i tto **%taf &, t 
 
 PRINCETON, N. J. 
 
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 BX 9225 .P37 A32 1840 
 Adair, Robert, 1802-1890 
 Memoir of Rev. James 
 Patterson . . 
 
MEMOIR 
 
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MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 REV. JAMES PATTERSON, 
 
 LATE PASTOR OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, N. L., PHILAD. 
 
 BY 
 
 robert'adair, 
 
 PASTOR OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SOUTHWARK. 
 
 INTRODUCTION AND CHAPTER ON FIELD PREACHING, 
 
 REV. D. L. CARROLL, D. D. 
 
 I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."— Acts xx. 31. 
 For my name's sake (thou) hast laboured, and hast not fainted."— Rev. ii. 3. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 HENRY PERKINS, 134 CHESTNUT STREET. 
 
 184 0. 
 
Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1839, by 
 MRS. SARAH PATTERSON, 
 
 in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States, in 
 and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Ashmead & Co. Printers. 
 
TO THE 
 
 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, N. L, PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 THIS 
 
 MEMORIAL OF THEIR DECEASED PASTOR 
 
 IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 
 WITH THE FERVENT DESIRE, THAT BY IT 
 
 HE, 
 
 WHOSE UNCEASING SOLICITUDE FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL WELFARE 
 
 WAS MAND7ESTED, FOR MANY YEARS, 
 
 IN HEALTH AND SICKNESS, 
 
 MAY STILL, THROUGH THE DIVINE BLESSING, 
 
 SPEAK EFFECTUALLY TO THEIR HEARTS, 
 
 AND EXCITE THEM TO 
 
 LABOUR FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF THE REST OF IMMORTALITY, 
 
 BY 
 
 THEIR AFFECTIONATE FRIEND, 
 
 ROBERT ADAIR 
 
" Deep-learned in the philosophy of heaven, 
 
 He searched the causes out of good and ill, 
 
 Profoundly calculating their effects, 
 
 Far past the bounds of Time ; and balancing, 
 
 In the arithmetic of future things, 
 
 The loss and profit of the soul to all 
 
 Eternity." 
 
 Pollock. 
 
C ONTENTS 
 
 Introduction, - - - - - . - -13 
 
 Chapter I. 
 
 Place of nativity. Happy effects of maternal influence. His 
 seriousness and subsequent conversion. Purposes to study 
 for the ministry. Enters College. His conduct and 
 scholarship while there. Studies Theology at Princeton. 
 Becomes tutor in Princeton College. Is licensed by New 
 Brunswick Presbytery. Called to Bound Brook. His 
 ordination and installation. His first efforts as a preacher. 
 A change in his style. Two errors in regard to the com- 
 position of sermons. Bound Brook inundated. The me- 
 teoric phenomenon of " the falling stars." The stage 
 passenger, an interesting fact. Intoxicating liquors at 
 funerals. This custom among his people abolished. The 
 lax mode of baptism occasions some difficulty. His 
 marriage. Resigns his charge. Coincidence between 
 the resignation of Mr. Patterson and the dismission of 
 Mr. Jonathan Edwards, from Northampton, - - - 25 
 
 Chapter II. 
 
 Mr. Patterson is called to Philadelphia. Character of his 
 new field of labour. His concern for the rising genera- 
 tion. The first Sunday School formed in Philadelphia. 
 Before his settlement in Philadelphia, few direct efforts 
 by laymen for the conversion of sinners. The reason of 
 this. Mr. Patterson introduces a new state of things. 
 The controversy respecting "lay preaching." Conse- 
 quent excitement. His agency to raise funds for the 
 erection of buildings for Princeton Seminary. Letters to 
 Mrs. Patterson. The penurious professor. Fails in the 
 object of his agency at Chambersburg. The reason of 
 this failure. The conversion of a servant girl, - -44 
 
Vlll 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Chapter III. 
 
 Mr. Patterson commences his Journal. The revival of 1816. 
 Novel scenes in the Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. 
 Many came to witness them. The daughter of a Unita- 
 rian. The death of a delaying sinner. Seventy persons 
 admitted to church fellowship. The manner of their ad- 
 mission. A covenant publicly adopted. Strictness in 
 their examination. The singular conversion of an aged 
 woman. The persecuted daughter. Another commu- 
 nion season. Eighty-four admitted. The despairing 
 sinner. Reflection on the preceding case. Means em- 
 ployed during the revival. Doctrines preached. The 
 extensive influence of this work, - - - - -59 
 
 Chapter IV. 
 
 His feeble health. A chasm in his diary. Lectures on the 
 Confession of Faith. The Universalist fails in his pur- 
 pose to entrap him. The only man he ever feared, com- 
 mitted to the grave. His reflections upon John xiv. 12. 
 His solicitude for youth. Receives a letter from Dr. Grif- 
 fin respecting a young coloured man. Devotional exer- 
 cises preparatory to the baptism of his infant daughter, - 76 
 
 Chapter V. 
 
 Visits his friends at Strasburg. His efforts to do good during 
 this excursion. His letter to Mrs. Patterson. Cusick, an 
 Indian chief, and his grandson Guy Chew. Letter from 
 Rev. J. C. Crane in reference to the conversion of Guy. 
 A terrifying death-bed scene. Forms a plan for the pub- 
 lication of a religious newspaper. Diversity of senti- 
 ment among the members of the Synod of Philadelphia. 
 His punctuality in attending ecclesiastical meetings. His 
 reflections upon the death of an infant. The suicide. Mr. 
 Patterson is insulted in the street by some rude young 
 men. His feelings on the occasion. Abounds in pastoral 
 visitation. Suggestions to ministers and churches, - 87 
 
 Chapter VI. 
 
 A woman who had never heard of the sufferings of Christ. 
 Cases of similar ignorance. Reflections on the first of 
 the year. Delight in preaching on the doctrine of elec- 
 tion and God's sovereignty. No incongruity between the 
 belief of these doctrines, and the zealous and successful 
 preaching of the gospel. A day of fasting and prayer ob- 
 served. Why such seasons are not more frequently 
 blessed.' The General Assembly of 1826. Amalgamation 
 of the A. B. of C. for F. M., and the United Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Societies. Meeting of the Synod of Philadelphia 
 
CONTENTS. j x 
 
 at Wilmington. Twelve members of the Presbytery of 
 Philadelphia petitioned for a new presbytery. A delight- 
 ful communion season, 100 
 
 Chapter VII. 
 
 The objections of many to the discriminating- inquiries of a 
 pastor. Extract from Baxter's " Reformed Pastor." 
 A solemn warning to worldly professors. Mr. P. gives 
 offence by preaching on the sin of adultery. Difficulty 
 of treating this subject. The duty of ministers to preach 
 upon it. An extract from Dr. Dwight's sermon on the 
 Seventh Commandment. His own reflections. " A gos- 
 pel sermon," what] A spirit of prayer at the Monthly 
 Concert, the precursor of a revival. Eighty-seven ad- 
 mitted as the fruits of this gracious work ; and again 
 thirty-two. Visits New Jersey on a preaching tour. His 
 
 views of " field preaching," 114 
 
 Chapter VIII. 
 
 On field preaching, by Dr. Carroll, ----- 133 
 Chapter IX. 
 
 Mr. Patterson attends in the first " four days' meeting" held 
 east of the Alleghany mountains. The results of this 
 meeting. His letter to Rev. J. N. Danforth. Labours in 
 Washington. Caution to ministers against cherishing a 
 desire to be called Rabbi. He agitates the question whe- 
 ther he ought to become an evangelist. Expectations of 
 a revival realized. Visits the scenes of his boyhood. His 
 reflection in view of changes produced by time. The 
 death of a useful man. A word to the thoughtless child- 
 ren of pious parents. His feeling on parting with his son, 
 who had entered college. His interview with Rev. Al- 
 bert Judson. Enters upon an agency for the Tract So- 
 ciety. A communication from Rev. Geo. Duffield, giving 
 an account of Mr. Patterson's visit to Carlisle, - - 148 
 Chapter X. 
 
 Christians exhorted to the duty of mutual exhortation. Ex- 
 tracts from Jay's works. A meeting of the communicants 
 called to consult in reference to systematic and efficient 
 measures for doing good. Result. His habit of distribu- 
 ting religious books. Account of a protracted meeting, 165 
 Chapter XL 
 
 Philadelphia visited by Asiatic Cholera. Mr. Patterson re- 
 mains at his post. His letter to the authorities of the city 
 and liberties. The new church completed. Reasons 
 for its erection. Mr. Patterson attends the Gen. Assoc, 
 of N. H. as a delegate. Interesting letter respecting the 
 meeting of this body, --,,-- 177 
 
x CONTENTS. 
 
 Chapter XII. 
 
 His solicitude for the Germans of East Pennsylvania. Or- 
 ganizes a church at Womelsdorf. A description of the 
 moral condition of this region. Assists in a protracted 
 meeting 1 in a German church. A change in the pastor 
 of said church. Letter on the subject. The observ- 
 ation of fast days for general objects a blessing to a 
 church. Another protracted meeting in a German church. 
 Religious tracts and cards circulated. Specimens of 
 these. His plan to enable his people to purchase a com- 
 mentary. 199 
 
 Chapter XIII. 
 
 The importance of an educated ministry. To provide for 
 the church such a ministry, a favourite object with Mr. 
 Patterson. His interest in behalf of candidates for the 
 ministry. A few facts illustrative of this. His plan for 
 interesting youth. The Philadelphia Institute. An effort 
 to establish a similar institution in the N. L. An interest- 
 ing fact. 217 
 
 Chapter XIV. 
 
 His expansive benevolence. The Monthly Concert. An 
 Indian youth, who becomes a missionary. The Chinese 
 boys. Letter from an unknown gentleman. His preach- 
 ing the means of inducing this stranger to support a mis- 
 sionary. His tour through the west. Receives intelli- 
 gence of the death of his son. The aurora boreal is. An 
 encouraging fact.* Is confined to his house by sickness 
 during an interesting revival in his church. His views 
 of heaven. Rejoices that God can further his cause with- 
 out him. The meeting of the Gen. Assembly of 1837. 
 His feeling in view of the acts of this body. Goes to 
 Baltimore to attend synod. He is denied a seat in synod. 
 His sickness and death. The respect shown to his me- 
 mory, 225 
 
 Chapter XV. 
 
 Communication from Mr. Danforth. Dr. Cox's letter, 245 
 
 Chapter XVI. 
 
 Mr. Patterson's appeal in behalf of city missions, - 263 
 
 Conclusion. 
 
 His personal appearance. His intercourse among his peo- 
 ple. The character of his piety. His character as a stu- 
 dent — As a preacher. His address to the President of 
 the U. States, during a protracted meeting in Washing- 
 ton. A poetic portrait. Closing remarks. Poetry, - 283 
 
 Funeral Sermon, by Rev. Albert Barnes, ... 295 
 
 Appendix — Sketch of Rev. A. Judson's life, - - 321 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 A brief statement of the reasons of the delay of the publica- 
 tion of this volume, is due to its subscribers. Soon after the 
 decease of Mr. Patterson, a committee was appointed by "The 
 Pastor's Association," (of which he was an esteemed member,) 
 in reference to the publication of his memoir.* Some considera- 
 ble time after this appointment, Mr. Judson became possessor of 
 the diary and manuscripts of the deceased, preparatory to the 
 commencement of the contemplated work. The hope was then 
 cherished that the memoir would early be prepared for the press. 
 An announcement to this effect was made to the public. Very 
 soon, however, the lamented removal, by death, of this beloved 
 brother, disappointed the expectations which were entertained. 
 Though Mr. Judson had read portions of the memoir to the com- 
 mittee, they were ignorant of his plan of the work, if as yet he 
 had formed any. Under these circumstances, they placed all 
 the papers, as he had left them, in my hands for examination, 
 with a view of ascertaining what progress had been made in the 
 preparation of the work, and whether his labours could be made 
 available in the completion of it without much delay. A careful 
 examination of all the papers was made, but no plan could be dis- 
 covered. When this result was stated to the committee, they 
 urged me to take all the materials which had been collected and 
 employ them in preparing the work as speedily as possible for 
 publication. Their importunity was not yielded to for some time, 
 in the hope that a more gifted pen might be engaged in this 
 cause ; and it was not till this expectation had failed, that the 
 resolve was made to do what I could in preparing a memorial 
 
 * This Association is composed, chiefly, of members of the Third Presbytery of 
 Philadelphia. Messrs. Rood, Judson, and Adair, were the Committee appointed ; 
 Dr. Carroll was added to it when he became Mr. Patterson's successor in the 
 pastoral office. 
 
x [[ ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 of him, who was for many years my venerated Pastor, and whose 
 memory I have reason to cherish with grateful recollections. 
 
 Having at length entered upon the work, it was found that the 
 memoir could be prepared sooner, and with more satisfaction to 
 myself, by employing the materials furnished, without any re- 
 ference to what had been written by Mr. Judson. This has been 
 done. 
 
 Since my attention has been directed to the work, several 
 interesting facts and anecdotes respecting Mr. Patterson, have 
 been obtained from ministers and others in the city. These, to- 
 gether with others furnished by myself, have been inserted in 
 the memoir. At times the "want of the requisite data to complete 
 certain portions of the history," to which Dr. Carroll refers in 
 the introduction, occasioned embarrassment. The diary some- 
 times alludes to a contemplated movement of which there is no 
 subsequent notice ; and of a few most interesting scenes and 
 occurrences, there is no record whatever. In these instances, 
 the deficiency has been supplied from authentic sources. 
 
 This memoir has been prepared under some disadvantages, 
 arising from the announcement to which allusion has already 
 been made, by which the public was led to expect its speedy 
 appearance ; and also from the pressure of my pastoral engage- 
 ments. My anxiety to gratify this expectation has been so 
 great, and the period allotted t for its publication so brief, that 
 the requisite care has not been given which, under other circum- 
 stances, would have been bestowed upon it : but, notwithstand- 
 ing these difficulties, no effort on my part has been spared to ren- 
 der the work useful. 
 
 A few typographical mistakes have escaped notice in the ex- 
 amination of the proof sheets ; but in view of the above facts, 
 an appeal is made to the candour and indulgence of the reader. 
 
 R. A. 
 
 Philadelphia, December 20th, 1839. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 The writer has not consented to pen these introductory- 
 paragraphs under the conviction that it is at all necessary to 
 give circulation to the following Memoirs. — The affectionate 
 remembrance of thousands who were personally acquainted 
 with him, the sketch of whose life is here presented, and the 
 deep interest which the Christian community feel in the 
 character and labours of such a minister of the gospel, are 
 ample security for the wide circulation of his biography. 
 
 The veneration which I feel for the memory of this emi- 
 nently devoted servant of Christ, into whose labours I have 
 entered as his successor — the sympathy and affection which 
 I cherish toward his amiable and bereaved family, and my 
 attachment to the people who were so long the objects of his 
 pastoral care, all concur to make it a mournfully pleasing 
 employment for me to furnish a Cew pages introductory to 
 his Memoirs. Occupying the same study where he thought, 
 and prayed, and wept, during life, I feel myself to be sur- 
 rounded by innumerable, tender, and solemn associations 
 with his departed worth. It would be most grateful to me, 
 were I able to pay a becoming tribute to his many and 
 2 
 
XIV 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 various excellences as a Christian and a minister of the 
 gospel. I rejoice, however, to think that his life and labours 
 have rendered such a service from survivors wholly un- 
 necessary. 
 
 It will be seen by a perusal of the following work, that he 
 has furnished ample materials for aft interesting biography 
 himself. He has mainly written his own life. The record 
 which he has kept of his indefatigable labours in the cause 
 of his Lord, rather than a monotonous history of his own 
 private feelings, forms no inconsiderable portion of the Me- 
 moir. A judicious hand has revised this record and added 
 several valuable reflections and interesting anecdotes and in- 
 cidents collected from surviving friends and acquaintances. 
 Notwithstanding the defects which may attach to it through 
 a want of the requisite data to complete certain portions of 
 the history, yet I rejoice that such a volume is now about to 
 be given to the Christian community. 
 
 There has been an objection to the multiplication of re- 
 ligious memoirs. That this objection, in some cases, is well 
 founded, no one can deny. But it is doubtful whether any 
 individual will feel its force in regard to the present work. 
 The subject of this Memoir possessed a character at once so 
 original and unique — was led by the providence of God 
 through years of ministerial labour, and through scenes of 
 ministerial success so full of deep and eternal interest to 
 himself and to others, and his whole life was so completely 
 identified with revivals of religion, that his biography cannot 
 consist of that tame common place of which the reading 
 community have lately complained in works of this kind. 
 The memory of suck a man as Patterson cannot die. It 
 will live in the hearts of thousands who have been con- 
 verted to God by his instrumentality. "The memory of the 
 just is blessed." 
 
INTRODUCTION. xy . 
 
 A poet has said — 
 
 " There is a loveliness in death, 
 
 Which parts not quite with parting- breath." 
 
 And it is true in a higher sense, that there is a display of 
 the nobler virtues and the more august attributes of regen- 
 erated human nature — there is a moral loveliness which 
 survives the dissolution of the body and remains unfading 
 and immortal. Moral character and the influence which 
 it exerts on society cannot be destroyed by death. — These, 
 in the case of the just, heaven, in mercy to a needy world, 
 permits to remain as sacred relics over which the grave has 
 no control. And there is an imperious obligation on the 
 living to preserve and transmit to posterity the memory of 
 all that is precious in the Christian character and benevolent 
 labours of those distinguished individuals who die in the 
 midst of them. 
 
 This remark is specially pertinent in the case of a zealous 
 and faithful minister of the gospel so long and so favourably 
 known in the church as was the beloved and revered sub- 
 ject of this memoir. 
 
 His memory may be extensively blest to survivors by that 
 superadded power which death gives to the example of the 
 just. "While the good man lives, his example is blended in 
 common with that of many others. But death has a pecu- 
 liar tendency to insulate the example of the just from that 
 of all the living. The great destroyer, whose touch kills the 
 body, only consecrates these traces of the being and char- 
 acter of the soul which are left behind. The example now 
 stands alone, separated from the living agent to which it 
 once pertained. — Tt therefore becomes an object of more 
 easy and distinct contemplation. — It comes to the living 
 also with all the tender and mournful associations of a token 
 
XVI 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 of remembrance from the departed — affection's last gift be- 
 fore it left the world. How the grave seems to hallow every- 
 thing that the individual did while living! Those virtues 
 which were spread out over the extent of life now seem to 
 be gathered upon its last hour and to partake of the sacred- 
 ness of the dying acts of the loved and departed one. We 
 connect also with the memory of his example, the thoughts 
 of the present glorified state of the just. We seem still to 
 have a kind of communion with his departed spirit in the 
 realms of its eternal rest. It appears as though we had a 
 new interest located in a future world, and were bound to 
 heaven and eternity by stronger and closer ties. This will 
 be strikingly true, in the case of those who witnessed the 
 bright example of that distinguished man of God who is the 
 subject of this biography. Such an example is as a sacred 
 halo that lingers after u the sunset of the tomb," to shed 
 light and blessing on bereaved survivors. 
 
 To many who sat under his ministry, this volume, we 
 trust, will prove a blessing, by recalling to their memory his 
 tender instructions, which they heeded not at the time they 
 were given. Death is often the occasion of giving power to 
 the instructions as well as to the example of the just. 
 Amidst the sorrows and subduings of spirit felt over the loss 
 of the departed, memory seems to wake with unwonted 
 power to recall all that he has ever said ; and fancy seems 
 to hear each annunciation in softer, sweeter tones than ever 
 accompanied it before. These instructions, though delivered 
 at different intervals, during life, all become now as the last 
 words, the dying sayings of the individual. They have the 
 seal of that sad event upon them, t which gives weight to the 
 most ordinary observations. They come back upon the sor- 
 rowing mind as the language of another world — as farewell 
 accents of love from a spirit in glory. To those of his pas- 
 
INTRODUCTION. xv jj 
 
 toral charge who remained impenitent under all his warnings 
 and expostulations, the memory of his instructions remains 
 as the lingering echo of that affection and sadness which 
 used to fill his heart as he laboured for their salvation. In 
 these memoirs, and especially in the diary, they can see how 
 his benevolent soul yearned over them — how he wrestled in 
 prayer, with strong cries and tears before God, in their be- 
 half, and what laborious and agonising efforts he made for 
 their redemption. 
 
 It is possible that a portion of the reading community may 
 be disappointed in perusing this work. Those who expect 
 to find the diary filled with the raptures of a mere contem- 
 plative piety — crowded with the record of the abstract exer- 
 cises of the heart — will not realize their expectations. Mr. 
 Patterson kept a journal of his labours rather than of his 
 feelings. The latter are only introduced incidentally as 
 they are connected with, or have a bearing on the former. 
 That he experienced those deep spiritual exercises of the 
 soul — those joys of retired and holy communion with God — 
 those seasons of fervent effectual prayer — those conflicts of 
 the Christian life — those alternations of hope and fear, of 
 sadness and triumphant bliss, so graphically described in 
 the diaries of some others, none who knew him can doubt. 
 But he lived so much for others, his enlarged benevolence 
 impelled him to so wide a range of effort, his zeal was so un- 
 tiring, and his diligence in the work of a world's redemption, 
 so unremitting, that even in his diary, he partially forgot 
 himself, and seems to have been mainly intent on recording 
 his efforts to do good, and the hinderances or success that 
 attended them, in order to learn wisdom from the past, and 
 to find a stimulus to still greater exertions for the future. 
 His diary partakes largely of the almost eccentric originality 
 2* 
 
xv ^ INTRODUCTION. 
 
 of the man, and is, in this view, peculiarly interesting. It 
 is interspersed with narratives of the most striking exercises 
 of souls under conviction of sin in times of revival. Mr. 
 Patterson, with a true professional enthusiasm, like that 
 which leads the painter and the poet to study and scrutinize 
 the most delicate and fugitive elements of beauty, analyzed 
 with great care the workings of the soul under the con- 
 vincing and converting influences of the Holy Spirit. He 
 was an adept in this most interesting department of the 
 philosophy of human nature. Few men knew as well as he 
 how to deal with the immortal mind in the critical period of 
 its awakening and conversion. Few pastors understood 
 better than he, how important is the continuous impression 
 of divine truth at such times, and none with greater promp- 
 titude and perseverance followed close on the awakened soul 
 with counsel, exhortation, warning, and winning entreaties, 
 that it be reconciled to God immediately '. No pastor can 
 read his diary without an enhanced conviction of the value 
 of pastoral labour and fidelity as a means of salvation to the 
 lost. 
 
 The reader will naturally expect to find in the biography 
 of a man so laborious in his profession, and so often called 
 away from home on excursions of preaching and ministerial 
 effort, many interesting letters describing the scenes and the 
 success of his labours. This expectation will not be fulfilled. 
 Letters of this kind he did write to his friends, and they were 
 so full of thrilling interest, that they were read at religious 
 meetings till they were so worn as to be illegible, and some 
 of them totally lost at the time of his death. It is greatly to 
 be regretted that they were not preserved, as they would have 
 given the reader an insight of the workings of his benevo- 
 lent, laborious, anxious, prayerful mind, at protracted meet- 
 ings, and amidst scenes of powerful and extensive revivals of 
 
INTRODUCTION. X J X 
 
 religion. His diary, however, in a great measure, supplies 
 this deficiency. 
 
 In preparing this work peculiar difficulties have been en- 
 countered. The beloved brother, Rev. A. Judson, to whose 
 "judicious hand" I have already referred, having collect- 
 ed materials, had made some progress in preparing the 
 volume for the press, when he was suddenly called from 
 all his terrestrial labours to a deep and unending repose in 
 the bosom of his Father and his God. In the removal of 
 his amiable and devoted mind to a brighter world the whole 
 plan of the work was lost — for it existed only in that mind, 
 and had not been developed to the committee, to whose su- 
 pervision the publication of this work was referred by the 
 Pastor's Association, and to whom he read certain portions 
 of the manuscript. 
 
 After his decease, this committee placed the materials, as 
 he left them, in the hands of one of its members, who, by a 
 careful and laborious examination of them, might conjecture 
 what was the intended plan of the departed brother. All 
 attempts to make the desired discovery proved unsuccessful, 
 and the individual was obliged to re-write and re-arrange 
 the whole work. The melancholy event here noticed will 
 furnish a reason for the delay of its publication. 
 
 Perhaps, with the single exception of Dr. Payson, no 
 minister of the gospel, for the last quarter of a century, has 
 lived and died, in this country, furnishing such ample mate- 
 rials for a memoir of deep and thrilling interest to the reli- 
 gious community as did the beloved and lamented Patter- 
 son. Though the traces of his existence and efforts that 
 remain behind him should appear somewhat disjointed and 
 fragmentary, yet, they cannot be contemplated without a 
 feeling of moral sublimity even in their broken grandeur. 
 
 The astonishing change effected, by the blessing of God, 
 
xx INTRODUCTION. 
 
 through his influence, both on the physical and moral con- 
 dition of a large class of the population in the northern part 
 of this city — the multitudes hopefully brought to God under 
 his ministry, some of whom have gone to their eternal rest, 
 and many of whom still live to bless his memory and weep 
 his loss as their spiritual father — the impulse which he gave 
 to more than sixty young minds, determining them to enter 
 the sacred office, and stimulating them to high and holy as-, 
 pirations in their solemn calling — the increased zeal and 
 deepened devotion to their work produced in his brethren 
 already in the ministry by his occasional intercourse and 
 communion with them — the immediate good effected by his 
 numerous visits and his preaching to churches at a distauce 
 — the multiplied starting points of moral influence which 
 he thus gained, and the permanent moral causes which he 
 thus put into operation — to say nothing of other collateral 
 influences which he exerted on his generation — constitute an 
 agg relation of blessed results from the life and labours of 
 one man seldom equalled. In contemplating them we feel 
 overawed with the evidence which they furnish of superior 
 goodness/ We reverence more than ever the office of the 
 holy ministry. We see what a sublime agency it is in the 
 hands of such a man as Mr. Patterson. We have more 
 profound views of its grand relations to mind— >-of its mighty 
 bearings on the interests and destinies of human nature! 
 
 With whatever imperfections, from the causes already 
 noticed, may attach to this Memoir, we earnestly commend 
 it to the perusal of clergymen and theologioal students. 
 We do not say that the subject of it was faultless. He 
 would have been the last to have made such a claim for 
 himself. But we do say that in genuine humility — in an 
 unostentatious and unambitious spirit — in the depth and 
 ardour of his piety— in his constant and importunate spirit 
 
INTRODUCTION. xx i 
 
 of prayer — in his quenchless zeal — in his pastoral industry 
 and fidelity— in his self-denying and self-sacrificing habits 
 as a minister of the gospel — in his noble liberality — in the 
 range of his expansive benevolence and in the undying hopes 
 and earnest longings of his active mind for the world's con- 
 version, the Rev. James Patterson has left an example whose 
 salutary influence will not cease with this generation. With 
 such an example, no mind in the ministry, or preparing for 
 it, can become familiar without being greatly benefited. 
 
 But it is not to clergymen and to theological students 
 only that we would recommend this memoir. It is one of 
 those works in which the religious community generally 
 have a common interest. Wherever true piety exists, this 
 volume, it is thought, will find a welcome, and be read with 
 profit. The religious poor will here learn how important an 
 instrument of consolation to them is the ministry of the gos- 
 pel, when its sacred functions are performed by such a 
 man as Mr. Patterson. The meekness and condescension 
 which he manifested in seeking the wayward and rude, the 
 ignorant and profligate poor, and after their conversion, the 
 kind and constant care which he exercised over their 
 spiritual interests — the generous sympathies which he ex- 
 tended to them, both in their temporal and spiritual troubles, 
 and the eagerness and assiduity with which he brought the 
 entire resources of his holy office to bear on their improve- 
 ment and comfort, were amongst the most striking charac- 
 teristics of his life and labours. 
 
 To no class of readers, it is hoped, will the work be found 
 wanting in entertainment and instruction. 
 
 While the world appreciates the evidence of integrity and 
 honesty in the character of man — of sincerity in his profes- 
 sions and consistency in his practice — while a moral courage 
 that never blenched commands respect and admiration — 
 
xx {[ INTRODUCTION. 
 
 while the church loves and reveres the memory of her 
 purest, most disinterested, faithful, laborious and successful 
 ministers, and while posterity retains a grateful recollection 
 of rare and superior worth in the departed, the life of the 
 lamented Patterson will be read with deep interest. Few 
 men have adorned and blest the ministry of any evangelical 
 denomination of Christians, through so long a period, and so 
 strikingly as he. Yet he cannot be said to have " died in a 
 good old age," for the energies of his noble mind, and the 
 ardours of his benevolent heart, acted with such intensity as 
 to wear out and sever " the silver cord" before he numbered 
 even " three score years." His course has ended — his la- 
 bours have ceased — he has entered into rest. Through the 
 extent of this country, his death has created a more deep and 
 pervading emotion of grief and regret than that of any other 
 public teacher of religion since the departure of the sainted 
 Payson. But he is not lost even to earth. " Though dead 
 he yet speaketh" His sun has set, as does the natural sun 
 sometimes in the heavens, his disk appearing broader and 
 more bright as he sinks below the horizon, and his beams 
 caught and reflected by a calm evening's sky in more rich 
 and gorgeous hues than during the hours of his intenser 
 shining. 
 
 Pie has left to his bereaved and lovely family the precious 
 memory of all the higher and nobler virtues of the husband 
 and the father — the hallowed affection that lingers on them 
 still in heaven; — to the church of God he has left a " name 
 that is as ointment poured forth ;" and to the world for whose 
 highest interests his capacious soul laboured till it broke 
 down the clay tenement with which it was connected, he has 
 bequeathed a series of progressive and multiplying beneficent 
 influences, that will, perhaps, be limited and arrested only 
 when the great wheels of nature shall be stopped and this 
 
INTRODUCTION. xx J'j 
 
 whole terrestrial economy consummated. While we mourn 
 his loss it is grateful to contemplate these blessed results of 
 his mortal existence now terminated. 
 
 In concluding these desultory remarks, as I sit where he 
 once sat, and look out of my window on the impressive 
 monuments of the dead,* contrasting the returning verdure 
 of spring with the silent and incessant decay going on be- 
 neath it, there is, to me, a melancholy pleasure in the reflec- 
 tion that his benevolent and lovely spirit, freed forever from 
 the cares, the conflicts, and the sorrows of time, has gone — 
 
 " To repose, to deep repose, 
 
 Far from the unquietness of life, from noise 
 
 And tumult far — beyond the flying- clouds, 
 
 Beyond the stars, and all this passing scene, 
 
 "Where change shall cease and time shall be no more." 
 
 D. L. Carroll. 
 Philadelphia, May 30th, 1839. 
 
 * The pastor's study is in the basement story of the First Pres- 
 byterian Church, N. L., Philadelphia, and overlooks the adjoining- 
 burying- ground. 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. JAMES PATTERSON 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 To perpetuate the memory of those who have been emi- 
 nently useful in the church of God, is a sacred duty. The 
 record of their toils, sacrifices and success, is adapted to 
 prolong their usefulness after they have been removed from 
 earth. It rebukes and stimulates the slothful Christian ; 
 encourages and confirms the wavering; and often leads the 
 thoughtless to serious reflection. This result, it is hoped, 
 will be realized by the publication of the following memoir. 
 
 The subject of it, the Rev. James Patterson, was born 
 March 17th, 1779, at Ervina, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 
 a beautiful tract of country on the western shore of the 
 Delaware. His maternal ancestors, who were noted for 
 their elevated piety, emigrated from the north of Ireland, 
 some time before the American Revolution, and settled in 
 Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Shortly after their arrival, 
 they constructed for themselves an humble dwelling, in 
 which they enjoyed a purer happiness than is often realized 
 by those who dwell in the stately and magnificent mansion. 
 Godliness with contentment they experienced to be great 
 3 
 
2(5 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 gain. And when their nightly repose was interrupted by 
 the howling of the wolf in search of prey, they made the 
 Lord their refuge and dismissed their fears. 
 
 Mr. Patterson has often intimated that it was probably 
 owing to the prayers of his maternal grandmother, that he, 
 4 * a poor sinful youth," was introduced into the ministry. 
 And of his mother, he has been heard to say, that he could 
 remember from his boyhood, that "she was a praying wo- 
 man, and lived a Christian life." When in the third year 
 of his age, his parents removed from Ervina to Strasburg, 
 Franklin County, Pennsylvania. In this rich valley, sur- 
 rounded by wild mountain scenery, they cultivated a small 
 farm, the avails of which afforded them a comfortable 
 maintenance. 
 
 Here, in the quiet of a rural life, the pious mother trained 
 up her son, who had been early dedicated to God in bap- 
 tism, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. She 
 stored his memory with religious truth in the form of psalms 
 and hymns, which, according to her prediction, were of 
 great advantage to him. in subsequent years. Toward the 
 close of his earthly sojourn, he remarks in his diary, that 
 these psalms and hymns which he had learned when young 
 were often a comfort to him ; and that whenever his thoughts 
 recurred to them, he remembered his pious mother "with 
 much affection and many tears." Of his boyhood we know 
 very little, except that he assisted his father in agricultural 
 pursuits. In this situation, the kind and accommodating 
 disposition, for which he was so distinguished in maturer 
 years, secured to him the esteem of ail who knew him. 
 
 An apparently trivial occurrence, which took place about 
 the sixteenth year of his age, was overruled by Providence 
 so as to give a new direction to his thoughts in reference to 
 his future calling. On one occasion, when riding across the 
 Potomac, he fell in and contracted a violent cold, which, for 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 27 
 
 a long time, seriously affected his health. Being thus dis- 
 qualified for the laborious pursuits of husbandry he pur- 
 posed, if possible, to obtain a classical education as a means 
 of temporal support. This bodily indisposition also awaken- 
 ed him to serious reflection in reference to the concerns of 
 his soul, which, at length, by the grace of God, resulted in 
 his hopeful conversion. Being led by this providence to 
 peruse the Bible more frequently and attentively, and to 
 apply with more earnestness to the throne of grace than he 
 had done before, he made painful discoveries of his condition 
 as a perishing sinner. In this state of mind he remained 
 for months; instead of gaining any relief from the perform- 
 ance of religious duties, his sins and fears seemed only to 
 increase. At the expiration of nearly two years, seeing that 
 all his own efforts to secure the favour of his offended Ma- 
 ker were ineffectual ; and that the clouds which intervened 
 between his soul and a pardoning God were becoming more 
 gloomy and threatening, he was almost in despair. It was 
 at this moment, when, like Peter, he felt he must perish un- 
 less Jesus helped, that he surrendered himself into the hands 
 of the Saviour, and embraced Him as his only hope and por- 
 tion. Then " old things passed away, all things became 
 new." 
 
 This protracted distress of mind, he attributed to the de- 
 fective mode of his religious instruction at that interesting 
 period. In those days the sinner's obligation and guilt were, 
 generally, not exhibited with the clearness which character- 
 izes these exhibitions now. And he believed, that if the 
 claims of God had been pressed upon his conscience with fi- 
 delity, he would have been brought to surrender his will to 
 the authority of his Maker sooner than he did, and thus have 
 escaped much of the perplexity and distress he experienced. 
 In imparting religious instruction to the awakened, it is, 
 then, of first importance, that it be simple and scriptural. 
 
28 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 A departure from this course may be attended with the most 
 serious results to the convicted sinner. Although the Holy 
 Ghost is the efficient agent in leading him to surrender his 
 heart to the Lord Jesus, he employs the truth as an instru- 
 ment in effecting this object. Hence, if the claims of God, 
 and the sinner's obligation are exhibited obscurely, or with 
 qualifications which neutralize their influence upon the con- 
 science, such a mode of instruction may retard, or alto- 
 gether prevent the conversion of those to whom these exhi- 
 bitions are made. 
 
 As soon as Mr. Patterson felt the joys of God's salvation, 
 he was led to inquire with Paul, "Lord, what wilt thou have 
 me to do?" Anxious to testify his love to the Saviour, and 
 to be instrumental in saving sinners, he believed that it was 
 his duty to serve Christ in the gospel ministry. As a 
 dutiful son, he disclosed this conviction to his parents; but, 
 while the intelligence rejoiced the heart of his pious mother, 
 he received from his father no encouragement for the prose- 
 cution of his design. The services of James were considered 
 necessary to the successful management of the farm, as well 
 as for the stay and solace of his father's declining age; 
 hence, the pecuniary aid requisite for obtaining a classical 
 education was withheld from him. This unexpected result, 
 though most trying, did not turn him aside from the object 
 he had in view. Being influenced with an unquenchable 
 ardour to preach Christ to his fellow men, he resolved to make 
 any sacrifice that was necessary in qualifying himself for 
 this good work. At length he became a member of a classi- 
 cal academy at Shippensburg where he remained till he was 
 prepared for college. 
 
 Jefferson College, of Pennsylvania, was the institution in 
 which he completed his academical course. The circum- 
 stances connected with his journey thither, and the difficulties 
 he had to surmount, so as to enjoy the advantages of this 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 29 
 
 literary institution, show that the subject of this memoir 
 early possessed those traits of character that eminently 
 qualified him for usefulness in the church. When he bade 
 farewell to the scenes of his boyhood and youth, and set his 
 face towards college, unlike many of those of the present day, 
 when on a similar journey, he travelled the whole way on 
 foot. He left the endearments of home, on this occasion, 
 with a little bundle in his hand, and just four dollars in his 
 pocket; but enriched with the benediction of his pious 
 mother, and the smiles and approbation of his covenant God. 
 During his collegiate course, he received little pecuniary aid 
 in the prosecution of his studies besides the avails of his mo- 
 ther's industry and frugality ; and occasional loans which 
 he received from a generous brother-in-law. Then, there 
 was no Education Society to proffer him its friendly aid ; 
 no manual-labour system by which he could sustain him- 
 self while preparing for the sacred office he had in view. 
 He had to struggle against adverse circumstances ; yet, with 
 the blessing of Heaven, his perseverance and habits of econ- 
 omy enabled him to attain the object of his wish. 
 
 The difficulties he experienced in acquiring an education 
 for himself, doubtless, had an influence upon his future his- 
 tory, and led him to sympathise with the poor and pious 
 youth whose heart was set upon preaching the gospel. 
 Often has the candidate for the ministry, embarrassed by his 
 circumstances, so as almost to despair of success, found in 
 Mr. Patterson one to whom he could make known his trying 
 situation with freedom, and who was always ready to afford 
 his counsel and assistance. His timely aid, on these occa- 
 sions, has kept many a young man from yielding to des- 
 pondency, and from abandoning all hope of the ministry. 
 
 What was the character of his emotions when entering 
 upon the novel scenes of a college life, we have no means 
 of ascertaining. No doubt, he was soon convinced that 
 3* 
 
30 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 special watchfulness and prayer were necessary, to fortify 
 him against the temptations and trials incident to his station 
 as a student ; and that without these, whatever literary dis- 
 tinction he might acquire, he would sustain a loss in the de- 
 preciation of his piety. His deportment, while in this insti- 
 tution, was that of a consistent and growing Christian ; and 
 he evinced a willingness to be actively engaged in doing 
 good as he had opportunity. In scholarship he stood above 
 mediocrity. In the languages and natural philosophy, which 
 were his favourite studies, he excelled; and also made re- 
 spectable attainments in the other branches of his college 
 course. He graduated in 1804. 
 
 After leaving his Alma Mater he went to Trenton, N. J., 
 where he was employed for some time as a classical teacher. 
 Thence he removed to Princeton, N. J., to prosecute his theo- 
 logical studies under the direction of Rev. Drs. Henry Kollock 
 and Samuel Stanhope Smith, the latter of whom was at that 
 time President of Princeton College. Mr. Patterson having 
 been appointed tutor in this institution, secured the confi- 
 dence and esteem of the faculty and students of the college, 
 by his dignified and courteous conduct in the discharge of 
 the duties of this office. In this capacity he officiated in the 
 most satisfactory manner for two years, and for the same 
 space pursued the study of divinity. His time being thus 
 occupied, he had comparatively little opportunity for en- 
 gaging in the active pursuits of religion. As yet, indeed, 
 those traits of character, which so distinguished him in sub- 
 sequent years, had not been fully developed. Still, he was 
 recognized as the friend of ardent piety; and when the pious 
 students met in the place appointed for prayer, he was fre- 
 quently present to counsel and encourage them. 
 
 In the autumn of 1808 he was licensed to preach the gos- 
 pel by the Presbytery of New Brunswick; and in June of the 
 following year, he received a call from the Presbyterian 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 31 
 
 church of Bound Brook, N. J. Soon after, he was ordained 
 and installed pastor over this church by the presbytery that 
 licensed him. What his exercises were, upon his being in- 
 vested with this solemn and responsible charge, we cannot 
 tell; since he did not, so far as our knowledge extends, keep 
 a journal at this time : doubtless, they accorded with the sa- 
 credness of the trust committed to him on this interesting 
 occasion. Throughout his whole subsequent life, he dreaded 
 nothing so much as being unfaithful in the duties appertain- 
 ing to his office, and by the grace of God, he was enabled 
 to make full proof of his ministry ; and his labours were 
 crowned with signal and abundant success. 
 
 One who is now a minister of the gospel, occupied the 
 same room with Mr. Patterson in his boarding house for 
 eighteen months immediately after his settlement in Bound- 
 Brook. The person here alluded to, was nearly related to 
 the subject of this memoir, and was at that time, pursuing a 
 course of study preparatory to his introduction to the work 
 of the gospel ministry. In speaking of our friend, he says, 
 " While I was there with him, I never saw any thing else 
 than the minister of Jesus Christ. Besides family worship 
 in the morning and evening at the house where we boarded, 
 we had prayer in our own room ; and there, \fever, I learn- 
 ed to pray in secret, although I had been in the habit of re- 
 peating certain forms. There, he brought me to the first 
 audible attempts at that important duty." 
 
 In the commencement of his ministry, he, like many 
 others, aimed to cultivate a style of sermonizing which 
 would please and fascinate his hearers. And in this he 
 succeeded to some degree ; for it is said, many of his early 
 preparations for the pulpit were written with great care, and 
 finished according to the rules of rhetoric. However, this 
 solicitude merely to gratify and interest his hearers by ele- 
 
32 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 gant compositions, soon yielded to a deep anxiety for their 
 spiritual profit. Since his ministry, at this time, was not 
 attended with much success in the conversion of sinners, he 
 had some misgivings that his style of preaching was an ob- 
 stacle in the way of his usefulness. He determined, there- 
 fore, to alter his course in this respect, and address the con- 
 sciences of his hearers with more simplicity and directness, 
 and to aim less at pleasing their imaginations. In the exe- 
 cution of this purpose, he received essential aid from the 
 counsel of an eminent divine of the city of New York, to 
 whom he had communicated his views on this subject. 
 
 In reference to the kind of composition best adapted to the 
 pulpit, there are two errors. The one, that all elegance of 
 diction and ornament of style ought to be rejected, as incon- 
 sistent with the celestial origin and native grandeur of the 
 gospel ; the other, that the success of the truth depends 
 mainly on its being communicated in flowing and harmo- 
 nious sentences. Each of these extremes has found advo- 
 cates, to the great detriment of evangelical piety. When the 
 preacher communicates the will of heaven to his fellow men, 
 in language unbecoming the dignity of his station as an am- 
 bassador of God, he may look upon himself with compla- 
 cency for being faithful to his trust; yet, he prejudices the 
 cause of truth, and offends the taste of his hearers. But in 
 guarding against this evil, it is not necessary to adopt 
 another equally fatal to the interests of men. If the sword 
 of the Spirit is wielded, when its glittering blade is con- 
 cealed, and its sharp edge blunted, by the embellishments 
 of rhetoric, it will not pierce the sinner's heart, and make 
 him exclaim " God be merciful to me a sinner/ 11 The fol- 
 lowing remarks of a popular writer, in reference to the 
 writers of pious books are applicable to ministers in the com- 
 position of sermons. " May he not be diverted from his 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 33 
 
 main object by an over-attention to elegance, to correctness, 
 to ornament; — all which, indeed, are necessary; for if he 
 would benefit, he must be read ; if he would be read, he must 
 please; if he would please, he must endeavour to excel. 
 But may he not, in taking some, take too much pains to 
 please? * * * May he not use the file too assiduously, 
 and by over-labour in smoothing the asperities of his style, 
 diminish the force of his meaning, and polish honest vigour 
 into unprofitable elegance?" It was the aim of the subject 
 of this memoir, to guard against this " unprofitable ele- 
 gance ;" and if in the accomplishment of this purpose he paid 
 too little attention to his style, let his ardent desire to benefit 
 his hearers, and the success that has crowned his efforts as 
 a preacher, be his apology. 
 
 The following circumstance illustrates the change that had 
 now taken place in his pulpit performances. When preach- 
 ing, on one occasion, he described the character of the sin- 
 ner so accurately, that one of his hearers, supposing he 
 alluded to him, suspected his pious wife of aiding the 
 preacher in portraying his character. Having protested as 
 to her innocence of the charge, he said, " then my neigh- 
 bour must have told him." Others, also, complained of his 
 having become too close and personal in his preaching ; but 
 instead of being deterred from duty by these murmurs, he 
 applied himself with more zeal and energy to the work of 
 saving souls. He lectured with more frequency at private 
 houses, and as a consequence, larger assemblies waited 
 upon his instructions in the sanctuary; and the enlighten- 
 ing and sanctifying influences of the Spirit accompanied his 
 preaching. 
 
 A favourite method of doing good, adopted by Mr. Patter- 
 son, was to avail himself of every striking event of provi- 
 dence, to call up the attention of the people to the truths of 
 the Bible, and to impress their minds with the importance of 
 
34 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 eternal things. One of these occurrences took place during 
 his settlement in Bound Brook. The Raritan, on the banks 
 of which this village is situated, became so high in conse- 
 quence of an unusually heavy rain, as to overflow its banks 
 and inundate Bound Brook. This visitation, as might be 
 supposed, greatly alarmed the inhabitants. The darkness 
 of night, the blowing of horns, which was the signal of dis- 
 tress, and the noise of the rowing of boats passing to and 
 fro, for the relief of those in danger, heightened the terror of 
 the scene. On the 'next Sabbath the preacher made an im. 
 provement of this impressive event, by reminding his hearers 
 of the deluge of wrath which was coming upon an ungodly 
 world. He described the scenes of the last great day, and 
 pointed sinners to Jesus as the only ark of safety ; and some 
 of his most forcible illustrations, on this occasion, were 
 drawn from the calamity with which they had been visited 
 a few days before. The effect produced upon the congre- 
 gation by this appeal was overwhelming, and it is spoken of 
 to this day with interest, by those who heard it. 
 
 During his settlement in Philadelphia, the awfully grand 
 meteoric phenomenon of "the falling stars," which was 
 witnessed so extensively in this country, afforded another 
 favourable opportunity for arousing the attention of the 
 careless to lay to heart the things that belong to their peace. 
 Many were alarmed by this event, supposing the final con- 
 flagration and the last great day was at hand. Although 
 he knew these fears were groundless, he embraced this pro- 
 pitious season to urge sinners to prepare to meet their God in 
 judgement.* Several other striking incidents occurred during 
 
 • This splendid meteoric phenomenon of Nov. 13th, 1833, was 
 seen in many parts of the United States. In a few days after its 
 appearance accounts were received in Philadelphia, that it had 
 been witnessed along- the whole coast, from Boston to Norfolk, a 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 35 
 
 his ministry, of which he made a similar improvement; 
 some of these will be laid before the reader in the progress 
 of this work. 
 
 distance of nearly 700 miles. A writer in the National Gazette, 
 Philadelphia, thus describes this brilliant scene: 
 
 " About a quarter past 5 o'clock this morning", being- awake, a 
 blaze of light filled the window, which in all respects resembled 
 the effect produced by a flash of lightning*. I was soon informed 
 that there was an uncommon appearance of * shooting stars.' In 
 order to obtain a full view of this brilliant scene, I took a position 
 in the open air, and, in conjunction with a person near me, count- 
 ed the number that appeared in five minutes. The number 
 amounted to eighty at least; but, as sometimes several would fall 
 at one time, and frequently in opposite portions of the heavens, 
 it is most probable that many escaped our observation. I cannot 
 say at what time in the morning they began to be in such num- 
 bers; but even had they appeared one hour before my first obser- 
 tions, as some were yet visible at half past six o'clock, we may 
 estimate the whole period of their continuance at two and a half 
 hours. During this time, allowing eighty to have appeared in 
 five minutes throughout, the number of descending meteors must 
 have amounted to upwards of two thousand, (2,160.) In every 
 respect they resembled the phenomena of shooting stars observed 
 when the sky is clear, the stars shining brilliantly, and the wind 
 high. The line of descent was rectilinear, the course from the 
 direction of the zenith towards the horizon, and most generally 
 in a line varying from 10 to 45 degrees from a vertical line. 
 Many fell in a direction directly downward toward the earth. 
 Much diversity of size, and of the degrees of brilliancy was ob- 
 served: whilst many, in their sudden transit, would exhibit only 
 a train of pale light, but well defined; others, bursting suddenly 
 upon the sight, would blaze splendidly through the whole extent 
 of their course, impressing the eye for a few moments with the 
 appearance of a brilliant line of light. Judging from the blaze of 
 light which filled my window, as above alluded to, I would ven- 
 ture to state that some were so large and brilliant as to diffuse a 
 strong light through the atmosphere, and upon the ground, and 
 objects thereon. It was impossible to witness these appearances 
 without being strongly impressed with the splendour and sublimity 
 of the scene." 
 
 The following is an extract from Professor Olmstead's descrip- 
 tion of it, as it appeared at New Haven, Connecticut. 
 
 " To form some idea of the phenomenon, the reader may 
 imagine a constant succession of fire-balls, resembling sky-rock- 
 ets, radiating in all directions from a point in the heavens near the 
 zenith, and following the arch of the sky towards the horizon. 
 They proceeded to various distances from the radiating point, 
 
36 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 While thus diligent and laborious in the immediate du- 
 ties of his sacred calling, the intellectual improvement of 
 the community among whom his lot was cast was not 
 overlooked. This, he considered, as every judicious min- 
 ister does, an important auxiliary to religion. Wishing, 
 therefore, to elevate the standard of education in Bound Brook, 
 he exerted his influence to establish and sustain a select semi- 
 nary in that place. While he was making efforts to obtain 
 a competent teacher, Providence directed his attention to a 
 stranger who had just arrived in town in the stage, and who 
 intended to tarry with his fellow-passengers at the inn for the 
 night. Mr. Patterson, perceiving the profanity of his fellow- 
 travellers, invited this young man to accompany him to his 
 lodgings, and to abide there till the morning. It was soon 
 discovered that this person possessed the requisite moral 
 and literary qualifications for taking charge of the school; 
 and he was, therefore, employed as teacher of this institution. 
 In this capacity he remained for some time, and at length, 
 through the Christian kindness and faithfulness of his min- 
 isterial friend, he united with the church, and became one 
 of its most useful members. He afterward pursued a regu- 
 
 leaving after them a vivid stream of light, and usually exploded 
 before they disappeared. The balls were of various sizes, and 
 degrees of splendor: some were mere points, but others were 
 larger and brighter than Jupiter or Venus, and one, seen by a 
 credible witness before the writer was called, was judged to be 
 nearly as large as the moon. The flashes of light, though less in- 
 tense than lightning, were so bright as to awaken people in their 
 beds. One ball that shot off in the northwest direction and ex- 
 ploded near the star Capella, left, just behind the place of explo- 
 sion, a phosphorescent train of peculiar beauty. This line was 
 at first nearly straight, but it shortly began to contract in length, 
 and dilate in breadth, and to assume the figure of a serpent fold- 
 ing itself up 5 until it appeared like a small luminous cloud of va- 
 pour. This cloud was borne eastward by the wind, opposite to 
 the direction in which the meteor had proceeded, remaining in 
 sight several minutes. The light was usually white, but was oc- 
 casionally prismatic, with a predominance of blue." 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 37 
 
 lar course of theological studies and became a missionarv 
 among the Osages. 
 
 This interesting fact shows thai our friend, in the early 
 part of his ministry, availed himself of opportunities for 
 doing good that would have escaped the notice of others ; 
 and to this practice, which he continued till the close of life, 
 we doubt not, is to be attributed much of his success. Many 
 ministers would have passed by this stranger, without ma- 
 king an effort to rescue him from the wicked, into whose 
 company he had been accidentally thrown. But this man of 
 God, like Lot, on another occasion, invited him to partici- 
 pate in the hospitality of his home; and the happy result of 
 this benevolent act, enforces the duty enjoined by the Apos- 
 tle ; " Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby 
 some have entertained angels unawares." 
 
 About this time, the pernicious custom of furnishing in- 
 toxicating liquors at funerals, which prevailed so generally, 
 and which was common in the congregation of Bound Brook, 
 arrested his attention and called forth his animadversions. 
 He saw the incongruity of such a practice with the funeral 
 solemnities; but was grieved, chiefly, because it counteracted 
 the influence of the impressive call of Providence, by ren- 
 dering the conscience insensible to the warnings that sounded 
 from the tomb. He purposed, therefore, if possible, to effect a 
 change among his people on this subject. To this end, he 
 announced from the pulpit, that if liquor was furnished at 
 funerals to which he was invited, he would not officiate un- 
 der these circumstances. It was not long, however, before 
 his firmness, as to this decision, was tested. Being request- 
 ed to perform a funeral service at the house of one of his 
 most respectable parishioners, the intoxicating beverage was 
 introduced, according to custom. But the decision, previ- 
 ously published by the pastor from the sacred desk, was firmly 
 adhered to; and soon this unseemly practice was abolished. 
 4 
 
38 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 While this reformation was in progress, an intemperate 
 man died at one of the taverns in this village, and Mr. Pat- 
 terson was solicited to preach on the occasion. Supposing 
 there would be many of similar character with the deceased 
 at the funeral, he chose for his text, " the way of trans- 
 gressors is hard." He preached with characteristic bold- 
 ness and fidelity to those who were walking in the drunkard's 
 steps, and warned them to flee from the wrath to come. 
 
 The plans of Providence were now maturing for the re- 
 moval of this faithful herald of salvation to a more extensive 
 field of labour and usefulness; but before the evolution of 
 these schemes, the prospects looked dark and lowering. 
 The lax mode of admitting children to the ordinance of bap- 
 tism, which obtained very extensively in that day, was ad- 
 vocated by the session and many of the congregation of 
 Bound Brook. Parents, neither of whom were members in 
 full communion with the church, had been in the habit of 
 presenting their children for baptism, and of having them in- 
 troduced into the church by this initiatory ordinance. This 
 practice had long prevailed in this place, and had received the 
 sanction of great and venerable names. Mr. Patterson, how- 
 ever, made many, but as the event proved, fruitless efforts to 
 convince the people of the impropriety as well as of the per- 
 nicious consequences of such a course. His views of the 
 solemn vows that parents took upon them when devoting 
 their offspring to God in baptism, were such as led him to 
 require that, at least, one of them should be a professed 
 disciple of Christ. In his estimation, the conduct of non- 
 professing parents when presenting their children at the altar 
 to receive the seal of the covenant was solemn mockery, and 
 adapted only to bring this ordinance of the gospel into disre- 
 pute. He maintained that such persons, either in implied, or 
 express terms, promised to do what they in reality did not 
 purpose to do ; and that to promise under these solemn cir- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 39 
 
 cumstances, was a species of perjury. To one who made 
 application to have his child baptized, Mr. Patterson remark- 
 ed, " If I were an unconverted person, I would sooner cut 
 off my right arm, than take such solemn vows as are im- 
 plied in offering a child to God in baptism." On one occa- 
 sion, his refusal to administer this ordinance without the re- 
 quisites already stated, was the means of awakening a care- 
 less father to a sense of his condition as a sinner; and ulti- 
 mately of leading him to Christ in the exercise of living faith. 
 Such being his views of this solemn transaction, he could 
 not, conscientiously, conform to the existing practice on this 
 subject.* 
 
 * The following incident, illustrative of Mr. Patterson's views 
 on this subject, occurred during his settlement in Philadelphia. 
 At the close of a prayer meeting, held at a private house, a man 
 who was particularly attentive in time of service approached him, 
 and in a very courteous and sincere manner asked him to baptize 
 his child. Upon being interrogated if he were a professing Chris- 
 tian, he answered he was not. Then, said the minister, I cannot 
 baptize your child. The man in astonishment inquired into the 
 reason. ' Mr. Patterson, as he was wont to do, entered into a fa- 
 miliar explanation of the nature and design of the ordinance, and 
 the import and solemnity of the vows parents made when they 
 dedicated their offspring to God in this ordinance. "If," said 
 he to the man, "you and I were to make a bargain respecting 
 any property, we'would have a written agreement drawn up, and 
 signed and sealed by the proper officer. This signature would 
 make the contract binding in law. But suppose we should go to 
 the magistrate with a blank paper and ask him to sign and seal 
 it, how strange would such conduct appear. He would say, what 
 good will my signature do there ? Make your bargain, and have it 
 committed to writing, and then I will authenticate it by affixing the 
 official seal. Go then," said Mr. Patterson to the man, "and hon- 
 estly and solemnlv covenant with God to bring up your child for 
 Him, and to pray with and for it, and instruct it in the way it should 
 go, and then, as the minister of Christ, commissioned to teach and 
 baptize, I will affix the seal of the covenant by administering this 
 ordinance to your child. But if you are not converted, if you 
 have not dedicated yourself to God, how can you dedicate your 
 child to Him ? or how could you perform the solemn vows taken 
 upon vou before the altar at its baptism ?" With these and simi- 
 lar remarks, Mr. Patterson urged upon the attention of this 
 thoughtless man, the necessity of personal piety to the fakhful 
 
40 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Owing to the difference of opinion between himself and 
 people on this important subject, he resigned his pastoral 
 charge. This step, always fraught with momentous conse- 
 quences to both pastor and people, was not taken without 
 much prayer and deliberation; and not even then, without a 
 painful struggle. Having laboured in the church at Bound 
 Brook for several years, there mutually existed between him 
 and his flock a strong attachment. Here, he first felt the 
 pressure of responsibility as a herald of the cross, and pray- 
 ed and toiled for the enlargement of Zion and the conversion 
 of immortal souls. Here, he had often dispensed the sym- 
 bols of a Saviour's love among the people of God, and anima- 
 ted them in their Christian pilgrimage by the hopes and con- 
 solations of the gospel. Here too, he had often raised his 
 warning voice, and with tears besought the wanderer from 
 God and happiness to turn from his evil ways and live; and 
 the Master approved his fidelity by giving him great success 
 in his sacred calling. During his labours among this peo- 
 ple, the church enjoyed several special seasons of divine in- 
 fluence; and, when reviewing this part of his ministry, he 
 makes this record, " It pleased the Great Head of the 
 Church to bless my poor labours while there." 
 
 Some time previously to this, Mr. Patterson had been 
 united in marriage to Miss Sarah Coe, a lady of highly re- 
 spectable connexions in Newark, N. J., in whom he found 
 one peculiarly adapted to his own temperament, and possess- 
 ed, in an eminent degree, of those qualifications which fitted 
 her for the station she was destined to occupy. These, being 
 happily developed, through the long and successful min- 
 
 discharge of parental duty; and that, without this, the offering of 
 his child to God in baptism would be an empty ceremony. This 
 interview satisfied him that he had not duly considered the 
 subject; and that the conduct of the minister, in not complying- 
 with his request, was right. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 41 
 
 istry of her husband, have justly secured to her the confi- 
 dence and affection of a most numerous circle of friends ; 
 and they continue still, amid the affecting scenes through 
 which she has been called to pass, in undiminished lustre to 
 adorn the religion of Christ. Hitherto, Mr. Patterson had 
 not enjoyed the satisfaction of occupying his own dwelling, 
 although arrangements to this end were now nearly com- 
 pleted. The house selected as his future habitation, had 
 been prepared in a neat and comfortable style ; and expec- 
 tations of a pleasing and permanent abode among this peo- 
 ple were present to his mind. But all these anticipations were 
 dissipated by the voice of Providence, which said, " Arise 
 and depart, for this is not your rest." It was natural then that 
 he should have great heaviness of heart in resisnin°- this 
 charge, endeared to him by so many tender and sacred recol- 
 lections; and where he anticipated much enjoyment and suc- 
 cess in his pastoral labours. But painful and trying as this 
 duty was, he resolved to sacrifice his ease and comfort, rather 
 than forego the approbation of his conscience and his God. 
 He felt that the maintenance of the purity of the church was a 
 duty that the minister durst not neglect, though his faithful- 
 ness might subject him to personal inconvenience and loss. 
 Hence, when he discovered that his efforts to change this 
 practice, so discordant, in his opinion, with the genius of the 
 gospel, were not only fruitless, but a source of uneasiness to 
 some of his congregation, he made application to the Pres- 
 bytery to dissolve the pastoral connexion existing between 
 him and the church at Bound Brook. His request was 
 granted; and accordingly he ceased to be the pastor of the 
 church where he commenced his labours in the gospel 
 ministry. 
 
 In the resignation of Mr. Patterson's pastoral charge, and 
 the dismission of the Rev. Jonathan Edwards from North- 
 ampton, there is a striking coincidence. When Mr. Edwards 
 4* 
 
42 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 settled in Northampton, he had some hesitation in admitting 
 to the communion of the church, persons who did not give 
 evidence of piety ; yet his views on the subject were not so 
 clear as to justify him in adopting a course at variance with 
 the practice established by his grandfather and predecessor, 
 the Rev. Mr. Stoddard. At length, however, after further 
 examination, he became satisfied that none ought to approach 
 the Lord's table who were not, in the judgment of charity, the 
 true friends of Jesus Christ. As soon as these were known 
 to be his sentiments, his parishioners, with a few exceptions, 
 vehemently demanded his dismission. So intent were they 
 upon this object, that they were unwilling to allow him an 
 opportunity to explain or defend his opinions, though he im- 
 portunately solicited this privilege. The people among whom 
 he had laboured for nearly twenty-four years with much suc- 
 cess, and who, from time to time, professed it to be their 
 greatest privilege to have such a minister, now turned against 
 him and thrust him from among them without giving him a 
 hearing. 
 
 Though this attachment to principle subjected these holy 
 men to severe trials for a season, their memories are now 
 revered; and generations unborn shall call them blessed. 
 The doctrines and practices for which they contended, have 
 already gained such currency, that few are willing to come 
 forth as the advocates of the lax mode of admitting persons 
 to the ordinances of God's house. 
 
 In this connexion we cannot forbear remarking that the 
 influence of great and good men is sometimes most injurious 
 to the welfare of Zion. The opinions of Mr. Stoddard, who 
 advocated the lax mode of admitting persons to the Lord's 
 table, encouraged the people of Northampton in their oppo- 
 sition to Mr. Edwards. And the sentiments of many emi- 
 nent and pious ministers in reference to the proper subjects 
 of baptism, were an obstacle in the way of Mr. Patterson's 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON". 
 
 43 
 
 usefulness in Bound Brook. Thus, it sometimes occurs, that 
 the young minister is embarrassed in the discharge of his duty, 
 in consequence of the opinions and practices which have been 
 sanctioned by his venerable predecessor ; and at times he has 
 no alternative but to adopt these opinions and practices, how- 
 ever unscriptural in his view, or to abandon the field of use- 
 fulness where Providence has placed him. Should he perse- 
 vere under these circumstances, in maintaining what he con- 
 siders the truth, he is reproached as an innovator ; and the 
 piety, talents, and influence of his predecessor are arrayed 
 against him. If he does not yield to this authority, he must, 
 in some cases, desert the post of duty, or fall a victim to 
 persecution. 
 
44 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Some time after the resignation of his pastoral charge at 
 Bound Brook, Mr. Patterson was called to Philadelphia. On 
 the 27th of September, 1813, he was unanimously elected 
 pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of the Northern 
 Liberties, and on the 11th of January, 1814, was installed 
 over said church and congregation by the Presbytery of 
 Philadelphia. Prior to this, the First Church of the Northern 
 Liberties was connected with the Second Church of the city, 
 which, as a united charge, was under the pastoral supervi- 
 sion of Rev. Dr. J. J. Janeway and the Rev. Thomas H. 
 Skinner. It was thought, however, that the general inter- 
 ests of religion would be more effectually promoted by as- 
 signing the important field, where the First Church N. L. 
 was located, to one whose entire energies might be conse- 
 crated to its cultivation ; and with this view the connexion 
 between these churches was dissolved by the mutual consent 
 of those concerned in such an arrangement. The church of 
 the Northern Liberties was most happy in their choice of 
 such a man as Mr. Patterson, who was, in every sense, 
 qualified for this promising field of labour. Through his 
 instrumentality this moral wilderness soon became fruitful ; 
 and an abundant harvest has been reaped from it to the 
 praise of divine grace. 
 
 In commencing his pastoral labours among this interest- 
 ing, though feeble flock, he must have felt peculiarly solemn 
 in view of the magnitude and responsibility of the work he 
 had undertaken. Though this section of the city was in- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 45 
 
 creasing in population and importance, it presented, at this 
 time, nothing very inviting to the minister who consulted his 
 ease, or sought the honours that come from men. Igno- 
 rance, and vice, its almost invariable concomitant, abound- 
 ed; and the sanctuary and institutions of religion were ne- 
 glected by very many of its inhabitants. The church to 
 which he had been recently called, was composed of but fifty- 
 three communicants, few of whom were efficient labourers 
 in the vineyard of the Lord. And, although the church edi- 
 fice was a neat and commodious building, the number that 
 regularly attended upon religious instruction as here impart- 
 ed, was not very encouraging. 
 
 Such were the scenes which opened to the view of this 
 devoted servant of God when he entered upon his labours as 
 a pastor in Philadelphia. But soon the aspect of his con- 
 gregation was changed through his agency, and the 
 state of things, in this part of the city, began to assume a 
 more favourable appearance. These gratifying results, 
 however, were brought about only in connexion with the 
 most laborious and self-denying efforts. A course of faith- 
 ful visiting from house to house, on which he had entered, 
 was the means of arousing the careless to a concern for the 
 salvation of their souls; and in consequence of these visits, the 
 congregation, on the Sabbath, became unusually large. 
 The place of worship, in which a short time before there 
 was ample space unoccupied, was now found to be too strait 
 for the accommodation of those who attended upon his 
 ministry. 
 
 It now became an interesting question how those who 
 were crowding to hear the word of life could be provided with 
 the means of comfortably waiting upon God in his house. 
 This object, it was supposed, could be secured by the erec- 
 tion of the galleries of the church, which, until this time, 
 were not necessary ; but owing to their limited means, his 
 
4(5 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 people were not able, of themselves, to accomplish this 
 work. Not discouraged by this consideration, Mr. Patterson 
 urged his people to engage in the enterprise;, and also so- 
 licited pecuniary aid from the churches of the city for the 
 same object. This appeal to the churches met with a 
 prompt and favourable response, and at length, the work 
 was completed. 
 
 Being encouraged by the completion of this undertaking, he 
 now applied himself with renewed diligence to the more appro- 
 priate duties of the ministry. And, while he laboured in the 
 pulpit, and from house to house, he was sustained and ani- 
 mated in his work by a few of his people who had agreed 
 to hold up his hands by their prayers and co-operation. 
 It was not long before these efforts were followed by the 
 signal blessing of God. The Holy Spirit, in answer to 
 fervent and importunate prayer, descended upon the congre- 
 gation with convincing and renewing efficiency, and num- 
 bers were led to inquire what they must do to be saved ; and 
 when, in answer to this inquiry, they were told to believe on 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, many obeyed. 
 
 Having thus instrumentally gathered many from the 
 world into the visible church, this devout pastor endeavour- 
 ed to indoctrinate them in the principles of the gospel ; and as 
 the greater portion of these " babes in Christ," were plain 
 and unlettered, he wisely adapted his instructions to their 
 untutored minds. But as the mere acquisition of doctrinal 
 knowledge was, in his opinion, of no special advantage, un- 
 less reduced to practice ; it was his constant endeavour to 
 urge the young convert, as well as the more advanced 
 Christian, to be actively engaged in the cause of the Re- 
 deemer. Having himself experienced the sanctifying power 
 of acting in accordance with this direction, he was the more 
 anxious that his people should pursue a similar course. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 47 
 
 About this period his mind was turned with painful solici- 
 tude to the condition of the rising generation of this part of 
 the city. His frequent visits in the lanes and alleys revealed 
 the intellectual and moral degradation of many parents, and 
 satisfied him, that unless their children had better qualified 
 guardians of their morals, they would be nurtured in igno- 
 rance and vice. This conviction was forced upon him also by 
 facts. He was frequently grieved in witnessing hundreds of 
 poor and ignorant children prowling the streets in every di- 
 rection, and growing up without any of the wholesome re- 
 straints imposed by education and religion. These scenes 
 were peculiarly trying, when witnessed on the Sabbath. 
 His far-reaching and pious mind contemplated with sorrow 
 the consequences of such training upon the future history of 
 these pupils of ignorance and vice, and upon their destiny 
 beyond the grave. When, therefore, he saw them learning 
 to neglect the sanctuary, and profane the name and day of 
 God, the inquiry arose, what can be done to rescue them 
 from the woes to which such a course must inevitably lead? 
 At this time, it is believed, there were no Sunday schools in 
 the city of Philadelphia, organized on the present plan. There 
 had existed, some time prior to this, a society for the encour- 
 agement of schools for the mental improvement of poor 
 children, called "the First-day Society;" but there were 
 no means at hand, adapted, in every sense, to meet the wants 
 of the youthful population referred to. 
 
