* H 
 
 |C' 
 
 
 
 
 e> 
 
 \N (> 
 
 r 
 
 BAPTIST WORTHIES. Hf? 
 
 BAPTIST WORTHIES. 
 
 Our’s is a Milton^ “ in himself a host”— 
 
 , ' The mighty rival of “ the morning stars;” 
 
 Hailing, like them, from his aerial post, 
 
 . ' The young creation, bursting from the bars 
 
 , ‘ • Of night and chaos :—singing of the wars 
 
 Fought by embattled angels, on the field 
 Where Lucifer sustained eternal scars, 
 
 Whilst dashing headlong on the thunder-shield 
 Of Michael. 
 
 Our’s is a Bunyan. Pilgrim of the heart, 
 
 The first explorer of experience’ maze ; 
 
 His art is nature, his nature art; 
 
 The same simplicity, which touches, sways; 
 
 Fixing the minds it fascinates, to gaze 
 On their own secrets, wonderously unsealed, 
 
 As Pilgrim halts, or hesitates, or strays ; 
 
 At every step, or mountain, slough or field. 
 
 We see ourselves, our inmost souls revealed. 
 
 Our’s is a Fuller, variously endowed 
 With gifts of intellect, and mental might,— 
 
 In Jesus’ sacred cause he nobly stood. 
 
 With skill and vigor equal to the fight. 
 
 Ye who have studied what he’s written, say 
 What lessons of industry ye receive ! 
 
 See how the truth possesses mighty sway, 
 
 Scoffers are mute, and infidels believe ! 
 
 With what simplicity, and force combined 
 Does he salvation’s mysteries display ; 
 
 Then with address pathetic, gain the mind. 
 
 Till, oft the tears of sorrow force their way. 
 
 Our’s is a Hall, like a seraph he spoke, 
 
 Enshrined in a mortal’s disguise ; 
 
 We listened, but ah, the enchantment is broke, 
 
 The seraph has passed to the skies. 
 
 Yes his was the melody, lofiy but sweet, 
 
 Of intellect rich and refined, 
 
 There learning, taste, genius, and piety met. 
 
 In one rare and beautiful mind. 
 
 His highest joy in his blessed repose 
 Is not that his talents were bright, 
 
 But that he devoted them all to his cause 
 Who crowns him with glory and light. 
 
 O Thou who can brighten thy churches below. 
 
 With stars as the Seraphim bright, 
 
 Or guide them in safety through darkness and woe, 
 By lamps of the feeblest light; 
 
 We still would remember the brightest and best, 
 Compared with their Master, so dim; 
 
 And when he is pleased, he their course may arrest. 
 To centre their glories in Him* 
 
REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 ii6 
 
 A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF REV. JAMES WHITSITT, 
 
 OP TENNESSEE. 
 
 EY ROBERT BOYLE C. HOWELL, D.D. 
 
 The valley of the Cumberland is a beautiful region. Its original forests, 
 nurtured in a soil of extraordinary fertility, were singularly majestic. 
 They had the appearance more of a boundless park, extending over hill, 
 and valley, and plain, than of nature in its uncultivated rudeness. Sixty 
 years ago, and the buffalo, and the deer, sported upon the banks of its 
 streams, and amid the entangled “ canebrakes ” prowled the bear and the 
 panther. Hardy adventurers from tl^ other side of the mountains, had 
 begun to build their cabins beneath its romantic shades. They were not 
 destined however, without fearful resistance, to take possession of this ter- 
 restial paradise. Hostile savages, who, during many a slow moving century 
 had made it their favorite hunting ground, hung in accumulating num¬ 
 bers, upon the borders of the settlements. They saw with surprise, and 
 indignation, the constantly increasing multitudes of intruders upon what 
 they esteemed as their own just rights. They determined to drive hence 
 the presumptuous white man, and for this purpose their forays” among 
 the settlers, were frequent and bloody. They were met, however, in eveiy 
 valley and dell, and in their own manner ; nor did they often return to 
 their wigwams without leaving behind them the bravest of their numbers. 
 Soon the Indian became insufferably enraged, and his track was everywhere 
 marked by scenes of carnage and desolation. Happy were those who 
 had intimation that their stealthy foe was approaching, and could make 
 sure their retreat to some of the “ block-houses” which had, at intervals 
 through the country, been erected for their safety. Often however his in¬ 
 roads were sudden, and no skill could evade them. Many a family when 
 they least expected danger, were surprised by the appalling war cry, and 
 the sun of the next morning cast his rays upon the smouldering ruins of 
 their dwellings, and the clotted and mangled remains of father and mother 
 and children. The crack of the rifle, or the blow of the tomahawk, 
 brought into the dust alike, manly vigor, female loveliness, and helpless 
 infancy. The heart of the red man felt no pity. Nor did the vindictive 
 saxon fail to cherish towards him the same sentiment. Superior in bold 
 daring, and skilful stratagem, as well as in every other respect, his malig¬ 
 nant assailant often fell into his hands. In such cases to the utmost ex¬ 
 tent he was doomed to expiate his offences. The settler and the savage 
 were guided by the same principle. Both exacted when he had the power, 
 blood for blood, and life for life. 
 
REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 117 
 
 Mingling in these scenes, about that time might have been seen a young 
 Virginian of most striking personal appearance and manners. His 
 frame was tall and erect, happily combining elegance and strength; his 
 hair was perfectly black ; and his eye was dark, calm, and shaded by 
 heavy brows. In his countenance, which was regular, manly, and intellec¬ 
 tual,were at once seen great benevolence, mingled with unconquerable firm¬ 
 ness. His whole demeanor evinced a dignity which repelled every light 
 approach, and a self-possession which never forsook him. This man was 
 the distinguished, and lamented Rev. James Whitsitt. His family was 
 of Irish origin.—At what time they immigrated to Virginia cannot now 
 be determined. They occupied, however, at a very early period, a posi¬ 
 tion of respectability among their fellow-citizens, not inferior to any other 
 family in that renowned Commonwealth. His immediate ancestor William 
 Whitsitt, Esq., was brought up in Amherst county, where he married 
 Miss Ellen Maneese, and engaged in the business of planking. Here was 
 born, on the 31st day of January, 1771, their son James, who was destined 
 in after years, to occupy so large a space in the Church of the Redeemer. 
 Ten years afterwards, they removed to Henry county, Virginia, where 
 they continued to reside until they set out for the great West. 
 
