*T 
 
 -V 
 
 %W. 4 
 
 t-A
 
 \
 
 r
 
 
 ^ -: 
 
 
 -^?- 
 
 Doiii yon think Ihifftv them litth-Abs.'' 
 I rhvt I should hi-nt ^r. Imohl out. >•• 
 
 ■lOSEFH A. r. FRAY
 
 AN 
 
 ASTONISHIJVG AFFAIR ! 
 
 THE 
 
 REV. SAMUEL ARNOLD 
 
 CAST AND TRIED FOR HIS CRUELTY, THOUGH 
 HIS CAUSE WAS ADVOCATED IN A MAS- 
 TERLY MANNER, BY THE RIGHT HON. 
 
 JOSEPH ALMON CLARK PRAY, 
 
 THE MOST ABLE AND ACCOMPLISHED ATTOR- 
 NEY, WHO " WAS DEAD AND IS ALIVE 
 
 AGAIN, WAS LOST AND IS FOUND 
 
 n 
 
 nR- 
 
 BY PHILANDROS 
 
 Why sir, till vou can fix the degree of obstiaacjr, you cannot 
 fix the degree of severity. Seventy must be continued until ob- 
 stinacy be subdued. — Dr. Johnson. 
 
 Chasten (hy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul »paif 
 for his crying.— 5o?omori. 
 
 CONCORD : 
 
 PRINTED BY LUTHER R01l¥v 
 
 1830.
 
 ■9^
 
 URL ^' - 
 
 TO THE READER. 
 
 Here we see a minister of pretended 
 orthodoxy ministered unto with a wit- 
 ness. We see a man who has pretend- 
 ed so mucli tenderness, guilty of what !! 
 Unutterable ! untold ! The man who 
 has said so much about children, and 
 never had any of his own. — The man 
 who has written so much in their fa- 
 vor, " whipping one to death," — in- 
 dicted by the Grand Jury, and now un- 
 dertaking to justify himself ! iDflliort, 
 here we see so many opposite, remark- 
 able, strange, curious and unaccount- 
 able things, that no one can help read* 
 ing it, who knows hovt to read^
 
 AN 
 
 ASTONISHIJSrG AFFAIR ? 
 
 Behold a new thing under the sun 
 * — one, peculiar and alone — without a 
 precedent, and without a parallel. 
 
 man ! thou hast given rise to an 
 influence, which, like the pestilence of 
 death, has gone abroad upon the four 
 winds, in every point of compass ; 
 hurried by every concurrent breeze ; 
 enraged by feeble opposition ; carry- 
 ing away the barriers of truth, and the 
 foundations'of duty ; rapid as the light- 
 ning ; dr&dful as the mighty union 
 of 84vcn thunderi ; violent and ovor 
 1*
 
 b AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 whelming as the tornado ; producing 
 heart-rending pains, and convulsive ag- 
 onies ; the sinking, and the cold chills, 
 and the sweat of death, and the strug- 
 gles of departing breath, till joy and 
 gladness have ceased, thanksgiving 
 and the voice of melody. 
 
 But here the reader and hearer, 
 starting and shuddering, ask, what has 
 occasioned such a scene ? The answer 
 in short is this : — While Mr. Arnold 
 was tending his domestic fire, as he 
 supposed, in the way of duty, others 
 embraced the opportunity to take of 
 it, and light up a volcano ; and also, 
 by a skilful use of his lightningrod, 
 to dr^Rsr down the tempest about his 
 head, and the heads of others ; and 
 then, to charge the whole upon him, 
 crying, in the suifocating smoke, and 
 mighty confusion of elements, The 
 Minister! The Minister!! The Minis- 
 ter!!! 
 
 No doubt the minister is an imper-
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 7 
 
 feet, fallible man ; for there are doubt- 
 less better men, who still feel that they 
 are imperfect and fallible. But he 
 pleads not guilty, in this case, of hay- 
 ing deviated from the path of duty. 
 
 The truth, the whole truth, and noth- 
 ing but the truth, must be declared ; for 
 Mr. Arnold would not like to be blown 
 to pieces himself, nor have the church 
 of God, or even his enemies, share 
 this unhappy fate. And if the guilt 
 is charged where it ought not to be, or 
 the amount miscalculated, I most sin- 
 cerely wish to have the truth go round, 
 and round, and round, upon the wings 
 of the four winds, with all the veloc- 
 ity and power which has attended 
 falsehood ; till the question — What is 
 truth, and ichat was duty 9 in this affair, 
 shall receive an impartial hearing, and 
 decision, before the tribunal of the hu- 
 man understanding and conscience, 
 upon the principles of reason and re- 
 ligion.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 Many causes have concurred in pro- • 
 
 ducing the recent astonishing excite- 
 ment. The correction of the child, 
 was only the occasion which was im- 
 proved by some, for putting these 
 causes in successful operation. 
 
 No wonder the public were exci- 
 ted, and let forth their indignatio% 
 against the minister, when they heard 
 the following 
 
 REPORTS. 
 
 He whipped the child so bad that 
 it took three hours to dress his wounds. 
 
 His shoes w^ere filled with blood, 
 and run over in a puddle on the floor. 
 
 He was beaten till you could see 
 his bones. 
 
 It took two or three physicians 
 two hours and a half, to pick ovi^ pie- 
 ces of the shirt which were beaten, in- 
 to his back. 
 
 He was expected to bleed to death.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 9 
 
 He had fits, and was not expected 
 to have his senses again. % 
 
 The child is dead. There are no 
 words about it. I was at the funeral — 
 I heard the sermon — 1 saw the corpse, 
 and I saw the child laid in the grave. 
 
 As to the truth of these reports, the 
 last is as true as any of them ; and it is 
 also as true as a multitude of others, 
 which have been put in circulation. 
 
 Indeed, such was the aspect which 
 this affair assumed, immediately on its 
 leaving the doors of the minister, (and 
 that from some other cause than its 
 own native features) that almost eve- 
 ry one, at first, was prepared to look 
 upon it through a magnifying glass, in 
 which every passion and prejudice 
 contributed all their false colors, to 
 deceive the sight, and pervert the 
 judgment. 
 
 Those who looked upon the case 
 through this glass, and would not stop 
 to consider the circumstances, felt the
 
 iO AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR, 
 
 check of nothing to prevent them from 
 receiving i\te most mifavorable im- 
 pressions, and spreading them abroad 
 in every direction, increasing in their 
 own peculiar compound ratio. It was 
 not the correction itself, but the false re- 
 ports respecting it, which produced 
 such dreadful commotion in the pub- 
 \ic mind, ^he correction was eager- 
 ly laid hold of, and improved, or rath- 
 er perverted, as an occasion for man- 
 ufacturing falsehoods, with newly im- 
 proved machinery, and giving them 
 forth at wholesale, and retail, quick 
 and cheap, in proportion to the de- 
 mand. 
 
 But while I say that the public com- 
 motion was not produced by the cor- 
 rection itself, but by false reports res- 
 pecting it, I do not ask any one to re- 
 ceive this statement merely on the au- 
 thority of one individual. I will im- 
 mediately introduce the petition to the 
 Court, from Mr. Arnold't Church and
 
 A?f ASTONISHlWa AFPAIK 1! 
 
 society jin which twenty five male mem- 
 bers who lived nearest to him, and 
 the mother of the child, say : " We 
 believe that Mr. Arnold acted consci- 
 entiously in inflicting said punish- 
 ment ; and that he did it out of pure 
 motives for the good of the child ; and 
 if he has erred, it is an error only in 
 judgment, and not in design." And 
 they also say : " We confidently be- 
 lieve that had the grand jury had 
 knowledge of all the facts and circum- 
 stances relative to said case, they nev- 
 er would have found a bill against Mr. 
 Arnold." In this petition also, fifteen 
 who called, for the purpose of seeing 
 the child, on the next day after the 
 correction, say : " We found him so 
 well, sprightly, and active about house, 
 that had we not heard of the occur- 
 rence, we should not have suspected 
 any indisposition from the conduct or 
 actions of the child." The mother 
 also, gives in a distinct and separate
 
 12 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 testimony in defence of Mr. Arnold, 
 her friend and benefactor. The peti- 
 tion is signed by all the members of 
 Mr. Arnold's Society living within two 
 miles, except one who afterwards for- 
 warded a petition in his own name, 
 and one, (a decided friend of Mr. Ar- 
 nold,) who was providentially absent 
 ffom town. After the petition, five 
 letters are introduced, which also show 
 how the relatives of the child, and oth- 
 ers, feel respecting Mr. Arnold's con- 
 duct. The petition is as follows : — 
 
 To the Honorable Justices of the Supe- 
 rior Court and Attorney General of the 
 State of J^ew- Hampshire, Greeting. 
 Whereas, information has been re- 
 ceived in this place, that a bill of in- 
 dictment has been found by the grand 
 jury at their present session, against 
 the Rev. Samuel Arnold, of this town, 
 for the abuse of a child who was his 
 adopted son, by the name of Joseph 
 Almon Clark Pray, son pf the widow
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. IS 
 
 Margaret Pray ; and whereas, from 
 the reports whch have been in circula- 
 tion, we fear the matter has been great- 
 ly exaggerated ; therefore, we the sub- 
 scribers, members of the said Mr. Ar- 
 nold's church or society, and living in 
 the immediate vicinity of Mr. Arnold's 
 residence, and having had the privi- 
 lege of a thorough inquiry into the 
 circumstances relative to the case, we 
 believe that Mr. Arnold acted consci- 
 entiously in inflicting said punishment, 
 and that he did it out of pure motives, 
 for the good of the chikl, and if he has 
 erred, it is an error only in judgment, 
 and not in design. Therefore, we, the 
 within subscribers, would humbly re- 
 quest your honors to take this mat- 
 ter under consideration, and, if consis- 
 tent, to dispense with said case without 
 a trial ; as we believe it would be for 
 the peace and prosperit;^ of this socie- 
 ty, and the peace of the community at 
 large. And we further state, that we 
 2
 
 14 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 confidently believe, that had the grand 
 jury had knowledge of all the facts 
 and circumstances relative to said case, 
 they never would have found a bill a- 
 gainst Mr. Arnold. [Signed by] 
 
 Margaret Pray, [the mother of the 
 child ;] Amos Hodsdon, [the uncle of 
 the child ;] Benjamin Pray, [I was at 
 Mr. Arnold's the first after the correc- 
 tion of the child.] Ebenezer Hodsdon, 
 Thomas Hodsdon, Nathaniel Am- 
 brose, Nathaniel Ambrose, jr. Thomas 
 Peavey, Jonathan Ambrose, William 
 Nichols, jr. Charles L. Pray, Benjamin 
 Pray, jr. John Moulton, jr. Edward 
 Grant, James Nichols, John Desmaz- 
 es, Levi Perkins, James G. Leavitt, 
 William Moulton, Joseph Fernald, Jo- 
 seph Hobbs, Henry Smith, Levi 
 Smith, Daniel Smith, John Smith, Jr. 
 P. S. We, the subscribers, believe the 
 matter to have been exaggerated, and 
 that it at first appeared much worse 
 than it was in reality, from the circum-
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 13 
 
 stance that the very next day we were 
 at Mr. Arnold's, (and some of us early 
 in the day) for the purpose of seeing 
 the child, and found him so well, 
 sprightly, and active about house, that 
 had we not heard of the occurrence, 
 we should not have suspected any in- 
 disposition from the conduct or actions 
 of the child. (Signed by) 
 
 Benja. Pray, [I was at Mr. Arnold's 
 in a few minutes after the correction of 
 the child.] Ebenezer Hodsdon, Thom- 
 as Hodsdon, Nathaniel Ambrose, Jon- 
 athan Ambrose, William Nichols, jr. 
 Charles L. Pray, John Moulton, Na- 
 thaniel Libbey, John Desmazes, Wm. 
 Moulton, Daniel Smith, Henry Smith, 
 Levi Smith, John Smith, jr. 
 
 The subscriber would further state, 
 that said child has ever stated that he 
 knew how to spell and pronounce the 
 word for which he was corrected, and 
 that the reason why he did not, was 
 because he was, or felt, contrary, al-
 
 16 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 though I doubt not but he has been 
 questioned an hundred times by vari- 
 ous persons, and he has ever vindicated 
 Mr. Arnold's conduct in punishing him 
 as he did. And upon questioning him 
 myself, why he did not before submit, 
 he answered he thought he should beat 
 Mr. Arnold out. And it was very much 
 against my v/ill, tQ,have any complaint 
 entered about it. 
 
 MARGARET PRAY, 
 The mother of the child. 
 
 Miestj 
 
 Daniel Smith, 
 John Smith, jr. 
 
 Ossipee, January 25, 1830. 
 
 A Letter to the Hon. Mr. Sullivan of 
 Exeter. 
 Ossipee, February 6, 1830. 
 Dear Sir, — 
 Though I did not join in the petition 
 you received from this church and So- 
 ciety inbehalf of the Rev. Mr. Arnold, 
 in relation to my grand-son Joseph A. 
 
 »
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 17 
 
 C. Pray, yet I do hope my name will 
 not have the less weight in this impor- 
 tant case, in consequence of being giv- 
 en in at this time, ahd alone. I would 
 now most cordially join to obtain the 
 the object of said petition. And now, 
 dear sir, if you can possibly prevent 
 this prosecution of my Rev. Minister, 
 from proceeding any further, or pre- 
 vent it from hanging any longer in fear- 
 ful suspense, I do most earnestly desire 
 that you would do it immediately. 
 This would relieve our church and 
 society from great and painful anxie- 
 ties, and my minister from the con- 
 sumptive pressure of this unhappy af- 
 fair. I believe that said Mr. Arnold, 
 in the severe correction of the child, 
 had his best good in view, and did it 
 with the purest motives ; and, after 
 having given the peculiar circumstan- 
 ces a more mature consideration, I am 
 not prepared even to say, he erred in 
 
 judgment. So far from having indul- 
 
 2*
 
 18 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 ged angry passions in the correction of 
 the child, I am now inclined to think 
 that the child took advantage of his 
 constant mildness. I believe the said 
 prosecution to be a most malicious one, 
 and the indictment to be an unfounded 
 libelj on the character of my min- 
 ister, and obtained without the assist- 
 ance or countenance df any of the rel- 
 atives of the child ; and such, sir, as 
 cannot possibly be regarded but with 
 deoided disapprobation by yourself or 
 the supreme court. 
 
 We really wish that people in neigh- 
 boring towns, would not feel so much 
 in haste in prosecuting our minister for 
 any real or supposed injuries done to 
 us, as to leave us nothing to do but to 
 contend with them for their interfer- 
 ence. We cannot thank them for such 
 kindness and sympathy. 
 
 With all respect, I am yours, &c. 
 ICHABOD HODSDON, 
 Grandfather of the child.
 
 AN ASTONlSHINa AFFAIR. 19 
 
 •5 letter to the Rev. Mr, Burnham, Secre- 
 tary of the JV. H. Missionary Society. 
 Rev. and Dear Sir, 
 
 At the request of several of the so- 
 ciety, I hereby write to you relative to 
 our present situation. You have no 
 doubt, ere this, heard of the unhappy 
 occurrence which took place here 
 about the middle of January last; and 
 no doubt you have heard the matter 
 greatly exaggerated. A few days after 
 the occurrence took place, Mr. Arnold 
 and others thought best to call a meet- 
 ing of the society, and ask the minis- 
 ters and others to attend from the 
 neighboring churches, on Friday, the 
 29th day of January ; and it was 
 thought best to send for you. Accord- 
 ingly brother Ebenezer Hodsdon, was 
 sent to solicit your attendance. But 
 the inclemency of the weather, and 
 the difficulty of travelling, prevented 
 his going clear on to Pembroke ; and 
 »uch was the state of the travelling and
 
 20 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. %,, 
 
 the severity of the weather, that but 
 two ministers, Rev. Mr. Smith of Sand- 
 wich, and the Rev. Mr. Adams of New- 
 fiekl, Me. and two delegates, attended. 
 When the meeting commenced, it was 
 thought advisable to hear a statement 
 of the facts in the case, which appear- 
 ed about as follows : — 
 
 Mr. Arnold, soon after he removed 
 to Ossipee, took a child of the Widow 
 Margaret Pray, a boy of between four 
 and five years of age, wJio was given 
 to him as his own, and whom Mr. Ar- 
 nold adopted as his son. That Mr. Ar- 
 nold took unwearied pains to improve 
 and cultivate his intellectual and mor- 
 al powers. The child is one of uncom- 
 mon promise, and seems to have the 
 maturity of one much older. That 
 he was generally very obedient and 
 pleasant ; but occasionally, he is very 
 stubborn and obstinate, and would not 
 read, when desired, those words with 
 which he was most familiarly acquaint-
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 21 
 
 ed. That on the morning of the 16th 
 day of January last, he was requested 
 to read where he had with ease some 
 weeks before, but would not. That 
 Mr. Arnold, after much entreaty and 
 threatning, could not prevail with him 
 to obey him, and he proceeded to whip 
 him until he did ; which occasioned a 
 very severe whipping. But the child, 
 the next day, was about house, and so 
 well, as was stated by many of the so- 
 ciety who were in, that had they not 
 heard of the occurrence, they should 
 not have suspected any indisposition 
 from the actions and conduct of the 
 boy. The excitement was at first very 
 great ; but, hearing the facts, a large 
 majority of the society present, view- 
 ing the matter (if he had erred at all) 
 to be only an error in judgment, voted 
 to sustain Mr. Arnold as their minis- 
 ter. But some were disaffected. Our 
 society was small and feeble before, 
 and now if we lose but a few, it will
 
 22 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 still enfeeble us. In our present situa- 
 tion, we want the advice of all our 
 friends, and yours in particular, as we 
 consider you in a special manner more 
 competent to advise ; as we do not 
 wish to do any thing to disaffect the 
 Missionary society, or hurt the cause. 
 JOHN SMITH, 
 ^jpr^,-. /^ Clerk of the meeting. 
 
