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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 
 
 <T5 
 
 I'll praise him while he lends me breath, 
 I hope to praise him after death, 
 I hope to praise him lohen I die. 
 And sing Salvation as I fly.' 
 
 " Still pray for the invalid. Through your prayers I 
 may be spared, yet to subserve the cause we love. 
 
 " Friend Kinsman is a dear brother. The more I am 
 with him, the more I love him. I think him improved 
 in health, and improving. So, too, I think of myself. 
 Yet we are both far from being sound in body, and per- 
 haps we shall never be, until we are clad with the body, 
 * new and glorious.* 
 
 "From this, we proceed onward. We leave day after 
 to-morrow. Your brother I have seen. I trust his 
 course is in Zion, and to Zion's God. Remember me 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 235 
 
 affectionately to Mrs. B. and your brothers J. and L. 
 By the first of July, I hope to be in New-York. 
 " In haste, yours, 
 
 " In the best bonds, 
 
 " Js. B. Taylor." 
 
 " Augusta, April 28th, 1828. 
 *' My dear Friends at the North : 
 
 " As I am on the eve of departing from this city, I 
 will comply with the promise contained in my last, * To 
 say more when I should know more of my hostess and 
 her inmates.' Verily, this has been the greenest of 
 green spots, where we have lighted. There is no dan- 
 ger of saying too much. On the contrary, I feel the 
 poverty of words to express the kind reception, ample 
 accommodations, cordial, maternal, sister-like attention 
 which 1 have received under this roof. If earth had re- 
 presentatives of Paradise, this would be one — for here, 
 many a cluster of unforbidden fruit have we tasted, and 
 I trust, have been mutually refreshed. To-morrow I 
 leave, and shall cast many a lingering look behind. 
 Why should I hot when I leave 
 
 'Zion's friends and mine?' 
 
 »* Columbia, May 2d, 1828. 
 72 miles from Augusta. 
 " Two days since we reached this place. We have 
 had no occasion to put up the boot of our gig on account 
 
236 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 of rain, until the evening of our arrival here. We have 
 had warnn summer-weather for the most part, since we 
 arrived at Charleston. To-day the mercury stood at 
 85°. When we started from Augusta, our purpose was 
 to proceed on as rapidly as we could with comfort. On 
 our arrival here we presented a letter to a physician, 
 whose skill and judgement are greatly relied on — pro- 
 fessedly pious, and seemed to take an interest in us. 
 He inquired into our cases, and found that we were in- 
 Tahds, and believed that the most probable remedy in 
 our cases was the warm sun of this and more Southern 
 climates. He advised us, by all means, not to hasten 
 our way to the North. His reasoning on my case, I 
 thought to be sound and philosophical. Mr. Kinsman's 
 case, probably, is not much unlike mine. Supposed to 
 be affected internally, and in parts which medicine will 
 not reach, it becomes necessary to produce an action on 
 the surface. For instance, if the lungs are disordered, 
 inflamed, or there is a superabundant secretion, a deter- 
 mination to the surface should be effected. This, the 
 physician supposed, would be done by an atmosphere like 
 this ; and argued that, to effect a permanent relief or 
 cure, in pulmonary cases, a man should not only spend 
 the winter at the South, but the summer especially; for, 
 he said, to spend a winter here is only a negative thing 
 — simply avoiding the cold of the North, and gaining a 
 pleasant winter residence. But returning too soon, one 
 evades the Southern summer-heat, whose power, by 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 237 
 
 creating perspiration, determines the secretions to the 
 surface, and thus gives the internal and affected organs a 
 respite and an opportunity to heal. There is said to be 
 a humidity in the atmosphere here in the summer, which, 
 although the mercury rises no higher than at the North, 
 produces double the perspiration. Warm nights as well 
 as warm days. He said a man will perspire here more 
 in one day than at the North in ten. I hked his reason- 
 ing and his candour. 
 
 " I have sent for my letters which I suppose I have at 
 Fayetteville, and expect the pleasure of hearing from 
 you all for the first time since I left Charleston. On 
 Monday evening, I presume they will reach us. This is 
 Friday. Till then, if not longer, I think it duty to re- 
 main. The horse's breast, besides, is galled. 
 
 " Columbia is said to be the handsomest city south of 
 the Patomac. It is located on an eminence — a plain, 
 two and a half miles by one and a half. I have formed 
 but few acquaintances, and therefore know but little of 
 the people. I say nothing about my health, until I shall 
 Bee Dr. W. again. 
 
 " For a few days past I have been in the family of a 
 Mr. E., at whose board and lodgings I was invited, and 
 cordially received. They do all to make me comforta- 
 ble. Dr. W., the physician, has given me an invitation 
 to make his house my home, on my return ; on my 
 return — for hc insists that the South must be my resi- 
 dence, at least for the present. The South or my grave. 
 
238 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 For two days past I have felt myself on the gaining 
 hand pretty fast. Yesterday the thermometer stood at 
 87°. To-day it is scorching heat in the sun. 
 
 " On Friday morning we purpose to leave Columbia, 
 and proceed North. / By a letter from Philadelphia, it 
 seems that they had sleighing on the thirtieth ultimo. 
 This tells us that we have not been too tardy. If you 
 see me by the first of July, perhaps it will be soon 
 enough. 
 
 " Mr. K. has purchased a sulky. We found the gig 
 too narrow for a hot day. Fox is better, and collar so 
 fitted as will probably sufficiently favour him on the 
 way. Had a fine saucer of strawberries for a dessert at 
 dinner. 
 
 " Dr. W. has just left me. From his examination he 
 says, that he thinks more favourably of my case than he 
 did. He proposed a prescription which I shall follow, 
 save spending the summer here. For a week before I 
 left Augusta, I think, and since, there has been no blood 
 from throat or lungs. 
 
 *' After all, think not too much of my recovery. I 
 myself, do not — save for this, to preach the Gospel. 0, 
 how I have longed to put in the sickle here. Last Sun- 
 day evening a crowded house of young people waited to 
 hear the truth. Think not that it injured me, for I was 
 the better after it. It seemed to untie my lungs. But I 
 delivered a message. I long to follow it up. But 
 no. Only in one case have I, and in this case the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 239 
 
 young lady, but a little ago, went to her closet.* Living 
 
 or dying, the Lord be magnified. 
 
 ** May 8th. This is the time of your feast of weeks in 
 
 New- York. Will brother K. say to Mr. P., or the 
 
 Board, that in Savannah, an objection was raised against 
 
 the H. M. and P. Journal, from the fact that it was 
 
 not published early enough in the month to reach them 
 
 for their monthly concert. This, however, may be but 
 
 a small consideration with the body of the community. 
 
 " Day before yesterday, mercury 91°, yesterday 82°. 
 
 To-day 62°, and an easterly wind. Probably you are 
 
 enjoying a New-England snow storm. I feel on the 
 
 gaining hand — better and better, stronger and stronger. 
 
 "I propose to leave Columbia to-morrow morning, 
 
 and part with my kind host and hostess, the latter of 
 
 whom, just now, having picked strawberries, presented 
 
 me with a fine bowl full, and has more in reserve. The 
 
 reserved ones I would gladly export to your table. 
 
 They are large and fine. 
 
 " Your affectionate son and brother, 
 
 "James. 
 " P. S. To brother F. 
 
 " I hope you have secured Professor Fitch's lec- 
 tures from Mr. N., as requested. 
 
 * This young lady has since become hopefully pious, and grate- 
 fully acknowledges the influence of Mr. T.'s conversation, in ex- 
 citing her to secure, the one thing needful. 
 
240 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 To Dr. p. of Charleston. 
 
 " Columbia, 9th May, 1828. 
 
 " Rev. and dear Sir : 
 
 " After so hospitable an entertainment in your city, 
 and especially so * kindly affectioned' a reception and 
 attention from Mrs. P. and household, I fully intended 
 you should all hear from me. According to my purpose, 
 I forwarded a letter to Charleston from Savannah, an- 
 nouncing my arrival at the latter place, and giving a 
 sketch of our journey to' S., and of our excursion into 
 Liberty County. That letter, I presume, was wrongly 
 sent. I requested that its contents should be mentioned 
 generalhj to my friends, and particularly to Dr. P. and 
 family. Mr. B., who arrived here yesterday, said that 
 you had not heard from us nor of us. 
 
 " Our stay at Savannah, and in the * region round 
 about,' was fifteen days. Having found that horse- 
 back-riding suited neither of us, we shall hence travel 
 each in his own vehicle. At Augusta we remained ten 
 days. Leaving to-morrow, we shall have been at 
 Columbia eleven days. Here we have fallen into kind 
 hands, and our way has been kindly directed. 
 
 " Mr. Kinsman's health, I think, is improving. That 
 I am gaining, and daily, I think admits of no doubt. 
 Yet we are both, perhaps, far from full health. For 
 myself, having seen more of my case, I look not for 
 long life, and peradventure, a renewed constitution 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 241 
 
 awaits me only in an exchange of bodies. But these 
 things move me not. I rest in the persuasion that my 
 past and protracted trials as to my health, tend to prepare 
 me the better to live or to die, for earth or for heaven. 
 Since I left you, I have enjoyed some love-tokens from 
 above — the best of which are, a broken heart, a lean- 
 ing on the arm of Christ and reposing on his bosom, 
 and the spirit of adoption to cry with inexpressible sweet- 
 ness of filial love, ' My Father, my Father.' Through 
 your prayers I may yet be restored to advance the cause 
 of Christ in his vineyard — to which service, with 
 a melting and bleeding heart, I have long ago, and 
 repeatedly given up myself. In this cause I would 
 live, and labour, and to it gladly fall a sacrifice — yes 
 — a burnt sacrifice. Yet, if from an imperfect sphere 
 Christ shall remove me to a perfect one, who shall say 
 aught against it? Settled as it has been long ago, that 
 * To die is gain,' I am glad that I am born to die. 
 There is much in the society of the holy to be learned. 
 To see, to hear, to know the glories which Christ has 
 to disclose, wakes in my bosom a solicitude to depart, 
 that would not be denied. Thither let our willing feet 
 tend. Among the Patriarchs, the Prophets, the Apostles, 
 and the Saints, I hope to meet my dear friends of Charles- 
 ton, whom I love in our Lord Jesus. 
 
 " Remember me, with my Christian salutation, to my 
 friends and brethren. To Mrs. P. and family, mention 
 me as one whose heart still hangs in its associations 
 21 
 
242 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 around them, and recalls their attentions to me while at 
 Charleston, as among the recollections of my most 
 pleasant hours. 
 
 " I regret that I saw so little of yourself. Having 
 heard more, I love to subscribe myself, 
 
 " Yours in the best bonds, 
 
 "James B. Taylor. 
 
 " Friend Kinsman, who sits beside me, expresses his 
 regrets that an acquaintance was not made with your- 
 self, and repeats what he has often said, that he shall 
 never forget the kindness of Mrs. P. His respectful 
 regards to your family." 
 
 " Lewisburgh, 110 miles S. of Petersburgh, 
 
 " 31 miles N. of Raleigh, 
 
 "May 25th, 1828. 
 " My dear, dear Brother : 
 
 " Though worn out by the journey of the day, you 
 
 will allow me to pour a little from the fulness of my 
 
 heart. I am in a snug harbour, with the prospect of 
 
 enjoying the approaching Sabbath, by keeping holy day. 
 
 I need the day, both for body and mind — to renew my 
 
 physical vigour for the journey, and to put on afresh the 
 
 armour of righteousness. 
 
 "My tbrmer letters bear testimony to repeated seasons 
 
 in which I have been refreshed. Last night, another 
 
 such refreshing season occurred, and O, how timely ! I 
 
 wet my couch with tears — sweet tears from a broken, 
 
 submissive heart. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 243 
 
 " My dear brother, you know what a solicitude I have 
 had to preach the Gospel, and that, but for the desire to 
 prepare for this, how ready I was to relinquish all upon 
 your visit to New- Haven. 0, it was a burning of soul 
 that would take no denial ! You know from my testi- 
 mony how I yielded the decision into God's hands, to 
 dispose of me as pleased him. In this I have rested. 
 Last night, it seemed pretty decisive to my mind what 
 would be the result. I looked no longer for the blessed- 
 ness of standing upon the beautiful walls, and as a 
 watchman from the watch-tower, to sound the alarm. 
 The evidence was, that the trumpet had failed. The 
 fact stares me in the face. If I attempt to converse — 
 to sing a mere verse — to pray aloud, the once timed in- 
 strument is discordant. Shortness of breath is trouble- 
 some. If I attempt to walk up-hill, it excites the lungs 
 so much, that respiration is difficult. And even throw- 
 ing myself upon the bed produces breathing enough for 
 one who has run a race. My lungs are very sensitive 
 to night-air. Now, all this was not the case when I left 
 you, nor when I set out for my journey for the South. 
 The blessing came in view of the hold which my soul 
 had had on the ministry, and with the interrogation to 
 myself, will you give it up? Dear brother, I think my 
 whole soul responded, and I hardly know how — 'yes 
 — yes, I will.' And then there was a staying upon God, 
 and a solid, indescribable comfort within. Thus, you 
 aee here, one thing after another is lopping. And in- 
 
244 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 deed, more than ever I thought it became me to set my 
 house in order. And I longed to live more Christ-like, 
 and to exhibit constantly his lineaments. The prospect 
 was pleasant, even of putting aside prospective labours, 
 and entering into rest. If it should soon take place, will 
 not brother K., my dear brother K., whom I seem to love 
 more than ever, give me up? Yes, like a Christian. 
 And so will others whom I love. 
 
 "These are my impressions relative to my health. 
 Besides, I find that I am more fatigued than when I first 
 rode, and even drove two horses. And it is a question 
 whether I have been benefitted by my journeying thus 
 far. I have thought of following my friend Kinsman's 
 example, and disposing of my establishment, and by 
 stage and steamboat, to get among my friends as soon 
 as I can, and make myself comfortable the little time I 
 may have to remain. Love to all. 
 
 " As ever, yours, 
 
 " James." 
 
 "Richmond, 31st May, 1828. 
 " Dear brother J. 
 
 " I will assure you that the letters which I received 
 at this place, among which was yours of the 2Cth, were 
 indeed refreshing to me. Please say to K. that his of 
 April 29th, May 5th and 21st, came safely to hand. I 
 noticed their contents, and my several letters will have 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 246 
 
 replied to several particulars of his. I passed through 
 Petersburg to this place, avoiding Prince Edward, 
 travelling the four days past twenty-five, thirty- six, 
 twenty-five, twenty-one miles. To-day and to-morrow 
 I rest in Richmond. On Monday, I hope to near you. 
 
 " The reason why I have not written you individually, 
 is, that my letters have been written to you all. They 
 were superscribed to brother K., but addressed to my 
 friends at the North. I pursued this course to save 
 labour. 
 
 " As to labouring, we should rather accord With the 
 counsel of our friends than be too decided to follow our 
 own wishes. It were better 1 had done this, probably, 
 in some times which are past. I now see that I have 
 gone, many a time, beyond my strength^ but not my in- 
 clinations. Better if I had been wiser. We should 
 strive to be wilhng to labour or not to labour. This 
 latter is a higher attainment than a thirst to labour at all 
 hazards. I think I have come to this, as I mentioned 
 in my last letter to brother K. Now, I feel that I could 
 not labour. I have a physical inability. My lungs will 
 not allow me. Well, I have lost that anxiety I once 
 had to open my mouth, and stand forth an advocate. 
 How this will terminate, I know not. However, I trust 
 the issue will be joyous and not grievous. I hope my 
 friends will be as submissive as I am. * Be still and 
 know that God reigns.' If I am happy in his disposal 
 
 21* 
 
246 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 of me, ought not you to rejoice? Praise him on my 
 account. 
 
 " Think not from this, that I am in the last stages of 
 decHne. Were you to see my countenance, you would 
 think me far from ill. Yet I am kitten-like as to 
 strength, and a little exertion only overcomes me. I 
 would gladly be a Quaker in the one particular of saying 
 yea and nay only ; and so I do, so far as I can. 
 
 " In haste, but affectionately, 
 " James." 
 
 The preceding is the last letter which Mr. Taylor 
 wrote, previous to his reaching New-York. The brother 
 to whom it was addressed, on its reception, hastened to 
 meet him on his way, and with full hearts they welcomed 
 each other in Baltimore. The next week they reached 
 New- York, the point towards which his affections ever 
 turned, and where he was glad once more to rest at 
 " one of his loved homes." 
 
 In retracing the way of Mr. Taylor, by means of his 
 letters, at this period of time, it cannot but awaken a 
 degree of melancholy in the bosom of his friends as 
 they follow him on his course, ever happy in the enjoy- 
 ment of his religious feelings, but evidently, each hour 
 failing in his physical strength. From the very nature 
 of his complaint, his own feelings, with regard to his 
 health, were fluctuating, but always settling on the side 
 of hope and favourable expectation. The consequence 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 247 
 
 was, that his letters had led his friends often to hope 
 that he was improving ; and being unable, from the cir- 
 cumstance of his absence, to judge from personal ob- 
 servation, like all friends in similar cases, they hoped 
 for every favourable change, and believed that their son, 
 brother, and friend, would ere long, be returned to them 
 much improved in the reinstatement of his physical 
 powers. Some of his later letters, and particularly his 
 last, and the iiexi before his lasty diminished these flat- 
 tering hopes, and increased the solicitude of his friends. 
 And when he arrived and received their affectionate 
 hands, with a cordiality of hearts that sincerely loved, 
 they bid him welcome, and said all that they could to 
 cheer and render him happy, but then went to their 
 closets and vented their feehngs in prayer and tears. 
 He was altered in his personal appearance, not for the 
 better, while at the same time, the flush which was 
 always on his cheek, and which was now often deepened 
 by feverish excitement and hectic indications, gave him 
 a still interesting appearance, and divested his features, 
 which were of peculiar manliness, of that sickly and 
 deadly look, characteristic of the last stages of most 
 diseases, when the invalid has been greatly reduced in 
 flesh. 
 
 Mr. Taylor was much weaker on his return to New- 
 York, than he was at the period of his leaving it. His 
 course, although devised by the kindest attention and af- 
 fection of Kindred, and the advice of physicians of skill, 
 
248 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 was evidently an injudicious one, and can hardly ever 
 be again recommended to one in similar circumstances 
 of feeble health. The driving of a horse, and the care 
 attendant on travelling with one, is always too much for 
 a debilitated invalid, with symptoms of a pulmonary 
 disease already upon him. The excitement of new 
 scenes, and the very exertion he is putting forth in 
 directing his own course, may conceal from himself 
 the true state of his strength for the time being, but the 
 result will be a prostration, from which nothing will re- 
 vive him. Such is believed to have been the result of 
 the tour which Mr. Taylor made through the Southern 
 States, northward ; although the truth of the fact had not 
 yet flashed upon the minds of his friends, as they since 
 behold it. His life, probably, could not have been 
 saved by a different course. That it might have been 
 prolonged some months, had his physical exertion been 
 less, his friends now have reason to believe. And yet, 
 they know not, in the wisdom of an all-wise Providence, 
 but that his course was precisely such as shall result in 
 his greater and eternal enjoyment in heaven, and to the 
 greater promotion of the glory of God, in the salvation 
 of others on earth. His acquaintance was extended. 
 His character yet more thoroughly developed to him- 
 self and friends ; and since to the world, than it other- 
 wise would have been. And it is to be hoped that the 
 exhibition of Christian principle, as developed in the cir- 
 cumstances in which we view him in his correspondence, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 249 
 
 shall have some charm for its loveliness — some pur- 
 suasive power for its moral beauty — some hallowed 
 energy for its sainted purity, in wooing other souls, 
 under a yet diviner influence, to Jesus the friend of 
 sinners, whom he loved, and whom his soul agonized to 
 serve. 
 
 Mr. Taylor had left New- York a good deal elevated 
 in his hopes, that through the prayers of his friends, and 
 the salutary influence of his tour, he should return again, 
 renewed in his constitution, and re-invigorated, to stand 
 a watchman on the walls of Zion, to proclaim the mes- 
 sages of an inviting Saviour. But on his near approach 
 to the point from which he started, with such anticipa- 
 tions, we perceive, from his last two letters, that he had 
 taken his tour only to return with a relinquished hope, 
 and a sad but resigned consciousness, that "he is no 
 longer to look for the blessedness of standing upon the 
 beautiful walls, and as a watchman to sound the alarm. 
 The evidence to him is, That the trumpet hasfailedy 
 
)^ 
 
 SECTION XII. 
 
 As a drowning man, it is said, catches at a straw, so it 
 is true, that the hopes of an invaUd are revived by every 
 favourable expression of an intelHgent medical opinion. 
 And the affection of friends encourages this. They 
 would conceal from themselves, as well as from the ob- 
 ject of their affection, what they would deem the proba- 
 ble issue of certain symptoms, were they discoverable 
 in any other than in the case of the friend, in whom their 
 sympathies have centered. 
 
 We need not say, as we advance, that it was thus, to 
 some extent, with Mr. Taylor and his friends. 
 
 Having arrived in the city, he forwards several letters 
 to those who had followed his path-way with the affection 
 of kindred, and the interest of attached friendship. The 
 first, as in duty bound, is to his parents. 
 
 " New- York, June 16th, 1828. 
 " My ever dear Parents : 
 
 " The note which I sent you the other day, an- 
 nounced my arrival at this city. You would know more 
 particularly relative to my health. It becomes one, who, 
 to the last, would honour his father and mother, to let 
 them know of my weal and wo. 
 
 " The day of my arrival, and two days afterwards, I 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 251 
 
 was exceedingly prostrate, through weakness. Tou 
 know, perhaps, that brother J. met me at Baltimore, a 
 week ago last Saturday. Upon his arrival, I gave all 
 care of horse and gig, etc., into his hands, and I became 
 very languid. On my arrival in Philadelphia, I sub- 
 mitted my case to Dr. J., whose skill in chest-com- 
 plaints is widely acknowledged . Upon his examination, 
 I began to feel that I might live, recover, and yet preach 
 the Gospel. He said that my kings were 7iot affected 
 — that the mucus membrane of the lungs was in a state 
 of irritation, but with care and proper regimen might be 
 recovered. I was pleased with the man, and liked his 
 reasoning. Dr. S., K.'s family physician, concurs with 
 Dr. J. 
 
 " The pain in my side and back has so far subsided, 
 that it does not trouble me worth mentioning. Extreme 
 debility is what I labour under, with the affection of tl^ie 
 mucus membrane of the lungs. 
 
 " I am at my old, sweet home. All is done for my 
 comfort, and for my restoration, that I could wish. 
 Eliza is the same faithful nurse. I wonder they do not 
 get tired out. It must be a trial. Sure it is the great- 
 est to me — greater by far to lie dependent and unable 
 to do, than to sustain the disappointments attending my 
 unlooked-for illness. But so it is. In the good provi- 
 dence of God, I am amply provided for. What they 
 do is done so cheerfully, that it often melts me to think 
 
252 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 of it. If not before, may they hereafter, in another 
 v/orld, be rewarded a hundred fold. 
 
 " E. said yesterday, that if I were to be laid on a sick 
 and dying bed, she should wish to have me here, that 
 she might be beside me all the time. But I am better 
 than I was on my arrival, and peradventure I shall con- 
 tinue convalescing, till in full health. 
 
 "Does not mother intend to visit New- York this 
 summer? Why not come down, and by-and-by I could 
 return with her, or with any of the rest of you. 
 
 " I wish to see you all; until the time comes, suffice it 
 to say, I am happy in God's disposal of me. 
 " Your affectionate son, 
 
 "James. 
 
 " You see I do not take much pains in the communi- 
 cation of my ideas. I write with my paper on my knee, 
 and get over it as fast as I can, as all that I do is a task. 
 All well. Should be glad to hear from you. 
 
 *'19th. Since writing the above, I received father's 
 letter. A moment should not be lost in complying with 
 your earnest solicitation, were it not thought best that I 
 should remain here yet awhile. Reasons. Physicians 
 at hand. Things necessary not always to be obtained 
 in the country. Take exercise regularly. Good air. 
 Gaining daily. Comply with the wishes of those who 
 help me. 
 
 " You may expect to see me by-and-by. During the 
 interval, you shall hear. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 253 
 
 "War is declared by the Russian Emperor against 
 Turkey." 
 
 » New- York, 21st June,' 1828. 
 
 ** Ere this, through others, you may have heard of my 
 safe arrival at one of my loved homes. And I will 
 assure you, that I am glad to return once more to the 
 bosom of my friends, and gladly receive their kindly 
 offices. 
 
 " I write now more particularly to say, that my brother 
 J.'s present purpose is, to entrust to you his eldest 
 daughter. I am glad on her account. During all of 
 week after next, you may expect her. Probably her 
 father and mother will accompany her. Peradventure, 
 J. B. T. also. Not too certain, for they bind me here 
 with chains, though not heavy, yet strong — all for my 
 good. If I come, you will give me bread and barley- 
 water for breakfast — bread and a small piece of meat 
 for dinner — bread and a cup of weak tea at night. I 
 will bring the barley along with me, and as long as I 
 stay, I must be as much of the brotherly fraternity as 
 possible, who only say yea and nay. Love to all New- 
 Haven friends. 
 
 " As ever, 
 
 *'J. B. Taylor." 
 
 » New- York, June 25th, 1828. 
 " I doubt not but my loved friends at the Hill, would 
 22 
 
254 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 rather see my person than receive my letters. Yet, as 
 it is a self-denial on my part, not to gratify them, it being 
 considered best that I should tarry here yet a little, I will 
 write again and let you know of my affairs. 
 
 " Were you to see me, you would not say that I had 
 gained many pounds by my tour. If not in pounds of 
 flesh, I have gained by avoiding the months of March 
 and April, with their northern storms. Since the 15th 
 of March, for the most part, I have, in my journeyings, 
 enjoyed a summer's sun. 
 
 " My letter written from Lewisburgh, you probably 
 have seen. In that, I think it was, that I mentioned the 
 fact of my relinquishing the idea of preaching. That 
 conquest was a crown. Last night, melhinks, I gained 
 another. * Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, 
 (trial,) for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of 
 life.' The trial which assailed me was a pain in my left 
 breast, which to me appeared a new indication of mor- 
 tality. It was welcomed with joy. I yielded sweet 
 assent. My heart was melted into tenderness, and mjr 
 whole soul felt a preference, if it were God's will, to 
 depart. To a willingness was added a desire to be gone. 
 I longed to see my heavenly Father, whose matchless 
 goodness had plucked me as a brand from the burning, 
 1 longed to be with Christ — to see that Spirit, to whom 
 I am indebted for the much ho has done for me. I 
 longed for the society of angels and saints, and I thought 
 of some whom I should see among the glorified. The 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 265 
 
 goodness of God as exhibited in my convorsion, and the 
 present comfort of soul in the midst of my protracted 
 trials, was overwhelming. 
 
 *' Thus my dear, dear parents, see how the Lord 
 leaveth me not. Surely he is with me. And in grati- 
 tude for his presence, my pillow is often wet with tears. 
 
 '* A few things here yet remain to be done. I wished 
 to see my friends, and pay them a visit, if it should 
 be the last. M ! it would not be the last to many. 
 After a little, we shall all become disembodied spirits, 
 and commune in heaven with one another for ever. 
 Happy constitution of things — to be here a short time 
 to prepare for the ceaseless duration, and then to enter 
 upon it. The thought of being a disembodied spirit and 
 of going into the presence of God was greatly pleasing. 
 
 *' Should I recover, I shall look upon the varied deal- 
 ings of God with me as happily preparatory for my 
 future usefulness. 
 
 " With love to you all, 
 
 " James." 
 
 " New- York, 4th July, 1828. 
 ♦* Mr. and Mrs. P. 
 
 " My much loved friends : 
 
 " I suppose I ought to say that I am better than 
 I was on my arrival here. For a few days after I left 
 you, I was exceedingly prostrate. Giving up the care 
 of horse and gig, and other things attendant upon a jour- 
 
256 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 ney, I became as a bow unstrung. I think I am physi- 
 cally stronger, yet still weak enough. 
 
 " I need not repeat to you my great disappointment 
 in being hurried as I was, through New-Jersey.* On 
 the whole, however, it was best. Since my arrival, my 
 .physician has laid an embargo on my tongue — so much 
 so, that it is not made known that I am here at present, 
 to prevent my seeing friends. Yet it is so much known 
 that I find it my daily bane, though a pleasant one, to 
 be obliged to say to friends a word or two. As I 
 am exposed here to constant calls, and as I like them, 
 my physician has recommended a removal, to avoid 
 them ; the humid atmosphere of this city is also 
 another consideration. I calculate to retreat to my 
 father's, on the Connecticut, where I shall be elevated 
 on a high hill, surrounded by fine scenery, dry air, 
 twenty-five miles from the sea. 
 
 " I may be prevented the anticipated pleasure of see- 
 ing you so soon as talked of. Well, should the interval 
 extend to the time while we live, a blessed eternity is 
 before us, and then together with the holy, there is, 
 prospectively, sweet interchange, and elevated com- 
 munion. 
 
 " As you rejoice in my prosperity, you will allow me 
 to tell you, that since I came to this, one of my loved 
 homes, I have been blessed with a spirit of longing to 
 
 * His brother J. finding him so debilitated, he thought it duty to 
 insist that his brother James should avoid calling upon his friends 
 in New- Jersey, save the family to whom the letter is addressed. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 267 
 
 depart, if it were God's will. Yet how often has my heart 
 broken, and my eyes filled in view of the dear, dear 
 object of my hopes and life — the ministry ! 
 
 " May you each enjoy a hundred- fold from the ful- 
 ness of God. 
 
 " As ever, and more affectionately, 
 "James B. Taylor. 
 " May I not be refreshed by a letter from you 1 Re- 
 membrance to friends. 
 
 While the preceding letter was on its way to New- 
 Jersey, the following, by the way of New-l^ork, found 
 J. B. T- at the hill, the residence of his father, where 
 he arrived a few days after writing the above. 
 
 " Lawrence ville, July 6th, 1828. 
 " My dear Friend : 
 
 *' Both Mrs. P. and myself have become anxious to 
 hear from you, to know how you are since your return, 
 and also whether we are not to have the pleasure of 
 having you with us a little while. I cannot think but 
 that the air of our neighbourhood would be more favour- 
 able than New-York, and it would be a great satisfac- 
 tion to us to have your society, and to administer to your 
 comfort. Tell your brothers we will not tempt you to 
 transgress as to diet, etc., and that we shall try to be 
 very temperate in all things. Write, and tell us all 
 abx)ut yourself, and believe, my dear brother, you have 
 22* 
 
268 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 few friends more interested for you. I should be in- 
 sensible indeed, did I not feel some warmth of attach- 
 ment to one who ever evidenced so mnch interest, not 
 only for my present but eternal well-being. Still re- 
 member me, and pray for me, that as so much of my 
 precious time has run to waste, I may have grace given 
 to me to redeem what may remain, and that, having so 
 much to be forgiven, I may love much. Oh, for that 
 true and living faith in his name, which, as a fount in the 
 soul, shall purify from sin — overcome the debasing at- 
 tachments to the world — and implant spiritual and 
 heaven-born affections. 
 
 "Yesterday, being the Sabbath, we had L. H. to 
 preach for us. A very interesting sermon from He- 
 brews 7 : 25. In the P. M., he addressed the Sabbath- 
 School. I think him one of our choicest men. Resseau 
 Brown came out with him from Princeton, and spent 
 part of the day with us, and united in the expression of 
 sympathy and affection towards you. He said that he 
 should write to you this week. He looks badly, and if 
 he does not relax a little his application, I fear his health 
 will fail. I talked to him about it, but he seems some- 
 how to have caught some of your notions, and replied, 
 that he doubted whether he should live long, and of 
 course had the more to do.* 
 
 * This interesting young man has since reached, like young 
 Taylor, an early grave. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 269 
 
 " Mrs. p. unites with me in affectionate remembrance 
 to you, and in praying that you may yet be restored to 
 health, and be continued to us." 
 
