SKETCH OF MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, OF THE M. E. CHURCH BY REV. F. E. MARINE. "Earth Exclianged for Heaven." Behold ! God is my SALVATION ; I will trust and not be afraid ; for JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my sal- vation. ISAIAH xii: 2. Epitaph of J. H. BALTIMORE, M i>. HOFFMAN &. CO., I'RINTEIIS No. 295 W. Baltimore Street. 1879 Entered according lo an Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by REV. FLETCHER E. MARINE, In the office- of the Lilrarian of C(.-n$ress, at Watfiingtofl, D C. BY REV. ISAAC P. COOK, OF BALTIMORE. Rev. Fletcher E. Marine, author of the Life of the lat Rev. John Hersey, has modestly styled his valuable publica- tion, a "Sketch," of that remarkable and well known, itiner- ant local preacher, plain and unpretentious, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The accompanying pages have been examined with thrilling interest, and pleasant memories of that holy, self-denying, charitable man of God. All who ever knew him, will recognize the unique portraiture of the man, whose single object was to glorify God, and promote the salvation of his fellow-men. To all other Christian people, the volume may prove to be a pleasing, useful contribution to religious biography. The advent of Mr. Hersey. as missionary and street preach- er in Baltimore City, occurred in 1836. At that period, the "Wesleyan Home Missionary Society" was formed and which still exists. The now departed Samuel M. Barry, was Presi- dent ; John Nelson McJilton, Secretary, and the writer, Treasurer. The objects of the Society were to improve the religious condition of the poor and neglected, and to relieve their tem- poral necessities as far as possible. On the presentation of a proper Church certificate of char- acter, Mr. Hersey was employed as missionary for two years, at a salary of three hundred dollars per annum, which was paid by the Society. Permission was obtained from the then Mayor of Baltimore, for Mr. Hersey to preach the Gospel in the streets and mar- ket places. His first sermon was delivered near the centre of the city, in a neighborhood of more than doubtful character. The INTRODUCTION. hearers formed a motley crowd, from well dressed ladies and gentlemen, down to the old timed sweep boy, with his sooty blanket ; the order was excellent and the sermon impressive. That was the commencement of almost daily preaching in private houses and public places, by that tireless, faithful Christian missionary. The public were assured, that money donated to charity, would not be expended for any other purpose, than the relief of the worthy -poor, with fuel and bread. Contributions large and small, were generously made by all religious denom- inations. The late excellent Henry Patterson, of the Baptist Church and the late worthy Charles Howard, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, on more than one occasion, quietly threw into the door of the house of the treasurer, fifty dollars each, with the simple endorsement "Feed the poor." These were evidences of the stronghold which Mr. Her- sey' s piety and faithfulness had on the public mind. The same work of religious charity was continued for a number of years, by his indefatigable successors in mission- ary work. The formation .and admirable management of the City "Association for the relief of the poor," rendered smaller sources of aid, however useful, comparatively unnecessary. From the above date, the name of John Hersey, became almost a household word in Baltimore city. Mr. Marine's "Sketch"' of that devoted missionary, fur- nishes far more important and interesting facts. All who knew Mr. Hersey. are aware that he was a peculiar man in dress, articles of food, places and hours for rest, in fasting and prayer. His manner of life, sometimes rendered him caustic and severe, t6wards those who did not fully meas- ure up to his standard of morals. At a certain camp meeting, Mr. Hersey had preached at night from the narrative, which includes the words : "Jesus I know, and Paul I know ; but whq are ye ?" The preachers at the proper time, had nearly all retired to their tents for repose. A belated minister, found his usual bed occupied by some other person ; full of wit and humor, the minister ex- claimed "Paul I know, and these brethren I know; but who art INTRODUCTION. TJ thou in my bed?" That was too much for Mr. Hersey, who was never known to laugh. He instantly arose from his pal- let and administered a scathing rebuke for trifling with the Scriptures. He was reminded that the words only partly quoted, were uttered by an evil spirit, and not by the blessed Jesus, or His Apostle Paul. On another occasion, long before day-break, Mr. Hersey had arisen from his hard bed, and began earnest prayer to God, which he uttered aloud, to the discomfort of the sleeping ministers in the same tent. The late Rev. John Davis, remarkable for piety and good sense, arose from his bed and addressed Mr. Hersey at a proper time: "Before I retire to rest, I pray to Almighty God for the pardon of all my sins, and for my protection during the night. Not ex- pecting to sin in my sleep, I can safely trust my soul and body to His protection, until the night be past. You seem to be afraid to trust God, and are disturbing your brethren with your prayers before day-break." The cheerful sun light of Christian pleasure, would have been a great relief to Mr. Hersey, in his pilgrimage to heav- en. No man, however religious, can be a perfect model for his fellow men. The good should be imitated, the doubtful avoided. In the most important respect, Mr. Hersey may be followed safely by all. Holy, ardent, constant devotion to God. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is tliis. To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." That pure religion he possessed and practiced. Such a life had a glorious consummation. His last hours on earth, were scenes of glorious triumph, through the Lord Jesus Christ. "Well done, thou good and faithful ser- vant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." December, 1879. (X)NTENTS. INTRODUCTION AND PREFACE. CHAPTER PAGE 1 Sketch of Rev. John Hersey, 5 2 Indian Agency in Alabama, 1819, - - 11 3 Entering upon his work as a preacher, -. 17 4 His Christian and ministerial character, - - 19 5 African Mission at Cape Palmas, 1833, - 31 6 Return from Liberia, 7 Curious Boy, 42 8 Miscellaneous Subjects, - - 44 9 Will the Machine be going ? - - 57 10 Letter from Rev. J. F. Chaplain - - 65 11 Labors on Church Hill Circuit, 68 Dorchester " - 71 12 Reminiscences by Rev. S. W. Thomas, - 77 Recollections by a Friend, - 81 Letter from the Rev. J. Pasterfield, 83 13 Baltimore City Mission in 1853, - 84 14 Letters from Ministers, 89 15 Recollections Robert Turner's Letter - 102 16 His last days on earth, . .105 MISCELLANEOUS. PAGE Mr. Hersey's Diary in 1853, - 141 Sermon on "Christian Warfare." - 187 Address to our Christian Friends 195 Learning and Learned Institutions, - 197 Mr. Hersey's Publications - 207 Interesting Letters to various persons, - - 208 CONCLUSION, ------- 224 -PREFACE- Biography of one who is no more, is the taking that indi- vidual from the dust, that he may live over again his past history, and impress afresh upon his friends his various traits lovely or otherwise, to a prosterity who knew him not. Another reason for it is, the subject of it was connected with enterprises, the distant outlines of which, will ever be held dear into whatever section of country that enterprise may be carried. As long as the civilization of America and Africa, and their religious redemption shall be dear to the Philan- thropist, so long every memoir will be valued that may give the history of an individual that has connected with him a single important incident in the commencement of so great a work. John Hersey who was extensively known for his plainness, simplicity and zealous preaching of pure Christianity, in Africa and in the United States North and South ; tales of his Courage, of his valor, his deeds of daring, worthy of the days of Martyrs, hath awakened in me an ardent desire to know more concerning him. I have been trying to learn his history, and rescue from oblivion, facts that would soon be lost forever. The history of many of the noble pioneers of Methodism is unwritten, except in the records of eternity ; many of them died and were buried, and no monument, or tombstone, to tell where their dust is sleeping. There is an unwritten history, which, if it could be recovered, would be invaluable to the church ; but it is now too lute. How few of the men who were acquainted with Methodism in its heroic age, re- main to tell the story ; this shows the importance of early gathering up historical facts and incidents, and recording them ; for the fathers will not be with us long to repeat the story. The fathers, where are they ? and the prophets, do they live forever ? In order to obtain light in regard to Father Ilcrscy, I have conversed with those who were personally acquainted with him, and with others I have corresponded. The author takes pleasure in referring to the assistance which he received in the preparation of the work, from Rev J. F. Chaplain, D.D., G. W. Lybrand, J. Pasterfield, M. C. Johnson, S. W. Thomas, of the Philadelphia Conference : Rev. B. F. Price, Joseph Dare, J. A. Brindle. J. T. Van- berkalow, Rev. E. J. Way, of the Wilmington Conference ; Rev. J. H. Brown, D. D., George W. Cooper, of the Balti- more Conference, the Maryland Historical Society, the Pea- body Institute, the History of Methodism, by Revs. N. Bangs and J. Lednum ; also, the Annual Reports of Local Preachers' National Conventions. He also returns thanks to many of his brethren in the ministry, and membership, for important facts furnished, as to this servant of the most High ; particularly Rev. Charles Reese, at whose house Father Hersey exchang- ed mortality for immortality, shouting with his expiring breath, "Salvation;" who kindly placed in my possession, letters and what information he was in possession of, in refer- ence to his old friend, with the, hope and prayer that I would be able to furnish to the church and world, the life and character of Father Hersey. I have done the best I could, under, I believe the guidance of Divine Providence ; how far I have succeeded, shall leave others to judge ; but after all, theie is an unwritten history of the wonderful man, whose fame is in all the churches, and will long be remem- bered. The fragmentary leaves we have been able to gather only make us desire a more complete history ; we have only the outlines, we would have a full and perfect portrait ; we have only the preface, we wish for the volume. This little book has cost me more time and labor, than I shall ever receive credit for ; but if it has rescued one of the noble heroes of Methodism from oblivion, that otherwise would have perished and been forgotten, and if it inspires any with a hatred to sin, and a love for righteousness ; if the publication of this memoir shall be the means of reviving the earlier spirit of Methodism, and contributing to the return to its former purity, spirituality and simplicity. I shall not regret my labor of love. F. E. M. "SKETCH- CHAPTER I. Seventeen years, Nov. 17th, 1879, will have passed away, since that unyielding champion of the Cross JOHN HERSEY^ fell, sword in hand, shouting, "victory! victory !! victory !!! salvation ;" loaded with honors, covered with glory, and went up to receive his crown JOHN HERSEY was one of the most remarkable men of an age, that developed many striking characters in the Methodist Episcopal Ministry, as a self-sacrificing Christian minister of the New Testament ; teaching by precept and example, the way to the Kingdom of Heaven few his equals none his superiors. To Delaware, we are indebted for this remarkable man of God. Wilmington was among the earliest settlements in the country ; Fort Christianna, near where the city now stands, fell before the fire of the artillery of the Danes, and the sur- rounding country passed from under the dominion of Sweden in 1665. In the suburbs of the city, still remains the quaint old church of those distant times, and around it are the graves of pastors and members who died in the early part of the seventeenth century, whose bodies there await the final resurrection. Near the church mingles the waters of the Christianna and the romantic Brandywine ; eight miles above, on the llth of September, 1777, the waters of the last named stream, ran crimson from Chad's ford, where the battle of Brandywine was fought and lost. Methodism was introduced into Delaware, by Capt. Thos. Webb, in 1769 ; the first Methodist Society in the State was formed in New Castle County, 1770. Just four miles beyond, or west of Christianna, there lived Isaac and Jane Ilersey, where it is written in history, that as early as 1771, they opened their house to Methodist Preachers and Mtthodtst