^/^^( c^ LIBRARY OF THE University of California. Mrs. SARAH P. WALSWORTH. Received October, i8g4, zAccessions No.SySD^ . Class No. ■c/^^^^-:^ / -.v^ v^ ,-^^-v.>^^wf: ^^ ^, ^^ \ ^ N^-^\ v-^.Krv*s«VJ^^->^'\ I A NEW TRIBUTE JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. NEW TRIBUTE JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. NEW-YORK. JOHN S. TAYLOR, THEOLOGICAL & SUNDAY-SCHOOL BOOKSELLER, BRICK CHURCH CHAPEL. 38. Sf 3y 9/:x.' 3 7 A/-f- I7JD> Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1837, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New-York. G. r. Hopkin's & Son, Printers, 98 Nassau-street. .-C/C^-^ To KNOWLES TAYLOR, Esquire, Brother of James Brainerd Taylor, This Tribute is most gratefully inscribed by the AUTHOR. PREFACE. It Will be perceived by a perusal of the following In- troduction, that this Tribute, was originally compiled for the relatives and personal friends of James B. Tai- lor. It is principally composed of materials distinct from that embraced in the Memoir. The plan of the work required, to some extent, that letters from some surviving friends should be given. Situated as he was, at a distance from his relatives, the correspondence was extensive ; and this correspondence embraced the par- ticulars, which are addressed most particularly to their sympathies. In publishing this work, however, most of the letters from others to Mr. Taylor, which are not necessary to preserve the uniform connexion of the nar- rative, agreeably to the original plan of the manuscript, are excluded. The work is now committed to the press with the belief that all who have read the Memoir of James Brainerd Taylor, which has passed through six or eight editions, will gladly avail themselves of this via PREFACE. volume, as embracing additional breathings of a pure spirit, recorded by his own pen — and giving minuter dedcnpdons, illustrative of his own character — and the particulars that entered into combination to form that character; together with a more graphic account of the last scenes of his brief, and holy, and happy lif». JVeiO'YorJc, December, 1837. » INTRODUCTION. In the Memoir of James Bhainerd Taylor, it has been the particular object of the compilers to exhibit his religious character and example to candidates for the Christian ministry, as a model for their imitation. It therefore did not fall within their plan to quote his letters in full, or those aside from a religious bearing. The extracts which are given, are often, as a conse- quence, divested of the air of simplicity and grace, and sometimes of affectionate humour, which the manuscript letters, in extenso, possess. There are also letters written to the friends of J. B. T. which the compilers would not deem appropriate to the Memoir, not coming within the design of the book. Some of these contain the very acceptable testimonies to the worth of a rela- tive and friend, and must be precious to the persons for X INTRODUCTION. whom they were designed. And there are still other letters written at the time of Mr. Taylor's illness ; some by the venerated man, (now no more) who commenced the Memoir, and some by his connexions ; all of which, -at the time, the compilers would have felt a delicacy in presenting to the public. These contain many allusions and much minute detail relative to the last hours of Mr. Taylor, which could not be thrown into the Memoir, and in which particulars an affectionate relative and partial friend are greatly interested — awakening as such detail ever does, their willingly indulged sympathies. Beside this, a further number of Mr. Taylor's Diary, one of greater interest than any other already published, has been found ; and which, it seems, was not in the hands of the compilers of the Memoir. This number is the last which Mr. Taylor penned ; and it contains an account of the closing scenes of his college-course — his entrance on his studies of theology — his efforts, and his exercises of heart during his studies, up to the time, when, in New-Haven, he was attacked by bleed- ing at the lungs Ci" INTRODUCTION. Xi It is on these and on other accounts which the frienda of a lost relative will at once appreciate, that this volume has had its origin ; and to the relatives and friends of Mr, Taylor it is now presented, as a little memento addressed more immediately to their sympathies than the Memoir itself. "^Jk " 'l^^'.' SECTION I It will not come within the purpose of the writer of Ihis Tribute, to quote the letters of Mr. Taylor of an earlier date than the time of his graduating at Nassau- Hall, Princeton, New-Jersey. And previous to the in- troduction of his letters of a date later than this period, September, eighteen hundred and twenty-six, it is the writer's design briefly to sketch a few particulars asso- ciated with the earlier periods of Mr. Taylor's life. The Memoir speaks thus of his parentage. "James Beainerd Taylor, son of Col. Jeremiah Taylor of Middle-Haddam, Connecticut, was born on the 15th day of April, 1801. His parents, yet Hvirg, are in the communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and greatly respected in the circle of their ac- quaintance. On the mother's side he was connected with the family of Brainerd, a name to be held in re- membrance as long as the devoted zeal of the self- denying missionary shall be had in honour. On the father's side, an old record traces up the lineage to a branch of the family of Jeremy Taylor. But while no wise man ever undervalued the benefits of being born of worthy parents, no one of right spirit ever relied on this providential circumstance to bear him on through life. Our character depends on ourselves. So thought 2 14 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF James Taylor. And while he honoured and revered his parents with the truest filial affection, he went forth with the spirit of genuine independence, to make his own way in the world." Not far from the age of thirteen, James was placed by his parents at a school in Walling ford, Connecticut, His personal appearance at this time would have led to the supposition that he was some two years older. His elder sister, was at the same school. James at this early period was an object of remark for his fine personal appearance. His own disposition rendered society agreeable to him, and his sister's company en- couraged his intrpduction. He became the favorite of the evening party, and of the promenade after school hours. A little incident occurring years afterwards, may serve to confirm this remark. It was the year succeeding J. T.'s death, and is thus narrated in a let- ter from one of his brothers, then in New-Haven, to his sister. " I took a walk after service this evening, in our beautiful burying-ground. Some one bad just been interred, and a large number of persons who had joined in the procession were returning. Mrs. P., an interesting young married lady, and Miss C, of your acquaintance, were with me. We met three young ladies. As they approached us, I was struck with the fine personal appearance of one of them, and asked Mrs. P. if the young lady were an acquaintance of hers ? * Yes,' she replied, ' it is Miss , formerly JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 15 of .' I made some further inquiries, and by way of excusing them, I remarked, that I once heard a bro- ther of mine, James Taylor, say that he was acquainted with an interesting young lady of that name, when he was at school in W. 'James Taylor !' said Mrs, P., ' James Taylor, that little interesting, curly-headed boy, was he your brother 1' Yes, madam, I replied, and was he not mte resting ? * / thought so,' said Mrs. P., as she advanced towards me extending her hand, and crimsoning with an innocent consciousness of having given more than her usual emphasis to words of an ac- cidental conversation. You may suppose the incident gave me pleasure." After leaving his school at Wallingford, and spending some months at home, he left the parental roof for his location in New-York. It was regarded as a favour- able circumstance for the preservation of his morals, and the formation of his manners and character, that he had two elder brothers in the city, who it was beHeved by their parents, were governed by Christian principles. His boarding-house also was selected with reference to the religious character of the family, and the morality of its inmates. In this particular he was fortunately located. Some religious acquaintances which he formed at this early period of his residence in New-York were not unimportant links in the chain of Providence, which bound together the succeeding incidents that formed his future character. His brothers, ever watchful of his 16 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF course, brought him under all the religious influences which his circumstances of youth and their religious connexions in the sphere of their circle, permitted. He became the visiter for a Sunday School in Saint George's Church, and its assistant superintendant. In the discharge of the office of the first, he gained famili- arity with the different localities of the city, and acquir- ed an address in approaching the poor, which gave him ever after an air and manner which secured their confi- dence and won their favour. At this period he was introduced to a lady who was generally known in his circle as excelling in the beau- tiful piety of her character, and who was esteemed as having a happy influence upon the religious feelings of her young friends, who were in the habit of visiting her house. This lady became much interested in his cha- racter ; and he found his earliest impressions of religion, and his desires for entire conformity to the principles of the Gospel deepened, by this favourable intercourse. It was his habit, each Sunday evening, to repair to this friend's, amd by request, would narrate the particulars of the discourses to which he had listened during the day. The evening's interview was always attended by the reading of some portion of the Scriptures and pray- er. At a later period, this reading of the Scriptures was accoinpanied by reflections upon the passages read, and by singing — there generally being other visit- ers of the family present, enough in number to render JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. ""^ 17 their meeting a social religious service. Doubtless these interviews contributed not a little to the formation of his extemporaneous powers, which, in his future ex- ertions in public labours for the advancement of rehgion, rendered his efforts easy to himself, and successful in their results to others. It was the privilege of the writer to know J. T.'s religious habits from two years after his arrival in the city, until he left it to pursue his studies in Lawrence- ville, New-Jersey, preparatory for college. He re- members that he was in the habit of general attendance upon the religious meetings frequently occurring in the city at this time, having for their purpose the furthering of the Christian enterprises of the day, and other eve- ning meetings of his church and Sunday School. When returning from these, it was his custom to enter his room, and devote some hours, before retiring, to the perusal of books. His library was principally compos- ed of religious works. That these works had a mate- rial effect in the formation of his religious character, must be obvious to a person who reads his memoir with an acquaintance with the authors that at this time principally composed his library. Some of these works were Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and his Holy War. The Works of President Edwards. Baxter's Saints' Rest. JMason^s Remains, JMrs. Roive^s Poems, and also her devotional exercises, compiled by Dr. Watts. Dr. Watts on the Mind, and his Lyrics were also read 2* 18 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF by him — the first, with the greatest attention, as it most justly merits from every young man, as we would infer from the admiration with which Dr. Johnson was in the habit of speaking of it. In his Critic he thus remarks : " Few books have been perused by me with greater pleasure than this " Improvement of the Mind," of which the radical principles may indeed be found in Locke's conduct of the Understanding, but they are so expanded and ramified by Watts as to confer upon him the nnerit of a work in the highest degree useful and pleasing. Whoever has the care of instructing others, may be charged with deficiency in his duty, if this book is not recommended." And I add here the concluding remark of Dr. J. on the character of Watts. " Happy will be that reader whose mind is disposed, by his verses or his prose, to imitate him in all but his non-con" formity — to copy his benevolence to man, and his reverence to God." It may be stated here with propriety, without adding to the fist of volumes from his early library, that DobeWs Hymns were his familiar companion. I state this by way of noticing an omission in the memoirs of J. B. T. His practice in his private devotions, was, to ac- company them almost invariably with singing. His voice was esteemed peculiar for its sweetness, and yet more peculiar for its modulations, which always corres- ponded with the sentiment of the lines which he^sung. His feelings led him to the selection of the pathetic in JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 19 uiusic ; and it has been elsewhere remarked by one who knew of the circumstances, that most of the tunes of the collection contained in the " Christian Lyre," were suggested by Mr. Taylor. Aware, from the effect up- on his own feelings, of the power of music in exciting the agreeable and the devotional in emotion, he is re- membered among his friends, and by the communities among whom he laboured, to have possessed a happy command of the feelings of others by the appropriate adaptation of hymns and suitable tunes to the occasions of a friendly interview, and of social and public meetings. In his visits to the sick, his familiarity with appropriate hymns and the pathetic tune was often made to contri- bute to the conviction and the comfort of the sinner and the saint. If he found the sick person in a state of mental stupor as the result of physical disease, he not unfrequently perceived that the singing of a few stan- zas of some feeling hymn would rouse the mental powers of the invalid to a state even of excited attention to the conversation he might wish to hold. And there are many pious hearts that will remember the soothing l>ower of his voice while at their bedside he has sung, "When languor and disease invade This trembhn^' house of clay, 'Tis sweet to look beyond this scene And long to fly away." etc. The subject of this sketch, remained in New- York advancing in the beauty of his religious character, and 20 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP in the increasing elegance of his person, some four years, in the relation of a merchant's clerk. He was be- loved by all who formed his acquaintance, and admired by all whom he met ; and it was a source of the purest gratification to his Christian friends when they heard of his purpose of leaving his mercantile pursuits to prepare for the ministry. They thought that a spirit so benevo- lent and pure should find a wider and more elevated sphere for the indulgence of its aspirations of good in- tent towards the souls of his fellow men. His relatives were willing that he should sacrifice the worldly afllu- ence which seemed in prospect as the certain result of the circumstances in which he was then placed, for the more congenial calling to a spirit swelling with so much benevolence towards his fellow men, and of ardency of piety towards his God. The year closed ; and with it, the mercantile em- ployments of young Taylor. In looking back to this period of his life, he always reflected upon his location in New-York as a providence, for which he was ever thank- ful, in its relation to the part he expected afterwards to act in the world. New- York is a world in epitome. It is an emporium, where the great and the small, the good and the bad, the vast and the circumscribed alike con- centrate. It is a school for wisdom and virtue, as well as the repository of ignorance, and a theatre for dissipa- tion. It is a place for the favourable formation of man- ners, as well as a scene of temptation which has vitiated JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 21 the habits and ruined the characters of thousands which began to open with refinement, beauty, and elegance. It was here that James Taylor commenced his study of men, manners, and things. He saw them upon a large scale. His intercourse was with individuals from many parts of the world, and all parts of the union. And the sphere of business in which he was engaged being- on an extensive scale, caused him of necessity to look at things through the medium of large numbers. And the remark is a just one, that a man's mind may generally be measured by the objects about which, from the cir- cumstances of the person, his mental powers are em- ployed. The consequence of such a location to James Taylor, therefore, was, that he left New- York in Jan- uary, 1820, a young man, with a knowledge of human nature — with a refinement of manners — and a general knowledge of the world, which but few young men have carried along with them in their preparations, afterwards, to influence that world. And as the result of this, when he reached the Academy in Lawrenceville, he was deemed already a man in experience ; and he at once entered on those exertions of religious effort which secured the admiration of his friends for their correct- ness in judgement, and their success in results. SECTION II. On the 13th of January, 1820, Mr. Taylor arrived at Lavvrenceville. This village is four or five miles from Princeton, New- Jersey. The village being situated gome two miles from the main road, which runs from Princeton to Trenton and Philadelphia, it is a retired location. The scenery around it comports with the stillness and retirement of the place. The elevation of the hills are but slight, and the depression of the vallies only sufficient to render the fields agreeably undulating. The church edifice is of a date earlier than the revolu- tion, and was witness to some of its warlike scenes in its neighbouring fields, and within its own walls.* The * Among other incidents that occurred here, was one, which showed the sagacity of a war-horse. An American out-post was stationed here, when the army was in the neighbourhood. A scout from the post, sent to reconnoiter the enemy, was seen the succeeding morning, making back his M'ay at the top of his speed, chased by three Hessians. The scout leaped the brook within a few rods of the church. The foremost of the pursuers followed on, but received at the instant of his leaping the rur^near the church, a rifle ball from a concealed American soldier. The Hessian fell, but a blast from the bugle of the two retreating Hessians recalled the third horse, which wheeled at the sound of the bugle, and regained the side of his companions. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 23 /ural walks, of this village are pleasant. The one which young Taylor was in the habit of mostly frequenting, extended back of his boarding-house. It led up a gentle acclivity, from the top grounds of which, the mellowed scenery below could be seen to some extent. During the summer, not a fair morning passed which did not witness him upon this walk. The orchards in the neighbourhood, and various fruit-trees in their season of blossom, gave their rich perfume to the air. The readers of J. T's memoir, will remember that he had a retired spot, where it was his habit to pour forth the emo- tions of his heart, in the language of prayer. It lay in the direction of the walk which I have described. At the love- ly hour of morning, and generally at the mellowed moment of the evening, he sought this consecrated spot. His path lay through grounds, from which the soft landscape described was seen. Three years he spent amid this scene of stillness, retirement, and summer-beauty. Can any of his friends recall the softened character of his amiable disposition — the beauty of his lovely piety — or even the soothing intonations of his mellow voice, and not associate them with these scenes, and admit the mystic power which nature has over the delicate suscep- tibilities of a refined soul 1 There was, just preceding this period, a young man at the Academy, in Lawrenceville, who occssionally walked the same path. But not like James Taylor did he reach a secret kneeling spot that lay beyond. One 24 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF morning, half-way up the ascent, he was found sus- pended by his handkerchief to the Hmb of a tree, an un- fortunate suicide. The cause was only left to conjec- ture. The night preceding, he was in company in his usual spirits, so far as was remembered. The unhappy youth was interred in the burial grounds of the church alluded to, and his associates planted a willow at his grave. The willow is still growing, but instead of leaning over the grave of the suicide, as it was inclined at its planting, it has shot forth in a different direction. These two youths often trod the same path while at L., but how different was their end.* I here quote but a single one of his many allusions to his frequent walks along this path for recreation, meditation, and devotion. " I took my accustomed walk with a heart full of gratitude to the Lord for my sweet and cheerful hopes. I thought this might be my last walk along that oft-frequented path, as my time at Lawrenceville is coming to a close. What a delight- ful retreat this has been to me ! But this evening, I agonized in spirit as I had never done before, in prayer for this people. While thus engaged I met , and with streaming eyes I addressed him. He wept. The Lord bless his soul with conversion ! As I left him I * The tree alluded to, was as described, when observed some few years since. It was pointed out to the writer as a curiosity, though, of course, the peculiarity of its growth was considered as an accidental circumstance. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 25 wrestled in prayer for him, and for our neighbours. My soul was pressed down with the weight of anxiety. I felt for their eternal interests. When 1 arrived at the memorable tree, I fell before the Lord to vent my sor- rows there. ! the longing I had for this people. All I asked was, for Christ's sake, that salvation might come to them. While thus weeping before my Heavenly Father, an aged man drew near. I saw him, but did not rise from my knees ; and as he came, I spoke to him and testified of the love of Jesus. I found he had no religion. I addressed him plainly and with a full heart. He soon wept, and wished me to pray with him, and for him. I did, with earnestness and with tears ; and then exhorted him to repent and to come to Christ now. He left me with apparent concern. The Lord save his soul and let it not be in vain he came here. He said he thought the Lord had sent him." On the 22d of September, 1823, Mr. Taylor passed his last examination in the Academy, at Lawrenceville, and delivered his oration on Science, with the valedic- tory address in the evening of the same day. " Thus," he says, " ended my academical course. May the Lord by his good providence direct me in my future goings, and lead me on to final victory and heavenly glory." The impression which his intercourse left upon the society in Lawrenceville, was one of abiding interest. He was ever welcomed to their circles ; and he never 3 26 JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. left them without having deepened the impression of admiration and attachment for his person and character. Many yet cherish welcome recollections of that inter- course, and say, as they review the impressions which he left upon their minds, '* We have never met, in an- other, such sweetness of disposition — such a noble con- tempt of earth — such heavenly-mindedness of soul — such entire devotion of the whole being to his God and Saviour — such earnest desire to promote his Master's cause in bringing all, within his sphere, to the knowl- edge of the truth. And united with all this, there was a form and manner of such peculiar loveliness and grace, that it was truly a beauty and consistency of character in him, such as to our minds, rendered him a more perfect model than in any other instance we have known.*' SECTION III. It was with a grateful, but an aching heart, such as friends feel in separation, that James Taylor left Law- renceville. His heart was made for friendship, and he fully reciprocated the kind feelings with which he had been regarded during his residence of nearly three years in this village of estimable people. He threw himself into the stage coach which conveyed him to New- Brunswick; thence by steamboat he reached New-York. Among his friends in the city he spent some days, then left for his father's, on the Connecticut. A week of his time during the interval between his .leaving Lawrence- ville, and his return to Princeton to enter Nassau- Hall, he spent in the family of his friend, the Rev. Mr. Hotchkiss of Saybrook. He was then on his way from his home to Princeton college. He left Saybrook for New- York in a vessel commanded by Capt. W. He writes thus : " Our number consisted of the captain, two hands, four passengers, two children, and myself. We had proceeded about twenty miles when the wind increased and blew violently. In the midst of the gale our boom unshipped, and left us in a perilous condition. The prospect was, that we should be capsized and awallowed in the waves. All above was terrific. The billows dashed. The sea roared. The winds howled. 28 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP The hail rattled. All below was solemn. We thought on solemn subjects — death ! a watery grave ! the hai of God ! heaven ! hell ! The captam I believe to be a godly man. One more on board, beside myself, had a hope which was as an anchor to the soul. The rest were unreconciled to God. Alas! their prospect was despair. I thought indeed that I was nearer my heav- enly home than to my father's house. It seemed that there was but a step betwixt me and death. But in the midst of the alarm God was with me, to allay all turbu- lence within. I looked to him for a promise and he graciously gave me this. " Fear not, for I am with thee." It was sweet to my taste ; and made me strong while I lay in my berth, revolving it in my mind and calmly waiting the issue, not knowing but the next surge would enter and fill the cabin, and end my life. " A young lady, one of those who experienced reli- gion at Saybrook while I was there, was quite compos- ed. But another — 0, how different ! O, her apparent penitence — her cries for mercy — her weeping eyes, in the prospect of death and damnation! To me she came for help ; but not to myself — to Christ I directed her. Alas ! the infatuation of mortals, to put off pre- paration for eternity till the hour of danger. But thanks to the Lord of deliverance. His arm was stretched out for our relief We were soon moored in a harbour, and rode out the gale in safety. " I found my friends exceedingly kind, both at homo JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 29 and in New- York. The Lord reward my parents, bro- thers, and «isters for their kindness to their son and brother. I doubt not that in this Ufe they shall have a hundred fold ; and at the resurrection of the just, be acknowledged as helpers of the helpless." 3* SECTION IV. From New- York Mr. Taylor reached Princeton, New- Jersey. On the 6th of November, 1823, he was exam- ined and admitted a member of the Sophomore class, in the college of Nassau-Hall. His residence at Lawrenceville, five miles distant, had already given him some acquaintances in Prince- ton. He was not therefore a stranger, in a strange place. There were families here who had heard of his interesting character, and others who knew, from their own acquaintance, the loveliness and depth of his piety, and the unaffected simplicity and elegance of his manners. As a known candidate for the ministry, he had attended some of the exercises at the Theological Seminary ; and while at Lawrenceville, he became ac- quainted with numbers of the theological students, who occasionally visited that place. He found among some of these, on his arrival at Princeton, kindred spirits, and all of them were ready to give him the hand of cordial welcome to the town. Mr. Taylor entered upon the duties of college aware of the general sentiment which prevails, that a course of study at our public institutions is unfavourable to the enjoyment of a high state of religious feeling. But we hear him exclaiming in the exultation of a happy frame JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 31 of mind, three days after his entrance within the walb o£ Nassau-Hall, "Religion can be enjoyed in college. Lord, amid so much iniquity keep me spotless, and make me useful." Young Taylor had not been located long in Prince ton, before he sought out a field for the indulgence of his unceasing and ever earnest desire for religious ef- fort. The way was opened ; and his success has been partly told in his memoir. His influence was felt in town. It was acknowledged by the increased devotion on the part of some of the students of the Theological Seminary. And in college, he, at least, solved the pro- blem long held in dubio, whether a Christian student in our public institutions can sustain his religious character, and enjoy religion throughout his collegiate course. He did sustain his elevated standard of reli- gious experience. He did enjoy a continued state of devotion. And what he did and enjoyed, is practicable to all. As he entered college, so he left it, only with his religious character immensely yet more elevated in Christian enjoyment, and in fixedness of Christian prin- ciple beyond his experience at the moment of his be- coming a member of college ; although, at that time, his religious character had reached a point on the scale of religious experience and enjoyment, which it seems but few attain during their lives on earth. Witness his testimony at the end of his college- course, taken from 82 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP his recovered Diary, and compare it with the earnest gpostrophe at his entrance. "This day ends my college-course within these walls. The class was dismissed before noon. Among those who received honours my name was mentioned — consequently, had an appointment for Commencement, six weeks hence. Thus ends the round which brings me to another starting point. The next immediate goal for which I am to aim in my application to study, is the post of theology. " In view of my college-life, my soul has just now been most deeply humbled before God, for I have seen so many defects. This is the epitome of my history in every succeeding stage of my past life — mercies and SINS. Perhaps my heart was never so deeply affected with an humbling view of my nothingness before God- I was ready to banish myself, and wholly to sink into insignificance. Out of these depths I cried for help. My strength was greatly recovered. A blessed blessing — A RICH cLosiNG-ANTEPAST — the bcst of the winc at the last of the feast. Praise the Lord, my soul. ** In view of the ministry, the question rose meltingly tQ my mind. Should the Lord bid you to relinquish this your object, would you turn aside to another? 0, how my heart and eyes were affected ; but my whole soul cried out. The will of the Lord be done ! I said, I do not deserve the office. I never did. Yet, how I longed for this, and prepai'ation fully meet for it. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 33 " At the same time, had enlargement of soul in pray- ing for professor H., who has been made such a spiritual blessing to me. And also for professor P., both of whom I love. I asked, too, in behalf of the faculty, and meltingly pleaded for the students. I wept over my un- faithfulness to them, and hoped the Lord healed all my backslidings, and received me graciously, and loves me freely." This is the language with which James Taylor ends his collegiate course. How did he enter upon it ? By prayer. How did he continue it? By prayer. How did he end it? By prayer. He commenced it with tears of gratitude and devotion. He continued it, weep- ing with compassion for his fellow-students, and with re- ligious joy in his own soul. He ended it by pouring out his tears of gratitude to his God — of affectionate regaCrd towards his professors — and of concern for his fellow- students. See him on his knees — the christian STUDENT — just on the eve of leaving the halls where he had acquired knowledge — literature — and science t — disciplined his mind — enjoyed a three years of near and happy communion between his soul and his God — and now, ere the sun shall again have set, he is to be on his way from the never-to-be-forgotten retreat of his manly studies. He is on his knees. He reviews the past* He remembers the goodness of his God. He recalls his deficiencies. The tear of regret and love falls, with the kindling recollections of the past. He S4 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF aflfers up his prayer for his instructors. Entreats his God to shield his fellow-students, and asks for a parting benediction from his God, to rest upon the Institution, which he is now to leave. His prayer is ended. His soul has been melted. He rises from his knees, and writes it as a testimony to the goodness of his God, that it is " the blessing of blessings — a rich closing an- tepast — the best of the wine at the close of the feast.^^ Here, at the close of the college-life of Mr. Taylor, we might pause, and dwell upon many particulars, which his memoirs would suggest. But this does not enter into the plan of this sketch. A few remarks, however, may be added previous to the extracts which are to suc- ceed. It was the privilege of the writer to be familiar with the habits of Mr. Taylor, during the two last years of his residence at Princeton. He was always seen to be the agreeable companion to those who were in the habit of familiar association with him. He scarcely ever possessed a sad countenance. His features had a Eonile ever playir^ agreeably upon them in the social in- terview. Probably no one ever so invariably evinced by the soft vivacity of his features, the loveliness of the religion of Christ. You read it in his beautiful counte- nance, lighted up by that indescribable illumination which a spirit that is happy suffuses over the features. There was never aught in his manners that could dis- please. And the most dissipated and reckless were diaftrmed during his interview with them, however much JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 35 he might censure their course and urge their refdrm. But it is not at all surprising that a person who acted as did James Taylor, during his college-course, should have awakened a spirit of opposition, sometimes, among those who felt that he was a restraint upon the free contrivance and successful execution of their plans of mischief and sin. No man was ever farther from being a cynic. None more happy in seeing others in the indulgence of rational enjoyment. He never acted the part of a cen- sor. Whenever he approached another to counsel, or to dissuade, and to urge to a holy life, it was with the over- flowing benevolence of soul, that not unfrequently vented itself in tears. It is not every Christian that can thus feel ; for it is not every Christian that has reached such a state of perfect consecration of the soul to Christ, noi has looked, as did James Taylor, with such affecting sensibilities at the responsibility, and exposure, and irre- parable interest if once lost, of the sinner. These re- marks are made with reference to some extracts which are to be given ; and which, in a few instances, show the sinner to be provoked by the truth. The reader of the memoir of J. B. T., will have marlj>- ed the following passage therein. " We regret to say that the foregoing extracts termi- nate Mr. Taylor's Diary, with the exception of a small fragment, kept for a short time in the year 182S, which shall be noticed in its place. It is plain, indeed, that this valuable exercise had been followed through the io- 36 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP tervening time, but the record was probably destroyed by himself, as it was not found among his papers. We re- gret this the more because, as he advanced in his course, he became more and more occupied, so that his letters, as far as they have been recovered, are not so numerous, and for the most part, written in haste." In another, and earlier part of the volume, it is thus remarked. " It is a matter of regret, that twelve of the earliest numbers of Mr. Taylor's Diary cannot be found. There are five remaining numbers, beginning with No. 13, which bears date the 1st of May, 1823." With regard to the first twelve numbers here alluded to, there can be no doubt that they are destroyed. But an additional number of this diary has fallen into the hands of the writer of this sketch. It is my purpose, therefore, to quote it here, that it may supply the chasm perceived and regretted in the memoir. The last two dates quoted in the remains of J. B. T., are June 21st, and July 2d, 1826. The first date in the number supposed to be lost, but now recovered, is July 4th, two days succeeding the last extract given in the memoir. Previously to giving extracts from the diary unpub- lished, I here quote the paragraphs of the last two dates in the memoir, that the connexion may be seen. " June 21, 1826. The consideration that I have besen three years, almost, in college, without conversing with my fellow-students, upon the subject of their religious responsibilities, was heart-breaking. To go forward JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 37 seeiTiC d to be too heavy a cross. What ! be pointed at? Be subject to their ridicule and reproach? Do this all alone? The struggle was great, but it came to this. Resolved, in the presence of God, and by his help, to begin and do my duty in college, in conversing with my companions in study, I repeated the resolution, and afterwards felt much relief. ! that some would come over and help. But if not a soul comes to my help, I am to see and converse with the students of this college, if they will allow it, cost what it will. My character is not worth a cent, nor my influence, nor my acquire- ments, aside from the service of God. ! for help. While at prayers, my burden left me in consideration of this truth, " If any man will be my disciple let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me." While there, I determined to invite a class-mate into my room, and talk with him. It came in the way, but my heart well nigh failed me. But I addressed him — he follow- ed me — and I pray God, who witnessed the interview, to raise in power to his own glory, what was sown in weakness." " July 2d, Sabbath. The past week has been one of crosses. The cross which I laid hold on with so much difficulty, I have since only dragged. With twenty im- penitent companions, I have attempted to speak in refer- ence to their eternal things. The mouths of most were stopped. They listened and assented to the truth. I never had such views as of late, of some passages of 4 38 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF Scripture. * Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil .against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so perse- cuted they the prophets which were before you.' * Who shall harm you if ye be followers of that which is good.' ' It is sufficient that the servant be as his master, and the disciple as his Lord.' ' If they have persecuted me they ivill also persecute you.' ' Consider him that en- dured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your minds ! ' 'Ye have not yet resisted unto blood,^ *No weapon formed against you shall prosper.' " The long-suffering patience of God towards sinners, daring, God-hating sinners, such as I once was, wears a new aspect. If I hate their ways — if I am pained at their wickedness — how must infinite purity look upon them ! Surely it can make no compromise with sin. The least sin is infinitely hateful in the sight of God, and the day is coming when his enemies must feel it so in their dreadful punishment. *' The honour and cause of God were never more dear to me. Last evening's devotions were peculiarly melting. I never had such a burning desire, and such earnest wrestlings for sinners in this college. I wept sore, and left the cause of God, and the honour of his great name, suspended upon his righteous sovereignty, JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 39 where I also wish to hang. It was a time of sweet re- lief. I gained the liberty which I needed. " In view of my late attempts here, I find much to humble me. I asked the Lord to cast the veil of par- don over my best deeds — best ! indeed I could see no goodness in them. Had a refreshing, melting season in the meeting with the brethren, held as usual, on Satur- day night. In prayer for the Holy Ghost to be poured out, I was melted, and stopped, and repeated the cry — Lord Jesus, come quickly." These are the last dates of the Diary, as given in the memoir. And the compiler remarks, as already quoted, " We regret to say that the foregoing extract, terminates jyir. Taylor^ s Diary." But the writer is happy to have it in his power to continue the extracts from this, his religious journal, through the whole of another number. It is to be regretted, for the completeness of J. T's memoir, that this number of his Diary should have been mis- placed. Without it, the history of his college-life was incomplete, and so felt to be. But the extract already given, which exhibits the closing scene of his college- course, has presented to us, in his own words, the thril- ling emotions of his last hour within the college-walls, and the frame of mind with which he left the halls of his venerated Alma Mater, where he had spent three event- ful years of his short existence. I shall now proceed to complete the extracts from his Diary during his continuance in Nassau-Hall, from the 40 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF point where they were, from necessity, in his memoir, abruptly concluded. The last date was July the 2d. The first, in the succeeding number of his Diary, now recovered, and here to be quoted, is July 4th ; and his meditations under this date are thus recorded : — " This evening the bell rung, and summoned each man to his post. Another bell was the signal to illumi- nate the windows in front. I was on my knees and alone^ conducting our stated prayer meeting. By and by I walked out, and beheld the illumination and the crowd. Did some hand light up these tapers? * God said, let there be light, and there was light.' For a half hour the crowd gazed at the illumined windows. Had one of ten of them during their lives ever spent a half hour in looking at their hearts in the light of conscience -—the grave — the bar of God — of heaven and hell? Who of them had solemnly, and seriously, and prayer- fully retired, even once, to investigate their character? * This is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.' * For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved,' — or lest they should be brought under conviction. Happy they * into whose hearts God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.