 While his mind was exercised on this subject, several 
 young ladies belonging to his congregation met at the house 
 of their pastor to spend an evening in social intercourse. Un- 
 like most of these seasons, this was one when moral causes 
 were set in operation, which have, and are still exerting their 
 appropriate and healthful influence on this city. In the course 
 of conversation on this occasion, Mr. Patterson alluded, with 
 expressions of sorrow, to the deplorable condition of a large 
 
48 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 portion of the children of the Northern Liberties, and won- 
 dered that so little was done for their intellectual and moral 
 cultivation. Having spoken of the commendable efforts 
 of a lady of New Brunswick, who had collected a number 
 of poor children in her own house on the Sabbath for in- 
 struction, he addressed those present in his familiar style, 
 thus : " Now girls, don't you think you could get up a 
 Sunday school here? You might do a great deal of good 
 if you would." Though this was to them a new enterprise, 
 several replied, " Yes, we think we can." " Then," said he, 
 " I will mention it to-morrow from the pulpit. Accordingly, 
 this was done, and on the Monday evening following a 
 meeting was held for the purpose of forming a Sabbath, 
 school Association, which should manage the affairs of the 
 schools placed under its care. On the succeeding Sabbath, 
 a school was organized consisting of more than a hundred 
 children, and in a few weeks, many more were added. This 
 effort was commenced in the spring of 1815. 
 
 The Society, whose organization we have just noticed, 
 was called " the Sabbath-school Association of the North- 
 ern Liberties." The views and feelings with which this 
 work was undertaken, may be learned from the following 
 article of its constitution. 
 
 "With a desire to imitate our Great Master, the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, who went about doing good, we whose names 
 are affixed to this constitution, will endeavour, by the grace 
 of God, to search out poor little children, and labour faith- 
 fully with them two hours morning and afternoon, more or 
 less, (as circumstances and Providence may direct,) every 
 Sabbath, praying with them, and teaching them to read the 
 Holy Scriptures, commit hymns, etc. — then go with them 
 to the house of God, where he feeds his lambs, — watch over 
 them during divine service, and tenderly bear them upon 
 our hearts at the throne of his grace." Another article 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. Afx 
 
 49 
 
 says, " while searching out these poor little children, we will 
 endeavour to say a word of kind instruction and reproof to 
 their ungodly parents, when such they have." 
 
 The Sabbath-school Association, thus organized under 
 favourable auspices, and whose success soon led to the for- 
 mation of similar institutions in other parts of Philadelphia, 
 rendered the pastor essential service in enlarging his sphere 
 of usefulness, and contributing to his success in this wide 
 and important field of labour. 
 
 From this history, respecting the origin of Sunday schools 
 in this city, we learn their establishment was mainly to 
 benefit the children of the poor and thoughtless. It was 
 then generally supposed, that no other portion of the rising 
 race needed the instructions of these institutions. Time, how- 
 ever, has rectified, to some extent, this mistake; and parents 
 of piety and wealth gladly avail themselves of the aid afforded 
 by a well-conducted Sunday school, in training up their off- 
 spring in the way they should go. 
 
 Before the settlement of Mr. Patterson in Philadelphia, 
 very little had been done to enlist the friends of piety in ac- 
 tive measures for the salvation of those who were living 
 without God. This duty, it was generally supposed, apper- 
 tained exclusively to the clergy, or, at most, to the elders. 
 The social meeting for prayer and exhortation was generally 
 conducted by those who sustained this office; and, occa- 
 sionally, others of age and experience, to whom, it was 
 thought, this duty might safely be entrusted. It was then 
 considered by many, injudicious to introduce the young 
 man on such occasions; and however pious and humble 
 he may have been, he was led to believe that the modesty 
 becoming a young Christian would dictate that he take no 
 part in these services. This opinion had almost obtained 
 the authority of a law ; and he was viewed as possessing 
 zeal without knowledge, who dared to violate it. This 
 5 
 
£Q MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 being the general state of things in the churches of this 
 city, no marvel that there were so few actively engaged 
 in furthering the interests of the Redeemer ; — no wonder 
 prayer-meetings were so rare. And even the few social 
 meetings that were established, were seldom well attended. 
 The dignified precision that characterized these services 
 rendered them too formal and frigid, to be attractive to ar- 
 dent Christians. 
 
 The lamented subject of this biography, however, intro- 
 duced a new order of things into the Presbyterian Church 
 in Philadelphia. It was his aim, from his settlement here, 
 till the close of his ministry, to engage all possessed of 
 piety and prudence, whether young or old, rich or poor, in 
 plans of active usefulness. Soon after he became the pastor 
 of the First Church of the Northern Liberties, prayer meet- 
 ings were established, and sustained by his people at his 
 instance. At these meetings, in addition to the usual exer- 
 cises of singing and prayer, a portion of Scripture was read, 
 accompanied with remarks of an explanatory or hortatory 
 character; or in lieu of these, an extract from an appropri- 
 ate sermon or religious tract was read. The members of 
 this church were often reminded, in the most solemn and 
 affectionate manner, by their pastor, of their personal re- 
 sponsibility to God, for the manner in which they employed 
 their talents. They were taught, that they had much to do 
 individually, as well as collectively, in rendering his minis- 
 trations among them successful ; and these instructions 
 were sanctioned with the divine blessing. Not only did his 
 people sustain Sunday schools and prayer-meetings ; they 
 were also in the habit of warning the careless of their dan- 
 ger, and inviting them to visit the house of God : and 
 doubtless, much of his success was owing to the important 
 assistance thus rendered by his flock. The church, under 
 such training, became most effective in furthering the cause 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 5 J 
 
 of evangelical piety in the northern section of the city ; and in 
 the process of time, its indirect influence was felt throughout 
 Philadelphia. In various ways Christians now began to co- 
 operate with the officers of their respective churches in the 
 conversion of sinners, and in advancing the cause of truth. 
 
 The prominence of laymen in the prayer-meeting, how- 
 ever, was viewed by many of his co-presbyters as a trespass 
 upon the rights of the clergy, and an unwarrantable liberty 
 with functions appertaining only to the ministry, or at most 
 to the eldership. Hence, the propriety of this " lay-preach- 
 ing," as it was denominated, was warmly controverted for 
 some time in the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and excited 
 much interest among the laity of the city. In this contro- 
 versy, Mr. P. stood alone, except as he was countenanced 
 by the Rev. Jas. P. Wilson, D. D., the Rev. Thomas H. 
 Skinner, D. D., and perhaps one or two others. He could 
 not sanction the views of some of his brethren on this subject, 
 or unite with them in forbidding Christians to exhort sinners 
 who might assemble at the place of social prayer, without 
 violating the dictates of conscience. But having taken this 
 stand, he maintained that the ministry of reconciliation was 
 an office of divine appointment, and that laymen could not 
 exercise any of the functions peculiar to it, without danger 
 to themselves, and prejudice to the general interests of re- 
 ligion. 
 
 Notwithstanding he magnified his office as an ambassador 
 of Christ, in the true sense, he had no sympathy with those 
 who suspected that the dignity of the clergy would suffer in 
 consequence of the zeal and activity of private Christians. 
 While few had attained a more honourable standing as a he- 
 rald of the Cross than he, none had a more perfect disrelish of 
 every thing that savoured of affected dignity. The man 
 who had nothing but his clerical robes to entitle him to the 
 confidence and respect of men, and who feared this claim 
 
52 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 would be invalidated by the efforts of laymen to bring sin- 
 ners to repentance, was the object of his commiseration. 
 Yet he venerated the minister who substantiated his title 
 to the respect of his fellow-men by zealous and self-denying 
 labours in his Master's cause. It was this that invested 
 with dignity the subject of this memoir. No one could see 
 the solemnity of his manner in the pulpit, and hear his 
 thrilling and tender appeals to the sinner, without the con- 
 viction, " this is a man of God." He had no reason to fear 
 that the exertions of his brethren of the laity would interfere 
 with the respect and esteem that a people ought always to 
 entertain for their spiritual guide. 
 
 From the preceding remarks, our readers must not infer 
 that Mr. P. was on all occasions the most judicious in the 
 selection of means for the accomplishment of his pious 
 designs. This would be more than could be said of any 
 man. But, were it conceded that he enlisted in these efforts 
 some who lacked the necessary qualifications, and that the 
 interests of the church would have been better promoted by 
 dispensing with their services, this would not be a valid ob- 
 jection to his main position. It would only illustrate the 
 familiar sentiment, that incidental evils may be connected 
 with the best system. But whatever imperfections may 
 have blended with these efforts, we doubt not, they were 
 more acceptable to God, than that inaction which results 
 from a dread of manifesting zeal, not according to knowledge. 
 The succession of revivals that took place in connexion with 
 this instrumentality, was viewed by him as the testimony of 
 heaven to its utility ; hence, he could not concur with some 
 of his brethren in the propriety of laying it aside. 
 
 During the summer of this year, (1815), Mr. Patterson 
 was engaged for some time in collecting funds for the erec- 
 tion of buildings, &c, for the Princeton Theological Semi- 
 nary. During this agency he wrote the following letters 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 53 
 
 to Mrs. Patterson, who was then on a visit to her parents in 
 Newark, which will be read with interest. They exhibit 
 the character of our friend as the tender father, the affec- 
 tionate husband, and the devoted Christian. 
 
 "Strasburg, Friday, 18th August, 1815. 
 
 " My dearest Sarah: — 
 
 " Last night I arrived at my fathers house, spent part of 
 this day with my dear aged parents, walked a little over the 
 old place, and sighed and left it. To visit my aged parents 
 is a grateful feeling ; but I often sigh to be back preaching 
 the gospel to my own people. My parents are as well as 
 might be expected — my father fails fast. It grieves me to 
 the heart to think that he is still so much attached to this 
 world. To-morrow (God willing), I go up to Conoco- 
 cheague to preach on Sabbath preparatory to begging 
 again. Unless I have an opportunity of preaching on the 
 Sabbath, and explaining a little, it fatigues me excessively, 
 and delays me also in every house to relate my business. 
 In the congregation of Carlisle I got more than $300. 
 
 " The people here are very dead as it relates to religion. 
 I o-o nowhere, where I see as much religion and zeal as 
 amongst my own people; although 1 do sometimes scold 
 them, when I see them do so little for Him who died to save 
 our wretched souls. I feel unusually solemn this clay look- 
 ing at the ravages which time has made here. Many are 
 gone who used to be here, and some awfully gone to eter- 
 nity. I sincerely sigh for the bosom of my family and con- 
 gregation. I am here alone. My dear Sarah, I have not 
 heard a word from you since I left you. I never believed 
 before, family attachments were so strong. I think of you, 
 think of your features, how you look, and say, Is it possible 
 I was so attached to you, and so insensible till now ? Tis 
 well said, ' that separation makes us realise friendship.' I 
 feel exceedingly anxious to see little William Halsted. I 
 often think and sigh, whilst I think when I used to scold 
 him, how he would" put up that little hand before his face. 
 I often think of clear little George Whitefield ; but his fea- 
 tures are not so impressed on my mind as those of William. 
 How solemnly, melancholy, I feel when I seem to hear little 
 William running to my study door, saying Pa! Pa! 
 5* 
 
54 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " ! how many interesting and endearing things in a 
 loving and intelligent family to beguile time! O how- 
 rapid our time. My dear Sarah, how many things have 
 you and I reason to bless God for. I have seen nobody's 
 situation, or circumstances, since I left home, that I would 
 change for my own. I suspect there is not much danger 
 that 1 will stay longer than my first contemplated time from 
 my people, unless I should chance to go to Newark before 
 I go to Philadelphia. 
 
 "I think if I travel again, it will be with my family. 
 This way is too great a sacrifice of feeling indeed. 
 
 " My dearest Sarah, Strasburg has not the charms that 
 it had last year. No consideration would induce me to 
 visit the high peak on the mountain here now. That ex- 
 tensive prospect would only afford pain by bringing to my 
 mind the pleasures it gave on a former occasion, with my 
 dearest earthly friend. Oh ! that little tree-top in which we 
 sat together and looked on many a hill and dale ! 
 
 " 1 feel unusually solemn and melancholy this evening. 
 It would afford me an indescribable pleasure to see you. 
 The world appears a blank to me, and I sigh and grieve 
 at the gain-seeking disposition of all this people, whilst 
 the pleasures of learning, and the anticipated glories of 
 immortality are neglected and despised. Oh! what infa- 
 tuation ! 
 
 " Sometimes I sigh (I think sincerely,) to be away from 
 this world, and be at rest. I think, so far as I know my 
 mind, nothing would keep me here except you and our dear 
 little children. Oh, my dearest Sarah, take a little time 
 every day to bear our dear little children to the throne of 
 grace. God never said to the seed of Jacob, ' Seek ye me' 
 in vain. And may the good will of Him that dwelt in the 
 bush be with you and them ! 
 
 " Adieu, my love. P. 
 
 " I think about next Thursday week I will take the 
 stage at Chambersburg for Philadelphia, whether I get much 
 or little. If I get little, I'll say to Sarah, as Cincinnatus did 
 to Atilia, ' I fear, my Atilia, that for this year our little field 
 must remain unsown.' So he left the plough to head the 
 army. So I fear, my Sarah, the money of this presbytery 
 must remain ungathered this year." 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 55 
 
 " Chambersburg, Saturday evening, 2Gth August, 1815. 
 
 '* My dearest Sarah : — 
 
 " Yesterday I got your letter at Strasburg. It did my 
 lieart good, short as it was. I looked at the ' mountains of 
 Strasburg,' but have not rode on them, though I have, I 
 trust, collected health from every breeze, — whilst I honestly 
 wished ; dear you' was along. I never have, whilst at my 
 father's, experienced such a void in my happiness as I do 
 this time. I feel I want a friend, my dear Sarah, who is 
 not here. I believe that separation for a while tightens th^ 
 bonds of friendship, but it is a painful way of tightening 
 them. 
 
 " I shall early next week clear out. The religion of this 
 country, I think, is getting weaker and weaker, and colder 
 and colder. Rev. John McKnight has received an invitation 
 to go and be a colleague with Dr. Muir, of Alexandria. 
 
 " I suspect I 'II not succeed well here; a jealousy sticks 
 in the minds of many, because the school was not located 
 here. 
 
 " It appears that the people of this place drew up and 
 signed a bond of SI 0,000, and sent it to the GJeneral Assem- 
 bly, offering to collect so much, provided the school was 
 located here; and it appears from the representation of the 
 people here, that some person in the General Assembly as- 
 serted that the people of Chambersburg were notable to pay 
 that much, and it has given great offence to the high-fliers 
 here to be reckoned so cheap ; and I expect I shall get little 
 to-morrow. I'll try them, however. 
 
 " Monday morning. The session (I believe with a view r 
 to thwart it) overruled my laying a subscription on the table, 
 and taking money in that way, and thought that to publish 
 that, on the ensuing Lord's clay, a collection would be taken 
 up, would be best. I had to yield. I preached in the Methodist 
 church in the evening, and a collection was taken up there 
 for us amounting to Si 1 .25. To-morrow morning 1 take the 
 stage to Baltimore. Hope deferred maketh the heart sad. 
 I am sick, in the midst of health ; and alone, in the midst of 
 friends. I painfully long to be with my family. How 
 often ! how often I think of that little hand of William, put- 
 ting before his face when I used to scold him. I think of 
 
56 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 dear little Whitefield, — but most of all, my dear Sarah, I 
 think of you. No consideration will separate me so long 
 from my family again. My mind becomes light and vain 
 travelling, and every thing in this country contributes to it. 
 There is nothing here but rise early and work, and lie down 
 late from work. God appears not to be in all their thoughts, 
 save a few sanctimonious looks on the Sabbath. Often I 
 think of those lines of Colonel Gardiner, rising up without 
 the thoughts of God. The birds, says he, 
 
 from their temperate sleep awake, and pay 
 
 Their thankful anthems for the new-born day : 
 But man, more void of gratitude, awakes, 
 And gives no thanks for the sweet rest he takes; 
 Looks on the glorious sun's new-kindled flame, 
 Without one thought of Him from whom it came. 
 * * * * * * * 
 
 The wretch unhallowed does the day begin, 
 Shakes off his sleep, but shakes not off his sin. 
 
 " I expect to spend one day in Baltimore — arrive there 
 to-morrow evening, and on Wednesday evening take the 
 steamboat for Philadelphia, and in the beginning of the 
 following week, the good Lord willing, I hope to see you. 
 
 " My dearest Sarah, let us not forget each other at the 
 throne of grace; and when there, may we use a holy bold- 
 ness for our dear little children. Adieu, my love. 
 
 " Increasingly yours, P." 
 
 While on this agency, he spent a Sabbath with the 
 Presbyterian Church near Shippensburg, in the presbytery 
 of Carlisle. In the morning he preached on the subject of 
 his agency, and, as usual with him, presented a subscrip- 
 tion paper during the interval of worship for contributions. 
 An individual, a member of the church, of considerable wealth, 
 but of known penuriousness and opposition to all the calls of 
 benevolence, presented him with a §3 bank note, with the 
 remark, " I don't know whether this note is good or bad ; 
 but as you have told us, Mr. Patterson, that you are the 
 Lord's treasurer, I suppose you can tell what will pass with 
 him." The remark was made in a tone of insult ; but not 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 57 
 
 a word or look of resentment was returned by Mr. Patter- 
 son. His short reply was, " I will take it, and thank you 
 for it in so far as it has worth !" The man appeared dis- 
 appointed that his design of enkindling the agent's wrath 
 had been frustrated, and with no small degree of tartness 
 added, " You have given us a begging sermon this morning, 
 I hope you will give us a gospel sermon this afternoon." 
 " I will," was the response. The text which he took in the 
 afternoon was John viii. 44, " Ye are of your father the devil, 
 and the lusts of your father ye will do." It was acknow- 
 ledged by all who heard it, to be a most pungent dealing 
 with the consciences of his hearers. 
 
 He alludes in his letter of August 26th, to a difficulty in 
 obtaining funds in Chambersburor, Pa., for the Princeton 
 Theological Seminary. The cause of that difficulty was 
 this. Very liberal proposals of a beautiful lot, with SI 0,000, 
 was made by some wealthy gentlemen in that place to the 
 Assembly, to induce them to locate the school in that region. 
 Certain doctors in the church, however, had determined 
 that Princeton should be the place of location ; for when the 
 proposals, which had been sent out, came before the Assem- 
 bly, some insinuated the inability of the subscribers to meet 
 their engagements ; and some threw out the supposition that 
 when the theological students had finished their course of 
 study, they would find employment in the mills of the town 
 and vicinity of which mention was made in the proposals, 
 &c. A member of the Assembly, an elder, indignant at 
 such insinuations, arose and said, that if doubt existed on 
 the mind of any member as to the validity of the sub- 
 scriptions, he was ready to give his check for the $10,000, 
 on the acceptance of the proposals. This declaration, it is 
 needless to say, silenced the objectors. The Assembly, how- 
 ever, was hurried to the decision of the case, and as every 
 thing had been previously arranged, Princeton was fixed 
 
58 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 on as the location of the proposed seminary. These cir- 
 cumstances, it is probable, Mr. Patterson did not know, or 
 he would not have ventured to solicit contributions in this 
 region. 
 
 Some time after this, when on a visit to that part of the 
 country, he spent a night with the family of a ministerial 
 brother. While reading a chapter at evening worship, he 
 paused, and turning to a white servant in the family who 
 was near to him, inquired, " What is your name?" The 
 reply was, " Mary." " Well, Mary," said he, " if you was 
 to die to-night, do you think you would go to heaven ?" 
 " I think not," said the girl. " Well, do you think you 
 would go to hell?" "I think not," was the answer. He 
 straightened himself, put on one of those solemn counte- 
 nances for which he was well known, and looking directly 
 in her face, said, " Well, is not this very strange? Heaven 
 and hell are the only two places to which you can go when 
 you die, and yet you don't think you would go to either. Is 
 it not very strange, Mary r" He went on ; finished the 
 chapter ; and in prayer spread out the case of this girl in 
 particular. She has been for some time a professor of reli- 
 gion, and dates her first religious impressions to that appeal 
 made to her. 
 
 This was his fort. He accomplished more by ruch plain 
 dealing in private, than by his preaching, much as the latter 
 was blessed. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 59 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Mr. Patterson had been settled in Philadelphia about 
 two years before he commenced his diary; and owing to 
 his frequent absence from home to labour in protracted 
 meetings, and in obedience to other calls of duty, this re- 
 cord was interrupted, sometimes for successive weeks and 
 months. Though we cannot but regret this omission, it will 
 not interfere materially, with the design of this work. His 
 journal, defective as it is, together with communications re- 
 ceived from ministers and others who knew him, affords 
 ample materials for laying before our readers a full and 
 faithful history of his labours and success in the ministry. 
 This record will furnish the best means of learning the cha- 
 racter of the subject of this biography. 
 
 In the beginning of the year 1816, his church was fa- 
 voured with a copious outpouring of the Spirit. This was 
 the most powerful, extensive and glorious revival that had 
 been witnessed in this city for many years before. As on 
 the day of Pentecost, so during this effusion of the Holy 
 Spirit, some mocked, some opposed, and some inquired 
 what they must do to be saved. This work was preceded 
 by the appointment of a prayer-meeting, held on Monday 
 evenings, for the purpose of supplicating the reviving influ- 
 ences of the Spirit of God. In Mr. Patterson's own lan- 
 guage, these meetings " vastly increased in attendance and 
 solemnity." These indications rendered it important to have 
 religious service every evening, so as to satisfy the cravings 
 of those who hungered for the bread of life ; and so deep 
 
QQ MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 was the interest felt during this revival, that these meetings 
 were continued for seventy successive evenings. 
 
 At first, some members of the church could not sympa- 
 thise with their pastor in his expectations of an abundant 
 blessing, but in the language of unbelief said, " Behold, if the 
 Lord would make windows in heaven might this thing be ;" 
 while others, during the progress of the work, intimated that 
 these strange things were not the products of the convincing 
 and renewing agency of the Divine Spirit. This conduct, 
 on the part of professed Christians, emboldened the wicked to 
 resist the truth, and to predict the speedy termination of the 
 excitement. But, notwithstanding these adverse influences, 
 Mr. Patterson assures us that the good work went forward. 
 Conviction seized the minds of sinners, and in the course 
 of eight or nine days, unbelieving professors repented of 
 their sin, and engaged in the work ; while the ungodly, 
 awed into silence, began to tremble in view of their peril- 
 ous condition. 
 
 Several things occurred during this season which were 
 overruled by the Disposer of events to arrest the attention 
 of the careless, and to impress their minds with the impor- 
 tance of eternal things. He makes the following record of 
 one of these occurrences. 
 
 "While I was pressing sinners in the lecture-room to 
 come to Christ, an aged female came forward and kneit 
 down before me. For a moment I was confused by being 
 placed in these circumstances. Having recovered from this 
 perturbation of mind, 1 said, let us pray that Christ may ac- 
 cept the offering of this woman, who wishes to dedicate her- 
 self to him. This produced an unusual degree of feeling 
 among saints and sinners." 
 
 On February 19th, 1816, he describes the character of 
 the meeting of the preceding evening thus : 
 
 "Last night was a very solemn season, the most awful time 
 which we have witnessed. God was in very deed in the midst 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. qi 
 
 of the assembly. Many new cases of deep conviction. The 
 whole congregation was bathed in tears, and the house seemed 
 
 to be filled as with a rushing mighty wind. Miss M cried 
 
 out, ' Lord have mercy upon me, Lord have mercy upon 
 me! O what shall I do to be saved?' Last night made 
 seventy-six evenings during which we have had religious 
 service in our church, and it is supposed, that from seven 
 hundred to one thousand attended on each evening."* 
 
 Under the same date he says, 
 
 ; ' Mr. C. has just been to converse with me. He says he 
 obtained comfort on Sabbath evening a week, as I was 
 preaching from the text, ' Ye are of your father the devil, 
 and the lusts of your lather ye will do.'" 
 
 Such a discourse as Mr. Patterson must have preached 
 from this text, would be considered by short-sighted man, 
 very inappropriate to inspire the convicted sinner with peace 
 and comfort. Yet from the fact just stated, we learn that 
 the Spirit can and, sometimes, does use the terrors of the 
 Lord to persuade men to come to the Saviour for life. On 
 the clay of Pentecost the Holy Spirit employed the most 
 pointed reproofs in bringing men to the knowledge and 
 acknowledgment of the truth. The cross of Christ is, in- 
 deed, the grand instrument by which a sovereign God 
 
 * These indeed were novel scenes in the Presbyterian Church 
 in Philadelphia, and also to Mr. Patterson, as his confusion on the 
 occasion indicated. There appears to have been no effort on the 
 part of the pastor to lead these individuals to act as they did. Both 
 seem to have been under the powerful influence of truth as en- 
 forced by the Spirit, and this led the one to take her place before 
 the desk, and the other to cry aloud for mercy. It is probable that 
 these strange things prejudiced the minds of some against the wont, 
 and disposed them to view the conduct of these persons as the 
 effervescence of animal excitement, rather than the result of clear 
 conviction of sin. A similar objection, however, may be urged 
 against the genuineness of the wonderful revival that" took place 
 after the Saviour's ascension to heaven. The presence of the in- 
 spired apostles, and the displays of divine power and grace, did 
 not shield this effusion of the Spirit from the false imputations of 
 unbelievers. 
 
 6 
 
02 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 slays the enmity of the human heart, and brings it under 
 the dominion of celestial love ; nor is it improbable, that 
 such a motive may have been presented in some part of the 
 discourse alluded to, by which this awakened sinner was 
 brought to submission. But to return to the diary. 
 
 "About four evenings ao;o, C. W., a young woman, 
 while in meeting, was overpowered with a sense of her sins 
 and impending danger, as she afterward told me, and under 
 the pressure, her bodily strength sunk. One who sat beside 
 her says that she rose from her seat, as if to leave the place 
 of worship ; but being unable, she fell back again crying out 
 in great distress, and swooned away. After the congrega- 
 tion was dismissed, she was taken to a house convenient to 
 the church, where she remained till the morning. In the 
 course of four or five days she obtained clear views of the 
 way of life, and obtained peace in believing, and had a great 
 desire to depart and be with Christ." 
 
 These things being noised abroad through the city, many- 
 were attracted by mere curiosity to these meetings. And 
 the Spirit, with convincing power, revealed to them their 
 sinfulness, and led some to embrace the Saviour. An illus- 
 tration of this fact is recorded in the diary. 
 
 " February 23d. — Last night our meeting was very so- 
 lemn. The night preceding, the daughter of a Unitarian came 
 from curiosity to see for herself the things she had heard of 
 by rumour. It pleased the Holy Spirit to convince her of 
 the sinfulness of her heart. Being in great distress of mind, 
 her mother, who suspected the cause of her anguish, sent 
 for a Unitarian preacher to give her needful counsel. 
 When he came, he said to the mother, * Let her alone, she 
 will soon discover her error and folly.' After this, her mo- 
 ther forbade her coming to our meeting ; such, however, 
 was her anxiety on the subject of religion, that she disre- 
 garded this prohibition." 
 
 It is a painful reflection that there are parents, and even 
 those who profess to be ministers of Christ, who stand in 
 the way of sinners, and prevent, or attempt to prevent them 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. 
 
 63 
 
 from entering into the kingdom of heaven. What a fearful 
 account must such render, in the day of final reckoning! 
 In the journal of the same date Mr. Patterson says: 
 
 " Night before last I was called out of meeting to visit a 
 woman who was dying. Ten days before this she had 
 promised, that if the Lord would spare her, she would 
 attend to the concerns of religion. But now she was dying, 
 and according to her own acknowledgment, and my belief, 
 she had no saving acquaintance with Christ. When I re- 
 turned to the meeting, I improved the event. This effort 
 was owned of God, in arousing delaying sinners to an im- 
 mediate attention to the things that belonged to their peace." 
 
 The history of this woman, is the history of thousands. 
 Though the voice of inspiration warns men against 
 boasting of to-morrow, and enforces this admonition with 
 the reason that they know not what a day may bring forth, 
 they disregard the kind warning. Notwithstanding daily 
 occurrences urge this exhortation upon their attention, 
 they press on to the judgment with as much composure, as 
 if they had made a covenant with death, and were able to 
 command the gracious influences of Heaven \vhen about to 
 leave this world. Sad mistake, indeed, as the experience of 
 many a dying sinner has proved. If the impenitent will 
 persist in setting at naught all God's counsel, He also will 
 laugh at their calamity; and when they call upon him, He 
 will not answer. Reader, if you have been deferring the 
 work of repentance till the future, defer it no longer. 
 
 "Be wise to-day; 'tis madness to defer: 
 Next day the fatal precedent will plead; 
 Thus on, till wisdom is pushed out of life. 
 Procrastination is the thief of time; 
 Year after year it steals, till all are fled, 
 And to the mercies of a moment leaves 
 The vast concerns of an eternal scene." 
 
64 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 "Sabbath, March 10th. — The sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper was administered. It was an occasion of peculiar 
 interest and solemnity. Perhaps it was one of the most im- 
 pressive scenes ever witnessed in this city. Every part of 
 the church was crowded to excess, so that it was with great 
 difficulty that the sacramental bread and wine were dis- 
 tributed among the communicants. On this occasion seventy 
 persons were admitted to the communion of the church for 
 the first time." 
 
 As their names were pronounced by the pastor from 
 the pulpit, the candidates came forward to the altar in 
 presence of the congregation. Of this company, wXo had 
 publicly presented themselves to enter into covenant with 
 God, some were in the morning of life, and a kw near its 
 close. But, though differing in age and circumstances, they 
 were one in purpose, to consecrate themselves to the Lord, 
 and to devote the remainder of their days to his service. 
 
 While occupying this station in presence of the assembly, 
 the candidates having professed faith in the doctrines of the 
 gospel, also gave their assent to the following covenant, 
 which was read to them by the pastor of the church. This 
 covenant, drawn up by Mr. Patterson himself, was, perhaps, 
 the first of the kind ever used in Philadelphia. 
 
 " And now, before you join this church, are you willing, 
 each of you, to submit yourselves in the Lord to the disci- 
 pline of this church ? 
 
 " And do you promise to study the peace, unity, and 
 purity of this church, or any other church of Christ where 
 God in his providence may cast your lot? 
 
 " And now, reposing confidence in your Creator, God, 
 through the merits of His Son, by the assistance of the Holy 
 Ghost, you do, each of you, in the presence of the Searcher 
 of hearts, and this congregation, solemnly dedicate yourself 
 wholly to God, soul and body, time and talents, renouncing 
 for ever the devil, the world, and the flesh, and by the grace 
 of God, promise to spend the remainder of your days as the 
 Holy Scriptures direct you. 
 
REV, JAMES PATTERSON, 
 
 65 
 
 4 ' And now, remember, dear friends, this surrender of 
 yourselves to God must be perpetual and eternal, for the 
 rights of God over his creatures are like his own nature, 
 eternal and immutable. 
 
 " Let these covenant engagements be deeply impress- 
 ed upon your hearts. From them you never can escape 
 « — from the sealing ordinances of the church you never 
 can withdraw without a breach of covenant. Wherever 
 you may be, however you may act, these vows will remain 
 upon you, through all future time; they will follow you to 
 the grave, they will follow you to the bar of God, and in 
 whatever world you may be there placed, they will abide 
 upon you through all eternity. 
 
 " You can never draw back. ' If any man draw back, 
 my soul will have no pleasure in him.' You have avouched 
 the Lord this day to be your God, in the presence of a 
 great cloud of witnesses, and you can never again be as 
 you have been. Henceforth, you must be the servants of 
 God. Hereafter, the eyes of the world will be upon you. 
 As you conduct yourself, so will religion be honoured or 
 disgraced. If you live according to the gospel, you will be 
 a credit and comfort to us : if not, you will be a grief of 
 heart to us, a stumbling block, and a vexation ; and if Christ 
 pronounced a wjo, against that person who offends but one 
 of his little ones, wo! wo to that person who offends a 
 whole church. 
 
 " But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, 
 and things which accompany salvation, though we thus 
 speak. ' We hope you are fellow-citizens with the saints, 
 and of the household of God.' And that all things shall 
 work for your good. 
 
 " If vou have really given yourselves to God in faith, 
 hereafter never be discouraged, never be unbelieving, for 
 God never will forsake you. 'The mountains shall depart, 
 and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart 
 from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be re- 
 moved, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.' Go on, 
 then, in the service of God. He is a good master. And 
 now we say to you, as Christ on a former occasion, ' If you 
 will enter into life, keep the commandments. Fear God 
 and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of 
 man.' " 
 
 6* 
 
(36 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 This imposing scene was concluded by administering the 
 ordinance of baptism to twenty-five of those who had just 
 entered into covenant; after which they repaired to the table 
 of the Lord, and ratified this solemn engagement over the 
 symbols of the body and blood of their crucified Master. 
 
 Of this large assembly there were none who did not 
 view the solemnities of the occasion with intense interest. 
 The impenitent were reminded of their final separation from 
 the righteous, when their friends and neighbours came forth 
 to profess before men and angels their love and attachment 
 to the Redeemer. Young converts joyed in the God of 
 their salvation, and magnified the Lord for their deliver- 
 ance from the bondage of sin, and their introduction to the 
 privileges and blessings of the gospel. And the saints also 
 rejoiced at this abundant ingathering of the fruits of righ- 
 teousness. When the Lord turned the captivity of Zion, 
 their mouth was filled with laughter, and their tongue with 
 singing. Then said they, " The Lord has done great things 
 for us, whereof we are glad." These trophies of sovereign 
 grace, and this enlargement of Zion filled their hearts with 
 joy and gladness, and inspired them with new life in the 
 cause of Immanuel. 
 
 The labour and anxiety connected with the admission of 
 so large a number to the communion at one time, must 
 have been very great. Premature admissions to the Lord's 
 table are often viewed as the necessary attendants upon a 
 special outpouring of the Spirit. This view of the subject, 
 however, is erroneous. That there have been frequently 
 " hasty admissions," at such times, we think is very pro- 
 bable. But we question very much whether more have 
 been admitted to church membership on such occasions 
 without the requisite qualification, in proportion to the whole 
 number admitted, than at ordinary seasons. Mr. Patterson 
 and his session were, generally, very cautious in the admis- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 67 
 
 sion of persons to the privileges of the church. It was not 
 until after frequent and close examination of the candidates 
 as to their knowledge of the nature and design of the or- 
 dinance, and their acquaintance with experimental piety, 
 that they were received into church fellowship. And even 
 after this careful inquiry, it was customary to publish 
 from the pulpit the names of those who had been examined, 
 one or two Sabbaths prior to the communion; so that if any 
 member knew aught against their moral or Christian cha- 
 racter, the session might be made acquainted with the fact, 
 and their approach to the holy table be thus prevented. 
 
 Such strictness in admitting persons to this ordinance was 
 unknown in the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia till in- 
 troduced by the subject of this memoir. It is known, that 
 in most of the churches in this city, members were received 
 into full communion, without appearing even cnce before the 
 session. A few questions were proposed to the candidate by 
 the pastor, respecting his scriptural knowledge and attend- 
 ance upon the means of grace, and if these were answered 
 satisfactorily, his name was enrolled among the professed 
 disciples of Christ ; and in some cases, even this form was 
 not observed. 
 
 Those who united with the church on this occasion were, 
 for the most part, young persons between thirteen and 
 twenty years of age. Only four of the seventy admitted 
 were above thirty years of age, and but one of these four 
 had arrived to three score years. This one was a female. 
 Concerning her Mr. Patterson makes the following remarks: 
 
 "This woman is the only instance that has come to my 
 knowledge of an old person being awakened in all this re- 
 vival, and she was awakened in a very singular way. On 
 a Sabbath immediately before the first Monday of the month, 
 when we unite with the religious world in praying for the 
 kingdom of Christ, I endeavoured to alarm sinners from the 
 consideration that while the Christian world was engaged in 
 
gg MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 the cause of Christ, they were doing nothing to promote it, 
 or, which was worse, were opposing it. I endeavoured to 
 simplify my views on this point, in order that the poor chil- 
 dren of the Sabbath school might also feel the remark. I said, 
 suppose the Lord Jesus Christ should let a rope down from 
 heaven, (pointing up to the ceiling of the church,) and 
 say, I am about to pull up the last stone, and finish my 
 spiritual building, putting on the top stone with shoutings, 
 crying ' Grace, grace, unto it;' and suppose the angels were 
 gazing upon the scene. Would you not all take hold of 
 this rope? You say ' yes.' Well, you will have a trial of 
 it to-morrow evening, (the evening of the monthly concert,) 
 when saints in every quarter of the globe will, as it were, 
 be pulling up the top stone with shoutings of 'Grace.' This 
 simple story about the rope being let down from heaven to 
 pull up the top stone, convinced this aged woman that she 
 had never been pulling for Christ, and it was owned of God 
 to her conversion." 
 
 This fact, that there was but one aged person converted 
 during this revival, so far as the pastor knew, while by far 
 the greater number of converts were in the morning of life, 
 calls upon the young to " remember their Creator in the 
 days of their youth." It is just enough to keep the aged 
 sinner, who feels oppressed with guilt, from despairing of 
 the mercy of God ; while it impressively admonishes the 
 young against presuming that they may slight the calls of 
 the gospel, and still secure the divine blessing in riper years, 
 or declining age. Youthful reader, if you have not already 
 consecrated your services to the Lord, delay this work no 
 longer. Your own peace and safety, as well as the com- 
 mand of your Maker, urge you to an immediate compliance 
 with the terms of the gospel — to exercise repentance toward 
 God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 The continuous and laborious efforts necessarily connect- 
 ed with this work of grace, had so impaired the health of our 
 friend, that for several days previous to the communion, he 
 had not spoken in public. In immediate connexion with the 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. (59 
 
 account of the sacramental services, he says, " Before yes- 
 terday, I had not spoken in public, for seventeen days, owing 
 to the feeble state of my lungs." 
 
 Much of the diary about this period is filled with the 
 conversations which he had with persons under conviction, 
 or who had obtained peace in believing; some of whom 
 were subjected to persecution for their attachment to the 
 Saviour and his cause. 
 
 " March 28.— Called upon C. W. She told me she was 
 so much persecuted by her parents that she was tempted 
 sometimes to leave her father's house, not caring what may 
 become of her. About two nights since, when she had 
 almost determined to carry this purpose into effect, she 
 thought she would commit her case to God in prayer. 
 Having spent a great part of the night in prayer, her mind 
 became composed, and she was enabled to bear reproach 
 and suffering for Christ, with meekness. ' Let the tempted 
 and persecuted seek succour from God in time of trial, and 
 they shall not seek in vain.' ' For we have not an High 
 Priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infir- 
 mities ; but was, in all points, tempted like as we are, yet 
 without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of 
 grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in 
 time of need." 
 
 Another instance of this kind, was that of an interesting 
 young lady whose mind had been enlightened in the know- 
 ledge of the truth during this gracious season. Mr. Patter- 
 son informs us in his journal, that " father and mother 
 united to keep their daughter from the meetings. When she 
 told her mother that she must forsake all for Christ, she re- 
 plied, ' What! do you intend to fulfil this scripture?' Not- 
 withstanding this young woman was threatened with chas- 
 tisement from her father, and with being cast out of his 
 house, she resolved, after prayer and reflection, to unite with 
 the church, leaving the consequences with God. The evils 
 she feared, and which had been threatened, did not overtake 
 
70 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 her. When she returned home, the father was about to put 
 his threat into execution, but, through the interposition of a 
 pious relation who was providentially present, his wrath 
 was restrained." The path of duty, is always the path of 
 safety. Though the portentous cloud may, at times, terrify 
 the obedient disciple, God will be his sun and shield ; while 
 the man who turns aside to the flowery and inviting paths 
 of disobedience, to avoid anticipated evils, will be overtaken 
 with ruin. 
 
 u April 24. — This evening closes the continuous meetings 
 which have been held for nearly ninety nights in immediate 
 succession. 
 
 " May 27, 1816. — Yesterday the ordinance of the Lord's 
 Supper was again administered. Eighty-four persons were 
 admitted for the first time to church privileges. It was a 
 very solemn season, and I hope blessed to many souls. A 
 number of the members of the General Assembly being 
 present on the occasion, united with us in commemorating the 
 Lord's death." 
 
 The spring communion season was usually held during 
 the meeting of the General Assembly. And, we doubt not, 
 ministers and elders often had their hearts warmed by wit- 
 nessing the scenes exhibited on these occasions, and return- 
 ed to their charges inspired with new zeal, and animated to 
 labour with more fidelity in their Master's cause. The writer 
 was present on many of these delightful seasons; he, there- 
 fore, knows experimentally, something of their salutary in- 
 fluence. 
 
 Although many were gathered into the fold of Christ 
 during this revival, there were some, as is frequently the 
 case at such times, who resisted the Holy Spirit and re- 
 lapsed into their former stupidity, or settled down in despair, 
 supposing they had sinned away the day of mercy. 
 Several cases of the latter description are recorded in his 
 diary, of which the following is the most striking. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 71 
 
 " To-day, May 27, — called to see Miss L. K., who was 
 awakened in the revival. She is indifferent to her state, 
 though she feels most miserable. Complains of wandering 
 thoughts that render her uneasy ; and that her mind often 
 broods upon her lost condition. Upon inquiry, I discovered 
 that she had given up praying, and settled down in the con- 
 viction that she must bear her misery without being able to 
 do any thing to extricate herself from her wretched state. 
 I held up to her view Christ, and his willingness to save all 
 who put their trust in him, and urged her to commit her case 
 to him, and warned her against the sin of unbelief, as the 
 most deadly of all sins, but all was vain. With these re- 
 marks, I left her; she is the most pitiable object I ever 
 beheld." 
 
 " July 5th. — It is now several months since L. K., (the 
 person alluded to above,) was first convinced of her danger 
 as a sinner, and she seems to sink deeper and deeper in des- 
 pair. Tt is with difficulty that she can be persuaded to take 
 any food or exercise. She sits in a state of melancholy, 
 brooding over her wretched condition. How awful the state 
 of a sinner, when God withdraws his influences, and con- 
 ceals the light of his countenance !" 
 
 Whether this female was finally abandoned of God, it 
 would be presumptuous in any mortal to decide. The Om- 
 nicient alone sees the aggravating circumstances under 
 which the awakened sinner resists conviction, and He alone 
 can decide when it will be best to abandon him by the with- 
 drawment of his gracious influences. But that there are 
 seasons when this is the case, the scriptures fully testify; 
 and the sinner is always in danger of this fearful doom, 
 when resisting the Holy One. Were it not for the amazing 
 forbearance of God, this calamity would overtake every one 
 who disregards the calls and warnings of the gospel. It 
 therefore behooves the careless, and especially those who 
 are impressed with the importance of eternal things, to take 
 heed lest they quench the Spirit, and he take his everlasting 
 flight. Then hope and they must part for ever ! 
 
<J2 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Such cases as the above, have often led the opposers of 
 evangelical religion to find fault with the clear and discrimi- 
 nating exhibition of its doctrines. When any one, whose 
 mind is highly excited in view of his danger as a sinner, 
 yields to despondency, they speak of this calamity as the 
 legitimate result of "an undue attention to eternal things." 
 What such persons would consider a due attention to this 
 momentous subject, we may conjecture, since they reproach 
 ardent piety as fanaticism, and denominate a conscientious 
 observance of the precepts of the gospel, puritanical strict- 
 ness. Thus do they endeavour to cast odium upon that re- 
 ligion which controls the affections, and regulates the life, 
 in view of things unseen ; while they extol a frigid and 
 heartless Christianity that finds no countenance in the New 
 Testament.* 
 
 "July 21st. — The Lord's Supper was celebrated, when 
 
 * When there is a constitutional tendency to insanity or melan- 
 choly, any strong mental excitement may develope this tendency. 
 Disappointed love, or ambition, or severe afflictions, as well as an 
 absorbing- interest on the subject of religion, may be the develop- 
 ing" cause. Nothing is so adapted to exert a soothing influence 
 upon the human mind as correct views of religion. Often 
 the spirit of man must have been overwhelmed with anxiety 
 and sorrow, had it not been sustained by the consolations of the 
 gospel, and permitted to seek succour at the mercy seat in time 
 of need. It is, therefore, wrong to suppose that scriptural piety, 
 however ardent, is, in any case, the cause of insanity or melan- 
 choly. "Religion," says John Abercrombie, M. D., in his inter- 
 esting work on the intellectual powers, " by a common, but very 
 loose mode of speaking, is often mentioned as a frequent cause of 
 insanity. When there is a constitutional tendency to insanity, or 
 to melancholy, one of its leading modifications, every subject is 
 distorted to which the mind can be directed, and none more fre- 
 quently or remarkably than the great questions of religious be- 
 lief, but this is the effect, not the cause ; and the frequency of this 
 kind of hallucination, and the various forms which it assumes, may 
 be ascribed to the subject, being one, to which the minds of all 
 men are so naturally directed in one degree or another, and of 
 which no living man can entirely divest himself." 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. ~g 
 
 twenty-eight persons were admitted to the communion for 
 the first time." 
 
 " August 2d. — J. G., who is in a despairing state of mind, 
 came to see me. I inquired how he was ; he instantly re- 
 plied, ' All's gone, 'tis too late now.' Conversed with him 
 some time, and gave him such counsel, as appeared to me 
 was adapted to his case. 
 
 " The blessed work which has been in progress for some 
 time still continues. Last Wednesday night was a most 
 solemn time. I hope some good was done. O that I had 
 more strength and time to visit." 
 
 The health of Mr. Patterson being much impaired by his 
 anxieties and labours during this interesting work of grace, 
 he was prevented from visiting as much as the state of his 
 congregation demanded, and as he desired. 
 
 In the journal of the above date, an instance is recorded, 
 which would be considered rather a novel occurrence in our 
 city at the present time. 
 
 " A few evenings ago a lad had his attention awakened 
 
 to the importance of personal religion at one of our meetino-s. 
 
 On the following day, while sitting on his work-bench, he 
 
 was powerfully convicted by reading the well known hymn, 
 
 « Alas, and did my Saviour bleed.' 
 
 The pungency of these convictions rendering his feelings 
 irrepressible, he fell upon his knees beside his work-bench, 
 and cried aloud for mercy. This was the means of awaken- 
 ing four of his shop-mates to see and feel their danger as 
 sinners, and to plead for salvation. I was sent for, to visit 
 them, and direct their inquiring minds; but being out of the 
 city at the time, one of my elders went and conversed and 
 prayed with them. They continued in supplication till mid- 
 night, when they began to rejoice in hope, and to praise 
 God for redeeming love." 
 
 This case reminds one of the Philippian jailor who, at 
 midnight, was brought to see his danger, and " rejoiced, be- 
 lieving in God." 
 
 The means employed during this revival, and which were 
 
 7 
 
74 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 signally blessed in the conversion of sinners, were the plain 
 and faithful preaching of the doctrines of the cross ; and the 
 importunate supplications of Christians, in connexion with 
 corresponding efforts, for the conversion of the impenitent. 
 Pastoral visitation was also an important auxiliary in pro- 
 moting this good work. The beloved subject of this me- 
 moir, was most indefatigable in this department of his 
 responsible vocation ; and, 
 
 « c With all patience and affection taught, 
 Rebuked, persuaded, solaced, counselled, warned, 
 In fervent style and manner." 
 
 Having become acquainted with the workings of the hu- 
 man mind under the convincing agency of the Spirit in 
 these visits, he was enabled to give appropriate instruction 
 and counsel to those who were the subjects of this divine 
 influence. These interviews were the means of enlightening 
 the minds of the thoughtless, in regard to their danger as 
 transgressors of the law of God, and of inducing them to 
 accept of the gracious proposals of Eternal Love. They were 
 also instrumental in stirring up the friends of the Redeemer 
 to fervent prayer, and energetic and persevering efforts for 
 the enlargement of Zion. 
 
 The prominent doctrines exhibited during this season, 
 were the sovereignty of God — the total depravity of the 
 heart — the necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit — 
 salvation through the vicarious sacrifice of the Son of God, 
 and the dreadful doom of those who reject the gospel. 
 The divine law, in its spirituality and extent, was held up 
 to the sinner's view with great clearness, not as a method of 
 justification, but to give him a knowledge of his sins, and to 
 show him that the new covenant afforded the only sanctuary 
 for the guilty. Consequently, the convictions of the awaken- 
 ed, were deep and pungent ; and, in some cases, connected 
 with the most alarming apprehensions of divine wrath. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 75 
 
 Impenitent men were made to feel they had been rebelling 
 against their righteous and benevolent Sovereign ; and that 
 nothing but his abundant mercy could rescue them from 
 endless wo. In some instances, as we have seen in the 
 diary of the pastor, their anguish was so great that they 
 could not refrain from crying aloud for mercy. 
 
 This wonderful outpouring of the Spirit, which con- 
 tinued about seven months, resulted in the conversion of 
 very many from the error of their ways. Of these, one 
 hundred and eighty united with the First Church, Northern 
 Liberties, and a considerable number joined other churches 
 in the city and its vicinity. Such was the depth and power 
 of this work, that it awakened a new interest on the subject 
 of religion, and gave an impulse to the cause of Immanuel 
 that is still seen and felt in Philadelphia. Besides, it recti- 
 fied the mistakes that many Christians entertained, in refer- 
 ence to revivals of religion. It displaced prejudices of long 
 standing, and transformed the lukewarm into the ardent 
 friend and advocate of these seasons of divine power and 
 mercy. So extensive and salutary was its influence, that 
 a professor of religion cannot now speak reproachfully of 
 revivals in this city, without injury to his Christian reputa- 
 tion. We doubt not, the great disclosing day will reveal 
 many things of vast importance to the cause of Christ in this 
 region, as the legitimate results of this memorable occasion. 
 
76 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The anxieties and labours connected with the revival 
 noticed in the preceding chapter seriously affected the health 
 of Mr. P., so that for some time he apprehended that he 
 would in future be unable to endure the toils incident to the 
 pastoral office. Having submitted to a course of medical 
 treatment without any immediate benefit, he took a journey 
 for a few months, which was attended with more success. 
 His former vigour of mind and body, being thus, in some 
 measure regained, he applied himself with wonted ardour 
 to the various duties of his calling. 
 
 The continuous history of his labours and success is, we 
 regret, interrupted for nearly two years, owing to a chasm 
 in his diary. A brief notice of a few cases of individuals 
 under conviction, is all the record he made during this inter- 
 val. This hiatus was, probably, occasioned by his temporary 
 absence from the city on account of the state of his health ; 
 and to the fact, that nothing of special and general interest 
 occurred among his people at this time. Whatever may 
 have been the cause of this interruption, no one, who knew 
 our friend, will ascribe it to any diminution of interest in his 
 appropriate duties. 
 
 The following extract presents one of the many cases of 
 similar character, which we find recorded in his journal. 
 However humble the station of those who sought the 
 advice of this holy man, he always treated them with kind- 
 ness and affection, and thus secured their confidence and 
 esteem. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 77 
 
 « j un(D) — f 1818. — R. M., an apprentice, about fourteen 
 years of age, has been attending our meeting, and is under 
 deep conviction. He told me that his master requires him 
 to stay at home on the Sabbath, and work, (his master is a 
 baker.) This boy has often been threatened with punish- 
 ment if he did not go immediately to bed, instead of re- 
 maining up to read and pray. His master also forbade him 
 to read°the New Testament, saying, ' It will fill your head 
 with foolish freaks.' I advised him to be much engaged in 
 prayer, and in reading the scriptures; and to commit his 
 case to God, who cared for him." 
 
 It will scarcely be credited, but so it is, this master was 
 a prominent member in one of the churches of this city ! 
 
 " November 6th, 1818. — Yesterday was observed as a 
 day of fasting and prayer, in view of the low state of piety 
 among us. It is now past, and what important consequences 
 may be connected with that day ! O that it would please 
 God to awaken us more solemnly to the things that belong 
 to our peace! O how affecting that this church should 
 ever grow cold and lukewarm after what God has done 
 for us! Will they ever forget January, 1816? I desire 
 to thank God, that of nearly two hundred, who were 
 brought in during this revival, so few cases of defection 
 have occurred." 
 
 While lamenting over the apathy and backslidings of his 
 people, at this time, he magnified the Lord, that the fruits of 
 the glorious work of 1816, with few exceptions, appeared 
 well after a trial of nearly two years. This must have 
 been specially gratifying, inasmuch as it. was predicted that 
 these converts would soon return to the world, and prove 
 that the excitement was the work of man, and not the legiti- 
 mate result of the Spirit's influence on the human mind. 
 
 Although Mr. Patterson enlisted his people in zealous and 
 active measures for the advancement of the Redeemer's king- 
 dom, he was not, as some may have supposed, indifferent to 
 their progress in biblical knowledge, or their acquaintance 
 with the doctrines of grace. 
 7* 
 
78 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 He was thoroughly persuaded " that truth is in order to 
 goodness ; and the great touch-stone of truth, its tendency 
 to promote holiness ;" according to our Saviour's rule, " by 
 their fruits ye shall know them," and " that there is an in- 
 separable connexion between faith and practice, truth and 
 duty." And as a Presbyterian, he endeavoured to in- 
 doctrinate his people in the peculiar tenets of the church 
 to which he belonged, and to which he was ardently at- 
 tached. 
 
 Some time during the present year he commenced a 
 course of familiar lectures upon the Confession of Faith. 
 It is believed, that this was the first attempt of the kind 
 ever made in the city of Philadelphia, and its novelty, 
 as we might suppose, attracted a larger number than was 
 in the habit of attending the ordinary service. After read- 
 ing the passage from the Confession of Faith, previously 
 assigned for the lecture, he made his remarks, and then 
 allowed those present to ask any question connected with 
 the subject. The following amusing incident occurred at 
 one of these lectures. Two men, known as Universalists, 
 were present on one occasion, with the intent, as was after- 
 wards revealed, of entrapping him by their inquiries. When 
 the time for proposing questions, had arrived, one of the 
 Universalists rose and asked the preacher whether he 
 believed that elect infants would be saved. " O yes," 
 said Mr. Patterson, " I believe they will be saved ; don't 
 you ?" Not securing the object at which he aimed, the man 
 inquired a second time, " will non-elect infants be lost ?" To 
 this Mr. Patterson replied, " It will be well in the first place 
 to ascertain whether there are any non-elect infants ; do you 
 believe that there are any such infants?" The man an- 
 swered, " No." " O, then," said Mr. Patterson, " you and 
 I believe alike on this point ; and since there are no non- 
 elect infants, then none will be lost." It is needless to say 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 79 
 
 that this professed inquirer after truth took his seat, mortified 
 that he had failed in securing his object,* 
 
 As a faithful pastor, our friend visited all classes of per- 
 sons — the careless and profane, as well as the pious and 
 moral, yet he records but one instance in which he received 
 any insult, or rude treatment in these visits. This may ap- 
 pear rather singular to those who were not acquainted with 
 him in private. There was a striking difference between his 
 manner and appearance in the pulpit, and his address in his 
 visits among his people. As a preacher, he was bold, fear- 
 less, and, at times, apparently severe in exhibiting the truth; 
 as a pastor, he was always mild and affectionate, so that 
 the most timid could approach him with confidence. The 
 benignant smile with which he always accosted his parish- 
 ioners, and the tender solicitude he manifested for their tem- 
 poral, as well as their spiritual interests, gave him a strong 
 hold upon their affections. But, notwithstanding the bland- 
 ness of his deportment in his pastoral visits, he was, on one 
 of these occasions, treated most rudely. He makes the fol- 
 lowing record of this occurrence. 
 
 " Feb. 5th, 1819. — This day was committed to the grave 
 the only man that I ever was afraid of since I entered the 
 ministry. About six months ago he returned from sea, and 
 his wife was about to join our church the next Sabbath 
 after his arrival. The intelligence of her conversion, which 
 had taken place during his absence, was as painful to him 
 as it was unexpected. He purposed, if possible, to prevent 
 her from making a profession of religion, and to this end, 
 
 * About this time, and subsequently, it was currently circu- 
 lated that Mr. Patterson had stated, in one of his sermons, that 
 there were "infants in hell not a span long." This charg-e has 
 been preferred against most Calvinistic divines; and though it 
 has been denied again and again, it is still reiterated. The 
 writer heard Mr. Patterson, on one occasion, when referring- to 
 this that had been slanderously reported of him, declare pub- 
 licly, in the most express terms, that he had never uttered such a 
 sentiment. 
 
80 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 resolved to take her on an excursion into the country on the 
 Sabbath she intended to unite with the church. But, fear- 
 ing the consequences of this jaunt, her mind was greatly- 
 agitated, not knowing what to do. On the day appointed for 
 this excursion, however, or perhaps the evening previously 
 to it, he burst a blood-vessel, which thwarted his plan. 
 Hearing of this providential interference, I thought it would 
 be a seasonable time to visit him, and that by affectionate 
 conversation, I might do him good, or at least dispose him 
 to treat his wife with less severity. When I entered the 
 house, I found him lying on a sofa. After the customary 
 salutation, I sat down and inquired into the state of his 
 health: whether he had much pain, and whether he had 
 lost much blood. I then remarked that in the midst of life 
 we are in death. I believe 1 asked him whether he would 
 have been prepared to die, if it had been the will of God to 
 take him away with this bleeding of the lungs ? He angrily 
 replied, " I want no popish stuff, and no pope about me when 
 I am going to die;" adding, " I am very weak, I don't wish 
 you to talk to me." I had concluded to say no more to him, 
 but it occurred to me to ask him whether he believed the 
 scriptures to be the word of God : 1 did so. At this, he 
 sprang up, exclaiming, " I am astonished that you would ask 
 any one such a question in an enlightened land," and with a 
 malicious look, the like of which I have seldom ever seen 
 before, he left the room. Presently I heard a scuffle up 
 stairs, which was caused by his wife having taken hold of 
 him to prevent him from returning to do me some injury. 
 He regretted he had not had his pistols at hand, that he 
 might have shot me when I addressed him. 
 
 " The wife sent down a little girl to tell me to leave the 
 house in haste, as he threatened to be revenged on me. I 
 sat still, however, thanking God, that not only I, but all 
 men, and even this poor wretch, were in his hands. After 
 some minutes I went away. 
 
 " This man never rose from his bed after this. Some 
 weeks before his death, he sent for a Universalist preacher to 
 converse with, and to calm his troubled mind. He said if I 
 had talked with him like that minister, he would not have been 
 so abusive toward me; but that he was sorry for his conduct." 
 
 " May 7th. — Again, by the good providence of God, I am 
 able to be about. Last Sabbath I ruptured a blood-vessel, 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. g| 
 
 after preaching twice on the first twelve verses of the four- 
 teenth chapter of the gospel according to John. 
 
 " O this is a blessed chapter ! How full of matter it ap- 
 peared to me last Lord's day. How powerful those verses 
 in which the blessed Saviour asserts his divinity to his in- 
 quiring disciples ! ' Have I been so long time with you, and 
 hast thou not known me, Philip ?' O how slow are even 
 Christians to learn the things that can alone make them 
 happy ! ' He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father.' 
 
 " And how heavenly and fraught with tenderness are 
 these words falling from the lips of the meek and lowly 
 Lamb of God: 'I go to prepare a place for you, and I will 
 come again and receive you unto myself.' Wonderful! 
 wonderful, that language so gracious should ever have been 
 spoken to rebels ! My mind was excited in an unusual de- 
 gree when commenting upon this admirable portion of gos- 
 pel history. I was too much engaged to remember my 
 feeble body, and, as I often do, preached too long.* O that 
 I was more heavenly minded, and could bring more of the 
 marrow of the gospel into my sermons, and preach them 
 under the influence of a heavenly unction. 
 
 " How precious, how precious the gospel was to my poor 
 sinful soul when my lungs were bleeding, and I was com- 
 pelled to look directly into eternity ! What was all the 
 world beside to my soul in that solemn hour? I think, yea, 
 I am sure, I can bless the Lord for this affliction. 
 
 " I thank my beloved Saviour, who ' counted me faithful, 
 putting me into the ministry.' My desires to do good, do 
 not decrease, but, I think, constantly increase. that I now 
 had that strength which I wasted in the service of Satan in 
 my youthful and foolish days ; but it is gone ; and now, 
 
 * Mr. Patterson often, in the commencement of his sermon, al- 
 luded to the feeble state of his body, remarking", at the same time, 
 that he must be short on this account. But when he became en- 
 gaged in preaching", he would frequently forget his weakness, 
 and perhaps preach long-er than usual. Often has he cautioned 
 young" ministers against preaching long sermons, while he lament- 
 ed over his own error in this particular. Having acquired this 
 habit, he found from experience that to overcome it was most diffi- 
 cult. But our friend was not the only preacher who had reason to 
 lament over this practice, so injurious to the health of the speaker, 
 and so profitless, and sometimes so hurtful to the spiritual improve- 
 ment of the hearers. 
 
Q2 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 when I would do good, I am left with a broken constitution. 
 Well, wondrous mercy that accepts such relics. A conde- 
 scending God designs to consecrate to His glory what He 
 has snatched from the mouth of the devourer. Then let 
 me warn all young persons against wasting the strength and 
 prime of their days in sin." 
 
 The subject of this memoir looked with uncommon inte- 
 rest upon the youthful part of his congregation. Among 
 them he hoped for special success in the ministry ; nor were 
 these expectations vain. The importunity and affection with 
 which he addressed them at times, may be learned from the 
 following extract of a discourse to this class of his hearers: 
 
 " The morning of life is a period peculiarly proper for the 
 cultivation of piety. Then the heart is tender, and more 
 susceptible of divine impressions, than when it has been 
 hardened by a long continuance in sin. At this period the 
 mind is comparatively free from prejudice, and good habits 
 are more easily formed ; and when formed, they are more 
 permanent. Hence Solomon's injunction, ' Train up a child 
 in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not 
 depart from it.' 
 
 " It is proper, my young friends, that you seek the Lord 
 in your youthful days, that you may be prepared to meet 
 the sorrows and troubles that await you in your journey 
 through life. As soon as the infant opens its eyes upon the 
 light, it becomes an heir to pain and suffering. Does it, 
 then, never cost you an anxious thought how you shall 
 buffet the billows you must encounter in crossing life's tem- 
 pestuous sea. Even the Christian, who is supported by 
 divine grace, gets to the end of his journey with great diffi- 
 culty ; it is through much tribulation that he at last secures 
 a place in heaven. From whence, then, will you derive 
 support in the day of adversity, or in the hour of death? 
 The Saviour, who alone can befriend you in such a trying 
 season, you reject. His counsel and help you will not ac- 
 cept. But were you to become pious now, you need not 
 fear the approaching night. The possession of true piety 
 would make you happier even in the present world. Josiah 
 sought the Lord early, and he was the happier for it, and 
 there was no king before him who was like him. Again, 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 83 
 
 you ought to seek God early, because you have a promise 
 to encourage you- ' I love them that love me, and they 
 that seek me early shall find me.' The Saviour has every 
 thing to give that can stimulate the youthful breast with a 
 commendable ambition. Riches and honour are with him, 
 yea, durable riches. Further, the authority of the great 
 God, your Maker, enjoins this upon you ; ' Remember now 
 thy Creator, in the days of thy youth,' ' Seek first the king- 
 dom of God and his righteousness.' Can you, then, resist 
 the claims of your heavenly Benefactor any longer?' 
 
 Mr. Patterson was, in the true meaning of the term, a 
 philanthropist — a Christian philanthropist. In him the op- 
 pressed of every land and nation found a friend and advo- 
 cate. He embraced in the arms of his benevolence the 
 race to which he belonged ; and while he esteemed it an 
 honour that he was an American, it was mainly because the 
 land of his birth was the sanctuary of the oppressed, and 
 the home of the free. Yet it was to him a source of lamenta- 
 tion, that in this land of freedom, the African and the Red 
 man were often treated as if they had no claim upon hu- 
 man sympathy. But, instead of spending his time in fruit- 
 less lamentations over the delinquencies of others, he em- 
 braced every opportunity to cancel his debt of obligation as 
 an American to the sable children of Africa and the Indian. 
 
 His interest in behalf of the people of colour may be 
 learned from what follows. 
 
 "Yesterday I received a letter from Rev. Dr. Griffin, 
 President of Williams College, Mass., thanking me, in the 
 name of all Africa, that we had taken up and recommended 
 a young coloured man for an education for the gospel minis- 
 try. His name is J. B., one of our communicants. I hope 
 that John may make a faithful and useful minister among 
 the poor Africans. I thank the Lord that he has that good 
 desire to devote himself to the ministry." 
 
 The following notice of the death of his aged father mani- 
 fests his filial affection. 
 
£4 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " October 2d, 1 819. — This day received intelligence that 
 my father is no more ! He died Sept. 27, at 5 o'clock, 
 A. M. Well, he has left an evil and wearisome world. 
 O that God would sanctify this dispensation to my growth 
 in grace, and make it the means of ripening me for heaven ! 
 May the good promise of my heavenly Father be comfortably 
 brought home to the heart of my pious mother, and may she be 
 prepared to leave the world when her Lord cometh. My 
 father was near ninety years of age, yet he might have said 
 with the patriarch, ' few and evil have the days of the years 
 of my life been.' O God, my Maker, ' make me to know 
 mine end, and the measure of my days what it is, that I 
 may know how frail I am.' " 
 
 About the commencement of this year, (1820) indications 
 favoured the belief that God was about to visit his people 
 again with the reviving and awakening influences of his 
 Spirit. He alludes to these promising appearances thus: 
 
 " Near the beginning of February, 1820, the members of 
 the church who were most noted for their exemplary piety, 
 would say occasionally, ' I feel as though God was about to 
 come in mercy to this congregation.' A meeting of the 
 communicants was called to see what could be done in the 
 use of means for the reviving of religion in the hearts of 
 God's people, and the conversion of sinners. It was unani- 
 mously agreed at this meeting that Thursday, the 17th of 
 February, be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting, and 
 prayer. The day was accordingly observed, and the chil- 
 dren of God testify that it was a day of uncommon interest. 
 In the morning a prayer meeting was held preparatory to 
 public worship in the church. My discourse consisted of 
 striking passages from the scriptures in reference to fasting, 
 accompanied with appropriate remarks. 
 
 " Immediately after the sermon, many of the congregation 
 returned to the session-room for prayer. At 3 o'clock, 
 P. M., the church assembled again for prayer. It was a 
 solemn time. In the evening we convened again to suppli- 
 cate the gracious interposition of the Holy Spirit." 
 
 These prayers were heard and answered, as appears from 
 the work of grace that followed. But the labour of mind 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 85 
 
 and body, which Mr. Patterson had necessarily to expend in 
 this revival, prostrated his strength, and compelled him to 
 suspend his extra services, even when the people were anx- 
 ious to hear the word of life. 
 
 " February 24th. — Extremely fatigued, unable to get out 
 of bed till 8 or 9 o'clock. My chest trembles constantly 
 from weakness. But, O, what shall I say of the goodness 
 of God, that has enabled me to speak so much to perishing sin- 
 ners ! O that my heart was humble and thankful. Last 
 evening, and the previous one, God gave me great enlarge- 
 ment, in speaking to sinners in reference to their exposure 
 to eternal destruction." 
 
 " Monday, March 13th. — My health is sinking. I have 
 been obliged, after holding meetings for seventeen nights in 
 immediate succession, to suspend them. Our meetings have 
 been crowded and solemn. I hope some souls will be 
 gathered into the fold of Christ. I have never, during my 
 residence in this city, seen the people so willing to hear re- 
 ligious instruction. Truly, the Lord has made them ' will- 
 ing in the day of his power.' If my lungs were not so 
 weak and sore, I would preach every night. O that the 
 Lord would awaken his saints to more diligence in visiting 
 and in using other means for the salvation of the ungodly." 
 
 "March 18th. — A part of this day I have set apart for 
 fasting and prayer, preparatory to offering our infant daugh- 
 ter to God in baptism. Next Lord's day we hope to have 
 the seal affixed to the covenant. O that I had more hu- 
 miliating views of myself, and stronger faith in Christ." 
 
 The act of dedicating a child to God in baptism, is one of 
 great responsibility ; and those who duly weigh its solem- 
 nity, will not enter upon its performance, without previously 
 seeking divine assistance. Yet, how very few of those who 
 present their children to receive this seal of the covenant, 
 realize the obligations they assume ; or seek, by fasting and 
 prayer, the needful preparation for such a service. Some 
 who never experienced a Saviour's love, and who, probably, 
 never seriously think of submitting to his authority, mani- 
 8 
 
86 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 fest extreme solicitude thus to encircle their offspring with 
 the arms of covenant mercy ; and having obtained this end, 
 all further anxiety in regard to their spiritual training is dis- 
 missed. Being satisfied with the performance of this external 
 duty, they do not consider the solemn pledge implied in this 
 transaction; or feel any compunctions in neglecting to edu- 
 cate their children for Him to whom they have been conse- 
 crated. Such parents declare by their conduct, that this 
 ordinance, though of divine appointment, is a mere cere- 
 mony ; and that the performance of duty, in this case, im- 
 poses no obligations to lead their little ones in the paths of 
 piety by their precept and example. If these be not their 
 sentiments, where is their consistency ; and if they be, 
 where is their reverence and piety in placing their offspring 
 upon the altar of God? 
 
 The preceding remarks are applicable to many of the 
 nominal friends of the Redeemer ; they may also remind 
 some of his real disciples of their delinquencies in reference 
 to this most important duty. Covenant engagements, alas, 
 are too soon and too early forgotten ,* and, owing to the 
 lamentable deficiency of Christians in this respect, Zion 
 mourns. The children of the church are, in many cases, 
 educated in all the gaieties and follies of the world; and in- 
 stead of being gathered into the fold of Christ, they barter 
 their heavenly inheritance for the short-lived and unsatisfy- 
 ing pleasures of earth. 
 
