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ALANSON L. COVELL, '^^ OP R,v. LEMUEL COVELL, AND LATE A P4ST0R OP THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN THE GITY OP ALBANY, N. Y. BY MRS. D. C. BROWN, SISTER OPTHPntir^T,. iHE DECEASED, VOLUME II. BRANDON: TELEGRAPH OFFICE. 1839. ■ I ^ When til anticipated farther. J of my woi The first vc plan detern press, and i God, I have to-night wri tude, my Jie for his great ing to rest o: biography of to put thoir c of personal a of tlieir heave Whether I mass of lettei responsibility on nifi ; yet, I I iiuvc consul ladies of Jiterc God. I have empower ine, own mind on My aim has b journal, as wi exhibit his cha And now as I my home, and my dear render ye would tliatc Brandon, Tel August 7 PREFACE TO THE SECOND VOLUME. When the preface to the first volume was written no nM.. of mv work ril „ ""5 °'"'"' « 'h" ^o-ciusion - plan de.c™i„«, „„",° '.h'" „ 2^ ""n,"/ '"" f'"""' °"'' "- press, and ,hc prin.or colled for, I," r T* "" «^°"'S "■ to-n.sln wnllon the last word of ,1,L. monmf wt? ' ??'' '"""' .-de, „„ „ea„ po„rs „„, „ ,l,„„k.„r, 1 ^ .J,' ^ i': 'rf?"" for his greut mercy nnfl klnrlnnoc i '" "v "ca\enJ7 lather, biography of "the two CoLls'^rv, '['^ '"^''' ''""^ ''"^ e would that others should do unto you ; do ye eventtTthom^: Brandon, Telegraph Office, } ^' ^' ^^^ ^'^' August 7th, ]a39. _-«f,: ''*;: y.'.T' CONTENTS. VOLUME II. CHAPTER I. experience. ' "^'igious CHAPTERII. Remarks; Extract from Journal; Profession ofR.r ■ Account of his sister; School teaclil? nn"°"'°" ' ment of preaching; Visit to his frien "dai?,?"""?- Return to Charlotte; Discourajemen,' of ^1'^' ond ,isit to his friends ; Tarrv aT^ , "^ ' ^"• to Addison; Revival th re Mor '! °°"'' ^""^ ment ; Sickness. ' ' P^-'anent engage- CHAPTER HI. Marriage ; Ordination ; Change of ph^ce and .„ study; Engagement at Hfnesbufih %,! ''"^ preaching on account of iilC^ '^!:~" "^ Vermont Baptist Convention ; Removal .rvr, ^ to Whitesboro', N. Y • Reviv» • p , Madison, Five years engWeme^rD [on'^'"""''"?'' anecdote; Sickness; Kindness; Rev '• Pror';"! meetings. '''''' ^^ '^h frotiacted 1* vi C0NTENT8. CHAPTER IV. Rertections; The Pastor in the closet, or the history con- tiaued mostly by journal. CHAPTER V. History still continued mostly by journal. CHAPTER VI. Sermon before the American and Foreign Bible Society. "%»►:. n-: MEMOIR. 3^ CHAPTER I. "•"""" "'■"'= '■""'"a, sl,„,He ,1,0 .„„,,, As .ve have sem in fk , ^^'^ ^(-stanicne. Mr. Covel! wa;;: Jp ,r; 'l""^?'^' "'^ J-'" January 20, 1804. M'e hive T"' ^^""*'"" C=o. N. Y., »™ed as the hope and d", 'tf ""' ''' ^^»' «'«'' 'hose hearts were saddeneT °'d 7"' , "'"^' ""^ """ nihilaled by the deceasT nM '° ''"P" "'""sl an- ■race his onward course, to vilhil ?""" '^'^ "^ '" '<; note the unf„di„„, of'h^s h lat^r'" T 7"""'^' i'ls circumstances, and in all ,. ™°'"' ""^ changes oC c"e of his heavetlly Father o;hi„r'"'' '° '"^'"'"' '"« An unusual degree of nloo distinguished i.i.„,°f;;tis" ::";", r" """■^"""^ «f love and indulgence ia which he "'""^Pi'"" necmary, rather than « and it was ever his s „ra"d1^° ^ ^»'"^ °f tindness, -"est favor. i„deed:^Z\-fSr;St ,%d? -:i,i M l^ M I 11 OF was ingenious in expressing th'; benevolent feelings of his heart, under the dtlicule veil of gratitLule. To the fund expeclinsr eye of one who delighted to trace the lineanu.'nts of future expansion iti the germ, the future preacher was discernable in him very early, even before he wii tlireo years old. Ilii mind untram- meled by the .ommon practice of teaching smart things to chi'-'ren, to show ofl' before company, was left free to choose his own subjects for imitation. Of course what- ever he did, the more plainly indicated his ''natural turnj"* and he used even at that early age, to hold fre- quent and regular meetings over the back of his little chair with his youngest sister for an auditory. Indeed so strong was this impression concerning him, that in after time when beholding biin dangerously sick, it was felt that he could not then die, that he would live and yet preach the gospel to those who were essaying to com- fort his distressed mother by saying, "that perhaps it would be best that he should be taken away, as he had no father to take care of him— and no knowing what course he might take should he live." Years rolled on, and, as they passed, the kindness of his heavenly Father ran parallel with his increasing wantSj and. as he mentions in his journal, "mercifully preserved him from out-breaking sins." He enjoyed the advantages of the common schools of the time, from 4 to 10 years of age. As a pupil and class-mate he was loved and esteemed. His attainments were all that I would not wish, by this, to bo unclerptood as believing the commission to preach tlio cvoila?ting posprl, to be a gift of nature. But if this treasure be cominitlod to I'lirtlien vessels, arc Ihey not tX&o, chosen vessels? Not chosen upon emergency from among men, but chosen in Christ Jesus, from l)eforo the foundation of the world? and like their blessed Lord, to have a prepared body, to bo sent forth like him in the fulness of time? And though w'ith rcf^ erence to their ultimate vocation, they may not generally bo distin- guished from oihers during tluMr minority, shall we say that «o instances occur where these servants of the Lord give early and plain indication of their future calling ? ALAN80N L. COVELL. j could be expected fmn, the then lim.w ^ ae years, he enjoyed the nriv l.l f " P"""" "^ -agri.ulture.on'liisfafen';^ "l^;;"^'- lesson, P'ly situated, no chan... „f • '""Sh thus hap- -y change i; is E, ZTT "' ''"''' "»» '« hailed the arrival of 1 " ' """' '"''" ''^"s'" ie ■ionof somethn! m„ : r:'"' "^•"' "^'"^-Para- ■'".ily had bee; ht el " '"^"- ^'"^ "^ «" ">e -'ydays,and:he a, rrrdt' ^'"''■■'"''= "^ "" ">»"ffl..o his second ft Ir- so„T ;7 ""'™^"''"*" »^"' 'hat he ill kne, how to bear ' He ' '""""'■'"■ her, and that with *.,^„. i, '''°" ^minded Willi sadness, thai she had hrnl.„ ,u. .,_ J^l 10 MEMOIR OP fertant they had made never more to be separated, but to dwell together as long as they lived. Not long after this event, his eldest sister was at home on a visit, and he returned with her to re-visit the friends and scenes of his childhood. During the time he spent in that region with his two sisters, separate about twenty miles, he enjoyed some further advantages in learning. His brother-in-law, in Cheshire, Mr. Wolcott, gave him the opportunity of attending a select school there, during the winter. He also enjoyed a similar privilege with his eldest sister, in Pownai, the next summer. Compared with the privileges of the present period, this was " the day of small things j" but we considered them rich bless- ings from the hand of God, and the more so, as he had given our brother a facility of mind and strength of memory, which gathered and treasured mu^' in little time. By request of his father he returned uome after an absence of ten monihs. He was at this time in his sixteenth year, a happy, cheerful, sportive youth; a vein of good humor ever at flow, and a hand ever ready to assist a play-mate or a friend. But with all his vivacity, there was ever a certain air about him that reminded one of the clerical ofnce. It was remarked of him while at school in Pownai, by an associate older than himself, "that fellow will preach yet," said he, ^^he plays just like a minister." Hq was ever friendly to religious characters, ready to lend au ear to religious conversation, especially from ministers. He enjoyed much of this kind of society, as his second father was very generally known in that re- gion, and those who had been acquainted with his own father, if passing that way, would diverge a little from their onward course, to call on the relict and offspring of their lamented friend. While in his fifteenth year, he wrote aa essay in praise of the christian religion, which # ALANSON L. COVELL. a I regret is not now to be founrl Tf «ro a- • his glowing descrip,io„ of L tS ]fT"' '" '^^^ declared, "he never expeced o e „v t\ ^'"' unworlhy." With a sensiuveres vhich J"' '" ''" will kno. how .0 appreci.e, he"' nVrXLeTt man«scr,pr ,n priva clmat.ons and passions which I ^ound myself unable to In this state of mind, I found no method of relieving myself from present uneasiness, and of silencing my fears of the future, but this. I retired alone, and entered mtoamost solemn engagement before God, that if he wou d spare my life till I was seventeen years old, I would most willingly, and most certainly, renounce eve- rything but religion, and devote the rest of my life en^ tirely to his service-but till that time I must have liberty to enjoy the pleasures of the world. This measurably satisfied my mind at the time, and I returned to a course of vanity with little remorse of conscience. After this I passed my time much as I had before, sometimes awakened and resolving to turn to God, but most of the- time well pleased to continue in sin. When the age of seventeen arrived, my promise occurred to me, but I had before that by this time I should have so far gratified my worldly inclinations that I should be satisfied, and desire tliem no morp Thfo «Tor. „ .i„-__.---. -r ..... . .,,^ „„-, a ueecpuon. msreau ol bem^ 14 MEMOIR OF satisfied with what I had enjoyed of the world, I had but just begun to enjoy it. I thought a few years to come would be more propitious to worldly pleasure, than any former period of my life. For this reason my inclination to continue in sin, was stronger than ever, and my desire to become religious, proportionably weak. I thought it a heinous sin to violate a promise so sacred as I had made, and thought too this might be the very last opportunity I ever shou]d have, to repent and luin to God J still, such was the ascendancy which sin had gain- ed over me, that through its influence I resolved to hazard all, for the sake of a few years pleasure, which I hoped I should be- permitted to enjoy. About the time I was nineteen, I was very seriously awakened, in consequence of ill-health, to reflections on death and another world. I had no apprehension of immediate dissolution, but yet the thoughts of dying were continually with me. I kneiv most certamly that in my present situation I was wholly unprepared for happiness. I viewed myself the chief of sinners, a vessel of wrath fitted by my own sins to de- struction. I viewed myself a criminal before God, justly con- demned to endless misery. It appeared ceriain that I should perish, I had so long lived in open violation of the commands of God — had so neglected and despised the great salvation, and so long resisted the Holy Spirit, that my damnation was sealed, and I must be miserable for- ever. What tended to confirm this opinion still more was, the hardness of my heart and the stupidity of ray feelings. I could think of being cast off at the left hand in the day of judgment, and of being banished to black- ness and darkness, to be tormented forever in the keenest despair and remorse, and not be moved in the least. I thought surely, if any person on earth was ever giv- en over to hardness of heart and blindness of mind, I ALANSON L. COVELL. 16 .0 condemn me T ,. ? , ^''"'' """= inspired and .heg„"pT,hr:„,;:„'""^,?''»'' condemned me, 6 -l)fi, me only hope oflost s nncrs, I had f. je.ed again a„d again, and that God lo aven.l ,Z h .h,s suuanon, which coniin.ed but a sl.orui n si!' ihing seemed once more to remind ms ,U., T ret in my case a po.iWe hop:,";:' ^4 God the" Z forg.vness that his name might be feared lt"t\'['r" ^'"^ '"-"^^ P'"''°» «>« »f>er so Ion. a course of rebelhon against liim, I could most wi linM. pra-se his name, and obey his commandments Si ad berng. I accordingly began to pray ,h t he w uM i.ae mercy on me, and I resolved to continue prayini and ,f must perish to perisb at his feet, acknowkS IHS justice and imploring his mercy. I soon fou d m^ elf unable to pray as I ought in consequence of an 2 eehng, stupid heart. 1 had always th ugh bele , at' ess n me ,„.,,"' .'™'' "'™='" " "'^S'''"'"' ^vicked- ness in me to attempt to pray, when my heart was so far from God, and so averse to him. I began to t rklhad never been convicted. I began then to pray fo conviV :V" continued to for two or three lys, but ,„ "o avail. I found myself still stupid and unaffected I 'l>en thotight I might have entertained w on" ea's of conviction. I beo-in in ii>;„i. •, ■ , ' meas oi tnowlerlo^ J -1 ■" " consisted more in th» Umledge of sin, than m the fears of hell. I thou-ht f ad a knowledge of sin, but I could not mourn for" ii' ■he manner I ought before God. I then be^an to ti nk more particularly of repentance. I thoughtlt co" sh d n godly sorrow for sin, and in forsakin.of it. Ico ' -r I was sorry I had sinned, and was willing ro fo s e 16 MEMOIR OF 'J sin ; but I did not feel that degree of sorrow which I wished to. I longed to have my heart broken to pieces, and melted into tenderness before God. But this was not the case. I was still the same, continuing to pray for conviction and repentance, but finding no relief. I viewed myself lost and fallen indeed. I knew I never could repent of sin, nor love God, nor believe in Christ, with the heart I then had. I found by experience, that God alone could give me a better one. I had tried to alter it myself and tried in vain. From myself I had nothing to expect, but a continuance of sin and iniquity. I found all I ever had done was to sin against God and t feared it was all I ever should do. Indeed I knew it was, unless a change was effected within me. As I was in this slate of mind, thinking of my sins through my life, I began to think of the goodness of God to me. It appeared greater than ever I had viewed it before. I endeavored to recount some of the many blessings I had received from him, and the manifold mercies he had conferred upon me. I iound indeed that goodness and mercy had followed me all my days. His mercy and kindness appeared not only great beyond conception, but peculiar on account of the unworthiness of the object on tvhich it was bestowed. What surprised me most was this : I found that for all these favors and blessings, I had never been once thankful in all my life. The sin of ingratitude appeared to me in some measure as it was, and what I still lamented was, that I could not even then thank him sincerely for one among a thousand of his favors. I perceived that in my dejjraved heart there was nothing like gratitude to a benefactor, or love to a friend. This view of myself was humiliating indeed. I never had such discoveries of my sins before. I thought for- merly I was a great sinner, but now I found myself a vile^ guilty sinner. I immediately began to pray, that ALAN80N L. COVELL. jy prayers /o, this were a, ineffec.ual as They had be nZ emained the same. Nothing could .-nove or soften ^ I however continued to pray for a heart of grati utthat I :'5aT'" •'"'' ""^"^'^ '■"' l"^ Sood„e°s, A wa engaged in prayiag for this at n PP,-n,-„ «• . ^ ^1 r r e, iwi ima, ai a ceuaia time m on ;« stant there was a vew Tpplinn. .,.,m • ' '^ *^" had ever before een a st anfe' /IT "^ %'" "''''^'' ' ful for the mercies I entved T, '-'""" f"'' ">'">''- ■<-'^'es 1 enjoyed. The moment I Ihouoht nf anyof h,smerc,os,my heart would befilled with 4fif„de and praise. And whpn T rn«^- i " vvim graiiiude but a glass ofco d water mvf't.r'' "'""' '' " ^"^ .ifof God-O bless ht'^Le"'' ' rtS.''af t'h'^ •.me however, that 1 had been born a.l ?^ , greater work yet necessarv T, ! ° , """"S'" * didnotWeGodasIo„"rto rlrir ;^ "^ *"' ' .-e .hankfu. for his m^^ ri,, ^S a^ ' Z X «on for ,s character, and that attachment to 1 mltl" desired. I thouoht his character i„/i„;,e|/amirbl!a„d lovely, and wished to have my whole hpnr, T hiaj, .ha. . m,Vb. love him with^'^Um ' . 'ZZ" »gly made .1,, ,he burthen of my cry to the Lor< , Li he would give me a heart to love him entirely, to the i elusion of other objects. ' '*" happy I could find no rest to my spirit, and no evidence of a change, till ihe love of God should be shed abroad m my heart. My prayers ho^vever did not alter 1 feelings. All remained just as it had been. I reso,v"5 to importune the Lord day and night, till he did grant my request. About one or two days after .his, as Iwas engaged lu prayer, it appeared to me that the Divine 18 MEMOIROr presence filled all the place where I was. 1 heard no voice, saw no appeal, .' e, but received a deep impression never to be forgotten, that God was present. My hard- ness, impenitence, and unbelief, which before had caused me so much anxiety, now seemed all to depart in a mo- ment. 1 thought they would return no more forever.