* Assist JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 41 me. Holy Spirit, and thus fit me for that city whose * light is the Lamb.' " 21st. Have had much hardness of heart for a lime, owing to my backwardness in conversing with the stu- dents. Have conversed with only thirty-one, whereas I might perhaps have done it with all, had I gone, in season and out of season. But so it is. And this cross I have rather dragged than taken up. Lord, Lord, help, help, for on whom can I lean but on thee ? This evening, under the prayer of Mr. H., an oppressive load which has called forth many a groan, but with a tearless eye, began to remove. As he addressed us from the words, ' Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy,' &c., the depression left me, and I felt free. But I again feel a weight upon me. Whether it be the heaviness through temptation, or what, the Lord remove my burden. " Since writing last have had a visit from brother S. and Dr. Blatchford. " Have felt the need of support amidst apprehension from the wicked, who hate me. God forgive them, and change their hearts. But I must go forward, and try to do my duty, if I but drag the cross* This passage has been a staff: ' I will not fear what man can do unto me.' Had an agony of soul for the impenitent around me, that they might be saved.* * A few months previous to this date, we find the following entry in his journal, as given in the memoir, page 245. " While 4* 42 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF *' Saturday night Since writing last, my exercises have been various, and highly provoking to God ; for, besides other sins, I have acted over the part of Jonah. But this evening I emerged from the belly of hell. Ever since I took on me the obligation to converse with my the brethren were at prayer in my room this morning, (as usual on Sunday morning,) a letter was left on my desk by the serv- ant, of which the following is a copy : ' Sir : You are suspected d d strong of having informed the faculty of the misdemeanours of several of the students. The evidence against you, though circumstantial, is of the strong- est kind. You will for the future be strictly watched, and there- fore it M^ill be prudent for you to visit your brothers, the tutors, as seldom as possible ; for if detected, your punishment is inevitable. Do not treat this with levity. If you do, you must suffer the con- sequences.' " I was a little surprised by such a letter ; but the charity that 'beareth all things,' was in exercise. My soul yearned for the unknown individual who wrote the letter. I longed with weep- ing eyes and groans which could not be uttered, to see him a re- turning prodigal. My heart broke, too, for the college. I wrote upon the letter, ' Greater is he that is for me than all they that are against me.' ' He giveth his angels charge concerning thee, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.' I add, * Who shall harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? The Lord is on our side.' "A report is in circulation that some individual had said, he should deem himself bound to report to the faculty the bad con- duct of the students. Though I am not the person, probably the suspicion has fallen upon mc. Amen. They meant it for evil ; God meant it for good." JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 43 companions in study, I have had lucid moments only at intervals — * few and far between.' Instead of going to all this Nineveh, my heart has embarked for Tarshish. I thought I saw, if I did not see, the call clear, and the obligation binding. But, alas ! ho^ I have fled from the presence of the Lord ! Shame, shame to me. But I must bear testimony against myself — for it is I that has done this evil. And oh ! how have the winds blown up a tempestuous sea all within me — not to speak of what has gone on without. Tearfulness hath seized me. I have been afraid at night, from a consciousness of un- faithfulness. Oh ! the pauis that have got hold of me ! They have indeed drank up my spirits, and so wasted my spiritual energies that I may say, it has not been so with me, no, not since that eventful hour, four years ago last April. I had well nigh fallen asleep a few days since on this subject, and given it up as to direct effort. But 'What meanest thou, sleeper? Arise.' But, I was cast overboard. And how low I sunk ! And even now I have conversed with only thirty-five. Had I gone to my utmost, I perhaps might, at least, have finished the round. But so it is ; and I have been more than three days an exile from God. I deserved it, probably more than Jonah, although I have gone to some of the Ninevites in so lame a manner. Having been brought out of the deep while waiting upon God at evening prayer, I have found another Ninevite and cried against his sins. I have sought for others, but did not find 44 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP them. I hope to find more ; and will the Lord give me so much the spirit of holiness and wisdom, that it shall lead me in the right way ? " What may I learn from this experience ? 1 . That there is no voice clearer than the voice of God. 2. That this voice is a precept. 3. That it must be obeyed, or the consequence must follow, viz. be thrown overboard. 4. That after all deraurrincr nothinoj is gained but an accumulated load of neglects in duty, to be remedied only by immediate attention to what God has already bidden. 5. That to keep a conscience clear, which God may have blessed the soul with, by bringing one out from distress, can be effected only by keeping it void of offence in the discharge of duty. (J:;^ Be wise to learn from experience. " I have felt, and I think that I still feel stronger. But how weak I am ! True, one who has not stood just in my footsteps, knows not the peculiar trials which I have on this subject of conversing with my associates. Nevertheless, 'Is it not good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth? While I have felt, and keenly felt my baseness before God, and wept over it at his feet — and while I have * abhorred myself in dust and ashes,' and looked upon myself as a ' worm and no man ' — less than the least of God's mercies — still, I adored God, that he was high and lifted up, and that he was infinitely happy ; and that angels were happy, and tl^at saints were happy. While pleading, * Lord, JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 45 create in me a clean heart,' I felt that the petition was too big for utterance ; through groans and tears I breathed forth my desire, and I added, * Renew a right spirit within me.' The utterance of these words was attend- ed with power to my inmost adoring soul. " Lord, cause the bones which thou hast broken to rejoice ' — to re- joice, not in myself, for there is nothing in me — I am a. good-for-nothing J but in Thee. Here my enlarged capacities grasped and received a portion of infinite. But it is passing detail, or description. God be praised. When I had fallen before him I felt to adopt the words of Jesus in distress — ' Not my will but thine, Father, be done.' But my prayer ended, 'Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass.' It passed. And never more is it to be drunk. See to it my soul, that thou mix not up another, lest a worse be presented. Live near to thy God, and walk with him. Be willing and obedient, and eat the good of the land. Go and feed in green pastures. Lie down by still waters. Seek not to overleap the boundaries prescribed by the Good Shepherd. " This but-end of the cross yet remains to be raised. * My grace is sufficient for thee : for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Thinkest thou, my soul, that God will not be with thee 1 I think he will. And oh !^he must be, to make the * yoke easy, and the burden light.' " Had a fraternal and affectionate interview with dear 46 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF brother J. H. F. He, it seems, is now carrying the cross which he only dragged a httle time since. The Lord is blessing his labours ; and doubtless will reward his fidelity. Oh, for a host of reapers in the harvest. We found our exercises on the point of duty to be coin- cident. May we be faithful in all God's hands. " Sunday evening. Have just risen from my kneel- ing place, where most gracious disclosures of God's perfections have been made to my soul. My spirit heaved with this petition — that God would signalize his grace in making a display of it in me, to a degree as high as possible in this world. The beauty of holiness captivated my inmost powers. how precious ! The prospect of seeing the King in his beauty was meltingly sweet. I feel that there will be no pain when the soul of the disciple of Jesus leaves the body : for, said he, I will come again. To fall into his arms, and be con- veyed by him — unspeakable ! " Sunday evening, August. Had a signal blessing. Its communication seemed unlike in some degree from others, that is, in manner. But the fact is of more im- portance. And this is ascertained only by effects. I felt the need of such a blessing, especially in view of the approaching examination. How important to keep low before the Lord. ' He that exalteth himself shall be abased.' ' Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly ; but he knoweth the proud afar off.' JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 47 " The bestower of every good and perfect gift re- members me. Surely my history is a history of mercies as well as of sin. How affectionate and how kind are my relatives which have been given me. Thus am I under increased obligation to love and serve the Lord. " Have had our last sitting as a class with our loved Professor P. The first time I met him in the class was with peculiar and most cordial sensations. All my in- tercourse with him has endeared him more and more to me, as a gentleman, a scholar, and a Christian. To-day he finished his last communication, which he commenc- ed last Saturday. He addressed us upon the literary, political, moral, and religious influence which we, as a class, and as individuals, ought to exert in after life. Aa they should have been, his hints were practical. " I returned to my room and thanked the Lord for the instruction received from his lips, and invoked a holy benediction upon my most respected and beloved in- structor. Thus, as I formed the connexion with pray- er, it has been dissolved with prayer. In the close I heard him with tears. " Thursday. This day closes the round of recitation in my college-course. All my negligences. Lord, for- give. All the information which I have acquired, sanc- tify to the best uses. How thankful ought I at this mo- ment to be, that my feet, which had well nigh slipped and turned me from my collegiate-course, were yet in mercy prevented, and guided hither. Astonishingly 48 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP marked has been my return. Ah, this makes room for infinites to act. *' To-morrow will commence the final examination. May it issue with flowings of thankfulness from my heart to Him, in whose hands are all my future destinies. The Lord knows what is best, and that is best for me. " Friend T. and myself laid down last night, not knowing but we might be attacked. But we slept in peace, and rose refreshed, for the Lord sustained us. May our ways please Him, and then will he make even our enemies to be at peace with us. Before we retired, we provided us with clubs — remembering that Gideon went out with his lamp and pitcher. I put mine aside, repeating, ' Not a hair of thy head shall fall to the ground without thy Father,' and fell asleep, and slept soundly." I re-insert, what, in this connexion, is deemed most worthy of repetition, as the last lines penned by this sainted young man, on the eve of his leaving the walls of Nassau-Hall. They stand in juxta-position with the last extract given, and are the last note of his college-life. " This day ends my college-course, within these walls. The class was dismissed before noon. Among those who received honours my name was mentioned. Consequently, had an appointment for Commencement, six weeks hence. " Thus ends the round which brings me to another starting point. The next immediate goal for which I JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 49 am to run in the further prosecution of my studies, is the post of Theology. "In view of my college-life, my soul has just now been most deeply humbled before God, for I have seen so many defects. This is the epitome of my history in every succeeding stage of my past life — mercies AND SINS. Perhaps my heart was never so deeply af- fected with an humbling view of my nothingness before God. I was ready to banish myself, and wholly to sink into insignificance. Out of these depths I cried for help. My strength was greatly renewed. A bles- sed blessing — a rich closing antepast — the best of the wine at the last of the feast. Praise the Lord, my soul. " Now I would inscribe in view of the past, Jehovah- jirah, the Lord will provide, and take courage. "In view of the ministry, I meltingly inquired, * Should the Lord bid you relinquish this your object, would you turn aside to another? how my heart and eyes were affected! But, did not my whole soul cry out, ' Thy will be done V I said, I do not deserve the office — 1 never did. Yet how I longed for this, and preparation fully meet for it. " Had enlargement of soul in praying for Professor H., who has been made such a spiritual blessing to me ; and for Professor P., both of whom I love. I asked, too, on behalf of the faculty ; and meltingly pleaded for the students. At the same time I wept over my 6 50 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP unfaithfulness to them,' and hoped the Lord healed all my backslidings, received me graciously, and loved me freely." Can any one, who knew the writer of this Diary, read the above, and not pause in astonishment? If such a man, after having gone through the struggles of mind as we read them, before his God, in behalf of his fellow- students — if such a man, after putting forth the direct effort, by personally addressing himself to his as- sociates, urging them with tears to become the follow- ers of Jesus — if such a man, whose conscientious ac- tion has excited our wonder, and whose sanctity of devotion has caused us to tremble as we approached the holy spot of his kneeling-place — if such a man " weeps over his unfaithfulness " as he bows for the last time in his college-chamber, and upbraids himself in such lan- guage as we have read, where should most of us hide our heads ; and what should be the inexpressible throes of contrition and alarm that should heave our bosoms ? And if there is a man who thinks himself amiable, and just, and honourable, and with a character that looks fair in the sight of his God, let him come and look at this anomaly, as he must think it, here in the character of James Brainerd Taylor, and wonder that he has never felt his degeneracy. If this sainted man " abhor- red himself in dust and ashes," and deemed himself a " worm, and no man," and " keenly felt and wept over his baseness in the sight of God," and felt that he ** de- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 51 served to have a mill-stone hanged about his neck, and be anchored in the depths of hell* ;" either the mind of James Taylor was beside itself, or else there is some- thing deeper to be felt by a pardoned soul, than the wretched pharasaical trash, "I thank thee, God, that I am not as this publican. I give tithes of mint, and annis," and so on. Who, I ask, like James Taylor, did all these things 1 Who like James Taylor gave the last copper in his pocket, and " then went and begged more," and as the almoner of God " sought to feed the poor and to clothe the naked?' Whose lovely spirit ever shined forth in such inexpressible smiles of amia- bleness as lighted up his beautiful countenance, and won the love of all around him 1 Whose life through all its course was ever so unspotted — so irreproachable — so elevated above every contaminating contact of earth ? Not a whisper was ever lisped against his purity, from his childhood till the hour in which he sent forth the last breath that conveyed in it his " farewell to earth !" And yet see him on his knees before his God. It is not low enough. See him prostrate himself full on the floor. It is not low enough. He would get still lower, but he is already in the dust, and he exclaims, "For- give me, Father " — " I am a worm and no man " — " Though I should be sunk in hell, I will rejoice that Thou art happy — that angels are happy — that saints are happy !" But these extracts show us, as before we have hinted, * Memoir. 52 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF that the elevated Christian character, and high state of devotional feeling with which he entered upon his col- legiate duties were sustained, and yet more increased in stability and depth. His college-story is now told in his own language. It is, as was obviously gathered from the memoir, but less satisfactorily and full than now and here. We have seen him contending against the generally supposed tendencies of college-influences to dampen the Christian ardour, and to render vacilla- ting the Christian character of a religious youth. That there are many things in a college-life tending to such results, may not be questioned. But, in the apprehen- sion of the writer, they are less than other tendencies in the world, to produce similar effects. If the moral character has already been fixed, before a student enters college, his situation is favourable for the advancement of his religious character. Every thing there is carried on with system. The hours that call him to his various duties, are struck upon the college-bell. Books for his hours of recreation are at his hand. The services of the sanctuary are regularly attended within the walls. And all that is wanting on the part of the conscientious student, is a fixedness of purpose to adhere to his system of religious duties. Let him adopt James Taylor's three rules for college-life, and they will secure to him, in college, an enviable position for the cultivation of the religion of the heart. These rules were First — " Take care of my soul." Second — ** Take care of my body." JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 53 Third — " Take care of my studies." In college, there is nothing that need disturb the hours appropriated for retirement. The mind is unharrassed by the cares of the world. Every thing is tending to calm and to com- pose. The very employments are furthering the habit of thinking. And religion is a thing of thought. It is an object of faith ; — and devotion, if the legitimate pro- ducts of the principles of the Bible, must be the result of meditation. If there is dissipation in college, this is not among those who have come there with a Christian character. It exists among the hundreds, who devote their leisure hours to mischief. That college has not dangerous temptations for youth, whose moral principles are unfixed is another question. We are speaking of the tendencies of college-life towards the furtherance of the piety of a religious student. He, like all others, has within him the susceptibilities to which the rewards of excelling may appeal. Yet he may be allured on by these in his application, without being censurably am- bitious. Ambition which embraces in it moral obliquity, commences where the love of glory leads its votary in his pursuit, to cross some prior obligation which he owes to his God. The first rule of James Taylor will remedy this. And wherein emulation leads us not to the neglect of our moral duties, and to an infringement of our obli- gations to God, the desire of excelling is laudably in- dulged, and intended, like other susceptibilities of our nature, for our augmented happiness. To wrest this 6* 54 JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. desire from the bosom of a virtuous person, is as impos- sible, in the very nature of his being, as it would be to take away the desire to indulge our appetite when we are hungry. As the one rightly indulged leads to the preservation of our lives, and greatest strength of body, so the other, rightly indulged, tends to elevate the soul to its designed purity and enlargement. And when direct- ed towards a religious object, it is the same susceptibility of our nature which leads us to secure the favour of our God. The Christian student, therefore, is first to look to the duties that pertain to the welfare of his soul ; and indulge this native desire of excelling, as it may tend to render him more elevated and pure, as an intellectual and moral being, just as he should rightly indulge his appetite for food, to give the greater vigour and perfec- tion to his bodily energies. SECTION V. The college-exercises of Mr. Taylor, were now over. He had an appointment for Commencement, which was to take place six weeks from the time he left Princeton. From college he went to New- York. From New- York he crossed over to Jamaica, Long-Island. Thence he went to Connecticut, to spend at the hill, his father's residence, the time until his Commencement, in preparing his oration for that day. Here, and at this time, we find him attacked with pain. It is the commencement of a series of sufferings, which were terminated only with his earthly existence. The time of his Commencement approaching, he left his father's to take his degree. He reached New- York, where he was again attacked with pain. He left New- York, however, and reached Prince- ton, where his suffering was still more intense. It pre- vented his appearance upon the stage on the day of Commencement. He took his Baccalaureate, and re- turned to New- York. The first note in his Diary, after reaching his brother's in Bond-street, runs thus : " While in Connecticut, was attacked with a seatica, or rheumatic affection. Returning to New-York, it in- creased. Going to Princeton, it was more severe. Having returned again to New- York, put myself under the care of my physician, who has attended me con- 56 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF stantly for three weeks, most of which time I have been confined to my room. I was bled, and blistered on each side, and medicines of different kinds were administered, but apparently with little success. Often, when writhing in anguish of body, God has been my only helper. On him have I been able to roll all my burden, and he hath sustained me. Consolation hath abounded. In this time of need the Lord hath helped me. Alas ! I have cried, how can they sustain themselves, who have no staff to lean upon in such distress ? Herein is the differ- ence. The child of God submits. The impenitent sin- ner kicks and rebels. The one acquiesces and says it is all right. The other murmurs and repines, and thinks hard of God. The one looks at judgements and over- looks the mercies yet remaining. The other, while be talks of judgements sings of mercies. As an allevia- tion in my distressing hours I have often exclaimed, this is not Gethsemane — the nails — the spear — the cross. Nor have I had to cry out " Eloi, Eloi, lama sabactha- ni," for my Father lifts on me the light of his counte- nance. ** In extreme spasms of pain, after turning from side to side, and changing my position in every possible way for relief, I have, as my last my only resort, thrown me into the arms of the Lord. He hath looked on my affliction, and given me a broken heart ; a broken and contrite spirit. He hath madte me child-like, and given me a child's portion. Hence, have I said, ' The cup JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 67 which my Father hath given me shall I not drink it V If I mistake not, 1 have rejoiced in this tribulation. " These light afflictions which are but for a moment, work out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Yes, I believe it will make a change for the bet- ter on my behalf, in heaven even, where there shall be no more pain. That I have been patient and resigned in this affliction is to be attributed not to me — not to me — but to the grace that helps in the time of need." Who is not affected with melancholy, as he peruses this entry in Mr. Taylor's Diary, and carries on his thoughts to the rapid termination of the life of this devoted young man? He has just left the college-walls. He only has time to reach his father's house, and the iron-hand of dis- ease already has him in its grasp. If there is any one point of interest beyond another, when a parent looks with pride and affection upon the opening powers of a prom- ising son, it is at such a moment, when he returns with honour from his college, where he has laid the founda- tion for his future fame and success. The parent greets him advanced to manhood in his person, and prepared successfully to enter upon the studies of his profession, in which he will soon appear. It is, too, an era in the life of the young man. He has been mingling, in his previous course, with minds, with whom he is destined to act upon the wider stage of effort, in furthering the interests of his country and the world, while he shall jBeek an honourable name for himself. He has measured 66 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP the minds of his associates. He has learned that his own powers can compete with the first, and has seen that the rewards of genius are generally the results of industrious application. The secret of the greatest powers, and the success of the most gifted have been laid open before his perceptions, and he ceases to won- der at their triumph and greatness. He leaves the col- lege-halls, where, as in a world reduced to its smallest dimensions, he has learned to read the characters of men — their motives for action — and revolved in his thoughts the high objects before him, that allure to effort. The ambition of James Taylor ivas to excel in goodness. And yet, no one ever appreciated more highly the value of attainments in literature and science. We hear him sighing in the aspirations of a swelling bosom, for '* full qualifications " for his intended office. And no man ever looked forward to his profession with more enthusiastic ardour, while at the same time he de- aired that all his anticipated success should be turned to the account of the salvation of souls and the glory of his God. Having fixed upon his profession before he had entered college, his mind was unsubjected to the vacil- lation that often proves a source of much anxiety to other students, at the period of their graduation, and at the same time enabled him during his collegiate-studies and reading, to have his eye ever directed to the useful in its bearing upon his future success in the caUing of the ministry. As a result of this fixedness and ardency JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 69 of purpose, through all his preparatory studies, we see him availing himself of his leisure hours, and devoting them to such reading as would most certainly secure his future success in his contemplated profession. Hence, it was one of his habits in college, to give a portion of his leisure hours to the study of the original Greek of his Testament. Much of his reading, at one time, con- templated a correct knowledge of the interpretation of the Scriptures, which tended at the same time, to a mind of his devotional cast, to yield him happiness in his hours of religious meditation. With such a knowledge of the ground before him — the point to be obtained — and the means of the success for which he aimed, James Taylor looked forward with intense happiness to his course of theology. It was with such attainments and with such prospects before him, that he reached his home, where he was ever welcomed by hearts that overflowed with affection and kindness. His parents saw him at once all that they could have expected from diligence and surpassing manliness. His efforts already put forth in the cause to which he had consecrated his future life, were a gratifying earnest of his future success. His path was clear. Nothing conspired to obstruct his way, or to waken one thought of solicitude or care. His plans were already laid as to his theological course. A short vacation was to intervene before he entered upon it. In this recess of study, the notes in his Diary, as given above, were made. They tell us how he was at- 60 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF tacked with pains — his resignation in view of them — and his thoughts as they extended on to the possible re- sults in defeating his long and dearly cherished pros- pects. But, he did not then read it all — all that was before him. Still deeper had been the breakings of the heart had he seen how certainly should one hope after another fall, until he reposed himself calmly in the grave, which, in his own after and beautiful language, wore " choice attire " for him. Succeeding quotations from his Diary will exhibit the history of his future course : the advance of his disease, the awakening solicitude of friends, and the forebodings of his own mind. It may be proper here to state what we now know, but what, at the time, was unknown to his physicians and himself, that his " rheumatic affec- tion," as he often calls it, was a spinal complaint. Had it been discovered in time, or at this early stage of his disease, it might, or it might not have terminated in the future affection of the lungs, which produced his death. The writer well remembers his style of walking, ever after this period. He moved much slower than was his usual habit, and stepped with more care when raising his foot upon the elevated curb-stone of the street, when crossing from one side to the other. This was for the purpose of keeping his person erect, as a different posi- tion, as we would infer from the nature of his complaint, or a sudden jar, caused him pain. Mr. Taylor was now in New- York, at his brother's, JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 61 in Bond-street, having returned from taking his degree of A. B. at the Commencement in Nassau-Hall. It was here he penned the preceding quotations, while yet un- der the care of his physicians. An interval has passed when he writes as follows : — *' A week ago last Sabbath, was a day of peculiar manifestations to my soul. My pain seemed to be quelled for me to enjoy the coming down of heaven into my soul. " In the evening, they were suddenly called. It was thought I was soon to go into the eternal world. A faintness came upon me. I was covered with the cold chilling- sweats of a dying hour. A paleness was on my cheek that could be felt ; but glory was in my soul. I felt, and I said *All is peace — all is peace.* I soon revived. I have gone through much pain since. The • cause seems not yet removed. " Have been much cheered in hearing Hopkins' dis- course on the Millennium read. The prospect of the kingdom of Christ is so glorious — Praise the Lord, O my soul. "'Forget not all his benefits,' I have been most comfortably sick. Located in brother K.'s house, where every thing is at hand for my good. Sister E. has proved the tenderest and my most attentive nurse, anti- cipating me in almost every want. I owe her a weight of love that I can never repay. My brother comforts me by his reading, conversation, and prayers. May they each be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. 6 62 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY Of " I am also blest with a * beloved physician.* Dr. — has the marks of discipleship to the chief physician, connected with his skill. My uplifted cry has been, Lord bless him. Christian friends also visit me. Mr. Nettleton called the other day to refresh me with his countenance. Brother L. also. Mrs. W. has called from time to time, to read an hour for me, and talk of the things of the kingdom. *' 21st. My sister Almira is with me, and by her kind attention in many things favours my weakness : was so weak this morning that it was an effort to look at any one. " 22d. Sabbath. Silent Sabbaths : Sabbaths at home are not joyless ones. The Lord hath come hither to- day, and agreeably to his promise brought his Father with him. They have taken up their abode with me, and I am greatly comforted with heavenly visitations. *' Sister A. sung for me this morning, ' Sweet is thy work, my God, my King,' etc. My heart broke, and I was sweetly melted before the Lord. My brother J. and sisters R. and A. spent a part of the afternoon in conversation, singing, and pray- ing. It was a season of refreshing, a season of melting, a season to be remembered. Sweet, sweet union, and sweet, sweet communion. ** 22d. Was amazingly weak this morning. No appe- tite. The doctor has changed his course with me. For 4. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 63 three weeks I have been reduced. Now he would stimulate and raise me. ** Heard of Dr. Blatchford's illness : was in hopes of seeing him here. "25. 'Man deviseth his own way, but the Lord directeth his steps.' My calculations were all made, and my expectations were, to be located at New-Haven by this day to commence with the class my theological studies. But here I am, only able to have a book in my hands a/ew> moments at a time. " Brother L. called and prayed with me. He thanked the Lord for this trial of my faith : was melted under his concluding petitions, which were for my recovery, and that I might be made a blessing in yet preaching the Gospel. " 27th. Rode out to-day. Am thought on the gain- ing hand. ** 28th. Worse to-day — probably owing to the change of weather. Thanks to Him who has sustained me through these weeks of pain. May the coming Sabbath be a day of rest to my soul. I find it a trial to be de- tained from my studies — but the «Lord reigneth.' SECTION VI. Mr. Taylor having in some little degree regained his strength, was now so anxious to enter on his course of theological studies, that he overcame the sohcitudes of his friends, so far as to secure their consent to his being located in New-Haven, while it was still their de- sire to detain him in New-York, until he should be quite restored to health. But so soon as he was sufficiently recovered to endure the journey, he left the city for New-Haven, with assurances to his friends that his application should be no greater than would be necessary for his mental recreation. Having reached New-Haven, his first note is under date of "December 13, 1836. " I arrived in New-Haven on Wednesday last. Have become located in the Theological Seminary, and en- tered the family in which I board on Saturday morning. " On my induction into this building, (No. 139 Col- lege-chapel,) my soul was blessed with a wanted visita- tion from God. Surely he remembers me for good, and praise belongs to his name. My late illness passed in review, and my heart broke with grateful feelings that my agony of body had been removed, and that my health was so far restored. ** The relation I sustain with God — as an individual, JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 66 with this Seminary — with the family in which I am — the town — and all with whom I may come in contact, excited strong cries for help from God. O may I be blessed and prove a great blessing to others." Here we see the devoted James Taylor, in another shade of that Hght which never changed, but to add another beautiful colouring to the religious and social character of this beloved young man. He first conse- crates his newly selected chamber of study to the Being that everywhere blesses his soul. He sits and reviews the hours of his past illness, and vents before his God the tears of gratitude for bringing him thus far on his way {as he hoped) of recovering health. He then contemplates the new relations into which he has been thrown, and offers up his prayer that he may meet them with efficiency of blessings upon the souls of others, and to the continual refreshing of his own. While he thus commenced, continued, and ended all things with his God, conscientiously, thankfully, devoutly and diligently, how could it be otherwise than in the very nature of things, that he should prove a blessing to those among whom he moved, and be blessed in the rich communion of his own heart with his God? One of his brothers being a member of Yale-College at this time, presented a consideration to induce him to select the theological department of the same institution, for pursuing his studies of divinity. He had also ac- quired a partiality for the place, unsurpassed, as it is, 6* 66 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF by the charms of its rural scenery, being literally rura in urbe, and as he believed excelling as much as report said to be true, in the piety, literature, and amiableness of its society. He reached this delightful spot as seen from the last extract from his journal, on the Wednesday preceding the new year of 1827. And he was not an accession to the social and religious circle of New-Haven that was unobserved, or unfelt. He was at once re- marked as more than usually interesting in his personal appearance, his acquaintance desired, and wherever this acquaintance was formed, he secured the more than kind regards of all. How his influence was felt, and what was the interest he excited, will be gathered in part from the extracts and communications which will follow. He soon left his room. No. 139 in the College-chapel, for private chambers in the family in which he boarded. Under the same date as the last extract, we find the following note : " Wrote Aunt Willey, who lies ill." To this aunt, here alluded to, he was much attached. She was the wife of the Hon. Calvin Willey, then in the Senate of the United States. A number of the letters, from which extracts have been made in his memoir, were written to this esteemed relative. As she died soon afterwards, it will not be out of place here to intro- duce the following lines, written after the reception of the intelligence of her death. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 67 ' We knew her where the circle weep, Among the sisters there, Devotion dwell'd upon her hps. And hallowed was her prayer ; She loved the joys 'mong saints are given, And sighed for coming bliss in heaven. We knew her where lone orphans sighed And shed their silent tear, Their griefs arising, she allayed AVith more than mother's care ; She loved to sooth the mourner's sorrow, And bid them hope a brighter morrow. Around her played the sweets of home Where mothers' joys are given. The day with smiles passed cheerly on. And welcome was the even ; And prayerful o'er her babes she hung With heart on mother's feelings strung. We heard of her when ebbed the flow Of life's faint, feeble tide. She went with hopes that Christians know. Where ' crystal waters ' glide ; Ay, calm as dove at hour of even. She took her flight to rest in heaven. Then fare thee well, thou lovely spirit. Now coursing on thy way of light. Strike sweeter yet thine angel-lyric. Where joyous smiles shall meet no blight : Our moons below now fast are waning, We'll hope to meet thee at His coming." 66 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF We introduce here the following note to his sister M., as presenting a playful contrast with most of his graver epistles which are quoted in the memoir, and exhibiting a spirit susceptible of pleasure from the cheerful humour of a sprightly correspondence : " New-Haven, February, 1837. "My dear M., " Since I saw you in Wew-York, I have become located in New-Haven, and am pleasantly situated, living as I love to live, bachelor-like — that is, not to have you mistake, I have no chum. And while I can avoid it, I am sure I never would consent to have o chum, until there may be a Mrs. James B. T. And that such a thing will ever happen you will please to be notified is quite in dubio. Edward will translate any Latin expressions I may chance to use, provided you choose to keep clear of the blue-stocking reputation. In dubio, I say, not however because I would be an ancho- rite, but because I may be a cosmopolite. Were all things settled so as to make marriage a duty, I think I might not be slow in becoming its practical advocate. "After remaining in New-Haven a few weeks, brother F. and myself visited Middle-Haddam. With sister Emma I took quite a sleigh-ride, and was gone part of three days. We spent one night in W. and another in T. In both places we were cordially welcomed and entertained. We dined in Hartford with my old ac- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 69 quaintance, now Mrs. , once Miss S. D. We were always glad to see each other. Our ride was dur- ing the cold Wednesday and Thursday. I feel the effects in the ends of my fingers until this day. " J.and R. passed through New-Haven in their sleigh, on their way to The Hill, and there spent one night. They did not dare venture longer, lest Jack Frost should have his whiskers warmed before they should get back to the city. " Not having heard from you of late, do write soon. I was told that on the first Sabbath in January, there were about seven hundred souls joined the Congrega- tional Churches, within twenty-eight miles of Hartford, as the fruits of the prevailing revivals. " A kiss for the little one. Love to E. " Ever affectionately, " James." February 22d. 1837, Mr. Taylor further writes in his Diary : — " This day, appointed and observed by not a few to pray for colleges, will witness the united orisons of those who love Zion and her prosperity. All things are possible with God. This year may witness won- derfully glorious things in our institutions of learning. Even so. Lord Jesus, amen. " Last evening had an affecting view of my prospects. Methought, what shall I wish I had done on earth when I shall have entered heaven. I longed for prepar« 70 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF ation to move in the sphere to which I shall be destined. Living or dying, may I be the Lord's. *' Sunday, March. Returned last evening with my brother F., from my father's house, after remaining there a part of four days. On our arrival we found our dear mother convalescent from an illness, which at one time wore an alarming aspect. She has been happy under the affliction, and rejoices in the will of God, come sickness or health, life or death. Had melting seasons while singing, conversing, and praying at her bed-side. We carried home with us the intelligence of Aunt Willey's death. " March. Having received an urgent request in a joint letter from Rev. Mr. V. of Bridgeport, and the Rev. Mr. S., who is labouring there, I went out and spent a few days. I found things more interesting than I anticipated, and left them still more so. Mr. Y. re- turned to New-Haven with me, in hopes that I would accompany him back. But circumstances gave the ne- gative. "To day the Rev. Mr. K. entered my room and en- deavoured to press me into labours. He came from N. Killingworth, where the work of the Lord is signal. The field, as he represented it, looked most inviting; but I said nay^ in view of my Hebrew. *' Mr. V. is broken down — brother S. feeble — Mr. K. well nigh down, and no help. In view of this, what must be done? Ministers around have their hands fully .0 JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 71 employed. What must I do ? Must I relinquish He- brew roots for the present and enter the field? What am I, that I should be sought unto ? " Had, while at Bridgeport, on Saturday night, a most melting and exulting season before the Lord. It was after I had retired. I was humbled in view of past coldness and sins, and waited upon the Lord. He heard me, and raised me up, and blessed me with holy fire." We see from the foregoing extracts, the solicitous desire on the part of neighbouring ministers, to secure the labours of Mr. Taylor. The temptation to him was a great one. His ardent spirit longed to indulge in re- vival-scenes, among which he had before laboured in his successful endeavours to advance the cause of Christ. His studies, however, were before hhn, and his health far from being perfectly reinstated. The writer, in looking back to this period, cannot but feel melan- choly in the pursuasion, that Mr. Taylor, was too pres- singly urged to render his assistance in the neighbouring fields of Christian effort at this critical period of his health. He knows that he was weak, and was subject to occasional pains which he called his *' rheumatic affection" in the back. But he acted as he ever thought to be his duty, whatever might be his inclina- tion. In this instance, however, his inclination was en- tirely in unison with the persuasions of his friends. And for a time he yielded to them. We see him at 72 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP Bridgeport. He is putting forth an amount of labour which his excited state of feeUngs alone could have en- abled him to sustain in his then debilitated state of body. It was not an unfrequent remark of his, that he chose rather to " wear out than to rust out." But this senti- ment would never have suffered him to injure his health, where he was sure that a certain course would prove to its detriment. But he ventured forth ; and at a season of the year too, highly unfavourable for an invalid. He puts forth his labours, "abundant and oft." Speaking with ease and always exleinporaneoiishj, his labours of body at this stage of his debility, in walking and riding, were more destructive in their consequences to his health than his mental efforts. The writer remembers his state of health at this period, and feels it a melan- choly recollection as he recurs to the solicitude he felt at that time for the subject of this sketch, lest his efforts should be greatly disproportioned to his strength. He now feels that it certainly was such. As we shall fol- low him on in his labours, we shall admire the man, and love the Christian, and rejoice at his success, but weep over the martyred saint, while the wish fruitlessly arises, that one, whose life in such a world as ours is so de- sirable, had stayed his effort at this period of his debility ; and then, perhaps, he should have been rescued from so early a grave. We proceed to witness the action he put forth, and will now follow him on through a series of efforts of JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 7a body and mind, through which but few could have suc- cessfully gone, even in their primest state of an unin- jured constitution. He now is at Trumbull, Connecticut, five miles north of Bridgeport. " April 1 5, Sabbath. This is my birth-day. Thought I, as I paced the back-yard at brother Kant's, where I now am God might accomplish wonders through my instrumentality, were I to live twenty-six years more on earth. I was affected. I stopped, and made, as I believe, an acceptable surrender of my all to God. I called upon the heavens above me, the earth beneath me, and the objects around, to witness my purpose io be the hordes. " I am now at Trumbull, five miles north of Bridge- port, at the request of Rev. Mr. Kant. Last Sabbath I preached to his people from * Hoio shall ye escape if ye neglect so great salvation V " A week afterwards he writes : " This evening, before service, two young men came to me, Charles S. and Hezekiah N., who were awak- ened last Sabbath. They appeared deeply anxious. When they came, I presumed they had come in where I was through mistake. But I spoke to them, and found they had an errand as anxious sinners, to see me. Directed them to Christ. " Last Wednesday, P. M., came up from Bridgeport. Visited some, and was encouraged. Meeting in the 7 74 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF evening, solemn. Several had promised in my conver- sations with them, to take up the subject of rehgion. Preached from ' Seek ye first the kingdom of God.' Solemn. Two old ladies at the close — one especially, was greatly glad that I had thought of them and come to them. She seemed to be a pilgrim. Thursday, return- ed to Bridgeport, where, in connexion with brothers V. and S. have been labouring for nearly three weeks past. Friday, (fast-day,) preached in the A. M. at Fairfield, from ' I do remember my faults this day.' "Arrived here (Trumbull,) this A. M. Stormy.— Brother Kant preached in the morning. I preached this P. M. from 'They hated me without a cause.' John 15, 25. Was assisted much in the application. Arrows, I think, flew around upon the few assembled. God be praised. " This evening preached at Mrs. P.'s from 1 Cor. 1, 30: 'Of him are ye in Christ Jesus.' In view of the meeting, I was drawn out to God for a blessing. I felt as if this were an experiment. I had come here to labour, and under a few circumstances not before sur- rounding me. I am admitted to the pulpit, and officiate with the approbation of the clergy, as one of them. Thus it seems brothers L., V., S., and Kant, license me to preach. I felt encouraged. When I had given myself renewedly away to be the Lord's idiolly^ I longed to be useful, and felt willing to live and labour foiiSQwls. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 75 " When those young men came into the meeting to night, I felt more encouraged. Before naming my text, my tears ran down my cheeks. I was longing for the salvation of those before me. I felt that I cared not for myself but for Christ's sake. Much to encourage ap- peared. Solemn — melting — not a few tarried after the meeting was closed. Brother Kant attended another meeting. What will be the issue God knoweth. *' One young lady seemed to stagger with weakness, from her excitement. One young man is said to eat but little — in such distress. *' With these things before me I must stay for a little time, at least, and visit some. " Brother C. H. called on me on Friday. Together we have lived,* and prayed. On Friday, for the first time, we were in a pulpit together. He is sick and in search of health. " Fatigued, I retire. May I see the salvation of the Lord here soon. One thing is gained — the awaken- ing of sinners. Their conversion is more desirable. " 16th. Visited yesterday with brother Kant. To- wards evening went to Bridgeport, and returned with trunk and papers. Received a letter from my brother F., who had visited home. Our dear mother is feeble yet. * The Rev. C. H. here alluded to, and Mr. T. were clerks in ^e same store, previous to their leaving the city to prepare for the ministry. 76 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP " 17th. Visited to-day with brother Kant through White-Plains. Returned towards evening, fatigued. At 7 o'clock met eight or ten persons at Mrs. S.'s. There, was told that C. S. was rejoicing with tx- ceeding great joy. By description, it seems that his soul has been in extacy. Saw him yesterday, P. M. He then thought he had done all he could. If so, I said, and you have not repented, you must go to hell. He feared lest he should go back. He felt, if he did, he would be lost. His parents feared he would run mad. Here, then, victory has turned on Zion's side. Thanks to God for a trophy. If this be the commencement of submissions,* it is rather uncommon for young men to be taken first. He was awakened Sabbath before last. 'How shall I escape* — 'how shall I escape,* fol- * Mr. Taylor uses the technical word ^'submission" here, in the sense in which it has usually been employed where a re- vival of religion has prevailed. There are several such terms found in his journal, which are adopted for the sake of brevity, and in accordance with the custom of such a season. It is pre- sumed that he means, that the person to whom the word is ap- plied, was supposed to have made an unreserved surrenderor himself to God, by a controlling purpose of his heart to be the future disciple of Jesus Christ. It is in this sense, the word elsewhere occurs, when referring to those who have hopefully given their affections to God in obedient discipleship to Jesus Christ, under the influence of the Spirit, which urged them to this commanded duty in view of the deathless interests of their souls. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 77 4owed him. Thanks to God for these first fruits. To him be glory. " Spoke to-night at Chesnut-Hill school-house, from St. Luke 17 : 32. * Remember Lot's wife.^ Solemn. Anxious sinners, to whom it was addressed particularly, were apparently affected. Will God carry on this work ? Lead me in the way of duty. Give me wisdom and holiness — wisdom to win souls, and holiness to please Thee. "18. Wednesday. Visited alone in the A. M. Found Charles S. in a calm and interesting state of mind. It seems that he was exceedingly happy on the submission of his heart to God. " Miss B. A. S. in deep distress. Mrs. P. feels dif- ferently since yesterday, yet she does not say that she has been bom again. Others solemn. " P. M, Visited with brother Kant on Daul's Farms, and in the street above us. Came home much fatigued, and retired before the sun was down. Several to-day have promised to take up the subject of religion. May they, and others who have promised the same, fulfil their obligations. " 19. Thursday. Visited alone this A. M., and part of the P. M. Found encouragement to go on. P. M. Went with brother Kant to Booth's-Hill. Visited in the neighbourhood. Found professors revived. Heze- kiah N. rejoicing, and in a very desirable state of mind. He thinks he submitted last Tuesday. Was awaken- 7* 78 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF ed at the same time that Charles S., his cousin, was, as mentioned on the 15th. Miss M. N. I found weeping. She said she was awakened on Sunday evening last, at our meeting. "Preached in the evening from Luke 19 : 20. ' What lack I yet V Solemn* Was assisted — for, from the excessive fatigue of the day, I felt well nigh unable to speak. " 20. Stayed over the night at Booth's-Hill with deacon N. At half past 7 o'clock this morning met all the young people in that neighbourhood at deacon N.'s. They seemed solemn, and all promised to try to secure their salvation. " In company with Hezekiah N. went through Nich- ols'-Farm, and so along down to Bridgeport. May promises that have been made be performed. Met brother S. at Bridgeport, unwell. Work advancing. Cal- led at a few places. Returned this P. M., and on the way made several visits. Mrs. P. happy. Thus during this week, so far, I have gone over brother Kant's par- ish, and visited most of the families — some I have seen three or four times. " While on my rounds I arrived at a certain spot in the fields, and there was constrained to cry out, unprO' fiiable servant. And so I truly felt myself to be. In view of the coming Sabbath, and other things in rela- tion to this people, I stood and wept, and cried unto the JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 79 Lord. ' Lord ! help, for vain is the help of man.' Returned much fatigued. " Saturday 21. Stormy. Spent most of the day at home, preparing for the Sabbath. I have been solicit- ous as to the events of to-morrow. "B. C. seems to have come out of her troubles. She thinks she submitted last evening. Thus,/oMr give evidence of the new birth this week — an occasion for rejoicing. May many yet be born from above among this people. The Lord put upon me the whole armour for to-morrow. " Heard from my brother Fitch. The revival in Yale-College seems on the advance. " Sunday 22d. Brother Kant preached this morning. At noon the church assembled for prayer. Met with them for a little time — addressed them, and prayed with them. I wept during the singing of the hymn. ' Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove, With all thy quickening power,' etc. and was glad for the tenderness of heart I felt. Others felt. The meeting was solemnly affecting. " P, M. Preached from the words, ' How long halt ye between two opinions?' 1 Kings, 18 : 21. I spoke with unusual ease, plainness, and with apparent effect. Appointed a meeting for this evening for those who have resolved to take up the subject of religion, and for those qP V TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF who have promised to try to take it up, and for those who felt that the subject of religion was pressingly im- portant, and that it devolved upon them to consider it in earnest, and immediately. Brother Kant counted 46 of all ages, from 13 to gray hairs ; and among the number, the first men of influence in the place. In what this will result I know not. The meeting was solemn, and I in- terchanged a few words with most of them. *' Matilda N., who was awakened on Sunday eve- ning last at Mrs. P.'s, is rejoicing. She seems happy. Yesterday, about noon, she thinks she gave herself away. Thus, five are hopefully turned to the Lord during the last week. They each seem singularly bright cases. " The church met in the same room to-night where the anxious meeting was held. The church seems alive — much revived — remarkably stirred, for so little a season. " Quite fatigued from the labour of this Sabbath, and almost amazed at the turn things have taken: I wait in uncertainty as to results. " Monday, 23. Prepared a skeleton from Ep. 5 14 : * Awake ihou that sleepest.^ A. M. Made a few calls with brother Kant on Chestnut-Hill. P. M. Made a few visits in the street above us. Dull during the day. " Evening. Attended a meeting in Long-Hill school- house — quite an audience, considering the prospect of rain. I was not much interested in my subject ; and JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 81 interruption now and then was unpleasant. Wonderful that some people cannot see how destructive it is to the influence of truth to have the minds of the audience turned for half a second. Will not people have to ac- count, in the day of reckoning, for coming to meeting late and thus disturbing others, — and for getting up and going out during service, and such Hke manoeuvres ? Such things are peculiarly annoying to me ; knowing that when an audience is attentive, it is best that no counteracting circumstances should occur. " Though I did not feel so well as usual, from brother Kant's account, I hope the meeting was not lost. Spoke from Rev. 3, 20 : '-Behold 1 stand at the door and hnockJ' " Five years ago this afternoon, was the day so me- morable in my life, and to which I have so often refer- red. ! that Christians would look for creat and MIGHTY THINGS which they have not yet known. May the year to come be fraught with signal visits. May I be willing and obedient, that my peace may be as a river and my righteousness as the waves of the sea. r "24. Stormy all day. I intended and had made arrangements to visit much to-day, but have been at home reading, etc. Heard that Seldon B. is hoping that he is a Christian. " 25. In company with Charles S. visited overground already seen. Found some encouragement. A. S. in deep distress. Her sister, H. S., left on Monday, |WLdeeply anxious. w^.' 82 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF " R. A. N. rejoicing : she was awakened Sab- bath morning last, and in deep trouble all day and eve- ning: next day about noon, thinks she gave up her heart to her God. An interesting case : she appears awfully solemn : about fourteen years of age. After visiting, attended meeting at Nichols'-Farm school- house — full — attentive — solemn. Truth seemed to cut its way. Spoke from ' Awake thou that sleepest.' Miss , whom I saw the other day, and advised to give up her old hope if not a good one — in great trouble. She was once awakened and examined for admission into church : but concludes she never experienced re- ligion. Work advancing in Bridgeport. " 27. Went to Bridgeport yesterday P. M. Bro- ther S. gone to New- York. Evening, attended the church-meeting — full and solemn. Hope they will do more than they have done. Returned to Trumbull this morning. Some pain in my side. Prepared a skeleton for this evening. P. M. — Mounted my horse to visit some, but found I could not ride comfortably — stopped and went to bed. Evening: Spoke at Chestnut-Hill school-house, from Luke 14, 17: ' Come, for all things are ready.' Full and solemn — some weeping. My brother F. on his way from college to New- York — turned up to Trumbull to see me." May we not here pause and vent our sorrow, as we trace this ardent lover of his species on his rounds through the different neighbourhoods in Trumbull, to JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 83 secure their highest welfare 1 And do we not see that he is sacrificing himself on the altar of Christian devotion for these people? See him in almost every note he makes at night, writing " fatigued " — " retired before the sun was set " — " greatly exhausted " — and in the last extract, we find him with " pain in his side — unable to ride comfortably — stops on his way and reposes himself on a hospitable bed." But he rises again in the evening, and speaks to the people, and entreats them to "come" to Jesus, " for all things are ready." And what, I ask, constrained this young man to put forth such effort, in such a state of a debilitated constitution 1 Had he any thing to gain in a worldly point of view ? It was his own liberality that carried him there, and he dreamed not in any way to receive, nor xpected a farthing in remunera- tion for his toil. It was all a free-will 'offering, the venting of benevolent emotions that poured forth in fast and full venting tears, while alone he stood in their fields on his errands of love, which proved angel- visits to many. If there should chance to be a reader of this, who is unable to sympathize in the feelings which prompted James Tay- lor to such sacrifices for the future happiness of those in whose behalf his interest was now enlisted, then we say that such a person has not had his heart touched by that kindred principle, which caused Jesus Christ to cast back his eye upon Jerusalem and weep with tender- ness of commiseration as he said, " How oft would I have gathered thee as a hen gathereth her brood undei; 84 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF her wings and ye would not." To the person who knew this devoted young man, the secret of his good-will towards others was read in his countenance. It beamed with benevolence — it glowed with a smile of kindness, and with a hallowed and amiable purpose that one would think the hardest heart of iron could not resist. No one could behold that countenance without at once feeling the conviction that nothing else than the principles of the Gospel of the amiable and disinterested Jesus could have so lighted it up. Such was the truth. He was here among a people, who, but a few days before, were strangers to him. But his soul was burning with a love to the author of that system which contemplated alike every soul of the human family, and by which alone the soul may be saved. He had felt the happiness which that love bestows, and which whenever felt, g-oes out as its legitimate product in ardency of desire and sincerity in effort for the salvation of others. The providence of God directed this devoted disciple of Jesus Christ to this people, among whom he might indulge the active benevolence which a love like his ever produces. And here we see him unmindful of his debility, putting forth an effort beyond the usual power of a settled and ex- perienced minister. But he dreamed not that the pains, which he could not but notice, were the consequence of disease which soon, very soon, was to lay him in a grave, distant from the home of his kindred. Could those people for whom he was now spending his strength JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 85 have seen the feverish tint that already sometimes mantled his cheek from over-exertion, and have read the swelling emotions of his ardent bosom, and marked the tears of concern and sympathy that gushed from the eyes of an almost stranger on his errand of love as he crossed their fields in his visits from house to house — surely, surely, not one heart, we would think, could have resisted such an appeal. But we will continue the extracts from his Diary, showing the extent and the ardency of his labours put forth at this time, and the happy results that continued to attend them. "28. Stormy. Staid at home and prepared for the Sabbath. "29. Sabbath — cloudy — Brother Kant preached in the forenoon. P. M. : I spoke to the people from Luke:.'t^m nothing better, but rather grown worse.^ Truth seemed to take effect. "Anxious meetings in the evening. More fully at- tended than I expected, owing to the wetness of walk- ing and appearances of rain — solemn — one approached me this evening and said that her sister felt that the eternal truth was spoken to-day. Well might she feel it, for, having been deeply anxious, her impressions seem, in a measure, if not altogether, to have left her. How then has she ' waxed worse and worse.' " 30. Monday. Went to Bridgeport with my brother F. and then parted with him. Spent the day with brother 8 86 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF S. Evening, attended the anxious meeting, and of the professors of religion. Things seem increasingly inte- resting in Bridgeport. "31. Returned to Trumbull this morning. When I left Bridgeport, I determined to go to Middle-Haddam : but, upon reconsidering, I concluded to deny myself the happiness of seeing my dear parents and kindred. " Visited this P. M., though rainy, and found encour- agement. Two more, who seem new-born — Caroline B. and Camilla P. Found one who was awakened under the sermon — 'Awake thou thatsleepest.' (L.N.) In the evening, made a skeleton from the words, — ' Young man arise,'' Luke 7, 14. " May 1. Wednesday, P. M., went to Booth's-Hill, and visited the famihes there. Found one (A. S.) in deep waters still : yesterday her distress was such as was never before witnessed by those around her: her cries for mercy were heard as far as the gate entering the street : she has kept herself shut up for days. I found her with the Bible in her hands, a picture of dis- tress. The father is enraged at me, as another told me. And, as though /had awakened her and not God, he is said to have threatened to kick me out of doors if I again come into his house. His companion and two daugh- ters seem happy to see me, for they love the cause, " How short-sighted is the blind sinner to attribute that to man, which is the prerogative of God, viz. the awakening of the sinner. In his hands, as the conveyer JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 8T of the truth, one may be the instrument. And thanks to the Lord, who has counted me worthy to be a co- worker with Him in so glorious an enterprise, and that victory turns on Zion's side. " Evening. Spoke to the largest collection (as they say,) ever congregated on Booth's-Hill, from Rev. 3 : 20. I took interest in the subject. It was solemn and melting. Returned fatigued. " 2d. Thursday. Tarried with Deacon N. over the night. Visited in the morning in the neighbourhood. Found one that was awakened under the discourse, * What lack I yeiV Met two persons in Daniel's Farms. One in trouble. One man, debarred me from ever entering his house again. The circumstances are too trivial to be mentioned. He was in a rage ; and I think by this time is ashamed of his conduct. What am I, to have such honour 1 To Christ the language was, ' Glutton and wine-bibber.' * Get out of our coasts.' I think he was as much enraged as I ever saw a man. But I was as calm as a summer eve, and before I left him he was quelled down, so that I could talk with him. Perhaps he will think that he abused me. May he go to Christ, and all his house." Whose heart would not be won by a religion, that will mould the character into such a lovehness as is here exhibited ? How unlike all that antiquity besides has given us. Jesus Christ when he was " reviled, re- viled not again." James Taylor, the disciple of this 8& TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF Lord, and with the spirit of his Master, when buffeted on one cheek, turned, with a meekness of spirit, and pre- sented the other. What philosopher before the Christian era ever inculcated such a precept ? We find it not in all the ethic-rolls which they have left for after ages. A tooth for a tooth, and an eye for an eye, is the spirit of their revengeful codes. Will any say that James Taylor was pusillanimous in this behaviour ? Such a man of punctilio never had his acquaintance. Let him review his college-life. If there is a specimen of moral sublimity and mental daring on record, you find it there. You see him, single-handed, resolving to ap- proach each of his associates in study, under circum- stances that might have daunted any other spirit than that of James Taylor's. He resolved, and he went forth and put his purpose into execution He wavered not, although the wrath, and the sneer, and the jeu d^- esprit of a college-combination could alone have been anticipated, by a mind that looked at human nature as he had learned to scan it. And when threatened to be attacked in his room by a number of his college-associ- ates, who, in disguise, wished to resent the freedom he had assumed in presenting to them the subject of their 6bligations to their God, he lays aside the clubs which he and his companion had gathered for self-protection, and with the calmness of an infant-child he falls into unbroken slumbers, and wakes in the morning re-assur- ed in his confiding trust in the protection and care JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 89 of his God. And it is known to the writer of this Tribute that he was placed in other circumstances which would have shaken the nerves of a less fearless spirit. And once, speaking with him on the propriety of a traveller's carrying pistols with him in a foreign land, he exclaimed, with an eye kindling with assured confidence in his power over the feelings of others, " / don't believe but I could subdue the heart of a robber /" If he could not, his Diary shows us that he has more than once quelled the rag^ of a passionate man. And once when with him passing a group of persons in the midst of whom one was indulging in horrid impreca- tions, James Taylor withdrew his arm from mine and advanced to the circle, and in a moment turned again from the group with the thanks of the passionate man audibly expressed for his counsel. James Taylor was a brave man. He was always self-possessed, although of intensely susceptible feel- ings. But, he had trained them. He had marshalled his passions with the mental eye of one whose percep- tion had minutely read the constitutional susceptibilities of our nature ; and with the uncompromising purpose of one, whose principles were formed by the amiable, and forbearing, and good-seeking system of Jesus Christ — a system which is willing to sacrifice much of self for the happinecs of the immortal souls of others. Punc- tilio, according to its definition in the code of honour, entered not into his definition of a gentleman, or a hero. 8* 90 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF And yet no man had clearer perceptions of fitness and propriety in things and manners. But benevolence to- wards his fellow-men was the prevailing principle which ruled his action ; and punctilio was too much a trifle to occupy a mind bent ever, with an intense desire, on the salvation even of his enemy. And yet, he knew when to insist, and when to demand^ where a contrary course would encourage imposition, or favour impropriety in action or manner. And few men of his years ever se- cured a more general deference and respect. In no other person have I ever witnessed so much of the gen- tleness of the lamb united with the unfaltering courage of the lion. But his characteristic was to " be wise as the serpent and harmless as the dove." With such energy and gentleness — quailing never when pursuing the path of duty, but solicitous ever to adopt the course of most successful effort in his benevolent designs towards his fell(;w-men, he walked forth wherever he went, with a composed step and a swelling heart — the doer-of-good to those with whom he associated. It was thus he moved through the community where we now find him, spending his energies of mind and the waning powers of his constitution, which was now fearfully approaching a crisis in his experience, which should at length sus- pend his efforts of active benevolence toward his fellow- men, and of happiness to himself; and was destined ere long to throw a deeper cloud upon the bright hopes of his friends, and eventually to dispel from his own JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 91 bosom the last ray of happy expectation of labouring, as a minister of the Gospel, in the vineyard of his Lord. I continue the extracts from his Diary, exhibiting his further and successful efforts among the people of Trumbull. The next entry succeeding the last one quoted, is made the same P. M. as follows : — " Returned home and retired to rest. Evening. Spoke at White-Plain school-house, from Luke 7, 14. ' Young man arise.^ Crowded and attentive. Received a letter from my brothers K, & J. Wrote to them. The following is the letter alluded to. It is in reply to a joint-note from his brothers, who questioned whether he were not assuming too great a license in his public action, being as yet only a theological student. " Trumbull, May 3d, 1827. " My ever dear Brothers : " Your paternal epistle reached me last evening, after the fatiguing labours of another day. Did you know how it refreshed me to hear from you, perhaps you would write oftener. " Of all people in the world, I have the least reason to doubt the tender regard and iimely solicitude of my brothers. Too much has been manifested on your part to leave me in doubt as to your best feelings. " I am fully persuaded that your most cordial desires 92 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP are enlisted for my welfare; and often with weeping have I thanked our common Father, that I have relations and friends so valuable as you, and have both proved yourselves to be, to the unworthiest. Even now, spon- taneous tears fill my eyes, and my soul breathes the prayer, May heaven bless you both, and all yours, now and for ever. "All the 'power' that belongs to me, 'ecclesiasti- cally,' is that of a lay member ; for I am simply a mem- ber of the Cedar-street Church. As such, it becomes me, in common with my brethren, to do 'good to all.' What greater good than that of winning their souls to Christ ? To attempt this is the duty of the weakest, as well as the most gigantic servant of Jesus. *' That I have a call of God besides, to preach the Gospel, I have no more doubt than I have of the ex- istence of God. This I count a blessing, one I did not enjoy when I began to prepare for this work. But since I received it, it has been peculiarly satisfactory ; and what all do not have the happiness to possess. It did not become mine, but through strong cries, and many tears, and wrestlings, when I was in college. In grate- ful remembrance of that season, my pen has stopped to weep, and thank the Lord. It is a blessing of his im- parting, not to me, but to Him be the praise. It is a blessin^- of great worth to any one who attempts to preach the Gospel, to feel that he has a commission from JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 93 God. I now feel as I have often felt ; * Wo is me, if I preach not the Gospel.' " The power I now exercise, if I exercise any, is this, simply this, and no more than this, ' Speaking the truth to my neighbour.' Zech. v. 3. 16. This I do, * pub- licly and from house to house,' by night and by day, as I have opportunity. I do not baptize nor administer the sacrament. What I do is done under the sanction and wish of the regularly ordained pastors of these churches; and, if I mistake not, from the expressions of some, in accordance with the ardent wishes of the church members themselves. If this be wrong, let a man prove it so, and I will cease to do wrong. ** What matters it whether I take my stand in a pulpit or on a stump in the field ? If in the church, why under the pulpit rather than in it? If the question be decided by convenience, both for the audience and the speaker, the pulpit is the place. " To me this seems to be straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel. Knock down the pulpit, and raise a platform. To me it makes no difference where I stand. But I like to see the people, and hearers generally like to see the speaker. " You say ' it is out of order.' What statute book de- cides it to be out of order for one to 'speak the truth' to all who will hear him? To what body am I amenable — who will dare to censure me, and reprove me for seeking not mine own, but the things that are Jesus 94 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF Christ's 1 and in the way I do it ? Will a Presbytery? They have no power over me, for I am not a member of such a body. Will the session of the church of which I am a member ? To them I am amenable, if the course I have taken be wrong. Will the Theological School at New- Haven 1 Thus do the students — at least one of them told me he did the same before he was licensed, to support a vacant pulpit. And when a minister wants help, shall not one help him in a way seemingly the best ? Shall I be censured by those ministers, who conducted me into the pulpit 1 " * Why appear as a minister when you are not?' It is known that I am a student of theology. The min- ister, in the church, and when present at other meetings, always pronounces the benediction. When absent, I close the meeting with a short prayer. 