 With a brother and several sisters, James received an education which 
 would now be considered limited, but which was as thorough and extensive 
 as the schools of that region, were in those early times, capable of impart¬ 
 ing. His parents were professedly religious and reared their children to 
 habits of the most exemplary virtue, industry, and frugality. The youth 
 of Mr. James Whitsitt was not remarkable, except perhaps for his serene 
 gravity, his conscientious regard to his religious principles, and his close at¬ 
 tention to any duties entrusted to his care. At a very early age his father 
 encouraged and requested him to engage in buisness on his own account. 
 He readily assented, and before he had attained his twentieth year, had ac¬ 
 cumulated property to the value of several thousand dollars. It may not 
 improperly be remarked, in passing, that this ability by which our bro¬ 
 ther was so early distinguished, to acquire and retain wealth, continued 
 with him through life. No man seemed to be less worldly in his desires. 
 Nothing like parsimony was ever discoverable in his character, or habits. 
 He evidently did not seek to gain large possessions. Yet they were 
 continually increasing in his hands. This result is remarkable on many 
 accounts. He devoted himself almost exclusively to the ministry, for 
 which he received nearly no compensation ; he had a large family for 
 which he provided in the most liberal manner ; he himself sustained 
 most of the expenses of the Church at Mill Creek ; and meantime his 
 contributions to the cause of religion generally, were always large, and 
 
118 
 
 REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 generous ! Few men could have borne burdens, of such ponderous magni¬ 
 tude, but he seemed not to be sensible of their weight. His apparent in¬ 
 tuitive knowledge of men and things, and the correctness of his judgment 
 in the management of his affairs, were such that he seldom failed to real¬ 
 ize handsome profits from any enterprise in which he thought proper to 
 engage. Without any visible solicitude on his part, wealth flowed into 
 his possession from every quarter. But the true secret of his great pros¬ 
 perity, was the divine blessing, which always rested upon him in his tempo¬ 
 ral, no less than in his spiritual pursuits and interests. 
 
 The religion of Mr. Whitsitt’s ancestors was Episcopalian. To the 
 Church ,” as its advocates are pleased to denominate that hierarchy, the 
 families of both his parents were strongly attached. Into her bosom he 
 was introduced in his childhood, and he was carefully reared in accordance 
 with his maxims. None of the family at this time however, as is believ¬ 
 ed, knew any thing of that change of heart which is the work of the Holy 
 Hhost, and without which none can enter the kingdom of heaven.” In 
 the doctrine of true evangelical religion they had probably never been 
 instructed. Yet, in their way, they were religious. They supposed 
 themselves to have received the blessings of the covenant of salvation in 
 •• the sacraments of religion,” which by the excellency of their morals, 
 they imagined they had preserved and perfected. Their participation in 
 the favor of Grod they never questioned. They were in fact, wholly igno¬ 
 rant of their sin, and danger. Our heavenly Father had however in re¬ 
 serve for them rich blessings, which as yet, they could neither under¬ 
 stand nor appreciate. He was about to send them the simple gospel of the 
 grace of God, unadulterated by human inventions. Bev. Joseph An¬ 
 thony, a devoted, and holy man, well instructed in the truth, came provi¬ 
 dentially to that quarter in prosecution of his ministry, and preached 
 with great power and effect. During the year 1789, the Lord poured 
 out his Holy Spirit in Henry county, and under his labors, a glorious re¬ 
 vival of religion commenced. At this time Mr. James Whitsitt was in 
 Bichmond on business. He soon, however, returned home, and was filled 
 with amazement at what he saw and heard. Beligion was the theme of 
 conversation in every circle, and large numbers had professed a change 
 of heart, and been baptized, among whom were not a few of his own rela¬ 
 tions, and young associates. As he knew more of occurrences in the 
 neighborhood, his surprise gave place to indignation. It was in his 
 opinion, highly improper for any man to preach without the Episcopal 
 sanction, and to conduct as he presumed Mr. Anthony had done, ex¬ 
 tremely indecorous. His young friends were, as he felt assured, previ¬ 
 ously sufficiently religious, and he could not but regard it as shameful 
 
REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 119 
 
 that they should be lashed into the mad enthusiasm which they had 
 lately evinced. If they must be eminently devoted, why, he asked, might 
 they not be so in a more respectable and decent manner 'I In all this 
 he believed himself, as many others have, under similar circumstances, 
 only an advocate for truth and propriety, but in reality, he was yielding 
 to the rebellion of a depraved heart against God. In a word, the enmity 
 of his soul to true religion was fully aroused. 
 
 Such were Mr. Whitsitt’s feelings and views, when it was announced 
 that Mr. Anthony would preach on a week-day evening in the neighbor¬ 
 hood. He was induced by the persuasions of his friends to hear his dis¬ 
 course. To him this was a memorable occasion. A sermon of such 
 power he had never imagined; and then the hymns, and prayers, the 
 rejoicing of Christians, and the agony of weeping penitents ! Of such 
 things he had before never adequately conceived. Deep was the strug¬ 
 gle which agitated his soul. But he wept not, nor gave any other exter¬ 
 nal indication of emotion. He left the place alone, and as he returned, 
 in considering the whole subject, could not resist the conviction, which 
 now took complete possession of his heart, that the foundation upon 
 which he had before rested his confidence was deceitful, and that he was 
 in truth, a ruined and lost sinner, without God, and without hope in 
 the world.” Agitated and alarmed, be determined to ascertain if possi¬ 
 ble, at once, what it was necessary for him to do. He turned for direc¬ 
 tion to the true source of knowledge, the Word of God. He read now 
 the inspired page with constant prayer, examined his own heart, and 
 sought God’s blessing, with an inexpressible anxiety. His affairs de¬ 
 manded that he should again, in a few days, visit Richmond. He set 
 out promptly. On this journey he had in charge several wagons, the 
 driver of one of which had recently professed religion, and united with 
 the church. With him he had much conversation, but could neither 
 perceive, nor reach, any satisfactory point. His prospect-seemed to 
 grow daily more and more desperate. He durst not hope in the mercy 
 of God, because he knew he was also just, and that his miserable offences 
 deserved punishment. It was impossible to shake off religion from his 
 mind, or to pursue it with any success. Such was his sense of depravity 
 and sin, that he could not understand, unless God should change, how it 
 was possible for him to be pardoned and saved. That the change must 
 be on his own part had not occurred to him, nor had he comprehended 
 the nature and efficacy of the satisfaction made to divine Justice, in be¬ 
 half of penitent sinners, by our Lord Jesus Christ. On the night of the 
 ninth day after he had heard Mr. Anthony’s sermon, he encamped as 
 usual with his wagoners. Here he requested his friend to state to him 
 
120 REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 fully, his “ Christian experience.” He did so, and never was there a 
 more deeply interested auditor. In this narration his thoughts were 
 directed to Jesus as the Mediator, the Redeemer, the Intercessor, and 
 much that he had read in the scriptures, regarding him as the Saviour of 
 sinners, came up to his mind. Under these circumstances he retired 
 into the forest to pray. His supplications, and tears, and agony were 
 long continued, but ultimately he was enabled to receive Christ by faith, 
 and rejoice in his Saviour, able and willing to ‘‘save them to the utter¬ 
 most, who come unto God by him.” He retraced his steps to the camp 
 at a very late hour, calm, joyful, and full of gratitude and love. 
 
