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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, '['^ '"^''' ''""^ ''"^ <o put their entire trust h^G 'to 2o f:3 '. ''''' ''"""''''^ of personal advantafre and liko L ? '" '^"^•'■' '''^Saidlcss of their heaveulyFatl/er '" ''''^ '^"'^ ^^^° "PDrobation Whether I have made the wisest possible selections from t. mass of letters and journal before me, is not for me t" sa^ T '' responsibility of my work, whether right or wron nl?' V ;--: yet,rhave -t leaned alto.etirer to n;:^;;;,:;^^^^^^ avc consulted with judicious ministers of d.c . sp 1 al^d t^f ladies of literature and piety : above all l^.v. T. ^ '^^' God. l have also stuL'o ^ n^'^^'^^ ^^'f "''^^^-" ^'• empower me, what would probabi; le , ^/..llr'T" 7"!^ "wn mind on the subject Affe. .11 r "^^ ^^ar brother's My aim has been to se ec^uth 1 u 1 "'7 'T ^'""^^ '"■^^'^• Journal, as would at the a ti :;":', .r' 'T'' '' ''' exhibit his character in the varied o and nl"r '"''' ^^"^ And now as I am about to lav dotrmv p'" ^ T'^'"' "'''""^• n^yhomcand the sweet charities of ZS mlTu'^''''' ;ny dear renders. In the language of oufb L t'l ;^ L^^^^^^ >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 </..„ J 1,; ^ t'^r"';' "'"'^'' of his moral qualities m, % ''" "'"^'opemeot «byge„tlene a„dt rr ""l ^"'"^^ l""' bro't ProHrns and harshness wo ,1 1 k f, '"'"""goment.- k-f. His hear, ever eZlr.K''''""'''"' ''» '" ">« 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 ^ a<ely removed fro^ Cl,„ ,' """""' »»'' '"""edi- such varied „^el^ 7:; "'■""/''^ '""' "P^i^nced '^ew l,o„,e at the no A, ""*""'""' "^ «'"'■ '» '«" went with her. TlTe'^r ","'"' ''" """' 'J'-g""" «bout "the boy" (IrZr^tt ^"1'.^^"'' "-"'iou, ilioushi for the morrmj , ° ^ (■"horiaHon, "take no what things jJe nrd.™ ' ' ''''"'^'"'^ ^'"''" '"«»'e.h i«.fodirrei:":^: !r™ ^ """="" "■ » ^'™'- '-". i"S"f God „po?i, , ,71? ""*"' '^""'^"''^ ^'»«- hisneweonnection ^=,1 '." 7'".i'°"''' '""-self among His lister Co , C' f"'" "" ""■"""» »"" '^^P^^' of his cbaraeu'rC T' '""'"' ''" ""^ ""'"'''i-g -'I noble thought, her :„L„e':"r„ h-;"'"^"" ^'^^ was most salutary and han„v H "^ ^™"""S '»''"' wMle he continuld with' J st" Zi'""""" V''""' ;j- month, attendance w me"r t oil" "'' '" ll>e 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<e. I, came into hU mS „!' session accicJeatally. "loiners pos- where he lived. He aUenltUT M "o,! ttri' Zair h"^' '"-...oryagreat part ^^Vn ew lescament. His method wa^? to Ipnm oil i ,, frequently committed more than a chapter a dav. ' Nothing unusual occurred to him after th\. till ., about nineteen Th«n • i / , ^^ ^^^^^ ^f^^s, till he was .^-ong che:.s;edT;: :;i-: t„^: ;: - rr ii^ of his convers on of heart m Pn.i i , ""f* ^ ^P^ak pen of .he -rra.^ t: ":='::!'ha"„:e T'^atf' tt otk of d nne grace upon hi. heart, fron, his own hand n was not wrmen at the tin.o, but some few year! after' During the progress of his acaunintance with Ihe hdv he ouect.ons of those exercises, which we call <.our reli- «»us expenence." They exchanged with each o.l. .h^se .nteresting documents. His L here presented! ' frequenter IHou'"- """ "' "'"' ' '""^ ^-" -y-' "• of IT „ „ f ;.™P^'^^*'™^' ^™i"2 from a discovery thaa »l,rn K '"" "' " ^'■°""' ""d 'I'o certainty hat I should be mtserable in the world to come unless I repented and inrn»d .^ p.j , . , '"' ""'*«* * ' ,0 (...ou. At such times I made 12 MEMOIR OF i I many promises that I would amend my life, and devote myself wholly to the service of God. During these seasons ol seriousness, I used -' ;ifay, read the Bible, &c., in hope of finding pardon for my sins and a change of heart, accompanied with such enjoymeats as I had heard christians speak of. These endeavors, however, were feeble and heartless, and continued but a short lime. Some new and trifling pleasure, or some sudden temptation, would in a moment effect a revolution in my mind. I was ready to comply with the first suggestions of satan, and yield to the first inclination of my wicked heart. After a time my former impressions would re- turn, commonly attended with a deeper sense of guilt, than at any previous time. My reflections were, that I had added sin to sin, resisted the Holy Spirit, sinned against greater light and knowledge, and was more in danger of eternal damnation, than ever. These reflec- tions were always succeeded by more repeated and con- fident promises of repentance and reformation. In a short time however, this excitement, occasioned mostly by fear of punishment, would subside. Prayer would then be neglected, and soon I would be again entangled and overcome with the yoke of bondage. I lived in this manner, three or four years, when I began to think I had sinned away the day of grace. I had so many times resisted the Holy Spirit; refused so often to repent and believe in Christ; had resisted such strong convictions; sinned against such degrees of light and knowledge, that I thought I had committed the un- pardonable sin, and that there was no mercy for me.— Such impressions, however, were not lasting; something still assured me that it was possible for me to find par- don and mercy from God, notwithstanding all my ex- ceeding sinfulness and vileness. I would then as form- erly have recourse to the Bible and to prayer. But anon ALANSON L. COVELL. 18 Jikejhe swine that was washed to its wallowing in the Wlien I was abour fourteen years old, I was more senously awakened than ever I had been. I though! this the last opportunity that ever would be granted me to receive Christ and his salvation. I resolved to seize the favored moment, and began to pray with some ear- nestness, that God would have mercy on me. My feel- ings however again declined. I again felt desirous for more tmie to enjoy the pleasures of life, and engao-e with those around me in youthful amusement. I felt unwil- ling to leave my young associates and all their pleasures so soon. I must have opportunity to gratify those in> 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 *<!, and he scarcelv 3eom d'] i^ '""'"S^''' ^"P^d- ffoss of .ho houLMd I ef:"f °' '""'• '^'» the reader lo sug-cst and ,1 , ^ ^ ""aginaiion of WlHle my ,„„,,,„ "^_,^^ 21 ;,'■ . ">; "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( <Jeaf spirit, I ch *'-*«S0« L. COVILL. 81 CHAPTER II. Relurn lo CImIwJ- iVJ^"''"''''' t.'"" lo preach . end visi, ,0 l.i, mUd^rr "f "r^' °f '■"""Sec: to Addison ; Revival Ihere. S,, Saraloga; Reium niMt ; Sickness. ' **""' P'^fmaneni engage- " Go 'hou and preach (he ki„jj„„„f„„,,„ In this sublunary world v.h=, ''""' ^'"'"'■ less than change? ' " """•' '=""''». more cease- The /l/ws«e, went down frnm ,i »'ion, and could „ot caso^°l"'.? 7""' "^ ''"»»«««- all we are prone to /.as7on ,L " , ""'? 'P'"'-" Atid with sad and fearful domination p "' '^'"' " "'«■» been indulged lo be, ,™ '2 " '" """ '^'"' ''»''« "SaWor's Maieslv " aL T ^je wunesses" ofour "•ie voice ouVof '.he exce llenT ,'"" """'^'^ '■^"'' rebuke-" O faithless and nf ^ ''' '~" """ ">« »^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 <he amazing love of his SavTor whchwas h.s darling theme, that i^ was imno slle , ' hear and rema.n unmoved. In prayer he was ver f r! eo.. ever appropriate, and ever new. The people in P^ r .hTr 'pa's ^^rjorni'^1 '%rf -^ ..hadso„„ited^.heh.a.t^7:,'a;°:l^t:^:S his earnest desire for farther literarv nnri .u , !^®^ pment, they oirered to V^o^Z^'^^;^ tahtytobeobtamed out Me the walls of a semina v At Saratoga, too, where his uncle raided there wl?7" .rgent call for him ,o settle there, but fina 1 he voceof hsrelauves and friends a. the north, (that is at da o«e led h'^""™"'"' ''^""^' "•^ ^PP''-«-°^ >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^! <l«y. Left OM friends at the Springs all in ,he enjoy- 34 M RMOIR OF ment of he<h. The time I spent iti Piftslowh and at the Springs, after I left Pownal, was in some respects lonesome, in otiiers more pleasant. The Sabbath I spent at Saratojja was quite as agreeable as I ought to have enjoyecl. Though destitute of that feeling sense of ihe gi'eatness of tho^e solemn iluties I was trying to dis- ciiarge, and the majesty of that God 1 was so feebly trying to serve, I felt soma little f-'sedom in endeavoring to preach Christ cruc'fled as the power and v/isdom of God to these who are called. Elder Averil providential- ly called at ihe Sprinjc^s ?.nd .spent the Sabbath. I had the opportunity, which I had long wishaJ, of hcarin^^ the "Joyful sojnd." In the evening I endeavored to speak again of the glory of Christ and his kingdom. I formed a very agreeable acquaintance v/ilh ElJer Way- land and some of llie brethren at Saratoga. While in Pittslown I heard from Elder riatteson. Himself and family were well. The Sabbath before he had the pleas- ure of immersing eight who had received the word gladly. God grant that great fear may llil! on all those who hear these things, and may the Lore] add to the church daily such as shall be saved. Yesterday I spent the day in Addison. The church in that to\vn appear really like sheep without a shepherd. May the Lord send them a man in his own liiveness. It is certainly true that the present is a day of declension in many departments of Zioa. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. People assent to the truth of the Bible, and many are numbered among the lovers of Jesus, but they do not feel the momentous weight of eternal truth. Many there are with liberal tongues and idle hands, like ihe son in the parable who promised his father to labor in his vineyard and went not. Many there are who pray, thy kingdom come; but where are their exertions to ad- vance this kingdom ? Is it not insulting Jehovah to pray fof h.s coming, a,) ^aU- no fn\rt ,,> „ 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 lit<! ^ '''''•'''' ""«'" ^own to the eletl;:" of the .o'^r'T: '" •^""t. '"""<' aged. I find my ,,_, ,".,.' """''""' '^'""""- receive little o7no comfor i„ t""^"' "'"' ''■''''''''■ ' unless tnr feelin-s airf . '^"'' '" P"^'"'''- And «nd the sacred desk I f '"'"" '"" "S«'" ''^- trials at all-n„ cti, ■ ""', """^ '^"'' "^ ""'ward •<- iavite bit urge me on If 7"''^ ""' '"'"' ""' ""h i>ui 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<raw,1 ^ru ■ ■ knowledge ofhimself" ^1 """"Smgr the world to the instruments in the accompli i' """^ ^«^''''' '»<"-<oi purpose, .y sou mavTel teT",' °"''" ""« *'^»*^<' '»>-„, 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.<!'Mr"Irn"''^^'" Yours, in hopes of seeing you. soon,' * Soon after to his brother-in-law : ^'^' '^°™'-''' The former half sheet, if you please IM, p Jou may g,.e to .be aJNtryiug£: ""'• ''°"'"' We will tali o'er these matters again. Thtt '',7 "f V" '■"•' ""^ '^'"'^''"^ 'eeeiVd, In whi '"''"'" '""^S^^o^^lio^i 'Ttt::di;n;oi:s:r::-"^^^^^«-v May friendship between n^ k« Bpin«. f 1 / ''^''^een us be ever suicere. Being founded on ^0,^ ^^ trutii ; ' % -♦ mv* § 42 MEMOIR OF And when Ihe calm times of old age shall draw near, We will talk o'er the seasons of youth. May our souls lichly share in the blessings of God ; May Christ be our prophet and king; May we both be prepared for his blissful abode — And his praises eternally sing. We will think of each other with friendly delight, While we at a distance remain; And whenever we meet whether by "day or by night, We will talk of these matters again. Most, respectfully yours, A. L. COVELL. Saratoga Springs, 16th August. Very dear sister:— I have long been waiting, and have many times called at the office, in hope that I should receive some intelligence from you; but have as yet been disappointed. I wrote you from Hamilton, and in my letter requested an answer to be directed to Saratoga. I was dilayed on my journey much longer than I expected, and did not reacb Hamilton until the Friday after you parted with me.'. With the Monday morning's mail i directed a letter to you, in hopes that you would receive it by the middle of the Week, and return me a line by the first of the week following. J expect to tarry in this place two or three weeks longer. I had intended to go immediately home, but finally have concluded to tarry a little longer. I had a very agreeable visit at Hamilton, though it was short. Dr. K. seems to enjoy himself remarkably well, and I think his situation is as agreeable to him as any he could wish. The school prospers very well. Among the students, as among all other classes of people, is to be found a diversity of talents, tongues, manners, habits, &c. Some of them are quite promising; ALAN80N L. COVELL. 43 and indeed all of thpm „ »nd tutors Je LtZiTlT ^'": ''"'"' "'o^^""" only in their studiesbu,:! • ° '"''""' '^™. "<" are deemed neceSr';' t " "■"? r''" ''''°»"^ """ich promising ins,i,u,i„„ ' w^ , ilt ' ""'»" " » -'^ fall or not is uncertain. * ' """'i ^'•"'" ">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' <vas there our living and endinihL^r '"""='''"''' ""^ '>»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,°"\,"'' '^'"^ <l»y pro- when the sacred rei^r^ JT ^ ," "'''■!' <=''">''. 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»'" <his un/ee;i„\. he" he b^ f "' ''""' ^"'"'^ , " -mypreson', e^pecl ti "t 1^""^ liome so long as God in i,;. ".""""e this place mv have conseauen ly wi h ZrT"'' ''''"' <"^^«- ' .Ira idea of goin/,o latSt^ ^f^'^nee relinquished inlerest in your prayers I, ,. v'"'"""^ ^°''»i' »» -and this and Jo^CV^^ l^l^!;- Messing .ay ^u.ie:iorr„ir.zr:r ■ o "'=-'' .^'^»''-"- "-^ •"« ■»ercy, grant me his counsel whioh"i? m' ''' '''" S'^^' wrsdom which is pure and 4irhou,m. "'"'"'' ""' ^'^ f"lt 10 conduct at all limes k ;,??""'*• ^' '^ 1'^- ~/rditaTs;:&^^^^^^ <'«- of every weeLorn^:tt:;„^:.;^^^^^^^^^ Sl™o?,;oKLti:."'''''"'™' != 50 MEMOIR OP 1 am now engaged in a school which will close in four weeks. I shall then be relieved of some pan of present care. Could 1 see you this evening, I should be in some measure satisfied. I often think of the many opportunities we last summer enjoyed, and wish they could be again repeated. But all must be left to the Great Disposer of events who will most certainly do all that is right. I wish you to write soon. My best regards to Mr. Brown. Much love to the children, and respects to enquirers. Yours, A. L. Covell. Mrs. D. C. Brown. Addison, March 28th, 1826. Dear sister: — The Lord is yet merciful and kind, even to us who are so undeserving ! How great is the num- ber of his mercies! Who can count them! la his goodness may we "rejoice evermore." Verily is he called the Lord God, slow to anger, abundant in mercy and truth. How thankful should we ever be, that we are permitted the holy pleasure of contemplating the character of Him who is glorious, holy, good, benevolent, just, true, and unchangeable. O, come let us worship- let us bow down— let us kneel before our Maker, and adore Him who is fearful in praises doiog wonders. It is a time of coldness and stupidity among us. Is- rael is forgetful; but Israel's God never slumbers nor sleeps. In his hand we we always safe; and, be our feelings what they may— be our trials great, our fears numerous, our temptations powerful) our persecutions abundant, yet if our u?t is in God, we shall never be CDflfounded. It is indeed through much tribulation thai •we enter the kingdom,, but ty» only makes the world * less esteemed and iieaven more desired. Therefore we rejoice in tribulation, because it weans us from the world anJ prepay, us for g|„„ ,„,,.. »" 'jcc, ..rtlicions arc our -.roa-oTi 1, """^ "'" ""> 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 <oT'- '■"" ^""'"^ ure of heaUh. I,, consequ „ee If r "' "' "T' ""'''- •' impossible for me to e'cm: "d J I'/:: J ' ""-"^ month, as cvpecied In,l^»,i ■, • ,.'^ ''"""^ ""« oo».e at all. 'l si all t^ wever;" '"""," '"^ "" '» * i" September, unless you and M k" """' "" '' ^'"^ We are all quite anxio i „M cV n""'"?"''- teen here to have seen me slL-» , '' ''°" ^^"^ and turn from side to sirwi. , , 7' "'"" "'^ "3'=^' ^- iudeed-to me a sot;:;';:';;::::- ""»"''' ^- S«r« :.;*:J- -.i/: eo MEMOIR OP I wish you to write, by all means, when the mail re- turns, and toll me certainly whether you are coming this fall, that I may know what calculations to make. Our parents and friends in this place are all well. I have been with them two weeks. I shall return to Ad- dison to-morrow, and leave this at Vergennes on my way. Give my love to all. If you will accept this un- connected scroll, I will be satisfied. My mind is exceed- ing weak, my stomach faint, and my hand trembles.— Adieu. Alanson. His sister and family went up, as he desired, and made him and the other relatives a visit in September. "We had had some acquaintance with him as a brother, a friend, a preacher, and a correspondent, but had never before seen him as a shepherd in the midst of his flock. We found him diligent, continually employed for the good of those whom God had called him to oversee.— He was kindly expostulated with, on account of so much preaching, and personal exposure, especially as his health was far from being restored to its " usual measure," but he considered himself '"doing but very little, compared with what needed to be done," and did not see how he could possibly excuse himself I take the liberty to io- sert an extract from a letter written at the time and on the spot, to another friend, as being perhaps preferable to anything written al this late period. "Brother is quite ])arochial, and among other good things has establisheda "Bible School," to which he propounds questions, and they seek the answers in the scriptures, and recite or ratiier read at intermission. A great part of the congre- gation attend, and each class has a different question.— Ir is truly interesting. You would have been gratified to have witnessed the gladness expressed in their eyes, as he their "dear Mr. Covell " approached them, his ALANSON L. COVELL. 0| countenance all beamino- iw.m i uu ucaming with heaven v radianro tk« address he pronounoPfl tn a '"y ruuiance. ihe and as llie honied acceni nf i h" " I'erao divine," and wo look up o ZlLLf ""^ '^"" ""''" °'" '^'' n is scarcely a fcu „ T- ' ' ""'"" ""''' saw a countenance so expand-so change. I o .,f J, messenger fro,„ on high." Indeed i. was gen ra/ly e n,a,k-ed of h.„, that in .he pulpit he seemed >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^»<I a«<l advantageously. Before I lTf\ "" " '^''^^^^""y l"" shall hear from me i "t T ""•"'""= -veets. Do bo sure to write so h, 7'""' J"""^ » :vvo CWlotte Post Office, v len j t V' ' "'"'" '" ieard a word from you 4ce 1 1 "'• ' ''"^ »«' Mr. B. and all the child,™ '""'• ^J' ^"^^ "> 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 '<joun,al... And hereupon the subject of makng extracts, have paused and prayed, and 'destred know how far might with propriety, draw from a Wrtl nT"', '' "' """""' •« be strictly private.- Written not with a view to meet the public eye but to assist himself in his endeavors to become morj s'pi'itual mmded, more holy unto God. While pondering on ihis O bject, the last words he ever u ttered, let me alone,»« _J These words were iu reply to an offer'Tiiu.ething ta we. hU 104 MEMOIR OP have run*' in my ear with disheartening effect, and I have been led Id question the propriety of thus invading the repositories of the dead. But noticing in his journal how much his own mind was benefitted by reading the diary of others, and believing too that "as face answer- eth to face in water, so doth the heart of man to man," I have arrived at the conclusion, that true humility will not withhold aught that will have a beneficial tendency .- « We are not our own, we are bought with a price ;" and shall not gratitude to Him "who hath purchased us with his own blood," make us willing to subserve h.s blessed cause in any, every possible manner? Yea cause us to overcome the shrinkings of (perhaps a false) delicacy at thought of having the veil of privacy with- drawn, and the transactions of the closet disclos^dj?- " Freely ye have received, freely give." THE JOURNAL. "Monday morning, Dec. 1, 1834. For a long time I have been deeply convinced of the necessity of being more holy in my affections, and in the motives of my conduct. When I look back upon my reli-ious experience, I see the most decisive and lamen- tabfe evidence, that if I have been a christian, 1 have been, in point of true, vital holiness, " the least of all ;" that if indeed sanctified by the grace of God, it has been in the lowest degree. I have not been worthy to be called a christian. How few have been the seasons m which I can now say, that I was at all devoted to God. And yet I have openly professed to be a true and hearty christian. I have taken upon me the office of a public minister of the Lord Jesus. 1 have received the approbation and conh- dence of the christian ministry around me. I have le- ceived the confidence of the dear church of my Savior. Her highest and most sacred interests have been com- mitted "'to mj trust. She has looked to me, to cl^erish ALANSON L. COVELL. 105 those iQterests affectionately, and to promote them ar- dently and constantly. The church has had a right to ex- pect this at my hand. But O how deficient I have been. How little deep, ardent affection for the character and interests of Zion have I felt. How little have I en- deavored to promote her prosperity. I have indeed oftea performed very arduous labor, and endured great faticrue in the service of the church, but much of it has been mere bodily exercise, and has profited but little. Had I been in my heart more devoted to my calling ; had I more affectionately valued the glory of my God and Sav- ior j had I more ardently longed for the prosperity of his church, and the eternal salvation of my fellow men the same labor I have performed would, I have no doubt have been f^ar more useful to my christian brethren and to the world. Not that I think the a.-nount of .or and usefulness, would even then have been only very incon- siderable. But it would not, I am persuaded, have beea so scanty and self-condemning as it is now." He proceeds with some pages of confessings and self- reproach and closes the entry of that dav with the fol- lowing supplication. Lord, do thou grant that this may be at least the beginning of repentance and amendment. Help me still to reflect to search my heart; to study and ponder thy word Help me to detect the sins of my heart; leveal to me a 1 my defects as a christian and a minister, and humble me for them. Give me a deep sense of the obligations, and imbue me with the spirit of my office. O make me holy ; assist me in duty ; make me faithful and humble. O, grant that I may be the means, under thy favor and by thy spirit, of awakening the feelin<rs of my brethren in the church, and of fixing the attention of the unpardoned upon thy " great salvation." O, do thou awaken the church, awaken sinners, and glorify thyself, 'p\. il'i A 106 MEMOIR OP We have seen by his communication of the following March, that the desired season of "refreshing from the presence of the Lord," did come upon himself and people. We pass to " Dec. 8. I have this day found very little time for reflection and prayer. My dear companion is low on a bed of sickness, and has been for nearly three weeks. This, with the attention I am obliged to give to our dear little one, employs my time, except what is necessary to devote to other cares. Yet I feel more than any thing else, the want of being fully and decidedly fixed on the attainment of holiness. I do hope and pray that God will assist me to persevere. O my God, 1 pray thee, take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore «nto me the joys of thy salvation, and uphold me by thy free spirit, that I may teach transgressors thy way, and sinners be converted unto thee. To God my Savior be all the glory. Amen." '•Dec. 16. I have been trying to prepare myself to make a new, a cordial, an entire surrender of myself and my all to the will of God. I long to be truly and wholly consecrated to him ; but I fear to enter into any written covenant, lest I should not do it from a full understand- ing of my case— from such convictions of judgment, and motives of heart, as God will accept and bless; or lest I should not maintain it, and add to all my other ungrate- ful sins, that of breaking my covenant. This fear, tho' judging from the past it seems well grounded, does not I confess, satisfy me that I ought not to adopt such a measure, and use my utmost efforts to live agreeably to it. I am now reading for my spiritual assistance, the biography of Payson. He adopted such a measure and was much bless d in it. bo did our lamented Boardraan. So have many others who have been most eminently blessed of God and useful to the church. I think it would be my greatest happiness to follow on in the luniin- nna oothTirnv nf thpsG " holy brethren." Oj my God, ALANSON L. C V E L L . 107 give me wisdom, give me humility and grace, that I mav advance far beyond my presentste^ .f religious feelingJ^ fl 7^\u'u^-^^' ^ "^^ y^ar h:a commenced, and its firs Sabbath is past. I have made but a poor b gLnin ' with It m my religious course. I do hope in t leTe " of God to be a^better man at its close. YesterdayT /- deavored to address my church plainly and affectionately on the necessity of awakening to more fervent zeal and to more active engagedness in the cause. The day was excessively cold and the congregation very small. Our communion season was attended with less interest than usual. I felt that I had labored with but little effect In the evening we had a church conference and prayer meet- ing. It was a time of unusual interest. Many of the members seemed very much awakened and appeared verv fervent in prayer. Many were confident that God was about to pour out his spirit among us and revive his work 0, may it now begin. By the meeting I felt admonished and encouraged. It was made very plain to me, that I was far behind all the rest in deep anxiety and believin- prayer. I felt to renew all my determinations to be more piayerful and faithful. God being my helper I Will endeavor to carry this determination into effect After some reflection upon them, I have in the presence of God and I hope in his fear, adopted the following re- solutions for the coming year. 1st, By the grace of God I am resolved to pray in secret at least three times every day J nothing shall prevent this, but sickness, or some mii^nous duty, so laid upon me by the providence of God that I cannot omit it. 2d, lam resolved to read Bome portion of the Bible every day, for my own person- el improvement in knowledge and holiness. 3d, I am resolved to be far more faithful and diligent in pastoral iaoors, m viiiiing from house to house, than I have ever 108 MEMOIR OP been before. 4th, I am resolved to be more plain and faithful m preaching the word to both saints and sinners. 5th, I intend to Ijeep a brief record of my own progress, and of the stale of things in my congregation for the coming • year. O God, I acknowledge thee as my only hope and strength, to enable me faithfully to keep Lese engagements for this year. O, do thou be pleased for thy mercy's sake, to grant me direction and assistance to perform these and all other duties to thine acceptance." The succeeding page records the appointment for a " protracted meeting " in his church, his own resolutions and desires respecting it, and his continued acknowl- edgement of unfaithfulness. "Jan. 10. God has beea pleased to show me more of the dreadful depravity of my heart. For two days past I have had a clearer dis- covery of the pride of my heart than I have had before in a long time. I perceive that I have been full of vaia conceit in all my duties as a minister. I have sought my own honor more than the glory of God. I have been more concerned for my roputation as a preacher in my congregation than I have for their eternal salvation. 0, what a'' dreadful sin ! What horrid guilt. Can a min- ister of Christ, " who made himself of no reputation," have such a heart as this ? I see, gracious God, how vile I have been. O, may thine infinite love forgive me. O Lord, I pray thee make me humble. Subdue my soul by thy grace, and qualify me to live for thy glory and for this alone." He proceeds for several pages to heap reproaches on himself, and to enumerate pome outward embarrassments which he now sees have been needful from the hand of God, (reluming to his own words,) ''to humble me, and make me belter, that I might be more useful. The cases 1 have mentioned are only a few of the melhods God ALANSON L. COVE LL 109 has employed for this purpose.* O, thai I had always seen and " regarded the operation of his hand." O, may his grace now sanctify me and begin at last to make' me something nearer what I ought to be." "Jan. 11, Sabbath morning. Rose earlier than usual-read a chapter and tried to pray. Have not enjoyed any spe- cial freedom in prayer, yet have in some degree been enabled to desire that God may assist me to-day in preachmg his holy word, and that he would visit the congregation ivilh his spirit and presence. I have some desires that the name of God may be glorified; but fear they are more selfish than holy. Yet I cannot say that my soul 13 without anxiety for the salvation of men and for the name of Jesus to be glorified. O, that I might desire it more and more. I long to know distinctly, what It is to glorify God. I long to be humbled at my Savior's feet-to have no will but his-io have no interest save the great work to which he has called me. I can now see clearly that this is indispensably necessary to the happiness of a minister. If he is but half devoted, God will not bless him— he will have no prosperity in his ministry. This will make him ashamed and miserable. At the same time this half devotedness will unfit him for the pleasures of the world, even stich enjoyments as are allowable. It will disqualify him for all worldly business; he will be perpetually perplexed, disappointed and em- barrassed. He can neither raise his soul to heaven, nor sink it down to earth. He hangs in equilibrium between; he IS in distress at the idea of either prayer or preaching. This has been too much my condition. I hope and pray that God will deliver me. O, may he this day come among us; may he set my soul at liberty! May he » u n.A I 'i ?f [tbe Lord] shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver ; Si. ♦? » . ^'""^-^ ^''^ ^^""^ "^l^^^'- and purge ihem as gold and n,.L » M V^''^.'".?7„o'^«'' »nto tl»e Lord an olTering in rightcoiiB- ness." Malachj, iii, 3, * *' lie MEM oin OP open the hearts of his people to pray, and of sinners to attend to the word." For several pages he seems to have obtained help of God to look deep into the human heart, to discover the secret turpitude, the hidden abominations thereof; and, as might be expected, the view appalls him. Under date of Jan 12, he says:— " O Lord I pray thte heal my backslidings. Not only reclaim me for this time, but heal my heart of an inclina- tion to backslide. O, do thou grant me so much of thy grace, and of the enjoyment of thy love, as will qualify me for the effectual discharge of the duties which are immediately before me. O, my God, I pray thee, if consistent with thy holy will, to visit us with the out pouring of thy holy spirit in our " protracted meeting" which is to commence to-morrow. O, giant thy people deep humility, and an ardent spirit of prayer. O. be pleased, I pray thee, to come and awaken and convert sinners among us for thy name's sake. Amen." *• January 13. O, may God grant that my soul may be brought out of this trouble. I have been trying to pray that God would if possible forgive my past sins- justify and accept me in Christ— sanctify by his spirit and restore me to the enjoyment of himself— give rac assurance of my acceptance with him, so that the ques- tion of my safety may be determined. I long to have it settled, so that doubts shall harrass, and fears distress me no more; so that I can venture all out into the cause of God as his child, his redeemed, his appointed and approved minister, and devote all my energies to induce others to come to him and live." " Our prospects for a good meeting, are decidedly encouraging." "January 14. This morning my soul is in considera- te heaviness, though I have, as I think, some little trust and light in the Lord. I do pray him to send out hii ALANSON L. 00 VELt. lit light and his truth. Last evening we had a very solemn d.co«rse from brother Simmons: from the words Cu. « down, why cumbereth it the ground." Afte ermoa we hadaprayer-meeting-very dnll and unin ere,™" Aft do!:::" r ''••"°'"'^^'' -■• -"'" •» =- ht; Alter Closing, the ministers seemed very much disheart cned except brother Hutehins, he holds on. O may " ye ave the blessing. I do no. feel willing . ^Z 1 «, though I desire God to give me far more feeling'baa I now possess." ** " , ,7T7 .'