— My whole mind and soul was filled with a joyful view of the Divine grealnes?, goodness, glory. He was altogether lovely, beyond all conceptions 1 had ever had before. I now thought I loved Him with all ray heart. The more I thought of Him, the more my love increased. His justice, love and mercy, all were themes for con- templation, which opened sources of new and endless enjoyment. Fear, doubt and anxiety were all absent from my mind. I thought myself the happy possessor of perfect contentment, peace and joy. I felt relieved from everything which had rendered me unhappy. When I thought of my fellow-men I loved them all. I could not see how it could be possible that men should hale one another. And how it could be that I had harbored such feelings as I had toward some of them, I could not tell. They were all now passed avvay, and 1 thought all the rest of my life, was I permitted to live, should be one continued demonstration of "good will to men." I felt determined to tell tliem all, what the Lord had done lor me, and devote my life wholly to his service." But the grateful determination to declare to ''«//" what God had done for his -soul, was not at that lime made. The cause of delay could not have been a want if evidence that he had "passed from death unto life." But whatever prevented a piiblic profession of faith in • the Lord Jesus, his happy change was well known to his mother and the family at the time. In a conversation on this subject," some three years -anco. He ccne ou. of r '? '" T ""''' ""'■"'• •he "ime he mentions of h,ivi„?bl' " ■"' '''"'''"'=" « "'he Divine presence » JJ", , , '""'"' '" '^^'We of G°1-" She said his whCv 4 ' «' " .'"'"^^ '^ '"•'" "C *; "honghts reverted ,o .he .lory^o .IT. """""""''''• "here, as iho Wess,^d Savin .""''"'^S'"^"'™. te, countenance was fuZ aTdT' ' ""'• ''*^'"°" "^ white and glislcrinin., " n IL '"! '■""»™' was "hi^ face shone as ,he";u„°"r""".''^' "■"•"' ''• »' 'he light. If „,e |!'r.^';^° ' ,'""'^"' -^"^ '^hi'e 'h"s be irradiated wl.rhe?et ."n T"""""'' »»/ ""■"t of "that glory which' . , \"''' "''=" ^'>'"1 "= "when .his corr' pt ,e ' :, t " '"'''''''" '» "V when this mortal sl,a» I'i t ? """. "'' '"'=''™P'io«, *»'h shall be^^alWedtpof^^ ,? ™r""''''^' -" appreciate such a hope for L ! ° '^"'' " ''eatt lo «.,■ oa," and through all of ?ln ^' "'" " '^'H '""k ri„h. -^ 'Whuiation,',,,:!' :.;" 7rci.r'' '^"'"'"'- "s m the gospel." "" "^^ He set before •M\: <4lt Remarks Accoui raent oj Return ond vis to Addi ment : , In this SI iess than c The Ape ation, and all we are j forget to " with sad an been indula "Savior's A "the voice rebuke—" O shall I be wi our friend, M height of nei behold "the Him of " his at Jerusalem, into silence, to prove the ui bitterness of e the blessed ni "Jesus rebuke( « »^aii I be with yol to^c'i :r„«rsr '■""■ '•-'^ '-^ our friend, Mr. Covell on A^J , J'^" y"" ?" S" ieightof new-born love wtr'; .%r "'° «'"^'' behold "ihe Kin<. i„ h?, r , ,^ ^"'' ^'"' """"^d '» H™ of "his decease whic^" ?';"'' '" '""'" ^^^^ »t Jerusalem," afterward b.l ''™ "accomplished i«.osilence. ButXrh l ,reVC;r?';f "'^P"" '0 prove the unsatisfying naiu ^ of ''j"^ """"'^'i Wm bitterness of not confessin. hL 1 r °"' ^°^'' """^ ">« 'be blessed mandaw " brin" k ? """' '"' '«""«<• "feus rebuked .h oul i fc Td I' ".'" ""=•" *»* ^eaf spirit, I charge thee cS^trriV^i-f fl M CMO IH OF more into him." From ihat hour he bugan to amend and with " great boldness " to magnify that blessed nauie which "hath power on earth to forgive sins.' In his journal of after years he thus pathetically ad- verts to the period we are now retracing. '* At the time of my conversion, aged nineteen years, I was very hai)py in the love of Christ, and » lly deter- mined to give myself up to him without reserve. I sought his blessing and his guidance in all my ways, ;uid choae his spirit a3 my great instructor in all things, with a sincere dclerminalioR to obey his teachings in all things, whether I read these instructions in his Iljly Word, or felt them in my own spirit. For a considerable time I enjoyc'l, as i thought, the Divine influence upon my heart. I v as happy in prayer, in reading the Bible, and in other duties. 13ut some duties I felt reluctaut to per- form.'' I did not come out openly and own Chiist be- fore my young asfeociaies, and join with cliristians in prayer and all religious duties as 1 ought. I did not make a public profession of religion, but disobeyed God, by refusing to do what was plainly and solemnly impressed upon my mind as duly. Soon I met my old associates, and instead of having the decision to avov/ my princi- ples before them, and confess myself a christian, I was silent about religion, and joined in with them to a great decree in their wicked conversation and amusements.— So'on I resolved to give up prayer altogether, to openly say I had been deceived, that 1 had no religion, and then thouijcht I might go on again with my old associates in sin. 1 well rccoHect the day when I made this resolve. I felt condemned for so doing. I knew it to be an awful sin. I !ri ^w the profession I was going to make, that I *0 how be nccvle.l a ('uilhf;!! 'iiudor shepherd to tiike him by the hana'aivj U>u.l hiai, but tltcro was none uour. 'i'he iiui.tistclmrcli iu his town \\an several miied ui;itunt, lu u low state, aud without a settled piutor ut ihut time. ALANSON L. COVELL. jjs tenderest.uuvingsofthellon ""^.^^''^''^ °S="nst the and „an„, '..Z^^;^,;:;': -^'''- , ' -"" •«. ar-er .« „„e« „,„,« h, uX:^ ^;;.,;™' "'--" •<> ««" God once uJlTZ'" "i"''' '" »' =""=»»!'- me .he pardon of Z' ',. ^t T'' "'" •"™»"='' an open cunfe.sion of ,„v ' ,,;;^, ^^''y ^^l >»^1o I'avinj ,„ deparlod from God • ""^ '"'''"'"'^^N » must .,o,v be a chri „ ^ti ,"" T""" f""""' ^ 'hough. . my du,v .o 1 \ h !" ' ?"• ' '"'^ '"■''''™ ed .0 cr.r upon a . *"' "'' '''"'' """ '''■solv- ■owards me II lo„...ufrer,r ,, "''"'""' humble l.-for. Him'and I' ''i '^ "'^ '" '"-■ •"«" his me«y anli "a";." "' ' "'"■' "'^'" ''^'"^ "> «'<" moral" „r ''"."«"■'»<>' °nly noihins "openly !,». d^esi „ »';:; v'" *'^''°"""'"' """-S .his'periodtf influence 'He u/'T"°* ''"'' ""•" " -^"^'eni^S • "® ^ " ever dis.inauished fn, «,.„;,i;_- .,.- * 24 MEMOIR or * and contentions, and the anti-quarrelling air he ever exhaled, like oil upon ihe waters, shed a tranquillizing tendency. I was about to relate an interesting anecdote in point, but forbear on account of the feelings of others. Soon after he came out and acknowledged his Savior openly, he wrote his eldest sister the following letter: " Charlotte, June 30lh, 1824. Dear sister : — I gladly devote a moment from numbers which are misimproved, to the performance of a duty which has been too long neglected. We received your short letter last winter, with pleasure; and were happy to learn of your welfare and that of your family. I shall depart from the common method of apologizing for for- mer delays, knowing that excuses for past errors are but poor compensation, in competition with future amend- ments. But while we are chargeable with neglecting our earthly friends, are we not more culpable in neglect- ing the great Friend of mankind ? I have to acknoAvl- edge that my neglect in this respect is more painful to me than all others of which I am conscious. I have to lament that I have such a wicked heart of unbelief which so often leads me from niy Savior. But alas ! how often do we complain of the blindness and hardness of our hearts, when in fact we are wilfully blind and hardened ! Do we endeavor to soften our hearts by repentance? Do we in any degree endeavor to humble the pride of our hearts by reflecting on the great sinfulness, the deep rooted depravity, and the astonishing uncleanness of our nature? Do we sufficiently realize that we are but dust and ashes, entirely dependent for every enjoyment on that God whose favors we have forfeited by a wicked rebellion against him, whose injured law, and slighted gospel both demand justice to be executed against such despisers of the manifold grace of God. I would not, howeveFj be understood to reckon others as wicked as ALANSON h. COTELL. 25 I rM,"""!! Ihe abundant merer of our God I coic J::sidtd'r':'arf;'T ^"^=^^, "• departure fro,n „.e .ru.Mro dl LrT .fersfo'f chns., and brought gu.lt and condemua.ion on my o ° soul, whtch has caused ho-ror orconscionce and To mos" bitter repentance. But I do at present fee! iil,e ! we corned prod,gal in hi, father's house. Tae ef e ht with me, my sister, if a sense of my own ZZ 21 should make the same evil prineii,|/i„ „ i " extremely odious, .hough it isT.To'co^.aS'LdXd and suffered to predominate in ,he mi„d. j;„/i ,'"1''^ dSV: i„r '■'■'"" "' '"" '""' ^"■"•' « "i^ -' he way of ooed.enee, !.. -..vi„g „,„, . „,„ „, » " iransgressor is indeed h- ' - ' "."y oi ine oi ! j> verny proi^ss to be ehi,d;;n o/:;!";;;;;;::;;^;^^;:: hold fast the n,„h ouce delivered lo .!,e .al,,,. » T n , ° improve the exhoi-.aiion of the Ato-ik- ' , ' the hiddon ii,:, .■ ,- , -Mobile, to renounce Ilie h.dden tl.ugs o/ dishonesty r.nd v.,-,!!,- „o ,,c,o in craftiness, neither l.„„lle t„e word of «,„i Co „llv but y manife,s,a.io,. o( tru.h eo.nn.end our-lve ^ ^e!; man's consc.enee in ,he sight of Gud." Le „^o on our way rejoicing, knowing ■■ that gro^.or i, he ,Lu^ for us, than all .,„,, ».„ again,. „.,> v, 1.,, ,„', e ' perse=u..o„, .e,„;„a,i„n and trial, fnnvn „„on L Hath :i;inrrb:e'':rb'^''"''^^-"'''-^^»"^^^^^ peace vl, u, ''f^"''.''*' '"^ ""'""in him we hay. come thJ ' , „ , " "' «""'' ^'"^'■■^' '■»' he hath over- come the world," , hen sw,f,|.-p„3s a few more year, glide sw,ftly on ye fl,.etin, .non.hs which part us fro™ our Savior and our God. O my sister. l,n „r,a.-" I " ■■*/ -m 26 MEMOIR OF '..II courage, for our redemption draweth nigh. Lei us en- dure like good' soldiers, and ere long we shall receive an unfading crown of glory. Oh, what are all our sufferings here, in comparison with that glorious grace "which shall be brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ." O this blessed hope ! 'tis full of immortality. But I leave the heavenly theme—had I the tongue of an angel I could not utter half the glories ol Redemption. Through the mercy of God we all enjoy a good meas- ure of health. Our parents have been absent five weeks next Saturday, on a visit to Hamilton and other places. They left home in a very low state of health, and expect- ed to tarry a few days at the Springs in Saratoga. We have heard nothing irom them since they left home, and their ill state of health occasions some anxiety ; but we hope the good hand of our God will bring them again to their family in peace. Nov/; my sister, I must bid you adieu. I long much to see YO'J and your family, that with you I might be re- freshed by the consulations of the gospel which are neither few nor small. Give ray love and sincere regard to Mr. Brown and your dear children. May the God of peace be with you and preserve you by his mighty Power through faiih unto salvation. In all your prayers remem- l>er, Alanson. July 7th. Since the preceding date our parents have returned from their journey. They left Cordelia, [Mrs. KendrickjJ iu a, very low state of health— they fear she will go iuio a settled decline. The rest of their friends wer^ all well. To his sister Wolcott he writes thus: " CharloUe, 7th July, 1824. Dear Sister: -Whpu I review the time which has ^lapsed since; I saw you, it appears like a dream. Can *'AN80N L. COVELL. ^ it be possible tbat almost fl„. Tba. so much of oTZiZ '""' "'' '° '~" S^^^ ceptibly passed a>vay? Ah, r°"' '""' '""^ "'"^ '"'P"- vain. Heavily indeed hf.TfT' "'" ""' '"''■^■' « i" passing, but once fled Ind f ""^T"" "^ »^ ">^y are flight, and lament therl^ J""" " °' "'^'' ^"^"""^ stall guilt appalusiniLT ' '^T'"'"'- ^l"^' how ■noments" shall b^™ I' f '" '''^'' ""'"''^"'•1 ll"'nk hoiv fast Ihi!! - ''^'^ "'• kittle do we "er that this a 's\t LXT^f f' ^;' '" "' ^--- W»S ns ,0 our g a.es' Tbi " ',"' "'^'" ™'" ^~'' year lo year will wafrus ,„,!,, ''"'^'''' "■''"''''™ '■™m 'here is „o return oh °.h T"'"' ^""" ^''^'^ appear in this grea't dat 1? ' ''""^ ^'"'" y"» =-"! I Dare we a. -his'^oL ^^et .^ ["r^ '" ""^^ ''^ •ate our departure to a world „notT^/"°"' T' onihcrocltof a^esi H;,v„ "7"°"'='' Are our feet teyond this valelf •tea"/;? ^"^ ^'^''' ^-'=''« our crucified and risen Je'.>n. r 1""'" '''^ s'^ength of valley. With Ch s, foro'' '^''' '™'" P^" ""e dark With him for ou cum<-° T"'; '™ ^'" "" ^"'- »f'f "o, death, wiri ■..::!. T"™'r' ■s thy vicory ! Thanks be to God t.,n ' ^'"?' ""'"^ v«ory through our Lord Jesus Cri" 'cl ,"' '"' s'hle that such unworthy creatnril " ''" P"^' e»Joy so comfortable a hope". T!/f '"' "'■''■ ^l'™'<' marvellous in our eyes W^ll "''' '™"'i^'-ful, >,i, "''ehoid what «a«:: -ofit,?:^' r ^T^l-'r""""-' ^7»^>esswf::i:;-::::,r,;:''::,:f;>yorth^^^ '•^' -4/ '-'^^ m-%' 28 MEMOIR OF of the character of God was this, and how little are our hearts affected by it. How can we be so cold, stupid, and lifeless, in the glorious cause of religion, in which we are so deeply interested? Are we the people for whom Christ hath died— for whom he endured the re- proaches of a gain-saying world, became a man of sor- rows and acquainted with grief? Hath the Son of God done all this for us, and can we thus live in disobedience of his most righteous commands? even fearing to own him before men? Oh, what hearts must we have to shun, nay despise this blessed Jesus. If angels were astonished when the mighty God himself veiled hisGod- head in humanity to accomplish our salvation, what can express their speechless wonder, when they behold us openly spurn the offers of mercy, and trample under foot the gospel of the Son of God? O, why are we not melted into contrition before him? How can we be so ungrateful! How can we thus harden our hearts? Shall the rocks rend, and the graves open, and we not be moved? Shall the sun be veiled in darkness, and hide in the gloom of midnight, and man not blush before his Maker? Shall the moon be turned into blood, and we never drop a tear? Shall the dead forsake the tomb at the horrid sight, and we gaze without emotion on the sufferings of the mighty victim, and hear with unconcern bis dying groans which shake the earth to its centre! Why do we not mourn when heaven is rolled in sack- cloth? Why do we not weep when our Savior expires? Oh that our eyes were fountains of tears, that we might weep day and night for our ingratitude — for our sins which are so dishonoring to God, so ruinous to ourselves. How strange it is, that we are so attached to this world. It would seem that in our present condition we should have the fear of God continually before us. Indeed considering the shortness of life, the certainty of death, ^■•ANSON i.. COVELL. ^ and our exposure thereto, we ou-ht t„ p- as though ii ,vere our la, H "t "' ""' """"""" •hat my people were L t r^ T °^ '"• "«''■ .l.oy would consider ^C i^^.'l!'"':; '"." prophet, "Theoxknovveth his owner , f u' ''''' "■" master's crib: but Israel LT , ' "'' ""^ "'^ his not consider." E. 1 ° ^, "°' '?"''" = -"^ P^°P'e do putfarawayt e vi 'draTar "'^" =° f-=-' «od, to «-.. How luo. do' ; I on ,: :;"L;r " "^ ""- minds. Hoiv acii™ nr^ J '""' """Pi' «" -».e Of world, z:::z ix^XsITso'''''^"- «^r Di.s.se(l be his name, that he hn/h »«. i r Jnmself without witnesses, but that in. I ^"^' that feareth Him and wnrl .,i • ^"^^'^ "^^^o« ^e of hin. Have lot^j;''^''''''''' '^ --Pted of his witnes.ses is d.: ^ L" '• '"? ^'^"^ ''^^ ""'"ber them comin. Aom tl I '"7^^^"^=^ ^o we not see ^^e east ana tT.;;:;:^^^^^^ proachin. whoa the sons of God si.'''. ' ''" and his daughters frnm ,i , "^"'"^ ^'"°'" far, "'^^.^uiers trom the ends of the pnnl,? rn ,' 'he present is a day of wonder^ ui ^'"^^ set time to favor Zion ll . °'' '''''' '^^^ the lavur iCiion lias arrived Ti.o ^j • of the Son or God is snroadin" f , = '""' «°'P<^' ■he barbarous shores of Afr^ h ''"'' '""''• ^^"' o" feus is unfurled a"d ,1 /■ '''"'''' ''^'"'"^ «f ^i-g .rating the.ns n-s " o d f'? t?''"'''""^ ''^^ P™^" confessing .bat t ^L .s oTd "n ™f "°f> """""^ work stop here Tb,. Z ■ . ' """^ ""^ blessed lite flat,,!:, r ;ralJ T^' "'!'"' ""'-"'S SOspel. region of ,„dia, ,sca:;e 1 t' it, .'rt.^ 'r'^""'^" ">g the knowled-e of the Ji V ' ""^ 'P''"''- ■iirection. Haorw ,?„."'\S'°"™^ Redeemer in every we who see i^ ' Kini f ""'^ .'"^ ' ^^-PP'" ^"" -• It. Kings and prophets desired .0 "» i- ^■m-m% 30 MEMOIR OP W * but died without the sight. And let us remember that we also have something to do in advancing this blessed cause. Let us humbly devote our hearts, and fill our hands with good gifts unto the Lord and pray earnestly for the upbuilding and extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. Our parents have returned from H. Our dear sister K. is evidently declining in health; we fear her time with us is short. May our God be better to us than our fears. * * * * * ♦ Ever your affectionate brother, A. L. COVELL. He was baptized not long after this dqte, by the Rer. Peter Chase, of Hinesburgh, a few miles distant, and I believe soon after his mother's return from visiting her sick daughter at Hamilton. And here we may pause and admire the goodness of God toward that mother, in thus setting the day of prosperity over against the day of adversity. Of all the daughters of her mother, Mrs. Kendrick (or Cordelia) had lived v/ith her parent most. In addition to the admirableness of her character in all the varied relations she was called to sustain, she had become endeared to her mother by long and unreserved communion. She had been very much her mother's ministering spirit, and they had " taken sweet counsel to- gether, and wallied to the house of God in company." After her marriage and removal, her letters were a rich source of consolation. But now, all Avas to be changed. The woman of many sorrows was to lake again of the cup of affliction, and taste an untried anguish. A mes- senger appointed of God, had bidden that much loved daughter " to set her house in order, for she should die and not live." And now in addition to the consolations of the spirit, which are neither few nor small, God was preparing a balsam for that mother in her hour of need, by gradua the enjoy r alted privi the grace c Young ( and autum I paused a : passage cccuri ticular refleclic mind at that ALANSON L. C V E I L . 