vevamo 3.
Can S
* A
CR
راه وشه -
Camasa kipas Kaj geen" atau "
a pada ka paal Saturate as to w
and to make a d
fernt some, can ikabooy, Sai
Wed
HHH!!
Catalog
• add to a dare, pri obras, pra Vans
WHOLE
Ti patates
a the Manag
ale zate
Puzzlemisto00100156190 deli
Væ obtuli miel
malan MAY IMPRESSE wethepoolne kang summing jy Imamat ramasamninga v
chapenghargaan drag in vari makan mang sahamar mandi sjaja, ta tra
Langsamak makan i den samensmadzen
1. mennns det panggilan man like a
KAAN ANDA'q'abromovar
Jour
maraange the
magna vana kastid, men senimas.
pengalama, in Kapuzensionen akta apra
Azapravom my vegan dengan ad
MEENLINNA A
amanda's man kan akadeemiat pe
epornpoovalme, the **
get arbete paraeni, maana kenapa
Steppakatti
wadi masa
neng kang makanan at mag
· d'una plata
ige spangangar a
LA SE **, WE
ching na magtagja P
Pada masa ay
a jedna tula Cartimeungana anar a'm' ating
jave, brings at man
REAL square mitt new Shah
sem pa ning k
Adamga may kasamang na par mamimiye
Man p
pa?
en ny koment
que but nomen prima 99 3006 J
3. Barang kamu jak be a ka
MERKELP, Santa
PASITAIKALLALE ALL on costa kama vi
pdo Da Vijana matindenki, zy van maat va
An imagina de que a memoran
Sama koja ga polang de maner` `
Bata pa teman alan qata' majkom ce
- trong ngai roi ta
<
minec quis parat, serta kelger a
wing naar viguin muut maartegast vent, a
MEMOIR
OF
NETTLETON
cões para sa pamama
Date, news,
pagar, pa ja must summer a
Stavaa sasa mal;
Page pa sam vaigulamay
pa magna" zyn, men vi s p
Zamjen
Manga Chin
HELENAMENDMENT
da se me y
PPANNA
bron Aprons for
phá giang năm sắp tung ra ở các
ch
A charroni mion A
so that by path to can zoom, whole o
Die iden mut ligger si
2000 in")
BV
3785
1 is op at får ta par des pada bahan
FRANCIS eskum
machen,
ta, nánu saman saqueada y muy migrat
Canada sedaya damun, kaatuvlyst C
po kami melampante text, sunarak;
catatkan satu jatay ng mga banyagang nang
NAT
4
T98
CABOERNES
Issimum, pomimo piano,
Anakkuja GameplaMANYA.
dan diguna megamete
STAYARAMAN KITAtastrate
colleague
ܩܪܐܘܕܝܕܐܬܝܐܩ 15
..
aily Sta
so want the lam gam
Can 11 judet zona code can manipat, ut pikaN DES
Can a ka ng mas maramingston ka manekengagung nga
* kvarenji sama pada keadaa

ARTES
LIBRARY
1637
MAZONU
***
VERITAS
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
2 CAPONE UN
TCEBOR
SCIENTIA
SI QUÆRIS PENINSULAMAMQ"NAM
CIRCUMSPIC
OF THE
VASS
THE
DUFFIELD
LIBRARY
THE GIFT OF
THE TAPPAN PRESBY-
TERIAN ASSOCIATION
FERREROMEX MARA
D.
TYYTYYTYTYYTY
No
7771
Present
A wedding play
from Gorge
to his Anjasta.
fct 22? 184 3
ww
3

A. Nettleton
D.D.
O Pelton Se
MEMOIR
J
OF THE
LIFE AND CHARACTER
O F
REV. ASAHEL NETTLETON, D.D.
BY BENNET TYLER, D.D.,
President and Professor of Christian Theology, in the Theological Institute of Connecticut.
HARTFORD.
ROBINS & SMITH.
MDCCCXLIV.
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1844,
BY ROBINS
&
SMITH,
in the Clerk's office of the District of Connecticut.
PRESS OF ELIHU GEER.
T
Tappand Vasture los
47-12-1924
PREFACE.
It has been well said, that "mere human greatness
is an unenviable distinction. But the man, with whose
greatness is combined moral excellence to direct and
adorn it, is allied to Jesus Christ. God has from time
to time, given to his church, men, not only of extraor-
dinary intellectual powers, but with minds so pre-emi-
nently sanctified, as to render them suitable agents
for the accomplishment of his purposes on earth.”
That some account of the lives of such men should be
preserved, and handed down to posterity, few will
deny. This should be done, not for the purpose of
glorifying men, who, however useful they may have
been, are only instruments by which God accomplish-
es his purposes; but to magnify the grace of God, and
to promote the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom.
The influence of example in forming the human
character, is confessedly great. Hence the utility of
contemplating the examples of the wise and good.
"If" as one observes, "religion appears lovely when
portrayed merely in the simplicity and amiableness
of her principles, how much more lovely when exhib-
ited in the purity and benevolence of her conduct.
When we see something more than right views and
iv
PREFACE.
dispositions; when we behold not the portrait, but the
living features of his excellence, her image sinks deep
into the soul."
Much of the instruction of the sacred scriptures, is
communicated under the form of example. Besides
the perfect pattern set by Christ for our imitation, we
are pointed to the example of the ancient saints,
"who through faith and patience inherited the prom-
ises." We are reminded of the trials through which
they were called to pass of the temptations by
which they were assailed of the persecutions which
they endured. We see them making their way to
heaven "through much tribulation," and at length
coming off "conquerors and more than conquerors
through him that had loved them." That the con-
templation of these examples is suited to stimulate
and encourage believers, in the christian race, there
can be no doubt. Why, then, should not the biogra-
phy of good men of a later period have a similar ef-
fect? Who can doubt that the perusal of the memoirs
of Doddridge, of Edwards, of Brainerd, of Martyn,
of Hallock, of Payson, and of others, has been the
means of quickening, and encouraging thousands of
the people of God, and of promoting the work of sanc-
tification in their hearts?
Among those who were at all acquainted with the
subject of this memoir, or who have heard of the ex-
tensive good of which he was made the instrument,
there will be but one opinion as to the importance of
preserving some memorial of his life and character.
He was no ordinary man: nor was he raised up for
an ordinary purpose. Very few men have ever lived,
PREFACE.
Y
F
who have been the honored instruments of turning so
many souls "from darkness to light and from the
power of satan unto God.” Thousands have ac-
knowledged him as their spiritual father, who it is be-
lieved, will be his joy and crown in the day of the
Lord. Of these, many were called before him to
their heavenly rest, and have doubtless welcomed
him to their blissful society. A great number still
remain to pray and labor for Zion. Of his spiritual
children, many are ministers of the gospel; each one
of whom is ready to exclaim, in the language of Eli-
sha, when witnessing the ascension of Elijah, "My
father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horse-
men thereof." And many ministers who were not his
spiritual children, received an impulse from his
preaching and example, either before or after they
entered the ministry, which had a most salutary influ-
ence upon their character. The following statement
of one who occupies a post of great responsibility in
the church, I have no doubt expresses the views and
feelings of many others. "In my preparation for col-
lege, and in my first year in college, I had the happi-
ness to hear him preach in two very powerful revi-
vals; and I shall ever regard the influence which his
preaching, and his personal intercourse with me, ex-
erted upon my character and views of ministerial duty,
as of inestimable value."
The days in which he had health and strength to
engage in arduous labor, were emphatically days of
the right hand of the Most High. They will long be
remembered on earth, and never be forgotten in
heaven.
AS
1*
vi
PREFACE.
A letter written by the Rev. Dr. Beecher in 1827,
contains the following testimony.
“Mr. Nettleton has served God and his generation
with more self-denial, and constancy, and wisdom,
and scucess, than any man living. I witnessed his
commencement, and knew his progress, and the rela-
tive state of things, in Connecticut, especially; and
what, (but for his influence in promoting revivals, ex-
citing and teaching by example others to promote
them,) might have been the condition of the churches
in those days of revolution through which they have
passed. Considering the extent of his influence, I re-
gard him as beyond comparison, the greatest bene-
factor which God has given to this nation; and through
his influence in promoting pure and powerful revivals
of religion, as destined to be one of the greatest bene-
factors of the world, and among the most efficient in-
struments of introducing the glory of the latter day."
This was the testimony of one who had known the
history of his labors for fifteen years, and who had
witnessed their great and salutary influence.
"His holy zeal," says another minister, in a letter
written soon after his death, "his tenderness and
love, his prudence and judgment, and his admirable
skill in presenting divine truth, and dealing with
souls, made him at once, one of the most inspiring,
and one of the safest examples to be presented before
christians, and especially before ministers."
Another minister, in a letter to the writer, says, “I
PREFACE,
vii
am gratified to learn, that you intend to publish as
soon as practicable a biographical sketch of our much
esteemed and beloved friend, the late Dr. Nettleton.
This I regard as due to the memory of the deceased,
to his numerous friends in different parts of the land,
and to the cause of truth and vital godliness, which he
advocated so ably and successfully, through the dif-
ferent periods of his ministry. It would be matter of
unfeigned regret, if the wisdom, zeal, stability, spirit
of kindness, and unconquerable perseverance in the
work of the Lord which were such prominent charac-
teristics of that man, should not be permitted to ben-
efit others after he is silent in the grave.
“That he uniformly regarded himself as an ac-
countable steward of God, and studied to show him-
self approved that he was a devoted servant of the
church, in laboring for its enlargement and growth in
grace that he wielded the sword of the spirit most
dexterously for the conversion of men to God — that
he was a vigilant and judicious guide and counsel-
lor that he strove to build up those who were spir-
ually begotten by him in the most holy faith and
that he was a timely and efficient helper of his minis-
terial brethren, are facts too obvious to need proof, to
those who have been conversant with him for the last
twenty-five years."
Dr. Nettleton kept no journal of his religious exer-
cises; nor until 1818 did he keep any journal of his
labors. In the spring of that year, while laboring in
Rocky Hill, he began to keep a memorandum, in
which he noted down the times and places of preach-
ing, and the texts from which he preached, together
with occasional brief remarks. Many of the facts re-
G
M
1
:
.
►
viii
PREFACE.
.
A
corded in this memoir, were obtained from him in
personal interviews, and committed to writing at the
time. The reader may be assured that nothing is
stated as fact, of which the writer has not either per-
sonal knowledge, or the most satisfactory evidence.
Should the imperfect sketch which is here given of
the life and character of this distinguished servant of
God, be the means of inviting others to imitate his ex-
ample, so far as he followed Christ, the labor of pre-
paring it will be abundantly compensated.
EAST WINDSOR, Aug. 1st, 1844.
His birth-Childhood and youth — Conversion.
CONTENTS.
His desire to preach the Gospel, and to become a missionary to
the heathen.-Difficulties in the way of obtaining an education.
-The manner in which he overcame them. — College life.
Acquaintance with Samuel J. Mills. — Appointment as Butler
in College. Theological education at Milford under the instruc-
tion of the Rev. Mr. Pinneo. License to preach the Gospel.
The reason why he did not become a Missionary.
A
ter-
CHAPTER I.
S
G
CHAPTER II.
His labors in the eastern part of Connecticut, where he obtains a
knowledge of the measures which were adopted by Davenport,
and others in the great revival of 1740, and of their results in
producing a moral desolation. His acquaintance with cer-
tain evangelists. His opinion of the expediency of employ-
ing evangelists as assistants of settled pastors.
CHAPTER III.
G
CHAPTER IV.
G
→
His labors in Derby-South Britain-South Salem - Danbury
Monroe - North Lyme- Hadlyme-Bloomfield-Milton-
South Farms - Chester-East Granby - Bolton - Manches-
West Granby.
Page 13
28
51
63
I
!
I
!
!
;
1
.
༣
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
-
His labors in New Haven- Salisbury - Bridgewater — Torring-
ton-Waterbury - Upper Middletown-Rocky Hill-Ash-
ford-Eastford-Bolton.
CHAPTER VI.
His labors in Saratoga conuty—and Nassau.
CHAPTER VII.
P
Labors in New Haven- North Killingworth-North Madison -
Wethersfield --Newington-and Farmington.
mpladanjan
CHAPTER VIII.
Labors in Pittsfield-Lenox
-
Lee-Litchfield-New Haven
Somers-Tolland - and South Wilbraham.
CHAPTER IX.
Sickness at Bolton
Bethlem
ham- Lexington — Virginia Monson-North Carolina-
Newark - New-York - Voyage to England Labors in En-
field-Formation of the Pastoral Union - Establishment of
the Theological Institute of Connecticut - Appointment as
professor-The degree of D. D. conferred upon him.
Compilation of Hymn Book-Labors in
Brooklyn-Taunton-Jamaica-Albany- Dur-
CHAPTER X.
His method of laboring in revivals of religion.
"
-
81
105
+
125
a46
165
208
CONTENTS.
xi
Character of the Revivals under his preaching.
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XII.
His opposition to new measures.
His general character.
CHAPTER XIII.
His Doctrinal Views and interest in the recent Theological Con-
troversy.
His last sickness and death.
CHAPTER Xiv.
CHAPTER XV.
1
1
243
245
271
303
· 315
-
CHAPTER I.
His birth,Childhood and Youth.- Conversion.
Ir is a striking fact, that a large proportion of those
whom God has raised up to be distinguished instruments
of promoting the interests of his church, have sprung from
a humble origin. "The Reformer Zwingle, emerged from
a Shepherd's hut among the Alps; Melancthon, the great
theologian of the Reformation, from an armorer's work-
shop; and Luther from the cottage of a poor miner.".
It has been so in every age. Moses, Samuel, David, and
the Apostles of our Lord, were from the humble walks of
life. And why should it not be so, since our Lord himself,
when he assumed our nature, was born in a low condi-
tion ? God has in this way, poured contempt upon those
earthly distinctions in which mankind are prone to glory.
ASAHEL NETTLETON was born in North Killingworth,
Connecticut, April 21, 1783, the same day on which the
birth of Samuel J. Mills occurred. He was the eldest son,
and second child, of a family of six children, consisting
of three sons, and three daughters. His parents, though
but little known to the world, were esteemed and respect-
ed by their neighbors. His father was a farmer, in mod-
erate, but comfortable circumstances; and in this employ-
ment Asahel was mostly engaged, until he entered Col-
lege, in 1805.
י
:
1
14
MEMOIR OF
His childhood and youth, so far as is known to the wri-
ter, were characterized by nothing very peculiar. His
early advantages of education were such only, as are fur-
nished by the common district school. That he made a
good use of these advantages, we may infer from the thirst
for knowledge which he evinced at a later period, and
from the fact, that while a young man, he was employed
several winters in the capacity of a school-teacher.
His parents, according to the custom which prevailed
at that period, in some parts of New England, were pro-
fessors of religion, on what was called the half way cove-
nant plan ;- that is, they were not admitted to full com-
munion, but having publicly assented to the covenant of
the church, they were permitted to offer their children in
baptism.
Asahel was of course baptized in his infancy,
and while a child, received some religious instruction from
his parents. He was in particular, required to commit to
memory the Assembly's Catechism, which, as he has often
remarked, was of great use to him when his attention was
awakened to the concerns of his soul. His morals were
also strictly guarded by his parents, and they had the sa-
tisfaction to know, that during the period of youth, he
was not addicted to any vicious habits, but sustained, in
the eyes of the world, an unblemished moral character.
While a child, he was occasionally, the subject of reli-
*
*This custom, according to Dr. Bellamy, was first introduced by the
recommendation of a synod which met in Boston, 1662. Many ministers
and churches zealously opposed it at the time, and although it gained ex-
tensive prevalence, it was never universally adopted. It began to be dis-
continued in the days of Edwards and Bellamy; for the latter remarks,
"Of late a considerable number of churches which had adopted the prac
tice, have laid it aside." The revivals at the beginning of the present cen-
tury, put a period to it in most of the churches, and at present, it is scarce-
ly known in any part of New England.
DR. NETTLETON.
15
gious impressions. At one time in particular, while alone
in the field, and looking at the setting sun, he was power-
fully impressed with the thought that he and all men must
die. He was so affected by this thought, that he stood for
some time and wept aloud. But these feelings were tran-
sitory, and he seems to have had no permanent feligious
impressions, till the fall of 1800, when he was in the eigh-
teenth year of his age. This was at the period so memo-
rable in the history of our American Zion, as a time of
refreshing from the presence of the Lord. For half a cen-
tury the influences of the divine spirit had been, in a great
measure withdrawn from the churches. Revivals, “like
angel's visits, were few and far between." But during a
period of four or five years, commencing with 1798, not
less than one hundred and fifty churches in New-England,
were favored with the special effusions of the Holy Spirit ;
and thousands of souls, in the judgment of charity, were
translated from the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom
of God's dear son.
In the blessings of this general out-pouring of the Spirit,
North Killingworth shared. A narrative of the revival of
religion in this town, was published in the fourth and fifth
volumes of the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine.* A
few individuals whose conversion was considered partic-
ularly interesting, were requested by their pastor to give
him, in writing, an account of their religious exercises.
Mr. Nettleton was one of the number; and his account,
with that of two or three others, is incorporated in the
printed narrative, and is as follows:
"Knowing by experience the deplorable state of a sin-
ner, that he is by nure totally destitute of love and con-
formity to God, an that he cannot be saved but by a spe-
*In this narrative, the lace is called the second society in Killingworth.
16
MEMOIR OF
cial act of sovereign grace, induceth me to ask for further
instruction, upon this all-important subject, and to com-
municate in a summary manner, the state of my mind, and
the feelings with which it has been exercised.
"From my earliest age, I endeavored to lead a moral
life, being often taught that God would punish sinners; but
I did not believe that I should suffer for the few offences of
which I had been guilty. Having avoided many sins which
I saw in others, I imagined all was well with me, till I was
about eighteen years old, when I heard a sermon preach-
ed upon the necessity of regeneration, which put me upon
thinking of the need of a change of heart in myself. I did
not, however, well receive the discourse at the time, for
I was sensible I knew nothing about such a change, nei-
ther did I wish to know, for I believed myself as good as
others without it, and to be equal with them, I thought
would be sufficient. However, the thought troubled me
considerably from day to day, and caused me to think of
praying, which I had never done, except repeating some
form as a little child, and doing it to remove the stings of
a guilty conscience, when I considered. myself in immi-
nent danger. Sometime after this, I heard another ser-
mon that convinced me I had quenched the spirit, which
occasioned the most alarming fears that I should forever
be left to eat the fruit of my own ways. Supposing I was
alone in the thoughts of eternity, I separated myself from
all company, and determined to seek an interest in Christ.
I concluded something must be done to appease God's an-
ger. I read and prayed, and strove in every possible way
to prepare myself to go to God, that I might be saved from
his wrath. The more I strove in this selfish way, the
more anxious I was, and no hope was given. Soon I be-
gan to murmur and repine, and accused God of the great-
est injustice in requiring me to return to him, and while I
was striving with all my might, as I supposed, he appear-
DR. NETTLETON.
17
me.
ed not to regard me. I considered God obligated to love
me, because I had done so much for him, and finding no
relief, I wished that he might not be, and began really to
doubt the truths of his holy word, and to disbelieve his
existence; for if there was a God, I perfectly hated him.
I searched the scriptures daily, hoping to find inconsisten-
cies in them, to condemn the Bible because it was against
me; and while I was diligently pursuing my purpose,
every thing I read, and every sermon I heard condemned
Christian conversation gave me the most painful
sensations. I tried to repent, but I could not feel the least
sorrow for my innumerable sins. By endeavoring to re-
pent, I saw my heart still remained impenitent. Although
I knew I hated every thing serious, yet I determined to
habituate myself to the duties which God required, and
see if I could not by that means be made to love him,
and I continued in this state some months. The fear of
having committed the unpardonable sin, now began to
rise in my mind, and I could find no rest day nor night.—
When my weary limbs demanded sleep, the fear of awak-
ing in a miserable eternity prevented the closing of my
eyes, and nothing gave me ease. No voice of mirth, or
sound whatever was heard, but what reminded me of the
awful day when God shall bring every work into judg-
ment. All self-righteousness failed me; and having no
confidence in God, I was left in deep despondency. Af-
ter a while, a surprising tremor seized all my limbs, and
death appeared to have taken hold upon me. Eternity,
the word eternity, sounded louder than any voice I ever
heard, and every moment of time seemed more valuable
than all the wealth of the world. Not long after this, an
unusual calmness pervaded my soul, which I thought lit-
tle of at first, except that I was freed from my awful con-
victions and this sometimes grieved me, fearing I had lost
all conviction. Soon after, hearing the feelings of a Chris-
18
MEMOIR OF
tian described, I took courage, and thought I knew by ex-
perience what they were. The character of God, and
the doctrines of the Bible which I could not meditate upon
before without hatred, especially those of election and free
grace, now appear delightful, and the only means by which,
through grace, dead sinners can be made the living sons
of God. My heart feels its sinfulness. To confess my
sins to God, gives me that peace which before I knew
nothing of. To sorrow for it, affords that joy which my
tongue cannot express. Were I sensible that at death,
my hope would perish, yet it seemeth to me now, that I
could not willingly quit the service of God, nor the com-
pany of Christians; but my unfaithfulness often makes me
fear my sincerity; and should I at last be raised to glory,
all the praise will be to God for the exhibition of his sov-
ereign grace."
This account was written not far from the time when
he made a profession of religion; and interesting as it is,
it contains but an imperfect sketch of the exercises of his
mind, during the ten months in which the Spirit of God
was striving with him. I add a few facts which are copied
from a memorandum made immediately after hearing from
his own lips, a more minute and particular account of his
conversion.
In giving this account, he remarked that the foregoing
printed statement, is not exactly as he wrote it. Some
verbal alterations were made in it, which, although they
were not intended to affect the sense, do affect it in some
degree; particularly in the sentence in which these words
occur, “When I heard a sermon preached upon the ne-
cessity of regeneration, which put me upon thinking of
the need of a change of heart in myself." This, as it now
reads, seems to convey the idea, that his attention was
first awakened to the concerns of his soul, by a particular
sermon. But this was not true, nor was such an idea ex-
L
19
DR. NETTLETON.
pressed in the original manuscript. His first permanent
religious impressions occurred in the following manner :
On the night of the annual Thanksgiving, in the fall of
1800, he attended a ball. The next morning, while alone,
and thinking with pleasure on the scenes of the preceding
night, and of the manner in which he had proposed to
spend the day, in company with some of his young com-
panions; the thought suddenly rushed upon his mind, we
must all die, and go to the judgment, and with what feelings
shall we then reflect upon these scenes? This thought
was, for the moment overwhelming; and it left an im-
pression on his mind, which he could not efface. His
pleasing reflections on the past, and anticipations of the
future, vanished at once, and gave place to feelings of a
very different kind. These feelings he concealed; but
he could not entirely banish them from his mind. The
world had lost its charms. All those amusements in which
he had taken delight, were overcast with gloom. His
thoughts dwelt much on the scenes of death, judgment
and eternity. He knew that he had an immortal soul that
must be happy or miserable in the future world; and al-
though he had consoled himself with the thought that he
was as good as others around him, and that his condition
was, of course, as safe as theirs; yet he now felt conscious
that he was unprepared to meet his God. He at the same
time perceived that he was liable every moment to be cut
down by the stroke of death, and summoned to his last
account. He had no peace of mind by day or by night.
Although, at this time, he had no very just conceptions of
the divine law, or of the depravity of his heart; yet he
was sensible that he was a sinner, and that his sins must
be pardoned, or he could not be saved. The duty of
prayer was now forcibly impressed upon his mind, a duty
which he had almost entirely neglected; and it was not
without a great struggle in his feelings, that he was brought
ľ
20
MEMOIR OF
Jed,
to bend the knee to Jehovah. At the same time, he gave
himself much to the reading of the Scriptures and other
religious books, and separated himself as much as possi-
ble from thoughtless companions. So far as he knew,
and so far as is now known, there was, at that time, no
other person in the town under serious impressions.* The
young people with whom he had been most intimate, were
exceedingly thoughtless, and given to vain and sinful
amusements. They were, at this time, making arrange-
ments for the establishment of a dancing school, and they
expected his aid and co-operation in the measure. But
to their astonishment, he utterly refused to have anything
to do with it. He had made up his mind to quit forever
all such amusements, and to seek the salvation of his soul.
But as he did not reveal his feelings to any of his associ-
ates, they knew not how to account for this sudden change
in his appearance and conduct. Some, perhaps suspected
the true cause; while others supposed that for some rea-
son, unknown to them, his affections had become aliena-
ted from his former friends. Thus, for months, he mourn-
ed in secret, and did not communicate his feelings to a
single individual. During this period, he had a strong de-
sire that some of his young companions would set out
with him in pursuit of religion; and although his proud
heart would not permit him to make known to them the
state of his mind, yet he occasionally ventured to expos-
tulate with them on the folly and sinfulness of their con-
duct, and to some few individuals, he addressed short let-
ters on the same subject. These warnings were treated
by some, with ridicule and contempt. On the minds of
others, they made an impression, which, as he afterwards
*This was in the Autumn of 1800. The revival did not become visible
till the following spring.
DR. NETTLETON.
21
learned, was never effaced. This was particularly the
case with Philander Parmele, who was afterwards his
classmate in College, and intimate friend through life.*
When Mr. Nettleton first became anxious respecting
the salvation of his soul, he had not, as has been remark-
ed, any very just conceptions of the depravity of his
heart. He was sensible that he was not in a safe condi-
dition. He knew that he needed something which he did
not possess, to prepare him for heaven. He had a gene-
ral vague idea that he was a sinner, but he saw not the
fountain of iniquity within him. As is common with per-
sons when awakened to a sense of their danger, he went
about to establish his own righteousness. He vainly pre-
sumed, that by diligent and persevering efforts, he should
recommend himself to the favor of God. He was accord-
ingly very abundant in his religious services. He not on-
ly abandoned those amusements in which he had delight-
ed, and forsook in a great measure the society of those
who took no interest in the subject of religion; but he
spent much time in retirement, earnestly crying to God
for mercy. He would often repair to the fields and for-
ests for this purpose, and he sometimes spent a large part
of the night in prayer. In this way, he expected to ob-
tain the forgiveness of his sins, and the peace and conso-
lation which God has promised to his people. But after
laboring for some time in this manner, he became alarm-
ed at his want of success. God seemed to pay no regard
to his prayers: and how to account for this fact he knew
not. At this crisis, he was assailed by infidel doubts.—
The question arose in his mind, whether he had not pro-
*Mr. Parmele became pastor of the church in Bolton, Conn. At his house
Mr. Nettleton was sick with the Typhus fever in 1822. Mr. Parmele took
the fever of him and died.
1*
22
MEMOIR OF
ved the Bible to be false. It is written, Ask and ye shall
receive, Seek and ye shall find. He said to himself, I
have asked, but I have not received-I have sought but I
have not found. How then can these promises be true?
And how can the book which contains them, be the word
of God? He found himself disposed to cherish these
doubts, and to seek for further proof that the Bible is not
true, He searched the Scriptures on purpose to find con-
tradictions in them, and he even went so far as to begin to
doubt the existence of a God. Like the fool, he said in
his heart there is no God; that is, he wished there were
none; for he was sensible that if there was a God, he was
not reconciled to his character; and he wished the Bible
to be false, because he saw that it condemned him. But
his efforts to satisfy himself that religion is not a reality,
did not succeed. The thought would sometimes arise,
what if the Bible should prove to be true? Then I am
lost forever. This would fill him with inconceivable hor-
These struggles in his mind, led him to a more just
knowledge of his character and condition. He began to
see the plague of his own heart. His doubts respecting
the truth of the promises which God has made to those
who ask, and seek, were dispelled by the painful convic-
tion that he never had asked and sought as God requires.
The commandment came, sin revived, and he died. He
saw that God looks on the heart, and that he requires holy
and spiritual service of his creatures; that he seeketh such
to worship him, as worship him in spirit and in truth. He
saw at the same time, that in all his religious services, he
had been prompted by selfish motives. He saw that in
all which he had done, he had had no love to God, and no
regard to his glory; but that he had been influenced sole-
ly by a desire to promote his own personal interest and
happiness. He saw that in all the distress which he had
experienced on account of his sin, there was no godly
ror.
DR. NETTLETON.
23
·
sorrow,-
-no true contrition. He had not hated sin be-
cause it was committed against God, but had merely
dreaded its consequences. He had taken great pains to
cleanse the outside of the cup and the platter, but he now
perceived that the inside was full of all uncleanness. And
he was thoroughly convinced, that
"No outward forms could make him clean,
The leprosy lay deep within."
He had prayed, and wept and promised, but he now
saw, that
"His prayers and tears and vows were vile,
His duties black with guilt."
During this period he read President Edwards's narra-
tive of the revival of religion in Northampton, and the
memoir of Brainerd. These served very much to deepen
the conviction of his utterly lost condition. The preach-
ing which he heard from time to time, also greatly dis-
tressed him. As he says in his narrative, every sermon
condemned him. Nothing gave him any relief. He seem-
ed to be sinking daily deeper and deeper in guilt and
wretchedness. One day, while alone in the field, enga-
ged in prayer, his heart rose against God, because he
did not hear and answer his prayers. Then the words of
the Apostle, the carnal mind is enmity against God, came
to his mind with such overwhelming power, as to deprive
him of strength, and he fell prostrate on the earth. The
doctrines of the Gospel, particularly the doctrines of di-
vine sovereignty and election, were sources of great dis-
tress to him. There was much talk respecting these doc-
trines, at that time, in North Killingworth. Some disbe-
lieved and openly opposed them. He searched the Scrip-
tures with great diligence to ascertain whether they are
there taught; and although his heart was unreconciled to
them, he dared not deny them, for he was convinced that
24
MEMOIR OF
they were taught in the Bible. He would sometimes say
to himself, if I am not elected, I shall not be saved, even
if I do repent-then the thought would arise, if I am not
elected, I never shall repent. This would cut him to the
heart, and dash to the ground all his self-righteous hopes.
For a long time he endured these conflicts in his mind.-
Meanwhile he became fully convinced, that the commands
of God are perfectly just, that it was his immediate duty
to repent, and that he had no excuse for continuing another
moment a rebel against God. At the same time he saw
that such was the wickedness of his heart, that he never
should repent, unless God should subdue his heart by an
act of sovereign grace. With these views of his condi-
tion, his distress was sometimes almost insupportable.—
At one time he really supposed himself to be dying, and
sinking into hell. This was the time of which he speaks
in his narrative, when he says, "an unusual tremor seiz-
ed all my limbs, and death appeared to have taken hold
upon me." For several hours, his horror of mind was in-
expressible. Not long after this, there was a change in
his feelings. He felt a calmness for which he knew not
how to account. He thought, at first, that he had lost
his convictions, and was going back to stupidity. This
alarmed him, but still he could not recall his former feel-
ings. A sweet peace pervaded his soul. The objects
which had given him so much distress, he now contem-
plated with delight. He did not, however, for several
days suppose that he had experienced a change of heart;
but finding at length that his views and feelings accorded
with those expressed by others whom he regarded as the
friends of Christ, he began to think it possible that he
might have passed from death unto life. The more he
examined himself, the more evidence he found that a great
change had been wrought in his views and feelings res-
pecting divine things. Old things had passed away-all
C
DR. NETTLETON.
25
things had become new. The character of God now ap-
peared lovely. The Saviour was exceedingly precious;
and the doctrines of grace, towards which he had felt
such bitter opposition, he contemplated with delight. He
had now no doubt of their truth. He saw clearly that if
there was any good thing in him towards the Lord God of
Israel, it was not the result of any effort of his own, but
of the sovereign and distinguished will of God. He was
ready to say with the Apostle, by the grace of God, 1 am
what I am.
He knew that if God had left him to himself,
he should have persisted in the road to ruin. It was no
longer a question with him, whether the natural heart is
destitute of holiness, and opposed to God,—or whether
it is necessary that the sinner should be born again by the
special operations of the Holy Spirit. What the Scrip-
tures teach on these points, was confirmed by his experi-
ence. He had the witness in himself of the truth of these
doctrines. And so firmly was he established in the be-
lief of them, that his faith never wavered during his life.
He now felt a peculiar love for the people of God, and a
delight in the duties of religion, to which before he was a
total stranger.
If the reader would know the state of his mind at this
period, let him read three or four of the Village Hymns,
beginning with the 372, which were intended to describe v
the feelings of a young convert. He has been heard to
say, that in arranging those hymns, he put those first
which described his own feelings at the time of his con-
version.
But although he enjoyed great peace of mind, he never
expressed a very high degree of confidence that he was a
child of God. He had such a deep and abiding sense of
the deceitfulness of the human heart, and of the danger
of self-deception, that not only at this period, but ever af-
terwards, he was exceedingly cautious in expressing his
26
MEMOIR OF
C
belief that he was accepted of God. At one time being
asked, whether he had any doubts respecting his interest
in the promises, he replied, "I have no doubt that I have
religious enjoyment; but the question is, whether it is of
the right kind." At another time he said, "the most that
I have ventured to say respecting myself, is, that I think
it possible I may get to heaven." It was always painful
to him to hear persons express great confidence of their
interest in the divine favor, unless they were persons of
eminent piety. He feared they did not realize how de-
ceitful the human heart is.
It was about ten months, as has been already intima-
ted, from the time when Mr. Nettleton's attention was
first seriously turned to the subject of religion, before he
obtained peace in believing. With him what the old di-
vines termed the law-work, was deep and thorough.-
This protracted season of conviction gave him a knowl-
edge of the human heart which few possess; and which
was doubtless intended by God to prepare him for that
pre-eminent success which attended his labors as a minis-
ter of Christ. As one observes, "God prepares for him-
self the souls which he destines to some important work.
We must prepare the vessel before we launch it on the
mighty deep. If education is necessary for every man,
then is a particular education necessary for those who
are to influence the generation in which they live."
W
The following remark of President Edwards in relation
to the conversion of David Brainerd, will apply equally
to the conversion of Mr. Nettleton. "His convictions of
sin preceding his first consolations in Christ, were ex-
ceedingly deep and thorough. His trouble and sorrow
arising from a sense of guilt and misery were very great,
and long continued, but yet sound and rational, consist-
ing in no unsteady, violent, and unaccountable frights
and perturbations of the mind; but arising from the most
DR. NETTLETON.
27
*****
serious consideration, and a clear illumination of the con-
science to discern and consider the true state of things.—
The light let into his mind at conversion, and the influences
and exercises to which his mind was subject at that time
appear very agreeable to reason, and to the gospel of Je-
sus Christ. The change was very great and remarkable,
yet without any appearance of strong impressions on the
imagination, or sudden flights of the affections, or vehe-
ment emotions of the animal nature. It was attended
with just views of the supreme glory of the divine being,
consisting in the infinite dignity and beauty of the perfec-
tion of his nature, and of the transcendent excellency of
the way of salvation by Christ."
The preceding is from a sermon at the funeral of Brai-
nerd.
;
CHAPTER II.
His desire to preach the Gospel, and to become a missionary to the hea-
then. — Difficulties in the way of obtaining an education.—The manner in
which he overcame them - College life. — Acquaintance with Samuel J.
Mills. Appointment as Butler in College. Theological education at
Milford under the instruction of the Rev. Mr. Pinmo.- License to preach
the Gospel. — The reason why he did not become a Missionary.
In the year 1801 the father of Mr. Nettleton died. As
he was the oldest son, the care of the family, and the man-
agement of the farm devolved upon him. It had been his
expectation to spend his days in agricultural pursuits;
but God had designed him for a different course of life.
After the change in his feelings, described in the prece-
ding chapter, his mind dwelt much on the worth of the
soul, and the deplorable condition of those who have no
interest in Christ; and he had the most intense desires
to be instrumental in the salvation of his fellow men.-
While laboring in the field, he would often say to himself,
"if I might be the means of saving one soul, I should pre-
fer it to all the riches and honors of this world." He would
frequently look forward to eternity, and put to himself
the question, "what shall I wish I had done thousands
and millions of years hence." About this time, he became
exceedingly interested in the short accounts which were
published in the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, of
the operations of the London Missionary Society, and of
M
30
MEMOIR OF
*
the Baptist Missionary Society in England. These awa-
kened in his breast a strong desire to become a Missiona-
ry to the heathen; and he decided to devote his life to
the Missionary service, if God, in his Providence, should
prepare the way. This purpose was afterwards greatly
strengthened by the perusal of Horne's Letters on Mis-
sions. The feelings which Samuel J. Mills expressed to
his father soon after his conversion, were precisely the
feelings of young Nettleton at this period, viz: “That he
could not conceive of any course of life in which to pass the
rest of his days, that would prove so pleasant, as to go and
communicate the gospel salvation to the poor heathen.”
It has been already remarked, that Samuel J. Mills and
Asahel Nettleton were born on the same day. It is a re-
markable fact, that their new and spiritual birth occurred
very nearly at the same time*-that the conversion of
both was signally marked-and that from the commence-
ment of their Christian course, they seem to have been
imbued with the same spirit, and to have devoted themselves
to the same employment. And here I cannot refrain from
quoting a few sentences from the memoir of Mills.-
"Thus early did a sovereign God who has pity on the hea-
then, set apart Samuel J. Mills for a Missionary. Though
but a youth of sixteen,† he discovered a zeal in the Mis-
sionary cause, an eagerness in the pursuit of Missionary
intelligence, and an enlargement of thought in his plans.
to become acquainted with the unevangelized world, which
left little doubt that he was chained to his purpose by a
superior power. It was a heart yearning over the mise-
*The conversion of Mills occurred in November 1801. That of Nettleton
about two months earlier.
†This is a mistake. It ought to be eighteen. It appears from a state-
ment on a preceding page of the memoir, that his conversion took place in
Nov. 1801, when he was eighteen years old.
DR. NETTLETON.
31
ries of perishing millions, that first led him to think of
acquiring an education with a view to the gospel minis-
try. The spirit of God came over him like Elisha in the
field. While toiling at the plough, was his heart touched
with compassion for the heathen world, and he bid adieu.
to his farm to obtain an education on purpose to carry
the gospel to millions who were perishing for lack of
knowledge. Thus in a retired field in Litchfield county,
was the king of Zion beginning that grand course of ope-
rations, which have produced such a revolution in the
American churches, and which bear so intimate a relation
to the progressive glories of his kingdom!" All this, ex-
cepting the name of the county, was as true of Nettleton
as of Mills, and very nearly at the same time.
It is a striking fact, that while these two individuals seem
to have been the first in this country (in these latter days)
to devote themselves to the Missionary work, neither of
them was permitted to enter upon it. It happened to
them as to David, in relation to the building of the tem-
ple. They did well that it was in their hearts to go to
the heathen; but the honor of actually going, was reser-
ved for others. The reasons which prevented Mills from
becoming a Missionary to the heathen, are already before
the public. Those which prevented Nettleton, will be
given in the sequel.
In acquiring a collegiate education, he had many diffi-
culties and discouragements to encounter. His pecunia-
ry means were entirely inadequate; and in those days,
there were no Education societies, and no funds for the
support of indigent students. Such also, were the circum-
stances of the family, recently deprived of its head, as to
render his presence and labor at home, apparently indis-
pensable. So strong however, was his desire to become
a minister of the gospel, and a Missionary to the heathen,
that he resolved to make the attempt to obtain an educa-
32
MEMOIR OF
Į
tion. He procured some books, and while laboring on
the farm, devoted his leisure moments to study. In the
winter he taught school, and spent his evenings in study,
occasionally reciting to his pastor. Thus, in the course
of two or three years, with very little instruction, and
while laboring most of the time on the farm, except when
engaged in school-keeping, he mastered the preparatory
studies, and entered the freshman class in Yale College,
about the middle of the first term in the fall of 1805.
When Mr. Nettleton entered College, he was the only
professor of religion in his class. Some others, however
entered before the close of the year, one of whom was his
friend and fellow townsman, Philander Parmele. Some
part of the time while a member of College, he taught a
schoolin New Haven, to procure the means of defraying
his expenses. He felt a deep interest in the spiritual wel-
fare of the children committed to his care, and he had the
happiness to know that many of them became the hopeful
subjects of divine grace, under his preaching, in the revi-
val of 1815.
The following account of Mr. Nettleton's College life,
is from the Rev. Jonathan Lee.
"I was classmate with Mr. Nettleton during the two
last years of our College life, and roomed with him through
the junior year. Having entered one year before him,
and thus belonging to the next preceding class till the ex-
piration of my Sophomore and his Freshman year; and
then being kept out of College and broken off from my
studies by a severe malady for one whole year, I formed
but little acquaintance with him, till I returned again to
College, and joined his class at the beginning of their
junior year, in October, 1807. My previous observation
of him in his class, had left the impression that he was a
modest and inoffensive youth, of unpolished manners, but
unexceptionable in moral deportment, and bearing the
DR. NETTLETON.
383
marks of a peculiar interest, solemnity and devotedness in
the religious worship, and at the communion seasons in
the chapel. Providence brought us in contact, now, in
new and unanticipated circumstances. I was standing in
melancholy mood, in the south-door of the then middle.
or old College, disheartened at the loss of a year in stand-
ing, a stranger to the class, and with no room or room-
mate engaged, reluctant to make application to any one,
supposing their arrangements in this respect had been
already made. Nettleton passing by, seemed attracted by
my sombre attitude, and down-cast aspect, and approach-
ing kindly inquired whether I had obtained a room-mate,
and learning by my reply that I had not, offered himself
to room with me. The circumstances of this proffer, and
the manner of its being made, gave a new and peculiar
impression to my mind in regard to him, as it showed a
readiness to relinquish his previous designs on the subject,
to relieve my anxiety, and show me a kindness. It was
an expression of unsought, but timely and generous friend-
ship, (as various facts connected with his offer convinced
me,) which is not often met with, in the intercourse of
youth at College. I thankfully accepted his overture,
which removed a heavy burden from my spirit and carried
conviction to my heart, that I had found a friend in whom
it was safe to confide. From that day to this, greatly as
I was grieved to leave my former class, to which I felt
strongly attached, I have regarded the hand of Providence
in bringing me into intimacy with that godly young man,
as claiming my liveliest gratitude. It was the good hand
of God upon me; it was the sovereignty of his love, that
chastened the aspirations for literary distinction, and af-
ter calling in the day of adversity to consider, led me to
daily converse with one who showed the nature and su-
perlative value of unostentatious, consistent piety, and
this at the most solemn crisis in my individual history.
34
MEMOIR OF
!
On becoming more particularly acquainted with Net-
tleton, I perceived that he was one who feared God. Ever
kind, courteous, conscientious and exemplary, unassum-
ing and unostentatious; his words and actions bore the
most powerful testimony in my conscience, to the genu-
ineness of his religious principles. He evidently had a
taste for the spiritual themes and exercises pertaining to
religion, so predominant and controlling, as to leave small
space for merely literary ambition. His best loved place
was the chapel, listening with devout solemnity to the
prayers and preaching of the venerated Dwight. His best
loved book was the Bible. His best loved day was the
Sabbath-and his best loved friends were those who knew
the joys and sorrows of a pious heart. He was intimate
with only a few select companions, of congenial spirit,
and who felt most interested in communing together upon
the topics of doctrinal and experimental religion.
In regard to his standing as a scholar, it is true, he was
not, in this respect, distinguished, as he never rose above
the ordinary rank in the common course of classical stu-
dies. This I attribute not to a defect of native talent, but
to the following causes.
1. He was remarkably diffident of his own powers, so
far as to be restrained and embarrassed in his recitations
and literary performances before the class; and the same
state of feeling prevented that resolute persevering ap-
plication, necessary for eminence.
2. The state of his health through a part of the year,
when he roomed with me, was much impaired, and in
connection with this, he passed through a protracted sea-
son of deep mental anxiety and depression in the spring
of 1808, in which he greatly questioned the genuineness
of his christian experience. So severe were his mental
trials of this nature, as to unfit him for study, for some
time, and he was excused and permitted to return home,
DR. NETTLETON.
35
on account of the state of his health. Before returning
home, he was wont to repair to the President for instruc-
tion and counsel, and he directed him to the perusal of
Edwards on Religious Affections, and loaned him also his
manuscript sermons on the evidences of regeneration.-
With them he went into the most intensely earnest and
sifting self-examination that I ever witnessed, and in the
course of it, he passed through such agony of spirit, as
was suited to awaken the liveliest sympathy in those who
could best understand and appreciate the nature of his
distress. The all-absorbing question resting on his mind
by day and night, mingled with many sighs, tears and
groans, was, am I a child of God? Before the next term
he gained peace, and enjoyed a better state of health;
but it is evident that this interruption of his progress in
regular study, had a retarding effect upon his scholarship,
though it may have had a momentous influence in giving
him uncommon spiritual discernment, and in fitting him
for that sphere of distinguished usefulness on which he
afterwards entered.
3. The peculiar taste and tendencies of Nettleton's
mind, led him to bestow his intellectual energies, not up-
on physical sciences, and elegant literature, but upon
those subjects in mental and moral philosophy, which
stood most closely connected with the truths of theology.
In topics of this nature, he ever manifested an uncommon
interest, and quickness of thought, with clearness of per-
ception and power of discrimination. It was evidently a
favorite employment to engage in friendly discussions
upon such themes, with those who were disposed to in-
vestigate them; particularly with students in theology then
residing at Yale College. At such times, his countenance
though not specially expressive in ordinary circumstances,
would light up with animation, and his eye sparkle with
brilliance, plainly indicating that then his mind was in its
36
MEMOIR OF
chosen element. In whatever enlisted his feelings, he
was manifestly capable of close and successful investiga-
tion. But aiming at a higher mark than mere literary or
scientific distinction, he sought to furnish his mind with
that knowledge which relates directly to the great ends of
human existence, the present and immortal interests of
the soul. During his last year in College, he roomed
with his beloved Christian brother, Philander Parmele,
and it is my impression, that with him, he devoted what
time could be spared from customary classical studies, to
the study of theology. In the exercises of the class he
took a higher rank than in the preceding year, and ac-
quitted himself with respectability. With these state-
ments, however, truth compels me to admit, that I had
not then discovered in him any such traits of intellectual
character as led to anticipations in any measure corres-
pondent with the well known facts of his subsequent his-
tory.*
Nettleton was held in respect by all in College, but pe-
culiarly loved, and highly esteemed by Christian professors.
His spirit was excellent, and his example unexceptiona-
ble. If any affected to look superciliously upon him, on
account of the plainness and simplicity of his manners,
they knew and felt his superior moral worth. He was a
vigilant observer of the indications of religious seriousness
and anxiety among the students, and took the earliest and
liveliest interest in all such cases. Burdened as I myself
was, with the danger and misery of my impenitent state,
in the forepart of the year, when I roomed with him, he
was not slow to discover the fact, though not officious to
*President Dwight is reported to have said of Nettleton, while a member
of College, "He will make one of the most useful men this country has
ever seen." This is one among many instances of the sagacity of that great
man.
DR. NETTLETON.
37
insist upon a disclosure of my feelings. As he was a pro-
fessor of religion, I proposed, soon after he became my
room-mate to unite with him in prayer, after the close of
the studies of each evening, expecting only to read the
scriptures as my part of the exercise. He agreed to pray,
if I also would. Fearing to decline, though trembling at
the solemnity of such an engagement, I felt necessitated
by my conscience to comply with the condition, and take
my turn in prayer, and it was thus that I was first led to
utter the words of supplication in the audience of any hu-
man being. It was a mighty effort, and made with falter-
ing tongue, and aching heart. He found that I had gone
farther than he expected, and afterwards once asked me,
if I considered myself a Christian, and upon my replying
no, he inquired, why then do you pray? His object I
have supposed, was to deepen my conviction of guilt, and
it had that effect. To my answer, I feel it my duty to
pray, he added no remark, discovering probably that my
wretched prayers, gave me no comfort, but increased the
heavy burden pressing upon my heart. More than once,
after these seasons, when I have been weeping over my
lost condition, that kind friend has approached my pillow
upon retiring to his own bed, and has gently endeavored
to elicit an expression of my feelings. When seeing me
afraid to disclose my state of mind, he has withdrawn,
sometimes as I have reason to believe, to unite with some
christian brother in prayer, on my behalf, and thus com-
mitted my case and that of others, to that God who had
taken me in hand, and who alone could renew my heart.
At this time, in the winter of 1807-8, a revival of re-
ligion began in New Haven, and in Yale College. The
first subjects of it among the students were in the Fresh-
man class. Nettleton was no indifferent spectator, but
among the first to discover indications of special religious
impressions, and to seek out persons in a state of religious
2
38
MEMOIR OF
anxiety. Then, contrary to what I had before witnessed
of intimacy between the upper and lower classes, often
did I see him with one or two heart-burdened youth of
the youngest class, walking arm in arm in the College
yard, before evening prayers, conversing upon the great
interests of the soul. I observed that so soon as he be-
came acquainted with a student under religious impres-
sions, his company and counsel were sought and greatly
prized; and it was manifest that his conversation with
such individuals, his silent and unostentatious labors, in
connection with his Christian brethren in their meeting for
prayer and conference, held a very prominent and impor-
tant place in that memorable and joyful season. His feel-
ings were more deeply interested in the whole
progress of
the revival, and it seemed almost to absorb his mind by
day and by night."
In addition to the foregoing statement, a few other
facts connected with the history of his college life, will
now be mentioned.
In the American Quarterly Register for February, 1838,
there is a history of revivals in Yale College. On page
299, in the account of the revival in 1808, is the follow-
ing statement.
"There was one case in this revival, which awakened
very general sympathy, and to which I shall advert for a
moment, because it shows how God sometimes makes
use of the sufferings of one, to subdue the obstinacy of
another. A member of one of the lower classes, became
deeply anxious for his spiritual welfare, at the commence-
ment of the seriousness. He was, indeed, the first person
in College, probably, who was under conviction of sin.
As the work went on, others who were awakened at a much
later period, were apparently brought into the kingdom,
and were rejoicing in hope while he was left in the bitter-
ness of despair, with the arrows of the Almighty drink-
DR. NETTLETON.
39
ing up his spirit. His health rapidly declined under his
sufferings. He was confined in a great measure to his
bed; and it was feared that, with a feeble constitution,
he must soon sink under the weight of his distress, unless
relief should be obtained. In an adjoining room there
lived an avowed disbeliever in spiritual religion, who
denied the reality of a divine influence in revivals, and
from the commencement of the present work, had re-
garded those who were concerned in it with scorn. A
christian friend, who knew his sentiments, asked him to
visit the sufferer, and led him toward the bed-side. He
stood for a moment looking at the emaciated form before
him, he listened to the exclamations which told the dis-
tress and horror of an awakened conscience, and then
turning went back to his room, to weep there under a
sense of his own sin. Not long after, to the wonder of
all his companions, it was said of him, as of Saul of
Tarsus, 'Behold he prayeth.' He became at once, a
decided and exemplary christian. He afterwards entered
into the ministry, and devoted himself to the cause of
Missions; and has been for more than twenty years, an
active and successful laborer upon heathen ground.
The reader may be interested to learn the issue of
those sufferings which led to this happy result. I shall
give the relation in the words of one who is best able to
speak on this subject. It was just at the close of the
term and late at night. "A few christian friends lingered
about the bed of the agonized and despairing sinner;
and many were the prayers offered, that the balm of
Gilead might be applied to his wounded spirit. At length
a messenger was dispatched to summon the President, as
it seemed to those in attendance, that unless relief were
had, death must close the scene. The hour was late
but he promptly attended the call, and came emphatically,
as one sent of God, as the bearer of good tidings of great
40
MEMOIR OF
T
joy. For a short time he seemed overwhelmed; so deeply
did he share in the agony of the agonized. At length,
however, taking a seat by the bed-side, he gradually
directed the anxious inquirer unto the divine sufficiency,
the infinite fullness of the Lord Jesus recited the invi-
tations of the gospel, and then followed his paternal
counsel by prayer to God. That prayer, it is believed,
was heard, and the words which he spake were a healing
balm from on high. A sweet serenity seemed to steal
over the agitated sinner's mind—a serenity which was
the harbinger of a joy that came in a short time after,
and was unspeakable and full of glory.""
$
In a letter from the individual whose case is described
in the foregoing statement, he says, "the christian friend”
there mentioned, "was Mr. Nettleton. The infidel was
Mr.
[now a missionary of the American Board.]
The messenger who went for President Dwight, was
Mr. Nettleton. He remained with me all night. He was
besieging the throne of grace. His whole soul seemed.
bent on my deliverance. Man never pleaded with more
fervency, and I cannot doubt that I was more indebted to
him for my relief than to any other person. He took
such an interest in my salvation, as evinced the deepest
love for my soul. I think he was a professor of religion
before he entered College. What was the character of
his piety up to the Spring of 1808, of course, I know not.
But I well recollect that soon after I was brought under
conviction, he found me out, and became one of my
spiritual guides. I am not quite certain, whether his
exercises which I am about to mention, existed in the
earlier part of the revival, or a little later. My impres-
sion is, that the revival found him, in common with other
professors, comparatively asleep. But he was soon
enlisted, and evinced great interest in the work. In a
little time, however, he fell into a melancholy and de-
DR. NETTLETON.
41
sponding state, which at length bordered upon despair.
He gave up his hope, and to me appeared to be a most
miserable man. I have known him to weep, I may say,
by the hour, under an overwhelming sense of his vileness.
He would often say, 'I seem to love christians, but I am
so unworthy —I hope they will not cast me off — Do you
think they will allow such a poor sinner as I am to keep
company with them?' Whatever peculiarity there was
in his case, (and I think his exercises were singular,)
there was involved in it a deep conviction of sin such
a loathing of himself, as I scarcely remember to have
heard any other man express. It was difficult to con-
vince him that God could have mercy on one so vile.
Yet he was all this time manifesting a deep interest in
the cause of Christ and the salvation of souls."
C
The mind of Mr. Nettleton, as is hinted by Mr. Lee,
was much turned to Theological Studies, during his col-
legiate course. Theology indeed, had been his favorite
study, ever since his attention was turned to the subject
of religion. Even before he entered College, he had
read with attention a large part of the writings of Ed-
wards, Hopkins, and Bellamy; and before he graduated,
he was better acquainted with systematic theology, than
many young men are, who are licensed to preach the
gospel. He took a deep interest in doctrinal discussions,
and ably vindicated the doctrines of grace, against the
objections which were used against them. During his
senior year, there was much discussion among the pro-
fessors of religion, and theological students in College,
respecting the means of grace. This was occasioned by
the sermons which were preached at that time by Presi-
dent Dwight on that subject, and which are published in
the fourth volume of his theological discourses. In these
sermons, the idea is advanced, that the prayers and striv-
42
MEMOIR OF
L
A
ings of awakened sinners, although they possess no moral
goodness, are not to be regarded, in all cases as positively
sinful.*
J
Mr. Nettleton entertained a high respect for Dr. Dwight.
On almost all subjects, he received his views without hes-
itation, and considered it a great privilege to sit under
his instructive preaching. But on this point he differed
from him, as did also, a large part of the pious students
in College. He believed with Hopkins, and the New
England divines generally, that sinners, properly speak-
ing, never use, but always abuse the means of grace –
that in all their efforts to escape future misery, and secure
future happiness, they are influenced by unholy motives,
and that their religious services are mercenary and sinful.
In this opinion, which appeared to him to be clearly
taught in the scriptures, he was greatly confirmed by his
own religious experience. While under conviction of
sin, he had such discoveries of his own heart, as to impress
indelibly upon his mind, a conviction of the entire sinful-
ness of the religious services of unrenewed men. There
* The following is an extract from one of these sermons.
"To ask of God for happiness and final safety, is not necessarily insin-
cere, nor guilty, even in sinners. When sinners ask for mere mercy, or
mere happiness, or mere safety, they may desire either as truly as saints;
although their desires are not virtuous. So far as their desires are merely
natural, inseparable from their nature, and sincere, they are not morally
wrong; nor are they exhibited in the scriptures, as objects of divine
anger. Accordingly the prayer of the publican, who was, I think, plainly
a sinner, was not regarded with mere anger by God; and was exactly such
a prayer as I have mentioned; a prayer for mere mercy and safety. He
went down to his house justified rather than the Pharisee, because he
had in some important respects, a just sense of his character, and a sipere
desire to be delivered from the dangers of it, while the Pharisee had neither
[Few orthodox men would probably agree with Dr. Dwight in supposing
the publican to represent an unrenewed sinner. He has been generally
regarded as a striking example of genuine repentance.]
DR. NETTLETON.
43
was no one point in theology, on which his mind was
more fully established than this; or on which he more
strenuously insisted, during his life, both in the pulpit,
and in his conversation with awakened sinners.
He con-
sidered it a point of great practical importance, and
particularly useful in destroying the self-righteous hopes.
of sinners, and in showing them their utterly lost condi-
tion, and entire dependence on the grace of God. This
was a weapon which he wielded with great power,
and which seemed to be in his hands, pre-eminently the
Sword of the Spirit.
The following extract of a letter written to his friend
Parmele, soon after he graduated, will show, not only
what were his views on this subject at that period, but al-
so how capable he was of defending them.
"With respect to the works of the unregenerate― of
those especially who think they understand the way of
salvation by Christ, I would answer a few things. My
friend, you know there are various ways (if I may so
speak,) of painting truth to the understanding. The ac-
tions of the body in the first place, are neither good nor
bad in themselves, any more than the rustling of a leaf, or
the motions of any other matter. What then? Why the
motions or operations of the heart are the only good or
bad actions in the sight of God. God looks on the heart.
And it is impossible that any thing should be morally good
or bad in any other sense than as God regards it. True,
men may call all manner of wickedness, good; but does
giving it the name, by any wonderful process infuse into
it the nature of good? If not, then let us inquire what
God calls good, and what evil. Now I can conceive of
only three states in which it is possible for the mind to be,
in respect to any object-Love, Hatred or Indifference.-
Now these are not nice distinctions — finely spun out-
they are distinctions which we must understand, or we
—
44
MEMOIR OF
POS
cannot know what is good, or what is evil in a moral sense.
Love, hatred, or indifference to God as the object, either
directly or indirectly, in ways unnumbered, are the only
possible ways of sinning, or doing moral good.
C
"1. Do unregenerate men love God? If so, then reason
says there is no regeneration. Every one that loveth is
born of God.' 'God is love, and he that dwelleth in love
dwelleth in God and God in him.' It is intuitively evi-
dent, then, that if all who love God are regenerated, or
born of God, all who are not born of God, do not love him.
Besides, all who are not born of God, the scriptures say,
are in the flesh. "That which is born of the flesh, is flesh,
and that which is born of the spirit, is spirit.' They that
are in the flesh,' or are not born of the spirit, the Apostle
says 'cannot please God.' I would ask then, for an an-
swer to this plain question, can he who cannot please God,
do anything acceptable to him? Or does God require
him to do what is not acceptable to him? Should it be
said, it may be accepted on account of the merits of Christ;
I would answer, what have those to do with the merits of
Christ, or even the name of Christ, who reject him, and
who will not come unto him?' — who are the very moment
when they pray, in heart his betrayers and murderers! —
But it will be said, although they are not regenerate, yet
they are well-wishers, they are seeking earnestly to be-
come christians-they know that without Christ they must
forever perish; it would therefore, not only be cruel, but
very unjust to give them the lie, by telling them they re-
ject Christ and are his enemies. Let Christ answer. 'He
that is not with me is, against me.' And besides, that
they are not regarded for their own doings, nor their do-
ings on account of the merits of Christ, is evident; for it
would be as much inconsistent with the moral perfections
of God, to regard the doings of the unregenerate, as it
C
DR.
NETTLETON.
45
would be if Christ had never died. It is the same thing
with regard to the unregenerate, while they remain thus,
as if Christ had never died.
"If then, nothing is done acceptable to God where love
is absent, it needs no proof to show that what is done in
the exercise of hatred, or in indifference is neither accep-
table nor required. But to leave this mode of reasoning,
whence is it that those who have good evidence that they
are born again, and enjoy the consolations of the divine
spirit, renounce the opinion against which I am now con-
tending, and begin to adopt the very language of the blind
man when restored to sight, 'now we know that God
heareth not sinners ?'
G
“But the reason why the genuine gospel is not received
by the unrenewed is as plain as the sun in the heavens.
You remember what it is that 'is not subject to the law of
God, neither indeed can be.' The genuine gospel has
ever been considered an insult to the public taste. I care
not for correctness of sentiment—for natural amiableness
or suavity of disposition, and for the whole host of natu-
ral affections wherever the true gospel comes—wherev-
er it is explained and understood, if it be not cordially re-
ceived and embraced, it will assuredly awaken disgust.
and provoke abhorrence. Nor can it be otherwise; for
its principal design is to mortify the pride of man, and to
display the glory of sovereign grace-to level all human
excellence in the dust, and to elevate even to thrones of
glory, the needy and the wretched-to reject the proud
and give grace to the humble. The true gospel pays no
respect to the academic, because of his profound learning,
nor to the moralist, on account of his upright conduct.
It
pays not the least regard to the courtier, because of his
pompous honors, nor to the devotee on account of his zeal
or his righteousness. No, the potent prince and the ab-
ject slave, the wise philosopher, and the ignorant rustic,
i
2*
46
MEMOIR OF
the virtuous lady and the infamous prostitute, all stand on
the same level in its comprehensive sight. Its business is
with the worthless and miserable wherever it finds them.
If these be relieved, its end is accomplished, its work is
done. To reward these is its supreme delight. But
the self-sufficient of every rank, are treated by it with the
utmost reserve, and beheld by it with a constant and most
steady contempt. The hungry it filleth with good things,
but the rich it sendeth empty away. In short, all the fine
words which are spoken-the sociability and extreme po-
liteness with which she is treated, and the high commen-
dations ['good master,' 'Lord, Lord,'] with which she
is loaded from the good-hearted, well-wishing world, can
never provoke her stern and angry countenance into a
smile, or a single look of complacency. But on the truly
contrite, she looks with a cheering smile and a heavenly
countenance, to revive and cheer the drooping heart of
the contrite ones. O, glorious gospel, heavenly messen-
ger of good tidings! Welcome sweet messenger of peace!
Friend, I believe that the christian who sees his own heart
in the light of the gospel, is really and heartily ashamed
of his very best performances. Grace hath laid the foun-
dation of the sinner's hope. Grace erects the building,
and the head stone thereof shall be brought forth with
shoutings, crying grace, grace unto it."
During his junior year in College, he became acquaint-
ed with Samuel J. Mills. This was brought about in the
following manner. Simeon Woodruff, a classmate and
intimate friend of Nettleton, happened one vacation to
fall in company with Mills, and heard him converse on the
subject of Missions, and his plans of life. "You talk,”
said Woodruff, "just like one of my classmates. He
says, he intends never to be settled, but to be a missiona-
ry to the heathen." Mills was so much interested in this
intelligence, that he took a journey to New Haven, on
DR. NETTLETON.
47
purpose to become acquainted with Nettleton. They
spent much time in consultation, and were happy to find
a perfect coincidence of views on the subject of missions.
Mills informed him of Hall, and others of his acquaintance,
who entertained similar views. The next year, Mills
having graduated at Williams' College, spent a few months
as a resident graduate at Yale. "His ostensible object,"
says his biographer, "was the study of theology; but his
real object was to ascertain whether there were not some
kindred spirits in this Institution, who could be excited
and encouraged in this glorious enterprise." It was not
perhaps known to his biographer, that there was one
kindred spirit in that Institution, with whom he had al-
ready became acquainted, and with whom he wished to
hold further intercourse. He and Nettleton conferred
much on the subject, and entered into an agreement to
avoid all entangling alliances, and to hold themselves in
readiness to go to the heathen, whenever God, in his
Providence should prepare the way. They also, formed
the purpose of meeting the next year at Andover, and
while pursuing their theological studies, to mature their
plans of future action. This purpose, Mr. Nettleton
found himself under the painful necessity of abandoning,
on account of a debt which he had contracted while ob-
taining his education; and which he wished to discharge,
as soon as possible. Both he and Mills, felt the disap-
pointment deeply. Mills advised him to make applica-
tion to some friends to liquidate the debt for him; but
this he was unwilling to do; and soon after he graduated,
at the earnest solicitation of Dr. Dwight, he accepted the
office of Butler in College. This office he held nearly a
year, devoting what leisure time he could command, to
theological studies. He then repaired to Milford, and put
himself under the instruction of the Rev. Bezabel Pinneo,
with whom he remained until he received license to
preach the gospel.
48
MEMOIR OF
:
·
i
Mr. Pinneo in a letter to the writer, thus speaks of
him.
"I have no recollection of noticing any thing extraor-
dinary in respect to his piety. I had been acquainted
with him before. He was, indeed, while a member of
College, considerably distinguished for his piety, and strict
orthodoxy. He very much disliked Dr. Dwight's idea.
of the prayers and doings of the unregenerate, being in
certain cases without sin, and of a mere neutral charac-
ter. Doctrinal theology was the great subject of his med-
itation, study and delight, to which he gave his strength
from the first. Nor was it with him a matter of dry spec-
ulation. His christian experience grew out of a cordial
belief and reception of these doctrines, and was modified
by them; so that his Christian character was uncommonly
mature at this period, for one of his years; or rather I
may say, for one who had been no longer in the vineyard. He
was not born a sickly puny child, but of uncommon health
and vigor, as appears by his not conferring with flesh and
blood, but devoting himself to the service of God, in its
most self-denying forms; resolving by the will of God, to
preach the gospel to the heathen; a duty, which at that
time, had but just begun to be thought of."
Mr. Nettleton was licensed to preach by the West As-
sociation of New Haven county, at the house of the Rev.
Dr. Trumbull, in North Haven, May 28th. 1811.*
In June 1810, Messrs. Judson, Nott, Mills and Newell,
at that time, members of the Theological Seminary at
Andover, presented themselves before the General Asso-
ciation of Massachusetts, in Bradford, and made known
their convictions of the duty and importance of personal-
ly attempting a Mission to the heathen, and requested the
* He was ordained as an evangelist by the South Consociation of Litch
field county, in the summer of 1817,
DR. NETTLETON.
49
advice of the Association. This movement, it is well
known, led to the organization of the American Board of V
Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Mr. Nettleton, was
at this time Butler in Yale College. Had he gone to
Andover, after he had graduated, as he intended, he
would doubtless have been one of the company. When
he heard what had been done, he lamented with tears,
that he could not have been there. He feared that it was
an indication of Providence, that he was not to be permit-
ted to become a missionary. His purpose, however, re-
mained steadfast.