 " June 4th. — Last Sabbath was, I doubt not, a good day 
 to our congregation. Forty-three persons, the fruits of the 
 recent revival, were added to the communion of the church. 
 The occasion was interesting and profitable. Many of the 
 members of the Assembly were present, and united with us 
 in celebrating the Lord's Supper. O that my beloved Sa- 
 viour would revive my heart, so worldly, corrupt, and 
 awfully under the dominion of sin. I purpose, by His 
 grace, to do more for his glory in times to come." 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. Q-y 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 During this summer, (1820,) Mr. Patterson, cherishing 
 the hope that an excursion into the country would con- 
 tribute to the restoration of his health, which had been im- 
 paired by the excessive labours of the preceding winter and 
 spring, visited his friends at Strasburg. He had often re- 
 ceived great benefit from a temporary residence, where, far 
 from the densely populated city, he could inhale a puier 
 air, and regale himself in expatiating over the beauties and 
 wonders of nature. Few were more susceptible of exquisite 
 delight in contemplating the works of God than he. With 
 these displays of creative energy, and benevolence divine, 
 were associated the recollection of the sports and pleasures 
 of his boyhood and youth: this fact, perhaps, in connexion 
 with his natural relish for such scenes, made him, in all 
 subsequent years, an extravagant admirer of nature's works. 
 The landscape, the picturesque scenery, and mountains 
 rising above mountains in awful grandeur, filled his mind 
 with pleasing and sublime emotions, and raised his heart in 
 adoration to their almighty and beneficent Author. And as 
 he looked over the varied fields of creation, he could call 
 
 " the delightful scenery all his own. 
 
 His were the mountains, and the valleys his, 
 And the resplendent rivers. His to enjoy, 
 With a propriety that none can feel, 
 But who, with filial confidence inspired, 
 Can lift to heaven an unpresumptuous eye, 
 And smiling say, * My father made them all.' " 
 
88 
 
 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 These, however, were not the only objects contemplated by 
 his capacious and benevolent mind in his rural excursions. 
 He often turned from such pleasing contemplations to re- 
 flect upon the moral desolations produced by sin, and to 
 make appropriate efforts to save his fellow men, and 
 arouse Christians to duty. Wherever he sojourned, the 
 master passion of his soul, love to God and men, still gave 
 direction to all his movements. 
 
 Did all clergymen, who seek a summer retreat to avoid 
 the prostration consequent upon severe mental applica- 
 tion in the hot season, lay out their energies for the good 
 of those among whom they reside for a short time, as did 
 this man of God, the results would be most felicitous upon 
 themselves and others. In many instances, however, 
 these excursions are made merely with a view to health 
 or pleasure; and the most that some ministers attempt, on 
 such occasions, is to publish the news of salvation on the 
 Sabbath, if an opportunity is afforded. Consequently, they 
 often return to the people of their charge, with their health 
 improved, it may be, but with affections so cold and languid 
 as, for a time, to disqualify them for the zealous and faithful 
 discharge of the momentous duties of their holy vocation. 
 The following extract of a letter addressed to Mrs. Patter- 
 son, administers salutary reproof to such, while it reveals 
 the way in which this indefatigable servant of Christ em- 
 ployed his time during these seasons of recreation. 
 
 " Chambersburg, June 8th, 1820. 
 
 " My Dear Sarah, 
 
 " The weather has been for a few days very warm 
 here indeed. Religion in Chambersburg is about as usual. 
 Last night I attended monthly concert of prayer. A con- 
 siderable number were present. I have been endeavouring 
 to form religious societies for giving something to the Lord, 
 and I hope I have succeeded. One is called ' the Mite So- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. Q9 
 
 ciety of Chambersburg, to aid poor and pious youth for the 
 gospel ministry,' composed of elderly ladies. Another con- 
 sists of young ladies to aid in christianizing the Indians in 
 America. The funds of the latter to go to the United and 
 Foreign Missionary Society. The funds of the former to the 
 Theological Seminary of Princeton. A third society was 
 formed of the children, called ' the Children's Mite Society 
 of Chambersburg,' to aid in the education of heathen chil- 
 dren in India. These funds to go to Boston. I think a 
 considerable amount of money might be raised here, if the 
 right course was taken. # * * * 
 
 " I know not what God will do with me. I feel better for 
 the travelling, but I have had a pain in my side occasionally, 
 and sometimes in both sides, which seems to indicate a 
 weaker state of the lungs. 1 think my life is hastening 
 away, and am more and more convinced my work on earth 
 is nearly done. O that I had been more faithful! How 
 sorrowful the reflection to look back on so useless a life ! 
 
 " Tell brother George not to delay opening the society 
 which we were talking about. Beg him to make the be- 
 ginning. Tell him the time is short, and while he is think- 
 ing about it, poor souls are sinking into endless despair. 
 O tell him, beg him to begin, and to urge all his pious ac- 
 quaintances to do the same way. To go into some poor 
 house and get a room, and there collect the people, and tell 
 them of Jesus of Nazareth who died for sinners. 
 
 " O if I had health, I think, above all things else on 
 earth, I would wish to be so engaged, and that daily. I re- 
 gret I will lose so much of the opportunity for field preach- 
 ing this summer." 
 
 In this letter he manifests extreme solicitude in behalf of 
 his children. He expresses himself thus : 
 
 " My mind is much concerned for our dear children, and 
 am very sorry that I have to be so much from them. The 
 Monday after I bled at the lungs, was a day which I had 
 set apart as a day of fasting and prayer, that the means em- 
 ployed (going to the sea shore,) might be blessed to George. 
 But the Lord disappointed me in that. I have thought we 
 are too unbelieving, or deserve to be chastised in the afflic- 
 tion of our child. O my dear Sarah, don't forget their daily 
 
 8* 
 
90 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 instruction in religion. I don't mean simply those little 
 prayers, but I mean more thorough instruction about their 
 souls. It is so ordered by Providence, that they are under 
 your care generally. My daily prayer is, that their instruc- 
 tion may be sanctified to them. It is a melancholy trait of 
 the fall that so much of the best of the life of every human 
 being is given to Satan. O that the Lord would incline 
 
 our children's hearts early to serve Him. 
 
 # * * * * * 
 
 " May you have peace and be useful. I try to be useful 
 wherever I go. Yours, J. P." 
 
 The spread of the gospel among the American Indians, 
 was a subject which lay near the heart of Mr. Patterson, as is 
 evinced by a part of the preceding letter ; many of his public 
 discourses and prayers, also, told that the sons of the forest 
 had in him a warm friend and eloquent advocate. Some 
 years since, when the removal of the Indians was a subject 
 of public discussion, he espoused the cause of the Cherokees. 
 He endeavoured to enlist the sympathies and prayers of 
 Christians in their behalf by his impressive and glowing de- 
 scriptions of their wrongs, yet he gave still more substantial 
 proof of his interest in the aborigines of our country, as is 
 illustrated by the following incident. 
 
 Cusick, an Indian chief of the Tuscarora tribe, accompa- 
 nied by his grandson, Guy Chew, visited Mr. Patterson, 
 when passing through Philadelphia, and in consequence of a 
 cordial and pressing invitation, these strangers abode under 
 his hospitable roof for several days. Though Cusick was a 
 man of genuine piety, and valuable as an interpreter to the 
 Missionary labouring among his people, his grandson was in- 
 different to the things belonging to his peace. Having ascer- 
 tained that this was the character of Guy Chew, our friend, as 
 his manner was, urged upon his attention the claims of reli- 
 gion. He felt peculiar solicitude on his behalf, as he contem- 
 plated the salutary influence his conversion would exert upon 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. gj 
 
 the tribe to which he belonged, and the fatal consequences 
 that might result to his nation should he still remain an alien 
 from God. This concern for his salvation, and the efforts 
 to which it prompted, rendered the house of Mr. Patterson 
 an uncomfortable home to his Indian guest, who, on this 
 account, made his residence at a public house during the 
 remainder of his stay in Philadelphia. 
 
 When the pious chief was asked the cause of his grand- 
 son's absence, he replied, as the tears suffused his swarthy 
 cheeks, " He is angry because Mr. Patterson talked to him 
 about religion, and with all my entreaties I could not keep 
 him from going off." This fact was as painful to Mr. Pat- 
 terson, as it was to Cusick; and he resolved to have another 
 interview with this thoughtless youth before he left the city, 
 in which he mi^ht assure him of the kind feelings which had 
 dictated his former conversation. Hence, he accompanied 
 the chief to the steamboat, when about to leave Philadelphia; 
 and here, according to his expectation, he met with Guy. 
 After attempting to remove his prejudices, he again pressed 
 upon his consideration, with affection and fidelity, the 
 claims of his Maker, and the youth found no peace till he 
 obtained it at the cross. On his return to his tribe, he ex- 
 emplified the spirit of the gospel in his walk and conversa- 
 tion, and made a public profession of religion. Soon after 
 this he went to the Mission School at Cornwall, Connecticut, 
 to prepare for the ministry. 
 
 The following extract from a letter addressed to Mr. Pat- 
 terson, by the Rev. Jas. C. Crane, Missionary among the 
 Tuscaroras, alludes to this circumstance : 
 
 " Tuscarora Village, November 20th, 1823. 
 
 " Rev. and very dear Brother, 
 
 " I have long had it in my heart to drop you a few 
 lines : in the first place, to let you know how much you may 
 
92 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 depend upon your Master's blessing, when you try to be 
 faithful ; and in the second place, to inform you that I need 
 your assistance. 
 
 " You will recollect your interview with my aged and 
 pious interpreter Cusick, and his young companion Guy 
 Chew. Guy returned from his journey under the most 
 pungent convictions of his sinfulness, and acknowledged the 
 conversation he had had with Christians to be the means of 
 producing them. But he particularly referred to his con- 
 versation with you, as giving him impressions which never 
 left him. He entertained a hope of an interest in the Lord 
 Jesus soon after his return, and maintained a corresponding 
 spirit and deportment. Me has gone to the Foreign Mission 
 School at Cornwall to receive an education at the expense 
 of the U. and F. Missionary Society. I know you will ex- 
 claim with me, 'Bless the Lord, O my soul!' " 
 
 In the same letter Mr. Crane makes known to Mr. Patter- 
 son that he was in great need of a residence conveniently 
 situated among the people of his charge, and that about 
 one hundred and fifty dollars would be necessary for its 
 erection. To this call for aid a speedy and favourable res- 
 ponse was given. Having collected something toward this 
 object in his own congregation, and received contributions 
 from other churches and ministers in the city, he forwarded 
 the amount according to order. 
 
 In February, 1821, his church was again visited with the 
 convincing and renewing influence of the Spirit. This sea- 
 son of mercy was preceded by a day of special prayer, that 
 God would revive his work in the hearts of his people, and 
 gather sinners into his kingdom. Although the number of 
 inquirers at one time during this work, was upward of sixty, 
 some of whom were rejoicing in hope, it soon declined. In 
 view of this declension Mr. Patterson exclaimed, " O how 
 hard it is to keep the saints engaged in prayer ! How true 
 it is, that the love of many waxeth cold ! O if but a few 
 would persevere with the effectual fervent prayer, the re- 
 vival would not decline as it does now !" He adds : 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 93 
 
 " Here I desire to be thankful that though I have been 
 confined to my house a considerable part of the winter with 
 sickness, yet God has enabled me to preach three times every 
 Sabbath, and be at meetings of some kind every night, Sa- 
 turday night excepted, for between thirty and forty nights 
 past. O that I had strength to labour more, much more." 
 
 His constant desire was, that he might have health to la- 
 bour in the vineyard of his Master ; and although at this time 
 very feeble, he was abundant in labours. Not only in the 
 pulpit, but from house to house did he testify to his fellow- 
 men repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 The following account of a death-bed scene strikingly 
 illustrates the declaration of the Bible, " Be sure your 
 sins will find you out." We abridge the history of the case 
 as we find it in the diary. 
 
 One morning very early Mr. Patterson was called upon 
 
 to go and see , who was in great mental distress. 
 
 He had most fearful forebodings of eternal torments, and 
 would, ai times, cry aloud in the most doleful and hideous 
 manner. " O my great judge ! O my great judge, I can't 
 bear it! O the pit, the lowest pit!" He desired very 
 
 much to see , whom he had defrauded of certain 
 
 moneys ; but when the person referred to came, the sight of 
 him only aggravated the agitation and frantic horror of the 
 dying man. " Here is Mr. ," said one of his attend- 
 ants, " what do you want with him 1" Remaining silent for 
 a moment, he replied, " I'll pay him all— but where will I 
 get the money now." Then withering in agony, he looked 
 
 at as if his very presence was a source of torment. 
 
 " Never before," says Mr. Patterson, " did I witness so ter- 
 rifying a scene ; it gave me a vivid impression of what I 
 have supposed the horrors of the damned must be, when 
 they remember the sins of the present life." 
 
 In this world many an act of dishonesty escapes the pun- 
 
94 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 ishment it merits, that will plant thorns in the dying pillow 
 of the perpetrator, or cover him with confusion at the bar of 
 his final Judge. How will that man, who has defrauded 
 the honest and frugal, and wronged the widow and orphan, 
 to support his splendour or increase his wealth, endure the 
 piercing glance of the Omniscient when sitting in judgment? 
 That many such cases will come before the great Arbiter 
 for adjudication then, we cannot doubt. Then it will be seen 
 that many worshipped Mammon, 
 
 and in devout and humble plight 
 
 Before it kneeled, 
 
 And on its altar sacrificed ease, peace, 
 
 Truth, faith, integrity; good conscience, friends, 
 
 Love, charity, benevolence, and all 
 
 The sweet and tender sympathies of life; 
 
 And to complete the horrid murderous rite, 
 
 And signalise their folly, offered up 
 
 Their souls, and an eternity of bliss, 
 
 To gain them — what? an hour of dreaming joy; 
 
 A feverish hour that hasted to be done, 
 
 And ended in the bitterness of wo. 
 
 " April 9th, 1822 — We united with many other churches 
 in the city in observing this day as a season of prayer for 
 the outpouring of the Spirit. About three weeks ago our 
 church observed a day of prayer for the same object, which 
 was followed with good results. There are now near two 
 hundred persons among us awakened to see their sins, as 
 transgressors of the divine law ; and between forty and fifty 
 are rejoicing ' in hope of the glory of God.' " 
 
 In another place, he exclaims, " O that my soul was 
 tightly affected under a sense of my unprofitableness 
 and barrenness ! Last Sabbath the Lord gave me unusual 
 enlargement of soul in preaching. I exerted myself so as 
 to be disabled from doing any thing since, and even from 
 attending the sanctuary to-day." 
 
 " May 24th. — Ninety-three were added to our commu- 
 nion, three of them on certificate. It was as solemn a day as 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. y c 
 
 we have ever witnessed in this church. The house was so 
 thronged that some had to partake of the sacrament in a 
 standing posture, and many who sought admittance, did not 
 
 succeed because of the crowd. Dr. preached from the 
 
 text, ' There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over 
 one sinner that repenteth.' " 
 
 In the course of this summer, (1822) Mr. Patterson 
 formed a plan for the publication of a religious newspaper, 
 with the view of disseminating religious information amono 1 
 his people, and at the same time of affording pecuniary aid 
 to pious youth who were preparing for the ministry. A 
 meeting of his church, called for the purpose of devising 
 means to carry this plan into execution, resulted in the 
 establishment of such a paper. Although this paper yielded 
 little assistance to the young men for whose benefit it was 
 established, owing to its limited circulation, it was of service 
 in awakening among the people of his charge a desire for 
 religious intelligence. 
 
 He always manifested a deep interest in the circulation of 
 religious newspapers, as a means of doing good. His views 
 on this subject are thus briefly expressed in a letter to a 
 member of his church, who was residing in the country: "I 
 hope God may make you useful. If you could prevail upon 
 a few families to take this paper, you would be doing good 
 and scattering light." Indeed, the Christian who possesses 
 means, but no disposition to patronise a religious paper, is 
 not likely to be a very efficient labourer in the vineyard of 
 the Lord. Without such means of information, how can he 
 become acquainted with the state of the church, or sympa- 
 thize with Zion in her joys or sorrows? 
 
 " November 7th, 1822. — Have just returned from Synod. 
 I find that ecclesiastical meetings do not promote vital piety 
 in my heart. O that God would forgive the sins I commit 
 on these occasions, and preserve me from all unbrotherly 
 feelings toward those who differ from me on any subject. 
 
96 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Sometimes I think if a sense of duty did not constrain me, 
 I would never attend another meeting of Synod." 
 
 At this time there was some diversity of opinion among 
 the members of the Presbytery and Synod of Philadelphia, 
 in reference to the best mode of promoting the Redeemer's 
 kingdom. Mr. Patterson thought that some of his brethren 
 manifested more zeal in maintaining the forms of religion, 
 than in exhibiting and diffusing its spirit. While he would 
 not neglect the former, he esteemed the latter of more im- 
 portance ; and because of this preference, he was viewed as 
 tinctured with fanaticism. This diversity of opinion, un- 
 happily, often placed brethren in circumstances which ren- 
 dered these ecclesiastical meetings unprofitabb, and exceed- 
 ingly trying to our friend ; yet, he aimed to suppress every 
 unchristian emotion toward those from whom he differed, and 
 when any thing dropped from his lips inconsistent with this 
 purpose, he was the first to grieve over the indiscretion. Not- 
 withstanding these difficulties, he was seldom absent from a 
 meeting of presbytery or synod when it was in his power to 
 attend. Pie felt that in attending the meetings of these judi- 
 catories, he was performing a duty imposed upon him by 
 his ordination vows ; and that, in ordinary cases, it was of 
 paramount obligation. Hence, he was generally present 
 with his elder, and cheerfully bore his due proportion of 
 labour and responsibility as a presbyter. 
 
 Under date of June 10th, 1823, we find these reflections 
 in his diary upon the death of his infant. 
 
 " Returned from depositing in the tomb our dear little 
 infant, aged three months. O that God would sanctify this 
 afflictive dispensation to our children and their parents, espe- 
 cially to myself, who most need divine aid. 
 
 "I have tried to devote myself again to the service of the 
 Lord, with the purpose of doing more for his glory ! O 
 that he would never suffer me to grow lukewarm and in- 
 different again, and that he would grant me strength to ob- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 97 
 
 serve these engagements of entire consecration to his will ! 
 Blessed God, leave me not to my own simple plans, but 
 guide me with thy counsels, and influence me by thy Spirit, 
 that I may be wise to form plans to win souls to Thee. 
 
 " Twelve hours of severe sickness drank up the mortal 
 existence of our babe. At six in the morning we presumed 
 it dangerous, and called in a physician ; at six in the even- 
 ing its spirit was emancipated from the body to rest in the 
 embrace of God." 
 
 " June 21st. — The way of transgressors is hard. Last 
 
 night cut his throat. In the course of my visiting, I 
 
 had called at his house and found him violently opposed to 
 Christianity. He was in the habit of attending the Univer- 
 salist church, and had his children baptized there. Of late 
 he had abandoned himself to intemperance. This wretched 
 man used to say he would walk fifty miles to see me hung, 
 so cordially did he hate me. Poor man, it was my preach- 
 ing he hated. O thou that keepest Israel preserve my soul !" 
 
 While Mr. Patterson was hated and persecuted by the 
 wicked ; he was also respected by many of them as a holy 
 man. Yet some of" the baser sort," at times, transgressing 
 the rules of decorum, rudely insulted him in the streets. 
 We find the following instance recorded in his diary. 
 
 "As I was one evening going to our weekly prayer 
 meeting, there was a group of young men standing at the 
 corner of a street which I had to pass. In passing by, I 
 was accosted by one of them with cries of* brimstone, fire and 
 brimstone,' in allusion to my preaching the terrors of the 
 law. I have been insulted two or three times in the same 
 way. Sometimes I am in a strait to know whether I should 
 seek protection at the hands of the civil authorities, or bear 
 it meekly. My mind was not a little comforted to-day, 
 when, in preparing a sermon, I was led to reflect upon the 
 language of the Psalmist : ' When I wept and chastened 
 my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. I made 
 sack-cloth also my garment, and I became a proverb to 
 them. They that sit in the gate, speak against me ; and I 
 was made the song of the drunkard.' Now, thought I, if 
 David and the Saviour were treated so, why should I com- 
 9 
 
9g MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 plain? O that I had more of that zeal for the honour of 
 God that was so conspicuous in the life of the Saviour. 
 
 " Well, I'll be subjected to none of these reproaches and 
 insults in heaven. Such spirits will gain no admittance 
 into the new Jerusalem." 
 
 " June 23d. — Visited ten families ; had a solemn and 
 faithful conversation with a thoughtless young woman." 
 
 " June 24th. — Visited eight families. O that I could gain 
 more of the right spirit for preaching from house to house, 
 testifying of the grace of God to every man." 
 
 " June 25th. — Visited seven families ; had conversation 
 with most of them respecting their souls. I was filled with 
 delight this evening while preaching, and trust the Lord was 
 with me." 
 
 The great success that rewarded his toils in his Master's 
 service, was owing, principally, to his pastoral visits. His 
 diary furnishes evidence that he abounded in this duty ; yet, 
 as such records, in most cases, are necessarily monotonous, 
 the specimens just given are sufficient to show his manner of 
 life in this particular. He was in the habit of keeping a list 
 of the families he visited, so that at the close of the year he 
 had in one view the names of all whom he had called upon 
 as a pastor during the twelve months. 
 
 This plan might be adopted, advantageously, by every 
 minister, as such a record would be of important service to 
 him when reviewing the labours of the year. If any of his 
 parishioners had been overlooked in his pastoral calls, it 
 would be thus called to mind ; and if no such omission had 
 occurred, this gratifying fact might enable him to satisfy his 
 people that he was not so remiss in this duty as they are, 
 sometimes, disposed to think. 
 
 We readily admit that some pastors do not give sufficient 
 attention to their congregations in the way of visiting ; yet, 
 we cannot resist the conviction, that many churches require 
 too much of their spiritual guides in this particular. Few 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 99 
 
 ministers, in these days, can confine their labours and atten- 
 tion exclusively to their own people, without prejudice to the 
 general cause. Their counsel and services are frequently 
 sought in behalf of feeble churches, and the interests of re- 
 ligion at large. To render aid in this respect, they must 
 sometimes correspond with those at a distance, and be ab- 
 sent from their people and families for days and weeks ; to 
 this end, also, their presence is required at the meetings of 
 Presbytery and Synod. They must, moreover, give atten- 
 tion to reading, so as to keep up a general acquaintance 
 with the literature and news of the day; and if they would 
 have their profiting appear to all, they must make thorough 
 preparation for the pulpit. We would, then, ask the reflect- 
 ing Christian, when these various duties, though not, by any 
 means, all that devolve upon the minister, are faithfully per- 
 formed, how much time will be left for visiting ? Can he be 
 constantly engaged in this duty, as some suppose he ought, 
 and yet be qualified to impart wholesome instruction to his 
 congregation on the Sabbath, or contribute to the promotion 
 of the general cause of religion ? 
 
10Q MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 " June 26th, 1823.— Attended the funeral of one of my 
 members. He was an excellent, pious man. During the first 
 part of his illness, he had painful apprehensions in view of 
 the approach of the king of terrors; but as he drew nearer the 
 grave, his fears were dissipated, and he departed, exclaim- 
 ing, ' the Jordan of death is nothing.' Never before had I 
 such pleasant feelings when meditating on death." 
 
 " October 27th. — Last evening our prayer meeting was 
 unusually solemn. Brother spoke on the suffer- 
 ings of Christ, and at the close of the service, all who 
 were disposed were invited to remain for a season of prayer 
 and exhortation. Perhaps two hundred complied with the 
 invitation. It was a memorable evening. In my visits to- 
 day, I found a woman who was convicted at our meeting 
 last night. She told me she had never before heard of the 
 Saviour's sufferings." 
 
 Such ignorance in a Christian land may seem almost in- 
 credible, but the above statement will excite no surprise in 
 the minds of those who have, in their visits of mercy, fre- 
 quented the lanes and alleys of our favoured city, and have 
 acquired but a partial knowledge of the moral darkness of 
 many of its inhabitants. In an appeal to the citizens of Phi- 
 ladelphia, in behalf of domestic missions, exhibiting the moral 
 desolations of the city and suburbs, which was published by 
 the Young Men's Domestic Missionary Society in 1824, Mr. 
 Patterson says : 
 
 " I will stale some facts, showing the deplorable igno- 
 rance that prevails among the lower classes. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 201 
 
 " An aged minister now living, who was for many years 
 a pastor in this city, told me that his milk-woman called one 
 morning for payment, when they were about to engage in 
 family worship. She was invited in, and after worship told 
 the domestics that was the first prayer she had ever heard. 
 She was of middle age, and had been brought up in the 
 neighbourhood of Philadelphia. 
 
 " Another minister who has been labouring many years 
 in this city, told me he was called upon to baptize an old 
 man who was dying, whom he found so ignorant, that he 
 not only knew nothing savingly about Christ, but did not 
 even know that there ever had been such a person on earth. 
 A lady, whom I knew, took a girl into her house as a do- 
 mestic, and on Sabbath sent her to church. When she 
 came home, among many strange remarks she made, she 
 said she had never been in a place of worship before. She 
 was then fifteen years of age, and had been brought up in 
 this city. 
 
 " This same lady, about eight weeks ago, employed 
 another girl, who was so ignorant, that she did not know 
 that she had a soul, or that there would be a resurrection of 
 the body, or a general judgment. She said, ' why, I 
 thought when they were put into the grave there was an end 
 of them. I did not know that any body ever lived again.' 
 I could relate several other facts that have come within my 
 own knowledge." 
 
 " No one," adds Mr. Patterson, " who has not personally 
 visited our lanes and alleys, would believe that there could 
 be such gross ignorance of God and religion in a Christian 
 city. I verily believe, there are hundreds of thousands who 
 live and die in this city without knowing much more about 
 God and Christ than the heathen. And unless some extra- 
 ordinary exertions be made, this broad stream of death must 
 continue to bear down its thousands of immortal beings into 
 endless misery." 
 
 " February 29th. — Preached for brother , in the 
 
 lower part of the city, and aided him in the communion ser- 
 vices. Much feeling was manifested. In the afternoon 
 preached to my own people. The sermon was addressed 
 to backsliders. The Lord was present by his Spirit in an 
 unusual manner ; and this is the reason, the church has been 
 9* 
 
1Q2 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 much engaged in prayer and in humble confession of their 
 remissness in the service of God." 
 
 " July 14th, 1824. — This day received intelligence of my 
 mother's death. Now I am without father or mother. O 
 that I may cleave closer to God as my Father who will 
 never die. She died 7th of July 1824, in the ninety-third 
 year of her age. I trust she is gone to rest. She was a 
 praying woman, and lived a Christian life. I visited her a 
 few weeks before her death, and received much interesting 
 information respecting the piety of her ancestors and her 
 own Christian experience. I thank the Lord for permitting 
 me to visit her so recently before her death, and for the 
 privilege of sitting beside her and hearing what God had 
 done for her, and of praying with her again once more on 
 the earth. Now she is gone, I hope, where all praying 
 is turned into praise. 
 
 " O that God would enable me to live as meekly and 
 humbly as some of my ancestors, and that he would instil 
 into the minds of my children the same meek and pious dis- 
 position, that they may not depart from the God of their 
 fathers !" 
 
 " December 3d.— Just heard of the death of Mrs. Patter- 
 son's sister, wife of Rev. Mr. Hay. She was a Christian 
 but a few years, yet I never knew one ripen faster for 
 heaven. From the day she chose the Lord Jesus as her 
 portion, his service was her constant delight. She spent 
 much time each day in secret, communing with God. Her 
 death is described by those who witnessed it, as most tran- 
 quil and heavenly. I hope her departure may be sanctified 
 to her bereaved husband. O that it may be blessed to my 
 dear companion and myself! May it cause us to hasten on 
 in our heavenly course! 
 
 " Thanks to God for the endearments of friends here be- 
 low, though it be so painful to part with them !" 
 
 When entering upon a new year, he makes the following 
 reflections. 
 
 " January 1st, 1825. — This is the forty-fourth year of my 
 life, the sixteenth of my ministry, and the eleventh of my 
 labours in this city. When I look back upon my poor un- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 103 
 
 profitable life, I think I feel truly sorry. About eighteen 
 years of the prime of my life I spent in folly and sin ; but 
 for ever blessed be the name of Jesus, that he turned my 
 sinful heart to himself, and put me into the ministry. And 
 I desire to praise him that he has in any measure blessed 
 my poor labours. 
 
 " Covenant-keeping God, remember our dear children, 
 and impart to them converting grace ! Lord Jesus, help me 
 to enter on the new year with more faith and zeal than T 
 have had in time past ; and as I trust I am getting nearer 
 my home, may I quicken my pace !" 
 
 " Sabbath evening, January 23. — I desire to record my 
 thanks to the Son of God for the freedom I enjoyed this day 
 in preaching his blessed gospel, particularly in my third ser- 
 vice on the doctrine of election, or the sovereignty of grace." 
 
 Some maintain that there is a palpable incongruity 
 between the belief of the doctrines of election and God's 
 sovereignty, and the zealous and successful preaching of the 
 gospel. With such a sentiment, however, Mr. Patterson 
 had no sympathy. These biblical truths sustained and en- 
 couraged him when proclaiming the will of Heaven to re- 
 bellious men, and on them he founded his hope that sinners 
 would listen with penitence to the gracious announcement. 
 There is, indeed, a mode of exhibiting these doctrines which 
 appears to most minds to invest the Deity with the attributes 
 of a tyrant, and to make the subjects of his moral govern- 
 ment mere machines. These Antinomian views our friend 
 cordially repudiated. While he urged upon his impenitent 
 hearers the duty of immediate repentance, he also brought 
 into view their dependence upon the sovereign grace of God; 
 but with such qualifications as to show that if they perished, 
 they would be the guilty authors of their own ruin. He 
 studied carefully the works of Edwards and Dvvight, and 
 imbibed from them most of the views he entertained on these 
 subjects. 
 
 " December 8th.— This day was observed by our church 
 
1Q4 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 as a season of prayer and fasting, in view of the low state of 
 piety among us. I preached, I trust with some degree of 
 success, from Joel ii. 12, 13, ' Therefore also now, saith the 
 Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fast- 
 ing, and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your 
 heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your 
 God ; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of 
 great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth 
 if he will return, and repent, and leave a blessing behind 
 him.' The fixed and solemn attention of the people encou- 
 rages me to hope that God will follow this day's services 
 with his blessing, and pour out upon us his Spirit, and re- 
 vive us again." 
 
 A fast day often results in little good to a people, because 
 of the way in which its exercises are conducted. It may be, 
 that in the morning and afternoon, discourses appropriate to 
 the occasion are delivered ; but when the assembly is dis- 
 missed, perhaps the object for which it was convened, is 
 never thought of afterward. At such times, the services 
 are frequently too formal, and sufficient efforts are not 
 made to enlist the members of the church, in their indi- 
 vidual capacity, in the services on these appointed seasons. 
 To effect this object was the aim of this faithful minister. 
 Although many of his people were either unwilling, or 
 unable to spend the whole of the day in religious duties, 
 a number of them cheerfully acceded to the wish of 
 their pastor in this particular. On these occasions, a few 
 were wont to meet in the lecture-room at sunrise, and con- 
 tinue in prayer about an hour. Before the public worship 
 in the morning, a larger number would meet in the same 
 place, for a similar purpose, and in like manner, before the 
 afternoon and evening services. These prayer meetings 
 were, generally, conducted by one of the elders, or the pas- 
 tor, who called upon the members to take part in the exer- 
 cises. In this way, these seasons of humiliation and prayer 
 became effectual means of stirring up the graces of God's 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 105 
 
 people; and seldom did they fail of being the forerunners of 
 a revival. 
 
 In his diary he thus describes the manner in which they 
 kept the fast just alluded to. 
 
 « A prayer meeting was well attended before the morning 
 service commenced, and after public service, many remained 
 in the session-room for prayer, in connexion with singing 
 and the reading of the scriptures. In the afternoon we had 
 an interesting prayer meeting, at which I exhorted the church 
 to duty. In°the evening I preached to a full and attentive 
 house. O that God would follow all with his blessing !" 
 
 The church having been engaged in praying for the re- 
 viving influences of the Spirit, it was thought advisable by the 
 session to enlist its members in the use of other appropriate 
 means for this object. To this end a meeting of the com- 
 municants was called on the subsequent week. The follow- 
 ing is the result of the action of said meeting. 
 
 « Wednesday evening, December 14th.— The church was 
 called together to-night to devise some more efficient means 
 of doing good, and of waking one another up to more en- 
 gagedness in the cause of Christ. 
 
 "After prayer and consultation, it was agreed to appoint 
 committees, consisting of two male, members, to hold prayer- 
 meetings in different places where they could obtain rooms 
 for this^purpose, and also two females, as a visiting commit- 
 tee for each praver meeting. It was made the duty of these 
 females to visit the neighbourhood where the prayer meeting 
 was located, and invite the people to attend it, and to loan 
 them tracts, and converse with them on the subject of reli- 
 gion, as opportunity afforded. There was also a committee 
 appointed to procure suitable tracts for the females to distri- 
 bute amono- those whom they visited. At this meeting four- 
 teen committees were appointed to hold grayer meetings in 
 different parts of the Northern Liberties." 
 
 This devoted servant of Christ, fruitful in plans of useful- 
 ness, had his people employed in tract distribution some 
 time before this instrumentality was in general use. Though 
 
106 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 this effort was confined to his own field of labour, and not 
 conducted with the systematic efficiency which character- 
 izes these laudable endeavours now, still it was followed 
 with blessed consequences. This movement shows that he 
 was far-reaching in his plans for doing good. In this case, 
 he adopted a method that was then, so far as we know, 
 novel ; but which has more recently been proved to be an 
 important means of enlightening the minds of the ignorant, 
 and acquainting them with God and divine things. Indeed, 
 for several years prior to this date, he urged his people to 
 avail themselves of this instrumentality in their efforts to do 
 good. Whether the honour of originating the plan of tract 
 distribution, which is now so extensively adopted, belongs 
 to the subject of this work or not, it was with him an origi- 
 nal plan. 
 
 "June 1st, 1826. — The General Assembly has just been 
 dissolved. It continued in session fifteen days. The nar- 
 ratives of religion from the various presbyteries contained 
 cheering intelligence concerning the enlargement and pros- 
 perity of Zion. No former Assembly brought up such glad 
 tidings. God has been specially present by his Spirit in the 
 churches to revive his people and renew sinners. In almost 
 all the presbyteries revivals of religion have been enjoyed. 
 
 " It is to be regretted that there was any thing said or done 
 during the meeting of the Assembly to diminish the pleasure 
 created by such intelligence. But such was the case. Some 
 endeavoured to produce disaffection toward the New Eng- 
 land churches, I think with a view to cause them to withdraw 
 their connexion from us. But God overruled all in a re- 
 markable manner, and averted what many of us feared. 
 
 "During this meeting of the General Assembly, the 
 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, 
 and the United Foreign Missionary Society, were amalga- 
 mated. The latter society was composed of members of 
 the Presbyterian, Dutch Reformed, and Associate Reformed 
 churches. It was involved in debt to the amount of ten 
 or twelve thousand dollars, and as the churches did not 
 come forward to aid in liquidating this debt, as they ought 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 107 
 
 to have done, the managers urged the union of these socie- 
 ties, which was effected by the Assembly. When the sub- 
 ject came up before the Assembly, it created a warm debate. 
 Fears were expressed by those who opposed the union, that 
 it would give facilities to the New England Churches to dis- 
 seminate their doctrines among us Presbyterians, and poison 
 us, and that we should all become Socinians, &c. How- 
 ever, a large majority sanctioned the union." 
 
 The following is the minute adopted by the Assembly on 
 this subject. 
 
 " The report of the committee on a communication from 
 a committee of the Managers of the United Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Society was taken up, and, after mature deliberation, 
 it was 
 
 "Resolved, That the General Assembly do consent to the 
 amalgamation of the American Board of Commissioners 
 for Foreign Missions, and the United Foreign Missionary 
 Society. 
 
 " Resolved, further, That the General Assembly recom- 
 mend the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
 Missions to the favourable notice and Christian support of 
 the churches and people under our care."* 
 
 " Never before," remarks Mr. Patterson, " were there as 
 many fears that the Assembly would split, and never before 
 were there so many prayers offered up in its behalf. Every 
 morning during the meeting of the Assembly a prayer 
 meeting was held at eight o'clock. This meetino- was 
 attended by some of the commissioners and others. The 
 time was spent in singing and prayer, and in giving and 
 hearing accounts of revivals. These were most delightful 
 seasons to many of us." 
 
 Happy indeed for our once favoured church and the 
 world, if all our ministers had been imbued with the spirit 
 of the lamented Patterson ! Had this been the case, we 
 would now have no reason to hang our harps upon the 
 
 * Minutes of Assembly for 1826, page 20. 
 
108 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 willows, and weep over the desolations of Zion, caused by 
 the schismatic movements of certain theologians, 
 
 " In minute 
 Distinctions skilled," 
 
 Who 
 
 " made trifles seem 
 
 The marrow of salvation ; to a word, 
 A name, a sect, that sounded in the ear, 
 And to the eye so many letters showed, 
 
 But did no more, — gave value infinite ; 
 
 * * * # 
 
 With mortal heresy denouncing" all 
 
 Who in their arguments could see no force." 
 
 " October 28th, 1826. — Just returned from a meeting of 
 Synod, which was held at Wilmington, Delaware. At this 
 synod some members of our presbytery, (the Presbytery of 
 Philadelphia,) presented a petition praying for the formation 
 of a new presbytery. Dr. J. P. Wilson, Rev. Thomas H. 
 Skinner, and others signed the petition. We had to assign 
 reasons for our request, which were all summed up in this: 
 We wished to promote peace and good feeling among brethren, 
 which we found could not be secured by remaining together. 
 Our presbytery consists of thirty-six members, and there are 
 twelve who wish to be formed into a new presbytery. The 
 majority are suspicious of revivals of religion, and of the 
 men who endeavour to promote them. Our petition to sy- 
 nod brought down upon us the displeasure of our brethren. 
 * * * * O the unhallowed thirst for 
 
 power and ascendency that I sometimes see even among 
 ministers. Would that we all felt the sanctifying power of 
 that scripture, ' let each esteem other better than himself.' 
 Synod referred the petition to presbytery for their action." 
 
 The minority of the Presbytery of Philadelphia had, for 
 several years, found themselves in connexion with brethren 
 whose views on the subject of revivals, and in reference to 
 the best means of promoting the cause of the Redeemer, did 
 not harmonise with theirs* This fact induced them to peti- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. iqq 
 
 tion Synod for the organization of a new presbytery, con- 
 sisting of those whose views and feelings on these subjects 
 accorded. The majority, however, would not accede to the 
 reasonable request of their brethren. When this petition 
 was placed before the Synod, they opposed it with zeal, and 
 animadverted with some degree of severity upon the con- 
 duct of the petitioners, for presuming to make such a re- 
 quest. Their motives were suspected ; and it was more than 
 hinted, that they intended, by such an organization, to in- 
 troduce men into the ministry who would corrupt the 
 churches with heresy. 
 
 But where was there any ground for this suspicion of 
 heresy? Then there was neither "New Havenism," nor 
 " new measures" to apprehend. The alarming heresy of 
 the day, so far as the Presbyterian Church was concerned, 
 was the doctrines of the fall, the atonement, and man's 
 ability to obey his Maker, as taught by President Edwards, 
 and the New England divines generally ; views, which some 
 of the petitioners for a new presbytery did not entertain. 
 In one word, Hopkixsiaxism was the eastern theology 
 which many of the divines of the city of Philadelphia 
 dreaded ; and the revivals of that day, without any new 
 measure accompaniments, were viewed with equal aver- 
 sion. These were the evils that were dreaded. And lest 
 this contagion from the east should gain admission into the 
 churches of this city, it was deemed necessary, by the ma- 
 jority of the presbytery, to guard its doors with extreme 
 vigilance. 
 
 When, therefore, a young man, who had pursued his 
 theological studies at Andover, applied to the Presbytery of 
 Philadelphia for licensure, he was at once suspected of 
 heresy ; and at least, one or two such applications produced 
 warm debates, and engendered alienations among its mem- 
 bers. The majority of presbytery, generally, opposed the 
 10 
 
|20 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 licensure of all such, while the minority, to which Mr. Pat- 
 terson belonged, advocated it. The latter were of opinion 
 that a young man ought not to be shut out from the Presby- 
 terian Church simply because he had been educated at An- 
 dover, and had imbibed the sentiments of Edwards and 
 Dwight. If he was sound in his theology as these divines, 
 and had the requisite piety, and was prepared to answer 
 affirmatively the constitutional questions, they saw no valid 
 objection to licensing him to preach the gospel. Perhaps, it 
 was the fear that such young men would be introduced into 
 the Presbyterian Church, that influenced the majority to 
 oppose the petition of the minority for a new presbytery. 
 They would rather, it appears, send forth those who would 
 proclaim a limited atonement, and that man was, in " no 
 conceivable sense," able to obey God, and who would, also, 
 faithfully warn the churches against revivals as a species of 
 fanaticism. Here we see some of the causes, the mature 
 developments of which are witnessed in the acts of the As- 
 sembly of 1837, and which have despoiled the Presbyterian 
 Church of her strength and glory. 
 
 " November 2d. — For about nine weeks I have not 
 preached to my people, being confined to my bed the greater 
 part of this time with the inflammatory rheumatism. O 
 that God would sanctify this sore affliction to my mind ! 
 Surely I have not lived as near God as I ought : 1 have been 
 remiss in duties, public and private. 1 feel that I am cold 
 and lukewarm in my work; but, with the help of God, I 
 will try to be more active and useful in future." 
 
 This was a " sore affliction," indeed. The writer visited 
 him daily during most of his sickness, and he can testify 
 that his pain was, at times, most acute and agonising; yet 
 he was patient during it all. Instead of murmuring against 
 God, he was engaged in counselling those who visited him 
 in reference to the importance of being always prepared 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. \ \ \ 
 
 for death ; and of the danger of putting off this work till a 
 sick and dying hour, when the body may be filled with pain, 
 and the mind distracted with cares. 
 
 " December 20th. — Again it hath pleased God to revive 
 
 us in this church. The Rev. has bjen labouring with 
 
 us for some weeks. His discriminating, close, searching, 
 and rousing preaching, has been blessed of God as the 
 means of furthering this good work. Several Sabbath- 
 nights, at the close of the sermon, we told the people that if 
 any were disposed to tarry after the congregation was dis- 
 missed, for religious conversation, we would be happy to 
 converse with them. On the first Sabbath night there were 
 six or eight who remained ; on the next, about fifteen, and 
 on the third Sabbath evening, more than twenty : and every 
 Sabbath evening they increased till they are now above fifty 
 attending the inquiry meeting. A considerable number of 
 the church, while we were conversing with inquirers, retired 
 to a large room, and spent a little time in prayer. O, if 
 it would please God to give the saints a spirit of prayer 
 now, what a glorious work we might expect! Oh that the 
 Lord would not forsake us, but cause sinners to bow to the 
 terms of the gospel ; and that he would suffer no root of bit- 
 terness to spring up among us, and mar the work." 
 
 " April 25th, 1827.— To-day I was called to visit an im- 
 penitent woman. " She is in a queer way," said the per- 
 son who came for me. I found her in most awful distress 
 of mind. When she saw me, she exclaimed, ' All hope is 
 lost ; I am now doomed to misery.' She said to me, ' Once 
 I set out, for a little while, to go to meeting and serve 
 God. O, if I had persevered, it would not be thus with 
 me now.' I asked her if she attended any place of wor- 
 ship. She said ' No.' I asked her why 1 ' Oh,' said she, 
 < it is my own fault, it is my own fault ; but now it is too 
 late !' O that all the wicked could have seen her, that they 
 might be induced to repent, by her despairing cries, while 
 mercy may be found." 
 
 How deplorable the condition of a sinner whose case re- 
 sembles that which is here described. Having broken over 
 
112 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 the influences which Heaven in mercy put forth for his good ; 
 having resisted conviction, and abandoned the house of God, 
 what can he expect at the hand of his offended Maker, 
 but eternal banishment from his presence, and the glory of 
 his power? And yet there are many of this class of per- 
 sons in our world. Once they were almost persuaded to be 
 Christians, but having become entangled again with the 
 pollutions of the world, " the latter end is worse with 
 them than the beginning." Thoughtless reader, beware! 
 lest this be your condition. Resist not the tender wooings 
 of mercy, for God has said, "My Spirit shall not always 
 strive with man." 
 
 "May 28th, 1827. — Yesterday was a delightful day in 
 our church : forty-eight were added to its communion. We 
 omitted the regular preaching, and had in its stead short 
 addresses delivered, both before and after serving the tables. 
 When those about to join us for the first time were coming 
 out from among their friends, to take their stand before the 
 altar, we sung these two verses : 
 
 ' Why was I made to hear thy voice, 
 
 And enter while there 's room; 
 When thousands make a wretched choice, 
 And rather starve than come? 
 
 * 'Twas the same love that spread the feast, 
 
 That sweetly forced us in; 
 Else we had still refused to taste, 
 And perished in our sin.' 
 
 Then a short address was made to the impenitent friends 
 who were left behind ; after which, the candidates were ad- 
 mitted to church fellowship upon their publicly covenanting 
 to devote themselves to the service of God. The new mem- 
 bers then sung these two stanzas : 
 
 ' Now I am thine, for ever thine, 
 Nor shall my purpose move; 
 
 Thy hand has loos'd my bonds of pain, 
 And bound me with thy love. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. JJ3 
 
 ' Here in thy courts I leave my vow, 
 
 And thy rich grace record: 
 Witness ye saints who hear me now, 
 If I forsake the Lord.' 
 
 When they came to the words " witness ye saints who 
 hear me now, if I forsake the Lord," all the communicants 
 rose as witnesses of their solemn engagements. It was a 
 most interesting season, indeed ; and I hope it will be follow- 
 ed with great good." 
 
 10* 
 
114 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Some ministers, and a great many of the professed disci- 
 ples of Christ, as well as thoughtless and unconverted men, 
 strongly object to all those inquiries of a pastor which tend 
 to develope the spiritual state of his people. Many of these 
 endeavour to cast odium upon all attempts to gain such in- 
 formation, by insinuating that they savour too much of au- 
 ricular confession; and maintain that every man must be left 
 to the workings of his own mind on this subject, in view of 
 his accountability to his final Judge. Although these are 
 the ostensible grounds of their objections, no doubt, the 
 Searcher of hearts sees that they often arise from a dis- 
 relish to heart-felt piety, and a fear of having their back- 
 slidings and remissness in religious duties disclosed to their 
 minister. Mr. Patterson, however, was never intimidated 
 from the discharge of this duty by these objections, as the 
 whole of his history abundantly proves. He was too great 
 an admirer of Baxter, and read with too much interest 
 his "Reformed Pastor," to neglect this important part of his 
 work. His sense of responsibility to God for the souls 
 confided to his care, was too deep and abiding to suffer him 
 to yield, for a moment, to the influence of such an objection. 
 
 In the valuable work just named, which deserves an at- 
 tentive perusal by every pastor, its author makes these re- 
 marks when urging ministers to fidelity in their visits among 
 their parishioners.* 
 
 * We quote from the work as abridged by Thomas Rutherford, 
 chap. vii. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. 
 
 115 
 
 " Whether they be grossly ignorant or not, in the next 
 place make a prudent inquiry into their state; and the best 
 way will be by a few words to prepare their minds, and con- 
 vince them of the necessity of it. Suppose to this purpose : 
 ' You read in the scriptures of truth, that the Holy Ghost, 
 by the word, enlightens men's minds, and softens and opens 
 their hearts, and turns them from the power of Satan to God, 
 by faith in Christ, thereby making them a sanctified, pecu- 
 liar people, to God ; and that none but such are made par- 
 takers of Christ. Now, though I have no desire needlessly 
 to pry into any man's state, yet because it is the office of 
 ministers to give advice to people in the matters of salva- 
 tion, and because it is so dangerous to be mistaken where 
 life or death everlasting lies upon it, I would entreat you to 
 deal truly, and tell me whether you ever found this great 
 change wrought upon your heart or not ? Did you ever 
 find the Spirit of God, by the word, come in upon your un- 
 derstanding with such power, light, and life, as made you a 
 new creature 1 The Lord who sees your heart knows whe- 
 ther it be so or not; therefore, I pray you, see that you 
 speak the truth !' If he tell you, he hopes he is converted — 
 all are sinners — but he is sorry for his sins ; then tell him 
 more particularly what true conversion is, and so renew and 
 enforce the inquiry thus : ' Because your salvation or damn- 
 ation depends upon it, I would fain help you a little, that 
 you may not be mistaken in a business of such consequence, 
 but may find out the truth before it is too late; for, as God 
 will judge us impartially, so we have his word before us, 
 by which we may know now how God will judge us then ; 
 for this word tells us most certainly who shall go to heaven, 
 and who to hell. Now the scripture tells us that the state of 
 an unconverted man is this: he sees no great matter of feli- 
 city in the everlasting enjoyment of God in the life to come, 
 which may draw his heart thither from this present world; 
 but he lives to himself, and the main bent of his life is, that 
 
116 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 il may go well with his body here. The world and flesh 
 are highest in his esteem and nearest to his heart, and God 
 and glory stand below them and further off, and all his ser- 
 vice of God is but giving him that which the world and flesh 
 can spare. This is the true case of every unconverted man, 
 and all who are in this state are in a state of misery. But 
 he who is truly converted has had a light shining into his 
 soul from God, which has showed him the greatness of his 
 sin and misery, and made it a heavy load upon his soul ; it 
 has also showed him Christ, and what he has done for sin- 
 ners, and made him admire the richness of God's grace in 
 him. O what glad news is it to him, that yet there is hope 
 for such lost sinners as he — that so many and so great sins 
 may be pardoned — and that this is offered to all that will ac- 
 cept it ! How gladly does he entertain this message and 
 offer ; and for the time to come he resigns himself and all that 
 he has to Christ, to be wholly his, and disposed of by him, 
 in order to the everlasting glory which he has promised. 
 He has now such a sight of the blessed state of the saints in 
 glory, that he despises all this world as dross and dung in 
 comparison of it, and there he lays up his happiness and his 
 hopes, and takes all the matters of this life but as so many 
 helps or hinderances in the way to that; so that the very 
 bent and main care and business of his life is to be happy in 
 the life to come. This is the case of all that are truly con- 
 verted and shall be saved. Is this your case or not? Have 
 you found such a change as this upon your soul V If he 
 say he hopes he has, descend to some particulars. — ' I pray 
 youthen answer these two or three questions: — (1.) Can 
 you truly say that all the known sins of your past life are 
 the grief of your heart, that you have felt everlasting misery 
 is due to you for them, and that in the sense of this heavy 
 burthen you have felt yourself a lost man, and have gladly 
 entertained the news of a Saviour, and cast your soul upon 
 
ItEV. JAMES PATTERSON. H7 
 
 Christ alone for pardon by his blood. — (2.) Can you truly 
 say that your heart is so far turned from your former sins, 
 that you hate the sins which formerly you loved, and love 
 that holy life which you had no mind to before, and that 
 you do not now live in the wilful practice of any known sin. 
 Is there no sin which you are not heartily willing to part 
 with whatever it cost you, and no duty which you are not 
 willing to perform? — (3.) Can you truly say that you have 
 so far taken the everlasting enjoyment of God for your 
 happiness, that it has the most of your heart, of your love, 
 desire and care ; and that you are resolved by the strength 
 of grace to let go all you have in this world, rather than 
 hazard it, and that it is your daily and principal business to 
 seek it 1 Can you truly say that, though you have your 
 failings, yet your main care and the bent of your whole life 
 is to please God and enjoy him for ever; and that your 
 worldly business is but as a traveller seeking provision in 
 his journey, and heaven is your home.' If he say yea to 
 the first and third, tell him how great a thing it is for a 
 man's heart to abhor his sins, unfeignedly to lay up his hap- 
 piness in another world, and to live in this world for one 
 that is out of sight ; and therefore desire him to see that 
 it be so indeed. If he say yea to the second question, then 
 read over some of those duties which you most suspect him 
 to omit ; and ask him whether he performs such or such a 
 duty, especially family and private prayer, and the holy 
 spending of all the Lord's day. 
 
 " When you have, by these inquiries into his spiritual 
 state, reason to conclude that he is yet unconverted, your 
 next business is to endeavour with all your skill and power 
 to bring his heart to a sense of his condition. — ' Truly, 
 neighbour, I have no desire, the Lord knows, to make your 
 condition worse than it is, nor to fill you with unnecessary 
 fear and trouble : but I suppose you would take me for a 
 
118 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 flattering enemy, and not a faithful friend, if I should daub 
 you, and not tell you the truth. If you sought to a physi- 
 cian in your sickness, you would wish him to tell you the 
 truth, though it were the worst. Much more here : for there 
 the knowledge of your disease might by fears be increased ; 
 but here you must know it, or else you can never be reco- 
 vered from it. I much fear that you are yet a stranger to 
 the new life of all those whom Christ will save : for if you 
 were truly converted, your very heart would be set on God 
 and the life to come, you would admire the riches of grace 
 in Christ, you would make it your business to prepare for 
 eternity, and you durst not, you would not live in any wil- 
 ful sin, nor in the neglect of known duties. Alas, what have 
 you done, how have you spent your time till now ! Did 
 you not know that you had a soul to save or lose, and that 
 you must live in heaven or hell for ever, and that you had 
 your life and time in this world to prepare for heaven? 
 Alas, what have you been doing all this while, and that you 
 are so ignorant, and so unprepared for death if it should now 
 find you ? If you had but as much minded heaven as earth, 
 you would have known more of it, done more for it, and 
 inquired more diligently after it than you have. You can 
 learn how to do your business in the world, and why could 
 you not have learned more of the will of God ? You have 
 neighbours that could learn more, who have had as much 
 to do in the world as you, and as little time. Do you think 
 that heaven is not worth your labour, or that it can be had 
 without care and pains, when you cannot have the trifles of 
 this world without seeking after them, and when God has 
 commanded you first to seek his kingdom and the righteous- 
 ness thereof? Alas, neighbour, what if you had died before 
 this hour in an unconverted state ! What had become of 
 you, and where had you now been 1 Why you did not know 
 all this while that you should live a day to an end. O that 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. j jq 
 
 ever you should be so cruel to yourself as to venture your 
 everlasting state so desperately as you have done ! What 
 did you think of? Did you not all this while know that you 
 must shortly die, and be judged as you were then found? 
 Had you any greater work to do, or any greater business 
 to mind than your salvation ? Do you think that all you 
 can get in this world will comfort you in a dying hour, or 
 purchase your salvation, or ease the pains of hell fire?' — 
 Set these things home with a more earnest voice than the 
 former part of your discourse; for if you get not to the 
 heart, you do nothing." 
 
 These directions the subject of this biography carefully ob- 
 served ; hence, we might naturally expect to find, in his 
 diary, frequent notices of lamentable apostacies from God, 
 as well as of striking conversions among the people of his 
 charge. He mingled more among his flock than most minis- 
 ters, and through his inquisitiveness in reference to the state 
 of their minds, became acquainted, very extensively, with 
 their views and feelings on the subject of religion. The 
 ministerial fidelity with which he performed pastoral visita- 
 tion developed the delinquencies of many professors, and the 
 sad and fatal departures of others from the path of righteous- 
 ness. Nor was he inattentive to the subsequent history of 
 those who had forfeited their standing in the Christian 
 church, or the dealings of Providence toward them ; and it 
 was his opinion, after a close observation for many years, 
 that such persons, generally, soon ended their days. The 
 following instance is one of many which goes to confirm 
 this sentiment. 
 
 "July 5th, 1827. — I have to record the most solemn oc- 
 currence that has come to my knowledge in all my ministry. 
 
 " Mr. , a communicant in our church for eight or 
 
 nine years, or perhaps more, was determined to get rich. 
 
J 20 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 He kept a grocery store, and began to sell on the Sabbath. 
 Having heard this, I went to him, and reasoned with him 
 about the sin of breaking the Sabbath- He replied, that he 
 knew it was wrong, and was sorry that it was a general 
 custom ; but that if he should refuse to sell on the Sabbath, 
 people would not buy from him through the week. I went 
 again to visit him, and reasoned with him affectionately on 
 the subject. I told him, if he continued in this practice, he 
 would be publicly suspended from the communion of the 
 church ; and that the session would now give him some time 
 to make up his mind, before they would proceed to deal 
 with him. I left him the tract, ' Quench not the Spirit,' 
 and told him I would mention his case in our prayer meet- 
 ing, and we would pray for him. I did so, not mentioning 
 any name, and we prayed repeatedly for him. It being in 
 the time of a revival, the church was much engaged in 
 prayer in his behalf. I called on him the third time, and 
 asked him how he was getting along? He replied, that he 
 had made up his mind. 1 was happy to hear this, supposing 
 it was to quit selling on the Sabbath, and to return to his 
 duty. But, think of my surprise, when he told me that it 
 was to continue to break the Sabbath. I said, is it possible, 
 that you have calmly and deliberately made up your mind 
 to profane God's day] If so, 1 would advise you to prepare 
 to die : for you have great reason to fear that God will soon 
 cut you off from the earth. Poor fellow! his race was 
 short. The next time I heard of him was after a Wed- 
 nesday evening lecture: the congregation was invited to 
 attend his funeral the next day! I do not know that I ever 
 was so surprised. His mother-in-law told me that he was 
 greatly distressed a little before he died ; and that he fre- 
 quently would exclaim, with his hands clasped, ' Lord Je- 
 sus, Lord Jesus, have mercy upon my poor soul, and forgive 
 my past life and past offences.' The Sabbath before he 
 died, they were selling in his store all day. 
 
 "The funeral was pompous ; fine carriages and fine mourn- 
 ing dresses: but alas ! I thought, where is the soul 1 i They 
 that will be rich fall into temptations and a snare, and into 
 many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in des- 
 truction and perdition.' His physician told me that his was 
 an extraordinary case; that he had no fever; that he had a 
 little sickness at his stomach, but nothing that could excite 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 12] 
 
 alarm. He said that his mind was overwhelmed with the 
 world ; that he was bent on making money. His soul was 
 agonized to think that he must leave off the world a little, 
 and lie by during his sickness. His death was sudden and 
 unexpected. He died while sitting in his chair !" 
 
 This case affords an impressive warning to professing 
 Christians, whose love of gain or pleasure leads them to 
 profane the day of sacred rest, notwithstanding the remon- 
 strances of pious friends, and of the faithful messengers of God. 
 Rather than make any pecuniary sacrifice, or forego the 
 gratification of a Sunday excursion, many presumptuously 
 disregard the command of Jehovah, which was promulgated 
 amid the awful displays of Sinai. Let such transgressors be 
 admonished by the preceding history, and hereafter " re- 
 member the Sabbath day to keep it holy." 
 
 "August 13th. — This moment, have received the unex- 
 pected news of the death of my brother Andrew. He died 
 on the first of August, with only twenty-four hours sickness. 
 Strange providence ! He had just removed his family from 
 Baltimore, to die and leave them in a land of strangers. 
 
 that God would guide, lead, and protect his family, and 
 incline all their hearts to seek his face and favour. I hope 
 he is gone to rest ; for I trust he was a man who feared 
 God. May the Lord make this providence an incentive to 
 me to be more holy and active till my work is done. O 
 that I could feel that my days are hastening to a close. 
 My brother was the youngest of all the family." 
 
 M October 8th. — I am just recovering from a severe sick- 
 ness. For fourteen days and nights, Mrs. Patterson gave 
 me medicine every two hours, regularly ; I did not know but 
 the Lord had thrown me by, as a useless thing. Never 
 before, did I so clearly see the amazing wickedness and 
 corruption of my heart, as in this sickness. It seems to me 
 that my heart is altogether at enmity with God; I find that 
 
 1 murmur against Him, and want my own way, and am not 
 submissive under his reign. O that my will was completely- 
 conformed to the will of God." 
 
 11 
 
122 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " December 10th. — It has pleased God to give an addition 
 to our family. A dear little daughter has just opened her 
 eyes on a world of sin and misery. How solemn the 
 thought, that, a few hours ago, an immortal spirit was sent 
 from the hands of God, and is put under our care, to culti- 
 vate for an endless duration of happiness. O that we may 
 have grace to do our duty ! O that it would please God so 
 to direct our lives and hearts, that we may be happily in- 
 strumental in training it up for Him ! Seven children, 
 seven immortal spirits, now daily hang on our arm, for us 
 to feed and clothe, and train up for the church and for God. 
 Here 1 would record the goodness of the Lord, thus far, to 
 our family. O that our children would remember God in 
 the days of their youth ! O that I may be able to make 
 such impressions on them, as my mother made on me, when 
 T was young." 
 
 Having preached a discourse on the sin of adultery, Mr. 
 Patterson gave great offence to some of his congregation. 
 Many of his hearers were of the opinion, which is still very 
 prevalent, that this was one of the topics that ought not to be 
 exhibited before a promiscuous audience. Every one, who 
 duly considers the delicate nature of this subject, will readily 
 admit that it is most difficult, if not impossible, to present it 
 in such a way as not to displease the fastidious taste of some 
 of the hearers of the gospel. Equally clear is it, that this 
 enormous evil may be treated in such a way as to give 
 pain to modest minds, and retard the cause designed to be 
 promoted. Still, the ambassador of Heaven, cannot be 
 silent on this subject, and be guiltless. The whole counsel 
 of God cannot be proclaimed, unless the sinner is warned 
 of this sin, as one against which, are uttered the most awful 
 denunciations of the Almighty. But if ever prudence and 
 piety are necessary in the discharge of his sacred functions, 
 the preacher will need them when making known the coun- 
 sel of his Master in this case. 
 
 The opposition of many to the introduction of this theme 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 123 
 
 into the pulpit, and the consequent timidity of some min- 
 isters in the performance of this duty, will be a sufficient 
 apology for introducing, in this connexion, the following 
 extract from Dr. D wight's excellent sermon on " Thou 
 shalt not commit adultery." 
 
 "Before I begin the immediate discussion of this subject," 
 remarks this able divine, " I shall premise a few general 
 observations : 
 
 " It is universally known, that there is, and for a great 
 length of time has been, a riveted prejudice against the in* 
 traduction of this subject into the desk. When the peculiar 
 delicacy attending it is considered, it cannot be thought 
 strange that such a prejudice should, in some degree, exist. 
 Even the most chaste and correct observations concerning it 
 are apt to give pain, or at least to excite an alarm in a re- 
 fined and apprehensive mind. What nature itself, perhaps, 
 dictates, custom and manners have not a little enhanced. The 
 opinions and feelings to which I have referred, have been 
 carried to a length unwarranted, either by the Scriptures or 
 common sense. The subject seems, in fact, to have been 
 banished from the desk, and ministers, by their general and 
 profound silence concerning it, appear to have sanctioned 
 the conclusion, that there is one, and that not a small part 
 of Scripture, which, so far as preaching is concerned, is not 
 profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, nor 
 for instruction in righteousness. 
 
 " But let me solemnly ask every religious man whether 
 this conduct can be justified. The rejoicing of St. Paul, at 
 the close of his life was the testimony of a good conscience, 
 that not by fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, he 
 had his conversation in the world; the testimony of a good 
 conscience, that he was pure from the blood of all men, 
 because he had not shunned to declare the whole counsel 
 of God. Is it not a plain and prominent part of the counsel 
 
124 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 of God, to forbid, to discourage, to prevent, this profligate 
 conduct of mankind? Why else was this precept inserted 
 in the decalogue, and promulgated amid the lightnings of 
 Sinai ? Why else is it, throughout the Scriptures, made 
 the subject of such forcible prohibitions, and the object of 
 such awful threaten ings ? 
 
 " What reason can be given, why it should not be intro- 
 duced into the desk ? Can common sense either prove, or 
 discern the usefulness of excluding it ? Is it fit, is it safe, is 
 it not preposterous, is it not ruinous to the best interests of 
 mankind, to leave the whole management of it to loose and 
 abandoned men; and to suffer them, from year to year, and 
 from century to century, to go on in a course of corruption; 
 seducing and destroying thousands and millions, especially 
 of the young, the gay, and the giddy: while we ministers of 
 Christ, divinely appointed to watch for the souls of men, 
 quietly sit by and see them hurried on to perdition? Shall 
 we be awed by the cry of indelicacy, originally raised by 
 the most indelicate of mankind, only to keep the field open 
 for its own malignant occupancy? Shall we not infinitely 
 rather lay hold on every opportunity, and all the means 
 furnished here, as well as elsewhere, to rescue our fellow- 
 creatures from destruction ? * * 
 " But why, it may be asked, may not the evil be left to 
 other correctives? Why is it necessary, that ministers of 
 the gospel should make it the theme of their public discour- 
 ses? Why may not the business of reformation be en- 
 trusted to the satirist, the poet, and the moralist ; to private 
 conversation, and to the religious instructions of parents? 
 The answer to these questions is at hand. God has re- 
 quired ministers to cry aloud and spare not, to lift up their 
 voices as a trumpet, and to show his people their trans- 
 gressions. He has declared to ministers, that if they warn 
 not the wicked of his way, the wicked shall die in his sins; 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 125 
 
 but his blood will He require at their hands. The point 
 in debate must, I think, be allowed to be here finally settled; 
 unless some argument can be devised to show that a minis- 
 ter is bound to make himself answerable for the blood of 
 those sinners, to whom he preaches. Besides, the satirist, 
 the poet, and the moralist, in a multitude of instances, have 
 been enlisted on the side of vice; and have endeavoured to 
 stimulate, rather than repress, the evil under examination. 
 Where they are not ; how few persons read their books, 
 compared with the number of those who are present at the 
 preaching of the gospel ! Probably two-thirds of a million 
 of persons hear the gospel preached weekly in New England. 
 Not one in a thousand of these, perhaps, has ever read a 
 book seriously exposing this unhappy part of the human 
 character. Even where their books are read, and read with 
 attention, they are little regarded, and produce little effect. 
 The desk possesses means of appalling and overthrowing 
 vice, and upholding morality which nothing else can boast. 
 The day, the place, the circumstances of the assembly ; the 
 purposes for which they are gathered ; and the solemn com- 
 mission of Jehovah, furnish ministers with advantages for 
 this great end, unrivalled and unexampled. Accordingly 
 their office has been more efficacious in producing real refor- 
 mation than all the other means employed by man. The 
 " pulpit," says a poet of distinguished excellence and 
 wisdom : 
 
 ' The pulpit, when the sat'rist has at last. 
 Strutting- and vap'ring- in an empty school, 
 Spent all his force and made no proselyte, 
 I say the pulpit, in the sober use 
 Of its legitimate, peculiar powers, 
 Must stand acknowledg'd, while the world shall stand, 
 The most important and effectual guard, 
 Support, and ornament of virtue's cause.* 
 11* 
 
126 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 "With these things in view, I consider it as my own duty 
 to bring this subject into the desk without hesitation ; and 
 to treat it in the same definite and earnest manner, which 
 is demanded by the precepts of the gospel. I shall make it 
 my business, however, to treat it in such a manner, that, if 
 any of my audience shall entertain thoughts concerning it, 
 forbidden by their Creator, it shall be their own fault, and 
 not mine." 
 
 Having heard the murmurs and complaints about his 
 preaching, referred to, and also that he did not preach gos- 
 pel sermons, Mr. Patterson made the following entry in his 
 diary, which shows if he erred in his method of exhibiting 
 this subject, it was an error of judgment only. 
 
 " December 29th. — O that it would please God to make 
 me more faithful, by all these things, and humble me under 
 a sense of my great wickedness of heart, and that I do not 
 with more fidelity address the consciences of this people. 
 And here I give thanks to the Great Head of the church, 
 that I have a good conscience on the subject of preaching 
 1 gospel sermons.' I think I have tried to preach the truth, 
 and to preach it plainly according to my ability ; yet I feel 
 I have come far short of what I ought to have done for the 
 salvation of sinners. O that I may be enabled to forgive, 
 from my heart, all those who speak against me, and pray 
 for them, and try to do them all the good I can. O that I 
 had a greater sense of my accountability to God, and feared 
 men less ; then I would be more useful in the world." 
 
 There is much ambiguity in the minds of many, as to 
 what constitutes a " gospel sermon." Some suppose such 
 a discourse makes no calls to duty, and utters no threaten- 
 ings against the disobedient ; but that it treats sin as a hu- 
 man frailty, which God will overlook, for the sake of his 
 Son ; and speaks peace to the transgressor while he con- 
 tinues in impenitence. If the minister, in his discourse, en- 
 forces the requirements of the divine law ; if he calls upon 
 his hearers to be holy, and to live, not unto themselves, but 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 12? 
 
 unto Him who died for their redemption, this is styled 
 " legal preaching :" yet it is the very preaching sanctioned 
 by the example of the Saviour and his apostles. Such con- 
 secration to the service of the Lord is not required as the 
 ground of acceptance with God, but as the only infallible 
 evidence that the soul is united to Christ by faith, and is 
 inspired with his love. And when one cannot relish such 
 exhibitions of truth, there is reason to conclude that he is an 
 enemy of the cross, whatever may be his professions. 
 
 "January 7th, 1828. — For a long time, I have not had 
 such ardent desires for the conversion of souls as I had last 
 week. Monday night last, at the concert of prayer, my 
 mind was unusually engaged in prayer, in view of the 
 dreadful condition of sinners, and 1 felt extremely de- 
 sirous that the world might be brought to Christ. On 
 Tuesday night, at a private prayer meeting, I felt, if possi- 
 ble, a still greater desire, and I thought that we ought not to 
 cease praying till God would pour out his Spirit upon us. 
 On Wednesday evening, at my regular lecture in the session 
 room, it seemed as though I ought not interrupt the spirit 
 of prayer which prevailed, by the usual lecture; consequently 
 it was omitted. The Spirit was with some of us, I verily 
 believe." 
 
