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■e.

MEMOIKS

f* -

DAVID NASMITH:

HIS

LABOURS AND TRAVELS

0B2AT BRITAIN, FRANCE, THE UNITED STATES,
AND CANADA.

JOHN CAMPBELL, D.D.,

^,.4VTH9» Of TUB '* MASTVR OF XRROMANOA," *' JETHRO," " MARITIMK
' ' OIBCOVKRT," ETC.

LONDON:
JOHN SNOW, 35, PATERNOSTER ROW.

1844.

299777

TYLER ft REED,

PKIMXERt,
BOLT-COVat, KOVDOV.

■ ''•'^^^"

i'f -J?

\^"

.•V

DEDICATION.

TO THE HON. AND REV. B. W. NOEL, M.A.,

CHAVLAIM IN OBDINABT TO HBR MAJBSTT THB ttUUM.

W-

Rev. Sir, — ^Your name is intimately and honourably
connected with the subject of this Volume. Your ser-
vices eminently contributed to the most important event
that it records, — the establishment of the London City
Mission. Unknown to yourself, you were the instru-
ment chosen of God to open a way for Mr. Nasmith
in the metropolis. Your celebrated Letter to the
Bishop of London, developing the moral and spiritual
ccoidition of its population, greatly conduced to prepare
the minds of multitudes for his appeals and plans,
and to secure for him a cordial co-operation. This
idone had been a matter of material moment; but
your direct assistance was of still greater importance.

Notwithstanding Mr. Nasmith's personal worth, and
practical wisdom, he was a stranger in London, with-
out the means of commanding immediate public con-
fidence, and therefore required the aid of men already
known, respected, and trusted. Among those who
stQod promptly and generously forward to espouse his
cause, and thereby, virtually, to vouch for his chaiac-
ter, a foremost place was occupied by you. From his

DEDICATION.

catholic spirit, his unparalleled disinterestedness, and
his quenchless zeal for the glory of Christ, you found
in him a man after your own heart ; and in his liberal
and comprehensive system, you discovered, an you
frankly iivowed, something far more congenial to your
cherished nevrs of Christian union and co-operation,
than you had perceived in any other scheme for sup-
plying the spiritual wants of the countless masses
hourly perishing in our mighty Capital.

Thus confiding in the rectitude of the man, and
approving the principles and system of his proposed
measures, you boldly appeared on the platform, at the
first Public Meeting held on behalf of the infant
Mission, and so conferred on it the benefit of your
rank, reputation, and eloquence, at the same time iden-
tifying yourself with its Committee, by accepting the
office of Examiner of Agents.

By these means you did more than any other man of
your class, — more, indeed, than all of them united^*— to
assist Mr. Nasmith in founding and establishing the
London City Mission ; — and on these grounds, I dedi-
cate to you this record of his extraordinary life and
beneficent labours.

JOHN CAMPBELL.

London, May 3, 1844.

M'A

PREFACE.

The annals of British biography furnish no instance of
a man whose principles relative to Gospel Doctrine,
Christian Ordinances, and Ecclesiastical Polity, were
more clear, fixed, and determinate than those of Mr.
Nasmith ; ^"hile, at the same time, he breathed a most
catholic spirit, and displayed a most comprehensive
charity. The principle resulting from this fact has,
throughout, regulated the preparation of the present
work. An attempt has been made to diffuse the spirit
df the man into the memoir, that, as he was a Christian
of no party, it may be a book for all Christians ; and,
unless where the narrative required the declaration to
be made in terms, no one, it is presumed, can ascer-
tain from the work itself, either the Christian sect, or
the theological system, whether of the Philanthropist,
or of his Biographer. - »

In preparing this record of personal excellence and

Christian philanthropy, the Writer has endeavoured, at

PREFACE.

the same time, and on the same principle, to rear a
monument of Mr. Nasmith's earthly friendships. With
this view a selection of individuals has been made, for
inscription, without the slightest regard to sex or cir-
cumstances, party or denomination, rank or country, —
personal desert and relation to the deceased, alone,
having been considered. This has been one of the most
arduous and delicate parts of the undertaking. In a
number of cases, it was far from easy to balance claims ;
and, in some, so difficult that perplexity was cut short
by arbitrarily fixing on one where more were equally
eligible. To this part of his work the "Writer looks ',
back with special satisfaction, and he hopes the public
will consider it deserving of all the pains and labour
that have been bestowed upon it. -,

To those numerous friends in Great Britain, Ireland,
and America, who have communicated facts, letters,
and documents, particular obligations are felt, and spe-
cial acknowledgments are hereby made. To the Secre-
taries of the various Metropolitan Institutions which
originated in the labours of the Philanthropist, the
Author is also deeply indebted for the promptitude
with which they granted free access to the necessary
books and papers of their respective offices, which have
contributed most materially to enrich and perfect the
latter and more important parts of the publication.

For the lengthened delay which has taken place^ the

\-S\'

PREFACE.

vtt

Author might, perhaps, offer in explanation rather than
apology, his diversified and onerous pastoral duties, —
duties paramount to all others, how adapted soever to
instruct the churches, and promote the general good
of mankind; and to these he might add the endless
demands of public business on a metropolitan minister,
in this busy age. But these are, of course, obstacles
common to all literary undertakings by men placed in
the Author's circumstances. As the chief cause of
delay, therefore, he has only to allege the peculiar
difficulty of the work. The materials were widely
difiused, and scattered throughout a mingled mass,
which required much toil in collection, in analysis, in
sifting, and in assortment, before the work of composi-
tion began. Two volumes, of equal size, might have
been produced with much less labour. Here there is
no wholesale publication of letters, often empty and
worthless, which gives so loose, so spongy, so vapid, and
so valueless a character to much of our modem Religious
Biography. Every letter and every document has been
closely scrutinized, and diligent search made for such
matter as was essential to the point in hand, or to the
general subject; this was extracted, and everything
else rejected. .

The delay of years has not been without important
advantages in various ways, which would have been lost

by rapid publication. The only ground of regret arises

b 2

• ••

Vlll

' !

PREFACE.

from the fact, that death has cut off more than one of
those respected friends to whom chapters are inscribed,
and to whom it might have been as gratifying to receive,
as it is to the Writer to pay the tribute, — a tribute
which, it is not doubted, will be taken in good part by
their representatives.

The Author considers it among the chief felicities of
his life, that it has fallen to his lot to write the Memoirs
of David Nasmith ; and for this honour he stands in-
debted to the partiality of his esteemed friend, the Rev.
James Carlile, of Hackney, by whom he was induced to
embark in the undertaking. There are few men whose
company he would prefer to that of the Christian Philan-
thropist, in travelling down to posterity ; and those few
are, assuredly, not found in courts, cabinets, and camps.
No : but in the waste howling wilderness, in the dark
and dreary solitudes of the earth, whither they have
gone to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery
of sight to the blind, to turn men " from darkness to
light, and from the power of Satan unto God." The
greatness of such men, in his view, exceeds all other
greatness, and their glory will outlive the stars. ,

Of this class was David Nasmith, for his spirit was
in the highest degree missionary ; and although the
sphere of his labours was home, they were not the less
but the more Herculean. They wanted that enchant-
ment for the multitude which distance alone can

PREFACE.

lend; in consequence of this the sympathy they oxcited
was exactly in the inverse proportion of th ir true
merits, and hence the greatly increased difHculty of
their performance. His operations were too near for
the bulk of Christians to perceive their moral grandeur,
and to the men of the world they were rendered con-
temptible by their evangelical character and their apos-
tolic piety. Poets and orators, statesmen and philo-
sophers, courts and kings, united in hymning the praises
of Howard the Philanthropist, who would have scowled,
with malignant contempt, on Howard the Missionary.

The most distinguished philosophical orator of hi^<
own, or of any age, speaking of Howard, said, " I cannot
name this gentleman without remarking that his labours
and writings have done much to open the eyes and
hearts of mankind. He has visited all Europe, — not
to survey the sumptuousness of palaces, or the state-
liness of temples ; — ^not to make accurate measurements
of the remains of ancient grandeur, nor to form n scale
of the curiosity of modem art ; nor to collect medals,
or collate manuscripts ; — but to dive into the depths of
dungeons; to plunge into the infection of hospitals,
to survey the mansions of sorrow and pain ; to take the
gauge and dimensions of misery, depression, and con-
tempt; to remember the forgotten, to attend to the
neglected, to visit the forsaken, to compare and collate
the distresses of all men in all countries. This plan is

*i^i:^

PREFACE,

original ; it is as full of genius as it is of humanity.
It is a voyage of discovery; a circumnavigation of
charity."

Now all this is as true and just as it is great and
splendid. The man who performed such deeds, doubt-
less, deserves a deathless celebrity ; but the deeds of
the Missionary Servants of the Son of God incom-
parably transcend the deeds of Howard. Yet the toils,
sacrifices, and sufferings of the former called forth no
panegyric from the eloquent tongue of Edmund Burke.
The deeds of Howard do not constitute the highest class
of human actions. Such deeds may originate in mere
humanity ; they terminate in physical nature. The
actions of David Nasmith sprang from a celestial source,
and were fraught with a spiritual issue. He was far
from indifferent to the corporal, but he was mainly
solicitous about the spiritual necessities of men ; he
rejoiced to promote their welfare in time, but he ago-
nized to secure it for eternity. Howard laboured to
mitigate the horrors of punishment ; Nasmith, to pre-
vent the crimes which incurred it. Both were devout ;
both were philanthropic ; but in the labours of Howard
the interests of time preponderated ; in the labours of
Nasmith, those of eternity. In the prosecution pf his
objects, from first to last, Howard spent, of his ample
fortune, upwards of Thirty Thousand Pounds ; Nasmith,
all that he had in the world. Howard fell a victim to

PREFACE.

benevolence ; Nasmith, to religion. Both were good ;
both were great ; but, in the judgment of the "Writer,
Nasmith was the better and the greater. Both have
served their r-eneration according to the will of God ;
both are gone their "way till the end;" for they both
rest from their labours, and will " stand in their lot at
the end of the days," when they will appear in the
countless assembly of the blessed, and each receive
a crown of righteousness that fadeth not away.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Address to Ortiville Ewing— David Nasmith's birth and parentage— Education
— Aversion to tlie study of languages — Course ot education changed —
Bound an apprentice — Benefit of his mother's lessons — Awful temptation —
Dreadful dream — Attends a Sunday-school — Chosen secretary to a Bible
Association — Conviction of sin, and conversion to God — Makes a public
profession of the faith — Struggles after purity of heart — Effect of a letter —
Desires to become a missionary — A sudden death — Sermon on marriage —
Serious thoughts on the ministry — Application for admission to the Theo-
logical Institution — Display of Chrittian spirit — Qualifications for a mis-
sionary — An error of young men — Changes his situation — Becomes a
Sunday-school teacher — Remarks Page 1

CHAPTER II.

Address to the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw — Endures much spiritual conflict —
Mysterious bodily affection — Spiritual distress — Helps to establish adult
schools — Remarkable case of conversion — Becomes secretary to the Bride-
well Association — Visits Glasgow prison — Proceedings in the condemned
cells — A monster in the guise of a friend— 'The way to the gibbet — Beau-
tiful story of Mary Watt, the happy negress — Reflections on David's
conduct l7

CHAPTER III.

Address to William M'Gavin — Tragical narrative — Reflections

CHAPTER IV.

Address to the Rev. II. Heugh, D.D., Glasgow — An imprudent attachment —
Struggles for freedom — Spirit of devotion — Complains of the power of sin —
Remarkable emotions under a sermon — Strong warfare — 'Perils of idolatry — ^
His bondage and self-condemnation — His happy deliverance — Domestic
trials — Fraternal prayer 43

CHAPTER V.

Address to the Rev. John Smyth, D.D., Glasgow — New-year aspirations —
Scenes in Glasgow gaol — He forms an attachment to a young lady — Curi-
ous method of discovering it — Hasty courtshipft— The marriage of Isaac —

XIV

CONTENTS.

Folly of premature engagements — Danger of hasty marriages — A journey —
Letter of refusal — David's reply — Further letters on both sides — Bemarks

on the correspondence Page 54

/ ' ,„ „ - '

CHAPTER VI. •

Address to the Rev. M. Willis, Glasgow — Happy state of David's mind —
Visits to the gaol — Solemn reflections — Religious and Charitable Institution
House — Advertisement for a secretary — David's application and appoint-
ment — His qualifications — Advantages resulling from the situation — His
deportment — Testimony of the Rev, R. S. Cook — Society the great subject
of David's study — Attends Dr. M'Gill's lectures at college on the Evidences
— Attends the logic and rhetoric classes of Professor Jardine — Studies — His
extraordinary capabilities as a sabbath-school teacher — His methods of bene-
fiting young men — Letters to an old scholar upon a variety of important
subjects — Visits Mr. Cunningham, of Lainshaw — Striking account of his
schools — Forms a society — Is pursued by highwaymen — Scholars becoming
robbers and soldiers — His extraordinary tact in turning everything to
account — Remarkable anecdotes — Wonderful deliverance from drowning —
Importance of a diary — James's Church-members' Guide — Paramount claims
as a sabbath-school teacher . . . . . . . .70

CHAPTER Vn.

Address to the Rev. Robert Burns, D.D., Paisley — Letter to Professor
Buchanan — Attends the Professor's lectures — History of the rise and pro-
gress of Young Men's Societies 93

CHAPTER VIII.

Address to William Cunningham, Esq. — Happy occurrences — His anxiety for
his brothers — Important letter to John — Weekly letter to John — John tries
to get rid of the weekly letter — Awful death — Efforts for the salvation of
Andrew — John's conversion — Important letter to John on his admission to
the church — Andrew's conversion and profession of the faith — Reflec-
tions 101

CHAPTER IX.

Address to the Rev. Duncan Macfarlane, Glasgow — His extraordinary habits
of order — His labours for the church — His conferences witli applicants for
membership — Example of a report made to the church — Another striking
example — His remarkable influence over the young — Death of a young lady
— Inscription — Meeting of David's schools — Gift of a Bible — Thoughts on
the debt of societies — School rewards — Self-support of schools — Constitution
of school-libraries — Method of establishing Sunday-schools . .118

.T('..:-
t

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X.

Addre8<s to the Rsv. Patrick Falconer, Glasgow —David marries — His health
becomes affected by his excessive labours — Mrs. Nasmith's visit to England
— A rich man's doings — Effects of marriage in producing a worldly spirit —
Medical opinion obtained relative to David's health — Resolution to resign —
Minute of the Committee's acceptance of his resignation — Present of a purse
to David — Invitation to visit Ireland — Reasons of resignation — Proceeds to
Dublin — A Dublin sabbath — His diligence in the cause' of religion — IVis
impressions of Irish society — Declines becoming a candidate for the Scrip-
ture Readers' Society — Forms the Dublin City Mission — On returning to
Scotland, the engine breaits at sea — Reasons for withdrawing from Dublin —
Salaried agency — Arrives in London — Meets Dr. Wardlaw — Receives kind
attentions from the Rev. John Arundel — Proceeds to Farleigh — Remarkable
document left by him with his father-in-law .... Page 135

CHAPTER XI.

Address to the Rev. James Carlisle, Dublin — David arrives in Glasgow — Mr.
Colquhoun's good intentions — Letter to Mr. Colquhoun — Reflections on
leaving Scotland for Dublin — Objects aspired after in Ireland — His worldly
sacrifices — State of things in Dublin on his arrival — Counsel to a newly-
niarried sister — Anxieties about the Dublin City Mission — Account of its
working — First idea of a missioa in Paris — Progress of the mission in
Dublin 160

CHAPTER XII.

Address to the Rev. Dr. Urwick — Reflections on his condition at the commence-
ment of 1829 — Spirit of prayer on behalf of the Dublin mission — Its friends
rapidly increase — Detail of interesting events relative to the mission — Eccle-
siastical thraldom — A practical error reprehended — Ecclesiastical schemes —
Prosperity of the mission excites opposition — Churches, the most natural and
most powerful city missions — Failure of the Ecclesiastical experiment —
David thinks of removal — Forma a new mission for Ireland — Continued
munificence of Miss Oswald — Resolves to dispense with all guarantee of
salary — View of the interior of the Dublin City Mission — First journey
to the south of Ireland 178

CHAPTER XIII.

Address to the Rev. William Haweis Cooper, Dublin — Birth of David's first
child — Domestic piety illustrated — State of the mission described — Visits
the north of Ireland — Dark state of the country — Want of agents — David
resolves to visit America — Feelings of his friends on the occasion of his
departure — Receives from Dublin friends a document expressive of affec-
tion 197

v)^.:

XVI

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIV.

iVdilreu to W. C. Hogan, Esq., Dublin — Embarkation for America — Arrival
in New York, and proceedings there — Religious aspect of the city — Kind
attentions of the British Consul — David preaches at his request — The con-
sul proposes a mission — Opinions formed of David's sermon — Theplogy and
oratory — A prudent merchant — Measures taken for establishing a mission —
Address to the .Christians of America — Preaches once more on board the
ship — Dr. Patton's proceedings — Mission for New York formed — History of
Dr. Patton's church — Examples of zeal — Picture of a slaveholder —
Addresses Dr. Patton's congregation — Sails for Providence — Reception at
Boston — Ecclesiastical state of Boston — Interesting account of Andover —
'towns visited — Kindness of Dr. Beecher .... Page 206

V CHAPTER XV.

Address to Lord Congleton — David returns to New York — Summary of three
months' labour — Interesting detail of his travels — Document prepared by
the leading ministers of Now York, bearing testimony to David's character
and object — Sets out for New Orleans — Interesting occurrences during the
voyage — Sketches of various characters — Rapid changes of the weather 223

CHAPTER XVI.

Address to Miss Harriet Read, Dublin — 'Arrival at New Orleans — State of
religion in Savannah — Religion among the slave population — Condition of
the Choctaw Indians — Awful desecration of the sabbath in New Orleans —
Great exertions of David there — He founds a mission — Arrival of four
ministers — Vast extent of mortality — State of the Irish emigrants — David's
cordial reception everywhere — Stage-coach in a swamp — He arrives at
Princeton — Interesting account of learned men — History of important meet-
ings held — Arrives at Philadelphia — Welcome reception and kind treatment
^-Gity Mission formed — Lengthened sojourn at Philadelphia — Document
presented to David prior to his visiting the principal towns of the surround-
ing region — Visits Baltimore-^Labours there — Returns to New York 245

i<X.

"" CHAPTER XVII.

Address to James Connell, Esq., Montreal — David leaves New York for
Canada— Arrives at Montreal — Iietter of Mr. Gilmour-^Sumtaaary of
David's operations — Moral influence of his joumies — Resolves to return to
Europe — Contemplated settlement in London — Views of revivals — Peculiar
state of David's mind — His means of pecuniary support — Reasons for de-
clining a salary^— Amounts contributed to David's support from various
countries — Remarks ......... 258

'i'4

CONTENTS.

XVU

CHAPTER XVIII.

Address to Miss Oswald, of Scotstown — Return to Scotland — Health of Mrs.
Nasmith — Labours in Scotland — Visits to Dublin and proceedings there —
Sets out for France — Curious scene at Boulogne — Letter of S. V. S. Wilder
— A sabbath at Boulogne — Arrival at Paris — Description of public walks —
Solemn reflection on Parisian gaiety— ^Labours of the Rev. M. Wilks — Mr.
Lovett'a kindness — City Mission formed — Sketches of character — Visits
Havre, and forms a mission there — Arrival in London, and report upon
inquiries — Return to Glasgow — Scottish proceedings — Resolves to winter in
Glasgow — Great perplexities about removal — Resolution to remain and open
the " Christian and Philanthropic Agency House*' — Objects of this house
delineated — Failure of the experiment — David becomes secretary to the
Continental Society — Great pecuniary embarrassments — Beautiful letter of
consolation to Mrs. Nasmith-^David avows a change of sentiment on the
subject of baptism — Society formed to send him to London — Returns to
Glasgow — Remarks . . , Page 273

CHAPTER XIX.

Address to Mr. Frederick Clarke — Advantages arising from David's engage-
ment with the Continental Society— Association formed for sending him to
London — Letter of Miss Read — Special prayer on his behalf — List of his
Irish supporters — Arduous character of the enterprise — Letter of the Hon.
and Rev. B. W. Noel — Views of the Dissenters — Published opinion of
David's biographer — His own account of the matter— Mr. Noel's Letter to
the Bishop of London — London City Mission formed — David's account of
his policy — Settles under the ministry of the Rev. Robert Philip . 300

CHAFPER XX.

Address to Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton — Appointment of agents — Prayerful
spirit of the Committee — Treasurer sought and found — Importance of the
services of Sir T. F. Buxton — Rapid progress of the mission -^ Charlotte
Elizabeth — Letter of Mr. Noel — Superintendents and examiners appointed —
Pecuniary straits — Letters of Miss Harriet Read — Letter of Mr, Nasmith —
Progress of the mission — City Mission Magazine — The British Magazine
assails the mission — Two new classes of agents . . . .313

CHAPTER XXI.

Address to Mr. Dear — Alarm created by new institutions — Clerical alienation-
Letter of Mr. Ainslie-^ Resolution of the Committee concerning the Female
Mission — Mr. Ainslie's withdrawal from the mission — Letter of Mr. Robins
— Letter of Mr. Noel — Catholic character of the mission — Qualification of
rgents — Alleged negligence in examination — Objections founded in misap-
prehension — Judgment and prudence essential to a social reformer— How fur

• t •

XVIU

CONTENTS.

I I

theM qnalities distinguished David Nastnith — Hii object in visiting London
— His extraordinary capabilities — Clerical objections rather ecclesiutieal
than economical — Cliaracter of Mr. Ainslie's objections — The new institu-
tions only parts of a whole — The doctrine of balance in favour of a Society
considered — Philanthropic Institution House, with reading-room, defended —
Necessity for an Adult-School Society — Merits of the Monthly Tract Society
considered — The Female Mission grew out of the London City Mission —
Exaggerated views of tho Female Mission — Christian humanity sacrificed to
false delicacy — Constitution nnd objects of the Female Mission examined —
Misplaced ridicule — Mr. Nasmitirs work, his witness — Patronage and pros-
perity of the Female Mission — Proposal to alter the constitution of the City
Mission — Mr. Nasmitli's resolution to adhere to his principles — Generous
conduct of tho Committee — Painful position of Mr. Nasmith — His magna-
nimity — His resignation — Endeavours to retain his services — Mr. Carver's
resignation — Resolution relative to Messrs. Nasmith and Carver . Page 329

CHAPTER XXII.

Address to Mr. Marks — Formation of tho British and Foreign Mission —
Missions formed at Cnmbridge and Birmingham — Display of Christian prin-
ciole — Lines of encouragement — Magnanimity with respect to the London
City Mission — Mission formed at Manchester — Means adopted to strengthen
the Mission — Missions formed at Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield,
Wakefield, and York — Discussions respecting the path of duty — Coincidence
of judgment between Mr. and Mrs. Nasmith 357

CHAPTER XXIII. ••

Address to Mr. Cai-ver — David visits Scotland — Proceedings in Edinburgh —
' Visits Falkirk, Glasgow, Paisley, and Dumbarton — Numerous societies
formed — Expen-irs of the enterprise — Letter to Mr. Robertson, of Dublin —
Discovers the effect of former labours in Scotland — Returns to London —
, Visits Brighton ; discouragements there — Appointment of an agent to collect
for the British and Foreign Mission — The agent visits Manchester and
Liverpool, without success — The mission surrounded with difSculties — Pru-
dence to limit benevolence — David's defence of his course . . 367

CHAPTER XXIV.

Address to Dr. Morgan — Death of Miss Harriet Read — David's aims at the
commencement of 1 838 — Philanthropic aspirations — Apprehension of diffi.
citlties — Formation of an association for his support — Establishment of the
Christian Philanthropist's Fund — Reply to the inquiry of Mr. Ciaypon —
Subscribers to the Philanthropist's Fund, and letter from Sir T. F. Buxton —
Excellent spirit of David towards the London City Mission — Becomes united
with the church of the Rev. Thomas Lewis — David's renewed dedication of
himself to God 376

l!'l

'-; V.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXV.

XIX

Address to Mr. Mayo — David proceeds to Wales — Letter from Bala— Review
of liis position — Proceeds to Dublin — Kind reception by old friends — Opera-
tions in Dublin — Return to England — Pecuniary difficulties — Results of the
late tour — Visit to Oxford and other towns — Defence of his domestic con-
duct, in a letter to Miss Harriet Rend Page 388

CHAPTER XXVI. ' '"

Address to Messrs. Ainslie and Garwood — Letter of Mr. Nasmith to the
Managers of the London City Mission — David's aims at the commencement
of 1839 — Tour to Nottingham, Bradford, Derby, and other towns — Resolu-
tion relative to Young Men's Societies — Sudden death of Mr. Perkins —
Journey to Cheltenham and other towns — Letter to his brother John — Last
letter to Miss Harriet Read — Great pecuniary difficulties — Mr. Mayo's
anxiety for his welfare — Letter, to Mr. Mayo — Extreme perplexities relative
to the future — David's apportionment of his precarious income — Subscribers
to the Philanthropist's Fund for 1839 398

CHAPTER XXVII.

Address to Mr. Croser — Termination of David's career — Mrs. Nasmith's
account — David sets out for Guildford — Sudden seizure, illness, and death
— Post-mortem examination — Removal of the body to London — Interment
— Funeral sermon by the Rev. Thomas Lewis — Effect of David's death —
Anxiety of friends for his family — Baxter's Address to the Countess of Bal-
carras — Formation of a committee to raise funds — Result of its operations —
Reflections on the benevolence of Englishmen . . . .413

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Address to Mr. Blanchard — Opinion^ concerning Mr. Nasmith — Means of
estimating his character — How enjoyed — Principles on which his biography
has been prepared — David's zeal ; its character and operations; errors con ■
cerning it ; means cf correcting tliem — His perseverance — David comparet'
with Xavier ; errors corrected ; Wesley not superior — Disinterestedness ;
opinion of Mr. Lewis ; David compared with the Roman Orders ; qualities
of his disinterestedness — David and Xavier contrasted on this point — His
humility ; occasional appearance of the contrary ; mistakes corrected ; deli-
neation of John Knox ; David's resemblance to Knox — His boldness ; bold-
'Uess essential to a reformer; Luther, Knox, Wesley, Whitfield — Bacon on
boldness — Courage of Xavier — David compared with Wesley — David's active
powers modified by his graces — Qualities of David's personal religion — His
views of gospel doctrine, experience, and morality — His personal religion
delineated — His extraordinary faith ; its operations — His studies in latter
years — Views and object in studying the Scriptures — Benefits of various

jiMil

CONTENTS.

knowledge to a reformer — Remarkable force of hi* character ; bow produced
— His power of persuasion exemplified — Peculiarity of his genius — Com-
pared with Adam Smith — Various excellences and peculiarities of character
— Defects enumerated — His high standard of Christian benevolence — Im-
patience with mediocrity in others — Remarks .... Page 429

CHAPTER XXIX.

Address to Alderman Chollis^— David's views of associated operation — Bene-
volent association a chief feature of modern society ; its stupendous power,
and various results — Christian churches and conventional associations com-
pared ; superiority of the former — Relation of the church tb the world con-
sidered — Nasmith's missions described — Importance of such missions under
certain circumstances — New methods of operation recommended — Disadvan-
tageous position of a city missionary — Condition of success in city miwion
operations — Importance of Mr. Ainslie's services — Example of the London
City Mission recommended — Results of Nasmith's laboura in America —
Report of Mr. Allen — Statement of Mr. Hallock — Evils of artificial society
exposed — Congregational operation recommended — Nasmith's opinion of
Congregational operation — Practical error of his latter yean Method of
mitigating the evils of the artificial principle ..... 447 '

CHAPTER XXX. „

Address to Mr. Lewis — The London City Mission recommended as a model —
Present state of its agency and administration — Laudable provision for the
comfort of its Missionaries — Special claims of its agents — Results of its
operations ; the chief result of Nasmith's labours — Origin and object of the
British and Foreign City and Town Mission — Error in the original constitu-
tion of Young Men's Societies ; resolution correcting it — Specific design of
the British and Foreign Town Mission ; examinen of its agents ; number of
societies formed by it since Nasmith's death ; its present condition^ — Opera-
tions of the Manchester Town Mission; their results — Operations of the Leeds
Town Mission ; their results — Concluding observations . . . 460

I 1

t (

'. \'

-•m^-

MEMOIR

DAVID NASMITH.

CHAPTER I.

Address to Greyille Ewing— David Nasmith's birth and parentage —
Education — Aversion to the study of languages— Course of educa-
tion changed — Bound an apprentice — Benefit of his mother's lessons
— Awful temptation— Dreadful dream— Attends a Sunday-school —
Chosen secretary to a Bible Association— Conviction of sin, and
conversion to God — Makes a public profession of the faith —
Struggles after purity of heart — EflFect of a letter — Desires to be-
come a missionary — A sudden death — Sermon on marriage — Serious
thoughts on the ministry — Application for admission to the Theo-
logical Institution — Display of Christian spirit— Qualifications for a
missionary — An error of young men— Changes his situation — lie*
comes a Sunday-school teacher — Remarks.

TO GREVILLE EWING.

Sir, — The period of forty years, during which you sus-
tained the office of a tutor successively in two Theo-
logical Institutions, and discharged the functions of the
Christian pastorship in one of the largest churches in
the British empire, brought under your observation a
large number of young men, some of them eminently,
and all of them variously distinguished for gifts and
graces; but it may be safely affirmed, that there was

MEMOIR OF

I
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.1 -

not among them one of whom you could have spoken
in such terms ns you employed in reference to Duvid
Nasmith, when, on April tlie 16th, 1828, you said, " I
certify that I have known David Nasmith fron his
earliest years, his parents being in communion with iho
church to which I minister in the pastoral office ; that,
at an early period, he made a credible profession of
faith in Christ, and was received into the fellowship of
the church ; that he soon became distinguished for zeal
in promoting sabbath-schools, prayer-meetings, tract,
and missionary, and Bible societies ; that the Religious
and Charitable Institution House in Glasgow was grr.Ml y
forwarded by his plans and efforts for doing good ;
that his judicious arrangements, extensive correspond-
ence, and unwearied industry and punctuality, recom-
mended that establishment so generally as to bring tlie
meetings, the minutes, and much of the correspondence
of twenty-three societies within the sphere of its opera-
tion ; that he ren(l(,rs most important assistance to the
office-bearers of those societies ; that his heart and soul
are devoted to measures of enlarged usefulness in the
church and the world ; and that the Lord has been
pleased remarkably to bless his labours." The man of
whom, notwithstanding your characteristic caution, you
could thus speak, must have been no ordinary indivi-
dual ; while all who knew him agree that you have not
over-estimated his merits. As one of li;*.. many friends,
and with him a fellow-member of the clnurV under jour
charge, some years previously to the date of your testi-
mony, I can attest' that he was, in his own line, by far
the first young m^,n in our fellowship. At that time,
hovt^ever, hi? character was only in the process of forma-
tion j his capabilities had only begun to be developed ;

<:i

l: ■

DAVID NA8M1T1I. V

s..

but his course, even then, gave a promise which his
after life most fully realized. While he and the writer
sat together in Nile-strci t chapel, — while we mingled
in the social circle, ai '\ occasioiiiilly united in works of
faith and labours of love, I often felt constrained by
his intelligence, energy, zeal, and piety, to yield him
the homage of an affectionate admiration, which his
subsequent career, taken as a whole, not only sustained,
b it rendered far more intense. It was not, however,
till after his race had been run, and the grave had
closed over him, that, having examined his papers,
journals, and voluminous correspondence, and thus re-
viewed the entire course of his marvellous history, 1
was able to form something like a proper estimate of
his claims as a Christian Philanthropist, — the cha-
racter in which this volume presents him, for the edifi-
cation of the church, and the instruction of mankind.

David Nasmith was born in the city of dasgovv,
March the 21st, 1799, of parents respectable in cir-
cumstances, and eminent for piety. They were, at the
time of his birth, members of the college church, so
long the sphere of the labours of the celebrated Dr.
Gillies, the friend and biographer of Whitefield. There
David Wds baptized by Dr. Love, one of the original
Secretaries of the London Missionary Society, who
happened to occupy the pulpit when, according to the
Scotti-^i custom, the child was publicly presented for
baptisnt. In his seventh year he was sent to the City
Gran";>ri,r-schoo], where he spent four years to very
littk purpose ; f'^' he leaiTied absolutely nothing ; he

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MEMOIR OF

had not become master even of the rudiments of the
Latin tongue. At the close of this period, his parents,
entirely unacquainted with his state, were anxious to
enter him at the University. Their ignorance of the
boy's real condition, and consequent unpreparedness,
was the less remarkable, from the fact that he had not
been absent from his classes one hour during the whole
of these years ; and they very naturally connected the
idea of attendance with that of improvement. But on
discovering his unfitness for college, and his aversion
to the further prosecution of the study of the learned
languages, they altered their plan, and changed the
course of his education, that they might prepare him
for business. On the completion of this new course he
was bound apprentice to a manufacturer, a man of
worth and piety, but whom adverse providences over-
took and compelled to relinquish business, in conse-
quence of which David was transferred to that gentle-
man's brother-in-law, with whom he remained three
years. This was a season of great peril to the boy's
moral and religious principles, for the establishment
was large, and abounded in wickedness. Now it was,
therefore, that he began to experience the benefit of
the lessons of his mother, who had laboured assiduously
to implant in his heart the fear of God. Still, how-
ever, to some extent, iniquity prevailed against him.
" When I look back," says he, " to the many sins
which 1 then committed, unknown to man, they make
me tremble ! When tempted, I often prayed to God
for deliverance ; but sin remained as a sweet morsel
under my tongue. When retiring to bed one night,
and all was quiet, conscience, that faithful monitor, so
smote me, that 1 thought of putting an end to my

I! ^V
■ !1 :'

:i'j:lfi;

DAVID NASMITH.

existence by throwing myself over the window. I
thought, If 1 do this, I shall undoubtedly go to hell !
In this dreadful situation I was led, with all the energy
of my heart, to call upon the Lord, that for the sake
of Jesus Christ he would give me peace of mind, and
cause me to sleep. Oh, how justly might God, at this
time, have permitted me to have had all the thoughts
of my wicked heart put in execution ! But he has
no pleasure in the destruction of sinners ; hence that
loving and entreating voice, * Turn ye, turn ye ; why
will ye die ?' The morning returned ; I arose, but as
the sow that was washed, 1 returned to the mire of sin.
This circumstance had very little effect ; my heart re-
mained untouched. About the same time, I awoke,
one night, in great horror of mind, from having beheld
in my sleep a man, in the attire of a military officer,
lying on the street, with his head severed from his
body, and the blood flowing over the pavement. The
scene still presented itself when I awoke. My horror
of mind was such that I was strongly tempted to put
an end to my own existence by means of a table knife
which lay near me. In this awful state I looked for
consolation to Calvary ; but there the blood flowed,
which increased my horror ! Now I was permitted to
fall asleep without yielding to the temptation of the
enemy. Surely an unseen hand kept me. I lay until
the sun had risen and shone upon my pillow ; but as
yet I felt not the cheering rays of the Sun of Righte-
ousness upon my gloomy soul. This awful scene was
not soon effaced from my mind. Oh, what a monument
of the long-sparing mercy of Jehovah do I now stand !
How justly might he have then given me my portion
with hypocrites and unbelievers, in the fire which shall

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MEMOIR OP

never be quenched! But he had thoughts of mercy
towards me. When I look back upon the life which I
have altogether spent in sin, I feel constrained with
the apostle to acknowledge that I am the * chief of
sinners,' and with the publican of old to cry out, * God
be merciful to me a sinner ;' reckoning it also a faith-
ful saying, and worthy of my most cordial acceptation,
that ' Christ Jesus came into the world to save sin-

ners.

During the whole of this period, and, indeed, from
the time that David was six years of age, he regularly
attended a sabbath-school, a circumstance which gave
birth to an event of the utmost importance to his spi-
ritual w^ell-being. In June, 1813, two of his school-
companions proposed to form a society for the distribu-
tion of Bibles among the poor. For this purpose a
meeting of their fellow scholars w^as called, and " The
Glasgow Youths* Bible Association " was formed.
" Never," says he, " shall I forget the pleasant meeting
we had at its formation; the exercises were com-
menced by singing a hymn on the extension of the
Redeemer's kingdom, and prayer to God for his bless-
ing and guidance in the management of our affairs. I
was chosen secretary. I neither, at the time, under-
stood the name, nor the duties connected with the
office. This may be marked as the commencement of
a new era in my history. From the office 1 held, and
the interest I took permanently in the institution, I got
acquainted with a number of pious } oung men, whose
walk and conversation were very consistent, which led
me often to reflect upon the contents of that book we
were giving to others. I found an increasing interest
in its communications ; I wab led to behold myself as a

DAVID NA8MITH. '7

guilty and polluted sinner, in the sight of an infinitely
pure and holy God, and my heart desperately wicked,
and unable to do any thing to satisfy Divine justice, or
better its condition. Often, often did I try to improve
my conduct; but as often did I find that, as the
Ethiopian cannot change his skin, nor the leopard his
spots, no more can they who have been accustomed to
do evil learn to do well. By continuing to search the
Scriptures, I found One, even Jesus, who could deliver
not only from the punishment, but from the power of
sin. He appeared altogether such a one as I stood in
need of — a Saviour all-sufficient — yea, mighty to save !
This was followed with a hatred of those sinful thoughts
which I formerly cherished, and an earnest desire after
holiness of heart. The preaching of the gospel became
to me a delight. I longed for the return of the sab-
bath, finding it to be a precious season, sacred to the
memory of my risen and exalted Saviour. From that
period until now, my desires have been to preach this
precious Saviour to my fellow sinners."

David, having thus surrendered himself to the Lord,
was soon impelled by a sense of duty, as well as by a
desire of privilege, to make a public profession of the
faith. " Feeling," says he, " a desire of enjoying all
the privileges of the sons of God, and esteeming it my
duty to attend to whatsoever the Lord had commanded,
I applied for admission to the church in Nile-street. I
was led to apply to them from the spirituality of con-
versation which existed amongst their members; the
constitution of the church being agreeable to that of
those planted by the apostles of Jesus, so far as my
limited knowledge of the word of God enabled me to
judge ; and the preaching of the gospel there being * to

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MEMOIR OP

know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified.' I
was received amongst them, and with comfort and en-
joyment continue until this day."

David, having now experienced peace of conscience,
forth v^^ith began to struggle after purity of heart. " I
find daily within me," says he, " a member warring
against the law of my mind. Sin is, in my estimation,
an exceeding sinful and abominable thing ; and every
temptation to it appears as if to crucify the Lord
afresh. I find it mingle with all my performances ; but
rejoice to know that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth
from all sin, and that in a little time I shall be delivered
from this sinful nature, when I ^hall no more grieve the
Holy Spirit. There is nothing in the world I desire
more than holiness of heart, and an entire conformity
to the will of Christ. May the Lord enable me, with
all diligence, to watch over mine own heart ! Knowing
that from thence proceed the issues of life, may he, by
his Holy Spirit, work in me both to will and to do
of his good pleasure, bringing into subjection every
affection of the mind to the obedience of his will ; and,
whether I live, may it be to the Lord, or die, may I
die in him."

Although David had only completed his sixteenth
year when he was received into the fellowship of the
church in Nile -street, he was strong in faith, full of
zeal, and considerably enlightened in the knowledge of
God. His journal of August the 1st, 1816, contains
the following entry illustrative of his views at the very
outset of his career : *' This is the first day of another
month. I have now lived seventeen years, four months,
and ten davs, in this world. It is now more than
twelve months since the people of God assembling for

DAVID NASMITH.

mscience.

worship in Nile-street chapel received me into their
communion, upon professing my belief in the word of
God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour
of sinners. I desired to follow his commands with
them; I made a public profession of him, declaring
that I had renounced the works of the devil, and my
own fleshly lusts, and taken Jesus for my Advocate and
King, and wishing to live to his praise and glory.
Twelve months have now passed. How have I spent
them? Have I walked according to the resolution
which I have made, that, in the strength of Jesus, I
would renounce all evil, and follow him ? Alas ! how
far short I have come ! Often, often have I fallen."
On the 10th he writes : " I this day followed the re-
mains of a dear brother (James Duncan) to the grave ;
the first funeral I was ever at, except that of my two
brothers. It was a solemn occasion to me ; it bore
heavy on my mind, not knowing how soon I might be
carried off also." Again in September he thus pours
out his spirit : " O thou my soul, the Lord of glory,
whose thou art, has told thee that thy residence in this
mud-walled cottage is to be of short duration ! He will
call thee to appear at his judgment seat to render an
account of what thou hast been engaged in here below.
He sent thee into this world to glorify his name. Look
back upon the seventeen years which thou hast spent,
and consider, — has the end of thy existence here been
accomplished ? Ah ! no : seventeen years, last May :
this must be accounted for. Ah ! Lord, I cannot an-
swer thee for one of ten thousand of my transgressions !
They have gone over mine head. I plead guilty before
thee. I have no righteousness of my own to plead.
Thou art holy, and I guilty and sinful, and hell-deserv-

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MEMOIR OF

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null

ing. I plead alone the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
His blood cleanseth from all sin. O give me faith in
him ! Thou hast said, Come. Do thou draw me."

About this time David commenced a correspondence
with several young friends, which also strongly contri-
butes to the illustration of his early Christian character.
One of these was a Mr. John Glen, of Dumbarton,
between whom and himself there existed a very ardent
affection. The Rev. John (now Dr.) Paterson, late of
Russia, having, it seems, written (from abroad) a spirit-
stirring letter to the young men of Nile-street church,
its public recital produced a very strong impression. In
reference to this epistle David writes to Mr. Glen as
follows : — •' I have just received a letter for you from
brother Gallic ; he has therein trodden the same path
which I had intended, and to much more purpose than
I could have done, respecting the letter from Mr. Pa-
terson. I think it was much calculated to raise the
desires of many to engage in this labour of love. There
were many young men present. By the blessing of
God, I hope it may be the means of awakening some
to make a more diligent inquiry both with respect to
their own interest in that Savioiu: in whose cause he
appears to be so zealous, and to take a more active
concern in the work by coming forward and offering
their services. May He who has the hearts of all in
his own hand, raise up many who shall not count their
lives dear unto them that they may win souls unto the
Saviour ! Oh that the Lord, in his own good time
and way, may prepare me to be useful either in that,
or some other way, which he may see to be most for
his own glory and the good of my soul 1"

This letter, which was dated September the 21st, 1816,

DAVID NASMITH.

is of value, as fixing the period when the spirit of the
missionary had first gathered strength in David's bosom.
During this year he appears to have made great pro-
gress in the knowledge of Divine truth, and in the
experience of its power. The following extract from
liis diary of November the 16th, shows that the nearness
and claims of eternity were constantly present to his
mind : " I was employed to-day in following the re-
mains of Alexander Stephen to the narrow house ap-
pointed for all living. His soul took its flight into
the world of spirits at nine o'clock on Saturday night ;
fit half-past eight o'clock he was in his usual state of
health. What ought I to learn from this solemn oc-
currence ? How important it is, seeing that death is
so certain,, and the time so uncertain, that I should be
ever waiting with my loins girt and my lamp burning,
that at whatever hour the Lord shall call me, I may
be ready to go in with him ! I dread the thought of
being found, when my Lord cometh, among those whited
walls who have the profession of Christianity, but know
nothing of its power."

David's spirit, even at this early period, both as a
worshipper and as a sabbath-school teacher, is well
illustrated in a letter to Mr. Glen, dated April the 7th,
of the following year : " At half-past ten I went to
the chapel, and heard Mr. Ewing lecture from Col.
chap. iii. from the 18th verse down, including the first
verse of chapter iv. : I would have been glad you and
all whom I wish well had heard it. It was as instructive
a lecture as I have heard for a long season. He spoke
much of the love which ought to exist in the marriage
relation, and in order to the enjoying of unity in this
relation ; he had some very suitable remarks to those

\ I

MEMOIR OP

who have not yet entered into it. He says that they
ought to marry * only in the Lord.* When speaking of
the female sex as being the weaker vessel, he called us
to remember, that the jewel which dwelt within her
breast was equally valuable as that of the man's. I
am sorry I can give y "i so little of the discourse, as
I consider it to be as happy a life as can be enjoyed
upon earth, when two pilgrims meet together whose
aims are one, whose desires are both in heaven, and
who have met with the desire of assisting each other
on their journey heavenward."

In the same letter, referring to the work of the
Lord's day, he says, " There called upon and took tea
with us, a beloved brother from Haddington, who holds
ihe Baptist sentiments. I have not for a long time
enjoyed such heavenly conversation. He dwelt much
upon the assurance of the saints ; he himself appeared
to enjoy as much of that assurance as any pilgrim I
have ever met with. His conversation made me blush,
to hear the attainments he had arrived at, and, alas !
to think how far deficient I am. We reached the school
about twenty minutes past five o'clock, when the chil-
di-en were waiting. Upon the whole, I enjoyed as much
satisfaction from the school as on any former occasion.
I trust our meeting was not altogether in vain in the
Lord. We left them about a quarter past nine ; I
walked, enjoying sweet conversation with my friend,
till ten minutes past ten, when I went home. After
family worship and secret prayer for the blessing of
God to crown our feeble attempts among the yoimg,
committing myself into the arms of my Redeemer, I
laid myself down to rest about twelve o'clock."

From the time of conversion, a desire to enter the

DAVID NASMITH.

gospel ministry daily grew upon him ; and with a view
to this he diligently revised, or rather re-comn ced
his grammatical studies, while he improved his general
knowledge, and cultivated his intellectual powers. His
journal of September the 6th, 1817, contains the fol-
lowing fervent utterance : " Lord, let me now feast on
thy love ; enlarge my spiritual conceptions, and conform
me to thy holy image. Enable me to recommend Jesus
to all around me. May I be made the honoured in-
strument in thy hand of turning sinners from the error
of their way to the love and service of the Lord !"
About this time he opened his mind to his pastor, and
sought his counsel. In his journal there is an entry,
of October the 27th, of that year, which runs thus :
'* The Lord's ways are not as man's ways, neither are
his thoughts as man's thoughts ; for at the time I en-
tered the foregoing into my diary, my mind was wholly
set upon preaching the everlasting gospel to my fellow-
sinners in Africa. With this intention I consulted with
iriy esteemed pastor, who made known my desire to the
managers of the Theological Academy ; but the Lord
did not see meet to call me forth at that time, and,
therefore, directed <^he minds of his servants not to r*^-
ceive me. This was to me a very severe trial. I had
my eye fixed upon that period which I thought not far
distant, when I should unfurl the banner of the cross
before them ; but I had to learn the important lesson
of submission, the honour being too great to be con-
ferred upon me. Yet here I must and I will bless his
holy name, for he forsook me not ; but as my day
was, so made he my strength to be ; well does it be-
come me to keep silence from murmuring, and to adore
his glorious name."

MEMOIR OP

I ir

i-<lilll:

David's meek deportment, under this mortifying dis-
appointment, presents an example which will not be
without its use to young men under similar circum-
stanjes. Here there was no rising of heart either against
God or man ; nothing but calm, devout submission.
The gentlemen who composed the committee, while
they honestly acted upon the convictions of their own
judgments, little knew the real character of the trem-
bling lad who stood before them a candidate for their
favour. Had David, as he desired, been sent as a
missionary to Africa, he would probably have com-
bined in that character the principal excellences both
of Vanderkemp and of Moifat, and have given to the
church of Christ a pattern of apostolic zeal, which has
not been surpassed since apostolic days. It was, how-
ever, otherwise determined in the councils of Heaven ;
and of course wisely too, for the loss to Africa was gain
to Europe. Other work, as the event proved, neither
less arduous nor less honourabl ^ was reserved for the
youthful aspirant to missionary usefulness.

David fell into an error too common among young
men similarly situated ; he turned his back upon trade
before he had the slightest ground to expect that he
would be admitted to the service of religion. Relative
to the business of preparation, he says : " Having given
myself wholly to it, and applied myself to the study of
Latin for several months, I was out of employment;
and the only thing I could do was to seek after a situa-
tion, which was ill to be got. I turned my attention to
the study of a branch which would be of greater im-
portance to me in business, till some situation could
be found. In this I continued several months before
I could hear of a proper place, when I saw an adver-

Hiii

- ^

DAVID NASMITH.

tisement in one of the newspapers, which I thought
might suit me. I wrote a letter, and, in a few weeks,
was sent for by the unknown person, who was directed
to choose me from among forty who had applied to him.
I must write with gratitude to God my heavenly Father,
for such a valuable master."

The sincerity of David's zeal in behalf of the heathe'i
was proved by his indefatigable labours for the salvation
of the multitudes who were perishing around him. He
now betook himself with intense energy to the work of
Sunday-school tuition. Relative to this, the diary of
the above date goes on : " God is now affording me
an opportunity of telling two hundred children, every
sabbath evening, the unfathomable love of my dear
Redeemer ; neither is he leaving me without proof of
his blessing our humble endeavours ; for whilst I am
Lome down with sorrow over the many amongst them
who are regardless of all instruction, and are setting at
nought all his counsels, and all his reproofs, frequently
do the tears flow copiously dovni the cheek of the
speaker and a few of the hearers, when the love of
Jesus is described as manifested in his humiliation,
suffering, and death. The truth has evidently had the
effect of changing the conduct of some, and fondly
would I hope that he will bless his word to the salvation
of many."

In this first stage of David's course we everywhere
see prudence regulating zeal, and zeal animating pru-
dence. Seldom, in a breast so young, has so much
ardour been so wholly free from the alloy of rashness.
We nowhere meet with the slightest symptom of pride,
conceit, or self-sufficiency. In his spirit, projects and
labours, heat and light uniformly appear in happy com-

'^lil

i'ii
III

ii iiii

ir>

MKMOIR OP DAVID N'ASMITIT.

biiuition. He preyeiits a lovely patU'rn to young men,
whom the imitation of his example will not fail to
conduct to happiness, usefulness, and honour. This
excellency in David was chiefly to be attributed to his
deep acquaintance with the word of God, which was
tlie subject of his habitual and intense study and me-
ditation.

■f

^ ^

>*/

1 1 ■ » )(

'* /

■//'■

f (

* '-

,J;.-. ,^. f}

C 11 APT Kit II.

AddroHH to t'le Rev. Dr. Wardluw — Endures much Hpirituul conflict-
Mysterious bodily alli'ction — Spirituul distress — Helps to estuhlish
uduit HchooU — Ileinurkuble case of conversion — Iteconies secretary
to the Bridewell Association— Visits (llasgow prison— Proceedings
in tlie condemned cells— A monster in the puine of a friend — The
waj to the gibbet — IJeuutiful story of Mary Watt, the happy negress
— Reflections on David's conduct.

TO THE REV. DR. WAHDLAW, (JLASOOW.

Sir, — Next to your revered colleague, Greville Ewing',
I must be allowed to rank you among the friends of
David Nasmitli, whose worth you well knew, and on
April the Kith, 1828, thus emphatically testified : "Mr.
David Nasniith having found it necessary to resign his
situation as assistant secretary to the various benevo-
lent histitutions connected with the Religious and Cha-
ritable Institution House, in this city, I most cheerfully
bear my testimony, from all that I have seen and known
of him, to the piety, regularity, and consistency of his
personal character, and to the zeal, prudence, fidelity,
diligence, punctuality, and perseverance, with which he
has fulfilled ofiicial duties, complicate and incessant as
they have been, of an arduous and responsible situa-
tion."

David's piety continued to rise in its tone, while his
acquaintance with the things of God hourly increased.
The following passage, dated January the 21st, 1818,
which refers to a particular affliction, shows in what
spirit he began the year : " Here will I raise my

MEMOIR OF

:||ll!|

Ebcnezer, and say, ' Hitherto hath the Lord helped me.'
He has just brought me through the waters of affliction,
during the first three weeks of which I felt my mind
quite calm and at rest. The Scripture I found to be
very precious in thii^« my trouble ; its promises were as
ointment poured forth into my fainting soul. I enjoyed
much comfort from Romans xii. \2: * Rejoicing in
hope ; patient in tribulation ; continuing instant in
prayer.' But once, from a sense of my sinful nature,
and feeling the power of it in my mortal body, I was
led to give up all hope of happiness beyond death and
the grave, when that passage came forcibly to my re-
membrance, ' I know whom I have believed, and am
persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have com-
mitted unto him against that day.' This naturally led me
to consider whom the apostle referred to, what he had
committed to him, and against what day. This Jesus
is * the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.' He is to
me, ii by faith I put my trust in him, the same surety
that he was to the apostle of old. About the end of the
third week of my affliction, when going to bed in the
evening, my body became cold, my limbs were quite
stiff, and I thought my dissolution was to have been
immediate. Now I felt, in the most striking manner,
the necessity of an interest in Christ's finished work. I
could not say that my actions had been performed from
a single eye to the glory of God and from love to him.
I had been satisfying myself too much with the outward
act. From the way in which I had passed among the
disciples of Christ, I had seldom been led to think of
the importance of the precept, * Examine yourselves.'
Now in this hour, when the two worlds were brought
before my view, I felt that 1 had too much studied the

DAVID NASMITH.

empty applause of the world in which I was sojourning,
to the great neglect of securing an interest in Christ,
through whom alone an entrance can be had into the
city of the New Jerusalem. Under these circumstances,
it was with me a matter of the greatest importance to
know how I might approach my justly offended Maker.
I was altogether sin ; and God had declared in his word
that he could not look upon sin but with detestation
and abhorrence. I found that access must be altogether
through another channel than self. I felt assured that
there was no other name given under heaven among
men, whereby I could be saved, but the name of Jesus ;
and that it was to him alone I must flee for refuge. I
still found myself so vile, and my guilt so great, that I
knew not what to do. It was a load too heavy for me
to bear, and under which my body sunk. I thought of
the passage where Jesus says, * Come unto me, all ye
that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest.' This call I knew was given by Jesus to sinners
who felt their iniquities as a heavy load, and who were
anxiously desirous of their removal. This was exactly
my character. Emboldened, therefore, by this and similar
calls given by him, I cast myself at his feet, pleading
the fulfilment of his own gracious promise ; and, as if
I had heard Jesus saying to me, * According to thy faith,
be it unto thee,' my heart did reply, * Lord, I believe ;
help thou mine unbelief.' Supposing I would never see
the light of a new day, I felt afraid of falling asleep :
neither did I enjoy an hour's sound rest during the
night. When, however, I felt myself overpowered by
it, it was my endeavour to commit my spirit into the
hands of my Redeemer. When the thought of death
first impressed my mind, the importance of my Saviour's

J20

MEMOIR OF

pi'; Mi:

ill

[■ ;

admonition, * Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as
ye think not the Son of man cometli,' forcibly struck
me. I reflected upon my misspent time, and found how
much I had neglected my Bible, the consolations and
comforts of which I now stood so much in need of. I
thought, ' Well, I wish 1 had my life to begin again ;
I would live a different one ;' and resolved that, if the
Lord was pleased to spare me, I would make the Scrip-
tures mere than hitherto the man of my counsel, and
take them as a light to my feet and a lamp to my path,
while I sojourned here below." Such were the conflicts
and reflections of a youth, in the nineteenth year of his
age ; and they surely indicate no ordinary degree both
of experimental knowledge and true devotion. \

About this time the sphere of David's operations
began to enlarge. He took a very active share in the
establishment of adult schools in Glasgow, in connec-
tion with the Sabbath Evening School Youths' Union.
At the committee of these schools, his journal states that
the following fact was recited : "A boy attending a
sabbath evening school was brought to believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ, and began to pray in his father's
house. His father, being a very wicked man, became
quite enraged when he heard of his boy praying; he
took a whip and lashed him severely. The boy, not
daring to continue his practice in his father's house,
resorted to an adjoining field, or plantation, where he
prayed to his Fatner who seeth in secret. The parent,
hearing of this new haunt, took his whip, one night,
and followed him. When he came within the reach
of the sound of the boy's voice, he thought, before he
whipped, he would listen to hear what he .vas saying.
Tlie boy. at this moment, was earnestly praying on

I !

i)AVID NASMITH.

behalf of his wicked father. The father's conscience
smote him ; he wept. The boy having concluded his
supplications, rose up, and turning round, saw his father
weeping. The trembling father, addressing his as-
tonished son, said, ' I came out to whip you, but you
have whipped me.' A short time after, they both made
application to a Baptist church for fellowship ; and
when, according to the custom, the father was publicly
called upon to give an account of his views of Divine
truth, and to state his experience of its power, he
shrunk back and said, ' No, no ; let (naming his boy)
do it first ; for he is my spiritual father.' "

The engagements already specified did not suflfice
to exhaust the energy of David, whom we find acting
as secretary to the Bridewell Association, for the moral
and religious improvement of the male prisoners. For
this most difficult species of philanthropic labour he
was singularly qualified by his prudence, courage, and
manly presence. His compassion likewise extended to
the Glasgow prison. His journal of June, 1818, contains
the following recital of events in that awful mansion of
sin and misery : " On the evening of the 2nd, till five
o'clock on the rooming of the t3rd, I continued, with
IX others, in the company of Baird and Blair, two
young men under sentence of death, imprisoned in the
tolbooth of this city, who were executed on the 3rd,
for highway robbery. When we went in we found
Baird reading his Bible, and Blair writing; on our
entering the room they instantly arose, and shook hands
with those who had formerly visited them, and ap-
peared g iad at our arrival. They took their seats ; Blair
returned to his writing, as one of the gentlemen re-
quested him to finish what he was engaged in, and

MEMOIR OP

!',.!l

I '••',

1 1

then we would enjoy his conversation. Mr. Smith,
having taken his seat beside the iron grate which sepa-
rated the prisoners from us, began a familiar Christian
conversation, to which Baird gave particular attention,
and occasionally read his Bible. Blair continuing long
writing, we invited him to draw his chair near and
converse a little. We then asked them if they found
any passage which afforded them consolation. Blair
said they did. We asked them what their prospects
were. They stated, that they had been great sinners,
but hoped for mercy. We inquired through what
channel they expected it. They said that Jesus had
died for sinners, and that for his sake they hoped God
would have mercy upon them. After several questions
of a similar nature, we asked if they had any objection
that we should engage in praise and prayer. They
expressed their concurrence. * * * I stood up ; my
mind was much perplexed ; but having requested of my
heavenly Father the outpouring of the Spirit of grace
and of supplication upon me, I was enabled to make
known my request to the Hearer and Answerer of prayer.
Truly it was a solemn season. After prayer, we desired
Blair to fnish what he had been engaged in. Mr. Leslie
again began the conversation, and Baird acted as for-
merly. Blair having finished his letter, Mr. Kirkwood
asked him if he had written what Baird and he had been
talking of formerly ; Blair, supposing it to be respecting
the means by which they came by the pistols, said he
had not, neither did he intend it, as anything that he
might write respecting it, he was sure would be pub-
lished, and he did not wish that. Mr. Kirkwood, how-
ever, seeing that he did not understand him, asked Baird
if he had told Blair ; he answered. No. Mr. Kirkwood,

DAVID NASMITH.

conceiving it to be a matter of great importance, wished
them to make it known, that such a character might be
detected, and such schemes prevented, that others might
not be caught in the same dangerous net. Baird then
told Blair, and Blair wrote it, to which Baird signed his
name. Mr. Kirk wood considering it not altogether
prudent to read it, two town-officers being present with
us all night, deferred speaking of it till we went out.
Blair wishing to write his mother, Mr. Kirkwood thought
it best to do it in the fore-part of the night, before they
got heavy ; previous to which, however, Mr. Li^slie
proposed reading some passages of Scripture, and en-
gaging in praise and prayer, which was done. Mr. Leslie
officiated — read, at their own request, a portion which
Baird had been reading — sung also, at the request of
Blair, in the Scripture translation ; after which, Mr.
Leslie offered up a most suitable prayer. After the
first prayer, Mr. Robertson, my dear companion, became
sick and very unwell. I went out with him ; when we
got a little wine and water, which he drank, after
walking round the jail twice and feeling himself but little
better, I accompanied him home, and then returned to
the prison. Mr. Leslie having finished prayer, Blair
began to write a letter to his mother, when we again
resumed our conversation, Baird listening and reading
his Bible alternately. After spending a considerable
time in conversation upon various important subjects of
Scripture, I hinted to Mr. Leslie that as I conceived
the time to be so very valuable, and especially to the
two young men, that somewhat of a more particular
nature should be entered upon, and that they should be
invited to join. Blair was accordingly requested to
delay the finishing of his letter till we departed, which

MEMOIR OP

11 'II I

i| I

' 'I

he instantly did ; when Mr. Leslie put several questions
to them, which Blair answered distinctly, but in such a
way as led us to fear that he remained ignorant of the
nature of salvation. Baird spoke none, except when a
question was put directly to him, and even then his
answer was just — yes, or no.

" We thought it proper to leave them for a time to their
own reflection ; we therefore took a walk in the Green,
when Mr. Kirkwood gave us the substance of the paper
which he had received from Blair, which gave an account
of the way in which Baird was at first seduced from the
path of virtue, by his coming into contact with a man
who invited him to his house on the sabbaths, where
they spent that blessed day, sacred to the memory of the
exalted Redeemer, in drinking. The man pretending
to be his friend, wished him not to go into bad company,
but always to come to him, and brought into the house
prostitutes, with whom they spent the sabbath. This
monster of iniquity, in order that the young man might
be able to answer his uncle, who made it a point to take
from him at night the texts which he had heard preached
from through the day, put portions of the sacred volume
into his mouth, and thus led him in the most effectual
manner to the commission of the most aggravated
crime. From keeping company with this man, he took
from his uncle, at sundry times, to the amount of two
hundred pounds." Let young men ponder these factf.
Here is the usual course ; sabbath profanation, drunk-
enness, debauchery, falsehood, theft, robbery, appre-
hension, condemnation, the gibbet!

During the same year, David records the history of a
poor negro female, which forms a beautiful contrast to
that of Baird and Blair. This touching narrative was

DAVID NASMITH.

left among his papers, drawn up in the form of a tract,
apparently with an intentior to print it. The title
prefixed is, " Mary Watt ; or, The Happy Negro." David,
modestly intending to conceal his own name, it will
be seen, speaks of himself, throughout, in the third
person.

" In the year 1818," says he, " a young man, whose
heart bled for the state of the heathen, whilst surrounded
with difficulties on every hand, and seeing no opening
in Providence for his being sent forth to tell the children
of Ham of the great salvation, was busily employed in
his lawful calling, when a descendant of that tribe was
sent to his door to ask for employment. He invited her
in, questioned her, and, being satisfied, gave her a piece
of muslin to sew, took her address, and upon the day
following, called at her lodgings. In conversation, he
discovered that she was about thirty- two years of age, —
that she was married, — that her husband, \ ho was a
> man of colour, was at sea, — that before marriage, while
yet in her own country, she had had two children, one
of whom was married and had a child, — that she could
not read, but was willing to learn, yet, being poor,
could not pay for instruction. When asked if she went
to church, she replied, ' Yes, me go to church three times
every Sunday.' * Does the minister tell you that your
heart is bad, and that before you can get to heaven you
must become a new creature V * No ! no ! my heart be
good, good. Me never lie, steal, swear, cheat, nor fight
with my husband.' * Well, Mary, if your heart be
good, it was net always so, for God says, The heart of
man is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.
What do you know about Jesus Christ, for he it is who
gives the new heart and the right spirit V * Me know

MEMOIR OF

i'l

nothing 'bout him.' * What, Mary, did you never, in
attending church three times every sabbath, hear of the
great love that God had to poor sinners, in sending his
dear Son into the world to die for them V ' No, me
never hear of him ; never hear of Jesus ; no, me do'nt
know him.' * My minister tells me a great deal about
this Saviour, who was called Jesus, because he was to
save his people from their sin ; and, were you able to
read the Bible, you would find a great deal in it about
him. Perhaps you will come next sabbath, and hear
what my minister has to say about him.' Mary promised
to come, but did not fulfil her promise. Ker friend,
which was the name by which she afterwards tailed the
young man, called repeatedly — six times — upon Mary,
and ultimately succeeded, not only in getting her to
attend church, and occupy a seat where he sees her regu-
larly, but also prevailed upon her to attend his sabbath-
evening school. He likewise sent her, at his expense,
to an adult school, every week evening, to learn to read.
Upon all these places she became a regular attendant.
In the sabbath-school she received, for some time, a
small card weekly, with a verse of Scripture printed
upon it, which she committed to memory, and repeated
regularly ; this she did by getting her neighbours to read
it to her. A long time did not elapse till she expressed
a lesire to learn four verses weekly of a psalm, with the
youngest class ; and, making some progress in learning
to read, her friend, by way of encouragement, got her
a large printed New Testament. This she was greatly
pleased with, and wished permission to join the next
class, whose exercise was six verses in the Gospel of
Matthew weekly. After a time she joined a higher class,
and repeated with them nine verses from the Gospel by

DAVID ..'ASMITH.

3ver, m
r of the
ding liis
No, me
ne do'nt
al about
3 was to
able to
it about
nd hear
►romised
r friend,
illed the
n Mary,
f her to
ler regu-
sabbath-
ixpense,
to read,
tendant.
time, a
printed
repeated
3 to read
cpressed
with the
learning
got her
greatly
he next
ospel of
ler class,
ospel by

John every night ; and, ultimately, she sought and ob-
tained permission to join the senior class, in proving
doctrines.

** Although dull In comprehending what was said to
her, Mary was a regular and attentive scholar. Except
through indisposition, her seat in chapel or school was
never empty. She was, in the providence of God, two
or three times brought low by affliction, and gave
pleasing evidence that a work of grace had been begun
in her heart. She, at length, modestly signified to her
friend a desire to join the church ; and he having fre-
quently conversed with her on the importance of the
step, apprised her that the church was a community of
tlie friends of Jesus, and that none but such as gave
decided evidence of love to him had a right to a place
amongst them, and introduced her to his minister, who,
after conversing with her, and being satisfied — so far
as he could understand what she said — that she had been
born again by the incorruptible seed of the word, men-
tioned her name to the church. She was then visited
by two brethren, appointed to converse with her, who
reported favourably, and, no objection having been
made, Mary Watt was enrolled amongst the family of
Jesus on earth, with the humble hope that Jesus had
previously received her into his fold, and appointed her
a place in this green pasture and beside these still
waters.

** After this step had been taken, Mary's husband, who
had been absent at sea, returned home ; and having saved
a little money, did her much good by providing her with
a number of articles of wearing apparel, o.^ which she
stood much in need. The change which had taken
place upon his wife was not unnoticed, nor did it pass

MEMOIll OP

unacknowledged by him. A day had scarcely elapsed
before she brought him to her friend, to whom, in a
very polite manner, he expressed his obligation for the
kindness shown to his partner. Being invited to ac-
company his wife to chapel and school, he did so regu-
larly for some weeks. Mary, deeply anxious for his
welfare, procured a small spelling-book, and began to
teach her husband the letters. Money became scarcer,
and latterly he did not make the best use of it ; and
then he showed unkindness to her ; coming in, as she
told a young lady, one day, in a state of intoxication,
he began, as in time past, to beat her ; but she, instead
of returning the blows, as she had been wont to do,
tapping him on the shoulder, affectionately said, 'You
no do that; me your wife;' he forbore. He shortly
afterwards went to sea again, but could not leave his
Mary till he got his master to promise that five shillings
a-week should be paid to her at stated periods, to be
deducted from his wages. After a time he left the ser-
vice of the master that he had gone out with, and from
this time Mary's supply was cut off. She was again
rendered, in a great measure, dependent on her own
exertions for a maintenance. But even now Providence
appeared for her ; the individual who had brought her
husband to this country, was so kind as to pay the rent
of Mary's small apartment, which was a great assistance
to her. Her swarthy frame was very tender and deli-
cate, and it was with difficulty she could labour for her
support ; but in her deepest distress Mary was a strik-
ing example of peace and contentment. Her fiiend
calling one day upon her when she was very poorly,
asked if she required anything. * No,' she replied.
Her modesty was extreme. Upon further inquiry he

'■V.

DAVID NA8M1TH.

y elapsed
horn, in a
3n for the
ted to ac-
d so regii-
is for his

began to
le scarcer,
if it ; and
a, as she
oxication,
e, instead
nt to do,
lid, 'You
[e shortly
leave his
3 shillings
3ds, to be
ft the ser-

and from
vas again

her own
rovidence
lught her
{ the rent
assistance
and deli-
ir for her
i a strik-
er friend
y poorly,
: replied,
quiry he

found that she had not a farthing. She had given her
last sixpence to the doctor for a blister, and owed him
eighteen-pence for a bottle of medicine she had received
for her cough. This, she said, was the only sum she
owed. On being asked what she was able to take,
* Very little, if any thing,' was the reply ; and she
added, * a kind friend has promised to send me a little
wine to-morrow.' * What do you prefer for breakfast V
Her answer was, * When I can get it, I take a little
coffee ; and when not, a little water-gruel.' * Are not
you fond of tea V Smiling, she made no reply, inti-
mating that tea was what she could seldom come at.
Calling upon her on a sabbath evening, after she had
been confined to her room, and mostly to her bed, for
'wo weeks, he found her a little better. She said no
pv rson had called that day, and having no water she
had received strength of Jesus to go down two pair
stairs and bring up a jugful. Upon getting up she
had been very faint, but taking a little of her cold
water, she recruited. I said, * Why did you not ask
some neighbour to do it for you ?' * No,* she replied,
' I could not ask them to do anything on the sabbath
day : me think it to be kept holy.' I asked was she
not ver r dull in the house alone, no one to minister to
her necessities ? ' No,' she said, ' I have always the
presence of my best friend, Jesus, and I am happy.'
Some of her kind neighbours, she said, had called in,
and offered to sit with her during the night, but, thank-
ing them for their kindness, she declined accepting their
services. When she became so very poorly, she said
she would not trouble her friends, but apply for admis-
sion into the Infirmary. On being asked how she had
enjoyed the sabbath in her solitary confinement, she

» i

MEMOIR OP

replied, * IIa])py ! happy !' * How have you spent
your time V 'In reading my Testament.' * What were
you reading of ?' * I was reading of God so loving the
world as to send his Son into it, that whosoever be-
lieveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. This make me glad; and Jesus say. Let not your
heart be troubled : ye believe in God, believe also in
me. In my Father's house are many mansions ; I go to
prepare a place for you. Me be very happy in reading
this.' At another time, when unable to read, she
seemed to enjoy great comfort from the Holy Spirit
taking the things of Jesus which she had committed to
memory, and showing them to her soul. Her patience
under severe suffering was great. She was never heard
to murmur. She would say, * I great sinner ; my heart
be bad. bad !' At the same time there was a delightful
smile always on Mary's countenance, which bespoke
peace and joy within, and rendered her condition truly
enviable. ; ;

" When invited by a lady to come to her house for
a time, and assist by doing what she could among the
children, she went ; but the lady asking her to clean
knives upon the sabbath day, and to do other things
which Mary thought were not works of necessity, she
left her employment.

" For the space of, perhaps ten years, Mary, on
every Lord's day, when her health permitted, came and
sat in my seat, when we commemorated the dying love
of our Lord and Saviour, in expectation of sitting to-
gether, after a little while, at his table in heaven, where
there is neither bond nor free, and the distinctions now
made by man will be for ever unknown. During this
period Mary was enabled, through grace given her, to

DAVID NA8MITH.

adorn tlie doctrines of God our Saviour by a walic and
conversation becoming the gospel. She was a very
happy Christian ; and altliough very poor, and often in
great affliction tuid suffering, she was never lieard to
breathe a complaint. Her large Testament was her
constant delight ; more especially did she feed upon the
words of the Lord Jesus in the 14th, 15th, and IGth
chapters of John.

" When freedom was granted to the slaves, Mary re-
turned to the West Indies, carrying with her Bibles,
Testaments, and tracts, for the use of her sable bre-
thren and sisters ; and there she spends her time and
strength in telling of the great salvation she has
found, while she invites all to taste and see that God is
good.

" Reader ! Is Mary's Saviour yours ? If not, come
to him now. He waits to forgive you. If he is, do
make him known to the whole world as you have oppor-
tunity."

Such are the facts of this affecting story, and it may
be questioned whether the religious biography of the
present age supplies a single instance of a youth, in his
nineteenth year, acting a part in all points so truly
admirable. Here we read his character in his actions.
What prudence, patience, perseverance, humility, kind-
ness, and sincerity, are here indicated ! This narrative
alone demonstrates that David Nasmith would have been
a foremost man even among that glorious band of youth-
ful brethren, the Oxford Methodists. He had the zeal
of Whitefield, and the wisdom of Wesley ; he had all
their devotion, with a more correct apprehension of the
gospel of mercy than was enjoyed by them at the outset

ME?,IOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

of their mighty career. David's religion was more
scriptural, his conduct more rational ; there v^as nothing
monkish in his habits, or superstitious in his spirit. His
case, as compared with theirs, most forcibly illustrates
the importance to youthful converts of intelligent
Christian society, and of an enlightened and expository
ministration of the word of God. •

CHAPTER III.

Address to William M'Gavin — Tragical narrative — Reflections.

TO WILLIAM M GAVIN, AUTHOR OF "THE
PROTESTANT."

Sir, — As a leading officer of the church in Nile-street,
and as president of a number of the principal religious
societies of the city of Glasgow, no man enjoyed more
abundant means than you of forming a proper estimate
of the character of David Nasmith, and that estimate
was formally pronounced by you on April 19, 1828, in
the following words : "I have had the pleasure of being
acquainted with Mr. David Nasmith for many years. I
can certify that his private character as a Christian is
not only without blame, but exemplary, particularly in
respect of zeal for the instruction of youth in religious
knowledge. In his public character as superintendent
of the Religious Institution House, he has acquitted
himself in a manner highly satisfactory. By method and
skilful arrangement of the multifarious business of his
office, he found means to accomplish more work than
could be reasonably expected of one man. In common
with many others, I regret that the state of his health
requires his retirement from that laborious office."

The last chapter illustrates an attribute on which
M'Gavin has laid special stress — the zeal of David's piety;

I y

MEMOIR OP

II l;f

!iii;
illiji

\':i\

■

i!ii,; 1

he will now be presented in a light which will ;trongly
exemplify the zeal of his friendship. The close of the
year 1818 was marked by an event of the most afflictive
character, which is thus recorded in his journal of De-
cember : " Mr. J. A 's brother waited upon me this

evening, at eight o'clock, when he told me that his
brother seemed very much troubled in his mind, and
wished me to call upon him. Instead of going to the
class, I went with Mr. William. When I entered the
room, he looked very wild-like at me, and after I had
sat a little, he said, * I am lost now ! Satan has got pos-
session of my heart.' Astonished at such language,
I inquired at his father, who was present, if he knew
any cause of this. He told me that from the increase of
business they had for some time past, he had run behind
with his books ; and he seemed to think he had wronged
his partner in forgetting to mark down an account of
£12 10s., for which he had received payment from
W. B. and Co. ; and that he had wronged a man of a
bundle of yarn, which he had, in the hurry of removing,
marked down in his own favour ; and that to his brother
he attributed everything he had done for three weeks
past to have been performed from bad motives. After
getting some hints of this kind from his father, I re-
quested him and William to retire, as we would be more
free alone, which they did.

" I asked him what was the cause of this melancholy,
and observed that I did not think the Lord had any plea-
sure in his being in such a state. He replied, ' Oh ! I
have sold my soul for money.' I asked what he meant
by such an expression. He gave no answer. I under-
stood from his brother afterwards, that when engaged in
prayer the night before, he thought he heard Satan say.

DAVID NASMITH.

* Give him thirty shillings for his soul.* He slept none
for three nights, always supposing there were evil spirits
in the room with him ; and on one occasion he thought
he was in hell : and one * *, who was executed in front
of the jail ahout twenty months ago, with whom he had
been intimate when a child, came to him, and asked how
they had both come to the same place at last, when their
lives w»^re so different. He said that he was lost now.
I said, he ought not to speak that way ; and reminded
him that the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth
from all sin. He said, *Ah! I have despised that
blood ; and God is now saying to me, *' I called, and ye
refused," &c.' I told him that these words were not
addressed to him, and told him, that instead of this,
^ . 1 was now saying to him, * Though your sins be as

* Jet,' &c., and spake to him of the remonstrance which
God addressed to him, * Why will ye die ? As I live,
saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of a
sinner, but rather that he should turn from his ways
and live.' I asked if Jesus had ever told a lie ; he
said, * Ah ! no.' When I gave him his invitation,

* Come unto me, ye that labour and are heavy laden,
as if this was not his situation, he said, * Yes ; but these
words are not to me.' I told him they were exactly
suited to him ; and warned him to take care and not
refuse what God wished to impart ; that he ought not
to deny the heavenly messenger admittance ; that, if he
would only accept of the offer presented, how happy he
would be ; and asked if he was willing to go to Christ.
He said, * Yes, but he will not receive me, for I have
despised him.' I asked if he knew how to come to
Jesus ; he said, * By the influence of the Holy Spirit,' or
some expression similar, which implied the necessity of

lilii.i:

MEMOIR OP

!. ■ ;|1''

;l ,'i ■

his operation. T asked him, * How, then, are you to ge t
the Holy Spirit ?' He said, * By prayer.' I asked him
if he had any objection that we should go together and
plead the influence of the Spirit ; he said, ' No.' His
brother came into the room, when I said, * Here is ano-
ther poor sinner : we had better all go together. Have
you any objection that he go with us V He said he had
none. When we ail kneeled down and engaged in
prayer, he was a great deal duller of hearing than usual,
which caused me to extend my voice to a very high
pitch. After prayer, his partner, Mr. M., came in, when
we had a little supper. I proposed we should sit up
with him, in order that he might get some sleep, as he
stood much in need of it. Mr. M. and I accordingly
cigreed to sit up that night. After supper we retired to
his room, when he went to bed. I sat till three o'clock,
when his brother rose, and sat with Mr. M., when I re-
tired. He slept well ; and before he went to sleep, he
requested me to engage in prayer and praise. I read
also a chapter.

" Friday, called at nine o'clock in the evening; he
was very dull, and had not spoken to any one for some
time. When they told him that Mr. Leslie and I were
up stairs, he seemed to pay no attention ; and it was
with difficulty they got him up. He would not speak.
I got an answer to only one or two questions. He went
to bed. It was proposed that some should sit up with
him ; when his brother and Mr. Meikle agreed to do so.
Mr. Leslie and I promised to come at three o'clock,
and let them retire. We accordingly did so ; he had
slept well during the former part of the night, and
likewise in the morning. Mr. Leslie and I had most
delightful, profitable, and refreshing conversation upon

DAVID NASMITH.

you to ge t
asked him
^ether and
No.' His
ere is anc-
ler. Have
aid he had
engaged in
than usual,
very high
le in, when
uld sit up
leep, as he
iccordingly
J retired to
•ee o'clock,
«rhen I re-
o sleep, he
e. I read

ening; he

for some

md I were

,nd it was

lot speak.

He went

it up with

i to do so.

e o'clock,

he had

ight, and

had most

tion upon

various subjects, especially upon the great and glorious
change which the Christian experiences on entering into
heaven at death. He is a very heavenly-minded young
man. He left me at seven o'clock ; about half-past
seven, Mr. James awoke, got up, and put on his clothes.
He answered me quite distinctly any questions which I
put to him ; and seemed to be much the better for his
sleep. I said, * You have got good rest.' As if he did
not think so, he said, * Did I V When he had put on
his clothes, I observed him examining his pockets, and
in them he seemed to have a number of keys. He sat
down by the foot of the b^d, and, taking up a knife
which lay beside him, he cut a small bit of cheese and
ate it. I went and awoke his brother about a quarter
before eight o'clock, that he might be with him when
I went to the warehouse. I had received the night pre-
ceding two letters from two of my scholars, containing
some conversations they had had with Agnes Tait,
which I thought would give him pleasure. I presented
them to him ; he took them out of my hand, and, after
reading the direction, he returned them to me. I
wished him to keep and read them through the day ; he
would not do it. By this time his brother came in, and
we parted at five minutes from eight o'clock. At eleven,
William and Mr. Leslie called upon me, and stated that
upon my leaving them in the morning, they were pre-
paring to take a walk in the Green, when Tames said to
William, * Step down, and I'll be with you immediately ;'
William did so, and after remaining about three minutes,
he returned and said, ' Are you coming, James ? I am
wearying for you.' He replied, * Just step down,
William ; I'll be with you in -diately.* After remain-
ing a few minutes, he heard something dropping on the

MEMOIR OF

'in
iii i>

ii Pi

III!'

!M I

''!'•. i'

floor. At first he was not moved ; but hearing it con-
tinue, he became alarmed, and rushii.g up, and opening
the door, found that he had cut his throat with his pen-
knife. He ran down and told his father to come up as
quickly as he could, as James had cut himself a little.
P^ Watson was sent for, being the nearest surgeon ; he
c -e, but would do nothing till an experienced person
was called. Dr. M'Leod was sent for, but he was not to
be found. Dr. Perrie was then got ; and by the time
Dr. P. entered. Dr. M*Leod had received notice, and
immediately followed him. I repaired at half-past eleven
o'clock, noon, to his house, where I saw him stretched
on his bed with his throat deeply cut ; his father was
beyond him in the bed holding a candle to the surgeons,
whilst they, by means of a sponge dipped in warm water,
were removing th(: blood, and sewing the arteries.
Taking the candle from his father, I held it, when he
seized me by the hand, and looking in my face, shook
his head, unable to speak. Whilst I remained, they
sewed three of the arteries ; but having stopped too
long, as business required me, I left him at ten minutes
past twelve. I took Drs. Perrie and W atson aside, and
asked them if they thought there was any probability of
his recovery ; they told me there was very little. I sent
a note at two, requesting to know how he was. I
received an answer stating, that they had got all the
arteries stopped, and were sewing up the wound. Mr.
William called on me at three o'clock, requesting that,
instead of going home at four, I would call down and
see his brother, as he was lying quiet, and desirous of
seeing me. I went down, and as I entered the room he
fixed his eyes upon me ; and when I drew near his bed-
side, he held out his hand to receive mine, which when

DAVID NASMITH.

ng it con-
d opening
1 his pen-
3me up as
If a little,
geon ; he
ed person
v&s not to
the time
)tice. and
1st eleven
stretched
ither w^as
surgeons,
m water,
arteries,
when he
, shook
ed, they
pped too
minutes
ide, and
bility of
I sent
was. I
all the
^. Mr.
ng that,
wn and
irous of
oom he
lis bed-
h when

I gave him, he pulled me near, and said, ' Ah, Mr.
Nasmith! you see what sin has ))rought upon me,' or
* brought me to,' (I am not certain which.) He was very
dull of hearing, so much so that when I spoke I had to
put my mouth quite close to his ear ; his father sat by
his bed-side with a towel, wipiuR- away the defluxion
which ran from his mouth, occasioned by a violent cough,
from which, with the opinions I had received from the
surgeons, in the former part of the day, I felt in my
own mind a degree of certainty that he could not survive
long ; and therefore considered it my duty to embrace
the opportunity of speaking to him, although I was
sensible that every attempt in him to speak was an
aggravation of the wound. The first thing, accordingly,
that I said, was, that he must avoid speaking as much
as he could. His father having given me his seat, I
began to speak to him : but he manifested uneasiness
from his not hearing what I said ; then, standing up, I
said, * Though you have been a great sinner, and this
day added an awful crime to your former sins, yet,
remember the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleans -
eth from all sin.' Shaking his head, he said, * I have
despised that blood.' I reminded him of God's unwil-
lingness that any poor sinner should die. * Why will ye
die ? why will ye die ?' * Though your sins be as scarlet,
I will make them as snow,' &c. * Come unto me, all ye,'
&c., with other passages, I quoted and applied, and read
to him the 21st chapter of Revelation, fitting part of
that verse which begins with, ' But the fearful and un-
believing ;* I mentioned these two words, which seemed
much to agitate his mind: but being afraid of it, I
swiftly read them over, and dwelt upon such passages
as were of a comforting nature ; and, in connexion with

'•N:,

MEMOIR OP

ii'i

•I:

1^'^ ■ m^\

that chapter, I read part of thf, last ; * T, Jesus, send

mine angel to testify these things unto you;' ' the Spirit

and the Bride say, come,* &c. Bel'ore I read the

chapter, he requested me to engage in prayer, which I

did ; the cough, which had continued from the time he

committed the deed, ceased so soon as we began prayer,

and during the whole time he was not once heard to

cough. All present, Vvith myself, were astonished, and

one said, * The Lord is not only a prayer-hearing but a

prayer-answering God.' T asked if he would like us to

sing a few verses : he said, * Yes.' I said that if we did

so he must not attempt to open his lips to join us, but

join with the words. Three verses of the 51st Psalm

were read out, and sung by us. He seemed not to

attempt it, at which 1 felt comfortable. We began

with

* All mine iniquities blot out,' &c.

After this he said, * Pray longer,' when we again joined
in praise to God. When I would attempt to move he
said, * You must not leave me,' and whilst I remained,
he would not allow me to leave the room. At five
o'clock I told him that I was obliged to leave him. He
bade me farewell ; and, as I left the room he called to
me, * Be sure and call upon my father and mother.' I
left him never to see him again till we meet to part no
more. I called three times at the house during the
evening ; he had repeatedly called for me. When at
five o'clock I left him, I was completely done up, having
continued almost the whole hour extending my voice to
a very high pitch. At nine, I saw Dr. Watson, who
told me that he was much worse, and he did not think
he would survive long.

" Sabbath. — Called this morning at half-past nine.

DAVID NASMITH.

with Messrs. Fiaser and Leslie, after we left the meet-
iug;, at which I was unable to attend my duty. We
found William, who told us that his brother died on
the preceding evening, at a quarter before eleven. Mr.
Fraser said we had come to * sorrow not as those who
had no hope,' and mentioned the temptation in Para-
dise, and thai, of Christ himself, and from these drew
some suitable reflections which did honour to the aged
saint. — Called between sermons upon the parents, both
of whom were much overcome. We conversed upon
this mysterious dispensation of Providence, and I en-
deavoured to impress upon their minds, and upon my
own at the same time, the very loud call it was to us to
watch forasmuch as we knew not the day nor the hour
when the Son of man cometh ; and to watch and pray
lest we enter into temptation. Mr. Leslie engaged in
prayer.

" Tuesday. — This day, attended at two o'clock the
funeral ; in proceeding to the grave, I said to Mr.
M'Crie, * We have lost our friend.' He replied, ' Only
for a little ; we will soon meet again.' On Thursday he
said, ' His lamp was put out ; his reason was leaving
him ; for three nights before that, he had slept none, —
always supposing there were evil spirits in the room
with him.' On Thursday, he requested his sister to
seek God, and his mother, after he did the deed, to
seek Jesus earnestly. When his mother asked what he
would say to his sister in Hamilton, when she heard of
it, he replied, * Tell her to mak) her calling and elec-
tion sure.'

" How mysterious are the dispensations of Divine
Providence ! Here terminated in an awfully solemn
manner the earthly career of a young man whose me-

MEMOIR OP DAVII) NASMITH.

mory is most dear to those who knew him best ; whose
zeal for the glory of God in the salvation of sinners,
burnt stronpf ; but at all times was it wonderfully dis-
played on behalf of his father, mother, sisters, brothers,
and all connected with himself or them."

This affecting narrative furnishes a fair exf.mple of
the discretion, fidelity, and zeal with which the youthful
Nasmith served his friends. Few men ever equalled
him, in the power of securing attachment to his person,
and of commanding confidence in his character. These
were the necessary and uniform results of knowing him.
His gravity and sagacity, notwithstanding his youth,
were such as to give him a high ascendancy even among
men who had numbered thrice his years.

;st; whose
of sinners,
jrfully dis-
i, brothers,

(XP.mple of
le youthful
T equalled
his person,
er. These
owing him.
his youth,
iven among

CHAPTER IV.

Address to the Rev. H. Heugh, D,D., Glasgow — An impn.dent attach-
mert— Struggles for freedom— Spirit of devotion— Complains of the
power of sin — Remarkable emotions under a sermon— Strong warfare
— Perils of idolatry — His bond&ge and self-condemnation — His happy
deliverance — Domestic trials — Fraternal prayer.

TO THE REV. H. HEUGH, D.D., GLASGOW.

Sir, — As a minister of another community than that
to which David Nasinith belonged, especial importance
attaches to your testimony concerning him, dated April
28th, 1828, and thus expressed : — " Mr. David Nas-
mith, of the Religious and Charitable Institution House,
in this city, has been well known to me for some years.
I know him to be a person of decided and ardent piety,
of affectionate temper, and modest manners, and highly
exemplary conduct. For ardent and well directed zeal
for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ; for
habits of systematic order and accuracy in conducting
the affairs of religious institutions ; for unwearied pa-
tience, self-possession, and assiduity, in the midst of
multifarious, minute, and often teasing details of busi-
ness, I have known few, if any, who could equal him.
I consider his removal from our public institutions a
serious loss ; and I am sure I express the sentiments of
all who know Mr. Nasmith, when I say, that I regard
him as a treasure to any individual or society in whose
employment he may be occupied. I shall always think
of him with affectionate esteem ; and my best wishes
shall not cease to follow him."

Mr.MOIll OP

:lil!i

TwR year 1818 nmkos a ronsidcrahli" i\<*nYv in Davi»l's
joiinuil. Aiuoiif? otlu'i* I'Vcnts, it witiussi'd the develop-
lucnt of a new adl'ctioii whicli, on iiis part, was attended
witli not a little mental eonfliet. While this attach-
ment, which was prematnro and imprndent, ended in
disappointment, it yet snpplies an illustration, at once
new and beautiful, of his Christian character, and a
lesson of importance to younu; men similarly situated.

On the iJOth of April, he thus poured out his soul :
" I feel my mind very unsettled. O Thou who art fairer
than the sons of men, whose excellency no tongue can
describe, nor heart conceive, whose love is unchangeable ;
iill lip this heart of mine with a sense of thy presence,
with the glory of thy person and character! I have
been much distressed with love to one in whom I sec
nuich of the fruit of the Spirit, whose humility, sclf-
deniedness, zeal and love to the souls of sinners, have
won this poor unstable heart of mine. O that I may
be enabled better to watch it, for truly the heart is
deceitful above all things! This person excels all of
her sex, in irly estimation, with Christian accomplish-
ments, that I have ever seen ! but oh ! what is there in
her like what I know to be in Christ ? Would that
by faith I saw his excellence, as by sight I see hers !
Again do I put a blank into thy hand, O Lord ; thou
hast hitherto made all things to work together for my
good. Continue to do so, and to thy name be all the
praise."

On the following day. May the 1st, he obviously
returns to the subject of this painful struggle, and
seeks deliverance in the following strain of elevated
devotion : " I have this day been tossed with busi-
ness; my mind completely taken up with the things

DAVID NASMITII.

' in DaviJ's
the (U'vclop-
vns attoiuU'd
this attacli-
jt, ended in
ion, «t once
icter, nnd a
f situated,
lut liis soul :
lio art fairer
tongue can
ichangeable ;
\\y presence,
er ! I have
wlioni 1 sec
imility, self-
inners, have
tlmt I may
lie heart is
xcels all of
acconiplish-
is there in
ould that
I see hers !
Lord; thou
her for my
be all the

obviously
[•uggle, and

)f elevated
I with busi-

the things

of a passing world. Strange to think that after expc-
ri( iicing the fuWihnent of that gracious promise, in
prayer, this morning, ' Open thy numth wide and I
will fill it,' my mind should now be so earnest, and tiuit
I should seek joy from earth, where nothing but briers
and thorns spring ! O for the experience of more of
that grace in the heart for which 1 was this morning
pleading, that my affections may be set upon things
above, where Christ sittcth on the right hand of God !
How refreshing the manifestation of J)i . ine love through
the influence of him who taketh of the things of Jesus
and showeth them unto our souls! O tlr t 1 corld ever,
ever say, ' Thy will be done !' Do I place all my trus
in Jesus for eternity, and shall I not trust him for tlie
moment of time ? Surely thou knowest, O L uJ what
is best for me. Give me only what I need, neither
poverty nor riches, lest being poor 1 be tempted to
steal, and rich, have my heart withdrawn from thee."

Three days subsequently, he gave vent to the feelings
of his heart in terms strongly expressive of anguish.
He felt that this foolish passion had taken a hold upon
his mind incomi)atible with the duties which he owed
to the God of his salvation. Under this feeling, he
exclaims, "I am n poor, poor, poor is; 11-deserving sin-
ner ! Oh ! what a desperately wicked and deceitful
heart I have, filled with sin, and love to a sinful worm !
O Lord Jesus, humble me, for I feel notwithstanding
the excellency of thy character, and all thy goodness to
me, that I am ensnared with love to one of thy children ;
that I find little room in my heart for thee who alone
oughtest to fill it ! Oh ! wean my affection from the
creature ! Take away mine iniquity, and receive me
graciously. Cause me again to enjoy the light of thy

MEMOIR OF

m
I Mr

i- 'i';'

countenance. Wash me and I shall be clean ; cleanse
me and I shall be whiter than the snow !"

In the entry of the next day, May the 5th, we find
him dealing thus closely with himself. " I am this day
one of the most inconsistent beings. God has spared
me now these nineteen years ; Jesus shed his blood for
lost sinners like me ; the Holy Spirit is offered to sinners
lost and dead in sin like me ; and the holy Scriptures
say time is short; and I, with all the indifference of
one who has time at his own disposal, as if he needed
not the mercy of the Most High, dare to continue in
the abuse of God's invaluable blessing, time, in a variety
of ways ! How much more sleep do I take than is
actually necessary for refreshing the body, by which
many times I lose communion with God in the morning,
the most precious season ! How many hours in the
week do I lose by not improving each moment as it
flies ! How much time do I spend in taking food, which
might be spent to advantage otherwise, either in self-
examination before God, or in the improvement of
those faculties with which he has blessed me ! How
awfully criminal am I in indulging in unlawful conver-
sation, when my mind might be occupied with heavenly
and eternal things ! Oh ! how have I restrained prayer
before God ! How few heart aspirations have been re-
corded in the books of heaven from me ! And what is
the consequence ? Moving along from day to day with-
out those comfortable experiences of pardon, of peace,
and of reconciliation. Set a watch over me, O Lord ;
lead and keep me in the way. Many are mine enemies
who watch for my halting. O for more decision in the
ways of the Lord, and for grace to advance in my jour-
ney Zionward !"

DAVID NASMITH.

m ; cleanse

ith, we find

am this day

has spared

s blood for

id to sinners

r Scriptures

ifference of

' he needed

continue in

in a variety

ike than is

, by which

le morning,

lurs in the

)ment as it

food, which

ler in self-

>vement of

ne ! How

111 conver-

heavenlv

ned prayer

been re-

id what is

day with-

of peace,

O Lord ;

e enemies

ion in the

my jour-

In this way David went on during the summer months,
and, probably, at no period of his existence did he ever
endure so much inward conflict. Never did he more
fully realize the truth of the apostolic declaration, '* I
know that in me, (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good
thing ; for to will is present with me ; but how to per-
form that which is good I find not. For the good tliat
I would, I do not ; but the evil which I would not, that
I do. I find a lavv, that, when I would do good, evil is
present with me. For I delight in the law of God
after the inward man ; but I see another law in my
members, warring against the law of my mind, and
bringing me into captivity to the law of sin. O wretched
man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body
of this death?" On the 17th of August he thus wrote
in the bitterness of his heart : " I this day find that,
unless I lose a right eye, I must for ever perish ! That
darling lust which has so long prevailed over me, must
be mortified ; the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh
has been my greatest ruin. Though I have been re-
strained from actual transgression, I have often com-
mitted sin in my heart ; so that from the frequency of
its commission I now find it has taken deep root, and
will bring me to death, unless speedily consumed! O
thou Holy Spirit, whose influence is compared to fire,
even to a flame of fire, do thou utterly consume the
power of sin within me ! Do thou apply the all-cleans-
ing blood of my Saviour to my guilty conscience, and
do thou dwell within me, and make me altogether what
thou wouldst have me to be ! May thy will be mine !
May I be made to hate sin with a perfect hatred ! Make
me to see it as exhibited on Calvary, and every tempta-
tion as calling again to crucify the Lord of glory !"