The reader is doubtless anxious, by this time, to know
why Mr. Nettleton did not become a missionary, as he
intended. The reasons can be stated in few words. Soon
after he began to preach, his labors were crowned with
signal success. Wherever he went, the spirit of God
seemed to accompany his preaching. His brethren in the
ministry, witnessing the success of his labors, were of
opinion that he ought, at least, to delay the execution of
his purpose to leave the country. In deference to their
opinion, he consented to delay; and as his labors became
increasingly successful, his brethren were more and more
convinced that God had called him to labor as an evange-
list at home. Still, he never entirely abandoned the idea
of a Foreign Mission, until his health failed in 1822.
*
CHAPTER III.
His labors in the eastern part of Connecticut, where he obtains a knowledge
of the measures which were adopted by Davenport, and others, in the
great revival of 1740, and of their results in producing a moral desola-
tion. — His acquaintance with certain evangelists. — His opinion of the
expediency of employing evangelists as assistants of settled pastors.
AFTER receiving license to preach, Mr. Nettleton refused
to consider himself a candidate for settlement, because
he intended and expected to engage in the missionary
service as soon as the Providence of God should prepare
the way. He chose therefore to commence his labors in
waste places, and in some the most desolate parts of the
Lord's vineyard. He accordingly went to the eastern
part of Connecticut, on the borders of Rhode Island.-
Here he preached for a few months, in several places.
which had long been destitute of settled pastors, and
which had been overrun by fanatical sects of various des-
criptions. In some of these places, there had once been
flourishing churches, with excellent pastors; but they had
been made desolate more than half a century before, by the
measures which Davenport and other evangelists of that
period, introduced. He became acquainted with some
aged people, who gave him an account of the proceedings
of that day, and of their results as they had been develo-
ped in the course of half a century. He also found some
.... -.
52
MEMOIR OF
pamphlets and books from which he obtained much impor-
tant information respecting the disorders which prevailed
after the revival of 1740.* He has often spoken with deep
*There is a very good account of these disorders in an old pamphlet,
containing nine sermons by the Rev. Joseph Fish, pastor of a church in
Stonington, preached in 1763. He seems to have been a sound and faith-
ful minister of the gospel. He was the pastor of a large and flourishing
church, which had shared richly in the revival of 1740. But his parish
was one of the theatres of Davenport's operations, the result of which was,
as he informs us in his preface, that not less than two-thirds of his congre-
gation withdrew from his ministry, and formed themselves into separate so-
cieties. The sermons were preached twenty years after these separations
took place, and their object was to make the youth of his flock acquainted
with the scenes through which their church and society had passed. As
this pamphlet is but little known at the present day, and as the facts which
it contains, are well worthy to be preserved, I have thought it might be use-
ful to make a few extracts.
"About twenty-three or twenty-four years ago, there was the most won-
derful work of God that ever was known in this part of the world, both for
the extent, and visible appearance of it. It seems there was a general
thoughtfulness about religion prevailing in the minds of the people, before
they made it manifest by word. The ministers of Christ were stirred up
to preach with uncommon zeal and solemnity, and the people were as ready
to hear with unusual attention, while the things of eternity were charged
home to the conscience.
"The work went on gloriously. The standing ministers, (there being no
other then in the land,) became more abundant and fervent in their labors,
as they saw their people were attentive to hear. Nor did they labor in
vain. Scarce a sermon could be preached, but the hearts of the people,
more or less, would be touched, and some deeply affected. While we were
thus engaged in religion, a new and surprising scene opened upon us; even
such religious operations and appearances as engaged both the careless, and
the serious, to come and see and hear for themselves. In these strange
operations, there was a marvellous mixture of almost every thing good and
bad-truth and error, chaff and wheat. For while the spirit of God wrought
powerfully, Satan raged maliciously, and acted his old subtle part to de-
cieve. This happened, or at least was carried to the highest pitch, under
the preaching and ministrations of a wonderful, strange, good man, (the
Rev. James Davenport of Long Island,) who visited these parts in the time
DR. NETTLETON.
53
interest of this period of his labors, and of the use which
the information he at that time obtained, was to him in
after life. He learned that those who labor as evange-
lists, even if they have the best intentions, are in peculiar
danger of mistaking false, for true zeal; and of being be-
trayed into great indiscretions. IIe learned also, that the
*
*
of our religious concern and awakening; a young man of undoubted real
piety, fervent zeal for God, love to souls, and ardent desire to advance the
Redeemer's kingdom. But, (thus it was permitted,) a man, while with us,
under the powerful influence of a false spirit, in a great part of his conduct,
as many then told him, and as he himself did afterwards acknowledge with
deep abasement. Satan taking the advantage of his zeal in religion, trans-
formed himself into an angel of light, and hurried him into extremes; yea,
artfully carried him beside the truth and duty, and beyond the bounds of
decency.
"The things promoted by him that were evidently
and dreadfully wrong, are such as these. He not only gave an unrestrained
liberty to noise and outcry both of distress and joy in time of divine ser-
vice, but promoted both with all his might." *
"Those persons
that passed immediately from great distress to great joy and delight, (which
'tis true, have their place in religion,) after asking them a few questions,
were instantly proclaimed converts, or said to have come to Christ, and up-
on it the assembly were told that a number, it may be ten or fifteen have
come to Christ already, who will come next? When (I desire to speak it
with sorrow) numbers of such converts, in a little time, returned to their
old way of living—were as carnal, wicked, and void of christian experience
as ever they were. Again-He was a great favorer of visions, trances, im-
aginations and powerful impressions upon the mind in others, and made
such inward feelings the rule of his conduct in many respects; especially if
the impression came with a text of scripture, which he looked upon to be
opened to him at such a time and in such cases, pointing out his duty which
he would accordingly pursue. Upon such powerful impressions and open-
ings of scripture, he went to Boston, strongly persuaded that multitudes in
that great city, (to use his own expressions,) would be converted by his
preaching there. But as Mr. Elwards rightly observes, such circumstances
attending religious affections are no sure sign that they are gracious or tru-
ly religious. He was a great encourager, if not the first setter up of public
exhorters; not restricting them to the gospel rule or order of brotherly ex-
hortations; but encouraging any lively zealous christians, (so reputed) to
exhort publicly, in full assemblies, with all the air and assurance of min-
*
54
MEMOIR OF
{
}
:
imprudences of one evangelist may produce incalculable
evils; evils which will extend through many generations.
While surveying these fields of moral desolation, he be-
came deeply impressed with the importance of a settled.
ministry. He saw that where there is no settled ministry,
the minds of the people become unsettled in regard to re-
isterial authoritative exhorting; although they were exceeding raw and un-
skillful in the word of righteousness, and altogether unequal to the solemn
undertaking. However, they being very warm and zealous, spake boldly
and freely, [which qualities of speech, by the way, Mr. Edwards judiciously
observes, are no sure signs of gracious, religious affections,] and so were
highly esteemed—had in admiration, and preferred before the letter learn-
ed rabbies, scribes and pharisees, and unconverted ministers; which
phrases the good man would frequently use in his sermons, with such pecu-
liar marks, not only of odium, but of indication, as served to beget a jeal-
ousy in many of the people's minds, that their ministers were the letter-
learned, unconverted teachers which he aimed at. And thus the exhorters
came into credit among multitudes of people, who chose rather to hear them
than their old teachers, which served directly to puff them up with spiritual
pride, and fitted them for the daring undertaking which followed. By
these means the standing ministers began to fall, in their credit and esteem
among the people; especially among such as were reckoned the foremost
christians; many of whom with the bloated exhorters, began to treat their
ministers with such assurance, haughtiness and contempt as plainly spoke
their sentiments that they knew more and better how to teach, than they;
especially if the ministers opposed them, or only questioned whether they
were right. And thus the seeds of discord and disunion were sown, and a
foundation laid for after separations. But what tended more effectually than
all that has been said, to prepare the way for separation was this that fol-
lowed: This zealous good man, from a sense hopefully at first, of the eminent
danger of an unconverted ministry, both to themselves and the people, was
betrayed by the false spirit, into that bold, daring enterprise, of going through
the country to examine all the ministers in private, and then publicly to
declare his judgment of their spiritual state. And this he did, whenever
he could be admitted to examine them. Some that he examined, [though
for aught that appeared,] as godly as himself, were pronounced in his pub-
lic prayers immediately after examination, to be unconverted. And they
who declared this design and practice of his to be unscriptural, and so refu-
sed to be examined by him, were sure to suffer the same fate; they were con-
DR. NETTLETON.
55
ligious truth, and they are easily carried about by "every
wind of doctrine;" that errorists of every description come
in and occupy the ground, and that when there is any re-
ligious excitement among them, it is peculiarly liable to
run into the wildest fanatacism. In the minds of a people
thus situated, religion and fanaticism become identified.
demned by him as Christless; or [which amounted to as much with the
populace,] he would declare that he had reason to fear they were unconver-
ted; in which cases, he could ordinarily have no other ground or reason
for his fear, than that of their refusing submission to his tribunal. Many
good people thinking highly of Mr. Davenport, as though he was authorized
from heaven to proceed in this manner, and at the same time, having great
regard for their own ministers, seemed even as much concerned lest they
should not stand the trial, [when examined,] as if they were going before the
judge of all the earth. * "Now the counsel of this strange man,
which he counselled in those days, was, [like the counsel of Ahithophel,]
as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God. Multitudes of honest good
people believed every thing that he said, and had such a veneration for all
that he did, that if they could quote the word and example of Mr. Daven-
port, 'was enough with them to justify any of the wild, unscriptural no-
tions and ways which they through weakness had run into. So that a min-
ister could not gainsay or correct them, under the price of his reputation.
The things which I have mentioned, [to which many more might doubtless
be added,] were such manifest ERRORS, that even the carnal and ungodly
world, could not but see and know they were wrong. And so herein they
agreed with some judicious good people and discerning ministers, who oppo-
sed them as such. And for this reason, the good and the bad were ranked
together, and frequently run upon by those who were zealous for these things,
and declared to be opposers of the work of God, and on the enemy's side.
He that speaks to you, being an eye and ear witness to all, or the substance
of what has been related, is the more free in declaring these things unto
Having gone on a year, or more, [if I mistake not,] in
the practices above stated, he was, by the gentle treatment and earnest ex-
postulation of some pious and judicious ministers, put upon serious reflec-
tion and close examination of his strange conduct in the things which have
been related, and others similar to them. And after some months' delibe-
ration, and earnest seeking to the Father of lights, he was deliberately,
clearly and fully convinced of his errors. The mask was thrown aside-the
delusions of satan appeared to him in their own horrid light; and the dread-
* *
you.
56
MEMOIR OF
They know of no other kind of religion, and of course,
they seek and expect no other. He found that the chur-
ches which had been made desolate by the labors of Da-
venport and his coadjutors half a century before, had re-
mained desolate until that time that there still existed
among the people, the most violent prejudices against set-
A
He
ful consequences of his awful mistakes, filled him with deep concern.
was made sensible of the injury he had done to ministers and churches;
how he had broke the order of the gospel by causing divisions and offences;
and on the whole, that he had brought reproach on the glorious work of God,
and endangered the souls of men. For these things he was deeply abased;
humbled himself before the Lord, and lay in the dust. Hereupon he return-
ed and visited many of the places where he had so grievously erred and of-
fended, to see if he might by any means repair the damage he had done.
When he came to this town, it was with such a mild, pleasant, meek and
humble spirit, broken and contrite, as I scarce ever saw exceeded or even
equalled. He not only owned his fault in private, and in a most christian
manner asked forgiveness of some ministers whom he had before treated
amiss, but in a large assembly, made a public recantation of his errors and
mistakes, and particularly mentioned and declared against some, if not all
that I have exposed in this narrative, as well as others that I have not men-
tioned. He gave a full and solemn testimony to the work of God that was
carried on in the land, by the outpouring of his blessed spirit, in those things
that were really and properly God's work; and said that he doubted not
but that he, though [as he added] most unworthy, had been made an instru-
ment for the saving good of many souls; but he declared with all humility
and openness of heart, that in many things, such as above, he had grievously
erred. He told us how the Lord had led him to a sight of his errors, and
convinced him fully that he had been under the powerful influence of the
false spirit; though in the time of its operation, he verily thought 'twas the
spirit of God in a high degree. Thus the good man, [no longer the noisy,
boisterous, rash and censorious Davenport, but the meek, humble, and yet
the fervent man of God,] confessed, bewailed, and warned against the er-
rors which he had unhappily spread and promoted. How great and how
happy the change! But how is he now received and hearkened to by those
zealous people, who, in the time of his wildness and false zeal, were ready
to adore him? Why, verily, they that were not convinced of their own, and
his former mistakes, were far from being pleased by his present conduct.
They saw that he was turned against them, that is, against some of their
DR. NETTLETON.
57
tled pastors, and all regular ecclesiastical organizations.
He saw that the same self-righteous and denunciatory
spirit which first rent and scattered the churches, was still
prevalent, and that those measures which accompany and
promote fanaticism; such as calling persons to the anx-
ious seat, requesting them to rise to be prayed for, or to
signify that they had given their hearts to God; encoura-
ging females to exhort and pray in promiscuous assem-
blies, &c., were still rife among them. These measures
were adopted in these waste places, not only by Metho-
dists, Freewill Baptists and Christ-ians, but by Congrega-
tionalists.
40%
It is proper here to state, that there were, at that period,
some Evangelists of our own denomination, (not unlike
some more modern evangelists,) who were in the habit of
visiting these waste places, and who imbibed and encour-
aged the spirit above described. Some of these evange-
lists appeared to be good men; but they were greatly
deficient in prudence, and were often impelled by a false
zeal. They were usually found arrayed against settled
pastors, and their influence went to promote the interests
of the fanatical sects, with which they were in the habit
of co-operating in their religious meetings. These
evangelists, and those with whom they associated, per-
ceiving that Mr. Nettleton was a young man of zeal,
took great pains to draw him into their views, and to
infuse into his mind prejudices against settled pastors, by
insinuating that they were enemies to revivals, and thus
darling principles and ways, and thought that he was now become their
enemy, in those things wherein he only told them the truth. They now
looked upon him to be cold, dead and lifeless-that he had got away from
God, and joined in a great measure with the world of opposers, and carnal
ministers. In a word, they were sadly disappointed, sorely vexed, or dis-
quieted in their spirits, grievously offended, [that is, numbers of them] and
on the whole, they all rejected his message." pp. 114-128.
יִן
113
58
MEMOIR OF
Į
!
to secure his co-operation in their radical movements.
But he at once perceived, that they were actuated by a
wrong spirit, and that the course which they were pursu-
ing, was adapted not to promote, but to injure the cause
of religion. He saw that the whole weight of their influence
was employed to increase and perpetuate the prejudices
of the people against sound doctrine, and ecclesiastical
order; and that so far from repairing the wastes of Zion,
they were only making them more desolate.
The knowledge which he obtained while laboring in
this region, led him to entertain great respect for the
pastoral office. He was convinced that without a settled
ministry, there could be no rational prospect of building
up churches, or of enjoying genuine revivals of religion;
that flocks scattered upon the mountains with no faithful
shepherd to watch and feed them, would become the prey
of "ravening wolves." He became also convinced that
a tremendous responsibility rests upon those who labor
as evangelists; and that it is their duty not to weaken
the hands of settled pastors, but to do all in their power
to strengthen them. This lesson was of immense impor-
tance to him, in preparing him for that course of labor to
which he was destined; and it is doubtless one reason
why he was enabled to shun those indiscretions into
which most evangelists have fallen.
We have seen how Mr. Nettleton came to be an evan-
gelist. His brethren persuaded him to relinquish for a
season his favorite and long cherished purpose of becom-
ing a missionary to the heathen; and the time never
came, while he had health and strength to labor as an
evangelist, when they thought it would be right for him
to relinquish an employment in which God was favoring
him with such signal success. While engaged in this
employment, it was his desire to confine his labors to
waste places, and destitute congregations; and it was
1
DR. NETTLETON.
59
not without great reluctance, and much solicitation, that
he consented to labor as an assistant to settled pastors.
He was never complained of for thrusting himself into
parishes where his assistance was not desired; but the
complaint continually was, that it was so difficult to
obtain him. The late Dr. Porter of Andover, thus speaks
of him in his letters on revivals.
"About the close of the period which I attempted to de-
scribe in former letters, the Rev. Asahel Nettleton devoted
himself to the work of an evangelist. With his eminent
qualifications for this work, and usefulness in it, I presume
you are well acquainted. The fact, however, which it is
especially to my present purpose to mention, and which
probably many of you do not know, is, that this distin-
guished itinerant found no difficulty to labor with stated
pastors without making himself their rival. If, in any in-
stance, he could not conscientiously coincide in the views,
or co-operate in the measures of a pastor, among whose
charge he was invited to labor, he did not sow dissension
in that church, nor seek to detach their affections from
their minister, but quietly withdrew to another place.
The consequence was, that the visits of this devoted ser-
vant of Christ, were always sought, and never dreaded, nor
regretted by ministers or churches."
An instance probably, cannot be mentioned, in which
the influence of Mr. Nettleton led to the dismission of a
pastor; but many instances might be mentioned, in which
he was instrumental in strengthening the hands of pastors.
He would entreat ministers with such kindness, and speak
of them with such respect, as to make the impression on
the minds of their people, that they were worthy of their
confidence; and thus not a few, who had almost lost their
influence, were firmly reinstated in the affections of their
people. In this way he exhibited great wisdom; and
when in connection with this fact, we take into considera-
43
60
MEMOIR OF
tion the success of his labors, it is not surprising that his
visits were so highly prized by ministers and churches.
Having already somewhat anticipated the course of
events, it may not, perhaps, be improper to mention in
this place, that although the labors of Mr. Nettleton, as
an evangelist, were instrumental of such abounding good,
unmingled, so far as could be seen, with any evil; yet he
himself became convinced that it would be unwise for the
churches to adopt the system of supporting an order of
evangelists, as assistants to settled pastors. He remem-
bered what he had learned respecting the operations of
Davenport and their results; also the false zeal, and im-
proper spirit manifested by certain itinerants with whom
he became acquainted when he began to preach; and in
addition to these things, he found that certain zealous
young men were coming forward every year as evange-
lists, who by rashness and imprudence, were doing injury
to the cause of religion. These things convinced him that
if this description of laborers were systematically employ-
ed, more evil than good might confidently be expected as
the result.
He has often been heard to say, that a few men might
be very usefully employed as evangelists, if we could be
sure of obtaining men of the right character men of
distinction, who would co-operate with settled pastors,
and aid them in putting down irregularities, and promo-
ting order. But believing that most who engage in this
service, would be men of a different character, he discour-
aged the idea of bringing forward and supporting an
order of such laborers. This accounts for the stand
which he took on this subject in 1820. In that year the
General Association of Connecticut appointed a commit-
tee to take into consideration the subject of increasing
ministerial labor in the several congregations in our con-
vention. When that committee met they invited Mr.
......
•
#
.
E
DR.
61
NETTLETON.
Nettleton to meet with them, and requested his opinion
as to the expediency of introducing and supporting an
order of evangelists. He was told that if he would
consent to act as an evangelist for the State, and locate
himself in New Haven, in that capacity, the Churches
would undoubtedly give him an ample support. He
remarked that he had never yet received a dollar from
any benevolent society, or public association, and that he
did not choose to labor in this way. He moreover gave
it as his opinion that it would be inexpedient to introduce
and support an order of evangelists. He foresaw the
evils that would be likely to grow out of the system, if it
were made permanent; and they were the very evils
which were afterwards so strikingly realized in some
parts of the country. Through his influence the project
was abandoned.
In a letter to the Rev. Lavius Hyde, dated Aug. 24,
1829, he thus alludes to the facts above stated.
"The course which I have pursued as an evangelist,
is one that I never dreamed of, as I suppose you know;
having designed to be a foreign missionary, from the time
I first thought of entering the ministry. I feel grieved
and sick, when I think of some who wish to be evange-
lists, because they are unfit for settled pastors. I have
long seen and deplored the evil. Did I inform you that
at a meeting of a committee of the General Association
of Connecticut, in 1820, a proposition was made to send
out a number of evangelists, as the best means of pro-
moting revivals of religion, and that I objected ? — that
they proposed to give me a salary of $1000, annually
and that I declined receiving any thing in that line?”
3
CHAPTER IV.
His labors in Derby, South Britain, South Salem, Danbury, Monroe, North
Lyme, Hadlyme, Bloomfield, Milton, South Farms, Chester, East
Granby, Bolton, Manchester, West Granby.
Or the effects of Mr. Nettleton's labors, during the few
months which he spent in the eastern part of Connecti-
cut, I am not able to speak particularly. I have under-
stood, generally, that they were not altogether in vain;
that some souls were awakened and hopefully converted
to Christ. But for reasons stated in the preceding chap-
ter, he found it to be an unpromising field of labor.
He afterwards preached several Sabbaths in Derby with
some success. A few individuals received impressions
which issued, as was believed, in a saving conversion to
God.
In the fall of 1812, having received an invitation to
preach in South Salem, N. Y., he stopped on his way
thither, at South Britain, Conn., where the author of this
memoir then resided. This was the commencement of
their acquaintance; an acquaintance, which soon ripened
into an endeared friendship that lasted through life. There
was at that time a very interesting revival of religion in
South Britain. This induced him to prolong his visit for
I
↓
1
1
64
MEMOIR OF
$3
one week. He preached on the Sabbath, and attended
several other religious meetings, besides visiting with the
pastor from house to house, and conversing with those
who were anxious for their souls. His labors were very
acceptable to the people, and there is reason to believe
that they were blessed to the saving good of some souls.
His manner at this time, was somewhat peculiar, but
not so much so, as to injure his usefulness. His address
at the first meeting which he attended, will not soon be
forgotten by those who heard it. It was in a school house,
crowded with people, not a few of whom were under deep
conviction of sin. As he arose, being an entire stranger,
every eye was fixed upon him, and a breathless silence
pervaded the assembly. With great solemnity he looked
round upon the congregation, and thus began. "What
is that murmur which I hear?—I wish I had a new heart.
What shall I do? — They tell me to repent — I can't re-
pent-I wish they would give me some other direction."
He thus went on for a short time, personating the awak-
ened sinner, and bringing out the feelings of his heart.
He then changed the form of his address, and in a solemn
and affectionate manner, appealed to the consciences of
his hearers, and showed them that they must repent or
perish, that it was their reasonable duty to repent imme-
diately, and that ministers could not direct them to any
thing short of repentance, without being unfaithful to their
souls. The address produced a thrilling effect, and serv-
ed greatly to deepen the convictions of those who were
anxious.
During the week that he remained in South Britain, he
took a lively interest in the revival which was in progress,
and he left the place with his heart glowing with love to
souls, and with ardent desires that God would give him
grace to be faithful to the people among whom he was go-
✔ -
DR. NETTLETON.
65
138:
ing to labor. From that time, for ten years, it was his
happy lot, to be employed almost constantly in revivals of
religion.
He went to South Salem. The church was destitute of
a pastor, and was in a cold and backslidden state. Great
spiritual apathy existed in the congregation. He preach-
ed on the Sabbath, and appointed one or two evening
meetings in the course of the week. His preaching pro-
duced an immediate solemnity on the minds of the people ;
and in the course of a fortnight, there was a developement
of feeling, which made it apparent that the Spirit of God
was operating on many minds. At the close of one of
his evening meetings several youths repaired to his lodg-
ings in deep distress, to inquire what they must do to be
saved. He pointed them to Christ, and with affectionate
earnestness, urged them immediately to repent and be-
lieve the Gospel. The next day, in visiting from house
to house, he found others under deep religious impressions.
The seriousness soon spread through the place, and the
subject of religion became the engrossing topic of con-
versation. In the course of one or two weeks from this
time, several were found rejoicing in hope. He was ex-
ceedingly anxious lest they should take up with a false and
spurious hope. He warned them of the danger of self-
deception, reminded them of the deceitfulness of the hu-
man heart, and pointed out the various ways in which
persons are liable to deceive themselves. He also exhib-
ited with great plainness the distinguishing marks of gen-
uine conversion. The work became powerful, and in-
creased with rapidity, and in the course of a few weeks,
a large number gave pleasing evidence of having passed
from death unto life.
After about two months, he left the place. He did this,
partly, because the people began to take measures to give
H
66
MEMOIR OF
him a call to settle with them as their pastor. Having de-
voted himself to a missionary life, he was determined to
listen to no such call. Another reason which induced
him to leave, was, the presumption that the work after
having made such progress, might be expected to contin-
ue, as well without his labors, as with them. In this res-
pect, he committed an error, as he was afterwards con-
vinced. In the early part of his ministry, he thought that
he might accomplish the most good by laboring only a
short time in a place that when a revival had commen-
ced, he might safely commit it to the care of others, & retire
to a new field. But experience taught him that this was not
the way to be most useful. He found it important to pro-
long his labors, when God was rendering them effectual
to the salvation of souls.
After he left South Salem, he preached a few Sabbaths
in Danbury, a town in the western part of Connecticut.
Here a work of grace immediately commenced, and seve-
ral interesting cases of conversion occurred. Here too
the people began to adopt measures to obtain him for
their pastor, which induced him to leave, sooner than he
otherwise would have done. He afterwards expressed
his regret that he did not remain longer in Danbury, as
there was every appearance of the commencement of a
great and glorious revival. The work made but little
progress after his departure.
From Danbury he went to Monroe. Here also success
attended his labors. To what extent I am not able to
state nor have I been able to learn how long he labor-
ed in this place. It was, however, but a short time. He
preached there occasionally afterwards and often spoke
with interest of the young converts, and particularly of
one, whose triumphant death he was called to witness.
Ma
DR. NETTLETON.
67
In the spring of 1813, he visited North Lyme, a parish
near the mouth of the Connecticut River. The church
was destitute of a pastor. There was no special serious-
ness when he commenced his labors. But a deep solem-
nity soon pervaded the congregation, and in three or four
weeks, a large number were anxiously enquiring what
they must do to be saved. He remained in this place lon-
ger than in any of the places which he had previously re-
sided; and "much people," in the judgment of charity,
were "added unto the Lord."
While in North Lyme, he spent considerable time in as-
sisting the Rev. Mr. Vail, pastor of the church in Hadlyme.
Here too, his labors were greatly blessed to the quicken-
ing of God's people, and to the awakening and conversion
of sinners.
In the summer of 1813, he preached four Sabbaths in
Bloomfield. In this place, as in others, the Spirit of God
accompanied his labors, and several interesting cases of
hopeful conversion occurred.
In the autumn of 1813, he commenced his labors in Mil-
ton, a parish in the west part of the town of Litchfield.
This was a waste place. The people were not only with-
out a pastor, but had become so weakened by divisions,
and by the loss of their parish fund, that they almost
despaired of ever enjoying again the privilege of a preach-
ed gospel. Dr. Beecher, who was at that time pastor of
the church in Litchfield, and another neighboring minis-
ter, agreed to solicit funds in their respective congrega-
tions, to support a preacher, for a season, in Milton. Hav-
ing entered into this arrangement, they made application
to Mr. Nettleton. In the mean time, the churches in the
vicinity were requested to remember that people particu-
larly in their prayers. In conformity with the arrangement
Mr. Nettleton came, and called on Dr. Beecher. It was
MEMOIR OF
the first time that they had met.
"Thou hast well done,"
said Dr. Beecher, "that thou art come." "I ask," said
Mr. Nettleton, "for what intent ye have sent for me?"
"To hear all things that are commanded thee of God,"
said Dr. Beecher. On Friday, by the direction of Dr.
Beecher, Mr. Nettleton took lodgings at the house of one
of the members of his church, who lived on the borders of
Milton. The next day, notice was sent to the people that
they might expect preaching on the Sabbath. This was
entirely unexpected by the people, as they were ignorant
of the efforts which had been made in their behalf. On
Sabbath morning Mr. Nettleton repaired to the place, and
preached to a very small congregation. There were but
few professors of religion in the place, and they were in a
lukewarm state, and very great indifference to the subject
of religion prevailed among the people at large. At the
close of public worship, one of the people, very reluctant-
ly, as he afterwards confessed, invited Mr. N. to his house,
because there was no other individual who was disposed
to do it. In this house, he found a pleasant home; and
it proved to be like the house of Obidedom, which God
blessed. Salvation, came indeed to this house, and the
family were much more unwilling to part with their guest,
than they had been to receive him.
The curiosity of the people was soon excited, and they
flocked together to hear the stranger who had come so un-
expectedly among them. At the close of one of his eve-
ning meetings, he informed them, that he had been re-
quested to come and labor with them for a season, and he
wished them to pray for a revival of religion, adding,
"whether you do or not, it is possible there may be one,
for christians in other places have agreed to pray for you.”
This produced great solemnity. Several went from that
meeting in deep distress. It was soon manifest that God
was in the place of a truth. The work increased rapidly
DR. NETTLETON.
69
<
6
and became very powerful. It was characterized by re-
markably clear and distressing convictions of sin. The
subjects had a vivid sense of the opposition of their hearts
to God, and in some instances, their distress was over-
whelming. On one evening, two or three individuals were
in such horror of mind, that it became necessary to remove
them from the meeting, to a neighboring house. This,
for the moment created some confusion, but order was
soon restored, when Mr. N. addressed the people in the
following manner. 'It may perhaps be new to some of
you, that there should be such distress for sin. But there
was great distress on the day of Pentecost, when thou-
sands were pricked in the heart, and cried out, men and
brethren, what shall we do.' Some of you, may perhaps
be ready to say, if this is religion, we wish to have noth-
ing to do with it. My friends, this is not religion. Reli-
gion does not cause its subjects to feel and act thus. These
individuals are thus distressed, not because they have re-
ligion, but because they have no religion, and have found
it out. It was so on the day of Pentecost. The thou-
sands who were pricked in their heart, had found that
they had no religion, and were unprepared to meet their
God. They had made the discovery that they were lost
sinners, and that their souls were in jeopardy every hour."
These may not be the precise words, but such was the
substance of his address. It produced a salutary effect.
It served to check what would be the natural result of mere
sympathy on such an occasion, and also to stop the mouths
of those who might be disposed to cavil. I would here re-
mark that in most of the revivals under Mr. N's preach-
ing, there were cases of overwhelming distress. But this
distress was not the result of mere sympathy, but of clear
conviction of sin; and in almost all cases, it soon termina-
ted in a peaceful and joyful hope of salvation.
Mr. Nettleton labored in Milton three or four months,
3*
70
MEMOIR OF
during which time a large number became, hopefully sub-
jects of renewing grace. The wastes of Zion were repair-
ed. The things which were ready to die, were strength-
ened, and there was great joy in that place.
It has been mentioned that Dr. Beecher and another
neighboring minister, agreed to collect funds for the sup-
port of Mr. N. while preaching in Milton. Some money
was collected for this purpose, but he refused to receive
it. The people had made him some presents in clothing
and with this he was satisfied. "Having food and rai-
ment," he was "therewith content.”*
While he was at Milton, some young people from South
Farms, (a parish in the South part of Litchfield,) attend-
ed his meetings and were awakened by his preaching.
This prepared the way for him to visit that place, which
he did in the latter part of the winter. He continued
there, laboring with great success, for several months.
An account of this revival was written by James Mor-
ris, Esq., an intelligent and pious gentleman who resided
in that place, and who for many years sustained a high
reputation as a teacher of youth. The account was never
published, but the manuscript has been carefully preserv-
ed, and has been kindly submitted to my inspection.
The narrative is very particular. It gives the names,
and age of eighty individuals, the time of each one's
hopeful conversion, and some account of the religious
exercises of almost all of them.
A few extracts will be interesting to the reader.
"The revival of religion began in South Farms in
*It may be proper
here to remark, that during the ten years that Mr.
N. was laboring in revivals, he received as a compensation for his services,
barely sufficient to defray his expenses. When he was taken sick in 1822,
he was found to be entirely destitute, and money was collected by his friends
in different places, to defray the expenses of his sickness.
"
DR. NETTLETON.
71
February or March, 1814. Praised be God for his glo-
rious work of redeeming love in the ingathering of his
elect. The following persons are hopefully brought out of
darkness into God's marvelous light, and are made heirs of
God and joint heirs of Jesus Christ, the dear Redeemer.
How astonishing is the work of the Divine Spirit, the
Sanctifier and Comforter, in bringing God's chosen from
the bondage of sin and satan, and prostrating them at the
foot of the cross. Some have been called from among
the most dissipated, thoughtless and gay; and from seven-
ty years of age, down to school-children. Some from
the haunts of sensuality, profaneness and intemperance,
now apparently sing with understanding the songs of
redeeming love.”
"The first was A
S —
- a young female eighteen
years of age. She had her first impressions in Milton in
the month of January or February. She continued in a
state of anxious inquiry until the last of February, when
she entertained a hope that she had met with a change of
heart. She professes to enjoy religion. This was the
first instance of awakening in this place."
“R ———————— H — aged nineteen years, after a conflict
of serious impressions and opposition of heart, for about
six weeks, was, apparently on the 20th of April, renewed
in heart. The first evangelical exercise that she had any
knowledge of, according to her own account, was benev-
olence to her fellow men. She would that all men might
be saved, even if she was lost. The divine law appeared
to her holy, just and good. She felt submissive to the
divine will —a disposition to resign herself into the hands
of God, feeling that the judge of all the earth would do
right. She thus continued till Friday, the 22d, when
returning from a religious meeting, she felt a love to God
on account of the excellency of his character. She loved
72
MEMOIR OF
holiness for holiness' sake. She then hated sin, because
in its own nature, it is odious. This was the first time
that she had those consolations that the world cannot give
nor take away. Here she dates her hope, and rejoices
in God her Saviour."
"B
C aged 20 years, having had frequent
chidings of conscience at times for more than a year past,
hopes that on the 14th of April, she was born of the
spirit, and that she is now reconciled to God. Christ
appears to her altogether lovely and the chiefest among
ten thousand. Her first gracious exercises appeared to
be, love to the brethren, love to God, and faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ. She hates sin because it is exceeding sin-
ful. She appears to have clear views of her own native
depravity, and of the obstinacy of her will. She wonders
at and adores the patience and long-suffering of God, that
she had not been long ago, consigned to everlasting
despair."
"N
L aged 14 years after sundry weeks of
opposition of heart to all moral good, and hating the truth,
and avoiding all good people, was made to yield up her
wilful perverseness of heart to God, and to submit to the
terms of the gospel. The first exercise of her mind, was
that of love to all good people."
"R
с aged 20, having experienced distress-
ing convictions of sin, with an uncommon load on her
heart, and with a high sense of the malignant nature of
sin, experienced, as she believed divine consolations, on
the evening of the 15th of April. It was while returning
home from a conference, that the burden of sin was remo-
ved, as she hoped, and the love of God was shed abroad
in her soul. She retired to her chamber, and took her
Bible, and opened it at the 103 Psalm, and read, Bless
"
DR. NETTLETON.
73
the Lord, O, my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy
name. Bless the Lord, O, my soul, and forget not all his
benefits, &c.' She poured out her soul to God, in gratitude
and praise. She perseveres in her grateful remembrance
of the goodness of God, and hopes that she shall live to
his honor and glory the remainder of her life.”
"J
S aged 37 years, was naturally a pas-
sionate man. He lived in open sin and profaneness, from
his youth. He hated to read the Bible, and to attend
meeting on the Sabbath. He hated to hear religious con-
versation, and avoided religious instruction. He was of
an independent spirit and impiously heaven-daring. Yet
the religious instruction he had received from his mother,
could not be wholly effaced from his memory. He often
had chidings of conscience, and was often filled with re-
morse; but to drive all this from his mind, he would throw
himself into vain, sensual and dissipated company. He
never offered a prayer in his family. His mouth was of-
ten filled with profane oaths, and the most impious impre-
cations on himself. His torments of mind increasing up-
on him, he resolved to put an end to his dreadfully pro-
fane and wicked life. He accordingly procured a large
dose of arsenic, and laid it up for that purpose. In the
mean time, he had a dreadful struggle in his mind. His
purpose, he thought must be put in execution, and it seem-
ed to him that the torments of a future world for sin, could
not exceed the pain of mind which he felt. In this dreadful
struggle, the pride of his heart was subdued, and he was
made to bow at the footstool of sovereign grace on the
10th day of March. Traits of humility, self-abasement,
and ahhorrence of sin, in no man appear more conspicu-
ous. He admires, and adores, that such an awful, heav-
en-daring, and heaven-despising wretch, should be pluck-
ed as a brand out of the fire. He is altogether submissive
and his life is a life of prayer."
2
!
74
MEMOIR OF
“L−0.
W aged 12 years, on the 10th day
of May was hopefully delivered from the thraldom of sin
and satan. She experienced a singular conflict and con-
<
viction of sin for about a week. Her distress was seem-
ingly too great to be long endured. Her cry was, 'Oh
what a dreadful hard heart.' Oh, it seems as if I was in
hell.' Her conflict wore upon her bodily frame like a
violent attack of fever. In this youth it was clearly man-
ifested that when the Holy Ghost, the comforter is come,
he will convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of
judgment. A person who had experienced a change of
heart, and who had seen this child through all her trials
and conflicts would be led to conclude that the change in
her, is a real one. She possessed less guile than those of
maturer years. There was no dissembling. And when
grace was planted in her soul, she did not seem to know
it.
The first effect that it produced, was a calm serenity
of mind. She did not know why she felt so.
She con-
tinued so for some hours, not knowing but her dreadful
distress would return upon her. She took her Bible and
perused it, which the day before she perfectly hated, be-
cause looking into it increased her torments. This calm
serenity appeared in the morning when she arose. She
thus continued till towards noon, when she informed me
that she loved God—that the Bible was a new book to
her that she loved to read it that the world did not
appear to her as it did before
that all was new. She
took me by the hand, and said, she loved me, and loved
all God's creatures because God made them. She said
she knew that she was a great sinner.
She wondered
how she could so wilfully oppose God so long. God was
right and reasonable, and she was altogether wrong in be-
ing so stubborn and perverse. She said she was willing to
submit herself into the hands of God, for God would do
right with her. She knew that it would be just if God
DR. NETTLETON.
75
should send her to hell. Here, submission seemed to be her
first evangelical exercise, and then, love to the brethren."
"Widow A C aged 50, fixes on the 3d day
of May as the time when she hopes that her heart was
renewed by the spirit of grace. She had long before en-
She had
tertained a hope, founded on her good works.
never before believed in total depravity. She believed that
to live uprightly, and deal fairly and honestly with man-
kind, was sufficient to entitle her to salvation. But at
this time she found that all her former hopes were nothing,
She now
and that her righteousness was but filthy rags.
feels that all her hope is in Christ. She is full in her be-
lief of all the great doctrines of grace. She places her
confidence in God through Christ, relying on the promises.'
"Widow S H aged 70 years, after having
lived to the common age of man, without the fear of God
before her eyes, was at this period of life, hopefully
brought out of darkness into God's marvellous light. She
was of French descent, and came into this State at the
age of 12 years. She never was taught to read or write.
She married at the age of 20 years, a man of the world, a
stranger to comman morality. She is the mother of four
children, who grew up without any religious instruction.
But this aged woman now gives evidence of a change of
heart, even at the last part of the eleventh hour. She ap-
pears to rejoice exceedingly in the wonderful display of
God's benevolence in the ingathering of his elect. Her
last days appear to be emphatically her best days, and her
last comforts, the sweetest comforts of her life."
"F E
aged 20 years, after quarrelling with
the doctrines of grace, and having heart-risings against
the divine Sovereignty and the doctrine of God's electing
grace, hopes, that sometime in the latter part of June, his
76
MEMOIR OF
:
stubborn heart was subdued. He still continues resigned
and submissive, and appears to enjoy the consolations of
religion. But he rejoices with fear and trembling lest his
heart should deceive him."
"S ·W —
-aged 26 years, hopes that he is reconciled
to God and his law. His heart has been much opposed
to the great doctrines of grace; but now he says,
things appear right and reasonable. These views of di-
vine things, have happened to him since the revival com-
menced in March, but he cannot tell the time, when the
change took place. But he can say, 'whereas I was once
blind, now I see.'"
-B-
•
"J—B — son of E
aged nearly 13 years.
On the last Sabbath in May, or the first Sabbath in June, his
mother went to meeting and charged him and her other child
to be good children, and not to play, but read their books.
His father went to a distant field to see about his cattle. Be-
fore noon, this J was smitten with deep conviction
of sin. He continued in a distressed state about 24 hours,
without food or sleep. His mind seemed to be overwhelm-
ed with a sense of the dreadful nature of sin, as commit-
ted against God. Something happened to him at the end
of 24 hours, which caused him to wipe away his tears, to
wash himself, and cheerfully to partake of some food. It
is now about two months since this happened. He has
been, from that time to this, remarkably calm and serene
in his mind. He answers questions rationally,
says that
he loves God and hates sin. He fails not of his daily de-
votions and reading the Bible, and has altogether a change
of deportment. He appears to have a sense of the evil
nature of sin. The duties of the Sabbath and the Sanc-
tuary, appear to be his delight. It is apparent to all who
know this youth, that a great change has taken place in
F
DR. NETTLETON.
my ing
him. From being passionate, petulant, perverse, and
stubborn, he is now humble, meek, patient, forbearing,
and forgiving."
These few instances taken from many similar to them,
recorded in this narrative, will serve to give the reader
some idea of the character, not only of this revival, but of
the revivals generally thirty years ago. The subjects of
this revival so far as I have been able to learn, with few
exceptions, continued to adorn the christian profession.
Sometime in the spring of 1814, Mr. Nettleton left
South Farms and repaired to North Killingworth, great-
ly exhausted by his labors, and intending to rest for a sea-
son. At this time the people of Chester, a neighboring
parish, were destitute of a minister, their pastor, the Rev.
Mr. Mills, having died a short time before. It being
known in Chester that Mr. Nettleton was at home, appli-
cation was made to him to attend a funeral in that place.
He at first declined, assigning as the reason that he was
greatly exhausted by his labors and needed rest. The
man who came after him, as he turned to go away, burst
into tears. This so affected Mr. Nettleton, that he con-
cluded to go. He attended the funeral, and at the close
of it, he gave notice that he would meet the young people
in the evening, at the house of their late pastor. A large
number assembled, and the meeting was very solemn.
Such were the indications of the special presence of God
among the people, that he was induced, notwithstanding
the state of his health, to continue with them a considera-
ble time, and had the satisfaction to witness a very inter-
esting work of divine grace.
In the autumn of 1814, Mr. Nettleton commenced his
labors in East Granby. This was a waste place. The
moral condition of the people was exceedingly deplora-
ble. But God saw fit to turn again the captivity of Zion.
19
78
MEMOIR OF
Under Mr. Nettleton's preaching there was a very inter
esting revival of religion. He preached here till some
time in the winter, when he was obliged to suspend his
labors for several months, by hemorrhage from the lungs.
The Rev. J. B. Clark, the present pastor of the church in
East Granby, in a letter dated Nov. 17, 1843, thus speaks
of the effects of Mr. Nettleton's labors in that place.
"Most of those who were connected with the church,
as the result of that revival, have worn remarkably well,
so far as is or can be known. Many of them have been,
and are still, bright and shining lights in the church of
Christ. One of the subjects, Miss C. Thrall, died as a
missionary among the western Indians.
The effect of that revival upon the church, and upon
the community, was most happy and lasting.
The interest of Christ's kingdom had suffered much
from an erroneous ministry. The church lost all spiritu-
ality and fervency. The community were buried in sin-
ful indifference. When Mr. Nettleton came among them
stupidity and slothfulness prevailed among all classes and
all ages. The effect of his entrance to the place, was
electric. The school-house, and private rooms, were fil-
led with trembling worshippers. A solemnity and seri-
ousness pervaded the community, which had not been ex-
perienced for years before. There was no bustle
array of means. All was orderly, quiet, and scriptural.
There seems to have been an increasing solemnity while
the work continued.
no
G
"I am told that his sermons were in a high degree
practical. Doctrinal sermons were frequent, but these
had a practical turn. They were eminently scriptural,
and plain, and made men feel that they were the men ad-
dressed, and not their neighbors. He sometimes preach-
ed on the severer doctrines with great power and appa-
rent good effect. At this day we can hardly imagine the
effect which his visit had upon this waste place. This
DR. NETTLETON
79
seems to have been satan's chief seat. Infidelity had been
infused into the very bosom of the church. Of course
sin in every form abounded.
"There were no spiritual hymn-books in use, till Mr.
N. labored here; and then those hymns, in his hands, be-
came most solemn sermons.
"Mr. N. is remembered with much interest, and pecu-
liar affection by most of those advanced in life. When I
have been speaking of him in my pastoral visits, the most
intense interest is excited. From many expressions used
as the old people speak of him, one may know that his la-
bors are still remembered with affection."
Early in the spring of 1815, Mr. Nettleton having so
far recovered from his illness as to be able to preach, la-
bored for a season in Bolton, with signal success. Here
the people gave him a call to settle as their pastor, which
he immediately declined, and recommended to them his
friend and classmate, the Rev. Philander Parmele. Mr.
Parmele was installed Nov. 8, 1815.
From Bolton, he went to Manchester, to assist the Rev.
Mr. Cook, whose people were enjoying a time of" refresh-
ing from the presence of the Lord." By a divine blessing
on his labors, the work was greatly promoted and exten.
ded.
After this, he spent a few weeks in Granby, (west par-
ish,) where his preaching was crowned with very signal
success. Peculiar circumstances prevented him from
continuing long with this people; but there is reason to
believe that many souls were savingly benefited by his
labors. There were but few places in which he labored,
where so much apparent good was effected in so short a
time.
Of the revivals mentioned in this chapter, excepting the
one in South Britain, no account was published at the
80
time; and with the exception of that and the one in South
Farms, so far as is now known, no particular account was
ever written. As Mr. Nettleton kept no journal of his
labors at that period, it is impossible at this late day to
give any more than a very general account of most of
these revivals. Some of the facts which I have mention-
ed, fell under my own observation, and some of them were
obtained in private conversation from Mr. N. himself.
MEMOIR OF DR. NETTLETON.
CHAPTER V.
His labors in New Haven, Salisbury, Bridgewater, Torrington, Waterbury,
Upper Middletown, Rocky Hill, Ashford, Eastford, Bolton.
In the spring of 1815, at the request of the pastors of
the Congregational churches in New Haven, Mr. Nettle-
ton repaired to that city. Soon after his arrival, he was
invited to visit the school of young ladies, taught by the
Rev. Mr. Herrick. He gave them some account of the
revivals in Litchfield county, and particularly, of the re-
vival in Mrs. Pierce's school in Litchfield. Many of the
scholars were deeply affected by this account, and in the
course of a few days a large proportion of the members
of the school, were anxiously enquiring what they must
do to be saved. The seriousness spread, and a great and
glorious work of divine grace was witnessed in the city,
and to some extent in Yale College. Mr. Nettleton con-
tinued to labor in New Haven two or three months to the
great satisfaction of his brethren there, and with the same
success which had crowned his labors in country parishes.
In the summer of 1815, he visited Salisbury, a town in
the north part of Litchfield county. In this town was one
of the most remarkable revivals which ever occurred un-
der his preaching. No account of it was ever published.
In a letter written by him in 1827, to the Rev. John Frost,
there is the following brief notice of it.
82
MEMOIR OF
"In 1815, in the town of Salisbury, Conn., after labor-
ing awhile under great discouragement, there were some
favorable appearances.
A number were anxious, and a
few in awful distress of soul, in one village. It was ta-
ken hold of by some ignorant officious hands; and they
were set to groaning and screaming, and alarmed all the
village in my absence. Having heard the tidings, I has-
tened to the spot, and with kind, but decided severity cal-
led them to order. My attempts, by those who had given
the work that turn, were considered as very obtrusive
and daring. It was reported all over town, that a revival
had begun in Salisbury, and that I had put a stop to it.
They seemed to be very much grieved and shocked at my
conduct. It took a number of days to restore order, but
when it was done, the work of God advanced silently and
powerfully, until all classes, old and young, were moved
all over town. The language was, 'the fountains of the
great deep are broken up.' Not far from three hundred
were numbered as the hopeful subjects of divine grace in
that revival.'
""
The Rev. Jonathan Lee, who is a native of Salisbury,
and who at present resides there, has furnished the follow-
ing brief account of this revival.
"The first and greatest revival of religion which has
taken place in Salisbury, Conn., stood connected with the
labors of Mr. Nettleton, and began in the summer of 1815,
and extended through the autumn and winter following.
The church was destitute of a pastor, and reduced to a
small number, there being but seventeen male members.
Having been unsuccessful in their efforts to obtain a pas-
tor, and seeing no accessions, the few members remain-
ing, felt a deep conviction of the necessity of the effusions.
of the spirit, to strengthen the things that were ready to
die; and an unusual spirit of prayer was felt, as they sought
the blessing at the throne of grace. In these circumstan-
DR. NETTLETON.
83
ces, they applied to Mr. Nettleton to come and labor
among them. After they had waited with doubt and so-
licitude for sometime, he at length came, without previ-
ously having sent any promise, or notice; and, as was as-
certained, without informing the friends with whom he had
been, what was his place of destination. He arrived at the
house of one of the deacons of the church and lodged.
He made such inquiries, as were designed to ascertain
whether his coming had been much looked for and relied
upon, in order to a revival of religion. For some cause
his fears were excited, perhaps from the fact, that deacon
S. had that day been riding in unsuccessful pursuit of him;
and he at once declined staying or making any effort, say-
ing, 'I can do no good here.' Endeavors were made to
convince him, that he had not been the object of reliance,
and to persuade him to stay till the following Sabbath,
and preach and take opportunity to get acquainted with
the state of christian feeling. Yielding for the present to
the importunity, he prayed and conversed with the family,
the laborers being called in for the purpose from the field,
and offered to meet at the same place, at a particular
hour, on the next day, any young people, who, when in-
vited by the deacon, should be disposed to come in. He
next visited the other deacon, and pursued the same course
and at his second visit, met with a company of young per-
sons at each place. He began talking to them in the most
simple and solemn manner, with the view to fix upon their
minds some plain important truth, suited to awaken and
impress the conscience. There was no dilation of thought
but one weighty idea, such as the worth of the soul, or the
necessity of true religion, dwelt upon and reiterated, and
left in its naked reality and solemnity on each individual's
mind. This noiseless commencement of his labors, was
followed by visiting the families of christian professors,
and by stated religious meetings in connection with the
84
MEMOIR OF
labors of the Sabbath. A primary object was to find the
state of feeling in christians, and to promote a humble
praying spirit. At an early date, after being convinced
of his duty to stay and labor, he called together the church,
and with great earnestness, besought them to lay aside
all expectations from him, and pray with humility and
fervency, that the work of the Lord might be revived.
At the same time, he gave such counsels and cautions,
particularly with regard to the instruction and treatment
of persons under conviction, as he judged necessary to
guard against unhappy results.
"This favored servant of Christ, came with no trum-
pet sounded before him, but in the meekness of his mas-
ter, and the Lord was with him in very deed. Meetings
became crowded and deeply solemn, and many obtained
hope in Christ. He conversed individually with the anx-
ious, and met at certain times at his boarding place, all
who were disposed to be conversed with, on the state of
the heart, and the salvation of the soul. In addressing
meetings, he was wont to seize on some point of interest,
bearing directly upon the state of mind in which his hear-
ers were, and then press it with a rare degree of direct-
ness, plainness and force.
Without attempting further details, I feel assured,
(though absent, and closely occupied in a revival among
the people of my charge,) that this revival was distin-
guished for its stillness and solemnity, for deep conviction
of conscience, for discriminating views of divine truth, for
humility and subsequent stability of christian character.
The subjects were of different ages, but generally youth.
As fruits of the revival about two hundred were admitted
into the Congregational church, besides several who united
with other churches. Many of these young professors
intermarried, and became heads of families, and have liv-
ed to train up many children for Christ. Not a few, in
DR.
NETTLETON.
85
as
the twenty-seven years since elapsed, have died in the
Lord. Those remaining, still constitute the strength of
the church; for although some other favored seasons of
ingathering have been enjoyed, none have borne compar-
ison with this, for permanent influence upon the state of
the community, for enlightened piety, and steadfastness of
christian principle and character. Many still look bac
to that date with the deepest interest, and liveliest grati-
tude, as the blest period of their espousal to Christ
the memorable year of the right hand of the Lord. The
name of Asahel Nettleton, the humble, skillful laborer in
this field, at that season, employed in directing so many
to Christ, is embalmed in many a heart. It stands asso-
ciated with their dearest hopes, and purest joys, and will
call forth praises never ending to the chief shepherd, who
employed him in leading so many of this flock into his
spiritual fold, to stand at his right hand at the great deci-
sive day, to the praise of his own unfathomable grace."
I will add a few facts, which were learned directly from
Mr. Nettleton.
TD
In the commencement of this revival, much opposition
was manifested on the part of the enemies of religion.
But God overruled it to the furtherance of the gospel.
As the people assembled one evening at a large school-
house in which they had been accustomed to meet, it was
found that all the seats had been removed from the house
and concealed. A large congregation having assembled
in and around the house, Mr. Nettleton observed to them,
that he had believed that the spirit of God was operating
on the minds of the people, and that he was now confirm-
ed in the belief. The people then repaired to the meet-
ing-house, where the religious services were conducted
with most evident tokens of the divine presence. The
work, though still, was very deep and powerful, and it
spread into every part of the town. It at first prevailed
-ㅎ
​4
£6
MEMOIR OF
!
!
:
1
mostly among the youth, but it soon began to appear
among
heads of families, and some who were quite ad-
vanced in life, were numbered among the subjects. The
conversion of a man from fifty to sixty years of age, who
had been a violent opposer, seemed to be the means of ar-
resting the attention of many. This individual was a man
of considerable influence, and like Paul, before his con-
version, was exceedingly mad against the church. But
God, as there is reason to believe, subdued his heart, and
he became as ardent in his attachment to the cause of
Christ, as he had been violent in his opposition. "What
a glorious work of grace is this in Salisbury," said he one
morning, to Mr. Nettleton; "I hope that all my family,
and all the people of the town will become interested in
it, even if I am cast off forever." This was the first man-
ifestation of a change in his feelings. The change in him
was so striking, that many who had been skeptical were
convinced that it must be the work of God. He took ev-
ery opportunity to converse with his acquaintance, and to
recommend to them the religion, which he had formerly
despised, and God made him the instrument in awakening
many to a sense of their lost condition as sinners.
The interest became so intense in every part of the
town, that whenever Mr. Nettleton was scen to enter a
house, almost the whole neighborhood would immediate-
ly assemble to hear from his lips the word of life. Hus-
bandmen would leave their fields, mechanics their shops,
and females their domestic concerns, to inquire the way
to eternal life. Religion was the great and all-absorbing
theme in almost all companies, and on almost all occa-
sions. Mr. Nettleton labored in Salisbury through the
winter.
In the spring of 1816, he commenced his labors in
Bridgewater. This is a parish in the town of New Mil-
DR. NETTLETON.
87
ford, in the south-western part of Litchfield county. Here
was a small church destitute of a pastor. The state of
religion was very low. Unhappy dissensions existed in
the church, and great stupidity prevailed among the peo-
ple at large. Soon after he commenced his labors, there
seemed to be a solemn attention to the word preached,
but no cases of deep conviction of sin. He soon became
convinced that there could be but little hope of a revival
of religion, until a better state of feeling prevailed in the
church. He endeavored to impress upon the minds of the
brethren, the importance of settling their difficulties, and
of uniting their prayers and their efforts for the promo-
tion of Christ's kingdom. But his exhortations seemed
to have but little effect, and perceiving that they had no
proper sense of their dependence on God, but were pla-
cing undue reliance on him, he thought it best to with-
draw. Accordingly, without the knowledge of any but
the family which he boarded, he suddenly left the place.
The next day was the Annual State Fast. The people
assembled, expecting to hear him preach; when to their
astonishment, they found the pulpit vacant. The disap-
pointment was great, but it produced the intended effect.
The members of the church were deeply affected. They
spent the day in prayer and mutual confession of sin. All
their difficulties were healed, and brotherly love was res-
tored. It was with them a day of deep repentance and
humiliation before God. Numbers of the youth, whose
minds had been somewhat impressed by Mr. Nettleton's
preaching, when they found that he had left them, were
brought into great distress of mind. Meanwhile he was
spending the day, with a brother in the ministry in a
neighboring town. On the Saturday following, he propo-
sed to this brother, to go and spend the Sabbath in Bridge-
water, and permit him to supply his pulpit. The arrange-
ment was accordingly made. This brother found a most
1
!
1
1
88
MEMOIR OF
}
;
interesting state of things. A deep solemnity pervaded
the congregation, and quite a number were found anx-
iously enquiring what they must do to be saved. When
Mr. Nettleton learned the state of things, he returned to
Bridgewater, and labored there with great success for sev-
eral months.
In this revival there was one case of peculiar interest.
Mr. C. was a most violent opposer of religion. He had
not been seen in the house of God for many years.
He
went one evening to hear Mr. Nettleton in a school-house,
but being ashamed to be seen, he stopped at the door.
While standing in this situation, an arrow from the Al-
mighty's quiver pierced his heart. He went away with a
troubled spirit. He was convinced that he was a sinner,
and exposed to the wrath of heaven. But he resisted the
conviction and endeavored to banish the subject from his
'mind. It was however impossible. The thought was im-
pressed upon his mind, as he afterwards cossed. “You
must repent you must pray, or you will perish."
His
heart replied, “I pray ! — no, never. I'll perish first."
Thus he struggled till his distress became intolerable.
He was one night in such horror of mind, that it seemed
to him that he could not live till morning. The scene
was awfully solemn. To see this bold blasphemer, be-
wailing his sinfulness and crying for mercy, in distress
and anguish which seemed too great for human nature to
sustain, was a most affecting sight. The next day he ob-
tained peace, and seemed to be in a new world. This
man became a preacher of righteousness to his former as-
sociates. On the next sabbath morning he was seen on
the steps of the church conversing with deep interest on
the subject of religion, and recommending to his fellow
sinners that Saviour, whom he had found so precious to
his soul. Such was the change in this individual, that it
DR. NETTLETON.
89
extorted the confession from the mouths of gainsayers,
that it must be the finger of God. He could say with truth,
"Great is the work, my neighbors cried,
And owned thy power divine;
Great is the work, my heart replied,
And be the glory thine."
This striking display of divine grace was made instru-
mental of promoting and extending the work.
In the summer of 1816, Mr. Nettleton spent some time
in Torrington, assisting the Rev. Mr. Gillet. There was
some special seriousness among the people, previous to
his arrival; but it greatly increased afterwards. He re-
mained in Torrington about three months. His labors
were highly appreciated by the pastor and members of
the church, and were manifestly attended by a divine
blessing. The Rev. John A. McKinstry present pastor of
the church, in a letter dated June 12, 1844, says, “How
long the revival continued, I cannot definitely state. At
the communion in November, the first fruits were gather-
ed into the church; and in the January following, several
more were added. The number that joined at these sea-
sons, was about fifty. Others were added at subsequent
seasons, but the precise number I cannot state.
It is re-
ported, however, by those acquainted, that the number of
hopeful conversions was about seventy.
"In regard to the revival, I may say, it extended through
the parish, and was quite powerful. Even at this period,
when first impressions have gone, the revival of 1816 is
called the revival in Torrington, there having been none
since of equal extent and power. The subjects of that
work, with few exceptions, have adorned their profession,
and some of them have been, and still are, pillars in the
church. The influence of this revival upon the church,
and upon the community, was in a high degree salutary.
1
1
1
i
+
!
:
ľ
!
90
MEMOIR OF
"The work was solemn, and the truths presented plain
and searching. The true character and condition of the
sinner was clearly set before him, and he was shown that
his only hope was in the sovereign mercy of God through
a crucified Saviour.
"The measures adopted, were such as were common
in this region at that time; such as the ministry of the
word on the Sabbath
frequent visitation, connected
with personal conversation on the subject of religion; and
more or less prayer meetings during the week. In person
al conversation, Mr. Nettleton is said to have abounded,
and many attributed their religious impressions to the
truth presented at such times."
J
From Torrington Mr. Nettleton went to Waterbury, a
town in the north part of New Haven county. Here a re-
vival had already commenced. There is an account of
this revival in the second volume of the Religious Intelli-
gencer, from which I make the following extract.
"Towards the close of the summer (1815) it was the
will of God that our pastor should be laid on a bed of sick-
ness, and for some time, little hopes were entertained of
his recovery. He was however spared, and his health so
far restored, as to enable him to commence preaching to-
wards the close of the succeeding winter; and though
still feeble, we enjoyed his labors with some interruption,
till sometime in June following, when he was obliged to
desist, from returning and increasing debility.
"Thus it pleased the Great Head of the church, to de-
prive us of the services of our teacher, at a time when, to
human appearance, they seemed to be most needed. In
the mean time, whatever impressions were made by for-
mer meetings, or whatever serious effects might be expect-
ed to arise from the heavy judgments with which we, as a
DR. NETTLETON.
91
people had been visited,* they appeared to be lost upon us.
"Vice, immorality and irreligion, appeared to gain ad-
ditional strength, and the cloud that overshadowed us in
a moral point of view, appeared fraught with tenfold
darkness.
"But in the midst of all these scenes of discourage-
ment, this day of trouble, rebuke and blasphemy, God's
children did not despair. They stayed themselves on the
God of Jacob; and while waiting for an answer to their
prayers, knew that he had also said, 'fear not little flock,
it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.'
"He was about to appear to build up the waste places
of Zion, and in such a way as to convince us, that the
work was His, and that the glory alone was due to Him.
He hath said, 'mine honor is mine own, and my glory I
will not give to another.' 'I will work, and who shall
let it?'
"In the month of February, a small society of young
ladies commenced a weekly meeting for the purpose of
reading the scriptures and religious conversation, and one
or two soon became hopefully pious.
"On the 7th of April, 1816, our hearts were cheered
by seeing four young persons come out from the world,
unite with the church, own Christ before men, and cove-
nant to walk with him in newness of spirit.
"About the forepart of May, one general spirit of zeal
appeared to actuate a great proportion of the church.
The spirit of grace and supplication appeared to be pour-
ed upon them. A concert of prayer for the revival of
God's work in this place was agreed on, in which all the
members were to be engaged in secret between the hours
of eight and nine o'clock on Saturday evening. The
A mortal sickness in the spring and summer of 1815,
?
1
1
92
MEMOIR OF
monthly prayer meetings for the success of missions, began
to be more generally attended, and became more deeply
interesting.
"A serious and solemn attention on the sabbath, now
appeared to pervade the whole assembly; and though
sometimes deprived of the regular administration of the
word, our meetings were interesting and instructive.
"Sometime in the latter part of June, it had been stated
to the writer of this, that a Mr.- (who had formerly
been an open opposer of vital religion,) and some few
others, had manifested a desire to commence a weekly
meeting for religious conversation and prayer.
He ac-
cordingly called on one or two of the persons named, and
a meeting consisting of four only was held on Sabbath
evening.
“In this meeting, the person alluded to above, declared
what God had done for his soul— mourned over his past
conduct, and expressed his determination to devote him-
self to the service of God in future.
"The meeting was opened and closed with prayer. A
stated meeting was agreed on. The next evening, about
twelve attended. Information began now to get abroad,
and on the third evening about sixty were present. On
the fourth evening so great was the crowd that attended,
they could not all be accommodated though the house
was large and convenient; and it became necessary after
this, to hold them at the meeting house.
“This I think, may be fairly stated as the first visible
commencement of the work.
"Numbers now appeared to be under deep conviction
in almost every part of the society. The Rev. Mr. Beech-
er of Litchfield, and the Rev. Mr. Nettleton, (at that time
preaching at Torrington,) were present on the next Lord's
day; and at a meeting appointed for the purpose on Mon-
day morning, a considerable number appeared to ask the
DR.
93
NETTLETON.
all-important question,
what must I do to be saved?'
Mr. Nettleton was with some difficulty prevailed upon to
come and assist us in our then destitute situation, and re-
turned here on the Saturday following.
"From this time his labors became incessant, and his
diligence unwearied. When not attending a public con-
ference, the house was generally thronged by numbers
who were anxiously inquiring the way to Zion, and to
whom he was ever ready to impart instruction.
"Our worthy pastor, though unable to attend on pub-
lic duties, had the cheering prospect of seeing the work
of the Lord prospering among the people of his charge,
and the fields ripening for a rich harvest of souls to be
gathered into Christ's spiritual kingdom. The work had
now become very extensive and powerful; and one re-
markable characteristic feature was, it seemed to attack
and subdue the very champions of infidelity the first, and
to operate in such a way as to silence the most daring
C
opposers.
'In some instances, one or two of a family seemed to
be taken, and the others left. But in many, almost whole
families, (or at least, all who had arrived at years of dis-
cretion,) were under deep conviction, and have since sub-
scribed with their own right hands to be the Lord's, and
surnamed themselves by the God of Jacob."
This work, in its general features, has been similar to
what has been in other places. It has embraced all the
variety of operations, from the still small voice to the most
powerful threatenings of a broken law, and the vindictive.
justice of a justly offended God; and has embraced all
ages from youth, to grey hairs; though of the youth and
middle aged, by far the greatest number have been brought
to see their need of an interest in Christ, and led to em-
brace him as their only Saviour.
"In the month of August some of the first fruits of the
4*
94
MEMOIR OF
revival, (together with some few who had entertained a
hope before,) were gathered into the church. On this oc-
casion, seventeen were added; nine more in the month of
October; and on the first Sabbath in February, 1817,
seventy-one publicly professed their faith in Christ, and
took the vows of God upon them; and seventeen receiv-
ed the ordinance of baptism. Twenty-one have united
themselves with the church at different times since, mak-
ing one hundred and eighteen since the first of August,
1816; about one hundred and ten of whom may be con-
sidered as fruits of the revival. Many more remain yet
to be gathered in; and so far as the writer of this has
been able to discover, no instance of apostacy has yet ap-
peared.*
"The doctrines taught are those considered as the grand
leading truths of the gospel, viz: the strict spirituality of
the moral law the total depravity of the natural heart
its enmity to God—the necessity of regeneration by the
spirit of his grace an entire dependence on the merits
of Jesus Christ for justification, pardon and acceptance;
our obligations to own him before men and to manifest
our faith in him by a holy walk and conversation -the di-
vine sovereignty-the electing love of God and the final
perseverance of the saints, as the only ground of the sin-
ner's hope, and the anchor of the christian's soul."
Mr. Nettleton continued his labors in Waterbury, amid
scenes of thrilling interest, for several months.