'I am not ashamed.' Why should I be ? God approves — sin- ners are awakened and converted — meetings are crowded — houses are opened to receive me — the work of God is advancing — the harvest whitens : says the minister, with affection and emphasis — ' We love you and wish you here ' — prays for me, unwilling that I should leave him. " When the cry is all around, help, help, help, shall I close my mouth, because a man may make a distinction between a pulpit and something else, when no such dis- tinction is made by the Bible ? Never — were I to die to-day. I feel that I ought not to hold my peace ; and JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 96 as I know of no statute that forbids my naming a text to speak from, and as I find this the most convenient for myself, and every way acceptable to those who hear me, I presume I shall not be censured for this. " The question is. What is right ? not what this or that man says, without alleging his proof — shall I hold my peace ? My labours have been so great for some time past, you need not be surprised, if I turn aside and rest awhile. I shall be glad once more to fall into your embraces, and to be refreshed in your mansions. " May you increase more and more in this world's goods, but especially be rich towards God. " Through your munificence I abound, and am now as I always have been, " Your obliged and affectionate brother, "J. B. T." *' 3d. Friday P. M. Rode to New-Haven. Found it advantageous. Called on Rev. Mr. L. of Stratford. "4th. Saturday. Returned from New-Haven, via Derby and Huntington. Saw Rev. Mr. P., who wished me to come and labour in his society. Things are in- teresting and have been so for months past. Met Rev. Mr. N. of R., who invited me to his house. " Returning through Booth's-Hill, found Abbey S. rejoicing. She met me not the same picture of distress which I had left when I parted with her on Thursday morning, but the brighter resemblance of joy. A sig- li 96 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF nal deliverance. A bright case. Mother and sisters rejoice with her. H. in deep trouble, having returned home and found her younger sister taken and she left. " A. S. told me that she thought that she was awaken- ed in hearing me talk with her sister, and at the meeting when I spoke from the words, ' What lack 1 yet V " 5. Sabbath evening. Last evening prepared a dis- course from Eph. 4, 30. ' Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,^ Retired to my room to seek God. I have found him as my Father, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. My heart has broken and melted in some good degree. It has bled for this people, that God would visit them in great power. This morning, I have again, with tears and contrition of spirit, thrown myself upon the altar of God, as a burnt sacrifice. I felt and said to God, *If thou throw me into hell, at least, let me live for thy glory while on earth.' I felt as though I de- served to be hurled into the nethermost hell, on account of my sins and great inconsistency. I felt heart-broken in view of the littleness of my own growth in grace, when apparently the instrument under God of awaken- ing and converting others. I have this morning longed with fulness of soul that I might see the glory of God in the sanctuary, as I never saw it before. Submis- sively, I laid all before God. " Spoke in the morning from Eph. 4, 30. ' Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.' Felt the assistance of the blessing, which I experienced in my chamber this morn- ing. Truth seemed to go home to the hearts of the JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 79 people. At noon, followed up the subject in the meet- ing for professors and others. Heard that — (the one not quite ready, &c., a few days since,) submitted her heart to God yesterday, after I left her. In the P. M. brother Kant preached a sacramental sermon, and administered the Lord's supper. In the evening attended the anxious meeting. Between thirty and forty were present though cloudy and likely to rain. Found another instance of rejoicing. Said the person ' I am happy.' William B., son of one of the deacons, thinks that he found Christ as his accepted Saviour, in the church, thi? A M. This lad of thirteen years of age, was singularly awakened. At home, and during most of a night he was in distress, and wept. No one had spoken to him. When it was enquired of him why he was thus distressed, he was unwilling to tell. At length, how- ever, he said, 'it is nothing as to this world.' His father bows before God in humble gratitude. His case has been an interesting one of anxiety. " 12. Sabbath. Last Monday set out for New- York. Our Saviour said to his disciples *Let us turn aside and rest awhile.' Thus I went to recruit. On board of the steamboat met the Rev. Mr. S. of D., and the Rev. Mr. B., both of whom solicited my labours. " Found my friends in New- York well, and as usual glad to see me. Rev. Mr. Bruen was desirous of my help in New- York. Addressed his flock in the lecture- room. But all must be given up to cultivate the field 9 98 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF in Trumbull for a season. During the week, in New- York, attended the anniversaries of the different be- nevolent institutions. More interesting than usual. Less display and more spirituality marked the per- formances. " While in New- York, I heard of the death of Miss Sarah W., whose case is of dear remembrance, as wit- nessed two years since in Princeton. I felt as if I had lost one of my praying friends. In the evening I wept as I walked the streets. It was not because this friend had gone to heaven, but that one so unworthy as my- self, in any way, should have peopled that heavenly world. As one of my spiritual children, and perhaps the first one gone to glory, I hope to meet her at the right hand of God." It may not be uninteresting, in connexion with this affecting remembrance of Mr. T., to interrupt his jour- nal by an extract from two letters of this young lady, which were sent in reply to communications* addressed to her by Mr. Taylor, by way of assisting her in her new course of discipleship to Jesus Christ. She is now, it is to be trusted, in the society of the happy, to be for- ever grateful for the influences, which, in the providence of God, were brought to bear upon her mind through the instrumentality of him, whom we have contemplated in the preceding paragraph as weeping, in tender recol- * See Memoir. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 99 lections, over the departure of this his Christian friend. The first letter is dated Trenton, April 7th — the se- cond, May 8, 1825. " Yesterday I received your very kind letter. It was a pleasure I little anticipated. To you, sir, I feel that I can never be sufficiently grateful for your kindness and perseverance towards me, a stranger as I was, when you first conversed with me ! Hourly do I bless my Maker, that he permitted me to visit Princeton, and there to form an acquaintance with such a faithful guide as you have been. Indeed, at this instant, I feel, that but for your conversation, argument, exhortation and watchfulness, and your prayers, I should, until now, have been a wretched wanderer fiom Christ, and perhaps have continued to wander until I was lost ! But I now feel that I can say, with a penitent and thankful heart, * Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name !' ' Blessed are they that put their trust in him.' It is my constant prayer that I may be willing at all times to submit to my Redeemer's will, and have no will otherwise of my own. " Your letter contains much good advice, and may the Lord bless you for giving it ; and to me give grace to walk in the path you have so kindly and so plainly pointed out. Yes, I see the path of duty is plain and delightful to the Christian who walks obediently and de- cidedly therein ; but how much difficulty and trouble they will meet with, who turn aside from the strait and 100 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP plain path. * Lord, lead me in the right way/ * Be thou the guard and guide of my youth.' " You urge me ' to press forward into the fullness of Christ's love.' Such is my constant prayer and sincere desire. I feel as if I had but just touched the hem of my Saviour's garment ; but I long to press forward, and clasp him to my arms, and call him mine forever. If others will stand still, it will not do for me. I have much to do, having so long been a votary of sin ; and I feel that no succeeding moment of my time can now be spared to be given to the world, since my eyes have been opened. Oh how many precious days have I lost ? How many precious privileges ? How many Sabbaths have I broken ? I feel myself a very child in religion, and that I have every thing to learn. But all my de- pendence is on God ; and oh, what a good and faithful God he is. Like Mary, will I sit at his feet and learn. " Immediately on my return to T., I was much en- gaged, but my thoughts were most busy in looking back upon my past life, and in blessing God that he had so long and kindly borne with me. Hourly do new views spring up in my mind to awaken my thank- fulness. " I have had but little time to devote to my friends since my return. My young friends have called on me, but I have not conversed with them yet. This morning I called to see a young lady with whom I was JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 101 intimate. She was at home. When I left her, she wept. Dear girl, her heart is tender. I hope, ere long she may see the folly of living without an interest in the Saviour, and submit her heart to him. " Mr. Taylor, you wrote me that some on Monday evening appeared more anxious. The Lord be praised for it. My heart was with you all. My prayers, too, feeble as they are, that little band will always have. I know I was always backward in conversing with you. I do not know how I could have been so with you, who have been to me such a kind and faithful friend ; but you will please forgive me, and think not, because I did not ajiswer, I did not hear. Indeed, the fear of losing a word, I believe, sometimes kept me still. " I think that C. is very anxious. I did not converse mach with her, but intend writing. Do you, sir, con- verse with her, just as you used to do with me. She can- not long remain in her present state of mind. Persuade her to submit to her Saviour. But should she go back — I dare not to think of it. " I now feel that I have lost much, by not being less reserved when with you. There are many things about which I would now like to inquire. You have been my kind and persevering guide thus far. You know my feelings and sentiments better than any one else. Per- haps you may think otherwise, as I did not freely ex- press them. But you have conversed with me, or, at least, talked a great deal to me ; and you never uttered 9* 102 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP a single opinion in which I did not fully agree with you. If I had not, I should have told you. And I now feel that you can better guide me than any other of my reli- gious friends. I hear much on some points of doctrine I perhaps do not understand. My experience is short. But, since I returned, I have read in my Bible every leis- ure moment. I have not as yet read much in the books you loaned me. I desire to come out from the world by a public profession of religion. I feel it to be my duty, and would not willingly break one of the least commandments of God. But I would not be called a roving Christian; and would always wish to live a member of that church I may join, and would under- stand its doctrines, that I may, if I approve, abide by them. My mind, in this state of anxiety, is unsettled. I feel that the advice you would give would be proper, as you are most competent, and it would be such as I could follow ; and I pray God that your answer may direct me. " My mother desires to be remembered to you, who have been the means of opening her daughter's eyes. "S. W." " I return you many thanks for your kind letter. I pray I may be profited by so much good advice, kind caution, and many wishes for my happiness. *' My mind was very much harrassed after I left Princeton, about joining the church. I now see that JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 103 my motives for staying from the communion were very weak ones ; and that it was altogether a delusion of satan to tempt me to stay back. If I had delayed, I now feel that I should have been wretched — for, I should knowingly have broken one of the most binding commandments, " The Sunday after you left here, I joined the church. Yes, for the first time, I took my seat with the people of God at the Communion table. My feelings on that day I can never describe. My soul was melted into repent- ance for sin, and into love towards that dear Saviour, who had done so much for me. I never before felt so sensibly the deep extent of my obligation to God. I never before felt so sensibly the depth of my ingrati- tude, and my utter unworthiness to receive any mercy or favour from the hand of God. But I went with all my sins — a heavy burden. 1 bowed down at the feet of my Saviour. I there anew submitted myself to him all unworthy as I was. I begged of him to cleanse me from all my sins, and sanctify my soul. " After partaking of the emblems, my soul felt greatly refreshed and strengthened. It was a blessed season to my soul. Verily, the Lord was there. I felt his presence. I felt that ' his banner over me was love.' " And now, my friend, I have more need than ever of your prayers. Pray that I may prove faithful to the promises I have made. They were, to renounce the world and its vanities, and to live to God alone — to that great and good God ! who has been so good, and 104 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP SO kind, and so merciful to me, a poor, miserable sinner. ! may I feel the solemnity of what I there engaged. May I be watchful over every thought, and every word and action. I daily pray to God that he will, for Christ's sake, lead me in the strait path of duty — keep my feet from falling, and be the guide and the guard of my youth ; and that I may not be a stumbling block in the way of others. And yet, if it may seem strange to you, I have sometimes been tempted to think that I have deceived myself, and am not a Christian. But, on examination, 1 feel an evidence within, that I have met with a change, and that Christ did suffer and die even for me. I will tell you what led me to doubt. I find not in myself all that spirit of zeal and holy fervor which I have heard others speak of — those holy transports and meltings I have heard you describe. But I know there are * babes in Christ.' I feel my weakness. I pray God to strength- en me. And I would that Christ may fill my soul with his love, and that all I do may be for his glory. "I have examined the commands and the promises, you so kindly pointed out. God grant me grace to obey the commands, and then the promises will all be ful- filled. Pray that the Lord would give me a spirit of prayer. And I desire the ' gift' of prayer. Your pray- ers for me have been heard, and I hope answered. I know that God hears the prayers of the weakest. I feel that he hears mine ; and blessed be his name for it. But while I pray for myself, I would pray for others, JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 105 and with them. It is this that I want — the spirit not only to pray for but with them " I still am forced to say that I have conversed but little with my friends. The opportunity has not been given me, and I greatly fear that all I could say would be disregarded. But even if it should be so, I will not neglect my duty. I have affronted two young ladies of my acquaintance already. I cannot help it. I did not mean to offend them. I do not wish them to know that I have ever heard any thing that they have said. I have been disappointed about the young friend I mentioned in my first letter. She is not even thoughtful. At least, she is not considered so. I have gone several times to see her, but always found company with her. " My mother desires her remembrance, and I again ask your prayers. Farewell. And if we meet not again in this world, God grant that we may meet in heaven. "S. W." Such were the early breathings of the Christian spirit of this young lady, who not many months after died in a full and confiding trust in the love of a Saviour, to whom she thus early devoted her affections. And now, we trust she is not the only one among the happy spirits of the saved, who have left this earth, with grateful ac- knowledgement of the Christian exertions and affection- ate solicitude of one, who, in the last extract we have made from his journal, is represented by his own pa- 106 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF thetic pen, as pausing amid grateful but melancholy re- collections to weep for the exit from this earth, of a spirit, which, under God, he trusted he had been the means of furthering on its way to the changeless bles- sedness of the saved. It is a grateful pause, as we advance in the extracts from Mr. Taylor's journal, which records his continued and similar action and successful exertions for others, thus to quote the evidence of the consistent disciple- ship of those who have been immediately influenced by his efforts, but v/hose hands that traced the con- sistent sentiment, and whose bosoms, which felt the devoted emotions, are now cold as his own dust ; but whose spirits now together, alike glow around the throne of their God in happy and ceaseless communion and worship. Other similar communications might be quoted, but we return to the Diary. " Arrived at brother Kant's, who cordially welcomed my return. Found that C. B., whom I had left in deep distress, had submitted. Also Miss P. S. The one on the first, the other on the fourth instant. " This Sabbath-noon was a season of power. Con- viction seemed to roll like a turbulent vrave through the meeting, as I urged sinners to prepare to sit down with the children of God in heaven, else the time would come, and that soon, when they could sit no longer beside Christians here. This P. M. spoke from the words — ' / pray thee have me excused,* And was attentive. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 107 In the evening, about thirty-five were at the meeting of inquiry. Tarried over night with deacon Nichols. " 13. Monday. Saw Miss F. B., who thinks she gave her heart to God this morning. Awakened under, * If hat lack I yet V Has been in deep distress. Vis- ited and found encouragement. " 14. Thursday. Spent the night at Rev. Mr. V.'s in Bridgeport. Had purposed to go to Middle-Had- dam, and take a journey with my dear mother for the benefit of her health, but the state of things in Trum- bull hardly warrants my going. I therefore wrote my brother F., desiring him to accompany her to this place by Saturday evening, that I might go with her hence. P. M. Visited * from house to house.' Evening, spoke at Daniel's-Farms school-house, from Job 15 : 21. ^A dreadful sound in his ears.^ Solemn. " 15. Wednesday. Tarried over the night with dea- con Beach. A. M. Visited some. P. M. Prepared a subject for this evening. Visited and found two cases of hopeful conversion — Miss B. and Emily B. The former evinced much brokenness of heart and contrition of spirit. Evening. Spoke at Chesnut-Hill school- house to a crowd, from James 4:7.' Submit your- selves to God.' Truth seemed to find way to the con- sciences of the hearers. " Thursday, P. M. Visited from house to house. Evening. Spoke at Nichol's-Farms school-house to a crowd, from Acts. * Sirst what shall 1 do to be saved V 108 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF "Friday. Went to Bridgeport, and found brother Vail had returned. Still in a feeble state of health* Should have spoken this evening, but Dr. Taylor's arri- val relieved me. " Saturday. Returned to Trumbull, via Stratford. Found brother L, unwell. * In labours more abundant ' undermine the feeble frame. Called on Messrs. 0. and L. " Sunday. At noon had a meeting of the young con- verts at Mrs. S. P's. They seemed much to enjoy it. P. M. Spoke from Psalms 2:11. * Rejoice with trem- bling.^ Did not become interested until near the appli- cation, when the effect was so apparent, / broke off! Some now felt who before were unfeeling. I called them all to record that day, if 1 had shunned to declare the truth to them ? The appeal was seemingly power- ful on their consciences, and I was helped, from con- scious faithfulness in this subject. Evening. Went as usual to the anxious nieeting. The room was so filled with the young converts and inquirers, that I thought it expedient that the converts should move into an adjoin- ing room, to make place for others of the anxious. I said before any rose, that those who trusted that they had become religious during this revival are requested to move into the adjoining room. I assigned as rea- sons, that the seats were greatly crowded and that the atmosphere of the room was close. By this movement our comfort will be consulted, and room will be made JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 109 for the inquirers. The effect, as the young converts rose from among their anxious friends, was sudden and powerful. There was an instance in which a sister left a sister behind — another, of a brother, who left his sister — cousins left cousins — and friends, associates — and acquaintances, left their friends and associates and acquaintances. The scene naturally led on our thoughts to the Judgement-Day ; and the occasion was improved, to further the good cause. It was the most numerous meeting which we have had — the most solemn and af- fecting. Probably fifty were left behind. One circum- stance tended greatly to affect those who remained in our room. In an adjacent chamber the members of the church then assembled, were singing at the time a hymn, the chorus of which was, ' I'm bound for the kingdom, Will you go to glory with me V etc. those who were now singing were parents, and sisters, and other kindred, of those who were in our room. I asked them one moment to listen ! All was as solemn as eternity ! " The revival thus far has been pleasant. Though in one or two instances the wrath of man has been wit- nessed — and though by one I was called an imposter, yet ' these things do not move me.' Probably the work is in as interesting a state as ever. But what will be the issue, time must develope." Here occurs a break in the Diary of Mr. Taylor. 10 110 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF And we ourselves may appropriately pause, and carry back our contemplation, and mark the results of his efforts in Trumbull. We see him, in his last note, in a crowded house — Christians, who are members of the church, singing their hymns of praise — and those who . have, in considerable numbers, become religious, while he has been with them, moving from among the seats of a crowd of anxious souls to another room. And in the sublimity of a scene where anxious spirits are wait- ing in solemn communion with their souls, and upon their responsibilities for eternity, he asks them, amid impressive silence, to listen to the sympathetic strain of Christian kindred in the adjacent chamber, as they sing in a melting appeal, "We're bound for the kingdom, Will you go to glory with us ?" Fifty anxious spirits are held in a solemn silence, in- tercepted alone by the waking sigh and other evidences of hearts which are now throwing with the exciting thoughts of a possible separation from their Christian friends, when those friends shall be reckoned with the ransomed at the judgement-seat of Christ. Mr. Taylor in a previous extract, speaks of his effort put forth in Trumbull, as an " experiment.'* He spake thus in relation to his own labours, as it was the first in- stance where he had entered a place alone, to com- mence and to carry on a series of Christian efforts, JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. lU which he believed, with the blessing of God, would re- sult in the exciting of the religious sensibilities of the people, and eventuate in the conversion of their souls. He had been in revivals before. He had enjoyed the pleasure which his ardent spirit experienced amid scenes of religious excitement. But he had laboured with others, with their counsel, and under their direction, and always possessed their confidence and affection. It was by the pressing invitation of clerical friends, who knew of his happy manner, and lovely piety, and suc- cessful influence in urging others to give their affections to their God, that he had now left his studies for a short time, and visited Bridgeport. Here he assisted his friends for awhile. Trumbull was five miles north from Bridgeport. The minister from that place met Mr. T. and solicited his efforts in behalf of his people. Burn- ing with a desire to win souls to Christ, he consents to speak to the people in Trumbull, and if he finds that his messages of pursuasion and entreaty are listened to, he will continue his efforts. With these feelings he ac- companies his friend, the minister of the place. His ex- hortations arouse the attention of the people. They are thrilled under his discourses. He goes to their houses, and with an urbanity that won for him the re- spect and attachment of those on whom he calls, he urges them to make religion the thing of their immediate and chief concern. They feel his sincerity, and promise before their God to seek the welfare of their souls. t 112 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF We have followed him in extracts from his Diary through these efforts. We have seen him in the pulpit — the school-house — and the private dwelling, dehver- ing his impassioned and affectionate addresses. We have followed him in his visits from house to house. And we gather from the texts of Scripture, which he has recorded as the themes of his discourses, and from the notes of his social interviews, what was the kind of effort which he put forth. That it was the effort which was called for in the circumstances in which he was placed, we may judge to be certain, from the results which attended them. How many were hopefully con- verted during his stay among the people of Trumbull, is not a matter of specific record. The number, how- ever, was great for the amount of the inhabitants, and but few instances can be found where greater effect has been produced by the efforts of a young man in the space of time, in which Mr. Taylor, as yet a theologi- cal student, accomplished among this people, where he has left many a heart that cannot forget, and will be happy to acknowledge him as their spiritual father, through the ages of a happy eternity. As evidence of the fitness of these efforts in producing the desired result, under the influences of the Spirit, and as further illustration of Mr. Taylor's manner in his approaches to strangers, and his conversation with them, we may here copy a paper, which lays open to us with great simplicity of language and feeling, the effect of his JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 113 religious intercourse upon the minds of some in Trum- bull, with whom he associated in his rounds and labours while among them. The paper appears to be a trans- cript from a daily journal of another, whose feelings it records : " April 19, 1827. As the Lord is pouring out his Holy Spirit in H., and being in the outer part of that town, I did not think it particularly concerned me. But soon it spread into Trumbull. The clergyman of that town came into the street where I reside, and brought with him a young minister, Mr. T. He impressed it very much on my sister lo take up the subject of religion, and to seek an interest in Christ. Mr. T. asked her if she was not ready. But she manifested that she was not. * Your mother,' said he, *is willing — your sisters are willing — Christ is willing — I am willing :' and then casting his eyes up to Heaven, he said, * Lord, make her willing!' if you are not ready, remember when you meet me at the bar of God, there happened a stranger along, and invited you to go to Christ, but you were not ready. " As I was in the room, and he passed me in silence, the thought rose in my mind, why should he not speak to me — is not my soul as precious as hers 1 The same evening Mr. T. held a meeting at , and took his text from Matthew, 19, 20: * What lack I yet?' He addressed himself to those who were not ready, and prayed to the Lord that he would make them ready. 10* 114 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF After the meeting was closed, he came to me and said, * You lack a great many things — you lack a new heart.' But I came home, careless and unconcerned as ever. In the morning after, I was requested to go down to , with my mates. I went down very reluctantly — I found some of my companions rejoicing in the Lord, and others very much impressed with a sense of their sins. Mr. T. said that God would pass by some of us — we ought each to inquire who it is — Is it I ? Is it I ? I came home that P. M. and felt myself a sinner. I went to the Throne of Grace for relief. But my dis- tress still increased. "22d. Sabbath-day. I went to meeting with a very heavy heart and down cast eye, unable to rise in prayer- time. Mr. preached from John 3, 9 : ' Nicodemus answered and said unto him. How can these things be V The preacher said that, unless a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. He stated how Chris- tians felt. They could not express their happiness to an unawakened sinner. Their joy was unspeakable and full of glory : I thought that I had never felt such joy. As I was coming home, my sister said to me, * I have heard good news — your mate ,' they say ' has be- come religious, and is rejoicing in the Lord.' O, what feelings swelled my bosom ! I felt as though I should be the one that God would pass by ! *' 25th. My burden of sin increases. In the afternoon Mr. T. called on me again, and invited me to go to JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 115 Christ. He said that there were a number who had given their hearts to Christ, and they wanted me to go with them. 0, what feeUngs pressed upon me ! My sins redoubled. None can tell but the Lord who made me — he was my stay. After a few moments, Mr. T. urged me to go to my room and not to come down again till I gave my heart to Christ. I went up with a heavy load of sin, and there wrestled for two hours or more, but found no relief. I came down and thought there was no mercy for me. I got but little rest that night, but spent the hours in entreating hard for mercy. " 26. This morning I awoke, asking for mercy. To- day I have kept my chamber — seldom go down to eat or drink, for I am full of sin. I have sinned against the great and Holy God. I am such a great sinner I can hardly offer up a prayer to God in Heaven. The Bible condemns me wherever I look. It says, unless you repent you shall sink down to everlasting burnings prepared for the devil and his angels. " 29th. To-day is the Lord's day. I feel not so much alarmed, although I am a great sinner. The burden of sin lies here, heavy on my mind. ! if I could but have an interest in Christ. There is nothing I wish for but him. I went to meeting in the P. M. The text in Mark 9 : 22, 23 : * But if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe — all things are possible to him that belie veth.' I came home thinking that I 116 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF would call on the Lord Jesus Christ, and I should find mercy, but found no relief. "May 1st. This day will long be remembered by me. I feel as though I should sink down to the bot- tomless pit — Hell is before my eyes — 0, that dreadful place of torment ! Never did I experience such a dark day. Hell stands wide open ready to receive me. 0, what horror and distress I have felt, with bitter groanings and cries for mercy ! Unable to sit up, I go to bed, but cannot lie. Pen nor tongue can describe my feelings. * Prostrate I lie before his throne And there confess my guilt, I tell him I'm a wretch undone Without his sovereign grace.' During the night, being very weary, I got but little sleep. Awoke many times crying, ' Lord save me or I perish.' " 2d. My fears still increase. I hate sin with perfect hatred. The Bible still condemns me, and says, * Ex- cept ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.' Mr. T. called on me in the afternoon — as he is going to have a meeting in this street this evening, he asked me if I had given my heart to Christ. If the Bible appeared any differently to me. I told him I thought not. I asked him to pray with me. He, at first, hesitated, then consented to make a short prayer. He asked me if I was going down to the meeting. I told him I was. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 117 He told me to give my heart to Christ before I went. I went down to the meeting, my feeble frame unable to bear me up. My wicked heart more agitated than ever. Mr. T. commenced the meeting by a hymn. He read thus : — 'Behold a stranger at the door, He gently knocks — has knocked before — Has waited long, is waiting still, You treat no other friend so ill ! ' O, if he had taken a dagger and pierced it through my heart, I could not have felt worse. O, my heart was too full to be expressed ! Tears flowed from my eyes hke rivers of water. I felt as though I had treated that Friend so ill, that there was no mercy for me. Mr. T. took his text, Rev. 3, 20 : » Behold I stand at the door and knock.' He said that Christ was knocking at every sinner's heart present. I sincerely felt as though I was one. He said the awakened sinner who would turn back to the world, would, hereafter, go to the door of mercy when too late, and say, ' Lord, Lord, open unto us. And then will the Lord profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity.' He said, any sinner who would go home and go to bed without prayer, if he should awake in the night, let him think how he would cry, * Lord, Lord, open unto us.' 0, I felt as though I should sink down into the dust. Mr. T. came to me after the meeting, and said, go home 118 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF and give away your heart before you retire. I came home. 0, 1 felt to say, wculd, would I had died in my cradle, or had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me ! For, the arrows of the Lord, are within me — the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit. I sat up some time alone in my chamber. None can tell what feelings I had. After a while I composed myself to he down. I am weary with my groaning. All the night make I ray bed to swim. I water my couch with tears. I felt as though I should be one who would cry, ' Lord, Lord, open unto me ! ' *' 3d. I am no better, but rather grow worse. what terrors of hell I do feel ! I cannot continue thus long. I am almost exhausted, and where shall I go t — down to hell ! 0, 1 feel it now : and what, will it be to all eternity ? Christ is willing to rescue me. 0, I praj that he would make me willing. I feel as though it is all my own fault I do not repent and turn to God, and give myself wholly away to him. I hope I shall never have another minute's peace as long as time continues to me, unless I submit. 0, 1 feel as though I am a poor, unworthy, hell- deserving sinner. Hell is too good for me. I cried - — ' O that my load of sin were gone.' " Mr. T. came to see me about eight o'clock in the morning. I could hardly get up out of my chair to welcome him. He stayed but a few moments. He JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 119 said ' They say you are going to the meeting, this even- ing. Now give your heart away to Christ before you go. You may die, even before the meeting.' 