MEMOIR OF

:l 1:

Such was David's prayer on Monday, the 19th, and
on the following sabbath his meditations were of a cor-
responding character. That was probably the most
distressing sabbath he ever spent on earth. The Rev.
Francis Dick, on that occasion, supplied the pulpit of
Nile-street chapel. In the forenoon he expounded the
sixty-seventh Psalm, which, from its missionary charac-
ter, did not lead him to come very close to the con-
science ; but in the afternoon he grasped it as with the
naked hand. His text then was taken from Acts viii.
21, the last clause : " Thy heart is not right with God."
This sennon, from the outline preserved in the journal,
appears to have been one of great excellence ; and im-
mediately on hearing the words, David says he felt an
earnest desire that the Lord would discover to him
wherein his heart was not right with God. His desire
seems to have been granted to an extent which filled
him with distress, and covered him with confusion. As
the preacher proceeded, David says, " I was busy in
self-examination : 1st. A heart renewed afier the image
of God. I feared I had not this, for instead of holiness,
I had a heart deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked. 2nd. A believing heart ; I believed wliat God
has declared in his word as truth ; but it had not the
effect of purifying the heart. I hated sin, and knew
that it was sin ; but still it remained prevailing within
mf\ — a sweet satisfaction in the indulgence of it, and at
the same time a hatred of it, as offensive to God. I
often feel anxious to be delivered from this body of sin ;
but as the sow that is washed, 1 return to my wallowing
in the mire. 3rd. A humble heart. I had not learned
the first lesson in the school of Christ, for there was little
liumility in my heart. I was often in heart, though not

DAVID NASMITH.

B 19th, and
e of a cor-
' the most
The Rev.
e pulpit of
ounded the
lary charac-
to the con-
as with the
m Acts viii.
with God."
the journal,
e ; and im-
he felt an
/er to him
His desire
ivhich filled
usion. As
as busy in
the image
|of holiness,
desperately
what God
ad not the
and knew
ing within
it, and at
o God. I
pdy of sin ;
wallowing
not learned
■e was little
liough not

in lip, the Pharisee. 4th. A heart devoted to God. A
profession of devotion, but little reality. The evidences
that my heart was not right with God were clearly
pointed out : I was guilty of covetousness, discontented
with my lot, coveting the comforts, temporal and spi-
ritual, of those around me ; worldly-minded, — my mind,
as it were, completely taken up with the pursuits of time
and sense — the mind seldom set upon things above — and
often, when on my knees before God, my mind away
from him : and of self-gratulation, there could be none
more guilty than I ; whilst I thought I abhorred flattery,
there remained a secret gratification at being in favour
with the learned and the great. There could be almost
none more scrupulous than 1, in respect to outward
attendance on the means of grace; but little real enjoy-
ment of fellowship with God in them, and frequent dis-
content with the appointments of Providence, anxiously
desiring what the Lord saw meet in his wisdom to
deny.

" I am often far from enjoying peace with God, and
think there can be nothing waiting me but a fearful
looking-for of judgment and fiery indignation which
shall devour his adversaries ! I sometimes rejoice in the
plan of salvation, as being altogether suited to me ; but
still I want that perfect love to the Author and Finisher
of it, which casteth out fear. I find it a most difiicult
thing to acquiesce in the dispensation of Divine Provi-
dence, and would have things in my own way. But
afterwards I am often led to acknowledge that the Lord,
in disappointing me, hath done well. I have much to
fear, and nothing good to look for. Such thoughts as
these occupied my mind during the sermon ; and most

MEMOIR OF

.'!

Si 'i

l»i::-; ^ ' ;!■

of the time I sat in tears. I could have cried out,
* What shall I do to be saved V "

The most trying part of the scene was still to come.
The church in Nile-street observed the Lord's supper
every Lord's day, at the close of the afternoon service.
Accord ^ngly, when Mr. Dick, in Mr. Ewing's customary
phras< ok)r;y, said, " The brethren will now come to-
getlic: to break bread," David's heart sank within him.
" I felt," says he, " sensible that the friends of Jesus,
and those whose hearts were right with Grod, only, had
a right to sit down at that table ; I, therefore, self-
condemned, withdrew, scarcely able to walk, trembling
like the leaf of a tree. I left the house,* not knowing
where to go for retirement. I got under a mason's shed,
but a shower coming on I was not long alone. I
wandered about till I thought it might be about the
time the church were dismissing, when I proceeded
homewards, not wishing to be there before my parents,
to create alarm. During my wanderings, I had much
strange reasoning with myself as to duty. In two hours
after I had, as teacher, to meet with 256 children. I
could not stand up and pray for them, when my own
heart was not right before God. My prayer must be to
him an abomination. I could not tell them of that
Saviour whose love I knew not from experience. To
continue in this state, and next sabbath to sit down at
the table of the Lord, would be to eat and drink un-
worthily, and thus bring judgment upon myself. I had
been highly exalted as a professor ; and, if I drew back,
my example would injure, more than it had ever pro-
moted, the cause. It would be a source of grief to the

* The chapel.

DAVID NASMITH.

cried out,

ill to come,
rd's supper
oon service.
s customary
w come to-
within him.
Is of Jesus,
d, only, had
refore, self-
j, trembling
Qot knowing
lason's shed,
Of alone. I
)e about the
I proceeded
my parents,
I had much
n two hours
children. I
len my own
r must be to
hem of that
rience. To
sit down at
ad drink un-
rself. I had
[ drew back,
ad ever pro-
grief to the

people of God, and would give a handle to the world.
What should I do ? was the question. Shall I cast off
all concern about Jesus, and suffer through eternity the
consequences of despising his mercy ? Or shall I retire,
when I get home, and fall before the footstool imploring
mercy and grace ? Upon the latter I resolved, and after
dinner I retired and did so. I went to the school,
having implored Divine assistance, and spent the two
hours comfortably. I sat up till half-past eleven o'clock
reading my Bible, and a tract entitled, ' The Great
Question Answered ;' and having cast myself upon the
Lord, retired to rest."

To experienced Christians this affecting passage re-
quires no com.nent. They will be able to mark the
expressions in it which require to be tempered, as well
as to discern its general truthfulness and estimate its
special value. The recent tempest subsided ; but David's
soul was not restored to its former health for months
afterwards. His journal of November 14th contains
the following remarkable passage : " Yesterday evening,
I heard the following anecdote related: — A minister
having only one child, his affections were too much set
upon it. The Lord in his providence took the child
from him by death. The child's portrait was in the
minister's possession, which he often took from its case
and admired, whilst the object represented was moulder-
ing in the dust. A pious old woman, in the minister's
congregation, came to him, a short while after the death
of his little one, and said, * Sir, there is something
wrong either with you or me, for I have not been en-
joying the same benefit from your sermons as I used to
get.' He said to her, * Go home, and pray for me.' She
did so, and returned after a time, stating that things

* 1

!!i

Ij.;

v; jlJ,

Mi'

MEMOIR OF

continued as they had been with her ; and always as she
prayed for him the passage was brought home to her,
* He is joined to his idols ; let him alone r' upon which
he went and took out his idol, and burnt it before her."

This ^larrativc cut David to the hr-'jit. He bo^li saw
and felt at once its applicability to hi(T'i;elf iit^ i-iys:
" This is to me a most solemn warning. My own »atach-

ment to Miss Ins certainly made her my idol. She

occupies to.'; much v>i' my heart, which must bf dis-
pleasing to God ; and npoi\ this account i liave cause to
fear that I am forsaken of the J/ord, or i^Hat his Holy
Spikit has withdrawn his inlluence. 1 have not much,
if any, oiijoyment in ordinances. At family worship,
fifter hearing the foregoing account, and reading the
eighth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, my father's
eyes were stedfastly fixed upon me, when I thought I
saw the Lord looking upon me ; and, like guilty Peter
of old, I recollected my sin. 'I'he affecting and com-
passionate look melted me into tears. My heart was
touched. O for his directing and supporting grace to
be with me ! And, taking the whole armour of God,
may I be enabled to come off more than conqueror
through Him that loved me, and gave himself for such
poor sirniers as I."

David was at length emancipated from this unfortu-
nate attachment, and 'again went on his way rejoicing.
But the troubles of this year were much augmented by
domestic circumstances. While he was weighed down
by the burden of sin within himself, his heart was deeply
grieved by the misconduct of his brothers. The journal i
of August 3rd contains the following afflictive state-
ment : " It is now a long time since I was engaged
in taking notes ; but this day has brought with it some-

DAVID NASMITH.

thing to be remembered. Yesterday (sabbatli) botli my

brothers profaned the holy day. A went out at seven

o'clock, and took his w^alk with wicked boys ; J wished

to be let off at the same time to his companions, but was

prevented. A came in at nine o'clock, and received

faithful warning and admonition from his pious motlier,
with a promise that he should be remembered on the

morrow. J after hearing all that had been .-.aid to

A , went out unnoticed, and did not return till night,

when we had a solemn season in prayer to God on their
behalf, and committed them both into the hands of him,
who alone is able to keep them. To-day, when at

dinner, Mr. M came and told us that had

taken from his desk Oh, what grief did it give

me ! After a time he was found, and acknowledged the
theft ; but the money was gone : he said he had given
it to one of his companions ; but he denied having
received more than one pound of it. After many tears,
and fervent prayers, we all retired at half-past two
o'clock. Oh that we may have grace given us to bear up
under this heavy trial ! I trust that this event will
prove the breaking up of a correspondence which has
brought my poor brother to this unhappy state. O
Lord, grant an opening for this poor boy into some place
where he will be kept from such company ; and give to
him a new heart, that henceforth he may lead a quiet
and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty ! May
he become a blessing to his parents, to the church, and
to the world!" It will subsequently appear, that this
sorrowful prayer was fully answered, to the joy of many
hearts.

;Kl

1 :

■v

1 I!

pi:

■■■:' ;■' I

CHAPTER V.

Address to the Rev. John Smyth, D.D., Glasgow— New-year aspirations
— Scenes in Glasgow gaol— He forms an attachment to a young
lady — Curious method of discovering it— Hasty courtships— The
marriage of Isaac— Folly of premature engagements — Danger of
hasty marriages — A journey — Letter of refusal - David's reply —
Further letters on both sides — Remarks on the correspondence.

TO THE REV. JOHN SMYTH, D. D„ GLASGOW.

Sir, — Few men had possessed more largely than yon
the means of forming a proper estimate of Davie
Nasmith, when, in 1828, you recorded your opinion of
him in the following terms : " It affords me great plea-
sure to bear testimony to the character and various
qualifications of Mr. David Nasmith, secretary to the
Religious and Charitable Institution House, in this city.
I express the unanimous judgment of all who have
known his private worth and oiRcial labours, in speaking
of him as a man of ardent piety, great prudence, and
indefatigable zeal. Having had nunierous opportunities
of witnessing his discharge of the duties of his situation,
for upwards of five years, it is barely justice to affirm,
that Mr. Nasmith has proved himself a most faithful,
judicious, and unremitting steward of the trust com-
mitted to him. His business habits are prompt and
vigorous, distinguished by uncommon order and perse-
verance ; his heart is in his work, and it has, therefore,
prospered in his hands. It is matter of sincere regret
that Mr. Nasmith has exceeded his strength ; and that
in consequence of indisposition, he has been constrained

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

^ear aspirations
nt to a young
ourtships— The
ts — Danger of
)avid's reply —
espondcnce.

^SGOW.

y than yon

of Davie
r opinion of

great plea-
and various
tary to the
in this city.

who have
in speaking
dence, and
•portunities
is situation,
e to affirm,
►St faithful,
trust com-
rompt and
and perse-

therefore,
cere regret

; and that
onstrained

to resign an office in which he has, during six years and
a half, promoted so essentially the temporal welfare of
his fellow creatures, and the interests of pure and un-
defiled religion. May his health be graciously restored
and his useful life spared for much future good !"

The year 1819 was, to David, one of great activity.
The diary of that period presents the record of a soul
happy in the love of God, and rejoicing in the service
of Christ. The journal of January the 20th opens with
the following aspirations : " In beginning this new
book, I look up unto thee, O Lord, for wisdom to
observe, improve, and mark dowTi thy dealings with me,
in such a way as may prove to my soul a profitable
exercise. If spared to finish it, O that, during the
period which shall elapse, I may be made more like to
thy glorious image, — have many sweet hours of soul-
refreshing communion with thee^ my God, and Saviour !
And may I be ultimately fitted, by thy grace, for enter-
ing upon that glory which is in thy presence above !

Lord, keep me from grieving thy Holy Spirit by my
forward disposition ! Lead me ever to act as in thy
immediate presence ; and in all that I do, may it be
my earnest desire to know the mind of thy Spirit!

1 desire to resign myself wholly into thy hands, that
thou may est direct my steps. Lea*^. me to see my duty,
and obey it ; and, O Lord, whatever my desires are,
which may be for thy glory, and my own and others'
good, grant their accomplishment: wherein they are
otherwise, turn my heart from them, and lead me still
to trust in thee. Make me what thou wouldest have me

m I I I'l

i i;

1 \i

MKMOm OF

to be. May my sins be all washed away in Jesus' blood !
Increase my faith, even that in thee which purifies
the heart and overcomes the world. All lor Christ's

sake.

In this spirit David prosecuted his various labours, in
which he became daily more abundant. The gaol con-
tinued to possess a large share of his benevolent atten-
tion. On October the iiOth he wrote thus : " Never
did I engage in a more interesting conversation than this
forenoon, with Robert Hunter Guthrie and Alexander
Forbes, under sentence of death. On leaving them, last
night, Guthrie was much offended at me for warning
him of his danger. From his conversation with Mr.
Perrie, I was led to fear that he was building upon a
false foundation. He told us that he had felt quite
happy for several days before : that at one time his sins
were such a burden to him, that he felt bowed down
with them ; but now he felt delivered from them, and
had forgotten them. This I believed to arise from the
deceitful heart — another enemy of souls saying. Peace,
peace, when there was none. On entering their cell at
eleven, where I remained till twenty minutes past one,
Guthrie told me he had not spent such an uncomfortable
night since he entered the prison. He slept little, and,
when he did fall over, his sleep was not refreshing,
being much troubled with dreams. The reason he as-
signed was, his beginning to think of what I had said to
him, after I left him. He thought what I said might
be true — that he was building on a false foundation.
He began to look back to his former ways : his sins
again filled him with fear. I then, after prayer for the
Divine presence and the guidance of the Spirit,
pointed him to Jesus as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.

DAVID NA8MITH.

He said he believed in Jesus ; but he was afraid it was
not a rif^ht belief; for, when a child, he was taught to
believe that Jesus was the only Saviour, and he had
never doubted it. We spake a little of the nature of
that faith which is of the operation of the Spirit, whose
effects are to purify the heart and overcome the world.
Read the third of John. He seemed very anxious to
know what he should do to be saved, saying that, if he
only knew, he would do it. Before we parted, he
seemed convinced that he was a ])roud sinner, wishing
to establish something like a righteousness of his own,
and not willing to submit to the righteousness of God
by faith in the Lord Jesus. He seemed to think there
was something more necessary besides simply believing.
From a few similitudes used in illustrating the 18th
verse of the chapter read, they both seemed to be
astonished at the love of Christ, and the suitableness of
his salvation. On parting with them, they seemed very
grateful for my visit, and begged me to return soon.
In the course of conversation, he used some improper
words, for which I reproved him, by endeavouring to
impress upon his mind the great offence it must be in
the eye of that God with whom we had to do. On the
morning prior to his execution, he said he had been
nothing the worse for me ; when I toi 1 hini his faults,
he felt sometimes offended, but not now."

The close of this year was marked by an event which
strikingly illustrates David's deep piety and amiable
simplicity. The foolish and hurtful attachment already
mentioned having passed away, he was induced to at-
tempt the formation of another, but went about it with
more rationality and moderation. His own family, and
that to which the object of his regard belonged, were on

MEMOIll Of

:!;

iiii'

terms of great intimacy, and in the habit of mutual visi-
tation. It was during a visit paid by David, in the
month of November, tliat the subject appears to have
actjuired in his mind a serious form. On that occasion,
however, he made no connnunication of his views and
wishes. But on the 18th of March, 1820, he opened
tlie subject in the following somewhat original manner.
The diary runs thus : — " Sailed in the Duke of Welling-

fon steam-boat to ; found Mr. and family all

well ; had a conversation with Miss , in which

I put to her the following queries, and obtained the fol-
lowing answers. I first, however, put into her hand a
note as follows : <

' M , I beg of you an explicit reply to the few

queries I am now about to put. This I] know you will
comply with, being made by one who, I trust, you are
convinced is your sincere friend, and who will in no way
injure you to his knowledge.'

" I then put into her hand a slip of paper, having
written upon it, ' Are you at present under promise of
marriage ?' To which she replied, * No, sir.' Again,
another slip with, * Have you been directed to fix upon
one whom you desire as your husband ?' To this ques-
tion she did not give me a definite answer. I was, how-
ever, led, from the way she spoke, to believe she had, and
put the following into her hand : * Does that individual
know your mind on the subject V Her reply was : * He
does not.' I again put into her hand another, with,
' Where does he reside ?' To this she gave no definite
answer. After some conversation upon the foregoing, I
gave her the following : * Have you any objection to be-
come my partner for life ?' At this she seemed surprised,
and said she never entertained the idea that I should

ii 1' !

DAVin NA8MITH.

have put sucli a question to her, and said further that it
was a most important one. I requested lier to think of
it, and let me know before I returned upon Monday.
Having proposed to leave early in the morning, she
thought 1 might stay till the afternoon on Tuesday. I
made the condition, that if she was directed to answer
my last question in the afUrmative, I would remain, and
make known to her the situation in which I stood ; if
otherwise, I should take the morning boat. I further
stated that, in my present circumstances, it was a union
which could not take place for a time ; but I made
this proposal to her that my mind might be delivered
from wavering ; and that if she was led to comply, my
future steps should be directed with a view to the
union."

David, having seen and experienced the folly of his
former infatuated passion, now set aside romance, and
went to work like a man of business. He will have no
trifling ; and he deprecates delay. The astonished lady
must say, Yes, or No, within twenty-four hours ! Ay,
and to aid her in settling this momentous question, he
promises to tell her the " situation in which he stood,"
after she had returned an affirmative answer. Not
thus did the servant of Abraham, whose mission is
often drawn into a precedent for quick decision. He
opened his way by giving the daughter of Bethuel a
golden ear-ringof half a shekel weight, and two bracelets
for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold, in return
for a pitcher of spring water: and afterwards, when
Laban set meat before him, he said, " I will not eat
until I have told mine errand." And Laban said,
*' Speak on." And he said, *' I am Abraham's servant ;
and the Lord hath blessed my master greatly, and he is

MEMOIR OP

i!''

I,.!

' 111' '

I, v'l

become great ; and he hath given him flocks and herds,
and silver and gold, and men-servants and male* servants,
and camels and asses. And Sarah, my master's wife,
bare a son to my master when she was old ; and unto him
hath he given all that he hath." The servant having
finished his golden narrative, and therein set forth the
situation of the young man whom he represented, '^aid,
" Now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master,
tell me ; and if not, tell me ; that I may turn to the
right hand or to the left." Laban had seen and heard
enough to command his assent. When that wily, greedy
son of the earth found there was plenty of money, he had
not the slightest doubt " the thing proceeded from the
Lord." " We cannot," says he, " speak unto thee bad
or good. Behold Rebekah is before thee : take her and
go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the Lord
hath spoken." This compliance was followed by the
servant with a shower of "jewels of silver, and jewels of
gold, and raiment" for Rebekah. But they had, amid
the intoxication of the interview, forgotten to consult
the chief party, and put that last which ought to have
been first. Bethinking themselves, however, at length,
they said, " We will call the damsel, and inquire at her
mouth;" and they called Rebekah and said unto her,
" Wilt thou go with this man ?" And she said, " I will
go." She went, and she was happy ; but this hastily
made-up marriage supplies no model for our times. It
was a special dispensation of Providence, connected with
the redemption of the world. The hearts of the chief
parties, on both sides, were prepared by an unseen hand.
In the absence of supernatural guidance, people must
now avail themselves of the aids of common sense, an
element which is not always sufficiently prized in matri-

DAVID NASMITH.

md herds,

'servants,

ter's wife,

I unto him

mt having

forth the

nted, ^aid,

ny master,

irn to the

and heard

ily, greedy

ley, he had

d from the

o thee bad

ke her and

the Lord

pd by the

jewels of

had, amid

to consult

it to have

at length,

lire at her

unto her,

d," I will

lis hastily

imes. It

ected with

the chief

seen hand.

ople must

sense, an

in matri-

monial arrangements. In the present case, we do not pre-
sent David as altogether a pattern. Even had the necessary
time been given to the lady for deliberation, and the whole
matter been conducted with due attention to the rules
of prudence, we more than doubt the propriety of such
an engagement in the case of a mere youth in his cir-
cumstances. Such connexions occasionally turn out well,
but the balance of advantage is as ten to one against
them. The results are often most disastrous. Long,
very long, engagements are only just not so mischievous
as rash matches. How true the proverb, '* Marry in
haste, repent at leisure."

Well, in the present case, the lady had more wisdom
than her suitor ; and her brother (for she had one) and
guardian was, for obvious reasons, less prompt in liis
approval than Laban. Monday morning having arrived,
David says, " I asked her mind on the subject ; she he-
sitated much, but after some time said, the objection
would not be on her pent, if her friends acquiesced in it ;
but stated further that, from its great importance, she
would think further of it, and write me her decision. I
then proposed, as we had no opportunity, without lead-
ing to svspicicn, of conversing more particularly upon
the subject in the house, that she should accompany me

to . This proposal she seemed willing to comply

with, but felt, as I did in proposing it, tlie danger of
such a step leading to speculation, which ought, if pos-
sible, to be avoided. She asked the consent of her
brother, who said, if she intended forming any connexion
with me, she might ; but if not, he should not wish her
to go. One I rincipal inducement for her to go, was,

that I, having a little business to accomplish at ,

and she often wishing to be introduced to Miss A ,

MEMOIR OP

considered it a favourable opportunity, as I was in-
timately acquainted. After breakfast, I accompanied

Mr. to the garden, when I told him the proposal

I had made to his sister ; he seemed, indeed, much sur-
prised, being a thing of whicli he had never entertained
the smallest idea. Upon stating my reasons for the
proposal, and the length of time it had occupied my
mind, he thought it a matter of such vast importance,
that he would have me mature the subject still further ;
it being a thing so unexpected, he could not give his
consent without thinking of it for a time. He said she
would be a most valuable assistant to the individual who
got her to wife ; that none knew her worth but himself;
that she was a most decided character, and was well ac-
quainted with managing household affairs. I made
known to him my circumstances, stating, that though
my father had been at one time worth money, he was
now reduced, by losses in trade, to nothing. I ''.sked his

mind as to our going to ; he seemed of the same

mind with ourselves, that it might lead to speculation ;

he left it, however, td ourselves. Miss made

ready, and we went in the Fingal steam-boat to .

I told her the conversation I had with her brother. I
made known to her all my circumstances ; expressed
to her the danger I felt in entering upon such an impor-
tant connexion, lest, in studying to please the wife, I
should forgo tHim who demanded the supreme affection
of my heart. She opened her mind to me very fully.
We seemed indeed to be quite of a kindred feeling.

We returned that evening to about tea-time.

After supper and worship, Mr. and Mrs. retired ;

Miss and I sat up until one o'clock. She first, and

I after her, addressed the throne of grace, and after part-

DAVID NASMITH.

was in-
ompanied

proposal
iiuch sur-
itertained
s for the
;upied my
iportance,
I further ;
t give his
e said she
ddual who
t himself;
s well ac-

I made
at though
he was

•sked his
the same

culation ;
- made

to .

other. I
expressed

ui impor-
le wife, I

affection

ery fully,
feeling.

tea-time.

- retired ;

first, and

fter part-

ing with * May the Lord be with you,' we retired. She
promised to write to me after maturing the subject pro-
posed."

From all this it is clear that Miss was not an

ordinary woman, and that she would, probably, in most
points, have formed a suitable companion to this remark-
able young man. None in fact, but a woman of superior
intelligence, piety, and zeal, could ever have commanded
the homage of David's heart and judgment. Thus far
things looked favourably for him ; but appearances are
not to be relied on. David returned to Glasgow on the
2 1st of March, and on the 30th the lady transmitted the
following epistle :

" My dear brother, — I am now really sorry you did
me the honour of offering me your hand in marriage, as
I see, from various circumstances, it would not be proper
for me to accept of such a kind offer. The circum-
stances I wish to conceal. They would be of no service
to you, although you knew them.

" I am sure I wish from the bottom of my heart that

you and your dear friend Mr. G may, in the Lord's

own time, be joined to partners who better deserve you
than 1 do. You will not, I trust, take my refusal as
any dishonour intended by m<^. One favour I request
of you, that you would conceal this affair from your
dear mother, as I am afraid her knowing it would only
tend to disturb that Christian love and intercourse
which have subsisted betwixt us for a long time.

" What a cheering and delightful contemplation it is
to the minds of God's dear children, that in a short
while their Father will call them all home to possess
those glorious mansions Jesus is preparing for them,
where they shall no more part for ever, where death-

MEMOIR OF

divided friends shall meet, but, oh ! never more to part.
Do burn this scrawl, and let the whole of this affair be
buried in oblivion.

" I hope you will not refuse me an interest in youi
prayers, for all this. Oh ! pray that I may keep in
view the glory of my God ; and that I may be kept
from erring from the path of duty. I am sure I have
much need of your earnest prayers. I repeat the prayer
you repeated on my behalf, when we last parted, ' May
the Lord be with you,' in all your ways ! I remain
your sister in the Lord," * * * * * *

Jv this letter the negative is so feebly put, that,
coming from a lady, it certaini ' might almost be con-
strued into an acquiescence in the continuance of the
correi>pondence. In this light David viewed it, and on
the ensuing day replied as folio- -s : —

" My dear , — I received yours yesterday. In it

you request that mother should not come to the know-
ledge of an important occurrence in my life. Many
tLLigs of a personal nature she is entirely unacquainted
with, but I considered it my duty to make known to her
that which you wished kept hid. She "s acquainted
with all the particulars. Fear not, my dear friend, of
losing her esteem on account of any thing which has yet
occurred. When or where shall I have the pleasure of
a personal interview with you ? Next Thursday being
the town fast, I could spend the whole day w ith you,
being disentangled from business. I won't come to

that day. If I said I would, I know your answer

would be, ' Really, David, I think you should not come.'
Well, will you come to Glasgow, and enjoy the many
feasts that maybe anticipated next week? Or shall I
meet you at a certain hour of that day at Dunglass, or

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DAVID NASMITH.

any other place on the road hetween this and ? I

think if you can make it at all convenient, you should

come up. Your brother and Mrs. will no doubt

be up ; but can C not keep the house for a few

days ? I vi'ish still to meet you at a throne of grace, at
the eleventh hour, nightly. I trust I have found some-
thing on these few occasions which will lead me with
increasing confidence to commit my way to the sove-
reign Disposer of all events, and enable me to receive
such epistles as the one I had from you yesterday with
much composure of mind. Let me know, in the begin-
ning of the week, when and where I may expect to see
you. Meanwhile I remain, dear , yours in ever-
lasting bonds."

To this moderate, manly, pious letter, on the 3rd of
April David received the following reply : —

*' My dear brother, — I had no thought of ever writing
you again when I wrote my last letter to you ; but I
now see it is absolutely necessary, from your speaking
of coming this way on Thursday. But let me tell you,
I am fully persuaded it will be far better for you to
remain at Glasgow, as I would not like to converse any
more upon the topic we formerly were speaking of. I
am sorry your dear mother knows any thing of it ; but
since it is the case, I must just rest contented, and bear
the consequences. Give her my kind love, and tell her,
if we are both spared till the summer, I hope to enjoy
her company here a few days. I have no prospect of
being in Glasgow for a long time.

*' My friend, what do you think of the dark cloud of
judgment which seems to be at present hanging over
our native land ? This m.orning the volunteers and
horsemen belonging to the place have been called out,

liiili

ilil

''lliii'l

ill!

MEMOIR OF

to go to your assistance at Glasgow. Let us earnestly
entreat, at a throne of grace, that all may turn out for
the extension of the Redeemer's glory, and the purify-
ing of his church.

" I hope you will not think of coming, or any thing
more about me, as it will be only perplexing your mind
to no purpose. Cast all your care upon your Father,
who will make all things work for your good. I remain,
dear brother, your sister in the Lord Jesus, * * *
* * * P.S. I hope you will not forget me at a throne
of grace."

Here again, it is clear that this letter, whether it be
tested by the rules of love or of criticism, could hardly
terminate the business. Its general strain fairly neu-
tralizes its negative. David nevertheless patiently al-
lowed the matter to stand over four long months ; the
parties occasionally met, but there was no correspondence
till the 7th of August, when David wrote as follows : —

" My dear , — I am still of one mind with what

I expressed to you on the 18th of March. I have just
been looMng over the conversation we had at that time,
together with our correspondence since : the feelings
which it has excited are of k. mixed nature ; I review
them with much pleasure, and I trust our joint and
separate supplications at the throne of grace were heard
anr have )een in part answered.

" My dear sister does not the Christian enjoy a great
privilege over the worldling ? We can tdl all our wants
to our kind Father in heaven, who has desired us to a,sk
that we may receive, and who will give to us what we
need. No good thing will he withhold from his own.
I hope you believe that our correspondence with each
other, and especially our more recent interviews, have

DAVID NASMITH.

been among those * all tilings ' that work together for our
good. I wisli that nothing, on my part, should be the
means of preventing their continuance. Expecting to
see you soon, I subscribe myself, yours in the bonds of
covenant love."

Of this cool and rather blunt communication the lady
took no notice ; and David, after waiting another month
in vain, sat down on September the 2nd, and wrote
thus : —

" My dear sister, — Feeling an anxious desire neither
to trifle nor be trifled with, and wishing to be decided
in all my steps, so far as able, I solemnly request you
to unbosom to me your mind upon the subject of which
we have been treating — stating candidly how you feel ;
and, if you have objections, 1 beg you will, so far as you
can, state them, that if you do refuse, I may know upon
what grounds, and also how to act. My mind is the
same as on the day upon which I first spoke to you of
it. Excuse this scrawl, and believe me to be your very
sincere friend."

This letter brought matters at once to an issue. It is
not very clear, however, that the lady merited such
severit3\ The fact st'ems to be otherwise. From the
lengthened cessation of their correspondence, and the
general nature of the two or three interviews that fol-
lowesi, she had every reason to believe that the matter
was at an end. Slie accordingly, on September the 7th,
replied as follows : —

" Dear brother, — I did not think you would have
again mentioned the subject you refer to in your note,
as you know my mind perfectly well on the main point
of it. With regard to my objections, I still think you
have no right to know them. You have really urged

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iiiif

MEMOIR OF

me far too much on this point ; however, in order to
put an end to your troubling yourself any further,
1 must inform you that I have been, for some time back,
in a manner engaged.

" I am truly sorry you think I have trifled with you.
No, my friend ; I have not done so. By your looking
into my former epistles, if you have preserved them,
you will clearly see I have not acted so base a part ; but
told you my mind freely. Perhaps my conduct, in
visiting your family and conducting myself towards you
all as formerly, may lead you to think so. If I had
known this, it surely would have been my duty to have
denied myself the pleasure, nay the profit, I have had in
your dear mother's company. When she was down here,

I was speaking of your sister E ; but I now see it to

be highly proper to give up such a thought altogether.
If I have offended you, either in my conduct or writing,
I plead your forgiveness ; and, I trust, for any thing
that has yet transpired betwixt us, you will not deny
me an interest in your supplications at a throne of grace,
which I stand in much need of. I request you will
commit all my letters to the flames. I remain, my dear
brother, your unworthy sister in the Lord."

To this dignified defence, David, a fortnight after-
wards, t'ent the following reply : —

" My dear sister, — I received yours of the 7th
instant. It afforded my mind complete rest on the point
upon which I last wrote you. Had you been as kind at
an earlier period, it might have been better for both
parties. In your conversation latterly upon the subject,
you hurt my mind not a little ; but I forgive you. Write,
my sister, and do ii oft ; I see no reason why you should
not. Let your visits and conduct towards our family be

DAVJI) NASMITH.

as in former times. I have complied with your request
in committing all your letters upon the suhject to tlie
flumes. I beg the same favour of you, and 1 hope it
will not be denied me. That Jehovah may bless you
and your intended partner is the sincere desire of your
very sincere friend."

Thus terminated a history which is valuable both for
its facts and its lessons. Documents of this description
will always be highly prized by the religious [)hilosopher.
Such transactions severely test Christian character ;
such correspondence strikingly illustrates human nature.
When it is recollected that the suitor, in this case, was a
youth of only twenty-one years, and the lady about the
same age, it will be allowed that their intercourse was
conducted in a manner whicli did them both the highest
credit. What simplicity, what sobriety, what devotion,
distinguish the whole of their behaviour ! How single
their eye, how habitual their reference to the Divine
presence, blessing, government, and glory ! It is not
easy to conceive of a more marked contrast than that
which their example presents to the common course of
the giddy, frivolous, and reckless multitude of worldly
youth, who are uninfluenced by the fear of God. David
and his friend brought the highest principles of piety to
bear upon the most secret occurrences of life. Unions
so formed must, as a rule, issue in the promotion of
domestic felicity, the comfort of connections, and the
advancement of piety in the church and in the world.

, I

CHAPTER VI.

Address to the Rev. M. Willis, Glasgow— Happy state of David's mind
— Visits to the gaol — Solemn reflections— Religious and Charitable
Institi ion House — Advertisement for a secretary — David's applica-
tion and appointment — His qualifications — Advantages resulting from
the situation — His deportment — Testimony of the Rev. S. S. Cook
— Society the great subject of David's study — Attends Dr. M'Gill's
lectures at college on the Evidences — Attends the logic and rhetoric
classes of Professor Jardine — Studies — His extraordinary capabilities
a.s a sabbath-school teacher — His methods of benefiting young men
— Letters to an old scholar upon a variety of important subjects
— Visits Mr. Cunningham, of Lainshaw— Striking account of his
schools — Forms a society — Is pursued by highwaymen — Scholars
becoming robbers and soldiers — His extraordinary tact in turning
everj' thing to account — Remarkable anecdotes — Wonderful deliver-
ance from drowning — Importance of a diary — James's Church-mem-
y ers' Guide — Paramount claims as a sabbath -school teacher.

TO THE REV. MICHAEL WILLIS, GLASGOW.

Sir, — It was the privilege of David Nasmith to num-
ber you among his friends, and you have voluntarily
borne the following testimony to his virtues : " I have
had frequent opportunities of meeting wdth Mr. David
Nasmith, chfifly in his official capacity as secretary for
the Religious institution Rooms, and can speak in very
high terms of his fitness for any departi>ient of agency
in which steadiness, activity, and prudence are required.
For a situation such as that which he has held at the
Institution House, he is peculiarly adapted, combining,
as he always appeared to do, the habits of a good man
of business with an ardent zeal in the cause of Chris-

'M^M

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

fivid's mind
Charitable
I's applica-
iilting from
S. S. Cook
•r. M'Gill'8
ad rhetoric
capabilities
oung men
(it subjects
unt of bis
—Scholars
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il deliver-
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I have

David

tary for

in very

agency

quired.

at the
bining,
od man

Chris-

tianity, that evidently looked higher than to the mere
approbation of men, and led him to perform the duties
of his office, not merely with correctness, but with spirit
and vigour. Besides doing what was demanded of him,
his concern for the great objects of the institution was
often manifested in the important suggestions which he
voluntarily and discreetly offered to the directors, though
sometimes incurring an incr^Mse of labour to himself
thereby. And I cannot holi '<ing, that, to whatever

service he may devote hit. l. will prove, by the

blessing of God, a most trustworthy, and

assiduous labourer."

David held on his way, Inirning with zeal and abound-
ing in labour, from the autumn of 1820 till that of 1821,
without the occurrence of any thing that calls for parti-
cular notice. By this time he seems to have fairly
recovered his former tone of healthful, vigorous, and
cheerful piety. The journal of October the 7th con-
tains the following entry, which illustrates the state of
his mind at that time : " Mr. Kerr supplied Mr.
Ewing's place to-day; he preached in the afternoon on
the necessity of Divine Influence. I visited the three
men under sentence of death, in the middle of the day.
They received me with a welcome, gave pointed atten-
tion to what was read and spoken, and seemed anxious
that I should return soon. Oh, may they receive that
Saviour of whom we spoke ! But has not the sentence
of death gone forth against me ? Yes ; of that I heard
much this evening from the portion brought forward by
my children. The sentence may be executed against

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me before them ! Does it not, then, become me to lay
death to heart, and to inquire how stand matters with
my soul ? O Thou who art the searcher of all hearts,
do thou search and try me, and enable me to be faithful
to my own soul ! The rapid movement of my watch
reminds me that I am hastening to eternity. Since
I sat down, I am fifteen minutes nearer death, — nearer to
heaven or to hell! Oh, how time flies, and tells me to
fly with it ! Whither shall I fly ? To Jesus ! To Jesus !
Yes, to Jesus ! He alone can save my guilty soul. This
is the city of refuge. The sword of justice is in pursuit ;
but in Christ I am safe. Oh, how vile a creature I am
in the presence of an infinitely holy God ! but in Jesus,
my friend ! — in his blood do I find cleansing and peace.
Yes, it is the peace-speaking blood of Jesus— it cries not
for vengeance, but for mercy ! To this sacred fountain
do I now come to be cleansed from my sins. Oh that my
conscience were more tender, that sin might appear in
mine eyes more exceedingly sinful ! Oh that the agonies
of the garden of Gethsemane and of the cross of Cal-
vary may affect my heart, and lead me to adore that
matchless love which was then exhibited ! Casting my-
self now into the arms of Jesus, I must retire to sleep.
Lord Jesus, give thine angels charge concerning me!
Amen."

In the autumn of this year an event occurred which
determined the whole of his future career. The con-
ductors of the various religious and benevolent
societies in Glasgow, with a view to concentration,
economy, and efficiency, had procured a large and com-
modious edifice, which was divided into rooms and ofllces,
suitable to their respective objects. The completion of
their plan required the services of an active secretary, who

lli-:/^

DAVID NA8MITH.

should be common to them all. In connexion with
this office, in the month of October, an advertisement
appeared in the principal papers, in the following words :

" Clerk Wanted. — A person acquainted with books
and accounts, to act as assistant secretary to the religious
societies connected with the Institution Rooms, No. 59,
Glassford-street, to whom liberal encouragement will be
given. None need apply but such as can satisfy the
committee that their character is unexceptionable, and
that they have the interest of such societies at heart.
Applications, with reference as to abilities and qualifi-
cations, to be lodged before the 8th of November next,
at Messrs. Chalmers and Collins's, No. 68, Wilson-street,
addressed to the committee of said rooms."

This notice appeared on the 25th of October, and on
the 31st, David transmitted the following application.

" Gentlemen, — In compliance with your advertisement,
I beg to present myself as a candidate lor the office of
assistant secretary to the religious societies, in connexion
with the Institution Rooms, 59, Glassford-street.

" To promote the objects of such Institutions has been
the delightful and interesting employment of my leisure
hours for the space of ten years. During three of these
I had the honour to act as secretary to the Glasgow
Youths' Bible Association ; and for proof of my continued
interest in it, and other religious societies, I may refer
to the Rev. Greville Ewing, president, under whose
pastoral care I have been more than six years ; to Mr.
William Buchanan, treasurer; to the Rev. Dr. Ward-
law, to Mr. William M'Gavin, and Mr. John Robertson.
I might easily adduce many more names, wei*^ it at all
necessary. For my knowledge of books and accounts, I
can produce testimonials from Mr. John Cullen, manu-

MEMOIR OF

facturer, in whose service I have been employed nearly
five years, in paying cash and writing up the principal
books in his green warehouse. Desirous of devoting
my life to so good a cause, and anxiously waiting your
answer, I am," &c. ; : i Vr \-

Mr. CuUen having transmitted a handsome testimony
in David's behalf, the election went in his favour, and
on the 21st of November, the "onvener of the committee
thus notified to him the fact : ; a- * - v

" Sir, — I have the satisfaction of informing you that
the committee of the Religious Societies' Rooms, 59,
Glassford-street, have appointed you to be their clerk.

" The duties of the office will be pointed out by the
office-bearers of the Societies connected with the Rooms,
under the sanction of the committee of management.

**The salary they have fixed for the year is sixty
pounds ; but they trust the efficiency of this establish-
ment and the success of your exertions will enable them,
next year, to augment it ; and I request the favour of a
note accepting the office on these terms for one year
from this present Martinmas."

The lovers of a hunger-bitten economy are here sup-
plied with a gratifying specta' The committees of
twenty-three societies want a mu.. of talents, education,
character, and address, wl; > shall be required to summon
their several meetings, attend their sittings, record their
minutes, keep their books, and, in all manner of toil and
drudgery, at all seasons, do their bidding ; and for this
unprecedented labour they propose, as remuneration,
the sum of sixty pounds ! This, apportioned among
them, required from each a contribution of two pounds,
twelve shillings, and twopence ; and this is what, in their
advertisement they call " liberal encouragement." But

f •'

DAVID NASMITH.

yed nearly
} principal
,f devoting
iting your

3 testimony
favour, and
5 committee

ig you that
Rooms, 59,
heir clerk,
out by the
the Rooms,
igement.
ear is sixty
lis establish-
nable them,
} favour of a
for one year

re here sup-
tmmittees of
^, education,
to summon
record their
ler of toil and
and for this
^muneration,
loned among
[two pounds,
?hat, in their
nent." But

David, who was neither to be intimidated by toil, nor
depressed by penury, where he could promote the glory
of Christ, and the salvation of men, before the sun went
down signified his assent in the following terms :

" Sir, — I have received your favour of to-day, and
feel grateful for the honour conferred upon me by the
ccmmittee in my appointment to the office of clerk. I
hereby accept of the office for one year, at the stipulated
salary of sixty pounds sterling.

" Assuring you that no exertion will be wanting on
my part, to further the interests of the Institution, I
am," &c.

David was now, for the first time in his life, in his
true element. The chosen servant of humanity and
religion, his pleasure became his business. The British
empire, the world itself, perhaps, could not have furnished
an individual more suited to this very peculiar and most
arduous situation. He was not deficient in a single gift
or grace required for the efficient discharge of its duties.
Never was a man, in his own line, more thoroughly
tested, and never was a result more satisfactory. The
three-and-twenty committees^ with and for whom he
acted, were composed of ministers and laymen of all
sects and of all parties, both in religion and politics.
Among such a body of men, what varieties of taste,
temper, views, and sentiments, must have obtained !
To David this became not only a high sphere of religious
and philanthropic action, but of moral and intellectual
education. The most distinguished men in the city
became his personal friends and his daily companions.
Close and constant contact with such society could not
fail to refine his manners, enlarge his views, and elevate
his character. To his lengthened training here, he

MEMOIR OF

mainly owed that free, and easy, and noble air, which, on
all occasions, in after life, so distinguished him. With
scholars and gentlemen he was quite at home. His
manner was, nevertheless, marked by singular modesty,
without a particle of the embarrassments of bashfulness,
and by the most perfect self-possession, without one
particle of the offensiveness of arrogance. These virtues
and graces had not the appearance of acquisition ; they
seemed to grow out of his nature. Even on a first
interview no stranger could escape the impression that
he was a man of extraordinary integrity and sagacity,
piety and benevolence. This is strikingly exemplified
in the following narrative.

* The Rev. R. S. Cook, Corresponding Secretary of the
American Tract Society, in writing to Mrs. Nasmith, says,
" My excellent associate. Rev. W. A. Hallock, has just
handed me this sheet, with a request that I would com-
municate a fact in my private history, which will illus-
trate the character and influence of your lamented hus-
band's labours in this country. It is a comparatively
unimportant circumstance, and yet it may serve to show
with what habitual fidelity he availed himself of oppor-
tunities, seemingly the most hc^jeless, of speaking a word
for Christ.

" When residing at Syracuse, N. Y., about twelve
years since, as a student-at-law, Mr. Nasmith visited the
place for the purpose of organizing a Young Men's
Association. I attended the meeting called for that
purpose, and listened with interest to the statements of
Mr. Nasmith. He proposed a constitution for the adop-
tion of the meeting, an article in which provided that
the meetings of the society should be opened with
prayer. In the pride and wickedness of my heart I

DAVID NA8MITH.

opposed the adoption of that article, ostensibly on the
ground of expediency, but really because I hated reli-
gion. When leaving the placa of meeting, Mr. Nasmith
walked some distance with me, and addressed me with
great tenderness of manner, and with a Christian frank-
ness that immediately won my confidence and respect.
As we separated, he threw his arms around me, saying,
* I fear, my young friend, you do not love Christ ; allow
a stranger to commend him to you. You will never be
happy till you put your trust in him, and love prayer.*
We parted for ever. It was almost the first time I had
been addressed personally on the subject of my soul's
salvation ; and the language and the spirit in which it
was uttered made an abiding impression on my heart.

" I cannot say that it was the proximate occasion of
my conversion to God ; but the disinterestedness of the
act, and the obvious sincerity of the man, convinced me
that religion was a reality, and that the only course of
wisdom and happiness was to embrace it. I think, too,
that since I have enjoyed a hope of pardon through
atoning blood, this incident has exerted no inconsiderable
influence on my character. The duty of labouring per-
sonally for souls, and the encouragement for such labours
even among strangers or casual acquaintance, has seemed
the more palpable in the light of such an example. The
memory of Nasmith is precious to me, as I doubt not it
is to thousands, who will rise up at the last, and call
him blessed, as the instrument of spiritual good to their
souls."

To the training through which David passed, during
his lengthened connexion with the Institution House, and
the knowledge of men and things he there acquired, his
success in afterwards dealing with mankind may very

:i;l

! m

MEMOIR OP

mainly be attributed. He thus became thoroughly con-
versant with associated operation; he obtained a very
deep insight into the true condition of city society, and
thus discovered its wants ; he saw directly before him
the amount and character of the agency provided for the
supply of those wants ; and hence he ascertained hew
much of those wants remained still unsupplied. Living
society was in fact the great theme of his constant and
intense study. Morning, noon, and night, he was en-
gaged in deeply pondering the book of human nature.

But while David was thus busily employed in collecting
from the great library of life, and hoarding up stores of
practical wisdom, he was far from indifferent to the
lessons of learned men, and the importance of direct
intellectual culture. Hence he not only attended the
morning course of lectures of the late Dr. M'Gill,
Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow,
but also the private Logic and Rhetoric course of the
celebrated Professor Jardine, from which, in common
with the multitudes who, for half a century, enjoyed
the prelections of that eminent teacher, he received
superior benefit. In addition to oral instruction, he
read much of the current literature of the day, giving
preference to that which was biographical, and which
referred to the spread of the gospel. .

David's election to the important office of assistant
secretary led to no remission of his previous Christian
and philanthropic labours. Notwithstanding his vast
exertions from day to day, in his official capacity, he
laboured on more vigorously than ever in his former
courses. Although he excelled in whatever he under-
took, his merits as a sabbath-school teacher deserve
especial notice. Never, perhaps, was he surpassed in

DAVID NA8MITH.

this most important sphere of Christian effort. Nothing
that benevolent ingenuity could devise was left undone
to interest his pupils, to attach them to his person, and
stimulate them in their inquiries. To the elder scho-
lars he paid particular attention. He met them not
only on the sabbath, but at other periods ; he occasion-
ally had portions of them to breakfast with him ; he
formed them into societies for the promotion of bene-
volent objects; and, to crown all, when any of them
who had given him particular satisfaction were, in the
course of Providence, removed from the sphere of his
direct influence, he kept up with them a course of labo-
rious correspondence. In this capacity he deserves to
be held up as a shining example to that most valuable
class of Christian labourers, — sabbath-school teachers.
For this end we shall now present a few specimens by
way of illustration.

One of David's pupils, Mr. William Somerville,
having been stationed in Edinburgh, David shortly after
wrote him a letter, in which he says : " I had not an
opportunity of saying to you personally, prior to your
leaving Glasgow, that I hope to be favoured with a
regular correspondence with you, now that ^ i; have
left me. You are convinced, I hope, that I feel much
interested in your spiritual welfare ; and now when you
are removed from under the sound of my voice, and
unable, except by writing, to speak to me, T wish that
you would not fail to carry on those conversations which
I hope you felt interested in, when residing here. Many
a time I follow you in thought, and wish that you
may be made truly blessed with the joy of God's salva-
tion. Oh! my dear William, never forget that you
have an immortal soul to be saved, or to perish, and that

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now is the accepted time, and the day of salvation !
The present moment alone is yours ; do embrace it by
fleeing immediately to the Lord Jesus for safety. He
stands with open arms to receive you. The door of
mercy is now open ; it will soon be shut. You feel that
you need a new heart ; you are conscious that you are a
if so, why give rest to your eyes, or slumber to

sinner ;

your eyelids until you have found mercy from God?
Oh ! be entreated to lay to heart immediately the things
which belong to your peace."

This letter called forth an answer, to which David
sends a reply which opens thus : *

"My dear William, — I received yours of the 18th
ult., and feel gratified with the promise you make of
maintaining a correspondence with me. Often do I
look back with peculiar pleasure, to what I must call
the happy hours which I have spent with you, and the
rest of my dear boys, on the Saturday evenings. Fondly
would I hope that those precious seasons have not passed
without leaving an impression on the minds of some
which will not speedily be effaced. Last Saturday I
recommenced the school after the vacation, when I again
found myself at home telling my dear boys of the pre-
cious Saviour, and teaching them to come to him as
guilty sinners. * * * Have you gone to a sabbath-
school ? If so, tell me the name of the teachers, and
what the exercises of the school are. If you have gone
to no school, please tell me what plan you have adopted
privately, for increasing in the knowledge of God's
word."

In his next epistle David says : " It affords me pleasure
to hear that you employ a portion of time daily in read-
ing the Scriptures and the memoirs of pious and devoted

DAVID NASMITH.

Christians. An acquaintance with the word of God is
of the greatest importance both to lead to a knowledge
of God and of ourselves, and to a knowledge of the way
in which we should walk among men. An acquaintance
with the lives of modern Christians is also of great
importance, exhibiting as they do the influence which
the truths of the gospel have upon them in their own
day. Would you inform me what lives you read, and
tell me what you think of them ? If you have not yet
read the life of Spencer, I would recommend it to you.
The Memorandums of a young man who died in Edin-
burgh, I should like you to read and copy. Dear Wil-
liam ! what think you now of Jesus ? I have been
visiting occasionally three young men who, this day, are
to be put to death in the front of the jail. We might
well say, * There go David Nasmith and William
Somerville, save for the grace of God.' Such instances
of the depravity of man are much calculated to humble
us, and make us truly thankful to God for his restrain-
ing grace. — I had a letter a few days ago from Joseph
Knight, now in London ; he is well, and seems to
remember with interest the meetings of Saturday. He
has gone to a sabbath-school, and is improving consider-
ably in writing. The morning meeting, I am happy to
say, is becoming more and more interesting ; there were
present last Lord's day sixteen young men. John Sands
was the youngest of them. Some of them are very
pious ; four of them have a view to the ministry — two
Independents, one Relief, and one Episcopalian. I hope
you pray for us that our souls may be edified and that
God may be glorified."

William, in answer, wrote that the Scriptures were
regularly read, both morning and evening, in his father's

11 If

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MEMOIR OF

house, and expressed himself in such a manner that
David was afraid that domestic reading might be sub-
stituted for personal inquiry, and thus replied : " This
is a suitable exercise for every Christian family, and
that our lot has been cast in such families is surely
ground of gratitude to God ; but it is the duty of every
one daily to search the Scriptures for themselves. We
have an individual interest in their sacred contents ; it
is not because my father and mother were Christians,
that I shall get to heaven. No ! I must be one myself
if ever I wish to go there. I hope then, my dear Wil-
liam, that you are in the daily habit of reading the
word of God with prayer in your closet, that God may
enlighten your understanding, and lead you to himself,
and in the way that is right. Never forget that the
paths of youth are slippery, and that the hand of
Jesus is indispensable to your getting through without
falling."

William had been reading a certain memoir that
made a noise about that time, which called forth from
David the following wise and useful general observa-
tions : " I have never read the Life of Tomkins, but
from what I have learned of it, I am led to doubt how
far it will be profitable for you to become acquainted
with a course of such desperate wickedness as he fol-
lowed. If you know your own heart, you will find
there much combustible, which is too apt to be set on
fire by a display of practices so congenial to the corrupt
inclinations of the human heart. The grace of God
does doubtless appear in a very striking and glorious
manner, when manifested towards one who has been so
noted as he was for vileness and impiety. But by
narrowly inspecting such a picture as is there exhibited.

DAVID NASMITH.

T should fear that we are doing evil that good may
come." .' - ».

At the close of 1823, David writes* *' It has been
proposed to form an association among the young men,
which is likely to take place. I hope to have the
pleasure of the company of the whole to breakfast on
the morning of New-year's day, and to enjoy the
company of a worthy and very useful friend, of the
Bible Society, who is now in town. Dr. Wardlaw
addresses the young people on the forenoon of New-
year's day, at eleven o'clock, in the Lower Trades Hall.
I intend inviting their parents, as I did last year. I am
glad you did not read all of Tomkins' Life, and that you
are now reading the History of Missions, (I suppose
Brown's new edition;) I have read part of it, espe-
cially that part relating to the Cherokees. It is only
two or three weeks since I had a long and beautiful
letter from David Brown, a Cherokee Indian. You
vdll likely find it in the Christian Herald for January."

William continued to write as usual, but a number
of months elapsed before David wrote again. His next,
dated August the 17th, 1824, thus explains the matter:
" It has been very painful to me to have allowed
your letters to remain so long unanswered ; but more
to do than I was able to accomplish, is the only apology
I have to offer. I can assure you that it is not because
you are less dear to me. This is the fourteenth letter
which I have written since yesterday morning, besides
attending to other business. I have just been reading
a very fine little piece upon early rising, lately pub-
lished. I could almost recommend a perusal of it to
you ; not that I suppose you take too much sleep in
the morning, but because it furnishes you with many

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important arguments that may be turned to advantage
in conversing with killers of time. What have you
been reading of late ? Have you finished Brown's
History of Missions ? I was at a meeting of a com-
mittee, last night, of the Young Men's Society for
Religious Improvement. We agreed to request Dr.
Wardlaw to preach a sermon for us in the evening of a
sabbath soon, both with a view to a collection towards
establishing a library, and with a view to have the
object of the society detailed at large, in public, and
the minds of sabbath-school teachers, and young men
in general, more turned towards its importance." .

David's next was in October, and it throws consider-
able light on his movements at that period. Referring
to a young man whom William had recommended to his
notice, he says: " I hope I may get better acquainted
with Mr. Laing ; he seems a very pleasant young man.
As I feel anxious to get hold of young men, if possible,
to direct them to and in the right path, I take it kind
that you have sent one in my way. O that I myself
may be found walking in the narrow path, and doing
the will of the Lord by shining as a light in the world
of moral darkness ! The people of God must bring
forth * much fruit ; ' the Lord is not glorified by little.
It is now five weeks since I gave up my old school
on sabbath evenings, and entered upon a new charge
in the chapel. There were six hundred and six children
present last sabbath, besides a number of parents and
others. I feel much pleasure in the work. May I
have also much profit, and be made instrumental in
profiting the souls of many! I have been called to
leave the meeting which I superintended on sabbath
morning, to visit in rotation all the meetings in the middle

ill

DAVID XASMITH.

and towards the south and north of the town, which I
like, in some respects better, having an opportunity by
means thereof of marking how the whole get on ; and,
of becoming acquainted with more young men, amongst
whom I may be successful in finding many suitable
persons for holding offices of usefulness either in
sabbath-schools, or in our religious societies. In
drawing to a close, permit me, my dear William, to
inculcate the duty and importance of cultivating a
mild, loving, and obliging temper. The individual
blessed with such is at once happy himself, and a
comfort to all around him."

The sabbath morning meetings, spoken of in this
letter, were those of young men for "religious im-
provement." I well remember about this very time,
while attending the University, David's besetting me
and some other students very hard to become members
of his morning meeting; but giving us distinctly to
understand, that what was wanted was not preaching,
but conference on the Scriptures and exercises of devo-
tion. David in his next and last to William, during
18S4, still further illustrates the history and progress of
these Young Men's Societies. " I am," says he, " get-
ting more and more convinced of the necessity and value
of the Young Men's Society for Religious Improve-
ment ; and it affords me pleasure to say that there are
now fifteen associations connected with it. Have we
not cause to bless God for this ? You remember the
origin of it. It was last New-year's day, at the
meeting of the young men with me at breakfast. I
hope in two or three weeks to be able to send you a
copy of the sermon preached by Dr. Wardlaw for the
society ; he said to me yesterday, that he would furnish

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the manuscript in eight or ten days. I have this morn-
ing put into the hands cf the printer a circular, which
I drew up last night, calling a meeting of young men,
on New-year's day, at two o'clock, for the purpose of
forming an association for the support of a native mis-
sionary in India. If I can get a copy of it, before
sending this off, I will enclose it. William! we have
little time for doing good. Let us do aU we can with
all our might. I intend forming an association in my
sabbath-school upon New-year's day."

The same letter records some interesting facts, rela-
tive to a gentleman well known in the west of Scotland,
and much esteemed for his various excellences of
character and conduct, as a gentleman, a scholar, and a
Christian. In England, too, his name is familiar to
those who are conversant with the literature of Pro*-
phecy. David proceeds : " About two weeks ago, I
paid a visit to a very worthy gentleman of whom I
suppose you may have heard — Mr. Cunningham, of
Lainshaw. His conduct in his house and in his school
gratified me much. I hope I learned several lessons
which I will not soon forget. His rank in life, it might
have been expected, would have secured him a large
number of sabbath scholars, and the approbation of
almost all the people. He has, however, met with
great persecution ; but by patient perseverance in well-
doing, he has put to silence the ignorance of foolish
men. He has about two hundred children, vdth whom
he spends about an hour and a half; an adult class of
perhaps fifty or sixty, with whom he spends an hour
and a half more ; besides a class of boys, with whom he
spends about an hour every sabbath morning. At the
meeting of the adult class, he had not less than two

DAVID ^ASMITH.

hundred o" :■. inhabitants of the town as auditors, and
I was deli^iited with his faithfulness to the whole.
There was an evident impression on the assembly. He
mentioned that there were present persons of consider-
able respectability; but said, with obvious delight, I
am especially rejoiced in saying that we had not a few
publicans and sinners with us. In his exercises with
the children, one thing struck me particularly, which I
shall mention. Speaking of Cain, he asked a girl, ' Was
he a blessing to his parents ? ' * No ! ' * Why so ? '
* Because he slew his brother.' * Ah I I am afraid that
Adam and Eve may have been too indulgent to this
their first-born son ; that they have not corrected
him as he required ; and I fear there are too many
parents in the village of Stewarton, (where the school
meets) who are too like them in this respect. When
children are found in a field where they have no right
to be, and taking what is not their own, should any one
take them before a magistrate, does the parent come
forward and thank the individual who performed the
kindness to the child ? No ! they are highly offended
with him, and take the part of their child. Oh ! let
me say to all such parents as are present, and let it ring
through Stewarton, that such parents are the enemies
of their children, that they are the murderers of their
souls! Had I a child, I would rather see him on his
death-bed than walking in such ways. And have 1 not
children ? Are ye not all my children ? Yes ! I would
rather see you all on your death-beds than walking in
such ways ! ' — Farewell, my dear William ! Iviay the
Lord keep and preserve you unto his heavenly king-
dom!"

The next, dated Jaruary 18, 1825, records some

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striking facts in David's progress. " On New-year's
day, I met with my old scholars in Hutcheson-street, at
eight o'clock in the morning; at half past ten I attended
the examination of a school of poor children, who are
taught to read, and was highly delighted with their pro-
gress ; gave them rewards. At twelve o'clock went to
Nile-street, and heard Mr. Ewing preach an excellent
sermon. At two o'clock, attended the meeting of young
men for the formation of an association for the support
of a native missionary. An association was formed, and
there are twenty-four members in it, at ten shillings each
annually ; the number, forty, will be speedily made up.
On sabbath week, I went to Shuttleston to see a sabbath-
school ; had an opportunity of addressing them ; they
gave me an attentive ear. Was pursued home from Shut-
tleston to Parkhead by three or four highwaymen.
Visited a school at Parkhead, told them they were sin-
ners, and pointed them to the Lamb of God ; some of
the poor things were weeping ; it is pleasant to see
the heart tender ; may the Lord have mercy upon
them!"

The same letter contains an account of a visit paid by
David to one of his old spheres of labour, which shows
that even the ablest teachers meet with grief and disap-
pointment. He goes on : " Visited my old school at
Cumlachie, and you may suppose somewhat of my feel-
ings, when told that three of my old scholars in that school
were now highway robbers, that two others have enlisted,
and a sixth is now banished to Botany Bay ! But I was
cheered on the other hand, to be told that five of my old
scholars had met for five years, every Tuesday night, for
prayer, and that they cease not to remember their old
teacher in their prayers at a throne of grace. Oh ! how

DAVID NASMITH.

solemn a thing it is to be a sabbath-school teacher !
The word spoken will either prove the savour of life unto
life, or the savour of death unto death. Dear William,
oh ! be concerned to join an old but loving teacher
amongst the numerous throng of the redeemed at the
great day. Pray for yourself ; and for me, that the Lore'
may preserve me to his heavenly kingdom."

It will be observed with what tact David turns every-
day life to account for the purpose of correspondence.
He seems never at a loss for matter of the most instruc-
tive an(f interesting character. The highway, the
newspaper, the dinner and tea-table, things seen,
things heard, all are turned into gold under his
dexterous management. Of this the next, dated June
22, 1825, supplies a beautiful example. " I have lately
read, 1st. Memoirs of Ward, of Serampore, by Stennett.
Should you meet with it, read it ; he was a man of God ;
you will see in him much to reprove and quicken you.
2nd. Scougal's Life of God in the Soul of Man. Except a
few sentences towards the end, I was refreshed by it. 3rd.
Narrative of the Loss of the Kent, East Indiaman. This
is a most interesting and affecting account ; it is written
by a passenger, supposed to be Major M'Gregor, late of
Edinburgh. The account is written in a way calculated
to profit the soul of the reader. The hand of God was
wonderfully displayed in bringing a ship to their assist-
ance, and in directing to the use of means whereby the
speedy explosion of the ship was prevented. 4th. The
Christian Martyrs: a tale of the first century. This
little book is written by a Mr. Thompson, of Glasgow,
a licentiate of the church of Scotland. If possible, get
a reading of it ; it is a most instructive, an interesting,
and affecting account, much calculated to excite in us

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gratitude to God for our high Christian privileges, and
to humble us on account of our want of conformity to
the image of God, and to inspire in us zeal for his glory.
5th. Filial Duty, by Valentine Ward, well worth your
attention and practice. 6th. Memoir of Catherine
Brown, a Christian Indian, of the Cherokee nation, with
an Appendix, containing original papers and letters of
her brother, David Brown; the letter, page 179, was
addressed to me. Read the book, and tell me what
you think of it. I send it you herewith for the purpose.
Tell both sisters to read it.

" Upon the 21st ult., when dining at a friend's house,
I heard two anecdotes: 1st, An infidel earl had a pious
servant, to whom he said one day, * John, I understand
you are become one of the religionists ; pray, can you
tell me how great God is?' The servant replied, 'Yes,
my lord : he is so great that the heaven of heavens cannot
contain him ; and he is so small that he condescends
to dwell in my heart by faith ! ' 2nd, A parent said
to a child, * I will give you an orange, if you will tell
me where God is?' The child replied, * 1 will give you
two, if you will tell me where he is not.' I heard to-
day of a most remarkable instance of the goodness of
God towards the eldest son of Mr. Hercus, the minister
of Greenock, a lad about seventeen, whom I know very
well. In walking along the pathway, his foot caught
a place cut out in the stone for catching the ropes by
when thrown out from vessels, in consequence of which
he was pitched into the sea ; he went down head fore-
most, and sunk in the mud, from which he tried to
extricate himself, but in vain. He became immediately
insensible ; completely covered with the water, there he
lay. No person saw him fall in. When he fell he

DAVID NASMITH.

Imil a book in his hand, which heing picked up by a
sailor passing, as it floated upon the water, was taken by
liim to an officer in the neighbourhood. The person in
the office, seeing the book wet, immediately asked him
where he got it. On being told, he said, * Come, and
point out the spot.' He immediately ran down, sup-
posing that some one might have fallen in ; took a long
pole from a shed on the quay, with a pike at the end of
it; got into a little boat and made towards the spot
pointed out. The sea was perfectly calm ; nothing but
a few bells arising from the bottom. He drew along
the pike, but found nothing. On a second throw of it,
he got hold of the boy by the arm, brought him up,
and although the man knew the boy perfectly, being
twenty times a day in his office, he could not recognise
him, so much disfigured. He laid him on his knees
on his belly, put the boy's hands behind his back, and
pressed his own hands to his side, to make him vomit,
which he did. There was, at least, a gallon of water
ran from him. He was next removed to the office,
where every means was used to restore him. He gave
a groan, as they rubbed him, which was the first symp-
tom of animation. He gradually came round, and, in
six hours after being taken out of the water, was con-
veyed to his father's house, where, I am happy to say,
he is now, and getting round. Tell me, in your next,
wherein the providence of God was manifested in this.
I meet to-night wdth nine boys of the senior class of my
sabbath-school, at tea, in my father's house.

*' Do keep a diary ; mark down particular occur-
rences, and endeavour to improve them by suitable
reflections. It will enable you to give me with accu-
racy and ease accounts which will be to me valuable.

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MEMOIR OP DAVID NASMITH.

It is because I have done so of late, that I have been
able to furnish dates, &c., to such incidents as I have
related to you."

In his next, David says : " I am at present engaged
in reading the Evidence of the Archbishop of Dublin
before the Select Committee of the House of Lords,
on the State of Ireland. It is an interesting document,
and contains a great deal of information. To-day X
have purchased a book which I have read two reviews
of, and which I believe to be a very valuable work,
and would recommend a perusal of it to father, mother,
and yourself, when you come in contact with it, —
' James' Church Members' Guide.' " \

Now we appeal to our readers whether their expe-
rience supplies a single case that may be advantageously
compared with that which these extracts are intended
to illustrate. We think it may be affirmed, that to
David Nasmith, as a sabbath-school teacher, and
Christian benefactor to young men, Scotland has fur-
nished no equal, England no superior. What piety,
what assiduity, what skill, what humility, what kind-
ness, what condescension these letters display! How
consummate a mastery in winning and keeping the
hearts of youth they everywhere manifest ! Such a man
was, even at the outset of his bright career, a blessing
not only to the church of which he was a member, but
to the great city which had the honour to give him
birth!

CHAPTER VIL

Address to the Rev. Robert Bums, D. D., Paisley— Letter to Pro-
fessor Buchauan — Attends the Professor's lectures — History of the
rise and progress of Young Men's Societies.

TO THE REV. ROBERT BURNS, D.D., PAISLEY.

Sir, — As secretary to one of the most important societies
conducted in the Religious and Charitable Institution
House, Glasgow, you had necessarily much intercourse
with David Nasmith, and were thereby enabled to bear
experimental testimony to his character and capabilities,
and this you did in 1828 in the following words : "I
have uniformly admired the talent, the accurate metho-
dical arrangement, the composure, and the sound judg-
ment with which he has been enabled to conduct the
minute details of an extensive and complex system.
The immediate charge of twenty-three societies being
committed to him, whose books he keeps, and the
largest part of whose correspondence he conducts.
His resignation is a most serious loss to the Institution ;
and he carries with him the cordial esteem and affectioii-
ate good will of all who are connected with it. His
whole heart and soul are engaged in the great work of
advancing the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom ;
and a more valuable auxiliary to a religious society is
seldom to be met with. I hope and pray that his
health may be speedily re-established ; and that the
great Head of the church may be pleased to open to
him a station, in which, with less laborious mechanical

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toil, his peculiar qualifications may have full and ap'
propriate scope for their successful development." ■.

In the last chapter, we found David hinting at the
formation of Young Men's Societies for Religious Im-
provement. We there saw him enlisting the labours
of the first preachers of the age in their behalf, and
leaving no method untried for promoting their increase
and stability. For instance, on February 8, 1826, he
addressed to Professor Buchanan, of Glasgow College,
the following request : —

" Rev. and dear Sir, — Permit me to request the fa-
vour of your writing a short treatise addressed to young
men, pointing out the great importance of their com-
bining attention to the soul and eternity with a diligent
application to literary pursuits.

" Such a treatise is, I conceive, much wanted ; and
from the evident interest which you take in the welfare
of youth, as appears in your morning lectures and
prayers, which I have the pleasure of attending, I
feel emboldened to make the request of you, and hope
that it will not be in vain.

" Permit me also to suggest that, by giving the said
treatise for publication to the Young Men's Religious
Tract Society, a very extensive circulation would be
given to it.

" Mr.' Robert Richardson and I will take the liberty,
on Friday morning, of waiting upon you after the lec-
ture, to have your opinion, and to offer any further
explanation which you may desire."

Since this organization was, throughout the whole
of his subsequent life, an object of special pursuit, it

DAVID NA8MITH.

II and ap-
?nt."

ng at the
igious Im-
he labours
)ehalf, and
jir increase
, 1826, he
•w College,

;st the fa-
i to young
their com-
i a diligent

mted; and
he welfare
itures and
;ending, I
and hope

g the said
Religious
would be

le liberty,
?r the lec-
ly further

;he whole
pursuit, it

is here proper to specify its character and design.
This we are happily enabled to do in his own words
to a friend, as follows : —

" Since the close of the year 1823, the privilege has
been granted me of forming about seventy Young Men's
Societies in the United Kingdom, France, and America.
My object in these societies has been to bless young
men and to make them blessings, and I have not been
dissappointed.

" You are aware that these societies consist of young
men, between the age of 14 and 35, of good moral cha-
racter, and professing no opinions subversive of evan-
gelical principles. The members of each Association
meet periodically under the superintendence of a pious
and experienced president, for purposes of mutual im-
provement and benevolent exertion. The Bible is con-
sidered as their rule, and all political discussion is pro-
hibited.

*' Young men thus associated have had their minds
and time occupied with that which was profitable, and
so far they have been saved from that which was in-
jurious, at a period the most dangerous in the life of
man, when his passions are strong, when he is least dis-
posed to submit to wholesome restraint, and most
liable, through ignorance of the world, to be led astray
by the subtile infidel and the embrace of her who flat-
tereth with her lips.

" In these Associations, native talent that lay hid has
been brought to light, cultivated and directed. Young
men who were favourably disposed to religion, but not
decided, have been won to Christ ; those who in busi-
ness, or otherwise, were necessarily associated with the
infidel and licentious youth of their own age, or with

■

iH^J^Il

: I

MEMOIR OF

masters of iniquity, have had their minds fortified, and
in the hour of imminent peril have been preserved, or
rescued. Young men who lacked a judicious coun-
seller have found one in their president; others who
desired suitable and profitable companions have met
with them in the members of these Associations. The
timid have been encouraged, and the forward youth
has been restrained. He who thought he was wise has
found his ignorance, and he who thought he knew
nothing, discovered that he had stores from which to
instruct his less favoured companions. He who ^\as
determined to do good, but knew not how, has hat] th.;
way pointed out to him, and been piloted when sur-
rounded by rocks and quicksands, to the attainment of
his object. ' '

" These Associations have united young men of
various ages, grades in society, and attainments in lite-
rature and piety, and furnished opportunities to each
of receiving and 'loing good. They have been found
nurseries for the agency and committees of our Chris-
tian visiting, Tract-distributing, Bible, Missionary, and
benevolent societies. Missionaries now in heathen
lands, have gone from their ranks ; Home missionaries,
pastors of churches, and secretaries of various Christian
and philanthropic societies can bear testimony to the
advantages they have derived from their connexion with
Young Men's Societies.

" Some most useful and valuallo cccitiies now ex-
isting have originated in and been mainly promoted
through the influence of Young Men's Societies. I
have known an infant school erected, and paid for ; pri-
bons nsited ; the spiritual welfare of seamen promoted ;
a sabbith ir-arket stopped ; sabbath schools established ;

T)AV1D NASMlTil.

brtified, and
)re8erved, or
icious coun-

otherss who
IS liave met
itions. The
•ward youth
ivas wise has
ht he knew
>m which to
le who vvds

has had thi;
d when sur-
ittainraent of

mg men of
fients in lite-
ties to each

been found
f our Chris-
isionary, and

in heathen
missionaries,
us Christian
lony to the
mexion with

es now ex-
y promoted
jcieties. I
id for ; pri-
i promoted ;
established ;

people of colour instructed ; the sick visited ; the des-
tute relieved; temperance promoted; scveuty-uiiu'
sermons preached; and 21K),(K)0 tracts and Imndbills
distributed at two fairs, ill through the united eflbrts
and influence of Young Men's Societies.

" Many of our mo:it inteUi</ent sabbath -school
teachers have been drawn from Young Men's Associ-
ations ; in fact they are training schools for teacliers :
r lit" t 'i?y become more so ! The circumstance of a youth
being admitted to membership in Young Men's Socie-
les, at the age of fourteen, presents hope to tlie sabbatli-
school teacher, who is looking with prayerful anxiety
upon the advanced boys in his class, that on leaving
liim they may be transferred to an association, in whicli
they may mingle with their seniors, and engage in
exercises tending to deepen the impressions made at
school, and to mature their principles.

" During the twelve months preceding the 16th of
March last, I had the pleasure of seeing eighteen Young
Men's Societies formed, three of which did not go for-
ward, from three others I have received no account,
the remaining twelve proceed, and embrace near to 500
members. The preceding incidents show that they are
not all asleep. The following are some of the subjects
upon which the members of these societies have v/ritteu
essays duriiig the year : The Advantage of Young
Men's Societies — The Claims of Society upon Young
Men — By what means may the Members of these
Societies exert the most salutary Influence upon Y oung
Men — Tfee Means whereby a Bible Education and
Scriptural Training may be secured to the Boys of
the Nat^^i., and the Obligations resting on Young Men
who ha*e enjoyed li^se Blessings to hand them down to

IS!

MEMOIR OP

, .i.iij;.

their Juniors — On Friendship — On the Advantages of
Early Piety— On doing Good — On Humility — On Re-
pentance — On the Nature and Operations of Conscience
— On the Effects of Perseverance — On the Difference
between Wisdom and Knowledge — On Christian Zeal
— On the Encouragement we have in the Sacred Scrip-
tures to expect the ultimate Spread of the Gospel — On
the Duty of diffusing Useful Knowledge — On the Life
and Character of Luther and Cranmer — On the early
Life of Cowper — On the Formation of the Minds and
Habits of Children — On the Moral Aspect of Great
Britain as compared with other Nations — On Slavery —
On History — On the Incompatibility of War with the
Principles of the New Testament — On Reflection — On
the Varieties of Style, and how far an Author's Character
may be known from his Works.

" Before closing this communication, I would just
glance at some of the reasons why Young Men's Socie-
ties, in some instances, have failed to produce that benefit
either to their members or others, which might have
been expected, or that was desired. The indisposition
of men of piety, sound judgment, and experience to
preside over them, and thus guide the youthful energies
of their members ; — the determination of young men,
of ardent zeal, to have their own way, even to the
annoyance and injury of the whole body — an attempt
at a display of one's own powers, rather than a deter-
mination to use them only to the edification of his
associates — a love of the showy instead of the solid —
the irregular attendance of the presidents, and of the
more experienced members of associations— the intro-
duction of a spirit of criticism — a want of forbearance
with the young, the ignorant, or the weak members ; so

loi

DAVID NASMITH.

dvantages of
ity— On Re-
if Conscience
,e Difference
iristian Zeal
jacred Scrip-
Gospel — On
-On the Life
Dn the early
e Minds and
ect of Great
3n Slavery —
Vai with the
iflection — On
jr's Character

I would just

Men's Socie-

e that benefit

might have

indisposition

xperience to

hful energies

young men,

even to the

an attempt

lan a deter-

ation of his

the solid —

and of the

—the intro-

forbearance

members; so

treating them as to lead to their discouragement and
ultimate withdrawal — a departure from that practical
reading of the word of God which ought ever to charac-
terise that part of the exercises of their meetings ; —
these are some of the difficulties that have impeded the
progress and efficiency of Young Men's Societies.

" The claims which Young Men's Societies have upon
all classes of the community appear to me many and
urgent. Would that the wise and experienced of our
ministers, our fathers, our patriots, our philanthropists,
would but weigh their importance, and unite their
energies to promote the multiplication and efficiency of
institutions so fraught with blessings. When I think
of the mighty influence which, under God, pious young
men, well trained, are capable of exerting on behalf of
this sinful world, and knowing as I do that hundreds,
thousands, are ardently desiring to be made useful, and
tens of thousands possess the talents that require only
to be developed and directed to this end, I cannot but
long for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to open the
eyes of the church, that she may see where her strength
is waste, and bring it to use without delay. O, my dear
Sir, our young men must be trained for the Lord! Your
course and mine will terminate after some ten, twenty,
or thirty years — perhaps much sooner. What can we
do, that we have not done, to bring up the host of the
Lord ? You occupy one of the high and commanding
posts of Zion : not only can you influence your own
congregation, but your influence, if exerted, could be
rendered such in this department, as would soon tell
with effect upon London and the world. May the Lord
direct your spirit in this matter ! I purpose still giving
some attention to this department ; but City Missions

II III

100

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

iiiiliiji

lllii

and other societies press upon my mind, and occupy my
time, so that I cannot do what I woidd in Young Men's
Societies."

As this account was written in 1838, the year prior
to David's death, it may be considered as the deliberate
and matured expression not merely of his opinions, but
of his experience. Devoutly attached as David Nasmith
was to the promotion of Young ^vlen's Societies, his
primary object, and the main pursuit of his life, was
the establishment of City Missions. With these his
name is indissolubly associated, and they will go down
together to posterity. On the first day of January,
1826, he formed the Glasgow City Mission, which
became almost immediately a favourite with the public.
These two institutions, the latter especially, form sub-
jects of great importance, and merit from Christian
churches the deepest consideration. We shall, there-
fore, in the proper place, inquire into their constitution,
character, and claims.

1 II

d occupy my
Young Men's

le year prior
he deliberate
opinions, but
avid Nasmith
Societies, his
his life, was
ith these his
will go down
of January,
ssion, which
;h the public,
ly, form sub-
)m Christian
shall, there-
constitution,

CHAPTER VIII.

Address to William Cunningham, Esq. — Happy occurrences — His
anxiety for his brothers— Important letter to John— Weekly letter to
John— John tries to get rid of the weekly letter— Awful death —
Efforts for the salvation of Andrew— John's conversion — Important
letter to John on his admission to the church — Andrew's conversion
and profession of the faith — Reflections.

TO WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, ESQ., OF LAINSHAW,

AYRSHIRE.

Sir, — As a munificent patron and a laborious agent
in the work of sabbath-school instruction, the memory
of David Nasmith has strong claims on you. You have
indeed already certified his worth in these expressive
words : " I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. David
Nasmith for some years past as secretary of the Religious
Institutions' Rooms in Glasgow ; and so far as I have had
opportunities of judging, I can bear the most decided
testimony to the able manner in which he has discharged
the duties of that laborious and important office. I
have observed in Mr. Nasmith not only an unwearied
zeal in behalf of the important objects of the institu-
tion ; but also such Christian courteousness of manner
in his intercourse with strangers and visitors as must
have tended to serve the interests of the various societies
committed to his care. And during the long and painful
controversy of the Apocryphal question, which agitated
the Christian public of Glasgow, no less than other
parts of Scotland, Mr. Nasmith seemed to me to carry
himself with marked prudence in situations which were

St a

iiili

I' '

102

MEMOIR OF

both difficult and trying. I should think Mr. Nasmith
would be a great acquisition to any large institution for
religious purposes that might require his services."

The last chapter illustrates David's character as a
sabbath-school teacher and a friend of young men ; the
present will exhibit his conduct as a brother. Except
for the grief he felt on account of his unbelieving rela-
tives, this year, 1825, was one of the happiest that he had
yet experienced. His mind was at this period eminently
spiritual and joyous. Writirg to a friend, in reference
to a very small disappointment which he himself had
suffered, he says : " Such pleasure I must forego ; and
believing that all things are wisely ordered by our
heavenly Father, even the direction we are to take in
our journeys, and the every attendant circumstance in
them, can I entertain a wish contrary to his will ? No !
It is my earnest desire, — O that it may be my speedy
and happy attainment, — to have my will so completely
wrapped up in the will of my Lord, as to be led to see
him in all things, and to have all things in him. I trust
I have of late enjoyed more of this than in any former
period of my life. I have been led to mark his kind,
kind hand in a chain of events that have lately befallen
me, for which I have great cause to bless him, and
shall, I trust, have so more and more." The " chain of
events" to which reference is here so gracefully made,
embraces the providences which introduced him to the
family from which, about seven months afterwards, he
obtained the invaluable companion of his remarkable
and ofttimes trying pilgrimage.

But amid all David's comforts, present and prospec-

' *

DAVID NASMITH.

103

services.

tive, he had "great heaviness and continual sorrow of
heart for his brethren," especially for John. We have
already seen David and his parents weeping and praying
over this heedless youth. But David was not satisfied
with this ; while he sighed for the salvation of all the
young men of Glasgow, it is not to be supposed that
he was indilTerent to the eternal welfare of his own
brother. Accordingly, in the autumn of the former
year he addressed to John the following faithful, power-
ful, and pathetic expostulation : —

" My dear John, — I hope you are sensible that you
occupy a strong hold of my regard, and that your
happiness is mine, and your misery my pain. Will
you allow me, then, my dear brother, to drop over
you the tear of sorrow whilst I endeavour to per-
form the duty of a faithful friend? I grieve, not
because you are past hope, but that you should appear
to be making rapid strides of advancement on the broad
road that leads down to the chambers of death. I once
entertained the hope, that whilst we were burdened and
oppressed with the folly and sins of Andrew, I saw in
you the germ of better fruit, and that oivs- hearts were
to be cheered by having you to accompany us in the
narrow road to heaven. O, my dear John, what has
now become of those tender feelings you once had
when you saw the wicked going on in their wickedness,
and those emotions in the breast that caused the tear
to flow when you witnessed the grief and the sorrow
of a dear, a loving, a godly, but a mourning parent, on
account of a profligate son. Has sin so hardened your
heart, that now you are lost to all sensibility of feeling
for a mother's pains ? and vsdll you add to the shortening
of her much valued life, and bring her grey hairs with

I .

104

MEMOIR OP

■•:'m

K ■

sorrow to tlie grave ? O forbid it, gracious God ! Stop
the poor sinner ! Dear brother, you are now in the
vortex of ruin ; you are rolling sin as a sweet morsel
under your tongue, and if grace prevent not you must
soon perish. Let me implore you to have pity upon
your own poor soul, if you will have none upon dear
friends. You are the loser, we have present pain ; but
if united to Christ, as I humbly trust we are, we shall
soon be where every tear will be dried up. But ah,
where must our poor prodigal brother and son be?
Either dragging out a miserable existence on earth, or
suffering the anguish of the worm that dieth not, and
the fire that never shall be quenched.

" Is sin so sweet, and its fruit so pleasant, that you
are determined to enjoy its pleasure for the short season
of your existence here, remembering at the same time
that its wages is death — eternal death ! Yes, and if
indulged in much longer in the way that you have been
doing of late, it will undermine your constitution and
bring you to a premature grave. Remember, that as a
man sows, so shall he reap : * He that soweth to the
flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that
soweth to the Spirit shall reap everlasting life.'

" Break off your sinful practices by repentance, by
turning to that God against whom your puny arm has
been lifted in rebellion. He delights in mercy ; it is
his darling attribute. * As I live, saith the Lord, I have
no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but would rather
that he would turn and live.' * Why will ye die ? why
will ye die ? saith the Lord.' Have you forgotten, my
dear John, the wonderful display of mercy manifested
by God when he gave up his dear, his only-begotten and
well-beloved Son to die for us ? What could he have

DAVID NASMITH.

105

Grod ! Stop
now ill the
veet morsel
►t you must
! pity upon
! upon dear
pain ; but
re, we shall
>. But ah,
id son be?
on earth, or
th not, and

it, that vou
short season
! same time
Y^es, and if
1 have been
itution and
r, that as a
reth to the
►ut he that

B.'

ntance, by
ly arm has
ercy ; it is
ord, I have
[)uld rather
die ? why
gotten, my
manifested
'gotten and
d he have

done more ? Surely, nothing: no greater proof of pity

and of love could have been shown. Have you forgot

the sufferings of Jesus, at the hand of man, of devils,

and of God, and his voluntary acceptance of them all,

that we should not perish, but have everlasting life ?

Oh ! rouse you ; look at him sweating, in the garden of

Getlisemane, great drops as blood falling down to the

ground. Can you view him nailed to Calvary's accursed

tree, and there, whilst enduring the wrath of God on

account of sins not his own, crying out, * My God, my

God, why hast thou forsaken me,' without feeling

deeply abased on account of your sins which caused his

agony ? Can you, with such a heavenly display of love

before you, still proceed in the paths of wickedness, and

set at nought the voice from Calvary ? Will you do despite

unto the Holy Spirit of grace, who is plying you with

his offers of mercy from day to day, and beseeching

you to be reconciled to him ? Will you put to sleep

the calls of a conscience that frequently admonishes

you? Dread, O dread, a seared conscience, which you

are rapidly obtaining ; every fresh violation of duty and

instance of sin tend to render its admonitions less

salutary. Jesus sees you !

" You are now done with your apprenticeship : you
have been greatly blessed with a good master ; and if
wise for yourself, you will seek to retain his friendship,
remain in his service for a year or two, and conduct
yourself with propriety; and there is no saying what
may turn round, if you behave yourseJf. I entreat } ou,
shun the company of the wicked and all who induce
you to that which your Bible says is not good. Make
the Scripture more your companion, and delight yourself
in the friendship and intercourse of the good and wise

F 3

103

MEMOIR OF

— I mean the pious. Seek deliverance from sin from
God, and rest not satisfied until you are imited by a
living faith to Jesus. Then, and never until then, will
you know what real happiness means. ' Wisdom's ways
are ways oi pleasantness j and all her paths are peace.* ^^

It does not appeal that this letter produced any imme-
diate reformation upon the unhappy youth ; but in the
following year he began to manifest some signs of im-
provement. Addressing him in August, 1825, David
says : " It affords me pleasure to learn that you are re-
• gular in your attendance upon the house of God : that 1
am sure you will never have cause to repent. You call
yourself prodigal ; may you, my dear brother, be like
the repenting prodigal mentioned in Scripture, and find
mercy of the Lord, and then shall our hearts rejoice and
be glad over you." At this period, David pursued him
with a constancy of entreaty, instruction, and warning,
which gave him no rest in his sinful course. It became
clear that l;he only condition of quiet for John, was re-
pentance. David's practice was to write him a long and
faithful letter every week. Only the man who has been
subjected to such a course of affectionate harassment, can
tell how difficult it is to stand up against such perpetual
dropping. It wears away the very stones. John was
then living at Millingavie, and to put an end to this in-
tolerable annoyance, he at length made up his mind to
compromise the matter with David. He accordingly inti-
mated that, when the weather permitted, he would hence-
forth come into Glasgow regularly, to attend the ministry
of the Rev. Greville Ewing. John clearly saw that attend-
ance at public worship was much more compatible with
a life of sin than the receipt and perusal of a strong,
pungent, and touching letter. Iniquity, indeed, of all

I :;:, i

)m sin from
united by a
til then, will
isdom's ways
re peace.* "
id any imme-
; but in the
signs of im-
1825, David
t you are re-
God : that 1
t. You call
her, be like
ure, and find
s rejoice and
pursued him
md warning,
It became
ohn, was re-

a long and

who has been
assment, can
ch perpetual
John was
d to this in-
his mind to
)rdingly inti-
ivould hence-
the ministry
' that attend-
ipatible with
of a strong,
iideed, of all

DAVID NASMITH.

107

kinds, and of all measures, may easily be made to har-
monise with two sabbatic attendances on worsl
David at once perceived the object of John's proposal,
and thus replied to him in a letter of September 23rd,
1825 : " You say you intend, if spared, and the weather
favourable, to attend Mr. Ewing's regularly, and to hear
from me on Saturday no more. That you should attend
Mr. Ewing's as often as in your power, I approve ; but
the weather is not now likely to be such as to enable
you, without injury to your health, to come in regularly,
and mother is concerned for the safety of your body as
well as that of your soul. Are you wearied of my
weekly epistles, that you say you will expect to hear
from me no more ? I am very far from being wearied of
your communications, and do most anxiously desire that
you should continue them, as your profiting appears
most evident. Your last letter to your parents is, I
think, the best you have yet written, both as it regards
accuracy of diction and writing. It is not yet, however,
a perfect model : selfe^ instead of self ; nees, knees ;
emplore, implore ; clearley, clearly ; witt, wit ; comple-
ments, compliments ; dept, debt ; routed, rooted. Fold
your letters as I formerly pointed out to you."

Thus with even parental affection, and all the pains of
a pedagogue, did David continue to labour for the inte-
rests of his brother. John was a man of good natural
abilities, although he had neglected his studies at school.
David's attentions were not lost upon him. His
letters before me are at once correct, able, and ex-
cellent. The result is highly encouraging to brothers to
seek each other's improvement in the art of epistolary
correspondence, a matter too important to be safely
despised in these times by any man who wishes to get on

.:;:!:

108

MEMOIII OF

ill:;

in the world. But David was successful in the higher
point. In his next to Johti, he says : " I am glad to find
that I was correct in supposing that you had not got
quite tired of my weekly epistles, but were still inclined
to receive them. Do try to explain yourself to me, al-
though it should take two sheets to hold it. Do not
suppose that that would be too great a task for me to
read. No ! I am not beginning to weary of your
epistles, but I weary for them. My dear John, I do
hope that you are continuing night and day to wrestle
with God in prayer, that your sins may be forgiven,
that your iniquities may be blotted out, and that you
may indeed be a new creature in Christ Jes.\is."

David's correspondence with John strikingly illustrated
his peculiar tact in adapting himself to tiie character
of the parties he addressed. Nothing of any importance
occurred in Glasgow illustrative of the perilous effects of
bad habits and bad company, but John was sure to be
apprised of it. For instance : "' This week I heard of
an awful instance of the effects of sin. A young man,
the only son of a widowed mother, whose bad conduct
for some time past had led him to forsake the fireside of
his tender parent, was in Mr. Cunningham's spirit- cellar,
I think upon Monday evening last, and was going on
in a very foolish and sinful way, saying that he intended
poisoning himself, and if he had any friends who wished
him well, now was the time to pray for him. He actually
took the poison from his pocket, and showed it to some
persons who were present. And, what shall I say ?
Next morning he was found with all his clothes on, lying
on his bed a lifeless corse ! How striking a proof does
this furnish of that saying of Scripture, * The wicked
do not live out half their days !' What an awful and

DAVID NA8MITII.

10!)

I the lii{?her
1 glad to find
had not got
still inclined
If to ine, al-
it. Do not
ik for me to
iry of your
r John, I do
ay to wrestle
he forgiven,
nd that you
us."

ly illustrated

lie character

y importance

bus effects of

1 sure to he

: I heard of

young man,

bad conduct

le fireside of

spirit-cellar,

as going on

he intended

who wished

He actually

i it to some

hall I say ?

les on, lying

proof does

The wicked

awful and

striking lesson does it furnish to all young men to cleanse
their ways by taking heed to God's word ! May it, my
dear John, he your unspeakable happiness to be found
walking with Jesus in tlie paths of holiness, which are
paths of peace, and joy, and which lead to glory, honour,
immortality, and eternal life, through Jesus Christ our
Lord!"

John found it impossible to escape from the toils of
his indomitable brother, and hence he wrote on with
praiseworthy regularity. His case began, about the
beginning of 18:26, to assume a very hopeful appearance.
David, writing him towards the end of January, says :
"Yours of the 18th to parents was duly received ; the
reading of it afforded us all pleasure. None seemed
more truly rejoiced at its contents than mother. You
know her deep concern and anxiety after us all. Truly
she may be said to travail in birth until Christ be formed
in the hearts of her offspring, the hope of glory. She
desires me to say that she rejoices to hear that you feel
your heart to be evil ; for until we are sick, we never
think of the physician. Jesus is the Physician of value !
None come to him that he cannot cure ; none come to
him that he will not cure." Mrs. Nasmith well merited
the character here given of her by her now glorified son.
His biographer knew her : he lodged a short time under
her roof, and was a witness of her maternal worth and
many excellences. .

In all David's communications with John, as well as
with every one else, every thing was rendered subservient
to the interests of the soul : Whenever a spark, however
small, appeared, he hastened to blow it into a flame. He
thus works upon a confession : " Whilst I desire to be
thankful to God for impressing your mind with a sense

110

MEMOIR OP

' el i i i r

of your puilt and wretchedness in his sipht, I hope that
you will seek to know more of your vileness ; and that
n» a sinner ready to perish, you will lay, or have laid
liold on Jesus, the only and almJThty Saviour; and
that we may, through the mercy of our Lord, have the
uiispeakahle happiness of seeing you walking in the
truth, and recognising you as a brother in Christ."

David well knew how to speak a word in season to
him that is weary, and to encourage those who were
beset with difficulties. To John he says: " Your khid
favour of the 13th instant I duly received. You com-
plain of the v/ant of a place of retirement where you
may pray to God. This certainly is important; reli-
gion consists chiefly in intercourse between God and the
soul. You are not singular, however ; many are greatly
worse off than you in this respect. Some, from the
moment they awake in the morning until they retire to
rest in the evening, are not only obliged to associate
with the abandoned, the wicked, and profane, but have
not an opportunity of withdrawing to pray in secret.
I have liuown some who have retired to the coal-cellar,
and have heard of others taking refuge in the fields, &c.,
as affording opportunities for secret prayer. It is a
mercy that while the hands are busily employed, the
mind may be holding intercourse with God. The
throne of grace is of easy access. Jesus is the Medi-
ator ; God delights to hear, and waits to answer prayer.
May you, my dear John, have a praying spirit, and you
will not want a place to pray. I do regret Andrew's
conduct exceedingly ; but can neither help nor prevent
it. It is unfeeling and unkind to the best of mothers.
May it be that the Lord will bring good out of this
present evil, both to his own soul and to us ! May we

i.'^l

hope that

; and that

have laid

iour ; and

, have the

ing in the

Christ."

season to

who were

Your kind

You coni-

where you

tant; reli-

od and tlie

ire greatly

from the

y retire to

) associate

but have

in secret.

oal-cellar,

ields, &c.,

It is a

oyed, the

od. The

the Medi-

er prayer.

;, and you

Andrew's

)r prevent

mothers.

at of this

May we

DAVID NASMITII. * . 'V \\\

carry him on our spirits to a throne of grace! On
Tuesday iiioniing I sent off a letter to Andrew, and a
parcel containing a number of tracts, and the volume
of Doddridge's Sermons which you read ; some of them
ore, I til Ilk, upon suhjects suited to him. He will
receive them about this time ; let us pray the Lord that
he may be inclined to peruse them, and that the Holy
Spirit may bring home the truths which they contahi
with power to his heart."