After he left Waterbury, he spent some time in Bolton,
taking care of his friend, the Rev. Mr. Parmele, who was
laboring under mental derangement, and supplying his
pulpit.
*This account was written in July, 1817.
*
DR. NETTLETON.
95
In the fall of 1817, he was requested to preach at Up-
per Middletown, for the Rev. Mr. Williams who was sick.
There was no special seriousness in this place. On the
contrary great spiritual apathy prevailed. The youth
were exceedingly thoughtless, and addicted to vain amuse-
ments. Soon after he commenced his labors here, he be-
came acquainted with a very intelligent young lady, who
had long been seriously inclined, and who was thought by
many to be truly pious. She handed him Marshall on
sanctification, and said, "if I dared believe that book, I
should think I was a christian." "I am glad," said Mr.
Nettleton, "you dare not believe it." These words went
to her heart. She immediately became exceedingly anx-
ious, and was soon brought to rejoice in hope of the glory
of God.
After he had preached in this place two or three Sab-
baths, there were some cases of special seriousness; but
understanding that the young people had appointed a ball on
the day after the annual Thanksgiving, he expressed the
purpose of leaving the place. The young people, hearing
of his purpose, concluded to give up their ball, and sent a
committee to invite him to preach to them on that eve-
ning. He very readily accepted the invitation. The
meeting was appointed in the Academy. A large congre-
gation of youth assembled. Some came from other towns.
This meeting was one of thrilling interest. Some who
had been previously awakened were brought to rejoice in
hope, and great numbers were brought under deep and
powerful conviction. God made the word "quick and
powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing even
to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, the joints
and the marrow." The scenes of that evening will be ro
membered by not a few, while immortality endures. Sev
eral in deep distress followed Mr. Nettleton to his lodg-
ings. He prayed with them, and with great difficulty per-
96
MEMOIR of
1
suaded them to retire to their homes. Many spent the
night in crying for mercy, and several found peace before
morning. From this time, the work became very power-
ful. Meetings of inquiry were held at the house of the
pastor, but the place became too strait, and God provided
one of greater convenience. A man who owned a large
ball-room, and who had been a bitter enemy to religion,
was awakened and hopefully brought to repentance. He
opened his ball-room for meetings of inquiry.
Mr. Nettleton labored in this place a number of months,
and was made instrumental, as there is reason to believe,
of the conversion of many souls.
The Rev. Zebulon Crocker, the present pastor of the
Church, in a letter dated December 15th, 1843, speaking
of the converts in this revival, says:
"Among the males who are members of this Church,
there are several who have borne the burden and heat of
the day, and borne it well. They have been pillars in the
temple of our God, and are so still. There are others
who have gone from us and united with Churches abroad,
whose names appear connected with the public charities
of the day, and who are known to be bright and shining
lights in the world. Similar remarks apply to the female
members. Several have died in the faith.-As a whole,
I think I have evidence on which to affirm, that they have
run well, and have received a good report." Speaking
of the results of that revival, he says:
"In the fall of 1817, the Church was in a "cold state”
as some have expressed it. Religion, I am inclined to
think was at a low ebb. The blessed work of the Spirit
which immediately succeeded, it is to me evident, chang-
ed very much the aspect of affairs for the better, as a per-
manent result. It gave moral courage and strength to
the Church. Some who had become members without
piety, were hopefully converted. Faith in regard to the
霉
​1
DR.
NETTLETON.
97
efficacy of the gospel, was encouraged. Christians de-
sired a renewal of the work, and were prepared to labor
and pray for another season of refreshing from the pres-
ence of the Lord. The way was prepared for the more
frequent revivals with which the Church has been blessed.”
+
During the revival in Upper Middletown, a few indi-
viduals from Rocky Hill, an adjoining parish, attended
some of Mr. Nettleton's meetings, and became anxious
for their souls. The seriousness spread, and at the earnest
solicitation of the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Chapin, Mr. Net-
tleton visited that place. He arrived on Saturday, April
4th, 1818.
"When he arrived," says Dr. Chapin,
"there was a
meeting in the house of the pastor. At the same place,
in the evening, there was another-which brother Nettle-
ton attended. His acquaintance with the state of the
public mind among us, began that evening. From that
time, during the greater part of several months, he was
indefatigable, laboring in season, and out of season, to the
full extent of his health and strength. In connection with
impressions and experience realized in 1818, eighty-four
persons became members of Christ's visible Church. How
many of them were brought to this performance of exter-
nal duty by brother Nettleton's labors, we shall know
hereafter. How many of their names, or whether all,
will be found written in the Lamb's Book of Life, we shall
see at the opening of that perfect book. During the al-
most 26 years that have fled, since the delightful and in-
teresting events above mentioned, it appears that 25 of
the 84 have gone the way of all the earth. Their depar-
ture was either while resident here, or in some distant
location. Fifteen also of the same fourscore and four,
have removed from us, and so far as we know, are yet
living. So far as man can judge, those 84 have adorned
T
98
MEMOIR OF
7
the doctrine of God our Saviour, in a manner equal, at
least, to the fruits of those other revivals, which Christ
has permitted us to enjoy.
"In an important sense, brother Nettleton's talent was
one. In the cultivation and improvement of that one, he
was unwearied. By the concentration of study, always
directed to the most useful point, which is practical piety,
that talent had risen to the first order. Hence the depth
and exactness of his knowledge in true experience, and
the things which are essential to salvation. Hence too,
the quickness of discernment relative to the specific in-
struction, and the manner of imparting instruction, that
every mind needed with which he came in contact.
"He had a quick and precise perception of the sources
whence objectors and cavilers draw their difficulties. In
replies, showing the true answer, and the only remedy,
he was ready, appropriate, generally silencing, and not
rarely convincing.
"In the whole of his intercourse, he was exemplary. He
was remarkably cautious of appearances. He would not
expose himself or his cause to reproach, by giving so much
as the least occasion for the surmises of evil. If Satan's
followers attempted the propagation of injurious reports,
they were obliged to go far away from us for their found-
ation. The rumors thus procured, and put in motion, al-
ways, if investigated, proved to be false, and infernally
malicious. Even the subtile vigilance of the evil Spirit,
could find, in his conduct here, no foundation for its
eagerly coveted slanders."
In Oct., 1818, Mr. Nettleton commenced preaching in
Ashford, a town in the eastern part of Connecticut. His
labors soon began to be crowned with success. In his
journal under date of Nov. 4, he mentions "One rejoic-
ing." Nov. 6, "Five or six rejoicings." Nov. 8, "Very
DR.
NETTLETON.
99
full. Such a Sabbath is rarely seen." The work now
became powerful, and made rapid progress. Mr. Nettle-
ton labored in Ashford without intermission about two
months, and preached there occasionally afterwards. Of
the results of his labors, the reader will be able to form
some opinion from the following extract of a letter from
the Rev. Charles Hyde, the present pastor of the Church,
dated May 30th, 1844.
"With respect to our departed brother's labors in this
place, I know but little, except what I learn from the
records of the Church, and the recollections of some who
were then living here. That he was remarkably wise,
fervent, skillful, and successful, all bear testimony; and
all, especially those who were brought into the kingdom
through his labors, cherish a most affectionate and grate-
ful remembrance of him. His influence here was perma-
nently good. It is felt at the present day. He commenc-
ed his labors here, in Oct., 1818. The first additions to
the Church were in March, when 56 were received. In
May following, 12, and in July 10, and in Nov. 4;-
making in all 82, of whom, I suppose, the greater part, if
not all, were subjects of that revival. This is a very large
number for so small a Society.
"Of the character of these converts, I cannot speak
Twen-
particularly, except of those who are now here.
ty-two have died. Twenty-seven have removed from the
place. Three only have been excommunicated. The
remainder, are, with hardly an exception, now consistent
members some of them pillars in the Church. Many
of those who have left us, I am informed, continue
to adorn their profession. Upon the whole, I think it
must be admitted that the revival here under Dr. Nettle-
ton's labors, was a remarkably pure one; and happy is
the Church that receives such a blessing. Its influence
goes down to succeeding generations."
100
MEMOIR OF
!
In the month of December, 1818, Mr. Nettleton com-
menced his labors in Eastford. Here was a small Church,
destitute of a pastor, and in a very depressed condition.
The influence of their last minister, who became a uni-
versalist, was very disastrous to the cause of religion. He
had been dismissed about four years, when Mr. Nettle-
ton visited the place.
“During this interval," says their present pastor, the
Rev. Francis Williams, "they were supplied some part
of the time by such preachers as they could obtain; some
part of the time, the deacons conducted meetings on the
Sabbath, and a considerable portion of the time, they had
no public worship.
"During this state of things, the interests of religion
greatly declined, and the light of the Church was well
nigh extinguished. According to the most correct infor-
mation which I can obtain, there were but about twenty
members in the Church, and only six male members.—
Most of these were persons advanced in life. At this
critical period, Mr. Nettleton came among the people. A
powerful work of grace immediately commenced, such
as neither they, nor their fathers had seen.
He preach-
ed the distinguishing doctrines of grace so pointedly, that
persons have often informed me, they felt themselves in
the hands and at the disposal of God. They felt that if
they were ever saved from their dreadful depravity and
wretchedness, it must be by Soverign grace. He made
practical application of these doctrines to the heart and
conscience in such a plain and forcible manner, that they
felt that if they were lost, they should be without excuse,
"The work was characterized by such stillness and
power, that every one felt that the finger of God was in it.
To repeat a remark made by an observer at the time, 'it
was so evidently the work of God that not a dog dared
move his tongue.' I am not able to ascertain the number
DR.
NETTLETON.
101
who indulged hope. I find by the Church records that
forty eight united with the Church by profession, March
28th, 1819, and in June following eleven more, making
in all, fifty-nine by profession. Several were also added
by letter. This in the then existing state of the Church,
was life from the dead. The Church was soon after
supplied with a faithful pastor, who labored here for more
than twenty years; and the Church has been on the
whole, prosperous.
"Of those admitted to the Church as fruits of this re-
vival, fifteen have left this world, while the rest continue
unto this present. Most of them have given pleasing evi-
dence of piety. No one acquainted with the facts, can
doubt that the cause of Christ was greatly promoted by
the labors of Mr. Nettleton. And perhaps so few evils
seldom follow a great revival in any place.
"You ask how is Mr. Nettleton regarded by the good.
people in Eastford? They look up to him with the most
ardent affection as a Spiritual father. This may be as-
certained by any one who will mention his name in their
hearing. He will see indisputable proof of affectionate
regard."
In the month of April, 1819, Mr. Nettleton went to Bol-
ton, where he remained two or three months, laboring
with his friend the Rev. Mr. Parmele. It appears from
an account published by Mr. Parmele, in the Religious
Intelligencer for November 1820, that sometime previous
to Mr. Nettleton's arrival, there had been an unusual spir-
it of prayer among the people of God. But God saw fit
to try their faith.
(6
While," says Mr. P., "christians were thus daily
wrestling in prayer, for the salvation of sinners, and were
committing the cause of religion into the hands of God,
their faith and patience were brought to the test. Satan,
102
MEMOIR OF
as though aware that his kingdom was soon to receive an
attack, rallied his forces, and marshalled his bands to
make resistance. Iniquity rushed in like a flood. The
youth who, we expected, would be awakened, if our
prayers were answered, were generally never more disso-
lute. Their minds were supremely occupied with scenes
of mirth and parties of pleasure. If they received any im-
pressions on the Sabbath, or at a religious meeting during
the week, they were soon banished through the influence
of wordly companions and vain amusements.
"To counteract the influence of these things, in the
month of April" (about the time Mr. Nettleton commen-
ced his labors in Bolton,) "meetings were appointed for
religious conversation with the youth, which were gener-
ally well attended, and soon became interesting. At one
of these meetings, eight or ten of the youth were alarmed
with a sense of their sins. Their convictions deepened
until they became overwhelming; and within a few days
they were brought to rejoice in hope. This spread con-
viction like an electric shock, through the society of young
people, until it was evident that the Lord had appeared in
his glory to build up Zion. The volatile youth could no
longer resist the influences of the Holy Spirit; but in
deep solemnity were daily inquiring what they should do to
be saved. Vain amusements were entirely suspended.
Scenes of pleasure were forsaken; and the trifles of time
were lost in the awful concerns of eternity. No object
could divert the anxious mind from inquiring the way to
life.
“The convictions of the subjects of this work, were
deep, increased rapidly, and were of short continuance.
Unconditional submission was urged, as the only ground
of acceptance with God. And as soon as this was exer-
cised, in most instances, the sinner was filled with joy.
One expressed herself thus, I attempted to pray for mer-
DR.
NETTLETON.
103
cy, while in my sins, but my conscience flashed convic-
tion in my face. What! will such a sinner as you attempt
to pray! You are so vile, your prayers will not be heard.
I then felt the reasonableness of my condemnation so for-
cibly, that I took up on the side of justice, and pleaded
the cause of God against myself. In this condition, I
soon found relief."
"May and June, with us, were interesting months.
Most of the subjects of this revival, became reconciled to
God, during this period. On the first Sabbath in July,
thirty-five united with the church, nine of whom received
the ordinance of baptism. This was a day so interesting
that the solemn scenes which transpired can never be for-
gotten. The youth, the middle aged, and the aged, com-
posed this number. On the first Sabbath in September,
twenty-one united with the church, and two have been
added since, making in the whole fifty-nine. Five living
in families, not connected with my society have united
with the Baptist church. The subjects of this revival are
of all ages, from twelve years old to upwards of sixty;
but by far the greater proportion are youth.
"We would express our gratitude to those brethren in
the ministry, who occasionally preached for us, during
this revival; and especially to Mr. Nettleton, whose la-
bors were signally blessed. We trust the Lord will re-
ward them for their labors of love. But we desire to look
beyond all instruments, to the great first cause, and as a
church and people, to express our unfeigned gratitude to
the Father of all mercies, for this work of his grace. This
is the Lord's work, and it is marvelous in our eyes; and to
his great name be ascribed the kingdom, the power, and the
glory forever."
!
C
!
CHAPTER VI.
Labors in Saratoga county and Nassau.
In July, 1819, being very much exhausted by his labors
in Connecticut, Mr. Nettleton repaired to Saratoga Springs
for rest. He did not expect to preach in that region, as
his sole object was to recruit his strength. After he had
been there a short time, the Rev. Mr. Tucker of Still-
water, (now the Rev. Dr. Tucker, of Providence, R. I.)
called to see him. In the course of their conversation,
something was said respecting waste places. This led
Mr. Tucker to give him some account of Malta, a town in
that vicinity, which had long been a waste place, and in
which there was no Presbyterian or Congregational
church. This account awakened in Mr. Nettleton a de-
sire to visit that place. Mr. Tucker kindly offered to ac-
company him, and introduce him to a Mr. Hunter, a pro-
fessor of religion, and a very respectable and worthy man.
They spent a night at his house, and attended a prayer
meeting with a few neighbors who were invited in.
Mr. Nettleton agreed to come again and pass a Sabbath
with them, and accordingly on the first day of August,
1819, he preached in their meeting house to a congrega-
tion of about fifty souls.
On Monday, he returned to Saratoga, and at the request
106
MEMOIR OF
of the Rev. Mr. Griswold, attended the monthly concert
in the evening. He shortly after attended some other
meetings, when it became apparent that the spirit of God
was operating upon the minds of the people. Mr. Net-
tleton confined his labors principally to Saratoga, occa-
sionally preaching at Malta, till November. He then la-
bored most of the time in Malta, occasionally preaching
in the neighboring towns, until the beginning of March,
when he went to Schenectady, where he continued till
near the close of April. The revival which began at
Saratoga, spread into Malta, and thence into all the sur-
rounding region, and into Union College.
While Mr. Nettleton was at Schenectady he wrote to a
friend in Connecticut, and an extract of the letter was pub-
lished in the fourth volume of the Religious Intelligencer,
which I here insert.
"I can at present give you nothing more than the out-
lines of what the Lord is doing for this section of his
church. This region, and especially the county of Sara-
toga has heretofore been as destitute of revivals of reli-
gion as any part of this State. The commencement of
this work was at Saratoga Springs last summer. At that
place, about forty have made a profession of religion.
These include some of the most respectable characters in
the village. Directly south is the town of Malta. For a
number of years there has been no Presbyterian church
in that place. But the year past there has been a very
interesting revival among that people. Our meetings
have been crowded and solemn as the house of death. A
church has been recently organized, which now consists of
one hundred and five members. You can hardly imagine.
the interest which this revival excited in the surrounding
region. Although the inhabitants are scattered over a
large extent, yet I verily believe, I have seen more than
fourteen hundred people assembled at once, to hear the
SA
DR. NETTLETON.
107
gospel. On the cast of Malta is the town of Stillwater.
Here also, there has been a very powerful revival. Al-
though there has been some excitement to serious things.
in this place in years past, yet this revival exceeds any
they have ever before witnessed. On the 27th of Febru-
ary last, one hundred and three publicly presented them-
selves a living sacrifice unto the Lord; and about one
hundred more are rejoicing in hope, and expect soon to
follow their example. The work is still advancing; num-
bers are under conviction. In Ballston, adjoining Malta
on the west, the work has been very powerful. At their
two last communions, they admitted one hundred and
eighteen as the fruit of this revival, and the work is yet
increasing. Directly north is the town of Milton. I vis-
ited that people Sabbath before last, and preached three
times to a crowded and solemn assembly. In this place, a
revival has just commenced. Twelve are rejoicing in
hope, and a number more are anxious for their souls.
Eight miles to the northwest, adjoining Milton, is the town
of Galway. Here the work is overwhelming. In less than
two months past, more than one hundred and fifty have
been brought to rejoice in hope. Dr. Nott from this Col-
lege visited them last Sabbath, and admitted ninety-five to
the church, and the work is still progressing. On the
south of this, is Amsterdam. Here fifty have recently
been led to rejoice in hope. Adjoining this, is a place
called Tripe's Hill. Here thirty are rejoicing, and the
work in both these places is increasing. South from Mal-
ta, about twelve miles is the city Schenectady, and Union
College, where I now reside with Dr. McAuley. He
takes a lively interest in this good work. I first became
acquainted with him last summer at the Springs, and more
particularly at Malta, where he frequently visited us, and
preached, and conversed, and attended the meetings ap-
pointed for those anxious for their souls. On a Sabbath
7
108
MEMOIR OF
J
when a number were to be admitted to the church in Malta,
he brought with him a number of students from the Col-
lege. Some of them became anxious. About this time
one of the students was called into the eternal world.
He was laid out in Dr. McAulay's study. The Dr. was
anxious to improve this solemn providence to the best ad-
vantage. He assembled the students around the lifeless
remains of their departed friend, and conversed and prayed.
with them in the most solemn manner. A number of them
engaged to attend to the subject of religion in earnest.-
From that time, many of the students became deeply im-
pressed with a sense of their lost condition. For them
were appointed meetings of inquiry. And in this very
room where they lately beheld the breathless corpse of
their young companion, and where I am now writing,
was witnessed a scene of deep and awful distress. About
thirty of the students are brought to rejoice in hope. The
revival is now very powerful in the city. Such a scene
they never before witnessed. More than one hundred
have been brought to rejoice in hope. Besides these, we
had more than two hundred in our meeting of inquiry,
anxious for their souls. We met in a large upper room
called the Masonic Hall. The room was so crowded that
we were obliged to request all who had recently found
relief, to retire below, and spend their time in prayer for
those above. This evening will never be forgotten. The
scene is beyond description. Did you ever witness two
hundred sinners, with one accord in one place, weeping
for their sins. Until you have seen this, you can have no
adequate conceptions of the solemn scene.
I felt as
though I was standing on the verge of the eternal world;
while the floor under my feet was shaken by the trembling
of anxious souls in view of a judgment to come.
The so-
lemnity was still heightened, when every knee was bent at
the throne of grace, and the intervening silence of the
--
}
M
DR. NETTLETON.
109
voice of prayer, was interrupted only by the sighs and
sobs of anxious souls. I have no time to relate interesting
particulars. I only add that some of the most stout,
hard-hearted, heaven-daring rebels have been in the most.
awful distress. Within a circle whose diameter would be
twenty-four miles, not less than eight hundred souls have
been hopefully born into the kingdom of Christ, since last
September. The same glorious work is fast spreading
into other towns and congregations. "This is that which
was spoken by the prophet Joel."
The above letter was dated Union College, April 28th,
1820.
In the same volume of the Religious Intelligencer, there
is a letter from a student in Union College, dated March
6th, 1820, giving a very similar account of this revival,
except that it had made greater progress at the date
of Mr. Nettleton's letter. I quote one short paragraph
from this letter, to show the character of the revival in
Malta. After having given some account of the revival at
Saratoga Springs, the writer says "It commenced then
in Malta, about ten miles from this place under the labors
of a Mr. Nettleton, a missionary from Connecticut. It
commenced, I said in Malta. It did, and with such dis-
plays of the power of God's Spirit in crushing the oppo-
sition of the natural heart to every thing holy, as are very
seldom seen. The Deist and Universalist, the Drunkard,
the Gambler, and the Stocarer, were alike made the sub-
jects of this heart-breaking work. Four months ago,
Christ had no Church there. It was a place of great
spiritual dearth - and like the top of Gilboa had never
been wet by rain or dew. But the Lord has now convert-
ed that wilderness into a fruitiful field. They have an
organized church of eighty-five members, and the work
of conviction is going on."
5
110
MEMOIR OF
This revival which commenced at Saratoga Springs, and
nto the surrounding region, resulted in the hopeful con-
spread revsion of not less than two thousand souls.
In the month of April, 1820, Mr. Nettleton commenced
his labors in Nassau, a village, a few miles east of Albany.
Among his papers, has been found the following sketch
of the revival in this place. Had he kept a similar jour-
nal of his labors in all the places in which he preached, it
would have contained a vast amount of interesting intelli-
gence. But this is the only thing of the kind to be found
among his papers. It is here given as presenting a speci-
men of the revivals which occurred under his preaching.
"A sketch of a revival of religion in Nassau, which
commenced April, 1820.
"The state of religion in this village and its vicinity,
has for years, been deplorable. The village contains a
house for public worship, held in common by two denom-
inations, the Dutch Reformed, and the Presbyterian. The
former, during the winter past, have had one sermon ev-
ery other sabbath, and the latter have had no settled min-
ister, and no regular preaching for years. Indeed, their
little church had become nearly extinct. The revival of
religion in this place commenced as follows:
"In the month of February, a number of persons from
this village visited Malta, during the revival there. One
of this number was left at Malta, became a hopeful subject
of divine grace, and shortly after returned to this village.
The sacred flame began to kindle in the hearts of a few
old professors. The news of distant revivals began to ex-
cite inquiry, and some few sinners became more solemn.
One, after a season of distress, became joyful. For a
moment, hope was cherished, that a glorious day had
dawned; but the surrounding darkness prevailed, and
hope at length expired. For a few weeks, I had been
DR. NETTLETON.
111
absent from Malta. On my return, I received repeated
and pressing invitations to visit Nassau. Prompted by
this state of things, instead of returning to Schenectady
as was expected, I concluded to defer it for one week,
and visit Nassau.
"C
April 19. Arrived at Nassau. Attended a meeting
in the school-house. About fifty assembled, and nothing
particular occurred.
C
"April 20. This evening attended a meeting in a large
dining hall in a public house. The room was crowded.
A number stood around the doors and windows, and listen-
ed with respectful silence and much solemnity. It after-
wards appeared that not less than twelve or fifteen dated
their first serious impressions from that meeting. A Mr.
P——— subsequently observed, I went to that meeting
full of prejudice. You began to tell me the feelings of
my heart, and I began to be vexed and angry at one or
two of my neighbors for informing you what I had said.
I thought you was a man of great brass. On returning
from meeting, I asked Mrs. P how she liked it? She
burst into tears, and we both wept.'
"Another whose mind was impressed at this meeting,
was a young woman who had passed through a revival in
the town of Salisbury, Conn., five years before. She had
been somewhat anxious and lost her concern, and as I
have since learned, had made light of the subject. She
entered the room this evening in company with others,
without suspecting that the preacher was a man whom
she had ever seen before. She remarked afterwards,' 'as
soon as I saw the preacher, I felt distressed. I observed
it was the same man that preached in Salisbury. I was
expecting a revival.' From this time her former feelings
returned; and in addition, she was overwhelmed with a
sense of her guilt in having dropped the subject.
¦
MEMOIR OF
112
This evening met those that were anxious
's. About thirty were present. As I com-
menced speaking to them in general, all were very still
and solemn. Suddenly a youth sitting near the window,
as if pricked in the heart, cried out in distress. This
produced no diversion of attention, but increased the so-
lemnity; for the cause was perfectly understood. After
conversing with each one, we bowed the knee together at
the throne of grace, and then in solemn stillness re-
tired at an early hour. A number of these anxious souls
belonged to one family. They reached home weeping.
The father of the family had retired to rest. As the car-
riage came up to the door, he heard the cry of distress,
and started from his bed to learn the cause. His daugh-
ter-in-law, on entering the house, threw her arms around
his neck and exclaimed, 'My father, what shall I do?
what shall I do?' She continued for sometime in great
distress, but before morning, was rejoicing in hope.
April 21.
at Dr. M
CC
'April 22. Saturday Was in some doubt what
course to pursue, as the meeting house on the next Sab-
bath was engaged. Rode to Greenbush, and negotiated
an exchange with the Rev. Mr. Marselus of the Dutch
Reformedh Curch.
""
April 23. Sabbath Mr. Marselus preached at Nas-
sau with power and effect, and at the close of the servi
ces, at my request, read a letter from Dr. McAuley, con-
taining an account of the revival in Union College and
Schenectady. This increased the solemnity. I preach-
ed at Greenbush in the forenoon, and at 3 o'clock P. M.,
preached again in a ball-room at a public house, on the
road about two miles from this village. When I arrived,
I found the ball-room crowded to overflowing. At the
close of the services, a number assembled around me.
("
27
DR. NETTLETON.
113
Some from curiosity, but many in deep distress, weeping
aloud. I requested them to suppress their cries, and be
as still as possible. At this meeting a number were
awakened. This evening, preached in the meeting-house
in this village for the first time, to a crowded and solemn
audience.
"April 24. This evening met about sixty in a meeting
for anxious inquirers. Among them were many in deep
distress. This I expected would be my last meeting in
this place. But I found so many in distress for their souls,
and the number increasing, that I announced the appoint-
ment of one public meeting more in the meeting-house,
on the following evening.
"April 25. Met in the meeting-house. More crowded
than ever and solemn as eternity. Preached on the na-
ture and reasonableness of gospel repentance, and urged
the duty of immediate compliance, and the danger of de-
lay. Never more expecting to meet my anxious hearers
in this world, I urged them by all the solemnities of the
judgment, not to pass the threshold of the meeting-house
that night, with impenitent hearts. They seemed to hear
as for their lives. One from deep distress, found relief
in the midst of the discourse, and lifted up a joyful coun-
tenance. No sooner had I closed and stepped from the
stage, than she came near, and taking her husband by the
hand, urged him to come to Christ. It was like a two
edged sword. It pierced him to the heart. At this mo-
ment the anxious ones assembled around me, and took me
some by the hand, some by the arm, and some by the
coat, exclaiming 'Don't leave us. What shall I do? What
shall I do?' Nearly the whole congregation tarried.
Those who could not come near, stood, some on the seats,
114
MEMOIR OF
and some on the sides of the pews, to hear and see. From
the midst of this scene of distress, I addressed the whole
congregation for about five minutes. Among other things
I said,
"My hearers, I now no longer hesitate to tell you what
I have hitherto been afraid to speak, that a revival of re-
ligion is begun in Nassau. Yes, from what I have seen, I
can no longer doubt the fact. I believe you are about to
witness a solemn and trying time in this place; and now
you must prepare either to be taken or to be left. I then
told them, I would meet them in the morning at sunrise
in the school-house, and pray with them before I left, if
they chose. I advised them to depart as still as possible,
and to be retired through the night.
April 26.
Met them in the morning before sunrise-
Two of those who went away in distress last night came
to me rejoicing this morning. They found relief before
they slept. I prayed and conversed with them a few mo-
ments, and started for Schenectady before breakfast,
Heard of one more rejoicing this morning. I called and
found it so, and found others in distress. The distress in
one house led me to another, and that to another, until I
visited nine families before I left the place. It was truly
affecting to witness these strangers crying for mercy. In
this state I left them, and went to Schenectady. During
my absence, I felt a deep interest for them in Nassau.
The scenes that I had there witnessed, were continually
before me. It rained, and I tarried two nights.
April 28.
Started from Schenectady for Nassau
Arrived at Mr. B 's within three miles of the village,
late in the evening. In this house, some whom I had left
in great distress met me with joyful countenances. Here
I was informed that the Baptists had a meeting at the
meeting-house this evening. Wishing to embrace the
""
""
DR. NETTLETON
115
opportunity to make an appointment, I drove on to the
meeting-house, and found the house nearly full. All were
standing, and about to retire, as the meeting had just
closed. I made my way through the crowd, as I suppose,
unobserved, stepped upon the stage, and announced an
appointment for the next Sabbath. The effect of this lit-
tle circumstance, was almost incredible. I could hardly
say which was most prominent, the burst of joy or of grief.
A number came to me with joyful countenances, while
others were borne down with grief. It is this night just
one week since the first instance of hopeful conversion
occurred, and now about thirty appear to be subjects of
grace. Many of these, it was afterwards found, obtained
relief on the day, and some a few moments after I left
them. This was a memorable day. For when they af-
terwards came together to give a relation of their chris-.
tian experience, we found that some on that day retired
into the groves and fields, and some into their chambers and
closets, to cry for mercy. I have since thought that the
effect of my leaving them as I did, in the advanced stages
of their conviction, was evidently beneficial. It drove
them from all human dependence. Distressing as it is,
and cruel as it may seem, it is necessary for them to feel
that no arm but God's can help them. Similar effects
from like circumstances, have heretofore been witnessed.
(6
April 30. Sabbath — The congregation was crowded
and solemn. This day an event took place, unknown to
me at the time, which was designed by the enemy to check
and put a stop to the work, but which in the hand of God
was made subservient to its advancement.
66
May 1. Met about eighty-five in the meeting of in-
quiry.
M
116
MEMOIR OF
}
"May 2. This evening held a meeting in the meeting-
house, and took up the common sayings of christians which
are calculated to check a revival by lessening the sinner's
sense of obligation, and quieting him in his sins.
66
May 4. At this date we find about forty rejoicing in
hope. From this date to the 14th, preached nine times,
and held one meeting for inquirers.
(C
May 15. This evening attended a meeting of inquiry,
and found the number and distress of anxious souls, rap-
idly increasing. The distress of W. is greatly augmented.
This is the person who had been a little anxious during
the revival in Salisbury, and whose attention had again
been excited, on entering our meeting the second even-
ing in this village. From this time, her distress continued
about three days and nights. Providentially she was in a
family, a number of whom were thoughtless and far from
religion. This was loud preaching. So great was her
distress that she was unable to attend meetings, and was
confined to the house. Many called to witness her dis-
tress. She had concluded that the day of grace was over;
and she was now past the fear of mortals. She continu-
ed crying, "Lord have mercy on my soul. I am lost — Oh,
forever lost. In this situation, she sent for me to call and
see her, that she might beg my pardon for what she had
said, before she died. I called, and such was her agita-
tion, that it was difficult to keep her in one position.
Sometimes sitting, and then kneeling, in a piteous tone
she would cry out, 'young people take warning from me!
young people take warning from me!' The house was con-
stantly visited by curious spectators, often till late at
night. Many thought that she could not live long. One
physician asked my opinion whether I thought she would
die. From past facts, I have noticed that this extreme dis-
DR. NETTLETON.
117
tress does not generally continue long, especially in sea-
sons of revival sometimes but a few moments
Capta
·com-
monly a few hours, and rarely over three days. And
when this extreme distress exceeds this time, I begin to
fear that it may subside, as it has sometimes done with-
out a change of heart. On the third day she was rejoic-
ing in hope.
"The question is often asked, why is it that the con-
victions of some sinners are so much greater than those
of others? I answer, I do not know. The sinner's dis-
tress does not always appear to be in exact proportion to
his crimes. But one thing I have learned from observa-
tion, and that is, that when persons of a particular des-
cription have been brought under conviction, they have
been exercised with severe distress. Those who have
once been anxious for their souls, and have been laughed
out of it, and returned to the thoughtless world, if again
awakened, are more distressed than ever. Those who
once made it a business to retire and pray, and have long
since dropped the subject are usually, if their attention is
again excited, greatly distressed. Those who have la-
bored hard to stifle and throw off their convictions, or
those who have formerly resisted the strivings of God's
Spirit, are usually the subjects of keen distress, if convin-
ced of sin, a second time. Those who have scoffed at
the subject of religion, and have mocked the messengers
of Christ, and ridiculed the worship of God, are usually
filled with great consternation and agony, when brought
to a just sense of their character and state. Those who
have made light of revivals of religion, by calling them
enthusiasm, fanaticism, and the work of the devil — es
pecially those who have taken an active part in ridiculing
the conviction and conversion of sinners, in the season
of a revival - those who have called revivals by the hardest
names, who have expressed the greatest contempt of
J
5*
118
MEMOIR OF
12 May
them, and who have done the most to bring them into
disrepute persons of this description, have been the
most frightful monuments of distress, that I have ever wit-
nessed. They despair of ever becoming the subjects of
that work which they have treated with so much con-
tempt. We have sometimes heard the champion of infi-
delity expressing his horror for fear of having committed
the unpardonable sin. I am acquainted with the names of
persons, who have become perfectly deranged in conse-
quence of their own opposition to the progress of revivals.
Conscience, without any other accuser, has driven the en-
emy of revivals out of his reason into a state of settled
delirium. The confession and fate of Judas show the
power of conscience, and stand recorded as a warning to
the opposers of religion to beware.
M
"May 17. This evening we met in the school house.
The room was crowded, and the meeting was exceeding-
ly joyful. Every word that was spoken seemed to find a
place in some heart. Such a season of rejoicing is rarely
witnessed. "Old things are passed away and all things
are become new.” It is not yet quite one month since the
work commenced, and about sixty are supposed to be the
subjects of grace.
"May 19. This evening we met in a private house,
and at the close of the exercises, one of the young con-
verts spoke to a stout-hearted sinner who had been strug-
gling against his conscience, and he dropped upon his
knees in distress of soul. Another followed me nearly
home, inquiring what he must do to be saved! In this situ-
ation, I left him; but before we retired to rest, he came
in with a new song in his mouth. The other went home
in great distress, but found relief before morning.
66
May 20. This was a solemn day throughout this
DR. NETTLETON.
119
village. Mr. L. a young lawyer, who had been anxious
for a few days, and who had retired to rest in my cham-
ber, came to my bedside early this morning in distress.
He sat down to breakfast with us, and while at the table
heard the tidings that another of his mates had found the
Saviour the last night. He instantly left the table and re-
tired to my chamber. Sometime after, I entered the
chamber and found him prostrate on the floor, crying for
mercy. While he thus continued waxing worse and worse,
a number came up to see him; but he seemed to take no
notice of them, and continued pleading for mercy. About
10 o'clock, A. M., whether with a new heart, I cannot say,
I only record the fact, he came down stairs expressing his
joy that he had found the Saviour. At the same time, his
fellow student M., in a house a few rods distant, lay pros-
trate in his chamber. I called and found a number as-
sembled around him, while he lay crying for mercy. The
burden of his prayer was that God would pardon his self-
righteousness. The fact was this. A few days previous,
he and his brother lawyer, had shut themselves in a cham-
ber, seeking and striving and praying together for a long
time, thinking without doubt, they should ere long suc-
ceed in becoming christians. Here they continued, until
both had become exceedingly self-righteous. They could
see it in each other, and each was alarmed at it, and ask-
ed my opinion if they had not better separate. By all
means I told them. This sight of his heart was doubtless
what most distressed him. About three o'clock P. M., he
arose in like manner rejoicing that he had found the Sa-
viour.
Sabbath-Held a meeting at a public house
"May 21.
Mr. B's, four or five miles from this village. When I ar-
rived, the rooms were filled doors and windows throng-
ed. Those who seemed the most anxious, had placed
120
MEMOIR OF
themselves near the seat of the speaker. When I named
the psalm, all was silence, except the sighs and sobs of
anxious souls. The moment I began to speak, I felt that
God was there. I addressed them from Gen. 7, 1. Come
thou and all thy house into the Ark.' I felt unusual freedom
and satisfaction in speaking. The solemnity of the scene
will long be remembered. When I had pronounced the
benediction, I know not that a foot moved. All were
standing, and still anxious to hear. I gave them an ac-
count of what I had witnessed up in the village the week
past. Many had assembled from the surrounding regions.
of desolation, doubtless from motives of curiosity, having
heard something of the wonderful movement in the vil-
lage. While giving a relation of these wonderful things,
every ear was attentive. Some were sighing, and some
were gazing in wild amazement. The language of every
look seemed to be, we never heard such things before. In
one large room which was crowded entirely full, nearly
all were in deep distress, besides many crowding round the
doors and windows, all apparently equally anxious, ex-
cept here and there a joyful convert. They were crowd-
ed so closely together, that I could not pass among them
So I spoke to one and another here and
there at a distance, as I could catch their eyes as they lif
ted them streaming with tears. All were utter strangers
whom I addressed, and not a name could I call. My on-
ly method of designation was, by pointing and saying, I
mean you, and you, or this sinner, and that sinner. Nev-
er did I feel a deeper compassion for sinners, than for
these poor strangers. A number, know not how many,
were awakened this day.
to converse.
Preached in the village in the afternoon and evening.
At this time, we concluded that the crisis of solemnity
was past in the village.
"May 22. This evening attended the meeting for in-
Het
DR. NETTLETON.
121
quirers, and all things considered, it was the most distres-
sing and painful scene hitherto witnessed in this revival.
Unexpectedly a number who had never before attended,
came from the region of solemnity above described. Some
came four or five miles, and crowded the meeting, and
threw it into a scene of awful distress. The distress was
so great, and the suppressed sighs and sobs became so
loud, that I could scarcely hear my own voice. One or
two found relief on the spot; and some lost their strength,
so that we were obliged to help them out of the chamber.
It was with the utmost difficulty that I could prevail on
them to separate. Some would start to retire, but the cry
of distress would call them back again, and in this state
we were long detained. After leaving the chamber, the
distress was so great, it was almost impossible to prevail
on them to retire. At length all retired but one, who in
great agony, tarried through the night. But many who
came from a distance, remained over night in the neigh-
borhood.
• May 24. This evening attended a meeting at Mr.
G's. A number sobbed and wept.
((
May 25. This evening met again at the same place.
One who formerly thought he had obtained a hope and
lost it, was again awakened and at the close of the meet-
ing cried aloud. He professes to have found relief, but
I think without any good evidence of a change of heart.
I fear he has again deceived himself.
"May 26. This evening met the young converts in a
social meeting, and began to hear a relation of their chris-
tian experience.
"May 27. This afternoon held a general meeting of
122
MEMOIR OF
the young converts, and of all others who chose to attend;
the object of which was to address the subjects of this
work on the nature of a public profession of religion.
Spoke of the duty the qualifications requisite — and
stated and answered objections. The duty; 1. To God.
2. To yourself. 3. To the church. 4. To the world, &c.
"May 28. Sabbath. Preached thrice to a crowded,
attentive, solemn and yet joyful audience.
..
Comman
May 29. This evening met nearly 200 in a meeting
for inquirers. This meeting was anticipated by many
with secret dread. Some christians, doubtless among the
rest, who were present and witnessed the scene of distress
at the last inquiry meeting, were heard to say, that they
dreaded to attend this evening. They could hardly endure
the thought of passing through such a scene of distress a
second time. And1 can truly say, that for the first time,
I felt the same reluctance. But to the astonishment of
all, instead of an anxious, we had a joyful meeting. Most
of those in such distress at our last meeting for inquirers,
had found relief, and were exceeding joyful. What an
astonishing change in one week! I felt that it could hard-
ly be possible. We had lost our anxiety, and had little
else to do, but to render united thanks to God for what he
had done. But before we parted, I went round and col-
lected into a circle a number who were without hope, con-
versed with each one, addressed the whole and prayed
with and for them, as those professing no hope. This was
evidently the means of deepening their impressions.
((
May 30. This evening met in the school house. The
room was crowded, and the audience were still, solemn,
animated and joyful. The same was the general charac-
ter of our meetings after this date.
霞
​DR. NETTLETON.
123
"From this time, we spent a number of half days and
evenings in hearing a relation of their christian experience
preparatory to a public profession. These were interest-
ing and animating seasons, affording the best opportunity
of learning the human heart in all its foldings of depravity
and opposition; and the astonishing change wrought by
the power of God's grace.
"June 25. Sabbath. This day sixty-eight made a
public profession of religion, thirty-two of whom were
baptized. At this time, more than a hundred had, to ap-
pearance, become the subjects of divine grace. A num-
ber more have since publicly professed Christ; and of
these five young men are preparing for the gospel
ministry."
This sketch was drawn up by Mr. Nettleton a few
months after he left Nassau, from brief memoranda
which he kept at the time. This, as I have said, is a spe-
cimen of the revivals which occurred under his preaching.
In not less than forty or fifty places there were revivals
in connection with his labors, quite as interesting as this;
and in some of them the hopeful converts were twice or
thrice as numerous.
While I speak of this as a specimen of the effects of
Mr. N's preaching, I ought perhaps to make one or two
slight exceptions. When he first went to Nassau, he ex-
pected to remain there but a short time. This circum-
stance induced him to hold meetings more frequently than
he did in ordinary cases; and as he was obliged to close
his labors there in about two months from the time the re-
vival began, and as the church was destitute of a pastor,
he admitted some of the converts to the church, sooner
than he was wont to do. With these slight exceptions,
the foregoing sketch will give the reader a very good
view of his ordinary course of proceeding, and of the ef-
fects which accompanied his labors
CHAPTER VII.
Labors in New Haven, North Killingworth, North Madison, Wethersfield,
Newington, and Farmington.
In the summer of 1820, there was some unusual serious-
ness in New Haven, and in Yale College; and at the ear-
nest solicitation of the pastors, Mr. Nettleton again visited
that city. He arrived August 5, and as appears from his
journal, continued his labors there, with some occasional ·
absences, until the December following.
The Religious Intelligencer of Sept. 2d, contains the
following notice of the state of religious feeling in New-
Haven at that date.
66
Reports have doubtless gone abroad that a revival of
religion has commenced in this city. We have felt desi-
rous to communicate this good news to our readers that
they might rejoice with us; but believing that ill effects
are sometimes produced by a premature disclosure, when
a revival has but partially commenced in the hearts of in-
dividuals or in a community, we have heretofore observed
a silence on this subject, waiting to see what the Lord
was about to do for us. A revival of religion has been
felt in the hearts of some christians in this place for some
time past, and they have had a holy confidence that a
shower of divine grace was about to be poured out in an-
126
MEMOIR OF
swer to their prayers on this dry and thirsty place.
We
have seen the cloud like a man's hand, and we now hear
the sound of abundance of rain; verily the Lord is among
us, convincing of sin, of righteousness and of judgment—
many are pricked in the heart, some are rejoicing in the
Lord, and convictions and.conversions are daily multiply-
ing. The power and the mercy of God are extensively
felt in College, and many of the dear youth have been
brought to submit to the sceptre of Immanuel; and many
others are bowed down under a sense of sin, and are anx-
iously inquiring what they must do to be saved. We can-
not be more particular at present. Christians, pray for
Forget not that there are nearly three hundred young
men of talents in this College, and their hearts are in the
hands of that God who hears your prayers if you are
christians. May we be humble and rejoice in the Lord
and wait for his salvation."
us.
The following letter to the young converts at Nassau,
was written by Mr. Nettleton five days after the above
statement was published.
"NEW HAVEN, Sept. 7, 1820.
“My dear Friends
"The moment I take my pen to address you, I
imagine myself seated in the midst of that same dear cir-
cle. Every name and every countenance appears famil-
iar. The inquiry meeting, the crowded assembly, the
heaving sigh, the solemn stillness, and the joyful counte-
nances, awaken all the tender sensibilities of my heart.
My dear friends, no friendship, no attachment in this
world, is equal to that created in a revival of religion.
"The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above."
DR.
NETTLETON,
127
“What is felt at such a season, is an anticipation of the
joys of the heavenly world. I doubt not your hearts re-
tain the sweet recollection of what Paul hints to the Ephe-
sian converts. 'Who hath raised us up together, and
made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.'
But, my dear friends, after all, the milk and the honey lie
beyond this wilderness world. A voice from heaven is heard
'Arise ye, and depart, for this is not your rest.'
"By this time some of you begin to learn that you are
on the field of battle. The world, the flesh and the devil
are potent enemies. You will have need to buckle on the
whole armor of God. But whatever may betide, never,
no never think of dropping the subject. True, the conflict
may be sharp, and the path-way to heaven steep and diffi-
cult, but brethren, the time is short. The conflict will soon
be over.
Think not so much about present enjoyment,
as about present duty.
"I must give you a short account of the revival in this
place. Meetings are held every evening in the week,
crowded, still, and solemn as eternity. Every Monday
evening, we meet the anxious ones in a large ball-room.
We have had from sixty to about three hundred assembled
at these meetings, all solemn, and many in deep distress.
of soul. The cloud of divine influence, has gone rapidly
over our heads, and covered us with awful solemnity.
And there is the sound of abundance of rain. The fields
have whitened every where, and we are in danger of los-
ing much of the harvest, because we cannot reap every
where at once.
"We visit by appointment, and make a number of vis-
its in a day at a given hour. We sometimes meet ten or
fifteen, and sometimes thirty at once. We converse a
little with each one, speak a word to all in general, pray
and pass on to another circle, and so we spend our time.
Our visits are generally short, except one which will nev-
128
MEMOIR OF
L
1
.
er be forgotten. This was August 25, at 2 o'clock, P. M.,
at the house of Mr. B. We entered the house at the
time appointed, and found about twenty persons sitting
around the room in pensive silence. All had been more
or less anxious for a number of days, and one was in aw-
ful distress. This one I addressed more particularly, and
urged the duty of immediate repentance, not without some
hope that relief would be obtained on the spot; for I felt
sure that this state of feeling, could not long be sustained.
While pressing the conscience of this sinner, I found that
this distress had spread nearly throughout the circle. I
detained them the usual time, and advised them all to re-
tire home to their closets. Some started and went out of
the door, and others, sat still with heavy hearts. Very
soon, Emily returned exclaiming, O, I cannot go home.
I dare not go. I shall lose my concern. What shall I do?'
and threw herself down in a chair, and her head on the
table, in the deepest agony. All at once she became si-
lent, and gently raised her head with a placid counte-
nance, and was heard to say in a mild tone of voice, "O,
I can submit, I can love Christ. How easy it is why
did I not do it before." We sat in silent amazement.
Every word sunk deep into our hearts. We felt the con-
viction that God was there. She seized her next compan-
ion by the hand, and with all the tenderness becoming a
fellow sinner, began to press those very truths, which had
so distressed her own heart, the duty of immediate repen-
tance and submission to God. Every word became an
arrow. I felt that the work was taken out of my hands,
for I perceived that God had made her the most powerful
preacher. All at once, A. became silent, and lifted her
head with a countenance beaming with joy. "The Sa-
viour has come -O how happy." This sent fresh alarm
through every heart. And now A. and E. unite heart and
hand, and begin with H. who had been in deep distress
▬▬▬▬▬
DR.
NETTLETON.
129
for some time. They urge with all the tenderness and
firm decision of those who had felt the conviction, the ne-
cessity, and reasonableness of immediate repentance, and
submission to God. The subject pressed harder and har-
der and harder still, when all at once, H. was brought out
of darkness into marvelous light.
These three now
unite heart and hand, and with one voice bear testimony
to the same heart-rending truth that God is right and the
sinner wrong. The time would fail me to finish the story
of this visit. We met at 2 o'clock, P. M., and were de-
tained more than three hours. Suffice it to say, I never
saw or heard of such an afternoon visit before, for the one
half has not been told. At the close, we began to look
about us to see, and inquire, what hath God wrought?
We brought them into one circle. I said, is it possible?
This is too much! Had I not seen it, I could not have
believed it. For nine of those who entered the room in deep
distress, were now rejoicing in hope. The anxious ones
had retired, and we were left in a circle of young con-
verts, if they are not deceived. Not a hint had been given
that one soul had experienced religion, or had any reason to
hope. This was the feeling. "It is right I should love
and serve God, and this I intend to do, whether saved or
lost." Oh, it was a delightful circle, humble, tender, af-
fectionate and joyful. They appearde like children of the
same great family.
"About eighty have been brought to rejoice in hope in
this city during five weeks past. Besides these, about
twenty-five students in Yale College, have become hope-
ful subjects of divine grace. But we much fear the bustle
of commencement. It would be nothing strange, if all
our prospects of a future harvest should be blighted, before
another week shall end. Pray for us.. My love to all my
dear friends in Nassau, and tell them how I long to see
them. Live near to God. Live in peace, and the God of
:
130
MEMOIR OF
Zakam
love and peace shall be with you. In short, Only let your
conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ, that
whether. I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of
your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind,
striving together for the faith of the gospel.
"Yours as ever."
""
The reader will observe that in describing the scene of
thrilling interest which occurred at the house of Mr. B.,
Mr. N. says, "Not a hint had been given that one soul had
experienced religion, or had any reason to hope." This ac-
cords with his uniform practice. He never told persons
that they had reason to hope. He would set before them
with great plainness, the distinguishing evidences of re-
generation, and enjoin it upon them to be faithful and
honest in the application of these evidences to themselves.
-
The reader may be curious to know what became of
these nine individuals, who were thus suddenly, and al-
most simultaneously brought to rejoice in hope; and the
suspicion may perhaps have crossed his mind, that with
most of them the change was the effect of sympathy, and
was only temporary. This however, appears not to have
been the case. I have understood that they all gave very
satisfactory evidence of piety. Five of them have de-
parted this life, all of whom died peacefully, and some
of them very triumphantly. Those who survive, it is be-
lieved, continue to adorn their christian profession. Of
two that are dead, viz. Susan B. Marble, and Adeline
Marble, interesting memoirs were published. Susan B.
Marble was the youngest of the nine, being in the four-
teenth year of her age. She died Feb. 4th, 1821, the day
on which she, with one hundred other individuals, was to
have been received into the church. She appears to have
been a youth of remarkably amiable disposition. Her
biographer, speaking of her state of mind while under
DR. NETTLETON.
131
conviction, says, "It was peculiarly interesting to con-
verse with her at this time. A person ignorant of the nat-
ural character of man, as delineated in the scriptures,
would think that one so young and amiable could need
nothing new; yet according to the estimate of the Sa-
viour of sinners, she still lacked one thing. This she
felt and deplored. What chiefly distressed her, was, the
sinfulness and hardness of her heart, and its opposition
to God."
I quote this remark, for the purpose of turning the at-
tention of the reader to the fact, that those who were
converted under Mr. N.'s preaching, however young, and
however amiable, were brought to see the sinfulness and
hardness of their hearts, and their opposition to God.
In a letter from Mr. Nettleton to Mrs. Parmele, of
Bolton, dated May 15th, 1822, there is a touching allu-
sion to the scenes above described.
"You recollect reading an account of the death of
Susan Marble in New Haven. She was one of the nine
who were brought out rejoicing in an afternoon's visit.
When I was in New Haven last, Betsey Bishop, another
of that number died. She was an interesting youth. I
had then so far recovered my heath, that I went to the
conference room, and addressed the people on the subject
of her death, and alluded to that interesting afternoon.
A number of that same circle called to see me one even-
ing, and to talk over the interesting event. They used to
meet frequently by themselves, and converse and pray
together. It was a little band of love. Adeline Marble,
Susan's sister, was one of this happy number.
She was
present at that evening visit — still clad in mourning.
Last evening, I saw from the paper, that she too has gone
to her long home. I retired, and could not but weep
"Child of mortality."-Thus three of these blooming
132
Of
MEMOIR
youth have found an early grave. Had you seen them as
I have, you too would weep, as well as rejoice."
The Religious Intelligencer for Oct. 7th, contains the
following statement in relation to the progress of this re-
vival.
"We mentioned not long since, that a revival had com-
menced in this city. Since that time God has done great
things for us, which has given joy on earth, and we be-
lieve great joy in heaven. Since the commencement of
this glorious work of grace, there have been within the
bounds of charity, about two hundred souls, belonging to
the two congregational societies, including about thirty
in College before its recess, who have been called out of
darkness into marvelous light. This when compared
with the five preceeding years of death, will be consider-
ed as the commencement, at least, of a glorious harvest.
And we still hope for greater things than these. Truly,
this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
He works like himself, and none can hinder. The blind-
est infidel must see and acknowledge that it is the work
of God. And could he witness our assemblies, where
three or four hundred are convened for the purpose of
inquiry, and behold the solemnity and the distress for sin,
we think he would feel that the Lord was there. And
could he behold the same company of convicted, tremb-
ling sinners in smiling crowds, rejoicing in the mercy of
God in Christ Jesus, he would be equally convinced that
the same Holy Spirit, who convinced them of sin, is,
when the sinner has submitted, the blessed comforter
which Christ promised to send.
"The work is still in progress. It is the still small
voice that convinces of sin. C The wind bloweth where
it listeth; we hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell
whence it cometh or whither it goeth.' We have no new
34
DR. NETTLETON.
133
gospel, no other terms of salvation than those that have
always been held out, for acceptance.
The sinner has
been taught invariably that he must not look for comfort
without submission. And such has been the faithfulness
of our Spiritual teachers, that in most cases, those who
have been slain by the law, and brought to despair of
climbing up some other way, have been led directly to
the Saviour, who is the way, the truth, and the life; and
who has always been ready and willing to receive them."
This revival continued for many months, and spread
into all the surrounding region. In the Religious Intelli-
gencer for June 9th, 1821, is the following statement :
"On the last Sabbath, twenty-six were added to the
church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Merwin,
making in all, about three hundred added to the congre-
gational churches in this city, as fruits of the revival.
We trust a goodly number more will still come over from
the ranks of the enemy, and publicly avow their friend-
ship for Him who has said, 'whosoever shall confess me
before men, him will I confess also before my Father,
which is in heaven.'
"Since the revival commenced in this city, it has ex-
tended to most of our neighboring towns. Out of thirty-
one congregations in the county of New Haven, at least
twenty-five have been visited, during the past winter and
spring, with the special presence of the Lord; and it is
estimated that within these limits, between fifteen hund-
red and two thousand souls have been called by his grace,
out of nature's darkness into marvelous light."
Mr. Nettleton confined his labors to New Haven and
Yale College, until the 18th of September, when he re-
paired to North Killingworth, his native place. He re-
turned to New Haven, Oct. 10th, and continued there
about a week, preaching several times. He labored there
also for a season in the month of December.
6
134
MEMOIR. OF
1
His labors were greatly blessed in North Killingworth.
He went there from New Haven, Sept. 18. He mentions
in his journal that on the 25th of that month he attended
an inquiry meeting at which sixty-two were present.
From this time, the work became very powerful and rapid
in its progress. On the 29th thirty were rejoicing in
hope; and on the 23d of October there were ninety re-
joicing.
The Rev. Asa King, who was at that time pastor of
the church in North Killingworth, in a letter dated July
16th, 1844, says, "That ever to be remembered revival
commenced about the last of August, in a Bible class,
which for some months, I had weekly attended; and it
had been in pleasing progress for some time before broth-
er Nettleton's arrival; when under his labors it received
a fresh impulse, and went forward with unusual power.
As he used occasionally to visit his native place, to rest
awhile from the exhausting labors of a revival, I had the
privilege of gathering many useful hints from his com-
munications, and I am free to say, that to him, under God,
I am very much indebted for the measures I adopted, and
for the course which, with a good degree of success, I
pursued, before he came to my assistance. After spend-
ing several weeks at North Killingworth, he was called to
New Haven, and then to Wethersfield, and visited us only
occasionally.
"The hopeful converts were 162; 107 of whom united
with the church at the communion season in January, and
soon after 25 more making in all 132. So far as I
have known, with very few exceptions, they have been
careful to maintain good works.
"The influence of that revival upon the church, was
very happy. It produced unanimity of sentiment on
DR. NETTLETON.
135
doctrinal points about which they had long contended, and
cordiality of feeling where there been prejudices of long
standing. Though brother Nettleton was a prophet in
his own country; yet I doubt whether in any place, his
labors were more highly appreciated than they were by
those who had known him from his childhood."
In the months of October and November, he preached a
few times in North Madison, where was a very interesting
revival of religion, which was greatly promoted by his
labors.
At the earnest solicitation of the Rev. Dr. Tenney, on
the 23d of December, 1820, he came from New Haven
to Wethersfield, where a work of grace had already com-
menced. He labored here with great success for three
or four months, occasionally visiting other places in the
vicinity.
The Religious Intelligencer, for April 13th, 1822, con-
tains an account of this revival, written by Dr. Tenney,
from which I make the following extract:
"Previous to the revival, our church consisted of about
two hundred and sixty members. As its fruits, precisely
two hundred more have been added. Of this addition
seventy-nine are heads of families. Sixty-two are males,
and thirty-two are young unmarried men, who with ten
previously in the church, make forty-two. A number of
others have indulged hope, who have not professed reli-
gion. Generally, the subjects of the work still appear well.
Some instances of conversion have been strongly marked.
The awakening of some has been sudden and powerful,
and has soon issued in triumphant peace. In others, it
has been as the still small voice. One individual, who
136
MEMOIR OF
had been a total disbeliever in revelation, began and con-
tinued to examine the subject of religion with all the
coolness of a mathematician; until in the course of a
few weeks, the great truths of scripture, bore upon his
conscience with insupportable power, and had almost
that "keen vibration" through his soul, which makes hell;
and his heart yielded to God. One aged man said, "If
I have ever been born of God, it was on the day I was
76 years old." Another said respecting himself, "it was
the day when I was 68.” In one family, a mother of
eleven children, who had long gone to the table of Christ,
mourning that of her great family there was not one to
accompany her, now hopes that eight of her children,
and two children-in-law, are the children of God. In
another family, consisting of parents and seven children,
all have indulged hope excepting one son who was absent
at sea. Two of these are united to a different denom-
ination. A widow, the mother of seven children, some
of them pious years ago, now has hope of all the others;
the whole family belong to the church. Nearly at the
very time that a woman experienced religion at home,
her husband experienced it at sea. Of the nature and
joy of their next meeting, let chrsitians judge.
66
Greatly are we indebted to a number of neighboring
ministers, whose labors here were of great use. Peculiar
are our obligations to the REV. ASAHEL NETTLETON, who
was much with us, and whose labors were blessed emi-
nently and extensively. To us and the churches in this
region, he has been of as great use, as were to ancient
Israel, their chariots and horsemen. Though in this
work, there has been the strongest coincidence between
the means used and the success, and between the prayer-
fulness of christians, and the conviction and conversion
of sinners, yet God has displayed his glorious sovereignty
*
DR,
NETTLETON.
137
3
as well as faithfulness. Here, and in this section of the
country, God has illustriously displayed his perfections
in the work which is emphatically His. To Him all the
glory is due. To Him let it be given now and evermore."
While in Wethersfield, Mr. Nettleton labored a part
of the time in Newington, a parish in the town of Weth-
ersfield, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Joab Brace.
Here as in other places, his labors were accompanied by
the outpouring of the Spirit of God. There is an account
of the revival in this place, published by Mr. Brace, in the
Religious Intelligencer, for May 11th, 1822. The follow-
ing is an extract from this account.
"In the summer of 1820, an uncommon emotion was
felt. There was a sound in the top of the mulberry trees and
although the indication was not distinctly understood at
the time; yet the result has proved, that God had then
actually gone forth. A number of serious persons were
under distressing apprehension of ruin as coming on
this place, and they cried unto the Lord for help. Several
women of the church, privately instituted a weekly con-
cert in the closet, to implore the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit. A few sinners were uneasy, and yet without very
definite impressions; and there was no awakening of a
decisive character, until three or four months after this
period.
"This religious concern may be traced to Wethersfield,
and thence to New Haven, where the present series of
revivals appears to have commenced in the summer of
1820. In Wethersfield, the work appeared with some
distinctness in October; and in November, it began to be
spoken of abroad; but there was no visible effect in this
place. I thought it would be a local work, as revivals
in this vicinity, had generally been in former times; and
138
MEMOIR OF
}
did not suppose that any measures were to be taken for ex-
tending it among our people; but it is of great benefit
that neighboring ministers and people visit frequently a
place favored with the energy of the Spirit of God. The
people heard with awe of what God was doing in the
first parish in this town; some persons went over to their
meetings, and were distressed at the thought of this
place being still passed by. Above all other means, what
raised the general attention, was the coming of the Rev.
Asahel Nettleton, on the last of December, 1820, as unex-
pectedly as a messenger from heaven, apparently com-
missioned from the Almighty Head of the Church, and
accompanied by the Holy Spirit. Next morning he
preached on being ashamed of Christ. This fixed a
listening ear. In the afternoon he dwelt upon the causes
of alarm to awakened sinners. In the evening the assem-
bly was crowded, and the attention profound. His text
was, Behold I stand at the door and knock. The discourse
was closed with surprising effect by repeating the hymn,
"Behold a stranger at the door." When prayer was
ended, while the people were standing, he made a very
close application of the subject to their hearts, in a short
address which was very silently and solemnly heard. He
requested them to retire without making a noise.
love to talk to you, you are so still. It looks as though
the Spirit of God was here. Go away as still as possible.
Do not talk by the way, lest you forget your own hearts.
Do not ask how you like the preacher; but retire to your
closets, bow before God; and give yourselves to him.
this night." After the benediction, he inquired of many
persons individually, "have you made your peace with
God? Do you calculate to attend to this subject?"
Many promised that they would try to make their peace.
with God immediately that they would repent that
"I
K
*:
DR. NETTLETON.
139
night—and a permanent impression was made. From
this the flame spread over the parish; the current of
feeling was turned; the people gathered around their
minister with peculiar attachment; meetings were crowd-
ed and solemn; the things of eternity filled the people
with awe.
The work of God seemed to be in almost
every house. Mr. Nettleton continued his visits from
the last of December to the first of April, with a benefi-
cial influence which it is hoped will be felt in the world
of glory.
'Friday, Jan. 26, 1821, was observed by the church
as a special fast, in which they were joined by almost
the whole congregation. It was a solemn season, and as
we hope, a day of new life to some souls. In the eve-
ning, at sunset, a meeting for inquirers was held at my
house, under the direction and management of Mr. Net-
tleton, while I met the church at another house for prayer.
In the mean time a great congregation had assembled at
the meeting-house, many from the neighboring parishes;
and there Mr. N. discoursed with great effect upon the
story of the woman that washed the Saviour's feet with
her tears. Luke viii. 37: to the end of the chapter. At
this time experimental religion had become the great
theme of reflection and conversation, and it seemed as
though all my people were pressing into the kingdom of
heaven numbers were every week embracing the hope
that they had passed from death unto life.
The characteristics of the work may be thus stated.
There were some instances of deep distress; but none
of that overwhelming kind, in which subjects faint, or
fall to the ground, or are unable to leave their seats. In
some cases convictions were long continued; in others
the heart was speedily bowed. Some after long distress,
rose almost imperceptibly to a faint hope; in others the
*
*
*
(6
140
MEMOIR OF
i
hope was bright and satisfying. No instances of extrav-
agant joy occurred, though several were much elevated.
In convictions the subjects were much affected with their
guiltiness before God, as well as with fear of everlasting
destruction. When the sinner was humbled, he ac-
knowledged his great depravity, his desert of eternal
condemnation, and his entire dependence on sovereign
grace in the sight of God, and was pleased with the idea
of unconditional submission to the will and glory of God.
One prominent feature in the converts, was, a fear of
deception. Much was said on the danger of false hopes,
which probably had an influence to check flights of joy;
for they were much and anxiously inquiring how far the
adversary might possibly beguile.
*
*
*
*
*
**
On the whole it has been a serious
and delightful season. Many souls, we hope, have been
truly brought home to Christ; but also, many we fear
have quenched the Holy Spirit, and taken up their por-
tion in this world; still prayer is made without ceasing
for them. During Mr. Nettleton's stay with us, this
place was a common center of divine entertainment, in
comparison with which all the pleasures of this world
are faint and feeble. The multitudes who flocked in
from the neighboring congregations, appeared to feel
themselves richly repaid for their pains; and some of
them carried home the spirit, where it spread and opera-
ted powerfully until the region appeared like the garden
of God."
Feb. 18th, 1821, Mr. Nettleton commenced his labors
in Farmington. The results which ensued may be learn-
ed from the following account written by the Rev. Dr. Por-
ter, pastor of the church in that place, and published in the
appendix to Dr. Sprague's Lectares on Revivals.
#
DR. NETTLETON.
141
“The year 1821 was eminently, in Connecticut, a year
of revivals. Between eighty and a hundred congrega-
tions were signally blessed. From the commencement of
the year, a new state of feeling began to appear in this
town. On the first Sabbath in February, I stated to the
assembly the tokens of the gracious presence of God in
several places of the vicinity, and urged the duties peculiarly
incumbent on us at such a season. This I had often done
before, but not with the same effect. Professors of reli-
gion now began evidently to awake. They had an anxiety
for themselves and for the people, that would allow them
no rest. In their communications with each other and
with the world, they were led spontaneously to confess
their unfaithfulness, and a few without the church, about
the same time, were pungently convicted.
In this state
of things, Rev. Mr. Nettleton made us his first visit. His
preaching on the evening of a Lord's day in this month,
from Acts ii. 37, was sent home by the power of the spirit
upon the hearts of many; and his discourse on the
Wednesday evening following, from Gen. vi. 3, was bleg-
sed to the conviction of a still greater number. As many
as fifty persons, it was afterwards ascertained, dated their
first decided purpose of immediately seeking their salva-
tion from that evening; and it is worthy of remark, that
the same sermon was preached on the following week to
two other large and solemn assemblies, in adjoining parish
es, with no special effect that could afterwards be traced.
The fact probably was, that here it convinced numbers that
the spirit was already striving with them, and that then
was their day. A word spoken in due season how good
is it?' At a meeting of the anxious on the evening of
Feb. 26, there were present about a hundred and seventy.
Here were persons of almost every age and class some
who a few weeks before, had put the subject of serious
<?