Prtaching ; here a society was raised up, and afterwards a church called Salem, was built 6 SKETCH OF about 1809. This is one of the oldest appointments in the State of Delaware. The house of his brother, Solomon Hersey, was the first place at which Mr. Asbury preached on the Manor, Cecil County, Maryland. He had the preach- ing at his house for a number of years ; and though the first Methodist preaching on the Eastern shore of Maryland was in Kent County, yet the evidence in the case leads to the be- lief, that the first society on this shore was formed at Solomon Hersey 's house, in 1772. This society is still represented at the Manor Chapel. Another brother of his, Benjamin Hersey, was the leading spirit, if not the father of the union appointment on Smyrna Circuit; Rev. Benjamin Abbot preached at another brother's, named J. Hersey, in 1780. JOHN HERSEY, son of Isaac and Jane Hersey, was born August 2nd, 1786. His family being identified with the early history of Methodism, the subject of this Memoir, enjoyed from these connections, marked religious advantages. He often referred to the influence of mothers, and spoke in his last illness of his own precious mother, and that in answer to her prayers, he was brought to Christ. She in early life was a Friend, and wben she became a Methodist, she retained the simplicity of manner and plainness of dress, which charac- terizes that people. Highly favored as he was, he spent the earlier years of his manhood, as a man of the world. In early life he was convinced that the Lord had a work for him to do. As he grew up to riper years, his convictions were, that at some period of his life, he would be a Methodist Preacher. In more mature years he threw off those convic- tions, by conforming to the gayety, fashions, and sinful pleasures of the world ; his venerable parents died before he reached his majority ; the date of their demise we are not in possession of. Bishop Asbury who paid them his annual visits from the year 1772, writes, August 1st, 1801 : "I could not pass my old friend, Isaac Hersey, without calling; we could with gratitude review the past, and dwell upon the present dealings of the Lord with us as a people, and say What hath God wrought?" The last entry which he makes in his journal of his old friend I H., is, Aug. 3rd, 1802: "Came as far as Isaac Hersey's, dined with him" ; the proba- bility, before his next annual round, his old friend was away in the Glory-land. JOHN HERSEY. r The boyhood and youth of John Hersey passed swiftly away no more eventful, than may be inferred from the humble quietness of his situation. It was an important period to him ; for he was laying the foundation of his usefulness, in the hardihood, industry, energy and intelligence of his character. At an early period of his eventful life we hear of him opera- ting salt works in the lower county, on the Eastern shore of Maryland. It is related that Father Hersey, when a young man of 23, was much overcome by listening to a sermon preach- ed by Rev. Freeborn Garrettson, at Georgetown, D. C., at the house of Bro. Elliason, who was a relative of Father Hersey ; he was at this time a visitor, and meeting here this aged servant of God, and former pastor and friend of his father's house, no wonder he should be overcome. How painfully pleasing the fond recollection Of youthful emotions and innocent joy, When blessed with parental advice and affection, Surrounded with mercies, with peace from on high, I still view the chair of my father and mother, The seats of their offspring as ranged on each hand, And that richest book which excels every other, The family Bible which lay on the stand, The old-fashioned Bible, the dear blessed Bible, The family Bible that lay on the stand. That Bible, the volume of God's inspiration, At morn and at evening could yield us delight, The prayer of our sire was a sweet invocation, For mercy by day, and safety through night ; Our hymns of thanksgiving with harmony swelling, All warm from the heart of a family band, Half raised us from earth to that rapturous dwelling, Described in the Bible that Jay on the stand, The old-fashioned Bible, the dear blessed Bible, The family Bible that lay on the stand. Ye scenes of tranqnilitj', long have we parted, My hopes almost gone, and my parents no more, In sorrow and sadness, I live broken hearted, And wwnder unknown on a far distant shore ; Yet how can I doubt my Kedeemer's protection, Forgetful of gifts from His bountiful hand .' Oh, let mo with patience receive His correction, And think of the Bible that lay on the stand. The old-fashioned Bible, the dear blessed Bible, > The family Bible that Iny on the stand. 8 SKETCH OF Bro. Garrettson was now paying his last visit to his spirit- ual children who had come from Delaware, and the Eastern shore of Maryland, and settled in Washington and George- town. In speaking of this visit, Bro. Garrettsen in his journal (at Baltimore.) writes : June 26th, 1809, "I took the stage, and in the evening, arrived at Georgetown: I lodged at Mr. Elliason's, a very worthy family ; they are some of my old Eastern shore friends. The 27th, I preached in the evening to many people, with a degree of freedom ; 28th, in the afternoon, Bro. Elliason came for me ; this evening I preached in Georgetown again ; here we have a respectable society; and had I been an Apostle, they could not have treated me much better." Although Mr. Hersey was much affected on this occasion, all those impressions passed away in the life of gayety, which he led; he always declared that he would be a Methodist Preacher before his death, which was completely verified. John Hersey, about this time, established himself in Mer-. can tile business in Georgetown, D C., and one writer in- forms us, he purchased in New York sixty thousand dollars worth of goods and paid for them, but a second adventure was not so successful The state of the country at this period was unsettled; war was declared with Great Britain, and "to arms" was the cry from Massachusetts to Georgia, on both land and sea. The British having entered Washing- ton in 1814, burnt the Capitol and President's house, as well as destroying private property ; soon after the war came to a close, a collapse in business circles caused him to fail. Rev. Wm. C. Lipscomb, an aged minister of the M. P. Church, of Washington, D. C., writes March 19th, 1879: "Father Hersey 65 or 70 years ago, during his early man- hood, was engaged in mercantile business in Georgetown, D. C. ; during this period of Mr. Hersey's life, he was a gay and fashionable young man. What cause produced his fail- ure, I never heard ; soon after this occurred, he left George- town : where he went I never knew; he subsequently return- ed, but evidently, a very different man think at that time he had commenced preaching. During his sojourn thenceforth, we became pretty well acquainted, and he passed a few months in my family. I esteemed him as a very pious, self-denying Christian, though extremely eccen- tric in his dress." Bro. Thomas S. Clark, a venerable and JOHN MERSEY. 9 highly esteemed member of the M. E. Church, in E. Balto. Station, informs the writer, that he heard of Father llersey when a boy ; he was in the milling business, in Mathews Co. , Virginia. C. B. Hudgins, an aged and esteemed Baptist brother, writes : Mathews Co., Va., Aug. 4th, 1879. DEAR SIR : Received your letter of inquiry of Rev. John Hersey. There was such a man came to Mathews Co.; the date I do- not know, but believe it was in the year of 1815 or 16 ; where he came from I do not know ; he ran a saw and grist mill, which were burnt down ; during the time he ran those mills, he was a wicked man. I was a mill boy, that used to go to his mills, but the Lord took his heart by taking his mills away. Hersey left Mathews County; when he returned, he was a changed man, altogether. I do believe he was a converted man. He then traveled to Richmond, Fredericksburg and elsewhere, preaching ; he wore his beard and hair the same length, well down his back, he wore no shoes on his feet, would not sleep on a bed, but a pallet ; ho was a Methodist believer, and the churches in which his notices were given, would be filled ; the great talk of Bro. Hersey, was like that of Spurgeon. Bro. Lipscomb, lost sight of Hersey from Georgetown. He says he left ; where he went he never knew ; but as the risin g and setting-of the Sun, so with Father Hersey : he could not be hid. Bro. Lipscomb lost the sight, Bro. Hudgins gained it the one knew not whither he went, the other from whence he came ; so it was with John Hersey. He rolled around with the year, and never stood still, till the Master appeared ; for a season he disappeared from both, neither knew whither he went, nor when he would return. One says he was a fashionable, gay young man, the other "the most wicked he ever saw." Hark! Beloved brethren, hear the Master, "I "will show John Hersey what great things he must suffer for my name's sake, and the Gospel's, for he is a chosen vessel unto the Lord ; and must testify of me to the Africans, as well as the Red men of the forest ; thus saith the Lord. John Hersey, your salt works of the Atlantic, to you, are a thing of the 10 SKETCH OF past ; your merchandise, like the early dew of the morn- ing, has passed away. You retired to the secluded swamps of the Kappahannoek ; thy mills are burned with fire. I have called and ye have refused, I have called again ; set thy house in order, I have a work for thee t*o do, no other can perform ; get ye up, go administer justice and judgment to my poor and down trodden people, the Africans and Indians, in the desert swamps of Alabama ; thou shalt testify of me to them, and shall be as the voice of John, that crieth in the wilderness, 'prepare ye the way of the Lord ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.' I will be enquired of by this people, and thou shalt lift up a standard. Behold thou shall call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee, shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God and the Holy One of Israel, for he hath glorified thee; the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health spring forth speedily, and thy righteousness shall go before thee : the glory of thS Lord shall be thy re- ward. Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God, 1 will- strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee j^yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness, and will bring thee up again in peace." Having obtained strength of the Lord, and his comfortable assurance that His presence should go with him. Father Her- sey conferred not with flesh and blood, but obediently left all to follow Christ. Bro. C. B. Hudgins informs us, that God took his heart, by taking his mills, which gives us a key to the commence- ment of the religious life of true devotion to his Lord and Mas- ter's divine call. Father Hersey, writes, Greensboro, Green Co , Alabama, December 13th, 1859. "I partly began my Christian and ministerial life in this State, nearly forty years since," which takes us back to the year, 1819 as the probable year his mill burnt, when he started for the kingdom of heaven, JOHN HERSEY. 11 CHAPTER II. INDIAN AGENCY IN ALABAMA, 1819. Ou the 4th -of March, 1817, James Monroe, of Virginia, became President of the United States, and Daniel D. Tompkius, of New York, Vice-President. The new Presi- dent followed the sauie general policy as his predecessor ; he called John Quincy Adams to become Secretary of State, and Wm H. Crawford, of Georgia, was placed at the head of the Treasury Department. In December, John Calhoun, of South Carolina, was appointed Secretary of War, and Wm. Wirt, of Maryland, Attorney-General. In the Summer of 1817, ,the Seminoles, a powerful tribe living within the Spanish Territory on the borders of Georgia and Alabama, joined by some runaway negroes and refugee Creeks, commenced a series of depredations on the frontier settlement. Gen. Gains, who commanded a post on the Flint river, destroyed several of their villages, but he encountered so fierce a resistance, that Jackson was ordered into service with volunteers from Tennessee. In March, 1818, Jackson took the field with his brave Tennesseans ; he burnt a number of* Seminole towns; drove the enemy before him, and seized on their corn and cattle. During Monroe's administration, five new States were admitted into the Union : Mississippi, -1817 ; Illinois, 1818; Alabama, originally embraced iu_Mississippi Territory, 1819; Maine, 1820; Missouri. 