31 i, gradually bringing forward her only son, not only ,o . eenjoynr.en.0. new covenant blessings, Lut to tbl». .led rnv,l.ge of proclaiming the unsearchable riches of the grace of God. Verily, " he doeth all things well " Young Coyell remained at home, during the summer mg the sacred scriptures, and such other v..ruin.,s as had beartns on the responsible vocction he fel: cali^ed on .0 assume. And here as tofchir.g his in^pr^^sions of mind on the subject of preaching :he aosp.!, ,ve e.trac. a p !e from an occasional journal. II r ■ " ■''"Mison, Jah 3J 1007 I have fo,. a long time omitted tvriti.g any of he eL- ;SLr "'""' '" "■'■"^■' ' "-'" "^-'- V no nZs I have now some inlentior. to commence a journal ai:d keep tt regularly, that in foture I may have s metMn. .^ g^ida and assist my thoughts in reviewing- th ntf ? ™ --.^ie if I hud kept a regular journal of m'y me since I coiBmenced preaching, it would be of much ad vantage ,0 me. I shall, however, recollect wha I cat of the most important tilings which have transpired and commit tiie/>i to v/ritin-r auoiureu ana About two or three days after I hope God ...ave me a gracious eviuence that my sins were forgive nflwr in u apartment of my father's house en^a^ed in 1. , prayer. Suddenly these words occurred ^ m Z,TX have appeared to thee for this puipose, to marr,l ' n-mister and a witness bothof'tb'e tl g^fhllt .1' te seen and of things which I will hereirfter shot Zl I paused a moment and proceeded. After praver th« passage occurred to me agai.i, and occasioned' ome .1, '.cular reflections on it, and wh,,t should bring iuo mv mm at that time; and for what purpose i.% d b Ai^ ;*.i^ ,;; 33 MEMOIR OP impressed on my mind. By such reflections I soon be- came impressed with the idea that it was my duty to preach the gospel. I however thought I would not give too much credence to this impression for fear I might be imposed on by my own feelings. Whenever I prayed I felt it my duty to ask of God wisdom in this particular. I desired not to be deceived. I had for a Utile time flattered myself that it might be all a deception— that I should find it to be so soon, and it would all leave me. But the more I prayed, the more these impressions followed me. I then began to feel an opposition to the idea, and tried to banish such thoughts from my mind. They still continued, and I began to feel condemned for resistinf^ them. I concluded I would not fight against God, but would try to keep my mind from being biased one way or the other, believing something in Providence would soon determine the case for me." At the beginning of winter he was invited to Addison, a few miles distant, where his step father's only daughter was settled. He there engaged in a school. About the close of the term, and on the 14th of March, [1825J he ventured on the great and responsible work of becoming "the messenger of grace to guilty men." His preach- ing seemed an illustration of the word—" open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it," being both extempore and exu- berant. It pleased God lo give him favor with all who heard him, and he was frequently solicited to preach, by people from different sections. His brother-in-law, Wol- cott, passing through that region, he improved the oppor- tunity to re-risii his elder sisters, and the people where he had formerly lived His coming to them was like the coming of Titus, refreshing the hearts of those to whom he was sent. He was welcomed and sought after, both for his father's sake and his work's sake. He found his sister Brown in deep aflaiction, having recently buried aa ALAM80N L. OOVELL. 33 inleresting child, and her own healih »„,i „ ■ . much affecled. To-elher ,Z„ ■ """'' ''^T friend .0 friend, from 2e , Icf"?''' • "'"""' '"'"' ^^ r-H, dweu anTv::i!:^o rr :,tr:t .on-bow elecnlying the sound of hi, voice aVL ..ood m .hose desks his never forgoUen paleTh, . occupied, man, were melted ^.^ZXl't:^ from the associations of memory, the mann. „f I preachingwa, calculated to ^'JoleLZZl thant funess." He so exhibited ve have named and he eventually returned to Addison Most the spring and summer were spent in CheTh"^ Pownal,P..,stown, Saratoga and their vicinities w th he mepuon of, wo journeys, one to Chariot e the' Iher to OearSis.er=-Ihave:?br:'h,f:-t--„ on as I expected when I left Pownal, on ac oun" of »ot amvng home as soon as I ejtpected. I left Saratoga ta week on Monday,. „d arrived at Charbile oTf^! „ it.t incense is oirensiv.-.hatL.a^f'' T ""' ''"'"' »re an abo™in„ion .0 (;od i ,, Z K "" '"""' Do we not know ,),,. hi. 1 . ''"'" '' »''^""' ;./e is in ,he wroni? Do t ""1 ""' ^^ "'S'"' ^h^" abundance of , e iL^J" ''°',''"°" """ f™"" "■« Do we not Know Z 1 " e ; 'nT^^'""'''''''' most? Do we not l-nnw nf , " "'"'='' '™ «"» is our treasure? AoTv ™ ? "" ''"''"' "'^ ">"«= -.-,bei!di:c,'rdct;r''''''^ treasure is in the world and nJ^ V . "' °°''' O" •re ever so .assidl in ,t 1':,''°'' ' \»'' "«'"S'> we duties, we are but »! ■ f'"'>'"'S'^ <>f our wonted of Christ, .'It is not e ery on? 'h TaT " ""' """'' Lord, shall enter n,v ki„?d„r" ^ """■ ™' ^""'' thou not thyself also' I H, f^?" ""'"' '''''"'' »entably deLien.t'ha. Lartf:;;'.' '"" """ ' ^^ '- '0 adorn the Christian litui urge me on. But uti p<««5 'irri.f i^„„ i m mind from some source I sl^ii «, " ,^' "'""' Resist from all public dutTes tf?''' f""" ''"'"^'^ "" be influeuc J bytZl 1",'"^^''"'' "'«" ^''""W r»p./, When my oJC!l:t:T;i'r' "-^"'^ Jd MBMOi n or rather let my tongue cleave to the roof of my niouih. Let my rigltt hand perish. Let ail be taken from me rather than dishonor the cause of Gud by presumptuously attempting to set forth its truth. I can not see to writt more. My best regaids to all enquirers. Love to Mr. Brown and the children. We are all well. Ever yours, A. L. Covell. Mrs. D. C. Brown. By the advice of friends, the reply to this letter is also submitted. " Pownal, June 15, 1825. I feel for you, my brother, in your trials and discour- agements of mind, respecting your unfitness to the work of the ministry, and with sincerity respond to your sea- timent of, "God forbid that you should ever be influenced by worldly motives to preach a holy gospel." But let us consider a moment. Is not this treasure committed to earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God? The mission of the gospel is designed for unworthy creatures; "?iof the righteous, but sinners are called to repentance." Now how shall the preacher de- pict in living colors the unworthiness of man, unless he feel it in his own bosom ? And how shall he have fel- lowship with the sufferings of his blessed Master, unless he occasionally endure the same things in his own mind? Think, O, think of the enormous load, when he bore the sins of the whole world in his own body ou the tree !! All that you and 1 can feel of guilt, of woe, is as noth- ing, and less than nothing in comparison. You speak of darkness within. Think for a moment of the horror of that darkness, that utter desolaiion, when the precious victim cried out, " My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" But what did the holy sufferer do? Did he shrink from duty? Did he resolve in be eji angels ( ceededj could sa The s to-night. Jesus, go adore, an in the mc June 1( renews Ji over dark the "Son worthy to i hope to pa: ant over ih captivity c and remiss treat you m ward undisi pocrisy, nei from humiii your suflicii reward. W the lowest mend to sin ■'iie salvation Plealfe givi write soon to He did retu ij's pen are ti second visit a f^e amiss to in there, wrote rn ALANaoN L. COVEL^ " » *i t. r^ . ».«, ^0 be exonerated from k.» -g.1, .0 e/lec! h.sTbctr/rN"'"";'*' "'" "" °"" '•'" cwrferf, meokly bowed, reverenii.M ' , '"°'""-''y P™- c»uld say ic Is /i„i,|„j' ^J';"""")' '"''nmied, „„,il h. '"•"■gl"- Bu. go, .hou d : dU , „ 1"f Tr""""""' adore, and follow .hi, as'oa^h:;^." X"""™'''"^' in the mount." * i>a'tej-n shown thee OKT darkness? Mav .,q,°™ -^ "*" "'^^ '""mph A" "Son of ri„„fo:„:: ;r rrar "k "'^■''-^"' <"• wor.hy ■„ suffer wi.h our Lord, ^.ylZ^, ."^ ""■"«'• Lope .0 participate in Lis rei..„ ? M Jl! ' '"""'"« an. o.er the unbeliei'of our'otvn ItearL M '"" '"""'''''- oapunty eaptive," and receive el 7 "' "^""^ and remission of sins I.\n,ii„ \ "PMIance -younottoyieidlodlitri;^^^^ ward undismayed. Trials never wer. 7 '" ^'"- pocrisy, neither does a sense of unZ "T"'"' "^ ''y "om hun,ili,y. Trust in God 7W "?o "'' T""' your suffieieney, your strength, yo^I„r """'""'•■"■ reivard. Were you never bro^^l t down Zl, ^T ^"'' •ke lowest hell," could you apoeiTte '° '^ '"^""'^ "f mend to sinning ,.a„, th'e dei a^l' :" /" " ~™- :he salvation there is in Christ the I "ord% '"''"'P"""' Wea* g,ve my love to our dear moihor'ind f,.- , >vme soon to the sister who an.iousl^^Z' Jou^ reX":' • D. C. B." He did return not lonir after nnrl fi.„ t'spenare two Poetic ^J' "in", ^ ,:,;^ -f ^ ^om second visit at Cheshire. Of .hose tvvo vi 'I "" '"' be amiss to insert the subslanee of wha h " ""^ "'" •here, wrote me concerning them ' """ ''^'""'^ .9* I *4;# ^'^ftt: ^' '^j -k' 38 MEMOIR OF " Some of the scenes in Cheshire, when brother was down in April, were deeply interesting. It was known to but few that he was here, until we entered the covenant meeting together. At the close he was invited to pray. He complied, and as he up-lifted his hands the whole church melted into tears. And the next day when he arose in the same desk which nineteen years before, his father had occupied, the suddenly dropping heads of the elder part of the congregation, bore testimony to their deep emotion. His voice as a messenger of God in place of his lamented parent, sent a thrill through the hearts of all.* In both visits, his labors in prayer meetings with those of more public occasions, were manifestly blessed to the good of Zion." We proceed to insert his para- phrase [one of the two poetic pieces] on Eph. ii, 1: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. j> " Time was, when we were dead in sin, Strangers to our redeeming Lord, And O how good our God hath been. To reconcile us by his word. With worldly passions we were filled. Exposed to Satan's fatal snare ; But now our hearts are reconciled, And we in Jesus richiv share. With pride our hearts were lifted high Above all holiness and good ; But now we're humbled, now we die To sin, and live to God. We were condemned by God's just law — To everlasting death exposed ; I *In person and look he very niiich resembled his father. He was something taller, his forehead more lofty, and his visage longer. J *I-ANSON L. 007ELL. ButChris, our helpless misery saw, And h,s own blood ie in.erpo' ed. His own right hand wiped ,11 our tears • H'S We bestowed made us rejoice H » presence banished all ou ftar;. H'spra,se raised IWgh our tnnefuTX. Lonj as we lire we'll bless his name- In climes unknown we'll ,in„ ,7^"°' f -all, Will praiseleS,""'"^"'' And sweetly bow before his/ace." Lines originallv Writien ;„ .1, « „ Cheshire, in the suU:" s^'b/i -/ '/'i^nd in ed on this passage- ^ ^' •^"''^''-found- "Pear not little flocfc. ■, , live yon the Kiiijdom." ' ''"'" ^"''°'''' Sood pleasure ,„ mo'Tol'I'Tf"''''"^""'"''^'^"''. Who lollow Christ our Lord and Kin- More numerous those who will noTh:; The blessings which he came to bring Yet fear ye not, ye little flock; The Lord ha.h spoken peace you • You .opes are built upon that roc Which satan oanau overthrow. 39 Toomwhelmtifioussoul; ' Krit'>"'''^-'''™'''s'^'es, »v nere rising piefsures ever roll. Fear „ot though persecution rise, ThatGon""'^""""'"' ""'«"»-; f hat God whose word shakes earth ai^d sties Hath sworn he will avenge his nam. '' I mM' '^,i ,,i 40 1« B M I R OP The Heavens reveal eternal wrath, To those who dare offend his saints 5 That soul who sins against the faith, In hell shall lift up long complaints. Yet fear ye not whose names are writ In the great volume of the Son ; On thrones of glory you shall sit, And share the conquest he has won. O, happy hope of joys unknown, And bliss immqrtal in the sides — Endless delight before the throne, Thrice happy, happy paradise. Ye feeble few, break off your tears, Behold your great Deliverer's nigh ; Away all doubts, away our fears. While God is ours, we can not die." His stay in Cheshire was not long ; neither did iie tarry long at this time in his more central position at Pownal, having promised to re-visit other places. The next date is from the place of his nativity. *^Pittstown, July 11th, 1825. Dear sister:—! devote a moment, according to promise to inform you that I am still alive, and have abundaat cause of gratitude to God for ■Hbontinuance of his mer- cy and grace. I am beset on IHk side with the sjtender mercies of God. Since I saw ffroj I have enjoyed some hours of sorrow and some seasons of joy. I '•till feel en- couraged in feebleness to declare me mercy of the Lord, & utter the memory of his great goodness. Oh, how pleasant, how divinely pleasant, to stand in the courts of the Lord- to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his Temple. This have I desired of the Lord, and this only will I seek after. Wljea X contemplate the glorious work in wliioh God i, ea-„, and exclai„,wrh,hep .'"•'"""'"'""' ""'"'- i'igl. above the heavenT and 1,1^ ?k'"' ^'^ ""'V is clouds. Jusuee and j Xe„ are t Tk'''"' """' '"o ili'one. Mercv and ,,,.,^ ! ,, ""^ habitation ol thv "s then pray arne ll ,K ' '° '"''"' "'^ ''''«•" Lei .wnir^itrb^r-"- Pieased ,0 attend'^v i~r't"'?-^''i^'''^ Pmstown are aU in .he e»joySr'„' .Z^:^""' '" - -e.T;e';rrpe:;t^^ ' -.--'- ^^^^n ^«''-'.i'^o„,a„dlstrgl:ds.ere this friendrtt^we: 'Z "'''?." '"^ ^^^''--- Our tliio": of a revival of r«i- • "y^^^"- There is some- •l.a.'.he .ood^tfm^ ~ Thf^'- ^^^ ^^""' 10 continue. Give mv """P"" ' ''"« "o" lime now write soon. '^ '''P"" •" ^". and be sure to Your bro .,er, , Mrs. Brown. . Ai,an3on. To his sister in Cheshire he v-rites thus- Dear sister :-M::rgr::,f'';ff/''=""^' '"' '«2- forwardiuff you a line vh Ls t ?'" " '"°""''>' i" sooner, but had not beJe e ern,'°";"'1 '° ""'^ """^ tarry a fey, weeks at 1^=! , '"'"""^'' ^''«her [ should Charlotte. T have ,''■'?' "' ''""" '"""^d'ately ,o -ond SabbatS ; 4^1 '"/aT"'!; fl^ "■"'•'"•" nients I had in view, XnZ rh I "^ '^' ""g^ge- ■n-y of the young men in th :L '"ThT^H 7" evidently in a flourishino. state Tift '^^ , ^ "''°°' " '>^. a^ tl>e place assocfated with °r ""'""' '^''"''■ which render it necuhWl, "'' remembrances dear departed fltLr " '" "^'»"S- I' »PP»^«^ of -oia! and chr."?ia: *' "™'""'"' "'"^ "">- ''»«'%> Messing. I. was theVh^ '"S™"'. "^^'"^ '^'"'" ''fo » » was there h.s afflicted family were left with. ymm '^*vjfjif._ '*■:,/ *^^^jP_ 44 MEMOIR OP out father, save Him who hath promised to be the father of the fatherless, and the widow's God. There my early days were spent^ there we formed acquairilance and ex- perienced kindness, the remembrance of which, we hope, will be lasting as our existence. Can we then now for- get it? No, we cannot. With pleasure we look forward lo that thrice happy day, when the sweets of former in- tercourse shall be again renewed, not in Cheshire, but in happier climes, where those spirits rest who have gone before us. Then, then shall we unite again with those endeared friends, whose dying lips once bade the world adieu. O, blessed hope of future joy ! Happy prospect of eternal bliss ! Blessed be God who hath given ua this good hope through grace. Be it ours to walk worthy of this high calling. Mention me affectionately to Elder Sweet and all our friends. ' Your brother, A. L. Covell. Extract from a letter to his sister Brown. '■• ■, " Addison, Nov. 2, 1825. Sister Julia was baptized Sabbath before last, and join- ed the Baptist church in Charlotte." AgaiU; to his sister Wolcott: " Addison, Nov. 9, 1828. Dear sister : — I have been at this place since I came from the South, and expect to remain here and continue trying to preach the gospel, until March. I expect then, either to make this a permanent home, or commence a course of study at Hamilton Institution. I am quite undetermined in my own mind, but hope to be directed by the mind of Him who cannot err. It is now a time of prosperity with us. The Lord has in great mercy visited his people, and some of the youth have bowed to the sceptre of Jesus. Twenty- four have been baptized in his oame, and added to the church." ■'m^ the father my early e and ex- , we hope, I now for- )k forward former in- ire, but in lave gone Arith those the world ' prospect en UvS this worthy of nd all our COVELL. 2, 1825. , and join- 9, 1828. ;e I came i coniinue pect then, nmence a am quite irected by a time of cy visited, ^ed to the zed in his ALANSON L. COVELL. ^ .intt''wtnt^^ in adjacent towns, he con- ^^^^o.,er^Zr:i';P^ fj;;^ our Savior- of his grace thus trlnmni • '^'"""'' '^"^ 'Ik! sovere.Vntv ■he Lord's d il Ij "" ' ™' "^ ''" '° ^'"=""™' "« - •l.»" God wouFd' : , ma Z °"{ '" "" ^^"- «- ,-e, and m .he t" rt ,T:,o:'; r"/r' "' '-^ love the Lord reioine ,v;,K ^ '^^ ^''' •'"^'' ^^ho claims the neaTannrnr 1 r,°"\,"'' '^'"^ ''. and ence of Lov sh r" , T' ""'' ""= S'°"°''» "'l"" contemplate the r«;„. pro' l. p"';'' "' '"'^ ** »'='^- Onr God is ap;ro::_^!'