 Mr. Taylor had now reached the residence of his 
 parents, and met the welcome of his kindred at the Hill. 
 Here he rested, exercising a little by riding, and at other 
 times walking the fields, while leaning on the arm of a 
 brother or sister, or venturing, with impressions of in- 
 creased strength, without assistance, upon his own 
 powers. From this he wrote, and here he received a 
 number of letters. The first of the two succeeding ad- 
 dressed to him, came by the way of New- York, the last, 
 direct. They are from his travelling companion, after 
 he arrived home, and in connexion with whom, as 
 having been often mentioned in Mr. T.'s letters with 
 affection, a sufficient interest has been awakened to 
 make them acceptable in this place. 
 
 " Portland, 9th July, 1828. 
 " My friend and fellow-traveller : 
 
 "Having arrived at that delightful place, called 
 horriej which I left five months since, yesterday, I con- 
 sider it due to you to let you know of my state, as near 
 as I can communicate it. 
 
 " My passage from New- York to Providence, though 
 not very quick, was pleasant to my body and mind. 
 Riding from Providence to Boston, forty miles, in one day, 
 
260 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 was too much for my strength. I did not recover short 
 of two days, at which time my wife and my son met me, 
 and after the excitement of meeting my friends, I revived 
 and remained at and about Boston two weeks. The 
 city and surrounding country exceed any views I evei 
 saw, excepting some on the East River. My strength, 
 however, did not increase, and on the fifth instant, we 
 arrived here in the steamboat, having had a very rough 
 passage. I became sea-sick, which affected glands, 
 liver, and lungs, to my great relief. I have been better 
 ever since, and my physicians say I have a better chance 
 for recovery than I had last fall. 
 
 " My friends all inquire for Mr. T. ; want to know 
 how he is, and if he is not coming this way. I have 
 written Mrs. D., and my cousin at Philadelphia, and 
 thus far have written you, and find it more of a task to 
 write than I ever thought it would be. 
 
 "If Mrs. S. were here, sitting at the window at 
 which I am, she would paint, if her account of her 
 ecstacies at fine views were correct. Some large hand- 
 some houses and wide streets between me and the 
 water — then our harbour — then a point of Cape Eliza- 
 beth — then a passage of water through which all out 
 vessels pass — then our island— and then the Atlantic, 
 all before mc. The weather is warm and very pleasant. 
 The garden and trees around our house never in finer 
 order. My sleep and appetite pleasant. My pulse 
 ninety-six. Strength and flesh about the same. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 261 
 
 " And now, my dear friend, how are you ? I long to 
 know, and am, with respects to your brother and family, 
 " Yours, very affectionately, 
 
 "N. Kinsman." 
 
 " Portland, July 26th, 1828. 
 
 " My dear Sir : 
 
 "Your favour of the twentieth instant, came to 
 hand yesterday, in which we all, (who are at home,) 
 took an interest. You, too, are at home, sweet and 
 blessed home. How peaceful — what a resting-place. 
 Here, while sick, we give up even the care of ourselves 
 to our friends. I have only one care more, and that is 
 to go to our beautiful grave-yard, with a friend not of 
 our family, and choose the small spot of ground, where, 
 in the Lord's time, I wish to be placed. 
 
 " Now do not, my friend, suppose I am more out of 
 health or spirits, than when I left you. Not so. I am 
 apparently on the recovery. My tongue and throat are 
 no longer coated or sore. Have not been obliged to 
 take an anodyne the two last weeks. Sleep without 
 coughing, except once or twice in the night. Com- 
 plexion clear and eyes bright. Strength increasing. 
 Good appetite — though I think the frogs'^ would not 
 agree with my mind at least. I am, however, yet 
 hoarse, and pulse at ninety-six. All other symptoms 
 
 * Alluding to a story which J. B. T. told of a man swallow- 
 ing small frogs while alive, believing that they might be bene- 
 ficial in his state of supposed pulmonary affection. 
 
262 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 give way — to what ? I must tell you that, how- 
 ever much I have been prejudiced agamst patent medu 
 cines^ yet, when in Boston, I saw such a certificate, 
 voluntarily given by a man of standing, as to correct 
 
 judgement, in favour of , that I have been induced 
 
 to try it. I have just finished the first bottle, and you 
 may judge whether home and friends have done all this. 
 
 " I am just starting off for New-Gloucester, a country 
 town, twenty-five miles north of this, where two of my 
 daughters are romping in the fields for change of air. 
 My son, I found worn down on my return home, with 
 the cares of my family and office. He, too, has left us 
 for a few weeks, on a journey for recreation and health. 
 
 " President Tyler, you know, has accepted our invi- 
 tation to settle with us, but cannot leave H. until Sep- 
 tember next. I wish some good preacher were here to 
 supply us until then. What a pity you were not the man. 
 May we all be willing the Lord should direct. 
 " In haste, your friend, 
 
 "N. Kinsman. 
 
 " N. B. I have yet some irritation about the trachiso, 
 though I think it healing. Notwithstanding all my flat^ 
 taring appearances, I think I have not more than two 
 chances in five for recovery from this attack. My 
 Philadelphia physician writes me, I must live in future 
 for the sake of living.^^ 
 
 From The Hill Mr. Taylor now addressed several 
 
JAMES BRIINERD TAYLOR. 263 
 
 notes at different times, to his friends in New-York and 
 elsewhere. Extracts from these, to continue the thread 
 of this narrative will be given. 
 
 " July 29th. 
 
 " I owed it to my brother K. to answer his letter 
 before this. It has not been for want of time, but 
 getting along pretty much as usual, I should have only 
 the old story to tell. You heard from me, I presume, 
 through a letter to Eliza, sent more than a week since. 
 
 " Conversation engrosses but a little of my time. As 
 to eating, my diet is confined principally to bread. 
 Drink tea, milk, and water. Food sets well. Drink 
 some liver-wort. Ride more or less on horse-back 
 and in gig. 
 
 " During the day, spend some time in metaphysics, 
 philosophy, and theology. From the fact that I am able 
 to do more, and with greater facility, I persuade myself 
 that I gather strength. I think my cough better. Blis- 
 ters continually applied, have kept me not a little sore. 
 However, it is good philosophy to endure a smaller evil 
 to root out a greater. 
 
 " Yesterday, I felt sick of being sick. Not so much 
 on my own account, but on account of those so benevo- 
 lently affectioned towards me. I hope it did not rise to 
 a complaint of Providence. But the idea of so much 
 and continued expenditure in various ways of time, and 
 money, and feelings of others on my behalf, and with so 
 
264 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 little, if any, amendment, sadly affected me. The 
 proof, too, that I have of its all flowing from a fulness 
 of kindness on their part, only tended to make me 
 feel more ; for a soul that feels undeserving and depen- 
 dent cannot but appreciate such favours, and is glad to 
 unburden itself by expressing a corresponding grati- 
 tude. 
 
 " This morning, I felt stout enough to preach. I am 
 encouraged, and live with the hope of one day triumph- 
 ing over debility and disease, and standing forth a well 
 man to subserve the cause of God on earth. 
 
 "When shall we see you at the Hill? You know 
 how gladly we all would welcome you. The Hill looks 
 finely.* The trees are doing well, and grow luxuriantly. 
 The lover of scenery will never tire here, but alwajrs 
 find enough to feast his love of the beautiful amid so 
 much enchantment of nature. Love to E. and the 
 children. 
 
 " Yours, as ever, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 " The Hill, August 4th, 1828. 
 " My dear Brother : 
 
 " I think myself gaining in strength and flesh, 
 
 ♦ This is tlie name by which the family residence of Mr. Tay- 
 lor was known among his friends. See the sketch on the Title- 
 page. The scenery at this point of the Connecticut is considered 
 to be very fine. 
 
 ^.¥ 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 
 
 265 
 
 though but little of either. Enough, however, for en- 
 couragement. 
 
 " I have been reviewing my course of studies, so that 
 I am well nigh prepared for examination for license. 
 Two of my class were examined, and licensed, in New- 
 Haven, week before last. The Association meets there 
 again on the last Tuesday of this month, to license the 
 remainder. This being one thing which I wish to get 
 out of the way, and being prepared for it, I have thought 
 best to be hcensed, also. My sermon I wrote, for the 
 most part, when at the South. I presume, your senti- 
 ments on this point, will accord with mine. Among 
 other reasons, these have weighed somewhat on my 
 mind amid the uncertainty of my recovering, so as to be 
 able to preach. Should I be able to sustain the duties 
 of a Naval Chaplain on board ship, and a sea-voyage 
 be recommended, I should gladly enter such a sphere of 
 labourfor the sake of doing good, and defraying expenses. 
 Should I become the resident of a West India Island, as 
 has been suggested to me, if found to agree with my 
 constitution, I had better go commissioned to preach 
 than otherwise. Should I go South to spend the winter, 
 it would not be a disadvantage to go as a preacher. 
 Should I remain at home, a burden would be off my 
 mind. So far then, as I can see, I cannot but conclude 
 that it is my duty to be examined and licensed with my 
 class. 
 
 »* I expect to go to New-Haven by-and-by. F, is at 
 23 
 
 ■ ^Mk ' 
 
266 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 home, and preparing a Latin piece for commencement. 
 I think he wisely concludes to spend the coming year at 
 New-Haven. All well. 
 
 "Yours truly, 
 
 "J. B. Taylor. 
 " Monday morning. Your letter by Saturday's boat, 
 I received. I now have the seventh blister on my 
 breast. I look pretty well to my diet. I read aloud 
 my sermon last evening, which was succeeded by less 
 irritation than a conversation of ten minutes would have 
 created four weeks since. So I am encouraged. On 
 Thursday morning, I purpose to go to New-Haven, and 
 remain until the succeeding Wednesday." 
 
 " New-Haven, 21st August, 1828. 
 
 " My dear Brother : 
 
 "You have known much of my joys and sorrows ; 
 and there is no one to whom I love so much to commu- 
 nicate them. 
 
 " I arrived here yesterday on an errand long anticipa- 
 ted. But I have given up the idea of being licensed. 
 An interview with Dr. Taylor, which I have just had, 
 convinces me that it may be better to defer it. If licensed , 
 the temptation to preach may be so great, that, at an 
 hour when invited, I might suppose myself able, he 
 said, and one sermon may kill me. He added, the 
 question ought not to be agitated for a year to come — 
 for the winter certainly — whether I am able or not. 
 
 #' » 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 267 
 
 promise of another young man to use his influence in 
 procuring for him this autumn, on loan, $100 or $160, 
 for the term of one year. His calculation is to go out 
 and teach school, at the expiration of his junior-year to 
 procure the money, and refund it with interest. Is it in 
 your power (I know it is in your heart,) to aid this 
 young man? It is not his cause — it is not mine — it 
 And should you, he went on, become as ruddy and 
 fleshy as Mr. , alluding to one of our most corpu- 
 lent men, you ought not to preach, but get well and con- 
 firmed in your health. More. Your duty is not so 
 much to do good now, as to wait your full recovery to 
 do the greater good by-and-by.' I wept — yielded — 
 and now tell you the story. 
 
 "He perceived the better appearance my countenance 
 assumes, and was glad of the fact, that I am convales- 
 cent. I do think myself decidedly on the gaining hand, 
 and were I now to do the right thing, there is not only 
 the possibility but the high probability of my recovering, 
 and living some years yet to bless mankind. Dr. T. 
 remarked, that peradventure, God was intending me for 
 another clime. Pray that I may be led in the right 
 way. 
 
 " To attend the review in which the class will be en- 
 gaged, for a few sittings, till Monday, when they are to 
 be licensed, I may remain in New-Haven a week or 
 ten days. It will be instructive to sit and hear questions 
 aaked and answered. 
 
 ** In Mrs. Isham's family there are four young ladies 
 
268 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 hopefully born again, lately, and much seriousnesa pre- 
 Yails in thf3 family. Tell J., and he m&y write C. 
 
 " Should be glad to hear from you while here. Dr. 
 S. is in New-Haven, quite an invalid. 
 
 " Yours, as ever, 
 
 "J. B. Taylor." 
 
 « The Hill, September 7th, 1828. 
 
 " Dear brother B. 
 
 " Although you are in my debt in the exchange of 
 letters, you will hear me patiently, and I trust gladly. 
 
 " I have been gaining so much lately, that were 
 you to see me, you would acknowledge a perceptible 
 change for the better. And were you beside me, I 
 could now converse longer than at the moment I saw 
 you, when I could but little more than give you my 
 hand. My lungs have become less irritable — my 
 countenance less palid — strength increased. Who 
 knows but that I may yet stand on Zion's watch-tower t 
 
 The scenery around me is delightful, and one above 
 many. The views on the south-east and south-west 
 are bounded by a range of lofty hills of circular form. 
 Interspersed are plains and meads, and shady groves. 
 We overlook the village about a mile distant — the Con- 
 necticut glides at the foot of a gradual descent, disap- 
 pears at a distance, and reappears again as it winds its 
 course towards the ocean. 
 
 " Why I write you at this moment more particularly 
 is, to comply with your request, that I would present 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 269 
 
 objects which will open to you the way of doing good. 
 I know a young man of talents, more than ordinary, 
 who is athirst for an education, poor in this world's goods, 
 but whose profession tells us is rich in faith, and who 
 has in view the ministry. He is a member of the So- 
 phomore Class, in Yale College, and will become a 
 junior next term. He has been kept along, through the 
 is not yours, abstractly considered, that I plead, but the 
 cause of benevolence, and of God, which we all love to 
 further. 
 
 " Should this young man die, all the security he could 
 offer besides his note, would be to point you to the re- 
 surrection of the just 
 
 "Yours, affectionately, 
 
 "James B. Taylor. 
 
 " Please address me at New-Haven. I expect to be 
 there on Wednesday next." * 
 
 " September 9th, 1828. 
 " Dear brother : 
 
 " Instead of sending this letter, I had hoped to see 
 you in person. But owing to a late attack, of which I 
 am now well nigh recovered, I concluded that it would 
 
 * The above note was handed to Mr. B. by a friend, to whom 
 Mr. B., in the benevolence and generosity of his heart rephed, " 1 
 would do any thing which James Taylor would recommend." ■ 
 23* 
 
270 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 be better for me to remain at home, than to undergo the 
 fatigues of Commencement at Yale, though F. would 
 like to have me there. Though prostrated a little in my 
 strength by this attack, I probably am bettered by it. I 
 find my lungs less and less irritated. 
 
 " Thus, I am here at anchor. No head wind but 
 blows some one good. I hope to ride out the storm 
 patiently, amid so many comforts. The sky, so long 
 lowering, often seems to break away, and winged hope 
 places me where I have longed to be, — in the vineyard. 
 
 ** Yesterday I read, 
 
 ' The youth. 
 Who, in the glowing morn of vigorous life, 
 High reaching after great religious deed, 
 Was suddenly cut off with all his hope, 
 In sunny bloom, and unaccomphshed, left 
 His withered aims — saw everlasting days 
 Before him dawning rise in which to achieve 
 All glorious things.' 
 
 "My heart broke as I read, and I wept. 0, my 
 dear brother, it is hard work, but it is good work! And 
 I am gaining, and ought to be thankful. A course of 
 suffering may be the necessary means to prepare nae 
 for a sphere of high action both in this and in the other 
 world. Think not that I complain. No. I think, for 
 the universe, I would not take my cause into my own 
 hands. 
 
 " Should you have time, will you give Mrs. P. a call ? 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 271 
 
 And why not give us a call on the Hill ? Your heart 
 has been gladdened with a parent's joy, by the return 
 of H. Gladly would our parents, and all, see you and 
 yours. 
 
 ** Ever, and much obliged, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 It will be perceived by the preceding letter, that Mr. 
 Taylor was now at his father's, after having returned 
 from New-Haven, whither he made occasional excur- 
 sions, and the last one with the expectation of being ex- 
 amined and licensed with his class in the Theological 
 Department in Yale-College. For the time, he rehn- 
 quished all further idea of applying for the commission 
 to preach the Gospel, towards which he had so long 
 looked with intense desire and happy anticipation. But 
 not many weeks after, while at his father's, he learned 
 that the Middlesex- Association was soon to meet, and 
 in conversation with a clerical friend in the neighbour- 
 hood, his relinquished purposes as to immediate exami- 
 nation, which he had given up in conversation with Dr. 
 Taylor, were revived. And with these renewed pur- 
 poses he attended the Association, which met at East- 
 Haddam, October 8th, 1828, and in the language of the 
 memoir, " Read his trial sermon on the text, John xii : 
 26. * If any man serve me, him will my Father honour' 
 — was examined with respect to his own religious ex- 
 perience, his knowledge of Christian theology, and his 
 
272 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 ability to teach and defend the truths of the Gospel — all 
 which were approved, and he was licensed, according to 
 the practice of the churches of New- England, to preach 
 as a candidate for the Gospel ministry." 
 
 From this Association he returned to the Hill, where 
 a letter was awaiting him from his brother at New- 
 York, desiring him immediately to revisit the city in 
 reference to arrangements for his winter residence, 
 where mutual counsel and the advice of physicians 
 should direct. 
 
 In view of this request, Mr. T. prepared to leave hi« 
 father's house again, hoping that he was improving in 
 health, but not knowing what would be the result of the 
 proposed measure. 
 
 The person who has ever felt the filial sympathies, 
 and whose bosom has swelled with the devout attach- 
 ment of an affectionate child towards kind and endeared 
 parents, can enter into the feelings of James Taylor, as 
 ho was again about to leave his parental roof, for another 
 dime. How could it be otherwise than that the thought 
 should obtrude itself upon the sensitive spirit of one 
 with affections such as were his. That he was about to 
 leave his endeared home, perhaps forever 1 Not for 
 himself did he feel. He knew and valued the deep 
 affection of his kindred. And it was for them he felt. 
 He thought that they might be disappointed, grievously ; 
 and instead of again greeting them with his wonted 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 273 
 
 smile, the news, ere long, might be sent them, that he 
 rested in a foreign grave — a departed stranger. 
 
 It is remembered by the family, that they had gather- 
 ed around the breakfast table on the morning of his 
 departure. All was as cheerful as smiling countenan- 
 ces, which tried to conceal sad hearts, could make it. 
 But it soon became evident that it was a forced state o 
 cheerfulness, and the heart could no longet conceal 
 itself. With a calm and unfaltering voice, Mr. T. 
 said to his father, that if he did not return, such and 
 such things were at his disposal. It was too much ! 
 His father moved his chair from the table, and buried 
 his head in his handkerchief, and wept aloud. The rest 
 vacated their seats at the table, and sought their cham- 
 bers, and wept there. A short time passed, while Mr. 
 Taylor retained his seat, and the different members soon 
 returned and resumed theirs. It was a blending of tears, 
 long pent up, which gave them relief; and now they 
 talked more freely, and with hopes and prayers that he 
 would yet be returned to them much recruited, in the 
 coming summer. Soon after, the carriage was at the 
 door, and he and one of his younger brothers drove from 
 the home of his many and dearest earthly associations. 
 He never saw it more ! 
 
SECTION XIII. 
 
 In due time, Mr. Taylor reached New- York by the way 
 of New-Haven, from his father's. The following aie 
 minutes from a brief journal, which he commenced, on 
 his reaching his brother's in New- York, previous to his 
 embarkation for the South, and ended on the day of his 
 going to sea. 
 
 "Bond-street, New- York, 1828. 
 
 " October, 15th. 
 
 "On the eighth instant, was licensed to preach the 
 Gospel by the Middlesex-Association, convened at 
 East-Haddam, Connecticut. It was a pleasant season- 
 Formed a new and delightful acquaintance in the family 
 of the Rev. Mr. Parsons. Mr. and Mrs. P. seemed 
 kindly affectioned, and given to hospitality. I stayed 
 with them, and became warmly attached to both. 
 
 " Met my old friend and dear father in the ministry, 
 Rev. Mr. Hotchkiss. 
 
 " On the ninth, A. M., left my parental roof, on my 
 way to a Southern clime. Our mutual tears flowed at the 
 sound, FAREWELL ! Dear, kind, affectionate kindred. 
 
 " Tenth. Reached New-Haven, and one of my kindly 
 remembered homes. Again enjoyed the social and 
 friendly intercourse of kindred spirits. Our Christian 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 275 
 
 communion was doubly sweet. I enjoyed refreshings 
 — especially at Sunday evening exercises, in which all 
 were melted. Left Mrs. Isham's on the thirteenth. 
 
 " Yesterday evening, met those I love in New-York, 
 and again occupy a loved habitation, and again receive 
 the kind sympathies and offices of my kindred. 
 
 *'Met Mrs. Palmer and Mary, who embark to-morrow 
 for Charleston. They urge me to accompany them. I 
 lie moored, and with sweet patience wait the decision of 
 physicians and friends. Will God direct. 
 
 " Last night, though restless and wakeful, I was 
 meltingly blessed. My soul's enjoyment of God and 
 heaven in the night season filled me with solid peace and 
 strong confidence in him. I think I know, and have 
 felt for a season past, especially last night, what the 
 * straiV is, in which Paul was. I wet my couch with 
 tears. I longed to fly away to Jesus. Yet I longed to 
 stay and labour in his cause. I can neither say, let me 
 die, nor let me live. My heart cries out for God to lead 
 and dispose of my all. I am in his hands, and he will 
 guide me, even unto death. 
 
 ** 18th. I am now waiting the arrival of medical men 
 to examine and pronounce upon my case. Should they 
 say less than that I am in a confirmed consumption, or 
 at least, on the confines of it, I shall be disappointed. 
 
 *' Yesterday P. M. and evening, I enjoyed sweet 
 meltings in view of the many mercies surrounding me. 
 Surely, if onTmy way to an early grave, I am going 
 
276 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 down most comfortably. Dear K. and E. load me with 
 benefits. 
 
 "It is sweet to look beyond time. I think I can look 
 upon my labouring days as gone by, and peradventure, 
 I shall soon enter upon a long resting day. It has 
 made my heart ache and break, to think that I should 
 be put aside so soon. But grace is sufficient. I am 
 sweetly patient. The Father smiles upon his child. A 
 sympathizing Jesus attends me. A comfort and joy of 
 the Holy Ghost pervade my soul. 
 
 " In the retrospect it appears to me that God has de- 
 signed to perfect me through suffering — pain of body 
 and disappointment of spirit as to the ministry. Well, 
 I am a witness to the wise dealings of the Wise One, 
 God knows what is best, and that is best for me. He 
 hath so led me, as he leadeth one to holiness, and hap- 
 piness, and to heaven. Amen. 
 
 " Oct. 19th. The physicians came. The result of 
 their examination was unexpected. Dr. A., of the 
 Lung Infirmary, pronounced my luiigs good. So far as 
 he could discover with the Stethescope, and otherwise, 
 he considered me sound, save the affection of the mucus 
 membrane, which they would endeavour to relieve. So, 
 it seems, I may yet recover, and yet live to preach the 
 Gospel. Still, uncertainty hangs over my debilitated 
 and overdone system. 
 
 "From the examination, it was discovered that the 
 origin of my painful days and nights, for two years and 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 277 
 
 more past, was a spinal affection, which disease com- 
 menced, continued, and I hope terminated, without being 
 found out. Should not physicians be more particular to 
 examine, in time, local affections ? 
 
 " 2Sth. Yesterday, had sweet thoughts of Jesus. 
 The thought of becoming a pure, disembodied spirit, 
 refreshed my soul. And last night, after I had re- 
 tired, a precious love-token was handed down to the 
 unworthiest. The Lord remembereth that I am but 
 dust — that I am of a weak, debiUtated, and feeble 
 frame. Often I find it a laborious task to repeat the 
 four lines, 
 
 ' Now I lay me down to sleep,' &c. 
 
 ** Greatly fatiguing to repeat the Lord's prayer. How 
 mercifully the Lord accommodates himself to this weak- 
 ness. The other night, I had but just laid down, and 
 thought on 
 
 * Religion gives sweet pleasures while we live,' &c. 
 
 And my soul was sweetly melted. So, at times, during 
 the day, in my lonely hours, as I sit and while away the 
 time, unable to apply myself to study or reading long. 
 Last night was most refreshingly baptized — an unction 
 from the Holy One. It rendered me happy — happy 
 on my way to a happy heaven, and the residence of the 
 glorified. Raving laid me down for the night, I thought 
 24 
 
278 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 on my anticipated departure — on leaving friends, and 
 yet going on my way, peradventure, where others should 
 become endeared. I thought on meeting one at P., 
 (L. H.) He seemed to inquire whether I had solici- 
 tude to preach the Gospel. No, I replied, as the 
 thoughts passed through my mind. The days of my 
 soUcitude, I added, are gone by. Then, I remembered 
 seasons of anxiety, deep, nay burnings, that I had had 
 for the work of a minister of Jesus Christ. My eyes 
 ran down with tears. I wet my couch, and was greatly 
 melted under the sweet consciousness of an honest 
 appeal to God, who had ever marked my steps. The 
 seasons of longing have not been few in which I have 
 groaned for the work, and for preparation for it. The 
 thought of relinquishing this object, now I rejoiced in, if 
 God will. Nay, I was rather desirous of leaving all 
 behind, and to go to Jesus. I see, I think, enough 
 worth dying for. 
 
 "29th. Yesterday, A. M., my young twin brothers 
 arrived in New- York, and have become located as 
 clerks. May they prove ornaments. 0, for that shield 
 for them that wards off the darts of the enemy ! From 
 letters, it seems, that our loved family felt much on their 
 leaving. With solicitude they arc followed, and the morn- 
 ing and evening altar burns incense for them. Of the 
 seven sons, I am the invalid. Of the seven, I am ap- 
 parently the fastest on my way to the grave. 
 
 " To-day, I wept at the thought of soon leaving my 
 dear friends far behind. I shall part with them more 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 279 
 
 an invalid than when I went South last spring. It 
 grieves me not to think of bidding them adieu, even if 
 it prove my last farewell. I love them. When happi- 
 fied, glorified, how much more. Peace and heaven^s 
 choicest benedictions attend them. It is sweet to think 
 of falling into the arms of Jesus. It was melting to 
 confide in God as Father, who adapts himself to the 
 frailties of his little one. I wept in his presence as I 
 remembered my disobedience. What great grace is 
 mercy. There is forgiveness with God. Delightfully 
 pleasant was it to contemplate the Holy Spirit as Com- 
 forter. I longed to see of the things of Christ more 
 and more brightly. 
 
 "How mercifully does the Lord deal with me — an 
 invalid, and weak indeed. He carries me along in a 
 chariot, all paved with love. Roll on then, ye wheels, 
 and bring me a welcome saint, to the dwelling place of 
 Jesus, my dearest Beloved. 
 
 " Nov. 1st. Last evening, enjoyed the meeting held 
 in this house. Was sweetly refreshed under the prayer 
 of dear brother J. B. 
 
 " Returned to-day from the last sitting for my portrait, 
 taken at the proposition of sister Eliza. I enjoyed the 
 season, in communion With those dear men, while they 
 
 painted. Brothers and , I think are men of 
 
 God. 
 
 " 3d. I have written several last letters. To Mrs. Dr. 
 P., Mr. Kinsman, Dr. T. and my relatives. 
 
280 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 Thus ends this interesting scrap of paper. To these 
 letters, here referred to, and to others, we go back, to 
 learn further particulars in connexion with his arrange- 
 ments, and the selection of the place for his winter resi- 
 dence, which was to prove the final and peaceful home 
 of his long agonized body. 
 
 *» Bond-street, 15th Oct., 1828. 
 
 " My dear Parents : 
 
 " Having safely arrived here, you will be glad to 
 hear of my way, and arrangements in relation to my 
 winter destination. 
 
 " My stay at New-Haven was longer than I anticipa- 
 ted. Wishing to avoid the fatigue of the ride from New- 
 Haven to New- York, I took the steamboat at New- 
 Haven. The wind was so high the boat did not ven- 
 ture out on Monday. Tuesday morning I left New- 
 Haven and reached our friends in the evening. 
 
 " At New-Haven I had much enjoyment. Owing to 
 the fatigues and exposure during yesterday, I did not 
 sleep well. But the hours, though sleepless, passed 
 happily. I think, my dear parents, I feel as Paul felt, 
 when he said, ' I am in a strait betwixt two.' Earth, in 
 many respects, is desirable. Heaven, in many, more. 
 Believe that your son, though an invalid, is happy. 
 
 " I am as well as when I left you. Nothing is yet 
 particularly fixed upon as to my winter residence. Mrs. 
 P. of Charleston, I saw to-day, who still urges my 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 281 
 
 going to her home, and, to be her son until Decem- 
 ber — then to go to St. Augustine, till the spring. She 
 sails to-morrow. I may follow on in a week or two. I 
 may go to Dr. Rice's. You will hear upon our decis- 
 ion. Samuel sends love". 
 
 To J. B. T. 
 
 " New-Haven, Thursday-noon, Oct. 14th. 
 
 " Dear Mr. T. 
 " Accompanying this I send your cane, which we 
 found standing solitary in the parlour. It seemed to be 
 mourning after its master, and to understand quite well 
 the feelings of our household. Had it tongue and voice, 
 I have no doubt it would have kindly assured us of its 
 tenderest sympathies in being obliged to part with so 
 dear a friend. 
 
 " Dear Mr. T., we send this cane, begging it to tes- 
 tify of our truest regard for its master, and our fervent 
 wishes for his best happiness, wherever he may be 
 called. Our thoughts, our prayers, our gratitude will 
 follow him in all his peregrinations, and we shall earnest- 
 ly desire to know, whatever pertains to his * weal and 
 wo.' Allow us, also, to be comforted with the hope, 
 that though mingling with other scenes more interest- 
 ing, important, and absorbing, the household of the 
 widow may not be forgotten ; believing, as we do, that 
 ♦ the prayer of a righteous man, availeth much.* 
 24* 
 
282 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 " When you can find time to send us a line, we shall 
 be very, very thankful. 
 
 " I am, dear friend and brother, 
 
 " Yours, with much Christian affection. 
 
 "C.I. 
 " I felt disappointed that I could not say that dear, 
 withering aching word — farewell. 
 
 " Bond-street, 28th Oct., 1828. 
 
 " My dear parents will be glad to hear that I am 
 apparently on the gaining hand. I have submitted to a 
 new examination of my chest. Dr. A. pronounced me 
 sound, as to the lungs. He discovered the cause of all 
 the extreme pain which I have endured. It seems that 
 all my many-formed complaints, rheumatism, despepsia, 
 and so on, has been a spinal affection. Thankful ought 
 I to be, that it was not worse. He thinks the disease 
 cured, and self cured. You know the prescription has 
 been diet and abstinance. It is otherwise now. Well, 
 that I stole the march of them a little this summer, at 
 the Hill.* I feel that I am gaining strength, though 
 expectoration is not diminished. 
 
 " During this week, I shall probably, complete my 
 out- fit. K. and E. study with exactness for my com- 
 fort, and anticipate my wants. 
 
 ♦ He alludes here to his indulging in eating fruits, while at his 
 father's, particularly peaches and cream. By it, he grew fleshier 
 and stronger. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 283 
 
 <* The place of my destination is Prince Edward 
 County, Virginia, with Dr. Rice. Probably I shall be 
 off as soon as ten days hence. 
 
 " I feel somewhat encouraged, and quite contented — 
 in prospect. I may recover. 
 
 " My hearty thanks for all your loaded kindnesses the 
 past summer. My faults forgive. 
 
 " Brother expected the boys last week. Why their 
 delay ] Will not father be here before I leave 1 
 
 30th. The boys arrived this A. M. G. will go into 
 Mr. D. G.'s store. A. will remain with K. The offi- 
 ces are in the same building, and consequently, they will 
 all be near. You may expect to hear from me on my 
 departure. 
 
 " Affectionately, 
 
 "James." 
 
 " Mr. and Mrs. P. 
 
