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" As to a Form of Prayer and Ecclesiastical Rites, I highly approve that it should be certain, from which it may not be lawful for any Minister to depart." — John Calvin. NEW EDITION. TORONTO: Printed at the Diocesan Press, for the -' " CHURCH SOCIETY OF THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO; SOLD AT THE DEPOSITORY, KING-STREET, TORONTO. H. & W. ROWSELL, KING-STREF/f. 1842. «&■ 5**^ I fiQ A ei C E c< V! E in to fc to A P PREFACE TO THE CANADIA.N EDITION. This beautiful little Narrative is reprinted from an American work by the Rev. Benjamin Dorr, D.D., an eminent and living divine of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. A few alterations have been made by the Canadian Editor, but none are of the slightest consequence, ex- cept in the first Chapter. Dr. Dorr has spoken of M'ashington as a patriot : a true son of the Church of England must ever regard him, — notwithstanding his many great and good qualities, — in a very different light. There are a few allusions, in the course of the His* tori/, to Forms of Prayer, such as A Form of Prayer for the Visitation of Prisoners, and Forms of Prayer to he used in families, which are to be found in the American, and not in the English, Book of Common Prayer. Toronto, 15th July, 1842. 2. ( a-f^' PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. A work bearing the same title as the present vo- lume, and containing much of its matter, was some years since stereotyped and published by the Protes- tant Episcopal Press, and passed through several edi- tions. That work has now come into possession of the author, and been made the basis of the present history; but with so many alterations and additions, as to ren- der it almost an entirely new work. Several things have been omitted here, which appeared in the former volume: not because the author* s opinion respecting them has changed, but because times and circumstan- ces have changed ; and the occasion which rendered their publication expedient then, no longer exists.— The very favourable reception which the former work met with, has stimulated him to the present underta- king, in the belief, that if that was in any degree in- teresting and instructive, this will be found much more ■4- V. 80. His sole object is to recommend, in a plain waj^ the doctrines and usages of his own church ; and in doing this, he desires to *^ maintain and set forward, as much as in him lies, (Quietness, peace and love among all Christian people/* He thinks, with that humble and holy man of God, good old Richard Hooker, that "there will come a time, when three words uttered with charity and meekness, shall receive a far more blessed reward, than three thousand volumes written with disdainful sharpness of wit;*' and he desires always to speak and write under this conviction. The chief recommendation of the present work, is that it is based mainly upon fapts; most of the scenes and incidents having actually occurred, at the time and in the manner as here related ; and many of them having come under the personal obsOTvation of the author. — A few of the scenes are purely imaginary : that in chapter foqrteenth is one ; the narrative there being designed to exhibit the advantage of the Priayer Book to the convicts in our prisons. The story of the Congregational minister, i i ^^hapter third, \s takep from Chandler's Life of Dr. Johnson ;—T-tbe account of the missionary, in chapter sixth, is, in the main, Uters^ly true ;— rthe conversation, in chapter twelfth^ is give!i almost word for word, as it occurred ;^:Trthe history of the layman, in chapter thirteenth, and his successful efforts in building up ei church, ate true to the letter; — the character of the benevolent widow, in chapter fifteenth, is a faithful portrait of one of the most hum- ble and devoted Christians that the present age has been blessed with; — -the scene on board the steam- boat, in chapter sixteenth, is slightly varied from a narrative given by an intimate friend of the young maa -X vl. I there raentioned, whose family helonged to the author's parish; — and the obituary notice, with which the chapter closes, is tal;en from a Charleston paper, pub- lished at the tiihc of his decease; — the author's visit to Oneida Castle, in company with the lamented Ho- bart, as related in chapter seventeenth, and his subse- quent visit to Green Bay, are both given with an exact adherence to actual circumstances. Many other ficenes and incidents, founded on facts, have been woven into the history ; and it is believed that nothing will be found on the following pages, which does not come within the limits of reasonable probability. If any apology is necessary for introducing the Prayer Book as its own historian, the author can only say that he thought it the easiest and best method of imparting interest to the whole subject; and that he had many excellent precedents to justify him. Such fictions have oftentimes been profitably employed in conveying instruction. The author now sends this little volume abroad in- to the world, with fervent prayers that the divine bles- sing may go with it ; and in the humble hope that it may be instrumental, in some degree, in directing those who are seeking for " the old paths," into that *'good and right way," which leadeth to everlasting life. B. D. PijiL4DEi,PHiA, January, 1839. \ •V lhor*s the pub- HISTORY OF i ^ A POCKET PRAYER BOOK. CHAPTER I. Reasons for writing this History. — The Prayer Book's Ances- tors. — Tlieir Persecutions.— When and where first introduced to the world. In giving my history to the world, it is in justice due to myself to say, that I do it with a sincere desire of benefiting mankind. Having had much experience by travelling through various parts of our country, and, from my close intimacy with a great variety of persons, having obtained a deep insight into human character, the account of what I have seen and heard may serve to amuse and instruct my friends, and possibly do away some of the prejudices of duch of my enemies as may chance to read this brief memoir. I am descended from an ancient and noble family, which can be traced back to the first years of the Christian era. My ancestors were eminent for their piety and learning, and especially for their thorough acquaintance with, and deep reverence for, the Holy Scriptures ; and for many hundred years have borne a 2 <■' I HISTORY or A conspicuous part in all the great events wliicli have taken |)lace in the Christian Church, as all ecclesias- tical liistory will show. They were parti ularly dis- tinguished in England, during that highly interesting and important period called the Ileforiiiation; and numbered among their warmest friends, the Cranmers, the Latimers, and the Ridleys, of that day. The part they then took was marked by sound sense and discre- tion, as well as by fervent piety and zeal. They became, in fact, the glory of the Reformation; and have ever since been considered the most able defen- ders of the Protestant cause, and the most successful opposers of heresy and error, in all Christendom.— Yet, notwithstanding they have done so much for the support and diffusion of pure religion, they have often met with violent abuse from persons of weak minds, who had been taught to look upon them as dangerous heretics; but those old prejudices have happily worn away, and the meed of praise is now awarded them, by those who were loudest in their censures, as their vir- tues and services become better known. Some of my ancestors came over to this country, from England, soon after the settlement of America ; but, being "few in number, and strangers in the land," they suffered severely from their Puritanical predeces- sors, who, in destroying them, " thought they did God service." Those who came out some years after, under the patronage of the "Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts," met with somewhat better success; but they also had many powerful and bigoted enemies, who regarded them as mere formalists in religion, and as no better than Popish refugees. — They formed, it is true, a distinct class of worshippers, . ^. .. a fc POCKET PRATER HOOK. 3 adhering to their ancient usages, and not choosing to forsake "the old paths," wherein their forefathers had walked, for every new and eccentric by-way. The consequence was, although they were disposed to be quiet and peaceable, and not to interfere "in other men's matters," yet their strange forms and ceremo- nies were ridiculed, and they themselves were "every where spoken against." Such was the hostility to the Festivals and holydays which my ancestors had ob- served from time immemorial, that in one of the New England States it was enacted, that " whosoever should be found observing any such day a*- Christmas and the like, either by forbearing labour, feasting, or any other way, upon such an account as aforesaid, every such person, so offending, should pay for every such offence, five shillings, as a fine to the County."* When the disturbances between this country and England broke out, my ancestors, who happened to be of English origin, suffered more than ever from the persecuting spirit of their enemies. Their religion being the same with that of the national Church of England, it was argued that their attachment must extend to the English Government and laws. And so indeed it did to a very great extent. Of those who clung to the Royal standard, the greater propor- tion were deeply devoted to my ancestors; and their devotion, especially if they were God's ministers, sub- jected them to great privations and dangers. One cler- gyman when he entered his Church, and prayed for the King in one of those beautiful forms which the pages of my ancestors then contained, had pistols concealed in his bosom, apprehending an attack upon his life, and i« ■ — II I I ■■ * Law of Massachusetts in 1651. 4 UISTOEX OF A determined to sell it as dearly as possible. Another, when inveigled out of his bed at night, under the pre- text of being required to read llie Order for the Visi- tation of the Sick to a dying parishioner, was hurried away into the covert of the woods, stripped naked, tied to a tree, and severely whipped. These were but a few of the hardship?] to which some of my most faithful friends were exposed. Others, however, who valued me sincerely, took the popular side in the un- happy Rebellion ; indeed, one of the best friends my ancestors ever had in this country, and one who always spoke of them with reverence and esteem, was the well-known Washington. He had been brought up in the Church, and was a constant and devout atten- dant upon her services. His life, in most respects, was conformed to her teaching: and it is to be hoped that at the great day of Judgment he will find mercy for the awful sin of taking up arms against his Anoin- ted Sovereign. The common people, however, did not perceive that the Church could flourish indepen- dently of forms of human government, — that it could exist under a republic, though more adapted to a monarchy : they were incapable of discriminating between rational formularies of devotion, and the mass-book of the Romish Church; or between an innocent conformity to the religious usages of England, Hud an approval of the part she was taking in relation to her colonies. My forefathers, therefore, were in- discriminately branded as "tories," and were either obliged to lie concealed, or flee the country. Most of them went back to England. Some few remained; and were it not foreign from my present purpose, I could relate many more anecdotes of the abuse and POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 5 icr. m- violenqe poured upon them, during the stormy period of the Rebellion. Peace with the Mother Country brought some re- spite to the persecutions with which my ancestors had been assailed ; many of those who had fled during the troubles, returned again to America, with a reasonable prospect of sitting down quietly to worship God, as the Apostles and primitive Church and their own im- mediate forefathers had worshipped Him. It was my good fortune to come into the world about this time. My earliest recollection goes back about ibrty years, when I distinctly remember being placed for sale on a bookseller's shelf, in the town of Hartford, in the state of Connecticut. This must have been in the vear of our Lord 1790: for I well recollect hearing a great deal said about the Conven- tion which had met the year before, for the purpose of revising the Liturgy; and I myself um one of the revised copies of the Book of Common Prayer, set forth bv that Convention. CHAPTER IL A Christmas Present. — Family Pra3'ers. — Christmas Day. — Decoration of the Church. — The Sermon. — How the rest of the day was passed. 1 had n6t been many weeks on the bookseller's shelf, when one very cold day, in the month of Decem- ber, a well-dressed middlc-aered man, with a most be- nevolent countenance, came into the shop, and said HISTORY OF A he wished to purchase some Christmas presents for his children. My master immediately spread out upon the counter, all his variety of story and picture books, from which the stranger selected several of a religious and instructive character, and then asked to look at some Pocket Bibles and Prayer Books. These were accordingly handed down, and after examining them, to see that the binding was good, and the vo- lumes perfect in all their parts, the gentleman made choice of me, and also of a neat little Pocket Bible, similarly bound, saying, as he wrapped them up, they would be a suitable Christmas gift for his little daugh- ter; then bidding the bookseller " Good morning," he walked out of the shop. Never shall I forget my first interview with the good gentleman's family. He had many miles to ride, and it was the evening preceding Christmas day when he reached home, The children all ran out to meet him, and the little ones were very inquisitive to know what he had brought them for their holiday presents. His wife kindly assisted him to lay off his outer coat, and then placed a chair for him by the blazing hearth. Soon they gathered around the social tea-table, as cheerful and happy a circle as ever met at the same family board. After tea, the presents were unpacked and spread out before the glistening and delighted eyes of the children. There were va.- rious kinds of toys, and for each child a book adapted to its age and understanding. One of the daughters, a little girl about eleven years old, looked somewhat disconcerted when she saw all her brothers and sisters receivinsr nresents. and none anneared designed for herself; but her countenance brightened up when her -. POCKET PRAYER BOOK. " father presented her with the Pocket Bible and Prayer Book, saying, " Here, Louisa, is the best present I can make you. These two books ought always to go to- gether. Let them be your inseparable companions. Let the one be the rule and guide of your life, and let the other regulate your daily devotions. The one, by God's grace, which you are diligently to seek for by humble prayer, will be ' a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path ;' it will make you wise unto salvation : — the other will enable you to offer up your prayers in language pure, fervent, and scriptural, to your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier ; it will enable you to ' pray with the spirit, and with the understan- ding also.' Never, my child, neglect the use of these precious volumes, as you value my favour, the quiet of your own conscience, and the approbation of your God.'' Little Louisa's heart was so full that she could not speak, and she only dropped a courtesy in taken of her gratitude for the gift, and her determination to abide by her father's pious counsel. At the usual hour, the family and servants were all assembled for social worship, previous to their retiring to rest. The father read a chapter from the old family Bible, and my young mistress looked over in her new pocket volume. All then knelt down, when Mr. B , (for that was the name of this good man,) read the excellent form of Family Prayer from the Li- turgy, with a fervour of expression, which plainly told that his heart felt what his lips uttered. This I found was his universal practice, both morning and evening; — having long before adopted the resolution 8 HISTORY OF A of the pious Israelite, that he and his house would serve the Lord. All the famil}' repeated after him the Lord's prayer in an audible voice, and responded "Amen," at the end of each collect. It thus appeared that they, too, were attentive to the solemn duties in which they were engaged. When Louisa B retired to her chamber for the night, she took her Bible and Prayer Book with her, and having read a chapter Trom the former, and repeated several collects from the latter, in addition to her customary prayers, she went to bed and slept soundly until morning. The next day being Christmas, the family rose early to prepare for church, which was three or four miles distant. The children were running about, as soon as the day dawned, with bright smiling faces and rosy cheeks, wishing each other ^^ a merri/ Christmas.''^ — After family worship had been performed, and the breakfast was over, the little ones were dressed in their warm holiday suits, and the whole family set out in a sleigh for church ; my young mistress taking me and my more honourable companion with her. The church was a neat little building, embosomed in a grove of trees, which in summer afforded a refresh- ing shade ; but now, from their leafless boughs, num- berless icicles hung glittering in the morning sun. The interior of the church presented a delightful con- trast to the winter desolation which reigned without. It was tastefully adorned with evergreens, according to the ancient custom of embellishing churches ; for the Saviour's advent seems to be alluded to in that beautiful passage of the evangelical prophet : " The . POCKET PRA.YER BOOK. 9 glory of Lebanon (the cedar,) shall come unto thee, the fir-tree, the pine-tree, and the box-tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary;" (Isa. Ix. 13.) and also in that other expression of the same prophet ; "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah- tree, and the myrtle, and the oil-tree ; I will set in the desert the fir-tree, and the pine-tree, and the box- tree together." (Isa. xli. 19.) These, and many similar passages to be met with in the prophets, led the Jews to expect the Messiah's advent about the time of the winter solstice, or the 25 th of December; and hence arose the custom of decorating churches with evergreens on that holy day. The services of the day were interesting and im- pressive ; the church was filled with worshippers : and although many, from the different denominations in the neighbourhood, were no doubt drawn there by motives of curiosity, yet all appeared attentive and devotional. When the minister read the Lessons, my young mistress cpened her Bible, and followed him through them with the most careful attention. When other parts of the service were performed, she made diligent and familiar use of me ; behaving throughout with the strictest propriety and decorum ; uttering every response in an audible voice ; kneeling when the confession and prayers were offered up, and stand- ing when the Creed, and Anthems, and Psalms, were read or sung. The sermon was a plain and practical discourse, adapted to the occasion, setting forth the blessings of the Messiah's advent, the necessity of all mankind's being born anev/ in Christ Jesus, or vain would it be for them that he was born into the world ; and exhort- 10 HISTORY OF A rf is > 1 ing to the cultivation of all those virtues and graces, which alone could make that a day of jubilee to the Christian, and enable him, in the fervour of thankful- ness, to say — " My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour.*' After the morning services were ended, the people flocked around their beloved Pastor, and there were cordial shaking of hands, and mutual congratulations for being permitted to meet on that holy day, with warm wishes for many happy returns to all of them, of the blessed festival. My mistress went with her parents and brothers and sisters, to spend the rest of the day at her grandfather's, who lived in an adjoining town ; where, according to the good old custom, the whole of this patriarch's family were assembled, to the third and fourth generation. The afternoon and evening passed in rational and joyous festivity; in that delightful social intercourse, which the poet Southey so beautifully describes, in the following lines, on an English Christmas holiday : — " Brightly o'er the cheerful hall Beams the heaped hearth, and friends and kindred meet; And the glad mother, round her festive hoard, Beholds her children, separated long Amid the world's wide way, assemhled now, And, at the sight, affection lightens up With smiles, the eye that age hath long hedimm'd." Thus pleasantly passed the first day with my dear little Louisa, with whom I became more and more de- lighted, because she seemed to be daily more and more fond of me, as my subsequent history will show. f POCKET r RATER BOOK. 11 •> \ CHAPTER III. > .r"> . .' . i i Confirmation. — The Prayer Book falb into the hands of a Congregational Preacher. — The use he makes of it. — Pre- pares to take orders in the Church. — Gives his Prayer Book to an emigrant. Louisa B had been carefully educated by her pious parents, who remembered the admonition of the wise king of Israel — ' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." At that time there were no Sunday-schools es- tablished; but her parents always heard her recite a lesson on a Sunday morning, and she often afterwards repeated it to the minister of the parish, after the evening service. When I first came into her posses- sion, she knew all the Catechism, and many of the Collects, by heart ; and before I left her, she could repeat them all, and had learned the greater part of the Epistles and Gospels. Nor were these truths fixed in her memory only ; they were evidently im- pressed by divine grace upon her heart, and exercised a salutary influence over her life. I remained with her three years; during which time, by the divine blessing on parental instruction, she grew in grace, as she grew in age, and became a truly lovely and pious child. When she was little more than AVUJ. i/V^V V^VI.Am.xi.lt«° , tion in the parish, and Louisa was admitted to that sa- ••■fl 12 HISTORY OF A 1 cred rite; not merely because she was old enough to say her catechism; but because, in the estimation of her pastor, who took unwearied pains to fit the young members of his congregation for this rite, she was well prepared to renew her Baptismal engagements. Louisa had been faithfully taught, by her pious mother, how solemn was the vow which she was about to take upon herself, and exhorted to weigh the matter well, before she made this public and deliberate consecration of her- self to God. The Sunday following she came forward to the Holy Communion, and during the few months afterwards, in which I remained with her, she was ever careful to "walk worthy of the high vocation wherewith she was called." To her parents she was always dutiful — to her brothers and sisters uniformly gentle and kind — amiable and humble in her deportment towards all. These lovely virtues made her always cheerful and happy, and I have often mourned the day when we parted. Returning from Church one Sunday evening, with her Bible and Prayer Book wrapped up in her hand- kerchief, by some unlucky accident I slipped out, with- out her noticing it, and she walked on, leaving me in the path. It was nearly dark when I fell from my young mis- tress's hand, and I lay all night in the street. The next morning I was picked up by a venerable looking man in black, who proved to be a Congregational preacher, returning on horseback to his home in a re- mote part of the state. He hastily turned over my leaves, to ascertain the nature of his prize, and as he him say, "This is just the thing." What he meant ' POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 13 by "just the thing," I had afterwards to learn ; but considering it at the time a compliment to myself, or at least an expression of good will, I felt no solicitude as to my future treatment, although I could not but regret being thus separated from my dear young mis- tress, who I knew would grieve when she discovered her loss. My new master, on his arrival at home, placed me upon his study table, and from that moment I was his daily companion. On Saturday evening, especially, he studied me with the closest attention : and I the next day understood what he meant by "just the thing," when I found that he delivered from the pul- pit, those prayers which he learned from me. This I was pleased with, as it was an acknowledgement of my superior excellence. I afterwards learned that, although educated from childhood in the Congrega- tional denomination, he " never could be thoroughly reconciled to the practice of public extempore praying and preaching, which he looked upon as the great en- gines of enthusiasm. When at college, he had conceived an aversion to extempore prayers, by observing the use that was made of them there, and the tendency of this practice to promote -t;lf conceit and spiritual pride.*'* While I remained with him, "he went on in the discharge of parochial duties, not appearing to vary from the customs of the country. As to his prayers, he commonly made use of forms, which he provided for himself in the best manner he could, and chiefly out of the Liturgy ."f * Chandler's Life of Dr. Johnson, first President of King's College, New York, p. 18. t Ibid. p. 22. 14 IIISTOKY OF A i Soon after I became an inmate of his study, hm reading was chiefly the works of standard Episcopal divines, especially the writers on ecclesiastical polity^ and on the doctrines and ministry of the church. He soon began to entertain doubts of the validity of his ordination ; and after some months of patient perse- vering study, with many fervent prayers for the divine guidance, he resolved to apply for orders in the Epis- copal Church. It was painful, indeed,^ to leave the com- munion of his fathers, the people, too, to whom he was bound by so many endearing ties, and whom he had reason to believe were devotedly attached to him, and to go, an entire stranger, into another fold ; but duty prompted him to this course ; and duty with hiniy was paramount to every selfish consideration. " Wheo Mr. Johnson took leave of his people, whom he greatly loved, he affectionately told them, that if they could see reason to conform to the Episcopal Churchy he would never leave them ; but after obtaning such ordination as he thought to be necessary, that he would return to them again in the character of their minister. Ewt with such an offer they were unable to comply, notwithstanding their esteem for him. He expostulated with them, and urged thein seriously to- consider the matter. Among other things he said, that they had hitherto professed to admire his preach- ing, &nd especially his prayers. And, indeed, his pray- ers were so much admired by people in general, that it was common for persons belonging to the neigh- bouring parishes to come to his church, on purpose to- hear them. Now he told them that his instructions and prayers had all along been taken from the Epis- copal church ; and that they ought to be esteemed a» POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 15 \ much, after tliis circumstance was known, as they had been before. This declaration greatly surprised them ; however, no more than four or five of them could then be reconciled to receive him in the orders of the church. After a few days, therefore, he took his final leave of them."* Before leaving home, to obtain Episcopal ordination, my master presented me to a friend of his, a Churchman, who was about removing with his family into the western part of the state of New York. My new master, a pious man, zealously attached to the church of his ancestors, and regarding me, next to his Bible, as his richest treasure, shortly afterwards emi- grated to those then western wilds, taking me, with several of my companions, along with him. As this is a most important period of my history, I may be permitted to dwell more minutely upon it. CHAPTER IV. The Prayer Book travels to Western New York. — An Emi- grant's Life- — A Union Place of Worship. — Lay Beading. It was a bright sunny morning in spring, when my master, Mr. M , with his family, reached the spot where he intended settling, and where lie expected to spend the remainder of his days. The trees had just put forth their leaves, and stood arrayed in their richest green; the squirrel leaped from branch to branch, as if delighted with his liberty ; the redbreast, on the topmost bough of some lofty .m ■ ■ ■ ■ — I... ~- I ■ .1 I ■ I ■ .. ■- . I I . ■■■■■. I. I .11 , . I I II. I I II I ■ m' * Chandler's Life of Dr. Johnson, p. 32. ]G HISTORY OF A if H elm, poured forth his sweet and mellow notes — all around, the woods seemed instinct witii lite, and uni- versal nature appeared to rejoice and sing. V ct, notwithstanding this gay and lively scene which surrounded them, I thought my master and mistress looked sad, though they strove to cheer each other with the prospect of future happiness. And w U might tliey feel sorrowful ; for they had been con-yx iJoJ, by pecuniary losses, to leave the home of their I'thncy, with all its cherished endearments — their ; •' itivesiind friends — the joys of social intercourse, v^luch consti- tuted the chief charm of life — the Church in wliich they had been baptized and nurtured, and where they had often partaken of the bread of life — these, together with those thousand comforts and advantages to be found in most of our New England towns, they had left behind, to go into a wilderness of woods, where there wen^ no friends to cheer them in the loneliness of their dreary solitude, and where the " sound of the Church-going bell" was never heard. The place to which Mr. M came w^as a tract of new land, purchased in better days, but was now all that remained to him of a once ample fortune. A small house, built of logs, had been put up previous to his arrival; and here ^ .? hoped, by patient and persevering industry, if hi'j hc"^' was s[ ""d, to pro- vide a competency for hia inLuiy. He foresaw that it required many painful sacrifices, and much habitual self-denial, to fix himself down on such a spot for life ; yet he had "learned," with the Apostle, "in whatso- ever state he was, therewith to be content." I H-kixll pass rapidly over the first few years of their residence m ttus place, meir time was occupieu . . \ \ \ Docket prayer book. 17 during tlic day, as that of all now settlers usually is, my master cutting down file trees, and elc*aring and cultivating the land ; my mistress attendin- ti) the domestic duties within doors, like the " virtuoi. wo- man" conmiended hy Solomon, "seeking wool id flax, and working willingly with her hands," and " lo< > ing well to the ways of her household," (l*ro\ Kxxi. 13, 27.) In the evening Mr. M read sonic i/istruetive book aloud, or heard the lessons of the children, w^o, having no school to attend, were educated, as wc ' is circumstances would permit, under the inunt o tuition of their parents. Every morning and eveii ig the whole family were assembled for domestic worsiu ; when my master usually read .i chapter in the BiW< , and then the form of prayer for families, or s.ome of tl collects; for he considered it the duty of every Chri;-- tian, to begin each day with prayer to Almighty God for his blessing and protection through the day, and to end it with thanksgiving for : nercies received, and supplications for guardianship, through the dangers of the night, by Ilim who " never s umbers nor sleeps." On Sundays, he always read he regular morning and evening prayers, together wit.i the appointed les- sons, and a sermon : the rest of the day was given to self-examination and private devotion, to innocent and cheerful conversation, and to the r jligious instruction of his family. Thu- passed the first few years of their residence in and improvements making around them. Several fa* milies of emigrants moved in, and these were followed by others, in rapid succession, so that in three or four 18 HISTORY OF A ill' r»it m years there was quite a hamlet ; and a small public building had been erected, which served as school - house and a place of worship, and was always occupied for the latter purpose, whenever a missionary of any denomination happened to travel that way. During this period, my master, who was a man of exemplary piety, was often sent for to pray by the bed-side of the sick and dying, and sometimes to read the burial ser- vice over the graves of the departed ; on which occa- sions I was always his companion. When my master had been about five years in this new situation, the place put on quite the appearance of a flourishing village. He had exchanged his log house for one of more comfortable dimensions, and of a more respectable exterior, and all his worldly affairs seemed to be going on as prosperously as he could wish. But there was one subject, which weighed heavily upon his mind, and which was the almost constant theme of conversation with his wife when they were alone — it was the Church of his fathers. How to get it planted in that western land was now his greatest solicitude. Often have I seen the big tear roll down his cheek, while talking with his family of those blissful days, when they could go " to the house of God in company ;" and then, as he contrasted those blessed privileges which they once enjoyed, with their present destitution of the sacred ordinances, he would exclaim, in the fervent language of the Psalmist — " O how amiable are th}- dwellings, thou Lord of Hosts ! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord." " If 1 forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning ; yea, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." * -^ % ^ POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 19 For five long years he had not seen an Episcopal clergyman ; and his views of the sacred office would not permit him to receive the communion from persons not Episcopally ordained; he had great respect for their piety and zeal, but he considered that they had no scriptural warrant for exercising the functions of the ministry. He saw that other denominations were rapidly gain- ing ground, while nothing had been done for that of his own. Already a subscription was in circulation for building a " Union" place of worship, as it is called, to accommodate all sects ; but when it was presented to Mr. M , he declined giving any thing, candidly saying that he did not approve this amalgamating sys- tem, which, however pure the motives of those with whom the plan originated, far from producing quietness, peace, and love, among all Christian people, too often ended in " confusion and every evil work." He said he had often seen the experiment tried, but had never known it to succeed wf ^^ ; and that, for his part, he would much rather each denomination would build a house of worship for themselves, though it were of logs, than to unite in erecting the most costly edifice, and afterwards dispute about the right of occupancy. He further told them, that in the present instance, he must decline subscribing to their "Union" building, on another ground. Although he could bid "God speed" to every proper effort to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer, yet his conscientious preference was for the Episcopal Church, and he must reserve all his means to introduce and sustain that, which he hoped soon to see established there. I was with my master at this time, for he generally carried me in his pocket. 11 20 HISTORY OF A H \r U! >- hi i > and I listened with pleasure to these remarks, because they so exactly met my own views. Although he was accused of maintaining narrow notions, and of being destitute of that liberality which it is so nmch the fashion of the present age to extol, he paid no attention to these reproaches, but continued inflexible to his purpose. The same evening I saw he looked more thoughtful than usual, and when the family had retired to rest, I heard him say to Mrs. M , whom he always consulted in cases of difficulty— -" Harriet, my dear, they are about building a meeting-house in town for the accommodation of all denominations, and I have declined contributing, as I have no doubt it will cause serious disturbances in our little village. If divisions must exist, I would rather that each denomination of Christians had a house of worship of its own ; for I believe charity would thereby be best preserved, and pure religion best promoted. As far as my experience goes, there is always most harmony and Christian love, when those who differ in religious opinions keep per- fectly distinct, and the Church and each sect manages its own religious affairs in its own way. We are too few and too poor to erect a building for ourselves. — But I have a plan in my head, which I hope you will approve. I will have a Church in my own house. — There are now several Episcopal families within a few miles of us, and one or two in the village, all of whom will gladly unite with us; and we will meet every Sunday, when I will read the service and a sermon. — That large unfinished room up stairs, will probably hold more persons that we can ever collect. But who can tell what good may grow out of this small begin- ning, with the divine blessing upon our efforts ? It POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 21 will not, I know, be so pleasant to meet in this way, as to have a Church and minister, such as we left in New England; but we can plead the example of those primitive Christians who assembled ' in an upper room, where prayer was wont to be made.' And we have, moreover, the blessed promise of our Redeemer, * Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them,'" (Matt, xviii. 20.) Mrs. M was delighted with the plan ; and the next morning my master mounted his horse, and rode round to see the few families of Church-people in his neighbourhood, all of whom expressed pleasure at his proposals, and agreed to meet at his house every Sun- day, when circumstances would permit. CHAPTER V. Lay Reading continued. — Religious dissensions among the va- rious sects. — Accessions to the Church. Sunday came — a bright cloudless day in autumn — and at the appointed hour, the few Church-people who had been apprised of the arrangement, "were with one accord in one place." About twenty per- sons, besides my master's family, assembled in the large "upper room," bringing their Prayer Books with them, and uniting in the service with the greatest ap- parent devotion. Mr. M read the morning prayers, together with the lessons and a sermon : he, however, omitted the Absolution and Benediction, which he rightly thought none but a clergyman was pi] m m f It w\ lii ft' i'.'i 22 HISTORY OF A authorized to pronounce. After an intermission of an hour, they again met, and the evening service and a sermon were read; the little flock then separated, much pleased and profited with the exercises of the day. This practice continued many months, without interruption : the same little company being gathered together, and now and then some of their more liberal- minded neighbours would join them. In the mean lime, the meeting-house was finished, and occupied every Sunday alternately, by each of the different sects, who had united in building it. Nothing hap- pened to disturb the harmony of the village during the first year. Those who met at my master's house on a Sunday, were looked upon as rather cold formalists in religion ; but as no persons were more exemplary in their lives, more honest and upright in their deal- ings, more kind and charitable to the poor, or more ready and cheerful in discharging all the social duties, they were suffered to go on, quietly worshipping God in their own way. But at the commencement of the second year, disputes arose respecting the meeting- house ; the various parties could not agree about the arrangement of their services ; each party prosecuted its own claims with intemperate warmth ; the bitter- ness of controversy extended into the social circle, separated families, and alienated the hearts of friends ; but the result was, as might have been foreseen, the majority ruled, and the strongest party took the whole. He, who knoweth how to "bring good out of evil," over-ruled these events, so as to increase and strengthen that little band of faithful worshippers, who, amidst the turmoils and commotions around them, still pur- sued the even tenor of their way. Many of the most 5> It POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 23 \ reflecting, sober-minded, and pious men quietly with- drew, and joined the little company at Mr. M 's bouse. At first, they disliked the forms, so new and strange to them ; but any thing seemed preferable to that scene of confusion and misrule which they had just left. They confessed that in the language of the Liturgy they eould find nothing objectionable ; for it was mostly composed in the very words of Scripture ; and the Church, little as they knew of it, came strongly recommended by its uniformly steady, but unostenta- tious course, and the exemplary lives of those who were attached to her communion. They saw in it an ark of security and rest, "a city at unity in itself,'* where they could enter in and be safe from the troubles and dissensions, which, to the great grief of every pious mind, were destroying and rending asunder their own denominations. But they were sensible men, unwilling to take any thing upon trust, much less would they support any religious institutions, which were not clearly sanctioned by the word of God. Knowing that the Episcopal Church laid high claims to an apostolic ministry, and to apostolic usages, they set themselves to examine the justness of her pretensions; and, like the "noble" Bereans, they " searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so." They came to the investigation with honest intentions, and minds open to conviction ; and the result of their inquiries was, a firm conviction that the Church was scrii^tural in her doctrines, apos- tolic in her ministry, and pure and primitive in her worship. They then yielded all their powers, and m 24 HISTORY OF A put forth all their efforts, to maintain and defend her cause. The acquisition of such men was a matter of much joy to my dear master, and the more gratifying, be- cause so unexpected ; neither he nor his associates ever having made undue exertions to gain proselytes. "He blessed God, and took courage," from this ac- cession to their strength. He now hoped, at no dis- tant day, to see the Church of his fathers firmly planted in that place, " taking root downward, and bearing fruit upwards," and spreading forth boughs like a goodly tree, with *' leaves for the healing of the na- tions." i ■ fsi CHAPTER VI. Arrival of an Episcopal Minister. — Father Nash, the Mis- sionary. — Divine Service. — Baptism. — The Sermon. — Holy Communion. About the time the Church began to assume a more flourishing appearance, as related in the last chapter, an event occurred which seemed to infuse new life into its members, and gave additional impulse to their efforts. This was the arrival of an Episcopal minister, the first who had ever visited that part of the country. The Rev. Mr. Nash, with the true spirit of a Gospel Missionary, had gone forth from his native State, " to seek Christ's sheen which were scattered abroad;" with a determination, as he said, not to " b 3ild on another man's foundation ;" and Providence directed < rOOKET PRAYER BOOK. 25 his steps to "the waste places" in our western land. He was then in the prime of life ; meek, humble and pious ; possessing all the most important requisites for a useful missionary of the Cross, in our new settle- ments. Wherever he came, it might be truly said, " the wilderness and solitary places were glad for him." He long continued a faithful labourer in his Master's vineyard. His active and useful life was prolonged, and he lived to behold the blessed fruits of his patient and persevering labours. The *' bread which he cast upon the waters, was found after many days ;" the seed which he sowed with industry and care, blessed by divine grace, yielded an abundant harvest : he even lived to see "a little one become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation." His age, his piety, his zeal, and, above all, his untiring devotion to the missionary cause, for almost forty years, gained for him the well-earned title of " the venerable father Nash." This faithful herald of the Cross has now gone to his reward. His character and services are thus graphically portrayed by the Bishop of New York, in his annual address to his diocese. " The venerable Daniel Nash, for nearly forty years a faithful missionary in the counties of Otsego and Chenango, was about four months since (1836) taken to his rest. He received Deacon' s orders from the first Bishop of this diocese, and went immediately to the extensive field of labour in which, with a perseverance and fidelity, wherein he set to his young brethren a most worthy example, he continued to the last. The face of the country, the state of society, the congregations Wiiich uc served, all underwent great cuanges ; uut still the good man was there, faithful to his post, true ! 