These words were written on April 2\, 1826; and
although John had become in some measure sober and
attentive, still he had not submitted to the righteous-
ness of God. Full four years more did he hold out
against the voice of mercy, and so long did David con-
tinue to give him line upon line and precept upon
precept. At length, however, the happy hour arrived
when grace obtained the victory. On David's depar-
ture for America in 1830, with all the uncertainties of
the ocean and the climate before him, he sat down and
wrote John what might have proved his last letter.
He says : " I cannot lay my hands on the letter David
wrote me when he left this for America ; but the sen-
tence that was the means in the hand of God of awaken-
ing mo, and, I trust, of my conversion, was, * Dear John !
if I should never meet you on earth again, shall I meet
you on the right hand of God, or shall I be on the
right hand and you on the left ?' These words
wounded my heart, and I have never had, and I trust
I never shall have them erased from my mind. O that
I could only copy his example, and that my end may
be like his — peace 1"

Notwithstanding this decision, John did not make
a public profession of the faith till two years after-

112

MEMO[R OP

I "m

.'■ili

B!ii;iilli;||

liii '

wards, when David had returned from America. Early
in 1832, he applied for fellowship with the church in
Greenock, and was accepted. On going to the Lord's
table the first time, he was anxious for the company
of David or of his brother-in-law, Mr. Gallic, and
wrote to his mother to that effect, which drew forth
from David the following invaluable letter : —

"My beloved brother, — Your letter to mother, an-
nouncing the prospect you have of sitting down at the
Lord's table on next sabbath, for the first time, and
inviting brother Gallic or me to be with you on the oc-
' casion, was handed me last night. I need not say, my
brother, that it would have given me sincere pleasure
to have complied with your wishes, had not a previous
engagement to spend that Lord's day in addressing the
church and congregation at Cambuslang prevented.

" No circumstance on earth could yield me more real
pleasure than the introduction of a brother to the Lord's
table, who had given reason to believe of him that he
had first given himself to the Lord, and afterwards to
the church by the will of God. Such, I trust, is your
case, and such is my joy. O my brother, how delightful
the thought, that now father, mother, Betsy, Isabella,
Jane, you, and I, of the family, are, we humbly trust,
in the ark of safety, and have the blessed prospect of
soon meeting at the table above, which shall never be
withdrawn ! Yes, we shall see Him whom our souls
love ; and then shall we be like him. Is he not now
the chief among ten thousand and the altogether lovely ?
I feel him precious to my soul, and know not what I
could do without him. But, alas! I love him too
little ; my love is faint and cold. O for grace to love
him more ! Shall we, can we be satisfied, whilst three

DAVID NASMITH.

113

of tlie family are still in Sodom ? No, my brother ; the
love of Christ constraineth us to seek their salvation.
We must not rest until joy has been caused amongst the
angels in heaven over a repenting, returning, prodigal
Andrew, a converted Mungo, and a sister Agnes lying
at the feet of Jesus ! Will our Lord refuse our petition
for them ? No ! He will be pleased to hear us. Yes,
and the more faith in his disposition and ability to save
them, the more will he be pleased ; for doubting his
inclination detracts from his glory ; and can he be
pleased with such robbery ? No, it is impossible. Do,
then, let us come, in the simplicity of faith, as little
children, and cast them at his feet ! He will not refuse
to heal the sick we bring before him. The difficulties
in the way of introducing them may be numerous ; but
if we can not get in at the door for the press, let us go
to the house-top. He will not be offended. He wants
to see us in earnest. Will it not be pleasing to see the
family unbroken in the skies ? Yes, it will ! We shall
join sweetly in the long, loud chorus of praise to Him
who hath washed us, and made us white in his blood.
Now rises before my mind our end and their end through
successive generations. Let us just bring them all,
though yet unborn many of them, and leave them with
the Lord. We can lodge notes in heaven, endorsed by
Jesus, that will be paid to them in due time. Have not
we an Advocate in heaven who has said, * If ye shall
ask anything in my name, it shall be given you ? '

" In seeking the salvation of those now living, we
must ply them, by conversation and epistle, with the
gospel ; they are to he saved not hy our prayers, but by
the truth. Poor Andrew does respect me, and in three
instances he has been present where 1 have addressed

-■i

114

MEMOIR OP

l'il;r|:'

I'm

lii

saints and sinners, and he has trembled. O that he was
brought to act otherwise than Felix ; but, alas ! thus
far he is too like him. No change. The old man.

*' My brother, you are about to sit down at the Lord's
table for the first time. I send you a valuable little
work, by Hawker, upon the King's sitting with the
guests, which may be of use to you at present. You
may return it to me at your leisure. You are invited,
as all his children are, to this feast often by King Jesus.
It is a feast of love. You in it call to remembrance,
what? Jesus — *Do this in remembrance of Me' are
his words. Now when at the table you are called to
think of Jesus, the bread reminds you of his broken
body ; the wine, of his shed blood. His body was
broken and his blood shed for you ; and must not the
recollection of this inspire within you love to him who
so loved you ; and hatred, yea, an eternal hatred of that
[sin] which caused him to suffer ? You are led here to
look back to Gethsemane and Calvary, and forward to
the table above. Yes, and you will now, 1 trust, be
enabled to rejoice in Him who not only suffered for you
eighteen hundred years ago, and will put a crown of
glory upon your head, and a palm of victory in your
hand ; but in Him who is the Author and Finisher of
your faith. My brother, in this you have cause to
rejoice, that Jesus not only did and promises to crown
all who continue to the end ; but that he has promised
to perfect his strength in your weakness, and to make
his grace sufficient for you. In yourself you are weak-
ness itself; but in Christ you have strength. He is made
unto his people wisdom, righteousness, sanct.' Jication, and
redemption. He is all in all. Do trust him. Lean on
him ; not on an arm of flesh ; not in yourself. *

DAVID NASMITH.

115

that he was
, alas! thus
id man.
t the Lord's
luable little
ig with the
5.sent. You
are invited,
King Jesus.
?membrance,
of Me' are
re called to
f his broken
is body was
lust not the
to him who
atred of that
:> led here to
I forward to
1 trust, be
'ered for you
a crown of
;ory in your
Finisher of
ive cause to
les to crown
las promised
nd to make
u are weak-
IJe is made
{ication, and
n. Lean on
If. •

" Having received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in
him, rooted and grounded in him. Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing. You have much forgiven you,
love much ! If ye love me, says Jesus, keep my com-
mandments. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear
much fruit, not a little ; and the way to be able to bear
much fruit is to think highly and cleave closely to
Christ. * Without me ye can do nothing.' ' As the
branch cannot bear fruit of itself, neither can ye ex-
cept ye abide in me.' ' Abide in me, and 1 in you.'
Blessed union ! Christ in us the hope of glory, work-
ing in us, both to will and do of his good pleasure.
You have a deceitful heart. He who trusteth to his
own heart is a fool. Trust in the Lord ; watch, watch,
watch ! Your adversary, the devil, will tempt you ;
but resist him in the name and in the words of Christ,
and he will flee from you. He can quote passages of
Scripture ; but when he does so you must examine
their bearing. Give yourself, my brother, to serve
Jesus with all your might. Live now to him who died
for you. You have given twer»ty-four years of your
life to the devil's service. Let all that is to come be
given to that of Him whose service is liberty. Be
sober-minded ! Peace be with yod !"

Ihe reader will not fail, amid the many excellences
of this beautiful letter, to notice the expression, *' They
are to be saved, not by our prayers, but by the truth.'*
Is not this most momentous doctrine too much for-
gotten ? Is there not much idle, apathetic, worthless
sentimentp'sm, not to say cruel cant, and culpable
hypocrisy, upon this subject, in the professing world ?
Let all whom it doth or may concern look at the coiirse
of David Nasmith, and be corrected ! Let those who"^

116

MEMOIR OF

|!!

liil

follow his example, mark his success and be encou-
raged ! I H

Thus, at length, John is brought to Christ and folded
with his lambs. But what of the wayward prodigal
Andrew ? He continued to walk in the broad way for
seven more long years. But I must let John be the
historian of this event. He, writing to Mrs. Nasmith,
on November 24, 1839, savs: " Your dear husband has
now been one week among the redeemed in heaven.
Our time is but short, and we know not when our Lord
may send for us. O to be in a prepared state, waiting
for the coming of our Lord ! I have great comfort
in brother at this time, to see his mind directed to the
things that concern his soul. David's death has been
a wonderful grief to him. He is almost every evening
with us at worship, and has engaged several times in
prayer at the family altar. He was in deep mourning
with us in the house of God this day. He says he
would like if it was in his power to have one of David's
children. This is merely intended to show what great
things the Lord can do in answer to prayer." Writing
again to Mrs. Nasmith, on January 28, 1840, and re-
ferring to a certain event, John says : " Since that time,
he has been a great comfort to me. He was received
into the church on the first sabbath of the year, and
gives evidence of a wonderful change. We may well
exclaim, What hath the Lord wrought ! To Him alone
we must ascribe the praise." Oh ! happy consum-
mation. Two prodigals returned, both dead and both
alive again, both lost and both found ! Ah ! here is
reward sufficient for all David's toils and tears ! Amid
his anxieties for these two dear brothers, little Mungo
V was not forgotten. I am furnished with letters ad-

' \

DAVID NASMITH.

117

dressed to him, beautifully adapted to his juvenile con-
dition.

Now^ the question is, Does British biography present
a single instance of a Christian man labouring with
such assiduity, address, and perseverance for the sal-
vation of his father's house ? Where, among the re-
cords of the dead, shall we find such another instance
of fraternal zeal ? We remember none. What could
David have done more than he actually performed ?
But afisr all, would less have consisted with sincerity
of gospel faith ? Let the Christian brothers of un-
converted men read this record, and learn at once their
duty and their deficiency. Happy they who can read
it without shame, and fear, and remorse ! Happy they
who do not read in it their own condemnation ! A
faithful brother who can find ?

;p mourning

':'d

m fi'

& ^'ii

111

;i:' ! i

iili;.''

If ' ■ '

m- .

CHAPTER IX.

Address to the Rev. Duncan Macfarlane, Glasgow — His extraordi-
nary habits of order — His labours for the church — His conferences
■with applicants for membership — Example of a report made to the
church — Another striking example — His remarkable influence over
the young — Death of a young lady — Inscription — Meeting of David's
, schools — Gift of a Bible — Thoughts on the debt of societies — School
rewards— Self-support of schools— Constitution of school libraries —
Method of establishing Sunday-schools.

TO THE REV. DUNCAN MACFARLANE, GLASGOW.

Sir, — It was the happiness of David Nasmith to enjoy
your esteem and confidence, to which, in 1828, you gave
adequate expression in the following words : " The
bearer, Mr. David Nasmith, has been known to me
for a number of years ; and I have had during that
time many opportunities both of observing his character
and conduct, and of hearing the opinion of others
respecting these. I have said opinion, and I do so
because I can honestly say, that although I have had
occasion to speak with many of Mr. Nasmith, I do not
recollect to have heard more than one opinion of him.
It is, that he possesses in a very eminent degree what-
ever qualifications are thought desirable in a person
holding the situation which he has so long and so
honourably filled. Were I required to express in so
many particulars what are some of those qualifications
which have been so generally conceded to Mr. Nasmith,
I should say that in the first instance he possesses, in
no ordinary degree, the talent of coolly and deliberately

MEMOIR OP DAVID NASMITH.

Ill)

unravelling a complex and desultory discussion, re-
ducing the materials to a buoiness-like form. In the
next place, he combines with this the most indefati-
gable and persevering zeal in giving effect to the mea-
sures devised. And I shall only add th'it, as 1 believe
his own mind to be deeply imbued with the truth as
it is in Christ Jesus, so have I often admired how all
his natural and acquired talents are carried, as by the
constraining love of Christ, into the one channel, that
of promoting the glory of God in the salvation of man.
This single principle shows itself to be sufficiently
powerful to keep his mind, like the bubbling fountain,
always active, and though causing the energies of his
mind to flow out in many channels, yet in all of these
tending to the same great end — the glory of God in the
salvation of man. I feel almost ishamed to say so much
respecting an individual so well knoA^n to many much
abler to express an opinion of his merits; but as my
knowledge of Mr. Nasmith fully warrants these state-
ments, I account it as much a duty to society as to
himself to point out where talents so eminently fitted
for public usefulness are to be found."

David Nasmith carried his habits of order into every-
thing. With him it was a maxim that whatever was
worth doing at all, deserved to be done in the best
manner. This happy feature of his character may be
exemplified in one case, out of many that might be
adduced. Such men as hr are of great use in Christian
churches, and always come in for a large share of eccle-
siastical labour. David was peculiarly fitted for the
difficult and delicate task of conversing with applicants

■ 3 ''■' !

120

MEMOIR OF

kr,

m :

for church fellowship — a duty which he always dis-
charged with conscientious fidelity. Such was tlie
importance which he attached to it, that, notwithstand-
ing his abilities, he prepared the following outline of
points of conference : —

" Subjects to be conversed on with persons seeking to
join the church.

" Having been appointed by the church in Nile-
street to converse with you, in consequence of your
having applied for admission, will you have the goodness
to state to us what your views are,

"1st. With regard to what religion is, and how we
are to attain the knowledge of it.

" 2nd. The character and perfections of God.
"3rd. The unity of the three Persons in the Godhead.
" 4th. The state of man when originally created ; his
fall ; his present state as corrupt, ignorant, slave to
sin, &c.

" 5th. Of men's salvation and redemption, how it
came, and by what means — from God only — wrought by
Christ — excellency of Christ — his fulness — salvation
alone by Christ.

" 6th. How Christ wrought the salvation of sinners —
what he was made, and is, and what he did in order to
it. He took upon him the nature of man ; — he offe:'ed
himself to God as a sacrifice ; — suiFered for the sins of
mankind ; — fulfilled all righteousness of the law ; —
made peace ; — bore the curse ; — took away the hand-
writing of ordinances ; — is our righteousness, justifica-
tion, sanctification ; — he rose from the dead, ascended
up on high, where he appears as the Advocate and
Intercessor of his people, — their King to rule them and
subdue their enemies, — Prophet and Shepherd to teach,

DAVID NASMITH.

121

s seeking to

zh. in Nile-

md how we

guide, and feed them, — he is their all, — complete in
him.

"7th. God's free cb'^lce of us in Christ to eternal
life, and calling of j« according to his purpose and
grace.

" 8th. Pardon, reconciliation, peace, justification,
sanctification, eternal life, and salvation.

" 9th. How men have the benefit of this salvation ; —
by faith ; its nature and object ; and the way of know-
ing whether our faith be right.

" 10th. Character of saints, — good men, — believers
appearing in word and deed, — fruits of the Spirit.

" 11th. The children of God may be overtaken with
faults, not from sinful dispositions, and therefore may
deserve chastisements, — instances of falling, — applica-
tion of the rod, — duty of the church of Christ to such
of their number as fall into sin.

" 12th. The privileges of the righteous, and their
excellency above others.

" 13th. Union and relation between Christ and his
church, and their mutual love and esteem, and the
manifestation of it.

" 14th. The duty of believers — to love God, — to set
their affection on things above, — to notice his goodness
and mercy, — to search the Scriptures, that they may
know and practise tlie will of Christ, — not to be ashamed
of Christ before men, — to watch over themselves with
jealous care, lest they apostatize from God.

" 15th. Duties of believers to each other, — to love
each other, — to sympathize with each other in pity, — to
bear one another's burdens, — not rashly to talce up
prejudice against any, believe reports, take ofjence, or
be angry ; but tenderly forgive, cover faults, and restore

Ill

Ml "

?;'

122

MEMOIR OF

offenders in love, — avoid whispering, tale-bearing, —
rebuke, exhort, &c., — to take such rebukes well, — to
confess to and pray for each other, — to be of one mind
in things indifferent, and have respect to the weak ; —
duty to parents, magistrates, and all men.

" 16th. What the gospel is and its efficacy ; the duty
and recompense of gospel preachers.

" 17th. Church, — universal — particular — visible."
It will hardly be supposed that David discussed these
points seriatim, with every applicant; but the outline
will serve to illustrate the pains he took to discharge his
duty. Experienced readers will nevertheless observe
that some of the most important points of inquiry are
not stated. The document altogether is strongly cha-
racteristic of Scotland, where the culture of the under-
standing commands more attention than the culture of
the heart; and where, in writing, preaching, and con-
ference. Christian doctrine is made more prominent
than Christian experience. It is by no means insinuated
that the latter is neglected, but that a greater stress is
laid on the former, and that it might be an approach to
truth, to abate a little in the one case and add a little in
the other. In England there is reason to believe that
the peculiarity is just the opposite, and the remedy is
in principle the same. The religion of the North is
more intellectual ; the religion of the South more sen-
timental ; the union of both constitutes the most scrip-
tural form of personal Christianity. In dealing with
applicants, the great thing is to ascertain the t/ue state
of their souls. Is there life ? Is the plague of the
heart truly and deeply felt ? Is real conviction of sin
experienced ? Is the soul shut up to the faith ? Has
it received the Divine testimony? Does it love the

DAVID NA8MITI1.

123

Father? Then it is doubtless "begotten of him."
Does it "love the bretlireu?" Then doubtless it is
"passed from death unto life." All such, though
"weak in the faith," ought to be received, seeing they
are children ; " yea, and they shall be holden up, for
God is able to make them stand !"

David's reports were also highly characteristic of his
attention, care, and conscientiousness. He appears
frequently to have prepared his report, in writing,
immediately after the interview. An example or two
may both instruct and edify.

" October 28, IS25. Mr. Paul and I were appointed
by the church this evening to wait upon Mrs. Swan.

" Reported as follows to the church, Nov. 5th.

"1 called, in company with Mr. Paul, upon Mrs.
Swan ; had a conversation with her, with which I was
satisfied. She called at our house about a month ago,
signifying her desire to be connected with the church,
and wishing information as to the manner of applying.
After this I had a pretty long and also a satisfactory
conversation with her ; five or six years ago, when in
Airdrie, where she then resided, I called upon her, in
company with Mr. Calder, the pastor of the church
there, whoie letter was read at last church-meeting. I
had been in the habit of visiting her husband, and was
much pleased with the manner in which she seemed to
bear up under her heavy affliction and bereavement.

" So far as I am capable of judging, she appears to be
a woman who feels the power of the truth ; her know-
ledge is scriptural and pretty extensive. Upon the first
expression of a wish to join the church, with the assist-
ance of a sister, I made inquiry at different persons who
knew her conduct, from all of whom we received the

G 2

'fill

1^4

MEMOIR OP

most favourable testimonies. One of the persons to
wliom I applied, and who had attended her frequently
during a long, and what was then considered, a dan-
gerous illness, bears testimony to her Christian resigna-
tion at the time, and becoming conduct both before and
after. I had much pleasure in recommending her to
the fellowship of a female prayer-meeting nigh to her
residence, attended by several members of the church,
where I trust she will find her own soul refreshed, and
by which an opportunity will be given to the sisters of
becoming acquainted with her and of watching over her
in love. I shall be glad to give her the right hand of
fellowship."

Here is a beautiful example of Christian vigilance.
Would that it were followed by all who fear the Lord,
and constitute the fellowship of gospel churches ! How
large a number of facts and circumstances this careful
and keen observer brings to bear upon the character of
this lady ! How satisfactory to churches are such
additions ! How beneficial to the parties admitted are
such scrutinies ! They produce immediate confidence,
and authorise the cordial exercise of Christian affection.
Another example will prove interesting and useful.

"June 30, 1826. Mr. John Paul and I were this
evening appointed to call upon John Young ; and, upon
July 28th, reported to the church as follows in sub-
stance, but more detailed.

" John Young is a blacksmith by trade ; sixteen years
ago he withdrew from the church in Leith-walk, under
Mr. Haldane, at a time when some dispute had arisen
amongst the members. He had been a member of the
church for several years, and speaks as if he had been
very happy in it ; for a time he taught a sabbath-school,

DAVID NA8MITH.

urt

niul took a great (IcHght in the work. Upon leaving
tlie cliurcli, he became inclillcrent about religious
ordiiuuices, a!id being prosperous in tlie world, lie I'orgot
God. A reverse in his worldly circumstances took j)laee,
shortly after, wlien he entered the army, and went
abroad with his regiment, where he continued for aome
years. He became an habitual drunkard and sabbath-
breaker. He returned home, left the army, and worked
at his trade ; but did not break off his sins by
repentance, but continued until about New year's-day
last to drink ijnmoderately ; and until about four
menths ago, although nearly two years in town, he
had only been twice within a church door, having spent
his sabbaths in reading the newspjipers and such like
employment. About the time just mentioned, his mind
was brought under serious reflection. He thought of
the sinfulness of his life, and of the comfort he had
had when in fellowship with the people of God ; but
now he felt as one lost for ever ; he thought there could
be no mercy for him, and for some time remained in a
very distressed state of mind. About the time of his
first awakening to a sense of his guilt and danger, he
recollected that Mr. Ewing, whom he had heard occa-
sionally in Edinbuigh, was in to\vn. He came to hear
him, and was so much profited that he has since attended
regularly ; his conduct has been from the time men-
tioned strictly moral, as Mr. Paul will testify from the
witness which has been given to him. These facts he
stated in the course of conversation ; and added that his
present application for admission to the church was
made from a desire to do the will of Christ. He had
had much forgiven him ; and it was his wish to live
henceforth to Christ. He had met with much persecu-

3 !'

128

MEMOIR OF

tion since he broke off his sinful habits, and hoped
through grace to be enabled to continue to the end. In
fine, he spoke and seemed to feel as a well-informed,
believing penitent. Under this conviction, and from
the testimony which will be given to his moral character
by our brother Paul, I cannot refuse giving my consent
to his being received into the fellowship of the church."
For work of this description David was singularly
qualified by his kindly spirit, frank, yet modest and
delicate deportment, as well as by a sagacity and a
penetration which it was diflicult to elude or deceive.

Of David's power over young people, the following
example may be cited : " Having occasion, one day,"

says he, " to call at the house of Mr. C , which was

in my neighbourhood, I found Miss C alone, prac-
tising upon her piano. After a few remarks upon the
pleasant amusement in which she was engaged, our
conversation turned to the more sublime and heavenly
notes of a Saviour's love, and of the happiness enjoyed
by those who seek him early. Her remarks were few,
but appropriate ; she seemed interested in the conver-
sation. Before leaving, I informed her that I attended
a class of upwards of twenty misses of her age, and
older, upon sabbath evening, in the neighbourhood,
where, if her parents were inclined, and if she herself
was disposed, I should be glad to see her. As sabbath-
schools were originally intended chiefly for the poor, I
found it necessary to remove from her mind the impres-
sion that youths higher in rank were not to attend such
places, by informing her, that in the class referred to,
she would meet with those who had attended the board-
ing-school, and even one who had acted as governess in
a boarding-school, would there be found attending to

DAVID NASMITH.

127

governess in

the lessons of heavenly instruction, and taking part in
the various exercises of the sabbath-school. Her diffi-
culties having been obviated, she intimated her readiness
to come, if her parents were agreeable. Two weeks
elapsed, and still she had not come ; upon inquiry I
found that she whom I had so lately seen in all the
beauty and sprightliness of youth, and in the full
enjoyment of health, had been suddenly seized with
strong inflammation, and lay on her bed in extreme
pain, and very low. I hastened to call, that I might
impart to her a word of comfort, telling her of the love
of the Lord Jesus Christ. He, I knew, was a faithful
friend and a physician of value, who was ever ready to
come and relieve the souls that felt their need of him
and cried for mercy. She had no want of medical men
to wait upon her; the symptoms of her disease were
alarming ; death was apprehended as near at hand, and
the minds of her affectionate parents were anxiously
engaged in devising and using means for the comfort
and preservatio'i of this their only child — one who had
been dear to them from her infancy. When only two
years old, while the family were at the house of God,
she was observed to engage in prayer to Him who says,
* Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them
not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven,' — to Him who
is the Shepherd of Israel, and takes the lambs in his
arms and blesses them. When only five years old she
was sent to school, and in seven months after she could
read her Bible. She became fond of books, and took
great delight in reading the memoirs of pious children,
who died at an early age. By a diligent preparation of
her lessons at home, she was distinguished for her
progress in the various branches of education which she

[' lliil

ir '

128

MEMOIR OF

studied. Her rule was, * Prepare my lessons, ^nd then
play.' " The end hastened on apace ; she expired full
of peace and hope. David prefixed to his narrative the
following epitaph : —

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF MISS I, C.

Stranger I

Shed not a tear ; the opening rose

Is transplanted to bloom in Paradise.

Short and wasting was her day beiow i

But faith, patience, and holy joy

Cheered her drooping spirit.

While early piety fixed

Her soul on heaven.

She died in peaoe, |

And \

Rests in hope.

It will readily be inferred that David's sabbath evening
school was one of no ordinary efficiency ; for, in addition
to his own energetic labours, he was well supported in
the work ; besides, ministers of the gospel, students at
the University, officers of churches, and intelligent
Christians, all felt pleasure in the visitation of David's
school, and participating in his labours. We find in
his journal the names of visitors who have since made no
small figure in the republic of letters, and in the walks
of Christian philanthropy. David's influence with the
ministers of Glasgow was often subservient to the fur-
therance of his scholastic operations. The following
statement may be taken as an example, from his jour-
nal of January 1, 1823 : —

" This day, at half-past ten o'clock, the children of
all the schools assembled in the Lower Trades' Hall,
when the Rev. Mr. Heugh addressed them from Pro-
verbs xxii. 6 : ' Train up a child in the way he should

di
sa
I

DAVID NASMITH.

129

•1

IS, ^

nd then
expired full
larrative the

u c.

bath evening
, in addition
upported in
students at
intelligent
of David's
We find in
ice made no
n the walks
ce with the
to the fur-
e following
tn his jour-
children of
ades' Hall,
from Pro-
he should

go.' The address was very excellent ; that part of it
directed to the parents was very pointed. He placed
sabbath-schools just in that point of view in which,
I think, they ought to be. A number of the parents
were present ; the meeting was attended by a number
of very respectable people.

" Mr. Heugli read the following intimations after the
address : —

" * These schools, Hutcheson-street Saturday and
sabbath evening schools, although superintended by the
Sabbath-school Society, receive no support from its
funds. The necessary expenses of rent, cleaning,
light, and other incidentals, have been defrayed, for
several years past, from the amount raised by the
li! "'v belonging to the schools. Those children who
V o enjoy the privilege of it, pay one shilling per

quarter.

" ' Associations exist in both schools for religious
purposes; that in the sabbath-school was formed in
January, 1819, and has distributed in all, to religious
societies, £26 lis. ; the sum collected last year
amounted to £5 5s. 3d., which sum was disposed of
as follows : — £ s. d.

The Glasgow Ladies' Society in aid of Female

Education in India .... 1

Glasgow Youths' Bible Association . 1

Glasgow Society for promoting Christianity

among the Jews . . . . . 17 3
Glasgovvr Youths' Society for supporting

Schools in the Highlands and Islands of

Scotland . , . . , .19 3

5
3

5 3

130

MEMOIR OP

" * The Saturday -school Associa^^ion was formed this day
twelve months ; its receipts last year were £5 I3s. Ad.
which were disposed of as follows : —

Youths' Bible Association .

. 1

Youths* Auxiliary Missionary Society

Youths' Tract Society

. 1

Society for the Jews . . . .

Collectors' books ....

5 13 4

" * As some of the young people who do not find
it convenient to subscribe regularly have expressed a
desire to give their New Year's gift to the Associations,
an opportunity will be afforded by plates at the door
as they retire from the meeting.

" ' Mr. Nasmith, the teacher of tliese schools, will be
glad to see any of the parents any sabbath evening,
after seven o'clock.' "

On the same day, David received a very elegantly
bound Bible from the senior scholars, as " a testimony
of gratitude and esteem ;" and in anticipation of its
presentation by the Rev. Mr. (now Dr.) Heugh, he
prepared the following reply : —

" Sir, — In accepting the very handsome gift with
which, in the name of my pupils, you have now pre-
sented me, I beg to return sincere thanks. The gift
is, and ever will be, I trust, considered by me most
valuable, first, because it is the word of God ; secondly,
because it i^, on the part of these young people, whose
best interest lies near my heart, an expression of grati-
tude for services done them, which, from their atten-
tion, I have ever found pleasure in performing. May

ned this day
£5 13*. 4d.

£ 8. d.
.14 4

2
.10

17
.020

5 13 4

do not find
expressed a
Associations,
at the door

ools, will be
Lth evening,

:y elegantly
a testimony

ation of its
Heu^h, he

e gift with
'^e now pre-
;. The gift
jy me most
; secondly,
ople, whose
on of grati-
their atten-
ning. May

DAVID NASMITH.

131

it be between us a pledge, on this the first day of a
new year, of more devotedness to each other and to
God !"

In this way did David foster public spirit among his
young people, and accustom them from their earliest
years to associate efforts for the glory of God and the
good of men : nor was this all ; he was most anxious
to cultivate among them the spirit of a manly inde-
pendence.

On every subject connected with Sund ly-school
instruction, importance attaches to the deliberate opi-
nions of so experienced a teacher, and so intelligent
a man. In the document just cited, it will be seen
that David's schools were self-supported. His opinions
on this point, on " religious debts," and on school
rewards, are well entitled to notice. So early as 1821,
his mind was occupied with this subject, and he even
then arrived at those views which he held during the
whole of his subsequent life. On January 22, 1821,
he wrote as follows in his journal : —

" During several years' connexion with societies for
religious purposes, I have had to mourn over the pain-
ful circumstance of their being much involved in debt,
which was brought on in a variety of ways. This has
always appeared to my mind something which ought
not so to be; and to adopt some means for steering
clear of this rock, upon which, alas ! I have seen many
founder, has been my earnest desire. Feeling myself
bound by a very close tie to my sabbath evening charge,
and a debt necessarily contracted by the expense of
rooms, rent, coals, candle, &c., with the public library
belonging to the society, I i\S mxious to adopt some
means whereby my pupils by themselves, or with the aid

132

MEMOIR OV

h'li"

I'
I

of their parents, should defray our own expenses. Hav-
ing a voluntary society already form .d among them for
aiding four juvenile religious societies in town, I could
not propose to them any other object which might either
tend to withdraw that interest which had been excited,
"»" to take from them more money, which many of
am could not well spare. I thought of proposing
that the necessary expenses of the school should first
be defrayed out of the sum raised, and that the re-
mainder should be divided among the societies. This
plan, however, was objectionable, as part of the funds
raised by them was from their acquaintance and
friends, who, though desirous of aiding these societies,
were not disposed to aid any particular school. I then
thought, as the library was supported at considerable
expense to the Society, I would give it up, and endea-
vour to conduct the school without any other stimulus
than the approbation of the teacher, and the reward
which they would derive from their own improvement.
Some time prior to this, I had given up all reward tickets
and prize books, as not only expensive to the Society,
but, in my opinion, calculated to do more harm than
good. Many of my young friends laving imbibed a
taste for reading, solicited again the benefit of the
library. This I could not comply with, but gave them
such books of my own to read as I thought suitable.
My stock being small, it occurred to me, that by applying
to a few friends, I might obtain such donations in money
and books as would enable me to form for their use
a library, whereby that delightful thirst for knowledge
might be gratified, which seemed to be excited among
them. 1 accordingly set out in my design, and, in a
very few days, raised money sufficient, with a few

DAVID NASMITH.

133

snses. Hav-
mg them for
own, I could
might either
aeen excited,
ich many of
)f proposing

should first
that the re-
ieties. This
of the funds
intance and
ese societies,
ool. I then
considerable
, and endea-
iier stimulus

the reward
nprovement.
ward tickets
the Society,

harm than

imbibed a
lefit of the
t gave them
ht suitable,
by applying
IS in money
r their use

knowledge
ited among
1, and, in a
dth a few

donations of books, to provide a considerable number
of volumes for their perusal. It has occurred to me
this afternoon, that by making each reader pay one
shilling per quarter, and supposing one half of the
scholars did so, it would amount to £5, which might be
appropriated to defray the necessary expenses of the
school, which only come to abou. £3 10*., and the
£[ lOs. would bear the expenses of the repair of the
books, and perhaps add a few new ones each year, or
pay such periodical works as might be taken in. The
affair thus regulated, no expense would be incurred to
the Society by its existence, a spirit of delightful inde-
pendence would be excited in the youthful assembly,
and an objection completely removed from such parents
as will not send their children to any school supported
by public charity, whilst the youths enjoy reading of a
superior kind, tending to expand the mind and direct it
heaven-ward, at a very low rate. This plan, if generally
adopted throughout the schools, — regulating the charge
by the circumstances of the pupils, — appears to me to
be one of great importance. We would not have from
committees so frequently the painful announcement,
that unless the funds be speedily recruited, they will
be compelled to give up bome of their schools, and thus
suffer many youths who were willing to attend, to perish
for lack of knowledge. The immense field which still
lies unoccupied might be speedily taken up. A few
Christians in various districts might unite in forming-
schools in their respective proportions ; they might find
it necessary to raise a small fund at the commencement
of their operations, towards the formation of such
libraries, which would not be a very difficult matter ;

134

MEMOIR OP DAVID NASMITH.

and the presently existing societies, by providing each
school with a library from the funds raised, would
enable them to proceed without any further aid, except
that of the stimulus of visitors and the union of private
and social prayer among the teachers."

jviding each
ised, would
: aid, except
•n of private

CHAPTER X.

Address to the Rev. Patrick Falconer, Glasgow — David marries — His
health becomes affected by his excessive labours — Mrs. Nasmith's visit
to England — A rijh man's doings — Effects of marriage in producing a
worldly spirit— Medical opinion obtained relative to David's health-
Resolution to resign — Minute of the Committee's acceptance of his
resignation — Present of a purse to David — Invitation to visit Ireland
— Reasons of resignation— Proceeds to Dublin— A Dublin sabbath —
His diligence in the cause of religion— His impressions of Irish society
— Declines becoming a candidate for the Scripture Readers' Society —
Forms the Dublin City Mission— On returning to Scotland, the engine
breaks at sea — Reasons for withdrawing from Dublin— Salaried
agency — Arrives in London— Meets Dr. Wardlaw — Receives kind
attentions from the Rev. John Arundel — Proceeds to Farleigh —
Remarkable document left by him with h's father-in-law.

TO THE REV. PATRICK FALCONER, GLASGOW.

Sir, — As secretary to the Glasgow Society for pro-
moting Christianity among the Jews, you had ample
opportunities of observing the conduct and estimating
the character of David Nasmith ; and on April 18th,
1828, you recorded your judgment in these words :
" For a number of years I have been intimately ac-
quainted with David Nasmith, and especially in the
Institution House have been in the habit of almost daily
intercourse with him since its commencement, and have
had very ample opportunities thus given me for forming
an opinion both from private conversation of his reli-
gious principles, and from the performance of the duties
of his office, both of religious principle, and business,
system, and assiduity. In all these respects, and in
everything immediately connected with them, I do, on

136

MEMOIR OF

this thorough ground of knowledge, pronounce as
strongly in favour of Mr. Nasniith as it is proper for
me to attempt to put in language."

' '(III

liitfl

The year ISHG was an era in the history of David's
eventful life ; for its first day was signalised hy the
formation of the Glasgow City Mission, an event which
his own pen has thus recorded :

" About this time efforts were making to have the
gospel preached to the poor in school-houses and places
such as they would attend ; but from want of system
on tlie part of those who promoted these measures, the
ministers who were willing to labour were soon called on
for so many stations, that in succession they complained
and drew off, saying that they could stand it no longei .
I waited personally upon eighteen ministers, and asked
each how many sermons they would undertake to
preach to the poor in a year. Sixty-seven sermons
were promised ; but what were those among so many ?
Little more than sufficient to maintain worship at any
station. We proposed that one or more persons should
be set apart to the work of visiting the poor in their
own dwellings ; but party feeling ran so high that one
said he would give, if the missionary or agent was of his
denomination ; another, he would do the same, if the
missionary was of his. Grieved with this narrow, un-
christian state of feeling, we were led to consider and
suggest the propriety of churches undertaking this work.
After due consideration, it was finally agreed that an
attempt should be made to commence in Nile-street
congregation, (Rev. Greville Ewing's.) Having no de-
sire to narrow the bounds, laws were drawn up to em-

DAVID NASMITII.

137

event which

brace the whole city, and upon such a broad basis as to
a(hnit all evangelical denominations who might after-
wards choose to unite with us. Wc selected six young
men of the congregation to raise the money requisite to
support one missionary, and three of our fatliers to
select and superintend him. Before the day of meet-
ing, a sister church intimated their desire to unite with
us ; an equal number of their members was appointed
in the committee. The mei^ting was held, and indi-
viduals, of various denominations, were present, who, at
the close, intimated their desire to unite. Thus, upon
the first day of January, 1826, was formed the Glasgow
City Mission. Before the end of the first year eight
evangelical denominations were united in the board of
management, and we had eight missionaries in the field.
At the close of the second year we had, I think, thirteen
missionaries employed, and a balance'in the hands of our
treasurer, amounting to more than six hundred pounds ;
this sum was contributed chiefly by the efforts of ladies.

" Perceiving the adaptation of the system, now hap-
pily introduced, to the wants of the ignorant and care-
less poor, I wrote to my correspondents ; and, subse-
quently, printed two thousand copies of a sheet giving
some account of the design and plan of the society, and
affixing the favourable testimony of Dr. Chalmers and
other ministers. Copies of this document were sent to
.ae principal cities and towns of Scotland, England,
Ireland, France, and other places on the Continent of
Europe ; also to Asia, Africa, and America.

" The circulation of these documents brought to our
knowledge many delightful proofs that the Lord had
been operating upon the minds of his people in various

T - y.

138

mi:m()iii op

m''

m
m

places about the same time, and that societies simihir
in their object, and in some respects the same in their
mode of operation, had been established about the
same time. We were ^'ratified to find that a society
bearing the title * London City Missionary Society'
had been formed in tlie year 1824; and that another in
Boston called ' The Society for promoting the Moral
and Religious Improvement of the Poor,' had been in-
stituted."

In the month of March of the same year, David was
united in marriage to Miss Frances Hartridge, daughter
of Mr. Francis Hartridge, of East Farleigh, Kent. This
young lady was then living in Glasgow, where she effi-
ciently conducted a respectable business. Few matches
have been more equal, and seldom has more depended
on such equality. Few females were worthy of David
Nasmith, and still fewer, even of the highest excellence,
were suited to liim. By the lady who enjoyed that
peculiar honour it was purchased at such a price, as not
many of the weaker sex would be willing to pay for a
similar distinction. Her trials and privations will sub-
sequently appear, and it will also be seen that her
Christian virtue and moral courage did not fail in the
day of her distress. She was truly a help meet to her
husband, with a heart as large and a zeal as ardent as
those which marked the philanthropist himself.

From this period David moved on in his laborious
course, as already described, abounding in the work of
the Lord, and stimulating all around him, without the
occurrence of any event which demands further notice
till the beginning of 1828, when his health threatened
to give way ; then his usual spirits began somewhat to

DAVII) NA9M1TII.

139

ic'tios similar
laiiie in their
1 about the
liat a society
ary Society'
lat another in
g the Moral
had been in-

r, David was
Ige, daughter
, Kent. This
lere she effi-
Few matches
)re depended
thy of David
5t excellence,
enjoyed that
price, as not
to pay for a
ms will sub-
en that her
•t fail in the
meet to her
as ardent as
self.

lis laborious
the work of
without the
irther notice
threatened
somewhat to

fail him, and thus ho was led to think of retiring from
his arduous situation. The failure of his healtii, how-
ever, which, with due assistance to diminish his excessive
toil, might soon have been recruited, does not appear to
have been the sole although the principal cause of this
determination. He seems to have been haunted with
the idea that his work was done in Glasgow, and to
have longed for anotlier and a wider sphere of operation,
from the conviction that he should thereby more effec-
tually promote the Divine glory. We p\e enabled to
get at the real feelings of David upon this point from
his correspondence with Mrs. Nasmith, then on a visit
to her father. He accompanied her to Leith, wiience
she sailed for the Thames ; and the first letter aftei
parting, dated February the IGth, 1828, contain' ome
fine touches of affection and of piety.

** After we parted," says he, " I followed you out of
the harbour to sea, as long as I could see the vessel, and
left off looking at seven o'clock, when I stepped into
Mrs. Christie's shop, and wrote to father. After that I
went up to Mr. Cullen's, and there met two friends upon
the subject of the Leith Town Mission. On Saturday
morning I went up to Edinburgh, made a number of
calls, dined at Mr. Watson's, took tea ii- Mr. Finlay's,
and supped with Mr. Somerville ; spent a couple of
hours with five of the agents employed in Edinburgh and
neighbourhood, and find that they are useful, but that
they are not going to work in that systematic way which

is most likely to be efficient. John Mc has died, and

left not a penny to a religious or benevolent object. He
has left ten thousand pounds to each of his three sisters,
and to others handsome sums ; in all, I am told, upwards
of sixty thousand pounds ! How fearful the thought of

140

MEMOIR OF

vikm

a man professing godliness as he did, not only refusing
when in health to contribute to the cause of God, but
even when his money was to be of no further use to
him, that no portion of it should be directed to the ad-
vancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. How dangerous
is a worldly spirit ! May the Lord, in his infinite mercy,
keep you and me from imbibing it ! It steals insensibly
upon us. Since marriage, my mind has been more
occupied than ever before with it ; and there is now,
what never was before, an occasional wish that I had
what I have not. It is not difficult to mark sin in this."
The next letter, seven days after, February 23, more
fully illustrates the subject of resignation. Referring to
a slight indisposition, he says : "I asked Dr. Moffat's
advice as to what was good for me. He recommended
that I should keep the house for a few days, and take
some medicine ; which having done, I hope to be able to
go forth again in the beginning of the week. He played
the old trump* a little, saying, that I had too much to
do ; this, of course, was what both you and I know well
enough, and have often wished should be otherwise.
He suggested that, if I chose, it might be well to take
the present opportunity of confirming his opinion by
asking Dr. Brown to call, and that the two could write
a certificate ; this, of course, I did not object to. Dr.
Brown did call ; Dr. Moffat and he have written their
opinion, which is, that I must have assistance in the
Rooms. Now we know already the difficulty of meeting
the present expenditure ; and you and I are rather too
independent to continue in a situation where we cannot
render ourselves comfortable without being obliged to
hurt our health, or stoop too far. The labourer is worthy
* "Trump," in Scotland, means the JcwVAarp.

DAVID NASMITH.

141

nly refusing
of God, but
rther use to
d to the ad-
w dangerous
finite mercy,
Is insensibly
been more
lere is now,
that I had
sin in this."
iry 23, more
Refeiring to
Dr. Moffat's
scommended
ysj and take
to be able to
He played
too much to
know well
otherwise.
Nell to take
opinion by
could write
Rct to. Dr.
^^ritten their
ance in the
f of meeting
e rather too
e we cannot
obliged to
sr is worthy

rp.

of his hire. Surely the Lord will provide another situa-
tion for us. Business being too much for you, I think
it is much better for us to give both up, and look to the
Lord for other employment, of which, I have no doubt,
he will put us in possession. I purpose taking the opinion
of Dr. Wardlaw and one or two friends next week upon
the subject. I know your mind already, that I have more to
do than is good for myself, or comfortable to us at home :
and knowing this I feel quite at liberty. Let us cast all
our care upon the Lord, never forgetting what great
things he has done for us hitherto, and that no good thing
will he withhold."

From this it clearly appears that David's mind was
almost made up to resignation, and that no subsequent
counsel would be likely to alter it. Such was the fact,
and some ten days afterwards, he surrendered his office
into the hands of the Committee of Management of the
Religious and Charitable Institution House. On March
the 11th, that committee met, and, as a matter of
course, accepted the resignation. The following is an
extract from their Minutes on that occasion : " The
meeting agreed to accept Mr. Nasmith's resignation ;
and while they did so, they record the sense they enter-
tain of the value of his services, from the zeal, and
self-denial, and truly Christian prudence, with which
he has conducted the business of the various societies
connected with the house, during the period of upwards
of six years, that it has been under his charge."

This decisive step gave great pain to numbers of the
managers and principal supporters of the various Glas-
gow societies. David's retirement was viewed in the
light of a calamity by all who knew his real merits
and his extraordinary capabilities and labours. The

.-•X

1 m

MEMOIR OF

presidents, treasurers, secretaries, and other important
public men vied with each other in testimonials to his
piety, virtues, talents, and services ; while a few gene-
rous spirits, remembering that such documents, however
valuable in their own place, will not pay rents, taxes,
and tradesmen's bills, clubbed their mites as expressions
of regard, and sent David the following epistle, dated
May the 14th, 1828:—

" To Mr. David Nasmith. — In consideration of the
valuable services which you have rendered to the Insti-
tution House, and the attention you have all along paid
to its friends, which has necessarily obliged you to incur
some additional expense, a few friends beg leave to
inclose 60/., as a small mark of their respect for the
high estimation in which they have held these valuable
services."

The "friends " to whom David is here represented as
paying attention, were Christian strangers from distant
places and foreign lands, most of whom always made
their way to the Institution House, and very many of
whom once or oftener were found at David's hospitable
home. This was especially the case after his marriage,
for Mrs. Nasmith, while she added to his means, had a
soul as large and a spirit as kind as his own.

This period of David's history is marked by the intro-
duction of a lady who, up to the time of his death, was
one of his most devoted friends and munificent bene-
factors, Miss Oswald, of Scotstown. His first letter
to this lady, shortly after his resignation, early in May,
1 828, developes his first movements. " The Lord," says
he, " has called me to Ireland for the present ; whether
I shall remain there, he will make manifest, upon a few
interviews with Mr. Carlisle, or by the opening of some

DAVID NASMITH.,

143

• important
mials to his
I few gene-
its, however
ents, taxes,
expressions
)istle, dated

tion of the
;o the Insti-
1 along paid
f^ou to incur
eg leave to
lect for the
ese valuable

presented as
from distant
Iways made
jry many of
s hospitable
is marriage,
eans, had a

y the intro-
1 death, was
icent bene-
first letter
ly in May,
Lord," says
t ; whether
upon a few
ng of some

door of usefulness. I have had offers to go into busi-
ness, but feeling constrained to give myself entirely to
the Lord's work, I have refused them. I had formed ^
resolution of going to London, where a situation pretty
similar to my last might have been found ; but whilst
maturing my plans, I received a kind invitation from
Mr. Carlisle, minister of the Scotch church in Dublin,
to come over and stay with him for a time, that we
might talk over a subject which seems to have occupied
his mind and my own, viz. a mission to the Irish. He
writes as if there will be little difficulty in procuring me
a sufficient salary, should I be led to give myself to the
work ; and adds, * I trust, therefore, that it will prove
such an opening as botli you and I have been praying
and waiting foi.' I feel myself a poor blind creature, as
to futurity, and rejoice in being permitted to commit
my ways unto the Lord, in the confidence that he will
direct my steps. All that I want is, that he will make
me humble, holy, and useful. It is not great things
that are good for us, else he would give them. Suffer-
ing, trials, and pain he knows to be requisite, and he
sends them. I can say, that in my recent trials, he has
dealt most mercifully and kindly with me. I had not
a wish that things should be otherwise. No ; I hoped
that deliverance from a situation which had, for some time,
been too heavy for me, would be granted. He has sot
me free ; and I shall need great prudence in what-
ever situation he may be pleased to place me, not
to run to the same destructive lengths, — I mean, to
my own body and mind ; for my desires were unbounded,
and my mind got so constantly engrossed with the thirty
machines at work, in devising and attempting to execute
plans for rendering them efficient, that the feeble frame

144

MEMOIR OF

1 11

1.1

could no longer endure it. To have continued in the
situation, and taken things more easy, was impossible,
without 'njury to my mind ; for I considered that a
proper discharge of my duties did not admit of it, with-
out positive injury to the general cause.

" I ha. just received some very interesting letters
from th* ayents of the City Mission, in which notice
is takeii of several souls having been brought to Jesus,
through their means. To-morrow evening a meeting is
to be held for the purpose of forming a society for
reading the Scriptures to the poor ; as an auxiliary to
the City Mission. Many voluntary agents, we hope,
will be found for this department ; and it is intended
that persons of decided piety from the humbler walks
of life should be employed, and give up their whole
time, or a portion of it, to this service, and be remu-
nerated for their work. Mr. Smyth, brother-in-law to
Mr. Almond, has agreed to become secretary to it. He
is a man of decided piety, of zeal, of property, and whose
time is wholly spent in advancing the Redeemer's glory
amongst the poor of our city and neighbourhood. He
is a minister of the Church of England ; he gave up his
living, and resides in Albany-place, that here he might
labour, finding an extensive door of usefulness opened
to him. I do anticipate much good, by the Divine
blessing, from this new society. The need of it appears
abundantly from the fact that many of those persons
who are visited by the agents of the City Mission cannot
read, and the agents cannot see them oftener than once
in six or eight weeks, from the extent of their districts;
and although eigliteen agents are now at work, and two
more will speedily enter the field, double that number
would be necessary for the city. Would that every

DAVID NASMITH.

145

city, town, and village, in Ireland had its missionaries,
and its society ! But for the absence of our ministers
at the assembly, in Edinburgh, a meeting would have
been held to-morrow evening here, to form a society for
promoting city, town, and village missions throughout
Scotland, and other parts. Three ministers, of different
denominations, have agreed to become secretaries."

With respect to this society, on August the 19th,
David writes as follows to a friend : " I have pleasure
in informing you, that last night a meeting was held in
the Trades' Hall, at which a society was formed to pro-
mote the establishment and facilitate the conducting of
city, town, and village missions, by printing and circu-
lating the most approved plans of conducting such mis-
sions, by assisting individuals and societies in finding
suitable agents, by maintaining regular correspondence
with existing societies, and such other plans as may be
approved of by the directors."

On Wednesday, the 21st, David proceeded to Dublin,
where he arrived on the 22nd, and on the 23rd, writing
Mrs. Nasmith, he says : " I proceeded to Mr. Carlisle's ;
found none of the familv in ; but on their arrival was
made very welcome. I have called upon Mr. Parnell,
Mr. Boyd, Mr. Robertson, Rev. Mr. Stewart, Rev. Mr.
W. H. Cooper, and Rev. Mr. Simpson. I was also
introduced to Mr. Parnell, jun., son of Sir Henry
Parnell, who is a very amiable and excellent young-
man. We are to meet again to-morrow to talk of a
City Mission. I breakfast with Mr. Cooper to-morrow,
and with Mr. Stewart on Monday ; and dine with Mr.
Simpson on sabbath. There is an assistant-secretary
wanted for the Scripture Readers' Society ; twenty-
two applications have been made for the situation ; the

146

MEMOIR OP

remuneration is 80/. per annum for three hours a-day.

Could I succeed with this, and find another similar

opening, I might feel disposed to accept of them. This

is an interesting country, and pri'Ment'* an extensive

field fur labour. I can truly say, * Here 1 aio ; send

me.' Let us, my dear, contiiiue to plead wi I, our

heavenly Father, that ho woiikl gu bciore n'lt and

prosper, jts he has hitherto done, ill our steps.

• Oh : let us ador.' him, come bow at his feet,
Aqu give him the glory, the praise that L*^ iin'.et ■

About a \<.<3ek afiei wards, Da\nd, ptirrounded by
friends who loaded him wiiJi attc ntioui^:, entertained
considerable hopes relative to the project of forming
a Missioa, and in again addressing Mrs. Nasmith, he
-tiys : *' I trust a mission will be formed upon prin-
ciples in unison with the mivid of the Holy Spirit,
and that we shall enjoy the Divine approbation and
blessing. The Bible is to be our rule ; the members
are to be devoted Christians ; every member a mis-
sionary in the sphere in which Providence has placed
him. Mr. Carlisle, from the inclosed circular, you
will perceive, is making proposals to his congregation
of a kind that would be of service to them, but which
they do not seem disposed to accept ; and being a
man of a very independent mind, and very self-denied,
it is highly probable that he will resign his charge, and
seek a living in a way that will more accord with his
missionary disposition. This is a most delightful field
for missionary labour ; truly the harvest is great and
the labourers few. On Tuesday I took tea, and on
Wednesday I dined, with Mr. M'Crea. Mrs. M'Crea
made very kind inquiries after you, as many others
have done, and desired me to say that should we come

3 hours a-day.
tiother similar
if them. This
an extensive
re 1 aio • send
lead wiil; our
(lore mt and
iteps.

et,
: meet •

arrcunded by
1^:, entertained
2ct of forming
1. Nasmith, he
ed upon prin-
! Holy Spirit,
iprobation and
the members
lember a mis-
ice has placed
circular, you
5 congregation
em, but which
and being a
■y self-denied,
is charge, and
cord with his
elightful field
is great and
tea, and on
Mrs. M'Crea
many others
)uld we come

DAVID NASMITH.

to reside, you make her house our landing-place and
home until we get into our own domicile, and that Mr.
M'Crea would most cordially welcome us. On Thurs-
day I dined with Mr. and Mrs. Urwick and a number of
friends, at Mr. Andrew Pollock's ; on Monday I dine
with Mr. Urwick ; yesterday I dined at Mr. James Fer-
rier's, four miles from town. I have been distributing a
number of tracts, and talking, as opportunities occurred,
with people about Jesus. In conversation with Mr.
Carlisle, a few days ago, he made a most kind ojfTer as
to our accommodation ; but as it would not have suited
our dispositions exactly, although it would have been
very advantageous to us, so far as cheap living and
precious company are concerned, I declined accepting
it. Mrs. Carlisle is a very pious, prudent, economical,
orderly woman, from the north of England. I am sure
you would be much pleased with her ; she and her hus-
band seemed equally anxious for the establishment of
the Mission, arid that I remain and give myself to it."

Writing Mrs. Nasmith on the following Monday,
David says : " Yesterday being sabbath, I went, at ten
o'clock, to a sabbath-school in Dispensary-lane, of about
two hundred children, and was much pleased with the
knowledge which some of the pupils had acquired,
especially a class of blind lads. I had much satisfaction
also in a class of adults, where the pupils put questions
to their instructor, and some of them seemed quite in
earnest in their inquiries. At twelve o'clock, I went
to the chapel of Mr. William Haweis Cooper, which is,
for neatness and cleanliness, one which, I think, would
please you much. I was highly satisfied with the dis-
course given by Mr. Cooper. After sermon, we observed
the ordinance of the Lord's supper. Every second seat

I % 'f

'"^^

14^

MEMOIR OF

was filled with communicants, and the deacons went^
into the pews before, in taking round the bread upon a
silver tray, covered with a white doth ; and instead of
taking the bread up in our hands, we broke off a small
portion on the tray. I dined at the Rev. Mr. Simpson's.
In the evening, I heard an excellent, instructive, prac-
tical discourse, from Mr. Carlisle ; but very few persons
were present. In passing along the streets, I did feel
grieved to witness many shops open, and stalls spread
out in the streets ; the windows thrown up, and at very
many of them persons looking out, all idling away the
precious hours of the Lord's day. Oh, blessed privi-
lege that we enjoy! How thankful should we be to
God that he has so favoured us ! This is a delightful
mission field. I hope the Lord will open a door for
me to work in it. Nothing particular has transpired as
to a situation. Mr. Parnell told me to-day, that on
Saturday, he had talked with Sergeant Lefroy about
me for the Scripture Readers' Society, and wished me
to call upon him. I find, however, that three hours
a-day, which I stated in my last, was under-rated, and
that they want a person to give himself almost entirely
to it. This, of course, would not suit me, the remune-
ration being only 80/. per annum. Mr. Carlisle and
Mr. Parnell are to meet to-morrow morning to talk
over matters connected with the City Mission, and
something may then be don*^ as to the steps which
should be taken towards its formation." *

David, in his next, dated June 7th, says : " The
Lord is causing more light to arise upon my path, both
as to the Scripture Readers' Society and the City Mis-
sion ; and something is likely to be done that will
enable me to decide within a week from this date, or

DAVID NASMITII.

140

^'ven less." Meanwhile he was not idle, for he lost no
opportunity, however humble, of advancing the interests
of Christ's kingdom. In the same letter, he says:
" Yesterday I addressed sixty children ; on Tuesday
evening I addressed and prayed at a missionary prayer-
meeting in Mr. Simpson's church ; and on Wednesday
I gave an account of the Glasgow City Mission, at a
meeting of ladies assembled for prayer, for the success
of the Church Missionary Society." On his arrival he
was forcibly struck with the contrast presented by the
Irish character and customs to those of Scotland.
" What would you think," he asks Mrs. Nasmith, " of
a funeral procession such as I witnessed yesterday, men
and women going behind, — the men, some bare-footed,
some with clothes of one colour, some of another, —
some with and others without hats; the women with
cloaks of grey, brown, and other colours ? The Irish
are a most lively people ; but a want of stability pre-
vails among them to a great extent."

It has already appeared that David had strong doubts
with respect to the Scripture Readers' Society; and
these doubts having increased with furthei considera-
tion, he put an end to the matter by addressing to
L junsellors Billet and Smith, who took a deep interest
in the subject, the following communication, which
illustrates his views at this period : —

" Gentlemen, — Upon further consideration, I am led
to decline presenting myself as a candidate for the
assistant-secretaryship of the Scripture Readers' So-
ciety, by sending in a letter of application, as you very
kindly encouraged me to do. I do so from a persuasion
that the situation would not afford sufficient scope for
the expansion of my mind, the exercise of those habits

150

MEMOIR OP

1 1;

which have been formed by the experience of many
years, and the satisfying of the desire for more exten-
sive and varied usefulness which the great Head of the
cliurch has been pleased to give .me. I admire the
principle upon which the Scripture Readers' Society is
formed, and the plan of its procedure ; and do most
earnestly wish that the number of its agents and their
efficiency may greatly increase. While I decline to
present myself for the situation now vacant, I hope
that Providence may open up some way by which I
shall be permitted to co-operate with you in the great
work of evangelizing Ireland, .although in another de-
partment. I hope you will excuse the trouble I have
given you, and accept my grateful acknowledgments for
the kind interest you have taken in this matter."

David's mind was now wholly fixed on the establish-
ment of a City Mission ; and at length, matters were
80 far ripened that he resolved on a meeting for that
purpose, which accordingly took place, at Upper Sack-
ville-street, on the 18th of June. On that occasion, the
chair was occupied by W. C. Hogan, Esq., the ready
and munificent promoter of every enterprise for the
spread of truth and the good of mankind. The meeting
was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Cooper, Urwick,
P. E. Singer, and T. H. Egan, Esqrs., and resolutions
adopted forming the " Dublin City Mission."

This important point being carried, a few days after-
wards David set sail for Glasgow, but had only pro-
ceeded about twelve miles when the engine broke; so
that, landing at the nearest point, the passengers travelled
back to Dublin. This circumstance led to a change in
David's plan: the bulk of the passengers, finding a
vessel ready to start for Liverpool, determined to sail

;,;|!M !, I

DAVin NASMITH.

151

hv her, and thence proceed to Glasgow ; while David
resolved to accompany them to that port, and then travel
up to London, as he did not see the path quite clear for
his permanent return to Duhlin. His friends there
were most anxious that he should become resident
among them ; but the terms of such an arrangement
were not satisfactory to his independent mind. It was,
therefore, considered by the more discerning friends in
Dublin, that his withdrawment for a little would teach
the necessity of his presence to the prosperity of the
new City Mission, and urge, as well as facilitate, the
adoption of the necessary measures. His next letter,
of June the 26th, to Mrs. Nasmith, shows that this
course was approved, or rather suggested, by his gene-
rous and judicious friend, Mr. Carlisle. In it he says :
" Mr. Carlisle was most anxious that I should come to
Dublin, and carry forward the City Mission. He and
many others are of opinion that, unless I do so, it will
not succeed ultimately, in consequence of the want of
patient perseverance amongst the Irish. They take
up a thing warmly at the outset, but soon cool. Mr.
Carlisle has very kindly offered, until some opening
present itself to enable me to take a house, to accom-
modate us both in his house as boarders for so small
a sum as forty pounds a year. The vie.v he takes
of it is, that there is a great missionary field before me
in Ireland ; that one of the missionaries (himself) says
to my wife and me, * Come over and help us, and give
yourself no uneasiness about a house or accommodation;
make my house your home, at least for a season, for the
sum specified. We shall be no losers by you, and we
greatly need your help.' Mrs. Carlisle is a truly amiable
woman, mild and gentle in her manners, intelligent and

I;r1

H 1

\r)'2

MKMOIIl OP

pious, plain and j^cntoel in her dress. Hci mniin^enient
of tlie four little girls I have admired niucU ; one of
them is her own, and the others are related."

The same letter contains a passage which sets forth
the germ of a principle that guided the whole of David's
future life ; and whatever men may think of its prac-
tical working, none will deny, that, in the present case,
it was a dictate of superior prudence, and illustrative
of the true nobility of his nature. It runs thus : —

" One of the members of the committee of the City
Mission is most anxious that I would allow him to
j)ropose to the committee that they should give me
100/. a year as their assistant secretary. The follow-
ing reasons, I think, (and many others agree with me,)
are sufficient to show that I should not allow any such
proposal to be made. 1. The funds of the Society
may not exceed 400/. the first year; and to give 100/.
of that to any man for merely working the machinery,
would be quite too large a proportion of the whole.

2. It would lead people to say that I had come to
form a society, that I might get a bit of bread by it.

3. My influence in society, and consequent usefulness,
would be retarded. And, 4. Many would make it an ex-
cuse for not contributing to the funds of the institution.
I have had several letters from Miss Oswald; I men-
tioned these things to her, and she most decidedly
disapproves of the proposal of the members of com-
mittee ; but so anxious is she that I should remain in
Dublin to work for the country, that she offers 201.
a-year to aid me in doing so. Mr. Carlisle offers 10/. ;
and Mr. John Parnell, son of Sir Henry Pamell, offers
10/. ; making 40/. in all. At first sight, I felt disposed
not to accept of support in this way ; neither have I

DAVID NA8MITII.

15.1

inannj»'eiiient
uch ; one of

yet accepted it : but upon consideration, I tliink that
had we to the amount of \iiOl. or 1.50/. in this way,
we would just be missionaries ; and that is what we
want to be ; sent by a few of the Lord's people, to
work in their Master's vineyard. I mijyht be much
more useful in this way, not being confined to one
Society, but as a general moral agent, doing good as
the Lord might enable me in all ways. Should the
sum above mentioned be raised by a few, — I would
not like many — (perhaps this is pride,) — we could take
a house, and keep one or two boarders. Mr. Black-
well has been speaking to me upon his becoming a
boarder with us, should we come to Dublin. He pays
at present nearly 80/. a year, and wishes a change, not
being comfortable. He is from Bristol, a man of about
thirty-three years, of respectability and devoted piety,
a member of the church at York-street, and very in-
timate friend of Mr. Urwick's. He is secretary to the
City Mission, and seems most anxious to have my
help. There is no immediate prospect of others here
following the example of Miss Oswald and the others ;
the desire, however, is so strong to keep me, that when
I have gone from them for a season it is supposed
by some that it will be taken up. Lord Roden is
likely to be spoken to upon the subject, by a niece who
is shortly to be on a visit to him. Mr. Carlisle, and
Mr. Urwick, and others, however, are of opinion, that
it would be very much better were an association of
a few individuals formed on the other side of the water,
for the purpose of sending me here free of them all ;
that I would be much more useful, being more inde-
pendent of the Irish. Mr. Carlisle has written to Mr.
John Brown, of Edinburgh, and Mr. Urwick has written

H 3

154

MEMOIR OF

to Mr. Ewing upon the subject. No answer has been
received from Mr. Brown. Mr. Ewing has not yet
received Mr. U.'s letter. Mr. Mason, secretary to the
Irish Society — that is, the Society for teaching the
poor to read in their own tongue — has conversed twice
with me, anxious to have my services in behalf of that
Society, either as general inspector of their schools in
Ireland, or travelling agent for them in Englai.J and
Scotland. Neither of these works would suit me."

On reaching London, David met his friend Dr.
Wardlaw, with whom he held repeated conversation
respecting his future prospects ; he also received from
the Rev. John Arundel, Home Secretary of the Lon-
don Missionary Society, that which men of all nations
have, for a long series of years, had the grateful plea-
sure of acknowledging, great kindness and all possible
assistance in whatsoever business they may have had
need of him. Writing to Mrs. Nasmith, he says : " Mr.
Arundel seems a very pleasant man indeed, and is much
interested in us."

After spending a few days in London, and conferring
with various friends about several situations which
presented themselves, he proceeded to East Farleigh,
Kent, to the residence of his fath: -in-law, where he
was received with the utmost kindness. Under the
hospitable roof of Mr. Hartridge, one thing only was
wanting to make David happy — pure and undefiled
religion. The period of his sojourn there seems to
have been one of great pain to him. Finding no family
prayer, he proposed its observa^ice, and he carried his
point, apparently without opposition. Not satisfied
with this, however, and with doing all that circum-
stances admitted by personal intercourse to turn the

iswer has been
^ has not yet
scrtcary to the
' teaching the
!onversed twice

behalf of that
heir schools in
I Englai a and

suit me."
lis friend Dr.
I conversation

receiveu from
y of the Lon-
of all nations

grateful plea-
id all possible
may have had
le says : " Mr.
I, and is much

ind conferring

lations which

ast Farleigh,

, where he

Under the

ing only was

nd undefiled

re seems to

ng no family

e carried his

STot satisfied

Jiat circum-

to turn the

DAVID NASMITI

155

attention of the
to his departure

household to the
, he sat down on

things
July

of God,
13, and

prior
drew

up the following letter, which is not unworthy of
George Whitefield, and strongly reminds us of one of
his, published in the complete edition of his works.

" Dearly beloved father-in-law, — God, in his kind
providence, hath permitted me to visit the place of my
wife's birth, and to meet with you, her much-loved and
greatly longed after father. Since I came into your
dwelling I have experienced every mark of esteem,
kindness, and attention, which it was possible for you
to show, and for which I sincerely return you my grate-
ful thanks ; but whilst I have had the pleasure of seeing
you in a measure of good health, and experienced at
your hand the kindness of an indulgent parent, I have
been led" to drop the tear in secret, and to pray God
that he would make you his child. Do not suppose,
sir, when I speak thus, that I am finding fault with you
for attending the parish church, or that I have the least
desire that you should become an Independent, as your
daughter and I are. No, sir. I have oft had sweet
fellowship with the Lord's people of the Church of
England, although in some things they and I could not
see alike. What I long for, and what your daughter
and I have long prayed for, is, that you may be made
a new creature. You think yourself a Christian, because
you were baptized in your youth, have observed what is
commonly called the sacrament, have been honest in
your dealings with men, have not been a gross violatei
of the laws of the land, and are better than many of
your neighbours around you. This is all well; and
without all this the evidence of Christianity is wanting;
but the Bible says that this, and much more than this,

156

MEMOIR OF

may be done, and atill the soul come short of heaven.
You admit that God is merciful, and that unless we
believe in Jesus Christ we cannot be saved; and you
say that you believe in Jesus Christ. Now, my dear
father, be not offended if love to your soul should lead
me to say something which may not please you. I know
that faithfulness is a kindness, and that if God give his
blessing, you will not censure me, but praise God for
plain-dealing.

" Allow me, then, to state what I find in the word of
God as marks of adoption into God's family. 1st. Love
to God, which leads to tremble at his word, and to
keep his commandmoits. 2nd. Love to our neighbour.
Upon the first of these I may remark, that love to God
does not admit of taking his holy name in vain, nor of
employing the holy sabbath in unceasing convei'sation
about the world and the things of the world. Love to
God leads to an abiding sense of his goodne^'s, and a
frequent acknowledgment of his mercies. Love to God
leads not only to a close walk with and delight in God,
in secret, but in the erection of a family altar, to offer
up evening and morning sacrifices of thanksgiving and
praise, — to confess family sins and to supplicate family
blessings. Love to God leads to heavenly conversation ;
for out of the abmidance of the heart the mouth must
speak.

" My dear father, it pains me to say, that, since I
came here, I have been pierced to the soul, to hear you
take God's name so often in vain; and, through custom,
you seem to have imbibed a pleasure in using the sacred
solemn terms on a thoughtless tongue. Oh, it is
awful ! If a poor sinner, like me, feels so shocked with
it, in what estimation must an infinitely holy and just

if?

DAVID NASMITH.

157

God hold such language ? Oh, tremble ! I implore
you, pause before you again take that sacred name into
your lips without due consideration ! You have many
terms, which are commonly called minced oaths, and
are looked upon as trifling; but they are not so by
Him who saith, ' Let your communication be Yea, yea ;
nay, nay : for whatsoever is more than these cometh of
dvil.' I have spent two sabbaths under your roof, and
have grieved much to find, not only no spiritual conver-
sation, but a reception of visits from such as take
pleasure in worldly topics. If heaven is an eternal
sabbath of holy conversation and holy exercises, can those
who, counting the sacred hours of these earthly sabbaths
as weariness, fill them up and pass them by with earthly
discourse, enjoy the bliss whici flows from the throne
of God in the eternal world ? It is utterly impossible.
I found the practice of your family to be, to partake of
the bounties of God's providence without any expression
of obligation to the Giver, or any expression of desire
for a blessing, except as it might happen, when the
youngest of your number would oc; ->ionally repeat a
form which she had learned. I find no regular reading
of God's holy word ; no prayer, night and morning, in
your family. Accept my tha'^ks for allowing me to
attempt a discharge of these duties during my stay with
you. Remember, God's curse is in those 'families that
call not on his nameJ'

" 1 shall not further wound 3'ou by a more lengthened
detail of the sources of my grief; but, as an affectionate
adopted son, would, as on the brink of eternity, earnestly
implore and beseech you to consider these things ; and
may God grant you grace to lay them to heart. I have
brought forward these various things, not that I may

■v.

158

MEMOIR OF

urge the practice of them, but, by God's blessing, to
convince you that all is not right with you! I implore
you, do not go to mitigate your faults by calling them
your weak side, your infirmities ; no, rather be disposed
to look upon them as radical evils, which, unless repented
of and forsaken, will bring down the Divine vengeance
upon you ! Remember, that He who is to be your judge,
is now your witness. Do not pacify your conscience
with an idea of the general mercy of God, — that he winks
at, and will forgive what men are pleased to call their
infirmities. No, no : be willing, nay, anxious, to know
the worst of yourself. I assure you, if you heal up the
wound which these statements may have made in your
conscience slightly, the sore will speedily break out and
run again. I beseech you, rather to come smarting,
under u conscience which tells you the truth of these
statements, to the Lord Jesus C .rist, the Physician of
value, whose blood cleanseth from all sin ; and who, when
he forgives sin, implants a new heart, a heart that loves
and fears him. Love to God, flowing from a sense of
his love to us in Christ Jesus, is the spring of action ;
unless you have this, you may attend to all the rounds
and forms of Christianity ; and at last, when you will say,
' Have I not eaten and drunk in thy presence ?' Jesus
will answer, ' I know you not ; depart from me.' But
if the love of God is shed abroad in your heart, you will
delight to run in his commandments ; you will find his
yoke to be easy, and his burden light ; and at last you
will hear his blessed voice say, ' Come, ye blessed of my
Father ; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world.'

" Remember, my dear father, that your time on
earth is short ; that you must speedily follow your

DAVID NASMITH.

159

i's blessing, to
Li! I implore
y calling them
er be disposed
nless repented
ine vengeance
)e your judge,
nr conscience
that he winks
to call their
ous, to know

heal up the
lade in your
reak out and
le smarting,
tth of these
*hysician of
i who, when
t that loves

a sense of

of action ;

the rounds
ou will say,
ice ?' Jesus
me.' But
't, you will
ill find his
it last you
5sed of my

from the

time on
low your

partner! Consider the influence of your example
upon your family. What a blessing or a curse you
may prove to them in time and throughout eternity !

" And now, my dear parent, in taking leave of your
dwelling and of yourself, not knowing if ever I shall see
either again, permit me to remind you, that this letter
has been written in love, and in tender affection for your
soul, which I know to be in danger ; and from an earnest
desire, which is our frequent prayer to God, that you
and all your family, including my partner and myself,
may at last be found on the right hand of God ; which
may God grant, through Jesus Christ!"

■■■|
I'

CHAPTER XI.

Address to the Rev. James Carlisle, Dablin — David arrives in Glasgow —
Mr, Colquhoun's good intentions — Letter to Mr. Colquhoun — Reflec-
tions on leaving Scotland for Dublin — Objects aspired after in Ireland
— His worldly sacrifices— State of things in Dublin on his arrival —
Counsel to a newly married sister — Anxieties pbout the Dublin City
Mission^ Account of its working — First iJea of a mission in Paris —
Progress of the mission in Dublin.

TO THE REV. JAMES CARLISLE, DUBLIN.

Sir, — On examining the list of David Nasniith's Dublin
friends, I clearly perceive that tluj chief place belongs
to you, and hence the precedence among Irish benefac-
tors assigned you in this inscription. To your kind
invitation he ascribes his first visit to Ireland ; by you
chiefly he was induced to make it the sphere of a tem-
porary sojourn ; while resident tliere, and also during
his tour of Christian compassion throughout the states
of America- you were among the foremost of his
pecuniary supporters. Nor did the kindness of you
and yours terminate with his mortal race and philan-
thropic labours. Before me are the letters of the
honoured companion of your pilgrimage to Mrs, Xa-
smith in the day of her calamity ; and far from me and
mine be the man who would refuse to accord all honour
to the lady whose hand could write, and \\hose heart
could dictate, such communications !

David, having returned to Glasgow on July the 21st,
thus wrote to Miss Oswald : —

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

161

*' Dear Madam, — I arrived at home, in safety, last
Friday evening ; and, sliould you have returned to Scots-
town, which, from an inquiry made lately, I suppose
you liave done, I shall be happy to come down and give
you an account of wliat I have seen and heard in Ire-
land and Eiigland, at any time tliat may suit your
convenience ; or will be happy to be favoured with a
call should you be in town."

Among gentlemen of various Christian communities,
who, at this time, knowing David's worth, desired at
once to serve him, and to use his talents for the glory
of God, was Mr. Colquhoun, of Killermont, the well-
known friend of education on the best principles. The
nature of that gentleman's communication m.'iy be
gathered from a letter of David's to Miss Oswald,
which runs thus : " I was yesterday favoured with your
kind letter. We purpose being in Dublin the end of
the present month, and shall be most happy to see you
here before we depart. I had a letter on Saturday from
John C. Colquhoun, Esq., of Ivillermont, who is now
in the neighbourhood of London, asking if I would be
dispos>ed to accept the secretaryship of a Mission for
London, providing 200/. were given to me there. This
is the sixth opening of which 1 heard in or from Lon-
don. Mv mind is unmoved from its attachment to
Ireland. Should I, after a time, find that support fails
in the work in Ireland, this will be a sufficient intimation
to depart. All is in the Lord's hand, and will be well.
I feel obliged by your renewed expression of attachment.
You have promised more than I could have anticipated.
I hope it is to the Lord's work your money will go."
David's reply to Mr. Colquhoun was as follows : — •

" My dear Sir, — Your favour of the 5th instant was

)62

MEMOIR OP

i;::i

handed me on Saturday evening. The situation you
mention is one of six openings of a similar kind, of
which I heard when in London.

" My mind has been long set upon Ireland, and to
Dublin I purpose directing my steps toward the end of
the present month, there to reside for a time, in order to
promote the interests of the Dublin City Mission, lately
formed ; and, by correspondence, endeavour to excite
Christians in different places through the country to
institute similar societies. This is my present inten-
tion ; whether I shall be enabled to prosecute my plan
for any length of time will depend upon circumstances.
During my short visit to London, I certainly felt much
indebted to many kind friends, who wished me to
remain amongst them. So importunate were the en-
treaties, and so numerous the openings in London, that
I was led to think seriously upon residing there ; but,
looking again to Ireland, I felt, from the extent of work
there, and the equal anxiety of the Lord's people, that
I should return, that duty called me back to it, although,
for the present, I have a certainty of support only to a
limited extent.

" I certainly was much impressed with the import-
ance of an active metropolitan society, such as, I trust,
the one cf which I presume you write me, will be. A
copy of the prospectus was put into my hands when in
London. Upon the ground of the society being a
Church of England society, I should have no personal
feeling of difficulty whatever ; as I consider the object
of the society to be that of making sinners Christians :
I wish it success. A society embracing the Lord's
people, of all denominations, I certainly would prefer,
being, as you know, very catholic.

DAVID NASMITH.

103

((

At a future period, London may be the sphere of
action with me. I see much to do in it, and shouUl be
happy to be serviceable in advancing the cause of the
Redeemer amongst its poor inhabitants. In the mean
time, I purpose (d.v.) hibouring in and for Ireland. The
plan of going forward as a General Moral Agent has
been approved of by many with whom I have conversed
upon the subject ; but as to persons entering into the
measure so as to enable me to enter upon it with the
hope of any permanency, I stand precisely as I did upon
leaving London.

*' What I want is, to occupy that sphere in his vine-
yard which the Lord seems most to have inclined and
fitted me for ; and that at present is, the establishment
of city, town, and village missions. My recent burden
was too heavy for me to bear. The interests of twenty'
three societies was more than I could attend to with
safety to my mind. My body and mind had both suf-
fered materially by it ; and my medical friends inti-
mated that a change was necessary in order to my
safety. I rejoice greatly in the success of our Glas-
gow City Mission. We have now about twenty mis-
sionaries employed constantly in the work. My income
in Glasgow, arising from salary and domestic arrange-
ments, has not been less than 300/. per annum. When
I stated 200/. as necessary for Dublin, I mentioned that
as the smallest sum at which all the friends there said I
could live comfortably with my family ; but I go forward
having only one fifth of that sum made sure, being per-
suaded that the work is the Lord's. I believe he will
provide, and I have pleasure in leaving it entirely in his
hands.

" When the Metropolitan Society begins to act, I

1G4

MEMOIR OP

hope they will see the importance of setting out with
the determination of setting persons apart to the work
of reading the Scriptures and rrlling upon sinners to
believe the gospel, from house t'» house. Judging from
many years' experience, I consider the plans of employ-
ing a paid agency, or a voluntary agency, alone equally
wrong ; they ought to be united : if altogether volun-
tary, agents will not be found of sufficient number and
perseverance necessary for the extent of the work ; and
if wholly paid, the voluntary services of many of the
Lord's people will be lost, which might be very valu-
able. When paid and voluntary agents have gone to-
gether, I have invariably found most good done. I
make this remark, because, judging from the conversa-
tion I had with one of their number, the committee of
the Missionary Society appear to think that they may
find a suflScient number of their own personal friends to
embark in the work.

'' I leave Glasgow for Dublin towards the end of the
present month, and am busy at present making arrange-
in lents for my departure."

David having settled his affairs in Glasgow, and being
ready to depart on the third of September, on the
thirty-first of August made the following entry in his
diary, which strikingly illustrates the general character
of the man, ci well as the spirit in which he left his
native country.

" Two days more, and I bid adieu to Scotland, to
Glasgow, to relations, to friends, to spheres of usefulness
in which I have been enabled, through grace, to walk
for some time, and to the dear church in Nile-street ;
and I go to a land of comparative darkness ; not that I
may be richer as to this world; not that I may be more

DAVID NA8MITH.

1G5

hful. I desire to be

'■ '>th which I may he

■if >ce that may be

jOi. ig men; — to stu-

to the inhubitants of

esteemed and honoured ; not that 1 may be idle : but I
go seeking only the glory of God, and the advancement
of his salvation, amongst the inhabitants of that land.
Whether I shall be long or usefully employed, the Lord
knows ; I go forth leaning upon the Lord for temporal
and spiritual support, believing that he will open to me
a door of usefulness, that he \n ill provide me with bread
in it, and give me grace to be
extensively useful, — to the cl
connected; — to the circle oj .
given to me ; — to children ;-
dents of divinity ; — to the poor ;
Dublin ; — to the inhabitants of Ireland at large.

*' To the church, by obtaining the names and addresses
of the members, and their various professions ; by call-
ing upon the poor, to promote their spiritual comfort,
advise and assist in their temporal necessities as the
Lord may enable me ; suggest and promote the exten-
sive usefulness of all the members in their respective
circles ; promote meetings for prayer in the different
districts of the town for the Divine blessing to rest upon
the church, upon the pastor, upon the families of the
members, upon the congregation, and that many may
be added to us of the same ; by holding a meeting in the
chapel, in the interval of public worship, for the instruc-
tion of the young of the congregation, the exercises to
be such as to suit all from twenty years and under;
endeavour to lead the church to employ two or three
missionaries amongst the heathen around, by the forma-
tion of a voluntary association, taking up given districts,
to act in conjunction with the City Mission.

" To the circle of acquaintance that may be given to
me, by diffusing a spirit of love to Jesus and to souls ;

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MEMOIR OF

removing party feeling, and uniting all the Lord's people
against the common enemy ; in seeking^ by love, by pru-
dence, by firmness, by gentleness, to endeavour to break
down the prejudices of the enemy, and show that they
are their own and the Lord's enemies, and that we seek
only to have them reconciled to their best Friend, when
we ask them to come to, and trust in, the Lord Jesus
Christ alone for salvation ; by turning the conversation
as much as possible upon subjects that will have a direct
or collateral advantage. y ^ '.v > >4 -

' "To children, by having one or more meetings weekly
with them; leading them to the Bible, to distribute
tracts, &c. . vri • ... ..< ■ '

v " To young men, by the formation of a society for
promoting their religious improvement ; and district
associations, by calling them to read the Scriptures to
the poor, &c. &c. i

" To students of divinity, by endeavouring to induce
them to form a missionary association amongst them-
selves, for raising money to the Church Missionary
Society, or any other, and inducing every member to
act as a missionary in the sphere in which Providence
may place him ; suggest plans to them.

" To the poor, the inhabitants of Dublin and of Ireland
at large, by promoting the establishment and efficiency
of city, town, and village missions ; by giving myself to
the working of the machine of the Dublin City Mission,
and corresponding extensively in order to the promo-
tion of the system throughout Ireland ; form a society in
Dublin for this purpose ; promote the efficiency of the
meeting of office-bearers of the various societies, by
devising and helping to execute plans for uniting them
more closely, by a regular statement from each of what

DAVID NASMrXH.

167

has been done in the interval of their meetings ; propose
a coffee-room, to be open daily, and two hours weekly,
for common resort, when the oflBce-bearers can meet and
talk over matters ; seek to promote union of purpose
and effort above all things." < r- • ^ n

This remarkable document may be taken as David's
Confession of Faith, on the subject of Christian Philan-
thropy. He has here marked out a course from which
he never deviated by one hair's breadth, from this hour
to that in which he finished his memorable career.
Justice to his character, at the same time, will not be
done unless it be remembered that in the present move-
ment he made sacrifices with which the bulk even of
good men are not familiar. It has been already stated
that he was strongly urged to go into business, and this
he could then have done under the most advantageous
circumstances. With his intellectual and moral ener-
gies ; with his exquisite tact and admirable talents for
business ; with his high character and general confi-
dence, he might soon have risen to the first eminence in
the mercantile world ; and instead of expiring without
wherewith to procure for himself a shroud and a tomb,
he might have left his family in opulence. It must also
be remembered that Mrs. Nasmith, and David through
her, had something to lose. She was at this time the
mistress of an established and productive business, which
she disposed of for an insignificant consideration, that
she might accompany her husband to Ireland on his
errand of Christian compassion. Thus leaving country
and kindred, house and home, they proceeded to another
nation, with the assurance of only a fraction of the sup-
port needful to their subsistence, and even the continu-
ance of this was secured by no guarantee whatever.

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168

MEMOIR OF

Trial is not merely a thing of place ; much depends upon
circumstances. The condition of David and his partner
was very unlike that of the Christian missionary in our
times, who goes forth under the sanction of a powerful
society of honourable men, from whom he derives an
assurance that he shall be *' without carefulness." This,
with all its trials, is comparatively a safe adventure;
these noble men are at least secv od against the hard-
ships of hunger. With David it was much otherwise ;
but none of these considerations moved him.

David had no sooner arrived in Dublin than he en-
tered heart and soul into his mission, ready at the same
time to give a helping hand to every good work, but
devoting himself chiefly to the business of the City
Mission. He was deeply alive to his old and cherished
vocation, sabbath-school instruction, with respect to
which, as well as to the Mission, in a letter addressed
to his worthy, long-tried friend and brother-in-law, Mr.
George Gallic, bookseller, Glasgow, he thus expressed
himself, some weeks after his settlement in the Irish
capital : " The parcel reached me only last night, when
I was leaving a meeting of managers of the Mission and
going to a quarterly meeting of teacL >f the Sunday
School Union. The latter was attenaed by, I suppose,
a hundred persons, male and feiuale. They had had' tea
together ; but I got the best of it, being late for tea,
the accounts of the various schools. Some of them were
very gratifying, others Uiss so. I have been visiting
several schools, and have been grieved with the way that
some of them are conducted. Perhaps I may yet be
somewhat useful in this department. The mission has
hitherto engrossed my attention, but this department I
look upon as next in order. I have already been asked

:, : , I

DAVID NASMIXH.

169

to become superintendent in three or four schools ; but
I have set my face against that office. If anything, I
shall be general visitor of the union schools. This office
I have been pressed to accept, but declined. I may yet
accept it, furnishing as it will do an opportunity of ex-
tensive usefulness.

" The agent employed by the Mission continues to be
well received, and various most gratifying incidents have
occurred. Yesterday he told me of four families of
watchmen who besought him to hold a weekly meeting
in one of their houses, to read to them all the word of
God : he is to do so. He has other two meetings, which
are attended — the one by about a dozen, and the other
about thirty persons. He has visited about 1 50 families,
about twenty of whom were Roman Catholic. Five
voluntary agents have undertaken small sections of
twenty families each, and are thus to follow up, by a
fortnightly visit, the labour of the agent. I am very
sorry to learn from Rev. H. Smith, that the Readers'
society in Glasgow does not succeed well. I wish you
could get some active persons to take a lead in it.

" Our prayer meetings for Divine influence are in-
creasing in number and in attendance.

" Since I last wrote to you, the committee of the Mis-
sion have been induced to pass a resolution to the effect
that married agents shall get more than 30/., if readers,
and 40Z. if they are found to require it."

While David was all alive to the wants and claims of
the vineyards of others, he was far from careless of his
own. It has already been shown, that to his brothers
he was, beyond most men, most affectionately faithful.
He was also deeply anxious that his pious sisters should
be good wives as well as good women. As an illustration

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life

170

MEMOIR OP

of his wise and watchful care, we may adduce the follow-
ing letter, which he addressed to his sister Isabella, who
had recently been married to Mr. George Gallie.

" My dear Isabella, — The situation in which you are
now placed is one of responsibility, of delicacy, and
importance. The grace of God is sufficient for you.
Whatever happens between your husband and you
should never be spoken of to any friend. Let your
remarks when speaking of him be prudent ; if you see
defects in him, never mention them to another, but in
gentleness and love point them out to himself. Be not
wise in your own eyes ; do not suppose that in everything
you are right ; time and experience will often lead you
to change your opinion of many things. You will have
many things to try you, even with a dear, dear George,
and he will have the same with his dear Isabella : there
must be a mutual forbearance in order to enjoyment.
Settle every little misunderstanding at the throne of
grace. Beware of keeping back anything from him that
is troubling your mind ; be faithful to each other ; never
suffer things to hang upon the mind. Many eyes are
upon you, from your husband being so well known.
Study neatness and cleanliness in your person, dishes,
and house generally. If you have much company, you
will have much trouble ; bear with it. Much is not
pleasant, and it is far from being profitable. I am sorry
that your husband and I are so much alike in this
respect.

" Pray for us : may the Lord bless you, and make you
a blessing."

David's anxieties about the Mission, at the outset,
were very great, and in prosecuting the work, he had
to encounter no ordinary difficulties. A very interest-

t\ - .

DAVID NASMITH.

171

ing account of the experiment, up to the 1 1th of Novem-
ber, is given in a letter to Miss Oswald, which runs
tlius : —

" Mrs. Nasmith continues to attend various schools,

and has pleasure in her work. You seem alarmed by.

the reports about Ireland. I read no newspaper, and

know little of what is doing beyond my own little

sphere ; in it we meet with opposition, but only such

as we had expected, and, I may add, much less than we

anticipated. My mind is no way alarmed. Present

duty is my comfort and safety; the work in which I

am engaged is the Lord's ; I go on in it, caring for none

of the things I hear of : the Lord can and will protect ;

and should persecution even to death be before us, I

trust that his grace will be found sufficient for us, and

that we may be found faithful to the end. We have

indeed little time to labour; let us work while it is

day. I never for a moment doubted that the Lord had

some work for me to do in Ireland; it is long since

he inclined my mind to the country ; and now that I

am in it, I feel much more at home than I could have

expected. The Lord will keep me here as long as he

has work for me to do ; and when that is done, he will,

either by death, or some other token, call me to depart.

Since I last wrote to you, a female prayer meeting has

been commenced, and one in the vestry room of Mr.

Simpson's chapel; another in the Lock Hospital in the

house of surgeon Egan ; another in the house of a Mr.

Carlile, Peter-place : this last may not be permanent ;

the others are likely to be so. One or two more are

likely to be commenced soon. Lee, our agent, has

now visited about 200 families, in nine-tenths of which

he has had a good reception ; six sections of twenty

I 2

172

MEMOIR OF

; I!':;;

families each have been taken up, one by Misis Bowman ;
one by a Moravian teacher ; one by the superinten-
dent of a large sabbath-school in the neighbourhood ;
one by a gentleman who has come to town for the edu-
cation of his family ; one by a lady who is much in-
terested in female prisoners ; and the sixth by a learned
counsellor named Brooks : it is expected that these
sections should be visited at least once a fortnight.

"I find much difficulty in refusing the services of
persons of various characters, who are coming forward
offering to visit for the mission ; being a stranger, I
require great caution in making a selection. At a
meeting of about thirty-five persons held last Thurs-
day night for prayer, and to obtain information about
the Mission, I found it necessary to state that none
but persons of decided piety and holding evangelical
sentiments could be recognised as visitors of the Mis-
sion. Some had come to offer their services ; but on
hearing this, did not present themselves ; indeed, one
young lady came to me, saying, * Well, Mr. Nasmith,
you have excluded several of us.* * No,' I replied, * if
you will not come to Jesus, you exclude yourselves.
Come to Him, and then we shall rejoice to receive you.'
Another lady, of considerable property, and very amia-
ble, but not decidedly pious, who was present, had also
been deterred from offering herself. I have suggested,
however, since the meeting, that these young persons
might be taken with some of the mothers, or pious
females, and in this way be brought in ultimately.
i " The importance of a Mission-house has been subject
of much conversation amongst some of the friends here.
It might be of essential service, as an asylum for the
unmarried agents of the society, who must find, in the

(

DAVID NA8MITH.

173

vices : but on

present state of matters in Dublin, great difficulty in
obtaining lodgings at a moderate rate, where their
morals will not be in danger. The great advantage of
having all the agents under one roof is verj' apparent :
they would meet daily to detail the encouragements
and the discouragements met with, and to take counsel
in cases of difficulty ; they would also strengthen each
other's hands, and encourage each other's hearts, by
pouring out together their daily united prayers, before
they entered upon their work, for Divine direction and
guidance ; and, on their return, they would meet to
report what the Lord had done by them, and unite in
imploring the Divine blessing to follow their labours.
Apartments might also be had in the house for a
minister, as a director of the Mission, who would super-
intend the whole. *

** However desirable this object is, and we feel it
to be very much so, we feel the difficulty of attaining
our wishes, in consequence of the larp:e sum of money re-
quisite ; the apartments would require to be numerous.
Mr. Robertson has arrived this morning, and being
unable to find accommodation for him, unless at co i-
siderable expense, we have agreed to allow him to lie
on our sofa for a time, until some place better is pro-
vided. We have ordered a young man over from
Dundee, whose character and qualifications appear to
be such as we would have. Other two are likely to
come up shortly from the north ; and it is to me a
source of anxiety where we are to put them. The
temptations to young men in Dublin are so strong,
and the expense of respectable lodging and board so
much higher than our agents can afford, that we are
pressed to think seriously of a Mission-house. It has

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174

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MEMOIR OF

been suggested, that the sum requisite might be bor-
rowed at the outset, and paid off afterwards as dona-
tions came in ; this, although a plan by which a house
might be speedily procured, would involve risk and
responsibility, which it is desirable should be avoided.
Mrs. Bitten put into my hands a few days ago a letter
from a lady in England, offering ^,000/. towards the
erection or purchase of a church for a pious clergy-
man of her choosing, in connexion with the Church of
England, for any destitute part near Dublin. Her
object is good ; but some of us have wished that it
had been rather towards a Mission-house. But we shall
wait and see what the Lord will do. If a house is
good for us we will get it."

Towards the close of this year, a circumstance oc-
curred, which is not uninteresting, because of its con-
nexion with a subsequent event. In a letter to Mr.
Gallie, dated November 24th, David says : " Remember
me affectionately to inquiring friends ; you can inform
them that I enjoy a great measure of good health ;
but find the engine was so worn in Glasgow, that it
will not now stand much steam. I am, however, em-
ployed in the Lord's work, and hope to be yet some-
what useful in my generation. Mr. Mejunell, who
dined with me on Wednesday, says, that I must go to
Paris, and form a City Mission there ; I was taking no
notice of it, and he said, * You must pray over it, and
so will I : the thought is a jewel that is not to be
thrown away.* " It will subsequently appear that David
carried this idea into accomplishment ; but, at present,
his mind was too much set on the advancement of Ire-
land's welfare, to think much of any foreign object.
The result of David's three months' experiment, and his

DAVID NA8MITU.

175

own persona] condition, are clearly set forth in a letter
to Miss Oswald, dated December 22nd : —

"We have now eight meetings for prayer for the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which are in general
well attended ; we enjoy much refreshing at them oc-
casionally. We have now four agents at work; one
of them, from indisposition, is able to do little work.
In two months, Lee, our first agent, spent 326 hours in
the work ; held twenty-five meetings ; attendance, 477 ;
visited 345 Protestant and 109 Roman Catholic fa-
milies, in all 454 families; of these, only eighty-eight
refused to hear the Scriptures read, of whom fifty-seven
were Roman Catholics and thirty-one Protestants. He
visited twenty-seven sick persons, revisited nine of
these, found sixty families desirous of Bibles who had
not copies ; forty-two of the families visited had em-
braced Roman Catholicism, and the others Protestants.
" Mr. Robertson is found to be of so much use, that
the managers are desirous of keeping him if possible ;
they are willing to give him 50/. a year; and a few
friends have signified their readiness to add 20/. to that,
in order to render him more comfortable. He is em-
ployed as pioneer to voluntary agents in districts where
no agent operates. He is the help of the superinten-
dents in the discharge of their duties, and is employed
in preaching to the poor at the more important stations
of the mission. His preaching is very acceptable, and
easily understood by the poor.

" At the end of last month, we held a meeting of
the visitors of the Castle district, at which their reports
in writing were read, which were truly interesting. We
purpose establishing one more adult school, and in-
stituting a loan library of religious books in the district.

176

MEMOIR OF

v^'m

SI ■ .1;

" I have to-day received your long and welcome letter
of the 15th. We feel obliged by your kind endeavours
to raise a little money for our mission, and hope that
you may be increasingly successful.* Never have I
been more truly happy than during the last three
months in our two rooms and kitchen, or than at pre-
sent without a servant. Mrs. Nasmith and I are, thanks
be to our heavenly Father, of kindred spirits, and this
adds greatly to my happiness. I have not yet allowed
any thing to be said amongst the managers relative to
my personal support ; I find a great advantage from
labouring amongst them as I have done, and I shall
continue to do so as long as I am enabled. Twenty
of the forty pounds to which I had to look, have been
paid ; the remaining twenty, with the balance now on
hand of a similar sum received six weeks ago, will
enable me to be independent of the mission for two
months longer ; and, by that time, the importance of
City Missions may so appear as to induce the i'riends of
religion here to institute a society for the purposes of
spreading the system through Ireland. I wish to see
such a society formed, and to act as an agent in it,
judging that in this way I may be more useful than
in attending constantly upon any one mission. I am
fully satisfied that the Dublin City Mission will require
nursing for some time to come ; but, I trust, the day
will come, after a few months, when it may be left at
last, in its details, with safety in other hands. I have
been working rather hard, and enfeebled myself; but
am recruiting again : were I going occasionally to places
at a little distance to promote the object I have in view,
it might contribute to my health.

* The sam was 10/.

/ '.

i «

DAVID NA8MITH.