 " My much loved friends : 
 
 * * * * 
 
 "Oct. 31st. The above, as you perceive, I wrote nearly 
 a month since. Hither I have come to sojourn, but three 
 days longer. On Monday, the canvass will be spread 
 to waft me not to your dwelling, but to a haven appoint- 
 ed by physicians and friends. I am to set sail for 
 Petersburg. Thence I go to Prince Edward County, 
 Virginia, to winter, unless in mercy, I am taken to a 
 clime more desirable. 
 
284 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 ** I have detained this in hopes that in person I might 
 see you. I had designed to pass through Princeton 
 and Lawrenceville. But as my health does not war- 
 rant the fatigues of journeying, and the excitement of 
 seeing friends, I am denied the pleasure. It is a self- 
 denial. Peradventure, I may return in the spring better 
 able to enjoy the society of those I love. If not, the 
 land of dear delights is before me. 
 
 *' Do you ask how I am in my protracted afflictions ? 
 The Lord doeth all things well. Sweet thoughts of 
 Jesus melt my soul. Communion with heaven is soul- 
 elevating and soul-transforming. In a word, I am a hap- 
 py, though a sick and dying man. The Lord most 
 gently and mercifully hands me down the hill of life, 
 and the final step seems not a great way off. 0, it will 
 be sweet to take this last step and walk into eternity ! 
 To me, the grave wears choice attire — Paradise, more 
 choice. I wish, and often with longing, to see Jesus 
 as he is — to mingle with the holy above, and to sing 
 the songs of the shining ones. 0, think not that I am 
 gloomy or depressed! Far — far — very Tar from it. 
 Think of me as one visited from above — as one rolled 
 on in a chariot of love — as one who loves you. And 
 think of me, and pray for me as one feeble, shattered, 
 tottering, and almost falling — falling into the arms of 
 pur Beloved. 
 
 " If my last, my most affectionate adieu. 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 285 
 
 " Bond-Street, 31st Oct., 1828. 
 
 " Dear Mrs. P. 
 
 " I am now seated to write a few last letters, ere the 
 sound of the withering adieu. 
 
 *' Gladly, and for reasons not a few, would I have the 
 sails spread to waft me to Charleston ; but on Monday 
 next, they must open to convey me to another port. My 
 winter residence is fixed upon, and my physicians think 
 the location preferable to other proposed places. I em- 
 bark for Petersburg. Thence I go to Prince Edward, 
 Virginia. There, and in the region about, I propose to 
 remain during the winter. 
 
 " Thanks to God, to you, and to your dear family, for 
 the interest you all have evinced for the invalid. I am 
 sure more than my thanks will await you at the resur- 
 rection of the Just. 
 
 " You would know of my affairs. Health of body 
 and the prosperity of the * inner man,' now mostly oc- 
 cupy me. Physicians have consulted my case, and the 
 result of their examinations has been more favourable 
 than I had anticipated. I love not, however, to flatter 
 myself, though they speak as they do, and I trust are 
 honest men. Why should I desire life here, when the 
 grave has lost its alarms to me, and heaven woos my 
 longing spirit to itself? 
 
 " While I make health my primary object, I am glad 
 the responsibility is on others in directing my case. 
 Let me assure you, that I am handed down most gently 
 
286 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 and most mercifully, whether my steps are rapidly or 
 slowly tending to the narrow house. The good shep- 
 herd takes pecuhar care of his feeble lamb. Am I 
 a childj born from above ? It would fail me to tell of 
 our Father's smiles. Am I a disciple of Jesus? He 
 teaches me. Is he a High Priest 1 0,1 enjoy his 
 sympathies ! He allows the intimacy of an Elder 
 Brother. I lean on his arm — repose on his bosom. 
 The Holy Spirit often baptizes me, and burns up as 
 with fire, the ' dross and tin.' Yes, my dear friend, it 
 seems to me, so to express it, that I am going in a heaven 
 to the happy dwelling-place of the holy. I say this 
 truth to the honour of great grace. — For the most part 
 I am happy in God. 
 
 " How long before this body, already shaken and 
 tottering, shall fall, is known alone on high. If soon, 
 I see quite enough of reason for sweet, melting, joyful, 
 and exulting submission. Is God benevolent"? Are 
 those who bear his moral image benevolent? Will 
 God and his children forever sustain this character? 
 What now constitutes their high pleasure? Voluntary, 
 benevolent action. In heaven, I think, kind offices 
 are performed and reciprocated. There we shall carry 
 forward our powers of doing good. There we hope to 
 engage in a higher sphere, and render a perfect service. 
 
 " I remember M.'s testimony to the renewals of the 
 Spirit. She will suffer the exhortation, 'Hold fast 
 whereunto thou hast attained, and let none take thy 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 287 
 
 crown.' 0, the increase of power arising from the 
 communications of the Holy Ghost. Clad in the whole 
 armour of God, we may march onward and upward in 
 Zion's way, conquering as we go, and secure the heaven- 
 ly crown. Through your prayers 1 may wear it yet 
 more bright. 
 
 " We were glad to learn from the papers of your safe 
 and short passage. My brother and sister join with me 
 in love to yourself. To your family, the affection of one 
 who remembers them kindly. 
 
 " In the best bonds, 
 
 "James B. Taylor. 
 
 "To my Charleston friends, please say of me, as you 
 learn by this epistle. A letter from the hand of any of 
 your household would be welcomed. Direct to the care 
 of Rev. Dr. Rice, Prince Edward County, Virginia. 
 It would meet me. 
 
 " Bond-street, 1st Nov., 1828. 
 
 " Among my last letters before I embark, one must 
 go to the Hill. 
 
 " You will be g-lad to know that I think I have gained 
 some strength since I left you. In no respect do I think 
 myself worse. 
 
 " Day after to-morrow is the appointed time for the 
 sailing of the Tantivy. The passage to Petersburg is 
 generally made from two to six days. Every want is 
 supplied, and 1 am very contented and happy in what I 
 
288 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 believe the will of God. Were it not for my excess of 
 raising, I should think more flatteringly of my case. 
 But you must think of me as most mercifully dealt with 
 by our common Lord. Think of me as free from pain, 
 and very comfortable. On my arrival, you may expect 
 to hear from me. 
 
 " With love to you all, 
 
 " A son and brother, affectionate, 
 
 "James. 
 
 *' Should you visit Bond-street, you may see a por- 
 trait of J. B. T., suspended to the walls. It is pro- 
 nounced good. I have been five times — finish to- 
 day." 
 
 " Bond-street, 3d Nov., 1828. 
 
 " Very dear Sir ; 
 
 " About to set sail, you will be glad to know of my 
 destination for the winter. My physicians and friends 
 think the valley of Virginia preferable to other proposed 
 locations. Prince Edward County, and the region round 
 about, are said to be free from that humidity which is 
 perceptible in Charleston and at St. Augustine. To 
 Prince Edward, by the way of Petersburg, I propose to 
 go. 
 
 " My health, on the whole, I think improved since I 
 saw you last, and since I left Now-Haven for New- 
 York. Some days after my arrival here, I was visited 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 289 
 
 by Dr. A., who, in consultation with ray regular physi- 
 cian, gave it as his opinion, that my lungs were sound. 
 I was disappointed in the result of their examination, 
 though their opinion be confirmatory of Dr. J.'s, last 
 spring. Having given Dr. A. a history of my case 
 from the beginning, I prepared for an examination with 
 the Steihescope, The exposure of my back, presented 
 to Dr. A. a singular feature, which he pronounced to be 
 the origin of that pain, of which I have spoken to you. 
 In this sentiment, my physician concurred, although it 
 must have been with the conviction that he himself had 
 mistaken my case. The rheumatism, the debility, 
 the * I-do-not-know-what, is the matter with you,' as 
 said one physician, turns out to be a spinal affection. 
 This, it seems, commenced, continued, and now, it is 
 hoped, is removed, and not a man of the profession 
 found it out. During the whole of my distress, (and at 
 times, it was acute beyond expression,) not a man said, 
 let me see the seat of that pain. That pain is over. 
 God meant it for great good to me. I blame not the 
 men, for they have all been solicitous for me, yet it may 
 teach the lesson to examine before prescription. 
 
 " The excess of expectoration from the mucus mem- 
 brane allows me not to flatter myself. I do not. And 
 I love to look at the narrow-house. I am quite con- 
 tented — quite happy. 
 
 "You may have heard that I was licensed some 
 weeks ago. When in New-Haven, I stopped at your 
 26 
 
290 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 dwelling, and at your room, to tell you. I feel relieved 
 by the act. Think not that I shall exercise my office. 
 I have no desire to do it, in present circumstances. I 
 believe, with my present and even with much improved 
 health, I am not warranted to preach. 
 
 " I read your sermon with interest and pleasure. I 
 think it will happily counteract the wrong impression 
 gone out. And I believe, they have only to know us to 
 love us. My regards to Mrs. T, 
 "In haste, 
 
 *' Your obliged friend and pupil, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 " Bond-street, 3d Nov., 1828. 
 " My dear F. 
 
 " This is Monday. To-morrow our bark takes 
 her course over the ocean-wave. 
 
 " I think myself no worse than when you left me. 
 Stronger on the whole. I expected to hear from you 
 before this. Write me to the care of Dr. Rice. The 
 sermon came. The boys are here. Gusta, in one of 
 the best locations. Augustus, in K.'s office. Write 
 them to do well. Tell me all about all things. 
 " Good-by, good-by, my dear brother. 
 
 "James." 
 
 From the preceding letters and notes of a brief jour- 
 nal, we perceive the state of Mr. Taylor's mind, on the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 291 
 
 eve of again parting from his friends at the North, for 
 his winter residence at the South. The opinions of his 
 medical attendants had raised his expectation, as is 
 evident from the tone^of his farewell letters to his friends, 
 however little he was willing to flatter himself in view of 
 his onward prospects of health. And yet, it was all a 
 "perad venture" with him, and he was fully aware that 
 he now left his friends more debilitated, than when he 
 said his parting adieu to them the winter before. Hope, 
 Jiowever, the solace of all, even in their deepest depres- 
 sion, was also an inmate of his bosom, but ever indulged 
 in submission to the will of God. A long season of 
 debility and pain had given him opportunity to reflect 
 upon his critical circumstances of health, and with the 
 alternations of hope and its relinquishment, which are 
 common to all invalids in their last stages of debility ; 
 his convictions prevailed, that he could not long be a 
 resident of earth. His friends, still unwilling to see the 
 truth, and always hoping that the providence of God 
 would accord with their prayers for his recovery, en- 
 couraged his yet, at times, lingering, at others, more 
 vivid hopes of being reinstated to renewed health. 
 What invalid, surrounded by doting friends, smiling at 
 every opportunity to make him comfortable and happy, 
 in body and in mind, and desiring himself, from the very 
 instinct of his nature, a continued existence, will not be 
 pursuaded o-f his improved state of health, when those 
 friends assure him in a thousand ways, that his appear- 
 
292 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 ance is better — that they think he is stronger to-day 
 than he was yesterday, without hinting to a period fur- 
 ther back, which would present too great a contrast — 
 that they trust that this remedy will be beneficial, 
 and that soon, very soon, they hope, all will be well 
 again — -what affectionate heart can resist such affec- 
 tionate solicitude, tendered in such affectionate tones ? 
 It was under such influences that Mr. Taylor penned his 
 many, but short, farewell-letters, with the shaded appre- 
 hension, however, \ery often stealing over his brighter 
 visions of renewed health, that it would, after all, prove 
 in vain ; and a better body and a fairer land, soon 
 awaited him. 
 
 He was summoned on board. Some received his 
 parting salutation at the house. Others accompanied 
 him to the vessel. Here they parted. The vessel soon 
 left her moorings, and under-way, was seen standing 
 out the Narrows to sea. 
 
 How differently shaded are our recollections of an 
 event of other years, as we look back to it through the 
 incidents which have occurred at an after period. Thus, 
 there were forebodings of the heart, that this might be 
 our friend's last farewell, as the vessel shot into the 
 stream. But no one was willing to admit to his con- 
 victions the probability, as he gazed on the baik that 
 was now conveying James Taylor, the last time, from 
 the home of his attachments and relationship, that he 
 was now tracing his course to find his final resting-place 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 293 
 
 in a soil far distant from the home of his kindred. But, 
 
 so IT WAS ! 
 
 Among his many friends, who loved him with an ar- 
 dour of no common friendship, one reached the dock too 
 late to take, at last, a sorrowful leave. This friend, in 
 his disappointment even of that melancholy pleasure, 
 thus gives vent to his feelings, in a letter written soon 
 afterwards to Mr. Taylor. 
 
 " I shall never forget the morning you left the wharf. 
 I had cherished the fond hope of giving you the part- 
 ing hand when you left. But I was disappointed, and 
 the circumstance greatly distressed me — so much so, 
 that I could not divest myself of the unpleasant sensa- 
 tion, until the inquiry presented itself to my mind, shall 
 I be so distressed at comparatively so trivial a circum- 
 stance, and yet remain so insensible of the aggravated 
 sin, which I so continually commit against Infinite 
 Love 1 This thought brought me to a throne of grace, 
 where I found relief. But to return. Just as I arrived 
 at the upper end of the dock, I met your brother J., 
 who said the vessel was just about to cast-off. I made 
 all haste and got on board of the ship, along side of 
 which, your vessel had been laying, and from which she 
 had just let go her fastenings. Had you not already 
 left the deck, I should have been freed from the unplea- 
 sant feelings which I afterwards experienced. But, as 
 you had to heat out of the river, the wind being ahead, 
 25* 
 
294 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 I yet fondly hoped to get a glance at you as the vessel 
 should stretch in towards the wharf when she should put 
 about on her tack towards the city. With this hope I 
 went from pier to pier, until I reached the last one, pro- 
 jecting from the Battery. After all this effort, I had the 
 mortification and disappointment of seeing the vessel 
 still further receding from me, until she made a stretch 
 from Governor's-Island, and glided majestically down 
 the bay. Bitterly disappointed as I was, I yet hoped that 
 I should at some future period, (in God's own good 
 time,) again behold your face. Amid all our disap- 
 pointments and trials, we have the gracious assurance 
 that all things shall work together for good to those 
 that love God. 
 
 " Mrs. B. and myself, and a few Christian friends, 
 spent an evening at your brother's last week. Tour 
 liJceness, with others, ornamented the back-parlour. I 
 think your bro^ar's one of the best I ever saw, but some 
 of the company thought yours yet better. We enjoyed 
 ourselves well, but yet better should have done, if you 
 had been one of our number. Mrs. B. joins me in love 
 to you." 
 
SECTION XIV. 
 
 We shall now continue the letters of Mr. Taylor, tracing 
 him to his winter and final home ; and until his hand 
 becomes too weak to express the thoughts of his warm 
 and devoted heart. 
 
 "James River, Va., 30 miles from its mouth. 
 " November 7th; 1828. 
 " My dear K. and E. 
 
 *' It is now the fourth day since I gave you the 
 parting hand. Having passed Sandy-Hook-Light, I 
 experienced, as I had expected, all the nausea of sea- 
 sickness. Although it was pFeasant and we had a fine 
 breeze, I betook myself to the berth, as that unsocial 
 being, so rendered by the unpleasant sensations created 
 by the tossing of our bark upon the billows — a scene, 
 under other circumstances, sublime even in imagina- 
 tion. I kept my station for about forty-eight hours. 
 Though I would avoid this sickness a second time, I 
 think it may result in good to me. I am now quite ove? 
 it. Only one of eleven passengers neglected to cast up 
 his accounts. For, two days we were enabled to lay our 
 course. The third, when within thirty-five miles of the 
 Chesapeake, the wind veered, greatly to our disappoint^ 
 ment. We passed the Capes last evening, and to our 
 
296 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 no small joy, came over by old Point Comfort, into 
 Hampton Roads. Thence we have proceeded up the 
 river thus far. We have a demonstration at this mo- 
 ment, that our craft was not built for land conveyances 
 All hands are heaving o-hoi-oh, at the windless. About 
 twelve o'clock last night, with a smacking breeze, we 
 ran foul of an oyster-bank. Here we have been at 
 anchor, since. No blame to the Captain. We hope to 
 be under-way soon, and with a fair breeze. 
 
 " You may suppose that I found but little rest in 
 leaving a soft bed for a downless berth, even to nearly 
 laying on my bones. I turned from side to side, and 
 upon my back ; and thus, by turns, from night till morn- 
 ing, and from morn till night. I shall be glad to get on 
 terra Jirma again. 
 
 " Nov. 9., Sunday evening. I am again on land. 
 The captain landed me at City Point to-day, about 
 twelve o'clock. At the landing-place, men, women, 
 and children, might be seen, as is usual on the Sabbath, 
 with no one to teach them the way of life. But when 
 absent before, I spoke of the immense moral power 
 that must be brought to bear upon these souls, sunk in 
 sin, before they can be raised to holiness, to happiness, 
 and to heaven. 
 
 "A scene yet more appalling awaited me at the 
 tavern, where I sat and dined, waiting for the steamboat. 
 Here were men, intelligent looking men. But how un- 
 like moral and accountable beings did they act. Be- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 297 
 
 fore the scene ended, they had on board of the steam- 
 boat a Bacchanalian froHc. Thus, providentially thrown 
 into such circumstances, I was glad, if such hearts 
 must be developed, to look into the blackness of theirs. 
 "At the remembrance of God's goodness, I have 
 wept to-day, again and again. I thought of you both, 
 and as often my uplifted prayer has been ' Lord, bless 
 them.' To-night, after tea, I enjoyed a most melting 
 season ; it was repeated. I thought on my exile. 
 My soul flew to our heavenly Father, and it seemed aa 
 if he would take me up as his little one ! How melt- 
 ingly sweet. I thought on Jesus as a sympathizing 
 friend. How near he came ! I thought on the Com- 
 forter whom I had often grieved. Here I think I had a 
 most joyful, blessed, consoHng view — such as I think I 
 needed and never before had. It was a conviction of 
 the power of the Holy Ghost. I could very strongly be- 
 lieve, that though chained down in one way, God could 
 glorify himself, in so giving me the Holy Spirit, that 
 he could make me singularly a monument of his grace, 
 0, it was sweet beyond expression, to think of God's 
 being happy in making me happy, and yet leaving me to 
 be an invalid ; and I longed that he should be happy in 
 dealing with me after his own manner. Believe me, I 
 was happy. Yes ; my soul was so happified, that I 
 could rejoice to be just what I was, and where I was. 
 But a little, and I read in my loved little Bible, ' Let 
 him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth ; for thy love 
 
298 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 is better than wine.' It would be too long to tell you. 
 the whole story. And I must not write too much. But 
 this truth won my heart, captivated my soul, and I had 
 an unusual feast of love. The Lord give you a doublo 
 portion. 
 
 "Petersburg, Nov. 11th. Yesterday I called on 
 Mr. R. At his and Mrs. R.'s urgent request, I took up 
 my abode with them. How long a time I shall spend, 
 is uncertain. Mrs. R. says it must be weeks. I may 
 stop a day or two, or more. I met here, unexpectedly, 
 Mr. F. J. He expects me at Richmond on my leaving 
 Petersburgh. From there, he will accompany me, oi 
 send me by a careful hand, to Prince Edward. Thus 
 you see how I am continually taken up as a feeble one. 
 There is no direct public conveyance to Prince Edward. 
 Mr. B. offered me his horse and gig for the journey. 
 Very kind in him. How manifold the goodness of 
 God. What saith the Scriptures 1 * He that leaveth 
 father and mother, houses and lands, shall receive mani- 
 fold in this life.' Houses and lands I have not left, 
 but fathers and mothers I find all along, and as much 
 of houses and the productions of lands as I need. 
 Praise belongeth unto God. 
 
 " Eliza, does the picture resemble its original ? Mr. 
 G. has been unanimously elected professor by the 
 Synod of Ya. Dr. C. is expected to visit Prince Ed- 
 ward. Dr. S., also. Mr. Nettleton is at Stanton, 
 about one hundred miles from Prince Edward. With 
 
JAM£S BRAINERD TAYLOR. 299 
 
 the exception of a little cold, no ill hath befallen me. 
 Love to the children, and brothers. 
 
 " With the affection of a brother who loves you, 
 
 "James. 
 
 "I design to write you every two weeks. In this 
 way, if you will send the communication to Middle-Had- 
 dam, they will also regularly hear from me, and thus I 
 shall be saved the labour of additional writing." 
 
 " Saturday evening, 
 
 ♦'James River, 7th Nov. 1828. 
 " My loved friends at home : 
 
 " Having escaped the dangers of the sea, and over 
 with my sea- sickness, I am happy to remember you all, 
 and again to address you. Though far away, I love my 
 father, I love my mother, I love my sisters. Brothers 
 — they are all from you. 
 
 ** On Wednesday, I embarked from New- York, and 
 had it not been that the vessel grounded last night, I 
 might have been in Petersburg at this hour. Now I 
 am fifty miles distant. I have sustained some of the 
 disagreeables of being on ship-board. But, by-and-by, 
 I hope to enjoy a soft bed, an easy chair, pleasant 
 society, etc., etc. 
 
 " Though a preacher, we shall probably have a silent 
 Sabbath. As to my preaching, you need give your- 
 selves no uneasiness. I am entirely inadequate to th« 
 task. 
 
300 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY Of 
 
 "Petersburg, 11th Nov. 
 
 " I reached this place on Sunday evening. I am 
 staying with the Rev. Mr. Rice. From this, after a 
 few days, I expect to go to Richmond. Thence to 
 Prince Edward. I find fathers and mothers who seem 
 to take pleasure in contributing to my comfort. I am 
 blessed of the Lord by his smiles. I have written K. 
 and E. The letter may be forwarded to you. I calcu- 
 late to write them once every two weeks. You may 
 expect to hear from me through them. Write me. 
 Direct to the care of Dr. R. 
 
 " My love to you all, 
 
 " James." 
 
 "Petersburg, 12th Nov. 1828. 
 
 ♦* Yesterday, I forwarded a letter, per mail, to New- 
 York, and another to Middle-Haddam. By these you 
 will have learned of my arrival and proposed after- 
 course. 
 
 " Yesterday evening, (for they denominate the P. M. 
 tvening, here,) in company with Mrs. R. and a Mr. J., 
 I rode to visit a Mr. H. and family, three miles distant. 
 We were met by Mr. R. Mr. H.'s piety is of higher 
 order, I should think, than is generally met with. The 
 interview, to me, was peculiarly gratifying. 
 
 " A cotton-field before the house presented an aspect 
 which would be novel to you. A few pods were gather- 
 ed for me, which I purpose to send or bring you as a 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 301 
 
 curiosity. You may wait for a verbal description of 
 its cultivation. A horseback-ride on my return, did me 
 service. 
 
 14th. Day before yesterday I had taken my seat for 
 Richmond. On my return to my Petersburg-home, 
 Mr. and Mrs. R. urged me to tarry yet with them, at 
 least till next week. I finally consented. Mr. R. has 
 gone to the Presbytery. I snugly occupy his study, 
 without studying. Thus far the weather has been 
 changeable. Sunday, raw north-easter. Monday, plea- 
 sant May- day. Tuesday, fine. Wednesday, cool 
 north-wester. Thursday, raiv. To-day, raining. 
 
 "If my present feelings should appear strange to 
 others, in view o^ my past experience, to me they come 
 in merciful relief. Relative to the ministry, I have not 
 only lost my anxiety and given it up cheerfully, but of 
 late, at times, I have felt rather an indisposition towards 
 it — rather supposing that God intends glorifying him- 
 self by me in some other way. What if that solicitude 
 and burning anxiety which once well nigh drank up my 
 spirit, were now possessing me? I am not able to 
 preach. 0, it is a mercy to be content, just where I 
 am ! So the once suffering but now glorified Paul said, 
 ' In whatever state I am, therewith I have learned to be 
 content.' 
 
 " 19th. Mr. R. returned yesterday. I expect to reach 
 Richmond to-morrow, twenty-three miles. If unplea- 
 sant, shall remain. Since the fourteenth, the weather 
 26 
 
302 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 has been, for the most part, unpleasant. On the 
 fifteenth, Indian-summer. Sixteenth, cold and raw — 
 seventeenth, mild, rather summer-like — eighteenth, I 
 awoke and found the roofs of the houses white with 
 snow, and snowing still. To-day, the disagreeableness 
 of cloudy, damp, raw, uncomfortable atmosphere. 
 Thus far I have been disappointed in the weather. 
 Still, with all the changeableness of the clime, I have 
 been gaining. Mrs. R. thinks I have improved much. 
 
 "Richmond, 21st. 
 
 " Yesterday morning took leave of Mr. and Mrs. 
 R., whose kind offices have endeared them to me. 
 Their urgent and repeated requests that I would remain 
 with them during the winter, may occasion another 
 visit, especially if not well located at Prince Edward. 
 They are mightily g]a.dj (a Yirginianism for vertj,) that 
 their son is located with Henry and John James at 
 Amherst. Mrs. R. sent her regards to K. Eliza may 
 expect a multi-flora rose-bush, which Mrs. R. will have 
 in readiness, when I go on in the spring ! 
 
 " In the stage, there was a black boy in irons. He 
 had run-away from his master. I heard, the other day, 
 of a planter who intended to rid himself of his slaves, 
 and instead of them, procure poor white children, 
 orphans, if possible, and besides giving them a common 
 education, to train them up to work his land, until they 
 should become twenty-one years old. Boys he means 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 303 
 
 to make farmers, and the girls to understand house- 
 wifery. Good intention. 
 
 " Mr. J. conducted me to his house, where I found 
 his sister. I occupy a pleasant room, and feel quite at 
 home. No want of attention. Mr. J. thinks I have 
 gained astonishingly since he saw me a few days ago 
 in Petersburg. I not only look improved, but I feel 
 myself on the gaining hand. Peradventure, I shall con- 
 tinue to be convalescent. When in Petersburg, I sub- 
 mitted my case to Dr. R. It was at the suggestion of 
 Mr. and Mrs. Rice. I consider him a scientific man, 
 ready to give a reason, why and whence. He corrob- 
 orated the decision of Dr. A. He considered my lungs 
 sound. Dr. R. was attentive and entertaining — wrote 
 a long letter of opinion and prescription before I left. 
 I requested him to append his bill, but he chose to 
 waive the fee. 
 
 *' After remaining here with Mr. J. a few days, I shall 
 proceed on to Prince Edward, where I expect to meet 
 intelligence from you. 
 
 " A fact relative to the A. H. M. Society. A clergy- 
 man mentioned to me that the impression among some 
 Presbyterians is, that the Executive prefer men from 
 the East as their labourers — that they send Congre- 
 gational ministers into the bounds of Presbyterianism 
 — the tendency of which, they affirm, is to disorganize. 
 To this I replied, ' that the A. H. M. Society, if 1 mis- 
 take not, send all the good men they can procure — that 
 
304 
 
 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 SO far as I was acquainted, there existed no partiality 
 for seminaries, and that I had supposed more had gone 
 from Princeton, than from any other institution.' Why 
 not think a Uttle about this matter? Whence does the 
 support for the society come 1 The East must not be 
 left out. Must every Macedonian cry which a Presby- 
 terian cannot reply to, remain unheard and unanswered 1 
 Cannot a Congregationalist, who loves the truth, preach 
 the Gospel] Then you must cut off our loved New- 
 England. But let it be known that Congregationalists 
 can give money to support — can go into the bounds of 
 Presbyterianism, and, if expedient, become good Pres- 
 byterians, and in sweet union help together to roll on 
 the car of the Gospel. I may thus speak, because I 
 stand on neutral ground — a member of a Presbyterian 
 Church, though licensed by a consociation. The 
 clergyman alluded to, is liberal, and said he would be- 
 come, without hesitation, a Congregationalist, were he 
 to be located within their bounds. 
 
 " Evening. Mr. J. took me out through the suburbs 
 of the city. Though here, last spring, I saw but little 
 of the place. There are some fine buildings for private 
 residences — few, however, which do not exhibit some 
 deficiency. A common unpainted fence will mar the 
 beauty of fine architecture. When you talk of taste 
 and enterprise, you must not come to the South to look 
 for them, although there are some noble exceptions. 
 
 '* In the morning, I saw John Randolph. Believe 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 305 
 
 me, I had rather see John the Baptist, or John the 
 Divine. Randolph's costume was a blue coat, drab 
 small-clothes, white top boots and spurs. He did not 
 mount his horse with the air of an athletic rider. His 
 steed was white. So also his servant's horse. 
 
 " Mr. J. said to me to-day, as a message to you, 
 *your brother knows me. Assure him of the pleasure 
 it gave me to meet you at Petersburg, and of the still 
 higher pleasure of having you at my own house.' It is 
 pleasant to be here. 
 
 " I have just given Joseph, the servant boy, who is 
 very attentive to me, a history of his namesake, the son 
 of Jacob. 
 
 " With love to you all, good-night. 
 
 " James. 
 
 " This must suffice for you all. When perused in 
 New- York, send it home. They will be anxious to 
 hear. Yesterday, summer-hke. To-day, the rain is 
 pouring. 
 
 " Petersburg, Ya., 16th Nov., 1828. 
 " Dear F. 
 
 *' On the eleventh, two days after my arrival here, 
 I dropped a newspaper into the office, saying, Hie tuus 
 frater Jacobus est. 
 
 *' My purpose to write you has, until now, failed, in 
 consequence of one and another engagement, and now 
 I break off from a book, to me very entertaining, to 
 26* 
 
306 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 give you a few lines. Have you read an ' Essay upon 
 the Influence of the Imagination upon the Nervous 
 System 1 ' Well worth perusing. 
 
 " My passage over sea from New-York, was attend- 
 ed by all the disagreeableness of a rough voyage. 
 Soon after passing Sandy-Hook-Light, I was metamor- 
 phosed into that unsocial being which sea-sickness ever 
 transforms one. We came up to Old Point Comfort, 
 with very comfortable emotions. 
 
 " On the evening of my arrival at Petersburg, I was 
 refreshingly visited. The Lord made my cup to run 
 over with love, joy, and peace. 
 
 " I have found Mr. and Mrs. R. cordial. Mrs. R. 
 is sister to Dr. A. of Princeton. I occupy Mr. R.'s 
 study in his absence to the Presbytery, although, myself, 
 an idler. By Wednesday or Thursday I shall probably 
 go to Ptichmond — spend a few days there with a friend 
 who proposes then to take me to Prince Edward, ninety 
 miles. 
 
 " I presume, by this time, you are settled, and going 
 on. You did not 'write, or, if you did, the letter was 
 not received before I left New-York. Let me hear of 
 all that makes you happy, and if ever you are sad — 
 for I am always interested to know of your afiairs. 
 
 " Having entered upon the study of your profession, 
 make conscience of studying to approve yourself unto 
 God. To live and be happy — to please God — to be 
 blessed and to be made a blessing — this should be our 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 307 
 
 first, constant, and last aim. If I sought one thing 
 more than another in my preparatory course, academi- 
 cal, collegiate, and theological, it was to be signally 
 anointed of God for the great, the good, the desirable, 
 the highest work of man. I am now happy in this 
 consciousness. With the little probability of ever doing 
 this work, I am greatly glad that I thus sought this pre- 
 paration. I can testify that I found it. All along I 
 was anointed. And I most affectionately and urgently 
 present this as pre-eminent. All else will take care of 
 itself. Rather, let all else suffer, than forego the bap- 
 tisms of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 " It is very pleasant for me to think that God can 
 glorify himself in me and let me be an invalid. My 
 confidence in God's power to endow me greatly, has 
 much increased of late. Think of me then, not as des- 
 ponding under his debarring me from the vineyard ; but 
 think of me as quite contented and happy — as rather 
 desirous of being sick, believing it to be his will. Think 
 of me as handed down very kindly, tenderly, and mer- 
 cifully, if rapidly on my way to an early grave. Heaven 
 looks very desirable. 
 
 " My health, I think, has held its own since I left. 
 Perhaps a little improved. The weather, thus far, has 
 been very changeable — sometimes, not unlike a New- 
 England north-easter. 
 