 On his return home, he was received by his family and friends, and 
 especially by those of them who had professed religion, with the warmest 
 enthusiasm. He could not himself, however, fully participate in these 
 joys, because fearful apprehensions had assailed him of the genuineness 
 of any work of grace in his heart, and he now thought it very probable 
 that he was deceived. Christian conversations, prayers, and worship, 
 soon dispelled his doubts, and he was impressed with the conviction that 
 duty to God, as well as gratitude, and every other sentiment of the re¬ 
 newed soul, demanded that he should now publicly profess his faith in 
 Christ, and unite himself with the true church of the Redeemer. But 
 was he prepared to act properly on all these subjects? Happily for him 
 he had turned at first to the Word of God. The Bible had been his 
 only book. He had determined to be guided exclusively by its instruc¬ 
 tions. This was his policy througli life. His path was therefore plain, 
 and open. He saw in the Bible no ecclesiastical hierarchy ; no diocesan 
 Episcopacy ; but very plainly that the church is a company of faithful 
 men and women, called out of the world by the Gospel, regenerated by 
 the Holy Spirit, who have put on the profession of Christ in baptism, 
 and are associated together voluntarily, for the worship and service of 
 God ; and that his pastors are men called of God to the work of preach¬ 
 ing the Gospel, designated by the church and her ministry as such, and 
 appointed by the free suffrages of her members, to teach, and administer 
 the ordinances of religion. He saw in the divine word, no baptism of 
 infants, no sponsors, nor any of the concomitants of that practice. He 
 therefore renounced Pscdobaptlsm as illegitimate, and in conflict with 
 the law of Christ. The form of baptism enjoined by the divine Law¬ 
 giver, he could not but see was immersion, a commemoration of the burial, 
 and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It could therefore, never be 
 administered by sprinkling. Finally, the holy word had taught him that 
 the first duty of every believer is, as a believer, to be baptized, in the 
 name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and that 
 
nEV. JAMES WIIITSITT, 121 
 
 tills duty cannot be superseded by any infant ceremony, not set aside by 
 any other means whatever. He was therefore prepared, and so I believe 
 will be every other convert under similar circumstances, to move intelli¬ 
 gently, and without material error, in the solemn and interesting duties 
 of the Christian profession. 
 
 Our brother availed himself of the first opportunity, and which occur¬ 
 red on the next ensuing Lord’s day, to present himself before the church 
 as a candidate for baptism, and membership. The manner in which he 
 then conducted himself was strikingly characteristic of the man through 
 life. He arose from his seat, walked solemnly near to the place where 
 the preacher stood—pulpit there was none—and prefaced his statement 
 of “the reasons of his hope,” with an earnest and affectionate exhortation 
 to his irreligious friends, to repent of their sins and believe in our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. At his baptism also, which was administered by Mr. 
 Anthony, in the presence of an immense congregation, he made another 
 address, expressing the gratitude to God which he felt, for the hope by 
 which he was animated, for the promises of His most holy work, for per¬ 
 mission thus to profess and honor Christ, anddiis reliance upon his grace 
 to support him thereafter, in the profession of the religion he was then 
 about to take upon himself. On both these occasions what he said was 
 wholly unpremeditated, but it was appropriate, uttered with unembar¬ 
 rassed fluency, and in a spirit and manner which moved the hearts of all 
 who were present. Strong excitement prevailed in the congregation, 
 and especially at his baptism. Their hymns and their prayers were 
 mingled with tears of joy and thanksgiving. His aged grandfather, 
 James Maneese, whose name he bore, and who soon after departed in 
 the triumphs of faith to a better world, could not restrain the expression 
 of his feelings. The old man, who had himself but recently been brought 
 into the kingdom, and whose bosom was glowing with love, exulted, and 
 thanked God that he had been permitted to live to see that day, and to 
 witness the events by which he was then surrounded. How full of de¬ 
 light were oil those glorious scenes! Our brother was then in the be¬ 
 ginning of his nineteenth year. He entered with all his heart into the 
 service of Christ, mingled actively in the revival, and prayed, exhorted^ 
 and instructed sinners in the way of salvation. Soon he commenced to 
 hold meetings of his own appointment. In a few weeks his church, 
 convinced that to him was divinely committed “ a dispensation of the 
 Gospel,” gave him formal license, and he began regularly to preach Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 Mr. Whitsitt, however, little suspected the trials which were in store 
 for him. The even and happy tenor of life upon which he had entered. 
 
122 REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 was not destined long* to continue. Events had been in progress for ten 
 years, in other states which were to be the occasion of his being over¬ 
 whelmed in some respects, and in others of changing entirely the field of 
 his action. A brother of his mother, James Maneese, Esq., resided near 
 (ruilford Court House, in North Carolina. At the celebrated battle which 
 there occurred, he was present, and fought in the American lines. The 
 jneeting at that point of the belligerent armies, made his property the 
 prey of both, and when they had retired he found himself houseless, and 
 destitute. At this moment. General Robertson was engaged in that 
 quarter in collecting emigrants to settle with him in the Yalley of the 
 (Cumberland, called by the Indians Suwani, the history of which enter- 
 prize is familiar to all our people. Mr. Maneese instantly determined 
 to join the expedition, and seek a home in the wilds of the west, without 
 attempting again to resuscitate his affairs in Carolina. To obtain the 
 means of his removal, he disposed of such of his effects as were saleable, 
 and taking his family, plunged with his companions into tke wilderness. 
 This company was large, and in their progress suffered incredible hard¬ 
 ships. After crossing the mountains, they descended the Suwani to its 
 mouth. There about half of them determined, among whom were two 
 or three Baptist ministers, that they could not bear the fatigues of as¬ 
 cending the Ohio, and the Cumberland. They therefore continued on 
 down to Natchez, and settled among the Spaniards. The remainder, un¬ 
 deterred, parted with their friends, and arrived in May, 1780, upon the 
 ground where now stands the city of Nashville. Mr. Maneese was there¬ 
 fore among the first and also among the most useful citizens of this coun¬ 
 try. Through him and others, information of the beauty, healthfulness, 
 and fertility of the Suwani continued from this time to reach the family 
 in Virginia. They determined at length, and somewhat suddenly, to try 
 also fortunes in the West. The necessary funds, and conveyances 
 for the journey, were collected together, and they set out, leaving behind 
 only a married daughter, who some years afterwards, with her husband 
 and family, joined them in Kentucky, besides James, who had instruc¬ 
 tions to settle his father’s affairs, and then to follow him. 
 