26 HISTORY OF ▲ It' III il iJi I' I' t^ his obligations, and eminently useful in his labours. The young loved him, the mature eonfided in him, the aged sought in his counsels and example, right guidance in the short remainder of their pilgrimage. Parish after parish was built up on foundations laid by him. Younger brethren came in to relieve him of the more immediate charge ; but still the good old man was there, labouring to the last among them ; and long after physical ability forbade very frequent ministrations, he would go from house to house, gathering the inmates around the domestic altar; giving great heed to that important branch of pastoral duty, which he always loved, and in which he was eminently successful, catechising the cliildi^en; and having some word of warning, encouragement, reproof, consolation, or edification, as each had need. It was so ordered in the course of Providence, that I was, soon after his decease, in the district of country which had 30 long been the scene of his faithful labours ; and truly gratified was I to witness that best of testi- monies to the virtues of the man, the Christian, and the pastor, which was found in the full hearts and the tender and vener£.ted expressions of the multitudes who, to use the affectionate epithet with which, for years, they had delighted to know him, had been hQ- reft of good old father Nash.'** * An affectionate tribute was recently paid to the memory of this good man, by the congregation of which he first had the pastoral ca' j : as the following notice from a Church periodical will show: — " Father Nash. — This venerable minister of God was not gathered unto his people at the time of his death, owing to some circumstances beyond the control of his friends ; though it was his often-expressed wish, before he died, that his remains might moulder among those to whom he had ministered in life, and with those generations to whoso families he had offered the rites and consolations of the Church.- — 1'his strong desire of their beloved minister was borne in mind by the I POCKET PRAY^n BOOK. 27 ! 1 But to return to my story: — When Mr. Nash visited us, there was ii gCLcral rejoicing among the Church-people, and preparations were immediately made for his preaching and administering the sacra- ments on the following day, which was Sunday. As the room in which they had usually met, at my mas- ter's house, was barely large enough to accommodate those who worsliippcd there, and was rather inconve- nient on other accounts, it was thought best to procure the school-house on this occasion. Long before the hour appointed for divine service, the little building was crowded, and numbers went away for want of room. Some of these were doubt- less attracted by mere curiosity to see the performance of religious ceremonies in a manner so new and strange ; but I have reason to believe that many who came with strong prejudices against the Church, returned home favourably impressed with the beauty and solemnity of her excellent formularies. The whole scene, to those more immediately interested in them, was ex- ceedingly affecting. Many shed tears of joy ; and I heard one venerable old man say, as he pressed the hand of the clergyman when coming out of the house, that this was the happiest day of his life. To me the services never appeared half so interesting. The minister read the prayers in a clear, distinct, and impressive tone of voice, and with great seriousness members of the different churches in the county, and on Wednesday, the 3l8t ult. (Oct. 1838,) liis remains, together with those of his wife and an infant clitld. were transported, witli devout solemnity, to the burial-ground of Christ Church, Cooperstown, Otsego county. New York, and re-interred under a beautiful pine, in one grave. It is the intention of the Episcopalians of the county, to place a tablet inscribed to ' Father Nash,' in the Church of >vhich he was the first Rector, and to raise a decent monument over his grave." 28 HISTORY OF A of manner, as if he felt all that he uttered. When the responses were made, they seemed the fervent and pious ejaculations of Christian hearts, audibly poured forth as from one mouth. At the elose of the second lesson, several parents came forward with their little ones, to present them for the holy ordinance of Baptism; and it was a moving sight to behold the authorised " ambassador of Christ" taking these young lambs of the flock, and, after the example of his Divine Master, " em- bracing them in his arms, laying hcs hands upon them and blessing them,'* and "baptizing them in the adorable name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;" and then signing them with the blessed sign of the Cross, as a token of their being "faithful soldiers and servants," who should never be afraid, nor ashamed, Ic "fight manfully under the banner" of the Great Captain of their salvation. — The solemn charge which he addressed to the spon- sors, must have thrilled through their hearts. I looked around to see what effect this part of the service had on those persons who had never before witnessed it, and I thought I saw a tear steal down the cheeks of several who stood near me ; probably at the recollec- tion of their own baptismal engagements, and of the time when their pious parents brought them, in un- conscious infancy, to the sacred font. Nor was it strange that they should weep at the remembrance of their own violated vows, when the minister pronounced those closing words : "Ye must take care that these children may be virtuously brought up, to lead a godly and a CJi"fl*'*»n ^^ff^ • rpTTipmhprinor nlwnvn that Ran- ^.. — ..^.. — ~ , Q ^_ , — —J. tism doth represent unto us our profession ; which is, rorKET PRAYKR DOOK. 29 to follow the example of our Saviour, Christ, and to be made like unto IJini ; that as he died, and rose again for us, so should we, who are haptized, die from sin, and rise again unto righteousness; continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness of living.'* The sermon was excellently well suited to the time and place; it was from those comforting words of our Saviour, ''''Fear not^ little Jlovh^' (Luke xii. 32.) The preacher spoke of the many discouragements and difficulties which must always attend the introduction of a new manner of worship, so unlike, as their s was, to that of any of the sects around them. I'he pre- possessions of men in favour of their own opinions, especially in matters of religion, he told them, were deep-rooted and strong ; and when erroneous, it re- quired patient and persevering industry, aided by much mildness and prudence, to overcome them. "Other denominations," he continued, "are accustomed to extempore prayer, and many of them think it sinful to pray by a book. They have been taught, too, to regard Churchmen as mere formalists. Let us pity their prejudices, and endeavour to remove them, in the spirit of Christian charity; not forgetting that, although we differ on some essential points of doctrine and worship, yet we are all brethren in Christ Jesus ; and we should treat them with courtesy and kindness, as those whom we hope to meet one day in that temple above, where all shall worship Jehovah with one heart and one mouth. Remember that the most effectual method of recommending and enforcing one's own peculiar views, is by holy example. Let the fruits of your religion be seen in your lives, and they will weigh 30 HISTORY OP A more than volumes of argument. A blameless life will always r^ileiice gainsa^'crs; and by degrees they will acknowledge that that form of worship cannot be so odious as they at first thought, when its fruits are altogether lovely." It was," he continued, "the advice of an inspired Apostle to some of the first Christian converts, and well worthy our serious at- tention — * lie ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you;' but let it be with *meekness' and candour; not in the spirit of bitterness and reproach. And you will ever bear in mind what the same Apostle adds : ' Whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil- doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ,' (1 Peter iii. 16.) If we are blessed with more or better privileges than some other Christians, we are bound to excel them as much in all virtue and godliness of living." After many such pious admonitions, and earnest exhortations to cultivate holiness of heart and life, and to " follow peace with all men," he encouraged them to persevere in their laudable endeavours to establish a Church of their own, by showing how the greatest success had, in numerous instances, attended beginnings as small as these, and therefore we ought not to "despise the day of small things," "Indeed, the time was," he said, "when few, very few — only twelve — constituted the whole Christian Church ; and it was to them the Divine founder of our religion addressed those cheering words of our text, ''Fear notf Utile flock.^ And even after his resurrection and ascension, the number of the disciples were still so few, that ' they were all with one accord in one place' POCKET TRAVKR BOOK. Zl (Acts ii. 1.), and that, probably, a small room in some private house. Yet from this sujall boginninpj, * so mightily grew the word of God and prevailed,' that in a very short time the whole world was filled with Christ's doetrine. This * grain of mustard seed,' grew to be a mighty tree, and spread its branches far and wide. Doubt not, therefore," was his concluding exhortation, "that Gon favourably receiveth this work of yours, and will bestow upon it his blessing.-— Be careful to build only on that * sure foundation,' the Rock of Ages, * Jesus Christ, and him crucified;* for * other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ,' " (1 Cor. iii. 11.) Immediately after the sermon, the holy communion was administered. Eight or ten persons, some of ^whom had not enjoyed this privilege for many long years, *'drew near in faith," as I trust, and took "that holy Sacrament to their comfort." It was to them like being fed with manna in the wilderness. Some of them could not refrain from sobbing aloud, when they received the bread and wine, the precious pledges of a dying Saviour's love. It brought back a tide of pleasing and painful recollections of times when they used to kneel, in former years, with loved friends, around the holy altar; and it carried forward their thoughts to the time when, through the infinite mer- cies of their Redeemer, they hoped to sit down with the same beloved friends, at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. As these thoughts came over them, with a mixture of sadness and of joy, their full hearts gushed forth in tears. Oh, it is luxury to weep, when the secueo of departed c»£%€\r\r\ci r\\ years, with ten thousand bright i and glowing pictures of social love and domestic hap- I! 32 HISTORY or A B'iii piness, sweep across tlic memory, and we seem to be again surrounded — " By those fair forms, alas ! iio'.v soon no more; Lov'd, and still lov'd; not dead, but gone before ! " I, i' CHAPTER VII. •Vl I: i I'i^ ilaii W Liii'' Clmrcli l)uilt. — Visit of another Missionary, the Rev. T). Phelps His character. — Church Consecrated. — Confirmation. The Rev. Mr. Nash regained at my master's house several days, and all that time was diligently employed in making preparations for organizing a Church, and in ascertaining how much money could be obtained towards erecting a suitable house of worship. Providence smiled upon their endeavours, and disposed the hearts of the few Church-people to give liberally, each one in proportion to the means with which God had blessed him. The subscription soon amounted to several hundred dollars; which, together with some promised assistance from ♦he city of New York, enabled them to commence their build- ing the following spring. All things went on pros- perously, and with great harmony; men's hands were strengthened for the work; in less than one year after "the foundations of the house were laid," the superstructure was completed and ready for conse- cration. It was a neat and commodious edifice, built with the strictest economy, but with every con- venience about the altar, desk, and pews, so that in the public worship of Jeiiovaii, " all things might If POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 33 be done decently and in order.'* When finished, those who were concerned in building it, had the sa- tisfaction of knowing that it was all paid for; there was no burdensome debt pressing upon them, and paralyzing all further exertions. In due time, they hoped to procure a bell and organ; but they were content to do without these for a few years, that they might be better enabled to contribute towards the support of a minister. While the new church was in progress, our little congregation were again cheered and encouraged by a visit from another devoted missionary, the Rev. Davenport Phelps; a man whose name cannot be pronounced but with the sincerest respect and affec- tion. He, too, like the venerable father Nash, had travelled through the western land, with the self- denying spirit of a primitive missionary; "planting churches wherever he came." In two or three years after his visit to our village, this good man was called to receive the reward pro- mised to those "who turn many to righteousness.'* He died at Geneva, June the 27th, 1813; and I can- not refrain from quoting the just tribute of respect paid to his memory by his beloved Diocesan, at the next annual convention after Mr. Phelps' death. "In noticing the changes in the diocese, you have doubt- less already anticipated me, in the painful remark, that we no longer perceive in his place in this con- vention our venerable brother, the Rev. Davenport Phelps. He has gone to his rest. — For many years he has been employed as a missionary in the western parts of the state. — Having visited the extensive district in which he officiated, I am able to bear tes- m it Hi 34 HISTORY OF A <■: ':\ !f timony to the high estimation in which he was held for his pious and exemplary character, and for the fidelity and prudent zeal with which he discharged his ardous and laborious duties. He is justly re- vered as the founder of the congregations in the most western counties of the state, whom he attached, not merely to his personal ministrations, but to the doctrine, the ministry, and Liturgy of our Church* Indeed, it was highly gratifying to me to observe, in the congregations where he officiated, and in others, in the infant settlements of the state, which are still cherished by ministers equally faithful, the devotion and the decency with which the people performed their part of the public service. It is an evidence that whatever prejudices our Liturgy may have at first to encounter among those who are unacquainted with it, a minister who will be diligent in explaining it, and enforcing its excellences, and 'v'lo^ in obedience to his ordination vows, will be faithful and devout in the use of it, will finally succeed, by the divine blessing, in leading many to value it as their best help in the exercises of devotion, and, next to the Bible, theil' best guide to heaven." Some months before the Church was finished, the congregation were blessed by the faithful ministrations of a pious young clergyman, in deacon's orders, who divided the time equally between four parishes, fifteen or twenty miles apart. Unfrequent as ^ere his ser- vices in our village, they were a great help, in the infancy of our undertaking. But as soon as the building was completed, and it was understood that the Bishop would come on in a few weeks and conse- crate it, and administer confirmation at the same roCKET PRAYER BOOK. 35 time, Mr. R., the missionary, thought it his duty to bestow more than ordinary attention on this part of his charge. He accordingly came to board with my master, that he might give the necessary instructions to the young, to prepare them for the holy rite of confirmation ; and, by a course of lectures on the duties and privileges of the baptismal covenant, might enlighten those who had not been educated in the Church, and knew little or nothing of its forms and ordinances. The wished-for day at length arrived ; and a bright and happy day it was. Multitudes flocked in from the neighbouring towns, to witness the ceremonies. — • Our little Church was full to overflowing. The Bishop, a venerable man of more than three score years, was received at the entrance of the Church by the Church- wardens and Vestrymen ; and as they proceeded up the aisle, they repeated, alternately, the 24th Psalm, as appointed in that most excellent ard appropriate "Form of Consecration of a Church,' prescribed in the American Liturgy. Never can I forget the ap- pearance of that venerable and holy nan, while per- forming the various and interesting services of the day. About twenty young persons, and eight or ten of an advanced age, presented themselvesfor confirmation* Every person in the Church evinced an absorbing inte- rest in this solemn cf^remony. There, around the holy altar, stood son^ of the brightest and loveliest of our village circle, in all the buoyancy of youth and health, ready to assume the vows of Baptism, and to devote themselves anew to their God and Saviour. It was a joyful sight to behold these young disciples consecrating the best of their days, the first fruits of 36 HISTORY OF A II |;B|i III ,9 their years, to Ilim whose "service is perfect freedom.'