 To the Rev. Mr. Burnham, Pembroke. 
 Ossipee, February 10, 1830. 
 
 c5 Letter from Deacon Hodsdon and son, 
 to the Rev, Mr, Burnham, Secretary of 
 the JV. H. Missionary Society. 
 Rev. and Dear Sir, — 
 
 We are obliged to you for your kind 
 and anxious letter, and for the interest 
 you manifest in the welfare of our 
 church and Society. You desire a 
 statement of the facts respecting our re- 
 cent difficulties, but this, sir, is a diffi- 
 cult task, because the facts are so manv
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 23 
 
 and it is, so important that they should 
 all go in connexion, in order that the 
 whole truth may be known. For your 
 information on this subject, therefore, 
 we do, with the utmost confidence, re- 
 fer you to our reverend minister. The 
 facts are familiar to him, and we have 
 no fears that he will misrepresent the 
 case. — As to the conduct of our belov- 
 ed pastor, during this severe trial, it 
 has been a pattern, of meekness, gentle- 
 ness, faith, patience, and christain en- 
 durance, well worthy of our imitation; 
 and, if improved as we could wish, will 
 be productive of the happiest results. 
 As to our feelings towards him in view 
 of his conduct, if the grand-father of 
 the child may not be permitted to say 
 much, without being complained of, he 
 can say that many others say, as our 
 minister says of his people, that they 
 love him more, feel their confidence 
 in him increased, and their attachment 
 strengthened. And if, before our diffi-
 
 24 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 culties, there is no room for the in- 
 crease of these good feelings on our 
 part, we have certainly none the less, 
 and don't wish to have. But we do 
 believe that it will be more useless than 
 ever, for any to exert themselves to set 
 us and our minister at variance. We 
 hope to watch the more against this 
 for ikeyuturCy and it is really hard for 
 any to deny us the common privilege 
 of repentance for the past. 
 
 As to the place and manner of the 
 correction, about which so much noise 
 has been made, it was very natural to 
 take the child aside a little from the 
 family, and the cellar was light and 
 perhaps as comfortable, as any other 
 apartment in the house, where fire was 
 not kept. We have seen pieces of the 
 sticks, and we are now satisfied it 
 would have been of little use to whip 
 the child with such rods, through the 
 clothes. Mr. Arnold states, the horse- 
 whip was never before called into the
 
 ATT ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 26 
 
 service, and Avould not have been at 
 the time it was, had not the boy man- 
 ifested an expectation to gain his point 
 because the sticks were small, and brit- 
 tle, and broke up so fast. But we do 
 hope the child is now subdued, and 
 will ever conduct so as to gain the ap- 
 probation of his adopted father and 
 mother, his friends, and all wh'q^ol he 
 may form an acquaintance with. And 
 we are thankful to God, and grateful 
 to Mr. Arnold, for his kindness and un- 
 common attention to the fatherless and 
 the widow. We understand the hap- 
 py effects of the correction on the 
 child are abundantly manifest. We 
 have learned that Mr. Arnold has not 
 found occasion to correct him since, 
 except with a word and a look. And 
 the mother testifies, that there has been 
 so much pains taken with the child to 
 improve his manners and behavior, 
 that there is as great a difference in his 
 
 appearance, as in a person changed 
 3
 
 26 AN ASTONISHIiNG AFFAIR 
 
 from nature to grace. And it is said 
 that he is as much more cheerful, hap- 
 py and interesting than before, as he 
 is more obedient. — With much respect 
 and affection, we remain yours, &c. 
 ICHABOD HODSDON, 
 Grandfather of said child. 
 AMOS HODSDON, 
 Uncle of said child. 
 To the Rev. Mr. Burnham, Pembroke. 
 
 A Letter Jrom Mrs. Arnold to Mrs. 
 
 ' Ossipee, March 22, 1830. 
 
 Dear Mrs. 
 
 Knowing your circumstances were 
 such that you could not conveniently 
 go abroad, I called on you the other 
 day as a friend, and I expected you 
 would treat me in a different manner 
 from what you did. When I left, in- 
 deed, you invited me to call again, 
 and desired that I would not forget 
 you. You may be assured, my dear
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR, 27 
 
 friend, that I shall not forget you, for 
 I cannot, if I would. I think frequent- 
 ly on what you said to me with respect 
 to Mr. Arnold, the child, and the cor- 
 rection, and it distresses me exceeding- 
 ly. I cannot see any reason or propri- 
 ety in your remarks. Let me mention 
 one, which I think is a fair specimen. — 
 You said that you heard the poor little 
 creature screech and scream so, for two 
 nights, that you could not sleep. All 
 this, while our dear son was taking 
 sweet repose in sleep! I do not know 
 that he lost one moment's sleep, by the 
 correction; and it is really a pity that 
 you should. But is not your imagina- 
 tion running away with you ? Do you 
 really mean that there ever was a night 
 since Almon lived with us, when you 
 could hear him screech and scream ? 
 If you mean any such thing, i must be 
 permitted to say, / do not believe it ; for 
 / never did, and the sound must have 
 come to me, before it reached you. But
 
 J8 AI? A8T0NIIHING AFFAIR. 
 
 I suppose that your meaning v/as this: 
 you seemed to imagine that you could hear 
 our adopted son cry! But this did not 
 make it so. And have you not imagined 
 other things, respecting Ahnon, which 
 were not true ? I must think you have. 
 How much more likely a person Avould 
 be to imagine many other things than 
 * ^^the one just mentioned. And you 
 must not think it strange, if I have 
 more confidence in what I saw, and 
 heard, and felt, than in your imagina- 
 tions. / know all the circumstances respec- 
 ting the correction of the child, and I am 
 confident that it was Mr, JlrnoWs duty to 
 make the child submit and obey. He tri- 
 ed to do this in many different ways, 
 and for a long time, before he began to 
 use the rods. But he could not subdue 
 the child by any of these means. He 
 then told the child that he should whip 
 him till he would mind. He according- 
 ly did it. And I confidently believe that 
 Mr. Arnold did his duty in the correc-
 
 AN A5T0.MbHiNG AFFAIR. 29 
 
 tioii, and nothing more. I have no 
 doubt of this, and I never have had, 
 whatever has been reported about my 
 disapproving of Mr. Arnohi's conduct 
 in punishing the child. Three of us 
 were present, during the whole of the 
 affair, and we know the circumstances; 
 and many others not belonging to our 
 family, unite with us in believing, that' 
 Mr. Arnold did nght in subduing the 
 child as he did. After the correction, 
 the child immediately ate a hearty break- 
 fast. He ate more than all the rest of 
 our family together. There is therefore 
 much reason and propriety, and con- 
 sistent sympathy, and christian tender- 
 ness, in the conduct of our beloved 
 church and society, in sympathising 
 more with their minister., who has been 
 the principal sufferer, than with his 
 adopted son who occasioned all the suf- 
 fering, by his own stubbornness. When 
 we ourselves, and so many others, be- 
 lieve that a most self denying and im- 
 3^-
 
 so AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 portant duty was discharged by Mr. 
 Arnold, in the correction, and when the 
 child and his relatives are satisfied and 
 grateful to us that we felt such anxiety 
 for his good, as would not yield till he 
 obeyed, — in such a case, I say, it would 
 be proper for others to be silent, at least. 
 There are some to be sure, of whom 
 we do not expect silence. We do not 
 ask it. We are willing that people 
 should act out their feelings on this 
 subject. We have the comfort of know- 
 ing that whatever we may suffer in 
 this case, it is for conscience'^ sake. It is 
 for our kindness to the fatherless and 
 loidow^ that we suffer, and for doing 
 our duty. And we had rather have the 
 testimony of conscience, the support 
 of the scriptures, and confidence to- 
 wards God, than every thing else. 
 
 I have said this much, my dear Mrs. 
 — not because / have been accused by 
 you or any other person ; but I ha\e 
 said it, to bear my testimony to truth
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 31 
 
 and duty, I cannot be indifferent, 
 when I see my husband suffering so 
 much wrongfully^ and even from those 
 of whom we should expect better 
 things. 
 
 Do not take offence at my freedom, 
 my dear friend, for we have not a hard 
 feeling towards you; but I have^ writ- 
 ten this letter fi-om a sense of duty, 
 wishing to treat you with all the plain- 
 ness and christian candor, that I could 
 wish you to exercise towards me, if I 
 were placed in your situation. 
 
 Receive this, from your most affec- 
 tionate friend, 
 
 Elizabeth T. Arnold. 
 
 P. S. We have not had to punish Al- 
 mon for any thing since the correction 
 mentioned above, for he has been as 
 obedient and happy as any child I 
 ever saw.
 
 32 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 A Letter from Miss Pamelia P. Smithy 
 to her sister. 
 Ossipee, March 25, 1830. 
 Dear Sister, 
 
 Knowing the intense interest you 
 feel in my welfare, 1 not only consider 
 it duty, but a privilege, to make you 
 acquainted Avith my situation and pros- 
 pects. You have probably looked, 
 with much anxiety, for my return home, 
 in consequence of the evil reports 
 which have been rumored abroad 
 respecting the Rev. Mr. Arnold, my 
 instructor, in whose family I reside. 
 And to relieve your feelings, I will 
 give you a brief sketch of the affair. 
 
 On the morning of January 16th, 
 Mr. Arnold was instructing his adopt- 
 ed son, as usual, and he refusedto pro- 
 nounce a very easy syllable, composed 
 of two letters only, and manifested 
 great obstinacy and sullenness. Mr. 
 Arnold adopted various methods to 
 gain submission and^obedicnce, but all
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 3S 
 
 to no purpose. It was so plain that 
 his disobedience was purely wilful, 
 that it left no room for a doubt. He 
 could read, spell, and pronounce, 
 words of four syllables, with ease and 
 fluency, weeks before. Moreover, he 
 told Mr. Arnold repeatedly, when ques- 
 tioning him why he did not mind, that 
 it was because he felt contrary ; that 
 he knew how to pronounce the sylla- 
 ble, but did not mean to mind ; and 
 once, he replied that he was determin- 
 ed not to obey. All the while, he ex- 
 pressed such stubbornness and angry 
 passions in his looks, as clearly evinc- 
 ed that his lips were uttering the feel- 
 ings and sentiments of his heart. Af- 
 ter spending half an houx, in command- 
 ing, using gentle measures, and trying 
 to persuade, and finding that submis- 
 sion was not to be obtained by such 
 means, Mr. Arnold told him that he 
 should whip him till he obeyed. And 
 although the stubbornness of the child
 
 S4 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 was almost incredible, yet such was 
 Mr. Arnold's anxiety for his welfare 
 and best good, that he pursued punish- 
 ment until its object was obtained, not- 
 withstanding the self-denial which he 
 had to practice, in performing a duty 
 so exceedingly painful to his tender 
 feelings. There is unquestionable ev- 
 idence that Mr. Arnold did right in 
 the correction of the child. The child 
 ate a hearty breakfast immediately af- 
 ter the correction and did not lose one 
 meal of victuals. by means of it. 
 
 Thus you see that there are many 
 who feel themselves under no restraint, 
 either from principle or honor, to wait 
 *till the minister deviates in the least 
 from the path of duty, before they 
 ^)Our upon him their calumnies in pro- 
 fusion. 
 
 The complainant and witnesses, to 
 say the least, were in this case busy 
 bodies in other men's matters, -iid the
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 55 
 
 relatives of the cliild have never ap- 
 proved of their meddlesome conduct. 
 
 The lawyers who reside in this 
 town, and some from neighboring 
 towns, and many other infliienLial gen- 
 tlemen, have manifested feelings on 
 this occasion which will not only en- 
 sure them the esteem of Mr. Arnold 
 and his numerous friends, but the ap- 
 plause of a candid community, as far 
 as facts are known. The mother of 
 the child and his other relatives, the 
 church and society, and many others 
 who are acquainted with the affair, 
 have sympathised with Mr. Arnold in 
 his affliction, and have done all in their 
 power to promote his happiness, and 
 his conduct since, has been such as to 
 excite their admiration and strengthen 
 their attachment. 
 
 The church and society here, though 
 small, are unusually interesting, and 
 our situation is as pleasant as at any
 
 36 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 former period ; so that the probabili- 
 ty is, that I shall not return at present. 
 
 With much love, I am yours, &c. 
 
 Pamelia p. Smith. 
 
 Mary Ann S. Smith. 
 
 A SUPPOSITION. 
 Let us suppose, that while the min- 
 ister and others really believe he did 
 his duty in the correction of the child, 
 he in reality did wrong, and is blame- 
 abie. Suppose this, I say, and we have 
 a theme of uncommon interest, and 0, 
 the height to which it rose, and the 
 depth to which it sunk ; the breadth 
 to w^hich it expanded, and the iengtii 
 to which it went ; — the ease with 
 which it travelled and the speed with 
 which it rode ; — the wings on which 
 it was borne, and the tongues it em- 
 ployed ; the joy of some, and the sor- 
 row of others ; -the fear and the in- 
 dignation ; — the supplication of friend- 
 ship and the revenge of enmity. All
 
 AN ASTONISHING AmiR. 37 
 
 1 
 
 this because some believe the minister 
 (lid wrong and is blameable. Is it such 
 an uncommon thing for people to do 
 wrong, or do some cast stones in this 
 case, who are not without sin ? Or is 
 it so uncommon for ministers to do 
 wrong ? I am really inclined to think 
 it is not so common rs I have before sup- 
 posed ; for if it were, it would not be 
 reojarded as such a wonderful occur- 
 reiice when it is thought that one has 
 stepped aside a little from the path of 
 duty. But verily there are many who 
 believe, that, in this affair, the minis- 
 ter has not stepped aside from the path 
 of duty. And he testifies^ that he nev- 
 er did perform an act more self deny- 
 ing and painful, or one in which his 
 convictions of duty were clearer or 
 stronger, than in the severe correction 
 of his adopted son. But however in- 
 nocent he may be in his own opinion, 
 or that of others, in relation to this 
 affair, it has rendered his residence a 
 4
 
 $S AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 place of more wide spreading, l«ng 
 lasting, and deeper interest, than lie 
 could ever before have anticipated. 
 Nor would we abate, but increase the 
 interest, and speed the truth to the 
 ends of the earth. 
 
 Indeed, such has been the excitement 
 concerning him and his conduct, that 
 over the very spot where he lives, we 
 would have the poles of the earth 
 brought together, and the opposite 
 sides of the globe folded up as a gar- 
 ment, that from thence they might re- 
 ceive the truth ; and then, with all the 
 elastic power of nature, aided by that 
 of cohesion, attraction, and repulsion, 
 retire again to their own place, and 
 retiring, spread the true intelligence of 
 the whipping, as far as falsehood is 
 known, or man exists. It may well 
 be doubted, yea it is doubted, whether 
 the state of New-Hampshire, or any 
 other state in the union, can furnish 
 »n instance, in which the bosom of
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 39 
 
 friendship has been convulsed, and the 
 church of God rent with more vie-' 
 ience and pain, or the hosts from with- 
 out rallied with more dexterity, tl^an 
 in the case which has been described. 
 It was like the bursting of the cloud, 
 charged with thunder and lightning, 
 and tempest, or like the frightful 
 eruption of a volcano, fraught with 
 liquid fire. Let no one think that I 
 paint this scene too highly, for it sets 
 all my powers at defiance. I stood in 
 the centre of the area, and saw, and 
 felt, the convulsive movements, and 
 heard the peals, and took the fires, and 
 received the shocks from every quar- 
 ter. Let the locks scorched with light- 
 nings, and the bosoms rent with thun- 
 ders, testify if I misrepresent or too 
 highly color. — Let them tell if there 
 is any danger of poetic license here. 
 The scene has left its register in the 
 memory, and its traces in tfee heart, 
 which will not soon be obliterated.
 
 40 AK ASTONISHING AFFAIR- 
 
 But it should not be forgotten, that 
 there is no action of any man, howev- 
 er good, nor any trait of christian 
 character, which cannot be misrepre- 
 sented, and perverted to evil purposes. 
 And some, at different periods of the 
 world, have shown their dexterity and 
 skill in this ungenerous enterprise. 
 But, in so doing, they have merely 
 produced temporary squalls, which 
 have served to clear away much stag- 
 nant air and pestilential vapor. A 
 more salubrious state of atmosphere 
 has followed, in which one could 
 breathe more freely and safely, and 
 the result has been, a more perfect and 
 permanent state of health. 
 
 Mr. Arnold, it appears, was called, 
 under very peculiar and remarkable 
 circumstances, to discharge a most dis- 
 agreeable and important duty, in the 
 severe correction of the beloved son 
 of his~adoption. The command was 
 plain,' and very easy to obey ; but the
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 41 
 
 child refused to do it ; not because lie 
 could not, but because he ivould not. 
 Mr. Arnold knew that it was wilful 
 disobedience, and w'ithout excuse ; 
 and therefore out of love to his son, 
 and for his highest good, told him that 
 he must obey, or that he should punish 
 him until he did; and he kept his 
 word. He obtained submission and 
 obedience. But a particular account 
 of this affair, will be given in its prop- 
 er place. 
 
 After what has been said, by the 
 church and society, by the mother, 
 the grandmther,and other relatives, of 
 the child, and by Mrs. Arnold and 
 Miss Smith, Mr. Arnold may surely be 
 permitted to speak for himself, as he 
 is called upon to do, in a manner, and 
 by circumstances, which forbid his si- 
 lence. In discharging this duty to 
 himself, to the church, and to the pub- 
 Uc at large, he will give us a faithful 
 and pr rticular account of his 
 4*
 
 43 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR, 
 
 REASONS FOR TAKING THE CHILD, 
 
 4&C. &C. 
 
 ^ If I may be permitted to speak for 
 myself, on this deeply interesting sub- 
 ject, I will say, I did not take the 
 child because of the overflowing abun- 
 dance of my table, my basket or my 
 store. It was not because of any ful- 
 ness in my pecuniary treasures, which 
 needed a drain to conduct them ofl'. 
 It was not because 1 had either time, or 
 attention, or patience, or wisdom, or 
 prudence, to spare. It was not be- 
 cause I had a heart so full of love or 
 hatred, gratitude or revenge, that it 
 labored and sought for objects on 
 which to vent itself, or by which to 
 let forth i-ts overflowings. 1 would not 
 be governed by such feelings that I 
 could not rationally hope for the 
 company and smiles of the Savior. I 
 would not be misled or unduly con- 
 troled by the intellect or the heart. 
 But I trust that I am possessed of the
 
 AN ASTOJN'lSlilNG AFFAlFt. 43 
 
 common feelings of humanity, and, 
 like others, sensible of tender emotions 
 when I behold the sorrowful or the un- 
 fortunate. 
 
 There was a time, when my atten- 
 tion was particularly arrested by tlie 
 condition of the fatherless and the 
 widow. My heart was moved by the 
 widoAv's dejected countenance and 
 plaintive story. I saw her tears, and 
 the condition of her son. I had a 
 heart of pity, and was moved to re- 
 lieve. It was evident that the bowels 
 of the tender mother ^earned over her 
 .fatherless son i and that her hopes and 
 fears, her joys and sorrows, her com- 
 forts and cares, gathered around him ; 
 and, returning to her bosom, like wave 
 upon wave, urged each other onward 
 in their tumultuous course. 
 
 I therefore took her son from the 
 maternal embrace, to lighten the bur- 
 dens, to diminishthe sorrows, and to 
 increase the joys of widowhood ; to
 
 44 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 lift up her heart and to animate her 
 hopes. I knew, by experience, what 
 it was to be a fatherless child, when 
 young and tender ; and I had heard 
 my mother speak of the condition of 
 a -^yidow. 
 