 Mr. Whitsitt, on his father’s departure, resided with his brother-in-law, 
 William Breathett, Esq., the father of John Breathett, late Governor of 
 Kentucky. Meanwhile died his beloved grandfather, and the settlement 
 of his estate also devolved npon him. Thus he was detained in Virginia 
 longer than he had at first expected. His association with Mr. Breathett, 
 warmly attached to each other as the parties were, and little as they 
 anticipated such a result, became the occasion of most melancholy detri¬ 
 ment to our young and ardent brother. How important to us the society 
 
REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 123 
 
 in which we mingle, especially in our earlier years ! How many thus 
 meet with moral and spiritual injuries almost, often perhaps entirely, 
 irreparable !—Mr. Breathett was still an Episcopalian, was an enemy to 
 the revival, and strongly disapproved of the religious connexions and con¬ 
 duct of his brother. For his superior judgment and intelligence, Mr. 
 Whitsitt cherished the strongest respect. His ^■plebeian church,” and 
 '‘‘fanatical meetings,” were subjects alternately of gay ridicule and seri¬ 
 ous and affectionate remonstrance. The perplexities of business also, 
 were not without their effect. Nothing, however, could drive him from 
 his doctrinal opinions. These he had fixed by the Bible ; he knew they 
 were correct, nor did he ever relinquish them. But in another respect 
 he was overwhelmed. The power of religion in his soul under these in¬ 
 fluences gradually diminished. Naturally timid as to his hopes, and in 
 those days especially prone to spiritual despondency, painful doubts as 
 to his personal acceptance with God, were permitted to take possession of 
 his mind. He never questioned the reality of regeneration by the Holy 
 Spirit, or that Christians enjoy that great blessing, but he soon arrived 
 at the settled conclusion that he was himself deceived as to his change 
 of heart, and that he had miserably deceived all his friends ! He in¬ 
 stantly relinquished preaching, stated his case to his brethren without 
 disguise, and sought and obtained direct, nothing short of this would 
 satisfy him, prompt exclusion from the church. He now sunk down into 
 utter hopelessness. A death-like torpor was upon him, which continued 
 during his stay in Virginia, and for several years afterward. Yet he 
 continued through this whole period to love Christ and his people, and 
 never fell into any open outward transgression. His distress and suf¬ 
 fering, however, were most agonizing. Often have I heard him refer to 
 these events, and never without a choked voice, and flowing tears. He 
 blamed no one but himself, and always adduced his melancholy “ fall in 
 Virginia,” as a warning to professors of religion of every class. These 
 were his days of “wormwood and gall.” 
 
 Ultimately, although he had not entirely closed his business, he set out 
 for Tennessee. His journey commenced in the autumn of 1790, a year 
 after his family had gone. In Carolina he joined his uncle, James 
 Maneese, who had been there for the purpose of looking after his estate, 
 and, having no small amount of property in charge, they took the route 
 for the settlements on the Holstein. Here they united with some other 
 families, constructed “ lighters,” since called “ broadhorns,” sufficient for 
 their conveyance, and following the track of the first emigrants, embarked 
 and set ofi’ down the river. They adopted this course, not only because 
 it was known to 3Ir. Maneese, but also for the purpose of avoiding the 
 
124 
 
 REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 necessity of traversing with wagons, two hundred miles of uninhabited, 
 and almost impassable mountains, and of defending themselves the more 
 successfully against the savages, who closely watched every step of their 
 progress, and were ready to embrace the first opportunity to fall upon 
 and destroy them. They safely descended the Tennessee, a most diffi¬ 
 cult navigation, to the Ohio, coursed that river to the mouth of the Cum¬ 
 berland, which they ascended to a point seven or eight miles above Nash¬ 
 ville. then known by the more familiar name of “ the French Lock.”— 
 Here they found their families, and cabins in safety, and were received 
 with a joy which it is difficult for us now fully to appreciate. Large 
 tracts of land, on both sides of the river, but especially in Neely’s-bend, 
 and on Millcreek, had already come into their possession, most of which 
 increased in value a hundred fold, and is still held bv their descendants. 
 
 Mr. Whitsitt found here an attraction which He had hardly anticipa¬ 
 ted. Miss Jane Cardwell, the daughter of his uncle, James Maneese, 
 had been reared from her tenth year, in these romantic wilds. Some¬ 
 times in “ the fort” at Nashville, for security against the murderous In¬ 
 dian, and sometimes bounding over the neighboring hills and plains, her 
 person and mind had received the impress of the beautiful region around 
 her. She was now in the early luxuriance of perfected womanhood. In 
 her society tile hours passed “ with flying feet,” until he was obliged 
 again to visit Virginia, to close his business there, which he did the next 
 summer. On his return in the winter of 1792, they were married. Mrs. 
 Whitsitt was a lady of great personal valor, robust health, and whose 
 industry and economical management of her household affairs, have sel¬ 
 dom been surpassed. Never were husband and wife more eminently 
 suited for each other. They lived together most happily, during the 
 long period of fifty years. They had eleven children, four of whom died 
 in infancy, three reached maturity and died unmarried, and four became 
 the parents of families. Six of the seven, who passed the age of maturity, 
 were members of the church of Christ—two only now survive. Nor did 
 she depart until she saw her youngest child happily married and settled 
 in the world. A more estimable, affectionate, kind, and public spirited 
 Christian and lady, can seldom be found in any country. She was truly 
 an help meet” for her husband. She encouraged him in his labors, 
 cheered him in his despondency, conducted his affairs in his absence with 
 great energy and ability, always received him on his return with smiles 
 and cheerfulness, wept with him in his sorrows, and rejoiced with him in 
 all his prosperity. She lived through the allotted period of three 
 score years and ten,” and died on the first day of June, 1840, rejoicing 
 in our Lord Jesus Christ. The next day her funeral was attended at 
 
REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 125 
 
 the meeting-house of the church at Millcreek, and after the usual devo¬ 
 tional exercises, and a sermon by the pastor of the First Church in Nash¬ 
 ville, her venerable and bereaved husband stood up by her coffin, and in 
 his own peculiar style, pronounced, his voice occasionally faltering, and 
 his tears flowing profusely, one among the most eloquent and affecting 
 eulogies I have ever heard. Long will that scene be remembered by all 
 who were present. Thus lived and died one of the noblest of women. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Whitsitt surrounded him at once by new circum¬ 
 stances. A large tract of land upon Millcreek, one of the finest and 
 most beautiful I have ever seen, and that upon which he lived and died, 
 was placed in his possession by his father-in-law, as part of the patrimony 
 of Mrs. Whitsitt. This, in preference to any of his own, he thought 
 proper to improve. He erected the necessary cabins, cleared away the 
 forests, and commenced industriously the business of planting. During 
 two years more he continued in the same unhappy state of mind in re¬ 
 gard to religion. Many and painful were his conflicts, but they resulted 
 in nothing definite, and remained concealed in his own bosom. But in 
 the autumn of 1794, two events occurred, which again changed the whole 
 current of his life. One of these was a violent attack of disease, from 
 which, for some time, he was not expected to recover ; and the other was 
 the profession of religion by his wife. She was soon after baptized, to¬ 
 gether with several members of his father’s family, and other relatives, 
 all of whom united with the little church which about that time was 
 organized in the neighborhood. By these occurrences his religious feel¬ 
 ings were again profoundly excited, and with weeping and supplication 
 he renewedly sought the Lord with his whole heart. After some weeks 
 his faith in Christ was happily revived, and he was able to rejoice with 
 his family and friends, in the abounding grace of God through a merci¬ 
 ful Bedeemer. He was now once more satisfied of his personal safety 
 in Christ He desired to unite with his people. But his way was com¬ 
 pletely hedged up. What could he do ? He had been excluded from 
 the church in Virginia, some years previously. How was he to obtain 
 restoration? Nor were these his only perplexities. He had a presenti¬ 
 ment that if he reunited with the church he should again feel it his duty 
 to preach. To this, after the mortifications he had suffered on that sub¬ 
 ject, he was conscious that he never could consent. He was afraid there¬ 
 fore to move in any direction. With these came also yet another diffi¬ 
 culty. He was committing sin against God by living out of the church. 
 He was now, if possible, in greater distress than ever before. A month, 
 however, had scarcely elapsed before he was not only willing to serve 
 God in any capacity that he should become convinced was proper, but 
 