0, how it struck me ! I felt as if I should sink down to the bottomless pit. The blackness of hell appeared before me. He bade me good morning, and left me, poor, un- worthy, hell-deserving sinner, to settle it between God and myself. I knelt down and prayed without much cessation, till about half-past ten. In that same posi- tion my soul was filled with joy and peace of mind, which I cannot express. That horror and dismay whiwh possessed me, turned into a pleasant smile. Christ appeared to me in every thing. In the after- noon, I went to meeting. Was very much delighted. Had some conversation with , which increased my joy. I stayed in the evening to a meeting. Came home about eleven. I felt so happy I could not sleep. It was peace, happiness, and joy, which I never before felt. " 4th. The glory of God shone forth in my soul this morning. Every thing wore a pleasant smile. My thoughts were directed up to heaven. This world was nothing to me. I feel that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. The character of Jesus appears in- finitely lovely, and I could say with the Psalmist, * Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth I desire besides thee.' The awful gulf I had escaped, filled me with astonishment. ! if I could 120 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF take my young companions by the hand and lead them to Christ, I would. But it is all in vain. " 5th. I still go on rejoicing in the Lord. I feel per- fectly resigned to death, if it should come — to go and to be with Christ. This afternoon, Mr. T. called on me. With what joy I met him. With what delight I converse with him. I feel that he was the instrument in the hand of God in warning me of my danger, and leading me to Christ. But I give God all the glory. I feel that I have met with a very great change since I saw him. And now I can rejoice still more. My sister feels as if she had made her peace with God. What joy I feel on her account. I think I can rejoice with the angels in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. Now she feels that she can rejoice with me. O ! what sweet comfort and delight we take together, which we never knew before. " 6th. This day is the Sabbath. I go to meeting. Oh, how much of God I have enjoyed. Such views of his holy character, and such desires of glorifying his holy name, I never knew before. While sihging praises to God, it appeared to me beautiful ! The sermon was from 2d Cor. 6 : 17. ' Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away ; behold, all things are become new.' I thought I never had heard preaching Ijefore. I felt, indeed, as though old things to me had passed away, and behold all things had become new in Christ Jesus. I stayed to a meeting JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 121 held in the evening, and a very solemn one it was. I came home. Never before did I experience such a happy day and night. I now hate the things I once loved, and love the things I once hated." There is in the moral world, as much a tendency in means rightly adapted to produce desired effect, as there is a certain connexion in the physical world be- tween a given cause and its effect. The power of the Christian minister consists in directing these means, in given circumstances, so as to secure, under the infiuence of the Spirit^ their legitimate tendencies on the mind of a community, or of an individual. Successfully to adapt these means to secure the designed effect in re- ligion, requires various qualifications of intellect and heart. And to the minister of God who has to do with the souls of men, a knowledge of the intellectual and moral powers of that being whom he is to influence, is indispensable to his success. However, it may be ac- quired — whether from books or from his own observa- tion, or from both — the minister must possess this knowledge, or else he will be, in religion, what a quack is in medicine. Few ever read human nature more minutely than did James Taylor. Few understood the operations of his own mind and heart better. He knew what moved himself, and, by consequence, he concluded with much accuracy what would move others. And here lay the secret of his success in the efforts in which we have last contemplated him. He possessed 11 122 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF Other advantages, it is true, which many have not, vi'ho may be equally zealous, and equally judicious in their efforts, and who are correct in their perceptions as to fitness of times and things. I allude to his elocution — his voice — his personal appearance — and manners — all at once at his command to conciliate, to attach, to alarm, to sooth, and intelligently to guide. With these advantages he went forth with a heart full of love to- wards the Saviour of sinners, and of desires for the sal- vation of his fellow-men. No one can review the ac- count of the labour he went through, without wondering at the mental ease with which he accomplished it, or without painfully sympathizing in the fatigues and ex- haustion of body in his "labours more abundant," which were enough to prostrate the most robust of constitu- tions. And those efforts we have seen eventuated in successful results, which made many a pious kindred happy in witnessing the approach of those held dear to the altar of their God, and pledging their devotion, with evidences of their sincerity to the Saviour of sinners. His Christian friends saw in this successful effort, only the confirmation of their already high wrought expecta- tion of his future usefulness in the ministry. And they felt assured that one whose early course was ever at- tended by such manifestations of the favour of his Lord in the salvation of souls, would, as he advanced to the station of one fully commissioned as a public ambassa- dor of Jesus Christ, be characterized for his successful JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 123 ministrations far beyond the general experience of his contemporaries in the ministry. That the writer, in these reflections, mistakes not the impressions of others by his own, may be gathered from a note justly inserted here, which was received from the Rev. Mr. Kant, the pastor of the congregation in Trum- bull, in which Mr. Taylor laboured, as we have seen, with so much acceptance and success. It was written after the arrival of intelligence that the friend whom they loved, and whom they will have reason to remember through eternity, was no more. It was addressed to the eldest brother of the deceased. " Trumbull, June 22d, 1829. "Dear Sir: " The obituary notice of your brother, contained in the Richmond paper, I received shortly after his demise. I was affected, as were also many of my parishioners, who shed tears at the remembrance of the happy days which they had spent with him. But shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? We know he will; and he leaves us not to mourn as those who have no hope, but rather, in contemplating such a happy close of an earthly career, our own souls would wish to have been in his soul's place — so delightful were his prospect and anticipation ! ** Mr. Tavlor laboured with us five or six weeks, dur- ing a revival in Trumbull. At that time I was led to 124 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF observe the manner of his conversation with young peo- ple on religious subjects — how winning, how affection- ate ! He could speak of the fearful looking-for of judgement and fiery indignation awaiting the unconvert- ed with alarming effect, without creating any antipathy against himself. Sinners were won by his sweet voice and Christian courtesy, while they trembled for their souls and felt the necessity of repentance. His words were all for his Divine Master. I never knew him to trifle. He allowed himself, indeed, no relaxation of thought. Whilst here, he laboured till he was obliged from debiUty to desist, and then his only wish was to recruit, that he might renew his efforts in the service of his Redeemer. Could ministers be found as unremit- ting and ardent as he was, few, where the Gospel is preached, would be left without convictions at least, if they were not hopefully converted through such instru- mentality. But what body could long contain such a glowing soul 1 Such fervent, constant, indefatigable zeal would require more than mortal strength. " From the desk his piety shined with equal ardour. It beamed with intensity of desire to win souls to Christ. It kindled flames in the souls of others — especially the young, whose consciences he had a happy manner of reaching. His discourses were piercing and convincing. They aroused thoughtless sinners to think — to see sin as exceedingly hateful in the sight of God, and inevita- bly destructive to themselves, and many have gone home from hearing him, shedding tears over 'their desperate JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 125 situation, breathing forjh their deep emotions in a sup- pressed exclamation, *What shall I do to be saved? He had also a word of comfort for the weak and waver- ing. He carried the still small voice of the Gospel to their ears, which dropped like a soothing spell upon the believing soul, gladdening and refreshing the heart." This is the sympathetic testimony of the pastor of the congregation in Trumbull, where Mr. Taylor laboured with results which caused some hearts to break, and some eyes to shed tears of grateful remembrance over the intelligence of the departure of a friend, who had, under God, successfully urged them to Christ. The tribute of these tears was appropriate, as they carried back their thoughts to the hours which he spent among them, assured as they must have been in the review, that he had given them some of the last energies of his wan- ing strength, and which none can doubt but facilitated the crisis which finally wrested from his own bosom the expectation, long indulged, of entering the ministry ; and of one day preaching, as the ambassador of Christ, the reconciliation through his name. May those for whom he indulged his choicest sympathies, and for whom he laboured in hours of debility, and with tears, cherish the impressions which his lovely piety and zealous effort, and Christian courtesy left on their minds, and meet him, after an imitation of his life of holiness, as he ex- horted them, where Christ has gone before to prepare the " many mansions." 11* SECTION VII. Mr. Taylor, after having advanced as far in his exer- tions, at Trumbull, as we have followed him in the ex- tracts which we have made from his Diary, seems to have been persuaded by his friends, who were growingly solicitous about his health, to leave Trumbull. His next entry in his Diary states, that he arrived at the Hilly the residence of his father, where he found the health of his mother better than he anticipated. The day suc- ceeding, he makes the following entry : " Calculated to set out for New-York this morning, to journey with my dear mother, but it rains." Agreeably to this purpose, he afterwards accompanied his mother to New-York — spent some time there, and again returned to the Hill. Fiom his father's, he again went to New-Haven, where he makes the following entry : " I am again in New-Haven to prosecute my course of studies. I am still resident at Mrs. J.'s, our inmates are three young men, and six young ladies. The young ladies are members of Mrs. J.'s school — not one of them a professor of religion. May their coming here be their salvation. Had nearness of access to God at the hour of my evening devotion. In view of past visitations, I was thankful. I was humble and broken-hearted in view of my abuse of his goodness. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 127 Alas ! alas ! I cried from my inmost soul. All that was base and ill-deserving I could call my own — unprofita- ble, I truly felt. I verily believed that I might enjoy yet greater and mightier things than ever before. My hope has been, that I may sink yet deeper into the love of God than ever. O, that the blessing of this evening may be but the commencement of glorious manifesta- tions of God to my soul !" As we shall advance, we shall see by further extracts from his Diary, that this last aspiration of his devout spirit had its desire. His path was ever a bright one — so bright, that it excited the admiration and surprise of all who were among his acquaintances. How he should exhibit so continually one unclouded countenance of re- ligious enjoyment, and of excited but ever mild and placid spirit of Christian vivacity and Christian sensibili- ty, was the subject of general inquiry, in the way of ex- pressed interest in the loveliness and the evenness of his Christian character. But, his path ever so bright, was yet one that shined " brighter and brighter" unto the hour, when his departing spirit took its bright way to the eternal city, whose light is the Lamb of God. As allusion will not again be made to Mr. Taylor's efforts in Trumbull, it may here be said, that he did not forget, on his return to New-Haven, the people who had elicited so much of his Christian sympathy. As a relaxation and a pleasure, he sometimes mounted his horse, and made his friends in Bridgeport, and Trum- 12S TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF bull, and some surrounding places, an occasional visit. His next entry in his Diary mentions a ride of this kind. " Monday, P. M. Rode to Trumbull, and again met brother Kant and his people, who seemed glad to see my face again. Indeed I was glad to meet them. Spoke from Matth. 1 2 : 22. Took interest in my subject. At sunset, I met the young converts. Evening, professors met. At the anxious meeting, between thirty and forty present. Things still interesting in Trumbull." This is the last entry we have, associated with his efforts in Trumbull. But some months afterwards, when his health was rapidly declining, and his friends had dissuad- ed him from any public effort, we find him addressing a letter to this place, urging one of those who had hope- fully become religious under his instrumentality, to con- sider whether it was not his duty to enter upon studies preparatory to the ministry. Although then many miles from them, in a Southern clime, he yet thought of them with affectionate remembrance, and having concluded the main subject of his letter, requests that * his love should be given to the young gentleman's father and family — to the Rev. Mr. Kant — to the members of the church — especially to the lambs.^ " It will not be out of place to insert here another letter, in connexion with this last mention of Mr. Taylor's efforts at Trumbull, and his occasional visits and labours at Bridgeport. It is a letter addressed, as was the one from the Rev. Mr. Kant, to Mr. Taylor's eldest brother, JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 129 after the death of the subject of this Tribute, by the Rev. Mr. V. the pastor of the congregation at Bridge- port, Connecticut. ** While I deeply sympathize with you in the loss of one of our dearest earthly friends, yet I cannot suppress the strong conviction that in no other way could the best interests of the Redeemer's kingdom be so much pro- moted by our now sainted brother, as by his early re- moval to heaven, and the public presentation of his holy, happy, and useful example to the world — especially to clergymen and to candidates for the ministry, for their imitation. Such an exhibition of one of the most amiable and lovely dispositions, united with superior talents, liberal acquisitions, ardent piety, and extensive usefulness, cannot fail highly to benefit the church, while it shall greatly magnify the exceeding riches of divine grace. I doubt not, from what I have known and heard of the character and usefulness of Mr. Taylor, that pleasing evidence may be exhibited, that in his short career he has been made the honoured instrument of converting more souls to God, than is the privilege of most ministers during a long life. It has been my privi- lege in my own family and among my people, during an interesting season of revival, to see his labours owned and blessed of God, to witness his spirit fast ripening for glory." SECTION VIII. As we have seen from the last extract from Mr. Taylor's Diary, he was now again pursuing his course of studies in New-Haven, writing a good deal ir^ connexion with the different subjects of theology brought under exami- nation, and attending the lectures delivered in connex- ion with the same subjects. Having formed the habit of always being engaged, he devoted more time to his books, and in the use of his pen, in connexion with his studies of divinity, than his friends desired ; as his resi- dence in New-Haven at this time, was intended only to afford him an opportunity of attending to his studies as a matter of recreation, and as a means of spending his time in agreeable leisure, rather than as affording him an opportunity of entering upon a regular course of theo- logical studies. His friends had even dissuaded him from giving his attention to any studies at all for a time, but his plea was that his hours would pass more plea- santly by the course he proposed to himself, of a resi- dence at a theological school, and attending lectures, and occasional reading, as his state of health should per- mit. He was anxious to lose no time in his prepara- tion, and determined in his own mind, contrary to the wishes of his friends, to advance with his class in their reo-ular theological course. And it is matter of surprise JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 131 that in the state of health, ih which he arrived at New- Haven, and in which he continued while there, that he should have left so many manuscripts written during this period. Always buoyant with the expectation of soon appearing in the pulpit with reinstated health, he devoted himself unremittingly to the studies of his profession, and in making those notes, and in the examination of those subjects which he believed would contribute so essentially to his future success in the ministry. But with this much devotion of his hours and feeble strength to his studies, he yet felt himself able to ac- complish more in the way of direct effort in behalf of those surrounding him than he had done, although he was engaging himself already in his application to his theological studies beyond the solicitous cautions of his friends. We consequently find him, soon after his reaching New-Haven, in June, revolving in his mind, what was his duty in relation to some propositions which were made to him, with desires that he would become engaged in several fields of religious effort in the town. He thus writes in his journal : ~ " This P. M. had unexpectedly a request to take charge of a Bible-Class in New-Haven. What is duty ? *' Had a calmly melting season at evening devotions. My soul was much refreshed. The spirit of the Son was so sent into my heart, that I know not that I ever experienced the same before. I felt an unspeakable 132 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF nearness to God, as my Father — it was a child-like feeling. 0, it was precious — it was endearing ! I was comforted of God. I took a walk in the grave-yard. Death would be a welcome messenger to me, and I felt a desire to depart and to be with Christ. Rather than not subserve the cause of Christ, I would choose to leave the earth. Attended a meeting with brother W. A room full of young ladies, mostly of the world. " Thursday. In company with brother V. S. and H. went to Stratford to attend the General Associa- tion of Connecticut. P. M. Heard a sermon from Rev. M. S. Good. Evening, Mr. G. of Boston, preached. The effect was salutary to my own soul, and to others. After meeting, went with brother , and enjoyed a meltingly sweet, and powerful season of prayer. Our hearts were broken, and our spirits contrite. My love for dear brother L. increased many fold to-day. " Returned to brother J. Otis', my host. Retired, and enjoyed a season of wrestling for one with whom I had just been conversing, with a persuasion to repent and to turn to God. My soul was happy, humble, child-like. I fell on my knees. I sunk prostrate on the floor, and wept and prayed — and wept and prayed, and was exult- ingly happy. My soul was overflowing with benevo- lence. The spirit of adoption swelled my bosom. It was a holy anointing from above. I retired and slept, no way solicitous whether I awaked in this or another world. JAMES BRAINERD TAYOR. 133 *' Wednesday, at 5 A. M., attended prayer-meeting. 10 A. M., listened to a missionary discourse. Was edified and blessed. P. M. The narrative of the state of rehgion in the churches was given. After which, the communion was administered. My soul was filled with fullness. It overflowed. I was stayed on God. Love reigned. After tea, I enjoyed a sweet interview with brother . I was greatly drawn out for his soul's best interests. When with him, I wept much over him. I love him. ! may he be full of faith and the Holy Ghost. In the evening I heard Rev. Mr. Hewett on the promotion of temperance. " Resolved, To live in the disuse of ardent spirits and wine, except for medical purposes, and the com- munion. " Retired under the smiles of God. " Thursday. Shame on me. During the day felt the loss sustained by grieving the Spirit of God. Bro- ther , wished me to go again and pray with him. I excused myself. My heart, too, was wicked enough to draw back from God in secret. At 6 P. M. retired and fell before God, and again the Dove returned. I was again refreshed, and again I am happy. Praise the Lord. " Friday. Returned to New-Haven last night. The stream of good things has flowed all the way before me, and not a little into my heart. I have wept much for joy, and the melting presence of God, since I have 12 134 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP been gone. The frequent visits of the Comforter have drowned my eyes in tears. I almost wonder that my eyes serve me. My spiritual strength has been increas- ed. The enemy has had home-thrusts. Will God keep me unspotted. " Monday. To the honour of free grace be it ac- knowledged, my sou], that thou art delivered from the chains with which thou hadst bound thyself the last night by sin. This day has brought nought but self- condemnation. At the hour of evening prayer I closed my shutters, and excluded the light — for I felt that darkness became me. I attempted to arraign myself. I pleaded guilty, and acknowledged it. I verily felt unfit for any thing except to be annihilated. I felt unfit even for hell.* No relief. I fell upon my bed, self- condemned, and reproaching myself for doing as I had done ; for, I was conscious that I possessed the power to act otherwise. I felt glad that God was happy. How much more happy, (was a succeeding thought,) perhaps he might have been, if I had not been disobe- dient. But again, I thought, though /had sinned, this was God's happiness, that He had done all that he con- sistently could to restrain me, and to make me happy, * " As the brightest crystal soonest betrays the breath that dims it, so the most exalted natures are most easily offended in themselves at the slightest speck that mars the perfection which they are constantly aiming to attain." 135 but that I had got out of the way, and this from my oion free choice. Thus I was the sinner, and I felt it. My heart broke in view of my grieving God. My soul melted into tenderness. 1 wept. I felt returning love to God — to Jesus especially, and with uplifted arms I said, ' take me, dear Jesus, to thyself.' I desired to depart and be with Christ, rather than to stay here and wound my God. And yet I said, I feel for Zion still — still I desire to be a co-worker with God in sending souls to heaven. Lord, do with me for thy glory. My soul could praise my God. "July 6. Had a swent, melting, exulting season at the hour of evening prayer. My soul leaned on Jesus, and breathed forth its tender ejaculations, ' O Jesus — Jesus — sweet, loving Jesus.' I longed ever more to sit at his feet. " In view of our evening meeting, I committed all into his hands, where I left myself, and felt that, let God do with me as he would, even if he sent me to hell, I would not get out of his hands. It was so good to be at his disposal. Had a solemn meeting. Brother T. attended with me. About thirty young ladies present. " Heard the other day that my dear friend L. P. had entertained a hope, and now is a professed follower of Christ. For him, as for no one else have I prayed. Many an agonizing struggle have I had before my God 136 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF on his account — some of which have been recorded. Wrote him a letter. " July 8. Sunday. Yesterday received intelligence from my brother K. of the dangerous illness of my dear sister M. To-day a letter from my sister E. conveys similar intelligence. Probably ere this she is a disem- bodied spirit. Well — my soul says, well. For, in view of this providence, I have been sweetly refreshed by the assurance, that God omnipotent, and a God who is infinitely wise and benevolent, reigns. This to me is enough. I melted at the thought into tenderness of love, and with the sweetest confidence placed my all on God. I could commend my sister to God — her com- panion and little one. So, too, of my parents and bro- thers and other sisters. I do not feel afflicted, but I re- joice that God reigns without a rival. I would not for a universe take either myself or my friends out of the hands of God. To die in Christ I believe to be great gain. For myself, I have longed to die. Even to night, I wished to die, that I might see Jesus, whom, having not seen, I love. I desired to be introduced to angels — seraphim and cherubim — principalities and powers — orders of beings of whom we know but little ; and then to see all the saints. I was willing to let my body go into the grave. And the thought of a Heaven of HOLINESS, is my solace. The thought of Jesus, as * the resurrection and the life,' went to my inmost powers and sweetly and meltingly comforted me. I believed JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 137 in him as my risen Saviour, and that I should also rise, having a glorious body like his own. Amen, and amen. " July 13. This has been a day of fasting. To me, at the evening offering, it was a season oi^ feasting : for, my soul fed on bread from heaven. My soul reposed itself, and wished to lie at Jesus' feet. I felt unusual unworthiness before God. Yet I could tell Jesus that my soul hung upon him. My soul seemed to clasp him in the arms of love. I asked for a broken heart, and a broken heart was given to me. I asked for a contrite spirit, it was directly given me. how my soul longed to drink in the Holy Ghost. A flame was kindled. My great desire was to be like Christ. In view of speaking to my fellow-men, I longed for a heart like Christ's, to weep over them, and to have my bowels melt with love. I think I could appeal to God, and say, what is there that would induce me to labour for souls but the pros- pect of gloryfying thy great name. I felt a jealousy for the name of God, and wished honour to come to it. I felt, too, much like a little child before my heavenly Father. Abstinence to-day has wrought good to the inner man. Had some touches of his love in a grove of woods, whither I resorted early this afternoon. " My sister M. is better, from last intelligence." [This sister, although her case was considered hopeless by her physicians and her friends, finally recovered.] "July 18. Had good news from afar. Brother T,, 12* 138 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF who came from Princeton, has seen some of my friends there, and in the neighbourhood. The Uttle band which I so often met at Mrs. , are on their advance heaven-ward. It seems that Miss Sarah W.* died in triumph, singing, ' may I worthy prove,' &c. My dear friend Mrs. L. too, has gone. The associations con- nected with days past, and the review which brother T.'s conversation awoke, led me to a precious and exceed- ingly happy season before my God. My soul melted with grateful acknowledgement for God's goodness towards me, and to them. Was greatly humbled and prostrate before God, and was glad. Walked out into a retired spot, and paced the ground. My heart-breath- ings were after God, the living God. ' Sweet, loving Jesus' — ' Sweet, dear Lord Jesus,' sounded from my lips, while I meltingly contemplated my dearest Lord. I longed to go and be with him. Angels were very dear to my heart. I felt a love for the dear and holy spirits. Sin appeared exceedingly odious. Afterwards, had a pleasent season below stairs, in urging one and another to a holy life. Happy, happy, happy in God. Praise, praise, praise the God of my salvation ! " If it did not seem almost sacrilege here to interrupt such holy and happy thoughts as the last, and those which continue in this Diary of the heart of James Brain ERD Taylor, as his Journal might most justly be called, the writer would pause one moment over the preceding extracts, which seem to have flowed from * See page 98, the letters of this young lady. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 139 the calm, and mellowed, and deep feeling-soul of this remarkable disciple of Jesus Christ, like a silver rivulet gliding through a velvet landscape of richest meadows. What eye can contemplate it and not see its moral beauty, and feel the hallowed influence of its purity gather with its mellowing power over the sensibilities of the soul ? And where is the mind capable of apprecia- ting the loveliness, and the beauty, and the sublime of moral feeling, but would envy the happy state of the soul of James Taylor, as exhibited in the unaffected and heart-developing narrative which has here been given ? There may be an exultation in the emotion which heaves the swelling bosom of the conqueror, as he stands on the field of battle and views the vanquished lying in their gore, and thinks of the glory that shall encircle the name which he has acquired, and give one further gem to his earthly diadem. And there is a gush of ennobling emotion through the bosom of an intellectual being, when he has reached the same sought-for developement which places him upon the proud pinnacle of intellectual greatness. But these are emotions which reach not the xvhole-heing of one constituted with intellectual and moral powers. And, for myself, with happiness as the simple object of my search, I had rather be James Taylor, walking at the dusk of evening in a " retired grove," with his " heart-breathings," of a lovely, pure, benevolent, holy spirit — recollecting his successful efforts in winning immortal souls to ceaseless happiness, 140 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF and urging others to the enjoyments of a holy life, and himself exclaiming in the unaffected fulness of his burst- ing heart — "Happy, happy, happy in God! !" than to have been the hero of ancient Pharsalia, or the mod- ern Alexander on the plains of Austerlitz, or Archimedes in ancient science, or a Newton in modern philosophy. He had an intellect to perceive the relations and fitness of things physical and moral, and a heart that rejoiced when it perceived the coincidence between what was, and what ought to be in a world of immortal and res- ponsible, yet fallen intelligences. And with such per- ceptions and such feelings, he went forward to accom- plish what, in the very nature of this world's circum- stances, it was desirable should exist. With the con- sciousness of such a course, and with his sympathies all alive with benevolence towards his fellow-men, and of unfeigned love towards his God, he acted the fit part of an immortal spirit in its circumstances of earth. And how could it be otherwise than that his soul should look forward with exulting anticipation to the bliss of heaven? He consequently was happy. And of all men the writer has ever beheld, he was the happiest. Such is the testimony of all his acquaintances. Such was the uni- form testimony of his brilliant and benevolent, and ever beaming, but manly countenance. And look at his own secret testimony, in his private Diary, of what is passing through his heart. It seems almost unkind to such an unassuming spirit thus to unfold the secret-breathings of JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 141 his private hours, for which there can be no other apology than the prospect of enkindhng some kindred flame of rehgious sensibiUty 4n the hearts of others, and of leading to a like imitation of Christ in benevo- lence towards men, and of the souls' entire devotion to God. The reader of this manuscript of private entries, finds, as already exhibited, one continued glow of a soul ex- ulting in its happy approaches to its God. Even the heart-breakings over remembered errors, and contrition, deep as the feelings of a soul that appreciated the base- ness of ingratitude, and neglect of generous kindness, from an unfailing friend can awake, in his case, all led to happiness of spirit, by adding to a generous soul like his, devouter attachment and deeper devotion on the re- turn of that communion of spirit, which it was an ecstacy of misery to him, one moment to lose. "Happy, happy, happy in God." " Praise, praise, praise the God of my salvation," are the two last periods we have quoted. And as we advance with this narrative, written as a private re- membrance of his own devotional hours, we shall see the same high-wrought emotion of soul running through his recorded evidences of religious enjoyment, which was sustained until his course on earth was ended, and his glowing spirit entered the upper courts as an im- mortal already trained to join, at once, in the elevated strains of a seraph in glory. We might further pause here, and dwell upon the pre- 142 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF ceding extracts, as exhibiting another secret of Mr. Taylor's success in urging sinners to Christ. He dwel- led in his closet, upon the circumstances of their immor- tal spirits, and in connexion with the amazing love of Christ for his own soul, and for others, his sensibilities were enkindled. And having thus wrought his feelings up to what is but a natural state of a mind which appre- ciates the circumstances of an impenitent being, he went forth to talk alike to the crowded assembly and to the single individual. The sincerity of a heart thus imbued, and thus enkindled, flashed conviction upon those who heard him, and those with whom he con- versed. They saw, they felt ; and in very many in- stances, they acted in view of this perception and this feeling. But without dwelling upon this particular here, I pro- ceed to make some further, and uninterrupted extracts from the entries of his Diary. " July 20. At noon. Mrs. , one of our inmates just left my room, after leaving her testimony that from the interview below stairs the other night, (vide note of the 18th,) she went and found Christ yet more precious. She seems to be renewed in the spirit and temper of her mind. Brother W. seems to awake to deep enjoy- ment, and Mrs. also, of late. 0, for a shower — for a shower. Of late, I have longed much for some Christian friend, into whose bosom I could penetrate and hold communion. But as to sweet interchange. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. l43 such as I have enjoyed with some Christians, I do not now and here find it. I have become acquainted with not a few who profess to know Christ, and are active in doing good. But, let the cause be what it may, there appears to me to be but a precious Uttle of that holy unction which I have enjoyed with some in former days. Yesterday, spent the P. M. with a number of professors. But how little of the power of godUness. About rehgion, and in generals — but where is the getting down into divine things 1 0, for yet more of holy living — more of holy unction — more of a Christ- like, and so of a lamb-like, child-like temper — the effect of the Holy Ghost. " Thursday. Returned from Middle-Haddam on a visit to my father's. Have not been in the spirit while absent. And I feel that I have left undone many things which I ought to have done, and have done not a few things which I ought not to have done. " Saturday evening devotion. Have just risen from the floor, on which I prostrated myself before God. In view of his greatness, my whole powers seemed en- listed to demean myself. I felt in a good degree abased before the Almighty God. In reading Edwards, I came to this sentence. ' I have often had sweet complacency in God, in views of his glorious perfections and the ex- cellency of Jesus Christ.' My prayer was upraised for a disclosure of God's perfections. I think I never before had such a clear view of God's greatness, with 144 JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. '% which I contrasted myself, and sunk before him over- whelmed with inexpressibly mean views of myself, as a wretch, insignificant and hell-deserving. My eyes were suffused in tears, crying * Ah me ! ah me ! the great God ! the great God ! the great God ! ' I felt as if I did not wish to go to heaven in any other way, than by his free gift. For, I saw that the contrary would subvert his holy and gloriously good government. The grace of the Gospel in Jesus Christ opened to my view in a clear manner. I saw how fit Christ's atonement is, and how gracious is the Holy Spirit to come and try to reclaim sinners. My cry was to be filled with the Holy Ghost — that I might exhibit the fruits of the spirit, which are love and its glorious train. How sweet, how ravishingly refreshing, and meltingly overpowering are such visits. My soul rejoiced to antedate the day when I shall be reheved from earth and enjoy a holy HEAVEN. Angels, I called upon. Ye angels, who cry holy, holy, holy — ye know not the evil of sin. Its tendency to dethrone God and to uproot all happiness in the universe, made it appear exceeding sinful — and so much so as to break my heart. 0, how odious must sin be in the eyes of holiness — in the eyes of God! " Of late, my heart has been affected in view of my injuring the happy heart of my heavenly Father by dis- obedience — of wounding the feelings of Jesus — and grieving the Spirit. How could I ever have done so ? JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 146 * My dearest Saviour and my guide, I would be walking near thy side ; 'Tis thine on earth the soul to bless, And yield in heaven its longed-for bliss.' ** Expect to speak this evening to a company who usually meet on Saturday evening. 0, for wisdom to wield the sword of the Spirit ! Spoke last evening to about forty young ladies. " Walked out after tea, and paced the retired spot, where I resort from time to time. There, had an un- common wrestling with God, for the upbuilding of Zion. My soul was in earnest for the meeting anticipated. I wept much, and bowed before the Lord in humble ac- quiescence to the will of Him who blesses me. In the meeting I had uncommon freedom. The room was full ; and I endeavoured with my might to plead the cause of God. It was solemn. At the close, I felt happy. Calmness and staying upon God pervaded my soul. 0, to be kept by him who keepeth Israel — to be kept low, very low at the feet of Jesus. " August 1st. Yesterday, at evening-offering, had a delightful, precious, sweet season before God, while reading the 4th of Canticles, and in prayer. The wind blew upon the garden, and the Beloved came and par- took of the fruits. This evening too was melted. 'How happy are thuy who their Saviour obey.' !5i 13 '^y^. 146 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF " Had a sweet interview last evening with Christian sister. My soul seemed to cling to her's as to a kindred spirit. A letter from my dear friend L. P. is in strains refreshing to one, who has so long and so much prayed for him. '* August 3d. Last evening had a visit from the Lord. I was greatly refreshed and melted. Talked to the assembly of young ladies from the words, ' Grieve not the Holy Spirit.'' This morning received a note desiring me to call. Went and found two individuals in deep distress of mind. They had spent the night in great sorrow — feeling that they had grieved the spirit of God. Sent them away, with two others, younger members of the family, to give themselves to Christ. Before I left, one of them came down, apparently, with a broken heart, leaning on Christ. May this be the harbinger of good things. " Saturday night. Had a crowd this evening. Spoke with freedom. A. T. says she is happy. She looks so. Happy indeed for her, if she submitted her heart to God this morning, as I trust she did. Her sister — , in deep distress most of the day. " Sunday. Bible Class interesting. Seemed to gpeak with some effect. , in agony of mind to- day. What will be the result ? " Aug. 9. Last evening's devotion was fraught with the richest of blessings — a broken heart and a contrite spirit. I think I never had such a sense of the necessity JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 147 of grace to subdue the heart — not because it could not jield, but because it would not. The inability of man is not cannot but will not. My soul was in sweet sub- jection. " Walked out after tea, and communed with Heaven. Walking, and praying, and contemplating, and singing aloud, as I often do, in my retired walks, it seemed as if the Saviour almost spake audibly to me, ' Are you willing to come to me?' I replied, 'Yea, Lord, yet willing to remain.' My soul was sweetly melted, and I could praise the Lord. Blessed, thrice blessed is my soul. Having retired to my room, I sat me down by my window to look at the heavens. The thought of dying and going to Jesus was pleasant. And I felt ready, but I wished to destroy some of my papers. I thought that I would attend to this on the morrow. This morning, however, I awoke with illness indicative of an excess of bile. Took an emetic. Kind, dear friends and fellow-pilgrims of this my home, all interest- ed themselves to help me. They load me with kind offices — all the inmates of the house, and the domes- tics. Friends send to inquire after me as though they loved me. In looking upon myself I am led to say. Who can ever love me ? But I love not a few, and my heart is knit with theirs in the best bonds. Did not know what would be the issue of my illness. Neither was I solicitous. That God was with me — that was enough. Was so much recovered this P. M. as to walk 148 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF out. , still withoiTt hope. A., her sister, a dear lamb. " Friday evening. More attended my meeting to- night than ever before. Spoke from the words, ' Re- joice with trembling.' Some feeling. Saturday even- ing. Attended the meeting. Rainy. Few present. Pleasant season. Sunday. Bible-Class at noon. Solemn. More than one hundred present. Lot's flee- ing out of Sodom, the subject. At evening-devotions, was sweetly refreshed with a visit from my best, heavenly Friend. The Spirit took of the things of Christ and showed them unto me. My fellowship with the Father and with the Son was intimate and unusually dear. " Of late, I have loved to sit and to lie prostrate on the floor while before God, all suffused in tears, and ray heart melted into burning love. My soul has been so inflamed as to cause the tears to flow from my eyes as it were, like scalding waters. There is an ardency of affection that causes my soul to leari on the arm of my beloved, and repose on his bosom. Under such soul- ardour, I feel the most unworthy, and the least disposed to forgive myself the sins which I have committed against God. "Mrs. has come into great enjoyment. My testimony to her was blessed, after which she could not sleep, nor did she rest until she found the Lord exceed- ingly precious. Mrs. , (another lady,) in deep trou- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 149 bie, and wishes to be prayed for as one unconverted. May she come into full liberty. Mrs. , (still another lady,) happy. Greatly filled with the love of God. " Monday. Addressed the teachers of the Sabbath- School at their monthly concert. Had freedom of utter- ance. The testimony of some was, that they never attended so good a meeting of this kind before. I en- deavoured to be tender, and to excite to activity. I felt well, and things went well. I think that appearances are encouraging — Christians waking up to more life and godliness, f^ ' When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.' " Saturday A. M. (after 10 o'clock.) The misery which I have felt this morning has been acpte. It is mental anguish which arose from disobedience. Yester- day was mostly spent in preparing a subject for my evening meeting. In the afternoon, after lecture, I trespassed upon the hour of devotion by staying too long at the place where I had called. It being over- clouded, I thought but few would come out to the meeting in the evening. I therefore invited another to speak for me. Ate too much at tea, and so felt a full- ness that was burdensome. Went to meeting. There was a crowd. Regret and rebellion on my part ensued. I was vexed at myself, and I felt that I had, Jonah-like, run from duty. I was disconsolate, unhappy, and self- condemned. I attempted to speak at the close of the 13* 150 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF meeting. Was altogether dissatisfied with my attempt : for, I felt that I did not do as well as I might, and that the meeting did not amount to much. Probably I was more intent upon pleasing man than God. This morn- ing, I felt that this anguish was insupportable, and then I thought, how insupportable in hell ! Preparing for my Bible- Class for to-morrow, I was in the dark. All was dim. No life. Heart hard. Distressed, burdened. 