 I liave seen the tears trickle down 
 her cheeks, and every feature give ut- 
 terance to the emotions of her heart, 
 when, in retired absence of mind, she 
 gazed with anxiety upon me, her son. 
 and saw me exposed to all the storms 
 of life, and woes of death, without a 
 father or paternal friend, to lead me 
 forth and defend me. • 
 
 But her corrections, occasionally 
 severe, I remember with no less gi'ati- 
 tude or tenderness than the rest. And 
 whatever I have done in this case, for 
 the worthy objects of special attention, 
 will not, I trust, fail to bring its reward. 
 Nay, I am sure of it ; for my securi- 
 ty is good. It is found in the records 
 of the Most High. ''He that hath
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 45 
 
 pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the 
 Lord ; and that which he hath given, 
 will he pay him again." (Prov. 19, 
 17.) " He doth execute the judgment 
 of the fatherless and widow. "( Deut. 
 10, 18.) '' Cast thy bread upon the 
 waters ; for thou shalt find it after 
 many days." (Eccl. 11, 1.) 
 
 FEELINGS HE AWAKENED. 
 
 Feelings of tenderness towards my 
 adopted son, I have ahvays had, though 
 not that tenderness v/hich forbids the 
 exercise of salutary dii^cipline or paren- 
 tal authority — even severe it may be, 
 when circumstances seem to demand 
 severity. 
 
 My most kindly feelings have gath- 
 ered around him. In him my most ex- 
 alted hopes of usefulness have centred. 
 As my imagination has winged its 
 way into futurity, and traced his prog- 
 ress in physical improvement, and in
 
 46 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 mental and moral culture, I have nev- 
 er thought of comparing him with 
 myself. I have sought, prayed, hoped, 
 and expected for him, better and great- 
 er things. 
 
 1 seem to see him rising in the hall of 
 legislation, or pouring forth his elo- 
 quence at the bar, in firm and melodi- 
 ous tones — distinguished as a scholar, 
 statesman and moralist ; — or no less 
 distinguished as a minister of Jesus, 
 waving the gospel banner, and rallying 
 around the standard of the cross his 
 felloAV men, by giving firm and decid- 
 ed utterance to the law, and a certain 
 sound to the gospel trumpet. 
 
 I desired for him not only the more 
 important, substantial and useful qual- 
 ifications of this life, and a prepara- 
 tion for heaven, but the less important 
 which are highly ornamental and val- 
 uable, I did not forget. 
 
 I wished him fancy's golden wing. 
 Imagination's rapid flight ;
 
 And taste, to paint what'er he saw. 
 In beams of pure etherial light. 
 
 I desired him every thing interest- 
 ing, useful, and subservient of his hap- 
 piness — every thing lovely, praise- 
 worthy and of good report. I would 
 have " every motion grace, and every 
 accent, persuasion." If I had loved 
 him less, and felt less anxious for his 
 highest good, and had entertained less 
 exalted hopes of the eminence to which 
 he might be raised, and the good he 
 might be instrumental of accomplish- 
 ing, and the glory that would redound 
 to God, and the happiness to himself 
 flowing from a mind accustomed to 
 obey ; I should have been less anxious 
 for his submission. I never desired of 
 him any thing like that cringing, ab- 
 ject servitude, which has little to hope, 
 and almost every thing to fear. I nev- 
 er wished to see in him a proneness of 
 countenance which could not look me 
 in the face. But I wished to see a
 
 48 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 countenance open and familiar; fraught 
 with expectation ; beaming witli smiles, 
 animated by hopes, and enlivened with 
 joy. He was well acquainted with my 
 countenance. He read it scarcely less 
 than he did his book, and its language 
 to him was intelligible. He could al- 
 ways look me in the face ; but the look 
 was at times less cheerfid and confi- 
 dent, more restrained by conscience, 
 less encouraged by expectation, more 
 suspicious and fearful. 
 
 I did not wish to deaden the electric 
 fire of his eye ; but have it attemper- 
 ed with mildness. I would not dimin- 
 ish the energy of his system, but have 
 it rightly directed. His " dance of 
 spirits, and bound of vigor," often 
 filled me v/ith joy. 
 
 HIS USUAL APPEARANCE. 
 
 Did not his eye beam with intelli- 
 gence ? Did he not give utterance its
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 49 
 
 tone, syllable its time, and accent its 
 place ? Was he not forming, with in- 
 creasing pleasure, habits of reading and 
 study ? Did not his cheek wear the 
 rosy beam of health ? Bid ,not the 
 sparkling eye, the animated counte- 
 nance, bespeak joy and gladness ? Did 
 not his energy of body and mind, his 
 ready and animated movements, show 
 that his necessities were supplied and 
 his hopes encouraged ? 
 
 When did he wish to leave me, and 
 return no more ? When was he slad 
 of my departure from home, or sorry 
 at my return ? Ah ! I see his eagerness 
 atthe window, his joy at the door, his 
 hasty steps to meet me, and his kind em- 
 brace, exclaiming, "Mr. Arnold, I am 
 glad you have come." 
 
 But this was one of the dreams of 
 
 human happiness; and it was a pleasant 
 
 dream, fraught with domestic joys, 
 
 though not destitute of domestic trials. 
 
 5
 
 50 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 ATTENTION PAID HIM; 
 
 During all the time he has been in 
 my family, particular and great atten- 
 tion has been paid to his reading and 
 spelling, pit)nmiciation and accentua- 
 tion. 
 
 When he first began to read in words 
 of one syllable, the method adopted 
 was, to he very particular in having 
 him read, pronounce and accent 
 aright. After having done this, he was 
 required to study and get the word so 
 that he could spell it. Having spelt it 
 two or three times, the one hearing 
 him said, "Think of it; have it ready; 
 } shall ask you to spell the word again 
 presently/." Accordingly, he v/as cal- 
 led upon in a minute or tv/o, to speli 
 the word again. This was done re- 
 peatedly. It was not unfrequently 
 done four or five times. 
 
 This method, with little variation, 
 has been pursued with nearly every 
 word. The quantity read by the child
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 51 
 
 I considered of little consequence ; 
 but to have him understand the sub- 
 ject as well as possible, and obtain tlie 
 command of it, so that the words and 
 ideas should not be useless lumber, or 
 escape from him as fast as they were 
 called up, butjevery one increase the 
 stock of ready instruDients and furni- 
 ture, for all the various avocations of 
 the mind. This I considered of vast 
 importance. I supposed that his fu- 
 ture vigor, ^ accCiracy, and compass of 
 thought and of expression ,: the ease, 
 perseverance and success of his mental 
 application — w^ould' depend very much 
 upon the fact, whether or not, when 
 young, he learned to lay hold upon 
 subjects with energy, courage and res- 
 olution. TVhatever themes his; mind 
 was directed to, I- wished him thor- 
 oughly to understand so as to be an- 
 imated by their inspiration, rejoice in 
 his own^efforts, and feel a suitable de- 
 pendence upon them for all future sue-
 
 b2 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 cess in the art of acquiring, retaining 
 and appropriating his knowledge. — 
 The great object of the theory and prac- 
 tice of my plan was, to make my adop- 
 ted son think closely, and think suc- 
 cessfully, not having his attention di- 
 verted from the object of pursuit, by 
 any scenes which might be passing 
 around him. And I have pleasing evi- 
 dence, that my plan and exertions have 
 not been without success. Almon, in- 
 stead of saying, as he once did fre- 
 quently," I can't," is not discouraged, 
 if at first he is at a loss for an answer; 
 but he often says, with an animated 
 look, "I guess I can think it out,"and, 
 after some time, he fetches forth the 
 result of his effort rejoicing. 
 
 l^liave frequently devoted an hour 
 and a half, and sometimes two hours, 
 in a day, to the instruction of my adop- 
 ted son. It has also been common for 
 others in my family to spend from an 
 hour to an hour and a half, in instruc-
 
 Ai\ ASTOINISHIAG AFFAIR. 5S 
 
 ting hii;i. It is therefore probable 
 that the time spent in his instruction, 
 has not been much, if any, less than 
 three hours a day, on an average, ever 
 since he has been in my family. This 
 statement has not been made hastily, 
 or at random, but with much consider- 
 ation and caution; and it is believed 
 to be correct, not only by myself, but 
 also by Mrs. Arnold and the lady in 
 my family. 
 
 Very particular attention has also 
 been paid to his manners and habits ; 
 his personal, domestic, and moral con- 
 duct, and feelings. 
 
 To rear up a child we thought so 
 promising — to cultivate, expand and 
 improve the mind and the heart, v/a^ 
 regarded by us all, as a most worthy 
 and noble enterprise. It was made one 
 of the principal objects of daily con- 
 cern. Our hopes and fears, our joys. 
 Sorrows and prayerif gathered with 
 'ivelv interest arounl him, and ascen-
 
 64 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 ded on the wings of devotion to the fa- 
 ther of our spirits. When giving our 
 attention to his physical, mental and 
 moral improvement, we considered our- 
 selves as laborors, not only for the wid- 
 ow and the fatherless, but also for the 
 glory of God, the prosperity of Zi- 
 on, and the hicrhest good of our fel- 
 low men. We did not expect our re- 
 ward immediately; and much less did 
 we expect a prosecution for our la- 
 bors. All this however,and more too, 
 has come upon us, only because we 
 were determined to do our best for the 
 child; so unwilling to be disappointed 
 in our hopes, and realise our fears ; 
 and so anxious to save from the con- 
 trol of stubbornness, all that he was, 
 and might be, and all that we had done 
 for him and intended to do. But wc 
 have not received this unsuitable rec- 
 ompense from the fatherless or the 
 widow; but it is principally from stran- 
 gers, for whom we desire better things 
 in return.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 66 
 
 PROGRESS HE MADE. 
 
 It is acknowledged, I believe on all 
 hands, that he has made great improve- 
 ment in many respects, particularly in 
 reading and spelling. 
 
 When he came to live with me, on 
 the 8th of last October, [1829,] he could 
 not pronounce any of his abs, and fre- 
 quently miscalled his letters. I made 
 use of the edition of Webster's Spelling 
 Book, published in Boston, 1819; and 
 pursuing the method I have before 
 jjientioned, in about twelve weeks 
 he got to the end of words in four syl- 
 lables, upon Page 32', reading and spel- 
 ling according; to the before mentioned 
 method. At this time, his mother 
 put into my hands Hough's second 
 edition of Kneeland's Spelling Book. 
 Wishing he might have his little words 
 familiar, I commenced with him in 
 this, at the beginning of monosyllables, 
 and let him read on more rapidly than 
 before, spelling him occasionally and
 
 &6 IIN ASTOISISHING AFFAIR 
 
 giving him lessons of three or four 
 words, to get so as to spell any, or all 
 of them, as he might be asked. For 
 about two weeks, I went on thus witli 
 him, till we came to the middle of the 
 30th page, w liere we met - with the 
 Vf Old gutter^ and both had the misfor- 
 tune to fall in and get mired, as may 
 be seen in the account of this affair. 
 
 DIFFERENT METHODS OF CORREC- 
 TION. 
 
 It has always been my object to ren- 
 der the way of obedience, both in ap- 
 pearance and reality, as easy and pleas- 
 ant, but that of disobedience as diffi- 
 cult and unpleasant, as possible. Ac- 
 cordingly Almon, when disobedient, 
 was denied the privilege of sitting 
 with us as usual at the table, and parta- 
 king the niceties which it occasionally 
 furnished. In such a case he ate by 
 himself, at another table ; or left the
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 57 
 
 room, and remained until he was cal- 
 led for, as we thought proper. This 
 was tlie most common correction for 
 smaller offences, and was found to have 
 a very good effect. 
 
 In a very few cases we sent him into 
 the cellar, to remain a certain time, 
 bat to little purpose. 
 
 Although the use of the hand upon 
 tlie ear, is a very ready and with some 
 a very common correction, I did it 
 but seldom, and lightly. I do not rec- 
 ollect doing it more than three or 
 four times. 
 
 At one time, when, on account of un- 
 common neorligence and forgetfulness, 
 or some more guilty cause^ he either 
 could not or would not pronounce a 
 very little and easy word, and I thought 
 his mind needed a stimulus that woukl 
 be effectual, I directed him to go out 
 and ask the horse what it was. He 
 did it, though very reluctantly. I then
 
 58 AN ASTONISinNG AFFAIR. 
 
 asked him what the horse said. He 
 said the horse did not know. I then 
 told him to go and ask tjie cow. When 
 I asked him what the cow said, he an- 
 swered, that the cow did not know. 
 1 then told him that they were just 
 like him about the word, for he did 
 not know. 
 
 This rap assailing the principle of 
 pride, took effect and quickened the 
 intellect. 
 
 A word and a look, generally answer- 
 ed the purpose for the little faults. 
 
 As I am called upon in this case, 
 and have resolved, to give an exact 
 acount of every method of correction 
 used with my son, this must be my 
 apology, if one is necessary, for rela- 
 ting amon« the rest a correction some- 
 what ludicrous. 
 
 Onejmorning when he had told me 
 something that was false, and the time 
 drew near when he usually w-ent out 
 for necessary purposes, I had his com-
 
 AN ASTONlSHINa AFFAIR. 59 
 
 inoa suit oi" clothes exchanged for 
 another, suggesting that one of the but- 
 tons needed a little attention, wliicli 
 was really the case. Raving done 
 this, I was now prepared to show him 
 one of the difficuhies attending false- 
 hood. He presently asked me if I 
 would please to unbutton his clothes; 
 but I asked him if he had not told me 
 a lie that morning? He said he had. 
 I then asked him, how I could know 
 that he really needed my assistance? 
 He said he could not tell, 1 then sent 
 him to a secpnd person, and a third, 
 and he found the same diClcaities in 
 the way;— neitlier could he tell them. 
 He then came back to me, nature pres- 
 sing her demands and his troubles in- 
 creasing ; but his ingenious mind could 
 not yet discover any way by which I 
 could certainly know that he needed 
 what he requested. I then embraced 
 the opportunity to impress upon his 
 mind this fart If he told fo, he would
 
 60 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 not be believed when he told the truth. 
 This lesson was remembered and will 
 not soon be forgotten. 
 
 We also, not nnfreqiiently, found it 
 necessary to use the rod of correction, 
 though we intended to use it according 
 to tlie scriptures, and not in violation 
 ofllicir authority. At onetime when I 
 had occadonto use the rod, I immedi- 
 ately conversed with him about his 
 conduct, and then we both knelt down 
 by the bed-side, and I prayed for him, 
 in language which he understood, and 
 remembered, and has sometimes men- 
 tioned to others, in giving tliem an ac- 
 count of this singular correction; in 
 which the rod, conversation andprayer. 
 were used in connexion, not only in 
 reality, but in appearance also. 
 
 This is a true and faithful account of 
 all the different methods of correction 
 employed in relation to Almon. 
 
 ^'
 
 ^N ASTONISHINa AFFAIR. 61 
 
 CHARACTER OF THE CHILD. 
 
 I would sink before I would rise, by 
 
 misrepresenting the character of the 
 boy I love. It is not the occasional 
 acts of obstinacy, occurring once a 
 fortnigiit, that determine general char- 
 acter. It may therefore be said of Al- 
 mon, since he has been with me, that 
 he has been a good boy, a most inter- 
 estincr child. For one of his age, he 
 is uncommonly large, vigorous, mus- 
 cular, bold and energetic. He is not 
 inclined to halt, and hesitate, at tri- 
 fling difficulties ; but rather disposed 
 to encounter them, and surmount or 
 bear tliem av/ay. His mind is strong ; 
 his understanding sound and clear ; his 
 memory retentive, and his reason ever 
 operative. He is sensibly alive to 
 kindnes!5 and attention ; grateftd for 
 favors, and well disposed to make 
 seasonable and suitable returns. As 
 to his disposition to obey, in general, 
 he ii uncommonly ready faithful. In 
 6
 
 $2 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 all the families of my acquainiancei 
 or relatives, i have never known a 
 child who usually practised such ready 
 obedience as Aim on yields me. He 
 was to me and my family an object of 
 much affection and interest. But 
 though all this may be said with per- 
 fect truth and consistency, yet it is 
 well known that he manifiested great 
 obstinacy occasionally — a determined 
 disposition to have liis own will, with- 
 out yielding to superior authority or in- 
 fluence. This disposition was " grow- 
 ing with his growth and strengthening 
 with his strength," and coming forth 
 on particular occasions with more 
 prominence and effect. He knew it 
 was not right ; and would occasional- 
 ly, of himself, speak with sorrow of 
 these unhappy seasons. But still, the 
 evil existed, and threatened a most dis- 
 astrous influence over himself, and oth- 
 ers, if he should live, controling and 
 perverting his line talents, and many
 
 AN ASiO:aSHlNG AFFAIR. 63 
 
 amiable qiuaties, to the service of oc- 
 casional unyielding stubbornness — a 
 determined self will. This 
 
 PARTICULAR TRAIT IN HIS CHAR- 
 ACTER 
 
 Sometimes retarded, for a day or 
 two, his progress in useful instructipn, 
 and rendered his socjety much less 
 agreeable. The evil, I had no doubt, 
 however, might be cured,without even 
 suspecting that it would take long, 
 or be attended with any permanent in- 
 jury, but with present and everlasting 
 benefit to himself and others. But as 
 yet, previous to the severe correction, 
 I had never punished him when I took 
 the stand, — '' You shall obey, or I will 
 whip you till you do." I clearly saw 
 that a firm stand, and a direct encoun- 
 ter like this, was necessary for the best 
 interests and usefulness of the child. 
 But I had often resolved, and I main- 
 tained the resolution, that I would not
 
 64 AfN ASTONISHING AFFAIR 
 
 take this stand, except in some case in 
 which it was plain as it could be, tliat 
 the reason why he did not obey, was 
 not because he couZfZ not, but because 
 he would not. When he should mani- 
 fest a fit of obstinacy, and the case was 
 so plain as to be beyond all doubt that 
 the reason why he did not obey mo 
 was because he " felt contrary," I re- 
 solved that I would then try the effi- 
 cacy of this principle, — '' You shall 
 obey, or I will whip you until you 
 do." A case of this kind, occurred on 
 January 15th, the day previous to the 
 severe punishment. Wliten I took my 
 stand, he yie-lded and obeyed. He 
 had not yet quite courage enough to 
 withstand such an encounter. I thouglit 
 he would have, to be sure, but I did 
 not think he would so long refuse to 
 submit. He certainly knew that I al- 
 ways kept my word, and did as I told 
 him I would. Surely, thought I, this, 
 must be discouraging. But he knew
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 65 
 
 well that it made me almost sick to 
 whip him, and perhaps he was encour- 
 aged to think that for this reason I 
 should yield the point. 
 