177

** Mr. Stewart, the Secession minister, has put a very
favourable paiagraph in his magazine ahout the mission,
and given our laws and instructions to superintendents.
Yesterday, I met Dr. Singer, who asked information
relative to our proceedings, that he might publish it
in his magazine for the sake of the church friends.
We are not fond of publishing much ; the quieter our
work is carried forward the better."

-f^"'

Ht'%

I s

CHAPTER XII.

Address to the Rev. Dr. Urwick, Dublin — Reflections on his condition
nt the ooninieneenient of 1829 — Spirit of prayer on behalf of the
Dublin mission — Its friends rapidly increase —Detail of interesting
events relative to the mission — Kcclesiustical thraldom — A practical
error reprehended — Kcelesiasticul schemes — Prosperity of the mission
excites opposition — Churches, the most natural and most powerful
city missicms — Failure of the Ecclesiastical experiment- David thinks
of removal — Forms a new mission for Ireland — Continued muni-
ficence of Miss Oswald — Resolves to dispense with all guarantee of
salary - View of the interior of the Dublin City Mission — First
journey to the south of Ireland.

TO THK RKV. WILLIAM URWICK, D.D., DUBLIN.

Sir, — As a faitliful servant of Clu-ist, and a devoted
IVientl of Ireland, you are always alive to the claims of
her benefactors, whatever their sect, name, or nation.
You were one of the first to hail the arrival of David
Nasnnth in the land of your adoption ; and, at the
meeting held for its formation, the first public prayer,
presented to (lod on behalf of the enterprise, proceeded
from your lips. You loved his person, you admired lii.s
character, you cherish his memory, and will long reflect
with satisfaction that your flock once comprised the
Founder of City IVIissions.

David Nasmitii was a deep student, not only of Scrip-
ture, but of Providence, and hence those beautiful
passages with which his journal abounds. At no pe-
riod, perhaps, was David ever more alive to the good-

MKMOin OP DAVID NASMITII.

179

iii'ss of God tliaii at the coininencement of the year
1829. The Journal of January 1st contains the follow-
\n^ entry: — " Here will I raise my Ebenezer, am' say,
• Hitlierto hath the Lorl helped me.' He has led me
all my journey through. He brought me to Ireland,
and has been with me since I came hither. I feel that
1 am engfiged in the Lord's work. The mission is his ;
by it, 1 bcdieve, he intends calling many of his chosen
ones out of darkness into his marvellous light. What
a privilege does he confer uj)on one so utterly un-
worthy! Well may I say, Who am I, or what is my
father's house, that I should be called to come to this
great and wicked city to stir up the Lord's people in it,
to do their duty in respect to the poor, who are perish-
ing around them.! That the Lord has much people
here is manifest ; that many of them are comparatively
asleep, and inactive, is also too manifest. May he
arouse them ! Ltist year was, to me, a year of trial
and of changes; but all things have wrought for my
good, and I humbly trust for God's glory also. I would
not wish to be in another situation than that which I
at present occupy. N(;ver, never, was I more happy
than during these last four months, working the work of
God, and receiving my supplies directly from his hand.
To him alone I look for all I need. Here shall I
remain, until, by God's providence, I am called to
changes. Changes, I am persuaded, will be experi-
enced, and those not a few, before the close of this
year.

" This morning I spent an hour happily with the
agents of the mission, in prayer; and, at two o'clock,
spent another happily, in prayer, on behalf of the mis-
sion, with the Rev. Denis Brown and the Rev. James

Xi.,

180

MEMOIR OP

fi m

;;i!i

Carlisle, who officiated, and other ministers and friends,
who had met to commend the work in which we are
engaged to the Lord, and to pray him to send us agents.
"VVe have eight candidates at present; time will show
whether they are of the Lord's choosing. Dined with
Mr. Carlisle. What cause of thankfulness have I on
account of Mrs. Nasmith being so happy in her present
situation, and so eminently a helpmate for me ! "

On the following day David makes another entry,
which shows with what prayerfulness and spirituality
the work of the Mission was conducted. *' To-day," he
says, " I received fifty pounds for the Mission, as a
donation from a young gentleman of twenty-three years
of age, who lives sparingly, that he may give liberally.
To-day I attended a meeting at the Hon. Mrs. Pomroy's,
at which an association was formed for the support of
an agent of the Mission in the Summer-hill district.
This is now the third ladies' association. May the Lord
send us agents ! Attended two of the meetings to-day,
for humiliation before God, and prayer for the out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit."

David was one of those men who really believe that
God is at once the hearer and the answerer of prayer.
He daily looked for the revelation of his arm, and was
careful to record every apparent mark of the Divine
approbation. On January Gth, he made the following
entry in his journal, with obvious gratification: — " To-
day 1 attended a meeting in Mr. Hunt's house, at which
a ladies' association was formed for the Blessington
and Drumcondree districts. Made statements at this
meeting, and at that held on Friday last, which, by the
blessing of God, have been of some use to ladies pre-
sent, I hope, judging by what has been told Uie. Thus

i :;!iil: 'j:

DAVID NASMITir.

181

may the Mission hr ne useful to the rich as well as
the poor. One oJ iije managers said to me, that his
soul had profited greatly from his connexion with the
M .i sion ; another said to me lately, that he had cause
to thank God for having brought him in contact with
the Mission ; and this evening an individual was added
to the list of managers, saying, that he was ready to
serve the Mission in any way that lay in Lis power,
who, on the day of the formation of the Mission, was
disposed rather to leave the room than take any part in
the proceedings of the meeting."

Such was the spirit in which David began the year,
<and such the toils in which his days and nights were
consumed. In his sight all souls were equally precious,
and he lost no opportunity of setting forth Christ cruci-
fied to persons of every rank and class. The field of
operation was in many points widely different from that
in which he had spent his previous years. It would not,
indeed, be easy to conceive of two cities the population
of which presented a more striking contrast, than did the
population of Dublin to the population of Glasgow. In
the former city, he looked in vain for a large body o*"
intelligent, devout, zealous, laborious men, to act as
managers and superintendents. Some single congrega-
tions in Glasgow could have furnished a larger measure
of such agency than the whole city of Dublin. Then
there was an utter want of missionaries ; small as was
the number which, at the outset, could be supported,
yet Dublin could not supply thorn ; they had to be
brought from a distance, or imported from Great Bri-
tain. To the difficulties, moreover, arising from the
corruption and the alienation of the human heart, which
attended the Glasgow as well as the Dublin Mission,

^vy,^^,^

^"^

pi '„-

1 .

1 1

.' S!

.Mr 'if'!

ilil ,

182

MEMOIR OF

were added those arising from popery, which met the
agents at every turn, and presented a resistance all but
insuperable. There was, however, one feature in David's
position, here, of a more pleasing character ; he had a
small portion, at least, of access to a higher class of the
community than those to be found in Glasgow. Of these,
some were eminent for piety and Christian philanthropy ;
and others, although less decided, were well disposed.
While David solicited the patronage and pecuniary aid
of these, he also sought still more earnestly their salva-
tion. In such work as this, while his courage was equal
to anything, his prudence, delicacy, and sense of pro-
priety, were such as always to regulate that courage.
For example, on January the 9th, 1829, he wrote a
letter to the Marchioness of Hastings respecting the
City Mission, in which he contrived to weave up the
claims of the perishing population of Dublin, with a
clear exhibition of gospel doctrine. On this interesting
document, the following entry appears in his Journal : —
" Sent a letter to-day to the Marchioness of Hastings,
informing her of the Mission, — took occasion in the
communication to interpose remarks intimating that
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was the only way by
which we could be saved, — that the Bible was the only
rule of conduct, and that Divine influence was essential
to the sanctification and salvation of the soul. I also
intimated that the success of the Mission had been
entirely owing to the blessing of the Most High upon
our attempts to serve him. May the Lord bless the
communication to her soul !"

The first quarter of 1829 was one of great exertion
by David, and the faithful band of Irish Christians who
adhered to him. This was a time that tried spirits. It

DAVID NA8MITH.

183

hich met the
itance all but
lire in David's
3r ; he had a
r class of the
ow. Of these,
philanthropy ;
veil disposed,
pecuniary aid
ly their salva-
age was equal
sense of pro-
that courage.
, he wrote a
Bspecting the
veave up the
ablin, with a
lis interesting
is Journal : —

of Hastings,
asion in the
imating that
only way by
^as the only
was essential
ioul. I also
in had been

High upon
rd bless the

2at exertion
ristians who
spirits. It

was not easy for persons within David's sphere to resist
his influencej and for men of cold hearth it was not an
easy task to keep pace with him. Bigots found no
favour in David's sight, and he was not a man likely to
stand high in their esteem, while, with persons of large
and liberal souls, he was sure to be counted the first
and best of men ; among such he made rapid way during
these three months, as will appear from the following
important letter, addressed to Miss Oswald, and dated
March the 26th :—

" The Lord is prospering the work of the Mission
still ; the people in general favour it. Some of the
ministers of the Established Church are beginning to
move a little in it ; but it is evident they are doubting
how far, as good churchmen, they can, with propriety,
give us their sanction. Yesterday, Dr. Singer presided
at a meeting of ladies, held above the tract shop, for the
purpose of forming an association to help us to send
agents into poor districts. The meeting was numerously
attended, by persons of the first rank and influence ; the
Dr. put a question to me, which the Lord enabled me,
at the time, to answer without difficulty, and no further
remark was made. The question was, * How far does
your Mission allow its agents to go in addressing meet-
ings ?' I know the design was, We cannot sanction lay
preaching. I replied, that we had no laws upon the
subject ; we stated to our agents the object we had in
view, viz., to make the Lord Jesus Christ known to the
people ; we left them quite at liberty to do that by
reading a verse, or a chapter, and making remarks ; that
our agents were of different denominations, and were
left to prosecute their work, so far as the mode of con-
ducting meetings was concerned, in the manner agree-

i4!

184

MEMOIR OF

able to the laws of the churches with which they stand
connected. The question is not with some of us, What
will our Independent and Episcopal chui'ches allow us
to do ? but, What does the word of God say ? At the
close of the meeting referred to, a lady came forward
and gave me, for a poor district in which she is inte-
rested, 10/. from herself, 10/. from a friend, II. from
another, and 10*. from a third, in all 21/. 10*. !

" On Monday last, I attended a meeting in the house
of the widow of Judge Fese, which was numerously
attended, when an association was formed for the pur-
pose of raising 40/. in Fitzwilliam-square, to support an
agent in a poor district. Doubts were expressed as to
the possibility of raising such a sum, in consequence of
many present having previously contributed for other
districts ; but to-day, a meeting of committee was held ;
only four ladies attended, and the sum of 16/. odd was
paid in. Lady Douglas paid Gl. ; Mrs. Fese had pre-
viously given 5/., and added 21. On Saturday first, J
am called to attend a meeting in the house of a Mrs.
Boyd, Stephen's Green, lady of a gentleman of great
influence. He is not acquainted with the truth, but his
lady and several of his daughters have taken a very deep
interest in the Mission. Some of the family are evi-
dently under the influence of the truth. It is a com-
mittee meeting, for the purpose of paying in what has
been collected in Stephen's Green. Many ladies, un-
connected, are to be invited to attend, in the hope that,
from the statements which may be then made, they may
be induced to take part. By such meetings, good is
done to the souls of the rich, whilst we are seeking the
good of the poor ; yes, I trust several ladies will have
cause to bless God for the establishment of the Dublin

of
en

ad>

|[' fi

)"']

DAVID NASMITH.

185

1 they stand
of us, What
les allow us
ly ? At the
ime forward
she is inte-
id, 11. from

in the house

numerously

or the pur-

) support an

)ressed as to

isequence of

;d for other

;e was held ;

16/. odd was

se had pre-

rday first, I

of a Mrs.

an of great

th, but his

a very deep

y are evi-

t is a com-

n what has

ladies, un-

hope that,

, they may

good is

leeking the

will have

he Dubhn

City Mission. But I feel deeply abased when I think
of what the Lord has done : praise and glory be ascribed
entirely to his holy name !

" On Monday, Mr. Bush, of St. George's, lectured at
the meeting. On Saturday, Dr. Singer is to lecture.
These, however, are the only instances, with that of
yesterday, of ministers taking part at our meetings ; and,
on these occasions, they were not asked by us, but by
the ladies themselves ; and we do not object. For my
own part, I would rather go alone.* I have known so
much of the coldness and hostility of ministers to the
advancement of the Redeemer's glory, unless the effort
was made by themselves^ or their church, that I have
ceased asking the cooperation of any minister ; besides,
I conceive that, in general, the ministers have quite too
much to do, either with the things of the world, or what
are called, our religious societies, and the effects are
too obvious in the neglect of their flock. ^

" The friends in Glasgow agreed to raise 40/. for the
support of an agent in Dublin, but all that has come
into my hands yet of that sum, is 5L I do feel
desirous that this sum should be raised, as I know it
could be done easily, and its effects would be great
here and elsewhere. I shall not say that the 5/., which
you have received for us, should go into this fund ; I
leave that to yourself. I may state, however, that the
general fund of the Mission is exceedingly limited ;
the numerous associations are formed, each for the
support of a district agent ; beside district agents, we
want two general agents, to each of whom a salary of

" * A minister of the Church of England, and a Dissenting minister,
attend each of our monthly prayer meetings for the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit.

■ill

, '■■ ^ if

-vf 1

!.'/■.

18G

MEMOIR OF

I' 'i

liiiii'

• i

mwi

■',' i',

75/. is to be given. We have a young man in the
office, who assists me in writing, and goes out to visit
the sick, &c., to whom we give 30/. per annum. We
have an officer to collect subscriptions and deliver cards,
parcels, &c, at 5s. a week ; we have a rent of 201. per
annum for office, besides the expense of printing, post-
ages, &c., &c. ; these together will not be less than
250/. per annum.

" On last Tuesday, the managers had ten applications
from Scotland, one from England and three from Ire-
land, from persons wishing to be employed as agents —
fourteen in all. Mr. Bathin, one of our present agents,
has given in his resignation, as he is about to leave for
Persia, as a herald of the gospel. He accompanies Mr.
Green and his wife, and other two ladies who go on
the same errand. Mr. G. was a dentist in Exeter ;
and, upon the principle of devotedness to God, upon
which subject he wrote, he has given up a practice
worth from 500/. to 1 ,000/. per annum ; and goes out,
trusting to the Lord for support, taking nothing of the
Gentiles nor of the church of God. He has literally
sold all, and goes to follow Jesus amongst the ignorant
Persians. We are forming a library of books at
present for the benefit of the agents, works of mission-
ary biography, commentaries upon the Scriptures, con-
cordances, &c. Perhaps you will name it to some
friends, who may have a spare book past them ; if sent
to Mr. Gallic, they will be forwarded. I expect Mr.
Haddows from Woodside, over this week as an agent.
Gallic is secretary, Mr. John Mackintosh is treasurer
of the association in aid of our mission. I shall wait
to see the wdll of the Lord as to my support. The
labourer is worthy of hire."

DAVID NA8MITH.

187

man in the
J out to visit
annum. We
deliver cards,
It of 20/. per
trinting, post-
be less than

n applications
iree from Ire-
d as agents —
resent agents,
ut to leave for
;onipanies Mr.
es who go on
st in Exeter ;

God, upon
up a practice
and goes out,
lothing of the
B has literally

the ignorant
of books at
cs of mission-
riptures, con-
it to some
them ; if sent

1 expect Mr.
as an agent.

is treasurer

I shall wait

upport. The

This document is valuable on various grounds ; it
shows the powerful hold the Mission had taken on the
hearts of many good people. It furnishes a beautiful
illustration of David's truly catholic and Christian
spirit, and the bondage in which the best of men are
held by ecclesiastical systems. It clearly required all
the independence, liberality, and manhood for which
Dr. Singer has long been so signally, so honourably
distinguished, to enable him to participate in this most
harmless, because most Christian enterprise ; and, at
the close of six months, he and Mr. Bush stood almost
alone ! Surely no system can be in accordance with
Apostolic doctrine, or the mind of Christ, which pre-
vents good men from the imitation of Apostolic practice,
and the realizing of Christ's prayer. Order is good in
"ts own place ; order, however, is not an end but an
instrument; and all order that stands in the way of
human salvation, must be in itself wrong, and ought
at once to yield to paramount considerations.

This letter contains the first sentiment, from which
we have found it necessary to dissent. The charge
here preferred against the ministers of religion is very
serious, and, if true, would be very dreadful. Can it
be, that men, specially set apart for the service of the
Redeemer, are not only cold but hostile to the ad-
vancement of his glory ? The charge, however, is quali-
fied so far by the words, " unless the effort was made by
themselves or their church." Now we do think there
is enough here amply to shield ministers against this
most gross accusation. They ought to be jealous of
all professedly evangelical movements, in which neither
they nor their churches participate. Are coldness or
even hostility to such movements, to be identified with

188

MEMOIR OF

•M

coldness and hostility to the advancement of the Re-
deemer's glory, when they may actually spring from
the purest zeal for its promotion ? The hostility is not
to the end, but to the means, and to means because of
their supposed inadequacy to the end. On this alleged
ground, David thus early avows a principle, on which
he too frequently acted up to the close of his life. He
says, " I have ceased asking the cooperation of any
minister." This was almost his only error, and was
throughout his chief misfortune. Not to speak of
England, his experience in America, as will subse-
quently appear, ought to have shown him that minis-
ters, even where they may not approve the whole of
a system, are yet always the foremost to further the
labours of such men as David Nasmith. The best and
wisest men perceived that the institution was artificial,
and they preferred that which was natural — the Church
— as likely to be more efficient and more lasting ; and
in this principle, as will immediately appear, him-
self fully concurred. But the consideration of the
question of the relation of such missions to the churches,
and the best method of working them, will come on for
co.isideration in its proper place.

David was the means of promoting inquiry into the
spiritual condition of the city population on the part
of many who had never previously thought a moment
on the subject. The zeal of some sentimental people
promised, at first, to take a practical turn. " Some of
the Lord's people here," says David, " are speaking of
forming a mission church with a pastor, teachers and
evangelists ; whose object it shall be, not only to edify
those who may be associated in church fellowship, but
to go forth and preach the gospel and plant churches

^fi

DAVID NASMITH.

189

t of the Re-
spring from
ostility is not
IS because of
ii this alleged
:)le, on which
his life. He
•atlon of any
ror, and was
to speak of
3 will subse-
n that minis-
the whole of
,o further the
The best and
was artificial,
\ — the Church
lasting; and
appear, him-
ation of the
> the churches,
1 come on for

uiry into the
on the part
it a moment
nental people
" Some of
e speaking of
teachers and
only to edify
jUowship, but
lant churches

in the cities, towns, and villages of Ireland, considering
that every church is a missionary body. If this is of
the Lord, it will prosper; if not, may it come to
nought. Christ Jesus to be the bond of union, and
not Presbyterianism, Independency, or Episcopacy. A
union of saints is exceedingly desirable into one church
of Christ, and a striving together for the advancement of
the glory of God, and not our own opinion. In this
city, the poor have not the gospel preached to them
either in churches or chapels ; there may be two or
three exceptions to this ; the Roman Catholic chapels
engulf the few, but thousands go to no place of wor-
ship."

The third quarter of the first year of the Mission,
brought a great accession to its strength ; and, as its
importance became more manifest, opposition increased.
David writing to his friend, of Scotstown, in the middle
of June, reports as follows : — ■

" The Lord prospers the Mission ; we have fourteen
agents, and expect Robertson at the end of this month
who will make fifteen, but we want nine more as soon
as possible ; the Report will be published towards the
end of the month, of which copies shall be sent to you.
Mr. Pope has formed a church, which consists at pre-
sent of living stems ; Mr. Mejunell is of the number.
I wish he was more alive to preaching than he is. I
trust the little church will be active and" useful. There
is a want of life in the church of Christ at large, which,
I am of opinion, arises in part from a neglect of the
Scripture rules as to the office-bearers of the church,
and the uses of the various members of the body.

" Our City Missions are of great importance ; but
they are necessary, I conceive, only because the

190

MEMOIR OF

:ii:i|i

churches are not doing their duty ; the sooner,
therefore, that churches act, the better.
What a different effect would they produce !
, " Mrs. Nasmith joins in affectionate regards to yon.
Do continue to pray for us. We stand much in need
of Divine direction. As we expected, more opposition
has been experienced of late than at our onset. As
long as we were weak and feeble, we were unworthy
the notice of the great and strong ; but now that we
are assuming more importance, we are causing a little
stir ; some of the ministers of the Establishment are
putting their people on their guard against us, saying, as
one of them declared from his pulpit lately, that we were
not sent by the church. Many of the evangelical
ministers are with us. A mission has been formed for
the town of Liverpool ; and, by this time, I suppose,
another has been formed for Manchester ; the former,
after the Dublin and Glasgow p'an ; the latter, after
that of the Christian Instruction Society in London.
Another society has been formed in London, chiefly
connected with the Established Church, called the
District Society, for the same ends as the forenamed
institutions."

From the second paragraph of this extract, David
plainly states that his missions were merely an artificial
substitute for the churches of Christ, which are the
natural missionary societies, the proper irstrnmei;ts for
diffusing the G( spel, both at home and .';ioad. In a
letter, about the same time, written to Mrs. Connell,
tht valued relative of Mrs. Nasmith, David reverts to
this important principle. " I long," says he, " for the
ppijod, \7hc' the churches of Christ, instead of these
voluutAi-y associavlons, formed for this purpose, shall

DAVID NA8MITH.

191

THE SOONER,
iE BETTER.

PRODUCE !
gards to yon.
nuch in need
ire opposition
ir onset. As
3re unworthy

now that we
lusing a little
blishment are

us, saying, as
, that we \verc
le evangelical
en formed for
e, I suppose,
• ; the former,
2 latter, after
\f in London.
>ndon, chiefly

I, called the
lie forenamed

Ixtract, David

an artificial
hich are the
hrumoits for
1(1 Odd. In a

[rs. Connell,
lid reverts to

le, "for the
Itead of these

irpose, shall

become missionary bodies. There is a considerable
shakiii in that respect, in this place, not amongst the
churches, but amongst individuals, as to the duty of
churches. A church was forn "d yesterday week, of
which Mr. Pope is pastor, upon such a basis — I mean,
upon Scripture principles ; but the principle that every
member is, in his or her sphere, to become a missionary.
Stir up youi' Christian friends to think of this!"

Al.t^l Ireund was not the place for erecting model
churches. It was not long till David wrote the epitaph
of tiuis phantom structure, in the following words : —

" The history of the Pedbeg-street church is most

instructive, and shows increasingly the folly of seeking

from Christians or Christian churches, in the present

imperfect state of man, that height of perfection which

some of us have been hoping for. I believe, however,

that a revival in the church of God will be speedily

enjoyed. Mr. Pope has left the church, and feels, I am

told, a great deliverance. There was not only a want

of order, but novices usurped such a prominent place

as to put those of greater experience and judgment

quite in the shade. The beautiful picture which was

drawn, and which they exhibited for a week or two, of

love, was soon changed, and instead of being a union of

Christians irrespecti\ e of names, now it is necessary to

admission, that th<^ member believe in three things ;

'vhich are, I believe, the personal reign ; the death of

Christ for all; and a thiid, which 1 forget at present.

The church was not numerous, but it is much smaller

than it was. Fo* oi its valuable members left it at an

early period."

By the end <^ June the Mission was considerably
established, whiie its frienri * and funds were daily on

■^AS':

192

MEMOIR OF

( D

■■■ W'h

the increase. It had thirteen or fourteen agents, and
many more were wanted, if they could have been found.
There was no lack of candidates ; up to this time, they
had had no fewer than sixty applicants, of whom only
sixteen were found to possess even very humble qualifi-
cations! The opposition increased with the activity
displayed by it ; in some cases it was very considerable,
so much so, that, according to David, " the patience of
some of them, in the midst of great opposition, is a
delightful proof of the spirit by which they are actuated."

David, having achieved a great object in Dublin, began
to think of the regions beyond. *' The work here,"
says he, " by the good hand of God upon it, is begun ;
business is pretty well matured. I should like to see
other cities, towns, and villages in Ireland so favoured,
and desire to visit some of them for that purpose, if the
Lord will." This idea, by the end of July, had taken
so full possession of David's mind, that, as will appear
from the following extract, he acted upon it : —

" We are at present looking out for an assistant
secretary for the Mission. The managers wished me to
remain with them, and to become their paid secretary ;
but I considered it to be my duty to decline, upon two
grounds, first, because the business is so complicated,
that I cannot, with safety to my health, undertake the
responsibility of discharging all the duties of the office ;
and, secondly, because I may be eminently more useful
to the cause of God by going to other cities, towns, and
villages in Ireland, for the purpose of establishing kin-
dred institutions, than by remaining at any one place.

" I feel thankful that, whilst all the friends here are
anxious that I should remain, many of them are of
opinion tliat I might be more useful by going to other

'I! ','•

DAVID NASMITH.

193

1 agents, and
e been found,
his time, they
>f whom only
umble qualifi-
the activity
considerable,
iie patience of
iposition, is a
are actuated."
Dublin, began
J work here,"
1 it, is begun ;
Id like to see
1 so favoured,
purpose, if the
ily, had taken
as will appear
it:—

f an assistant
i wished me to
aid secretary ;
ine, upon two
complicated,
mdertake the
of the office ;
ly more useful
s, towns, and
ablishing kin-
one place,
ends here are
them are of
loing to other

places ; and, to-day, I received a letter from Mr. W. C.
Hogan, the attorney, who was in the chair at the forma-
tion of our City Mission, and has lately become a super-
intendent of a district for us, most cordially approving
of my desire, and offering to contribute twenty pounds
a-year towards my support, as long as he shall be able
to do so. This is the only sum promised to me for the
future. I live in hope. Beside the sums which you
and other kind friends contributed towards my support,
I have expended sixty pounds of my own since I left
Glasgow, and I have a conscience free from the charge
of living extravagantly since we came here. I have not
spent one penny in dress, except for the mending of
shoes and boots ; and Mrs. Nasmith's expenses, in this
department, have not, during the same period, come to
one pound. We have frequently been led to remark,
that, as the Lord caused the garments of the children of
Israel not to wax old in the Wilderness, he had made
our garments to wear quite beyond what we had expe-
rienced in prior times.

" Since we came out to the country, Mrs. Nasmith's
health has been greatly recruited, and my own has been
pretty good also. I find the walk to the office rather
far, especially when I require to go in twice a-day : it
takes me half an hour to walk the distance. Our rent
is much less than it was, which is a consideration ; and
the gentleman who lives in the house is a Christian,
which is a great comfort. In going to other places I
shall leave Mrs. Nasmith here. Dublin will be my
home."

Having fixed his mind upon this object, David pro-
ceeded to adopt the necessary measures for its inunediate
accomplishment. In October, he succeeded in the for-

194

MEMOIR OF

mation of a society, called " * The Local Missionary
Society for Ireland ;* to which," says he, " I have
got two friends to join me as secretaries. I think that I
may be able to effect this important object, which the
Lord has inclined me to accomplish, better in this way,
than by acting singly. I shall still look at and assist
the Dublin City Mission. Mr. William Renton, who is
a member of the established church, but t good, an in-
telligent, and, I liope, a prudent man, has been chosen
to act as assistant secretary to the City Mission." David's
steady friend and benefactor, Miss Oswald, was again
not wanting in this fresh enterprise. The former en-
gagement had now expired, but she readily renewed her
promise, which brought forth from David the following
expression of gratitude. "Ifeel obliged by your kind
intention to contribute this year also to my support in
prosecuting the great work in which I am engaged. The
silver and the gold are necessary, but I am becoming
less anxious about them, relying upon the promise of
God. I give myself to the work, and leave it with Chris-
tians, to do towards me what God may incline them.
Now I rejoice with you, and such as give of their sub-
stance and prayers to this work, and in heaven we shall
have cause to adore the wisdom which placed you in the
circumstances in which you are, and me as I am. I know
that I am in the best situation I could have been placed
and I pray to be increasingly thankful for being

allowed to depend upon Providence." This passage
announces, for the first time, both broadly and clearly, a
principle on which we iihall afterwards see him acting in
a manner not a little extraordinary. Its consideration
must be reserved for another place.

Miss Oswald's promise was followed by a speedy per-

/ '

DAVID NASMITH.

195

Missionary
e, "I have
think that I
t, which the
in this way,
it and assist
enton, who is
good, an in-
been chosen
ion." David's
d, was again
le former en-
f renewed her
the following
by your kind
ny support in
engaged. The
am becoming
le promise of
it with Chris-
incline them,
of their sub-
^aven we shall
ed you in the
I am. I know
e been placed
ful for being
This passage
and clearly, a
him acting in
consideration

speedy per-

formance, in the acknowledgment of which David inci-
dentally gives us the following beautiful glimpse at the
interior of the mission. "Your favour of the 5th inst.,
which came to hand yesterday, has furnished fresh
ground of gratitude to you, and thanksgiving to God,
wjio never has, and never will, leave those who simply
trust in him to want any good thing. I wish you had
been present at our weekly meeting of agents this morn-
ing. Your soul would indeed have magnified God our
Saviour for what He is doing by means of the mission.
Our weekly meeting is for prayer for the outpouring of
the Holy Spirit upon the mission. The Scriptures are
read, and five or six of the brethren engage in prayer.
Any difliculties or encouragements met with in the
course of the preceding week, are made matter of suppli-
cation or thanksgiving. Any cases of decided hostilit}',
or of impression produced by means of the truth, is laid
before the Lord. The Lord is truly with the mission,
and by it is, we have every reason to believe, bringing in
some of his elect in this city."

Having made the necessary arrangements, David set
out upon his journey, and first proceeded to the south.
On the 13th of December, he reported upon this journey
to Mrs. Connell as follows : —

" I have just returned from the south, where I spent
twenty-five days. During that period I visited fourteen
different places, and had the satisfaction of seeing Local
Missions formed in Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Clon-
mell, Athy, Newtown, Mount Kennedy, Gorey, and En-
niscorthy ; and Christians agreed in three other places to
support an agent in each, and entered into subscriptions
for the purpose. The Cork ladies formed an association in
aid of the Cork City Mission, and the youths of the same

196

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

place an association in aid of the same mission. I at-
tended and addressed twenty- two meetings in all ; visited
eight sabbath-schools, various alms-houses, a nunnery,
and talked to the nuns. Ireland is a most interesting,
and in some parts a most hopeful missionary country,
and furnishes ample scope for David, and his aunt
Connell, and cousin Charles. Mother and baby are well.
His hair is like his mother's. He is worthy of an En-
glish mother, a Scotch father, and an Irish birth-place."

' //

:'im

mm-

I \

i t

ission. I at-
n all ; visited
I, a nunnery,
(t interestinof,
lary country,
ind his aunt
baby are well.
by of an En-
L birth-place."

CHAPTER XIII.

■ . • ■ - . - , ) j

Address to the Rev. William Haweis Cooper, Dublin — Birth of David's
first child — Domestic piety illustrated — State of the Mission described
— Visits the North of Ireland — Dark state of the country — Want of
agents — David resolves to visit America — Feelings of his friends on
the occasion of his departure — Receives from Dublin friends a docu-
ment expressive of affection.

TO THE REV. WILLIAM HAWEIS COOPER, DUBLIN.

Sir, — Your honoured father, in the morning of his days,
with the true spirit of a Christian missionary, for Ireland
left England, the land of his birth, where his splendid
powers would speedily have raised him to comfort and
eminence in the church of Christ. In that land of dark-
ness he laboured long, enduring much trial, and bearing
up against great difficulties, that he might hold forth to
perishing men the light of life. Before his sun went
down, yours arose ; and l.ath long shone clear and strong,
diffusing the blessings of salvation on every side. You
enjoyed the esteem of David Nasmith as a man, and his
respect as a minister of righteousness. We shall not
soon look upon his like again ; and it is meet we should
embalm his memory.

The autumn of 1829 was marked by an event which
deeply interested the heart of David — the birth of his
first child, and that child a son. This happy event is thus
recorded on the SOtli of October. " The Lord has, in
great kindness, granted to Mrs. Nasmith safe delivery of
a son, to-day at half-past eleven o'clock. The boy is
from the Lord, and Me have given him to be His. May

13 *

h 1?

v¥!

f-il'li

198

MEMOIR OF

his name be written in the Lamb's book of life ! May-
be be sanctified from the womb, and may it speedily ap-
pear that he is a chosen vessel to show forth the praises
of the Lord, and to serve him on the earth."

Justice to the character of this primitive pair requires
that, at least, a glimpse should be afforded of the manner
in which they mutually aided each other in their spiri-
tual pilgrimage. The following is an example not un-
worthy of Jonathan Edwards and his eminently Christian,
helpmate, and, indeed, strikingly corresponds with what
is recorded of their practices, in Edwards' Journal.
" This day was set apart for prayer by Mrs. N. and
, i^ me ; until two o'clock I did not break my fast. We

I have enjoyed a refreshing and soul-strengthening season,

^ in mutually conversing over all the way by which the

Lord led us before, and especially since our union.
The portions of Scripture read have been instructive ;
the hymns sung were sweet, and we were each enabled
to express to God our sentiments, and feelings, and
desires upon subjects which we had previously agreed
unitedly to bring before him ; and, I trust, our hearts
went with our lips. The subjects were, 1st, The revival
of the Lord's work in our own souls, that our love and
devotedness to Christ might be greatly increased;
2nd, That the church in York-street might be revived,
— that the Holy Spirit might descend and rest upon the
pastor and all the members, — that the pastor might
exhibit Christ increasingly to our view, — that love
might spread amongst the members, and that those
measures might be devised and prosecuted that would
render, under the Divine blessing, the church a blessing
to many, — and that the Spirit might breathe upon the
slain in the congregation, that they might live; 3rd,

DAVID NASMITH.

199

life ! May
speedily ap-
1 the praises

pair requires
if the manner
their spiri-
mple not un-
itly Christian
ds with what
Fournal.
Mrs. N. and
ly fast. We
ening season,
)y which the
J our union.
L instructive ;
ach enabled
'eelings, and
iously agTeed
our hearts
The revival
)ur love and
increased ;
be revived,
est upon the
)astor might
— that love
that those
that would
;h a blessing
,e upon the
t live; 3rd,

That the Lord would continue to smile upon the City
Mission and provide a suitable person to act as assistant-
secretary ; 4th, That the Lord would bless all our rela-
tions in England and Scotland with his favour; 5th,
Returned thanks for past mercies ; 6th, Dedicated our-
selves afresh to the service of God, seeking wisdom to
direct, grace to be faithful, and that the Lord would
favour us to be the humble instruments of great good,
in promoting extensively the glorious Gospel, by form-
ing many missions in the cities, towns, and villages of
this land."

This year opened with very bright prospects for the
mission. Twenty-two agents were employed in the
work, and great zeal and harmony obtained among the
managers of the institution. The labours of the mis-
sionaries there, as everywhere, contributed to throw
considerable light on the state of society.

" In Barrack-street," says David, " it is supposed
there are not less than three hundred girls of the town.
Our agent for that district has lat jly had much to do
amongst them. He has had frequent meetings in their
apartments, and spent from one to two hours in reading
the Scriptures and talking with them upon Divine
things ; the attendance has varied from five to twenty
on each occasion. Several of them have signified their
determination to abandon their sinful courses; three
have been got into asylums, and are conducting them-
selves with great propriety ^ and nine more are now
waiting to be admitted. Applications have been made
to all the Protestant asylums for them, but in vain ;
three of them are full, and the fourth receives only
young persons under twenty years of age, who have
never been in the street. In these circumstances we

»\

200

MEMOIR OF

have been under the necessity of taking apartments in
Harold's Cross, which is about twenty minutes' walk
from my residence, for the immediate reception of these
girls, and have appointed a matron. The whole sum
subscribed does not yet amount to twenty-two pounds.
We shall require a considerable sum ; but hope to get
what may be necessary. Many are opposed to the mea-
sure, on the ground that their cases are hopeless ; but
we know in whose hands are the hearts of all men, and
.Iraw our confidence from Scripture, that we shall not
labour in vain. The cases of some of them are very
interesting, and even hopeful. One of them is the
daughter of a minister of the Established Church, now
dead ; and her sister, who is governess in the family of
a clergyman, whom I met with when in the south, sup-
poses this poor girl to be dead, or in a foreign country,
as she has not heard of her for some years.

" We got the parents of one of the girls introduced
to her ; the meeting was affecting ; they had not seen
each other for several years, but expressed pleasure in
the prospect of getting their daughter to return home
to them. From the extreme poverty of the parents, it
is questionable whether she should return inmiediately
to them, but rather seek employment, or be received
for a season into the Penitentiary.

" The surgeon of the Lock Hospital, who is a super-
intendent in the mission, informed me that, were asy-
lums free, he is certain that one hundred and fifty females
would, annually, go from that establishment into them ;
and that at least fifty go from it every year weeping,
because there is no refuge for them, and that they must
return to the streets again, to pursue a life which they
abhor."

>artments in
linutes' walk
tion of these
whole SUIT.,
two pounds,
hope to get
. to the mea-
opeless; but
all men, and
we shall not
em are very
them is the
Church, now
the family of
e south, sup-
•ign country,

introduced
lad not seen

pleasure in
return home
3 parents, it
immediately

be received

) is a super-
t, were asy-
ifty females

into them;

ir weeping,
they must
Iwhich they

DAVID NASMITH.

201

Having visited the south, David, about the middle of
February, set out for the north, where he laboured six
weeks ; during which he visited thirty-four places, and
formed Local Missions in Dundalk, Newry, Coleraine,
Londonderry, Letterkenny, Newton Stewart, Omagh,
and Carrickfergus ; having reason also to hope that mis-
sions would soon be formed in Lisburn, Hollywood,
Stronarler, and Drogheda. He had also effected the
establishment of ten weekly meetings for prayer, in
connexion with these missions ; in addition to this, had
stirred up several congregations to greater activity in
behalf of their perishing neighbours, and prevailed with
them to send out persons, of their own number, to visit
in given districts. In those places there was a demand
for eleven agents; ten candidates for the work presented
themselves for examination, one of them the brother of
a minister, and another a relative of the minister who
introduced him ; and, to David's surprise and vexation,
not one of them was fit for this humble vocation ! The
spiritual condition of the country, as represented by
David, was most lamentable. " In some instances,"
says he, ** ministers told me that they could not name
more than two, or three, or half a dozen persons in
their congregations, who were truly spiritual persons :
and, in a village, in which the Gospel had been preached
for some years by one of the most famous reformers of
the north, an elder of the church in question told me
that he knew no pious person in the village, except a
few Methodists. In Belfast, the town mission has three
agents employed ; they maintain preaching at a number
of stations, but have not many voluntary agents yet.
I met with a few persons of piety in five different
churches in that place, and it is likely that not less than

3;
I

i ii
i

202

MEMOIR OF

sixty voluntary agents will be immediately sent out into
that town. Each congregation intends taking a parti-
cular district as the sphere of its operation. When from
home I had an opportunity of addressing about 2585
persons in all, upon the subject of missions, of whom
fifty-six were ministers ; and I had personal interviews
with about forty-six of them. I found the north more
cold than the south ; the people, in general, quite satis-
fied with their being Protestants, or orthodox Presbyte-
rians, and knowing or thinking little of real Christianity.
The duty of caring for the poor around seemed not to
have occurred to some ; but I found, on the con< 'ary,
not a few whose minds had been much occupied with
the awful condition of many around them, who were
most ready to unite to do them good. In London-
derry I was like to be beat out by the coldness of the
people, who said that nothing could be done there ; but
a mission was formed. One of the men snid, that having
joined the Temperance Society, he was now more able
to contribute, and having calculated how much he saved
annually by being a member of the Temperance Society,
found that it amounted to 5/. 19«. 4c?., he had put down
his pound as an annual contribution ; he added 51. as a
donation, and said that he would give the 19*. Aid. for
tracts. In another place I called upon the rector, who
said he could sanction nothing that was not exclusively
Episcopal. He was to think of employing a reader;
and whilst he is thinking, a woman, who keeps a small
shop in the village, by her contribution of five pounds,
set an agent to work in the place ; and when the five
pounds are expended, she is to seek more, and, if neces-
sary, will give four or five more pounds out of her own
pocket, to carry on the work. In two or three instances,

DAVID NA8MITH.

203

jent out into
dng a parti-
When from
about 2585
ns, of vvhom
il interviews
I north more
I, quite satis-
ox Presbyte-
Christianity.
emed not to
the con<"ary,
ccupied with
m, who were
In London-
Idness of the
le there ; but
I, that having
»w more able
uch he saved
ance Society,
lad put down
ded 51. as a
19*. 4c?. for
rector, who
exclusively
ig a reader;
eeps a small
five pounds,
^hen the five
md, if neces-
it of her own
ee instances,

where money is scarce, the good people have agreed to
take the agent, in turn, into their own houses, and
board him."

Having completed his northern tour, David next
resolved to proceed to the west, and so to complete the
circuit of Ireland ; and having accomplished this great
object, all on fire to extend the views which filled his
own soul, he resolved to cross the Atlantic. With
respect to the western journey, writing to a friend early
in June, he says, *' On my return from the west, it is
my intention finally to settle all my business in Dublin,
and leave this country for America. I am at present
selling ofi" my furniture as purchasers offer. I take this
step from a full persuasion that, humanly speaking, I
shall be more useful in the Lord's vineyard, by going to
a country where few^, if any, city missions exist, than by
remaining in this country where, already, about twenty
have been established. I know that some of them will
suffer by my departure ; but I look at the amount of
good, and consider that it is my duty to seek the greatest
sphere of usefulness. When I have been in the west,
I shall have gone over the principal cities and towns in
the land, and brought the subject of Local Missions before
Christians in each. It is a great comfort to know,
that wherever a Local Mission has been established, its
management is in the hands of Christians, and the work
being of God, it will prosper. Many feel deeply grieved
at my departure ; a few others, who agree with me in
looking upon the world as the field, approve ; especially
in consequence of the success which the Lord has
afforded me in the attempts made in Ireland. I have,
indeed, very great cause of thanksgiving for all the
kindness which the Lord has showed me in this land ;

1^4

MEMOIR OF

and you know that past kindness from our heavenly
FatluT gives confidence for the future, and is fitted to
strengthen our faith* for the future, and lead us to seek
still greater things. If my personal pn lerty has been
diminished by one-half, my faith has been greatly
strengthened since 1 came to Ireland ; and I attribute
it, in a great measure, to its having been tried. Acting
otliervviso than I did would have been to cripple my
efforts; and it is my determination, trusting in God, in
whose service I go, to act a similar part in America, as
long as I shall have it in my power."

David had been a sufficient length of time in Ireland
to give wise and good men an opportunity of closely ob-
serving his character, and correctly estimating his solid
virtues, aiid the experience thus derived was followed by
the usual results — admiration, confidence, and love !
His principal Irish friends, following the example which
had been set them in Glasgow, united in a declaration
of opinion as follows : —

" Mr. Nasmitii.

" Dear Brother, — On your departure from this land,
where so many have witnessed your unwearied and suc-
cessful efforts in the promotion of every good work, but
more especially in the formation of Local and City Mis-
sions; we desire, as brethren of the same Lord and
Master, earnestly and affectionately to recommend you to
the riches of his grace who can abundantly bless you,
and make you a blessing to that land to which you are
now about to direct your attention. At the same time,
we cannot but express our thankfulness and satisfaction
at the good, we trust permanent, which, we feel, jtdyir
diligence and judgment, in maturing the necessary plari'sf,

■I'

DAVID NABMITH.

205

ur heavenly
i8 fitted to
d us to geek
rty has been
>een greatly
. I attribute
led. Acting
f cripple my
g in God, in
America, as

le in Ireland
)f closely ob-
ing his solid
s followed by
;, and love !
iample which
a declaration

om this land,
icd and suc-
>d work, but
lid City Mis-
Lord and
imend you to
[y bless you,
hich you are
same time,
satisfaction
e feel, ^6)ir
issary plaii's,

have, under God, been the instrument of producing;
good of which, indeed, only the first fruits are yet ga-
thered, but by wliicli a defined system has been esta-
blished, the happy < Ifects of which this place and others,
according to the time it has been in action, are already
feeling, and we do believe and trust, to the everlasting
welfare of many individual souls.

*' ^ours, dear brother,

•* Most affectionately in the Lord."

To this document were appended the following names :
C. E. and L. Drury, J. H. Singer, Thomas Parnell,
David Stewart, William Cooper, George Hartford,
George Hilton, R. M Tims, Maurice Ellis, J. W. Darby,
William Brock, J. W. Lendrick, W. Curry, jun., T.
Kelly, W. C. Hogan, W. B. Kirkpatrick, W. C. Rogers,
W. Palliser, Edward Cronan, W. Patterson, J. G. Billet.

With these expressions of Christian regard, David, to
the regret of many an affectionate heart, bade adieu, for
the present, to Ireland, and returned to his native
country.

■ ' I

■k

CHAPTER XIV.

Address to W. C, Hogan, Esq., Dublin— Embarkation for America —
Arrival in New York, and proceedings there — Religious aspect of the
city — Kind attentions of the British Consul — David preaches at his
request — The consul proposes a mission — Opinions formed of David's
sermon— Theology and oratory — A prudent merchant — Measures
taken for establishing a mission — Address to the Christians of America
— Preaches once more on board the ship — Dr. Patton's proceedings —
Mission for New York formed — History of Dr. Patton's church — Ex-
amples of zeal — Picture of a slave-holder — Addresses Dr. Patton's
I, congregation — Sails for Providence — Reception at Boston — Eccle-

siastical state of Boston — Interesting account of Andover — Towns
visited — Kindness of Dr. Beecher.

TO W. C. HOGAN, ESQ., DUBLIN.

Sir, — Yours is the enviable distinction of being the friend
of all who fear God, and seek to diffuse the gospel of
his Son. While holding your own views, and cherishing
your own preferences, in matters ecclesiastical, it has
long been your delight to labour with Christians of every
name, for the advancement of the common salvation.
To promote this, your tongue, pen, and property, have
been always ready. It is now nearly twenty years since
I had the happiness of receiving a practical proof of your
liberality in the cause of Christ ; and on that occasion
the munificent deed was done with a promptitude, a
heart, and a grace which gave it a treble value. Although
we have not since met, the remembrance of our interview
has been always grateful ; and I have ever looked on
your name, as it has happened to appear on the roll of
Clu'istian benefaction, with respectful interest. I was,
therefore, fully prepared for the part you acted towards

for America —
18 aspect of the
)reaches at his
rmed of David's
lant — Measures
ians of America
5 proceedings —
's church — Ex-
;s Dr. Patton's
Boston — Eccle-
dover — Towns

ig the friend

le gospel of

a cherishing

ical, it has

ans of every

salvation.

)perty, have

years since

roof of your

at occasion

nptitude, a

Although

ir interview

looked on

the roll of

st. I was,

ed towards

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

207

David Nasmith. It did not surprise me to find you
taking the lead among men of opulence and influence in
the furtherance of his generous enterprise. The exami-
nation of his papers and correspondence has brought you
frequently before me, and that in a manner always wor-
thy of your principles and character. As a pecuniary
supporter, and, in various ways, an active promoter of
the Dublin City Mission, and of the other society formed
by David for the spread of such missions throughout
Ireland, however prominent, you were still but one of
an lionourable company ; as chairman, however, of the
public meeting at which the Dublin City Mission was
formed, you stand alone. Your honour is undivided.
Such a deed, at such a time, was, in no ordinary degree,
serviceable to the philanthropic stranger and the infant
enterprise which had brought him to your country.
You thus nobly gave both to him and it the full benefit
of your station and character. Have you ever for one
moment, repented of the act ? No : it is your own
glory; and will be the pride of the pious among your
posterity, that their honoured ancestor was the patron and
friend of David Nasmith, the Christian Philanthropist!

After a brief sojourn with his friends at Glasgow,
David, with his wife and infant son, set sail from
Greenock on the 27th of July, for New York. His own
account of the voyage, and of his first impressions on
landing, is given thus in a letter to Miss Oswald.

* ' We came to port on the 3rd, and landed on the 4th
of September, the same day on which, two years before,
I met you in Dublin, on my arrival there. Our passage
was thirty-eight days ; there were ninety-five persons on

V,,

208

MEMOIR OF

board. We had family worship in the cabin night and
morning, and in the steerage every afternoon, when the
weather and health permitted. I had private conversa-
tion with many on board about their souls, and was, I
trust, made useful to some. Mrs. Nasmith and I were
occasionally very sick ; the child was remarkably well.
We shall not soon forget the interesting time we spent
on board the Osprey. Some who were much given to
profane swearing when we went on board, became much
more guarded in their conversation.

** On our arrival here, Mr. Buchanan, the British
consul, was so kind as to invite us to stay with him until
we found suitable accommodation. We tarried with him
from Saturday until Wednesday, and then removed to a
boarding-house, where we pay nine dollars a week — four
for Mrs. N., four for myself, and one for the child. Since
our arrival, Mrs. N. has been scaicely ever in the street,
being confined with the child. Our board being so ex-
pensive, and servant's wages so high, as from three to
seven and nine dollars a month, and two dollars a week
for board, we considered it to be our duty to make trial
for a time without a servant. When Mrs N. has gone
out on Sabbath, which has been only twice since our
arrival, 1 have staid at home to nurse the child. Our
landlady is an Irish woman, and so haughty as to make
us uncomfortable. On next Wednesday we remove to a
boarding house kept by a woman who is said to be reli-
gious, and where we shall pay only seven dollars per
week ; the situation is not so pleasant, nor so healthy as
our present one ; but I trust we shall be more comfort-
able. Our Scotch plan of hiring furnished rooms and
providing our own board, seems quite unknown 'lere.
Sitting at a tabl-^ with fourteen or sixteen persons, all

if:
ill

a night and
n, when the
ite conversa-
i, and was, I
and I were
rkabJy well,
ne we spent
ch given to
ecame much

the British
th him until
ied with him
removed to a
I week — four
child. Since
in the street,
being so ex-
om three to
)llars a week
;o make trial
!^. has gone
e since our
child. Our
as to make
remove to a
d to be reli-
dollars per
o healthy as
are comfort-
rooms and
cnown acre,
persona, all

DAVID NASMIl'H.

209

strangers to, and uninterested in each other, with a great
variety of sentiment and pursuit, was quite new to us,
and for a time was not much relished.

" It is worthy of notice, that only one of the persons
to whom letters of introduction were given me, was of
the smallest service in the attainment of my object, and
he was from home for two weeks after my arrival. Before
his coming to town, I had, in the kind providence of
God, been led into an interesting band of Christians,
and had held two meetings. I have sincere pleasure
in informing you, that a New York City Mission was
formed upon Monday evening, the 20th September, and
a devoted band of six of the brethren appointed mana-
gers ; the meeting was composed of ministers and pri-
vate Christians, about fifty or sixty in number. Already
two of the members have undertaken the support of one
missionary each, which will cost them about 500 dollars
each. The congregation of Mr. Patton has undertaken
the support of a third missionary, and they have also
undertaken a district, into which they intend sending
their 350 members, to take the Gospel to all the inha-
bitants.

" On last Thursday I visited Newark, a town in New
Jersey, contf ining about 1 1 ,000 inhabitants, and held
a meeting, which was attended by four ministers and
eleven or twelve gentlemen. They named a committee
to prepare a plan of operation, and adjourned until
Saturday evening, when they were to meet again, and
form themselves into a Town Mission. I purpose, this
week, visiting Jamaica and another town in Long Island.

" New York is a mozt important place ; it is probable
I shall remain for some time here, to aid the brethren in
setting the machine to full work. Its influence is very

i !■

210

MEMOIH OP

■e:^^*!; ■ Sfil;';;;;:.

great through the country ; and if the mission here is
carried on with energy, it will be comparatively easy to
induce the other cities and towns to follow its example.
Here I have met with many noble characters, who are
truly devoted to God, and living only for him. The
Tract Society is much more liberal in its proceedings
than those in Scotland ; by .500 distributors, it puts a
tract into every house in New York, every month.
Many of the distributors being pious, do, in the most
pointed and affecting mariner, deal with the souls of
their fellow sinners. I accompanied one of them, and
was indeed much pleased with his faithfulness. The
treasurer of the City Mission is a humble, devoted
Christisn; he is in business, and gives the entire profits
of the same to religious and benevolent objects. I am
told, the concern yields, of profits, on an average, about
80,000 dollars, one-half of which comes to his share.
I called to day upon two brothers, hatters, who are
equally devoted, and are as diligent in business as the
other gentleman is, for the sole purpose of having 1o
give to the cause of God.

" This city has about one hundred places of worship,
and a population about equal to that of Glasgow; so
that the advantages of the people are greater by nearly
one-half than those of the people of Glasgow. The
good people here are aware that 1 am sent by no society ;
but ichv^y are ignorant of my circumstances ; nor is it
my intention, whilst means are in my hands to prose-
cute my course, to say anything to any one upon the
subject, unless I am spoken to about it. I hope to be
enabled to keep my mind free from care, and trusting
in the Lord, to go forward in the interesting and im-
portant work to which God has called me. Experience

DAVID NASMITH.

211

ission here is
itively easy to
f its example,
ters, who are
)r him. The
ts proceedings
[)rs, it puts a
every month.
, in the most
L the souls of
of them, and
fulness. The
mble, devoted

entire profits
bjects. I am
average, about

to his share,
tersj who are
usiness as the

of having to

es of worship,
Glasgow; so
ater by nearly
lasgow. The
by no society ;
ces ; nor is it
inds to prose-
one upon the
I hope to be
, and trusting
sting and im-
Experience

has gone too far with me to suffer me to question
whether I am called of the Lord to adopt the course
which I am pursuing. I feel much obliged by the kind
assistance which you and other Scotch Christians were
pleased to afford me on my late visit. I received, in
addition to what you gave me, the sum of fourteen
pounds, one shilling. Mrs. N. and baby are well, but
they are much confined to the house. Mrs. N. will
remain in New York whilst I proceed to Boston, Phila-
delphia, &c. &c. occ. New York will be my head-
quarters."

The generous kindness received from the British con-
sul arose from a letter of introduction from Thomas
Kelly, the well known and much honoured poet of
Christianity, author of hymns and music, who took a
deep interest in David's proceedings. On the first
sabbath David naturally accompanied the consul to his
place of worship, the Baptist chapel in Canal-street,
where the consul was a leading n^ember. The consul
asked him to preach in the evening, and David, although
very little versed in what is deemed regular sermonizing,
complied, and addressed the assembly from 1 Tim. i. 15,
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
The consul had s ) profited by the previous conversation
of his guest, that after the church meeting in the fore-
noon, he proposed to the brethren that, as a church,
they should support a city missionary, at the same time
pointing out one of the .r.embers whom he deemed qua-
lified, and offering himself handsomely to contribute in
support of the enterprise. He intimated that he had
had thoughts of setting up a carriage during the ensuing
winter, but would now dispense with it, that he might

v.,

ill

212

MEMOIR OP

ft
I

be the better able to promote the work of God, David
seems to have been amused by the criticism with which
his sermon was honoured by some wise people. This is
his own account of the matter : — " The remarks made
upon my sermon were, that I was not sufficiently strong
in the expression of Calvinistic sentiments ; and that my
manner was too rapid and furious for the Americans."
With respect to Calvinism, the critics forgot that David
was taught by one of the first Biblical expositors of his
own or any age ; and that David, like his teacher, was
satisfied with being scriptural, although he might not,
at every turn, be quite Calvinistic. It is very certain
that David did not interpolate the text by telling his
audience that Christ Jesus only " came into the world
to save [elect] sinners." As to manner, it is very much
a matter of taste ; and here again it seems to have escaped
the recollection of the censors that the Canal Meeting
was not America, and that George Whitefield, the most
" rapid and furious" of modern speakers, was the most
popular preacher that ever addressed an assembly of
Americans.

The following entry in the journal explains one of the
most interesting paragraphs of the foregoing letter : —

" Mr. Buchanan has been remarkably kind and atten-
tive during our stay under his roof. Called with Mr.
Buchanan upon Mr. Arthur Tappan, a pious gentleman,
whose business is reported to yield about 80,000 dollars
of profit, annually, one half of which comes to his share,
and which he expends upon religious and benevolent
objects. He was in the midst of business, and fixed a
time for ma to call on him. I called at the time ap-
pointed, but could not see him ; called three times in
vain : wrote a letter, stated my object, and invited him

DAVID NASMITH.

213

God. David
m with which
)ple. This is
remarks made
ciently strong
; and that my
3 Americans."
^ot that David
positors of his
s teacher, was
tie might not,
s very certain
by telling his
nto the world
is very much
o have escaped
Danal Meeting
rield, the most
was the most
n assembly of

ins one of the
oing letter : —
ind and atten-
dled with Mr.
us gentleman,
80,000 dollars
s to his share,
id benevolent
s, and fixed a
the time ap-
;hree times in
d invited him

to attend a meeting which is to be held on Monday
evening, for the purpose of taking into consideration
the propriety of forming a New York City Mission."
On the 13th of September the meeting was held, and
Mr. Tappan not only attended, but took the chair. On
this occasion the subject was largely discussed, but, with
a commendable caution, the parties came to no imme-
diate decision, beyond appointing a committee, to take
the subject into consideration, and prepare a plan to be
submitted to a future meeting. But, although cautious,
the gentlemen were not indifferent; this, indeed, had
been no easy task when David was present. No time
was lost : they met the next evening, and did not sepa-
rate till near twelve o'clock at night ! They held several
more meetings in ^he course of the week. One of
David's first acts, on his arrival, was the p 'eparation of
the following modest, but manly address : —

" TO THE CHRISTIANS OF AMERICA.

" An individual has just arrived in New York from
Britain, who from an early period of life has been en-
gaged in seeking the good, temporal and spiritual, of
his fellow creatures, and who, for a period of nearly seven
years, acted as secretary to an est^iblishment in which
the routine business of various religious and benevolent
institutions was transacted. The number connected
with the institution at the time when, from ill health,
he resigned his situation, was twenty-three. From the
facilities he haa in that situation, and otherwise, of per-
ceiving the advantages and disadvantages of the various
plans pursued for the benefit of mankind, and feeling
that it was his duty to glorify God with the exj)erience
which had been given to him, he gave himself up, a^out

> 4 ii
I iff

214

MEMOIR OP

two years ago (the period referred to above when he left
his situation) to the work of a general moral agent.
Since then, that department to which his attention has
been principally directed was, the preaching of the
Gospel to the poor. This he has engaged in, not so
much by preaching personally, as in calling the attention
of Christians to the obligation that rests upon them, as
individuals, and bodies, to adopt measures beyond those
that have hitherto been adopted for this end. He spent
about twenty months in the metropolis of Ireland in
organizing and superintending the City Mission of that
place, and in promoting vari >us benevolent plans that
were there entered upon. He spent also thirteen weeks
in visiting about sixty towns in Ireland, in upwards of
one-half of w^hich weekly prayer meetings or local
missions were formed. And, having visited the prin-
cipal towns of Ireland, he considered it his duty to visit
America, for the purpose of rendering himself of some
use in that land also. He comes as a friend of the
Lord Jesus Christ, and of mankind, not in the spirit of
dictation or authority, to his brethren, but as a fellow-
helper. He purposes visiting the principal towns in
America, and privately to confer with those in each
place whose names may be given to him as worthy;
submitting to their consideration those plans which he
has kiiown to be useful, and leaving all to adopt them,
in whole or in part, as they may see cause. He comes
simply as a member of the body of Christ, attaching
himself to no sect, but that which in Christian fellow-
ship receives all whom Christ has received, and refuses
such as fail to give evidence that they are Jesus's disci-
ples. He believes that the divisions that exist in the
church of God are of the devil — must be most displeas-

DAVID NASMITH.

215

! when he left
moral agent,
attention has
Lching of the
^ed in, not so

I the attention
ipon them, as

beyond those
id. He spent
of Ireland in
Mission of that
snt plans that
thirteen weeks
in upwards of
ings or local
ited the prin-
s duty to visit
mself of some

friend of the

II the spirit of
t as a fellow-
ipal towns in
those in eacli
m. as worthy;
lans which he

adopt them,
e. He comes
:ist, attaching
ristian fellow-
i, and refuses

1 Jesus's disci-
; exist in the
most displeas-

ing to God, whose will is, that his people should be one,
not only in spirit, but in visible union ; and that they
are the greatest barrier that e>i^:'-. io the spread of the
Gospel in the earth. Of this he has had the most ample
and painful evidence. How long shall it be till the
glorious era come when Christians, who expect to sit
down at the same table in heaven, shall be found sitting
together at the Lord's table on earth ; and not be making
that which they call the Lord's table their own, and not
Jesus Christ's, by erecting fences which the Master
never erected, or throwing it open to the world, and
allowing all indiscriminately to come in, and eat and
drink judgment unto themselves ? Happy day ! then
shall the world again say, * See how these Christians
love one another ! ' Then shall the church arise from its
obscurity ; because then the inquiry will be, * Lord, what
wilt thou have us to do ? ' And, instead of sitting down
to discuss the relative merits of sects, and thus furnish-
ing Satan with an opportunity of dividing that he may
destroy, the church will be found walking in love. Not
every brother endeavouring to ronvert his brother *o his
opinions, but rejoicing that they are each adopted into
the same family, and mourning over the remaining pre-
judices arising from a bad education, they will walk
together in those things in which they are agreed, and
taking the word of God as their only rule, and praying
in the Holy Ghost for his teaching, they will speedily
come at a further knowledge of his will. When the
church is in arms by the holy lives of its members, and
by their united and persevering efforts to commend the
truth, in love, to the conscience and heart of every man
— yes, when every church shall be a missionary body,
and every member a missionary, then may the angels

216

MEMOIR OF

Wtlif

afresh strike their harps and sing, * Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to
men!'

" In coming hither, he conferred not with flesh and
blood in the matter ; but conceiving it to be his duty,
he announced his determination to his brethren, many
of whom kindly met to commend him and his intention
to God in prayer. May he entreat an interest in the
prayers of American Christians, and humbly call their
attention to the consideration of the important duty of
preaching the Gospel to even/ creature, beginning at
home ? "

On the morning of the ensuing sabbath David went
on board the ship Ospreg, which had brought him over,
and addressed the seamen. He afterwards went to
Mulberry-street Baptist Chapel, and heard Mr. M'Lay
lecture ; in the evening he went to Mr. Patton's prayer
meeting, of which, he says, ** I was very much pleased
with his faithfulness ; his invitation to sinners who
wished to be prayed for, to wait at the dismission of
the general congregation, whilst the church, in silence,
prayed God for them, and the pastor and a few others
conversed with them, under breath, was new and inter-
esting to me. I conversed with one woman, whose case
was of a very hopeful character. I addressed the meet-
ing, and prayed with them." This quiet system was
congenial with David's spirit; for, with all his energy of
character, he was very subdued in his devotional exer-
cises, and had a mortal antipathy to noisy and boisterous
addresses to the Most High.

But while David was ever ready to sow beside all
waters, he never for a moment lost sight of his great
object — the establishment of City Missions ; and, on the

!■

DAVID NASMITII.

217

rlory to God
i goodwill to

nth flesh and

be his duty,

ethren, many

his intention

iterest in the

bly call their

artant duty of

beginning at

1 David went
ight him over,
ards went to
d Mr. M'Lay
atton's prayer
much pleased
sinners who
dismission of
ih, in silence,
a few others
ew and inter-
in, whose case
sed the meet-
: system was
his energy of
rational exer-
ind boisterous

ow beside all
t of his great
and, on the

evening of Monday, September the 20th, he had the
gratification of seeing one formed in the American
Tract Society's House, for New York. Fiom his situa-
tion in Glasgow, he was well known by name and cha-
racter to some of the principal religious men in New
York, independently of the testimonials which he carried
with him, and they treated him with the consideration
which was due to his rare merits. Whatever was done
to David, was so much gain to his Master's cause. He
uniformly turned all Christian kindness and hospitality
to the account of the Saviour. He was always either
receiving or imparting knowledge and impressions. As
a specimen of the manner in which such oc»asions were
employed, the following may be taken: — "Wednesday,
22nd September, 1830, dined with the Rev. Mr. Patton;
attended his m. meting of misses at four o'clock ; talked
to them and prayed; took tea with him afterwards.
He gave me a most interesting account of the rise ana
progress of his church, and his desire that twelve
churches should take their rise from it; and, lest one
of them should prove a traitor, he wishes that there
should be a tliirteenth. His church was organized in
an upper room, in the year 1820, and consisted at that
time of six member ! ; it has since increased to three
Imndred and fifty. Thursday, ^^rd, went to Newark ;
dined with Rev. Mr. Dickenson ; took tea and stopped
all night with Rev. Mr. Hamilton ; at seven o'clock
addressed Mr. Hamilton's people from Ezek. xxxvii.,
in the lecture-room adjoining the house in which David
Brainerd was ordained. After tea attended a meeting
in Mr. Hamilton's house, upon the subject of a Town
IMission ; a committee of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Hay, Mr.
Dickenson, Mr. Piatt, and a layman, was appointed to

218

MEMOIR OP

take the subject into consideration, and report to a
nieetinjif to he lield on Saturday."

The following fact will he duly estimated by the
friends of education and the advocates of human free-
dom. Next day as David was returning hy coach to
New York, he siiys, " I conversed with a slave proprie-
tor : he owns two hundred and fifty slaves in South
Carolina, — is quite opposed to the education of his
slaves, — says that to do so would be to cut his throat ,
and those of the other members of his family. He
intends having a chapel erected, and giving four hun-
dred dollars a year towards supporting a minister for
the benefit of his family and dependants ;— he says that
some accoi>nnodation will be provided for a few of the
slaves, who may choose to attend, — stated that he was
not a Christian, but respected those wl^o were, having
been tauglit to do so ; — and further, that he would not
suffer any man to do or say anything in his company
that was improper, without reproving him. Upon his
saying this, I asked Avhat meaning he attached to the
term 'damn,' as he had used it ten times since I came
into his company. He admitted that it was wrong,
' although,' he added, * it may be used in a proper
sense ;' and then bade me good morning, having reached
the inn." On the following sabbath, September the
26th, David went to hear the Rev. Mr. Patton, of whom
he says, " His discourse was good, but short;" — a cir-
cumstance in which David appears to have found his
account, for he adds, " I addressed his people for half
an hour upon the subject of making efforts as a church
to bring the gospel to those who are perishing for lack
of knowledge around them."

In such labours as these David was fully Qccupied till

d report to a

mated by tlie
>f human frcc-
g by coach to
I slave proprie-
aves in South
ucation of his
cut his throatf
s family. Ho
ing four hun-
a minister for
1' — he says that
)r a few of the
d that he was

were, having
he would not

1 his company
ni. Upon his
ittached to the
s since I came
it was wrong,
d in a proper
laving reached
September tlie
itton, of whom
ihort ;" — a cir-
lave found his
eople for half
rts as a church
ishing for lack

y occupied till

DAVin NASMITH.

219

the 8th of October, when, in prosecution of his object,
he sailed for Providence, in company with an Episco-
palian minister, a Methodist, and a man who, he says,
" asked me whether I believed in any devil except what
was in myself." On the following day he arrived in
Boston, where he was kindly received by Dr. Wisner,
at whose house he met Professor Alexander and another
professor from Princeton. That house had been occu-
pied by the excellent Mrs. Huntingdon, whose Memoirs
were written by Dr. Wisner ; he then went and took up
his abode with Dr. Beecher. Missionary efforts had
been making for thirteen years on behalf of the poor of
the city, by a society. David says, " This society have
done much, but are doing only one twelfth of what is
required. This city has about 60,000 inhabitants, and
upwards of forty places of worship, in only twenty of
which is the gospel preached ; of these eight are Con-
gregationalist, six Baptist, and six Episcopalian. The
Congregationalists, the Baptists, the Episcopalians, and
the Unitarians, have each a missionary employed in the
city. The city is compactly built, not very regular,
houses good, streets clean, very airy, and healthful." A
few days after this letter David wrote to Mrs. Nasmith
another, containing the following beautiful passage.
Keferring to his last, he says, " Since then I visited
Hartford and tarried all night in the house of Mrs. Jud-
son's parents, with whom and her two sisters, who are
at home, I had indeed a refreshing meeting. They are
a family that Jesus loves. 1 visited Andover the follow-
ing day ; the place from which David Brown wrote to
me. A more interesting spot I never visited before. It
was there that Judson, Newell, Fisk, Mills, and near
to thirty more missionaries to the heathen, studied

L 2

220

MEMOIR OP

theology. I went to the grove described in Mills's Me-
moirs, where he, Judson, and others, in prayer and self-
dedication, gave themselves to the Lord's work amongst
the heathen. I met with Dr. Porter and his valuable
wife, in whose house Brown, Fisk, and others had resided,
and was greatly refreshed by the interview. I omitted
to say that Mrs. Hasseltine and her daughters, Mrs.
Judson's mother and sisters, send their kind love to you,
and expressed a wish that I would return and bring you
with me. I told them that that was unlikely. At
Andover, I stopped for a few hours, and dined in the
house of Dr. Woods, a faithful correspondent of Dr.
Wardlaw, who told me that they were thinking of ask-
ing the Doctor to come over and become a professor in
their seminary. I told him that Scotland could not want
the Dr. Last night we had an important meeting in
this place of about twenty-five Christian men, of whom
live or more were ministers : they were so much inte-
rested with what was said, that they determined upon
holding a larger meeting on next Thursday evening on
my return from the east. Pray that the Lord may be
with us to enable us to do all his will, and in such a
way as most effectually to advance his giory. This is a
most important city ; important on account of the sixty
thousand souls that are in it ; important on account of
the number of devoted souls that are in it ; important
on account of the mighty influence which it is capable
of wielding over the New England states, and of the
example which it may set to the whole of America, and
the world at large. I have never met with more valu-
able material, and a better spirit than there is here for
the advancement of the Lord's work. There are hin-
drances, and these not a few, to the spread of the truth

/■

DAVID NASMITH.

221

in Mills's Me-
rayer and self-
work amongst
i his valuable
rs had resided,
w. I omitted
ughters, Mrs.
id love to you,
and bring you
unlikely. At
dined in the
ndent of Dr.
inking of ask-
a professor in
ould not w^ant
it meeting in
men, of whom
10 much inte-
3rmined upon
ay evening on
Lord may be
Lnd in such a
I'y. This is a
t of the sixty
on account of
it ; important
1 it is capable
s, and of the
America, and
h more valu-
sre is here for
lere are hin-
1 of the truth

amongst the good people ; the walls of party are high.
What they spake of as impossible, I know to be possi-
ble, and hope that they may be led to find the truth of
my statements ere long, by taking the course which will
prove that it is possible for Baptists and Congregation-
alists to work together.

" The Hasseltine family had a letter on last Saturday
from Mr. Judson, from which it appears that he is in a
very lonely condition. Miss H. has promised to send
me a copy of the letter. Yesterday I received a copy
of Mrs. Judson's Memoir, as a present from the author.
Dr. Woods gave me, on the day before, several of his
sermons in a present. Mrs. Woods desired me to say
to Mr. Ewing, that she hoped God would bless the
Memoir of his wife by making the American wives
better than they were : she said she knows only one
lady in America to be compared to Mrs. Ewing."

The next communication, dated October the 22nd,
contains the following facts : — '* I have visited Salem,
Newburyport, Portsmouth, and Portland, in all of which
places I have experienced great kindness from Christians,
and have experienced that the Lord had work to do, and
that the hewer of wood and drawer of water was to be
made an instrument in leading to it. My heart is full •
God is working, and I trust about to do great things for
his Zion in this place. I feel as if pressed down with
the magnitude and importance of the work, and under
the pressure speaking out as he gives me strength. I do
not feel myself at liberty to leave this place for a season ;
the Lord's people constrain me to tarry until that which
has been commenced be consolidated. Dr. Beecher
preached a most | owerful sermon upon the wickedness
of cities, and the means to be used for their purification,

222

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMTTH.

I •

last night ; this morning, at breakfast, he proposed ac
companying me the week after next to Providence, and
another place, on my way hack to New York, and even
to come on to New York with me, with a view to aid the
work in that city."

sua!

proposed ac
•ovidence, and
ork, and even
iew to aid the

CHAPTER XV.

Address to Lord Congleton— David returns to New York — Summary
of three months' labour — Interesting detail of his travels — Document
prepared by the leading ministers of New York, bearing testimony to
David's character and object — Sets out for New Orleans — Interesting
occurrences during the voyage — Sketches of various characters —
Rapid changes of the weather.

TO LORD CONGLETON.

My Lord, — On David Nasmith's arrival in Dublin, he
had the honour of numbering your Lordship among his
first frieTH!. Although at that time young in years, you
were suffi •• : v advanced in the knowledcfe of the Gos-
pel of Christ to discover the total ruin of our race, and
the utter vanity of things terrestrial. You had learned
to estimate rank, wealth, power, fame, everything, in
the light of eternity, and to value them by other stan-
dards than those which are used by worldly men. Hence
you hailed with joy the arrival of the Christian Philan-
thropist, on his errand of mercy, to your benighted
country; and cordially sustained him in his apostolic
operations. From the papers before me, it appears that
you were at the head of his Irish supporters, having
contributed more towards his object than any other
individual. Nor did you forget him, even while sojourn-
ing in distant lands. From his manuscripts it appears
that, on one occasion, when he had not a farthing in the
w arid, and while on his knees, laying his case before the
Lord, the postman knocked at his door, and brought him a
remittance which you had forwarded from Persia ! Your

I i

{,«

„:^:<:..

224

MEMOIR OP

Lordship will not blush at this proclamation to the world
that you were the friend of David Nasmith ; you will,
on the contrary, feel a pleasure in avowing the fact, and
rejoice in the retrospection. Of this I have sufficient
gu£ tee, in the words of your letter to Mrs. Nasmith
sin her bereavement, in which you say, " Singleness
of eye, and indefatigable industry, used to distinguish
your late husband v-hen I ki,ew hini. The thing he had
at heart was the salvation of perishing sinners, through
faith in the blood of God's Son ; and, whilst he could
forward this cause, having food and clotliing he was
therewith content. We know, that in those who so
walk there is the life of the risen Jesus, who died for
us, that we might live together with him, and, therefore,
his is the glory."

vis:
sai]
larj
oth
Da

In this manner David spent his time, delighting and
delighted, burning to impart knowledge, and thirsting
to acquire it, till Saturday the 6th of November, when
he retu ned to New York, where he remained till the
1 1th of December. These first three months of David's
sojourn in America formed the most interesting period
of his existence. He was in a new world ; the people,
with their institutions, and much that related both to
their political and religious character, were new. The
excitements of the scene were endless, and the kindness
of the people knew no bounds. David's reception,
during this period of his philanthropic career, was, in
many points, a miniature exhibition of that of George
Whitfield, a century before. His journal presents a
lovely picture of those portions of the American minis-
ters and people with whom he had intercourse. He

DAVID NASMITH.

225

n to the world
th ; you will,
the fact, and
ave sufficient
VTrs. Nasmith
" Singleness
o distinguish
thing he had
iiers, through
ilst he could
hing he was
lose who so
,vho died for
id, therefore,

lighting and
nd tliirsting
!mber, when
ned till the
IS of David's
iting period

the people,
Lted both to

new. The
he kindness
reception,
ser, was, in

of George

presents a
lean minis-
purse. He

visited a considerable number of celebrated places and
sainted spots, and had the gratification of meeting a
large number of the principal authors, orutors, and
others, the most eminent men of the country. But
David's element was devotion, his object philanthropy ;
his business and desire were less to receive good in any
shape, than to communicate it in all forms. He sums up
the whole as follows : " Visited fifteen towns and cities,
— addressed seven churches and eighteen meetings upon
the subject of missionary effort, — preached three ser-
mons and delivered nine addresses to sinners,- -addressed
annual meetings of apprentices ; total, thirty-eight ad-
dresses, — one City Mission formed in New York, com-
mittees formed in five cities and towns to mature a
constitution to be submitted for adoption. There is a
probability of efforts being made, beyond what had been
made, at any former period, on behalf of the poor, in
six cities and towns, without the immediate adoption of
a new constitution. Three churches have become mis-
sionary in their character, — visited a number of sick and
dying persons, — met with many great and good men and
women, — experienced great kindness from Christians, —
visited some remarkable institutions and sacred spots.
Heard many good and some great ministers preach, —
and met with many interesting incidents. Opposition
trifling." Such is the brief summary, and the following
is the detail, as set forth in a beautiful narrative pre-
pared at sea, on his way to New Orleans, for Miss
Oswald, and finished on the Ji7th of December, just as
he reached the port.

*' I have visited New York, Nev/ark, Jamaica, New-
port, Providence, Boston, Midford, An. ^r, Bradford,

i i

226

MEMOIR OF

Salem, Marblehead, Newburyport, Portsmouth, and
Portland.

" 1st. New York. About two or three wc^ks after
my arrival, a New York City Mission was formed. The
board of management have arranged their plans and
publish*' ihem, a copy of which, when I get an oppor-
tunity, -.ill forward to you. They intend employing
forty missionaries, and one or two are already at work.
Several churches — for part of their plan is, as far as
possible, to get the churches to become missionary bodies
— have taken districts which are to be occupied by a
missionary whom they will support, and by their mem-
bers who will visit. One church, of 350 members, has
set to work, and has already ten weekly meetings for
prayer and exhortation, in various parts of their district.
A meeting of a number of ministers, elders, and deacons,
of the Evangelical churches, in the city, was lately held,
at which the subject of the Mission was brought before
them, — explanations made, — questions answered and
satisfaction given. A minister present, who spoke and
approved of a resolution, that was unanimously passed
on the occasion, expressive of the accuracy of the prin-
ciples and plans of the Mission, had a few weeks before
spoken of us in a meeting of Presbytery, as more to
be dreaded than the Inquisition. Mrs. N. and I have
become acquainted with Mrs. Bethune, daughter of
Isabella Graham. She is kind, and, I believe, will be
attentive to Mrs. N. during my absence from New
York. During my first absence Mrs. N. felt herself
very uncomfortably situated in the boarding-house in
which I left her, although when I left, we expected she
would have been otherwise. Now she is in a boarding*

smouth, and

5 we':'ks after
formed. The
jir plans and
get an oppor-
id employing
jady at work.

is, as far as
denary bodies
>ccupied by a
y their mem-
members, has
meetings for
their district.
I and deacons,
IS lately held,
ought before
nswered and
lO spoke and
ously passed
of the prin-
sveeks before

as more to
[. and I have
daughter of
ieve, will be

from New

felt herself
ng-house in
xpected she

a boarding*

DAVID NASMITH.

227

house where I fondly hope she will feel hai)py. The
mistress of the house and her sister are pious, and they
have the manners of ladies. A clergyman also resides
in the house, who maintains family worship night and
morning. I visited infant school No. 1, with Mrs.
Bethune, a few days before I left, and was mr ?h pleased
in witnessing the fruit of this labour of love. Many of
the infants seemed much affected by the truth spoken,
and several of them, whilst they wept and sobbed aloud,
requested that I would pray God to give them new
hearts and right spirits, and wash away all their sins.
I addressed about 1,200 persons of colour about two
weeks ago, and was much pleased with their attention,
and the Christian feeling of the members of the church,
with whom I met separately, at the close of the public
service, and urged upon them attention to the thousands
of their own colour who were perishing in ignorance
around them.

" 2nd. Newark. Addressed a congregation for '.he
minister, who was rather poorly, and afterwards brought
my object before the worthies of the place who were
assembled : they appointed a committee to prepare a
constitution, and report in two days after.

" 3rd. Jamaica, on Long-Island. Attended the annual
examination of a school for misses and another for boys,
— was much pleased with the proficiency of the pupils
and the gifts of the teachers. Went to a weekly lecture
by Rev. W. Crane, at the close of which a number of
the good people remained, before whom I brought the
subject of caring for the careless. A committee was
appointed to take the subject into consideration and
report. After the meeting, I went home to stop all
night with Dr. Shilton ; the Doctor being called out

I' ^^

1 ■.>,'

m-.

228

MEMOIR OF

immediately to a person who was unv/ell, I was left
to converse with an aged, respectable-looking, pious
and intelligent lady. In the course of conversation,
after enjoying her spiritual talk very much, I discovered
that her father was brother to Mrs. Oswald, of Shield-
hall ; her name is Mrs. Scribus, her father's name James
Dundas. Mrs. S. was aunt to the doctor's wife de-
ceased. When I mentioned that I had seen !/lrs. O.,
her son and daughters, and was intimate with you, she
seemed much pleased ; and it was to me no small grati-
fication in this distant place to meet with so near a rela-
tive of a family in which I felt interested. From our
conversation, it appears that she has enjoyed religion
from her youth, and has found consolation from her
God and her Bible amid the many changes through
which she has been called to pass. How foolish they
who delay the concerns of their souls until they come
to a dying bed ! Ignorant they are^ and remain so, of
the blessed support and stay which the glorious gospel
imparts amid the numerous ills of life.

" 4th. Newport. Met with a number of Christians,
and talked to them. The place is poor, and very few
able to contribute to the support of a missionary, who
might labour amongst them. The minister at whose
house I stopped offered to board a missionary in his own
family for three months ; another minister in the place
said he would do so also ; and they each said they had
no doubt of being able each to find a member of their
respective congregations who would follow their exam-
ple, and the board being thus provided, the sum requi-
site for his clothing might be made out amongst them.

" 5th. Providence. Addressed a pretty large meeting,
— four ministers present ; — in this place the benevolent

*.,

DAVID NA8MITH.

229

1, I was left
oking, pious
conversation,
, I discovered
d, of Shield-
I name James
)r's vtrife de-
jen !/lrs. O.,
ith you, she

> small grati-

► near a rela-

From our
yed religion
m from her
ges through
foolisli they
1 they come
emain so, of
rious gospel

■ Christians,
id very few
ionary, who
Jr at whose
' in his own
n the place
d they had
ber of their
their exam-
sum requi-
igst them,
^e meeting,
benevolent

ladies have maintained a missionary for a number of
years past. After our meeting, a determination was
come to on the part of the Baptists and Presbyterians,
each to support a missionary in the town, — to divide the
town into districts and go properly to work. I spent
an evening here with Dr. Wayland, author of that ad-
mirable discourse, * The Moral Dignity of the Missionary
Enterprise.'

" 6th. Boston. Found four missionaries employed
in this city, — a Unitarian, an Episcopalian, a Baptist,
and a Congregationalist, each supported by his own
party. Made an attempt to unite the last three into
one society, but failed, only one party being desirous of
the union. I attended three meetings in this city for
the purpose of giving information : the first was attended
by about thirty, the second about four or five hundred,
and the third about two thousand persons. I attended,
besides, a number of small meetings of persons appointed
to take the subject into consideration. Since I left this
city, I have been told of one of the parties holding a
meeting, at which 450 dollars were subscribed towards
paying a second missionary ; and of a second party
having employed three additional missionai'ies already.
A minister of that denomination, in mentioning this
circumstance, adds, that his own congregation have got
so deeply interested in the subject, that they intend
supporting a missionary themselves, and one of their
number has already contributed 100 dollars annually
towards the object. I was about two weeks in this city,
and stopped most of that time in the house of the Rev.
Dr. Beecher, author of six sermons on temperance, and
the original mover of extensive efforts in the temperance
cause in this country. I spent two days in the house of

ill

»\

230

MEMOIR OF

an Episcopalian gentleman. In this city I met with
Christians very elevated in point of talent, spirituality,
and influence, some of them wealthy : I know of no city
of the same population in which one half the eifort is
made to promote Christianity that is made here. Were
I to choose a residence in those parts of America which
I have visited, it would he Boston. I met with the
authors of Mrs. Huntingdon's Memoirs, Mrs. Newell's
Memoirs, and Catherine Brown's, and with several ladies
also who have puhlished upon various subjects. I visited
in this city the Magdalen Asylum, and addressed the
females, about twenty in number ; they were very atten-
tive, and some seemed affected. I visited, in company
with an aged lady, some houses of bad fame, and had an
opportunity of speaking, reading, and praying. Visited
the State Prison, in this neighbourhood, twice, upon
a sabbath and a week day. On sabbath I attended their
School, took a class, and had attentive scholars. I had
a solemn talk with an intelligent Scotchman, (I mean
Bible intelligence,) who was a prisoner; I was much
pleased with the sermon of the Rev. Mr. Curtis, the
chaplain. Although there were nearly three hundred
men present, you couM not have met, under any circum-
stances, with more respectful behaviour than was shown
by these prisoners during the whole service. At the
close, one class rose after another, as called on, and
marched after their respective officers, past the kitchen,
where they were each furnished with dinner, and retired
to their respective cells and ate it, after they were locked
up. Most of the prisoners are in for two or three years,
and some for life. The Rev. Mr. Dwight, author of
the recent improvements in prison discipline, in this
country, and Secretary to the Prison Discipline Society,

DAVID NA8MITH.

231

was my guide in this visit ; we went together by pre-
vious arrangement. When I went, on a week day, I
saw the men at their respective employments, as smiths,
masons, coopers, tailors, etc., and all going on in a
tradesmanlike manner. Part of the punishment, in this
prison, is perpetual silence ; except to the officers, not
a word allowed amongst the prisoners ! I visited also
an institution for reclaiming boys who merit imprison-
ment. I saw upwards of a hundred boys here, so well
drilled in tlieir various exercises, and so intelligent upon
many general subjects^ that, unless we had been informed
that it was a place of confinement, and seen that the dress
indicated that they were not the children of respectable
parents, we could never have supposed that we were
surrounded by such characters. The gentleman who
accompanied me, expressed deep regret that he knew
not where such advantages were to be had for his son !
The governor is an Episcopal clergyman, and is in every
respect fitted for his situation ; the first thing he does,
is, to secure to himself the affection of every boy who
comes in, and he has been eminently successful in
reclaiming many who are now conducting themselves
with great propriety as apprentices.

" 7th. Midford, Here I spent only four hours. Had
conversation with the Rev. Mr. Warner, the only Evan-
gelical minister in the place, which is small, and had the
satisidotion of a lengthened interview with his mother-in-
law, who stops with him — viz, Mrs. Attwood, mother
to Mrs. Harriet Newell. I put a number of questions
to her about Harriet ; how she felt when it was first
proposed that her daughter should become a missionary ;
how she felt on her departure, and what her emotions
were on hearing of her death. Her answers were inter-

23Z

MEMOIR OF

estiiig. At first she opposed, but finally agreed, say-
ing, * The will of the Lord be done.' She was not
reconciled to her death until it was suggested that God
might make it instrumental in leading many to follow
her footsteps, and if, in this way, God was to be glori-
fied by the removal of her child, she said she was
satisfied

" 8th. Andover. I visited this place twice : the second
time I went at the rather urgent request of several of the
professors, that I might have an opportunity of address-
ing the students, who, on my first visit, were scattered,
having vacation. This is an interesting, sacred spot:
there are at present there one hundred and fifty young
men, studying for the ministry. From this seminary,
upwards of thirty missionaries have gone to the heathen,
amongst whom were Mills, Parsons, Fisk, Newell, and
Judson. I visited the grove in this neighbourhood,
where Mills and his coadjutors prayed and laid their
plans. I went through the premises, saw their lecture
rooms, study, library, museum, chapel, and workshop,
where, for so many hours a day, many of the students
are employed in making trunks, tables, writing-desks,
&c., by way of recreation. I attended a prayer meeting
of the students, and was much pleased. I heard a Mr.
Hecker preach fore and afternoon on sabbath, and in the
evening I spent about two hours in going through the
usual exercise, and telling them my story. I felt consi-
derable liberty, endeavouring to realize the Divine pre-
sence, and not to suffer the presence of several of the
professors, and such a large company of learned youth,
to exercise an undue influence over me. Dr. Woods, one
of the professors, went into the pulpit with me, and
offered up the first prayer. I experienced very great

DAVID NASMITH.

2li3

kindness and attention from Professors Porter, Woods,
and Emerson, at whose liouses I stopped in succession.
1 met M. Schelller, an excellent man, who is shortly
poing as a missionary to the Jews. He is a German,
and knows Wolfl'.

" 9th. Bradford. Found the good people here about
to be busied on the following dtiy, in the solemnities of
ordaining a Congregational minister. I arrived about 7
o'clock in the evening, and left by 8 o'clock next morn-
ing ; this short period, however, I spent, you \w / sup-
j)ose, not only comfortably, but profitably, under the roof
and in company with the truly pious and devoted pa^xnts
and sisters of Mrs. Judson. I told them my object, as
I do wherever I go, and left it with them, after they
were settled with their new minister, to see what could
be done for the poor in their vicinity. Abigail sent me
the last letter she had from Mr. Judson, which I sent
home to mother to keep for me with a number of other
originals ; and amongst others, part of a sermon in the
hand-writing of the great Edwards.

" 10th. Salem, Was three times in this place. The
first time only for half an hour, and made arrangements
to attend a meeting on my return. This was a quarterly
meeting of a society for the moral and religiout^ i ,prove-
ment of the poor of the place. They need to be re-or-
ganized — their president is not a professor of religion.
I was greatly assisted in addressing the meeting. The
following morning I visited the museum, which is with-
out exception the best assorted small museum I ever
saw ; its members require to have passed the Cape ;
many of them are sea-captains, who do honour to their
native city by bringing home something that will enrich
their museum. My guide, the Rev. Mr. Cleveland,

234

MEMOIR OF

next took me to the Poor's House, where I saw a number
of mournful and interesting cases. I saw a Mahometan ;
conversed with some lunatic and sane persons ; visited a
cave, the abode of a half-witted man ; and after we got
into the inner chamber, having made way only by going
two-fold, I repeated the words, ' Thou God seest me.'
The poor man looked up as I uttered the sentence, with
marked sensibility : I went on and preached Jesus to
him ; I could not but <^hink of poor Joseph. . I adth'essed
the infant school, and afterwards visited some sick, poor
and rich, of the flock of my guide. My third visit to
this place was in consequence of a very urgent letter
that was immediately sent after me to Boston by a lay-
man, requesting me to return to abide with them for a
season as a missionary ; adding, * there are many kindred
spirits in this place, who are waiting to be brought up
to the work,' and offering me money. To this letter I
replied, saying, that I was obliged by the invitation and
offer, but that I could not comply, as I had other cities
and towns to visit. I returned, however, and spent half
a day with them ; met the worthies referred to ; spent
about three hours with them in prayer and consultation,
and tliey seemed determined to move right onward.

** 11 til. Marhlehead. Spent half a day in this place ;
addressed several hundred persons in the evening. There
is the prospect of something being done here : there are
difficulties in the way ; but there are a few men of faith,
and love, and zeal, in the place, and more than any place
that I have visited, do the poor here, who are numerous,
call for visits of mercy.

** L^th. Newhuryport. Attended a meeting ; present,
four ministers, and a number of elders and other oflicers
of churches. A committee was appointed to prepare a

DAVID NASMITH.

235

ions ; visited a

prepare a

constitution, and submit it to the same ; I went to a more
numerous meeting to be called to consider it. The mi-
nister with whom I stopped seemed determined to have
a mission established, and a missionary employed forth-
with. Before going to the meeting, I went and visited
the grave of Whitfield, and saw the house in which he
yielded up his spirit.

" 13th. Portsmouth. Spent Saturday and Sabbath in
this place ; heard Mr. Stow, the Baptist minister, preach
on Sabbath forenoon. In the afternoon I addressed his
people from * Seek first the kingdom of God,' &c. In
the evening I addressed the members of the two Congre-
gational churches, who came together into one place, a
large vestry room. It was crowded; I suppose from
three to five hundred persons might be present. The
influence, I learnt afterwards from the senior minister,
was delightful, and likely to prove useful to those pre-
sent, and many through their means.

"14th. Portland, I spent about three-fourths of a day
in this place. Met with about fifteen influential Chris-
tian men in the evening ; brought the subject before
them ; two ministers of the place present, and also Mr.
Bond, author of Pliny Fisk's Memoir. A committee
was appointed to consider the subject, mature a plan,
and report. I left in each place as I passed along, a
copy of the constitution of the New York City Mission.
Here they spoke of employing Mr. Carruthers as a
City^ Missionary. Mr. C. is a pious old man, father
to Mr. Carruthers, who was missionary to Russia from
the Scottish Missionary Society.

" Thus have I hastily glanced at a few of the incidents
that have occurred in the fourteen places which I have
already visited in this land. I know that you will unite

236

M£MOIR OF

with me in saying that there is much in them that is in-
teresting, so far as meeting with great and good people
is concerned ; but there are numerous proofs to my mind,
that God has a great and a good work to perform in
most, if not in all, of the places visited ; and that I have
been privileged just to sound the alarm, and call the
Lord's host to battle. A minister in Boston, in a letter
received a few days ago, says, ' I must write a few sen-
tences just to thank you for your kind letter, and for all
the good which, I doubt not, the judgment-day will dis-
close as the result of your visit to this city.'

" I have been now fifteen days on the mighty deep, on
my way to that wicked city. New Orleans, to see if God
has any thing for me to do there. Those on board with
me love not our Lord Jesus Christ, and such is their
conduct that yesterday I ceased to cast God's pearls be-
fore them. Awful is the condition of most of them.
I spoke once in public to the whole, but a similar privi-
lege has not since been granted. I have prayed and read
until yesterday every night in the cabin, but all things
yesterday conspired to say, Desist. I know your affection
for me will not be satisfied, unless, before I close, I say
something about my means, past, present, and in pros-
pect. There is nothing that I like worse to speak of
than my own wants. Well : hitherto I have wanted for
nothing : I have had enough and to spare ; to save money
for things absolutely necessary, and to be able to do
much with little. In my last journey I travelled three
nights in succession, and wanted dinner repeatedly, that
I might get quickly over the ground, and save the bills
at inns for sleeping and eating. The people of God were
exceeding kind to me, in accommodating me with board
and lodging in most places that I went to.. Dr. Beecher

DAVID NASMITH.

237

and his wife were especially kind. After paying my
passage to New Orleans, I took one hundred dollars,
little more than twenty pounds, to pay my way back,
1,800 miles by land, in the south, where the charge is so
high as about ten cents per mile. My wife wished me
to take more ; but I would not, and felt disposed to take
less, believing that, as God knows I might require help,
he would send it. A Christian friend, who accompanied
me to the ship, seeing me get a draft upon New Orleans
for one hundred dollars, after leaving me, returned and
put into my hands his order, in name of the house of
which he is a partner, upon a house in five of the places
through which I have to pass, desiring them, should I
apply to them, to give me one hundred dollars ; this sum,
of course, — should I nnd it necessary to avail myself of
his order, — must be repaid ; but I am confident that, as
I have nothing selfish in view in what I am prosecuting,
but am working for God, that God will work for me.
Often have I blessed God for the little money that we
could call our own when we left G lasgow : it has been
the precious barrel of meal and cruise of oil ; and although
at the present it is pretty near empty, it is not empty,
and will be filled before it gets quite dry. Since I ar-
rived in this country, the sum received is thirty-five dol-
lars. It is the cloud as a man's hand ; it is in the heavens,
but whether the showers will come from the same direc-
tion, or from other directions, God knows, and that is
enough for me."

Before setting out for New Orleans, David took care
to fortify himself as far as possible by the testimony of
men known all over America. On this occasion, the
leading ministers and chief men of the New York
churches, acted nobly by the philanthropic stranger.

Q3'S

MEMOIR OF

On December 7tli, they prepared and subscribed the
following document : —

" To our bt loved brethren in Christ — The bearer of
this, Mr. David Nasmith, having crossed the Atlantic
upon a benevolent enterprise, for conveying the gospel
to the poor :■ A destitute, and having for some time
resided amon,,' ue, and having been successful in orga-
nizing a Ci*y Mission Society in this city, we do
affectionately commend him to the confidence and affec-
tion of those brethren in Christ, with whom he may
meet in the prosecution of his benevolent plans.