- pS^^rtlt? ^cZf//5o?2, January Ilih, 1826. I hope ever to reToice oTour n " '°" """ ""'^^• fe with vo/„ alllr « ?""^' ^''<"° ^y"'P»- light. I heaV froVcha 0, ! f "°"; "''"'' '"''^^'' '^ were then well. lT,av "^ eon I" '■' ""='• "^"^y T, ■, . ^^" "°"i^ Since September 'l"»t f I were „r„f th"""' ""T"' "'" ' ^°"'°'™^^ spread and bri^hl B„t ?%"'^''°'y "^^^ wonld may depe d" at Z on wm ' " "^''^ ""^P"'^^- '"^^ ^-ie promotion!; Lir'tL •'''';''• ^'l"- -'' life before him. ' ^ "'^ ^""'^ ^""'"'^^ will, 1 - ;ll%'t riftlBiiiiyji'ldilil^rfl'i .^# .n/ ,/f. 46 MEMOIR OF January 24. I again resume my pen for a moment.— My healih is at present declining, but I hope soon to De able again to declare the word of life to poor sinners.— Some of them are alica (y panting for the pure waters. Oh, thou shepherd of Israel, conduct them to those liv- ing fountains of which if they drink, they shall never die. My soul has this morning been in some measure refreshed. Oh, that these exercises might always last. Then could I always tell ?. dying world the unsearchable riches of Christ. I can this morning say with the Psalmist, "Who have I in heaven but thee? ^nd there is none on earth that I desire besides thee." But I find within me a wicked heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. How many times have I been altogether resolved that I would be decidedly for him and no other. And so often has the world with its charms won my mind and caused me to stray. \ February 9. I have kept my scribbling so long that it is some blotted, and some soiled; however the main point is to have it convey ideas that are clean and un- spotted. Since I dated my letter, I have received a call from the church and people in this town, to settle among them, without regard to the term of time, but so long as God in his providence may direct. Whether I shall ac- cept this invitation or not is yet uncertain. The place, the church and the people are all very agreeable to my mind and wishes. There are some things that are still uppermost in my estimation. More knowledge of the world, of the human mind, of science, and of the word of God, I greatly need, and anxiously wish. The means for the acquisition of this are now in my power. If not improved now, they never will be at any future time. It is now, a turning point with me, and on the present determination depends future consequences. Oh! my God, direct, guide and preserve me! Oa one hand I 47 ALANSON L. COVELL. '"ends, and much asti t ^tr " ."^i:'-,'"^ -i" .he prospecs of f„,„„ life oZeTln ."""" ""'' On the oiher hand, my i^oran.P i " ''^"'' ' "»• knowledge, prospec.s o "nhr ' '""""''"ee, thirst for b > j'luspecis 01 obfaimng it, with tha «- of thus becoming more useful to theTo, „r rT"' r,:;"rr';:..:-'"--S°;:r't:: '-adLretolpr^^iJuX^r^'^'^"''''"' My engagements witluhe people here will i • four weeks. I wish you to wrL me so t IT ' '^''' '"^ 't before that time, and I will i lenT.r ''" ''''''' where I am going. '" '"^'^'""^ ^^^ ^^J^^", aad Remember me^affectionatelv to Mr n children. ^ ° ^^'^^ ^''o^n and the I thank Elvira very much for her lettPr . . answer it had I time I hnn. u m ' ^"^ ^^ould u A lime. 1 Hope she wil write offpn Could I see you one evenin'^ j .o„,r 'n -ny things thatyou nererkne.; L} ' It J'" ' ''''' I'n^es that I am almost with you Bnt\ ""' ''""'- ^- -re days in patient hopTwhfn r^stTn'tl 'T ! 'hat we shall meet again. " '^^ ^^^^ Mrs. D. C. BrowD. ^' ^- Novell. Tv/r J . " Addison, Feh. 27th I9Pa ■ne from attending the daties rf the Sa b ^'r'"''' "me of general illness in this country. Peo * , '"' " .he,« complaining, and some of [ em dwt ,"?' '.1 age of Middlebury, sickness and deatrha'ete a'iW •oan alarmmg extent. About 40 h»v.„ " f'™"^ jjv«e iruni liiat ^^n-f i-m-^^ mm 48 MEMOIR OF r place to eternity, since the commencement of the present vGtir *' ^ ^ * ▼ ♦ After mentioning the ill health of hia relatives, he says : " We are all poor things. Man in his best estate is vanity. How blessed the hope of being soon delivered from this life of disappointment, pain and death, to incor- ruptible glory. I received your little letter with all gladness. I did not learn from that whether you were sick or well— however I made the most favorable con- struction I could. I was pleased to hear that God who quickenelh the dead had again revived the spirit of religion among his people : and by no means disappointed to hear that saiati had stirred up his people. We always expect that the son of the bond woman will persecute the son of the free woman. But what saith the Scripture? Cast out the bond woman and her son. Come ye out from among them — touch not, taHe not, nor handle the unclean thing, and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty. When satan rages it is time for the soldiers of the living God to gird on the whole armor. But we should be careful that we do not go out clad in the armor of Saul, and equipt with weapons which are carnal. The christian should be armed with those weapons which are mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds — which weapons are impartial love, universal be- nevolence, meekness, humbleness of mind, long-suffering, patience and forbearance towards all men— not rendering evil for evil but overcoming evil with good, and others whidi the Bible raenticmsv Whenever these are used the armies of the Lord prevail, and Egypt's proud thou- sands are drovned in the sea. The revival in this place appears to be rather subsid- mg. Coldness seems to seize the feelings of many, and backwardness in declaring the goodness of God prevails. There sors ar bosoms versati( their na will coi grace b^ I hav "Lc Ful Thv AL ANSON L. CO VBLL. 40 There are some, however hn.K sors and those who are vounl '""T^ "'' '^^'' P^°^««- bosoms .he holy fire still burns^rd in' ^""'f' '"^ ^^°«« versation the sacred princiole; !r V '°"'^"'' '"^ ^°"- mand, .here i. g^L red k, " """^ °°'''=' <"""- 'here is leanness of soTZ,' '" "^S'-^-^'-nj ihem "l^ al,ose>l,er impossible "o,!:?""' "''"""''• ' «"" rehgious life, without private devo ?o„"°^7^°'"""' '" ' 'l>e Christian to enter his close, s^l ' >" "'""■"' ''"^ '0 h,s father who secth in sec e, 1^:°^' ""' ^'"^ are all my devotions ! Ho«;7„; , ' ' ''°'^ ''''eless onhepowerofgodliness o r"''°"f ''"'' ''^^'"'"a i»'" able Ilian prosperity ,„e|f ° in, '''"•■s'"'2'<, more valu- food U, „,e„. „,„, ,„„ Go/IT/oIJm '"''"r '"' Iii9 purpose." Yen il,„ '™ according io life. <" "ea,!,, or .l.i,l: Xn, t .l" "'"' """"' "' »'e yours, a„,| ye ,„o Ci.riLl a^d f • •=' '° '"""^> «" Vour lexer ,la,ed „o, iZZt t^'l ? "'"''^•" w»s l,appy „,„,■„ ,„ ,,^,^^ » ■ "ej ns duly received. , were l,ere l.s.wcelc: ,heir l,eohl, °" ''"" P""""^ Julia is belter tl.un ,v,,e„ j '„ ,, IT'' '"'"'ovoi.^ ' '.ave closed r.y sell, Tef 2 , '"™- r,.imcrous calls lo attend f„„cr-,l f ™ '"™"" »f My .in,e is bec„,„i„,,,; '7;; ;;;;""»;''. lectures, &c. »nd I find need ot bei„, 7ns, „,T ,!""'' """' '"""O"^: - Lour as I „„„,. na;,'d:;"' .^ f l^' f- "' such unJcrniany trials of mi„d an,) . , '' ' •"'" '=>''" "mosl-nm lii.e Marl/ l? ">" ""^^^ ">• Some- '*r limes, not c,e^l,T J ' S-ve up ,he ^or.t yle «"'-^" ™y -'urse ;:i:v: ; : L::t '\''^"' »"' '' «ess of having done „,y d«v tI, T '^' '""'''°'''- Jay, not knowing ,vl,a, awaits',„e w ,f "'" '''' '" '"e lliat ni, fain, fail not? '" ''"^ Pfay for la your nest I ,visli an account nf ,r i ler, state of religion ia .he TolT°i ''"'''''' '"'"''"■ nei?liborhood, ,U ' "'"' ^■•P^ouUy in rour '"h-venly hope, and much affecion, la™ yours,' Mr,-. D. C. Brown. / Alansoh. About the same dale, to his sister V/oIco„ h. You supposed by this lime ilm T l..,f' "'^' = ;»)■ fu.ure course, and supposed th, '''l''"'"""'" «» V oompli.d with the urgent rl ,'"''' unwilling. '''^p'ace.ore,in,ui,h"ii::tnr;L:':;rt'"' r> Iv U/^l 8S MEMOIR OF and settle among them. Mutual arrangements are ac- cordingly made. I shall now have to take what is some- times called " the old dispensation path " to usefulness, if I ever attain to it. I believe it possible for the minis- ters of Christ to be useful, though their opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge may have been somewhat limited. Yet I am of the same opinion now that I ever have been, that young men entering the ministry should avail themselves of such advantages as may be in their power to furnish themselves unto all good works." 1 long lor a more accurate and systematic knowledge of the holy Bible, and many other things I could men- tion. This may perhaps be gradually attained in future years. I hope with the assistance of God to make a little progress. And should the Lord in infinite mercy " make me wise unto salvation, and make my weak, im- perfect labors effectual in comforting his dear saints, and calling even one sinner to repentance, I should feel my- self under infinite obligation to bless his holy name forever. Unite with me, dear sister, in the prayer, that the Great Head of the church would help a feeble help- less worm; to fulfil a task so arduous, in a manner ac- ceptable to Him." To the same : » " Addison, June 22, 1826. Dear sister:— I am happy, through the kindness of our heavenly Father, in being again permitted to address you by letter. The time I spent in Cheshire last sum- mer was to me among the most pleasant days of the year. The remembrance of them is still sweet. Our conver- sation by the fire-side was pleasant, and when indulged to mingle with the saints of the Most High, and visit his earthly courts " with songs and honors sounding loud," "how pleasant, how divinely fair." But those days AL^NaON L. C07ELL. 53 are now past, never to be recalled - T^ Jock on ihin^^s before us. '"""^'"^ ^°^ "^ to God is vet the «snma „ 1 1 , «ndalso,„at you hav , \ .'^ '" L-esborou^h ; in store for Cl.e.,l,ire. Mav il i ," ""^'^'"S^ are largest wfsh of his r.ol ,'^°''' «'»"' "'« the most abundant oxpeCaX f^n' ^ ,"'"^''«'' ""^ '"« - wi.h and pray ITZ^^I J^l^f f « whiie make every effort i„ our power "T '^"'■''- *'^ must Saith the Savior, "accord^, o v ur'AT'^ !"' '''''■•" you." It will gc„en|i„ h„ / , '^°" '^""^ ^o be it unto »nf"red on the e;^ '; %"",""'> "'« 'I- blessings 'heir faith and eff<,,,s'^ ^°'' ''''"■ ""^^ Proportion to ooT^vti'r^t^'irs''';? r"- '^-"-p'-r aoob Mo.es, Klij .h^all re td tt Go',^"^''; '^»'«' by faith. And as il,e apostle .d I , "«""' '"""f^ '» -«peak of Gideon.of Dam oA ' T "'"'''' '"'"■' »« «el and David, who th™' 'l-f,;™'""' °"^P'"i'». Sam- obtained thep;omi,e. Ztl', "^''' ^'s'-'^o'-snes,, ■0 %ht .he annies 'onht^ :■;;-%'-. -d '--d hand, what judgments have fo „1: , ^, °" "'" "'h^f For unbelief the Israelites were d^'':"" '"', '""""'-f- ms UnbeliefpreventedMosesa jT'" !■"' ^"'''"- "g "he good land which the lT,< "" ^'""' "«"- For unbelief christian a eftl fT'^'" ""'' '""''''■ fni. and desolating frsF„°'',°t',n' '"'""''' °^ 'eft to divisions, tuniul..'^ if, 7^''"^ <^'»"-^h=s are «"ch examples befor J, 1" ::;"^°"'"°"°"^- ^^'■"' 'he disciples of old, '- Lord 1 "1 ° 'T '" P^^ "t« I i^oro, increase our faith v> As ever, your affectionate A, L. CoVELl, A* '! *m: jf< #;-].l ^' %^ .^ 54 MEMOIR OF Addison, Oct. 9th, 1826. Dear sister:— I regret much that circumstances are such that I cannot visit you this fall. It has hitherto been impossible. I had intended to have started this day on my way to Pownal, but ray calls are such, during this week and next, that I find it necessary to relinquish the idea. It would aiford me much pleasure to visit you this month, but my own anxiety and wishes must all be offered as willing sacrifices at the shrine of duty. I received your last in due season, and should have an- swered it before now if opportunity had presented. Sunday evening, Oct. 29th. When I first commenced writing this I was called away unexpectedly, and it has remained unfinished till this time. A constant success- ion of calls to attend funerals, councils and associations, Jiave so much occupied my time since, that I have not even found time given to rest this feeble body, or to pre- pare this feeble mi' . ior the important duties of the Sabbath. I have just returned from meeting, quite fatigued in body and discontented in mind. I find that without Christ I can do nothing. I sometimes am left in a c I". unfeeling state of mind all through the devotions of thv Sabbath. Such seasons I assure you seem long and tedious. I have this day experienced a season that near- ly answers this description. I tried to preach in the morning from these words: "And Peter followed afar oftV After explaining the circumstances and showing in what respect they were applicable to us, I tried to illustrate the subject by showing the causes and evil consequences of foUowmg afar off'. In the afternoon the text was, "And the Lord turned and looked on Peter, and he went out and wept bitterly." Attempted to ex- hibit the unchanging love of God to his people, their ^'■ANSON L. COTELL. 55 own unfaithfulness notwi,hs,a„rt;„„ t show also .hat ,heir si , ,1 " ^' *°- ^''^"'P'^d 'o ■he love of Go,! roVZZ ""' '""' "' '" '»"""?« raent of ,he purpus of :°c w'r T' ""^ ""™'"P"^^- Christ Jesus before ^C: Z^Jlf '"J ^ '- "-m m great number of inferenees irom the ^°"'='''^'°— •>/ » .he circumstaness in conne , "u'wi h ir'iT, ""' T " '3 ^11 over, I seriously doubt vTh , t r f T '"" people any good. What the Lord n? i'"' ''°"' ">" ihera I knovvr not. But it d„ '^ ''"'' """"^ <"« feeble, were indeed p! 1 'ealeulaMTo'd"' ^'r™"'^ ^» is but one consolation i„ sue I, IT ^'""'- 1'''"« •he great Head of the C ,ur h s Ibr.'"""'- ''""" ''^' ordain "surprising stren' I ■' „d ' '^'°'" ^^^'"'"ess ,„ -sh a mountain! I Torn lime '^-r;'" '„"°™ '» Vantage that "„e>v threshi„ri„T l';,""',^ "'" «<> having teeth," of whiph r^„M '""'™nient, sharp and hilla are to be bea:;' e ^ ?rl^l, Z\ T' " ""' ams are to become as chaff "0^'- ? ^' '"°""'- Ihat whether /use this ^ " !' '"' ' ''"•'"''^^ '"- '"•« be used by som ' n , r"' '" "'"""''' " -«' « ".e .reat ohjec'; for :„,:,:■: isllX " " "^°""'"^'' o^"-es":^,h^,:„Ter„rdi:,:r:.::;-r-"^^^^^ crease an hundred fold. ° '""'' "^^ Prosper and in- The Vermont Association held its annn»I ■ "S this month. We pni„„.j '*'*"'" '<''* indeed. Hartnonrand S,,:;."^ '''^^^-' '"'"vie-' every heart, and „,an„ ''""''''"<' ^^emed to pervade satisfaction Ld jov ' ^""'eoaoces bespoke .award Mor!'arN:"Y "^e "' "' ""'''' ^'^°^'»'- "■''<> - e-rcises truly s„,L' 1:^^.^ """"""»- =""■ '"« ^^"%. 56 M E M I K OF I am obliged to hurry my mind and pen, as I rnust yet attend our evening conference. I hope you will write •°''°* Yours, in haste, A. L. Covell. Mrs. D. C. Brown. To Mis? Elvira :-I received, my dear niece, with the raost cordial pleasure, your short communication accom- panying vour ma^s letter. Be assured that nothing would afford me more pleasure than to gratify the hearty wishes you therein express, by visiting you and all our dear friends this fall. I am sorry I am so situated atpres- cntthat I cannot. If I do not see you 1 often think of you & the dear children younger. Especially, have I thought since receiving vour letter, of your soul that iswimorial, of more value Ihan worlds! You are of sufiicient age to reflect on your future, as well as present welfare. hope you may share in the compassion of the Savior ol the world, whose promise is, " They that seek me early shall find me." For this purpose you must read your Bible as the word of life; obey religious instruction, and pray constantly to your God. I hopejou will wrue me again soon. Remember me most affectionately to your pa, and to all the children. * Your affectionate uncle, A. L. Covell. Miss Elvira J. Brown. ''Addison, Feb. 19ih, 1827. My dear sister :-I intended to have written you last week, but found no time. 1 do not know whether it is my turn to write or not, and consequently shall not make this c<5mmunication for the sake of keeping pace with your letters, but from a desire to acquaint you with whatever may be interesting, and relate so much of my fee bngs in relation to the arduous work ia which I am feebly ea- .1 (v^rtir Vin rvrnnpr. ^-^i'^ ^z ALANSON L. COVELt. 5T Since I wrote yoa last, I have made a journey to the wes^ as far as Canton and Madrid, St. Lawrence Co. I attended the session of the St. Lawrence Baptist Assocmfon at Madrid, rhe 3d Wednesday in January. A ttme wbtch I trust will be long retnen.bered. AlJ, every letter from ,he churches gave an account ofa re- vival among then, Poor, wretched, and perishin. sia- hope set before them m the gospel. Wicked and ungrate- ful backsl.ders who had once known the love of Jes s an had awfully apostatized from him, have been reclaim! ed through the .nfluence of sovereign grace on the hear, dead, and Chnst has given him light. The whole church has indeed been quickened anew, and all appear to n^ove forward „,th ardor and constancy, such as has never before been known among them. The work is general among different denominations j ov!r»nT S~'!,'""° ="- and his tender mercies are over all Jus wo'ks." ville, 1 otsdam, Canton and Madrid. In all these places he Lord was doing wonders. In the two first, within about four weeks, 56 had been buried with Christ in bap- ism. Others were waiting an opportunity to submit to the same significant, humbling and joyful ordinance. The work was still going on rapidly among them. In Potsdam village, the work was such as had never been wnown m the country before. I was informed that there were not more than three or .