 But I must give a particular account 
 of the circumstances attending the af- 
 fair for which I have been indicted. 
 
 THE MORNING OF JANUARY 16TH. 
 
 During two days previous to this time, 
 Almon had been more than uaUEdly un- 
 pleasant and contrary ; consequently 
 we had not let him come to the table 
 with us as usual, but gave him his food 
 at the same time, on another table ; 
 except once or twice when we sent 
 him out of the room, to remain until 
 he was called. This was depriving 
 him of a privilege which he highly 
 valued, and it had been found to have 
 a very good effect. But now his breast 
 was too full to be relieved in such a 
 manner. He felt too stubborn to be 
 6*
 
 66 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR- 
 
 Bubdued by means so simple, and 
 measures so mild. 
 
 I called his attention to his book in 
 the morning as usual. He found, or 
 pretended to find it, rather difficult 
 to read words ^vhich he had read and 
 gpelt weeks before, and not half as 
 long, or hard, as others with which he 
 was familiar. He met with difficulty 
 particularly at the first syllable of the 
 word gutter. I asked him what ^-«-f, 
 ?pelt ; but he w^ould not tell me. I 
 then asked what u-t- spelt. He refused 
 to tell. I then turned to the word ut- 
 ter, that he might not only hear but 
 see u-t standing by itself. He was still 
 disobedient. I then turned to his abs^ 
 expecting his pride would overcome 
 his obstinacy so much, that he would 
 pronounce ii-t. It is the last word in 
 the second line of lesson vi. I thought 
 it not best to cdme down at once upon 
 the disputed word, but chose rather 
 to have him read till he come to it.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 67 
 
 He read the first line of the lesson, 
 and commenced the second ; but prob- 
 ably finding himself on the way to 
 u-t, he stopped at e-t. The difiiculty 
 was now doubled ; e-t and u-t were 
 both in the dispute- I asked him if 
 he did not know what they spelt ; and 
 he said he did. Then said I, why do 
 you not tell me, Almon ? He said, 
 *•' because I feel contrary." I then 
 asked him if he did not mean to tell ? 
 His answer was, " No Sir/'' I then 
 gave him a stern, reproving look, say- 
 ino- to him, vou must mind. I also 
 snapt his ears repeatedly, and used va- 
 rious mild measures to obtain obedi- 
 ence. But as he still refused, I asked 
 him again if he did not know what 
 e-t and u-t spelt ? He answered, " Yes 
 Sir." Why then, said I, do you not 
 tell me ? Because, said he, I feel con- 
 trary. And will you not tell me, Al- 
 mon ? " No Sir." I went through 
 with this sfune process, yet once or
 
 68 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. t 
 
 twice more, I asked him the same ques- 
 tions, and he gave me the same an- 
 swers ; still refusing to obey, and de- 
 termined to h'dve his will. And, I con- 
 fess, I was determined he should not 
 have it. I did not, by any means, 
 thinit it best to let him have his will. 
 
 As the case was plain, and beyond 
 all doubt, that he could most easily, 
 but would not obey, I took my stand, 
 on this ground, '' Almon, you shall 
 mind, or I will whip you till you do." 
 He still remained unyielding. But I 
 resolved to give him a fair opportuni- 
 ty to escape from my displeasure. I 
 therefore laid his book open upon the 
 table, and called his attention repeated- 
 ly to the little words, while I made 
 preparations for the threatened pun- 
 ishment. 
 
 My rods were the tops or boughs 
 of little birches, running to extreme 
 points, as small as knitting needles, 
 and perliaps the length of my arm.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 69 
 
 Before I began to use the rods, he 
 told nic what u-t spelt ; but still, \vith 
 no little siillenness, maintained his ob- 
 stinacy about e-t and refused to pro- 
 nounce it. I again asked him if he 
 did not know how ; and he said he 
 did. Why, then, do you not tell me r 
 " Because I feel contrary." Will you 
 not tell me ? " No Sir." Are you 
 determined that you will not tell me ? 
 '' Yes Sir." I then said to him, — I 
 understand you, Almon ; I know what 
 you mean. You shall not have your 
 will ; if you do not pronounce e-t I 
 shall whip you till you do. 
 
 Now, Almon, understand me — I am 
 going to whip you, because you will 
 not mind, when you know you ought 
 to do it. You say that you know what 
 e-t spells, but do not tell me because 
 you feel contrary, and you are deter- 
 mined that you icill not tell ; and you 
 «ay, thc.t boys who feel so contrary
 
 70 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 and will not mind, must be \vhii)ped, 
 --and so I say. 
 
 I had before asked him, if ht did 
 not know that he ought to obey. He 
 said he did. I had also asked him, 
 what must be done to boys who felt 
 and acted as he did, and would not 
 obey .^ He said, they must be whip- 
 €d. Thus it is plain that he justified 
 me, while he condemned himself to 
 stripes. And his majestic mind, and 
 towering will, would have looked 
 down with utter contempt upon my 
 littleness, cowardice, insignificance and 
 want of integrity, and he would have 
 felt at full liberty to trample under 
 foot all rule and authority, through- 
 out my family, had I shrunk from the 
 contest, when he gave me such a chal- 
 lenge as this. Strange indeed ! but 
 true, Almon is in many respects a re- 
 markable child but not less remarka- 
 ble for his size, the uncommon vigor 
 of his system and the stubbornness of
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 1^ 
 
 his will, than for any thing else. But 
 to return — after half an hour spent in 
 my kitchen and by my fire side — with 
 a heart pained within me — tremulous, 
 feeble, and fearful, not with anger but 
 with sensibility and tenderness — alive 
 if ever I was to a sense of duty, and 
 the good of the child ; with such feel- 
 ings, not doubting what was duty, af- 
 ffer all that I had seen and heard, and 
 I had given my word that he should 
 submit — with such feelings, I say, not 
 controled by passion, I took the rods 
 in one hand, and with the other led 
 mv son to the cellar. 
 
 CELIiAR SCENE. 
 Here occurred a scene which will 
 never be forgotten. As to the correc- 
 tion, there ii? certainly one thing wWi 
 which it may be measured, and that is^ 
 the obstinacy of the child, — the all en- 
 during obstinacy of my adopted son.
 
 73 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 Here are two things of the same extent 
 and dimensions precisely — the correc- 
 tion, and the obstinacy of the child ; 
 and how unhappy must have been the 
 result, if the piuiislunent had not been 
 ''continued till obstinacy was sub- 
 dued." 
 
 I know there are some, who are not 
 frightened at the consequences of an 
 unsubdued will ; bitt I am not of their 
 number. Before I began to chasten 
 the child, he said to me, you may 
 whip me, if you will not take my 
 clothes off. * By this I understood, 
 that he did not care for a whi|)ping, 
 with the Aothes on. Of course I had no 
 doubt it was best to take them off; 
 which was accordingly done. I then 
 took a silk handkerchief, and tied one 
 end round his right wrist, and listened 
 the other to a nail in the side of the 
 cuoboard; so as to elevate his arm a 
 little above a level. My object in doing 
 this was, that I might hold him by the
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 73 
 
 other wrist and have him more at 
 command, not miss my aim, striking 
 where I ought not ; that I might be 
 less likely to injure my son, or fail of 
 my object. Indeed, this was the only 
 way in which I could pi^vent him 
 from biting my hands, which he tried 
 to do with all his might. 
 
 He had now become furious with 
 passion. The tempest raged for a 
 while more and more ; awakening on 
 his part, the most angry looks and the 
 most revengeful gestures. With him 
 in this condition, and myself, the wife 
 of my bosom, and the lady of my fam- 
 ily, all of us in distress, and with hearts 
 sinkino* within us, I commenced using 
 the rod, according to Pro v. xxiii, 14th, 
 " thou shalt beat him with the rod, 
 and shalt deliver his soul from hell." 
 I did not withhold correction till he 
 obeyed, according to verse ISth, 
 '' withhold not correction from the 
 child." I did not think so much ol 
 7
 
 74 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 killing him, as of saving his life ; as 
 it is written, " For if thou beatest him 
 with the rod, lie shall not die." I be- 
 lieved that foolishness was bound up in 
 his heart, according to Proverbs 22d, 
 15th. And I knew of no better meth- 
 od to drive away his foolishness than 
 the one prescribed by the Lord, '' The 
 rod of correction shall drive it far 
 from him." I chastened him while 
 there was hope, according to 
 chapter 19th, verse 18th, '' Chasten 
 thy son while there is hope." I did 
 not give up until I obtaiifed submission 
 and obedience, according to verse 
 18th, ''And let not thy soul spare for 
 his crying." And 1 think it some 
 proof that I did not hate him, accord- 
 ing to chapter 18th verse 24th, " He 
 that spareth his rod hateth his son." 
 I think it some evidence that I loved 
 him according, to the latter clause of 
 the same verse, " He that loveth him 
 ehasteneth him betimes."
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFIAR. 75 
 
 During this most unpleasant, self 
 denying and disagreeable work, I 
 made frequent stoj^, commanding and 
 trying to persuade, silencing excuses, 
 answering objections, — and then,, a- 
 gainst the whole current of sympathy, 
 called forth by the peculiar circum- 
 stances, and my family most deeply 
 sympathising with myself and son, I 
 proceeded under the direction, not of 
 passion, but of the united dictates of 
 reason, understanding and conscience ; 
 and I trust I may add under the influ- 
 ence of the higher principle of love to 
 God and man. I had the consolation 
 of knowing, too, that the judgment of 
 my family in relation to the affair, ex- 
 actly corresponded with my own. 
 
 But this is not all the impulse and 
 direction which urged me forward to- 
 ward the point of the child's submis- 
 sion, and forbade me to give up, or 
 flinch, till it was obtained. I am free 
 to acknowledge, however strange it
 
 76 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIK. 
 
 may seem, that, in this work of chas- 
 tisement, I felt all i)^ force of divine 
 authority and express command, that 
 I ever felt in any case in all my life. — 
 And never did I perform an action, in 
 which my own conviction of duty and 
 usefulness to another were clearer, 
 stronger, or opposed by a more pow- 
 erful current of human sympathies and 
 human feelings. 
 
 But however unpleasant and diffi- 
 cult the work, I felt obliged to proceed. 
 And I repeat it, as I proceeded, I made 
 frequent stops ; (not less than a dozen,) 
 and, at every stop, I commanded, tried 
 to persuade, silenced excuses, and an- 
 swered objections. For he found 
 many objections and excuses. He 
 said he could not tell, because I would 
 not let him come to the table — because 
 he felt contrary — because he was cold 
 because he was choking up — because 
 he was sick — ^because he Wanted to go 
 out doors — because he could not tell
 
 AN ASTOMbHlNG AFFAIR. 77 
 
 down cellar, but if I would let him go 
 up, he would tell. But I had told 
 him repeatedly that he should not go 
 up till he obeyed ; and I felt that it was 
 better to break his will^ than to break 
 myivord. Now, Mr. Arnold, s'aid he, 
 in a very eloquent, and artful manner, 
 "If you will only let me go up, I will 
 tell you." 
 
 Such arguments he urged with greai 
 frequency and importunity. But he 
 was most obstinately and persevering- 
 ly opposed to any thing like making 
 mc a full, fair and unconditional sur- 
 render. To such a surrender, his 
 whole heart revolted. I was humblino 
 to his piide, opposed to his obstinacy^ 
 and his former habits of disobedience 
 and self indulgence. And without 
 doubt such a calculater as he is, felt tke 
 influence of his own calculations with 
 respect to the future. He doubtless 
 thought that it was a question of sub- 
 mission and obedience for !ife If he 
 7*
 
 YS AN ASTONISHING AfPAIR. 
 
 submitted and obeyed, then he must 
 always do it. And I knew thjH victo- 
 ry to him, would be more injurious 
 than defeat. To let him have his will 
 in such a case, would be giving up all 
 rule and authority in my family, both 
 for the present and the future. I 
 should have broken my word ; and, 
 to the control of unyielding stubborn- 
 ness, yielded all that my son should 
 ever possess of talents or acquirements. 
 
 I had repeatedly told him that he 
 should obey, or I should punish him 
 till he did. He knew that he could 
 have the punishment long or short, 
 severe or not, just as he pleased. And 
 he put an end to it, as soon as he pleas- 
 ed, by doing as he was told. 
 
 During the correction, Mrs. Arnold 
 came into the cellar, and said to Al- 
 mon, — How do you spell e-t 9 He told 
 her immediately, without any assist- 
 ance. She asked him the same ques- 
 tion three times, and he answered her
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 79 
 
 correctly, without any hesitation. But 
 as the contest was not between him 
 and Mrs. Arnold, but between him and 
 myself, 1 again asked him the question. 
 What does c-t spell ? But he would 
 not tell me. He was not yet ready. 
 He saw that my little sticks, which 
 were very brittle, were breaking up 
 very fast, and he evidently iiad some 
 hopes that I should give out, and there- 
 fore he still refused to obey. I saw 
 him eyeing the sticks keenly, with a 
 calculating look ; and I endeavored to 
 convince him that I had enough. But 
 when I had nearly used up all, I called 
 for more, to cut off in season the ex- 
 pectation of gaining his object, which 
 the child manifested, while seeing the 
 rods break up so fast. Two or three 
 were brought, which were very poor 
 and of very little use. One was a 
 beech stick, about as large as the little 
 end of a common pipe stem, very 
 crooked and knotty, hard and rough.
 
 80 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 5 therefore did not use it ; and call- 
 ed for my broken horsewhip, which 
 was brought. The lasli was just slip- 
 ped on to the end of the staff, and 
 came off every few blows. But though 
 the whip was in so bad a state, and was 
 so used that it did not break the skin, 
 or wound so deeply as the rods, yet 
 my son had no hopes that it would 
 wear out ; and therefore he submitted, 
 and obeyed. He pronounced the 
 word as distinctly, and emphatically, 
 as any T ever heard from his lips. And 
 0!j the relief! the joy! the delightful 
 anticipations it brought! 
 
 *'So sweet the" note "your dainty ear. 
 For joy, wouldbroak its drum to hear ;"" 
 Nor could ^^dull organs, at the sound, 
 Rest in tranquillity profound," 
 
 But under the all coatroling influ- 
 ence of such a degree of angry passion 
 and obstinacy, as my son had manifcs- 
 led, no wonder he thought he "should 
 beat mc out," feeble and tremulous as
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 81 
 
 I was ; and knowing, as he did that 
 it made me almost sick to whip him. 
 At that time he could neither pity me 
 nor himself. 
 
 Feelings of tenderness for him, dur- 
 ing this scene, I certainly had. I felt 
 deeply. And my feelings were greatly 
 increased, not by a fit of passion, but 
 by my prijiciples ; all the fountains of 
 my sympathies were broken up, and 
 came forth in one almost resistless tide, 
 which had entirely overcome me, had 
 it not been opposed by the barriers of 
 truth, firm fixed upon the founda- 
 tions of duty. Reason, understanding 
 and conscience, the word of God and the 
 sentiments of the wisest and best that 
 have ever lived, gave their united in- 
 fluence to support mc against the tide 
 of sympathy. Indeed while I was thus 
 supported, and this torrent pressed mc 
 on the left, there rolled on another up- 
 on the right, whose name was also sym- 
 pathy, taking its rise from the destruc
 
 82 IN ASTONISHIN* AFFAIR. 
 
 tion of all my exalted hopes respec- 
 ting my son, the resurrection of all my 
 fears of evil upon him, and by him 
 upon others, in this world ; and from 
 the worm that never dies, and the fire 
 that shall never be quenched, in the 
 world to come. I believed in the ex- 
 istence of everlasting misery, and fear- 
 ed he would suffer it. I believed in 
 the existence of everlasting happiness, 
 and feared he would lose it all. And 
 if I had another son in the same circum- 
 stances, whom I loved as dearly, I 
 would sooner risk my danger from an 
 indictment before the grand jury, 
 than his danger, and the danger fo 
 others, from his " beating me out," 
 as my adopted son says he expected to 
 do. In short, here I stand upon a 
 foundation, from which, so long as my 
 reason and understanding remain, I see 
 not how I ean be removed, by indict- 
 ments, imprisonments or death. The 
 body is far the most inferior part of
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 83 
 
 man, and I had rather give my body 
 to the flames, tlian my mind and my 
 soul to error. 1 cannot do it. 
 
 Half or three fourths of an hour was 
 spent, in the manner above described, 
 before that voice was heard and that 
 word spoken, which was so grateful 
 to my ear, and so joyous to my heart. 
 It was the voice of submission and 
 obedience from the belored son of my 
 adoption, and my heart rejoiced, even 
 mine. He gave me the yielding look 
 of approbation, I saw the j^leasant 
 aspect of a continiianc-e most expressive 
 of the important object for whicli I 
 had been laboring, and even suiTering, 
 but little if any less than himself. But 
 now I was transported with the thought 
 that he was saved from the jaws of the 
 devourer. His deliverance filled my 
 mind, on my return from the cellar 
 scene.
 
 S4 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 RETURN FROM TUB CELLAR SCENE. 
 
 When the child submitted, I left him 
 to the care of the lady of my family, 
 to be immediately dressed. And as I 
 ascended the stairs, faint and feeble, 
 but aided by returning strength, my 
 heart wrapped into ecstacy at the pros- 
 pect opening before myiself and ^y 
 son, — I exclaimed to Mrs. Arnold, this 
 is worth five hundred dollars. The 
 ev^il spirit is cast out. It was the joy 
 of deliverance from most perilous 
 dail/gcrs. It went round and round, 
 sending its repeated thrills and rap- 
 tures, through every heart in my fam- 
 ily. We had all sympathised and 
 wept, but now we rejoiced together. I 
 said, we will eat and drink and be 
 glad, for the jubilee is come. The 
 day of such a victory as this is the 
 time to feast. I believed that the child 
 was subdued — ^that obedience for life 
 was obtained — that the unpleasant 
 work of whipping was done, and that
 
 AN ASTOiMSniNG AFFAIR. 85 
 
 the rod miglit be laid aside to be used 
 no more. The path of obedience now 
 presented a more joyous and gladden- 
 ing scene, and I felt it^ inspiration, and 
 liavo here given the very expressions 
 to which it gave rise. 
 