^' ^"""''"^ ^^' ' eood day in our meet- :.;r' f"'" "•"» ■"" ""''^"-ing fears had am - pa el. It appears that God is on Zion's side " January 17. This morning I do have coura-^e and conhdence to believe that God is with us and wiU bless U: January 18. "Bless the Lord, my soul, and all iha. 1, w, bin me bless hi, holy name." God »ave us in our meeting yesterday, fresh encouragement t! beUeve and ,0 labor." "This is the Sabbath. O, may it b « somewhat comlorted and humbled, but not enough. I pray God to humble me more and more." "January 19. What reason to be thankful, God has .ard and ai^wered prayer for the mighty ow-pouring of IMS spirit. Yesterday was a day of his power. « The tl.e Lord did valiantly." Brother Brown was enabled to preach m demonstration of the spirit, and with power." "January 20. This day I am thirty-one years old.- 0, what a sinner I have been. May God help me to become a better man. God was with us in our meeting yesterday. O, my God, I thank thee for what thou hast lone. O, make me more humble and devoted, and give me a praying spirit. Help me to be honest, fervent, and 112 MEMOIR OP help me to prevail. Bless my dear wife. 0, revive her. Have mercy on her sister. Great God be pleased 10 make her a convert." "January 21. Our meeting is still very solemn and in- teresting, though last evening it seemed to have come to a stand. A chill seemed to have come over the minds of the ministers. They could preach and pray well, but not with that holy warmth and effect which they had done. My own soul was most lean and barren of all.- My mind has been under a dark cloud these three days. 1 have had no fervor in prayer, no expansion of thought in speaking. My soul is shut up. What shall 1 do? O my God, I cry to thee. I know I am a sinner. I deserve to be forever under the hidings of my face. I have grieved thee, by my sins, to retire from my soul. I have not striven against the pride of my heart as I ou^ht. It has appeared in my prayers, in my exhorta- tions in my whole course of duty in this meeting. I have' been selfish. I have wanted a great many to be converted and join the church, that our numbers might be greater-lhat our influence in town might compare better with that of other churches-that our name as a church might be more respected and honored. I have indeed endeavored to suppress these feelings. I know Ihey are wrong. I despise and hate them, and at the same time love and cherish them. I covet still the ap- plause of the congregation. My fickle heart, my vam conceit, still rise within me. I have made some efforts to subdue them, but they have not been effectual. I am still under the influence of these most detestable of all sins. O, that I might be humble. O Lord, my God, I make it a di:tinct, and most solemn prayer, that thou wilt fill me with humility." « Evening. This has been a solemn day in our meet- ing. I have made my own case known to the church, ALANSON h. COVELL. 113 anew. Brother Brown oilered a very solemn and affect- .ng prayer for this. 0, my God, I pray thee hear nd answer. Grant that I may be a new preacher and a new pastor to this people. Grant me a measure at least of by Holy &p.r:t I made this request of my brethren oecause I thought it necessary. I felt that I greatly needed the prayers of christians, and of the church I made the request because I thought it might humble my pride to make my case known publicly. I made it also because I thought it might be one means of promoting what I have of late begun to seek for, viz: a far higher egree of consecration to God. And now I here record It as my fixed and most solemn determination, by the grace of God to live agreeably to the request I have pub- licly made, and to all I have expressed during ihis meet- ing. January 23. This morning the presence of the Lord has seemed to be with us. Some who seemed not to have been sufficiently awakened are more deeply im- pressed, and will, I hope, find the Savior. Young con- verts appear strong in the Lord. They speak with unusual confidence in our meetings, seem tender, peni- tent and humble, and express unusually strong desires to be wholly devoted to God hereafter. I hope and trust that some others are yet to be brought into the kingdom, though the work of conviction does not seem to go on as It did. May the Lord bless us and help us to act agree- ably to the great mercies we have received." "January 24. Last evening the meeting was very solemn. Some persons came forward for prayer who had never been before. One man in particular who has been very hardened, intemperate, profane, and desperately opposed to protracted meetings. He seems now to have some sense of his condition. I fear it may not be effect- a: lU MEMOIR OP ual and lasting; but God i*j able to change him into a humble penitent. O Lord, I pray thee have mercy on his soul. My own mind is not yet set free from sin and doubt and fear as I wish to have it. I am under a cloud of darkness, and feel unprepared for the duties I have to perform. I have just been thinking that God may have hid his face from me, on account of not having gone to one or two of my brethren, as I ought to have done, and en- deavored to enlist them anew in the cause of God. Lord, I pray thee forgive me this wrong. O give me access to those brethren, and do thou bring them back lo duty." • The meeting still continued and prospered; his own progress presents about the usual detail of self-abasemt-nt, prayer, and occasional enjoyment. He says, "January 29. This morning I am almost sick in body. About the same state of mind that I have had for several days. Yesterday I was so incessantly engaged in visiting aud in conversation, that I omitted secret prayer, except once or twice, and then I had only a moment. I know this is a dangerous way of living, besides being a violation of my new year's determination. O, my God, help me t-; delight in prayer, and to practice it more faithfully." " February 2. Last evening our conference was very solemn. I do hope God is about to revive his work yc( more and more. This morning I have to leave to attemi a protracted meeting in Clinton. 0, may the Lord carry on his work here while I am gone. I can hardly go and leave the work here, yet duty plainly calls. Lord, I pray go with me, and help me to preach and pray, in lie spirit and with thy power. Grant that great good may be done ia Clinton." February 12. Ten days have passed away since ? have taken this paper in my hand. One week of ihv time I have been absent ; the other days I have been £u ALANSON I,. 0OVt.,L. — 1 115 constantly engaged, that I l„vo l,a,I no lime for writin, .a« too K.c„.,ou-orn down nn,. .xh,,u„ed ,vith tt abo of the past month, ,hat I have been disqualified for or°"o,l "1 "' "'"" '"" '"'' '""« ---n P^^^- to me. Others less so. My health is now better and I mean to be more faithful. The ,vorl< has gone oTZ^ us. It ,s however less interesting now than it has been lfl»<l great eon.fort in visiting my ,.eo,,le. Some a,e ye enqu,r,ns. May ,he Lord bless and save. O Heav- enly Bather, grant me thy spirii," "February 19. Thismorningmy ,„i„d ;, ,„„. j ,„ iar indeed from having attained to that stale of sanelifi- cai.on wh.eh I desire. I wish to be really given un and Jevoted ,0 God my Savior. I long lo b. fmed to eh with saving eflecl to my hearers, but I fear my motives ■ n this may not be altogether right. I may ,vj>u to be a successful preacher for the name of it. To have it said often, ^,at my church is very mnd, prospered, a", tla I am a very humble, active, efficient minister. O how un- worthy are sue motives. How must Cod abhor them, hey are vmnally a desire that God would give to me a,e glory winch ,s due only to his eternal, infinite son.- 0, ray God I pray that such a sin may not he laid to rar charge. I have not deliberately cherished such a spirii. Yet It may have been in my heart. O Lord, if ihy all- searching heart and penelraling eye, has seen this sin in me, I pray thee help mo to banish it from my soul. O Lord I confess to thee, that on this point I have great reason to fear and tremble. I pray ihee, give me faith and perseverance to overcome all my sins and bo lilted to «rve thee. Cut [ should enquire what moiives and feel- rags are necessary ihal this desire to be a successful preacher, may be accepable to Cod. 1st. I ought ,o pray be made a .successful preacher from a sincere desire to Honor and serve Christ, and to fulfil his merciful desi..ns. 8 , ° no M n M ' n 9 ga. From a well-grounded, undoubling conviction that all whi' ti »* ovt»'*'^^ in the Bible concerning Christ is trM« 3d. • ' "^ P""^^' disinterested, ardent desire to savo »W^ \yn at 'ell^w-meti. That 1 may realize these con6id<tafions as 1 o Ught, I will try to n.ake each on. of thtJli ihe subject of reilection and prayer That I may tm^ Uad jnoiives on this subject, I will endeavor 1st, To f^I as iiidilTt'rent as 1 Jin, toward anything which maybclliun ^^ of '^id, either good r bad, about my Bcrmor.s. 2a. J will try if possible .a compose and preach ihcm for God, and not for the people. I will preach to them, not for them. 3d. I will endeavor not 10 «pt'ak of my sermons if I can well avoid it. Lord help mc in all these things to be faithful to ray word.- Amen." "February 27. The two past days have been chiefly 6p-nt ill pastoral calls. Have preached a lecture each cvcMin- Had some liberty in speakmg, but yet have not'airaiiied that skill, and readiness, and energy in preach! n- for which I am resolved to seek. I do earnest- Iv hope ilie Lord may yet anoint my soul more fully to this '^reat work. This day I shall devote chiefly to the preparation of my sermons for the Sabbath. O Lord,! pray thee to help me to serve thee m it. Amen. M irch l-Sabbath. This has been a good day to me, and I think to our church. In the forenoon, preached the funeral sermon of a little girl, aged about 15 years. S^e died in peace, and I trust sleeps in Jesus. At nooD, baniizev four persons-pleasant time at the water.* In the afternoo n Elder J. Peck preached on the suffermg c of "~^n9 was not Iho first baptismal season during: that rcvivi. 1 Ins was rioi I » j beciiiibe they will summar Suvcrul such entnes have ^«c» PJ ,,^ j his custom to b - ly be noticed '»».l"f ^^"'-'^ Ha had tho privilege of a line natural tizo pu «o>n'n"'""".^"f •di.^anco U^^^^ uicetiug-house, and had ?,?,= a^^ tTpr-^rto ^epai^ to it during his residence in tUftt placb ALANSON L. COV£LL. 117 Chrtst. A most molting and heavenly sermon. AAer .ermon we admini.terod tJ.« Lord', supper. Pleasant time. At the clo.e, en,n.ed to rni>e .1.! year ,^100 fo domestic m.ssions. Plea.aut conlcrencc in the evening ' Adver.inff to a season of heaviness, he says, -Marcli 5. ihis.aornmsr, feel somewhat dillcrent. C | seem, nouo have cast mc ofl" for my neglects. I am resolved to egm al my endeavors anew. I do this mornin. fe,i willing and determined to exert n.yseif mere than rhave em done for the good of my people. 1 niean hencefo^Ih to look upon this churc!, and society as the field God lias g.ven me to cultivate for him. 1 mean to try to do al for God and not for myself, neither for mv people as the great obje.r but for God, who I hope has calied me (though uihrely unworthy) into the gospel of his dear son. For him i ought to live and labor. From him are all my hopes, and to him I will endeavor to devote mv (lays and my services. How solemn it is to ask the in- visible, omniscient and heart searching Jehovah thus to guide and assist me ! O may I be enabled to keep truth and covenant with God. I was reading this mor.ioff that nothing should be done ' through vain -lory ' q what a necessary caution to me. I was reading too' thai- Christ ' made himself of no reputation.' It was no part of his design to secure what we should call a hMi repu laticn among men. This with him was never a motive to even a single acilon. Could I thus feel and act how much more holy and acceptable to God would my labors be. I desire to imitate my Savior in this beauty of his character.' ' March 7. My mlad and body have been for the two , t days, iu a very languid state. I have done next to nothmg. Of course have enjoyed nothing. This after- aooa have attended our weekly caurch conference. My ioul did in some small degree take a n^w start. The 118 MEMOIR OF Lord I hope has not ^vholly left me. To-mght I have to nleet my Bible class. May the Lord make this one means of good among us." « March 12. By almost incessant labor and fatigue I have become quite exhausted. 1 feel a languor and de- bility which I cannot throw off. I do not wish to attach too much importance to this, or to attribute to it any decrree of religious indifference and languor which I ou^-ht not to. Yet I am certain it has a very unhap- py^afluence upon my spiritual state. My former re- ligious habits have been very inconstant and unsettled. My mind has never for a very long period of time, been under that degree of divine iniluence which 1 now desire In consequence there is in my soul an acquired and strong tendency to declensions. Against this, O Lord, help me to watch and pray." " March 13. This morning my mind iias been some- what encouraged. I do not feel as ardent in prayer and other duties as 1 have done at other times. l^«t stUn am resolved to endeavor to pursue my way and labor lor more conformity to God." His "lights and shades^' of feelinn- continue for several days much as we have already r'ecorded. He says again, " March 19. Have ihis morning been somewhat refreshed in prayer, in readincr the scriptures, and in reading some in the Me- moir ofBoardman. I do desire and intend to imitate his holy and imi)ressive example. Especially his con- stant prayerfulness, his unreserved devotion to his Snvior'swill, and dependence on his grace ; his ardent, constant desires to be useful ; his assiduous endeavors to devise means and ways of usefulness; and his tireless perseverance in carrying his designs into execution. Lord I pray thee, assist me to walk in the steps of thy dear 'departed servant. Be pleased to endow my mind and heart Wiiii mose jjuta aHu ^^'^^^s -f. AL ANSON L. COVELL. 119 SO eminently thy friend and willing servant. O, make rae disinterestedly devoted to thyself, engaged for my people as he was, and as I rhould be. But I know that I ought to take no human character for my model. I know ! ought to make the requirements of the Bible ray rule, and Christ my example. O that I may be enabled 10 do this more fully than ever I have before." " March 21. I have just finished reading the memoir of Boardman. I think the perusal has been of very great seivice to me. Dear precious, departed brother. Though I never saw him, I feel most ardently attached to him from the record of his virtues and labors which I thank God I have now perused. How delightful it will be to meet such men in heaven. It has occurred to me very forcibly, why should not I be as laborious, as intent on devismg plans for the spiritual and everlasting good of my people as he was? Why should I not survey the whole range of my church and congregation, make my- self familiar with their present state of mind and spirit- ual necessities, and devise the most wise and efficient means for their eternal salvation? Why should I not regard myself as a missionary sent from God to this people? Why should I not be as constant in prayer for them, as intent on studying means for their good, and as vigilant in all my labors in their behalf, as I should if this was really a heathen town and city, and I had been sent among them as a missionary, to live and labor and die for their salvation? All this is certainly necessary. It is all fairly and fully embraced in my obligations as a preacher and a pastor to this people. I cannot feel justi- fied in aiming at, or attempting anything less than this. But how far docs such a design exceed all my former views. May the Lord help me seriously to consider this matter, and to pray much in reference to it. . have been somewhat impressed by the thou^'ht, that 120 M E lil 1 R OF such a course of faithful labor performed really for God, will q'jalify me lo enjoy the society of Boardman, & Brain- erd, &lMill=^,an(l Judion in heaven. If I now possess the same spirit, if I do what God requires of me fiom the same motives, if I act for the same great end, and seek God from the same sanctifyin:,' inQuence on my soul, I shall become qualified to be their associates in heavenly joys and services forever. Blessed hope. But how much more should I be animated by the desire to imbibe the spirit and imitate the holy faithfulness of my Savior, and his sanctified Apostles. This will prepare me to enjoy heaven with them. O may I keep this ever in view, and make Christ my example in all things. Evening. Have had a very encouraging meeting this afternoon in out church. I was rejoiced to find that several of oui mem- bers have been deeply exercised of late, and are praying with considerable assurance, that the holy spirit may not be withdrawn from us, and that other sinners may yet be converted. O may their prayers be heard ia heaven, and soon answered among us." « March 22. Sabbath. I feel this morning not all that peace and joy which I think I did one or two days ago; but I feel something of the same consciousness of ac- ceptance with God through my ever blessed and most merciful Redeemer. This is an uncommonly tedious and stormy morning. I hardly expect to see any person at meeting. Yet I hope and pray that the Lord may be there and^make it a pleasant day. Evening. Had not a very pleasant time at meeting to-day. Had scarcely any thing I could call a^'cess lo God in prayer, I was somewha't low in health, and very hoarse j but there are other reasons which I may and ought lo assign for it. The weather was so very inclement in the morning, that I expected few if any would go out to meeting. I felt quite relieved by the circumslancej thiaking I should not ALANSON L. COVELL. 121 have to preach. I was not very veil pn-parcd, haviqg bestowed but little time and study on my tcrnions.-- When, therefore, I came to the house and found a jjoodly number assembled, I was disappointed, ap.d havitvg suf- fered my mind to get oiT from the idea of preachFng, I found myself quite unprepared for it. I felt g<)me guilty for my desire to omit preaching, before meeting, but more so after, vardsj this probably was one reason'why I was no more interested myself, or interesting to otherg. Another reason was this. I had not prayed for that special help from God, as I have done in other Sabbathff when I have enjoyed more of the presence of God in preaching. O may the Lord forgive me for these sins, and assist me never to repeat them. I was wrong, very wrong to feel as I did in desiring to be excused from preaching. It was wrong because Isf, it seems to be in direct imnsgression of the command which binds me to be " instant in season, and out of season." Had I acted up to the spirit of this command, I should have been as ready and as glad to have preached to half a dozen people to-day, as to preach at any other time. 2d, It was a feeling directly the reverse of what a preacher or a pas- tor ought to cherish. A preacher ought to be so much engaged in his work that he would long for opportuni- ties to preach and not even wish to avoid one. A pastor ought so to love his flock and so intently to seek their good, that he will rejoice in every occasion he may en- joy of doing even a little, to promote their spiritual in- terests. 3d, To feel as I did was very wrong, because I am convinced, on reflection, that my reluctance to preach arose more from a fear that I should not appear well before the people with my hoarse and weak voice, and undigested sermons, than from any thouglit that God would be more honored by having no meeting, than he would by the devotions of a few. I ought to have ■imi"''M 122 MEMOIR OP been ready and glad to think and pray and write, that I might enkindle a warmer flame of love in the hearts of only two or three persons who love our blessed Lord and Savior. Christ has promised, though he is exalted to heaven, and surrounded by myriads of holy men and angels, to come into the place whpre only " two or three" assemble in his name. How willing ought I to be then, to labor and pray with all my heart, for the spiritual bene- fit of only two or three of my flock. O how the kindness and care of the Great Shepherd puts roe to the blush. 4th, But this was wrong, because the feeling was so evidently opposed to the providence of God. While I was making up my mind that only five or six would attend, God was collecting nearly a hundred. While I was unfitting my mind for preaching, God was collecting people to hear me, and the very best kind of hearers, persons who were willing to drive through the storm and mud three or four miles to hear the word. He was col- lecting his own dear people whom he bought with his own blood, and whose comfort here, and fitness for heaven he was desirous to promote by this very Sabbath meeting. I was therefore disqualifying myself for the very work he was preparing to my hand. This was nothing less than acting against God. 5th, How sinful the feeling for one who is in Christ's stead watching for souls, to be glad of a storm so that those precious souls cannot come up to the housoof God to hear the word of their salva- tion. How must the God of salvation regard such a feeling in a minister ! But I desire to confess these sins to thee, O Lord, and never to repeat them. I desire to seek for far moie eminent qualifications for my office. I intend hereafter to take special pains to preach the precious word on stormy Sabbaths, for the few who attend at such times certainly deserve the special prayers and laborsof their preacher & pastor. May I never forget this. f \ ALANSON L. CO VELL. 123 This evening I have felt a little restoration of spirit to my Savior's love. The events of this day have tau«h: me that my piety is yet very low. May the Lord help me to improve. Amen." ''March 23. That which more than any thin- else has brought my heart to a confidence in " the record God bath given of his son," is the clear discovery I havelhad of the need of a mediator (in my own case at least) to reconcile the heart to God. I have no evidence that the Almighty Sovereign of the Universe will hold the least intercourse with me, or any other sinner on the subject of pardon and salvation. If he should conde- scend to do this, how could I appear before him? with my present ignorance and guiltiness and proneness tp sin, I could not appear in iiis presence and plead my cause before him. Therefore I see and feel that I need a me- diator to undertake for me, and bring about reconciliation between my soul and my God." My dear sister : WhUesboro\ March 22, 1835. God has been pleased once more to favor our church with what wo usually call a "revival." I should think that nearly 40 persons have professed to have found hope ia the Savior, during the winter. I have had the pleas- ure of baptizing 27, and four or five others expect to fol- low them in the same blessed way next Sabbath. We held a protracted meeting in January, which was the means most blessed of God for the conversion of sinners, though the work had commenced before the meeting opened, and has continued since its close. Good Mr. P.P. Brown was with us through the meeting. He was perhaps never more "filled wiih the spirit," or "enrich- ed in all knowledge and utterance," than in that meeting. The Sabbath after the meeting opened, he seemed really like the " Angel of the Apocalypse, standing in the sun." " In thoughts that breathed, s^M words that burned," he t'' % 4^1- 'l.:^M ^^^ il '^ liM ^^.m^ifH m *^'' -'^Pf ..■'''1 u^ ji. ■"'§ tr&loi^'''- '.^>-'^^l ' '.^mm ^^^^K"^r^^H '^^m :^:.ts> "^1 if' KFi-H EkiM ^■' ' 1 §u 1 ■ Imlt its '^^'-- ''^fi 121 MEMOIR OP proclaimed the everlasting gospel, as it seemed, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. During that day and evening, the anxious seats kept constantly filling up with weeping sinners and penitent backsliders. Some were made to rejoice in the God of their salvation, and with streaming eyes besought their friends to ' turn unto the Lord." Many confessions of sins were made by old professors, and by men awakened to see how they had treated the High and Lofty One. I expect to see but few such Sabljaths. This perhaps is unbelief. But I do rejoice and thank God for what he has done. O praise the Lordwith me, and let us exalt his name tc'ether." This season of refreshing nas been a very g.reat blessing to myself. During the summer, while you were here, and after, 1 was as desponding almost as Jonah, and had no liberty, and thought I did no good in preaching, either at home or abroad. I had sometimes almost determined to ask a dismission and seek another field of labor. But I feel now entirely contented and willing to continue and toil here as long as it may seem promotive of the Divine glory or the salvation of my fellow creatures. I was very much rejoiced in the visit we received from Elder Matteson, on his return from his western tour. He preached for me all day, and preached with a most searching effect upon the minds of christians. Please present my kind regards to him when you see him. I have not much time to write this morning ; so I will not quite fill up the sheet. Shall I not hear from you soon ? Give my love to ail the members of your family, and accept the assurance of continued affection from Your brother, A. L. COVELL. Mrs. D. C. Brown. "March 31. I have- found some satisfaction this ALANGON L. COVELL. 125 morning ia readiris: in the book of Daniel. I have com- menced retainer thi^ portion of scripture through. O, that I may discover and copy the excellencies "'of this great Proj)het. His unconunon prayerfulnes?, simple and entire d; p.-ndence on God, deserve my imitation. His decisioa and e!U'rQ:y in the execution of this duty; his fearlessness before kings and mighty men; his firm, full and faithful declaration of the word of God to them' show me how I ought to preach and converse. May I be enabled in some degree to imitate this holy man." Increased enjoyments and continued desires for greater attainments mark several succeeding pages. "April 6. Yesterday 1 felt greatly unprepared for the duties of the day. My unpreparedness I am sure was the result in a great measure of a low and languid state of mind during the week. I had however made the de- termination to go forward in my duty and make the best improvement of the day in my power. Just as I was going to open the meeting in the morning, father Read, an esteemed friend and minister, came in and preached for me both parts of the day. I felt so relieved that I could hardly express my gratitude for the providence.— But it occurred to me afterwards, that my supposed gratitude for the favor God had been pleased to bestow upon me, was more the fruit of selfish gladness than of real love. May the spirit of all grace sanctify my soul and invigorate all my powers to love and serve God as I ought. May I have wisdom to profit by the events of every week, and of every Sabbath, and correct the errors of my heart and life as God reveals them to me." Whitesboro\ May 2, 1835. My dear sister:— Your last letter was received three days since. I was prepared for the news it brought me, by a line from Elder Matteson, received two or three weeks before yours. It gives me very great joy to ieara 186 MEMOIR OP that God has in great mercy appeared again to your view, as your Divinely glorious friend and Savior. How great his love towards us. How kind to seek after us— to watch over us in all our ways, and select the hour of our extrenaity, to show delivering grace, and magnify his perfections in our view. Verily, God i3 faithful by whom wc are called into the fellowship of his son.— Having commenced a good work in us, he leaves it not, till it is carried forward to perfection. "O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his won- derful works to the children of men." Be assured, my gratitude to God for what he has done for you, shall be mingled with yours, and my earnest prayer shall be offered up to the Great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, that his effectual kindness and care may be the safety and solace of your future days. ' ******* We still have the hand of God upon us in repeated sicknesses. Mrs. Covell has not been out all vvinier.- Most of the time she has been confined to her room. ***** The state of religious feeling among us is not so en- <:ouragins as when I wrote you last, though there have been a few conversions since, and a good degree oi union and prayerfulness still continues among our members. Please remember me affectionately to Elder Matteson, when you see him. His visit here I shall not soon for- get. More searching discourses have not been preached to our people at any time since the revival commenced than his were. Give my love to all your family, and to all friends who ask after me. Let me hear again soon. Your affectionate brother, A. L. Covell. Mrs. D. C. Brown. The journal coniinned makes mention of these re- innf%toA cictnpccpe in hies familv. sTcat variaiious of feel- ALANSON L. COVELL. 