*(PS8 four families in the village but what had shared 53 MEMOIR OF I less in the revival. Their meetings frequently continued till midnight, and in some instances till morning. The cry of the mourning penitent was often succeeded by the "new song," which was put into the mouths of joyful converts. It was the Lord's doings and marvelous in our eyes. He reigns, and well may the earth rejoice. To those who love the Lord Jesus, it must be a source of unspeakable joy to be thus confident that he will con- tinue to make displays of his grace in the conversion of sinners, till his infinitely wise and benevolent purposes of grace, which have in piospect the complete and final redemption of his people, shall all be accomplished. For works like this he deserves our highest praise. " O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men." Feb. 26th. I intended to have filled ray sheet and for- warded it to you before now, but I have been prevented. I have just returned from Charlotte, have spent three or four days with our friends. They are all well, and if you knew how glad they would be to see you, you would certainly be almost if not altogether persuaded lo come and see them; Stukely and Julia live by themselves— "sit under their own vine and fig-tree, and have none to molest or make them afraid." Mother has been unwell, but is now better. I think she and father both enjoy themselves better since they have moved into their new house, than they did before. They have nothing to prevent them from living just as they wish to. I hope the remaining part of their lives may be rendeied pleasant and useful to themselves and their children. I suppose you have been expecting that I should, the ensuing summer, commence a course of study at Hamilton. I have been of this mind ever since I com- menced preaching. But I am afraid my hopes of this ALANSON L. COVELL. gjj will all be blown un tn ih^ I can-. ,e. away cCTZZ' ''\''^, .--'""" -^ circamslances I do not k„, „ ' , ? " "'^if Pfescnt I have »ade so.e ne v^lTl'T' '" ''"' "'™' anoe will. ,he„, «„ ,heir i? ! , ^ , "■ "'"' " '""'I'l'- witl. .hem. Tliey ha e Im ll '""''. ""^ '" »""»"« socie.y since I have ble 'one oof °> '" ''""'' '"" .hey hav. agreed ,o all I VC, ,ed T "^' '"" ' ''^" ed a eom,„iuee to inform me of .itir r 371. 1™ "ZT' is an enure union ia ,|,e ehurch t .1, ,1 ' °' ^''"^ one man, and he i, only dissa, 'fil ^ .'"''P""" "^ inlend to raise. The socio „T '"'' ''''' ^^ "''ey .hau .hey were a yearTnc ' H '' "f " ''^"" ^^'^^^ ™le all for his .lory Do , ?' "" ^""^ "'" ""■ o"'.-yhedo„rVw:?,xv::.otalrr"^'''•^ Mrs. D. C. iirown. ^' ^' ^^'''='^^- M ^ . (^fiarlotte, August 19th, 1827 My dear si«tpr- Ti,^ ' J^o^/. your Ie»er s :;rl ' ,- ? ? ,"■''5' ' ""^ -< answer - i-"ow :srrcV„r;:v:::'a'""^^'r"' fever and ague, wiih which I it k "™'''^ "'^ "'" •Tee weeks. I. has now rJ^JT'"'' """^ sirenglh slowly, and hope soon o " b a. e 1..S nauve a,r - and .here was evidently an enlar'l «fm,nd a glow of feeling, .ha. ani,«a.ed his Cme nance and rendered it mr.ro iKov, n couDie- autre a u more than usually expressive Tn pru-a e conver.a.ion, he was quie,, unassun i„. and coniplacen.; bu. whenever he came for, h as ".he J, senger of grace ,o guil.y men," he spake as one enable ll.a. he must g,ve account to God. He had do e ri.h reachtng wholly extempore, and generally carr,"d ,„ o the desk a digested and partially written diLours le«° mg room lor extempore enlargement. Exlracl from a letter to his sister VVolcott. n ■ " Addison, Oct. 24. 3827 Dear stster :-The cou.munion of frie d.s is ev r swee, ad espec-tlly when sepera.ed from each other a Jde' 2li ' /;':"''^-'"P »»-' l"'l/ imercourse so richiy ouraffecion r ^ '' ^ """''■'"''y of religion ,o render ,aHection» for, and intercourse with each other sub- ^ ^.r^'^Ak MEMOIR OP servient to our present and future good, makes our pil- grimage " through the«e low grounds whore troubles grow," pleasant and delightful. It causes consoiating waters to follow us in the wilderii 'ss, and springs to break out in the desert. " T!ie hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets, before we reach the heavenly fields or walk ihe golden streets." For myself I can say, God is belter to me than I de>erve. His presence I trust 1 have with me much of the lime. 1 long more and more for an abiding evidence th;»l I "please God." I have felt of late more than ever the nccessify iiiid hn])piness, of living to his glory. O for a heart to love and a dispo- sition to obey him in all things." To his sister Brown. Addison, January 1, 1828. My dear sister: — [ received yours last week, and should have answered it the same day, had I not intend- ed to visit Charlotte in a few days. I thought I would wait till I had been there, that you might hear from them also. I returned from there this evening. They are all well, except our dear mother, who has been sick seven weeks, but is now slowly recovering. You mentioned I'lai Mr. C. informed you that I was sick when he left tiie Association. Indeed I was sick, nigh unto death, but God has had mercy on me and I am restored to my usual stale of health. To give you a detailed account of the illness we have experienced in our family since you was here, would more than fill my sheet. By an abbreviated account however I will en- deavor in a measure to relieve a sister's anxiety. On the 26th Oct. I left home to attend a lecture in Panton. This appointment I fulfilled, and the next morning set out on my return home. I bad not rode fa before I began to be much affected with an unusual pain in ray head and side. Cold chills in unceasing success- *>-*NSON L. COVELL. gj ion kept me coniinunlly shiveriixr " lii.„ , . ,. , Willi llio wind." I .u„L,i , ?' ''" " """^ shaken (K was Salurday ) "ft ,'" ' ' "'"'""'" '" ?" ''»■"»■ - I arrived, and o„ i Kun,. '"" '" ""'" '"' '''"' »°" A raging, burning l.-vpr onnn «i.-.ioa I soon hecre r: 47.7 "2 "1 ■■■; '"" sense ess lo wliat w., n, ^ ""'' "'"'"st and Julia cnn> d J L dlT^: "^"""'"'f'^ ^""-^'^ "■e till Monday mo™-n. vl ? ''"" '"'' ^"''"' ^''h ■ud mcher Lr;!'' r ""^ "'"""■'' »"" f""-- blessing or GoJ reL. ,", "' " '° '"^ """ "'« »f -.hers c',;;. 'i "rtm:;:r:r^'"=" ""■' °^"'^ "«« al.o in a sT c o^to^e ^ Tir"","?^ '" " '''^ """^^ ;;5.o.er.asn;::^,,r:.-s*-;- By advice of my plivsiciin T ,r.n ,* Wfn'ffnr.n , I T * '>=''^''^" ^ wa removed to Mr nuS;.:' roVe.'ptr'r'^;:':;^ - "-"'^ — - ■'■"^^^' ; fo. .eeks as JS .ori:""o:: •;:":.■ ^T"!^ to he chiZn « , '■'' ''" " ""''""»'■ Hissing 4» 9i M EMOl R OP I Deed not add anything by way of reflection on these truly afflicting circumstances. Your heart will feel so much more than I can write that I forbear. I expect to-morrow to follow to the grave Dr. BuUard, the physician who attended me in my late illness. 0, how little did 1 think when he first came to my bed-side and with a countenance expressive of the deepest anxiety said to me, "You are sick, very sick," that I should so soon follow him to the grave! He was a faithful, *vind and successfil physician, of unblemished character, and of undoubted piety. He rests from his labors and his works do follow him." I hare written in great haste, and r lUst now come to a close. I hope you will write soon. With much affec- tion for yourself and familyj I am your brother, A. ' Ih vell. Mrs. D. C. Brown. AfcAmoN L. OOYBLL. 65 CHAPTEU III. Five vearsenffaoome,, fin •' ^'^^^''^cted meetincrsl anecdote; Si&.TrK.n^ue^s'^R ^'-^'V 'n"'^^^^''"? meetings. ' «^inaae=3 , R. vival ; Protracted * And tho Lord God p i) U ' •lone; I will make a„ help ."■;:, 'ZZn.''^'" "'" ■""" ''">Mt^ My dear sister --I r.„ ■ "f *'''""''' ''e''. 25th, 1828. .^oufd ,.a.e atwe J;nr ^;:;';^t'" '"^ '""" "'" noiprevnted. I had been W,^ r '"'"''''"'=" '"''-' wi.l. some anxic.,, whic; J . fu :f.e"„r"' 7"^'' 1st. My health which was imnrov n ' \ r '^'''='"°<'- before, is since restored and I ^ ^ ''"" ' """' J'"" '^« i' is i-etter „.. it:"!, Jz::r:[ ""T years pas,. 2d. I have the happiness alo o f ^"^ of my union by marriage wth Miss Lil t °™ i""" Rev. Abel Woods, of Essex Ny"!^." """S^'" of event was solemnized by anDrnnril, " ■ ""^P'f 'ou. on the 6th inst. The occasLT '" '='™' «"-='«'. ky usual fos ity andnSr'r'"'"''"'"""'^ unrestrained -•xprersionr^Cd'Ust:''""^ '""^ -^ pectations, and donbUess by C X ' «' "'-"' "" ties and fears. " ^"""^"""S as many anxie- i X:tmuy"Dtb;r"'^ '^"^■""-^ •» "Cite yc„r prayers fTr"; ^IZ^"'"'"" "'" attend us. '^^^^"^ blessing miglit 66 MEMOIR OP ^'^B ' ^^B i-.:.i| I |l L . ,1 I would infoimyou next that an ecclesiastical council convened at this place last Wednesday and Thursday, by request of our church, and after solemn prayer pro- ceeded to examine and consecrate to the important and holy work of the ministry, and to the pastoral care of this church, your unworthy brother. The solemnity, the heart-affecting and cheering effects of the exercises, was such as I had not conceived and cannot now describe. Notwithstanding the weather was rainy and the mud deep, our meeting-house was nearly tilled with people from ihis and adjacent towns. The presesce of Dr. Kendrick, who took much pains to visit us and preached on the occasion, added to the inter- est of the day. He is now on his way to Hamilton. His sermon was truly appropriate, affecting and solemn. His text you will find in 1st Gor. iv, 5. We preach not ourselves, &c. The exercises I think I shall never for- get. O, that I may be enabled to ^ive fall proof of my ministry! Mother has had a long and tedions illness, but is now recovering and oversees her business. The family ar; all well. Nothing particularly new in our church or society. Brother Stukely thinks he may possibly visit you nc.\t June. It is possible too, if he does, that I may accompa- ny him. Sar:ih is anxious to see you and sister Wolcott; and if we do come, you may, as you observed to me Isst fall, " prepare for a real visitation." Remember mc to Mr. B. and all the children. Tell ihcm they have a new aunt Sarah who thinks and speaks much of them. i have no more time to write. I shall expect an an- swer soon. Ever your afl'ectionate A. L. COVELL." ALANSON L. COVELL. gy T-» . "Addison, 22d March 182q Dear and much loved Sarah .-Ano.her week has foil ery soot, our days will be numbered and fini,b«l H "npor,a„uhe „«.!„,, "work while .he da! L^.s ^ n.sY con,eth in wh.ch no „,an can work ' a^: beer rnucir concerned of lare about ,hc manner o? e, ? socreiy 1 m,gbt spend rr,}- whole time in vrsiiin- n. seven days in a wpelr ,„,i i . "'smng— or neither Were r mi ™ "^ """^ ^'" "l™"^ % "''"'' to devote a suitable portion of timp .„ rcpare or ■ „ Sabbath, to pray, and think ^.d , '„l " ndbdesthrsto spend a suitable portion in studvit' e B b e, exaunnrng authors on difierent subjects, au3 '" ■■">«'la"eou3 reading, it would occupy seven d'vs .ore ,ver, week. Should I vis,. „,y friends as oft™ as ^ on d be glad to, attend all the calls in diif re n. a e. ^r lee ures and risits ; attend ali our public nree J Tc 7" ";r'^*';^»^™ "'v.. more. This „,aU Tb'e^ ' er„rof^„ "''; '""^ '■'""■' '''""""^ '° "'<' <=»»■ «e thing, see,,, unportant; nay, they ate indi.pensa- partn,::;:?: '.'" "^''"^™ ""^^^' raitb,-u„!;:ry ^parmea. ofthr, great and extensive field of labor - E'icleavors have been made to do so,nethi,..r ,oI j, wTe y"r'::j"t- '"^" -^^-^-'^-To: very succ.s.iul. One cause of this failure rnav "ere IS as rnuci, skill needed in the division of time as ia I 'it\r' -m 68 MEMOIR OP dividing the Word, and as much depends on it. I have thought that should I ever be settled in regular man- ner of living, it would be duly to divide my laboi into different parts, and then proportion the time in each week accordingly. I do believe much may be gamed by living wholly by system; i. e. so far as is practicable. To live bv accident is to live to no purpose : and to do a little at every thing without any method, is to accomplish nothing. I havesuo-gested these thoughts to you, that you might make them^k subject of meditation; for I shall need and expect your assistance in dividing time, and especially luAmproving it in the most useful and agreeable man- ner May God grant us wisdom in all things. After I left our father's I rode to the ferry at Westport, without stopping to see any of the good folks At the ferrv 1 found Elder Stearns, and visited with him while we were crossing the Lake. I then rode to Addison before I stopped again. Arrived at Mr. Smith's at 7 o'clock in the evening. 1 was much fatigued, and my cold worse than it had been. I am, however, now, much better. The next day attended covenant meetmg. Iq consequence of the cold, and badness of the ridmg, but few of the church were present. We had a very agree- able meeting. It seemed to be really a time of umon and love. Next day attended communion. Almost the whole church came together. I preached from Gal. v., 14 Enioyed my mind much better and had more liberty in speaking than I expected. The Lcrd is often better to us than our expectations. I hope the impression the solemn services made on my mind rnay always last that I could keep constantly in mind the " dymg of the ^otJXch have a meeting this afternoon to make arrangements for us, or somebody, to live hereafter. I expect some will think and say one thing and some an- other Many feel very voor, and can scarcely see .ny ALAN30N L. COVELL. qq he were more so sZtl T' ?"'' ^""'^ ■>« gl'd if «.e children i;,aehafr.r"" "" ^''^'"'<" "> influence prevaii::reoi';r^;i1 "" T-''*"' I tope i. may. I ,„ stnsiWe flhT^ si LT^t-?' ure, it will be almost fatal t„ ,h, ^'^ .^'"'"'^ ^^ a faii- 0, let «s pray thr.God may /erS? "' ''" •=""'=*• the hearts of the peoDle toMm ^ "'"''' """» to reproach. ^^ ^""' ""' ^"^ "»' '"« heritage People in Addison and evpnrnr^o,o „i of «.e when I am to comLreX :.. IT^f"' are coming to Addison, whether vo!, In ' ? ^"^ •he ground settles or notranda Jet manvT ^''""' ries of a similar kind. I lometim" am Itf II T' for an answer. But I commonly tell Them that I ,I„ ! f xr :^mTUTh::::fg— ^^^^^^ rrrV"'f ^° °"^' "^«P before wlr'n &c I do There are too many who would be Mad to hi™ " 2 "-J 'heir families creep, whtle t^y'"^:! ™X" .n/ 1 °T'' ""• ''^- ^''^^ » ^Pi"' ought , °o be ti^^ri-cf'-^rir^hrtr^-^^ "This purchase will be explained in thei;;;;^^ ^' 5* 70 MEMOIR OF further. You know I am apt to express ray thoughts Arithout reserve. My best love to oar dear parents, and sister Elmira. Your most afFeclionate friend and husband, A. L. COVELL. Mrs. S. J. Covell. (C Addison, May 5th, 1S28. My dear sister:— Your very welcome letter I this day reeeived. Sincerely thankful I am that I receive more letters -from you than from any other friend on earth. When first I opened your letter, I was pained with the reflection that during the length of time which had elaps- ed since I wrote you, I had received only one letter from any of my connexions. But all this only rendered yours more acceptable and prepared me the better to receive the intelligence it contained. You are surprised that I did not write you again. This 1 often intended to do, and have been prevented by numerous calls and by the ex- pectation every weeli that I should hear from you. Could I have had any knowledge of your sickness I would have wrhten without delay. I am happy to hear you are recov- eriu'^ your health again, and hope your health and com- fort may long be precious in the sight of him who " holds our souU in life." I am afraid, my dear sister, you have become too much settled in a state of melancholy and gioomy despondency. I do not know what those "nu- merous disappointments, some great and some small,"' which you mention may have been, and what influence ihey may unavoidably have had m producing etfects so unhappy. Could 1 know more of them I might perhaps be better prepared to sympathize with you, to pray for and comfort you. O that I could see and converse with you I 1 could converse, but 1 do not know how to write. I camiot describe the sensations of my mind while read- in^ your letter. It i? a source of peculiar consolation lu ALANSON L. COVELL. 73, will provide a wa^^^J ^uf e Lpf ' ^"l ™"'' '"^ '''^' privilege, how .rreat il,e hi. f^ . ' '""^ ^reat i],e Him in"ou. nffli::: , t^rprretT"''"'^'-""^" Iron, .he troubles of life OuM , "° " "'='■"='' del,ve.. Ma, you fi'L.^ h ^ \t: ir.l:': 7 we shall doublless wi.h the whole creaZ ' '^'' ;;.w. Beeaus:r:::aru::ta?,t mts: -r:foinfh:;rt,f:r"^^"""^^^^^ well endure." '^ "'' *"«' "'I' "-'^l* ^IoIIZ^^'t:;^^ •'■'"■'""' ^"" '"^"-'""^ -^ s,ioomiDess. 