 This Spirit of grace and of supplications was the precursor 
 of a most extensive awakening in the congregation. 
 
 " March 24th. — About six or eight weeks since, we com- 
 menced a course of preaching adapted to awaken the church 
 to active measures for the enlargement of Christ's kingdom, 
 and to bring sinners to embrace the gospel. The Rev. 
 
 preached frequently on this occasion, and rendered 
 
 me very important aid in performing the labours connected 
 with this work ; and the Lord sanctioned these means, by 
 granting an abundant harvest to the praise of his grace. As 
 the fruits of these efforts, many were added to the commu- 
 nion of the church. Never has there been, in my church, 
 for the fourteen years I have been here, so much attention 
 to the subject of religion. Some of the richest and proudest 
 of the congregation have been brought to sue for mercy at 
 
128 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 the feet of Jesus, and particularly among the men. The 
 preaching takes hold specially of the thinking part of so- 
 ciety ; and sceptics are unable to stand before the truth. 
 Hundreds have been awakened, and a goodly number have 
 been led to rejoice in hope. Our inquiry meetings, which 
 are held once or twice every week, are attended by from 
 one hundred to one hundred and fifty persons." 
 
 " March 25th. — To ni*o;ht, had our church called together 
 in the session room, and the young converts with them. 
 Some communicants from other churches were present. 
 The season was one of uncommon interest and solemnity. 
 I urged upon them the importance of being up and doing, 
 when the Holy Spirit was at work all around us, and when 
 hundreds were willing to be conversed with about their sal- 
 vation. Much feeling was manifested at this meeting. 
 
 " The revival seems to increase, and if the church would 
 fully awake to duty, and visit sinners, and pray and con- 
 verse with them, J believe some hundreds of souls would be 
 gathered into the kingdom of God." 
 
 " April 4th. — O how hard to keep a church awake any 
 length of time! Some seem to grow weary in well doing. 
 O Lord Jesus let not this church grow sleepy and stupid." 
 
 In the most favoured seasons in this church, there were 
 some who never cordially engaged in the revivals with 
 which it was so frequently blessed ; and even those who 
 had a heart to pray for the prosperity of Jerusalem, too soon 
 grew faint in prayer and relaxed their efforts. Most min- 
 isters have cause to lament over a similar state of things. 
 But, notwithstanding the sins and imperfections of his people, 
 God is pleased to employ them as instruments in furthering 
 his kingdom. And the history of this favoured church 
 teaches, that a minister and people need not be discouraged 
 from making efforts for the conversion of sinners, because 
 some do not come up to the help of the Lord. Did not the 
 Head of the church pour out his Spirit upon a people until 
 all its members engaged in fervent supplication for this 
 blessing, Cew churches would ever enjoy a revival. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. J 29 
 
 However desirable it may be that all take hold of the work, 
 if but a part put forth appropriate and persevering efforts, 
 with an humble reliance upon the divine promise, there is 
 no reason for discouragement. Although formalists and 
 hypocrites have had a name in the Christian church from 
 her organization to the present time, and have, in some de- 
 gree, retarded her progress ; still, under the guidance of her 
 risen Lord, she has been making an onward movement, and 
 ultimately, through his favour, she will achieve the conquest 
 of the world. 
 
 " May 29th. — Last Sabbath was a profitable day, I hope, 
 to this congregation. Eighty-seven persons joined the 
 church, the fruits of the late revival ; of these, thirty-two 
 were baptized. The crowd was immense, and hundreds, 
 it is supposed, went away who could not get into the church. 
 
 what a day was this ! Blessed Saviour, give me a heart 
 to labour more zealously in thy vineyard !" 
 
 "July 22d. — The revival still continues, though not 
 with so much power. At our communion, two Sabbaths 
 ago, thirty-two were added to our church, and many v/ho 
 have become hopefully pious, have united with other 
 churches." 
 
 "August 8th. — Just returned from , (N. J.,) where 
 
 1 went "with a brother, to try to stir up that church ; for 
 they have been in a cold and formal state for a long time. 
 We tried to preach plainly and faithfully to them ; and after 
 we had gone home to our lodgings, a young woman came 
 
 to get us to go to the house of Mr. , who was in great 
 
 distress, on account of his sins, to pray with him. I went 
 with the gentleman with whom we lodged, and found Mr. 
 
 walking the room, wringing his hands, and crying out 
 
 aloud. We asked what was the matter? He cried, ' O, 
 I am lost ! I am lost ! I heard things at the preaching, to- 
 night, I never thought of before, and I am lost. O, it is 
 too late for me to hope for mercy,' &c, &c. And, in an- 
 other room, there was a young woman on her knees, in 
 tears, crying out and praying. We talked and prayed with 
 them for a considerable time ; so that it was after midnight 
 
130 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 before we retired. The next morning, Mr. came 
 
 early to the house where I lodged, and seemed more com- 
 posed, and said he was now determined to follow Christ for 
 ever : the young woman also appeared to have obtained 
 peace in believing. I caught cold, being out in the damp 
 air, after being very warm while preaching that night, and 
 have been unable to go out much since my return; but I 
 must try to go down there again next Tuesday. 
 
 " O, if our brethren would try to stir up the cold 
 churches in and about the city, how much good might 
 be done! There are awful moral desolations all around 
 this city; thousands who seldom, if ever, hear the gospel." 
 
 "August 14th. — Just returned from , (N.J.,) where 
 
 I have been preaching twice a day for some days. We 
 called the church together, and talked to them, and tried to 
 rouse them up; read several passages where God's people, 
 in former times, covenanted that they would live more de- 
 voted to Him; then called the church to rise up, as many 
 as were willing to enter solemnly into covenant with God, 
 to live more conformed to the spirit of the gospel. I preached 
 last night with some liberty. The meeting was solemn, and, 
 I hope, good was done. At the close of the service, appointed 
 an inquiry meeling, and fifteen or twenty attended ; some 
 professors were among the number. Some sinners, I trust, 
 were brought into the kingdom." 
 
 The following extracts show that this devoted servant of 
 Christ very much resembled his Saviour, in his anxiety and 
 efforts for the salvation of his perishing fellow-men. Even 
 in mid-summer, while many, having relinquished for a sea- 
 son, the toils and cares of business, were enjoying the cool 
 and invigorating breezes of the sea-shore, or the salubrious 
 air of the country, he was more abundant in labours than 
 at other times. Then the careless multitudes, who spent 
 their Sabbaths in rambling through the fields, or lounging on 
 the commons, could easily be congregated in the open air to 
 hear preaching ; and, having collected a large assembly 
 under these circumstances, regardless of his own case, he 
 warned them of their danger, and urged them to fly for 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 131 
 
 safety to the sinner's Friend. And when absent from the 
 city, at this period of the year, in consequence of ill health, 
 as was sometimes the case, he lamented that it would in- 
 terfere with his plans for " field-preaching." 
 
 " August 25th.— Feel exhausted nature wants rest. 
 Preached four times yesterday ; twice in the church, once 
 in the fields, at six o'clock, P. M., and once in the session- 
 room, at eiijht o'clock, P. M. Had a good meeting in the 
 fields'; had some freedom in talking ; told them, plainly, that 
 many of them get intoxicated, and break the Sabbath, and 
 curse and swear instead of going to a place of worship. 
 Many were in tears. Addressed the youth affectionately ; 
 told them that it seemed as though nothing could be done 
 with the aged, and that the only hope was with the young. 
 I warned the young in view of the condition of^ the aged, 
 who then stood around me, hardened in sin and ripening for 
 wo." 
 
 " O that ministers would do something for these poor peo- 
 ple by preaching to them in the fields. They are as sheep, 
 without a shepherd. They are governable and easily man- 
 aged, and it appears to me there is no difficulty, if ministers 
 and people had hearts to labour in this way for the good of 
 souls. Something ought to be done for them ; Lord Jesus 
 put us in the best way of doing it ! 
 
 " These two Sabbaths past, though the weather has been 
 extremely hot, I have preached four times each day, and I 
 feel more prepared on Monday morning, to labour for Christ, 
 though my body is weak, than at any other time. 
 
 "Monday morning, September 18th. — Preached but three 
 times vesterdav, the weather was so extremely hot. Preached 
 twice in the church, and once in the fields. My field preach- 
 ing promises to do much good. My hearers, though poor 
 and ignorant, are not gospel-hardened : they listen atten- 
 tively? I am resolved this week, if possible, to devise a 
 more systematic plan of instruction for those who attend 
 preaching on the field. Lord direct me to the best means. 
 Many are so poor as not to be able to provide themselves 
 with'suitable clothes to attend church. If Christians would 
 lake hold of this subject, how much might be done for this 
 class of persons. 
 
1 32 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " Last week I spent a few days at , (N. J.) What 
 
 moral darkness hovers over that region. Here Elias Flicks, of 
 Long Island, has been disseminating his soul-ruining doc- 
 trines. He seems to direct all his powers against the Bible ; 
 and substitutes the light within, as a more safe and infallible 
 guide. His whole preaching is to set aside the distinguish- 
 ing doctrines of the gospel. 
 
 " In my preaching, 1 endeavoured to show, from John i. 9, 
 that Christ was the true and only light, and that all who 
 followed any other guide, would be covered with the black- 
 ness of darkness for ever. I trust a few were savingly en- 
 lightened." 
 
 "September 11th. — Yesterday, finished my field-preach- 
 ino- for this season. The people felt solemn when I told 
 them that, before another season for field-preaching, many 
 of us would likely be in eternity. Many wept. For two 
 or three Sabbaths, there has been more feeling, at my meet- 
 ings in the field, than there has been in the church. I am 
 more and more convinced of the great importance of this 
 kind of effort for a certain class of people. They will not go 
 out to a place of worship, but here one can get at them ; 
 and when they begin to feel, they will go out to places of 
 worship. O that I may meet some of these poor people in 
 heaven ! How much might be done for sinners round 
 about, if we had a heart to do it." 
 
 Whether he performed religious services in the fields after 
 the above date, we cannot speak with confidence ; it is pro- 
 bable, however, he did not, since we find no further notice 
 in his diary respecting his labours in this department. The 
 succeeding chapter, from the pen of his successor in the pas- 
 toral office, gives a most graphic account of the scenes often 
 exhibited on these interesting occasions; and the perusal of 
 it, we doubt not, will revive in the minds of many who wit- 
 nessed them, pleasing and solemn reflections. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 133 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 In a world like ours, whose apostacy from God is so re- 
 markably signalised by supreme selfishness, it is grateful to 
 contemplate those exalted displays of expansive, disinterested 
 benevolence to which the gospel, in its practical power on 
 certain minds, gives rise. In each successive age since the 
 ministry of the gospel has been instituted, there have been a 
 few choice spirits who have shown an affiliated sympathy 
 with their divine Master in the wide range of their benevo- 
 lent desires, purposes and efforts for the salvation of man. 
 There have been those in the holy office who could not be 
 content with the common measure of labour, — whose hori- 
 zon could not be so limited that they could see nothing be- 
 yond the familiar walks of ordinary official duty, and who, 
 in their zeal for the Lord of Hosts, and in their undying 
 love for souls, have not been able to restrain themselves with- 
 in those narrow boundaries which circumscribe the labours 
 and wishes of others. To such minds every age has been 
 mainly indebted for its moral advancement. They become 
 the pioneers in all great benevolent enterprises. They 
 throw themselves forward in anticipation of their times, and 
 draw in their wake the more contracted and tardy multitude. 
 It is the spirit and example of such that, under God, will 
 impel the church onward to her millennial triumphs. We 
 love to contemplate specimens of this peculiar kind of great- 
 ness. It is a greatness of which the credit is due to the 
 grace of God alone. It is the greatness of superior bene- 
 12 
 
234 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 volence, the greatness of " putting on the Lord Jesus 
 Christ," and of having " the same mind which was also in 
 Him" the only kind of greatness which constitutes a dis- 
 tinction of any worth in the eye of God. In this sense, our 
 beloved departed brother Patterson was truly great. He 
 had a heart that cherished unbounded aspirations after " well 
 doing." His soul was constantly dilated with far-reaching 
 and comprehensive schemes of holy activity. He seems to 
 have had a deep practical conviction that " the field is the 
 world" and he thought, and prayed, and laboured, and 
 hoped with this object before him in all its magnitude and 
 mighty interests ! 
 
 When he first settled in the northern part of the city of 
 Philadelphia, his church and congregation were compara- 
 tively small. But his pastoral labours and visits — his ani- 
 mation, his unaffected earnestness, his holy compassion for 
 souls, and his clear and forcible presentation of the pungent 
 truths of the gospel, soon rendered his preaching so attrac- 
 tive as to fill and crowd the place of worship with attentive 
 hearers. He preached three times on the Sabbath, beside 
 lecturing and attending prayer meetings during the week. 
 He was most assiduous and indefatigable in visiting and pas- 
 toral efforts. Now, with this, nay, with less than this, as the 
 measure of their labours, most ministers are abundantly 
 satisfied. Not so with Mr. Patterson. Beside the multitude 
 that crowded the place of worship where he preached, there 
 was a mass of neglected suburban population who went no- 
 where to hear the gospel, and had " no man naturally to 
 care for their souls." They desecrated the Sabbath by col- 
 lecting in groups round the dram-shops, and spending its 
 holy hours in rioting and drunkenness. The benevolent 
 spirit of Mr. Patterson " was stirred within him," when he 
 contemplated these dense crowds of ruined yet immortal be- 
 ings, moving in unbroken procession down the pathway to 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. J 35 
 
 hell. His concern for them soon ripened into an active, la- 
 borious compassion, which led to a series of efforts for their 
 good that have no parallel, as we believe, in the history of 
 any settled pastor in this country. This remark refers to 
 his preaching on the Sabbath in the fields. With essen- 
 tially the same spirit that animated Paul, when he stood on 
 " Mars Hill," and proclaimed the gospel to those who " were 
 wholly given to idolatry," Mr. Patterson, amidst all his 
 other exhausting labours, commenced preaching on the com- 
 mons on Sabbath afternoon, after the close of the second 
 service in church. The crowds which he drew around him, 
 and the temporary and permanent effects of those efforts, 
 have not been surpassed since the days of Whitefield. The 
 surviving witnesses of his exertions in this department, 
 speak of them still with enthusiastic admiration. 
 
 In the commencement of these labours, he had a little 
 moveable platform constructed, which was placed by the 
 side of a building that fronted the commons. On this he 
 stood, and proclaimed the message of God to the promiscu- 
 ous company. But the multitude that flocked to hear him 
 soon became so great that he had to remove his stand to the 
 open field, where his audience could surround him, and 
 have an opportunity of hearing his spirit-stirring appeals. 
 The mass of hearers was as dense and far extended behind 
 him as before him, or on either hand. He was completely 
 encircled by thousands, who stood in silence, and often in 
 tears, " wondering at all the gracious words that proceeded 
 out of his mouth." 
 
 The writer greatly regrets that it was not his privilege to 
 have witnessed these self-denying and apostolic labours of 
 Mr. Patterson. No one but an eye-witness is competent to 
 give a faithful representation of these extraordinary efforts. 
 And, unhappily, no such one could be found who was will- 
 ing to contribute to the memoir a chapter on this subject.. 
 
•£36 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 When we recollect the standard of ministerial effort at 
 that time — the general supineness of the churches as regards 
 any direct movements for the conversion of souls — the views 
 that were then entertained respecting revivals of religion, 
 and the comparative absence of that spirit of expansive bene- 
 volence which has since prevailed in the religious commu- 
 nity, we cannot but regard these labours of Mr. Patterson as 
 exhibiting an enlargement of holy love, and an intensity of 
 zeal for the salvation of souls ; that deserve to be recorded 
 by a highly gifted Christian pen. 
 
 The following brief but eloquent paragraph from the Rev. 
 J. N. Danforth, who witnessed for himself what he de- 
 scribes, may indicate something of the interest which at- 
 tached to this man of God, and to the scenes of his labours 
 on the commons. 
 
 " In the summer of 1821 I again visited him, and found his 
 mind in a state of holy excitement on the interests of the hu- 
 man soul, and all its powers in active operation for the promo- 
 tion of a general revival of religion. Among the means he 
 was then using, was a series of Sabbath meetings on the 
 fields, or open lots, in the Northern Liberties, where but 
 few houses were yet erected. Solid squares of handsome 
 edifices now cover the ground on which stood thousands of 
 immortal beings, to hear from the lips of Patterson the 
 word of life, and very probably a majority of those who 
 constituted his audience, have gone to their great account. 
 The first place to which he took me was a little suburban 
 valley, each hill-side of which sloped gently towards its 
 summit, the whole being covered with the verdure of early 
 summer, and, in fact, furnishing a kind of natural temple for 
 the worship of God. He had himself a keen relish for the 
 beauties of natural scenery, rendered more acute and intense 
 by the heated air and close confinement of the city. On 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 137 
 
 the brow of the hill which overlooked that valley, with the 
 earth for his platform, the heavens for his sounding-board, 
 and the free and untainted air to waft the breath of his elo- 
 quence to the ears of the listening crowd, he stood as the 
 messenger of God to dying men. His clarion voice, lifted 
 up as it was, to bear his great message to the multitude be- 
 fore him, rang along the valley in tones of deep and solemn 
 import, as if it was now indeed to his hearers, a matter of 
 " life unto life, or of death un'o death." With the Bible in 
 his hand, Jesus in his heart, and the Spirit going before him, 
 he laboured with the most affecting earnestness for the 
 immediate conversion of his auditors. On this occasion, as 
 on similar occasions, it seemed to be his aim to make divine 
 truth so plain and palpable to minds unaccustomed to think, 
 and to consciences unused to feel, that the sinner could 
 hardly help being convicted and self-condemned. It was 
 then, when the soul of our departed friend began to kindle 
 under the breath of the Spirit, that his arguments appeared 
 clear as intuition ; his illustrations vivid as the light of day ; 
 his appeals came warm from the very heart ; his warnings 
 sounded as the death-knell to the soul that should dare to 
 resist them, or turn indifferently away. In the pictures 
 which he drew of the misery of the lost, there was a truth and 
 power which indicated at once the deep feelings of his own 
 heart on that fearful subject, and the intimacy of his soul 
 with the spirit of the Bible. He has been said to be harsh 
 in his dealings with sinners, and perhaps he so appeared, 
 at times ; but I am sure it was no harshness of the heart, for 
 if ever human eyes streamed with pity and distress for im- 
 penitent sinners going down to hell, his did sorely weep 
 over such. If ever human strength was worn and tasked, 
 wearied and wasted, in the cause of the highest humanity — 
 that of saving souls ; in godlike benevolence towards the 
 wicked and unthankful, it was the strength of James Patter- 
 12* 
 
138 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 son. I have seen the evidence of this too often to hesitate 
 a moment in the expression of my opinion." 
 
 So far from being harsh and objurgatory in his manner, 
 Mr. Patterson had a felicitous tact in conciliating all classes 
 of his audience. It was an audience consisting of many 
 who had never been trained to any respect for ministers, or 
 for the sanctuary, or the service of God. He had numerous 
 hearers who had seldom been in a place of public worship — 
 who regarded all ministers of the gospel with dread and 
 revolting. But he possessed, beside his natural sweetness 
 of temper and courteous manners, that holy, yearning com- 
 passion for their souls, and that strong Christ-like desire to 
 do them good, which led him to bestow many kind atten- 
 tions on them, and to perform many friendly and polite 
 offices to the people, in addition to the appropriate ministra- 
 tions of the sacred desk. As an instance, we may notice 
 the following. His hearers, of course, could be but very 
 partially seated. Amongst them were often seen mothers, 
 standing with their infants in their arms, and their numerous 
 families of children around them. Before he commenced 
 the services, he would go in person, make others give place, 
 and see that these mothers were provided with seats. He 
 evinced the same benevolent solicitude in respect to the aged 
 and infirm, often exerting himself personally to procure 
 them eligible seats, and to render their condition, while hear- 
 ing him, as comfortable as circumstances would permit. 
 
 On some occasions, too, he bore with the utmost patience 
 and meekness certain disturbances and irregularities that 
 must have beea very trying to his feelings. These, con- 
 sidering the character of his audience, did not occur often. 
 He exhibited so much of a sincere desire to do them good — 
 there was something so tender and thrilling in his appeals — 
 so much of overawing majesty in those truths of God which 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. I39 
 
 he proclaimed, and so deep a seriousness in a portion of his 
 audience, that those who came with an intention to disturb 
 the services, were restrained from doing so, and were often 
 brought under deep conviction of sin. 
 
 Mr. Patterson was fond of singing, was a lover o{ good 
 church music, and knew and appreciated its power as an 
 instrumentality of solemn impression on the minds of his 
 audience. He, therefore, always took with him, on these 
 occasions, a sufficient number of singers amply to sustain 
 this part of the service. The surviving witnesses of these 
 services, remember till this day, some of the psalms and 
 hymns then sung, and are able, in a measure, to recall the 
 solemn and delightful emotions awakened by the multitude 
 of voices that united in these songs of Zion, and sent up their 
 rich harmonies to the open skies. In the selection of a 
 psalm or hymn Mr. Patterson was often influenced by some 
 natural phenomenon existing at the time, that would attract 
 attention, and give force to the sentiment of the sacred 
 poetry. He was aided in this by his delicate taste, and his 
 keen perception of those images of loveliness and repose, or 
 of majesty and terror sometimes exhibited in the heavens. 
 
 When there slept on the bosom of the summer's evening 
 sky those soft light clouds that roll themselves up in thick 
 folds of fleecy whiteness, he would select the hymn contain- 
 ing the lines : 
 
 " Let the fiery cloudy pillar 
 
 Lead .me all my journey through. " 
 
 On one occasion, when the western horizon became cur- 
 tained with a dense cloud that stretched upward toward the 
 zenith in its towering and threatening forms, accompanied 
 by lightning and distant thunder, he read that psalm con- 
 taining the verse, 
 
140 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " Throned on a cloud our God shall come, 
 Bright flames prepare his way, 
 Thunder and darkness, fire and storm, 
 Lead on the dreadful day!" 
 
 It is more easy to conceive of, than to describe the emotions 
 with which these lines were sung by some two or three 
 thousand persons in the open air, whilst their eyes were 
 fixed on the dark and terrific majesty of the lightning- 
 spanned cloud, and their ears, at intervals, addressed by the 
 deep roar of the distant thunder as the grand sub-bass of 
 nature' 's anthem! One who witnessed the scene, informed 
 the writer, that during the sermon on that occasion, there 
 were some most solemn and striking allusions to this phe- 
 nomenon in the heavens, and that, as the cloud increased 
 and approached still nearer, and the elements became more 
 agitated, the immense audience instinctively began to crowd 
 nearer to the preacher, as though in mere contiguity to this 
 man of God there was safety. The storm that followed, 
 consisted chiefly of a violent wind, and did not materially 
 interrupt the services. Mr. Patterson, in the mean time, so 
 availed himself of this impressive eloquence of the elements 
 of nature as to cause multitudes, at the close of the sermon, 
 to hang round him in tears imploring his prayers in their 
 behalf. 
 
 To interest such an audience as that which he drew 
 around him on these occasions was no easy task. They 
 were a heterogeneous population, many of whom had never 
 enjoyed a religious education — had never been trained to 
 respect the worship of God and the ordinances of religion — 
 had no habits of attending public worship — had never been 
 accustomed to read or think on serious subjects, and, of 
 course, had none of those habitudes of mind favourable to 
 the reception and solemn consideration of divine truth. In 
 his labours with them Mr. Patterson had to contend with all 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. J 4 ^ 
 
 that ignorance, want of thought, waywardness, irreverence, 
 and undisciplined moral feeling which usually attach to such 
 a class of population. Nor had he the collateral helps fur- 
 nished by an imposing church edifice, and the example of a 
 large number of pious and respectful worshippers- Yet, in 
 the absence of all these facilities for arresting attention and 
 producing impression, few preachers for the last half cen- 
 tury, have secured a more profound attention, or been the 
 instrument of producing so deep a feeling of interest in an 
 audience as did Mr. Patterson in these services. It was no 
 unusual occurrence for the whole multitude that surrounded 
 him to be melted into tears. This was, in a great measure, 
 the result of his singularly happy method of adapting his 
 instructions to the character and capacities of his hearers. 
 In this respect he exercised an extraordinary ingenuity, in- 
 terspersing his discourses with pertinent and impressive an- 
 ecdotes drawn from the providential dealings of God with 
 men which he had personally witnessed. The following 
 facts the writer obtained from the individual himself to 
 whom they relate. These facts will illustrate the adapta- 
 tion of Mr. Patterson's preaching to arrest attention and im- 
 press the heart. The individual alluded to had never, 
 during his life, been in a place of public worship but once, 
 and that was when a lad, he went on one occasion to a 
 coloured Methodist church for the purpose of making sport 
 and creating disturbance. He had grown to manhood, be- 
 come settled, and engaged in business, in complete separa- 
 tion and seclusion from all the means of grace. He kept 
 his shop open on the Sabbath, and it was the resort of the 
 most wicked and scoffing portion of the population around 
 him. He was at length attracted, as he said, by mere cu- 
 riosity, to hear Mr. Patterson preach in the fields. Mr. 
 Patterson, in the course of his sermon on that occasion, re- 
 lated two anecdotes of a most striking character, illustrating 
 
142 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 the displeasure of God as manifested to the wicked in the 
 present life, and then drew an inference in regard to what 
 His treatment of them would be in the future world of per- 
 fect retribution. This individual was cut to the heart, and 
 found himself at once a convicted and distressed sinner. 
 He returned to his house in great anguish of mind, and im- 
 mediately resolved that he would never again keep his shop 
 open on the Sabbath. The very next day, to his great sur- 
 prise, Mr. Patterson called upon him. By what means Mr. 
 Patterson knew of his serious impress ions, which had only 
 commenced the afternoon previously, or how he found the 
 residence of this individual, seemed *<• him most unaccount- 
 able. It shows, however, the extreme vigilance of this man 
 of God, and how anxious he was to cherish, by prompt pas- 
 toral visits, the impression which his preaching had made on 
 the minds of his hearers. He converse 1 , very faithfully with 
 this individual, and directed him to " the Lamb of God who 
 taketh away the sins of the world." The man soon obtain- 
 ed a hope in Christ; and though scoTed at by his wicked 
 companions for shutting his shop on the Sabbath, and 
 ridiculed, and tried with "cruel mocking," for his serious- 
 ness, he remained firm, united himself with Mr. Patterson's 
 church, and, it may be added, has for more than twenty 
 years sustained an unblemished reputition as a Christian. 
 When he made a profession of religion there were seventy 
 or eighty others united with him, many of whom received 
 their first serious impressions, or were first led to attend 
 public worship by hearing Mr. Patterson preach in the 
 fields. 
 
 We have already adverted to his tact in availing himself 
 of temporary circumstances, or natural phenomena, to arrest 
 the attention of his audience, and impress truth on their 
 minds. But another reason of the sway which he had over 
 the multitudes who thronged to hear him, is to be found in 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 143 
 
 the powerful hold which he took on their consciences. They 
 had not that intellectual development which could be attract- 
 ed by, or could relish trains of ingenious and refined thought, 
 or of acute and consecutive reasoning; nor had they that 
 taste which would be gratified by those splendid specimens 
 of rhetoric that make the preacher " as a very lovely song 
 of one that hath a pleasant voice and can play well on an 
 instrument." But they had a conscience which, notwith- 
 standing their ignorance, prejudice and degradation, was 
 still true, in some things, to the throne of that God who im- 
 planted it in their nature. As a Christian philosopher Mr. 
 Patterson was well acquainted with this part of man's moral 
 constitution. He saw and appreciated the adaptation of 
 God's truth to affect the human conscience. He knew that 
 the hold which he obtained on the minds of his hearers 
 through this medium was likely to be the most strong and 
 enduring. 
 
 Jt is conscience that mainly constitutes that mighty liga- 
 ment which binds the moral creation to its Creator. With 
 great plainness and fidelity, therefore, Mr. Patterson attack- 
 ed and exposed the peculiar vices of his hearers. The traffic 
 and use of ardent spirits, even at that day, received from 
 him the most severe rebuke and reprobation. Gambling, 
 and especially profanation of the Lord's day, he knew to be 
 the crying sins of a portion of his hearers. Against these 
 crimes he arrayed the terrors of the Lord, passed on them 
 an unsparing condemnation, and pointed out the tremendous 
 punishment which God would inflict on their finally impeni- 
 tent perpetrators. And when not engaged in exposing the 
 prominent vices of his audience, the truths which he pro- 
 claimed, and even the anecdotes and illustrations which he 
 used, were of a kind to appeal directly and powerfully to the 
 conscience. He succeeded wonderfully in arousing this 
 power of man's moral nature, and securing its influence 
 
244 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 ♦permanently, in many cases, on the side of God and righ- 
 teousness. 
 
 A part also of the secret of Mr. Patterson's power over the 
 heterogeneous mass that attended his field preaching con- 
 sisted in the tenderness, depth, and intensity of his desires 
 for their salvation. This was a master -passion with our be- 
 loved and departed brother. It gave character to his pray- 
 ers, and sermons, and conversation, and modified all his 
 efforts for their everlasting welfare. When such desires 
 become predominant in any mind, they give to that mind an 
 incalculable influence over others. By the great sympa- 
 thetic law of our social nature, we are obliged to feel the 
 controlling power of pre-eminent kindness manifested toward 
 us. Even those whose understandings are covered with 
 <n-oss darkness, and whose consciences are seared and 
 almost insensible, cannot remain entirely callous under the 
 manifestations of that tender Christ-like spirit which weeps 
 over their guilt and misery — which endures with patience 
 their contradictions, and in yearning affection strives to do 
 them good, and longs for their salvation. There is hardly 
 any degree of barbarian hardihood proof against the appeals 
 made by the exhibition of a spirit like this. This was pe- 
 culiarly the spirit of the Rev. James Patterson. Few pub- 
 lic speakers ever exemplified more strictly the great rule 
 prescribed by the Latin poet for affecting the minds of 
 others, — " Si vis me fere dolendum est primum ipsi tibi." 
 
 « If you wish me to weep you must first appear to be 
 
 yourself affected." His sermons were not only pervaded by 
 an earnestness, solemnity and fervour, but there was a deep 
 vein of ingenuous, sincere pathos, often irresistible. The 
 writer never had the privilege of hearing Mr. Patterson 
 preach but once, and that was only for a few minutes in the 
 close of his sermon. Then there was a holy tenderness and 
 affection in his manner — a persuasive plaintiveness in his 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 145 
 
 intonations of voice — a look of almost divine compassion 
 from his expressive eye — a warm gush of tears on his 
 manly face, and a countenance softened and subdued with 
 an air of sorrowful benevolence, which will never be for- 
 gotten. The manifestation of such a spirit by Mr. Patter- 
 son, to the multitude of neglected outcasts from religious 
 privileges, who attended his preaching on the commons, 
 could not fail of reaching even their blunted sensibilities. 
 They felt its power, and were often almost unconsciously 
 led to weep with him when he wept. He forced on their 
 minds the conviction that he " had great heaviness and con- 
 tinual sorrow in his heart," for their impenitent condition — 
 that it was disinterested love, and sincere weeping compas- 
 sion for their lost souls, that prompted him to these unre- 
 munerated, self-denying, exhausting and persevering labours 
 for their salvation. It was thus that he conciliated many 
 who had previously been repelled from the ministers of re- 
 ligion, and from all sacred things. It was thus that he 
 bound so many hearts by ties of respect and friendship to 
 himself, that had heretofore been attached to those only who 
 were congenial to them in depravity and crime. This was 
 the sacred spell by which he held the multitude in attend- 
 ance on his preaching during the years through which these 
 services were protracted. And it was, doubtless, one means, 
 under God, by which many were brought to the knowledge 
 of the truth as it is in Jesus. 
 
 Mr. Patterson commenced these labours on the commons 
 in 1816, and continued them through the five following 
 summers. This involved an amount of labour that it seems 
 incredible he should have so long sustained. 
 
 He thus preached four times on the Sabbath, for nearly 
 half of each year, beside his weekly lectures, and all the 
 crowded cares and -labours of pastoral visitation and atten- 
 tion to the sick. True, he was then in the morning vigour 
 13 
 
146 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 of his days, and " as a strong man rejoicing to run a race," 
 his noble spirit entered on this career of effort, and panted 
 to fill a sphere of usefulness that would have tasked an an- 
 gel's energies. 
 
 The good which he effected by his field preaching, and 
 by the labours which were necessarily connected with it, 
 none but God can compute. After the lapse of twenty 
 years, and the changes which those years have brought 
 with them, in the growth and prosperity of that part of the 
 city which was the scene of his exertions, no one but he 
 who has been a constant spectator, and who can contrast the 
 past with the present condition of the population can appre- 
 ciate the astonishing effects of Mr. Patterson's labours. An 
 intelligent gentleman, not a professor of religion, and who 
 spoke from his own personal observation, remarked to the 
 writer, that the revolution produced by these efforts of Mr. 
 Patterson, on the social and religious condition of the people 
 was incredibly great. The population seemed to start into 
 a new, social, intellectual and moral life. Habits of sobriety, 
 industry, economy, peace and friendship, were formed, and 
 the people exhibited in their dwellings and apparel, a neat- 
 ness and taste ; and many of them acquired a competency, 
 and enjoyed domestic comforts to which they had once been 
 entire strangers. 
 
 But the moral and spiritual effects of these labours cannot 
 be embraced in the compass of human calculation. The 
 redemption of one soul is an event involving interests, and 
 holding relations both to time and to eternity, of a magni- 
 tude which mocks the finite measurement of man. If we 
 could fathom the deeps of wo from which that soul is res- 
 cued — if we could compute the worth of the peace and joy 
 it has in believing — if we could calculate the buoyancy and 
 rapture of its celestial hopes — the calm and holy enjoyment 
 it has in communion with its God, and in attending on his 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 147 
 
 ordinances — its protection from the complicated and gigantic 
 evils of a world lying in wickedness — its sure support 
 amidst all the trials and calamities of life — the astonishing 
 influence it may exert on the cause of God in the present 
 world — its victory and song of triumph over death and the 
 grave; if we had a mighty balance by which to poise that 
 " far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," which 
 awaits it in its future and immortal existence, and then could 
 multiply the sublime aggregate thus obtained by the whole 
 number of souls saved by the instrumentality of Mr. Patter- 
 son's field preaching, what an impression would it produce 
 of the wonderful results of his labours in this department ! 
 It is a delightful thought, which it is, perhaps, lawful for us 
 to indulge, that his own redeemed spirit, with the expansion 
 and growth of its capacities in glory is better able to appre- 
 ciate, and is occupied in contemplating these results, and 
 will have an eternity in which to watch their developments, 
 and to trace their mighty influence on the manifestations of 
 redeeming grace and dying love, and on the increasing 
 happiness ol the universe of God ! 
 
148 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 In the autumn of 1828, Mr. Patterson visited the city 
 of Alexandria, D. C, to aid in conducting a protracted 
 meeting about to be held in the Second Presbyterian church 
 of this place. The pastor of the church, Rev. Mr. Walton, 
 invited our friend as a suitable person to assist him on 
 this occasion; and, though he felt the pressure of his re- 
 sponsibility in engaging in this work, it being the first of 
 the kind in which he ever laboured, he obeyed the call of 
 duty, committing himself and the cause into the hands of 
 his Lord and Master. At this time these services were a 
 new thing, east of the Alleghany mountains ; but the cir- 
 cumstance of their novelty did not deter him from testing 
 their adaptedness to advance the cause of the Redeemer. 
 He had heard of the success which followed these consecu- 
 tive services in the west ; — that through their instrumentality, 
 many of the thoughtless were awakened from their indiffer- 
 ence to the subject of religion, to sue for mercy, through 
 atoning blood, at the hands of their Maker : and the proba- 
 bility of so cheering a result from similar efforts in the 
 east, encouraged him to enter upon this new field of labour. 
 All his anticipations were more than realized. The services 
 on this occasion being rendered effective, through the divine 
 blessing, were the means of a most interesting work of grace. 
 This revival led to the formation of a new church in the 
 District, whose piety, activity and benevolence, have contri- 
 buted much to the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. 149 
 
 The following notice of this protracted meeting we find 
 recorded in his diary. 
 
 " October 1st. — Just returned from Alexandria. I went 
 there to attend ' a four days' meeting,' at the urgent invi- 
 tation of brother Walton. I preached every day and night 
 while there, and administered the sacrament on the Sabbath. 
 At the close of each service in the church, we invited any 
 who were desirous to be conversed with about their souls' 
 salvation, to remain behind, and we would converse with 
 them. Sometimes the whole congregation would stay ; and 
 in order to know who wished to be conversed with, we were 
 under the necessity of inviting them out to the front seats, 
 that we might see them and converse with them. As many 
 as thirty or forty came forward ; about one hundred were 
 convicted. Of these about forty or fifty indulged a hope 
 that they had embraced the Saviour. It was a delightful 
 time. Lawyers, doctors, merchants, mechanics, and^ all 
 classes seemed to be taken hold of by the Spirit. The 
 church was remarkably engaged in prayer. Several of the 
 young converts, I trust, will study divinity. One lawyer, 
 in conversing with me, said he did not feel as though he 
 could return "to the practice of the law." 
 
 In a letter, written a short time before his death, to the 
 Rev. J. N- Dan forth, his fellow-labourer during this pro- 
 tracted service, he speaks thus when alluding to this interest- 
 ins season. 
 
 "There were a number of cases of hopeful conversion, 
 and the church was very considerably quickened and waked 
 up, as you well recollect, dear brother ; for if I remember 
 right, you were there. And you recollect with what fear 
 and prayer, and trembling we entered on the work 
 I had never seen a protracted meeting conducted. But I 
 tried to look to God, as I believe we all did, for direction : 
 and I believe the Master directed us. This thought occurred 
 to me, and I announced it to the congregation : when I was 
 impenitent, sometimes after hearing an awakening sermon, 
 12* 
 
150 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 I felt as though I would be glad to have some person con- 
 verse with me about my soul, ere I left the church. And 
 now, said I, there may be some here who feel as I used to 
 do, and at this moment feel as though they would be glad to 
 be conversed with about their souls' salvation. And if there 
 be any of that class, if they will remain behind a little after 
 the benediction is pronounced, we will converse with them. 
 And after the benediction was pronounced, the whole con- 
 gregation remained. Nor shall I forget the solemn situa- 
 tion in which we ministers appeared. 
 
 " Thus was introduced the first protracted meeting, for 
 we called it such at the close, that was held east of Alle- 
 ghany mountains." 
 
 In the diary of the preceding date, he further remarks : 
 
 " I also spent about a week at Washington City, where 
 God was pleased to bless my poor labours in calling up the 
 attention of the people. Thirty or forty were under con- 
 viction when I left, and about fifteen or twenty, we were 
 led to believe, had become the disciples of Christ. Since I 
 have returned home, word has come that the good work is 
 increasing in both places. Brother D— , whom I prevailed 
 on to go with me from this city, remains there, and is la- 
 bouring faithfully, and God is with him. O that the people 
 there may not grow weary, but pray in faith, and go for- 
 ward. O that God would wake up our ministers to feel and 
 preach as they ought." 
 
 " October 31st. — Just returned from a meeting of presby- 
 tery held at . Took a heavy cold preaching in a 
 
 close room, and then going out in the damp air. Had less 
 litigation in presbytery than usual ; prayed more, and got 
 along much better. And O, if ever any of my sons become 
 ministers, let them take this advice of their father, to pray 
 much before they go to meetings of presbytery, and pray 
 much when there, that God would keep them humble, and 
 restrain them from grasping after fame and distinction. A 
 desire to be called Rabbi, is the sin of some ministers, and 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON 
 
 151 
 
 frequently is an awful curse. Many ministers care very 
 little about, and make very little efforts for, the conversion of 
 sinners; yet plan to be esteemed great, and to be leaders 
 among their brethren. O, my sons, if ever God puts you in 
 the ministry, pray that you may be kept from this am- 
 bition ; and may God keep you little in your own eyes, that 
 you may be great in His. And pray devoutly and most 
 earnestly, that He would preserve you from profitless con- 
 troversy, in ecclesiastical bodies ; and that you may not be 
 left to cherish unchristian feelings towards brethren who 
 differ from you in opinion." 
 
 What ambassador of the cross can read these lines with- 
 out feeling that he stands in need of the reproof and counsel 
 they administer. It was necessary for the Saviour to caution 
 his disciples against the love of power and distinction. This 
 emotion, however, does not belong exclusively to any parti- 
 cular class of men; it constitutes a striking feature in the 
 character of fallen beings. It prompted Satan in his ambi- 
 tious aim to rival " the blessed and only Potentate ;" and the 
 same spirit actuates every one confederated with him in his 
 war against heaven, He then, who does not see the impor- 
 tance of prayer and watchfulness, to guard his heart against 
 these unholy aspirings, knows very little of its operations; or 
 else, possesses a degree of piety to which few have attained. 
 
 " November 7th. — Returned from Washington City, 
 where I have been attending another four days' meeting. It 
 commenced on Friday after the church had had a day of 
 prayer and fasting. Had prayer meetings every morning at 
 sun-rise in different places ; then public service in the church 
 at eleven o'clock, A. M., after which we conversed with any 
 that were disposed to remain. In the afternoon had meet- 
 ings in different parts of the congregation for exhortation, 
 prayer, and conversation with the inquiring sinners; then, 
 preaching in the church at night, and so on, daily, for four 
 days. On Sabbath the sacrament was administered, and 
 between thirty and forty were admitted for the first time. 
 These were the fruits of an awakening that took place seve- 
 ral weeks ago in connexion with a series of religious services. 
 
252 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 When we were about to part, T proposed, that as many of 
 the professors as were willing, with non-professors, (if they 
 would determine to do all their duty,) should enter into cove- 
 nant with God, and with one another, to try to live more holy; 
 and that they should signify it by kneeling down, and two or 
 three ministers would pray before we rose. It was unanimous- 
 ly agreed to, and several hundreds knelt down in the church, 
 and entered into covenant, as the saints did, in the days of 
 good king Josiah, and in the days of the primitive Christians. 
 It was, truly, a very solemn and interesting scene. I have 
 reason to think that between fifty and one hundred cases of 
 conviction occurred during that four days' meeting, and many 
 hopeful conversions. The brethren and sisters, who were 
 there from abroad, seemed much stirred up, and I hope they 
 will return home and do more for Christ. My own soul has 
 been much refreshed ; and although much broken down with 
 preaching and conversing, and constant excitement, yet I 
 look back on those meetings with peculiar pleasure. I have 
 had clearer views of divine truth on these occasions than on 
 any other." 
 
 " November 28th. — Two days ago I was sent for to visit 
 a young woman of my church, low with a fever; and while 
 I was talking with her about eternal things, a young woman 
 came into the room to bring her some nourishment. I began 
 to tell her about eternity, and that here was one of her 
 young companions going into the grave, &c. &c. She 
 replied, she did not believe there was a hell. I reasoned 
 with her, and when about to pray with the family, she left 
 the room, evidently displeased with my conversation." 
 
 Not alone to this young female belongs the charge of be- 
 ing a scornful rejecter of the grace of God. It may be, that 
 some youth who reads these pages, has often turned away 
 from the warnings of him whose history they record. 
 Should this be the case, let such an one lay them to heart now. 
 
 The following entry in his journal discloses the fact that 
 Mr. Patterson was at this time agitating the question, whe- 
 ther it was his duty to resign his pastoral charge, and de. 
 vote himself for the remainder of life to the work of an 
 evangelist. He was led to enter seriously and prayerfully 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. ] 53 
 
 upon this inquiry, at the suggestion of many of his brethren, 
 who had witnessed the success that followed his labours at 
 protracted meetings; and who.expressed to him their belief* 
 that such a step would contribute greatly to his usefulness. 
 His own views on the subject are thus expressed : 
 
 " December 1st. — Seeing that God has owned my labours 
 recently in protracted meetings, my mind has been much 
 exercised as to my duty in becoming an evangelist, to mis- 
 sionate among the church where my services might be re- 
 quired ; and to this end, of resigning my pastoral charge. I 
 think, taking my life as a whole, ] would do more in this way 
 for the conversion of souls. I have often been urged to this 
 course by some of my brethren in the ministry. Heretofore 
 I have not seen how I could support my large family, if I 
 
 should take this course. But a day or two ago, Mr. , an 
 
 old friend of mine, called upon me, and pressed me to give 
 up my congregation and engage in this work. He told me 
 if I would, he would give me one thousand dollars per annum 
 towards my support. But I cannot feel that I ought to leave 
 my family, who need a father's care and oversight. O that 
 God would direct me in this thing, that I may be inclined to 
 do what is best for the church of Christ." 
 
 " December 18th. — Sabbath night. — This has been a good 
 day, I trust, in our church. A few of the saints have been 
 unusually engaged in prayer, and God has, I believe, heard 
 them. Seldom have I been able to preach as I have done 
 to-day. O! the immense advantage of prayer ! If Chris- 
 tians prayed differently for ministers, how differently would 
 ministers preach !" 
 
 " January 11th, 1829. — I thank God for any assistance he 
 has been pleased to afford me, in preaching this day, from 
 these texts : — ' With the heart man believeth unto righteous- 
 ness,' and ' I am sent unto thee with heavy tidings.' 1 trust 
 there will be some fruii from these sermons. For a few 
 years we have not had so solemn a day. The Spirit of God 
 was evidently present with us. At the close of the meetings 
 several persons embraced the Saviour. I hope this is the 
 beginning of a good work among my people. O ! that our 
 children may not be passed by !" 
 
|54 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 These expectations of a revival among his people were 
 not disappointed. The fourth Thursday of this month, having 
 been appointed by the General Assembly as a day of hu- 
 miliation in view of the prevalence of intemperance, was ob- 
 served by the church of the Northern Liberties; and this season 
 was signally blessed, in arousing the people of God to duty, 
 and in the awakening and conversion of sinners. The his- 
 tory of this gracious work confirms what has frequently 
 been stated, that a movement for the promotion of tempe- 
 rance is often the harbinger of a revival. 
 
 "January, 1829. — The fourth Thursday of this month 
 (to-day) was appointed by the last General Assembly as a 
 day of humiliation in reference to the sin of intemperance, 
 and recommended to be observed by all the churches. This 
 season was observed by our church with unusual interest. 
 This evening I preached with more than ordinary effect. 
 After the benediction was pronounced, twenty or thirty per- 
 sons remained to be conversed with. Having conversed 
 with a few, I found them deeply impressed in mind. I 
 stated to the congregation my convictions that God was 
 near us in mercy, and it became the saints to realize this 
 truth, and to walk humbly before Him. 
 
 " On Friday evening a meeting for inquirers was ap- 
 pointed ; about sixty attended. 
 
 " Sabbath evening great solemnity pervaded the meeting. 
 At the close of the services about forty remained for conver- 
 sation. 
 
 " Monday evening an inquiry meeting was held, at which 
 about one hundred in various stages of conviction were pre- 
 sent. The members held a prayer meeting in another room, 
 while I conversed with those under exercise of mind." 
 
 " February 10th. — Another fast was kept by the church, 
 which was greatly blessed in stirring up our people." 
 
 "February 18th. — The revival still increases in interest. 
 About one hundred and forty, or one hundred and fifty, were 
 at our last inquiry meeting. My strength is so much enfeebled 
 by my pastoral labours at this time, that I am afraid my 
 body will sink under the pressure. I told the church, un- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. J 55 
 
 less they took hold of the work, this plentiful harvest would 
 not be gathered in, for 1 could not stand the labour of visiting 
 so much and conversing with so many that are under exer- 
 cise of mind. I requested ali who were willing to be 
 helpers in this work, to meet at my study this day at 2 
 o'clock, P. M. O that God may qualify those who shall 
 engage in this effort, for visiting sinners and leading them 
 to the Saviour !" 
 
 " February 26th. — This day, the last Thursday in Feb- 
 ruary, is the time agreed upon, by many pious individuals of 
 this nation, as a day of fasting and prayer for the colleges 
 in this country; that the youth in them, who will presently 
 fill important offices in this government, may be converted, 
 and go out from these institutions imbued with the spirit of 
 genuine piety. I endeavoured, last Sabbath, to show my 
 congregation the importance of observing this day." 
 
 " July 25th. — Just returned from a visit to that part of the 
 country where I was brought up, Franklin County, Pa. 
 On visiting my father's old place, how my soul felt ! The old 
 mansion house, the barn, the wagon shed, and all the out- 
 houses, were mouldering at the touch of time. The cider 
 mill, where, forty years ago, 1 used to play ; the orchard, 
 and all seemed to be falling into ruins. In company with 
 my brother, I visited the grave yard at Rocky Soring, 
 where my parents are resting till the resurrection. How it 
 distresses me, when I think how often I disobeyed and 
 grieved them. If I could live my life over, how differently 
 would I act toward them ! But now they lie silent in the 
 grave; I shall never see them again. O how much I owe 
 my parents, particularly my mother. Dear saint ! through 
 her instrumentality, 1 was brought into the ministry. 
 Whilst meditating in that grave yard, I beheld the scattered 
 fragments of a very costly monument, that, about forty 
 years ago, had been erected over the grave of a rich lady. 
 Thought I, what an useless waste of money. Had a plain 
 head-stone been set up, with her name on it, it might have 
 endured for ages ; and, in my judgment, it would be a more 
 appropriate memorial of the dead. But every thing spiritual 
 in that region, as well as the grave yard, is in ruins. 
 Religion is deplorably low, a«d worldly-mindedness is 
 every where visible." 
 
156 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " November, 1829. — Am recovering, after seven or eight 
 weeks severe illness, which was brought on by taking cold, 
 
 while on a preaching tour with brother at . 
 
 Those two congregations have been in a cold state, and 
 without a pastor, a long time ; and we went out to stir them 
 up. Preached every night, and visited from house to house 
 every day. I think the Lord was with us, and some souls, 
 T hope, were brought into the kingdom. O what a sweet 
 employment, to have some pious brother with you, and to 
 be engaged in preaching every day ! 1 have spent some of 
 my happiest days on earth in this way, and the review of 
 these seasons always affords me satisfaction." 
 
 " January 4th, 1830. — -This day I witnessed the calm and 
 peaceful death of one of the most useful men in my church. 
 That scripture, indeed, was fulfilled in him, ' Mark the 
 perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man 
 is peace.' A few minutes before he ceased to breathe, he 
 was asked if he had any fears of death. He replied, * No, 
 no fears at all.' He was a man in moderate circumstances, 
 but rich in faith and good works. He was one of my best 
 friends and supporters ; and I thank the great Head of the 
 church, that he gave me so useful a man. Perhaps few 
 men, if any, in this city, made a better use of their talents 
 and influence than lie did. It was his custom at noon, 
 when he had an hour to eat his dinner, instead of lying 
 down to rest, as others do, to retire to his room for prayer. 
 Having taken out of his drawer a paper, on which he had 
 the names of persons whom he wished to remember at the 
 throne of grace, he spread their cases before the Lord, and 
 poured out his soul to God in their behalf. O that we had 
 many such men !" 
 
 " January 7th. — To day is kept as a day of prayer and 
 humiliation by this church, that God would hear his people, 
 and pour out his Spirit upon us. In the morning I preached 
 from these words, ■ He did not many mighty works there, 
 because of their unbelief.' Never, perhaps, in all my min- 
 istry, had I such a view of the great dishonour the church 
 does God by unbelief, arid of the injury it does by preventing 
 the blessing of heaven from descending upon the world. 
 
 " My mind, though thankful for what God is doing 
 among us, is sorrowful and distressed that none of our dear 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 157 
 
 children have embraced the Saviour. that God would 
 
 %£SX!i£lb* their eyes, may they remem- 
 ter how much grief and sorrow their neglect of the Savour 
 causes heir parents. And when I am dead, if not before, 
 may they repent, not only of grieving lhe,r parents, but also 
 that they have grieved the Holy Ghost. 
 
 Little do children know the anguish of mind their ^care- 
 lessness and folly often cause their pious parents. While 
 they are mingling in scenes of gaiety and mirth; perhaps 
 the father or mother is bowing before the mercy seat, and 
 with a burdened heart pleading for their salvanon. As they 
 contemplate the exposure of their offspring to eternal sorrow, 
 and their unwillingness to love and serve Him to whom they 
 have been dedicated in baptism, they often weep m secret 
 places. Thoughtless youth, will you still oppress a parents 
 ea« by clinging to the vanities of timet Above a 1, w,U 
 you continue to grieve the Holy Sp.ftt, who woos you from 
 sin, in view of a Saviour's charms 1 
 
 « June lst.-My son William has just entered Amherst 
 Colleto parting with him he felt very bad, perhaps not 
 College, yn p«> p . k he trla | s f a co i. 
 
 ^riit'tuo S 1 Ihe^ge orlteen, is almost too young 
 SttU ^er from under .he ^ro. ^ When 
 
 :r m Aae7 :i;-alatt W of a potion usually 
 ever. Aiieriw 51 , in fl uence , and then, when he 
 
 places htni bey°nd paren tal «Bu« c^ ^.^ for 
 
 before they arrive to tveUe years , eslabIisheci in 
 
 s»r^tSrtS2 if » * -f * — 
 
 hem away to get an education, or learn a trade, they will 
 tSeaSinthe religious principles taught them ,n their 
 
 father's house. . . . , 
 
 u May God keep our boy from the temptations of wicked 
 young men in college !" 
 14 
 
158 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 "July 12th. — Have just had an interview with a pious 
 and worthy brother, the Rev. Albert Judson. We con- 
 versed about the best plan for doing good to the immense 
 population in the suburbs of the city, who are ignorant of 
 God, and hastening to destruction. I feel thankful for such 
 a brother, who feels for the perishing multitudes in this city. 
 He is a precious man. 
 
 " He told me to-day, that his ancestors were eminently 
 pious. One of them, many years ago, used to meet once 
 every quarter of a year, in a cave in Connecticut, with eight 
 or ten of his pious cotemporaries, and spend the day in re- 
 ligious services, and to this day it goes by the name of" the 
 cave of the fathers.''' 1 The names of those who used to visit 
 the cave on this occasion, are cut in the rock. The family 
 of the Judson's have indeed enjoyed covenant blessings." 
 
 This is an honourable and merited notice of the beloved 
 and lamented brother who commenced this memoir; but 
 which would never have reached the public eye, if Provi- 
 dence had permitted him to live to complete it. He very 
 much resembled Mr. Patterson in his eminent piety, and his 
 desires and efforts to do good ; and his Master abundantly 
 owned his labours in the gospel ministry. For some time 
 before his death, however, the feeble state of his health cir- 
 cumscribed, in some degree, his usefulness; and prevented 
 him from accomplishing all he wished, or as much as, under 
 more favourable circumstances, his piety and talents would 
 have enabled him to effect.* 
 
 * The relation which the Rev. A. Judson once sustained to this 
 memoir, to which we have just adverted, and which is more fully 
 stated in the advertisement, will render a brief sketch of his his- 
 tory very acceptable to most of our readers. We are happy in 
 being- able to furnish such a sketch, in an extract from a discourse 
 preached by the Rev. Eliakim Phelps, in the church of which Mr. 
 Judson was pastor, on the day of his funeral ; and which will be 
 found in the appendix to this memoir. We have understood that 
 it is contemplated to lay before the public, at some future day, 
 a volume containing- a full history of his labours, which will be a 
 grateful offering to the Christian community. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. J 59 
 
 In the course of this summer, Mr. Patterson being in feeble 
 health, obtained an agency from the Tract Society with the 
 hope of doing good in this cause, while he was endeavouring 
 to recruit his strength by travelling. The results of this tour 
 are thus described : 
 
 " September 18th, 1830. — Have just returned from a two 
 months' agency for the Pennsylvania Branch of the Ameri- 
 can Tract Society, in the interior of this state. I visited the 
 counties of Lancaster, Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, 
 Adams, York, Pa., and Washington county in Maryland. 
 Established eleven Tract Depositories, and revived others 
 already established, and got the monthly distribution of 
 tracts in operation in many of the principal towns. I 
 preached frequently on the subject of temperance and or- 
 ganized four societies; and notwithstanding the labour con- 
 nected with my mission, it has pleased God wonderfully to 
 recruit my health and strength. 
 
 " It is almost incredible how much money the public are 
 compelled to pay in consequence of pauperism and crime. 
 I found, by examining the county records, that seven coun- 
 ties spend about sixty-four thousand dollars per annum on 
 their poor and criminals, and by examining their poor-houses, 
 I have found that nineteen out of twenty of the paupers, are 
 made so by drunkenness. And yet, alas ! the people will 
 distil grain and fruit, and that largely too. One distillery 
 in Franklin county, alone, distils one hundred and twenty 
 bushels of grain per day. O the expense ardent spirits is 
 to this country, and the evils that it is bringing upon it. 
 
 " May God in his mercy follow with his blessing the seed 
 I have endeavoured to sow, in preaching about tracts and 
 the evils of intemperance through this state!" 
 
 The following letter from the Secretary of the American 
 Tract Society, shows the high estimate the officers of that 
 institution placed upon his labours while on his agency: — 
 
 " New York, November 1st, 1830. 
 
 " Rev. Mr. Patterson : 
 
 " Respected and very dear Sir : — Our committee are 
 truly grateful for the interesting report you have kindly pre- 
 
160 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 sented of your labours in behalf of the tract cause, and have 
 great satisfaction in refunding to the Pennsylvania Branch 
 of the American Tract Society, the compensation they have 
 given you. We are very thankful for the advice you have 
 given, and the suggestions made by you respecting that part 
 of the country you have visited, and for the views you have 
 given of the state ; and also for the methods adopted by 
 you to get a hearing from the people, and to instruct them 
 in behalf of the tract cause. We earnestly hope, that in 
 future years, a season when your health may be benefited, 
 perhaps, by absence from the city, you will annually go out 
 on a similar excursion. We are confident great good would 
 thus be done, and pray the Lord, whenever you shall la- 
 bour, yet more and more to accompany your endeavours 
 by the renewing and sanctifying efforts of his Holy Spirit. 
 "With great respect, your brother, 
 
 '* Wm, A. Hallock, Secretary." 
 
 While on this mission, Mr. Patterson visited Carlisle, Pa.; 
 and also on another occasion, in compliance with an invita- 
 tion from the First Presbyterian Church of that place, to 
 assist in the labours of a protracted meeting appointed to 
 be held in this church. Rev. George Duffield being re- 
 quested, has kindly furnished the following facts in reference 
 to these visits. They are not only interesting in themselves, 
 but strikingly illustrate the character of our departed friend. 
 
 " The first visit which I recollect to have been made by 
 him to that place (Carlisle) during my abode there, was 
 when he was sent out by the Tract Society for the purpose 
 of attempting to introduce the system of monthly distribu- 
 tion into the different towns of the interior of Pennsylvania. 
 It was at a time, also, when the subject of temperance, and 
 the efforts necessary to promote it, had occupied the atten- 
 tion of many of my congregation and others. The subject, 
 however, of a revival of religion, and the necessity of direct 
 efforts for the salvation of souls, excited the chief interest of 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 161 
 
 a great portion of the active and spiritual members of the 
 church. Some indications had appeared of the presence of 
 the Spirit of God among us, and of a state of things favour- 
 able for a revival of religion. The appearance of brother 
 Patterson among us quite unexpectedly, was hailed by our 
 praying people with joy, and his first but only visit to a daily 
 prayer meeting held at five o'clock P. M. in the lecture 
 room, seemed to be attended with good results. He was 
 not, however, at that time so intent on the immediate con- 
 version of sinners, as on temperance and tract efforts, and 
 entered not into the sympathies of the people. Nor would 
 he take time to inquire into the state of things, but set 
 himself to work in prosecution of his own business. It 
 grieved some of the praying people to see the prospect of 
 a complete distraction of the attention thus likely to take 
 place, and, although brother Patterson was much beloved, 
 yet his visit at that time, for that object, was regretted. The 
 monthly tract distribution and temperance efforts, were, with 
 him, the absorbing subjects, and he thought no good in the 
 way of converting souls could be done till these things which 
 he had in hand had been attended to there. Had he fully 
 sympathized with the people, and united his efforts for the 
 conversion of sinners, no doubt was entertained that much 
 good would have been done, and souls have been saved ; but 
 he thought otherwise, and with deep despondence, though 
 with unshaken affection for him, the praying Christians saw 
 him take a different course. He visited the poor-house, and 
 public offices, and gathered all the statistics he could in rela- 
 tion to pauperism and the expenses of criminal justice in the 
 county ; then published in the papers of the place, that on a 
 given night he would preach a discourse in the Presbyterian 
 church, showing the best way to lower the taxes. The 
 novelty of the subject drew a large congregation of unusual 
 attendants on preaching, together. He told the people all 
 14* 
 
IQ2 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 about their poor-house, how many were there from intempe- 
 rance, and what a great tax it subjected them to; and having 
 urged temperance as the best means of reducing the taxes, 
 took up a collection for the monthly tract distribution, and 
 organised a board of tract distributers, whose labours were 
 continued for some time after. This diversion of the atten- 
 tion and efforts of the most active and praying Christians 
 among us, produced an impression that the conversion of 
 sinners was not immediately to be expected, and it was 
 several months before the revival of religion, which had been 
 earnestly prayed for, and confidently expected, took place ; 
 but then in no ways particularly connected with the tract or 
 temperance efforts ; however, these efforts were blessed, 
 among other concurring causes, in general, towards the result. 
 I mention the fact, to illustrate a particular feature in the 
 character of our much beloved friend, — his devotion to, and 
 absorption in one object, which, at the time, he felt called, in 
 the providence of God, to prosecute. Nothing could divert 
 him from it. He accomplished all he proposed, and passed 
 away, and I have no doubt, to this peculiarity of temper and 
 manner, under God, was owing much of that occasional power 
 and success which attended his labours. Whatever others 
 might think, or however they might differ from him, if he 
 was full of any subject, that was the thing, and that only to 
 which he would give his attention. 
 
 "Some years after, he visited Carlisle by invitation. 
 with the design of assisting in a protracted meeting which 
 had been in progress for some time, with evident in- 
 dications of God's presence and blessing. Through some 
 disappointment in the way of conveyance, lie was kept a 
 long time on the road, and arrived after all expectation of 
 his coming had been nearly given up. It was late on Satur- 
 day night, but the Sabbath following was a day of great 
 power. His first desire expressed, was to hold out an olive 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. jgg 
 
 branch of peace to the Second Presbyterian Church of that 
 place, which, through the unhappy party strifes then agi- 
 tating the whole church, had taken an attitude of opposition 
 to their brethren, and felt themselves called to do many 
 things painful to the feelings of those with whom they once 
 were in fellowship, and, as the latter thought, calculated to 
 injure the cause of evangelical religion. He insisted that 
 a proffer of aid should be made to the pastor of that 
 church on the Sabbath, there being so many brethren to- 
 gether who could not all be engaged in preaching in the 
 same place, observing, ' let us do our duty, and act a Chris- 
 tian part toward the other church, whatever they may think 
 or do in relation to us,' He hoped the offering would be 
 accepted, and that it might lead to the removal of those pre- 
 judices and improper feelings which had alienated those who 
 once were united. His well-meant proffer was not ac- 
 cepted, and though disappointed, he observed, 'Well, well, if 
 we have the Lord's presence, we may take comfort, though 
 our brethren will not receive us.' He preached that after- 
 noon on the text, ' Our name is Legion, for we are many.' 
 The house was filled, and the solemnity of the congregation 
 very great. Seldom, if ever, have I seen a discourse at- 
 tended with greater power, and such abundant indications of 
 interest, and even painful, agonizing feelings in an audience. 
 Never do I recollect to have had my own heart so lacerated. 
 He selected two or three points from the text which he illus- 
 trated, by way of contrast, in their application to the efforts 
 of devils to destroy, and the efforts of Christians to save the 
 souls of men. It was a discourse in his happiest manner, 
 and delivered with a deep unction of the Spirit. The num- 
 ber, union and concert of devils, suggested the leading ideas 
 of his discourse. After a very forcible introduction, describ- 
 ing most graphically the scene of the Saviour's visit and 
 interview with the man of the tombs, he remarked that 
 
164 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 many devils united for the destruction of one soul — a legion 
 against one poor wretched creature — which prepared the way 
 for animadversion on the conspiracies of wicked men to en- 
 snare, corrupt, persecute, and destroy serious minded persons 
 and others, and the want of union and concert on the part of 
 Christians for the salvation of souls ; making appeals of the 
 most thrilling kind to his hearers, as he viewed them in dif- 
 ferent social relations; and also for remarks in respect to the 
 wise plans and persevering arduous efforts of the former to de- 
 stroy, and the desultory, dispirited, and often heartless efforts 
 of the latter to save.* His visit, which was continued for a 
 few days after, was greatly blessed, and I have no doubt 
 God made use of his labours for the conviction and conver- 
 sion of not a few, on that interesting occasion. He effec- 
 tually won the hearts of all the church ; and, I doubt not, his 
 memory is yet tenderly cherished by many there." 
 
 * The circumstances under which this subject was suggested, 
 are these: — "While attending a meeting of the Presbytery of Phi- 
 ladelphia on one occasion, a question came up which excited 
 much discussion, and produced some discord among its members. 
 These dissensions among brethren, which interposed an obstacle 
 in the way of their usefulness, were always to him a source of sor- 
 row ; and in the present instance, awakened a train of" reflection 
 which led to the preparation of the sermon to which Mr. Duffield 
 refers. When contrasting the want of harmony among Christians in 
 their efforts for the salvation of sinners, with the union and energy 
 manifested by fallen spirits in effecting their ruin, the passage 
 came to his mind, " My name is Legion, for we are many." Im- 
 mediately he took an old letter out of his pocket, and sketched 
 down the heads of a discourse on this subject, which he preached 
 to his people, we think, on the following Sabbath, with great ef- 
 fect. Some of his most impressive sermons were suggested to his 
 mind in a similar manner. 
 
KEV. JAMES PATTERSON. ig, 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The inspired writer, when addressing the Hebrews, en- 
 joins upon them the duty of mutual exhortation, and enforces 
 its performance in view of the hardening and deceptive in- 
 fluence of sin. " Exhort one another daily, while it is called 
 day, lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." 
 If this scriptural counsel was faithfully followed by all the 
 members of the Christian church, many professors of reli- 
 gion would be preserved from backsliding from God, and 
 dishonouring his holy name; and sinners, who are pressing 
 their way to ruin, would be brought to repentance. Every 
 devoted minister of Jesus ardently desires his people to be 
 thus engaged; and just in proportion to their diligence in 
 fulfilling this important, though neglected duty, does he ex- 
 pect to see them making advances in piety, and becomincx 
 efficient instruments in building up the cause of the Re- 
 deemer. 
 
 Mr. Jay, speaking of the duties Christians owe to their 
 fellow-members, says: 
 
 " They are all comprehended in love; and you are re- 
 quired to Move one another out of a pure heart fervently ;' 
 to 'love as brethren.' Has a fellow-Christian erred? 'Thou 
 shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart ; thou shalt in any 
 wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.' 
 Has he been overtaken in a fault ? ' Ye that are spiritual, 
 are to restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, con- 
 sidering yourselves lest you also be tempted.' Is he declin- 
 
166 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 ing in zeal, and negligent in duty? You are 'to consider 
 him, to provoke him to love and to good works.' Is he op- 
 pressed? You are to bear his ' burdens, and so fulfil the 
 law of Christ.' Is he in want? You are to give him such 
 things as are needful. 'Now,' says the Apostle, ' we exhort 
 you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble 
 minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See 
 that none render evil for evil unto any man ; but ever follow 
 that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.' " 
 
 Again : 
 
 " Towards this every member should aim and labour to 
 contribute, by his prayers, his conversation, his example, 
 his temper, his influence. And a church thus flourishing ; 
 increasing with all the increase of God, in number, and 
 peace, and sanctity, and every moral excellency, is the no- 
 blest sight on earth ; and full of attraction, and impression ; 
 and ' a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men ;' it 
 looks forth as the morning, clear as the moon, bright as 
 the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." 
 
 The same writer, when urging Christians to make vigor- 
 ous exertions for the salvation of the impenitent, remarks : 
 
 " We hope there is no Cain here, who in answer to all 
 this is ready to say, ' Am I my brother's keeper?' From 
 this obligation to seek the salvation of others, none are ex- 
 empted. But if some are more peculiarly bound than others, 
 they are those who have been saved from a long and awful 
 course of vice themselves. You ought to feel, above others, 
 a claim of gratitude, and of justice. You have had much 
 forgiven, and you should love much. You have been a 
 curse to many ; you ought now to be a blessing. Oh ! it 
 seems enough to make you shed tears of blood to think that 
 there are some now in hell who ascribe their destruction to 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. IQJ 
 
 you ; while others are walking the downward road, urged 
 on and encouraged by your former errors and crimes and 
 influence. Some of these are placed beyond your reach. 
 Others are yet accessible. O ! repair to them immediately. 
 They know your former condition; describe to them your 
 present ; and acquaint them with the peace and pleasure 
 which have resulted from your conversion. Who can tell 
 what an affectionate and earnest testimony, derived from 
 experience, and accompanied with a change too obvious to 
 be denied, may accomplish? 
 
 " But ' them that honour me,' says God, ' I will honour.' 
 Let all your attempts therefore be preceded, and attended, 
 and followed by prayer. This will prepare you for your 
 work ; this will encourage you in it. This will preserve 
 you from growing weary in well-doing. This will teach 
 you not to consider any of your fellow-creatures as aban- 
 doned ; this will keep you from giving over the use of means 
 to reclaim them. Nothing is too hard for the Lord ; and 
 prayer brings him into the scene ; we are workers together 
 with God ; ' Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, 
 saith the Lord.' 
 