* And many a tear glistened in the parent's eye, as he saw his children bending before the aged Bishop, and beheld the man of God lay his hands upon the head of his beloved ones, and heard him invoke the choicest of heaven's blessings, in those impressive words: " Defend, O Lord, these thy servants, with thy hea- venly grace ; that they may continue thine for ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until they come unto thy everlasting kingdom." I have witnessed many such scenes since, but those first impressions are never to be effaced. To see a church under every possible difficulty and discourage- ment, planted in the wilderness, taking root, and springing up and flourishing : to behold a neat and commodious edifice, with its spire pointing towards heaven, consecrated on the spot where, a few years before, no trace of civilization could be found, and where mighty forest trees had for centuries spread their giant arms to the sky ; to see the sacred ordi- nances administered, and to hear the glad tidings of salvation proclaimed in that church for the first time; these are scenes affecting beyond description to a pious mind. None but those who have witnessed them, can have any idea of their interest, and all who have seen them, will agree with me, that they are more easily felt than expressed. Bishop M left us the next morning, having engagements to fulfil in other parts of his extensive diocese. My master appeared perfectly happy, having accom- plished the object which had long been nearest and pr; POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 37 »f dearest to his keart ; and when he retired to rest that night, I heard him repeat aloud — " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." CHAPTER VIII. Visit of the Rev. Mr. P- more -. His kindness to children. — The Prayer Book resumes its travels with him. — Joy at Mr. P — 's return. — Description of his residence. — He visits his parish- ioners. — Their affection for him. A few weeks after the consecration of our little Church, I was separated from my beloved master, and I have never had the happiness of seeing him again. One Saturday evening a clergyman came to his house, and remained with him over Sunday. This gentleman had been settled several years in the southern part of Ohio, andwasnow onhis return to hisfamily and parish. My master' s family were all delighted with him ; and the children, especially, were soon won by his affectionate and cheerful manners. There was a playfulness in his conversation with them, and an engaging smile on his lips, well suited to the simplicity and purity of infant minds, and which never fail to attract their at- tention. He had not been many hours in the house, before each child brought out its stores of books and pictures to show to the kind-hearted man, and all were anxious to inform him where they read, and how much they could repeat of the Catechism, with various other acquirements for which children are pleased to be noticed. The stranger listened to their innocent prattle, asked them many questions about their studies, 3 38 HISTORY OF A heard them repeat the Creed and Lord's Prayer, ancf seemed highly gratified with their confidence and af- fection, so artlessly expressed, and which his own af- fability and kindness had drawn forth. Children are good physiognomists ; they can discern at a glance, where their little attentions are likely to be well received, and their young hearts are easily won by an approving look or a kindly smile. If a minis- ter would gain the love and esteem of his parish- ioners, he cannot do it more easily and effectually than by kindness and attention to their little ones ; and by evincing at all times, especially in his parochial visits, his deep interest in the welfare and good conduct of these Iambs of his flock. These reflections are the result of much observation of men and manners, aud an intimate knowledge of those ties which so closely connect the family circle. On Sunday morning, our new guesty who was to officiate during the day, asked for a Prayer Book, that he might examine the lessons ; saying, that he had unfortunately left his at the house where he had last lodged. My master handed me to him, and beggtd he would accept me as a present; being, as he ob- served, of a convenient form and size for carrying on- a journey. He received me with many grateful ac- knowledgements ; and, much as I regretted leaving my old master, I could not but congratulate myself for having fallen into such excellent hands. I had now a prospect of seeing much more of the world, and of becoming more thoroughly acquainted with human na- ture in all its varieties ; nor have my observations,, I trust, been without nrofit to myself; happv shall I be, if I can make them equally beneficial to others. ' 1*0CKET PRAYER BOOK. 39 My new master, the Rev. Mr. P , proceeded on his journey westward, on Monday morning, taking me with him. He occasionally stopped a part of a day and preached, wherever he found a vacant congrega- tion, or a few scattered Church-people, disposed to hear him. On Sunday he always contrived to rest m some village, where his services would be acceptable and useful. Thus he journeyed leisurely along, and it vvas not until two or three weeks after I came into his possession, that we reached his place of residence. — His wife, and two bright and blooming children, a boy and girl, met him at the door with their warm em- braces, and assured him that all was well. Great was their joy at beholding him again in health and safety^ after so long a separation ; and that same night many fervent thanksgivings ascended from their grateful hearts, that parents and children had been again per- mitted to meet around the family altar, and that all their lives had been crowned with such distinguished mercies. The news of his return soon spread through the village, and many of his parishioners hastened to wel- come back their beloved pastor, and to inquire after his welfare. During his absence the Church had been kept open every Sunday ; some one of the most re- spected and pious of the laymen of his congregation reading the service and a sermon, and thus preventing the people from wandering to strange places of wor- ship, as sheep without a shepherd. My master's house was delightfully situated, a lit- tle out from the village, on the banks of a small river, which flowed into the Ohio, not far from its mouth. — It was an humble dwelling, with a neat little court- 40 HISTORY OF A if 11 f fa; yard in front, filled with many flowering shrubs, which grew luxuriantly in that mild climate. Jessamines and roses bloomed beneath the windows, and the grace- ful passion flower threw its slender tendrils along the walls. The monthly flowering honey-suckle crept up the pillars of a light piazza, and, when the dews of evening fell, perfumed the air with the delicious fra- grance of its blossoms. Two or three lofty tulip trees, with as many spreading maples, contributed greatly to the beauty and comfort of the place. — When the eye rested on that neat little white cottage, embosomed in trees and shrubbery, it seemed a fa- voured spot for holy contemplation, and peacefulness, and rest. Every beholder must have felt a sacred calm steal over him, as he gazed upon the tranquil scene. On the opposite side of the street stood the Church, with its neat and well ordered grave-yard, surrounded by forest trees ; and here and there a rose-bush, planted by the hand of affection, might be seen blossoming on some grassy mound, a significant emblem of that beauty which fadeth like the flower of the field. The distant scenery was strikingly interesting. The mighty Ohio could be seen as it rolled along to meet the mightier Mississippi, and to mingle its waters with the ocean. Far off in the distance rose the high hills of Kentucky, and to the east of these, but much more distant, you could discern some of the lofliesi peaks of the Alleghanies, resting like clouds on the verge of the horizon. The day after Mr. P *s return, he visited many of his people ; calling first on the sick, the afflicted, and the infirm, aud administering consolation as their r POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 41 ^ respective cases required. It was a gratifying sight to witness the affection and respect with which he was every where received. The dull and heavy eye and pallid countenance of disease brightened up at his ap- proach ; for at the bedside of the sick and dying he always appeared as a comforter and guide of souls. — In the true spirit of his Divine Master, it was his de- light to discourse of the priceless riches of redeeming love, and to direct the thoughts from the vain and pe- rishable pleasures of earth, to that "inheritance incor- ruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.*' — In the dwellings of poverty he was always a welcome visiter; for he had been emphatically "a father to the poor.'* In affliction of every kind, none knew better than he how to give comfort and joy, by a proper ap- plication of the scriptural promises to those who mourn, and are weary and heavy laden. While he endeavour- ed, by every means in his power, to promote the spi- ritual welfare of his flock, he was not unmindful of their temporal wants ; following, at an humble dis- tance, the blessed steps of Him who " went about doing good" to the bodies and souls of men. The poor came to him for aid in distress, for his hand and heart were always open ; the mourner came to him to be comforted, for there was a mildness and affec- tionate interest in his manner, soothing to the suffer- ing heart ; and the young and inexperienced sought his counsel and advice, which he was ever ready to give with parental kindness. To him might be ap- plied those beautiful expressions of Job : " When the ear heard him, then it blessed him ; and when the eye saw him, it gave witness to him ; because he deliv- ered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him V: 42 HISTORY OF A that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon him ; and he canscd fhe widow's heart to sing for joy." (Job xxix. 11, 13.) CHAPTER IX. Character of Mr. P Importance of parochial visitation. Sunday-school instruction, — Qualifications of Teachers.-— Public Catecliising. Few clergymen possessed a happier faculty of ma- king their conversation agreeable and instructive, to all ages and ranks of people, than Mr. P . He knew how to be cheerful without levity, grave without austerity, dignified without haughtiness, and humble without servility. Like his Divine Master, he could retire from the world for the purpose of devotion, and return to its active and social duties, without being reduced by its temptations and snares. He could "rejoice with those who rejoice," as Christ himself did at the marriagajn Cana ; " and weep with those who weep," as our blessed Lord did over the grave of Lazarus. It was this happy union of the loveliest Christian graces, which rendered his company at all times acceptable to the young and aged, the sorrowful and the rejoicing. His parishioners all looked upon liim as their best counsellor and friend, and loved him with almost filial affection He felt the responsibility of his ministerial office, And laboured faithfully, in season and out of season, ^' to bring all such as were committed to his charge, I POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 43 I unto that agreement in the faith and knowledge of God, and to that ripeness and perfection of age in Christ, that there be no place left among them either for error in religion, or for viciousness of life."* — And to this end he took care, in conformity with his vows of ordination, " to use both public and private monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole within his cure, as need should require and oc- casion should be given." While he felt it his high- est duty and his noblest privilege to proclaim the doc- trines of the cross from the pulpit, on the Lord's day, and to hold up Jesus Christ, and him crucified, as the only refuge for dying sinners, he also felt, that the impressions which were made by his preaching on Sunday, must be followed up by teaching from house to house during the week. The importance of parochial visits cannot be too strongly urged upon the ministers of our communion. No church can prosper, unless the pastor is acquainted with his whole flock ; and to know them well, he must visit them frequently at their homes. I have been in many parishes, but I never found one in a flourishing condition, where this duty had been long neglected. A minister may possess all the eloquence of a Paul, but the work of the ministry can never prosper in his hands, unless, after the example of that great apostle, he teach both "publicly, and from house to house;"* nor even then, unless he daily prays for that blessing from above, without which Paul may plant and Apol- los water in vain. Next to public preaching, and visiting his parish- ioners, my master thought it the most important of a cler- * Ordination service. 1} 44 HISTORY OF A gyman's duties to attend to the catechetical instruction of the young ; he had, therefore, as an aid to the fulril- nient of this duty, established a Sunday-school, which was entirely under his control, and over which he main- tained a watchful care. He was frequently with the school one part of the day, that he might become well acquainted with both teachers and scholars ; yet the duties of Sunday were such, that he was obliged to commit the immediate supervision of the school to competent laymen. The most intelligent and pious members of his congregation, who were best qualified by age and experience to govern and instruct the young, gladly lent their assistance ; and the good ef- fects of their efforts were soon to be seen, in the at- tention and orderly conduct of the pupils, their re- spect for their teachers, their love for each other, and ihe rapid progress which they made in their studies. Many of them, we trust, attained to that " knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation." Mr. P was very solicitous that the teachers in his school should possess the requisite qualifica- tions for tlieir high vocation ; — above all, that they should be truly pious. He well knew that there were many in his parish, of a proper age, and character, and talt nts, for filling the useful and responsible, yet humble office of Sunday-school teachers; and on these he earnestly pressed the importance of coming for- ward to the discharge of this their bounden duty, not of constraint^ hut willingly. "Let them consent," he said, "to give a few hours on the Lord's day, to this noblest of all charities. Let them consider the classes as in some measure under their charge during the remainder of the week; and occasionally visit the [ t rOCKET PRAYER BOOK. 45 I \ liomes of the children, espcciaMy when they neglect to attend. And, to insure punctual attendance on the part of the scholar, let the teacher himaelf be punctual; let him he diligent and zealous, and he can hardly fail to produce a corresponding assiduity and interest in his pupils. Let him not be disheartened by any difficulties which he may at first encounter. He will find much tliat will require the exercise of patience and forbearance towards those stubborn, thoughtless, or perhaps stupid urchins, whom he has set himself to reclaim and instruct. Indeed, the brightest Christian graces, humility, self-denial, long- suffering, meekness, gentleness, charity, will all be called forth in the discharge of his voluntary task ; but let him bear in mind, as a matter of the highest encouragement to patient and untiring perseverance, that the improvement of each and all of these virtues and graces, renders him more and more meet for the enjoyment of that blessed promise to be fulfilled in him : — They that be Teachers, shall shine as the brightness of the Jirmament ; arid they that turn many to righteoTisness^ as the stars for ever and ever* Important however, as Sunday-schools are, as auxiliaries to the clergyman in feeding the lambs of his flock, my master thought they ought never to su- persede the good old fashion of catechising the child- ren, " openly in the church,'* as the rubric directs. On the afternoon of the first Sunday in each month, therefore, which was communion Sunday, he assem- bled all the children, Sundav scholars and others, in the body of the church, and instructed them in the * Dan. xii. 3, marginal reading, 3* 46 HISTORY OF A catechism. Most of the adult members of the con- gregation attended on these occasions, and seemed to derive as much pleasure and profit from the exercises, as the children themselves. CHAPTER X. A new acquaintance. — A candid inquirer after "the old paths.'' The Prayer Book passes into other hands. — Prejudices against the Church resulting from ignorance of her character and claims. — Episcopal Theologians. — Eloquent tribute of a Presbyterian minister to Episcopucy. One morning, when my master was reading in his study, and I was lying on the table before him, a young man of plain but pleasing appearance came in ; and after apologizing for the interruption, said, *' If Mr. P— was at leisure, he should be glad to have some religious conversation with him." My master immediately shut his book, and returned it to the shelf; saying, with a benevolent smile, that such visits could never be ill-timed to a clergyman, and he should now be very happy to listen to him. The young man began, with great modesty and some slight embarrassment, by saying that he had been educated a Presbyterian by his parents, who were pious and exemplary members of that denomi- nation ; and that, until within a few months, he had never had any knowledge of the Episcopal Church. He had recently married and removed to this village, where he and his wife had attended the worship of i "POCKET mAYER BOOK. 47 the Church a few times ; and having met with some email tracts explanatory of her doctrines and worship, he wished to become better acquainted with them ; and had therefore called to request Mr. P to put him in a way of gaining more information on these subjects. He said he had been baptized in his infancy, and had long felt it his duty to unite with some denomina- tion, by receiving the sacrament of the Lord*s Supper; but he was not altogether satisfied with that system in which he had been brought up, and therefore, he never could bring his mind cordially to embrace it. He mentioned his parents with great respect, and said he ascribed all his seriousness and piety, under God, to their early parental instruction, and pious example. Of his mother, particularly, he spoke in the most affectionate terms, as having been his best earthly counsellor and friend, in his early days. Since he had been separated from her, he had often occasion to bless God for the pains she took to impress religious maxims on his young heart. He had no doubt, he «aid, that if the result of his inquiries should be a preference for the Church, and he should be led, from a sense of dut' to unite himself with her communion, it would be a source of grief to his beloved mother; for he had often heard her speak as if she thought there could be no piety among Episcopalians, and that itheir religion was altogether a religion of forms. He excused his parent for such erroneous opinions, which he admitted he himself had entertained until very lately, by observing that she had always lived in 9. remote part of the state, far from any congregation of the Episcopal Church, with no means of becoming 48 HISTORY or A U: acquainted with its doctrine or discipline. While he lamented her prejudices, he spoke of them with great tenderness, and said it would be a matter of regret to him if he should ever be obliged to differ from her in religious sentiments, even in points of comparatively minor importance; but he felt it his duty to search for the truth, and, having found it, to embrace it at all hazards ; because He who calls himself, emphati- cally. The Truth, hath said — " He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me," (Matt. X. 370 My master heard him with great attention ; com- mended him for the course he was pursuing, and above all, for his filial respect and affection ; which, he said, were the best evidence of " an honest and good heart," rightly disposed to investigate religious subjects, and suitably prepared for the reception of divine truth. — I myself was so delighted with the appearance and conversation of this young man, that I longed to be- come better acquainted with him ; and it so turned out that my wish was fully gratified. After answer- ing such questions as he was pleased to propose, my master gave him several books of instruction, which he' recommended to his careful perusal, and then taking me from the table, he presented me to him, begging him to read me attentively, and he would there learn, by the help of those other books, every thing he wished to kriow concerning the doctrine, the ministry, and the worship of the Church. "After you have studied it sufficiently yourself," said Mr. P , "you can, if you please, send this Pocket Prayer Book to your good mother ; it may be the means of removing some of her prejudices, and give POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 49 her a more favourable opinion of our Church. Let me see you as often as you can make it convenient to call; and may *the Spirit of Truth guide you into all truth; '* The y ung man took his leave, thanking the minister for his k dness, and saying he should like to converse with him again in a few days. That evening, when my new master, Mn L ■ , returned home from his labour, he sat down to read me with great attention; and every day, for some weeks, I occupied a great portion of his leisure hours. At night, when the business of the day was done, he always read aloud for an hour or two to his wife, either from my pages, or from some one of the books which Mr. P had lent him; for, whatever religious opinions he himself might embrace, he felt it im- portant that his family should agree with him. In a few days he repeated his visit to the worthy Rector, and I fortunately happened to be with him. We found him busy in writing, but he immediately laid aside his pen, and expressed his pleasure at see- ing my young master again. Mr. L said he had come to return such of the books as he had read, and to ask the loan of others. "From these," he con- tinued, " I have derived much profitable instruction. They have indeed poured in a flood of light upon my darkened understanding. I am utterly astonished at my own ignorance of the Church, and am almost ashamed to confess it. Would you believe it possible, I had thought, until I read those books, that the num- ber of Episcopalians was small, compared with other religious denominations ; and I could hardly credit the fact, even when it was demonstrated to me, that 50 HISTORY OF A they constituted by far the greater part of the whole Christian world ; and that all the sects together are but a mere handful, in comparison with those churches which are strictly Episcopal. I also thought that your Church had never produced many men distingnished for learning or piety ; but now I see and lament my gross ignorance on this subject ; for I find that in the long catalogue of great names of modern times, of those whose works are imperishable monuments of wisdom and piety, by much the greater portion were Episcopal divines ; and the English Church, I see, can boast a constellation of theologians, far outshining all their contemporaries. And as to the theological writers in the first fifteen hundred years of the Chris- tian era, there can be no question : if it can be proved, as I think it can, that the universal Church was Epis- copal, until the Reformation." "You are right," said the good Rector, his couo- tenance brightening up with unusual animation, as he spoke ; *' you are right my young friend ; nor does your former ignorance at all surprise me. Until I was twenty years of age, I knew as little of the Church as you did. I was born of pious Congregational parents^ in New England, and was sent, when young, to a Calvinistic college, where I remained utterly ignorant of the simplest features of Episcopacy. Indeed, I knew nothing of them until I was graduated, and went to reside in a town where I had frequent opportunities of attending the services of the Church. Nor can I help looking back with astonishment at my own igno- rance ; for my opportunities of reading and informa- tion were