1 Ins -neves me. For who is ir that i e.h me glad save her who is made sor ^7 J,e "^ Zt your sorrow iu ,his may iiereafter be turn, m,!," • ? will not be taken from you It I' „„ "'° "^' """ ^uu. IE 1^ not, I am sure rvk-pv CHAKGE that IS for the better v'Pf mon, u ^"'^^' ^^'^^^ I hope the recent chan'r!' ^ '^'"^'' ''''' ^"^ you allude ma e : Ttl'st "''1^ '' '''''' wm,ittoLamon,t^^^:^ j::::,:^^^^^^ together for good. " ^'^^'^ ^^^^"^ Your -almost worshiped calculation"*^ which vou At least I do not consuier my circunraances any more npropu.ous to such an undertaking than they have ev hth tr'^T ^^^'--^'-' nor the mean b which I shall visit the consecrated ground that contain. f »-.- you ha:e^Tp:::;d,i~~\T;:; !!l!!f^^::iwa_y -joicing towards the sacrli .,;! IV^l 'Our contemplated ;irima-e - o.- rJiTITrr":" 72 MEMOIR OP Pi our minds so often are. And who knows but the sister you have never seen, may cheer your mind amidst the ^ lengthened way," and shed with you the tear of sym- pathy and affection over the grave of an unseen father? Whenever circumstances render it possible I shall attempt the journey, and hope in the wise direction of Provi- dence you and Sarah may both accompany me. It will doubtless re good for us both to hope and patiently wait tor the accamplishment of our "favorite purpose." May 5U.;. I did not finish my letter last evening, be- ing much fatigued with the exercises of the day, having to attend a funeral besides the services of the meeting- house. One of our neighbors interred a son about eight years old. To them his loss is a severe affliction. I hop3 it may work lor their good. We have been frequently visited in our neighborhood of late with sickness and death. Several have gone from Addison to the world of spirits. How soon this "one event" may and will happen to us all. I sometimes contemplate the hour of death with a degree of pleasure : but very seldom ccn adopt the language of your letter and say, " I long to go." Yet t doubt not but the soul may be so weaned from things earthly, so tired with disap- pointments and cares, and so attracted by things divine, that it may long to go to its eternal rest. God will eventually grant this desire, and all his humble saints who have passed through great tribulation wiL rest from all their labors and be ever with the Lord. Sarah would write you, agreeably to your request, was she here. But she is now at Charlotte. Her health is not very good. The rest of the family were well a short lime since. We have not commenced house-keep- ing yet, and do not certainly know when we shall. Oui society are about purchasing a place and building a house for us ; and whenever they have made all things ready, we shall forthwith go in and possess and try to ecjoy it. ■•*«; ■■■■'■ ".'■f-'^yr'T^ ALANSON L. COVELL. 73 I wish you to write me immediatelj- if you can and r will then inform you whether wp U, ■ , ' My love to all. '"" "'" >""' "^ ■><«• Your most affectionate broth er. Mrs. D.C.Brown. Alanson. , . mUislon, Dec. 20, 1828; My dear s.ster:_When I last wrote you, various cir- camstances prevented me from writing as particularly a, radrriA,,'"'""'"' """^P^' -Vi-J-oliearlha' hdl ft Addison, and had so essentially and so sud- denly chansed my course of duty. Whether I was ri-^ht m taking the course I did, in leaving the church at Ad dison shall not presume to say. I an, conscious, hoi ev r, of endeavoring to do that which would eventuaTe in the greatest good to myself and others. My arran'l meats were not sudden or unexpected to myseff, lou^h tdey might have appeared so to otiiers. I had through f ^"""-"/evolved the subject in my o,v„ mi a°nd sked the advice of a few confidential and exper nLd "ends. Soon as I had become settled in my own mTnd made my intentions known to the church' and asked from .hem a dismission, in agreement with the en'te men which I had made with them. They wuS The grea^st reluctance granted a request which could not be denied, and directed the Clerk to give me a leitpr Tr ism^sion and commendation, whene^ve: .XumC It. They had hopes of my return to them after a few month, and accordingly nave commenced makt: prep! ~^ "'' "^^".""-=-"-e-*e. Ihave'„ra. cT„ re I !I <=^P^"'="'°''. °f --^'"rning to them. The coarse I am now pursuing is far more in accordance ^IZjrV' T'' ".' ""'^ ■""« congeniaUo my mclination. You know the desire I have ever had of understandins the lansuatres in whici- th- -Tm 74 MEMOIR OP originally written. I have now a fair prospect of obtain- ing this object. I have commenced the study of the Greek, and have acquired so much knowledge of the Grammar as to be able to read and parse a chapter in a day. My instructor thinks 1 have every reason to be encouraged, and takes unusual pains to explain the first principles of the language, and to make my course both accurate and agreeable. From the little that I have already read in the New Testament, I am convinced that my lime is very profitably spent. New ideas are con- stantly opening in every chapter which I read. By linding every word in the Lexicon, parsing every sen- tence, and interpreting or translating the whole into English, the sentiments are thoroughly considered and forcibly impressed on my mind, and I think often are sweet to my soul. Do not think from this that I am vain enough to think I have a 'perfect understanding of what I read, which is far indeed from being so, but only that the more I read and examine, the more I see to ad- mire and love. I have to-day finished the 14lh chapter of Matthew. Shall now continue in course through the four Gospels. You will be informed of my progress hereafter, whenever I write you. I am preaching every Sabbath with the church in Hinesburgh, 8 miles from here. My acquaintance with this church has been quite interesting. My weekly vis- its with them are seasons of very peculiar pleasure to me. Sometimes when I try to preach to them the un- searchable riches of Christ, my soul rejoices in the work, and I thank God and take courage. At other times I am in darkness, and in heaviness, longing for the light of his countenance. I think 1 can say in truth, that I have this winter had more desires to be useful in the church of God, and to be faithful and successful in the work of the ministry, than Ji have ever had before. My ALANSON 1.. COVELL. 75 soul i3 ma cAen wich inexpressible desires fur .he sal- va.,0. of lost me,,. O, l.uw I sl.ould rejoic, Sd it -n a. „.e..„r„„ »:;::! "sir:;,- e":,:;;-'' Lord, revive thy work ' "lUers.— Our friends a. Charlce were all well, two weeks since Mr Covell spends .he win.er with her pare. .' r,!; heai.hrsvery good. The Lord i„ grea. kind e'^s is n-ored me wi.h unusual good health .his w „,e I , board.ug ,a a very agreeable and kind familv, . d a ;a7.hr:,:r " '" ""'"^ which I desire. -Iho e and pray mat all these mere es mnxr rr.oU, ■ \r , "icities may make me a better man heaven. ^ glorious rest in Your ever affectionate brother, Mrs. D. C. Brown. Alanson. «/' "^rt!:;",; •'""■^''^f ^^^- ^oveH, ,ha. he lack- u (/fco.on, but ihis was not so. He ever paid .rr.nt e rence .„ ,„e feelin^^s and opinions of his friends'and .0 those whom he •considered his superiors, and wolt "a. un.re,„en.ly, .emporarily concede .o ,h „ bv ,™ 1 prov.ngwhc.her theirs was .he ".^re excel en. waV and whenever he found this result he wa pror^ nT,' acknowledge i., but rarely indeed was .1, sT as L.e.he deep rooted oak, whose branches onlv bow .o >he power of .he migh.y wind as it lis.e.h onu.arj l" «s no ,0 be removed from his own s.eadfas.ness ' . general he was not has.y i„ coming .o a decision and 2' ^dy .0 yield dispassiona.e al.en.ion o w a'.eTe' "Hghtbe presented upon .he ma-.er pending; but when ace convnced of .he proprie.y of a subjec.lr measure! as has been said, he remained sleadfast a„,l „ ,,,, 76 MEMOIR OP in purpose, however long he might have to wait for its accomplishraeni. Something of this is disceTnn>^le in the letters already introduced. When he reliiv hed the idea of going to Hamilton Institution, he merely leld- ed to the combined force of several circumstances. He had ever retained the intention of improving the first op- portunity for farther study, should opportunity ever oc- cur. This was one cause of his making the engagemeni with the r-ople in Adrlison, in the manner he did, viz: for so long only, as God in his providence should make it apparent that the engagement was mutually beneficial. His stay with them had been pleasant. God had given him souls as seals of his ministry, and blessed the church with union and peace, his unwearied labor had not been in vain. He had awakened a desire, instituted and encouraged measures, for the advancement of relig- ious knowledge. The slate of his church n |congrega- tion was , improving, and with grateful aaoration, be blessed the Lord for all h. benefits. And now to be the better qualified; to render according to the benefits shown, he felt the need of farther improvement for himself. He had given up the hope of a collegiate course, but had never relinquisiied ' - = tention of availing himself of all tl opportunities o. .duing to his stock of knowledge, wMch Provider light alibrd him. And here was now an opening as Have en. He continued to preach at Hinesburgh on the b. ith, aid pursue his classical studies through the week a' 'illiston, several months. Fr^ m a let. r to his t er, dated July, 1829, we learn tha he "had been reduced quite low by sickness, but was then nea ly recovered." Also iho He had received ai urgent request from the church at Hin- burgh to be- ef ne their pastor. A communication wrs* en soon after to "Mrs. Covell will show that he condiuonally acceded to their wishes. He says to her, it is now e'-tain that ALANSON I,. OOVELL. 77 Hinesburgh wjll be out home until we may think it our toy to remove to another. . have no. engaged t^ Z church for any part.culur time, but only for so Fong as we shall be agreed m uniting our exertions to maintain the cause among then,. Tl,ere are some circumstances wh eh are favorable, some others not as I could wish. 0„ tt whole, I fee. encouraged, and delermiued by Divine as' ..stance to make an effort to do good in the place. I «o forward "m weakness and fear and much tremblin,'' B tltntendt, exc mvself to the utmost to promo t°he U 1 y^ ^*^'- ^^j ™y t^ear, nrav that CJo may succeed the exertions which „e ,„a b ™h J kj fortlie furtherance of his kingdom. O, n .v we soTv!. ^a. .t shall be said to each of us, " thoi Ls J „S: Jul over a few things." -^^juim In November following he made a short visit with tends ,n Cheshire and Pownal, and wrote to his sis er Brown .mmediately after his return j from the letter we earact the following: 'i- leiier we ■'The Minister's Conference of which I spoke to you I attended aecordmg to appointment. Our meeting, was cnnsually harmonious, interesting and useful. One feel- ing seemed to pervade every mind-a conviction of the magmtude the tnfini.e moment, and the responsibility of ^e work ,„ wh,ch we were engaged. The duty and easureofbcng mutual helpers, and the imperioL ne- ^ s,ty of increased zeal and effort for the promotion of «h and the salvation of men, deeply impressed every lea .n the town where we held our meelin<^, a <.ood work,,, fencing. There have been several iLsl^cs of recent conversion." Again to the same : „ J Hinesburgh, 13th January, 1830. My dear sister;- Yours was received 1»« ...„:— T 3. ii:!*' W '^r mM' 78 MEMOIR OF thank you very mucU (or it. 1 was intemling to write again, fearing that my hist had not readied you, or tliat sicl-.ftcss in your family prevented you from writing. For two weeks I have heen so hoarse as to he nearly speeclile&s, and so unwell as to he nearly useless. At present I am much better. E. is very highly favored indeed. I have thought much of her since I saw her, and feel unusually happy to hear of her restoration to usual health. I hope she may he very careful of her health. " Man in his best estate is vanity,"--or a con- stilution the most healthy and vigorous is very easily destroyed: and certainly those of feebler powers should be admonished to carefulness. I hope the certainly that all life's usefulness and comfort is held by a feeble tenure will induce her to use every measure to preserve her health. [O that he had taken this kind admonition to himself.] 1 am not disappointed, though 1 am sorry to hear that Mr. Johnson is about to lefive you. If you see him soon. please to present him njy ailectionate regards and best wishes for his future prosperity. Is there a probability that Mr. Crreen will settle with you ? I liave heard nothing direclly from Brooklyn. The Gentleman who first wrote me on the subject, has writ- ten again, informing me that he had written to the church in Brooklyn, and that 1 might expect to hear from them in February. I feel but very little anxiety in regard to it, If I rfjceive a call from them T shall probably go and vis- it them. All this apart, there is but little probability that I shall continue in this country but a few years longer.— There are reasons existing in my own mind, which will justify me in removing. I do not however wish to act precipitately. The prudent man understands his way ;— and I suppose the understanding of the prudent can be obtained only by deliberate attention to all the circum- ALANSON L. COVELL. 79 stances which conrpm i,a a I pauchecl „,Ve,v YearNseL", •„'"'"'' ^"""^ large, aUoniive and solemn M^' , "'"""''''' '^"^ »»« or ,i,„e. 1. Cor 9 09 ^LTc'T "■" ""■ '■'""• en' year with his Jun;; ' ""'' "•"' """» "^ P'"" will eiicouraie tlicni to ,vr;,„ i- , "'^"^ y"" u» all very .,uc „ led , "l^;""'- " "'" P'^^^= oeive u line fro,, I v n I ^ "''' ""■'"' ''""W 'o '- Un iookedl 'a d'otr wX. ™''; ^'^'™^" "• '^ Almost anvihin-. wI,;»k i ""-M'^-si nuere^it.— -■'. your «rs, a„e™p. :n^ti^:'r ,:":^ I'ope you wm't e ; ;r:„rot';,f ^ '"""■^•. ^ I' ™r gra„d-ma and au„t i,^ CI, «, e Til™' '""""'' I ;;^ and ver, i.,or.. S:t':„ J ~^^ •■"PPy to wme you hereafter. I very eordiaMy remia ,1! 30 MEMOIR OF your affectionate regards, and hope before very long, to see you as you desire. Affectionately yours, Alanson L. Covell. Mr. Win. R. Brown. You will see Clarissa that I have but a very little room to write you. But still I feel a very great regard for you. You have been very kind in writing to your grand-ma. I shall see her soon and carry it to her.- Nothing is more becoming in young children than kind attentions to their aged relatives. I hope, my dear girl, that God will be your portion in youth and in old age.— Your affectionate uncle, A. L. C. Extract from a letter to Mrs. Covell, dated March 8, 1830: My dear Sarah :— I very much regret that we must be again separated for several weeks. The days will seem long and I shall constantly pray and hope, that the time may soon arrive, when we shall meet to enjoy a fermor nence of social delight and of christian love. I am happy that I can write you a few lines this morning, but I should be much more so, could I write any thing that could make you happy. It is an encouraging thought that you have a iriend whose love for you infinitely ex- ceeds mine, who has made " exceeding great and pre- cious promises," and given indisputable assurance of his faithfulness. Yesterday I preached twice. Lecture last evening. Very much fatigued last night and this morning. I shall preach no more lectures till my health is restored. At our church meeting last Saturday, I introduced the subject of a dismission. The church thought they weu unprepared to give me an answer— wished a short time for consideration themselves, and conversation with me. We shall have a special meeting soon, to conclude the subject. I shall then make a formal resignation of all they have committed to me, and ask a letter of dismission ALAN30N L. COVELL. 81 and commendation. You will hear from me if any change occurs soon. My love to all the family. Affectionately yours, TT - . A. L. CoVELL. He obtained the desired « letter of dismission and commendation " but did not regain his health. Hia hoarseness and debility of lungs increased. He received die expected invitation from Brooklyn, and accompa" Id byMrs.Covellwent down the beautiful Hudson 'at the opening of navigation and made the desired visit. But the climate there was still worse for him than that at the north, on account of the greater humidity of the atmos- phere. He preached but very little while there, and that with extreme difficulty. His voice so failed, thLt it cost him much effort and distress even to converse with friends. His tarry on the interesting Island where Brooklyn is situated was notiong. On his return, ne visited his two sisters so isolate from all the other members of the family. Their joy m receiving him, and the dster they had never before seen was turned to ^orruw on beholding his con- dition. Pale, dark, thin, aad mostly silent, was the brother of their love. Need I say more ? He returned to his mother's house, and I believe it was nearly three months before he was abl« to re-commence preachin-. He never regained the measure of health and power of roice he had previously enjoyed. His voice had been one of unusual volume and clearness. Those only who have enjoyed the privilege of proclaiming a Savior to a ruined world, and who like him have been made to suspend the exalted theme, can fully appreciate his feehngs. The following letter will show a more aus- picious change in his condition. Rockingham, August 7, 1830. Hy dear sister :-I regret that circumstances again compel me to say that I can only give you a short and ■' < ^ > *■ H V t£ J. 