 But wlicn I said and did these things, 
 i^'as not aware that they must be pub- 
 lished to the world, or that our joy 
 woukl so soon be turned unto grief, 
 and our resolution to feast, be exchang- 
 ed for pain and sickness, fasting and 
 weeping. But what reproofs of con- 
 science ? What self accusations, can 
 I feel for these things ? I have search- 
 ed, and can find none. I do not, I 
 cannot feel any. A full acquittal is pre- 
 sented me by the word of God^ — by 
 the sentiments of the greatest and best 
 of men — by my own weariness and 
 paiufulness — my anxieties and prayers 
 in behalf of the widow and the fath- 
 erless — by my own reason and under- 
 standing, my conscience and heart. 
 8
 
 86 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 With all these things suvrouiided, 
 liovv can I move from the point where 
 I stand a single step, one way or the 
 other ? I douli^less ought to have 
 prayed more for the Avidow and the 
 fatherless, and perhaps should have 
 talked more to her son of God anda'e- 
 ligion ; but this is not the point in 
 question. 
 
 Immediately after the correction, 
 the child walked ifp stairs into the 
 room where we live, and it was not 
 one minute before he began to eat and 
 drink, and he continued till he had 
 taken a hearty breakfast. He not on- 
 ly ate more that morning than any 
 other one of my family, but more than 
 all^ being three in number besides the 
 child. And w'e were all in usual health 
 except as our feelings were affected by 
 the obstinacy of my son, and the dis- 
 agreeable duties it required.
 
 iX ASlONlSHilfG IFTAIR 87 
 
 kPPEARANCE OF THE CHILD AF- 
 TER THE CORRECTION. 
 
 After the correction, the appearance 
 of the child was unusually mild, sub- 
 missive, pleasant and interesting. He 
 was sensible that he had been very 
 nauglity ; appeared to be sorry for it, 
 said that the reason why he did not 
 mind, was because he felt contrary, 
 and thought he should do so no more. 
 Before, when I had found it necessary 
 to whip him, he always afterwards, if 
 asked, expressed the opinion that I 
 should have to whip him two or three 
 times more. But now, he was of a 
 diflferent opinion. He thought I should 
 not have to whip him again, but that 
 he should do as he was told in future. 
 He said to me, most expressively. *^ I 
 never had any body so kind to me, as 
 you are.''
 
 88 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 THE APPEARANCE OF THE CHILD 
 ON JANUARY ITTH, BEING THE 
 DAY FOLLOWING THE SEVERE 
 PUNISHMENT. 
 
 All who saw him this day, after he 
 was up and about in the gaiety of his 
 humor, the liveliness of his feelings, 
 and the readiness of his obedience, 
 rocking in the chair, and skipping 
 about house, eating and drinking with 
 exquisite relish, all I say, wjio sawjiim 
 in these circumstances, to more or less 
 of which many can testify, saw a child 
 who certainly exhibited as much ap- 
 pearance of enjoyment, as he did of 
 suffering, notv/ithstanding all his 
 stripes. And 1 do not know as it is too 
 much to say, that he a})peared as hap- 
 py as usual. He certainly appeared 
 much happier than he did for two 
 days previous to his correction, while 
 he was giving up the deep recesses of 
 his bosom and the buoyant emotions 
 of his heart, to the ail controlling ia
 
 iN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 89 
 
 iluencc of a returning fit of obstinacy. 
 Vea, I verily believe, that on the one 
 dark and dreadful Sa})bath day after 
 his punishment, he enjoyed more than 
 he did during the whole time of two 
 days previous to his punishment. He 
 certainly exhibited all the evidence of 
 it Vv^hich can be gathered from eating 
 and drinking, from ready obedience, 
 from smiling and rejoicing. If, there- 
 fore, the happiness of one day was lost, 
 the happiness of another was gained ; 
 if the sufferings of one day were in- 
 creased, the sufferings of another were 
 diminislied. 
 
 Before sunrise, on the day after the 
 punishment, tlie child was e^^een by 
 some who called for that purpose. The 
 whipping he had received, being given 
 upon the bare skin, showed to advan- 
 tage ; and seeing him in bed, and some 
 of the visitors having been told that it 
 would be three days before he could be 
 dressed, the impression was quick and
 
 90 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR 
 
 strong that he must be sick ; and some 
 soon understood that he was dangerous- 
 ly ill. But the fact was, that as soon 
 as those who called had retired, he 
 was up and about, full of his talk, and 
 overflowing with glee. 
 
 On the next day but one after the 
 correction of the child, in the fore- 
 noon, his mother and an uncle called ; 
 and, not to gratify their own feelings, 
 but for other reasons, they wished to 
 take Almon with them. To this I 
 consented wpon these conditions, name- 
 ly, that they should call and show him 
 to nine families in the neighborhood ; 
 which they very cheerfully and kind- 
 ly engaged to do, and did according- 
 ly. Within less than a fortnight, he 
 was returned to my family, showing 
 no stripes or marks of abuse. And 
 his appearance since, justifies the opin- 
 ion that though he lost the point in 
 contest, he gained much by the loss.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 91 
 
 A CONSULTATION WITH THE RELA- 
 TIVES OF THE CHILD. 
 
 I was always willing, and even de- 
 sirous, to have his relatives know when 
 and ivhy he was punished. I wished 
 to have them know all my conduct to- 
 wards him, that they might judge of 
 it for themselves. They could also 
 sympathise with me in whatever I did 
 or suffered in behalf of them, or the 
 child. 
 
 Two weeks before the severe cor- 
 rection, I had occasion to call upon 
 the mother, in the presence of her 
 father and a brother, and expressed to 
 ihem the many disagreeable and pain- 
 ful feelings which I had experienced 
 by the disobedience and punishment of 
 my adopted son. They all sympathis- 
 ed with me, while I thus bore the bur" 
 dens of others and endured their sor- 
 rows. I asked them what I must do 
 in case I foiuid it necessary to punish 
 the child very severely before he would
 
 95 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 submit and obey ? They said, " Ih 
 must be made to mindy I also asked 
 them, what if I should be obliged to 
 punish him so as to bring on a fit of 
 sickness, or else give up to him and 
 let him have his will ? They answer- 
 ed, He must be made to give up and 
 obey. I then told them that, in my 
 opinion, a child better be sick a month 
 in consequence of a correction, and be 
 subdued by it, than to have his own 
 will and never be subdued. They al- 
 so expressed the same opinion. But 
 the child did not receive any correc- 
 tion from me that made him sick, or 
 even deprived him of his appetite ; — 
 Ao, not for an hour. I make this re- 
 mark w^ith a special reference to the 
 punishment which luis produced such 
 excitement in (he public mind ; and 
 in relation to this, it is strictly true. 
 It never iiaade him sick, or even de- 
 prived him of liis appetite — no, not 
 for an liour.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR 9S 
 
 Behold how great a matter a little 
 lire kindleth, when many fan the 
 flames, who love to see them rage. 
 
 AN IMPORTANT FACT. 
 
 It is a fact that my adopted son, six 
 or ei«:ht weeks l.)efore the severe cor- 
 rcction, nearly lost his life by the in- 
 fluence of that wilful disobedience and 
 impatience of restraint which afterwards 
 occasioned the correction that pro- 
 duced so much excitement. When 
 Mrs. Arnold and mvself were absent 
 from home, and he was left to the care 
 of his mother, he wilfully hvoke away 
 from her hand in returning from meet- 
 ing, and attempting hastily to cross 
 the road, he rushed before a horse 
 which trampled him under foot ; bruis- 
 ed him, and deprived him of three 
 teeth, surely there was but a step be- 
 tween him and death ! But a step, <Md
 
 ^4 AI^ ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 I say ? less than that ! What blasting 
 of parental hopes ! What rending of 
 fond endearments and paternal ties^ 
 often result from unyielding stubborn- 
 ness ! Such stubbornness, if not sub- 
 dued, is sure to destroy body and soul. 
 
 WEIGHT OF THE CHILD. 
 
 Nine weeks after the severe correc- 
 tion of the child, having then recent- 
 ly heard of a report like this : " JSTow 
 they say that Mr. Arnold slants him al- 
 most to deaih,''^ — having heard of this 
 report, I say, it was thought advisable 
 to have the child weighed. It was 
 done accordingly. And though he 
 was not more fleshy than usual, he 
 weighed fifty-one pounds and a half^ 
 good weight. A pitiable object in- 
 deed ! A poor little fatherless boy, 
 whipped and starved in such a man- 
 ner, that at the age of four years and
 
 A-N ASIO.MSHING At FAIR- l^S' 
 
 ten months, he weighed only fifty one 
 and a half pounds. 1 cunnot help 
 pitying a person who makes so many 
 and sirch powerful appeals to my sym- 
 pathies. Others, too, I am persuaded, 
 will be assisted to suitable feelings, by 
 just letting their children step into the 
 scales. 
 
 FEELINGS OF 3IYSELF AND FAMILY 
 ON JANUARY ITTH, 
 
 The morning of this day, like th« 
 remainder, was unlike all others ; 
 though brilliant, it was dark as mid- 
 night. The air was salubrious. But 
 the breeze pestilential. 
 
 Our prospect hitherto had been joy- 
 ous, it was like ihe prospect of those, 
 who, advancing upon the voyage of 
 life, behold the waters gilded with a 
 pleasant sun, and hearing the gentle 
 rippling of the silver wave, are de- 
 lighted with the scene, and fancy that
 
 96 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 no danger is near. Like them, we ad- 
 vanced. All was serene and joyful. 
 But soon our sun was clouded ! Our 
 sky gathered blackness ! The heavens 
 were portentious ! The winds arose! 
 The tempest swept the waters, and 
 liurled them into heaps ! The song 
 of joy was hushed ; and those who 
 f ung it, seemed engulfed in ruin ! It 
 was upon my head, that^the storm beat 
 most vehemently. In the view oi ma- 
 ny I was prostrate. And there were 
 none so low, but that they felt at full 
 liberty to tread me under foot. My 
 heart was filled, and wrung with an- 
 guish. But Christ did not leave me 
 comfortless. He came unto me, and 
 supported mo. And some of his friends 
 would have comforted me, if they 
 could, by pleading in my defence. But 
 alas ! They could not be heard. It 
 was a time of confusion. But in this 
 affliction, they visited me ; and if I 
 am a christian, Christ will reckon it to
 
 AN ASTONISHING^AFPAIR. 97 
 
 their account, as though it were done 
 to himself. The Lord reward them ; 
 yea, and he will do it. 
 
 THOUG5ITS,ON JAIVUARY 22D, 1830. 
 
 If the jury have given a hearing to 
 the complaint against me, they have 
 probably done it in the discharge of 
 their duty ; and I know of no reason 
 ^ to complain of them. If the sheriff 
 comes after mc, ho will probably come 
 in the discharge of his duty ; and I 
 would respect him more in doing it, 
 than in neglecting it ; and if I had any 
 honor left to bestow, I would honor 
 him. And as to any personal accusa- 
 tion against any man concerned in this 
 affair, I have fully purposed that my 
 mouth shall not transgress. If I go to 
 the prison, I shall go with much con- 
 solation and support ; — the comforting 
 testimisny of my conscience and my 
 9
 
 98 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR- 
 
 Uod, the many prayers of a devout 
 and affectionate people, and something 
 of their personal company and defence 
 This is more than the apostles and 
 martyrs always had. ,..--,, 
 
 My great anxiety is, to glorify God 
 and advance his cause, by my whole 
 conduct in this affair. When compar- 
 ed with this object, personal suffering 
 is but a trifle. Oh ! that the Lord may 
 help me, like Paul and Silas, to pray 
 and sing praises to him in the darkes 
 night, and the deepest aftliction, and 
 to wait patiently till he is pleased to 
 afford deliverance. 
 
 1 know that the wormwood and the 
 <rall which is now filling my cup to 
 overflowing, is not the reward which 
 God has promised, or will render me, 
 for what I have done and design to do, 
 for the widow and the fatherless. His 
 work is perfect ; his.reward and prom- 
 ises are sure, and his decision unerr- 
 ing. Here is my hope and confidence
 
 A!* ASTONISHING AFFAIR. M 
 
 of a full and final acquittal, k is all 
 my salvation and all my desire. Now 
 I will try and endure all things, and 
 learn and do all I can, for God and re- 
 ligion ; looking to him for direction, 
 and holding on above at every step. 
 
 This is the time to preach faith and 
 patience. There will be just as much 
 of this fiery trial, and it will be just 
 as good, as the Lord sees fit ; and that 
 w^ill be good enough for me. If God 
 pleases to advance his cause by per- 
 mitting me to suffer in this way, why 
 should I complain ? It is good for 
 me, that I am afflicted ; for I can now 
 say, in a manner 1 never could before, 
 '' Not my will, God, but thine be 
 done." It may be easy to say this, 
 when the sun of prosperity shines 
 around us, and all shout our applause ; 
 but to say it with the officer and jail 
 in view, and the tempest beating upon 
 our heads, this certainly requires some 
 faith and prayer. Bless the Lord,
 
 100 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 my soul, that I can do this. Father, 
 forgive them, for they know not what 
 they do. 
 
 The Lord will soon deliv^er me from 
 these deep waters ; set my feet upon a 
 rock, and establish my goings, and put 
 a new song unto my mouth, even 
 praise to his name. 
 
 FEELINGS OF MYSELF AND OTHERS, 
 DURING OTHER PARTS OF THE 
 SCENE. 
 
 Sometimes the heart sunk below 
 the point of active employment, with 
 the pen and the pencil, but not below 
 the point of faith, and love, and pa- 
 tient endurance. To have such re- 
 ports abroad ; to have churches and 
 ministers so distressed, and others so 
 injured for eternity — this, of itself, is 
 almost insupportable. 
 
 Oh ! that my case were weighed in 
 an even balance ! Oh ! that it were 
 
 '.^^Jy^
 
 iiiS' ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 101 
 
 tried before a tribunal of impartial 
 minds, and decided according to the 
 weight of evidence ! Oh I that it were 
 known and read of all men ! " Oh ! 
 that it were written with an iron pen, 
 and lead in the rock forever !" This 
 would assuage my grief, and relieve 
 my heart-ache. 
 
 Oh ! that the truth would come 
 forth awakened by the impulse of na- 
 ture's God, from all her works — from 
 hill and dale — from loftiest mountain, 
 and deepest valley — from the little 
 speck that glitters in the dust, through 
 every rise and fall, every ascent and 
 declivity of nature, in all her vast do- 
 main. 
 
 Let it take the lightning's wing, and 
 speak in the voice of seven thunders. 
 Let it be embosomed in the whirl- 
 wind, — borne aloft, and hurled forth 
 by the tempest. Let fire and storm ; 
 let air and water, become one continu- 
 ous and elastic ii.edium of sensation 
 9*
 
 102 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 and of sound, and give extention to 
 truth. Let it be warbled upon the 
 notes of the bird, and let the screech 
 owl be its herald. Let the whipoor- 
 will by night, and the musick of the 
 woods by day, give utterance to my 
 woes and the groans of my church. 
 Let summer and winter, seed time and 
 harvest, cold and heat, be responsive 
 to our sighs and our prayers. 
 
 CHARACTER OF GOD, A SOURCE OF 
 
 CONSOLATION IN AFFLICTION. 
 
 Never before did the character of 
 <Grod appear so precious and glorious, 
 casting its radiance around me as light 
 upon darkness ; compassing me about 
 as a shield ; beaming with favor ; af- 
 fording support and diffusing gladness. 
 How rich a source of consolation is 
 his infinite wisdom and knowledge ! 
 How supporting and consoling the ^;
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 103 
 
 thought, that all this trial, and the oc- 
 casion of it, are even better known to 
 him than to myself ! He is able to 
 protect, defend and deliver me, in his 
 own time, and in his own way. That 
 will be the best time, and the best 
 way. I am willing to wait. My heart 
 condemns me not, and therefore 1 have 
 confidence towards God. 
 
 TO MY ENEMIES. 
 
 If I have any enemies, who have 
 exerted themselves to my injury in this 
 affair, or have rejoiced in my afflic- 
 tion, and I may be permitted to speak 
 a word to them, I will say : Fellow 
 sinners, guilty like myself of many 
 sins, for which we need forgiveness, 
 and w^e must forgive or we cannot be 
 forgiven, — whatever you have design- 
 ed against me — whatever you have 
 said, or done, or thought, or felt, while
 
 104 A.N A?T0>*15HI>'G AFFAIR 
 
 I can most cliecrfiilly, yea. "while I do 
 most cheertiillr and heartily forgive, 
 I also pray the Lord to pardon you in 
 this thing. And I do, now in the pres- 
 ence of God, and before the world, 
 most cordially give you a receipt in 
 full of all demands I have against you; 
 though unasked, it is, indeed, and it 
 may be, unwelcome now, yet if you and 
 I sliould never speak together, or see 
 each other face to face on earth, it may 
 soften your dying pillow, or relieve 
 the anxietv of tumultuous thoughts, 
 and ease the troubled heart, to know, 
 that you have my forgiveness snd my 
 prayers. As I may not know the time, 
 however, or may be distant from the 
 place of your departure, or feel less 
 interest for your welfare, or less en- 
 gaged in prayer, I will not delay this 
 work of intercession, though my 
 prayers are poor and feeble, at the 
 best. If you and I should ever stand 
 
 acquittcdatthc judgment seat of Christ, 

 
 AN ASTOMSHING AFFAIR. 105 
 
 or meet in heaven together, rapt in the 
 embraces of his bosom, and thrilled 
 with ecstacics of joy unutterable, what 
 interchanges of friendsliip ! What 
 heartv welcomes ! What congratuia- 
 tions of joy, should we give and re- 
 ceive from each other, and from Christ, 
 and from all the hosts above, — pour- 
 ing forth their raptures at our entrance, 
 on that happy place ! Tliere all ani- 
 mosities will forever cease, and friend- 
 ships the purest and most endearing, 
 the firmest and the best that were ever 
 known ; be confirmed, established and 
 improved, without diminution and 
 without end. 
 
 Now therefore, fellow sinners, if 
 there be any consolation in Christ ; if 
 any comfort of love ; if any fellow- 
 ship of the Spirit ; if any bowels of 
 mercy, — fulfil ye my joy, that ye be 
 like-minded, being of one accord, and 
 of one mind. As the Holy Ghost saith, 
 to day if ye will hear his voice, hardew
 
 106 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 not your hearts. The Spirit and the 
 bride say, come ; and let him that 
 heareth say coiae ; and let him that is 
 athirst come ; and whosoever will, let 
 liim take the water of life freely. 
 
 But I must return to my son Almon, 
 and notice 
 
 A WONDER. 
 
 Almon has been abundantly ques- 
 tioned in relation to the loord and cor- 
 rection which has occasioned so much 
 excitement. His'inothcr says, " that 
 the child has ever stated that he knew 
 how to spell and pronounce the word 
 for which he was corrected, and that 
 the reason why he did not, was be- 
 cause he was, or felt, contrary ; al- 
 though I doubt not that he has been 
 questioned an hundred times, br vari- 
 ous persons ; and he has ever vindica- 
 ted Mr. Arnold's conduct in punishing 
 him as he did. And upon questioning 
 liim myself, why he did not before
 
 AN ASTONISHlNCi AFFAIR. 107 
 
 submit, he answered, he thought he 
 should beat Mr. Arnold out.'' 
 