 " And need I say, 'whatsoever your hand findeth to do, 
 do it with your might ;' do it immediately? While you de- 
 lay, they may be gone, and their condition determined for 
 ever. While you linger, you may be gone, and every pos- 
 sibility of usefulness be shut out. 'For what is your life? 
 It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then 
 vanisheth away.' Yet all your opportunities of doing good 
 are limited to this short and equally uncertain duration. In 
 consequence of this, what an inestimable value attaches to 
 the present hour. Awake, my fellow Christians, and re- 
 deem the time. Remember, earth has one privilege above 
 heaven. It is the privilege of Beneficence. The privilege 
 of passing by a transgression, of relieving the distressed, of 
 
1(38 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 spreading the Scriptures, of evangelizing the heathens, of 
 instructing the ignorant, of reclaiming the vicious, of seeking 
 and saving them that are lost. They who are now in joy 
 and felicity would be ready, were it the will of God, to de- 
 scend from their glory, and re-enter the body, and traverse 
 the vale of tears again, to be able to do, for a number of 
 years, what at present lies within the reach of every one of 
 you. Is this incredible ? They are now perfect in know- 
 ledge ; and see that ' it is not the will of our Father who is 
 in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.' Their 
 benevolence is now perfect; they dwell in love, and God 
 dwelleth in them. They are filled with the Spirit of Him 
 who, 'though he was rich, yet for your sakes became poor, 
 that ye through his poverty might be rich.' " 
 
 Having entertained views, with regard to Christian zeal 
 and activity, similar to those just quoted from this eloquent 
 writer, Mr. Patterson urged upon his people, on all occasions, 
 the necessity of doing something to promote the holiness of 
 the church, and the salvation of the world. 
 
 About this period, however, the pastor believed it to be 
 needful to engage them in some systematic and efficient 
 measures for the attainment of this desirable object ; conse- 
 quently, a meeting of the church members was called for 
 consultation in reference to this subject. The result of the 
 meeting will be learned from the following extract from 
 his diary : 
 
 " November 24th, 1830. — Lnst night had a church meet- 
 ing, and one of the fullest and best we have had for a long 
 time. We renewed our covenant to do more faithfully the 
 following things ; 
 
 " 1. To watch over one another as brethren, and if any 
 should be negligent in attending the house or ordinances of 
 God, that we would visit them, and endeavour to reclaim the 
 backsliders. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 269 
 
 " 2. That we would cultivate a spirit of brotherly love, 
 and settle immediately every dispute on Christian principles, 
 that our prayers may not be hindered. 
 
 " 3. Endeavour to do more for the conversion of sinners, 
 by going into the lanes and alleys, and holding prayer meet- 
 ings in the evening where a suitable room can be obtained. 
 
 " 4. That those of us who have the means, would buy 
 and have always by us two copies of Doddridge's Rise and 
 Progress, &c. or Baxter's Call, or Saints' Rest, or Alleine's 
 Alarm to the Unconverted, and loan or sell them to persons 
 with the view of wakening them up to the concerns of their 
 souls. 
 
 " 5. To visit the careless, and try to get them out to the 
 house of God." 
 
 The subject of this memoir was in the habit of keeping at 
 hand a number of religious books of a practical nature, for 
 the purpose of distribution among his parishioners; these 
 he loaned, or sold at cost, to those whom he visited in the 
 performance of his pastoral duties. He supposed that, in 
 most cases, this course would be more likely to secure for 
 them a perusal, than if they were given gratuitously ; and, 
 also, that an opportunity would be thus afforded for conver- 
 sation on the topics of which the books treated, which he 
 seldom failed to embrace. ^.Long before the date just referred 
 to, he availed himself of this method of doing good, and 
 urged his people to adopt a similar plan ; and in this way, 
 hundreds of valuable works have been put in circulation, 
 which, doubtless, have been the means of accomplishing a 
 great amount of good. For many years he acted on the 
 plan which the American Tract Society has, for some time 
 past, been carrying forward, in the distribution of the bound 
 volumes, with so much efficiency, and with the most happy 
 results. Though, at times, his schemes of usefulness were 
 characterized as the offspring of a luxuriant imagination; 
 yet, in most cases) his plans were very judicious, and 
 evinced a mature acquaintance with human nature. He 
 15 
 
170 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 daily sought the wisdom that cometh from above, to guide 
 him in all his efforts, nor did he seek in vain. 
 
 Toward the latter part of the Autumn of 1831, the Most 
 High graciously poured out his Spirit in a remarkable man- 
 ner upon the church and congregation of our venerated 
 friend. He published, in the Philadelphian, a very full ac- 
 count of the means employed during the progress of this 
 work, and the success which attended them, from which we 
 make the following copious extract. In this account, with 
 some modifications, the reader will have a history of many 
 similar seasons enjoyed by this people. 
 
 " The meetings during these protracted services were well 
 attended, and deeply interesting. Saturday, a solemn day 
 to the church; many professors awfully distressed; some 
 gave up their hopes. Sabbath, a most solemn day to pro- 
 fessors : Lord's Supper administered in the afternoon ; at 
 night, the crowd was great in the church. 
 
 " It was now resolved, by a vote of the church, to pro- 
 tract the meetings two days longer. Monday, after a so- 
 lemn address to professors about the danger of standing in 
 the way of the work of the Lord, several of them were con- 
 vinced of their guilt in not aiding this good work by their 
 prayers and efforts. The church then solemnly covenanted 
 to be more engaged in future. This was one of the most 
 solemn scenes I ever witnessed. Several hundreds of God's 
 children, on their knees in his sanctuary ; covenanting with 
 him to be co-workers with his Son, and pleading for strength, 
 that they might be 'girt up' to the glorious work. After 
 this, the impenitent were addressed, and called to repent- 
 ance. At night, the crowd being so great, the inquirers 
 were invited to the lecture-room, to be conversed and prayed 
 with, while the church remained behind for prayer ; several 
 hundreds went in. Tuesday, the whole congregation, by 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 171 
 
 an almost unanimous vote, resolved to protract the meetings 
 two days longer. Christians were then requested to go out 
 into l the streets and lanes of the city,' according to Christ's 
 command, and ' compel' the impenitent to come in, that 
 God's house ' might be filled ;' and even while they were 
 engaged in this work, God ' blessed them in their deed ;' for 
 the house early in the evening was filled to overflowing. 
 Never before did we witness so compact and crowded a con- 
 gregation. And all, with breathless silence, seemed to 
 hang on the preacher's tongue, while he, with great simpli- 
 city and visible effect, addressed them from these words, 
 ' In the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly ;' Jerem. 
 xxiii. 20. At the close of the sermon, all that would instantly 
 determine to take up the great subject of their souls' sal- 
 vation, were invited to the lecture-room for a few minutes' 
 further instruction. They continued going, till the room, 
 which will contain about five or six hundred people, was 
 filled to overflowing. The congregation remained in the 
 church for prayer. 
 
 "After some plain remarks to the awakened, showing 
 how Christ ought to be viewed, all that would fall in with 
 the influences of the Spirit, now most manifestly striving with 
 them, were invited to kneel, while two or three ministers 
 would unite in prayer in their behalf. Between two and 
 three hundred complied with this invitation. 
 
 " How many of those that knelt really submitted their 
 wills to the reign of the Messiah for ever, the judgment 
 day alone will disclose. 
 
 " Wednesday — Professors were addressed, and some of dif- 
 ferent churches, and of different denominations, gave up 
 their hopes. 
 
 " In the evening, the church was crowded ; and at the end 
 of the service, inquiring sinners were requested to retire to the 
 
172 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 lecture-room. The church remained behind for prayer, as 
 usual. 
 
 " Thursday was kept as a day of prayer and fasting. 
 Many having expressed a desire that the meetings might be 
 protracted still further, the congregation, on being apprised 
 of it, voted, almost unanimously that the meetings should be 
 continued three days longer ; with preaching in the afternoon 
 and evenings only. This night, some thought, was the 
 most solemn of all the meetings. Those who were willing 
 to be conversed with on the subject of religion, were re- 
 quested to occupy certain pews that were designated. Two 
 or three hundred came forward. After a word of advice 
 how to embrace Christ as a Saviour from sin and ruin, three 
 ministers engaged in prayer, while about two hundred per- 
 sons knelt, intimating that they would submit to Him. An 
 awful sense of the immediate presence of God filled every 
 mind, and breathless stillness prevailed. 
 
 " Friday — Solemn through the day, at night a number 
 went into the lecture-room to be conversed with, while the 
 Church remained for prayer. 
 
 " Saturday — Christians visited more, in the streets and 
 lanes of the city, to try to prevail on impenitent men to 
 come and hear the gospel. Evening, after sermon, about 
 three or four hundred went into the inquiring room ; the 
 church remained for prayer. 
 
 " Sabbath — Eleventh day, prayer meeting in the morning 
 from five till seven. An unusual spirit of prayer was mani- 
 fest. Several expressed themselves thus: ' I have not felt 
 so before, and I do feel as though the Lord would be with us 
 to-day.' 
 
 " Prayer meeting again from nine till half past ten. Ser- 
 vices all day very solemn. In the evening, notice having 
 been previously given in several churches, that a sermon 
 would be preached to impenitent persons alone, while their 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. J 73 
 
 Christian friends would be engaged in prayer for them in the 
 adjoining lecture room, many Christians of different churches 
 and denominations brought their impenitent friends to the 
 church, while they themselves went into the lecture-room to 
 pray for them. 
 
 " The church was crowded ; many went away who could 
 not get in. Several hundred Christians assembled for prayer, 
 and continued wrestling with God for their impenitent 
 friends, during all the time of service. Never before did 
 we witness a scene of deeper interest. The church en- 
 gaged in prayer ; the ambassador of God, not with com- 
 mon feelings, lifting his voice, and addressing a large con- 
 gregation listening with almost breathless silence, while he 
 discoursed on these words, ' Now then, we are ambassa- 
 dors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we 
 pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.' It 
 did seem to us, as though the whole of the moral means, 
 ordained by God to save men, were brought to bear upon 
 that congregation ; and I presume the judgment day will 
 show that the immortal destinies of souls were fixed that 
 night, for evpr. Some, when time shall close, will be eter- 
 nally praising and serving God, — and others, will be eter- 
 nally sinning and weeping. At the close of the sermon, all 
 that would now determine to be reconciled to God, were in- 
 vited to retire to the lecture-room, for a few minutes, for some 
 further familiar instruction ; while the church remained be- 
 hind for prayer. The lecture-room was filled, and a scene 
 more than usually solemn and interesting, was witnessed. 
 A few familiar remarks were made on the nature of recon- 
 ciliation to God, when all that would now yield to the 
 strivings of the Spirit, and be reconciled to God, were in- 
 vited to kneel : two or three hundred knelt down in different 
 parts of the room, while two or three ministers engaged in 
 prayer. We would not dare to say how many became recon- 
 15* 
 
274 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 ciled to God, but we do hope that many entered the kingdom 
 that night ; and that God heard and answered the prayers 
 of the church while the word was preached. 
 
 " By a vote of the church, it was agreed again to protract 
 the meeting seven days longer, with preaching in the even- 
 ings only, and prayer meeting every morning, from six to 
 seven. 
 
 " Monday evening, twelfth night, a sermon was preached 
 to the young converts. A short appeal was made to the 
 impenitent; and between two and three hundred were awa- 
 kened. Some felt as though it was the last night the Spirit 
 would strive with them. 
 
 " In consequence of the crowd, usually, being so great, 
 many gentlemen constantly were obliged to leave their seats, 
 and frequently the house, to make room for females. It was, 
 therefore, agreed that one evening should be appropriated to 
 impenitent males alone, and the whole lower part of the 
 church should be reserved for them, and the females go to 
 the galleries; and notice was given to the congregation that 
 night, and the next day in the daily papers, and by hand- 
 bills, ' that a sermon would be preached with special refer- 
 ence to young men, not professors of religion ; and that the 
 lower part of the church would be reserved for them, and that 
 the people of God would be engaged in the adjoining lecture- 
 room, in prayer, during the service, that God would bless 
 specially, his word, at that time.'' The lower part of the 
 church was filled to overflowing, aisles and every part of it, 
 with young men, apparently in the very vigour of life. 
 Never before did we witness just such a scene: near one 
 thousand males in all the strength of manhood, and the gal- 
 leries crowded to excess with females. The preacher fal- 
 tered for a moment when he began — confessed his mind was 
 more than ordinarily pressed under such a scene. So many, 
 perhaps most of them, in their sins, assembled to hear the 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 175 
 
 word of God — the church praying almost within hearing of 
 his voice, for their eternal welfare — and having opportunity 
 of preaching but one sermon to them, when he must part 
 with them, to see them, most likely, no more till the judg- 
 ment day. Under this awful impression, he told them he 
 would pass by many things he would like to say to them, 
 and direct them for a few minutes how to secure eternal hap- 
 piness beyond the grave. After sermon those who were 
 disposed to follow Christ, were requested to withdraw to the 
 session room for conversation ; about four hundred men 
 complied with this request. After a word or two on the 
 nature of repentance and faith, those who would now 
 throw themselves on the mere mercy of God in Christ, were 
 invited to kneel, while prayer was made in their behalf; 
 about two-thirds of the whole knelt down. The meetings 
 were continued till the sixteenth night. 
 
 "A most solemn providence greatly heightened the solem- 
 nity of some of the last meetings. A gentleman that had 
 been frequently urged by a pious female to attend, came on 
 one of the last evenings, and remained in the church while 
 he saw others pressing into the inquiry room; before the 
 next morning he was a corpse. He went to bed, and was 
 seized with something like a fit, was unable to speak, and 
 soon expired. He was not a professor, but observed to his 
 wife once or twice, after he came home, how solemn the 
 meeting was. 
 
 u Now, viewing this scene, would any Bible-instructed, 
 humane man speak against ministers, urging sinners to im- 
 mediate repentance and acceptance of Christ? Soon after 
 he was most affectionately and solemnly urged to repent, his 
 soul was summoned away to give in his account." 
 
 "December ]st, 1831. — Have received, within a few 
 days, nine applications to assist in four days' meetings." 
 
176 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 His services, on these occasions, were sought by very 
 many ministers and people in this and other states ; and 
 he seldom refused a call of this kind, if it was possible 
 for him to comply with the request. We cannot doubt, 
 that he impaired his health greatly by these labours, for 
 they were sometimes performed in the extreme weather in 
 winter. On one occasion, when several applications of this 
 nature were made, he says : 
 
 " My mind is greatly perplexed to find out my duty. 
 My own people need my services, and yet I feel I might be 
 very useful in such meetings." 
 
BEV. JAMES PATTERSON. J 77 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Asiatic Cholera, that awful and dreaded scourge of 
 our race, visited Philadelphia in the summer of 1832, and 
 clad the once cheerful and populous city in mourning. It was 
 deserted by thousands of its gay and active inhabitants, who 
 fled to the surrounding country, hoping to find there a refuge 
 from the plague. Every thing in the city wore a gloomy ap- 
 pearance at this memorable period. Business was stagnant, 
 and the school room, which was thronged but a few days 
 before with its youthful pupils, was converted into a tempo- 
 rary hospital for the sick and dying. The hearse, which at 
 this time, was connected with the most melancholy associa- 
 tions, was seen at almost every turn, and told the sad tale 
 that another fellow-mortal had fallen a victim to the angel 
 of death. The terrified citizens waited every morning with 
 trembling anxiety to hear the report of the Board of Health, 
 from which they might learn whether the disease was 
 abating or extending its ravages; and when these reports 
 revealed that its victims were increasing in number, and 
 that it defied the efforts of the most skilful practitioners of 
 the healing art to stay its progress, all hearts began to fail. 
 Every circumstance attending this appalling malady was 
 adapted to create in the public mind the most distressing ap- 
 prehensions. While it was making its fearful course through 
 the city, the medical profession differed in opinion in refer- 
 ence to the best way of arresting it ; and the remedies which 
 were applied, proved to be, in most cases, unsuccessful in 
 
178 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 rescuing its victims from the grave. These things, com- 
 bined with the distorted and frightful appearance of those 
 on whom it seized, and the speed with which it executed 
 its commission, spread terror and dismay through the com- 
 munity. For a season, the public confidence being lost as 
 it regarded the competency of medical skill to meet the exi- 
 gencies of this case, all felt there was no security against 
 the destructive power of the plague — nor any shield, that a 
 created arm could interpose, to ward off its fatal dart. He 
 who was in the vigour of health in the morning, knew not 
 but before the evening had overshadowed him with its cur- 
 tains, he would be writhing in the agonies of death. 
 
 But notwithstanding this general consternation, Mr. Pat- 
 terson remained at his post of duty, and laboured and 
 preached with unusual fidelity and solemnity. As many of 
 the inhabitants acknowledged that the finger of God was 
 visible in this visitation, and were afraid that the destroying 
 angel would be commissioned to number them among its 
 victims, he availed himself of this opportune season for 
 pressing upon their consciences the claims of Jehovah. He 
 proclaimed, as with a trumpet voice, the sins and vices 
 which were now receiving the heavy rebuke of the Al- 
 mighty ; and enforced the call to repentance, by the tokens 
 of His displeasure which were seen throughout the city. 
 He visited the lanes and alleys ; counselled the sick and dy- 
 ing ; and with many tears made known the blessed gospel 
 to all to whom he gained access. 
 
 y 
 
 " Needy poor 
 
 And dying- men, like music heard his feet 
 Approach their beds, and guilty wretches took 
 New hope, and in his prayers wept and smiled 
 And blessed him as they died forgiven." 
 
 The following extract from his diary shows the apprehen- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 179 
 
 sions of the citizens during the prevalence of this alarming 
 disease in Philadelphia. 
 
 "August, 1832. — The Asiatic Cholera, with all its horrors, 
 has at length visited our city. It has been raging for some 
 time in New York, and many die daily. I had made ar- 
 rangements to go out of the city on an agency during the 
 hot weather, but I have altered my mind, and determined to 
 be at my post, and remain with my family and congrega- 
 tion. Many families have left the city in awful fright. 
 My family is about six miles out of town. I can see them 
 in about forty-five minutes, or have word sent to them if I 
 should be taken sick in town. In many instances, men who 
 remain in the city to do business, having sent their families 
 out of town, die with a few hours sickness. One hundred 
 and seventy-six was the greatest number of cases in any one 
 day, and seventy-three the greatest number of deaths. On 
 two days of fasting and prayer, appointed at different times, 
 the churches were unusually well rilled. Every one looked 
 solemn, not knowing but the next minute he would be 
 seized with the dreadful plague and hurried into eternity. 
 Truly, it was an alarming thing, to see the sick and dying 
 carried through the streets on handbarrows to the hospitals, 
 that had been temporarily erected here and there through 
 the city for their reception. O ! how the intemperate were 
 cut off! and Sabbath-breakers, in a most wonderful manner, 
 were cut down. Every Monday the report of deaths and 
 new cases was greatly swollen from the excesses of the 
 Sabbath ; sometimes they were two or three times as many 
 as on any other day of the week. Never was the hand of 
 God more visible in this country. The dissolute and drunk- 
 ards were swept off fearfully." 
 
 These, however, were not the only persons who fell be- 
 neath the stroke of the destroyer. Some who possessed a 
 high reputation for their mora! deportment, and the purity 
 of their lives as Christians, did not escape ; so that none 
 could promise himself, on account of these advantages, ex- 
 emption from the deadly influence of the pestilence that was 
 now walking in darkness, and the destruction that was 
 - 
 
180 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 wasting at noon day. Though there were many probabili- 
 ties in favour of this class being unhurt by the cholera, or 
 of their safe recovery if it seized them ; yet some of these 
 fell before its deadly stroke. This is seen in the remarks 
 that follow. 
 
 " August 28th. — My father-in-law, Mr. Halsted Coe, died 
 in Newark, N. J., with something like the cholera. He 
 was seized in the bank, while at his usual business, about 4 
 o'clock on Saturday, and died next evening about 9 o'clock. 
 He was one of the most valuable men of his day ; an elder 
 for many years in the Presbyterian church. Few men ex* 
 emplified religion in all their conduct as he. Benevolent, 
 kind, and gentlemanly in his deportment, his pious example 
 is a better legacy to his widow and children than thousands 
 of gold and silver without it." 
 
 When the angel of death had accomplished the object of 
 his dreadful mission, the citizens of Philadelphia began to 
 return to their homes, which had been deserted in conse- 
 quence of the plague; some to engage again in the active 
 pursuits of life, and some, forgetful of Heaven's sparing 
 mercy, to mingle in the scenes of gaiety and amusement 
 that so abound in our cities. But before the solemn im- 
 pression made on the public mind, by the recent alarming 
 providence, had been quite effaced, Mr. Patterson addressed 
 a letter to the authorities of the city and liberties, in which 
 he set forth the vices, which, in his opinion, had contributed 
 to the extensive ravages of the cholera ; and the laws against 
 such vices which these functionaries were bound, by all the 
 solemnity of an oath, to execute. What influence this ap- 
 peal, which was published, had, we are unable to state. 
 Thousands still lament over the existence of the evils it ex- 
 hibits; and the reluctance of those commissioned to execute 
 the laws, to enforce a compliance with the wholesome legis- 
 lative enactments for their suppression. 
 
 This document shows that Mr. Patterson was a minute 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. lo , 
 
 lol 
 
 observer of the hand of God in this visitation. It also ex- 
 hibits his fidelity and boldness in reproving the sins of the 
 community, and the culpable remissness of those to whom 
 is entrusted the execution of the laws. On this account, and 
 because of its valuable statistics, we lay as much of the 
 appeal before our readers, as the limits of this work will 
 allow. 
 
 " A Letter to the Mayor, the Councils, the Aldermen, <$>c, 
 the Police of the City and Liberties of Philad. 
 
 " Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens : 
 
 " It is now near twenty years since Providence cast my lot 
 among you. During this time, our city has improved in an 
 unrivalled manner, in things both useful and comfortable to 
 man. But while we speak this with thankfulness, for one, 
 I must say, my soul is troubled and stirred within me, 
 while I see so great a mass of human beings increasing so 
 rapidly in vice and irreligion ; and this must be manifest to 
 all, if they will but apply any real test of true religion to 
 our case. 
 
 " And if it be fair in interpreting God's judgments to infer, 
 that he singles out particular vices, or rather the persons 
 practising those vices, then, indeed, may we clearly see in 
 the late plague how his anger has burned against the Sab- 
 bath-breaker, the intemperate, the prostitute, and the scoffer. 
 On these He has not spared his anger; and, surely, none 
 will say 'twas a light thing, when seventy souls, from vnder 
 one roof, in one day, were precipitated into eternity. Arch 
 Street Prison is here alluded to, where the hand of God, by 
 the cholera, was peculiarly awful. The Sanitary Com- 
 mittee of that ward speak of it thus : ' The scenes of that me- 
 morable day were of unparalleled fearful ness and loath- 
 someness in the history of disease and death in Philadelphia. 
 16 
 
182 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 At one time, about eighty individuals were the subjects of 
 the formidable malady in its worst aspect, and nearly as 
 many more in the premonitory stages ; (there were two 
 hundred and thirty-six in the prison at that time,) whilst 
 those who were not yet attacked, became almost frantic 
 through fear, and were filled with desperation almost to 
 commit acts of violence and revolt. Four of the officers of 
 the prison at that time being among the sick, it may be 
 easily conceived that dismay and confusion reigned through- 
 out the prison, and before night, not less than seventy per- 
 sons who were living in that building when the morning 
 dawned, were consigned to the grave? 
 
 " And how many, while scoffing at the justice of God 
 chastising the people for their sins, were suddenly cut down ! 
 He but turned himself round from his work of chastise- 
 ment, frowned upon them, and instantly they were dead. 
 
 " Irreligion generally, and some vices particularly, have 
 greatly increased in this city within the last twelve years, 
 and we expected some judgment to visit us, almost as con* 
 fidently as we believed in the existence of God's govern- 
 ment, unless a reformation should take place. Some of the 
 vices which led to this state of general irreligion are the fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 " 1. Profanation of the Sabbath. 
 
 "2. Intemperance. 
 
 " 3. Open infidelity, or ' scoffers,' as Scripture calis 
 them, which should appear in the latter days. 
 
 " Lewdness, or ' houses of ill-fame.' 
 
 " 5. A determination to get rich at the expense of the life 
 and health of others. One thing more particularly as to 
 this has arrested my attention. It is the great number of 
 houses rented for tavern-stands, and in places where no or- 
 derly citizen would say one was needed; but merely because 
 hey will rent for more money. Sometimes bringing 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. |Q3 
 
 double or treble the rent of a house of equal value in the 
 same neighbourhood. All this profit the proprietor pockets 
 at the expense of the community. For in some places these 
 taverns are such a nuisance to a whole neighbourhood, that 
 honest citizens unjustly lose on their property situated near 
 them, for their houses will not rent at a fair rent. And last, 
 and worst of all, when these taverners and tavern-renters 
 have destroyed the souls of the tavern-hunters and pocketed 
 their money, they throw their distressed and penniless 
 wives and children on the benevolence of the orderly part 
 of the community; and they themselves live iniquitously, 
 partly on the spoils of ruined citizens, and partly by indi- 
 rectly defrauding their neighbours. 
 
 " But of all these vices, the profanation of the Sabbath is 
 the one I wish more particularly to bring to your notice. 
 Other vices may be visited in the persons practising them, 
 but this treasures up judgments for the community, and 
 brings down community visitations from God. Yea, it is so 
 essentially interwoven with the welfare of Christian society, 
 that no such society or community ever has existed long, 
 where the Sabbath continued to be increasingly profaned. 
 We believe this is the universal voice of history touching Chris- 
 tian communities, and the exact fulfilment of that prediction 
 from God, ' The kingdom and nation that will not serve 
 God shall perish.' The religious instructions to be given 
 on the Sabbath, are the very means ordained by God to pro- 
 mote and keep alive the religion of communities. If com- 
 munities can live without religion, then they can live with- 
 out the Sabbath. But man is a ' religious animal,' and he 
 can no more live without religion, than he can live without 
 bread. The highest authority asserts this, 'That man 
 liveth not by bread alone, but by every word proceeding out 
 of the mouth of God.' 
 
 " Let the Sabbath once be destroyed, and the duties it 
 
jg4 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 teaches, when rightly observed, once be lost, or generally 
 unknown, depend upon it, supreme selfishness, misrule, con- 
 fusion, social and political death will immediately ensue. 
 
 " The French revolution is a good comment on the worth 
 of the Sabbath to a community. Their political existence 
 terminated with their destruction of that day. That moment 
 they officially removed this land-mark or safeguard, that 
 moment God gave them up to themselves, and they com- 
 mitted political suicide. 
 
 " The following table gives us at one view a sight of God's 
 indignation against those that profane the Sabbath. By 
 this table, which has been collected from reports of the 
 Boards of Health in different cities where the cholera has 
 raged, in this country and in Canada, it will be seen by in- 
 spection, that the number of cases on Mondays has been 
 always greatly increased. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 185 
 
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 " From this table we remark : 
 
 " I. Could any thing short of a direct voice from heaven 
 proclaim more loudly the great disadvantage of profaning the 
 Sabbath? 1. The great loss to the community — the citizens 
 unable to prosecute their regular and necessary business on 
 Mondavs. 2. The great waste of human life from Sabbath 
 reveljin^s. 3. The great derangement of affairs by death 
 16* 
 
186 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 — society left bleeding at a thousand pores ; and all these 
 independent of the moral consequences, viz., injury to the 
 soul — misery beyond the grave, &c. In large cities, many 
 run into greater excesses on the Sabbath than on any other 
 day of the week. By these they particularly prepared 
 themselves for death in the last plague. For on Sabbath 
 night the system was better prepared for the disease, more 
 susceptible of the cholera, than in any other period of the 
 whole week. Accordingly, more were seized by it and re- 
 ported on Monday ; and this swelled the Monday's bills, and 
 before night many of them were in eternity. Sabbath re- 
 vellers understand all about this. They call it ' Blue Mon- 
 day,'' i. e. unfit for business. 
 
 " By looking at the first column in the table, under the 
 head of Quebec, we find on the first Sabbath in Quebec, 
 there were only seven deaths ; but on the next day, viz. 
 Monday, there were twenty-nine, that is, more than four 
 times the number of deaths than there were on the day pre- 
 vious. Here is a waste from the profanation of the Sabbath, 
 truly appalling. And by looking in the table under the 
 head of Philadelphia, it will be seen that on the first Sabbath 
 here, there were but six cases and one death ; but on the 
 next day, i. e. the first Monday, there were fifteen cases 
 and seven deaths ; on the second Sabbath, sixty-five cases 
 and twenty-six deaths ; but on the second Monday, i. e. the 
 day following, there were one hundred and seventy-six 
 cases, and seventy-one deaths. Here the deaths from the 
 profanation of the Sabbath is nearly trebled. We say the 
 increase was from the profanation of the Sabbath : for in 
 this it was most manifest, that if the Sabbath had been ob- 
 served as it ought, in a quiet, orderly, and abstemious man- 
 ner, free from revelling, the cases and deaths on Monday 
 must have been far less than on any other day of the week: 
 for the universal experience of that part of the labouring 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. JQ7 
 
 community, who scripturally observe the Sabbath as a day 
 of rest, is, that on Mondays their bodies arc more healthy 
 and more vigorous than on any other day of the week — 
 consequently, would better resist the disease than on any 
 other period of the week. 
 
 " II. From the table, by looking under the heads Roches- 
 ter and Utica, where the Sabbath is more scripturally ob- 
 served as a day of rest, than in Philadelphia or Quebec, the 
 reverse was the fact, particularly in Utica. There the ef- 
 fect was, what it always would be, from a proper observ- 
 ance of the Sabbath, viz. Monday was the healthiest day of 
 the week. The table shows, that in Utica, there were on 
 Saturday, thirty-four cases and nine deaths ; and on Sabbath 
 and Monday following, both taken together, there were but 
 thirty-three cases and six deaths ; i. e. less cases on two 
 days, Sunday and Monday, than there were on one other 
 day of the week, viz. Saturday. It would have been grati- 
 fying to have known the exact number of cases there on 
 Monday ; but they have reported the Sabbath and Monday's 
 cases both together. 
 
 " III. From this table, it appears, that the waste of life on 
 Mondays was proportionally less, ten or twelve days after 
 the disease commenced, than what it was at first. This is 
 accounted for from the fact, that the Sabbath was far less 
 profaned ten or twelve days after the disease commenced, 
 than what it was at first. The citizens became alarmed, 
 and afraid of death, and their consciences would not let 
 them revel on the Sabbath as before. This was visibly true 
 in our city : for our steamboats and rail-road cars, at the be- 
 ginning of the disease, carried out on Sabbaths hundreds and 
 hundreds of the citizens on pleasure excursions ; but, as soon 
 as the panic and fear of death became somewhat general, 
 they ran almost empty, and very few of them ran at all. 
 " There is another subject, concerning which I wish to 
 
Igg MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 say but a word or two at present, and that merely because 
 it is somewhat connected with the Sabbath, and therefore 
 properly comes under your notice. 
 
 " It is this — the enormous expense of drunkenness to this 
 city and districts. Every taxable inhabitant in this com- 
 munity groans under this; and what is worse, will continue 
 to groan under it, unless the profanation of the Sabbath is 
 prevented. For it is the intemperate, who are always Sabbath- 
 breakers, getting no religious instruction necessary to make 
 them good citizens, that swell our poor-tax list. Gross, who 
 was executed not long since in this city, for the murder of his 
 wife, told me, just before his execution, that his first sin was 
 Sabbath-breaking on a pleasure party to the country, when 
 very young; and that this led him to drinking : ' for,' said he, 
 1 the second Sabbath we went out, we all drank freely of whis- 
 key.' He afterwards became a drunkard, and in a drunken 
 frolic murdered his wife, and that brought him to the gallows. 
 
 a Within the last twenty -nine years, the poor tax levied 
 and collected in the city and districts of Philadelphia, has 
 amounted to more than three millions of dollars. The 
 whole sum levied in the twenty-one years, from 1803 to 
 1824 inclusive, was $2,361,941 49; and the assessments 
 made since, are as follows, which were kindly handed to me 
 by a gentleman who officially knew all about it. 
 
 Poor tax assessed from 1825 to 1832. 
 
 1825 .... $129,386 32 
 
 J 826 89,973 03J 
 
 182? 89,455 22 
 
 1828 - - - - 89,700 46 
 
 1829 88,508 69 
 
 1830 80,560 74 
 
 1831 91,827 66 
 
 1832 139,871 70 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 289 
 
 "This makes a grand total of §3,161,225 25. Our 
 poor-tax has been as high, sometimes, as at the rate of 
 8150,201 54 per annum. It was that in 1817. 
 
 " And this enormous sum of three millions of dollars is 
 aside from the thousands of dollars, collected almost every 
 year, in the severity of winter, by voluntary subscription of 
 benevolent individuals, and also aside from those thousands 
 of dollars given annually as charity to the poor, by the 
 churches, benevolent associations, and private individuals ; 
 and also, aside from the principal and interest on all the 
 moneys given for the erection of buildings for the poor; the 
 hospital, almshouse, house of refuge. Over and above 
 the subscriptions for this house, the legislature ordered 
 $10,000 annually to be paid for several years, to aid in es- 
 tablishing this house of refuge. To all these ought to be 
 added the criminal tax ; for Sabbath-breaking and drunken- 
 ness prepare men for almost any and every crime — and the 
 criminal tax is not light — the expense of supporting and 
 trying criminals ; expense of judges, turnkeys, principal and 
 interest on building prisons for them, &c; all these taken to- 
 gether, cannot be much short of another million, $4,000,000. 
 What a sum to expend for Sabbath-breaking and intem- 
 perance in twenty-nine years ! ! ! And all in one small 
 place, too: not for a continent, or a whole country. This 
 will be among the items of history, that posterity will rank 
 among the marvellous — unwilling to believe it. Four mil- 
 lions of dollars the expense for a few years of Sabbath- 
 breaking and intemperance; for I aver that these are the 
 two principally contributing causes of this expense. I know 
 there are some exceptions of pious paupers, but they are 
 very few. I have been called to visit sick and distressed 
 persons in the hospital, almshouse, and jails, occasionally, 
 for near twenty years, and sometimes have preached in them 
 and conversed with many, and I have never found but a 
 
190 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 solitary few in either of those places that I thought were 
 truly religious. I assert it again, it is the open profanation 
 of the Sabbath, and drunkenness, which saddles this com- 
 munity with this enormous tax. Sabbath-breaking and 
 drunkenness are kindred vices. These Sunday pleasure 
 excursions to the country in steamboats and railroad cars, 
 are always attended with drinking spirits, less or more, and 
 are usually the first step of a citizen in the ruin of himself, 
 and not unfrequently end by leaving himself and family an 
 expense on the community. 
 
 " A poor tax in this country is almost only another name 
 for a tax to support drunkards and their distressed families. 
 In a tour I made through this state two years ago, 1 searched 
 the county records of five counties, and one county in the 
 state of Maryland, and I found universally that a very large 
 portion of their annual county taxes was to support their 
 poor. And by going into their poor-houses and inquiring of 
 their keepers and attending physicians, I found that in al- 
 most every case, the paupers had been brought there through 
 intemperance. Sometimes out of fifty or sixty in one county 
 poor-house, there would be two or three concerning whom 
 it would be doubtful whether drunkenness was the cause of 
 their being brought there ; but of all the rest, it was perfectly 
 known that, drunkenness was the sole cause. In one poor- 
 house containing fifty-four paupers, every individual had 
 been brought therethrough intemperance. In another, con- 
 taining forty, all were intemperate but one, and his case was 
 doubtful. And in all the counties that I visited, and in 
 some of them the county tax was as high as twenty-nine 
 thousand dollars a year, it was truly astonishing to see, after 
 the poor and annual tax which may be called a tax for 
 drunkards, was stricken off, how small a portion was left, 
 i. e. how small the tax would be which was really necessary 
 for purposes purely governmental. It seldom amounted to 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. jqi 
 
 more than about one-third, while the other two-thirds was a 
 tax on the community to support drunkenness and profligacy. 
 Many of the people were almost unwilling to believe their 
 own eyes, when this subject was presented to them, although 
 taken from their county records ; — to think that drunkenness 
 and Sabbath-breaking profligacy could have possibly cost 
 the community so much ! 
 
 " The following are some of the acts of the legislature of 
 this state for the suppression of drunkenness, and the pro- 
 fanation of the Sabbath, with the persons specified who are 
 to execute them : 
 
 "An Act for the Prevention of Vice and Immorality. 
 " Sect. 1. If any person shall do or perform any worldly 
 employment, or business whatever on the Lord's day, com- 
 monly called Sunday, works of necessity and charity only 
 excepted, or shall use or practise any unlawful game, hunt- 
 ing, shooting, sport, or diversion whatsoever, on the same day, 
 and be convicted thereof, every such person so offending, 
 shall for every such offence forfeit and pay four dollars. 
 [And in case they refuse to pay, or are unable to pay, they] 
 shall suffer six day s" imprisonment in the house of correction. 
 
 " An Act to prevent profanation of the Sabbath by drinking and 
 tippling. 
 
 " Sect. 2. All persons who are found drinking and tipplino- 
 in ale-houses, taverns, or other public house or place, on 
 the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, or any 
 part thereof, shall, for every offence [be fined,] and all con- 
 stables are hereby empowered, and by virtue of their office, 
 required, to search public houses and places suspected to 
 entertain such tipplers, and them when found, quietly to 
 disperse, [and if they refuse to disperse, they may be] bound 
 over to their good behaviour. 
 
^(J2 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 "And the keepers of such ale-houses, taverns, or other 
 public house or place, as shall countenance or tolerate any 
 such practices, being convicted thereof, by the view of a single 
 magistrate, his own confession, or the proof of one or more 
 credible witnesses, shall, for every offence, forfeit and pay 
 ten shillings. 
 
 " Sect. 4. The Justices of the Supreme Court severally 
 throughout this state, every President of the Courts of Com- 
 mon Pleas within his district, every Associate Judge of the 
 Courts of Common Pleas, and every Justice of the Peace, 
 within his county, the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of 
 Philadelphia, and each of them within the limits of said city, 
 and each burgess of a town corporation, within his borough, 
 are hereby impowered, authorized, and required to proceed 
 against and punish all persons offending against this Act, 
 and every person who shall profane the Lord's day, or who 
 shall profanely curse or swear, or who shall intoxicate him 
 or herself as mentioned in the next preceding section of this 
 Act, and for that purpose, each of the said Justices ox Mag- 
 istrates, severally may and shall convict such offenders, 
 upon his own view and hearing, or shall issue, if need be, a 
 warrant, summons, or capias, to bring the body of the per- 
 son accused before him, and proceed accordingly, &c. ; 
 (and if convicted and refusing or unable to pay, together 
 with costs,) they shall commit the offender, without bail or 
 mainprize to the house of correction, during such time as is 
 herein before directed, to be fed on bread and water only, 
 and to be kept at hard labour. 
 
 " Now, gentlemen, have you taken an oath of office before 
 God, ' truly and faithfully' to execute these laws according 
 to the best of your ability 1 And do you regard that cath as 
 binding you to the consequences to be revealed at the day of 
 judgment 1 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. jgg 
 
 " Now, to what purpose have we laws if they are not to 
 be executed ? What profit will the dead letter be to the 
 community ? What health or vigour can it infuse into the 
 community? 
 
 " We might as well be infidel in law-making, as in law- 
 executing. For my part, I know not, I cannot understand, 
 how conscientious peace-officers, who hold the power in their 
 hand, could refuse to apply it, to stop the open profanation 
 of the Sabbath, and drunkenness ; two vices, which ac- 
 knowiedgly bring such moral ruin upon society. What has 
 become of the conscience of such peace-officers? How do 
 they dispose of their oath ? With the life and death of 
 society in their hands, it seems almost, as if they had deter- 
 mined upon the latter. Yet we are not willing to believe 
 this. But do they not in fact nullify legislative efforts to 
 preserve the health of society? For if the health and exist- 
 ence of society is to be preserved, it must be done by means, 
 and not by miracle. The means are wholesome laws; par- 
 ticularly those providing for society's moral wants. But 
 were the laws ever so wholesome, what health can they dif- 
 fuse through the body politic, if not executed? As well 
 might we suppose that healthful food being provided for the 
 human body, but not eaten, would make it healthy. 
 
 " How cautious a man ought to be in accepting a peace- 
 office in large cities, unless he means to bury his oath of 
 office from his conscience till the resurrection. For there he 
 must grapple with vice in high places and in popular places, 
 or sacrifice his conscience. 
 
 " I feel for your difficulties, gentlemen, in the execution of 
 your duties ; and from my very heart I sympathize with you. 
 If you ivould do your duty honestly and thoroughly, you 
 must expect difficulty. But what office of high trust to a 
 conscientious man is not attended with difficulty ? If a man 
 has no conscience but as to the emoluments of office, he may 
 17 
 
194 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 get along without much difficulty from men. But, gentle- 
 men, your obligations and accountabilities are not merely to 
 men. They are high and solemn as eternity : and nothing, 
 I am persuaded, but a disbelief of future accountability at 
 the bar of God, or a faithful and conscientious performance 
 of duty, ever can relieve your minds from the painful and 
 distressing thoughts of that misery which may befall this 
 community through a deficiency of duty on your part. 
 
 " And now, gentlemen, may Almighty God make you 
 
 wise and useful in the execution of your high trust to shield 
 
 us from those calamities and judgments, which have befallen 
 
 all great and wicked cities ! And for this we shall ever pray. 
 
 "Very respectfully, your fellow-citizen, 
 
 " James Patterson. 
 
 " Philadelpha, January 8th, 1833." 
 
 Some time in the course of this summer, the new church 
 edifice which had been commenced the preceding year, was 
 completed, and dedicated to the worship of the Triune Jeho- 
 vah. For many years, the remodelling of the old building 
 had been considered a necessary step for the comfort of both 
 minister and people. Its lofty and arched ceiling rendered 
 it difficult for many speakers to address the audience so as 
 to be heard ; and, though Mr. Patterson did not labour under 
 this disadvantage, he often complained of having received 
 injury from his pulpit performances. Besides, the location 
 of the church was very noisy; being at the corner of two 
 streets through which many, who had no reverence for 
 the day or house of God, used to travel in time of re- 
 ligious service, to the great annoyance of the worshippers. 
 On this account, many preferred to have a new edifice, 
 erected in a place more retired and suitable for the sanc- 
 tuary of the Lord, rather than that the old building should be 
 modernized. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 195 
 
 These considerations, together with the hope of liquidat- 
 ing an onerous debt which was on the church, led the con- 
 gregation to the unanimous purpose of selling the ground on 
 which it stood, and of building a house for the worship of 
 God, on a more eligible site. At this time the church prop- 
 erty was greatly enhanced in value, in consequence of 
 the increase of business in this section of the city ; and the 
 sale of it, promised to afford abundant pecuniary means for 
 the erection of a handsome and commodious edifice, without 
 any other contributions. The site, selected for the new house 
 of worship, was in Buttonwood, between Fifth and Sixth 
 streets; which has proved to be one of the most desirable 
 locations for a church, that could have been selected in the 
 northern part of the city. Though the building is not 
 finished in the most expensive or splendid style, it was pro- 
 nounced by good judges, when completed, to be one of the 
 most beautiful places of worship then to be found in Phila- 
 delphia. Here Mr. Patterson laboured with undiminished 
 zeal and success, until the close of his useful ministry. 
 
 The ground, on which the former building was situated, is 
 now built up with stores which have made it a place of great 
 business ; and the session room, which stood in Coates' 
 street adjoining the church, where many were gathered 
 into the kingdom of Christ, we regret to record it, has 
 been converted into a place of theatrical amusement, whose 
 legitimate tendency is to ensnare the youth and lead them 
 down to the regions of endless despair. It is due to the 
 congregation to state, that it was never imagined that this 
 property would be prostituted to such a purpose, else it 
 would not have been disposed of to the purchasers. 
 
 Having been chosen by the General Assembly of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, as a delegate to represent that body in the 
 General Association of New Hampshire, this year, (1833,) 
 Mr. P. was absent several weeks from the city, in the fulfil- 
 
196 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 ment of this appointment. While on this mission, he ad- 
 dressed the following communication to the editor of the 
 Philadeiphian, under date of Keene, N. H., Sept. 6, 1833. 
 It will be read with interest, and, we hope, with profit, by 
 every Christian : 
 
 "The sessions of the Association have just closed. We 
 have had a delightful meeting, which was opened with a ser- 
 mon by the Rev. Mr. Lane, the Moderator of last year, 
 from Joshua xviii. 3. 'And Joshua said unto the children 
 of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land 
 which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you ?' It was 
 one of the best sermons which I have heard for a long time. 
 His main object was to show, that one principal reason why 
 the kingdom of God is so slow in coming in our world, is the 
 slackness of God's people in their exertions. 
 
 " The Rev. Dr. Lord was chosen Moderator for the pre- 
 sent year. 
 
 " Their business was done with great harmony and kind 
 feeling. I do not remember that during the three days of 
 their session, I heard a single word of dispute or contention. 
 4 O how good, and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell 
 together in unity ! It is as the dew of Hermon, and as the 
 dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion !' 
 
 " The Association resolved, among other things, that in 
 their opinion, the chewing, smoking, and snuffing of tobacco, 
 are not only injurious to the persons practising them, but an 
 invasion of the rights of our neighbour. They also recom- 
 mended the observance of the first Monday in January next, 
 as a season of fasting and prayer for the conversion of the 
 world. 
 
 " They appointed a committee to inquire into the reasons 
 which have caused the Holy Spirit of late, to a great mea- 
 sure, to withhold his renewing influences from the churches in 
 New Hampshire, so that revivals are rare. It is customary 
 for many of the anniversaries of the Benevolent Societies of 
 this State, to be held at the time and place of the meeting of 
 the General Association : and for contributions and subscrip- 
 tions to be made in aid of their funds. At this meeting, the 
 contributions to theN. H. Bible Society, amounted to nearly 
 nine hundred dollars. After an address from the Rev. M. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 197 
 
 Ludlow, the agent for the American S. S. Union, about nine 
 hundred dollars were contributed with special reference to 
 the Southern effort for establishing Sunday schools. The 
 sum of eighteen hundred dollars was obtained for the N. H. 
 Missionary Society. Thus you see, three thousand six hun- 
 dred dollars, or near that sum, was raised by these good 
 brethren, dwelling on their poor and rocky hills, who seem 
 firmly to have laid hold on the kingdom of the Redeemer. 
 
 " When the wants of the South were spread out before them 
 in relation to Sabbath schools, there was not a word of fault 
 found about their system of slavery; but one simply observed, 
 'Here is an object, the instruction of children in Sabbath 
 schools, about which we can all agree.' Their mode of 
 making their contributions was this: — After the annual re- 
 port of a society has been read, a sermon preached, and 
 addresses delivered before the whole congregation assembled 
 from the surrounding country, slips of paper are distributed 
 for those to write their names and subscriptions on, who 
 have not ready money to give. Many gold trinkets, and 
 some gold watches were received as donations for the trea- 
 sury of the Lord. Many gentlemen who had before made 
 themselves and their wives, now made their children life 
 members, by the subscription of thirty dollars for each : and 
 it was firmly agreed that such youthful life members should 
 be made the special objects of prayer. One minister arose 
 in the Assembly, and said that he and his wife were life 
 members, that they had no children of their own, but that 
 having adopted the child of a drunkard after its poor mother's 
 death, he would make that a life member, in hope that God 
 would make the lad a good missionary. 
 
 "Another minister arose and said, that he knew a man, 
 once, in an awful state, for whom the wood was drawn to- 
 gether to make a cage, in which he might be rescued from 
 doing himself and others injury. While he was in that 
 state, one solitary female prayed for him. God heard her 
 prayer, and now here he is in the midst of you, a happy 
 man, and a minister of the gospel. I am, said he, that man : 
 and that woman is my wife. I desire to honour her, by 
 making her a member for life of the Missionary Society. 
 
 " Another minister arose, with tears in his eyes, and said 
 
 that God had taken away all of his children but two : that 
 
 he was formerly trying to lay up something for them : and 
 17* 
 
198 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 that now he desired to lay up treasure in heaven for the two 
 which survive. He put down each of their names, at thirty- 
 dollars for each, to be paid by instalments. More than forty 
 children and wives were thus made life members of the N. 
 H. Missionary Society, by subscriptions to be paid in annual 
 instalments. A young woman who works in a factory, and 
 who by instalments had paid thirty dollars to one benevo- 
 lent institution, now desired in the same way to become a 
 life member of this. 
 
 " The whole scene of these meetings was one of the most 
 interesting which I have seen. If all the people in other 
 parts of the United States would contribute to advance the 
 kingdom of God in proportion to their wealth, as these peo- 
 ple of the granite mountains have done, soon would the desert 
 blossom as the rose, and the wilderness be as the garden of 
 the Lord. The very soil of New Hampshire seems to bind 
 its inhabitants to perpetual industry ; which saves them from 
 the temptations of idleness ; and they grow up an industrious, 
 hardy, moral race. Could they exchange their hard soil for 
 the rich prairies of the West, or the gold of the South, it 
 would occasion not only immense loss to the United States, 
 but to the world. Then, like Jeshurun of old, would they 
 wax fat and kick ; but now, even the world is enriched by 
 their benevolence and virtues." 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. J 99 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The subject of this memoir seems never to have grown 
 weary in well doing. His holy and benevolent mind was 
 always engrossed with some plan for advancing the honour 
 of his divine Master ; and his hands always employed in 
 doing whatever he saw would further this object. Having 
 first sought direction from on high, and obtained a know- 
 ledge of his duty, he was not disobedient to the heavenly 
 message ; but entered with all his heart upon the perform- 
 ance of the work assigned him by Providence. Nor were 
 his labours confined to his own church or denomination. 
 Wherever he saw a door of usefulness open, he joyfully en- 
 tered, esteeming it a privilege and honour, to spend and be 
 spent in the cause of the Redeemer, and in being instru- 
 mental in conducting his fellow-men to the Lamb of God. 
 Though he was fondly attached to that branch of the church 
 catholic of which he was an honoured and highly respected 
 minister, he ever took pleasure in witnessing the spiritual 
 prosperity of other denominations, and exerted his influence 
 to this end, when it could be done without subjecting him to 
 the charge of officiousness. 
 
 For several years before the close of his valuable life, he 
 took a lively interest in the spiritual improvement of the 
 German population of Pennsylvania. In secret, he often 
 wept over their indifference to vital piety, and wrestled be- 
 fore the mercy seat for the revival of pure religion among 
 them. He hailed with inexpressible delight, every indi- 
 
200 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 cation that the Head of the church was about to enlist the 
 energies of this wealthy and influential people, in bringing 
 about the final triumph of the gospel. In his various schemes 
 for doing good, therefore, this portion of the community was 
 not overlooked. As one of his elders one day opened the 
 door of his study, the tears were observed to trickle down 
 the care worn cheeks of this man of God. Wiping them 
 away, he addressed his friend thus: " I have been thinking 
 what is going to become of the Germans, there seems to be 
 very few indeed who care about their souls." 
 
 But why, it may be asked, all this solicitude for them? 
 It was because so Caw, comparatively, of this numerous 
 people knew any thing of the power of religion. Mr. Pat- 
 terson had been much among them, had conversed with 
 many of their ministers; and he was fully satisfied that 
 most of the members of this church made religion to consist 
 in mere forms. He knew that a considerable number of 
 the German clergy had never enjoyed the advantiges of a 
 thorough education to fit them for their responsible vocation ; 
 and that many of them had no experimental acquaintance 
 with the religion of the heart. It was in view of this state 
 of things he lamented. With such a ministry, he believed 
 this people could not advance in spirituality, or accomplish 
 the designs of God in establishing a church in this fallen 
 world; — that they would, under these circumstances, re- 
 tard, rather than further the cause of Immanuel. These 
 being his convictions, he prayed for them and laboured 
 among them, hoping to contribute, in some degree, in bring- 
 ing about a reformation in this particular. And though 
 some, for whose good he toiled, may have indignantly 
 spurned his services as if they were dictated by a spirit of 
 proselytism, he could appeal from such a sentence to the 
 Searcher of the heart, and take delight in the thought that 
 He knew the motive from which he acted, and would reveal 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 201 
 
 it on that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be made 
 known. 
 
 From the succeeding extract we may learn something of 
 his labours among this people, and the success that attended 
 them. 
 
 "August 3d, 1834.— Just returned from Womelsdorf, 
 near Reading, where I went by the appointment of Presby- 
 tery, to organize a Presbyterian church. We had an inter- 
 esting time. We held a protracted meeting out in the 
 woods, where it was cool and pleasant, although the weather 
 was extremely hot. Many attended, and I trust some souls 
 were hopefuliy converted to God. I wrote a letter to the 
 editor of the Philadelphian, setting forth the moral desolation 
 of the Germans in that region of country." 
 
 We place before the reader the following extract from the 
 communication referred to, which shows that this part of the 
 moral vineyard is indeed a wilderness, and needs a supply 
 of faithful labourers before it will rejoice and blossom as the 
 rose. 
 
 " Dear Sir — Agreeably to the order of Presbytery, I or- 
 ganized a few days since a Presbyterian church in Womels- 
 dorf, a town of about seven or eight hundred inhabitants. 
 A protracted meeting was held, commencing with Thurs- 
 day, as a day of fasting and prayer, and continuing till the 
 Monday evening following. Trie weather was extremely 
 hot, particularly on the Sabbath. But we held our meet- 
 ings in a large, deep grove, at the edge of the village, which 
 so perfectly shielded us from the sun's rays, that we scarcely 
 realized that the day was oppressive, till returning from the 
 meeting we got into the open air, under the full meridian 
 blaze ;°then we felt, and sympathized with our friends in 
 the hot city. 
 
 The meetings were well attended, and we had four ser- 
 vices on the Sabbath, in the grove. At 8 o'clock, A. M., we 
 met the Sabbath-school children, together with the other 
 children of the town, and discoursed in Bible stories to them, 
 sung with them, &c. At 9 o'clock, A. M., we preached, and 
 set apart one ruling eider. 
 
202 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " In the afternoon at 2 o'clock the Lord's Supper was 
 administered. The attention was solemn and fixed ; and 
 we hope a good impression was made. At 6 o'clock again 
 we preached, and this finished the services of the day ; such 
 a day as they had never witnessed there before. The En- 
 glish that were godly and partook of the services, were 
 highly gratified, having never before had the opportunity 
 there of sitting down at the Lord's table, when the services 
 
 were performed in English. Mr. , the elder, said he 
 
 had lived there eleven years, before they had got their pre- 
 sent English preacher, and during all that time he had heard 
 but two or three English sermons. And even the German 
 preaching is but once in several weeks. 
 
 " It is exceedingly to be deplored that the interesting 
 towns and villages, in that region cannot regularly have 
 gospel ordinances. For the want of these, and of having 
 them faithfully administered, that whole region, compara- 
 tively speaking, is a moral desolation. There is a very 
 large district of country, of the richest soil, densely popu- 
 lated, covered with thousands of inhabitants, almost all rich; 
 and the earth apparently bending under the loads of its pro- 
 duce, almost entirely destitute of religious instruction, or 
 such instruction as God has appointed for the salvation of 
 men. And although there are many English families scat- 
 tered through that region, yet they are not numerous enough 
 to support English preaching. Hence, it is only here and 
 there you see an English meeting-house. The German 
 system of religious instruction is just such as God never or- 
 dained. Their system is this ; that a minister, to get a sup- 
 port, must have six, seven, eight, nine, and, I have heard it 
 said, as many as fourteen congregations. Now, when a 
 man comes once in four, or six, or nine, or fourteen weeks, 
 and preaches a sermon, and hastens to swallow a bite of 
 victuals, mounts his horse, and hies away to another con- 
 gregation, some six or eight miles off, what religious im- 
 pression can he make upon the people? What strength of 
 body could a man expect from food if he should eat but once 
 in five or six weeks'? 
 
 " When a man gets but a mere bite of spiritual food once 
 in six, nine, or fourteen weeks, how can his soul be alive? 
 How can he maintain spiritual communion with the father 
 of his spirit, his spirit visiting God as a spirit, once in six, 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 2qo 
 
 nine, or fourteen weeks? And the Germans cannot plead 
 poverty or inability to support religious instructers, for they 
 are the richest and fullest livers in the whole state ; and if 
 the eleven tribes of the Jews could and did support the 
 twelfth, giving itself wholly to the moral and religious in- 
 struction of the other eleven, much more every eleven Ger- 
 man families could support a twelfth, to give religious in- 
 struction to the rest, if they were taxed according to their 
 wealth. For their country is as the garden of the Lord for 
 richness of soil. Instances might be found, and many too, 
 where one family, by its superabundant wealth, might sup- 
 port three or four ministers. But I ought to say, (because 
 it is due to them,) that the godly ministers among the Ger- 
 mans deplore with us this dreadful state of things. But they 
 see not how it is to be remedied ; for the unwillingness of the 
 Germans to support gospel ordinances is such, that if a rich 
 man, with a fine limestone plantation of several hundred 
 acres of land, and out of debt too, gives fifty or seventy-five 
 cents* or a dollar annually, to support the gospel for himself 
 and whole family, he thinks himself heavily taxed. 
 
 " To remove these evils, and bring about a better state of 
 things, some of their most spiritual ministers have endea- 
 voured to originate theological seminaries, and they have 
 established two ; a Lutheran, located in Gettysburg, Pa., and 
 a Reformed, located in York, Pa. But they drag very 
 heavily for lack of funds. It is hoped, and believed, ff these 
 schools are sustained, that they will send out a more pious 
 and intelligent set of ministers, than those now in the field. 
 A want of learning, and expansive and benevolent piety, are 
 the two grand defects of the German clergy, in this country, 
 at the present day. But to this we are; happy in acknow- 
 ledging that there are some honourable exceptions, of minis- 
 ters of both learning and piety among them. 
 
 " And some ministers among them are endeavouring 
 to establish a missionary system, to send pious ministers 
 among their churches, to try to wake them up to the great 
 plans of religious and benevolent enterprise of the present 
 day. But our German ministers do not seem to know the 
 value of the press to reform their people, or if they do, they 
 act unwisely in not using it. The press — the press is a 
 mighty engine in controlling the public mind. If they would 
 translate tracts and little Sabbath school books into the Ger- 
 
204 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 man language, and scatter them every where through that 
 population, patronise Sabbath schools, &c, it could not fail, 
 with the common blessing of God, attending all such pious 
 efforts, soon to work a change among them, little short of 
 miraculous. But, instead of this, in many places, Sabbath 
 schools, just coming into an embryo existence, by some 
 friend of God and man, are gravely voted out of the church, 
 and the church doors locked against them. And their 
 originators have to hang their harps on the willows, and sit 
 down and weep over the desolation. 
 
 "James Patterson." 
 
 " January 8th, 1835. — Just returned from a protracted 
 
 meeting in B 's church. Some German ministers called 
 
 to see me, and converse with me about the state of their 
 churches. They regret very much the apathy that prevails 
 among their people on the subject of religion, and seem to 
 feel a desire to wake them up from their stupidity. One of 
 them proposed to hold a protracted meeting in one of his 
 churches, for he had six under his pastoral care. I agreed 
 to go, and on Christmas day I went according to promise. 
 The Lord was with us, I trust, in very deed. The meetings 
 were crowded. We preached in the forenoon, afternoon, 
 and at night ; and although there was no moon-light, the 
 people came a considerable distance every night to the 
 meetings. We invited all who were willing to take up the 
 subject of religion in good earnest, to come with us into the 
 school-house, a few rods from the church, at the close of the 
 sermon, and then we would converse personally with them. 
 Sometimes as many as fifty went, and I trust the day of 
 judgment will show that a goodly number were there born 
 again. What was most encouraging to me was this, at the 
 close of the meeting, the congregation was called to see if 
 they could not have the gospel preached to them every Sab- 
 bath, instead of once in every three or four weeks, as for- 
 merly. A vote was passed, unanimously, that an attempt 
 should be made to secure this object. A subscription was 
 opened on the spot, and a considerable sum subscribed, and 
 a committee appointed to call upon those who were not 
 present on the occasion." 
 
 Mr. Patterson insisted frequently, and plainly upon the 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. 205 
 
 duty of every Christian to contribute, according to his ability, 
 to the support of the gospel at home and abroad. Though 
 he laboured gratuitously and willingly among the poor, he 
 rebuked that penurious spirit which many professors exhibit, 
 in their reluctance to aid in sustaining the institutions of re- 
 ligion. It was, therefore, specially gratifying to him to find 
 a readiness, on the part of this congregation, to make pro- 
 vision for the support of their pastor so as to enjoy his la- 
 bours among them every Sabbath. 
 
 The Rev. J. C. G— , the pastor of the church referred to 
 in the preceding extract from the diary, regarded this visit 
 of Mr. Patterson as the means of dissipating the darkness 
 of his mind, and leading him to the Saviour in the exercise 
 of living faith. The following account is from his own 
 pen. 
 
 " It was under the ministry of this holy man that I made 
 an entire dedication of myself to God ; and, if I know my 
 heart, I love his memory. Have I not reason to remem- 
 ber him ? I feel it a duty to acquaint you with this fact, as 
 it may be the means of doing good. I will here give you 
 a condensed account of my former history. I was received 
 a member into the church after committing the catechism to 
 memory, and attending to some general instructions in the 
 radical doctrines of the Christian religion, all of which, so 
 far as it went, was well enough ; but I never felt the power 
 of these doctrines on my heart. On the subject of personal 
 piety, I never underwent any kind of examination. Next, 
 I prepared for the ministry ; went through my theological 
 education, was examined in its various branches, and was 
 reported favourably^to synod. Being ordained to the work 
 of the holy ministry, I commenced my labours in the churches 
 which had called me. Neither did I here pass through an 
 examination on personal piety. Taking me into the church 
 in this manner, and afterwards ordaining me to the minis- 
 try without a strict and faithful examination on this point, 
 had very nigh proven the eternal damnation of my soul. I 
 set to work in my churches — thought all was well — havino- 
 a good standing, and having people of all classes as my 
 18 
 
206 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 friends. In my churches was outward peace, when, how- 
 ever, there was no inward peace. I did not, however, get 
 along at this rate many years, before I became dissatisfied 
 with myself and the state of my churches. I began to re- 
 flect, and to ask myself, ' Where is the fruit of your minis- 
 try 1 Is the church better than the world? What do you 
 live for ? What is the church organized for 1 If all were 
 right, would not some effect be produced 1 The farmer 
 ploughs his land, sows his seed, and has a harvest : there is a 
 good result, a useful proceed — but where is the effect of 
 your doing 7 By and by you will die, and then what have 
 you done V This often worried me. But the great enemy 
 of souls would again succeed to quiet me for a season, by 
 getting me to look around, and see that the state of things 
 apparently was not different in other churches from our 
 own ; that so it was with others, and so it had been. In 
 
 the meanwhile, our people at church agreed to have 
 
 a protracted meeting, and left it to me to get the ministers 
 we needed. My mind was much engaged as to whom I 
 should invite. I went to Philadelphia, thinking to find some 
 one there in the city. I thought first of Mr. Patterson. I had 
 never seen him before; only had known him through re- 
 port. I found him at home, and he came up, according to 
 promise. We commenced the meeting on Christmas, in 
 1834, in church. I preached first a short German dis- 
 course ; he followed with an English exhortation. It seemed 
 that almost with the opening of his lips, the Spirit of the 
 Lord began to move upon the congregation. He preached 
 in the afternoon with great power. My whole heart was so 
 completely overpowered with the truth, that I determined at 
 once to make an unreserved dedication of myself to God, 
 and try to do the whole of my duty. I rose up and told 
 this to the church, and made the acknowledgment of my 
 past unfaithfulness. That meeting proved one of the most 
 blessed and glorious I ever passed through. A great num- 
 ber of souls were converted to God, many of whom have 
 worn well in the service of the Lord ever since." 
 
 We have still more abundant proof than this that the exer- 
 tions of Mr. Patterson among the Germans, were not in vain. 
 Some of the most gifted ministers of this people corres- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 207 
 
 ponded with him, and expressed their warmest gratitude 
 for the interest he manifested in their behalf. One writes 
 thus: "I have no doubt that thousands, fathers, children, 
 and children's children, will thank you and God in heaven 
 for this blessed work. Depend upon it, God's hand is in 
 this business, and, if I mistake not, he has selected you as 
 his agent, to achieve a mighty work in east Pennsylva- 
 nia." Prudential considerations lead us to withhold some 
 very interesting facts on this subject, which are in our 
 possession ; and which would, if published, show that our 
 friend has awakened an interest in reference to religion in 
 the German churches, which will extend its salutary influ- 
 ence to generations to come. s 
 
 " February 26th, 1835. — This day our church kept as 
 a day of fasting and prayer in reference to colleges — that 
 God would convert the young men who are getting their 
 education, and turn their hearts to the Christian ministry ; 
 and fit them for other important stations in the nation. Our 
 people have not felt so much for a long time on the subject 
 of converting the world to God. 
 
 " O, if churches knew the advantage of taking hold of 
 these great objects of benevolence, they would not be so 
 backward to engage in them. It enlarges the mind, and 
 makes it feel more deeply the importance of eternal things. 
 This annual fast our church has observed, I think, ever 
 since it was established, and perhaps no such season was 
 more blessed than the present. On one other occasion, I 
 recollect a revival commenced that very day." 
 
 " March 25th. — A protracted meeting has been going on 
 in our church for fifteen nights. A part of the time we had 
 service twice a day ; the rest of the time only in the even- 
 ing. Hundreds, 1 hope, will never forget the great truths 
 advanced during this meeting. Many we have conversed 
 with who, I think, have passed from death to life. The 
 Holy Spirit was present in a remarkable manner. Solem- 
 nity rested on the countenances of all the congregation." 
 
 " April 29th. — Just returned from attending a protracted 
 meeting in church, Chester county, among the Ger- 
 
208 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 mans. Laboured under a cold, and was almost broken down. 
 We commenced at ten o'clock, A. M. every day, and conti- 
 nued our religious services, with intermissions now and then, 
 till ten o'clock, P. M. At first, it seemed as though we should 
 not do much good, the prejudices are so strong against the 
 English. Yet I hope some thirty or forty have had their 
 eyes opened to see their sins, some of whom, I trust, have 
 come to the Saviour. Some nights we travelled three or 
 four miles, with the rain pouring down upon us, and it was 
 as dark as can well be conceived. Yet it is a blessed work, 
 to labour for Christ. I took with me a number of small 
 tracts and cards, which I had prepared and published. One 
 with texts of scripture, showing the character of the wicked; 
 one showing the thoughts of the wicked ; another, with texts 
 of scripture, to encourage saints to pray ; another, an outline 
 of self-dedication to God, when one desires to close in with 
 Christ. And these, I hope, were blessed. And one was 
 texts of scripture, to encourage parents to pray for children." 
 
 These tracts and cards were another method by which 
 Mr. Patterson aimed to do good. Neither labour nor ex- 
 pense deterred him from embarking in any enterprise which 
 promised to enlarge his sphere of usefulness. Through these 
 humble means, he hoped to arrest the attention of the care- 
 less, and acquaint them with the views of their Maker in 
 reference to their moral characters. In this way, also, he 
 desired to stir up Christians to fervent and effectual prayer 
 in behalf of sinners, and their unconverted offspring. He 
 usually furnished the members of his church with a num- 
 ber of these tracts and cards for distribution among those 
 to whom they were adapted ; and when he went on a jour- 
 ney, or to a protracted meeting, he generally took a supply 
 along for the same purpose. And he was often encouraged 
 to believe that this endeavour to do good was not without its 
 appropriate result. At the close of preaching during these 
 protracted services, the little messengers were sent among 
 the people ; and, instead of dissipating from their minds the 
 truths to which they had been listening, by idle or worldly 
 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 209 
 
 conversation, they might be seen in different places, — some 
 in the church, and some in the adjoining grave yard or 
 fields, perusing them with absorbing interest. 
 
 We lay before our readers a specimen of these tracts, in 
 hopes that the object for which they were originally pre- 
 pared may be secured, in the awakening of some thoughtless 
 person to consider his ways. 
 
 " Character of the Wicked. 
 
 " Psalm xxxvi. 3. — The wicked hath left off to be wise and 
 to do good — he setteth himself in a way that is not good. — 
 Psalm xiv. 3, liii. 1 — 4. Rom. iii. 12. 
 
 " Prov. ii. 14. — The wicked rejoice to do evil. Micah vii. 
 3, — They do evil with both hands. 
 
 " Prov. ii. 13. — Evil men leave the paths of uprightness to 
 walk in the paths of darkness ; and iv. 19 — the way of the 
 wicked is as darkness. 
 
 " John iii. 19. — They love darkness rather than light, be- 
 cause their deeds are evil. 
 
 " Thoughts of the Wicked. 
 
 " Prov. xv. 26. — The thoughts of the wicked are an 
 abomination to the Lord. * 
 
 " Tsaiah lix. 7. — Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, 
 wasting and destruction are in their paths. Gen. vi. 5. — The 
 imagination of the thoughts of his heart is only evil conti- 
 nually. 
 
 " Ways of the Wicked. 
 
 "Prov. xv. 9. — The way of the wicked is an abomination 
 to the Lord ; and xxi. 4 — the ploughing of the wicked is sin. 
 
 "Prov. x. 16. — The fruit (viz. his luxury, arogance, ava- 
 rice, contempt of God) tendeth to sin. 
 
 " The Sacrifice of the Wicked. 
 " Prov. xv. 8. — The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomina- 
 tion to the Lord ; and xxvii. 9 — he that turneth away his ear 
 ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomi- 
 nation. 
 
 " Reason why it is so. 
 