 " Mention me to Dr. T. with my regards. To the 
 brethren whom I know, to friends in town, my usual 
 
308 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 salutation. I wrote home and to New-York, on my 
 arrival. Any thing new and interesting send me. 
 " Ever truly and affectionately, 
 
 " James." 
 
 "Richmond, Nov. 25th, 1828. 
 
 " My last letter, I presume, has reached you before 
 this. If so, you know of my affairs. While I am most 
 kindly entertained at the domicil of Mr. J., who, with 
 his sister, anticipates my wants, and seems to study to 
 make me comfortable and happy, let me assure you that 
 I find my lot a happy one. Is he happy on whom our 
 Father smiles 1 His face, with paternal sweetness, is 
 turned towards me, and wakes in my bosom a filial 
 spirit. Is he happy to whom Christ manifests himself 
 otherwise than to the world t His visitations cheer me 
 in my exile and affliction. Is he happy who entertains 
 the Promised of the Father? The Comforter takes 
 up his abode with me. Is it pleasant to think on angels 
 as our ministers, and prospectively, our associates "? Is 
 it pleasant to think on disembodied spirits, and long to 
 be one ? To-day, as I laid me down, fatigued and weak, 
 I soothingly felt it more desirable to wither, and faint, 
 and die, and go to the Home of the holy, than to live 
 and labour. 
 
 "For a fortnight past, I have felt more like coming 
 back to health than for a year previously. I know not 
 to what else to attribute it but to symptoms of recovery. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 309 
 
 " 28th. I wrote Henry the other day. With Mr. J. 
 I have already remained longer than I had purposed. 
 
 " December, 3d. 
 
 "To-morrow, weather and other things permitting, 
 I expect to set out for Prince Edward. Mr. J. proposes 
 to accompany me in his gig, and with his servant on 
 horse. We shall make our journey so as to be four 
 days on the road. 
 
 " To-day I felt a little home-sick — not sick of this 
 kind home. But I thought of my father — I thought of 
 my mother — I thought of you all. Gladly would I see 
 your faces. But think of me as having all and abound- 
 ing, having received of my friends here the kindness of 
 paternal spirits. 
 
 " Farewell. 
 
 "James. 
 
 " I have been kept quite free from colds. On the 
 whole, it is hoped that I am convalescent. Weather 
 more settled and pleasant." 
 
 To HIS YOUNGER BrOTHER. 
 
 " Richmond, 28th Nov., 1828. 
 "Dear brother S. 
 
 " This city does not compare with New- York, 
 There are three or four streets along which there are 
 respectable buildings. Some of the private residences 
 in the borders are large and imposing. Curiosities are 
 
 jjl^^ 
 
310 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 rare. About three miles from this, on the banks of the 
 James River, is a place called Powhattan, now the resi- 
 dence of a Mr. Mayo. More than two hundred years 
 ago, when a number of people came from England here, 
 and were the first whites that settled in Virginia, there 
 lived at this place a powerful Indian Chief His name 
 was Powhattan. Among the whites, there was a man of 
 great worth and adventure. Captain Smith. In one 
 of his excursions of discovery, he proceeded up the 
 river Chiccahommini, which empties into the James 
 River. While on shore. Captain Smith was attacked 
 by the Indians, captured, and taken to Powhattan. By 
 this chief he was condemned to have his head laid upon 
 a rock, and his brains to be beaten out by a club. The 
 daughter of Powhatan, whose name was Pocahontas, 
 interceded with her father for Smith's life. She was 
 only thirteen years of age. But her prayers availed not 
 with her father. The head of Smith was bowed down 
 upon the rock. As the blow was about to be levelled 
 upon the head of the captain, Pocahontas rushed be- 
 tween him and the executioner, and * folding his head in 
 her arms, and laying her's upon his, arrested the fatal 
 blow. Her father was then prevailed upon to spare 
 Smith's life, and after a great many savage ceremonies, 
 he was sent back to Jamestown.' The stone on which 
 his head was laid, is still pointed out at Powhattan. I 
 have seen it. 
 
 " In fine weather, I ride out. Much is done here by 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 311 
 
 the servants for our convenience. They will do your 
 errands, brush your clothes, wash your feet, etc. etc., 
 and with all their hearts, too. But I like to put a shil- 
 ling now and then into their hand. You will see more 
 black faces than white ones through all this country. 
 
 " I am very pleasantly situated, and may yet remain 
 here eight or ten days. Request K. to write me to the 
 care of Mr. Fleming James. 
 
 " How comes on your Arithmetic ? My 'repetition of 
 this thing is induced by the solicitude I have, that you 
 and G. and A. should excel in it. Put too all your 
 energies, and you will succeed. Make business, too, 
 of reading your Bible, in the way I proposed to you. 
 Be wise in the knowledge of the Bible. Above all, 
 make God your Friend and Father. In my exile and 
 affliction, I am happy. It is religion that gives me joy. 
 " Your affectionate brother, 
 
 "James. 
 
 " My love to Gustavus and Augustus — to the chil- 
 dren at K.'s and J.'s. I shall be glad to hear from you." 
 
SECTION XV 
 
 To Mr. K. T. From Dr. Rice. 
 
 "Union Theological Seminary, 
 5th Dec, 1828. 
 
 " My dear Friend : 
 
 " I have been too busy lately to write before this 
 time. I expected to have it in my power to tell you of 
 the arrival of your brother. I have heard of him in 
 Petersburgh and in Richmond. I have sent an invita- 
 tion to him to come on, but he delays. Mr. James was 
 to have come up with him ; and the last week has been 
 very fine weather, but we see nothing of them. Mrs. 
 Rice is getting quite impatient to have Mr. Taylor 
 here, and to be his nurse. 
 
 " I hear that the physicians think your brother's case 
 very bad — the result extremely doubtful. I believe, 
 if he can recover at all, that he may here. One of 
 our nearest and best neighbours is a Mr. B. (from 
 Vermont,) who is now an active man in business, after 
 having been brought apparently lower with pulmonary 
 disease than your brother. And he has a brother just 
 getting up now, who has lain in bed nearly two yeara 
 from something like curvature of the spine. 
 
 " We have received various articles for the Semi- 
 
 Ik 
 
 "W 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 313 
 
 nary. I need not say that I thank you for your kind 
 attentions. 
 
 " 19th. Mrs. Rice unites with me in fraternal love. 
 Excuse haste. Always pray for us, and believe me to 
 be most truly Yours, 
 
 " John H. Rick." 
 
 This is the first letter which we have inserted from 
 that venerated man, long known for his efficiency in his 
 office, and greatly loved for the kindness of his heart, 
 and deeply regretted for the loss of his abilities to the 
 church of Christ. Providence directed the subject of 
 this Tribute to the residence of this beloved but now 
 departed man, as his final home. They were, in many 
 particulars, kindred spirits while on earth. They doubt- 
 less now find, in heaven, their sympathies allied in 
 feeling, and their perceptions of truth harmonious. 
 Their bodies are slumbering side by side, waiting a 
 common resurrection. 
 
 It will be -necessary, and within the scope of this 
 compilation to introduce as we proceed, many of Dr. 
 Rice's letters, as well as the letters of some other indi- 
 viduals, friends and kindred, to complete the incidents 
 of the sad but yet joyous story before us — the conclu- 
 sion of which has been more than once alluded to in 
 the preceding and passing remarks. It will continue to 
 be remembered, that it was for the relatives and friends 
 of Mr. Taylor for whom these letters were originally 
 27 
 
314 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 arranged. And therefore no apology will be required 
 for the insertion of the letters of any surviving person, 
 so far as needed, for the completeness of the plan of this 
 " Tribute of friends to the memory of one of 
 
 THEIR number."* 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 
 Monday, December 8th, 1828. 
 '* Again, and again, and again, have I been con- 
 strained to exclaim mercy. * Surely, goodness ^nd 
 mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.' On Thurs- 
 day last I left a loved home of which I have spoken to 
 you in preceding letters. In company with Mr. J. 
 seven miles from Richmond, I was introduced to a Mr. 
 Shepard and lady, by whom we were most cordially 
 received and hospitably entertained. I was much gra- 
 tified to find that Mr. S., who is a magistrate, was 
 exerting himself for the suppression of intemperance. 
 The spirit of reform is advancing. I should judge that 
 a thorough-going spirit was in the hearts of some, where 
 as yet, little effort has been put forth. Mr. S. is a 
 wealthy planter. He has seeded six hundred bushels 
 of wheat already for the coming harvest. When you are 
 dropping a * Home Missionary ' direct one now and 
 then to W. S., Richmond, Ya. It may result in good 
 
 * This was the original title of this Tribute, which was 
 changed for the one that now stands al the title-page. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 315 
 
 to the cause. By reading, he may become hberal with 
 his money. If kind offices and urgent requests to 
 remain with them, had been sufficient to detain us, I 
 should have delayed. But this was my destination, 
 and hither I must come. 
 
 " After travelling about thirty miles on Friday, which 
 was a pleasant day, we reached a Mr. Freeheart's, to 
 whom and family Mr. James introduced me. From 
 them we shared the hospitality which it would give me 
 happiness to reciprocate. Our way was still onward. 
 Saturday, although a rainy day, we rode thirty-one miles. 
 Yery comfortable at a public house. Not to-night — 
 to-morrow, I will try to tell you more. 
 
 " 9th. On Sunday morning, after a ride of seven 
 miles, we reached the ridge on which stand the college 
 and the Seminary. From principle I would rather not 
 travel on the Sabbath. I had hoped to reach Prince 
 Edward by Saturday night. But the journey ings were 
 not ended until dark, and the roads were bad. From 
 the place where we remained over night, the people 
 come here to worship. 
 
 " Mrs. Rice met me at the door with a hearty good 
 shake — received me with that maternal tenderness, 
 solicitude, and cordiality, which made me feel that I had 
 come ivelcome to a new home. At once I was laid on 
 the sofa, and made so comfortable as you can hardly 
 imagine. 
 
 " While at Richmond I heard that a room was in 
 
316 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 waiting for me, and that they were soHcitously expect- 
 ing my arrival. I occupy a south room on the parlour 
 floor, about sixteen feet square, with every conveni- 
 ence. 
 
 " I should have said that Dr. Rice and Mr. Good- 
 rich were absent, to preach. They returned in the 
 P. M. and welcomed me as cordially as Mrs. Rice and 
 Mrs. Goodrich had done. I love them all much. I 
 believe I shall love them all more. Said Dr. Rice, 
 ' when you wish to ride, call for the horse Davy.* 
 The carriage, too, has been tendered for my service. 
 Mr. Goodrich offered his horse. 
 
 " As yet I have not looked about much. The build- 
 ing is a fine edifice. An addition, however, is greatly 
 needed. All the rooms are occupied. When the 
 Doctor's house shall have been finished, more room 
 will be afforded. The prospect is increasingly flatter- 
 ing. The friends and patrons of this Institution may 
 rely on it, that they have done well in aiding its esta- 
 blishment. More, when I shall know more. 
 
 " My health, I think, still improving at a small rate. 
 My countenance is wearing a new aspect. 
 
 " As ever, 
 
 " James. 
 
 " P. S. By Dr. R. 
 
 " My friend James, (for so I feel him to be,) has 
 allowed me room for a word or two. We are very glad 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 317 
 
 to have him with us. Mrs. Rice was quite anxious for 
 him to come, that she might have some opportunity of 
 testifying her regard to you. But James has made 
 such progress in gaining her affections, that I appre- 
 hend she will, before the winter is over, love him better 
 than she does you. 
 
 " I am not able to make up an opinion about your 
 brother's health. It is a case which one cannot easily 
 decide about. He looks a good deal better than I 
 expected. But, that is not a sure index. He is the 
 Lord's. My love to all. 
 
 "Yours, fraternally, • 
 
 J. H. R. 
 
 " Union Seminary, 
 
 December 10th, 1828. 
 " My much loved Parents : 
 
 " Though your son be far away, his filial feelings 
 often awake in remembrance of you, and swell an affec- 
 tionate heart. It will be gratifying for you to know 
 that I am at my journey's end. Could you stand by 
 and be a looker on at my present habitation, you would 
 say that every comfort surrounds me. Let me assure 
 you that I am most happily located. My room is on 
 the south-west corner, with every convenience. Books 
 of every variety surround me, of which, however, I can 
 indulge myself with but few. Climate delightful. To- 
 day, thermometer 69'^'. Like June in Connecticut. 
 27* 
 
318 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 " But what shall I say of my friends here ? They 
 are more to me than I am able to express to you. Dr. 
 and Mrs. Rice are to me all and more by far, than you 
 could expect. They, and Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich are 
 so ' kindly aifectioned,' that my heart is greatly won. 
 And think — this is only the fourth day of my stay. 
 You will be glad and be comforted to know that I am 
 so kindly dealt with. Pray that I may be blessed, and 
 be made a blessing while I remain here. Be comforted 
 to think that while I am from you, fathers and mothers 
 rise up in all my way to do me good. 
 
 "In Petersburg, as you will have learned by my let- 
 ters, I had a sweet home. So also in Richmond. 
 Mr. James, with whom I spent my time in Richmond, 
 brought me here. 
 
 "11th. To-day, at two o'clock, the thermometer 
 stood at 720. — summer heat. It is thought my health 
 has improved. Yet, I advance slowly. 
 
 "This neighbourhood is settled by intelligent and 
 pious people. Last summer and spring Mr. Nettleton 
 laboured here. About one hundred professed to have 
 become religious. Near the Seminary is the College — 
 Hampden and Sidney. About thirty Students. A 
 mile off is the court-house, and some buildings. I am 
 south-west from you about five hundred miles. 
 
 " With love to Emeline, Almira, and Eliza. 
 
 " Letter No. 4, I sent to K. the other day. I 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 319 
 
 presume you have heard from me through these com- 
 munications. I shall gladly hear from you. 
 
 " Affectionately, your son, 
 "James." 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 December 11th, 182S. 
 
 " Mr. and Mrs. D. 
 
 " The friends I love. Your note to Dr. Rice 
 apprized me of your arrival and location. I regretted 
 your being so far distant. I had hoped that you would 
 be nearer. 
 
 " From the time of my leaving New-York I was 
 about one month in reaching Prince Edward. After 
 my arrival in Petersburg, I remained ten days. At 
 Richmond, I spent two weeks. 
 
 " Probably I am better than I was when I saw you 
 at loved New-Haven. It may be that I am convales- 
 cent. I have not for three years previously, felt so 
 much like recovery as for the last three weeks. But, 
 even now, I look at my case only as a 'peradveniure, 
 
 " The * inner man' gathers strength. Of late I have 
 been happy to think that God can be happy and make 
 me happy, and yet let me be an invalid as I am, and be 
 glorified in me withal. Praise him on my behalf and 
 think of me as of one that is happy. 
 
 " I am prohibited preaching. If I were not, I yet 
 feel physically inadequate. 
 
 1 
 
320 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 *' Being safely and happily moored here, after having 
 been tossed about from place to place, T shall probably 
 lie in this snug harbour ' to winter.' Come and see 
 me, if you can. Write again, and again. 
 
 " With much love to father Nettleton, if he is with 
 you, I am 
 
 " Yours, in the best bonds, 
 
 " James B. Taylor. 
 
 "When you write to New-Haven, mention the inva- 
 lid to those we love." 
 
 The following letter to Mr. Taylor is the last he re- 
 ceived from his felloiv-traveller, whose day, like his own, 
 was now waning fast to its close. Affecting coinci- 
 dence ! Nothing further was heard, after the reception 
 of this letter, of the state of its writer's health, until a 
 communication from Mr. Taylor's friends, which was 
 never read to him, arrived a few hours before his death, 
 which contained in pencil marks not intended for his eye, 
 the four words, " Mr. Kinsman is dead." Happy tra- 
 vellers ; togethei now on their path of light, and love, 
 and glory. 
 
 " Portland, Dec. 13, 1828. 
 " Brother Taylor : 
 
 " Your favour, written on the eve of your sailing 
 for A^irginia, was doubly welcome and interesting, and 
 particularly as it suggested that you were pretty deci- 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 32^ 
 
 dedly on the recovery. Yet I could not see any thing 
 in it, on second reading, very encouraging, except an 
 increase of strength, and that varies &o with myself, that 
 I cannot depend on it as a criterion for judgement. I 
 could now say the truth with regard to myself, that my 
 tongue continues to look healthy — that I have had no 
 night perspirations for some weeks — that my pulse is 
 at eighty instead of one hundred — and strange to say, 
 no appearance of fever — eat and sleep well, &c., &c. 
 All this would lead you to suppose that I, too, am con- 
 valescent. But I can write with equal certainty, that 
 my streno-th and flesh have both diminished, ever since 
 I wrote you — that I set up but three or four hours in 
 the twenty-four — that my throat is as sore, and that I 
 am as hoarse as ever — that my lungs are more feeble, 
 and at times sore — that I expectorate much — take 
 cold while in my chamber from change of weather, 
 although not exposed. My physician says he thinks I 
 cannot have much reason to expect to live longer than 
 through the winter, although he was quite encouraged 
 as to my recovery ever since my return, until within a 
 few weeks. 
 
 " I have been during my weakness and distress more 
 than willing to depart. And if I could have the faith of 
 St. Paul, how could I be reconciled to live in this world 
 much longer 1 I dread pain, not particularly the pains 
 of death, but all the sickness and distress necessary to 
 separate the soul and body. 
 
i522 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 " Your letters give me much pleasure. I should be 
 childish without them. If we are permitted to live 
 ever so long, we shall never be willing to let many 
 weeks pass without an excliHange of letters. The variety 
 of trials we passed through on our journey I can never 
 forget. I am surprised we ever lived to reach our 
 homes. 
 
 "Have you heard any thing from Augusta, or 
 Savannah ? Let me hear from you soon. 
 
 "N. KiNSBIAN." 
 
 To Mr. K. T., From Mrs. R. 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 17th Dec, 1828. 
 " I have long intended to write to our good friend Mr. 
 Taylor, and now I have a double inducement, as I can 
 give you pleasing intelligence from your dear brother 
 and my beloved Christian friend. You have done, dear 
 friend, many kindnesses to us, but none that I esteem 
 so highly, or that has gratified me so much, as your 
 sending this child of our heavenly Father to us, — and 
 I already feel that his intercourse is one of my greatest 
 blessings. Pray that it may not, like many others 
 which are so richly bestowed on me, be unimproved. 
 Your brother seems to have just the spirit that I have 
 for some time been earnestly longing for, but have never 
 seen so fully attained to by any other ! He seems per- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 323 
 
 fectly resigned, and cheerfully submissive to the will of 
 his heavenly Father, and constantly to rejoice with 
 exceeding joy in the goodness, mercy, and loving kind- 
 ness of his Lord and Master. 
 
 " We think we see manifest improvement in the 
 health of your dear brother. He seems to talk with 
 much more ease ; and now has scarcely any cough ; 
 complains of no pain, and seems to suffer from nothing 
 but debility. Indeed I ought not to use the word suffer ; 
 for, he does not. appear to suffer at all, and the physi- 
 cians give us hope that he may recover. Oh ! how I 
 shall delight to see him able to preach, and to hear him 
 proclaim the glad-tidings of that great joy which is so 
 precious to his own soul. 
 
 " The physicians have commenced with the JMoxa, 
 which Mr. T. bore admirably. You see he is literally 
 tried by fire. I need not say to you that I esteem it a 
 privilege, and feel it a pleasure to attend on your 
 brother. 
 
 " Our dear Seminary we hope is flourishing. I wish 
 much you could see it, and become personally ac- 
 quainted with it. We are now nearly as full as we can be. 
 Only one room, which is not constantly occupied, and 
 that often has a visiter. And yet an additional number 
 of students are expected after Christmas. The new 
 house is going on finely, and will be ready for us by the 
 spring. 
 
 *'I will leave the next page for either your brother or 
 
324 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 Mr. Rice to fill. He unites in love, and best wishes to 
 you and all yours, 
 
 " with your affectionate friend, 
 
 *'Anne S. Rice." 
 
 "P. S. By J. B. T. 
 
 " Tuesday evening. 
 " Among the fields attached to the Seminary is one 
 particularly valuable for the production of anii-dispeptic 
 pills. Some of them have already been tested. They 
 prove superior to all the heterogeneous compounds 
 vended at the shops, and as cheap as the devotion of 
 one or two hours labour daily for the public good. 
 They are no more nor less than varions kinds ofstumpSy 
 which the students dig up from the new field, and they 
 are preparing the wgiy for a large garden. I mention 
 this fact simply that I may add, that any benevolent 
 hardware merchant would further the convenience, and 
 facilitate the purpose of the young men, by sending on 
 a few spades, a few shovels, a few hoes, and a few axes. 
 " And by adding a supply of apples yourself for the 
 benefit of friends, you will gratify susceptibilities which I, 
 in common with most people, possess for good fruit. 
 So, though you are now very often remembered, we 
 will the more frequently associate you in our minds, as 
 around this sweet fire side we shall share the kind 
 tokens of one whom we all love. 
 
 " Adieu. 
 
 *'J B. Taylor. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 325 
 
 To Mr. K. T., From Dr. R. 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 23d Dec, 1828. 
 
 « My Dear Sir : 
 
 *' Your brother James wins more and more on our 
 affections. Mrs. Rice will hardly ever consent to give 
 him up again. I know that she delights in ministering 
 to him. And happily, he has fewer wants than any sick 
 person I have ever known. What the issue of his dis- 
 ease may be, I know not. Had it been understood in 
 the beginning, he might before this time have been per- 
 fectly well. But until lately not a measure suited to 
 his case has ever been pursued. At present he uses no 
 remedy except what is called the Moxa, which is 
 nothing more nor less than the burning of a blister on 
 the patient by fire. This is a remedy of great severity, 
 and it is said, of great efficacy. Your brother^s health 
 certainly gives some indications of amendment. He 
 has, however, at present, a slight cold. But he talks 
 and walks better than on his first arrival. 
 
 " I think the spirit of the Seminary at present is better 
 than usual. We have more piety here than at any 
 other time, and clear indications of an increase. We 
 do wish to send out very holy and devoted men. May 
 the Lord make us more and more so continually. 
 
 *' 1 write in a state of very considerable exhaustion 
 and you will excuse my hasty scrawl. My best love to 
 28 
 
326 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 Mrs. Taylor. In this Mrs. Rice joins me most heartily. 
 May the Lord bless you, and all yours. 
 " With truest affection, 
 
 " I am sincerely yours, 
 
 " John H. Rice." 
 
 " Dear Brother : 
 
 " It will give you pleasure to hear that I am im- 
 proved in my speaking powers. You remember the 
 hacking cough which attended any little effort of my 
 talking. Very little of this irritability remains. I feel 
 more like healtli about my lungs. This morning I feel 
 very comfortable. 
 
 " The Moxa mentioned in former letters has been 
 applied four times. The process is exceedingly painful, 
 so much so, that I think I shall not endure it again. It 
 is literal burning. No pain which I have experienced 
 compares with it. A flame from a cotton roll is made to 
 concentrate upon the flesh by the use of a blow pipe. 
 
 " Mrs. R. is my nurse. Never have I met with a 
 stranger whom I love, as I love her. She is every 
 thing I need in my exile, to make me comfortable. Dr. 
 Rice I love perhaps as much as you do. 
 
 " I should not have sent by this mail, but to say to you 
 that Dr. Rice asked me if I should be in want of any 
 funds, before I returned to the north. I had to answer 
 that I should not, having enough prospectively. His 
 wish was to draw on New- York, for books. I proposed 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 327 
 
 and urged it, that he should draw on you, believing that 
 you would accept the draft with pleasure. It will be 
 doing him a favour who is doing me many, and who 
 would do you more. 
 
 " Love to Eliza and all. 
 " This may wish you a happy New- Year. 
 " Affectionately, 
 
 " James." 
 
 " Union Seminary, 31st December, 1828. 
 
 *' Dear lister Eliza : 
 
 " The year just passing has been fraught with signal 
 mercy. To me, mercy has been extended in various 
 ways. You remember the drawling pain that caused 
 my nights to be tedious, and the spasmodic pain which 
 racked my frame. These pains are past and I am freed. 
 In all my goings I have been upheld. Love has been 
 the inmate of miy bosom. And a further mercy. I am 
 glad that I have been directed here. This, my home, is 
 a sweet home. Mrs. R. is my kind, very kind nurse. 
 
 The climate with the exception of a few days has 
 been delightfully mild. I walk out without a surtout. 
 The church is within a few rods of the Seminary. 
 
 The people are very kind. They come and see 
 me, and send love tokens. They wish me to go to 
 their homes and stay ; but I think no very considerable 
 inducement would prevail on me to change my quarters. 
 The physicians are kind, knowing, and skillful men. I 
 
328 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 have confidence in their decisions. Dr. A., Dr. R*, 
 and my three physicians here, Dr. Morton, Dr. Wilson 
 and Dr. Farrer, all agree as to my case, and the man- 
 ner of treating it. From the beginning they believe me 
 to have had the same disease, and regret that it was not 
 discovered earlier. So do I. For then, instead of 
 rheumatism, debility, dispepsia, and consumption, it 
 would have been known that there was a curvature in 
 the gpine, and a disease of the bone which has mani- 
 fested itself in the pain which I have endured. Thanks 
 however for the sympathies of all my medical advisers. 
 But they should have said, " let me examine." It is 
 believed here, that the vertebrae of my back, or otherwise 
 the back bone is still diseased. The affection of my 
 lungs is accounted for from their compression and con- 
 tiguity to the irritated parts, owing to the curvature of 
 the spine. There is some apprehension that this afiec- 
 tion in the back may increase ; but hear what the vene- 
 rable father of the physician. Dr. Wilsons, says. Not to 
 me, but to others, he made the expression : *' I see no 
 obstacle in Mr. Taylor's way, why he may not become 
 a well man, but he must be patient," Patience, I sup- 
 pose, must have her work a year longer. After all, you 
 know there are many changes within a year ; but so I 
 seem to feel, that I may become strong again within a 
 year. 
 
 " In the morning, by the time I am prepared for 
 breakfast, I am fatigued. I then eat. Afterwards, read 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 329 
 
 a little. Ride three miles ; come home, and gladly fall 
 into my chair. 
 
 ** This leads me to brother K.'s letter. I appeal to 
 you, sister E., and I appeal to a multitude who have 
 seen me away from my northern friends, (I will not say 
 away in exile any more, for that is a doleful word, and 
 seems to leave a wrong and unhappy impression upon 
 your rnind,) if I am not right and K. wrong, when I dif- 
 fer with him about what he deems an " infelicity of dis- 
 position in me to dwell in tkoughtfulness on my exile,^^ 
 &c. He meant this all in kindest sympathy; but he 
 has mistaken me, and he will let me assure him, that for 
 the most part, for years, I have thought myself the hap' 
 piest of mortals. I did not think he could so misunder- 
 stand me in the use of the word exile. When I have 
 left you all it has been from the conviction that I was 
 pursuing my duty. It is duty that bids me stay where 
 I am. And be assured, I am very happy here, and 
 though busy doing nothing, I am happy even thus ; 
 neither am I much endangered by excitement, — calm- 
 ness rests on my composed brow, and the peace of God 
 which passeth ail understanding keeps my heart. 
 
 *' I have all and abound. May you each be com- 
 forted with the same comfort wherewith I am comforted 
 of God." 
 
 ti *' Your affectionate brother, 
 
 " James. 
 
 28* 
 
330 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 *' Increased happiness to you the coming year. My 
 love to K., the children, and the boys. Remember me 
 to Mr. and Mrs. Bruen, and to Mr. and Mrs. W. 
 Send word to Peekskill of me when you write." 
 
 From Dr. Rice to Mr. K. T., at Washington. 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 9th Jan., 1829. 
 
 " My dear Friend : 
 
 " You are now within one hundred and eighty 
 miles of us, and shall we not see you 1 How glad we 
 should be to have you under our root", I am unable to 
 say. But we are not so selfish as to wish you to ne- 
 glect duty, or incur loss, for our gratification. We 
 therefore do not insist on your coming. If, however, 
 you could do so without violating your obligations, you 
 would make us glad indeed. 
 
 " I have much to write, and almost no time to devote 
 to it — I therefore proceed at once. 
 «i " Your brother seems to be perfectly satisfied with us ; 
 and in regard to all means of recovery, I think him as 
 well situated as he could be. His physicians, too, 
 give him hopes, but tell him it will be a work of time. 
 As for myself, I sometimes hope, and sometimes de- 
 spond. He has during the last week been much more 
 feeble than I ever saw him before ; but within two days, 
 he has raUied considerably. I have thought that, for 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 3 31 
 
 some time, the weather has been almost too v/arm. 
 The thermometer has stood at 64*^ to 70^, in the shade. 
 I saw the other day a very fragrant bunch of violets. 
 The air, however, has been dry and very pure until 
 yesterday, when we had rain all day from the north-east, 
 — now it is very clear. The distant mountains are 
 covered with snow ; we have a piercing north-west 
 wind, and the thermometer is four degrees below freez- 
 ing. 
 
 " I am delighted to find that you are engaged in the 
 great cause. There is a stirring of some energetic men 
 in these counties around, and I hope that Congress will 
 hear from us before long. 
 
 " Mrs. Rice expects an answer to her letter, and has 
 just said that your brother James would be willing for 
 you to suffer a little in taking a cold, unpleasant ride 
 from Washington, for the pleasure of seeing you. But 
 she had rather you would come in the spring, when our 
 oaki trees look beautiful and afford a very fine shade — 
 not that she wants to see you less, but she is unwilling 
 you should sufTer for her gratification. % 
 
 " Accept the repeated assurances of our Christian 
 love. " Yours, most truly, 
 
 "John H. Rice. 
 
 " I should like exceedingly to have the sight of some 
 of your fine portraits. Take care that I do not step in 
 some day, and bear off yours to the Seminary. If you 
 had two of Mr. Little's, I should be sure to seize one. 
 
332 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 " Prince Edward, 
 
 " January 14, 1829. 
 
 " My very dear Brother : 
 
 " I received your letter mailed at Washington. 
 As I am always gladdened by your letters, so was I 
 now happy in breaking the seal and reading the contents 
 of this. 
 
 " I was glad to find you on such, and so good an 
 errand. It has seemed to me that the Lord is favouring 
 you, in making you one of his leaders of thousands. I 
 am glad, while I am laid aside, that I have a brother 
 working with his might to roll on the Gospel- car. I 
 look on and rejoice. Yours is the strength, — mine is 
 the weakness. I will not compare our labour ; but my 
 brother knows it costs something to sustain the hours 
 in which one is busily doing nothing. In my case, it 
 is hard work, but it is good work. With debility I have 
 more to contend with than any thing else. It is the 
 legitimate effect of the now known cause. I cease to 
 wonder at its existence and continuance. You know 
 how, from the beginning, my back was easily fatigued. 
 Probably I am about as feeble as when I left New-York. 
 My countenance is more florid. My appetite is less. 
 Take no medicine now, except herb-tea. 
 
 " I regretted that you mistook me. I did not mean to 
 have you suppose for a moment, that I was unhappy. The 
 word exihy come to think of it, is a doleful word, and in 
 some circumstances, horrible. But all that I meant, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 333 
 
 was the fact of my absence from home. In my absence 
 heretofore, as now, I have often thought myself the 
 happiest of men ; — so be comforted, my dear brother, 
 and ever think of me as taken up by our heavenly Fa- 
 ther as a little one, and greatly blessed. 
 
 " By a letter from Charles Gustavus, I should infer 
 that you thought of seeing us, after your visit to Wash- 
 ington. I need not say how gratified our dear friends, 
 Dr. and Mrs. Rice would be to see your face, and to 
 welcome you to their home, and mine, and yours, if you 
 will come ; — I should be comforted at your coming. 
 The obstacles that weigh in my mind are these, — your 
 business, your family, the severity of the weather, bad 
 roads, and poor accommodations. It is my ' care for 
 you,' that makes me enumerate these things. Ex- 
 posure might make you sick. If you come, I will not 
 be behind to welcome you. 
 