1 stopped and sang, * Show pity, Lord, O Lord forgive.' Resolved to go to Jesus, though my sin like a mouiit- ain rose ; kindlings of contrition were felt. I fell upon my knees. I sunk down upon the floor. Toars flowed — my heart broke — and such views, I think, I never had before. The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost visited me with singular love-tokens. It seemed as if Jesus asked me if I believed he could bless me. Yea, Lord, I replied — and more, I believe that thou wilt. 0, the nearness of approach my soul gained. Near, very near. And so of my heavenly Father and the Spirit. Matchless love ! matchless love ! ! " My heart broke in view of the labour devolving upon me, and of my inadequacy to the task. I need the help of Jesus. " In view of my labours for this evening, and for to- morrow, I promised the Lord to lay myself out. The JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 151 attending intenseness of soul for the conversion of sin- ners was great beyond description, and I think surpassed any thing which I have ever before felt. Mind affected my very body. The Lord be praised. May I walk softly before the Lord, and blameless. In view of my meanness, however low the opinion of others respecting me and my efforts, I felt consoled in the consciousness that none could think me meaner, or more undeserving than I did of myself. Let the Lord be magnified. " Night. At evening devotion was again sweetly and meltingly refreshed. The meeting was full. Had aid from God. Solemn meeting. Others thought it one not lost. Spoke from John 9 : 26. ' If any man serve me, him will my Father honour.' " August 26. Said one to me to-night, will you not be our minister? The Lord knoweth to whom I shall minister: and New- Haven would be among the last places that I had anticipated. ** Sunday. Bible- Class more interesting to-day than usual. Some weeping. About one hundred and thirty present. " Monday. Had an interview with a young man who is well ni^h gone in ruin. He is a graduate. Endea- voured to reclaim him. At evening devotion h;id a melting season, which prepared me the better for a meeting which was to pray for , who continues in deep distress. It was a solemn and melting meeting to some. 152 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF " Thursday evening. Was aided much this evening in addressing the church. Mr. Bacon having gone a journey and having left his church-meetings in my care, I attended them in addition to other labours. Well, if God help, I shall be sustained. Spoke from Ep. 5 : 26. ' Christ also loved the church,* &c. Solemn, and me- thinks some will feel the subject. Some did. I was bold as a lion, and yet I endeavoured to be as a lamb, and dove-like, and so win and press the dear brethren and sisters. 0, for more of the spirit of Christ ! " Sunday. Not a little labour the last week in connex- ion with my studies. Wednesday evening met a num- ber who have lately experienced religion, and had a pleasant interview. A sweet meeting. " Thursday P. M. Happened in at court. My usual hour of devotion arrived. I thought I would stay, and among other reasons, my heart was base enough to say, I have no meeting to-night, and I shall not need a blessing so much. My conscience smote me for this free act of my will, which detained me in the court-house. I came away soon. And though I came direct to my room and to my kneeling place — the peace of mind which I had enjoyed was gene, and I felt the consciousness of guilt. The bitterness of the sting was this, that I might have done othenvise. It was as much as to tell God that I did not need his blessing, only as I laboured for him. how base ! How crimi- nal. The dicipline of the father towards a disobedient JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 163 child was felt. Thus I was, and thus I went to God, and confessed, and Mt that I had lost — lost greatly — and perhaps irreparably his smiles — how long, I knew not, but well I knew that I deserved his frown forever. I think I again felt the consciousness of pardon, though there was no melting of soul. My affections did not go out after God in their wonted sweetness. I was not folded in the arms of love as the Lord the Beloved oftentimes hath embraced me. On Friday the Son of Righteousness again arose in his splendour and life- giving beams ; and again the winds blew upon this little garden, and the spices sent forth their sweet fragrance ; and again the Beloved came into his garden with his banner of love. Thus, I was refreshed and made giant- like for my meeting in the evening. There was a more manifest solemnity, and I thought more feeling than at any former meeting. The room full. And I think I never spoke with more power. Luke 9 : 14. Sentiment, It costs something to become a Christian. Yesterday was spent in preparing for Bible-Class to-day, and for the meeting of the last evening. The meeting was more fully attended than any previous. Subject, Rev. 3 : 20. I was much strengthened by the blessing I ob- tained at my evening devotion. 0, how condescending and how kind is my God! He enlists me in his service and harnesses me for the battle. The best armour is that which is put on in secret. My soul lay low be- fore God. I was prostrate upon the floor, and yet I 154 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORF OP wanted to get infinitely lower at the feet of Christ, and bathe them with my flowing tears. There I interceded for myself, and for those I was to meet. I went to the meeting and the help of the Lord was my help. Through his strengthening me I laboured, and may the result be joyfully talked of in eternity. My soul loves the work. My strength is renewed in waiting upon God. He gives me favour with the people. The eyes of the people look unto me more than I could have expected. Well — let all that I have — let all the auxiliaries which I may acquire be returned in double effort to build up Zion — Zion^ my beloved abode. "Septembers. (Monday.) Yesterday was a high day to me, and to others. Four joined the Third Society — four young ladies from the world. Sweet season at the communion table. I thought I never before could trust Christ so firmly. It was good. " On last evening (Sunday) I addressed the church from Solomon's Song, * Who is this that cometh up out of the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved ? ' Took in- terest in it, and also did others. " Wednesday evening. Met a circle of young Chris- tians at Mrs. T.'s. Subject, ' Walk circumspectly.* " Friday evening. The usual meeting at Mr. Leffing- well's. Subject, ' Let us alone.' Unwell. Little inte- rest myself — others were interested. " Saturday night. Spoke to a crowd at the lecture- room. Subject, ♦ Nofliing better, but rather grown worse.' W^^ JAMES BRATNERD TAYLOR. 166 Was renewed in the Spirit by waiting upon God. Felt like a new man strengthened with new wine. Very attentive. " Sunday. Bible-Class full. Interesting. I met them for the last time. When I went, at first, I told them it was only pro tern. Other engagements, my studies, and infirm state of health, oblige me to relin- quish. But it is somewhat like cutting oflfa right-hand. I have also relinquished the Friday-night meeting, from sense of duty. " Wednesday evening. This is Commencement eve- ning. Met a few Iambs at Mrs. H.'s. It was a melt- ing meeting. I met them for the last time, until my re- turn after vacation. One who has met with us goes to Boston, not to return. Well. Well, ^If all in yonder heaven shall meet, To «ing, and love, and praise at Jesus' feet.' " These are the last records in the Diary from which we have been quoting, which James Taylor ever made, connected with the meetings, which he was now forever closing. How little was he thinking, at the moment he was penning the last paragraph, that it would be the re- cord of the last meeting he should ever attend in New- Haven. And yet, something like a presentiment seem- ed to pervade his heaving bosom, as he speaks the last farewell to them before they separate. He finds his strength has already been too much spent to allow him 156 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF longer to keep up the several meetings which he was in the habit of conducting during the week. He tells them, as he meets with them for the last time, that it is his last message ; and with a feeling heart, and a solemn pause, he closes forever the exercises which had been to him a source of great religious enjoyment, solicitude, and increased debility ; though from his continued ex- citement, he did not perceive how greatly his continued efforts were undermining his remaining strength. Hav- ing concluded his other religious engagements, he meets, on the last evening of his stay in New-Haven, a small band of young converts. He records this too as a " melting meeting." And it was the " last time," perhaps, that he should address them. He mingles his tears with those who could well sympathize with each other, as they carried forward their thoughts to another world. He bids them adieu. Thus were his labours in New- Haven closed. That his memory is most tenderly cherished by a great num- ber in this lovely spot, where rural and moral beauty is justly said to exist beyond its prevalence in most any other place of our land, the writer well knows. And there are some there who yet mention his name with tears, so tenderly are the recollections of his efforts and his manners associated with the hours, when they were first successfully induced to surrender their affections to their God. It was a peculiarity in the history of Mr. Taylor, in his different residences, during his course of JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR 1.57 studies and travels, that he always left a tenderness of re- collection in the bosoms of those with whom he asso- ciated, which made them regard him as a brother and friend, as well as a religious guide, to whom, more than to another, they could give their confidence. An- other might alike enlighten their minds. Another might alike excite their consciences, and alarm the soul unre- conciled to its God. But few, like James Taylor, ever so thoroughly won the heart, and attached it to himself; at the same time he guided that heart to Christ. And yet there was nothing like sentimentalism in his habits and associations. Confidence, the first requisite of all durable attachment, was at once yielded to him, because he carried in his features and manners an intelligible demonstration, that he was acting out the simple and unaflfected feelings of a heart glowing with benevolence towards man, and of love towards God. And that heart really felt for the best welfare of his fellow-men, temporally and spiritually. Consequently in his visits among his acquaintances, in whatever way they had been formed — whether casually, as a common citizen, or as a professor of religion, meeting his duties as a disciple of Jesus Christ in the ordinary walks of society, or as a public speaker, assuming the responsibilities of exhorting a people to repentance and salvation — he entered into all their sympathies, as one, who felt for another's woes, and was happy in another's joys. With- out officiousness, his manners invited so much familiar- 14 158 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF ity, as makes a person at ease in the society of a con- fiding friend. He was regarded as one who had a heart that could and would feel, and a mind connected with such a heart, that could sooth another's in affliction, and in prosperity augment another's joy by partaking of it. And while all who were his acquaintances felt this, they felt further, that it was the religion of Jesus Christ that had made him thus. He therefore secured the confidence of all. And possessed of that confidence, his beautiful manners, and unaffected benevolence, and purity of heart, connected with a person at once manly and elegant to a degree equalled but by few, he left a deep sentiment of affection in the bosoms of all with whom he associated. When we add to this, the ardency of attachment which is generally the oflTspring of those relations which exist between a person who has become religious, and the individual who, under God, has been in- strumental in bringing the mind of that person to serious consideration, we shall justly conclude that Mr. Taylor has left, in every place where he resided, friends who re- call his person and his character to mind with a hallowed- ness and depth of affection, which purity, and character, and manners, and sympathies like his must secure. Such friends he left in New-Haven. They will ever remember him with tenderest emotions, and carry back their affecting recollections to hours, when their hearts have been melted under his persuasions to repentance, and to a holy life. If these recollections shall prompt JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 169 to greater fixedness of purpose to imitate the holy life of James Brainerd Taylor, as it was exhibited before them in his walk, and labour, and sympathy, and now in this Tribute, as presented in the private records of his of- ten bursting heart as he moved among them, then shall it awake another note of gratitude in their eternal song to the Redeemer, that an acquaintance with this devoted and shining, and happy disciple of Jesus Christ, was once, by them, enjoyed. SECTION IX. The Commencement-vacation in Yale College, during which time the studies in the professional departments are also suspended, continues six weeks. Mr. Taylor having spent this period among his relatives, mostly at his father's, he returned to New-Haven, glad to enter again on his course of studies, and to participate in the renewed kindness of his New-Haven friends. But it was little in his thoughts, that an incident was so soon to occur, which should so deeply shade the bright prospect before him, and so materially alter his purposes as to the manner of spending his time the suc- ceeding winter. He had been much engaged in per- sonal efforts for the best welfare of the young people in New-Haven ; and during this period had formed many agreeable acquaintances, and made a happy impression upon those with whom he had associated privately and in public. He looked forward not to an entire relin- quishing of these efforts during the further period, while he should pursue his theological course, which to him had gained additional interest each day he had spent in the studies connected with his intended profession. But he had no sooner arrived at this spot of his great attachment and favourite pursuits, than he has to record the event which omened sadly for the continuance of JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 161 Ms life, and the future fulfilment of his dearly cherished hopes. His first note in his Diary, after his return to New- Haven, (a break having occurred during the interval of his absence,) is as follows : " Oct. 26, 1827. Having been absent from New- Haven about six weeks, I returned on the 24th, glad to breathe again this atmosphere amid such loved friends. Yesterday, after dinner, when I was about to sit down to my studies, having been busy fitting my room, &c., I coughed lightly, upon which there was a discharge of blood, so much so, that I called a physician. Kept house for the most part. " This light affliction has executed its kind office. I think I can see in it a timely visit. It probably throws a barrier in the way of any exertion of speaking on my part, this winter. No return of bleeding having occurred, and feeling no inconvenience from what has already hap- pened, I infer that the blood came not from the lungs. But to whatever results it may lead, I am no way dis- tressed : on the contrary, I am raised in spirit. To die is gain. Was much blessed this evening. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him in sincerity. I have longed for a more devoted soul in living to God, and I hope that the coming session will find me more hke Christ. In view of my condition, I was broken- hearted, and wept for the longing which I had to win souls for God. This, this, only this, drank up my desire 14* 162 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP to live. The Lord's will be done. Heaven is a good place for the holy, and an active being v^'ill find employ- ment there. " Sabbath, November. Detained at home on account of the rain. Dear Brother Knowles reached here yes- terday, P. M. Came on account of my ill-health. Dear brother, he seems to feel that our interests are identified with the cause of God, and with one another. " Have had no recurrence of bleeding. But pruden- tial measures must be taken. On my physician I have thrown the responsibility. On his decision I must de- pend, and with them comply. It would be grievous indeed to leave here. They may let me stay if I will suspend application, and only attend the lectures, and apply myself to books as a mere relaxation. I feel that I can put my cause into the hands of God, and leave me at his disposal. Had a delightfully sweet and mel- ting season at my devotions last evening, at the close of them — at first, was interrupted. On Friday evening, too, was most sweetly refreshed, while on Jesus I re- posed. How calmly, and meltingly, and lovingly, I leaned on his bosom. I could say, my dear, dear Lord Jesus. Threw myself on the bed, and dropped asleep, this P. M. I awoke from a sweet dream. Thought I was at a meeting of Presbytery. Dr. Spring prayed. My heart broke, and when I awoke, I was weeping with a heart full of intense love for the cause of the dear Re- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 163 deemer. The savour of this dream was sweet and fragrant. * Awake, asleep, at home, abroad, I'll lay me on thy bosom, Lord.' " November 18. Sunday. Have had, at intervals, acute pain in my sides during the week past. But the tendency has been to win my heart over to the Lord, and to chain my affections to the cross. I think I have seen to-night, that the Lord meaneth all this for good. It seems to me that he is determined to bring me to him- self, finally. In the meantime, to prepare me in the best way possible, for that home, in the skies. Rather than not accomplish this, he will visit me with stripes. I do believe that he does all that he can, to melt my heart. And rather than not make me contrite, and childlike, he visits me with evil, and threatens me with more. To accomplish his benevolent designs towards me, i. e., to make me willing and obedient, I see that it may be necessary even to shut me out of the ministry. For, I see that his word, his works, his varied providences in a thousand ways passing before me, have not affected me, as they should have done. It was necessary that he should visit me with pain. This pain has done its kind office. My heart has leaned on my heavenly Father — and drawn my arms, as it were, around the neck of my dear, dear Lord Jesus. And 0, how sweet has it been, 164 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF to lie at his feet and weep, and love ! To-night, as I mused on my situation, I thought that, rather than re- linquish my present prospect of preaching the Gospel and go to another employment, I would lay me down and die. Yes — for this too, I thought, might be a necessary trial, to strengthen the holy principle for the heavenly world. Here I wept. Tears ran down my cheeks, and my soul's desire was, ' Lord, let this cup pass.' Yet, my willing and submissive heart said. Thou Lord, knowest what is best, and that is best for me. I looked up with the sentiment felt in my heart, / am wil- ling to die and go home. But then, the thought of going to heaven with so few souls ! I cried. Lord, I wish to go thither in triumph, having in my train thousands of saved sinners. But my heart settled with the sentiment. Lord, do just as thou pleaseth. Here I rested. Amen and amen." Here closes the Journal from which 1 have been quo- ting. It is the last entry he made. Can we wish that it should have been in one particular, otherwise 1 It is the triumph of a zealous and holy spirit, " resting with a will entirelij subdued to the pleasure of its God." And here his Diary closes. It is at the end of his paper. And another number he never commenced. The records of the further emotions of a heart, thus sub- dued and thus reposing in hallowed rest upon its God, must be learned from his letters, and from his conversa- tions with his friends. Through these, and through the JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 165 communications of those who loved him, we shall follow him in his further short wanderings on his earthly path, until we lose his lovely spirit, as, at sunset, on a more than usually calm Sabbath-day, it took its brilliant pas- sage to the bosom of its God. I say brilliant passage — for, if the flight of a spirit, lighted up with visions of the full bliss of the saints, and calmed by confiding re- pose in the enduring love of its Saviour, and longing with ardency to mingle as a disembodied spirit in the realities of another world, are particulars that make the course of a departing soul from this earth to heaven a way of light, then was the upward course which the spirit of the lamented Taylor, traced from this earth to heaven, a brilliant passage to Him who gave it It appears from these concluding entries in Mr. Tay- lor's Diary, that the new aspect which his disease assumed, considerably excited the ever wakeful solici- tude of his friends. His eldest brother, K. Taylor, visited New-Haven to induce him to leave ; but after a consultation with physicians and friends, he returned to New- York, leaving his brother J. B. T., agreeably to his wishes, still at New-Haven, with the understanding that he was to make his residence there for the winter without applying himself to his studies, any further than was desirable as a necessary recreation. He was sur- rounded with intelligent associates, and kind and sympa- thising friends. One of these, a fellow-student in the theological department of the college, and a companion 166 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF at his private rooms, noted the following particulars of different interviews, which he had with Mr. Taylor, at this period of his bleeding. " When first attacked," says this friend, " he called me into his room, and remarked, *you see, my dear brother, to what God is calling me. I am not frighten- ed. My mind is perfectly composed, and happy. I have desired to live and preach the Gospel, but the will of the Lord be done. I believe that God has in re- serve a better portion for his people in heaven, than in this world. This is a good world. I am not tired of it. I am happy to continue here, so long as it is the pleasure of my heavenly Father that I should. I cannot say, so far as my individual interest is concerned, that I have any choice, whether to live or die. If God has no more for me to do, I should be happy to die here, and to go from this room to my home in heaven.' " Here we both paused in silence for some minutes, when the recollection of his friends came over his mind, and he added, * My dear brothers have been so kind to me, and have so much anticipated my becoming a min- ister of the Gospel, that my heart is pained — deeply pained at the thought of their expectations being disap- pointed — but this is good for me — it is just what I needed. " After a short silence, he said, * My brother, I am now sensible that I sinned in indulging that repining thought. I now feel perfectly resigned to the whole will of God. I am happy — perfectly happy.' JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 167 " The next morning he said, * My soul melted down before God last night, when I continued to ask him to let me live and preach the Gospel, but I cheerfully sub- mitted all to him. O, brother, God has made such dis- coveries to my soul, as I never expected nor dared to hope for in this world. It is wonderful! wonderfuH My body can hardly contain this immortal being that struggles within ! I am willing to live my three score years and ten. I wish for it only that I may preach the Gospel. But I shall be happy to finish my work, and mount away to Jesus. ^ " November 14th. Evening. He said, * This has been a wonderful day to me. This morning, I bled a little — just enough to remind me of my condition. I am thankful for it, for God has by it made this day an antepast of heaven to my soul.' "November 16th. * Afflictions (said brother Tay- lor, this morning,) are good, because they come laden with blessings. I wish all the world to experience the same that I do — not my pains, but the blessings which attend them. Every pain through which I pass, I think that now I have taken one portion more of the cup — I shall never have that pain again, but the blessing which it brought to me will endure forever. After all, said he, what are my pains 1 They are not Gethsemane — they are not the cross.' He then repeated the hymn, "O what are all my sufferings here." &c. 168 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF " Again he said, * I never before experienced such a fullness of grace. It seems as though my immortal spirit could not reside in this tabernacle — as though I must fly away to Christ. Yet my life is a history of sifts and mercies. Never before have I felt myself to be so guilty a sinner. I deserve to have a mill-stone fastened to my neck, and to be anchored in the depths of hell.' " Again, in the morning, after much pain and langour during the night, he said, 'I am well, and calm, and happy. It was a happy night. My soul is happy in Him, and all will redound to his glory, whether I live or die.'" SECTION X We have now reached a crisis in the plaintive story (but one that leaves its hallowed influences on the soul as we peruse it) of the friend, to whose character we are yielding our tribute of affecting recollections, admira- tion, and love. From this time, the scene changes to other localities ; and incidents of travel, and the hopes and the fears, and the joys and the sorrows of an invalid- stranger, at different places on his sojourn for health, fill up much of the detail which will, as we advance, appeal to our sympathies, and give additional evidence that a holy man may be happy in every circumstance of his mortal life. We have seen what was the state of Mr. Taylor's heahh during the latter months of the year 1827. After his attack by bleeding, on the 25th of October, he con- tinued to remain in New-Haven, hoping that the inci- dent would prove less alarming than the solicitudes of his friends apprehended might be its consequences. He visited his father's, and again returned to his rooms in New-Haven. He continued to attend the lectures with his class, and was yet unweariedly industrious in the pursuit of his theological course of studies — his heart still yearning for the office which he had long anticipated with a holy joyousness. But the sad evidence that 15 170 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP his strength was diminishing, daily presented itself to the observation of his soHcitous friends. His letters, while they breathed the true spirit of Christian submis- sion and joyous anticipation, of finally entering upon another and happier state of being, gave painful indi- cation, that a spirit so ripe for the associations of a heavenly world, would not long be retained in this. Still, his friends hoped that the desires which their affec- tions prompted, might, in the wisdom of Providence, be granted ; and that change of scene and chmate would yet restore him to health. For some time they had yielded to his desires to remain at New-Haven. But now, they were reluctantly forced, with great affection, in view of the increasing debility of his system, to insist upon his leaving his studies, and the friends in New- Haven, around whom his affections Hngered, and try the effects of a Southern tour upon his debilitated con- stitution. His heart had already broken in view of the possibility that he would be brought to this ; but, should he even be turned aside entirely from the dearly cher- ished object of his studies and hopes, part of the bitter conflict was past, and he had been brought to say, " Thy will be done," whatever might be in reserve for his experience. And yet, it was with some surprise he received the following letter from his eldest brother, after the inter- view which that brother had held with him a few weeks previously : JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 171 " New-York, January 23, 1828. " My Dear Brother : " I have your letter, by Mr. C, for which I am ob- liged, learning by it that you are now, probably returned from the Hill to New-Haven, and confirming the many reports I hear that your health is critical. I have thought much of the remarks of those who have seen you, and judge still more from your letters concerning the state of your health, and am constrained, with great reluctance, to write you, because I apprehend that it is my duty. I feel persuaded that you will be ready to follow any course that may be pointed out to you respecting your- self, which may bo made to appear to be a matter of duty. " I am not going over much ground before I come to the point, and only premise, that you must dismiss all tenacity and predilection to your own wishes, and then consider whether it is not best for you to relinquish your studies from this until next May, leave New-Haven and ride here ; and from here, perhaps to Philadelphia, Washington, Richmond, and Prince-Ed ward, where Pro- fessor Goodrich and Dr. Rice are, and there stop for one or two months, and study a little or not as circumstances may allow. I am very serious on this subject, and could I see you for ten minutes, I should know whether to lay my commands on you, notof violence but of love, and tell you that you must and that you shall desist, and take counsel 1 172 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF and be willing to think that it is not according to that we have not, but according to that we have, whereof we are bound to render. "You may, if you please, show to Dr. T., or others, this counsel from me, and I am sure they all will coin- cide with me. I know that your usefulness, and capa- city to do a great deal in the cause of Christ during your life, should that life be spared for years, demands this of you. I do not demand it of you except as I am bound to prevent your being so determined in a different course, as shall almost result to the taking away of your life. What is the object of your study? To be pre- pared to labour as a minister of Christ. How can you do this as you wish, and as health will enable you, if you are continually racked by pain, and are labouring under a decayed constitution ? " Now then, pack up your books and place them in F.'s charge, and mount your horse, and be willing to leave New-Haven for three months, and come to New- York as soon as you can with proper regard to fatigue. Take it moderately, and pass by fields of labour. " When you reach New- York you can be fitted off, after resting awhile, and I hope, to regain your health. As I shall expect you here, I shall write you no more at the present, and anticipate a reply by return of mail." As this letter made its designed impression upon the JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 173 decisions of Mr. Taylor, we find him immediately ad- justing his concerns to leave New-Haven for New- York. Henceforth, we shall contemplate him on his course, through the medium of his letters. They will be in- serted in connexion with some from his friends, that the thread of his way may be unbroken, and that the inci- dents, and sympathies, his musings by the way-side, in the parlour, on shipboard, and on the couch of friend- ship, or debility and death, may be presented as they occurred in his journeyings, or awoke in his hours of solitude, sociability, loneliness, and devotion. To the letter of his brother, as above, he immediately returned the following hasty note : " New-Haven, Friday, A. M. " Your letter, my dear brother, before I had perused half its contents, entered my very heart, and awakened my liveliest emotions. Indeed I believe you ever seek my best interests. I feel ready to comply, though it has been with a broken heart ; now, I conclude it is best. Dr. Taylor coincides ; and you may expect me by the middle of next week. Should it be pleasant on Monday, I calculate to set out for New-York. " Though I did not expect the letter since our inter- view, I yet feel entirely reconciled, and subject myself to the counsel of those I love. " In haste, " James." 15* r 174 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF The time was now come when he was to leave New- Haven, a spot dear in his associations, studies, and friendships. And well it might call forth the most ten- der feelings under the circumstances now attending his departure, conscious as his diminishing strength must have rendered him of the fact, that he was liable at al- most any moment, to be prostrated beyond the powers of recovery. Ke arranged his books. He consumed many of his private papers. He said his adieus to his friends. The last morning of his stay arrived, and he knelt in his usual kneeling spot for the last time ; and then, at the door, gave the parting hand to some who waited his leaving with a swelling heart, as he mounted his horse and bowed his kind good-by. A smile was even then on his hp, which nothing could destroy, and now betokened inexpressibly his confidence in God, mingled with a pathos of sentiment which was too holy and hallowed for aught else, than the eye of a doting and Christian friendship. What were the feelings of Mr. Taylor, as the late home where he had indulged his many joyous anticipa tions, and sorrowful apprehensions, receded from his view, we may gather from the following letter which he addressed to a friend, from the house where he stopped the first night after his leaving New-Haven : JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 175 " Stamford, January 30, 1828. (" On my way to New-York.) " Dear W. : " Say you, why on my way to New-York 1 It is not a project of my own ; but kind friends have issued their commands, and bid me pack up and be on my way from that choice spot of happy associations. Thus far I have comphed. " On Friday last, I received a letter from my brother K., urging me to relinquish my studies, mount my poney, and ride to New-York. From there to Phila- delphia, Washington, Richmond, and so on to Prince- Edward, where you know is Dr. Rice's Seminary, and where, if I should think best, I may remain two or three months, more or less. ' " Now, this is all great and overflowing kindness. But, my dear brother, at first my heart rather revolted at the idea of going. Before I finished the letter, however, I could not say aught why I should remain. I felt that I should do violence to the feelings of others if I did not go ; and now it would be a disappointment to my own feehngs not to go. How different from what I felt two months since. Then it seemed impossible to leave. You remember the reason. It was the burning desire to live and preach the Gospel. I wished to remain and prepare for it. Since then, however, this intense long- ing has given place to a calmness of soul, which sweetly rests in the will of God — not so solicitous to live and 176 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF preach the Gospel, but that I rather desire that Christ, who is the Lord of the vineyard, should dispose of me as his best system requires. "Thus you see how sweetly I have been fitted to leave all. Indeed, I go as cheerfully as I would into the pulpit. I feel all the calmness and composure which result from a consciousness of doing the will of God. Therefore, rejoice with me, my loving brother, and be happy in the thought that I am put aside for the present. Put aside ! I am disposed to think that this turning me aside is to turn greatly to my account. To my account I I hope to Zion's account. " Who can say that my journey is not that I may sur- vey fields of labour, which otherwise would not appear inviting ? who can say that a link is not to be made out of this change of circumstances not the least important — nay a swivel in the chain of my preparation, and one, without which, the twisted chain would break 1 " D.o you know that Mr. Nettleton accompanied Dr. Rice to the South ? And think you it would injure me to spend a few of my anticipated leisure weeks beside him, asking questions? "Brother W., I love you. Your name I often re- peat. And be assured I sometimes say, * Lord bless my friend.' " I now go out not knowing the result. I go, perhaps, to recover my health. This is my primary object. I go, perhaps, to die. Well — I have the sweet prospect JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 177 of yet mingling with the holy in heaven. Never, never have I had happier days than since I saw you. I verily believe I have been on Mount Clear, and spied out the Canaan that we love. " I need not tell you, that to leave New- Haven friends was trying. Having parted with them yesterday morn- ing, I ascended the hill which overlooks the city, two miles distant, weeping. I turned my horse, and as I gazed on those lovely spires, and thought of friends, I sang, 'Farewell! farewell! I must be gone, My home no longer is witL you ; But far away must travel on, Yet oft, full oft, will think of you. But onward still to Canaan's land Alike we'll seek the peaceful shore, Where pain its antedote shall find And friendship's bosom bleed no more.' " Yours in the best bonds, " James B. Taylor." " My health is no worse. Old General Pain, how- ever, whom I have so long served, does not yet dis- charge me, and seldom even grants me a furlough for a day. This is not by way of complaint. Far from it. Such service has had its sweet with its bitter. You know what I mean. Should I desert the corps of vali- 178 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF tudinarians during my march Southward, I shall hope to fall into the ranks of the army of the Lord of Hosts, to do the greater execution. " I left them all well at our good home, in New- Haven. I am now seated beside a good hickory fire, enjoying my lodging-room alone. Were brother W. to enter, I would give him my right hand, with a hearty welcome. But, until the pleasant interview — adieu. " J. U. T. " I may embark from New- York for Charleston, or Cuba. Determine when I reach New- York." Mr. Taylor having reached his brother's in Bond- street, New- York, he returned the succeeding letters to friends in New-Haven, and at the Hill : " New- York, February 2d, 1828. *'My friends in New-Haven, I doubt not, will be glad to hear from me, though they may wonder at my so late date from this city. I little thought of remaining so long as I have. But my physicians have induced me to stay thus long, and under God I am glad to attribute relief to them. Believe me, when I tell you, that I am freed from that piercing anguish of which I spoke in my letter. It is gone. Perhaps not to return. Now, I feel myself gaining every half day. Instead of groans and sleep- less nights, you might hear, were you beside me, only the calm breathings of soft slumber. Is not this much ? JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 179 So much, that I fondly anticipate the day when I shall stand on the watch-tower and sound the alarm. " My present calculation is, to embark on Thursday of next week for Charleston, accompanied by horse and gig. Thence I expect to return by land to New-York — perhaps, I may pass through some of the Western States. Should you wish to write Mrs. F., I should very gladly be the bearer. Perhaps Mrs. B. would like to send letters. " May I not hear from a home so endeared to me, before I shall sail 1 The thousand endearing ties still enchain me, in affection, to that green spot. "Love to your household — to Zion's friends and mine — cannot specify. In haste, as ever, J. B. Taylor. " A letter from Virginia mentions, that Mr. Nettle- ton accompanied Dr. Rice, and that he has been labour- ing with acceptance and with some power. I may see him." " New- York, February 3d, 1828. "Having left New-Haven, T proceeded to Bridgeport, calling upon friends in Stratford. My ride was accord- ing to the prescription given to valetudinarians — fa~ tigued, but not exhausted. After a cup of tea, I retired and slept most sweetly. The succeeding day, I reach- ed Norwalk. Thence, on Thursday, I came to New- 180 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF Rochelle. On Friday, about noon, I reached Bond- street. All well. " Nothing worthy of note occurred by the way. Please say to friend L. that I called on his patriarchal grandsire, and was not a little gratified the hour I spent around his fireside. " On the road, I overtook a solid-looking tar, with a bundle, — his little all, — upon his shoulders. I hailed him. He answered. I found him in distress. After having afforded him relief, I gained a little of his history. Twelve years he was a slave to the Algerines. He was becalmed in a brig when off Algiers, and a galley cap- tured them, took them in, and made them work in the quarries, getting out stone for the fortresses of the Bashaw. He must have suffered much, from his repre- sentations. " Another pitiful object I overtook on the road. Do you not think that we should enjoy more of that happi- ness which flows from benevolent action by anticipating the wants of the necessitous, rather than waiting for them to make known their distresses, and then making their apologies for their solicitations ? " James B. T., 2d, is quite unwell. All well at J's. I shall probably remain here some eight or ten days longer, before I go South. With these items, give my love to my several friends. " James." JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 181 "New-York, 25th February, 1828. " My dear Parents : " I feel that you have been kept in suspense a long time ; but I could not have said much had I written be- fore. Upon my arrival in New-York, about two weeks after I left you, I informed you of the ill-state I was then in. I am glad to assure you that I am greatly re- lieved. Nearly a week has elapsed, and I have not been goaded by that pain^^under which you'have seen me writhe. What I must yet contend with for a season, is a debiUty in the back, the effect of so much severe, and long continued distress. This relief from pain is cause for gratitude, and I begin to feel that 1 may yet recover and stand on the watch-tower. " Should I arrive at Charleston after the usual pas- sage of five or seven days, I shall find the climate of May in Connecticut ; and as I travel northward, bring it with me. They have already had peas in Charleston. " I feel much stronger than when I was with you ; and will pray and hope that journeying will gather a little flesh upon my bones, colour in my face, and vigour to my constitution. " Brother K. takes the interest in my welfare which springs from a brother's overflowing kindness. All well as usual, except little J. Love to the children. " Affectionately, your Son, "J. B. Taylor." 