1821. Florida was organized as a territory, and Andrew Jackson was appointed its first Governor ; as before stated, Alabama was admitted into the Union, 1819, and her Constitution was adopted, Aug. 2nd, 1819; Wm. W. Bibb elected Governor, John Crowell, representative to Congress. The plan of a United States Government trade with the Indians, dates as far back as the year 1796 ; the system was one of pure humanity ; embracing a supply of the wants of the Indians, and receiving in exchange from them, furs and 12 SKETCH OF peltries at fair pric3S. The convenience of the Indians was consulted, in establishing factories along the borders; suit- able and competent persons, as factors, clerks and interpre- ters, were appointed to carry on the trade. President Madison, appointed on the 2J of April, 1816, Thomas L. McKenney, a merchant of the District of Colum- bia, Sup3rintendent of the United Statas Indian Trade, with the Indian tribes ; which office he held until the agency was abolished. In the same year, Oct. 1819, Alabama was made a State. John Hersey, a resident of Georgetown, D. C , recently a merchant there, received the appointment under James Monroe's administration, to the Agents' trading house in Alabama, as a suitable person to represent the United States Trade Agency, and to deal justly and mercifully with the <3hoctaw Indians , which position he held up to Oct. 1822, when the act, abolishing the United States Indian trade -establishment, was passed, when John Hersey returned to Georgetown, D. C., his home. It will be seen that Father Hersey was identified with the fathers of his country at this early age, on May 6th, 1822. Provision was made for the appointment of an agent to wind up the affairs of the con- cern ; when Thomas H. Benton made a speech in the Senate, in reference to abolishing the agency, which reflected upon the Superintendent of the Indian Bureau, and lead to a thorough examination of the affairs of the agency, as well as a vindication of its efficient management. John Hersey was an important witness, and we here give his testimony as pub- lished in the proceedings of the Congressional examination. "I, John Hersey, resident of Georgetown, late factor at the Choctaw trading house, in the State of Alabama, testify and say, that in October, 1819, I was appointed factor at said trading house, and continued to act in that capacity to Oct. 1822 ; that on entering on the business at said house, as near as I can recollect, th.e amount of goods delivered over to me by my predecessor, was about $14,000 ; many of which goods were so much damaged, or so unsalable, as to render it impossible to sell more than $2,000 or $3,000 probably, of them. During the time I was factor, I received as near as I now recollect, about $12,000 by the year ; all of which came to me through the medium of Mr. T. L. McKenney ; JOHN HERSEY. 13 about oce sixth of which carne from New Orleans and Mobile, such as coffee, sugar, lead and salt ; the residue were from Columbia District and New York. When we re- ceived the goods at said house, we generally received accompanying invoices. I then thought most of the articles were of a fair price, and certainly of a good quality, except in a few instances ; some were damaged on their passage from Col. McKenney. I received instructions to add from 66 1 to 100 per cent to, the invoice prices ; the sales, on an average for the whole three years, were about 80 per cent advance on the invoice prices. In payment of these things sold, I re- ceived deer-skins, furs, bees-wax, tallow and cash. The re. gain to the Government during the whole three years, was between $8,000 and $9,000, after paying freight on such arti- cles as we received from Mobile, and besides a remuneration to myself, and all others employed. When I took charge of the house, I think, as near as I now can recollect, the amount of outstanding debts due the Government, was upwards of $13,000, not more than $1,000 of which was probably col- lected while I was there ; and I now am of the opinion fiat one-third of the remaining $12,000 may be collected. I presume a majority of the debtors to the Government when I went there, afterwards traded with ine ; many of whom might deliver me peltry and other things to an amount r- s great as the debts, then due from them severally ; each one Jiowever, took other goods, to an equal and sometimes great- er amount, so that in most instances, the old debts remained, on the books uncancelled and unliquidated." JOHN HERSEY, Late Factor, C. T. If. Mr. Mersey's second examination by Col McKenney. Question 1st. Wa's there not in the Choctaw factory when you took charge of it, a large quantity of old and un- salable goods ? Answer. There was. 2d. Did I not, in my letters, direct that they should be disposed of at reduced prices, and on long credit, provided, you could get unexceptional srcurity? Answer. I was requested by you to dispose of the old and damaged goods, I think, at reduced prices, and long crjdit, provided, such security could be obtained. 14 SKETCH OF Question 3t/. Were not the goods which you received of me, in general, suitable and fairly charged ? And did you not do out of them your principal business ? Answer. To the best of ray knowledge, they were charged at fair prices ; they were of good quality, and out of. them I did niy principal business, while there. The reader will see the -same straightforward course persued in giving his testimony, as marked his conduct in after-life. During Jackson's term as military Governor, a friend of Father Hersey, states that he said to him on one occasion, General Jackson had cursed him, and wrote to Washington to have him dismissed : that he was the first man that had ever done so ; another friend says, whilst he (Hersey) was in the Agency, and had saved up his money, being desirous to pay it to his creditors, he obtained a leave of absence for a short time, also, a draft for his money ; when about to leave for Washington, Mr. H. K. R. said to him, Mr. Hersey I see you havo provided all for your creditors, noth- ing for the expense of your journey. Father Hersey drew from his pocket a Spanish ''quarter-dollar," saying, that will do for the journey ; after being absent a few weeks, he returned, the same party said, well Mr. Hersey, how did you succeed? Mr. Hersey drew from his pocket the game piece of money, remarking, he always found kind friends wherever he went, and they usually supplied his wants, which were but few. After the Agency had been abolished, and closed up, Father Hersey returned home to greet his friends, and to en- gage in other pursuits. The year 1819 is memorable as the year in which the State of Alabama was admitted into the Federal Union ; as the year she adopted her constitution, and elected her execu- tive officers; as the year John Hersey was appointed Indian Trade Agent, and located at the town of Cahawba, the seat of Government of the State ; the year he began his Christian Ministerial life ; the year the Methodist Episcopal Church organized her great Missionary Society; the year that Ala- bama was made a district in the Mississippi Conference and Thos. Griffin appointed P. E., with John Murron, William Ledbetter, John J. E. Byrd, preachers, at the Conference of 1820, they reported 968 white, 172 colored members ; for 1821, white 1,190, colored, 322. JOHN HERSEY. 15 During this year they held in the district four camp meetings, one for each of their four circuits. Presiding Elder Griffin says of Alabama District, "It appears the work of reformation is progressing in our country. It is certainly cause of exul- tation to witness the growing prosperity of the Redeemer's Kingdom in our newly settled States and Territories. While the/hardy emigrants are felling trees of the forest, and open- ing the bosom of the earth for the reception of seed, the heralds of salvation are itinerating through their scattered settlements, breaking up the fallow ground of their hearts, and sowing the seed of eternal life. At a camp meeting held on the 6th of July, on Pearl river, a few miles from Monte- cello, the congregation was large and attentive, many were awakened to a sense of their need in Christ, and five or six gave evidence of a change of heart. On the 20th, we held another meeting on the river Chickasauhay, about fifty miles from the borders of the Mobile, where we have a flourishing society ; there were two traveling and four local preachers present (Father Hersey was likely one of them); on Friday and Saturday, the Lord favored us with a solemn sense of His presence ; sinners were struck with awe, and stood with sol- emn silence, whilst believers rejoiced in God, their Saviour. On Sabbath we administered the Lord's Supper ; all were serious ; and I believe much good was done ; about ten profes- sed justifying Grace. On the 27th July, we held another meeting, about thirty miles from St. Stephen's, near the Tombigbee and Alabama rivers; the principal part of the peo- ple were irreligious, jet they behaved with great order and decorum ; five professed to be converted. On the 2nd of August we commenced a camp meeting on the banks of the Alabama river, thirty miles below the town of Cahawba, the seat of government of this State. From the paucity of the inhabitants, and the afflictions many were suffering from a prevailing fever, there were not many attending this meeting; some disorder was witnessed at this meeting, but He that commanded the boisterous winds to be still, appeared in our behalf; before the exercises closed, some were brought as we have reason to believe, to a knowledge of the truth. August 10th. another meeting began thirty miles above Cahawba; a numerous concourse of people attended, and much good was done ; on, Tuesday morning I requested all who had obtained an evidence of their conversion to God, to come forward to 16 SKETCH OF the altar, when thirty seven presented themselves. The two last meetings were held in the forest, and the Indians were fishing in the river ; while we were preaching and praying, the bears were ravaging the cornfields, and the wolves and tigers were howling and screaming in the very woods in the neighborhood of our meeting. These accounts may seem unim- portant to those accustomed to more numerous congregations and who have the privilege of assembling in convenient houses ; but to us, who are struggling with many difficulties in this newly settled country, it is highly gratifying, and fills us with a pleasing hope of yet seeing the desert blossom as the rose." The reader will see a picture of a newly settled State, and the condition of things when John Hersey was appointed Trade Agent to Alabama, and took charge of that important station, which he held for three years, during which time he assisted in the establishment of the State Institutions, and of the M E. Church. No wonder after forty years toil he could and did stand on the same soil, and praise God that his hopes had been realized ; that the desert had blossomed as the rose. We will insert his letter in another chapter, written in 1859, on his last visit to Alabama. The reader will see John Hersey lived and labored at an age that tried men's souls. He was identified with the great men of the country, as well as of the church, in laying the foundation of both civil and religious liberty in highly favored Ame- rica, as well as Africa. His ministry began the same year that Bishop Paine joined the Tennessee Conference, and was sent to Flint river Circuit ; here is where they formed their acquaintance, that Bishop Paine, speaks of in his letter, when he says, "I became acquainted with Bro. Hersey about 40 years ago. In the Autumn of 1822, or Spring of 1823, he returned to his home in Georgetown, D. C., to greet his friends and to enter upon his life work." No wonder that Bros. Lipscomb and Hudgins saw a change, and believed him a converted man ; for his whole after-life corresponded to his profession. We now greet him as Father Hersey, a minister of the Gospel of the blessed God ; and as such we introduce him to the reader. JOHN HERSEY. 