126 
 
 REV. JAMES WHITSITT. 
 
 felt that to be permitted to do so would be an unspeakable privilege.— 
 He was, in every sense, effectually bumbled. He immediately wrote a 
 letter to liis old pastor, Mr. Anthony, which was characterized by great 
 power and pathos, narrating the dealings of Grod with him for the last 
 four years, and asking to be restored to fellowship. The letter was read 
 to the church, and'joyfully, and with thanksgiving, his request was granted. 
 His membership was immediately transferred to the little band of disci¬ 
 ples on Millcreek. He felt himself, as he had anticipated, constrained 
 to take part in the public duties of religion, and by the advice of his 
 church, again commenced as a licentiate to preach “ the unsearchable 
 riches of Christ,” which he did with emotions to him before wholly un¬ 
 known. 
 
 From this time onward until near the close of life, the history of our 
 brother would be substantially, the history of the Baptist denomination 
 in the Valley of the Cumberland. He was identified with it in every 
 form, and preached almost; constantly, extending his labors from Clarks- 
 ville to the mountains, and from the borders of Kentucky to Elk Biver. 
 \Tmmigration was singularly rapid, and the country continued each year 
 to be more and more densely populated. Ministers came among them, 
 and in his labors he was soon associated with Dillahnnty, and McCon- 
 nico, and Boss, and Stevenson, and Arnett, and Bithel, and Wiseman, 
 and Vardeman, and Bubbs, and many others, all pioneers, and men of 
 extraordinary ability, purity, and success ; all of whom, except Boss and 
 Wiseman, have long since gone to their reward. These two yet linger 
 upon the borders of life, loved and honored by all to whom they are 
 known. The array of talent in the ministry of our church, was then 
 greatly beyond that possessed by any other denomination in this quarter. 
 Indeed, these were equal, in some respects at least, to the same number 
 of men in any other age, or country. As a natural result, by the bless¬ 
 ing of God, nearly all the talents and wealth of the country, belonged to 
 the Baptists. The dangers and labors incident to the first settlement 
 of this part of our State, were such that none but persons of great enter- 
 prize, and indomitable courage, dared to brave them. Such are always 
 men of high souls, and superior mental endowments. They may not be 
 learned in literature, the sciences and arts, but they are often as much 
 above those who are in true knowledge, as the mountains of our State 
 are above the mole-hills upon its plains. Of this class were the early 
 ministers of whom I now write. They were not learned in the sense of 
 the schools, but they had read their Bibles carefully, and prayerfully ; 
 they had read also a few other standard books, with very great advan¬ 
 tage ; and in systematic and practical divinity they were all profoundly 
 
MONTHLY RECORD. 
 
 131 
 
 itcox 
 
 MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. 
 
 Assam. —Letter of an Assamese Convert.—Plea for Assam. The following 
 letter, was written by one of the Assamese youths now in this country. In a 
 note accompanying it, Mr. Bronson informs us that it was prepared by the lad 
 without any suggestion from him, and that with the exception of a few correc¬ 
 tions in spelling and grammar, it is his own. 
 
 Hamilton, Jan. 12th, 1850. 
 
 Dear Sir,— Through the good providence of our Lord and Savior I am well, 
 and I hope that you are well also. Now I wish to write you a short letter, and 
 also acknowledge that I have received your kind epistle and a book, which you 
 sent by my beloved teacher, Mr. Bronson. I have very little time to write, for 
 I give up all my time for studying, because these few days are my golden days. 
 I can learn a great deal more than I can in my country, yet now I have a few 
 moments, and I shall devote them in answering your good letter. 
 
 My dear Sir, now I wish to present before you a new subject. I have re¬ 
 ceived some letters from my country. I am very glad to hear from my dear 
 heathen country, where I was born and grew up worshipping idols; nothing but 
 dumb and deaf idols, who had eyes but could not see, and had mouths but could 
 not speak, and had ears but could not hear, and had feet but could not walk. 
 These are our gods, although some are made of gold and silver, clay and brass, 
 wood and stone. I have spent twelve years in worshipping those venerated 
 dumb idols ; yet, sir, methinks that I was not able to say Ram or Kali was my 
 Saviour ; neither could I say whether I should be a cow or insect when I died. I 
 could not find any comfort to my mind, or hope of eternal joy. Now I know 
 that all is vain except Jesus the friend of sinners. 
 
 But I bless the name of the merciful God, through whose infinite mercy I was 
 brought to a missionary school, and through whose mercy I became a member 
 of his dear family. Blessed be His name for such a hope, the hope of heaven, 
 and for the manna which comes from heaven daily. Yes, sir, now I am able to 
 say througli the mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ, God is my refuge, whom 
 shall I fear ?—and who can separate us from the love of God ? Can trials or 
 temptation? I believe not! As it is written. If God be for us, then who can be 
 against us. 
 
 The brethren wrote us for help from this Christian country. O, dear sir, how 
 they are crying for the word of life. The most ignorant heathen people, who 
 are sitting in the region and shadow of death, having found their sacred books 
 and having seen the light of Christianity, these wish to know more concerning 
 the pure religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. And how can they know? And 
 why do the heathen say day and night, Where is thy God? Please let him be 
 known among the heathen, that they may know and honor him. For the scrip¬ 
 ture saith, “ Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no 
 difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all, is rich 
 unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of 
 the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have 
 not believed ? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? 
 and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except 
 they he sent ? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them who preach 
 the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. I have mentioned these 
 five verses to you, because 1 have seen no diflerence between American and 
 
132 
 
 MONTHLY RECORD. 
 
 Assamese or any other nation upon the face of the earth. Particularly I write 
 about my countrymen, with whose reli^oon I am perfectly well acquainted. 
 