 " Prov. xxi. 10 /The soul of the wicked desireth evil ; his 
 
 18* 
 
210 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. See Matt. xix. 
 19, Love thy neighbour as thyself. 
 
 "End of the Wicked. 
 
 "Job xx. 5. — The triumphing of the wicked is short. 
 
 " Psalm xxxvii. 9. — Evil doers shall be cut off. Prov. x. 
 27 — The years of the wicked shall be shortened. 
 
 " Psalm lv. 23. — Shall not live out half their days. Eccl. 
 vii. 17 — Be not over much wicked, for why shouldst thou die 
 before thy time? See Matt, xxvii. 4, 5. Psalm xxxii. 10. 
 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked. Isa. iii. 11. — Wo to 
 the wicked, it shall be ill with him, for the reward of his 
 hands shall be given him. Eccl. viii. 13. — It shall not be 
 well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days — be- 
 cause he feareth not God. 
 
 "Psalm lxxiii. 18, and Ixxv. 8. Prov. iii. 33. Deut. 
 xxviii. 20. Matt. xxv. 46. Jerem. x. 25. Psalm ix. 17, 
 17, and xxxvii. 10. Mark ix. 44. Matt. x. 28." 
 
 " Dialogue between the Bible and the Sinner. 
 
 " B. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, consider your ways. 
 Ha££ai i. 5. 
 
 " S. I am not so bad as some others. 
 
 " B. They i&at measure themselves among themselves, 
 are not wise. 2 Cor. x. 12. 
 
 " S. I hope I am not so bad as to go to hell. 
 
 " B. The wicked shall be turned into hell. Ps. ix. 17. 
 
 " S. But God is merciful. 
 
 " B. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and 
 will not at all acquit the wicked. Nah. i. 3. He will by no 
 means clear the guilty. Ex. xxxiv. 7. 
 
 " S. Is there then no mercy out of Christ ? 
 
 " B. There is none other name under heaven given among 
 men, whereby we must be saved. Acts iv. 12. Jesus saith, 
 I am the way ; no man cometh unto the Father but by me. 
 John xiv. 6. 1 Tim. ii. 5. 
 
 " S. I hope I do some good. 
 
 " B. There is none that doeth good ; no, not one. Rom. 
 iii. 12. 
 
 " S. Is every thing that I do, wicked ? 
 
HEV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 211 
 
 " B. Thou hast done evil as thou coulclest. Jer. iii. 5. 
 The ploughing of the wicked, is sin. Prov xxi. 4. 
 
 " S. I am sure I have some good thoughts. 
 
 " B. God is not in all his thoughts. Ps. x. 4. God saw 
 that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that 
 every imagination of the thoughts of his heart, was only evil 
 continually. Gen. vi. 5. Out of the heart proceed evil 
 thoughts, murders, &c. Mark vii. 21,22. Prov. xxiv. 9. 
 
 " S. If my heart be so wicked, what shall 1 do ? 
 
 " B. Make you a new heart. Ezk. xviii. 31. 
 
 " S. I cannot. 
 
 " B. Give me thy heart. Prov. xxiii. 26. They first 
 gave their own selves to the Lord, then of their substance. 2 
 Cor. viii. 5. 
 
 " S. I try to be honest, and pay my debts. 
 
 " B. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of 
 you are justified by the law. Gal. v. 3,4. 
 
 " S. 'What is the law? 
 
 " B. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, 
 and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and thy neigh- 
 bour as thyself. Matt. xxii. 37, 39. 
 
 " S. Surely I have kept the law in some measure. 
 
 " B. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend 
 in one point, is guilty of all. James ii. 10. 
 
 " S. But did not Christ do away the moral law? 
 
 " B. Think not that I am come to destroy the law — I am 
 not come to destroy, but to fulfd. Matt. v. 17. Cursed is 
 every one that continueth not in all things written in the 
 book of the law to do them. Gal. iii. 10. 
 
 " S. How then shall I be delivered from the curse of the 
 law? 
 
 " B. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law. 
 Gal. iii. 13. 
 
 " S. Will all then be saved? 
 
 " B. He that believeth shall be saved, but he that be- 
 lieveth not, shall be damned. Mark xvi. 16. 
 " S. I do believe. 
 
 " B. The devils also believe and tremble. James ii. 19. 
 " S. How then shall I go to work? 
 " B. This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him 
 whom he hath sent. John vi. 29. 
 
212 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " S. What is it to believe ? 
 
 " B. With the heart man believeth unto righteousness. 
 Rom. x. 10. 
 
 " aS. I have been trying to do my best. 
 
 " B. Without faith it is impossible to please him. Heb. 
 xi. 6. 
 
 " S. I have been praying and reading my Bible, &c. 
 
 " B. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, 
 even his prayer shall be abomination. Prov. xxviii. 9. 
 
 " S. Ought I not to pray ? 
 
 " B. Men ought always to pray. Luke xviii. 1. I will 
 therefore, that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands 
 without wrath and doubting. 1 Tim. ii. 8. 
 
 " S. But will not God hear me if I pray the best I can, 
 though I have not a new heart, and do not believe ? 
 
 " B. Whatsoever is not of faith, is sin. Rom. xiv. 23. If 
 I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. 
 Psalm Ixvi. 18. 
 
 " S. What must I do to be saved ? 
 
 " B. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be 
 saved. Acts xvi. 31. 
 
 " S. Is Christ able to save me ? 
 
 " B. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come 
 unto God by him. Heb. vii. 25. 
 
 " S. But I am so unworthy, 1 am afraid he will not ac- 
 cept of me. 
 
 " B. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. 
 John vi. 37. 
 
 " $. Why then, am I not saved ? 
 
 " B. Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 
 John v. 40. 
 
 " S. I think I am willing; I cannot believe that I am un- 
 wiling to come to Christ. 
 
 " B. He that believeth not God, hath made him a liar; 
 because he believeth not the record that God gave of his 
 Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us 
 eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John v. 10,11. 
 
 " S. I will believe, but I cannot now. 
 
 " B. God now commandeth all men every where to re- 
 pent. Acts xvii. 30. 
 
 " S. I must wait God's time. 
 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 213 
 
 " B. The Holy Ghost saith, To-day, if ye will hear his 
 voice, harden not your hearts. Heb. iii. 7. Behold, now is 
 the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 
 Cor. vi. 2. Come, for all things are now ready. Luke xiv. 17. 
 
 " S. How can I come, now? 
 
 " B. Whosoever will, let him take the water oflife freely. 
 Rev. xxii. 17. 
 
 " S. If I am spared, I will try soon ; perhaps to-morrow. 
 
 " B. Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of 
 thee. Luke xii. 20. Ye know not what shall be on the mor- 
 row ; Ibr what is your life? it is even a vapour. James iv. 14. 
 
 " S. What would you have me do ? 
 
 " B. Be reconciled to God. 2 Cor. v. 20. 
 
 " S. But do I hate him ? 
 
 " B, The carnal mind is enmity against God. Rom. viii. 
 7. Now have they both seen and hated both me and my 
 Father. John xv. 24. 
 
 " S. I never thought I hated God. 
 
 " B. The heart is deceitful above all things. Jer. xvii. 9. 
 He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool. Prov. xxviii. 26. 
 
 "£. Well, what must I do? 
 
 " B. Repent, and believe the gospel. Mark i. 15. 
 
 " S. I cannot. 
 
 " B. Except ye repent, ye shall perish. Luke xiii. 3. He 
 that believeth, shall be saved ; but he that believeth not, 
 shall be damned. Mark xvi. 16. 
 
 " S. Well, what can I do more, I have done all I can? 
 
 " B. Ye shall find me, when ye shall search for me with 
 all your heart. Jer. xxix. 13. Let him take hold of my 
 strength, that he may make peace with me ; and he shall 
 make peace with me. Isaiah xxvii. 5. 
 " S. But may I be saved now ? 
 
 "B. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, 
 and shalt believe in thine heart, thou shalt be saved. Rom. 
 x. 9. 
 
 " S. I do believe with all my heart. 
 " B. Go thy way ; and as thou hast believed, so be it 
 done unto thee. Matt. viii. 13. Return to thine own house, 
 and show how great things God hath done unto thee, Luke 
 viii. 39. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us ; but unto Thy 
 name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. 
 Psalm cxv. 1." 
 
<214 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " A Solemn Dedication of Myself to God. 
 
 "Now, seeing my ruined state, and that I am under the 
 curse of God's law, which says, Gal. iii. 10, Cursed is 
 every one that continueth not in all things written in the 
 book of the law ; and now, having tried to keep that law, 
 and finding that I cannot, I turn my eyes from the law to 
 Christ, who is the end of the law for righteousness to every 
 one that believeth, Rom. x. 4 ; and who came to seek and 
 save that which was lost, Luke xix. 10 ; and who says in 
 Maith. xi. 28; Come unto me all ye that labour and are 
 heavy laden, and I will give you rest; who says again in 
 John vi. 37, Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise 
 cast out. And now, having come to my right mind, like 
 the prodigal, Luke xv. 17 — 20, I will arise and go to my 
 heavenly Father, telling him that I am a sinner, and plead- 
 ing His mere mercy alone, through Jesus Christ, and trust- 
 ing to his own promise in 1 Peter i. 5, that he will not let 
 me fall away, but that I shall be kept by the power of God, 
 through faith unto salvation. And, now, taking encourage- 
 ment from all this, I come to thee, O thou heart-searching 
 God, who seest into the very recesses of my heart, and I do 
 from my very heart, sincerely and for ever devote myself to 
 Thee, through Jesus Christ, and with Thy help, I do promise 
 and determine to forsake all sin and disobedience, and lead 
 a holy and obedient life. And now, let this, my promise, be 
 recorded in heaven, in the book of Thy remembrance." 
 
 This form of self-dedication, was prepared as a guide to 
 the awakened who professed a willingness to devote them- 
 selves to the service of the Most High. When Mr. Patter- 
 son, in his private interviews with the sinner, exhorted him 
 to give his heart to the Saviour, the reply was frequently 
 made, " I don't know how to give my heart to Christ;" and 
 to obviate this difficulty, he recommended the person to use 
 some such language as is contained in the above form, 
 stating that if he did so, sincerely, and with the whole heart, 
 God would accept him. Having observed the advantage of 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 215 
 
 pursuing such a course, he resolved to prepare and publish 
 the tract on this subject, which precedes these remarks. 
 
 In this connexion, it may not be inappropriate to allude to 
 the exertions of our revered friend for the purpose of inte- 
 resting his people in the study of the Bible. He was a most 
 laborious student of the sacred volume himself, and the tes- 
 timonies of the Lord were the rejoicing of his heart; hence 
 he desired that his flock might also enjoy the blessedness of 
 the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who 
 makes it a subject of meditation day and night. In the pul- 
 pit, and in his visits among his parishioners, he frequently 
 spoke of the duty of Christians, to purchase some good Com- 
 mentary as a help to the study of the sacred Scriptures. 
 Scott or Henry's Exposition was usually recommended ; 
 on some accounts, he preferred the former for family use. 
 Many of his people, however, were unable to procure so ex- 
 pensive a work as either of those named were at that period. 
 To remove this obstacle, and to bring it within the reach of 
 those who wished to possess it, he procured several copies of 
 Scott's Commentary in numbers, and disposed of them in 
 this way to purchasers. Although, in the end, this was the 
 more expensive method of obtaining the work, still it was 
 better adapted to the means of many of the younger portion 
 of his church than any other; and by it, some became pos- 
 sessors of a valuable Commentary, which, under other cir- 
 cumstances they could not, perhaps, have secured. In the 
 prosecution of this laudable object, Mr. Patterson incurred 
 considerable pecuniary loss, in consequence of several broken 
 sets of the work remaining on his hands. But he cheerfully 
 made the sacrifice of time, labour, and money necessary to 
 effect this purpose, believing that he would be more than 
 compensated, by the augmented moral influence that correct 
 views of the Bible would impart to his people. 
 
21(5 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " May 27, 1835.— To-day our eldest son, William, left 
 us for Buenos Ayres, S. A., where he purposes engaging in 
 the practice of medicine. It was a solemn day for us. He 
 is far from God, — he is not a Christian. O that God would 
 arrest him, by his Spirit, and let him see what he is, and where 
 he is. He goes to a catholic country which is covered with 
 moral darkness. Rev. James Torrey, a Presbyterian min- 
 ister, is the only one there, I presume, who preaches any 
 thing like the truth. Lord Jesus, convert our child, and 
 make him a co-worker with thy servant, Torrey. How 
 important that parents exercise a wholesome influence over 
 their children while under their roof, for they soon grow up, 
 and leave them for ever!" 
 
 Little did this father think when he penned these lines, 
 that he had bidden his son a final farewell ; and that he 
 should never see him again in the flesh. This talented 
 and thoroughly educated young man died in South America 
 in the course of the ensuing year. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. Q17 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 In all ages of the Christian church, an educated and pious 
 •ministry has been considered an essential instrumentality in 
 securing the triumphs of the cross in this apostate world. 
 While it is admitted that the great secret of ministerial suc- 
 cess is eminent holiness, and that without this, " all know- 
 ledge" will profit the ambassador of God " nothing ;" it is 
 not less true, that without respectable attainments in human 
 science, he will not be thoroughly furnished for his momen- 
 tous vocation. The most judicious and ardent friends of 
 Zion, have ever deemed this to be a matter of no ordinary 
 magnitude; and her enemies have manifested no less zeal in 
 opposing the thorough education of her sons for the sacred 
 office. Such a ministry, under God, is the defence ef the 
 church ; it is able to wrest the weapons out of the hands of 
 Infidelity, and to employ them effectually in demolishing its 
 strong holds. It is, therefore, cause of thankfulness to the 
 Head of the church, that all religious denominations are 
 beginning to feel the importance of this subject, and to act 
 accordingly. 
 
 To provide the church with a faithful and well qualified 
 ministry, was always a favourite object with Mr. Patterson. 
 Although exceedingly anxious to increase the number of la- 
 bourers in the Lord's vineyard, he was far from supposing 
 that it would be for the interests of religion to invest candi- 
 19 
 
218 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 dates for the holy office, prematurely, with this responsible 
 trust. Few ministers were more diligent than he, in bring- 
 ing forward young men of the requisite qualifications, as 
 probationers for the ministry. On one occasion, having ob- 
 tained the release of an apprentice from his master with a 
 view to his studying divinity, he remarks — " How many 
 young men might be searched out, who would make ex- 
 cellent and useful preachers of the gospel, if ministers only 
 prayed enough, and had their minds intent upon this object." 
 Whenever he found a youth of ardent piety and promising 
 talents, he urged him to inquire what God would have him 
 to do to promote his honour; and whether it was his duty to 
 turn his attention toward this " good work." In connexion 
 with this counsel, however, he was reminded of the sac. 
 rifices he must make, and the trials to which he would be 
 subjected, if the Saviour had called him to preach the gos- 
 pel; — and that he must not, for a moment, suppose that such 
 a profession would admit of self-indulgence, or lead to 
 worldly distinctions. And if he professed a willingness, in 
 view of all the consequences, to devote himself to this ser- 
 vice, the correctness of his motives was often tried by sub- 
 jecting him to some test adapted to this end. This proba- 
 tion, perhaps, would be continued for several months ; and, 
 in some cases, for one, two, or more years. If the youth 
 was an apprentice, he was advised to improve diligently the 
 time in study that was not occupied in his master's employ; 
 and to await patiently the developments of Providence in re- 
 ference to his future course. After this trial, if Mr. Patter- 
 son was satisfied of his diligence in improving the means 
 already possessed, he made every reasonable endeavour to 
 obtain the consent of his master to relinquish the remainder 
 of his time, that he might be prepared, as soon as possible, 
 for the calling he had in prospect. Nor did his solicitude 
 for the young man cease, when this object was attained ; — 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 219 
 
 in every stage of his subsequent course he was his friend 
 and counsellor. 
 
 Such was the importance, in his opinion, of increasing the 
 number of faithful ministers that he cheerfully aided, to the 
 extent of his ability, every one having this object in view 
 who applied to him for assistance. Nor was his interest 
 on this point, confined to the young men of his own congre- 
 gation or denomination. In proof of this, we refer to his 
 communication on the condition of the German churches, 
 which has already been laid before the reader. Indeed, his 
 feelings on this subject were so extensively known that 
 young men, in different parts of the country, who were en- 
 tire strangers to him, sought his advice and prayers either 
 in their own person or by letter. 
 
 A young lawyer in the state of New York who, having 
 become pious, had a desire to devote himself to the minis- 
 try, addresses him thus, after stating his own views and 
 feelings : 
 
 " I write to yc-u, dear sir, in the utmost confidence, be- 
 cause I believe you have the interests of religion sincerely 
 at heart, and are, perhaps, better able to direct and advise 
 me in this matter than any of my friends among the clergy." 
 
 On another occasion he received a letter from a theological 
 student in one of our seminaries, in which this young man 
 expresses fears lest he has been deceived on the subject of 
 religion, and requests an interest in his prayers. The fol- 
 lowing fact, exhibits the same feelings, 
 
 A pious young man, whose heart glowed with a desire to 
 preach the gospel, came to this city with the expectation of 
 being able to support himself by teaching, while he prose- 
 cuted his theological studies. His success, however, not 
 being equal to his expectation, he discovered his limited means 
 were nearly exhausted, without having any reasonable hope 
 of very soon increasing them. Thus circumstanced, this 
 
090 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 stranger became acquainted with Mr. Patterson, to whom he 
 made known his difficulties, and from whom he received 
 such counsel and encouragement, as enabled him ultimately 
 to attain the object he had in view. This young man is now 
 an eloquent and successful preacher, and is stationed as pas- 
 tor in a very important church. The case just related, is 
 but one of many that might be presented. 
 
 In other respects, the subject of this memoir rendered im- 
 portant service to candidates for the ministry, as many have 
 since testified. Theological students often visited him during 
 their vacations, and sometimes spent weeks with him and his 
 people, from whom they always received a cordial welcome. 
 Mr. Patterson was " given to hospitality." In his house the 
 missionary, the minister of the gospel, and the student of 
 divinity, always found a home. During these visits, he im- 
 pressed upon the minds of those preparing for the ministry, 
 the responsibility of their prospective work ; and that their 
 success would be graduated by their love to Christ, and their 
 efforts for the salvation of sinners. He was not satisfied', 
 however, with mere theory on this subject ; he employed 
 them, in holding prayer meetings in different parts of his 
 congregation, and in conversing with the careless in the lanes 
 and alleys of this section of the city. Thus, while doing 
 good, they were receiving good; and acquiring knowledge 
 which would tend to promote their usefulness when invested 
 with the pastoral office. To the happy influence of these 
 visits Mr. Danforth alludes in his interesting communication, 
 which will be found in a subsequent part of this work. 
 
 His attention, however, was not exclusively confined to 
 those who had the ministry in view ; he felt a deep interest 
 in the youth of all classes, and employed various means to 
 influence them to attend the place of prayer and religious 
 instruction. One of these means was by giving lectures, in 
 his session room, on Natural Philosophy, in connexion with 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 221 
 
 some philosophical experiments, that were new and gratify- 
 ing to his youthful auditors. To aid him in this object, he 
 procured, at a considerable expense, an electrical machine 
 with the accompanying apparatus ; and also a magic lantern. 
 In this way, he secured a large congregation, and availed 
 himself of the opportunity thus afforded, to turn the thoughts 
 of his pupils to the more important concerns of the soul. 
 
 A society called the Philadelphia Institute, for the promo- 
 tion of the intellectual, moral and religious improvement of 
 the young men of our city, has been for several years in 
 successful operation in Philadelphia. The happy results of 
 this agency placed it, in the estimation of the Christian com- 
 munity, among the most important means of advancing the 
 cause of truth in our city ; and when under the ministerial aus- 
 pices of the Rev. John L. Grant, there were, at one time, four 
 hundred young men enjoying its privileges, many of whom 
 are now among the most active and efficient friends of piety. 
 The subject of this memoir wishing, therefore, to provide, if 
 possible, the young men of the Northern Liberties with like 
 facilities for becoming wise unto salvation, resolved upon the 
 establishment of a similar institution. Accordingly he made 
 the experiment by obtaining the services of Rev. Joel T. 
 Benedict, who preached for some time to the young men in 
 the Commissioners' Hall, N. L. ; but for want of sufficient 
 funds, and owing to other causes, this enterprise did not 
 prove very successful. Notwithstanding this failure, the 
 attempt manifested the solicitude of our friend for those who 
 were just entering upon manhood ; and his ardent desire to 
 rescue them from the baleful influences to which they were 
 frequently exposed. He lamented deeply, that so many of 
 this interesting portion of the community neglected the 
 means of intellectual and religious instruction; and hailed 
 with extreme satisfaction every movement made to interest 
 them on these subjects. 
 
 19* 
 
222 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 "December 29th, 1835. — Just returned from a most in- 
 teresting meeting held among the Germans, at B — 's church, 
 Chester county. God was of a truth with us. 1 trust saints 
 were quickened, and many sinners turned from the error of 
 their ways. Rarely have I ever heard so many voung men 
 in a plain country congregation, pray more to edification 
 than at this meeting. How different the state of things in 
 this church now, compared with what it was a year since, 
 when I visited them on a similar occasion. Then it was 
 with difficulty that the vestry would consent to the pastor's 
 holding such a meeting. We commenced the services, how- 
 ever, with trembling, but God was with us, and about eighty 
 or a hundred professed they had consecrated themselves to 
 his service. Since that time, the work of grace has been 
 going on gloriously among that people." 
 
 During one of his visits to this church, the following cir- 
 cumstance occurred, which illustrates the intensity of Mr. 
 Patterson's desire to do good ; and the facility with which he 
 embraced opportunities to direct the attention of the careless to 
 the things that belong to their peace. Occasions which others 
 would have considered unseasonable for such a subject he im- 
 proved ; and with the most happy results, as in the present 
 instance. 
 
 While attending a protracted meeting among this people, 
 he lodged with a family connected with the congregation. 
 Though the united head of this household weye kind and 
 hospitable, they were both strangers to God. About mid- 
 night, their reverend guest was taken sick, and the family, 
 with their usual kindness, did every thing in their power to 
 afford him relief. While his kind hostess was preparing 
 him some medicine, his thoughts were directed toward her 
 spiritual welfare. Though at this time suffering great pain, 
 his benevolent mind was intent upon her salvation. The 
 stillness of night, when there are no perplexing cares to 
 interrupt serious reflection, was, in his opinion, a suitable 
 moment to press upon her heart the claims of Jehovah. He 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 223 
 
 therefore asked whether she was a Christian. The answer 
 to this question opened the way for urging upon her repent- 
 ance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This 
 was to her an unpleasant subject. She became enraged at 
 what she then considered such unkindness from one to 
 whose comfort she was ministering; and resolved to absent 
 herself in the morning from family worship, and the break- 
 fast table. These feelings of opposition continued the next 
 day ; so that it was with difficulty she was persuaded to 
 go to church, where he was, by previous appointment, to 
 preach. During the services, she listened to his solemn ap- 
 peals and warnings only to increase her wrath. 
 
 As she was returning home, her mind was overpowered 
 with convictions of guilt, and the thought occurred to her, 
 " Why will I not do as the minister told me, give myself to 
 the Saviour?" She then made the resolve of the prodigal, 
 to go to her Father, confessing and forsaking her sins. 
 Immediately her agitated mind became calm ; and, confiding 
 in her redeeming God, she rejoiced with joy unspeakable. 
 Now she loved Mr. Patterson as much as she had hated 
 him before; and acknowledged that he was her real friend, 
 even when she esteemed him as her enemy. Having tasted 
 a Saviour's love, she was, like others in similar circum- 
 stances, anxious that all her unconverted friends should be 
 possessors of the same blessing. Her first efforts were 
 made in behalf of her bosom companion, who was still far 
 from God, and in the road to death ; nor were they made 
 in vain. The prayers and exertions of the wife were instru- 
 mental in the hands of God in bringing the husband to lay 
 hold of the hope set before him in the gospel, and to identify 
 himself with Christ and his cause. These facts were stated 
 to the pastor of the church when they applied for admission 
 to its communion. 
 
 On another occasion, when returning from a protracted 
 
224 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 meeting held near Philadelphia, in company with a ministerial 
 brother, he passed an old coloured man on the road. After 
 riding a few rods by him, he reined in the horse, and said, 
 " I have done wrong. I ought to have said a few words to 
 that poor creature. I may never see him again till the 
 judgment day. I will go back, and talk with him about his 
 soul." He turned the vehicle in which they rode, and went 
 back, and spent a short time with him in conversation. The 
 old man, astonished at his condescension, appeared to listen 
 to his counsel with attention and thankfulness ; but what 
 was the result of this interview is not known. 
 
EEV. JAMES PATTERSON. 225 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The preceding history furnishes abundant evidence that 
 the subject of this biography possessed a heart that was 
 under the dominion of an expansive and disinterested bene- 
 volence. His sympathies were not confined to his own 
 church or nation— the world was the field he desired to cul- 
 tivate. While others were contented with the assurance 
 that they were adopted children of God ; or with the fact 
 that their own pastoral charges were flourishing under the 
 smiles of Heaven; he acted on a grander scale. He em- 
 braced in his arms of Christian love and philanthropy, a 
 world lying in wickedness, and ardently longed for the an- 
 ticipated day when " the kingdom and dominion, and the 
 greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall 
 be given to the people of the saints of the Most High." 
 Hence, he entered, with all his energies, into every plan 
 which promised to bring about this desirable period, and to 
 pour upon our benighted world its millennial glory. The 
 following extract shows his feelings on this subject. 
 
 " January 4th, 1836. — This day, being the first Monday 
 of the year, we observe, in concert with thousands of Chris- 
 tians, as a day of special prayer for the conversion of the 
 world. Yesterday (Sabbath,)*! endeavoured to stir the peo- 
 ple up to the importance of observing this day. O, how 
 guiltv the Christian world is, in not doing more, and pray- 
 ing more, for the spread of the gospel. How little is the 
 Saviour's command regarded, " go ye into all the world, 
 and preach the gospel to every creature." 
 
226 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 The same point is also illustrated by the interesting facts 
 we are about to relate. 
 
 On one occasion Mr. Patterson was visited by an Indian 
 youth, who manifested some thoughtfulness on the subject 
 of religion, and expressed a wish to obtain an education. 
 He was, therefore, invited by this hospitable man to make 
 his house, for the present, his home ; he remained here 
 three months, during which he was instructed daily in the 
 elements of education and religion. At length, having pro- 
 cured the requisite means, through the liberality of some 
 pious friends, he sent the young man to the Mission School, 
 in Connecticut, where he completed his studies. He was 
 afterwards set apart to preach the gospel, in which calling 
 he laboured among his brethren of the west. 
 
 At another time, when walking through the streets of Phi- 
 ladelphia, the attention of Mr. Patterson was attracted by a 
 Chinese boy, who was engaged in selling tomtoms to a 
 group of boys and others who had collected around him. 
 Having made some inquiries, our friend learned that he was 
 homeless and almost penniless ; and that he had resorted to 
 his present employment as a means of support until he found 
 a vessel going to China, in which he might work his passage 
 home. The story of the friendless boy enlisted the feelings 
 of Mr. Patterson, and he invited him home to his house, 
 where he remained for some time. Through this lad, our 
 friend became acquainted with another Chinese youth; 
 and ultimately, they were both induced to remain in this 
 country for the purpose of obtaining an education. A so- 
 ciety was soon organized, at his suggestion, for their support, 
 while at the missionary school in Connecticut, to which they 
 were sent to be educated, and where they remained two or 
 three years. While in this institution, they cherished a lively 
 gratitude toward their benefactor, and looked forward with 
 pleasure to the period of vacation, when they would be per- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 227 
 
 mitted to visit the family of him whom they regarded as a 
 father. And, subsequently, when they were about to em- 
 bark for their native land they expressed, in the most affec- 
 tionate manner, their thanks for his many acts of kindness ; 
 and declared, with every evidence of sincerity, that they had 
 no confidence in the system of religion practised by their 
 countrymen. The result of their visit to this Christian land, 
 and the views of science and religion acquired while here, 
 perhaps will not be known by us till the great disclosing day. 
 We cherish the fond hope that our friend will be associated in 
 heaven with some who shall refer to his interposition on this 
 occasion, as the means of their conversion to the true and 
 only living God. 
 
 Every faithful herald of salvation, no doubt, accom- 
 plishes an amount of good of which he must remain in igno- 
 rance till the day of judgment; and probably this remark 
 applies with more force to Mr. Patterson, than to most min- 
 isters of this age. He travelled extensively, and laboured 
 abundantly with great zeal and fidelity ; and, under God, he 
 was a rich blessing to many whom he had never seen. The 
 following extract from a letter from a gentleman of wealth, 
 with whom he had no acquaintance, confirms this remark* 
 After referring to some benefit bestowed upon the church, of 
 which he was at this time a member, he adds : 
 
 "I have to thank you for more than this instance of your 
 care for us. The instance to which I am about to allude, 
 shows that the future alone can reveal to us the good we 
 may have done in this vain world. I do not know that you 
 have ever seen me, to recognize me ; certainly not as one on 
 whom you have made an impression most deep and strong, 
 by a lecture which you delivered in our church some eight 
 or nine years ago. At that time I was only a visiter in this 
 city, being then a resident of the far west, and an elder in a 
 Presbyterian church in that region. The subject was the 
 narrative of Dives and Lazarus. 
 
 " Deep was the impression on my heart of the truth, that 
 
228 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 in the present life only can we warn sinners. Here we 
 should cry aloud and spare not. ' Wo to them that are at 
 ease in Zion.' You, sir, in the providence of God, was the 
 means of leading me to see my duty to support a missionary 
 of the cross, and thus, at least, to preach the gospel by 
 proxy. I have reason to believe that the influence of your 
 
 preaching on me, was worth your visit to , if no other 
 
 good had been done ; nay, it was worth a voyage to India. 
 I doubt not, it will be followed with happy results for gene- 
 
 " August 20. — I have just returned from a three months' 
 tour in the western states. Passed down the Ohio river to 
 its mouth, about thirteen hundred miles, then went up the 
 Mississippi to St. Louis, where I attended a protracted meet- 
 ing, pursuant to a previous engagement. A wealthy bro- 
 ther, while attending the General Assembly, at Pittsburg, 
 said if I would accompany him for this purpose, he would 
 bear all my expenses. We had an interesting time. In this 
 journey, I travelled over part of Missouri, visited Marion 
 city and Marion college, then through Illinois, and came 
 home by Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Hudson, and Pitts- 
 burg. That is a great country, and will soon rule the 
 United States ; it is the finest body of good land in the world, 
 perhaps. The moment the people go there, they begin to 
 think on a large scale ; — partaking of the nature of the coun- 
 try, for every thing there seems to be on a large scale, rivers, 
 quality of soil, &c My visit was much blessed to the re- 
 cruiting of my health, and my labours were blessed to some 
 souls. I preached frequently during my tour. 
 
 " November 3. — I have been conducting a protracted 
 meeting among the German Lutherans, about eight or ten 
 miles from the city, on the Lancaster turnpike. It is an old 
 German congregation, established about one hundred years 
 ago, and having nearly become extinct, we made this effort 
 with the hope of resuscitating it ; Mr. B. is the minister. 
 The meetings were solemn and well attended, and some 
 fifteen or twenty were hopefully brought into the kingdom. 
 One night in particular, there was great solemnity in the 
 meeting, some of the good old Germans wept for joy to see 
 the work of God revived among them. O what a blessed 
 thing to see sinners coming home to God !" 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 229 
 
 In the iall of this year (1836,) he received the painful 
 intelligence of the death of his eldest son who had just com- 
 
 o 
 
 menced the practice of medicine in Buenos Ayres, South 
 America, with the most flattering prospects of success. But, 
 although, his heart was oppressed with sorrow at the loss 
 of his first born, his confidence in the wisdom and goodness 
 of Him who sits upon the throne, remained undiminished. 
 Never did the writer witness a more perfect and captivating 
 example of Christian resignation than he exhibited on this 
 trying occasion. Then was seen the tender father and the 
 eminent saint ; — the silent tear that he occasionally wiped 
 away pointed to the former, — the heavenly serenity that sat 
 upon his countenance, bespoke the latter. Mr. Duffield, 
 who saw him soon after the tidings of this distressing event 
 had been received, remarks — " the interview I had with him, 
 when he opened his parental heart to me about his eldest 
 son, is too tender and sacred for the gaze of the world." 
 About a year before this, he bade farewell to his favourite 
 child, commending him to the care and protection of a co- 
 venant-keeping God. 
 
 "January 3d, 1837. — Yesterday was the first Monday 
 in the year, and the day appointed for prayer and fasting 
 for the conversion of the world, — and recommended by 
 almost all the Protestant denominations in this country and 
 the world, 1 believe. Very few of the churches in this city 
 observed it, notwithstanding the object is one of such infinite 
 moment, We had in our church three services, morning, 
 afternoon, and night. More men came out than ever did 
 on a fast-day before — and God was with us, — some sinners 
 among us were, on that day, brought home to Christ." 
 
 "January 23d. — Have just returned from a protracted 
 meetino- in Jersey, several miles above Camden, on the 
 Camden and Amboy rail-road. On Saturday and Sabbath 
 there was the severest storm of rain and snow I have seen 
 for a long time. It prevented us from accomplishing as 
 much as we otherwise might have done. But the Lord 
 was with us, and some eight or ten souls were, I trust, 
 20 
 
230 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 brought into the kingdom. It is contemplated to form a 
 church there. It was a most delightful sight to see the 
 young converts standing up together singing the praises of 
 God. They did seem to rejoice in singing the songs of 
 Zion ! We sang and wept and rejoiced together. There is 
 a district of country there, twenty miles in length, from 
 Camden to Burlington, that has been destitute of religious 
 means for a long time — ever since the days of the Brainerds. 
 David was settled among the Indians at Crossweeksung, 
 farther up the Delaware. Here his ministry ' was attend- 
 ed with extraordinary success,' says his biographer. ' He 
 baptized seventy-seven Indians in one year ; thirty-eight of 
 whom were adults, who exhibited satisfactory evidences of 
 piety.' John, his brother, preached at Mount Holly. How 
 painful, that our brethren will contend so much for the non- 
 essentials of religion, while the substantials they lamentably 
 overlook. Here, within a short distance of the city, and 
 on the rail-road route, thousands are perishing who know 
 little or nothing of the gospel, and yet those who are so 
 much concerned for the purity of the church, do very little 
 for their salvation." 
 
 " January 25th. — At six o'clock P. M., a most grand aurora 
 borealis appeared, which lasted four hours, less or more. 
 Determined to take up this subject next Sabbath evening, 
 and try to improve it. Many were very much alarmed : 
 thought the world was corning to an end. Fire engines 
 were all out to put out the supposed fire." 
 
 On the following Sabbath he accordingly preached, from 
 Psalms cxi. 2: " The ivorks of the Lord are great, sought 
 out of all them that have pleasure therein." That this 
 effort was attended with divine approbation, is proved by the 
 following fact. — A female, who had been living without God, 
 being alarmed by this phenomenon, was providentially di- 
 rected to his church the Sabbath when he preached on 
 this subject. She was deeply impressed with the sermon, 
 and brought to see her sin in neglecting the vast concerns 
 of her soul. About two months after, she called at his house 
 in great distress, to ask his counsel and prayers. She sub- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 231 
 
 sequently obtained peace by confiding in the Lord Jesus as 
 her Saviour; and made a public profession of her attach- 
 ment to Christ and his cause. 
 
 " February 15th. — To-day we have committed Mrs 
 
 to the grave. Never have I seen a woman suffer more for 
 the sake of Christ from a husband than she has done. She 
 was one of the most lovely Christians in my church. She 
 died in the triumphs of faith; and while dying she addressed 
 herself to those around her bed-side weeping, in the words 
 of our Saviour, — ' Weep not for me, but weep for your- 
 selves. I am going to rest.' Her' husband is now a mem- 
 ber of the church." 
 
 When this pious wife was the object of her husband's 
 bitter persecution, she exhibited an uncommon degree of 
 moral courage, combined with a meekness and patience that 
 awaked the wonder and admiration of her Christian friends. 
 Her pastor and pious acquaintances sympathized with her in 
 these trials ; and made continual supplication before the 
 mercy seat, that she might be sustained by divine grace in 
 this time of temptation. Nor was her persecuting husband 
 forgotten. She and a kw pious females, who were inti- 
 mately acquainted with all her circumstances, met at stated 
 times to pray for his conversion ; and though an answer 
 was long delayed, at length the Lord fulfilled their desires, 
 and the husband publicly espoused the cause of Christ 
 under the ministry of the man whom he once so cordially 
 hated. 
 
 This fact ought to encourage pious wives, when similarly 
 circumstanced. Let them bear persecution for righteous- 
 ness' sake, with meekness and patience, not rendering rail- 
 ing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing ; and who can tell 
 but that their husbands will be won by their conversation. 
 
 " March 29. — A great and blessed revival has been in 
 progress for some time in this church. It commenced on the 
 day of fasting and prayer for colleges. For thirty nights in 
 
/ 
 
 232 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 succession, we have had preaching. At the close of the ser- 
 mon, the awakened were requested to go into an adjoining 
 room, where we might converse with them while the church 
 continued in prayer. It is believed that during the progress 
 of this revival, there have been between one and two hun- 
 dred cases of conversion. Our people say it was one of the 
 most glorious works that has been in our church for years. 
 During all this blessed season, I was confined to my bed 
 with a severe inflammation of the lungs, which was brought 
 on by labouring in a protracted meeting in the country. 
 But I can record with gratitude to God, that when lowest 
 in my sickness, and nearest to the grave, it was the happiest 
 moment in my life. I never felt before, or believed that 
 heaven could become so desirable in this life. When I 
 looked back on my life and this world, it seemed all barren, 
 like a dreary sandy desert; though I had the consciousness 
 that 1 tried to do good to my fellow creatures, yet it appeared 
 vanity and vanities, all was vain. I wondered that any body 
 would want to live in this world. When I directed my 
 mind to heaven, how different the scene. Heaven was plea- 
 sant; the two worlds seemed very near to each other; no- 
 thing but a little rill seemed to separate them. I thought I 
 could have stepped over it with all ease, if God had allowed 
 me. I felt willing, or rather desirous to step over it. On 
 the other side there seemed to be thousands of beings all 
 perfectly blessed. They seemed to be perfectly at home, 
 perfectly at rest. Never before did I feci heaven to be so 
 desirable, or think it could be so desirable in this life; and 
 I came back to life again with reluctance. Only that my 
 family needed my help, being young and helpless, I would 
 never have desired to return here again to live. With Paul 
 I could say, 'to depart and be with Christ is far better.' 
 And even now, after I have recovered and commenced my 
 labours again, I feel how much better it would be to depart, 
 and I seem to have no relish for life, or any thing in it. 
 The world is dead to me in a way that it never was before; 
 nothing meets my eye that I care for. I like to preach and 
 try to convert sinners, and that is the only enjoyment I have 
 upon this earth. 
 
 " The Rev. Messrs. 1 — preached in this revival during 
 
 my sickness. It commenced among the females connected 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 233 
 
 with our Maternal association. They began to feel an unusual 
 spirit of prayer, and invited their female friends who had 
 unbelieving husbands to meet with them, and pray for their 
 conversion. The meeting was held every week in my study. 
 
 " The day of fasting and prayer for the conversion of the 
 world, on the first Monday of January, also had a wonder- 
 ful effect in rousing up the minds of the congregation, and 
 preparing the way for this good work. I addressed them 
 from the pulpit the Sabbath preceding this day, on the im- 
 portance of this subject, and gave some counsel in reference 
 to the proper observance of such an occasion. This pre- 
 vious notice of the day was attended with good results. The 
 people begin to see the dreary condition of the heathen, 
 and the immense responsibility they are under to do some- 
 thing for them ; also, that vital piety is requisite before they 
 can offer the fervent effectual prayer. Never before, during 
 the twenty-three years that I have been pastor of this church, 
 did we keep such a fast day. Never before did so many 
 come out to humble themselves before God, and pray for 
 a world lying in ruins. This was a good preparation for 
 the revival. The day of fasting and prayer for colleges 
 coming on in a few weeks after, deepened the former im- 
 pression, and showed more fully that God was among us of 
 a truth. When I reflect how much such days rouse up a 
 congregation, and how much good they do at home, though 
 the eye looks abroad upon the world at large, I am utterly 
 surprised that so few congregations observe them. 
 
 " The last Thursday of February, as a day of fasting and 
 prayer, in behalf of colleges, we have always observed 
 since it was established, and scarcely ever did it fail to do 
 good to the church, and more than once it was followed by 
 a revival of religion. Until recently, this day has not been 
 observed by many of the churches in this city. It is begin- 
 ning to awaken a more general interest among ministers and 
 Christians, but not as much as its importance demands. 
 May the Lord help me to be faithful, and with thy help, 
 blessed Redeemer, I will till I die, whatever reproach T may 
 have to endure on this .account. We will add about one 
 hundred to the communion of the church, as the fruits of 
 this revival. Many have joined other churches, that were, 
 as we believe, hopefully converted at this season. 
 20* 
 
234 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " Laus Deo in Excelsis.* — If sinners are converted, it 
 matters not whose instrumentality he employs. He showed 
 me, in this revival, that I was not of so much importance 
 as I had imagined. He threw me by as useless, while he 
 carried on the great and blessed work. In this way he hum- 
 bled me — showed me he could do without me even in my 
 own congregation. I had a great desire to be in that revi- 
 val, and labour for his glory ; and every night, though some- 
 times very feeble, I waited till the close of the meeting, to 
 learn the state of things." 
 
 Perhaps this was one of the severest trials to which our 
 departed friend could have been subjected. He never was 
 happier than when preaching the gospel to his fellow men ; 
 and especially when God clothed the word with power, and 
 disposed sinners to comply with the terms of salvation. Jt 
 was, therefore, no ordinary test of his submission to the 
 will of Heaven to be " thrown by as useless," at a time 
 when sinners thronged to the sanctuary, and when many 
 were inquiring what they must do to be saved. His 
 bodily sufferings, though severe, could have been borne 
 with comparative ease ; but to be shut out from the pri- 
 vilege of labouring among his flock at this time, was to 
 him a mysterious providence. Yet, instead of murmuring, 
 he cordially acquiesced in this dispensation, and rejoiced 
 that God could carry on his work without his instrumenta- 
 lity. Throughout the whole of his sickness, he exhibited a 
 submissive and child-like temper. The language of the 
 Psalmist, "Surely I have behaved and quieted myself as a 
 child that is weaned of his mother : my soul is even as a 
 weaned child," describes his conduct on this occasion. 
 
 But, though not permitted to labour during this revival, 
 he still felt extreme solicitude for the safety of the ark of God. 
 
 * Praise God in the highest. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 235 
 
 He waited anxiously to the close of the evening meetings 
 to learn whether the Spirit was still present among the peo- 
 ple with his convincing and sanctifying agency ; and when 
 this was the case, his soul magnified the Lord. He heard 
 with delight the intelligence that sinners, to whom he had 
 often proffered salvation in the name of Christ, were now 
 turning their feet to the divine testimonies. Nor did the 
 fact that others were the instruments in effecting this work, 
 in the least diminish his joy ; because he knew that " he that 
 planteth, and he that watereth, are Owe," and " that neither 
 is he that planteth any thing, neither is he that watereth ; 
 but God that giveth the increase." In this case, the decla- 
 ration was verified : " One soweih, and another reapeth, that 
 both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice toge- 
 ther." 
 
 " May 28th, 1837.— The General Assembly of the Pres- 
 byterian Church in the United States is now in session in 
 this city. It met in the Central Presbyterian Church, on 
 the 18th inst., at 11 o'clock, A. M., and was opened with a 
 sermon by the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, the moderator of the 
 last Assembly, from 1 Cor. i. 10, 11. There are about two 
 hundred and sixty commissioners present, and about eight 
 or nine delegates from corresponding bodies. The Assembly 
 is composed of the Oid and New School parlies. The Old 
 School have the majority this year; and it is the only time 
 they have had the majority for six or seven years, with the 
 exception of the year 1835." 
 
 "Thursday, June 8th. — The General Assembly was dis- 
 solved this evening, having been in session three weeks. 
 Never before, for the twenty-three years that 1 have been 
 an observer of the proceedings of the Assembly, have I wit- 
 nessed such high-handed conduct as was exhibited by the 
 majority toward their brethren on that occasion. The Old 
 School, having abrogated the plan of union of 1801, declared 
 that the synods of the Western Reserve, Utica, Geneva, and 
 Genesee, were no part of the Presbyterian Church, in con- 
 sequence of this abrogation. They then dissolved the Third 
 
236 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Presbytery of Philadelphia. I confess it looks to me to be 
 a dark day for the Presbyterian Church in this country."* 
 
 * That Mr. Patterson's views on this subject were not the re- 
 sult of prejudice or excitement, is evident from the feelings of 
 regret and just indignation that impartial men all over the country 
 have expressed in view of the excinding resolutions of 1837. Dr. 
 Woods, of Andover, in a correspondence with Rev. G. N. Judd, 
 which was published in the New York Observer, speaks thus in re- 
 ference to these acts. " When I learned from the papers that the 
 particular proceedings (the excinding acts) I have mentioned 
 had taken place, I was grieved and astonished, and was con- 
 strained to ask whether there is any thing in the Bible, or in the 
 Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, or in the laws of any Pro- 
 testant nation, which can warrant such proceedings. And after all 
 I have read, my opinion, whether right or wrong, remains the 
 same. And I have thought, that the good men that gave their 
 voice in favour of those proceedings, would, on calm, sober re- 
 flection, in the devoutest seasons, have some disquietude of mind, 
 and would, sooner or later, regret what they had done." 
 
 The opinions entertained in England on this subject may be 
 learned from the following communication, which we take from 
 the New York Observer. 
 
 "A voice from England. 
 
 " The following extract is from a letter of the Rev. Dr. Mathe- 
 son, of England, to a friend in this city. 
 
 " * What a sad picture has been lately presented of your eccle- 
 siastical affairs! With what an high hand does the Old School 
 party carry every thing before them! 1 confess that I am really 
 astonished that good men could act as they have done in the 
 General Assembly. I was not prepared for such unjust and un- 
 constitutional measures. Surely, the ministers and churches so 
 cruelly cut off will never submit to such a procedure. The affair 
 of the ' Tka Tax' is as nothing, compared with the tyranny ex- 
 ercised last May in Philadelphia. I have read the account given 
 of the proceedings in the New York Observer. I have tried to 
 find out something like a. just reason for such conduct on the part 
 of the Old School party. But after examining and hearing both 
 sides, my decided and deliberate conviction is, that the history 
 of the Church, since the Reformation, presents no such instance 
 of oppression and injustice. To condemn without hearing; to cut 
 off without a crime being proved; and then to take advantage of 
 their own act of excision to pass other resolutions which they could 
 hardly have ventured upon otherwise, is Papistical rather than 
 Protestant. It will surely open thousands of eyes to the evils of 
 ecclesiastical denomination, and liberalize Presbyterianism. I am 
 grieved and disappointed that such a spectacle should be pre- 
 sented to the Christian Church. I have, read their addresses de- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 237 
 
 During this meeting of the Assembly, a committee of ten 
 members, consisting of an equal number of Old and New 
 School men, was appointed on the state of the church. 
 Great interest was excited by this appointment, and hopes 
 were entertained that some plan would be suggested to heal 
 divisions; or, if a separation was necessary, to have it 
 effected constitutionally, and so as to give to the separate 
 organizations the most efficiency in furthering the interests 
 of true religion. But these expectations were blasted by the 
 report of this committee through their chairman, who stated 
 that its members were not able to agree upon any plan for 
 adjusting existing difficulties. Several points, however, were 
 agreed upon ; and the only obstacle in the way of bringing 
 about an amicable division of the church, respected the time 
 and manner of effecting it. The Old School portion of the 
 committee insisted upon an immediate division by a vote of 
 the General Assembly ; the New School portion proposed 
 to send the whole matter down to the presbyteries, for their 
 action, as the Form of Government requires. The latter 
 maintained that the Assembly had no power to bind the 
 presbyteries to such a division as was proposed by the for- 
 mer ; and that to attempt to exercise such power, would be 
 an usurpation of authority to which the New School party 
 could not consent. 
 
 Having failed in this effort to effect the immediate division 
 of the church, and fearing if they did not embrace the pre- 
 sent opportunity for " reform," they would never be in pos- 
 session of the power again, the Old School party, who were 
 
 fending their acts. They are perfectly unsatisfactory, and to 
 those who know them as much as I do, insulting- instead of con- 
 ciliatory. But a volume would hardly contain all that might be 
 said on this exciting- subject.' 
 
 " The letter contains the opinions of other distinguished men 
 in England. There seems to be but one feeling in all that land, 
 on the doings of the last Assembly, which feeling has been w T ell 
 expressed by Dr. Matheson. S. 
 
238 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 an accidental majority of the Assembly, declared by a vote 
 that the Synods of the Western Reserve, Utica, Geneva, and 
 Genesee, were no part of the Presbyterian church, in con- 
 sequence of the abrogation of the plan of union of 1801. 
 The next step in the progress of reform, was the dissolution 
 of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. Thus hundreds of 
 ministers and churches, and thousands of communicants 
 that were recognized as in good and regular standing at 
 the organization of the Assembly, were cast out from the 
 church as unworthy a name and place among their brethren; 
 and this too in violation of all the forms of justice prescribed 
 in our constitution.* These proceedings, which rent Zion, and 
 thrust Mr. Patterson and his co-presbyters out of the church to 
 which he was unfeignedly attached, and which he had served 
 as a minister for more than a quarter of a century, filled his soul 
 with painful emotions, and caused him many sleepless nights. 
 But the throne of grace was his refuge ; and often when 
 speaking of these difficulties, he would pause and say, " let 
 us sing the forty-sixth Psalm, Luther's solace, when he was 
 in trouble." 
 
 But though sorrowing over this lamentable state of things 
 in the church which he loved above all others, he did not 
 
 * A correspondent of the New York Observer, speaking" of 
 the Old School Convention which met during" the intervals of 
 the Assembly's sessions, to determine the course to be adopted 
 when its members came to act in the Assembly, says: "Fears 
 were expressed (by the members of this Convention) that, by an 
 accession of New Schoolmen, the majority might be changed even 
 in the present Assembly; and at all events, that the " orthodox" 
 could not expect again to have the ascendancy, so that they ought 
 to exercise the power while it was in their hands. It was, there- 
 fore agreed to cut short debates beyond a reasonable time, by 
 moving- the previous question. It was also proposed that they 
 should immediately proceed to the work of excision, and by cut- 
 ting" off the obnoxious Synods and Presbyteries before the meeting" 
 of the next Assembly, prevent the power from passing out of their 
 own hands." 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. ogg 
 
 yield to despondency, or for a moment relax his exertions 
 in the cause of his Master. In the month of October, he 
 spent several days in the country labouring in two pro- 
 tracted meetings; at the latter of these services, he con- 
 tracted a severe cold, which occasioned a slight cough. The 
 Sabbath after his return from this meeting, though complain- 
 ing of great debility, he went to the house of God as usual, 
 with the intention of preaching. But, having gone through 
 the services which precede the sermon, when he rose to an- 
 nounce his text, he was taken so ill as to be unable to pro- 
 ceed. On Monday'he was better, though still much indis- 
 posed ; yet in this feeble state of health, he went to Baltimore 
 the following day to attend the meeting of the Synod of 
 Philadelphia, which was to be held in that city on the ensu- 
 ing Wednesday. He felt, in the present state of the church, 
 it was his imperative duty to attend this meeting; and not- 
 withstanding his bodily weakness, he obeyed the call. 
 
 This was the last ecclesiastical meeting he ever attended ; 
 but he was not permitted to participate in its deliberations. 
 He was denied a seat in the body of which he had been a 
 highly esteemed member nearly twenty-five years, and that 
 too, by brethren. Though the Saviour had set the seal of 
 His approbation upon him, and signally honoured him as His 
 servant, the disciples of Jesus treated him as unworthy to 
 be associated with them in their counsels ! It is needless to 
 say he returned home with his spirits oppressed by such 
 treatment from those with whom he once held sweet and fra- 
 ternal intercourse. But his sorrows in view of the distrac- 
 tions of Zion, and the grievous conduct of those whom he 
 was still ready to embrace as brethren, was of short dura- 
 tion. His Lord was now addressing him, by his providence, 
 in that language which he often sang so sweetly in concert 
 with his people: 
 
240 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " Cease! ye pilgrim, cease to mourn; 
 
 Press onward to the prize; 
 Soon your Saviour will return 
 
 Triumphant in the skies. 
 Yet a season, and, you know, 
 
 Happy entrance will be given; 
 All your sorrows left below, 
 
 A.nd earth exchanged for heaven.'* 
 
 He preached on the two succeeding Sabbaths, though very 
 feeble ; and on Monday the 6th of November, discovering 
 that he was getting worse, he applied for medical counsel and 
 assistance. His disease was pronounced to be a slight in- 
 flammation of the lungs. Through the week, he daily 
 walked about his chamber, and on the Sabbath, he spoke of 
 being able to preach on the succeeding Lord's day. How- 
 ever, on Monday he seemed more debilitated, and complained 
 of more pain ; but not once during the whole of this sickness, 
 did he speak of being very ill, or make any allusion to his 
 dying. On former occasions, when he was sick, he fre- 
 quently spoke of the probability of his death ; but during his 
 last illness, neither he, nor his family, nor his physician, 
 thought his case dangerous. 
 
 On Wednesday and Thursday, his mind appeared to wan- 
 der. During his mental aberrations, the master passion of 
 his soul was seen in the few incoherent sentences he occa- 
 sionally uttered. He spoke of his church — entreated profes- 
 sors to be real Christians — and exhorted sinners to turn to 
 God. Frequently would he say, " O my people !" 
 
 All Thursday night, and till Friday morning at three 
 o'clock, he was restless. After this, he fell into a sweet 
 slumber, from which it was thought he would awake much 
 refreshed and strengthened. But at six o'clock, A. M., these 
 pleasing anticipations began to yield to painful misgivings. 
 He was now observed to breathe heavily, and when an at- 
 tempt was made to waken him, it was discovered to be vain. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 241 
 
 In a few minutes a deathlike paleness overspread his coun- 
 tenance, and ere his family could realise he was dying, his 
 spirit had taken its flight to realms of endless day : and so 
 gentle was its release from its clay tenement, that not a groan 
 nor a sigh escaped ; not a feature was discomposed. Jordan 
 was soon passed, " and all was so calm, there could not 
 have been a ripple on its surface." Thus tranquilly and un- 
 expectedly closed the active and useful career of the Rev. 
 James Patterson, on Friday morning, the 17th day of No- 
 vember, 1837, in the fifty-eighth year of his age, and twenty- 
 eighth of his ministry. 
 
 So lived and died this eminent servant of God ; distin- 
 guished, not for the fascinations of his oratory, the splendour 
 of his genius, or the titled decorations of human applause ; 
 but as a " skilful workman in God's great moral vineyard." 
 He was 
 
 " Fearless of men and devils ; unabashed 
 By sin enthroned." 
 
 " Unseduced 
 
 By offered bribes, burning- with love to souls 
 Unquenchable; and mindful still of his 
 Great charge and vast responsibility. 
 
 " With mercy now, 
 And love, his face, illumed, shone gloriously; 
 And frowning now indignantly, it seemed 
 As if offended Justice, from his eye, 
 Streamed forth vindictive wrath! Men heard alarmed. 
 
 "The infidel believed; 
 Light-though ted mirth grew serious, and wept; 
 The laugh profane sunk in a sigh of deep 
 Repentance; the blasphemer, kneeling, prayed, 
 And, prostrate in the dust, for mercy called. 
 
 ****** * 
 
 Oh! who can speak his praise. Great humble man." 
 
 " Had we had the ordering of his death ; had we been 
 
 permitted to express our wishes in regard to the departure 
 
 of such a man, we could not have desired a death more 
 
 calm, or more free from pain — but we should have wished 
 
 21 
 
242 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 to have learned what were his feelings as he drew near the 
 confines of heaven. We should have wished to have heard 
 how he felt in the review of a life of toil, and in prospect of 
 the glories of the world above. We should have expected 
 that he would have said much to cheer and sustain his own 
 family ; much to encourage or warn his brethren in the minis- 
 try ; much that wouid have told us what are the emotions of a 
 Christian when he dies. We should have expected to have 
 heard from his lips such words as fell from the lips of Scott, and 
 Brainerd, and Payson, when they came to die ; but it pleased 
 God to order it otherwise. The last few hours of his life, 
 amidst broken slumbers, were passed under the excitement 
 of slight delirium ; in which — the ruling passion strong in 
 death — he spoke incoherently of his church, of a day of 
 fasting, of his communicants, and of the interests of religion. 
 Happily, we need not look to his death-bed to know what 
 was his character; and who can tell but the design of God 
 may have been to rebuke the feeling which leads us to look 
 to a dying bed for the evidences of piety, rather than the 
 living example ; and to teach us that the evidences of piety 
 are not to be found in the few expressions, however glow- 
 ing, and pure, and elevated, which may fall from the lips on 
 a dying bed, but in a life of toil, and self-denial, and active 
 zeal in the service of God the Saviour."* 
 
 When the death of this venerated servant of Christ was 
 announced, it produced a deep and solemn impression upon 
 the community. Being extensively known as a devoted 
 and zealous herald of the cross, his removal from the 
 scenes of time was lamented by Christians of all denomina- 
 tions, as a public calamity. Probably, in no instance in 
 Philadelphia has there been a deeper or more general inte- 
 rest manifested in reference to the death of a minister of the 
 
 * Rev. Albert Barnes' Sermon on the death of Mr. Patterson. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 243 
 
 gospel. On the day of the funeral, an immense concourse 
 assembled to pay the last sad office of respect to the departed, 
 and to testify their veneration for his memory ; and the 
 demonstrations of grief which were then given, and during 
 the funeral solemnities, proclaimed that no ordinary man 
 had fallen in Israel. On the day of interment, the services 
 in the church were rendered most impressive by the pe- 
 culiar circumstances in which the officiating clergy were 
 placed. They now stood in the pulpit occupied but two 
 Sabbaths before by him who lay before them silent in death. 
 All around them were seen the weeds of mourning with 
 which the church was arrayed, and before them a bereaved 
 flock, bathed in tears. At the close of these solemn and 
 affecting services the corpse was exposed to view, that those 
 who desired it might have the opportunity of gazing once 
 more upon the placid countenance of their pastor, now re- 
 posing in death till the morning of the resurrection. And 
 so great was the number of those who availed themselves of 
 this privilege, and so reluctant to bid the dead a final adieu, 
 that the shades of night had gathered around them before 
 the sorrowing congregation all retired. It being- thus ren- 
 dered impossible to effect the interment that day, it was 
 determined to keep the body in the church during the night ; 
 and some of its officers voluntarily agreed to remain with 
 it till the morning. The trustees and elders, having assem- 
 bled before sunrise on the ensuing day, deposited the mortal 
 relics of their much loved and revered minister in the " Pas- 
 tors' vault," built in front of the church for the occasion. 
 Here he will sweetly slumber, 
 
 " Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; 
 Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, 
 And in his Saviour's image rise." 
 
 On this mournful occasion, the officers of the church and 
 
244 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 congregation exhibited a commendable zeal in honouring 
 the memory of their departed pastor. They considered 
 neither labour nor expense in manifesting their respect for 
 him who had been their first and only pastor, and who had 
 toiled for their spiritual good for almost a quarter of a cen- 
 tury. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 245 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The following interesting communications, are from the 
 pens of Rev. Joseph N. Danforth, and the Rev. Samuel 
 H. Cox, D. D. These clergymen were on terms of long 
 and endeared intimacy with the subject of this memoir; and 
 his fellow-labourers, in seasons when the word was accom- 
 panied with the special influences of the Holy Spirit. Their 
 testimony to his excellences, therefore, is the more valuable, 
 since they speak that they do know, and testify that they 
 have seen. 
 
 " Alexandria, April 20, ]g39. 
 
 " My Dear Brother : 
 
 "It was while I was a student at the Theological Se- 
 minary, (Princeton,) in the year 1819, that on a certain 
 occasion, when we were assembled for prayer, some brother 
 in reporting the state of religion abroad, mentioned that 
 there was a revival of religion in Mr. Patterson's Church, 
 in the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. It seemed to be 
 received as a matter of rare intelligence from that quarter, 
 and the impression was, that a very devoted and useful man 
 was labouring there. From that time I felt an earnest desire 
 to seek the acquaintance of James Patterson. An opportu- 
 nity presenting, I visited him in company with a brother, 
 and was happy to find every favourable impression fully 
 confirmed. To a young student, uncertain how it may fare 
 with him in future life, what can be more cheering than a 
 smile of welcome from his seniors in the ministry. So it was 
 21* 
 
246 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 on this occasion. We felt ourselves under no restraint ex- 
 cept that which is imposed by the ordinary rules of Chris- 
 tian courtesy, and by the presence of a devout minister of 
 Christ. The power of such a presence, however mysteri- 
 ous, is a reality. The pious heart has felt it. The sinner 
 has instinctively recoiled from it. His young and lovely 
 family were then around him, in which he seemed to take a 
 delight, which well corresponded with the ardour of his at- 
 tachment as a husband, and the fondness of his affection as 
 a father. Those domestic attachments, however, strong as 
 they were, did not beguile him from the sphere of his great 
 duties ; from the chosen service of his Leader and Lord. 
 He had another family. Of this, too, he was the active 
 and anxious father. It was a part of the flock of Christ, 
 which he purchased with his own blood, and as a kind and 
 assiduous shepherd did he watch over its interests. When 
 on the Sabbath, having finished the morning service, he 
 came down from the pulpit, 1 observed with what eagerness 
 the members of the flock pressed forward to grasp the hand 
 of the pastor. I could think of nothing but the holy 'salu- 
 tations,' of which Paul speaks, or of the shepherd, who 
 ' calleth them all by name,' and thus shows that he is not 
 a hireling, who is ' put into the priest's office for a piece of 
 bread,' but the cheerful servant of a Master, whose person 
 he loves, and in whose service he delights. This was not 
 a matter of form, but it was an interfusion of the hearts of 
 pastor and people for Christ's sake. And those, who have 
 been accustomed to think of the severer traits of his charac- 
 ter, would perhaps have been surprised at that benignant 
 smile, and that winning suavity of manner, with which at 
 such a time he exchanged greetings with his spiritual children. 
 To one he would say, ' Be faithful, be faithful : pray much, 
 pray much.' To another, the happy expression of whose 
 countenance translated the thought that was within, ' You 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 247 
 
 are rejoicing in the Lord. Do what you can for his glory. 
 Remember the only true happiness is in labouring for 
 Christ.' If the father of a family came along, of whom he 
 stood in some doubt, then came the question, ' Do you pray 
 in your family? — Tell me honestly.' The head would 
 shake. ' You don't, — ah ! remember what God says in 
 the prayer of the prophet, Pour out thy fury upon the 
 heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call 
 not on thy name, for they have ealen up Jacob and devoured 
 him. You are worse than a heathen. You are eating up 
 the Church of God.' He could present that idea in public 
 and private with irresistible force. To a Sabbath-school 
 teacher : — ' Do you love Christ enough to pray in faith for 
 the conversion of your scholars V And thus each would 
 be received with some ' word fitly spoken,' and well adapt- 
 ed to 4 the case of each. This was one — I will not say se- 
 cret, for there is no secret about it — but one means of his 
 success. He ' watched for souls.' 
 
 " During the summer of 1822, I accompanied him on a 
 preaching tour, in Bucks county, where, at a previous visit, 
 the Lord had, through his agency, begun a good work. His 
 heart was very much interested for that whole region. He 
 prayed much and earnestly for the people. He preached 
 daily to the multitudes that flocked to hear. Many were 
 trembling — many rejoicing. The revival went forward, 
 and, what was remarkable, in the midst of an all-pervading 
 disease ; an epidemic actually raging in the township at the 
 time, and almost depopulating some households. Young 
 converts would praise God on those dying beds, to which 
 they were suddenly summoned soon after conversion, and 
 the hardened in sin would vainly lament their folly and 
 wickedness, in putting off repentance under the very calls 
 of the Holy Spirit. God preached in a most awful manner 
 through the living, the dying, and the dead. Scenes of this 
 
248 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 character commonly produce too much mental agitation 
 and fear, to admit of the calm reflection and the clear con- 
 viction so necessary at such a crisis ; but all things seemed 
 then to combine in the production and perpetuation of the 
 right state of feeling. The Lord did indeed ' stand up to 
 plead with the people, even against them with the pestilence.' 
 But mercy too, knocked at almost every door, where judg- 
 ment had been permitted to enter, and spoke of pardon to 
 the guilty, and salvation to the lost. 
 
 " About the same time, we visited Newtown, where our 
 brother manifested great tenderness, and warned every one, 
 night and day, with tears. His frequent custom was, when 
 a young brother was with him, to put him forward, as it 
 were, to open the terms of salvation to the sinner, when he 
 would follow with such arguments and appeals, as seemed to 
 convince and melt the audience. It was at one of these 
 meetings in the village, that while preaching with great unc- 
 tion and power, his soul appeared overwhelmed with a sense 
 of the guilt and the danger of sinners, and he gave vent to 
 his feelings in a flood of tears, which almost choked his 
 utterance. It seemed as if he must die, if sinners were not 
 converted that night. He plead the cause of God with them 
 as if it was the last time he would ever preach, and the last 
 time they would ever hear. He besought and intreated 
 them ; he said he would lay himself at their feet, and beg 
 them, for God's sake, (it was no trifling expression on his 
 lips,) not to rush into hell to perish for ever. Many were 
 awakened ; conversions gladdened our hearts ; the work 
 spread. All this time the action of his mind on his body 
 was so powerful as greatly to debilitate him, and to cause 
 him often to exclaim with Jeremiah, 'My bowels, my bowels! 
 I am pained at my very heart. My heart maketh a noise in 
 me. I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O 
 my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.' If I 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 249 
 
 may extend this scriptural figure a little, whenever the trum- 
 pet voice of the Spirit was heard calling sinners to repent- 
 ance, or summoning the 'sacramental host' to the holy war, 
 it roused and fired this ' good soldier of Jesus Christ' to such 
 a degree as yielded to no restraint, while there was any 
 physical strength left, which could be expended on the field 
 of action. On his return to the bosom of his family, he sunk 
 into a dangerous sickness, from which it was not expected 
 he would recover; but he had set in motion a train of in- 
 fluences, the continued operation of which did not depend on 
 him. Had he then closed his earthly labours, he would have 
 left an imperishable memorial in every renewed heart, and 
 his death might have preached more effectually than his life. 
 Indeed, a report of his death was circulated in the region, 
 and it seemed to deepen the impression made by his living 
 labours. It came to us, too, just after I had read to a reli- 
 gious assembly the following letter, dictated by him on his 
 sick bed, and addressed to a pastor of one of the churches: 
 
 • Philadelphia, July 9, 1822. 
 
 ' Dear Brother : 
 
 ( You must not calculate upon me. I was taken ill imme- 
 diately on my coming home, and still remain so. Yesterday 
 morning my complaint assumed the form of the dysentery, 
 and I did not know but I should soon have been called to my 
 Father's house. O, if my soul had been, like my body, in 
 ruins, what would have become of me ! Tell your people from 
 me, that it is a poor time to get religion on a dying bed, when 
 the body is crumbling down. Press it upon them to make 
 their peace with God, now in health. If they put it off to a 
 dying hour, they probably will remain forever without, it. 
 'Your brother affectionately, 
 
 'James Patterson.' 
 
250 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 "Then follow references to a variety of passages in the 
 Scriptures, as to Judges xx. 26. 1 Sam. vii. 6., &c, all en- 
 forcing the duty of fasting and prayer, in view of the state of 
 things. This subject of fasting and prayer for the promotion 
 of holiness in the church, and the salvation of sinners with- 
 out, I learn from our dear friend, Mrs. Patterson, occu- 
 pied his latest breath. While approaching the very gate of 
 heaven, and within, if I may so say, hearing distance of the 
 songs of the Redeemer, waking or sleeping, he was still 
 talking of the church's duty to fast and pray. With other 
 great and good men, he esteemed fasting, as Jeremy Taylor 
 says, ' the nourishment of prayer, the wings of the soul, the 
 diet of angels, the instrument of humility and self-denial, the 
 purification of the spirit ;' and prayer as that which * has 
 saved cities and kingdoms from ruin, raised dead men to 
 life, stopped the violence of fire, shut the mouths of wild 
 beasts, altered the course of nature ; — which made the sun 
 to go from west to east, and the moon to stand still, and 
 rocks and mountains to walk ; and cures diseases without 
 physic, and makes physic to do the works of nature, and na- 
 ture to do the work of grace, and grace to do the work of 
 God.' It ' moves the hand that moves the world.' 
 
 " I have never known more violent opposition among un- 
 godly men to a work of grace, than was manifested to the 
 revival of 1822. The most atrocious falsehoods were put in 
 circulation against us, and many were enraged at the pro- 
 gress of the work, and even the persons of the ministers, 
 which were repeatedly threatened with violence. But that 
 was no uncommon thins; for Mr. Patterson, at home or 
 abroad, especially when a revival was in promise or in pro- 
 gress. He once remarked to me, that when he was not par- 
 ticularly engaged in making active invasions on the kingdom 
 of the prince of darkness, very general politeness appeared 
 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 251 
 
 to seize on people, but as certainly as the great battering- 
 ram of the law was put in motion against the walls of the 
 enemy, people would meet him with a look of stern defiance, 
 or a glance of scorn, or a smile of derision ; and often at such 
 times did he hear his name cast out as evil by coteries of 
 the ungodly at the corners of the streets. In the midst of 
 all, however, it was as true of him as it was of another emi- 
 nent servant of God, whose brilliant career as an evangelist 
 in the island of Great Britain, and in the American colonies, 
 astonished the friends, and exasperated the enemies of God, 
 
 ' That he who forged, and he who threw the dart, 
 Had each a brother's interest in his heart.' 
 