17 CHAPTER III. ENTERING UPON nis MINISTERIAL WORK. The life to which Father Hersey had now devoted himself, and to which he believed God had called him by his Spirit and Providence, was one of the gravest consideration ; hum- ble though it might seem in the eyes of the world, to him the aspect assumed was one of untold interest ; no other, with him, could compare with it. While he looked upon himself as an earthen vessel, and a frail one too, he felt that he was a messenger of Christ, and that with the faithful discharge of that sacred trust, was identified the future, the everlasting destiny of some, at least, of his fellow-beings. He knew by engaging in it such was the state of Methodism, even apart from other considerations that he entered upon a st ,e of severe trial: it was a life of hardship, a life of exposure, and one that connected with it not a little suffering ; 1: e went forth trembling, weeping, we may say. "Bearing precious seed" but a seed whose fruit was to blossom, and shed its fragrance, not only on this, but another world ; and we think we are safe in saying that it was the bearing that his call- ing had upon eternity alone that moved him to engage in the work ; nay, it was this that kept him in it, and kept him from fainting by the way. The reader is not to suppose that Mr. Hersey had before him some sequestered, or even opulent parish, which could tempt him with that which pleased the eye and charmed the heart ; where want, neglect, or pain of absence was not to be felt. He was now a Methodist preach- er, a minister of the Gospel, without a settled pastorate, or regular contributing congregation, who at best, could only obtain a meagre support, and that by personal effort, or the benevolence of kind friends, unsolicited upon his part. His first work in his new and important relation was under the direction of a Presiding Elder; in this capacity, he travel- ed the Culpepper Circuit in V i'-ginia, ojn foot a circuit of 240 miles, without missing an appointment. There is a striking resemblance, in one particular, of Father Hersey to the Apos- 18 SKETCH OF tie Paul. In the confession of Paul, he acknowledges that he was a persecutor of the church, as well as the chief of sin- ners of Father Hersey, it is said,"he was a proud, gay, sin- ful young man, but in both, as soon as they were converted, they began to preach Jesus and the resurrection, and straight- way, "Conferred not with flesh and blood," but boldly, as far as in them, set to work to counteract their previous wickedness, by precept and example, and to the same persons and in the same places, where they had reviled the name of the Lord. They went and lifted up the standard of the Cross, and be- seeched men to be reconciled to God. As the early sinful days of Father Hersey were in Virginia, he spent the earlier days of his Christian ministry with the same people, in trying to bring them to God. Eev. W. C. Lipscomb states, when Father Hersey return- ed to Georgetown, he was certainly a very different man he had commenced preaching ; Bro. Hudgins saySj when he returned to Mathews Co., he was changed altogether. I do believe he was a converted man. He traveled to Rich- mond, Fredericksburg, and elsewhere, preaching; and the churches were filled ; (his fame went far and near,) the people said he talked like Spurgeon. Eev. J. W. Reeves writes : "I heard Father Hersey preach in Alexandria, Va. , 1824; he often preached at Sun rising, and great crowds would be out to hear hiui ; his preach- ing was with demonstration and power, and many were con- verted to God. I shall never forget, it was under his ministry, I was awakened and converted, and, am happy to know such a man as John Hersey ever lived. " Rev. F. S. Evans writes: "My acquaintance with good Bro. Hersey, began in 18-5, and was renewed at intervals up to near the time he went home to Heaven." Bishop Paine of the M. E. Church, (South.) in a letter, before me writes, February llth, I860 : "I became acquainted with Brother Hersey, about 40 years ago : I never knew a more consistent and devoted minister." Bishop J. L. Keener of same church, writes, New Orleans, April 7th, 1879 : '"Your favor, asking for items of information in reference to Rev. J. Hersey. I knew him as a preacher, calling at my father's home, when I was a young man and just from school, and I afterwards entertained him here in JOHN HERSEY. 19 New Orleans, for a week or two before the war, where he preached in our church. He was a delightful man ; exempli- fying the beauty of holiness for years, wherever^ he went[; and an able minister of the New Testament." Rev. Henry Slicer says: "Father Hersey I knew long and intimately ; he has spent weeks at my house ; I was his pastor in Fredericksburg, Va., in 1825. He was then a Commis- sion Merchant ; he however, failed in business, and this fact furnishes the reason, why he never entered the itinerant ministry. He feared there might be some taint or suspicion attached to him on account of his former indebtedness ; he never considered himself released from obligations to^ his creditors, until he had paid them the last dollar. For upwards of forty years, he was an itinerant local preacher. As an evangelist, he traveled through nearly all the States. He was ordained deacon, by Bishop Soule, at Baltimore, April 10th, 1825; elder, by Bishop Roberts, in Lynchburg, Va. , March 1st, 1829." After these years, he spent much of his time in Baltimore, with his friends Armstrong & Plaskett, who were the publish- ers of his first works : "Extracts of Wesley," "Importance of Small Things," "An Appeal to Christians on the Subject of Sla- very." With these, he went forth everywhere, scattering the seeds of eternal life. And eternity alone will reveal the good John Ilersey did with word, work and pen, aided by the bles- sed Spirit of Almighty God, which we all need so much ; with- out which, the word will return void, will not accomplish that whcreunto it is sent. "O for the Spirit of the fathers to be poured out on all the churches ; then will he* ministers in deed and in truth, teach transgressors thy way, and sinners shall be converted to God." CH AFTER IV. His CHRISTIAN AND MINISTERIAL CHARACTER. FATHER HERSEY, as he was reverently called, was a cherish- ed household name in many portions of our country for the larger portion of half a century. To numerous individuals and families of the generation passing away, his memory is en- deared. If not a star of the first magnitude, John Hereey ahone with no mean lustre ; he was indeed a "living and 20 SKETCH OF shining light." His nativity it will be seen, marks an illus- trious era. Three years after the achievement of American Independence, and two years after the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; and it may be noted that he died when the great Rebellion had assumed its fiercest pro- portions, and the North and South were engaged in deadly and uncertain strife ; an event of which he seemed to have had prophetic foresight. But he was untouched by its ter- ro -s ; and before the conflict ended, he was away in the land of everlasting peace. He was early in his ministry, we believe, a member of the Baltimore Conference ; at lea.st on trial in that body, but desiring a wider range than Confer- ence*limits, and the privilege to chose his own field of labor, he was allowed this freedom. Yet he could not be called a local preacher, for all his time and talents were devoted to ministerial work, and he traveled as much and preached as often as most of his contemporaries. He itinerated at will over most of the Continent. We find him following the tract of the pioneer emigrant, proclaiming the glad tidings, and scattering the seed of truth that made the solitary places rejoice, and the wilderness blossom as the rose. It may be said he was erratic he never could be called insubordinate. He yielded submission to our ecclesiastical economy and vin- dicated by precept and example, conformity to the discipline of the M. E. Church. An esteemed friend, a-i honored and able minister of the Wilmington Conference, writes : "My acquaintance with Father Ilersey commenced in the days of my youthful minis - try. He was with me at my stopping places, and made him- self on several occasions, every way a useful congenial companion. I was at that time nor have I ever fully out- grown the habit given to asking questions ; he answered readily and usually to my satisfaction, all the questions I asked him. Nor is it a small matter to find one superior to jourself in years and in experience and intelligence, replying to your persistent and often perplexing inquiries. In this way for my part, I have had the luck in more than one case, to find "libraries in men." While I was a single man, Father Hersey in several instances visited my fields of labor, and was always welcome, and after I had a home of my own, if the itinerant's place of sojourn can be called his home he was always a cherished guest ; and on more^than one occasion, he blessed our fireside with his presence JOHN HERSEY. 21 Father Hersey was an early riser. In the towns he visi- ted, making appointments for preaching at five o'clock in the- morning, he usually had a good^attcndance. In one of these morning discourses, in speaking of the Divine Will, he used language like the following : "The heart is deceitful," but if I know myself, were my Heavenly Father to send his- angel to address me thus, "John I am commissioned from, the THRONE to offer you any situation in life you may chose; only state your wishes and they shall be gratified. I think I would answer, go back Gabriel, and tell your Lord and Master, I have no choice to make, and am satisfied with, with the lot he assigns me." On one occasion Father Hersey was a guest at a friend's house to supper. In those days the cone shaped loaf sugar was popular. It -was white and hard, and for table use was- broken in small pieces and used for tea. He used the ordi- nary herb teas, rejecting coffee ; yet he declined the loaf sugar and requested brown, which was intended for coffee. His host asked him the reason for his preference supposing his choice was influenced by a motive of economy and self- denial, afcd remarked that there was little or no difference in the cost, whilst tea was spoiled by sugar. His answer was, "We are commanded to abstain from all evil," and added,. "Blood is forbidden loaf-sugar is clarified with blood, and I feel bound not to use it." The conversation ended on the subject, for the friend was silent for such delicate scruples of conscience. Father Hersey was particular in his diet. He abstained from luxurious, but ate heartily of ordinary whole- > some food. Me scrupulously avoided food cooked on Sunday when it came to his knowledge, or was self-evident. He preferred a hard bed, that is, some couch without the- luxury of feathers even in winter. Mattresses were not then in general use. Once while visiting a friend, it is related, that before re- tiring, he made private request, if convenient to have a hard bed ; another clerical friend being a guest at the same time, who was not so self-denying, overhearing Father Hersey's- request, remarked "Brother, you will have to put up with a feather bed to-night, you arc to sleep with me, and I prefer feathers." He acquiesed and the brothers lodged together. Father Hersey objected to superfluities of all kinds ; fine clothes, costly furniture, table luxuries. 22 SKETCH OF He preached against them, and he practiced what he preached a consistency not found in all reformers and evangelists. He held that it was contrary to the Spirit of the Gospel to indulge in these things, while so many of our Heavenly Father's children were destitute of proper clothing and the common necessaries of life. A friend remarking on one occasion, that self-denial on his part would not supply the destitution of the sufferers, he replied, that he felt it his duty to bear their burdens, to suffer with them in imita- tion of Him who was touched with the feelings of our infirmi- ties, and who, though he was rich, for our sake became poor. The friend was constrained to acknowledge the magnanimity of his motives. Being reminded that the manufacture of various fabrics and the mechanical arts in general gave use- ful employment to many persons, and contributed greatly to the prosperity and peace of society ; he seemed to admit the theory, but re-avowed the importance of self-denial. When told, "You are the only person known, who practices as well as preaches a life of such a rigid self-denial ; certainly all other religious professors are not deceived" His answer was "I do not judge others, but so understand the Scriptures for my own faith and practice." In this connection, being asked if he had ever made a convert to his ideas and mode of liv- ing, he said he believed he had met with one lady who had adopted them. This was undoubtedly a low estimate of the effect of hi 8 close preaching, and holy example. No doubt many through his doctrines and manner of life were led to a closer walk with God, and presented perfection in Christ Jesus. There was this excellence in Father Hersey , he never dogmatised his opinions, and did not make himself an oracle. He was, fond of visiting the South, and often spent the Winter there, where he found pleasant homes among people of wealth and refinement , but in the midst of such surroundings he adher- ed to his abstemious habit, and was respected and beloved; when he returned from these annual sojourns, like the birds of Spring with unaltered plumage and song, his mantle, was unsoiled, and his zeal was unquenched. On the slavery question he was once heard to fay, "The Abolitionists are right in principle," implying as his hearers took it, that they were wrong and erred in the methods by JOHN HERSEY. 