullied and uninterrupted, reigns for- ever. There is the absence of all pain, and the pres- ence of all ease — the absence of mortality with its concomitant ills, and the presence of immortality with all its attendant blessings. Blessed world ! we may not, while in the flesh, conceive of its unrevealed glories, but, happy for us if, with St. John, we can say, " Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." This is enough! " We shall be like him;" like the spiritual, immortal, glorified body of Jesus Christ ! what stupendous grace ! What boundless love ! Let us fall at the 310 RECOLLECTIONS OF feet of Jesus, and adore the God and Rock of our salvation, who hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel ! Most of my seniors have passed on before me, and many of my juniors have departed this life, while I remain, much like the soli- tary tree in the open field, exposed to the sweeping blasts of this stormy world ; but, unworthy though I be, God is my refuge and defense, my shield and buckler, my high tower and my salvation. His lov- ing-kindness is better than life, and my lips shall praise him. Now that my days of active service in the Church are past, I may be permittted to speak plainly on a point of some importance, and yet of such delicacy that, under other circumstances, I could not dwell upon it without exposing myself to suspicions of selfishness. I refer to the support of preachers. If the Disciplinary allowance had been the same that it is now from the commencement of my itinerant life, and if my receipts had been the same under that provision that they actually have been, the aggregate of my deficiencies would have amounted to about four thousand dollars. The fact that the allowance in former years was less than now, de- creases this deficiency somewhat, but the statement illustrates the results of that policy which allows the laborers to go off from their charges year after year, without receiving their full claims. They are sometimes compelled to retire, after many years of toil, without any means of support, when the aggre- A SUPERANNUATE. 311 gate of the little mites not received from their various charges, would be sufficient to render them comfort- able, and smooth their pathway to the tomb, crown- ing the evening of their lives with tranquil joy. I write not for myself — through the blessing of a kind Providence, my own wants are not so urgent as are the wants of others — but I can sympathize with the worn-out and needy, as men in the prime of life can not ; and, in behalf of all those who have spent their physical and mental energies in the glo- rious work of the Christian ministry, I appeal to the liberality, the conscience, the piety, the magnanimity of the Church! Brethren, let the claims of these be considered; think upon them for good; remember them in prayers and offerings; make their hearts glad with your munificence, and the blessings of old men, with the benedictions of their God will rest upon you. And now, dear reader, I close. I bid you adieu till we shall meet in the better world. But in taking my leave of you, I invoke the divine bless- ing upon us all, during our remaining days, in the language of the poet: " May the grace of Christ our Savior, And the Father's boundless love, With the Holy Spirit's favor Rest upon us from above : Thus may we abide in union With each other and the Lord, And possess, in sweet communion, Joys which earth can not afford !" Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: May 2006 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724) 779-21 1 1