127 ing, but uniformity of desire to be in all tilings conformed 10 the will of «od. We pass to "May 22. My dear companion has recently gone to her father's to spend two or three months. I shall be alone most of my time. O my God, n.ay I be assisted to spend this time as I ought. Have just received a let- ter from brother Dean, w!io left us a year since on a mission to Burmah. God grant that he may be useful and bring many heathen to Christ. O my God, assist me in preparations foi the Sabbath, and in it/ duties when it ardves." May 2i. On account of ill health, I have not been out 10 meeting. This has been a great disappointment to our people. IMost of them went to other meetin-s or returned home. The rest held a prayer meeting. llhas been a miserable day to me. Feeble and trembling in body, and languid in mind. My thoughts have been wandering, and 1 liave been next to prayerless. O, may the Lord pardon rae." "May 25. To-day have been very weak, and have accomplished but liiile. Have had, I trust, some small de;::ree of religious peace. Feel resolved with the help of God to be more devoted." June 2. For the last seven days I have been in very low health. Have had excessive pain in my head, but the Lord has enabled mo to pray more frequently, and I hope with moru fervor than I have done for some time, I trust he has not left me entirely destitute of his spirit. Though infinitely unworthy, yet he has enabled me to enjoy a little of the comfort of Jiis grace; for this I de- sire to praise his holy name. The crumbs that fall from the table of his love are much too good for such a wretch as I. I am sensible that I am yel a chiistian only in the lowest degree. My views of God, of Christ, and expect- . ntions of the heavenly world, are very far from being 128 MEMOIR OP audi living, deep realities to me as I desire they may be. I think I can say from the heart that I do not aspire aficr anything in this world. If I had performed all my Sav- ior's will concerning me, and was leady to depart and bo with Christ, how gladly would'l go. But 1 am con- strained to admit, that this results more from dissatisfac- tion with this world, than from prcparaiiou for the next. More from weariness of myself than from love to God. O, how deceitful my heart still is. May the Lord help me to detect it. I feel a strong desire to hecoine a belter preacher. To preach more for God and the immediate good of men than I have done. Last week I a as as I thought somewhat assisted in writing two ser.iions.— Brother Tluss from Canada was here on tlic Sabbath, so that I did not preach at all. God has been very kind to me during my sickness. O, may 1 not forget his bene- fits." "June 3. This has been to mc a less favorable cay than yesterday. My mind has been very low and feeble. I have not been able to write much in my sermon. I have tried to pray, but have derived but very little bene- fit. 0, %vhat a sluggish heart I have. When shall I be quickened to serve God as I ought? O Lord, I do n\r,t humbly pray thee, enable me to possess greater energy and to exercise it purely for thy glory." "June 4. To-day have enjoyed as I trust a little of that peace of conscience which true religion affords.- Have visited a beloved brother in the ministry. A pleas- ant interview. Have attended meeting this evening.- Preachcd with some little liberty, and 1 hope with some good effect. But to my shame and sorrow I record it, that in prayer I was not as I ought to have been. la praying for delinquent professors, made use of language which reilected loo severely upon them, and which could not have indicated a right spirit on my own part. my God, I make the record of this confession to ray own ALANSON L. C V E L L. 129 shame, and wiili prayer for thy forgiveness. O, may T~ a smoer so vile, so often ofTmy guard, so seldom right- may I find srace in thy sight. O God. I pray thee ojve me a broken and a penitent heart for this, and for ail mv sms.— Amen." ' 6th. To-day and yesterday have enjoyed I think a degree of my Savior's presence. I have not yet attained thai nearness to God which I desire, but I see daily more of my defects, and by prayer find my soul benefitted and improved." "June 7-Sabbath. This has been a better Sabbath to me than I have enjoyed before in a long time. I had prayed more through the week for divine assistance in preaching, and I hope I have in some measure enjoyed it. Preached in the morning oa the right use of the f orld. In the afternoon on the "enmity of the world c-ainst God." O Lord, I do humbly pray thee to bless t'le day to the good of some. Tiiis cvenin- preached at Ouskany, on the exaltation of Christ. Had' the attentioa of the people, though I had less energy of feeling, than of freedom of thought and expression. And now, O thou searcher of hearts, as this day is past, and I am about to retire for rest, I do most humbly ask thy pardon for all the sins which may have been ii my heart this day. Make me constantly humble and holy, and help me I pray thee to do thy will." "June 14. This afternoon we have had a good con- ference. Several of the members were quite engaged. In a part of the meeting I felt almost carried back to our revival a few months since. God be praised for such a meeting. O Lord, I praise and thank thy name that thou hast done this for my brethren and sisters." ' June 18. This week have been more occupied with things abroad, than in any week before in a long time. Tuesday, attended the anniversary of our Foreign Mis- sionary Society, at Augusta. Preached from Prov. iii, iF'i.Tft'. « 1 k wMmm K' w' .g i^^^k k?- ■ i •;' (■ ^m ) US'- *'" \- M '_ ' Isl .'•■ -. ■ ■ - & Ui' -M 130 MEMOIR OP 9. 10. Had but a small assembly, lliough a very com- fortable time in preaching. Our meeting was consider- ably ioteresting, and I iiupe has been the means of some good. Yesterday went to Oriskany. Attended a concert of sacred music in the Episcopalian Church, and deliv- ered an address. Not a very interesting season. To-day have visited some, and this evening have been out to New Hartford to preach a lecture. Had a little liberty in preaching. To-night I do not feel that sense of the presence and goodness of God that I wish I did. O, may the Lord graciously assist mo to grow in grace daily." "June 25. Have commenced reading the memoir of Harlan Page. Have been deeply interested in it. How much more holy and active was he than I have ever been. I desire to imitate his bright example. Have full of late the necessity of being more active among both saints and sinners. O, when shall 1 become what I desire to be?" "26. Have found to-day sensible benefit in prayor.- In the morning fojnd my mind led to a passage on which I mean to prepare two sermons. During tlie forenoon wao assisted in writing one of them. Tliis afternoon have visited three families, all profes-jors of religion whom I saw. Since returning have found some comfon in secret prayer. How infinitely gracious and mysteri- ously coadcsccndiag is God to hear such a sinner's pe- titions. "29. Monday morning. Resolved on rising this morn- ing, to devote this day mainly to self-examination, con- fession and prayer before God. I have read over ray journal. I find that my religious character has been very defective. I feci humbled by the review. I have tried to recollect my past life, and I see all along how perverse my heart has been. In childhood and youth before 1 was enlightened from above, I was a- very great and guilty sinner. I cannot but wonder at the mercy that ALANSON L. COTELL. 231 induced my gracious God and Savior to seek after me by his holy spirit, and call me to know his Will and receive his salvation." Some pages which immediately follow have been transcribed in the former part of the Memoir. He next says: "In about six months after my V jptism, I commenced preaching; and in three years was ordained pastor of the church where I first began. I was married near the same time, and in less than a year removed to another place. I do not know that by this part of my ministry more thaa* a very few souls were brought to Christ. There was a revival in the church during the time, and thirty or forty were hopefully converted ; but the revival commenced while I was absent, and I was constrained to ascribe its progress to other means than my labors. In reviewing this part of my life, I find again very great reason for repentance. It is four years last November since I came to Madison, where I continued three months, and then came to this place. For about one year I felt thai I was almost useless in the ministry. Notiung seemed to pros- per except that the church wery united, and the congre- gation somewhat enlarged. In the winter (1831)^6 held a protracted meeting. I had felt, .for some time before, the need of being revived, and saw it to be irr^pe- riously needed in the church and among the unconverted. In the meeting I was brought to see and deeply (eel my need of being pardoned anew. 1 resolved by the assist- ance of God to begin my life anew. I found relief in prayer. I enjoyed that sweet serenity and pea-e of mind which I think nothing but a sense of God's pardoning love can bestow. We enjoyed a precious season. Pif. ty-nine were added to us that year by baptism, and forty- four by letter. I think I have never entirely lost the< influence of that revival in my own heart. I think I caa 9 >4 132 MEMOIR OF say I have had a more enlarged view of my obligations and responsibilities as a minister, and have been more ready to meet them. But this is saying, alas, but very little. A year from that time there was again some interest in the congregation, though only a few conversions. Bui the year following, God was pleased to appear for us in still greater power and love. The church was universal- ly roused up. Forty-six persons were baptized, some backsliders reclaimed, and a goodly number joined by let- ter, making seventy or eighty in all. In that revival I was brought to engage with more earnestness in my ministry, and 'with more decided aims to glorify God than ever 1 had done before. But during the summer I very much declined in zeal and activity. During the fall I endeav- ored to reflect and pray more than I had done, but still 1 felt that my «?oul was very barren of the fruits of holi- ness, and that my ministry was unblessed. This led me to determine on far more active and persevering means for my spiritual improvement. At this time, December 1st, I commenced keeping this record of my life. I did it with a sincere desiro that God would make it the means of great good to me. I determined that I would make an earnest and continued effort to become really holy and devoted to God. From the perusal of my Journal, I see that I have often wavered in my resolution and faltered in my course. I have committed many er- rors, have failed greatly in my duties, and of keeping the vows I have made. But God has been pleased in infinite mercy, not wholly to withdraw his spirit from me. He has given me, I trust, some access to himself in prayer, and some seasons of sacred enjoyment. In March last, I trust God was pleased to manifest to my soul, a sweet sense of his pardoning mercy. I did j-:Q^gg in him as my Savior. 1 felt that my trust was in j,>^ ALANSON Is. CO V ELL. 133 )ligations een more but very interest in ons. But for us in universal- :ed, some aed by let- ival I was f ministry, han ever I irery much 1 1 endeav- , but still I its of holi- i'his led me ring means , December life. I did lake it the lat I would ;ome really usal of my f resolutioQ d many er- I of keeping 1 pleased in irit from me. > himself in at. » manifest to ercy. I did him, and that in amazing condescension and love he owned me as his child. That joyful consciousness of pardon continued with me for some time. But in a measure I lost it again. For a considerable time past I have enjoyed seasons of prayer, and have been enabled to be far more constant and earnest in all my endeavors than before, yet I have not that assurance of acceptance with God which for a time I enjoyed a few months since. That this joy of salvation may be restored to me, I have set apart this, as a day of self-examination and prayer, and I do feel to bless God that he has enabled me so to do. While endeavoring to confess my sins to him, and beg his forgiveness, I have felt some tenderness and pen- itence of heart before him. He has as I trust once more appeared for me and has made me in some degree to rejoice in his pardoning mercy. I here raise my Eben- ezer, and with gratitude say, « Hitherto the Lord hath helped liie." To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein I trust he has made me accepted in the Beloved, I here record myself the chief of sinners, saved by the infinite power and grace of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This interesting and protracted exercise is continued something more than two pages farther; but we pass to "July 1st. This morning, enjoyed a sweet season in prayer. Felt that God was near and very gracious. Was enabled to rejoice in him as my Savior. O, may I not be deceived. Christ has appeared to me this morning as great and glorious in his character. I have been led by this view of him to adore him aslmmanuel— God with us. May he appear yet far more glorious and lovely to my soul. I have long been troubled with 'doubts concerning Christ. T have desired far greater evidence that Jesus of Nazareth did live and die on the earth as the trust was m ■ gibje deplares— that hp ia thp 9inp f^rn^A a«d 9* 134 MEMOIR OP heaven an intercessor for all those who believe in him, I have wanted evidence of this., as clear and as forcible to my mind as I have of the existence of God* But I have been led to see, that my doubts arose from a bad state of heart, rather than from any want of fevidence that the Lord Jesus is the Savior of the world. I have found that prayer does more good than speculation.! As I endeavor to draw near to G.od in the character of a poor, lost sinner, I feel the need of a Savior, and sometimes reioice that there is an intercessor with the Father to whom I can commit my cause, and from whom 1 hope for eternal life. I do in my soul bless God that m Christ there is hope for the chief of sinners. By his grace I am resolved to seek him with my whole heart, and be en- abled to devote my life without any reserve to his ser- vice." « July 4 To-day have enjoyed some access to God in prayer. ' Have finished reading of the memoir of Har- lan Pa^e Think it has been much blessed to me. Have to-day attended and praye d at the celebration of our Na- *««IPt not your heart he'troubled, ye believe in God, believe 1 • L " Vn those who reflect and reason no rational benigs, also in me. ^/^^^^^.f^^j^.^/e « believe in God the Redeemer, as in God the'crea torV A tile maker of the body he hath adapted r, to tirworld in which >*e are placed; not only the primarvne- v.rr,?t nil our incidental wants are amply provided for. cessitics, but all our »ncm n . ^^^ ..^^„ ^^ ^^^^ ^"""^ ^jS.vkiSfor the te/npe than for the spirit whieh inhabits thougntfu ly l^ind i^.r the tcAiP^e body and not for the soul ? Pre- itl Shall ^^"'l take care loriney i,e be considered "afaithful the souU as or iM^ u ^ j ^ p,.ov sion. Is it not manifest only solici udo is to a«c«"^f"j; ^V , „g ^h^ yery pro- :itn we nee'd"' 'TheSTeein^ Z have a high Priest who can be ZchedwTth a feeling of our infirmil es, let us come bold y unto ZtLToi grace, u.ld find grace to help m time of need. ^^^^^ t " Then shall ihev know, when xhey follow on to know the Lord, whether it bo true." ALANSON L. COVELL, 135 iional Independence. Had no access to Gochn prayer. U was all a form. I am sick of these celebrations. I be- lieve their moral influence is very bad. Hope neVer to attend another. This afternoon have had a very <rood covenant meetiivjr. More than a common number were present. More fMeling and activity in the church than I expected. God be praised for this. One woman who has for some time cherished a hope, related her experience to-day to be baptized to-morrow. O may God hs praised for this, and may many others yet be made willing bv his power." * "Julys. Sabbath." The amount of the first part of this entry 13, a good day. Liberty in preaching. Bap- tism at noon. Solemn season at communion. A branch of his church was located in the factory village of Oris- kany, three miles west of Whiteaborough, and, if I re- collect aright, he held a five o'clock lecture there once a month on the Sabbath. Of this day he savs, " At five o'clock preached a lecture at Ori«kany. A still and sol- emn meeting. Went home with a brother I had not vis- ited before in a long time. A good visit. Monday, visited thirteen families and a number of young people in the factories. Had a good monthly concert ill the even- ing. 7th. Continued his family visiting and preached in the evening. 8th. Wrote letters and read some. "A languid day it) body and mind." We insert one of the letters : Whileshorc\ .Tuly 8, 1835. My dear sister:— Yours which I have been for some time expecting, I have to-day received, ai.d as I have to- day a little leisure, I will give you an immediate reply. I do very much rejoice that God has once more set your feet ijpon the foundation laid in Zion, and put a new 136 MEMOIR OP scn<r into your mouth. I have endeavored to pour out my heart in gratitude for what God has done for you, and in s^jpplicaiion for his mercy to remain with you, to keep and bless you ever more. I have before seen a letter from Elder Peck, in which he gave an account of the covenant meeting in Shaftsbury, and of your being present. What an infinite mercy it is, that God does not cast us off when we wander from him, but is ever ready to receive and forgive us when we become truly penitent. I have thought much of this of late, and trust I have in some degree rejoiced in the forgiving love of my heavenly Fa">er Nothmg can so enliven and melt my heart, as the pardoning mercy of God, freely bestowed through the Lord Jesus Christ. * I am <'lad to hear you have a Sabbath school. It may boa great blessing. Is Elvira a teacher? Does she vet love the Savior? I think a great deal of prayer ;s 'euuisite to render a S. S. a means of conversion.- Conversation of teachers with their scholars, m the week, and when alone, is very important. How often may the mind of a child be tenderly impressed, and their conh- deuce secured, by kind and free conversation and solemn rrayer with them, when .the recitation of their lesson would affect them very little. I do think the Holy Spirit blesses direct, kind and faithful addresses to ihe consciences of young and old, as the means of their conversion, more frequently than he does any other means employed. Did every christian not only shine as a bright and holy example of piety among men, but really endeavor to pursuade and beseech them in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God, there would more frequently be joy in heayen over sinners that repent. What can be m mt by the kingdom of heaven being like the leaven hid in the meal, and by its constant fermentation attract- in<r to itself, and identifying with itself, every surround- ALANSON L. COVELL. 137 ing particle till the whole lump is leavened ? Does it not mean ihat the church should be incessantly actinq for the eternal salvation of men? That every member should win souls to Christ 1 Should be a portion of the leaven to attract the surrounding particles till all become leavened ? May you, my dear sister, be the means, under God, of opening to your family and to others the savmg knowledge of the Lord Jesus. My health has been miserable for six weeks past I have had the same weakness at the lungs that I had last year. I am now better. / know the climate does not agree with me here, and expect finallv to be obli-ed to leave, though I shall do so with deep regret, as my'heart IS much attached to this people. But I mean to say, the will of the Lord be done. I shall not leave at present. I have not mentioned it at all except to ray relative*. Let us pray for each other. Your affectionate brother, A. L. CoVELL. P. S. Cousin Lemuel Covell is ordained Pastor of the church in Athens, below Albanv. In the last Maga- zine, is the following notice: "Mr. Loreozo O. Covell ordained pastor of the Baptist Church in West Boylston, June 3." Do you know any thing about him ? Journal resumed. " 9th. Attended a concert in a neighboring church. Came home very tired." 10th. A humble fervent supplication. Choice of a text. Prayer for assistance in writing and speaking from it, and a desire for God to accompany it with his blessing. Various and interesting exercises for several successiv* pages, very similar to many already recorded, " July 20. Yesterday in the morning Rev. Mr. Hoby, from Birmingham, England, preached an interesting sermon to our congregation. ~ " ' I do hone some* annd 1S8 MEMOIR OF pressions were made on the minds of the people. Tn the afternoon I preached in the Presbyterian Church in this village. Not a very good time to me. Preached again at 5 o'clock. A good time — solemn meeting. Spent the night with one of the bretliren whom I had not seen before in a long time. To-day have visited five families, do not know that much good has been done. Apathy is settling upon the minds of christians generally, apparent- ly there is but very little prayer. Binners too are get- ting stupid. Worse than all else, my own heart is much too cold. O Lord, I pray thee, revive thy work, and let it begin with me." " 24. To-day visited a few families where I had not been in a long time. Some part of ihe lime I have spent very pleasantly. Hope some good has, been done to one or two christians who had been for some time in the dark. O Lord, I pray thee bring them in o the light. Conversed with two unconverted sinners to-day. Both appeared a little tender, but not all decided to ask for mercy now. Conversed with one sick woman whose husband is a universalist, and who appeared very unwil- ling that any one should converse with his wife. Poor man, when he shall meet God in judgment, he may re- gret his opposition to the truth." " 25. To-day have been in a very low and languid state of feelinff. Found some enjoyment in reading in the Bible, and in Bunyan's Holy War." " Sabbath morning, July 26. Feel weak and faint in body, and have not much energy of mind. O Lord, I humbly pray thee, assist me this day. Enable me to glorify thee in all I do. Bless thy people ; make thy word a blessing to them, duicken us all according to thy word." " 27. To-day have been constantly engaged in mak- ing family visits. Conversed with many christians. ALANSON L. C V E L L. 139 j^ome appeared glad of such an interview. Others were less interested in religion than I want to see them.- Some were in affliction. It was a great privilege to them to have prayer offered in their behalf. This evenin- we held a christian conference, to find out the spiritual state of our members. A very full attendance. Many seem strong in the Lord and are progressing in the faith — Others seem to be ready to learn the wr.ys of the Lord may they be recovered and kepi from the snare of satan. Thia has been a good meelino- " " 29. O how many things there are in this world to becloud the mind, depress the faiih, and chill the ardor of God's people; but wiih me, the worst of all the evils I suffer IS, a heart so easily drawn away from my Savior. Yet I do not despair of mercy, nor intend to leave the path of obedience. Though greatly ashamed and con- demned for my departures from God, yet I desire to renew my walk with him and by his grace endeavor to be more truly devoted and faithful. This morning have commenced a sermon on inconsiderate and heartless promises to God, from the parable of the two sons, Matt. XXI, 28, 30. Help me, O Lord, to preach to myself and reduce my doctrine to practice. Heavenly Father, I also fear that too many of my christian brethren, whom I love la the truth, have broken many of the solemn promises they huve made, to labor in thy vineyard. I desire to say something from thy word, which »vill be ihe means of quickening them to a more decided and hearty engag- edness in thy service. I pray thee, merciful God, assist me by thy Holy spirit to prepare and deliver this sermon in such a manner as will do good." "31. This morning feel greatly depressed in body, and languid in mind. Have found some relief in prayer. I ihank God ior that. Blessed be his holy name that he 140 MEMOIR OF tvill and does hear tV? cry of such a poor and miserable sinner as I am." August 1. In meditation upon my present condition, in prayer to God, and in endeavoring to renew my reso- lutions to Icve and serve him, I have found some comfort and hope this morning. In reading Pilgrim's Progress was instructed, admonished and encouraged." 2. "Sabbath morning. Uncommonly clear and pleasant. How glorious do all the works of God appear. With what joy and gladness should his saints go up to his courts and worship. O, Lord of Hosts how excellent is thy name in ali the earth. Thou hast set thy glory above the heavens. O Lord, I desire to praise and worship thee this day for all thy works of power and love, and for all thy kind providences. Thou art intiaitely great and good J and thy tender mercies are over all thy works.— help me to praise thee with uprightness of heart." '''i\ugust 9. Sabbath morning. O God, \ ihank thee for this day— for health and reason-~for thy blessed word— for time to pray— and for all I enjoy. Evening. Have not had a pleasant Sabbath. Felt greatly embar- rassed in preaching. Was very much depressed after meetmg. At five o'clock attended conference. Only a few present; still we had quite a good season. My heart was a little revived by hearing the brethren pray and exhori ; but how far I am from the true enjoy- ment of God. My soul is under a dark and heavy cloud. 1 have wandered away from God. I have ' left my guide, and lost my way.' ' O, that I knew where I might find him ! I would approach even to his seat. I would order my cause before him. I would fill my mouth with argu- ments. I try to pray, but do not find relief.' ' 10. This iriorning ray soul is still in darkness and trouble. I have not that peace of mind I desire. Leave home on a journey to-day. May God protect me and help rae ia all places to act like a christian.' ALANSON L. COVELL. Ht He went north to visit friends and attend Mrs. Covell on her return home. "September 13. For one month I have been absent from the people of my chage. This is the first Sabbath since my return. It Avas my desire to return to them in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. But, alas, I am the same unprofitable servant that ever I have been. I greatly fear that I have been more desirous to be the 7tieans of awakening sinners, than I have that sinners should be awakened and saved. It seems to me this is impossible, yet I fear this has been the real state of ray heart in this matter. O, how vile my selfish heart appears. How infinitely abhorrent and loathsome must it appear to the Holy^One. '• Self-seeking » ;is one of my besetting sins. I see it, feel ashamed of it, strive against it; but still it remains within me. O, that I might be delivered from it." "14. This morning have had some comfort in read- ing the Bible and in prayer." "22. To-day have visited the sick and spent my time in domestic concerns." "25. Am engaged and perplexed in making arrange- ments for iiouse-keeping." "November 1. Had to-day a little enjoyment in se- cret prayer. In the morning had not much liberty in preaching from the words, "thy kingdom come." At noon baptized one willing, humble convert. I bless God that the poor of this world are pressing into the kingdom of God. O, that many may yet come." "November 12. To-day received a visit from broth- er Ide, late pastor of the first Baptist church in the city of Albany. He came to bear to me the invitation of the church to visit them, and settle with them as their pas- tor, should we be mutually satisfied. It is wholly unex- pected to me. It has greatly agitated my mind. I try m M E RI 1 R OP 10 pray anil ilclibcralc serioir-ly upon it, but gain very little advantage. This evenin- I.ave attended a lecture. Had somo liberty in trying to preach Christ to the few who came in." " 13. My thoughts are constantly occupied with the prospect of chan Jng my pastoral relations. For a long time I have been deliberating and trying to pray upon this subject, witliodt knowing or expecting that any oilier field of labor would be opened to me. Nor had I any unwillin-ness to continue to labor here if it appeared to be the will of God that I should. There were serious considerations which made me think it would not be my duty to remain he)-e much longer. One of these consid- erations u, the health of my dear companion. The climate is evidently unfavorable to hci. Repealed and severe attacks of sickness have already done much to waste the strength of her constitution. Not only her physicians, but my own warm friends who are anxious for me to continue here, agree with me in thin, and think she would be far more healthy in a climate less humid. This has occasioned very great anxiety to us both, and has often urged us to the mercy-seat to ask counsel of Ood. Another reason why I have thought it might be my duty to enter another Held of labor, should another be presented is, that more pastoral labor is really needed here, than I am able to perform. Our church and con- gregation are scattered over a wide territory. They are never all at meeting on the Sabbath. They therefore strongly solicit, and really need frequent lectures and other meetings during the week. For two years past, I have attended meetings often, every evening in the week, and seldom less than three or four. This, with attend- ing funerals, and meetings abroad, pa.,toral visits and my own dom-esiic cares, more than engrosses my whole time, AL A NSO N L. CO V£LL, 143 and requires a greater amount of efibrt tlian I am able to make. Besides tliis>, this weeldy a^^regate of labor leaves mc very little lime for reading aiurrellection, nor enough to prepare properly for the Sab!)alh. Having been engaged in this round of labor for nearly (ive years' I have thought it might be right fur me to leave it to some other person more competent to perform It. I find too, that my own health is like to fail under my present course of duty. I have already determined to omit much of what I have been accustomed to perform, even if I remain here. These, with some other reason?, have led me for some time past to conclude, that if in the provi- dence of God, another field of labor should be opened for me, it might be my duty to accept it. Yet I can not say that I have been really determined on this. There are reasons on the other hand which greatly incline me to remain where I am. In the first place I nave, so far as I know, the confi- dence of the chuich and people. They seem greatly- attached to me as their miL:,-,ter, and are unusually kind to me. I have received many favors from them, and would gladly make any exertion in my power to do them good. I have more confidence in going on with my labor here, and better know how to proceed, than I should among strangers. On the whole, I am resolved to leave it all to the determination of divine Providence. I am resolved to be more prayerful, and to become better qual- ified 10 do the will of God, whatever it may be." "18. O Lord, I pray thee behold rae in my present condition. In great compassion to me, as the chief of sinners, I pray thee set my soul at liberty from all I hale and fear, and prepare me fully for all that is before me." "19. Feel more composure of mind this morning.