" We would ask for him, that the leading and active
Christians of the places he may visit may be convened
to hear his statements land the development of his plans,
being assured that they will be amply compensated for
the attention they may give to the subject. With
strong desires for the success of his mission, we com-
mend him as a brother beloved to you, that he may,
by your love, be forwarded in his labours, and to the
grace of God, that he may be protected from all harm
and rendered eminently useful to the souls of men.
" Cyrus Mason, Pastor of the Cedar-street Church ;
Joel Parker, Pastor of the Free Church ;
Charles G. Sommers, Pastor of the South
Baptist Church ; R. M. Carter, Pastor of the
Canal-street Presbyterian Church ; W. Patton,
Pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church ; B.
H. Rice, Pastor of the Pearl-street Church ;
Elisha W. Baldwin, Pastor of the Seventh
Presbyterian Church ; Archibald Maclay,
Pastor of the Baptist Church, Mulberry-street ;
Duncan Dunbar, Pastor of the Church in Van-
dam-street J Arthur Tappan ; John Wheel-

subscribed the

— The bearer of
led the Atlantic
ying the gospel
for some time
jcessful in orga-
is city, we do
dence and affec-
whom he may
t plans.

iding and active

lay be convened

3nt of his plans,

lompensated for

subject. With

ission, we com-

, that he may,

urs, and to the

from all harm

Is of men.

street Church ;

Free Church ;

of the South

Pastor of the

W. Patton,

n Church ; B.

reet Church ;

the Seventh

D Maclay,

Iberry-street ;

lurch in Van-

)HN Wheel-

DAVID NASMITH.

239

WRIGHT ; John Stearns ; W. Winterton ;
J. W. C. Buss ; Jesse Talbot ; H. B. Gwar-
- temy ; D. E. Wheeler ; Absalom Peters ;
Samuel W. Seton ; W. S. Wilder ; J, Mil-
NOR ; William A. Halloqk."

During this voyage, David having suffered exceedingly
from sickness, could not fully carry out his intentions
for the benefit of the passengers and company; but his
account to Mrs. Nasmith, notwithstanding, presents a
pleasing and instructive picture of his Christian conduct.
After referring to his sickniess, he thus proceeds : —

" I lay still and endeavoured to sanctify the holy
sabbath, first, by taking a retrospect of all the way
by which the Lord h. d led his church from the first ;
and afterwards by retracing his doings with myself, and
afresh dedicating myself, soul, body, time, talents,
property and all, to his service and glory. The season
was indeed refreshing to the soul, although painful
to the body. The captain, and one or more of the
cabin passengers, were reading newspapers and talking
freely upon general subjects of a worldly nature ; thus
proving that they knew not thf value of the sacred
hours, nor the love of Him who has said, * Remem-
ber the sabbath day to keep it holy.' Monday came ; it
was still rough, and I was a little sick. Went on deck,
found that we had on board, the captain, his wife, and
sen, a boy of five years, two mates, ten men, two boys,
two stewards, a cook, a black female, wife to the chief
cook, four steerage passengers, and five cabin passen-
gers, — tliirty in all. Mr. Holmes, the master, or
rather one of the owners, of the ship, had introduced
me to the captain as the Rev. David Nasmith ; and
some of our cabin wits had me very soon made D.D.

r- •

210

MEMOIR OF

I asked who they called doctor ; they said myself. I
then discarded both titles at once, and was neither a
doctor nor reverend, However, my * reverend' intro-
duction paved tlie way for asking a blessing at nscals,
and emboldened me, in the evening, to iiitiirr.e to one
after anot])or, (I was afraid to ask thei!.! colkotivo^y,)
that if it would be quite; agreeable to tlsem, 1 would
read a chapter and pray before we retired to rest. All
assented ; but ho one moved Jrom their seats at prayer,

" Tuesday. — Got a little talk witli the captain's b<;y,
Charles ; gave him a copy of Mrs. Bethuiie's Bible
aljliuil/ot, and got him on the next day to repeat to me
the > iiyntc on A B C. Found one of the ship boys a
native of England ; a very wicked swearer, and lies
without fear, and seems to glory in his shame. My
bci'tli was a very comfortable one in the cabin ; but
the weather becoming much warmer, 1 chose one this
evening on deck, which is more cool, and I shall have
the advantage of retiring when I feel inclined, having
the state-room to myself. The climate quite changed.
No spirits allowed to the sailors. The mate says, that
since the practice of giving spirits was discontinued,
twelve months ago, on board this ship, he has had
more order and comfort than at any former period.

" Wednesday. — We have a cow and calf on board,
so that we have the luxury of milk to tea. Two of
our cabin passengers are travelling south for the pre-
servation of life, being consumptive ; one of them was
captain for seven years of a canal passage-boat ; the
other a dry-goods merchant ; a third passenger is on
his way to the West for the purpose of introducing a
new patent light, made of alcohol principally, as -^
substitute for oil, which he says, gives a clearer light,

^
4

DAVID NASMITH.

241

lid myself. I
was neither a
^verend' intro-
sinp; at ii seals,
ntii;'.;! :,e to one
[) coUectivc''y,)
them, I would
id to rest. All
eati at grayer,
: captain's bi-y^
ethiuie'& Bible
to rer.eat to me
he ship boys a
'earer, and lies
is shame. My
the cabin ; but
I chose one this
d I shall have
nclined, having
quite changed,
mate says, that
discontinued,
he has had
T period,
calf on board,
tea. Two of
|h for the pre-
e of them was
|sage-boat ; the
issenger is on
introducing a
|ncipally, as ?>
clearer light,

and is about fifty per cent, cheaper than the oil now
in use. The fourth passenger is a merchant ; he had
been well educated, and, for a few years, practised as
a lawyer ; he is a very gentlemanly person, but is dys-
peptic, and has a good many bachelor fashions. I have
obtained a good deal of information from him upon a
number of general topics connected with this country's
state and history. This evening, I had a long con-
versation with the two captains ; they are both blessed
with Christian parents, and admit that there is a reality
in religion ; but displayed much of the pride and
enmity of the human heart. When they came to speak
of the irreligious lives of high professors, if what they
said of individuals with whom they were acquainted
be true, certainly the parties did not, in the instances
referred to, set the Lord before them. But these in-
dividuals having spoken to our two friends in a way
that wounded their haughty spirits, calling them ' blind,'
and so on, they felt very indignant. I listened to
them, made a few remarks, not for the purpose of
saying that they were not blind, but of showing that
there might be a better way of doing good to those
who were differently minded from us. One of them
told me that his parents, three brothers and three
sisters, were all pious ; that one of his brothers was
a minister, and that one of his sisters was married to
a minister. He added, in reference to two of his
sisters, that they were just as moral and correct in
.their habits before as since conversion. He said he
had now lived through three revivals that have taken
place in the township of which he is a native ; that the
[first was amongst the Methodists, when he was a boy
jof seventeen years; that he went to their meet-

242

MEMOIR OF

;'!J

ings; but the course pursued at them was so repug-
nant to all his feelings of propriety, that, although
what he heard would keep him awake for the night
after, he could never be induced to join them. The
two last had taken place amongst Presbyterians and
Congregationalists ; but he considered there was a
great deal of fancy connected with them ; he could not
bear to hear them say they were intending to have
a revival, and get up their meetings, and address the
passions of the people without seeking to enlighten
their minds.

" Sabbath morning was squally, and the day con-
tinued pretty much so ; this was sufficient excuse for
the captain to decline public worship, adding, as he did,
that the men were likely to be up most of the night,
and they would require to take what rest they could
get ; he, however said, that if the passengers chose to
assemble in the cabin, he could have no objection ; but
none of the officers could attend. After a short time I
went below, and three of the four cabin passengers being
present, I proposed to sing a hymn. One gentleman,
with manifest reluctance, pulled off his cap ; the others
appeared cheerfully to assent. I sung, — g.ae out the
line, — no one attempted to join me. This, perhaps,
arose from my tune not being known, and none of them
would pitch one. Whilst I sung three verses, he who
had pulled off his cap with reluctanr-e continued reading
his book, turning over his leaves, and looking, with evi-
dent desire, to get to the end without interruption. My
heart filled to see the enmity of the heart of the poor
man. I felt that he had an equal right with me to
occupy the cabin, and I had, in seeking to serve God,
become an intriider. I could not proceed ; but retired

DAVID NA8MITH.

243

into my secret chamber, wept, and prayed, and praised.
Tliis instance, together with the conduct of the captain,
and the manifest disinclination of the other passengers
to holy conversation or worship, led me, whether right
or wrong I shall not say, to prefer worshipping God, in
the evening, in my own berth, or small state-room,
rather than in the cabin. I had asked one of the three
gentlemen to accompanx me below. Like a gentleman,
he politely, as he has all along done, acceded to my
wishes; judge, however, the feeling I had upon per-
ceiving, at the head of the book he was then reading,
* Richard III.' ! To this gentleman, I yesterday com-
menced an apology for my speedy retreat on the fore-
^•oing day ; he interrupted me by saying it was unne-
cessary, as he had observed the cause. I still ask a
blessing at meals."

The journal throws further light on this interesting
matter. " During this voyage," says he, " I asked a
blessing upon all the meals, and until sabbath, the 26th,
read a chapter and prayed, every night, in the cabin.
Was sick and in bed the first sabbath-day ; worshipped
on deck, at half-past ten, on the second sabbath preach-
ing from 1 Tim. i. 15; the third sabbath was squally,
and a d ided disinclination was shown, by most, to
public or private worship on that holy day : it interfered
with the reading of novels and Richard III., and singing
songs, and swearing." During this voyage, of twenty-
one days, David wrote two months of his journal, besides
" thirty-six letters, of about one hundred and nfty pages,
in all, most of them closely written." During the voy-
age he suffered much from the rapid and severe changes
of the climate ; at one time he felt as if he should hr.ve
expired of heat, he could not even walk the deck with-

if-:

I !

244

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

out injury ; at another, he was pierced with cold.
Wlien, on the 30th of December, they had got inside
the bar, at the nioutli of the Mississippi, he says, " "We
liad such a piercing north wind, as I never felt in my
life ; I had to get out of bed three times during the
night, for the purpose of adding to my covering, and
felt as if I should have perished."

I'.i

II 1,11

CHAPTER XVL

Address to Miss Harriet Read, Dublin — Arrival at New Orleans— State
of religion in Savannah — Religion among the slave population —
Condition of the Choctaw Indians — Awful desecration of the sabbath
in New Orleans — Great exertions of David there — He founds a
mission — Arrival of four ministers— Vast extent of mortality — State
of the Irish emigrants— David's cordial reception everywhere — Stage-
coach in a swamp — He arrives at Princeton — Interesting account
of learned men — History of important meetings held — Arrives at
Philadelphia — Welcome reception and kind treatment — City Mission
formed — Lengthened sojourn at Philadelphia — Document presented to
David prior to his visiting the principal towns of the surrounding
region — Visits Baltimore— Labours there — Returns to New York.

TO MISS HARRIET READ, DUBLIN.

Madam, — The chief place among David Nasmith's
friends, of your sex, unquestionably belongs to you. It
will subsequently appear, that you were the mainspring
of the Irish movement, which led to his settlement in
London, and the grand moral results which have been
consequent upon his labours in that capital. Having
read the whole of your correspondence, I have been
enabled to form some estimate of your zealous labours
in relation to this matter. The industry and persever-
ance displayed by you in that undertaking were not only
honourable to yourself, but to your sex, and fully estab-
lished your claim to the friendship of a man who was
himself so distinguished by those qualities. The diffi-
culties attendant on your vocation were very great, and

246

MKMOin OF

the wondor is, not that you failed fully to rej.i'sc your
wishes, but that your ciforts were crowned with i,o
mueii suecess. Your conduct was truly noble, and the
result has been such as abundantly to recompense your
toil. You sought only the salvation of men, and the
glory of Ciu'ist; and in the establishment of the London
City Mission, you have already had a full reward. Far
was it from your thoughts that ever your deeds should
become history ; but thus it is, they who honour the
Lord, the Lord will honour. Wherever this volume
shall be read, the facts which it records will command
for you what you never sought nor desired — the respect
and admiration of the wise and good.

David, after visiting Montgomerie and Augusta,
reached New Orleans, on the morning of sabbath,
January the 2nd, 183L He found some choice spirits
in Augusta, who heartily entered into his views and
objects. Savannah had more churches in which the
Gospel was preached than any city of the same size
that he had ever visited. " Slavery," says he, " is a
curse in the south ; but I have been delighted to find
so many slaves made free by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Indeed, I have seldom been more delighted than by the
develoj)nient of Christian character, that I have seen
amongst persons of colour in those places through which
I have passed." He was exceedingly shocked at the
condition of the poor Choctaw Indians, whom he saw
wandering about, men, women, and children, perfect
pictures of misery ; "no hat, no cap, hair not combed,
no coat, no vest, no trousers, legs bare above the knees,
something wrapped round their middle." He thus

DAVID NAHMITH.

217

(lescvil)i'd the aspect of the Lord's clay : " Saw the
military out, paradiiijjf and exereisinpf, drums, flutes,
fifes playiuf^; passed by some liouses in which the fiddles
were sounding and coh)ured j)e()j)le (huicing. Enquiring
for some persons to whom I had letters, I stepped into
several ojX'U doors, and found the stores open, and sales
making, and saw clerks busily employed writing up
their books in cotton stores ; was informed that the
theatre is open every sabbath evening, and generally
crowded." While David remained in this dismal region
he lab(mred with his accustomed energv, losing no oj)por-
tunity of doing good to the souls of men. "*'Last week,"
says he, " I travelled in the stage, night and day, from
Monday four o'clock until Thursday five o'clock evening,
and felt no inconvenience. My sabbath in New Orleans
was spent thus — sabbath school ; heard three sermons,
and addressed the seamen for three quarters of an hour.
In Mobile ; visited two sabbath schools, addressed one ;
heard two sermons ; one white and one coloured man ;
talked with some of the coloured people in private.
In Montgomerie, heard one sermon ; addressed two
meetings ; visited a sick man and three murderers, and
two other men in prison, and read and talked to them.
In Augusta, rode to a sabbath-school about two miles
off; visited from house to house ; addressed the school
and parents for nearly an hour ; in the afternoon, ad-
dressed for an hour about 1 50 persons of colour ; and
in the evening talked to about 800 white persons."

While the state of things in New Orleans deeply
grieved David, yet they did not discourage him. Hav-
ing heard a Mr. Class preach on the sabbath, a very
exceptionable sermon, David happening to meet hira
on the Monday, frankly talked with him on the sub-

248

MEMOIR OF

ject. He also proposed a meeting on Thursday even-
ing for special prayer to God for the outpouring of
the Holy Spirit upon New Orleans, and for the revivi 1
of his work in that place. On the afternoon of Tues-
day, he met Mr. Warren, Mr. Aikman, Mr. Winslow,
Mr. Clark, and Mr. Hussey, and conversed for an hour
or two with them upon the subject of missionary effort
in that city. On the following night, after sermon by
Mr. Clark, " a meeting was held upon the subject of
forming a city mission ; but they managed the business
very ill, and nothing efficient was done." David, how-
ever, was not to be trifled with, and going next night to
the Presbyterian prayer meeting, he addressed it on the
subject of prayer and effort, and submitted three reso-
lutions, forming a New Orleans City Mission, fixing
its constitution, and nominating a committee. These
resolutions were adopted. This was a period of some
interest in the history of this wicked city. Within a
few weeks, four ministers, a Methodist, a Presbyterian,
a Baptist, and a Congregationalist, had arrived, and
were at work, and last of all came the Founder of City
Missions.

David draws a dreadful picture of the mortality, as
well as of the morals, of New Orleans. Yv>ung men
were dying off in groups, from profligacy and neglect
during sickness. The poor Irish labourers perished in
immense numbers. They could earn as much in two
days as sufficed for drinking the other five ; sickness
soon followed, and death closed the scene ! " Slaves,"
says David, "are here sold from 300 tc 500 dollars.
Mr. Paulding's boy, as he calls him, a handsome black,
of twenty-three or twenty-five, near six feet high, cost
600 dollars. How painful the thought, that fellow

Thursday even-
outpouring of
for the revivi 1
noon of Tues-
Mr. Winslow,
ed for an hour
issionary effort
ter sermon by
the subject of
d the business
David, how-
■ next night to
issed it on the
3d three reso-
lission, fixing
littee. These
eriod of some
y. Within a
*resbyterian,
arrived, and
mder of City

mo^'tality, as
Yv>ung men
and neglect
perished in
nuch in two
ve ; sickness
" Slaves,"
500 dollars,
isome black,
3t high, cost
that fellow

DAVID NASMITH.

249

immortals should be bought and sold like bullocks 1
Still, as to outward circumstances, they are more com-
fortable than the poor Irish !"

Leaving New Orleans, David proceeded on his re-
turn to Mobile, Montgomerie, Augusta, Savannah, and
Charleston. In New Orleans, Augusta, and Charles-
ton, City Missions were formed, and David everywhere
received the utmost kindness and hospitality. From
the time he left New York, he had not required to
sleep one night at an inn. He passed through the
Creek nation, where he experienced generosity even
from the Indians, a number of whom came to the as-
sistance of the stage-coach, and brought it out of a
swamp into which it had run. " Slavery," says David,
" is indeed a great curse to this part of the land , I
have witnessed much and heard more of its abomina-
tions ; but I have had several opportunities of address-
ing the poor slaves, and commending to their notice
Him who makes the captives free. I have been as-
tonished and delighted to find so many of the coloured
people pious. In a coloured church in Savannah,
there are 1000 members ; in another, 2014, both Bap-
tist churches." Passing tluough Elizabeth town. New
Brunswick, and other places, he arrived on March the
5th at Princeton, of which he thus speaks : —

" Yesterday, I heard Dr. Alexander preach a soul-
refreshing sermon from these words : — ' I, if I be lifted
up, will draw all men unto me.' What feasts heaven
will furnish, when we shall see Him, of whose character
and love it is so pleasing here to speak ! I must be
more holy and heavenly-minded ; I must walk more
with God in secret prayer. When in secret prayer,
I always feel pleasure more or less ; why am I so sel-

M 3

250

MEMOIR OP

PI':-

illji,

.4 li

1 !'^

dom there ? I take you and dear David with me. In
the afternoon and evening, I heard Dr. Edwards preach
upon temperance. I supped with Dr. Miller, one of
the professors, who is a correspondent of Mr. Swing's,
Professor Hodge, with whom I stop, is a pleasant,
pious, and very intelligent man ; he has travelled a
good deal on the continent, and seems deeply interested
in John Parnell ; he often speaks of him, and greatly
regrets his having gone to Persia. Mrs. Hodge is one
of the easiest and most pleasant women I have met
with for some time ; they have three children ; they
are the father's idols.

" On Monday, at four o'clock, I addressed about
100 students of theology upon the subject of City Mis-
sions ; and at the close introduced the Young Men's
Society. I have not felt more embarrassed in speaking
for a long time, arising, I presume, from the sinful
fear of man ; the professors as well as the students
being present, I was apprehensive, that, instead of
benefiting the cause, I might prejudice the audience
against the plan submitted to their consideration and
for their adoption. However, J had even a fresh proof
that God works by our weakness, and takes to himself
all the glory. May it ever be ascribed to him ! When
I had finished, Professor Alexander, who presided on
the occasion, offered to give me letters of introduction
to the various places to which I was bound, and fur-
nished me before my departure with five; several of
the young gentlemen came around me, asking if I was
going to this, that, and the other place, and offering me
letters. One of them gave me an open letter to his
father, a minister in the west, to be delivered or not
as I had opportunity ; and he took from me a promise

DAVID NASMITH.

251

that, if I went to the place, I should make his father's
house my home. In this letter, he says, * The faculty
and students of the seminary were privileged to hear
Mr. N. this afternoon, ulate a number of facts in
development of his system. For myself, I may say,
that seldom have I listened to any thing which has
taken such a hold upon my feelings. I believe this is
the sentiment of the students generally. Such a mis-
sion as Mr. Nasmith proposes, you need, and must have
in Lexington ; and if they cannot procure an agent
more suitable to their purpose, tell them your second
son is at their disposal, after next fall. May God bless
our dear brother in his efforts, for I do believe they
form an important link in that chain which is to bind
the whole earth to the Saviour.'

" In the evening, I attended the monthly missionary
prayer meeting ; at the close of the meeting, several
of the young men came to me, requesting, on behalf
of themselves and some more of the students, that I
should meet with them again before my departure,
which I agreed to do.

"Upon the 8th at nine o'clock, mornijjg, I li" l with
perhaps fifty or sixty of the students, with whom I
spent nearly two hours. Our intercourse was inter-
esting, and I hope, useful. One of tJ: young pro-
fessors, and forty-eight of the students subscribed them-
selves members of the Young Men's Society. I visited
the Grave-yard, and saw the burying pLice of five of
the presidents of the Princeton College : the inscrip-
tions upon the stone I had not time to take off; my
guide promised to do it for me, and forward them.

" I left Princeton at three, and reached Trenton
about six o'clock ; called on Mr. Alexander, sou of

253

MEMOIR OF

:i!li

|!|

■■||.i|'
'I I' ''

Dr. Alexander, who immediately after tea started, and
in an hour had some of the principal men of his church
convened. After prayer and conversation, they united
in a mission.

" Upon the 9th, at eleven o'clock, met with about
fifty ladies, to whom notice had been sent that morn-
ing, before whom I brought the subject of the mission.
At half-past five o'clock, I sailed for Philadelphia, where
I arrived about nine o'clock the same evening.

" Thursday, 10th. — Waited upon several ministers ;
made arrangements for a meeting on Saturday after-
noon. In the evening, attended a union prayer meet-
ing ; six or eight ministers were present, and took part
in the exercise ; I was called on to pray and say a few
words. At the close of the meeting, as the people
were departinj, the ministers were requested to pray
for a woman present, whose mind was u^^der deep con-
viction of sin ; eight or ten more desired to be prayed
for. One of the ministers and I prayed, and after some
conversation with the distressed in mind, we retired
about ten o'clock.

"Friday, 11 th. — Went to a prayer meeting at half-
past five o'clock this morning ; several persons had met
at five ; it was an interesting season. I find the Spirit
of the Lord is moving upon the waters here also.
There are three missionaries employed in this city ; a
Baptist, a Presbyterian, and an Episcopalian. All of
them are, I trust, holy and useful men. You will be
astonished, as I was, with the fact that the president
of the association, wliich supports the Episcopal mis-
sionary — who is indeed a spiritual and devoted servant
of the Ijord, and ver^/ useful — is a Roman Catholic.
He contributes sixty dollars a year towards the mis;-

DAVID NASMITH.

253

ea started, and

of his church

•n, they united

et with about
nt that morn-
»f the mission,
delphia, where
ling.

iral ministers ;
aturday after-
prayer meet-
and took part
and say a few
as the people
aested to pray
ider deep con-
l to be prayed
md after some
d, we retired

■eting at half-
rsons had met
ind the Spirit
rs here also.
I this citv ; a
alian. All of
You will be
the president
piscopal mis-
voted servant
nan Catholic,
irds the mis-

sionary's support, and gives ten dollars a month to his
poor's purse.

" Saturday. — Dined with Dr. Skinner, in company
with a gentleman from Rochester, who gave a very
interesting account of the revival there. At fv)ur
o'clock, attended a meeting of about thirty gentlemen ;
the Rev. Mr. Boyd, Episcopal minister, took the chair.
After my statement, it was moved by the Rev. Mr.
Patterson, and seconded by Dr. Skinner, that it was
expedient to form a City Mission for Philadelphia,
similar to that in New York. The constitution was
moved by Mr. Patterson, and seconded by Dr. Ely.
A committee was appointed, and after prayer we
adjourned. Thus a Philadelphia City Mission has
been established ; oh ! that God may bless it abund-
antly !

" Sabbath. — At nine o'clock visited a school of from
one to two hundred boys, afterwards a school of an
equal number of girls ; and from that went to a school
of young women. The Lord assisted me in delivering
a few words of advice to each. At half-past ten, heard
Mr. Bedell, Episcopal minister, with satisfaction ; at
one o'clock, visited a school of coloured people, and
talked to them ; perhaps 1 20 persons were present,
some old and some young ; all very attentive ; visited
and addressed the infant coloured school. Went to a
female school, the teachers of which are respectable,
and all professors of religion. Went to a boy's school,
and addressed them — very attentive. Heard Dr. M'Au-
ley, an Irish minister, who studied in Dublin, preach
in the afternoon ; was much instructed ; we got food
from the word- In the evening heard Mr. Perry, a
Baptist preacher."

254

MEMOIR OP

iiSi

II .■,.

Ill,

11 ^ili'

In no place, perhaps, was David's reception more
cordial than at Philadelpliia, whither Mrs. Nasinitli and
the child also proceeded, and arrived about the end of
March, and remained till the end of June, when David and
his family took their final departure. During the period
of their sojourn here, David, in addition to great activity
in the city, visited other places, and made a tour of
thirty days to the soutli, visiting eight towns, and form-
ing six City Missions and six Young Men's Societies.
Preparatory to this enterprise, the following document
was prepared and presented to the Philanthropist.

''Philadelphia, May Wih, 1831.
" The bearer of this, Mr. David Nasmith, from Scot-
land, has for some weeks been occupied in our city, in
the promotion of a City Mission, and other benevolent
plans ; and we feel thankful to God that his labour has
not been in vain. The infiTiitely important object to
which he so cheerfully devotes his wliole soul, must
commend itself to the Christian world.

*' May the blessing of Heaven attend him in all the
way of his pilgrimage, and render him a blessing to
every community tL'ough which he may pass! And,
finally, may he and his labours be graciously accepted
before the throne, through the Beloved, the Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen, Amen.

*' Charles Hoover, Pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church f S( \itliwark; Stephen H. Tyng, Rec-
tor of St. Paul's Chu ':h, Philadelphia; John
L. Grant, Pastor of the Eleventh Presbyterian
Chuuh; Jacob C. Sears, Pastor of the Second
Reformed Dutch Church; George A. Smith,
Editor of the Episcopal Recorder; G. T. Bedell,
of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia ; Thomas

DAVID NASMITH.

255

ception more
Nasmith and
it the end of
len David and
ing the period
great activity
ide a tour of
ns, and form-
n's Societies,
ng document
bropist.
Wth, 1831.
h, from Scot-
n our city, in
er benevolent
lis labour has
mt object to
e soul, must

m in all the
I blessing to
pass ! And,
isly accepted
le Lord and

Presbyterian
Tyng, Rec-
)hia; John

Presbyterian

' the Second

A. Smith,

T. Bedell,

ia ; Thomas

H. Skinner, Pastor of the Fifth Presbyterian
Church, Philadelphia; Thomas G. Allen, of
the Protestant Episcopal Church; William
Bacon, of the Presbyterian Church; G. B.
Perry, Pastor of the First Baptist Church,
Spruce-street; H. M'Auley, Pastor of the Tenth
Presbyterian Church.

" Philadelphia, May \7th, 1831.
" At a meeting of the Board of the Philadelphia City
Mission, it was resolved that the Chairman be authorised
to sign the above.

" Thomas G. Allen, Chairman."
Immediately on receiving this document, David set
out on his journey to Baltimore, and of his labours
there the following is his own account.

" Before six o'clock we went to the house of the Rev.
Mr. Brackenridge, who had been looking for my arrival
for many weeks, and he constrained me to tarry until
this morning, in Baltimore, with him. On Wednesday
afternoon, I attended a meeting of about twenty minis-
ters and laymen, called especially to co insider the subject
of a City Mission. All present seemed to think that
such a mission was required, and might be useful. A
committee was appointed to bring together a large
number of persons to organise a society. That com-
mittee has fixed upon to-morrow afternoon, and, I trust,
a City Mission will then be formed. I spent the greater
part of yesterday in dividing the city into sixteen dis-
tricts, and the fifth district into sixteen sections, together
with other arrangements for the proceedings of the bre-
thren when they are organised. Three or four of the
ministers have already said, that they will take a district
each, and two students (from Princeton) will go to work

* 1

I "

I! i

'."(>:

;i w

25G

MEMOIR OP

immediately, in the fourth and fifth districts, and com-
mence the work, during the six weeks of their vacation.
Mr. Brackenridge says, that he will consider the culti-
vation of the fifth district as part of his pastoral work,
and that he will consider 500 dollars of his salary from
his people as given to him for this service. He seems
much engaged in the work. Tlie Rev. Mr. Nirens
and the Rev. Mr. Brackenridge speak of the Young
Men's Society as one of the most important institutions
in the country; and they are determined, during my
absence, to put things in train for the formation of an
efiicient society of this description.

" It gives me pleasure to be able to say that the
foundation- stone has been laid, in five prayers and the
passing of three resolutions, (we trust, in accordance
with the will of God,) for the salvation of the coloured
inhabitants of the United States of America. Last
night a few pious young men met, and after spending
some time in offering up four prayers and reading appro-
priate portions of Scripture, we organised the American
Young Men's Missionary Society. May the Spirit of
the living God be eminently in the wheels of this
mighty machine, which embraces two millions of im-
mortal souls residing in America, a very large portion
of whom are, indeed, in slavery to man and the devil !
Poor Africans ! O that millions of them may come to
Jesus, and be blessed with the liberty which he gives!
We closed this meeting with prayer; truly, it was good
for us to be there ; at least, I felt it to be so to my own
soul. I was drawn out in behalf of that important,
becai se numerous and awfully neglected and despised
people."

David next pursued his way to the city of Norfolk,

I ^1

DAVID NASMITH.

257

}

where he found things very dead among the churches ;
but still he made way. He says, " I found some good
Scotchmen, but too like those in Glasgow." They were
cold and calculating ; he had two meetings with a few
men, who heard him patiently and promised to take the
subject into consideration. Here, however, as every-
where, he found more encouragement among the other
sex. He met with about twenty ladies, and suggested
to thcni the propriety of the ladies supporting one agent,
and the gentlemen a second; before they separated,
seven ladies undertook, each, to raise twenty dollars.
One lady agreed to give twenty dollars, making, in all,
ICO dollars. One lady agreed to board an agent for
six months, and another agreed to board an agent for
twelve months ; and thus the work obtained a footing*.
He next formed a Town Mission and a Young Men's
Society, in Richmond, and proceeded, in succession, to
George Town, Alexandria, and Washington, where
Missions were formed ; after which, about the tenth of
June, he returned to Baltimore, on his way back to
Philadelphia, whence he proceeded with Mrs. Nasmith
to New York.

CHAPTER XVII.

Address to James Cormell, Esq., Montreal— David leaves New York for
Canada — Arrives at Montreal — Letter of Mr. Gilmour — Summary of
David's operations — Moral influence of his journeys — Resolves to
return to Europe — Contemplated settlement in London — Views of
revivals — Peculiar state of David's mind — His means of pecuniary
support — Reasons for declining a salary — Amounts contributed to
David's support from various countries — Remarks.

TO JAMES CONNELL, ESQ., MONTREAL.

Sir, — Among David Nasmith's Canadian friends, you
occupi'.'l the first place. His papers and correspondence
show the strong and affectionate respect in which he
he id you ; and the following document, drawn up and
signed by your own hand, and accompanying a little
purse of gold, presented on September the 28th, 1831,
demonstrates that the respect was reciprocal.

" Considering it as an especial manifestation of Divine
favour that God, in his wise providence, directed the
steps of our esteemed friend, Mr. David Nasmith, to
this part of the world, to be the honoured instrument of
forming and commencing several plans of usefulness, the
beneficial effects of which, we hope, will be experienced
by ourselves, the rising generation, and many yet unborn;
we are desirous of expressing our gratitude to the Giver
of all good, and our love and affection to Mr. Nasmith,
by contributing our mite towards his travelling charges,

Ml'

MEMOIR OP DAVfD NASMITII.

Q'iO

whilst prosecuting liis benevolent designs, which have
so much for their object — Glory to God, and good-
will to man."

Knowing his personal exctllcnce, and his useful acti-
vities in Glasgow, you stood forth at once to acknow-
ledge him as a brother, on his arrival in Montreal. To
you, therefore, this chapter is inscribed, in memorial of
your joint friendship.

Leaving New York, ]3avid proceeded to a , and in

the second week of August reached Montreal, where he
appeared with considerable advantages, there being a
number of Christians and some excellent ministers tiicre,
to whom his character and object were both well known.
On his arrival he received from Mr. Gilmour, the Bap-
tist minister, the following cordial greeting.

" Dear friend Nasmith, — At a very late hour I sit
down to write you a few lines. I need not say I wish you
much success in the work in which you are engaged. As
far as I have made myself acquainted with your system,
and with the condition of these provinces, it appears
suitable to them ; but I am so much an advocate for
things being done with energy, that unless the matter
be taken up with spirit, and carried on with power, I
wish you may not be able so much as to commence it.
For as flint is supposed to contain what is called latent
heat, I do think that Montreal contains a good deal of
latent energy ; we want some steel, and then a little
concussion, and who can tell what a fire we may kindle
in these Canadas ? such a fire as will, by the intensity
of its heat, make even the cold-hearted men of Laodicea
perspire !

" But to speak without a parable, I think the system

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will work ; and were it not that I have to leate town to-
morrow morning at four o'clock, I should have been
glad to attend your intended meeting of to-morrow even-
ing. My name can be of very little service to you, well
nigh a cipher, though I am far from thinking myself so ;
perhaps were you to call on the following friends, they
might be induced to take some interest in the matter,
and should mention of me be made, you are at liberty
to say, I heartily concur in the object. ♦ • *
Should you remain in town over Lord's day, you might
spend the forenoon with my people. Of course it is a
matter of no importance to me, and shall be none to
them, whether you take a text or not. I should like
you to do this were it convenient to yourself ; but I am
now becoming very sleepy, and must bid you good night.
Peace be with you, and may we get to heaven at last."
David agreed to take the sabbath morning service.

Our philanthropist has now reached the limit of his
purpose, and we are enabled to glance over the mighty
expanse of his laborious pilgrimage, and to form a gene-
ral estimate of his travel and toil. He has visited forty
cities and towns of America, and two of Canada. In the
States he has been instrumental in forming sixteen City
Missions; the American Young Men's Society, and
sight or ten auxiliaries to it : to which must be added,
several associations in behalf of coloured people, and also
various benevolent associations for supplying the tem-
poral wants of the poor. In Canada, he visited Quebec,
Montreal, St. Andrew's, Fox's Point, New Glasgow,
Kingston, Buffalo, and York ; forming among them in
ioll fifteeii societies. These are matters of fact; but
there is another view of David's labours, far more difficult
to be estimated, and in its results, perhaps, far more im-
portant. The moral influence he exerted on a multitude

J': j^

DAVID NA8MITH.

2Qi

eave town to-
ld have been
■morrow even-
e to you, well
ing myself so ;
r friends, they
n the matter,
are at liberty
« « «

ay, you might
course it is a
lall be none to
I should like
self; but I am
^ou good night,
eaven at last."
service,
le limit of his
er the mighty
|o form a gene-
visited forty
lanada. In the
[g sixteen City
Society, and
ust be added,
eople, and also
lying the tem-
sited Quebec,
ew Glasgow,
imong them in
of fact; but
,r more difficult
I, far more im-
lon a multitude

of the moving and leading minds of the Christian church.
Who can calculate the siun of this influence ? Who can
estimate the effects which may flow from it for centuries
to come ?

It is a circumstance worthy of particular notice, that
before David le^t Montreal, he had made up his mind im-
mediately to return to Europe, and to settle in London.
On the 12th of August, he wrote as follows to nis parents :

"I found it was becoming necessary for the health and
comfort of Mrs. N. that I should settle somewhere, and
seeking an extensive sphere of action, gave her the
choice of New York, Paris, or London. She chose the
latter. We may go to Paris for a short time, but not
to reside there. It is my intention to go as a missionary
at lajge, seeking to establish City Mission Associations
in various districts of that great city : to form societies
for training young men to habits of moral and intellectual
improv ement and usefulness to the church and the world ;
and with the knowledge of men and things that I have
acquired, to direct my energies in that way that may
most contribute to the advancement of the glory of God
and the good of men in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Ame-
rica, especially the first and last. As to support, it will
be necessary to have a certain annual income for the
ease of mind of my partner in life ; and this, I expect,
the Lord will provide by means of those who feel the im-
portance of such a missionary being settled in London."

In a letter to a friend, in Scotland, of four days* later
date, he thus enlarges upon this idea in a manner which
finely illustrates his truly noble and Christian feelings.
" I might haye had many situations in this country, had
I thought it duty to settle here, that would have yielded
a very comfortable living ; but beheving that, under God,

fi62

MEMOIR OF

( •>

I may be more useful in London, than in any other
city, I purpose going thither ; and the course which I
have prescribed for myself, being in accordance with
my habits and pursuits, I trust I shall be more useful
in it, than in any other more settled or defined sphere.
The course, as you know, that I have pursued, has not
been to find a living, but to find work of the kind that
would most promote the Master's interest ; and in doing
this the Lord has been faithful to me, inasmuch as
I have always had, up to the present, what was neces-
sary for myself and family. Now, however, as I must
once more take to housekeeping, the housekeeper will
require regular supply ; and for this I must, under
God, trust to those who know my past mode of life, and
approve of such an agent being settled in the great city.
Missionaries are sent to many distant lands, and it may
be that I may be instrumental in sending not a few by
my efibrts in future as in times past. Now there are, I
presume, from one hundred to one hundred and fifty
individuals wholly engaged in the Lord's se/vice who
were not so before in consequence of my feeble efforts.
How true have I found that statement, * Through Christ
strengthening me I can do all things.' Yes, I can and
will trust him for all that is to come, as for the past,
and the past shows that he is a faithful God. O to be
permitted in future to be more extensively useful than
I have been in times past. Praise the liord, my dear
friend, with me now, and through eternity we shall
together show forth his goodness."

The subject of Revivals has not yet been noticed.
The following is David's deliberate judgment concerning
these great spiritual movements, and it is, perhaps, not
far from the truth. William Ward, of Serampore, no

7 ■

DAVID NASMITH.

26$

mean judge, came to the same conclusion : — " I have
been present in the midst of some of them, and can
truly say, that God was present of a truth ; although,
in some instances, we had much more smoke than was
at all necessary. Still I understand from Professor
Goodrich, that, within the last twelve months, about
eighty thousand souls have been hopefully converted to
God in the States. In New Haven alone, there were
near to one thousand ; of these, one hundred and twenty
were young men in college ; these, together with the stu-
dents of theology in this college, I had an opportunity
of addressing upon the subject of City Missions, &c.
Next day two pious young men, of property, who had just
finished their literary course, and were about to enter
upon the study of theology, preparatory to their going
to a heathen land as missionaries, called on me to know
if, by going to Scotland to study theology, they could
acquire the elevated standard of piety of which they had
heard the night before. I told them that it was unne-
cessary for them to go from home to find that, and the
way to get it was, to walk with and work for God. In
Hertford, I found ninety young men recently converted,
and added to three churches ; these meet weekly among
themselves for prayer. I attended one of their meetings
and addressed them. Is not the Lord going to do some
important work, when he is bringing in so many young
men ? How important that the energies of young men
should be properly directed, and that they should be
trained to action! It is to the young men, who are
strong, that the church is to look for the carrying for-
ward of the present noble work which the Lord is
doing ; the fathers will soon retire ! O how much
depends, under God, upon young men !"

',''■

264

MEMOIR OF

By the time that David had completed his vast tour
through America and reached Montreal, it might have
been supposed that his stock of spirits had been well
nigh exhausted ; but it was much otherwise. His love,
power, and zeal, seemed to gather strength with his
progress. An entry, dated August 12, 1831, runs thus:
— " The time of my departure draweth nigh, and I
hasten home to cast at the feet of my adorable Redeemer
the crown of glory which he has bought for me with his
precious blood, and ascribe, through an endless eternity,
all the praises and the glory to him, through whose
grace strengthening me I have been enabled to conquer
the devil, — subdue my own sinful lusts, — place the
world, its fortunes, its honours, its trifling toys, beneath
my feet, — saying. Thou art unworthy the affections of
a heaven-bom soul. O for more of heaven in my soul !
I am not yet free ; I would soar, and mount, and fly,
on wings of love, to Jesus' seat, and praise and serve
him still. O will he suffer an heir of hell — prouder
than Lucifer — to lie at his holy feet, and to adore that
matchless grace that conquered ? Calvary 1 here is the
charm — a bleeding Saviour! Once did I tliither look, but
peace I found not ; but now 'tis nowhere else. Precious
Saviour, my song shall be of thee ! Thy Spirit aiding,
leading, urging on, I have gone from shore to shore,
from town to town, from city to city, from country
ti) country, — counting nothing too dear to part with, no
suffering too great to endure, to meet thy people and
urge them on to action in thy holy cause ; ^nd how hast
thou been with me ; a mouth and wisdom thou hast
been to me ; my provider ! my corrector ! Yes, thy
sweet humblings, when this vain spirit would forget
thee, and be disposed to say. See what my hand hath

DAVID NASMITH.

265

his vast tour
it might have
had been well
se. His love,
igth with his
31, runs thus:
I nigh, and I
ible Redeemer
ar me with his
idless eternity,
hrough whose
led to conquer
;s, — place the
f toys, beneath
3 affections of
;n in my soul !
lount, and fly,
aise and serve
lell — prouder
I to adore that

I here is the
ither look, but
;lse. Precious

Spirit aiding,
lore to shore,
from country

part with, no
ly people and

^nd how hast
om thou hast

>r! Yes, thy

would forget

ly hand hath

done ! How have I spumed the restraints of men who
would call me fool and madman, and twine around me
their silver and golden cords of ease and rest ! Be gone,
ye tempters ! I glory in my folly ! Come, Lord Jesus,
fit me for my work and my reward ! I want to speak
of thee ; help me — help me I Work in me and by me
mightily ! I must not, I cannot trifle."

It is now time to inquire under what pecuniary
guarantees the Philanthropist commenced this great
pilgrimage, and by what means he was supported during
its prosecution. He states his own case in the following
terms : —

" If the question is asked. How do you expect to live
in America, seeing you have not means of your own
towards the support of your family, and the payment of
travelling expenses ?

" My answer is. The Lord Jesus has commanded me
to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and promised that all things needful shall be added.
And he has said further, in the same sixth chapter of
Matthew, * Take no thought for your life, what ye shall
eat, or what ye shall drink ; nor yet for your body, what
ye shall put on.' I have for many years been enabled
to seek first the advancement of the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness in the earth, and have hitherto
experienced God's faithfulness in affording me not only
the necessaries, but many of the comforts of life, and I
cannot now entertain the thought that he will forsake
me if I abide faithful. If it be further said, that we are
to use means to obtain support ; my answer to that is,
We are ; and, when necessary, I will do so ; but being
fully persuaded in my own mind, from ample evidence,
that I follow the Lord in the particular course which I

/■ <'

266

MEMOIR OF

V, '

t )

am now pursuing, it will be time enough for me to begin
to doubt supply, and to seek after it, when it becomes
necessary. I live by the day, not by the year ; hitherto
God has brought me supply,^— I believe he will still do
so, and I am not afraid. The silver and the gold are
the Lord's. He has the hearts of all in his hand, and
it is an easy matter for him to tell one of his stewards
when supply is required, ' David Nasmith wants your
help ;' and if one steward should not consider his wants,
God may incline another to do it ; and if all the stewards
should prove indifferent, or become weary, the Lord
will provide ; yes, we shall not forget the barrel of meal
and cruise of oil, the manna for forty years, and the
' employment of a raven to feed a servant of the Lord,
when it was necessary. If these things are called mira-
cles, and I am told that the age of miracles has ceased,
and I have no right to expect them, I reply, past expe-
rience of such miracles, or, rather, God's faithfulness to
his promise, in providing my bread and water, has been
too precious to deprive me of my privilege in looking
for a repetition of them."

In addition to the scriptural grounds alleged for the
course pursued, David thus defends it on the score of
policy: —

" Reasons why David Nasmith declines accepting sa-
lary from any society in America, whose business he
may, for the time being, be engaged in forwarding.

" 1st. That his design in visiting America is to serve
the Lord, in those departments in which his providence
may point out as most fitted to advance his glory on an
extensive scale ; to bind himself to no system ; but to
act in every place which he may visit according to the
dispositions or local circumstances in which the Chris-

I !|i|il!iiii!

/ l'

DAVID NA8MITH.

267

)n the score of

tians he meets with may he placed. Leaving himself
thus at liberty to do good unto all as he has opportu-
nity, and in every possible way, he is of opinion that he
may be most serviceable to the cause of God, for the
advancement of which alone he desires to live. He feels
induced to pursue this course, not only because, from
many years' training, he has been made to know what,
under certain circumstances, may be done, and may not
be done, and have to overcome difficulties ; but because
he has made trial for two years past of the course, and
has been enabled to eflfect nmch more than had he pur-
sued any specified plan, however excellent, which could
have been devised by men eminent for wisdom, learning,-
piety, and prudence. .

" 2rd. Not only because he wishes to do much him-
self, but to induce many to labour more abundantly,
which he can the better do by proving that he acts not
the part of one who performs his work for the sake of
the emolument attached to his office, but from a single
eye.

" 3rd. Because union with a society, in the way of
receiving emolument from its funds, binds to an adher-
ence to the prij>. 'I5»les and plans of that society, and
support is given in virtue of the performance of certain
specified duties."

It requires some courage, as well as much pietj*, to
commence such a life of faith in this iron age ; not only
can few do it themselves, but there are not many who can
believe the possibility of its being done by others. A
worthy member of the family of God thus writes from
Canada : — " Mr. Nasmith engaged in all his plans with so
much ardour, and prosecuted them with so much assiduity,
that he greatly surprised us ; but what was my astonish-

£68

MEMOIR OF

ment, when I learned that he was not supported by any
society, but depended entirely on the providence of God;
his heart's desire being to do good to all mankind, espe-
cially in whatever regarded their highest interests!
When I mentioned his dependence on the goodness of
God, and the love of his people, to some of my friends,
they would scarcely believe that so strong a case of self-
denial could exist." This is perfectly natural ; we have
difficulty in giving credit to others for more virtue than
we ourselves possess. It is instructive to inquire how
far the result justified the confidence of this most single-
minded man. He recorded the facts with the utmost
, care, and the matter stands thus: From May, 1828,
when David left his native country for Ireland, and com-
menced his life of faith and labour of love, till December,
1831, being a period of three years and seven months,
the following were his receipts and disbursements : —

!«•

( / RECEIPTS.

•1

DISBURSEMENTS.

£ s. d.

a. d.

Received from a friend

Paid

on accoant of

in England .

England . 8

Do. friends in Scotland

Do.

do.

Ireland . 366

Do. do. Ireland .

216

Do.

do.

Canada . 25

Do. do. Canada.

8 6

Do.

do.

United

Do. do. United

States

. 271

States .

15 6

(

Receipts minus .

232

1 '"

_■ r ~<- ._'

671

In the history of respectable travelling was there ever
economy like this ? These disbursements include all the
charges of the philanthropist and his family for house-

DAVID NA8MITH.

269

ji.j f";

rent and keeping when in Ireland, board in America,
two passages across the Atlantic, and his personal ex-
penses at fifty inns in Ireland, six in England, eighteen
in the United States, and three in Canada; also the
charges for coaches and steam-boats, in visiting upwards
of 120 cities, towns, and villages. The hospitality of
Christians, however, it ought to be stated, contributed
greatly to lessen the charges at inns. The item of ex-
pense in Ireland likewise includes £40 of loss on furni-
ture, sold by public auction, prior to embarkation for
America.

This is the summary ; but justice, both to individuals
and countries, requires that we should set forth the par-
ticulars, which are as follow : '

»'••

John Paget, Esq.

ENGLAND.

SCOTLAND.

Miss Oswald, of Scotstown .

James Svord, Esq., of Anfield, Glasgow

John Turner, Esq., and friends, do.

A friend, per Duncan Macfarlane, Renfi%w

William Cunningham, Esq., Lainshaw

David Stow, Esq., Glasgow .

Mr. David Smith, do.

William M'Gavin, Esq., do.

John Wright, jun., Esq., do. .

Andrew Mitchell, Esq., do. .

Patrick Playfair, Esq., do. .

Mrs. Robert Dickie, jun., do.

John Wilson, Esq., do.

Mr. Thomas Wilson, Glasgow

A Friend ....

«.

97 9

«70

MEMOIR OP

IRELAND.

John Parnell, Esq., Dublin .

Rev. James Carlile and Friends, do.

James Blackwell, &q., and Friends, do.

W. C. Hogan, Esq., do.

Miss Lane, do. .

A Lady, do. .

Kdward Cronan, Esq., and Friends, do.

Lady Henry Moor, of Moor AbbL>y .

£ *. d,

66 6

216 6

CANADA.

doll.

cts.

James Connell, Esq., Montreal

. 20

J. D. Witt, Esq., M. P., do. .

. 10

H. Dickenson, Esq., do. .

. 10

Cyrus Brewster, Esq., do. .

. 10

Peter Freeland, Esq., do. . .

Y. M. S. District, B. do. .

Per order of Mr. Christie, do.

•

Do. of Mr. Milne, do.

Received by the hands of Mr. Connell

. 68

15 6

William Snowden, Esq., Bell River.

1 2

16 8

THE UNITED STATES.

Friends in Philadelphia, per Rev. T. G. Allen

Miss Sawer, do. . ,

James N. Dickson, Esq. . , ,

A Brother, per J. Wheelwright, Esq., New. York

John Wheelwright, Esq. do. do, ^

Ditto from friends .

Mrs. Bethune, New York .
Cornelius Paulding, Esq., New Orleans
Friend? \u Augusta ....

. 195

. 25

. 10

. 46

. 50

. 10

«.

. 66

. 40

. 25

. 10

. SO

. 10

. 35

. 10

216 «

)11. Ctl.

•

2 6

5
^5 U

6
iO
5

16 8 6

DAVID NASMITII.

271

dolLots. £ $. d.

^gj.^

Joaeph Comming, Esq., Sarannah .

. 12

Charlea M'lotyre, Esq., Charleston

. 20

Horatio licvei, Esq., do.

. 20 '" '

N. Smith, JuD., Esq., Hartford

Friends at Saratoga .

. 17

Ditto at Richaioad, per Mr. Samson

. 17

?-1

% i.

43e 98 15 6

Such was the result ; and surely, among those who
judge by appearances, it is not likely to produce a fre-
quent imitation. In Ireland, he spent £36(5 Gs., and re-
ceived £216; in the United States, he spent £271 4s.,
and received £98 15s. 6d. ; in Canada, he spent £25 15s.,
and received £16 Ss. 6d. In this matter, Scotland ap-
pears to advantage ; while she contributed about one-
fourth of the whole, she was deriving no benefit from his
labours ; on her part, therefore, the contribution was
bounty ; on that of Ireland, the United States, and Ca-
nada, it was debt. The receipts are minus £232 14«. ;
and had it not been for tlie Scotch contribution, the de-
ficiency would have been £330 3s., or almost one-half of
the entire expenditure ; a fact which most impressively
demonstratea the peril of such experiments.

All things considered, Ireland performed its part tole-
rably well ; and we must not deal unjustly with Ame-
rica. The wonder is, not that so little, but that so much,
was done in that country. The facts of the case were
not generally known to the Christian friends with whom
David associated, and who everywhere loaded him with
kindness. He was in appearance a gentleman, and by
most it was undoubtedly and naturally assumed that he
was a man of property, to whom the offer of aid might
be considered an affront. By David no proclamation

J,. I ..1,

|ili||ilji|!J

212

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

was made either of his plan or of his poverty ; all disco-
veries on this head were either the result of accident or of
interrogatory ; hence it were most unjust to tax the Chris-
tians of America for not supplying necessities of which
they were ignorant. Had the true state of the case been
known to them, they would undoubtedly not only have
defrayed handsomely all his expenses, but have sent him
back with a recompense for his work of love. In this
case the doctrine of providence was not fairly dealt by ;
for providence acts not by the ignorance, but by the
knowledge of the faithful. As omniscience is not the
attribute of man, he is not bound to fulfil duties which
require its exercise. ^

One thing is clear ; here is Christian philanthropy of
the highest order, and such as the world but seldom sees.
Here is a man with talents and energies, which might
have conducted him to fortune, devoting to the pursuit
of benevolence nearly four of his best years, la-
bouring all that while, encountering some trials and
many dangers, v/ithout fee or reward, and returning
to his native country poorer than he went forth by
£232 14s., constituting nearly the earthly all of him-
self and his invaluable partner ! Is this nothing ? The
couple who could do this must have been in earnest;
they might be mad ; but they surely could not be mer-
cenary ! If in this example there is no magnanimity,
where shall we find it ? The least that can be said is,
that such a pair would have been meet companions of the
apostles ! Is it possible to say more ?

1111-

if nil

111!!:

rty ; all disco-

■ accident or of
tax the Chris -

ities of which

■ the case been
not only have
have sent him
love. In this
lirly dealt by ;
e, but by the
nee is not the
1 duties which

hilanthropy of
it seldom sees.

which might
;o the pursuit
jst years, la-
ne trials and
and returning
^ent forth by
y all of him-
athing? The
n in earnest;

not be mer-
magnanimity,
an be said is,
^anions of the

CHAPTER XVIII.

Address to Miss Oswald, of Scotstown— Return to Scotland— Health of
Mrs. Nasmith— Labours in Scotland— Visits to Dublin and proceedings
there— Sets out for France— Curious scene at Boulogne— Letter of S.
V. S. Wilder— A sabbath at Boulogne— Arrival at Paris— Description
of public walks— Solemn reflection on Parisian gaiety— Labours of the
Rev. M. Wilks— Mr. Levitt's kindness— City Mission formed—
Sketches of character— Visits Havre and forms a mission there— Ar«
rival in London, and report upon inquiries— Return to Glasgow —
Scottish proceedings — Resolves to winter in Glasgow— Great perplex-
ities about removal— Resolution to remain and open the " Christian
and Philanthropic Agency House "—Objects of this house delineated
— Failure of the experiment— David becomes secretary to the Conti-
nental Society — Great pecuniary embarrassments — Beautiful letter of
consolation to Mrs. Nasmith— David avows a change of sentiment on
the subject of baptism — Society formed to send him to London — Re-
turns to Glasgow — Remarks.

TO MISS OSWALD, SCOTSTOWN.

Madam, — You were the first of your class in Scotland to
discover the Christian worth and moral greatness of David
Nasmith — a circumstance which you may well consider
both an honour and a felicity. He had the happiness,
at an early stage of his philanthropical career, to win
your confidence ; and while you displayed your regard
for him, through a series of years, by deeds of substantial
kindness, you amply proved that gratitude was a chief
element of his noble nature. Through life you were
the object of his utmost esteem. He believed in the
sincerity of your friendship ; he knew your interest in
his personal and domestic happiness, as also in his public
labours and Christian usefulness. Amid all his toils and
travels, you seem scarcely ever to have been a day or an

'wm

274

MEMOIR OF

hour together absent from his mind. Up to " -e time of
his arrival in London he wrote more to yo*. ./lan to all
his other correspondents united. His letters to you
alone would have formed no meagre record of his life.
You have much reason, Madam, to congratulate yourself
on the rare privilege of having been the fellow-helper
of such a man as but seldom arises in the church of God.
You have indeed been greatly the gainer by the connexion.
In return for your unwearied benefactions, he gave you
all he had — his fervent prayers ! An apostle could
have given you no more. Nor is this all : he has com-
municated to your name a lustre, which it could never
have derived from your fortune. In the presence of
such men, mere rank sinks into insignificance. Tried
by the New Testament, not an aristocrat in Scotland, nor
all of them united, can be compared with this humble,
holy, although ofttimes penniless Philanthropist ! Good-
ness alone is greatness ; and no man is good but as he
desires, and, to the extent of his means, endeavours to
do good. Thus tested, who in his own day was so truly
great as our departed friend ? As the servant of Christ,
he lived only for mankind. The faithful record of liis
deeds is the imperishable monument of his excellence.
Not so with the man of the world, who has his portion
in this life.

" Despite his pride, his power, his pelf,
The wretch, concentred all in sel^
Living shall forfeit fair renown '

And, doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he sprung,
I Unwept, unhonour'd, and unsung."

1 \

David, having finished his work in America, returned
to Scotland in December, with the intention, as we nave

;M' ill

( :f

DAVID NASMITH.

276

already seen, of proceeding, without delay, to London \
but circumstances occurred, for a time, to overrule this
determination. When Mr. Nasmith went to visit the
southern States of America, Mrs. Nasmith was left to
winter in New York, where she enjoyed tolerable health,
which, however, on her proceeding to Philadelphia, in
the spring, greatly declined. "With a view to its im-
provement, she accompanied her husband to Montreal,
and received benefit from the journey; but still con-
tinued in a state of weakness. On returning to Britain,
Mrs. Nasmith says : "It was my wish once more to
take up my abode in Glasgow. This desire on my
part caused great disappointment to Mr. Nasmith ; but
he yielded to it, believing, at length, that it was the
will of his heavenly Father."

In this way the design of an immediate settlement in
London was, for the present, baffled. But David cheer-
fully submitted, and endeavoured to turn the disappoint-
ment to account for his Master. The following extract
from a letter to a friend in Dublin, dated February the
4th, 1832, shows that his labours at once extended to the
country as well as Glasgow.

" I feel truly thankful that you and the dear brethren
with you meet once a fortnight to pray for me, and the
work in which I am engaged. I need your prayers, and
the prayers of all the saints. My temptations are nu-
merous and of very various descriptions; my work is
great; my soul not duly alive to its infinite import-
ance ; my wisdom very limited, and my prudence scanty.
Many lessons might I have learned, but, alas ! I have
been a dull scholar. I beseech you, plead that I may
be prevented from living to myself. I find the com-

276

MEMOIR OF

forts of a fireside, which we can call our own once more,
dangerous, lest, by means of them, I be tempted to
forget the Master's work. Thus far, I trust, I have been
preserved. I have left my wife, in a great measure, to
furnish the house as seemed meet to her. I could do it
with safety, knowing her economy and judgment; whilst
I have attended to the Lord's work, sometimes up at
half-past four in the morning, seldom in bed after six,
and not unfrequently up until twelve or one o'clock.
But is not this boasting ? Falkirk and Carron I lately
visited. In Carron I addressed a Temperance meeting.
In Falkirk, about sixteen or twenty ladies have gone to
work, in their respective districts, in leaving a tract once
a month in every family. The parish minister is about
to employ a parish missionary, whose labours shall be
directed to a given district, and the dissenting ministers
are to support a second."

In the same letter he holds out the promise of a visit
to Dublin, which he fulfilled in May ; and in reference
to which he writes as follows : —

" My health is good, although I have been very much
fatigued. The societies formed since my arrival are,
a Monthly Distribution Tract Society, a Maternal Asso-
ciation, a Young Ladies' Society, an Irish Young Men's
Society, and a Dublin Young Men's Society. I hope
to see a Verse Society formed, and a Young Men's Tem-
perance Society, and probably a Christian Union Society.
I have got 115/. guaranteed for the City Mission, and yes-
terday two gentlemen undertook to support a missionary
in a destitute district. A number of meetings have been
established for prayer for the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit. I addressed a meeting on American revivals,

■%,]

'■■ i

DAVID NASMITH.

277

in Mr. Urwick's church, last Monday, and another on
City Missions ; there might be 300 at the first, and 500
persons present at the last of these."

Returning from Dublin and adjusting matters in
Glasgow, David resolved to attempt his long meditated
project of forming a society in Paris, In the prospect
of this, he had brought from New York a letter from
S. V. S. Wilder, Esq., dated December 1, 1831, and
directed to the Rev. Messrs. M. Wilks and F. Monod,
and to Thomas Waddington and Henry Lutteroth, Esqrs.,
of Paris, which runs thus : —

" Christian friends, — Among the various disciples of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which it has been
ray privilege from time to time to introduce to your
notice, there are none who have higher claims to your
Christian kindness than the bearer, David Nasmith, Esq.,
whose untiring zeal in the cause of his Divine Master
has led him to quit his native country and to consecrate
the last eighteen months of his valuable life in gratui-
tously visiting the principal cities in the United States,
and in Canada, with a view to establish City Missions ;
and although we shall never know, in this world, the
extent of the beneficial effects which have already re-
sulted from the pious labours of this devoted champion
of the Cross, yet could our eyes now behold the thou-
sands of immortal souls who, through the atoning sacri-
fice of a crucified Redeemer, owe their robes of triumph
and their seats of bliss, in heaven, to the exertions of
this man of God, and the thousands more of our fellow-
men who, from the same source, have derived all their
hopes of an interest in Jesus Christ, we should see an
assembly of redeemed spirits, whose numbers would
furnish motives the most powerful of which we can

278

MEMOIR OF

conceive, to invigorate onr faith and animate our efforts
in the establishment of City Missions. ,, ^

" Mr. N. is about to return to his native country, and
he leaves our shores accompanied with the prayers and
benedictions of thousands ; and as he proposes soon to
visit the Continent, I have much pleasure in recom-
mending him to the particular attention of yourselves
and every friend of Zion in Paris, requesting that you
will furnish him letters of introduction to the different
cities he may propose to visit."

David reached Boulogne, June 30, 1832, and had not
a little to amuse him as he landed. The passage was
guarded by the military, and the path confined by ropes
and chains, till he reached a small room, where he was
examined, and, his passport being found correct, he was
allowed to proceed ; but, as he lingered inside the
railing for a fellow-traveller, three soldiers invited him
into a small room, he knew not for what purpose, but
thought it might be to rest till his friend came up.
They shut the door, and surrounded him, addressing him
in French, of which he understood not a word. They
therefore gave him the interpretation, by commencing a
strict search of his person, a deed in which he assisted
them. Seeing his pocket-book, they seized it with
avidity, and began to examine his letters. Those that
were sealed they retained, and took copies of his printed
papers. The testimonials to his character, the pub-
lished Outlines of his Proceedings, the constitution of
Maternal, Young Men's, Tract, and other religious
Societies, filled them with astonishment. They had never
seen such things. There seemed little doubt that he
was a conspirator ! All the documents were carried into
the first room by one of the soldiers, who immediately

f f

ii V

Mi lliiii

ite our efforts

! country, and
2 prayers and
poses soon to
re in recom-
of yourselves
ting that you
» the different

, and had not

! passage was

ined by ropes

where he was

)rrect, he was

d inside the

i invited him

purpose, but

nd came up.

Idressing him

word. They

omraencing a

h he assisted

Lzed it with

Those that

)f his printed

3r, the pub-

nstitution of

ler religious

ley had never

»ubt that he

) carried into

immediately

DAVID KASMITH.

279

returned, and asked David to follow. Strangers being
removed, the door was shut, and David severely inter-
rogated about the papers and letters, and again nar-
rowly examined. Finding that he had unconsciously
erred in taking the notes of introduction sealed, he
instantly broke them all open. The books and papers
were detained, and the letters given back. In return
for all these services, David presented each of his ex-
aminers with a religious tract, " to show," he says,
" that I wished their examination, and desiring that a
message from God might reach the hearts of the sol-
diers." He was next taken by a police-officer to some
functionary, who could not be found. The books and
papers were then sent by a messenger, for examination,
to the head office of police, and the name of his hotel
taken. After which they proceeded to the custom-
house to examine his bag. Nothing treasonable being
found there, he was allowed to retire to his inn. This
was Saturday. David spent an uncomfortable sabbath ;
but, through his introductions, having come in contact
with a considerable number of persons on that evening
and on the Monday, he sought their good. On Tuesday
he started for Paris, where he arrived, after a dreary
journey of twenty-nine hours; and, after another ex-
amination, he reached his hotel.

On Wednesday morning he walked out, and delivered
his letters, and found those who were likely most to
serve him, out of Lown. Thursday was similarly occu-
pied till the afternoon, when, he says, " I retired to my
inn, took tea, vvrote and, when light failed, walked
out for half an hour in the Champs Elysees, one of the
loveliest spots I ever beheld, in length about a mile and
an eighth, and from one to three quarters of a mile

r'M

„Jil!

280

MEMOIR '

broad. Trees planted in straight rows ; gravel walks, in
excellent order, between each; trees growing also, and
in excellent order, not in the ground, but in large
vessels filled with earth — the vessels painted green and
blue, and standing on pillars or knobs. Many statues,
(not the most modest ;) two ponds full of water, and
two swans in each ; beautiful flower plats, great variety,
and in charming order. At one end is the royal palace.
On entering these walks, in the cool of the evening,
when as before mentioned, the light had failed me to
write, I was struck with the immense multitude of
ladies and gentlemen promenading. There were some
thousands of coarse chairs, with straw bottoms, many of
which were occupied by fathers, mothers, sons, daugh-
ters, and waiters not a few, of both sexes, some of them
elegantly attired, almost all very genteel.

** In all this there was something very pleasing to the
eye ; but how changed was the scene, when, through
the glass of the Divine Word, we beheld them as so
many butterflies, sporting around the flame — the fire
that never shall be quenched, where the worm dieth
not ! So far as the world goes, a company of polite,
accomplished, and many of them truly amiable men and
women ; but hardly any of them have an idea of the
purity and holiness of the God that made them, and
who constantly sustains them ! — full of pride, vanity,
and infidelity. Mournful picture ! — sad reality ! We
part this evening, but not to meet in heaven. O God,
send salvation to Paris ! " \

On Friday, at twelve o'clock, he called on the Rev.
Mr. Wilks. " I had,'* says he, " about an hour's con-
versation with him, as to what was doing to advance the
good work in Paris. The extensive circulation of the

llllllllil!

llillillll.

DAVID NA8MITH.

281

ravel walks, in
wing also, and
but in large
ted green and
Many statues,
of water, and
, great variety,
e royal palace.
f the evening,

I failed me to
multitude of

ere were some

toms, many of

I, sons, daugli-

some of them

►leasing to the
vhen, through
d them as so
ame — the fire
e worm dieth
any of polite,
iable men and

II idea of the
de them, and
pride, vanity,
reality ! We

H^en. O God,

on the Rev.
a. hour's con-
3 advance the
lation of the

Scriptures is truly delightful ! The British and Foreign
Bible Society furnishes a good supply. Mr. Wilks
seems a pleasant man. The Tract Society is doing
considerable good. He has btpn instrumental in estab-
lishing a number of schools for the benefit of the
French poor, some of which are numerously attended.
He has not been able to preach for some time past,
from delicate health. He has employed a number of
colporteurs : and altogether, it appears, from his own
statements, and those of some others, that he has been
the means of doing good to some extent." In a subse-
quent part of the Journal this note occurs : " The Rev.
Mr. Wilks does much ; employs nine colporteurs in
Paris, and parts adjoining : they come to Mr. Wilks
every morning, receive their instructions, and report
their proceedings in writing."

David soon found his way to all the chief religious
people of Paris, and received from them much kindness
and hospitality. The Rev. Mr. Lovett appears to have
been particularly attentive. David went to dine with
him, and to meet a number of Christian friends, when,
he says, " W^e talked over the subject of a City Mission :
all were interested, and all alive. At seven the friends
came, and we had tea. After tea, about eight o'clock,
we surrounded the table, about twenty in all. We
sung, * Come, thou fount of every blessing.' Mr.
liovett prayed, read the sixty-seventh Psalm, and called
upon me again to bring the subject of a City Mission
before the meeting, which I did. Having submitted
three resolutions, they were all unanimously passed.
The first was, * That a Paris City Mission be now
formed.' " Others relative to the constitution, the
officers, and the operation, were likewise adopted. The

\ \

! P ,.

I I! 11

«82

MEMOIR OP

thing was done in true French style. " Young Rey-
nolds," says he, " who was brought by his parents from
Dublin when six weeks old, during the rebellion in 1798,
has no profession, and oifers to give his whole time gra-
tuitously to the furtherance of the object. He says he
is a good beggar, and he is determined that nothing
shall be wanting on his part to procure the means requi-
site to carry on the work. The secretary, as well as
the treasurer, is a babe in Christ; but he is a man of
mind, of education, of considerable intelligence, of great
shrewdness, and some experience in the world. He is
also without any profession, and offers to devote himself
to the work. It is not many months since he was a
bitter enemy to the truth, a zealous infidel, and a fol-
lower of Paine. Young Reynolds told me, speaking
of himself, that, until a few months ago, he had no
concern whatever for his soul; but was induced by a
friend to go and hear Mr. Lovett. He was taken by his
preaching, returned again and again ; at length, he called
on him personally, talked with him, and has ever since
attended all his meetings, public and private ; feels his
own ignorance, but rejoices in the change. His mother
told me that she had been in the habit of frequenting
parties of the ambassador, where she was taken notice
of amongst the gayest of the gay ; but God took her
daughter from her, and her enjoyment in such things
was lessened. She was induced to go and hear Mr.
Lovett ; she found something in his preaching that satis-
fied her mind ; still her attachment to worldly pleasures
and amusements was not subdued. She longed after
and resorted to them, and went to hear other preaching
than that of Mr. Lovett; but in nothing but in Mr.
Lovett's preaching could she find real satisfaction. She

DAVID NASMITH.

283

came more frequently to hear him, until she resolved to
take sittings, and has since been regular in her attend-
ance upon his public and private meetings, and has felt
much benefited, ' Now,' she said, * I love the truth,
and feel happy.' She confessed herself a babe in Divine
things. Speaking of some things of a worldly kind, in
which she could still find pleasure, I said that, just in
proportion as we become spiritually-minded, we shall
have no relish for such things. At the close of the
meeting, a suoscription was made in aid of the Mission,
which amounted to from four to five hundred francs.
Parted about a quarter to eleven o'clock. Old Mr.
Reynolds said to me at the close, * the tree [the Mission]
will grow, become strong, and bear much precious fruit.'
Mr. Lovett put down his name for one hundred francs
per annum ; Mr. Reynolds, senior, said, * Put down my
name for eighty, and my wife's for twenty francs per
annum.' His wife added, * That will not prevent me
from giving my own contribution.' "

This was a happy hour in the history of David, who
subjoins the following aspiration. " O my soul, praise
the Lord for this meeting! Heavenly Father, do let it
appear to the praise of thy rich grace and mercy in the
day of judgment, that many, very many souls have
been made savingly acquainted with Jesus, through the
instrumentality of this institution ! I ask it in Jesus'
name, and for his sake. Come, come. Holy Spirit!
work here in managers, in agents, in people. Provide
all that is necessary, and take to thy name, Thou Three
One redeeming and wonder-working God, all the glory I
Amen and Amen ! "

David met, in Paris, with some very interesting people,
from various parts of the world ; and, among them, men

I'ii^' #!';!i'i-

■ri!;|i'rl

1 -.jjilil ■'■'■'' il

:! iii

, V ] '

■I 1
II'. ■'!

ill

284

MEMOIR OP

of genius, learning, and piety. It is pleasing to sec
with what industry he avai^ ' himself of dinner parties,
occasional meetings, and all other methods to advance
the cause of (fod, and the Gospel of his Son. liefore
David left Paris, he saw the City Mission at work vvitli
three agents, and a suhscriptiou of between two and
three thousand francs, besides a considerable sum to-
wards a school for English cliildien, and a Young Men's
Society. Proceeding to M ive, he there held several
meetings, and formed !»oth u City Mission and a Young
Men's Society. On leiuiiuiig, he spent a short time
in London, as 1«" ii.id also done on his way to France,
and instituted such inquij ies as he thought might help
to guide his future movements. The result of these
was given in a letter to Miss Oswald, immediately on
his return to Glasgow, in the beginning of August,
which runs thus : —

" The more I think of London, it appears to me to
be the place of all others that I have visited, most suited
as a residence for me, on account of the facilities it
presents of forwarding the Lord's work. In passing and
repassing, I made it my business to talk to Christians
upon the subject, and found that there, as in other
places, I might lay my account with considerable oppo-
sition from those who were determined to promote their
sects and parties. To proceed as I did in Dublin, I
found J would hy-*^ little difficulty, ah I met with a few
(l.oistituis of sufficiently catholic spirit who were ready
to unite upon the broad basis of carrying the Gospel
without the badge of any party naw*^ ; and I am con-
fident, from what I saw, from past experience, and the
faithfulness of God, that the number Jvlio would gladly
co-operate would soon be multiplied ; that Iwbourors

DAVin NA8MITH.

285

would he found who would give themselves wholly
to the work, and that good would be done. Various
sociftics do now exist, some of which are very u-seful
jimongst the poor; hut seeking extensive good, there is
no one of them with which I would wish to unite my
energies, as they nre all stamped, more or less, with a
sectarian character. I attempted no new organisation,
thinking it better to delay until 1 could sit down with
them, and, from the commencement, watch over the
work. My intention is to remove my family to London,
as soon as the prospect of support will warrant the
expense of removal. The sum of 200/. per annum is
what the friends with whom I consulted in London, said
would be as little as it was possible for me to live at all
comfortably on with my family. You kindly intimated
that towards my residence in London you would give
20/. That is the only sum I have promised as yet. It
has been suggested that the friends of missions and of
benevolent institutions in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow,
and Dublin, might each raise a certain part of the 200/.
I have written ac( >rdingly to persons in each place, but
have not yet had answers from any. I wait to see the
will of the Lord. I am determined to work, and I have
no doubt that, in one way or another, the Lord will
provide ; and if I am allowed to work in my own, and
not another's way, I believe that, under God, I shall do
so with most success."

From this letter it appears that David's heart was
still fixed upon London ; but he was destined once
more to suffer delay and disappointment. During his
absence Mrs. Nasmith had been overtaken by a serious
illness ; and shortly after his return, she had another
attack, which it was feared would prove fatal. Dr.

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286

MEMOIR OF

Moffat being in attendance, and clearly perceiving the
serious effects of the last four years of travel, trial, and
toil, upon her delicate frame, determined, if possible,
that benevolence should do homage to humanity, and
that the husband should not be altogether lost in the
philanthropist, and therefore very freely spoke his mind
to David, who listened with becoming attention to the
remonstrance of the physician. The result was bene-
ficial. " My dear husband," says she, " having great
confidence in the judgment of our highly respected
friend, resolved to be guided by it in this instance, and
remain with me in Glasgow." The next extract from
a letter of October the 3rd, however, shows that the
mind was still bent on its favourite object.

" Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have been
in Ayrshire, at Canipsie, and other places, and had the
satisfaction of seeing about sixteen new societies formed.
The number of new Tract Societies formed since my
return from America is about seventeen, and these
together issue about eighty-three thousand tracts per
month, or one million annually. Let us seek that God
may be greatly glorified by this, amongst the other
means now using to spread his kingdom. Already I
have heard of some souls converted by means of these
tracts. No arrangements have yet been made for my
removal to London. The season is advancing, and Mrs.
Nasmith seems disposed to prefer spending the winter
in Glasgow. On these grounds, together with the fact
that my hands are getting very full of important work,
I have no objection to delay proceeding to London
until spring ; believing that, if spared, the works which
now occupy my attention will be glorifying to God, and
useful to many precious souls."

DAVID NA8MITH.

287

From this time, till the spring of 1838, David prose-
cuted his labours with his usual energy, printing tracts,
promoting Revival Meetings, Young Men's, Tract,
Temperance, and other Societies — toil which, although
it brought much labour, yielded but little remunera-
tion. He was at this time in a state of great per-
plexity with respect to the path of duty. On March
the 4th he wrote to a friend : " The present is with
me an interesting era in my history, as within thirty or
forty days, at farthest, I must decide my future move-
ments, so far as remaining in Glasgow or leaving it is
concerned ; and whatever I now enter upon will be with
the intention of abiding by it." The 20th day of April
was to be the day of decision. It arrived, but brought
with it no light on the subject of removal. All the
applications with a view to the creation of a fund for
establishing him in London had failed, and the path
seemed clear to his making arrangements for settling in
Glasgow. On the 17th of May he thus wrote to Miss
Oswald :

" After waiting now a long time, supposing that the
Lord's will was that I should leave Glasgow to labour
elsewhere, I have seen it to be clearly the path of duty
to tarry no longer, but take decided steps towards sup-
porting my family by my own effort. I have accord-
ingly, after seeking Divine direction, and much anxious
thought, taken premises at No. 14, Buchanan-street,
rent 50/. ; where I have six or seven apartments, which
I intend occupying as committee-rooms, offices, reading-
room, &c., and intend acting the part of a general agent
to religious or philanthropic individuals or societies who
may be pleased to employ me. The rent and taxes of
these premises, and my dwelling-house, will not be less

(1^

288

MEMOIR OF

f III!

Iliillii!

wiiiiii

■:ii!!i;'

than 80/. this year ; but I am determined that no effort
shall be wanting on my part, if God favours me with
health, not only to meet this, but the support of my
family, and the repayment of the money which I am
now under the necessity of borrowing in order to furnish
the premises."

This was a very false step : the public of Glasgow
V ^re not prepared for it. The project turned out to be
a ruinous speculation, and yet there was in it nothing
whatever preposterous or irrational. Nay, it was
splendid, and at once strongly marked by philosophy
and philanthropy. Nothing was wanting but a little
money, and a combination of favouring circumstances,
to give it an extended popularity, and render it the
means of great public good. The following is David's
own account of this noble scheme :

" This house was opened on the 1st of June, 1833,
by David Nasmith, as a place of business for religious
and philanthropic individuals and societies. It com-
prises two offices, three committee rooms, and a reading
room, with other apartments yet unappropriated. At
one of these offices, young men, of good character, from
the country, or other towns, may be directed to suitable
lodgings, and introduced to the Glasgow Young Men's
Society for Moral and Intellectual Improvement ; and
such as want situations may be registered. The com-
mittee rooms are let at Ss. 6d., 2s., and 1*., for each
meeting, and less when taken by the year. The reading
room is furnished with five American, two English, and
three Scottish newspapers — all religious, except two
that are local ; and about twenty-five reviews, and
other periodicals, with a variety of other works : charge,
10*. 6d. per annum. Mr. Nasmith intends making a

DAVID NASMITH.

289

I that no effort
vours me with
support of my
jy which I am
)rder to furnish

lie of Glasgow
irned out to be
s in it nothing

Nay, it was

by philosophy

ng but a little

circumstances,
I render it the
wing is David's

of June, 1833,

!ss for religious

eties. It com-

, and a reading

)ropriated. At

character, from

cted to suitable

V Young Men's

rovement ; and

:ed. The com-

id 1*., for each

,r. The reading

;ro English, and

is, except two

reviews, and

works: charge,

ends making a

selection of two or more departments, to which he will
more especially direct his personal efforts ; and by suit-
able agency will, under his own superintendence, pro-
vide for the performance of such other business as may
be intrusted to him. He has made arrangements for
recording the proceedings of meetings ; filling up and
deliverin;^ notices ; issuing reports, circulars, and perio-
dicals ; collecting subscriptions ; receiving contributions
for various objects, &c."

The institution of such a house, with its objects
multiplied, in every great town in Britain, is a thing
exceedingly to be desired. The people of Glasgow,
however, did not see the matter in this light, and David
was involved in most serious difficulties. Money was
indispensable at the outset: of this David had little,
and most of those who possessed it, while they admired
the man, despaired of the speculation, and refused to
advance a shilling. In February, 1834, he thus writes
to his friend, Mr. Robertson :

" All my applications for a loan of money having
proved in vain, the difficulties I have had to contend
with, and may yet expect, have been, and will yet be,
numerous ; but the Lord is my provider. His kindness
has been very great; and to him 1 shall look for wisdom
to direct, and for a blessing on all our feeble attempts
to serve him, and to live honestly in the sight of all
men. My establishment, as was to be expected, will
not pay the first year; but, unwilling to make other
changes, we intend making trial for a second year ; and
my wife, who is indeed a help meet for me in my
present difficulties, has resolved to occupy my principal
room as a repository for the sale of ladies' work, and
thus to aid me in making further trial of my establish-

•;i:

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[

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290

MEMOIR OF

ment. We wish to be in the path of duty, doing the
Lord's will, and waiting the further signals of his hand."

In spite of his exertions, every day added to his diffi-
culties ; and at length, after a trial of eighteen months,
it was felt impossible further to continue the experi-
ment. David, therefore, began to think of some method
of extrication. His devoted, judicious, and long-tried
friend, William Robertson, of Dublin, formerly of
Carron, Scotland, the most efficient City missionary
that David ever found, ascertaining his situation, and
learning, at the same time, that the Continental Society
wanted a secretary, set his wits to work to place David
in that office. He first endeavoured to learn whether
David would accept the office, and then communicated
with the leading men of the committee. The result of
the negotiation was, that David agreed to give the
Society four months of travelling service in Ireland.
On the 27th of June, having made up his mind, he
wrote to his friend Robertson as follows :

" I am ready to come to Dublin on the first of July,
and spend four months in Ireland, on behalf of the
Continental Society, and have written to the Committee
accordingly. Should it be the Lord's will that I come
to Ireland next week, I shall be glad to talk with you
at length. Trials, such as I never knew anything of
before, either in kind or degree, have been experienced
during the past twelve months, and will continue for a
time yet. May they be sanctified."

The closing sentence of this extract indicates a degree
of mental disquietude of no ordinary kind ; nothing but
extreme affliction could have extorted from the indo-
mitable mind of David a confession of such distress.
He was exceedingly mortified at his disappointment,

DAVID NA8MITH.

291

and most deeply grieved at the thought of being unable
to proceed to London, — a project on which his heart
was so deeply fixed. Ah ! he little thought that when
he left Glasgow for Ireland, he was actually on his way
to the metropolis of England! That such was the fact
will shortly appear.

David arrived in Belfast on July the 9th, from which
he wrote a pathetic letter to his affectionate wife,
attaching the prices to a diversity of articles, in the
event of her finding a purchaser. From Dublin, on the
12th, he wrote again to her a beautiful letter, showing
that his disappointments were afflictive chiefly on her
account. Happy the woman who had such a husband,
and the society who had such a servant, as the man who
could thus write !

" Time is passing. We have now been more than
eight years travelling together. You have had much
to bear with me; and it may be that I have had
somewhat to bear with you. May we this night be
enabled mutually to forgive each other, and may we be
forgiven in heaven ! I believe we are forgiven. 1 have
just spent a precious season in, I trust, near communion
with our God in secret. Through the day I had felt great
hardness of heart, and must have greatly grieved the
blessed Spirit ; but this evening the love of Christ and
of our Father in heaven has quite overcome and softened
me, and I have been earnestly pleading for a fresli
anointing of the Holy Ghost, for my deeply-interesting
and truly solemn work. I feel that the consequences of
this tour may have a very solemn bearing upon eternity
with many. May I be enabled faithfully to discharge
the duties of my office ! Pray for me, my dear ; do bear
up the hands of your affectionate husband. Does he

] ^«Kb

292

MEMOIR OF

■I

not love you ? God knows. Has he appeared in some
of his moments as if he did not regard you sufficiently ?
Do suspend your judgment. You have been altogether
ignorant of the struggles he has had when you little
thought of it ; when from a conviction that the Lord
was with him, directing and blessing him in his attempts
to serve his Master and your Master, he was led some-
times to do what he saw was acquiesced in rather reluct-
antly by his beloved partner. I know you have suffered
privations not a few since you became my wife, (I trust,
for Christ's sake,) which he knows, and which in as far
as they have been borne willingly, will not be forgotten
by him. I have made several changes, but only when
they seemed called for. If it is his will, I shall be glad,
for your sake, that in future they be few. O may he
show you His will, and keep David Nasmith from taking
any course that shall be in any respect different there-
from. Perfection is not to be found either in David or
Frances Nasmith. Of this I am very certain, that al-
though, for a time, we have been deprived of our good
furniture and our settled home, and been as pilgrims and
strangers on the earth, the time is drawing near when
we shall see fewer grounds than we now do for regretting
it. Yes, beloved, when we have put off this mortal,
which will not be long with either of us, and meet with I
our dear children in heaven, what shall be our estimate
of these light afflictions, when we shall see a James,
a John, and we know not how many more, it may be some
hundreds or thousands (I believe it will not be less),
washed and made white, with their palms of victory and!
crowns of glor;y, uniting with the ransomed throng in
praising the Lamb, and are told that these are the fruits
of those Missions in Scotland, L'eland, Canada, the I

DAVID NASMITH.

^93

)peared in some
ou sufficiently?
been altogether
when you little
I that the Lord
I in his attempts
e was led some-
in rather reluct-
ou have suffered
ly wife, (I trust,
I which in as far
not be forgotten
?, but only when
, I shall be glad,
ew. O may he
mith from taking
; different there-
ther in David or
certain, that al-
ived of our good
1 as pilgrims and
iwing near when
do for regretting

off this mortal,
IS, and meet with

be our estimate
all see a James,
e, it may be some
vill not be less),
us of victory and
somed throng in
lese are the fruits
nd, Canada, tlie

United States, or France, that the Divine Redeemer
told David Nasmith to take up his cross and go and
establish. Shall we not in that day hide our heads, and
regret that a murmur was ever felt for any moment in
our hearts, or escaped our lips, at parting with our little
all, and suffering some few privations, seeing that such
wers some of the fruits? Would we not rather wish
that we had had ten thousand cuch privations to endure,
if but one soul more had thereby been rescued from hell
and conducted to heaven? Let us, beloved, live for
eternity; live for Jesus, who died for us. I think I
hear our Lord say to us, ' Fear not ; be faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life.' Difficulties
and darkness may continue for a season, but an hour of
deliverance will come. Yes, it will. Let us get up on
our watch-tower, and look out, and see what he will do
for us. Be patient. Be of good courage. He will
strengthen thee ; yea, he will uphold thee ! "

In Dublin, David found his old friends all glad to see
him ; Mr. Tims claimed him as a guest ; Miss Harris
offered to lend him money ; Mr. Hogan was " still the
same kind and warmly-attached friend as ever;" and
so were Mr. and Mrs. Carlile. David having com-
menced his duties as travelling secretary, prosecuted
them with his customary diligence and zeal.

Towards the end of July, an event occurred in the
history of David which demands special notice, from
the truly Christian spirit in which he narrates it to his
excellent companion. Writing her on the 3rd of
August, he says —

" I have not forgotten what you said to me one
evening not long since, and which, at the time, gave
me real joy, bursting, as it did, a bond by which I had

*• V

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294

MEMOIR OP

long bound myself, when you said, referring to yourself,
* If I saw it to be my duty to be baptized, I would
without delay submit to the ordinance.' You know
that for many years my mind has been occupied with
this subject, although neither man nor woman has been
annoyed with my thoughts upon it. I have for some time
past sought, and last Thursday morning, between five
and six o'clock, found an opportunity, of satisfying my
own conscience before God in reference to this ordi-
nance of Divine appointment. On the day previous I
had had some intercourse with a minister of the gospel
who was himself lately baptized, whom, before we parted,
1 found willing to administer the ordinance in my case.
We met, accordingly, at five o'clock in the morning,
and proceeded to the river, where, with God as our
witness, David was baptized in the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I trust I felt the pre-
sence of Him who set me the example, and whose
loving command it has been my privilege to obey.
that I may have, in its fullest extent, the thing signified
in this ordinance ! May I indeed be buried with Christ ;
may I be wholly washed; may I rise with him, and, in
newness of life, live to his glory ! I slept little, as you
may suppose, during the night previous, — holding, I
trust, sweet communion with my God, and, with shame,
confessing my sin in so long delaying the performance
of what I believed to be a duty. My mind since has
been freed from a load which had long pressed heavily
upon me, and I have felt more joy and simple trust in
God since, than J had done for some time before. The
evening of the same day I had a precious opportunity
given me of commending Jesus to a number of young
people in a boarding-school, and urging on them the

DAVID NA8MITH.

295

ing to yourself,
tized, 1 would
?.' You know

occupied with
oman has been
^e for some time
f, between five
' satisfying my
e to this ordi-
day previous I
• of the gospel
jfore we parted,
ice in my case.

the morning,
h God as our

of the Father,

felt the pre-
le, and whose
e to obey.
thing signified
d with Christ ;
him, and, in
t little, as you
s, — holding, 1
d, with shame,
3 performance
lind since has
:essed heavily
mple trust in

before. The
s opportunity
ber of young

on them the

duty of immediately coming to him. Next day I also
enjoyed considerable erty in addressing a meeting in
behalf of the souls ready to perish on the Continent.
To-day I have had two opportunities of testifying of
Jesus' love, first to the young, and afterwards to the
aged. Since I came to Ireland I have had many pre-
cious opportunities of speaking of the Lord to Roman
Catholics, who have listened to me with marked atten-
tion, and approval of the simple truth set before them.
Pray with nie, my dear, that we may meet with many
of them in heaven. As touching the ordinance above
referred to, I have read the published sentiments of
Mr. Ewing upon the subject, and often heard them
from the pulpit; I also attended some lectures of
Dr. Wardlaw's on the subject a number of years ago :
but, vdth all deference to their judgment, and of the
many Christians, whom I love and esteem, who are
differently minded from me in this matter, I claim for
myself what I have pleasure in allowing to all — the
right of private judgment, and of acting not as pleasing
men but God. 1 have no wish to join a Baptist church,
nor to leave my present fellowship, on the ground of
the step I have just taken. I shall continue to hold
fellowship with disciples, simply on the ground of dis-
cipleship, (and than this I know no other ground in
Scripture,) as long as they will allow me to do so. 1 hope
to be preserved from getting into the very narrow and
contracted spirit of the many who have been baptized,
who make baptism discipleship. May the Lord keep
me from it! Knowing the horror which many of my
Christian friends have of those called Baptists, I am
prepared to expect a considerable change in the feelings
of many towards me on account of this step ; but I

f '

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29G

MKMOIll OP

hope I slijill be preserved from clumgc as to them, and
be pvopared tt) take up my cross in follouiiif? the Lord.
We liave one Master : we sliall not, 1 trust, quarrel,
but agree to diller. I hope we may be allowed still
to speak and act together as Christians in those things
in which vve arc agreed ; and as toucliing those things
in which we are not agreed, may the Lord reveal to us
his will, by causing his Spirit to enlighten our minds in
the knowledge of his truth revealed in Scripture !
Sliould any one ask me, 'Why were you baptized?'
my simple answer is, * The Lord Jesus Christ was bap-
tized.' He told his apostles to go and preach the
gospel to I'll nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Those who
believed were baptized, &c."

We are now arrived at the principal event of David's
present campaign, and at a most important epoch of his
remarkable history. WIkmi he had almost given up the
idea of ever appearing in London, a movement took
place, which must be narrated in his own words, which
run thus :

" Last Saturday some ladies met at Mrs. Patton's,
and formed themselves into a little association, for the
purpose of getting twenty individuals to sign the fol-
lowing. Already two persons have put their names to
it, viz., John Finn and Miss Harriet Read.

„ * LOCAL MISSIONS.

* Mr. Nasmith, who was the instrument of establish-
ing the Glasgow, Dublin, Paris, Philadelphia, and
other City Missions, now in successful operation both
in Europe and America, being desirous of devoting his
life to the furtherance of such Missions, and of residing

UAVIU NA.' iTH.

>^1

*^0 9

in London for the purpose i>i organl Jgjg
city, we, the undersigned, cordiall)' ,iprovij)
Nasniith's desire, agree eacli to givi ir rais«'
the sums marked opposite to our names, lor tli

m tk«t

of Mr.
juully
years,

from the Ist of January, 1835, towards allowing him a
salary of two hundred pounds a year, that he may be
enabled to carry tliat desire into effect.'

" Miss Read and Mrs. Patton are secretaries, and
Jolni Patton, Esq., treasurer, to the above. I am not
without hope that thoy may, under the approval of our
Heavenly Father, succeed in getting twenty names to
the list, from the vigorous efforts they are making, and
from the extent of tlieir influence."

This letter was dated October 22nd, and for some time
little more was heard concerning it. On November
2Gth, David thus wrote to his friend Robertson : ** We
(that is, he and Mrs. Nasmith,) have agreed that if even
one hundred pounds be guaranteed towards our Lon-
don Mission before the 1 st of January, it may be our
duty to proceed without delay on the work, in the hope
that the remainder will be forthcoming, and that we may
thus be warranted to remove our family afterwards."
No such guarantee, however, was made from any party.
On January 5, 1835, David thus addressed his wife from
Londonderry : " I have not heard, since I wrote you
last from Dublin, relative to our future proceedings."
Writing to Miss Oswald, on January 2"i, he says :

" The difficulty remains now that was felt before —
how to make a beginning. A small committee has been
formed in Dublin, consisting of Mrs. Patton, of Sandi-
mount, and Miss Read of Dorset-street, as secretaries ;
and Mr. John Patton, of The Royal Dublin Society,
Kildare-street, treasurer, for the purpose of raising a

2f)8

MEMOIR OF

^^Hl™

fund from which to allow me £200 per annum whilst
prosecuting the work in London for three years. The
proposal is to get twenty individuals, each to give £10
a year for three years. This of course cannot be real-
' &vd in a day, nor even a month, or two or three montlis;
although our friend Carson, of Tubbermoie, said to me
that it need not be two weeks of being filled up. The
following sums have already been subscribed: W. C.
Hogan, J. Finn, Miss Read, and Mrs. Law, £10 each;
MajorSirr,£5; andllev.Mr. Nolan, of Sligo, £2; each at
that rate, for three years. Although only one fourth of the
sum deemed requisite be thus guaranteed, I have thought
it might be my duty, unless something more certain and
permanent should appear before the 9th of February,
to proceed to London and commence the work, in
the hope that the whole, or at least half the sum,
might be realized by the expiry of three or four
months."

Here again we have another display of David's con-
fidence in God and his people, and of his unquenchable
zeal for the good of mankind. As he purposed in his
heart, so he acted. Returning to Glasgow at the close
of the term of his connexion with the Continental
Society, he arranged his affairs and prepared for his
departure. He always looked back with satisfaction
to this engagement as as pecial providence in his behalf,
for it not only enabled him to meet all demands in
, Glasgow, and to pay every man his own, but it was the
occasion, likewise, of the movement in Dublin, which
had for its object his location in London. But now that
he was once more free, he panted for action in his own
appointed walk of philanthropy. Writing to his friend
Robertson, on the 17th of March, he says, " It is to me

David nasmith.

209

a source of real joy that God has so inclined the hearts
of the Pattons, Reads, Hogans, and others, to enter into
my important Mission, so that I have through them the
means of making a beginning. We shall see it to be, I
doubt not, of the Lord." Writing next day to Miss
Read, he says, " We leave this (d. v.) on Friday next,
to go, by the Monarch steam-ship, from Newhaven to
London."

Thus David bids a long farewell to the land of his
fathers, where he has done much good, and received 1 it
small recompense, and proceeds to the capital of • "t
and generous nation, in which he will meet v >>-

tion worthy of them and of himself: there i "•.
will be prized and his labours estimated ; th'
he will be loved and honoured, and, in deaf ., i lousands
of devout men will make lamentation over him !

/■■■' i

i ■;'s

CHAPTER XIX.

Address to Frederick Clarke, Esq.— Advantages arising from David's
engagement with the Continental Society — Association formed for
sending him to London — Letter of Miss Read— Special prayer
on his behalf— List of his Irish Supporters — Arduous character of
the enterprize — Letter of the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel— Views of
the Dissenters — Published opinion of David's biographer — His own
account of the matter — Mr. Noel's Letter to the Bishop of London-
London City Mission formed — David's account of his policy — Settles
under the ministry of Rev. Robert Philip.

' TO FREDERICK CLARKE, ESQ. ',

Sir, — Next to the three honoured individuals, who
with David Nasmith, formed the London City Mission,
you were the first Layman that joined the Committee ;
according to their minutes, you attended for the first
time on June the 22nd, and thenceforward, while he con-
tinued with the Mission, were one of his most zealous
co-operators, and, to the day of his death, ranked amongst
his most attached personal friends. From this con-
nexion you enjoyed abundant opportunities of witness-
ing the exercise of those rare gifts, graces, and virtues,
by which he was so remarkably distinguished, and which
so uniformly filled the unprejudiced and careful Chris-
tian observer with admiration, confidence, and love, —
feelings in which none more largely shared than you ;
for often have I heard you declare that his equal, in all
points, you never met, and never expected to meet
again. It is hoped this volume will not only confirm
the judgment of your own experience, but heighten

:»-,v,.

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

ng from David's
ition formed for
—Special prayer
ous character of
, Noel — Views of
apher — His own
lop of London —
8 policy — Settles

viduals, who
IJity Mission,
Committee ;
for the first
while he con-
most zealous
iked amongst
m this con-
!S of witness-
and virtues,
d, and v^^hich
ireful Chris-
and love, —
1 than you;
equal, in all
;ed to meet
nly confirm
ut heighten

301

your sense of his moral and Christian excellence. Here
the events of his extraordinary career will pass before
you in regular succession, and thus aid your conception
of a character which would have adorned the Christi-
anity of any age or country.