'ii 82 MEMOIR OP hasty letter. When I last wrote you I intended soon to till a whole sheet to you. But you know, my dear sister, how often our intentions to do well are prevented by circumstances beyond our control. I tarried with our friends in Charlotte and Essex four weeks after returning from the south. About that time I was solicited by the Board of Directors of the Vt. Baptist Stale Convention, to travel as an agent in a part of Windsor and Windham counties, lo originate and organize Missionary Societies. As this would require more travelling and less preaching than anything I could do at present, I accepted the appointment, and immedi- ately left home on the business of my agency. I tiio't I should have written you immediately after arriving at the scene of my labors, but an uninterrupted succession of calls, from one town to another, has prevented me till now. I have this morning a few hours in which I must write lo you, sister Wolcott, to Julia, and to my dear Sarah. It is nearly four weeks since I left home. I have received one letter from Sarah. Our friends in boti families are in usual health. My own health has been improving since 1 was at your house. I commenced preaching when I left home. Since I have been engaged iu my agency, I have really felt that every day I wa^ ''waxing stronger and stronger." Around these mount- ains there is the most pure and exhilarating atmosphere, which is most favorable to my lungs. I could not have taken a course more propitiously adapted to my present state of health than ibat in which I am engaged. I have been received v/ith great cordiality and kindness by tl.e churches, and have been successful in accomplishing lie business of the Board, beyond their expectations or mine. 1 find many very agreeable and important pastoral vacan- cies in this part of the State, to two of which I havo been mvited. My present engagements prevent the fori j- ^''^NSON L. C07ELL. gg atioa of any, except p verv hri^f a line fr„™ Dr/Ke^d" ^S^r'T ■'""''^'' several „es,itute churches Lar hi™ ll°T' ""' "' very inntins fields oflabor fnr . ' • ■• P''<'s<='"ed ™.ovisi,Ha«,ii,o„ befo^u :,,":„?:• ''^"'^"- gagement. I «,-„,, „„„ (hatl.Li. ^'^"'"''"™'^"- been made to him by the Gen^r,! a ^W''=''"ion has Baptist State ConveL „, tru, f " ■"' "" '''•'^'°- •ravel in that State. 0„e afj T'' '"'"'"^'•s to 'ion, another as an agen foTa " rPr' ?' 't"' ^°"^^''- »vo as missionaries! He thiS, v'T' P.'^Wication, aud •te cold season a, the Sou hr "'''''''' '" ^P^» Your ever affectionate brother, Mrs. D. C. Brown Alanson L. Covell '»t.fasi:^;rtt"^';:;r'-'^"-n^ '»iver. = " ^««'''« to lis utiha,,,,y „- Yours with a ,vhole heart. To the same. ■*• ^- ^• My dear sister:_Your vorvf^f f"' °"=- •*' ^S30. feen answered sooner. WieT I, '';°"='" '° ''='"'^ l^vinj C|.,rlot.c for thi, 1 c" l"'," "' ' ""' '>''"« «" an invitation from the Bo 'tis T T'^''^^ '^"i- '!'«"' '(.rough the win tr " d f ""? "° l"^"^'' "'"' ^'■""l" be mutually 4ea '," ™"" ""^. '^ " '"" engaged to bo LtU^tt -' '"" "'""'= "^ «l'!r g^- ^S'vcn time, before! * i*.i ../^ m ^mmM^ 84 MEMOIR OP received your letter. I was unavoidably prevemed from leaving home as soon as I wished, and my engagement here was such as made it impracticable to visit you on our way here. I did not arrive so soon as I had been expected, after all. We are however here. Our jour- ney was very fatiguing, especially to Mrs. Covell. She has been quite ill since our arrival but is now better. Our condition here for the present is comfortable ; pros- pects for the future not flattering. We board with a kind family, have a pleasant chamber very well furnished. I have made no engagement yet, for a longer time than three months. Whether I shall is not certam. The general feeling and manners [of the people here are dif- ferent from those in Vermont. From the little I have seen, I conclude the customs of churches and ministers are different in some unimportant things. I say they are unimportant, and yet these are the very things which often have most influence over our feelings, because they are constantly occurring and constantly felt, and there- fore are more cfTective than a few important considera- tions to promote or prevent our happiness, to mspi-e our purposes, govern oui conduct and decide our destiny. ****** There is a great revival of religion in Hamilton. Pro- fessor Sears of the Institution who is now preaching to the church, has baptized a great number. Additions have also been mado to the Presbyterian church. There are some indications of a revival in Madison. Two or three have recently obtained hopes and others appear very thoughtful. You will accept for yourself, Mrs. Brown and th? children, assurances of affectionate regard, from your brother, Alanson L. Covell. Another letter of March 28, 1831, to the same sister informs that ho had again bccp vjslicd with affliction- ALANSON L. COVELL. 85 Mrs. Covell havinf* hppn v^r„ • i Madison and was °heaT„ Whl, K ""J ^' ^'^ '»''' vHlage fo„r miles wes! of ult'dT,''/ "'""'" prospector,.. ...i„i„,,,J:-;l't"-J-.. Again to the same: f^VuVe^iorowg-^, Ausust 13, 1831 My dear sister r-Your letter was re^eivprl . . / la^ appy to hear fro. you a^.^^t'^J^'l^- was of some consequence to you, because it wouhl h a reply, you shall without delay be favored whht ""^ return. lam glad to learn you are to T '' ^^^"^ appointed one to commence the 5.h in7 Dr ^ ^^ ^T chuteh have had a meetin, wLeh ;,e?';Sf d.t Fifty, U was hoped, were converted durin. li^l,^ *'• and others have been since. He ha fan, V TT^' thirty. ^^ baptized above Professor Whitman was married to Miss iv.vi, i , week. This is about all the news I cafth „t of '' '''' yon. I know very well the narrative o^recen, n ""'*" es is not all which gives interest ,n '''"°""='='"'-«nc- Yetyon know .his d^eswrrter"""' '"'"'• to correspondence, and i^ always ,he:;'s^l3;-;:'trr odier omission.. Besides, it requires on y a si "h? r "^ of memory to inform of passi'n, even.I, w S'a't greater effort is necessary to fill a sheet wihoriJa ought and sentiment. A facility i„ ,Ms last par, X a my opinion, constitutes the most hapnv Lrntf ' etter writing. Now I do not make theSptli: this skill in correspondence. When, therefor ? ■W concluded a statement of all the facts ? intend' to ?! fj' '' '•%•% 86 MEMOIR OF communicate, I find it very difficult to proceed-except to say, "yours affectionately," or something like it* You will not, then, I suppose, expect much in the re- mainder of my sheet which will pay you for the perusal. I am glad you have visited sister Wolcott. Did she converse with you on the subject of collecting materials for a biography of our lamented father? Has she writ- ten to Mr. Morse for the papers in his possession? We should all be very glad indeed to see them— whether any ihinJT should be published from them or not. I hope she or yourself will write Mr. Morse on the subject. I woukl write to him myself, but I do not know him, or the place of his residence. I hope I shall hear from you again soon. With usual remembrances, Your brotherj A. L. COVELL. To the same : WhUeshoro\ Oct. 22, 1831. My dear sister:-! hope you will not attribute ray delay in answering vour last, to any want of aUention to It, or want of desire for a frequent interchange of letters. I have for a few weeks been reaUy so occupied in one way and another, as to find very Uttle time indeed for writing or reflection. While Sa.ul vas sick, I spent ray time entirely with her. After hei recovery we were gone fiom our society a good deal, and our folks begaa I'd be quite impatient for more lectures and vUits, «SiC.— Some were even quite dissatisfied, and though^ I tpent less time among them than I ought. For two fc^vS previous to this, I have been constantly engaged in visit- ing and preachinr^. This week I have suspended all to ac'company Sarah a part of her journey home. I re- turned yesterda y morning, havin g b een gone four days, " Mii this, as iu many inbtauces,hc is manifestly too sevcifo upon himself. ALANSON L. COVELL. 87 SabbatlK I had recently beea gone one Sabbath oVa i"ab.r„:XtL '""'', "°"^'"'"''' " •'— -^« piauie, now that I may with more satisfnrt.Vm t« .k nexl sprin. .pend „ few weeks in v , f I" ':„ '■:'"; fnends a. ,he nonh, and in Cheshire. So I must t v L "ts7" nf r",'™'^" - I -n this win ir ' Mrs Covell's health was poor when she lefi though much improved from what it had been. She enZed •he journey to Troy quite as well as we eTec "d A break ,n the canal interrupted our ride in le boa. a1 WednesdaT 1 n^'" " "?"'"" ^"'''^ ''"^ Whitehall, .™.berassoonl:ti4':;:■^.S:L rLt:r I feel the loss of her society oery uuck. I expected , J n all other things, experience teaches us vastly more nan everythtng else. I hope however that our uLn"^ ."en mny prove beneficial to Sarah. Her morhe Tl Kneht ol her care one wmter more. If here we shonl,1 e out a great deal in the cold and often t„ ^^ wh h »reat while we may have a home of our own « But r ave sister, al,no.i aono hoping for much of h.pptss ne at t"' u ""''''" '""^ ' <■"'' ^ "isposition'o! !;i!li^!-!!:!j!!!!!^!!!ljl:^^^^ vet I have seen ' Thoy had never yet kc; t house, but L.oarded out. '»■ m n 88 MEMOIR or enough of life and of men, lo convince me that the earth is cursed for man's sake, and that in sorrow he must dwell upon it all the days of his life. My thoughts have lately been more upon the clianges and miseries of this life, and the reasons we have to hope for a happier and immortal stale, than usual. I do certainly think an in- telligent and pious expectation of a happy immortality is the richest boon of heaven. What is -^ur existence without it ? What can cheer the heart oi him who really expects lo die, and perish like the brute? But with this hope of living forever— of being hereafier exempted from sin and suffering, and conlirmed in holiness and felicity —how desirable is our exixtence, how high and glorious our deslliiy ! O, it is infinite benevolence in the great Author of our being and of our redemption, to give us full assurance of the fact, that we are immortal. Shall we, my dear sister, shall loe, after a few years of change and sorrow here, be admitted lo a happier state? Shall we have more perfect and adoring views of Him whose "goings forth have been from everlasting?'' Shall we see as he is, the glorious being who delivers us from sin, and will at last redeem us from the grave ? Shall we with millions and millions of happy, exalted crea- tures, enjoy forever an inierchange of holy and congen- ial sentiment? Is not this enough to remove all our despondings of heart? Why should we be dismayed at ihe tiials of 'nhis present lime?" They are really "unworthy to be compared v;ith the glory which will be revealed in us." Let us cheer up our spirits, and amid all the ills of life "bate not a jot of heart or hope," knowing in whom we have believed. He will keep what we commit to him till that day. I thank you for your account of your protracted meet- ing. I should be very glad to hear the result of ihe other which followed it. Give me all the news you can. 1 ALANSON L. C V E L L. 89 hope Sally w,ll be successful in soliciting Elder Morse for our father's papers. We ought to have had them long ago. Do not fail to write very soon and very often. You knovv I shall need your letters very n.uch this win- ter. I will try to be punctual in answering them. Give my love to each one of the chUdren and to Mr. Brown. Youraflectionate brother, Mrs. D. C. Brown. ^^^^^on L. Covell. To the same: Whilesboro, Nov. 29, 1831. Mydearsis,er:-Yourlet.er dated .ho 13,1,, was re- cewed m due time, and would have received an earlier answer had my lime not been much oecuj.icd of late ia pastoral duties. Our folt, .hi„k i ,,,„ „„^|„. , „^^ keep me a home, and n.ako a great .nany ..^^^Jo. vists and ectares. I have endeavored to gratify ,hm with a b"d 'T , ' It "'=="■ '"■ ^"y »-'» " wuh a bad cold, which has often made it very difficult 10 preach I am now very nearly well of this. I should be very happy ,„deed could I inform you that all oM evemn. meettnss were such as you have described you" «o be. No unusual i..dications of better days exist a" present ,n our society. I baptized five at our last com- munion. God grant the revival may long continue with Ihle^e nf"""' P""""'^«' »i>»So i" the religion* Ed r M M '■™'-.™'^';''"»"y- I »ni glad to hear that Messed m ihe Lord. You will oblige me very much to remem er me affectionately to him, Ivhen vou'nex s e him. Protracted meeiinss are as frequent in this vicinf- ty as they were m the summer. I have attended two withm a few weeks. Wc have had none here yet. W. probably shall have this winter » « * * . I I M0» R OF M my other things I meant to have written in answer to your, 'hi^'h relates to the ovi al i ' " d rusty pro- fessi rs." I hi.ve only rooui to m) thai my wisJies ^tq the same as yours, though I fear my heart is not as penitent. If not an ''old," I am a very *' rusty" pro- fessor, and need to be re-quickc? jd. l^ou will pray for me. Give my love to your husband an^ 'lildren, and believe me Ever you. affectionate brother, Al \NSON L. COVELL. Mrs. D. C. Brown. To the same : \lUteshoro\ March 2, 1832. My dear sister: — I will no longer deny myself the pleasure of saying I am grateful for your last, which was duly received. I had long expected it, and had several times been on the poll' of writing to enquire if you were not sink. 7 is I should have done, had I not been called stway lu p a-aeted meetin^'^ o much that I have hardly found ti: 3 to read the lett^ have received. For two or il 'e weeks my time ha. ivn still more occupied at home. We have now some revival here. I have to go from house to house, night and day, to sec and help those who are mourning for tlitir offences against God, those Avho are equally pained for their awful backslidings from the Savior, and those who hope in his mercy and are trying to learn their duty. This work is as fatiguing and exhausting, as it is pleasant and uninterrupted.— About 20 have embraced religion. Many of them are members of Presbyterian families, but having been awakened in our meetings they make the same do nand upon my attentions that any others do. The revival commenced in our proiractcd meeting, which commenced the first week in last month, and continued nine days.— Our church are quite awakened to a sense of their obli- A L ANSO N L. gafions; our nieetin CO VELL 91 prospect b,.fore us is murbrHuerlr'r"' .""'^ '^' do noe think however than ther^ L \"v Tr f; ._^ called a general ir hearts are yet what ought to be not be. revival, and I fear there will noi dp Presbyterian :iLokZ\ZWl ' " !'"^' "^"^ in Whitesboro', which U^^ZZX^a " TT'"" .nany are convinced oC .heir evil wavt . ' '"'' ancient jailor "Sirs J ! .'^ ' ^"'' "^ "'"' ""^ Mr. Galusha has :;:' ^r" ' '" '" '^ •"^^'■'"- ^ouBii peace in beiievL ""'"=' *"""' h^^e Asitnil'ar state of i'feX"'"' 7",?" ='^™''-^''- in our county. ° ' " ""''>' ^" "« churches I Imve but a moment this morning ,o write n„ Jon the brevity, and receive it as a ,okel „r , ■""■; would !,ave written, not as the a« of vl I fe f! "' ' and your dear family. * * ^^^'^^ l«el^for you Your affectionate brother, Mrs. D. C. Brown. ^' ^' Novell. To the same, April 7, heliys : ' 1 am no less enffaf^cd in mcf/M-^i i . , '« wrote you. , U..I bu tv '" ,e ul 't!" "'?■ ' my studv, eUe I ^hnnl.i i '^ ^P^"^ in «ol. TLreis ,0 a rnxrr'^''"'"" ''"''' feclin. produced by a e re" varTn""™ "' '"" Saged in talking about bantilm " d 1 "'' ""'^ ™- ^ome think onelhin/andrrofh:^°^Afr:rery 'l™g IS said, good and bad, true and fal „ T, ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ij.. < 1.0 I.I 1.25 (^ 1^ III 2.2 It I^ 12.0 11= U IIIIII.6 V] /I ^l 'm «^c^ % > % y Photographic Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 873-4503 41^ ^ 'V- ^°^. ^^ i/.x f 92 MEMOIR OP h» was to be blamed. My lot in this respect is much he was to oe ^^^ acknowledge easier "'="'''>"' ;fjJ'^No„„e calls it in question. The tamerstontobevald^ NO ^^^^^^^ „„,)ihatthe „„ y plea .3 (and that a m ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^.^^^ ^^^^ ordinance .s not ~ » ^^^„ ^^p^i,,^ ia ^cr:^te!;;:t^o.be.o— .andothe. soon. Ten or twelve have joined by letter. To the same : ^_ „,Aa,,6„,„', April IS, 1832. •.„,.! have onlv one moment which I can My dear stster -I have onjy ^^ ,„ ^^^ devote to this letter , anc. this ^_^ that by Divine P«»7'°»_l"f^ j laU lenve home Wednesday the second day of May J sh - r .1:e^rrh;vTrnrn:^'n1e: some unhapp; you by the time 1 nave . m^ for me event arrests ^ »"''^, ,\' "Th/reason of this I wiU ,0 stay more than one n'S' '• J'"' ^= ^y heaUh PTnlain to vou more fally, when 1 see you , TvS good, though I a»>-i.htve,, m„,i f.^ e^, ""'T^^cfsS \'XEhtmica, to_ 1 rlin" 1 one to Sally, requesting her to meet .. raornm,. n ^^^ ^^ yourself. acyourboase. My love to j ^^^^^^N L. Coveli. The contemplated short visit was made, being a di- The CO. ump ^^.^ ^^.^^^^ ^^ j^^ „„„,,, gression '"^^^"^In home. From a letter to bis :-te;t::,TNo^.\2,m., we take tire foUowin. «M, dear sister :-When I received your last.Id, .JtlJl that so long a time shouU .aPse befo.^^^ answered it. U was put iiuo "•Vj-^^^^Le almost going to a protracted ^-"""l^/j'^^gsTathe vicinity, jjie whole time since, to similar nieeuuoa ALANSON L. C V E L L . 