16 182 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF "New- York, February, 1828. " Dear F. " If only a line or two, you will be glad to hear from me. I am in the doctor's hands, who thinks that he will make the sick well. "I probably shall remain in New- York some days yet. When * far away,' if not before, you will hear from me. " Inclosed you have $ — for , which a person gave me for the man who was living upon bread and water. No names were mentioned. You will hand it to him. His case only was narrated. The first appli- cation — but not the last. Remember me to him. " Nothing new, save the morning papers say Gover- nor Clinton died on Thursday evening. "Last evening received an i7iviie to attend a wedding — Miss Ellen . If I am not too stiff in the back, shall go, etc. etc. " Tell the doctors that I have been worse in New- York. I add ^ — for . Mr. Brewster gave it. " Your brother, and with great love, "J. B. T." " New-York, 28th February, 1828. " Mr. and Mrs. P. " Friends very dear. Having left New-Haven, t am thus far on my way to the South. Ere this, I anti- cipated the pleasure of once more seeing you at your JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR, 183 mansion. My calculations were to travel by land, but owing to the season of the year and badness of the roads, I have concluded to embark for Charleston, S. C, ac- companied by horse and gig. Thence I expect to re- turn to New-York by land, passing through, perhaps, some of the Western States. My first stopping place will be at Dr. Rice's Seminary, where I may remain one month or more. " The primary object of my leaving, is to recover my health. Since I saw you I have been an invalid. The attack which proved so severe a year ago, last Autumn, was commenced when with you last. On my return to New-York, I was seized violently. I have not been well since. " The past winter I have been racked with pain, so much so, that till within ten days, I have not had a com- fortable night's rest. This has produced a debility that was threatening, and were I to continue at my studies, probably I should not recover. I have, therefore, left all, and now make health the prime object of my search. My physician has done much for me by his prescriptions since my arrival in New-York. So much that I am re- lieved from that sword-like pain which so often pierced me. Every half day I think I am gaining. "Should I arrive safely at Charleston, and be pros- pered in my journey, I shall hope to meet you in due time, with an invigorated constitution. ** A letter from you would reach me at Charleston, if 184 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF written soon. And to speak nothing of my due in this respect, how gladly would I break the seal of an epistle from friends I so much love. "I presume a joint letter from Resseau and myself was received by Mr. P. while he was at the West. Please let Mr. Brown know these facts, with my affec- tionate regards to himself and Mrs. B. " In haste, yours truly, "J. B. Taylor." To J. B. T. " New-Haven, February, 1828. " Presuming you may receive this before you leave for the South, I send you a few lines in reply to your acceptable note. " I was glad to hear of your pleasant jaunt to New- York. You will, of course, tell us of the modus oper- andi of your travelling equipage, and a thousand things associated with the wheel and axle. " 1 noted your kind regards for the beggars^ or rather from your management, the recipiants of your gifts. Your question, I think, admits of no doubt, my senti- ment on the subject of the poor-laws notwithstanding. I much mistake — or similar scenes on the road will prove an additional rivulet to swell what we pray may be a large stream, which shall contribute to your pleasures in your absence. What emotion is so hallowed as that JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 185 of sympathy, which awakes in a benevolent heart over the distresses of another? And a kind word and a few pence will often purchase for us the enviable emo- tion which results from the consciousness of making a distressed man forget, for a moment at least, his wretch- edness and sorrow. There is philosophy in these things as well as piety, not now to trouble you with a disquisi- tion after the manner of the doctors. " An hour or two with you here this lovely morning would give to its beauties a double charm. Pray, what has become of our winter? The Southren skies seem to be on a tour over our Eastern hills. " I design to pay my compliments to some of your friends this P. M. The good people here are very kind in their inquiries after our mutual friend James B. Taylor. Farewell. " Your friends are all well, I believe ; and the next time I write, I suppose my letter will team with love from the Connecticut-people, and regards, respects, etc. etc., from those who talk properly. However, I mean no reflections. Of all the world in Christendom and Wooster-streetj give me Old Connecticut still, al- though they say that some of their ugliest clever ladies are pretty, and with K. J., their divines stick to the nat'ral. 16* 186 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF To J. B. T. « New-Haven, March 2d, 1828. " I secure a few moments to give you a reply to your last. I have thought of you often, and as fre- quently wished to hear from you. ** It will give you pleasure to learn that the state of religious feeling in New-Haven at this time is deeper than usual. Your friend has his meetings on Saturday evenings. They are well attended by the young peo- ple. I was present at his last, and was pleased ; but think he talks rather too learnedly for the greatest effect. He uses the words momentum, illogical, and premises ; and besides, was too long. * I thought he never would get through,' said some young people, (crazy heads and hard hearts of course,) as I passed up the street. *' In college, there appears to be more than the usual degree of religious feeling. Some of the students are not without thoughts on the subject of religion, with reference to their personal responsibilities. May God in his kindness lead them to Christ Jesus. *'Your friend T. was here two days since. He wished much to see you. He has been labouring in Massachusetts. He looks a thousand times better in health, and, I suppose, feels in spirits, in the same ratio. He thinks that you may have much that would be interesting to him in his new situation as a pastor — in religious anecdotes, for instance — and what would JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 187 tell before a committee of Ways and Means. Write him if you can. He desired me to say thus to you for him. " Several of your friends desire their remembrance to you, when I write. Indeed, I believe you are the favourite of all the widows and orphans here — ay — and of a good many others besides, Christians and infidels, if you chanced to have an acquaintance with any of the latter class. *Pure religion and undefiled before God is this, to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.' ** I have written this in haste. Pray let me hear from you again soon. ' The snows of yesterday are gone, The sunbeams freely play, The blue-bird flutters o'er the lawn And carrols sweet its lay.' "This last sentiment of your friend H., I suppose one may say, might give one to think about spring- dandelions. To J. B. T. " New-Haven, March 3, 1828. " Dear Mr. Taylor : " We sjliidly unfolded your first kind letter, and eagerly passed from line to line to know of your estate and prospect of health ; and we laid it down with hearts 188 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF overflowing with emotions of which you can conceive more easily than I describe. We did so fear that the efforts of your kind friends, and the skill of physicians, could not long detain the spirit which seemed labouring to be emancipated from a tenement, whose tendencies were so much towards pain and decay. But to-day, by the perusal of your last favour, our feehngs are wrought up to no ordinary tension in hearing of your comfortable state, and with the cherished hope that you are for a long time to come, to be given back to health ; to your friends, to the church. I have hardly felt my spirits so raised since you went away. I need not say to you, what is their ordinary tone. ";I wish I had something good to say to you of myself; but I will try not to detail any thing that would give pain to a heart of so much Christian kindness and sympathy as yours. I may say something, that will cheer you re- specting the religious prospects of this community. You are aware that the Conference of the churches met here with the North Church two weeks since. That meeting, in connexion with the previous steps of prepa- ration, has seemed to give an impulse to the community, which I have not observed before. The people seem to be in an attitude of expectation and prayer ; and a solemnity prevails, such as has rarely visited this city. Scarce a day since the Conference, in which we have not heard of some hopeful conversion. Meetings are wonderfully multiplied and crowded. I JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 189 have heard of several cases of particular interest — have time to name only one. A young lady was invited to a ball the week of the Conference. She felt some con- victions, but was induced to go — was wretched, and re- turned early home, and as soon as the gentleman who attended her left, she threw herself upon the floor in the most intense agony of spirit, and continued praying and crying aloud all night ; and for several succeeding days was perfectly deranged. She is now calm, and those who have seen her, say she is in a hopeful state of mind. " We cannot doubt but the Spirit of God is here. Many cases, besides the above, evince it. The minis- ters, this week, appointed a joint meeting of inquiry in the lecture-roon^. I believe Dr. Taylor has a meeting of this kind in college. I mention these things to you, because you have a regard for New-Haven-concerns. I am aware it would be rash to say so much to a stran- ger, at the present time. I think I have some present desire to be a participant of these blessed influences, which are attendant with so many mercies upon this people. " Dear friend, you will allow me to express the grati- tude I feel for your so kindly interesting yourself in my behalf. A heart smitten as mine has been, and cast unprotected upon a world, cold, selfish, unbefriending, feels with a deeper intensity such acts of kindness. May God reward you for this, and for every act of kind- 190 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF ness toward any of the mournful sisterhood, to which I belong. " You are going to the South in pursuit of health. We are all glad, being persuaded it is the best course. Our best wishes and prayers attend you, and we know that the ' Shepherd of Israel, who never slumbereth nor sleepeth,' will go with you, watch over you, sustain and keep you — and we trust, we trust in his good time will bring you back in safety and health. " Our family, 'jointly and severally,' desire an affec- tionate remembrance. Since you kindly proffer, I will trouble you with a letter to Mrs. F. This has been scribbled with many interruptions. You must excuse all, from your sister- friend, (if you give me leave.) " N. B. Dr. Taylor had twenty at his meeting of inquiry to-night. Last night there were as many amid the pitiless storm of rain, at the lecture-room. Pray for us — and for me and my orphan. Dear Mrs. and family are well, and requested us, when we wrote, to remember them very affectionately to you. They aro not able yet to forget you. We thank you for indulging us to hear of • your weal and wo.' Will you indulge us yet again, and let us know how it fares with you at Charleston, and onward." To his Brother F. W. T. " 6th March, 1828. " I am summoned to be on board the Othello, Capt. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 191 Thorpe, at two o'clock, this P.M. I think I am better than when I wrote last. Can step much more firmly. Prospectively, things are favourable. Brother K. pur- chased a horse yesterday to subserve my health. He is young — five years old — looks as if he would roll me from Charleston hither. " In haste — Good-by, and with a heart of love. "J. B. T." *' Your letter reached me yesterday. Remember mc to friends." This is the last note penned by Mr. Taylor before he went on ship-board. The vessel left her moorings, glided down the stream, and soon passed out through the Narrows to sea ! The following note was returned by the pilot-boat : " Within a little of Sandy-Hook, Thursday, 7 o'clock, P. M. " Dear, dear brother : " I did not think to write you so soon, but as the pilot is about to leave us, you shall have the first line. " Our number of passengers is ten. Mr. Kindsman I find very companionable. There are two or three actors. The captain we find to be a professor of reli- gion. At the table he called on me to ask a blessing. 192 TRIBUTE TO JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. Impression so favourable as to lead us to hope that a good influence may be produced. " Under a thousand renewed obligations, "Yours, truly, J. B. T." "7th March, 1828." SECTION XI. We have now followed Mr. Taylor until he has passed his last adieus to his kindred and friends, and committed himself to the sea on a voyage to the South in search of milder climes, and with hopes that the projected course which the solicitude of friends marked out for him to traverse, would reinstate him in the possession of lost health, and freedom from debility and pain which had attended him for so many months. How far these hopes were realized or proved fallacious, will be developed by the letters which he sent to his friends on his travels, written often under great fatigue after his day's journey, but always with feelings flowing from an affectionate and devout heart. By these letters we shall pursue him on his course, and yield him our sympathies as he records the *' bitter and the sweet " of his way, and mingles on the same page the joys and the woes of a heart that always opened its secret chambers with the utmost freedom to his kindred and friends. He knew that he had their deepest interest and affection, and he unbosomed himself accordingly. We give these letters successively as they were writ- ten; and they will themselves lay open the different circumstances in which they were penned by the friend, whom we shall not cease to follow with interest through 17 194 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF the remaining pages of this Tribute. His first letter returned to his friends after again reaching the shore, is dated as follows: "Charleston, 15th March, 1828. " Dear Brother : " At about eleven o'clock, this A. M., we came along-side the wharf, all in good order. Our passage was delayed by calms and head winds, so as to take us eight days to reach Charleston. This, however, was ho disadvantage to me. Probably, conducive to help me. My cough became less aud less troublesome, so that now, but little remains. I was sea-sick as I had antici- pated that I should be. I saw but few wonders of the deep, yet was quite long enough on ship-board to prefer the land to the sea. " We found our captain and mate both professors of religion. Some of your tracts were distributed. On Sunday I gave them a talk on the deck, and felt no in- convenience from it. *» A valuable acquaintance I found in Mr. Kiilsman. A lovely spirit. To the story of his conversion, I lis- tened with interest. I think it likely he will purchase a horse, and accompany me Northward. If so, horse- back and in the gig, alternately. " I have not time now to say much about Charleston. Had I time, I have seen so little, as yet, that my tale would, of necessity, be short. Climate, summer-like, JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 195 and very grateful. Walk without surtout, and coat un- buttoned. Fine green peas — relished well at dinner. Corn in the garden, knee high. Other things, I suppose, corresponding. "Fox, (for so I call him,) stood the voyage well. Not ashore yet. "I give you this hasty sketch to show you, that through a kind Providence I am safely here. I have a different countenance already. You would see a blush- ing red on my cheeks. Pain in my side not trouble- some. I walked a mile this morning with much less fatigue than when in New- York. "My love to Eliza and the children. " Yours fraternally, " James B. Taylor. " You may hear from me again soon." " Charleston, March 17, 1828. " My dear Parents : " You will be relieved by hearing that I am safely at this place. I arrived on Saturday last, after a passage of eight days. The voyage was not at all rough, yet enough motion of the ship to make me sea-sick. " When I embarked at New-York, I was introduced to a stranger, whom I afterwards found, and still find a valued friend, a Christian brother, and a delightful com- panion. Our hearts seemed attuned for each other's society. This gentleman is from Portland, Maine, and 196 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF like myself, is in search of health. What made our voyage still more agreeable, was the circumstance that our captain is a professor of religion, and favoured serious things. At the table God was acknowledged. " As we advanced Southward the climate became sensibly more and more mild. The day of my arrival on shore we had a summer's sun. And you may imagine the difference between this and the Hill at this time, when I tell you that in January, strawberries although rare, were picked from the vines. Now they have them, but so few that they ask ^1 25 for a tea-saucer full. In the garden back of the house at which I lodge, I saw corn knee high. As I rode out yesterday, I saw peas four feet high. They are on the table daily. " Charleston, as a city, exceeds my expectations. I had conceived of it as an indifferent place. There are several large and public buildings. The streets for the most part are not paved. It is a sandy soil. The black population far exceeds the white. " The pious, with whom I have become acquainted, I am pleased with. There is some liberality among them. " My dear friend, of whom I spoke above, N. Kins- man Esq., a lawyer, will probably accompany me, and so we shall continue together. A good Providence direct and sustain us. " As to my health, I hardly know what to say — for, I fear of saying too much. But I seem to be so differ- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 197 cnt, and I feel so different fronn what I did at home, that I must say that I am another man. I have improved, and I do pursuade myself that I am improving, beyond — yes, far beyond my expectations. My countenance is altered for the better. Pain does not assail me aa formerly. Food sets well. Spirits good. I can put my foot down with a firmer step. Walk farther and with less fatigue. Cough well nigh disappeared. Eat my allowance. Take no medicine. Weigh 132 pounds, etc. etc. I am quite contented, and prospectively, a pleasant journey is before me. " Thus you see, that under a gracious Providence, I am as I am. Ere mid-summer, I hope you will see me — shall I say fully restored? I say it, conditionally — the Lord's will be done. " Judge again. I have written thus far and feel no fatigue. I could not have done this, nor even one half of it, without resting, some time ago. ♦« March 19th. Yesterday called on Dr. Mc Do well, to whom I was introduced through a letter from M. C. of New-York. I found him and family as is desirable. Evening was introduced into a circle of good folks, where I spent two or three hours pleasantly — at Dr. Palmer's, another of the clergyman in this city. To sum up my reception, I have fallen into the hands of those, * given to hospitality !' " To-day, I have visited a curiosity, and withal had my profile taken. The horse I brought with me I have 17* 198 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF tried to-day in my gig. I think he will answer my purpose well. Probably, on Monday next, we shall leave this for Savannah, one hundred miles south. We go thither partly to see the city, and partly so as not to go north too soon. A letter from Jeremiah yesterday, stated that you were all well. Was glad to hear from home. Ate a few strawberries which my friend brought in yester- day. They tasted March-like. " 20th. Heard again from Jeremiah. A ship arrived yesterday, only seventy-five hours passage from New- York. Should you write me on the reception of this, direct to Fayette ville, N. C. It takes ten days for a letter to reach you from this place. *' As you ever do, so remember your son in exile. Yet though in exile, in the paternal hands of our heavenly Father. "James." " Charleston, 20th March, 1828. " My dear Brother : " On my arrival here T sent you a note, announcing the same, per mail. I have since been busy in deliver- ing letters and forming new acquaintances. " Mr. C.'s letter to Dr. Mc D., introduced me into a pleasant retreat. Have met a delightful circle at . The characteristic of those with whom I have associated, warrant me in repeating what I believe to be justly said of the South Carolinians, that they are given JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 199 to hospitality. This morning two dishes loaded with fruit came in, with an invitation to dine to-morrow: Another invitation to take tea in the evening. Another for the succeeding evening. Another to dine the next day. So you see, that although at a boarding-house, my seat is sometimes vacant. " On Monday, I expect to leave Charleston for Sa- vannah, one hundred miles south west. After remain- ing at Savannah a few days, one hundred and twenty miles will bring us to Augusta. I say us, for my friend and dear brother Mr. Kinsman will accompany me. You see how a kind Providence has given me an intelligent, companionable, and affectionate fellow-traveller. We shall ride as we may find it agreeable — alternately in the gig and on horseback. Fox goes off as if he felt it not — presses on the bit — and with no horse have I been more pleased. Mr. K. is a good horseman. This, in a traveller, is an acquisition, if not an accomplish- ment. Had we been aware how often horses are injur- ed during the passage, I think we would not have risked one on the sea. " As to my health, I repeat what I wrote to the Hill. I fear of saying too much. But that I have improved is perceptible at half a glance. Should 1 continue to im- prove as rapidly as I think I have done since I left you, my tour will do much indeed. Food relishes well. Eat my allowance. Can walk and ride with much less 200 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF fatigue, and plant my foot much more firmly. Mr. K. thinks I have gained ten per cent, since I left New- York. "21st. Went this morning to see one hundred and eighty human beings go under the hammer. The sale, however, was postponed till Monday. The regular sale- days, Tuesdays and Thursday. " Ate new potatoes to day where I dined, and as good venison as * ever comes over.' ** The family with whom I am stopping are exceed- ingly attentive, and the ladies very maternal. Among the good things which reach my room, every morning comes up a pleasant bitter. It is a hoarhound sirup with milk warm from the cow. This is considered very medicinal. ' Will you please to say to J. that his letters are received, one per mail, the other by ship President, seventy-five hours firom New-York. Should you write, and be sure I wish to hear fi^om you, address to Fayetteville, N. C. / have pretty much abandoned the idea of visiting the Cherokee nation. The atmosphere here is delightful. We set to-day without fire. The wind since our arrival has prevailed from the north, and so made it cooler. Gardens are flourishing. Roses in bloom — peas in abundance — strawberries — spring vegetables. The city is more extensive than I supposed. Houses high and roomy. Streets not paved, except in a few in- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 201 stances, for want of stone. Public buildings respect- able. " The tone of religious things in Charleston, though high in individual Christians, yet in revival means I should think they were behind. In the cause of Seamen Mr. Brown is enlisted. He is a lovely man, and a man beloved. I heard him preach last Sabbath evening. " Please say to Eliza that sweet potatoes are poor, or she should have had her a barrel or two. " As I can think of nothing else, therefore, farewell. *' Your affectionate brother, *' James." In the preceding letter, Mr. Taylor remarks that he had " abandoned the idea of visiting the Cherokee nation.^^ When situated at Lawrenceville, in the early part of his academical studies, he was by accident, (or rather, by his benevolent feelings which ever enkindled with best intentions toward a stranger,) thrown into the com- pany of Major Ridge, an Indian chief of the Cherokee nation. This chief was distinguished under General Jackson in the Seminole war ; and since, together with his son, John Ridge, has been conspicuous in the nego- ciations of the Indian treaties betweenour government and the Cherok#BS. Major Ridge, at this time, 1822, was on his way through the Northern and Eastern States, designing to visit his son, who was then at the 202 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF Foreign-School at Cornwall, Connecticut. Unacquaint- ed with the English language, and alone on board of a steamboat from Brunswick to New- York, James Tay- lor perceived the circumstances of the Indian, and prof- fered to him his friendship and assistance in furthering him on his journey. He took the Indian to his brothers' in New-York, and accompanied him on to Cornwall, where he left him. This act of kindness on the part of young Taylor, made a deep impression on the mind of Major Ridge, and drew from him a hearty acknowledgement of the favour, and a cordial invitation from him to visit their nation, with assurances that his act of friendship and hospitality should be reciprocated. The incident led to a short correspondence, and was always a circumstance which gave pleasure to young Taylor, and now, years afterwards, in other circumstances and so unexpectedly while he was directing his course toward the lands of the Indian-warrior, he felt that it would augment the pleasures of his journey to make a visit to the chief. But it was found to be too far out of the line of his con- templated rout. The letters of these Cherokees will be introduced here, with but one passing and sad reflection, that the time seems not to be far onward when the dust of the last poor Indian will sleep as low as i0w slumber the relics of him whose Tribute we are penning, and who took one of their number by the hand with the sym- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 203 pathies of a friend, and the deep felt interests of a Christian. " Ridge's Ferry, Cherokee Nation, "February 19, 1822. " My very dear Friend : " I rejoiced greatly to receive a letter from you. I had thought we were far from each other, but when I re- ceived your letter, it seemed as if you were near. I feel rejoiced to hear from you, and will converse with you as much as I can on paper. " Dear friend, we were made acquainted by a kind Providence, and I hope I shall never forget all your kindness to me. When I think of New-York it seems near, and I feel almost as if there. When I went there I was a stranger. You were so kind as to be my guide and assistant to the place where my son was; For this I am under great obligations of gratitude. You not only rendered me all necessary assistance on the way, but when we arrived at Cornwall, you were so kind as to converse with me about religion. What you told me I ought to do, I am determined to do. I think I can say now that I do seek the Saviour, but do not find him. I hope the Lord will hear my prayers, and enable me to find the right way. I thank you for what you said to me, and rejoice to think of it, and also I rejoice that the Missionaries here tell me the same thing, and 204 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF that there are some, even in this land, who care for my soul. " I scarcely know what to say that will be most im- portant. I think I shall always remember your kind advice, and hope we shall be friends as long as we live. I am trying to do good, and seek the Lord, and though I do not find him, I still hope he is not far from me, but will help me and give me a new heart. "I rejoice to find by your letter that you do not for- get me, and as I am in your mind I hope you will pray for me, as you did when I was with you. I think I shall never forget you. I think much of your brothers in New-York. I feel thankful for all their kindness to me. Their wives also treated me with kindness. Re- member me to them, and all their children. I stayed at New-York four days. Then your brothers assisted me in finding a vessel to come to Savannah, and I was but five days on my passage. I enjoyed good health till my arrival. But before I came home I attended the council of my nation. I found my wife and children well. I told my wife of all your kindness to me, for which she is thankful, and sends her love to you. Your brother made me a present of a glass pipe, and also a present to my daughter Sally. These arrived safe. " You wished me to tell you respecting our country. We have never had a line between us and the Creeks, and have had some fears that this would occasion some difficulty. But this is now amicably settled, and we JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 205 have agreed where to have the line. Our country is now, I suspect, about two hundred miles long, and per- haps one hundred and forty miles wide in some places, and perhaps not so much. We have, generally, a good range for our stock, so as not to be obliged to feed them. "I feel thankful that you have written my son at Cornwall, to make your brother's house his home when at New- York. I feel as if he would be treated as I was when there. " I hope we shall hear from each other. I will en- deavour to write whenever I can get some one to write for me. **As you are young, you may find it convenient to visit our country. If you should, I hope you will make my house your home. I hope, if it is the Saviour's will, you will be willing to come and visit our people. If you should, you will be treated with kindness by them. "I hope you will write soon to the Cherokee boys at Cornwall, and let them know that you have heard from me. " I am happy to state that the schools under the care of the Missionaries in this country, appear to prosper. Many of our children are now instructed. " My dear friend, I will now bid you farewell, and give you the right hand, and your brothers also. ** Major Ridge.'* 18 206 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF The preceding letter of Major Ridge, as the reader will have perceived, was penned by an amanuensis. The following, from his son, is in the son's own hand writing ; and evinces talent and acquirement. " Cornwall, July 8th, 1822. •♦ Dear friend, Mr. Taylor : " I am under great obligations to you for your ac- ceptable letter of the 19th of June, and I should be wanting in gratitude should I pass over your precious letters in silence, which I hope is not in my disposition to do. ** I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you last fall, giving me to understand that my father had em- barked, and tendering the polite invitation of your dear brother. I wished to answer you then, but did not know where I should direct my communication. On further consideration, I thought it best to defer writing until I received information of your residence. Please to accept of my sincere thanks for that, and for this which I have now the privilege to answer. "I have read your instructive admonitions with in- terest, and I feel thankful to you for your concern for my immortal welfare. But, at the same time, I will not conceal from you that my heart is stupid and indifferent to this subject. I do not ridicule, nor have any disposi- tion to do so, with the jocularity of an infidel. Neither do 1 flounce on the doctrines of the Gospel with the con- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 207 tempt of the deist. But you can conjecture the state of my feelings by looking over some of your Gospel hearers in Lawrenceville, who go to meeting to please their friends, or to satisfy their curiosity, but at the same time are not opposed. In short, you may form your opinion of me by yourself before conversion. " We have animating and promising news from the Cherokee nation. Missionaries are prospered, and the nation is coming up to the meridian of civilization with hasty strides, and seems resolved to prove to bigoted op- position, that Indians are capable of receiving instruc- tion and the endearments of polished society. " Do you read the * Missionary Herald V There is an interesting letter from J. E varts, Esq. , Corresponding Secretary of the A. B. C. F. Missions. He has lately travelled in the Cherokee country. He states that the Cherokees are improving in their buildings and fur- niture, laborious habits are imbibed, and that they are friendly to the Missionary cause. They possess a ter- ritory of ten millions of acres, large enough to include Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode-Island. Their jurisprudence is well adapted to their improvement, and their judicial and executive powers are disposed with considerable skill and judgement. " The American Board, you know, have a large es- tablishment at Brainerd, and the two local stations, Tabony and Creek-path. At the latter, there is a church under the care of Mr. Potter, and does well. 208 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF At Tabony there are indications of seriousness ; and it is hoped that two persons have lately become converted. The indefatigable Moravians have two churches formed, one at Springfield under the care of Mr. Smith, and the other at Ao-ge-logee under the venerable Mr. Gambold, the luminary of Indian Missions. This establishment is in the neighbourhood of my father's old place. The other of my father's establishments is at the Fork, where he also has farms and a ferry, the place at which his letter to you was dated. The Baptists have also an establishment of considerable respectability in that country. It is situated on the Hiwasne river, in what is called the Valley-farms, and contains fifty-four scholars. There is a Sunday-School Society here, for the support of which the Cherokees have readily sub- scribed. At Creek-path there is a * Female Society for assisting youth for the ministry. " Here then, my friend, we find Indian improvement sufiicient to stop the mouth of every objector. We here behold schools in operation, and Indians pursuing their studies with ardour, and as their teachers say, not inferior in talents to the children of this country. Their system of laws are worthy of an enlightened people, and are respected by the nation. Why may not a Boniface arise here, and carry the Gospel into the forests of the West? Why may not a Solon or a Lycurgus rise here, and give an immortal splendour to the Indian name? But should the Cherokees fall into their original degra- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 209 dation, let it not be forgotten that, at Brainerd, Chero- kees have surrounded the Lord's table, and have re- ceived the faith from the Saviour. Let it not be forgot- ten that at Spring-place, a Charles Hicks has outwardly acknowledged the Redeemer at the Baptismal Font. Let it not be forgotten that Mrs. Crutchfield, the first Cherokee convert, and Mr. John Brown, junior, have died in the faith and triumphed over death. " Prejudice is the ruling passion of the age. And an Indian is almost considered as accursed. He is frown- ed upon by the meanest peasant, and the scum of the earth are considered sacred in comparison with the son of nature. If an Indian is educated in the sciences — has a good knowledge of the classics, astronomy, natural, mental, moral, and political philosophy, and his conduct be equally modest and polite, yet, he is an Indian, and the most stupid and illiterate farmer will disdain and triumph over this worthy man ! It is dis- gusting to enter a farmer's house and be stared at full in the face by inquisitive ignorance. "I find that such prejudices are more prevalent among the ignorant than among the enlightened. And let a received opinion be counteracted by sohd facts, the ignorant will still hold to it, and carry it with him to his grave. " The 0-why-he-an young men you mentioned, were thankful for your remembrance, and send their respects to you. When you write to my father, direct your letter 18* 210 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF to Major Ridge, Spring-place, Cherokee nation. Spring- place is the nearest Post-Office, and it is the place to which I direct my letters. Mr. David Brown is still here, and intends to prepare himself for the ministry. ** Please to accept of my respectful regards, and be- lieve me to be, " Yours respectfully, "John Ridge. » Mr. James B. Taylor." " City of Washington, Jany. 20th, 1824. " My very esteemed and dear Friend : " I was happy to receive your letter of the 9th inst. which was enclosed in a letter from Mr. David Brown from Baltimore. I am now in Washington with three other chiefs, on a mission from the Cherokee nation to the general government. " The receipt of your letter has made my heart glad. The sentiments it contains are pleasing, and makes me feel as if I were in your presence, and hear you talk, as I would do were we face to