 " We have often looked to the coming spring, when 
 the Seminary Board will meet. Mr. G. is then to be 
 inaugurated. We have often said, why would not 
 brother K. be present? It will then be a pleasant 
 season of the year. Immediately afterwards. Dr. and 
 Mrs. Rice contemplate going north. Think of it, and 
 see if you cannot gratify your desire to come here. 
 
 "I will try to write, the boys. Almost every effort 
 is a task. So you must see it, by this letter. The 
 marks of weakness accompany the movement of my 
 pen, — the fag end especially. 
 
334 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 " A letter from Mr. Kinsman states, that he will not 
 probably survive the coming spring. His letter is fraught 
 with good feeling. He expresses himself as happy in 
 the prospect. 
 
 " On the Sabbath, I kept house. Cold. On Satur- 
 day, my soul was melted in view of our heavenly Fa- 
 ther's presence. Sitting in my chair, my uplifted de- 
 sire was uttered, — Father, give me the Holy Spirit. 
 An unction from the Holy One greatly refreshed my 
 spirit. I had been saying, ' Lord, how long,' in refer- 
 ence to my protracted trials. My whole soul yielded 
 submissively, and said, ' Ever so long, — but thou wilt 
 give me thy Spirit.' My dear brother, I hardly know 
 when my confidence hath gained strength so fast in God, 
 that he would make me happy. With unusual sweet- 
 ness I adopted the language of Jesus, * Father, glorify 
 thyself.' 0, I felt happy to think that He would be 
 glorified, — that he would be happy, and render me 
 happy ! 
 
 *' After such baptisms the soul rests in calm, sweet, 
 dove-like, heavenly peace. Not a rill crosses the 
 spirit. 
 
 *' May my brother be breathed upon and receive re- 
 peatedly and increasingly the gift of the Spirit. 
 
 " With increased affections, 
 
 "James. 
 
 " Mrs. R. received your letter, and is obhged for it. 
 She sends her love, with the hope of seeing you here. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 335 
 
 *' The people are mindful of me, and send birds 
 and little comforts. I shall go away much in their 
 debt. [ ! ] 
 
 " My love to Mr. Gurley. Should you become 
 acquainted with Mr. J. C, senior, or junior, they wiP 
 remember me. Remember me to Uncle Willey." 
 
 "Prince Edward County, Va., 
 
 "January 15th, 1829. 
 
 " Dear brother Brewster : 
 
 " Your love-letter of the first instant, reached me a 
 few days since. I was glad to break its seal and find 
 that it was from a friend and brother beloved. 
 
 " As it has become so much a task for me to write, I 
 must now put off my correspondents with but a few 
 lines. 
 
 " By letters which you have seen from me, you have 
 learned of my condition. The peace of God which 
 passeth all understanding, keeps my heart through 
 Christ Jesus. Since I saw you I have not been a 
 stranger to sweet baptisms. Their calm, dove-like in- 
 fluences leave within the soul, lasting, solid peace. On 
 my behalf you will rejoice. I am glad of your joy and 
 peace in believing. May it increase more and more. 
 
 " The Seminary here is flourishing. Much has 
 already been done by it, for the good of this land. 
 Manifold more, however, is that which remains to 
 be done. 
 
336 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 " My affectionate remembrance to Mrs. Brewster, 
 and to your brothers L. and J. 
 
 " My debility excuses my brevity. I shall be glad 
 to hear from you again and again. Dr. Rice joins in 
 love with me to yourself. 
 
 "Yours truly, 
 
 "James B. Taylor. 
 
 "P. S. By Dr. R. 
 
 "It is my privilege to have our dear Christian 
 brother with me. He is indeed feeble, and cannot write 
 much. But it is truly delightful to have him here. I 
 find it so. And my dear wife enjoys very great plea- 
 sure in being the nurse of one who has the spirit so truly 
 Christian. But, you know him. 
 
 " I have often thought of the prompt and cheerful 
 spirit with which you subscribed to our Seminary, and 
 have wished you might have evidence that what you 
 gave was blessed to the building up of the kingdom of 
 that Saviour whom you love. And I do trust you will 
 often rejoice, in this life, for what you did to promote 
 Christ's religion, in this desolate region. In eternity, 
 you will see much more. The Lord has prospered us 
 indeed. Much has been done. But yet, much more 
 remains. My brother, always remember us in your 
 prayers. May you enjoy the continual presence of him 
 whom you love, and be able to do much for the glory of 
 his grace. My wife, although you do not know heiv 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 337 
 
 loves you as a follower of Christ, and joins in affection- 
 ate regards, with 
 
 " Yours, truly, 
 
 "John H. Rice." 
 
 ** Prince Edward County, Va. 
 
 " January 20th, 1829. 
 
 " Dear brother J. 
 
 *' If my heart would ever let me chide a brother so 
 affectionate and kind, I might indulge a Httle in the lan- 
 guage of complaint. You were the first to let me hear 
 when absent last spring. But I will presume that you 
 have, as usual, been greatly occupied. Let me assure you, 
 however, that no small part of my foreign pleasure comes 
 through letters from those I love. Those which I have 
 written, have cost me labour, as every effort does, and 
 surely, I know I would not write again but to gratify my 
 friends. Though my letters are directed to K., I mean 
 the information for all. 
 
 *' Before this shall reach you, you will have seen K. 
 A letter from him yesterday announced that he might 
 leave Washington to-day. He has thrice written me 
 from the capital. I am sorry that he still thinks me 
 depressed. 
 
 " K. asked me a few questions in his letters. I 
 
 answer them here. During the cold weather I kept 
 
 house. Felt no inconvenience from it. It lasted four 
 
 days, and produced ice three inches thick. This morn- 
 
 29 
 
338 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 ing it is like May. Very little pain attends me. Not 
 enough to be mentioned. Every comfort surrounds me. 
 Mrs. Rice is devoted as my kind, my sufficient nurse. 
 I am among friends whom I love, and who love me. 
 How is sister R. ? I have heard of the new-born son. 
 My love to R. I hope she enjoys religion as much as 
 when we saw her on her sick bed. Tell Gustavus, I re- 
 ceived his letter, and was glad he remembered me to write. 
 He may expect to hear from me in answer by-and-by. 
 Tell S., he has not answered my letter sent him from 
 Richmond. 
 
 "Yours, affectionately, 
 
 "James." 
 
 From Dr. R. 
 
 " Union Seminary, 23d Jan., 1829. 
 " My dear Friend : 
 
 " I do not know that any change has- taken place 
 in our brothers's disease, since I last wrote. It is cer- 
 tain, however, that he can lie on his side now for a con- 
 siderable time. And this he has not been able to do, I 
 think he says, for two years. But whether we are to 
 augur any thing favourable from this circumstance, I do 
 not know. It is past all doubt that his disease is not 
 removed. Sometimes he is quite comfortable, and 
 appears really to enjoy life. At other times, he is too 
 feeble to live, almost. I was going to add, that he is in 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 339 
 
 the hands of a nurse who delights to minister to his 
 comfort — but he is in the hands of his compassionate 
 Lord ; and there we may well rejoice, to leave all that 
 we love. 
 
 " It would have rejoiced us all most highly, could you 
 have visited us consistently with your duty. But we 
 wished you to do as you ought. We hope yet to see 
 you at an institution, which we believe you love. 
 Though absent, never forget it in your prayers. 
 
 "I fear your stay at the seat of Government did 
 nothing to heighten your ideas of the purity of our body 
 politic. I doubt whether there is more corruption any 
 where than in the centre of our republic. At Washing- 
 ton I see more than any where else, the little influence 
 of religion in our country. The servants of the people 
 Beem generally to think that their masters care very little 
 about their moral character. And I apprehend, that it 
 is even so. 
 
 " Mrs. Rice joins with me in most cordial and affec- 
 tionate regards to you and yours. My dear brother, 
 may you do much for the cause of your Lord and 
 Master. 
 
 " Most truly, yours, 
 
 " John H. RieE. 
 
 "I received three or four letters from Washington. 
 I wrote you some days since, addressed to Washington. 
 Your inquiries were answered in a letter to J., by last 
 mail. " J. B. T.» 
 
340 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 "Prince Edward, Ya., 
 
 January 25th, 1829. 
 
 " Dear brother F. 
 
 " Your letter I received in due time. I wrote Mrs. 
 J., in which I acknowledged the receipt of yours. You 
 would have heard from me earlier, but I expected 
 through her again to hear from you. 
 
 " Every thing is done here to make me happy. My 
 power of talking is greater than when I left you. My 
 voice is stronger. I suppose I am quite as feeble as I 
 was last summer and autumn. 
 
 "I have to work hard to sustain my daily labour, 
 which is to bear up under extreme debihty. You re- 
 member that it was difficult for me to lie on either side. 
 Now I can, partially, on both. My physicians speak 
 quite confidently of my recovery. 
 
 " I am glad as the days roll by. I may be a little 
 home-sick, and yet not be sick of this my home. Mrs. 
 R. is my own and affectionate and constant attendant, 
 and seems happy in doing for me, and complains that I 
 am of so little trouble. 
 
 " I amuse myself with ' Rush, on the voice.' I love 
 elocution. Are you attending to it ? I believe it of 
 primary importance. 
 
 " I heard from Knowles frequently, while at Wash- 
 ington. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 341 
 
 *' I am tired. Love to friends. Let me hear from 
 you soon. 
 
 " Affectionately, 
 
 "James. 
 " Love to Catharine. I sometimes attend a lecture 
 in the Seminary. 
 
 To J. B. T. 
 
 " New-IIaven, February 8, 1829. 
 
 *.* My dear Friend and Brother : 
 
 *' This is not the first time I have sat down and 
 taken my pen for you since the reception of your kind, 
 welcome, and precious letter to us, for which our hearts 
 have thanked you a thousand times. 
 
 " Dear Mr. Taylor, I hope I shall not be interrupted 
 this evening. I feel so much disposed for a social in- 
 terview with you. Would that I could ' refresh your 
 heart by a letter' as you request. But how can I ? I 
 feel my incapacity but too sensibly. But you may rest 
 assured of this, that if my ability equalled my inclination, 
 you should be refreshed and comforted largely, even by 
 this poor communication. 
 
 *' We could not but lift our hearts to God in gratitude 
 for the favourable account you gave of your health. 
 Nor could we avoid sendino: a thought forward to the 
 lapse of another year, when, (if spared ourselves,) we 
 might be indulged with seeing you perfectly convales- 
 29* 
 
342 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 cent, and a watchman upon the walls of Zion. Since 
 the date of your letter to us, we have heard, through 
 your brother F., accounts which seem to promise not so 
 much for your recovery — at least so far — that you are 
 becoming more and more debilitated. And we are much 
 concerned to know what the result may be — almost 
 unwilling to leave it wholly with God, without making 
 the condition that the termination may be according to 
 our wishes. Pardon this undue solicitude, and pray 
 that the feelings of your friends may be set right. The 
 thought is consoling, that you have large experience of 
 the important, practical truth, that God knows what is 
 best, and that is best for you — for all of us. Would 
 that this precious truth rested with more power and con- 
 solation on my own soul. Why should we be anxious 
 when we are ' cared for, watched over, and provided for 
 by the Lord God of Elijah? Yet, solicitude often dif- 
 fuses itself through every feeling of my soul. It is the 
 same which is induced by a sense of unprotected widow- 
 hood — an emotion of mingled sorrow and desertion, 
 felt only by those whom the * Lord hath made desolate.' 
 But I think that this sore chastisement is more salutary 
 to me than formerly, inasmuch as it drives me to a throne 
 of grace — keeps me from looking again to the beg- 
 garly elements of the world — and urges me to more 
 activity, and more prompt performance of duty. But, I 
 forget that I am talking of myself. You see how I re- 
 collect you have a heart of sympathy, and if you should 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 343 
 
 let fall a tear for the sorrows of your friend, it would not, 
 perhaps, be the first. But I desire you will spare them 
 for a more worthy occasion. Only indulge us with the 
 beUef that we are remembered in your supplications to a 
 throne of mercy. 
 
 " You are not forgotten in our family circle, nor in our 
 family worship, and whenever dear Mr. B., comes in to 
 pray with us, he always brings your case in affectionate 
 remembrance before God. 
 
 "I saw your brother F., on Thursday morning, and 
 in the evening we had a visit from your brother J. He 
 has gone on to M. H., with C. Your neice desired 
 her love. We love her much. 
 
 " We hear — as I understand it, through a gentleman 
 who met you at a wedding somewhere in the neigh 
 bourhood where you are staying — that you were able to 
 visit among them, which led us to hope you might be 
 enjoying yourself, and contributing to the enjoyment of 
 others. 
 
 " We rejoice that ypu are so pleasantly situated in the 
 family of Dr. Rice, where you find kind, sympathizing. 
 Christian friends. Please present my respectful com- 
 pliments to dear Mrs. Rice, and say we thank her a 
 thousand times for all her kind care of you. I know 
 she will be a thousand fold compensated in the sweet 
 satisfaction she must feel in being permitted thus to 
 minister to the wants and comfort of a servant of the 
 
S44 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 Lord Jesus. If we were near enough, we should love 
 to relieve her of this care. 
 
 " Dear friend, we do not ask you to indulge us again 
 with a letter, owing to your weak state. But you know 
 very well how much it would gratify us. At any rate 
 we hope to hear through your family friends, that the 
 Lord is blessing the means used for your recovery. Do 
 not forget the household of your widowed friend. We 
 hope you will yet cheer us again by your presence." 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 February 11, 1829. 
 
 " Dear Brother : 
 
 " Your last letter was from New- York. Relative 
 to porter with lime water, the doctors agree in thinking 
 it worth the trial. I drank it yesterday. Shortly, I 
 propose to try electricity. 
 
 " For some time past I have been gradually growing 
 feeble. I am much more so than on my arrival. For 
 a few days along back, I seemed to have something 
 like the crawling of cold, approximating to chills suc- 
 ceeded by fever. This has been attributed to bile. I 
 have taken calomel. These changes enfeeble me much. 
 If the spinal disease continue as the doctors think, this 
 debility is to be accounted for. My appetite has failed 
 considerably — though varieties, I relish a little. 
 
 " Friends around are very kind. One sends birds — 
 another dried fruit — another jelly — another sweet po- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 345 
 
 tatoes — another, spunge cake, dried beef, &c. &c. 
 another, a few apples — to-day, another sent me fine 
 grapes. Think not that I want for many good things 
 in the mansion where I dwell. 
 
 " Mrs. Rice, who sends love, is still my kind nurse. 
 She does much to make me comfortable. 
 
 " I am glad at every days exit. And though weaker, 
 and helpless, I hope to be returned to you whh gladness 
 in much patience, and full submission to the will of our 
 heavenly Father. 
 
 *' I am at intervals stronger, but should you see me 
 at other times, you would see me like a rag, and un- 
 willing to move a muscle. Notwithstanding all this, 
 the doctors say, with care, he will probably recover. 
 
 " I am wearied already in this little doing. 
 " Affectionately, 
 
 " James. 
 
 " 14th. I received a letter from Henry to-day — 
 was well." 
 
 *' By my amanuensis, Mrs. Rice, I had thought of 
 telling you at greater length. But like all glorious 
 manifestations of God to the soul, this beggars descrip- 
 tion. However, let me say, that to-day I have had 
 sweet, melting thoughts of going to another world. 
 Gladly, while alone, and resting in the easy chair, 
 would I have bade earth farewell, and winged my way 
 
346 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 to the paradise of God. The Lord said, nay. I yet 
 stay, and would patiently wait until my change comes. 
 " I find it easier to dictate than to write with my own 
 hand, 
 
 » James." 
 " P. S. By Mrs. Rice. 
 ** I wished to save our dear friend, labour, and have 
 therefore written the above part of the letter for him. 
 We feel great concern to see him suffer under such ex- 
 cessive debility. I do indeed feel it a great privilege to 
 have one of his spirit, so much with me, and trust that 
 it will not — that it has not been in vain. I often wish 
 that some of his own beloved relatives could be with 
 him, for his comfort. But I am sure, none of you could 
 delight more in doing any thing for him than his own 
 nurse, and 
 
 " Your friend, 
 
 "Anne S. Rice." 
 Again, in the hand of Mr. T. 
 *' Let them hear on the Hill, either by this letter or 
 your communications from me." 
 
 It makes one's heart ache as he follows Mr. Taylor 
 through his manuscript-letters, and sees the evidence of 
 his increasing debility, and sinking course in his hand- 
 writing until he reaches this last letter, where we let 
 fall a tear as we visibly see one of the threads of life 
 cut as he drops his pen in exhaustion, and falls back 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 347 
 
 in his bed to dictate to the pen of his affectionate 
 amanuensis. 
 
 Mr. Taylor's hand-writing, in his letters previous to 
 his illness, has seldom been equalled for its distinct- 
 ness, beauty, and correctness. This letter exhibits to 
 the eye an affecting contrast to his earlier, distinct, and 
 beautifully formed characters. But we will pursue him 
 in his further few attempts to pen the out-breathing of 
 his gentle, devoted, and affectionate spirit to the kindred 
 who ever lay near his heart, and who ceased not to 
 have his warm sympathies and tears of love, when his 
 hand could no longer express to them the devotion of 
 his thoughts. 
 
 From Dr. Rice. 
 
 " Union Seminary, 17th Feb. 1829. 
 
 " My beloved Friend : 
 
 " The state of your, and our dear brother's health 
 is such, that I feel that I ought to let you hear from him 
 by every mail. 
 
 ** First I must tell you that his mind is in a most 
 serene and joyful state. He indeed seems to enjoy 
 perfect peace, and to long that his ' end may soon 
 come.' 
 
 " As to his disease, I will just give you the opinion 
 of a medical gentleman, more to be relied on, I think, 
 than any other physician in the county, Dr. W. He 
 
348 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 says that the disease of the spine is yet in progress, and 
 that it may reduce him to an extreme state of debility. 
 But afterwards he may rally, and finally get well. Yet, 
 that when he first came here he had some symp- 
 toms of a pulmonary affection, which have rather in- 
 creased during the winter than diminished, and there is 
 reason to apprehend that he may die of consumption. 
 The doctor, however, does not think that, should this be 
 the case, dissolution is near at hand. In a word, there 
 is a possibility of recovery, but the probability is rather 
 against it. 
 
 " Mrs. Rice, who is his constant nurse, makes the fol- 
 lowing statement : Her friend's strength declines visi- 
 bly every day, and, if he goes much farther, he must 
 take his departure soon, from mere debility. It is now 
 almost a week since he left his room, and he is unable 
 to dress himself, or do any thing more than a child. 
 Busily engaged, as I am, I cannot be with him a great 
 deal of the time, but Mrs. Rice devotes herself to him, 
 and I may assure you, that a mother or sister could not 
 nurse him with more anxious assiduity than she does. 
 
 " He has a strong feeling, himself, that he shall not 
 live long, and has been exceedingly anxions to see his 
 relations. He has for some time been saying that he 
 wanted to die with his parents.* But now he appears 
 
 * The Eastern blessing, " Mat tou die amo\g tour kindred,'* 
 comes with a new beauty in sentiment and additional pathos in 
 feeling, when quoted in this association. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 349 
 
 to be perfectly reconciled to return home and live, or 
 die there, or die here, just as the Lord pleases. 
 
 *' I do not pretend to give any advice, but only a state- 
 ment of facts, that you may judge what is best to be 
 done. He talked something, for some days, of setting 
 out for home, as soon as the weather becomes milder. 
 But this is out of the question. Unless he should rally, 
 he never can leave this place. 
 
 " My own opinion is, that his case is one of extreme 
 uncertainty, and that every thing depends on the strength 
 of his constitution. If that is very strong, and has not 
 been too much injured by his disease, he may yet re- 
 cover. But no one knows how this is — and the suf- 
 fering which he now endures may very soon exhaust 
 all that is left of the vital principle. 
 
 " We are glad to have him here. I am sure that he 
 has been of use already, and I trust that he will, should 
 he die, be still of much greater use to the . Seminary. 
 His example is a great thing. His talk to the students 
 is very impressive. 
 
 '* You will, of course, let all concerned, know the 
 contents of this letter. My dear brother, the Lord be 
 with you, and bless you. 
 
 " I am, most truly yours, 
 
 " John H. Rice. 
 
 *' Mrs. Rice has seen this letter, and she wishes me 
 to add, that your brother would be in the highest degree 
 gratified to see you. So that if you can leave your busi- 
 30 
 
350 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 ness, she thinks that you ought to come. She also 
 adds, that he not only declines daily but rapidly. And 
 if the process goes on, he cannot possibly hold out 
 much longer. His appearance to night convinces her 
 of this." 
 
 The following letter is in the hand-writing of Mrs. 
 R., except the signature " James," which was written 
 by Mr. T.'s own hand. 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 19th February, 1829. 
 
 " Dear brother K. 
 
 " Since my last letter, which was a week ago, I 
 have continued to fail. I have neither been dressed, 
 nor have left my room. My appetite, though now and 
 then something relishes, is in coincidence with my 
 weakness. My nights are restless. Cough increased. 
 External things losing their interest. Faith gathers 
 strength.* 
 
 " I have often thought, though so weak, if the weather 
 were suitable of setting out for the north, to spend my 
 last declining days among the friends I love. It 
 has occurred to me as never before, that, though 
 grievous, it still gives parents pleasure, to have their 
 children, when dying, with them. Brothers and 
 
 * What a subject for a painter — Mrs. R. besidfi J. T.'s bed 
 with her pen in her hand, paper in her lap, and looking into hia 
 face to catch his every word. 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 361 
 
 sisters, too, would rather than otherwise, stand around 
 the dying bed of one of their household. Sister E. has 
 expressed herself as desirous of being with me in my 
 dying hours. I should love to add all the comfort in 
 my power to those who have so often comforted me. 
 
 " To me it has been apparent that I might not sur- 
 vive the coming few months ; for, on the whole, my case 
 appears more critical, than at any former time. The 
 Physicians deal in May-Be^s. They look on my case 
 as not decided either way. 
 
 "I have told you the simple story of my feelings, 
 believing there is a possibility, though little probability 
 of my recovery. And this is presented for you to judge 
 whether it be best, should I not gather strength, for me 
 to come to you ere long. Mr. Micah Baldwin left us 
 this morning. He will probably see you within a fort- 
 night ; and will probable say that I looked better than he 
 anticipated. He happened to see me at favourable 
 times. No one but myself and Mrs. Rice know the 
 extent of my case. Though it may be gratifying to 
 see a person who has seen me ; yet his solicitude for my 
 recovery has probably led him to favour, and will lead 
 him to report, too favourable an opinion. 
 
 " 20th. This has been a feebler day than yesterday. 
 And, as the impression was natural, I thought that this 
 room might prove the place whence I shall take my 
 exit to another world. Believe that I am kindly and 
 
352 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 most mercifully handed along down the hill of life, and 
 I hope that the last step will be to glorify God. . 
 
 " Unless I should gather strength, this will probably 
 prove the last letter that I shall ever dictate. But you 
 will hear of me through my kind friends who are ever 
 ready to be my helpers. 
 
 "With an increased affection and love to you all, 
 
 " James. 
 
 " I wrote you, dear friend, by last mail, and promised 
 to write again But I really do not know what to add 
 to the communication of your dear brother. The phy- 
 sicians have given us reason to expect the extreme de- 
 bility under which he now labours. And they have 
 said that the result would be doubtful. He might strug- 
 gle through and recover, or he might go down to the 
 grave. I can perceive the very strong workings of 
 natural affection in the sufferer. He appears to long 
 for the presence of some relations, but says he knows 
 it is out of the question. He appears to be wiUing to 
 live or die, but is very desirous to die at home. You 
 shall hear by next mail. Do write to him very often. 
 His spirit sunk when he found that there was no letter 
 to-day. 
 
 *' Mrs. Rice takes pleasure in acting a mother's part 
 by him, and sends love to you. 
 
 " Your assured friend, 
 
 " J. H. Rice.'* 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 353 
 
 To Dr. Rice. 
 
 "New- York, 23d July, 1829. 
 ^* My dear Friend : 
 
 " I have received your two letters of the thirteenth 
 and seventeenth inst., for which I am thankful, whilst I 
 feel deeply concerned for the issue of my dear brother's 
 health. I hardly know what to write you in reply to 
 your respective suggestions in regard to him. It would 
 greatly gratify me to meliorate his condition in any way ; 
 and I should cheerfully comply with his desire for me to 
 visit Prince Ed ward, if it is advisable, all things consider- 
 ed. I should have gone to Va., when at Washington, if I 
 had anticipated at all the change of his circumstances of 
 health. It is well remarked by you, that regrets are now 
 unavailing ; and I may add, it is merciful in God towards 
 us that we do not know what is to come upon us in our 
 pilgrimage through this Avorld. It is my earnest, devout 
 prayer, that my brother may be spared and restored to 
 health and usefulness, if consistent with the will of our 
 heavenly Father. I know — I hope I kel, that it is 
 alone in Him our strength lies, and that all applications 
 and remedies are utterly and entirely unavailing with- 
 out his blessing. Ah, my dear friend, to whom else 
 can we go ] It is indeed our consolation that we can 
 go to our common Lord and seek for grace and strength 
 and for wisdom, under all our relations in life, so that 
 we may derive from his fulness, and rest on him for our 
 
 30* 
 
354 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 relief. Unreservedly would I commit this beloved brother 
 to Jesus Christ, both his Lord and ours — for whom I hope 
 he has been trained ; and for whose glory, whether he 
 lives or dies, his prayers ascend to God. We all here 
 need to be humbled and abased in view of our afflictions 
 and I hope we may be sanctified before Him, who 
 searcheth our hearts and trieth our reins. 
 
 " I have not, perhaps, for myself, been so ready to 
 suppose his decline to be so great and rapid, as is the 
 fact, and no doubt that his own letters have had a ten- 
 dency to impress my mind, in some measure, as I have 
 been led to believe. I know that on him my affections 
 have deeply rested, and that I have looked forward to 
 the day of his ministerial usefulness with feelings of 
 great delight — but, in this matter as in many others, I 
 may experience grievous disappointment. I have sought 
 to have him prepared for the ministry, as the Lord did 
 not indicate it my duty to prepare for the sacred office. 
 May he be returned to us yet, as it were from the dead, 
 to do good in this world, and to be instrumental in the 
 conversion of souls. You may say, 'ah, my brother, 
 you hope against hope!' My hope is in God, who 
 alone can bring it to pass. He raised him once when 
 hope was gone, from former illness, and He alone can 
 do so now. 
 
 " I enclose a letter to James from my brother J., writ- 
 ten, as you will perceive, under feelings of great affection. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 355 
 
 If James should revive and have it read to him, he will 
 participate in the sympathy, and be refreshed in spirit 
 and in body by it. I know he has felt himself ready, 
 through grace, to go at his Master's bidding. I know, 
 moreover, that his desire of life is connected with the 
 advance of the Saviour's kingdom. 
 
 " My dear friends i I feel that you have had a great 
 deal of labour and trouble in this sickness of my brother. 
 I desire to relieve you in any possible way I can. I 
 hope you will procure every assistance for Mrs. R.'s re- 
 lief, and, that you have done so already. I shall write 
 you again to-morrow, and inform you what my brother 
 J. and myself shall conclude on, in regard to cither's 
 going from here to Prince Edward. I shall write my 
 brother Fitch at Nev/-Haven, to come directly to New- 
 York, and, in case of his coming, he will be here on 
 Wednesday evening, with a design to go on to P. E., if 
 it shall be considered best. I could enter into many 
 reasons why chains are upon me at home just now, but 
 I forbear, hoping for wisdom to direct in all that pertains 
 to our duty. Fain would I fly and be with you — but I 
 have no wings — fain would I ride, and I will, if it is my 
 duty. 
 
 " My love to James, and say that I shall write this 
 evening, as I shall watch over our little folks sick with 
 
356 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 the measles, or in time for the morrow's mail. The 
 letter may reach him as soon as this reaches you. 
 " With great regard, 
 
 " Your friend and brother, 
 
 "K. Taylor. 
 " I hope you will write me every mail, if it is but a 
 few lines." 
 
 To Mr. F. W. Taylor. 
 
 " New- Haven, Connecticut. 
 
 " The two last letters which we have received from 
 Prince Edward, in regard to brother James, are of a 
 discouraging character. His health is evidently failing ; 
 and it is doubtful whether he will overcome that debility 
 which affects him. After consultation with J. R. and 
 E., we conclude that it will be best for you to go on 
 there to his relief; and that you had better leave New- 
 Haven, if you can, immediately on the reception of this 
 letter, and reach New- York as soon as possible. If you 
 get this before the mail-coach leaves to-morrow even- 
 ing, come in it. If this should not reach you until the 
 mail shall have left New-Haven to-morrow evening, 
 come in the stage the next morning. There is so much 
 ice it is difficult for the boats to run. 
 
 " Place your books in proper order, and leave them 
 so. You will be able to see to this before you leave. 
 Be careful to be warmly clad if you come in the stage." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 357 
 
 The preceding letter from friends in New- York, was 
 addressed, as seen, to Mr. F. W. Taylor, then at New- 
 Haven. He left N. H. the evening of its reception. 
 The mail started on runners. Owing to the severe 
 storm of rain during the day, and the unusual weight of 
 the mails, it was found impossible to proceed far from 
 the city. After some delay in changing the heavy mail- 
 bags from runners to wheels, the storm still raging, the 
 mail-coach proceeded on its route to New-York, and 
 reached the city after considerable detention in conse- 
 quence of the almost impassable state of the roads. 
 Without any del^iy, Mr. T. continued his route south- 
 ward. 
 
 " New- York, Feb. 26th, 1829. 
 " My dear Brother : 
 
 " I wrote you a few days ago, and this morning 
 have received your letter of the 19th and 20th instant. 
 I anticipated that you probably would be weaker at the 
 time your letter was dated. I mingle my tears with 
 yours, and with heart-felt affection say, with uplifted 
 desires, * Father, thy will be done.' So have I felt, with 
 some serenity, in my usual morning and evening wor- 
 ship, when my thoughts have rested on your case, as I 
 have presented myself at the throne of mercy. I am re- 
 minded of you as I enter my room for this devotion, being 
 eyed by a portraiture that deeply tells me our sole de- 
 pendence is on God. 
 
358 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 " I pray that your faith may increase amidst all 
 your trials, and that you may find a Saviour precious and 
 near to you through every scene. I know He is faith- 
 ful and will administer to your relief, if consistent with 
 his will, and yet give you to appear to his praise among 
 his followers here. It is not, however, my expectation 
 that our personal desires will be fulfilled, only as they 
 are cherished in subjection to that high and holy prin- 
 ciple which desires no will but His. Yet we abide by 
 this holy principle when we regard the exhortation of 
 his word. ' Is any among you afflicted 1 let him pray. 
 Is any sick among you ? let him call for the elders of 
 the church : and let them pray over him, and the prayer 
 of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him 
 up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven 
 him.' 
 
 " My dear brother knows that it would, in the highest 
 degree, gratify his friends here, to have him with them 
 under the circumstances of his situation. We all parti- 
 cipate in the grief consequent upon this impossibility, 
 and at the same time we are thankful that you are so 
 pleasantly and happily situated in the family of our 
 dearly beloved friends. 
 
 " In regard to your kind physicians, they know that 
 the disease to which you have been subject, is the 
 source of extreme debility — the result we cannot tell. 
 It may be, my brother, for your release from earth, to 
 dwell with the Lord, and be with your Saviour above ; 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 359 
 
 or it may be for your further trial before yeu pass into 
 the paradise of God ; or a preparation for greater 
 usefulness through suffering. The Lord will do all 
 things well, and caused this affliction to be not in vain 
 for your spiritual good ; and I hope so, also, for your 
 friends and relations that are so far from you. 
 