23 which they sought to carry out the principle, It was at this point the issue came between the conservatists and the ultra- ists. There is no doubt, but that Father Hersey conducted himself fairly and squarely, both to master and slave, making the word of God, "the man of his counsel," and being all things to all men for their good. But like all sincere and outspoken men, Father Hersey, was often misunderstood upon this subject. When the strife and controversey between the emancipationists and their opponents waxed warm, and the questions involved, pro and con, were discussed with vigor and order in the Legislature of Virginia, Father Hersey arranged, collated and published a small volume of these speeches, and oifered them for sale in the State of Virginia. A storm of indignation arose in the Old Dominion against the veteran divinee, who was denounced without stint as an Abolitionist by all who had never seen his book; a box of the books were seized and publicly burnt in the streets of Richmond ; whilst Father Hersey himself, who was attending a Camp Meeting near .Kredericksburg, at the advice of his friends, had to fly to prevent the execution of an order ema- nating from Richmond, authorizing and directing his arrest and detention. Under the influence of returning reason, an examination of the book which before had not been thought of, resulted in a reconsideration by the tribunal and counter- manding of its order. But ere this, the books were in flames and their compiler a fugitive, exclaiming as he left the Camp ground, with tears streaming from his eyes, "Never before have I been called an enemy of my country." Father Hersey would often show that his mind was troubled as if some prophetic apprehension disturbed him. He would not unfrequently intimate, both in public discourse and private conversation, that we were on the eve of tumultuous times a storm was brewing. The terrible civil war through which the country passed, did transpire. As fearful as it was, it scarcely reached the horrors of his vision of dark events. This may have been the preliminary "woe," and others, it may be, are yet to come in the drama of Providence, when Church and State, na- tionalities, races and religions, will blend in the strife. If this 24 SKETCH OF hall ever come to pass, the spirit of our sainted friend may watch the scene from the celestial bastions. Mr. Hersey spent some years of his early ministerial life among the Red men of the frontier. He was first an agent, afterwards a missionary among the the Choctaws, previous to their removal west of the Mississippi. In after years, he re- Tisited the scenes of his early ministry, and was warmly wel- comed by its dusty children^ his first converts. About thirty jears before his death, Father Hersey made a voyage to Liberia, to preach to the colonists and natives. The missionary spirit prompted him to go to benighted Af- rica, so as to impart some gift through the ministrations of the gospel to these people, and to respond to the desire of relief expressed by the scripture words ''Ethiopia is stretching out her hands unto God." It is quite probable that he did not find a fruitful field for his talent there. His conviction was that the standard of morals was not high enough in the lives of those who represented Christianity, to impress the heathen with elevated ideas of its excellence and divinity. Father Hersey was an author, and published several works. His Extracts from Wesley, was probably, the first emanation from his pan. Importance of Small Things, which followed in 1830-33, is a very useful production, and can scarcely be read by any one without profit; it went through more than one edition. His work on Christian Perfection, says a Meth- odist Minister of great learning, and author of great merit, " T - technically- if not theologically anti-Methodistic ; that is anti-Wesleyan. He earnestly contends for holiness of heart anu life as a present work and experience, and essential to the believers acceptance with God and his salvation. That every child of God is pure in heart, created anew in Christ Jesu^, 'u3aring the image of him that begat him." Father Hc;sey it would seem from the testimony of our religious literature, is not aloae in thebe opinions ; but their entire ha^mo^y with the law and testimony, it would be difficult I think, to maintain on the one hand, or disapprove on the other. The truth as it is In Jesus in this case as in others is rather a matter of faith and experience, than of analysis and interpretation. In 1833, Ii3 publishel his 2nd edition on Slivcry ; which was followed by his views on Baptism, Life of Prayer, Advice JOHN HERSEY. 2S to Parents, The Tico Witnesses, and just before his death, witk Satan Unmasked, or Revelations Revealed. Father Hersey was never married. As far as information could be elicited from him on this delicate subject, he was far from being in- sensible to the charms which invest this question, but he wa& so hemmed in by circumstances, that he could not allow it to enter into his life purposes. He was not situated to incur do- mestic responsibilities, and followed Paul's advice in the case. There had been a period when the question was fresh and se- rious in his thoughts ; for did there ever live a man or woman, exempt from its spells? Some shadow, no doubt, crossed his path, and the question, perhaps, at an early date became ob- solete ; its odor however, was exhaled in the romance of memory. In early life he had been a man of the world, drifting with the tide on the stream' of fashion. He was a merchant in the District of Columbia about the time of the war of 1812. He was then in the pride of his early manhood. On one occasion he purchased in New York a cargo of tea and salt on credit, to the amount of sixty thousand dollars, which he paid ; but afterwards a collapse in business circles coming at the close of the war, caused him to fail, largely in debt. Shorly after this, he became religious, and his life thenceforth, was destined to be the antithesis of his former one. Involved in debt, he applied all his savings from the sale of his books, and the gift of his friends, to its liquidation. The generosity of his creditors allowed him his own time, and a few years before his death, he visited New York, sought out the widow and child of his last creditor (he being long since dead), and astonished them by tendering several hundred dollars in liquidation of a debt, of whose existence they did not even dream. On this occasion he writes to a friend "I am again a free man, for no one can say that John Hersey owes him a cent." Changed by the logic of events from a merchant full of pride, to an itinerant, overflowing with piety, moving in a different sphere, and toiling with different aims, are we not safe in saying, that the self-denying itinerant achieved a grander work, than if he had pursued his mercantile calling, and become the wealthiest capitalist of the country, To mortify his former pride, and by way of reparation for- 26 SKETCH OF his previous extravagance and vanity, Father Hersey resort- ed to plainness of dress, and of diet ; he did not indulge in eating; he was no epicure, hut enjoyed his meals, eat what was set before him ; always finding something good and wholesome His friends were careful to accommodate his scruples. Nor was there anything in him morbid, peevish and morose. On the contrary, his cheerful contentment and gratitude, made him free from offensive moods, and an object of interest and even of admiration to all who knew him He was social and genial in a high degree ; genuine relig- ion does not destroy the human side of our nature, it is the carnal it seeks to uproot and destroy, but it enters into and runs through the channels of the human or the "earthly vessel," and brings out our individuality into nobler relief. Wearing the image of the heavenly, transforms and utilizes our natural characteristics. Paul's mighty energy seen in persecuting the church, was, after his conversion, sanctified and directed in building up what he had sought to destroy. So Father Hersey's devotion to the world, and his "pride of life" were superseded after he became a Christian, by a life of usefulness and of unflinching self-denial. His visits to families were marked occasions ; parents and children, masters and servants, and guest, all came in fora share of his attention ; with true courtesy and in the spirit of love, he gave to each in turn, some appropriate advice. This was bis invariable practice : nor were these salutatory or parting words soon forgotten. In his personal habits, Fath- er Hersey was cleanly to a fault. Although dressed in "Lindsey-wolsey" which was his chief attire, he was always neat, and when his clothes became thread-bare, which was sometimes the case, no man in broad-cloth had more the bearing of a gentleman. Although rigid in his habits of self-denial, and close in his preaching, he was never censori- ous, and although really (as all who met him were forced to admit) "Better than other men;" he had nothing of the bearing, or the boast of the Pharisee. If ever severe in reproof, it was when the misdemeanor partook of the nature of sacrilege. In such case the offend- er might lookout for words of keenest rebuke. A friend writes : "On one occasion I was the unwitting instrument of disturbing his accustomed gravity. As singu- JOHN HERSEY. 7& lar as he was in his modes of abstinence and self-denial, yet for everything he was prepared to give a sensible reason ' I said, Father Hersey I hold the same truths, the Same theory of morals and religion you do, and I am trying to re- duce them to practice, but my way differs from yours iu carry- ing them out. I could imitate you mechanically, but wouldb e at a loss for SD doing. The fact is, I hav'nt sense enough to adopt your habits of life. A blush, accompanied with a hearty laugh, was his only answer." He was regarded by some of his contemporaries as wild in his singularity. He was singular, eccentric, if you please, but this was the mark of a strong character. His eccentricities consisted in his abstemious, laborious life in his holy walk and conversation, and in his tireless efforts to do good to his fellow-men. They subjected no one to inconvenience, but himself. He was a living martyr, but in that martyrdom he honored his Master and found a joy that the princes of this world would barter crowns to possess. Father Hersey was consis- tent and reliable. You always knew where to find him ; he did not vacillate. Numbers of young men on entering the Christian ministry, who assume a plain attire, with other tokens of humlity, and after a short period lay it all aside as unbecom- ing the dignity of their positions, and as oppressive to the tastes of cultivated people. What is this but weakness and vanity ? Father Hersey through "Evil report and good" continued and ended as he began. In youth and in age he was the same. He persued the even "Tenor of his ways," neither officiously presenting himself as a pattern, nor yet stooping to be an imitator. Father Hersey, when not acting in his independent style as a traveling missionary and itinerant, was employed by Presiding Elders to supply vacancies, chief- ly in the old Baltimore and Philadelphia Conferences. He also performed ministerial work in most of the Middle, Southern and Western States. He visited from house to house and in private, and in public, preached the gospel, giving fall proof of his ministry ; and until a few years of his death, traveling mostly on foot. As a preacher, he had gifts sufficient to have taken high rank. His powers for swaying an audience as a speaker, were probably never fully exerted ; for some reason and by some influence, they were held under restraint, as if fearful 28 SKETCH OF it might seem like parade to do his best. He was intelligent, and comprehended the methods by which to illustrate and enforce the truth. His emotional nature seemed to be aglow, and his impulses were quick and generous. He had sublime conceptions which he sometimes expressed in thrilling terms. In preaching, he was textual; he brought before his auiience the strong points of a passage, and never failed to give the gist of the subject. He knew by verbal construction to set forth and apply the truth, so that every one felt that it con- tained a message for him. The listener became convinced that the speaker cared little for man's criticisms, so he could please God, and save their souls. He was true to his own conviction, and described religion as a solemn personal mat- ter, which antagonized our depraved nature, and placed us in responsible relations with a Holy God. He described the way to heaven as intricate and narrow; and yet the preacher was so gentle and pitiful, loving and happy, that while he led you to feel unworthy and sinful, yet failed for the most part to cause any alarm, for the reason that the thought gained control of the hearer's mind, that if the preacher is so gentle, surely our Heavenly Father cannot be severe. Again, he was earnest and pathetic, he might be justly called a weeping prophet ; not for the many tears he shed, but for his dirge-like voice, the effect of which was to excite in the hearer a sympathy for the speaker, rather than concern for himself. The same state of mind seemed to control certain persons in the Saviour's days, which led him to say, "Daugh- ter of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourself and your children." A lady once became greatly excited with apparent alarm under his preaching, but he soon made the discovery that her nerves more than her conscience was the seat of her fears. These facts with others, are furnished to form some analysis of a remarkable character, and to make the portrait as life- like as possible. Father Hersey was more of a logician than a philosopher. A man may reason well, when his premises are incorrect, when in discourse they may be technically misplaced, or misstated, which will involve mistaken deductions. In such a case, philosophy might adjust the argument. Mr. Wesley furnishes an example to this effect, where philosophy was master of the logic. There were three prin- JOHN HEKSEY. 