 One conversation with him on this 
 subject, which took place wliile he was 
 gone from me, I must be permitted to 
 relate. A certain person said to him, 
 Almon, did you know the w^ord that 
 Mr. Arnold wanted to have you read ? 
 Yes, ma'am. Did you not feel fright- 
 ened, so that you could not tell ? No 
 ma'am. Did you not forget ? No 
 ma'am. Are you not mistaken ? No 
 ma'am. He gave every answer with 
 increasing emphasis, and then added, 
 keenly, " Don't you think I know 
 them little abs ^ g4 et^ i-t it, o-t ot, u-t 
 «(." Thus has Jie invariably stood to 
 the truth, and confessed his fault, and 
 justified the correction, and defended 
 his master, and obtained the victory. 
 If every lawyer in the United States 
 had volunteered his services in my fa- 
 vor, they could not all have pled my 
 case so well as he has done it, when be-
 
 108 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 fore many witnesses of clifFerent fami- 
 lies and different towns. 
 
 Tliis affair is marvellous to many ; 
 to some, unaccountable ; and I am con- 
 strained to say, behold a loonder ! such 
 as history records not, nor experience 
 unfolds. It is one .peculiar and alone. 
 Let the north give up, and the south 
 keep not back. — Let sons be brought 
 from afar and daughters from the ends 
 of the earth, and see if any can be 
 compared with him, in a case like this. 
 Many of them have doubtless done 
 virtuously, but on this subject, he, per- 
 haps, excels them all. My heart shall 
 cleave to him while it cleaves to this 
 mortal life, and when death shall per- 
 form his office, may we not be divid- 
 ed, but participate together, the joys 
 of immortality.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 109 
 
 APPEALS. 
 
 t have appealed to my own reason, 
 understand iiig and conscience, in my 
 most rational, devout and tranquil mo- 
 nients ; and here I stand acquitted and 
 have confidence towards God. 
 
 I have appealed to the partner of 
 iny bosom, who is not suspected of 
 being destitute of woman's tenderness, 
 or of strong affection for the little 
 stranger ; and here I am r.cquitted. 
 
 I have also appealed to thp lady la 
 my family, whose understanding and 
 tenderness is unimpeachable ; aud here 
 I am acquitted. 
 
 I have appealed to the tender motk- 
 ©r of the fatherless boy, who kaow^i 
 him well, and loves him with a motb- 
 er's Icve; who knows the pleasures and 
 pains, the joys and sorrovvs, the hopes 
 and fears, the duties and responsibili» 
 ties, of a parent ;and hero I have more 
 than m<^r0 acquittal. Ho.r gratitude 
 10
 
 110 AN AST0NISHINC3 AFrAIR. 
 
 relieves the past, and her hopes brigh- 
 ten the future. 
 
 1 have appealed, and now appeal, to 
 other relatives of the child, whose 
 minds are as good, and whose feelings 
 are as teivder as others, and who know 
 all the circumstances as well as others 
 and here I am acquitted. 
 
 I appeal to the body of my adopted 
 son, which in less than a fortnight, 
 showed no stripes. And here I am 
 certainly acquitted, from the charge of 
 any thing like a permanent or essen- 
 tial injury. 
 
 1 appeal to the whole appearance 
 and conduct of the child at all- other 
 times, while under my care. If he 
 had such a tyrant for his master as re- 
 port would indicate, and as some sup- 
 pose, then surely, his whole appear- 
 'ance and conduct, at more times, and 
 under more circumstances, than one, 
 would show it, in spite of me. Hare 
 the public eye cannot be blind, or dim
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 1 1 1 
 
 of sight, or fail to see, even more clear- 
 ly, than in the refractive mirror of 
 report. I ask then for a look this way. 
 Where is the person, far or near, who 
 ever saw any thing in his appearance, 
 or conduct, before or sigce the time 
 referred to, which gave an^ impression 
 that he was under the authority of a 
 tyrant ^ Where is that sinking of 
 countenance, that proneness of look, 
 that averting of the sight, that dejec- 
 tion of spirits, which would be the in- 
 evitable result of tyranny. The very 
 aspect of the child, to wluch I appeal, 
 would be more satisfactory on this 
 point, to a careful observer, than a 
 hundred witnesses. He shows plainly, 
 that he exists in the society of those 
 whose surrounding atmosphere is not 
 repulsive, but attractive — not depres- 
 sing but enlivening — not retarding, but 
 quickening — not degrading, but eleva- 
 ting.
 
 112 AJf ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 I appeal to the petition sent forth in 
 the agony of friendship, from my 
 church and society, '^ To the Hon- 
 orable Justices of the Superior Court, 
 and Attorney General of the State of 
 New-Hampshjre. " 
 
 And, finally, — I appeal to the letters 
 inserted in this book, from persons 
 best acquainted with the affair, and 
 from relatives of the child, and if I 
 am not acquitted, I am willing to stand 
 ehargod of all the guilt with which 
 they charge me. 
 
 MEANS OF UNDUE EXCITEMENT. 
 
 Among the means of undue excite- 
 ment on this occasion, I would enquire 
 whether we may not mention the fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 1 . Inconsistent sympathy. By this I 
 mean, a sympathy whicli seems to be 
 powerfully awakened by a severe cor-
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 113 
 
 rection, but scarcely moved by all 
 the evils which attend the broad way 
 of unyielding stubbornness, and which 
 thicken upon the path, till they accom- 
 plish the destruction of body and soul. 
 By inconsistent sympathy, I also 
 mean, that which was at first manifes- 
 ted for my son, by persons who were 
 afterwards sorry that I had not killed 
 him. 
 
 2. The want of due regard to the 
 influence which persons exert, inform- 
 ing the character of others, and in 
 determining their future destinies. 
 • God hath said, that one sinner de- 
 stroyeth much good. Evil communi- 
 ';ations corrupt good manners. He 
 diat walketh with wise men, shall be 
 ivise ; but a companion of fools shall 
 be destroyed. 
 
 It is possible that some have not 
 rightly considered these things, who 
 have loudly complained of my conduc 
 in correcting my son. 
 10*"^
 
 114 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIK. 
 
 3. The want of scriptural love, 
 such as God feels and requires for chil- 
 dren, may perhaps be mentioned as 
 another reason of undue excitement. 
 *'He that spareth his rod, hateth his 
 son but he that loveth him chasteneth 
 him betimes. 
 
 4. The circumstance that I am a 
 minister of the gospel. Is not this 
 another reason why reports respecting 
 me, have had such easy, rapid, exten- 
 sive, imtired and untiring circulation. 
 Here I do not accuse, but inquire. The 
 innocent will not be offended at my in- 
 quiry. If none are guilty, none will 
 take offence. But are there not some 
 persons whose candor and impartial- 
 ity are such that they are quite as 
 ready and willing* to believe unfavor- 
 able reports respecting ministers, as 
 other men ; and give themselves as 
 little trouble to ascertain the tn^h ^ 
 Are there not some, -who, for obv - us 
 reasons had rather se€ a minister i"M|\,
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 11$ 
 
 than other men ? Who that is opposed 
 to ministers, v/as not glad — -who that 
 hates the cause of missions, has not re- 
 joiced at the recent reports from Ossi- 
 pee? 
 
 I would have none of my fellow sin- 
 ncrs stumble, or fail, or perish, over 
 my faults or my frailties ; neither if 
 I hav^e any virtues, would I have them 
 misunderstood, or perverted to their 
 injury. Lei none take occasion from 
 ray conduct, to hurt themselves, or 
 reproach the cause of Chrish. Espec- 
 ially, let them not do this, v/hen in 
 symplicity and Godly sincerity I am 
 endeavoring to serve the Lord Jesus, 
 advance his cause, and bless my fellow 
 men ; for, in such a case, they must 
 receive the greater detriment. 
 
 5. Disregard of the scriptures, has 
 exerted a great and extensive influence 
 in the uncommon excitement we have
 
 116 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 recently experienced. The Lord, for 
 the sentiments of His word upon pa- 
 rental chastisement, as on other subjets, 
 has been arraigned at the tribunal of 
 human feelings. And when he is thus 
 arraigned, shall the christian minister 
 be afraid or ashamed, or blush, or 
 hesitate, to appear on the side of his 
 God, though all earthly and unearthly 
 powers should seem to be arrayed 
 against him ? What if all the elements 
 of nature, in every part of her vast do- 
 main, should thunder and lighten, 
 above, and beneath, and all-around, 
 and with most augmented force con- 
 centrate their tempest upon his head ? 
 He has a more sure word of prophecy, 
 whereunto he does well to take heed. 
 And those who give earnest heed to 
 this sure word of prophecy, have the 
 privilege of saying, Therefore will 
 not we fear, though the earth be re- 
 moved, and though the mountains be 
 carried into the midst of the sea,
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 117 
 
 — though the waters thereof roar and 
 be troubled ; though the mountains 
 shake with the swelling thereof. 
 
 When the Son of God is in the fur- 
 nace, we need not fear to enter and re- 
 main there, just as long as he would 
 have us ; for we shall not only come 
 out unhurt, but like gold purified 
 seven times. His favor is better than 
 life : and we should prize it more than 
 human friendship and human life- 
 His frown is death ; and we should 
 fear it more than all human frowns, or 
 any sufferings or death that humanity, 
 or even barbarity, can possibly inflict. 
 
 A MUSICAL INSTRUMESTT. 
 
 There is one string in this curious 
 and complicated instrument, which 
 has been occasionally played upon, 
 and 16 found to give forth very plain^ 
 tive and pathetic notes. Although my
 
 118 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 skill for playing may not be very good, 
 yet my advantages are such, that 1 
 cannot very well help touching it 
 once or twice. It is a five-fold chord, 
 consisting of flesh and blood, humani- 
 ty sympathy, and parental tenderness. 
 Some have instituted a kind of com- 
 parison between my parental conduct 
 and theirs, and between what 1 have 
 done, and what they had a right to ex- 
 pect of me ; and having taken this 
 stand, they begin to play upon the in- 
 strument. 
 
 Their fingers drive across the lyre, 
 And rapid wing electric fire ; 
 With plaintive notes the air is filled, 
 And flashes all the heavens gild. 
 
 Could any parent whip a child in 
 such a manner ? Can it be in human 
 nature ? Can it be in flesh and blood ? 
 Where is his sympathy ? These are 
 the pathetic strains from the five fold 
 musical chord. 
 
 Swift arid swifter as they flew, 
 Loud and louder notes they drew
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 119 
 
 O that I could play upon the instru- 
 ment half as well ; but I merely thought 
 of touching it here and there after this 
 manner : — Ye tender parents, ye sym- 
 pathetic hearts, where is your tender- 
 ness, and where your sympathy, when 
 you see your beloved offspring con- 
 trolled by childish stubbornness ; ex- 
 posed to all its evils, and restrain them 
 not ? Does their mental and moral im- 
 provement lay so near your heart, that 
 you devote three hours daily to the 
 
 » iniitruction of each of them, accompa- 
 nied wuth jirayer to God for his bles- 
 sing upon your labors ? Or do you 
 ever devote this portion of time to the 
 mental and moral improvement of ail 
 you have, more or less ? If you do not, 
 I must be permitted to touch the instru- 
 
 , ment by asking : — Can a {)arent treat 
 his dear children with suc{i neglect 
 and indifference ? Can it be in human 
 nature ? Can it be in flesh and blood ? 
 
 i: Where is your tenderness and sympa-
 
 l^ A^ ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 thy ? Alas ! Hare ye also become bar- 
 barians and Turks ? It really seems to 
 rae that you, like myself, have neither 
 tenderness nor sympathy to spare. 
 
 CJORRECTION SUITED TO A PROMI- 
 NENT CHARACTERISTIC OF HU- 
 MAN NATURE, 
 
 One of the most striking and prom- 
 aent oharacteristics of human nature, 
 35 a dlspoaitioa to lje independent,- — 
 an UHwillingness to submit to salutary 
 ^iontrol. This disposition is abundant- 
 ly manifested by persons of every age. 
 The child^ especially, has a strong dis- 
 poisition to have his own will, without 
 yielding to others the superiority of 
 being able and disposed to do better 
 for him, than he can do for himself. 
 Children, or some of them at least, are 
 emphatically self-wdlcd. This fool- 
 bhness is bound up in the heart of a 
 child ; and God, who knows the hearty
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 191 
 
 and how to operate upon it in tli© best 
 manner, has, with no less benevolence 
 than wisdom, prescribed the rod of 
 correction to drive it far from him. 
 God has also directed us to use the rod 
 till he yields^ and obeys ; without giv- 
 ing way to the love, tenderness or sym- 
 pathy of the moment; but controlled 
 rather by his commands, by that lasting 
 sympathy and everlasting love^ which 
 regards with the liveliest tenderness, 
 his highest happiness and usefulness ; 
 which regards the redemption of his 
 soul forever, and by him the souls of 
 others ; and embraces every measure 
 to save immortal beings from hell, and 
 exalt them to heaven. 
 
 Now, my impression is, that other 
 methods of correction are not so well 
 calculated, of themselves, to break 
 down the stubborn will, and subdue 
 obstinacy to obedience, as the one I 
 adopted. We might punish a mighty 
 army individually, when there was no 
 11
 
 Ig2 A\ ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 Special anxiety for a certain object in 
 dispute, or strife to gain a favorite 
 point ; or we might do tliem many and 
 great favors, to engage their affec- 
 tions ; we might operate upon their 
 fears and awaken their love, hoping 
 to awe them into reverence and win 
 them to obedience ; — we might sweetly 
 mingle authority and tenderness, com- 
 mand and entreaty together, hoping 
 for a cordial subjection ; yet if we had 
 Mcver tried our strength, skill and dc 
 cision, by a direct encounter in the 
 field of battle, it might still be doubt 
 ful who would win the day, if they 
 should fairJy and determinate! y under- 
 take to dispute a point, for which all 
 their passions were enlisted, and all 
 their energies awakened. 
 
 SYMPATHY. 
 
 Sympathy is a property of our com- 
 mon nature, of which I trust I am not 
 entirely destitutCo It was exercised
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFIAR. I 2S 
 
 towards iny adopted son, in a degree 
 painful to myselfj even at a time and in 
 circumstances in which I have been 
 charged with the greatest cruelty • ' 
 Sympathy for him I surely had ; 
 though it was not that which would 
 withhold a bitter pill, necessary for 
 his good ; but that which, by the sick- 
 ness^of a day, would obtain the health 
 of years. It was that which would ex- 
 tract a thorn, to prevent the lockjaw ; 
 that which would choose a boil, if it 
 might prevent a cancer — that which 
 would open an issue, to preserve the 
 reason and prevent distraction — that 
 which would let blood, to prevent in- 
 flamation of the brain — that which 
 would make an incision, to prevent 
 mortification — that which would afflict 
 the body, to save the soul — that which 
 w'ould press the unyielding demands 
 of reason for a day, to prevent the 
 everlasting exactions and accusations of 
 a guilty conscience, and save from the
 
 124 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 worm that never dies, and the fire that 
 shall never he quenched. In short, it 
 was that which would have one whip- 
 ping answer for fifty ; or two for a 
 hundred — that which, by the efficacy 
 of one, would prevent the rest. 
 
 FALSEHOOD AND TRUTH. 
 
 Falsehood is a carniverous bird, of 
 most disordered stomach and vicious 
 appetite — of rapid wing, but ever de- 
 vious course — changing according to 
 the state of the air and every fitful cur- 
 rent of the breeze, seeing the best in the 
 dark, and delighting most in the air 
 filled with dust and smoke — loving to 
 rise in the whirlwind and descend in 
 the tempest ; that, in the mighty con- 
 fusion of elements, she may seize, with 
 less danger of detection, either the in- 
 Mocent or the guilty ; but delighting 
 most of all in the flesh of thos*', wh#
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 125 
 
 have felt mosrdeeply the mildew and 
 the blast of calumny ; or who have 
 been bruised by hard misfortune, or 
 falling far. She is eagle-eyed, yet often 
 blind ; seeing where there is nothing 
 to be seen, and knowing where there 
 is nothing to be known. She is hasty, 
 where truth is cautious ; positive, 
 where truth is doubtful ; depending 
 upon herself, where truth v/ould have 
 witnesses ; averting her sight, where 
 jruth examines ; ready to accuajj. and 
 qdick to condemn. She is DofoFand 
 blustefcg, where .truth is modest and 
 unassuming. She is offensive and di.^- 
 gusting ; while truth is amiable and in- 
 viting. She is loved where truth is 
 hated ; and hated where truth is loved . 
 She is rapid, where truth is slow ; and 
 slow, where truth is swift. She will 
 die where truth lives ; and her death 
 ir, every where certain, for truth will 
 never die. 
 
 However rapidly or extensively 
 11*
 
 126 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 falsehood has gone abroad, it has not 
 gone so fast or so far, that it cannot h^ 
 overtaken and put down. Truth, with\# 
 longer wings, and stronger pinions, 
 and surer flight, has ascended on high ; 
 and, sped by the breath of heaven, see- 
 ing with an all searching eye, and pro- 
 tected by an Almighty hand, she is cer- 
 tain to overtake falsehood, come upon 
 the back, lay heavy upon the wings, 
 and bring her to the ground ; where 
 fair battle shall be fought, and victo- 
 ry pressed on, till falsehood shall hate 
 neither wings nor feathers, nor head 
 or heart, but, rent in ten thousand pie- 
 ces, and disshevelled in the breeze, 
 shall be neither found, nor heard of, 
 except by those sharpsighted yet most 
 pitiable creatures, that delight infilth, 
 feed upon carrion, and fatten upon the 
 most putrid and noxious substances. 
 
 #
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. lJ87 
 
 MY PEOPLE. 
 
 Some feel deeply interested to know- 
 how this strange occurrence is likely 
 to affect that union, harmony and 
 love, which has prevailed between 
 myself and my people. What will be 
 its^naZ result in this respect, I will 
 not now undertake to say ; though I 
 may doubtless have the privilege of 
 thinking and believing for myself. 
 
 As to the present state of feelings on 
 my part, I should think it was just like 
 this : 
 
 I'm fast to them 
 
 And they to me, 
 
 As curling vines 
 
 Around their tree. 
 
 If one is taken, 
 
 Both will go, 
 
 To jail or gibbet, 
 
 Joy or woe. 
 
 And to this I hear, or seem to hear.
 
 12& AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR 
 
 from one and another, and from many, 
 a most hearty response, like this : 
 
 I'm fast to him. 
 And he to me, 
 As curling vines 
 Around their tree. 
 If one is talcen. 
 Both will go, 
 To jail or gibbet, 
 Joy or woe. 
 