 " Brother Brewster is often inquiring of you, and 
 remembers you with the deepest interest. Our tears 
 and our sorrows are one ; I wish I could add, so also 
 our joys. 
 
 " I shall, I trust, say from my heart, in any event of 
 Providence, concerning you, the Lord hath done all 
 things well. I thank him for making me, in any 
 measure, the promoter of his glory through your in- 
 strumentality. I rejoice in the privilege which I have 
 had of administering to your necessities, for the Master's 
 sake, and also from our happy natural relation. I shall 
 rejoice furthermore, in all further appropriations, which it 
 may be my privilege to make for your relief. You will 
 not look back on the past with regret, as it regards what 
 may have been devoted in your behalf, — no, not in the 
 least. May we have reason to rejoice over it all as 
 connected with the glory of our Redeemer at the north, 
 and the south, the east, and the west. 
 
 " I. expected brother Fitch would have been here this 
 morning to have gone to-day for Prince Edward. The 
 travelling is exceedingly bad and dangerous. I think he 
 will be here by to-morrow, however, and will leave at once 
 
360 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 to proceed south, in the hope of aiding our kind friends 
 in attendance upon you. The Lord will overrule these 
 dealings of his hand to his glory, and make our souls to 
 be benefited. 
 
 "I notice the conclusion of your letter, and your fears 
 of inability to dictate another. I dwell on the sentence 
 and know not what more to say, than as before, * Thy 
 will be done.' I would not say less — I cannot say more. 
 
 " We each have been spared, and raised from the 
 borders of the grave. If our days have been subse- 
 quently devoted to God, we should rejoice. The time 
 must come, yea will come, when we shall have to ren- 
 der up our spirits into the hands of God who gave them, 
 and then may we find our happy portion to be that of the 
 servants of the Lord, whom he hath made white in the 
 blood of remission. 
 
 " We talk, at home, about you, and raise our united 
 cry to the Father of Spirits that he would be ' all and in 
 all' to you, in your time of need. 
 
 " W ith great affection, and feelings of concern and 
 solicitude, " Your brother, 
 
 " K." 
 
 ** Union Seminary, 24th Feb., 1829. 
 »' Dear Friend : 
 
 " I feel that I ought to let you hear from us by 
 every mail, but it is not easy to give you any just idea 
 of the changes which take place in your brother's health, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 361 
 
 or rather his disease. He has lost a great deal of flesh 
 in the last fortnight, and had gradually become much 
 weaker until last Saturday. After that day, he seemed 
 to rally a little, and has not complained so much as be- 
 fore of that sinking which feels like death. 
 
 " This evening, however, he has had a turn of great 
 debility ; but his spirits are certainly better than they 
 were. Yet, he does wish to see some of his relations 
 very much — you more than any one else. But he is 
 not disposed to make any unreasonable requests, and 
 doubts much, whether your business will admit of your 
 leaving home. You of course will judge better than 
 any of us can. 
 
 ** Mr. T.'s religious exercises continue very comfort- 
 able. I think I may say they are joyful. On the whole, 
 he perhaps has more enjoyment than any of us. He 
 indeed is dealt with very graciously. 
 
 " This is the third mail, and no letters from you, or 
 any relation. This is a great disappointment. Every 
 post- day, Mr. Taylor is anxious for the arrival of the 
 stage, in hopes he may hear from parents, brothers, and 
 sisters. I could wish he might get a letter from some 
 relation every mail. 
 
 ♦* Mrs. Rice joins with me in love to you and yours. 
 *' I am, most affectionately, &c., 
 
 "John H. Rice.'' 
 
 31 
 
362 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 
 February 27, 1829. 
 
 *' This is the evening to write to our dear Mr. Tay- 
 lor's friends, and Mr. Rice could hardly vary much from 
 his last communication. 
 
 *' Mr. Taylor's weakness is perhaps as great, but he 
 suffers less from languor, and it is more evident that 
 the debihty is nervous rather than a failure of the vital 
 organs. The physicians have always told us, that it 
 was most probable, that he would linger long, and per- 
 haps struggle through the process of the disease, and 
 recover. But when I saw him daily and hourly sink- 
 ing and suffering so much from such distressing debility, 
 I could not but fear his strength would soon be gone ; 
 and that he would very soon be taken from us. But 
 now our friend and I too, have become convinced that 
 the debility is nervous, and not as immediately danger- 
 ous. He says he does not wish that any of you should 
 put yourselves to great inconvenience to come to him ; 
 that he does not by any means desire it ; yet I have 
 never known any one who seemed to love his relatives 
 more, or to desire more to be with them. As to reliev- 
 ing us, dear friend, I can assure you we feel it a privi- 
 ledge to have him here ; and delight to do any thing 
 that can be for his comfort. 
 
 " Our beloved brother has not left his room, or dressed 
 himself for two or three weeks. His fiesh is wasted 
 away, until he is nearly as thin as he can be ; and as 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 363 
 
 weak almost as an infant. About eight o'clock at night 
 he is well rubbed ; his flannel gown and night cap put 
 on, and he is put to bed ; where he is often kept awake 
 for several hours by his cough, and worn down with 
 fatigue before his lungs are sufficiently relieved to per- 
 mit him to sleep. We are now trying small blisters, 
 about the size of a dollar, often repeated about his 
 breast, which seem to give some relief. He takes every 
 night and morning a small pill of hemlock, which his 
 pulse would not bear until a short time past ; besides 
 this, he takes jjbout a half grain of calomel twice a 
 week. The porter he uses daily, and with lime water 
 it agrees very well with him. One of the students of 
 the Seminary sleeps in a bed near him, to attend to him 
 in the night. About nine in the morning, he is again 
 rubbed as at night ; this he thinks of great benefit to 
 him. His stockings, vest, and calico gown, are then 
 put on him, which often reminds him of his sister Eliza's 
 care. He says she had no idea of the comfort this 
 gown would be to him. The chest of medicines is also 
 a great convenience ; and he enjoys, very much the 
 little comforts she prepared for him. After getting to 
 his easy chair, washing, taking breakfast, &c. he be- 
 comes so weary, as to have to return to bed ; where he 
 lies a few hours, and rises to his chair for dinner. But 
 his appetite is now so bad that we can seldom find any 
 thing pleasant. Sometimes he thinks of some dish of 
 
364 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 his dear mother's, and I am delighted to hear him say it 
 tastes as when she prepares it; but it is seldom now 
 that he thus enjoys any thing. To-day, President 
 Gushing, whose company always seems to revive him, 
 brought over a small electrical machine, and he thought 
 for the time the effect of electricity was pleasant. 
 
 " Last Saturday, our dear Mr. Taylor seemed to 
 despair of seeing his beloved relatives, and asked me to 
 bring his trunk near his bed. He wished to make some 
 arrangement of his papers. When I took out a bundle 
 which he directed, he burst into an agony of grief. 
 As soon as he was able, he told me they were the pre- 
 parations he had made for preaching, and he was now 
 about to seal them for his brother Fitch ; for whom he 
 prayed most feelingly. 
 
 " My brother, Mr. Morton, came that evening, and 
 he revived very much, and has never since, I think, had 
 so distressing a sinking turn. The next day he told me 
 he had sweet thoughts of all his friends and his heart 
 had gone out in prayer for all, and especially for his 
 brother F. He seems to long that he may do the 
 work he had himself hoped to do. He wishes much to 
 see him. I should enjoy highly the delight it would 
 give him to see any of his friends, and more especially, 
 our dear brother Knowles. He seems to wish so much 
 to see you and his sister Eliza, that I asked if she could 
 not come with you. But he thinks that would be impos- 
 
JAMES BRAIxVERD TAYLOR. 366 
 
 sible ; as she is devoted to her children. He desired 
 me to mention that he received a letter to-day from 
 you and his brother J. and begs you will write often and 
 let his father's family hear from him. 
 
 " I am ashamed of this poor scrawl, but I have written 
 on my lap by Mr. Taylor's side ; and had to throw 
 down every thing and rise very often to attend to his 
 wants. He sends much love to you all. I have never 
 seen any one before enjoy uniformly such peace, and 
 joy, and triumph. Oh, may I imbibe his spirit, which 
 is the spirit of his Master ! 
 
 " Mr. Rice most affectionately remembers you and 
 yours, and unites in every good wish 
 
 " With your Affectionate friend, 
 "Anne S. Rice." 
 
 " We had scarcely any cold weather until this month. 
 Mr. T. has been worse ever since. We hope when 
 the weather becomes mild, he will be better." 
 
 " New-York, February 28, 1829. 
 " My Dear Brother James : 
 
 " I wrote you a few days ago, and since have seen 
 brother F. who left here for Prince Edward on Friday 
 morning. I hope he will arrive there before this letter, 
 expecting that he will take the Richmond route, in 
 order to despatch beyond the usual, or regular line from 
 W^ashington. 
 
 31* 
 
366 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 " I suppose we shall hear further of you by the next 
 mail, which will reach here on Monday morning. I 
 hope we may receive more favourable intelligence than 
 was given in your letter. The Lord will do all things 
 right and mete out your changes for you as shall be for 
 your and our good. How calming is the truth, that 
 * he doeth all things well.' It is not necessary to say 
 our feelings of interest and concern for you, continue. 
 We hope ever to manifest our regard by all things in 
 which we can serve you. If the Lord will, we hope yet 
 that we may administer to you in Bond-street. What- 
 ever may be his will, however, may we in faith submit, 
 knowing that if he spares your life, it will be for you to 
 finish your work, and if he takes you away, that you 
 may enter into the inheritance of the saints. 
 
 " I have nothing new to write. Give me a kind re- 
 membrance to our mutual friends, and believe me your 
 affectionate brother." 
 
 " New- York, March 2d, 1829. 
 " My dear Brother : 
 
 " I wrote you last week, and this morning have to 
 acknowledge the receipt of a letter from Dr. Rice, of 
 the 24th February. I am in hopes that brother F. will 
 be in Prince Edward to-morrow or next day, and by 
 that time I hope you will have been favoured with greater 
 strength, and blessed of God with renewed blessing 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 367 
 
 upon the measures adapted for your relief. I should be 
 glad to take my way southward, and mingle with you 
 and other friends at Prince Edward for a time ; and if the 
 Lord continues your life, and allows me opportunity,! de- 
 sign to enjoy this anticipated pleasure, when the weather 
 shall be so mild as to permit you to come homeward. 
 Here, prayer is offered up for you by your many friends. 
 The Lord will answer us as shall redound to your best 
 good and his glory. They desire your continuance in 
 the world for his glory, while they would unfeignedly say 
 the will of the Lord be done. Whatever may be the 
 result of your present illness, I hope we all here may 
 have found a blessing to us through your suffering, as 
 quickening us in prayer, faith, hope, and love, and with 
 humble submission. Mr. Bruen remembered you with 
 deep interest in our little lecture-room last evening, and 
 your labours there and elsewhere, that the seed sown 
 may spring up and bear fruit to the praise and glory of 
 the Lord our God. 
 
 "I know that you would feel gratified to have me come 
 to Prince Edward, if the Lord will. I have deemed it 
 best to send F., as he can remain with you, without the 
 least difficulty. 
 
 " 3d. It was my hope to hear from F. this morning, 
 as having reached Baltimore. To-morrow morning I 
 may hear of him as having reached Washington. 
 
 " I have written to Middle-Hadam, and informed 
 them of your situation. 
 
368 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 ** We greatly hope to hear more favourably from you 
 by the next intelligence." 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 " 3d March, 1829. 
 " My Dear Christian Friend : 
 
 " On my sick and probably dying bed, I frequently 
 think of Mr. and Mrs. D. Your letter which gave me 
 pleasure, came to hand in due time. In answering it, 
 instead of employing my own hand, I am under the 
 uecessity of writing by the hand of another. 
 
 " For weeks past, I have been sinking rapidly. I am 
 now almost helpless and worn out, and unless there be 
 a change of present tendencies of disease, in the course 
 of tbings, this ' mud- walled cottage* will soon fall. I 
 mention this, to show dear brother D. that if he ever 
 see me in the flesh, it must probably be very soon. 
 
 " One of my brothers is now on his way to me to be 
 a comfort, with my other friends, in these days of de- 
 cline. You may rejoice with me in that I rejoice in the 
 Lord always. The prospect of changing worlds is 
 pleasant. The home of the holy is inviting. Farewell. 
 With much love to Mr. D., 
 
 "I am, etc., 
 
 "J. B. Taylor." 
 
 The preceding letter was dictated by Mr. Taylor 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 369 
 
 to his kind amanuensis, Mrs. R., and he affixed to it 
 the last signature ever traced by his now trembling hand. 
 
 " Union Seminary, 3d Nov., 1829. 
 
 " Dear Friend : 
 
 " Mrs. Rice wrote you by last mail ; and we do 
 intend to let you hear from us by every post. 
 
 " On Saturday, after the letter was sent to the Post- 
 Office, our beloved friend sunk very much. We began 
 to fear that his end was very near ; and one of his phy- 
 sicians, whose judgement very rarely fails, seemed to 
 be alarmed. Perhaps the sinking was somewhat ner- 
 vous. He certainly rallied a little after that ; and there 
 is more prospect at present of his living some time. 
 The doctors say that he may even yet get well ; but 
 that they should not be surprised at his departure at any 
 time. 
 
 ** His primary disease assuredly was not cured when 
 he came to us. But it is not that which is wasting him 
 away, by its direct influence. When he came here, his 
 lungs were straitened by a lessening of the cavity of 
 the breast; and they were irritated by the pressure. 
 This irritation has increased, and for some time past has 
 produced a daily fever; and it is this which has worn 
 him to a skeleton. In addition, he coughs much, and 
 is greatly interrupted in his rest. How all will turn, no 
 one knows. He very much expects to die. But though 
 his ' outward man perish, his inward man is renewed, 
 
370 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 day by day.* I do not think that I ever saw one more 
 ripe for heaven; — very (ew more willing to go. His 
 consolations abound. 
 
 "A s for your kind solicitude for Mrs. Rice, she has be- 
 come so attached to your brother, and finds his conversa- 
 tion so profitable, that she esteems it a privilege to attend 
 him. And he, in turn, is so attached to her, that it would 
 break his heart — as he says, for her to relinquish the place 
 to any body but his mother or sister. My beloved friend, 
 do not talk of trouble any more. We are troubled only 
 because we see one sinking, whom we wished to see 
 standing up for Christ. But if he must go, the Lord's 
 will be done. He may be called for on some higher 
 service, than even that of a minister of the Gospel. 
 
 " I am very glad that your brother Fitch is coming. 
 Should James die, he will be able to tell his parents and 
 other relatives all about his situation and exercises, his 
 peace of mind, and joyful submission ; the extent to 
 which we loved him, and a thousand other things, which 
 parents and brothers and sisters will be glad to hear. 
 
 "Your letter, with its enclosures, was received by 
 last mail. His brother's letter, and the information that 
 F. is coming, produced great excitement ; but it did no 
 harm. On the whole, was very reviving. 
 
 " Meaning to let you hear again by Saturday's mail, 
 I now subscribe, 
 
 "With great love, &c., 
 
 " John H. Rice." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 371 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 "6th March, 1829. 
 
 " My dear Friend : 
 
 " I hardly know what to say to you about our be- 
 loved James. You probably have no idea how low he 
 is. His weakness is extreme — but I cannot say that 
 it has increased much since I wrote last. He is put out 
 of breath, and quite exhausted by being lifted from the 
 bed to the easy chair ; and often he appears to have no 
 more strength to hold up his head than an infant. 
 
 " Your brother F. has not yet arrived. He lost by 
 taking the Richmond route, and no doubt has had a 
 worse road than if he had come directly from Fred- 
 ericksburg. We have been exceedingly anxious that he 
 should arrive ; for you know that when one is as low as 
 James, he may die at any time. A lamp just glimmer- 
 ing in the socket may be put out by the least possible 
 motion. And, poor fellow, he has been so very desirous 
 to see some of his relations, that we could not help feel- 
 ing with him, and for him very strongly. He received 
 two letters to-day from you, dated 26th and 28th Feb- 
 ruary ; one from Jeremiah, one from your sister Erne- 
 line, and one from brother Ludlow. These tokens of 
 love seemed greatly to refresh his spirit, and I do hope 
 he will receive them by every mail as long as he lives. 
 
 " The physicians have expressed no change of their 
 opinion yet. They say, as when I wrote last, that he 
 may die or he may linger long, and even yet recover. 
 
372 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 " I think that he has had less fever for the last two 
 days, and of course less distress in his lungs, than he 
 had suffered during the preceding week. Yesterday 
 he appeared to have a little relish for food. But his 
 appetite is very bad. 
 
 " His religious exercises continue in the highest de- 
 gree comfortable. Not a cloud seems to pass over the 
 bright scene, which continually lies open before him. 
 All in his soul is light. Great is his peace. But yet, if 
 permitted, he would love to live and preach Christ to 
 perishing sinners. 
 
 ** The terrible weather you have had at the North, 
 has affected us. It has been cold and stormy. Yet 
 Mr. Taylor's room is so warm and sunny, that we find 
 no difficulty in keeping the thermometer at about 66°. 
 But to do this, we have frequently to raise the windows 
 for the purpose of reducing the temperature. 
 
 " I shall let you hear by next mail, but it is all uncer- 
 tain what tidings will be communicated. ♦ The will of 
 the Lord be done.' 
 
 ** Give my love to your wife — mention me to friends 
 — and be assured of my entire fraternal affection. 
 " Yours, most truly, 
 
 "John H. Rice." 
 
james brainerd taylor. 373 
 
 From Mr. F. W. Taylor. 
 
 " Prince Edward, Thursday, 
 
 "10th March, 1829. 
 
 ** My dear Brother : 
 
 " I am sure you are waiting with anxiety to hear 
 of my arrival at Prince Edward, and of the state of 
 James' heaUh. 
 
 ' " I thank God that I have reached this place at length, 
 after an anxiety which I will not no w dwell upon, but which 
 your own feelings will assist you in imagining when you 
 know of my continued delay. It was yesterday, at ten 
 o'clock, A. M., I arrived — ten days after leaving you. 
 But it is enough that I am here, and have embraced my 
 dear brother, and mingled my tears with his. 
 
 ** I found James, as the letters which you had received 
 represented him, extremely debihtated. Perhaps he 
 could not now support his own weight for three minutes. 
 
 " It is unnecessary to speak of our meeting. We 
 rested in each other's arms until friends separated us, 
 and before all oUr tears were spent. To afford a brother 
 mider such circumstances as much happiness again 
 would amply repay me for years of suffeiing ; and it can 
 only be similar circumstances that can yield me another 
 such emotion of mingled sorrow and joy. I had thought 
 it possible in my great detention, that I might not meet 
 James alive. How I should have heard at the door the 
 intelligence of his death, God only knows. Instead of 
 32 
 
374 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 completely prostrating him, our meeting seemed to yield 
 new light to every feature of his face, and strength to 
 his body. This morning he is still better. He has 
 gone through the fatigues of dressing and shaving with 
 less inconvenience than for days previously. And be- 
 sides, to-day he sat in the arm chair, on the portico for 
 nearly three hours. It has been a charming day, and 
 he seems to have enjoyed it. Of course, I endeavour- 
 ed to render the moments as cheerful, by passing 
 remarks, as the occasion would permit. While in his 
 seat on the portico, he seemed to catch the spirit of the 
 smiling scene without, and remarked with some humour, 
 as he saw some calves capering through the yard, that 
 * here, they kept the calves tied up that the cows might 
 come home.' And at another time, he said ' he knew 
 not what all this meant,' alluding to his increased strength, 
 and perhaps he might yet be able, he said, to start for 
 home. Would that these may not be deceptive en- 
 couragers of our hopes. But some days must pass 
 before we can interpret the language before us. My 
 own impression is, that he will continue some time. I 
 should not be surprised should he comparatively^ be re- 
 stored. Nor would it be a matter of surprise should a 
 change for the worse occur. This is all I need specify 
 as to his health in this letter. I shall write you by the 
 next mail. 
 
 *' Could I say any thing that would raise Mrs. R. in 
 your estimation and kind regard, I would gladly fill this 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 375 
 
 paper. She is beyond praise. Do you know how 
 kindly your own mother would administer to your relief 
 and lay out her strength to make you happy ? So kindly 
 and so tenderly has Mrs. Rice administered to James, 
 and laid out her strength to console and relieve him. 
 He speaks of the kindness of all with tears in his eyes, 
 and freely do I weep while recording it. * How kind,' 
 said he, * they are to me. I am glad you have come, 
 that you may see how kind they are.' 
 
 " Mrs. G. is also here. James speaks very kindly 
 of her affectionate endeavours to serve him. The 
 doctor is well, and I believe he is all you have told me. 
 
 " I wrote you from Alexandria. You may have felt 
 almost a disposition to chide me for not writing again 
 before my reaching Prince Edward. But I thought your 
 suspense would be more supportable than the intelli- 
 gence that I was further detained on my way would be. 
 
 " I saw your very kind friend in Richmond. He did 
 all in his power to facilitate my arrival here, and the 
 mail was dispatched an hour sooner through his influ- 
 ence and the representation of my circumstances, and 
 by means of it I intercepted the stage I had left at 
 Fredericksburg by a half hour. His attentions were 
 gentlemanly, and I was gratified by dining at his house 
 on Saturday. He sent by me a box of Madeira grapes, 
 etc., to James, which, with some I had purchased in 
 Baltimore, prove very agreeable to him. 
 
 " As 1 have not time to write another letter this even- 
 
376 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 ing, you will be good enough to forward this to Middle- 
 Haddam, or write on its reception. Emma's letter was 
 received. With much love from James to you all, 
 " Yours, ever affectionately, 
 
 "F. W. T.^' 
 
 From F. ^. T. 
 
 "Friday, March 13th, 1829, 
 
 " Dear Brother : 
 
 "I wrote you on Tuesday last, and stated what 
 were my impressions with regard to James' health. You 
 will still be anxious to hear of him. 
 
 " Yesterday he seemed more unwell, and a good deal 
 sunken in his animal spirits. I was told that he had 
 been as low, and as much depressed. He rested better 
 than usual, however, last night. To-day he is more 
 cheerful, and coughs less. His pulse still runs madly, 
 though its gushes are feeble. His fever was less last 
 night and to-day, than for two preceding days. He has 
 had a very comfortable day for him, in comparison with 
 some which are passed. And yet, I know not that his 
 situation, as to permanent relief, can be considered as 
 any more encouraging. Indeed, I can form no com- 
 parisons in his prospects of recovery until some days 
 shall have passed. I hope for the bes.t. But when I 
 perceive how perfectly exhausted he becomes by being 
 raised in the bed, or in being moved to his chair, I am 
 exceedingly fearful that he cannot remain with us long. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 377 
 
 " There remains no longer any doubt to me that his 
 lungs are affected. The cause of this may have origi- 
 nated in the affection of the spine. The latter com- 
 plaint is palpable. That of the lungs I infer from the 
 quantity he expectorates. His spinal complaint has 
 thrown his chest somewhat into an unnatural position ; 
 and I suppose the effect of this is, to lessen consider- 
 ably the cavity of the chest, thus diminishing the natural 
 expansion of the lungs. This, of itself, is enough to 
 endanger the life of a being dependent upon the supply 
 of his quantity of oxygen from the air, but added to the 
 positive irritation which it constantly creates to the lungs, 
 and to the certainty of their being affected, as I deem to 
 be the case, it all argues but little for the recovery of our 
 dear brother. Possiblyhemay linger for months. And 
 there may be, as I said in my last, a fatal change but a 
 little way off. Perhaps some hope hangs upon the 
 weather. Should it be mild until the season for warmer 
 days, it is thought, he may yet recruit not a little. God 
 only knows whither shall lead, what now seem the dark- 
 footsteps of his providence. 
 
 " I shall continue to write every mail. I have just 
 asked James how much better 1 shall tell you that he is. 
 He replied, ' more comfortable, but very weak.* 
 
 " When in Baltimore, I purchased some of the finest 
 
 sweet oranges I have ever seen. James has lived upon 
 
 them and grapes, since I arrived. Indeed, he eats very 
 
 little, although enticed by a thousand varieties. His 
 
 32* 
 
378 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 friends have procured for him every thing within their 
 reach. But perfectly sweet oranges cannot be obtained 
 here, although there are a plenty of tart ones. Could 
 you procure, in New-York, some sweet, very siceei 
 oranges, perhaps you would do well to send them by the 
 way of Petersburg, or any other way you may think best. 
 I have sent to Richmond to-day for some, if they can 
 be obtained there. Let a paper or two of barley be 
 added to any thing else that may be of use to a conval- 
 escent, should you send. This, says James, * will be 
 of benefit to me, if I recover ; if not, why, it will answer 
 for some one else.' 
 
 " Your letters to Dr. and Mrs. Rice, were received 
 this morning. Mrs. R. has just said to me, give my 
 thanks to your brother for his letter, and tell him we shall 
 be very glad to see him. 
 
 " Dr. Wilson has just come in. Perhaps I will ques- 
 tion him, after he shall have left the room, and add at 
 the foot. 
 
 "P. S. At tea this evening, I asked Dr. W. if he 
 found my brother any better? He replied that he knew 
 not that he was. 
 
 " Saturday morning. I have not time to reperuse the 
 above, before the mail closes. 
 
 " In haste, and affectionately, 
 
james brainerd taylor. 379 
 
 From Dr. Rice. 
 
 "Union Seminary, 13th March, 1829. 
 
 " My dear Brother : 
 
 " Mrs. Rice and I both received a letter from you 
 by this mail ; for which we thank you. 
 
 »* Your brother F. has written, but I feel that I wish 
 to say something to you too. The most interesting sub- 
 ject is, the state of your brother's health. I wish that 1 
 had good news to send. But there is none, on this 
 matter. James is indeed better to-night, than he was 
 last night. But there is, assuredly, no material amend- 
 ment. My old friend doctor Wilson, however, is now 
 in his room, and I will get his opinion before I close this 
 letter. The doctor seems to be greatly interested for 
 the poor sufferer, and seems to be very anxious that he 
 should recover. Indeed, we have never yet had a per- 
 son in our neighbourhood, who excited a more general 
 sympathy, or for whose recovery more earnest desires 
 were felt by the whole community. The neighbours 
 seem willing to do any thing for him. But his appetite 
 is so delicate and squeamish, that we find it extremely 
 difficult to get any thing which he can eat. I mean, 
 that his stomach seems to loathe any thing after he has 
 eaten of it once or twice. 
 
 " I have written a letter to Mr. Peters, which I sup- 
 pose he has received before this time. That letter 
 
380 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 was merely intended to express my views to the Execu- 
 tive Committee of the A, H. M. S. To-day, Dr. 
 Green's circular came to hand ; but I have not yet read 
 it. I fear that this matter will cause great disputes 
 and heartburnings in the Presbyterian Church. It is 
 deplorable, that this body of Christians cannot be brought 
 to act in concert. We certainly ought to do, as Dr. 
 Ely says, more to build up the cause of Christ, than any 
 other denomination in this country — but we do greatly 
 fail. What can be the reason 1 I am much inclined 
 to believe that it is because we magnify human systems, 
 and pay too little attention to the Bible. The dry or- 
 thodoxy of one party, and the speculations of another, 
 are made more of, than the plain facts of the Sacred 
 Scriptures. I am indeed thankful, that in our Seminary, 
 the Bible is the text book. We have here no meta- 
 physics — no text books of human authority. But as 
 long as the differences of opinion, which now exist in 
 the Presbyterian Church, are made a rule or principle by 
 which to direct missionary operations, we shall present 
 divided forces to the enemy, and operate with weakened 
 strength on the interests of the church. The Missionary 
 cause is one of absorbing interest in the present day — by 
 it, chiefly, the borders of the Church are to be enlarged. It 
 is the favourite interest of all zealous Christians. But it is 
 not to be expected that Old Calvinists will agree to send 
 Hopkinsians as their missionaries ; nor will Hopkinsiana 
 
MES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 381 
 
 agree to support a society, which sends out only Old Cal- 
 vinisls. The only scheme of obtaining the co-operation 
 of all, is that proposed by the A. H. M. S., or something 
 similar. And should this fail, there will be party Mis- 
 sionary Societies. These will immensely increase the 
 spirit of party — and finally, it will break down the 
 Church. 
 
 *' The weather is exceedingly rough and cold for us. 
 
 " The doctor is gone, and I have had no opportunity of 
 seeing him. I believe, however, that his hopes of a re- 
 covery are very faint. He thinks it barely possible. I 
 write this, knowing that it will pain you ; but in such 
 cases, it is best to be frank and explicit. May the Lord 
 enable us all to say, * His will be done.' The only use 
 your presence could be of here, would be giving comfort, 
 or pleasure rather, to your brother. We indeed should 
 be delighted to see you — but it is for you to determine 
 whether it is your duty to come and to give us all pleas- 
 ure, or to stay and attend to your matters at home. 
 
 " Mrs. Rice and I love you as a brother. 
 *' Yours, truly, 
 
 " John H. Rice. 
 
 " F. is a great comfort to Mrs. Rice, as well as to 
 poor James." 
 
 " Sunday, 15th March, 1829. 
 " Dear Brother : 
 
 " I wrote you by the last mail. I scarcely remem- 
 ber the contents of the letter, further than a statement 
 
382 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 as to James' health. He has rested during the day 
 and last night with a good deal of ease to himself. In 
 further conversation with Dr. Wilson, he gave but little 
 encouragement for the indulgence of our hopes for J.'s 
 recovery. He thought it would not be surprising should 
 he be taken away in a short time — indeed, at any mo- 
 ment. And yet there have been instances of persons 
 recovering and living for years, who have been apparent- 
 ly as low as James. The impression of Dr. W. and 
 Dr. M. is, as well as all around, (whose opinions I sup- 
 pose to be based upon those of the doctor's) that James 
 cannot survive many days. God grant that he may yet 
 recover. But, if otherwise, I trust that He will give us 
 that submission to his will which shall lead us to praise 
 him still for his goodness. It is indeed a source of un- 
 speakable consolation, that our dear brother is perfectly 
 calm in these hours of his trial. There is no enthu- 
 siasm, but a firm and unwavering hope in the God of our 
 salvation. This is as it should be, as it appears to me. 
 To one of the expressions in my last he objected, as he 
 thought it might convey the idea of religious depression. 
 This, so far as I have been able to discover, has never 
 been his experience. One contitlued feeling of unfalt- 
 ering confidence sways his bosom, although his heart 
 may at times sink in sadness, under his extreme debility, 
 and at the thought of meeting no more on earth, the 
 absent members of the family. He yet has faint hopes 
 of recovery, resulting from the encouraging expressions 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 383 
 
 c»rhis friends. And yet he seems as sensible as any of 
 us of the very critical situation he is in. He had given 
 several directions previous to my arrival, expecting soon 
 to be numbered with the dead. Among other wishes, 
 he had expressed the desire to be interred in the burial 
 ground of the Morton family, there to rest with his 
 friends. It is there, where Dr. and Mrs. Rice believe 
 they shall be interred. James has since spoken to me 
 upon the subject of his burial. I endeavoured to waive 
 the subject. But he insisted, and said it was one which 
 did not pain him. When, among other things, he had 
 said that he chose to lie among the friends who had been 
 so kind to him, I hinted that he might be dis-interred 
 and conveyed to the North. * As it shall be thought 
 best,' he repeated. 
 
 " I may further add, before I seal this. For a mo- 
 ment, farewell. " F. 
 
 "P. S. by Mrs. R. 
 