It has been already stated that a small society of
Christian friends was formed in Dublin, for the pur-
pose of supporting David in London, during three
years, while endeavouring to establish a City Mission
in that great capital. All honour is due to the par-
ties * who composed this most laudable association ;
but for them, it is very questionable whether he would
ever have made the arduous attempt. The Misses
Read were the mainspring of this movement ; Miss
Harriet Read, more especially, taking upon herself the
secretaryship, which will afterwards appear to have been
a task most irksome and laborious. The promise to
David was, that the sum of two hundred pounds per
annum should be made good to him for the period just
specified ; but it will be seen that the sum actually sub-
scribed was less than one hundred ; it was, therefore, left
to Miss Read and such friends as she could induce to aid
her, to collect the remainder from casual contributions.
The payments of this sum were considerately com-

* David's Diary states the matter thus : " The following is a list of
Irish contributors to the above fund. W. C. Hogan, Esq., Secretary
to the Dublin City Mission, annual, for three years, 10/. ; Major Sirr,
Dublin Castle, do., 5/. ; Miss Harriet Read, Dorset-street, Dublin, do.,
10/. ; Arthur Guinness, Esq., Dublin, do., 20/, ; Mrs. Lane, Cork, do.,
10/. ; John Finn, Esq., Ballymagellan, do., 10/. ; Samuel Shaw, Esq.,
Treasurer to the Londonderry City Mission, do., 10/. ; Friends in
Dublin, 22/. 10s.— Total, 97/. 10s."

I !

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MEMOIR OP

inenced before he left Glasgow. In a letter sent by
Miss A. S. Read, three weeks previous to his departure,
that lady says, " We think it well to forward the cash
we have received. Should we meet with more sub-
scribers in Dublin, we will be most happy in forwarding
the amount. My sister Harriet intends writing to Mrs.
Lane, of Cork, whose name is down for lOl. ; we expect
81. more, including Major Sirr's 51. This sum of 18/.
shall be forwarded ; and hope by the time we receive it,
we may have an additional sum to send. I enclose 24^1.
Mr. Robertson has engaged to forward it. My sisters
unite with me in kindest regards, and in very sincere
wishes for your temporal and eternal welfare."

In a postscript, Miss Harriet thus gives utterance to
the feelings of a generous and devout heart : " Do not
scruple to write ; and command us, in any way that we
can serve you and, I firmly believe, thereby serve the
cause of Christ, in London. May the Lord prosper and
bless you and yours, and may he open the hearts of his
people to receive you !" But David was encouraged not
merely by the pecuniary liberality of his Dublin friends ;
they made his mission the subject of special prayer, for
which they set apart an evening every month, — a circum-
stance to which he referred with peculiar satisfaction.

Under these circumstances the Philanthropist arrived
vdth his family in London, on the 24th of March, 1835;
on the following day Mrs. Nasmith proceeded to Kent,
to make a short stay with hrr father, while David pro-
cured a residence and prepared it for their reception.
In this matter he manifested the frugality which his
prudence uniformly dictated. Writing to Miss H.
Read, he siys, " I have taken a small houL.^ at No. 13,
Canning-terrace, Hoxton, in an airy situation. Although

DAVID NASMITH.

SOS

letter sent by
his departure,
ward the cash
ith more sub-
^ in forwarding
vriting to Mrs.
3A ; we expect
lis sum of 18/.
; we receive it,
I enclose 24/.
it. My sisters
n very sincere
■are."

s utterance to
art : ** Do not
y way that we
eby serve the
•d prosper and
i hearts of his
iicouraged not
>ublin friends ;
lal prayer, for
h, — a circum-
atisfaction.
fopist arrived
March, 1835;
?ded to Kent,
B David pro-
sir reception.
ty which his
to Miss H.
.<i at No. 13,
ti. Although

the rooms are so small that it would require three of
them to make one of yours, yet I hope the current of
good air, (good for London,) will make up for our little
space. At all events, I shall have a much easier mind
than if I had taken a house at double the rent." His
biographer called upon him just as his furniture arrived,
and found the man who had come to seek the salva-
tion of the first city in the world, labouring with all
cheerfulness, in a small cottage, to put it in order.
While David had known from his youth the comfort of
a spacious and well-furnished dwelling, he had also
learned to " endure hardness," and had now become
very indifferent to all such considerations. He was
intensely bent upon the important enterprise which had
brought him to the metropolis, and which was occupy-
ing his thoughts and prayers day and night.

David Nasmith's position, at this period, cannot be
fully understood by persons not resident in the metro-
polis. His enterprise, to all but himself, seemed hope-
less, if not preposterous. Under any combination of
circumstances the attempt would have been unusually
arduous, and, in the hands of most men, utterly imprac-
ticable. His principle of action, moreover, increased
his difficulty. Had he thrown himself into the hands
eithcv of the Church or of the Dissenters, his way would
probably have been somewhat smoother. On the S8th
of April this view was set before him by the Hon. and
Rev. B. W. Noel, in the following terms : *' I have not
found time to read the statements which you were kind
enough to forward to me, and cannot, therefore, judge
of the intrinsic value of your proposed plans^ I very
much fear, that in the present circumstances of the
church, you will find yourself repelled at every step in

304

MEMOIR OF

illlil

any plan which contemplates the co-operation of differ-
ent denominations. In the first place, you must secure
the consent of the bishop, or you will not get the clergy
to act, and without the clergy you will find it hard to
move the lay members of the Establishment. In the
second place, there is a wide gulf just now between
Dissenters and the Establishment; perhaps neither party
being free from blame, which would hinder individual
members of the different bodies acting together. Under
these circumstances I know not what course you can
take, except to choose between the Dissenters and the
Establishment, — between the Christian Instruction So-
ciety and the District Visiting Society, unless, indeed,
you communicate with both societies and endeavour to
render each more efficient. I am now so overdone by
engagements, that I do not know when I can look
thoroughly into your plans."

David's Dissenting counsellors pursued a similar
course. Indeed most of them saw no necessity for a
new society. Taught by experience, that one of the
reigning evils of the day, in London, was the endless
multiplication of new institutions to the neglect of those
existing, and to the great detriment of the general cause
of philanthropy and religion, they sought to dissuade
him from the attempt. In these views the writer en-
tirely concurred ; and in the autumn of the same year,
he thus avowed them from the press. Speaking of the
City Mission, in an address to his own flock, he sa'd,
" Its object is every way the same as that of the Chris-
tian Instruction Society, and so are its instrri; ^ents, as
being composed partly of paid, and partly of gratui-
tous agents, with this difference ; the City Mission
looks principally to paid labour, and the Christian

DAVID NASMITH.

305

Instruction Society, principally to gratuitous labour.
On that point this is the whole difference ; and so f ar
they are both admirable institutions. As to their con-
stitution, however, they are altogether dissimilar. The
Christian Instruction Society is wholly a Congregational
affair. The agents of every auxiliary belong to some
particular congregation ; its support is derived from such
congregation ; and it is entirely under the control of
such congregation. It is simply an organization of the
church for a particular purpose. Its foundation is
therefore laid in nature ; and because natural, it is im-
perishable. Its congregational character is its vital
excellence ; its best security for unity, efficiency, and
perpetuity.

" The City Mission, on the contrary, is, throughout,
an artificial institution, a^; to constitution, agency, and
support ; it is entirely conventional. It recognises nei-
ther congregations, sects, nor denominations, nor any
particular school of theology ; its rallying point is the
* common salvation ;' the generally received system of
Evangelical doctrines. Hence its Board of Managers is
a promiscuous body, bound by no other tie than that
arising from the pursuit in which they have embarked.
With respect to its agents, supporters, and patrons, all
is general and conventional ; nothing congregational.
It is therefore obvious to all who know anything of the
working of human nature, as it displays itself in organ-
ized societies, that an institution, so framed, must labour
under a multitude of disadvantages, affecting at once its
unity, stability, and efficiency. These disadvantages
can only be counterpoised by such wisdom, influence,
energy, prudence, and activity in the management, as
are rarely found. They have, under God, heretofore

1 1

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MEMOIR OF

succeeded almost solely through the unrivalled capacity
for business of this kind, of the able and excellent indi-
vidual who was their originator, and has been, and is
their prime promoter. Nevertheless, as any Evangelical
Institution, whatever its defects, is an infinite improve-
ment upon none at all, so the City Mission is an invalu-
able institution in every place where multitudes are
perishing, and the existing congregations reposing in
sinful indifference ; but whenever congregations awake
to a sense of their duties to those around them, who
* are drawn unto death ;' all institutions so constituted
will be dissolved, and their valuable elements combined
into a new and a far more efficient form."

David heard us all with smiles and patience, but with-
out the slightest misgiving. His own words relative to
the state of his mind, on this occasior are worthy of
notice. " I spent several weeks in hearing the opinions
of clergymen, ministers, and Christians of note in the
church, upon whom I called ; and had 1 been a novice
in the work, I should have left London in despair, say-
ing, It is in vain to attempt it. I was reminded that
several societies were already in existence for the accom-
plishment of the same object, — that these were not
times in which \t was possible for Churchmen and Dis-
senters to unite, — and, at least, twenty other reasons
were assigned to show that there was no hope of my
being able to effect anything. I had visited London in
1828, and again in 1832, and en tnese occasions had
opportunities of knowing somewhat of the work that
was going on in the metropolis, so far as the public
institutions were concerned, that had been formed to
promote the moral and spiritual interests of its inhabit-
ants. In the spring of 1 835 I came, not to be informed

iipiliimii

DAVID NASMITII.

307

i vailed capacity
excellent indi-
as been, and is
my Evangelical
finite improve-
on is an invalu-
multitudes are
ns reposing in
Bgations awaka
ind them, who
so constituted
lents combined

ence, but with-
ords relative to
are vrorthy of
ng the opinions
of note in the
been a novice
n despair, say-
reminded that
for the accom-
lese were not
imen and Dis-
other reasons
o hope of my
ted London in
occasions had
;he work that
as the public
en formed to
of its inhabit-
o be informed

of the extent of the unoccupied field, nor of what was
doing ; but I came, in the name of the Lord, to assist
jii supplying the deficiency. I carried with me not only
the Divine warrant, but the Divine command ; and,
assured that he who had wrought by rne in fifty other
places, would be with me here also, I took courage, and,
leaning on his arm, went forward, not doubting that
good was to be done. The prayer of my heart had
been, for some time, ' Lord ! give direction.' *'

His biographer finding him resolutely bent on making
tiie experiment, ceased to dissuade ; and about the
middle of April, at his request, drew up the following
paper, to be used where it might be serviceable, among
the Dissenting portion of the community : —

" We, the undersigned, some of us from personal
knowledge of Mr. Nasmith, and others from, the testi-
m ny of ministers of the first respectability, and others
who have been his supporters and co-operators in divers
good works, beg io attest that his life has been devoted
to the promotion of religion and philanthropy. In proof
of this, and in illustration of the extent of his experi-
ence and efficiency in conducting multifarious business
of the above description, we refer to the testimonials of
the ministers of Glasgow.

" For a number of years his attention has been prin-
cipally directed to the establishment of City and Town
Missions. He organized the first mission in Glasgow,
in the year 1826, where there are now upwards of
twenty missionaries engap-ed in the instruction of the
neglected portion of the population. Similar institu-
tions have been established extensively throughout Scot-
land. Mr. Nasmith then repaired to Ireland and formed
a mission in Dublin, which now enjoys the undivided

X,.

308

MEMOIR OF

labours of twenty-nine missionaries ! He afterwards
effected the establishment of similar missions in most of
the principal towns of that country. He then pro-
ceeded to America, and set on foot missions and other
benevolent societies in Philadelphia, and various places
throughout a journey of 3000 miles, in the United
States, and in Canada. On returning from America, he
visited France, and formed a mission in Paris.

" Mr. Nasmith is now in London ; we hail his arrival
with satisfaction, and sincerely *bid him God-speed.'
Such a man needs not our commendation ; but we may
be allowed to introduce him to the friends of Christ
in the metropolis, as worthy of their confidence, and
zealous co-cperation. He is every way practical, and
nothing visionary attaches to h'.s enterprise. The
excellence and efficacy of these missions are attested
by sound and abundant experience. We conceive
that such an instrument would be above all price in
this great city ; and, indeed, view it as the only means
of reaching a vast proportion of its perishing popula-
tion. If more than twenty in Glasgow, and if twenty-
nine in Dublin, be found necessary, what shall be said
of the wants of London ? But it is not yet clear that
those numbers suffice for these cities. Dr. Chalmers
has recorded his opinion, that * forty or fifty would be
required to form ai.L adequate band of labourers' for
Glasgow. A number amounting to several hundreds
are imperatively demanded to carry the gospel to the
whole mass of our neglected and perishing fellow-
citizens.

" "We hope Mr. Nasmith may prove a benefactor to
the city, and while we wish him every blessing necessary
to success, we trust our friends will not be wanting in

DAVJD NA8MITH.

309

He afterwards
Ions in most of
He then pro-
Ions and other
various phic'>s
n the United
tn America, he
'aris.

liail his arrival
n God-speed.'
I ; but we may
;nds of Christ
onfidence, and
practical, and
3rprise. The
s are attested
We conceive
e all price in
lie only means
ishing popula-
ind if twenty-
shall be said
yet clear that
Dr. Chalmers
ifty would be
labourers' for
eral hundreds
gospel to the
shing fellow-
benefactor to
dng necessary
•e wanting in

giving him that reception which his character and
object deserve." — This document was signed by Doctor:
Morison and Halley, then of Highbury College, and
the writer.

David, at length, found out two or three of the best
men of the several sections of the church of Christ ;
and through one he was introduced to another, till, in
the course of a few weeks, he was surrounded by a
little group, who thought favourably of himself and of
his object, and on whom he had reason to rely. This
was all he sought at the outset; fur, indeed, he was
always careful of his company, and preferred a little
band of faithful men to a doubtful multitude. Writ-
ing to a friend in Dublin, on the 2nd of May, he says —

" I had hoped before now to have had the pleasure
of informing you of the existence of the London City
Mission ; but the Lord's set time has not yet arrived.
From the progress I am making, however, I trust the
time is at hand. He has directed me to a few gentle-
men who fully appreciate my object and plan, some of
whom have agreed to act, others to give, and some to
recommend. And you will be pleased, I know, to
learn that I am finding the ladies even more ready than
the gentlemen to embark in the work. I am carefully
passing by the houses of some such, as they are so
impatient to know, every time I meet them, what they
can do, and when they may proceed to work; but I
hope to see them shortly. Hasty steps I find, at pre-
sent, might be ruinous : therefore, I am still groping
ior Jit office-bearers — a treasurer, and three secretaries.
I want two Churchmen and two Dissenters. Some are
prophesying that I shall never, can never, succeed in
London at the present time, under existing circumstances,

i
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MEMOIR OF

plilil I!

IMi II'

iSiiii

in forming a committee of Churchmen and Dissenters ;
or, if we do, that they will not hv long together."

There was something very opportune in tlie period
of David's arrival, which occurred on the very week of
the publication of Mr. Noel's celebrated Letter to the
Bishop of London, on the fearful condition of the
population of his diocese. That admirable production
excited a strong and general sensation in the religious
circles of the city, both among Churchmen and Dis-
senters. Just when the tide of that excitement was
at its height, David launclied at length his little bark, —
a deed which was not attended by the usual flourish of
trumpets to summon the attention of mankind. The
ordinary, the established mode of proceeding, would
have been lu convene a public meeting, in some of our
noted places of resort, with some gentleman of influence
as chairman, supported by the most popular speakers
of the day. Experience has taught that, for London,
this is the best, and indeed the only safe, way of pro-
ceeding. David himself pursued a similar course in
Dublin, and in the chief towns of America. In the
present case, however, he had been so tossed by the
conflicting currents of the new ocean on which he
found himself afloat, that he deemed it prudent to
proceed upon a new plan, and one which, to the ordi-
nary observer, certainly seemed to promise little success.
In a room of his little house, in Canning-terrace, on
the bank of the Regent's-canal, on May the 16th, 1835,
two friends, Richard Edward Dear and WiUiam Bullock,
met David by appointment; a third, Mr. Hamilton, the
bookseller, had beun invited, but lost his way. " After
prayer," says David, ** we there formed the London
City Mission, adopted our constitution, assigned offices

JOU)

DAVID NA8MITH.

311

nd Dissenters ;
)gether."
ill tlie period
3 very week of
Letter to tlie
idition of the
)le production
I the religious
men and Dis-
itcitenient was
1 little bark, —
lual flourish of
lankind. The
ceding, would
1 some of our
in of influence
)ular speakers
, for London,
!, way of pro-
lar course in
rica. In the
ossed by the
on which he
prudent to
to the ordi-
little success,
g-terrace, on
e 16th, 1835,
liam Bullock,
lamilton, the
ay. " After
the London
signed offices

to each other ; and after laying the infant Mission
before the Lord, desiring that he would nurse and bless
it, and make it a blesshig to tens of thousands, we ad-
journed."

It may be doubted whether, in relation to the glory
of God and the salvation of men, any event of equal
importance that day occurred in England, or even in
Europe. The spirit in which these honoured men
entered upon the undertaking, may be gathered from
the next sentence of the Journal, in which he says —
" For some months after this we met, on an average,
three times a week, at six o'clock in the morning, for
prayer and business."

In a letter afterwards addressed to his brother John,
the following characteristic passage occurs: — " We have
joy in telling you that our coming hither has not been
in vain, but has been already for the conversion of
many precious souls, through the Mission, and other
means employed, since our arrival. We thought it not
good to join ourselves either to those who sought to
build up or to pull down the churches of these lands ;
but sought out a few who earnestly desired the pros-
perity of souls, and the adding of spiritual stones to
the building of our God. We commenced in weakness,
not trusting in an arm of flesh. We asked the Lord
to be our Patron, and wrought silently, finding fault
with no society and no brother, but doing our own
work."

On settling in London, Mr. and Mrs. Nasmith
connected themselves with the church assembling in
Maberly Chapel, under the pastoral care of the Rev.
Robert Philip, of whom, in the month of June, he thus
writes to an Irish friend : —

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312

MEMOIR OP DAVID NA8M1TH.

** I would have you and all whom I wish well, to be-
come intimate with my present pastor, the Rev. Robert
Philip, of Maberly Chapel, through his precious writ-
ings. His is tlie preaching that does my soul good. Mrs.
Nasmith is also strongly attached to him and his preach-
ing. I esteem it a great privilege to sit und^*r him ; the
church has about as many members as you have in
York-street ; they are in a very healthful state. Finding
that I am in a working church, and under a minister,
who, last sabbath, told those of us who were saying, *
that it were with us as in months past, when the candle
of the Lord shone on us,' that we did well to inquire
what use we made of the light when we had it ; because
if, when God sent a cry from this quarter, and a cry
from that, to come over and help, and we did not attend
to them, this neglect of God's calls would effectually
and certainly put out this candle. Finding myself with
such a captain, I have had pleasure in saying, ' Tell me
what I can do to help forward the Lord's work in con-
junction with my brethren, in the efforts they are now
making.' He soon named my post ; and something will
be speedily found for my wife also, I doubt not. He is
not so much afraid of working Christians as some I have
been acquainted with, although he does not like the
half-educated clerical pretenders."

! i

I "!

CHAPTER XX,

laying, ' Tell me

Address to Sir Thomas Fowell Baxton — Appointment of agents —
Prayerful spirit of the committee — Treasurer sought and found —
Importance of the services of Sir T. F. Buxton — Rapid progress of
the mission— Charlotte Elizabeth — Letter of Mr. Noel — Superinten-
dents and examiners appointed— Pecuniary straits — Letters of Miss
Harriet Read— Letter of Mr. Nasmith— Progress of the mission —
City Mission Magazine — The British Magazine assails the mission —
Two new classes of agents.

TO SIR T. F. BUXTON, BART.

While standing amid the Commons of England, and
pleading for the oppressed, of every clime, and espe-
cially in the colonies of Britain, you have often been
the object of love and of admiration to the best portion
of the whole civilized world ; but to Christian men,
capable of profound reflection and accustomed to its
exercise, your prompt and generous patronage of the
philanthropic stranger, David Nasmith, will be taken
as one of a class of deeds which form a more sure test of
character, and a more certain proof of moral greatness,
than the most memorable displays of eloquence in be-
half of humanity that you ever made on the floor of St.
Stephen's. You have been occasionally a senator, but
always a man ; and it is by your conduct in the latter
capacity, therefore, that your true merits must be de-
termined. Some of our eminent public men could ill
bear to be followed to their homes, and to be scrutinized

314

MEMOIR OF

throughout the walks of private life. The most flaming
patriotism is compatible with the most griping selfish-
ness ; and the most melting philanthropy in the face of
listening and applauding nations, with the most revolt-
ing barbarity in the more reserved intercourse of society.
Next to the performance of a good work ourselves, is
the assistance of another to perform it. To you, there-
fore, belongs no small share of the praise due to the
foimder of the London City Mission, to which you ren-
dered essential service, when, in September, 1835, you
penned the following short epistle : — " Dear sir, I have
only reached home within these five minutes; but in
order to save the post, which is just starting, I write at
once to say that I will, with pleasure, accept the office
of treasurer, and only hope that you are right and I
am wrong, as to the propriety of the selection." When
these lines were written, you, doubtless, little antici-
pated their publication in a memoir of the admirable
man to whom they were directed. The world at large,
however, will deem the deed not merely defensible, but
proper. My object required it, and I am sure your
generous nature will excuse the freedom. Such occa-
sional publicity is the attendant on virtue ; nor is the
inconvenience of yesterday : it is iiow a century since
Pope sung,

" Let humble Allen, with an awkward shame,
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame."

Having formed the society, advertisements were im-
mediately issued for agents, and within a brief space
about fifty applications were received ; and of those
who made them, four were selected and appointed, and
stationed in St. Giles's, Gray's Inn-laiie, Clerkenwell,

\e most flaming
griping selfish-

in the face of
le most revolt-
>urse of society,
rk ourselves, is
To you, there-
ise due to the
which you ren-
iber, 1835, you
)ear sir, I liave
inutes; but in
ing, I write at
cept the office
re right and I
ction." When
J, little antici-

the admirable
vorld at large,
defensible, but

am sure your
. Such occa-
[le; nor is the

century since

DC."

;nts were im-
a brief space
and of those
ppointed, and
Clerkenwell,

DAVID NASMITH.

315

and Spitalfields, respectively, with salaries amounting
to the sum of 297/. per annum, which rendered it need-
ful for the committee to look after the article of ways and
means. They well knew that in London, the chosen
abode of all sorts of fraud and imposture, something
more was necessary to success than a good cause and a
good conscience, for with all their zeal, they were not
without wisdom in their generation. About this time
David thus expressed his views of the state of things to
an Irish correspondent: — "Before we can expect to meet
with public confidence and general support, we must
have a few more well known names as superintendents,
and especially as treasurer. We have as yet published
no names. Our interim treasurer is a truly pious and
highly respectable man ; but he will not accept the
office permanently, and does not wish his name to go
forth. I am now in correspondence with a gentleman
as to this office, who, if he accept, will, from his piety,
liberal views as a Christian, and standing in society, be
just what we require." But while thus wisely using
means, that they never forget their entire dependence
for success upon a higher Power is beautifully illus-
trated by another extract from the same letter : — " Last
night the agents and managers took tea together at
13, Canning-terrace. We had six prayers, reading and
singing, and our conversation was such as I know would
have pleased some of our beloved Dublin friends.
What delighted me most was the deep feeling of res-
ponsibility that seemed to rest on the minds of all,
especially the agents in their new employment, and the
lively faith as to ultimate triumphs in our noble work.
Knowing, as all seemed to feel, that they went forth
not in an uncertainty, but under the banners of Him

/ a

4
ill

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316

MEMOIR OF

who leads forth from conniering to conquer — even the
All-mighty. Now I her m again to be in the element
I love. May the Lord keep us humble, watchful, and
prayerful! The agents ixre to meet with me every
Saturday evening, for prayer and consultation, and
some of the managers have begged to be allowed to
attend."

The gentleman referred to in th^ preceding para-
graph, to whose services the committee aspired, as their
treasurer, was no less a man than Sir Thomas Fowell
Buxton, who, when personally applied to by David,
said, " I am not prepared to say Yea to you, and I am
certainly not prepared to say Nay ; but you may expect
to hear from me before I leave town." After a brief
consideration. Sir Thomas replied in the most courteous
manner, as appears in the I'^ ' i -ion of this chapter,
by accepting the office. This: ..j a great point gained
to the Mission. The illustrious name of Buxton im-
parted dignity to the enterprise, and inspired immediate
confidence among all classes of Christians. The ques-
tion of success was now fairly settled. The new insti-
tution, by one spring, vaulted to the highest place in
public esteem, and supporters, both lay and clerical,
multiplied apace. " Our funds," says David, " were
sometimes low enugh, but the barrel of meal and
cruise of oil wasted not ; we sought to honour God,
and it pleased him to honour us. Money was given
by God through his stewards to dispose of, not in years
to come, but immediately, which we did, and have
never repented it. Souls were passing into eternity
to whom we felt it to be our duty quickly to send the
gospel ; by so doing many, through the assistance of
the Holy Spirit, were enlightened and saved, and are

) I' 1

DAVID NASMITH.

317

now with Jesus. Six months elapsed, and we had tan
agents at work, with a balance in the hands of the
treasurer ; in twelve months we had forty, and in twenty-
two months sixty-three agents employed. By this time
the Head of the church had so smiled on the Mission,
that a sum exceeding 4,000Z. had been received."

David, while sowing, as was his custom, beside all
waters, was brought into contact with a lady who has
done not a little for the honour of her sex, the glory
of her country, and the good of mankind. He must
tell his own tale.

" A friend," says he, " lately wrote to Mrs. Phealan
(Charlotte Elizabeth) that, if at home, he and I
would come 'out and take tea with her, on an after-
noon which was specified ; my object was mentioned.
She replied, saying she would be glad to see us, but
to tell me that she could do nothing for my object.
We went; she received us very kindly. I had not
said much to her until she stopped me, and said, * You
must write that all down, and give it me that I may
insert it in the Ladies* Magazine^ which has an exten-
sive circulation.' I promised to comply with her re-
quest. Before I left she begged to have a supply of
my papers, that she might bring the object before her
friends. In two days after she handed me a donation
of 51. from a lady. When talking over the difficulties
that lay in my way, she said, * You must act on the
motto I took in building the Irish church, in St. Giles,
and on which I raised 1,200/.,' and wrote it down for me :

' Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees,
And looks to God alone ;
Laughs at impossibilities.
And says, — it shall be done !' "

The principal offices were now supplied. To

318

MEMOIR OF

Sir T. F. BuT.ton was added J. I. Marks, Esq., as sub-
treasurer, who from the commencement up to the pre-
sent time, has been of signal service to the enterprise.
David soon obtained a co-secretary in E. T. Carver, Esq.,
who remained his devoted friend to the end of his life ;
and the committee was gradually increased as proper
men turned up. The next great point was, to procure
a body of ministerial examiners of candidates for the
work of the mission. Great efforts were made to obtain
the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel to represent the Church
of England; such an office, however, was not then
compatible with the multifarious engagements of that
eminent man, who nevertheless replied in a tone, and
in language, which showed that the committee had not
miscalculated his views and feelings. The following is
part of his answer : — " I enclose you 5/. for the City
Mission, the plan of which 1 like better than that of
any other home society which I have seen ; but I am
unable to undertake the office you propose. To ascer-
tain the qualifications and the spirit of the Society's
agents would require a detailed examination and in-
quiry, for which I have no leisure ; t.nd to assume the
office of examiner without fulfilling the duties, would
be a deception to the public. "Wishing you, dear sir,
every sort of success, under the ample blessing of God,
I remain," &c. '

By the month of October the machine presented a
tolerably complete appearance. The Rev. Mr. Gar-
wood and the Rev. Mr. Rodwell, clergymen, and th-i
Rev. Mr. Blessley, an Independent minister, had ac-
cepted the office of superintendents of missionaries;
the Rev. Dr. Leifchild, the Rev. Mr. Broadfoot, of
CheshuDt College, and the Rev. Dr. Murch, of Stepney
College, had become examiners. Thus all was proceed-

I'llliiii

DAVID NA8MITH.

319

^ ;i

3, Esq., as sub-
up to the pre-
> the enterprise.
T. Carver, Esq.,
end of his life ;
jased as proper
was, to procure
ididates for the

I made to obtain
sent the Church

v^as not then
^ements of that

in a tone, and
mittee had not
he following is
»/. for the City
er than that of
oen; but I am
)se. To ascer-
f the Society's
nation and in-
to assume the

duties, would
J you, dear sir,
essing of God,

le presented a
lev. Mr. Gar-
(rmen, and th";
tiister, had ac-

missionaries ;

Broadfoot, of
3h, of Stepney

II was proceed-

ing prosperously in public ; but the excellent philan-
thropist was not without his private anxieties. He
was in constant pecuniary difficulties. Had the sum
which was promised from Dublin been fuHy and regu-
larly paid, it was far from sufficient, in London, for a
man of his hospitable spirit, with a rising family ; but
it was not thus paid. The result of such an arrange-
ment might have been easily foretold; it proved an
entire failure ; and nothing but the stability, energy,
and perseverance of Miss Harriet Read prevented its
becoming a still more afflicting disappointment. The
following extract of a letter from her, shortly after
Dcivid's arrival in London, shows the difficulty atten-
dant on the collection even for the first year,

" We have got 20/. from Mr, A. Guinness, and a
pretty letter, promising the same for the two following
years, on my simply stating the particulars to Mrs,
Guinness; he is a truly pious man. We had p very
delightful meeting to-day, at two o'clock — a beautiful
lecture from Mr. Bellett, who remembered you with
peculiar love and tenderness in prayer. I am sorry to
say we have only collected, altogether, 95/. 10*. Mr,
Hogan has promised to send the balance, 35Z. lO*., free
of charge, to you, I delayed till after the meeting, in
hopes of its amounting, at least, to lOOZ. ; and wait for
a day, for replies to two o^ *h: ee applications. I have
called three times at Mr. M.'s ; he got my letter, but
will not return ro town for three weeks. The letter I
send you came from Cork the day after you left Dublin,
with a letter of credit for ten pounds. I wish you could
send me one of the printed papers, containing the letters
of recommendation from clergymen in Glasgow, Dublin,
> On my trying to remove the objections of some

Vi.

3S^

MEMOIR OF

friends, they have asked to see some testimonials ; and,
though half inclined to laugh at their request, it would
be pruderr, perhaps, to humour them. I am forwarding
a lett'jr (now that I have your address) to Dr. Morgan,
of Bath; he may serve you with letters. I know he
will plead for you, that the Lord may strengthen and
comfort you, for he is a man of God."

In the month of March, of the following year, the
same lady, in addressing David, said : —

" I wish, when you write, you would allude to the
collecting of the Irish fund ; if you like, scold me, for
my want of exertion in raising it, for I deserve it ; for
I cannot conquer my reluctance in urging it on our
friends ; when I find them collected in our own house,
I feel I should not be so backward elsewhere ; however,
if you introduce the subject, it will be the ice broken ;
for I have invited some friends latterly who were not
present at the commencement, and who seem to be
ignorant of that part of their duty by their disappoint-
ing my expectations from day to day, when I have
expected ample subscriptions."

The difficulty of collecting the money increased with
time. About Midsummer, of the same year, Miss Read
says : —

" Since I last wrote, I have received a few small
donations, making in all, only, paid in this year, 77/.
This will never do in London, my dear friend; and I
have written, and invited, and spoken to every creature
at all likely to give. You must submit to receive your
just salary for the services you are conferring on the
London people. Is ^.ot the labourer worthy of his
hire? Our own City Mission is in so deplorable a state
as to funds, that all who might otherwise give are invul-

DAVID NASMITH.

321

wing year, the

nerable, pleading the great necessity at home ; in vain
/ plead its being in part returned, and, in prospect
much in ore likely to serve than injure our Mission.
They smile at me as a visionary. I was surprised and
disappointed at receiving a long letter from Mr. Shaw,
Londonderry, apologizing for sending only \l.\ having
established an infant school, and a Bethel for preaching
the Gospel to the sailors, making such demands on his
purse that he cannot give more ; but if you should be
in want of money, at the end of the year, to let him
know, and he will deduct from other charities to give
towards yours. I cannot see how I could apply on such
conditions. I stated what had been collected last year,
and this year, so far short of 200/. To-day, Mr. Hogan
called, and gave exactly such an opinion as I have, in
the same spirit of friendship expressed, respecting your
accepting the just remuneration for your services in
London."

Such was the report, and such the counsel, of this
intelligent anri zealous lady, whose views were cer-
tainly supported both by truth and justice. There was
no well-grounded reason why Dublin, whose Protestant
resources were so inadequate to its own Protestant
objects, should continue to support an agent for the
benefit of London, which was both able and willing to
take on itself the honourable and pleasant obligation.
Something might, perhaps, be said in behalf of the
project for the first year, while the Philanthropist was
unknown, and the value of his services in London not
fully demonstrated ; but beyond this period reason has
nothing to ofier in behalf of any such claim on Ireland.
David was, nevertheless, wedded to his purpose, and at
no loss for additional arguments, satisfactory at least to

:s: t

i ill-

iw m

S22

MEMOIR OF

himself, in support of his view. In a letter to his
friend Rohertson, in October, 1835, he argues the point
on new ground.

" I know," says he, " that in Dublin there is a differ-
ence of opinion as to my support, whilst doing work in
London, coming for a time from poor Ireland. Not so
much for my own sake, but for the sake of the London
City Mission, but especially for the sake of Ireland
herser, and may I say, of the Dublin City Mission, I
should be glad that the objectors would keep silent, if
they think it not duty to give, — and sincerely and ear-
nestly do I desire that my very kind Committee were
enabled fully to realize their benevolent intentions;
believing (I may be wrong) that few steps that Irish
Christians have ever taken would be more likely to do
the Lord's work amongst them a pecuniary service than
this, provided the London City Mission is found to be
what it is beginning to be hoped it will prove to be,
a great spiritual blessing to the poor of the metropolis.
When, at an early period, I announced, by letter to the
brethren associated with me, the way in which I was
enabled to appear amongst them, you can hardly con-
ceive the astonishment and delight it seemed to give to
those who had not been previously advertised of it.
A very eminent and influential minister said to me when
I mentioned the circumstance to him : * None but ladies
would have thought of such a thing; it is worthy of
them.' He knew the difficulties I would have to en-
counter in the outset, and until the work was seen, and
commanded the confidence and support of the public,
he saw the absolute necessity of some such arrangement
being gone into. A gentleman, who gave us 10/. a few
days ago to the Mission, and who has joined the com-

1 »

J)fi flD NA8MITH.

323

a letter to his
Lrgues the point

here is a difFer-
; doing work in
eland. Not so

of the London
ake of Ireland
City Mission, I

keep silent, if
cerely and ear-
ommittee were
3nt intentions;
teps that Irish
)re likely to do
iry service than
is found to be
1 prove to be,
the metropolis.
)y letter to the
n which I was
m hardly con-
med to give to
vertised of it.
lid to me when
^one but ladies
t is worthy of
Id have to en-
: was seen, and

of the public,
;h arrangement
5 us 10/. a few
)ined the com-

mittee, being told by a friend of the Irish Ladies'
Committee, expressed himself in terms that would not
have chilled an Irish heart. It does not require much
penetration to see that, should God bless the London
City Mission, that the friends of Jesus in the metropolis
will not be backward in paying back, with good interest,
in answer to an appeal to them on behalf of the Dublin
City Mission, what the friends of that Mission have
advanced towards doing them a kindness. In the mean
time I have no objection that the Committee of the
Dublin City Mission put my name on the cover of
their report, as authorised by them to receive subscrip-
tions in London for them (should I be esteemed trust-
worthy), and to put into circulation one or more hun-
dred copies, in such quarters as I think they may be
most likely to tell ; and of this I shall become better
acquainted as I proceed. You may name this, if you
think proper, to Mr. Hogan. Only let no one suppose
that the interest is to be paid all at once ; we must be
allowed to trade with the capital for a time."

This argument was too refined for the good people of
Dublin to attach much importance to it. The pro-
spective benefit thus held forth was both distant and
doubtful. Towards the end of the year the friends and
resources of the Mission began rapidly to multiply. On
the last day of October, David, writing to a friend, says : —

" Last Monday, at the house of Alexander Gordon,
Esq., Wandsworth Common, my brother secretary and
I met that gentleman, and two or three other influential
Christians. Support was there guaranteed for one
agent ; and, from the efforts to be made by some pre-
sent, there is the prospect of support for two or more
in other quarters.

324,

MEMOIR OF

[^lil!

((

J. Claypon, Esq., of the Elms, Hampstead, has this
month become a superintendent and manager, and sub-
scribed 10/.; 51. of annual subscription to the general
fund, and 51. for his district agent. This gentleman
has considerable influence, and offers to exert it in our
behalf.

" Thomas Thompson, Esq., Treasurer of the Home
Missionary Society, who, some months ago, gave us
211., in a letter of the 6th inst. says: 'From the
report of my daughter^ I learned, with much pleasure,
that you are proceeding in your London Mission most
encouragingly. Your beginning is, however, yet only
small, but it will greatly increase. I send you a copy
of our Home Magazine. If, after perusal, you think
that any statement of yours respecting the London
Mission might be inserted, with the probability of
deepening the interest beginning to be felt in the
public mind for you, I shall be always happy to obtain
as large a space therein as we can possibly spare. I
hope to be with you some early Saturday evening.'

" The Rev. Mr. Rodwell, (Episcopal minister,) named
in my last, has this month undertaken the superintend-
ence of (Smith, from Dublin) the agent labouring in
his parish. When speaking to me of Smith's proceed-
ings, he said, * But from the labours of your agent, I
cannot account for the increased attendance of the poor
in my church for several Sundays past.'

" The Reformation Society nas made us a grant of
their books for the agents' library.

" The British and Foreign Bible Society has given
us 100 Bibles, and 200 Testaments, as a loan stock.

" The Religious Tract Society has given another

DAVID NASMITH.

325

stead, has this
iger, and sub-
;o the general
lis gentleman
icert it in our

of the Home
ago, gave us
*From the
ueh pleasure,
Mission most
!ver, yet only
d you a copy
il, you think
the London
>robability of
felt in the
apy to obtain
jly spare. I
evening.'
ister,) named
superintend-
labouring in
til's proceed-
our agent, I
I of the poor

s a grant of

y has given
n stock,
i^en another

grant of tracts, to the amount of 51, ; making in all, to
the amount of 14/. 10*., from that quarter already.

" The deputation, mentioned in my last, from Dr.
Burder's church, reported favourably, I understand, of
our agents and their proceedings. The result is, that
the Doctor's church support a missionary under their
own superintendence, and wish our assistance in finding
a competent agent, and advice as to the best way of
regulating their proceedings.

" The reports from our agents at their weekly meet-
ings, in my house, on Saturday evening, are such as 1
should be glad that your praying band could be present
to hear."

During the month of December, the Bishop of Lon-
don began to manifest tokens of disapprobation of his
clergy countenancing the City Mission, of which David,
writing to his brother-in-law, Mr. Gallic, thus speaks :

" I found the Bishop of London had asked one of his
clergy to withdraw his name from the printed list of
our superintendents. My worthy friend, to please the
Bishop, did so, but continues to discharge the duties of
his ofiice as in time past ; and the Bishop lets him, or
any of his clergy, avail themselves of our help as they
have a mind in their respective parishes. Tliere were
the names of others of his clergy on our list of superin-
tendents, and advertised to speak, but of no one did he
take notice except Mr. Rodwell. I waited on the
Bishop, explained to him our object, our plan of
working, and the spirit in which we sought to do our
work ; and ventured to express to him my feelings, on
account of any interference being made to prevent one
of his clergy from attending our public meeting. We
had mutual explanations, and parted, not bitter enemies,

.1 )

336

MEMOIR OP

I '1 ii<

— at least not on my part, nor do I suppose on his, —
although we did not, as was to be expected, see quite
eye to eye. I went not to consult, nor to ask sanction
nor patronage, but simply to put him in possession of
facts, and leave him without excuse if he attempts to
oppose."

At the close of the year, and consequently at the end
of the first six months, they had no fewer than nineteen
agents at work, and were in possession of funds to the
amount of about 800/. About this time the committee
began to consider the importance of diffusing informa-
tion on the subject which occupied their attention ; and
having wisely determined to publish a Magazine, they
went about it with laudable zeal. " Our managers,
says David, " have agreed to publish a monthly Maga-
zine, price 2d., eight pages 8vo, with cover, to be
called, * The City Mission Magazine ;' containing an
account of the proceedings of City Missions in general,
and of the London City Mission in particular; with
notices of plans tending to the temporal and spiritual
improvement of a city population. A committee has
been chosen to edit it ; and that the funds may be
guarded, the first number is not to be put to press until
two-thirds of the number necessary to cover risk be
subscribed for. One member of committee has agreed
for twelve months to take 100 copies; three, 50 each;
one, 25 ; and a friend, 10, monthly."

The infant Mission, meantime, had not been over-
looked by the press. " We have been favoiirably
noticed," says David, " by many magazines and news-
papers; but now we begin to be taken up by those
differently minded from 'ourselves. The * British Ma-
gazine' has this month done us the honour of filling

DAVID KASMITH.

ose on his, —
;ed, see quite
ask sanction
possession of
J attempts to

;ly at the end
;han nineteen
funds to the
le committee
ling informa-
tention; and
igazine, they
ir managers,
)nthly Maga-
cover, to be
antaining an
s in general,
:icular; with
and spiritual
mmittee has
inds may be
o press until
3ver risk be
3 has agreed
ee, 50 each ;

been over-
favourably
s and news-
ip by those
British Ma-
il of filling

three of their pages with notices of our proceedings.
I give you the following sentence from their observa-
tions : • They may ask whether (to say the least) any
possible good can be hoped for, by a reasonable man,
from efforts, of which it is difficult to say whether the
directors or the agents seem most unfit for the task of
instructing the myriads of unhappy beings who are now
living without God in the world,' &c. &c."

The year 1836 was to David one of great activity.
His thoughts were much occupied about the best
methods of reaching a portion of the population, to
whom the worthy although humble agents then em-
ployed, had no access. Addressing his brother-in-law,
Mr. Gallic, ^d the beginni j of July, he thus reports
upon the Mission, and nrv a ounces the subject of two
new classes of agents :

" The Master is <!irecting the Mission. "We have
forty-nine agents employed, and, I suppose, about
1600/. still in hand. We have this week resolve J to
employ, first, regularly educated ministers, to give
themselves wholl} to the work of preaching in public
works, that are open to the Mission, and that contain a
class of persons who greatly need such ministrations ;
and, second, men of the first-rate talent and education,
who z •? gentlemen, in every sense, as missionaries to
the ricu . To the first of these classes we intend giving,
as salary, from 80/. to 120/., and to the secoTid class
from 150/. to 300/. per annum. These are new fea-
tures in City Mission work ; but you will at once
admit that they are of vast importance. Should you
happen to know any person suited for either of these
departments, I shall be glad to hear from you."

With respect to this first class of labourers, the

328

MEMOIR OP DAVID NASMITH.

project seems at once both practicable and praise-
worthy. All that can be said of the second is, that
it is exceedingly desirable, but wholly unattainable.
It is now as in the days of Solomon : " The poor
useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly."
A great change must come over the spirit of man,
before one in ten thousand of our great men's houses,
in this metropolis, become visitable by the " servants
of the Most High God, which show unto men the way
of salvation." In the same letter, he thus advertiser his
friend of the existence of some new societies :

" We have lately formed a Monthly Tract Distribu-
tion Society, which proposes to issue 50,000 tracts in
September, to begin with.

" Our Paternal Society meetings I find very useful.
They are held in the houses of the members, in rota-
tion, once a fortnight. The subject discussed at last
meeting was — * Is it the duty of Christian parents to
teach their children to pray ? ' and at next meeting the
inquiry will be — * What is the best plan of training
them to the proper discharge of this duty ? '

"A society of young men has just been formed, to
assist in guarding the public morals."

iiiir

B and praise-
econd is, that
unattainable.
: " The poor
?th roughly."
pirit of man,
men's houses,
;he " servants
men the way
advertiser his
ies:
ract Distribu-

000 tracts in

[ very useful,
bers, in rota-
!ussed at last
m parents to
t meeting the

1 of training

n formed, to

CHAPTER XXI.

Address to Mr. Dear — Alarm created by new institutions — Clerical
alienation — Letter of Mr. Ainslie — Resolution of the Committee
concerning the Female Mission— Mr. Ainslie's withdrawal from the
Mission— Letter of Mr. Robins— Letter of Mr. Noel— Catholic cha-
racter of the Mission— Qualification of agents — Alleged negligence
in examination — Objections founded in misapprehension — Judgment
and prudence essential to a social reformer — How far these qualities
distinguished David Nasmith — His object in visiting London — His
extraordinary capabilities — Clerical objections rather ecclesiastical
than economical — Character of Mr. Ainslie's objections — The new
institutions only parts of a whole — The doctrine of balance in favour
of a Society considered — Philanthropic Institution House, with reading-
room, defended — Necessity for an Adult-School Society — Merits of
the Monthly Tract Society considered — The Female Mission grew
out of the London City Mission— Exaggerated Views of the Female
Mission — Christian humanity sacrificed to false delicacy — Constitu-
tion and objects of the Female Mission examined— Misplaced ridicule
— Mr. Nasmith's work, his Witness — Patronage and prosperity of
the Female Mission— Proposal to alter the Constitution of the City
Mission — Mr. Nasmith's resolution to adhere to his principles —
Generous conduct of the Committee— Painful position of Mr. Nasmith
—His magnanimity — His resignation— Endeavours to retain his ser-
vices — Mr. Carver's resignation — Resolution relative to Messrs.
Nasmith and Carver.

TO RICHARD EDWARD DEAR, ESQ.

Sir, — Next to David Nasmith, the first place is due to
you, on the list of the orignators of the London City
Mission. By appointment you went to meet him and
two other friends, at 13, Canning- terrace, Hoxton, in
order to its formation ; but you were the only individual

• f

330

MEMOIR OF

who attended. Arrangements were made for a second
meeting, for the same purpose, at your own house in
Bishopsgate-street, where the only person that appeared
was Mr. Nasmith. Still, not discouraged, another
meeting was resolved on, at Canning-terrace, where a
third party joined you and Mr. Nasmith, and then the
Mission was formed. Afterwards, in your house, and by
your hand, was prepared the draft of the first Address
to the Public in its behalf. At your house also, for
many months subsequently, meetings for prayer were
held, on an average, three times a week, at six o'clock
in the morning. On you devolved likewise the duties
of Examiner of the first Agents, and Treasurer of the
first contributions ; and, acting as Secretary' for the time
being, after Mr. Nasmith's resignation, it fell to your
lot to draw up the Resolution which, on that occasion,
was adopted by the Committee, expressive of their pro-
found respect for his character, and deep regret for the
loss of his invaluable services. On these grounds I
inscribe to you the following Chapter, which records
the history of the most eventful period of his public
life.' ■ ' ■ • ■■• ^-

:l! i::

rU.

••■X

This multiplication of institutions was quickly attended
with consequences very difierent from those anticipated
by their benevolent founder. Some of the earliest and
most influential friends of the Mission took alarm lest
these movements should impair its interests and efii-
ciency. This alarm was increased by the fact that,
about the close of 1836, t^.e Mission began to assume
a very serious aspect, and the dark predictions, as to
its duration, which, at the outset, many had uttered,

DAVID NASMITH.

331

for a second
»\vn house in
that appeared
»ed, another
race, where a
and then the
house, and by
first Address
)use also, for
prayer were
at six o'clock
ise the duties
asurer of the
f for the time
t fell to your
that occasion,
of their pro-
egret for the
se grounds I
vhich records
of his public

ckly attended
se anticipated
e earliest and
)ok alarm lest
•ests and effi-
;he fact that,
an to assume
lictions, as to
had uttered,

seemed about to be fulfilled. The Church of England,
which supplied a very large proportion of its fuiids,
was inadequately represented on the Committee. There
was a like preponderance of Dissenters also among the
Agents. This inequality was entirely the result of
necessity ; for aught that was done, or desired by
Mr. Nasmith or the Committee, it might have been
just the reverse. "With respect to the composition of
the Committee and the selection of the agents, fitness,
not sect, alone determined the choice. Neither in
London, nor elsewhere, did Mr. Nasmith know any-
thing of denominations.

The Rev. Robert Ainslie, who, from the first, had been
an ardent, powerful, and judicious friend of the Mission,
strongly participating in this alarm, on the 4th of Feb-
ruary, 1837, addressed a letter, through Mr. Nasmith,
to the Committee, in which, after some preliminary
remarks, he proceeds to expound the matter in the
following terms and order: — .'..:, r

" Review, brethren, the history of the last twenty-
one months. Mr. Nasmith visits London, compara-
tively a stranger to the metropolitan religious public :
and he is honoured of God, and countenanced by the
public, in forming the London City Mission. The first
meeting of the Mission, held under the most favourable
circumstances, commends it to the afiections and judg-
ments of Christians. The platform crowded with
ministers, and the Hall crowded either with the friends
of the Mission, or those willing to become its friends.
Large supplies of wealth are immediately poured into
its treasury; so that the balance in the hands of the
treasurer, on December 3, 1835, was increased, by June
1836, (a period of six months and fifteen days,) from

:^f

332

MEMOIR OF

twelve shillings to 1703/. 14«. 2d, This was the case,
though the number of agents had increased from ten
to forty. Since May 1836, its agents have been mul-
tiplied, and its principles have not been violated, but
the funds are not proportionally augmented. December
returns, and another meeting is held, but either through
an unfortunate title given to it, or some other cause,
it differs materially from its predecessor in the same
place. Instead of a crowded platform, it was nearly
vacant; and instead of its treasury being replenished,
as in the corresponding period of the past year, but
little has been received, except the collections at these
services. Instead of the report then stating an increased
balance, it declared a deficiency of five or six hundred
pounds.

*' Had I been instrumental in founding such a mis-
sion, I think I should have devoted myself exclusively
to it, and have considered that to augment its agents
to 400, and its income to 30,000Z. per annum ; and to
watch over such an immense society, embracing the
wants of London, v/ould have been enough, had I pos-
sessed the physical strength of Samson, and the mental
energies of Bacon or Locke. Certainly the man who,
under God, had originated, and if only for a few years,
had wisely and prudently managed such an institution,
so that it might permanently exist, would not have
lived in vain.

" But what are the facts collateral with the rise and
progress of the London City Mission ? Before its plans
are perfected, when it has but sixty agents out of the
400, and when its balance is decreasing every month,
it is surrounded by a number of other institutions, all
new, and originated by the same individual.

I i

DAVID NASMITH.

333

as the case,
3d from ten
B been mul-
iolated, but
December
;her through
other cause,
in the same
was nearly
replenished,
ist year, but
3ns at these
an increased
six hundred

such a mis-
■ exclusively
it its agents
um; and to
ibracing the
, had I pos-
the mental
e man who,
a few years,
. institution,
Id not have

the rise and
ore its plans
I out of the
very month,
itutions, all

" The Philanthropic Institution House was one of
the first, and at present it has failed. It has not been
sanctioned by any old society, nor has any new society
yet been able to pay its rent, except the London City
Mission.

'■^ The Metropolitan Tract Society, after flattering
promises to the religious public, has done nothing ; and
the public are not now aware even of its existence.

" The Young Men's Society, with the declaration it
issued, have both been given up, after several adver-
lisements that connected it with No. 20, Red Lion-
square, and a new society, called the British and Fo-
reign Young Men's Society, established in its stead.

" The Reading-room, at present, has also failed ; and
without a great addition to its subscribers, it cannot
pay its rent and publications beyond the year.

" The Adult School Society, at No. 20, Red Lion-
square, is another candidate, by appeal and advertise-
ment, for the countenance and support of the public ;
but as it has made no report of its proceedings since
its appeal, I can give no account of its funds nor
operations.

" Among the last is the London Female Mission,
firs I, projected under the name of the Female Friend
Society, but published to the vcrld as the London
Female Mission. It is the crisis brought about by
this society that has compelled me to look differently
at the London City Mission to what I did; not that my
feelings towards the Mission are changed, but my con-
fidence has been materially shaken in the prudence,
discretion, and judgment of Mr. Nasmith, seeing that
he is the originator and prime mover of one and all of
these institutions.

»•"'

334

MEMOIR OF

" Brethren, look calmly and as prudent men at your
position, and the facts of the case. You stand in no
ordinary relation to the religious public of London, and
you have created and taken upon yourselves a solemn
responsibility as to the evangelization of London, and
the niai) 'g jmeiit of an institution which proposes, under
God. to ef?>;!t it ) {)\ your convenience, and the affairs
of your Mission, yoa have taken a suite of rooms at
No, 20, Red Lion-square, commodious, and in every
way eligible, and t]\e house free from disrepute when
yoii entered it. in a few short months you are sur-
rounded by vera! new neighbours ; and the religious
public, liv^owiiig that the founder of the Mission is the
projector of these other new ones, begin to think that
the Philanthropic Institution House has been taken for
the creation of societies.

'•' At length, a society, only second to your own (if
second) as to the comprehensiveness of its plans, and
the minuteness and intricacy of its details, and requiring
large funds, is announced with your fair and popular
name, changing the word City into Female, and located
in the same house with yourselves. The public think
that the managers of the London City Mission know of
all these new Societies, and sanction them, especially
as they see the names of several connected with the
Mission on their Committee. But rooms for the Com-
mittee of the London Female Mission are not enough.
The stables of the house are converted into a proba-
tionary house for wretched females — of a house where
sixty young men meet to hear a lecture on the Tuesday
morning (to the yard of which they have access) — where
fifteen or twenty meet to report on the Saturday even-
ing — where clerk<« are kept — a housekeepeiL resides, and

I !

DAVID NASMITH.

335

which is also the office and place of meeting of the
British and Foreign Young Men's Society. That a
part of such a house should be appropriated for the
reception of the worst of females, without a day's cha-
racter, has appalled me. The paling in the yard in
which these girls must often be, is easily climbed, and
their contiguity to the house decidedly unsafe. As if
this were not enough, a door has been fixed in the
paling, and a stone ^ath laid down to the back door,
thus connecting the probationary house with the house
of which it is the stables, and therefore, to the public,
almost under the same roof.

" The indelicacy and imprudence of such an arrange-
ment must strike every prudent person as soon as men-
tioned, and that the managers should silently permit
these things, and continue the Mission in a house now
ineligible by the many new speculations which have
issued from it, as well as by the contiguity of so many
abandoned females, is deeply deplored by rpany of the
best friends of the Mission, who either say, we have
nothing to do with it, much as we regret it, or who
liave not courage plainiv and faithfully to state their
sentiments upon the subject. Though these societies
are professedly separate, the public identify them as the
product of one mind, as located in one spot, mainly
directed by the same energies, and supplied from one
source; thus their confidence is destroyed, and the
existence of the London City Mission endangered.

" These results will be inevitable if the present pro-
ceedings are continued. First, the management of the
London City Mission will be inefficient. The executive
of all its plans and operations is Mr. Nasmith, and it is

"^ ' w

■'.". \

336

MEMOIR OF

in his power not only to work it, but, under God, to
consolidate its various interests. If, however, he devote
his mind to other objects, he cannot give it to the
London City Mission. The mind that ought to be
employed in directing, establishing, and inventing for
the London City Mission, is engaged in originating new
institutions; providing constitutions and rules; organ-
izing committees, and pleading for funds ; and all this
when you have but sixty-four Agents out of 1-00, and
a few thousand pounds per annum, instead of 30,000/.
Certainly, two or three minds of great power might
be fully engrossed in managing and providing for the
Mission.

" A second result will be, the destruction of public
confidence in whatever may originate in, or be con-
nected with, 20, Red Lion-square. It was not unna-
tural that, at the founding of the Mission, many persons
should hesitate when they seriously reflected upon the
magnitude of the work proposed ; and also when many
knew that not a few similar, established in other places,
had greatly declined or become extinct. But to have
this succeeded by so many others, and to perceive such
a determination to go on with them, will compel even
men of great moral courage to hesitate, lest they incur a
responsibility they cannot me , and be involved in
difficulties from which they cannot easily be extricated.
It was only on last Monday week that a minister of
great influence in London, and who a short time since
thought favourably of the Mission, said to me, * Sir,
20, Red Lion-square, is the laughing-stock of the reli-
gious public ; and I know that many of my brethren
are amazed at, and bitterly regret the fecundity of the

DAVID NA8M1TH.

337

nder God, to
ver, he devote
;ive it to the

ought to be
inventing for
figinating new

rules; organ-
; and all this
it of too, and
ad of 30,000/.
, power might
viding for the

;tion of public
n, or be con-
was not unna-
. many persons
scted upon the
Iso when many
n other places,
But to have
) perceive such
11 compel even
!St they incur a
36 involved in
r be extricated.
t a minister of
lort time since
i to me, * Sir,
ck of the reli-
f my brethren
jcundity of the

Philanthropic Institution House. On this subject,
however, you will continue to accumulate evidence that
will prove exceedingly painful.

** The third result will be, the decrease of your funds
until you will not be able to meet the demands of the
Mission. I have already shown that the corresponding
half of last year were much j^reater than of this ; and,
looking fairly at the case in all its bearings (although
much may be got by an extraordinary effort), I am sure
that permanent funds will not be provided while so
many institutions from one house are crowded upon the
attention of the public. I have been told by some who
have given liberally to the Mission, that they shall give
no more ; for they expect that the Mission will event-
ually share the fate of some other societies now nearly,
if not quite extinct.

" I have thus, brethren, discharged a painful, but
solemn duty. I ask for nothing to be done to gratify
me, or to meet my wishes. After maturely weighing
the several facts now stated, and others that have come
under my observation that I need not state ; and after
solemnly and prayerfully looking at the whole question
in the most favourable light, I feel that I must decline
my connexion with the Mission.

" While the Mission is in company with these new
societies — while Mr. Nasmith's attention and energies
are divided among them — while they are all candidates
for public favour and support, the Mission will not
succeed ; and, as I have no hope of any change that
would place the Mission on a different basis (for I
believe that Mr. Nasmith's whole mind is wanted exclu-
sively for the Mission), I must retire.

" I do it v/hile the stability of the Mission may be

8' ...

338

MEMOIR OF

secured by an enlightened and vigorous management;
and if my withdrawal should placr your position before
you more clearly, and awaken your attention to public
opinion, I sliall probably do more for the Mission,
eventually, by retiring, than if I had continued con-
nected with it."

This letter is pervaded by an earnestness which shows
how deep a hold the subject hud taken on the mind of
the writer, whose sincerity none could question, what-
ever might be thought of his opinions. Right or wrong,
Mr. Ainslie was an open and manly opponent. This
letter was not the vehicle of sentiments which the writer
wanted courage to state in person ; for, believing his
opinion to be founded in truth, he was ready and anxi-
ous so to discuss and maintain them. He expressed
a desire to meet a full Committee for that very purpose,
and his request was promptly complied with. The
Committee met ; and Mr. Ainslie was allowed to sup-
port his views. The Committee, however, thought—
and as the event has shown, thought justly — there was
much exaggeration in the statement, and much needless
alarm entertained by those who cherished the views
comprised in it ; and accordingly the matter terminated in
a resolution to the effect, that no harm whatever could
arise from the contiguity of the Female Institution,
which was the chief source of the dread and the dis-
content. Mr. Ainslie, whose resignation, as tendered
in his letter, was accepted, quietly withdrew ; but the
effect of this withdrawal was less to allay than to aug-
ment the fears thus entertained. The views of Mr.
Ainslie, on this head, were common to the chief clerical
supporters of the Mission, who, in addition to these
grounds of complaint,- had objections, as already stated,

DAVID NA8MITH.

339

management ;
)08ition before
ition to public
the Mission,
jntinued con-
is which shows
u the mind of
question, what-
jght or wrong,
(ponent. This
hich the writer
r, believing his
eady and anxi-
He expressed
t very purpose,
d with. The
lUowed to sup-
ver, thought—
tly — there was
much needless
5hed the views
r terminated in
whatever could
,le Institution,
d and the dis-
n, as tendered
irew; but the
y than to aug-
views of Mr.
e chief clerical
ition to these
already stated,

peculiar to themselves, arising from the inequality above
referred to. About a month after his resignation, the
Rev. Sanderson Robins wrote a letter to Mr. Nasmith,
in which he says, " My attachment to the principle on
which the Mission was founded has suffered no dimi-
nution, and I firmly believe that if any impression is to
be made on the mass of sin and ignorance in this town,
it must be by the united efforts of the people of God.
But I have no confidence in the management of this
society." After enumerating and objecting to the new
institutions, mentioned by Mr. Ainslio, he says, " Nei-
ther am I content to find so large a portion of agents
taken from the Baptist denomination — no fewer than
nine out of the fifteen, whom I have lately seen." The
letter thus concludes : —

" I do fervently desire that, by Divine help, the
Society may yet be brought back to its former stand-
ing, and fulfil its high and holy objects. Although I
am no longer attached to it by membership, or contri-
bution, I shall not cease to pray that God would pour
upon it the spirit of wisdom. If it is to prosper, it
must forthwith give up all its offsets ; the salaries of
the agents must be increased ; they must live among
their people ; they must be men of a far higher order
than the present average ; they must not be fetched
from their work, at the expense of a day, to the morn-
ing lecture; and there must be a strict impartiality
preserved in selecting them from different portions of
the church of Christ."

On the 8th of March, the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel
thus addressed Mr. Nasmith : —

My dear Sir, — I am very sorry to feel obliged to

'•I

((

I i

340

MEMOIR OF

111

resig.i n\ connexion with the City Mission on the
following grounds : —

" I had hoped that Churchmen and Dissenters would
have been found to act together in it ; or, rather, while
I expressed to you my fears that they would not, I was
willing to make the experiment. I now find that
scarcely any Churchmen become your agents ; and that
your agency is likely to become still more exclusively
dissenting. Under these circumstances, while I wish
you success in your Christian efforts, I think it right
to give my little influence to a Society which is exclu-
sively of my own denomination, rather than to one
which is exclusively composed of those who belong to
other denominations. \

" 2. I think so large a Society wants a larger Com-
mittee of persons well known to the Christian public ;
and in the prudence and vigour of whose administration
the public may have confidence ; and I see no proba-
bility of such being formed.

"3. I have reason to believe that many of the agents
are ineffective ; and, from the rate of payment, fear
that few persons will be employed who could otherwise
have obtained a livelihood.

" 4. I cannot but regard the employment of so
many of the present agents without any examination by
the four examiners, a breach of faith with the sub-
scribers and the public.

" 5. I cannot but agree with Mr. Ainslie in thinking
that the institution of several new societies, mainly
under the same superintendence, is calculated seriously
to affect the credit of the City Mission.

" 6. The resignation of Mr. Robins and Mr. Rodwell

'i: /

DAVID NA8MITH.

341

fission on the

d Mr. Rodwell

will leave you without any Episcopal examiner, and
form, what I fear will prove, an irreparable breacli in
your constitution.

** I feel therefore compelled, in regard to my own
influence as a minister, and that I may not mislead
others by my example, to decline any further connexion
with the Society. But, at the same time, wish you
every blessing in the conducting of the Society, which,
if it is not what you hoped it would become, may yet,
according to its means, by prudence in the selection
of its agents, do much good to some of the destitute
parts of the metropolis."

This letter, notwithstanding the gentleness of its
spirit, and the moderation of its language, clearly shows
how much the mind of the writer was alienated. By
this communication, matters were brought to a crisis.
It was felt that the loss of Mr. Noel would be the loss
of the Church ; that of Mr. Robins, Mr. Rodwell, and
others, might have been made up ; but this was irre-
parable. What then was to be done ? Mr. Nasmith
resolutely held by his principles, and the committee by
their integrity. With respect to the composition of
their own body, there had been no packing ; in the
choice of agents, no partiality. Mr. Robins states, that
there " must be a strict impartiality preserved in select-
ing them from different portions of the church of
Christ." But he seems to have forgotten that the
selection was of necessity confined to the presentation
which was the voluntary act of the parties, and beyond
the control of the committee. If churchmen did not
offer themselves, how could churchmen be chosen ? If,
as the fact was, the Baptist body furnished the largest
amount of competent lay agency, next to them the

342

MEMOIR OF

'fJi-

m'i

Methodists, then the Independents, and last the Church,
how could the committee act otherwise ? Besides, as
the promulgation of systems of ecclesiastical polity was
to be no part of the business of the Mission, since on
that subject the rules imposed silence on the agents,
under the penalty of exclusion, not a particle of import-
ance attached to their views on that point, while their
knowledge of the truth, their experimental acquaintance
with its power, and leir capability of communicating it
to others, were matters of the utmost moment, and the
only necessary subject of inquiry. This principle en-
tirely and uniformly governed the proceedings of the
committee in the selection of missionaries.

Mr. Noel's statements relative to the examination of
agents admits of a very satisfactory explanation. He says
they were employed " without any examination by the
four examiners." Mr. Robins, too, affirms that ** Al-
though the constitution of the society expresssly pre-
scribes, that they should be examined by four ministers
in succession, they have, in very few instances, been
submi ed to the judgment of all the appointed
examiners." A charge of negligence, and consequently
of deception, is here implied, or rather preferred a^^ainst
the committee, which had no foundation whatever in
truth. It is an over refinement in the work of accusa-
tion, and strongly demonstrates the want of any sub-
stantial ground of complaint. In all such laws there is,
and there ever must be, if society is to work, an implied
latitude of interpretation. The spirit, rather than the
letter of the regulation, is to be conscientiously observed.
I ; was not an easy matter to make an arrangement by
which a candidate could be seen by four different gen-
tlemen, not meeting in one room, like the examination

DAVID NASMITH.

343

St the Church,
Besides, as
cal polity was
ision, since on
n the agents,
cle of import-
it, while their
I acquaintance
municating it
nent, and the
principle en-
edings of the

xamination of
tion. He says
nation by the
ns that "Al-
xpresssly pre-
'our ministers
stances, been
e appointed
consequently
Perred a^-fainst

whatever in
»rk of accusa-

of any sub-
laws there is,
f, an impHed
;her than the
dy observed,
ngement by
afferent gen-
examination

committees of our Home and Foreign Missionary So-
cieties, but in their own houses, in some cases miles
apart, and some or other of themselves occasionally out
of town for weeks, or residing for months together, during
summer, in the country. Again, why "four examiners,"
with four separate examinations, and all this in addition
to those of a committee of intelligent men, and that
committee comprehending David Nasmith ? Why this
mighty apparatus of inquisition? Because of the
appalling difficulty of the work ? Not at all. Why
then ? Simply to satisfy party, and to conciliate preju-
dice. The thing is really ludicrous ; it is wholly unlike
aught known even among our colleges and great mis-
sionary establishments, where the business is uniformly
and always efficiently managed by a committee. But,
even there, in no case, perhaps, are all the members pre-
sent, yet no censor ever stands forth to charge the
directors on that ground with a breach of faith, or a
neglect of duty. I contend, therefore, that the integrity
of Mr. Nasmith and the committee was wholly unim-
peachable. Of this alleged grievance Mr. Ainslie makes
no complaint, nor even mention ; and had error on this
point existed, it could neither have eluded his penetrating
glance, nor have escaped his unsparing lash. Nay, if
culpable negligence had existed, he, with other men of
equal principle and honour, must, as members of the
committee, have been parties to it. The charge was
clearly grounded on a misapprehension.

Having stated generally the facts of this important
event, it novv becomes my duty to take a more enlarged
view of the whole affair, and to clear up certain points
in which the subject of this volume appears to consider-
able disadvantage. The letters above recited must, to

>\^'

S44

MEMOIR OF

the reader, bear the character of an indictment. They
go very far, indeed, utterly to divest Mr. Nasmith of
all claim to sound judgment and ordinary prudence,
attributes so essential to a social reformer, and for which
that bright roll of eminent men in Glasgow, where he
spent three-fourths of his life, so unanimously and so
emphatically commend him in the attestations which
appear in the inscriptions in the earlier chapters of this
volume. The charges thus preferred are confined to the
deeds of one and twenty short months, which, in London,
are but as so many days. When these charges, moreover,
are closely examined, we think there will be found in
them the elements of the highest eulogy. Let it be
remembered that Mr. Nasmith was not the salaried
servant of the London City Mission, and being under
no engagement he committed no breach of trust, or of
duty. Again, he came to the metropolis, not, solely as
a founder of Missions, and with a view exclusivelv to
institute that particular Mission; but avowedly as a
General Moral Agent, bent on doing good in all possible
ways, by all practicable means. He only did here what
he had endeavoured to do everywhere; adopted a variety
of methods to accomplish a corresponding variety of
objects ; methods which, while new and alarming to
others, were old and familiar to him, and which, even if
they had failed in London, had elsewhere been attended
with cheering success. In these new creations, Mr.
Nasmith was quite unconscious of doing anything at all
extraordinary. One thing is clear : he did not, in these
moral provisions, outrun the moral wants of this mighty
city ; nor was any fault found with the means employed,
on the ground of their inadequacy to meet the end. In
the above letter it is contended that the City Mission

v.,

DAVID NASMITH.

345

^ /:

nent. They
Nasmith of
7 prudence,
ind for which
w, where he
lously and so
itions which
pters of this
nfined to the
I, in London,
js, moreover,
36 found in
, Let it be
the salaried
being under
trust, or of
not, solely as
LclusiveJv to
iwedly as a
all possible
d here what
ed a variety
variety of
darming to
ich, even if
en attended
ations, Mr.
thing at all
ot, in these
this mighty
! employed,
le end. In
ity Missioi^

required the whole of David's thought, time, and labour.
Here, again, it is forgotten that he was not to be judged
by the rules which regulate ordinary men. With all
such matters he was thoroughly familiar ; he could have
formed the four societies, enumerated in those letters, in
a single evening. He framed constitutions with more
facility than some men write letters of common friend-
ship ; and with respect to personal agency, a single day
to David Nasmith was equal to a whole month to the
great body of mankind.

Before we proceed further, we must sever Mr. Ainslie
from Messrs. Robins, Rodwell, and Noel. Those gen-
tlemen were avowedly, and doubtless conscientiously,
influenced by ecclesiastical considerations ; with them
the immediate interests of the Mission were, at least, a
subordinate consideration. Not so with Mr. Ainslie :
his mind was filled with the dreadful, the overwhelm-
ing thought of a perishing city! He fully believed that
the Mission was well adapted to promote its salvation.
He considered that its effective management impera-
tively demanded Mr. Nasmith's entire and undivided
energies, with all the funds which could possibly be
poiiectea Now there can be no doubt, that, in this
view, there is not only much plausibility, but much
soundness. A field so vast would doubtless have fur-
riicsijvid sufficient scope for a hundred such men as
Mr. Nasmith, and for all the funds which could have
been procured. But this assumes that the societies
which he formed were for other and confficting objects ;
whereas in their formation he contemplated only one
result — the spirit'.ial and temporal welfare of our me-
tropolitan population. Those various institutions were
merely parts of one great whole, intended to achieve

346

MEMOIR OF

I ; ■

one grand object. Mr. Ainslie, m the warmth of his
zeal, took much for granted that might have been suc-
cessfully disputed. With respect to the public meetings,
he, for the moment, forgot what no man better under-
stands — the force of novelty among the civic multitude.
That the second meeting was less crowded than the first,
proved nothing either as to the merit of the Mission,
or the popularity of its management. The doctrine of
*' balance," too, is a most uncertain test by which to
determine the character of religious institutions. The
most meritorious and the best conducted societies, we all
know, are too frequently all but drowned in debt, a cir-
cumstance which is often used with not a little success
as the ground of the most powerful plea in their favour.

The truth is, that the committee advanced at a too
rapid rate. Encouraged by the success of the first
meeting, and, in the fulness of their hearts, not doubting
mat to-morrow would be as that day, and still more abun-
dant, they augmented the number of their agents far
beyond the assured means of support. But at the very
moment of Mr. Nasmith's resignation, measures were
being adopted which would speedily have overcome the
difficulty, and led to a great and permanent increase of
the revenue.

The idea of a Philanthropic Institution House, as we
have already seen, was not new to Mr. Nasmith, and the
principle was demonstrated with admirable success in
Glasgow. The notion rests on one of the soundest doc-
trines of true political economy, and, properly worked
out, would contribute immensely at once to cheapen and
to expedite the business of religion and philanthropy :
but to introduce it in London required both time and
experience.

DAVID NASMITH.

347

irmth of his
ive been suc-
)lie meetings,
)etter under-
ic multitude,
than the first,

the Mission,
doctrine of

by which to
uuons. The
cieties, we all

I debt, a cir-
little success
their favour.

need at a too

of the first

not doubting

II more abun-
ir agents far
it at the very
easures were
Dvercome the
t increase of

House, as we
mith, and the
le success in
soundest doc-
perly worked
) cheapen and
hilanthropy :
loth time and

The principle of the Reading Room was, in the high-
est degree, excellent. Mr. Nasmith had also had abun-
dant proof of the value and importance of this in the
Religious and Charitable Institution House, Glasgow
That it failed in London was to the reproach of the city,
not of its projector. An educated people will demand
the establishment of such Rooms by hundreds of thou-
fands. The world has already, to a vast extent, availed
itself of this species of literary institute.

An Adult School Society is surely an Institution
which requires no apology ; and in London its neces-
sity is great beyond expression. In 1839, the year
of David's departure, were not 17,428 marriages cele-
brated in the metropolis, at which 6,188 of the parties
could not sign their own names? In 1840, were not
18,648 marriages celebrated in it, at which 6,886 of the
parties could not sign their own names ? In 1841, were
not 1 8,096 marriages celebrated in it, at which 6,41 1 of
the parties could not sign their own names ? Is it not a
fact established by parliamentary returns, that in the
space of three short years, in England, 367,894 mar-
riages took place, at which 304,836 of the parties could
not sign their own names ? Is there, then, not a loud
demand, a crying necessity for an Adult School Society ?
Was not the object of such a society, moreover, in per-
fect keeping with the object of a City Mission? Was
it not, where practicable, an essential branch of such &
Mission in a state of complete organization ?

The Metropolitan Monthly Tract Society had in it
nothing visionary. Mr. Nasmith had, in the year 1832,
formed the Scottish Monthly Tract Society, the eighth
report of which is before me, and from which I learn
that during these eight years, the society had issu ?d no

IP^

348

MEMOIR OF

fewer than 6,483,259 tracts; or 52,8t7,836 pages of
gospel information ! Was such a society less needful in
London than in Edinburgh ? The letter of Mr. Ainslie
says, " The Metropolitan Tract Society, after flattering
promises to the religious public, has done nothing ; and
the public are not now aware even of its existence."
This was an error. The society is at this moment in
operation at 20, Red Lion-square, under rhe auspices
of a number of the best men in the metropolis ; and, in
my judgment, few institutions have stronger claims to
the cordial support of the churches of the land. The
report before me says, " The present position of the
society is encouraging ; the income during the past year
has been considerably augmented, 200 additional contri-
butors have been placed on the list ; new fields of labour
are opening on every hand ; and a considerable portion
of the original debt has been liquidated." It further
states that it "has been honoured to carry the glad
tidings of mercy, by means of suitable publications, to
the higher classes in Britain ; a work previously over-
looked in some degree, but now carried out among a
portion of the community, in a great measure inaccessible
in any other way. Between 300,000 and 400,000 tracts
have been issued." Here again, surely nothing can be
more congruous with the character and objects of a City
Mission.

The London Female Mission bri tigs .iip the rear of the
charges against Mr. Nasmith. Mr. Ainslie says, " It is
the crisis brought about by this society that has com-
pelled me to look differently at the Loudon City Mission
to what 1 did ; not that my feelings towards the Mission
are changed, but my confidence has been materially
siiaken in the prudence, discretion, and judgnjent of Mr,

DAVID NASMITH.

349

136 pages of
jss needful in
f Mr. Ainslie
iter flattering
lothing; and
ts existence."
s moment in
fhe auspices
3olis ; and, in
^er claims to
3 land. The
sition of the
the past year
tional contri-
Ids of labou)'
rable portion
It further
irry the glad
blications, to
jviously over-
out among a
■e inaccessible
00,000 tracts
thing can be
?cts of a City

le rear of ihv
? says, " It is
hat has oom-
City Mission
? the Mission
n materially
fraent of Mr.

Nasmith, seeing that he is the originator and prime
mover of one and all of these institutions." So it was,
and so let it be ! It is at once his pride and glory ! The
charge implied in the assertion that " The Philanthropic
Institution House was taken for the creation of societies"
ought to have been his praise ; yet strange to tell, it was
made his reproach ! In the above letter, the Female In-
stitution is most elaborately aggravated into a frightful
enormity. It was a death-blow to the virtue of the neigh-
bourhood ! A fatal source of moral pestilence ! The
Committee of the British and Foreign Young Men's
Society, the housekeeper, the clerks of the City Mission,
and the Missionaries themselves, all, all were put in
jeopardy !

Now all this is mere rhetorical exaggeration ; but it
was viewed as a sober matter of fact ; and, according to
Mr. Ainslie, " deeply deplored by many of the best
friends of the Mission." Friends they might be ; but
certainly they were not philosophers. In this, as in too
many cases, feeling outran judgment. Seldom, indeed,
has alarm been more unfounded, or complaint more
preposterous. Were it not for the painfully pathetic
character of the topic, it were a meet subject for deri-
sion. A large number of pious men assemble for a lec-
ture on a Tuesday morning, and a smaller number of
the same body return to report on the week's labours,
on a Saturday evening ; in the former case, to meet the
lecturer; in the latter, the secretary. And because
there is, in the vicinity, a receptacle for poor penitent
outcasts, between which and the Mission-house there is
only a partition which " may be climbed," it is, forsooth,
"decidedly unsafe." Would that all the young men
of London were in a situation of equal security ! Were

•

■:S

350

MEMOIR OP

not these very Missionaries coming into casual, nay,
constant contact, with swarms of the still impenitent
companions of these returning prodigals, not only in
every street, but in their several districts, and neces-
sarily, not seldom in the very dens of their infamy ?
And if the grace of God sufficed to keep them under
circumstances so appalling and so perilous, could they
be endangered during the hour of lecture, or of report,
by the vicinity of this House of Refuge? In this case,
alas ! as in others analogous, was not delicacy exercised
at the expense of humanity ? Did not Christian men
view with contempt and scorn a measure which the
apostle of the Gentiles would have hailed with satis-
faction and joy ? This Female Mission was a necessary
and most important adjunct of the City Mission. It, in
fact, naturally sprung out of it; and instead of the
friends of the latter going about, puling that, in con-
sequence of its establishment their " confidence was
destroyed," and that they considered the " existence of
the City Mission endangered," it ought to have multi-
plied its supporters by thousands, and rallied around it
all the humanity of London !

1 have endeavoured carefully and deeply to scrutinize
this subject ; and the result has been, to establish my
conviction of the wisdom, the excellency, and the neces-
sity of the measure. I have thoroughly investigated
the constitution, character, and history of the Female
Mission, going through all its records and reports, from
the hour of its formation down to the present time;
and I unhesitatingly pronounce it one of the most
laudable institutions of our age and country. I feel
bound, however, in making this declaration, at the same
time to confess that, till now, I never fully imderstood

I'l

DAVID NASMITH.

351

casual, nay,
II impenitent

not only in
s, and neces-
heir infamy?

them under
could they
or of report,
In this case,
icy exercised
Ihristian men
•e which the
d with satis-
s a necessary
ssion. It, in
stead of the
;hat, in con-
nfidence was
existence of
have multi-
ed around it

to scrutinize
sstablish my
id the neces-
investigated
the Female
eports, from
esent time;
•f the most
try. I feel
at the same
understood

it, having, like too many, without examination, taken
up with general ideas of its merits, and, to some extent,
I regret to say, shared in the clamour which at that
time prevailed against it. I stand corrected, and would
now make all the reparation in my power, both to my
deceased friend and to the cause of humanity, by a
correct statement of the facts of the case. The follow-
ing is the published account of the Society.

" The object of this Society is to improve the cha-
racter and condition of young women. It seeks to
reform the vicious, to reclaim the wandering, and to
succour and befriend the defenceless and the poor.

" To effect these objects it has established —

" I. A Probationary House, for fallen females, into
which such young women as are desirous of abandoning
their wicked course of life are received on trial, and
from whence, after a term of probation, they are either
transferred to district asylums, restored to their friends,
or provided with situations. Since the opening of the
institution, 57, White Lion-street, Pentonville, five
hundred and forty penitent outcasts have, through the
instrumentality of the Mission, been thus benefited.

" II. A Servants' Home, where female servants of
good character, who have not fallen, are, when out of
place, provided with comfortable lodgings, at a moderate
charge, and where a Registry is kept to facilitate their
obtaining situations. The Home in Millman-street was
opened in January, 1838; since which period six hun-
dred and thirteen servants have availed themselves of
its friendly shelter, and one thousand three hundred and
nineteen families have been suited with servants.

" III. A Refuge for Indigent Young Females, in
which friendless, but virtuous young women, who are so

■

MEMOIR OF

poor as to be unablr ii"* pay the small sum required at
the Servants' Hone, are sheltered, supported, and
trained for respectable servitude. Since the opening of
the Refuge, 3 a, Princes-street, Red Lion-square, in
18;J8, three hundred and twelve young females have been
trained therein, and placed out at service.

** In London there are many thousands of young
females w^holly dependent upon their own labours for
daily support : their scanty earnings, in the majority of
instances, are barely sufficient to procure the necessaries
of life : their resources are contingent upon the caprice
of overlookers and foremen, upon fashion, the weather,
and what is called 'the season:' the slightest failure
in health, or any of the uncertainties of life and business,
entirely cut off their means of support, and make desti-
tute even the few, who, by superior skill and incessant
toil, were, from their miserable pittance, providing a
little fund for the time of need.

" The privations of the young female, when thus
suddenly deprived of the means of support, are most
distressing : — without food, and pressed by the still
more urgent demands for rent, she too often seeks to be
relieved from her difficulties by means at variance with
the laws both of God and man."

Such are the institutions, or rather, such is the insti-
tution to which Mr. Ainslie, a competent witness as to
public feeling, thus testifies in his letter : " It was only
on last Monday week that a minister, of great influence,
in London, and who a short time since thought favour-
ably of the Mission, said to me, * Sir, 20, Red Lion-
square, is the laughing-stock of the Religious Public ;'
and I know that many of my brethren are amazed at,
and bitterly regret the fecundity of the Philanthropic

DAVID NA8MITH.

.353

I required at
pported, and
le opening of
m-square, in
les have been

ids of young
1 labours for
B majority of
le necessaries
n the caprice
the weather,
jhtest failure
and business,
1 make desti-
ind incessant
providing a

when thus
9rt, are most
by the still
n seeks to be
ariance with

I is the insti-
j^itness as to
' It was only
at influence,
jght favour-
Red Lion-
ous Public ;'
amazed at,
hilanthropic

Institution House." The " Religious Public" might
have found more seemly employment, and those minis-
terial " brethren" more substantial subjects of " regret;"
but " laughter" is less expensive than liberality, and,
to some men, " regret" is more convenient than exer-
tion. The Philanthropist is dead, but his work remains,
and posterity will now judge between him and those
who maligned himself, or depreciated his labours.

'"' London Female Mission not only .s.;rv 'es, but
rs. It is conducted on its origi; u ciuholic con-
it n. Sy a portion of the choicest men in the metro-
j 1,. , vx nile among its supporters stands Her Majesty
the Queen Dowager, with two Duchesses, four Mar-
chionesses, eleven Countesses, two Viscountesses, and
a lengthened train of ladies of the first rank among the
nobility of England. The income of the first year was
1651/. Ms.Ud.', that of last year, 3369/. O*. 2d.

With a view to remove the objections of Messrs,
Robins and Noel, with other gentlemen like-minded, and
so to retain them, it was proposed by some that the laws
of the constitution should be revised, and the Committee
remodelled, half being Churchmen and half Dissenters.
To this Mr. Nasmith was irreconcilably hostile, con-
sidering it a concession to party spirit, whereas in the
formation of all his Missions he had never recognized
the existence of party ; he knew no party but Christians,
In the original constitution, I find only one law relative
to the qualification of all concerned, viz. " No person
shall be recognized as a Manager, Agent, or Visitor
of this Society, who is not of evangelical principles, and
who does not aflford evidence of personal piety." Here
the matter of qualification terminates, while it is declared
that " the object of this Society shall be, to extend the;

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

)

m.^.

354

MEMOIR OF

iii'i

knowledge of the Gospel, irrespective of peculiar tenets
in regard to church government, among the inhabitants
of London and its vicinity." Mr. Nasmith's object
was, to extend the " common salvation," by means of
those who held and adorned the common faith. It
would have given him no concern whatever had nine in
ten of the Committee, and agents, and visitors been
Churchmen, instead of Dissenters, unless for the apathy
which the absence of others might have been supposed
to imply. He, therefore, determined, whatever might
be the result, to abide by his principle, and the Com-
mittee, with a generosity and fidelity worthy of all
honour, declared their resolution to cleave to him. The
spirit of the Committee, on this occasion, was the more
laudable, as they had no personal predilection in behalf
of the principle, and would have had no objection to
a Committee composed of equal numbers of Churchmen
and Dissenters.

To Mr. Nasmith this was a moment of no ordinary
trial, and he proved himself fully equal to the emerg-
ency. His choice lay between relinquishing a Mission
incomparably the most important that he had ever
formed, and adhering to it under circumstances which
would inevitably, to a considerable extent, at least for
a time, have impaired its efficiency and narrowed the
range of its operations. Great as he deemed his prin-
ciple, he saw clearly that, for practical purposes, there
was a principle still greater — the necessity, in the pre-
sent case, of uniting both classes, and the duty of labour-
ing to effect that union, if not on his own terms, on
the terms of the parties who were to form it. In this,
the most painful hour of his public life, Mr. Nasmith's
courage, which never for a moment forsook him, quickly

DAVID NASMITH.

355

iculiar tenets
i inhabitants
nith's object
by means of
on faith. It
r had nine in
visitors been
3r the apathy
een supposed
latever might
md the Com-
rorthy of all
to him. The
was the more
tion in behalf
objection to
>f Churchmen

!" no ordinary

the emerg-
ing a Mission
he had ever
stances which
it at least for
narrowed the
ned his prin-
irposes, there
r, in the pre-
iity of labour-
wn terms, on

1 it. In this,
dr. Nasmith's
: him, quickly

came to the aid of his upright conviction. T^Tiat he
had the sagacity to see as duty, he had the energy to
execute. That the unity indispensable might be effected
and upheld on the only condition attainable — an equal
number on both sides — he determined at once to with-
draw. That he might personally maintain his own
principles, and yet leave full scope for the operation of
the principles of others, he resigned his office of gra-
tuitous Secretary. At no time, and by no act of his
life, did he ever furnish a nobler display of real
greatness. He sacrificed much that was inexpressi-
bly dear to him, in order to remove all obstacle to
the more extensive promotion of the best interests
of the perishing myriads of London. The Committee
laboured hard to retain him; they sent a deputation,
consisting of Messrs. Reynolds, Mayo, and Claypon,
three gentlemen who had well merited, and who fully
enjoyed his confidence, to endeavour to reconcile him
to the new principle of half Churchmen and half Dis-
senters, but in vain. Hin pure mind and boundless
charity revolted from all such arrangements, as a homage
to feelings and principles which, in his view, ought to
have no place among the people of God ; and it may be
doubted whether the perfection of Paradise has changed
his opinion.

This event caused deep regret to the Committee, who
immediately assembled and passed the following reso-
lutions respecting David and his devoted friend Mr.
Carver, who, with a fervour of affection and a stability
of purpose seldom seen in our selfish world, clave to
Mr. Nasmith under all his trials, and made common
cause with him in aU his philanthropic labours, till
death dissolved the union. The minute runs thus : —

S5Q

MEMOIR OF DAVID NA8MITH.

((

At a meeting of the Committee of the London
City Mission, held March 17, 1837, Resolved, That the
thanks of the Managers be given to Mr. David Nasmith,
the Founder and gratuitous Secretary of this Society,
for his imwearied devotion to its interests; that the
Managers cannot but deeply lament the occurrence of
any circumstance rendering his resignation, in his opi-
nion, advisable ; and that ^t is with pain they lose the
services of one v^ho, from his great experience and
unceasing assiduity, was an invaluable coadjutor in this
great work.

" That the thanks of the Managers are due to E. T.
Carver, Esq., for the zeal and activity he has always
evinced in the discharge of his voluntary and arduous
labours as Corresponding Secretary; and that it is vidth
great regret they receive a resignation depriving them
of his valuable co-operation.'*

Thus ended the connexion of David Nasmith with
the London City Mission.

Wl^

)f the London
lived, That the
)ayid Nasmith,
f this Society,
ests; that the
occurrence of
Lon, in his opi-
1 they lose the
>xperience and
adjutor in this

e due to E. T.
he has always
y and arduous
that it is with
lepriving them

Nasmith with

i !

i-'fw.

:■}'■'■•'-, •

CHAPTER XXII.

Address to Mr. Marks — Formation of the British and Foreign Mission
— Missions formed at Cambridge and Birmingham — Display of Chris-
tian principle — Lines of encoaragement — Magnanimity with respect
to the London City Mission — Mission formed at Manchester — Means
adopted to strengthen the Mission— Missions formed at Leeds, Brad-
ford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield, and York — Discussions re-
specting the path of duty — Coincidence of judgment between Mr.
and Mrs. Nasmith.

TO JOHN ISAAC MARKS, ESQ.

Sir, — Among the generous little band who were asso-
ciated with David Nasmith, in his attempt to establish
the London City Mission, a very prominent place be-
longs to you. Farly in August, 1835, you became a
member of the original committee, and from that time
to the present you have been a devoted friend and
supporter of that invaluable institution. To your lot,
likewise, fell the honour of drawing up its first Report ;
and from the outset you have sustained the office of its
Sub-treasurer. These facts point out the connexion
which has, from the first, subsisted between you and
the Mission ; but there is another fact which deserves
mention. You introduced to its Founder the most
faithful and devoted friend he ever had in England,
or, perhaps, in the world. That friend was Edward
Turst Carver, in whom David fully realized the scrip-
ture, " A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is
bom for adversity." Nor was this all; for you thus

S [\

i:- i '

358

MEMOIR OF

led forth into public life a man whose delight is in
doing good, and who devotes his days and nights to
the furtherance of those objects which were most dear
to the heart of David Nasmith. To you, therefore, I
inscribe this chapter of the history of a man, with
whom you consider it a high honour to have been
associated in works of faith and labours of love.

Mr. Nasmith having now become severed from the
London City Mission, felt once more at perfect free-
dom wholly to jrield himself up to those all-powerful
principles of general philanthropy wnich had hitherto
governed him, and he lost not a single day in the
adoption of new measures suited to his altered cir-
cumstances. Writing, next month, to Miss Harriet
Read, he says : " Immediately after resigning our
connexion with the London City Mission, we formed
what is called The British and Foreign Mission, for
the purpose of opening correspondence with all existing
City and Town Missions, and planting new ones where
they do not exist, to the extent of our ability, and by
such other means as Divine Providence may point out,
to do good to the souls and bodies of mankind. I
have associated with me in this new mission a few
brethren, in whom I have confidence, to help me, by
their counsel and prayers, in the performance of that
work, to which I feel more and more satisfied God has
called me." This new society was founded March 16,
1837, at 20, Red Lion-square, at a meeting composed
of three individuals, Mr. Nasmith, Mr. Carver^ and
Mr. Richard Perkins, who was in the chair. The fact
that, on this occasion, he was attended by only two

'''i

I<i. \i

DAVID NA8MITH.

S59

delight is in
Bind nights to
'ere most dear
a, therefore, I

a man, with
to have been
f love.

jred from the
; perfect free-
3 all-powerful

had hitherto
e day in the
3 altered cir-

Miss Harriet
•esigning our
n, we formed

Mission, for
th all existing
JW ones where
hility, and by
lay point out,

mankind. I
lission a few

help me, by
lance of that
sfied God has
ed March 16,
ing composed
Carver^ and
ir. The fact

by only two

friends, shows that he either did not seek, or could not
find, a larger number; and I believe the former to
have been the fact. In these two friends he placed
implicit confidence, and they, in return, cherished for
him a boundless affection. He was to them an oracle,
and they to him an organ. But, whether viewed as
an agent or as an instrument^ the three were one,
without ajar, till death dissolved the union. Numbers
might have been had, if numbers had been necessary
to David's present purpose; but there was no such
necessity ; for what was now intended to be done, he
alone could do, and he forthwith set about it.* Pro-
ceeding to Cambridge, he there formed a Town Mission,
and a Young Men's Society. He likewise formed a
Society for the latter in Ely, as he passed on to Bir-
mingham. Writing from the latter place, on April
18th, to Mrs. Nasmith, whose tender spirit had been
fretted by the tongue of idle gossip, he says : " Touch-
ing the Mission publishing reasons for the recent
changes that have taken place among them, allow me
to ask you to give yourself no concern or uneasiness.
Suppose they should publish, the press is open to us ;
and may the Lord keep us from dishonouring him and
his caus6 I " In the same lev'ter, referring to a prayer-
meeting held in town on his behalf, he says: "On
Friday evening, when you and the beloved brethren
and sisters were met in prayer for us, we were at the
same time assembled ; and the Lord answering your

* The committee was shortly after enlarged, and composed of the
following gentlemen : —

Treasurer — Edward T. Carver, Esq. Secretary— "Mr. David Nasmith.
Committee— Mx. Burr, Captain Comer, Mr. Dunlop, Mr. Perkins, Mr.
W. Hitchcock, Mr. Laundy, Mr. Norwood, Mr. G. Charlewood.

m in

w. .\\

360

MEMOIR OF

request, by giving one heart and mind to all present
in the formation of a Birmingham Town Mission.
Yesterday I met about twenty ladies, who formed
themselves into a Ladies' Branch, in aid of the Mission.
Twelve became collectors ; a treasurer and two secre-
taries were appointed. This morning, at half-past six
o'clock, I met with about seventy young men, who
formed themselves into a Birmingham Young Men's
Society ; and in two hours hence I am called to address,
it may be, some hundreds of young men. To-day, at
eleven o'clock, I formed a West Bromwich Mission.
To-morrow, at three o'clock, I return to the same
place, to form a Maternal Society ; and in the evening,
I trust, a Young Men's Society. Last Sabbath I
addressed two Sabbath-schools in the morning, and two
congregations, one in the afternoon and one in the
evening. If the Lord will, I leave this on Friday
morning for Manchester. Tell brother Perkins, brother
Carver, and all the brethren and sisters, that so long
as they hold up my hands by prayer, the Lord will
prevail. Pray, pray, pray for me !"

"Writing to an Irish friend, from Manchester, certain
facts come out incidentally, showing with what nobility
of mind he acted towards the London City Mission.
Referring to the new Society, he says : " From the
funds contributed to this society, I have intimated I
shall receive support for my family. We intend having
a Training School for Agents, that we may be able
to meet the demand for men who understand the
system, to commence in those places where I form new
Missions. From the London Mission I sent one agent
to Plymouth, one to Norwich, two to Yarmouth, and
have just taken another as secretary to the Female

DAVID NA8MITH.

S61

to all present
'own Mission,
who formed
>f the Mission,
ind two secre-
t half-past six
ing men, who
Young Men's
led to address,
n. To-day, at
iwich Mission.
L to the same
n the evening,
^t Sabbath I
rning, and two
id one in the
his on Friday
erkins, brother
I, that so long
the Lord will

Chester, certain
1 what nobility

City Mission.