 I left my parents and also dear native land, far away on the other side of the 
 earth, not only to see this country and the people, but to ask American Chris¬ 
 tians to send us help. O yes, helpless,—such we are,—please help us. When 
 the heathen know that by their sacred books, or by worshipping idols, they have 
 no salvation, they have no comfort to their minds; they have nothing but dark¬ 
 ness and blindness of mind. But now from the mountains, from the plains and 
 from the valleys, they are reaching their hands day by day for the bread of life, 
 calling upon the Cliristian’s God; who made the heaven and the solid earth upon 
 which we live. The most ignorant, superstitious, idolatrous heathen wake up 
 from their long sleep, and calling for help from American Christians, say, Please 
 give us a bible, give us a living teacher. O yes, help us needy creatures of the 
 same Lord over all. 
 
 The Assamese people are not dying for worldly riches, but they are dying for 
 the bread of life, which came down from heaven not alone for the Americans, 
 but also for the poor heathen. Jesus Christ has not died alone for Americans, 
 but also for the heathen; as He said. Not for the righteous, but the poor sinners. 
 Heathens know they have immortal souls to save from hell. We want some 
 more missionaries. Those who have gone to proclaim the blood of the Saviour 
 there, are now old. Their general health is feeble, therefore we want some 
 new ones. 
 
 My teacher, Mr. Bronson, told me that you would send two more missionaries 
 with us when we go back to Assam. I want to write one subject more. Please 
 hear me. Can you not send out to our country more ? Can’t you send three 
 men with us, for it is a great work for missionaries to acquire the knowledge of 
 a foreign tongue. But now we are able to teach those missionaries on the ocean 
 while we sail from America to Calcutta: and I have brought over some printed 
 alphabets and books already. Now I pray if you can send three ? we should be 
 very glad to go from this country with three, one for each station; and we can 
 prepare them to talk and read and write our language, so that when they get 
 to our country they can straightway preach the gospel to the perishing people, 
 and the people will be quite astonished to see the new missionary talk our lan¬ 
 guage and write our character. I wish you may do so; please, sir, do. Don’t 
 make us disappointed. Please, sir, don’t make our visit in vain ; but assist, that 
 it may be for the glory of God. Please, dear sir, do something that these millions 
 of people may now take knowledge of Jesus Christ, and prepare themselves to 
 live and meet in the new Jerusalem and give thanks and praise everlasting. Please, 
 sir, send three with us, and it will be better for missionaries to know the language 
 before they enter their fields. 
 
 Sir, they are all white, ready to harvest. The dear disciples of our dear Lord 
 are necessary to break the bread of life to the perishing people, who are still desti¬ 
 tute of eternal life. 
 
 1 am happy to say that we have here a very fine academy, and also an excellent 
 
 teacher. I should like to take Mr.-with us to our country, to be our 
 
 teacher for our orphan institution. 
 
 Please write us a few words to comfort us about our perishing country. 
 
 Your once heathen, but now Christian friend, Lucian D. Hayden. 
 
 The editor of the Magazine remarks concerning this letter: “ What concerns 
 US most is the issue of the appeal. Shall it prevail ? Shall it find responsive 
 hearts among our countrymen in ‘ this Christian country ?’ Will ‘ American 
 Christians’ hear these ‘most ignorant, superstitious and idolatrous heathen,’ as 
 they ‘ wake up from their long sleep, and, calling for help, say, “ Please give us 
 a Bible, give us a living teacher; O yes, help us poor needy creatures of the 
 same Lord over all.” ’ 
 
MONTHLY RECORD. 
 
 133 
 
 GENERAL ITEMS. 
 
 Baptists m Kentucky. —We notice that Rev. R. Holman, Corresponding Sec¬ 
 retary of the Southern Board of Domestic Missions, has ascertained that in Ken¬ 
 tucky one-twelfth of the inhabitants are members of the Baptist denomination. 
 
 We acknowledge the receipt of the proceedings of the Eighth Annual Meet¬ 
 ing of the General Association of the Baptists of Tennessee and North Ala¬ 
 bama, held October 27-30, 1849; also the Proceedings of the West Tennessee 
 Baptist Convention, held Sept. 7-11, 1849. The meetings were very harmoni¬ 
 ous. The churches seem to be gradually coming up to the help of the cause of 
 benevolence and of God. 
 
 The Biblical Recorder. —This paper has been much enlarged and impro¬ 
 ved. The editor, T. Meredith, has manifested, during the last year especially, 
 that he knows how to wield the pen. He makes a good paper. We wish him 
 abundant success. 
 
 MINISTERIAL CHANGES. 
 
 Rev. B. C. Morse, of Franklin, Ind., has become pastor of the Baptist church 
 
 ^ _ 
 
 in Piqua, O. Rev. Leonard Fletcher has become pastor of the First Baptist 
 church in New Orleans, La. Rev. Mr. Kingsbury, of Saratoga, N. Y., has be¬ 
 come pastor of the South Baptist church, Albany, N. Y. Rev. Geo. W. Mead, 
 of Cato, has become pastor of the Baptist church, Vienna, Ont. co., N. Y. Rev. 
 Wm. S. Mikels, of Rondout, has become pastor of the Baptist church in Sing 
 Sing, N. Y. Rev. S. S. Parker, of Burlington, N. J., has become pastor of the 
 First Baptist church in New Brunswick, N. J. Rev. O. T. Walker, of Tisbury, 
 Mass., has agreed to labor for the present with the Third Baptist church North 
 Stoniiiglon, Ct. Rev. H. V. Jones, of Newark, N. J., has become pastor of the 
 Baptist church in Piscataway, N. J. Rev. E. G. Sears, formerly editor of the 
 Christian Review, has been appointed Professor of Languages at New Hampton 
 Institution in N. H. Rev. Leonard Tracy, of West Boyleston, Mass., has be¬ 
 come pastor of the Baptist churcli at New Hampton, N. H. Rev. Henry Ton¬ 
 kin, of Wilton, N. H., has become agent of the N. H. State Convention. Rev. 
 D. L. McGear, of Central Falls, R. J., has become pastor of the Baptist church 
 in Grafton Centre, Mass. Rev. J. M. Rockwell, of Rutland, Vt., has become 
 pastor of the Baptist church in Belchertown, Mass. Rev. Isaac Merriam has 
 become pastor of the Baptist church in Raleigh, N. C. Rev. A. H. Stowell, of 
 Moriah, N. Y., has become pastor of the Baptist church at Saratoga Springs,N.Y. 
 Rev. Aiiira Jones has become pastor of the Baptist church in Hallowell, Maine. 
 Rev. P. Matthewson, of Tolland, has become pastor of the Baptist church at 
 South Centre in Ashford, Cc. Rev. Thomas Davis has become pastor of the 
 Baptist church in Wantage, N. J. Rev. John R. Murphy has become pastor of 
 the Tenth Baptist church, Philadelphia, Pa. Rev. Wm. Cormac has become 
 pastor of the Baptist church in Ithaca, N. Y. Rev. F. Glanville has become pas¬ 
 tor of the Baptist church in Montrose, Pa. Rev. Stephen P. Hill has resigned 
 his office as pastor of the First Baptist church in Baltimore, Md. Rev. George 
 W. Baines, of Mount Lebanon, La., has become pastor of the Baptist church in 
 Huntsville, Texas. 
 