 " No one, I believe, has told you what a very great 
 comfort dear brother F. is to our beloved invalid, and to 
 me. His coming has indeed been a rich blessing, and 
 for several days seemed to suspend the decline of my 
 precious friend. But now he seems again to me to be 
 sinking rapidly. A mother could hardly miss a child 
 from her bosom more than I shall miss him. For so 
 many months he has been my precious charge ! I have 
 felt it an honour to be appointed to nurse in his days of 
 decline and suffering, so lovely and dear a child of our 
 
384 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 heavenly Father. Many I know would have esteemed 
 it a privilege, and 1 feel that I have been distinguished 
 in its being granted me. He expressed a longing desire 
 last evening to go to his rest, and wondered why he was 
 so long detained here. I said, perhaps he might wait 
 to see you. Oh, said he, I shall soon see him, and 
 other dear friends whom I love ! He never seems to 
 have a cloud intervening between his soul and heaven, 
 but constant peace and firm faith which never fails. I 
 do not think that he can be with us long. It was to 
 my brother, Dr. Morton, to whom he made the request 
 about his burial. My brother hves with my father, 
 where my family all lie. 
 
 "With a heart deeply sympathizing, — for your sor- 
 row is mine too, — I am, 
 
 " Yours, 
 
 "Anne S. Rice." 
 
 " March 17th. 
 " My dear Brother : 
 
 " I drop you these few lines, that you may not be 
 disappointed in hearing from here by to-morrow's mail. 
 Yesterday a letter was sent to you by the way of Farm- 
 ville, which you may receive one or two days sooner 
 than this. James seems a little revived this evening. 
 On learning, however, a few moments since, that I de- 
 signed to write you, he insisted that I should not say he 
 was any better. On the contrary, he thinks himself 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 385 
 
 failing. Probably he is not deceived in his estimate of 
 his own situation. He is still calm, and fixed in his 
 meditations on his future prospects. * I was thinking/ 
 said he to me, last evening, ' how pleasant it would be 
 to rest these limbs and this body peacefully in the grave.' 
 He then spoke of his burial-place without emotion. 
 Such a frame of mind in our beloved brother, affords me 
 consolation indeed, and is that which alone could render 
 my present situation supportable. 
 
 "F. 
 " I received your letter by yesterday's mail, and thank 
 you for it. 
 
 " I notice your hopes and expectations about dear 
 James. I know how to sympathize with you, for I 
 educated a brother for the ministry. He is even yet 
 spared, and has been highly useful. But he feels to me 
 almost as much like a son as like a brother. I can 
 easily conceive how I should feel if he were lying on a 
 bed of sickness, to all human appearance incurably dis- 
 eased. This is your dear brother's situation. No one, 
 indeed, can know — I therefore say, to all human ap- 
 pearance. 
 
 " I knaw that there is efficacy in prayer, but if James 
 is so fitted for services in the upper Temple, that he 
 can d>) 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<T. 
 I enclose a letter from Mr. Bruen, which you will dis- 
 cover, partakes largely of affection and interest for you. 
 I can respond and say with him, that there are many 
 friends who feci for you, and pray that you may have 
 such blessings from God as you need, under the deal- 
 ings of his hand, beside your immediate relatives. 
 
 *' We feel anxious to hear from you by every mail, and 
 pray that it may be our privilege to have more encourage- 
 ment in your case, with hopes of your return to dwell 
 awhile with us. We would feel our obligation to sub- 
 mit to the dealings of the Lord, and in this spirit of sub- 
 mission, to raise the voice of our cry. 
 
 *' The family are well, and often speak of uncle James. 
 The little children would gladly mitigate your sorrows, 
 and delight to render service in what they could. I hope 
 your prayers may ascend for them, that they may be 
 baptized of the Holy Ghost, and become the followers 
 of the Lamb. 
 
 "Our friend F., of Richmond, called to hear of you 
 this morning. He spoke with kindness and affection in 
 your behalf. So also our friend Micah Baldwin. 
 " With great regard and sincere affection, 
 
 Upon the same sheet is added the following letter to 
 Dr. Rice. The enclosed letter from the Rev. Mr. 
 Bruen, follows. But the preceding, the following, Mr. 
 Bruen's, and a number of other letters, reached Prince 
 Edward when the object of their tender messages and 
 
392 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 sympathy, had already said his " farewell to earth," and 
 answered to the call of his beloved Lord, who had sum- 
 moned him to the " Many Mansions." 
 
 " March 25th, 1829. 
 
 " Dear Friend : 
 
 " I received your letter per last mail, and wait with 
 some concern and anxiety for the news of to-raorrow. 
 I sent to you yesterday hy the schooner Tantivy, Cap- 
 tain Thorp, for Richmond, a small box containing a few 
 oranges — some barley meal prepared for use, and a 
 phial of carbonate of potash, &c. 
 
 " I sent this box to Messrs. F. James & Co., with 
 a request to have it forwarded forthwith, and I suppose 
 it will be sent to you by the stage. If it should come 
 to hand in time for the use of the articles to James, they 
 may be refreshing to him. If other invalids are around 
 you, I desire they may participate in any thing I have 
 sent, that may add to their relief. 
 
 "You know how much I would express of deep inter- 
 est and desire, concerning my beloved brother. I feel 
 the admonition to be still, and stay myself on the mighty 
 God. 1 desire submission to his will, and a readiness 
 of service in all the circumstances of my life. What he 
 lays on me to bear, may 1 have strength equal to my day, 
 and glorify him in body, soul and spirit. In great love 
 for you and yours, 
 
 " Truly, your friend, 
 
 " K. T." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 393 
 
 From Mr. Bruen. 
 
 " New- York, March 24th, 1829. 
 
 ** The picture of yours, my dear brother, has been 
 vividly present to the little company of your friends here 
 — and we have thought of ourselves lingering like you 
 upon the threshold of eternity. Ah ! it is all the thresh- 
 old of eternity — and to believers, it is even now 
 eternal life. This is the record, that God liath given to 
 us eternal life — and this life is in his Son. He that 
 hateth the Son hateth life. We have endeavoured to 
 pray for you. You have some tender-hearted friends in 
 our little church, beside your dear relatives, and are to 
 them, while you breathe here, an object of ceaseless 
 sympathy, and while they breathe, of hope and love. 
 When I have been standing where you once stood to 
 pray and preach, to my little charge, your image has 
 been before my mind, and I thank God and take courage 
 for the support you have as yet had, for your calamities 
 are nearly overpast, while ours are yet to begin. May the 
 Chief Shepherd who gave his life for yours, fill you even 
 now with joy unspeakable. In this season of calamity 
 to us, I know not how to write to you, who are so soon, 
 perhaps, to know the certainty of the things in which the 
 spirit of Christ has instructed you — you have a baptism 
 for all that you are to accomplish. 
 
 " If I were near enough, I should rather sit at your 
 feet and hear, or only look. I cannot say a word to you 
 
934 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF «£%* 
 
 — rather, dear brother, I would ask a parting prayer for 
 me. 1 know that the thought of our love is pleasant to 
 you, among earthly things, if the bright view of the 
 Redeemer does not bedim all that is created. I shall 
 always cherish ihe feeling of love to you, knowing that 
 it will better prepare me to finish my work and to meet 
 the Son of man, ivho halli j)ower on earth to forgive 
 sins. Here is our consolation — sins like crimso n and 
 scarlet may be forgiven — even we may walk in white ! 
 
 " Until my hope of your surviving this severe dispen- 
 sation is absolutely destroyed by the arrival of your great 
 change, I look for something encouraging, as your days 
 are prolonged ; but we hope fiintly. Into the care of 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we cheerfully com- 
 mit you. He loves you better than we can. Oh, that 
 I could commit myself to Him with like ardour of con- 
 fidence, that neither life nor death shall separate from 
 His love. 
 
 *' If you care to spend a moment's thought about any 
 thing in the world, believe that a few hearts /jere, as 
 well as elsewhere, love you with a peculiar and lively 
 affection, who would gladly kneel beside your bed, and 
 endeavour to alleviate your bodily sorrows, and who 
 sympathize with the other bosoms which have yielded 
 you such sweet repose in Virginia. Shall we not love 
 even our Saviour better that so many are created anew 
 in his image to love one another ? May we live to love 
 one another where they never die any more. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 395 
 
 *' With a faithful affection and a remembrance of you 
 never to cease. 
 
 *' Your unworthy brother in the 
 
 hope of the Gospel, 
 
 ♦*M. Bruen." 
 
 From F. W. T. 
 
 " March 24, 1829. 
 
 " My dear brother : 
 
 ** Agreeably to your request that you may hear from 
 Prince-Edward every mail, I write you this evening. 
 Still, I know not that I can communicate any intelli- 
 gence relative to James, which shall elevate your hopes 
 or alleviate your fears. And yet, the alternations of 
 hope and fear, awake their correspondent emotions in 
 my own bosom, as hour succeeds hour, and each day 
 urges on to its close. 
 
 " In my letter, two days since, I spoke of J.'s situa- 
 tion, as being increasingly dangerous. Night before 
 last was one of great anxiety. J.'s breathing was short as 
 usual, but attended apparently with double the difficulty. 
 Yesterday was an easier day with him. The last night 
 he slept calmly, and to-day, he has required less atten- 
 tion than for several preceding. What we are to gather 
 from these changes, and his state of quietude, I know 
 not. It is true they afford to friends fairy food for hope, 
 ever ready, as they are, to seize upon the faintest cir- 
 
396 
 
 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 cumstance to relieve their apprehensions ; but amid the 
 most favourable tokens in the case of our dear brother, 
 there is enough of debiUty, and at times such a complete 
 exhaustion, as to render despair the perpetual attendant 
 on every exertion. I said that James breathed short as 
 usual. I have marked that he always breathes at least 
 three times more rapidly than myself; and frequently 
 faster still. His pulse runs with a corresponding rapid- 
 ity, although often so feeble as scarcely to be perceived. 
 Under such circumstances, how can he but ivear out in 
 a short time? 
 
 " So disagreeable a March, it is said, has scarcely 
 ever been known in this region ; and for fifteen years, 
 it is not remembered that there has been so great a fall of 
 enow. The last season, at this time, vegetation had put 
 forth. Now the fields exhibit no token of spring. I 
 know not that a warmer March would have saved our 
 brother; but I learn that the expectations of the physi- 
 cians here, hung not a little on this circumstance. 
 
 " Your letter to James of the seventeenth is received. 
 You seem still to cherish the expectation that he may 
 recover. I deem this to be very natural. 1 coiiless, 
 with all the manifest tokens of his decline around nie, 
 there is still lingering in my own bosom the s-anie ftcl- 
 inor. More than once have I thought that James would 
 yet recover suffiLiiently to reach his fnciuis in New- 
 York, and finally to deposit his remains at the hallowed 
 spot of The Hill. And this, too, in the face of evi- 
 
 #• 
 
 ^* 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 397 
 
 dence which seems to render the contrary almost cer- 
 H tain. 
 
 ** It gives me pleasure still to testify to the composure 
 of our dear brother's mind. If his spirits are ever sun- 
 ken, it is his animal feelings. He says but little. Talk- 
 ing exhausts him. I was struck by a remark of his, a 
 few days since, to some of the students, while on the 
 portico. * Sickness,' said James, ' is not the time for 
 enjoying religion. True, religion is a blessed thing in 
 sickness. But when in health, is the time for the enjoy-'^ 
 ment of the soul, in its experience of the smiles and the 
 presence of God.' The person who has witnessed the 
 debility and the pains attendant on the sick-bed, will 
 acknowledge the justness of the sentiment. ' I have 
 prayed to God,' said James, yesterday, * that I might 
 so live, that when I came to die, I should have nothing 
 to do but to die. God heard me. If I had any thing 
 else now to do, I could not do it.' 
 
 " It gives us great pleasure to hear from you, and we 
 trust you will continue to write regularly, until circum- 
 stances in the case of James shall materially alter. 
 " As ever, your affectionate brother, 
 
 "F. 
 
 *' I am surprised to find our beloved friend yet alive. 
 
 We really thought night before last that he was dying. 
 
 The preceding twenty-four hours were a time of fearful 
 
 expectation. His extremities were cold. His pulse 
 
 34 
 
398 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 often entirely gone— -his breath short, and his whole 
 face sunk. We just hung round in fearful expecta-V 
 tion. But to our joy, and to my astonishment, he has 
 certainly had appearances since of amendment. His 
 extremities have become warm — his pulse has return- 
 ed — and he looks as though he were more comfortable. 
 Yet now, every time we move him, so extreme is his 
 debility, that he appears as though he would lose his 
 breath. We pray, and hope, and despair, and pray and 
 hope again. One of the physicians here on Sabbath 
 evening, said he never knew a man with such a pulse to 
 live forty-eight hours. But this is Wednesday morning, 
 and he appears less like dying now, than on Monday 
 night. If it be possible, Father, restore him. 
 
 " Fitch is an exemplary brother. We love him more 
 and more. 
 
 " Accept our kindest regards. 
 
 "J. H. R." 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 March 27, 1829. 
 " As it is necessary that brother F. should get some 
 sleep this evening, and Mr. Rice is very much engaged, 
 it falls to my lot to give our dear friend the intelligence by 
 this mail. Oh that I could give a more pleasing ac- 
 count ! Yet it is some, indeed, much comfort, to be able 
 to say, that our beloved brother is yet alive ; and to all 
 appearance not worse than when we wrote last. I al- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 399 
 
 most fancy that he is better, yet I dare not say so. I 
 have thought several times early this week, that he was 
 actually dying, and he thought so too; and was calm 
 and happy, endeavouring to comfort us when scarcely 
 able to speak so as to be understood. He has lain for 
 the last week, as a dying man. Yet he seemed to know 
 all that was going on around him. His sight, scent, and 
 hearing, seem to be painfully acute. Indeed, he com- 
 prehends, and understands as quickly and perfectly, as 
 ever he did ; yet he is so low as scarcely to bear a word 
 spoken in his room. We cannot pretend to converse 
 where he is, and reading or writing before him often 
 seems to distress and fatigue him. I am now, though 
 writing by his bed-side, endeavouring not to let the 
 sound of my pen be heard ; and just this moment when 
 I rose to wipe his face, he whispered * my dear friendy* 
 and then said it was a great comfort to have me sitting 
 by him ; for no one nursed him so gently. This is 
 more than he often says when not obliged to talk. I 
 have much to encourage and stimulate me to attend on 
 him. He is such a precious and lovely child of our 
 heavenly Father, that I have felt it a distinguishing pri- 
 vilege to be appointed to nurse and attend him, and in 
 any way to administer to his comfort : and his affection- 
 ate heart seems to make all that I do acceptable. He 
 has never yet complained of the least pain or soreness 
 about his lungs ; what he expectorates seems to be 
 nothing more than phlegm. There seems no evidence 
 
400 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 of an abscess. Indeed he has no pain any where, bat 
 the most distressing debility, nervous distress, and verjr 
 high fevers, which I cannot but think have been less for 
 a day or two. Some days ago, every morning in the 
 midst of the fever, his head would be so wet with a cold 
 sweat, as in a short time to wet his pillow ; but this dis- 
 tressing symptom has entirely ceased. Yet he is so low 
 that we should not at any time be surprised at the ap- 
 pearance of death. He seems to have no choice but to 
 serve and please his heavenly Father. His heaven 
 seems to be to do his will. Whether on earth or in a 
 higher sphere, seems to be a matter of indifference to 
 him. I have never, for a moment, seen his faith fail. 
 His entire reliance and confidence are never shaken, and 
 his peace is continual. He has become inexpressibly 
 dear to me. I feel much of the tenderness that a mo- 
 ther does for a sick child ; and if he should be taken 
 away, I shall feel in the same way bereaved. He de- 
 sired to have both of your letters, received to-day, read 
 to him, and listened with interest. I just asked him 
 if he had any message to send you, he whispered a 
 weight of love. His brother J.'s letters he read with 
 many tears. He has never been able to dictate an an- 
 swer ; but they were very gratifying to him. I have 
 never seen any one who appeared to love his friends more 
 ardently. He was so low before his brother F. came, 
 that I feared he would never see him. For a night and 
 a day, I prayed almost constantly that he might liv% 
 
JAMES BSAINERD TAYLOR. 401 
 
 until he arrived. His coming seemed to stop the pro- 
 gress of the disease, for at least three days. I have no 
 words to express the comfort his being here is to us 
 both. I do not see how we could do without him. He 
 loves so much to hdive friends about him, that no hired 
 nurse, which you desired should be procured, or strangers 
 could have aided much. He does not like to be left a 
 moment without his brother or myself is in the room. I 
 need not say how much we should be gratified to see 
 you ; but cannot say if you now set out, whether you 
 would feel inexpressible pain or pleasure, when you 
 arrived. He has not yet been able to hear Mr. Brew- 
 ster's letter read, but I know it will gratify him, as 'he 
 loves him very much. As it is now midnight, and he 
 appears to be sleeping comfortably, I will leave the 
 blank for brother F. to say how he is in the morning. 
 Mr. Rice says it seems to him as if yours and other's 
 prayers were keeping him in this world. May they be 
 beard and answered, most for the glory of God. 
 " Yours respectfully and affectionately, 
 
 "A. S. Rice. 
 "P. S. 3 o'clock, Saturday morning. 
 
 " I have just risen from a short and acceptable 
 sleep, and secure this moment to add a postscript to Mrs, 
 Rice's letter. Dr. Farrow was here last evening. He 
 thought James evidently a little stronger, and some littljB 
 indication, for a moment, was encouraging. I saw him 
 after he left the room, and asked him if he thought J.'s 
 34* 
 
402 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 present symptoms could give any permanent encourage- 
 ment to his friends. Dr. F. thought not. The Httle 
 increase in the strength of J.'s pulse, he deemed like the 
 fluctuations in every sick-man's case, and he thought, in 
 the present instance, Jame's friends should look for the 
 worst. Dr. F. had read your letter of the twenty- 
 second, in which you express your intention to leave for 
 Prince Edward, in a few days, should succeeding letters 
 prove more favourable. Dr. F. expressed his appre- 
 hension that you could not reach here, before James 
 should be taken from us. And yet, he said, your solici- 
 tude to see him is so great, he would advise me to en- 
 courage your starting from New- York for this, provided 
 there should be no change in brother J. for the worse be- 
 tween this and Monday night. Dr. F., however, 
 thought there would be, and that a sudden change might 
 be expected every moment. If James should become 
 no worse than he now is, for two days onward, Dr. F. 
 thinks you might reach here before his death. The idea 
 that he may return with you, he thinks can never be 
 realized. 
 
 " Brother Brewster, by his letter, seems to have mis- 
 understood an expression in mine. He seems to have 
 inferred that James had been depressed in his religious 
 feelings. Please say to him that this has never been the 
 case. On the occasion, to which I alluded in my letters 
 our dear Mrs. R. and myself were about J.'s bed. He 
 had been restless for some time, and at the instant was 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 403 
 
 more than usually weak. He turned his full eye 
 affectionately upon Mrs. R. and said, * I fear you will 
 think that I am beginning to grow homesick.' And for 
 a moment, his eyes filled with tears. James has the 
 soul of a son and a brother, and remembers his home and 
 his kindred. But he is contented to die here ; and loves 
 with no less than a son's and a brother's affection, the 
 friends he is among ; and who, with equal devotion, re- 
 ciprocate his attachment. If he dies, he will sleep be- 
 side them, in the grave-yard of their family, and on the 
 resurrection-day, we trust, they will together rise, and 
 take the same course to the right hand of God. With 
 much love to all, 
 
 " Your brother in sorrow and affection, 
 
The next letter I take to transcribe, is sealed in 
 black, and reads as follows. 
 
406 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 ** Union Seminary, 29th March, 1829. 
 
 " My beloved Friend and Brother : 
 
 " It devolves on me to perform a mournful office. 
 I have a brother whom I educated for the ministry, and 
 I feel towards him as I do not towards any other human 
 being — a sort of mingling of parental and fraternal af- 
 fection. And I know how you will feel when I tell you 
 that dear James is gone. About half-past six o'clock, 
 this Sabbath evening, his mortal conflict was ended, 
 and he entered into his rest. His sufferings, for some 
 time past, were very great — not so much from pain as 
 from most excessive debility. This was so great, that, 
 as you may have seen from my former communications, 
 the wonder was, he did not die sooner. 
 
 " Apart from natural feelings of sorrow for the loss 
 of one so beloved, and grief that the church should be 
 bereaved of so precious a young minister, there is 
 nothing in the case of your dear brother, but cause of 
 joy and thanksgiving. During his whole sickness, and 
 amidst all the changes produced by disease in his spirits, 
 he never had the shadow of a doubt, in regard to his 
 acceptance — his faith never foiled, nor did his love 
 grow cold. In the midst of all his weakness, the ad- 
 versary was most mercifully restrained ; and he enjoyed 
 the presence of his redeeming Lord. His affectionate 
 heart, too, retained all its kindness, and he enjoyed to 
 the last, the sympathetic attentions of those who minis- 
 tered to his wants. Dear man ! he won our love most 
 entirely. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 407 
 
 '* He was graciously permitted to retain his reason to 
 the very last — and showed what was the bent of his 
 mind, by his dying speech. ' Fitch ! strive, strive /' 
 * Strive to do what, my dear? But his last words had 
 been spoken. After uttering them, he gasped a few 
 moments for breath ; and then without a struggle or a 
 groan, fell asleep in Jesus. He took an upward flight, 
 *if ever soul ascended.' 
 
 " How mysterious this event I — since it has appear- 
 ed to me inevitable, that one so prepared for the minis- 
 try, and so desirous to be useful as our dear brother was, 
 should die ; the thought has often occurred to me, that 
 there are services for very holy and devoted men, in a 
 higher sphere, to which they are called, and where they 
 do incomparably more for the glory of the divine Re- 
 deemer, and are more useful, than they could possibly 
 be on e^arth. And while we are wondering that ihey 
 should be cut off, and disappoint all our hopes of 
 their usefulness, they probably do more in a day, in 
 heaven, than they could do in a life time in this world. 
 The Master had use for our brother above, and called 
 for him. We would fain have kept him here. I confess 
 that I never have seen a young man, whom I so much 
 wished should live. 
 
 "But why should he come here, far from home, to 
 die? The Head of the Church seems to have put into 
 your heart a particular love to our little Seminary ; and 
 means to make much use of you in building it up. 
 
 1 
 
408 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 Among other things, He has enabled you, as his instru- 
 ment, to train a young servant, not to labour in the 
 ministry below, but to be taken away to a higher and 
 more important station. But on his passage to heaven. 
 He sent him by this place, that it might be seen here, 
 what a young minister ought to be, and how a Christian 
 can suffer and die. And perhaps, you have thus been 
 permitted to do more for us, than you could have done, 
 if you were richer than "M r. Bartlett. 
 
 " Dear brother ! I sympathize with you, and your 
 afflicted relations — may the Lord Jesus Christ be with 
 your spirit. 
 
 " Mrs. Rice, in great affliction, joins me in sympathy, 
 love, and every fraternal feeling. 
 
 " Most affectionately, yours, 
 
 "John H. Rice. 
 
 " I send this by a gentleman going to Richmond. I 
 also send a brief notice of your brother for the Visitor 
 and Telegraph, and have requested the editor to forward 
 you a copy." 
 
 " Union Seminary, 31st March, 1829. 
 " My Dear Brother : 
 " I wrote you by a gentleman going to Richmond, 
 yesterday. But the letter may, from bad weather, be 
 longer on its passage than I expected. I therefore, think 
 it my duty to prepare a letter to send by to-morrow 
 morning's mail, for the purpose of removing your pain- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 409 
 
 ful suspense about dear James. I told you that it had 
 pleased the Lord to remove him — that he finished his 
 course on Sabbath evening, and that his end was peace. 
 
 " I ought to add, that your brother Fitch, considering 
 how embarrassing and obscure all the symptoms of hia 
 disease had been, felt that it was his duty to have the 
 body examined. This was done by a physician of great 
 delicacy and kindness of feeling, as well as of true piety. 
 He had no sooner laid the lungs bare, than he exclaim- 
 ed in astonishment, * How has he lived so long 1 Here 
 is disease enough to have killed forty men.' I will send 
 you the physician's report of the case. Manifestly, no 
 skill in the world could have saved his life — and he 
 was kept alive so long only by the power of nursing. 
 
 " This day we attended his funeral. It would have 
 been painfully gratifying to you to have seen how deeply 
 the neighbours felt the death of your brother. I preach- 
 ed to a considerable congregation on Matt, xxv : 23. 
 *Well done good and faithful servant,' &c. I en- 
 deavoured to show what faithful service is, and what tho 
 reward. The congregation wept, and some even sob- 
 bed aloud. We deposited the remains of our beloved 
 brother in the family burying-ground of Mrs. Rice's 
 father. He lies there with a little company of pious 
 persons — among them are two others, one of whom 
 was a young preacher from Pennsylvania ; another a 
 candidate for the ministry from Maine. Your brother 
 said he wished to sleep with Mrs. Rice's friends. Thej 
 35 
 
410 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 all acknowledged him as a brother, and will cherish his 
 memory with lasting affection. 
 
 " Dear friend ! may the Lord support you under this 
 trial, and make it a rich blessing to you and yours. 
 
 " Quite exhausted with much watching and labour, I 
 write hurriedly and must close. ^ • 
 
 " You are dearer to us than ever, 
 
 " J. H. Rice." 
 
 Thus we have reached the event, towards which we 
 have been looking through the correspondence, which 
 has been given. It was no common event; for it was the 
 last earthly hour of an uncommonly holy man. It was a 
 Sabbath-day, and the sun was throwing his level beams 
 across the fields, before he again retired beneath the 
 mountains, seen in the distance. There had been a stir 
 among the students of the Seminary, for it had been 
 whispered through the building, that Mr. Taylor' was 
 supposed to be dying. A number had gathered to the 
 room, and were around the bed of Taylor — for, they 
 had thought that the exit of such a man could not be 
 otherwise then peaceful ; and they desired to witness so 
 calm and triumphant a death of the Christian. Mr. 
 Taylor comprehended the silent language ot their move- 
 ment, and expressions of solicitous sympathy. It was 
 his last effort, at his last hour. He testified to the good- 
 ness of God, and the unwavering confidence that his 
 soul was soon to enter that heaven that never looked 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 411 
 
 more ' desirable* to him ; and that he should soon see 
 the Saviour, who had so inexpressibly blessed him on his 
 way to the grave. He doubted not he should soon 
 mingle with the * shining ones ' above. With an eye 
 full of tenderness, and which was bright and clear to the 
 last, he bid them farewell — the students — his kind 
 nurse, and the friend, her husband, who had so affec- 
 tionately entertained him, and administered at their 
 dwelling to the comfort of his last hours. His last mes- 
 sage to his absent friends now, was simply * Love.' 
 * Farewell,' he finally added, * farewell to you all — and 
 farewell to this earth.' His eyes were now for a mo- 
 ment closed ; when again he opened them as if he would 
 add another word, and turned to his affectionate nurse, 
 ever sittting at his right side in his moments of weak- 
 ness, and whispered to her, as if he had forgotten it — 
 '•farewell to the servants.^ But, where was the solitary 
 brother at this moment, who had urged his way so far 
 and rapidly, to be beside James Taylor in his dying 
 moments 1 Fatigued, he had seized an hour of repose, 
 in an upper-chamber, to be the better prepared for the 
 watches of the night, and yet clinging to hope, however 
 faint, that his brother would live beyond the going down 
 of this Sabbath's sun. He was dreaming, as said in a 
 brief note before me, that he was gently assisting in 
 raising James in the bed, which awoke him, and just at 
 the moment when the above scene had passed, he re- 
 entered the room below, ignorant of the cause which 
 
412 
 
 JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 
 
 had gathered more than a usual number at the bed-side 
 of his beloved brother, and when his friends were about 
 to awaken him. As he approached his bed side, the 
 dying brother faintly said, "Brother — almost gone — 
 almost gone !" and cast upon him a look of inexpres- 
 sible tenderness, which was answered only by ?i brother"* s 
 look, and a checked tear, as he took his seat at the left 
 side of one, for whom his last hope was destined, ere a 
 brief half-hour longer, to be resigned. He took the 
 hand of James, and pressed it between his, and held 
 it as he sat in silence at the left side of his dying 
 brother. He soon asked him, if there were not too 
 many around his bed side ? His brother J. indicated 
 that there were, and in a few moments the room was 
 vacated by all but the brother and Mrs. Rice. This 
 was the more readily done, as at this moment Mr. 
 Taylor breathed more calmly, and rested with a mo- 
 mentary quietude that relieved, for an instant, the 
 generally awakened solicitude. No step now was 
 heard ; and as his brother, for a moment, leaned over 
 him, James whispered, without turning his head, " who 
 sits on my right 1 " Mrs. Rice replied, " It is I." " It 
 is all, then, as I would have it," continued the dying 
 brother, as Mrs. R. pressed one of his hands to her 
 bosom, while the other was resting in his brother F.'s. 
 *^ Brother!" said James, ^^ strive! strive!" but spoke 
 no more, only with that eye that still gazed tenderly and 
 Ungeringly in his brother's face. It spoke forth the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 413 
 
 whole affection of his soul, and in another moment he 
 answered not the pressure of that brother's hand. The 
 truth was in an instant perceived. The dying saint 
 drew a long but calm breath, in fearful contrast with his 
 but just now rapid breathing. Another — and another 
 — and another succeeded, and all was over! James 
 Brainerd Taylor rested in his last sleep, and his 
 beautiful and devoted spirit in the bosom of its God. 
 
 " Oh! 'twas a placid rest! 
 Who would deplore it? 
 Trance of the pure and blest, 
 
 Angels watched o'er it. 
 Sleep of his mortal night, 
 
 Pain now can't break it. 
 Heaven's own morning light, 
 Alone shall wake it!" 
 
 35* 
 
SECTION XVI. 
 
 After the obsequies of Mr. Taylor had been attend- 
 ed, two or three days intervened, when the succeeding 
 three letters were written. They are appropriately 
 inserted here. 
 
 From Mrs. Rice to the mother of Mr. Taylor. 
 
 " Union Theological Seminary, 
 April 3d, 1829. 
 " If I can, in the least degree, alleviate the sorrow of 
 the dear mother of my beloved friend, most gladly will 
 I do it. And your afflicted son, who does us the favour 
 of remaining awhile with us, thinks a letter from me, 
 would be some comfort to you. If mingling my heart 
 with yours, and feeling all a mother's bereavement, 
 could lessen the weight of your grief, then would it 
 indeed be lightened. I regret exceedingly that I did 
 not every day, set down all that was interesting in rela- 
 tion to my dear happy sufferer. But much, I trust, is 
 engraved on my memory, and on my heart, never to be 
 forgotten, pr neglected. I have, indeed, been most 
 highly privileged, and am sincerely thankful to our hea- 
 venly Father, for sending to my care, so precious a 
 child of His. He seemed from the first to come as a 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 415 
 
 blessing to me, and to raise my idea of holy living, and 
 of Christian enjoyment. He ever seemed happy, joy- 
 ful, triumphant, until disease wore down his animal 
 spirits. But his faith, hope, peace, never for a moment 
 failed, but continued perfect to the last. I inquired 
 shortly before he left us, about the state of his mind. 
 He replied, peace, perfect peace ! but too weak to think 
 or talk. When he found he must die away from you, 
 he wept much, and grieved at the thought of your sor- 
 row. " Dear Father ! Dear Mother ! what would I 
 not do to comfort you," he would ever say. " But 
 my heavenly Father is pleased to have it so, and I love 
 to please Him." He did indeed delight more in the love 
 of God, and in doing His will, than I have ever seen 
 in another ; and spoke of his removal as of going on 
 a foreign Mission. He loved to serve his Lord, wher- 
 ever he appointed him, and hoped to be engaged in the 
 dehghtful work forever. He often spoke of rest for his 
 poor body, but his happy spirit loved to serve and please 
 his heavenly Father perfectly. He often spoke of see- 
 ing you all soon, and of welcoming you to a better 
 world, never more to part. He is not, my dear Madam, 
 lost even to us ; if we live as he did, we shall again 
 enjoy sweet intercourse with him. His words, " My 
 friend for elcrnity," have made a deep impression on 
 my heart. Oh, that his mantle may rest on me, and 
 on this Seminary ! My grandmother lost a daughter in 
 Kentucky. Surprise was expressed that she bore it so 
 
416 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 calmly and cheerfully. She remarked, " heaven is 
 not as far from me as Kentucky. I shall soon join her 
 there. In K. she had much to suffer ; now she is per- 
 fectly happy, and why should I grieve. My grand- 
 mother never expected to see her child again had she 
 lived. But you and he did expect again to meet on 
 earth, and he enjoyed much the thought of introducing 
 us to each other. But his joys are now far above mor- 
 tal conception. Oh, had we but a glimpse of them, 
 we should adore, and praise, and not repine ! He did 
 not finish his course among strangers, though far from 
 home. Many saw, admired, and loved him. And to 
 me he was inexpressibly dear. I may say is, for I know 
 he still exists, glorious and happy. You are the blessed 
 mother of a son safe in heaven. We rejoice that on 
 his way there, he called at the Seminary, and gave a 
 new impulse to holiness of life among us. He had a 
 tedious, exhausting time of suffering. I felt as if going 
 through the dark valley for weeks with him. But the 
 light of God's countenance ever shone to guide and sus- 
 tain him. Such a lovely spirit is rarely known on earth, 
 and his is gone to a more congenial clime. Perhaps a 
 service there required him even more than any here. 
 He who never errs has ordered all. So much have I 
 heard him talk of his dear father and mother, and belov- 
 ed brothers and sisters, that I feel personally acqnainted 
 with you all. F. feels to me as a most dear and be- 
 loved brother. Were he not here, I know not how I 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 417 
 
 could bear up. I cannot tell you the comfort he has 
 been to me, and to my precious charge. He seemed 
 to enjoy his arrival more than words can express ; and 
 it appeared to stop his decline for some days. I am 
 told that dear S. resembles my friend. Oh, that he 
 may have fully his spirit ! He loved him much, as he 
 did you all. I shall rejoice if providence permits us to 
 meet on earth. A very endearing bond unites me to 
 you and yours. Mr. Rice unites in the kindest regards, 
 " Yours, very affectionately, 
 
 "Anne S. Rice." 
 