— Have a little more freedom in prayer. God, I hope, and I can almost say I believe, will order my steps aright.— 144 MEMOIR OF He has hitherto opened my way before me, by means that I could not have foreseen or devised, and in a man- ner far more favorable to my happiness than I could have expected. O how great has been his mercy." **22— Sabbath. In the morning had more than usual liberty and enjoyment in preaching. Had the attentioa of the people, and hope some good impressions were made At noon found one young lady had recently found peace in the Savior. I do feel to praise God at the si^ht of one more convert, one more immortal being saved^from eternal woe. In the afternoon had much less liberty in preaching, yet the assembly was still and sol- emn, and I hope the opportunity was not entirely lost.- This evening we have had a prayer-meeting and confer- ence. A pleasant and encouraging meeting. Some of the members were unusually engaged in prayer. I do think the members of our church are becommg more prayerful, and that their prayers will avail. I hope the good spirit of God may continue with them." « 23 Have not felt all that peace and calmness to-day as sorn" days before, yet I hope and pray that the Lord will not leave me. Am willing God should decide the case of my going to Albany, just as will be for Ins own glory." AL A N80N L. CO VBLL. 146 CHAPTERV. History still continued mostly by journal. ZVZt^^lT.kT'"'' -'houtgaiuBaying. as soon a. I "25. This morning the dark cloud which hung over my soul yesterday, is beginning to remove. God seems willing to keep me from plunging inco deeper darkness Blessed be his holy name. To-day I am to leave home for Albany. I leave with much anxiety for my dear wife and little one whom I leave behind, and for the circum- stances which are before me. I have many fears and some hopes concerning the future. I try to commit all to God. I fhink I can say— I desire his will may be done. I have some faith to believe that he will guide my way aright, and that if I do honestly and prayerfully confide in him, he will order my course so that his own cause will be advanced, and my best interests secured. God my heavenly Father, I do humblv ^ ly thee to bless my family while I am absent. ^ ^ tj,y presence be with them. May no ill befall tlicni. May their wants be all supplied. Help my dear companion to trust in thee, to rejoice in thee, and to wait patiently for thy holy will. O protect my little daughter, and rear her up to serve thee when we are dead. Lord I pray thee be with me. Assist me m reflection and in prayer. Help me to watch against all temptation, and to live near to thee. Give me, O give me thy spirit when I preach thy word. May some good be done. Bless thy people her^, continue a praying spirit among them. May thy work once more revive here. May souls be converted. tfc 146 MEMOIR OP ihy church be strengthened and great good be done before this winter shall close.' •Nov 23. Albany, Saturday evening. By the good movidence of God I arrived here on Thursday evemng. Had a very cold, tedious journey, but God has support- ed me through it. I am now quite rested m body tho' far from being ai rest in mind. How foohsh and vam have been both my fears and my hopes. O Lord I pray ihee to be with me to deliver me from my sms and to nualifv me for thy holy will. I can do nothing without r p^sence to-morrow. O that I might enjoy thy love. O that I might rise completely and forever a ov^ he f- of men, and all desire for their applause. Gracious feav- tri pray for grace to love thee and serve thee as I ought. '<Tive me thy spirit to morrow. Amen. .-29 Sabbath This day to which for two weeks I have been looking forward, ha, at length arrived and i, TZrZt I have been enabled to preach twice. In r mor'ning I was son-.ewhat embarrassed, and did not have much expansion of mind and freedom of alter- am e as I could desire, ,et 1 »as not left wholly m t e dark I was enabled to go throngh with my sermon with a commol degree of order aad interest. The attention rf he audience was continued till the last, and I hope 1 impression made by the discourse was good TUo I did not perceive that it was at all deep or unusual. This afternoon I had in prayer a little more conscious- neJs the presence of God, and was permitted to su - pSate his Lone with more confidence and joy. H B esence as I thought shone a little upon my heart. la n each n.'I had a clearer recollection of my sermon, anu 'mu h m^re free and forcible utterance '"- ■» j :-- Z I had not a warm flow of christian feeling, but had a ready flow of ideas and words. On the whole I am afr'd I had too much liberty. Should I continue o AL ANSO N L. CO VELL. 147 pectation which this sermon may have raised, but yet I am in the hands of the Lord, and he can do with me just as he sees fit. Perhaps after all I have not made much impression on the minds of the prnple They may think so lightly of me, as not to say even a word to me about settling here. If so I shall have no trouble about It. I shall return to my beloved flock in Whites boro', and strive with all the power I have to do -ood among them. May the Lord guide my steps just a^s he would have me go. Night-Have just returned from lecture this eveninrr- had not much liberty in speaking. Found my preachin- today had considerable effect on the members of the church. Some of the young converts were much stirred in their minds. I had no hope in the morning that my preaching would make as much impression as I find it has. O, that God would make his word his own power m the salvation of some poor sinner. One woman this evening was said to be deeply affected and left the house in tears. O, that the Holy spirit may follow her, and that she may be brought to Jesus. I am now about to retire, and O, that I may find forgivness at the hand of my God for every thing wrong I have said, or done, or cherished m my heart to-day. My gracious Savior, I lall at thy feet. I confess my unworthiness and vileness m thy sight. I pray through thine infinite mercy to be forgiven and sanctiried. O, miy thy spirit be with me in the future and strengthen me in my duty." "Dec. 6. Sabbath. This morning was greatly op- pressed with criminal anxiety about meeting the expect- ation of the people. Felt desolate in my soul, as thou-h the divine spirit had withdrawn,yet I was not left entire, ly alone. I was enabled to go through my discourse with tolerable accuracy, and to hold the attention of the assembly to the last. In the afternoon I preached a short sermon before communion. Had much morp lih«rfy .u.> i 148 MEMOIR OP . ,. .«v.cr Peoole more attentive— solemn season in the morning, feopie mure „rpater freedom at communion. In the evening hud still greater Ireedom ImuTmore effect produced in the assembly Came Tome feeUng better than in the morning. Find the peo- ;raretout to give me a call to settle with them." c.7-.Monday. Some degree of peace in my early rrmornln- Have been through the day rather r^aVd rinm^y- mind. Am much exercised in my dull ana Qdrii ' . The way seems opening. solved to ptay more and more. « Whitesboro', Dec. 13. Sinee my letam from Alba», mercifuUo us all. ne ^^^^^ so that though confined to her house, sh taken more ill, not experienced a-Y ";'° ^^^^^. stance daring my absence. My little uau»n well too, and every '^'"^ - -^^^ ^^ h. Bless the Lord, « J'J "^^^^.^..^ me the eBJoy been preserved. "»« ™^ °' %,,^t I have had some meat of his presence »»"■"««' ^" '"t. ^^^ „ted m pl--°' ''''-;/:: J, ::et"prea^hin;hU word i. aZuv'T have nof been wholly forsaken nor lefu. ^ Albany, l nave uu „,acious to me to stand alone. God has been m«e =«ci ^^^ ^^^^ I expected hewouU be but «n » V »- P j^,„, , often remiss in faithfulness, ne s thev have the eyes of the people in Albany so that he h^v I .Uhout one dissenting -e, ^ J^ted --^ ^^^^ ^^^| them as lueir pusiui. ivi/ ALANSON L. COVELL. 149 been not only pleasant, bat such as seems to indicate the pleasure 01 God in my removal among them. I have arrived fully to (he conclusion that it is my duty to go Smce my return I have received a dismission from this' dear people, and have written to the brethren in Albanv my acceptance of their call. After two sabbaths more I hope to be ready to return to them with my family aid begm my labors there. jj «*"«* My earnest prayer is, that the Lord may cause mv removal from this people to be only a necessary prepara- tion for the introduction into this field of labor, of one of his more faithful and devoted servants, and that my en- trance into the field opened to me at Albany, may also be a blessing to them. Had more than usual freedom in preaching to-day, both of thought and utterance. In the morning spoke from this passage-" i\li things shall work together for good, to those that love God and are the called according to h-i purpose." In the afternoon preached the funeral ? .a of brother C. Balis from 2d Cor. V, 2, 8. A ver> encouraging prayer meeting this evenmg. Two persons were deeply impressed and de- sired prayers." In the entry of the following Saturday, he complains cf not having spent the week with appropriate zeal and devoledness, ft^ars he has had wrong motives in desirin^ "to preach good sermons" for his "last ones," and prays for needful grace. "Dec. 26. Another week of care, anxiety and distrac- tion has fled. O ihat it had been a week of devotion and prayer. I am to-night as destitute of any preparation for the duties of the Sabbath, as I was last Saturday ni^rht — and yet it is the last day I shall spend with this dear people in a long time. O that I could speak to them from a full and a holy heart, i^s it is, I will try to cast myself on the Lord, and do the best I can. O that T may 10* " ^ 150 MEMOIR OF not be left wholly without the presence of my master." "27 This has not been a very pleasant and profitable sabbath to me. In the morning preached from PhiU. i, ( 27 « Only let your conversation be as becometh the so'spel of Christ; that whether I come and see you or else be absent, 1 may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spitit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel." Had but very little freedom euher of thou-ht or utterance ; yet on a few pomts, I was en- abled to speak with a d-ree of clearness and force and some effect was evidently produced on the mmds of In the afternoon preached from Heb. xiii, 17; [whole verse is transcribed;! "Obey them that have the rule over vou, and submit yourselves ; for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief." Last part of the verse. Had much greater readiness in speakmg, than in the morning Considerable emotion was manifest in the assembly, and 1 hope some good impressions were made. But O how solemn the thought, that I must leave this dear assembly for eternity. O may I find pardon with mv God for every defect and every fault of ray ministry while among them. This evening we have had a very T)leasant conference and prayer-meeling. Some of the members were very much engaged. One person was nre^ent who has recently as she thinks, found peace m Lirevin-. One young man related his experience to u.e after me^eling, and thinks he shall soon make a public profession of religion. May the Lord preserve him from evil and make him a humble, bold and useful member ot his church. One young lady was under very deep awak- ening, and I hope may soon find rest in Jesus. On the whole, things appear quite encouraging in this congregation, and I do hope the Lord may stili be with ALANSON L. COVE L L. 151 and bless them. My soul shall never cease to pray for their prosperity. "Dec. 30. To-day, after a very fatiguing journey, we find ourselves safely arrived in the city of Albany. We are very cordially received by our friends. This evening, at the usual weekly lecture, I addressed the people from Romans i, 11, 12; "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established J ihat is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of both you and me." "31. To-day have been much engaged in getting our things regulated, doing errands and receiving calls. But little time for reflection or prayer. O, may God make me humble and fit me for all his will concerning me in this place. I find much here that needs to be done." "Jan. 1, 1836. In this city, New-year'^ day is devoted to receiving and making calls. In compliance wiih cus- tom I have spent the day in calling on my people. Have had no time for religious conversation, except in one or two instances. Have been enabled to preserve some small degree of devotional feeling j but I have not taken the lime for reflection on the past year, and for deliberation on the prospects of the present, that I desired and still intend to do. O, may the Lord assist me rightly to review the past, and suitably to prepare for the future. We have this evening a covenant meeting preparatory to communion. May I so prepared to act in the fear of that God before whom I must soon stand in jiidgment. Night. Have just returned from our covenant meeting. A very good degree of christian feeling sepms to prevail in the church. May the Lord greatly increase it. My own heart has been, I hope, slightly touched by a heavenly inlluence." "2. Saturday. Not much enjoyment to-day, nor much enlargement of mind in pieparing to preach^ Am in a 152 MEMOIR OP backslidden slate. May the Lord have mercy on me and revive me." i n •• « 3. Sabbath. This morning preached from 1 Cor. u, 2 : " For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." Had some liber- ty in speaking, though not much enjoyment. Good attention was given to the word, and 1 hope some good effects may lollow. In the afternoon Deacon Wasson in behalf of the church gave to me the right hand of fellowship as a member, and as a pastor of the church. .After this, I gave the same token of love to six others who have been received by letter. A solemn season. Proceeded to adminisier the Lord's supper. Solemn time at communion. In the evening our lecture room was crowded to overflowing. Many had to be seated in the gallery, which joins the lecture room. I addressed the people from Ps. ii, 11: "For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity ; for it is great." "4. This day (the first Monday in January) has been set apart as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer for the conversion of the world. Prayer meeting was well attended in the lecture room at 6 o'clock, A. M. Though I was not present, yet I rejoiced to hear from brethren who were, that it was a season of deep and solemn inter- est. At 9 o'clock, meeting commenced again. Many fervent prayers were offered up. Many confessions were made, and more deep and earnest feeling was expressed, than I have witnessed in any previous meeting of this church. O, may God cause these waters of the sanctu- ary to break forth and flow on, in a deep broad stream of salvation. It does seem to me that God has a blessing for this people, and that we shall soon receive it. 0, may we be prepared to receive and improve it. Have just returned fiom our afternoon prayer meeting. \t Still continues solemn and interesting. God seems to. ALANSON L. COVELL, 153 be near, and ready to bless. He seems to be leading his flock on to new labors and new triumphs. Evening. Our fast has finally closed. Our meeting this evening has been solemn. Certainly this has been a profitable day. God grant it may be followed by many good results." " 5. One year ago this morning, I made five resolutions for the year to come, but on a review I perceive that none of them have been fully kept. For this I mourn,— for this I ask pardon of God. From reflection on the past, and contemplation on the future, I have, as I hope, in the fear of God, adopted the following resolutions for the year to come. * 1st. I will by the help of God observe more faithfully the resolutions of last year. 2d. I will by the help of God so seek for hiy^pproba- tion and presence in all I do, that I may daily enjoy his presence, and that I may not be left to preach on an't/ occasion, without his assistance and blessing. I know this embraces much. I know it is taking higher ground than ever I have before. I knov; that I shall be liable to come very far short of keeping it as I ought. But yet I know that it is no more than I ought to do, no more than ought to be expected of me. I know I ought to take much higher ground in personal holiness than I have ever yet done. My duty to God, to his church, and to the world, ray present and future happiness all demand it. I do mean therefore, to adopt the resolution in good faith, and use my utmost endeavors to live agreeably. — And now, O Lord, ray God, though I ara the same frail and sinful creature that I have ever been, I pray thee give me resolution and energy, and decision to keep this vow. O grant me thy presence and the joys of thy sal- vation every day. 3d. I ara resolved to make more endeavors for t]lit 154 MEMOIR OF salvation of individuals than ever I have done. And now, O my God, I pray thee give me strength to perform these duties, and bless me in them for my Savior's sake. Amen." "6. This evening had rather more than usual liberty in my weekly lecture. Had the attention of the people. Hope some good effects were produced ; but my soul is not yet fully girded up to the work as I wish it was. O Lord. I pray thee quicken me. At the close, we voted to hold a protracted meeting. May the Lord prepare us for it, and bless us in it." "7. This evening we have had a very solemn prayer meeting. I hope God is preparing the way for his work to advance among us." The diary is continuous, presenting about the usual aspects. The "11" says: "This has been a lost day. I had been requested to address the Sabbath School Teachers of the city, who observe the day for prayer and conference. I felt unpre- pared and unwilling. My heart was not right with God in it. I feared men more than him, and desired their applause, mb^than his glory. I had no liberty in prayer during the day, and in the Sabbath School meeting, was left wholly in the dark, and sat down after making a few remarks, very much humbled in my own view, and in that of others as I supposed. O, may I never do the like again." " 13. In the "morning was much discouraged by hear- ing a brother minister express his determination to do nothing for our intended protracted meeting. His influ- ence will be against us. On more reflection, 1 am fully resolved to commit the matter wholly to God and perse- vere in it. May the Lord give us his blessing." " 14. A good meeting to-night in the inquiry room." "16. This morning have been depressed and dismay- ALAN30N L. COVELL. 155 ed by looking at the discouragements bjr which my pres- ent Situation is attended. Some of them appear great But I trust in God they v;ill not prove insurmountable! They are however new to me, and I feel greatly unpre- pared to meet them. I look back to my former situation, and reflect on the advantages I then enjoyed-the confi- dence I felt in many of my brethren- the harmony and love with which we ever engaged together in the work ot the Lord-and my soul goes out after them. I lonjr for their society-I long for their co-operation. O if I had only one or two of my former brethren with me I should be relieved. I should feel a greater confidence 'to press on in the way before me. But I know my confi- dence ought to be in God. I will therefore try to put mv trust m him. ''Why art thou cast down, O my souH hope thou in God : for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." Have just been called out to attend a funeral. Had some liberty in prayer. Feel a little more courage and strength for to-morrow. Have a little confidence to believe that God will afford assistance." "23. Saturday. This has been a week of some en- joyment, and I hope of some usefulness. On Wednes- day evening considerable effect was produced by the preaching on the assembly which filled our lecture room. Two persons rose for prayers at the close. We had a very solemn inquiry meeting on Thursday evenino-.- Three rose for prayers, two of them have obtained hope." "24. Found one young man who has obtained hope the week past. Our lecture room was crowded to over- flowing. Solemn attention was given to the word to- night, as well as thro' the day. May God be with us." '•26. To-day have some sense of the Divine pres- ence, though I have spent less time in prayer than I ought. Feel as yet but poorly prepared for our meeting to-morrow." - 185 MEMOIR OF "27. We observe the day as a season of humiliation and prayer. Notwithstanding all my negligence and sinfulness God hath granted me some consolation in pouring out my heart before him. 12 o'clock. Have just returned from meeting. A very solemn season. God has seemed to be with us, to soften our hearts and to hear our prayers. Almost every circumstance among us seems uncommonly favorable to our meeting. May the Lord send us prosperity. "2 o'clock. Alas, how soon, in a moment even, the Lord can dash the strongest hopes ! We have found that the immense pressure of snow on the root of our church, has pressed it in, so that the whole building was nigh falling to pieces. SVe cannot now use it for our meetincr. We shall have to delay our meeting nil we can rep'air it, and perhaps entirely. This is tu me a sore disappointment. O, that God may prepare me for ah his holy will. Evenin.<r. A full meeting this evening in our lecture room. I greatly failed in my part, by changing the sub- ject of my discourse. Had only a very little liberty m preaching. My cousin, Lemuel Covell, from Athens, followed me in some very appropriate and solemn re- marks. A good impression was finally left on the meet- ing. O, that God in mercy may appear among us, and direct us in these trying circumstances." "28. Brother Brown has arrived to-day, from Augus- ta, to help us in our protracted meeting. I regret that we are in circumstances so unfavorable to it. This evening we had a solemn meeting, but there is an im- pression abroad that our meeting is not going on, and that, we are to have none, so that we cannot do much good." « 30 We have resolved to go on with our meeting. Some 'interest in it already. One or two conversioas- more inquiries." ALAN80N L. C V E L L. 157 "February 3. Our meeting is progressing wiih deep "9 Our protracted meeting has closed. My dear fnend and brother, Mr. Brown, is to preach his last ser- mon this evenmg. It is a great trial to me to pact with •m so soon; but the will of the Lord he done. His hbors have been much blessed. Several are rejoicing in hope, and a greater number are in deep anxiety for their soul s salvation. O, may the work of tho Lord continue. I am sensible that a very great responsibility rests upon me, in the present state of our congregation. O Lord I pray thee, prepare me to meet it." "14. Thi. has been a good day. In the morning I felt exceedm:?ly depressed, and feared I was going to have a cold, barren season; but when arrived at meeting, found some liberty in prayer, and had some assistance in preaching on christian baptism. At noon baptized 11 willing converts. In the afternoon had a very good de- gree of liberty in preaching on the blessedness of par- doned sinners. This evening preached on pressing into the kingdom of God. At the close about a dozen came forward for prayer-some who had never been before — One man came who had been convinced by the morniucr sermon, of the propriety of immersion as the only bap"- tism. On tlie whole, I mean to thank God and take courage. O, that I may feel his love in my heart sweet- ly constraining me to duty." "19. Have been absent two days, to accompany my dear companion on a journey to her father's. Have had a very tedious journey, and returned sick from fatigue and excessive cold. While I have been absent the work of the Lord has gone on. Two or three have found peace m believing. Our meetings ave still solemn and interesting. We are going to send for a brother to come and preach for us every evenina next wppV o ^ ^-^ ^ 15B M EMOin OP pray ihee -rant thy blessing to attend this enort to serve thee Incline binncrs lo attend our meeling-lhy people to pray ; and may thine own good work move steadily and gloriously onward." «'27. This ha% been a good week with us. Brother Powell has preached every evening. The work of con- viction and conversion has been constantly going on.- Several are now rejoicing in hope, who a week since were far fioni rishleousness. To God be all the glory. "March 2. In the mercy of God, the work of salva- lion still goes on among us. Several are seeking God, and others are coming out to own their Lord.'' «5 God is still with us. Twenty-two now stand as candidates for baptism. Brother Powell is still preaching with us." ,^ , L .1 A confession, and a prayer for himself and brother Powell close the record of this date. ««9 Brother Powell has left. He has been a blessing to us. O Lord, I now look to thee for help and strength. " 10. Have found enjoyment to-day in prayer, also in commencing a sermon, and in reading Dr. Cox's address to young ministers. O that I may be enabled lo live in continual communion wiili God." " 11 For more than a year past, I have thought very much of a formal, written, and full dedication ol person, interest life, and all-, to the will and glory of God.- S ch an t'of entir^ consecration to God appears to me no. only proper and reasonable, but really "eeessary an binding' 'l know that whatever I am, as - - e' S and immortal being, God has made me A I 1 possess and enjoy, he has given me. How indebted I am to h.m or the pat and the present-how perfectly depen en t all 'the future. I can never brea'he a..n — him-never use any power oi mmu or uudv wittiou. m ALAN80N L. COVfiLL. 159 assistance-can never again see my friends without his permission-can have no enjo/mont in this life, or hope for the next, except what he shall give me. How per- fectly dependent. And at the same time how entirely unworthy. I have rendered inyssclf unworthy of the least of all his favors. O, how justly and entirely am I cut off from any claim to his kind regard, and from any hope of it, should he enter into judgaient with me. And yet he so 'ielighteth in mercy, that he is doing great things for me, and is daily bestowin^r upon me favors of unspeakable value. My soul he has spared, and I hum- bly hjpe has eternally redeemed from destruction.— What amazing mercy God has shov. n me. He has, too, preserved my life, exempted me from suffei in-r and want, which thousands around me are enduring ,d h r> given me all things richly to enjoy. He has i ;von me iends and relatives, who love and treat me wM; the g ?atest terderness.. Ho has given me the confident ot many of his own people, who aid all my endeavors, and supply liberally all my wants. He has given me all f *zm/,'and almost everything I desire in this world. Though I have many embarrassments to suffer, and difficulties to meet, still I can see that they are all needed tp chasten and humble my proud spirit, and 1 can hardly say I wish them less. He is giving me every means of becoming holy— is increasing my opportunities and means of doing good, and has opened every source of religious enjoy- ment. O, how much God is doing for me ! When I think of this, I see how necessary it is that I should dedicate my all to God. And how small an offering it is. Myself am nothing in comparison with his great mercies; and besides T am all sin and vileness in his sight. By astonishing grace and power, he must cleanse and sanc- tify, before he can accept me, and even were I holy, 1 am his own. 1 have nothing, nothing to give. O my God, thou art all aad in all, I have nolhin" bat the affections M f ^"*i 160 MEMOIR or of ray heart and the purposes of my will to offer thee.- O ray God, 1 seek it as an infinite favor to be accepted of thee. . There are some passages of scripture, which seem to rae to render it proper in itself, and acceptable to God, to raake a formal and personal dedication of all to him. "Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear and youi soul shall live ; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." Here God promises on hi. part, to enter into a solemn and perpetu- al covenant with those who come to him through the Lord Jesus Christ. It seems to me therefore to be right in itself, and pleasing in the sight of God, for any who do incline their ear and come to him, to make the most solemn and entire devotion of themselves to God, and to enter into a covenant with him, engaging, by his grace and by his strength, to live in all things agreeably to his holy ^ill, humbly and penitently craving his forgivness, through Jesus Christ, of all that may be sinful or imper- feet in the act of consecration. Influenced by these con- siderations, 1 do sincerely desire to consecrate myself and my all to God. I have however many fears in so doing Iknow lam still very sinful, my heart is far from being wholly right. I know that even this solemn uansactio^nmust be imperfect and stained with sin u^ ness. I have no hope of being approved and blessed m it, only through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. God, I feel that I have no strength of my own. I pray Thee guide me and keep me, that I may not offend an .rieve thee. 1 do not take upon my soul a vow of entire Consecration to God, because i think I have made great aua nments in holiness, noi because I think I have pro- gre seTso far in the divine life, as many eminent sain s who have taken this measure, and have been greatly wLd a it. U no, I am sensible that I am the least ALANSON L. COVELL. 