much greater than yours have been. What most surprises mc is, that I could have studied, while DOCKET PRATER BOOK. ^1 in college, the great works of Butler and Paley, with- out once thinking that the * Analogy of Heligion/ the 'Evidences of Christianity,' the 'Moral Philo- sophy,* and 'Natural Theology,* which were the text hooks there, were all written by divineo of the English Church. You may, perhaps, think I must have been uncommonly stupid ; but the fact was, I had never been inside of an Episcopal Church — I never heard any thing said about it while under my father's roof — at college the subject was never intro- duced — and I knew no more about it than I did about the Koran. My mind was strongly turned to the mi- nistry, while in college ; but had I commenced my theological studies then, it would have been with a view of officiating in the Congregational den®mination, for I knew no other. " What you say concerning the writings of Episco- pal divines," he continued, glancing his eye around his well-furnished library, "is all very just. Our most approved theological works — those, I mean, which are in highest estimation among all denomina- tions of Protestant Christians — are generally written by Episcopalians. See that long range of folios," pointing to the lowest shelf of his library; "those are the productions of Church-of-England men, who ap- plied their mighty intellects to the study aud elucida- tion of the Scriptures; and from their abundant stores most modern divines drav/ their richest supplies, either for the press or the pulpit. Look through the libraries of any of the ministers in this country — no matter of what denomination — and take from them all tha*" ^'lo V»ppn wril-fpn hv F.nispnnnl rlprorvmon and * ~j ^^t r — oj laymen, and a meagre catalogue would remain. I do 52 HISTORY OF A la '• not mean to say that other denominations cannot boast of eminently pious and learned men : for I have many commentaries, written by their greatest divines, which I value highly, and which I seldom consult without deriving pleasure and instruction from them. The commentaries of Doddridge are among my favou- rite works; and so are those of Macknight, and Campbell, and Dwight ; with many others which might be named. But I do say, that all these writers are, in comparison to Episcopal theologians, as a single star to *the sun shining in his strength.' This is no vain boasting. It is an indisputable fact, that all the Dissenting preachers in these United States are indeb- ted, more or less, to the divines of the English Church. Ought they not, therefore, to disabuse the minds of their people, when they hear this Church derided and scoffed at ? Ought they not fi eely to own their obli- gations to her burning and shining lights, for much of that reflected brightness which they themselves are able to display? While they are recommending to the people of their charge the practical works of Law, and Beveridge, and Sherlock, and Home, and Porteus, and Scott, and Newton, and Richmond, and Melville, and Wilberforce, and Hannah More — while they are extolling the riiissionary zeal of a Heber and a Martyn — can they listen patiently and without a word of reproof, to the calumnies which are so plenteously lavished on the Episcopal Church ? Would it not be well for them to stop the mouths of these railing accusers, by reminding them, that their sweeping slander touches some of the purest spirits that have ever enliehtened and blesF?ed the world by their labours? Why will they not all say, as one of their r : •* rOCKET PRAYER BOOK. 53 most accomplished scholars and favourite divines has said, with a frankness which does equal credit to his head and heart? — *We remember that it was under the Episcopacy that the Church in England took its firm stand against the Papacy; and that this was its form when Zion rose to light and splendour from the dark night of ages. We remember Cranmer, — Cran- mer first, in many respects, amonf the reformers; that it was by his steady and unerring hand, that, under God, the pure Church of the Saviour was conducted through the agitating and distressing times of Henry VIII. We remember that God watched over that wonderful man ; that he gave this distinguished pre- late access to the heart of one of the most capricious, cruel, inexorable, blood-thirsty, and licentious mo- narchs, that has disgraced the world ; that God, for the sake of Cranmer and his Church, conducted Henry, as 'b}^ a hook in the nose,' and made him faithful to the Archbishop of Canterbury, when faithful to none else. The world will not soon forget the names of Latimer, and Ridley, and Rogers, and Bradford ; names associated in the feelings of Christians, with the long list of eminent confessors, of whom the world was not worthy; and who did honour to the entire ages of mankind, by sealing their attachment to the Son of God, on the rack, or amid the flames. Nor can we forget that we owe to Episcopacy, that which fills our minds with gratitude and praise, when we look for examples of consecrated talent, and elegant literature, and humble devoted piety. While men honour elevated Christian feeling ; while they revere sound learning; while they render tribute to clear and profound reasoning; they will not forget the names of ■ « Wi»H.^W»"" 54 HISTORY OF A Barrow, and Taylor, of Tillotson, and Hooker, and Butler; — and when they think of humble, pure, sweet, heavenly piety, their minds will recur instinctively to the name of Leighton. Such names, with a host of others, do honour to the world. When we think of them, we have it not in our hearts to utter one word against a Church which has thus done honour to our race, and to our common Christianity.' This is the w.'rm, honest, honourable expression, of one of the most distinguished and exemplary divines of the Pres- byterian denomination, that the present age can boast of. Would that these sentiments found a cordial response in the bosoms of all his brethren ! But I ought to apologize, perhaps, for detaining you thus long with these views; — I am now re^d^ to listen to ^ou.'* ;i I i; CHAPTER XI. Doctrines of the Church. — Necessity of a change of heart.— r Comprehensivene^" of the Prayer Book. — Advantages of Public Formularies. — Calvin's Opinion on this subject. — Length of the Daily Service. **It is sometimes confidently asserted," my young master observed, " that Churchmen do not believe in the necessity of a change of heart ; and I will thank you to inform me whether such is the fact respecting any of them ; for your sermon last Sunday, on those words of David — ' Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,' ( Ps. li. 1 0,) sa- tisfied my mind, that your own views of conversion were truly scriptural." POCKET PRATER BOOK. 55 I oker, and ire, sweet, jctively to i a host of 3 think of one word jur to our 'his is the ne of the the Pres- can boast a cordial ! But I you thus listen tQ )f heart.— r vantages of subject.—- ny young relieve in fill thank especting on those ,OGod; 10,) sa* onversion } "That is an old and oft-refuted calumny,'* Mr. P replied, "which, so far as my observation goes, has no foundation whatever in truth ; and which never would be uttered by any person at all acquainted with our standards. The remarks just made to you, respecting that glorious constellation of divines, who for centuries, have been the light and defence, under God, of the Protestant faith, prove how groundless the charge is with respect to them. But I will go further, and say, that I never knew an Episcopal Cler^ gyman, and I never heard of one, who did not believe that man is by nature fallen and corrupt ; that his sinful heart must be changed; that he must be renewed in the spirit of his mind, and become a new creature in Christ Jesus, by the operations of divine grace, before he can be fitted for the bliss and glories of heaven. Whoever believes in the corruption of hu- man nature — whoever believes, as our ninth Article expresses it, that *man is very far gone from original righteousness * — must consequently believe in the ab- solute necessity of a change of heart ; because, * with- out holiness no man shall see the Lord ;* and he m ist be faithless to his ordination vows, who neglects to press this great, this fundamental truth, frequently and earnestly upon his hearers, — Ye must be bom again* •" Bijt let me refer you to the Prayer Book ; the only proper standard of what Churchmen do, or do not, believe. Without stopping to consider your sin- gle objection, I will confidently ask, what doctrine does the Bible contain, as * necessary to salvation,' that is not again and again, clearly and distinctly set forth in our Liturgy ? Indeed, I will go further, and »sk, Where is the orthodox Church in Christendom, 56 HISTORY OF A lii Hi 1 that gives such prominence to the fundamental doc- trines of Christianity, as our own ? And where will you find a body of clergy more zealous and faithful than ours, in explaining and enforcing those doctrines? — None of us, alas! are as devoted in our Master's cause as we ought to be ; but, for fidelity and zeal, we think we shall not suffer in the comparison with ministers of any other denomination. " One of the greatest advantages of a public formu- lary, like ours, is to bring the primary and essential truths of the Gospel before the people in a regular and connected order. You have only to run your eye over its pages, to be convinced with what admirable beauty and propriety the compilers of our Liturgy have ar- ranged the services for every day in the year. A little attention to the Lessons, Gospels, and Epistles, for each day, will show with what judgment they are selected and suited to the occasion. You will gene- rally find the second Lesson illustrating the first, and the Epistle and Gospel explaining each other; thereby making Scripture its own interpreter. Beginning with the Advent of the Messiah, the Church follows our blessed Saviour, step by step, from the cradle to the Cross; making 'Jesus Christ, and him crucified,' the corner-stone, the very foundation of the Gospel scheme of salvation. First reciting the prophecies which an- nounce his coming, she goes on to show their fulfilment in his birth, miracles, sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascension ; then she proceeds to commemorate the wonderful effusion of the Holy Ghost, on the day of Pentecost; and closes her most important festivals by celebrating the mystery of the adorable Trinity, and ascribing equal and undivided ' glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.' POCKET PRAYER DOOK. 57 1 "Another distinguished excellence of our Prayer Book is, that it excludes from the Church * all eiTo- neous and strange doctrines;' and it preserves those who use it, from falHng into heresy and error. An honest person cannot possibly unite in our services, and yet retain very dangerous opinions; he must either renounce his errors, or lay aside the Liturgy. Here he learns to pay divine honours to that Saviour, Christ, who is * God over all, blessed for ever.' Here he is continually reminded of man's fallen and helpless state — of his absolute need of a Saviour — the extent and efficacy of Christ's atonement — the necessity of re- newing and sanctifying grace — the eternity of future rewards and punishments — the necessity of repentance, of faith, and all holy obedience, to qualify him for that happiness which the Redeemer purchased with his blood, and to which the Holy Ghost is sent to lead him. Here, in short, he is continually reminded of all those truths, * which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul's health.' I could relate many interesting facts, to prove to you the conservati.e influence of the Prayer Book ; but I will mention only one, which came under my own observation, and which, I think, will display to you, in a very striking manner, the tendency of the Liturgy to preserve, unimpaired, the great doctrines of the Gospel. Two divines, one a Presbyterian minister, the other an Episcopal cler- gyman, having the pastoral care of large congregations, fell about the same time into error, respecting that cardinal doctrine of Christianity, the Divinity of Christ. The former continued his ministrations as before, omit- ting, however, both in his prayers and sermons, all reference to this subject ; and his congregation, accus- 58 msToiiy or a M rii'« tomed by degrees to the oniisaion, ultimately became, like himself, Soeinian in their belief; and still retain him as their minister. The Episcopal clergyman pur- sued the same course, in liis sermons from the pulpit; but the full recognition of this great truth, wliich he was obliged to make in the services at the desk and altar, was sucli as an ingenuous mind could not endure ; and he soon felt compelled to resign his charge. He was shortly after displaced from the ministry. Al- though he possessed, in a remarkable degree, the esteem and affection of his parishioners, for he was a man of great purity of character, and goodness of heart, yet not one of them imitated his defection. Immedi- ately after his rcsignaiion, Providence sent them a pious, faithful, and sound clergyman, who is now their pastor; and the congregation is one of the most flou- rishing in our country. As respects their first minister, there can be no doubt that he was never a firm be- liever in the Trinity; for soon after his ordination, he said to a friend, that his mind was unsettled on that subject, and that he intended giving it a full investi- gation. His friend replied, that he ought to have examined the subject, and fully satisfied his mind, before he ventured to take upon himself the ordination vows. " I ought also to mention, as another of the many excellencies of our Liturgy, that it makes the devotions of the congregation entirely independent of the talents, or opinions, or feelings, of their officiating minister. — The great reformer, Calvin, himself saw what an im- mense advantage this must be; and his words are worthy the consideration of all his admirers: *As to a form of prayer, and ecclesiastical rites,' he says, POCKET rilAYER HOOK. 69 * I bi'glily approve that it sliould be certain, />'om which it may not. I)e lawful for any minister to depart ; as well in conHideration of the weakness and ignorance of some, as that it may more i)l.«inly appear how our Churches agree among themselves ; and lastly, that a Btop may be put to the giddiness of those who affect novelties.' Now, whatever may be the * weakness' or the ' ignorance' of the minister, in our Church, he has a pure and rational fonnulary for his guide; nor do I feel at liberty to add to, or al '.dge, this form. If any thing must be omitted, I consider it r ly duty to shorten the sermon, not the Liturgy." " Your remark," said Mr L , "abc at shorten- ing the Liturgy, reminds me that I have sometimes heard the morning service objected to, as too long; is that your opinion ?" " To some persons, undoubtedly," Mr. P— re- plied, " the shortest prayers would seem too long ; but I should hardly think this objection would be urged against our services, by any one who has rightly con- sidered the subject. You have no doubt observed that I read very deliber*' ly; and yet the morning service never occupies more than an hour and a quarter, and the evening service seldom an hour; including the singing, chanting, psalms, and lessons. I say nothing about the sermon, because that is left to the discretion of the minister; and he may make it longer or shorter, as he sees fit. Hero, then, arc only two hours and a quarter employed, in both parts of the day, for offering up our prayers and praises to Almighty God, and for reading and hearing his Holy Word. And can this be considered too large a portion of that seventh day, which he has set apart and sanctified for that very end ? i n i 4 a» ti « H ill «'i^ ._ .-i 60 HISTORY OF A i'' il Ki Im^. It must be borne in mind, that the great object of all religious assemblies on the Lord's day, is to worship God; which can be done only by prayer and praise. Hence God's house is emphatically styled a ' House of Prayer.'' Keeping this design in view, can the ser- vices of the Church be justly considered too long and tedious, to engage our hearts only one day in seven, and that a day, the whole of which was appointed for this special purpose ? " " There is much force in what you say," my master observed, " and although, since I began to like your Liturgy, I have never been wearied with its length, yet your remarks will better enable me to answer the objections of others. But do ^ou not think that a constant repetition of the same forms, will in time become irksome ? I have heard it complained of, that your service is the same thing over and over again; and it has also been said, that it would be less tedious were there more variety." " I know this is sometimes said," replied Mr. P , " but only by those who seek novelties. For myself I can say, that so far from the services becoming irk- some by frequent repetition, they are continually ren- dered more and more interesting. Hardly a day passes but I discover some new beauties, which commend them more strongly to my understanding and my heart. Where the imagination only is consulted, I grant you that novelty is desirable ; but not so with the affections. That which we most love, we never desire should change; it never becomes wearisome. Can any thing be sweeter to a child's ear than the voice of a mother ? Is any object more agreeable to the eye than the coun- tenance of an old friend ? Do we not wish to see our POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 61 parents and friends, whom we dearly love, always the same? And why? Because the heart is interested; these are objects which seize upon the affections. But to gratify the imaginatmi^ scenes must be continually changing; and this, I conceive, is the true cause of the objection sometimes brought against the Liturgy, that it is always the same. The objectors seek to gratify the ear, while the heart remains unaffected. They do not, perhaps, consider that our public mercies, and our public wants, are daily the same; and that our prayers and praises should be so too. But you will excuse me from entering further into this discussion ; I have an engagement to fulfil at this hour, and I shall be happy to see you on some other day." .1 CHAPTER XII. The Prayer Book is sent by Mr. L , a present to his mother. — His letter. — How received by the good lady. — Her preju- dices against the Church. — How removed. — An interesting Conversation. — Undesigned eulogiura on the office for Family Devotion. My new master continued his examination of the doctrines and worship of the Church, with unabated interest; daily praying that the Spirit of divine truth would enlighten his understanding, and enable him both rightly to discern, and fearlessly to pursue, the good and the right way. In all eases of doubt and dif- ficulty, he advised with his minister, who obligingly aided him by his counsel, and by putting into his hands the most suitable books of instruction, and practical piety. In the course of a few months, both he and his wife united themselves with the Church, by receiving the holy communion ; I trust with such I! V ' 4 « «*r,ii9»iyr ,?»4?'w»~«*'^ 62 HISTORY OF A H •» dispositions of heart, as rendered them "meet parta- kers of those holy mysteries." Immediately after this event, I was sent a present to his mother, as Mr. P had suggested. This good lady lived in another part of the state, and was the mistress of a small but respectable public house. Her son wrote to her on this occasion, and I cannot help transcribing the conclusion of his letter, which I heard read. After informing her of his having joined the com- munion of the Church, he says: c / " I know, my dear mother, that this will greatly excite your surprise; but believe me, I have done it after patient and candid examination, with prayer for the guidance of divine wisdom, and from a full con- viction that I was acting right. Knowing the unfa- vourable opinion you entertain of the Church to which I have attached myself^ and convinced, as I am, that more information on the subject, than you have ever had it in your power to obtain, would entirely remove your objections, I have taken the liberty to send you a Prayer Book. I beg, my dearest mother, you will give it an attentive perusal; and then tell me whether you think that a Church, which maintains such •doc- trines, and worships with such a form, can be muca ia the wrong, either in creed or practice. *' Believe me, my beloved mother, I never was hap- pier in my life. There is something so decent, orderly, and solemn, in the manner in which our services are performed, that I always feel as if I was truly wor- shipping God, ' with the spirit and with the understand- inff also/ "You, who have been many years a conscientious l»OCKET PRAYElt BOOfe. 63 tottimunicant in another denomination, no doubt feel more of the spirit of true devotion, when worshipping God in your own way; and it rejoices me to think that hereafter, through the infinite mercies of our common Redeemer, we shall both be permitted to join In that one worship, which angels and saints continu- ally pay around his throne. Although distance now separates us^ and there are some points of difference in our religious views, yet I trust we shall ever be one in heart and affection. To you, my dear mother, I am indebted, under God, for all my early religious im- pressions. May He abundantly reward and bless you, for all your care and kindness towards tne ; may He take us both into His holy keeping, and finally bring us to Himself) never more to be separated from Him, or from each other. And this I trust be will do, for the sake of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. "Most affectionately and truly, your son, "B.L — — »» This letter was put into her hand at the same time that I was presented to her. She paid no attention to me, but seemed wholly engrossed with her son*s letter. The tears rolled down her cheeks as she read it; but whether they were tears of joy or of sorrow, I could not at first determine. Some expressions of regret, however, at her son's having joined the Church, led me to conclude that her tears were not altogether the overflowings of a glad and grateful heart. But there was so much kindness and affection breathed throughout the letter, that it must have softened her feelings; and I heard her say aloud, after reading it a second time-^-" Well, after all, I do believe he is a Christian; he was always one of the best and most if .mi^mimm'r-.