6*
:
F
:
1
142
piety at a scornful distance, and others who had drowned
every thought of religion in giddy mirth, now bending
their knees together in supplication, or waiting in silent
reflection, for a minister of the gospel to pass along, and
tell them individually, what they must do. Twelve were
found to have lately become peaceful in hope, and a great
number to be powerfully convicted of sin. From this
time, so rapid was the progress of the work, that at the
next similar meeting, March 12th, there were present a
hundred and eighty, (the room would hold no more,) of
whom fifty supposed that since the commencement of the
revival, they had become reconciled to God; and a week
afterwards, I had the names of more than ninety, who
indulged the same persuasion concerning themselves.
"The state of feeling which, at this time, pervaded the
town, was interesting beyond description. There was no
commotion; but a stillness in our very streets; a serenity in
the aspect of the pious; and a solemnity apparent in al-
most all, which forcibly impressed us with the conviction,
that, in very deed, God was in this place. Public meetings,
however, were not very frequent. They were so appoint-
ed, as to afford opportunity for the same individuals to
hear preaching twice a week, beside on the sabbath. Oc-
casionally there were also meetings of an hour in the
morning or at noon, at private dwellings, at which the
serious in the neighborhood were convened, on short no-
tice, for prayer and conference. The members of the
church also met weekly, in convenient sections, for pray-
er, and commonly on the evenings selected for the meet-
ings of the anxious. From these various meetings, the
people were accustomed to retire directly, and with little
communication together, to their respective homes. They
were disposed to be much alone, and were spontaneously
MEMOIR OF
DR.
NETTLETON.
143
led to take the Word of God, for their guide. The Bible
was preferred to all other books, and was searched daily
with eager inquity.
"Mr. Nettleton continued with us, except during a few
short intervals, till about the middle of April. To his la-
bors, so far as human instrumentality, was directly con-
cerned, the progress of the revival must be chiefly ascrib-
ed. The topics on which he principally dwelt, were the
unchangeable obligations of the divine law, the deceitful
and entirely depraved character of the natural heart, the
free indiscriminate offers of the gospel; the reasonable-
ness and necessity of immediate repentance; the vanity
of those excuses to which awakened sinners are accus-
tomed to resort; and the manner, guilt, and danger of
slighting, resisting, and opposing the operations of the
Holy Spirit. His addresses were not formal discussions,
first of one, and then of another of these subjects, but a free
declaration of the truth of God concerning them all, just
as they lie in the course of spiritual experience, and
would best subserve the particular end which he was la-
boring at the time to gain. They were too plain to be
misunderstood, too fervent to be unheeded, and too
searching and convincing to be treated with indifference.
"It was a favorable circumstance that among the first
subjects of the work, there was a large proportion of the
more wealthy and intelligent class. A considerable num-
ber of youths, belonging chiefly to this class, had just
finished a course of Biblical instruction, for which I had
met them weekly for more than a year. These, with
scarcely an exception, at the very commencement of the
revival, embraced the gospel which they had learned;
and by their experience of its power, commended it to the
families where they belonged. Within about three months,
I suppose there were about two hundred and fifty mem-
144
MEMOIR OF
bers of the congregation, who supposed that they had
passed from death unto life. On the first sabbath in June,
a hundred and fifteen were added to the church, and at
subsequent periods, a hundred and twenty besides. Of
these a few have since been rejected, and others have de-
clined from their first love. But I have not perceived
that a greater proportion of hopeful conversions in this
revival, than in others, previous or subsequent to it, have
proved unsound. Many have died, and many have re-
moved from our immediate connexion, but those who re-
main, now constitute the chief strength of the church."
This account was written in 1832, eleven years after
the revival.
The Religious Intelligencer for Sept. 1st, 1821, con-
tains an extract of a letter dated July 16th, of the same
year, giving the following brief notice of this revival.
"Of all the revivals that I have ever witnessed, none
have so deeply interested my heart, none appear so
strikingly to manifest the power of God, or the excel-
lence of the christian character, as that with which Farm-
ington has been blessed. Oh I have often thought, while
residing among this people, what glorious work a revival
of religion would make in this town. The blessed effect
of such a work I have now witnessed; and it is beyond
any thing I could have had faith to pray for. The
change in the moral aspect of things is astonishing. Many
who have been very far from God and righteousness, have
as we humbly hope, recently been brought nigh by the
blood of his son. Some, whose moral condition once ap-
peared hopeless, are now in their right minds, at the feet
of Jesus. Many of the professed devotees of Mammon,
have recently parted with all for Christ. A large class of
this community have been eagerly engaged in the pursuit
ap
DR.
NETTLETON.
145
of riches; and their clashing interests, combined with
thsee feelings of selfishness and pride-which avarice
fosters, have produced, as might be expected, quarrels
among neighbors, and much hostility of feeling. The
quelling of this hostile spirit was among the first visible
effects of the spirit of God. Of many, who have form-
erly been not even on speaking terms, it may now be said,
as it was of the early disciples, 'See how these chris-
tians love one another.' Let any person witness the
glorious effects which this work of grace has produced in
Farmington, and still disapprove of a revival of religion;
and it would not be difficult I think, to decide to whose
kingdom that person belongs."
;
A
--
!
CHAPTER VIII.
Labors in Pittsfield-Lenox
Lee- Litchfield - New Haven - Somers
-Tolland and South Wilbraham.
In the year 1820, there was a revival of religion in
Pittsfield, Mass. The Rev. Dr. Humphrey, late Pres-
ident of Amherst College, was pastor of the church in
that town: The religious attention had subsided, and the
revival was supposed to be at an end, when in the spring
of 1821, under the preaching of Mr. Nettleton, God
again appeared in his glory to build up Zion. There is
an account of this revival from the pen of Dr. Humphrey
in the sixth volume of the Religious Intelligencer, from
which I make the following extract :
"Early in the month of May, the Rev. Asahel Nettle-
ton, whose name is so familiar both to the friends and
enemies of revivals, came to this town to 'rest awhile,'
and to await the future calls of Providence. But he was
not to remain long inactive; and the three or four weeks
which he thought of spending in retirement here, were
prolonged through as many months of unceasing labor.
By the middle of May, there was some excitement; but
whether it was the effect of mere curiosity, or of the
spirit beginning to move on the hearts of the people, it
was at first impossible to determine. For a fortnight or
اء
148
MEMOIR OF
more, nothing very decisive took place. Which way the
scale would turn, was to us altogether uncertain. Every
thing appeared to be hushed into silent and anxious ex-
pectation. It was the stillness that precedes an earth-
quake though the subsequent shock was neither sud-
den nor violent.
J
"In the latter part of May, we ventured, though with
considerable solicitude, to appoint a meeting for the in-
quiring, if there should be any such in the congregation.
Nearly twenty attended, and some of them were found to
be under very serious impressions. No professor of re-
ligion was invited or expected to attend. It was a meet-
ing exclusively for those who were beginning to realize
their exposure and their guilt. The next meeting was
better attended, and it was found that a few were sinking
in the deep waters of conviction.
"From this time, the work solemnly and steadily ad-
vanced, particularly in the heart of the town, where the
strong man armed, had for a long time kept his palace.
He lifted up his voice to summon the mighty to his stand-
ard, but it was in vain, for the God of Jacob was with us.
So far was the enemy from making any impression upon
the camp of the faithful, that his own ranks were thinned
and disheartened, by the desertion of many on whom he
had placed great reliance, and of whose unshaken alle-
giance, he had confidently boasted.
66
During the whole month of June, the revival grew
more interesting and decisive every day. Many were re-
joicing in hope, and more were alarmed at their own
stupidity and danger. The voice of prayer was heard
for the first time in several of our principal families. Not
less than five domestic altars were erected in one day. In
this state of things, and when religion was the principle
topic of conversation in all circles, whether large or small,
DS-
DR.
NETTLETON.
149
it was natural for those who felt a new and deep interest
in the subject, to wish for an appropriate celebration of
the fourth of July, and arrangements were accordingly
made for a prayer meeting at sunrise, and a public relig-
ious service in the afternoon. The prayer meeting was
well attended. At two o'clock, our large house of wor-
ship was filled, and we had the pleasure of meeting there
many of our christian friends from different and even re-
mote parts of the couutry. The audience was solemn,
notwithstanding.
But
*
*
*
*
*
*
here let me draw a veil over the painful interruptions
which we experienced. Charity hopeth all things, en-
dureth all things; and he is but a poor soldier who can be
frightened by mere powder. It is due to justice to state,
that all the respectable people in the town, (whatever
some of them might think of the expediency of such a
celebration,) strongly disapproved of whatever tended to
disturb us in our worship. But God meant it for good.
Through the riches of his grace, an impulse was that day
given to the revival, which was long and happily felt, and
which we shall have reason to remember with no ordinary
emotions of wonder and gratitude, for a great while to
come. Instances of conviction and conversion became
more frequent than they had been; and from this time,
the work continued with little abatement, though never
so rapid in its progress, as some revivals, till the month
of October.
"The third sabbath in September will not be forgotten
by the present generation in Pittsfield; for that sabbath
day, was an high day.'
"To see more than eighty persons, and one half of them
heads of families, rising up to enter into covenant with
God and his people to look round and see who they
were, and think where some of them had been, to behold
150
MEMOIR OF
D
Ꮜ .
them coming forward, high and low, rich and poor together,
and kneeling to receive the baptismal seal to hear their
song-to witness their emotions, and to welcome them
for the first time to the table of the Lord - Oh it was a
scene which I shall not attempt to describe. We had our
aged Simeons and Elizabeths there; and, we doubt not,
there was joy in heaven. A solemn awe and stillness per-
vaded the great congregation, and some sinners were that
day awakened by what they saw and heard in the sanc-
tuary."
In the foregoing account, there is allusion to what took
place on the fourth of July. A description of that scene
was given, by a person who was present, in a letter to the
editor of Charleston (S. C.) Intelligencer. It was after-
wards copied into the Religious Intelligencer. I would
gladly insert the whole letter would my limits permit.
The facts were these. The opposers of religion, find-
ing that a religious celebration of our National Indepen-
dence was agreed on, resolved to have a political celebra-
tion. They occupied the church in the morning.
"At 2 o'clock," says the above mentioned writer, "they
who loved the Lord, and respected his ordinances, began
to assemble in the same place. The church was crowd-
ed. While the people were assembling, and as they pass-
ed near the rioters, crackers were repeatedly exploded,
in order to intimidate them. The service began. It went
calmly and sweetly forward. The Rev. Mr. Humphrey,
the pastor took his text from John viii; 36. 'If the Son,
therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.'
"He had not proceeded far, when the word-fire — was
given, and our ears were suddenly stunned, and the con-
gregation startled, by the report of cannon. It was the
attack of the adversary, and it was well kept up. But
unfortunately for him and his agents, every shot preach-
M
-
DR.
NETTLETON,
151
ed louder than ten thousand thunders. Meanwhile the
drums beat, and the fifes played, and the soldiers march-
ed back and forth before the church door, animated more-
over by the music of the cannon, and the prospect of a
glorious triumph over the cause of God. But alas! they
were laboring hard to defeat themselves. Some few
christians, indeed, of delicate frame, and quick sensibili-
ties, were agitated and alarmed, and others, though not
intimidated, dreaded the consequences of this violent at-
tack, but generally, there were high hopes that this tu-
mult would be overruled for good. And so it was. So
skillfully did the preacher allude to, and apply his dis-
course to the conduct of the opposition out of doors;
such advantage did he take of every blast of the cannou
and every play of the drum, by some well pointed re-
mark, that it all went like a two-edged sword to the hearts
of listening sinners. Indeed, Mr. H. afterwards inform-
ed me that had he showed the heads of his sermon to his op-
posers previously, and earnestly requested them, when
he had reached such a point in his sermon, to fire, and
when he reached another point, fire, they could not more
effectually have subserved the purpose of his discourse,
than they did. Those gentlemen, who had walked in the
opposers' procession, hung their heads, were disgusted-
and in some instances, were convicted deeply of sin. One
gentlemen, who had been previously somewhat serious,
declared to me that every shot of the cannon pierced his
soul filled him with a kind of indescribable horror, and
brought him through the blessing of God, to such a hatred
and detestation of sin in himself and others, as constrain-
ed him quickly to fly to Christ.
"I confess I trembled for the ark of God. Indeed I
was so uneasy, that after the sermon was concluded, I
went and expostulated with the ringleader, whose com-
Ch
152
MEMOIR OF
panion in wickedness I once had been, and over whom I
thought I might have some influence. But I had reason
to believe that in general the spirits of the children of God
were perfectly unruffled. I sat near the Rev. Mr. Nettle-
ton, and so delighted was he with the discourse, and so
accurately prescient too was he of the result, that when-
ever an apt allusion dropped from the lips of the preach-
er, he would turn round with a holy smile, and whenever
a shot from the cannon pierced our ears, he would say, it
would involuntarily escape from him that is good-that
is good.' Speaking afterwards of the events of this day,
he observed to me, 'Did you not feel calm. I thought
there was a deep and majestic calmness overspreading the
minds of christians.' I found that very many did indeed
feel so. Nothing could be more appropriate, or more
naturally arise out of his text, than Mr. H.'s description
of the miserable bondage in which those out of doors
were faithfully serving their master.
6
"The ministers looked forward with an alternation of
hope and fear to the meeting of inquiry, as that meeting
was generally esteemed a kind of spiritual thermometer,
by which the degree of warmth and feeling in the society
could be measured. This was held for an hour previous-
ly to the evening service. The time arrived. It was
crowded never so full before. The daring and out-
rageous attack in the day had driven many to the place
in which he that appeared was always supposed to be ask-
ing, What must I do to be saved!' This question was
emphatically asked in the meeting. It was found that a
most powerful impulse had been given to the revival. Nor
was this impulse at all weakened by the evening service.
"The house was overflowing. You was there. You
marked the progress of things. Mr. N. that evening put
forth his mightiest efforts. His discourse was one contin-
•
M
#
•
DR. NETTLETON.
153
•
ued flash of conviction. He spoke from that part of
Genesis xix, which treats of the destruction of Sodom.
Up, get ye out of this place,' was closely and powerful-
ly applied, and when he had given a full account of the
nature and circumstances of Lot's expostulations with his
sons-in-law, he came to speak of the awful stillness which
remained over Sodom, while Lot was taking his leave.
Oh, then, when all his warnings were despised, and they
would not believe a word he said, then - then when Lot
was safely out of Sodom-what a terrible storm of fire en-
sued! You remember, he turned the heads of the audience
completely towards the windows. They involuntarily
looked round to see the conflagration—to see Sodom in
flames. It was quite overpowering.
"This was an eventful and glorious day for Pittsfield.
From that time forward Emmanuel spread his trophies
among great and small. They who thought to crush the
work of God were bitterly disappointed, and retired with
shame. The fruits of this revival are one hundred and for-
ty converts. Praise the Lord."
While Mr. Nettleton was laboring in Pittsfield, he
preached frequently in Lenox. With what success will
appear from the following statement of the Rev. Dr. Shep-
ard, pastor of the church in that place.
"In the Spring of 1821, Dr. Nettleton came to Pitts-
field in consequence of an invitation from Dr.Humphrey.
Dr. N. was in poor health, and Dr. Humphrey invited
him to his house with the hope, that by being relieved
from pressing calls, he might recover his health. When
Dr. N. first came to Pittsfield, he took no part, I believe,
in religious meetings. After a while, he preached once
or twice in the course of a week. His preaching was soon
attended with a divine blessing, and was undoubtedly in-
•
154
MEMOIR OF
!
:
strumental of a revival of religion in Pittsfield, and several
other towns in the vicinity. When I was from home on
a journey, Dr. N. preached in Lenox on the Sabbath, and
two or three times in the course of the week after; and
on my return, I found a revival begun, and progressing
in the town. Many were awakened, and some were
rejoicing in hope. He afterwards preached occasionally
in my parish, as his engagements elsewhere permitted.
The number of hopeful converts who were received into
the church as the fruits of that revival was ninety-one.
Almost all of them continued to adorn the doctrine of
God their Saviour, by the virtues of a sober, righteous,
and Godly life. These,' as I find stated in my church
record, These are the fruits of a revival of religion in
this town last summer. Rev. Ashel Nettleton, was apparent-
ly, instrumental of great good in that season of refreshing
from the presence of the Lord. May the Lord reward him
for his labors of love; - and may we as a church, be more
humble and prayerful;— and may God in his sovereign
mercy continue to shed down his divine influence here.'
"You ask, "what were the characteristics of his
preaching, and in what did its chief excellencies consist?'
I answer. He held no protracted meetings; nor did he
adopt any new measures apparently for effect. His labors
consisted principally in preaching the Word. He some-
times appointed what was called an inquiry meeting. At
such meetings, he manifested an almost instinctive dis-
cernment of character; and his remarks, in accordance
with it, were sometimes attended with a powerful effect.
In his preaching, his humility was apparent to all. He
was, I believe, eminently a man of prayer. That he
entered the pulpit, or the enquiring meeting directly from
the 'mount of communion' with his Maker, no one
would readily doubt, who was witness of the holy calm,
6
DR. NETTLETON.
155
the indiscribable, the almost unearthly solemnity and ear-
nestness of his manner. His countenance was peculiarly
expressive, his demeanor was dignified, and his voice was
at times very melodious. The joy with which his heart
seemed to be filled by a contemplation of the love of Jesus
in giving his life a ransom for sinners, marked his preach-
ing, and imparted an unction and uncommon energy to
his eloquence. When he spake of the glories of heaven,
it was, almost, as if he had been there himself. When he
made his appeals to the sinner, he made them with a di-
rectness which placed before him as in a mirror, his utter-
ly lost state. It seemed at times as if he was about to un-
cover the bottomless pit, and to invite the ungodly to come
and listen to the groans of the damned; and then, drink-
ing deeply of the spirit of his master when he wept over
Jerusalem, to urge them to flee from the wrath to come,
with an expression of countenance, which it is not in my
power to describe. Many who came with a skeptical and
cavilling spirit to hear him, had their attention arrested at
once to the great truths communicated by him, and at the
close of the meeting, were anxiously inquiring what they
should do to be saved. The success attending his preach-
ing, seemed, in short, to be a plain and clear illustration
of all the distinguishing doctrines of the gospel, by a hum-
ble, devout, praying, unpretending man, constrained to
his duty by the love of Christ.
"The influence of the revival upon the interests of the
church in this and other places, was very happy, and is
plainly to be seen, especially in regard to the faith once
delivered to the saints, up to this time. The tendency of
Dr. N's preaching, and indeed, of all his labors here,
and elsewhere, as far as I have learned in regard to them,
has been to establish the churches in the faith and order
of the gospel, and to strengthen the hands of every cler-
156
MEMOIR OF
!
gyman with whom he labored. I never heard that any
minister, among whose people Dr. N. labored, ever ex-
pressed any regret that he had been with them. On the
contrary, when I at any time meet with a minister who
formerly had assistance from Dr. N., especially in a sea-
son of revival, he never fails to express great respect for
him, and unfeigned gratitude, for the benefit derived to
him and his people from his labors."
In the month of August he spent a few days in Lee. In
the letter of Dr. Hyde, published in the appendix to Dr.
Sprague's Lectures on Revivals, there is a brief notice of
his labors in that town. Dr. Hyde says, "In the sum-
mer of 1821, there was an evident increase of solemnity
in the church and congregation, and some individuals
were known to be anxious for their souls. This appear-
ance continued for several weeks, under the same means
of grace, which the people had long enjoyed, but none
were found who rejoiced in hope. The church often as-
sembled for prayer, and in the month of August, we obser-
ved a day of fasting and prayer. The meeting house was
well filled, and a deep solemnity pervaded the congrega-
tion. The hearts of many seemed to 'burn within them,'
and there were increasing indications in the rising cloud,
' of abundance of rain.' We began to hear from one
and another a new language, the language of submission
to God.
At this interesting crisis, the Rev. Asahel Nettleton
spent a few days with us. He preached five sermons to
overflowing assemblies, and his labors were remarkably
blessed. The spirit of God came down upon us, 'like a
rushing mighty wind.' Conversions were frequent, some-
times several in a day, and the change in the views and
feelings of the subjects was wonderful. At the suggestion
DR. NETTLETON.
157
of Mr. Nettleton, I now instituted what are called inqui-
ring meetings. More than a hundred persons attended
the first. These meetings as I found them to be conve-
nient, were continued through this revival; and I have
ever since made use of them, as occasion required, some-
times weekly for many months in succession."
C
Mr. Nettleton continued his labors in Berkshire county,
making Pittsfield the principal theatre of his operations,
until about the middle of August, when he returned to
Farmington, where he spent a few days in delightful in-
tercourse with his christian friends, and then in the early
part of September, repaired to Litchfield. He had labor-
ed much in Litchfield at different times previously in con-
nection with the Rev. Dr. Beecher; but as it was before
he began to keep a journal, I am unable to fix the dates.
His labors at these different periods were highly appreci-
ated both by Dr. Beecher and his people, and were evi-
dently blessed to the salvation of many souls. In the au-
tumn of 1821, Dr. Beecher was obliged to suspend his la-
bors, and travel for his health. At this time Mr. Nettle-
ton supplied his pulpit from the beginning of September
till the middle of January, 1822. When he commenced
his labors, he found things in a very unpromising state.
A bad state of feeling existed in the church, and great
spiritual apathy pervaded the congregation. But it was
not long before things began to assume a new aspect. The
church seemed to awake out of sleep and to mourn over
their backslidings. A spirit of prayer was poured out up-.
on the people of God; and sinners began to inquire what
they must do to be saved.
Soon after the revival commenced, some events occur-
red which he feared would divert the attention of the peo-
ple from the great concerns of the soul.
tle show, and another a military Review.
One was a cat-
But this unhap-
7
158
MEMOIR OF
py result was prevented by the blessing of God on his
prudent management. He particularly feared the effect
of the military review on certain young men who were
military officers, and whose minds were seriously impres-
sed. He requested these individuals to meet him on the
morning of that day, at the early dawn. They came. He
told them that he was convinced that the spirit of God
was striving with them, but he feared that their impres-
sions might be dissipated by the bustle of that day. He
warned them to be on their guard to refrain from all
vain and trifling conversation, and especially to avoid
tasting a drop of ardent spirits. He then affectionately
and earnestly commended them to God in prayer. This
timely warning had the desired effect.
The following extract of a letter of his dated Litchfield,
Oct. 15, 1821, shows the state of the revival at that date.
some
"I have attended many meetings of late, and some of
them crowded and awfully solemn. More attend meet-
ings than can crowd into the lower part of the meeting
house-more it is said, than usually meet on the Sabbath.
I think I may say, there is great solemnity throughout
this place. A number are in deep distress of soul
of them men of influence. About fourteen are rejoicing
in hope. I have ventured to appoint one meeting of in-
quiry. About one hundred attended; but they were not
all under conviction. We are truly in an interesting state,
trembling between hope and fear. I wish I had time to
tell you a number of anecdotes about us in Litchfield.”
In another letter written by him at New Haven, in
March 1822, he thus speaks of the revival at Litchfield.
"The number of hopeful converts is about seventy, of
whom thirty-eight have made a profession of religion.
There is much christian feeling in that place, and the work
is gradually advancing, as a joint letter from a number of
the
young converts has recently informed me."
DR. NETTLETON.
159
Jan. 17, 1822. Mr. Nettleton again visited New Ha-
ven, and labored with great success in the city and col-
lege between two and three months. The following is an
extract of a letter written by him at New Haven, March
20, 1822.
"After more than a year's absence, I have come again
to New Haven. In the first place, I made an appointment
exclusively for young converts in a spacious ball room,
where we used to hold meetings of inquiry. Though the
evening was dark and muddy, about three hundred assem-
bled. Here we called to mind, the sighs, and sobs, and
songs, and joys that are past — scenes never to be forgot-
ten. And when I spoke of three of their number, who
used to mingle their tears and joys with theirs on that
floor, but whose faces we should see no more, for they
had gone triumphantly to rest, it was truly melting. We
knelt, and wept, and prayed together.
"I did not intend to tarry long in this place; but I have
preached more than twenty times, and attended a num-
ber of inquiry meetings at one, one hundred and sixty
attended. There are seventeen recently rejoicing in hope,
and five of them are students in college."
On May 12, 1822, Mr. Nettleton commenced his labors
in Somers. He labored in this town and South Wilbra-
ham, alternately, occasionally preaching at Tolland and
some other towns in the vicinity, until the following Oc-
tober, when his labors were suddenly arrested by a dan-
gerous sickness. A powerful revival of religion commen-
ced under his preaching at Somers, which spread into
the surrounding region. The Rev. William L. Strong,
was pastor of the church in Somers. In a letter to the
editor of the Religious Intelligencer, dated August 1,
1822, he gives the following account of the state of things
among his people, and the people of South Wilbraham,
an adjoining town.
160
MEMOIR OF
“Dear Sir — I am prompted by my own feelings, and
by a knowledge of your solicitude to communicate to the
public such information as relates to the enlargement of
Christ's kingdom, to announce the fact that God is in the
midst of us, displaying the wonders of his grace. About
eight weeks since, it began to be manifest that the Spirit
was moving upon the hearts of God's people, and that
sinners were no longer indifferent to the momentous ques-
tion of the trembling jailor. Soon the voice of distress
was heard; and soon too it was mingled with that of re-
joicing and praise. The work has been still and power-
ful. Between ninety and a hundred are rejoicing in hope.
At our last meeting of anxious inquiry, about one hundred
and seventy were present, including sixty who hope that
they have recently passed from death unto life. The
work is still spreading, and has perhaps never been more
interesting than at the present moment.
"In South Wilbraham adjoining this place on the north,
God is also doing a great work. Nearly forty have with-
in a few weeks, taken up hopes, and the revival is exten-
ding itself with singular power. These are the Lord's
doings, and they are marvellous in our eyes. To him be
all the glory. Yours, very respectfully,
WM. L. STROong."
There is a somewhat detailed account of the revival in
South Wilbraham published in the seventh volume of the
Religious Intelligencer, from which I extract the fol-
lowing.
"In the early part of May last, the Rev. A. Nettleton,
(who under the providence of God, has been the great in-
strument in this work,) retired from New Haven to Som-
ers, the town adjoining this on the South, for the purpose
of recovering his strength, which was much impaired by
sickness. A few weeks after he arrived, a report reached
DR. NETTLETON.
161
this people that there was some religious excitement at
Somers; and that a Mr. Nettleton was there attending one or
two evening meetings during the week. Indeed it was
shortly announced that there were several persons anx-
ious for their souls. Awakened by principles of curiosity
some of the young people of this place, concluded to go
down and test the verity of these reports. The evening
fixed upon was Friday, June 21; and a number at an ear-
ly hour repaired to the house of worship in S. To their
astonishment, they found a crowded audience, and awful
solemnity pervading it. The subject of humble submis-
sion to Christ, was effectually enforced. To some of
these visitors, it proved to be a word in season. One
young person was in such deep anxiety as to be unable to
return, and therefore tarried in one of the families in the
neighborhood. The next day she expressed a hope of
having passed from death to life. This, together with
other circumstances, awakened with Mr. N. an interest
in the people of S. W., which I may safely add, was by
many heartily reciprocated. Express invitations were,
at this time, as well as previously, forwarded by the minister
and individuals of this people, urging Mr. N. to visit South
Wilbraham.
"Tuesday, 25. Mr. N. this afternoon, for the first time,
consented to have an appointment made for him in the
village hall at S. W. at sun-set.
"This appointment, though of few hours previous no-
tice, like an electric shock, reached every extremity of
the society. At the set time, the hall was literally crow-
ded, and multitudes yet assembling. Mr. N. took his sta-
tion, from which, in the hall little else was to be seen than
a dense surface of expressive countenances; and at the
same time from the windows might be seen trees and
roofs of adjacent buildings, occupied by anxious hearers
7
162
MEMOIR OF
Subject Ground of alarm to awakened sinners. Many
were awakened to anxiety this evening. During this and
several succeeding weeks he labored alternately in S. W.
and Somers.
"July 9. At the close of public services this evening,
several of our most interesting youth were deeply affect-
ed with a sense of their situation as sinners. One young
female who had sacrificed many of the evenings of the
winter past in the ball-room, and who highly valued her
excellency in that amusement, was this evening overwhel-
med with a sense of her guilt. As she dwelt some dis-
tance from the village, she was invited by one of her com-
panions residing near to spend the night with her. At
the midnight hour, a request was sent to Mr. N. to repair to
this house. It was thronged with spectators to the scene
of distress there exhibited. He found this young female
sustained in the arms of her friends, and in a piteous and
doleful tone repeatedly exclaiming, "Lord Jesus, have
mercy on my soul." The next day, while in a circle of
young persons with whom Mr. N. was conversing, she
with one or two others, expressed joy and peace in be-
lieving.
"Thursday, 11. This afternoon Mr. N. met sixty or
eighty in an anxious meeting-an awful scene of distress.
From this we repaired to the church where he addressed
us on the danger of grieving the Spirit of God. It was
indeed a heart-searching subject. The sighs and sobs of
anxious sinners were to be heard from every part of the
house. When the speaker dismissed his audience, a large
number rushed toward him, as if expecting assistance from
an arm of flesh. In this situation, Mr. N. addressed them
about five minutes, and requested them to retire as silent-
"
DR. NETTLETON.
163
ly as possible. Some individuals were so overwhelmed
with a sense of eternal realities, that it became necessary
to urge, and even asssist them home.
"The whole number expressing hope at this time is
about one hundred.* Sixty-five are propounded as can-
didates for admission to the church on the first Sabbath
of October next.
“This revival has extended its influence to many of the
adjacent towns. In Somers and Tolland there are two
hundred and fifty subjects, hopefully."
At the close of the foregoing account mention is made
of Tolland. Here Mr. N. labored considerably and with
great success in the months of August and September.
The following extract of a letter written by him Nov.
27, 1823, shows that this revival became very extensive in
the eastern part of Connecticut.
"The revival of religion in the eastern part of the State
of Connecticut, has, perhaps, never been more interesting
than within a few weeks past. I propose to give you the
outlines of this work, from the commencement down to
the present. It has heretofore been a common remark
among christians, that revivals have been much less fre-
quent, and less powerful in the eastern, than in the wes-
tern part of this state. Most of these churches, in years
past, have been favored with seasons more or less reviving,
but never with such a general and powerful refreshing
from the presence of the Lord. This work commenced in
Somers, June, 1822; and has continued increasing and
spreading like a fire, from house to house, and from heart
to heart, with more or less power and rapidity, until the
present moment. The following towns are contiguous,
and have shared in one extensive revival.
*This account is dated Sept. 25, 1822.¨
F
-
!
!
164
MEMOIR OF DR.
In Somers, 150 have hopefully been made the subjects
of divine grace. In South Wilbraham, 100. In Tolland
130. In North Coventry, 120. In South Coventry, North
Mansfield, and South Mansfield, about 100 in each. In
Columbia, 40. In Lebanon, 90. In Goshen, 30. In
Bozrah, between 60 and 70. In Montville, 90. In Chap-
lin, 50. The work has recently commenced, and is ad-
vancing with power in Hampton, and within a few weeks.
50 or more are rejoicing in hope. Within a few weeks
past, the spirit of God has descended with overwhelming
power in Millington, and Colchester. In the former
place, about 70, and in the latter 60, are already rejoicing
in hope. They have never before witnessed the like, in
rapidity, power, and extent. In the above cluster of
towns, all contiguous, more than 1300 souls have hope-
fully experienced a saving change, in the Congregational
churches, since the commencement of this revival; and
of these more than 800 have already made a profession of
religion.
"In Chatham, also, the work is interesting; about 70
are rejoicing in hope, and 50 or more have made a pub-
lic profession. In Hampton, Colchester, and Millington,
many are now anxious for their souls, and inquiring, what
must we do to be saved.
NETTLETON.
“New instances of conviction, and of hopeful conver-
sion, are daily occurring in these towns. The prospect
of the continuance and spread of this work, is as favora-
ble now, as at any period, if not more so. The Lord
hath done great things for Zion, whereof we are glad,
and let all her friends humbly rejoice, and bow and give
thanks and exalt his name together."
Ex
Sickness at Bolton - Compilation of Hymn Book-Labors in Bethlem -
Brooklyn Taunton-Jamaica Albany - Durham Lexington
Virginia Monson-North Carolina-Newark New-York-Voyage
to England - Labors in Enfield -- Formation of the Pastoral Union
Establishment of the Theological Institute of Connecticut-Appointment
as professor The degree of D. D. conferred upon him.
Jam
CHAPTER IX.
GORDON
G
M
For ten or eleven years, Mr. Nettleton had been labor-
ing almost constantly in revivals of religion. During this
time, he preached, generally, three sermons on the sab-
bath, and several during the week, besides spending much
time in visiting from house to house, and conversing with
individuals on the concerns of their souls. How he could
endure such accumulated labors, was a mystery to many.
Undoubtedly his constitution was so impaired by these la-
bors, as to render it impossible to recover from the shock
of disease by which he was attacked in 1822. It pleased
God in the fall of that year, to arrest his labors, and to
lay him on a bed of sickness.
It appears from a memorandum among his papers, that
on Oct. 5th, 1822, he visited a sick person, in S. Wilbra-
ham, before breakfast, and took the typhus fever. He
was sick at Bolton, at the house of his friend Mr. Parme-
le. He was brought so low that his life was despaired of,
both by himself and by his friends. His mind was com-
May *
166
MEMOIR OF
posed and peaceful. As he afterwards remarked, the
scenes of the revivals in which he had been engaged, and
the countenances of the young converts, were constantly
before him; and the hymns and tunes in which he had
been greatly interested, were running in his mind; par-
ticularly those words:
"Soon shall I pass the gloomy vale,
Soon all my mortal powers must fail,
O, may my last expiring breath,
His loving-kindness sing in death."
From this sickness, he never entirely recovered. He
was never after able to engage in arduous labor.
While in a very feeble state at Bolton, he received
many letters from brethren at a distance, containing ur-
gent requests that he would come and assist them. This
induced the Rev. Mr. Calhoun, of Coventry, to publish
the following note in the Religious Intelligencer, for April
5th, 1823.
"Mr. Whiting -I am requested, through the medium
of your paper to state to the religious public, that the
Rev. Asahel Nettleton remains at Bolton, laboring under
those bodily infirmities, which render him incapable of
engaging in the active duties of his profession. The
prospect of his speedy recovery, is not favorable. And
it is satisfactorily ascertained that he experiences essen-
tial injury from the numerous and pressing requests for
his assistance, which he receives from different places.
The christian friends of Mr. Nettleton, it is believed, would
confer a favor on him, and would consult the best inter-
ests of the church, to suspend their communications for
the present, and suffer him to remain undisturbed in his
retired situation.
Yours,
GEORGE A. CALHOUN."
7
1
DR. NETTLETON.
167
While Mr. Nettleton was sick at Bolton, his friend Mr.
Parmele took the fever of him and died. Mrs. Parmele
was also very sick. An interesting obituary notice of
Mr. Parmele, written by Mr. Nettleton, was published in
the 7th volume of the Religious Intelligencer.
The following letter written by Mr. Nettleton to a num-
ber of young converts in Wilbraham, will be read with
interest.
((
My very Dear Friends
"BOLTON, March 4th, 1823.
"Some time in December last, I received
a very affectionate letter signed by fourteen names, never
to be forgotten. It contained a friendly invitation to me
to go to Wilbraham, as soon as able, and there receive
the kind offices of christian friendship. As I read the
letter, and dwelt with delight on each name, the interest-
ing scenes through which we had passed together, rushed
full on my view. Had it been possible, most gladly would
I have accepted your invitation; and I should almost es-
teem it a privilege to be sick, if surrounded by such a
circle of friends.
"A few days since, I received another token of friend-
ship, enclosed in a letter from one of the number of that
same circle. You will please to accept my sincere thanks
for this, and all your former acts of kindness.
"I need not inform you, my dear friends, of the trying
scenes through which I have been called to pass since my
last visit in Wilbraham. But our mercies are greater
than our afflictions. Never did I experience so much
kindness from friends as during my late sickness. I have
often thought that their kindness has contributed much
towards my restoration. It certainly contributed much
168
MEMOIR Or
to the health of my mind, by its cheering consolation.
My spirits were better than they have formerly been,
while in usual health. I have somewhere seen an ex-
pression like this-The sympathy of friends in affliction,
charms away half the wo.' This I have found to be true
by experience. But the most trying of all, was my part-
ing with our friend, Mr. Parmele. Born the same year
- in the same town anxious for his soul, and having
made a profession of religion at the same time with my-
self, he was my nearest friend. Often have we met, and
prayed, and wept, and rejoiced together in revivals of re-
ligion.
"I hope you will not forget the interesting scenes of
last summer. I think, I shall not. Revivals appear the
most important on a sick and dying bed. And thither we
are rapidly hastening. I wish I had strength to tell you
my views and feelings since I read your last. During my
deepest distress, I was in the midst of revivals. The
tune, Loving kindness,' ran sweetly through my mind
again and again, thousands of times, connected with the
two last verses of the eighth hymn. This I often men-
tioned to my friends, as also the 324th hymn.* I do not
recover my health as fast as my friends have been expect-
ing. I have not strength to answer all the kind letters I
receive from my friends. It is with difficulty, that I have
written this. My love to all my dear friends, and tell
them how much I long to see them.
"Mr. S is now preaching in Coventry. He calls
frequently to see me, and we talk over the scenes of last
summer with peculiar delight. The revival which com-
menced in your region last summer, is still spreading, and
advancing with power in Coventry, both societies. Let
* He probably here refers to the Hartford Collection of Hymns.
DR.
169
NETTLETON.
us not forget to pray that it may continue. And now I
entreat you all to live near to God. Love one another. Live
in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you”
"I am ever yours in the best bonds.”
""
For two years, Mr. N. very rarely preached. During
this period, he took a voyage to Machias, Me., and a
journey to Montreal. The following letter was written
to Mrs. Parmele, soon after his return from Canada. It
is dated Greenwich, Conn., Aug. 27th, 1824.
My Dear Friend Yours of the 17th inst. I found
at New-York, on my return from my long journey I
accept of the kindness, but my conscience will not allow me
to retain the enclosed. I have nothing special to commu-
nicate. I suppose brother King informed you of my
journey to Montreal. It is more than 400 miles from
New-York. I went in company with Dr. McAuley and
others. On our return we came by Saratoga Springs. I was
quite sick, and by the advice of friends, I was persuaded
to remain there a fortnight; during which time I recruit-
ed in some measure. I came to New-York in the steam-
boat last Saturday. I am now thirty miles this side of
the city, at the house of the Rev. Mr. Lewis, where I
have been two nights. I may tarry here two or three
days longer, and then hope to go to Hartford. I do not
preach. You must pardon me for the brevity and pover-
ty of this letter, for it still pains me to write. There is
an interesting revival in Salem, Ms.; but nothing special
in this region. I attended the funeral of brother Whelp-
ley while in New-York. The time is short. I exceeding-
ly regret the loss of so much precious time. If your
health will permit, I trust you will be diligently employ-
ed in doing good. If I were not so idle myself, I would
tell you that it is good to be busily employed about
something.
"In haste - Yours, as ever."
170
MEMOIR OF
Before he was taken sick, Mr. Nettleton had formed
the purpose of compiling a hymn book; and had done.
something towards collecting the materials. As soon as
he had so far recovered from his sickness, as to be able
to read and write a little, he entered on this work.
finished it in the early part of 1824.
He
The reasons which induced him to undertake this work,
are thus stated in his preface:
"With great satisfaction and pleasure have I often
heard the friends of the Redeemer express their unquali-
fied attachment to the sacred poetry of Dr. Watts. Most
cordially do I unite with them in the hope, that no selec-
tion of Hymns which has ever yet appeared, may be suf-
fered to take the place of his inimitable productions.
"Deficiencies, however, he unquestionably has. Nu-
merous have been the attempts to supply them; but hith-
erto, the judicious have been constrained to regret that
these attempts have succeeded only in part. Whether
the book, here published, will add something to that sup-
ply, is submitted to the decision of the religious commun-
ity.
"The compiler does not overlook the valuable labors
of those who have preceded him in this department;
while he concurs in the opinion, very generally adopted
by his brethren in the ministry, that the various benevo-
lent operations, and especially the prevalence of revivals,
which are so characteristic of the present day, demand a
new selection of Hymns.
"In the year 1820, the General Association of Con-
necticut appointed a committee to devise measures for the
prosperity of religion within their limits. I well remem-
ber that at a meeting of that committee, the first item
proposed was a new selection of Hymns. Four years,
nearly, have elapsed, and nothing has been done pursu-
ant to their appointment.
DR. NETTLETON.
171
"When in the providence of God, I had the happiness
of spending a short season, as a laborer for Christ, with-
in the limits of the Albany Presbytery, the call for such
a work in that region, and, as I learned, from the most
respectable sources, very extensively in the west and
south, was not less imperious and pressing, than in the
districts where I had been more particularly conversant.
In personal experience, and discoveries of this descrip-
tion, originated the resolution to undertake the work.
The compilation here presented is the result. The task
has occupied my attention much of the time for nearly
two years. Especially has it cheered and comforted me,
during the long continued retirement to which a severe
sickness subjected me.
"The book, whatever may be its defects, is now most
affectionately presented
"To Zion's friends and mine."
The Village Hymns, have had a very extensive circula-
tion, and have, it is believed, been instrumental of great
good.
Mr. Nettleton, as has already been observed, was never
able, after his sickness, to engage in arduous labor. For
the first two years, he rarely preached at all. After that,
he was not able to preach constantly — sometimes only
once on the sabbath — sometimes twice, without attend-
ing many extra meetings, or devoting much time to visit-
ing from house to house. Still, he was able to do some-
thing for the church, and his labors in not a few instances,
were accompanied with a divine blessing.
In the autumn of 1824 an interesting revival commenc-
ed under his preaching in Bethlem. He continued in
this place, assisting the pastor, the Rev. Mr. Langdon,
who was sick, until his strength failed and he was obliged
to suspend his labors.
172
MEMOIR OF
In a letter to Mrs. Parmele, of Bolton, dated New-York,
April 18th, 1825, he says, "The occasion of my first visit
to Bethlem, was to see brother Langdon who was sick,
and who had not preached for six months. He was think-
ing about asking a dismission when I arrived; but he
postponed it. I preached for him two or three months.
As many as 80 persons assembled at his house occasion-
ally at a meeting of inquiry, of whom about 40 are rejoic-
ing in hope. The burden of anxiety on my mind be-
came so great that I could endure it no longer, and so I
left them. Having some business which could be done in
this city better than any where else, I accepted an invita-
tion to spend the winter and spring here in retirement. I
am so much retired, that my friends here say, I will not
visit, nor be visited; and yet I have spent three-fourths
of my time and strength in receiving visits."
In the spring of 1825, he preached considerably and
with success, in Brooklyn, L. I.
In the summer of 1825, he preached in Taunton, Ms.
Here his labors were made effectual to the conviction and
conversion of sinners. The parish in which he preached,
was at that time destitute of a pastor.
In the fall of the same year, he commenced laboring
with the Rev. Mr. Cobb, in another parish in Taunton.
In a letter to a friend, dated Taunton, Dec. 26th, 1825,
he says,
"The state of things in this society has become quite
interesting of late. Meetings are crowded and solemn
as eternity. A number have called to see us in deep dis-
tress of soul. Some of them told us that they received
their first impressions down at the green, last summer.
The fire was already kindled, and has recently burst into
DR. NETTLETON.
173
a flame in this part of the town. The number of inhabi-
tants in this society, is comparatively small; and yet, last
Saturday evening, we met about sixty in the meeting of
inquiry. About thirty are rejoicing in hope. Of these,
some are youth of the first respectability, and four or five
men of influence. Old professors of religion tell us they
never saw such a time before."
The following statement of Mr. Cobb will be read with
interest:
"Brother Nettleton came to Taunton in the summer
of 1825; and the Trinitarian church in this town being
destitute, by the decease of their beloved pastor, the Rev.
Chester Isham, he labored two months and a half in that
congregation. The prospect of a general and powerful
revival of religion was very fair. About thirty converts
were the fruit of his labors among that people. In this
state of things, a candidate for settlement was procured,
who subsequently became their pastor. Brother Nettle-
ton retired, and came to live in my family the first of Oc-
tober, and continued with me till the middle of January,
1826.
“There had for weeks previous, been a solemn still-
ness in my congregation, and many had been specially
awakened, though they had kept their impressions to
themselves. When brother Nettleton commenced his la-
bors, the revival immediately became manifest, and con-
verts were multiplied almost daily during his stay.
•
His sermons were clear, sound, able, full of thought,
direct and simple, with great unity of design. He seem-
ed to be destined to be understood.' He enlisted the
hearts and hands of all the church, and especially the
aged members our fathers who were well informed,
and who had borne the burden and heat of the day. It
was surprising to see what overpowering influence his
kindness, devotion and faithfulness had upon all, old and
Sp
174
MEMOIR OF
young, saints and sinners. In this state of things, there
seemed to be a very bright prospect of a glorious harvest.
It was manifest that brother N. had ready access to every
conscience. As the revival progressed, he preached more
and more closely and doctrinally. The great truths of
the gospel,' were the weapons of his warfare, and were
wielded with a spirit and an energy, which the people
were unable to gainsay or resist. He was remarkably
clear and forcible in his illustrations of the sinner's total
depravity, and his utter inability to procure salvation by
unregenerate works, or any desperate efforts. He showed
the sinner, that his unregenerate prayers for a new heart,
his impenitent seeking, striving, and knocking would be
of no avail; and that absolute, unconditional submission
to a sovereign God, was the first thing to be done. To
this duty the sinner was urged immediately with great.
power and conclusiveness of argument.
6
"His visits among the people were frequent, but short
and profitable. He entered immediately on the subject
of the salvation of the soul, and the great importance of
attending to it without delay. He did not customarily
propound questions, and require answers, lest by this
means he should turn the attention of sinners from their
own wretched state, by leading them to think, 'how they
should reply to the minister.' He was so well acquaint-
ed with the human heart, that he seemed to have an in-
tuitive perception of what was passing in the minds of
those whom he was addressing. Thus he could so direct
his conversation as to produce silence and self-condemna-
tion, and confine their thoughts to their own lost and
ruined state, sometimes remarking, 'You have no time
to spend in conversation, before the salvation of the soul
is secured.
"When any indulged a hope which was not satisfacto-
ry, he would say, 'you had better give it up, and seek
DR.
NETTLETON.
175
your
salvation in earnest.' Well versed in all the doctri-
nal and experimental parts of the gospel; feeling deeply
in his own heart the power of divine truth, he was qualified,
beyond most, to judge of the character of others' experi-
ence; and though mild and conciliatory in his manner, he
was faithful in his warnings against false hopes and spu-
rious conversions. All selfish considerations in the con-
cerns of the soul he discarded; and he never used any
art or cunning to entrap, or produce commitment on the
part of sinners. In the anxious circle he was short, direct
in his remarks, concluding with a short and fervent prayer;
directing his petitions solely to God, and not displaying
eloquence, or seeking to fascinate the congregation. He
seemed to lose sight of man, and to be absorbed in a sense
of the divine presence.
"In his intercourse with the people, he invariably pro-
duced favorable impressions on their minds in regard to
their own pastor. He was not the leader, but only an as-
sistant in the work. My people never before entertained
and cherished so high, and so affectionate a regard for
their pastor, as in this revival; and when he left us in the
midst of it, such was the effect of his course in this res-
pect, there was scarcely a word of inquiry respecting
brother N., and the work went on as though he were with
us.
"In his daily habits in my family, he was constantly
employed in searching the scriptures, or in conversation.
on religious topics - discussing doctrinal points, or mat-
ters relating to christian experience. He was in this way
very social, and an exceedingly agreeable companion.
"In his sermons, of which I heard sixty, he was, in
manner, simple. He spoke with a clear voice-rather
slow and hesitating at first, but gradually rising, till before
the close, it was like a mighty torrent bearing down all be-
fore it. His eloquence was peculiar to himself, and con-
176
MEMOIR OF
sisted in conveying his own views and feelings to the
minds of others. He never failed to impress his own
ideas upon his hearers. As the revival became more in-
teresting and powerful, he preached more doctrinally. He
brought from his treasure the doctrines of total depravity,
personal election, reprobation, the sovereignty of divine
grace, and the universal government of God in working
all things after the counsel of his own will. And these
great doctrines did not paralyze, but greatly promoted the
good work. Never had brother N. such power over my
congregation, as when he poured forth, in torrents, these
awful truths. And at no time, were converts multiplied
so rapidly, and convictions and distress so deep, as when
these doctrines were pressed home to the conscience.
One evening while our house of worship was filled to over-
flowing, he preached on the doctrine of election, and the
people were so held by the power of truth, that when in
the midst of the sermon, an intoxicated Universalist step-
ped within the door, and cried out with a stentorian voice,
and with a horrid oath, 'that's a lie,' scarcely an eye was
turned from the speaker towards the door.
“The above remarks will serve to give a general idea
of the character of this revival. The work was still, and
after the lapse of 19 years, we are satisfied that the con-
verts were generally, truly renewed in the spirit of their
minds. They appear still to believe and love the doc-
trines of grace, by which they were begotten to the hope
of the gospel; and they have walked in newness of life.
“The influence which that precious revival exerted up-
on the church and society, has been good; and men who
were not subjects of it, have been confirmed in their be-
lief of the truth; and their convictions that revivals may
be evidently the work of God, have been deep and lasting;
and they speak of that season as a day of divine power
and grace."
4
DR. NETTLETON.
177
The following letter to Mr. Cobb, written by Mr. Net-
tleton soon after he left Taunton, will show how deeply
his own feelings were enlisted in the work of grace, above
described. It is dated New York, Feb. 6, 1826.
My dear brother :- Yours of the 30th ult. was receiv-
ed last Friday. It was truly refreshing to me, and to
many of my friends. I cannot express the joy I felt on
hearing the number and the names of some who entertain-
ed hope since you wrote last. The young converts and
the anxious ones have scarcely been out of my mind since
I left Taunton. Your letter contains more than I had
reason to expect, but my mind will not rest satisfied with-
out possessing the names of all who have found the Sa-
viour. When I left you, brother Cobb, I did feel confi-
dent the work would continue; but I did not think it would
be so rapid. The family where I reside, have become so
interested in the state of things with you, that they oc-
casionally mention you, and your people in their prayers.
I think you will do well to note facts and dates as you pass
along. You will find them useful hereafter. You will
prepare an account for the Connecticut Observer, or some
other paper, ere long. My heart has been with you ever
since I left, and I was really in hopes of making you a
short visit, at least. But I am sorry to say, I have been
very sick with a fever, and for twelve hours, considered
dangerous. I am surrounded with kind friends, and have
every thing I could wish. I feel much better to-day, or I
should not be able to write. The physician says, it will
take some time for me to recover. I do hope you will
give me some account from week to week of the state of
things with you. I fear I shall not be able to labor any
where during the two following months of inclement wea-
ther. If you cannot obtain help, and are unwell yourself,
get together, if you only say five words, and pray five
"
178
MEMOIR OF
I
E
minutes. Meet the anxious once a week, if you can only
pray with them. Give my love to all the young converts,
and to all the anxious. Tell the latter, that I have not
forgotten them-that they have scarcely been out of my
mind since I saw them in the circle. They must never
drop the subject. They will never have another such op-
portunity.
“On the 17th of March, a little more than a month after
the date of the foregoing letter, he wrote again to Mr.
Cobb, as follows,
66
My dear brother-The lapse of time, does by no
means lessen the interest which I have felt in forming an
acquaintance with yourself, and family, and the people of
your charge. Not a day, or a night has passed, since I
parted with you, when those interesting scenes in which
we mutually shared, of sorrows and joys that are past, have
not been fresh in my mind. Brother, these are scenes
never to be forgotten. Other trifles may occupy our
time and absorb the thought, and feelings of our hearts for
a season, and be forgotten, or remembered only with re-
gret. But oh, the scenes through which you are now
passing, will follow you down through the track of time,
and be forgotten never. I sympathize with you in all the
sorrows and joys inseparable from the duties of a faithful
pastor, at such a season. Now, more than ever, will be
realized the weight of your responsibility.
"'T is not a cause of small import,
The pastor's care demands :
But what might fill an angel's heart,
It fill'd a Saviour's hands.'
"I was pleased with the solemn stillness, the readiness
to act, the apparent interest, and the decision of the mem-
bers of your church. Were I present, I would affection-
ately say to them -be humble be thankful for what
God has already done -'keep the unity of the spirit in the
DR,
179
NETTLETON.
M
bond of peace'-pray much and fervently for the continu-
ed outpouring of the spirit-do not feel satisfied with
what has already been done. Brethren, pray for us for
your pastor, that the word of God may continue to have
free course and be glorified.
“I cannot forget that interesting circle which used to
meet to consult on the great concerns of the soul. Often
have I fancied myself seated in the midst of that same cir-
cle
some weeping—and some rejoicing in hope. Their
countenances are all familiar to my mind. With what
feelings of affection and solemnity, and compassion, have
I bowed together with you, my friends, around the throne
of grace. While thus employed, often have I thought,
shall we ever meet in heaven, around the throne of God
and the Lamb? Shall we be companions forever, in that
world of unclouded glory? The thoughts of such a meet-
ing seem almost too much for such sinners as ourselves.
But I know it is possible; and the vilest of sinners are in-
vited. Some of the chief of sinners will repent, and be
pardoned and saved; and why not such sinners as our-
selves? Ah, none but sinners are saved, and some of the
chief of sinners have already been saved. And I cannot
but indulge the pleasing hope, that some-that many of
your circle will meet in that world, where pilgrims meet
to part no more. Let all those who indulge this heavenly
hope themselves, come out from the world, and by their
conduct and conversation, declare plainly that they seek a
better country. You have yet to encounter the dangers
of the wilderness, and you will need the whole armor of
God. You who have long been companions in sin, will
now become companions, helping one another on your
way to the heavenly Zion.
'Invite the strangers all around,
Your pious march to join;
And spread the sentiments you feel,
Of faith and love divine.'
1
180
MEMOIR OF
"I cannot forget those anxious souls, who are still out
of Christ. With joy have I heard the tidings of many,
whom I left anxious for their souls. But I have the
names of a number now before me, of whom no such
tidings have been told. Where are they? Have they
gone back to the world? My dear friends, if you have
not already given your hearts to Christ, once more, from
this far distant region, would I lift up my voice, and warn
you by the worth of your souls, to flee from the wrath to
come. I entreat you not to rest till you find rest in
Christ. I have not forgotten you. I shall still remem-
ber you at the throne of grace, till the joyful tidings of
your repentance have reached my ears; or the sorrowful
tidings that you have dropped the subject of religion, and
gone back to the world."
"Ever yours in the best of bonds."
In 1826, although in very feeble health, God made him
the instrument of a great work of divine grace in Jamaica,
L. I. He commenced his labors in that town on the 24th
of February, and continued to labor there until November.
The people, when he first came among them, were very
much divided; but under his judicious management, their
divisions were healed. He preached on sabbath morning,
and in the evening; omitting the usual afternoon exer-
cise. And although he could not attend many extra
meetings, or spend much time in visiting the people; yet
there is reason to believe that God made him instrumen-
tal in the salvation of many souls.
In his journal under date May 8th, he speaks of fifty
rejoicing in hope.
In a letter to his friend Mr. Cobb, of Taunton, dated
July 13th, he says, "My head, heart and hands are so
full, and health so feeble, that I have dispensed with every
DR.
NETTLETON.
181
1
business, except what was absolutely indispensible. Since
you left us, we have been much employed in listening to
the relation of christian experience by the young converts,
preparatory to a public profession of religion. For a few
weeks past, we have attended to little else. Had you
been present, you would have been interested, if not de-
lighted. On the 2nd of July, we held our communion, and
72 were added by profession, and 3 by letter. The as-
sembly was full and very solemn. Eighteen were batiz-
ed. Since that day, the revival has received a new im-
pulse. Many were awakened, who have since come out
joyful. It has often been observed, that it seemed like
the judgment day. We have had but few meetings of in-
quiry since you left us. At our last, including young
converts, there were about 140. The work was never
more interesting than at this time. A number of strang-
ers from other towns have visited us, and have gone home
rejoicing in hope, and others are in deep distress. If I
continue long in this place, I think of appropriating one
evening in the week to visiting a circle of strangers.
You would be delighted with our assembly. We have
long since been crowded out of our session house. Our
meetings are now generally held in the church. Many
professors, as well as young converts, say, we never knew
what there was in religion before. · Old things are pass-
ed away, and all things are become new.' Although a
great proportion of this population, are still strangers to
the power of religion, yet there is little or no apparent
opposition. Many who are left, are struck with solemn
awe, and for their own credit, are constrained to plead
the cause of God. • Then said they among the heathen, the
Lord hath done great things for them.'
"I have by no means forgotten the young disciples in
Taunton, nor those I left anxious for their souls. How
8
182
MEMOIR
OF
I do long to see you, and all my friends in T. once more.
I can only say, 'Let your conversation be, as becometh
the gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you, or else
be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in
one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of
the gospel."
“Yours in the bonds of the Gospel."
In November, 1826, he visited Albany, and remained
there through most of the winter. While here, though
very feeble, God made him the instrument of the hopeful
conversion of not a few souls. He speaks in one of his
letters of eighty rejoicing in hope. In a letter to the
Rev. Mr. Aikin, of Utica, extracts from which will be in-
serted in a future chapter, he says, "Would that I had time
and strength to give you particulars on the state of religion
in this region, and elsewhere. In Albany it is interesting.
I have met a number of circles of different kinds. Some
are rejoicing in hope, and a number are anxious for their
souls."
In the spring of 1827, he repaired to Durham, N. Y.
While here, his bodily weakness was so great as to lead
him to apprehend that he was drawing near the close of
life. The following letter, addressed to the Rev. Mr.
Williston, the pastor of the church in Durham, will show
the state of his mind at that time. As this letter is found
among Mr. N.'s own papers, it may never have been de-
livered. It is dated Durham, April 21st, 1827.
“Brother Williston - This day I am 44 years old. I
feel thankful that a kind providence has led me to this
place, and that I have had the satisfaction of a short ac-
quaintance with you. I cannot express my feelings now.
But in view of the uncertainty of life, I would say, that
I am happy in the thought of laying my bones in your
DR. NETTLETON.
183
burying ground. I cannot tell how it may be in the sol-
and a willingness to die, I do not
But the thought
pleasant; - and
emn hour of death
think, is, in itself, any evidence of grace.
of leaving the world, appears rather
above all, the thought of never sinning. I feel it to be a
great thing to be a christian. Such words as these ap-
pear sweet.
'I am now ready to be offered,' &c.
pap
"O glorious hour! O blest abode !
I shall be near and like my God;
And flesh and sin no more control
The sacred pleasures of the soul.'
"I feel a peculiar love to ministers especially to
those with whom I have labored in seasons of revival.
Remember me affectionately to them all. They will find
my feelings in the twentieth chapter of Acts. I feel a pecu-
liar interest in theological students, and I have been wish-
ing to leave something that would be useful-something
which has been learned by experience. I would say to
young men, it is a good symptom when they secure the
confidence of aged and experienced ministers. The
younger should submit themselves to the elder, and al-
ways speak kindly of them.
P
“My mind ranges over all the towns and places where
I have labored in seasons of revival, with peculiar de-
light. I have feelings of inexpressible tenderness and
compassion, for all the young converts. They will find
much of them in i. and ii. Thess. My affectionate re-
gards to all my relatives in North Killingworth. Tell
them to prepare to follow me. I die among kind friends.
Tell your congregation, and especially the young people,
to seek an interest in Christ without delay. When I am
buried on yonder hill, tell them to remember the evening
when I preached to them from these words, Seek first
the kingdom of God.' Whenever they pass my grave, tell
C
184
MEMOIR OF
them, they will each one remember, 'there lies the man
who talked to me about my soul.' I die in peace with all
mankind.
"In great weakness,
Your affectionate friend and brother,
A. N."
Notwithstanding his great weakness, while at Durham,
his labors were attended by a divine blessing. God pour-
ed out his spirit, and numbers were hopefully made the
subjects of renewing grace.
In the summer of the same year, there was an interesting
revival under his preaching at Lexington Heights, on the
Catskill mountains. Between thirty and forty, were in the
judgment of charity, called out of darknessin to marvel-
ous light.
While at Lexington, Mr. Nettleton wrote the following
letter to Mr. Charles E. Furman, a member of the The-
ological Seminary at Auburn, now pastor of the church in
Victor, N. Y.
6
"My Dear Friend-When I saw that the captivity of
Zion was turned, I retired out of the region of news, and
noise, among these mountains. The bear and the pan-
ther, the wolf and the wild-cat, it is said, are occasionally
seen or heard ranging the forests which surround the
village and the mansion where I now reside. The deer
I have seen leaping the fence and the mound with a
hound close to his heels. I have often been reminded of
these words, And he was with the wild beasts; and the
angels ministered unto him.' When the apostles return-
ed to Christ, and gave an account of their mission, he
DR.
NETTLETON.
185
said unto them, 'come ye yourselves apart into a desert
place and rest awhile.' Every itinerant preacher, espe-
cially if he has been engaged in a revival of religion, must
feel the need of this last direction; or suffer greatly, if
he long neglect it. I could not advise any one to be em-
ployed in a powerful revival more than three months,
without retiring into solitude for a short time, to review
the past, and to attend to his own heart. He will find
much to lament, and much to correct; and it is by deep
and solemn reflection upon the past, and by this only, that
he can reap the advantages of past experience. It is not
by passing through many revivals of religion, that we can
gain any valuable experience on the subject. Many for-
mer, as well as some recent examples, prove the truth of
this remark.
"The people where I reside, are destitute of a settled
pastor. I have preached a number of times to a very
crowded, silent and solemn assembly. I have met a num-
ber in deep distress of soul: and recently some are rejoic-
ing in hope, and begin to sing 'Redeeming Love.' We
have a most excellent choir of youthful singers, some of
whom are among the young converts. Last evening I
saw two of the most gay and thoughtless of them, who I fear-
ed were going to be left, and found them in awful dis-
tress. I had noticed that they did not sing in the choir on
the Sabbath; though they are favored with the sweetest
voices. On my visit, I found the reason might be given
in the following beautiful lines:
'How can my soul exult for joy,
Which feels this load of sin ;
And how can praise my tongue employ,
While darkness reigns within!
My
soul forgets to use her wings,
My harp neglected lies,
For sin has broken all its strings,
And guilt shuts out my joys!
186
MEMOIR OF
"I have thought very seriously of requesting you to
make us a visit, for I needed your help to write off tunes
and to aid in learning them. But my time here is so short
that I could not request it. My health is feeble, though
better than it was last summer. I have been advised by
physicians to spend the winter at the South; and it is time
to make my arrangements. I wish to hear from you soon.
What is the state of things in Auburn? My best regards
to Dr. Richards and to all my friends.
Yours truly."
In the fall of 1827, he went to the South for the bene-
fit of his health. He spent the winter in Virginia, and
was made the instrument of a great work of divine grace.
Dr. John H. Rice, in a letter to Dr. Alexander, thus
speaks of his labors.
"When Mr. Nettleton had strength to labor, he soon
was made instrumental in producing a considerable ex-
citement. This has extended, and now the state of things
is deeply interesting. Five lawyers, all of very consider-
able standing, have embraced religion. This has produ-
ced a mighty sensation in Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Notta-
way, Cumberland, Powhattan, Buckingham, and Albe-
marle. The minds of men seem to stand a tiptoe, and
they seem to be looking for some great thing."
"Mr.
Nettleton is a remarkable man, and chiefly, I think, re-
markable for his power of producing a great excitement,
without much appearance of feeling. The people do not
either weep or talk away their impressions. The preach-
er chiefly addresses Bible truth to their consciences. I
have not heard him utter as yet a single sentiment oppo-
sed to what you and I call orthodoxy. He preaches the
Bible. He derives his illustrations from the Bible."
Mr. Nettleton remained in Virginia, laboring in differ-
DR. NETTLETON.
187
ent parts of that State, as his health and strength would
permit, and with no inconsiderable success, until the
spring of 1829.
The following letter to his friend Mr. Cobb, will give
some idea of his labors in Virginia, and their results:
"NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 1831.
My Dear Brother Your very welcome letter of the
15th is just received. It awakened in my mind the most
tender recollections of scenes that are past
the years
of the right hand of the Most High, never to be forgot-
ten. I rejoice to hear that the subjects of the last revival
in your Society, so generally run well. My most affec-
tionate regards to every one of them, and tell them how
I should rejoice to see their faces once more in this world.
"Many things have transpired in my own history since.
I saw you last, and some deeply interesting. My turns
of faintness increased until 1827, when the physicians des-
paired of my life; and as the last resort, I was advised to
go to a Southern climate. For three winters I have been
in the Southern States, and my health has wonderfully.
improved, so that I have been able to labor almost inces-
santly. The scene of the deepest interest was in the
County of Prince Edward, Virginia, in the vicinity of the
Union Theological Seminary, and Hampden Sydney Col-
lege. Our first meeting of inquiry was at the house of
Dr. Rice the very mansion containing the Theological
Students. More than a hundred were present, inquiring
'What must we do to be saved?' Among the subjects
of divine grace, were a number of lawyers, six or seven,
and some of them among the leading advocates at the bar.
Some were men of finished education, who are soon to
become heralds of salvation.
CC
A
K
188
MEMOIR OF
·
VLA
"During my residence in Virginia, I took a tour across
the Alleghany Mountains, about 200 miles, to spend a
short time during the warm season. On my way, I spent
a few weeks at a place called Staunton, where I left a
pleasant little circle of young converts. On a certain
Sabbath, as we were almost destitute of singers, I notic-
ed a female voice, which from its fullnes, and sweetness,
and wildness, all combined, attracted my attention. On
arriving at my lodgings I inquired of a young lady whose
voice it could be, and whether we could not catch and
tame it, and enlist it in our service? The name, I was
informed, was SL. Will you not invite her to call
and see us? 'O, she is a very gay and thoughtless
young lady, was never at our house, and we have no ac-
quaintance with her.' Tell her from me that I wish to
see her that I want the aid of her voice. N- went
out, and in a few moments returned with the interesting
stranger, who sat down with a pleasing, pensive counte-
nance, which seemed to say, now is my time to seek an
interest in Christ. And so it was, that she and her sister,
and fifteen or twenty others became deeply impressed, and
soon became joyful in Christ. This little circle would call
on me daily linking hand in hand, and smiling through their
tears, would sing Redeeming Love. I bade them fare-
well-and now for the sequel. I have received a letter
from Dr. Wardell, the worthy physician of that place, at
whose house I resided, from which I will give an extract.