 " Prince Edward, April 3d. 1829. 
 
 " My dear Parents : 
 
 " I presume you have seen the letters written 
 from this, at several times, by myself and Dr. Rice to 
 brother K. ; or have repeatedly received intelligence of 
 James's health from him. A letter received from K. 
 to-day suggests that I should write you direct to Middle- 
 Haddam, as you will obtain information from here a 
 little sooner in the due course of the mails, than if the 
 letters were first taken from the office in New-York. 
 
 "And yet, my dear parents, I anticipate that you 
 will have heard the saddest news from him, before you 
 shall have received this — for, it has been two days 
 since our beloved James has slumbered peacefully iu 
 his grave. Intelligence of his death was immediately 
 communicated by Dr. Rice to Knowles. 
 
418 
 
 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 " My dear parents, I know not how to offer conso- 
 lation to you, at this moment. If there can ever be 
 consolation at a moment when an affectionate son and 
 brother is taken from the arms of doting parents, and 
 brothers and sisters who would have given half of their 
 own to have lengthened out his life, certainly, this con- 
 solation is yours. 0, 1 well remember the tears which 
 fell, when he last left you ! I felt — we all felt — how 
 ominous they were. Even my wonted humour staid 
 itself on that occasion. Yes — and I well remember, 
 too, the expression which threw us all into tears at the 
 breakfast-table, a short time before he left The Hill. 
 And yet you remember how calmly James retained his 
 seat, while others went to their rooms to shed their tears. 
 
 *' Well, my dear father, I will weep with you for a 
 moment. I feel that there is no sacrifice of manliness 
 in shedding our tears at such an hour. I know how 
 great has been your Rolicitudc for the health of James 
 — and how wishfully you have prayed that he might 
 yet, in health, appear on the walls of Zion. But I am 
 sure you will not forget the true fountain of consolation 
 at this time ; and that a right estimate of the character 
 of such an affectionate son shall bring to your bosom 
 much that shall yield comfort, and take away one half 
 of the bitterness of this providence. 
 
 " You have anticipated the pleasure which a son 
 justly prized, and that might be eminent, would afford 
 you in a declining day. But let the maxim that " H$ 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 419 
 
 has lived a long life ivho has accomplished much" be 
 recalled to your recollection. Nor think that James 
 has left behind him a name which shall not be spoken 
 of. No ; I believe that he will be remembered, and 
 cited, as in some particulars resembling, as he was 
 indeed, by family relationship, another Brainerd. 
 
 " My dear mother, may you not derive, too, some 
 solace from such considerations? I know that the sad 
 intelligence that James is no more will have broken 
 your heart. But is there no soothing power that shall 
 heal the wounded spirit, and support you in this trial? 
 Shall I tell you how, with tears, James remembered 
 you, and pledged him that if he should ever again reach 
 you he would never go beyond the reach of his mother's 
 sighs, and would die on his mother's bosom? Or, 
 shall I tell you how dear Mrs. Rice, with a mother's 
 feelings, closed his eyes and wiped the cold damps 
 from his forehead ? It is all true. And while he loved 
 you, and would have died in your arms, he yet thanked 
 God for the friend who soothed him in your absence 
 and who has wept with me, as would a sister, over his 
 precious remains. Her reward is in heaven. And in 
 this life may she receive fourfold. 
 
 " My mother, think of the happy spirit of James 
 now mingling with kindred souls. Do you not think it 
 possible, that he is a kind-one, who may still wait on 
 you for good ? I love the idea, and would that my 
 paper permitted me to dwell longer upon it. 
 
420 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 " Say to Emma, that I intended a word for her. I 
 have for you all some mementoes, which James directed 
 to be given to you. O, mamma, how happy I am, that 
 his portrait is left us. It will be a precious relic indeed. 
 
 " I hope, ere long, to see you. And will you not be 
 overjoyed when I tell you, that I shall bring Mrs. Rice 
 with me to The Hill ? I am sure you will love her ; and 
 that she will love you. 
 
 " For a little while, farewell. I must write sister M. 
 this evening. With much love to S. 
 
 " Fitch." 
 
 " My dear Brother : 
 
 " It is with indefinable feelings that I now write 
 you. Perhaps they would be best expressed were 
 I to fold this sheet and send it simply as it is — mois- 
 tened with my tears. But then I should be unmindful 
 of the debt I owe to others. 
 
 " The letters of Dr. Rice will have informed you 
 that James sleeps in the burial-place of the Mortons — 
 far from his home, but near the bosom of friends. I 
 stood beside his grave as they lowered him to his rest- 
 ing place, and felt like one who v/as alone in the world, 
 and had lost the dearest friend he had on eartb. A bolt 
 of ice seemed shooting through my heart as I gazed 
 into the cold house prepared for him, and heard the 
 earth crumble with its muffled sound upon the coffin of 
 a departed brother, but the warm pressure of a sister- 
 
JAMES BRAIxVERD TAYLOR. 421 
 
 friend who leaned upon my arm, melted it to tears. I 
 say, of a sister — for, it was in this endearing relation 
 that Mrs. R. followed our dear James to his tomb. 
 The blending of affecting sympathies over a common 
 object warms our best affections, and I never so sen- 
 sibly have felt the poverty of words, as when I would 
 speak of this admirable woman. I have already told 
 you that she has been a mother in all her attentions to 
 James. And to me, in an hour when the soul feels its 
 loneliness, and the heart is full, she has been a sistet 
 indeed, while mingUng her tears with mine, and divided 
 the anguish of my aching heart. 
 
 " Dr. Rice in his letters, I suppose, has given you an 
 account of the burial-ceremonies of James. His ser- 
 mon I deemed peculiarly appropriate. It was charac- 
 teristic of its author, while it wanted not in eloquent 
 appeal and thought. The eulogy, (if I may so speak 
 of the application of the principles of the discourse to 
 the character of James,) was grateful to mine, as it 
 would have been to the feelings of other relatives. And 
 while it was honourable to the character and attainments 
 of our dear James, I deemed the Doctor to say nothing 
 beyond the truth. It is not enough to say that James 
 was one of those choice spirits who now and then visit 
 our world. To me none but the God who has taken 
 him away can make up the loss. The relations toward 
 each other in which we have ever been placed, rendered 
 him not only doubly the brother, but also 3i friend in all 
 36 
 
422 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 the endearing ties of that relation, and an affectionate 
 adviser. The more I look at his character, the more 
 he awakens my admiration and affection. The exam- 
 ple which he has exhibited before me for seven years 
 past, I trust will never be forgotten ; while an assimula- 
 tion to him in love to God, will form a perpetual peti- 
 tion in my morning and evening prayer. 
 
 ** It has proved a source of gratification to me to 
 mark the sympathy which James awakened among the 
 people of this region. They delicately endeavoured to 
 administer to his comfort while living, and gave an ex- 
 pression of tenderness and respect to his memory, at 
 his burial. 
 
 " I leave it for the sad hour when we shall meet to 
 narrate a thousand things, which, at least, will melt 
 your heart in affection towards the dear family, in whose 
 bosom James spent his last hours. 
 
 " I shall ever remember J's last moments with deep 
 felt interest, not only as admonitory to myself, but as 
 exhibiting a plaintive scene of tender affection, which 
 must always melt the heart in the recollection. Mrs. 
 R. supported him on his right. She pressed his hand 
 alternately to her bosom, then to her lip, while the tears 
 gushed from their fountains. Here, some days previ- 
 ously, James had desired Mrs. R. to place herself, when 
 she should perceive that he was dying. He wished to 
 spend his last breath in the arms, which had so tenderly 
 nursed him. His left hand I pressed to my own cheek, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 423 
 
 and moistened with my own tears, while I watched each 
 breath that he drew. I distinctly marked the fatal one 
 which told us that he soon would be no more. A few 
 long and easy breathings succeeded, and he was gone 
 forever ! 
 
 " I shall wait with much feeling the reception of let- 
 ters from you, after your reception of Doctor R.'s letter 
 and this. God ! mercifully extend thy support to my 
 dear parents ! I know how bitterly you will all weep. 
 Think of me as one beside you, mingling my tears with 
 yours. 
 
 "F. W. T. 
 
 " P. S. Mr. Nettleton is below. I have just taken 
 tea with him. He speaks very tenderly of James ; and 
 regrets that he did not receive intelligence of his death 
 in time for him to be here at his funeral. He would 
 have been gratified to speak to the people after the 
 sermon. 
 
 " He says of J., that he assisted him more than any 
 other young man. His personal appearance was so 
 fine, and he exhibited so much of that feeling in his 
 countenance, which he loved, that he was pleased in 
 putting him forward before the young people, whenever 
 he happened to be labouring with him. 
 
 " It will give me pleasure, if so fortunate, to become 
 acquainted with this good man, and add some of his 
 experience and age, to my want of it and youth." 
 
 " Your limes, lemons, oranges porter etc., reached 
 
424 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 US this morning. Most of the limes were spoiled, and 
 some of the other fruit. After the box had been opened, 
 Mrs. R. brought some of the fruit into my room, to let 
 me see the state in which they reached us. But the 
 dear object for whom they were sent was gone. We 
 again thought of our brother who sleeps in his grave, 
 and mingled our tears. Mrs. R. had left the room a 
 moment, and then returned again, and found me at the 
 window, indulging my grief. She wept with me, and 
 then spoke of my friends. She felt like one of my sis- 
 ters, she said, and she wished to appear like one of them, 
 when she should meet them at the North. She there- 
 fore would be pleased when their mourning dresses are 
 purchased, that one should be made at the same time for 
 her, to be ready for her when she reaches Bond-street. 
 
 *' 7th. I have taken a ride with Mrs. R. to-day, and 
 called upon a Mr. H. He has been some time indis- 
 posed, but is now recovering. He is a member of the 
 Seminary. He appears to be an interesting man, and 
 will partake of some of the articles, so affectionately de- 
 signed for brother James. 
 
 " I well remember a remark you made on the evening 
 I left you — that circumstances might render it pleasant 
 for me to spend a short time here, in case of the death 
 of James, unless his burial-place, being near, might 
 make it otherwise. But the idea that James is resting 
 in a grave, but a little way from me, does not make my 
 stay irksome. It is true, that a thousand things around 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 425 
 
 recall him to my mind, and awake a train of associations 
 that often makes me sad — very sad. But then, I love 
 these emotions. I love to shed my tears at the recol- 
 lection of my brother. It is then I realize the truth as 
 well as the delicacy of the sentiment, that 
 
 * There is joy in tears.' 
 
 " Several of your letters have been received since the 
 death of James. Mr. Bruen's reached here after James 
 had left us. It grieves me to read these letters, penned 
 in ignorance of J.'s death, and expressive of so much 
 affectionate anxiety, when he, to whom they were ad- 
 dressed, was already gone to a realm, where solicitude 
 and care never come. And yet, the letters give us a 
 melancholy pleasure." 
 
 The news of Mr. Taylor's death reached his friends 
 in New- York, who were waiting the intelligence of every 
 mail, with the deep solicitude and sorrow of afflicted and 
 affectionate kindred. It reached them, and the sad 
 story ended their suspense, and augmented their grief. 
 
 A younger sister, then in New-York, was on the 
 eve of leaving for the residence of her father at Mid- 
 dle-Haddam, Connecticut. She was the bearer of 
 the sad and fearfully expected intelligence to The Hill. 
 
 The letter from this sister, with a note attached to it, 
 by her father, was returned to the relatives in New- York, 
 36* 
 
426 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 and may appropriately be introduced here, as the closing 
 paragraph of this Tribute of Friends to the Mem- 
 ory OF one of their number. 
 
 " I now attempt to write a few lines to grant your re- 
 quest, and inform you of my safe arrival. We had a 
 fine passage through the sound. We reached Middle- 
 Haddam about nine o'clock. It will be in vain for me 
 to attempt to relate my feelings, when I came in sight 
 of our house. I thought within me, can I — must I tell 
 my dear parents that our dear James is gone ! Ah, 
 that it should have fallen to me to bear this afflicting 
 news ! Yes — my father met me. Of course, the in- 
 telligence entered his ears. It appeared as if he would 
 not reach the house. He did reach the door, and there 
 seated himself, with feelings, to appearance, insupport- 
 able. And before I entered the house, I heard the 
 deep-felt moans of my dear and afflicted mother. It 
 appears as if they would sink under this affliction. But 
 they have a source to flee to which all have not, and I 
 trust our heavenly Father will be their stay in these 
 trying moments. Mamma says, tell my children that I 
 am a poor, afflicted mother. Pray that our parents may 
 be supported, and that this bereavement may be for the 
 good of the souls of us all. 
 
 " I wish it were convenient for K. or J. to come up, 
 and spend a few days with us. It would comfort their 
 dear parents. Give my love to all. Mamma sends 
 much lover 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 427 
 
 "If brother F. writes, we wish you would imme- 
 diately forward the letters. 
 
 *' I close my letter to give papa an opportunity to add 
 a note." 
 
 " My dear and afflicted Children : 
 
 ** This is to acknowledge the reception of your 
 letters, conveying intelligence of the death of our dear 
 and beloved child and brother. You know, my dear 
 children, how I love you all. And truly, it is not in 
 my power, by this pen, to describe to you my feelings. 
 
 " He, whom we all loved, is no more. He has gone 
 to the God who gave him to us. And blessed be his 
 name for what He did for that dear child, and brother, 
 in the manifestations of his love towards him, for so 
 many years, and particularly in his last moments. 
 
 " My dear children, this is a loud call to us. We 
 know not which of those who remain, will be called 
 next, but according to the common course of families, 
 some of us must soon be summoned to follow on, to 
 give in our account. May we, by having our lamps 
 trimmed and burning, be ready at any moment. 
 
 " I should be ungrateful indeed, if I did not acknow- 
 ledge, with thanks, to you, my dear K., what you have 
 so liberally contributed to our dear James for his educa- 
 tion, and especially for his comfort in these, his last 
 moments of decline and death. May that God who is 
 the rewarder of every good deed abundantly bless you 
 here and hereafter, with spiritual and temporal blessings. 
 
428 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 And I would, with grateful feelings also, acknowledge 
 the kindness of E., and J. H., and R., in what they 
 have done for the happiness of dear James. May God 
 bless you all. 
 
 " My love to the little boys, and God grant that they 
 and all of our little ones may be blessed. 
 
 "Jeremiah Taylor." 
 
 b 
 
ADDENDA. 
 
 The succeeding extracts are from a communication 
 by the Rev. Mr. S., who is now no more. He had 
 been much engaged in the scenes of religious excite- 
 ment, which pervaded the New-England churches, be- 
 tween the years of eighteen hundred twenty-three and 
 thirty. Mr. Taylor, during his vacations, was often 
 thrown in{o the company of this clergyman, and labour- 
 ed with him. From their frequent intercourse, he had 
 an opportunity to know Mr. Taylor well, and formed, 
 as will be seen, a friendship for him, which was as en- 
 during as life; and we doubt not is now renewed, 
 where friendships and happiness are neither broken nor 
 marrrd by change in circumstance, or cessation of 
 years. 
 
 " I first saw the face of your brother," he writes to Mr. 
 K. Taylor, " in East-Haddam, Connecticut, on the 7th 
 of October, 1823, in the midst of one of the most majestic 
 and triumphant marches of sovereign grace, which I ever 
 witnessed. In view of this great work of God, he came 
 to labour, and to pray, and to rejoice, with us. During 
 this, his first visit, though of short duration, it was very 
 obvious that he was taking a deep interest in the revi- 
 vals, which at that time were sp,reading their influences 
 through the churches, in this section of Zion. At se- 
 
430 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 veral different times and places, as I had already learn- 
 ed, his labours in exhortation, prayer, and private con- 
 versation, had been blessed in the hopeful conversion of 
 numbers. His conversation, at this time, most clearly 
 evinced that the salvation of sinners was a subject, 
 which, of all others, lay nearest to his heart. In short, 
 his meekness, his docility, and above all, his spirituality, 
 on this occasion, inspired me with high expectations of 
 his future usefulness. And I may safely say, that the 
 few subsequent years of his life more than reahzed 
 these expectations. 
 
 " In evidence that I did not, at this time, stand alone 
 in this high estimate of his character, especially in re- 
 ference to spiritual-mindedness, for which he was ever 
 after so remarkable, I will here introduce a shortextract 
 from a letter which I received about that time, from an 
 intelligent gentleman, who, after expressing his great 
 concern for the more general promotion of revivals of 
 religion, says : * Our friend, James B. Taylor, has re- 
 cently spent several days with us. I do think his visits 
 have a happy effect on my family. He appears to be 
 one of the most heavenly-minded, one of the most se- 
 rene and happy persons, I have ever met with. I ex- 
 ceedingly desire that he should have some better 
 opportunities in revivals of religion.' Young Taylor 
 was at this time engaged in his preparatory course for 
 college. 
 
 " On the sixteenth of September, 1824, our personal 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 431 
 
 intercourse was renewed, in the city of New- York, and 
 continued daily until he took his leave, in November, 
 for college. During these few weeks, my attachment 
 was very much matured ; and every day's observation, 
 increased my conviction that he was no ordinary Chris- 
 tian — thathe was emphatically, a holy man — a star of 
 the first magnitude. There was no other young man 
 within my knowledge, who appeared to be so heartily, and 
 so wholly devoted to the work of extending the kingdom 
 of Christ on earth, as he was. 
 
 "Of deadness to the world, and of living for Christ, 
 I never before saw such a practical illustration — not 
 occasionally, but constantly. And here I would record, 
 to the glory of God, and for the consideration of all who 
 call themselves Christians, and especially for those who 
 are destined for the ministry, or who are in it, that du- 
 ring our whole intercourse, for more than five years, in 
 which he was often with me, by night and by day, and 
 sometimes for weeks together, that I never knew him, 
 for a moment, indulging in conduct or conversation, 
 which would have occasioned the least incongruity in 
 entering immediately on the solemn duty of speaking to 
 God, in prayer. To such a degree was he dead to the 
 world, that, as I well recollect, in a ride to one of our 
 benevolent institutions, a few miles from the city, which 
 had been brought about at his own suggestion, I found 
 it difficult to interest him sufficiently in surrounding ob- 
 jects to satisfy my inquiries, which curiosity naturally 
 
432 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 excited in the mind of a stranger. I afterwards ascer- 
 tained, that this, and several other hke excursions, were 
 brought about for the express purpose of having the 
 opportunity of interrogating as to certain facts, and 
 collecting certain particulars, in relation to several 
 revivals of religion, of which I had been an eye- 
 witness. 
 
 *' So far as human instrumentality is concerned, in 
 revivals of religion, he made it a business ofavaiUng 
 himself, as far as possible, of the observation and expe- 
 rience of others. With a single exception, I was never 
 acquainted with a man who was so indefatigable in ac- 
 quiring information relative to the duties and trials of 
 ministers, at such times. Often would he urge his re- 
 quest that all the minute circumstances of individual 
 cases, of awakening and conversions, so far as known, 
 might be rehearsed ; and in those parts of the relations 
 which, to most, would have been tedious and uninte- 
 resting, he appeared to derive high satisfaction. To 
 those cases which were marked by any peculiarity, 
 he would afterwards aud frequently revert — tracing out 
 the connexion between the means used of God, and 
 the end brought about in his purposes of saving mercy. 
 
 " Among other subjects of enquiry of this nature, he 
 felt deeply concerned to know, in any given revival, 
 what class of persons were more generally affected — 
 what subjects were discussed at the different stages of 
 the work — what sermons, and under what circum- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 433 
 
 stances preached, were especially blessed — what were 
 the stronger features of those cases of awakening, 
 which most especially resulted in a gracious change — 
 contrasting such, with others more lingering and less 
 promising. 
 
 " In his interviews with ministers and experienced 
 Christians, I have often found him solicitous to know 
 how they would converse with persons awakened to the 
 inquiry, " What must I do," &c., under such different 
 circumstances as he would name. When in the field, 
 and called to labour with such cases as strongly resisted 
 the ordinary means of grace, and even special opera- 
 tions of the Holy Spirit, his wisdom in marking the 
 besetting sin, and in levelling the artillery of truth at the 
 real difficullij has evidenced repeatedly that his remarks, 
 in this very essential department of ministerial useful- 
 ness, were not in vain. 
 
 *' I have often, when seated by his side, under 
 preaching, which was evidently taking powerful effect, 
 been delighted at the apparent accuracy with which he 
 Y,_ would anticipate the different results on the minds of 
 hearers, with whose exercises of mind he had some 
 previous acquaintance. At other times, I have listened 
 with him, to sermons of an ent'rely different complexion. 
 It appeared to be intensely painful to him to hear those, 
 who, while ministering in Christ's name, would indulge 
 in mere declamation, or such external ornaments as 
 tended more to gratify the pride of man, or to secure po- 
 37 
 
434 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 pular applause than to convince men that they were 
 lost, and that none but Christ could save. I have 
 more than once heard him express his strong suspicions 
 that the fruitless efforts of many, even for years toge- 
 ther, so generally attributed to some other cause than 
 any such as would implicate the wisdom or faithfulness 
 of the instrument, might after all, most safely be resolv- 
 ed into some deficiency in the matter or manner of the 
 ministration. I know that his prevailing belief on this 
 subject was, that when those means which have their 
 tendency to produce seiious consideration and esteem 
 on the part of the unrenewed mind, if rightly brought to 
 bear upon that mind would most likely produce the 
 event which these means contemplated. 
 
 " The docility of the mind of Mr. Taylor in relation 
 to all such subjects as would be likely to effect his 
 future usefulness, as an ambassador of God, was, with 
 many who knew him best, a subject of admiration. 
 Were it now more generally found in young men, in 
 like circumstances, I doubt not it would be exceedingly 
 conducive to their future usefulness. Often have I had 
 an occasion i^ot only to admire his teachable disposition 
 but the inf^eniiovsness^ with which, in reviewing his ear- 
 lier efforts in revivals, he would point out instances of 
 indiscretion, and the unhappy results consequent thereon. 
 
 " I have dwelt more particularly on his character 
 as the friend, and the successful promoter of revivals of 
 religion for the purpose of rendering more intelligible 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 
 
 435 
 
 some expressions of his letters, herewith commu- 
 nicated." 
 
 When alluding to one of these letters, containing a 
 narrative of one of those melting seasons so often de- 
 scribed in the writings of Mr. T., the writer of the com- 
 munication from which we are quoting further remarks, 
 * That, to the persons who never saw Mr. Taylor at 
 one of those favoured hours, when he seemed to enter 
 into the holiest of all, and spake to God, as it were, face 
 to face, I can convey but a faint idea of the extremely 
 interesting light in which he appeared as a child of 
 grace, thirsting for holiness and God." 
 
 This writer, in continuing his communication, further 
 remarks in connection with a season, which, Mr. Taylor 
 spent with his, by special invitation, during one of his 
 college vacations. " On the 14th of April, agreeably 
 to our expectations, our dear brother comforted us by his 
 presence. At this date, the revival had extended into 
 R., and had just formed that interesting crisis, in which 
 the majestic movement of sovereign grace seems to 
 bring the stoutest hearts to a solemn pause. 
 
 " On his arrival, so far from being behind the spirit 
 of the times, as is the case with many in similar circum- 
 stances who visit such favoured places, we found him 
 prepared, at once, to enter most heartily into the work. 
 For some weeks he gave himself up to exhortation and 
 prayer, and visiting from house to house. 
 
 " It is evident from the success which attended his 
 
436 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 labours during the day of groat things, that he possess- 
 ed a most happy talent, as an instrument in the hands 
 of God, for arrousing the attention of the inconsiderate 
 and hardened sinner. The kindness and the earnestness 
 with which he would urge an immediate attention to the 
 interests of eternity was enough to move a heart of 
 stone. Rarely did his entreaties fail of securing, at 
 least a resolution, that this business of such infinite mo- 
 ment, should no longer be neglected. 
 
 " So abundant were the labours to be performed at 
 this time, that several meetings in different neighbour- 
 hoods, were committed to his charge. No messages 
 were more eagerly heard than his. And v/e are happy 
 to have it in our power to say, that not afeiv, to this day, 
 hold him in most affectionate remembrance, as their 
 spiritual father. 
 
 " At one period of his labours, in this place, ' certain 
 fellows of the baser sort' banded themselves together for 
 the purpose of afl^ecting some little opposition to his 
 success ; and in more than one instance they hailed 
 him, as he passed by, in opprobrious language. But I 
 could not discover that his feelings were even ruffled, 
 in the K? . He would sometimes, with a smiling 
 countenance, relate such circumstances, adding, ' how 
 glorious to be reviled for Christ's sake.' 
 
 " The interesting scenes through which he passed 
 during this refreshing season of religious feeling, evi- 
 dently contributed to his great happiness. His spirit- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR, 437 
 
 ual enjoymentf at limes, surpassed every thing; I ever wit' 
 nessed. Sometimes, when he had laid his head upon 
 his pillow at a late hour of night, laden with the fatigues 
 of the day, he would turn his thoughts away from others 
 more especially to himself, and commune with his own 
 heart. He would break out often in the strongest lan- 
 guage of abhorrence. ' A vile worm !' ' Infinitely 
 vile ;' and other language to this import. And these 
 exclamations would be frequently interrupted by the 
 most bitter weepings and heart-breakings conceivable. 
 At other times he would seem to dissolve into tears, 
 while admiring and extolling the greatness of Christ's 
 love — the glories of his character — the wonders of his 
 grace. Never did I fed a more prevailing conviction, 
 that there was but here and there a saint on earth, than 
 when witnessing in him such wrestlings and pantmgs 
 for holiness and God. 
 
 " Should any one think that these seasons of self- 
 abhorrence, which are sometimes described in his let- 
 ters and journal, savor of extravagance, they are invited 
 to read some parts of President Edward's experience." 
 
 The communication from which I am quoting con- 
 tinues. 
 
 "I can hardly forbear, in this connexion, to relate 
 some circumstances, which come to my knowledge in 
 proof that his benevolence exerted itself not in word only, 
 but also in deed 
 
 " During our intercourse in the autumn of 1824, he 
 
438 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 became, by some means, acquainted with the circum- 
 stances of a clergyman, who, by sickness in his family, 
 and some unforeseen extra-expenses attending it, was 
 somewhat straitened for a time in his pecuniary concerns. 
 No sooner did Mr. Taylor become acquainted with the 
 fact than he procured funds, to my certain knowledge, 
 in amount abundantly sufficient to relieve his pressing 
 necessities. 
 
 *' In another instance, under circumstances not dis- 
 simmilar, I knew of his effecting relief to the amount of 
 more than one hundred dollars. 
 
 " On another occasion he met with a clergyman, 
 whose labours had been abundant, and whose garments 
 waxed old in this service, and who, he supposed, had 
 not adequate means for renewing them. Ascertaining 
 his next place of destination, he dropped a line to an 
 acquaintance living near by, requested him to hunt out 
 said clergyman, remembering the injunction of Christ, 
 * clothe the naked,' &c. His request was fully com- 
 plied with, and the clergyman reaped the full benefit of 
 his thoughtful consideration of his necessitous circum- 
 stances. 
 
 " In the autumn of 1826, 1 knew of his meeting with 
 an indigent, pious young man, who had just completed 
 his college-studies, and was now on his way to the 
 south, — necessity being laid upon him to teach school, 
 for some two or three years, in order to raise funds suf- 
 ficient to prosecute his theological studies. Our la- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 
 
 439 
 
 merited Taylor took him by the hand. * Dear brother,' 
 said he, ' you are considerably advanced in life ; and as 
 you"'are looking forward to the ministry, and labourers 
 are so few and so much needed in the field, I regret 
 that you should be so long detained. Suppose you 
 should stay with me a day or two, and think of the sub- 
 ject.^ His friend complied ; and in the course of a very 
 few days, he was supplied with such pecuniary assist- 
 ance, that he immediately entered one of our theologi- 
 cal seminaries, and is now in the ministry, thrusting in 
 the sickle. 
 
 *' The preceding are but a few of the many deeds of 
 his charity which fell under my own observation. And 
 in effecting such purposes of kindness, I do not think I 
 ever knew a person so especially careful to keep himself 
 out of view. I do not now recall one instance where he 
 afterwards reverted to what he had done in this way. 
 
 " The active benevolence of Mr. Taylor, was not 
 confined, however, to feeding the hungry and clothing 
 the naked. Such another earthly comforter at the sick- 
 bed side, I never saw. In visiting the children of God, 
 at such times, I have repeatedly known him the instru- 
 ment of dissipating the clouds of thick darkness, and 
 bringing the mind into a state of almost unspeakable 
 ecstasy. How often, and with what astonishing effect 
 has he sung to the sick and dying, the hymn commenc- 
 ing with the followin<T stanza : 
 
440 TRIBUTE TO JAMES BRAlNERD TAYLOR. 
 
 *' Brethren, ■while we sojourn here, 
 Fight we must, but should not fear. ,4fi^ 
 Foes we have, but we've a friend, 
 One that loves us to the end ; 
 Onward then with courage go, 
 Long we shall not dwell below ; 
 Soon the joyful news will come,- 
 CMld, your Father calls you home." 
 
 *' The affection I entertained for your brother," con- 
 cludes the writer of this paper, from which we have 
 been quoting, '*can never be tol^by peri^iind ink.^ To 
 be the subject of his prayers, was to be among »t&e pri- 
 vileged. To commune ^vith him in supplicating the 
 throne of grace — in songs of praise — and in converse, 
 . was delight that ihe happiest might envy. I never 
 knew the person who, in word and action, and in the 
 whole man, savoured so much of the heavenly. The 
 remembrance of him fills my heart with sorrow; while, 
 at the same time, I have a conviction which admits of 
 no one. doubt, that our loss is his gain. 
 
 " He longed for the beautiful and the perfect of the 
 coming state. His pure s])irit is now enjoying it, in the 
 delicate perceptions of his beautiful mind, and the full 
 and joyous gust of sensibilities so characterized for 
 their refinement, depth, and overflowing tenderness." 
 
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