29 ciples that met in Father Hersey, which in their combination moulded his character and controlled his life, namely : faith, conscience and common sense. In default of the adjusting force of these with the prevailing idiosyncracies of his nature, he would have been a fool or fanatic ; but he was farthest removed from either ; nor was he a bigot, nor an egotist, nor a sectarian. Religiously he was a Christian, denomination- ally a Method-lit, and in vocation a preacher. The phrase that would best state what he was, is "One who earnestly contended for the faith cnce declared to the saints," or, in the words of Jesus himself applied to another, "An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." Father Hersey evidently underestimated the fruits of his labors. He was not a revivalist, as the term is usually understood. He was far from being a sensationalist, but be- lievers were quickened, and communities were moved by his preaching. His ministry, like that of the Saviour's great fore-runner,- attracted numerous hearers. He might, with the greatest emphasis, be called an evangelist, but for one thing, and yet it cannot be said that he was not an evange- list, for some of the marks of an evangelist he possessed in a very high degree. The exception in his case, was the lack of the doctrinal element. He did preach doctrine, and sound doctrine too. But he was a teacher, rather than a a theologian. The instructor of a Sabbath School class, the- mother in the nursery, are teachers in their departments, and very important ones too, in the rudimental knowledge of re- ligious truth, but it would not be proper to call them evan- gelists. Such was Father Hersey compared as a teacher with the theologian; it being understood that every theologian is not a teacher. Father Hersey's tendency was more in the order of the true pietist, than that of the evangelist. Be- lieving in ethical instruction, and in preaching Christian- morality; still we must admit, that precept without doctrine, weakens a discourse. Possibly, there was not enough of theology in Father Hersey's preaching, to make him a thor- ougff evangelist ; but it may truly be said, that the work of an evangelist is more to enfore the teaching and practicing of the truth, than to present expositions of systematic divin- ity; yet still, the basis of all successful evangelists, is the doctrinal truth as it is in Jesus. Wesley was a theologian, and so was Luther. Like the- 30 SKETCH OF Apostles John and Paul. All of these were great evange- lists. But after all, it must be conceded, that Father Hersey was in his order, an able minister of the New Testament. The trumpet he blew, gave no uncertain sound. His feet were shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. A halo attended his steps. lu him was seen the beauty of holiness, and we cannot doubt that many souls were saved through his labor, who will shine as stars in his crown of rejoicing. Circulating as he did, so widely, and calling the attention of the people to the subject of religion, with ^uch earnest words, and moving so rapidly from place to place, the effect of his ministry was to cause those who heard him, to go to the regular places of preaching, and here it, just as the presence of a comet in the sky widens our ( view of the extent of creation, and leads persons to observe the stars, who would otherwise scarcely look heavenward. The mis- sion of some men may seem erratic, but there is in it a God- like philosophy. In his later years, it is easy to recall the appearance of dignified meekness, and the cheerful smile that played over his countenance, which wore the blended tokens of benignity and sorrow. There was always in him the attractive force of sympathy. You could scarcely see him without a touch of sadness. Yet it was of the kind that promises a virtue - f for by it, the heart was made better, and it became at once a source of strength and joy to the beholder ; and although the weight of years was bending his form and causing his steps to- falter, there still remained in him a noble beam of his for- mer days. It is refreshing to turn to these things in the diary of memory, as all who have shared the acquaintance of this venerable and holy man will testify that it was made to them a blessing, which they would fain transmit as a price- less heir-loom to their posterity. About this time, he was greatly exercised on the question of colonization, having spent three of his earlier years, south. Learning much those years on the subject of American slavery, he was in full sympathy with colonizing in Africa, the colored race. lie published in 1833, the same year he sailed for Africa, his "Appeal to Christians on Slavery." JOHN MERSEY. 31 CHAPTER V. AFRICAN MISSION AT CAPE PALMAS, 1833. Slavery in the United States may have been considered the remote, and Christian philanthrophy, the proximate cause of establishing the colony in Africa, known as LIBERIA, under the auspices of the American Colonization Society. This- society was formed in 1816, by some benevolent individuals, with a view of transporting to Africa, such free people of color, from the United State* as might consent to migrate, and establish themselves as a colony, with all the rights and privileges of freemen. The first experiment, however, prov- ed unpropitious. In 1818, a number of emigrants sailed from the port of New York, in the .hip Elizabeth, accompa- nied by that eminent philanthropist and Christian minister, the Rev. MR. BACON, whose commendable zeal in the cause of African Colonization, led him to embark in this hazardous undertaking, as the principal Agent of the society ; the place at the mouth of the Sherbro River proved to be an- unfortunate selection for the site of this important colony. In 1821, the society purchased of the native chiefs, '[a dis- trict of country on the western coast of Africa. Here a settlement was commenced under favorable circumstances, and the town was called MONROVIA, in honor of the popular chief magistrate who then occupied the Presidential chair, (President Monroe.) These emigrants were accompanied by the pious and lamented ASHMAN, who fell a victim to hi zeal in striving to build up a colony in that place. Nor were the churches inattentive to these movements. The Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, had not been an indifferent spectator to the spiritual wants of these people who had gone from our shores ; many of them were mem- bers of our churchbs, and some were local preachers of reputable standing, and they sent back a cry, "Come over into Africa and help us " Rev. Melville B. Cox, offered his- services as a missionary to Africa, and was accepted by the Bishops. 32 SKETCH OF After making the needful preparation, on the 16th of Nov. 1832, Mr. Cox set sail in the ship JUPITER, from Norfolk, Va ; after a long and tedious voyage, he arrived in Liberia on the 8th of March, 1833, and was most cordially received by the acting Governor, Rev. Mr. Williams, a local preacher of the M. E. Church. Mr. Cox in taking leave of a young friend at the Wesleyan University, said to him, "If I die in Africa, you must come and write my epitaph." "I will" said the youth "But what shall I write;" write, replied Mr. Cox, "Let a thousand fall before Africa be given up." He fell asleep, July 21st, 1833, but- Victorious his fall, for he rose as lie fell, With Jesus, his Master, in glory to dwell : He has passed o'er the stream, and reached the bright coast, He fell like a martyr he died at his post. Father Hersey hearing the news of the demise of his friend and brother in Christ, determined to take the post vacated by his death ; and in six months and six days thereafter, being the 27th day of January, he stood by the grave of the fallen hero. Who can tell what were his emotions on this eventful occasion ? The memory of the sainted dead is ever a source of true inspiration ; all the thoughts that a godly life can awa- ken, are reproduced from the cold, inanimate ashes of one who has served humanity; but in so doing, has been animated by paramount duty to God. There is an incense from the grave of a righteous man ever fragrant : "And can we the word of his exit forget, O no ; they are fresh in our memory yet ; An example so brilliant shall never be lost ; We will fall in the work, we will die at our post. Melville B. Cox planted the Methodist Church at Monrovia, Africa, April, 1833. His death prevented the successful pros- ecution of his Christian benevolence Afterwards, John Her- sey appeared upon the scene, and through his efforts, the first Methodist Episcopal Church was erected at Cape Palmas, Ap- ril, 1834. (Thus far we have anticipated the narrative of the subject of this memoir ; his connection with the Liberian scheme is full of interest.) The Maryland Colonization Society was incorporated during the year 1832. On the 24th of March, of the same year, there JOHN HERSEY. 33 was held in the ch imbers of Judge Brice, at the Court House in Baltimore city, a meeting of the persons named in the Act of Incorporation of the Maryland State Colonization Society, which Act of Incorporation was passed by' the Legislative As- sembly of 1831. Tho. e who assembled on this occasion un- der a published call, were, George Hoffman, Nicholas Brice, John Gibson, Peter Hoffman, Charles Howard, Thomas El- liott, Luke Tiernan, Moses Sheppard, Soloman Ettinge and John H. B. Latrobe. No one who is familiar with the past history of the "Monumental City," can scan the above list of names without recognizing the fact, that it embraced worthy and eminent citizens, who in their day have creditably adorn- ed the professional and other pursuits to which they devoted themselves. They were men of liberal ideas, and meant well in this particular work of charity. George Hoffman was the presiding officer of this meeting, with John H. B. Latrobe as secretary. At a subsequent meeting, Sept. 9th, 1833, Doctor James Hall was selected as an Agent of the society by the Board of Managers, to superintend the settlement and coloni- zation of those colored people who were willing to establish their homes and abide by their fortunes at Cape Palmas, on the south-west coast of Africa ; and John Hersey was selected to act as Agent in Maryland, with authority to retain $ out of collections to be made by him, as compensation for the services he was to render in the hazardous undertaking to which he was now committed. But the aforegoing action of the Board of Managers does not appear as final, for on the 9th of October, 1833, on motion of Mr. Williams it was re- solved, that the subject of the amount of compensation to be awarded Mr. Hersey, who was now selected as assistant Agent, be postponed; (he mover of the icsolution assigning as a rea- son therefor, that the assistant Agent does not desire to stip- ulate as to salary, but prefers to wait and see what will be the results of the enterprise, and the fruits of his labors expended in its behalf. Here we have exemplified a trait of character always pro- minent in Father Hersey's life ; his was no sordid soul, cank- ered by the bve of worldly gain. The noble impulse of his generous nature soared away heavenward ; and embarking in the service of the cause of colonization, he sought but one con- summation, the redemption of his fallen fellow man, and the fastening of his allegiance to Christ. 