\' wsrtPwMr*"'*"^' 61 HISTORY OF A s'M dutiful of sons, and this act of his is almost the only one of his life, of which I ever had any reason to com- plain." The good woman wiped her eyes, as the remem- brance of her son' s former love and obedience occur- red, to soothe the grief which his present conduct had occasioned. Folding up tne letter^ she took me in her hand, and after carelessly turning over my leaves a few times, she laid me down with a deep-drawn sigh, that told the bitterness of her reflections. For many days I remained altogether unnoticed. Now and then my new mistress would hastily read a page or two, but evidently without feeling any in- terest in the subject. Being the gift of a favourite son, she probably could not bring her mind to throw me wholly aside. Some weeks after I became her property, I was lying on a table in the little parlour, where strangers usually sat — for my mistress, as I before remarked, was the landlady of a respectable inn — when a gentle- man in black was shown into the room. Having thrown aside his travelling coat, and taken his seat by the fire, he asked if he could be accommodated with fiupper and lodging for the night. She replied in the affirmative, and immediately commenced the necessary preparations. While she was spreading the cloth for tea, I attracted the attention of the stranger, and taking me up he said, "So, madam, I see you have a Prayer Book here; are your family Episcopalians ?" "No, sir," she replied, "that is a book which my fion sent me." "Your son, then, probably belongs to the Episcopal Church?" I POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 65 was lave a *' Yes, sir, he and his wife have lately joined it, and I am sorry for it." "But why so — why are you sorry?" " Because I do not believe there is any religion in that Church." "That, certainly, is a sufficient reason; you have just cause to mourn, if your son belongs to a Church which has no religion in it. But do you mean to say, that you think your son is destitute of religious prin- ciples?" " Oh, no! by no means! If ever there was a Chris- tian, I believe he is one; but I think there is less of true piety in that Church than in any other." "Will you be so kind as to state your reasons for this opinion; for it is surely a very serious charge." Here I saw my mistress looked a little confused, as those persons are apt to look, who make unqualified assertions, and are unexpectedly called upon to sub- stantiate them. However, soon regaining her compo- sure, she said "there was so much of form in that mode of worship, that she had been led lo suppose there could not be a great teal of real religion there." "Well, but have you ever read those forms atten- tively ? Have you ever read this Prayer Book ?" "Not much of it, I confess; I ne^er could endure forms of pi'ayer." "Have you ever read any Episcop ■ 3ooks, either doctrinal or practical?" "Never one, that I know of." " Did you ever hear the service read, or an Episco- pal Clergyman preach?" Here my mistress seemed to take courage, as if an idea had been suggested which would extricate her 4 ;mmm.»^i!<^^ rvs'vfr^''' 66 HISTORY OF A ii-' ' ^ii from the unpleasant dilemma loto wl>j,.h ilic had un- guardedly fallen; for she immt Jiately r<^p]ied, with no little triumph — "Yes, I i nee hear I ao Kpiscopalr minister preacn, and i did not like his sermon; he said nothing abouf total depravity, nor absolute elec- tion; and he proved to be a very bad man, and was degraded from the niiniytrv, * *' All this may be \eT\ true; !■ ere are no doubt unworthy ministers to be found c.mong every religious vS. nomination; but it is far from being candid, or i;haritable, to condemn the whole on account of the errors of a few.'* The stranger now perceived how utterly ignorant she was of the subject, on which she at first so con- fidently pronounced an opinion; he therefore despaired of convincing her by any formal argument. He could flot talk to her about the excellency of the Prayer Book, for she had never read it; nor of the beauty of the service, for she had heard it performed but once in her life ; nor could he refer her to Episcopal writers, for by her own acknowledgement she had never read anv; so he said — "Madam, did you ever hear of John llogers?" "What, he who was burnt at Smithfield, in the reign of the bloody Mary?" "The same." ^■'Yes, every child has ^ - ard of him. I remember when I was a little girl, . :tly how he used to hok r the primer, with ' ife and ten small children standing by, when h: v.vj offered a pardon, ii'he would renounce his faith; hut. "le 'ihose to be burnt alive, in fiight of his dear wife an . abes. Maiiy a time have J iiHed over his sad r tory. 7i<^ d un- with icopal- n; he elec- i was doubt igious lid, or of the norant 10 con- jpaired 3 could Prayer iuty of It once vriters, er read in the aembf.v to 1( ok hildren 3 would ilive, in e have I POCKET PRATER BOOK. 67 *'You think, then, John Rogers must have been a good man?" "Why, to be sure I do. Does not every body think him a Christian martyr, who died gloriously for the faith of Christ?" "Do you think he would belong to a Church which had no religion in it; or that he would make use of prayers which were sinful?" " By no means ; I believe he was as good a Christian as ever lived; and I wish there were many such now- a-days." "Well, this same John Rogers was an Episcopal Clergyman; he belonged to the same Church to which your son belongs; and he used the same form of prayers, in substance, which your son now uses, and which you think so unmeaning. You probably never ^thought of this before ; and it is very possible that you are more indebted to Episcopal authors, for your re- ligious knowledge, thaii you are aware of; — for you say, and no doubt think, you have never read any of their works. Will you allow me to look at your de- yotional books?" My mistress readily consented, little suspecting that she possessed a single volume written by a church- n 'in. Opening a small closet in the room, she pointed to a shelf, saying, "There are all my religious books." The strnngar began to examine them, and the first he took down was "The World without Souls," by the Rev. J. W. Cunningham. A slight smile played upon his lips, as he said — " What think you of this ^ttie work?'* "Oh, that ip one of the best books I ever read.' M i-mnT^jC'f:^^' 68 lIISTOIiy OF A Hi I [:l .' "I am happy to hear that you think so; for it was written by a clergyman of the English Church.'* "You surprise me; but whoever wrote it must have been a good man." "Here," he continued, "is 'Sherlock on Death;* what is your opinion of that?" "A very pious work, which I have often read with much pleasure and profit; but do you mean to say that was written by an Episcopalian?" "I do: and one of the most distinguished divines of our Church. But what comes next? 'Law's Se- rious Call,' 'Dairyman's Daughter,' 'Young Cottager,' 'Zion's Pilgrim,' 'Scott's Force of Truth,' 'John Newton's ^,^.'orks' — all by Episcopal divines, and I dare say you esteem them all as excellent devotional books." "That I do," she replied; "they are my spiritual treasury : and I am ashamed to think how little I knew about the authors. If the Episcopal Church has pro- duced such men as these, I will never again object to my son's having joined it, but bless God that he has fallen into such excellent company." Here the conversation was interrupted by the ser- vant's bringing in the gentleman's supper. M"^ That evening, the stranger, who proved to be a clergyman, was asked to officiate at family prayers ; and kneeling down, without any book before him, he repeated from memory the forms appointed for that purpose. Before he retired, my mistress said to him — "I was quite delighted with ^our prayer this even- ing; and I think you yourself will acknowledge that such a prayer, offered extempore, is much better than any form." He smiled, and taking me up, he turned POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 69 to the office for family devotion, saying, "There is the prayer, word for word, which you have heard me use, and which has so justly excited your admiration.'* Then bidding her good night, he left the room. be a CHAPTER XIII. The Prayer Book resumes its travels.- -Autumnal Scenery.— Journey through Ohio and Pennsylvania. — Mineral springs at B . Church service in a Presbyterian house of wor- ship. — Returns to New York. — Unexpected separation from its master. — Comes into possession of a layman. — Witnesses the gathering of a new congregation, and the erection of ano- ther Church, in South-western New York. The next morning, when the stranger was about departing, he proposed to my mistress to exchange a larger and much more costly Pra^ er Book, which he had with him, for me; as he had y :*• -^ long journey to perform, and would find me more convenient to carry. To this she readily assented, and I again entered upon my travels. The clergyman into whose possession I now came, was returning from the south, to his parish in the state of New York, having been travelling some months for the benefit of his health. Long shall I remember, with del:orht, our journey in this most interesting section of o. i country. As we passed along through that fertile and highly cultivated region, which forms the southern portion of Ohio, and beheld many large and flourishing villages, with a thriving and happy yeomanry, it was difficult to re- alize, that even within the memory of persons then living, this whole tract was a " waste, howling wilder- ness." Yet such was the fact : the tide of emigration, rolling westward from the Atlantic, had swept away .M: -.!^'y:igW,M(' 70 niSTOBY OF A the forests in its course ; towns and villages bad arise', i. lijir place; and the war-whoop of the Indian, and tiiu howling of wild beasts, had been succeeded by the busy hum of population, and the noise of the hammer of the artisan. It was the dplir^htful month of October; a season peculiarly favourable foi travelling, in our northern and middle states. The days were bright and elear^ and there was an elasticity in the air, which imparted animation and vigour to both mind and body. The fields, it is true, had lost much of their freshness ; but the forest trees were putting on their richest livery. The deep and varied tints of the maple and the sumach, might vie with the brightest colours of the rainbow ; and none but His hand " who bended" the heavenly arch, could produce such an exquisite -ssem- blage of bright and brilliant hues, as the wcod^ dvery where presented. Crossing the Ohio river, md through a part of Virginia, we entered upon the mag- nificent mountain scenery of Pennsylvania. Here na- ture appeared in its wildest and grandest form. — Those lofty Atleghanies, whose blue peaks I had of- ten admired in the distance, now towered majestically aiound me, aid directed the thoughts of the traveller to riim who, with resistless might, piled together these huge mass( i ; and of whom it U said He hath "weighed the moui'i ns *a scales, and the hills in a balance." (Isa. xl. 12.) After journeying several days among these mountains, sometimes crossing over their rugged summits, and then again passing them by a deep ra- vine, which some rapid torrent had worn, as it strug- gled to meet the Ohio or the Susquehanna, we entered the delightful valley, where stands the village of B , rOCKET PRAYER DOOK. 71 »» tj- about two miles from which are the mineral springs of the same name. litre my master concluded to rest a while from the fatigues of his journey; and a pleasanter spot than these springs afforded could not be desired^ It reminded me of ''the happy valley," so beauti- fully described by Johnson, in his Russelas. It was indeed a valley of surpassing loveliness ; surrounded by lofty and precipitous mountains, whose sides and summits were covered with majestic forest trees, now clothed in the richest robes of autumn. Durii g our stay here, my master was invited to officiate on a Sunday, in the neighbouring village of B ; and there being no other minister in the town, the "meeting house" was kindly offered him. He took me with him into the pulpit, and read the daily morning and evening prayers ; but as there were no Episcopalians to take the responsive part of the ser- vice, much of its beauty was necessarily lost ; still there was such simplicity and pious pathos in the lan- guage of the Liturgy, as to draw forth great praise from ?nany of the congregation, who had never heard it before. The singing was excellent ; all the eongre* gation appearing lO join in it, as the clergyman read to them, line by line, the ps;iim or hymn. On our leaving this retired and peaceful valley, we travclk d leisurely along through the rich central region of Pennsylvania; nothing special occurring until we entered the state of New York. Here, to my great grief, I was separated from my master, whom I had anx- iously wished to accompany home to his parish. — Stopping one night at a public house, he took me out to read, as was his custom before going to bed; and the next morning, rising early to proceed on his jour-. 72 nisTORT or A i.j ]l ncy, in the hurry of departure I was forgotten, and he went away leaving me on the table in his bed-room. There the chamber-maid found me, and knowing that I must be the property of the traveller just gone, she took me into her own possession. She kept me, how- ever, but a little while ; for a travelling pedler coming along, she bartered me away for some trifling orna- ment of dress. He sold me to a gentleman who had just organized a small congregation, and wished to procure a few Prayer Books for their immediate use. I was gratified with this last exchange, for I expected once more to witness the interesting scene of a new congregation growing up, under the nursing care of a pious and intelligent layman. And this expectation was fully realized. My master, r*Ir. F , was a merchant in S , a small village in the south- western part of New York. He and his wife had been educated in the Presbyterian denomination ; and having, about the same time, had their attention awa- kened to the importance of eternal things, and feeling it their duty to make a public profession of their faith in Christ, they set about the important inquiry, — With what denomination of Christians should they connect themselves? The village in which they re- sided, contained congregations of almost every name, excepting the Episcopal; — but in each of these they found something objectionable, either in doctrine or worship, which prevented their uniting with its com- munion. Of the Episcopal Church, they at that time^ knew nothing. But while their minds were in this unsettled state, it providentially happened that "Father Nash,'* whose history has already boen related, in his missionary travels, stopped at the tavern in S . Iiou ncr.i niini whoj ofth both to ur place way t road ; Sutur for th ning. venier nearer build 1 a varic the on a man knew, ignorai many V hired ; such oi time, t\ Mrs. fI respori}] steadilj land, \\\ and otl the villi njodioul ~'-j*m->mism' I'OCKET PRAYER BOOK. i:^ Mj master hearing of his nTrival, invited him to Iiis house, that he and his wife might learn from this vc- ibh ;thi thodoeti nssionar}-,somel ministry, and worshii) of the Chureh. Nearly the whole night was spent in listening to the instruetions of this holy man ; and before the morning light dawned, both my master and his wife had made up their minds to unite with the Kpiseopal Chureh. The neaiest plaee of worship was fourteen miles distant, and the way to it was over a rery hilly eountry, and rough road ; yet thither my master and his family went every Saturday evening, that they might be there in time for the commeneement of the serviec on Sunday mor- ning. After a time, this was found to be very ineon- venient, and Mr. F determined to have a ehureh nearer home. It was an arduous attempt indeed, to build up the ehureh in a village where there were such a variety of congregations already, and wh-r' '■'^. was the only Episcopal family. But my na . • i not a man to be discouraged by such circun. mm s ""^e knew, from his own experience, that if ;!.j { ^ s ..ng ignorance respecting the Church coult . .cnio/ed, many would be found flocking into it. lie accordingly hired a room, commenced lay-reading, and invited such of his neighbours, as chose, to join him. For a time, the number of attendants was very small ; and Mrs. F was almost the only one to make the responses. The congregation, however, gradually and steadily increased. A lot, containing four acres of land, which was sufficiently large for a burial ground, and other purposes, was purchased in the centre of the village; and, in process of time, a very neat, com- modious, and well-arranged church edifice was erected 4 j«5.-."»i85jiB^- ■' '*=«w«»ils, all industriously at work with their needles, whihi the greatest order and stillness prevailed. But it was a much more gratifying spectacle to see them in their Sunday-school, or at Church, comfortably and tidily dressed, in uniform frocks and bonnets, which their own little hands had made. Thus passed the life of this widow, in acts of cha- rity and mercy. She had been, for many years, an humble follower of her blessed Master's steps. — - Strongly attached to the Church of her choice, and si conscientious observer of all its forms and ordinances, she diligently used tliem as aids to devotion, and means wisely provi6.?d to help her forward in her Christian course. While she carefully guarded against *' exalting the means of religion to the same importance with the end^ she never expected to attain the end without using the means.^^ Hence she was always to be seen in her place in Church, not only on a Sun- day^ but on all those Holy days, when it was opened for prayers alone Her great delight seemed to be fOCKEt PRATER BOOK.. 85 rch ed, ac- cr- red tho in uniting in the solemn services of the sanctuary ; and you would have thought that, like Anna the pro- phetess, her desire was *' not to depart from the tem- ple, but to .' )rv God with fastings and prayers night and day." (La " 37.) Both youn a* ..^d sought her society; for S'H; was so kind ai. u "tionate, so meek, and humble, and cheerful, tba "gion appeared in her in all its simple loveliness and grace. Her conversation on religious subjects evidently flowed from a heart full of the mercies and goodness of God ; and her whole life was a beautiful exempli- fication of the power of godliness. Her religion was *' pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." Her's was "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is, in the sight of God, of great price." She has long since gone to receive the reward of those who diligently improve the talent en- trusted to them, and are "faithful unto death;" and her name will ever be held in grateful remembrance by all who knew her. The widow and the orphan, the poor, the sick, and the afflicted, whom it was her great delight to minister unto, will, as memory recalls to them her numberless acts of charity and mercy, "rise up and call her blessed." As a proof of her unwearied perseverance in well-doing, it may be men- tioned, that at the time of her decease, her Saturday sewing school had been continued in her own house, without interruption, for about twenty years. Her interest in it was unabating to the last ; and a few days before her death, she said to one of her near re- latives, "What will my poor children do?" That 3** ..■n«*^- eSES Tfei*lfe/' Al". ijirliiLiMiiLit.<: ■'■'^ifc^^iC!" V^ ^ ^.^a; IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) ^^^^ ^j 1.0 I.I s "^ II !f? 140 2.2 ZO 1.8 1.25 1.4 ^ < 6" - ► V] <^ .<^ /a m.. w > .>^ Ovm /^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4303 ? 4^ ^ f/. m III 111 I 86 IHSTORT OP A relative kindly promised to superintend them, and to continue this most useful and unostentatious charity ; and she has fulfilled her promise; — the Saturday school continues as useful as ever. After what has been said of this pious widow, it ncarcely need be added, that she ^* died in the confidence of a certain faith, — ^in the comfort of a reasonable, religious and holy hope." That faith, that hope, was "only in the cross." She disclaimed all merit of her own ; feel- ingly bewailed her own unworthiness; and expressed her entire and sole reliance on Christ her Saviour. With her faculties unimpaired, her mind clear to the last, she took an affectionate farewell of her nume- rous relatives, who were privileged to attend on her sick bed, giving each of them some pious counsel and advice, and then sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, in the eighty-first year of her age ; having been a com- municant in the Church for more th&n sixty years.