134 
 
 MONTHLY RECORD. 
 
 REVIVALS. 
 
 Phoenixville, Pa., 70 hopeful conversions up to Feb. 18; Sag Harbor, L. I., 
 36 added to the church up to Feb. 18 ; Brooklyn, L. L,Pierrepont-st. Bap, church, 
 17 (instead of 19 as the N. Y. Recorder reported, which was copied by other 
 papers) baptized March 3 ; First Baptist 21, and Strong Place 21, on the same 
 day; in New-York and vicinity 203 were baptized March 3, instead of 205 as 
 stated by the same papers. Rev. .T. L. Richmond writes us that, in Tompkins^ 
 Del. CO. N. Y., where he is laboring, the Lord has been pouring out his spirit in 
 a wonderful manner that 100 have been hopefully converted, 60 of whom have 
 united with the Baptist church of which he is pastor. Chicago, Ill., 20 baptized 
 Feb. 10; Old Cambridge, Mass., 40 hopefully converted up to Feb. 25; South 
 Abington, Mass., over 100 hopeful conversions up to March 7; Ottawa, Ill., 20 
 baptized; Niles, Mich., 69 baptized; Rev. Hervey Hawes, of Augusta, Me., writes 
 to us that he has been laboring with the Baptist church in Sedgewick, Me., and 
 that 15 have obtained hopes in Christ; Greenport, L. L, 13 baptized : Essex, Ct. 
 200 hopeful conversions in the town, and 42 immersed up to March 15; Deep 
 River, Ct., about 20 baptized up to March 15 ; Colchester, Ct., 26 baptized up 
 to March; several other towns in Connecticut, says the Christian Secretary, are 
 enjoying revivals. 
 
 MONTHLY LIST. 
 
 Deaths of Baftlst Ministers. 
 
 Thomas C. Merrill, Sacramento City, 
 California, Oct. j 
 
 Wm. Muddiman, Liverpool, Medina co. | 
 Ohio, Dec. 18, aged 69. 
 
 Jesse Adams, Wilks co., N. C., Jan. 31, j 
 aged 64. 
 
 Porter Clay, Camden, Ark., Feb., aged ' 
 about 70. i 
 
 Jonathan Dewees, Greenville District, 
 S. C., aged 81. 
 
 Ordinations. 
 
 Roswell Walker, Rose, Mich., Dec. 10. > 
 
 J. F. Martin, New Hope, Clay co. Mo., I 
 Dec. 25. 
 
 Daniel Giddens, Bellville, Conecuh co., 
 Ala., Dec. 
 
 Redmond Jones, Hopewell ch., Tuscal. 
 CO. Ala., Dec. 29. 
 
 John Scott, Zoar, Ind., Jan. 25. 
 
 J. J. Bateman, Darlington, S.C., Jan.27. ; 
 
 Wm. D. Martin, Marion C. H., S.C. Feb. 
 
 Elijah B. Timmons, Hebron,S.C. Feb.3. j 
 
 John Kyle, Madrid, St. Lawrence co., ' 
 N. Y., Feb. 7. 
 
 Isaac Cheeseborough, Chester, Conn., 
 Feb. 14. 
 
 Josiah Phillips, Radnor, Del. co., Pa. 
 Feb. 14. 
 
 R. H. Spatford, Sandhill, Otsego co., 
 N. Y., Feb. 20. 
 
 John C. Mallory, Mud Creek, Steuben 
 CO., N. Y., Feb. 20. 
 
 Nelson Palmer, Madison, Mad. co., N.Y. 
 Feb. 20. 
 
 Leonard Black, Stonington, Ct., Feb.21. 
 Bergen Stelle, Piscataway, N.J. Feb.21. 
 H. R. Dakin, Peach Orchard, Tomp. 
 
 CO., N. Y., Feb. 26. 
 
 John C. Counts, Springfield, la. 
 
 Joseph W. Atkinson, Mount Calvary, 
 Caroline, Va., March 3. 
 
 Dan’l Reese, Carsville, L. I., Feb. 26. 
 
 Churches Constituted. 
 
 Indian Creek, Morgan co., O., Jan. 18. 
 Albion, O., Jan. 19. 
 
 North Troy, Vt., Jan. 31. 
 
 Wauconda, Lake co.. Ill., Feb. 16. 
 Manchester, Mass., Feb. 28, (formerly 
 a Christian church.) 
 
 New Richmond, Ind. 
 
 Newark, N. J., March 5, (called South 
 Baptist Church.) 
 
 Dedications. 
 
 Clinton, Wis., Dec. 23. 
 
 Covert, Seneca co., N. Y., Jan. 16. 
 
 New Ipswich, N. H., Feb. 14. 
 
LITERARY NOTICES. 
 
 135 
 
 lilTERARY NOTICES. 
 
 Kosmos: a Sketch of a Physical Description of the Universe, By Alexander Von 
 
 Humboldt—Translated from the German, by E. C. Otte. Vols. I. & .II. New- 
 
 York; Harper & Brothers, pp 375, 3G7-12mo. 
 
 Almost every child has heard of Humboldt’s extensive travels, and researches 
 into the arcana of nature. He is one of the most distinguished if not the most dis¬ 
 tinguished naturalist that ever lived. He has traversed continents and oceans, 
 scaled mountains the most difficult of ascent, penetrated and explored the most 
 dangerous caverns of the earth, encountered the snows of Siberia and the heat and 
 malaria of tropical Asia and South America, in his scientific investigations. He 
 has written several works, which have been given to the public before the one 
 which is noAV presented. After his return from America to Paris in 1804, he com¬ 
 menced a splendid series of publications. In 1817, four-fifths were completed and 
 a single copy cost about S500. The present work seems to comprehend the result 
 of his vast experience and researches—a summary of his more extensive works 
 upon the material universe. The first volume contains a sketch of all which is 
 known in respect to the physical phenomena of the universe. The second volume 
 treats of incitements to the study of nature, in descriptive poetry, landscape paint¬ 
 ing, and the cultivation of exotic plants. The different epochs in the progress of 
 discovery are also considered, and the corresponding stages of advancement in 
 civilization. At some future time a third volume is to be issued, embracing the 
 scientific development of the great picture of nature. This work, it should be re¬ 
 marked, is strictly scientific. The author confines himself to the object before 
 him—the investigation oinatnrc. We should be glad to see frequent references 
 to the all ruling providence of the God of nature. We have not discovered any 
 thing, however, like infidel sentiments, or any thing irreverent to Deity, The 
 work is adorned wdth a beautiful portrait of the author, and every lover of nature 
 must have it. The volumes are neatly printed on good paper, "and handsomely 
 bound. 
 