34 SKETCH OF All needed preparations ha"ing been made, Thursday mor- ning, November 24th, 1833, at the hour of 9 o'clock, the brig ANN, under charge of Captain , sailed from the port of Baltimore, laden with a cargo of supplies and merchandise. There were eighteen emigrants on board, ac- companied by the Agent of the society, Dr. Hall, and his as- sistant, Father Hersey ; also the Revs. Messrs. Williams and Wynkoop, of the American Board of Foreign Missions, who Accompanied the expedition to represent that cause. Those who sailed to make Liberia their clime and home, were Joshua Stewart, 24 years of age ; and Louisa, his wife, 23 years old, and their infant son, Joseph, one year old ; Jam- es Stewart, 19 years old; Pormaly Delworth, 15; William Conel!, 25 ; Francis, his wife, 31 ; Charles, their son, two years old : all of whom were from the city of Baltimore. The remainder were from Frederick County, Md., viz. : -Jacob Gross, 45, and Rosanna, his wife, 33, with their children, Clarsisa, 10 years old, Margaret, 8, Nancy, 5, Caro- line, 3, and Roasnna, eight weeks old; Nicholas Thompson, 40 years oH ; Oden Nelson, 19 years old, A perusal of the aforegoing list of names and ages, will be attended with pregnant suggestions ; what the fate that awaited them prov- ed, no line of 'ours can tell ; but they were the vanguard of a scheme which has not yet been totally effaced from recollection The following notice of the sailing of the brig Ann is from the files of the Baltimore American, and appeared in that journal the day subsequent to her departure : 'The brig Ann, Captain -, cleared yesterday and dropped down the river, and will proceed with the first fair wind to the west coast of Africa. She is chartered, it will be recollected, by the Maryland Colonization Society, and carries out the emigrants and missionaries, who design to settle a new colony, which is to be established at Cape Pal- mas, under the auspices of our own State Society. They carry with them the prayers of many for a safe voyage and prosperous issue of their important undertaking." Sea voyages are not always pleasant when surrounded by agreeable associates of a congenial nature : whether Father Hersey's was, can best be described in the following letter to Mr. McKenney, General Agent for the Society in Maryland, of dated at sea, the 14th of January, 1834 : JOHN HERSEY. 35 "We have had thus far a boisterous, tedious and most unpleasant passage, nor can we form any correct idea, when it will end. For your own edification and the benefit of the Maryland Colonization Society, and not to murmur on my part, I will mention. Soon after we left the Capes, the Cap- tain became enraged in the cabin and poured out a dreadful volley of oaths and blasphemies, expressed in the most vul- gar and uncouth manner. As soon as the storm abated a degree, I observed that it was exceedingly unpleasant to some of us, who were his passengers and confined to his cabin, to hear such oaths and bitter imprecations ; that we would es- teem it a peculiar favor if he wound refrain. He immediate- ly flew into a most violent rage and cursed us all (myself in particular), in the most vulgar and outrageous manner." During the voyage, circumstances seem to have taken place, that rendered it impossible for Father Hersey to continue in the service of the Society , he refers to the subject himself in a letter dated January 27th, 1834, wherein it is stated : "After a passage of sixty one days, we reached Monrovia. I have concluded to sacrifice my own feelings and continue on with the expedition to Cape Palmas. To do otherwise would be a serious injury to the cause." ****** I calculate on remaining with the expedition until it is settled and secured on the continent at Cape Palmas. * * To remain in my present situation, I cannot ; if I am alive and in this country when your next expedition arrives, and the Board of Managers have no objection, I will thank them to provide a passage for me to the United States. February 3rd, of the same year, writing to the Hon. John H. B. Latrobe, from Monrovia, he states the "The brig Ann with all who embarked on board in the harbor of Baltimore, arrived in health and safety at Monrovia, Jan. 27th., after a tedious passage of sixty-one days. I regret very much that I am compelled at this early period, respectfully to re- sign my situation as assistant Agent of the Maryland Colo- nization Society. If it should be deemed necessary for me to assign a reason for this step, perhaps it will be sufficient to impeach myself. It is from an honest conviction that I can- not be really serviceable to the colony or society, that I have been influenced to adopt this course. The complexion of a family is not generally, if at all, reviewed from a sub- 36 SKETCH OF ordinate member thereof, but from the parent or master who has supreme control of the household. In my present situation, there is no definite duty assigned to me ; conse- quently, I can have no actual authority, but must from principle of righteousness and honor, obey the commands, and wishes of , who does not regard the Bible as the word of God. If my life is spared, I shall remain with the expedition until the emigrants are fettled, and after that object is effected, I shall consider my connection with the society and colony dissolved. I am pleased and agree- ably disappointed at the prospect which Africa presents as a comfortable, happy home for her degraded and oppres- sed children now breathing in our Christian land. I think there cannot be a I'ational doubt, but that the country generally, will be as healthful for our colored people after they have become acclimated, as any part of our Southern States ; it is equally certain, that if the principles of right- eousness and peace are sacredly observed on our part, the natives will meet us in same friendly spirit. Africa must, and will be located and become a Christian country, and to- ner alone can we rationally look for a place of refuge for her unfortunate sons, whose present condition is a disgrace to our own country. The cause is good and must prosper, however unjustly it may at first be managed ; therefore, I would say to your philanthropic society, go on, let no diffi- culty discourage you in this noble enterprise. You shall have my best wishes and feeble prayers for your prosperity and entire success at home and in Africa. May the blessings of Almighty God rest upon your society, individually and collectively. May your efforts be crowned with most happy and honorable consequences." On the 6th of February, 1834, the brig Ann reached Cape Palmas. The natives had been apprised of her coming, and on the 13th, a grand council was held, to debate in re- lation to the purchase of the territory ; the negotiations were successful ; after which, the emigrants were landed, and work was at once begun to establish the colony. The Board had sent the frame and materials for the erection of an Agency House. It was at once built; other buildings rapid- ly arose, and within a month after the first landing, the set- tlement began to wear the appearance of a compact and comfortable village. In all the enterprises, Mr. Hersey was a conspicuous worker : he was not only content to give JOHN HERSEY. 37 attention to the temporary concerns of the colonists, but through his efforts, there was built a meeting house of the Methodist denomination, the first temple dedicated to the worship of Almighty God that was reared upon the territory of the society. Father Hersey, about the first of April, 1834, to the great sorrow and regret of the colonists, embarked on the schoon- er Edgar, and set sail from Cape Palmas, for the United States. After a passage of forty-three days, he landed in New York city, on the 27th of June, 1834. Here he was detained a few weeks ; after which he proceeded to Baltimore, and on the 21st of July he made the following written re- port to the Board of Managers of the Maryland State Colo- nization Society : "Having been informed by the Captain of the schooner Edgar, that Dr. Hall had visited his vessel in person, and gave him a letter for the society, I concluded certainly, that he had made a communication to your Board. I regret sin- cerely the circumstances, which constrained me to resign my situation in the colony. The reasons which led me to adopt that course were mo^t painful to my feelings, but I forbear to say anything on that subject. It was not my own person- al feeling, but a duty I owed to Almighty God and his church on earth, which influenced my conduct. After sending by the ship "Jupiter," my resignation, I continued with the expedi- tion until the new colony was permanently settled at Cape Palmas. As my resignation was unexpected to myself, as well as to your Board, I shall present no claim for my expen- ses ; the whole amount of which, from the time I left Balti- more, until I arrived in New York, did not exceed thirty dol- lars. I gave several poor colonists a little assistance. I be- lieve, could you know the circumstances, you would esteem it a favor to pay ; the whole amount, including several items since my arrival, will be not less than sixty dollars. I only mention for your information ; I do not put it as a claim. May your laudable efforts to promote the cause of humanity be crowned with complete and honorable success." The Board acted kindly and considerately towards Father Hersey. At its meeting on the 3rd of May, on motion of Mr. Latrobe, his resignation was accepted ; the correspond- ing Secretary was directed to address him a letter of thanks for his interest in the cause of African Colonization, and ten- 28 SKETCH OF dering such remuneration for his time and services as might be acceptable to him. This was succeeded by the presenta- tion of an amount greater than the unpretentious expendi- tures, which was so modestly communicated to the B )ard. CHAPTER VI. RETURN FROM LIBERIA. When Father Hersey left New York, he tarried a short time in Philadelphia ; in both of these cities, he was the guest of numerous friends. When he reached Baltimore in July, his health was much impaired. He retired to the hospitable home of his old class- leader, and a local minister, Rev. John L. Reese ; here he was quite ill. Sister Reese was constant and untiring in her ministrations towards his recov- ery, and was rewarded, by his restoration to health, after many weeks of painful illness. When his strength was suf- ficiently regained, he entered upon the active duties of a missionary. He also attended to the publication and sale of various books, of which he was the author ; this was to him a most inviting field of ministerial labor ; he visited the sick and needy, and administered comfort to the dying. He was always ready to assist the cily pastors in their works of revival. During the summer months he visited very many camp meetings, and as a herald of the cross, was its earnest exponent. He was an itinerant in the true construction of that word ; when he had performed his work at one place, he did not longer remain, but hastened to some other post of duty ; he was often heard to say, "I must be about my Father's business.'' He frequently related his sufferings and triumphs, and many an account did he give, of his missionary efforts in Africa. At times he was despondent'; the dark picture of life would be placed before him. One such incident is related as having taken place in the class-room. He was very despondent in, his experience, and shaded it with a tinge of melancholy. Bro. Reese, hi? class-leader, tersely JOHN HERSEY. 39 replied, "John, do you ever expect to see the time, when you can say, well done." The response was instantaneous "No," and as quick flashed the retort, "well then, stop com- plaining." But he would soon rally, and his word was a mighty power Rev. Henry Butler who was at a camp meeting, held on the Calvert Circuit, during the year 1835, heard a sermon of great power and force, which was succeeded by an exhorta- tion from Father Hersey, on the hymn "And must I be to judgment brought;" the effect produced, he says, was electrical, and so powerful was the impression, that years afterwards the solemn admonitions rang in his ears with all the force he experienced when they first fell from the lips of the speaker. Father Hersey, in 1836, identified himself with the old Light Street Church, and became a member of its Quarterly Conference, and was a member of Brother J. L. Reese's class; the same year he connected himself with the local preach- ers' and exhorters' association, but owing to his many engagements and extensive missionary travels, he was not assigned in the plan of appointments to any special work ; but it was known, that no one was more thoroughly engaged in the Master's vineyard. During the year 1838, Jacob Gruber was engaged in superintending the erection of the Orchard Street Colored Methodist Church, Father Hersey became interested in this work, and bestowed much of his time and assistance in help- ing on the enterprise, nor did he desist from manual labor ; he was seen]handling*bricks, passing them to the men who were putting them in position. From the old Dallas Street Metho- dist Church, he procured a piece of railing, and had it used in connection with the steps leading to the basement ; his motive for this act is apparent. He had great reverence for the fathers, and the places where they had held their minis- trations. Dallas Street Church, at present the oldest survi- ving memorial of Methodism in Baltimore, was one of the cradles in which that denomination was rocked in its infancy ; within its walls, the sound of Asbury's voice had resounded, and from its altars, souls had been redeemed who are numbered with the inhabitants of the bettor land. In all the varied responsibilities imposed upon himself, John 40 SKETCH OF Hersey