face. When I first met with you when going to New- York, I was among strangers, and you gave me your right hand, and led me to where your relations were, in New- York city, by whom I was kindly treated. From thence you led me where my son was. This disinterested friendship I duly appreciate, and shall never forget. Therefore, when I call those moments to recollection, it makes my JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 211 heart warm with gratitude. It is true I was much con- cerned about my son. But my uneasiness of mind was removed by finding him — which pleasure and happi- ness I ascribe to an all-wise and merciful Providence. " I received two letters from you. One since I wrote you. The other must have gone out of the way. I am sorry I did not answer it so soon as it was my wish to have done. As I cannot write myself, I hope, my friend, you will not consider it an act of willing neglect. ** My dear friend, I am happy to hear that you possess the hope of heaven, and find it good to love and serve the Lord. As it respects myself, it grieves me to say that I have not been so fortunate as yourself, but I hope I shall yet find the Lord. I have a persevering heart, and shall not be discouraged, and trust, in the ^hd, that my endeavours will be successful. Our hearts have been joined in friendship, and I hope our souls may be united in heaven. The will of the Lord be done. "I shall be happy to hear from you at all times, and will do myself the pleasure to write you whenever cir- cumstances permit. My son John left here for Corn- wall some days ago, and was so fortunate as to meet with David Brown in Philadelphia. Mr. Brown, in consequence of a fall from the stage, has not yet arrived from Baltimore. I hope to see him in two days more. Mr. Evarts has arrived. I am happy to hear that Mr. Brown is not rery badly hurt. " It gives me pleasure to inform you that our dele- 212 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORr OP gation, have been kindly received by the govern- ment, as also by the members of Congress generally. Messrs. John Ross, George Lowry, and Elijah Hicks, my companions, beg leave to tender their re- spects to you as a friend, though not personally ac- quainted with you. Please to present my kind respects to your brothers, and accept for yourself the best wishes of your friend, "Major Ridge." With this brief deviation, we return to trace the con- tinued course of Mr. Taylor, by a connected insertion of his letters from Charleston, and onward. " South Carolina, Parker's Ferry, on Edisto river, 27 miles from Charleston, Evening of 26th March, 1828. " To those I love in New-York, " New-Haven, and Middle-Haddom : *' Seated beside my friend and fellow-traveller, Mr. K., I think of friends afar. Although more than a thousand miles from some of you, my imagination goes over hill and dale, river and ocean, and rests in happy musing upon those loved ones I have left behind. And I doubt not but that the affection of my dear father and mother follows the footsteps of their affectionate son in his absence. That they, and others, who feel an in- terest in my weal and wo, may learn of my welfare, I JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 213 purpose to send occasional letters while on my way, in- terspersing, with other things, the bitter and the sweet of my journey. *' My last dates were from Charleston. I left that place of grateful remembrances yesterday, P. M., and came nine miles to Mr. O'H.'s. " A gentleman, who has been unwearied in his atten- tions while at Charleston, accompanied us over Ashley River, and took leave of us two miles onward. The kind hospitality and expressive sympathy I received at the hands of Charleston-friends greatly endeared the place to me, and I find my heart entwining still, in kind affection, around those whom I have there left. Dr. P.'s family were much given to hospitality. The Rev. Messrs. G. and B. used me as brethren, and Dr. and Mrs. Mc D. were not behind to entertain me. Mr. O'N. Mrs. T. and Mr. McL., to whom I also had letters, treated the stanger-in-exile as a brother. Be- sides these, other acquaintances were formed, which kept me busy and pleasantly entertained in their society. I bade them adieu, and if never before, I hope again to meet them among the holy above. " A letter from Dr. McD., introduced us to the house and generous hospitality of Mr. O'H. During the winter, and spring, and a part of the summer, the plant- ers in the low country, remain on their plantations. But during what is called the sickly season, they retire to the cities. Mr, O'H.'s plantation contains about 214 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF six hundred acres. It produces cotton, rice, and com crops. His dwelling and out-houses are superior to the generality. The negroes have their residences in huts, called quarters, at a distance from the house. He owns about sixty. From his dwelling you may over- look the whole plantation. Mr. O'H. is a bachelor, but has with him his sister and his sister's daughter. Be not apprehensive of my becoming heart stricken during my travels, though I may sometimes dream of love's joys, never having felt love's miseries. They gave us an excellent supper and breakfast. It tasted more like a cup of good tea at the North, than I have found since I left. After a good night's rest and an early breakfast, Mr. O'H. led us into his garden and through his establishment for clearing cotton, and having made us familiar with some things new to us, we after- wards proceeded on our journey. I gave them the parting hand, reluctant to leave. ' If you, or your friends,* said Mr. O'H, * should ever visit Charleston, I should be glad to see you, and them.' A dear and pleasant retreat. I might have mentioned, that before retiring, the big Bible was brought out, and prayers re- quested. The same in the morning. We left some tracts, which brother K. put into my hands, and these will be read to the servants when congregated together. " It was a novelty to me to see the negroes grinding corn by hand. As Mr. K. said, a day or two since, ' all goes by singing here.' So the negroes, a dozen of JAMES BRAINERD TAYOR. 215 them, as they whirl the rumbling stones, modify their harmonious noise by the twanging sound of their nasal notes. ** The gardens are full of roses. One species called the ' Nondescript,' or Cherokee rose, is cultivated here to make a hedge. By putting down slips two or three feet apart, they become an impassable barrier in the course of four years. I wonder they have not been in- troduced at the North.* " The church of this parish is more than one hundred years old. It is now under a thorough repair. Near it is what is called * The Club- House.' There the plant- ers resort once a fortnight, to consult for the welfare of the vicinity. Questions are asked and answered. Measures are adopted to advance their interests and convenience. A patrol is appointed, who scour the parish to keep the negroes in order, or rather to keep them in their several places. If any are found off the plantation to which they are attached, without a line from their master, they are chastised. The patrol have a right to enter their houses and see that all is in order. They ride armed, during the night as well as in the day, and disguised as to the object of their commission. " The birds serenade us sweetly. The mocking- bird, which is native and wild here, is the most musical. He is indeed a perpetual songster. These cost about ten dollars in Charleston, but when young, the negroes ♦ They are too tender a shrub for a Northern latitude. 216 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP sell them for a York-shilling, though it is somewhat difficult to raise them. " To-day, I have ridden seventeen miles. We have stopped at a fine house, and being about to retire, I expect to sleep according to my fatigue. ♦' March 28th. Where we tarried over the night of the twenty-seventh, the man of the house was the pro- fanest wretch I ever heard speak. Besides giving tracts to the servants, I left two to be given to the master after I had gone.* At this place, in the evening, a negro came in and bartered two quarts of corn for a pint of * This allusion of Mr. Taylor to the profanity of his host, and the measure he pursued to place suitable tracts into his hands, re- minds the writer of an anecdote told of him on an occasion of hia going from New- York to Lawrenceville, at the lime he was situ- ated in the academy at the latter place. He heard a man swearing boisterously, and to the great annoy- ance of all the passengers of correct feelings on board of the boat. Young Taylor went to the person just previous to the landing of the passengers at New-Brunswick. He asked the person to step aside with him, and told him privately that he had a paper for him which contained matter of the greatest importance, but the note was not to be opened until the person had proceeded some dis- tance on his way. The curiosity of the individual was consider- ably excited, and he promised that the paper should not be opened otherwise than as requested. Young Taylor then handed him a letter, in which he had inclosed the tract call " The Siccarer^s prayer.^* The person, with care, put the letter into his pocket, and it is hoped, though it is not known, that he read it with feeling and profit JAMES ERAINERD TAILOR. 217 salt. The principle food of the negroes is corn ; on rice plantations, it is rice. Salt they sometimes have, 3o:Tietiin93 not. The negroes raise, on grounds allowed them by their masters, poultry and a pig. *' Yesterday came onward nineteen miles, and spent the night. This morning, after opening my icindow shutters, (there were no glass windows in my bed-room,) I was greeted with a sweet serenade by the birds. A distant human voice, too, was heard. On inquiry, I found it to be the custom for one or more of the servants to watch a recently planted field, and frighten by their hallooing, the birds from disturbing the seed. They carry a whip also, which they crack to frighten the winged thieves. The Rice-bird is very troublesome. " At the ferry on Ashepoo River, I met a captain with his schooner, hailing from Middletown.* He expected to arrive in Connecticut in about three weeks. " There is very little variety in this section of the country. Now and then you pass a good house, but not to be compared at all with those at the North. The majority are such as you would dislike to inhabit The people seem devoid of taste in this particular. All they study in architecture is the arrangement of their crops, and in securing these, an experienced farmer of the North could show them, I think, that one half of the ♦ Middletown is about six miles from the Hill, his father's re- sidence. 19 218 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP manual labour they expend would suffice. All the im- pliments, or the chief, by which they carry on their hus- bandry, is the hoe. And you may see in one field fifteen, twenty, or thirty hands doing what a pair of horses would accomplish in less time, and equally well. Many of the negroes (for their own comfort I suppose,) work without a shirt. " We stopped to feed at Coosawhatchie. There, the Baptists had assembled, to hold what they call a union meeting. They assemble on Friday — have two ser- mons at a meeting — Three meetings a-day. On Sun- day, communion, and disperse. " We ar« this evening at a place called Grahamville, thirty miles from oitr starting-place this morning. Gra- hamville is a retreat for health during the sickly season. In the low-lands, through which we have passed, the whites consider it not safe to remain after the first week in June, until cold weather. They resort to places like this. From the appearance, the houses are for the occupancy of the planters who come here and reside during the unhealthy months. Here, is a church — school-house — twenty to forty scholars — tuition, eight dollars per quarter. " On the road we have found plenty of good feed for our horses and for ourselves. Water in abundance, and crossing the roads. After the Southern style, I carry a tin-pail to water my horse, and a tin- cup to use for myself. Wm JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 219 ipk** The roads are excellent for the most part, although not turnpikes. We have to ride eighteen or twenty miles to find a stopping-place. The roads are lined not with houses, but timber in the rough, for houses. Pine trees prevail. " 29th. Reached Savannah this*P. M., of which date you may expect to hear. "P. S. ToK. T. " Please enclose and forward this to the Hill, when all in New- York shall have read it. Were I to write each, it would be saying pretty much the same thing, and doubling the labour. " Affectionately, "J. B. Taylor." " Savannah, 30th March, 1828. (Evening.) " My dear friends at the North : " At the close of my last, which was dropped into the office to-day, I announced my safe arrival at this place. You will observe that we were on the road from Charleston since Tuesday P. M. We made an ex- periment on our way by taking turns upon the saddle and in the gig — riding for an hour each way. I find that ri- ding on horse-back fatigues my own back too much, so that when night comes, the ill effects are severely felt. I could not have performed the journey on the saddle. I found, what invalids should never find, that it was 220 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF labour to ride on horseback. Thus, Dr. Smith and brother K. judged rightly in my preparations for the journey. The gig is preferable for me, at least for the present. It is a pleasure to glide along after Fox, on a good road, and the exercise from the gig will probably do a kind service for me. " There was no rain during the time we were travel- ling. The weather was warm. The atmosphere mild. I had no idea when I put up my over-shoes — woolen muffler — lined gloves — cloak and surtout, that I should have no use for them. Except an evening or 1 wo, I have had no occasion for an over-coat. " To-day I have attended church twice. In the A. M. heard a Mr. Quarterman, who, nevertheless, is more than half a man, both in size of person and in intellect. At least, he would weigh down two like myself, and good sense pervaded his discourses. I heard him last even- ing. He is settled thirty miles from this. Of about seven hundred members, his church includes five hun- dred blacks, who sit at the communion table. This P. M. joined in the communion at the first Presbyterian Church. This church, but lately formed, seceded from the first Congregational. Though a * little band,' it was pleasant to be there. " The Presbytery at this time is in session. I shall, consequently, have an opportunity of seeing and becom- ing acquainted with the ministers in this region. They came, some of them, sixty, and some more miles. Two JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 221 Mr. P.'s, originally from Essex, are here. One settled in Darien, the other in St. Mary's. Ministers, I per- ceive, look hearty. " On my arrival at the dock, (we came by steamboat down the Savannah twenty miles,) a stranger, whom we approached, conducted us to a livery stable for the dis- posing of our horses, and mentioned a house to which he also conducted us for board. Friends, to whom we had letters, would have taken us to the same. ^^ Ji good Providence. We occupy a square front-room on the second floor of a large house, pleasantly situated. The pride of China, in full bloom, shades our window. The room is uncomfortable with the windows down As to heat, it is June. Good- night. " April 4th. Savannah, of which I had conceived, aa of a low, pent-up, small, dirty place, is situated on a sandy plain, forty feet above the river. It is open, airy, extending over considerable ground, streets at right angles, and spacious areas of a circular form frequently occurring. One of these fronts our window. On the whole, the city of Savannah is an earthly paradise, in point of location and beauty. The sandy soil is one draw-back. The streets not being paved, makes it un- pleasant, and hard work for one to get about. " The marketing is done in the morning till nine o*clock. The best day for this is Sunday. Then the negroes come in from the country, and the variety is the greater. They cry articles about the street for sale. 19* 222 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF This system of things is demoralizing, and should be stayed. " The house at which we stop is a favourable one for invalids. Our landlady yields her sympathies to her boarders more as guests than as boarders. Should you have occasion to say it, you may speak of Mrs. Daven- port's house as one of known worth. *'A Mr. K. — (you do not know him, but brother Fitch does, who was in the same academy with him at Princeton,) is here in business, and is married. At his table I dined day before yesterday. Miss B., whom you know, is here. She expects to visit New-York in a few weeks. Mr. O. H. H. arrived here the other day from St. Augustine, much improved in health. He leaves this soon for the North, by land, on horse-back. Mr. C. H. I saw in Charleston. To me he never look- ed better. Rev. Mr. H. of N. has been spending part of the winter at Savannah. Improved, and will return soon. Rev. Mr. B. also from N. J. A Mr. K., stu- dent of Princeton Seminary. A case of hemorrhage. Better. *' A view which I took this morning from the Ex- change-steple presented before me a large extent of level surface. Rice plantations exhibit very regular figures from their peculiar formation. They are planting cotton at this time. On some plantations it is up and growing. " I have been invited by a young planter to visit him. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 223 and among other inducements, he says he will give me a deer-hunt. From this I must beg leave to be excused, until I can stick better to a horse than at present. From their account, they go upon a dead-run — through thick and thin — mire and mud — dirt and ditch — with gun in hand. Surely I had rather eat the deer, than at such an expense, to take him. Deer are plenty. A common sport to hunt them. It being yet further South, I declined. " April 14th. Monday. Last Tuesday I set out for Liberty County, to visit some few planters, to whom friends here gave me letters, with an urgent request to see that section of Georgia. About twenty miles from this, on the banks of the Ogeechee River, lives a Mr. C, into whose mansion I was introduced. I spent a part of two days with him and household. His planta- tion and its appendages are exceedingly neat, and sur- pass any thing that I have seen. Mr. C. is a single man about my age. He is a graduate, and studied his profession in New-Haven. Although he is not apro- jessor of religion, yet he takes a stand indicative of heart-f^lt piety. Every night he meets his negroes con- gregated for worship. Sings, reads, and expounds the Bible, and prays. Jl praise-worthy example. " In Liberty County, twenty miles beyond Mr. C.'s, I spent a little time at three different plantations. At Colonel L.'s, Captain J.'s, and Mr. K.'s. On my ar- nval at Colonel L.'s, I met a gentleman advanced in life, 224 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP with a venerable head, portly, affable, cordial, pious. His house is associated with a refreshing season to me. Having retired, fatigued, and with some pain in my side, / thought on health. Our sympathising High Priest was near to bless me. The though* of him was balm to my spirit. I was fully pursuaded that if he spake the word, his servant should be healed. To live and recover, I saw in some respects, to be desirable, yet rather than carry about a useless tenement, I felt it desirable to die — yes — though I seemed to love you all more than ever, I felt that I could give you all up, and die, even among strangers. My soul experienced joys that elevated me, and then I could so sweetly fall into the hands of God and meltingly say, * My Father, my Jesus ! ' *' My excursion, I think, has benefitted me. On the whole, I am probably ten to fifteen per cent, better than when I left New- York. To-morrow, we intend to set out for Augusta. Mr. Kinsman has purchased a har- ness, and his horse will precede mine. Thus we now intend to travel. *' Upon the receipt of this, you can address me at Richmond, Va. " Affectionately, "J. B. Taylor." ^ JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 225 "Augusta, Georgia, April 18th, 1828. ("Friday.) " My dear Brother, " The evening before I left Savannah for this place, I dropped a letter into the Post-Office, saying, among other things, that I was about to set my face homeward. " We left Savannah on Tuesday, A. M., and reached Augusta to-day, the distance about one hundred and twenty-live miles. Mr. K.'s horse preceded Fox, and thus we came together in my gig. With a little more practice, I think, upon a pinch, I could demand eight dollars per month as a stage-driver. — But, I feel like any thing else than a single light thought. " Were I to describe my feelings, I should represent myself as pensive^ and disheartened. I do not com- plain. Of all persons, I have most occasion to be thank- ful. I would not complain — no — never! But, my dear brother, I feel that I am not gaining much. For the week or ten days past, the old pain has returned to my side — not that which we used to call * JVfr. O. grab me,' nor the spasmodic, which drew in my side, but that which renders me sorely sensitive to the touch, and troubles me when I move in the bed. I shall hope, by resting a little in this place, to improve. W^hatever may be the result, I hope in all things to be kept from sinning. Whether my days be few or many, nothing seems more abhorrent to my feelings than to be situated where I shall be a burden. But, both to try me and others, this 226 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP may be my lot. But desist — it is not good to borrow trouble. *» Were I to open my heart as the continued recipient of my brother's liberal kindness, I should not know where to stop. But you do not wish it, and flattery is not in my nature, and could not reach the reality here. But while you labour to acquire, you give — And thd King of kings has said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. " The gig is in admirable trim, and probably, answers my purpose better than any other. The fine leather top is a shield from the sun, and would protect from the rain. As yet, the weather has been fine. The horse does well. His legs swell a little, now and then. "I have drawn up this in haste. I have ridden tlirough the street, and shall defer what I have to say of Augusta, till my next. " I long to arrive at Fayetteville, to hear from you all. It would do me good to see you — especially just now. " Affectionately, " James. " Should you address letters to me at Richmond, on the reception of this, I shall receive them." " Augusta, Georgia, 19th April, 1828. " To my dear friends at the North : " My last to you was from Savannah, which place I have left behind one hundred and twenty-five miles. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 227 " You may be interested to know, what I omitted to state in my letter from Savannah, that there are three churches in that city for the blacks. They have black preachers. The piety of the blacks, if piety among them exist at all, is enveloped in deepest ignorance. Much of it consists in movings^ impressions, sighis, &c. which, if it embodies with it any thing of the religion of Jesus Christ, presents at best, but a miserable picture. Said a Baptist Elder the other night, * Many of the negroes profess to be religious, but the worst of it is, they will have two or three wives.' From all that I could learn, the consistency of their profession and action, is greatly questionable. Exceptions there are, and the state of things might be a hundred-fold worse. " I believe 1 did not give the snake and allegator- country, into which I entered, its meritorious notice. I saw one fellow basking in the sun, as I rode along, while another soused into the water with a splash sufficient to frighten my horse. They shoot the aliegator, which is troublesome in taking pigs, and even calves. A rattle- snake, but a day or two since, struck his fangs into a traveller's horse's leg, and inflicted a wound, of which the animal died the second day after. Well that he reached not the rider. " As yet, I have hardly had time to survey Augusta, having arrived here only yesterday. The city is located on a plain, by far less sandy than Savannah — streets are very wide — and extend a mile and a half.. ^1^!^ 228 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF " We Stopped at the Mansion House, which was re- commended to us. But we found it too bustling and unsocial. This morning, by the kindness of a friend, we were conducted to another house, which had been named to us when we were at Savannah. Here, we were introduced to three sisters, one of whom is Mrs. S., the mother of Carohne Elizabeth Smelt, whose me- moir you have read. Mrs. W. keeps the house, and now and then entertains strangers. Mrs. J. is the other sister. With them all, thus far, I am pleased, and I feel that we have again fallen into maternal hands. More of these when I know more. " I have still to say, as I wrote brother K. last even- ing, the pain in my side is troublesome. It makes it difficult for me to turn in bed, or to stoop or rise. My cough is well nigh gone. In the morning, I expector- ate considerably, not more at other times than I have been accustomed to do. My lungs seem not to be so much debilitated. Yet they are none too strong. All i the public speaking since I left you, which I have at- tempted, has been once on ship board, and once at Charleston. I purpose to keep quiet. ** Mr. K. has gained two and a quarter pounds. His throat, I think worse than when he left New-York. My j countenance, I think, has altered for the bettor. On the whole, I am stronger, yet there is room for growing more strong. After all, I am a poor tool. Peradven- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 229 ture, my present tour is to prepare me for greater useful- ness. I know not the will of Him with whom is the future. Enough to know that he now guides my foot- steps. " April 20. How pleasant to find the refreshing waters, when travelling through the wilderness. To-day, the good Shepherd has given me a rich repast. My soul has renewed its strength by feeding on angel's food, if angels feed on the manifestations of God to them. While singing one of the songs of Zion my heart began to melt. It broke into sweet tenderness and love. The filial relation to God, was dear beyond description. My heart loved to repeat and dwell upon the sound, * My Father, my Father ! ' Christ in his relation as Elder Brother, Friend, Shepherd, Lord, and All, capti- vated my inmost soul, and I cried with a broken heart, * Thou lovely sourqe of true delight, Whom I, unseen, adore, Unveil thy beauties to my sight, That I may love thee more.* 0, how soul-humbling — how soul-elevating and conso- ling, to have such manifestations of Jesus, so otherwise than is made to the world ! It is no longer a wonder to the soul that enjoys it, as it once was to Thomas, * How unto us, and not unto the world 1 ' This little room from which I now write, will ever be associated in my recollections as one of the Bethels where my soul 20 230 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF has been blessed. Never, perhaps, with more confi- dence could I ask for the Holy Ghost. May you, and may I be filled, and filled, and filled with the Holy Ghost. By this, we climb the * delectable mountains' — stand on * Mount Clear,' and look away to the fairer land. O, how fair and desirable it appeared to me this night! More desirable than my father-land. 0, the prospect of meeting there the holy ! When I shall have subserved the end of my being here, I expect to see Paradise, and hail the happy within the walls of the New-Jerusalem. My prospect brightens as God shows new beauties to my soul. I long for the time to arrive when I shall be a disembodied spirit. I wish to see the Glory which Christ wished his disciples to behold. * Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory.* Much is comprised in that word glory. Well, it will not be long, and the disclosure will be made. " Whenever I am so peculiarly blessed, my longings are to preach the Gospel. There is an intensity that wrings my very soul into groans. Still, I lie in the hands of God, and if I mistake not, swing in his will, neither above nor below. And I feel pursuaded, that the issue of my protracted trials will be my good, whether I live or die. Through your prayers I may be restored and given to the church, to which, under God, I long since gave myself, and have repeatedly surrender- ed myself. Good-night. JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 231 " 24th. It may disappoint you, as I have been disap- pointed. But you would know my case fully. I had hoped that I should not have a return of bleeding. But night before last, I experienced a recurrence of bleed- ing, very similar to what took place at New-Haven. For two or three days previously, I had a stricture across my lungs. They felt as if they were tied up. Dr. C, a skilful physician, was called, who let a little blood from the arm, assuring me that he believed that the blood came not from a blood vessel, but was a mere secretion of the mucus membrane, which nature, to re- lieve herself, threw off. There was no debility — voice clearer and stronger. Last night about twelve o'clock, there was another discharge, about the same ^s the first, and this afternoon it has been repeated. I feel no in- convenience from it, but relieved. " I have not room to say much about my hostess, and kind friends around me. You would be grateful to wit- ness their attentions to the stranger in exile. And I am happy. This morning my spirit has been exultingly re- freshed. Be not concerned about me. This morning was the time we had appointed to start for Columbia, but not being quite ready, have postponed it until Mon- day next. " Yesterday we visited the Sand-Hills, three miles from town — the summer residence of many of the citizens. There I saw a friend of J.'s, Mrs. K. This 232 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF morning I saw Mrs. , another friend of his. I meet them all around, and they speak of him with affec- tion. "I shall have more to say in my next. You may expect to hear from me again soon. " Very affectionately, " Your son and brother, " James." " Augusta, Georgia, April 27th, 1828. " Dear Brother B : " I remember your parting hand, and parting re- quest. Excuse me for not earlier complying. Since I left you, doubtless you have been favoured with near communion with God. Those seasons are of dearest remembrance, in which the soul has drawn nearest and held converse with the Deity. ' Prayer ardent, opens heaven, lets down a stream Of glory on the consecrated hour, Of man in audience with the Deity.' And those places are the most hallowed, where the soul has been purified by the fire from above. " From time to time, I have been greatly refreshed, and so strengthened to press my way onward and up- ward. You know that it is at such seasons of com- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 233 nmnion we gain armour, with which to gird ourselves — in which we harness the soul for the battle — in which we are stripped for the race — in which we become giant-like — yet lamb-like — Christ-like, and thus prepared for conflict with the enemies of the King whom we serve, and with whose glory our interests are identified. *' Well, my brother, you are glad that it is thus with me. 0, were it otherwise, what should I do ! Whither, ah, whither should I roam ! Truly, without the sweet consciousness of reconciliation with God, I were wretch- ed indeed. With this, I am happy. " This room, from which I now write you, is witness to the blessed and repeated anointing seasons. Last Sab- bath evening I enjoyed a rich repast. Singing one of the songs of Zion, my soul began to melt, and my eyes flowed with tears, and my heart swelled with love and tenderness. The ' Spirit of adoption' was so shed abroad in my soul, that I loved to repeat the words, * my Father.' I could lean confidently on the arm of Jesus, and bask in his smiles. The New-Jerusalem, as the abiding-place of the holy, drew forth the longings of my inmost powers. Heaven was desirable. 0, how desirable! Yesterday, too, was a day of good things. The goodness of God overwhelmed me. The effect of this season of communion was an unusually deep, calm, quiet, serene, sweet, and con- tinually refreshing comfort The Comforter drew near. And 0, how comforting ! I needed it. My trials are 20* 234 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP protracted. But they are sweet trials. They have precious accompaniments, and encircle me richly with love-tokens from above. Let your thank-offering as- cend, that I am happy, — fully pursuaded, that come what will, the dealings of our heavenly Father are kindly ad- ministered. Yes, we may challenge the world to point out in his word, works, and ways, one thing which does not tend to win us to his favour, and to secure us for his home in the heavens. What then, but thanksgiving, should escape our lips 1 ) more service there than here, if the Master has need of him, for something higher than is done in this world, he will take him. This is the probability, and it 33 386 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF is our part to submit. May you have much of that spirit. " There is no real amendment in J., though he is now somewhat revived. We love F. very much. " 1 am truly, your friend and brother, "John H. Rice." " Prince-Edward, March 20. "I take a pen at this late hour, to drop you a few lines, in haste. " Your letter of the thirteenth instant to brother James, was received this A. M. I have written you by every mail since I arrived at Prince-Edward. Would to God I could give you some m.ore favourable intelli- gence with regard to J.'s health. Present indications lead us to fear that he will not survive many days. He is still more feeble. And to-day he has not risen from his bed. Until to-day he has been taken from his bed at least once, each day, since I reached Prince-Ed- ward, It may be, it will not be done again, until it be to wind him in his shroud. His mind is still calm and collected. But he speaks with great difficulty. " My dear friend : "W^hen I annexed a note to your brother's last letter, my intention was to prepare you for what I ex- pected by this time would have taken place. But the JAMfcS BRAINERD TAYLOR. 387 event has not yet occurred. Omniscience only knows when it will. We expect it every hour. And yet it may not come according to our expectations and fears. ThH doctor called to-day and seemed very much struck with the rapid decline of the dear sufferer ; but said he had seen persons as low as James is, recover. This I have no doubt is true. It is, however, as one to a thousand. " We feel great difficulty in bringing our minds to give him up; but he often seems desirous to 'depart and be with Christ, which is far bet'ter.' We fully be- lieve that it will be far better for him. It may be far better for the church. I do hope that when the hea- venly chariot shall come to take him from this world to his home, he will leave his mantle behind. And I have thought that one so qualified to be useful, may be em- ployed in promoting the Redeemer's kingdom in a higher sphere. " Whatever comes, may you have all needed grace to prepare you for it, and help you through it. " Mrs. Rice and I write in love to you. " Assuredly your brother, "J. H. Rice." The following letter is given as a specimen of many letters which were received by Mr. Taylor during his last illness. They came from the heart of those friends whomi he had secured by his intercourse, and who loved him with no ordinary feelings of friendship. 388 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF To J. B. T. " New-York, 20th March, 1829. " My beloved brother : " Your greatly esteemed favour came safely to hand in due course of mails, and it should have recei- ved earlier attention, but knowing your extreme debility, I felt reluctant to trouble you with so feeble a commu- nication as mine, until I should learn that your health was improving. But on perusing two letters yesterday, one from Dr. J'ice, the other from brother F., I could no longer resist the desire of addressing you, whom my soul loveth — and loveth wiih a love which is the off- spring of Christian fellowship, and which was enkindled in the first interview which I was permitted to have with you, my dear brother. And the more frequent these interviews have occurred, the more has this holy feeling been augmented. I would say this for your en- couragement and to the glory of my dear Redeemer. Those sweet interviews in the wise Providence of God, have ceased for the present. Yet blessed be his holy name, it is my happy privilege to adopt the language of the apostle, and feel it when I say, * Though absent in the flesh, yet am 1 present with you in the spirit.' "0, how my heart was pained on learning of your extreme debility, and your great desire to see the face of your kindred in the flesh. But you have many sources of consolation in this your severe trial. For JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 389 one mo Tent, revert back to the days which have gone by, and remember how God, in infinite love, has met with you, and filled your soul with holy love — remember what melting seasons he has granted you, which com- pelled you to exclaim, in the full expression of your soul, * For me to live, is Christ, and to die, is gain.' Has God ceased to be gracious? No, my brother, and he never will. Rehearse in your mind, one moment, the number of souls for whom God, in his infinite love, has caused you to be the happy insti ument of secuiing a foretaste of those joys v\hich are intxpiee>iLle, and full of glory. And tell me, my brother, would you not willingly suffer again all which you have sufTered, to be the instrument in the hands of God of bringing one soul to glory ? I think I hear you say, ' yes.' And if thare were no other reason for your suffering, you would add, ' This is sufficient — it is the good pleasure of my heavenly Father, who has promised, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, and that his grace will be suffi- cient for thee. My dear brother, it falls to the lot of but few to experience so much holy joy, as has been your privilege. Have you, in view of this, felt the force of the declaration of Scripture, ' It is not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit,' who rnaketh thee to differ? " When I have heard, from time to time, of your situ- ation, the desire of my soul has been to be with you» that I might do something to contribute to your happi- ness. But, for wise reasons, this is denied me ; and 33* 390 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF you are surrounded by dear friends wh® suffer with you ; and among tiiese, and not least, is your kind nurse, Mrs. R. May the Lord reward her a thousand told in this life, and in the world to come, with life everlasting. This she is sure to experience, for the ever blessed Jesus hath said, ' Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' how I do wish I could be with you, my dear brother. The time is fast approaching when 1 shall be, if I am faithful. While my soul sympathizes in every thing that relates to you, it is made to leap for joy under the full assurance that all things shall work for your good. Blessed assurance ! It is a wise Providence which has placed you where you are, and the cir- cumstances in which you are. The result of all shall be fully made known to you, when you shall be brought, through a Saviour's love, into the realms of bliss, where you shall join the angels, and the glorified spirits, with praises of redeeming love, in their sweeter and more harmonious note than mortal ear hath heard. " That the Lord may sustain and C( m/br/ you, my be- loved brother, is the humble prayer of your affectionate friend. "J. B." " Mrs. B.'s solicitude for you is great. " March 25th, 1829. " My Dear Brother : " I wrote you a few lines yesterday, and avail my- JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 391 self of a little leisure to write you again this mornin