 " He claimed no higher privilege, as he enjoyed no purer 
 pleasure, than to be the means of saving the souls of his ene- 
 mies, and laying them as trophies at the feet of Jesus. Sig- 
 nal instances of conversion from the most ferocious opposition 
 to lamb-like submission, have been related by him to me. 
 Of such facts he often made successful use in his public 
 ministrations, considering them as providential illustrations 
 of revealed truth, and as intended to glorify God, and im- 
 press the minds of men. Cases also of confirmed guilt and 
 incorrigible obstinacy of opposition to the truth, visited by 
 the judgment of heaven, were cited by him to show at once 
 the hopelessness of a hostility aimed at the government of 
 God, and the certainty that the wrath of man shall praise 
 him, while the remainder of wrath He will restrain. I have 
 ever considered it a poor compliment to the memory of a 
 minister of Christ, to say, ' he had not an enemy.' This, 
 indeed, is faint praise, for such a servant would seem to be 
 above his Master, and such a disciple above his Lord. Not 
 so lived and died the only immaculate being that ever walked 
 among guilty men. And his most faithful and successful 
 servants have most abundantly drank of the same cup, and 
 
252 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 been baptized with the same baptism. On them have been 
 showered the reproaches of the enemies of religion, for their 
 Master's sake, ' who, when he was reviled, reviled not again.' 
 There was one instance, at least, in which he went to visit a 
 man at the peril of his life, for with the mingled malignity 
 and ferocity of a savage, the man, whose wife was guilty of 
 being anxious about her soul, and of attending religious 
 meetings, had threatened to shoot him if he again ventured 
 on his premises. This threat, however, did not deter him 
 from doing his duty ; accordingly, trusting in the protection 
 of Divine Providence, he went to the house of the man, and 
 found that his trust was not disappointed, for instead of vio- 
 lence, he received the confession of the man's deadly pur- 
 pose, and administered to him a salutary admonition. 
 
 " The influence of the revival in Bucks county, was nei- 
 ther transient nor local, but permanent and wide spread. 
 Were it pertinent to your biography, or appropriate to the 
 limits which I have prescribed to myself in this letter, I 
 might describe how, in the providence of God, this work of 
 grace was connected with another of even broader extent 
 and superior power in another region, thus illustrating the 
 divinely-constituted principle, that it is of the nature of bene- 
 volence to multiply itself a thousand fold, and that no man, 
 who with a single eye seeks the glory of God, can tell what 
 incalculable good may, in the wonderful interlinkings of sub- 
 ordinate agencies, finally result from his sole and single la- 
 bours. They might have been pursued amid many discou- 
 ragements, they might have been overshadowed with many 
 clouds, and at times have been almost renounced in despair, 
 but then again the labourer would feel the inspiration of a 
 divine energy, like that described in the fifth and sixth chap- 
 ters of the second epistle to the Corinthians, and resume his 
 toil with the full faith that there was no rest for him but in 
 that final refuge of all believers, — the sanctuary of the grave. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 253 
 
 Thus thought, felt, and laboured, our dear brother, even to 
 Ihe last, 'and being dead, he yet speakcth,' yes, and labour- 
 ed, for in every living agency which he created, himself 
 lives and labours, thus teaching us that the death of an emi- 
 nent saint, instead of closing, or even abridging his power of 
 usefulness, seals it, perpetuates it, enlarges it, and, as it 
 were, embalms all his good qualities for the admiration and 
 benefit of posterity. Even in the case of a man who has 
 had prominent faults, if he has also exhibited eminent vir- 
 tues, and especially an unquestionable desire to do good to 
 his fellow-men, posterity reverses the review of his charac- 
 ter which had been taken by the eye of contemporaneous 
 criticism, like the observer, who by changing the position of 
 his optical instrument, lengthens the distance, and diminishes 
 the size and magnitude of those objects which before appeared 
 so near and so large, as to engross his entire vision. 
 
 " The churches in the District of Columbia, as they shared 
 largely in the occasional labours of James Patterson, enjoyed 
 them with a keen pleasure, and remember them with ardent 
 gratitude. I had the pleasureof accompanying him on his first 
 visit to the District, in 1828. Protracted, or four days' meet- 
 ings, were then unknown in the Atlantic churches. We came 
 od the invitation of Brother Walton, then pastor of the Second 
 Presbyterian church, in this city, who had determined on a 
 new thing,— to set apart a series of consecutive days for con- 
 stant religious exercises. His own views of that blessed 
 season, you will best learn from a letter addressed to me by 
 him, in 1837.* That revival led to the formation of a new 
 church in the District, which has numbered its hundreds of 
 communicants, and Sabbath scholars, its thousands of silver 
 and gold for the benevolent objects of the day, and an inte- 
 resting band of youth devoted to the gospel ministry, besides 
 
 * For this letter, see p. 149 of this Memoir.— Ed. 
 22 
 
254 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 many beneficent influences, of an incidental character. His 
 labours in this District, are a fine illustration of the principle 
 already mentioned in this letter, — that of the fruitfulness of 
 benevolence. His popularity was unbounded and unfailing ; 
 crowds flocked to the church in which he preached. Pro- 
 bably he was less opposed or abused, than in any other field 
 in which he laboured. The First Presbyterian Church, in 
 Washington, not only rejoiced in his occasional labours, but 
 sought him as its pastor. During his visits here, he appeared 
 in great strength. He gave himself up wholly to the work 
 of saving souls, and upon almost every effort, the Spirit 
 seemed to smile. In the pulpit, he preached with extraordi- 
 nary unction and power ; in the prayer meeting he prayed 
 till all hearts melted ; in the family he had a word for all 
 its members, down to the humblest servant. 
 
 " A gentleman having called to see him at my house, as 
 a matter of politeness, he spent at least an hour in endea- 
 vouring to persuade him to be reconciled to God. He would 
 forget every thing else, even the very food necessary to sustain 
 his body, amid its incessant toil and its consequent fatigue, 
 while he discoursed in private or in little circles, with im- 
 penitent sinners on the great salvation, and warned them to 
 flee from the wrath to come. They remember him with 
 emotions of indescribable interest ; those that were saved, 
 because he was the messenger of salvation to them ; those 
 that hardened themselves, because they slill remember the 
 glance of that penetrating eye, the tears with which it was 
 often suffused for them, the tones of that impressive voice, 
 and the tender and earnest pleadings of a soul that was ready 
 to make any sacrifice for their salvation. It is not a week 
 since, in a large prayer meeting of Christians in "Washington, 
 I mentioned his name, and as I began to remark on the in- 
 tense solicitude for the interests of the church, and the con- 
 version of souls, which characterized his last hours, all eyes 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 255 
 
 seemed bathed in tears at the recollection of him, the fervour 
 of whose prayers, and the assiduity of whose labours were 
 so familiar to them. In the emotions of that meeting, I per- 
 ceived a new illustration of the passage, ' the memory of the 
 just is blessed,' and that the ' name' of such is ' as ointment 
 poured forth.' 
 
 * Sweet is the savour of their names, 
 And soft their sleeping- bed.' 
 
 " The example and the exertions of a good man in such a 
 cause, furnish a theme for a volume, but I must not dwell longer 
 on this subject, lest I intrude into the sphere of the biographer. 
 If I may add a few concluding thoughts, I would say that, 
 for one, I have ever held the character of James Patterson 
 in the highest esteem and admiration. I will give you my 
 reasons. No one can have failed to perceive that the exhi- 
 bition of moral courage in scenes of difficulty and trial im- 
 presses those who witness it with elevated ideas of him who 
 developes it. It is as much superior to mere military 
 bravery, as the lofty qualities of the mind are to the attri- 
 butes of brute force. A man may dash forward under ani- 
 mal impulses of such impetuosity, as show that he fears 
 neither man nor God. But not such was the courage that 
 distinguished our friend. His soul was so fully possessed 
 of the fear of God, that there was no room in it for the fear 
 of man. Few men ever appeared with more dignity and 
 propriety than did he, when preaching, at a protracted meet- 
 ing, to the late and present presidents of the United States. 
 Never did a minister more faithfully deliver his message. 
 When engaged in his ministerial duties, he ' knew no man 
 after the flesh.' One object filled his eye and fired his 
 heart — Christ, and him crucified. This was the holy, 
 burning theme. If he preached the law, and no man made 
 its claims more transparent, or its penalty more dreadfully 
 
256 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 obvious and certain, it was that it might urge the sinner to 
 Christ. If he preached the gospel, it was because he loved 
 to bring the good tidings to the sinner. If he was severe 
 upon the faults and neglects of professing Christians, it was 
 because he longed for a high standard of piety in the church. 
 If he scrutinized the pleas and dissected the excuses of sin- 
 ners, it was that they might not be deceived to their eternal 
 ruin. The truth, not the man, entered the soul, and created 
 trouble there. 
 
 " Love is active ; it does not let the heart sleep. It is in- 
 genious, and is ever devising ways and means for the pro- 
 motion of the happiness of its object. It is jealous, therefore 
 unwilling any harm should come to that object. It is labo- 
 rious, being willing to undertake any work. Finally, it is 
 persevering, overcoming all obstacles. Think, then, of di- 
 vine love, operating in the heart of a holy man, and consti- 
 tuting its very vitality. This accounts for the multitudinous 
 ways in which he sought to do good unto men. He had the 
 essence of heaven-born religion in his soul — good will to 
 men. This made him jealous of the cause of God ; labori- 
 ous in it; persevering, even unto death. He was willing to un- 
 dertake any work, however humble, which promised to bring 
 glory to God. The question was not asked by him, ' What 
 will men say of this V but ' How will it please God ? how 
 will it look in the day of judgment.' Whatever differences 
 of opinion were entertained on other points of his character, 
 I do not believe there is a man who will not award to him 
 an unsullied Christian integrity, undeviating sincerity of 
 soul, and a most disinterested love to his fellow men., 
 
 " His death was beautifully fitted to his life. As the lat- 
 ter was conscientious, the former was peaceful. As the one 
 was filled with activity, the other was indeed a resting from 
 earthly labours, and a ratification of the promised blessing. 
 If his life was a scene of trial, his death was a holy triumph. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 257 
 
 If in that life he had incessantly spoken for Christ, he needed 
 not to add any further testimony at his death. In that pre- 
 vious sickness, a year before his death, from which he so 
 unexpectedly, and, I may add, reluctantly recovered, he 
 had, as he told me, the most delightful views of heaven, not 
 only as a holy and happy place, but as giving unceasing 
 employment to the blessed ones ; the beings there appeared 
 to be innumerable, and all as busy and active as they could 
 be, spreading themselves in countless multitudes over the 
 delectable mountains, which rose in the distance beyond a 
 little rill of death, and inviting him to join them in their hap- 
 py employments. ' It seemed,' said he, < but a step between 
 me and heaven. I longed to go and be with them ; I could 
 have leaped over Jordan, and with one bound been among 
 them ; and the only thing that drew me back, was the re- 
 membrance of my wife and children, whom I should have 
 to leave in this world.' It was thus that the husband and 
 the father contended with the saint ripe for glory : but that 
 * sickness was not unto death, but for the glory of God.' 
 He submitted to return once more to the embraces of his 
 affectionate family. Ycu will describe the rest. I consider 
 myself more indebted to him than to any man on earth for 
 luminous and practical views of the great duties of a Chris- 
 tian minister. I have laboured with him in many a scene 
 of recollected joy. I am witness to his faithfulness and 
 success in winning souls to Christ. I have participated in 
 the gladness which his presence as a minister of Christ has 
 thrown around him ; and, by the grace of God, I hope to 
 meet him once more in that pure world, for which, while he 
 daily lived himself, he also sought to prepare thousands of 
 his fellow travellers to eternity ! 
 
 " Your affectionate brother in Christ Jesus, 
 " J. N. Danforth." 
 22* 
 
258 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 "Brooklyn, February 18th, 1839. 
 
 " Rev. and Dear Sir : 
 
 "In reply to yours of the twenty-sixth instant, request- 
 ing some written recollections of the late Rev. James Patter- 
 son, I am very happy to furnish, if that will be at all avail- 
 ing, the following remarks and attestations. 
 
 " His character is too well known, to need, from any of 
 us, a formal averment of its excellence. From the summer 
 of 1813 till that of 1816, and especially for a full year pre- 
 vious to the latter date, I was favoured with his friendship 
 and intimacy. In times more recent, I have seen him only 
 occasionally; and only to increase or confirm my impres- 
 sions of his worth. As a man devoutly pious, sincerely and 
 purely Christian, and communing daily and practically with 
 God our Saviour, I may say that I never knew his superior ; 
 very rarely, if ever, his equal. As a minister of the gos- 
 pel, who was more devoted, exemplary, consistent, sound in 
 the faith, or evidently prospered by Him who giveth the in- 
 crease, and holdeth the stars in his right hand 1 
 
 " His gifts were indeed peculiar. The cast of his mind and 
 manner was his own ; and while we contend, not for a fault- 
 less paragon, and are sensible of some imperfections, it is 
 but just to say, that the assemblage of his qualities, moral 
 and intellectual, constituted a man of whom the church and 
 her Head had need ; a man who was a treasure to his coun- 
 try, an ornament to the cause of piety, and a blessing to the 
 noblest interests of mankind. Perhaps no person of intelli- 
 gence could really know him, and doubt either the reality 
 of the Christian religion or the fact that he was genuinely 
 and eminently a Christian. I feel competent to say this, 
 from personal knowledge; and I say it cordially not only, 
 but pensively too, when I reflect that my dear and honoured 
 friend, my co-labourer, my brother, and my pastor, is no 
 more with mortals. Heaven has been the gainer, but earth 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 9 eg 
 
 has been deeply the loser, by his deplored removal. Few 
 have left a purer or a richer fame, or will be more remem- 
 bered with unfeigned affection. He lived many lifetimes in 
 one, and his memory is blessed. 
 
 " His orthodoxy was of the most straitest sect in its 
 origin ; it was always substantial and true, but happily 
 modified by his scriptural reading and deep-toned piety. 
 When I first knew him, he was a strenuous assertor of the 
 utter and total inability of men, and of the dogma of atone- 
 ment limited to the elect alone. But his scriptural piety 
 constantly qualified and mellowed his doctrine. To deliver 
 his message, as a preacher, incorruptly, nnd with faithful- 
 ness, was the aim of his single eye and heart, in the pulpit. 
 Theories, and those who make them, were there forgotten ; 
 or eclipsed by the reflected brightness of Jehovah, as the 
 Saviour and the reigning God. He would offer salvation to 
 men, with solemnity, importunity, and directness, in the 
 name of Jesus Christ; little recking of his own system, as 
 such, or of that of others. He thought the gospel was its 
 own apology; and that the truth of God was good enough 
 for his creatures, as it was ever the only proper instrument 
 of warfare for his servants. He was largely and richly 
 scriptural in his preaching. He was a miner in the recesses 
 of the inspired originals, and all his liberal attainments 
 seemed consecrated to the evolution of the. mind of the 
 Spirit, from the very words of his own inspiration. His 
 preaching was imaginative, bold, earnest, powerful and di- 
 rect. He could arrest the attention of an audience, and often 
 retain and reward it with continual richness of thought and 
 illustration. 
 
 "His forte was in addressing the unconverted, and in con- 
 verting them, rather than in edifying saints in their most 
 holy faith. His sympathies were holy and strong; his be- 
 
260 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 nevolence lively and unfeigned; his tenderness subduing 
 and subdued. 
 
 ' He loved the world that hated him ; the tear 
 That dropt upon his Bible was sincere. 
 Assailed by scandal and the tongue of strife, 
 His only answer was, a blameless life. 
 And he who forged, and he who threw the dart, 
 Had each a brother's interest in his heart.' 
 
 " His ministry was very successful. Fie is supposed to 
 have been, in the hands of God, the sub-agent of his pur- 
 poses in the conversion of thousands. For this he lived, 
 read, studied, prayed, watched, laboured, fasted, suffered 
 and endured to the end. In the winter of 1815 and 1816, 
 in a revival that many will remember, and in which I was 
 with him in labours and in joys, his character continually 
 rose in my estimate, and rose, I think, in similitude towards 
 heaven. For seventy evenings in succession, without one 
 intermission, and with three services on the Lord's day, and 
 prayer meetings very many, he and I, mainly together, ad- 
 dressed, in public and private, hundreds and even thousands 
 of awakened and solemn inquirers. Each communion 
 witnessed the accession of a large company, say seventy, 
 eighty, ninety, one hundred, and sometimes, I think, over 
 one hundred, added to the church, hopefully of such as 
 shall be saved. Few men in our day have lived so much 
 for revivals, and in revivals, as he. He was no visionary. 
 His piety was influenced by truth and soberness. He felt 
 his dependence on God, and aimed at his glory in ail things ; 
 and God, his own God, eminently honoured him. I had 
 rather, by infinite, have his premium, when the Son of 
 man awards it, than that of all the doctors of controversy 
 and hyper-evangelical orthodoxy, that ever disparaged, ma- 
 ligned, or envied him. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 261 
 
 " And was he envied ? Indeed he was ! Some dignified 
 and pompous men, whose usefulness is all in the abstract, 
 and whose piety seems to delight in vexing them that labour 
 for Christ — men who never had one seal to their ministry 
 to his hundred, could injure and degrade him — but, I 
 am not his avenger! though I knew his spirit, when it was 
 bleeding, on many occasions, at the wounds of false 
 brethren. He ingenuously abhorred their persecuting un- 
 godliness under the visor of pre-eminent piety and wisdom. 
 One cannot but think of the contrast they will show, when 
 stationed with him before the Supreme Arbiter, in the world 
 of retribution. The first shall be last. Ranks and rela- 
 tions shall be changed. 
 
 " He had a heart to feel the miseries of our church, and 
 an eye to see the real causes that, blameably, induced them. 
 Bigotry, intolerance, party-spirit, high-churchism, an over- 
 weaning and sanctimonious preference for self; and these, 
 joined to a pseudo-orthodoxy, a false and antinomian view 
 of the doctrines of grace, making fatalism of the purposes of 
 God, mistaking passivity for piety, and presumption for 
 faith ; these were the elements, in his view, as in ours, of 
 that heresy-hunting calumny and excinding wickedness 
 that have lately riven and desolated our once incomparable 
 Zion. For these he wept like Jeremiah, living to see the 
 captivity of Judah completed. But he rests from his la- 
 bours, he sleeps in Jesus, he weeps no more. Many a drone 
 survives, where labourers like him are few. In the great 
 day, I suppose that popes, cardinals, prelates, and all the 
 self-dignifying of our own communion, will yield to him 
 precedence at a viewless distance, by hundreds and thou- 
 sands ; to say nothing of heroes, poets, orators, nobles, 
 monarchs, and other flimsy glories of the earth, who will 
 vanish in the contrast as bubbles in the noon-tide glory of 
 
262 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 the sun! Whitefield was his model, and he much resembled 
 ' that seraphic man.' 
 
 " But the end of all things is at hand. Let us therefore 
 be sober and watch unto prayer. Let us, my brother, be 
 admonished of the future, by the voice of truth, and live for 
 him who died for us. I am glad that the public are to have 
 some printed memorial of our dear departed friend; and if 
 this letter is at all suited to your object, you can use it at 
 your option. Let his mantle remain with us. It will do us 
 good. With affection and respect, 
 
 (f Your friend and brother in Jesus, 
 
 " Samuel Hanson Cox." 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 263 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Those who have heard of the fame of Mr. Patterson as 
 an eminently useful minister of Christ, but who have never 
 had the opportunity of listening to his pulpit exhibitions, 
 will, we are persuaded, be gratified with having placed before 
 them a specimen of his style of sermonizing. And those 
 who sat under his ministry for years, or occasionally heard 
 him preach, will not be less pleased to possess some such 
 memorial of him as a preacher. To gratify these, and also 
 to contribute to the usefulness of this memoir, we place be- 
 fore them a sermon of his, preached in behalf of the Young 
 Ladies' Missionary Society of Philadelphia, in the First 
 Presbyterian Church of this city, on the 26th of February, 
 1826, and which was published by said Society. It will 
 give the reader but an imperfect idea of his qualifications for 
 the pulpit. His whole personal appearance, his piercing 
 eye, his full and sonorous voice, and his impassioned ear- 
 nestness, gave a power to his preaching, that will not 
 be felt upon a perusal of his printed sermon. 
 
 The discourse, however, is a powerful appeal in behalf 
 of city missions, and claims special attention from those 
 Christians to whom God has entrusted wealth as a talent 
 to be employed for the promotion of His cause. The pro- 
 fessed friends of the Redeemer, who have been munificently 
 endowed with this means of doing good, we think cannot 
 read this discourse without, profit. Though it was preached 
 several years since, it is still seasonable. 
 
264 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 SERMON. 
 
 " Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of 
 thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to- 
 morrow I will give ; when thou hast it by thee." — Prov. iii. 27, 28. 
 
 The wise man, in this chapter, after an encomium upon 
 wisdom generally, returns to the particular precepts of wis- 
 dom. From the fifth verse, downwards, he speaks of the 
 precepts of the first table ; the worship and fear of God. At 
 the twenty-seventh verse, which is the text, he speaks of the 
 precepts of the second table; our duty to man, and particu- 
 larly benevolence towards our neighbour. 
 
 " Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when 
 it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy 
 neighbour, Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give ; 
 when thou hast it by thee." 
 
 Withhold not from them to whom it is due, i. e. to the 
 lords or owners of it, for so the Hebrew word means. 
 
 One translates it thus : " withhold not a favour from its 
 lord, i. e. from the poor man to whom it is due." 
 
 Withhold it not. That implies that it is due, and called 
 for; but that the hand is drawn back, and the bowels of 
 compassion are shut up. 
 
 The following particulars seem to rise out of this subject: 
 
 I. That we owe a debt to the poor. And a particular 
 item of that debt is, to have the gospel preached to them. 
 
 TI. The sin of withholding a just debt, when " it is in 
 the poire?' of our hand to pay it." 
 
 III. The danger of putting off payment until to-morrow, 
 " when we have it by us." 
 
 I. We are to show that we owe a debt to the poor. And 
 we shall confine ourselves to that item of the debt, viz. to 
 have the gospel preached to them. 
 
 And this we shall show, 1st, From reason, 2nd, From 
 revelation. 
 
 1st, From reason. If there be wealth enough in the 
 world, to have the gospel preached to " every creature," 
 
 I 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. 
 
 265 
 
 then surely it is reasonable that it ought to be preached to 
 every creature. For it is a greater good, than any thing be- 
 side, that can be done for the poor, both for soul and body, 
 for time and eternity. 
 
 And who will say there is not wealth enough in the world? 
 Or who would dare to say, that it ought not to be used for 
 this, in preference to every other thing* There is water 
 enough in the seas to refresh the whole earth ; there are 
 medicines enough, either herbs or minerals, in every cli- 
 mate, to heal all the diseases of that climate. Who provided 
 these? God. So God has provided wealth enough in the 
 world to have the gospel preached to every creature. The 
 debt due, then, is particularly from those who possess this 
 wealth. And it is due proportionably "according to that a 
 man hath, and not according to that he hath not." 2 Cor. 
 viii. 12. 
 
 Rich men seem to be designed for the moral world, 
 what clouds are to the natural. The design of the Creator 
 by the clouds, seems to be to treasure up in bottles, as Job 
 says, (xxxviii. tt?,) the superfluous rain,, till there is a de- 
 mand for it to be poured out on the earth. And aside from 
 this the clouds would seem to be useless, and without de- 
 sign. So rich men are God's stewards, where he treasures 
 up the superfluous riches, to be kept by them till there is a 
 demand for it to refresh some part of the moral world. And 
 aside from this, rich men, as such, seem to be useless, and 
 without design, in God's great plan. For what profit is it 
 for a man to be rich, without using his riches for God? We 
 answer, it is no profit; but a most serious injury. 
 
 And the providence of God, in maintaining a proper 
 equilibrium in the natural and moral world, is very analo- 
 gous. For instance, a cloud overcharged with electricity, 
 becomes instantly dangerous ; and mortals, and their abodes, 
 are threatened with destruction. But God interposes by 
 thunder and lightning, equalizes the clouds, taking electric 
 matter from one, and giving it to another; and thus restores 
 to the atmosphere that purity and healthiness so necessary 
 for man. So does he equalize the riches in the moral world, 
 by exacting a debt from the rich, and paying it to the poor. 
 And if they refuse to pay this debt, then by his control- 
 ling providence, he takes away their riches and passes them 
 23 
 
266 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 into other hands, and so still continues to bring about the 
 health he designs for the moral world. For if a miser 
 would continue to increase in riches for a few generations 
 without a right disposition to use them ; and the same dispo- 
 sition of covetousness and penuriousness increases in his 
 posterity, by the end of the third or fourth generation, the 
 possessors of such overgrown fortunes would be monsters 
 in society : they would be perfect Nimrods on the earth, 
 and like clouds overcharged with electricity, threaten de- 
 struction to the world. 
 
 But to prevent this evil in society, God, by his equalizing 
 providence, takes all these riches out of the hands of these 
 unjust stewards, ere they arrive to the third or fourth gene- 
 ration, and passes them over into the hands of strangers. 
 Thus he breaks the arm of tyranny and oppression which 
 they would wield over society. 
 
 The late Dr. Dwight, who was an observer of human 
 nature, frequently used to make mention in his lectures to 
 the students, of this rotation of property. 
 
 He used to say, that in the piace where he was born and 
 brought up, many of those who were the rich men now, 
 were poor children when he was a boy ; and vice versa, the 
 sons of those who were the rich men when he was a lad, 
 were now the poor of the place. I know this to be a fact 
 in many caes where I was brought up. Yet this is a ra- 
 pidity in the rotation of riches, which we believe is unusual. 
 But that many instances, even of this rapid rotation, do oc- 
 cur, no man can doubt that believes his own senses. They 
 are at best a short-lived possession. And they alone, of all 
 our earthly comforts, are represented by God as making 
 themselves wings, and which often fly away. Prov. xxiii. 5. 
 
 Thus it appears from reason, that there is due from the 
 rich to the poor, a debt, which they ought not to withhold, 
 if they wish to perpetuate their riches among their posterity. 
 
 2. We were to prove this from revelation. 
 
 Among the last words of our blessed Saviour, he said, 
 " Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every 
 creature." — Mark xvi. 15. Now, if we must send it to all 
 the world, much more should we send it to the poor that 
 are at our own doors. But surely it is not necessary for me 
 to dwell upon this. The whole New Testament is evidence 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 267 
 
 that we owe this debt to the poor. The lives of all the 
 martyrs and primitive Christians are evidence on this 
 point. They strained every nerve to pay off their por- 
 tion of this debt during their life time. To accomplish this 
 they sold their estates, and laid the money at the apostles' 
 feet. 
 
 And every thing on the part of God is completed, that 
 the poor should have the gospel preached to them. Before 
 Christ left the earth, He exclaimed in the presence of thou- 
 sands, It is finished. 
 
 And God makes His appeal to the world, thus : What 
 more could have been done for my vineyard that I have 
 not done? Nothing then is wanting, but that man should 
 pay what is due to his brother man, and all would be well. 
 Heaven would then commence on earth. And the day is 
 not far distant, brethren, when the rich will feel as con- 
 scientiously that they owe this debt, as any other they ever 
 contracted,' and that it will be equally unjust not to pay it. 
 
 II. We were, in the second place, to show the sin of with- 
 holding a just debt, when it is in the power of pur hand to 
 pay it. 
 
 This debt which you are called upon to pay is named a 
 just debt, because assessed on you by God your Maker, and 
 due to his poor. 
 
 The sin of withholding it arises from this, viz: God has 
 put it in the power of your hand to pay it. And God de- 
 mands it. lif a sum was assessed on your property to sup- 
 port the government,* who would refuse to pay it 1 And 
 if he did, whose goods would not suffer? And is the as- 
 sessment made by Christ to support his kingdom and go- 
 vernment, less important? And shall not our goods sutler 
 
 * There are persons whose taxes to support a human govern- 
 ment amount annually to one hundred dollars, perhaps, or more ; 
 and these very persons do not contribute perhaps one-fifth of that 
 annually to support the kingdom of Christ. Now, Q.US&S. A 
 person that is a member of both governments or kingdoms, and 
 to support Christ's gives but one-fifth of what he does to support 
 a human government ; is this his estimate of their comparative 
 worth ? Or can a professing Christian be said to prefer Jerusa- 
 lem to his chief jay, while he annually gives less to support the 
 kingdom of God than that of men ? 
 
268 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 if we do not attend to it? If we withhold, will not He 
 punish us in the thing we withhold ? Is not this the pro- 
 cess of all governments? And is it not peculiarly God's 
 mode to punish in that thing by which we sin ? In earthly 
 governments we act rationally and consistently. There 
 men are compelled to give according to their wealth. But 
 in Christ's kingdom, where men are left to the freedom of 
 their own will, the very glory in which they hold their ex- 
 istence, there they act irrationally and inconsistently. For 
 frequently the poor man has to give more than the rich, 
 or the cause would suffer. 
 
 First. Then the disgrace we bring on ourselves in the 
 eyes of society, if we refuse to pay this debt. 
 
 Christian brethren, you may withhold, but you cannot 
 keep disgrace from attaching to your character in the eyes 
 of your iellow men. Justice is one of the noblest traits in 
 the character of man. 
 
 There are instances of men, who, refusing to pay a just 
 debt when they could have paid it, by taking advantage of 
 the law, and so rioting on that which was not their own, 
 have brought down the indignation of society so heavily 
 upon them, that they could not endure it. And they have 
 either murdered themselves, or fled to some place where 
 their character was not known. 
 
 A miser, who withholds merely through the love of mo- 
 ney, is a character never loved or respected in society, but 
 gets a name which is full of every thing mean and low, viz. 
 a poor creature. This is the appellation usually given him. 
 And he is, indeed, to all intents and purposes what the 
 word miser originally means, viz: wretched. Wretched in- 
 deed, with all his riches, is the miser. 
 
 1. The sin of withholding in the sight of God. 
 
 This appears first, in the little love you manifest for the 
 soid of your neighbour : preferring the short enjoyment 
 of your money to his eternal life. How awful is this con- 
 trasted with the love of God and of Christ ! "Though 
 Jesus was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor; that 
 we through his poverty might be made rich." 
 
 And the apostle says: "Hereby perceive we the love of 
 God ; because he laid down his life for us." Then he 
 draws this inference. "And we ought to lay down our 
 lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 269 
 
 and seeth his brother have need, and shuttelh up his bowels 
 of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in 
 him ?" — 1 John iii. 16, 3 7. Oh how different the love of God 
 from that of unmerciful and unbenevolent men ! He laid 
 down his life for souls; and he asks them for a little only 
 of his property, which he hath treasured up in their hands 
 to instruct the souls for which he died. And can you with- 
 hold this just debt, without offending him? Will he hold 
 you guiltless if you shut up your bowels of compassion from 
 a needy brother? 
 
 Oh, how grievously you sin in the sight of God ! That 
 you should prefer the indulgence of a little lust in dress, or 
 show, or eating, to the eternal happiness of the soul of your 
 poor neighbour. That you would rather that his soul should 
 lie eternally in hell, than curtail a few dollars from your 
 lusts, to pay a poor missionary, whilst he instructs him in 
 the way of life. 
 
 This is genteel sin, indeed, with a high hand! You 
 have it in your power to pay it, and yet withhold a just debt. 
 And can God look on this with indifference? Can he 
 permit you to retain those riches of his, which you con- 
 stantly pervert from a right use '\ He cannot, if he be just. 
 And this is the cause of that rotation of riches. He takes 
 them out of the hands of unjust stewards, and puts them 
 into the hands of others; or permits them to make to 
 themselves wings, and fly off into the air. How often have 
 we see)) whole estates dissolved in the flames in an hour or 
 two, and fly away for ever beyond the reach of their pos- 
 sessor! If men would use riches right, we see no reason 
 why they should be taken away from them, more than 
 grace. But the gifts and graces which God bestows, sooner 
 or later, if abused, shall be entirely taken away. Christ 
 instructs us so, in the parable of the pounds. The man 
 that abused his one pound, had it taken from him, and given 
 to the man that had ten. And when the people marvelled, 
 saying, Lord, this man hath ten pounds already; Christ 
 replied, I say vnto you, that unto every one that hath shall 
 be given ; i. e. every one who makes a right use of what 
 I have entrusted with him, shall have still more. And from 
 him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away 
 from him; i. e. he who makes no good use of it, shall be 
 deprived, even of that which I had given him. Luke xix. 26. 
 23* 
 
270 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 3. The pain it gives to our neighbour, to deprive him of 
 his own. And justice will surely require, that his children, 
 hereafter, should take it from our children. 
 
 To deprive us of that which is strictly our own, by over- 
 bearing wickedness, creates in us a pain which we cannot 
 describe. There is a keenness or sharpness of edge about 
 such pain, which is altogether indescribable. Hence, per- 
 sons writhing under it, universally appeal to God for redress. 
 Even the wicked themselves do so. 
 
 How often do you hear wicked men say, under such un- 
 redressed grievances, " We thank God there is a judge- 
 ment day coming, when all these things will be set right." 
 
 But that pain is not confined to this earth. It will live 
 and thrive in his immortal soul through all eternity. And 
 is this a light pain for you to inflict on your neighbour? 
 He has a right to demand the gospel of you. God has 
 given him this right. For it is in your power to give it to 
 him ; and in so doing, it would not impoverish you, but 
 would greatly enrich him indeed. " Withhold not good 
 then from them to whom it is due; when it is in the power 
 of your hand to do it." 
 
 And, ol), before you withhold it, tak? one look, one so- 
 lemn, one serious look, at the everlasting misery of a 
 damned soul in hell, which you might have redeemed, by 
 not withholding that good which was due him. And do 
 not doubt of your charity being blessed to the end contem- 
 plated. For that very charity which you so nobly and 
 generously granted, when we appealed to you two years 
 ago, has been blessed, as we have reason to believe, to the 
 conversion of souls, now ripening for heaven. And are any 
 of you sorry now, that what you so liberally gave then, 
 is put out at such an interest as this, viz: ripening souls for 
 a blessed immortality I Yes, and souls too, that were then 
 the very filth and dregs of society, now are clean and neat; 
 clothed in their right mind, and sitting at the feet of Jesus* 
 
 Then, brethren, in behalf of the great Lord and House- 
 holder, whose is all the wealth, we ask a loan of you this 
 night, for his poor. " For he that hath pity upon the poor, 
 lendeth* unto the Lord ; and that which he hath given, will 
 
 * Lendeth. The Hebrew word signifies to loan on interest. So 
 that the lender makes the Lord his debtor. For the Lord inter- 
 
REV. JAxMES PATTERSON. 
 
 271 
 
 he pay him again." Prov. xix. 17. " And he that giveth to 
 the poor shall not lack." Prov. xxviii. 27. Now, if you can 
 have the comfort of giving, without lacking any thing, who 
 will withhold ? Did the widow's handful of meal, or cruise 
 of oil, lack any thing by giving out of it to the Lord's ser- 
 vant ? And cannot God, who made that oil and that meal 
 to increase as fast as she used it, make your estate to in- 
 crease as fast as you use it for Him ? 
 
 But, brethren, if we do withhold what is due our neigh- 
 bour, and thus so cruelly treat him, Justice will surely re- 
 quire that his children hereafter take it from our children. 
 
 Now this is just, Ave ourselves being the judges. For if a 
 man notoriously dishonest deprives us of a just debt, we 
 almost inspiredly feel that what he has taken from us, can 
 never prosper with his posterity. And this is really the sen- 
 timent of the Bible. Job xxvii. 13. "This is the portion of 
 a wicked man with God, and the heritage of .oppressors, 
 which they shall receive of the Almighty, viz: If his chil- 
 dren be multiplied, it is for the sword ; and his offspring shall 
 not be satisfied with bread, though he heap up silver as the 
 dust ; and prepare raiment as the clay. He may prepare it, 
 but the just shall put it on; and the innocent shall divide 
 the silver." 
 
 Such is the heritage which oppressors of the poor leave 
 their children. Their silver is taken from them, and though 
 large estates were laid up for them, the time will come when 
 they shall not have even bread enough to eat. And again 
 the Scripture says, The wealth of the sinner is laid up for 
 the just. Prov. xiii. 22. And Providence shall so order it, 
 that good men shall come honestly by that wealth, which 
 the wicked came dishonestly by: withholding it from those 
 to whom it was due. 
 
 And again speaking of the avaricious man, it says, Job 
 
 prets a good done to his saints or his poor, as clone to himself. 
 Others interpret the passage thus: Mtttuum dat Dominus cui qui 
 miseratur pauperis; i. e. the Lord loaneth to him that pitieth the 
 poor ; for wealth is, as it were, a loan or a deposit, given by the 
 Lord to rich men, that with it they may do good to others. But 
 which ever way the passage is interpreted, alms-giving is the 
 surest and safest way of thriving. For the Lord will repay, or re- 
 place, what is given or loaned. 
 
272 
 
 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 xx. " He halh swallowed down riches, but he shall vomit 
 them up again. God shall cast them out of his belly. 
 That which he laboured for, shall he restore; according to 
 his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice 
 therein.*" 
 
 Here by greedily swallowing them down he seems to have 
 them in firm possession, and enjoying them. Yet there is a 
 process in God's providence, by which either he or his pos- 
 terity must yield them up again to those to whom they are 
 due. And though at his death he thinks that he leaves his 
 riches in secure and productive funds, in perpetuity to his 
 posterity for ever: yet hark what God says about them. 
 "The increase of his house shall depart; and his goods shall 
 flowf away, in the day of God's wrath : his substance shall 
 not continue; neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof 
 upon the earth : Why? Because he hath oppressed and for- 
 saken the poor." Job xv. xx. 
 
 Thus, so short-lived is the portion which the rich, un- 
 benevolent, unmerciful men leave their children. 
 
 Surely then if we withhold from our neighbour what is 
 due; justice will require that it be taken from our children, 
 and given to his. 
 
 III. And last head. The danger of putting it off till to- 
 morrow. 
 
 " Say not unto thy neighbour, Go and come again, and 
 to-morrow I will eive; when thou hast it bv thee." 
 
 * Shall not rejoice therein. Dishonest persons, who take the 
 advantage in dealing, cannot always rejoice. There is a time 
 when they shall weep and wail. This fact fell under the writer's 
 notice. A woman, for many years, had sold out of a measure that 
 was too small. On her death-bed she was in awful distress, and 
 seemed as though she could not die till she had revealed her own 
 shame and iniquity ; and finally confessing her wicked manner of 
 living, she said that through avarice, and excessive love of money, 
 she had one small stave taken out of her measure, and out of that 
 unjust measure she had sold for years. 
 
 -j- The figure to jlovi away, is borrowed from the waters of a 
 river, which flow by and cannot be stopped. So many great es- 
 tates got together in an ungodly manner flow off, and cannot be 
 held together. Like the waters of a river, it may be dammed up 
 for a little while, but it will burst through with only more violence 
 and flow off. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON: 273 
 
 The sin of refusing our neighbour what is his due when 
 called for, arises from this, viz. thou hast it by thee. Now 
 why say, Go and call to-morrow, and I will give ; when thou 
 hast it by thee 1 
 
 The only possible reason that can be assigned is the love 
 of money. The heart idolizes it, so that it is not willing to 
 part with it, if possibly it can be retained. And by sending 
 them away, the covetous and unmerciful man hopes that 
 something may transpire that they may never call again, 
 and so he will get rid of giving. 
 
 And this, brethren, is that " love of money which is the 
 root of all evil ; which while some coveted after, they have 
 erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with 
 many sorrows. For they that will be rich, fall into temp- 
 tation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, 
 which drown* or (5v^ovac engulf men in destruction and 
 perdition." 
 
 If a person will withhold from God, when he has it by 
 him, and his judgment is convinced that he ought to be 
 benevolent; it is so demonstrable a proof of a bad heart, 
 as to leave no hope that such a person ever can be saved. 
 For this is that very covetous?iess which the Scripture calls 
 idolatry ,t which excludes a man from heaven. For it ex- 
 pressly declares, that " no covetous man, who is an idola- 
 ter, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of God." 
 
 Then let none of us say, call to-morron\ and I will give. 
 
 To-morrow we may not be alive. What is our life? It 
 
 * It is a metaphor taken from those who are overwhelmed in 
 the waves, and by which, is signified that covetous men evidently 
 perish, without any hope of salvation. Just as those, who are in 
 the middle of the waves, and unacquainted with swimming, to 
 whom no hope of aid appears. — Leigh, crit. sacr. 
 
 Covetous men, are profoundly immersed; or as is said, over 
 head and ears in sin. And it signifies such an immersion as leaves 
 no hope of salvation. Talem significat immersionem ; qua; nullam 
 salutis spem reliquam facit. — Grotius. 
 
 ■\ Colos. hi. 5., and Ephes. v. 5. Such persons make Mammon 
 their God, being 1 supremely fond of money. It holds the place 
 in their heart and affections which God should hold ; hence it is 
 called an idol, because it engrosses their heart and affections, and 
 they are called idolaters, because they give it their heart and uf- 
 fect'ions, and thus worship it instead of God. 
 
274 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 is but a vapour in our nostrils. Then let us do the duties 
 of the day while it is called to-day. 
 
 2. To-morrow we may not have it by vs. It may not 
 be in our power. How many riches and how many estates 
 during the night have taken wings and flown away for ever 
 beyond the grasp of him that owned them, and left him 
 unable to do a duty, which, the day before, he could have 
 done, and might have for ever enjoyed its reward. 
 
 Samuel's ghost said to Saul, " the Lord hath rent the 
 kingdom out of thine hand, — and to-morrow thou and thy 
 sons shall be with me," Then let us not boast of to-mor- 
 row, for we know not what a day may bring forth. 
 
 And now, dear brethren, if you are rich, and put us off, 
 and continue to be unbenevolent and unmerciful, O let me 
 entreat you to remember this warning of your Creator. " Go 
 to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries 
 that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and 
 your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is 
 cankered ; and the rust of them shall be a witness against 
 you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heap- 
 ed treasure together for the last days. Ye have lived in 
 pleasure on the earth, and been wanton ; ye have nourished 
 your hearts as in a day of slaughter." James v. 1. 
 
 INFERENCES. 
 
 The first inference we draw with respect to the rich, who 
 are uncharitable, and will not use their Lord's money as he 
 commands, is this; viz: that God will take from their pos- 
 terity all their riches, and cause them to pass into other 
 hands. 
 
 This inference is a corollary from the justice of God, in 
 his providence. For if God be just, he cannot suffer riches 
 to continue in that family which constantly perverts them 
 from their right end. For it would not be doing good, either 
 to the individual/ami?;/ or to the world at large, that they 
 should be continued. For a family increasing in such sen- 
 timents, for two or three generations, would not only " kick 
 against God /" but would arrive at an inexpressible degree 
 of wickedness. 
 
 Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked against his Maker. 
 
 Second Inference. That the property of such rich and 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. ~e 
 
 uncharitable men should be taken away from their child- 
 ren, is both merciful and just ; they themselves being 
 judges. 
 
 First, Merciful. Is it not merciful that God should take 
 out of the hands of your children, any thing by which 
 they would ripen for a greater destruction? 
 
 If you have lived and died uncharitable, you have not 
 taught them the worth of that grace : and they will live as 
 you did, and value religious charities as you did. The Bi- 
 ble is express on this point, "Train up a child in the way 
 he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." 
 But you did not bring them up religiously to value, or 
 practise charity. Hence, how can they practise that, which 
 they have always been taught by you to value as mere 
 naught. 
 
 Nothing then is left for God to work upon, with respect to 
 your posterity. He is driven to the necessity of taking it 
 out of their hands. 
 
 But it is also just ; yourselves being judges. Suppose 
 that any one of you was the " rich man" mentioned in the 
 gospel, (Luke xvi.) and had stewards under you, to whom 
 you had put out sums of money ; and you found that they 
 were wasting it ; i. e. not in the grossest profanity or wick- 
 edness, but misapplying it; not using it as you had com- 
 manded ; would you continue their stewardship? Or would 
 you take it from them, and put it into the hands of others? 
 You say you would be unjust to yourself to continue them. 
 You would take it from them, and put it into the hands of 
 others. 
 
 And shall God be less just than man? 
 
 Third Inference. The true way to secure the perpetuity 
 of our riches to our posterity, is to be merciful and benevo* 
 lent ; always liberal to the cause of Christ : and so secure 
 his friendship. 
 
 This is the sentiment of the Bible. The rich man that 
 does this from a right motive, shall be blessed in his seed 
 after him. " Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord ; 
 that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed 
 shall be mighty upon earth — wealth and riches shall be in 
 his house — he hath dispersed his alms abroad ; he hath 
 given to the poor : his righteousness remaineth for ever." 
 And the rewards of it flow to his posterity on the earth ; 
 
276 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 according to the second commandment. " Showing mercy 
 unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my com- 
 mandments." 
 
 "As pity dwells within his breast 
 To all the sons of need; 
 So God shall answer his request 
 With blessing's on his seed." 
 
 " A good man shovveth favour, and lendeth : he will 
 guide his affairs with discretion ;" i. e. Christ enables him 
 discreetly or judiciously to manage his affairs. So that by 
 " giving he doth not impair, but rather maintain the good 
 estate of his family." 
 
 His liberal favours he extends, 
 
 To some he gives, to others lends ; 
 
 A generous pity fills his mind 5 * 
 Yet what his charity impairs, 
 He saves by prudence in affairs, 
 
 And thus he's just to all mankind. 
 
 His hands, while they his alms bestowed, 
 His glory's future harvest sowed; 
 
 The sweet remembrance of the just, 
 Like a green root, revives and bears, 
 A train of blessings for his heirs. 
 
 When dying nature sleeps in dust. 
 
 Solomon says, " a good man leaveth an inheritance to 
 his children's children." Prov. xiii. 22, 
 
 And David says, during a long course of observation, he 
 had never seen " the seed of the righteous begging bread." 
 Psalm xxxvii. But many of us have seen the seed of the 
 rich and uncharitable begging bread. 
 
 It follows, then, that by habitually exercising that libe- 
 rality which the gospel requires, and which most men think 
 will impoverish their families, is the best way of laying up 
 and securing a provision for them. For there are so many 
 ways in which a man may lose his property ; by the winds 
 — the waves — the failure of some, and the cheating of others, 
 that no human wisdom can foresee or prevent it. God 
 alone can speak to the winds or the waves, when your 
 ship is foundering : or to the consciences of cheating men 
 and make them just. So that what scripture reveals on 
 that subject will for ever be true. "The Lord maketh 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON'. 
 
 277 
 
 poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up." 
 1 Sam. ii. 7. 
 
 Then, if none but God can prevent the loss of our pro- 
 perty, surely it is wise to make him our friend, by devoting 
 to him liberally of all our substance, that he may preserve 
 to us the rest, and secure it to our posterity. 
 
 The history of liberal and charitable men, whose pro- 
 perty has been preserved to their children for ages, and 
 that of uncharitable men, whose property has early been 
 taken from theirs, forms a most instructive lesson to us on 
 this subject. 
 
 Fourth Inference. How sorrowful, how melancholy the 
 reflection, that all the property, which unmerciful and un- 
 charitable men, are raking and scraping together, as poor 
 muck worms' of the earth, shall by and by, all rise up as 
 
 •Evertere domos totas optantibus ipsis 
 Dii faciles: nocitura toga, nocitura petuntur 
 Militia. Torrens dicendi copia multis, 
 Et sua mortifera est facundia, viribus ille 
 Confisus periit, admirandisque lacertis. 
 Sed plures nimid congest a pecan ia curd 
 Sfrangulat. Juven. Sat. x. 7 — 1.3. 
 
 The kind gods have ruined whole families at their own request. 
 In peace, in war, we pray for what will* destroy us. An abundant 
 fluencv of speech, has ruined many; and the orator has been un- 
 done by his own eloquence. Milo,f relying- upon his strength, 
 and his wonderful limbs, perished: but money scraped together, 
 with too much care, has destroyed more than any, or all of these put 
 together. 
 
 Prima fere vota, et cunctis notissima templis 
 Divitias lit crescant. ut opes; ut maxima toto 
 Nostra sit area foro. Sed nulla aennita hibuntur 
 
 Fictitious. Tunc ilia time, cum pocula sumes 
 Gemmata. Juven Sat. x. 23 — 27. 
 
 Our first prayers commonly, and what all our temples ring with, 
 are that our wealth, and our fortune may improve; and that our 
 money chests, may be the largest in all the forum; but remember 
 
 t A might}- wrestler, born at Croton, in Italy: 1 ut presuming too much upon 
 his strength, he would try whether he could rend in sunder a tree, which was 
 cleft as it grew in the forest. It yielded at first to his amazing strength, but 
 closed presently again, and catching his hands, held him till the wolves devoured 
 him. 
 
 24 
 
278 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 * 
 
 if it had wings, and fly away out of the hands of their pos- 
 terity for ever, and leave them pennyless upon the earth, 
 without the favour of either God or man. 
 
 Then the grand houses — grand dress ; and princely equip- 
 age, will all be changed, and they will go down to the lower 
 end of society in disgrace. " For the poor is hated even of 
 his own neighbour." Prov. xiv. 20. 
 
 Several such reverses we have found in this very city. 
 The children of parents, once rich and flourishing, now liv- 
 ing in the suburbs, in rags and wretchedness. 
 
 Not long ago, a pious lady who had been out loaning 
 tracts among the poor, said, " Who do you think we saw? 
 
 Why we saw Mrs. , the daughter of Mr. . 
 
 And she was ashamed to see us ; for she was all in rags ; 
 living out in the suburbs." And she added, " I recollect a 
 few years ago, when she was young, that she was very 
 beavtiful, and a great fortune. And it really made my 
 heart ache to look at her ; — so reduced and so changed." 
 
 And, there are not wanting instances in this very city; 
 of the children of parents, once rich and full ; and who 
 cared little about God, or mercy, or benevolence ; and 
 these very children indulged themselves in all that their 
 hearts could wish ; travelling over half the globe, visiting 
 all the fashionable places on the earth ; London, Paris, 
 Naples, Rome, Venice, &c, and returning home, and 
 before one short life was ended, ran through all their es- 
 tate, and died in poverty. And those who were their par- 
 ticular friends while rich, in their poverty feigned not to 
 know them.* 
 
 that poiso7i is never drunk out of earthenware : then suspect the 
 draught when the cup is set with jewels. 
 
 * Since writing this sermon, a pious man mentioned to me the 
 following': 
 
 " Where I was born and brought up, Mr. , was eminent 
 
 as a physician, and by most oppressive and extravagant charges, 
 amassed a large estate. But it did not go down half way through 
 his first generation. 
 
 "After his death, one of the executors cheated the children 
 out of a large portion of it ; and they soon squandered away the 
 rest, and were reduced to great poverty. And one of his daugh- 
 ters, not long since, was selling cakes in this city for a livelihood." 
 
 And whose memory does not furnish him with some history of 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 279 
 
 This thought ought to humble the rich, who are proud 
 and irreligious, that in a few years their posterity may be 
 the poorest and most irrespectable in society. 
 
 But it is objected here, and said, that many rich and 
 ungodly men, do hand down their riches to their children 
 for many ages ; and that many pious men lose their riches. 
 
 To this we answer, that there are men, who are not, 
 strictly speaking, godly; yet are benevolent and charitable. 
 Now if a rich man, who is not a Christian, be benevolent 
 and charitable, and disperses abroad of his property ; he in 
 some good measure answers the end designed by holding 
 his property; the end which God had in view in depositing 
 it with him ; and thus it may remain in his family. 
 
 As to his distributing it from wrong motives because he 
 is ungodly, that is another thing, to be settled at the day of 
 
 this kind? where the estates of rich, uncharitable men, seem to 
 have melted away like snow, and their children been reduced to 
 poverty. 
 
 Solomon says, there is a sore evil, which I have seen under the 
 sun; namely, riches kept for the owners thereof, to their hurt. 
 And adds, "but those riches perish by evil travail; and he beget- 
 teth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. Eccles. v. 14. 
 
 And these thing's are by no means unfrequent among" men, who, 
 publicly profess the Christian religion. And who seem to possess 
 a good deal of genteel piety. And some have thought that it was 
 possible for a man to have Bible piety, and yet be uncharitable and 
 unmerciful. Such an opinion, however, illy accords with Paul, 
 where he tells us to mortify our inordinate affection, and covetous- 
 ness, which is idolatry. Colos. iii. 5. And in Ephes. v. 3, where 
 he ranks the covetous with fornicators and whoremongers. And 
 in 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10, where he classes them with thieves, drunkards 
 and extortioners; and with others of the most forbidding characters 
 that can be named: /xa'kaxoi* apaevoxoitai, Sec. And tells them, 
 This ye know, for you have been taught it, that none of all these, 
 nor any covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the 
 kingdom of God. 
 
 And he adds, too, because genteel Christians, and religious spe- 
 culatists, seem to have bad the opinion then, that a covetous man 
 might be a Christian; let no man deceive you with vain words,- for 
 because of these things, (i. e. fornication, extortion, covetousness, 
 &c.,) cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience, 
 
 * The same vile characters are alluded to, Rom, i. 26, at$ via$q otft/uaf* 
 And in 1 Thessal.iv.5, hv Gta&EO STtc^iuas. 
 
280 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 judgment. No man should do any thing from wrong mo- 
 tives. Yet to be merciful and benevolent, even from wrong 
 motives, is better for the present world, and for the man's 
 posterity, than to be unmerciful. 
 
 And if pious men lose their riches, must it not be be- 
 cause they have abused tbem ? Would God take them from 
 them, if they had used them to the end for which he gave 
 them ? For if we sin in our riches, will not God punish us 
 in our riches? Is not this his usual mode, to punish us in 
 that very thing in which we sin 1 
 
 Fifth. We infer the imhappiness of the rich and un- 
 merciful man. Neither by day, nor by night is he happy. 
 
 Solomon says, " the sleep of a labouring man is sweet, 
 whether he eat little or much ; but the abundance of the 
 rich will not suffer him to sleep," Eccles. v. 12., and calls 
 it an evil disease, which preys upon the vitals. " There is 
 an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common 
 among men : a man to whom God hath given riches, and 
 wealth, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that 
 he desireth : yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, 
 but a stranger eateth it ; this is vanity, and it is an evil dis- 
 ease." 
 
 And Job xv. 21, says, " a dreadful sound is in his ears ;" 
 he always suspects some evil nigh. And when not haunted 
 by things on earth ; he is haunted by the forebodings of 
 eternity. He quakes, when he thinks of this sentence from 
 his Maker — " Thou fool ! this night shall thy soul be re- 
 quired of thee, then whose shall those things be which thou 
 hast provided !" 
 
 And so, saith Christ, " is every one that layeth up trea- 
 sure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke xii. 21. 
 
 And now, brethren, we have endeavoured honestly to 
 present this subject before you. And we pray you to view 
 it in the light of posterity. There it will have a bearing upon 
 you, that you ought to regard. 
 
 The recently deranged state of our mercantile affairs in 
 this city, ought to make that class of our citizens reflect. 
 This does not come by chance. There is a God that rules 
 among the merchants as well as among the angels. O that 
 they knew tvhat it is, and who it is, that can give perma- 
 nency and security to their property : and a good conscience 
 in the enjoyment of it ! 
 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 281 
 
 " Various Scriptures to encourage us to be merciful and 
 charitable, and not covetous. 
 
 First, Mercifulness. Be ye therefore merciful, as your 
 Father in heaven is merciful — give, and it shall be given to 
 you, — and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured 
 to you again. Luke vi. 36. 
 
 The merciful man doth good to his own soul ; but he that 
 is cruel, troubleth his own flesh. Prov. xi. 17. The ten- 
 der mercies of the wicked are cruel. Prov. xii. 10. He that 
 hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. Prov. xiv. 21. Whoso 
 stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry 
 himself, but shall not be heard. Prov. xxi. 13. 
 
 Second, Charitableness. There is that scatlereth, and 
 yet increaselh ; and there is that withholdeth more than is 
 meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be 
 made fat ; and he that watereth shall be watered also him- 
 self. Prov. xi. 24. 
 
 He that sows (or gives) sparingly, shall reap (or receive) 
 sparingly: and he that sows bountifully shall aiso reap 
 bountifully. Give not grudgingly or of necessity, for God 
 loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. x. 6. If thou draw out thy 
 soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted ; then shall the 
 Lord guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, 
 and make fat thy bones ; and thou shalt be like a watered 
 garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. 
 Isaiah lviii. 10. 
 
 He that oppresseth the poor, reproacheth his Maker. 
 Prov. xiv. 31. He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blest; 
 for he giveth of his bread to the poor. But he that oppress- 
 eth the poor to increase his riches, shall surely come to 
 want. Prov. 22. 
 
 Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will de- 
 liver him in time of trouble. Ps. xli. 1. Honour the Lord 
 with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine in- 
 crease : so shall thy barns be filled with plenty : and thy 
 presses shall burst out with new wine. Prov. iii. 9. 
 
 Third, Not to be covetous. He that is greedy of gain, 
 troubleth his own house. Prov. xv. 27. Wo unto them that 
 join house to house, and that lay field to field, till there be 
 no place. Isaiah \\ 8. 
 
 ' ^4* 
 
282 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 They that will be rich, pierce themselves through with 
 many sorrows. 1 Tim. vi. 9. 
 
 Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God ; for it is he that 
 giveth thee power to get wealth. Deut. viii. 18. The bles- 
 sings of the Lord, it maketh rich. Prov. x. 22. 
 
 The little that a righteous man hath is better than the 
 riches of many wicked. 
 
 Labour not to be rich. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that 
 which is not ? For riches certainly make themselves wings : 
 they fly away. Prov. xxiii. 4. Better is a little with the 
 fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith. 
 Prov. xv. 16. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 283 
 
 CONCLUSION 
 
 In bringing this memoir to a conclusion, it would be very 
 appropriate to give an extended description of the character 
 of the venerated and distinguished servant of Jesus who is 
 the subject of it. This, however, is the less necessary, in 
 consequence of the full and able analysis on this head em- 
 bodied in the sermon of the Rev. Albert Barnes, on the death 
 of our lamented friend, which forms a part of this volume. 
 A very few remarks, therefore, in this connexion, in refer- 
 ence to this subject will be sufficient. 
 
 In stature, Mr. Patterson was considerably above the or- 
 dinary height. He was tall, somewhat slender in form, 
 though well proportioned ; erect and dignified. His hair was 
 dark — features rather long — eyes very black and piercing. 
 His countenance strikingly bore the impress of the feelings 
 of his soul ; and his whole aspect was peculiarly becoming 
 the sacred office he sustained. He seemed invested in his 
 personal appearance with the solemn dignity of an ambas- 
 sador of God. 
 
 In his social intercourse with his people, he exhibited 
 the character of the minister and the affectionate friend. 
 The benignant smile, and the cordial shake of the hand, 
 with which he always met them, inspired them with con- 
 fidence, and prepared the way for the most unrestrained 
 expression of their views and feelings. His whole deport- 
 ment was so bland and condescending, that even the most 
 
284 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 timid and diffident felt no embarrassment in his presence. 
 Always affable and kind, the younger part of his congrega- 
 tion approached him with the freedom and affection, that 
 children manifest in approaching a father whom they love 
 and respect. In conversation he was pleasing and instruc- 
 tive, and sometimes facetious ; and few ever spent an hour 
 with him who were not delighted and edified in consequence 
 of the interview. 
 
 His piety was deep, ardent, uniform, cheerful. It was 
 active rather than contemplative. When confined to his 
 room by sickness, we see in his diary, the workings of his 
 benevolent mind, and his holy aspirations after God; but, in 
 most instances, we are left to infer what were his religious 
 feelings from his abundant labours in promoting the divine 
 honour, and the spiritual good of his fellow-men. He lived 
 religion. He was most felicitous in combining the medita- 
 tions of the closet, with the zeal and perseverance of the 
 Christian minister in the world. In communion with his 
 Maker in secret, he sought and obtained those qualifications 
 for the active duties of his calling which he possessed in an 
 eminent degree, and which were developed in all his inter- 
 course with men. He was & practical Christian. 
 
 The religion of our revered friend was symmetrical. 
 His zeal, being the offspring of love divine, burned with 
 a pure and steady flame, and invested its possessor with 
 a character which secured to him the respect of the 
 wicked, and won the admiration of the righteous. " His 
 Christian character was a beautiful whole. Not indeed ab- 
 solutely perfect — to this he made no pretensions — yet as 
 near the fair proportions in which it is drawn in the word of 
 God, as can almost ever be found in this imperfect state. 
 And, in this respect, his example is worthy of imitation." 
 
 " It is indeed melancholy to observe how frequently the 
 fair form of Christianity appears as a mere caricature — de- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 285 
 
 formed, rickety, unsightly — in aspect so forbidding as rather 
 to repel, than allure the multitude, who have no knowledge 
 of her but what they derive from the spirit, conversation and 
 conduct of her professed friends. As exhibited by some, 
 she appears in the form of a cold and heartless orthodoxy ; 
 with a head filled with notions, which have no influence in 
 refining the affections or regulating the practice. In 
 others, with an eye of fire, and a tongue sharpened with 
 bitter words, ready to denounce all who are not actuated by 
 the same burning zeal— a zeal unmitigated by the meekness 
 of heavenly wisdom. In others, again, she appears all de- 
 formed with passion— all ecstasy in the religious assembly 
 — all tenderness in the hour of excitement — but in the world, 
 morose, censorious, proud, selfish and dogmatical." 
 
 Such, however, was not the religion of Rev. James Pat- 
 terson. " His faith worked by love, purified the heart, and 
 overcame the world. His was the wisdom that comes from 
 above, first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be en- 
 treated; full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, 
 and without hypocrisy; and ever brought forth the fruits of 
 the Spirit, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, good- 
 ness, fidelity, meekness, temperance."* 
 
 As a student he was diligent and successful. Though he 
 was fond of scientific and literary pursuits, he never allowed 
 himself to engage in them merely for self-gratification, or 
 from the love of fame; but as an auxiliary to his main de- 
 sign. He studied the languages and natural philosophy 
 with a peculiar zest; but pored over the Bible and the book 
 of Providence with superlative interest. Upon the trea- 
 sures gathered from these sources, he mainly depended for 
 his preparations for the pulpit. His sermons did not consist 
 
 * Memoir of James B. Taylor, by John Holt Rice, D. D., and 
 Benjamin Holt Rice, D. D. 
 
286 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 in elaborate compositions, but in a comparison of" spiritual 
 things with spiritual," and an enforcing of scriptural truths 
 by providential occurrences. 
 
 He possessed a large and varied library, and by improving 
 the advantages thus afforded, acquired much valuable infor- 
 mation. But when he believed, as was often the case, that 
 he could better subserve the cause of his Master in the way 
 of pastoral visitation, than by remaining in his study, he 
 yielded to this conviction. On one occasion, two laymen 
 visited him, to obtain his counsel in reference to a certain 
 benevolent enterprise in which they were about to embark. 
 They found him in his study engaged in reading some 
 work. He spoke of the satisfaction derived from such an 
 employment, adding at the same time, " but when I become 
 interested in study, the thought occurs, ' there is the family of 
 
 Mr. you have not visited for some time, and there is 
 
 that a wakened sinner that needs some one to converse with him 
 and direct him in the right path ;' then down goes the book and 
 away I go to visit them. And. brethren, after all, I think, 
 Well, I'll not be in heaven half an hour before I'll know more 
 than I can acquire here by a whole life of study." This an- 
 ecdote is stated to show the character of the subject of this 
 biography. It would be unwise for most clergymen to 
 pursue just such a course. Indeed, our revered friend would 
 not have counselled others to imitate him in this particular. 
 He enjoined upon the young men he had under his care for 
 the ministry the importance of learning, to their introduction 
 into the sacred office ; and that having been invested with 
 this responsible trust, they would still find it necessary to 
 continue the studious habits they had acquired, and to press 
 forward in the attainment of knowledge by careful and sys- 
 tematic reading. 
 
 As a preacher he was pungent in his appeals to the con- 
 sciences of his hearers, and frequently very eloquent. At 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 287 
 
 times, his tender and earnest pleadings with sinners to escape 
 from coming wrath reached their obdurate hearts, and 
 brought them to pause in their way to ruin. His eloquence, 
 however, was not the result of an elegant diction, or a 
 graceful oratory ; but was the legitimate offspring of that 
 benevolence that " seeketh not her own." There were 
 occasions too, in which the grandeur of his conceptions, and 
 the bold and original imagery in which he clothed them, 
 produced an electric influence upon the congregation; and 
 the learned and the rude have often listened to him with un- 
 common interest. 
 
 In the appendix to Danforth's Life of Walton, we find 
 the following graphic description of Mr. Patterson as a 
 preacher, which was originally published in the New York 
 Observer. The writer of this communication was then a 
 citizen of Washington ; and the occasion on which he heard 
 him was during a protracted meeting in Rev. Mr. Walton's 
 church, Alexandria, D. C. In addressing the editor he 
 says: 
 
 " If you never heard Mr. Patterson, you can form but an 
 imperfect idea of the force and originality of his style and 
 manner, and its effect in impressing an audience. Regard- 
 less of the niceties of rhetoric, his elocution is bold, ardent, 
 solemn, full of the conviction that it handles a matter of life 
 and death, and resolutely set on carrying conviction to the 
 heart and conscience of every hearer. In this it effectually 
 succeeds. Whatever men may think of the message, none 
 can doubt that the preacher believes and feels it to be a 
 message from God.' His voice is full of depth and power; 
 tears flow abundantly, without interrupting its effect; and 
 though his gesture is without grace, it is full of the impas- 
 sioned earnestness of the man. His illustrations are of the 
 most familiar kind, but all striking and apposite, calculated 
 for the level of the commonest capacity, and yet such as to 
 
9gg MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 be heard with pleasure by the strongest mind. I take him to 
 be much such a preacher as Rowland Hill, judging from the 
 descriptions I have received of the latter. His subject was 
 the marriage supper; and by adapting the parable to the 
 circumstances of our own country, he gave it double interest. 
 He compared it to a marriage published by the President, to 
 honour his son, and ran out all the circumstances in a man- 
 ner calculated to rivet it forever on the memory." 
 
 His discourses were simple and scriptural. The inspired 
 volume was his most familiar acquaintance. He studied it 
 with untiring assiduity, and made the law of the Lord the 
 subject of his meditation day and night. Although he was 
 not indifferent to the advantages of systematic theology, he 
 never allowed any human theory he may have entertained, 
 to conflict with the doctrines taught by these divine oracles. 
 Whatever views of the character and claims of God, and 
 the obligations of the sinner, he learned from this source, 
 he fearlessly proclaimed to his people, regardless of conse- 
 quences. With him it was " a very small thing," to be 
 censured by man. In the language of the Apostle he could 
 say, " Do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I 
 should not be the servant of Christ." 
 
 His fidelity and dignity as a minister of God, is happily 
 illustrated by the following interesting fact. The occasion 
 on which this occurrence took place, was during a protracted 
 meeting in the Fourth Presbyterian Church, at Washington, 
 D. C, in 1831, when the Rev. J. N. Danforth was its 
 pastor. W T e are indebted for the fact to the " Life of Wal- 
 ton," by this brother : 
 
 " The time was Sabbath morning ; the audience large, and 
 in the midst sat the late and present President of the United 
 States, undistinguished in dress, attendance, or elevation of 
 seat, from their fellow-sinners that composed the rest of the 
 assembly. Among the subjects of prayer, the President and 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 289 
 
 the (then) Secretary of State, were mentioned. To the ser- 
 mon they listened with attention. As the feelings of the 
 preacher rose in view of the moral grandeur of the subject, 
 he fixed his eye in solemn tenderness on the two eminent 
 men before him, and spoke thus: 'Where,' he asked, ad- 
 dressing himself to these dignitaries, ' are the political men of 
 our country? What are they doing? Are you qualifying 
 yourselves for the kingdom of heaven ? If not, you must be 
 undone for ever ! I know your excuses, but they will all be 
 swept away. Who studied with greater humility than king 
 David, the government of God ? It is my practice to study 
 the word of God every morning. I should long ago have 
 lost my soul, if I had not done it; so full of care is life, so 
 drunken are we with cares. Gentlemen, turn into your 
 study every morning the first thing, with your Bible, and 
 don't let any one interrupt you till you have finished this 
 duty. How great will be your anguish if you neglect this! 
 God cannot help your misspent life, when once it is lost. 
 Away with your reputation. How can ye love God, who 
 seek honour one of another? Gentlemen, your misery will 
 be greater than that of ignorant men. Let me \fc plain, 
 for I hold an office higher than any earthly office. I hold 
 my commission from the King of heaven. I would plead, 
 and beg, and pray, and lay myself at your feet. In the 
 name of my God ! come, come, do not make light of it ! if 
 you do, you must lie down in hell for ever !' 
 
 " Deep seriousness pervaded the whole assembly. No 
 heart there but seemed to pay homage to the dignity of 
 truth, the sublimity of the gospel, the elevated office of its 
 messenger, and the imperative claims of God upon the con- 
 science." 
 
 The poetic sketch which follows, was drawn by Mr. W. 
 B. Tappan, and published in the Boston Recorder, while the 
 25 
 
290 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 original was yet engaged in the active duties of his call- 
 ing, though exhibiting the premonitory symptoms of that 
 disease which in a few weeks terminated his earthly exist- 
 ence: 
 
 A PORTRAIT. 
 