161 prepared of any who have entered upon this holy ground. I have most to fear from myself, and most to seek from God, of any who have thus adventured. O that I may have grace given me to live hereafter entirely for God. But I am through with detailing in part my reflections on this most solemn duty. Imperfect as I know all this must be, darkened and sinful as I still am, I will endeav- or by the assistance of divine grace, which I here most humbly crave, to make the following confession, acknowl- edgement, and consecration, in the honesty of my heart and in the fear of God ; and will endeavor lo live a^-ree- ably to it hereafter. And my God I pray thee forgive whatever thou shall see that is wrong in this transaction. CONFESSrOx\. O God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Creator and Upholder of all things, Supreme Ruler, and final Judgf of men, I pray thee, give ear to this confession of my sins. 1st. I acknowledge with shame to thee, O Lord, that in my childhood, I was exceedingly perverse and wicked. It pleased thee to take my praying father to thyself, before my remembrance; yet in infancy I was the subject of his prayers, and in his death he offered to thee his supplications in my behalf. When he was gone it pleased thee to spare to me my praying godly mother, who watched over me, checked and restrained my way- wardness, and incessantly besought thy mercy in my behalf. Thou gavest me other friends who did not fail to instruct me and pray for me ; but in spite of all these thy great mercies to me, I was a very wicked child, and it was owing to thy preventing grace, that I was not hurried into open and outbreaking wickedness, and that I did not finish my career in disgrace and ruin, as many others have done. My wicked soul would have gone to any length in sin, had not thy grace restrained. I do bless and praise thy hand that held me back from de- 162 MEMOIR OP struction. I was far advanced in sin, and in a stubborn unyielding temper, before I was ten years of age. Lord, I pray thee that the wickedness of that part of my Jife, to which I now look back witi^ regret and sorrow, may not be remembered against me. O may it be for Jesus' sake forgiven. 2. When ten years old, thou, O Lord, didst by the second marriage of my mother, give me another father, and I was in thy providence removed far away from all my former sinful associates and temptations. By thai removal I was placed in circumstances, which saved me from all the vices and dangers to which I had been ex- posed. I v\as placed in a situation to become industri- ous, moral, and even pious, had I yielded to the kind"- Here closes the record of this date. Probably he was suddenly interrupted and hindered from proceeding at the time, and from the press of labor and consequent exhaust- ion, he might never have found opportunity to fill out the original design; or, as the article is written on pages not connected wiih the diary, it might have been afterward completed, the papers misplaced, and thus have failed of coming into the compiler's hand. It is worthy of note, however, that a former review, transcribed in the earlier part of this journal, commences sufficiently near where this br€ak3 pff, to show his own view of his entire course. Ever severe toward himself, ever lenient to all others. " Albany, Monday morning, March 14, 1836. My dear Sarah :— I sit down once more to give you a iew lines, that you may know how I am getting along here, and with the hope that you will lake the hint from it, to write more frequently, as this is my fourth, though I have received only two from you. Except a slight cold, I have bnen quite well since my last. I have how- ever been incessantly engaged in visiting and in meet- ings and begin to feel somewhat the eifecis of it. Our ALANSON L. COVELL, jgj revival still continues Yf.«tot.,io» iiujues. ^esterdaywasaverv nterestjntr been with us. VVe went ,„to our house (or Ihe first lime I. looks a great deal better than ever before iTut much easter speaking i„ i,. Our assembly Z w, ' " .he t^orntn,. than any ,i„,e since ,ve 'can hef I preached from Ps. xxvii, 4. A kintl of r» r ,• mon. At 2 o'clock we had baptil "^ ?"°" '"" of people I have ne.er seen a',t:,ra ^:^X: '^^ nook and corner of the galleries were filled wi.hplol and every seat below, besides as many a, could s and aroand the baptistry. All were siil, Ld a.iemive-^ P..ne men and sixteen women (25 in ail) were bapti.;d They were on so^e accounts an interesting gro'r All' ages were found among ihera, from 15 yea^ up ,o 70- They were from sece,, diiftrent nadons-Eo-vli^l Jlu Welch, Irish, French, Dutch and AmerU.:; ''Th retof them had been Presbyterian,, two or three Eni=cor,alians .wo Methodists, five or six had be.i UniveLalit a„d one, the most mlere.ling conversion among then had been a Roman Catholic. He is a PrencLm.;, w 1 edu- cated, and laiended origin:>lly for a Gatholie Prie-t He became disgusted with Roman Ca.holics ar.d with reli gioa itself-left Caneda and came into the S'a',-s He has resided in this city several years, is a drapei and aad tailor, and has a family, but has been v^ry profane and a scoffer at Christ and christians. Yesterday week' he was awakened by a sermon which I preachod from' I ese words: "!f the righteous scarcely be .aved, where hall the ungodly and the sinner appear.?" He ob ained hope on Wednesday, related his experience on Fridav and was baptized on Sunday. This was a little like apostolic times. He has beeu so happy he could hardiv eoDtaitt himself. ' You will be perhaps surprised to hear that A. wa» ■t t 164 MEMOIR or immersed ia the "Tub" she has made so much derisioii T She is as strong in favor of the Baptists now as she ^s'ed to be against them. After baptis-n jre had com- rounion. Twenty-eight received the right hand of feU lowshiD This makes forty-eight received since the fo" 'January. Fourteen by letter. The work I hope wl not stop yet. Three persons came forward o, prayer last evening who had never done so before Oth- ers are known to be much awakened I should think Tere are as many as ten or twelve who have ahead, obtained hopes, and will soon join .he church making about 50 who have turned to God in this revival. A 1 L most interesting part of it has been since you left. 1 hope it will continue till you return. Do not cease ,o Lav for us. I have been trying of late to be more prayer- ful and to have more religion in daUy, constant exercise. I do not succeed very well, and yet I can truly say that LZlimes I find prayer and reading the Scriptures to TeTery profitable. B^t O how far I am still from . true and saving conformity to God. .,.,«. Remember me, dearest one, and receive the best affec- . . * A. L. COVELL. tions of my heart. Mrs S J. VV. Covell. Returniag to the journal, we commence with the same ^^^M4 This day begins the twelfth year of my minis- try O how much of the past eleven years has beea sDent in vain. God being my helper, I mean to be more faithful hereafter. For the past two years I have tried to be more devoted to God than ever before, and God has evidently blessed my ministry more than in all the nine vears preceding. Of late my desires and my determina- Lns t^ be still more active have been much increased, .ndlhave never known as many sinners awakened ts !?late. O my God, help me to maintain my consecra- ♦inn tVthPe. and serve thee faithfully till I die." ALANSON L. COVfiLL. 165 Extract from a letter to his sister Wolcott: . "^^*«wy, March 24, 1836. •hat your firs, born, .hen a playful infant, Uno^^"!'! a man? Yet so i, is. Days, months, vears have pird swiftly on, and have borne us far on our way to etemUy • how soon W.U our race be run! how soon shall we all review the «,AoZe of a short life, either on a dying be " or amidst the opening scenes of another state! How pleasmg to reflect, my dear sister, that no chan.-e or event in life, efl-aces in any measure, the warm affe°ction w ich has formed so much of the happiness of our e The Sabbath after I wrote you las. was an interestbe; ay to us. In the afternoon twenty-five persons v^^,: baptized. On some accounts, they were the most inter! esting compaLy of believers I have ever led into the baptismal waters. The eldest was a man about 70 the youngest were two young ladies aged about 15. A^ong hem were the descendants of seven difi'erent natior!! It was to me a striking coincidence with the ereat com mission under which I was acting. "Go teach aUnt .tons baptizing them," &c. They had previously bee„ of djrerea. religious opinions; but all now seemed of on" heart and one mind." Had no liberty either of thought or expression wWk preaching, perhaps a little good has been done; one brother was greatly comforted in the mornins- and on! man With bis family who has been nnsettlef about at 11* ms MEMOIR or « Anril I This week I have visited 31 families. Have not taken so much lime for reflection and prayer as iooght, or fonhe preparation oilhe Sabbath; but God I hope has not -Iv-lly left me." Extracts from a letter to Mrs. Covell of the same datet " Our revival may be said to have nearly subsided. I feat it is greatly cving to me. I have vistted and preached and prayed, as much,, and oftener more t^ran T ou.ht ; but O how little of Christ is in i.. I am trying ■to improve, but I maVe but little progress. Ye I dc Iwholy d,.pair. Though frequently "cast own," TdoTiope I an, Lot utterly " forsaken." Do pray fo, me ; I .rv f, pray for you. I hope yo» rn :.:ke every thing bend ,0 h.^ .'oat work of sah-ation in your soul. I fear T have pr,yed'u.ore lor your liea!;!,, than for your sanctih.a!.,..n. But 1 have not b,.. n indirlerent to either. I se. everj, day how imporiar it U, above everyihing else, that bot,i of us sl.ould be r? .Uv, 'Jfcidcdlv, and eminently holy, i„ order to do any go..* here. Nothing short o wi..,om and "race fron. o.r high will inspire us wiih that imn- ness^ad coura?o which are indispensable to sustam »s iuouv P'-eseiU posltiorr. God will give us all nee«..l crace if vve truly ask him. Mrs. M. sends love to you-thinks you have marvel- lous laci in leLter-wrinng-lceU very diffiaent m writing tovou. SoYcu are both vastly raodest, and I suppose feel "unworthv" to write to each other. Tell our folks not to load a boat with provisions to send on here, becau.se we are going to have them boar with us, .nd not we wiih thein.* Tell them to sell evev.- thing they can, and not feel at all dependent on us, for we ovv'o them more than we can ever pay; besides claiming the pnvilese this once to show them that we .arenot^narateful. I tlm^iljv^ar^^ ''^{in^'^^H^ociod visU oTliilcii^^n^'^"^^ and sU- ter. ALANSOM L. COVELL. 167 have a pleasant summer. Let us pray that God will grant us all health and domestic happiness. This will perhaps be the only season we shall all be permitted to spend together. I hope it may be the means of making us more useful and belter prepared for her.ven. Give my love to our little Elmira, and tell her she must be a l^ood girl and mind mother, and then father will love uer, an J give her '^someping." -A ccc-pt once more my sincere and warm affection, A. L. CoVELL." "Aprils. Sabbath. In the morning had some lib- erty in preaching. The attention of the people— and hope the service was not in vain. I have long observed that I am blessed in the labors of the Sabbath, very much m proportion to my devotion to God through the week. When I pray most I preach best; I have the best state of feeling in my own soul; people give the best atten- tion ; and the word takes the deepest effect. J am there- fore resolved to pray more for God's special presence in preaching his word. In the afternoon baptized six happy believers. A very pleasant and solemn season. Administered the Lord's supper to nearly all our members." [If I have beea rightly informed, there v/ere over three hundred.] " This too was solemn and impressive. An interesting meet- ing in the evening. I bless thee, O my C-jd, for this day, prepare me, I pray thee, to make a right improve- naent of all thy mercies." ^'Albany, A^n\ 10, 1836. My dear Sarah r—Your last, most welcome letter was received yesterday at intermission. It was a great relief to me, as I had been wailing so long: for it that I really thought it certain you was sick. I bless God that you are not clear down, and hope he may give you health. 168 MEMOIR OF Yesterday was on some accounts a very favorable Sabbath to us. In the morning we had a very hard rain just at the time of going to church. Still we had a pretty good attendance. I preached from the words: " God is angry with the wicked every day." Had nearly common liberty in utterance. In the afternoon it was quite clear, and our house was well filled. My text was, Ps. ii, 12. Had much greater freedom in speaking than ever before in this church. The assembly was very still and solemn. Whether any good was done or not, I do not know. In the evening our lecture room was crowded full. Indeed it has been so of late, that we have fre- quently to put those extra seats along in the aisles. I lectured, rather talked, upon the parable of the barren fig-tree, and tried to throw it right into the face of every one as hard as possible. All was very still. When I closed, three of the members prayed. T wo young ladies were on the anxious seat. One man whose wife was baptized the Sabbath before, was much aflfected. I have run on with this sketch of yesterday, suppos- ing you would like to hear the minutia of things, when I have nothing else to write. But I have been making many reflections for myself upon the day. I have for several Sabbaths before been shut up, and in great dark- ness in preaching the word. It has distressed me ex- ceedingly. I have prayed, and meditated more than ever before, to find the cause. I have been able to trace it to nothing but my own selfish desire of being esteemed; of gathering a congregation; and of having the name of building up a great church. I have thought often I would willingly suffer anything to be freed ffrom this "accursed self-seeking." I thought if God would only enable me to preach his word with clearness and force, it would be all I would ask. In a very small degree ray desires were granted. But alas! instead of its having ALANSON h. OOVELL. 160 done me any good (however it may others,) it has only opened to me the other side of my heart, equally selfish and odious as that I had before seen. I was forced to hear a good many commendations of my sermon. The effect upon my selfish heart I saw at once was very bad. I could not help feeling gratified that a favorable impress- ion had been made, and ihat many of the strangers who were in, would come again. In a word, I fear that I felt more glad to increase my own reputation, than to glorify Christ; more anxious to secure hearers, than to save souls. And I fear too that almost the only effect pro- duced upon ihe church was, to make them think, "well this is what Ave want— this will fill our house," &c.— You know all this would be natural, especially here. Indeed the same thing was said to my very face! Peo- ple here you know are too much too prone to fondle, and flatter and puff their ministers. On the whole, I am al- most as sick of preaching freely, and feeling entirely at liberty, as I am afraid, when all in the dark. I believe the heart is deceitful above all thin^-s and dcspehljiiy wicked. It lakes the Lord nearly all the time with tfs, to afliict, disappoint and humble us enough to prepare us to do a little good once in a while. O, my dear, pray for me, that I may become more holy. When could the world ever be converted, if all ministers were like me? I hope you my dear are progressing in holiness. I am sorry you have such depression of spirits as you speak of. You apprehend, I am sure, more evil than you need to. I have no doubt you will succeed in your place here, much better than you anticipate. Be assured you hare my daily prayers. Receive once more my whole heart, • Mrs. S. J. W. Covell." A. L. CoTEm. 170 MEMOIR or "April 15. Have, I flunk, some access to God io prayer. Find it good to draw near unio him. laLo thinis he has done much fur me, since I* began to seek his grace to sanctify and bless me in a more eminent degree. O Lord, I pray thee continue to me thy Holy Spirit, until all my sins vshall be put off, and till I shall serve and glorify thee with a perfect heart and a williu^^ mind.^ .1('6<^/i-,^, April 19, 1836. My dear uiece:— Your letter was received this even- ing, and has afforded nir great pleasure. I had long, very long, been anxious, and very anxiou;?, to hear from you all. Assure your u )ther that slie has been much on my mind for two or three weeks past. T , u' ' ot tell why it was, but I have ofien been impressed in mind to pray for her, not knowing any thing of her situation. I have prayed thnt our intercourse and correspondence might be opened again, and have many times been on the point of \ riling her. Your letter has been to me as a voice from heaven. 1 see the hand of God in it, and bless him for it. Assure your mother that I do most tenderly sympathize with her in her affliction,* and will not cease to pray daily for her speedy restoration to health. Make my best regards as acceptable as possible, to your little brother,- who I suppose now absorbs all hearts, and fixes all eyes among you. I hope he may prove a great blessing to you all, and to the world. Dr. Kendrick has made me a call io-day on his way (o New-York. He left his family well except Mrs. K., wh( se health has been p or for some tit past. There has been a great revival ojl religion in ilamiliua this winter, and your cousin Cordelia, has embraced the Savior and joined the cbuich. Your a-: at Julia' v rote me last week. They are all well except your grandma, who had been confined two weeks to Ler ro^m. by a *Part of which was a rheumatic affection tbr ght hand. AI.AN80N L. COVELI,. 171 verr severe cold. Her ,I,roal had been muoh swollen and her kead much affcccd. I (car .!,« wi'l endu« n.a„y .uch hard winicra. There had been a , ime" esting revival of religion in CharIo»o .00 „.d yoar uoc e Smkdy, your cousin Clarissa, ,vi,h a : phero your cnele &., who l,vc, will, hira, were all subicct, of .be rev.val. About 30 had been 'added .0 , Si S'jll'"'''"^^^'''"^'"^--''-^^ la my hurcb in ,bis ciiy, there ha, been a very hai,- ,y s ate of .h,„gs since I oarae a.nong ,he„,, wl, h wa, h firs, of January. Since that ,i„,e about GO (nlber have been rcccved, 43 by baptism the rest by 1™ 1 Seven or e,g t others will be baptized at our ex. com- ZTw'r'"'' '""^'''"""'-'"'ey r„us.dl,oTo saved We hope n.any more are ye. .0 be brought lo here, a kind church, and a good congregation. I hope this will be rec. . ved as a family letter, bearin.- my best love to you all. " Vout affectionate uncle, C.C.Brown. Alakson L. Covelu "ajril 21. M- time this week has thus far been oco _p,ed less pr , Uly ,),,„ d.ring the early par. of las. »^ek. I have ..„t bee M i„ bcdy, and have been low aod languid ,n m,„d. I'c. i -.'e had some seasons of enj vrnent in pra -r." ":- . On tiie v/hole, this has not been a very unnleas- ant or unprofitalle week to me, though it ins not been a we k of so much interest and usefulness I could de- sire Mv heal-h has been low, and my mi . less active ihau I .ould wish J still I trust some degree of light has sliont upon my pathway from above." 1 Mm 111 ii i'-fl H um jBi i^BH BaB ij^^^^H 179 MEMOIR OP •'24-Sabbath. A pleasant and I hope profitable day. Had some liberty, and the solemn attention of the audi- ence. while preaching fiom the words, "He went about doinjr good." In the afternoon brother H.nton preached on christian hope; brother Galusha in the evening, from the words, "Rejoice evermore."" «'30-S turday. Another week, and another month have fled. O that I were advancing in holiness as fast as in life." .,, , . ^ A letter to his sister of the .ame date will show, tha he was not only resolved to elevate his own standard of personal piety, but sclicitous also that his relatives should (( )) in grace. grow .- o "My dear siste. -1 want, in this sheet, to write you a Jine or two on a subject which has Ion?- and deeply en- eaoed my thoughts. It is the great duly of so walking wilh God as to obtain "this testimony " that we ptoe God. I have b.en made deeply to deplore my exceed- ingly low and defective attainments in the christian life. When I look into my hc:ut for true holiness, I can not find anything save a faint resemblance of it ; and even u" s I sometimes fear is deceptive. When I. look at the requirements of the Bible, I can not find even one, which I have obeyed as I ought. If I contemplate the charac- ter of our blessed Lord, of his holy apostles, or any of t.ie saints of the Bible, 1 can find but very little resemblance between myself and them. I ask myself, why is it so Surely these examples were given to be mutated; and God's injunction to be holy was given to be obeyed.- These thoughts have greatly occupied me for one or two years past. I know indeed that obedience to God is not ihe ground of my justification, or hope. I know that for this the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ alone can avail. And 1 am equally certain, that faith m Christ, if n he according to the scriptures, must work by love, ALANSON L. COVBLL. I73 inmd, and tli.u 1 ),avo a strong aspiration, for more cloar Hav,. we not ain.d a" atil -n^ o':,;'—.:, roTr:l vital cxpenenco, jus. enousl. to be barely saved Ua,, atn sure tl„s has been too „,„cl. , he ease wi," <lo de,,re to break away from it. To ,hro>v off e" ely nnd forever al former habits of languor in affection and neglurence ,n duty. My struggles 1 hope have no been ent rely ,„ va,n God ha,, I think, sometimes quicken d an revved my heart to love and serve him. I a,^ no wnhou hope, but I am without that degree of hoUnes w ,c , destre, and which I know . ougl.t to possts - Thus I have gtven you a glanee at ,„y heart in this ma.ter I hope you will write me soon on this subje and uilhoui reserve. ""jet-i, Your ever aflectionate brother, Mrs. S. C. Wolcott. ^' ^' ^°^^^^- "May 1-Sabbath. In the morning had some liberiv .n preaching the word. People listened with fixed atten- tion. Our congregation is increasing ever^ Sabbath.- Solenm season at baptism, at the table of the Lord, and at our evening prayer-meeting. May the Lord make this injeresi.ng day, the means of awakening some poor Bin- "8-Sabbath. Have been absent the whole -eek, and 174 MEMOIR OP ■''"^M-- ••3? only arrived this morninjr from a very fati5i;ning journey. Ift the morning, brother Hutchinson from Newton preach- ed for me; in the afternoon, b athpr Walker, and in the evening, brother Dean. It has been a very great relief 10 have these brethren occupy the pulpit." | "15— Sabbath. Another v/ocIj has fled. 1 have been moving my family, and we have all been in great con- fusion, and have been very much fatigued. On Wednes- day went to New-York to attend the Anniversaries. Took a violent cold on my way-became so hoarse as to be unable to speak above a whisper. Since my return, I have been taking medicine, and to-day am not able to go out. Brother Burrows from Nevv-York preaches for me. O, how different my situation from what I expected." "22-Sabbath. Have been so far recovered from my 1 „o fr> nrmph ^i('e tO'dav. Blessed hi God hoarseness as to prcacn .will lu u..y. ,- r u that he has not turned away my prayer for relict. He has in great mercv restored me almost to my usual health, and has granted me as I trust, some degree o holy consolation and hope. 1 feel somewhat renewed and ref.eshed in mind, but am still far from enjoying that perfect love that castelh out fear. This 1 de.ire to attain, and mean by the grace of God to seek after. "28— Saturday. Six days more have passed av;ay.- My health has been poor. Two or three days havjbeeii very damp and rainy, so that I could not be out. An unusual amount of domestic cars has been upon my mind and hands, so that I hav. not accomplished much for the cause of my Master, or for the improvement of my own soul. At the close of the meeting on Sabbath last, I felt very happy, and even thought I had begun to real- ize some degree of the blessing 1 had been se^king- acceptance with God, through faith in th3 Lord Jesus Christ. But I did not improve the gracious iniluence as -jL. T — m- J. T -.,flr^r^ji iUa niAacino- imnressiou to die SAvay, ALANSON L. C V E L L. 175 and my mind to become filled with anxieties for this life. In consequence I have been in a low and languid frame' of mind this whole week. I have seen and deplored my error. May the Lord forgive me this, which I do feel to be a great sin. The week however has not been entire- ly without profit. I have derived some benefit from the study of the scriptures and from o:her reading— have had a few pleasant seasons in pra/er-at.d some'medita- tions have been profitable. In particular I have been led to see the necessity of placing distinctly before me the various objects for which I live and labor, and of fixing definitely on the means I am to employ lo accomplish the objects I have in view. I believe ii this is done properly, it wi!i be a great means of rendering ray life a blessing to myself and others. The.e great ends for which I desire help from God. And ui To become really justilied and accepted with God by faith ia the Lord Jesus Christ, so that I shall be rcaliy prepared for my duties here, and for eternal glory hereafier. 2. To perform the duties of a husband and fiuher in the fear of God, and for the best interests of my dear wife and child. 3. To r.cquire the character and perform iha duty of a failhfal inii'sier. 30. Monday. A cold, dark, rainy morning. Low in health and languid in mind. Have not found much en- joyment in devotion, yet am not wholly in the dark. I hope the Lord may bless me with restored health, and a more sanct'fi-d spirit." The sncceeding weeks, very similar to those we have jusl noticed. "June 16. I-Jave just returned from the anniversary of our association. A tolerably pleasant meeting. God has kindly kept my family while I have been^absent. May his mercies make me mere fathiul in my work." "26. Sabbath. Had great freedom in preaching from Heb. xii, 14: " Without holiness no man shall see the I 176 MEMOIR OF Lord." Soleran attention was given to the word, and I hope good was done. In the evening read a chapter and made some remarks upon it. The remainder of the interview was spent in prayer." " 30. Have j ist returned from New-York. Went and returned in the steamboat Commerce, Capt. Hitchcock, whom I baptized a short time since, and who has shown me great kindness. Had considerable religious conver- sation on the way, and preached one sermon; but have not had all the enjoyment of mind I could desire. God has kept our home in safety while we have been absent. Blessed be his name." Several succeeding dates present aspects similar to many we have already transcribed; such as entreating divine blessings on his labors : solemnity on the house of Gol; baptizing; communion; engagedness of the merab(;rs in prayer meetings; gratitude for having been moved upon to make more decided and energetic efforts for his own spiritual improvement ; believes God has bU osed him in so doing, and imparted " some new de- grees of light and strength ;" but complains that his *' sinful habits, so far from being changed, are scarcely weakened;" supplicates forgivness. « July 8. Have been all day engaged in writing a sermon-am excessively fatigued this evening-have had I hope, a little aid from on high in ray labor to-day." « 9. Last night had a most violent attack of fever, with pain in my side and head. This morning feel un- able to study, and shall of course be unprepared, and probably unable to preach to-morrow. Am exceedingly weak and languid, both in mind and body." "10. Sabbath. Do not go out to-day at all. My pulpit i3 to be supplied by others. I am still weak ia spirit, in body, m faith, and in prayer. Lord, I pray th€e quicken m^ soul, which cleaves to the dust." ALANSON L. COVELL. m " 11. This morning my heart has been a little touch- ed in reading the Memoir of J. B.Taylor, but still mv soul is languid." I hope it will not be inferred from the frequent mention of biographical reading, that this was the kind he mostly perused. For a man of his years and means, he had a very extensive and well assorted library. In his own personal expenses he used strict economy, though he was ever appareled in a manner becoming the dignity of his office. But in taking religious periodicals, and purchas- ing books, he indulged himself to the extent of his ability. "17. Sabbath. This morning preached for Dr Welch.'^ Had not much liberty. Having never preach- ed m his congregation before, felt somewhat embarrass- ed. Did probably no good. This afternoon had more freedom m my own pulpit; still it was rather a dull, heavy meeting. I fear but little good has been done to- aay. O Lord, I pray thee quicken me and help me by thylHoiy Spirit, to love thee more and serve thee better." We pass several entries of usual interest to make rooru for the entire record of the " 29. Visited a sick woman to-day, (Mrs. Scott,) who is low with consumption. When I first saw her, a few days since, she was in deep concern about her eternal state. She had once made a profession of religion, but had lost the enjoyment of it, and had lived in the neglect of her christian duties. She seemed very much in the dark, and was unable to pray, I conversed with her, and prayed for her. The Lord has finally appeared for her relief. She is now calm, happy, resigned to death, and even desirous to go. She seems delighted when I go in to see her, and finds great enjoyraeat in prayer. She is now deeply anxious for the conversion of iier parents, brothers and sisters, no ne of whom are pious. She de- *Pastor of the 2d Bapii^t church ia Alban/i " 1* fdJ t^i t* ns MEMOIR OP sired me to-day, to pray that she might have her senses, and be composed when she comes to die, so that she might converse with them all. May the Lord grant her request. Seeing Mrs. S. in this condition, has led me mto va- rious reiLciions. She is not oi" my congregation, but I thought 1 ought to regard her as belonging to Christ, and as a weary piliirim, just going to enter into his more im- mediate presence, 1 ought to assist her to enter with joy. Perhaps I cannot now per-form a more acceptable service for the Lord Jesus, than to help this dying saint through her last struggle, and this has led me to think on the re'sponsibllity of directing the devotions and hopes of dying saints. Can I, and do I impart such knowledge, raise'^such hopes, and excite such a qjirit as will be prop- er for them to possess at the moment they pass the veil t)f death, and enter the presence of God ? O, how caa I tell them how io fee!, how to hop^. and pray, and re- joice in such an 'lOur ! Ble:r=ed be God that himself is with them, he can, and will mould their hearts aright. O Lord 1 pray thee, give Mrs. S. who 1 humbly trust is an heir of ihy kingdom, a peaceful and happy d -ath, and make her conver-^aiion and departure, the means of converting her relauves. It was forcibly impressed on my mind to-day, that i too should die with consumption, and in circumstances perhaps similar to those ofxVIrs. S. I shall then heed the same attcniions. O, may I have the prayers of the Lord's people in that day and above all may I have th? presence of the blessed Savior. O, how much I need a preparation for death." " 30. Saturday. ll\v<^ ma le but a very poor prepara- tion for to-morroAV. lOW much I need the presence o f God. How little of it do I have. I pray, and pray, and pray, and I get so dissaii^aed wi.h m/ prayers that I sU ALAMSON L. OOVEI.L. er senses. 