 My people resemble the four things, 
 mentioned in Proverbs, which are lit- 
 tip upon the earth but wise. Like the 
 ants, though a people not strong, 
 yet they prepare their meat in the 
 summer. Like the conies, though but 
 a feeble folk, yet make they their hous- 
 es in the rocks. Like the locusts, they 
 go forth by bands. Like the spider, 
 they take hold with their hands and 
 are in the king's paJace. 
 
 I am free to acknowledge, and I 
 would do it with gratitude, that in this 
 retired spot, in this wilderness, and 
 among these mountains, here is a prec-
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 129 
 
 ious and peculiar people, whom I love 
 in the truth. It is a little flock, but it 
 is the Father's good pleasure to give 
 them the kingdom. They are weak 
 in themselves, but strong in the Lord. 
 They are firm, decided and afiection- 
 ate. And after the experience of this 
 severe trial, if the armies of Gog and 
 Magog come up upon all the breadth 
 of the earth to battle, and compass 
 their camp about, I have no fears that 
 they will desert me, or be driven from 
 my side. Nay, if I must go to prison 
 for conscience' sake, they will go with 
 me. If I must go to the stake, they 
 will follow me. Our chief danger is, 
 from the fires kindled and fed by the 
 various materials of combustion, and 
 fanned by the pestilential breeze. No 
 danger from blood, or stripes, breth- 
 ren ; for the community have shrunk 
 back affrighted, shuddering with tre- 
 mendous and inexpressible horror, ev- 
 en at the sound of stripes.
 
 130 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 But let it be known to all the armies, 
 of the Lord God of hosts, that her^ 
 we have a company of veteran troops, 
 who are firm^ decided and intrepid in 
 the field, and skilful in the day of bat- 
 tle. Blessed be the day that saw our 
 ynion ; and that too which proved our 
 acquaintance. 
 
 " Blest be the tie that binds 
 Our hearts in christian love ; 
 The fellowship of kindred minds, 
 Is like to that above." 
 
 EFFECTS OF AFFLICTION. 
 
 I can now, better than ever before, 
 enter with sympathy into the suffer- 
 ings of the apostles and martyrs in 
 their persecutions and imprisonments 
 for conscience' sake. The accounts of 
 these things appear in a new light, and 
 come home to the heart with life and 
 power, awakening a peculiar and thril-
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. ISl 
 
 ling interest. J am asisisted by my 
 late experience, in rejoicing with them 
 that rejoice, and in weeping with those 
 that weep. 
 
 I feel that nothing in the whole his- 
 tory of my life ever occurred, for 
 which I have so much reason to ren- 
 der present and everlasting thanksgiv- 
 ing to God, as for this severe triak 
 Oh ! if I forsake him now ; if my 
 heart does not cleave to him and to 
 his cause, as it cleaves to life ; if I am 
 not found faithful unto death, I shall 
 be guilty beyond any common meas- 
 ure. If I do not greatly improve in 
 such a school as "this, I must be far 
 less teachable, and much more stub- 
 born, than my adopted son. Among 
 other things, I have learneil to be cau- 
 tious ; I must look the second time, 
 even at smiles, to see if they are not 
 hollow ; and at professions of friend- 
 ship, to see if they are not unsound. 
 I have been practically taught, not to
 
 158 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 reckon every thing gold which shines. 
 I know the vanity of popular applause; 
 the emptiness of honor, and the false 
 glare of the world. 
 
 " Lean not on earth — 
 
 'Twiii pierce thee to the heart." 
 
 But if we take hold above with the 
 hand of faith, and embrace the Savior 
 witii a heart of love, we may then 
 
 "•Bid earth roll on 
 
 Nor heed its idle whirl." 
 •' 'Tis Jesus fills our hearts below 
 With holy faith and fervent love : 
 From Jesus all our joy shall flow, 
 In the blest realms of light above. 
 Jesus, his love, his grace, his name, 
 Pour gladness round the h-eavenly throng ; 
 These all their golden harps proclaim ; 
 These swell the notes of every song." 
 
 The lessons which I have learned in 
 this school of affliction, are not few, 
 or of small importance. Bless the 
 Lord, O my soul, and all that is with- 
 in me, bless his holy name ; and not 
 less for severe trials, than for prosperi- 
 ty. For the deep recesses of affliction
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 133 
 
 and the dungeon of adversity, are as 
 near the feet of Christ, as the mount 
 of prosperity or the pinnacle of fame. 
 He is a present help in every time of 
 trouble. Oh ! What reason have I 
 to trust him for all that I need ; and 
 to depend upon him for whatever he 
 has caused me to hope. How guilty 
 must I be to forsake him now ; and yet 
 I fear I shall. How little confidence 
 can I place in myself, or in any human 
 being. Now I have special need of 
 divine support and assistance ; for now 
 is the time to glorify God, and to be 
 an example of the believers in word, 
 in conversation, in charity, in spirit, 
 in faith, in purity^ Now is the time 
 to preach meekness and gentleness, and 
 faith and patience. 
 
 " Let pride and wrath be banished hence. 
 Meekness and love my soul pursue ;'* 
 Thus may I follow Christ my Lord, 
 Where he is gone, there may I go. 
 And I am sure that my way thither, 
 
 1 4*
 
 134 A!^ ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 though it lead through the court and 
 the jail, oiicnsive as these names are to 
 the christian minister, will not be so 
 rough and painful, as that trodden by 
 my Lord and hi« apostles. It is 
 through much tribulation that we must 
 enter the kingdom ; for the kingdom 
 of heaven suffereth \'ioIence, and the 
 violent take it by fc*rce. But the 
 weapons of warfare are not carnal, 
 thongh mighty througli God, to the 
 pulling down of strong holds ; casl- 
 ing down imaginations ; disappointing 
 the devices of the crafty, and making 
 diviners mad. It is not for christians 
 and ministers, to be angry and seek re- 
 venge. Vengeance is mine ; I will re- 
 pay, saith the Lord. The Lord shall 
 cut off all flattering lips ; and the tongue 
 that speaketh proud things ; who have 
 said, with our tongue will we prevail ; 
 our lips arc our own t Who is Lord 
 over us ? For the sighing of the needy 
 will I arise, saith the Lord ; I will set
 
 A?? ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 133 
 
 him in safety from him that puffeth at 
 him. 
 
 CERTAIN IMPRESSIONS. 
 
 There are certain distinct and strong 
 impressions which I have had from 
 very early life, and which have doubt- 
 less exerted their own appropriate in- 
 fluence in my domestic administra- 
 tions. As little experience as I have 
 had in any thing of a parental charac- 
 ter, 1 have felt but few things morb 
 forcibly, than the great contrast I would 
 have exhibited in the exercise of fam- 
 ily goverment, between I lie v/ay of 
 obedience asid disobedience, T would 
 have the ways so distinct and distant, 
 and the way marks and mementos so 
 many, expressive, and striking, sur* 
 rounding and assailing, in every place, 
 and at all times, every principal and
 
 186 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR 
 
 passion, in such a manner that the 
 child should never be in doubt where 
 he was, or wliither he would go. In 
 the path of disobedience, I would have 
 gathered, and in lively exercise, every 
 thing that is repulsive, unpleasant and 
 discouraffing. But I would have eve- 
 ry thing lovely, attractive, support- 
 ing, encouraging and animating, exert- 
 ing all their benign and heavenly influ- 
 ence, in 
 
 THE PATH OF OBEDIENCE. 
 
 Here I would have affection's soft- 
 ness displayed, and all the attractions 
 of parental tenderness and benevolence 
 exerted ; and every countenance of 
 the family glowing with the smile of 
 approbation. Let the way be animat- 
 ed with hopes, never disappointed, — 
 and with promises always fulfilled in 
 their season. 
 
 '• Closely draw domestic ties, 
 
 Form the dear domestic round** 
 Thus •• suspending grief awhile.
 
 iiN ASTONISHING AFFAIR, 1S7 
 
 Let the plenteous board be crowned » 
 
 And the v.ife's endearing smile. 
 
 Beam a rosy welcome round. 
 Join the ring, ye gi-ls and bofy&. 
 
 This enchanting circle, thisj 
 Binds the social icves and joys, 
 
 'Tis the fairy ring of bliss !" 
 
 I wouIJ Ivdve the path of obedience 
 carpeted with velvet, and surrounded 
 with flowers. Here 1 would have eve- 
 ry odor froiT^ the four quarters of the 
 globe, pour in their fragrance. I 
 would arch it from East to West, and 
 from pole to pole, with one continuous 
 and expanded rainbow. And I would 
 inset and bespangle the arch through- 
 out, with ail tlie ^cars and moons and 
 suns of the imi v erse. And I would 
 open up a way of access to the mercy 
 seat— even to the Emperaeumj '^ where 
 burning seraphs bow before the eter- 
 nal throriC." And I v/ould present God 
 throughout the way, ever present to 
 view, enrobed in all the infinite and 
 superlative glories of his Deity, look 
 12*
 
 233 a5 ASTONISHING AFFAIK. 
 
 ing down on tlic traveller below, with 
 that favor which is life, and that lov- 
 ing kindness which is better than life. 
 And from above, and from before, and 
 throughout his way, I would have his 
 path shining more and more, — Jesus 
 displaying his grace and offering his 
 mediation — the Spirit and the bride 
 saying come — the portals of heaven 
 opening, and presenting such goodly 
 prospects and enchanting sounds, as 
 eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor 
 the heart of man conceived. As he 
 approaches tliithcr, I would have him 
 hailed by ten thousand times ten thou- 
 sand tongues, bidding him welcome — 
 a thousand times welcome to the abodes 
 of bliss — and pouring forth their hal- 
 lelujahs before the Father of his spirit. 
 With rapture would I^have his eyes 
 behold the Saviour, seated upon the 
 throne, invested with all his glory, 
 holding out to him the sceptre of his 
 love ; and, in strains more fullof mel-
 
 Alf ASTOyiSHir^G AFFAIR. 139 
 
 ody than all heaven besides, sayinff, — 
 Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit 
 the kingdom j)repared for you from 
 the foundation of tlie world. And I 
 would have his joy go an eternal 
 roundj increasing at every step — rising 
 higher and higher without diminution 
 and without end. Such an aspect, 
 would I have the path of obedience 
 bear in its commencement — in its pro- 
 gress, and in its termination in that 
 higli and holy place, wheneGod sheds 
 forth the abundance of his glory, and 
 lightens i- above the brightness of the 
 BUD. with his own immediate presence. 
 
 THE PATH OF DISOBEDIENCE. 
 
 I would have this path rendered try- 
 ing, uncomfortable and forbidding, by 
 the loss of privileges and favors, smiles 
 and tokens of friendship^ — by the
 
 140 AN ASTCMSHING APFAIE, 
 
 humbling oi pride, and by restraints 
 opon suitable indulgences — by denials 
 and neglects — by indifference and re- 
 pulsive justice— by the loss of honor 
 and kind remembrcUice — ^by apparent 
 suspicion and distrust—b}^ the unyield^ 
 ing frown of disap|)ro.bation — by an 
 aspect foreboding fsarful but righteous 
 indignation — and by the execution of 
 all suitable penalties v*.Bd punishments. 
 Thus would I rear across the path 
 of disobedience, a wall whose base 
 should rest upon earth's centre, and 
 whose top should reach to heaven — 
 one which no pride should scale, nor 
 all enduring obstinacy imdermine or 
 penetrate. I would have the way 
 rough, and dark, and dreary, and des- 
 olate, and slippery, and cold, and 
 cheerless ; exhibiting fearful sights 
 and great signs, exciting shuddering, 
 and horror, and vexation ; that who- 
 ever heaves in sight, might turn from 
 it and pass away. I would plant it
 
 AK ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 141 
 
 with thorns under foot, and hang it 
 with swords by hairs over head. On 
 either side I would have loud thun- 
 ders utter their voices, and fierce light- 
 nings biaze. At the very entrance, I 
 would have the whirlwind confuse, 
 and the tempest beat. Thither I would 
 have the hurricane sweep, and the tor- 
 nado roar ! 
 
 I w^ould have the reins of parental 
 government held firm and steady, 
 tightening when the subject is refracto- 
 ry but yielding when mild. 
 
 For these different representations 
 of different paths, I have the sanction 
 of the word of God. By this, these 
 different ways are presented in all the 
 vivid colors, and flowing imagery, of 
 most striking contrast. One is irrad- 
 iated with all the splendor of light and 
 effulgence of glory, like that of the 
 sun shining in his strength. Here all 
 the beauties of the rain bow diffuse 
 their exquisite charms. Here when-
 
 142 AN ASTO^^ISHINQ AFFAIR, 
 
 ever the ear is open and the hear^. 
 awake, may bo heard, day and night, 
 all the music of the sweetest strains, 
 and the softest melodies, — the most 
 thrilling harmonies and touching tones, 
 ever made by natural or supernatural 
 voices, or ever circulated in the atmos- 
 phere of earth or heaven. 
 
 But the other way, the word of God 
 preseiits, as 
 
 •' Horrible on all sides round ; 
 
 As one great furnace flamed, yet from those 
 
 flamus, 
 No light, but lather darkness visible. 
 Served only to discover sights of wo, 
 Regions ofsorrow, doleful shada?, where peace 
 And rest can never dwell, hope never comes 
 That comes to all,'* — 
 
 TO THE BRETHREN. 
 
 ye followers of Christ, ye breth- 
 ren in the Lord, — while you and I, 
 and others, liave seen Zion afflicted ^
 
 i.1. ASTONiSHiNG AFFAIR. 143 
 
 and suffering, we have wept. But the 
 tempest we hope is past, and a heaven- 
 ly calm is settling down upon us. Our 
 sky is clearer, and the air more salu- 
 brioii.3. But let nothing lull us to 
 «leep, le:>t Satan get the advantage of 
 u.s, and oui* last state he worse than 
 
 ; CvM, O let us take heed to our- 
 seivas, and to all our duty. Let the 
 past arrest onr fears, and tiie future 
 animate our Iiopes. Let every thing 
 from above, and from beneath, and all 
 arou'-id, quicken us in watchfnlne33 and 
 prayer, til At we may ho ready for an- 
 other onset more fjurful Umn the one 
 we have recently experienced. And 
 then, hi tlie strength of the Lord of 
 hosts, and on the fields oi Zion, hav- 
 ing on the whole armor of God, and 
 Handing Arm on truth and duty, we 
 will give the enemy battle, ward otT 
 the enemy's shock, or direct it over 
 our heads. 
 
 But now, bretliren, whatever rocks
 
 144 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 and shoals, or whirlpools, have been 
 discovered, on either side of the way 
 we have traversed on the mighty deep, 
 in this tempestuous season, they must 
 be remembered with gratitude to God; 
 now that he has guided us safely 
 through, that for the future we may 
 be less exposed to shipwreck than ev- 
 er. 
 
 We sometimes think it best to use 
 severe measures with our children, to 
 bring them to a right state of feeling 
 and course of action ; but whenever 
 our heavenly Father, with more than 
 parental sympathy and tenderness, 
 takes this course with us, we soon be- 
 gin to tremble and cry out that the rod^ 
 is too large, or crooked, or knotty, 
 and fear that he will use it too long, 
 or fast, or hard, and we rather escape 
 immediately from his hand, than to 
 endure the chastisement of his sons 
 and daughters, and be subject, in all
 
 IN ASTONISHmC AFFAIR. i4S 
 
 its extend, to the most excellent disci- 
 pline of our Father's family. 
 
 When temptations, foes and storms 
 assail you, brethren, then is the time 
 to gather up your loins, like men and 
 christians, and to be strong in the 
 Lord and in the power of his might. 
 Then is the time to give faith the 
 height and depth ; the length and 
 breadth ; the strength and compass, 
 of the most noble, determined and 
 persevering resistance. If you have 
 planted your feet firm upon the plat- 
 form of God's word, always maintain 
 your standing without wavering; suf- 
 fering, praying and acting like chris- 
 tians ; holding on above, and looking 
 for the salvation of God, till it comp- 
 — or you die upon the spot, and ascend 
 to heaven. 
 
 When the ground on which we stand 
 
 is that of truth and duty, shall we ask 
 
 the pardon of any one for standing 
 
 there ■ Nay, for this we eannot aik 
 
 13 
 
 "s^
 
 146 IN ASTOJflSHINCt ArFAIR. 
 
 the pardon of God. Shall we insult 
 him, by asking his pardon for obey- 
 ing his commands, or for doing our 
 duty ? Nay, in this we trust hirh, 
 rather. For if our hearts condemn 
 us not, then have we confidence to- 
 wards God. And if we find ourselves 
 in difficulty at any time, by pursuing 
 the path of obedience, we are to trust 
 God for our escape. 
 
 If we have any enemies, and they 
 wish to humble us in ourselves, and 
 exalt us before God, let them make an- 
 other such onset, and if our depravity 
 is not in a measure subdued by it, our 
 pride humbled, our faith strengthened, 
 the favor and the glory of God dis- 
 played around us, it will be because 
 they make* their assault u$)on some pact 
 of our character where we are vulner- 
 able, and have not on the armor of 
 truth. 
 
 If any of our fellow sinners, our 
 brethren in the human family, will
 
 AN ASTONISHINe AFFAIR. 147 
 
 «iot unite with us in the worship and 
 service of God, we will certainly make 
 no harder request of them than this, 
 that they let us alone ; and for this, 
 we will not be very anxious ; for God, 
 who is wiser than man, may see it to 
 be most for our good a:ad his glory, 
 that they should afilict us. For it is 
 possible that in trying to upset us, they 
 may set us up. 
 
 If any of us have passed through 
 this furnace of fire, heated seven times 
 liotter than usual, and it be discovered 
 that not a hair of the head is singed, 
 or the smell of fire passed upon us, 
 let us not forget, that it was because 
 of the presence of one, like unto the 
 Son of God. 
 
 CONCLUDING REMARKS. 
 
 1. How important that all shauld 
 give more earnest heed to that divine
 
 148 AN AITONISHING AB:FArR 
 
 admonition, Let your moderation be 
 known to all men. This is equally 
 important in relation to feelings actings 
 and helievmg. If all had duly attended 
 to this admonition, how much dreadful 
 excitement ; how much wickedness 
 and distress, might have been prevent- 
 ed. There are times, and there are per- 
 sons and things, in relation to which 
 we should always be slow of heart to 
 believe, and moderate in feeling and 
 in acting. 
 