 He ministers where busy men 
 
 Do cluster in the mart of Penn, 
 
 Its northern suburbs well have known 
 
 The light that twenty years hath shone 
 
 In many an alley, lane and street 
 
 Of those thronged Liberties, where meet 
 The careless, moral, and profane. 
 
 In many a house his ready feet 
 Have visited, a soul to gain, 
 Whom he hath warned, and not in vain. 
 
 Wouldst note him ? Seek yon dome of prayer, 
 His custom'd place — behold him there. 
 He stands, with form that toil hath bowed, 
 In meekness to delight that crowd. 
 His furrowed cheek and thin gray hair 
 Would tell of age, did not that eye 
 Of kindling spark, the thought deny. 
 Would tell of weakness, did not lips 
 
 Of burning eloquence, and heart 
 That into heaven's mystery dips, 
 
 Instruction, awe, and peace impart. 
 
 With Saxon strength of language he 
 
 Pours thoughts that rise in giant strength ; 
 
 With quaint, appropriate imagery, 
 
 Convincing in simplicity — 
 
 He shows his subject's breadth and length. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 291 
 
 The weapon doth he strongly draw, 
 Bright, keen and tempered of the law; 
 And while fools cavil that its edge 
 
 Wears not a nice and useless shine, 
 It severs like a mighty wedge 
 The gnarled tough heart with power divine. 
 
 Doth ask for fruit ? 'Tis ample — some 
 
 Is gathered up to bless him here; 
 And from earth's confines men shall come 
 
 His crown, when lost are star and sphere. 
 " That Day of wrath, that dreadful Day 
 When heaven and earth will pass away" — 
 As swells abroad the last trump's sound 
 Let me be found where he is found ! 
 As sinks beneath my foot the land, 
 Let me but stand where he doth stand ! 
 
 Who shall be greatest deemed of all 
 
 That sit in white in thrones above ? 
 Not him for gifts esteemed, like Paul, 
 
 But who like Paul hath toiled in love. , 
 EartWs great ones — while abashed they wear 
 
 In heaven a rayless diadem, 
 Shall see such high in glory there, 
 
 Spangled and starred with many a gem ! 
 
 In drawing to a close, we cannot belter express our views 
 than in the language of Mr. Patterson, in reference to the 
 death of his esteemed brother and co-labourer, Rev. VV. C. 
 Walton. " He has gone to his rest, and we must not mur- 
 mur or repine ; but rather be thankful that God spared him 
 so long to the church." It was his ardent prayer that he 
 
292 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 might not " outlive his usefulness ;" and in this the Lord re- 
 markably fulfilled the desires of his heart. Two Sabbaths 
 preceding his death, though very feeble, he was in the pulpit, 
 proclaiming the messages of his Redeemer to the people of 
 his charge. He literally " wore out" in the service of his 
 Master ; but he rests from his labours. And while his sleep- 
 ing dust reposes in the tomb, his immortal spirit glows with 
 seraphic ardour before the throne. He has "stepped over 
 the little rill" which once seemed to him to separate earth 
 from heaven, and is " perfectly blessed," and " at home." 
 
 " See where he walks on yonder mount that lifts 
 Its summit high, on the right hand of bliss, 
 Sublime in glory, talking with his peers 
 Of the incarnate Saviour's love, and passed 
 Affliction lost in present joy ! See how 
 His face with heavenly ardour glows, and how 
 His hand enraptured, strikes the golden lyre! 
 As now, conversing of the Lamb, once slain, 
 He speaks; and now, from vines that never hear 
 Of winter, but in monthly harvest yield 
 Their fruit abundantly, he plucks the grapes 
 Of life." 
 
 May his mantle fall upon us ! and this tribute to his 
 memory contribute to the promotion of that cause for which 
 he prayed and toiled ! 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON . 293 
 
 REV. JAMES PATTERSON, OF PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 Oeit. November 17th, 1837. 
 
 There are others who fall on the fields of their fame, 
 The warriors of Christ, that on earth have a name, 
 And a place in the glorious records on high, 
 Who live in applause, and in triumph who die, 
 And sleep where their tablets to passengers tell 
 How bravely they battled, how nobly they fell ; 
 Yet none stir the depths of such feelings in me, 
 As rise, holy man ! when I think upon thee. 
 
 There are scribes well instructed, who rightly divide 
 The word, and choice leaders to teach and to guide ; 
 There are those in the service, like cedars, how tall ! 
 And strong for the Lord, like the veteran Paul, 
 With lips whence the music persuasively flows, 
 Of a mind that with fervour and eloquence glows, 
 And yet, who would buy their renown, with one tear 
 That comes from the heart of the lowliest here. 
 
 I cannot forget, when but few, or none cared 
 For a soul, in the web of sin's artifice snared, 
 How kindly thou labor'dst to free me ; and now 
 Though a robe 's on thy form, and a light on thy brow, 
 And glory, where yesterday lingered decay, 
 And wings plumed around thee, that bear thee away 
 From sickness and sorrow ; I cannot but sigh, 
 One needed to live should so speedily die. 
 
 I knew thee to love thee, but long ere I knew 
 Thy faithfulness, goodness, and fellowship true, 
 Thou didst follow my steps, whilst a stranger to both 
 To God and thyself, and to holiness loath, 
 And watched me, and warned me, and showed me the way 
 Where youth, just as heedless, unguardedly stray; 
 Nor paused thou, till peace, driven far by the rod, 
 I sought, as one earnest, and found it in God, 
 25* 
 
294 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 There are hearts, perhaps hundreds, where thou wast enshrined, 
 
 That will bleed at this blow, (to the giver resigned,) 
 
 There are thousands whom thou to the Shepherd hast led, 
 
 And comforted, chidden, wept over, and fed, 
 
 And some, thy first fruits, have their toils ended first, 
 
 And some, in bereavement, have bowed o'er thy dust; 
 
 And a flock thou hast blessed, and by whom thou wast blessed, 
 
 A widow, the fatherless, tears tell the rest. 
 
 We muse on this trial stern, grievous, and strange, 
 And ask, while despondiugly viewing the change 
 Made where the Death Angel has swept his wide wing, 
 Art angry, O Father 1 or why is this thing 3 
 We plead in our trouble, will Thou too depart 1 ? 
 The righteous man dies, and men lay it to heart ; 
 Yet answer is given — " Away to his home 
 I've taken him only from evil to come." 
 
 From evil to come ! if the strength of thy host 
 
 Is broke, shall thy cause not be counted as lost] 
 
 Yet no ! When the faithful is called from the field, 
 
 We'll hear but thy voice — " Cease from man as your shield," 
 
 And learning from him (who his sword has laid down 
 
 To take a new harp, and receive a glad crown,) 
 
 We'll watch for souls wand'ring, and win them above, 
 
 And spend, and be spent, like thy servant, in love. 
 
 I heard, uttered John, and a voice spoke from heaven, 
 Blessed hence are the dead, to whom it is given 
 To die in the Lord ! O ! the light is not dim, 
 That beams in such blessedness now upon him, 
 Who for trials through which he has sorrowing past, 
 Has honour, and glory, and beauty at last, 
 And from draughts drank in bitterness only below, 
 The streams that from fountains of happiness flow. 
 
 W. B. Tappan. 
 Boston, November 26th, 1837. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 295 
 
 A SERMON 
 
 OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Rev. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 PREACHED 
 
 In the First Presbyterian Church, Northern Liberties, November 26th; and ig 
 the First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, December 3, 1837. 
 
 BY REV. ALBERT BARNES. 
 
 "Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth ; for the faitbful fail from among the 
 children of men." — Psalm xii. 1. 
 
 I am by no means insensible to the difficulty of appro- 
 priately discharging the duty which devolves upon me in the 
 services of this day. With that " godly" and " faithful" 
 man whom it has pleased the Great Disposer of all events 
 to remove from us by death, I had comparatively but a brief 
 acquaintance. He was much my senior in age, and in the 
 ministry ; nor was it my privilege to be personally acquaint- 
 ed with him, to any considerable extent, until within the 
 last seven years. Of course, there is a large portion of his 
 public and private life of which I have no personal knowledge; 
 and on this account, as well as on many others, I could 
 have wished that some other person had been selected to 
 discharge the mournful duty of this day. 
 
 I am not insensible, furthermore, to the difficulty of meet- 
 
296 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 ing, on this occasion, the expectation of a bereaved and 
 much afflicted church and congregation. It is always dif- 
 ficult to speak in a proper manner of the d( ad ; so to com- 
 mend their virtues, and so to mingle lights and shades in 
 portraying their character — for all our friends, as well as 
 ourselves, have shades in their character — as to gratify the 
 feelings of surviving friends, and to make the memory of 
 their example useful to the living. It is peculiarly difficult 
 so to speak of a minister of the Gospel ; of a pastor ; of a 
 man whose labours have been blessed in the conversion of 
 many who yet remain among the living; of the man whom 
 they have long loved and venerated as their spiritual father, 
 their counsellor, and their guide; of the man who has been 
 with them in their hours of darkness and perplexity; coun- 
 selled them in times of embarrassment; comforted them in 
 times of sickness and bereavement ; attended their friends to 
 the grave ; but whose venerated form they will see no more. 
 There are no earthly ties like those which bind pastor and 
 people together ; nor is there any relation in life where so 
 many tender cords are torn asunder as when such a man 
 is removed to another world, and when an ardently attached 
 people are left to bereavement and to tears. I do not come 
 to you to-day, my respected hearers, expecting to do full 
 justice to the occasion, or to the man whose death we mourn. 
 I come not to eulogise our departed friend and father; but 
 I come, in obedience to your kind invitation, to perform, as 
 I may be able, the duty which your kindness has imposed 
 on me ; to offer in this place my humble tribute of respect 
 to the memory of a man that I greatly venerated and loved ; 
 to unite with you in rendering thanks to God for the grace 
 of our Lord Jesus which shone so abundantly in his life, 
 and for the eminent success which crowned his labours; 
 and to endeavour to derive from this event such lessons as 
 may be profitable to us all. 
 
 " Help, Lord," said the Psalmist, " for the godly man 
 ceaseth ; for the faithful fail from among the children of 
 men." To whom is this language more applicable ; who 
 among the living or the dead is, or has been, more worthy 
 of the appellation of "godly" and " faithful," than he who 
 has been removed from us ? Where has there been an oc- 
 casion when the sentiment of this text would be more forcibly 
 brought to the remembrance of a religious community ? 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSOX. 
 
 297 
 
 The sentiment of the text is, that the removal of a good 
 man, is an occasion which should prompt ns to look to God 
 for aid and consolation. It is an event which is peculiarl v 
 adapted to show us our dependence on Him, and our need of 
 His assistance, and of His merciful interposition to accom- 
 plish the plans which the "godly" and the "faithful" was 
 endeavouring to effect. My object will be to illustrate this 
 truth on this occasion ; and the entire course of my remarks, 
 I trust, will be such as to leave this sentiment deeply im- 
 pressed on our minds and hearts. 
 
 The death of a good man istan event in which the com- 
 munity at large has a deep interest ; and which it will either 
 directly or indirectly feel. His living influence is felt afar; 
 and the withdrawment of that influence will be felt afar also. 
 It may be noiseless and still, it may be without pomp and 
 parade; it may be unostentatious, and, to the world at large, 
 unseen and unknown ; but when a good man dies, an influ- 
 ence is withdrawn from the world, whose loss cannot but be 
 felt. It is like the drops of the dew, or the light of the sun. 
 The dew that falls at night is noiseless and still ; the beams 
 of light that come from the sun by day, come without pa- 
 rade or ostentation ; yet let the one be withheld, and the 
 other be withdrawn, and the effect would soon be visible on 
 the creation. The plants would droop, and the grass would die, 
 and the hills and vales be barren, and the vital warmth would 
 be withdrawn from the earth, and nature would be filled 
 with desolation. So when a good man dies. His living 
 example, his opinions, and his counsels, have been a part of 
 "the light of the world." His plans of beneficence, his 
 prayers, his patronage of morals, of learning, and of reli- 
 gion ; his aid rendered to the afflicted, to the widow, and the 
 fatherless, have been like the dew of night, or the beams of 
 noonday on the vegetable world ; and when he is gone, so- 
 ciety feels the loss where it perhaps did not. know, or care 
 for, or regard his silent influence when living ; and interests 
 far remote, it may be, from the centre where he moved, feel 
 the want of the fostering hand which has been withdrawn. 
 
 This general remark receives a more striking illustration 
 in the removal of a minister of the gospel, and the pastor of a 
 church. On the supposition that such a minister was a man 
 of God, and of prayer; a man truly devoted to his Master's 
 work ; whose heart was full of benevolence, and whose min- 
 
298 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 istry was one of eminent success — a crowd of reflections at 
 once press themselves on the mind. 
 
 The first is, That it is the departure of a saint to glory. It 
 has all the interest which always attends the close of a life of 
 piety. The conflicts of life are ended, the course is run, the 
 fight is fought. The struggling with internal corruption and 
 depravity; with the evil passions that often strove to gain 
 the ascendancy; with pride, or ambition, or sensuality, or 
 indolence, or covetousness, or selfishness, is ended. The 
 mysterious individual history, of which perhaps the world 
 knew so little, is closed. Tl*e plans of life, whether matured 
 or immatured, are brought to a pause. The conflict with 
 the king of terrors, about which there may have been so 
 many thoughts, and of which there may have been so many 
 apprehensions, is over. The dark valley, at the entrance 
 into which the world gives its parting hand, and leaves the 
 man to tread it alone, has been passed. The last sigh has 
 been heaved ; the last pain experienced; the last tear has 
 fallen from the eye ; the last pang has shot across the seat of 
 life ; and darkness has for the last time come over the vision. 
 The soul redeemed, and sanctified, and blessed, is admitted 
 to the immediate presence of God, in light ineffable and full 
 of glory : it becomes the associate of prophets, apostles, mar- 
 tyrs ; the companion of angels, and the acknowledged friend 
 of Jesus and of God. 
 
 2. The death of a minister is the departure of a herald of 
 salvation — a servant, a steward, an ambassador, to give up 
 his account. It is the solemn recalling of a man who has 
 been employed in the highest and most responsible of all 
 employments entrusted to mortals, to give back his commis- 
 sion into the hands of Jesus Christ, and to render to him in 
 person, amidst the glory of the heavens where he dwells and 
 reigns, the account of the manner in which he has discharged 
 his office in the distant world. It is the close of the func- 
 tions of his high office ; and the solemn arraignment of the 
 man to give an account of all his plans, his thoughts, his 
 purposes, his private demeanour, his diligence, his influence, 
 his actions. It is the moment of his trial, not merely as a 
 man, a father, a husband, a son, or a citizen — in all which 
 he must also render an account like other men, — but it is 
 with reference to the import of his commission, and the 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON'. ngO 
 
 manner in which he has met the duties that grow out of it. 
 It is the close of al! his plana of usefulness. It Is the break- 
 ing in upon all that he has been aiming at. If is the arrest- 
 ing of all his efforts to instruct and comfort Christians, and 
 the close of all his appeals to sinners. He goes, the recalled 
 ambassador of God to a distant world. His work on earth 
 is ended. Whatever lie may have to do in other parts of the 
 empire of Jehovah; whatever other plans he may there exe- 
 cute with unwearied toil, and with powers that need no re- 
 pose, and that dread no pain or dying agony; and whatever 
 interest he may feel in the success of plans, which he, whe- 
 ther alone or associated with others, originated on earth ; 
 yet his work below is ended. In direct personal public toil for 
 the conversion of sinners, he has no more to do ; in schemes 
 for the advancement of the interests of society, and the salva- 
 tion of the world, his counsel can no more be sought; in prayer 
 for the redemption of man, his voice will no more be heard. 
 And though we may not forbid the thought that he feels deep 
 interest in this world, yet his great interests are beyond the 
 grave; and he has become personally concerned in the so- 
 lemnities and the glories of that world which never changes, 
 and never ends. We know of no more solemn interview 
 which man has with God, than when, as a minister of the 
 gospel, he is summoned to give up his account ; nor can 
 there be conceived a trial of deeper interest than when the 
 great question is to be pondered in the world of judgment 
 whether he has " made full proof of his ministry ;" and 
 whether he has honestly and faithfully employed all his 
 talents in the great purposes for which God furnished him 
 his high commission. 
 
 3. The death of a minister is a withdrawal of his influ- 
 ence from the world, except that which may be connected 
 with the memory of his name, and the development of the 
 plans which he may have commenced. In every such 
 death one of the lights of society is put out; one of the 
 guards of virtue, and the checks of sin, is removed ; one of 
 the patrons of learning, and of benevolence, and one of the 
 instructed of the ignorant, and one of the friends of the 
 poor, of the widow and of the fatherless, is withdrawn. 
 The righteous will feel the need of augmented personal 
 effort to make up what is taken away; and the wicked will 
 breathe more freely, and sin with less restraint and less fear, 
 
300 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 because one whose rebukes they feared has been removed. 
 God takes away whatever there was in personal and official 
 influence; in ripe and varied experience; in wisdom to plan, 
 and skill to execute; in rich or profound learning; or in 
 commanding eloquence to act on the minds of men, and to 
 advance the great interests of society. 
 
 The living influence of a minister of the gospel reaches 
 into all the departments of society. It is felt, not only in 
 the sanctuary and on the Sabbath, bu, it is felt in the good 
 order of a community, in its morals, its institutions of learn- 
 ing and benevolence ; in the room of the sick and of the dy- 
 ing; in the comforts of the fire-side ; and in all the checks 
 and restraints on vice. And the effect of the death of a 
 minister is seen, not only in the pulpit that is made vacant, 
 and in his own family ; not only among his immediate friends 
 and his fellow ministers with whom he was accustomed 
 to labour; but in the institutions of learning or charity that 
 he patronised ; in the room where he was accustomed to 
 pray with the sick and the afflicted; in the family circle 
 where the benefit of his instructions was felt, and in places 
 remote, it may be, from the scene of his direct personal la- 
 bours, in the reflected influence of his ministry on society. 
 It is a blow at the root of a spreading vine that has sent out 
 its branches afar, and that has clasped by its tendrils in its 
 way a multitude of other objects. And there is nothing that 
 can again fill up this chasm; there is nothing else in society 
 that is a compensation or a substitute for the influence of a 
 man of God ; and when he is gone, society mourns a loss 
 which may be disregarded, or forgotten, but which cannot 
 be repaired. 
 
 4. It is an event sundering most tender ties. I have 
 already said that there are no ties like those which bind a 
 pastor and his people together. Religion enters into the 
 deepest feelings of our nature; and all the bonds which it 
 creates are of the most tender and sacred kind. The ties 
 which exist between a pastor and his people are such as can 
 be constituted in no other way. They are formed usually 
 in the thrilling scenes when the heart under his ministry 
 gives itself up for ever to God. He is regarded as the 
 teacher on the most interesting and vital of all subjects, and 
 as the guide by which the soul has been led to the Re- 
 deemer, and as he who, by the divine blessing, is the instru- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. gQj 
 
 merit of all the hopes and joys of the Christian's soul. 
 These bonds are strengthened by the services of each Sab- 
 bath ; by every revival of religion ; in every time of afflic- 
 tion ; in every season of despondency when he is able to 
 impart consolation; on every occasion when he comes to us 
 in limes of mourning, and attends a departed friend to the 
 grave; and every time when at the communion table he 
 breaks to us the bread of life. When he dies, the man that 
 we regarded as the instrument of our conversion, is gone; 
 the man that we looked up to as a spiritual father is gone; 
 the man that we loved to see in the pulpit, in the lecture 
 room, in the prayer meeting; the man that we expected to 
 see in times of affliction; the man that we wished to behold 
 in seasons of perplexity, will be seen there no more. He 
 has delivered to us his last message; has counselled us for 
 the last time ; and he will come to us no more to wipe away 
 our tears, and to remove the cloud of care from the brow. 
 Who shall fill his place? What tics like those can ever be 
 formed again ? And the language instructively is, "Help, 
 Lord ; for the godly man ceaseth ; for the faithful fail from 
 among the children of men." 
 
 These reflections have been pressed on my mind by a 
 contemplation of that solemn event which has called us this 
 day to mourning. A deep affliction has suddenly and un- 
 expectedly befallen this city. We mourn the departure of a 
 revered, and holy, and most faithful minister of Jesus Christ. 
 A family among us has been suddenly bereaved of its vene- 
 rated head, and now sits solitary and desolate; a church 
 weeps over the grave of a faithful pastor, and a long tried 
 friend and guide; the ministers of religion weep over a much 
 loved brother; the cause of benevolence has lost a zealous 
 and devoted advocate ; the poor have lost one who had no 
 greater pleasure than to labour for their welfare; the com- 
 munity is deprived of the example of a man of eminent vir- 
 tue, and the world has lost a man never weary in praying 
 for its welfare. A man who walked with God, and who 
 had communion with heaven, and whose prayers drew down 
 innumerable blessings on mankind, is not, for God has ta- 
 ken him. 
 
 You will not expect me to detail the events of his life. 
 To most of you he was better known than to myself; and 
 on an occasion like this, nothing more can be attempted than 
 26 
 
g02 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 a rapid glance at the leading facts in his history ; a state- 
 ment of the leading features of his character; and a few re- 
 flections to which the contemplation of his character will 
 
 give rise.* 
 
 * * * * * 
 
 It is proper now, that I should endeavour to remind you 
 of the leading traits of his character. I wish to set before 
 you, as I may be able, a correct portrait of him as a minis- 
 ter and as a man. I shall attempt this, not for the purpose 
 of eulogy, but for the sake of ascertaining, if we can, what 
 was the secret of his eminent success in the ministry, and in 
 order that we may derive from this event, such lessons of 
 practical import as it is the design of God to teach us. If 
 I speak of defects in his character, I shall do it more lightly, 
 and more tenderly, than he would have done of himself. If 
 he stood again where I now stand, in the place which he so 
 long occupied ; if he were to give me a charge on this occa- 
 sion, and tell me what to say, he would tell me, as the la- 
 mented Bruen told his friends when he was dying, " Don't 
 make me out a saint, for that would be the way to ruin souls ! 
 don't preach a gloomy sermon, but make heaven seem 
 brighter than the world." — Dr. Skinner's Sermon, p. 27. 
 He would tell me not to conceal what might have impeded 
 his usefulness ; not to magnify the excellence of his charac- 
 ter ; not to attribute any thing to native worth ; not to dim or 
 obscure the grace of God which was needful for his salva- 
 tion. He would not suffer me to speak of him otherwise 
 than as a poor ruined sinner; a man with a heart prone to 
 evil ; a man by nature deeply defiled and depraved ; and a 
 man dependent on the mere sovereign mercy of God for alt 
 his hopes of salvation. He would desire that I should give 
 such a portrait of his character as should set forth the grace 
 and the glory of Christ in all his life, and in all his work; 
 and as should leave the impression on every mind that it 
 was the grace of God that crowned his efforts, and that all 
 that he had of excellency of character was to be traced 
 solely to the renewing and sanctifying agency of the Holy 
 
 * The part of the sermon omitted, contains a brief history of Mr. 
 Patterson. As this has been given at length in the Memoir, it is 
 deemed needless to repeat it. This omission, however, does not 
 interfere with the unity of the discourse. — Ed. 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 303 
 
 Spirit. With this object in view, and with a design to 
 glorify God in him, (Gal. i. 24,) I shall proceed, as briefly 
 as possible, to speak of his intellectual character; his perso- 
 nal character as a man; his plans of doing good; and his 
 success. 
 
 I. His intellectual character. — In this, there was 
 much that was striking and peculiar; and the peculiarity of 
 the structure of his mind was, no doubt, one cause of the 
 measure of his success. His intellectual character may be 
 contemplated in the following aspects. 
 
 1. The cast of his mind was highly original. He thought 
 for himself; he thought in his own way ; he had his own 
 mode of arsu mentation ; and his own mode of illustrating a 
 subject. He had an unusual power of striking out trains of 
 thought which had not occurred to others, and of employing 
 illustrations as striking as they were new. His mind was 
 less adapted to a long and patient process of investigating 
 truth, and following error from step to step, and dislodging 
 it by the slow operations of a siege, than it was for seizing 
 with great power on the strong points of truth, and bearing 
 them to the conscience, and dislodging error, by securing 
 the citadel of the heart in the cause of truth. Perhaps 
 there are few men living who are more original in the cast 
 of their minds ; and hence there are few to whose preaching 
 men accustomed to think for themselves would be attracted 
 with deeper interest. Defects there were, as we shall see, 
 in taste, but there were none who did not admire the strong 
 energy of his conceptions, and the Saxon strength of his 
 modes of expression. He was not less independent than he 
 was original. He thought for himself; and he was in- 
 debted for his opinions, generally, to no man, living or dead. 
 What he believed the Bible to teach, he held ; nor was there 
 any human authority, or denunciation, or array of great 
 names, living or departed, that would deter him from utter- 
 ing and defending his sentiments. 
 
 2. He had an unusual power of making the truth bear on 
 the heart, and the conscience. He had so studied the truth, 
 and so studied the human character, that he knew the way 
 at once to the heart, and could concentrate and combine 
 truth so as to bear with amazing energy on the soul. It 
 was not a power so much of stating it with logical precision; 
 
304 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 it was not the power of arranging it into a system ; it was 
 not that of nicely distinguishing as a metaphysician its re- 
 lations ; it was that of selecting great and vital points, and 
 applying them with tremendous and often overpowering en- 
 ergy to the souls of men. And in this, he has been proba- 
 bly equalled by but few of the revival preachers of the land. 
 
 3. He was a man who studied more than was commonly 
 supposed ; but his mode of studying was also peculiar. The 
 fact that he was early employed as a classical teacher, and 
 as a tutor in college, may be adduced as a proof that his 
 early classical attainments were of a very respectable cha- 
 racter. His fondness for the study of the languages attended 
 him through his life. But he seems to have early laid aside, 
 if he ever cherished it, the idea of being distinguished as a 
 classical scholar, or as a man of letters or science. He 
 gave himself to the work of the ministry, and his literary 
 attainments were only those which could be acquired, or 
 preserved, amidst the trials of an office that, in his view, 
 demanded all his time. Yet he studied ; and studied much. 
 But the principle on which he studied was not to accumu- 
 late, or to treasure up, but it was to make immediate use 
 of all that he acquired. Hence his studies were where 
 others often feel little interest in pursuing truth. It was 
 often among books that were little known or appreciated by 
 others; and the result was seen in views of truth, and in 
 illustrations striking and new, yet often quaint, and such as 
 apparently to overload his sermons. He had an inquisitive 
 mind ; and there was no subject pertaining to government, 
 or morals ; to the state, or to common life, which he did not 
 look at with reference to the interests of religion. 
 
 4. His imagination was singularly fertile. It was rich, 
 and almost unbounded in illustration. Yet here is a point 
 on which I would touch tenderly, and lightly; for it was in 
 reference to this that there probably existed the most serious 
 defect in his intellectual character. His imagination was 
 fertile rather than chaste; he sought illustrations that were 
 original and striking, rather than those which would be dis- 
 tinguished for refinement and delicacy; rather those which 
 would tell on the minds of those whom he addressed, than 
 those which would be admired for their beauty, or which 
 sparkled by their brilliancy. But this was not the result of 
 accident; nor is it to be traced entirely to the original striae- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON". o ft c 
 
 ture of his mind. It was the result of design; and had its 
 origin, nsail he did had, in a heart full oflove to souls, and 
 in the plans which he had adopted to do good. It had its 
 origin in the two following causes : First, he had early 
 conceived the deepest abhorrence of a cold, barren, and for- 
 mal ministry. He abhorred, probably more than he did 
 any thing else, except sin, a ministry when the aim was cold 
 argumentation, and mere refinement, and elegance of dic- 
 tion, and dead orthodoxy, and where there was the dread of 
 excitement, and a fear of revivals. There was nothing on 
 which he would express himself more strongly, than in re- 
 gard to such a ministry; and in his own mimst'i-v, therefore, 
 he aimed at just the opposite, and made it his primary ob- 
 ject to produce excitement, and to save the souls of'men 
 from death. Under this influence, therefore, he was early 
 thrown into a train of feelings, and into modes of expression 
 just the opposite of a ministry of mere refinement, and of 
 cold and barren orthodoxy. And, secondly, it was to be 
 traced to the fact that a large part of his ministry was spent 
 among the poor, and those in the lower ranks of life. He 
 was i'ound in the lanes, and alleys, and hovels of the 
 wretched ; he addressed them in the streets, and on the com- 
 mons ; he spoke to those to whom no one else spoke of sal- 
 vation ; he turned aside from the places of refinement, and 
 the palaces of the great, as his Master did, to preach the 
 gospel to the poor; and he adopted such modes of expres- 
 sion, and such illustrations as he deemed fitted to impress 
 their minds with the truths of religion. It was, therefore, 
 the result of principle, and not of accident, and the princi- 
 ple is one which makes us love him the more; for "e'en his 
 failings leaned to virtue's side." 
 
 "With Saxon strength oflanguage, he 
 
 Poured thoughts that rose in giant strength; 
 With quaiiit, appropriate imagery, 
 
 Convincing" in simplicitv — 
 He showed the subject's breadth and length. 
 
 The weapon did he strongly draw, 
 Bright, keen, and tempered, of the law; 
 
 And while fools caviled that its edge 
 Wore not a nice and useless shine, 
 
 It severed like a mighty wedge 
 The gnarled tough heart with power divine." 
 
 W. B. Tappax. 
 26* 
 
306 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 II. His personal character as a man. — What that 
 character was, I need not say to those who were acquainted 
 with him; nor is there need to testify to this community, as 
 if it were unknown. 
 
 He was eminent for single-hearted and devoted piety. By 
 his brethren in the ministry he was esteemed as the most 
 holy man we had ; nor have we a better man to be removed 
 to heaven. In his religious character, he left nothing doubt- 
 ful, nothing to be conjectured ; nothing that made it a mat- 
 ter of uncertainty what principles regulated and controlled 
 his life. No one ever suspected that he was influenced by 
 the love of ease, or of gold ; or that he sought the praises of 
 men, or a wide and lasting fame. In his religious character, 
 he had the confidence of all, friends and foes ; for like all 
 good and faithful men, he had bitter foes, as well as warm- 
 hearted friends. No one in this community doubted that 
 he was a holy man ; that he feared God ; that he sought as 
 the great principle of his actions, to do his will. No one 
 was probably ever with him, even almost during the most 
 casual interview, without the conviction that " he was a good 
 man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith." It was this 
 single-hearted devotedness to God, and to the good of men, 
 which was the foundation of the high esteem in which he 
 was held in this community ; and which was the foundation 
 also of his eminent success as a preacher, and a pastor. It 
 was a characteristic of his piety that he was always cheer- 
 ful. He suffered much from feeble health, and during the 
 latter years of his life, from a constitution greatly impaired 
 by excessive labours. Yet he never gave way to despond- 
 ency, or to depression of spirits; nor was his religion of 
 of a misanthropic, sad, or gloomy cast. David Brainerd 
 suffered much from a habitual and constitutional melancholy, 
 over which not even the fervour of his piety suffered him 
 to rise; Payson also suffered much from despondency 
 of mind ; and it has not, indeed, been uncommon for Chris- 
 tians, even of decided religious character, and elevated piety, 
 to be occasionally sad and desponding. A melancholy hue 
 is often thrown over their religious feelings; and an impres- 
 sion is produced on the world around that religion tends to 
 make the soul gloomy and sad. But it was not thus with 
 him whom God has taken from us. He was indeed serious, 
 and tender, and solemn. He never indulged in thoughtless 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 307 
 
 mirth ; rarely in pleasantry of manner or of anecdote, though 
 he was not insensible to harmless pleasantry ; he was uni- 
 formly serious and sober in his manner, yet he had no 
 gloom, no misanthropy, no melancholy in his temperament 
 or manner. Whoever saw him at a,ny time, saw him full 
 of kindness, and ready to do them good. Whoever know 
 him, saw a piety that was adapted to elevate, not to depress, 
 the soul ; to fill the mind with cheerful emotions, not to 
 overwhelm it with sad and gloomy forebodings. 
 
 He was a man of much prayer — and of peculiar prayer. 
 He prayed on all occasions, and over all subjects, and with 
 whomsoever he might be. He prayed not as a matter of 
 form, or of mere duty; but he prayed because he loved to 
 pray, and because he had faith in a God who hears prayer. 
 Rarely was it that his' ministerial brethren were with him for 
 any considerable time in which he did not propose prayer; 
 and they who have heard him know the fervour, and faith, 
 and earnestness with which he urged his pleadings before 
 God. 
 
 It was a characteristic of his piety that religion entered 
 into all his plans of life, and into all the arrangements of his 
 family. Every thing was graduated on the principle of 
 making religion the main thing in his life. It was the topic of 
 conversation in his family ; it was the prevailing thing in his 
 study; it was the object of all his efforts in his intercourse 
 with the communiiy. 
 
 I add, that his piety prompted to. and was accompanied 
 by entire courteousness of deportment. He was a gentle- 
 man ; graceful in his manner, and kind to all ; and consulting 
 the happiness of all around him. I never saw an action of 
 his life which was not that of a gentleman ; I never heard a 
 word fall from his lips which was fitted to wound the feelings, 
 or needlessly to pain the heart. He usually met every per- 
 son with an unaffected smile; and all that he had in his 
 house, or at his command, was at the service of those who 
 could be made happy by it. He had learned effectually in 
 the school of the Redeemer, that to be a Christian was not to 
 make a man rude, rough, or unkind ; was not to destroy, 
 but was rather to augment the civilities of life; and that the 
 effect of religion should be to increase, not to diminish or 
 annihilate amenity of manners, and courteousness of deport- 
 ment. As a result of this, he was distinguished for kindness 
 
308 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 and hospitality. To his utmost extent, " yea and beyond" 
 his "power" (2 Cor. viii. 3,) he obeyed the Christian injunc- 
 tion to extend the rites of hospitality. No young m^n ever 
 came to him needing assistance, that he was not ready to 
 take him into his house, and aid him to the utmost of his 
 ability ; no young man needed his advice, or counsel, that 
 he had not an hour to spend in aiding him. His benevolence, 
 as a part of his piety, was untiring ; illimitable, in respect to 
 his desires, limited in its exercise only by his want of means, 
 his wasted strength, his enfeebled health. The elevation of 
 the poor and the degraded to competence, virtue, industry, in- 
 telligence and piety, was a leading purpose of life; and the 
 same love to God and to man, which prompted him to spend 
 his days in the lanes and alleys, and among the abodes of 
 wretchedness, and in preaching in the fields in the suburbs 
 of our city, prompted him also to seek the salvation of de- 
 graded men every where; and to pray, and " plan" (a fa- 
 vourite word with him,) for the conversion of the whole 
 world to God. No man in his prayers and preaching dwelt 
 more on the subject of the world's conversion ; and perhaps 
 the degradation and wretchedness which he saw so often, 
 was one of the principal causes which excited his compassion 
 for the degraded Hindoo and Islander; the inhabitant of 
 China; and the sunken and wretched dweller in Africa. 
 
 III. His plans of doing Good. — Foremost in those plans, 
 was his preaching. I have already dwelt on his intellectual 
 character. As a preacher, he was eminently faithful, fear- 
 less, bold. He feared no man in preaching; he was unawed 
 by the presence of the rich or the great ; and he hesitated to 
 rebuke no crime. In his diary he has mentioned that there 
 was but one man of whom he was ever afraid, and him he 
 feared not to rebuke for sin, but that he would take .his life, 
 as he had made preparation to do. He held no views of 
 truth which would prevent him from the full offer of salvation 
 to men, or which would forbid his urging it on them as de- 
 manding their immediate compliance with the terms of salva- 
 tion. He held no views of man which would prevent his 
 pressing his obligation, and his ability, at once to embrace 
 the gospel. He preached the gospel as a system which he 
 believed might be embraced, and as adapted to make an im- 
 pression on the world. No man, indeed, more firmly held 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 309 
 
 the doctrine of man's depravity, or preached it more ; no one 
 more constantly presented the cross of Christ as the only 
 ground of the hope of man; no one more earnestly urged 
 the necessity of the influences of the Holy Spirit to convert 
 and to save the soul ; no one was more decided in his view 
 of the sovereignty of God, or the doctrine of election, or the 
 truth that man is saved by grace. In his view of the death 
 of the Redeemer, indeed, he is believed to have held the doc- 
 trine of a limited atonement; but no one ever saw him in 
 the least embarrassed by that from offering salvation to all 
 men ; nor did his views on that subject ever interpose the 
 slightest barrier to the utmost harmony of feeling and of ac- 
 tion with those who embraced the opposite view. And in 
 reference to any, or all his theological opinions, decided as 
 he was, nothing prevented a hearty co-operation with all 
 who loved the Lord Jesus, and a willingness to join with any 
 man, or any denomination, in any plan for doing good. As 
 a preacher, no man, probably, better knew the way to the 
 heart, than he did. Its deep depravity, he could with great 
 power, lay open to the view of the sinner himself. He con- 
 centrated and pressed the truth on the conscience, so that 
 the sinner could not but feel his guilt. His own cheeks were 
 often bathed in tears when he preached ; and his heart was 
 full ; and his audienee was often overwhelmed with deep and 
 sudden emotion. His aim was the heart ; and he well knew 
 how other hearts would feel when he felt, and how other 
 eyes would weep when his own ran down with tears. 
 
 As the result of the great purpose of his soul to do good 
 on the widest scale possible, he adopted any kind of means 
 or measures which would in his view tend to make an im- 
 pression on the minds of men, and save the soul. He did 
 this without system or plan, save the general purpose to do 
 good in all ways possible ; he did it without inquiring whether 
 the means used were new or old ; rife or obsolete; approved 
 or disapproved by others ; commended or condemned. He 
 employed all the means which others had ever successfully 
 employed, and all which his own fertile imagination sug- 
 gested as adapted to make an impression on the soul, and to 
 save it. If the means which he used were not always 
 deemed by others the most judicious which might have been 
 employed; if, in his addresses to sinners, there was some- 
 times much that seemed harsh and severe ; if those mea- 
 
310 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 sures were sometimes such as seemed to more phlegmatic 
 minds the result of over-heated zeal ; still there was but one 
 feeling with respect to the motive which prompted them. In 
 regard to those means, he quarrelled with no man for differ- 
 ing from him. He had his own way, and he was willing 
 that others should have theirs also. If they did not choose 
 to use the measures in promoting revivals and saving souls, 
 which he adopted, he had no contentions with them. If, 
 as sometimes happened, men less zealous and devoted, men 
 more concerned about orthodoxy than the salvation of souls, 
 complained in the presbytery or synod of the course which 
 he adopted, he disarmed them by telling them of the good 
 that was done ; he administered a silent but most effectual 
 rebuke, by leaving them to judge of the comparative results 
 of their plans and of his. In the controversy which has 
 been waged within a few years past about ' new measures,' 
 he took no part, but kept on in his own way, and left the ar- 
 gument to others, while he used just such measures as he 
 judged best, and left the keeping of his reputation to God. 
 
 As a part of his plans he was accustomed to set every 
 young man to work who could be employed in doing good. 
 He had plans of benevolent action which constantly demand- 
 ed the aid of others; and he seized upon the assistance of 
 others, wherever it could be commanded, to further and per- 
 fect his schemes. Every young man, therefore, that was 
 with him, who had the ministry in view, and all indeed, 
 over whom he had an influence, were employed in some 
 scheme of benevolence. In this connexion, it may be 
 mentioned, that he was the originator of the Sabbath-school 
 system of instruction in this city on its present plan ; and 
 indeed, it is believed also the originator of the plan itself of 
 gratuitous instruction on the Lord's day. Robert. Raikes, 
 in England, had devised the plan of instructing children on 
 the Sabbath ; but in his system the teacher was employed 
 and paid, as is common in the weekly schools. In this 
 country, and in this city, schools had been taught on the 
 evening of the Sabbath ; but the system of gratuitous in- 
 struction on the Sabbath day, owes its origin to Mr. Patter- 
 son. His heart was deeply affected with the condition of 
 the multitudes of children in the streets on the Sabbath. In 
 a small circle of pious females, he mentioned his feelings. 
 The plan was suggested of gathering them into some con- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 311 
 
 venient room before or after public worship on the Lord's 
 day, and of imparting gratuitous religious instruction. The 
 plan was adopted, and carried into execution in the lecture 
 room of his church, in Coates street; — a house since, alas, 
 desecrated and converted to a different purpose, though with- 
 out any fault of this congregation, to theatrical amusements 
 — a purpose as skilfully and successfully adapted to destroy 
 the souls of the young, as the other was to save them. In 
 the estimate of Mr. Patterson's plans of usefulness, why 
 should not the amazing result of gratuitous Sabbath-school 
 instruction be regarded as an answer to the prayer which of 
 all others he most frequently offered, " Lord, help us to plan 
 and scheme for the advancement of thy Kingdom !" 
 
 I add, that it was an essential part of his plan to preach 
 " the gospel to the poor." A large portion of his ministry 
 contemplated their welfare; and it may be added, that in 
 their service he exhausted his constitution, and wore away 
 his life. For many years, until the state of his health for- 
 bade it, he was accustomed to gather them in crowds on the 
 commons, and to proclaim to them the word of salvation. 
 No man, since the days of Whitefield, probably, could col- 
 lect greater multitudes to hear him ; and though for many 
 years he has been unable to preach in this manner, yet there 
 was no man in Philadelphia, at whose death so many of the 
 poor would have been gathered together to honour his me- 
 mory, and to attend him to the grave. Thus — 
 
 "To relieve the wretched was his pride, 
 And e'en hrs failing's leaned to virtue's side ; 
 But in his duty prompt in every call, 
 He watch'd and wept, he prayed and felt for all. 
 And as a bird each fond endearment tries 
 To tempt its new fl edged offspring to the skies, 
 He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 
 Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way." 
 
 Goldsmith. 
 
 IV. His success. A few remarks is all that the time 
 will admit under this head. There is an influence which a 
 good man, and especially a minister of the gospel, exerts on 
 a community which no one can estimate. It has already 
 been compared to the sand or the dew. " But who can 
 write the history of the dew or the rain ?" Who can tell 
 exactly and minutely, all the benefits which result from them 
 
312 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 to the vegetable and the animal creation? They fall on 
 each spire of grass, on each plant, each leaf, each flower; 
 and the influence is seen in the earth carpeted with green ; 
 in the air fragrant with the smell of flowers; in the tree 
 that lifts its head high towards the clouds; and in the 
 abundant food for brute and for man. There is an influence 
 of a good man and of a minister of another kind which it 
 is impossible to estimate. It is that which shall result from 
 his expanding and developing plans when he is dead. He 
 may have set in motion a train of causes which shall con- 
 tinue to operate long after he is laid in the grave, perhaps 
 till the affairs of this world shall be wound up by the 
 coming of the Son of man to judgment. He may have 
 formed plans which shall be divulged only in other nations, 
 and among a people whom he has never seen. Or he may 
 have contributed to introduce men to stations of influence 
 and power, and who shall act on the destinies of man, 
 when his own name shall he forgotten. It is not to be re- 
 garded as true, therefore, that the most valuable men are 
 always those whose usefulness can be most easily subjected 
 to the gauge, and can be admeasured. And it is sometimes 
 true that those men are most useful whose names are least 
 known, and least blazoned abroad by fame. We do not 
 pretend, therefore, to be ;ible to record all the evidences of 
 usefulness in the life of him who has been taken from us. 
 But there are evidences of usefulness, and of the divine 
 blessing on his labours, rarely surpassed in the ministry in 
 this or in any other country. 
 
 We have already seen that his early ministry in New 
 Jersey was blessed with several revivals of religion. In 
 this church, when he became its pastor, there were but fifty- 
 two members. During his ministry here, of twenty-three 
 years, there were received into the communion sixteen hun 
 dred and ninety members ; on an average about seventy 
 four in a year. In the very successful ministry of Dr 
 Payson, it is recorded that he admitted about forty in a yeai 
 on an average to the communion of the church ; and, per 
 haps, there has not been an instance in this land, of a pas 
 tor who has admitted under his ministry to the communion 
 so large a number, for so many years in succession, as the 
 pastor of this church. From this church, also, two others 
 have been formed — the Presbyterian church in Sixth street, 
 above Green, and the Central church in the Northern Lib- 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. gin 
 
 erlies, as the indirect result of his labours. But this is by 
 no means the extent of his usefulness. It is known that a 
 large number of those who were converted under his minis- 
 try, connected themselves with other churches, and proba- 
 bly there are very few of the Presbyterian churches in this 
 city where there are not some members who regarded him 
 as their spiritual father. In addition to this, he travelled 
 much ; he attended many protracted meetings; and in them 
 he was eminently successful. There is, perhaps, not a city, 
 or a considerable town on the Atlantic sea-board, from 
 Washington to Portland, in which he has not at some time 
 preached the gospel, and rarely, if ever, without success. 
 By those who have travelled where he travelled, it has been 
 remarked that the fruits of his labours were seen every 
 where, and that in all those places might be found those 
 who were converted under his ministry, or by his private 
 conversation. In our own state he laboured extensively, 
 and with great popularity and success, among the German 
 population ; and those who have been acquainted with his 
 success abroad, will probably not doubt that as many have 
 been brought to the knowledge of the Redeemer by those 
 labours, as under his immediate pastoral efforts in this 
 church, if such an estimate be correct, then there have 
 been thousands in this land who traced their conversion to 
 his instrumentality. In addition to this, it is said that he 
 was the means of introducing not less than sixty young men 
 into the ministry. I ought to add also, as an evidence of 
 his faithfulness and success, that at least two settled pastors 
 acknowledged to him that they were strangers to relioion, 
 and had been preaching a gospel of which They practically 
 knew nothing, until they were brought to see their error by 
 his labours and fidelity. 
 
 I have thus endeavoured to give an outline of his cha- 
 racter. My object has not been flattery — he is beyond the 
 reach of flattery — nor indiscriminate eulogy. I have de- 
 sired to set before you such a portrait of his character tha 
 you could recognise it; and such as should serve to fill us 
 with gratitude to God for all the grace which he conferred 
 on him, and all the benefits which he has bestowed on the 
 community, the church, and the world through him. He 
 was a holy, self-denying, laborious man ; and God blessed 
 his efforts, and made him a shining lififht. He was a friend 
 27 
 
314 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 of revivals of religion, and he lived for revivals ; and God 
 has set his seal of approbation to the desires of his heart, 
 and has showed that such desires shall be crowned with his 
 favour. He has gone from his abundant toils to a rest to which 
 he long looked forward, and is now happy in his eternal home. 
 
 I have already detained you long ; perhaps too long. Yet 
 I feel an interest in the character of this man of God which 
 makes me reluctant to leave the theme. It is a rich exam- 
 ple; and his life and death are full of practical lessons which 
 I should like, more fully than there is now time, to exhibit. 
 An occasion like this to you and me is not likely to occur 
 again, and you will allow me, therefore, to detain you while 
 I suggest a few of the lessons which it seems to me his life, 
 his character, and his death, are adapted to teach us. 
 
 1. Jt is possible so to live as to secure the confidence of 
 the community at large ; and so as to leave, from the whole 
 tenor of the life, the impression of personal piety in the view 
 of all. There are many professed Christians of whose cha- 
 racter it is impossible to form any definite estimate. There 
 is so much that is mixed and unsettled ; so many things of 
 doubtful character ; there is so much conformity to the world, 
 so much desire of gain, so much love of fashion, and so 
 much ambition, that the world sees no evidence of decided 
 religious character, and perceives in their example nothing 
 different from what they themselves practice and allow. 
 They mingle freely with the people of the world ; partake 
 freelv of their amusements ; join with them in the laugh or 
 the sons, or in the scene of prayerless festivity and mirth. 
 They do not rebuke the world for its follies, or the sinner 
 for the error of his ways. They associate comparative!}' 
 little with the humble followers of the Redeemer, and they 
 enter very little into any plans for the salvation of the sinner, 
 and the conversion of the world. The remark which 1 now 
 make is, that it is possible that the elements of piety may 
 be so diffused through a man's soul that his character may 
 be known, and being known, may command the respect of 
 mankind. That a man may so live as to be known to be a 
 decided Christian ; so live, that you may know always where 
 to find him, is apparent from a thousand cases, and is illus- 
 trated by the case before us. Who ever had occasion to 
 doubt what was the character of Jesus Christ 1 Who ever 
 doubted that he loved God, and that he practised self-denial, 
 
KEV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 315 
 
 and that he had a heart full of benevolence, and that he de- 
 lighted in prayer! Who ever suspected that he was in- 
 fluenced by the love of ease, or gain, or pleasure, or ambition] 
 Who ever detected ambiguity, or unsettledness, or vacilla- 
 tion in his character ? And in like manner, who ever had 
 occasion to doubt what was the character and the aim of 
 Paul and John 1 So of Baxter, and Brainerd, and Martyn, 
 and Pay son, and Edwards — and the world has honoured 
 them as men of decided, devoted, elevated character. 
 
 So it was with him who has been taken from us. The 
 Christian community of all denominations regarded him as 
 a man of God — and so spoke of him when living ; and so 
 venerate his memory when dead. He had no other reputa- 
 tion ; he left in their view nothing doubtful in regard to the 
 main point of his character. 
 
 The wicked world regarded him as a man of God. They 
 hated him, and often reproached him, as they did the Sa- 
 viour himself — for he troubled them, and would not let them 
 alone in their sins. He knew they had a conscience; and 
 he believed they were in the broad road to hell ; and he 
 was not slow to apprise them, whatever was their rank or 
 wealth, of his views on that subject; and they were not 
 slow to apprise him of their feelings in regard to him. When 
 they bow to me, said he, and show me respect and honour, 
 as they often do, I feel that there is little good doing among 
 them ; when I hear them speak of fire and brimstone, as I 
 pass them, I infer that their consciences are troubled. He kept 
 for years a bundle of letters which he called " the devil's ar- 
 rows," which were filled with the reproaches of the wicked. 
 But did the wicked ever doubt what were the elements of 
 his character; did they ever doubt that he was a man of 
 God, a faithful and fearless reprover of their sins? Not 
 one of them. They knew his self-denials, and his zeal, 
 and his faithfulness too well ; and even they were prepared 
 to come around his remains at his burial, and show the in- 
 terest which they felt in the departed man of God. 
 
 His opposing brethren in the ministry regarded him as a 
 man of God. The history of this is long, and this not the 
 place nor the time to tear open old wounds, and revive the 
 memory of conflicts that are past. More than twenty years 
 are passed away since he came here, a large part of which 
 has been a history of ecclesiastical heart-burnings, and con- 
 
316 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 tentions and strifes. It would be weli if those melancholy 
 scenes could be forgotten ; and their record be blotted from 
 the church. They have echoed, and re-echoed throughout 
 the land. Of those who were so long engaged in those 
 strifes ; of those who were the objects of opposition in their 
 doctrinal opinions, as well as in their labours and plans, 
 one, my venerable predecessor* — always the decided and 
 warm friend of the pastor of this church, was seven years 
 since removed to his rest, another, a much loved man, now 
 labours in a sister city;j the third we have just committed 
 to the dust. The controversy has passed into other hands; 
 and has been diffused throughout the land. I bless God 
 this day that he endowed those who were first the subjects 
 of this opposition, the two who are departed, and the sur- 
 viving brother — with a catholic spirit so conspicuous in each 
 one — so mild, so gentle, so patient, so forbearing, so for- 
 giving, and so pure. Amidst all the evils of this contro- 
 versy, this good has come out of it, that it has been seen 
 that men can bear opposition with meekness; that they can 
 meet reproaches with the spirit of love. Of him whom we 
 have just committed to the grave, the last public act in re- 
 lation to whom was his being denied a seat in that ecclesias- 
 tical body, of which he had been a member for almost a 
 quarter of a century, by the Synod of Philadelphia at its 
 meeting in Baltimore, October 1837, was there one, is there 
 one, who doubts that he was a holy man ; a man of God ; 
 and a man who had a claim to the affection and confidence 
 of all his brethren 1 
 
 I said that honour would be shown to the memory of such 
 a man. In this city, not in more than one instance, has so 
 deep an interest been felt in the death of a minister of the 
 gospel. Fifty clergymen, and probably not less than from 
 eight to ten thousand people at his funeral, testified their re- 
 spect to his memory. The poor were there — for they had 
 lost a much loved benefactor and friend. The young were 
 there — for they regarded him as a Hither. The aged were 
 there — for they had been blessed by his ministry and his ex- 
 ample. Christians were there— for a bright light had been 
 put out, and one of the holiest of their own number had been 
 
 * Rev. James P. Wilson, D. D.— [En.] 
 f Rev. Thos. H. Skinner, D. D.— [Ed.] 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 317 
 
 taken away. And the wicked were there — for they regarded 
 him as a faithful man, and they came to cast in the tribute 
 of their approving consciences to the uprightness of his ways. 
 2. It is possible so to preach the gospel as to be attended 
 with signal success. In this respect, the life and labours of 
 our departed friend furnish a rich example to his surviving 
 brethren. It was an example which demonstrates that the 
 gospel is " mighty through God to the pulling down of 
 strong holds; and that the " word of God is quick and pow- 
 erful, and sharper than a two edged sword." So it was in 
 the hands of Paul ; and so in the hands of Luther, and Knox, 
 and Baxter, and Wesley, and Whitefield, and Edwards, and 
 Tennant ; and so it was in the hands of him who is now 
 taken from us. And we have found out, I think, in the con- 
 templation of his character, what was the secret of his suc- 
 cess. It was not because he aimed to be learned, argumen- 
 tative, polished, eloquent, in his preaching. It was not 
 because he gave himself to the defence of mere orthodoxy 
 of sentiment, or of language, or to maintaining the Shibbo- 
 leth of party ; nor was it because he was in fact more elo- 
 quent, or learned, or skilled in argumentation than many of 
 his brethren. It was because he had but one aim, one pur- 
 pose of life. It was because he gave himself to the business 
 of saving souls as the business of his life, and did not suffer 
 himself to be diverted from it by the love of ease, by indo- 
 lence, by the prospect of gain, by the praises of the world, 
 or by ecclesiastical contentions and logomachies. He had 
 but one ruling object; one master passion; one purpose of 
 soul ; — and that, under the regular laws which God has es- 
 tablished, was the secret of his uncommon success. And if 
 God shall bless him in his death as he has in his life, and 
 make his example in any measure as rich in influence as 
 were his living toils, his memory will be an invaluable inhe- 
 ritance to the ministers of the gospel, and to the churches of 
 this city and land. Not again, probably, will the pastors 
 now living be admonished in a manner so striking of what 
 the ministry may and should do ; and God is holding up his 
 example to the ministers of this land, and calling on them like 
 him to give themselves wholly to these things, to make full 
 proof, as he did, of their ministry; and to see how many souls 
 may be saved by the faithful and self-denying labours of those 
 who are professedly devoted to the work ; and to the churches 
 27* 
 
318 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 as a bright example of the power of a Christian life, and of 
 the influence of a man devoted to God. 
 
 3. The church which he has collected by his toils, and 
 which he has so long and so faithfully served, has lost much. 
 You owe much to bis labours ; you owe much to his memory; 
 you have lost much by his removal. You are aware of this ; 
 and I need not harrow up your feelings by reminding you 
 of it. " You have been deprived of an ascension gift of 
 Jesus Christ,— a herald of eternal love ; an able minister of 
 the New Testament ; a lover and a friend of your souls. He 
 laboured for you in life; he counselled, comforted, admon- 
 ished you." For almost a quarter of a century, he broke to 
 you the bread of life; and went in and out among you as 
 your pastor, neighbour, and friend. He has officiated in 
 your marriage connexions; he has baptized most of you and 
 your children ; he has been with you in sickness; he has 
 come into your houses with the consolations of the gospel in 
 times of affliction ; he has buried your dead. You will see 
 his face no more. You have looked upon him in this pulpit 
 for the last lime ; you have heard his voice for the last 
 time ; you have listened to the last exhortation to a holy life 
 that shall fall from his lips. How shall his people best 
 honour his memory ? How best show that they loved him? 
 Not merely by the tears — proper as they are — which you 
 shed over his grave; but by treading in his steps as far as 
 he followed his Saviour and ours. You will do honour to 
 his memory by imitating his example; by recalling and 
 obeying his instructions ; by walking in the path which he 
 prescribed; by union and love; by keeping ever far away 
 from you all discord, and envy, and strife, and uncharitable- 
 ness; by zeal for the cause of piety ; by anxious desires for 
 the conversion of souls. Be the friends of revivals ; be the 
 friends of all who love the Saviour ; be the friends of the 
 conversion of the world ; and carry out and perfect the plans 
 of Christian beneficence which were so dear to his heart. 
 
 4. Those who have long heard him, and who are yet 
 unconverted and impenitent, have a deep interest in this 
 event. You have lost much — though you may not appre- 
 ciate as yet the loss. Often you have been warned by him; 
 often entreated to come to Christ. You remember his len- 
 der admonitions, his affectionate entreaties, his counsels, his 
 expostulations. You remember how he prayed ; and you 
 
REV. JAMES PATTERSON. 
 
 :*19 
 
 have often seen him weep over you, and how full his heart 
 was of grief because you rejected the Saviour. He lias 
 gone; has gone up to the bar of God. There you will 
 meet him ; and there he will be a witness against those 
 whom he so often warned and intreated to be reconciled to 
 God. You will stand with him there, and you will remem- 
 ber then his admonitions. While the memory of his man- 
 ner and his looks is fresh in the recollection ; while you can 
 recall his words and his counsels, may I remind you that 
 for all these things you must give account; and may I say 
 to you that it will be no common doom when sinners go 
 down to the world of wo after having rejected the gospel, 
 pressed upon their attention from the lips of so faithful a 
 man. God speaks in his providence to-day, and tells you 
 that his ministry is ended ; and that for all the truth which 
 you have heard from his lips, you must give a solemn ac- 
 count at his bar. I call you to record this day, that if you 
 die impenitent, you will not go down to death and hell be- 
 cause you were not warned and instructed to turn to God. 
 You will bear with you to the world of wo the recollection 
 of his faithful ministry ; and in the darkness and sorrow of 
 that world you will think often, often, how that man of God 
 wept, and prayed, and toiled for your salvation. 
 
 5. His family has lost much. To them, how tenderly 
 does God speak on this mournful occasion. But why should 
 I remind them of their loss? They need no words of mine 
 to open the fountains of their sorrows, and to remind them 
 that a husband and a father has gone. The solitariness of 
 their dwelling, and the sadness of this place, will remind 
 them enough of that. Even infidelity can tell of death, and 
 speak of bereavement. Rather be it mine to tell that though 
 this is a sudden and peculiar affliction ; though it is accom- 
 panied with much that is unusually trying, yet it has also 
 peculiar consolations. Let me point them to the Christian 
 hope, and say, he sleeps indeed in death, but the Redeemer 
 also slept in a tomb, and blessed and sanctified the grave. 
 His body will return to the dust, but it will rise again. It 
 is sown in corruption, it shall be raised in incorruption ; it 
 is sown in dishonour, it shall be raised in glory ; it is sown 
 in weakness, it shall be raised in power. For this corrupti- 
 ble must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on 
 immortality. His spirit is gone. His holy and immortal 
 
320 
 
 MEMOIR, fee. 
 
 soul has fled. But it is not extinct. It is in heaven ; with 
 the spirits of the just made perfect; with the angels; with 
 the Saviour, and with God. It is an inexpressible favour to 
 have had such a father, and such a partner in life; and 
 standing near his grave, you and I may look up to God as 
 the source of all consolation ; we may bless God for all that 
 he has done for him, and by him ; and may use here the 
 language of Christian triumph and say, " O death ! where 
 is thy sting 1 O grave, where is thy victory V And here 
 in view of our loss and our trials, though his gain, may 
 we say, " Help, Lord ; for the godly man ceaseth, for 
 the faithful has failed among the children of men." 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 Ed-tract from a Sermon delivered at the funeral of the Rev. 
 Albert Judson, of Philadelphia, Jipril l~th, 1839. 
 
 Rev. Albeht Judson was a native of Woodbury, Conn., and 
 was born in September of 1798. His father was a man of exem- 
 plary character, — was a deacon of the church, and was distin- 
 guished for his uniform and consistent zeal in the cause of Christ. 
 He early designated this son to the gospel ministry; and while he 
 was yet a small boy, made a formal consecration of him to Christ 
 and the Church. His fondness for study was evidenced in early 
 childhood, and at a suitable age he was placed under the care of 
 a competent teacher in the town of Litchfield, to be prepared for 
 college. Then it was that he was first brought to an experimental 
 acquaintance with the love of Christ and to surrender up his heart 
 to God. He soon after made a public profession of religion, and 
 from that time, ratified in his own person, the solemn act of his 
 father, by which he had been consecrated to the church. He re- 
 ceived the honours of Yale College at the age of twenty-three, and 
 prosecuted his professional studies, and commenced his ministe- 
 rial labours in the city of New York. Several of the early years 
 of his ministry were spent in an agency for Sabbath-schools. The 
 whole business of Sabbath-school instruction was then in its in- 
 fancy. Books for the assistance of teachers were greatly needed 
 — and to Albeit Judson is the church indebted for the first syste- 
 matic course of Scripture questions which was prepared for Sab- 
 bath-schools. It was a work of great merit, and contributed in 
 no small degree, to determine some of the most essential features 
 of Sabbath-school instruction, which continue to the present day. 
 In a retired street in the city of New York, there is a little attic 
 chamber of which he sometimes spoke to his confidential friends, 
 where he prayed, and planned, and held counsel with God in se- 
 cret, in the preparation of that little volume which was soon so 
 extensively used in Sabbath-schools, entitled "Judson's Ques- 
 tions." Several large editions were soon demanded. The work 
 was republished in England, and was doubtless the means of giv- 
 ing an impulse to the cause of Sabbath-schools, beyond any thing 
 which had then been written. The labours which he employed 
 in this agency, he ever afterwards regarded as the most important 
 portion of his ministry. 
 
322 APPENDIX. 
 
 He commenced his pastoral labours in Philadelphia, in Novem- 
 ber 1832; and it is believed that no year of his ministry passed 
 away without witnessing- a greater or less degree of the reviving* 
 influences of God's Spirit among his people. I nee'd not say that 
 his labours were performed in the midst of great and peculiar 
 embarrassments. Those measures of proscription and oppression 
 by which our church has been for several years distracted, had 
 already .been begun when he entered on his ministry. He had 
 set the standard of religious attainment high — laboured to promote 
 revivals — to promote vital piety — that active gospel piety which 
 is evinced by deeds of benevolence and holy living — rather than 
 by an obstinate adherence to denominational peculiarities or party 
 measures. He of course drew upon himself, and upon his con- 
 gregation, a full share of the opposition with which many other of 
 our churches have been called to contend. Members in good 
 standing in other churches were refused dismission when they de- 
 sired to unite with his; and the increase of his congregation was 
 no doubt retarded to no inconsiderable extent, by this course. 
 Other circumstances of discouragement have also had their influ- 
 ence, and yet he was enabled to hold On his way; and from one to 
 two hundred souls are believed to have been brought to Christ by 
 his instrumentality, during the short period of his labour here. 
 
 He possessed many uncommon excellences. He had by nature 
 a good mind, a warm heart — a fine flow of animal spirits, and pos- 
 sessed some rare aptitudes for making friends and securing confi- 
 dence. In his natural temperament, he was amiable, and cheer- 
 ful, and disposed always to look on the bright side. 
 
 As a scholar, his attainments were above mediocrity — as a theo- 
 logian, he stood among the more respectable — as a Christian, 
 there are few, if any, that surpassed him. I speak what I think 
 all his co-presbyters will attest, when I say, that after the la- 
 mented Patterson was taken from us, the only brother who, in 
 holiness and piety, was deemed worthy to wear his mantle, was 
 Albert Judson. His piety was not gnly eminent in degree, but 
 was remarkably free from those human weaknesses and imper- 
 fections which sometimes adhere to very holy men. It was not 
 of that spasmodic character which ebbs and flows with every tide 
 of popular feeling, and every variation of moral temperature. It 
 was the all pervading trait of his character, and was evinced by 
 a uniform course of holy living, and a zealous, persevering sys- 
 tem of effort in the cause of Christ. 
 
 As a preacher, he was plain, solemn, impressive, and eminently 
 practical and instructive. He never sought to dazzle and fasci- 
 nate by tropes, and figures, and fine turned periods, but seemed 
 ever mainly intent on presenting the truth — the plain, naked, un- 
 varnished truth, so as to gain a lodgment for it in the heart. 
 
 He was an ardent lover of revivals, and was a successful labour- 
 er in promoting them. Safe and judicious in his counsels to the 
 anxious, discriminating in his judgment of appai'ent conversions, 
 he was uncommonly happy in guiding the young Christian through 
 the trials of his early experience. He entered with all his heart into 
 
 li 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 !23 
 
 all the great enterprises of Christian benevolence, and partook 
 largely of that generous, catholic, enlightened philanthropy, 
 which, overlooking- the narrow limits of sectarian or denomina- 
 tional interest, embraces within the circle of its regards the whole 
 family of man — makes the world the field of its operations, and 
 the recovery of the world to God, the grand object of its pursuit. 
 1 hardly need to add, that he was a brother greatly beloved by 
 all his brethren. He had a heart which was all made up of the 
 tenderest sympathies. We all rejoiced in his prosperity — we all 
 sympathised in his afflictions, and we come with his afflicted fa- 
 mily and people to-day, to mingle our tears with theirs in the ob- 
 sequies of his funeral. 
 
 His last sickness was long and painful — far, far beyond what 
 ordinarily falls to the lot of man. For more than two years it 
 was manifest to all who saw him that his end was near; and yet 
 there was a remarkable fact attending all his sickness, that up to 
 the last week of his life, he entertained a confident expectation 
 that he should recover his health, and again be well. Seldom, 
 probably, has the instance been known of one who was so well 
 prepared to die, and who yet under so much disease had so strong 
 an expectation that he should live. It is to be accounted for, 
 doubtless, by the fact, that his love for souls, and his desire to la- 
 bour for their salvation, were so strong, that he could not believe 
 that God wi uld take him out of life until he had done more 
 through his instrumentality for the conversion of men. 
 
 The strong desire which he felt to labour for the salvation of 
 souls, and advance the interests of Christ's kingdom, kept up in 
 his bosom the hope and expectation of recovery long after it was 
 apparent to all his friends that he was fast hastening to the tomb. 
 Even the Sabbath before he died he expected to be able to preach; 
 and it was but the Thursday before his death that he gave up all 
 hope of being again able to resume his labours. 
 
 Some of the last months of his life were employed in preparing 
 the memoir of the lamented James Patterson; and when he was 
 informed that the physicians, who had taken counsel in his case, 
 had pronounced it hopeless, he raised his eyes for a few moments 
 in prayer, and said: "Then I must set my house in order — my 
 family — my dear children — and then that memoir." He employed 
 what little strength he had, in giving appropriate counsel to his 
 wife and children — gave to the eldest son a solemn charge to read 
 the Bible daily, and give his heart to God, and said: " Kemember 
 as you look down into your father's grave, the solemn charge 
 which 1 now give you, to read the Bible daily, on your knees;" 
 and he expressed it as the highest desire of his soul, that his 
 two sons might be qualified to preach the gospel. 
 
 To his distressed wife, he addressed appropriate counsels and 
 consolations, and in terms of most affectionate endearment, sought 
 to sooth the anguish of her soul, which he saw rising to a degree 
 too intense to be suppressed, and said: " Cast yourself at the door 
 of God's providence — he will sustain you — Christ is precious — 
 in his atonement, is all my hope." 
 
324 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 He expressed very deep solicitude for the church and congre- 
 gation, and sent for one of the elders, the morning" of the day he 
 died — and said he had much to say, but his streng-th failed, and 
 he was unable to proceed. As the moment of his dissolution ap- 
 proached, a friend who stood near him, said: "Is Jesus still pre- 
 To which he replied, "Yes — my only hope." These 
 
 cious 
 
 ?" 
 
 were among- his last words. It was on Sabbath morning-, at half 
 past ten o'clock, when he slept in death. " Blessed are the dead 
 who die in the Lord." 
 
 To tiie afflicted widow and children, we tender all the sym- 
 pathy which a thousand hearts deeply affected under this bereave- 
 ment can offer, and most affectionately commend them to him, 
 who is the widow's God, and the orphan's Father. No one can 
 comfort and console like God. 
 
 To my brethren in the ministry, let me say this is an affecting- 
 speaking- providence to us. Are we all as well prepared for death 
 and judg-ment, as was our brother who slumbers there ? The 
 breach which death has, in this instance, made upon our number, 
 is one which will not easily be repaired. I need not say the min- 
 istry has not many such men to lose. His chief excellences were 
 in those traits of his character, in which the power and efficiency 
 of every successful ministry must consist — fjiixknt holiness — 
 unreserved consecration to God. How much the moral power of 
 the ministry is diminished by the loss of two such men as Patter- 
 son and Judson, will be known at another day. " Whatsoever 
 our hands find to do, let us do it with all our might." 
 
 To the bereaved congregration, this event administers a solemn 
 admonition. In your efforts to maintain the g-ospel and its ordi- 
 nances here, have you sometimes thoug-ht of yielding- to despon- 
 dency ? And will you look on this bereavement as the frown of 
 God upon your enterprise ? Fear not, little flock. It is not pun- 
 ishment, but discipline, which God is administering- to you. 
 *' Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son 
 whom he receiveth," — "for our profit, that we might be partakers 
 of his holiness." 
 
 While we sympathise with you in all your trials, we are ready 
 also to aid you in your future efforts, and we are happy to pledg-e 
 to vou, our counsels, our co-operation, our assistance, and our 
 prayers, in all your trials. And now, brethren, we commend you 
 to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you 
 up, and to give you an inheritance among- all those that are sanc- 
 tified. 
 
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