93 This, with several extra church meetings at home, and more than the usual proportion of funerals has left me very little time indeed for anything else. I find as oae year succeeds to another, the duties of a pastor become more numerous and arduous. I used to find far more lime for leisure and improvement than I can at present. Certain it is that there "remaineth a rest for the people of Godj" and happy indeed it is for us, if in this state of anxiety and toil, we are sustained by the hope of it. ********** I found but little at Charlotte for a Memoir of our father. Mother told me that the subject of a Memoir was very much talked of at the time of his death, that there were materials enough for a volume which might have been easily procured, but it was not done— that the n.aterials uhich might then have been collected were now lost : that his writings had been lent or given to one and another of his friends, so that she could not now kQow where to inquire for them. Do your knoAV whether sister Woicott has written Elder Morse on the subject?" To the same : » " JV/iilesboro\ Jan. 21, 1S33. My dear sister:— I received your last just as I was leaving home to attend a protracted meeting. I have been from home most of the time since. I have recently made a new engagement with the people here. I have engaged to settle with them per- manently, as their pastor, or at the least for five years. They have raised my salary to ^i;500. This will give us a little more certainty for the future, than we have had for a few years past, and a little increase our means I of living more as we desire. We intend to commence house keeping in the spring. * * * There are so many ways for us to be disappointed in jour safest calculations^ that I do not alloAv myself to 94 MEMOIR OP indulge any very strong hopes of the future. Life and health and every thing are uncertain. May God pre- pare us for all that is to come. * * * * Mr. Wooisey is now preaching with great acceptance to the secoFxd Baptist Church in Paris. There has been a considerable revival since he has been among them, and a great increase of the congregation. They have lately built a new raecting-hou'-e which is to be opened for divine worship next Wednesday. Dr. K. is to preach on the occasion. A protracted meeting is to follow. Mrs. Covell joins me in affectionate regards to your- self and family. I hope you will write soon. Your affectionate brother, Alanson L. CoVELL. Mis. D. C. Brown." \ Whiteshoro\ July 9, 1833. My dear sister:— Perhaps my best plea for not writing sooner, is to plead " guilty." Do not however be " strict to mark my iniquities," else T must be condemned by all my friends, as I have done nothing at writing letters this long time. My only apology is, that I have had for the last three months so much more than usual care and la- bor, that I have found no leisure for correspondence, or study, not even to premeditate my discourses for the Sabbath. We are as you expected, "keeping house."- Thcre is vastly more care and labor in "keeping houise" than there used to be in being kept. I think however we shall find enjoyments peculiar to ouv present situa- ation, more than equal to its perplexities. Our friends here are all very glad to see us in a home of our own, and many of them are very kind. They made us ''Donation Party," two weeks ago, and for once, filled our house with people, even to overflowing. Their presents are quite a help to us. ALANSON L. OOVELL. 9S Mrs. Corell has hr,cl very p„or health since I last wrote you, and ts now but just able to keep about the house.- For myself have found .bat sawing wood and keeping mir garden, have contributed verjr much to n>y health " It .snow several weeks since I have wri , „ 'o„ parents ,n Char o.te and I have as yet received no an s«r, from which I conclude .hey are all well F°,il n»d mo.her talk of visi.inj yourself and siste; VVoT cC III August or September. We attended the anniversary at Hamilton last month winch was rendered unusually interesting by the pres^ o« of Mrs. and Mr. Wade, just returned From Burtna «ll. two natives, a Burman and Karen, amon-. the fir t' converts to the Chris.iun faith from th'eir resp'ec e n oas. The.t appearance is very singular, and wherever liiey go, great multitudes flock to see them. The Bur ,»aa,s below the common stature of Amerieaas; the Karen just about our common size. Their comple. on .drker than our native Indians, whom they resemble |.»ch more than they do the Negroes. TJ,ey wear Teir fcair long, which is done up in a white turban tha ev wear upon ,hc.r heads. They wore each r biacl 1 se !.« which came down about to the knees, tna e ve^ ntt)] , ^>f"'';. un-'orstanding Burman as well ^ Englisn, mterprets from us to them and from them to ,^. Many questions were thus proposed to them, relat- I ? to Iheir country and ours, to the religion of Christ of Gaudama, their reasons for renouncing the one . mb.-ac.ng the o.her, which they answered very ■ly an mteiiiglbly. They see a great many thin"! re wh, h occasion great surprise, and often great de-, ikould loll-- 7^ ''"'" '"'''"''^ "'■^' '^'"'^"""^ fcere hst,ngu„hed from them: when in Burmah thev can "« a dtscple as soon as they see him. Seeing a com- *x 96 M E ai 1 R OF pany on their way to church very gay in their dress and their conversation, they soberly asked, "What God do those people worship?" A question which it is possible some might find it inconvenient to answer. They have been one Sabbath in Utica with Mr. Wade, and very soon we expect them here. Four of tlie young men who graduated in June, are with their wives destined as missionaries to Burmah.- Mr Wade spends the summer at Hamilton to teach them the Burmari language. They will all go to Burraah, probably, next year, with the natives who have each left a family there. Nothing very interesting has lately occurred m out society. Three were baptized yesterday, and seven joined us by letter. The general state of religious feel- ing is however very low among us. Mrs. C. joins me in affectionate regards to yourself and family. You will please recollect in reading this, that I have written ar fast as I possibly could, and find it now too late to mind mistakes. Your affectionate brother, Alanson L. Covell. " Whiteshoro\ Dec. 5, 1833. My dear sister :— Your last was received four days since. I was very glad indeed to hear particularly from yourself and your family. We are prepared to sympa- thize with you in all your sickness and trouble, aad to join your hearty thanksgivings to Him " who holds our souls in life," and has delivered us from all our dangers and fears. Give my love and Mrs. Covell's to your dear children who have been sick, with my earnest hope that they are spared to be a blessing to their parents, to each other and to the world. Mrs. Covell, as you have hoard, has been very sick, " nigh unto death." One day her physicians thought she was dyiog, and could not survive ALAN30N L. COVELL. 97 the day. But God has raised her up again. She has rode out a fe^vr times and sets up in her room nearly all the day. For a few days past, she has not been so well. We think however that she will in a fe^y months be re- stored to her former health. Our little Elmira has been from the first, a very healthy, strong, active child. We think of course, that she is very bright and handsome. After her mother became so sick, we were obliged to find her another nurse. A lady in the village h^vinir lost an infant child has taken her, and will keep her as long as we wish. She thinks every thing of her and takes uncommon good care of her. For the present she IS as well off as she can be, and is only a few rods from We have taken a family into our house this winter and board with them. I found it vastly expensive to keep house With hired help. Two girls who had no interest of thoir own, could not do as we wished them to, though they did as well as girls generally do. We get along much better now. We have locked up all our things except those wr use, and have no care but for our own room. Our rent pays part of our board, so that our expenses are less than half what they were before We have a very kind, pleasant family, who do all for us that we wish. Our greatest inconvenience is in receiving our friends who call upon us. But we do the best we can for them. We shall commence house keeping again m the spring. Your kind enquiries for our expenses, &c. I am not able to answer definitely, as I have not yet set- tled with physicians and others. Some of ray bills I expect will be large, yet I presume not so large but I shall be able to meet them next year. We have receiv- ed a great deal of assistance from friends about us, which has made our expenses much less than they would have iJeen. I shall know more about all this in January. 98 MEMOIR OP I never knew people so kind in sickness as we have found them here. They could not have done more for their own relations. Their kindness will never be for- gotten. I am now obliged to close. Give ray love to each one of the family. Mrs. Covell desires her love to you all. Your brother in sincere affection, Alanson L. Covell. To Mrs. D. C.Brown. Whitcsbcro', March, 19, 1834. My dear sister :— You must not think hard of me for not writing sooner, when I tell you a literal truth, thai I have not had time. I have a number of letters on hand unanswered which have been delayed much longer than yours. * We held a protracted meeting in our Church in Feb- ruary, whic!i continued two weeks, and has hardly stop- ped yet. Perhaps 30 have "received the word gladly." Fifteen of them have been baptizt-d. More will be soon. The Presbyterian church commenced a similar meeting soon after ours closed, which has been followed by very similar results. We have meetings of some description every day and evening. This with conversation with those who call, and visits in families requires more time than I can possibly command. Yet I have no wish that the work should ever stop. Your affectionate brother, Alanson L. Covell. Mrs. C. D. Brown. Whitcshoro\ April 23, 1834. My dear sister:— Your letter was received a week since. I have been gone from home, and so busy as to find no time for any thing but to preach and pray. A few days before I received your last, I had made airangt- ALAN30N L, COVEtL. 09 ne go New-York „. my ,oom* as i. was so difRcult for rae to leave home. It has been a very »reat disa,. pcmmen, to me, and from your letter, I perceive it wUI le to you. But I have found the life of a mini e7 to consist ,n sacnficins himself for the good of others Ijl^ tl,ere .this left for us all, that God°makes ^lle final t po^al of every ove^nt in life, in, he most wise and happy * * I am obliged to write in the greatest haste, and have oalir t,me to send much love to you all, desiring von to write soon, and expecting to see you here before long. Your affectionate brother, Mrs. D. C. Brown." ^ '''"'^'"' ^- '^°^"■'• To the same, May 5, he \vriies : The religious interest which has for some time past lee,, fekm our congregation is I fear rather subsitij. There H however st.l great union and friendship among ch-is- "ans, and much engagedness in our prayer and confer- ence meetings. A few persons are asking the way to Zion.and one Imie boy thinks he found pardon in the Savior last week. Yesterday was our cotlimanio,,. h diurch. The house was full of people, who all lisiened It 7"' „«"^'>"™'y- "We love him because he brst loved us," was the subject of preaching, and I can- not but hope that the love of our divine Savior was seen m Its transcending excellency, and felt in its movinc power by many. O may it be the sweet theme that shall move ray tongue forever. nrmn!^ ''="' *'»S'"«'' <>' "«' Convention to attend the A„m. 7 I I yr. i? -[jjl^ilw r' 't-; 100 MEMOIR or Mv dear sister, is it not an infinite favor, that in all out feats and troubles, we can approach the presence of our reconciled God and Father, and know that his ear is ever open to out cry, and his roerciful hand evet teady to be reached out for our deliverance? Blessed be las holy name. He will hear, he will answer our prayers. The more I experience of the ills of life, and the more I ob- serve them in others, the more I see and feel the value o Z precious promise, " Cast thy burden on »>» Lord and he will sustain thee." I have no doubt that t ts w.ll te verified to everyone who heart.ly trusts m it Omay God enable us to trust in him with all our hearts. Next week I am going to a Protracted Meeting. In- deed it is with me not much different from a protracted meeting all the while, as people ate calling on me, ot 1 I hem, ot we ate holding meetings almost constintl, Inkind affectionaud the blessed hope of a beUerwotU, lamyourbtothet, Av.anson L. Cov.u. Mrs. D. C. Brown. ALANSON L. COVELL. 101 CHAPTERIV. Reflections ; The Pastor in the Closet or tha w . continued mostly by journal ' or tiie History car, shull lie not hear? He that nm.lo tl.n L ; ,,. '""nod the How consoling to the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ this precious portion of truth. What a consciousness o safety m the assurance, that our glorious Author and final Disposer IS intimately acquainted with all our organization. That the "outer" and "the inner man " m all their mysterious connection and reciprocity of ac tion are plain to his all comprehending view. "He" needeth not that any should testify unto him of man, for He knoweth what is in man - of course he is intimate! J acquamted with all his varied need, competent to appi all his circumstance-possessed of all "the treasures o' wisdom and knowledge," he erreth not in adaptation hence the individual and the species may exclaim "hJ (loeth all things well." ' "® It is sometimes matter of wonder to us, " who are but of yesterday, and know nothing," that persons who an pear to be worthy of all good things should nevertheless suffer privation and discomfort. It seems s^.e to u, 00, to behold one who gives abundant evidence o/havinl been much with Jesus, distrusting the nature of his oil exercises and fearing that he is impelled to strive after hohness by unholy motives,-such as a desire to appear holy in the eyes of fellow men, a wish to appear xlZ owned and blessed of God in efforts to serve him We wonder, too, to see such an one filled with self-abase- 102 M n M I R OP Dient, excessively amicted with it; but He who saw fit to appoint unto the great apostle of the Gentiles, a thorn ill the ilesh, on account of "the abundance of the reve- lations," well understands what is uost needful to every peculiarity of mind among his chosen servants. If there be "diversities of tperations," there must also be diver- sity of counterbalancinc; circumstances, lest any " be exalted above measure." This view will account unto us, for the exceeding lowness of self-estimation in the subject of our present Memoir. Though destiiute of the advantages of a " lib- eral education," he was eminenlly acceptable and suc- cessful in the ministration of the holy word. The God of nature had given him a speech "like the pen oC ;i ready writer," and the God of all grace had caused tiia " heart to indite good matter;" of course he ever found the listening ear and the applauding tongue. Had he not also been blessed with native modesty in an usual degree, he might, under these circumstances, have be- come self-complacent and vain glorious. Mr. Cowper speaks like one experienced, when he says, " O popular applause, what heart of man is proof against thy sweet seductive charms." If "the fear of man bringeth a snare," doth not also the praise ? "How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor which cometh from God only 1" Of this Mr. Cove II was fully aware, and was continually fearful cf the deceitfulness of his own heart, and seems to have maintained a constant jealousy over himself for God, and appeared at limes to refuse that which was his hon- est due. .Wherever his location, from the beginning to the close of his ministry, he never, as the phrase is, " preached away his hearers." Increasing numbers and attention almost invariably marked his course. His powers ot ALANSON L. ( V E 1. i,. 108 .lu ,Jat.oa were happy, and .,i, application of divine .ru.l, ever per.m™., forcible, and a. Ics pnn4„. H . wa, not only blessed with the talent of Zf"!. ,^„ """"' •: ''-'"^•'""• '0 every one's cons „ce "^d tf S.v,ng the gospel trumpet its accents of certa nTi ,o eve ryauduor, but occasionally to wield "the sword of ,, I row. Many a self-complacent moralist felt the edce of h.s remarks; many a boastful Deist found the unanswer nblenest of h.s arguments; and men from b""h trete classes, were made humble, happy believers under 1. «un,strauon^^ Yet the weapons of his warfare were „ " werTver I'd "°' "T"''""' "° "'""^'^''"^ -^ """ might of God's own appointed means, for "the pull „' own of strong holds- nor did he trus't in va W i f -while h,3 popularity was increasing-while he was becoming „,ore extensively known-and while each new acquaintance became a friend, the sense of his own !n VVith aratoful wonder, he ascribes all the praise "to the glory of Tr,s grace who had called him." And now, in selecting chronologically from the abund- ance materials before us, we have come to the main body of his '