We have had several instances of death from typhus fe-
ver since you left us. The only individual whom you
know, included in this number, was one of your little cir-
cle — S- -L. It will be no less gratifying to you than it
is to her friends here, to learn that she gave abundant ev-
idence of the genuineness of the Christian profession.
To go a little into detail. She had been complaining for
܃
DR.
NETTLETON.
189
-
several days, before she would consent to lie by; and did
not call in medical aid for some days after her confine-
ment. I first saw her six days from her first attack, when
she was entirely prostrate. She said she believed she
should not recover, nor had she any desire to live longer.
So far from being dismayed at death, she seemed to view
it as one of the most joyful events. I was in some per-
plexity to ascertain whether these were the feelings of a
sound mind, and the vigorous exercise of faith; and
closely watched for some incoherences which might settle
the inquiry; but there was nothing of the kind. She was
too weak to converse much, but had her friends summon-
ed around her, to give them a word of exhortation; ex-
pressing a strong desire to be the means of leading one
soul to heaven. She took great delight in gazing on
those whom she had been accustomed to meet in your lit-
tle religious circle, because she expected to meet them in
heaven. She often spoke of you, and your little social
meetings, prayed for you, and said she should meet you.
in a larger circle in heaven than she had ever done in
Staunton. In order to test the correctness of her appre-
hension, I asked her if she would feel no diffidence in be-
ing admitted into the presence of a holy God, and the ho-
ly beings who surround his throne? She had strength
only to reply-But I am washed-I am washed! She
lived fourteen days after I saw her first. I have been thus
particular, because she requested that some one would
inform you of her death.'
"You will pardon me for sending you this little story. It
cannot touch your feelings as it does my own.
You may
read it to your young people as a token of affectionate
remembrance from
"Their unworthy friend."
V
8*
190
MEMOIR OF
While Mr. Nettleton was in Virginia, he wrote the fol-
lowing letter to the Rèv. Lavius Hyde; and although it
contains but little respecting his labors, it will on other
accounts, be read with interest. It will give the reader
some idea of Mr. Nettleton's exquisite sensibility to the
beauties of poetry.
"STAUNTON, Va., March 4, 1819.
"My Dear Brother-So many things have transpired
since I left the North, that I am really at a loss how to
begin my letter, or what to say. Indeed, I should not
probably have sent you even this, had not the biography
of our departed friend, Carlos Wilcox,* to my surprise,
found its way over these mountains, into the interior of
Virginia. I have read it with no common interest alone
- also in company with a number of Ministers and
Christians, who were greatly delighted. Some part of it,
I mean the poetic part, I have read frequently in a circle
of young converts in this place. The Religion of Taste'
has set them all weeping-especially from the 79th to
the 91st verse inclusive. A few Sabbaths since, 17 per-
sons made a public profession of religion in this place:
and as they all stood in a single row, side by side, in
front of the pulpit, while the minister was addressing them,
they affectionately grasped each other by the hand.
With wonderful adroitness, the minister seized this cir-
cumstance, and observed that he considered it as a signal
of the union of their hearts. A few days after, while
sitting in a circle, linking hand in hand, I read to them for
the first time, The Religion of Taste.' When I came
V to the 87th verse, the effect I cannot describe. Others
* Mr. Hyde was the author of this Biography.
DR. NETTLETON
191
were present who were without hope, and anxious for
their souls. And oh, you cannot imagine how solemn it
was, when I came to these words:
'I only wandered on, with none to meet
And call me dear, while pointing to the past,
And forward to the joys that never reach their last,
I had not bound myself by any ties
To that blest land."'
"I do think this piece contains specimens of exquisite
painting. The fourth verse I have often read to my
friends as specimens. The 98th and 101st are favorites.
How I should like to read and enjoy the whole of this,
and Pollok with you and Mrs. Hyde. While reading the
latter, how often has the thought crossed my mind, what
would friend Carlos have said, had it made its appear-
ance in his life time?
"I have no time to give you an outline of my own
sorrows or joys.
What matter whether pain or pleasure fill
The swelling heart, one little moment here.'
"Providence permitting, I start for Prince Edward
within a few days, and hope to visit New England in the
Spring. My best regards to all your family.
"Yours truly."
During the Summer of 1829, he preached in several
different places in New England, in all of which, I be-
lieve, he was instrumental of the conversion of some
souls. I know not that there were extensive revivals in
any of these places except in Monson, Mass., where he
labored a short time amid scenes of great interest. The
following is an extract of a letter from the Rev. Dr. Ely,
pastor of the church in Monson, written June 4, 1844.
= UK
192
MEMOIR OF
Ì
"Dr. Nettleton was among the few whose memory will
be long cherished by the churches, as an eminent instru-
ment, in the hands of God, of reviving his work, and of
bringing multitudes to embrace the Saviour for righteous-
ness and life. He seems to have been raised up by the great
Head of the Church, to accomplish his purposes of mercy
in the revival of pure religion, and in the conversion of
sinners. His influence upon the ministry, and upon the
churches where he labored, was peculiarly happy. He
always left behind him a sweet savor of Christ. Harmony
and christian affection, between pastors and people, were
the result of his labors, even where they had been most
successful in the conversion of souls. His zeal and ear-
nestness in preaching the gospel, where Christ was named,
were so tempered with practical wisdom and singular
prudence, that he was received, and loved, and remem-
bered as a messenger from God, sent to bless the people.
"His labors among us, in the year 1829, are recollect-
ed with affection and gratitude. The revival with which
we were favored that year, commenced about the middle
of July. It was unusually powerful and still, and rapid
in its progress.
There was less animal excitement
convictions of sin were more thorough, and conversions
were more clear and decided, than in some other seasons
of revival which we have enjoyed. We had but little to
do, but to stand still and see the salvation of God. Mr.
Nettleton, if I mistake not, was then preaching at En-
field, Mass. By my request, he came and spent a week
with us about the first of September, and preached fre-
quently to the most solemn and attentive assemblies I
ever witnessed. He then left us, and returned again in
about ten days, and spent another week. He preached
on one Sabbath only. On that day, I supplied his place
at Enfield. He preached and held inquiry meetings in
G
E
DR.
NETTLETON.
193
the evenings of the week, and visited the families with
me in the day time. His labors were very acceptable,
and eminently useful, and I bless God for his aid. Many
were awakened under his preaching, and some hopefully
converted; and those who entertained hope, were greatly
enlightened and strengthened. He is remembered to this
day with much affection.
"The chief excellence of his preaching, seemed to
consist in great plainness, and simplicity, and discrimina-
tion in much solemnity and affectionate earnestness of
manner—in the application of the truth to the heart and
conscience—in taking away the excuses of sinners, and
leaving them without help and hope, except in the sove-
reign mercy of God. In short, it was conformed to the
work for which the Spirit was sent into the world, viz. to
reprove or convince the world of sin, of righteousness,
and of judgment. This characteristic was most striking.
His manner of dealing with awakened sinners, was pe-
culiar. While it served to deepen their convictions, and
lead them to Christ, it gained their confidence, and
secured their belief of the truth. He knew, too, how
to search those who expressed hope. And while he de-
tected the hypocrite and encouraged the desponding, he
was regarded by all with affection and reverence. A
large number of the subjects of this revival, were young
people, belonging to the first families in the place. Of
about one hundred who expressed hope at that time, more
than sixty belonged to the center district. Numbers of
them have removed to other places, and others have died
in the joyful hope of glory. Frequently have I heard
them express their remembrance of Dr. Nettleton's labors,
and of their obligations to him as the instrument of lead-
ing them to Christ. Some on examination for church-
fellowship, dated their awakening and conversion to his
p
194
MEMOIR OF
ļ
labors. Of the number admitted to the church that year,
only four have apostatized. They have generally main-
tained the christian character, and some of them are
eminently useful in the church. His labors, though short
with us, were greatly blessed; and I shall ever remember
them with gratitude to the great Head of the Church who
disposed him to come and help us."
In the fall of 1829, he went again to the South for the
benefit of his health. He spent some time in Charleston,
S. C. He then repaired to North Carolina, and preached
considerably, during the months of February and March,
at Chapel Hill, New Hope, and Hillsborough. In all
these places, I have understood, his labors were crowned
with success; but to what extent, I have not been able to
learn.
The summer of 1830 he spent in New England, preach-
ing occasionally in different places, as his strength would
permit.
During the winter of 1830-31, he preached in New-
ark, N. J., and in the city of New York, assisting the
Rev. Baxter Dickinson, and the Rev. Drs. Snodgrass and
Spring, while God was pouring out his spirit on their
congregations.
In the spring of 1831, he took a voyage to England, for
the benefit of his health. In a letter to a friend, just be-
fore he sailed, he says:
"I have but a few moments to write, and I never wrote
with such fullness of heart. Drs. H. & G. and others,
you know, contemplate a voyage to England. My friends
have arranged for me to go with them, without any agen-
DR.
NETTLETON.
195
cy of my own. But if I go, it is not to labor, and entire-
ly at my own expense. If you hear that I am on the
great waters, do remember me. I never loved my friends
so ardently, as since I have been thinking of this voyage.
I cannot tell you on paper the ten thousand tender recol-
lections that have crowded on my mind."
He remained in England, including his visits to Scot-
land and Ireland, more than a year and although he
went not to labor, but to rest, he was not idle, nor were
his labors altogether in vain.
During this period he kept a very brief journal in which
he noted down the places which he visited, the texts from
which he preached, together with a very few occasional
remarks. From this journal it appears that he traveled
extensively on the Island of Great Britain, and preached
in many different places. He also attended several meet-
ings of ministers convened for the purpose of hearing
from him some account of American revivals.
He found that much prejudice had been excited among
pious people in England, by information which they had
received respecting certain modes of proceeding in revi-
vals, in some parts of the country. While he was in
Sheffield, he saw a letter which was written by an English
clergyman who was traveling in America, and who had
attended several protracted meetings. He makes from
this letter the following extract:
"Terrific sermons and other means are artfully contri-
ved to stimulate the feelings of ignorant people. In com-
pliance with the call given at the period of the highest ex-
citement, they repair to the anxious seat by scores. As
their fears are soon aroused, they are generally as soon
calmed; and in a few days, many profess to entertain
hope. Many such converts soon lose all appearance of
religion; but they become conceited, secure, and gospel
196
MEMOIR OF
!
proof; so that while living in the open and habitual neg-
lect of their duty, they talk very freely of the time when
they experienced religion."
After giving this extract, he remarks:
"This man is said to be an excellent man, about 50
vears old, having the confidence of christians and minis-
ters wherever he is known in this kingdom. I find they
are losing confidence in our American revivals. And so
the imprudence of a few zealous individuals, is doing
more mischief to the cause of Christ in this kingdom than
all the opposition of open enemies could ever effect. I
am almost exhausted in my attempts to vindicate our re-
vivals. I can only tell the good ministers here, that I do
not, I never did, approve of the practice mentioned in the
above letter, and those who adopt it, must alone answer
for the consequences."
At Glasgow, in Scotland, he makes the following note
in his journal.
"Breakfasted at Mrs. Smith's in company with the
Rev. Mr. Russell of Dundee, and many others. I was
questioned about American revivals "anxious seats"
as related by Mr. Colton, and Mrs. Trollope. They said,
they supposed that the practice of calling out the anxious
was universal in American revivals. A long talk ensued
about the propriety of the measure. The subject of anx-
ious seats has evidently depreciated American revivals a
hundred per cent. in this country. The practice of calling
persons to the anxious seat, they said, existed in England,
only among the Methodists and Ranters. They seemed
greatly surprised when I informed them that this was not
practiced, nor approved of, by the best ministers in New
England, and they wished me to hold a meeting to disa-
buse the public mind on that subject.”
DR. NETTLETON.
197
The following brief notice of a meeting of episcopal
clergymen will be read with deep interest.
"Attended a meeting of clergymen of the established
church-principally evangelical, at the house of the Rev.
Daniel Wilson, Islington. More than forty were present.
I was called upon to give some account of American revi-
vals — commencing with the one in Yale College, in 1820.
I was led to inquire if any one present could inform me
of a young minister from America, who came to this
country the last year, for his health, and who, as I had
been informed, died somewhere in the vicinity of Lon-
don. I had often inquired for the house where he died,
but as yet, had found no one who could give me informa-
tion. His name was Sutherland Douglass. Mr. Wilson,
the moderator, whom I was addressing, lifted up his
hands, and exclaimed, 'I knew him. I received a note
informing me that a young minister from America
stranger, dangerously sick, desired to see me. I visited
him twice, and prayed with him. He died on the third
day after I first saw him. I brought his remains and
buried them in my church yard.' My reply was, he was
one of the subjects of that revival in Yale College, of
which I was speaking. (Much weeping.)"
a
Among his papers, are numerous letters written by per-
sons in England and Scotland, from which it appears that
he had warm friends in those countries. The writers of
many of these letters express great obligations to him for
the pleasure and profit which they had derived from his
preaching and conversation; and. several of them allude
to cases which had come to their knowledge, of the awak-
ening and hopeful conversion of sinners under his labors.
Although he was not permitted to witness in England,
such scenes as he had frequently witnessed in this coun-
try, he had reason to believe, that God gave him some
souls even there.
T
198
MEMOIR OF
į
1
After his return from England, which was in August,
1832, he preached in a number of different places in New
England and in the middle States; with what success I
am unable to state. In the autumn of 1833, there was
an interesting revival under his preaching in Enfield,
Connecticut.
The following is an extract of a letter from the Rev.
Francis L. Robbins, pastor of the church in that town.
As
"I have not known the man, who, in my deliberate judg-
ment, has been the honored instrument of heaven in turn-
ing so many sinners to the knowledge of the truth, and
saving souls from death, as the Rev. Mr. Nettleton.
he was himself mighty in the scriptures,' and 'fervent in
the spirit,' he spake and taught diligently the things of
the Lord, and was not satisfied unless men exhibited scrip-
tural evidence of true religion. When he went into a
place, remembering what was said of his master, he shall
not strive nor cry, neither shall any man hear his voice
in the streets,' he labored as far as practicable without
observation, striving to turn the eyes of his hearers in up-
on themselves, while they listened diligently to the word.
His meetings, therefore, whether on the sabbath, or at
other seasons, were singularly marked with stillness, or-
der, fixed and solemn attention.
،،
My people were sensibly struck with the correctness
of this statement in relation to his labors here. For in
this place he had 'seals of his ministry,' in a goodly num-
ber of hopeful converts who regarded him as their spirit-
ual father, and remembered him with high respect and
gratitude. I refer to the revival of religion here in 1833,
when several of the choice, active and exemplary mem-
bers of this flock, received deep impressions, and became,
as we believe, in heart and spirit, the people of the living
God.
ܕܘ 8 : 7
DR. NETTLETON.
199
"Mr. Nettleton came here in September of thatyear, at
my solicitation, when my health was, and had been, for
several months, in a very feeble and precarious state;
and when some of our good people were fearful of the
result, not only to myself, but to the interests of religion.
When Mr. N. came, it was like the coming of Titus,
especially to myself. Many of God's professed people,
had left their first love, and were engaged in matters of
'doubtful disputation,' which tended more to alienate and
distract their feelings, than to quicken them in the work
of the Lord.
"Mr. N. continued with us nearly three months. Under
his lucid and frequent exhibitions of divine truth, and by
solemn addresses to the church, together with instruction
given in the inquiry meeting, and by direct personal con-
versation, deep impressions were made on the minds of a
number, which resulted in a disposition to renounce them-
selves, and humbly accept tne salvation of the gospel. As
he labored to instruct the people in the things of the king-
dom of God, and establish them in the faith and order of
the gospel, he very generally secured their esteem and
confidence, and left a salutary influence behind him.
Not long after he left us, nearly twenty, mostly youth,
who ascribed their conversion to the abounding grace of
God, through his instrumentality, came forward and
made a public profession of religion. Several others who
entertained a hope at that time, clouded with many fears,
have been revived and quickened, and prepared to
profess Christ since that time; while others who were
brought to serious consideration, under the religious ex-
ercises conducted by Mr. Nettleton, never, I believe, lost
their impressions, until as objects of God's special re-
membrance, they were hopefully gathered in, in a subse-
quent revival. All of those who were brought hopefully
200
MEMOIR OF
!
!
from darkness to light as the fruits of that revival, so far
as I have knowledge, (for a few have removed to other
places,) have walked worthy of their vocation, bearing
the fruits of righteousness unto the praise and glory of
God."
Many other places might be mentioned in which he
preached occasionally, and in which there were some
fruits of his labors, that will, I trust, abide when all earth-
ly scenes shall have passed away. But my object has
been to mention only those places in which his labors are
known to have been attended with very considerable
success.
In 1833, the Pastoral Union of Connecticut was form-
ed, and the Theological Institute was established. These
measures did not originate with him, as some have sup-
posed; but they were measures which he cordially ap-
proved, and in which he felt a deep and lively interest.
When the Seminary was organized, he was appointed
Professor of Pastoral Duty. He was at the time absent
at the South. In reply to a letter informing him of his
appointment, he says-
"I hardly know what to say. I need not tell you how
entirely I am interested in the whole concern.
If it can
be of any service to the Seminary for me to sustain some
official relation to it, I should be sorry to decline. But it
has from the beginning seemed to me, that on many ac-
counts, I could plead its cause with more freedom and
effect, without sustaining that relation to it. My reasons
I cannot fully state on paper. At any ratę, I must see
you, and the Trustees, before I can give an affirmative
answer. I have too, some doubts, whether my habits and
the state of my health will permit me to sit down to close
study, and to all the requisite preparation for that depart-
ment. I have been wishing for some time past, to shun
DR. NETTLETON.
201
na p
public observation, and to retire more into solitude.”
He
did not accept. But although he chose to sustain no offi-
cial relation to the Seminary, he took up his abode at
East Windsor, and consented to deliver some familiar
lectures to the students. His instruction was highly
prized by the classes who enjoyed it.
During the last ten years of his life, although East
Windsor was his home, he spent several winters at the
South, and preached in several different places in New
England, not without some success. But such was the
state of his health as to render him unable to endure
much excitement or fatigue. In a letter to Mrs. Parme-
le, dated Sept. 21, 1839, he says, "Your note came to
hand this morning. Accept my best thanks for your kind
invitation. It would, indeed, be very pleasant to spend a
little season among my old friends in the still and retired
town of Bolton, and once more talk over scenes that are
past—' pleasant and mournful to the soul.' And possibly
if life be spared, that time may come. But I have jour-
neyed so long and so far in this wilderness world, and
have passed through so many scenes of alternate storm
and sun-shine, that I am worn out with languor and fa-
tigue, and have long since concluded to retire, and jour-
ney as little as possible, except so far as duty and the
state of my health seem to demand."
In the year 1839, he received from two literary institu-
tions,* the degree of D. D. This was an honor which he
did not covet, as appears from the fact that it would have
been conferred several years before, by one of the New
* Hampden Sydney College, in Virginia, and Jefferson College, in Penn
sylvania.
202
England Colleges, had not his own remonstrances pre-
vented. When he first received the intelligence, he was
quite disturbed; and he asked one of his brethren what he
should do? All the advice which he received from that
brother, was contained in the following anecdote.
"A
man once said to an aged clergyman, my neighbors are
slandering me, and what shall I do? Do your duty, said
the Clergyman, and think nothing about it. If they are
disposed to throw mud, let them throw mud; but do not
attempt to wipe it off, lest you should wipe it all over
you."
MEMOIR OF DR. NETTLETON.
On reflection he seems to have come to the conclusion
to which his friend, the late Dr. Porter, of Andover came,
under similar circumstances, viz: "What shall a sober
man do? If he refuses this title on general principles, be-
cause it is inconsistent with the spirit of the gospel, he
charges a long list of such worthies as Watts, &c. with
wearing a public mark of pride or folly. If he refuses it
on principles that respect himself only, he is liable to be
charged with the ostentation of humility, and really needs
much prayer and heart-searching, to be certain that cursed
pride is not at the bottom. Too much noise to get rid of
this contemptible honor, resembles ocean into tempest.
wrought, to waft a feather, or to drown a fly.' A wise
man would not kill a gnat, by a blow that might fracture
his leg."
i.
P!
CHAPTER X.
His method of laboring in revivals of religion.
The question has often been asked, what was the secret
of Dr. Nettleton's success? In answering this question,
we must not overlook the fact, that God acts as a sove
reign, and pours out his Spirit when, and where, and in
what measure, he pleases. No man ever more firmly
believed this fact, or acted more habitually under the
influence of this belief, than Dr. N. He was perfectly
aware that all human means are utterly powerless, unless
made effectual by the agency of the Holy Spirit. He
did not rely on his own strength. He knew that he was
an earthen vessel, and that when any success attended his
labors, the excellency of the power was of God and not
of him. It was his firm belief of this truth, powerfully
operating on his mind, and leading him to place no de-
pendence on his own efforts, but to look to God in humble,
earnest, persevering, and confiding prayer; which con-
stituted one principal reason of his signal success. If the
question then be asked, why Dr. N. was so much more
successful in winning souls to Christ, than most other min-
isters, the great comprehensive answer, is, "Even so,
Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight."
only answer which he was disposed to give.
This is the
He attribu-
204
MEMOIR OF
ted none of the glory to himself. Nor did any of it belong
to him. He did not possess any power over the human
heart which other men do not possess; he was only an
instrument by which God accomplished his purposes.
Nor was he selected as the instrument of such good to
mankind, because he was more worthy than others, or
because he had done any thing to entitle him to this hon-
orable distinction; for although he may have possessed
qualifications for his work, which others did not possess;
yet for all these qualifications whether intellectual or moral,
he was indebted to the Grace of God;-and to that grace
let the glory be ascribed.
4
But God in accomplishing his purposes, not only makes
use of means, but adapts means to ends. He raises up
instruments, and fits them for the work which they are
destined to perform. Although no labor of the husband-
man, will insure to him a harvest; yet he has no reason
to expect a harvest without labor; nor has he a right to
conclude that it is a matter of indifference what kind of
labor he employs. He knows it to be important to till
his ground, and to sow in it good seed. So in the moral
world, means must be adapted to the end to be accom-
plished. Although Paul plant, and Apollos water,
God must give the increase; yet we are not to suppose
that it is of no consequence what seed is planted, or how
it is planted, and watered. Although God might bring to
pass different results. when the same means are used, and
in the same manner; yet ordinarily, when the results
are different, there is some difference in the means or in
the manner of employing them. Whitefield was not only
a more successful preacher than others who were his co-
temporaries; he was also a different preacher not that
he preached different doctrines; but he preached them
in a different manner.
G
霹
​DR.
205
NETTLETON.
}
I
That Dr. Nettleton possessed peculiar skill in present-
ing truth to the minds of men, and laboring in revivals of
religion, will be admitted by most who are at all ac-
quainted with his history. During that protracted period
of conviction, through which he passed before his reconcili-
ation to God, he obtained a knowledge of the human heart
which few possess. He could trace the secret windings of
human depravity. He understood the refuges of lies to
which sinners are prone to resort, and he knew how to
meet and to answer the various excuses by which they at-
tempt to shield themselves from blame. He had an ex-
perimental acquaintance with the great truths of the gospel,
which enabled him not only to present them with clearness
to the minds of others, but to press them home upon their
consciences as matters of everlasting moment. His deep
religious experience enabled him to ascertain the precise
state of mind of different individuals, and to adapt his in-
structions to their particular circumstances. When an
impression was made upon the mind, he was careful to
follow it up; well knowing the various ways in which re-
ligious impressions are liable to be effaced, and what is
best adapted to deepen and perpetuate them.
The Rev. Mr. Pinneo, who was his theological instruc-
tor, and who was somewhat intimately acquainted with
him after he became a preacher, says:
"If attending religious meetings together for a consid-
erable season, and at different times in after years, when
he was in full strength, may be considered as affording me
the opportunity to judge, I would say, that brother Net-
tleton appeared to me to be uncommonly descerning and
skillful in handling the doctrines of grace, and to have an
uncommon insight into the human character; and to be
able better than most, to place the naked truth upon the
conscience, and to demolish with a few heavy strokes, all
9
I
206
MEMOIR O F
the vain excuses and refuges of lies to which sinners re-
sort to screen themselves from the force of truth. And
then he would follow up the impression, with great indus-
try, skill and perseverance. Thus the Holy Spirit fitted
him for the work, and employed him as an instrument oi
of the conversion of sinners. But God acts as a sover-
eign; for neither he, nor other successful preachers, have
been uniformly blest in their labors."
The following extract of a letter written to one of his
brethren in the ministry in 1823, shows his own views of
the importance of following up an impression when made,
and of making special efforts when there is evidence that
the spirit of God is operating upon the minds of the
people.
"It becomes every friend of Zion to prepare the
way of the Lord through all the towns in this re-
gion. The fields are whitening all around us; and
though God can create and gather the harvest without
human instrumentality, yet we do not expect it. A revi-
val begun, is likely to subside, without the constant pres-
sure of gospel motives on the consciences of the awaken-
ed. It is obvious from experience, that God generally
blesses, far more extensively, the means for extending his
work, than he does for commencing it in the midst of sur-
rounding darkness. As the conversion of one sinner, is
often the means of awakening every member of the family,
and the impulse is again felt through every kindred branch,
and through the village and town; so one town may be
the means of a revival in another, and that in another.
Though some ministers feel the truth of this remark, yet
few, if any realize its full force. There is as really a
season of harvest in the moral, as in the natural world.
Now every hand that can hold a sickle, needs all its strength.
The harvest fully ripe, neglected a few days, is forever
1
DR.
NETTLETON.
207
Į
!
}
lost.
Other fields may whiten, and the same field a sec-
ond time, but the former neglected harvest is lost forever.
There is a crisis in the feelings of a people, which, if not
improved, the souls of that generation will not be gather-
ed. In the season of a revival, more may be done
more is often done, to secure the salvation of souls, in a
few days, or weeks, than in years spent in preaching at
other times. One sermon, in a revival, often does more
execution, than a hundred equally good, out of it. And
I verily believe, that more good may be lost for the want
of that one, than can be done with it, and with a thousand
like it, when the crisis is past. Say not ye, there are
yet four months, and then' It is now, or never. And
'he that reapeth receiveth wages.""
The success of Dr. N. was not in every respect like that
of Whitefield. Whitefield's power was chiefly in the pul-
pit. His eloquence was overpowering, and great multi-
tudes were sometimes awakened by a single sermon. Dr.
Nettleton did not expect such effects from a single effort
in the pulpit. His success was the combined effect of
preaching in the church, and in the lecture room, and of
private conversation. His preaching was always solemn
and impressive, and sometimes in a high degree eloquent.
It was more instructive, and addressed more to the con-
science, and less to the passions than that of Whitefield.
As a natural consequence, the revivals which occurred un-
der his preaching were more pure-attended with less
fanaticism, and a smaller proportion of temporary
C
converts.
When he commenced his labors in any place, one of
the first things which he attempted was, to make the im-
pression on the minds of the people, that their help must
come from above, and that they must place no dependence
on an arm of flesh. When he found that they were pla-
cing undue dependence on him, he often suddenly disap-
208
MEMOIR OF
peared, at least for a season. Until this state of feeling
was destroyed, he had no expectation of accomplishing
any good.
It was a prime object with him, when he went into a
place where there was no special seriousness, to awaken
a proper state of feeling among the people of God.
Knowing that when God pours out his spirit, he usually
first revives his work in the hearts of his own people, and
that he awakens and converts sinners in answer to their
prayers, he endeavored to impress upon their minds a
sense of their responsibility. Among his first sermons, he
would sometimes preach from Rom. xiii. 11. “And that
knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of
"Restore
sleep." And sometimes from Ps. li. 12, 13.
unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy
free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways,
and sinners shall be converted unto thee." But while he
called on christians with great plainness and fidelity to
awake out of sleep, he never addressed them in a harsh
and denunciatory manner. With kindness and affection
he would remind them of their obligations and their sins,
and present to them such considerations as were suited to
humble them, and to excite them to a faithful discharge
of their duty. He loved to see christians deeply sensible
of their sinfulness, and at the same time deeply affected
with the condition of sinners who were perishing around
them. When things began to assume a favorable appear-
ance, he did not like to see professors of religion elated,
and disposed to talk about it with an air of exultation.
He knew that flattering appearances often suddenly van-
ish, and he had learned that it is apt to be so, when chris-
tians begin to rejoice prematurely. He frowned upon
every thing like ostentation, and discouraged the disposi-
tion which too often prevails, to proclaim a revival upon
the first indication of unusual seriousness. His views on
1
DR. NETTLETON.
209
}
G
the subject, are expressed, as he has been heard to say, in
the following remarks of the Rev. Mr. Brace, in his ac-
count of the revival in Newington.
"It is no favorable thing to see professors, at such a
time, full of glee, busy in proclaiming a revival. A true
work of grace needs no proclamation. Is there not rea-
son to fear that revivals are often checked in this way ?
If, when a little seriousness appears, in a few individuals
in a place, it is immediately noised abroad, and perhaps
printed, that a great work is going on, is it not overrating the
attention, and tempting christians to cease their mourning,
to lift up their eyes to see what is not to be seen, to say—
ah, we have found it, henceforth we may rejoice, and be
satisfied. I have heard many such introductions and con-
fident predictions, when the result proved to be feeble.
Such a course, not only exposes religion to reproach
among the enemies of revivals; but prevents the very
thing which it was designed to promote."
His views on this subject are also expressed by himself
in a letter to the Rev. Mr. Aikin of Utica, dated, Albany
January 13, 1827. Speaking of the interesting state of
religious feeling which existed in Albany, he says:
"But I have great fears that the disposition of some
zealous christians round about us, to proclaim it abroad,
and to run before their own hearts, and the real state of
things, will run it out into noise. I have already felt the
evil. I find that many are disposed to make ten times as
much of the same state of things, as I have been in the
habit of doing, though they know but a small part of
what I have seen in this place. Various reports have
gone out concerning a revival in Albany, which have done
us much mischief. If they would let us alone I should ex-
pect a great work in this city. But amid so much noise
and bluster of christians, it promises fair to end in smoke.
210
MEMOIR OF
|
But after all, the good people here are astonished at our
stillness. My opinion is, that had they been ten times as
still, they would have witnessed ten times as much. Sev-
en years ago about two thousand souls were hopefully
born into the kingdom in this vicinity, in our own denom-
ination with comparative stillness. But the times have
altered. The kingdom of God now cometh with great
observation.”
Dr. Nettleton never held out the idea to churches that
they could "get up a revival," or that they could have a
revival at any time. It is true that he set before them the
encouragement which God has given to humble and fer-
vent prayer. But he always maintained that a revival of
true religion, depends on the sovereign interposition of
God. Nor did he believe in the modern notion of the
prayer of faith, viz: that God will always grant the par-
ticular things for which we pray, if we only believe that
he will do it.
His mode of preaching, both to saints and to sinners,
was solemn, affectionate, and remarkably plain. His
style was simple, perspicuous and energetic. His illus-
trations were familiar and striking: such as rendered his
discourses intelligible to persons of the weakest capaci-
ty; and at the same time, interesting to persons of the
most cultivated intellect. He always commanded the at-
tention of his audience. Every eye was fixed, and a sol-
emn stillness pervaded the assembly. There was an ear-
nestness in his manner, which carried conviction to the
minds of his hearers, that he believed what he spoke, and
that he believed it to be truth of everlasting moment.
There was also a directness in his preaching, which made
the hearers feel that they were the persons addressed;
and such was his knowledge of the human heart, and of
the feelings which divine truth excites when presented to
the minds of unsanctified men, that he was able to antici-
pate objections, and to follow the sinner through his vari-
་
!
DR. NETTLETON.
211
Pallet
!
:
So
ous refuges of lies, and strip him of all his excuses.
great was his skill in this respect, that it often seemed to
individuals while listening to his preaching, that he must
know their thoughts. And in a certain sense it was true.
By knowing his own heart he knew the hearts of others:
because “as in water face answereth to face, so the heart
of man to man.” He understood from his own experi-
ence, what thoughts and feelings, would be excited in the
minds of sinners by the contemplation of particular doc-
trines. When therefore, he exhibited these doctrines in
his preaching, and perceived that the attention of his
hearers was fixed upon them, he did know, to some ex-
tent, what were their thoughts and feelings; and this ena-
bled him to adapt his instructions to their circumstances,
and to give to each one a portion in due season.
This was particularly true of his preaching in the lec-
ture room. Here he was at home, and enjoyed the great-
est freedom. Here he seemed to come in direct contact
with the minds of his hearers. He watched every coun-
tenance, and in this way he was assisted in judging of the
effect of his preaching on the minds of different individu-
als. In establishing his positions, his reasoning was so
clear and forcible as to be irresistible; and conviction
came upon the mind like a flash of lightning. And the
truth was urged home upon the conscience, as a matter of
personal and infinite interest. Here it was that those
scenes of deep distress, occasioned by a vivid sense of
guilt and apprehension of the wrath of God, so frequently
occurred. It often happened in the lecture room, that
sinners were so overwhelmed with a sense of their lost
condition, that it became necessary to remove them to a
neighboring house.
It was never the object of Dr. N. to produce mere ex-
citement, by working upon the imagination and sympathy
of his hearers. The Rev. Dr. Rice, speaking of his la-
212
MEMOIR OF
****
!
bors in Virginia, in 1828, says, "Mr. Nettleton is a re-
markable man, and chiefly, I think remarkable, for his
power of producing a great excitement without much ap-
pearance of feeling. The people do not either weep or
talk away their impressions. The preacher chiefly ad-
dresses Bible truth to their consciences." This was a
striking characteristic of his preaching. He commended
himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
His object was to lead his hearers to see their real char-
acter and condition. All excitement which was not the
result of clear apprehensions of divine truth, he consid-
ered not merely useless, but positively injurious. The
cases of deep distress which occurred under his preach-
ing, were not the effect of mere sympathy, but of clear
conviction of sin.
-
One thing which contributed greatly to Dr. N.'s success,
was his faithful private conversation. Many were by this
means awakened from their stupidity, and excited to at-
tend to the concerns of their souls. He had a talent
which few possess of introducing religious conversation
with 'individuals of every description. He was rarely
abrupt, never harsh, but always kind and affectionate. Hist
first object was to secure the confidence of the individual
with whom he was conversing, and to lead him on gradually
to a consideration of the importance of religion in gener-
al, and then to a more particular consideration of his own
spiritual state. When he perceived that an impression.
had been made, he would follow it up and watch its pro-
gress with intense assiduity. He could easily introduce
religious conversation with persons of every grade in so-
ciety from the highest to the lowest. To a lawyer he once
said, "I have often thought that persons in your situation
- persons of liberal education and high standing in so-
ciety, are in peculiar danger of losing their souls; and
for this among other reasons, that every body is afraid
I
DR.
NETTLETON.
213
to converse with them."
This remark opened the way
for a perfectly free conversation, in which he was as faithful
as he would have been to any individual in the humblest
walks of life.
In conversing with awakened sinners, he exhibited
great wisdom. There was no part of the ministerial work
in which he excelled more than in this. For this, he was
pre-eminently fitted, as has been already intimated, by his
own religious experience. He was generally able, with
but little difficulty, to ascertain the exact state of the sin-
ner's mind, and he knew what instruction was suited to
his case.
It was not his custom to converse much with awakened
sinners. He has often remarked that a great deal of con-
versation has a tendency to confuse the mind, and to dis-
sipate, rather than to deepen, religious impressions. He
would converse with them enough to keep the subject be-
fore their minds, and to correct any false notions which
they might have imbibed. More than this, he considered
not only unnecessary, but prejudicial. He did not like
to have awakened sinners spend most of their time in
running from one individual to another, to seek sympa-
thy and instruction, lest, to use the language of Dr. Rice,
they should "weep and talk away, their impressions." He
was desirous that they should be much alone, engaged in
reading the scriptures, serious meditation and prayer.
Mr. Brace, in his account of the revival in Newington,
after describing the solemnity which pervaded the assem-
bly at the close of one of Dr. Nettleton's meetings, says,
“He requested them to retire without making a noise. ‘I
love to talk to you, you are so still. It looks as though
the Spirit of God was here. Go away as still as possible.
Do not talk by the way, lest you forget your own hearts.
9*
5
214
Do not ask how you like the preacher; but retire to your
closets-bow before God and give yourselves to him this
night.'" He frequently gave such advice.
In his conversation with awakened sinners, he was care-
ful never to flatter them, or to say any thing suited to al-
lay their fears. He never expressed to them, the opinion
that their condition was hopeful. On the contrary, he
gave them to understand, that while they remained im-
penitent, there was an awful uncertainty whether they
would be saved. He urged the duty of immediate repen-
tance, and showed them that they could do nothing short
of repentance, which would in the least degree, improve
their condition. He endeavored to destroy all their de-
pendence on their own works to show them that all
their religious services were selfish and sinful, and that
God has made no promise of pardon to any thing short
of faith and repentance.
Sometimes, instead of entering into particular conver-
sation with individuals who were under concern of mind,
he would drop a single remark suited to awaken in their
minds, profitable trains of thought. Such as the follow-
ing
MEMOIR OF
"If your heart is so hard that you cannot repent now,
what will you do, when it becomes a great deal harder ?”
"What reason can you assign why you should not love
God ?"
""
ܙ
“Oh, what a hard heart you have."
"What reason have you to think that you ever shall
repent?
It was not uncommon for awakened sinners to feel that
he could give them relief; but when he found that they
were relying on him to save them, he would treat them
with neglect. This often called into exercise the enmity
of their hearts, and thus served to deepen their convic-
tion, by showing them their utterly lost condition.
P.
DR. NETTLETON.
215
1
His feelings were often severely tried, by the injudic-
ious directions which some professors of religion, were in
the habit of giving to awakened sinners. He has been
heard to say, that he apprehended more evil from this
source, than from all the opposition of the avowed ene-
mies of religion. He usually occupied one meeting in
considering these injudicious directions. A sketch of the
address delivered on these occasions is found among his
papers, from which I make the following extract :
6.1.
“Wait at the Pool. You must not be discourag-
ed, for we read of one who waited thirty and eight years.
The im-
"This text is used by way of accommodation.
potent man was waiting at the pool, not for the pardon of
his sins, but to be healed of a bodily disease. We may
accommodate passages of scripture, for the purpose of
illustrating acknowledged truth; but we must not trace
analogies too far. In many respects there is a striking
analogy between a depraved heart, and a diseased body;
but there is one important point in which the analogy
does not hold the one is criminal; the other is merely
calamitous.
"This use of the passage contradicts many plain dec-
larations of the Bible-particularly all those which en-
join the duty of immediate repentance. Suppose a per-
son should address sinners in this manner-Behold now
is the accepted time; -behold now is the day of salva-
tion' — But wait at the pool. Choose ye this day whom
ye will serve But wait at the pool.
God now commandeth all men every where to repent.
But wait at the pool.
"The effect of this direction, is, to make the impres-
sion on the sinner's mind, that he is not under obligation
to obey God immediately;—and of course, it counteracts
the influence of every command of God on the sinner's
conscience.
C
216
MEMOIR OF
"The sinner is told that he must not be discouraged,
for the impotent man waited thirty-eight years. This
however is not said. It is said that he had an infirmity
thirty-eight years; but it is not said that he had waited a
day. Be this however as it may, he was not healed by
the pool after all; nor is there any evidence that he would
have been, if he had waited all his life.
“2.
Be patient and wait God's time.
"What is the meaning of this direction, when given to
an awakened sinner?
"Be patient! Is the sinner to understand that he is too
anxious for the salvation of his soul, and that he ought to
wait patiently in his sins till God shall see fit to change
his heart? To tell the anxious sinner to be patient with-
out a new heart, is the same as to tell him to dismiss all
his anxiety, and to go back to a state of stupidity. Pa-
tient in his sins! Rather let him be more and more im-
patient with himself and with his deplorable condition.
Let him tremble in view of a judgment to come, and weep
and howl for the miseries that are coming upon him.
"What is meant, when the sinner is directed to wait
God's time? Is it meant that God is not now ready to re-
ceive the sinner? Is it meant that the sinner is willing to
do his part, and that he must wait for God to do his? If
so, why not speak plainly, and tell the sinner, I know
you are ready and willing to be a christian; but God is
not yet ready and willing to receive you. But if God is
not now ready to receive the returning sinner, what evi-
dence is there, that he ever will be ready?
"But when is God's time? Do those who direct sinners
to wait God's time, mean that it is not their duty to re-
repent and believe, till God grants them repentance and
faith? Then it never was the duty of those sinners to re-
(
DR. NETTLETON.
217
pent, who have gone to destruction, and it never will be.
They waited all their lives, and are waiting still, and will
wait to all eternity. And it has never yet been the duty
of any sinner, who is now impenitent, to repent, and if
God should not grant him repentance it never will be.
But this directly contradicts the scriptures.
"The sinner under conviction is distressed with a sense
of his obligation to comply with the terms of salvation
without delay. And there is no way to relieve him from
his distress while impenitent, but to release him from his
sense of obligation to repent. To direct him to wait
God's time is directly calculated to produce this effect,
and to counteract the operations of the divine Spirit. It
is to plead the sinner's cause against God.
"But is it not hard to distress the sinner by pressing
him with his obligations? It is painful, but it is necessary.
It is painful to the surgeon to probe to the bottom a dan-
gerous wound; but it must be done, or the patient will die.
If through false pity we console the sinner under these
circumstances, there is reason to fear that his blood will
be required at our hands. If we direct the sinner to wait,
we direct him to run the awful hazard of losing his soul.
"It is sometimes said to the sinner under deep distress,
don't despair.
"This expression not unfrequently produces a bad
effect upon the sinner's mind.
"It is sometimes the case that sinners speak of the
greatness of their sins and the hopelessness of their con-
dition, on purpose to be flattered and consoled. And
when they do not, it is always best to admit that their
case is quite as bad as they represent it. It is proper to
hold up the fullness of the atonement, and the readiness of
God to forgive all who repent. But this the sinner gen-
erally does not doubt. The thing that distresses the con-
victed sinner, is the fear that he never shall repent. From
218
MEMOIR OF
J
his own experience he has full conviction that it will nev-
er be easier to repent than now. His sins are increasing,
and his heart is becoming more and more perverse. God
has said Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.'
He believes it. He despairs of obtaining salvation with-
out repentance; and of this he ought to despair.
6
"In every case of clear conviction, there is in the mind
of the sinner a painful sense of obligation to repent, and a
fearful apprehension that he never shall repent. In this
state, he sometimes inquires, do you think there is any
hope in my case? Do you think I ever shall become a
christian? This is a most interesting crisis: and a little
flattery here, may ruin the soul. The proper answer to
these inquiries, is, 'I do not know. It is altogether un-
certain. One thing is certain, however great your sins
may be, if you will repent, they shall be pardoned; but
whether you ever will repent, is altogether uncertain.
Sinners as anxious as you, and perhaps more so, have
returned to stupidity, and their last state has become
worse than the first.' When sinners are in this state of
mind, their friends are exceedingly prone to flatter them.
· Oh don't despair — Be patient
Be patient — Wait God's time — You
will doubtless find relief.' Such language is exceedingly
dangerous. Every word takes it for granted that the sin-
ner's concern for his soul is without foundation. One of
two things is true;-either such directions are wrong, or
the sinner is not under conviction; for if he is under real
conviction, the Spirit of God is showing him his true con-
dition. His apprehensions are well founded, and if we
attempt to remove these apprehensions, we directly coun-
teract the operations of the Holy Spirit."
The foregoing extract will give the reader some idea of
the manner in which Dr. N. was in the habit of dealing
with awakened sinners. He did not heal the heart of
sinners slightly, nor cry peace, peace, when God had not
spoken peace.
DR. NETTLETON.
219
Dr. N. discouraged every thing like confusion and dis-
order in religious meetings. Whenever he saw any ten-
dency to wild enthusiasm and extravagance, he exerted
all his influence to check it. This is evident from the
extract of a letter to the Rev. John Frost, inserted in a
former chapter, in which he gives some account of the
commencement of the revival in Salisbury, Conn.
In the same letter, he quotes, as expressive of his own
views, the following remark of President Edwards. "It
has been a common device of the devil to overset a revi-
val of religion, when he finds he can keep men quiet and
secure no longer, by driving them to excesses and ex-
travagances. He holds them back as long as he can, but
when he can do it no longer, then he will push them on,
and if possible, run them upon their heads. And it has
been by this means chiefly that he has been successful in
several instances, to overthrow most hopeful and promis-
ing appearances.'
""
Dr. N. never adopted the anxious seat, nor any of its
kindred measures. He never requested persons to rise in
the Assembly to be prayed for, or to signify that they had
given their hearts to God, or that they had made up their
minds to attend to the subject of religion. He never
encouraged females to pray and exhort in promiscuous
assemblies. He never held his meetings to a late hour
in the night; nor did he encourage loud praying and ex-
horting. He did not encourage young converts, and oth-
ers who had more zeal than discretion, to take the charge
of religious meetings, or to go forth as public exhorters.
He was never personal in his prayers and exhortations,
nor did he countenance it in others. He did not allow
himself to denounce ministers and professors of religion,
as cold and dead, and as the enemies of revivals. He
entirely disapproved of all such measures, and considered
them as suited to mar the purity of revivals, and to pro-
¦
DAVAN
2.
220
mote fanaticism and delusion. It was against such meas-
ures as these, introduced in the western revivals, that he
set his face in 1826, as we shall see in the sequel.* His
meetings were regular, and orderly; characterized by
great stillness and solemnity. They were, it is true,
sometimes interrupted by the overwhelming distress of a
convicted sinner. But when this was the case, the indi-
vidual was immediately removed to a neighboring house,
and means were adapted to check the effect of mere
sympathy on the occasion; - as in the case which occur-
red at Milton, already mentioned. I will mention another
case which occurred at Waterbury. At an evening meet-
ing, a man was so overcome with distress that it became
necessary to remove him from the house. For a moment
the congregation was greatly agitated. Dr. N. requested
a physician who was present to attend to the case, and
then desired the congregation to be seated and to attend
to the discourse. Immediately the assembly was as still
as if nothing special had occurred.
Dr. N. was in the habit of appointing meetings of inqui-
ry for those who were under religious concern; and these
meetings under his management, were eminently useful.
They were usually conducted in the following manner.
After a short address, suited to produce solemnity, and
to make all who were present feel that they were in the
presence of a holy and heart searching God, he would
offer prayer. Then, he would speak to each individual
present in a low voice, unless the number was so large as
MEMOIR OF
G
He says
says in a letter to a friend written in 1835, "I did not oppose these
measures because they were new, but because of the mischief which they
had done in bringing the very name of a revival into disgrace. And up to
this day, I have in no instance called on sinners to take a separate or anx-
ious seat. Nor was I ever present to witness the scene as practised by
others."
For
DR. NETTLETON.
221
to render it impossible. When that was the case, he
would sometimes have one or two brethren in the ministry
to assist him. He would converse with each one but a
short time. The particular object of this conversation
was to ascertain the state of each one's mind. He would
then make a solemn address, giving them such counsel
as he perceived to be suited to their condition; after
which he closed the meeting with prayer. He usually
advised them to retire with stillness and to go directly to
their closets.
He was very particular to warn those who were anx-
ious, and those who were indulging hope, against the dan-
ger of self deception. He reminded them of the deceit-
fulness of the human heart, and of the unremitted efforts
of the great adversary to delude unwary souls. On
entering a house one morning, in New Haven, in the
revival of 1815, a person said to him, "here are three
more rejoicing." He replied, "if I knew as well as the
angels whether they have truly repented, I should know
whether to rejoice with them." He was very cautious
not to encourage premature hope. He never told a per-
son that he thought he had experienced religion; but he
often advised persons to give up their hopes.
He took great pains to instruct young converts in the
fundamental principles of the Christian religion. He
would often appoint meetings for their special benefit.
In these meetings he was wont to explain and enforce in
a familiar manner the doctrines of the gospel. Hence
the young converts became rooted and grounded in the
truth, and continued steadfast in the faith. In this way
also, they became acquainted with one another, and re-
ceiving the same doctrines and drinking into the same
spirit, they became united as a band of brethren.
He felt it to be of the first importance to preach the
doctrines of grace with great plainness, in revivals of re-
222
MEMOIR OF
ligion. He had no confidence in those revivals, in which
these doctrines could not be preached. His opinion was
that while the preaching of divine sovereignty and elec-
tion, with their kindred doctrines, was eminently fitted to
check fanatacism, and put a period to a spurious religious
excitement, it was equally adapted to promote a genuine
revival of religion. In Dr. Porter's lectures on Homile-
tics, I find the following reference to Dr. N's opinion and
practice in relation to this subject.
"The minister of Christ, whose experience and success
in such seasons have been greater than those of any other
man in modern times, observed to me, 'I have seen chur-
ches run down by repeated excitements in which there
was emotion merely, without instruction.' 'In the first stage
of a revival' said he, 'while depravity is yet ascendant, and
conscience asleep, I would preach the law, with its awful
sanctions and solemn claims on sinners to be holy and
that immediately. But when the first moments of a re-
vival are past, and sinners are settling down on presump-
tuous confidences, I would preach election. Conscience
is then roused enough to make a cord which sinners can-
not break. Their own convictions are on my side, so
that they cannot escape; and I would hold them fast,
and repeat my strokes under the fire and hammer of di-
vine truth.' "'
He was cautious in admitting persons to the church.
He would not encourage any to make a profession of re-
ligion till they gave satisfactory evidence of a change of
heart. His fidelity in this respect, is illustrated by the
following fact. In the town of W— where there had
been an extensive revival under his preaching, a meeting
was appointed for the examination of those who were de-
sirous of making a profession of religion. A man and
his wife attended this meeting, who had, till a short time
before, belonged to another religious denomination. They
DR. NETTLE TO̟N.
223
were persons of great respectability, and of a blameless
life; but they gave no satisfactory evidence of having ex-
perienced a change of heart. The deacons and commit-
tee of the church were in favor of admitting them. They
knew not how to reject persons of their character and
standing in society. But Dr. N. would not consent. The
next day, he called on these individuals, and in a kind
and affectionate manner informed them of his fears res-
pecting their religious experience, and pointed out to
them the danger of making a profession of religion with-
out the requisite qualifications. They immediately with
drew their application. Soon after this, Dr. N. left the
town; but within a short time, he was informed by letter that
these individuals had both become the hopeful subjects of
divine grace. Some months afterwards, on a visit to the
place, he called on this family. The man and his wife
both met him at the door,and with tears in their eyes they
seized him by the hand, and broke out in strains of the
most unfeigned gratitude. "Oh," said they, "if it had
not been for your faithfulness, we should have lost our
souls." Let this example stimulate all ministers to faith-
fulness and caution in admitting members to the commun-
ion of the church.
Dr. N. had but little confidence in the conversion of
persons who had been in the habit of using spirituous.
liquors, unless they entirely abandoned the habit, and he
was very unwilling to admit such persons to the church.
His views on this subject are expressed in a letter which
was written to Dr. Beecher in May, 1822, and which was
afterwards published in the Spirit of the Pilgrims. This
letter is so valuable on many accounts, that I shall insert
it entire.
(C
My Dear Brother:-I hear frequently from many
places where God has, of late, poured out his spirit and
"
224
MEMOIR OF
revived his work. My friends residing in these places,
far and near, either visit me or write to me, and tell me
all their joys and sorrows. For a number of years, I have
kept a list of the names of those who have hopefully ex-
perienced religion, and made a profession of it, in these
revivals. When far from them, in my retired moments,
I have often read over their names, and pondered on
them, and on the scenes they have awakened, with emo-
tions too big for utterance. I have watched them with
anxious solicitude, and have made particular inquiry
about the spiritual welfare of each one, as opportunity
presented. My heart has often been refreshed, when
some Timothy has brought me good tidings of the faith and
charity of the young converts. No tidings have been more
refreshing. I have often had occasion to adopt the lan-
guage of Paul on this very subject,' What thanks can we
render to God again, for all the joy wherewith we joy for
your sakes before our God.'
"During the leisure occasioned by my late illness, I have
been looking over the regions where God has revived his
work for the two years past. The thousands who have
professed Christ in this time, in general, appear to run
well. Hitherto I think they have exhibited more of the
christian temper, and a better example, than the same
number who have professed religion when there was no
revival. With hundreds of these I conversed when anx-
ious for their souls, and afterwards, when rejoicing in
hope. Some of them I have followed through life, and
down to the grave. If genuine religion is not found in
revivals, I have no evidence that it exists in our world.
Some few, indeed, have dishonored their profession,
have opened afresh the wounds of the Saviour, and caus-
ed the hearts of his friends to bleed. Bunyan says, 'If
at any time, I heard of such instances of apostacy among
those who have been hopefully benefited by my ministry,
<
DR. NETTLETON.
225
I feel worse than if I had followed one of my own natu-
ral children to the grave.' I have lost near and dear re-
lations, but the tidings of which Bunyan speaks, have
sometimes struck me with deeper sadness. Of the few
who have finally apostatized, you may wish to know the
cause. I have made particular inquiry, and find that the
declension of some has commenced with an undue con-
formity to the world; but the sin of intemperance has
caused more trouble, and done more dishonor to the
cause of Christ, than any other that can be named.
Though some have confessed, and doubtless repented
of other crimes, yet few, if any ex-communications have
hitherto taken place, for any crime except intemperance.
I have heard from S― county, that of the hundreds who
professed religion there two years ago, a few only have
been called to a public confession, and these have been
restored.
CÔ
I have heard of one excommunication. He was an ac-
quaintance of mine, a man about thirty-five years of age,
in the town of M
He had been a little inclined to
intemperance. He was anxious with others; his conver-
sion was considered interesting; and at the time he pro-
fessed religion, it was thought that his habit was broken.
But before I left that place, he ventured to drink a little.
On a public occasion, he became boisterous, and charged
one man with lying, and that led on to an angry dispute,
in which all present, considered him the aggressor. This
was soon noised through the place.
It gave a general shock to all the young converts. I
well remember the effect. Each one began to tremble
lest he too should wound the cause which was dearer to
him than life. I shall not forget what tenderness of con-
science the young converts manifested. Each one s
seemed
to tremble most of all for himself. The next morning
Mr. H-became sober, and now he felt exceedingly
226
MEMOIR OF
1
chagrined on remembering what he had said and done.
He told me that his first thought in the morning was, that
he had dishonored religion, and he could not bear to be
seen. He was almost tempted to leave his family and
friends, and abscond. He however confessed his fault
and appeared penitent. But sad, to relate, he drank
again; and, as I have been informed, is now cut off, and
utterly abandoned.
"A Mr. T- in the town of B was under con-
viction, hopefully experienced religion, and made a pub-
lic profession with about sixty others. He appeared well,
with the exception of this circumstance, that previous to
his convictions, he had been a little inclined to intemper-
ance. In the judgment of charity, he had reformed and
become a new man. He forsook his wicked companions,
prayed in his family, and appeared to be much engaged
in religion, and continued for a number of months to adorn
his profession. But he began by slow and cautious steps
(as he thought) to sip a little only for his health. Though
not drunk, he became foolish, and this led on to other
things, until he dishonored the cause of religion. He
made a public confession of his fault, and for a while ap-
peared penitent. But he drank again, and this led to
other unchristian conduct, which demanded christian sat-
isfaction. His brethren began, a few days since, their
endeavors to reclaim him. But he removed in the night,
with all his family, and has left the State to avoid another
confession. We consider him a ruined man.
"In the town of K a promising young man, hope-
fully experienced religion, during the recent powerful re-
vival there, and made a public profession, on the same
day with a hundred and six others. I believe he was nev
er considered at all inclined to intemperance. He left
K- and labored in company with others, who made
DR.
NETTLETON.
227
went
free use of ardent spirits. He soon contracted a taste fo
it, and we have heard of the public disgrace which he ha
brought on the cause of religion. With taunting voice
the enemies have been heard to say around him, 'Ther♦
is one of Mr. K's converts.' Brother K
after him to a neighboring place, and the young man has
just made a public confession of his fault, and appears
penitent. I find that all are flattering themselves that he
will never offend again. I should think and rejoice with
them, if I had not so often been disappointed. Of the
whole number who professed religion in that revival, this,
I think, is the only instance of an offence demanding a
public confession.
"When I look back on revivals which took place ten
or fifteen years ago, I have been agreeably surprised to
find so many of the subjects of them, continuing to adorn
their profession. Take the whole number who professed
religion as the fruit of these revivals, and take the same
number who professed religion when there was no gener-
al revival, and I do think the former have out-shined the
latter. I have not made a particular estimate, but from
what I have seen, I do believe the number of excommu-
nications from the latter is more than double, in propor-
tion to the former. And I find, all along, that more ex-
communications have taken place in consequence of in-
temperance, than for any other crime,
"A Mr. H
a member of Brother T
S
church, was thought to have experienced religion in L-
in the days of your predecessor. He was a promising,
active young man, much beloved and highly esteemed
by christians, and never suspected of intemperance until
about a year since. The disclosure of this fact, not only
grieved christians, but surprised and astonished every
body. Though he was not suspected of intemperance, it
228
MEMOIR OF
was afterwards ascertained that he had been in the habit
of drinking a little in private. This is one method of
covering sin. Whoever does it, is privately working out
the ruin of his soul. But Mr. H— made a public confes-
sion, appeared penitent, and all rejoiced in his reforma-
tion. This I said, was about a year ago, when I was last
in N- he called at brother T's on an evening visit.
It was evident he had been drinking. The next day
brother T- warned him in the most solemn manner, but
•
all to no purpose. He was past fear, and past shame,
and all have given him up as lost. He had accomplished
his ruin by drinking in private, before his friends had
any chance to prevent it. I could name a number of
individuals, in different towns in this state, whose case is
similar to this.
66
Now, my brother, what shall be done? I do not
ask what shall be done to reclaim those who have so
grievously offended. For these, nothing, ordinarily, can
be done. Their case, is hopeless. My inquiry, is, what
shall be done to prevent the future disgrace of the cause
of Christ? As for those who have confessed their fault,
and have been restored to fellowship, they must remain
where they are, until the next offence cuts them off. But
a public confession for intemperance, I think is about
nothing, and ought to go for nothing. The only evidence
of repentance in such cases, is a continued coURSE OF EN-
TIRE ABSTINENCE FROM ARDENT SPIRITS OF EVERY KIND.
"As for those who think they have experienced a
change, if their habits are bordering on intemperance,
we ought to be cautious how we admit them to a public
profession. If they have been in the habit of drinking
freely, though not to intoxication, however clear in other
respects, this circumstance alone, renders the evidence of
their conversion very doubtful. From what I have seen,
;
DR. NETTLETON.
229
I do believe no class of persons are more likely to be de-
ceived with false hopes, than the intemperate. If, while
under conviction, a person allows himself to sip a little,
or raises his sinking spirits in the least, he is sure to grieve
away the spirit of God.
66
During the revival at S-two years ago, I witnessed
an instance, which if you please, I will relate. Mr. A-
was one of the most respectable men in that village, about
thirty-five years of age, who kept a large boarding-house.
His wife was under deep conviction, and soon was re-
joicing in hope, and prayed with and for her husband.
This was the means of his conviction; though at the time
it was not known. Report said that he was confined to
his bed, and was dangerously ill. Hints were privately
circulated that he was anxious for his soul, and was
ashamed to have it known. It was late in the evening
when brother G- went to his house, and found him in a
bed-room, in a remote corner, in the greatest agony.
• What is the matter?' said brother G- 'Oh, I am
sick; I am in such distress.' But your pulse is regu-
lar, where is your pain?' He made no reply, but with
violence smote upon his breast. He asked, 'Is it there?"
It is,' he replied. The next evening, I called and
found him in the same distress.
His convictions appear-
6
ed to be deep. But when I returned, I suggested to
brother G— a suspicion of the smell of ardent spirits. I
then related a number of anecdotes of false conversions,
connected with this suspicious scent.
· Mr. A. is a very
moral man,' said he, and far from suspicion on that
point.' But for fear, he sent me back to give him a so-
lemn caution. I returned, and with much delicacy war-
ned him not to taste, lest-
He seemed startled at
my suggestion, and assured me he was far from the habit.
I requested his wife to watch him, and learned from her,
?
10
230
MEMOIR OF
i
that through his distress his strength had greatly failed,
and that he had taken a very little only, to prevent his
sinking entirely. I returned and observed to brother
G.— that I feared Mr. A. was a ruined man. His
concern continued for a few days, when he became ex-
ceedingly joyful. His convertion was considered
wonderful. But my joy was checked. I could not for-
get the smell of ardent spirits. I called and found him
much elated with joy. But when I cautioned him, he
seemed surprised, and somewhat offended, and obser-
ved, I think I have been distressed enough to exper-
ience religion!' 'Ah,' said I now I doubt more than
ever whether your heart has ever been changed. Do you
think there is any merit in the distress of an awakened
sinner? Suppose you had been to hell, and endured the
torments of the damned; what then! It is not distress
but love to God, and a change of heart, which alone can
fit the sinner for heaven.
C
"After a little conversation, his heart rose in such op-
position, that he relinquished his hope; his distress re-
turned in a moment; and he cried out, What shall I
do?' His heart was evidently unrenewed, and quarreling
with the justice of God. From some expressions, I
caught a glimpse of his heart, and that, if he should ever
experience religion, it was his secret purpose never to
make a public profession of it. He was evidently un-
humbled,—like a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. I put
into his hands Edwards on the justice of God in the
damnation of sinners. Shortly he again found relief.
He wished to profess religion with others, but prudence
led us to wait; and the result was that in process of time,
he became a sot. I know not of a more hopeless being
on earth.
He does no business; has drunk himself out
of his property, and almost out of his reason; and as
brother G says, he has become a brute
M
DR.
NETTLETON.
231
I could fill sheets with the relation of facts of a sim-
ilar character; all of which lead to the conclusion, that
persons of intemperate habits, though deeply convicted,
are far more likely to rest in a false hope than others.
However distressed a person of this character may have
been, or however joyful in hope, I think we may set it
down as a probable sign of a false conversion, if he al-
lows himself to taste a single drop. If he does not give
evidence that he intends to abstain wholly and forever, I
feel decided that he ought not to profess religion. If he
cannot be willing to do this, he can have no sufficient
evidence of his own repentance or conversion, and his
hope is a spider's web. Brother T preached an ex-
cellent sermon, not long since from these words;
• Cleanse thou me from secret faults; keep back thy ser-
vant also from presumptuous sins.' In the class of pre-
sumptuous sinners he placed the person of intemperate
habits. The person who has drunk to excess, and has
been warned, cannot venture to drink again, at all, with-
out sinning presumptuously. He sins deliberately and
with his eyes open.
Let him remember that he drinks
damnation.' I felt the justice of this last sentence. It
was attended with a thrill of horror. I am satisfied that
he who cannot break off entirely, and at once, can never
do it. And without it, we can have no evidence of his
piety. Every time he tastes, he is putting fire to tinder
and powder. If he really thinks he can drink a little,
and yet not become a drunkard, his danger is so much
the greater. This confidence evinces his consummate
ignorance of his own heart. This confidence, if not de-
stroyed, will damn him. • He that trusteth in his own
heart is a fool.'
"I wish that all the young converts who make a pro-
fession of religion, would make a point of conscience not
..
1
L
!
232
I
to taste of ardent spirits. This is the way in which many
have dishonored the cause of Christ on public occasions.
In this way thousands have become drunkards.
scarcely expect that any drunkard will be reformed, by
any measures that can be adopted. The only successful
method of preventing this kind of disgrace to religion in
future, is, to begin with the temperate. Though the
plague cannot be cured, it may be shunned. Had all
young converts seen what I have, they would need no
other motives to induce them to adopt the resolution to
abandon the use of ardent spirits forever. Could I learn
that all the young converts in your parish had jointly
adopted this resolution, it would be to themselves, to
you, and to me, a most delightful evidence of the sincer-
ity of their christian profession, as well as of genuine con-
version. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and
pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the
soul."
"Yours as ever."
MEMOIR OF DR. NETTLETON.
(
CHAPTER XI.
Character of the Revivals under his preaching.
THERE was a striking resemblance between the revivals
which occurred under Dr. N's preaching, and those which
occurred at the close of the last, and at the beginning of
the present century. Let any one read with attention
the narratives published in the first three or four volumes
of the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, and he will ob-
tain a very correct idea of the revivals of which I am
speaking. If there was any difference, it was this; that
the latter were more powerful and more extensive; that
is, they were characterized by more clear and distres-
sing conviction of sin, and in some instances, embraced a
larger number of subjects. As to the doctrines which were
preached, the means employed, and the character of the
religious exercises both of awakened sinners and hopeful
converts, there was a marked coincidence. The same
may be said as to the permanency of their fruits. A large
proportion of the hopeful converts in all these revivals,
continued to adorn the christian profession.
These revivals were characterized by great solemnity.
Christians were solemn. They were not merely excited
and filled with great animation for a season; but they
were deeply humbled in view of their past neglects of du-
234
MEMOIR OF
ty. They mourned over their backslidings, and returned
to God with deep contrition. Sensible of their great sin-
fulness, and of the alarming condition of sinners around
them, they felt deeply solemn, and walked humbly with
God. Their minds, it is true, were sometimes filled with
great joy, but it was a joy mingled with reverence. They
felt that they were in the presence of God, and had no
disposition to indulge in vain mirth. They carefully ab-
stained in their conversation from every thing suited to
produce levity or to banish serious thoughts from the
minds of the impenitent. The things of eternity lay with
great weight on their minds, and had a commanding in-
fluence upon all their conduct. When they looked around
them, and saw so many of their fellow men perishing in
sin, their eyes affected their hearts. They felt in some
measure, as did the weeping prophet when he said, "Oh
that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of
tears;" that I might weep day and night for the slain of the
daughter of my people." With these feelings, they could
not but be solemn.
Sinners were solemn. Those who were under convic-
tion were bowed down with distress. They felt like crim-
inals under sentence of death. In some cases, as we have
seen, their distress was exceedingly great. And when a
revival had become somewhat extensive in a parish, the
whole community was more or less solemn. The Rev.
Dr. Porter of Farmington, speaking of the revival in that
town says, “The state of feeling which at this time per-
vaded the town was interesting beyond description. There
was no commotion, but a stillness in our very streets; a
serenity in the aspect of the pious, and a solemnity appa-
rent in almost all, which forcibly impressed us with the
conviction that in very deed God was in this place."
× BA
DR. NETTLETON.
235
¦
What is here stated, might be stated with truth in refer-
ence to most of the places where revivals became exten-
sive under Dr. N's labors.