: " From the
ve intimated I
J intend having
i may be able
inderstand the
ere I form new
sent one agent
iTarmouth, and
to the Female

Mission. At this moment I have applications from
Cambridge, Birmingham, West Bromwich, and expect
others shortly, for men ; but I have none to send. One
half of the agents now employed in the London City
Mission would be at my service, if I chose to say I would
take them. Not a few have given me to imderstand,
that, whilst they are Christ's servants, they are at my
call to go wherever I think they may be most useful : but
I shall in no way attempt to interfere with that Mission."
In Manchester, David met with a reception character-
istic of the Christian public of that great town. As
soon as arrangements could be made, a meeting was
held ; and on April the 25th, a mission was formed, as
he correctly states, by " some of the most influential
men in Manchester."* While here, Mr. Witherspoon
put into his hands the following lines, from which he
himself had cften derived comfort, and which at this
time were not a little in unison with the feelings of Mr.
Nasmith.

Though the moniing of life should be gloomy and clouded,
The noontide in stonns and in tempests should rave ;

The eyening in darkness, thick darkness, be shrouded,
And close, late and low'ring, the night of the grave :

Yet the faithful, undaunted, with hope strong and cheering.

Proceeds through the dark vale, not doubting nor fearing,

With transport he looks to the joyful appearing
Of Him, who came, lowly, " to seek and to save."

* The following gentlemen constituted the Board of Managers : —
Treasurer — Mr. Thomas Crewdson. Secretaries — Mr. John Hewitt,
Mr. Samuel Giles. Superintendents—Messra. Joseph Adshead, William
Boolton, Isaac Crewdson, Joseph Crewdson, James Carlton, Thomas
Caye, Samuel Fletcher, Robert Gardner, Thomas Harbottle, J. H. Hulme,
John Marsden, WiUiam Neild, WilUam Wood, J. F. Watchurst.

*; 'i

262

MEMOIR OF

:a I'

Thongh the world in the depth of affliction should leare us,
And those we relied on stand aloof firom our woe ;

Though foes should combine, whilst false fhends deceive us, ^
And darken the cloud that surrounds us below :

Yet the day star shall rise on the gloom of our sorrow,

Woe weighs to-night here, but joy comes to-morrow ;

From the " fountain of life " we may comfort still borrow,
Which earth and her princes could never bestow.

On Mr. Nasmith's return to the city, he proceeded
to adopt all practicable measures to strengthen the
Mission; and, with a view to the needful publicity,
it was resolved to convene a meeting of the subscribers
and friends of the Society, on May the ^th, for re-
porting progress, and setting forth the objects of the
Mission. This meeting was held in the Music-hall,
Store-street, at the time specified. The minutes re-
cord a large amount of business during the months
of June and July, till the beginning of August, when
David set out for the North. On reaching Leeds, he
was kindly received by Messrs. Giles, Scales, and Ely,
who, in the absence of Mr. Hamilton, gave him the
names of a few of their most efficient friends, who
were likely to enter into his object, and prosecute it
with energy and perseverance.* At night he convened
as many of them as could be brought together, and
formed a Town Mission. On the evening of the fol-
lowing Sabbath, addressing his beloved Frances, he
thus records the workings of his heart:

* The first board of managers was formed of the following gen-
tlemen :—

Treasurer— Mr. John Heaton. Secretaries— Mr. John Wade, and
Mr. John Jowitt, jun. Committee— Mr. Clapham, Mr. Christopher Dove,
Mr. G. K. Hirst, Mr. J. Y. Knight, Mr. Henry Rawson, Mr. George
Smith, Mr. J. H. Townsend, Mr. John Walker.

lave OS,

ceive ua,

onrow,

he proceeded
trengthen the
Iful publicity,
he subscribers

29th, for re-
jbjects of the
le Music-hall,
e minuteis re-
r the months
August, when
ling Leeds, he
sales, and Ely,
gave him the
, friends, who
1 prosecute it
t he convened

together, and
ag of the fol-
l Frances, he

he following gen-
John Wade, and
Christopher Dove,
wson, Mr. George

DAVIL NA8MITU.

363

" I have just now spent more time in real converse
with our Father in heaven than I have done for a long
period at one time. It has not been with me a season
of ecstasy, but one of real joy and satisfaction, in which,
in the simplicity and sincerity of my heart, I have been
enabled, I trust under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
to tell Him all I want for myself, for you, for our dear
babes, for our kindred, and for his cause. He has
heard ; and not for our sakes, but for his name's sake,
for the sake of the Son of his love, he will answer. I
know he will. I have trusted him, I do trust him, and
I will trust him ; and we shall yet praise him. I have
been telling my Father about the two meetings I
purpose holding to-morrow. I find they are his, and
that he is going to work by them; the Holy Ghost
having given me desires concerning them that are great,
touching his glory, and my nothingness."

Mr. Nasmith next proceeded to Bradford, Halifax,
Huddersfield, Wakefield, and York ; in all of which he
formed both Missions and Young Men's Societies ; with
Tract Societies in Halifax and Wakefield, and Maternal
Societies in Halifax and Huddersfield. From Hud-
dersfield, on the 31st of August, he wrote, at great
length, to his much loved companion, pouring out his
soul, with the simplicity of a child, and the fervour
of a saint. The following passage, clearly arising out
of an expression on her part of feeling and opinion, is
highly characteristic of the man, and strongly marked
virith moral beauty:

" Do, my dear, always say to me what you think ;
for although you have too much good sense to expect
that I can always see with your eyes, or that I would
act contrary to the convictions of my own mind as to

R 2

I i'

■4

■')i

364

MEMOIR OF

■ma I

t ft' .

what is right and proper, your kind and faithful counsel
I value much, and it has been often of service, in
leading to consideration and self-examination. If I
know my own heart, I wish to do only what is right,
to go on steadily in the path of duty so far as I know
it; although I confess I am sometimes in a strait to
discern how I ought to act. You will believe me when
I say, that to be absent from you is to me by no means
desirable, and more especially when I find that your
mind and body are at all likely to suffer by it. You
have only to say Come homef and I will do it; Stay
at home, and I will do it : and this I will do only on
this ground — that you are the partner of my life, the
mother of my children, tenderly and dearly beloved on
many grounds ; and that our Father in heaven, by not
strengthening your mind and body to endure the sepa-
ration, is saying to me in his providence, Stay at home.
Looking at this side of the picture only, the matter is
settled without any difficulty. But other considerations
come in, and I am quite in a dilemma as to the path of
duty, which alone is the path of safety. The question
arises in my mind — Thus acting, whilst you please your
wife, do you not displease God, your heavenly Father ?
To that I would be inclined to answer, Impossible ! for
God never calls to two opposites at one time ; if it is
my duty to stay at home, I ought to stay at home.
Then this passage troubles my conscience : * He that
loveth wife or children more than me, is not worthy of
me.* "Why should that trouble me, it may be said,
when the point has been established, satisfactorily to
your mind and to my own, that your health, comfort,
and it may be life, are dependent upon my staying at
home ? Your health I value ; your comfort I desire to

DAVID NA8MITII.

S65

promote to the extent of my ability, consistently with
my duty to God ; and your life, of course, is dear to
me, shall I say, as my own. What then ? I am com-
pelled to think of bread for me and niiike, and I have
no right to expect it unless I work for it. How can I
work for it ? By using the talent given me ; — and the
demand for the exercise of that talent becomes more
and more manifest, by the prayerful anxiety I find
everywhere for the introduction of City Missions on
the part of Christians, by the facilities afforded me in
the course of providence for originating such Missions,
and by the abundant blessing resting upon these efforts
for the conversion of hundreds and thousands of sinners.
When I add to these the Young Men's, Tract, Maternal,
and other Societies, and look at what God has wrought
by them, I am compelled to pause, and, before the God
of providence and of grace, who searcheth and knoweth
all the workings of my heart, to ask, * Lord, what wilt
thou have me to do ?' He knows I am not disposed to
be idle ; and that my growing desire is, that my last
days may be eminently the holiest and most useful days
of my life. This desire and prayer, if I am not greatly
deceived, is being answered. Whether my days on
earth are drawing to a close I know not, nor does it
give me any concern, my only desire being, I trust, to
be at my post, when He comes, doing his will. An
unprofitable servant I am, and ever have been, and will
be ; but grace is rich and free. Jesus ! Jesus is my all
in all ! I cannot tell you how happy I have been since
I left you, in the opportunities he has afforded me of
commending his gospel to hundreds, I may say, thou-
sands of individuals. How delightful is the thought
that we are enabled to commend each other, and our

;<■'■

i'/l

■ i" '■/'!
/ ■■■>

366

MEMOIR OP DAVID NASMITH.

beloved offspring, to him who is our Father and our
Friend, who can and will care for us and ours ! I cannot
but admire and adore the kindness of that Providence,
that separated me from the pressure of anxiety con-
nected with my post, in the London City Mission: (I
neither admire nor adore the instruments who caused
it.) I now feel that I could not long have stood it.
My health has greatly benefited by the change, and the
cause of Christ has been furthered in many places by
the same."

The spirit in which Mrs. Nasmith received the fore-
going, appears from his next to lier ; in which he says,
" I was indeed thankful for its contents, inasmuch as it
enabled me to find that your judgment fully approved
my proceedings ; although your feelings, arising from
the privation you experience by my absence, lead you
to wish I were at home."

^! ;li ill

i\ III

'i.

■I 'I

ather and our
ours! I cannot
at Providence,
f anxiety con-
ty Mission: (I
ts who caused
have stood it.
lange, and the
any places by

ived the fore-
which he says,
inasmuch as it
fully approved
, arising from
ence, lead you

CHAPTER XXIII.

Address to Mr. Carver — David visits Scotland — Proceedings in Edin-
burgh — Visits Falkirk, Glasgow, Paisley, and Dumbarton— Numerous
societies formed— Expenses of the enterprise— Letter to Mr. Robert-
son, of Dublin — Discovers the effect of former labours in Scotland —
Returns to London — Visits Brighton; discouragements there — Ap-
pointment of an agent to collect for the British and Foreign Mission
— The agent visits Manchester and Liverpool, without success — The
Mission surrounded with difficulties— Prudence to limit benevolence
— David's defence of his course.

TO EDWARD TURST CARVER, ESQ.

Sir, — Of all the inscriptions contained in the present
volume, there is not one more merited than that which
belongs to you. The history of your connexion with
David Nasmith has yielded to me, as his biographer,
the most grateful and unmixed satisfaction. The widest
observation supplies but few cases of friendship so dis-
interested, so pure, and so ardent, as that which obtained
between you and the founder of City Missions. It
consists with my knowledge that you promptly refused
places of honour and emolument, that you might enjoy
his society, and further his enterprises. The attach-
ment was both mutual and equal. As he was the first
to fall, it was yours, adopting the words of the sumvor
of the most faithful friendship recorded among men, to
say, " I am distressed for thee, my brother : very
pleasant hast thou been unto me ; thy love to me was
wonderful, passing the love of women." And had

368

MEMOIR OF

infinite wisdom, reversing the decree, called you first
home, he would, with the same sincerity, have taken
up the lamentation. From the offices you sustain in
the London Female Mission, and in the British and
Foreign City and Town Mission, you are still feeding
those fires which David lighted, and striving to extend
the work to which he nobly consecrated his life, and,
a victim to his zeal, sunk into an early grave !

Mr. Nasmith, having finished his labours in Yorkshire,
proceeded to Scotland. The reasons of this change in
his plan are set forth in a letter to Mrs. Nasmith,
dated Edinburgh, September the ^6th, in the following
terms : " I had not the slightest intention of coming to
Scotland at this time, until I found that my own funds
were getting so low that I could not proceed among
strangers ; and the money not coming in at head-
quarters, that something must be done to get funds.
To urge the people that I had been successful in
leading to care for their own perishing neighbours, to
come up, at the same momentf to labour for the British
and Foreign Mission, would have been to defeat both.
I therefore ceased forming new missions when I left
York ; and came to Scotland, eight days ago, to form
Branch Societies in aid of the British and Foreign
Mission. I have succeeded in getting a committee
formed in Edinburgh, and proceed to-day to Falkirk
or Linlithgow, and onward, according to the advertise-
ment, which you will find in a paper that I send by
the same post that conveys this letter. Yesterday
morning my stock was sixpence, and I owed perhaps
thirty shillings for advertising, &c. Now I have paid

, )

;■ 't:f 7

DAVID NASMITH.

369

died you first
jr, have taken
ou sustain in
B British and
3 still feeding
ing to extend
his life, and,
ive!

in Yorkshire,
his change in
[rs. Nasmith,
the following
of coming to
tiy own funds
oceed among
in at head-

get funds,
successful in
eighbours, to
•r the British

defeat both.

when I left
ago, to form
and Foreign
a committee
r to Falkirk
le advertise-
t I send by
Yesterday
Bved perhaps

1 have paid

all my debts ?' Edinburgh, except one of about five
shillings, anJ. ive A>1. 5s. in hand. I have been bare
enough repeatedly on this journey. No one has knowvn
it, but my Father in heaven ; and he has provided just
as I required it, so that I have not known want. I
have dined on threepence, and not been the worse for
it, day after day, in Yorkshire."

While in Scotland, David visited Falkirk, Glasgow,
Paisley, Dumbarton, endeavouring by all practicable
means to do good, and advance the interests of the Bri-
tish and Foreign Mission. This tour extended to nearly
three months, during which he formed about thirty
societies ; and never, perhaps, was a larger amount of
labour executed at so small a cost. The total expendi-
ture was £21 2s, 7^d,', while the receipts were
£15 lOs. lOd, Writing after his return to his friend
Mr. Robertson of Dublin, the following facts come oUt :
— "The funds of the British and Foreign Mission are
low, low, low ; £130 wanted now to pay what is due ;
besides what they owe me ; as yet I have not received
one penny from them for my family : they have not had
it to give." Still, amidst all his privations, circumstances
were daily arising to encoiurage him. Under the neglects
of men he was receiving constant tokens of the approba-
tion of God. On his visit to Scotland, he saw, in various
ways, the fruit of labours long past. He states to a
friend the following instances : " I was ttld of the
daughter of a minister, deceased, who dates her decision
to a conversation with me. Of this conversation I have
no recollection. The pastor of this young lady, w^'^ti I
called on him, asked if I remembered the first interview
I had with him. I said I did not ; he then told me that
it was to me, under God, he owed his present position j

370

MEMOIR OF

*l-

i ■

1 ;■;-,;!

that about eleven years ago, when he came to my house
with some silks that my wife had bought, I had taken
an opportunity of talking with him about his soul ; and
that the conversation led him to decision; in two months
after he joined a church of Christ, and then studied for
the ministry.'*

Shortly after his return, he proceeded to Brighton,
where, about the middle of October, he thus wrote
Mrs. Nasmith : " I find that I may be detained here
till the beginning of the week. As yet I have received
nothing for the British and Foreign Mission ; but step
by step I am getting amongst those who are able, may
the Lord make them willing ! to give to an important
Mission. I feel increasingly that except the Lord build
the house, the workmen labour in vain. May I be
found in my own place, watching, working, looking up,
and waiting. Continue to pray for me." David soon
found that Brighton, amidst all its glitter, contained but
few who had much sympathy with the cause of God.
Sir Thomas Bloomfield, Bart., John Puget, Esq., and
other gentlemen, had agreed to act as a corresponding
committee, to circulate reports and papers, and receive
subscriptions in aid of the New Mission ; but, beyond
his bill of expenses, David, on his return, had no report
to make on the subject of finance. Sometime previous
to this, a Mr. Brown had been engaged as assistant secre-
tary, who was employed, among other things, to collect
subscriptions for the Mission, but this measure proved
wholly abortive. In prosecution of his object he visited
Manchester, and even there he utterly failed to raise con-
tributions; and he who fails in Manchester, need go
no further ; for in that case there must be something
defective either in the cause or in its advocate. On re-

DAVID NA8MITH.

371

J to my house
t, I had taken
his soul; and
in two months
!n studied for

to Brighton,
e thus wrote
detained here

have received
ion ; hut step
are ahle, may

an important
the Lord huild
. May I he
J, looking up,
' David soon
contained hut
ause of God.
et, Esq., and
corresponding
s, and receive
; hut, heyond

Eiad no report
ime previous
ssistant secre-
igs, to collect
asure proved
iect he visited
i to raise con-
Jter, need go
be something
5ate. On re-

porting his disappointment, Mr. Brown was instructed
to proceed to Liverpool, where his reception was equally
discouraging ; from the minutes it appears that he re-
turned without a shilling of contrihution, and, presenting
his hill of expenses, resigned a situation which had few
attractions. The office was honourahle, and the object
was excellent ; hut so to fill the former as to advance the
latter, was a task imusually arduous. The importance
of the ohject was not generally appreciated, nor its
nature, indeed, very clearly understood ; and it was not
every agent that could so expound as efficiently to re-
commend it.

It was now ahout the end of 1837 ; the summer was
past and the winter advancing ; while the Mission was
surrounded with difficulties. David, writing to an Irish
Mend in December, says, " At this moment the British
and Foreign Mission is upwards of £200 in deht, and
the managers, with every disposition to supply the
wants of the family of their secretary, have heen unahle
to give him for this purpose more than the sum of
three pounds during the period of nearly nine months,
in which he has sustained that office. I am made deeply
to feel the anguish of spirit connected with the presenta-
tion of hills of printers, &c. &c,, for payment on hehalf
of our Mission, with inability to pay them ; with a con-
science clear, at the same time, not only as to the motive,
but as to the necessity of the means taken in order to
the attainment of our end." This is overstrained ; zeal
is blinding prudence ; philanthropy does not require,
and piety does not permit us to contract obligations
which we have no rational means of discharging. This
were to let our " good he evil spoken of;" it is, in fact,
near allied to doing " evil that good may come." But

372

MEMOIR OF

80 devoutly generous, so nobly self-denied were his ex-
ertions, and so great their results, that the observer's
sense of discretion is almost suspended by his feeling of
admiration. We envy not the man, nor do we desire
his friendship, who refuses one small comer of his mantle
to cover a fault so venial in so great and so magnanimous
a character! His own statement in the letter just
quoted, is very affecting: "To run contrary to the
stream of the wishes of my friends and foes, and to keep
myself constantly on the rack, is not chosen, you may
well suppose, from any pleasure I can have in so doing ;
and certainly not because it adds to domestic comfort,
present ease of body or mind, or to the filling of my
pockets. But souls, my dear friend, are precious !
Time is short and uncertain ! We must work while it
is day. Had I not gone to Bath and the places above-
named, not one of the forty-five societies, in all proba-
bility, would have had an existence, that I have estab-
lished since March last, the time that I left the London
City Mission. Was not my leaving that Mission of the
Lord's appointing, though effected by Satan's devices ?
Certainly it was. He had work to be done in other
places, and I must needs be set at liberty, and Inclined
to do it. One of the missions which I formed has
already fifteen agents ; and others, three, two, one, each.
I find in many places a people prepared of the Lord,
just waiting to go to woik. When in Bradford, for
example, a Christian came from Halifax, (not knowing
that I was there,) desirous of knowing how he could
establish a mission in Halifax ; saying, that it had been
on his mind for two years, but latterly he could not
rest until something was done to bring it to bear, and
already he had got 20/. subscribed towards it. In Bath,

DAVID XASMITH.

373

irere his ex-
le observer's
is feeling of
io we desire
of his mantle
lagnanimous

letter just
rary to the
and to keep
sn, you may
in so doing ;
tic comfort,
lling of my
e precious !
ork while it
tlaces above-
1 all proba-
have estab-
the London
ssion of the
ti*s devices ?
ne in other
ind inclined
formed has
I, one, each,
f the Lord,
•adford, for
ot knowing
iV he could
t had been

could not
bear, and
In Bath,

one said she had laid aside money for this purpose some
time ago, always hoping that something would be done
ill it. Another said, that so deeply was his mind
impressed with the necessity of doing something for the
city in this way, that, the week before I arrived, he
refused a contribution to a foreign object, reserving it
for the city, feeling that something must be set about
without delay. A lady of considerable influence had,
for twelve months, been urging a gentleman to move
in this work. A gentleman told me that, for several
months, he has had no peace in his conscience, seeing so
many perishing around in ignorance, and no adequate
effort making for their salvation. A clergyman, who
prayed at the beginning and end of a meeting, held last
Tuesday, of about forty ladies, in Dr. Morgan's, told
me that he could not express the joy he felt at seeing
the Mission plan brought to bear in Bath, his mind
having been greatly exercised vrith the wants of the
city for twelve months. I trust, dear friend, that I
shall be made willing to retire from labour when the
Lord shows it to be duty ; but the harvest is now
plenteous, and, for my department, the labourers are
indeed very few. I must work while it is day, knowing
that the hour is coming when I shall not be able."

CHAPTER XXIV.

Address to Dr. Morgan—Death of Miss Harriet Read— David's ums
at the commencement of 1838 — Philanthropic aspirations — Appre-
hension of difficulties— Formation of an association for his support
— Establishment of the Christian Philanthropist's Fund— Reply to
the inquiry of Mr. Clcypon— Subscribers to the Philanthropist's
Fund, and letter ft-om Sir T. F. Buxton— Excellent spirit of David
towards the London City Mission — fiecomes united with the church
of the Rev. Thomas Lewis — David's renewed dedication of himself
tc God.

TO W. J. MORGAN, M.D. BATH.

Sir, — Had David Nasmith, with his dying hand,
framed a list of such names as he would have desired to
be identified with his history, it is, I think, certain that
yours would have been among the number. From his
papers it appears that he held you in very high esteem ;
and your own pen, in the following commuiication to
Mrs. Nasmith, dated December, 1841, shows that the
regard was reciprocal. By its insertion I am happy to
record your mutual friendship. • { ;t ^» 5,

" The Bath City Mission was indeed founded by my
dear and excellent friend, your husband, in my study,
on the 17th of November, 1837, and very much blessed
has it been since. Having been intimate with me when
I resided in Dublin, my dear friend was much with me
during his stay in Bath ; and I know that he took much
pains to form other societies ; but, so far as I can learn,

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

375

—David's urns
ations — Appre-
for his support
and — Reply to
i'hilanthropist's
spirit of Dayid
rith the church
tion of himself

ying hand)
3 desired to
certain that
From his
gh esteem;
Jiication to
jva that the
n happy to

ided by my
my study,
uch blessed
;h me when
!h with me
took much
can learn,

the City Mission alone survives. I know not whether
you were personally acquainted with Miss Harriet Read,
of Dorset-street, Dublin. Of course you know that
she, also, has been called to behold the King in his
beauty, and to dwell with him for ever. Many conver-
sations had we together about your dear husband's active
and devoted life, and the inscrutable purpose of God in
the time and circumstances of his removal, having little
apparent cause to suspect that she herself was within a
short period of a similar summons. She and her family
had been patients of mine in Dublin, and, feeling her
health declining, she wished to be under my care in
Bath, and asked to reside under my roof. Many sweet
hours of communion had we vsdth this precious Christian,
when suddenly she was taken seriously ill, and removed
to her heavenly home in January last. Blessed be our
God for that blessed revelation that has brought life and
immortality to light by the gospel ! and blessed be that
mercy which has miited so many of those who must
now have a warm place in our remembrance and our
affections, to Him who is the resurrection and the life ;
and has given us also a part and a lot in the same
salvation, so that we in good time shall once more
meet them, never more to part! It only remains
that, our citizenship being in heaven, we look for and
hasten the coming of our Lord; that so long as he
leaves us here we shall seek to glorify his name, and
wait in patience till our change come."

To me the death of Harriet Read is a great disap-
pointment. She had won my esteem to an extraordinary
extent, by her unparalleled devotion to the service of
God in connexion with David Nasmith; and I hoped
to have gratified her generous heart by presenting to her

',}

376

MEMOIR or

the Memoir of the man whom she had so faithfully, so
sealously, so generouslyi assisted in his works of faith
and labours of love :

But peace ! I mutt not quarrel with the will
Of highest dispenaation.

She is now beyond the reach or the necessity of such
satisfaction as a creature can bestow.

The year 1838 opened upon David, surrounded with
difficulties, but full of zeal for the glory of God, and
the good of mankind. At no period of his life, perhaps,
was he more deeply imbued with the spirit of religion.
Having been permitted to enter upon this, the last yeai
of which he was to see the end —

, " As the sun, in rising beauty dress'd,

Looks to the westward from the dappled east.
And marks, whatever clouds may interpose.
Ere yet his race begins, its glorious close — "

so David's mind at once measured the period, and
planned its work. The diary opens thus : " Aim this
year at eminent holiness, humility, and usefulness ; at
the conversion of all my children ; at the promotion
of love, and union, and action in the body of Christ ;
at the formation of a Universal Itinerating Library,
and a Loan Fund for the industrious and deserving
poor; at an abundant shower of Religious Tracts;
at much prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit ;
at the formation of twenty City Missions, thirty Young
Men's Societies, twenty Tract Societies, twenty Mater-

DAVID MASMITU.

nal SocietieSi fifty Family Missions, ten Female Missions.
The Lord being my helper, I go on."

The first sabbath of the year drew forth the following
reflections : " I am on my journey to heaven ; I am
more than three quarters past my thirty-eighth mile-
stone on the road, and soon will be at the thirty-ninth
mile-stone. To mark progress is wisdom ; to pass on
without consideration is folly. Let me be wise, be fools
who may ! Had I been more wise, I should have been
more happy to-day, and the world would have been
more blessed on my account. Great usefulness is my
aim : let it not be my idol. Great holiness is my aim :
let me enjoy, but not glory in any thing but Christ.
Last week I was more watchful, more prayerful, and
more systematic than usual, and I have been consequently
more happy. I have been better prepared to meet
with and encounter trials ; and I have seen work done
with satisfaction. I have been happy in my own mind,
been happy in my family, been enabled to forgive ene-
mies, to counsel those in trouble and distress, and to
suggest important measures, that will, I trust, be for the
glory of God and the good of many. This one thing I
have to confess as a sin of omission — I have neither read
nor studied the word with prayer, frequency, and dili-
gence. Lord, forgive this sin, and incline my heart to
thy law. I feel as if there was a great work before me
this year ; what it is I know not. My trials, tempta-
tions, and difficulties may, and I doubt not will, be many
and peculiar; but if my Lord prays for and upholds me, I
shall be safe. Be it so, O Lord, according to thy
faithful word. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe."

David having thus disburdened his heart respecting
his personal condition before God, proceeds to deliver

378

MEMOIR OP

himself of a load of benevolent aspirations for the welfare
of mankind, as follows : '

** These are my wishes for the church this yea • ; that
she may become more like Christ Jesus her Ilcud, by
making it her meat and drink to do the will of her
Father ; that the members may be united to each other as
Jesus is to his Father ; that her watchmen may see eye
to eye in order that the walls may be more extensively
and speedily built. To unite the church in love anr'
good works is a point of the first importance. Let me
not, in any way, mar her unity. Forbid it, forblrl it,
Lord ! Keep me from thinking, saying, or doing any
thing that would do it. I wish to see the hearts of the
children turned to their fathers ; to see special attention
given to the elevation of the female character ; to see
young men consecrate their hearts and lives to God and
his service ; to see the boys of the nation taught and
trained in the ways of God, and to see young men
charge themselves with this noble enterprise. Having
an educated people, I wish to see them in possession of
works suited to turn their education to good and not to
evil. I wish to see Christian fathers teach ignorant
fathers and young men ; Christian mothers teach igno-
rant mothers and their own and neighbours' daughters ;
and Christian daughters teach and train little girls. I
wish to see sympathy excited and directed on behalf of
the depraved, and also the desert inj^ y)C(r znd no; ;^. I
wish to see families become nurseries for the church, and
trained for the service of God. May my own be emi-
nently so ! I wish to see five millions more tracts issued
this year than last. I wish to see the blind and the
i'.ault taught to read God's word. I wish to see the
gospel carried to the poor by a very great multiplication

DAVID NASMITH.

879

or the welfare

lis yea • ; that
her Ilcad, Ly
le will of her
I each other as
n may see eye
re extensively
)i in love anc'
ince. Let me
d it, for hi f I it,
, or doing any
hearts of the
lecial attention
iracter; to see
es to God and
ion taught and
le young men
>rise. Having

possession of
ood and not to
teach ignorant
rs teach igno-
rs' daughters ;
little girls. I
I on behalf of

:*ndncf-Jy. I
he church, and
r own be emi-
e tracts issued
blind and the
sh to see the

multiplication

of labourers this year, and of Missions for their support."
Such was the spirit, and sucii vvc^rc the desires which
marked the opening of this eventful year.

From the above extracts, it will appear that the
philanthropist anticipated trials; and perhaps the pre-
diction, in part, was based on facts which were daily
pressing on his attention. It has been already seen
thit the Irish fund proved a failure, and that he, never-
'h< iess, resolutely refused to accept a stated salary from
the London City Mission ; thus committing himself,
with his family, entirely to the providence of God for
the supply of his daily wants. To meet his scruples,
and, at the same time, to abate his care about temporal
things, it occurred to certain sympathizing friends to
form a small society for that special purpose — an ar-
rangement to which he had no objection. With a view
to this, a meeting was held at 20, Red Lion-square,
on January 30th, 1837, consisting of Messrs. Claypon,
Mayo, and Reynolds, with their respective ladies, and
Miss C. Bury. At this meeting, which was op'ned by
prayer, Mr. Nasmith made a lengthened statement,
expressive of his views and objects; after which, it was
resolved —

" That it appears to this meeting, that the Head of
the church has called, and, in a peculiar manner, fitted
Mr. Naanith for a great work, affecting the interests of
the church of Christ throughout the world ; and they
acknowledge, with gratitude and thankfulness, the good
providence of God in having brought him to this city.

" TW, after carefully considering the statement of
Mr. Xiemith, and the peculiar circumstances of his
caae. this meeting is satisfied that it will materially
contribute to Kw successful exertions, if, instead of

■»

380

MEMOIR OF

ill-;'.

receiving a salary from the City Mission, the fuads
necessary for his support be supplied by the private
union of a few disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ,
whose servant he is.

*• That it appears to this meeting, that a sum of not
less than 2001. per annum should be raised for this
purpose ; to commence from the 1st of January, and
to continue whilst Mr. Nasmith is attached to the City
Mission.

" That, in order to raise this sum, the amount be
divided into lOl. shares, renewable from year to year;
and that application be made to individuals favourable
to the cause of God, to undertake either to pay the
amount for one or more shares, as the Lord may prosper
them, or to collect this sum from others.

" That evcxy contributor of 10/. be a member of the
association ; and that the members hereafter decide
whether their efforts shall be extended to any other,
and what objects.

" That Mr. Mayo be appointed treasurer, and Mr.
Claypon and Mr. Reynolds secretaries; and that the
treasurer be requested to advance Mr. Nasmith 50/.
for one quarter, which this meeting will guarantee.

" That this meeting cannot separate without re-
cording their high opinion of Mr. Nasmith's entire
disinterestedness, and their warm approbation of his
devoted conduct as a disciple of Christ, since they have
had the pleasure of his acquaintance."

The resolutions of this excellent association, it will
be observed, limited its labours to David's connexion
with the London City Mission, which terminated in
less than two months from the date of their adoption,
and consequently left him once more to the Father of

DAVID NASMITH.

381

1, the fuads

the private

Fesus Christ,

a sum of not
ised for this
Fanuary, and
d to the City

e amount be
i^ear to year;
lis favourable
ir to pay the
1 may prosper

lember of the
eafter decide

to any other,

•

irer, and Mr.
and that the
Nasmith 50/.
uarantee.

without re-
imith's entire
bation of his
nee they have

liation, it will
d's connexion
terminated in
leir adoption,
the Father of

spirits, who feeds the raven, and regulates the motions
of the sparrow. He had faith in God, and the promise
never failed, although many a time he was sorely tried.
He was happily associated with men who knew that
God works by means; and hence, in the autumn of
this year, another association was formed, on the same
principle, and for the same object, as that which had
been established in its beginning. This association,
originating with Mr. Carver, was called the " Christian
Philanthropist's Fund." Sir Arthur De Capel Broke,
Bart., was treasurer ; Thomas Thompson, Esq., sub-
treasurer ; E. T. Carver, and Herbert Mayo, Esqrs.,
secretaries. In their statement, they truly said, " Mr.
Nasmith is not at all actuated by mercenary motives in
his proceedings. He has spent whatever private pro-
perty he at different times possessed; he has refused
considerable sums of money, and declined situations in
which he might have been comfortable for life, and has
suffered many privations, from * a desire,' to use his own
words, * of accomplishing the largest possible amount of
good in the short space of his existence on earth.'"
These witnesses were true. The object of the associa-
tion was to raise " a sum not less than two hundred
pounds per annum." They failed, however, to realize
their desires ; and perhaps that failure, in part, arose
from the privacy of the movement. It commenced in
October, 1837, and on the 31st of December, 1838,
they had collected only 152/. 13*. 6c?.* This furnishes

* The following were the sums received during the year ending

December 31st, 1838 :—

£ s. d.
Mrs. Teed, Great Campden House, Kensington (three

years in advance) 30

Alexander Gordon, Esq., Wandsworth Common . . 10

! ■'

382

MEMOIR OF

an additional proof to that derived from the Dublin
association, of the precarious nature of all such means
of maintenance. The excellent persons by whom this
sum was contributed, were chiefly those who had been
his first co-operators in the work of City Missions and
general philanthropy ; and even some of those whose
names are absent from the list, 'ere not wanting in
respect for the philanthropist, and interest for his
welfare. Among that class was one of his first and
most stedfast friends, Joseph Claypon, Esq., who would
have done any thing to serve him, if he would only
have kept to one department of labour. This gentle-
man, with many others, thought that David might have
greatly increased both his usefulness and his comfort,
by keeping entirely to the business of City Missions.
The representation of these views called forth, on the
15th of February, 1838, the following letter: —

" I am sorry to inform you there is not the slightest
hope remaining of your kind wishes being realized, in
seeing me give myself wholly to the interests of City
Missions. I say I am sorry ; and in so doing, I express
but what I feel, whatever others may think of me. I

Sir Arthur de Capel Broke, Bart., Athenaeum

Thomas Thompson, Esq., Tavistock-square

Thomas Fowell Buxton, Esq.

Joseph Wilson, Esq., per Edward T. Carver, Esq.

Herbert Mayo, Esq., Islington

W. C. Hogan, Esq., Dublin

Two Ladies, Dublin

W. D. Crewdson, Esq., Kendal

Miss Davey, Norwich .

Rev. T. Lewis and Mrs. Haye.

Friends, per Edward T. Carver, Esq.

iriends, per John Henry Broome, Esq,

'A;

the Dublin
such means
r whom this
,0 had been
/[issions and
those whose
, wanting in
rest for his
lis first and
., who would

would only
This gentle-
a might have

his comfort,
ity Missions,
forth, on the

:r: —

the slightest
realized, in
rests of City
mg, I express
ik of me. I

£ s. d.

11
5 10

DAVID NA8MITH.

383

can truly say it gives me sorrow and pain to be obliged
to differ in judgment in such things from those whom I
esteem and love ; but I have never been, and I trust
shall never be, left to please man in such matters, how-
ever estimable, to the wounding of my own conscience,
and the grieving of the Holy Ghost. God, and not
man, is to be my Judge ; I must, therefore, act as
pleasing him. I desire to know my own * talent,' and
to apply it in that way which seems to me most likely
to make it produce * ten.' If others can satisfy me
that, by changing my plan, or confining myself to one
plan, I shall be more likely to attain the end for which
the 'talent' was bestowed, I trust I shall neither be
slow nor disinclined to adopt it.

" As to the value, necessity, and importance of City
Missions, I feel as fully convinced as (I had almost
said) any man, certainly as much so as most of those
who are their zealous promoters, having had a dozen
years' experience of their workings, and their results ;
but though City Missions have been with me, for many
years, my primary object, from their importance, they
have never been my one object.

" From my youth up I have been employed in doing
good to all, as I had opportunity, and in devising and
executing plans of various descriptions ; and, judging
of the future by the past, I have no hesitation in saying
that a much larger amount of good will result from my
continuing to act as I have done, than were I to devote
myself exclusively to any one object.

" I lately visited Scotland, and found City Missions,
Tract Societies, Young Men's Societies, Seamen's
Friend Societies, and others, that I had formed, prosper-
ing, and each employing different hands and minds, and

vs,

384

MEMOIR OF

doing good in as many different channels. Had I there
confined myself to City Missions, I should have wasted
half, if not two-thirds, or three-fourths of my talent.

" Had I remained with the London City Mission,
the probability is that there would have been no City
Mission to-day in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds,
Halifax, Cambridge, Oxford, and other places, in which
they have been formed during the last ten months;
and had I, in visiting those places, confined my atten-
tion to City Missions, one-half of my influence and
usefulness would have been lost. Having done all I
could, in each place, for City Missions, or rather all
that was necessary, I had intervening hours, in which
I must have remained inactive, or spent them in com-
parative inefficiency ; and these have I chosen to fill up
in bringing together, at one time young men. at another
mothers, at another children, to tell them something of
my Master's will, and leave them to decide whether
they could or ought to obey him. If, in some instances,
we have not found the men of experience — I say not of
years — to preside over and regulate the proceedings of
Young Men's Societies, it has generally been where
they would not come forward who were most com-
petent. I have seen glorious results follow many of
the Young Men's Societies that I have formed; and
my deep regret is, that no apostle of Young Men's
Societies has arisen, and thrown his whole soul and
mind, as well as time, into them, that their important
designs might be carried out with effect. Till then,
I feel called on to do what / can, knowing that the
church must think of, nurse, and train her young men,
before she can answer the ends for which she exists.
Since 1824, I have formed, I suppose, seventy Young

DAVID NASMITH.

885

Had I there
have wasted
ly talent,
ity Mission,
seen no City
ham, Leeds,
ces, ia which
ten months;
ed my atten-
nfluence and
g done all I
or rather all
iirs, in w^hich
them in com-
isen to fill up
en, at another
something of
icide whether
ime instances,
—I say not of
roceedings of

been where
e most com-
low many of
formed ; and
SToung Men's
Lole soul and
sir important
Till then,
i^ing that the
r young men,

h she exists.

iventy Young

Men's Societies, and could enumerate results that arc
now felt, and will be felt to many generations. With
a knowledge of facts before me, and a clear perception
of duty and consequences, I know you will excuse mi
if I agree to differ with you in my estimate of Youriy
Men's Societies. Suppose not for a moment that 1
advocate i^Tegularities, or imprudence. I have seen
and had to deplore both, many times, in Young Men's
Societies, as well as in City Missions.

*' I thank God for his kindness, in directing me, by
his providence, to quit the London City Mission at the
time I did. It has been good for me, and for many
others, that I did leave it. * The bitter is sweet ; the
medicine is food.' "

This honest exposition of David's views commended
itself to the understanding and the heart of his friend,
who, while he thought him mistaken, could not but
admire the zeal which prepared its subject, without a
sigh, to sacrifice every thing for what he deemed duty.
While, on this point, Mr. Claypon questioned his wis-
dom, he prized his worth ; and the effect of this letter
was only to heighten his admiration. It will subse-
quently appear that, the following year, he was in
the first class of subscribers to the Christian Philan-
thropist's Fund. Amongst the contributors to this
fund, was Sir T. F. Buxton, Bart., who, on November
16th, 1838, with his characteristic generosity, replied
as follows to Mr. Brown, one of the secretaries to the
fund : —

" I am very sorry that I have not sooner answered
your application of the 4th last, for a contribution to
a fund for the support, &c., of that excellent Christian
labourer, Mr. Nasmith. No one is more sensible than I

V-'i

•' I

l'l»l-

386

MEMOIK OF

of the claims of that gentlenn»"' on the Christian
public of this country. His exertions have been un-
wearied and persevering, and already, I believe, have
been crowned by a wonderful measure of success.

" J. have great pleasure in sending you a check for
10/., to be added to the fund for his support."

From these facts it is clear, that some of the principal
friends of the London City Mission, were among David's
most liberal supporters after his connexion with it had
ceased. The feeling was reciprocal. About the time
that he was holding this correspondence with Mr. Clay-
pon, that institution was the periodical subject of his
fervent prayers. One of his entries in the Journal of
the 8th of January, 1838, runs thus: — "The Lord's
name be praised! the London City Mission is be-
ginning to live again ; they held their first united
monthly meeting for prayer this evening. Killen,
Green, and I prayed for them at my fire- side; and we
agreed to have a meeting every Monday evening at
seven, for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon
them, that Satan may be allowed to make no more
havoc of the London City Mission, and that it may be
blessed and made a blessing to very many."

Having some time previously removed to Islington,
lie left the fellowship of the church under the pastoral
care of the Rev. Robert Philip, and placed himself
under that of the Rev. Thomas Lewis. Referring to
this event, the diary of March the 4tli thus speaks : —
" Commemorated the Lord's death for the first time
with Mr. Lewis's church at Union Chapel. The pastor
intimated that Mr. and Mrs. Nasmith had been received
with a satisfactory dismissal from the church under the
pastoral charge of the Rev. R. Philip. The Rev. R.

DAVID NASMITH.

387

lie Christian

ive been un-

believe, have

access.

I a check for

Tt."

the principal
mong David's
)n with it had
bout the time
ith Mr. Clay-
lubject of his
he Journal of
-"The Lord's
lission is be-
r first united
ling. Killen,
-side; and we

y evening at
Ghost upon

lake no more

lat it may be

to Islington,
[r the pastoral
placed himself

Referring to
[us speaks : —
the first time
The pastor
Ibeen received
|rch under the

?he Rev. R.

Knill and his wife sat next to us. Mrs. Nasmith and I
both enjoyed the occasion very much."

The spirit of intense devotion with which David
began the year suffered no abatement. During the
first three months he seems to have been in a frame
more than ordinarily spiritual. On Lord's day, April the
8th, he made the following entry : — " I do hereby, after
prayer, dedicate myself afresh to the service of my
adorable Redeemer. May he be my all and in all, the
chief among ten thousand, the altogether lovely in my
estimation ! Lord, I do most earnestly desire it !
Purify, purify my heart, O God ! Let no sin, no love
to sin, remain there. Make me a true, a genuine dis-
ciple. Let me not be found a hypocrite, and perish.
May the love of Jesus constrain me. I am far, far, far
from being perfect in thought, word, or deed. I lack
wisdom and humility. Lord Jesus, be thou my wisdom,
and clothe me with humility. My mind runs too much
from one thing to another. Fix it, fix it, O my God !
I am engaged in works truly important in their nature
and bearings. When I think of them in the light of
eternity, then does their magnitude appear, and I see
the perilous and momentous position I occupy. Hold
thou me up, O Lord, and then I shall be safe." Witli
a heart thus animated by the fires of the most enlight-
ened devotion, David prepared to commence the last
stage of his great journey.

) ;t

CH \PTEIl XXV.

Address to Mr. Mayo — David proceeds to Wales — Letter from Bala--
Review of his position — Proceeds to Dublin — Kind reception by old
friends — Operations in Dublin — Return to England— Pecuniary diffi-
culties — Results of the late tour— Visit to Oxford and other townc —
Defence of his domestic conduct, in a letter to Miss Harriet Read.

TO HERBERT MAYO, ESQ.

Sir, — The honoured name of David Nasmith will
long live in your memory, and in that of the companion
of your pilgrimage. Your house was one he always
delighted to enter ; for there he was uniformly greeted
with cordial smiles, and received with sincere affection ;
and from contiguity of residence, you enjoyed, at one
period, more than a common share of his society. In
your connexion with this remarkable man, there was
something common to you with others, and something
])eculiar to yourselves. In your admiration of his
cliaracter, in your contribution to his support, and your
co-operation in his labours, you had fellowship with
many of the excellent of the earth. In attachment, you
had equals ; and in labour, superiors ; but in bounty,
you had neitlier ; for you rendered him more pecuniary
aid than any other gentleman in England. Thus far
the felicity, in kind, was common ; but in repairing to
Guildford to bring home his body — excepting the share
of Mr. Carver, who accompanied you — and in opening
your house to receive the mourners who attended his

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

',iHU

honoured dust to its earthen bed, the honour and f^ pri-
vilege were all your own ! None other were permitted

To enjoy your part of grief,
And share the sad inheritance with you !

Having safely ai'rived in Wales, David, on the 22nd of
May, transmitted from Bala the following account of
the incidents of liis journey.

** At 12 o'clock, we discovered, on stopping to change
horses, that the axletree of the coach was broken, ;ind
that before we could have proceeded another mile or two,
the coach must have broken down. This coach had to
be abandoned, and another sought, which detained us
about three hours. This was a most merciful interpo-
sition of Divine Providence ; lives might have been lost.
The Wonder company and rail-road company are rivals j
but in this instance it was pleasing to find that the latter
were ready to help the former, by granting a loan of
one of their coaches. Some of the passengers having
gone forward by other coaches, I found a seat behind
the driver ; next to me sat rather a respectable-lookiiig,
well-dressed female, who had her gin bottle, and helped
herself freely. She was a young woman ; it was painful
to see her. I gave her a copy of the * Sinner's Friend,'
vsrhich I have no doubt she will read.

" I got into conversation with (I suppose) a clergy-
man ; but alas, he was more delighted with the rector
or vicar of Leeds bringing back Dissenters to the churcli
than with bringing sinners to Christ.

'• On arriving at the inn, near to two o'clock in the
morning, I found a fellow traveller, an interesting youn^
Irislmian, had got into the traveller's room before me.

390

MEMOIR OF

We had coffee together ; I found he was intimate with
some of my Irish Christian friends, but was not himself
decided. After some conversation, he requested that
we should not separate without prayer. He left by the
mail, on the Lord's-day at noon, for Holyhead. I gave
liim a copy of Kirk's sermon.

" When our coach arrived, a man called out, * Is
there a Mr. Nasmith with the coach V and handed me
a note of invitation from Mr. Robinson to breakfast
with him, which I accepted, and found them a kind
Christian family. I dined, took tea, and supped with
them. In the afternoon I addressed about two hundred
females, who were convened in Rev. Mr. Wt-am's chapel,
by announcement from the pulpit, in the morning. I
hope we met not in vain.

" Monday morning. — Met with about twenty-five to
thirty young men, at six o'clock. Formed a Young
Men's Society, with thirteen members. At a quarter
to eight o'clock, went to a missionary breakfast, at the
house of a relation of Mr. Robinson. At nine o'clock,
met with the town-clerk, as he was called (Rev. Mr.

Weam,) and Sir John , and two others, on the

subject of a town mission ; all desired the formation of
one : but the lions ! the lions ! I may return and make
the attempt. At ten o'clock, met with about ten ladies,
and formed a Maternal Society of eight members. Was
in the mail, at ten minutes to twelve, leaving Shrews-
bury for the Druid. Took a cab from the Druid to
Bala, a distance of ten miles, charge, 8*. 4rf. Found,
soon after we started, a weary traveller on the road,
who importunately solicited assistance; took him up,
and spent the hour and a half in profitable conversation
with him and the driver, about their souls, and the

'it i

DAVID NASMITH.

.391

intimate with
,s not himself
iquested that
[e left by the
•ead. I gave

led out, ' Is

id handed me

I to breakfast

them a kind

supped with

two hundred

efim's chapelj

morning. I

wenty-five to

tied a Young

At a quarter

akfast, at the

nine o'clock,

sd (Rev. Mr.

;hers, on the

formation of

rn and make

lit ten ladies,

ibers. Was

dng Shrews-

;he Druid to

id. Found,

on the road,

ok him up,

conversation

lis, and the

Lord Jesus. Neither of them were decided ; the im-
pression produced upon the mind of the traveller was
favourable; I gave each a copy of the tract, 'What
must I do V and one also for their children. Reached
Bala at seven, and immediately accompanied my land-
lord to a Welsh Methodist chapel. The preacher was
in earnest ; but I know not what he said. After
sermon, I called on Mr. Charles, grandson of the cele-
brated Charles, of Bala, with whom and another mini-
ster I sat in conversation until near twelve o'clock ; and
now (Tuesday morning) I have got up at half-past five
to write this, to go by this morning's post."

This is a fine sample of David's zealous labours in
North Wales, till the end of June, when they closed.
On Lord's-day, July 1st, we have the following entry,
made at Holyhead.

" My mind and circumstances being somewhat pecu-
liar to-day, I feel called on to record the same for my
soul's advantage, and the glory of my adorable Lord
and Master.

'* First. — I have reached the projected end of my present
journey in North Wales — a journey full of mercy and
of loving-kindness, the results of which will be felt and
experienced by many to all eternity. Thank the Lord,
O my soul, that he has given thee favour in the eyes of
the people, by means of which the door has been opened
to their ears. Thank him that he has so greatly helped
thee in delivering his message and working his work.
Thank him that upwards of thirty associations have been
formed by means of which, there is reason to hope,
thousands and tens of thousands of tracts will be circu-
lated ; hundreds of mothers, young women, young men,
and children will be led to consider their responsibilities

\ ■■ 1

!»j

S9Q

MEMOIR OP

and duties, and have the talents God has given tlicm
cultivated and directed. Thank him that ever you joined
the Total Abstinence Society, by means of which you
have had an opportunity afforded of giving counsel to
thousands on that subject, and also of preaching Christ
to teetotallers who do not as yet love him. Thank him,
because you have been the means of inducing two,
whose influence may be considerable, to sign the total
abstinence pledge ; and that one of these professes to
iiave derived benefit to her soul from truth uttered by
your lips. (Lord, carry on the good work, and take to
thyself all the glory !) Thank him, because he has mer-
cifully preserved thy life amidst dangers that have been
seen and unseen. Thank him, for the soul comfort,
reproof, humbling, and encouragement he has given
thee during this journey. Be abased, my soul, that
God should put such honour upon one who is nothing —
less than nothing — a hell-deserving sinner, who merits
destruction on account of a thousand sinful thoughts
that have been in thy mind during these weeks. Lord,
Lord ! purify my heart, that my thoughts and affections
may be heavenly, and set on things above !

" Second. — I have this evening commemorated the
dying love of Jesus with the disciples, in the bread and
wine, and found a season, I trust, of refreshing. My
mind was especially impressed with the thought, that
without the shedding of blood there was no remission ;
which opened up the fountain of Jesus' love, in laying
down his life for me ; and exhibited the awful hell from
which he saves, and the infinitely holy and just character
of Jehovah. To-day, when in church, my mind was
especially impressed with the character of God as a
jealous Gqd, and the oft-repeated ground I had given

DAVID NASMITH.

39ii

for the kiiuUing of that attribute against mo. How long-
suiFcring and full of compassion art thou, O my God !
I thank and praise thee with my whole heart, thou
precious and all -prevailing Intercessor, for thine advo-
cacy in iiiy behalf; and come, O come, thou holy and
blessed Spirit.

" Third. — After communing at the table, and remem-
bering the conduct of Isaac, I walked out into the field
to meditate, no disciples having asked me to their house,
and not finding my inn (not a temperance inn, for there
is none in town, else I would have been in it) very com-
fortable. Although I found some difficulty in fixing my
mind, still I was enabled, looking' at the past, the present,
and the future, to praise, adore, and trust him ; and
afresh to dedicate my self, soul, body, and spirit, to his
service. May he keep me evermore ! Amen.

" Fourth. — Here I am like the Israelites of old, in some
respects : with the sea before me to cross, (to Dublin,)
and not the meaDS of doing so ; with an innkeeper's bill
to pay, and not enough money to meet it. I went
without dinner to-day, to keep it as low as possible, and
if I turn back, and expose my poverty to friends, it will
be apt to injure the cause; and to return home is im-
possible. Here I am, waiting to see the salvation of
God. He will appear, I know ; but how, I cannot tell.
My Father and my God ! I have trusted thee ; I will
trust thee. Hast thou given thy Son, and wilt thou not
with him also give me all things ? Yea, Lord, I know
thou wilt. I would recount the 251. in Scotland — the
lOZ. in Ireland — the 100/. in England — and the dollars
in America ; these are some of thy many striking inter-
ferences in my behalf ; and now, O Lord, my covenant-
keeping God, who hast promised that our water shall be

' V.

394

MEMOIR OF

given and our bread made sure, now is a crisis with me,
here and at home. Do display thy love, thy providential
care, and with it give a heart to praise thee. Lord,
enlarge my heart. Let me never be presumptuous. I
thank thee for enabling me this day, on four occasions,
to give in all 1*. 6d, to thy poor, with, I trust, a ready
mind. Hear me, my Lord, for thy dear Son's sake, and
enable me evermore to praise, and serve, and trust thee.
Amen, and amen."

After spending a few days at Holyhead, David pro-
ceeded once more to Dublin; and immediately on
his arrival, he wrote as follows, on July the 7th, to
Mrs. Nasmith : —

*' I left Holyhead at ten o'clock this morning, and
now, on my arrival in Dawson-street at half-past five
o'clock, I sit down to occupy the few minutes allowed
me before the mail starts.

" Some weeks have elapsed to-day since I left home,
during which period I have visited two English and
fourteen Welsh towns and" villages, and had the satis-
faction of seeing the formation of three Mission, thir-
teen Tract, thirteen Young Men's, four Maternal, three
Young Women's, and one Little Girls' Associations;
besides four Female and nine Family Missions, and a
Society for the benefit of Domestic Servants. I have
also had the privilege, on forty-four occasions, of pub-
licly addressing, in all, about five thousand individuals
on good things ; and the Lord has greatly helped me.
I have been most mercifully preserved from danger,
seen and unseen, and brought once more to Ireland in
safety. Praise ye the Lord with me."

David remained in the Irish capital till the middle of
September, day and night, as usual, straining every

DAVID NASMITH.

395

nerve to advance the cause of Christ among mankind.
On the Monday previous to his departure on the fol-
lowing Wednesday, he convened a special meeting of
his friends, in the Dorset Institution, Upper Sackville-
street, when he stated the design of the various societies
he had formed during the preceding two months, and
presented motives of encouragement to all engaged in
them; at the same time commending to their special
notice the interests of the British and Foreign Town
Mission, stating that, since its formation in March, 1837,
upwards of eighUj City Missions and other religious and
benevolent societies had been formed through its instru-
mentality. He forcibly urged its claims, but the success
was not proportioned to the merits of the man and of tlie
institution. Bidding farewell, a long farewell, to his
kind-hearted and faithful Irish friends, he returned to
England, and, on the 15th of September, wrote to Miss
Harriet Read in the following strain of deep depres-
sion. After acknowledging a variety of obligations, he
proceeds : —

" I need scarcely say, that I feel very much obliged
for your kindness in agreeing, after all the trouble you
have had with me and mine, to undertake the receipt and
transmission of monies to the Christian Philanthropist's
Fund. I do quite feel that you must have burdens
enough to bear without mine ; and glad, glad would I
be, were it so ordered, that I were freed from the
painful anxieties I now have as to debt. Oh, it is a
weight, a heavy weight, about my soul! I desire to
cast myself upon the Lord ; but I fear I do not do it as
I ought.

** Now I am going home, not with a light, but a
heavy heart, as to future support. How to act I know

;?»«il

396

MEMOIR OF

not. At the close of the present month I have about
301. to pay ; where it is to come from I know not. I
must again cast myself upon the Lord, lie still, and see
his hand.

" Surely, I am not deceiving myself as to his hand
being with me in my work. If you think I am, help me
to detect the fallacy, and pray for me."

After an absence of four months, David returned to
London, and, at the first meeting of the Committee, on
the 3rd of October, reported the formation of no fewer
than seventy-three societies ! These were of all sorts,
consisting mainly of City and Town, Female and Family
Missions ; Maternal, Young Ladies', Young Men's, and
Tract Societies. The expenses of this long journey
deserve to be stated. They amounted to no more than
34/. 7s. Hid.; and on the other hand, the receipts
were only 34Z. 17*. 2|c?. These figures show that, on
wliichever side viewed, money had but little to do with
the enterprise. On October the 15th, a special meeting
of the Friends of the Mission was held at No. 20, Red
Lion-square, to which David gave a lengthened narra-
tive of his travels and labours; and at the close a
resolution passed, calling on him to prepare the same
for the press, — a proposition to which he assented, but
which, unhappily, was never accomplished.

During the autumn David pursued his wonted course,
sowing beside all waters, visiting Oxford and various
other places, and, wherever it was practicable, effecting
benevolent organizations. On November the 29th he
addressed a letter to Miss Harriet Read, frjm which it
appears that she had been giving the ^>hilanthropist
counsel respecting his marital duties. It thus pro-
ceeds : —

" The sight of your handwriting again did me good.

DAVID NASMITH.

397

Glad am I to find that you are in tlie land of the living,
and may you long be so, to do good, and to ripen for
heaven.

** I had, when in Bray, a plan written out, which is
now by me, such as you name. It occupied me there
until three o'clock in the morning ; and having finished
it, and laid it before the Lord, I had this answer, to the
entire satisfaction of my own mind — that the Lord did
not mean me to act upon it, at all events, for months to
come, if at all. I had all my reasons for and against :
I need not say that inclination was wholly against ; but
duty was the question.

" I do not think the marriage promise, which you
quote, has been neglected by me. My wife has seldom,
if ever, wanted money, when she required it for neces-
saries ; and, sure I am that our temporal comforts have
been incomparably superior, through mercy, to those
of many, many, of the Lord's precious saints ; nor
has our faith been so much exercised, although our
want of faith in God has often rendered our situation
any thing but pleasant to flesh and blood.

" The naming of 51. was as cold water to a thirsty
soul. You cannot conceive the joy I feel ac the thought
of being able to owe no man any thing, and to live
honestly."

The truth is, that certain parties, who preferred
walking by sight to walking by faith, took great liber-
ties with the character of the philanthropist, and spoke
the thing that they ought not. To judge is always
easier than to imitate ; and most men's approval of their
neighbours can ascend no higher than their own per-
formance. The trials of Mrs. Nasmith were, no doubt,
occasionally great; but they were likewise, to some
busy-bodies, the theme of malicious exaggeration.

I
I

CHAPTER XXVI.

^ ddress to Messrs. Ainslie and Garwood— Letter of Mr. Nasmith to the
Managers of the London City Mission — David's aims at the com-
mencement of 1839— Tour to Nottingham, Bradford, Derby, and other
towns — Resolution relative to Young Men's Societies — Sudden death
of Mr. Perkins — Journey to Cheltenham and other towns — Letter to
his brother John — Last letter to Miss Harriet Read — Great pecuniary
difficulties — Mr, Mayo's anxiety for his welfare— Letter to Mr. Mayo
— Extreme perplexities relative to the future — David's apportionment
of his precarious income — Subscribers to the Philanthropist's Fund
for 1839.

TO THE REV. ROBERT AINSLIE AND THE REV. JOHN
GARWOOD, SECRETARIES OF THE LONDON CITY
MISSION.

Gentlemen, — The action of man on man is a universal
fact, which supplies matter for profitable instruction
and for curious speculation. The birth of a child in
one hemisphere may affect the destinies of hundreds
of millions in another. The cast and colour of your
own lives and labours have been most materially affected
by those of David Nasmith. You hold an ojKce of
great importance, responsibility, and honour, in an insti-
tution v^hich owes its existence to him as the sole
creator of that machinery which you are now so eflec-
tively working. His honoured name is indissolublj'^
associated with that of the London City Mission, the
constant object of his prayerful solicitude to the last
hour of his earthly sojourn. The following note of
May 9, 1839, is a frank and sincere exposition of his
feelings : —

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

399

. Nasmith to the
ms at the corn-
Derby, and other
—Sudden death
owns — Letter to
-Great pecuniary
ter to Mr. IVIayo
3 apportionment
nthropist's Fund

REV. JOHN
>NDON CITY

is a universal

e instruction

a child in

of hundreds

our of your

ially affected

an office of

in an insti-

a«» the sole

ow so effec-

indissolubly

Mission, the

to the last

ing note of

sition of his

" I thank you and the managers of the London City
Mission for the cards sent me, and for the kind invita-
tion to attend your next anniversary. I purpose (D. V.)
being present at that, as I have been at every former
public meeting of your mission.

" My attachment to the object of the London City
Mission is unabated, and I do greatly rejoice in that
measure of success which it has pleased our gracious
Father to give you. My chief regret, when I think
of your Society, is, that you have not four hi^ndred,
instead of fifty agents, testifying of Jesus to the poor of
London.

" I regret not my separation from the London City
Mission, however much I did and ever shall regret the
cause of it. The separation has been overruled, and will
be, I doubt not, still more so, for the more abundant
diffusion of the light of Divine truth."

The London City Mission was by far the greatest
work of its founder ; and by it " he, being dead, yet
speaketh." The facts of his history, embodied in this
volume, will form an imperishable monument of his
Christian philanthropy, proclaiming his zeal for the
glory of the Son of God, and his compassion for the
sorrows of an afflicted and lost world. As his personal
friends, his efficient co-operators, and his approved suc-
cessors, I inscribe to you this chapter, which brings his
eventful life down to the period of its termination.

David eiiiered upon the year 1839 much in the same
spirit as he had on its immediate predecessor. Ilis zeal
was equally fervent, his aims equally elevated. His
diary thus opens: —

" Aim (the Lord being thy helper) at bringing all thy

400

MEMOIR OF

Hi:!'!

M'i.

children to Jesus. Much love to Jesus, his children, and the
world — much humility — eminent holiness — much prayer
in secret — extensive usefulness — a praying spirit — hear-
ing much, and saying little — ^great gentleness — Christian
courtesy — a cultivated mind — great simplicity."

We have next a specification of the work to be done,
which is as follows : —

" Finish four months' tour ; write twelve City Mission
letters ; write twenty Family Mission tracts ; form twenty
City and Town Missions ; twenty Young Men's So-
cieties ; ten Tract Societi'^s ; Five Female Missions ;
twenty Family Missions ; five Young Men's Societies :
five Maternal Societies; five Girls' Associations; five
Boys' Associations ; five IServants' and Providence
Houses; one Benevolent Society; and one Night
Asylum : one hundred and two in all."

David, when he penned these sentences relative to his
personal piety and his public labour, little thought that
his work was so near an end, and his purposes so soon
to be broken off; but if the solemn fact had been com-
municated to him, he could not have acted much other-
wise than he did during the whole of the months that
yet remained to him. He spent January in town with
his family and friends, busied in his usual labours ; and
early in February he set out upon a tour of considerable
length, for the advancement of his general objects,
visiting Nottingham, Bradford, Derby, Leicester, md
Market-Harborough ; and on the 23rd of February,
reporting progress to his friend Mr. Carver, he thus
concludes : —

** Such, beloved brother, are some of the fruits of
the British and Foreign Mission; and the Christian
community consigns us to starvation and bankruptcy !

DAVID NASMITH.

401

Our cup is at present bitter. / believe the Lord will
appear for us; but we must wait for him. Are we
neglecting any part of our duty ?"

On David's return to London, measures were adopted
to publish what was termed the City Mission Letter ;
a wise purpose, which had been cherished for a con-
siderable time, but delayed in consequence of the defi-
ciency of funds. The attention of David and the Com-
mittee was next very seriously occupied with the subject
of Young Men's Societies. Many things had occurred
to show that in order to the usefulness, and, indeed, the
existence of such societies, they must be officered by
men of wisdom and experience ; or that they must be
principall}'- composed of persons who feared God, and
who V did be " a law unto themselves." It was not
always possible to procure s ich officers, and hence it
was deemed expediert to resort to the latter alternative.
In order to this, therefore, on March the titli, the fol-
lowing resolution was adopted.

" That it be recommended to the Managers of the
British and Foreign Mission, that all new Societies consist
exclusively of young men, who give evidence of union
to the Lord Jesus Christ ; and that the societies already
formed be still corresponded with and encouraged."
The adoption of this rule from the oatset would
have saved David much vexation, and not a littl(^
disappointment.

About this time an event occurred, which considerabJv
affected Mr. Nasmith's mind. His faithful and most
devoted friend, Mr. t/rkins, had, in the previous
October, intimated his determination to withdraw from
the Mission, in consequence of his advanced age and
increasing infirmities ; but he still continued to give it

402

MEMOIR OF

liis best services. On the IGth of March, this amiable
man was suddenly summoned to his rest. David had
seen him in the afternoon of the preceding day, and
parted expecting to meet again the following night.
The minute of the meeting, in Mr. Nasmith's hand-
writing, runs thus : " The meeting was rendered pecu-
liarly solemn by the sudden call, given this morning, to
their devoted brother, Perkins, to appear in heaven.
This brother was one of three to form the British and
Foreign Mission, on this day two years; and twelve
months ago, when the three met to return thanks for
mercies past, and to supplicate a continuance of favour,
he sweetly engaged in prayer with a full hefirt- It was
only yesterday afternoon, that the Secretary spent some
time with this beloved brother, and on departing looked
forward to the pleasure of assembling this day to repeat
together our thanksgivings and our supplications ; but
he has gone to report and see the fruit above, while we
are left behind a little longer to help forward the glorious
work of our Redeemer."

Shortly after this event, David proceeded on a journey
for the usual objects ; and, at its close, he wrote to Mrs.
Nasmith, from Cheltenham, on the 18th of April, the
following letter : —

" I hoped to have reached home yesterday, but now
find that I shall be detained in this region until next
Tuesday, when I purpose leaving for London — it may be
Wednesday. I intend leaving Cheltenham to-morrow
or Saturday, and proceeding to Kidderminster; from
which place I return to Town.

" May I hope that you have had no lack of money
since I left ? Mr, Carver informed me, that he had
received 21. for the fund, which I requested he would

DAVID NA8MITH.

403

5 morning, to

kindly send to you. Wlien I left I had a few pence in
my pocket ; I borrowed 1 /. of Mr. G roser, and sot out
on my present journe^ , I had not gone far until I
received very great kindness, and had my wants supplied
for the time being ; now I have not what will take me
home ; but I have no doubt the Lord will provide. 1
had to pay three guineas for the rooms, in which to hold
my meetings, in this place, yesterday and to-day ; and
will have to pay, perhaps, 1/. more for making them
known. I am stopping at an inn, no one having invited
me to sojourn under their roofs. This is all well, and
will, I doubt not, work for good. I have just put into
die hands of a young gentleman, from Scotland, a copy
o^ Kirk's sermon to young men. We had a walk to-
gether to the Spa, this morning, at seven o'clock. My
health is good, and I have been assisted in my work ;
although I have not realised all that I desired, still I
have much, very much cause for thankfulness."

David having returned to Town, arrangements were
made for holding a public meeting, in the Lower-room,
Exeter Hall, of the friends of the mission, and which
was held on the 8th of May ; Thomas rhonipson, Esq.,
acting as Chairman. Things with respect to the Mission
now began to assume a somewhat brighter aspect ;
friends were multiplying, and David's sphere of useful-
ness was daily enlarging; but his straits remained
the same. His friend^ Mr. Mayo, whose affectionate
fidelity led him often to speak very plainly, about tliis
time held a conversation, which, on May the 25th,*
called forth the following characteristic and excellent
letter : —

" Beloved Brother, — Your remarks to me on'
Tuesday of last week, led to prayer, to self-examination,
to a revision of plans ; and the conclusion of the whole

I
r

fi:^:

1* I

nil

;:i

II;;

404

MEMOIR OP

is, that I prosecute the work of forming City and Town
Missions ; and, at the same time, do good unto all as I
have opportunity. This satisfies my own conscience
before God ; it is based, I think, on the Divine will ;
and if I must, for conscience sake, suffer the loss of
nmch co-operation that would be valuable, and to me
desirable, and very pleasant, I must bow. I cannot,
I will not, for one moment think that, however much it
might please you to see me rise in popular estimation
and in unfettered usefulness, as you suppose, you would
wish me to give up conscience. No ; I have a different,
a very different opinion of you.

" If you think I am in error, pray for me, and when-
ever you get any fresh light throw it on my path ; it is
just possible that I may see as you see ; at present it is
not at all probable. That you may form a correct
estimate of my work, allow me to invite you to accom-
pany me, in the month of July, to Lancashire, and see
what opportunities the Lord gives of usefulness ; and
after that tell me whether I am at liberty to neglect
them ; or, if you please, start with me for two weeks,
next Thursday, when I leave for Chatham, Canterbury,
Dover, and other places. This week I formed a mission
in Gravesend, to which an agent has gone down this
evening; also a mission for Rochester, Chatham, and
Stroud. The former was formed on Monday and the
latter on Wednesday.

" You speak as if I was drawing my confide^ice of
being in the right path, from sufferings and privations.
I am not aware that I do. I desire to find the right
path, and walk in it, by day and by night, in sunshine
and cloud, in storm and calm. I have not spent forty
years in the wilderness without seeing the pillar of cloud
and of fire, and learning that the God of Elijah is not

DAVID NASMITH.

405

City and Town
d unto all as I
>wn conscience
e Divine will;
fer the loss of
ble, and to me
ow. I cannot,
owever much it
ular estimation .
pose, you would
lave a different,

me, and when-
1 my path ; it is
at present it is
form a correct
3 you to accom-
cashire, and see
usefulness; and
erty to neglect
for two weeks,
.m, Canterbury,
»rmed a mission
one down this
Chatham, and
Monday and the

iy confidcxice of
and p'ivations.
find the right
rht, in sunshine
not spent forty
pillar of cloud
)f Elijah is not

dead. Trust him I will, while I have a being; and
praise him in sweeter and better songs ere long, than
these imperfect warblings that are now presented."

The following letter to his brother John, the last Ik*
ever received, dated July 17th, shows how he was occu-
pied diu-ing the latter half of June and the first half
of July : —

" I do greatly enjoy my work ; the Lord is evidently
with me, and making me his instrument in doing good
on a large scale.

" The following will give you an Idea of my work :
Last week I returned to Town, after an absence of twelve
days ; in which period I visited Margate, Ramsgate,
and Dover. In these places I saw formed two Town
Missions, two Female Missions, one Maternal Society,
anr" three Young Men's Societies. I addressed full
assemblies, of 80, 200, 400, and 500 children ; of adults,
in City Missions, three assemblies, of 200, 300, and 400 ;
of young men, three assemblies, of 30, 50, 50; of
females, four assemblies, of 6, 15, 50, 30; of poor people,
about 20; regular congregations, 250, 400 hearers.
Scattered some hundreds of tracts — had some plain
dealing in private with saints and sinners.

" Her) was influence brought upon a vast mass of
mind, and a source of life or death exerted. Who —
who is sufficient for these things ? Pray much for your
brother David."

In the month of August, David took another journey,
during which he visited Leamington, Warwick, Stratford-
on- Avon, and Daventry ; in aU of which he formed
societies.

We now approach a period which imparts a solemnity
to dU that the philanthropist said and did. He seems.

40G

MEMOIR OF

in every thing, to be more than ever labouring for
eternity; all his words and all his deeds were, in their
nature, testamentary. On the 5th of September, he
wrote for the last time, and after a long silence, to his
true, zealous, and unchanging friend, Miss Harriet
Read, as follows : —

" My very dear Friend, — I have gratefully to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your kind letter and money,
received sometime ago.

" I long to hear how your health is, and how all your
beloved sisters are, including Sister Hunter, and her
little one.

" I have had no communication from Dublin for many
months ; but no wonder — I treat all as I treat you, and
I can neither blame myself for want of interest, nor for
sitting idle.

** The Lord, in the aboundings of his grace and
mercy, is still employing rae as an instrument for good.
I cannot now sufficiently estimate the privilege; in
heaven we shall have wonderful discoveries.

" The British and Foreign Mission is, as usual, poor,
so that I cannot take long or distant journeys. Last
week I returned from a tour of ten days, during which
I travelled between two and three hundred miles — ad-
di'essed about 3000 individuals — attended ^7 meetings,
public and private — formed three Town Missions, four
Female Missions, four Young Men's Societies, one
Servant's Home, and one Children's Branch ; and I had
some important conversations with saints and sinners in
private. Pray, pray, pray for me !"

Among David's many sources of anxiety, the standing
source was, the want of adequate subsistence ; a circum-
stance which, in spite of his strong faith and moral

r labouring for
» were, in their
September, he
^ silence, to his
I Miss Harriet

gratefully to ac-
er and money,

lid how all your
unter, and her

)ublin for many
[ treat you, and
interest, nor for

his grace and
iment for good.
i privilege ; in
s.

as usual, poor,

)urneys. Last

during which

cd miles — ad-

^7 meetings,

Missions, four

ocieties, one

h ; and I had

and sinners in

, the standing
ce ; a circum-
;h and moral

DAVID NASMITH.

^O'

energy, continually pressed him to the eartli. His diary
of September 6th, 1839, runs thus: " For several days
I have been in great agony of spirit from want of money.
I had given my wife, at the close of List week, every
fraction of money in my possession ; so that I have not
had one halfpenny in my pocket ; and my dear wife has
had her trial of faith, anxious with myself to pay every
man, and not being at all inclined to have people asking
for money when due, without the power of giving it.
We have both been several times in prayer; but the
answer is delayed. Our faith is put to the test. Yes-
terday, after walking several miles, I returned home
not a little fatigued. I called during the day upon
several persons, but could not tell them all that was in
my mind. I let them know that the British and Foreign
Mission was in want of money, and I got twenty
shillings from an individual. To that individual I said
I was often tempted to give up my work, and seek a
Hving in some other way. He replied, that he knew 1
never would. I called and borrowed 10/. of brother W.
It was my last resort. I did it with reluctance and
pain, but was thankful there remained one to whom I
could go to borrow. I do fear to hurt the cause. But
my Lord had nowhere to lay his head, and to get money
to pay a tax, he wrought a miracle. Can I then, ir>
following my master, conscientiously murmur and com-
plain, because my Father in heaven, for some wise and
good end, sees meet to delay supplies, and makes me to
feel my entire dependence on him ? To-day brother S.
has informed me that, at the end of this month, he will
leave my house in the garden, and thus my 8L towards
rent from this source will be taken away; and lately, 16/.

! Mil

i'!'

i i

408

MEMOIR OP

more was removed. I must now wait and see the sal-
vation of the Lord. He will show us his face." > .

The following month did not improve his circum-
stances. At a meeting of the committee of the Mission,
held on October the 29th, the last he ever attended, he
reported that he had " written to twenty individuals,
soliciting contributions, and that he had received an-
swers from four of them, all of which were unfavour-
able." Nothing can exceed the distress into which he
was plunged by a succession of ftiilures, on the part of
the Mission, to raise funds. The wonder is, all things
considered, how Mrs. Nasmith and her husband could
keep house in London, rear a family, exercise hospita-
lity, and contribute largely to religious objects, from an
income which, at no time after their arrival, was half
equal to even a moderate supply of their* wants. The
truly primitive spirit of this pilgrim pair may challenge
comparison with that of any couple among their con-
temporaries, no matter of what class or country. The
Jirst item in their "estimated expenditure" of 1836
was " The Lord's portion, ^OZ.," which was for distri-
bution amongst objects of religion and humanity.
Even in 1839, in the very depths of his poverty and
perplexity, the "estimated expenditure" of the year
comprises an item of 121. 9s. for the same objects,
and this at a time when he had nothing to depend
upon but the Christian Philanthropist's* Fund. His

* The following is a list of the contributors for 1839, up to the day
of David's death : —

£ s. d.
Joseph Proctor, Esq., per Rev. T, Lewi? . . .500
William Wilson, Esq., Nottingham . . . 5 10

/;>'

DAVID NASMITH.

409

friend Mr. Mayo had become deeply anxious that he
should combine business with benevolence, and adopt
some substantial means of providing permanent support
for himself and his family; and on the 15th of October
an opportunity occurred of pressing the matter, David
having vrritten as follows :

" I have not been at all well for several weeks. I
wish I could say I was much better, but I cannot.

" With a strong desire to owe no man anything, my
mind has been greatly exercised, for some time past, as
to the will of the Lord, from the Philanthropist's Fund
having been so far unproductive, together with the in-
adequate supply prior to its formation. My receipts
during this period of two years and a half have been
less by about 1201. than my necessary expenditure.
For eleven years I have been living by faith on God

-"III

1839, up to the day

£ ». d.

Miss Harriet Read, Dublin 5 10

Herbert Mayo, Esq., London 10

Mrs. Hayes, Dublin 5

Joseph Claypon, Esq. 10

Thomas Thompson, Esq 10

Joseph Wilson, Esq., Sheffield 10

MissDavey, Norwich 10

William Hitchcock, Esq 5

Edward Palmer, Esq. 2

William Cunninghame, Esq 10

Thomas Guildart, Norwich 5

Mrs. Perkins 10

Mr. Thoroughgood 10

Herbert Mayo, Esq., London (second subscription) . 5

Sir Arthur de Capel Broke 5

Mrs. Perkins 10

By Mrs. Hayes, Dublin 10

William Astbury, Esq 5

Alexander Gordon, Esq 20

ill ill

W\4

III

lliil

!iS;il.!i;

'*■!

410

MEMOiR OF

for supplies, whilst I have sought to give my^ielf wholly
to his service, and he has been faithful. I have, once
or twice, been in circumstances equally trying with my
present position. One of those occasions was at the
time when he directed you and your dear partner to
hand me what he knew I required; and thus in love
has he, from time to time, prevented me from being
swallowed up by overmuch sorrow.

" I do greatly enjoy the Lord's presence and blessing
in my work. He is with me, and, I believe, not in
vain. The results are, I trust, eminently to his glory.
I trust him. I would praise him."

This letter gives the first intimation of the malady
which, shortly after, cut him off. Mr. Mayo, judging
that now was his opportunity to lead David to consider
of business, on the next day wrote as follows :

" My dear Friend, — I am sure that you have a
strong desire, as you say, to owe no man anything;
and I am grieved that you have incurred so large a
debt, which must press heavily on your spirits, parti-
cularly when you see how your difficulties affect your
dear wife and children. May the gracious Lord, whom
you desire to glorify, raise up help for you ! Will you
let me know what kinds of engagement or employment
you are willing to enter into, for the purpose of sup-
porting your family, and I will place the matter before
Christian friends as well as 1 can."

To this generous inquiry David immediately replied
as follows : — <t

" My dear Friend, — I need not say, that it is to
me a source of extreme mental agony when at any time
I am unable to pay what I owe. "^

" In answer to your kind inquiry, as to what sort of

nyself wholly
I have, once
jring with my
IS was at the
ar partner to
thus in love
le from being

J and blessing
elieve, not in
' to his glory.

3f the malady
Mayo, judging
id to consider
3ws:

; you have a
lan anything;
ed so large a
spirits, parti-
es affect your
s Lord, whom
u ! Will you
r employment
irpose of sup-
matter before

iately replied

that it is to
n at any time

what sort of

DAVID NASMITH.

411

engagement or employment I am willing to enter into
for the support of my family, I would say that I desire
to have no will of my own, but to follow the pillar of
cloud or of iirc. Of this I am quite certain, that the
Lord called me to my present employment, and has
blessed me in it ; and I must see clearly that he calls
me out ot it, before I shall dare move either to the
right hand or to the left. If temporary embarrassment
and difficulty had led me to seek other employment, I
should have formed no London City Mission, no Man-
chester Town Mission, nor many others, that are now
prosperous ; and how many more such the Lord intends
that I shall establish, I know not. 1 believe my City
Mission work is not yet done. No individual has yet
""'sen, and no society is yet established, that is likely
;«) uediately to supersede my labours in this depart-
ment, and no one can say with truth that such Missions
are uncalled-for.

" My present source of income is the Philanthropist's
Fund. It may be that, if the papers, a copy of which
is inclosed, were judiciously and more extensively cir-
culated, the Lord might incline others to follow your
good and kind example, and thus speedily and effec-
tually relieve me from present difficulties, and enable
me, without carefulness^ to prosecute my delightful
and important work. I have occasionally managed
such matters for others ; but confess, that I liave
chosen rather to suffer much silently, than to appear
prominent for myself. Mistake me not. I am neither
glorying in, nor boasting of, what I have either done
or suffered: that, in its extent, is known, and shall
be known, to myself alone, and to Him who knoweth

all things.

i.;.V =

412

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

" If the Philanthropist's Fund do not, at the close of
the current year, present the prospect of continued and
adequate support, I must make arrangements in some
other way to find what is necessary. Meanwhile, I
and my wife are truly obliged by the repeated tokens
of your love, and that of Mrs. Mayo."

Mi i'E

:i.i!!

-■'<;-':.,»•

CHAPTER XXVII.

Address to Mr. Groser— Termination of David's career — Mrs. Nasmith's
account — David sets out for Guildford — Sudden seizure, illness, and
death — Post-mortem examination — Removal of the body to London
— Interment — Funeral sermon by the Rev. Thomas I ewis — Effect of
David's death — Anxiety of friends for his family — Baxter's address
to the Countess of Balcarras — Formation of a committee to raise
funds — Result of its operations — Reflections on the benevolence of
Englishmen.

TO MR. GEORGE GROSER, SECRETARY OF THE
LONDON FEMALE MISSION.

Sir, — You were honoured with a full measure of the
affection and confidence of David Nasmith. He not
only formed the important Institution the affairs of
which you so acceptably and efficiently conduct, but he
likewise introduced you to your present office, and, by
his urgency, induced you to accept it. Your intimacy
was very close ; your friendship was that of brothers.
For a period it was your happiness to reside under his
roof, a circumstance that tended not a little to pervert
your knowledge of his real character, which you more
thoroughly understand than any other man that I have
met with in England. You sincerely loved his person ;
you deeply mourned his removal; you affectionately
revere his memory. To whom, then, of his many
friends, can this chapter, which records his death, be
more appropriately inscrit ' than to you ? Accept it
as a tribute of respect for your fidelity of attachment

Ill n

\ N*

'/ i

I l-iii

! r

SSI

414

MEMOIR OF

I :^;i

i;ll

to a man of whom the world was not wortliy, and who

is gone to

" The ffravc, where even the great fi&v^ rest."

The extraordinary career of David Nasmithis now nearly
at an end. The tender wordu of his bereaved widow
vill form the best introduction to the catastrophe.

" For some weeks prior to my dear husband's depar-
ture, it was evident to me and to others that his
accustomed energy of body and mind was sinking. He
spoke little of bodily pain, evidently endeavouring to
conceal from me what he felt, to spare my feelings ; but
I plainly perceived he laboured under a depression of
spirits which was quite unusual with him. He was
much at home for the space of three or four weeks, and
during that time was frequently and fervently wrestling
in prayer, that he might know the will of his heavenly
Father. During the day he would frequently request
me to come into his room, to unite with him in begging
to understand the will of the Lord. In regard to his
going to Guildford to endeavour to form a Town Mission,
I felt reluctant, and urged him not to go for a time, on
account of his health and the unfavourable state of
the weather. He replied, * My dear, a little trip
will do me good ; and you know that no report was
given last month of any society being formed by the
British and Foreign Mission. If the Lord will, I shall
go on Saturday, and return on Tuesday.' The morn-
ing of Saturday was unfavourable, yet Mr. Nasmith,
after some little hesitation, decided on going. After he
had left me, a painful feeling of anxiety filled my
mind; and on the following day (Lord's day) I still
felt the same, and was obliged to retire to my own room
to entreat the Lord to prepare my mind for what he

DAVID NA8MITH.

415

''/

was preparing for me. Shortly after this Mr. Foster
came from Guildford, to conduct me to my dear hus-
band ; but never again to hear his voice, for his happy
spirit was gone to Jesus.

" For the affectionate sympathy and unremitting
kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Foster, I then felt, and
ever shall feel, indebted for the support and comfort
which, under God, I then experienced in my deep
affliction."

These touching sentences will be illustrated by the
affecting narrative of Mr. Foster. On that morning David
accordingly went, leaving that home to which he was
never more to return, and bidding, as the event proved,
a long farewell to the companion of his labours, travels,
trials, and sorrows. On reaching Guildford, he repaired
to the house of Mr. Foster, who thus records the
circumstances of the case :

" It was about half-past four o'clock on the afternoon
of Saturday, the 16th instant, when the dear servant of
God called at my house. He was accompanied by
Mr. Parsons, a student from Hackney Academy, whom
he had accidentally met with in coming from the rail-
way station at Woking to this town. He briefly stated
the object of his visit (the formation of a Town Mission
here) to my father and myself, with a good deal of
energy and spirit, and apparently in the enjoyment of
good health.

" After conversing with him for eight or ten minutes
only, (being at that time very much engaged in busi-
ness,) he left, us, to call on the Rev. Stephen Percy,
purposing to call on us a second time that evening, and
proposing also to hold a public meeting on the follow-
ing Monday evening. He had nearly reached Mr.

.;f

ii li

416

MEMOIR OF

.,1 ♦

111 I

1 :'!lil

llil

ill vj'l

Hi;! '

Percy's house, when he compl?.Ined to Mr. Parsons of
feeling considerable pain at liis chest. The pain con-
tini^ed there for a minute or two, and then removed
to his bowels, where it raged with most excruciating
agony. So excessive was the pain (to use a common
expression) that he literally bent double, and was unable
to move from the spot where he stood until assisted by
Mr. Parsons and a medical gentleman who happened to
be passing that way on horseback. "W ith his assistance
he was removed to Mr. Percy's house. The paroxysms
of pain were now most distressing and acute, and in
vain did he try to hnd relief in whatever posture he was
able to place himself. In the intense agony of his
pain, he rolled for some time on the floor of the par-
lour ; and after being placed on a chair, with his legs
reclining on another, a little warm brandy and water was
administered to him at the direction of the medical
gentleman, which appeared to give a temporary relief
to his sufferings ; and he was then able to mention to
Mr. Percy, in short and detached sentences, what was
the purport of his visit to Guildford. The little that
he was able to say, from the acuteness of the pain,
induced him to put into Mr. Percy's hand a paper ex-
planatory of his object and design ; and it was from
this, more than from what he said, that Mr. Percy
became acquainted with his design.

" A carriage having been procured, Mr. Nasmith was
removed to an inn, where medical advice was imme-
diately procured. After he had been removed to the
inn, Mr. Percy called and told me of the illness under
which Mr. Nasmith was suffering ; and on going to him
I found he was at that moment using a hip-bath, under
the superintendence of one of the surgeons of this town.

i i

DAVID NA8M1T1I.

417

.'/

[r. Parsons of
'he pain con-
then removed
excruciating
se a common
nd was unable
;il assisted by
) happened to
his assistance
he paroxysms
icute, and in
osture he was
agony of his
)r of the par-
with his legs
md water was
the medical
nporary relief
;o mention to
ces, what was
he little that
of the pain,
d a paper ex-
it was from
t Mr. Percy

Nasmith was
3 was imme-
[loved to the
illness under
going to him
»-bath, under
)f this town.

" As soon as he was removed from the bath into his
bed, I went to him ; he exclaimed, * Ah ! dear sir, you
did not expect to see me here when we parted ; but so
it is : the Lord's will be done.' I then spoke to him of
the difference in the afflictions of the righteous and
the wicked, and he said, • I know it is all in love. I
am in my Father's hands. He will not give me one
stroke more than is necessar\ ; no, not one. This is a
light affliction ; how much more has my Saviour borne
for me ! ' — continuing a i:ttle after, * It is all necessary.
He is a God too wise to err, too good to be unkind.'

" During all this time he was suffering most intense
and excruciating pain. He raised himself up in the
Jbed as well as he could; he stretched himself; he
rolled from one side to the other; but in the midst
of all his sufferings (and his exclamations were very
loud) he never uttered a singie murmur, or a repining
word. Mr. Percy then said, ' It is hard, amidst such
troubles as this, to say, The Lord's will be done ;' but he
replied with much energy, * Not at all.'

" Mr. Percy and Mr. Parsons soon after left him for
the night, Mr. Percy commending him to God in prayer.
Before Mr. Percy commenced, Mr. Nasmith said, * I
have only one request — that God would make me
eminently holy and humble.' I continued with him
till near ten o'clock, when I left his room, firmly
believing that in the morning I should witness a con-
siderable change for the better. I saw him on Sunday
morning before breakfast. It was almost needless to
ask him how he was; his looks betokened a restless
night and an increase of disease in his frame. How-
ever, in reply to my inquiry, he said, * Very bad.
Neither the medicine nor the bath had afforded the

T 3

\ '

6^:

418

MEMOIR OP

I jP!i

;^l' m

' ^^

slightest relief. He now felt pain all over him, and
his strength was almost prostrated. I again urged
him (for I had endeavoured the previous night, but
without success) to allow me to write to Mrs. Nas-
mith. He still considered it unnecessary; but after
further entreaties, and proposing to write to Mr. Lewis,
who, I did not doubt, would communicate with Mrs.
Nasmith, he acceded to my request.

" I spoke to him of the inscrutability of God's ways
in bringing him from amongst a circle of dear friends,
and laying him on a bed of sickness, amongst strangers,
in a strange place. He replied, * "What we know not
now we shall know hereafter; and with what delight
shall we look back on the way by which the Lord ha^
led us ! How many trials and difficulties his love has
enabled us to overcome ! There is nothing but the love
of Christ can work in us effectuallv ;' — and then con-
tinning — * If we love one another, God dwelleth in us,
and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that
we dwell in him and he in us, because he hath given us
of his Spirit.* Shortly after he said, * There is nothing
but the simple truth that will be of any avail to us in
extremity. I am a sinner ; Christ is my Saviour. I can
let all else go; the finished work of Christ is all my
hope.' This last sentiment he alluded to afterwards,
when Mr. Percy called to see him the second time. To
the servant, who inquired in the morning how he felt,
and expressed her hope that he would soon be better,
he said, * To depart and be with Christ will be far
better.'

" After I had made some remarks on the 65th verse
of the 1 19th Psalm, — * Thou hast dealt well with thy ser-
vant, according to thy word,'— he said/ It is all well, and

^er him, and
again urged
i night, but
o Mrs. Naa-
r; but after
o Mr. Lewis,
e with Mrs.

f God's ways
' dear friends,
iTst strangers,
we know not
what delight
the Lord ha^
his love has
y but the love
tnd then con-
yelleth in us,
snow we that
lath given us
ere is nothing
avail to us in
aviour. I can
rist is all my

afterwards,
ind time. To
r how he felt,
)on be better,
t will be far

he 65th verse

1 with thy ser-
is all well, and

DAVID NASMITH.

419

I could not wish it to be otherwise than it is. It is all
done in infinite wisdom and love.*

" At intervals he said, — (I do not recollect the exact
order or time,) — * There is a necessity for this affliction.
I have been extensively useful, but I have not given
to him all the glory. — When my work is done, I shall
go — if it is done now, I shall go — if it is rot done, I
shal) be raised up to go on with it. — Tliese light afflic-
tions — these LIGHT afflictions only for a moment, and
then the eternal glory. — This was needful, for I have
been a great sinner — a great sinner in heart — in heart —
in heart ! He has done all things well, I am quite satis-
fied of that —

" In time and in eternity,
'T is with the righteous well."

He has made use of me, great use of me in his service •,
but he vrorked in me to will and to do of his good
pleasure.'

" On hearing the church bells, he said, * Do tlie
tribes of the Lord go up to-day? Oh! this is sent to
humble me and to prove me. Oh ! the rapture of that
time, when I shall cast my blood-bought crown at my
Redeemer's feet !'

" Disease had now made very rapid and extensive
progress, and a very great change for the worse was
quite apparent. He was beginning to feel cold at the
extremities, and his breathing was considerably inter-
rupted — the excruciating agony which he had suifered
had now subsided into a dull, heavy pain throughout
the body. Twenty-four leeches were applied to his
stomach, with hot poultices applied afterwards to tlie
same part, and hot water to his feet. But relief was

41^

MEMOIR OF

far away, and he was conscious that his left hand was
getting colder and colder, and that warmth could not
be got into it. Another medical friend now arrived.
After being with him a short time, he informed me that
all hope must be relinquished, that disease had pro-
ceeded so far as to render it almost certain that a few
hours would terminate his agony and his trouble.

" Soon after this I mentioned to him, as tenderly as
I could, what the result of his illness would most pro-
bably be. He said, * It is all well ! ' A pause ensued,
and I proposed to engage in prayer with him ; and
whilst praying for support for him when passing
through the dark valley, for comfort in his mind,
and for delightful anticipations of the heavenly glory
during his few remaining hours, I distinctly heard him
say, * Amen ! ' to the petitions as I uttered them.
When I rose from my knees, he said, * I am ready to
go whenever my Master may call me hence. He has
been a good Master: there's nothing like being em-
ployed in his service: never mind the trials, we shall
find success and encouragement where we expected
disappointment.' I then repeated to him —

' If on my face for thy dear name,
Shame and reproaches be ;'

and with great emphasis and much expression in his
face, he continued,

* All hail reproach, and -welcome shame,
If thou remember me I

This is all I want — that will support.* —

" He then lay very quietly for some time, and looking
at me as I sat by his side, he said, *I want you to
have a Town Mission here.' He inquired of me who

ft hand was
;h could not
low arrived,
med me that
se had pro-
i that a few
mble.

I tenderly as
d most pro-
ause ensued,
h him ; and
hen passing
I his mind,
ivenly glory
Y heard him
tered them,
am ready to
ce. He has
3 being em-
ds, we shall
i^e expected

ssion in his

and looking

^ant you to

of me who

David nasmith.

4L'l

//•

were likely to assist in cairying out the undertaking,
and assured me of the conviction of his mind, that a
blessing must and would follow the endeavour. He
also inquired if there were any Young Men's Societies.

" He th>. <i closed his eyes, as if disposed to dose a
Httle ; but so n\ rousing up in more pain, I said to him,
* 1 am distressed to see you in so much pain, without
a face near you that would cheer and animate you.' In
reply, he said, * I know that there are many thinking
about me, and many that pray for n'c ;' and when his
dear family were named to him, and the sorrrw that
they would feel at his illness, he said, * They must not
look to man, but to their Maker.'

" Shortly after this he became much worse, and 1. u.
seemed last ebbing away ; sight, hearing, and conscious-
ness seemed to be fast receding; his bn atii ng was
very short and hurried, partaking very much of the
character of a short uninterrupted hiccup, and I was
exceedingly apprehensive that a few moments more
would terminate his useful and devoted life. It pleased
God, however, in about fifteen minutes, to render his
breathing a little more easy, and a short respite seemed
to be mercifully given. He then opened his eyes and
looked at me, and I said to hir" , ' My dear Sir, you
have commenced your sabbath oaj earth, but you will
finish it in heaven. You are going to Jesus, to be with
him happy and blessed for ev^r.' He closed his eyes,
and seemed sinking back again ; but after a short pause
he opened them again, and said, ' Do you think so ? '
I answered, *Yes, I do.' He again closed his eyes,
and consciousness seemed again to be very slight.
Waiting a few minutes, I said to him, * My dear Sir,
do tell me if you are happy now. If you have not

422

MEMOIR OF

II i

power to speak, raise your hand.' He lay for near a
minute perfectly quiet, and then, with as much energy
as he was capable of summoning up, he said, * Quite.'
He then relapsed again.

" I then sent for my father to come and attend him,
and I would endeavour by every means to bring his dear
wife, if possible, to take one parting glance of him ere
life had fled, and prepare her mind for the inevitable
result of the attack. The doctor had expressed a hope,
as his breathing was now more regular, that he might
continue a few hours longer. I accordingly set off for
London ; but during my absence he only spoke t\\dce.
To the medical attendant, who was moistening his lips
with a little brandy and water, he said, turning himself
round, and raising himself up in the bed, with consider-
able strength of voice, * Will you meet me in heaven ?
I wish all medical men to look to the Saviour.' He
then sank back again on the pillow, and my father con-
tinuing the subject, said, * There is no other name,'
&;c. &c. He answered, * No.' The nurse, some time
afterwards, put a spoonful of brandy and water into his
mouth ; and when about to repeat it, he said, * No
more !* and these were the last words that ever fell
from his dear and honoured lips. He laid with much
composure, without appearing to be in pain. The mortal
was about to put on immortality, — the man of God was
about to enter on the purchased possession in the realms
of bliss ; and at twenty minutes to five o'clock, without a
struggle or a groan, his happy ransomed spirit winged
its joyful way to enter the rest that remains for the
people of God.

" With respect to the post-mortem examination,
Mr. Sells, the surgeon, said, that on opening the body

DAVID NASMITH.