 I"' 2. On an occasion like the present, 
 we learn who are willing to be known 
 as our friends, when it is unpopular 
 to be on our side. No thanks, in point 
 of real friendship, to the man who is 
 on your side only when the current of 
 popular opinion sets strong iu your fa- 
 vor. He passes on with the current, 
 without effort or resistance. But to 
 take a firm and decided stand on your 
 side, when the current, and the tide, 
 and the winds, and the waves, beat
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 149 
 
 against you and against mm, — this re- 
 quires friendship — firm, precious, en- 
 dearing friendship. 
 
 S. From this subject, ministers and 
 missionaries may learn to expect almost 
 any thing, and every thing, that is 
 evil. Their purest motives, and most 
 virtuous actions, have no security from 
 misrepresentation and perversion. But 
 we know who hath said, " The disci- 
 ple is not above his Master, nor the 
 servant above his Lord." " It is enough 
 for the disciple that he be as his Mas- 
 ter, and the servant as his Lord." If 
 they have called the Master of the 
 house Beelzebub, how much more shall 
 they call them of his kousehold ? If 
 the world hate you ye know that it ha- 
 ted me before it hated you. If ye were 
 of the world, the world would love its 
 own ; but because ye are not of the 
 world, but I have chosen you out of 
 the world, therefore the world hateth 
 you. Remember the word that I said 
 13-
 
 160 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 unto yoa, The servant is not greater 
 than his Lord. If they have persecu- 
 ted me, they will also persecute you ; 
 if they have kept my sayings, they 
 will keep yours also. But all these 
 things will they do unto you, for my 
 name-sake, because they know not him 
 that sent me." 
 
 But for our consolation, it is writ- 
 ten, if we suffer with him, we shall 
 also be glorified together. And, with 
 the great apostle, we may well reckon 
 that the sufferings of this present time, 
 are not worthy to be compiired witbl 
 the glory that shall be revealed. 
 
 4. From this subject, all who enlist 
 in the cause of Christ may learn the 
 importance of being better equipped 
 than they usually enter the field. 
 
 There is much to be done. The 
 contest may be long, and mighty, and 
 painful. We therefore need all the 
 armor with which God has furnished 
 us, and to use it as he has directed us.
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 15f 
 
 If we do this, we may know for our 
 comfort, that all things shall work to- 
 gether for our good — that nothing 
 shall separate us from the love of Christ 
 — that we shall come off conquerors, 
 and more than conquerors, through 
 him that loved us and gave himself 
 for us. 
 
 The sources of annoyance to the, 
 christian minister, are multiform and 
 never failing. AH the elements of hu- 
 man depravity, and all the powers of 
 darkness, arc against him. He must 
 not think that they will slumber or 
 sleep. But he must expect that sooner 
 or later, and more or less frequently, 
 all their ever active energies will be 
 aroused, and put forth, in mighty, vi- 
 olent and long continued efforts, against 
 him and the church of Christ. 
 
 But while we are called upon to re- 
 member that we have enemies for 
 Christ's sake, we must not indulge feel- 
 ings of liardness ; but cherish for
 
 15S AN ASTONISHINa ArFAIR. , 
 
 them the feelings of Christ, and culti- 
 vate the spirit of the.gospel. We must 
 bless them, that curse us ; do good to 
 them that hate us, and pray for them 
 which despitefully use us and perse- 
 cute us. Like the great apostle we 
 must be able to say. '' Being reviled, 
 we bless ; being persecuted, we suffer 
 it ; being defamed, we entreat. We 
 must be willing, if the will of the 
 Lord be so, to be counted as the filth 
 of the world, and the ofFscouring of 
 all things, for the sake of Jesus. — Yea. 
 we must rejoice to be counted worthy 
 to suffer shame for his sake. 
 
 5. The subject admonishes us to be 
 on our guard aoainst undue excite- 
 ment bj^ sympathy. It is lovely, 
 praiseworthy and of good report, to 
 see man awake to all the wants, and 
 woes, and joys, of his fellow man- -to 
 see him, with the kindest and most 
 tender sympathy, entering into the 
 condition of others ; rejoicing with
 
 IN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. l^H 
 
 them that rejoice, and weeping with 
 them that weep. But the fact that 
 sympathy is a property which we pos- 
 sess in common with the brute creation, 
 is, of itself, sufiicient to teach us that 
 it is not our guide. Wc have a guide 
 more elevated, distinguishing and sub- 
 lime. It is the brighte gift of heaven 
 — the image of the invisible God — the 
 infusion and inspiration of the om- 
 niscient miud. This guidej is reason 
 and religion, in union and harmony. 
 " United they stand ; divided they 
 fall." Our sympathies they should 
 guide — our passions control. But 
 if either sympathy or passion obtain 
 the ascendency — if we give ourselves 
 up to the impulse and control of ei- 
 ther, reason is thwarted in her opera- 
 tions, the understanding is perverted, 
 and religion dethroned. We take 
 both Scylla and Charybdis in our 
 course, and we are shipwrecked mar- 
 iners on the ocean of human feelings ;
 
 \b4 AN ASTOWISHIN& AFFAIR. 
 
 recicving the storm from the shore, 
 and the mountain waves from the 
 deep ; exposed to the lightnings from 
 Above, and the monsters from beneath. 
 Peal after peal is heard, and surge af- 
 mr surge is felt. 
 
 There are times, when all the foun- 
 mins of sympathy are broken up, and 
 pour forth in an overwhelming tor- 
 rent, deep, and large, and violent ; 
 suffreing neither reason, understand- 
 ing nor religion, to do their office ; 
 sparing neither age, nor sex, nor rank 
 —unmerciful alike, to the objects that 
 awaken compassion, and call forth re- 
 venge ; cruel as the grave to one, and 
 not less cruel to the other. Sympathy 
 thus unrestrained, and thus operating is 
 terrible in its effects, and should be as 
 carefully avoided, as the imdue excite- 
 ment of any of the baser passions. 
 
 6. God's designs and dispensations, 
 though to us often dark and mysteri- 
 ous, are in reality always wise and be-
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. t*6 
 
 ncTolent, accomplishing the greatest 
 good for his people, in the best man- 
 ner. The cloud which to us may ap- 
 pear charged witli a tempest, too dread- 
 ful to be borne, may contain the rich- 
 est and most numerous blessings. They 
 will descend in the best time and man- 
 ner, though it may be at a different 
 time, and in a different manner, from 
 what we should have chosen, or have 
 anticipated. And our subject certain- 
 ly furnishes encouragement to the peo- 
 ple of God to trust in him, even in the 
 darkest time, if they are confident of 
 being in the path of duty, and desire 
 above all things else to walk in it. 
 
 To be a diligent and devout student 
 in affliction, is more important than 
 prayer for deliverance. It comports 
 better with our own good, and the 
 glory of God. This is a point of vast 
 importance, in all the troubles and tri- 
 als we meet with in the path of our 
 duty. But this is certainly one we are
 
 156 AN A5TQN1SRING AFl-AIR. 
 
 very likely to forget, or overlook, and 
 it should therefore be indelibly im- 
 pressed on our minds, and deep!}'' en- 
 graven upon our hearts. It should 
 never be forgotten. 
 
 7. The subject has furnished an oc- 
 casion for the trial of christian char- 
 acter. It is easy to have faith^ as far 
 as we can see, and when there are no 
 obstacles to be overcome ; but it is an- 
 other thing to have that faitli which is / 
 the substance of tilings hoped for, and ' 
 the evidence of things not seen ; and 
 to exercise it, even to our comfort and 
 rejoicing, in the fiery furnace, and in 
 the lion's den. Here we ha 2 a better 
 opportunity to know whether we have 
 any faith or not. 
 
 It is easy to have hope, in lively exer- 
 cise, when prospects open with in- 
 creasing brightness, and charm on ev- 
 ery hand ; but it is another thing to 
 do it when we are in the deep waters 
 of affliction, and the storm bears down
 
 AxN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 167 
 
 upon US from above. But even then, 
 we should be able to say, witii the 
 Psahnist, Why art thou cast down, Oh 
 my soul, and why art thou disquieted 
 within me ! Hope thou in God ; for 
 I shall yet praise hira, who is the health 
 of my countenance. We should say, 
 with the apostle, None of these things 
 move me. 
 
 We are sometimes called, in a spec- 
 ial manner, to the exercise of chris- 
 tian endurance ; and wc must endure 
 with christian mildness, gentleness, pa- 
 tience, meekness, forbearance and long 
 suffering. At such a time, we hare a 
 better opportunity to know what man- 
 ner of spirit we are of, and where our 
 treasure is, and where our hearts are, 
 and whence we derive our consolation. 
 All this may appear easy, when there 
 is nothing to endure ; but it is more 
 difficult in the time of trial. When 
 temptations and persecutions arise, it 
 will put us to the test. 
 
 14 >
 
 iSS AN ASTONISHPNG AFFAIR. 
 
 The preciousness and the efficacy of 
 prayer, in roiling in a tide of joy up- 
 on the bosom, and in affording support 
 and diffusing strength throughout the 
 man, can be realised only in the time 
 of severe trial. It is then, that we 
 find the promises of God a precious 
 inheritance, and feel the adaptation 
 of scripture to all our necessities. At 
 times, if there is joy, it is the joy of 
 grief. If there is a calm, it is let down 
 from on high, — the calmness of an 
 overcoming faith. 
 
 8. Our subject teaches us the im- 
 portance and propriety of the ques- 
 tion asked by Nicod^mus when the 
 Savior was reproached. ^' Doth our 
 law ji^lge anyman before it hear him 
 and know what he doeth .^" 
 
 9. The occasion reminds us of ma- 
 ny interesting and appropriate passa- 
 ges of scripture, of which the follow- 
 ing claim a grs»teful attention : —
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 159 
 
 In the fear of the Lord is strong 
 confidence ; and his children shal] 
 have a place of refuge. As thy days, 
 so shall thy strength be. My grace 
 is sufficient for 'thee. God is faithful, 
 who will not suffer tou to be tempted 
 above that ye are able ; but will with 
 the temptation, also make a way to es- 
 cape, that ye may be able to bear it . 
 For unto you it is given in the behalf 
 of Christ, not only to believe on him, 
 but also to suffer for his sake. Re- 
 member them that are in bonds, as 
 bound with them ; and them which 
 suffer adversity, as being yourselves 
 also in the body. Wherein I suffer 
 trouble, as an evil doer, even unto 
 bonds ; but the word of God is not 
 bound. For what glory is it, if when 
 ye be buffeted for your faults ye shall 
 take it patiently ; but if, Avhen ye do 
 well, and suffer for it, ye take it pa- 
 tiently, that is acceptable with God. 
 Even hereunto were ye called ; be-
 
 160 AN ASTO?^ISHmG AFFAIR. 
 
 eau)ge Christ also suffered for us, leav- 
 ing us an example, that ye ishould fol- 
 low his steps. Who did no sin, neith- 
 er was guile found in his mouth. Who, 
 when he was reviled, reviled not 
 again ; when he suffered, he threaten- 
 ed not ; but committed himself to him 
 that judgeth righteously. If ye suffer 
 for righteousness' sake, happy are ye ; 
 and be not afraid of their terror, 
 neither be troubled. For it is better, 
 if the will of God be so, that ye suffer 
 for well doing, than for evil doing. 
 But let none of you suffer as a mur- 
 derer, or as a thief, or as an evil doir, 
 or as a busy-body in oiher men's mat- 
 ters. Yet if any man suffer as a chris- 
 tian, let him not be ashamed ; but let 
 him glorify God on this behalf. 
 Wherefore, let them that suffer accord- 
 ing to the will of God, -commit the 
 keeping of their souls to him in well 
 doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 
 Ft»ar none of tliesc things which thou
 
 AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 161 
 
 shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall 
 cast some of you into prison, that ye 
 may be tried ; and ye shall have trib- 
 ulation : be thou faithful unto death, 
 and I will give thee a crown of life. 
 Blessed are they which are persecuted 
 for righteousness' sake : for theirs is 
 the kingdom of heavexi. Blessed are 
 ye, when men shall revile you, and 
 persecute you, and shall say all man- 
 ner of evil against you f;alsely, for my 
 sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad ; 
 for great is your reward in heaven : 
 for so persecuted they the prophets 
 which were before you. All things 
 shall work together for good to them 
 that love God. I had fainted, unless 
 I had believed to see the goodness of 
 the Lord in ftie land of the living. 
 Wait on the Lord : be of good cour- 
 age, he shall strengthen thy heart: 
 wait, I say, on the Lord. 
 
 Finally, let us say, from the heart, 
 Lord God, let us not h% in haste 
 14»
 
 16j8 AN ASTONISHINa AFFAIR. 
 
 at any time to escape from the furnace 
 of affliction, till we are sufficiently 
 tried — till all thy infinitely wise and 
 benevolent purposes concerning the 
 affliction are answered, as it respects 
 thy cause and thy glory. Make us 
 ever more anxious to improve in the 
 furnace of affliction than to escape 
 from it ; and more anxious for thy 
 glory and the prosperity of 3ion, thaa 
 for our own reputation. 
 
 APT EXTRACT OF ANCIENT HISTORY 
 FROM THE BOOK OF ESTHER. 
 
 Now in Shushan the palace, there 
 
 was a certain Jew whose name was 
 
 Mordecai, and who sat ;n the king's 
 
 gate. In those days, while Mordecai 
 
 sat in the king's gate, two of the king'5 
 
 chamberlains were wroth and sought 
 
 to lay hands on the king, Ahasuerus- 
 
 And the thing was known to Mordecai, 
 
 who told it unto Esther, the queen ;
 
 AN ASTO.NiSHlNG AFFAIR. ICS 
 
 and Esther certified the king thereof, 
 in Mordecai's name. 
 
 After these things, the king promo- 
 ted Haman and set him above all the 
 princes* that were with him. And 
 when Haman saw that Mordecai bow- 
 ed not rid^ did him reverence, then 
 was Haman full of wrath ; w^herefore 
 he sought to destroy all the Jews that 
 weife throughout the whole kingdom, 
 even the people of Mordecai. And 
 Haman said unto the king, There is a 
 certain people scattered abroad and 
 dispersed among the people, in all the 
 provinces of this kingdom ; and their 
 laws are diverse from all people, nei- 
 ther keep they the king's laws ; there- 
 fore it is not for the king's profit to 
 suffer them. If it please the king, 
 let it be written that they may be de- 
 stroyed. And letters were sent by posl 
 unto all the king's provinces, to de- 
 stroy, to kill, and to cause to perish,, 
 all Jews both young and old, little
 
 Uj4 . AN ASTONISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 cliiUlren and women, in one^day ; and 
 in every province whithersoever the 
 king's commandment and his decree 
 came, there was great mourning among 
 the Jews, and fasting, and wieeping, 
 and wailing, and many lay in sack- 
 cloth and ashes. 
 
 Bat it was found written in the book 
 of records, that Mordecai had told of 
 the kino^'s chamberlains who sought tr 
 lay hands on the king ; and he said 
 what Iionor hath been done to^Mordc 
 cai for this ? Then said tl\e king's ser- 
 vant, there is nothing done for him. 
 And tl\p king said. Who is in the court : 
 (Now Haman w\as come into the outer 
 court of the king's house to speak unto 
 the king to hang Mordecai on the' gal- 
 lows thathe had prepared for him.) And 
 the king's servant said unto him, Be- 
 held, Haman standeth in the court ; 
 and the king said, let him come in. 
 So Haman came in. And the king 
 said unto him, What shall be done
 
 AN ASTONIS«HING ArFAIR> 16* 
 
 unto the man whom the king delightefh 
 to honor ; (Now Haman thought ia 
 his heart, To whoih would the king 
 delight to do honor, more than to my- 
 self ;) And Haman answered the king, 
 For the man whom the king delight- 
 eth to honor, Let the royal apparel be 
 brought, which the king useth to 
 wear, and the horse that the king ri- 
 detk upon, and the crown royal which 
 Is set upon his head. And let this ap- 
 parel and horse be delivered to the 
 fiand of one of the king's most _ noble 
 » princes, that they may array the man 
 with all whom the king delighteth to 
 honor, and bring him on horseback 
 through the streets of the city, and 
 proclaim before him, Thus shall it be 
 done to the man whom the king de-. 
 lighteth to honor. Then the king 
 said to Haman, Make haste, and take 
 the apparel and the horse as thou hast 
 said, and do even so to Mordecai, the 
 Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate ; let
 
 166 AN ASTOiNISHING AFFAIR. 
 
 nothing fail of all that thou hast spokeu. 
 — Then took Human the apparel and 
 the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and 
 brought him on horseback through 
 the street of the city, and proclaimed 
 before him, Thus shall it be done unto 
 the man whom the king delighteth to 
 honor. And" Mordecai came asrain to 
 the king's gate ; but Haman hasted to 
 his house mournino-, and having 'his 
 head covered. And one of the cham- 
 berlains said before the king. Behold 
 the gallows fifty cubits high, wliicli 
 Haman made for Mordecai, who had 
 spoken good for the king. Then the 
 king said. Hang him'thereon. So they 
 hanged Haman on the gallows, that he 
 had prepared for Mordecai. And they 
 also hanged Haman's ten sons. And 
 Mordecai went out from the presence 
 of the king, in royal apparel of blue 
 and white, and with a^great crown o^ 
 gold, and v/ith a garment of fine linen 
 and pur}>le, and the city of Shushan
 
 AN ASTONISHma AFFAIR. 167 
 
 rejoiced and Avas glad. The Jews had 
 light, and gladness, and joy, and hon- 
 or. And in every province,, and in 
 every city, whithersoever the king's 
 commandment and his decree came, 
 the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast 
 and a good day. And many of the 
 people of the land became Jews ; for 
 the fear of the Jews fell upon them. 
 
 Mordecai had said, Enlargement and 
 delivcM'ance shall arise to the Jews. 
 
 HYMN. 
 
 Light shining ov.t of darkness. 
 
 1 God moves in a mysterious way, 
 His wonders to perform ; 
 
 He plants his footsteps in the ae.i, 
 And rides upon the storm. 
 
 2 Deep in unfcthoAable mines 
 Of never-failing skill, 
 
 He treasures up his brijjht dasigns. 
 And works his sovereign wiU. 
 
 3 Ye fearful saints, fresh courage twkc ; 
 Th« cloudfi yo »o much dread,
 
 108 AJi ASTONISHINS AFFAIR. 
 
 Are big with mercy, and shall break 
 With blessings on your head. 
 
 4 Judge not the Lord by feekU »eni«, 
 But trust him for his grace ; 
 Behind a frowning providence 
 
 He hides his smiling face. 
 
 5 His purposes will rip«n'fast, 
 Unfolding every hour ; 
 
 The bud may have a bitter ta»t«. 
 But sweet will be tke flower. 
 
 e Bli»d unbelief is sure to err, 
 And scan his work in vain ; 
 God is his own interpreter. 
 And ho will make it plain. 
 
 • OWPBR.
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 B 000 017 462 3