These revivals were characterized by deep and clear
convictions of sin. Dr. N. had no confidence in those re-
vivals which dispense with the "law-work." He did not
suppose that the work of conviction need be of long con-
tinuance. Although in his own case, it was protracted
through many months, he did not suppose it was always
so in cases of genuine conversion; nor ordinarily, when
the doctrines of the gospel are fully and plainly preached,
and when the obligations of sinners are faithfully pressed
upon their consciences. Under his preaching, convic-
tions were generally of short continuance; but they were
clear, and frequently exceedingly distressing. Sinners
were not brought to entertain the hope of salvation, with-
out being awakened to a sense of their lost condition by
nature, nor were they merely alarmed by some vague
sense of danger; but they were convinced of sin. They
saw themselves in the light of divine truth. Like Peter's
hearers on the day of Pentecost, "they were pricked in
the heart." "The commandment came, sin revived, and
(they) died." They saw what the law of God required.
They saw, also, that they never had obeyed it in a single
instance, and that their hearts were at enmity against God
and not subject to his law. There was, it is true, a differ-
ence in the dealings of God with different individuals, in
respect to the degree and continuance of their convictions,
and the strength and bitterness of their opposition. But,
in general, the convictions of awakened sinners, were dis-
tinctly marked. In the first stages of their concern, they
were usually filled with alarm on account of their past
lives. Seeing themselves in danger, they went about to
establish their own righteousness; hoping by their abun-
236
MEMOIR OF
▼
dant religious services to appease the anger of God, and
to secure an interest in his favor. But they were soon
convinced of the futility of these efforts. The more they
strove to make themselves better, the more they saw the
worthlessness of their own works. They were brought
to see, that they were actuated in all that they did by un-
holy motives; and that so far from growing better, they
were adding sin to sin, and sinking deeper and deeper in
guilt and wretchedness. Thus they were convinced of
their utterly lost condition, and of their entire dependence,
for salvation, on the sovereign mercy of God. While in
this state, they were frequently sensible of the most dread-
ful heart-risings against God.
Although they were convinced of the exceeding sinful-
ness of such feelings, yet they found themselves dispos-
ed to accuse their Maker of injustice in his commands
and threatenings, and of partiality in the dispensation of
his grace; and when they saw others brought to rejoice
in hope, while they were left, it sometimes filled them
with the bitterest opposition. These discoveries of the
desperate wickedness of their hearts, occasioned the
most acute distress. In some instances, the mental ago-
ny was overwhelming. Such extreme distress was gen-
erally of short continuance; and in most cases it was
succeeded by joy and peace in believing.
In proof of the deep feeling which occurred under Dr.
N.'s preaching, the reader is referred to the sketch of the
revival in Nassau, inserted in a former chapter.
But while Dr. N. considered conviction of sin essential
to genuine conversion; and while his preaching and con-
versation were adapted to give sinners a clear and dis-
tressing view of their true character and condition; yet
he endeavored to check all violent manifestations of feel-
ing, by showing that they had in them nothing of the na-
****
DR.
NETTLETON.
237
ture of religion; and when he discovered any tendency
to such manifestations in a religious meeting, he would
generally dismiss the assembly, and advise the people to
retire in silence to their homes.
The converts in these revivals were led in a way they
knew not. Darkness was made light before them. Previous
to their conversion, their duty had been clearly and faithful-
ly urged upon them. They had been told that God re-
quired them immediately to repent, to believe in Christ,
and to be holy in heart and life; and that he would be
pleased with nothing short of holy obedience. But they
were blind to the beauty of holiness. They received not
the things of the spirit of God, for they were foolishness
unto them, neither could 'they know them, because they
were spiritually discerned. Their hearts were opposed to
all the spiritual duties which God required. The more
they saw of God, of themselves, and of the terms of sal-
vation, the more hopeless their condition appeared; and
thus their prospects became darker and darker, until light
broke in from above. They did not feel that they had
made themselves to differ from others by any efforts of
their own. They did not suppose that they had gone
through a process of means while unrenewed, by which
they had made themselves new hearts. On the contrary
they knew that they had resisted every overture of mer-
cy, and that all their feelings and moral actions were sin-
ful, to the very moment when their hearts were renewed
by the power of the Holy Ghost. Consequently, they
took none of the glory to themselves. They had no
doubt that if they were the children of God, it was owing
wholly to his distinguishing grace.
As might be supposed from what has just been stated,
the converts in these revivals, cordially embraced the
doctrines of grace, and were steadfast in their belief of
10*
238
MEMOIR OF
them. They received them, both because they appeared
to be clearly taught in the scriptures, and because they
were in perfect harmony with their own experience.
"They were born into the truth." The knowledge which
they had obtained of their own hearts while under con-
viction, and the wonderful change which had taken place
in their views and feelings in relation to divine objects,
were all in accordance with the evangelical system, and
entirely at variance with the views of those who deny the
doctrines of grace. It was no matter of doubt with them
whether the natural heart is totally depraved, and unrec-
onciled to God. They knew it to be true in reference to
themselves, for it had been matter of painful conscious-
ness. They were of course convinced that salvation
must be by grace through the redemption of Christ. They
trusted alone in his righteousness for justification, and
counted all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus, their Lord. They were fully
convinced of the necessity of regeneration by the special
agency of the Holy Ghost; for they knew that if they
had passed from death unto life, they had "been born, not
of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God." They were also convinced, that unless
God had from all eternity determined to make some of
mankind, the trophies of grace, not an individual of the
human race would obtain salvation. The doctrine of
eternal and particular election therefore, appeared to
them to lie at the foundation of all hope in regard to the
salvation of man; and they rejoiced in the assurance that
God hath from the beginning, chosen some to salvation
through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth
and in the promise that all true believers shall be kept
by the power of God through faith unto salvation. The
converts were generally so steadfast in their belief of
==
DR. NETTLETON.
239
i
these doctrines, that their faith could not be shaken. They
possessed, in an unusual degree, stability of character.
They were not carried about by every wind of doctrine,
nor often led astray by those who lie in wait to deceive.
The religious exercises of the subjects of these revivals, so
far as they could be known, were generally such as indi-
cated a radical change of character. The whole current
of their moral feelings seemed to be changed. What
they had hated, now they seemed to love. Those objects
which had awakened in their bosoms feelings of enmity
were now contemplated with supreme delight. Their
affections were not such as could be traced to the opera-
tion of any natural principle of the human mind; such
as self-love or natural gratitude. They did not love God
merely on account of his kindness to them; but on ac-
count of the supreme excellency of his character. Their
first consolation did not arise from the belief that God
had pardoned their sins, and received them to favor, for
in most instances when they first found peace, they had
no apprehensions that their sins were pardoned. When
divine objects appeared to them in a new and pleasing
light, they scarcely thought of their personal safety, or
whether they were or were not converted. They discov-
ered a relish for divine objects to which they had been total
strangers, and the truths of the gospel with which they
had been contending, were now objects of complacency.
It was no uncommon thing for persons, whose chief
distress had arisen from the thought that they were in the
hands of God, to find themselves unexpectedly rejoicing
in that very thought, contemplating the glory of God as
an object of higher importance than their own salvation;
and all this, while as yet, they had no idea of having ex-
perienced a change of heart. It thus appeared that "the
first objective ground" of their religious affections, was
?
240
"It
"the transcendently excellent and amiable nature of
divine things, as they are in themselves, and not any con-
ceivable relation they bear to self, or self-interest."
What Edwards says of the converts in Northampton,
was equally true of those of whom I am speaking,
has more frequently been so among us, that persons have
had the gospel ground of relief for lost sinners discover-
ed to them, and have been entertaining their minds with
the sweet prospect, while they have thought nothing at
that time of their being converted. There is wrought in
them a holy repose of soul in God through Christ, and a
sweet disposition to fear and love him, and to hope for
blessings from him in this way, and yet they have no im-
agination that they are now converted; it does not so much as
come into their minds.'
""
MEMOIR OF
There are religious affections, and they sometimes rise
to a high degree, which are founded in self love. Per-
sons may think they love God, when their love arises en-
tirely from the belief that God loves them, and that he has
pardoned their sins, and given them a title to heaven.
But such love is natural to the human heart, and affords
no evidence of a supernatural change. "Sinners also
love those that love them." Persons may be filled with
joy because they have persuaded themselves, without any
good reason, that their immortal interests are secured;
but such joy is selfish, and partakes not of the nature of
holiness. Sinners may be convinced that in order to be
happy, they must become the servants of God; and they
may resolve, for the sole purpose of securing their happi-
ness, to devote themselves to the service of God; and
having adopted the opinion that such a resolution is a
change of heart, they may experience pleasurable emo-
tions in the thought that they are interested in the divine
---
**
DR. NETTLETON.
241
favor. But such conversions imply no radical change of
character, and will not endure the test of the judgment
day.
The conversions, in the revivals of which I am speak-
ing, appeared to be widely different from these. If any
cases occurred which appeared to be of this description,
they were treated as spurious. If any persons professed
to have experienced a change of heart, and gave no other
evidence than what is afforded by such religious affec-
tions as, to use the language of Brainerd, "have self-love
for their beginning, centre and end," they were advised
to abandon their hopes without delay.
The converts in these revivals were not bold, forward,
self-sufficient and censorious; but humble, meek, gentle,
and docile. When we see those, who profess to have en-
tered recently upon the christian life, lifted up with pride,
wiser in their own estimation than their teachers dis-
posed to put themselves forward as leaders abundant
in their censures of old professors-full of self-compla-
cency, and self-commendation, there is reason to fear
that they know not what manner of spirit they are of.
Such is not the spirit of the gospel. "The wisdom
which is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle
and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy." Our Saviour
said,
"except ye be converted, and become as little
children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
The little child is meek, humble, docile, confiding — and
such is the spirit of the real children of God. When those
who profess to have become subjects of divine grace, ex-
hibit this spirit, they give evidence of being what they
profess to be. And such appear to have been the con-
verts generally in the revivals of which I am speaking.
These revivals exerted a most benign influence upon
G
M
242
MEMOIR OF
the churches. They did not divide churches, and dis-
solve the relation between pastors and their flocks. On
the contrary, they built up churches — healed divisions,
where they had previously existed-promoted union and
brotherly love among the members, and greatly strength-
ened the hands of pastors.
One striking effect of these revivals was to elevate the
standard of orthodoxy. Dr. N. preached with great
plainness the doctrines of Calvinism. Under his preach-
ing, these doctrines were seen to be the power of God
unto salvation. It was in vain to object that they tend to
paralyze effort and to harden men in stupidity. They
were seen to produce the opposite effect. Sinners were
pricked in the heart and brought to repentance. Saints
were quickened and comforted, and incited to fidelity in
their master's service. The converts, as we have seen,
cordially embraced these doctrines, and were confirmed
in their belief by their own religious experience. If
creeds were altered, it was for the purpose of making
them more Calvinistic. In many instances, where violent
prejudices had existed against the Calvinistic system,
they were overcome; and some churches, which had been
very lax in doctrine, became sound in the faith.
These revivals exerted a salutary influence upon soci-
ety at large. They checked the prevalence of vice,
raised the tone of moral sentiment, and elevated the
standard of morals. So striking was the evidence that
they were not the result of mere human agency, that few
could resist the conviction that they were the work of
God. In those days, such was the state of the public con-
science, that the very name of a revival had wonderful
power. Announce to a congregation that a revival had
commenced in a neighboring town, and it would produce
great solemnity on the whole assembly. The general
DR.
NETTLETON.
243
Cla
feeling seemed to be, God has come nigh to us, and is
calling upon us in solemn accents to prepare to meet him.
This state of the public mind was the result of a careful
observation of the effects of these revivals. They were
seen to be good. This leads me to observe once more.
The salutary fruits of these revivals were permanent.
They were not temporary excitements which were soon
over, and followed by a melancholy reaction; but the good
effects were abiding. The converts generally continued
to adorn their profession. There were but few apostacies.
Dr. N. in his letter to Dr. Beecher, inserted in the last
chapter, says, "For a number of years I have kept a list
of the names of those who have hopefully experienced
religion, and made a profession of it in these revivals. I
have watched them with anxious solicitude, and have
made particular inquiry about the spiritual welfare of
each one as opportunity presented. The thousands who
have professed Christ, in this time, in general, appear to
run well. Hitherto I think they have exhibited more of
the christian temper, and a better example, than the same
number who have professed religion when there was no
revival."
If the reader will recur to the accounts given by minis-
ters of the revivals among their own people, under Dr.
Nettleton's preaching, inserted in the preceding chap-
ters, he will perceive that they all bear testimony to
the permanent good effects of his labors; and such testi-
monials might be multiplied to a great extent.
1
CHAPTER XII.
His opposition to new measures.
In the year 1826, there was a great religious excite-
ment in the central and Western parts of the State of New-
York, occasioned principally by the labors of the Rev.
Charles G. Finney, an evangelist of great zeal, and of con-
siderable native eloquence. He had been a lawyer, and hav-
ing as he hoped, been converted to Christ, he entered the
ministry, with but little preparatory study. He was bold, ar-
dent, and denunciatory in his manner. He rebuked with
harshness and great severity, not only open transgressors,
and impenitent sinners of every description; but profes-
sors of religion and ministers of the gospel; and was not
unfrequently very pointed and personal in his prayers.
The consequence was, that he not only met with violent
opposition from the open enemies of religion, but many
of the most judicious ministers and private christians, felt
unwilling to sanction his proceedings. Others became
his warm friends and adherents, and imbibing the same
spirit, denounced their brethren as "cold and dead, and
enemies to revivals." Some young evangelists, in partic-
ular, attempting to imitate Mr. Finney, became much
more extravagant than their leader. But a great excite-
ment attended the preaching of Mr. Finney and his co-
adjutors, and multitudes were reported as the subjects of
246
MEMOIR OF
1
renewing grace. That very many of the reputed con-
verts were like the stony ground hearers, who endured
only for a time, few, I presume, will, at this day, be dis-
posed to deny. Yet, it is believed, that some were truly
converted to Christ.
en-
Connected with this excitement, various measures were
introduced, similar to those which in former times, had
been the great instruments of marring the purity of revi-
vals, and promoting fanaticism;-such as praying for
persons by name —using great familiarity in prayer
couraging females to pray and exhort in promiscuous as-
semblies — calling upon persons to come to the anxious
seat, or to rise up in the public assembly to signify that
they had given their hearts to God, or had made up their
mind to attend to religion. The result was that where
this spirit prevailed, and these measures were introduced,
there was division in the churches. Those who adopted
these measures, often appealed to the example of Dr.
Nettleton, and made use of his name to sanction their
proceedings. Those, however, who were acquainted
with him and his labors in revivals, knew that these rep-
resentations were not true. They knew that he never
had introduced such measures, nor countenanced such a
spirit as was connected with them.
While these things were passing in the central and
Western parts of the State of New York, Dr. Nettleton,
in very feeble health, was laboring in Jamaica, on Long
Island. He was from time to time made acquainted with
what was transpiring at the West, and was not without
great solicitude as to the ultimate results. The lesson
which he learned while laboring on the borders of Rhode
Island, in those places which had been made desolate by
the operations of Davenport and his co-adjutors a century
ago, had prepared him to resist every thing which tended
to corrupt revivals and promote fanaticism.
...
DR.
NETTLETON.
247
He heard with inexpressible pain, that his own exam-
ple was appealed to at the West, to sanction measures
which he had always reprobated; still, although con-
stantly urged by some of his friends to come out with a
public testimony, he was very reluctant to do it, nor could
he be persuaded to publish his views, till he was fully
convinced that a regard to the interests of Christ's king-
dom required it.
C
In the winter of 1826-7, at the earnest request of some
of his brethren, he visited Albany, while Mr. Finney was
preaching at Troy. He had two interviews with Mr.
Finney, hoping that by a free consultation, their views
might be brought to harmonize, so far at least, that they
might co-operate in promoting the interests of Christ's
kingdom. But in this he was painfully disappointed. He
found that Mr. F. was utterly unwilling to abandon cer-
tain measures which he had "ever regarded as exceedingly
calamitous to the cause of revivals," and which, of course,
he could not sanction. He perceived also that there
could be no hope of convincing Mr. F. of his errors, so
long as he was upheld and encouraged by ministers of
high respectability. After his second interview with Mr.
F., he addressed a letter to the Rev. Mr. Aikin of Utica,
a part of which is here inserted. It is dated Albany, Jan-
uary 13, 1827.
"Seven years ago, about two thousand souls were
hopefully born into the kingdom, in this vicinity, in pur
denomination, with comparative stillness. But the times
have altered. The kingdom of God now cometh with
great observation. Opposition from the world is always
to be expected. It is idle for any minister to expect a
revival without it. But when it enters the church of God,
the friends of Zion cannot but take the alarm.
"There is doubtless a work of grace in Troy. Many
248
MEMOIR OF
sinners have hopefully been born into the kingdom; but
it has been at an awful expense. Many of our first min-
isters have visited the place to witness for themselves.
Such men as Dr. Griffin, Dr. Porter, of Catskill, Dr.
Nott, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Cornelius, and many more. Some
of them have heard a number of sermons. After giving
credit for preaching much truth, they uniformily say, 'I
have never heard the names of God used with such ir-
reverence.' Dr. Griffin, gave me a number of specimens.
I do not wish to retail them. The church in Troy, is greatly
divided. Some have taken a dismission; others are con-
sulting neighboring ministers about the path of duty; and
others are beginning to attend worship by themselves.
"But the worst is not told. The spirit of denuncia-
tion, which has grown out of the mode of conducting re-
vivals at the west, is truly alarming. We do not call in
question the genuineness of those revivals, or the purity
of the motives of those who have been the most active in
them. You, doubtless, are reaping, and rejoicing in,
their happy fruits. But the evils, to which I allude, are
felt by the churches abroad; members of which have
gone out to catch the spirit, and have returned, some
grieved, others soured and denouncing ministers, Colleges
and Theological Seminaries, and have thrown whole
churches into confusion, and kept them in turmoil for
months together. Some students in divinity have done
more mischief in this way, than they can ever repair. I
could mention names, but for exposing them. Some
ministers and professors of religion have been to Troy,
from the surrounding region, on purpose to catch the
flame, and have returned home saying, 'We do not want
such a revival as they have at Troy.'
*
*
*
"The evil is running in all directions. A number of
churches have experienced a revival of anger, wrath,
1.
DR.
249
NETTLETON.
M
malice, envy, and evil speaking, without the knowledge
of a single conversion,- merely in consequence of a des-
perate attempt to introduce these new measures. Those
ministers and christians who have heretofore been most
and longest acquainted with revivals, are most alarmed
at the spirit which had grown out of the revivals at the
west. This spirit has, no doubt, greatly deteriorated by
transportation. As we now have it, the great contest is
among professors of religion a civil war in Zion
domestic broil in the household of faith. The friends of
brother Finney, are certainly doing him and the cause of
Christ, great mischief. They seem more anxious to con-
vert ministers and christians to their peculiarities, than to
converts souls to Christ.
a
#
*
*
*
*
“The account which his particular friends give of his
proceedings, is, in substance, as follows: He has got
ministers to agree with him only by 'crushing,' or 'break-
ing them down.' The method by which he does it, is,
creating a necessity, by getting a few individuals in a
church to join him; and then all those who will not go
all lengths with him are denounced as enemies to revi-
vals; and rather than have such a bad name, one and
another falls in to defend him; and then they proclaim
what ministers, elders and men of influence have been
'crushed' or 'broken down.' This moral influence being
increased, others are denounced in a similar manner, as
standing out, and leading sinners to hell. And, to get
rid of the noise and save himself, another will break
down.' And so they wax hotter and hotter, till the church
is fairly split in twain. And now as for those elders and
christians who have thus been converted to these meas-
ures; some of them are sending out private word to their
christian friends abroad as follows: 'I have been fairly skin-
ned by the denunciations of these men, and have ceased to
K
250
MEMOIR OF
oppose them, to get rid of the noise. But I warn you
not to introduce this spirit into your church and society.'
And so, brother Finney's supposed friends, men of influ-
ence, are sending out word to warn others to beware of
the evils they have experienced. I heartily pity brother
Finney, for I believe him to be a good man, and wishing
to do good. But nobody dares tell him that a train of
causes is set in operation, and urged on by his own friends,
which is likely to ruin his usefulness.
*
*
*
“Whoever has made himself acquainted with the state
of things in New England, near the close of the revival in
the days of Whitefield and Edwards, cannot but weep
over its likeness to the present. It is affecting that the
warm friends of Zion should unwittingly betray her best
interests. But so was it then. The young itinerants, in
their zeal to extend the work, began to denounce all those
settled ministers who would not go all lengths with them.
And then those members of churches who loved their
pastors would assemble around to defend them, while
those, who favored the itinerants assembled around them,
and imbibing their spirit, of course lost all confidence in
a settled ministry; and so the churches were split in
twain. The spirit of God took its flight, and darkness
and discord reigned for half a century. And those
preachers who had taken the lead, having cultivated such
a spirit, began to fall into awful darkness themselves,
when they saw the ruin that followed their labors. Some
of them made and published their recantations to the
world, which are now extant. But it was too late. A
retribution followed. Some few of the young converts
were called to order by David Brainerd, who passed
through Connecticut at that time. But after their recan-
tations, these leaders were generally denounced by their
own followers. Could Whitefield, and Edwards, and
ܕ :.-
DR. NETTLETON.
251
A
Brainerd, and Davenport, arise from the dead, I have no
doubt they would exclaim, Young men, beware! be-
"
*
*
ware!'
*
*
*
"Some of brother Finney's younger brethren and
friends may attempt to work on his mind the conviction
that most of our ministers and churches, are enemies to
revivals, and unfriendly to himself. I feel it my duty to
speak in their behalf. I know it to be a mistake. The
best friends of revivals, as they have heretofore witness-
ed them, are certainly the most afraid to invite him into
their churches, and are the most alarmed at the evils that
are rising. And I must say, that his friends are certainly la-
boring to introduce those very measures, which I have
ever regarded as ultimately working ruin to our churches;
and against which I have always guarded as ruinous to
the character of revivals, as well as to my own usefulness.
"For example: whoever introduces the practice of fe-
males praying in promiscuous assemblies, let the prac-
tice once become general, — will ere long find to his sor-
row, that he has made an inlet to other denominations,
and entailed an everlasting quarrel on those churches
generally. If settled pastors choose to do it on their own
responsibility, so be it. For one, I dare not assume so
great responsibility. In this way churches were once
laid waste. And it is by keeping out and carefully avoid-
ing every thing of this kind, that some of them have again
been built, and others kept orderly, and the character of
revivals, for thirty years past has been guarded. If the evil
be not soon counteracted, a generation will arise, inherit-
ing all the obliquities of their leaders, not knowing that a
revival ever did, or can exist, without all these evils. And
these evils are destined to be propagated from generation
to generation, waxing worse and worse.
*
*
"The practice of praying for people by name, in the
*
W
*
*
252
MEMOIR OF
closet, and in the social circle, has no doubt had a bene-
fical effect. But as it now exists in many places, it has
become, in the eye of the christian community at large,
an engine of public slander of the worst form. I should
not dare, in this solemn manner, to arraign a fellow sin-
ner before a public assembly, without his own particular
request, unless my expressions were of most conciliatory
kind. And no christian minister, whatever his character
may be, can adopt the practice without awakening the
indignation of the world at large, and of christians gen-
erally against him. Much less can it be done by any
body and every body, who takes it into his head positively
to decide the question, and to tell God and the world, that
such and such persons are unconverted. I do not believe,
whatever may be the effect upon the individual thus
named, that God will regard such a prayer in any other
light than as that of a proud, self-righteous Pharisee.
"There is another interesting topic that lies near my
heart; but the time would fail me to express my views and
feelings on the subject. That holy, humble, meek, modest,
retiring Form, sometimes called the Spirit of Prayer, and
which I have ever regarded as the unfailing precursor of
a revival of religion, has been dragged from her closet,
and so rudely handled by some of her professed friends,
that she has not only lost all her wonted loveliness, but is
now stalking the streets stark mad.
*
*
"There is another method of laboring in revivals, which
may avoid these difficulties. Settled pastors occupy nearly
the whole field of operation. They have, and ought to
have, the entire management of their own congregations.
Each one has a right to pursue his own measures, within
his own limits; and no itinerant has any business to in-
terfere or dictate. It will ever be regarded as intermed-
dling with other men's matters. If they do not choose to
*
DR. NETTLETON.
253
invite me into their field, my business is meekly and si-
lently to retire. I have no right to complain. But many
young men are continually violating the rules of ministe-
rial order, and christian propriety, in these respects. Im-
patient to see the temple rise, they are now doing that,
which, it appears to me, will tend ultimately, more than
any thing else, to defeat the end they wish to accomplish.
They are now pulling down, in many places, the very
things which I have been helping ministers to build up;
and for which I have often received their warmest thanks.
It is a sentiment which I have had frequent occasion to
repeat to my young brethren in the ministry, Better
forego the prospect of much present good in your own
opinion, than to lose the confidence of settled ministers,
without which, you cannot be long and extensively use-
ful.'
"There is, certainly, another, and a lawful point of
attack on the kingdom of darkness, which, when you
have taken, and it is seen, possesses wonderful advantage.
It will give no offence to the church of God. It will be
sure to rally round you every faithful soldier of the cross.
Though it may seem too slow and silent in its operation,
yet, being the lawful method of conducting this warfare,
it will secure the confidence of ministers and christians,
the consciences of the wicked, and a crown of glory.
"And now, brother, I have ventured to lay before you,
the subject of my prayers and tears, and I may add, the
subject which brought me back to a region which I never
expected to visit again. If you discover any thing in this
communication unchristian, or unkind, you will pardon it.
If, in your opinion, it can do no mischief, or will do any
possible good, you are at full liberty to show it to brother
Finney, or any of the friends of Zion, whom it may con-
11
254
MEMOIR OF
לו
cern. We will lay the subject at the feet of our divine
Master, and there will we leave it.
"Yours, in the best of bonds."
The letter from which the foregoing extracts are taken,
with some other documents, was published in a pamphlet
in 1828. In a note appended to it, Dr. Nettleton says
"The above letter was written sometime last Decem-
ber, immediately after a second interview with Mr. Fin-
ney. From personal conversation with himself, but more
particularly with his friends, I learned that they had
adopted and defended measures which I have ever re-
garded as exceedingly calamitous to the cause of re-
vivals.
"This letter was written originally as an expression of
my own views, and the views of my brethren generally,
on this subject, without intending to send it to any one.
As my opinion was repeatedly solicited on this subject, by
the friends of Mr. F., I thought it best to give it in writ-
ing. Accordingly, this letter was read at different times,
to not less than twenty ministers, and to some who had
adopted the measures in question. In this silent manner,
I labored for a number of weeks, hoping to persuade the
latter to drop them; but to my surprise, I found that my
own name was continually employed to give them sanc-
tion; nor was it in my power to prevent this perversion,
without publishing my views to the world.
"As preparatory to publishing, and to cut off occasion
for after complaints, it was thought best that I should de-
lay no longer sending a communication to some one or
more of our brethren in the Oneida Presbytery. The
above 'document' is one, and only a small part of what
I have written to the members of that body. What I have
done in laying the subject before them, was not done
"d
DR. NETTLETON.
255
without the knowledge and approbation of the watchmen
of Israel, the long, the tried, the acknowledged friends
of Zion."
The letter, although addressed to Mr. Aikin, was in-
tended for the perusal of Mr. Finney and his friends.
Soon after it was received, Mr. Finney prepared and
preached at Utica, a sermon on the text, "How can two
walk together except they be agreed." This sermon
was understood to be a vindication of the things complain-
ed of in Dr. N's letter. It was afterwards preached in
Troy and published. Dr. N. made some remarks on this
sermon, in a letter addressed to the Rev. Dr. Spring of
New York, which was first published in the New York Ob-
server, and afterwards, in the above mentioned pamphlet,
I make the following extracts.
"DURHAM, N. Y., May 4th, 1827.
"My Dear Brother,
"I have read brother Finney's sermon from the words,
'How can two walk together, except they be agreed?'
The principle, on which it rests, is contained in the fol-
lowing sentences:
"If any thing, even upon the same subject, that is far
above or below our tone of feeling, is presented; and if
our affections remain the same, and refuse to be enlisted
and brought to that point, we must feel uninterested, and
perhaps grieved and offended. If the subject be exhibited
in a light that is below our present tone of feelings, we
cannot be interested till it come up to our feelings. If
this does not take place, we necessarily remain uninter-
ested. If the subject be presented in a manner that is far
above our tone of feeling, and our affections grovel, and
refuse to rise, it does not fall in with, and feed our affec-
tions; therefore we cannot be interested; it is enthusi-
256
MEMOIR OF
1
asm to us, we are displeased with the warmth in which
our affections refuse to participate; and the farther it is
above our temperature, the more are we disgusted. These
are truths to which the experience of every man will tes-
tify, as they hold good upon every subject, and under all
circumstances, and are founded upon principles that are
incorporated with the very nature of man.'
•
"Now all this, so far as christians and true religion are
concerned, I take to be false in theory, contrary to fact,
and dangerous in its consequences. Present to the mind
of the christian, whose holiness and flaming zeal shall
equal that of Paul, the least degree of holiness in any
saint, and he will not be offended, but interested. He
would be greatly delighted with even babes in Christ.'
And the higher the tone of his piety and holy feeling, the
greater will be his delight, even upon the same subject.'
Now, raise the tone of pious feeling up to that of the spir-
its of just men made perfect, and holy angels, and still
they will not lose their interest, even upon the same
subject.' They will rejoice even over one sinner that re-
penteth, far more than will those whose feelings fall to the
level of the penitent himself.
C
'Nor is it true that christians are always better pleased
with those, whose tone of feeling is on a level with their
own. The least saint on earth loves holiness in others,
and rejoices in their growth in grace. And he loves those
most, whose tone of holy feeling is raised farthest above
him; and for the same reason, he loves the Saviour more
than all. Every child of God, who reads his bible, is bet-
ter pleased with the high toned piety of Job, and Daniel,
and David, and Isaiah, and Paul, than he is with that of
other saints, whose piety falls below theirs, or to the level
of his own. What christian can read the memoirs of Ed-
wards and Brainerd without deep interest? I know of no
christian that does not read them with far greater interest
DR. NETTLETON.
257
6
than he would have done, had they exhibited far less of
the spirit of christianity. And though christians feel con-
demned, by their high-toned piety, yet for this very rea-
son, they are not offended and grieved,' but love them
the more. Though christians are not up to the tone of
piety exhibited by David and Paul, Edwards and Brai-
nerd, yet they are highly delighted and could walk to-
gether with them.
(6
Again; take the example of our Saviour. No chris-
tian on earth, is better pleased with any other. Though
many of his friends have died and gone to heaven whom
he still loves, yet the christian can say, 'whom have I in
heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I de-
sire beside thee.' The tone of the Saviour's pious and
holy feeling is certainly raised far above that of all his
followers. Hence according to the sentiment of the ser-
mon, he could have had no followers on earth, and can
have none now. All his disciples must have been 'dis-
pleased with his warmth.' And the higher it rose 'above
their temperature, the more they must have been disgusted.'
"Present to the mind of the christian the holy character
of God. Is not this subject far above the tone of the feel-
ings of
any man? Now according to the sentiment of the
sermon, if our affections are not brought to that point, we
must feel uninterested — grieved and offended.' Ac-
cording to the principle of his own sermon, brother Fin-
ney and his friends cannot walk with God, for they are
not agreed. It must be acknowledged, that God has an
infinitely higher tone and degree of holy feeling than
brother Finney. He is not up to it.' Consequently on
his own principles, they cannot be agreed. God is dis-
pleased with him, and he with God. Brother Finney
must necessarily' be displeased with high and holy zeal
in his maker, which so infinitely transcends his own; and
the 'farther it is above his temperature, the more he will
C
.
258
MEMOIR OF
1
be disgusted.' These are truths,' he observes, 'to which
the experience of every man will testify, as they hold good
upon every subject and under all circumstances, and are
founded upon principles that are incorporated with the
very nature of man.'
*
•
*
*
*
"The sermon in question entirely overlooks the nature
of true religion. It says not one word by which we can
distinguish between true and false zeal, true and false re-
ligion. If the tone of feeling can only be raised to a cer-
tain pitch, then all is well. The self-righteous, the hypo-
crite, and all who are inflated with pride, will certainly be
flattered and pleased with such an exhibition; especially
if they are very self-righteous and very proud. False
affections often rise far higher than those that are genu-
ine; and this every preacher in seasons of revival has had
occasion to observe and correct. And the reason of their
great height is obvious. There are no salutary checks of
conscience no holy, humble exercises to counteract
them in their flight. And they court observation. 'A
pharisee's trumpet shall be heard to the town's end,
when simplicity walks through the town unseen.' If the
preacher is not extremely careful to distinguish between
true and false affections, the devil will certainly come in
and overset the work, and bring it into disgrace. False
zeal, and overgrown spiritual pride, will rise up and take
the management, and condemn meekness and humility, and
trample upon all the christian graces, because they are
not 'up to it.'
*
#
*
*
It is of the highest importance that the preacher pre-
sent to his hearers the distinguishing marks of true reli-
gion, the graces of the spirit, in all their native loveliness;
and at the same time, that he detect and expose every
counterfeit. Having done this, he may labor with all his
might to bring them up to the highest possible tone.
exhort them to the exercise of love, joy, peace, long-
He may
DR. NETTLETON.
259
謅
​ING
suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temper-
ance;' and to be kindly affectioned one to another, with
brotherly love, in honor preferring one another. That
they walk with all lowliness and meekness, with long-
suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to
keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. That
they let nothing be done through strife, or vain glory,
but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better
than themselves. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and an-
ger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from
you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another,
tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for
Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Likewise ye younger,
submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea all of you be sub-
ject one to another, and be clothed with humility.' He
may exhort them to put on, as the elect of God'. and
be covered all over with these shining graces 'bowels
of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
long-suffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one
another even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye—and
above all things, put on charity, which is the bond of per-
fectness.' He may set their hearts all on fire with that
heavenly Form-'so pure, so peaceable, so gentle and
easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, with-
out partiality and without hypocricy'—that is so 'long suf-
fering, so kind, envieth not, is not puffed up, doth not be-
have itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily pro-
voked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but re-
joiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things, and never faileth.' These are the pre-
vailing characteristics of a revival of religion. Their ab-
sence cannot be compensated by flaming zeal.
* * *
"As the time would fail me to complete the subject, Ed-
wards may, in part, supply this deficiency in brother
Finney's sermon. I would therefore take this opportuni-
G
260
MEMOIR OF
¡
66
ty to recommend to all young converts, a careful perusal
of his account of the revival of New England, fourth
part; and what he says are the marks of true humility and
spiritual pride, of which the following is a brief abstract:
Spiritual pride disposes one to speak much of the
faults of others, and with bitterness, or with levity and
an air of contempt. Pure christian humility rather dis-
poses one to be silent about them, or to speak of them
with grief and pity. Spiritual pride is very apt to suspect
others; an humble saint is most jealous of himself. The
spiritually proud person is apt to find fault with those that
are low in grace, and to be much in observing how cold
and dead they be, and crying out on them, and sharply
reproving them for it. The humble christian has so much
to do at home with his own heart, that he is not apt to be
very busy with the hearts of others; and is apt to esteem
others better than himself, and take most notice of what
is good in them, while he takes most notice of what is
wrong in himself. In his clearest discoveries of God's
glory, and in his most rapturous frames, he is most over-
whelmed with a sense of his own vileness, and feels the
deepest self-abasement.
"It is a mark of spiritual pride, when any are dispos-
ed to speak of what they see amiss in others, in the most
harsh, severe, and terrible language; saying of their
opinions, or conduct, or advice, of their coldness, their
silence, their caution, their moderation, and their pru-
dence, that they are from the devil, or from hell, that such
a thing is devilish, or hellish, or cursed, and the like; so
that the words devil and hell are almost continually in
their mouths. And especially when such language is
used towards ministers of the gospel, and others whose
age or station entitles them to particular respect. Hu-
mility leads the christian to treat others that are in fault
DR. NETTLETON.
261
L.
¦
with meekness and gentleness, as Christ did his disciples,
particularly Peter when he had shamefully denied him.
*
*
*
*
*
"The eminently humble christian is clothed with low-
liness, mildness, meekness, gentleness of spirit and be-
havior, and with a soft, sweet, condescending, winning
air and deportment. Humility has no such thing as
roughness, or contempt, or fierceness, or bitterness, in
its nature, which things are marks of spiritual pride; as
are also invectives, and censorious talk concerning par-
ticular persons for their opposition, hypocrisy, delusion,
pharisaism, and the like.
"Spiritual pride takes great notice of the opposition and
injuries that are received, and is often speaking of them.
Humility disposes a person rather to be like his blessed
Lord when reviled, dumb, not opening his mouth. The
more clamorous and furious the world is against him,
the more silent and still he will be.
"Spiritual pride leads those who are reproached to be
more bold and confident, and to go greater lengths in that for
which they are blamed. Humility leads one to improve
the reproaches of enemies as an occasion of serious self-
examination.
(6
Spiritual pride leads to a certain unsuitable and self-
confident boldness before God and man. Humility leads
to the opposite.
66
Assuming is a mark of spiritual pride; putting on the
airs of a master, to whom it belongs to dictate. Humility
leads the christian to take the place of a learner, to be
'swift to hear, slow to speak.' The eminently humble
christian thinks he wants help from every body, whereas
he that is spiritually proud, thinks that every body wants
his help. Christian humility, under a sense of others'
misery, entreats and beseeches; spiritual pride affects to
command and war with authority,
11*
}"
..
262
"If young ministers had great humility, it would dispose
them especially to treat aged ministers with respect and
reverence, as their fathers, notwithstanding that a sove-
reign God may have given them greater success than they
have had.
*
*
*
*
MEMOIR OF
*
Such are some of the marks of spiritual pride and true
humility, pointed out by President Edwards. The ab-
stract is given as much as possible in his own words. The
whole of what he says on the subject deserves the most
serious consideration.
The friends of religion have been so much gratified
with that beautiful hymn by Newton, that I shall venture
to insert it in my letter.
TRUE AND FALSE ZEAL.
"Zeal is that pure and heavenly flame
The fire of love supplies;
While that which often bears the name,
Is self in a disguise.
True zeal is merciful and mild;
Can pity and forbear;
The false is head-strong, fierce and wild,
And breathes revenge and war.
}
While zeal for truth the christian warms,
He knows the worth of peace;
But self contends for names and forms,
Its party to increase.
Zeal has attained its highest aim,
Its end is satisfied,
If sinners love the Saviour's name,
Nor seeks it aught beside.
But self, however well employed,
Has its own ends in view;
And says, as boasting Jehu cried,
Come see what I can do.'
DR. NETTLETON.
263
Dear Lord, the idol self dethrone,
And from our hearts remove;
And let no zeal by us be shown,
But that which springs from love."
"Your affectionate brother,
ASAHEL NETTLETON."
"REV. DR. SPRING."
The publication of the foregoing letters subjected Dr.
Nettleton to great reproach. Many, however, who were
at that time disposed to blame him, have long since been
convinced, not only that he was actuated by a conscien-
tious regard to the honor of God, and the good of Zion;
but that he evinced great wisdom and foresight.
There were those at that period, whose views accorded
with his own, and who entirely approved of his course.
The following testimonial appeared in the New York
Observer.
BOSTON, Nov. 8, 1827.
"It having been represented to some of the subscri-
bers, that we disapproved of the proceedings of the Rev.
Mr. Nettleton, in reviewing a sermon preached at Troy,
March 4, 1827, and in opposing the sentiments and prac-
tices which it seemed intended to vindicate and extend;
we regard ourselves as called upon by a sense of duty to
say, that the proceedings of Mr. Nettleton appear to us
to have been characterized by uncommon intellectual
vigor, correct and comprehensive views of the interests
of the church, and by distinguished wisdom, fidelity,
firmness, and benevolence, well adapted to promote the
interests of pure religion throughout the land."
Signed,
LYMAN BEECHER,
A. S. NORton.
WILLIAM R. WEEKS,
H. R. WEED,
JUSTIN EDWards,
HEMAN HUMPHREY,
C. J. TENNEY,
J. HAWES
264
MEMOIR OF
The views expressed in the foregoing testimonial were
the views entertained by the congregational ministers
generally in New England, and by a large proportion of
the Presbyterian ministers in the United States.
I have before me several letters written by the late
Rev. Dr. Richards professor of divinity in the Theologi-
cal Seminary at Auburn, from which it appears that he
sympathized deeply with Dr. Nettleton on the subject of
New Measures. The following was written, after having
read in manuscript the letter to Mr. Aiken, from which
some extracts are inserted at the beginning of this
chapter.
"AUBURN, Feb. 22d, 1827.
"My Dear Brother
"At what a solemn crisis have we at length
arrived, and how strange it is, that some who appear to
be among the best friends of God, should adopt opinions
and practices, which are likely to be of suchd eleterious
consequence. Surely this should carry us to the throne
of the Great King, and excite us to the most humble and
earnest supplication. But is this all? It appears to me
that it is time for the sober friends of revivals, to lift up
their voice, and to declare distinctly, their views of the
present state of things, and of the causes which have led
to it. I perfectly concur with Dr. Beecher, and yourself,
on this subject.
"As to the novel measures, which have been adopted
in relation to revivals, my opinion has all along been pre-
cisely what it is now, except that I supposed at first, they
were the offspring of extraordinary excitement, and
would probably be relinquished as the excitement should
subside. But presently, however, I began to think there
was ground to fear that the abettors of them were acting
ཤྰ་ 1 ་:་
DR. NETTLETON.
265
from erroneous speculations on the subject, and that their
operations were matter of deliberate contrivance, and
would probably be pursued as part of a system. At
every step of their progress, I became more convinced
that they had a plan, the result of new and extraordina-
ry light, and their object was, to revolutionize the church-
es. Of late, I have had no doubt that my apprehensions
were well founded; and I shall be disappointed if any
private reasoning or remonstrance shall produce any im-
portant effect upon the minds of those good brethren,
who have in my judgment become erratic in this matter.
*
*
*
*
*
My opinion is, that your letter to the Rev. Mr. Aiken,
ought to be immediately published. Your long acquain-
tance with revivals, and the success which has attended
your efforts, will give weight to your opinions; and if the
public will not hear your voice, they will hear nobody.
But they will hear it, and you must speak, though others
should rejoin.
*
i
"My brethren, the professors, all unite in the most
cordial salutations.
Respectfully and affectionately yours,
JAMES RICHARDS."
"Rev. A. NEttleton."
In another letter dated June 23d, 1827, Dr. Richards
"Your review of Mr. Finney's sermon, has gone
says,
to the very core of the business, and will surely be effec-
tive in dissipating much of the illusion which is connect-
ed with these mournful innovations. They call it severe,
but I call it just, and as timely as it is just. I think you
may greatly felicitate yourself, for having written just
such a thing. In my judgment, the cause of truth de-
manded it. The sermon was founded upon a prin-
ciple, which, if admitted, would sanction every species
266
MEMOIR OF
↓
!
of wildness and enthusiasim; or if it did not directly
sanction, it would furnish a defence for the greatest ex-
travagance that ever disgraced the religious world."
20
The Rev. Dr. Porter, of Catskill, in a letter dated
June 14th, 1827, and published in the pamphlet which
contains Dr. Nettleton's letters to Mr. Aiken, and Dr.
Spring, says, "Whatever might have been Mr. Finney's
design, it is perfectly clear to my understanding, that the
principle laid down and advocated in his sermon, opens
the door for the introduction of all those extravagances,
so often witnessed in religious conferences and prayer
meetings, and that Mr. Nettleton's remarks on said ser-
mon are in point; and that they have no severity beyond
the demands of sober truth. Mr. N. has done what a
faithful minister of the gospel, and a friend to revivals of
religion, and one who has had so much experience in
them, was in duty bound to do." In the same letter he
says, In respect to Mr. Nettleton's remarks on Mr.
Finney's sermon, Dr. Griffin is willing to have it said and
published, that he considers the remarks just what they
should be.' He also mentions the names of a number of
other distinguished ministers, whose views he knew to
agree with his own, as Drs. Hyde, Shepard, Spring,
Blatchford, McAuley, and Messrs. Tomb, Prime, Lyman,
Rogers," &c.
In the note appended to the letter addressed to Mr. Ai-
ken, Dr. Nettleton speaks of that letter as being one of
several which were written by him to members of the
Oneida Presbytery. I have before me, imperfect copies
of these long letters which were never published, two of
which were addressed to the Rev. John Frost of Whites-
borough, and one to the Rev. Messrs. Frost and Coe.
There is much in these letters that is interesting, and
would my limits permit, I should be glad to make copious
DR. NETTLETON.
267
extracts. The following is from a letter to Mr. Frost,
dated Durham, N. Y., March 28, 1827.
"You think that the ministers in our region, erred in
not doing as you did, 'receive brother Finney with open
arms.' To tell you the truth, brother, the ministers and
other christians, from this region, and from New England,
who visited Oneida county last summer, saw with their
own eyes, so many things which they deplored, that it
was the universal opinion far and near, that irregularities.
were prevailing to such an alarming extent, that the
character of revivals had gone back half a century. And
this I knew to be the sentiment of our best ministers more
than three months before I visited Albany. They were
all deploring the introduction of these new measures, into
our churches; knowing that they were the same which
ran out the revivals in the days of Edwards; and so they
were watching and guarding against the introduction of
them into their own churches, long before I came to Al-
bany. It was the universal sentiment of ministers, while
I was laboring in Jamaica last summer, that they should
not dare employ a preacher in their churches who adopt-
ed these measures. This I knew to be the fact from per-
sonal conversation with scores of ministers and private
christians who visited me in Jamaica. I repeat the idea
for the sake of impressing it on your memory that min-
isters do not complain so much of irregularities existing
at the west; for probably they are not so great within
your own limits, as they are in the churches into which
they have been transferred abroad. And even had these
evils been a thousand fold greater at the west, you would
not have heard the mournful complaints of your brethren
at a distance, had it been in your power to confine the
whole evil within the limits of your own churches and con-
gregations. Your brethren know that you have the right,
and are willing that you should exercise it, of pursuing
268
MEMOIR OF
your own measures, when you can take all the responsi-
bility. But when tidings came that these new measures
had been introduced into Troy, Lansingburg, and Albany,
by brethren from the west, and that all the ministers and
christians in those places, and all who visited those places
and could not approve of these measures, were denounced
as 'cold and stupid, and dead, and enemies to revivals,
and leading sinners down to hell' which things in this
region were generally known to be facts long before I came
to Albany; the alarm was greatly increased. And now,
under these circumstances, how can you think it so strange
that ministers did not receive their brethren from the west
'with open arms?' Why, brother, this was the very evil
which they dreaded, and against which they had been
guarding for months. For, the moment one of these
brethren was received with open arms, the name of that
minister who received him, was made use of all over the
country, to sanction these men, and all their calamitous
measures. It was this very thing, and nothing else, which
placed brother B. in a situation where he must fall out
with brother F. and his measures, or all those ministers
and christians who could not be converted to these meas-
There was no alternative. Brother B. could not
serve two masters, and so a shameful war was commen-
ced in our Zion, merely in consequence of the introduction
of these new measurs. Now place yourself in the situa-
tion of settled ministers in this region, and then say
whether you would be willing to receive with open arms
men, whose measures had done so much mischief in the
opinion of all your brethren, and so lend the influence of
your respected name to give these measures your sanction.
Again —It was well known that there were ministers
within your own limits, and those too who had the confi-
dence of the christian public, who would not receive
brother F. into their pulpit, so long as they could avoid
ures.
66
··
DR. NETTLETON.
269
it without losing the confidence of their own people.
And it was further known that some who did receive him,
did it with trembling anxiety for the consequences. And
can you think it strange, that ministers who knew, and
who had talked over all these things, should not receive
him with open arms?
And besides ; — It is believed by many, that even now,
your Presbytery would not care to employ brother F.
within your own limits, long in one place. If this be a
fact, there must be something wrong somewhere; either
in brother F., or in the hearts of your Presbytery. For,
the minister, whose preaching on the whole, exerts a
healthful influence, will establish himself, not only in the
affections, but in the confidence of ministers and people;
and in such a manner as will render his return, and his
labors on the same field, far more desirable than ever.
*
*
*
*
*
*
"On other subjects, mankind, and even ministers ex-
ercise far more wisdom and common sense, than on the
subject of religion. Nobody ever thought of making a
skillful physician, politician, or warrior, at once-but
most of our young men, warm hearted christians, and
even old ministers themselves, do take it for granted that
a skillful minister can be made out of a 'novice,' at once.
And ministers of influence must be to blame, if they do
not accomplish the task.
In estimating the talents requisite for an itinerant
preacher, other considerations are no less important than
intellect, or piety itself. And these qualifications cannot
be known a priori. Nothing but actual experiment can
develope the powers of a man to do good in revivals, and
at the same time to secure the confidence of christians
and ministers wherever he goes. I could tell you of facts
to illustrate my remarks. I could tell you of some ex-
cellent young men, who could not fail to do good, where
270
they were well known, and under the eye of settled min-
isters to control their movements; but who, on going in-
to different parts of New England, and elsewhere, would
do some good for a while, but ultimately, far more mis-
chief, and would certainly have lost their own character,
had they not been privately called away from that field.
In this way, I think, I have saved some of our own
young ministers from losing all their influence, and so
from leaving our own denomination. When they have
fallen out with settled pastors, I never thought of disputing
the point, who was to blame. Evangelists have no more
right to intermeddle with ministers and their flocks, than
they have with their families, wives, children, and domes-
tic concerns; and any murmuring complaints on this
point, go on the supposition, that an evangelist may lord
it over all the pastors and their flocks."
MEMOIR OF DR. NETTLETON.
CHAPTER XIII.
His Doctrinal Views and interest in the recent Theological Controversy.
DR. NETTLETON was a New England Calvinist. Al-
though he called no man master, but took the Bible as
his only rule of faith; yet the system of doctrines main-
tained by Edwards, Bellamy, Dwight, and other standard
theological writers of New England, he believed to be the
system taught in the Scriptures.
The peculiar doctrines of the Calvinistic system, such
as-The Decrees of God The Total Depravity of Man
by Nature-Regeneration, by the special agency of the
Holy Spirit-Particular Election to Eternal Life Jus-
tification by Faith alone—and the Perseverance of the
Saints, as they were maintained by the divines above
mentioned, he not only believed, but fearlessly avowed
and defended.
J
A few extracts from his sermons, presenting his theo-
logical views, on some of these points, may be interesting
to the reader.
The following is from a sermon on the decrees of God,
founded on Ephes. i. 11.
"God never acts without design or determination.
Thus to act would be to act without wisdom. He has a
perfect plan, defined exactly according to his own will,
as asserted in the text. This counsel denotes his design,
272
MEMOIR OF
purpose, or decree respecting all events."
*
*
*
"If God has not decreed
the existence of future events, neither the existence, nor
time, nor manner of such events, could possibly be fore-
known. The Omniscient God views all things as eternal-
ly present. Yet, as he existed before all things, his knowl-
edge of all things must have consisted in the knowledge
of all future events. Or thus - He must have had a pres-
ent and perfect knowledge of all things, while as yet there
was no actual existence but himself. He alone has exist-
ed from eternity; yet he is eternally Omniscient. The
actual existence of all things must have been future and
known to be future, by the self-existent and Omniscient Je-
hovah.
"But future events must become certain of existence be-
fore their existence can be certainly known. Though
what is foreknown is equally certain of existence; yet
mere knowledge cannot be the ground of this certainty
On the contrary, in the order of nature, absolute certain-
ty is the ground of all knowledge. Now what could be
the ground of the certain existence of all events, in their
time, order and perfect harmony; and what could make
them eternally the objects of present, certain, intuitive
knowledge in the Infinite Mind, while as yet there were
none of them in actual existence? What but the eternal
purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of
his own will?' If the world, or any event, could be certain-
ly future, with the time and circumstances of its existence,
without being made so by the decree of God, then it can
actually exist without him. On this supposition we are
left without any proof of the existence of God."
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Infinite wisdom is a complex attribute. It implies
not only infinite knowledge, but infinite benevolence, and
comprehends the whole moral character of God. I ob-
DR. NETTLETON.
273
1
serve, then, that leaving out the eternal counsel or decree
of God, no just conceptions can possibly be formed of
his moral perfections. Infinite wisdom consists in discern-
ing and proposing the highest and best possible end, and
in determining to pursue the best means to accomplish it."
*
*
*
*
*
*
"If God has not eternally determined to accomplish all that
which Omniscience sees to be best; he is neither infinite-
ly wise nor infinitely good; unless infinite wisdom and
goodness imply perfect indifference to the existence of
the greatest possible good. Would we ascribe the per-
fection of infinite wisdom to God? It consists essentially
in his fixed and immutable determination to accomplish
all that which Omniscience sees to be best. An infinitely
wise plan, is infinitely holy, just and good. This plan,
the Omniscient God views not with indifference. But in
a fixed and immutable determination to accomplish this plan
consists essentially the infinite wisdom, holiness, justice
and goodness of God."
*
*
*
*
*
"But it will be asked, if God has decreed the actions
of men, how can they be free? That man is free, and that
God has decreed his actions, are plain matters of fact.
Both are clearly taught in the Scriptures. That we are
free in our actions we have as clear and certain evidence,
as we have of our own existence. That the decrees of
God are accomplished by the free and voluntary actions of
men, we have the plain and direct testimony of the Bible.
• And truly the son of man goeth, as it was determined; but
wo unto that man by whom he is betrayed.'-Luke xxii. 22.
• Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and fore-
knowledge of God, ye have taken and with wicked hands have
crucified and slain.' Acts ii. 23. For of a truth,
against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both
Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people
*
*
*
274
MEMOIR OF
of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy
hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.'-
Acts iv. 27, 28. · And when they had fulfilled all that was
written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid
him in the sepulchre.' • Without the shedding of blood there
is no remission.'
"Has God offered his Son a sacrifice for sin;
or has
he not? Did Christ lay down his life for his sheep;
and did he make his soul an offering for sin, when the
Jews put him to death; - or did he not? When they
wounded, and bruised, and crucified him, was he wound-
ed for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities;
or was he not? If the hand and counsel of God was not
in it, who will dare to say with the prophet • The Lord
hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.'
C
The following is taken from a sermon on Ps. xcvii. 1, the
object of which is to show, that it is matter of rejoicing
that God governs the universe.
“All the objections, which I have ever heard against the
doctrine of decrees, or election, may be reduced to this
one -If God operates on the hearts of sinners, and
causes them to act, how can they be free? My bearers,
am I bound to obviate this objection? Does it lie against
none but those who hold the doctrine of God's decrees?
We will drop the doctrine of decrees How is it then?
Does God operate on the hearts of men, or does he not?
If not, then we must not pray that he would do it.
No person can pray for himself, without admitting that
God may operate on his own heart, and yet he be free.
• Turn thou me, and I shall be turned' • Turn us, O God
of our salvation' 'Draw us and we will run after thee'
• Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit
within me.' These prayers are found in the Bible. But
persons ought not to have prayed in this manner, if God
* *
C
DR.
NETTLETON.
275
* *
could not answer their prayers without destroying their
"No person can pray for others
God may operate on their hearts,
However wicked makind may be,
* *
The
* *
M
free agency."
without admitting that
and yet they be free.
we cannot pray that he would stop them in their career of
sin, because he cannot do it, without destroying their free-
dom." "Christ declared Ye will not come to me that ye
might have life.' Sinners are then in an awful condition.
They will not come to Christ; and God cannot make them
willing, without destroying their freedom. What shall be
done? It will be of no use to pray for them.
grand objection therefore which is so often urged against
the doctrine of decrees, lies with equal force against the
duty of prayer."
"Let the inquiry now be made,
does God govern all his creatures, and all their actions?
Does he govern the actions of wicked men and devils?
No, says one ; he cannot do it without destroying their
freedom. No, says another; he cannot do it, without
becoming the author of sin. My object is not now to
prove the doctrine that God does reign over wicked men
and devils; but simply to show that this is a desirable thing;
and that if he can thus reign over wicked men and devils,
it is indeed matter of great rejoicing."
"If
God cannot govern wicked beings, without destroying
their freedom, or becoming the author of sin, and there-
fore must resign his dominion over them, or let them
alone, the universe is truly in an awful condition. Let us
for a moment contemplate the condition we are in. Cast
your eyes abroad and see how the wickedness of men pre-
vails. The adversary of souls, goeth about as a roaring
lion, seeking whom he may devour. What then shall be
done? God cannot govern these beings, it is said, without
becoming the author of sin. The Church of Christ is tru-
ly in a lamentable condition. What will become of the
church, we know not; for the devil has come down with
*
*
K
**
*
276
MEMOIR OF
*
great wrath. He will do all he can to destroy the king-
dom of Christ on earth. He will do all he can to destroy
heaven itself. What shall be done? We live under a
government which can afford us no protection. Wicked
men and devils are let loose upon us. They have enter-
ed the dominions of Jehovah, and are now fast subverting
his kingdom.
* Nothing can be done. The work
of desolation must go on through all eternity; for God
cannot govern their actions without destroying their free-
dom, or becoming the author of sin. Thus, so my hear-
ers, you see the condition we are in. It is gloomy and
awful beyond expression."
*
In a sermon from Eph. ii, 1, he traces the analogy be-
tween natural and spiritual death, and thus illustrates the
doctrine of total depravity.
"In natural death, there are no remains of life. It
cannot be said of a man that he is dead, so long as there
is the least glimmering of life remaining.
"So of the sinner spiritually dead. There is no spir-
itual life, or holiness in him. If there was, it would not
be true that he is dead. The apostle does not say that
they were half dead, or almost dead, but he asserts that they
were dead. If this is not entire depravity, my hearers,
then those bodies in yonder graveyard, are not dead. Men
naturally dead, will never raise themselves to life. Nev-
er was it heard since the world began, that a body once
dead, ever reanimated itself. So it is with sinners.
Though as it respects blame, the cases are not parallel,
yet as it respects the certainty of the event, they are ex-
actly parallel. Left to himself, the sinner will as certain-
ly remain in his sins, as the dead will continue to sleep in
their graves.
"With respect to those naturally dead, no means can
effect their resurrection to life. No skill, no attachment
DR. NETTLETON.
277
of surviving friends, no exertions, no tears, can do it. So
with sinners, no means that can be used, can raise them
to spiritual life. Parents may be anxious for the souls
of their children. They may labor, and weep over them;
but they cannot help them. The faithful minister of the
gospel may love the souls of his hearers - he may labor
and exert himself in every possible way to awaken and
promote the conversion of sinners, and his soul may
weep in secret places for them; but he cannot awaken a
single soul. Aside from divine influence, he might sound
an alarm over the graves of the departed, with equal pro-
priety, and equal success."
The following is from a sermon on the doctrine of reg
eneration, founded on John i: 12, 13.
"That the Holy Spirit makes use of the word, and
many instruments, to bring sinners to Christ, I have no
doubt. But that men are naturally inclined to approve
of, and obey the precepts of the gospel, is contradicted
by the whole tenor of the scriptures. It is a fundamen-
tal principle of the gospel, that by nature we are child-
ren of wrath, and that we are at enmity with God, blind-
ed to the light of his truth, and dead in trespasses and
sins. To suppose that the Holy Spirit is communicated
to all in a sufficient manner to save them, is entirely incon-
sistent with the idea of any special grace, and makes one
man as much born of God, as another. Our text says,
as many as received Christ, and believed on his name,
were born of God; and the doctrine of the undistinguish-
ing influences of the Spirit, cannot be maintained. It is
a stumbling block in the way of many, that God should
give more of his Spirit to one, than to another. To re-
move this subject of prejudice, Pelagius, and multitudes
more, have maintained, that all men receive gifts alike,
and are alike furnished to the work of their salvation.
12
278
MEMOIR OF
This entirely dispenses with the new birth, or makes it
alike common to every man. On this scheme, Judas had
as much grace as Paul; and Ahab, who sold himself to
work wickedness, as David, the man after God's own
heart. All the difference between them, was owing to
the different manner in which they improved their privil-
eges. I do not deny that the Spirit of God strives
with all men who are not reprobates. I fully admit it. I
admit that the promises and threatenings of the gospel,
would be sufficient to persuade us to a holy life; if our
understandings were not darkened, and our affections
depraved. But as it is, I deny that common grace makes
us sons of God, or that we are persuaded to be christians
without a special divine influence, or that all men receive
the same measure of the Spirit. After all preparatory
means—all the promises and threatenings of the gospel
all the operations of common grace- and all exer-
tions of unregenerate sinners, they must be born of God
in order to become his children. There must be a new
creation—a work accomplished by Almighty power-a
sovereign, special, supernatural work, like making a
world, or raising the dead, (as to the power exerted; ) and
without such a work, no one can ever see the kingdom of
God. Persuasion is not sufficient to make men new
creatures. If the Holy Spirit operates on the minds of
men, only by setting motives before them, be the kinds.
ever so diverse, or well adapted to this purpose, yet after
all, it depends on the will of man, whether he shall be
regenerated or not. On this scheme the glory of regen-
no new
eration belongs to ourselves. No new taste
spiritual discernment, springs from persuasion. If re-
generation comes thus, then a man begets himself - he
is born of himself— he makes himself to differ from oth-
ers. On this plan, the Holy Spirit has no more to do
than Paul, or Apollos. Besides - This is not what we
порно з
S
S
DŔ.
NETTLETON.
279
*
for a creature dead
pray for. We pray not that motives may be set before us
to persuade us to regenerate ourselves; but that God
would change us→ create us anew.
"There is then, only one way left,
in trespasses and sins, to rise to life. This is by the pow-
er of God which quickens him.
The same energy
which brought Christ from the dead-the exceeding
great power of the living God, must perform the work.
Such a work being proved, the whole system of
evangelical truth- the doctrines of grace of divine
sovereignty of election of redemption by Christ—
of human depravity — and others connected with them,
all flow from it. There is one grand, harmonious, and
perfect system-and God is the sum, the substance, and
the glory of all."
In a sermon from Acts xviii. 10, he undertakes to show
that "the doctrine of election furnishes the only ground
of encouragement to the use of means." This position
he establishes by showing the utter inefficacy of all
means, when not accompanied by the blessing of God. The
following is the close of the sermon. "From this subject
we may infer the mistake of those who consider the doc-
trine of election, a discouraging doctrine. Are there not
many present, who are still without God and without hope
in the world? They have spent the best of their days in
sin. All means have hitherto proved ineffectual, so
many years of their probation have gone, and they are
still enemies of God. They have heard the gospel, and
have rejected it. Permit me to summon these individu-
als to the bar of their own consciences.
pagkam
*
#
"I would ask you, what reason have you to believe that
the gospel which you have heard in vain for so many
years,will take effect when your hearts are still more hard?
I would that you might feel the difficulty. We have no
280
MEMOIR OF
more powerful means than those which have already been
used. Now, if you deny the doctrine of election, where
is your hope? We will suppose that the doctrine is not
true that God will leave you to do as you have done, and
leave the means to operate as they have done - Is this
encouraging? Deny the doctrine of election, and there
is not a sinner in this assembly, who has the least reason
to conclude that he shall ever be saved.
"C
Perhaps some of my hearers are displeased with this
doctrine, and hope that it is not true. Then let me ad-
dress you on your own ground. Whether this doctrine
be true or false, it is an eternal truth acknowledged by
all, that except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.'
Strike out the doctrine of election; yet the doctrine of re-
generation is true. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except
a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'
Strike out the doctrine of election, and let the means op
erate just as they have done, yet the doctrine of faith is
true. • He that believeth not shall be damned.' Here is a
given character, which all the heirs of salvation must pos-
sess. Now you are at liberty to become christians on the
easiest plan you can. If you will repent, and believe,
and be born again, you shall be saved, whatever may be-
come of the doctrine of election.
"But why have you not repented, and believed, and
become christians already? Why do you stand disputing
about this doctrine, when you know that you must repent,
and believe, and be born again, or be lost! What will
your disputing about this doctrine accomplish? If it be
true, disputing will not alter it. Is it necessary for you
to prove the doctrine to be false, before you can repent?
If you will repent, the doctrine of election will not hurt
you if it be true. But if it be not true, then you have got
to repent, and believe, and be born again, without it; and
it is high time that you were in earnest on the subject.
:
DR.
NETTLETON.
281
"If you say, you cannot repent, unless God grant you
repentance; that is the same as to say, you cannot re- V
pent unless the doctrine of election is true. For if the
doctrine of election is not true, it is certain that God has
not determined to grant repentance to one of the human
If this doctrine is not true, it is certain that God
has not determined to grant you repentance.
race.
“Instead of troubling yourselves about the doctrine of
election, I will show you a more excellent way. Begin
to trouble yourselves about your own wicked hearts. The
day of salvation is drawing to a close; and what have
you done? and where are you now? Hitherto you have
rejected all the melting invitations of a bleeding Saviour;
and where are you now? Hitherto you have resisted the
Holy Ghost; and where are you now?
In spite of the offers of heaven - the calls of a bleeding
Saviour the invitations, commands and threatenings of
Almighty God, you have hitherto resisted; and will you
continue to force your way down to hell? There is but a
gleam of hope. Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die?'
"Come O thou Spirit of the Lord, and breathe upon
these slain that they may live."
K
A sermon from Phil. i. 6. contains a very able discus-
sion of the doctrine of the saints' perseverance.
The
following is one of his inferences.
"We see a reason why angels rejoice at the repent-
ance of one sinner. If angels did not believe this doc-
trine, they could have no ground on which to rejoice.
They must wait till the sinner gets to heaven.
"The true penitent will certainly arrive safe at the
mansions of the blessed. A firm belief of this doctrine,
lays the only foundation for joy in heaven over his re-
pentance. If angels did not firmly believe this doctrine,
282
MEMOIR OF
their joy would be unfounded. Their language would be,
that sinner has truly repented. He is now a child of
-an heir of heaven. But whether he will ever
reach this happy place whether he will ever sing with
us in glory, is a matter of great uncertainty. He may
yet become a child of the devil, and an heir of hell.
Could we know that he would certainly arrive safe at
heaven, we might now tune our harps, and sing glory to
God in the highest. But since we have already been dis-
appointed, and devils and damned spirits are now trium-
phing over some at whose repentance we once rejoiced,
it is best to wait and see how they hold out. Hear them
triumph in the regions of despair. Ye angels,' say they,
'Ye may suspend your songs, and hang up your harps.