423

ay for near a
much energy
aid, * Quite.'

attend him,
>ring his dear
3 of him ere
;he inevitable
jssed a hope,
hat he might
y set off for
spoke twice.
;ning his lips
ning himself
ith consider-
in heaven ?
iviour,' He
r father con-
ther name,'
, some time
iter into his
said, * No
it ever fell
with much
The mortal
of God was
the realms
;, without a
irit winged
ns for the

lamination,
J the body

he found a great quantity of fluid and gas distending
the abdomen. The intestines were extensively ulcer-
ated ; ulcers in every stage, from their commencement
to their maturity, being visible in many places on the
intestines, several spots being nearly through ; others
less so, and two large ulcers forming on the large intes-
tine. At the commencement of the intestinal canal,
one ulcer, about the size of a horse-bean, had perforated
all the coats, and made a distinct opening, through
which the fluid had escaped. The intestines were
empty of fluid, and filled with gas; the fluid having
escaped into the stomach. The general structure of
the stomach exhibited signs of its having suffered chro-
nic inflammation. The immediate cause of death was
the ulceration of the bowels, and the escape of the
fluids."

The body of Mr. Nasmith having been brought to
London by his friends Messrs. Mayo and Carver, whose
kindness in this sorrowful hour was in harmony with
the whole course of their former conduct, was buried
from his own house, on Monday, the 25th. About
twenty of Mr. Nasmith's most intimate friends and
his late fellow-workers in the cause of missions, assem-
bled at Mr. Mayo's, at eleven o'clock ; and after uniting
in prayer, a little past twelve, they went in procession
to Bunhill-fields. The hearse was followed by six
mourning-coaches. The corpse was taken into the Wes-
leyan Chapel, City-road, which was kindly lent for
the occasion, followed by about thirty friends, and
the whole of the agents of the London City Mission.
The third hymn in the second book of Dr. Watts's was
read by the Rev. P. Lorimer, of the Scottish Presby-
terian Church, which was sung by a large congregation ;

424

MEMOIR OF

' I hi

i ''

after which a part of the 15th chapter of the 1st of
Corinthians was read by the Rev. J. H. Evans, of tlie
Baptist Church, in John-street, Bedford-row. The Rev.
R. Philip, of Maberly Independent Chapel, Kingsland-
road, the former pastor of the deceased, delivered an
affecting address, which was listened to with deep atten-
tion. The solemn and intensely interesting service was
concluded by singing the 18th hymn, 1st book, and
prayer by Mr. Philip. The body was then carried to
the grave, headed by the three ministers before named,
and followed by two of the sons of the deceased, with
Edward T. Carver, Esq., and a numerous body of
mourners, among whom were — the Assistant Secretaries
of the British and Foreign Mission, the London Female
Mission, the English Monthly Tract Society, one of the
Secretaries of the Christian Young Men's Union, and
the whole of the agents of the London City Mission.

On reaching the ground, the procession was met by
the Rev. Peter Hall, who read the burial service of the
Church of England ; after which, the solemnities were
concluded by singing the following verses :

" Christians and brethren, ere we part,
Join every voice, and every heart ;
One solemn song to God -we raise,
One final hymn of grateful praise.

Christians, we here may meet no more,
But there is yet a happier shore ;
And there, released from toil and pain.
Brethren, we all shall meet again."

Thus, in the united attendance of ministers of different
denominations, was presented an aspect of Christian
union, in which Mr. Nasmith always delighted, and at
which he at all times aimed, in his works of Christian
usefulness.

DAVID NASMITH.

425

►f the 1st of
ivans, of the
V. The Rev.
, Kingslancl-
delivered an
h deep atten-
2 service was
st book, and
3n carried to
efore named,
eceased, with
ous body of
it Secretaries
mdon Female
ty, one of the
i Union, and
y Mission,
n was met by
service of the
mnities were

f s of different
of Christian

;hted, and at
of Christian

On the following Lord's day, December 1st, 1839,
the mournful event was improved in a sermon, by the
Rev. T. Lewis, his late esteemed pastor, and the gene-
rous friend of his mourning family, to a crowded and
deeply-affected assembly.

The news of Mr. Nasmith's sudden and unexpected
decease produced a strong sensation, not only in London,
but throughout the country. Under any circumstances,
the removal of such a man would have been an event of
some public importance ; but cut off, in the midst of his
days, difficulties, and labours, the interest thereby created
was much increased. The voices of Christians, of all
sects, were loud in his praise. Friends and admirers
started up on every hand, even among those who might
have been supposed to be unfriendly, or at least indif-
ferent. But while the many were bemoaning the man
and eulogizing the philanthropist, a few chosen spirits
turned their thoughts to his helpless household. His
case had abundantly proved, in his lifetime, that there
is greater weight in Christian worth than in fine gold ;
so in his death it was now to be demonstrated, that real
excellence, although oppressed by poverty, is not without
friends. Adversity is the test of friendship. The most
finished form of adversity is Death ! Richard Baxter,
addressing the Countess of Balcarras, counselled her
thus : " Desire not that condition where all seem friends,
but none are friends indeed, — where the more men seek,
the less they find ; and the more they find, the less they
have ; and the more they have, the less they enjoy, —
where the more are their provisions, the less are their
supplies ; the more their wealth, the more their want ;

I \

•s*-

426

MEMOIR OP

■I

'l»i!ii!

the more their pleasure, the less their peace ; the greater
their mirth, the less their joy ; the gi-eater their confi-
dence, the less their safety, — where the mistake about
their happiness, their end, doth make their lives a con-
stant error, and death a doleful disappointment. He
must lie crooked that hath so short a bed." Such were
not tl»e f»-*ends, — such was not the condition, or the bed
of l>uvid Nasmith. His life was not an error, nor his
death a disappointment.

On November the 20th, Messrs. Claypon, Reynolds,
Mayo, Marks, Dear, Hudson, Groser, Blanchard, and
Carver, met at 20, Red Lion-square, when they con-
ferred on the best method of making a provision for the
family, and agreed on an address to the public ; after
which they adjourned to the 25th, when Messrs. Mayo,
Marks, Clarke, Norwood, Carver, Groser, Blanchard,
Hagger, Laundy, Charlewood, Astbury, Barham, Bullock,
Stothard, Meredith, and Miller, met and passed the
following resolution :

" That this meeting has heard with deep regret of the
decease of that eminent and highly honoured servant of
God, David Nasmith, Founder of the London City
Mission, the London Female Mission, the British and
Foreign Mission, and kindred Institutions in England,
Ireland, Scotland, and America ; which occurred while
in the prosecution of his work as Honorary Secretary of
the British and Foreign Mission; and they desire to
record their deep sense of the value of his unceasing
and arduous labours, which have always been performed
gratuitously."

A committee being thus formed, it was agreed to
invite H. Pownall, E. N. Buxton, S. Meux, T. Thomp-
son, W. Flanders, and J. W. Warren, Esquires, with

DAVID NASMITH.

427

5 ; the greater
jr their confi-
listake about
ir lives a con-
ntment. He
' Such were
)n, or the bed
srror, nor his

on, Reynolds,
Jlanchard, and
len they con-
ovision for the
public ; after
Messrs. Mayo,
er, Blanchard,
rham, Bullock,
nd passed the

p regret of the
iired servant of

London City
he British and
ns in England,
occurred while
ry Secretary of
they desire to

his unceasing
)een performed

was agreed to
IX, T. Thomp-
Esquires, with

the Rev. Messrs. Noel, Hall, Evans, Trew, Lewis,
Garwood, Ainslie, and Philip, to join it. Mr. Pownall
was appointed Treasurer, and Messrs. Reynolds and
Carver, Secretaries. Suitable measures were adopted to
arouse public attention, and on the 22nd of June, 1840,
the Secretary, Carver, announced that the receipts were
2,420^. Trustees were appointed for the administration
of the fund, which was put out to interest under proper
securities.

The benevolence of England has for ages been the
theme of wonder and of praise to foreigners of all
nations. There suffering, of all kinds, and in all its
measures, is met and mitigated by means, on a scale the
most magni "cent. But much of the charity of England
never meets the public eye — its deeds are done in com-
parative secrecy. Such cases as that before us are seldom
known to the foreign visitor or the foreign resident:
they are often not extensively known, and generally
soon forgotten, among ourselves. One generous act is
constantly obliterating another. I record this fact in
relation to David Nasmith, with much gratification, as a
doubxe triumph — a triumph, first, of disinterested labour
for the good of mankiiid : and a triumph, secondlj', of
British Christianity over the natural selfishness of the
human heart. Let it be remembered, that David
Nasmith had laboured in this country little more than
four yearsj and for the service of that brief period he
received a posthumous recompense of more than six
hundred pounds for each of those years ! What a tribute
from public conscience to private virtue ! This zealous
stranger sought first to advance the kingdom of God
and his righteousness among us, and this by means and
in a manner so self-sacrificing that, as we have seen, not

M'rialA

in i

.!i!|Jlw

42S

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

a few considered him culpably negligent of his primary
duties— the duties of a husband and a father. " This
was he whon\ we had sometimes in derision, and a pro-
verb of reproach. We fools accouatpd his life madness,
and his ond to be without honour. 'Nt/vv is he n imbered
aniong the children of God, and hiij lot is aino v^ the
saints! He pronounced the end ot the ju^t ,o be
blessed, anfi made his bo&it tha;- God was his father.
The lighter Tis live lor evermore; their reward also is
with the Lvord, and tlie en re of them is with the Most
High. Then shall the righteous man staid in great
boldness before the face of Mich, bs afiiicted him, and
;iiade no account of his labours. When they see it,
they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be
J mazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond
all that they looked for."*

* Wisdom of Solomon.

v/*ra

I'i.

IH-

>f his primary
ther. "This
3n, and a pro-
! life madness,
3 lien-unbered
is ainn ;;x the
'.a jml be
yas his father,
reward also is
mxh the Most
stand in great
icted him, and
1 they see it,
:, and shall be
, so far beyond

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Address to Mr. Blanchard — Opinions concerning Mr. Nasmith — Means
of estimating his character— How enjoyed — Principles on which his
biography has been prepared-— David's zeal; its character r-.d opera-
tions; errors concerning it; means of correcting them — His perse-
verance — David compared with Xavier ; errors corrected ; Wesley
not superior — Disinterestedness ; opinion of Mr. Lewis ; David com-
pared with the Roman Orders ; qualities of his disinterestedness —
David and Xavier contrasted on this point — His humility ; occasional
appearance of the contrary ; mistakes corrected ; delineation of John
Knox; David's resemblance to Knox— His boldness; boldness essen-
tial to a reformer; Luther, Knox, Wesley, Whitfield— Bacon on
boldness — Courage of Xavier — David compared with Wesley —
David's active powers modified by his graces — Qualities of David's
personal religion — His views of gospel doctrine, experience, and
morality — His personal religion delineated — His extraordinary faith ;
its operations — His studies in latter years — Views and object in
studying the Scriptures — Benefits of various knowledge to a
reformer — Remarkable force of his character; how produced— His
power of persiiasion exemplified — Peculiarity of his genius — Com-
pared with Adam Smith — Various excellences and peculiarities of
character — Defects enumerated — His high standard of Christian
benevolence — Impatience with mediocrity in others— Remarks.

TO MR. JOHN BLANCHARD, SECRETARY OF THE
BRITISH AND FOREIGN CITY AND TOWN MISSION.

Sir, — A multitude of heads, and hearts, and hands are
now zealously engaged in carrying out plans for
promoting the interests of religion and humanity,
originally propounded by David Nasmith ; but he has
only one successor in his own personal vocation, and that
successor is — ^yourself. On you the prophet's mantle
has descended, and to you belongs the privilege of dis-

^•:

430

MEMOIR OP

!iii!ii.ii

■fi-'U

charging the duties which devolved on him. From
the documents before me I perceive that your acquaint-
ance w^as only of a short date, but it sufficed to enable
you to form such an estimate of his true character as
to excite your love and to command your admiration.
He, on the other hand, saw enough of you to inspire
confidence, and lead to a wish that you would renounce
business, and dedicate yourself to the service of huma-
nity as Travelling Secretary to the Female Mission ; but
this proposal not then meeting your views, you declined
it, while you still continued your co-operation in various
works of faith and labours of love. Subsequent events
having in part removed your objections, you consented
to become his Assistant Secretary to the British aid
Foreign Mission, — a post which contributed to prepare
you for the important situation you were so soon to
fill. On his lamented decease, the anxious inquiry
was. Who shall succeed him? After much delibera-
tion and prayer, the unanimous choice of your brethren
fell upon yourself. You deemed compliance a duty,
and, " by the good hand of God upon you, you have
continued unto this day." There are probably few to
whom this record of his life and labours will be more
interesting than to you, and none to whom its perusal
is likely to prove more beneficial. It will tend to en-
courage you amid the difficulties inseparable from your
mxious position, to stimulate you amid the languor
attendant on your varied toils, and to console you under
disappointment, distraction, and sorrow. This chap-
ter, which I inscribe to you, will especially serve as a
model of philanthropic integrity, simplicity, zeal, and
devotion.

' \

■*A^>

DAVID NASMITH.

431

him. From
our acquaint-
iced to enable
5 character as
IT admiration.
you to inspire
ould renounce
•vice of huma-
Mission; but
, you declined
tion in various
equent events
you consented
e British ard
ted to prepare
re so soon to
xious inquiry
luch delibera-
your brethren
lance d duty,
^ou, you have
obably few to
s will be more
om its perusal
ill tend to en-
)le from your
d the languor
ole you under
This chap-

ly serve as a
ity, zeal, and

The labours of David Nasmith are now at an end, and
the grave has closed over all of him that was mortal.
The main facts, therefore, of his singular history are
before us, and with such facts we may now form a just
estimate of his entire character. But we have not
merely facts; we have also opinions, — opinions ex-
pressed by men of all sects, of various countries, and of
the first en^aience as scholars, gentlemen, and Chris-
tians, — opinions most perfectly harmonious as to his
extraordinary merits, while they seem to vie with each
other in the cordif 'ity of their spirit and in the inten-
sity of their expression. British biography presents no
instance of such an amount of contemporary testimony
borne to an individual undistinguished by rank or for-
tune, and wholly consecrated to the vocation of doing
good. Had the matter ended here, and had these tes-
timonies alone gone down to posterity, the generation
to come must have concluded that he whose merit was
such as to command them was no ordinary man.

But we are not precluded by these opinions from
forming a judgment for ourselves. Now that his career
is at an end, we are far more favourably circumstanced
than any of our predecessors for coming to a just con-
clusion respecting both his life and his labours. The
whole of his race, from its commencement to its close,
is before us : not one essential circumstance is wanting ;
not a single fact has been withheld on the ground of its
being unfavourable. The principles which regulate the
composition of a panegyric have had no place in the
preparation of this volume. The writer's function has
been that of a witness rather than of an advocate. Ac-
cording to the best of his ability, he has seated not only
the truth, but the whole truth, and nothing but the

•1

JPfifekyT/

WfJ

w J '-■*

m ^ ■

'M-

':■ 'w:

4S2

MEMOIR OF

truth. Setting aside, then, without despising, the
authority of great names, this is a question that we
may determine for ourselves. As to his public charac-
ter, the materials are quite sufficient for the purposes
of induction, since the facts extend through a period
of nearly twenty years, during which he may be said
to have been a public man. «

One grand distinguishing feature of Mr. Nasmith's
public character was zeal. But what is zeal ? The
term is one of wide and varied signification, more easily
understood than defined. With respect to religion,
perhaps it has never been better explained than by
Spratt, according to whom " true zeal seems not to be
any one single affection of the soul, but rather a strong
mixture of many holy affections ; rather a gracious
constitution of the whole mind, than any one particular
grace, swaying a devout heart, and filling it with all
pious intentions ; all, not only uncounterfeit, but most
fervent." By this passionate, this noble ardour, David
Nasmith was constantly impelled as by a power which
brooked no resistance, it has been my lot to meet with
not a few of the excellent of the earth, both ministers
and laymen ; but I have known no layman, rich or
poor, — no minister, whether connected with the home or
foreign field, in whom the fires of a godly zeal appeared
to burn with such intensity. Some there were who
preferred criticism to imitation, — who made their own
conduct the standard of their judgment, — who could
approve of no more than they could perform, — and who
attributed the excess to deficiency of knowledge. This
is the too frequent expedient of ignorance, indolence,
and selfishness. The best method of correcting the
error of such parties would have been to bring them

DAVID NA8MITH.

433

PBpising, the
stion that we
juhlic charac-
the purposes
ugh a period
may be said

It. Nasmith's
I zeal? The
I, more easily

to religion,
ined than by
ems not to be
ither a strong
r a gracious
me particular
;g it with all
'eit, but most
.rdour, David
power which
to meet with
oth ministers
knan, rich or

the home or
eal appeared
•e were who
de their own
— who could
n, — and who
ledge. This
3, indolence,
rrecting the

bring them

into close contact wiui the Philanthropist, that they
might be compelled to compare their own attainments
with his, in the knowledge of the Scriptures, of the
doctrines of the gospel, of the human heart, of the
Christian life, and of the wants of society. In the
knowledge which leads to heaven, while it glorifies
God and benefits mankind by the way, he had few equals,
and no superior. It was truly his meat and his drink
to do what he believed to be for the honour of his
Master. He, too, in his own humble measure, could
say, " I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how
am I straitened until it be accomplished ! " The Apostle
of the Gentiles would have found David Nasmith no
unmeet companion. The fire which burned in David's
bosom was also fire from heaven!

Perseverance was not less prominent than zeal in
the character of the Philanthropist. From the com-
mencement to the close of his arduous race, he never
even seemed to flag or falter for a moment. Diflficulty,
disappointment, and desertion, only served to invigorate
his resolution, and to spur him on. The school of
Loyola never sent forth a disciple of firmer tone or
more settled purpose. Xavier himself would gain
nothing by comparison with Nasmith. The Protestant
would have kept equal pace with the Catholic, and in
a course of years might probably have passed him.
Yet persons were found to charge him with iitfulness
and instability ; but never was charge more groundless.
Those persons confounded the act with the object.
The operations were intentionally varied, the acts ne-
cessarily individual and successive, but the object was
uniformly one. That object required change of place,
and even change of clime, variety of method, and diver-

i34

MEMOIR OF

ill

sity of instruments. The purblind v.. ion of such cen-
sors, unable to command the wide expanse, v ould have
fixed to a spot that soul, whose boundless aspirations
comprehended the wants, and sought to alleviate the
sorrows of a world. This was his one grand aim, and
he pursued it with a stedfastness which approached the
uniformity of the laws of nature. Wesley himself, in
this respect, did not surpass him.

Disinterestedness was as strongly marked as either
of the attributes already mentioned. The Rev. T. Lewis,
through a long life a close observer of mankind, in his
Funeral Sennon, thus avows his opinion : " This quality,
I would say, he exemplified to a degree beyond any
thing I ever witnessed in any other man." His friends
may, without fear, challenge the whole Christian world
to produce a single superior instance. It is not easy to
understand how, in this rare virtue, he could be ex-
ceeded. Where everything is sacrificed, comparison
must terminate. Self-surrender has attained a limit
which it cannot pass. He might, without presumption,
say with an apostle, " I have suffered the loss of all
things." In David's poverty, moreover, the feelings
which actuate the mendicant troops of Rome had no
place. Destitution, viewed by itself, had no charms for
him. He had no sympathy either with the savage or
the friar. Bom and reared amidst comfort, he enjoyed
the sweets of social life like other men. While he
resigned he did not contemn them. He did not follow
distress as a vocation : he was followed by it, as a con-
sequence of the ^omage which he paid to conscience.
In this matter he appears to immense advantage as com-
pared with Xavier, " Hair-cloth, chains of iron, and
disciplines, pointed and sharp," were not the accompa-

DAVID NAPMITir.

435

of such ccn-
, would have
i» aspirations
alleviate the
and aim, and
)proached the
ey himself, in

rked as either
Rev. T. Lewis,
ankind, in his
' This quality,
J beyond any
' His friends
hristian world
, is not easy to
could be ex-
d, comparison
tained a limit
; presumption,
;he loss of all
the feelings
Rome had no
no charms for
the savage or
)rt, he enjoyed
While he
did not follow
jy it, as a con-
to conscience,
antage as com-
s of iron, and
the accompa-

niments of David's travel. Never man had less '* show
of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and neglecting
of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the
flesh." Nor let it be forgotten tliat Xavier, or any
other Jesuit, is a most unfit subject of comparison :
neither husband nor father, lie had no companions in
liis tribulation ; all his solicitudes centred in himself.
It was much otherwise with the subject of this Memoir,
who was a most devoted husband, and a most tender
parent, who clearly understood and strongly felt the
claims founded in these relations, which did not more
tend to improve his character as a man than to augment
his trials as a Philantlu'opist. The strong test, applied
by these relations, could have had no place in a life of
celibacy. David Nasmith withstood the temptations
thence arising, and burst the barriers which wedlock
threw around him.

Humility was a grace which eminently adorned him.

As high turrets, for their airy steep,
Require foundations in proportion deep ;
And lofty cedars, as far upwards shoot
As to the nether heavens they drive the root ;
So low did his secure foundation lie,
He was not humble, but humility.

And yet to the superficial observer he would sometimes
appear, to be a man whose spirit was affected by pride,
if not by arrogance. This illusion arose from the man-
liness of his character. Full of ardour and of energy,
he stood at the farthest remove from puling and whin-
ing, canting and grimace. All was truth, and nature,
and life. It was said of Swift, by one of his biogra-
phers, that he was " a hypocrite reversed," — a better
man than he appeared to be. Whether this could be

\j2

ise

MEMOIR OF

truly affirmed of the Dean of St. Patrick may be
doubted; but it is beyond question that, with respect to
this attribute, it might be asserted that David Nasmith
was far more humble in reality than in appearance.
Some of man's highest attributes are less favourable
than others to claims on this score. The developments
of grace depend not a little on native temperament and
extraneous circumstances. In some constituti iis it
seems to have much less to overcome than in others.
Humility was a grace far more akin to the nature of
Melancthon than to that of Luther. Whitfield well
said, that " an ounce of grace makes more appearance
in some men than a pound of grace in others." M'Crie
truly affirms of Knox, that " most of his faults may be
traced to his natural temperament, and to the character
of the age and country in which he lived. His passions
were strong ; he felt with the utmost keenness on every
subject which interested him ; and as he felt he expressed
himself, without disguise and without affectation. The
warmth of his zeal was apt to beti .y him into intem-
perate language ; his inflexible adherence to his opinions
inclined to obstinacy; and his independence of mind
occasionally assumed the appearance of haughtiness
and disdain. He was austere, not unfeeling ; stern, not
savage ; vehement, not vindictive." Now, to a consider-
able extent, this entire passage applies to Nasmith, and,
in his behalf, I claim the full benefit of its apologetical
provisions. Of a nature at once noble and generous,
he never crouched to man; but, as he approached the
footstool of his Maker and his God, he shrunk into
nothingness !

Boldness was a very marked feature of Nasmith 's
character, and a virtue of singular service to him

DAVID NASMITH.

431

trick may be
dtli respect to
)avivi Nasmith
[1 appearance.
3SS favourable

developments
perament and
mstituti- lis it
lan in others,
the nature of
Whitfield well
re appearance
lers." M'Crie
faults may be

the character
His passions
mess on every
t he expressed
ctation. The
m. into intem-
;o his opinions
ence of mind
f haughtiness
ig ; stern, not

to a consider-
Nasmith, and,
;s apologetical
md generous,
jproached the
shrunk into

of Nasmith 's
rvice to him

in a multitude of situations. The term is one of
varied signification; it is in the sense of courage,
fortitude, magnanimity, that I apply it. In this sense
it is an attribute of exalted piety; it wras a chief
element in the apostolic character. The servants of
the most high God found it necessary to the right
discharge of their functions ; and hence they prayed
for it themselves, and entreated the prayers of their
converts to the same effect. This exalted virtue is
perfectly compatible vs^ith the presence of the most
profound humility. Of this fact an illustration is pre-
sented in the character of the Apostle of the Gentiles.
Some portion of this quality is necessary to the hum-
blest exhibition of the Christian character; but, to
eminent usefulness, a large measure of it is absolutely
indispensable. This is demonstrated by the history
of Luther, Knox, Wesley, Whitfield, and thousands
more who have been honoured to achieve great things
for the kingdom of Christ. Little, indeed, can be done
without it in the senate, in the mart of commerce, or
in anything where multitude and rivalry are concerned.
Well said the illustrious Bacon, " Wonderful is the
power of boldness in civil business ! What first ? Bold-
ness ! What second and third ? Boldness ! "

Boldness was one of Xavier's most striking graces ;
and few men, of his class, had ever so large and so
appropriate a sphere for its exercise. Dangers of all
sorts, from all sources, surrounded him ; and in every
instance he met them with a courage which was rever
daunted. Nasmith's courage was, in all instances, equal
to the occasion ; and there is reason to believe, that no
case, whatever its magnitude, could have occurred, to
which that courage would not have been equal. Li the

IrJ

v:]

I»V

1 1.

7 f-

438

MEMOIR OF

work of his Master he knew no fear. Had he lived in
other times, he would most probably have been among
the first to earn the honours of martyrdom.

Such were the more prominent attributes of David
Nasmith's character, considered in the light of a public
man, — attributes which arose from a happy union of
grace and nature. The other traits which were, in
a measure, lost in these, were also of the highest order.
In punctuality, in vigilance, in temperance, and in
decision, he was not inferior to the illustrious Founder
of Methodism. His piety was such that, with the
humblest capacities, he would have been a shining
Christian ; and such were his active powers, that with
the smallest portion of the grace of God, he would
have been an eminent man of business. Every chapter
of this volume teems with proofs of the extraordinary
spirituality of his mind. There is a peculiarity about
his personal religion which merits notice, as setting
him far above the majority of public men, whose
history has been recorded. David Nasmith appeared
almost at once to have reached the fulness of his spi-
ritual stature. His views of the doctrines of the
gospel were, from the first, so accurate and so deter-
minate, that there is no marked manifestation of im-
provement. The same may be affirmed of what is
termed Christian experience. His mind was, from the
outset of his race, filled with the light of the Spirit of
God, and never after did that light become darkness.
Of that system of experience, once so popular, and still
too prevalent, which is the joint offspring of bad meta-
physics a' d worse divinity, and which is the fruitful
source of ' doubts and fears," spiritual distress and
moral impotence, he knew nothing. Throughout the

DAVID NASMITH.

439

d he lived in
; been among

•

ites of David
ht of a public
ppy union of
lich were, in
lighest order,
anee, and in
ious Founder
lat, with the
in a shining
rs, that with
)d, he would
iivery chapter
extraordinary
iliarity about
:e, as setting

men, whose
ith appeared
ss of his spi-
rines of the
and so deter-
tation of im-

of what is
as, from the
the Spirit of
me darkness,
ular, and still
af bad meta-

the fruitful
distress and
oughout the

whole of his public life, it does not appear that he had
ever one moment's anxiety about his spiritual state. He
was a fine specimen of a believer, ** stablished, strength-
ened, and settled — rooted, and grounded in love." The
word of God dwelt m him very richly. He lived under
the habitual power of the truth, and in the enjoyment of
its support and consolation. Few men ever experienced a
more uniform sense of the Divine presence. He would
often say, in the midst of special conversations with
parties whom he was anxious to impress, " What I am
now saying to you my Master is hearing." He had
remarkably accurate conceptions of the nature, character,
and object of the Christian dispensation. He enter-
tained at all times a soothing conception of the paternal
character of God, while he conceived as clearly and
strongly of the fraternal character of Christ. He was
filled with the spirit of adoption. The gloom of the
excellent Brainerd, and those distressing fluctuations of
peace, love, joy, and hope, of which he was often the
unhappy subject, were unknown to Nasmith. Few men
had ever more exalted views of the grace of the gospel.
He was lost in the length and bi ' -^^dth and height and
depth of the Divine love to man. He was perhaps as en-
tirely divested, as any man of his age, of that inveterate
evil of the human heart — seii -righteousness. The very
thought digressed him. It was his abhorrence! His
boast and his glory all the day, to the cloj*^ of his Ufe,
was, the righteousness of G od by faith in Christ Jesus
the Lord.

The grace of faith existed in David's hr"irt in great
power. This was among the first things in him that
struck all classes of Christians in every country he visited.
He seemed, as the fact was, to ** walk as seeing him who

440

MEMOIR JF

is invisible." With him the truth of the gospel was a
settled point. No doubt, for a moment, ever seems to
have crossed his mind; and he could hardly conceive
how it should cross the mind of any one. So entirely
was the gospel, in his view, its own witness, that he
attached but small importance to what are termed its
bulwarks. His faith in its great truths was implicit.
Its discoveries acted upon him with much the same force
as objects seen and visible. For many years he con-
stantly spoke and acted as a man standing on the line
that separates the two worlds. He was powerf illy alive
to every thing which appertained to the future. All
objects were viewed in the light of eternity, and uni-
formly estimated according to their bearing on its
inter ^sts. He was continually the subject of an awful
sense of his responsibility for the deeds done in the
body. This often weighed him to the earth, and for a
short space marred his tranquillity. This extraordinary
spirituality of mind was nourished by the incessant
study of the Scriptures. After his more public career
commenced, he seldom opened any other book. His
earlier taste for the pleasures of literature seemed to die
away. His eye was scarcely even allowed for a moment
to fall on the passing column of a newspaper. He knew
little or nothing that was transpiring m the world around
him. He often seemed astonished when his intimate
friends told him of things known to everybody. His
whole soul was embarked in the one pursuit of philan-
thropy, and he could neither read, think, nor speak of
anything else. His study of the Scriptures was regu-
lated by the same principle. His single object was to
feed, to fire, and to purify his spirit ; and hence his
reading was entirely devotional. The polemics of reli-

'It

DAVID NASMITH.

441

gospel was a
!ver seems to
'dly conceive

So entirely
ness, that he
re termed its
was implicit,
le same force
ears he con-
^ on the line
^erfiUy alive
future. All
ity, and uni-
aring on its
; of an awful
done in the
th, and for a
extraordinary
the incessant
public career

book. His
eemed to die
or a moment
r. He knew
ivorld around
his intimate
body. His
it of philan-
nor speak of
es was regu-
)bject was to
d hence his
niics of reli-

ji^ion, whether relating tr) doctrines, morals, or polity,
he studiously eschewed. He would permit nothing to
divide his thoughts, or to disturb his equanimity. Even
the subject of prophecy, so full of attraction to Irish
Christians, when he reached Dublin, failed to arrest his
attention.

In all this I am only stating facts, not expressing
approbation. These peculiarities were suited to the
walk which David had chosen, and all who think it
good to follow him in that, may so far imitate his
example; but in several of these matters I do not hold
him up as a pattern for the bulk of believers. Nay,
I greatly doubt whether there be not a more excellent
way of preparing even for that specific walk. General
knowledge is peculiarly subservient to the ends of en-
lightened pliilanthropy. While it adorns character, it
lends a grace to piety, and often recommends philan-
thropy where otherwise it would be scouted as mere
sentimental drivelling. When men of the world find
us ignorant of their sphere, they are naturally led to
question our competency in our own. Mr. Nasmiths
conversation was necessarily narrow in the range of its
topics, and he wanted the intellectual opulence needful
to enrich it by illustration. Men of much readin^^,
wide survey, and large experience, who did not know
his real character, whould have thought unfavourably oi'
his capabilities. Of human misery and Christian asso-
ciation to alleviate it, he would have talked with them
till the sun went down ; but apart from these, and kindred
subjects, he would have proved an uninteresting coni-
panron. Beyond his own broad walk of philanthropy,
he seldom ventured in speech, more than in action. His

I H

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442

MEMOIR OF

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motto might very appropriately have been — " This one

THING I DO."

This selection of one pursuit, and this resolute con-
secration of all his thoughts, words, deeds, talents,
time, and prayer to it, gave an extraordinary force to
his character as a philanthropist. By this means he not
only became thoroughly acquainted with the subject of
his vocation ; he also kindled and kept alive a flame of
enlightened enthusiasm, which cairied him forward
tlirough all difficulties. Time increased his experience,
and experience his confitlfiice in his principles, his
plans, and himself; and this legitimate self-confidence
commanded for him the confidence of others. He
spoke not merely as a man who was wholly assured
that he was right, but also as a man who was enx-
barked in the greatest undertaking known among
mortals. Wherever he came the contagion spread, and
converts to his views were multiplied. Give him twelve
persons of either sex, of sense and piety, around a tea-
table, or in a chapel vestry, and let him discourse to
them oii the condition of our city and town popula-
tion, and the adaptation of his Missions to meet the
necessities of the case, and tlie chances are as a hun-
dred to one that the whole company would embrace his
views, and from that hour become his zealous associates
01 sup;; -rters. So deeply was his heart set on the
enterprize, that ; is power of persuasion was wholly
irresistible ; and hence his extraordinary success, even
among strangers, in the work of forming societies.
The papers with which Mr. Blanchard has favoured
me furnish an example. A. minister, conversing with
him, said, ** We were called together one day to

-" This one

resolute con-
eds, talents,
lary force to
means he not
tie subject of
ive a flame of
him forward
8 experience,
:inciples, his
3lf-confidence
others. He
holly assured
vho was em-
nown among
n spread, and
ve him twelve
iround a tea-
discourse to
town popula-
to meet the
ire as a hun-
d embrace his
ous associates
t set on the
was wholly
success, even
ing societies,
has favoured
nver^ng with
one day to

DAVID NA8MITH.

hear about forming a Town Mission. The difficulties
appeared so formidable as to forbid the hope of our hav-
ing such an institution ; but we had with us a most
extraordinary man, who appeared to know no diffi-
culties. He bore us along in spite of ourselves, and a
Town Mission was at once formed."

Although David Nasmith wanted fancy, he yet pos-
sessed to an extraordinary degree the creative faculty
in matters relating to association, and that faculty
improved by exercise. His mind, originally, was
strongly marked by a power which would have enabled
him to excel in mechanical invention, — a power which
he inherited from his ancestors, some of whom, espe-
cially the celebrated Mungo Nasmith, were distin-
guished for this valuable species of genius. David
consecrated to moral, a gift which they devoted to
mechanical, philosophy. Minds of this class frequently
see matters more clearly than they can express them.
Thus it w^as with David, whose thoughts were consi-
derably complicated, and required time to disentangle
them. Thus it was, too, with his illustrious fellow
citizen, Adam Smith. Both wrote slowly, and with
great difficulty. AU David's principal compositions
were written with much care, and with great labour.
The original drafts abound with interlineations and
erasures, and whole paragraphs, on further revision,
were often struck out. In these respects he is an excel-
lent model to persons not practised in writing, or
whom practice has failed to endow with the gift of
facility.

Like all real excellence, David Nasmith gained upon
close inspection. In many points he was a pattern to
all who wish to follow things that make for character.

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444

MEMOIR OF

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(#i

His punctuality to all sorts of engagements was pro-
verbial. His economy of time was not less remarkable.
This economy and that punctuality were closely re-
lated to each other. As an economist of time he was
an early riser. He was hospitable to a fault, and the
objects selected were chiefly those who were not
likely to reciprocate the kindness. In the exercise of
this Christian grace he had a constant regard to the
advancement of his philanthropic objects and the Divine
glory. It was uniformly gone about as a religious
duty. He was distinguished for open straightforward-
ness. Policy formed no part of his system. In this
point he would have been an agreeable companion to
Richard Baxter himself. He was through life very
remarkable for his regard to the sabbath. When he
became the head of a house, he bestowed much of that
holy day in the tuition of his family. He was greatly
addicted to private prayer ; and, in seasons of peculiar
trial, he generally prayed aloud. In his exercises of
social devotion, his friends hardly ever remember his
bowing his knees without praying that the Lord would
make them and himself " eminently holy, and emi-
nently useful." This was a favourite phrase, and it
frequently comprised the sum and substance of his
supplications. He was full of the charity that thinketh
no evil. Ks attributed every thing said or done against
his vocation or himself, to misunderstanding: he had
no eye to see signs of malice ; he knew not what it
meant. The worst thing he was ever heard to say
against an adversary was, " I wish that good man were
in heaven." His conscientiousness amounted to scru-
pulosity. When the London Young Men's Society
broke up, and injured several tradesmen who had done

S' I-

DAVID NASMITH.

445

ts was pro-
remarkable.

closely re-

me he was

lit, and the

were not

exercise of
yard to the

the Divine

a religious
ihtforwaid-
In this
mpanion to
life very
When he
uch of that
was greatly
1 of peculiar
exercises of
[« ember his
Lord would
, and emi-
ase, and it
nee of his
lat thinketh
Lone against
Jg: he had
lot what it
ard to say
i man were
;d to scru-
I's Society
► had done

work for them, it deeply grieved him. Among its
victims were the Tract Society, to whom David ano-
nymously sent ten pounds from his own straitened
means, to repair in part their loss. This I state on
the authority of Mr. Groser, Secretary to the Female
Mission, who was its bearer.

While David was harmless as the dove, he was want-
ing in the serpent's wisdom. He was himself simple
as a little child, and seemed to think that he was at
least not better than the bulk of Christian men. In a
word, he thought far too well of people, and often
trusted before he had tried them. He forgot, if he had
ever learned, Andrew Fuller's maxim, to " think well of
men, but ill of man." Another of that great man's
aphorisms, " I^/iat with regard to men, we are saved not
by faith, hut by the want of it," would often have been
of material service to David. That might be truly said
of him, which Cecil said of Newton, that, " with all his
gifts, he had not the gift of discerning spirits." His
generous nature was superior to suspicion, and hence
he was sometimes the victim of his own amiable cre-
dulity.

Notwithstanding the infirmity just referred to, David
occasionally went to an opposite extreme. He made
great demands on human nature professing to be sancti-
fied and set apart for God. He made but small allow-
ance for the weakness of others, whether of body or of
mind. Here again he judged men by himself. He
could not see why any should halt where he ran, or
deem that heavy which he considered light. What he
did he thought others might do, and did not always
bear disappointment with perfect patience. In this
infirmity, as well as the former, he strongly resembled

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446

MEMOIR OP DAVID NASMITH.

George Whitfield. Like that remarkable man, 1 - was
somewhat intolerant of contradiction, and did not always
make due allowance for those wh'^ required more time
than lie to comprehend apian, '^nd lo see the duty of
imm( diately embarking in it. He had to bear the cross
of all reformers of old abuses, and all founders of new
systems — dulness in one, perverseness in another, apathy
here, envy there, and jealousy yonder, and indifference
everywhere. But few men, of David's class, have had
less to encounter in these respects. He nowhere met
with anything deserving the name of oppositioh, till he
came to London : it was therefore a new thing, and con-
sequently bore upon him more heavily. The greatest
trial he ever encountered, was the surrender of the
liondon City Mission. It may be questioned whether
he ever fully recovered the shock he sustained on that
occasion. Such is the opinion of those best able to
ibrm a correct estimate on the subject. He submitted
with dignity, with promptness, with meekness. To a
special friend he said, *' My Father is about to pro-
mote me."

Such was David Nasmith; and it is probable we
shall not soon look upon his Uke again. It was a pri-
vilege to know him, an honour to aid him, and, in
many points, it will be our wisdom to imitate him. He
has left to hi:^ country the legacy of an honoured name,
and to the church of God a splendid example.

, 1 '. was
ot always
nore time
e duty of

the cross
s of new
jr, apathy
difference
have had
here met
)h, till he

and con-
! greatest
er of the

whether
i on that
t able to
lubmitted
s. To a
t to pro-
bable we
vas a pri-
, and, in
dm. He
ed name,

CHAPTER XXIX.

Address to Alderman Challis — David's views of associated operation —
Benevolent association a chi( ** ire of modem society; its stu-
pendous power, and varic 1 i ^''•istian churches and conven-
tional associations compared u' <i of the former — Relation of
the church to the world consi ^.mith's missions described —
Importance of such mission^) undti certain circumstances — New
methods of operation recommended — Disadvantageous position of
a city missionary — Condition of success in city mission operations —
Importance of Mr. Ainslie's services— Example of the London City
Mission recommended — Result of Masmith's labours in America —
Report of Mr. Allen— Statement of Mr. Hallock— Evils of artificial
society exposed — Congregational operation recommended — Nasmith's
opinion of congregational operations — Practical error of big latter
years — Method of mitigating the evils of the artificial principle.

TO THOMAS CHALLIS, ESQ., ALDERMAN OF THE CITY

OF LONDON.

Sir, — There are few to whose lot it has fallen to parti-
cipate in so f^reat a variety of operations for the good of
their fellow- citizens, of their country, and of mankind,
as to yours. Popular Education, Academic Instruction,
Periodical Literature, general and special Humanity,
Home and Foreign Missions, all owe much to your
talents, energy, influence, and liberality. But the
present address proceeds not so much from your rela-
tion to these important objects, as to an Institution for
the spread of Christian truth in this great metropolis.
It is as Treasurer of the London Christian Instruction
Society that I thus connect your name with the Founder

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

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IIIIM

1.8

1.25 1.4 mh

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Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

448

MEMOIR OF

of the London City Mission. You highly appreciated
the excellences of his character, cordially rejoiced in
the success of his labours, and, on his removal from the
world, united with the benefactors of his family in
eflforts to promote its comfort. Although primarily
connected with the London Christian Instruction So-
ciety, and strongly attached to it, you sincerely bade
good-speed to the London City Mission. You felt, in
common with the Committee and the friends generally
of the former Institution, that there was not only no
ground for jealousy of the latter, but that the work to
be done would afford ample scope for their united
energies, were those energies augmented tenfold!
Even now, after their respective labours for nine y^ars,
the means are still utterly disproportioned to the end ;
and notwithstanding the increase of the agency of both
these Societies, there is reason to fea that this dispro-
portion is becoming hourly greater. Multitudes are
perishing on every hand, and comparatively few regard
it ! The cry of their distress ascends from all parts of
the City ! Piety, compassion, and patriotism echo that
cry, and summon Christians of every class and rank, in
all communities, to hasten to the rescue !

It may now be proper, in approaching a conclusion, to
review the system of Mr. Nasmith, and to inquire into
the practical deductions to be derived from it. His
primary object was the establishment of Cityand Town
Missions, and to that object all his other exertions were
subordinate and subservient. He had a vei.y strong
perception of the importance of association for the
accomplishment of moral objects. He saw that there

DAVID NASMITH.

440

ppreciated
ejoiced in
tl from the
family in
primarily
iction So-
srely bade
ou felt, in
I generally
)t only no
\ie work to
eir united
[ tenfold!
line y0ars,
the end ;
cy of both
his dispro-
itudes are
few regard
ill parts of
echo that
i rank, in

lusion, to
luire into

it. His
md Town
ions were

y strong

for the

hat there

was no limit to the power of human combination.
Perhaps his lengthened connexion with the Religious
and Charitable Institution House in Gla'igow, and his
management of so large a number of societies, had
deeply familiarized his mind to the idea of action by
joint forces. This mode of operation for the good of man
is one cf the most extraordinary features of modem
times. It was never dreamed of among the ancients.
But this mode of action for purposes of mischief, is as
old as society. What is the science of war, the combi-
nation of multitudes for mutual destruction, but the
science of such action ? Individuals were capable of
but little mischief; organized, no bounds could be set
to their desolations. The principle is now being ap-
plied, in all possible ways, to work out the good of the
species. There is scarcely an evil to which man is
exposed, against which, by asssociation, he may not
guard himself. It extends to man in all conditions,
and to the property of man in all situations — to acci-
dent, to sickness, to death itself, to the ravages of fire,
and the rage of ocean. It extends to the whole empire
of art, science, and humanity. It has been employed
to emancipate the slave in the West, and to enlighten
the idolater in the East ; to construct rail-roads at the
expense of millions, and compose Encyclopaedias com-
prising the wisdom of ages. In the mind of Nasmith
the principle was linked with humanity ; he thought he
had found in this a means of mitigating misery, in all
its forms, and in its utmost magnitude.

These societies are of two classes, the natural and the
artificial ; the former Christian Churches, and the latter
voluntary associations of Christian men. In the order of
nature, conventional movements are first, and absolutely

fliiiii

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i .

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450

MEMOIR OF

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necessary. There is no other means of operation in a
district of country, or in a locality of a town or city,
where churches do not exist, or do not exist in number
and strength sufficient to act congregationally upon the
population around them. But these are only temporary
expedients, which must ultimately give place to mea-
sures based on other principles. In proportion as
churches come to exist in numbers and means adequate
to the work of evangelizing their vicinities, the necessity
for artificial combinations will gradually subside, and
may at length be safely dispensed with. In them the
Spirit of God resides ; through them, as the principal
means, he will subdue the world, and complete the
conquests of the Head of the Heathen. Every church,
like the glorious gospel, of which it is the depository,
may be likened unto fire and leaven, which operate by
assimilating to themselves their kindred elements, when
such elements are brought into contact. Churches
ought, at all po Jits, to act on surrounding unbelievers,
and at once to absorb the faithful into their several
fellowships ; or, to change the figure, the armies of the
cross, like other armies, require their advanced guards,
their spies, and pioneers, — such as missionaries, itine-
rants, and other classes of labourers ; but the conquests
of that cross are to be completed, its authority and
government established, and its empire upheld, by its
own organized masses — that is, by Gospel Churches.
Missionary efibrts, itinerant labours, and all others of
a conventional and general nature, must ultimately ter-
minate in those of a local and congregational character.
Such is the order of nature. This principle ought,
therefore, so far as practicable, to be stedfastly and
uniformly acted upon in all our gospel enterprises.

DAVID KASMITH.

451

>eration in a
wn or city,
t in number
Uy upon the
y temporary
lace to mea-
oportion as
ms adequate
the necessity
lubside, and
In them the
the principal
complete the
very church,
} depository,
L operate by
ments, when
Churches
unbelievers,
;heir several
xmies of the
need guards,
laries, itine-
le conquests
ithority and
held, by its

I Churches.

II others of
imately ter-
il character,
ziple ought,
;dfastly and
enterprises.

whether in behalf of our rural, village, town, or city
population. The work ought to be done by churches,
in their organised capacity.

City Missions, as formed by Mr. Nasmith, recognise
neither church nor pastor, sect nor party, nor any par-
ticular school of theology; and their only rallying points
are, the doctrine and diffusion of the " common salva-
tion." Hence, their committees of management are
promiscuous bodies of Christian men, bound by no
other ties than those of the common faith, and of a
common object ; and everything relating to their con-
stitution, their supporters, and their agents, is conven-
tional and artificial; there is nothing appertaining to
them congregational or natural. It is, therefore, de-
monstrably certain, that an institution so founded, so
framed, so supported, and so worked, must labour under
a variety of disadvantages, affecting at once its unity,
efficiency, and duration. Men, however, of a catholic
spirit, and of a generous nature, but with small ex-
perience, and with more of an imaginative than of a
judicial faculty, may be found admiring this very defect
as a chief excellence ; but unless such admiration can
work a miracle, time, the great corrector of all errors,
will expose the fallacy.

Ti}is view of City and Town Missions, however, must
not be misunderstood, or construed into hostility. In
our judgment this species of association, with every
other existing for a kindred object, whatever be their
defects, is infinitely better than an absolute famine of
the word of life. Such missions are an invaluable con-
federacy, in every locality where multitudes are perishing,
and where churches exist not, or existing are asleep,
and reposing in criminal indifference. But, wherever

jiiii

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452

MEMOIR OF

■4'

churches are, and have become awake to their duties,
and to the claims of lost souls, who are " drawn unto
death" on every side, all institutions so constituted will
undergo a change, and their precious elements will be
combined into new and more efiBcient forms. Ciiurches
will select, appoint, and liberally support their own
agents, who will labour with the church and for the
church with which they are connected. Such agents
will have their appropriate post in its evangelical arrange-
ments ; they will take a chief share in all its evangeli-
sing operations, and occupy a foremost place in leading
on tlie ranks of its gratuitous agency ; they will, in all
points, be pastoral assistants in the work of God. Thus
allied to the pastors, backed by the weight df their
respective churches, and sustained on every hand by
zealous bands of non-stipendiary agents, they will find
themselves in a position of strength and stability, com-
fort and usefulness, presenting a bright and cheering
contrast to that of the agents of an artificial society, who,
proceeding from no church, nor association of churches,
going forth ostensibly to convert men, yet forming their
converts into no Christian fellowship, administering to
them no church ordinance, and being in their offi-
cial capacity of no communion — are merely general
teachers. Such an agency must of necessity be com-
paratively feeble and impotent. Such an institution is
not a spiritual organization, like a church of Christ,
endowed with inherent self-supporting vitality, and must
mainly depend for its existence upon the uncertain zeal
of a few artificially connected individuals.

In most societies very much, and in many everything,
depends on the secretary. This is emphatically the case
with City Missions. That such an institution may be

1 1, '

%■■

their duties,
'* drawn unto
nstituted will
ments will be
s. Churches
rt their own
and for the
Such agents
ilical arrange-
l its evangeli-
ice in leading
jy will, in all
f God. Thus
;ight df their
ery hand by
:hey will find
tability, com-
and cheering
society, who,
I of churches,
forming their
linistering to
in their offi-
irely general
ssity be com-
institution is
ch of Christ,
ity, and must
incertain zeal

y everything,
cally the case
ition may be

DAVID NABMITH.

453

nil!;:

efficient, the Secretary must be a man of high character
and high competency. Only such men can overcome
the difficulties of their constitution ; for such men will
overcome anything within the limits of possibility. Of
this fa«t we have a striking illustration in the admirable
working of the London City Mission at the present time.
Its Committee is composed of very superior men, who
discharge their functions in the best manner ; but its life,
its soul, the mainspring of its power, lie in its secretary-
ship. It was a happy hour for it, and the perishing
multitudes, whose salvation is the object of its labours,
when the Rev. Robert Ainslie resigned his pastoral
charge, and wholly consecrated his time, talents, labours,
and experience to this one undertaking. This measure
has been the principal means of its prosperity. Had
the Committee, in a perverse fit of pernicious economy,
selected some feeble man, who might have been had for
half his salary, their affairs would this day have pre-
sented a very different aspect. In this matter the
London Committee present an example of practical
sagacity, which all the cities and great towns in England,
where such Missions are or may be established, would
do well to imitate. It is everywhere an essential con-
dition of efficiency, if not almost of existence. In
every case a minister, of the first class, should be se-
lected, and solicited to resign his charge that he may
devote himself solely to this one thing. This resigna-
tion ought invariably to be insisted on. The junction of
important pastoral charges with onerous secretaryships,
cannot be too much deprecated. Men of extraordinary
energy may, indeed, do much towards the efficient dis-
charge of double functions ; but this is the exception,
and the reverse is the rule. There is still, however.

iiii:ii

454

MEMOIR OF

hi'

if
mi

another course even worse than this, and that is, gratui-
tous secretaryship, whether of ministers or of laymen.
A few cases there are of excellent missions with such a
secretaryship, as in the Manchester Mission ; but here,
too, this is the exception ; and even in these cases, a
secretaryship such as we propose, might, probably, soon
double the success.

On the several points just specified, the history of
Mr. Nasmith's labours supplies a very instructive lesson.
Of the multitude of societies, formed by him in England,
Scotland, and Ireland, but a small number survive, and
these chiefly Cfty and Town Missions. The result is
the same in America. Of all his Transatlantic Missions,
the most important, next to that of New York, was that
of Philadelphia ; probably for this reason, as our narra-
tive has shown, that it enjoyed, at the outset, a larger
measure tnan any other of the Founder's fostering care.
Concerning the society of Philadelphia, the Rev. T. G,
Allen, its Secretary, in transmitting to Mrs. Nasmith
documents for this Memoir, thus writes : " The labours
of your husband were very important, indeed, in various
parts of our country. In this city you may well re-
member the favourable influence he exe. iied. He
seemed particularly adapted to go forward as i pioneer,
to prepare the path of usefulness to others. Our City
Mission is, imder the blessing of God, indebted to his
efforts for its existence. This Mission is still in being.
A number of agents have been employed a part of the
time ; but now lam the only agent in the field. By this
Mission much good has been accomplished, and many
souls eternally benefited, we trust ; and to the Lord our
God be all the glory. As to the Young Men's Society,
I do not know that it now exists."

DAVID NA8MITH.

455

lat is, gratui-
>r of laymen.
) with such a
>n ; but here,
[lese cases, a
'obably, soon

lie history of
uctive lesson,
n in England,
: survive, and
The result is
ntic Missions,
fork, was that
as our narra-
itset, a larger
bstering care,
le Rev. T. G.
Mrs. Nasmith
" The labours
;ed, in various
may well re-
ce i3ed. He
as I pioneer,
rs. Our City
idebted to his
still in being,
a part of the
field. By this
ed, and many
the Lord our
lien's Society,

The testimony of the Rev. W. A. Hallock, Secretary
to the American Tract Society, is still more decisive.
"Writing to Mrs. Nasmith with reference also to the
Memoir, he says, " I consider the facts to be, that
Mr. Nasmith had great and untiring zeal and efficiency
in forming City Mission Societies. I well remember
his appeal to a meeting here, called for that purpose,
as being impassioned, glowing, and truly eloquent ; as
it was also highly evangelical, and utterly free from
party or denominational prejudices. He hastened on
in visiting city after city, and village after village, with
neither relaxation nor rest, till he had reached, I be-
lieve, almost all the principal towns of the Atlantic
States. Besides organizing City Missions, he formed
Young Men's Societies. As soon as they were formed,
he went on his way ; and I believe the iact to be that

NOT ONE CITY MISSION, OR ONE YOUNG MEN's SOCI-
ETY, FORMED BY HIM, CONTINUED LONG IN SUCCESS-
FUL OPERATION. All whom he addressed approved
the objects; but owing to the amount of labour required
in this busy, enterprising country, or want of devoted
selfi-denying piety, or for some^ other reason, I have

NOT THE KNOWLEDGE OF ONE THAT CONTINUED IN
SUCCESSFUL OPERATION MUCH AFTER ITS ORGANISA-
TION. Granting that his plans were good, it would
seem that it would have been wiser to have remained
longer in each place, and secured more efficient organ-
isation. He found what were equivalent to a City
Mission in Philadelphia, Boston, and New York ; and,
doubtless, he encouraged these organizations, which
organizations still exist, and are quite efficient. The
above is the substance of what were the facts as to this
country, and what you wish is — facts."

f ti

III

i^' i'

iP.

.''Ml
l-!f

Ml
^1

!ii!

456

MEMOIR OP

The experiment relative to artificial Missions is now
complete, and the result is uniform ; failure is the rule,
success the exception; and that exception is always
accounted for by circumstances. Under David Nasmith's
own management they would generally have succeeded
under any circumstances, and in spite of every obstacle ;
and so will they in the hands of men of kindred cha-
racter and like capabilities. The practical lesson, there-
fore, is, that, as far as practicable, the principle of
congregational operation should be carried into every
department of Christian agency. A Christian church
is an organized body, capable of performing, and de-
signed to perform, all manner of evangelical functions
necessary to the spread of the gospel and the salvation
of men. Such a church, therefore, is to be considered,
not as an individual, but as a system — a compound
society, branching forth in every direction where work
is to be performed in behalf of religious benevolence.
There is not one of these various objects appertaining
to the local diffusion of Christian knowledge, for which
separate societies have been formed, which might not
have been far more easily, cheaply, and effectively
accomplished by the churches of Christ acting in their
individual, organized capacity. Whether those objects
relate to sabbath-school instruction — to the farther
culture of young people of both sexes — to Bible and
tract distribution — to district visitation of the poor in
towns and cities, for Scripture reading and exposition —
to cottage lecturing and village preaching — or to any
other pursuits of a like nature, they can be effectively
and permanently prosecuted only upon one principle —
the principle of congregational operation. For all these
purposes a Christian church, whether Independent,

DAVID NA8MITH.

457

sions IS now
e is the rule,
>n is always
fid Nasmith's
ve succeeded
cry obstacle;
kindred cha-
lesson, there-
principle of
d into every
istian church
ling, and de-
cal functions
the salvation
e considered,
a compound
where work
benevolence,
appertaining
je, for which
:h might not
id eifectively
iting in their
those objects
the farther
to Bible and
f the poor in
exposition —
^ — or to any
be effectively
e principle —
For all these
Independent,

Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodistic, or whatever
name or form it may bear, is a ready-formed, standing
society, — a permanent institution. Unless a Christian
church operate in all these directions, and in others of
a kindred character, according to ever-varying circum-
stances, there is a want, an imperfection in its economy;
it fails to answer the end of its organisation and of its
existence. As things now stand there is verily a fault
among us ; our evangelical and benevolent institutions,
almost everywhere, sustain the character of distinct,
8eparate,^d independent bodies ; or, at the most, the
character of artificial adjuncts, mere voluntary append-
ages, with which neither churches nor pastors, as such,
have any connexion or concern, rather than the cha-
racter of an element, a constituent part of a complete
church. This is a most lamentable evil — an evil which
has spread like a canker among all communities, and
difl^sed a paralytic impotence among the people of God
throughout the whole British empire.

No man understood this doctrine more clearly, or
felt the force of it more powerfully, than David Nasmith,
at the outset of his career. In the twelfth chapter of
this volume we found him declaring his sentiments in
the following words : — " Our City Missions are of great
importance ; but they are necessary, I conceive, only

BECAUSE THE CHURCHES ARE NOT DOING THEIR DUTY ;
THE SOONER THAT CHURCHES ACT, THE BETTER —
WHAT A DIFFERENT EFFECT WOULD THEY PRODUCE !"

Again, in the same chapter, we hear him breathing
out his compassionate zeal in these words : — " I lonq

FOR THE PERIOD WHEN THE CHURCHES OF ChRIST,
instead OF THESE VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS, FORMED
FOR THIS PURPOSE, SHALL BECOME MISSIONARY BODIES,'^

itiii

458

MIMOIR OP

f< i)

Such were Mr. Nasmith's notions at the commence-
ment of his enterprisei and such in principle they con-
tinued to its close; but his feelings Utterly, became
considerably warped ; so much so, indeed, that he had,
in a great degree, lost sight of it, and become inordi-
nately attached to the principle of artificial association.

These feelings greatly grew upon him during the
last ten years of his life. It has already appeared that
so far back as IS^,'*' he had begun to separate himself
from the pastors of churches : his avowal was, ** I have
ceased asking the co-operation of any minister." This
was David's greatest practical error, and he unhappily
persevered in it. He told me some years after he had
come to London, that he had ** entirely given up the
ministers, that there was no getting on with them, and
that he had betaken himself to the laymen." His suc-
cessor, Mr^ Blanchard, in the documents with which he
has favoured me, gives an example of the unhappy
consequences of this resolve. " I remember," says he,
"going to a town where he had formerly been, and
where he had failed to form a Town Mission. I
called on a gentleman, who said, ' What is your pro-
posed plan, Sir ? Do you me^n to consult the ministers
of the town?* I replied, * Yes; that is invariably my
custom.* ' Oh, then, I will assist you,* said he. ' When
your predecessor, Mr. Nasmith, came here, he called
together our young men, and told them they ought not
to be guided by their pastors, but should act for them-
selves, j^c. ; and we were obliged to oppose him, as he
was creating schism among us, and we desired him to
leave the town.* " He did not, however, uniformly set
aside the ministers: he occasionally, at least, called

* See pages 185—187.

DAVID NASMITH.

459

upon thein» apprised them of his object, and asked
them for the names and addresses of such persons as
were most likely to be of service to him ; but here the
matter generally ended. This was a ^atal mistake,
— almost his only error, and his chief misfortune. It
was impossible that institutions formed under such
circumstances should generally succeed. There is no
instance of a prosperous Mission without the appioba-
tion and support of the ministers of the places. Next
to the union of churches, in such movements, is the
union of pastors, which, where it can be effected, is a
powerful antidote to the evils of the artificial principle ;
and we see no reason why it should not be effected
everywhere. But among right-minded men there is
nothing to prevent a union of churches also, nor to
hinder the churches of that union from working toge-
ther, upon the Congregational principle, with compact-
ness, force, and efficiency, as a harmonious and powerful
confederation.

*ii

> V,

CHAPTER XXX.

Address to Mr. Lewis — The London City Mission recommended es a
model — Present state of its agency and administration — Laudable

; .provision for the Comfort of its Missionaries — Special claims of its
agents — Results of its operations ; the chief result of Nasmith's
labours — Origin and object of the British and Foreign City and

I Town Mission — Error in the original constitution of Young Men's
Societies; resolution correcting it — Specific design of the British
and Foreign Town Mission ; examiners of its agsnts ; niunber of
societies formed by it since Nasmith's death ; its present condition —
Operations of the Manchester Town Mission ; their results — Opera-
tions of the Leeds Town Mission ; their results— Concluding obser-

vationsr

*■ ■

TO THE REV. THOMAS LEWIS, ISLINGTON.

Si^, — As the Pastor and friend of David Nasmith
during the last stage of his pilgrimage, it is meet that
the closing chapter of his Memoirs should be inscribed
to you in preference to all others. You know some-
what of his character, which proclaimed his heavenly
birth. All his actions bespoke the nobility of his
nature. He towered far above the multitude, even of
those who are deettied pillars in the kingdom of God.
He was not one of those who, " measuring themselves
by themselves, and comparing themselves among them-
selves, are not wise." Never man was less influenced
by those around him. He took his standard not from
other Christians, but from the Scriptures ; and, at all
times, acted very much as if he had lived in the midst

I'V

Hi)

!ommended es a
'ation— Laudable
lial claims of its
lit of Nasmith's
>reign City and
of YouQg Men's
of the British
Dts; number of
sent condition —
results— Opera-
mclading obser-

NGTON.

nd Nasmith
is meet that
be inscribed
know some-
his heavenly
)ility of his
ude, even of
lom of God.
J themselves
mong them-
s influenced
rd not from
; and, at all
in the midst

MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

461

of a world of blind idolaters, sunk in sensuality, and
dead in sin. His eye was constantly fixed on the charac-
ter of the Great Exemplar, while, without intermission,
every nerve was strained to the uttermost to reach a full
measure of conformity to its beauty in holiness. How
great was your honour in presiding over a flock which
numbered such a man! ^ ^r' ■>:■■:■ \^-,,-" ' o- ;

" O church ! to ■whom that man was dear^
The Angel of thy mercies here,

Behold the path he trod^ •>

. .n ' * A milky way' through midnight skies ; — t <

,; , Behold the grave in which he lies ;

E'en from this dust thy prophet cries^
' / ' Prepare to meet thy God !' "

If only now remains to set forth the progress of City
Missions since David's death, and their present state.
That of London has entered upon the tenth year of its
existence, and is carrying forward its peaceful labours
with great efiiciency, enjoying more of the public con-
fidence than at any former period, and possessing a
degree of healthful vigour never before experienced.
It deserves to be considered the Model Mission of the
empire. The experience of its secretaries, committee,
and agents, has now reached a condition of considerable
maturity, and it may be safely affirmed that, in com-
pactness, completeness, order, and efficiency, it is
incomparably superior to every thing of the kind any-
where to be found. The Agents, who are selected
with extraordinary care, and subjected to an unex-
ampled process of exaimnation, now exceed One
Hundred. Everything is reduced to system. We
question whether the Metropolitan Police Establish-
■ x2

rj.

•ii

.' V'

***

■

462

MEMOIR OF

ment is e iucted with a more rigorous regard to rule
and ordei than the London City Mission. In truth,
while looking at the economy of the latter, we are so
strongly reminded of the former, that we are led to
view the City Mission as a Moral Police Institution.
In its admirable discipline, benevolence, and humanity
are beautifully blended with order and law. The
Agents belong to no fewer than eight Denominations, —
a fact which, to thinking men, will not be without
instruction.

There are three advantages enjoyed by the mission-
aries, which merit special notice. The first is, the Mission
library, from which they have, once a week, any work it
contains. The second is, that, in the event of illness,
they have medical advice and medicines gratuitously.
Seven physicians, residing in diflferent parts of London,
kindly prescribe for the missionaries ; and ten chemists
generously give to them whatever medicines they may
require. For the purpose of promoting health and re-
creation, every missionary is allowed a fortnight in the
country during the year. The third advantage is, the
Disabled Missionaries* Fund; the object of which is,
that if any missionary should be afilicted with blindness,
paralysis, insanity, or become otherwise disabled in the
service of the Mission, or become unfit for service by
age, he should have such an allowance as the Committee
may deem sufiicient, according to the circumstances.
Beside the Disabled Missionaries' Fund, there is another
fund, to which the missionaries subscribe a small sum
monthly. If a missionary lose his wife by death, he
receives from this fund the sum of 10/. ; and if a mis-
sionary die, his widow receives the sum of 301.

The wisdom of these arrangements is above all praise,

regard to rule
1. In truth,
;r, we are so
'e are led to
i Institution,
nd humanity
I law. The
tminations, —
; be without

- the mission-
i, the Mission
:, any work it
!nt of illness,
gratuitously.
s of London,
ten chemists
aes they may
ealth and re-
tnight in the
atage is, the
of which is,
th blindness,
sabled in the
or service by
e Committee
rcumstances.
re is another
a small sum
»y death, he
nd if a mis-

i^e all praise,

DAVID KASMITH.

463

and they cannot fail to recommend themselves to the
support and admiration of the Christian public, who
may aid the library by presents of books, and the Dis-
abled Missionary Fund by subscription, donations, or
bequests. Where can opulent Christians find objects of
greater interest, or of claims superior ? Is not each of
these worthy men, in his own humble sphere, a Howard
— ^yea, and in some respects, more than a Howard ? The
amount of their usefulness cannot be accurately esti-
mated. Much the greater portion of it will never be
ascertained in the present world. In all labours which
have for their object the spirit of man, we must walk
by faith rather than by sight. But in the case before
us, there is not a little on which the eye can rest with
devout satisfaction, and with grateful complacency.
For example : At the last annual meeting, as some of
the visible results of the two brief preceding years, it
was stated, that 763 persons, of profligate character,
had been reclaimed and reformed ; 179 persons, who had
made a profession of religion, and had lapsed into an
irreligious state, were restored ; 5,414 children had been
sent to day and Sunday-schools ; 1,422 persons had died
upon the districts occupied by the missionaries, not one
of whom was visited by any religious instructor, except
the missionary ; 363 persons who died, had, in the judg-
ment of charity, embraced the Gospel, and departed in
the possession of its consolations ; 347 persons avowed
that they had become decided characters, and were
determined, by Divine grace, to lead a holy life, who
had not then joined the Christian Church : and, in addi-
tion to the above, 244 persons made a public profession
of religion, and became members and communicants
of Christian Churches. During the two years, 654,293

464

MEMOIR OF

.at: I ' !

-5;- r ■ f

lis

III*

visits and calls were made upon the poor, of which
49,234 were to the sick and dying; 15,183 meetings
were held for praying and expounding the Scriptures ;
and 715,440 tracts were given away.
. Who can estimate the importance, spiritual, moral,
and political, of an institution of which such things
can be reported ? Who can determine the claims of the
memory of the man from whom that institution derived
its existence ? Is it saying too much to affirm, that the
arrival in London of David Nasmith was, in relation to
eternity, an event of greater importance than that of all
the ambassadors and statesmen, philosophers and kings,
who have appeared in it for centuries ? Among that
starred, and gartered, and diademed multitude, has one
of the neglected and expiring poor of our city ever had
cause to bless an individual for pointing him to the
Lamb of God ?

The London City Mission is simply what its name
implies ; it is not a parent but a child. It is no part of
its object to multiply itself. But the desire of its
Founder was to fill the nation, the empire, the world
with such institutions. On this object he was never
more bent than at the time of his death. With a view
to this, he formed " The British and Foreign Mission,"
that, if possible, the work might advance when he was
called home to his Father's house. Such was the chief
reason he assigned for the act. This institution, how-
ever, was not, while he lived, to be confined to City
Missions, but extended to all sorts of philanthropic
association, a circumstance which prevented some of his
best friends, as has already appeared, from rendering
that support and co-operation which he might otherwise
have commanded. He was especially attached to the

DAVID NASMITH.

465

r, of which
13 meetings
Scriptures ;

:ual, moral,
mch things
laims of the
tioii derived
m, that the
1 relation to
n that of all
3 and kings,
Among that
ide, has one
ity ever had
him to the

at its name

is no part of

lesire of its

J, the world

; was never

W^ith a view

;n Mission,"

hen he was

IS the chief

;ution, how-

ned to City

lilanthropic

some of his

m. rendering

it otherwise

;hed to the

subject of Young Men's Societies, which, in Scotland,
had been productive of great good, but, in the main,
worked ill in England, chiefly from the promiscuous
character of their members ; an error, which a former
chapter has shown he endeavoured to correct, by con-
fining the membership to men giving evidence of per-
sonal piety. This new form of it was called ** The
Christian Young Men's Union." The last meeting he
ever attended was one of the committee of that Society
on the evening before he left home for Guildford, where
he died. At that meeting, he suggested the propriety
of forming a " Young Men's Home," or rather Homes,
where pious young men, coming to London from the
country, might have lodgings under the superintendence
of judicious and pious persons, a library, &c. ; so that
their parents would have the satisfaction of knowing
that their sons would be protected from the snares inci-
dent to a residence in the Metropolis.

On the death of Mr. Nasmith, the Committee wisely
resolved to confine their operations exclusively to the
formation and assistance of City and Town Missions,
and steadily to conduct these operations on the pure
and liberal principles of the Founder, — the Examiners
of Agents, as well as the Agents themselves, being of
several bodies. This function is at present discharged
by Dr. Hannah, Wesleyan ; Dr. Jenkyn, Independent ;
Rev. Peter Hall, Episcopalian j Rev. J. H. Evans,
Baptist ; Rev. P. Lorimer, Scotch Church ; and the Rev.
J. Sherman, Countess' Connexion. The name, in con-
formity with the object, is now altered to that of " The
City and Town Mission Society." The number of City
and Town Missions formed by the Society, from its
institution, March 16th, 1837, to Mr. Nasmith's death,

466

MEMOIR OF

November 17th, 1839, was twenty-Mven : the ntimbei'
formed from that time to the present is twenty 'six.
This Society has two objects in view. It seeks not
only to form Missions, but to promote their efficiency.
In other words, when these Institutions have been
established, and have existed for some time, it is the
anxious wish of the Society, by correspondence, and by
visitation, to render such assistance as they may require.
They have most of them, their annual public meetings
also, at which the Secretary of the Parent Society can
render material assistance, by relating what has been
done in other towns, and by urging, in a mannner that
a stranger only can do, the friends of such Institutions
to continued and increased contributions. M,

The City and Town Mission Society, which has now
entered upon the eighth year of its existence, has been
the instrument of great good. It had at the outset to
encoimter much difficulty ; but each successive year has
witnessed its growing strength ; and I rejoice to learn,
from its Secretary, that " at no time, from its establish-
ment, has its position been so favourable as at the
present period."

As specimens of the working of Missions in the pro-
vinces, two of the first class may be selected — those of
Manchester and Leeds. That of Manchester employs
no fewer than thirty-Jive Agents. The following is a
statement of their labour and its results for the last two
years: — , . ,. .

Tracts distributed . . . . . . '. . 802,424

Visits paid, including 26,311 to the sick and the dying . 308,988
Meetings for reading the Scriptures, exhortation, and

prayer 10,885

Average attendance at each meeting .... 28

Testaments and Psalms lent 1|047

l\\

the numbei'

twenty 'six,

[t seeks not

ir efficiency,

have been

ne, it is the

snce, and by

may require.

»lic meetings

Society can

lat has been

lannner that

Institutions

\\
ich has now
ice, has been
the outset to
sive year has
ice to learn,
its establish-
e as at the

3 in the pro-
ed — those of
iter employs
llowing is a
the last two

. 802,424

; . 308,988

and

^ . 10,885

. 1,047

DAVID NASMITH. 4^7

wAkly average of persons who have had the Scriptures

read in their houses fi,189

Perrions induced to attend public worship . . . 987

Children sent to Sunday-schools 1,293

Hopeful conversions 614

Persons who have become members of Christian churches,
and are walking in the fellowship of the gospel . . 151

Infidels recUumed . , 62

Drunkards reclaimed 214

Fallen women restored to their friends or to society . 22

There are in the several districts occupied by the Mis-
sionaries persons who may be called inquirers, persons 'I
who are anxious to know the way of salvation, and
. who, from old age and poverty, are dependent on the
Missionaries for religious instruction, to the number of 4,932'"

The Leeds Mission has ten Agents, whose labours and
their effects, for the last two years, are thus set forth: —

Number of visits, including 17,543 to the sick and dying, 88,555

Calls, or short visits 7,800

Meetings for reading the Scriptures, exhortation, and

prayer 4,108

Tracts distributed 89,700

Families supplied with Testaments and Psalms on loan . 337
Number of persons in the Vagrant-office who have re-
ceived instruction from the Mi^ionaries . . . 21,624

Hopeftil conversions 310

Of these have become members of Christian churches, and

are, through grace, walking according to the gospel . 121

This history has now reached its termination; and,
at the sight of the goal, once so distant, a feeling of
solemnity arises in the writer's mind. Since this work
began, many of the watchmen of Zion, and of the
friends of their species, like David Nasmith, have been
cut off in the midst of their labours and usefulness.

* These statistics have been prepared with care, and with a jealousy
for the truth. — Manchester Report.

! 1 I

m
I

4f>S MEMOIR OF DAVID NASMITH.

More than once, the author has had reason to tnink
that he might, perhaps, have been shortly added to the
number, and have left this undertaking to be completed
by the hand of another ; but, through the mercy of God,
he has been spared to finish and present the History of
the Husband and the Father to the amiable Widow,
with her five orphan Children, and to the churches of
the Saints of the Most High.

In surrendering his work to the public, the Author
feels some of the sadness experienced at parting with
an old friend, endeared by time and ofiices of kindness.
He is deeply conscious that his performance, like every
thing human, is imperfect ; but he is not less conscious
of having laboriously endeavoured to render it an instru-
ment of usefulness to the souls of men, and to the cause
of the Redeemer. He will long remember the solemn
pleasure with which he often mused among the papers
of his departed friend, sometimes at the hour when
"deep sleep falleth upon man," and at other times when
the lark carols at early dawn, and *' man goeth forth to
his labours." These have been some of the happiest
hours of his life, as the wdtk itself, as a literary occu-
pation, has been by far the most profitable he ever
engaged in to his own immortal spirit. If the read or
shall experience but half the benefit and satisfaction
enjoyed by the writer, he will deem himself amply
rewarded for the expense of purchase and the toil of
perusal. It has supplied to the Author not only " re-
proof, correction, and instruction," but also example,
stimulus, and encouragement; and now his prayer is,
that, what it hath proved to him, it may prove to mul-
titudes.

I' '.:■■

^x^

jon to mink
idded to the
le completed
ercy of God,
e History of
ible Widow,
churches of

it,

:-«i-

INDEX.

, the Author

parting with

of kindness.

), like every

iss conscious

it an instru-

to the cause

r the solemn

r the papers

hour when

times when

eth forth to

the happiest

iterary occu-

ble he ever

■ the reader

satisfaction

nself amply

i the toil of

3t only " re-

5o example,

s prayer is,

ove to mul-

\\.

Adult School Society, its neces-
sity, 347
Ap^nts, training school for, 360
Ainslie, Rev. Robert, letter of, to
the Committee, 331 — 338
meets the Committee, 338
resigns, 338
address to, 398
efficiency as a secretary, 453
Alexander, Dr., 249, 252
Allen, Rev. T. G., his report on
the result of Nasmith's Ame-
rican labours, 454
America, Nasmith's arrival in, 207
his address to the Christians of,

213
his progress in, 221, 225, 254
results of Nasmith's labours in,
454
Andover, U.S., 232
Arundel, Rev. John, his attentions

to Nasmith, 154
Association, formation of an, for
Nasmith's support, 379
power and importance of, 449
how employed among the an-
cients, 449
how employed among the mo-
dems, 44J
Attwood, Mrs., mother of Harriet
Newell, 231

Bala, letter from, giving an account
of proceedings in Wales, 389

Bala, formation of a Young Men's

Society at, 391
Balcarras, the Countess of, Bax-
ter's address to, 425
Baltimore, formation of a Young

Men's Societv at, 256
Baptism, Nasmith s, in Ireland, 294
Baptists, their preponderance in

the London CityMission, 339
Bath, formation of a Town Mission

in, 373
Bathin, Mr., his sacrifices for the

missionary cause, 186
Baxter's address to the Countess

of Balcarras, 425
Beecher,Dr., 219, 221, 229
Belfast, Nasmith's arrival in, 291
Benevolence of Englishmen, 427
Bethune, Mrs., daughter of Isabella

Graham, 226
Bible, presentation of a, to Nasmith,

by the Sunday scholars, 130
Birmingham, formation of a Town

Mission in, 360
Bishop of London, opposition of

the, to the Mission, 325
Nasmith's interview with the,
325
Blanchard, Mr. John, address to,

429
course pursued by, with regard

to pastors, 458
Boston, U. S., visit to, 219, 229
Boulogne, Nasmith's arrival at, 278

a sabbath at, 279
Boyd, Mrs., of Dublin, meeting at

the house of, 184
Brackenridge, Rev. Mr., 255
Bradford, U.S., visit to, 233
Y

470

INDEX.

Bridewell Association, Nosmith

becomi's secri'tary to the, '21
Brighton, low state of religion in,

370
Brothers, Nasmith's trials fVom the

misconduct of his, 53
Brown, Kev. Dennis, 179
Buchanan, Dr., letter to, 94
Buchanan, consul, 2UH, 211, 212
Bums, Dr., address to, 93
Bush, Rev. Mr., 18.5
Buxton, Sir T. F., address to, 313
note from, accepting the treu-

surership, 314
letter from,with 8ubscription,385

Cambridge, formation of a Yoang
Men^s Society at, 359
formation of a Town Mission
at, 359
Canada, Nasmith leaves New York
for, 259
return fVom, to Scotland, 275
Carlile, Rev. James, 145, 146,
148, 151, 180
address to, 160
Mrs., 147, 155
Carruthers, Mr., sen., 235
Carver's, £. T., resignation, 355
his adherence to Nasmith, 355
address to, 366
Challis, Alderman, address to, 447
Character of Nasmith, 431—440
Charlotte Elizabeth's motto, 317
Choctaw Indians, the state of the,

246
Christian philanthropy, views of,
and Philanthropic Agency
House established, 287
Philanthropist's Fund, associa-
tion for raising, 38 1
Churches, their capabilities and
duties, 450, 456, 457
practical error of, in relation to
societies, 457
City Mission, the Glasgow, 136

Dublin, 150
; New York, 217
New Orleans, 248
Paris, 281
City Missions, the peculiarity of
their constitution and charac-
ter, 451 ., ,

City Missions, excellency and de-
ficts, 451, 452
inferior in power to churches,

452, 457
necessity of pastoral co-opera-
tion in, 459
Nasmith's chief object, 448
Missionaries, the claims of, en-
forced, 463

Clarke, Mr. Frederick, address to,
300

Class, Mr., sermon b^, 247

Colquhoun, Mr.,uf Killermont, 161

Congleton, Lord, address to, 223

Connell, James, Esq., Montreal,
address to, 258

Continental Society, advantages of
Nasmith's engagement to tra-
vel for, 301

Conversion, remarkable, 20

Cook, Rev. R. S., anecdote of
Nasmith, with regard to, 76

Cooper, Rev. W. H., 145, 147 .
address to, 197

Correspondence with John Na-
smith, 103—117

Cumlachie, visit to the Sunday
school at, 88

Cunningham, Mr., of Lainshaw,
visit to, 86
address to, 101

Dear, R. K, address to, 329
Death, Nasmith's, 422—425
Delicacy, false, reprobated, 349
Difficulties, great pecuniary, 406 —

412
Disabled Missionaries' Fund, 462
Dover, Missions formed in, 405
Dream, a dreadful, 5
Dublin, visit to, 145
formation of a City Mission in,

150
Mission, prosperity of the, 183,

189, 195, 199
Nasmith's return to, from Ame-
rica, 276
societies formed in, 276
arrival in, on return from
France, and kindness of
fVicnds, 298
monthly prayer-meeting in, for
David, 302

ccKency and de*

rer to churohei,

istoral co-opera-

f object, 448
ho claims of, on-

erick, address to,

m bv, 247

)fKillermont,16l
address to, 223
Esq., Montreal,

.'tjr, advantages of

igagement to tra-

irkable, 20

S., anecdote of
th regard to, 76

H., 145, 147

'with John Na-
il?

; to the Sunday
I
T., of Lainshaw,

ress to, 329
B, 422—425
eprobated, 349
; pecuniary, 406 —

laries' Fund, 462

formed in, 405

il, 5

145

I City Mission in,

)erity of the, 183,

irn to, from Ame-

td in, 276

jn return from

id kindness of

>r-meeting in, for

INDKX.

471

Education, state of, in I<ondon,
347

in England, 347
EHiabethtown, U.S., visit to, 249

letter fVom a student at, 249
Ely, formation of a Young Men's

Society in, 359
Encouragement, lines of, 361
Epitaph on a young lady, 128
Ewin^, Oreville, address to, 1
Exammation, the post-mortem, 423

Falconer, Rev. Patrick, address to,

134
Family, Nasmith's, kindness of

fhends to, 425
Farleigh, East, Nasmith visits, 154
Female Mission, the London, 348
an adjunct of the Loudon City

Mission, 350 '

its object, 351
its high patronage, 353
Fese, Mrs., meeting at the house

of, 184
Foster's, Mr., account of Nasmith's

illness and death, 415
Fund, Disabled Missionaries', 462

Gallie, Mr. George, letter to, con-
cerning proceedings in Dub-
lin, 168
Mrs., letter to, on her marriage,
170
Garwood and Ainslie, Messrs., ad-
dress to, 398
Gibbet, the way to the, 24
Gilmour, Rev. John, letter of, 259
Glasgow prison, visit to, 21
scene in the condemned cell of,
56
Glasgow City Mission, formation

of the, 136
Glasgow, Nasmith's return to, from
Dublin, 205
his labours in and near, on re-
turn from America, 275
his return to, from Paris, 284
he resolves to winter in, 285

Gordon, Alexander, Esq., meeting

at the house of, 323
Gravesend, formation of a Town

Mission in, 404
Groser, Mr., address to, 413
Guildford, Nasmith's illness and

death at, 415, &c.

Halley'a, Rev. Dr., testimonial to

Nasmith, 309
Hallook, llt'v. W. A., report of, on
the rcHult of Nasmith's Aiiie-
rican labours, 455
Hartford, U.S., visit to, 2 1 9
Hartridge, Mr., letter to, 155
Hasseltine, the, family, 219, 221,

233
Hastings, the Marchioness of, Na-
smith's letter to, 182
Havre, formation of a Mission at,

284
Health, failure of Nasmith's, 140
Heugh, Dr., address to, 43
Hogan, W. C, Esq., 193, 206

Illness, Nasmith's last, 414—422
Institution Rooms, establishment
of the, 72
Nasmith becomes secretary to

the, 74
Nasmith resigns the secretary-
ship to the, 141
Institutions, new, alarm created

by, 330
Ireland, the South of, Nasmith's
journey to, 195
Missions formed in, 195
the North of, journey to, 201
Missions formed in, 201
low state of religion in, 210
the West of, 203
Irish emigrants, state of, 248

Jamaica, on Long Island, U.S.,
visit to, 227

47J2

INDEX.

Kelly, Rev. Thomas, letter of in-
troduction from, 311

Knox, John, Datid compared with,
437

I^tboun of Nasmith, leasons tup-
plied by the, 454
Lainshaw, account of a aabbath-

iirhool at, 86
<<u-ipuagei, Nasmith's avenion to

the study of, 4 •
Lo^i8, Rev. Thomas, Nasmith
joins the church under, 386

address to, 460
Leeds, Town Mission formed at,

362
Libraries, Sunday-school, mode of

forming, 132
Lines of encouragement, 361
l<ondon, Nasmith led to, by an ac-
cident at sea, 150, 154

Nasmith's design of settling in,
frustrated, 275

his arrival in, from Paris. 284

with his family, 302

proceedings in, 303
London City Mission, difficulties at
the outset of the, 304

views of the author concerning
the, 305

Nasmith's account of, 306

various views concerning, 309

formation of, 310

Nasmith's account of, in a letter
to his brother, 311

preponderance of Baptists in,
339

defence of the conduct of, 341 —
343

the catholic principle of, and
Nasmhtli's adherence to it, 353

Nasmith h resignation of the se-
cretaryship to the, 355

letter of Nasmith to the Com-
mittee of, 399

the example of, recommended to
greMt towns, 453

a model, 44>.t

admirnMe organization of, 462

library ff, 402

imp'^^ice, results, and claims
et..M> founder, 4$a-~464

0. .

f -'

Lovett, Rev. Mr., kindn«M of, 281
Luther compared with Nasmith,
437

Magazine, the City Mission, esta-
blished, 326
Manchester Town Mission, forma-
tion of the, 361
results of the labours of the,
466—467
Marblehead, U.S., visit to, 234
Marks, Mr. J. J., address to, 357
Margate, Mission formed at, 405
Marriage, Nasmith's, 138
Maternal Societies, formation of, in

Halifax, &c., 3G3, 390
Mayo, Mr. Herbert, address to,

388
Mejunell, Mr., 174
M'Farlane, Rev. Duncan, address

to, 118
M'Gavin, William, Esq., address

to, 33
Midford, U.S., visit to, 231
Ministry, Nasmith desires to enter

the, 13
Ministers, Nasmith's error regard-
ing the co-operation of, 187
Mission, the London Female, an
adjunct to the City Mission,
350
its object, 351
its patronage, 353
Mission, the British and i oreign,
formation of, 358
state of, 464, 465
its examiners, 4G5
Missions formed by, since Na-
smith's death, 406
Missionary, Nasmith desires to be-
come a, 10
Nasmith's qualifications for a, 14
Societies, churches the best, 190

artificial, the experiment

on, completed, 450
Montreal, Nasmith's arrival in,

259
Mor^n, Dr., testimony of Miss
Read to, 320
address to, 374
Morison's, Rev. Dr., testimonial to

David, 307
Mother's lessons, benefit of a, 4

INDEX.

473

ncMof, 281
ih Numith,

itMioD, eata-

mioa, forma-

)an of the,

it to, 234
ress to, 357
ned at, 405
138

rmation of, in
,390
addreM to,

lean, address

Bsq., address

o, 231
esires to enter

error regard-
tion of, 187

Female, an
Dity Mission,

and I ortign,
i

>y, since Na-

desires to be-

tions for a, 14
the best, 190
experiment
5G
arrival in,

ony of Miss

estimonial to
efit of a, 4

Ntrrtti?e, tragical, 34—43
Nasmith, David, his birth and
parentage, 3
his aversion to the study of

languages, 3
is bound an apprentice, 3
an awful temptation, 4, 5
a dreadful dream, 6
attends a Sunday-school, 6
becomes secretary to a Bible

Association, 6
his conversion, 7
his profession of the faith, 7
desires to be ome a missionary,

10
desires to enter the ministry, 13
applies for admission to the

Theological Institution, 13
is rejected, 13

his qualifications for a mis-
sionary, 14
changes his situation, 15
becomes a Sunday-school teach-
er, 15
a mysterious bodily affection,

18
becomes secretary to the Bride-
well Association, 21
forms an imprudent attachment,

44
his emotions under a sermon, 48
an inward struggle, 44 — 51
forms a second attachment, 57 —
69
- becomes secretary to the Insti-
tution Rooms, 73
hi!) efficiency as a Sunday-
school teacher, 92
his nnxicty about his brother

John, 103
mode of dealing with applicants

for church-membership, 119
his marriage, 138
his health fails, 140
resigns his office in the Institu-
tion Rooms, 141
removes to Dublin, 146
introduction to Miss Oswald, 142
introdc.^tlDn to Mr. Parnell (now

Lord Congleton), 145
leaves Dublin for Glasgow, 156
is led to London by an accident

at sea, 166
visits East Farleigh, 154

Nasmith, David's, pecuniary sacri-
fices, 167
returns to Dublin, KSH
his Journey to the iSouth of Ire-
land, 195
bis jouniey to the North of Ire-

land, 201
his Journey to the West of Ire-
land, 203
his return to Scotland, 205
his voyage to New York, 207
forms a City Mission there, 217
forms a City Mission at Phila-
delphia, 253
proceeds to Canada, 259
reaches Montreal, 259
resolves to settle in London, 261
his dcHigu frustrnted, 275
returns to Si-otland, 275
his journey to Paris, 278
visits Havre, 284
returns to Glasgow, 284
Mrs. Nasmith's illnesfi, 285
opens the Charitable and {Philan-
thropic Agency Mouse, 287
his expectation disappointed, 290
engages to travel for the Con-
tinental Society, 290
returns to Glasgow, 298

Proceeds to J.rf>ndon, 299
is formation of the City Mis-
sion, 310
the bishop's opposition, 3^5
his interview with the bishop,

325
his movements create alarm, 330
his perplexities in regard to the

Female atid other Missions,

329—343
his conduct defended, 343 — 350
his magnanimity exemplified,

354
resigns the secretaryship of the

London City Mission, 355
his resignation regretted by the

Committee, 355
travels for the British and

Foreign Town Mission, 358
goes to Scotland, 368
bis own defence of his course,

371
his journey to Wales, 389
proceeds to Dublin, 394
his tours in England, 400—405
pecuniary difficulties, 406
first symptom of disease, 410

■^

^^i

474

INDEX.

Nasmith, David, goes to Gaildford,
to form a mission, 414
is seized with illness, 416
state of his mind, 417
his death, 422

post-mortem examination, 422
funeral services, 423
provision for his family, 426
his character, 431
review of his system, 448
lessons, supplied by the labours

of, 454
his error in too rapid move-
ments, 455
his claims on London, 464
his claims compared with those
of other classes, 484
Negress, the happy, 24
Newark, U, S., formation of a

Mission in, 209, 227
Newburyport, IJ. S., visit to, 234
Newell, Mrs. Harriet, 231
New Orleans, 236, 239, 246

sabbath desecration in, 247
Newport, U. S., visit to, 228
New York, Nasmith sails for,
207
his arrival there, 207
his views of, 209
Mission formed in, 217, 227
results of Nasmith's labours in,
455
Noel, Hon. and Rev. Baptist, let-
ter from, to Nasmith, 303
to the bishop of London, 310
to the Committee, 318
his resignation, 339 — 341

Order, Nasmith's habits of, 31
Oswald, Miss, Nasmith's introduc-
tion to, 142
letter to, on returning to Glas-
gow from London, 161

account of work in Dublin,

171

result of three months' ex-
periment, 175

success of the Mission, 183

landing at New York, 207

report on inquiries in

London, 284

as to the Agency House,

287

Oswald, Miss, her letter as to the
Sustentation Fund, 297
address to, 273 -

Paris, proposal to form a Mission
in, 174
Nasmith's arrival in, 279
formation of a Mission in, 28i

Pamell, Mr. John, (now Lord
Congleton,) 145, 148, 152

Pastors, error of Nasmith concern-
ing, 458
its bad effects, 458
different course pursued by Mr.
Blanchard, 458

Patton, Rev. Dr., 216, 217, 218

Perkins, Mr., death of, 402

Philadelphia, formation of a City
Mission at, 253
its results, 454

Philip, Rev. Robert, Nasmith's
account of, 312
dismisses Mr. and Mrs. Na-
smith, 386
his address at the funeral, 424

Piety, domestic, illustrated, 198

Pomeroy, the Hon. Mrs., 180

Portland, U. S., visit to, 235

Portsmouth, U. S., 235

Portrait, affecting anecdote of a,51

Prayer, spirit of, in connexion
with the City Mission, 311

Prayer meeting for Nasmith in
Dublin, 302

Preaching, Nasmith's, American
opinion of, 212

Princeton, visit to, and formation
of a Young Men's Society at,
251

Providence, U. S., visit to, 228

Probationary house for females,
351

Prudence, Nasmith's, in London,
303

Purse, presentation of a, to Na-
smith, 142

Ramsgate, a Mission formed at, 405
Read, Miss Harriet, address to, 255

her zeal, 301

letter from, to Nasmith, 302

i I

etter as to the
ind, 297

:orm a Mission

in, 279
ission in, 28i
I, (now Lord
5, 148, 152
ismithconcern-

)arsued by Mr.

16, 217, 218

1 of, 402

ition of a City

€rt, Nasmith's
2

and Mrs. Na-

e funeral, 424
ustrated, 198
. Mrs., 180
sit to, 235
235

mecdoteof a,51
in connexion
Mission, 311
or Nasmith in

ith's, American

, and formation

[en's Society at,

visit to, 228
se for females,

h's, in London,

»n of a, to Na-

)n formed at, 405
t, address to, 255

f asmith, 302

INDEX.

476

Read, Miss, letter to, in reply to a
charge of neglect, 396
Nasmith's last letter to, 406
her death, 375

Reading-rooms, their excellence,
346

Reconciliation, proposal of, be-
tween Churchmen and Dis-
senters, 353

Revivals, Nasmith's views of, 263

Richmond, U. S., formation of a
Town Mission and Young
Men's Society at, 257

Robertson, Mr., efficiency of, as an
agent, 175

Robins, Rev. Sanderson, his letter
to the Committee, 339

Sabbath>school teacher, Nasmith
becomes a, 15

Sabbath scholars, correspondence
with, 79

Sabbath-school teachers, Nasmith
a pattern to, 92

Sabbath-schools, self-supporting,
131

Salem, 233

Scripture Readers' Society, Na-
smith declines offering him-
self to, 149

Sermon on marriage, 11

Nasmith's emotions under a, 48

Servants' Home, its value and ne-
cessity, 351

Secretaries, their importance to
societies, 452
exemplified in the London City
Mission, 453

Secretaryship, recommendations
concerning, 453, 454

Shilton, Dr., 227

Singer, Dr., 183, 185, 187

Slaveholder, opposition of a, to
education, 218

Slaves, religious condition of, in
New Orleans, 246

Smith, Dr. Adam, Nasmith com-
pared with, 443

Smyth, Dr., address to, 54

Societies, natural and artificial,
their comparative merits, 450

Society, formation of a, to sup-
port Nasmith in Loudon, 296,
298, 301

Stewart, Rev. A., 177

Summary of labour in America,260

Support, means of, 265

Tappan, Arthur, Esq., 212
Temptation, an awful, 4, 5
Testimonials to Nasmith, from
Ireland, 204
New York, 238
Philadelphia, 254
ministers in London, 307
Theological Institution, Nasmith

applies for admission to, 13
Thompson, Thomas, Esq., 324
Town Mission, the British and
Foreign, formation of, 358
formation of the Cambridge, 359
Birmingham, 360
West Bromwich, 360
Manchester, 361 ; results, 46(i,

467
Leeds, 362 ; results, 467
Bradford, 363
Halifax, 363
Huddersfield, 363
Wakefield, 363
York, 363
engagement of an assistant se-
cretary to the British and
Foreign, 370 ; his failure, 371
Tour to Nottingham, Bradford,
&c., 400
Leamington, Warwick, &c., 405
Tract Society, The Scottish
Monthly, 347
The Metropolitan Monthly, 348
formation of a, in Halifax and
Wakefield, 363
Tracts, distribution of, by London

City Missionaries, 464
Trenton, formation of a Town
Mission at, 252

Union, The Christian Young

Men's, 465
Urwick, Rev. Dr., 178

Vigilance, Christian, example of,
123

476

INDSX.

'■:f.i

Wales, journey to, 389
accident during Nasmith's jour-
ney in, 389
summary of proceedings in, 394
Wardlaw, Dr., address to, 17
Watt, Mary, " the happy negress,"

24
Wesley, Nasmith compared with,

437
Whitfield, 437

the grave of, 237
Wilder, letter of Mr., to Mrs.

Wilks, Paris, 277
Wilks, Rev. Mark, 280
Willis, Rev. Michael, address to,

24
Wisner, Dr., 219
Woods, Dr., 220

Xavier, St. Francis, Nasmith com-
pared with, 433

Young females, a refuge for indi-
gen' , necessity for, 351
lady, death of a, 128
Young men, a common error
among, 14
Nasmith a pattern to, 16
home for, 465
Young Men's Societies, rise and
progress of, 95
formation of five in Yorkshire,

360
forma' n of, in Bala, 390
worki ^ of, in England, 456

THE END.

! 1.

Tyler k Reed, Printeri, Bolt-court, London.

JTasmith com-

iige for indi-

or, 351

mmon error

to, 16

ties, rise and

in Yorkshire,

ila, 390
'land, 456

*s.