179 down discouraged. Then again Ihe Lord gives me n •mle enlargement and some comlW., end I itink 1 will alway, pray and never faint. I see tl,a, I „„ a poor thmgatbest Why is God mindlul of me? wi,, am ;:av:;;^"'''''"''"■"''•^>^"s'--«p-ein "Augusts Have just returned from Sarato-aSprin-5 -.avev„„ed my aged uncle .here, ,vho is" veVw with consumption- parted with h;,r. p,.„UbIy for the last time. He seems to be prepared ,o die. He has been many years a professor of religion. Lord I pray thee prepare h.m for a happy death, and .uahe i, a b es.^ ing to his family." "7 Sabbaih This afternoon have, baptized a voun. ady for whom I have of'en pr-ued, and whom f have long desired to see walking in ,he paih ofdutv. She was first awakened byavi.it m.ide by biuthcM- Powell and myself in her faliier's family. May the Lord enable her to be faithful until death." " 26. Have been absent about thee wceks-p-.r^ of the time have been sick and unable to -o out. Hal thcu-ht very much of this visit as a means of doin,. ..,oJ amon- my relations-but I L,vo failed,-Mny hJalih and mv soul are languid. O my God quicken me acoordin- to thy word. "^ Have been much affected by two doadis whi-h b-ve Qccurred during my absence. One is (IkU of A^ .. R-^ott a raethodist member, whom I liave so cficn vi.i>ed in^her sickness, and who died in the triumphs of hhh The other, is that of my valued and esteemed fri .,d aud brother C. L. Pea^e, who in the mid^t uf Lf- nn-l '-.iVl. ness, has been ^p'led away. Ho waj a vuu; - man of ^reat religious a^^nty, a warm and lih^ral f.i <„d of rvery thing good. He was a superi.itonJenl in one of our sabbath schools, a superinle.u;. n. o[ (he tract distri- 12 (tlr. ♦ B. 1, " iM t 180 MEMOIR OP bution in one of our city districts, in the midst ot business, only 30 years of age, and has left an affectionate and pious wife and four young children. May God sanctify this affliction to their good. How uncertain is life ? I little thought my brother Pease would be called so sud- denly awa^y ! But the Lord has done right. This broth- er was ray warm friend, and I have thought much of his society and co-operation in every good work. Yet I must give him up and look to God for help in carrying on his blessed cause. O Lord I pray thee help we to prepare for a dying hour." Several entries speak of renewed activity and mcreas- ing enjoyments. " Sept. 4. In the morning preached to a large and attentive audience, on the death of brother Pease, from the words, "Take heed lest he also spare not thee." May the Lord follow it by his holy spirit." " 11. Sabbath. This morning preached on the power of the gospel to overcome the fear of death. In the close alluded to the deatli of Mrs. Scott. Afternoon. Have been preaching on the sin of not believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. John xvi, 8, 11. O that this day may not be lost." « Sept. 14. Resolved, that I will acquire the habit of saying-?/ozt-when I address others, without hesitation, with propriety and with effect." " Sept. 17. This has been a week of affliction. My brother Hutchins,.one of our most pious and active young men, has been called away. His death is a great loss to us : but he died in the triumphs of faith. His happy spirit, I doubt not, is at rest in heaven. O may I be in- duced by the frequent deaths among us, to be more faith- ful to God and to the souls of men." 18. Had st.iie freedom in preaching this mornin- ^ . . . 1 11 (C on the sufferings of our Savior in the garden." ALA NSON £,. COVELL. 18t IS mornin; "19. Thismorninj bade adieu lo ray dear molher .nd second u.her, ,v„„ have been wub us a few d ay. May „e Lo,d protect ,l,em o„ ,beir jor.rney home If wese on, .nee, on cartb, „ay we surefy raeeU„ rav'en" Oct. 7. I, mo fl.es rapidly away, nor does it m.. undtstntguishej by joy and sorrow!' I at „ ch o we,sl> down my spirit tl.is week, but I have deserve all and n,ucb „,ore from God. I hope to improve by .1 e cumstanees .,- which I allude, and beeome'mo e faut ful ,0 God than ever I have been. I mean especially ,o acqutre more bol dues,, point and directness in preach" mg. Omay the holy spirit assist me" " Whitesboro', Oct. 23. Have spent last week and to day wtth my former charge in .his place. H ve be a a tendmg the Anniversary of our State Convention the ord,D»„on of brother Sheldon, (who succeed mefn' the pastoral office here) and in visiting old" e d" " has been a pleasant week. May the Lord make the vartous meetings of this week, a blessing to his cause Have enjoyed some liberty i„ preaching to-day," Albau,, Oct. 25. Arrived home last evenin-^, found all well. Our father and mother Woods have arrived to spend tne Winter with us. May the Lord bless our so- ciety to each other. My ch ,rcH U in , very low state Lord I pray thee, spare thy .c ,ple, and give Ltv heritage lo reproach." ' ' ' ' " •="'<' "ot thy '' Oct. 27. Resolved that with the help of God I wHl strive for the greatest atnounl of usefulness i, .Ms pWe Also that I wtU try to lead on my church to the .ame sptrtt and effort O Lord I pray tLe help me, ndtour out thy holy spirit upon us all." "^ "Nov. 1. A new month has commenced. O for grace to improve it faithfully." "Nov 14 I find it the most difiicult of all things to be humble." 12* 4f'. It', 1^^: 182 MEMOIR OF « Albany, Nov. 14, 1836. Mjr dear sister:— Your last I received in due season, and ikilended lo have returned an answer the same day, but was first interrupted with company, and then called out to visit the sick, and found no lime to do it. But I can assure you of my joy to hear once more from your- self and family, and to learn that you were all in good health. Aunt Covell had been here one or two drys before, and had given me some account of her visit at your house. I had, too, a letter from father Westcott a few days before, so that I had formed quite an idea of how you AYcre getting along. I should be very glad in- deed lo visit you in one or two weeks. But did you know how 1 am lied up here just now, you would hardly ad- vise me lo do so. Lust month I only preached three sermons in my o^vn pulpit, owing to an absence west, to attend our Missionary Convention, and to other engage- ments wliich have occupied my whole time. This month I have commenced niy work anew. I am lecturing on Wednesday evenings, on the book of Acts, and have a very good attendance. On the first Lord's-day of this month two happy converts v.-ere baptized, and yesterday our congrecj.ition u'ore very attentive and solemn. At evening two or three persons were evidently much awakened, and one poor sinner rose up in the meeting and desired tlie people of God to pray for her. Many things looli to me as though we were just on the eve of a rsvi\'!il. If ^-'i^ should prove to be so, J. should hardly feel justified in leaving my post at all. I have partly promised to attend the dtdication of the new Baptist meet- infc-house in South Adams, cither this month or in the early part of next, and hud intended to visit yourself and sister Sarah at the same lime. This I may yet do. But I have scribbled over li)ese things that you mny see why I do not dare to make very certain promises. My ALAN SON I.. COVELL. 183 health has been very good ihis fall, much belter than in the summer. Indeed we arc all qui!e well at present, and have enjoyed much better heal.h here, than we did at Whitesboro'. Father and mother AVoods are now with us, and will remain until -spring. It is a -reat help and pleasure to have them with us this winter, as we can leave home to visit and attend meetin-s at any lime and have no concern about little E. u. the house. Father and mother Westcott got safe home from your house the Saturday after they left you. They were all well when they wrote. ***** We spent a week in Whitesboro', in attending our State Convention and in visiting among our old friends. ^\e had a warm reception among them and a very pleasant vi.it. We can now go there on tiie rail road in an afternoon ! We had a fine ride going and returning. Certamly It IS a great improvement in n-avelling facili- ties, to take two or three hundred people over a hundred miles (nearly) of what used to be a very hard road, in a few hours, and in so easy and delightful a manner. And now sister, tendering much love to yourself and children, and husband, I must bring my scribMing to a close. I will only add that it is my constant, and I think I can truly say my inci casing desire, that we may all be fitted for a happy meeting in heaven, where we shall never part. God has appointed us our dilFerent condi- tions here, but he has one home for us all hereafter, if we love and serve him. May he assist us to love him more. The more I see of this vain world around me. the more I despise its deceiving vanities, and the more highly do I prize the relioion of the cross of Christ. O, for grace to cleave with ever-glowing affections to God and his cause. Let us pray daily for each other, that our gracious God may qualify us for "all the good pleas- ure of his will," and preserve us blameless unto the 'w i 184 MEMOIR OF coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Plea<?e write again soon. Your ailectionatc brother, Mrs. D. C. Brown." A. L. Covell. "Dec. 6. This evening have received from my con- gregation a renewed call to continue as their pastor, with their approbation of my labors among ihfm for the past year, accompanied by a j^resent of .'fplOO. This is a very great assistance to me, and an encouragement to be more faithfulj and trust more in Gad hereafter. O Lord, I acknowledge thy great goodness in this. I desire to receive it as a favor from /Ay hand. O, may thy holy spirit enable me to make a holy improvement of all thou shalt commit to my care." *'12. Have found some satisfaction this morning in reading the precious word, and in calling on God in prayer. O, for more of his presence. Am preparing a sermon for Thanksgiving-day. Assist mc, O Lord, to act in a right spirit and from right motives." "15. This is our annual Thanksgiving. My congre- gation assembled with Dr. Welch's, and 1 have preached to them both. The Governor of our State was present. I succeeded quite as --/til as I expected, but I am glad the service is past, for niy heart was far from being right in it. I had too g^v^i r» vense of the presence of man. I hope I may have a ii; :e lational and pious frame of mind v/hen I preach hereafter." " Albanij, Dec. 17, 1836. My dear Niece: — Your very alleciionate letter was re- ceived sometime since, and should have been answered sooner. But I have had a great many letters to write lately, besides many other duties every day which I cannot omit. Indeed I had never so much to occupy my time and fill my heart, as I have at present. But I am serving a good Master, and I love his service th© ALAffSoN L. COVBLL. 185 mo'-eas it mull, pi , rmn uiy haD.:^. I wrote your mother a short lime ., ;ce. In ihat leiier I mentioned the recent oouv --.ion of a yoiincr huly. With one other per- son, she was hapii/?.] the Subbaih after. Three or four other persons have since ..I lined iiopes, and will b( baptized .oon. There is good ' -al of seriousness among those w!u) attend ot- meeting, and I liope maay will be brought fo the anas ; the blessed Savior. I was very much p!ea>od with the poetry on the second pa<;e of your letter and ihe more so as I thoujrht some of the lines indicated much serious reflection on the sub- ject of religion. T even thought from some of le ex ^^ sionslhai pcrhnps you was already hoping in thr Savior's love, and ihat perhaps you had experience saving change, and I had not heard of it before. Is Clarissa? Is your heart really devoted to your andSarior? Ila Ood for his sake forgiven all „jr sins, an ' owned you as one of his beloved and favored cluJr' i If so, do - iie me a full account of the chan-e that has taken \ in your mind. But if this is not the case, if you arc sdll unreconciled to the God of Love, and without hope in the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, how diiFerent is your condition. Do you not often, venj often, feel the nescssity of a preparation to die in peace, and to be holy and happy in heaven ? It is only by turning to God with all your heart, and believ- ing on the Lord Jesus Christ, that you can become thus prepared. If you feel smitten in your heart, and con- demned for sin, go immediately to the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer. Confe.js all your sins to him. Pray him to give you a new heart and aright spirit. He has promised his holy spirit to those who ask for ' is enlight- ening and sanctifying inlluences. How it would rejoice my heart to hear of your submission to the Savior! Do not think yourself too young to become a christian. %;Jf •^' (» ,..>. • -^^f IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^ L'^^ z« 1.0 II 1.25 1^128 |2.5 - I u ayui. 1.4 2.2 20 1.6 ^ ^#^ ^;; '/ Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WIST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 ■#» "i^' ■o %s l^. i/.X ^ 186 MEMOIR OP Death may call you soon. I this day received the pain- ful intelligence of the death of your cousin Eliza Ken- drick, (Mrs. Morse.) She died at Brockport, N. Y., after an illness of more than a year, in the full and assur- ed hope of a blessed immortality. What a warning to us all to be " also rcaJy." Father Westcott wrote me last week. He and your uncle Stukely have sold their farm, and are going to move away from Charlotte next summer. To what place they bave not deierrained. I hope if they move away very far they will visit us all once more before they go. You must not fail to give my love to each of your brothers and sisters, and espe- cially to the little one. Remember me to your father and mother. 1 shall expect her to write me soon, a good \ona old fashioned, sisterly letter, and I will promise to repfy as soon as 1 possibly can. Tell her we are all gettin<^ along very well this hard winter, and that our society in consideraiion of the high price of every thing have made me a present of ^$100 in money. Do write me again very soon, and write very freely your Rxerci.5fcs of nand on the subject of religion. I shall certainly remember you in my prayers. May the Lord assist you to pray for yourself and for your brothers and sisters. Your very affectionate uncle, A. L. COVELL. Miss C. C. Brown." '' Albany, Dec. 28, 1836. My dear sister:— As cousin Lemuel leaves the city immediately, I can only scribble you a line or two. 1 thank you very mucli for your kind note and very com- fortable present by him. * * * * I send you that good book, Dodridge's "Rise and Progress of Religion in the soul," on account of its in- ALANSON L. C V E L L. 187 trinsic worth, and not because it is new. I hone the children when they have leisure, will be benefitted by reading It. I also send you "Physical Theory of an- other Life." It is a curious conjecture from a celebrated author, and I thought you might perhaps be amused by reading it, when wearied with things which are real. We are all well, and all send love to yourself and all the family. For particulars I must refer you to cousin. I wrote you a short time since, and hope you have re- ceived it. Please write again soon. Your ever affectionate brother, A. L. Covell Mrs. D. C. Brown." '' January 1, 1837. Preached this morning on "redeem- ing the time." In the afiernoon had a very solemn bap- tism and communion. In the evening, an interesting missionary concert of prayer." "January 8-Sabbath. Have had a better day than common. O God, wilt thou pour out thy holy spirit, and bring sinners to thyself. O let us see thy stately step- pings in our midst. To-morrow we observe as a day of fasting and prayer. May the Lord be with us." "18. Plave spentai)art of this day in reading my journal for the last year; also in trying to examine my- self, and to pray for the renewed work of God upon my heart. It has been a good day to me. I hope my re- flections will have an abiding influence upon me. A full attendance at the lecture this evening; subject, the death of Stephen. Solemn attention was paid to the word, I find in reviewing the year now past, that I have in- numerable mercies for which to be thankful. God has preserved my life-has given me a good measure of health-rhas been equally gracious to my dear compan- ion, and to ray little daughter. He has given me many friends, and all the comforts of life, with the innuraera- . i 188 M EMOIR OP ble priWleges of religion. May we all have thankful hearis I °ee, too, that I have enjoyea many ptecious ' portunities of diing good. O, that I had ...proved 2L more to the glory of God, and the good of my eople. During the year, I have made ..ne hundred Lily visits, preached one hundred th.rly-s.x sermons,- but have had very little reason to think they have done ™lh good. Have baptized Bf.y-five P"-— ™elve les have administered the Lord's supper. O may I be more spiritual and devoted in the year to come. "January 20. This day I am thirty-three years old I have been much engaged in wr.tmg a ser...on for the Sabbath, and have had less time to reflect and pray than I could desire; but it is my earnest vv.sh and prayer, that I mav begin my life anew, and spend all my t.tno and St" ng,l. hereafter to glorify God. Resolved, that 1 will for the vear to come, endeavor to br.ng some son s ,0 ChriS every month-thai I will be so fa.lhful to them hat I can be al.le to say, 1 have done all for them that God would have me to do-that if they are not couverl- ed it shall not be owing to any lack on my part. This' is the last entry in the diary. There is yet a book of records, in pursuance of a resolul.on dated, "May 26, 1335. Feeling the neces5.iy of more as- sistance from God, in composing and delivering my .et- mons, I have resolved, this day, to make .t my constant practice hereafter, to offer and record a prayer for d.v.ne assistance in every attempt to prepare and preach a set- The pages of this little journal are instruct.ve and interesting; but the Memoir being already extended be- yond the proposed limits, they are, for the presteni, om'iitecl. .. — "^I think tl.is enumeration does n;;ri;rclude l^^'^^^^J^^* on Wednesday cvennigs. ALAN SON L. GOV ELL. 185 The following letter carries out the history of the winter. __ ^ ''Albany, April 7, 1837. My dear sister:^Your last was received a few days since. I am glad to have strength enough to return you a short answer. You know I had a hard cold all through the early part of the winter. I kept alon- for two months, calling myself well, and hoping to throw it olT. Instead of this, I was constantly losing my appetite and strength, till I found I could keep up no longer. I had also a sort of intermitting fever, very much as I was when I had the fever and ague a few years since. This Uiade me so weak that I could neither read, write, walk, nor even converse with a friend without paying a heavv penalty in head-ache, |niin in my stomach, depression of spirits, &c. I preached in my pulpit the last time on the morn- ing of the fir.t Sabbath in March. In the afternoon I baptized six happy converts and adminisiered tlie Lord's supper. A very happy day for us. I soon after preach- ed two evening leciures, and kej.t about for som^^ lime. Three weeks ago I gave myself up to the care of a very kind and good physician. For a week past I have been getting better. I should before no-; have started off to spend two or three weeks with yourself and Sally, bui Dr. Shaw would not think of my riding so far, in March weather and March roads. As our Conveniion in Phila- delphia is to meet soon, (three weeks I believe,) the Dr. advises me to go down the river, which ij now open, and go on to Philadelphia or Baltimore, and spend the time in a warmer climate, till the Convention rises, and then return if I am well enough. He is going himself to the Convention, and can there give me any further advice if needed. Mrs. C. will go along to take care of me. We are expecting to leave home to-morrow, or early next week. If the Lord will, we shall return the first week in May. After getting home, my first excursion out of the 190 MEMOIR OP city, (which T have not been out of since last October,) shall be to your house and Cheshire. 1 can probably come at the time of your Association. Now do not think I am clear gone, and shall never return. I have told you the worst of my case, and shall let you know fre- quently how 1 get along. If you receive a paper from me at any time, it may signify that we are getting on well, with no accident, and with improving health. I suppose the mails will be very irregular for the present month. I am now very tired with this effort of writing. Please accept my love for each and all. My best thanks to Elraira and Clarissa, for the page they filled in your last. I would fill this page for them if I was not so fa- tigued. I must also write a few lines to sister Wolcott. If you find any thing amiss in the penmanship or orthography of this letter, you have only to think a sick man wrote it. Your afTeclionate brother, A. L. COVELL. Mrs. D. C. Brown." P. S. All our folks in Charlotte have moved to Can- ton, Si. Lawrence Co. Have bought a large farm-are all well. Nearly thirty conversions in our meetings this winter, 16 have' been baptized. Ten others have been received and are waiting for me to get well and baptize them." But they waited in vain. I believe they were baptized in May, by Dr. Kendrick while visiting his declining brother and friend. The contemplated trip to Philadelphia was made, but the weather coming on cold, with some snow, he failed of receiving the expected benefit. About the middle of May, he came out to my house. The roads were still very bad, and the jaunt of thirty-four miles entirely AL A NSON L. CO V£LL . 191 prostrated the litde strength he had. His darkened counienance-his altered voice-his emaciated form, plainly announced thai I must prepare mv heart to meeJ the will at God. My family and myself, received him as a precious boon from heaven, and waited on him under the full consciousness of his beina a candidate elect for immortality We all felt that the air was embalmed, and the habitation hallowed by his presence; and thai our God was thoughtfully kind toward us, in granting us the privilege, though but for a little while, of administer- mg to his necessities. A f.sv days of nursing and quiet so far recruited him, that ho ventured on the remaining, part of the little journey. He was sensible that it would be his last visit, and couk! not be dissuaded from goincr by the ofier of having brother and .ister V/olcott com^'J up to Pownal. He wished once more to behold the place, and the friends of his childhocd. His best loved cousin, too, Elder Lemuel Covel), was at that time liv- ing m North Adams, about half way lo Cheshire, and he must see him too at his own home. With a centle horse and chaise, and his eldest niece for a companion, he proceeded, but faiied all the while he was gore. Oa iHs return from Cheshire, he spent the Sabbath with Mr. Covell in North Adams. Though feeble and hoarse, he made the concluding prayer in the sanctuary, and a hcii^o.-rhage of the Iun4 commenced before he left the pulpit. ^The bleedin'^ however, was not so copious as lo be perceived by the congregation, until he reached the grass-plat outside the church. He was asdstcd to the house of his friend, and the next day returned to Pou-iial. His resolution ever exceeded his strength, and he so readily Avarmed into the spirit of conversaiion, that he often forgot his condition, ' and would speak with an earnestness that cost him much distress and prostration. He was very sick the ni^rht 102 MEMOIR OF after reaching Pownal, and was confinetl to his bed the next day. By fiood medical care, and constant attention, he was partially restored, and carefully carried home in the course of the week. One of the best physicians in Albany was immediately called in. All, however, that skill and care could do, was to mitigate pain-alleviate distress. His physical organization had been so long and so greatly overtasked, that nature was worn out.— All that remained for him, was to linger, to suffer, and die. Of this, at times, he was fully conscious. While on his visit into the country, he conversed freely on the subject. "Sister, [said he,] my complaints, and an impression that has long rested on my mind, admonish me that I ought to address myself to the subject of leav- ing the world. On my own account I could fly at any moment. But Oh, my dear wife and child, and my be- loved church-can it be possible that my work is all done? Is it possible that I am to preach to dying sin- ners no more?" And that noble, manly face, was wet with tears. It was no time to soothe him with fallacious hopes, or to lay "the flattering unction" tp my own stricken heart, that he could ever labor more. He was reminded of the sudden dismission of his lamented father, and the circumstances of his widowed mother, and her orphan train. O yes, [he replied,! 1 often think of that, and take comfort. I think the same kind Provi- dence that sustained my dear mother, and watched over our helplessness, will not forget to provide for ray own dear companion, and my precious little daughter. But I know it will be hard for them to give me up. O my God, make thy grace sufficient unto us all." After having seen him safely conducted home, and laid into his own bed, I was obliged the next morning to leave, and return to my own family. 1 resolved to avoid betraying emotion, fearing the effect of excitement upon him J but he could not be put off" with a mere common AL ANSON L. COVELL. 193 place, "Good morning brother." Grasping my hand, he says, "How can I have you go so soon? And yet I know it is right that you should. O, my sister, pray for me, for I am a poor, sinful tiling. Pray that I may be more reconciled to the providence that confines me here when I think of so much that needs doing all around* me." The idea was presented to hiin, that if indeed he could feel reconciled to the will of God, and bear this humbling dispensation with composure, and an acquies- cing spirit, he might still consider himself preaching, and more loudly than ever before. That possibly God had now called him to suffer, instead of to do his will, that he might thus, by showing the sustaining power of the gospel in his own heart, give emphasis to all he had ever declared to his people from the pulpit. His face was buried in his handkerchief, and a pressure from his hand vvas the only reply. In a few weeks he was so far improved as to be round among the apartments of his house, and to write a letter to his mother j but this was the labor of several days. I believe ho was carried out once or twice, but he soon failed, and a rnedieal council examined his case. The result was a change of meas- ures, but all vvas unavailing. From the time of his first acknowledging himself sick in March, his people had treated him with peculiar kindness. After his return from the country, a brother was appointed by the church, to take the daily oversight of his affairs, and provide for his daily wants. Faithfully and kindly did that brother fulfil his trust. Having been informed by letter, that he was more rapidly declining, I went to see him about the 20th of August, and remained with him while he continued. He was indeed wasting, descending with uninterrupted progress to " the house appointed for all the living." He had not yet attained that perfect acquiescence with the will of God that he desired. He ever regarded the 5 ml! 194 MEMOIR OP feelings of others, so mu'-h more than his own, thai he was tmly "in a strait between two" feeling that it waa needful for his family and church that he should remain, but that for himself " to depart and be with Christ, would be far belter." That he was had in constant lemembrance among his people, was hourly manifest, by the repeated enquiries and tokens of love sent in, in hope they might m some way minister to his rtlief. But the highest skill, the most sympathizing kindness, and the most assiduous care, were alike powerless to resist the march of death. In our system of arrangements, it was a T^n of my charge to rise at dciwn of day, when '=lhe watchers" were leaving. Of course an hour and more, of unmter- rupled communion with my brother v-a3 enjoyed. This was generally the least distrescing part of the twenty four hours to him. I felt that mine was a privileged lot ; for as he replied to the kir.d enquiry of a friend, " the outward man was perishing, but the inward man waa renewed from day to day." The " morning cordial was some portion of divine truth, read to him so near his pillow, as to admit an undertone, as any loud sound distressed him. While his strength allowed, he gene- rally mad? some passing comment on the portion read. But to ore^jenl all ihe inlr:resting detaih of those few hal- lowed vveek^, would require another volume ; so I pass to the close ; ii;st mentioning however, that among the many friendo and acquaintance who called to oifer prayer and take the pavtlng hr.nd, was the Rev. Mr. Woolsey then of Philadelphia, but who had formerly preached a few months with the church to which I belonged. He showed us much kindness, and on taking leave, request- ed me to write by the first opportunity, and give him what I conveniently could in a letter, of brother's most interesting remarks. I did so, and the letter, together ALAN SON L. COVELL. 