 History of Spanish Literature. By George Ticknor. In three Volumes. Vols. II. 
 
 and III, New-York: Harper & Brothers, pp. 552, 549-royal 8vo. 
 
 We have already spoken of this valuable work, and would now call the atten¬ 
 tion of our readers to it again. Here is a work of nearly 2000 pages, and is un¬ 
 doubtedly the most authentic and able of any in our language upon the subject. 
 Vols. 11. & in. present the history of literature from the accession of the Austrian 
 family, at the commencement of the sixteenth century, to the throne of Spain, 
 until its extinction, at the end of the seventeenth century. Spain has been distin¬ 
 guished for learning as well as for power ; but by the loss of the latter, and espe¬ 
 cially by her long struggle in endeavoring to retain it, she became enervated—she 
 was shorn of her glory—her literature expired with her political greatness, and 
 for more than a century the pall of ecclesiastical despotism and ignorance have 
 rested upon the nation, and lamentably eclipsed her former scientific splendor. 
 Every one who peruses the volumes will be delighted with the manner in which 
 the author treats the subject. The style is dignified and truly elegant. The typo¬ 
 graphical execution is of the first order, the paper and binding are beautiful, and 
 we have no doubt that the work will have an extensive sale, as it richly deserves. 
 The Messrs, Harpers deserve much credit for the elegant manner in which they 
 get up their works. One can select from every style. 
 
 Latter Day Pamphlets. Edited by Thomas Carlyle. No. 1. The Present Time. 
 
 By the same Publishers. 
 
 Carlyle is a spirited writer—does not lack energy of thought, nor a vivid man¬ 
 ner of expressing it. He is exciting, nervous—his imagination is easily kindled 
 into a flame, and he generally succeeds in arousing the sensibilities of his atten¬ 
 tive reader. To some, however, his style is rough and uncouth ; but never mind, 
 his energy of spirit and flow of soul will make up for that. In the present case he 
 has got rather a religious title to a political exhortation ; but the more odd the 
 belter for him. This work will be read with great eagerness by multitudes, though 
 we do not exactly approve of this mixing up religious and secular affairs into one 
 fermenting conglomeration. 
 
136 
 
 LITERARY NOTICES. 
 
 History of the Egyptians—History of the Persians. By Edward Farr. New-York ; 
 Robert Carter & Brothers, pp. 310, 329. 
 
 These are the first two volumes of a series of historical works. Two more are 
 announced in the department of ancient history. We are pleased with these vol¬ 
 umes. They are written in the spirit of Christianity. Historians too often, at this 
 day disregard the Christian religion, if they do not actually sneer at the humbling 
 doctrines of the cross, and throw their influence in the scale of infidelity. Mr. 
 Farr comes out frankly and declares the hope that his history may be the hand¬ 
 maid to religion. He places the bible as every historian ought to do, at the foun¬ 
 dation ol credible ancient history, and eonsiders the earliest profane historians as 
 far less authoritative than the sacred historians. Many thrilling scenes described 
 in the holy Scriptures occurred in Egypt and Persia, aiid we are entirely depen¬ 
 dent upon the sacred writers for reliaole facts in reference to most of tuem. Tne 
 author has drawn froiriRollin and other authentic sources. His investigaiionsseem 
 to have been thorough and his deductions judicious. I'he History of Eg 3 ’'pt 
 from about 2613 B. C to the subversion of the Ptolemies which occurred about 
 30 B. C. is lully narrated and a brief sketch down to A. D. 1811. The history of 
 Persia from about 2190 B. C. lo the pre.sent time is given. This work will be 
 exceedingly valuble to clergymen, a- it admirably delineates the connection be¬ 
 tween sacred and prolane history. It will be valued t)y Christian families, and we 
 heartily wish that it could be perused by all of theyouih in our land. How much 
 better would that be than for them to be burning the midnight oil over the miserable 
 novels which deluge the country. 
 
 Daily Bible Illustrations. By John Kitto. D.D., F.S.A.—Same publishers, pp. 
 4U7-l2mo. 
 
 This volume is intended to furnish a complete history of the bible, adapted to 
 daily readings in families. It supplies us v. itti readings lor about one quarter of 
 the 3 'ear, and other volumes are expected to lollow. The author has enriched the 
 w'ork with a great amount of information drawn I’rom sacred history, biography, 
 geography, antiquities and theology. It is wriuen in such a manner as to instruct 
 and interest families and cueer tlie heart of the chii'tian. The author dwells upon 
 the Antediluvians and the Patriarchs. The book is adorned w'ith a handsome en¬ 
 graving of Mount Ararat. 
 
 Cuba and the Cubans —comprising a History of the l.sland, its social, political and 
 domestic condition ; also its relation to England and the United States. By the 
 author of “Letters from Cuba.” New-Yurk; Samuel Hueston, 139 Nassau- 
 sireei. pp 255-l2mo. 
 
 This volume is well timed and must sell with a rush. There is at the present 
 moment much excitement in this country and in Pngland in respect to the future 
 destiny of Cuba- It is not to be cotiee,.led ma. many it not a majority of her in¬ 
 habitants wish to have the Island annexed m ihe United States, and every one is 
 eager to learn all the facts which bear upon the great subject. By perusing this 
 book one may learn the internal state of the island—her resources, taxes, oppres¬ 
 sions, preferences, &c. Pier religious state, groaning as she is under the tyranny 
 of a priesthood of debaucnees. must awatten every Christian and philanthropist to 
 effort in her behalf. Read this book and you can but feel and pray and act for 
 Cuba—to relieve her morally if not politically. The volume is accompanied by a 
 correct map of the Island and is neatly printed and bound. 
 
 The Philosophy of Unbelief in Morals and Religion. —By Rev. Plerman Hooker, 
 M. A. Carter & Brotners. }jp. 286,-l2mo. 
 
 There is an attempt by the autbor to show that there is much more infidelity 
 in the w’orld than men will acknowledge. There is no doubt that the actions of 
 men everywhere are in strange conirarietv wdih their professed belief. There is 
 an immen.se amount of practical inflJelit}'. We are glad to see this subject taken 
 up and uiscussed in a separate treatise and so ably as Mr. Hooker has done it. We 
 hope its evangelical sentiments may be extensively circulated. We commend it 
 to the perusal and careful study of all w'ho desire to be Christians in reality as well 
 as in name. 
 
 We have received from the same house. Marshall on Sanctification, forming 
 another number of the Cabinet Library, it enumerates the qualities necessary for 
 attaining a high state of god.iness. The means are mentioned by w^hich it may 
 he reached. What can be more important!