Let your joy be turned into mourning. Victory is ours.'
"What think ye, my hearers? Has there been joy in
heaven over some who are now in hell? If they so rejoiced
at the news of the sinner's repentance, what messenger
shall carry back the mournful tidings that he is lost?"
Another inference is,
"That there may be such a thing as the full assurance
of hope in this life. If the doctrine is not true, the best
christian on earth must be altogether uncertain of heaven.
But it being true, we learn on what the full assurance of
hope is founded. So far as the christian can be certain
that the good work has been begun in his soul, so far he
can be certain of arriving at heaven.
"It is surprising that some who deny this doctrine, will
yet say that they are certain of heaven. This is plainly
absurd. If one christian may fall away and finally perish,
then another, and another may; and so all may be lost.
Not one can have assurance of salvation.
"I remember a short conversation on this subject, of
the following import.
DR.
283
NETTLETON,
1
!
"
"A person, who denied this doctrine, was expressing
his joy in believing. He was interrogated on this subject.
'Why do you rejoice, my friend? Do you think there is
any certain connection between your believing now, and
your final salvation?' He perceived that if he answered
in the affirmative, he must admit the doctrine, and so he
replied in the negative. The question was then put to
him, if there is no certain connection between your pre-
sent belief, and your final salvation, why do you rejoice?'
He replied, because my sins are forgiven.' 'But why
rejoice because your sins are forgiven? You say, you
have no evidence that you are not to suffer in hell for your
sins after all. Why rejoice because your sins are forgiv-
Why, if I am faithful, if I persevere to the end, I
shall be saved.' 'Very true unless you persevere, you
cannot be saved. But what reason have you to conclude
that you shall persevere? What makes you so confi-
dent that you shall be saved? Show us the ground of
your confidence. Do you trust in your own resolutions?'
'No.' 'Well, what then? Do you trust in the stability
of your own will? Do you feel superior to the power of
temptation? Do you think you are a person of such de-
cision, such stability and firmness, that when you under-
take the work, you shall certainly go through with it? Is
this the reason you have to think that you shall persevere
and be saved?' 'No.' 'Well, what then?
What rea-
en?'
J
son have you to think you shall be faithful
that you
shall persevere and be saved? If God is not first faith-
ful to you, you will not be faithful to him.'
And, my
hearers, he could see no reason why he should rejoice.
He could find no rest for the sole of his foot, until he
was driven back on the ground of our text. Being confi-
dent of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good
work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
284
MEMOIR OF
-ד
And, my hearers, what evidence have you, that you shall
persevere ? Do you trust in yourselves? You lean on a
broken reed. You build on the sand. There is de-
pravity enough in your hearts to sink you to hell, if left
to yourselves. If you have never seen and felt this awful
truth you have never yet seen your own hearts, nor been
thoroughly awakened. If you have not felt this awful
truth, you have not yet been driven out of yourselves—not
yet left the strong hold of self-righteous deception - not
yet fled for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before you.”
Although Dr. Nettleton dwelt much, in his preaching,
on the doctrines of grace, and exhibited with great plain-
ness the lost condition of the sinner, and his entire depen-
dence on the sovereign mercy of God; yet no man ever
held up more fully and more clearly the obligations of
men; or pressed more forcibly on the consciences of sin-
ners, the duty of immediate repentance. It was a prom-
inent object with him to show that sinners labor under no
inability to obey the divine commands which furnishes
them with the least excuse. Hence he felt no embarrass-
ment in urging upon them by every solemn and affecting
consideration, an immediate compliance with the terms
of the gospel.
The following is from a sermon on 2 Cor. vi. 20.
"Do
you ask, what God requires of you? The answer is plain.
'Be ye reconciled to God.' This is what God claims. And
from this we cannot depart, without entering on forbidden
ground. He claims the heart. And from this we cannot
depart without disloyalty to God. Individuals may nego-
tiate a treaty of peace, though the heart be not engaged.
An outward reconciliation may be effected, while the heart
remains the same. But not so with God.
But not so with God. He looketh on
the heart. If that be withheld, to what purpose is the multi-
tude of your sacrifices unto me saith the Lord? If the heart be
not engaged, however sinners may treat about a reconcilia-
DR.
285
NETTLETON.
tion, their insolence is met with the repulsive demand
who hath required this at your hand? Without this not a step
can be taken towards settling your peace with God.
"And now all things are ready; and God is inviting
and beseeching you to accept his message. What is the
reply of your heart? Do you not like the terms of this
treaty? You are required only to be reconciled to God.
What can be more reasonable than this? Is it hard that
you should be required to love God? to feel sorrow for
sin? to confess and forsake it? Is this hard? Or is
sin so lovely and so desirable that it appears hard and un-
reasonable that you should be required to hate and op-
pose it with all your heart? Why then, will you not re-
nounce it? Is sin so noble a thing in itself, and so desi-
rable in its consequences, that you cannot part with it
that you will lay down your life-your eternal life for
its sake! Your love of sin is all the excuse you have, or
can have. Or will you plead your inability? What!
cannot be reconciled to God! Cannot feel sorrow for sin!
Cannot cease to rebel against the King of heaven! What
an acknowledgment is this! Out of thine own mouth,
wilt thou be condemned. If indeed, you are so opposed
to God, that you cannot feel sorrow for sin, this is the
very reason why you ought to be condemned. The har-
der it is for you to repent and love God, the more wicked
you are, and the greater will be your condemation.
God himself is beseeching you to be reconciled. And
why do you not obey? Has your pride and stubbornness
arisen to such a pitch that you will not do the most rea-
sonable thing, though God beseech you?
"In his name I plead. You may now disregard the
voice of a dying fellow mortal. Let him
But will you not hear the voice of God?
ens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken! His
be forgotten.
Hear, O heav-
*
*
|
12*
286
MEMOIR OF
..܃
commanding voice to every sinner present, is, ‘Be ye re-
conciled to God.' Have you not continued long enough
in your rebellion? Have you not long enough resisted
his call? And will you now again turn away from him
that speaketh from heaven? Will you not hearken to the
voice of the heavenly charmer-your bleeding Saviour?
Have you no repentance not a tear to shed for the sins
which nailed him to the cross? *
*
d
1
7
"Sinners, must I leave you where I found you, unrec-
onciled to God? Your business is not with a fellow mortal.
I have done; and the whole remains to be settled between
God and your own souls. However hard you may think
of this message, it is not mine. God beseeches God
commands your compliance now. And will you raise
your feeble arm to oppose? God is on the throne; and
have you an arm like God? However opposed you may
be, yet God is on the throne, and what can you do? God
is on the throne, and will dash his enemies in pieces like
a potter's vessel.
"Before I close, I must remind you that with some of
you, this may be the last call the last offer of peace
which God will ever send you. But a different message
will soon arrive. You will shortly hear again from your
offended Sovereign. Before the setting of the sun the
messenger of death may be despatched with a commis-
sion to drag some guilty soul to his dread tribunal. He
may now be even at the door.
66
By the mercies of God, and by the terrors of his
wrath by the joys of heaven, and by the pains of hell
―by the merits of a Saviour's blood, and by the worth of
your immortal souls, I beseech you, lay down the arms of
your rebellion; bow, and submit to your rightful Sover-
eign. Oppose, and still he will reign. For God hath set
his king upon his holy hill of Zion, and hath sworn by him-
self that unto him every knee shall bow.
S
DR. NETTLETON.
287
"Once he has descended with a message of peace and
good will to men. But shortly he will be revealed from
heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking ven-
geance on them that know not God, and that obey not the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and
from the glory of his power.'"
In addition to the foregoing, some extracts of letters to
his friends, illustrating his doctrinal views, will now be
introduced.
The following is from a letter addressed to the Rev.
Dr. Woods, of Andover, dated May 6, 1829.
"You have doubtless read Erskine on the 'Uncondi-
tional freeness of the gospel.' The writer doubtless wish-
es to promote the cause of religion. But the tendency
of the work, I do think, is directly to defeat that object.
"In the early part of my mintisry, the sentiments of
Hervey and Marshall I found, in many places, meeting
and checking the progress of conviction in some sinners,
and giving false peace to others. I have found some stud-
ying Marshall's 'Gospel Mystery of Sanctification,' and
trying to believe it; but conscience, awakened by the
Spirit of God, would not suffer them to rest in a belief
that their sins were pardoned while they had no evidence
of a change of heart. I was invited to a house to con-
verse with an interesting young lady who had been long
anxious for her soul. Many efforts had been made to
give her consolation; but in vain. 'What do you think
of this book?' said she. 'It is Marshall on Sanctifica-
tion, and was recommended to me by
and if I
dared believe it I should think I was a christian.'
I am
glad you dare not believe it. There is some part of it, at
least, which you ought not to believe,' was my answer.
"
288
MEMOIR OF
I perceived that her conscience was more orthodox than
the author. She gave it up. Her convictions increased
and soon terminated in hopeful conversion. The faith
which Marshall required did not commend itself to her
conscience. Believing that her sins were pardoned,
against the dictates of conscience and the Bible, seemed
to her like believing a lie, to make it true. How to rec-
Voncile this, I suppose Marshall found to be a 'mystery'.
Hence the title of his book. Hence, too, the more the
conscience is awakened to perform its office, the more
difficult divines of this description find it to deal with sin-
ners. The great object they think is to give sinners peace.
And all their efforts are directed to this single object.
When the sinner begins to see his character and condi-
tion in some measure as it really is :-- when the word of
God begins to take effect, and conscience to perform its
office, every effort is made to counteract the very means
which the Spirit of God employs to bring the sinner to a
reconciliation. Erskine agrees substantially with Marshall
in his views of faith. It consists in believing that our sins
are pardoned. He has built his system upon Hervey and
Marshall, with this wonderful improvement, that we are
not required to believe a lie to make it true; for the sins
of all mankind are pardoned whether they believe it or not.
Pardon is universal and unconditional. The atonement is
itself the pardon, and is unaffected by man's belief or unbe-
lief. While in all their rebellion and infidelity, it is lav-
ished upon the mass of the guilty without discrimination.
The use of faith is not to remove the penalty, or to make the
pardon better; for the penalty is removed, and the pardon is
proclaimed, whether we believe it or not; but to give the par-
don a moral influence, by which it may heal the spiritual dis-
ease of the soul. Mankind are sanctified by their belief of
the pardon.
DR.
NETTLETON.
289
ACTUAL
"I cannot but notice how one error grows out of an-
other. The definition of Atonement is 'THE Actual re-
MOVAL OF SIN.' If so, then it must include pardon irre-
spective of character, antecedent to faith, or repentance,
or conversion, and of course, limited to the elect. And
faith consists in believing that our sins are pardoned, and
that we are of the elect. But to avoid this difficulty, lim-
ited atonement becomes unlimited; and so the atonement
is made for all mankind. Therefore, pardon is lavished
upon all mankind. This is the most plausible scheme of
universalism that I have ever seen. If mankind can on-
ly be made to believe that their sins are pardoned, this
will make them love God-restore the key-stone of the arch
-sanctify them-give peace of conscience and justify them.
Now all this being taken for granted, without one text to
prove it, and with the whole Bible against him, ('He that
believeth not is condemned already, and the wrath of
God abideth on him,' &c.) he adopts every method in his
power to make all his readers believe that their sins are
pardoned. To doubt this must be a great crime. Unbe-
lief is the greatest sin, and the more conscience awakes
to perform its office of conviction, the more guilty and
criminal is the sinner for listening to its admonitions. When
the Spirit of God is convincing of sin, and the command-
ment comes and sin revives; and when the sinner sees
and feels that he is lost and needs pardon- he tries to
take it off by convincing him that it is all false alarm. If
he does not believe that his sins are pardoned before he has
one thought of repentance, or of asking it, the poor man
makes God a liar. 'He that believeth not,' i. e. that his
sins are pardoned, 'hath made him a liar.'
"The evil produced by such a book, from then pen of
one who has already acquired a reputation as a writer,
and a christian, cannot be calculated in this world. Here
290
MEMOIR OF
1
are false views of faith, of the atonement, of pardon, and
of justification, which he makes to consist in a sense of
pardon. There is no such thing as evidence of a change
of heart. But believing that our sins are pardoned, will
produce that change - make us love God, and thus give
peace and confidence, and restore the key-stone of the arch.
I cannot but express my full conviction that the senti-
ments contained in that book, are more directly calcula-
ted to prevent conviction of sin, and to put a stop to gen-
uine revivals of religion, than any thing which has ever
been published."
The following is also from a letter addressed to Dr.
Woods, and dated June 18th, 1834. Speaking of a cer-
tain class of divines, he says, 'They admit that there is a
tendency, or propensity to sin, in the very constitution of
the human mind;' but they deny that this tendency is sin-
ful. They also admit that 'every effect must have a
cause, and that this cause must be prior to the effect.'
"Now I observe that the objections which they alledge.
against the views of their opponents, lie equally against
their own. It will be no easier for the sinner to repent
and believe against this propensity to sin, than it was
while it was called a 'sinful propensity.' Changing the
name of a lion into that of a lamb, will not alter its na-
ture. This propensity to sin, they admit, does all the
mischief; and will it do any the less, in consequence of
being called an 'innocent or harmless propensity.' Or
will the sinner be any more likely to be on his guard, and
to watch and fight against it? Directly the reverse. But
why object to calling an 'infallible tendency or propen-
sity to sin, a sinful propensity.' 'Then,' say they, 're-
generation must consist in removing it.' But suppose
you give it any other name, e. g. evil, bad, vile, vicious,
DR. NETTLETON.
291
pernicious, or dangerous, then, also, regeneration must
consist in removing it. Go one step farther, and call it
calamitous, we should still think that regeneration con-
sisted in removing this calamitous propensity to sin. Ven-
ture one step further, and allay the fears of sinners en-
tirely. Call it an innocent propensity, and then it need
not be removed by regeneration. And yet one would be
at a loss to see how their scheme can be made consistent
with itself. One would think that an infallible tendency
to sin would need to be removed in regeneration, or that
regeneration could never take place. If every effect
must have a cause, and this cause must be prior to the
effect,' then no sinner ever did, or ever will put forth a
holy choice until this infallible tendency to sin be remo-
ved, and succeeded by an infallible tendency to holiness;
unless an infallibie tendency to sin can be the cause of a
holy choice. This latter opinion they seem to have adopt-
ed. They discard the principle that like produces like,'
and assume another, viz. that a 'fountain can,' and actu-
ally doth 'send forth at the same place, sweet water and
bitter.' 'Men do gather grapes of thorns and figs of this-
tles.' We have here the new philosophy that all trees
are by nature alike, neither good nor bad, until they bear
fruit. And then, the fruit is not good, but the tree is
good only because the fruit is good, and vice versa. 'Make
the tree good and the fruit will be good,' said our Saviour,
'for the tree is known by the fruit.' Make the fruit good,
and the fruit will be good, says the new philosophy; for
the fruit is known by the fruit. Nothing is good or bad
but fruit. There can be nothing in the tree itself back of
the fruit but what is common to all trees
-'pura natu-
ralia.'
"But how do they dispose of this 'propensity to sin' in
pressing the obligations of sinners?
292
MEMOIR OF
:
1. They give this propensity a soft name— deny its
sinfulness altogether, and do not even call it bad, or dan-
gerous.
2. They put into the mouth of the sinner an excuse for
retaining his propensity to sin in all its strength.
3. They call upon him to exercise no other repentance
or faith than that which is consistent with the existence
of this infallible tendency or propensity to sin in all its
strength.
4. They adopt for his accommodation, a new theory of
regeneration. It has been said by some, that regenera-
tion consists in removing this sinful bias which is anterior
to actual volition.' This they deny. But whether we
call this propensity sinful, or not, all orthodox divines,
who have admitted its existence, have, I believe, united
in the opinion that regeneration does consist in removing
it. This, certainly, was the opinion of Edwards; and it
constituted the principal difference between him and Dr.
John Taylor. It was also, the very quintessence of his
treatise on Religious Affections. Until this tendency to sin
be removed, it is absolutely certain that true repentance
never can begin. It is turning from the love, to the loath-
ing of sin.
'The heart,' says Edwards, can have no
tendency to make itself better, until it first has a better
tendency.' No sinner ever did, or ever will make a holy
choice prior to an inclination, bias, or tendency to holi-
On the whole, their views of depravity, of regen-
eration, and of the mode of preaching to sinners, I think
cannot fail of doing very great mischief. This exhibition
overlooks the most alarming features of human depravity,
and the very essence of experimental religion. It is di-
ness.
DR.
NETTLETON.
293
rectly calculated to prevent sinners from coming under
conviction of sin, and to make them think well of them-
selves while in an unregencrate state. It flatters others
with the delusion that they may give, or have given, their
hearts to God, while their propensity to sin remains in all
its strength. Entertaining this delusion, they cannot be
converted. Every sinner under deep conviction of sin,
knows this statement to be false, so far as his own expe-
rience is concerned. The progress of conviction is ordi-
narily as follows; - Trouble and alarm. 1. On account
of outward sins. 2. On account of sinful thoughts. 3.
On account of hardness of heart, deadness and insensibili-
ty to divine things-tendency, bias, proneness or propen-
sity of sin, both inferred and felt. And this the convicted
sinner always regards not merely as calamitous, but as
awfully criminal in the sight of God. And the sinner ut-
terly despairs of salvation without a change in this pro-
pensity to sin. And while he feels this propensity to be
thus criminal, he is fully aware that if God by a sovereign
act of his grace, does not interpose to remove or change
it, he shall never give his heart to God, nor make one
holy choice. If the sinner has not felt this, he has not
yet been under conviction of sin, or felt his need of regen-
eration.
S
G
"Those who adopt the views I am considering, exhort
the sinner to do that only which leaves his propensity to
sin in all its strength. Hence conversions are made as
easy as you can turn your hand. It is only to resolve and
the work is done. They do in effect tell their hearers,
and their readers, what the most godly christians certain-
ly find it the most difficult to believe, that their propensi-
ty to sin, however strong it may be, is not criminal, but
only calamitous that they need not be alarmed at this
awful propensity to sin — that they need not, for God does
294
MEMOIR OF
·
not, regard it with displeasure-that they can neither
change it themselves, nor are required to do it-and that
they need not ask or even expect God to do it for them.
Such a sentiment however abhorrent to the ear and to
the heart of piety, is, nevertheless, perfectly congenial
with the feelings of all the most hardened in sin; and un-
less their consciences are more orthodox than such preach-
ing, they will never be converted. Every step in the pro-
gress of conviction and conversion is in direct opposition
to these sentiments. I know that converts may be made
by hundreds and by thousands on these principles, with
perfect ease; for so it has been in former times among
the Christ-ians and others in New England, as I have had
full opportunity to know. But piety never did, and never
will descend far in the line of such sentiments. Were I to
preach in this manner, I do solemnly believe that I should
be the means of healing the heart of awakened sinners
slightly, of crying peace, peace, when there is no peace,
and of throwing the whole weight of my ministerial influ-
ence on the side of human rebellion against God."
The following extracts are taken from letters written at
different times, and to different individuals.
Speaking of the character of infants, he says, “For
one I do solemnly believe that God views and treats them
in all respects, just as he would do if they were sinners.
To say that animals die, and therefore that death can
be no proof of sin in infants, is to take infidel ground.
The infidel has just as good a right to say, because ani-
mals die without being sinners, therefore adults may. If
death may reign to such an alarming extent over the hu-
man race, and be no proof of sin; then it may reign to
any extent in the universe and be no proof of sin. Con-
DR. NETTLETON.
295
sequently what Paul says, 'Death by sin, and so death
passed upon all men for that all have sinned,' cannot be
true."
In another letter, speaking of the consequences of de-
nying the depravity of infants, he says, "It is to deny
that they need redemption by Christ, and regeneration
by the Holy Spirit, or if they do need redemption, it must
be redemption from something which is not sin in any
sense, and if they need regeneration, it must be a change
of something which is not sinful in any sense. If the soul
be innocent, it can be redeemed from nothing, and can
never join the song the redeemed, 'unto him that loved.
us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.' If the
soul be innocent, it can be regenerated only for the
worse.'
99
Speaking of the theory which accounts for the fact that
sinners do not love God, by suppposing that his character
is not clearly seen that divine things are too remote and
unreal to call forth the affections of their hearts, he says,
"when brought near and real, they will draw forth the
opposition of the heart. You may destroy the sinner's
earthly plans, break up all his interest in the concerns of
time — fill his mind with all the solemn realities of death,
judgment and eternity — bring him under the most pow-
erful convictions of sin; and the selfish principle may be
more active this very moment than ever, in building up a
righteousness, or in quarreling with God about the terms
of salvation. It is sometimes taken for granted that if
the sinner had clear views of the character of God, he
would love him. But facts prove the contrary. Sinners
in the last stages of conviction, who have lost all interest
in the concerns of time sinners too on a dying bed, who
care nothing for the world, feel more opposition than
At this very crisis, when time with all its concerns
ever.
296
MEMOIR OF
has dwindled into nothing, the sinner for the first time,
discovers the appalling truth that the carnal mind is enmi-
ty against God. The selfish principle, the carnal mind,
with all its enmity against God, remains in full strength,
until slain, or taken away by the act of the Holy Spirit.
'Even when we were dead, hath quickened us together
with Christ.""
The foregoing extracts which might be greatly exten
ded, will serve to give the reader some idea of Dr. N.'s
theological views.
It is well known that within the last quarter of a centu-
ry, there has been considerable controversy in New Eng-
land respecting the best mode of stating and defending
the doctrines of Calvinism. On the one hand it has been
maintained that these doctrines in the sense in which they
have been commonly received, are inconsistent with sound
philosophy and that they ought to give place to more ra-
tional views. On the other hand, it has been maintained
that the explanations proposed, in some instances, at least,
amount to a virtual denial of the doctrines themselves,
and to the adoption of dangerous errors.
The points of controversy relate principally to the de-
crees and government of God—the moral agency of man
the nature of holiness and the doctrines of native de-
pravity, regeneration and election.
The reader, who wishes to make himself acquainted
with the manner in which these points have been discuss-
ed, is referred to the periodicals and pamphlets which con-
tain the discussion, and which have been extensively cir-
culated in the christian community.
In this controversy, Dr. N. took no public part. But
he did not regard it with indifference. On the contrary
J
TE TO
DR. NETTLETON.
297
he watched its progress with the deepest interest, and with
an eye fixed on its bearings upon christian experience,
and revivals of religion.
It is evident from the foregoing extracts from his ser-
mons and letters, that his views of the Calvinistic doc-
trines, were such as were maintained by the orthodox min-
isters of New England, at the beginning of the present
century. The new views, therefore, which were put forth
as improvements, he did not receive. They did not ap-
pear to him to be improvements. On the contrary, he
believed them to be erroneous, and of dangerous tenden
cy. From the first promulgation of them, he was grieved
and alarmed; and his sorrow was rendered the more in-
tense by the fact, that some of the advocates of these
views, were brethren with whom he had labored in revi-
vals, and been on terms of the most endearing intimacy.
The pain of Whitefield was not greater, when his friend
and brother John Wesley avowed his hostility to Calvin-
ism, than was that of Dr. N. when these brethren whom
he tenderly loved, began to maintain and propagate opin-
ions which seemed to him to be unscriptural, and to be
adapted to injure the cause of revivals.
men.
His strength had been spent in revivals; and it had been
his constant aim to elevate their character, by sedulously
guarding against every thing which was suited to mar their
purity or weaken their power over the consciences of
And it was his settled conviction, that the purity of
revivals depends greatly on the faithfulness with which
the doctrines of the cross are preached. He had observed
that when the standard of orthodoxy is lowered, the dan-
ger of delusion is increased, and the character of revivals
is injured. He was "well aware that popular excite-
ments, without doctrinal instruction," (or with false doc-
trinal instruction,) "may be called revivals; and that zeal
298
MEMOIR OF
1
without knowledge may glory in the multiplication of its
converts. But such excitements are no blessing to the
church.
It was the full conviction of Dr. N. that all genuine re-
ligious experience is based on correct views of the doc-
trines of grace, and consequently, that the religious ex-
perience of those whose views of these doctrines are de-
fective, or essentially erroneous, will be in like degree,
defective or spurious. He felt, as we have seen, the great
importance of exhibiting clearly the doctrines of the cross
in revivals of religion; and hence he regarded those theo-
logical speculations which seemed to him to obscure, or
utterly to subvert these doctrines, as directly tending to
corrupt revivals, and in this way, to destroy the souls of
men. The opinions above referred to, seemed to him to
have, some of them in a greater, and some in a less degree,
this dangerous tendency.
""
Whether his apprehensions were well founded, is a
question which will be differently decided by different in-
dividuals, according to the views which they entertain of
the controverted points. The controvesy is to be settled
by an appeal, not to the opinions of fallible men, but to the
decisions of the word of God. The views of Dr. N. are
introduced, not for the purpose of proving that those with
whom he sympathized in this controversy were right;
but simply for the purpose of giving a correct history of
his life. That he felt deeply in relation to this controver-
sy, and that he considered some of the views which were
maintained and defended, to be errors dangerous to the
souls of men, is well known by all who had any inter-
course with him. Such being his convictions, he could
not hold his peace. It was, indeed, painful to him to dis-
agree with his brethren; but he felt himself laid under so-
lemn obligations to maintain what he believed to be the
S
DR. NETTLETON.
299
truth, and to bear testimony against what seemed to him
to be dangerous error, whatever sacrifice it might cost
him. Accordingly he said to one of his brethren, "such
is my conviction of the tendency of these views to corrupt
revivals, and produce spurious conversions, that if all New
England should go over, I should prefer to stand alone.”
But while he was thus decided in the maintenance of
his own religious opinions, he entertained the kindest
feelings towards those of his brethren from whom he felt
compelled to differ. He was, as has been already re-
marked, grieved that their influence should be exerted to
promote, what he considered, the cause of error; and he
felt it to be his duty to expostulate with them. With
some of them he maintained repeated and long discus-
sions. But he never engaged in bitter and angry con-
troversy. He always treated his brethren with kindness.
He never impeached their motives, nor depreciated their
talents, nor aspersed their characters by loading them
with reproachful epithets. And his brethren, I trust,
never doubted the sincerity of his heart, however much
they may have been grieved by the alarm which he felt,
and expressed, at their supposed errors.
One of these brethren made him a visit, at a period
during his last sickness, when in his own view, and that of
his friends, he was near the close of life. The interview
was tender and affectionate. It revived the recollection
of many past scenes of thrilling interest.
Nothing was
Two days after
said in regard to theological differences.
this interview, Dr. N. wrote to this brother the following
letter.
66
My Dear Brother,
"I thank you for your visit, and the sympathy which
you manifested in my affliction.
The sight of your face
300
MEMOIR OF
B
revived many tender recollections. There were many
things which I wished to say to you, but my strength
would not permit. How long I am to linger on these
mortal shores, I know not. But as you are aware, I
consider myself near to the eternal world; and I wish to
say, that my views of the great doctrines which I preach-
ed twenty-five years ago, have not altered. They appear
to me more precious than ever. I wish also to say, that
I have the same views of some of your published writings,
which I have often expressed to you in years past. I
need not tell you that I love you. You know that I
have ever loved you. You know also that I have been
grieved and distressed that you should have adopted and
publicly maintained sentiments which I cannot but re-
gard as eminently dangerous to the souls of men. I
impeach not your motives. I judge not your heart. I
would cherish the hope that your own religious exper-
ience is at variance with some things which you have
published; particularly on the subject of self-love, and
the great doctrine of regeneration. It does seem to me, I
experienced all which you make essential to regenera-
tion, while, as I now fully believe, my heart was unrecon-
ciled to God. And this is the reason which leads me to
fear that what you have written, will be the means of
deceiving and destroying souls. I say this with the
kindest feelings, and with eternity in view. Receive it
as my dying testimony, and as an expression of my sin-
cere love. Farewell, my brother. We shall soon meet
at the judgment seat of Christ.
God grant that we may
meet in heaven.
"Your affectionate friend and brother,
ASAHEL NETTLETON.' 9
DR.
NETTLETON.
301
This letter is inserted here, not to prove that Dr. N. was
right in his theological views, and his brethren wrong; but
to correct two false impressions which have been made,
to some extent, on the public mind. One is, that Dr.
Nettleton felt a bitter hostility towards those brethren
from whom he differed. The other is, that in the near
prospect of death, his views underwent an important
change in respect to the tendency of those speculations
which had caused him so much solicitude. Neither of these
impressions is correct, as this letter fully evinces. He
never entertained unkind feelings towards his brethren;
and his views of christian doctrine, remained unaltered
to the last. The great truths which he maintained through
life, were his stay and solace amid the pangs of dissolving
nature, and in the near prospect of an eternal retribution.
He doubtless now knows what is truth on those points, re-
specting which he and his brethren differed. They also
will soon know. They and he will soon meet at the judg-
ment seat of Christ; and let every reader unite in the
prayer, that they may meet in heaven.
13
CHAPTER XIV.
His last sickness and death.
The sickness of Dr. Nettleton in 1822, gave a shock to
his constitution, from which it never recovered. For a
considerable part of the time during the remainder of his
life, he was exceedingly feeble; and at no time was he
able to engage in arduous labor. Still he was not entire-
ly laid aside. He preached, as we have seen, in many
places, and in some with great success. Finding the cli-
mate of New England too severe for his enfeebled consti-
tution during the winter months, he usually, for a number
of years, spent them at the South; and by great care in
avoiding excitement and excessive fatigue, he was able to
enjoy a comfortable degree of health, for most of the
time, until the summer of 1841, when he began to be af-
flicted with urinary calculi, which soon confined him to
the house, and subjected him to great bodily suffering.
Finding no relief from medical prescriptions, and being
reduced to that state in which it was evident he could live
but a short time; on the 14th of Feb. 1843, he submitted
to the operation of lithotomy, by which he obtained par-
tial relief; and hopes were entertained, for a season, of
his entire recovery.
But after a few months, it became
manifest, that the disease was returning upon him. His suf-
ferings again became exceedingly great, till on the 8th of
304
MEMOIR 0 1
December 1843, he submitted to a second operation. For
some time, he appeared to be doing well, and hopes were
again entertained of his recovery. But these hopes were
not realized. He continued in a feeble state until the 16th
of May, 1844, when the powers of nature failed, and he
resigned his spirit into the hand of God who gave it.
During his protracted and severe sufferings, his piety
was subjected to a new test. We have seen its efficacy
in prompting him, while in health, to the most arduous,
and unremitted labors in the cause of Christ; and it was
no less efficacious in sustaining him in the day of trial.
For many months together, his bodily pain was almost
without intermission, and exceedingly great-at times,
indeed, excruciating. But he was strengthened to endure
it with patience and resignation. During the whole of hist
sickness, he was never heard to utter a murmuring word.
He was often heard to say, "My sufferings are great, but
they are nothing in comparison with what I deserve."
A large part of the time during his sickness, his mind was
vigorous and active. He read many books during this
period, particularly D'Aubigné's History of the Reforma-
tion, with which he was much delighted, Gaussen on In-
spiration, Tracy's History of the Great Awakening, the
entire works of the younger Edwards, much of the works
of Emmons, a large part of the works of Andrew Fuller,
besides many smaller works. What he read, he read
with great attention, and he would often make criticisms
and comments on the things which he had read. But the
Bible was the man of his counsel. He would often say,
"there are many good books, but after all, there is noth-
ing like the Bible." And it never was so precious to him
as at this period. Although he had made it his study for
more than forty years, and had acquired a knowledge of
it to which few attain, yet he found it an inexhaustible
fund of rich instruction. He could adopt the language
i
DR. NETTLETON.
305
of the Psalmist, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste;
yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth. Thy testimonies have
I taken as a heritage forever; for they are the rejoicing of
my heart. Thy Statutes have been my songs in the house of
my pilgrimage."
*
*
*
*
*
He not only read some portions of the scriptures every
day, but he devoted much time, to a close and critical
study of them. He usually kept his Greek Testament,
and his Greek Concordance by him, and diligently com-
pared different parts of scripture with each other in the
original language, that he might be sure to get the pre-
cise meaning. I found him one morning with the Greek
Testament in his hand. He said, "you will perhaps won-
der that I should be reading this. You may suppose that
a person in my situation, would prefer to read the trans-
lation. But I seem to get nearer to the fountain when I
read the original. It is like drinking water at the spring,
rather than from a vessel in which it has been carried
away. By reading the Greek, I get shades of meaning,
which cannot be expressed in any translation." It was
common for him to entertain his friends with comments
and remarks on portions of scripture; and these com-
ments were exceedingly interesting and instructive. Ma-
ny an individual has gone away from his bed side with a
more lively sense of the worth of the Bible than he ever
felt before.
He was not in the habit, during his sickness, of speak-
ing very often of his own religious feelings; but it was
manifest from the whole strain of his conversation, and
particularly from the lively interest which he took in the
truths of the Bible, that he generally enjoyed great peace
of mind.
On one occasion, having expressed to me his apprehen-
sion that his disease was incurable, I inquired of him the
state of his mind. He expressed entire submission to the
306
MEMOIR OF
will of God a willingness to be in his hands, and to be
disposed of according to his pleasure. He spoke of the
great deceitfulness of the human heart, and the danger of
self-deception; but intimated that he had no distressing
doubts and fears. He manifested an ardent attachment
to the doctrines which he had preached, and seemed to
derive from them great support in the near prospect of
eternity; and he expressed a peculiar love for those of
his brethren, who had been decided in their adherence to
the truth, and in their opposition to prevailing errors.
On another occasion, he conversed very freely concer-
ning his own spiritual state. He gave me a more partic-
ular account of his conversion than he had ever done be-
fore.*
It brought to his recollection so many tender
scenes, that he was greatly affected and wept abundantly.
He spake of the doctrines of grace and said with great
emotion, "I do not need any body to tell me that they
are true. I am fully convinced of their truth, by my own
experience."
One morning, as I entered the room, he said to me,
that these words had been running in his mind.
"Death will invade us by the means appointed,
Nor am I anxious, if I am prepared,
What shape he comes in."
In the course of the conversation, he said,
(( more of
my life is written in Bunyan's Grace abounding to the
chief of sinners, than any where else." He was a great
admirer of the writings of Bunyan, and often referred to
them in illustration of his own opinions.
On being asked whether he still entertained the same
views of the errors, on account of which he had manifes-
ted so much solicitude-he spake with great emotion, say-
*The same that is inserted in chapter I.
DR. NETTLETON.
307
ing, "It is the bearing which these errors have upon the
eternal interests of men, which gives them all their im-
portance in my estimation. It is in view of death, judg-
ment, and eternity, that I have looked at them. If I had
not regarded them as dangerous to the souls of men, I
should have felt no solicitude respecting them."
At another time, he wished me to read to him the fol-
lowing hymn in Wardlaw's collection.
"1. Come let us join our friends above,
That have obtained the prize ;
And on the eagle wings of love,
To joy celestial rise.
2. Let saints below in concert sing,
With those to glory gone;
For all the servants of our king,
In heaven and earth are one.
3. One family, we dwell in him,
One church, above, beneath,
Though now divided by the stream,
The narrow stream of death.
4. One army of the living God,
To his command we bow,
Part of the host have crossed the flood,
And part are crossing now.
5. Each moment, to their endless home,
Some parting spirits fly;
And we are to the margin come,
And soon expect to die.
6. Dear Saviour, be our constant guide,
Then, when the word is given,
Bid death's cold stream and flood divide,
And land us safe in heaven.”
He alluded to this hymn, several times, with great in-
terest, during his sickness.
On one occasion he spake with great feeling of those
308
MEMOIR OF
who were hopefully converted in the revivals under his
preaching, and said, the thought of meeting them in the
future world, was often exceedingly interesting. "But,"
said he, "I have never allowed myself to be very confi-
dent of arriving at heaven, lest the disappointment should
be the greater. I know that the heart is exceedingly de-
ceitful, and that many will be deceived. And why am
not I as liable to be deceived as others?" He spake of
the opinion maintained by some, that none are ever actu-
ated by any other principle than self-love, and said, "I
should have no hope of being saved, if I believed myself
never to have been actuated by a higher principle."
He one day referred to the words of the apostle, “Des-
pise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou
art rebuked of him." He observed that there are two
ways in which divine chastisements are improperly
received. One is, despising them, that is making light of
them disregarding them, as a stubborn, disobedient
child sometimes sets at defiance, and treats with contempt
the chastisement of his father. The other is, fainting un-
der them, that is, making too much of them, feeling as
though they were too heavy to be borne, and greater than
we deserve. "We ought," said he, "to feel that all our
sufferings, however great, are light afflictions, infinitely
less than we deserve."
G
When asked at one time, if he did not sometimes get
weary of life; he said, "It is wearisome. But I have
sometimes heard persons express a desire to die, when it
was painful to me. I desire to have no will on the sub-
ject." He felt that it was as much our duty to be willing
to live and suffer, if such be the will of God, as to be wil-
ling to die. Asking for the hymn-book, he read the fol-
lowing stanza:
DR. NETTLETON.
309
"Be this my one great business here,
With holy trembling, holy fear,
To make my calling sure;
Thine utmost counsel to fulfill,
And suffer all thy righteous will,
And to the end endure."
1.
It was very common for him, when inquired of respec-
ting the state of his mind, instead of giving a direct an-
swer, to point to some hymn, or some passage of scripture
as indicative of his feelings.
(
On one occasion, finding him in very great pain, I said
to him, "I hope the Lord will give you patience." He
replied, "I have need of patience." I remarked that
when suffering severe pain, it was profitable to think of
the sufferings of Christ. He said that the words of the
228th Village Hymn had been running in his mind all
night.
Begone unbelief!
My Saviour is near;
And for my relief
Will surely appear.
By prayer let me wrestle,
And he will perform,
With Christ in the vessel,
I smile at the storm.
2. Determined to save,
•
He watched o'er my path,
When Satan's blind slave,
I sported with death:
And can he have taught me
To trust in his name,
And thus far have brought me,
To put me to shame ?
3. Why should I complain
Of want or distress,
Temptation or pain?
He told me no less;
I
13*
310
MEMOIR OF
The heirs of salvation
I know from his word,
Through much tribulation,
Must follow their Lord.
4. Though dark be my way
Since he is my guide,
'T is mine to obey,
'T is his to provide ;
His way was much rougher,
And darker than mine;
Did Jesus thus suffer,
And shall I repine?
5. His love in time past,
Forbids me to think
He'll leave me at last
In trouble to sink:
Though painful at present,
'T will cease before long,
And then, O how pleasant
The conquerer's song."
Being one day in very great pain, he said to me, “I
ought not to complain; but all that I have ever suffered
in the course of my life, is nothing in comparison with
this. But it is nothing in comparison with what I deserve."
"No," said I, "nor is it worthy to be compared with the
glory that shall be revealed." He requested me to take
from the shelf and hand to him the Remains of Carlos
Wilcox; and with great interest, he read the following
lines :
"But wherefore will not God
E'en now, from ills on others brought, exempt
The offspring of regenerating grace,
The children of his love? Imperfect yet,
They need the chastenings of eternal care,
To save them from the wily blandishments
Of error, and to win their hearts away
From the polluting, ruining joys of earth!"
Speaking at one time of his disease, as that which for
311
many years, he had dreaded more than any other, he
pointed me to the following passage in the Life of Samuel
Pearce, as expressive of his own feelings.
"It was never, till to-day, that I got any personal in-
struction from our Lord's telling Peter by what death he
should glorify God. Oh, what a satisfying thought that
God appoints those means of dissolution, whereby he
gets most glory to himself. It was the very thing I need-
ed; for, of all the ways of dying, that which I most dread-
ed, was by consumption, (in which it is now most proba-
ble my disorder will issue.) But O, my dear Lord, if by
this death I can most glorify thee, I prefer it to all others,
and thank thee that by this means thou art hastening my
fuller enjoyment of thee in a purer world."
During his sickness, he greatly enjoyed the society of
his brethren in the ministry, and other christian friends;
and was often heard to say that he never loved his friends
so well before. Every little favor shown him seemed
deeply to affect him, and awaken emotions of gratitude.
He would say, "O, how kind this is."
DR. NETTLETON.
On the first day of January, 1843, which was the sab-
bath, he sent the following note to the Seminary church,
with a request that it should be read at the communion.
"The Rev. Mr. Nettleton sends his very affectionate
regards to the members of this church, requesting an in-
terest in their prayers, that God would sanctify him wholly
in spirit, in soul, and in body, and prepare him for the
solemn hour of exchanging worlds, whenever it shall
come."
The next morning I called to see him, and found him
in an unusually happy frame of mind. After inquiring
whether his note was received, he remarked with great
animation, his eyes speaking through the tears, that
he loved the church more and more. He expressed
་
1
312
MEMOIR OF
a peculiar affection for the students of the Seminary, and
an ardent desire that they might become faithful ministers
of the gospel. He mentioned the great satisfaction which
it had given him to hear of the prosperity and usefulness
of those who had gone out from the Seminary. He then
went on to expatiate on the importance of a high stand-
ard of ministerial character, on account of its great in-
fluence on the interests of the church. He deprecated
particularly, in the ministers of Christ, every thing which
savours of pride and self sufficiency-every thing which
looks like ostentation, or a desire to attract notice to
themselves. He loved to see ministers humble, meek, un-
assuming, steadily devoted to their work, and more anx-
ious to glorify God, and save the souls of men, than to ac-
quire popularity.
He often remarked that a time of health, was the time
to prepare for death, and the time to give evidence of an
interest in Christ. He said he had seen persons, who
when in health were very much devoted to the world; but
who when brought upon a sick bed, were very religious;
"Go
agreeably to the representation in Jer. xxii. 20, 23.
up to Lebanon and cry, and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and
cry from the passages, for all thy lovers are destroyed. I
I
SPAKE UNTO THEE IN THY PROSPERITY, BUT THOU SAIDST,
WILL NOT HEAR. THIS HATH BEEN THY MANNER FROM THY
YOUTH, THAT THOU OBEYEDST NOT MY VOICE. The wind
shall eat up all thy pastures, and thy lovers shall go into
captivity; surely then shall thou be ashamed and confounded
for all thy wickedness. O, inhabitant of Lebanon, that
makest thy nest in the cedars, HOW GRACIOUS SHALT THOU BE
WHEN THY PANGS COME UPON THEE.
C
""
-
A short time before his death, when he was very ill,
and when he thought it probable that he had but a short
time to live; I said to him, you are in good hands.
DR. NETTLETON,
313
Certainly," he replied. Are you willing to be there?
"I am." "I know not," said he, "that I have
“that I have any ad-
vice to give my friends. My whole preaching expresses
my views. If I could see the pilgrims, scattered abroad,
who thought they experienced religion under my preach-
ing, I should like to address them. I would tell them
that the great truths of the gospel appear more precious
than ever; and that they are the truths which now sustain
my soul." He said, "You know I have never placed
much dependence on the manner in which persons die."
He spake of a farewell sermon which he preached in
Virginia, from these words, while ye have the light, walk
in the light. He told the people, that he wished to say
some things to them, that he should not be able to say to
them on a dying bed. And he would now say to all his
friends, "While ye have the light, walk in the light."
While making these remarks, there was a peculiar lustre.
on his countenance. I said to him, I trust you feel no so-
licitude respecting the issue of your present sickness. He
replied with emphasis, "No-none at all.
none at all. I am glad
that it is not for me to say. It is sweet to trust in the
Lord."
66
During the last twenty-four hours of his life, he said
but little. In the evening of the day before his death, I
informed him that we considered him near the close of
life, and said to him, I hope you enjoy peace of mind.
By the motion of his head, he gave me an affirmative
answer. He continued to fail through the night, and at
& o'clock in the morning, he calmly fell asleep, as we
trust, in the arms of his Saviour. May all his friends re-
member his dying counsel, “WHILE YE HAVE THE LIGHT,
WALK IN THE LIGHT."
-
3.
314
MEMOIR OF DR. NETTLETON.
"Farewell, dear brother, may thy mantle rest
Upon the youthful prophets of our God.
Farewell -Now rest, amid the blessed band,
With whom thou once didst worship here below,
And oft didst take sweet counsel There are seals
Mag
Thy ministry attesting, and the crowns
Of thy rejoicing through eternal days.
There numbers beyond number of the sav'd
Together sing Redemption's endless song."
CHAPTER XV.
G
His general character.
INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER.
•
Dr. Nettleton possessed a clear, vigorous, and discrim
inating mind a mind adapted to investigation, and well
disciplined by study. The course of his life, particularly
in the first years of his ministry, was such as to prevent
him from cultivating a very extensive acquaintance with
books. But his mind was ever active, and constantly en-
gaged in search of truth. Amid his abundant labors, he
found some time for reading; and the books which he
read, were well selected, and thoroughly studied. He
made no pretensions to great scientific attainments, nor
to any very extensive acquaintance with general litera-
ture; but his mind was well stored with biblical and theo-
logical knowledge. Few men ever possessed a more
thorough acquaintance with the Bible, or were capable
of expounding it in a more interesting manner. During
his last protracted illness, it was a feast to sit by his bed-
side and hear him open the scriptures. His expositions.
were so clear and natural, and were enlivened by such
vivid and striking illustrations, and interspersed with such
weighty practical remarks, as to render them not only
exceedingly entertaining, but in a high degree edifying.
Dr. N. was a profound divine; and in every species of
316
MEMOIR OF
theological discussion he was perfectly at home. With
the common objections and cavils against the doctrines
of the gospel, he was very familiar; and for skill in stop-
ping the mouths of gainsayers, and in speaking a word
in season to persons of every description, he was highly
distinguished.
A few anecdotes in illustration of this remark, will be
here inserted.
C
Being accosted by a Universalist, who wished to en-
gage in a discussion on the doctrine of future punish-
ment, he said to him, "I will not enter into any dispute
with you at present; but I should be pleased to have you
state to me your views, that I may have them to think
of." The man accordingly informed him, that in his
opinion mankind received all their punishment in this
life, and that all would be happy after death. Dr. N.
then asked him to explain certain passages of scripture,
such as the account of a future judgment in the xxv. chap-
ter of Matthew, and some others; merely suggesting dif-
ficulties for him to solve, without calling in question any
of his positions. After taxing his ingenuity for some time in
this way, and thus giving him opportunity to perceive
the difficulty of reconciling his doctrine with the language
of inspiration; he said to him, "you believe, I presume,
the account given by Moses of the deluge, and of the de-
struction of Sodom and Gomorrah.” "Certainly," he
replied.
"It seems, then," said Dr. N. "that the world became
exceeding corrupt, and God determined to destroy it by a
deluge of water. He revealed his purpose to Noah, and
directed him to prepare an ark in which he and his fami-
ly might be saved. Noah believed God, and prepared
the ark. Meanwhile he was a preacher of righteousness.
DR.
NETTLETON.
317
He warned the wicked around him of their danger, and
exhorted them to prepare to meet their God. But his
warnings were disregarded. They doubtless flattered
themselves that God was too good a being thus to de-
stroy his creatures. But notwithstanding their unbelief,
the flood came, and if your doctrine is true, swept them
all up to heaven. And what became of Noah, that faith-
ful servant of God? He was tossed to and fro on the wa-
ters, and was doomed to trials and sufferings for three
hundred and fifty years longer in this evil world; where-
as, if he had been wicked enough, he might have gone to
heaven with the rest.
"And there were the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah,
which had become so corrupt, that God determined to
destroy them by a tempest of fire. He revealed his pur-
pose to Lot, and directed him and his family to make
their escape.
'And Lot went out and spake to his sons
in law, saying, 'Up! get ye out of this place, for the Lord
will destroy this city.' But he seemed as one that mock-
ed to his sons in law.' They did not believe that any
such doom was impending. They doubtless flattered
themselves that God was too good a being to burn up his
creatures. But no sooner had Lot made his escape,
than it rained fire and brimstone from the Lord out of
heaven, and they all, it seems, ascended to heaven in a
chariot of fire; while pious Lot was left to wander in
the mountains, and to suffer many grievous afflictions in
this vale of tears; whereas if he had been wicked enough,
he might have gone to heaven with the rest." After
making this statement, he requested the man to reflect
on these things, and bade him an affectionate adieu.
A Restorationist once attacked him, and quoted these
words of the Apostle Peter in support of his doctrine.
By which also he went and preached to the spirits in
prison." Dr. N. observed to him, that the time was spe-
،،
318
MEMOIR OF
£6
cified in the next verse, when Christ preached to these
spirits in prison. It was "when once the long suffering
of God waited in the days of Noah." It was by his spirit
which dwelt in Noah, that he preached to those who are
now spirits in prison. No," said the man, "that can-
not be the meaning of the passage. The meaning is, that
Christ, after his crucifixion, went down to hell and
preached to the spirits in prison." "Be it so," said Dr.
N., "what did he preach ?" "I do not know," he replied;
"but I suppose he preached the gospel." "Do you
think,” said Dr. N., "that he preached to them any thing
different from what he preached on earth?" "Certainly
not," said he. Well," said Dr. N. "when Christ was
on the earth, he told sinners, that if they should be cast
into prison, they should not come out thence, till they
had paid the uttermost farthing. If he went down to hell
to preach to the lost spirits there, he doubtless told them,
you must remain here, till you have suffered all that your
sins deserve. What influence then would his preaching
have towards releasing them from the place of torment?”
An Antinomian complained to him, that ministers dwelt
so much in their preaching, on the demands of the law.
"Believers," said he, "are not under law, but under
grace." "Is it not the duty of believers," said Dr. N.
"to repent?" "Certainly," he replied. "Of what, is
it their duty to repent?" said Dr. N. The man saw at
once the precipice before him. If he said, of sin; he
perceived that the next question would be, what is sin but
a transgession of the law? and if believers are not under
obligations to obey the law, what can there be for them
to repent of ?
This is a specimen of the manner in which he often de-
molished at a stroke, the errors of men, and caused the
light of truth to flash instant conviction on their minds.
DR. NETTLETON.
319
Falling in company with a violent opposer of religion,
who professed to be a Universalist, and who also denied
the inspiration of the scriptures; he said to him, “I will
not dispute with you; but I presume I can tell you how
you came to adopt your present sentiments. I suspect
you have seen the time when the Spirit of God was striv.
ing with you
when you felt that you was a sinner, and
that you must repent or perish. But your wicked heart
resisted these convictions. You loved your sins, and was
unwilling to renounce them. Your conscience told you
that you must pray, or you would be lost; but your heart
replied, I will not pray, nor will I be lost. Hence you
undertook to convince yourself that God will not punish
the wicked. But I do not think you have yet quite silenced
your conscience. You still have some forebodings of fu-
ture misery. You are sometimes afraid, at least, that the
Bible is true, and that there is a day of judgment, and a
world of wo. But if you wish entirely to silence your
conscience, you are in a fair way to do it. Continue to
flatter yourself, and to resist the truth, and God will help
you to succeed. Thus it is written, 'For this cause God
shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe
a lie, that they all might be damned, who received not the
love of the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.'"
This address proved an arrow in the man's heart. He
saw himself to be a lost sinner, and soon became a hope-
ful subject of renewing grace.
C
A caviler once said to him, "how came I by my wick-
ed heart?" "That is a question," said he, "which does
not so much concern you as another, viz: how you shall
get rid of your wicked heart. You have a wicked heart,
which renders you entirely unfit for the kingdom of God,
and you must have a new heart, or you cannot be saved;
and the question which now most deeply concerns you, is,
320
MEMOIR OF
ည်း
"But" said the man, "I wish
"I
""
how you shall obtain it.”
you to tell me how I came by my wicked heart."
shall not undertake to do that at present," said Dr. N.;
“for if I could do it to your entire satisfaction, it would
not help you in the least towards obtaining a new heart.
The great thing for which I am solicitous, is, that you
should become a new creature and be prepared for heav-
en. As the man manifested no wish to hear any thing
on that subject, but still pressed the question how he came
by his wicked heart; Dr. N. told him that his condition
resembled that of a man who is drowning, while his friends
are attempting to save his life. As he rises to the surface
of the water, he exclaims, "how came I here?" "That
question," says one of his friends, "does not concern
Take hold of this rope." "But how came I
you now.
here?" he exclaims again. "I shall not stop to answer
"Then I'll drown,'
that question now," says his friend.
replies the infatuated man, and spurning all proffered aid,
sinks to the bottom.
";
""
A stupid, worldly man once said to him, "you know,
Mr. Nettleton, that when we would do good, evil is pres-
ent with us. "Yes," he replied, “and that is a bad case ;
but it is worse, when we would not do good, and evil is
present with us."
"I am
A man once asked him, "how shall I get a disposition
to pray?" "I wish to know, in the first place," he re-
plied, "whether you are sincere in asking the question;
for if you are not, it will be of no use for me to answer
it, because you will not follow my directions."
sincere," said the man; "I really wish to know how I
can get a disposition to pray." "It seems, then," said
Dr. N., "that you have already got a disposition to get a
disposition to pray. How did you get that; And why
DR. NETTLETON.
321
is it not just as easy to have a disposition to pray, as to
have a disposition to get a disposition to pray!" In this
way, he showed the man that he deceived himself in sup-
posing that he was sincere in asking the question.
A young female, who had been for sometime in a state
of religious anxiety, said to him, "what do you think of
the doctrine of election? Some say, it is true, and some
say it is not true, and I do not know what to think of it."
“And what do you wish to think of it?" said Dr. N.
"I
wish,” said she, "to think that it is not true." "Sup-
pose then," said Dr. N. "that it is not true. The doc-
trine of repentance is true. You must repent or perish.
Now if the doctrine of election is not true, what reason
have you to believe you ever shall repent?" After a mo-
ment's reflection, she replied, "if the doctrine of election
is not true, I never shall repent." Her eyes were then
opened upon her true condition. Every refuge failed her.
She saw that she was entirely dependent on the sovereign
grace of God; and there is reason to believe she was
soon brought out of darkness, into God's marvelous light.
A certain individual said to him, "I cannot get along
with the doctrine of election." "Then," said he, “get
along without it. You are at liberty to get to heaven, the
easiest way you can. Whether the doctrine of election is
true or not, it is true that you must repent, and believe,
and love God. Now what we tell you, is, that such is
the wickedness of your heart, that you never will do these
things, unless God has determined to renew your heart.
If you do not believe that your heart is so wicked, make
it manifest by complying with the terms of salvation.
Why do you stand caviling with the doctrine of election?
Suppose you should prove it to be false; what have you
gained? You must repent and believe in Christ after all.
Why do you not immediately comply with these terms of
??
322
MEMOIR OF
1
the gospel? When you have done this, without the aids
of divine grace, it will be soon enough to oppose the doc-
trines of election. Until you shall have done this, we shall
still believe that the doctrine of election lies at the founda-
tion of all hope in your case."
S
A woman, who was known to be a great opposer of the
doctrine of election, said to him one day, "you talked to
me yesterday, as if you thought I could repent." "And
can you not ?" said he. "No I cannot, unless God shall
change my heart." "Do you really believe," said he,
"that you cannot repent, unless God has determined to
change your heart?" "I do," said she. "Why, mad-
am," said he, "you hold to the doctrine of election in a
stricter sense than I do. I should prefer to say, not that
you cannot, but that you never will repent, unless God has
determined to hange your heart.”
To a young
man who had long been thoughtful, but
not deeply impr sed, and who seemed to continue from
week to week in e same state of mind, he said one day,
"there are some who never will become true believers.
Christ said unto the Jews, 'ye believe not, because ye are
not of my sheep.' Perhaps this is your case; and I tell
you now, that if you are not one of Christ's sheep, you
never will believe on him, and I hope it will ring in your
ears.' And it did ring in her ears. From that moment,
she found no peace, till, as she hoped, her peace was
made with God.
To a man, who manifested great opposition to the doc-
trine of election, he once said, "If I should go to heaven,
I feel as if I should wish to say in the language of the
apostle, 'who hath saved us and called us with an holy
calling; not according to our works, but according to his
DR. NETTLETON.
323
own purpose and grace, which were given us in Christ
Jesus, before the world began.' Now, if we should meet
in heaven, and I should make use of this language, will
you quarrel with me there?"
66 Do you believe," said an Arminian to him one day,
"that God influences the will?" "I do," he replied.
"How do you prove it?" "I prove it by this
"I prove it by this passage of
scripture. For it is God that worketh in you both to
will and to do." "But that does not mean," said the Ar-
minian, “that God influences the will, and now how do
you prove it?" "I prove it, said Dr. N., "by this passage,
For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to
do ?'"
"But that, I say, does not mean that God influ-
ences the will." "And what does it mean ?" said Dr. N.
"It means," said the Arminian, "that God gives us a
gracious power to will and to do." "Then it does not
mean," said Dr. N. " that God works in us to will and to do?"
In one place, where he was laboring in an interesting
revival of religion, there was a man of considerable influ-
ence, who was a member of the church; but whose prin-
ciples and practice were a great reproach to religion,
He opposed all religious meetings, except on the Sabbath.
At the same time, he made no objection to balls and par-
ties of pleasure, but encouraged his children to attend
them. Two of his daughters, one evening, without his
knowledge, went to hear Dr. N. preach. Finding that
they had gone, he repaired to the place, and interrupted
the meeting by ordering his daughters to return immedi-
ately home. Then addressing the preacher, he said, "Mr.
Nettleton, will you call and see me to-morrow morning at
9 o'clock !" "I will, sir," he replied. Accordingly at
the time proposed, he was at the house. "Mr. Nettleton"
said the man, "I do not approve of night meetings."
"Neither do I approve of balls," said Dr. N., “I think
324
MEMOIR OF
I
their influence upon young people is bad." "I do not
approve of such meetings as yours," said he. "Oh!" said
Dr. N. it is to religious meetings that you object, when
people meet together to worship God. If I understand
you, you feel no opposition to meetings of young people
for amusement, if they are held in the night, and continue
all night. Did you ever take your children from the ball-
room?" "The command" said he, "is six days shalt
thou labor." "Did you ever quote that command,” said
Dr. N. “to prove that it is wrong to attend balls, and par-
ties of pleasure ?"
·
Then assuming a solemn and affectionate mode of ad-
dress, he said to the man, my dear sir, you are a mem-
ber of the church, but you must not wonder if you are
regarded by your acquaintance, as in heart, the enemy
of religion, unless you pursue a more consistent course of
conduct. While you uphold balls, and oppose meetings.
for religious worship, you will find it difficult to make any
body believe that you have the least regard for the reli-
gion which you profess." This address brought tears
into the man's eyes, and whatever may have been his
feelings, there was after this, a decided change in his out-
ward deportment. He suffered his children to attend
religious meetings; nor do I know that he ever after-
wards openly opposed them.
He once fell in company with two men who were dis-
puting on the doctrine of the Saints perseverance.
As
he came into their presence, one of them said, "I believe
this doctrine has been the means of filling hell with chris-
tians." "Sir," said Dr. N. "do you believe that God
knows all things?" "Certainly I do" said he.
"How
then, do you interpret this text? I never knew you"
said Dr. N. After reflecting a moment, he replied, "the
meaning must be, I never knew you as christians.'
"Is
that the meaning?" said Dr. N. "Yes, it must be,” he
66
""
DR. NETTLETON.
325
replied, "for certainly God knows all things." "Well,"
said Dr. N, "I presume you are right. Now this is what
our Saviour will say to those, who, at the last day, shall
say to him, Lord, Lord, have we not eaten and drunken
in thy presence, &c. Now, when Saul, and Judas, and
Hymeneus, and Philetus, and Demas, and all who, you
suppose, have fallen from grace, shall say to Christ,
Lord, Lord; he will say to them, I never knew you -
I NEVER knew you as christians. Where then are the
christians that are going to hell?”
C
Said an individual to him, "do you believe in the doc-
trine of the Saints' Perseverance?" "It is my opinion,'
he replied, "that that doctrine is taught in the Bible."
“I should like then," said the individual,
"to have you
explain this passage Ezek. xviii. 24. When the righteous
turneth away from his righteousness and committeth iniquity,
and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked
man doeth, shall he live? All the righteousness that he hath
done shall not be mentioned; in his trespass that he hath tres-
passed and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he
die.'
999
AND
"" I
Said Dr. N., "you have imposed upon me a hard task.
That is a difficult text to explain; and what renders it the
more difficult, is, that commentators are not agreed as to
its meaning. Some have supposed, that by a righteous
man, in this passage, is meant a self-righteous man.”
do not believe that," said the individual. "Neither do I,"
said Dr. N., "for in that case, it would seem to teach that
if a self-righteous man should persevere in his self-right-
eousness, he would be saved. Some have supposed, that
by a righteous man is meant one who is apparently right-
eous.”
"I do not believe that," said the individual.
"Neither do I," said Dr. N., "for in that case, the text
would seem to teach, that if a hypocrite should persevere
14
326
MEMOIR OF
in his hypocrisy, he would be saved. You suppose, do
you not, that by a righteous man in this passage, is meant
a true saint?" "Certainly, I do.” "And you suppose,
that by a righteous man's turning away from his right-
eousness, is meant falling away, as David did, and as Pe-
ter did?" "Certainly." "And you believe that David
and Peter are now in hell?" " No, by no means.
David
and Peter repented and were restored to the favor of
God." But," said Dr. N., "when the righteous turneth
from his righteousness in his trespass that he hath
trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them
shall he die
Now if David and
Peter did turn from their righteousness in the sense of
this passage, how can we possibly believe that they were
saved?" The individual now found the laboring oar in
his own hands; and after attempting for some time, un-
successfully, to explain the difficulty in which he found
his own doctrine involved, Dr. N. said to him, "if there
is any difficulty in explaining this text of scripture, I do
not see but you are quite as much troubled with it as I
am."
IN THEM SHALL HE DIE.
K
A man once said to him, "I sincerely desire to be a
christian. I have often gone to the house of God, hoping
that something which should be said, might be set home
upon my mind by the spirit of God, and be blessed to my
salvation." "You are willing, then, are you not," said
Dr. N., “that I should converse with you hoping that my
conversation may be the means of your conversion ?" "I
am," he replied. "If you are willing to be a christian,"
said Dr. N., "you are willing to perform the duties of re-
ligion; for this is what is implied in being a christian.
Are you willing to perform these duties?" "I do not
know but I am.” "You are the head of a family. One
DR. NETTLETON.
324
of the duties of religion is family prayer. Are you willing
to pray in your family?" "I should be," he replied, "if
I were a christian. But it cannot be the duty of such a
man as I am, to pray. The prayers of the wicked are
an abomination unto the Lord." “And is it not," said
Dr. N., "an abomination unto the Lord, to live without
prayer? But just let me show you how you deceive your-
self. You think you really desire to be converted. But
you are not willing even to be convicted. Just as soon as
I mention a duty which you are neglecting, you begin to
excuse and justify yourself, on purpose to keep your sin
out of sight. You are not willing to see that it is a hein-
ous sin to live in the neglect of family prayer. How can
you expect to be brought to repentance, until you are
willing to see your sinfulness? And how can you flatter
yourself that you really desire to be a christian, while you
thus close your eyes against the truth?"
A young lady, who was under concern of mind, said to
him, "I certainly do desire to be a christian. I desire to
be holy. I would give all the world for an interest in
Christ." He replied, "what you say, will not bear exam-
ination. If you really desire religion for what it is, there
is nothing to hinder you from possessing it. I can make
a representation which will show you your heart, if you
are willing to see it." "I am," said she.
"I am," said she. "It will look
very bad," said he, "but if you are willing to see it, I will
make the representation. Suppose you were a young
lady of fortune; - and suppose a certain young man
should desire to obtain your fortune, and should for that
reason, conclude to pay his addresses to you. But he
does not happen to be pleased with your person. He
does not love you, but hates you. And suppose he should
come to you, and say, I really wish I could love you, but
328
MEMOIR OF
1
I do not. I would give all the world if I could love you,
but I cannot. What would you think of that young man ?”
A person once said in his presence, that to inculcate
upon sinners their dependence on God for a new heart, is
suited to discourage effort, and to lead them to sit down
in despair. He replied, "the very reverse of this is true.
Suppose a number of men are locked up in a room, play-
ing cards.
Some person informs them that the roof of
the building is on fire, and that they must make their es-
cape, or they will perish in the flames. Says one of
them, 'we need not be in haste, we shall have time to fin-
ish the game.' 'But,' says the person who gave the
alarm, ‘your door is locked.' 'No matter for that,' he re-
plies; I have the key in my pocket, and can open it at
any moment.' 'But I tell you, that key will not open the
door.' 'Won't it?' he exclaims; and rising from the ta-
ble, flies to the door, and exerts himself to the utmost to
open it.
So sinners, while they believe that there is no
difficulty in securing their salvation at any moment, quiet
their consciences, and silence their fears. But when they
are taught that such is the wickedness of their hearts,
that they never will repent, unless God interposes by his
regenerating grace; they are alarmed, and begin to in-
quire in deep distress what they shall do to be saved."
A young man of liberal education, and of a clear and
vigorous mind, having just read Edwards' Treatise on the
Will, said to him, "the reasoning is conclusive. It is im-
possible to controvert it. It amounts to absolute demon-
stration.' To which he assented. "Then," said the
young man, “I am not a free agent, and am not account-
able for my conduct.” "That does not follow," said Dr.
N. "I admit your premises, but I deny your conclusion;
""
DR.
NETTLETON.
329
and moreover, you do not believe it yourself. If you did,
you would not fear to blaspheme your Maker. But you
dare not do it. You know you are a free, and accounta-
ble agent."
To a young man, who professed to be an atheist, he
said, “you are not so sure as you pretend to be, that
there is no God. You dare not go alone, and kneel down,
and in a solemn manner offer a prayer. If there is no God,
you will incur no danger by so doing; and yet you dare not
do it. This shows that you are afraid that there is a God,
who cannot be deceived, and who will not be mocked.”
In conversing with opposers of religion, while he was
very plain and faithful, he was never harsh in his man-
ner; but always kind and affectionate, in obedience to the
divine injunction, "In meekness instructing those that
oppose themselves; if peradventure, God will give them
repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." And not
a few of the open enemies of religion, were through his
instrumentality hopefully converted to Christ.
CHARACTER AS A PREACHER.
The preaching of Dr. N. was for the most part extem-
poraneous. He rarely had any manuscript before him,
unless it were a very brief outline of his discourse. He
was compelled to adopt this course, from the circumstar
ces in which he was placed. Laboring almost constantly
in revivals of religion, his time was so much occupied in
attending religious meetings, and in conversing with indi-
viduals in private, that he found it impossible to write his
sermons. After he had preached a short time, his mind
was exceedingly tried on this subject; and he seriously
deliberated on the question, whether it was not his duty
4
1
330
MEMOIR OF
Blog
to remit some of his other labors, that he might devote
more of his time to study, and particularly to writing.