— Her last words were, " I die and am happy." How appropriate to her is that benediction from heaven, " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord ; even so saith the Spirit ; for they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." (Rev. xiv. 13.) iu ■ ill 1 POCKET FBAYER BOOK. 87 in CHAPTER XVL The Prayer Book is presented to a clergyman, who resigns his parish on account of ill health. — His last sermon. — Leaves home for the south. — SaU down the Hudson. — Early Remi- niscences. — Steam-boat adventure. — Eloquent defence of the Church. — Obituary notice of Rev. Mr. N . It wa8 my fortune to remain not much more than a year under the roof of this most excellent lady, but the remembrance of those days is sweet. My young mistress, returning home one day from the Sunday- sehoolf brought with her a neat new Prayer Book, which her minister had just presented her. As she showed it to her grandmo^he^, she said, "Do you know, grandma, that our dear Mr. N is about going to the south for his health, and next Sunday he preaches his farewell sermon?" Mrs. W replied that she knew it, for he had called the day before and informed her of bis intentions. "Ob, grandma! said the little Charlotte, "how pale he looks — all but that little red spot on his cheek — and how short he breathes; and then he seems so feeble, I was afraid he would sink down in the pulpit. Do you think, dear grandmother, he will die ?' ' " I hope, my child, his useful life will be spared ; but I fear his disease is too deeply seated ever to be removed; he himself has very little expectation of recovering. All things, however, are possible with IjtOd, and if He please, 'He can even yet raise him 88 HISTORY OF A m-i lliilf! up and grant him a longer continuance amongst us;* and with due submission to the divine will, I would humbly pray that he may live many years. His death would be a sore affliction to his friends, and a severe loss to the Church of Christ." " But is it not strange, grandma, that such good men, so young, so useful, and so much beloved, should be removed out of the world, while so many wicked, apd profane, and worthless persons are spared?'* " The dispensations of Providence, my dear Char- lotte, are often very mysterious, although we doubt not they are ever righteous, merciful, and wise. You know what the Scripture says— * the righteous is taken away from the evil to come,' (Is. Ivii. 1 .) while * the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction.' (Job xxi. 30.) Mr. N appears to be a Christian, ripe for glory, and God ma^ see fit to take him speedi- ly to his reward ; besides, I fear we do not deserve s^ man of such eminent piety and tak , and God may also think proper to remove this bur.iing and shining light, as a just punishment for our sins, in not having pro- fited, as we ought, by his faithful and zealous labours." "O, how I wish," said the little girl, "you had been at our Sunday-school to-day ; Mr. N addressed the scholars very affectionately; and when he spoke of leaving us in a week or two, every scholar in the school burst into tears — for we all love him dearly. — He said if he should ever return, he hoped to hear that we had all been good and dutiful children, and had improved by the instruction of our teachers ; growing in grace as we grew in age, But if he should not come back, he hoped we would always keep in mind what he was going to say to us from those words POCKET PRATER BOOK. 89 us; ^ould His and a good should ieked, » Char- doubt You ous is ) while iction.' ristian, speedi- serve a ID may shining jg pro- )ours.' id been Iressed spoke in the irly. — lo hear |n, and ichers ; should ^eep in words »♦ of Solomon — * Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth/ (Eccles. xii. 1 .) And he then went on to tell us that none of us were too young to remember our Creator ; and that it was important that we should do it now, for we know not how soon we must die. — He said that Christ loved little children ; and when he was on earth he took them in his arms, and blessed them, and said 'of such is the kingdom of heaven;' but then we must be good children if we would have Christ love us ; and we must pray to God to change our hearts, for the hearts of children are naturally very wicked ; and we must learn to love God and our neighbours, and do as our Bible tells us, and as our parents and teachers bid us, and then, whenever we die, we shall go to heaven ; and he hoped we should all meet again there, if we met no more on earth. I will try to remember all he said, and will pray to our Heavenly Father to make me remember it as long as I live. He gave each of us a Prayer Book, and I saw the tears come into his eyes as he laid his hands upon my head and said, ' God preserve and bless you, my dear little Charlotte.' As I was coming home, I thought how happy I should feel if I had any little thing to give him to remember me by. You know he has been so much at our house, and when my dear father died he was so attentive and kind to us all, that I love him as a brother. And then I thought, if you would allow me, I would give him the Prayer Book I found last year as he has given me a new one to-day ; and I dare say, whenever he sees it, he will think of his 'dear little Charlotte,' as he used to call me." The good old lady was pleased with this expression of kindness on the part of her beloved grand-daughter; -+*^- mi: 90 HISTORY OF A and, with her consent, I was the next d'ly presented to 'her minister, Mr. N . He was gratified with this new proof of the child's affection, and promised to keep me by him as a token of her love. The following Sunday he preached his last dis- course, from Acts xx. 25. "And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." — lie §poke of his approaching death with the greatest composure, and said that in going to a milder climate, he rather yielded to the urgent solicitations of his friends, than to any expectation he himself had of being benefited by it. His exhortation to his people was eloquent and affecting in the highest degree. The whole congre^ gation were dissolved in tears, as they listened to the persuasive language of the dying man. He conjured them not to depart from that Church to which they had professed an attachment ; but to keep steadily in the "old paths," to "hold fast the form of sound words," and "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Then quoting the words of a late pious prelate, he said, with great emphasis — " Should you, at any time, be tempted to go away from your Church, say with unshaken at- tachment. To whom should we go? Here are pure doctrine, and a primitive ministry and discipline — here are the words of eternal life, and we know -and are sure that if we fail of obtaining eternal felicity, . the loss must be attributed to our own neglect." — After an earnest persuasive, to all his hearers, to "strive to enter in at the strait gate," and to "give diligence to make their calling and election sure/'. : ..t iAt I -t^. .^^i- ■^^■■ H >'ipj UF a pi g - ■rr ,^ POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 91 s, to give while the day of salvation lasted, he closed with those words of the Apostle: — "And now, brethren, I com- mend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheriiance among all them which are sanctified," (Acts xx. 32.) The next day he took his departure for the south. He travelled by slow and easy stages, until he reached the Hudson; there he went on board a steamboat; and, attended by a single friend, he proceeded to New York. An incident occurred, on his passage down the river, which deserves to be recorded; as it serves to show how all the kindliest charities of life, and the holiest affections of the heart, may be out- raged, by persons of more zeal than knowledge ; and more bigotry and cant, than good manners or good feeling. My master had retired to the upper deck, far away from the gay and noisy crowd of pa ;sengersj that he might indulge, in solitude, his mournful meditations. There he sat alone, wrapped up in the ample folds of his cloak, to guard against the dews of evening, which now began to fall. His friend was pacing the deck in silence, while my master' s thoughts were far away with that beloved flock which he had just left; or with that dear fire-side circle, that bright band of sisters, whom he v/as never to see again on earth.-—:- The memory of departed days came oyer him with a pleasing sadness, and the tear stole unbidden to his eye, and coursed down his cheek. Just then the boat was passing his native village, which stood on the western bank of the Hudson. It arrested his atten-* tion, and at once diverted his thoughts to another, but not less melancholy, channel. The sun had sunk belo|ir the horizon, leaving a rich crimson glow t)
found erudition ; which Barrow, Tillotson, Porteus, honoured by their eloquence ; in which Andrews, and Taylor, and Home, displayed the lustre of a fervent piety; a Church which, shaking off the infirmities, the lukewarmness, and the weakness of old age, now comes forth in the vigour of Apostolic youth, to carry the cross of the Saviour, that pledge of salvation, to the strong holds of pagan power; and to illuminate, with the light of scriptural truth, the regions where error and super- stition have held their reign?'* As my master pronounced this last eloquent pe- rio4 — the language of an eminent living prelate— the 04 HISTORY OF A ml ! Hi Stranger slunk away, without a word in reply, and Mr. N retired, exhausted with fatigue, to his berth in the cabin. He took passage in the first packet which sailed from New York to Charleston; and for a time, the sea air and the balmy breezes of the south seemed to revive him; but he speedily sunk under his disease, and his spirit took its flight to the mansions of eternal rest and blessedness. Shortly after his death, the following obituary no- tice appeared in one of the religious periodicals of the day; which, out of respect to his memory, I take the liberty to transcribe:— *^Died, at Charleston, on a journey for his health, the Bev. W. H. N , By an intense application to study, and diligent discharge of parochial duties, he induced a consumptive disease, which terminated in dissolution. A young man, dear to his parents and friends, dear to the congregation who had been blessed with his ministerial labours, and dear to the Church in general, he will long be remembered and lamented. Seldom have we been called to notice so promising a flower in the Church, blighted before it was full blown. Possessing genius, education, and talents, which fitted him for usefulness, he adorned them by a piety and virtue, surpassed by that of few of the same age. Well instructed in the principles of the Church, and under the most thorough conviction of their accordance with the Gospel, he was scrupu- lously exact in the observance of her requisitions, and in the respect and reverence due to her established, authorities. He had a solidity and firmness of cha- racter highly becoming the sacred office. As a man, POCKET PRAYEB BOOK. 95 Mr. >erth Eiiled , the ed to ease, ernal y no- >f the :e the ealth, nation [uties, nated ireiits been o the and ice so ore it and orned few )le8 of iction :rupu- s, and lishod cha- man, he was respected and beloved, because amiable and sincere ; and as a Christian minister, faithful, circum- spect, and exemplary, lie is gone. Thus doth the providence of God, in wisdom which we cannot com- prehend, see fit to take from us the young as well as the aged. And thus 4n the midst of life we are in death.* Blessed are those who, in *the communion of the Catholic Church,' are met by death, * in the confidence of a certain faith, in the comfort of a rea- sonable, religious, and holy hope, in favour with God, and in perfeet charity with all the world.' In such a state, we trust, the subject of these remarks departed the present for a better life." I was sent home, among others of his books and papers, to his afflicted friends in the western part of New York; and was soon after presented, as a token of remembrance, to a clergyman, an intimate friend of the family, in whose possession I now remain. CHAPTER XVII. Visit to the Oneida Indians, in New York. — Interesting reli' gious services among them. — Confirmation. — Communion. — ■ An Indian Council. — The Liturgy admirably adapted to the circumstances of the heathen. — Duty of Christians in refe- rence to the Indian tribes. Several years have passed away since I became the property of my present master ; and it has been my privilege to travel with him through most of the Uni- ted States. In the course of my travels, I have wit- nessed many interesting and instructive scenes, which k ff 9& BISTORT OP A 'h^ might be detailed, were it not that I am afraid of pfo« tracting my history to an unreasonable length. Some events, however, have occurred, since those related in the last chapter, which are too important to be omit- ted in a history like this, and which I shall therefore now relate. The first was, the visit of Bishop Hobart to the Indian settlement at Oneida Castle, in the western part of the State of New York. The Bishop, at that time on one of his diocesan tours, passed a night at my master's house, and invited him to go with him the next day to see the Oneidas. My master, pleased with so favourable an opportunity of visiting this in- teresting people, arose very early, and putting me in his pocket, proceeded with the Bijshop to the castle. It was a delightful morning in September; the air was fresh and exhilarating; and, as they had about twenty miles to ride, the top of their carriage was thrown back, that they might have an uninterrupteil view of the country through which they travelled. I mention this last circumstance, in order to convey a more distinct idea of the scene which follows. Information having been previously conveyed to the Indians, of the Bishop's intended visit, a party of fifty or sixty of their tribe, with their chiefs and in- terpreter, came out several miles on horseback to meet him, and to escort him to their church. They had been waiting on the road for several hours ; and when they saw us approach, they hastily re-mounted their horses, arranged themselves on each side of us^ in single file; and thus attended we proceeded on towards their settlement. It was indeed a novel spectacle, and a most gratifying proof of the afiectiott :^?»?H^ fgmapr^tPcy, POCKET PRAYER noOK. 97 which these natives bore towards their spiritual father. The Bishop of New York, in a one-horse carriage, driven by one of his presbyters, escorted by half a hundred natives of the forest, dressed in their fanciful costume, and all going to witness and participate in the most solemn Christian ordinances; and in a church, too, erected by these Indians themselves I As the pro- cession moved along, groups of Indian women and children, with their clean white blankets, some with blue mantles, wrapped around them, might be seen hurrying across the fields towards their pk c of wor- ship. This was a neat edifice of wood, standing in a retired and quiet spot, and possessing all the requisites for a decent and orderly performance of the service. The Bishop, with such of the neighbouring clergy as could be present, having taken their seats in the chan- cel, the services commenced with a few verses from the Psalms, translated into Indian, and sung by about one hundred natives in the gallery, with whom many of those below united. The church was entirely filled ; and it was estimated that more than five hun- dred of the persons present wer'^ Indians. A more devout and attentive audience I have never seen. There is always, indeed, an appearance of gravity and decorum in the Indians, which is peculiarly impres- sive, as they stand or kneel with their eyes cast down, and their mantles wrapped closely over their heads. Nothing can be more striking than the reverence with which the pious Indian approaches the altar, to re- ceive the holy communion. Those who have wit- nessed it once will never forget it. On the occasion now alluded to, the usual service, which consists of a literal translation of the Liturgy into the Mohawk 98 mSTOBY OP A I Hi I ■ r- til tongue, was read by their catechist and teacher, in which the whole congregation united with much ap- parent seriousness and devotion. The responses were made in an audible and solemn tone, and the hymns of praise were chanted forth by hundreds of voices, in a manner which proved that they " sang with the spirit, and with the understanding also.** Immediately after prayers, the holy rite of confir- mation was administered to ninety-four native Indians, and three whites, who had been previously instructed for that pmpose ; and after that, about fifty partook of the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Never have I witnessed a more impressive and solemn scene. To behold nearly one hundred of these once wild sons of the forest, not only civilized, but christianized, and coming forward of their own accord, to " renew and ratify the solemn vow which was made at their bap- tism** — publicly renouncing their idolatry, and openly " professing the faith of Christ crucified'* — what heart could remain unaffected at the sight ? The nature of the service was, evidently, perfectly well understood by them ; and if we may form an opinion from the seriousness and humility of their demeanour, (and it is only by the *^ outward appear- ance** that man can judge,) they all came forward with sincere and pious resolutions of living agreeably to their solemn engagements. After confirmation and the communion were administered, the Bishop addressed them, through the medium of an interpreter, in his usual affectionate and impressive manner ; but in the plainest and most simplt language, suited to their comprehension. He was listened to with the profoundest attention and respect, for they look up to POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 99 in their him as their spiritual father, and always address him by that endearing title. At the request of some of their chief men, the Bi- shop afterwards met about two hundred chiefs and warriors in council, on their ancient council ground at Butternut-grove. The warriors, as they are termed, or principal men of the nation, to the number of one hundred and eighty, were seated on the ground in a large circle, and within that about fifteen or twenty chiefs were ranged in a circle around the Bishop and his attending clerscy, for whom chairs had been pro- vided in the centiv\ One of the chiefs then rose and explained, through an interpreter, the object of this council, which was to obtain their "Father's" advice, in relation to some difficulties at present existing- m a remote part of the tribe. The Bishop gave them the solicited advice, in a very friendly and affectionate manner ; and after he sat down, the council wai ad- dressed by "the chief orator of their nation,** in a most animated, and, judging from the effect produced, in a most eloquent speech. The whole scene was highly picturesque, and would have afforded an admi- rable subject for the pencil of the artist. The chiefs and warriors, ranged after their ancient custom, in concentric circles around their spiritual "Father,** listening with respectful and profound attention to his Christian counsel : the numerous little groups of Indian women and children, scattered all around, as near the outer circle as they could conveniently ap- proach, and where they might hear the different speakers — the beautiful grove, waving its rich foliage above their heads — the luxuriant fields of grain around, the fruit of their own labour and industry — 100 HISTORY or A u 19 II 'I-- '? I formed altogether a picture on which the eye of the Christian or the painter might repose with delight. It brought to my mind the celebrated interview and treaty of William Penn, with the Indians of Pennsylvania. At the conclusion of the council, the head chief presented the Bishop with a string of Wampum, in the name of the whole tribe, as a token of respect, and a solemn pledge of their unshaken fidelity. It is only ten years* since a church was erected for their special benefit, and principally with funds arising from the sale of some of their lands. Since that time, through the divine blessing, they have been gradually improving in the arts of civilization ; and numbers of them, we trust, have attained, and are attaining, that "knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation." — The inimitable Liturgy of the Church, faithfully translated into their native tongue, has doubtless been a powerful auxiliary to their religious instruction. While it exhibits to their untutored minds the great truths of revelation, in plain and simple terms — while it unfolds the whole scheme of redemption in a clear and connected manner — it gives them a part to per- form in the solemn services of the sanctuary, and sup- plies them with language, pure, simple, and scriptural, with which to offer up their devotions to the throne of th€ Most High. Let those who deny that our Church has made ample provision for the spiritual instruction and im- provement of all her children — and let those, too, who doubt that a prescribed form of service is adapted to the circumstances of the heathen, visit the Oneidas in * \Xr..iffnn in 1 flOQ POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 101 in »» their house of worship. Let them witness the pro- found humilitv with which the confessions are made — the deep reverence, the fixed attention, with which they listen to the sacred scriptures — the fervour and devotion with which the prayers are responded, and the hymns of praise chanted forth, by the united voices of the congregation. Here they may see a practical proof of the efficacy of our forms and ordinances, in instructing and enlightening the most ignorant and savage tribes ; and they may also see that our Liturgy is admirably suited to all classes and conditions of men, when they meet for public prayers and praises. Here, too, they may see that our Church is not un- mindful of her duty to the heathen ; that she is ever ready to extend to them her own invaluable privileges and blessings, as opportunities offer, and means are given. And while we conceive that the first duty of Christians is to make provision for those " who are of the same household of faith," their next duty un- doubtedly