195 with one from himself, was published in the "Monthly Paper," now "Baptist Record." They are submitted here, premising that the conversations repeated in ray letter, occurred previous to Mr. Woolsey's visit. As he neared the time of his departure, he daily spake less and less, on account of the continually increasing inflammation in his throat and mouth. " Philadelphia^ Oct. 15, 1837. Dear brother Allen :— Allow me, through the medium of your paper, to present the public with some of the last sayings of the late lamented A. L. Covell, pastor of the First Baptist Church in the city of Albany. It was my happiness to enjoy a personal acquaintance with brother Covell. And all who knew him are ready to embalm his memory with recollections of his worth and come forth to sympathize with a dear church and people deprived of an able and devoted pastor, and with an affectionate wife and daughter, bereft, by this afflic- tive providence, of one of the kindest husbands and fathers. On my arrival at Albany, from a summer tour, I was apprized of the extreme illness of brother C, and sought an early admission into his sick chamber. I found him very low, and still wasting away under the influence of disease. Yet it was a privilege to be there. For there one might see the value of the Christian religion, in its sustaining, consoling, and inspiring influence over a spirit holding but a trembling tenure on mortal existence. Did I intend this as an obituary of our departed brother I should love to indulge in reflections cal'..' into exist- ence while standing by his dying couch. But expecting that the Christian community will soon receive a somewhat detailed account of his life, illness and death, I shall not anticipate such a notice, further than to mention some few of his dying accents which 13 196 MEMO in OP It 1 were heard, perhaps, by none, but myself. And here 1 must necessarily suppress my inclination, while 1 men- tion but a few of these choice sayings. On being pre- sented to his bed side, he reached forth his trembling hand and said, " I am glad to seo you, dear brother W., I never enjoyed the society of my friends more than dur- ing this protracted sickness— you see where I am— I have long been confined to my house, and much of the time unable to leave my bed; but it is all right." After a moment's pause, durina which I asked him respecting his reii,^ious enjoyment, he said, "you know that 1 have stron<r "attachments to life. I am happy in my family, happy in my church, and I am always glad when an opportunity is offered me to preach the Gospel to perish- ing sinners, yet I trust I am willing to resign all into the hands of Jesus. I know in whom I have believed, and he is able to keep that which I have committed to him, and to take care of my friends until that day when He shall come." Here, he seemed to have forgotten that he was ill, or that he was in any degree laboring under the enfeebling influence of disease, while he summoned together the strength of one in health, and expatiated at some length upon^the glorious rest which awaits the blessed in heaven. So animared did he become on this subject, as to excite our fears that he would exhaust the little strength re- maining to him. Indeed, it was with difficulty that we could prevail upon him to defer his remarks to another occasion. During a subsequent visit to his bed chamber, he spoke freely of'the fullness there is in Christ, and of the com- plete redemption which the Savior had effected for be- lievers. « When I think," said he, " of what we are by nature and what we shall be by grace, I am lost in astonish- ALAN80N L. CO VE LL. 197 ment and admiration. I can compare myself, as a sin- ner, to nothing more fitly than to one of those insigr.ifi. cant and destructive insects, which have their habitation in the dustj and then again I look at myself, and see through the redemption of Christ I am to be an angel of light, to be elevated from the dust and made complete in righteousness." " O how we are inclined to forget one very important pa •♦ of the Savior's work of redemption. We think of the spirit, and loo often, of the spirit only. Never did I have such views of the resurrection of our vile bodies and their being fashioned into the likeness of the Savior's glorified body, as, while I have been on this bed of sick- ness. The redemption of our bodies, O how consoling the reflection, when I see mine wasting into nothing !» '' The redemption of Christ, how entire ! how finished !" My last visit was paid in company with brother Welch ; after some religious conversation, prayer was offered, and I was to take my leave of him forever : never shall I forget that separation, and the admonition of a dying saint. Taking my hand for the last time, he raised his eyes, and with an expression of countenance which in- dicated the intensity of his feelings, he said, "Preach Christ ! dear brother, preach Christ." With such au emphasis did he speak, and with such an expression of countenance, as to identify the injunc- tion with ray ministry. He seemed to say, if you preach, preach Christ, make this the great theme of your minis- tration. If you wish to glorify God the Father, preach Christ,-— if you would benefit the souls of dying men, preach Christ,--if you would enjoy peace in death, preach Christ. Without further remarks, I present you with some extracts of a letter from a sister of the lamented brother whose memory is blessed. In the early part of his sick- 13* &. '"4* 103 MEMOIR OP ness, he had a severe struggle in overcoming a strong desire to recover— to enjoy the society of his friends, and to labor for the cause of Christ. As the extracts will show, he gained a complete victory over such desires, and resigned himself entirely to the will of his Redeem- er— "Thy will be done," was a sentiment which he often uttered and no doubt felt happy in the resignation. James J. Woolsey." « Pownal, VL, Sept. 28, 1837. Dear brother Woolsey :— To redeem my promise, I present you with some recollections of my dear brother's sick bed. The first conversation of importance that now occurs to mind, is a relation of the conflict which cut him loose from the world, and enabled him to triumph in view of approaching dissolution. " In a state between sleeping and waking, said he, a horror, an indescribable horror, came over me; I felt that it was the power of darkness. 1 saw no being, heard no voices, and yet was sensible that Death and Satan, were present in person, and hold- ing discourse with me. " Aye," said the tempter, " not- whhstanding all your professions, you will be afraid to encounter death when you come to the trial." " I hope not," was my reply, " for i have put my trust in Him who hath overcome death, and who hath promised that his grace shall be sufficient." Death then spake, but a confusedness attended his words ; something, however, I distinguished about chopping, alluding to one of the many forms in which he appeared to the children of men." " With the chopping," replied I, " I have noth- ing to do, I trust I am ready to meet my fate in any man- ner my Heavenly Father shall please to appoint." « Look here !" said Death. I turned in the direction in- dicated, and as far as the eye could reach, lay heaps oa heaps, of heads and trunks, and limbs, in one promiscu- ALANSON L. COVELL. 190 ous confu3ioa! Never befbre had I so deep a sense of the slanghler death had made in the human family, i gazed awhile with shuddering, but turning to the dark spectre, bade him look yonder! pointing upward, and behold that holy, happy throng, " that no mau can number." « Those," said I, "have through the grace of our Lord Jeius Christ, gotten the victory over death, and are now rejoicing before the throne." " Aye," replied tlie tempter, "but how do you know that you shall ever get there ?» And then, said ray brother, I fell to pray- ing with ray might. The vision vanished, and I awoke happy in the embrace of my Redeemer." Whatever may be thought of the exercises of the mind by night, this, in connexion with a dream of the hour before, was blest to his spiritual good. It ended the long struggle, between the desire of being restored to hpaith, and Ihe desire to be entirely subniissive to the w . of God. It somehow unclasped the tendrils, which so closely bound him to the objects of his care, was the means of enabling him to turn the currant of his thoughts, and set the affec- tions of his heart, more intensely oi things heavenly and divine. Speaking to Mrs. Covell the next day, *' O ! my dear, said he, how happy we shall be when we all get through ; we have been about together a great deal, but never home. I feel that I am going first, but I hav« a promise that our separation will be short. Soon to you as well as me the blessed word will come, ' Child, your father calls, come home.'" He was disappointed, however, in not going so soon as he expected. Delighted indeed would have been his feelings, could he then have soared to heaven on the wing of fresh emancipation ; but his faith and patience were destined to longer and severer trial. "Phe possi- bility that this might be the case, occurred to his mind, as the following day wore on, and he found no material 200 M EM 01 R OF change in his condilion. Towards night, as Mrs. C. and I were supporting him in bed, he spake thus, " What do you think, both of you? am I anticipating time, and dy- ing in imagination sooner than in reality ?» We replied that it was impossible for us to know the hour when the Son of man would come. *' Well," said he, " the will of the Lord be done." And the blessed Lord did enable hi;n to carry out this heavenly feeling into the long de- tails of a distressing and protracted sickness. The gnawing hunger, and the parching thirst; the distressmg nausea, and the quivering pain, were endured by him, as one conscious that he was suffering the will of God. If occasional impatience arose, he quelled it instantly, and would say, " well, after all, it cannot be said of me that I ' have come out of great tribulation.' " ****** Brother continued to fail until Wednesday, the 20th inst Then came the welcome summons. But so gen- tly was the icy signal laid, that we could scarce believe it Death. And when I saw him fold his arms across his breast and motion for more covering, I remembered Bryant's beautiful description of a similar scene, and felt that I had the literal illustration before me of one ''who wrap- ped the drapery of his couch about him, and lay down to pleasant dreams." Truly, « the chamber where the good man meets his fate, is privileged beyond the com- mon walks of life." At four P. M., the empty casket was • all remaining unto us. The precious gem had been si- lently but finally withdrawn, and was no doubt glittering, expanding, rejoicing in soi ,;s of everlasting deliverance. There in the grand cabinet of the Redeemer's jewels, will it a^ait the glorious re-setting he speaks of to you. O ! let me die the death of the righteous and let my last >»»/-»r\r\itn/» — end be like his. On Friday afiemooa Dr. W exC a proacanc ALANSON L. COVELL. 201 ed the funeral discourse from these words— "Tf ye loved me, ye would rejoice because f nd, I go unto the Fath- er." In the hope of again, and. ii Jhe Lord will, soon meet- ing with you here, and of the far more joyful raeciing hereafter, I subscribe myself your friend and sister. Mrs. D. C. Brown." Deeming that any farther remarks on the character of our precious friend, would come with a belter grace from some other pen than mine, I have made the following selections from the funeral sermon: ''With you, beloved mourners, on this day of heavy- trial, we most sincerely and affectionately sympathize— we feel that your loss is on earth irreparable. There must be many tender and mournful recoUcciions con- nected with the memory of the kind, fliithful, devoted husband, of the attached and amiable brother, who derived so much of his own happiness from the domestic circle, and never failed by his presence there, to impart it. But we cannot better express our sympathy in your sorrows than by referring you to the sacred sources of comfort and peace, which the gospel presents. To the truth so forcibly expressed in the text, that your loss is to him unspeakable gain; that while you mourn the distressing deprivation on earth, he rejoices in the possession of the incorruptible, undeliled and unfading inheritance on highj that he has gone to the Father. We are happy in the reflection that this holy consolation is appreciated, that we now appeal to hearts who have already received the impress of the Savior's truth, and trusted in his love and power. ******** The loss to the Zion of God is great, and must be se- verely felt in this place. But a bereaved church may also find, in the language of the text, a sacred motive to submission and a sweet source of consolation. El 202 MEMOIR OP If you loved hiriij and none can question your affec- tionate regard for your Pastor, who brake unto you the bread^of life; uirected your faith and hopes to their glo- rious objects, unveiled the excellencies of your Savior, and encouraged your confidence in his faithfulness and power. If you love God, the memc 7 of his faithful servant is precious, and will be lonff cherished by those who were favored with his friendship or enjoyed the advantages of his labors. For of him it may be truly said, that the cross of Christ was his glory and his joy ; that his tongue never tired or faltered in proclaiming his truth, while his life presented a beautiful exemplification of its holy influence. The removal of the faithful Pas- tor is indeed a just cause for sorrow, nor can I believe that submissive tears are offensive to him who wept with the sisters of Bethany, by the grave of their brother.— Yet if you love him, you will not regret his early sum- mons to the presence of the father and to the mansions of the blessed. Though you mourn the loss of his soci- ety and counsels, his ministry and example, you will rejoice that he has attained "the end of his faith ;" that though taken from you, he has gone to receive the gra- cious rewards of his self-denying labors, and now re- joices in the blessedness of the dead, "who die in the Lord." Before I conclude this discourse, I am desirous of call- :ng your attention to the usefulness of his life, and the triumph of his death. 1 am aware that the eulogy of the dead is not at all times productive of the happiest moral results. But it must be conceded that there are times, and instances of mortality, which render it not only proper, but highly important; that we may be influ- enced by virtuous example, and that our grief may be ganctified to our spiritual improvement. The present is to my mind such an occasion. I am also reminded of ALANSON L. COVELL. 203 the prohibition of my dear brother, upon'this subjectj for when assigning to me this solemn service, he said' "Speak not of me, for I am a poor, guilty sinner, and hope only m the infinite grace of my Lord and Sa/ior, but improve my death for the good of my people." But how shall improvement of this affliclive event be at- tained, if we refer not to what was excellent in his character, that we may emulate it; to his triumph over the last adversary, that we may be encouraged to labor and hope for the same glorious victory ? The end con- templated will be, I trust, regarded as justifying this reference; and I am persuaded that our departed brother, who gave himself in all the energies of his mind, and counted not his life dear that he might attain the same great object, will now approve it. The life of your lamented Pastor, Alanson L. CovEL^ if measured by his years was short; he was called from the scene of his labors in the midst of his days. But if it be a more just estimaiion to measure life by usefulness, then was his most happily protracted. * * * ♦ * His residence with you, my brethren, has been short; after a brief period of less than two years, of delightful and profitable intercourse, the holy relation has been dissolved and he has been summoned to go to the father; yet I am persuaded that he must long live in your affec- tions. His tender concern for all your interests, his generous sympathy in all your sorrows, his ever prompt responses to the varied calls of duty, his faithful and affectionate dispensation of the word of life, must have all contributed to render him dear to your hearts. " You are witnesses and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably, he behaved himself among you; and how he exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that you should walk l;.'fi {l:r1 S I,. f* 'k'fA^i 204 MEMOIR OF worthy of G*d who hath called you to his kingdom and glory." 1 Thess., 2 chap., 10, 12. Limited as has been the duration of his ministry among you, it has been attended with the clearest evidence of his fidelity, and the most gracious manifestations of the divine approba- tion. For in addition to the mournful testimony of your tears this day, we have the interesting confirmation in the happy results of that ministry. One hundred and six members have been added to the church, seventy- eight of whom were received upon profession of their faith in the ordinance of baptism. That ministry, my brethren, upon which God has thus graciously set his seal, cannot be soon forgotten by you, and its sanctified effects will, I trust, be experienced, and exhibited long after these mortal remains have returned to their native dust. It was characterized by that amiable sweetness of disposition, for which he was so remarkable. In the pulpit, he seemed to respire in an atmosphere of holy charity; his heart evidently yearning in all the warmth and tenderness of christian love, over the condition of perishing men. He sought to convince and persuade, not to terrify and confound; to win souls to Christ, not with boisterous declamation and fearful images of divine wrath, but to draw them with the cords of love from error and sin, "beseeching men in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God." Yet was he faithful to his high trust as the messenger of a Holy God. He failed not to warn sinners day and night with tears. So faithful, that I do not fear to say, that if any of this congregation should die in impenitence and unbelief, and fall in the final condemnation of the wicked, your late Pastor is clear of your blood; his voice aflectionately, but une- quivocally interposed its frequent and solemn admonition between you and death. "Knowing the terrors of the Lord he persuaded men." » ALAN80N L. COVBLL. 205 But it was his delight to expatiate upon the attractions of religion; to preach Christ in the grace of his offices, the completeness of his work, the excellencies of his character, and the glories of his cross and throne. The Savior was enthroned in the affections of his own heart, and he fell it his s^veetest privilege to recommend him to you, in all the fulness of his grace and truth, the glorious Mediator, able to save to the uttermost. Some of his last expressions furnish an affecting illustration of this characteristic of his ministry. A few days previous to his death, while standing at his bed side, he put his arm around my neck and gently drew my ear to his lips, when in a voice tremulous and faint through weakness, he whispered, "My dear brother, preach Christ." And then as if fearing a misapprehension of his meaning, added, "1 know you do, but I want you to preach more of Christ; tell men of his power, of his compassion, of his glory; call upon them to love and trust him. 01 never did I know so much of his grace and glory as at this moment; never did I see him so lovely, so precious be- fore." Ah! my brethren, he knew much then; when on the verge of eternity, -'underneath were everlasting arms," and the light of a Savior's countenance shining upon his departing soul. He then knew the sweetness of l)is love, his power to raise poor, frail, sinking human- ity above the weakness of the flesh, above the pains and terrors of death ; but he knows more now, unutterably more! for he lives where the full glories of God and the Lamb are revealed. He "beholds his face in righteous- ness." Then why should we dwell upon these recollections of fic'elity, affection and usefulness, enhancing the sor- row with which we bear his body to the grave? It is enough that the memory of the just is blessed; that the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance ; that %% m 506 MEMOIR OF our brother can not die. It is enough that it is the will of our Heavenly Father thus to test the faith and sub- mission of his people. It is more than enough to silence our complaints, to solace our hearts, and render us grate- fully submissive to know that he has gone "fo the father J^ His last illness, although attended with the excruciat- ing pains inseparable from the disease that sundered the cords of life, furnished a bright and beautiful exhibition of the passive graces of the Holy Spirit. Meekness, patience, humiliiy, submissive confidence, were the weapons wiih which he achieved a glorious victory over the destroyer. Though his sufferings were great, they were sustained with the most exemplary fortitude. He seemed literally to "endure as seeing him *vho is invisi- ble." His only anxiety was that he might suffer with becoming submission; that he might glorify God in the fires; that he might not become restless and impatient under their intensity. When about to unite in prayer with him, he frequently requested, "Ask of the Lord for me, that I may be entirely reconciled to ihe divine will. O ! for more of this precious grace." And the desire of his heart was granted. I have often witnessed the clos- ing scene of life, and rejoiced in the good man's triumph over weakness, pain and death; bui never have I seen this precious grace more energetically exercised, or its tranquillizing power more clearly evinced. His disease was pulmonary, and though resisted by the highest pro- fessional talent, by the incessant attentions of his anx- ious fiiends, and by the prayers of those who knew the importance of his life to the church of God, human skill and sympathy were alike in vain. It slowly, but irresist- ibly progressed to a fatal termination, and our brother ileeps in Jesus. It is consolatory to know that when dying, as while livin^ he t^ave his decided testimony to the power and AL ANSON L. CO 7£LL . 807 grace of the Savior of men. When passing through the gloomy valley, his i : was illumined by the presence of his God. The truths he had preached to others, thro' this trying scene, were the support and joy of his own soul; the rod and staff of his God comforted him. My visits to his bed-side were frequent; yet in no instance could I discover a cloud upon his mind. While he man- ilested the most acute sensibility with regard to his moral imperfections, his unworthiness and guilt in the sight of God, and often adverted to it in the most affect- ing language; yet was his faith confident, his hope strong, all the prospect bright and inviting. His sun was evidently descending in unclouded beauty. For him to die was gain. He often assured me, in reply to my inquiries, not only that death had no terrors for him, but that he discerned in him a friend sent to conduct him to his father's house. On one occasion, upon askin^^ how he had passed the night, he said, "We\\,very iceU; I have had a blessed night; there is no rest indeed for this poor body, but my soul has found a sweet rest in Christ." He was uniformly composed, tranquil, happy in his Savior. But there were moments when he en- joyed in an eminent degree the consolations of the spirit, a sweet fore-taste of future blessedness. It was my privilege to be with him duiing one of these precious seasons, and he said to me with great earnestness, "0 this is too much! it is too much! This strong impress- ion of the presence and love of God is more than ray poor, weak body can endure." I was not only refreshed and comforted with this new demonstration of the power of the religion of the cross, but my mind was deeply impressed with the solemnity of the scene. It appeared holy ground, consecrated by the presence of the Holy Onb, who had come down into the chamber of his dying servant, in ail the fulness of his grace and condescen- sion. O! it is easy, it is delightful, to die with such supports and consolations. 208 MEMOIR or " Life take thy chance, But, O ! for such an end." "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." ,. , . , . Neither the pains which he suffered, nor the high spir- itual enjoyment of which he was the subject, could so engross his thoughts as to exclude anxiety for the salva- tion of those he loved, and you shared largely in his regards. For this church, for this congregation, for those who this day weep under the bereaving hand of God ; for those who feel little concern for their own immortal interests, he was deeply anxious to the last moment.— He knew the value of the Gospel by what he had experi- enced of its consolations, and he wished his brethren to possess them richly, that the sacred peace it imparts should ever "keep your hearts and minds," that you might live above the world ; escape its snares and pollu- tions, and enjoy the full blessedness of a well-grounded, glorious hope. He deeply felt for tho=e who are desti- tute of its consolations; and especially for those to whom in this place he had ministered in holy things. His fre- quent inquiry concerning the spiritual condition of one, and another of the congregation whose recent serious- ness had induced in him the hope that ihey were not far from the kingdom of God, evinced how strongly this feeling had possession of his mind; how great was his love for your souls. They were incorporated with the last prayer he addressed to a throne of grace, and with the last anxieties of his throbbing bosom. While, therefore, you realize the severity of your de- privation, and the never-failing sources of consolation which the Gospel presents, let your minds be also im- pressed with the solemnity and responsibility of your . circumstances. Let your departed Pastor be unto you as one that "yet speakelh," and the ministry that has ALAN80N L. COVELL. 209 now ceased forever, continue to exert a sanctifying influ- ence over your hearts and lives. Love and confide in the Savior he preached. Obey tlio precepts, discharge the duties nis ministry inculcated. Guard against the evils of which he so faithfully warned you. Imitate the humility, the love, the fidelity, the zeal of which he pre- sented so bright an example. Be ye followers of him as he followed Christ, that with him you may triumph over death, and go to the father. The following sermon was originally published by the society before whom it was delivered. By the advice of many it is presented here. Reasons for the formation of the American and For- eign Bible Society. A DISCOURSE, Delivered at the organization of the Bible Society for Albany County and its vicinity, in the meeting-house of the First Baptist Church in Westerlo, August 31, 1836, by A. L. Covell, pastor of the first^Baptist Church in the city Albany. Acts xv. 29. « And the contention wns so sharp between them that they departed asunder one from the oiher."^ "eivveen tftem, The parties to this contention were Paul and Barna- bas, ministers and missionaries of the church in Anlioch. This was the first church gathered among the Gentiles. It was emphatically a missionary church. "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them away." A nobler example than this, of the true missionary spirit, is not on record. How ardently must that church have been attached to Barnabas and Paul ! How high- ly must they have valued their ministry ! Though there i )■** m 810 MEMOIR or wereolher ministers in the church, yet they seem to have been less activ^^ and useful. They were called, there- fore, to settd th '\t hf ' and most beloved men on mission- ary 'i**vice. ii I have L en a great trial to their faith, v«t Oiey seei. most chee-f-iliy and unanimously to have complied with thi3 divine appouument. They iromeaiafely sent forth their beloved teachers, with FAsr.^ ^ »ND 1 'UYER, that llu olivine protection and bless- ing migsit Httend them. In uui labor of love, they re- ceh-d'a ncU J. vtnrd. After an absent '^f two or three years, their missionaries returned with the thrilling report of converts multiplied, of numerous churches gathered, and of the wide diffusion of the gospel in dif- ferent countries. . After this, having remained several years wiih the church in Antioch, Paul proposed to Barnabas to revisit the churches they had gathered, and assist them m whatever might be requisite to their prosperity. To this proposal, Barnabas readily assented, and it doubtless re- ceived the approbation of the whole church. Barnabas •letermined to take with them Mark, who had accompa- nied them through a part of their former mission, but returned before their work was finished. Paul was un- willing to place any dependence upon him again, and decline his company on the new mission. On this point, "the contention was so sharp between them, that xhey . departed asunder one from the other." Barnabas and Marksailed to Cyprus; while Paul, choosing Silas for his'Otimpanion, "went through Syria and Cilicia, con- firming the churches." This diiiiculty between these first two missionaries to the Gentiles, was, no doubt, regarded at the time as a great evil. Both might have been actuated by improper feeling. Mark was nephew to Barnabas, who migh' have been too partial to him ; and a man who had once forsaken his work without a good reason for it, was not AI.AN80M L. COCELL. Ill likely .0 fmd mud. fuvor with Paul, who ,«m, nc-cr to have kanud how <o abandon a good work ill i."!" accomplished. ^ "" " "*» It niisht have appeared lo many very u»wi« i„ ,l,„.. brethren .0 "depart asunder from eac'h oTe e, enTf ;hey .ould no. agree .bou, taking Mark W ,' tJe; considledT"""',''"?""''' " "''"'^' ""■^"« '-"- b eea considered a very bad precedent for those mission ,ries <ogtve the churches. Its iml^ence upon all future " borers m,ght have been most unhappy while h'tene aoctr nt of Cl.ris!, and despise i„ promoter,. Dut "how ean two walk tojelher, except tl ey be agreed?" A„d what ,s the ben.it of keeping'up thi app^a ale of un on, 'vl,« the reality of it does not exist These pos- les won d not, could not, act on this principle. fTey could no go out amicably together, thjy would sepa te The Held was wide enough for both, and eacrwulj dtoose hts companion, prosecute his labor, and truT „ God lor the results; and it h easy now to ee that^L ^ good resulted from their decisio'n. A. feVon ly on mtsston had been rontemplated, and Paul and Ba nab" were ,o have been the only laborers, but by the^se,7r" .on, two ...ssions were undertaken by four labor s, he same t.me-so that the whole aJr "turned ou,fo the furtherance of the gospel." This narrative was certainly written for our instru- .on. It shows us, that even good »«« can not 7Zs S'"th tif" r" °'""" "" "-"--ion Ifh world, that f they can not agree, they had better sen rate; and that much greater food can be effected yl' honorable separation, than by an endeavor to ac in con rj::''"^^ ^°""""-"=" ^'"'^ «- --^'^ « "w I shall not, on this occasion F/i tnn. "-!.