But after having prayerfully considered the subject, and
taken counsel of his brethren in the ministry, he came to
the conclusion that it was his duty to persevere in that
course, which God was crowning with such signal success.
But notwithstanding these disadvantages, he was an in-
structive preacher. Although he preached principally
without writing, he did not preach without study. He
bestowed much thought on his sermons. They were rich
in matter; and although they were so plain as to be easi-
ly understood by the most illiterate, they were interesting
and instructive to persons of the most cultivated intellect.
He investigated subjects thoroughly, and exhibited the
result of his investigations with a clearness and force
rarely, if ever, equalled. The remark of a plain man af-
ter having listened to one of his discourses, will give
some idea of the character of his preaching. "While he
was speaking," said he, "a stream of light went right
through me."
He was a doctrinal preacher. It was his opinion that a
belief of the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, is the
basis of all genuine religious experience. He was aware
that there might be religious excitement, and much reli-
gious zeal where these doctrines are discarded, and even
opposed; but he had no confidence in such excitements.
He had learned from his own observation and experience,
that the preaching of these doctrines is suited to promote
genuine revivals of religion; and that revivals, where they
are not faithfully preached, are apt to run into the wildest
fanaticism. He believed that faithful, judicious doctrinal
preaching is adapted to humble saints, and excite them to
fervent prayer, and the diligent discharge of their various
F
DR.
NETTLETON.
331
duties; and at the same time, to produce conviction in
the consciences of sinners, to destroy their self-righteous
He had
hopes, and to bring them to the foot of the cross.
no fears that the doctrines of grace when clearly explain-
ed, and properly exhibited, would paralyze effort, and en-
courage sloth and spiritual apathy. He had abundant
proof continually before his eyes, of a directly contrary
effect. These doctrines, in his hands, were the sword of
the spirit, and the power of God unto salvation.
But while he was pre-eminently a doctrinal preacher,
he was at the same time,
A practical preacher. He preached the doctrines prac-
tically. While he explained them and rescued them from
the misrepresentations of cavilers and errorists, and en-
forced them by irresistible arguments, he never preached
them as matters of mere speculation; but always, as truths
of everlasting moment. He applied them to the hearts and
consciences of his hearers, as subjects in which they had a
personal and infinite interest. He set no value upon a
mere speculative faith. He was aware that men may hold
the truth in unrighteousness; and while he strenuously
insisted on the great Protestant doctrine of justification
by faith, he as strenuously insisted on the necessity of a
living faith which worketh by love, and purifieth the heart,
and manifests itself in a life of holy obedience.
He was a wise preacher.— Wise in the selection of his
topics, and in his mode of discussing them; but especial-
ly in adapting his discourses to the state and circumstan-
ces of his hearers. In this respect, he was particularly
distinguished. When he commenced laboring in a place,
he very soon ascertained the state of the people, and what
kind of instruction was suited to their condition. If they
had previously had an undue proportion of doctrinal
332
MEMOIR OF
t
preaching, and were beginning to pervert the doctrines by
contemplating them in such a light as to furnish them with
an excuse for the neglect of duty; he found it necessary
to press upon the consciences of sinners their obligations,
and to urge the duty of immediate repentance. Where
the previous instruction had been of an opposite charac-
ter, he found it necessary to dwell much on the doctrine of
regeneration, and other kindred topics. This is what, in
familiar language, he called "cross-ploughing;" and he
uniformly found it to produce the desired effect. During
the progress of a revival, he always seemed to know what
was needed at every particular crisis, and all his discour-
ses were admirably timed.
-
He was a plain preacher.-By this I mean, that he ex-
hibited the truth with remarkable clearness, so that every
body could understand it; and with such force of reason-
ing, that it could not easily be resisted. Although he pos-
sessed a strong and discriminating mind, and was some-
what fond of metaphysical discussion; yet he rarely in-
troduced abstract and metaphysical reasoning into the pul-
pit. His reasoning was of the Rhetorical kind, which,
often at a stroke, carried overpowering conviction to the
mind. It was said by one who was well acquainted with
his mode of illustrating and enforcing divine truth, "He
is always unanswerable." And it was even so. What he
undertook to establish, seemed to be settled beyond con-
troversy. And it was done in so simple and easy a man-
ner, as to cause the hearer to wonder that he had never
seen it thus before.
He was a solemn preacher. He carefully avoided in the
pulpit, witticisms, ludicrious comparisons, and every thing
suited to produce levity. He felt that he was standing in
DR. NETTLETON.
333
the presence of God, and addressing immortal beings on
subjects of infinite moment. He had a higher object
than to amuse his hearers, who were slumbering on the
brink of eternal perdition. His heart yearned with com-
passion for them, and his object was to impress upon their
minds a sense of their lost condition. The great realities
of eternity were before his mind. He of course felt
solemn. It was not affectation, but a reality. He had
no sanctimonious tone. His manner was simple and un-
affected. His articulation and emphasis were natural,
and the deep bass tones of his voice were sometimes pe-
culiarly solemn and impressive. Under his preaching, an
awful solemnity usually pervaded the assembly. No one,
unless it were some bold blasphemer, was disposed to
trifle. Such were the manifest tokens of the presence of
God, that the minds of the people were filled with awe,
and the breathless silence was broken only by the occa-
sional sighs and sobs of anxious souls.
He was a faithful preacher.—Few men ever had a more
vivid sense of the responsibility connected with the sac-
red office; or were enabled more successfully to resist the
various temptations to unfaithfulness. He was, in an un-
usual degree, raised above the fear of man. He made it
his object to please, not men, but God, who trieth our
hearts; and no earthly consideration could induce him to
keep back what he believed it to be his duty to preach.
Still, he was never harsh and denunciatory; but always
kind and affectionate. He never made it his object to
give offence, but always to commend himself to every
man's conscience in the sight of God. His heart glowed
with love to souls, and it was his great desire to be instru-
mental in their salvation. And for this purpose, he set
|
14*
334
MEMOIR OF
1
,'
before them with great plainness their sin and danger,
and solemnly and affectionately warned them to flee from
the wrath to come.
The following conclusion of a sermon on the divine
law, may serve as a specimen of his faithfulness in ap-
plying divine truth to the consciences of his hearers.
"But what must be the state of every sinner out of
Christ? Sinner, in what court will you plead? At the
tribunal of justice, or of mercy? It is with the kindest
intention that you are now called upon to hear, that the
sentence of eternal death is pronounced upon you, and
that this sentence is holy, just, and good. Let the mise-
ries of this life let the messenger of death, and the
dark world of wo, rise up to your view and testify how
awful is that law which condemns you. To vindicate the
honor of this broken law, everlasting fire is prepared for
the devil and his angels. Here they dwell in endless tor-
ments. These, O, sinner, were once angels of light, and
dwelt in the presence of God. But how are they fallen,
no more to rise! They sinned against that God, whose
law now condemns you. The inhabitants of the old
world, and of Sodom, are set forth for an example, suf-
fering the vengeance of eternal fire."
BANG
"Out of Christ, you are condemned already, and the
wrath of God abideth on you. Out of Christ, all your
actions hitherto, are scanned by this perfect law, and not
one sin is pardoned. Out of Christ, you stand this mo-
ment in awful hazard of losing your immortal soul, and
suffering for every failure of perfect obedience to this
holy law. Out of Christ, nothing but the mere mercy of
that God, in whose hand is your life - the mercy of Him,
whom you are continually provoking by your sins, this
moment holds you from dropping into the flames of hell.
W
DR.
NETTLETON.
335
What then must be the weight of your guilt? If one sin
must send an angel of light into the bottomless pit—if in
consequence of Adam's sin, he too, with all his posterity,
might have been reserved in everlasting chains, under
darkness, without one offer of pardoning mercy; what
must be your guilt, when every action is laid in the bal-
ance, and found wanting? Oh, that you might hear, and
tremble! When God in awful majesty pronounced this
law from Mount Sinai, his voice then shook the earth, and
they that heard entreated that the word should not be
spoken to them any more, for the guilty world could not
endure that which was commanded. But this law still
speaks, however deaf, and however careless the sinner
may be this law still speaks, and proclaims approach-
ing vengeance near.
Gold
P
"But stop-The uplifted arm of vengeance is yet stay-
ed. · The collected wrath yet waits a moment.
A voice
from the mercy-seat a warning voice is heard. The
Saviour calls. Haste, then, O, sinner, haste to Christ,
the only refuge from the storm, and covert from the gath-
ering temptest. Then safe from the fear of evil, at a dis-
tance, you shall only hear the thunders roll;- while
don, peace, and eternal life, are yours."
par-
He was an animated preacher.-This would naturally be
inferred from the foregoing extract. He felt deeply the
truths which he uttered, and aimed to impress them
strongly on the minds of his hearers. He was not bois-
terous or vehement; but there was an earnestness in his
manner, which produced the conviction in all who heard
him, that what he said came from the heart. He spake
He felt that he stood on
as a dying man to dying men.
the verge of eternity, and that he was addressing immor-
tal beings, to whom he must be a savor, either of life
336
MEMOIR OF
unto life, or of death unto death. This characteristic of
his preaching is well described by Dr. Shepard, in the
extract given from his letter in a former chapter.
He was an eloquent preacher.-His, however, was not
the eloquence which dazzles by splendid diction, and
graceful delivery; and which fills the hearers with admi-
ration of the brilliant talents of the preacher. It was the
eloquence of thought and feeling- eloquence which
made the hearers forget the preacher in the all-absorbing
interest which they felt in the subject of his discourse.
"If we were compelled," say the Edinburgh Reviewers,
"to give a brief definition of eloquence, we should say,
it was practical reasoning, animated by strong emotion."
It would be difficult to give a better description of Dr.
Nettleton's preaching, than that contained in this defini-
tion.
His sermons, being mostly extemporaneous, were not,
of course, characterized by elegance of style. But they
exhibited a clearness, and force, and vivacity, which are
seldom found in the written discourses of the most cele-
brated preachers. He was, it is true, generally diffuse,
and sometimes repetitious. He would frequently dwell
upon a thought, and present it in different aspects, for the
purpose of impressing it more deeply on the mind, and
fixing it in the memory. But he was never tedious. He
kept the attention of the audience riveted to the subject.
Every eye was fastened upon him, and the whole assem-
bly listened in breathless silence.
*It was a remark of one who had often heard him preach, "He had the
art of repeating some short and striking sentence in a manner, and with an
effect, which no man could successfully imitate. It was like the repeated
strokes of the beetle, in the hand of a giant, upon the head of the wedge,
driving it to the very heart of the knotty oak."
DR. NETTLETON.
337
His elocution, though not the most graceful, was natu-
ral and forcible. His voice was clear, and melodious,
and under complete command. His enunciation was dis-
tinct, and his emphasis, as I have already remarked, was
natural, and sometimes remarkably impressive.
He was rather moderate and slow in the commence-
ment of his discourse; but as he advanced, he increased
in fervor, till he reached, sometimes, the highest pitch, of
eloquence. Not a few educated men, of extensive ac-
quaintance, and good taste, have pronounced his preaching
the best specimen of genuine eloquence which they ever
witnessed. If power to arrest, and chain the attention of
large auditories for hours together, and to stir up the
fountains of deep feeling in the soul, is proof of elo-
quence, then surely Dr. N. was eloquent.
He was a successful preacher.-Soon after he began to
preach, his labors were crowned with signal success, and
for ten or eleven years he was almost constantly employ-
ed in guiding inquiring souls to Christ. Few men have
ever been instrumental in the conversion of so many souls.
Thousands have acknowledged him as their spiritual
father, who will, I doubt not, be his joy and crown in the
day of the Lord.
SOCIAL CHARACTER.
Dr. N. was never married. We cannot, of course, con-
template him in the conjugal and parental relations. He
did not choose a life of celibacy, on account of disappoint-
ment, as some have supposed, or because he had not a
soul formed for friendship; but having devoted himself to
a missionary life, soon after his conversion, he supposed
it would be necessary for him to remain single. Both he
a
338
MEMOIR OF
and Mills entertained the opinion, that it would be inexpe-
dient, if not impracticable to take wives with them on a
foreign mission; and they entered into an agreement on
their first acquaintance, to hold themselves free from all
matrimonial engagements. Afterwards, the course of life
pursued by Dr. N., was such, as to render it inconvenient
to say the least, to enter into the family state.
But as I have said, he had a soul formed for friendship.
He possessed a mild and amiable disposition, and render-
ed himself exceedingly agreeable in the society of his
friends. No one could be long in his company without
discovering the kindness of his heart. He never put on a
morose, austere, or sanctimonious air. He was uniformly
cheerful; but never suffered his cheerfulness to degene-
rate into levity. His conversational powers were good,
and were agreeably and usefully employed. He was very
successful in his attempts to interest young persons and to
secure their confidence and esteem. He would address
them with such kindness and tenderness, and make his
conversation so entertaining, as well as instructive, that
it could not fail to win their affection, and cause them to
take pleasure in his society. He was very much in the
habit of introducing poetry to enliven conversation, and
give it a useful direction. In a circle of young persons,
he would often read some striking passage from Cowper,
or Milton, or Pollok, or Carlos Wilcox; and after
commenting on the beauties of the poetry, he would in a
natural and easy way, lead their minds to the contempla-
tion of some important truth suggested by the passage.
Many a youth has in this way had his attention first arres-
ted to the great concerns of eternity.
HIS DISCRETION.
G
Dr. Nettleton was pre-eminently a wise man. This, I
DR. NETTLETON.
Ze
presume, no one will deny, who is intimately acquainted
with his history. In the whole course of his life, in mat-
ters of a public or private nature, he exhibited an uncom-
mon degree of discretion. He took comprehensive views
of things, and was able beyond most men to discern their
relations and tendencies, and to trace actions into their
ultimate results. Hence he was able to see, at all times,
what was required by the circumstances in which he was
placed. He knew how to adapt means to ends, and so
judicious was he in the selection of his means, that he sel-
dom failed of accomplishing the ends which he had in
view. He engaged in no visionary projects. He was
not deficient in zeal; - but his was not the blind zeal,
which leads to rash and headlong measures; but it was a
zeal which is according to knowledge. A distinguished
clergyman who had been intimately acquainted with his
history for several years, and who had noticed with admi-
ration the skill with which he formed and executed his
plans for doing good, exclaimed, "he is the wisest man I
ever knew."
Good is sometimes done at great expense. The indis-
cretions of good men not unfrequently so mar their works
of benevolence, as to render it doubtful whether more
good is done than evil. As one remarks, "There are
men in the sacred office, so constitutionally indiscreet,
that in whatever they undertake, they will choose the
wrong way, if there is one. There always have been in-
dividuals rushing into the office, who are lamentably defi-
cient, both in native and acquired powers, for the dis-
charge of its duties. An illiterate man, if he have good
sense, and true humility, may do good in revivals; but if
he is proud, and rash, and censorious, as well as igno-
rant, he will probably do much more hurt than good; es-
pecially by revolting the sensibilities of intelligent men,
340
MEMOIR OF
►
།
b.
who think that religion should promote sobriety, decorum,
and an amiable temper in its subjects." *
Many of the religious excitements which have occurred
in our country within the last twenty years, although
they have doubtless been the means of the salvation of
some souls; have through injudicious management, re-
sulted in incalculable evil. Desolation has followed in
their track. Churches have been rent asunder. Pastors
have been driven from their flocks. Souls, in great num-
bers, there is reason to fear, have been deluded with
false and hypocritical hopes. Sinners have been harden-
ed in impenitence. Not a few have been confirmed in
infidelity; and the very name of a revival has become
a hissing and a by-word. But it was not so under the
labors of Dr. N. The good accomplished by his labors.
had no such drawbacks. The revivals, under his preach-
ing, as we have seen, were remarkably pure. Those
who were admitted to the churches, for the most part,
adorned their profession. In those revivals, churches
were built up, beautified, and strengthened. Pastors
were more firmly seated in the affections of their flocks;
and a benign influence was shed upon the surrounding
community.
When we consider the great evils which have been
connected with the labors of many modern evangelists,
and contrast them with the immense, and almost unmin-
gled good accomplished by his labors, we are forcibly
struck with the wisdom of the man.
+
Dr. N. was a wise counsellor. Many of his brethren
have felt and acknowledged their obligations to him for
salutary advice in difficult and trying circumstances; and
have ascribed their own usefulness, in no small degree, to
the aid derived from his counsels. And while he was
M
*Dr. Porter's Letters on Revivals.
DR.
341
NETTLETON.
himself an eminent example of discretion, he considered
this a prime qualification in a minister of Christ. When
the Rev. Dr. Cornelius was Secretary of the American
Education Society, he submitted to Dr. N. a list of quali-
fications to be possessed by those who should be encour-
aged to enter the ministry. It read thus. "1. Piety. 2.
Talents. 3. Scholarship. 4. Discretion." "Change the
order," said he. “Put discretion next to piety.”
The following is an extract of a letter written to a the-
ological student in 1826. "It is very important to a
young preacher that he avoid a censorious spirit, and that
he always speak kindly to those who are held in reputa-
tion among christians. If he labor among such, he had
better forego the prospect of doing present good, than to
lose the confidence of these men. I can think of times
in the early part of my ministry, when I had no doubt
that a given course would be blessed to the conversion of
many souls. I might have been mistaken. At any rate,
acquiescence in the judgment of my brethren would se-
cure their confidence- and I have been astonished to
find them so generally willing to allow me to adopt my
own course. The truth is, all christians are imperfect;
and all our exertions to do good are attended with more
or less imperfection. Good measures will be often inno-
cently opposed, for the want of experience only. The same
measures may be very good, or very bad in different pla-
ces, and under different circumstances. The question has
often been proposed in the public prints, What is the
best mode of dealing with anxious souls?' Much may be
said and written to profit; but after all, we might as well
ask and answer the question, 'What is the best method of
treating all manner of sicknesses and all manner of disea-
ses among the people?' We may talk about the best
means of doing good; but after all, the greatest difficulty
lies in doing it with a proper spirit. Speaking the truth
6
342
MEMOIR OF
in love. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.
With the meekness and gentleness of Christ. I have known
anxious sinners drop the subject of religion in consequence
of a preacher's addressing them in an angry tone. Man-
kind, it is true, will be sure to find fault with every thing
that awakens their fears; but we should endeavor so to
conduct, as to keep their consciences on our side in spite
of all their opposition. Take care and not give them just
cause to complain."
In a letter to the same individual, written in 1827,
speaking of the measures introduced in the western revi-
vals, he says, "It is said that God has blessed these meas-
ures to the conversion of sinners. The same may be said
of female preaching; and it may be asked in reference.
to that, 'How can that be wrong which God has blessed
to the conversion of a soul?' I answer, it is an acknowl-
edged fact, that profane swearing, opposition to revivals,
mock conferences have all been over-ruled to the convic-
tion and conversion of sinners. And shall we not encour-
age and defend these things? The man who defends the
principle in question appears bad in argument and worse
in practice.
'There is no doubt a kind of prudence which has ruin-
ed thousands forever. But the preacher who condemns
prudence in toto, will soon be forsaken by her inmate,
Prov. viii. 12. He may drive at the understandings and
consciences of his hearers with all his might, but there is
a point of prudence beyond which he cannot pass without
losing his entire hold on both. Zeal without prudence
will defeat its own end. Zeal untempered with love and
compassion for souls, will soon degenerate into harsh-
ness and cruelty of manner and expression, which will
have no other effect on an audience than ranting and
DR. NETTLETON,
343
scolding, and even profane swearing. The result in mor-
als will be, what the children of this world denominate
'penny-wise,' and 'pound-foolish.' It is like cutting off
the heads of hundreds, to save the life of one man.”
HIS DISINTERESTEDNESS.
It has already been remarked, that during the ten years
in which he was laboring almost constantly in revivals, he
received as compensation, barely sufficient to defray his
expenses. But he manifested no solicitude on that sub-
ject. At a meeting of ministers on one occasion, when
he was present, an allusion was made by some one to the
scanty support which he received-he replied, by simply
repeating the following passage of Scripture, Luke xxii.
35-"When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and
shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, nothing."
The Rev. Dr. Chapin, in a letter from which an ex-
tract has been made in a former chapter, says, "View
him, likewise in relation to money. It is certainly diffi-
cult, probably impossible, to find an active person more
entirely free from an avaricious craving after worldly
property, than brother Nettleton was while with us, and
must indeed have previously been. Rather, he manifest-
ed the most generous feelings. On finding a serious per-
son, though indigent, destitute of a Bible, or psalm-book,
or hymn-book, he would find means of supplying the de-
ficiency. He seemed not even to think of accumulating
property. It is believed that while among us, he did not
volunteer to mention such a subject. When questioned
touching his property, as he was once or, perhaps, twice
-his answer was brief, that he was worth little or noth-
ing. The inquiry was immediately dropped. Not a par-
ticle of solicitude or care on such a subject was manifes-
•
Cam
344
ted."
“In due time the book (his hymn-book)
was published. Here again, may be seen his pious indif-
ference to worldly wealth. Though he continued indi-
gent, and though he knew not whether the work would
be acceptable and find a demand in the market; yet, sup-
posing it possible that the book might be worth something
beyond the cost of publication, he made a donation of all
the profits of the first edition to the A. B. C. F. M.”
The hymn-book had an extensive sale, and became the
source of a large income. "But," adds Dr. Chapin,
"who ever saw brother Nettleton elated by this unexpected
result." On the contrary, his disregard of worldly accu-
mulation appears to have been in proportion to his world-
ly success. His donations were now, like his income,
enlarged. With his habitual generosity, he remembered
those whom he pleasantly called his poets. Those, too,
were not forgotten, whom he accounted assistants in the
preparation of his book. While in Europe, he made an-
other handsome donation to the A. B. C. F. M.*
MEMOIR OF
"Be it now added, as the crowning proof of brother
Nettleton's comparative indifference for money, that he
gave a noble portion of the income derived from his book,
to a Theological Institution. Beyond question, this fin-
ishing act of his refined benevolence, enlarged, and ex-
pansive in the ratio of his augmented means, emanated
from the same disinterested love of souls, and Christ, and
salvation by grace, which moved him to study and labor
so untiringly for the promotion of pure revivals.”
RELIGIOUS
CHARACTER.
That Dr. N. was a man of more than ordinary piety,
will be evident to all who have attentively perused the
* $500.
DR:
NETTLETON.
345
foregoing account of his life. His piety was deep,
steady, operative, and consistent. "It was not a flame
that dazzled for a moment, and then flickered and died
away." Nor was it subject to those alternations of feel-
ing, which are sometimes witnessed in eminently good
men. It was not, for instance, like the piety of Payson,
who seems to have been always in the possession of great
spiritual enjoyment, or in the horrors of thick darkness.
Dr. N.'s feelings were more uniform. He seems never to
have been greatly elated, nor deeply depressed; but to
have maintained generally a calm and peaceful frame of
mind.
His piety was consistent. There was a beautiful sym-
metry in his christian character. The various graces of
the Spirit were harmoniously blended, and exhibited, each
in its proper place, and in its due proportion. It is the
nature of false religion to be deformed; and characteris-
tic of all hypocrites, that they strain at a gnat and swal-
low a camel. But the christian character of Dr. N. was
formed on principles which enter into all the minutiæ of
a man's life. He was not a stickler for some things, while
negligent of others equally important. He did not ex-
pend all his zeal in opposing certain sins, and manifest no
opposition to others equally heinous. He did not con-
tend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints,
and neglect the practical duties of religion. He inculcated
alike the doctrines and duties of christianity, and bore
testimony against all those sins by which God is dishon-
ored, and the souls of men are endangered.
He was a man of fixed religious principle, and great de-
cision of character. By this, is meant, not that he was
self-willed, and bigoted; but that he conscientiously and
steadily adhered to what he believed to be right. His
opinions were not formed hastily, nor taken up upon
346
MEMOIR OF
credit, but were the result of deliberate and prayerful ex-
amination; and when formed, they were rarely changed.
He acted, not from passion, or any sudden impulse of the
moment, but from principle; and could not be induced to
swerve from the path of duty, either by flattery, or
frowns, or any worldly motive. When entreated by one,
in whom he had reposed great confidence, and whose
friendship he highly prized, to give up his opposition to
certain doctrines, which he believed to be erroneous, and
of dangerous tendency, he replied, "You might as well
ask me to cut off my conscience and throw it away."
He was not influenced by the principles and practices of
others, any farther than he was satisfied that they were
conformed to the word of God. He thought for himself,
and formed his purposes in the fear of God, and with
reference to the final judgment. As was said of another,
"It was not enough for him, that others believed, and al-
lowed, and practised; he was not content till he saw
the reason, and his hands, as it were, handled the evi-
dence. This with his love of truth, his reverence of the
divine authority, and his sense of obligation, guarded him
against rash conclusions, and led him cheerfully to re-
nounce whatever he found to be erroneous, and to adopt
what he found to be in accordance with the law and the
testimony."
G
HUMILITY-Was a striking trait in the character of Dr.
N. When a young man, he read in an old book this max-
im :
"Do all the good you can in the world, and make as
little noise about it as possible." This maxim had great
influence in the formation of his character. He treasu-
red it up in his memory, and believing it to be in accor-
dance with the precepts of the gospel, he made it a rule
of conduct. Hence every thing like ostentation, he ab-
DR. NETTLETON.
347
horred. Few men ever had greater temptations to the
indulgence of pride. His great popularity as a preacher,
and the almost unparalleled success which attended his
labors, even while he was but a youth, constituted a
source of great danger. Many of his fathers and breth-
ren in the ministry trembled for him, lest he should be
lifted up with pride. But he seems to have been remark-
ably delivered from the power of this temptation. Not-
withstanding his great popularity, he seems not to have
been elated. He was modest and unassuming, and al-
ways sensible that the success which attended his labors,
was not owing to any goodness in himself, but to the sov-
ereign grace of God.
He was well acquainted with the deceitfulness and
wickedness of the human heart. He knew, of course,
how to form a just estimate of his own character. He
knew that in the sight of God he was vile, and like Job,
he abhorred himself. He was also sensible of his entire
dependence on God, for any measure of faithfulness
which he might have exhibited in his service; and for all
the success which had attended his labors. This truth he
endeavored to keep constantly before his mind — when
speaking of the revivals, which occurred under his preach-
ing, he was careful to take no credit to himself, but to
give the glory to God, to whom all glory is due. He
was aware of his danger; and with much prayer and
watchfulness guarded against it. When once asked, what
he considered the best safe-guard against spiritual pride,
he replied, "I know of nothing better than to keep my
eye on my great sinfulness."
G
Dr. Shepard of Lenox says, "He would not suffer any
one to commend his sermons, or any of his public per-
formances, or to speak of the success of his labors, if he
*
348
MEMOIR OF
could prevent it; and when any one attempted to praise
him in view of the good he had done, it seemed directly
to fill his heart with grief."
Mr. Cobb of Taunton also says, “He was remarkably
free from the love of applause. When any one spoke to
him of the good he was doing, he would sometimes reply,
we have no time to talk about that.' And frequently I
have known him to turn pale and retire, from the compa-
ny, and prostrate himself before God, as a great and un-
worthy sinner."
•
Dr. N. was never forward to speak of his own religious
experience. To his intimate friends, he would sometimes
open his heart freely. But he was not in the habit of re-
ferring to himself in his preaching, nor in his ordinary
conversation. And it was always painful to him to see
others disposed on all occasions to talk about themselves.
Such a practice seemed to him to be adapted to fan the
flame of spiritual pride, and to excite and cherish the
prejudices of the ungodly, rather than to recommend re-
ligion to the world.
Love to the soULS OF MEN-Was another striking trait
in the character of Dr. N. It has been remarked that
"the mind sometimes receives a bias in conversion, or the
period of first love, which gives a particular direction to
the whole course of future life." It may have been so in
this case. In the period of his espousals to Christ, the
worth of the soul and the affecting condition of all unre-
newed men, were powerfully impressed upon his mind,
and awakened most intense desires for their salvation.
He used to say to himself, "If I might be the means of
the salvation of one soul, I should prefer it to all the riches
DR. NETTLETON.
349
and honors of this world." It was this which prompted
him to seek the christian ministry, and to persevere amid
so many discouragements in his efforts to obtain a liberal
education. It was this which kindled in his heart such
zeal in the cause of his master, and stimulated him to such
arduous and unremitted labors. And when through loss
of health, he was compelled to desist in a great measure
from active labor, it was still his heart's desire and prayer
to God for sinners, that they might be saved. He could
still say with the Psalmist, "If I forget thee, O, Jerusa-
lem, let my right hand forget her cunning; if I do not re-
member thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my
mouth, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." It
was the deep interest which he felt in the cause of Zion
and the salvation of souls, which filled him with such con-
cern in view of the prevalence of those errors in doctrine
and practice, which he felt it his duty to oppose. It was
his solemn conviction, that these things were introducing
a spurious religion and destroying the souls of men, which
led him to take a stand against them. The following
passage in the life of Brainerd exactly expressed the feel-
ings which he often manifested.
-
"These things I saw with great clearness, when I was
thought to be dying, and God gave me great concern for
his church and interest in the world at this time.
Not so
much because the late remarkable influence upon the
minds of the people was abated, and almost wholly gone,
as because the false religion, the heats of imagination, and
wild and selfish commotions of the animal affections
which attended the work of grace, had prevailed so far.
This was what my mind dwelt upon day and night; and
this to me was the darkest appearance respecting religion
in the land. For it was this chiefly that had prejudiced
15
350
MEMOIR OF
the world against inward religion. This I saw was the
greatest misery of all, that so few saw any manner of
difference between those exercises which are spiritual and
holy, and THоse which have self-love FOR THEIR BEGIN-
NING, CENTRE, AND End.
""**
The deep interest which Dr. N. felt in the cause of
Zion, and the salvation of souls, is strikingly manifest in
his letter to Dr. Beecher, written in 1822, and inserted
in a former chapter. He says,
"I hear frequently from many places where God has
of late, poured out his spirit and revived his work. My
friends residing in these places, far and near, either visit
me, or write to me, and tell me all their joys and sorrows.
For a number of years, I have kept a list of the names of
those who have hopefully experienced religion, and made
a public profession of it, in these revivals. When far
from them in my retired moments, I have often read over
their names, and pondered on them, and on the scenes
they have awakened, with emotions too big for utterance.
I have watched them with anxious solicitude, and have
made particular enquiry about the spiritual welfare of
each one, as opportunity presented. My heart has often
been refreshed when some Timothy has brought me good
tidings of the faith and charity of these young converts. No
tidings have been more refreshing. I have often had oc-
casion to adopt the language of Paul on this very subject;
"What thanks can we render to God again for all the joy
wherewith we joy for your sakes before God." Some few
indeed have dishonored their profession, have opened
afresh the wounds of the Saviour, and caused the hearts
of his friends to bleed. Bunyan says, 'If at any time I
heard of such instances of apostacy among those that
* Brainerd's Life, p. 498.
DR.
NETTLETON.
351
have been hopefully benefited by my ministry, I feel
worse than if I had followed one of my natural children
to the grave.' I have lost near and dear relatives, but
the things of which Bunyan speaks, have sometimes struck.
me with a deeper sadness." Who can read this, and
doubt that the writer felt a deep interest in the welfare of
Zion and the salvation of souls?
MEEKNESS
was another trait in the character of Dr. N.
The success of his labors greatly exasperated the enemies
of religion, and awakened in their breasts the most malig-
nant hostility. False reports, intended to destroy his
character, were invented and industriously circulated;
and in other ways, he frequently met with personal abuse.
But the malice of his enemies, awakened only his pity.
So far as I have been able to learn, he was never known
to manifest the least resentment towards those who slan-
dered and abused him. When reviled, he reviled not
again. When he suffered he threatened not, but commit-
ted himself to him who judgeth righteously. He felt him-
self laid under special obligations to pray for his persecu-
tors; and to the honor of divine grace, let it be recorded,
not a few of them were hopefully brought to repentance,
and became some of his most ardent friends.
He never allowed himself to talk about the ill treatment
which he received from his enemies, lest it should awaken
wrong feelings in his heart. He was in the habit of in-
culcating upon young converts a spirit of meekness; and
for this purpose he often brought before their minds, the
words of the Apostle, 1 Pet. ii. 20, 21, "For what glory
is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take
it patiently? but if when ye do well and suffer for it, ye
take it patiently, this is acceptable with God; for even
hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for
us leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."
852
MEMOIR OF
He also frequently referred to this passage. Prov. xxiv.
17, 18, "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let
not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth, lest the Lord
see it, and it displease him." He evidently possessed in
an uncommon degree, that charity, which suffereth long
and is kind, which coveteth not, which vaunteth not itself
and is not puffed up, which doth not behave itself unseem-
ly, which seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil, which beareth all things, believeth all
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
AN UNWAVERING ATTACHMENT TO THE DOCTRINES OF
GRACE was a striking trait in the character of Dr. N.
He not only embraced these doctrines in all their fullness,
and practical application, but "he may be said to have
kept the faith with undeviating constancy." Like the
thousands who were converted on the day of Pentecost,
he continued steadfast in the Apostles' doctrine.
He was
not carried about by divers and strange doctrines, but his
heart was established with grace. His belief in the great
doctrines of the cross, was so interwoven with his reli-
gious experience, and so identified with all his hopes of
future happiness, that his faith never wavered.
He died in the full and firm belief of the doctrines
which he maintained and defended while he lived.
But he was not a perfect man. He had his failings. He
was ready to acknowledge that he was a miserable sinner,
and that his proper place was at the foot of the cross.
But his faults were better known to himself and his God,
than to his fellow-men.
It is true, he did not escape reproach. His great suc-
cess as a minister of Christ, brought upon him the male-
dictions of infidels and scoffers, and stimulated them to
the most unremitted efforts to destroy his character: and
many a time might he have said, "If it had not been the
{
DR.
NETTLETON.
353
Lord who was on my side when men rose up against me,
then they had swallowed me up quick, when their wrath
was kindled against me." But he trusted in God, and
through his merciful interposition, he escaped as a bird
out of the snare of the fowler.*
* When Dr. Nettleton was in Virginia, in 1928, a man from Connecticut
who was residing there put in circulation some slanderous reports, which in-
duced the Rev. Dr. John H. Rice, to write to several distinguished individuals
at the North, for the purpose of ascertaining how Dr. N.'s character was re-
garded by those who had been well acquainted with his history. In reply
of his letters, many testimonials were forwarded; among which were the
following:
*
"YALE COLLEGE, Aug. 23, 1828.
"Rev. and Dear Sir:
"I have most cheerfully obtained the testimonials which you have re-
quested in your letter of the 9th. Perhaps this is all which the occasion re-
quires, The injurious reports to which you refer, I do not recollect to have
heard of before. I am now told that they were some years since put in
circulation here, examined into, and found to be groundless. That they
were mere fabrications appears evident from this, that up to the present
time, Mr. Nettleton's christian character stands as fair as ever in the esti-
mation of the people of Connecticut, to whom he has been so intimately
'Most affectionately yours,
known.
"JEREMIAH Day.
"Rev. John H. Rice, D. D."
"The Rev. Asahel Nettleton, has been long and extensively known and
acknowledged in this State, as a faithful and devoted minister of Christ; as
a man of exemplary piety, of rare self-denial, and of uncommon power and
success, in his labors as an evangelist. Though occasionally assailed by
calumny, his christian character is above suspicion, in the view of the minis-
ters and churches in this State, to whom he is intimately known, and who have
cause for abundant gratitude that the blessing of heaven has descended in
copious measures upon his public ministrations.
JEREMIAH DAY, President of Yale College;
LEONARD BACON, Pastor of the First Church in N. Haven;
NATHANIEL W. TAYLOR, Prof. of Didactic Theology;
CHAUNCEY A. GOODRICH, Prof. of Rhetoric;
ELEAZER T. FITCH, Prof. of Divinity;
SAMUEL MERWIN, Pastor of the United Society in the City
of New Haven,"
15*
354
MEMOIR OF
..
Ai
On account of his opposition to certain doctrines and
certain measures, he was severely censured by some of
his brethren in the ministry, and other professed follow-
ers of Christ. Whether justly or unjustly, the reader
will judge after attentively considering what has been
said in the preceding chapters. One thing is certain: the
"BOSTON, Aug. 22, 1828.
"Dear Brother:
"It is, I should think, about ten years since those stories imported in
Virginia by Mr. O. W. have been dead and buried in Connecticut, having
served the generation of infidels and scoffers, and all haters of evangelical
doctrine and of revivals, as long as they were able.
"Never, for a moment, were they believed by the ministers and churches
of Connecticut, nor did they do him the least injury, only as they were sent
after him, or sent for to the places where his preaching was blessed; nor
even then only till the friends of religion had opportunity to obtain correct
information on the subject. It would be difficult for a Virginian to conceive
the virulence with which some persons in New England oppose revivals of
religion, without understanding that in many places where the truth has
been preached too faithfully to be endured in a state of disobedience, there
is often a club of infidels or nothingarians, whose enmity is always made
rampant by a revival of religion, and whose ridicule and misrepresentation
are sure to be propagated by the irreligious and immoral. Such, in my
opinion is the origin of all the stories against brother Nettleton in Connec-
ticut. His friends debated the question once, whether it might not be his
duty to sue, not doubting that he possessed the entire power of bringing his
accusers to punishment. But the conclusion was, with the religious and
respectable part of the community, they do him no harm, and it
will be better for the cause of religion that he hold his peace, and live
them down. This he has done; and it is out of the power of such men as
W. and R. S. H. to injure Mr. N. in Connecticut. H. I suppose I know.
W. I do not. But I know that in S. there was probably a larger club of infi-
dels, or persons reputed such, than in almost any town in the State.
The alleged dissatisfaction with Mr. N. at New Haven is, in
my
opinion, utterly false. I have been often in that city, and am more familiar-
ly acquainted there than in any other place in Connecticut, it being the place
of my nativity, and of my fathers' sepulchres. I do know that Mr. N. pos-
sesses eminently the affection and confidence of the ministers and churches,
and most respectable laymen in the city.
DR. NETTLETON.
355
things for which he was censured, were things in which he
conscientiously believed he was doing his duty-things to
which he was prompted by a supreme regard to the glo-
ry of God and the interests of Zion. It is to be hoped,
therefore, that those who believe him to have erred, will
do justice to his motives.
As further evidence of the perfect impotency of all such rumors against
Mr. N. in Connecticut, I would state that about six years ago, on the failure
of my health, I left my church and congregation in the care of Mr. N., un-
der whose preaching before my return, a revival of religion commenced,
during which, he secured eminently the confidence and affection of my peo-
ple, which to this day remains undiminished. In short, there is not a min-
ister in New England whose character for piety and purity stands higher
than does that of Mr. Nettleton.
You will receive further communications in due time, for you may rest
assured that we possess the means, and shall not fail to use them, of putting
down such impudent falsehoods, and of vindicating the well-earned reputa-
tion of Mr. Nettleton.
Affectionately yours,
LYMAN BEECHER."
To this letter is appended the following, from the Rev. Dr. Taylor
"Dear Brother:
"Dr Beecher has sent this to me unsealed, and I take the liberty to add a
word. What he has said is as it should be exactly my views of the mat-
ter. I should only object to further means of putting down these 'im-
pudent falsehoods.' I think I know brother N. too well to suppose he
would wish it. If such testimonials as this of Dr. Beecher and others are
not sufficient to give brother N. a character in Virginia, in defiance of the
obloquy of his enemies and his Master's, he had better come back to Con-
necticut. The ministers and churches would be glad to receive him, and
highly appreciate his labors. These slanders are simply the 'homage vice
pays to virtue'. 'Wo unto you, when all men shall speak well of you.
Brother N. is safe from this denunciation,
I am affectionately yours,
N. W. TAYLOR."
"NEW HAVEN, Sept, 17, 1828,
"We, the undersigned, having been for many years, acquainted with the
"
!
7
•
356
""
IN CONCLUSION, it may be said of him as was said of
another, "By the grace of God, he was what he was,'
and to the honor of grace, and not for the glory of a sinful
worm, be it recorded. Like all other men, he was de-
praved. He felt it, and lamented it, and longed to be free
from sin, but certainly taking him altogether, we have
seldom seen a character whose excellencies were so many
and so uniform, and whose imperfections were so few.
We have seen men rise high in contemplation, who have
abounded but little in action. We have seen zeal min-
gled with bitterness, and candor degenerate into indiffer-
ence:- experimental religion mixed with a large portion
of enthusiasm, and what is called rational religion, void
of every thing that interests the heart of man. We have
seen splendid talents tarnished with insufferable pride,
seriousness with melancholy, cheerfulness with levity, and
great attainments in religion with uncharitable censorious-
ness towards men of low degree; but we have not seen
these things in [Nettleton].
MEMOIR OF
character of the Rev. Asahel Nettleton, do hereby certify that we consider
him as a man of unblemished purity of life; that we believe this to be the
estimation in which he is universally held in this town and in this State;
and that no fact has ever come to our knowledge, which ought to impair the
confidence of the public in his character as a christian and a man.
DAVID DAGGETT,
SIMEON BALDWIN,
NOAH WEBSTER,
ELIZUR GOODRICH,
BENJAMIN SILLIMAN,
J. KNIGHT,
LI IVES,
J. L. KINGSLEY."
Similar testimonials were forwarded by other distinguished gentlemen
both in New England and New York; particularly by the Hon. John Cot-
ton Smith of Connecticut; and by the Rev. Drs. Spring, McAuley, and
Proudfit, and by the Hon. Jonas Platt, of New York.
2.
DR. NETTLETON.
357
"There have been but few men in whom has been uni-
ted a greater portion of the contemplative and the active;
holy zeal and genuine candor; spirituality and rationali-
ty; talents that attracted almost universal applause, and
the most unaffected modesty; faithfulness in bearing tes-
timony against evil, with the tenderest compassion to the
soul of the evil doer; fortitude that would encounter any
difficulty in the way of duty, without any thing boisterous.
noisy or overbearing; deep seriousness with habitual
cheerfulness; and a constant aim to promote the highest
degrees of piety in himself and others, with a readiness
to hope the best of the lowest, not breaking the bruised
reed, nor quenching the smoking flax."*
Since the foregoing was written, the following letters
have been received. The first is from the Rev. Dr. Ten-
ney, late pastor of the church in Wethersfield, Conn.;
and the other from the Rev. Dr. Humphrey, late Presi-
dent of Amherst College. They were both intimately
acquainted with Dr. Nettleton; and I am happy to find
such a coincidence of views between them and myself, in
regard to the character of this distinguished servant of
Jesus Christ.
Dr. Tenney says, "My particular acquaintance with
Dr. Nettleton commenced in 1818, while he was laboring
in a revival in Rocky Hill, a parish in Wethersfield. My
acquaintance became intimate during nearly three months
of his labors with me in a great revival, in the winter of
1820-21. I have felt that he was a remarkable man —
fitted to draw forth the often repeated saying of a venera-
ble President of a distinguished College, respecting him
-'a wonderfully wise man!' He was distinguished for a
* Fuller's Memoir of Pearce.
358
MEMOIR OF
;
V
ready, clear, correct, and far reaching perception, or dis-
cernment. Almost as by intuition, he discerned individ-
ual characters, and seemed to see the precise truth fitted
to reprove, or benefit them. At once, he seemed to learn
the state of a church and people; and to see doctrines
and errors, and all their bearings and tendencies, and to
bring them instantly to what he regarded as the supreme
test, the word of God. In the scriptures, he was mighty.
He had evidently studied the word of God much, and
deeply, and seemed to perceive the exact purport and de-
sign of a verse, a paragraph, or larger portion, and to
see its precise application and force. He entered so much
into the very meaning and spirit of the word of God, that
on almost any passage he would so naturally and strik-
ingly present the meaning, as to appear singularly origi-
nal. Conversing at one time in my study, with a number
who had for a considerable period indulged hope, but
who were disposed to hesitate and delay in professing re-
ligion, he turned to Luke viii. 45, 48, and briefly stated,
that the diseased woman feared and trembled (after she had
been healed by touching Christ in the crowd,) when she
perceived that Christ would bring her and the miracle to
public view. And well she might tremble, said he, for
she had been stealing a cure, and meant to conceal her-
self in the multitude; and now she expected reproof
from Christ; but when she confessed the whole before all
the people, he said to her, 'Daughter, be of good cheer,
thy faith hath made thee whole, go in peace.' He then
guarded the converts against concealing among the mul-
titude, what Christ had done for them, or fearing his re-
buke, if they confessed him before all the people.
"To a man of education, and of a very proud spirit,
who under some seriousness of mind, had a private in-
terview with Dr. N., and who said at its close, Mr. N.
I will thank you not to speak of my case to any one, for
DR.
NETTLETON.
359
it is doubtful yet what the result will be,' he at once re-
plied, 'I agree with you perfectly, that it is best your
case should not be known; and I engage to keep it en-
tirely to myself, and if you will do the same, it will not
be known. It is as you say, very doubtful how the case
will turn. You may soon give up the subject, and lose
your soul.' Under this remark, the man was soon so
deeply distressed that he cared not if the whole world
knew it; and very soon he found peace.
"When a person once asked me with a supercilious
air, 'Do you, according to the assembly's catechism, be-
lieve that God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.'
Dr. N. coming up at that moment, said to him in reply,
'Mr. P do you believe that God worketh all things
after the counsel of his own will?' Perpetually did his
ready and clear discernment of men and things exhibit
itself. This gave him power in conversation, in the room
for inquiry, and in the pulpit. Clear minds always pre-
sent truth in a clear, simple and convincing style. He
did so eminently. The word of God, in his hands, was
indeed a sharp two edged sword that pierced, and was a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. His
preaching was emphatically in demonstration of the
spirit and with power.' There was not the least attempt
at display. He was always hidden behind his subject, and
he would present that so clearly, and naturally, and just-
ly, and strikingly, that his hearers were filled with the
light of truth, rather than admiration of the man. He
addressed the reason and consciences of men in a way
not to excite their animal passions, or any out break of
feeling; but to reach, and search, and move the deepest
sensibilities of their souls. This did, under him, as it
does in every case, secure the utmost stillness, the most
fixed, and almost breathless attention, and the most pro-
360
MEMOIR OF
found solemnity. His, was the eloquence of thought, of
truth, of living, burning truth from the living God. In
such eloquence, I have never known him surpassed-
seldom equalled. The Spirit of God was in it. His
preaching seemed in perfect harmony with the word of
God, and with the influences of the Spirit upon the minds
of men.
ghg
"In revivals of religion, he appeared to be peculiarly
at home. He had evidently been, in his own conviction
and conversion, very thoroughly taught of God, and had
also made the work of the Spirit a subject of deep study.
If he laid stress on what some regarded as little things,
it was because he clearly saw the important bearings of
little, as well as great things. Some of his movements in
going from one place to another, sometimes appeared
strange, because others saw not, and he was not wont to
expose, all the reasons which governed his conduct. It
was his constant aim to keep a church humble, sensible
of their dependence, and prayerful. He aimed perfectly
to understand the circumstances, and agents opposed to
revivals, and how to counteract them. He preached the
great evangelical doctrines which exalt God and abase
man. He preached the sovereignty of God, in all its ex-
tent and bearings, and equally the infinite obligations of
man. He had the most wonderful talent of waking up
the conscience, and bringing it in to the utmost activity. He
drove sinners with masterly skill from one excuse and re-
fuge after another, till he drove them, through the aids
of the Spirit, to total despair, except in the mercy of God
through a Redeemer. He preached and labored in revi-
vals in so wise a manner, as to render religion and revi-
vals real and respectable, in the view of intelligent men,
and many of the best cultivated minds, and in the high-
est walks of life, were drawn over to the cross, instead
of being driven off by low, or extravagant measures to
DR. NETTLETON.
361
nor
a returnless distance from their own denomination and
religion. He had no sympathy with 'anxious seats'
with the plan of calling upon thoughtful sinners in an as-
sembly, to bow their heads, and follow him in a form of
consecrating themselves to God nor of urging anxious
sinners to speak and pray in a meeting for inquiry
of urging converts at once to exhort and pray, or tell
their experience in public meetings. He never raised
among converts a company of exhorters and lay preach-
ers, much more ready whenever they could get an oppor-
tunity, to speak than to hear, to exhort than to receive
instruction, to edify others by their own prayers, than to
be edified by the prayers of older and more experienced
christians. Converts under his labors were humble and
teachable, and felt that, at most, they were babes in
Christ, and needed the sincere milk of the word. Their
disposition was the very opposite of self confidence, ar-
rogance and denunciation of others less engaged than
themselves. Still they were ready to every good work
in their proper sphere, and with all becoming meekness
and humility. He led them to hold prayer meetings
among themselves, and they became united together in
bands of love that could not be easily broken.
“The converts, with very few exceptions were emi-
nently intelligent and sound; and proved by their subse-
quent lives that they possessed the power as well as the
form of godliness. The revivals in which he labored
were emphatically pure, genuine revivals of true religion,
as much so as any I have ever known. The churches
were greatly humbled, refreshed and strengthened by
them. The addition of converts to them, was an addi-
tion, with very few exceptions, not merely of numbers,
but of light, strength, life, and influence. Congregations
were increased by those who became, if not pious, con-
stant attendants on public worship. Parishes were great-
362
MEMOIR OF
:
ly strengthened, and pastors were more firmly establish-
ed in the affection and confidence of their people. This
was the invariable result where he labored in connection
with a pastor. Invariably, pastors found themselves
greatly improved and benefited by intercourse with him,
and by his labors. Dr. N. was very careful never to get
into the pastor's place, but to keep him prominently be-
fore the people, as their regular spiritual guide. He de-
lighted to strengthen the hands of the regular shepherd,
and frowned on the slightest insinuation against him.
"On the whole, revivals under his preaching, were
blessings to the churches, to the parishes, to the pastors,
and to multitudes of souls who were born into the king-
dom of Christ; and most devout gratitude is due to the
Great Head of the church for raising up a man so re-
markable for doing great good and no hurt, in such de-
lightful, as well as perilous times.'
"Most truly yours,
C. J. TENNEY."
Dr. Humphrey says, "It having pleased God to call
our beloved brother Nettleton home to his everlasting
rest, I rejoice to learn that you have consented to pre-
pare a memoir of his eminently useful and devoted life,
and that the volume is ready for the press.
"As it was one of the highest privileges of my life, to
enjoy his acquaintance and friendship for more than thir-
ty years, and as you have been pleased to ask me for my
impressions of the man, of the characteristics of his
preaching, of his manner of laboring in revivals, and of
their permanent influence upon the churches and congre-
gations where he labored, I do not feel at liberty altogeth-
er to decline. When such a man as Dr. Nettleton dies,
who can refrain from magnifying the grace of God that
was in him?' I only regret my inability to do it worthily,
DR. NETTLETON.
363
*
under the most favorable circumstances; and that my
pressing engagements will not allow me time for any
thing more than a hasty outline.
"Not having seen a word of your memoir, I cannot tell
how far your judgment and my own may coincide, and I
am glad of it. What you want, are my impressions and
not those of yourself, or any other man; and you shall
have them unborrowed and unmodified.
"In my estimation, Dr. Nettleton was a great man
not great, merely as he was good, but great, in the com-
mon meaning of the term. He was not a learned man.
His Master never gave him time to distinguish himself as
a scholar. He had too much work for him to do in his
vineyard, to allow it. Though he had a good substantial
public education, Dr. N. made no pretentions to high at-
tainments in classical literature, or in any of the abstruse
sciences. In the latter he might have excelled, had not
his soul been fired with higher and holier aims.
C
"In his theology, Dr. Nettleton was neither a "high nor
a low" Calvinist. While he admired the illustrious Gene-
van Reformer, and subscribed, ex animo, to all the lead-
ing doctrines of his immortal institutes, he called neither
Calvin, nor any other man master. He was an Edward-
ean, rather than a high Calvinist; and yet profound as
his veneration was for that greatest of theologians,' as
Dr. Chalmers styles President Edwards, he thought it
his duty to investigate every subject for himself. With
his little duodecimo Bible, or his Greek Testament always
in his hands, he was one of the most independent think-
ers that I have ever known. He was, I might almost say,
the last man to be captivated with visionary theories, or
fanciful analogies and interpretations. Upon the foun-
dation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief corner stone,' he stood like a pillar upon
•
Or
-
Ga
364
MEMOIR OF
I
the everlasting rock. Nothing could shake him. Whether
he ever drew out his system on paper, I do not know; but
if he did, it will be found eminently scriptural, lucid and
symmetrical nothing more and nothing less, than sound,
well digested and well guarded New England orthodoxy.
"As a preacher, Dr. Nettleton had many superiors, in
what commonly goes under the name of pulpit eloquence.
There was nothing particularly captivating in his voice,
in his style, or his delivery-nothing to make you ad-
mire the man, or his writing, or his speaking; or in any
way to divert your attention from the truths which he ut-
tered. His prayers were generally short, and always
fervent, scriptural and appropriate.
"When he rose to speak, there was a benignant solem-
nity in his countenance, which awed the most thoughtless
into seriousness, while at the same time, it exerted an un-
wonted desire to hear what he had to say. He had a
voice of more than ordinary compass and power; and
though there was nothing harsh or repulsive in its modu-
lations, you sometimes regretted that he had not enjoyed
better early advantages for training it. He always com-
menced on a low key, enunciating every word and sylla-
ble so distinctly, however, as to be heard without difficul-
ty in the remotest parts of the house. So simple were
his sentences, so plain and unadorned was his style, and
so calm was his delivery, that for a few moments you
might have thought him dull and sometimes even common
place, but for the glance of his piercing eye, and an unde-
finable something in his whole manner which insensibly
gained and riveted your attention. As he advanced, and
his heart grew warm, and his conceptions vivid, his voice
caught the inspiration; his lips seemed to be touched
with a live coal from off the altar;' his face shone; every
muscle and feature spoke; his tones were deep and aw-
fully solemn; his gestures, though he never flourished off
ht
DR. NETTLETON.
365
a prettiness in his life, were natural, and at times exceed-
ingly forcible. But his eye, after all, was the master
power in his delivery: Full and clear and sharp, its
glances, in the most animated parts of his discourses
were quick and penetrating, beyond almost any thing I
recollect ever to have witnessed. He seemed to look every
hearer in the face, or rather to look into his soul, almost
at one and the same moment. You felt that you was in
the hands of a master, and never stopped to enquire
whether he was a good or a bad pulpit orator. Whatever
the critics might say, in one thing you could not be mista-
ken. He arrested your attention, and made you feel, for
the time at least, that religion is indeed the one thing
needful.'
"Dr. Nettleton's delivery was always solemn, always
earnest, and not seldom even vehement. This was par-
ticularly the case in the height of those numerous and
powerful revivals in the midst of which he labored, for
so many years. The action of his mind was intense.
The yearnings of his soul over the impenitent were irre-
pressible. His countenance, his voice, every thing show
ed it. And yet, incredible as it may seem, in his most im-
passioned appeals, there was not a particle of enthusi-
asm. By this I mean, that he was never hurried away
into any extravagance of language, or emotion. He nev-
er, for one moment, lost the balance of his mind. He
was always perfectly self-possessed. I have seen him in
circumstances of overpowering interest, when the move-
ments of the spirit were like a mighty rushing wind,'
and could never perceive any wavering in his judgment
or his prudence. He was ever the same in the pulpit, in
the lecture-room, and in the inquiry meeting - always
earnest and solemn, but never carried away by his feel-
ings, beyond the bounds of propriety.
366
MEMOIR OF
1
"Dr. Nettleton's sermons were plain, solid, evangelical,
instructive and directly to the purpose. He always knew
what he aimed at, and he seldom, if ever, missed his
mark. Dodging was of no avail. His style was perfect-
ly unadorned. Tropes and metaphors he never sought
for; and I am not aware that they ever obtruded them-
selves upon his imagination. What he aimed at was to
present the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the
truth to his hearers, in the plainest and most forcible lan-
guage he could command.
"The great power of his preaching consisted in its per-
spicuity, its directness, its fearless exhibition of the most
unwelcome truths of the Bible, and its earnest, solemn
and often terrific appeals to the conscience. No preach-
er that I ever heard, could make the law thunder louder
in the sinner's ear. The sword of the spirit was his only
weapon; and he wielded it with extraordinary dexterity
and effect. Few ministers, I believe, have ever studied
the windings of the natural heart, with more diligence and
success, than he did. Hence, those masterly analyses,
which used so often to startle his hearers, as if all their
thoughts had been suddenly laid open to the public gaze.
In reviewing the history of Dr. Nettleton's life and la-
bors, it is as clear to me that God raised him up to spend
his best days in promoting revivals of religion, as that he
raised up
Whitefield for the same service on a wider thea-
tre. They were as unlike in many respects, as any two
great revival preachers could be, but they had one Lord
and one faith' the same love for souls, and the same ir-
repressible desire to win as many of them as possible to
Christ. Each was fitted for the age in which he lived,
and for the work to which he was called Whitefield to
blow the trumpet over the dead and buried formalism of
the churches, both in Great Britain and America; Net-
S
K
DR.
NETTLETON.
367
tleton, to 'strengthen the things that remained and were
ready to die' in destitute churches of Connecticut, Mas-
sachusetts, New York, and Virginia; and to help the
brethren in gathering their spiritual harvests.
'
C
"Having no pastoral charge to confine him, and no fam-
ily to provide for, and living, I may say for years, in the
midst of these mighty works', he was under better ad-
vantages for observing all the diversities of operations.
by the spirit,' which are disclosed in 'times of refreshing',
than any of his immediate predecessors, or early con-
temporaries ; and his Master had endowed him with the
requisite gifts, both intellectual and moral, to make the
most of these advantages. Shrewd, (pardon the epithet,
as no other would so exactly express it,) observing, cau-
tious, discriminating, and at the same time 'fervent in
spirit,' and mightily constrained by the love of Christ,'
he was most happily guarded against feverish impulses on
the one hand, and antinomian presumption on the other.
Enjoying, as he did, for so many years, the best possible
opportunity for studying the theory of revivals, his be-
nevolent inquisitive and ardent mind would not allow
him to rest satisfied, without putting it to the most rigid
test of scripture, experience and observation. Herein
he was in the truest sense a christian philosopher, and
his philosophy was strictly Baconian. It consisted in ob-
serving phenomena and recording facts. I have long
thought, and it is still my deliberate conviction, that he
understood the whole subject of revivals better than any
man with whom I ever conversed or labored. He had
studied it more profoundly. Indeed no man could well
be a more perfect master of his business or profession.
Neither Cæsar nor Napoleon ever studied the art of war
with greater assiduity, than he did the heavenly art of
winning souls to Christ. This may seem extravagant
I presume it will to some readers; but why should it?
C
!
MEMOIR OF
368
፡
Had he not far higher motives for bending all the ener-
gies of his mind to learn how to save men, than they
could have had for learning how to destroy them?
"But you wish me to say something of his manner of
laboring in revivals, and of their general character under
his preaching and management. This I am the more
ready to do, from having had the best opportunities to ob-
serve and judge in one of them, which I have often since
heard him speak of as among the most powerful he ever
witnessed. He was with me three months, day and night,
during which I saw and heard every thing. I was anx-
ious to learn all I could from one whose labors had been
so eminently owned and blessed by the Divine Head of
the church and not being, if I may say it, of an enthusi-
astical temperament myself, I think I was enabled to form
a pretty correct judgment of his preaching, of his daily
intercourse with sinners in every stage of awakening and
conversion, and of the effect of those measures which he
had been testing in scores of other revivals.
"It has been said that in such seasons, we ought to look
to God continually in fervent, believing prayer, just as if
he was the sole agent in carrying on the work, and at the
same time, to labor with all our might, just as if we had
it all to do ourselves. This was Dr. Nettleton's view of
the matter, and no man, perhaps, ever more fully car-
ried it out in practice than he did. In his creed, the
whole process of awakening, conviction and regener-
ation, was by the sovereign and special agency of the
Holy Spirit. For this he prayed, and exhorted others to
pray without ceasing, while at the same time, he labored
with as much assiduity for the conversion of sinners, as
if his Master had devolved the whole responsibility upon
him. His theory was, that while 'the excellency of the
power is all of God,' he works by means, no less in the
•
DR. NETTLETON.
369
moral than in the natural world. This led him to study
the economy of grace in revivals, with the deepest inter-
est; and as the result of it, to adopt the measures and
use the means which seemed to him best adapted to the
end.
"I do not say that his manner of conducting revivals,
was in all respects the best that could have been adopted;
much less that it would be best for every minister; but I
have yet to learn, that a better and safer system of meas-
ures has been devised. Taken as a whole, it commends
itself, to my judgment and observation, as eminently wise
and guarded and scriptural. It was characterized by a
deep and profound knowledge of human nature, as I
think might easily be shown, did my limits permit. Let
those who come after improve upon it, or devise a better
if they can. While I am far from believing that nothing
remains to be learned in the heavenly art of winning souls
to Christ, quite sure I am, that few if any of those pro-
fessed revivalists who have succeeded Dr. Nettleton and
made the most noise in the churches, are the men to
• show us a more excellent way.' They have done
what they could with strong lungs, startling appeals, new
measures and sweeping denunciations, and the blighting
effects are truly mournful. In some wide districts which
they have overrun, it is to be feared the churches will not
recover from the desolating irruption for half a century.
Most unwarrantable is the appeal which they sometimes
make to Dr. Nettleton, as their fore-runner and exem-
plar. Nothing gave him so much concern, during the
latter years of his life, as the manner in which revivals
were corrupted and brought into discredit and run down,
by the noisy, rash and impetuous evangelists. It grieved
him to the heart, that so many churches in the land were
ready to countenance them, and he earnestly protested
against their errors and extravagances to the day of his
370
MEMOIR OF
į
death. Though he would not deny, that there might be
some real conversions in the great excitements which at-
tended their preaching, it was his solemn and painful
conviction, that multitudes were deceived with false
hopes, who, under different instruction and measures,
might have been brought to a saving knowledge of the
truth.
C
“In his own management in times of revivals, by preach-
ing and personal intercourse, nothing was more deserv-
ing of being studied and imitated, than his thoroughness,
caution and discrimination. In these respects, there was
a heaven-wide difference between Dr. Nettleton and some
of the most noted of his professed imitators. Being
throughly rooted and grounded in the truth' himself, his
presentations of it were clear, pungent and searching.
His revival topics were systematically and admirably ar-
ranged. In his discourses he began at the beginning. A
full believer in the total depravity of the human heart, he
arraigned sinners, whether young or old, as rebels against
God, and made the threatenings of the law thunder in
their ears, as but few preachers have power to do. With
him, acting as an ambassador of Christ, there was no
such thing as compromise. The rebels must throw
down their arms' and submit unconditionally, or he would
give them no hope of pardon. Hundreds, if not thou-
sands can witness, what a terrible dissecter he was, of
the joints and the marrow.' At the same time that he
showed the impenitent they were lost, he made them feel
that they had 'destroyed themselves.' It was difficult to
which he made plainest, their danger or their guilt;
their immediate duty to repent, or the certainty that with-
out being drawn and renewed by the spirit of God, they
never would repent. It was in vain for them to retreat
from one refuge to another. He was sure to strip them
of all their vain excuses, and deliver them over to their
say
6
DR. NETTLETON.
371
consciences, to be dealt with according to law and jus-
tice. He preached what are called the hard doctrines,
such as divine sovereignty, election and regeneration,
with great plainness, discrimination and power. His
grand aim was to instruct, convince and persuade to; this
end, his appeals were constantly made to the understand-
ing, the conscience and the heart. The passions he nev-
er addressed, nor were his discourses at all calculated to
excite them. Any out-break of more animal feeling, he
was always afraid of, as tending to warp the judgment
and beget false hopes. His grand aim was to instruct his
hearers as thoroughly, and point out the difference be-
tween true and spurious conversion so clearly, as to make
it difficult for them to get hopes at all without good spirit-
ual evidence on which to found them. Knowing how
apt persons are to cling to their hopes, whether good or
bad, he depended much more upon holding them back,
till they had good evidence, than upon shaking them from
their false foundations.
"As might have been expected under such a course of
instruction, the great majority of those who came out and
professed religion, so far as I have had opportunity to ob-
serve; have worn well.'
worn well.' They have proved intelli-
gent, stable and consistent christians. The revivals un-
der Dr. N.'s preaching, always strengthened the church-
es and strengthened the pastors where they had them.
do not believe that an instance to the contrary can be ad-
duced from the whole wide field of his labors, nor that a
single church can be pointed out, which does not to this
day feel their blessed influence. How different from the
sad experience of hundreds of churches, congregations,
and ministers, under the sway of bold and reckless, and
disorganizing revivalists. How many once united and
flourishing churches have been divided or broken up, and
p
1
!
•
372
how many worthy pastors have been undermined and
driven away by them. By their fruits ye shall know
them.' • The fire shall try every man's work, of what
sort it is.' Brought to these tests, all the great revivals
under Dr. Nettleton's labors will stand on the records of
the church, in striking contrast, as so many bright evi-
dences of his wisdom, fidelity and eminent usefulness.
MEMOIR OF DR. NETTLETON.
“Thus, my Dear Brother, have I complied with your
request, as fully as time and limits would allow. I might
have said much more, and should have been glad to have
put down many striking facts and incidents, which fell
under my own observation in the revival at Pittsfield, as
illustrative of Dr. Nettleton's eminent qualifications for
the great work to which his Master called him. But the
foregoing hasty and very imperfect outline must suffice.
'His record is on high,' and his name will be had in
everlasting remembrance.' I have no doubt, that amid
the glories of the millenial day, and the brighter glories
of heaven, he will stand conspicuous on the catalogue of
of those, who having 'turned many to righteousness,
will shine as the brightness of the firmament, and as the
stars forever and ever.
?
I am very sincerely and affectionately
Yours,
"Amherst College, August 6, 1844.”
FINIS
H. HUMPHREY.'


UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
'
"
3 9015 06441 5022
4
:
A 583778

Muidu onun i muzeugaurazja bi li amenj
LAUPUNGUTRALARIDUSIVE
BOBI
tydningpinandup!!
(BACH_160KVEZES ZAR MAD
Sa pamamaging an interio nome, Mina perksgata vter, PA,
- Salvat, jak pak, maar te begin `pe or
vente, dar am bewarnt a setja bi sta
41
Kallart
papan atau meng
matu. Zmiany name aanga
jayan's man, kamerama
ܩ
་ས
A tak se m
S
water or to ht_".
* CARRERNA ANN
PRA
FRARAMDAR-