is to provide for the spiritual wants of the heathen at home. And it becomes more imperatively our duty, to do all in our power to promote the tem- poral and eternal welfare of the Indians among us, from the consideration of the numberless wrongs which they have received at our hands ; and from the mourn-? ful reflection, too, that they are fast fading from the land, and that ere long reparation will be impossible ; for, like their own native forests, t'hey will have passed ^way. 102 HISTORY OF A CHAPTER XVIII. Oneidas at Green Bay. — Prayer Book's extensive travels. — Interesting statistics of the Clmrch. — Tour through the Southern and South-western States. — Bishop of Tennessee, — Interesting anecdotes of him, and of the Bishop of North Carolina. A few years after my visit to the Oneida Indians, as related in the last chapter, about eleven hundred of the tribe, including all those who belonged to the Episcopal Church, removed to the Wisconsin Terri- tory, and settled on their lands at Duck Creek, in the vicinity of Green Bay. Their faithful missionary and his familv soon followed them, and he is now labour- ing among them with his customary zeal. It so hap- pened, that I had an opportunity of spending some days within a few miles of this their new location, of seeing several of the chiefs of their nation, and of hearing from them of their improvement in the arts of civilized life, and their advancement in the Christian religion ; of all which I shall presently give an account to my readers. I had been the property of my present master about ten years, when h*^ accepted of an agency in the church, which required him to resign his pastoral charge, and to travel through a large portion of our country. As I was his constant companion, I had an opportunity which very few enjoy, of witnessing the growth and prosperity of the church in every part of our land. POCKET IRAYER BOOK. 103 ivels. — igh the nnessee, f North ndians, lundred L to the I Terri- :, in the ary and labour- so hap- g some ition, of and of the arts hristian account er about church, rge, and ry. As ortunity wth and ur land. And while we saw much, very much, that called for our gratitude and praise, we were frequently led to mourn over the apathy of Episcopalians, in not put- ting forth greater efforts for the extension of our be- loved Zion, especially in our new states and territo- ries. Wherever we went, we saw " fields white unto the harvest," but no labourers to put in the sickle and reap ; and often did my master exclaim. Oh ! that the members of our communion could witness the spiritual destitution of those who are of the " same household of faith;" how fervently would they then pray "the Lord of the harvest, to send forth labourers into his harvest!" As a proof of the rapid extension of the Church in the United States, I mention the following facts, ga- thered from authentic documents. In the year 1792, there were only one hundred and ninety-three Episco* pal clergymen in all our states and territories ; in 1799, there were two hundred and nineteen; and in 1814, only two hundred and eighteen, having de- creased one in fifteen years; in 1820, there were three hundred and thirty-one ; having increased only one hundred and thirty-eight in a period of twenty- eight years. In 1838, there were nine hundred and thirty-one ; having increased six hundred, or nearly three fold, in the space of eighteen years. The great- est increase has been in the Diocese of New York, which, in 1820, had seventy-six clergymen, and in 1838, there were two hundred and forty-six ; having more than trebled in eighteen years. My master's first official tour was through the southern and south-western States. It would occupy too much space, in a history like this, to relate the 104 HISTORY OF A I'! I many incidents that occurred on this extensive jour- ney, which we were about three months in performing. In most of the large cities through which we passed, on the Atlantic coast, we found the Church in a highly prosperous state ; but in the south-western portion of our country, it languishes for want of more Episco- pal supervision. We had the pleasure of meeting sevejral times, in our tour, with the Bishop of Ten- nessee, who had been making an official visit to the scattered congregations in that extensive region. In naming this excellent prelate, an anecdote is brought to mind, which so forcibly illustrates the value of a single Prayer Book, that I shall here place it on re- cord. It was related at a meeting in behalf gf a Prayer Book Society, where my master was present ; and I am sure my readers will thank me for giving it to them in the speaker's own words: ; : " Most interesting anecdotes of the acceptablenesa of the Prajer Book, and of its great usefulness in turning sinners to righteousness, have been often re- lated. The country is full of them. I could occupy much time in showing how powerful it has been, through grace, in extending the borders of the Re- deemer's kingdom, and in building men up in our most holy faith. I will content myself with two, but those very remarkable instances. A clergyman of distinguished intelligence and benevolence, was tra- velling some years ago in a region remote from the strong holds of the Church ; detained at a country place by an accident which happened to his carriage, he met with an interesting: boy, with whom he was so rouch pleased, that on parting from him in the morn«» ing, he gave him a Prayer Book. There was then nQ I POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 10/^ I acquaintance with the Church on the part of him or any of his family, — perhaps not even among their neighbours. I have no time to trace his subsequent career, nor do I know, when the influence first exerted itself on his mind, rior what its process was in his heart. But I know that that boy is now the Bishop of North Carolina. " A young man, a graduate of one of our southern colleges, was elected to a tutorship. As tutor, it was his duty to conduct the morning devotions of the cha- pel. He was not then a religious man. As he him- self told me, he did not know how to pray. It was a most irksome, and, it must be feared, an unprofitable task. A friend had compassion on him, and gave him a Prayer Book. It was the first that he had ever seen, and it rendered that easy which before was dif- ficult and unsatisfactory. I know not how long after this it was that he attached himself to the Episcopal Church. But I know that that young man is now the Bishop of Tennessee.'* These are most encouraging facts, to those who are engaged in the gratuitous distribution of the Book of Common Prayer ; and to them may be addressed the emphatic exhortation of the wise man, — *' In the mor- ning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shali be alike good." (Eccles. xi. 6.) •■ [t uv-fV ^feCT. SH I Wl.. J'.*.ill.,> .Jl»ll, ,!,(*, =-,;r_=.- ;- r,?-i4-i»- Tl-^ 106 MiStORT OF A CHAPTER XIX. Tour through the great lakes, to the Wisconsin Territory.—* Diocese of New York, — its rapid growth. — Detroit; pros-* perity of the Church there. — Mackinac ; lay reading by an officer of the fort. — Green Bay Mission School. — Oneidfl Indians at Duck Creek. — Their zeal and liberality. — Bishop of Michigan's visit to them. — The Prayer Book finishes its travels, and settles quietly down in a parish. Soon after my master*8 return from his southern journey, he had occasion to make the tour of the up- per lakes, for the purpose of visiting some of our mis- sionary stations in the Wisconsin Territory; and I was again his companion in his travels. We lefl home in the month of July, 1836, for the "far west," and tra- velled leisurely through the state of New York, a9 my master found it necessary to officiate in most of the principal towns on our route. I shall not attempt a description of the beautiful country through which we rode, nor of the interesting voyage across those mighty inland seas, which form the northern boundary of our country. An account of all that we saw and heardy would fill many such volumes as this. That which most gratified my master, was the evidence of the rapid increase and healthful prosperity of the Churchy every where so apparent; but in no portion of our country so much so, as in Western New York; for he remembered to have heard the venerable Bishop of Virginia say, that when he was ordained deacon in the POCKET rUATER BOOK. 107 pros*' by an )neidflL Bishop hes its ithern le up- r mis- I was )ine in id tra- •rk, aa of the jmpt a ich w0 nighty of ouf heard,- which of the hurchy of our for he jhop of 1 in the city of New York, he was the sixth or seventh clergy- man in the diocese; a diocese which now numbers about two hundred and fifty clergymen, — one-fourth part of the whole number in the United States. And this unparalleled increase is manifestly owing, under God, to their diocesan missionary efforts. But to return to our journey; — passing through Western New York, by the usual stage route, we stopped a single day to view the stupendous Falls of Niagara, — that sublimest of all earthly scenes, — and then took passage at Buffalo in a steamer for Detroit. Here we were detained several days, waiting for a boat to take us to the upper lakes. We had thus an opportunity of gathering some interesting facts in relation to the Church in that city. Only thirteen years before, the congregation was organized; and until within three or four years, it remained under the patronage of the General Missionary Society. For a long time the congregation, being without a pastor, was not only kept together, but actually increased, by lay reading. The year we visited it, they contributed more than a thousand dollars towards the support of missions; thus paying back, with large increase, the funds which they formerly drew from the missionary treasury. Their present prosperity is a striking proof how much good may be accomplished, by fostering the infant churches in our new settlements. Leaving Detroit, and passing up the Detroit river, across the little Lake St. Clair, we entered the mighty Huron. Our first considerable stopping place was at the beautiful island of Mackinac, midmay between Lakes Huron and Michiean. Here we found a few Episcopalians, who had long been in the habit of 108 iusToRt ot* A 'I l^h l> meeting together every Lord's day, when one of the officers of tlic ganison read for them the daily service, and a sermon. It was delightful to see this pious soldier gathering his companions in arms around him, in the performance of the public duties of devotion. — Before we left, he sent to my master a sum of money which he desircid might be appropriated to the spread of the Gospel. Thus, like good Cornelius the Iloman soldier, we trust not only his prayers, but his alms, " came up as a memorial before God." In a day or two after leaving Mackinac, we reached the Mission School at Green Bay; where we remained about two weeks. Here we found seventy Indian children, between five and fifleen years of age; the greater part of whom were Menomenees and Oneidas. It was most gratifying to witness the improvement which they had made in the knowledge of divine things, and in hmnan learning, under the faithful, zealous, and devoted superintendent and teachers, who first had charge of the school, as well as those to whom it was now entrusted. And it is painful to think, that after all the labour and expense bestowed upon this establishment, it must be broken up; but the removal of the Indian tribes from that territory renders this result unavoidable. While at Green Bay, my master was providentially prevented from visiting the missionary station at Duck Creek, as he had intended, and was most anxious to do. He, however, received a visit from their excellent mis- sionary, accompanied by three chiefs of the Oneida tribe, from whom he learned that their missionary establishment was in a flourishing condition; — that there were eleven hundred souls belonging to the whole POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 109 of the service, 9 pious »d him, tion. — money spread Iloman is alms, reached amained Indian ige; the Dneidas. ovement e things, zealous, vho first whom it nk, that pon this removal iers this dentially at Duck •us to do. ent mis- Oneida issionary n ; — that he whole tribe of Oneidas at Duck Creek; of whom, five hun- dred belonged to our missionary's parish, and eighty of these were communicants; that the tribe had made considerable advancement in civilization, and now cul- tivate their farms, and enjoy the comforts of settled domestic life. They expressed a strong desire to have another edition of the Prayer Book printed for them in the Mohawk language, as the present one was nearly exhausted. They further stated to my master, that while destitute of a clergyman, which was for several years, one of their own tribe, Cobus Hill, had officiated by a license from the Bishop of New York, aa lay reader, and thus kept them from wandering into strange pastures; that they had persevered, through much opposition and many discouragements, in adhering firmly to the Episcopal Church ; and they were re- solved, by God's help, to live and die within her bosom. As a proof of their zeal, it should be remarked that they defray one-half of the missionary's salary, and pay one hundred dollars a year towards the support of a school for their children. The chiefs have made an appropriation of 2,000 dollars for the erection of a church, and 500 dollars for building a parsonage-house. One of them slso made a donation of 200 dollars towards the purchase of a bell for the church ; and they have erected a school-house at a cost of about 300 dollars. The sale or exchange of some of their lands, placed funds in their hands, a portion of which they have thus set apart for the service of Almighty God.* I cannot better conclude my account of this inte- resting people, than by giving the following statement * Second Annual Report of the Board of Missions. 5 llJ iilsToRY or A ii ! ( iili I ! I t t from tlio IJisIiop of Micliiguifa address to Ms DicceSe, in 1837: "August 1. — T visited the Oneida mission station, under the eharge of the Rev. Mr. Davis, nine miles distant from Green Bay. The morning after my aiTival, 1 was waited upon and received hy the vestry of the church, and the chiefs of the nation. At thi time of service, they walked before me in p ifeci silence, until we reached the church, and then r the most polite and kind manner, welcomed me to the spot which they had selected for the tribe to worship the Lord. The building is made of hewn logs, with a neat vestry-room attached. On entering the church, the whole congregation rose and chanted, in their own language, the * Te Deum.* It is impossible for me to describe the feeliii^s experienced on this occasion. I was completely overpowered with the scene ; and I could have freely shed tears of joy, thus to witness the inhabitants of the forest singing hymns of praise to God. The services were read in their own language, by their pastor. The responses were well made by the whole congregation. I preached to them through an inter- preter; after which I confirmrd fifty -four persons, several of whom v ere past three tcn or noise. 1 most fervently invoked t])e blessing of God for each and for all ; and could not help exclaiming again and again, What hath the Lord wrought! What an evidence of the power of the Gospel of Christ! — After spending a short time witli Mr. Davis and liis family, 1 left *the nation,' and returned to (ilrccn Bay. It is delightful to witness the interest and zeal mani- fested by the missionary and his wife, for the promo- tion of the religion of Jesus in the heartir of this inter- esting people. Tliey are the only wli i te i rsons among them, and of course must daily forego the pleasures of social intercourse, and those comforts whit h they have been accustomed to enjoy with friends. 1 trust they will be rewarded a thousand fold for their solf-denying labours, and will be able to present many souls as their 'joy and crown of rejoicing*.' " Having accomplished the object which took him to Green Bay, my master went on board a stt am-boat, passed round Lake Michigan to Mackinac, and return- ed by the same route that he came ; nor did i ny thing occur in our journey home, which is deemed w orthy of being recorded. I now occupy a quiet positio i on his study table, without any prospect of ever resuming my travels, or of witnessing any other than the ordinary f vents incident to an old-established parish. ,: • ' I il I 1 i. M it^ ■Jl. r 112 HISTORY OF A CHAPTER XX. The more the Liturgy is studied, the more it will be prized. — Testimony of Dr. Adam Clarke. — The Prayey Boqk's part- ing advice. — Concluding reflections. I must now bring my history to a close. Happy should I be could I flatter myself that the story of my life had contributed, in any degree, to the pleasure or in- struction of those who have deigned to give it a perusal. Perhaps it may have been instrumental in removing, or softening down, some of the many prejudices which are entertained against the doctrines and worship of our Apostolic Church, by those who have never made her Articles and Liturgy the subject of serious exami- nation. Perhaps it may have confirmed in others, a rational attachment already felt, for this "form of sound words," and this "faith once delivered unto the saints." In either case, my labour will not have been alto- gether in vain ; " and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." Certain I am, that if persons would take a little more pains to instruct themselves in the nature of the Christian Church, and bring to the investigation, " an honest and good heart," disposed to learn and embrace the truth for the love of it, the result would be a firm conviction that no Church in Christendom is more sound and scriptural in doctrine, more Apostolic in ministry, more pure and primitive in worship, than the Protes- POCKET PRAYER BOOK. 113 prized. — qk's part- Happy ry of my lire or in- L perusal, oving, or js which >rship of rer made s exami- others, a of sound J saints." sen alto- and will a little •e of the ion, "an embrace )e a firm re sound ninistrv, Protes- tant Episcopal Church in these United States ; for all of which she is mainly indebted, under God, to her truly evangelical Liturgy ; and " Wo to the declining Church that hath no Gospel Liturgy." ^rom this exhaustless fountain, the thirsty soul may draw consolations, refreshing as the waters of Horeb to the weary and fainting Israelites. It only requires to te fully known, to bO esteemed and loved. Those who have used it with such spintual feelings and affec- tions as it is eminently calculated to inspire, will say of it, as did the celebrated Wesleyan Methodist, Dr. Adam Clarke, " Next to the Bible, it is the book of my understanding and my heart.'* What the pious Bi«hop Home says of the Psalms, will happily apply to the services of our Church: — "They suit mankind in all situations, grateful as the manna which descended from above, and conformed itself to every palate. He WHO HATH ONCE TASTED THEIR EXCELLENCIES, WILL DESIRE TO TASTE THEM AGAIN ; AND HE WHO TASTES THEM OFTENEST WJLL RELISH THEM THE BEST." In taking leave of my readers, I would earnestly press upon them the duty of diligently improving all the means of grace which, in this land of Gospel light, are so abundantly afforded them. " Take heed that the light which is in you be not darkness. Learn duly to prize, and to profit by your privilegi^s. Learn to pray with the heart, and pray with the understanding also. Keep your feet when ye repair to the house of God; and offer not the sacrifice of fools; but worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. And remember ever, that in vain you have this holy book of Prayer in your hands, or in your houses, if it maintain not, at the same time, its due place in your memories, your hearts, and affections." 114 HISTORY OF A h i . ji ! I 1 a' It has been my fortune to pass through every variety of scene, which ever falls to th^ lot of man, in this earthly pilgrimage ; and the experience of my whole life has convinced me that religion is the one only thing needful,* the one oply object worthy the pursuit of a rational and immortal soul. My character and situa- tion have often led me, not only to the abodes of wretchedness and want — to the houses of mourning and aiflictiofl^^bttt to the habitations also of the rich and powerful ; to the halls of mirthj ^nd joy, and glad-j ness. I have witnessed scenes of the deer est distress, and of as unalloyed Ifelicity as any thing terrestrial can be* I have been with the smiling infattt, when its first days were consecrated to the Lord by baptism; and I have been by the death-bed of the aged pilgrim, bowed down with the infirmities, and cares, and suffer- ings of four-score years. 1 have be^n with the bloom- ing bride, where all was festivity and joy; and I have been with the broken-hearted widow, when she apd her fatherless children were weeping over the grave of him, who was their only earthly support and comfort. I have seen the young man in the summer of life, the joy of his parent's heart, gi-adually wasting away under , the slow apd sqre decay of a lingering consumption; and I have seen the strong man suddenly hurried out of the world, in the midst of life apd health. I have been with the poor, despised beggar, when about . to exchange his sorrows and suflfeyinga for a place iof rest in Abraham's bosoip; and I have seen the rjqh, and the great, and the powerful, reluctantly bid adieq to their wealth, their greatness, and their power, with fearful apprehensions of that undying wretchedness which awaits those who " have received their conso* lation in this world." ' i r variety in this whole ly thing lit of a d situa- odes of lourning the rich nd glad-f distress^ srrestrial when its )aptism5 pilgrim, d suffer* ebloom- i I have she an