- - 14 •j -• - u.iai i\. ou cijuer t»f (hose 212 MEMOIR OP points, important as thay are to all who pray and labor for the world's conversion; but I will take occasion from them to remark on another and quite recent occurrence, connected with the same great cause, attended by cir- cumstances which all deplore, but which will, I doubt not, be overruled in the good providence of God, for the far more vigorous promotion of the cause of missions, and will result in the conversion of more souls to God. I allude to events which have transpired in the American Bible Society within the past year; events which have sundered from that society the largest christian denom- ination in America, and which have led to the formation of the American and Foreign Bible Society. Most per- sons in this community are aware that such a separation has occurred, and that the last named society has been OT'-anized; but with the causes which led to it, and with the circumstances attending it, many are not yet familiar. As the aid of our churches, and of the friends of truth who act wiih us, will hereafter be solicited in favor of the A. & F. B. S., and not as heretofore for the A. B. S., they have a right to expect from us the reasons for this new measure. In almost all our congregations, the fre- quent inquiry is, "Why have you formed a new Bible Society? What do you intend to accomplish by it/ Are you not willing to unite with all christians in giving the Bible to mankind, without note or comment?" These inquiries ought to receive a direct and satisfactory an-. Bwer I do not wish any man to feel the least sympathy for the new society; I do not desire him to offer one prayer for its prosperity, or to contribute a farthing for its promotion, unless there is good reason to believe it is approved of God. If it be not of God, let n fall! But if it be of God, let us sustain it by our prayers, and by our liberality, in a manner worthy of its righteous oRi- i «r itr^ Ktn-nj V AIMfl- ALANSON L. COVELL. 213 I labor n from rence, by cir- [ doubt for the issions, to God. nerican :h have denom- rmatioQ [o5t per- paratioa las beea nd with familiar, of truth favor of A. B. S., s for this , the fre- ew Eible h by it? in giving ?" These ctory an-, sympathy offer one ing for its lieve it is fall! But ir?j and by TEOUS ORl- The object to be accomplished by the A. & P. B. S. is stated in its Constitution. The first article declares, that its ''single object shall be to promote a wider circu- lation of the Holy Sciiptures, in the most faithful ver- sions that can be procured." The second article requires, that "the Society shall add its efforts to those employed by other Societies, in circulating the Scriptures accord- ing to its ability, in all lands, whether Christian, Ma- homedan or Pagan." Its object all will approve. It is simply to give the Pure Word of God to all our fellow men who do not possess it. Our present inquiry, then, is this : Why is it that the Baptist denominatiDn can not continue united with the A,. B. S. in translating and circulating the Bible in for- eign languages, as they have done for years past? Some of the principal facts and circumstances which have imposed upon us the necessity of withdrawing from the A. B. S., so far as the transiaiion and distribution of the Bible in foreign languages are concerned, will now be given. They are such, I think, as will appear suffi- cient to justify the formation of a new Bible Society, and to give it a very high claim upon the prayers and munificence of an enlightened christian public. In 1832, Mr. William Yates, Baptist missionary in Calcutta, published "A Revised avd Improved Edition of the Bengalee New Tcslamcnt." It was first trans- lated by Dr. Cary, and published by him in 1803.— "During the life of Dr. C. it passed through seven or eight editions, each of which had the advantage of his critical supervision." "Mr. Yates went to Calcutta in 1814, made himself thoroughly acquainted with the Bengalee language, and preached many years with much acceptance and success to the natives of Bengal. He is acknowledged by com- petent judges in Europe, as well as in Asia, to be one of the best Oriental scholars now alive j and his Bengalee 14* [iJfj y 214 MEMOIR OP New Testament has received from learned pundits and teachers of Calcutta the most unqualified commenda- tion." For assistance in publishing this edition of the New Testament, Mr. Yates applied to the British and Foreign Bible Society. His application was referred to the Calcutta Bible Society, Auxiliary to the British and Foreign. This society, in 1831, refused to encour- age any version in which the word baptizo was trans- lated to immerse ; and this was followed by a similar step on the part of the parent society in 1833. The history of these transactions is given by the missionaries themselves, in a letter dated ihe 25th of May, 1832.—- "Some years since," they say, "three of the Pedobaptist brethren, unknown to us, though on the most friendly terms with us, wrote to the Bible Society in England, requesting them not to give assistance to any Indian version, in which the wcrd baptizo was translated to immerse. None of these lived to see the reply to their communication^ and nothing further of a positive nature was done till last year. When you applied to the Bible Society in England for assistance to our version, the Secretary of the parent institution wrote to the Bible Society in Calcutta, stating, without any reference to baptism, that if the version was considered a good one, it was their wish to afford assistance. The resolution they forwarded, was as follows: "That the above ap- plication respecting an edition of the Bengalee New Testament, be referred to the committee of the Calcutia Auxiliary Society, with authority to contribute towards the expense of an edition, should they be of opinion that it ought to be encouraged by this Society." After seeing this resolution, we inquired privately whether liicy in- tended to give us aid, but could obtain no answer. A short time afterwards, in their annual report, ti»ey came forward and boldly declared their sentiments, intimating, ALANSON L. CO VE LL. 215 too plainly to be misunderstood, tiiat they should en- courage no version of the Scriptures, how well soever it might be executed, in which the word haptizo was trans- lated to immerse.'^'' Here, then, the die was cast, so far a§ the British and Foreign Bible Society, and its auxiliaries, were con- cerned. It was impossible to receive assistance from them, unless the translation was altered. This the translator, could not do, and preserve a good conscience. 1 hey therefore determined to apply for assistance to the American Bible Society. Their letter making this application, was received by the Board of Managers of the American Bible Society, on the 6th of August of last year. It was referred t'o the committee on distribution. After long deliberation and discussion, a majority of the committee reported to the Board, against the application of Mr. Yates. A minority of the committee presented a counter report and in favor of the application. This was followed by a long discussion in the public meetings of the Board.— The result of it was, that no assistance should be ren- dered to the publication of the Bengalee Nqw Testament, because it translated baptizo, and its kindred terms, by words which in Bengalee signify to immerse. But this was not all. They did not confine their de- cision to the single case of Mr. Yates, but adopted a rule by which they would be governed in all cases here- after. The rule is this: «^s the managers are now called upon to aid extensively in circulating the sacred scriptures in languages other than the English, they deem it their duty, in conformity to the obvious spirit of their compact, to adopt the following resolution as ths rule of their conduct in making appropriations for th« circulation of the scriptures in all foreign tongues: Resolved, That in appropriating money for translating. 216 MEMOIR OP printing, and distributing of the sacred scriptures in for- eign languages, the managers feel at liberty to encourage only such versions as conform in the principles of their translation to the common English version, at least so far as that all religious denominatious connected with this society can consistently use and circulate said ver- sions in their several schools and communities." By the adoption of this resokition, three points of very great moment were decided: First, the "Revised and Improved Edition of the Bengalee New Testament," perhaps the most faWiful and perfect version ever made in any oriental tongue, was rejected as unworthy the patronage of American christians! Though thirty mill- ions of our fellow men were speaking the language of Bengal, and though the New Testament in question was the only medium through which they could have access to the revelation of their Maker's will, yet it was re- jected, and the rejection plainly implied that they had better have no Bible in "their schools and communities" than such an one. They had better grope on still in their darkness, than read a New Testament which should tell them, as plainly as Paul did the Romans and Colos- sians, that they were "buried with Christ in baptism." Another point decided by this resolution, is, that any translation of the Holy Scriptures into any language, which shall render bapiizo and its cognates by terms ■which signify immerse, should receive no encourage- ment from the A. B. Society. This was a virtual dec- laration, that all aid should hereafter be withheld from every translation of the scriptures which had been made, ot was now in progress, by our denornination. This was speaking once for all, and in a manner too plain and peremptory to be misunderstood. A third point necessarily implied in this resolution, is, thit everv translation of the scriptures made by our de- ALAN80N L. COVELL. 217 nomination into any language, is consiclered and treated as sectarian, and as unworthy to be "circulated in schooU and conimunities." This was certainly speaking very loudly to us, and required some action on our parr, that would be PUBLIC, decided, and final. The luo largest Bible Societies in the world had wholly and forever refused all aid, and all co-operation with us in giving tha Bible to the heathen, unless we changed the prindple on which our translations had ever been made. Under these circumstances, only two things were pos- sible. One was, to succumb to the dictation of the British and American Societies; throw away the toils, and tears and prayers of Cary, and Marshman, and J^son and Yates. We should then have only to say t^r future translators, "When you come to baptisma, or baptizo, do not pray to God to enable you to trans- late those words faithfully. Do not, by ' diligent study, endeavor to ascertain their exact meaning:' that's a sectarian proceeding. You ^e not to search the lan- guage into which you translate, for words corresponding to them in meaning, by which you may give their exact import to those for whom you are translating: that will be considered an attempt to make the heathen all Bap- tists. It will be denominated, both in England and America, 'a scheme of proselytism.' This we can never endure. Therefore, when you^lomc to these troublesomt words, read over carefully the instructions given to th« authors of the 'Common English Version,' and proceed accordingly." This was one course of action, open for us to pursue. Another was, to form a Bible Society of our own, appoint our own translators, instruct them to make ihe "most faithful" versions possible in all lan- guages into which they should translate the scriptures, and then submit those translations to the supreme control «f Almighty God, and to the ealighteued judgment of the S18 MEMOIR OF christian world. This last alternative we have adopted ; and on the thirteenth of May last, organized^ in the city of New- York, the American and Foreign Bible Society. We have now in our country two national Bible So- cieties. The point on which they diflFer is easily under- stood, and should be carefully considered. It is this : — The A. B. Society requires that all translations of the Bible into foreign languages, must, on the subject of baptism, be made on the same principle with t!ie "Com- mon English Version." The A. & F. B. Society requires that the words re- lating to baptism, shall be translated by the same rule that other words are; that they shall be faithfully ren- dered by words of the same meaning in the langua|tts into which translations are made. 4 w This is the only practical point thaT divides the two societies. Let us, for a moment, fix our attention upon, this point. It is well known that our present English^ Bible was translated by order of Kihg James of England, and first published in 1611. By order of the King, bap- tizo and its kindred terms were not translated, but trans- ferred into the language. This was introducing a new word into the language, a word which no one would un- derstand unless they were acquainted with Greek, an whose meaning they coiikl not ascertain except by in- quiring of their teachers, or from dictionaries and lexi- cons. These words having now been used in our lan- guage more than two hundred years, have become famil- iar to English readers, though at first they would have conveyed to them no meaning whatever. So far as the translation was concerned, therefore, the ordinance of baptism was left entirely in the dark. No one, without some knowledge of Greek, could learn from these words in the English Bible, what was the mind of the Spirit in this great duty. mmmmm ALANSON L. COVELL. 219 _ Now the question to be determined is, Was the prin- wh at GoTa '" •^'"' °"^^ ^'y -^ ^- J^^ wel asw^^^^^^^^^ the ordinance of baptism, as .h! H . nu ^"joined in any other duty? Had uLlI' ^r'l '"''^^' '" ^'^^^' -»-t it would be t^nsafetopubhsh ,n "plain English?" what the Amer- can Bible Society can not "consistently circulate in schools and communities?" We have also another question to determine. How ought christian missionaries now to be governed m trans Ought Uiey to be bound by the command of a bigoted king, noW two hundred years in his grave: or ought^they J^?e'? ''''^ ^^^^'l of the Holy Bible as faithfully as In April 1833, the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions convened in Salem, Mass., instructed their mistnrj engaged in the translation of the scriptures, "to endeav- or, by earnest prayer and diligent study, to ascertain the precise meaning of the original text, and to express that meaning as exactly as the nature of the languages into which they shall translate the Bible will permit, and to transfer no words which are capable of being translated." buch is the rule by which our missionaries are to be governed. Mark its simpliciiy|and its justice. First, they are to pray for divine help: That certainly is right! Then they are to "ascertain the precise meaning of the or-inal text." Who can object to that? Then thev are to "express that meaning as exactly as the nature of the languages inio which they translate will permit " Is that objectionable? Then they are directed to "transfer no word which is capable of being translated." And why should they? Can the heathen understand a Greek word introduced into their language, betfer than a word oi their own with which thev have ahvavs bppn f.^rpiiJo^Q 5) Ud,». 220 MEMOIR OF What possible objections to this rule of translation can be made by any intelligent, unprejudiced chrisiian? And yet for literally following this rule, in his revision of the Bengalee New Testament, Mr. Yates, one of the most learned and pious missionaries on earrh, has been re- fused any encouragement from the A. B. Society in its publication. Is this charitable? But this is not all.— For adhering to this rule in the translation of the scrip- tures, they have refused all co-operation with the most numerous denomination of christians connected with them, of whose money they have now thcusands intheir treasury. Has that been done with an enlarged spirit of christian liberality? Have the men who have done this, above all others, been washed white of sectarian- ism! Judge of their principle of translation by |he Savior's golden rule, " As ye would that men shouldUo \ to you, do ye even so to them." Suppose yoa had no Bible, and an able, faithful translator Avas about to pro- vide it for you. Would you want him to translate "faithfully " every part of it, so that you could easily read and understand it all in your own tongue? Would you be willing he should ^ivb you what relates to bap- tism, in words you never saw or heard of before? words whose meaning you would have to learn by repeated inquiry of your teacher, and about which one teacher would tell you one thing»and another, another? Could you consent to have him leave you tht!s in the dark in this matter? Well, if you would not like to be treated in this manner yourself, then, by our Savior's rule, you ought not to be willing any fellow creature should be treated in the same manner. And yet this is exactly the manner in which the American Bible Society requires all translations to be made, which share its patronage. Let any missionary on earth, however learned or pi^us, translate ihe Bible into any foreign language, by earnest prayer to God, by ascertaining the preqise meaaing of ..i^ife,. ALANSON L. COVELL. 221 ihe original text, and by expressing that meaning exactly ia the language into which he (ranshitcs, iransferring no word, but translating all, and ihe A. B. Society will refuse him all assistance in it3 publication! and have besides a standing resolution, Avhich recognizes such a translation as sectarian, and unworthy lo be "circulated in schools and eommuniiies!" With such a rule of action, American Baptists never can agree; in such treatment of the heathen world, they can not participate; to such concealment of the word of life, they can not be accessory. On this point the contention between the two Bible Societies has been ''sharp," and they are "parted asunder the one from the other." There were other circumstances, also, which contrib- uted to bring about this result. Translations like those which are now rejected, had been patronized by the British and American Societies, up to the time when these diffijuliies arose. The British and Foreign Bible Society had j)atronized translations of the scriptures in various eastern languages, made by Dr. Gary, and in which the words in dispute were rendered exactly as Yates and Judson now translate them. Ii was not till the year ISIJS, that their aid in printing and circulating these versions was withheld; and the American Bible Society had patronized versions of the same kind, until 1835. Now, when the course of these societies was so suddenly changed, and they refused to patronize versions which for years had received their aid, it was evident that new motives and principles were controlling their operations, and that the denomination whose transla- tions they had entirely and forever rejected could no longer co-operate wi.h them. The case was rendered still more aggravating, by the fact, that while they had patronized versions which ren- der baptizo and its cognates by terms signifying immer- 222 MEMOIR OF sion, other versions had been as freely patronized, which render the same words by terms which signify to sprink- le, to moisten, to ioash, " to tliroxo water at any one, &c. Rev. J. S. Harris, missionary to the Seneca Indi- ans, translated the Gospel by Luke into their language in 1830. Mr. Wright, his successor, says the meaning of the word most frequently used for baptize, is to thivw water at one, to sprinkle, or spatter as children do at play, or in anger; or to drench, as parents among the Indians often do in disciplining their children; or to pour a stream of imter on one?' Other translations had been made by Pedobaptisl missionaries, no more to the purpose than this. Such versions had been 'en- couraged " by the American Bible Society, as well as those^made by Baptists. Of this we never complained. Our money and theirs was paid into a common treas> ry, and we considered it no more than common justice i aat the translations of all should be supported. The differ- ent denominations, and missionaries who made the translations, would, as we supposed, be responsible to God and to manldnd for them. On this principle, we would have gladly co-operated with the A. B. Society until all nations should have read in "their own tongues the wonderful works of God." But when the ground was boldly taken, that the Bible, when it speaks of a solemn chrisliiu ordinance, should not be translated; that the millions of our race who have not the Bible, should read nothing of baptism, or be compelled to read it in Greek, we could go no further. We here feel it our duty to "contend earnestly for the faith," though the contention should become so sharp as to part us from those we love in this blessed work. But the American Bible Society has patronized ver- sions, diiferent from those mentioned, and objectionable on other grounds. The Russian Bible, e. g. does not translate baptizo, but substitutes for it a word which signifies to cross; so that it would read, "Jesus made and crossed more dis- ciples than John." "They that received his word, gladly were crossed." "They weni down into ^ »"e water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he crossed mm. This could be circulated in Russian "schools and com- munities." But should another version read, that they who received his word gladly were immersed;" that ~'-iBii«<iirinriiiii i.'ii I m ii-j *^i^^i«i- :V-*Sj5* ^'#»4^'iw^', -"^Ajfca*' " ■ ■^iSI'*'' H it' -I 'l Hi" I II m il i il iiK i i nim i ^ AL A NSON L. CO VELL . 223 ihey went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he immersed him;" the managers "do not u ?^ }^^ ^° encourage it !" Of course, then, we who had rather be immersed than crossed, must supnorl our own translations.* I have frequently', of late, been reminded of one great objection to the formation of a new Bible Society. It is said that " it will interrupt the harmony of christians, and tend more than anything else to perpetuate a need- less controversy about baptism." It can hardly be possible that a candid man would seriously urge this objection, after he had carefully con- sidered it. If the words in question are not to be trans- lated; if they are to be transferred into all the languages of the heathen, they will become the subject of ever- lasting dispute, just as they have been in our hn<rua<re Converts will ask their teachers vvhat these words mean? Baptists will tell them ihey mean immersion: Pedobap- iists will them they mean to wet, to wash, to sprinkle or to throw water at them. Here they will be involved in flat contradictions of each other. The very Bible itself, for want of being properly translated, will be the cause of perpelual controversy among three-fourths of the human race, who have not yet received it. Who can be willing to throw this "apple of discord " amon«' the millions of Asia? The way to stop controversy about baptism, is to let the Bible speak for itself, and to let all men read and obey it. To endeavor to stop this, or any other controversy, by obscurin;,', concealing, or withholding the truth, is popery. The great sin of Martin Luther against "His Holiness," was, that he translated the Bible into the common language of his country, and was for having every body readmit. The Pope opposed this. He would have men pray in Latin, and read no Bible at all. Here the " contention became so sharp between them," that they parted forever. The Baptists are now committing, on a large scale, the same sin that Martin Luiher did. They are trans- lating and printing the Bible in the difierent languages ot mankind, and are anxious that all the world should read it. This they believe to be the most effectual means to promote truth, suppress error, and "stop controversy." To suppres s any part of truth, to obscure it, or in any * See Judd's Review of Stewart, a ppcajivj p. 175. 224 MEMOIR or tf way withhold it from the knowledaje of mankind, they believe lo be the direct way to promoie error a>jd per- ueluate conteniion Let those brethren who introduet amon«' the millions of ihe East the same cause of coa- troverly which for centuries has distressed and divided the British and American churches, beware of arrojjaling to themselves exclusively the title of ''peace-makers. Let them not " heal the hurt of God's people slightly ; crying peace, peace, when there is no peace," and but fainl prospects of it. Another ^reat objection to our society, is, that if the Bible is translated as we would have it, all who read il will of course become Baptists. On this account, it 19 urged that we ought not to insist upon such a transla- tion; that some how, in a spirit of generous compromise, this point should be yielded, and men left free to practice immersion or sprinkling as they please. Let us look at this objection. Let it be admitted, that if the scriptures were translated as we contend they ou<Tht to be, all converted heothen would read and be immersed. VVnatihen? Would they have done wrongi The very men who make this objection, confess that immersion is valid baptism, ''go^V^'^r'T.ri'hl^.r God " What harm would be done, then, it all the heatn- en should believe and be immersed? No error would be taught or practiced; nothing wrong believed or done.-- •What then are the dreadful evils that would result from the universal practice of immersion? Does it make a man le^s praverful to immerse him, than it does to sprinkle him?' Does it make him less spiritual y mind- ed, less active, less liberal in the cause of God? Ihe men who make the objection, do not pretend this. U the believing heathen were all sprinkled, t^^ey do not pretend that they would be any more holy or useful than if they were immersed. Or if part were sprinkled, oth- ers poured, and others immersed, it wotald be no better than if all were immersed. Lei the objection stana, ther in all its force. Let it be admitted that if all men should read the Bible faithfully translated it wou d make "immersion the only baptism." All then would be mht, our opponents being the j-idges. For tho me> conJ^nd'that Something else -will do as well," they have nothing to propose that will po better. Take anotucr view /vKinotion Tf ia now ad" ALANSOrr L. CO VELL. m Willi their i).ipii<m. Contn.vrrsv would cea«e The hurchcs -uou ,1 ,|,en have rest "from strife and divis! ion; and " uai c,n,^ in the fear of the Lord, and in he RZni:/l'll» ^'-^^ 'l-V would he' rx,ied" rn tied on all sides that immersion was the practice of or several hundred year.. Immersion was then the CNIVERMAL PHACTlCn OF TMn CHRIS .AN CHUnc" ^'^0 e then that our trans at.ons sho.ild make this the universal prac ice of the christian church again. The church would then ho. on this point, just what she was in her bes and purest days Every body would be /a "=fied cTurch(l^'''...'^'!'':^ ''^^'' ThS ion com] fehou d our translations effect all this, would ihev do t he world an injury ? And are they to be rejected becii^e hey have this tendency? Will they mil e the church loo apostolic? too much like Christ? I will here waive any further consideration of the subject m thi. point of view. I hope and prav that ag weleel justified belbre God and mankind, Keoroaa- izationot the American and Foreiirn Bible Socielv we shall be united and liberal in its support. By^he biers! H?lv S^cr ;'"^ missionaries have JlLdy tril.slate he Holy Scriptures into langua^^es spoken bv more than S t r^"' f'"1 °^ '^'' =^°^^- ^^hey are still prayer- hb/J zealously engaged in this responsible, Vet blessed worK We intend never to rest in this great enterprize, ull the "Lamp of Life =' shines upoa^the pathway of every dweller upon earth. .Jlli'^t' ^^'^.''"^ circumstances, what ought to be the spin by which the half million of American Baptists should be animated? God, in his holy providence, la by the labors of holy men, our own hrelhnn, furnisheci these pure translations of the word of life to our hands. He has put thern into our hands in this eventful a^e.and just as the way is opening for the diffusion of the'gospel among all nations. What can be his design iJtlfis unless It ,s that we should, withoi;t delay, gfve to man- kmd a pure, unaltered, unobscured Bible. As the an-el 01 heaven, let us fill his hands with these "most faith- ful" versions of the Blessed Word, and bid him s a er them over the whole earth ! I reioice that fhp Rn^rH n? *Vt^ \ s. -n rk r* • . — _^..,u yi jQg ^^ ui.jb.i3. »3ociet7 ■'""rr- / ■ . A- , 226 , MEMOIR OP &C. have recently appropriated ^2500 towards the publicatioa of the Revised Edilioa of the Bengalee New Testa- ment byMr'. Yates. So that the labors of that devoted Sonary are not to be lost, nor the Precious Word Sed to 32,000,000 of our fellow men who are ready to receive it. Ttns, however, is only the starting point.- Thes? waters of' lile which are beginmng to flow mus roll on in a deeper, broader channel, till like the waters of Noah, they shall cover the whole earth,-not to de- ^'^a'uld^ litSr-of you present A«vTHmo to a fallow creature in heathen darkness, it would be tl^e Bible.-- Thls would be your first, best gift for him. There are manv hundreds of your fellow men begging of your many iiuuu.c^ „.' , kpo-cr ns n vam, because missionaries toi- bibles, ana "^ot>V^^ ' ' iiu .^ ihHV ha\'8 none to give them; VVould you not iiKe lo Dut a few mo?e Biblfs into the hands of your missiona- Tes and iJuhem give them to the anxious heathen, who wait a I n <^h a the missionary's door, that they may be rlsL ro ask for ;he precicas boon - J - ^^^-^lis A haonv convert who loved his b ble, saui lo nis teacher "How couki you christians, in your country Aei) this sweet honey so long among yourselves, and not sei^d any of it to us?^' Tu3 teacher made the bes^ apoS he c'ould. "But,"coritinuedhis shrewd disciple i'h vi^ql not ri"ht for you christians to be sapng bU LONG to ea fi other,\ow good this honey is ! how ^WBET this honey isl Why did you not^ break off a r,ippp of the sweet comb, and send it to us/ ^ Ye friendrnf the Bible and of mankind, when m vour prave^ to Ahnighty God, yon say, " How precious I.th J wo d unto mel sweeter also than honey or the hoaevcomb'" will you think to bieak oft a piece of the 1;: ,^Vt comb," and Lnd it to Y-b perishing fellow men^ «« 4 ve would that men should do unto you, DO Yb. EVEN SO TO THEM." cation resta- 2voted Word lady to oint. — ', must waters t to de- fellow 3ible.— ere aro of your because t like to issiona- en, who may be ning? I to his country, ves, and the best disciple, ying SO is ! how ak off a when in precious sy or the ce of the low men? DOYB