did not forget to trace the tendency of the church, and discuss her proper policy ; writing in 1839, upon the signs of the times, he thus expresses himself : "I am convinced that much more might be done within the pale of the church, than we at e now doing ; it is morti- fying in the extreme to see the church become an object of commiseration to the wicked ; we must act independently of the pecuniary aid of the unregenerate, or we must fall ; the enemies of the cross may, and will smile in prosperity, but they may also, and will assuredly, stab in adversity. Were we careful to bring into active operation, the sinews of the church, and lop off all our excesses, the kingdom of the world would very soon fall before us, and speedily become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ. A minister of the gospel within the bounds of the Virginia Conference, in the past year, has traveled about three thousand miles on foot, and preached generally six times a week. His entire expen- ses (exclusive of postage) did not amount to ten dollars ; nor was it a desperate effort on his part ; for the last four or five years, his movements have been nearly the same ; his numerous and kind friends cheerfully gave him his food and raiment, with which every follower of Christ should be satis- fied." We are indebted to the Rev. J. H. Brown, D. D., of the Baltimore Conference, for the following : "Rev. John Hersey I knew as far back as 1833. When I was first stationed in Baltimore, he was then in the vigor of his age, and in the heighth of his usefulness. I had heard of him before as a man, of great piety and self-denial ; I recol- lect his appointments for preaching at 5 o'clock in the morn- ing ; I have heard him preach in different places, and on various occasions, with great unction and power ; he visited from house to house, praying with the people, and warning them, not with words only, but by example ; I went to the ship to see him take his departure from our shores for dark Africa; he went to Cape Palmas in connection with, or under the direction of the Maryland Colonization Society. In Africa, he remained a short time ; he became discouraged from one cause or another, and returned ; he seemed persuaded that his true mission was to the churches at home, to warn them of their worldliness. I was with him at a camp meeting, in JOHN MERSEY. 41 1835, near Fredericksburg, in old Virginia ; the meeting was memorable on many accounts. One incident I will mention : The Abolition question had produced great commo- tion in Virginia; travelers were searched in Fredericksburg and other places, to see if they had Abolition documents about them for circulation ; word was sent from Richmond to Fredericksburg, to have Hersey arrested ; Dr. Wolford (a most estimable citizen), came to me at the camp meeting, and informed me of it, and requested me to tell Mr. Hersey to quietly leave the ground, and that if anything should occur, he would address the people, and show that Mr. Her- sey was no Abolitionist. Bro. Hersey took his departure next morning, and wept, saying, "This is the first time I ever was charged with being an enemy to my country." The next day another order came from Richmond, not to arrest him, that they were mistaken concerning his book on .\luriTij, which was mainly a compilation of speeches deliver- ed in the Legislature of Virginia ; they burnt in the mean- time, a box of those books in the public square, in their haste and their rage ; they admitted they were mistaken con- cerning the books, and countermanded their order for his arrest, but he was never indemnified for the books. Bro. Hersey baptised my first-born child in Shippensburg, Pa., which we named Charles Watson : the day will never be forgotten : It was in 1862, I think, when Bro. Hersey came to this city for the last time ; he saw the clouds gath- ering over our national sky, and admonished us of the approaching storm. He saw and felt his end was rapidly coming, lie appointed a parting meeting in the Sabbath School room on the south side of old Light St. Church ; it was a meeting of preachers : I was present. It was one of those occasions never to be forgotten ; Bro. Hersey was weak, extremely weak. He sat during his address ; he told us he was going to Pennsylvania to die ; it was a marvelous par- ting. It would have made one of the most impressive pic- tures ; he died in the following November. I wrote, by request of the preachers' meeting, the recorded minutes of his death. In connection with the subject of Father Hersey's troubles in Virginia, growing out of the slavery agitation, the following letter from him to Messrs. Armstrong & Berry, of Baltimore, his book publishers, of date, September 12th, 1835, has 42 SKETCH OF some bearing upon the subject : at that time he seems to have shared with many other patriotic men, apprehension of the storm, that since then bursted with such unrelenting fury over the land; be says, "My way has recently been very much hedged up in selling books : it is almost impossible to form a correct idea of the fearful state of society. I should before this, have left the State, and turned my steps towards Ohio, or Pennsylvania, but have thought it most prudent to remain here until the storm subsides a little, should that ever be. As I have written a book on the black absorbing subject, and distributed them publicly, I have become an object of peculiar hatred ; I believe however, that the God, whose I am, and whom I serve, will deliver and protect rne from all danger. I only regret that my way is hedged up, and when I have fully delivered my own soul with the people, if my life is spared, I shall leave Virginia. The Lord's will be done : the signs of the times are truly dark, and ominous of evil ; they are not surprising, nor unexpected to me, however ; we are not what we should be, and God will visit us in wrath ; nor is there any way to avert the storm, but by imitating the conduct of Ninevites. May heaven save our own happy favor- ed land ; the Lord in mercy keeps my mind in peace, and stayed on the Lord Jesus. CHAPTER VII, CURIOUS BOY. About the year 1835, a camp meeting was held in a grove situated about three miles north of Barnesville, in Montgom- ery County, Maryland. The grove was on a beautiful plain, at the foot of the Sugar Loaf Mountain in Frederick County. On Sunday, the day was calm, clear and beautiful ; the majestic blue cone, queen of mountains in Maryland, was arrayed in all its natural glories, as if ready to join in wor- ship ; below, its proud summit and the blue hills along the river at its base, were none the less lovely and glorious. Over every hill and along every valley, worshippers poured In toward the consecrated grove. Two circles of tents en- JOHN HEESEY. 43 compassed the inner circle, wherein seats were provided for the vast thousands who came to worship ; on this Sabbath morning, crowds flocked into this great circle, and occupied the seats, so that before the hour of ten o'clock, scarcely another could pass in. Some great interest appeared to draw the crowd :. some great spirit moved it, yet nothing un- usual was advertised, no great preacher was expected to hold forth ; good order and solemnity reigned on the ground, for a strange spirit marshaled the people. A curious boy pressed his slim form between two tents, and gained the inner circle, which was an inland sea of anxious faces, fanned by gentle breezes, from the summit of the tall, blue cone of the great mountain. He passed along through the crowd, and halted at a tree, in full view of the preacher's stand. In the stand sat about six plain men, whom he took to be preachers. The crowd thickened, until the observant boy was about to be forced from his hold on the tree, or to climb it to avoid suffocation ; he maintained his ground, however, and the "guards" went out to urge the people to take closer quarters, which they did, and thousands more came in with a rush It was now eleven o'clock, and the presence of the great crowd appeared to be due to the fact, that a camp meeting was a new thing in this locality. All eyes, now and then, turned to the rear, as if tired of sus- pense, yet they saw no stranger object, than a spare, thin man, whose way was being opened by a "guard." "Who is that?" whispers a thousand voices; the guard has left him, and he proceeds alone. "Where will he go?" is the next inquiry, and "Is he drunk'?*' is a third ; but he does not heed the voice of the curious, nor the flutter of a lady's fan- Look at that old rye straw hat, that blue cotton shad belly coat, that blue single-breasted vest, and pantaloons of the same blue material, which reach almost down to the top of his shoes. "Lock !" exclaims that boy, "he is going down to the preachers' stand ; we'll have some fun to see the preachers put him out." There ! he has opened the altar gate and going in. He is crazy ! now for the fun. Look ! he is into the stand ! he is going up the steps, but the preachers do not look like they will put him out. Just see ! they shake his hand cordially, and point him to the middle seat. He places his weather beaten, rye straw hat carefully under the bench , that old hat has no band on it, and no crape 44 SKETCH OF on the crown. Look! his coat is supplied with "hooks and eyes" instead of buttons ! Now he reaches down for his hat, he has forgotten something ; from it he takes a madder col- ored cotton handkerchief, with which he gracefully wipes his perspiring brow. A preacher rises from his seat, advan- to tho front of the stand, anchild to the devil ; who will barter her own eternal happi- ness for any quantity of gold or silver. What a monster would any man be accounted, who devoured the flesh of his own offspring ? And is he not as great a monster, who by his own act and deed, gives her to be devoured by that roaring lion ? As he certainly does, who marries her to an ungodly man. But he is rich, has ten thousand pounds. What if it were a hundred? The more, the worse; the less probabilities she have of escaping the damnation of hell. With what face willt thou look upon her, when she tells them in the realms below, thou hast plunged me into this place of torment. Hadst thou given me a good man, however poor, I might now have been in Abraham's bosom." JOHN HEKSEY. 5T CHAPTER IX. WILL THE MACHINE BE GOING? Many anecdotes are related illustrative of the subject of our sketch. From among which, we reproduce the following : From the Baltimore American, of Saturday, Nov. 30th, 186K Will the Machine be Agoing? The Rev. John fiersey i* well known as one of the most eccentric and self-denying min- isters of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has so many, good traits of character, that he has endeared to himself to host of friends, in and out of the society. But his prepossessions,, sentiments and proclivities are strongly in unison wilh that element of primitive Methodism, which forbade the preachers from giving Love-feast tickets to those who wore huge bon- nets, who held high heads, who put on gold and silver, laid* up treasures upon earth, and were guilty of softness and need- less self-indulgence The following anecdote of Father Her- sey, as he is respectfully called, illustrates his character. I* is well known that the regular appointed minister of the Char- les Street Church has long been absent in the land of "Dixie,"' and Mr. Hersey was called upon to administer to the people- on Thanksgiving day. Before giving his consent, however, he called upon one of the stew'ards, when the following collo- quoy took place : "Brother Job," said Father Hersey, "I am willing to preach in the church, but will the machine be ago- ing ?" He was told that if the machine (the organ) was ob- jectionable, it could be stopped ; whereupon, he consented to> preach, and did so, in a very effective manner. This will ex- plain to the large congregation present, the disappointment experienced upon the absence of the choir, who very good! naturedly abstained from the exercise of their vocal powers,, which are acknowledged "to be unsurpassed in the city. The leader, the organist, the bellows blower, as the good father termed them, and (he sterner sex, released from their obliga- tions, had, therefore, a good opportunity of enjoying the day in a manner different from what was anticipated, whilst (he- the ladies, (may heaven bless them,) who are foremost in the? work of benevolence and charity, were busy and active in re- lieving the necessities of the poor and needy, at the "Home of the Friendless," and other kindred institutions. 58 SKETCH OF To morrow, the choir wish it to be understood, that "The machine will be agoing" as usual, Anecdote of the Buttons. It is related that whilst attending a camp meeting at Ball's camp ground, Va., in the Fall of 1826, Father Hersey preach- ed a powerful sermon, in which he inveighed against the then becoming to be fashionable practice among the ladies, of wear- ing earrings ; insisting with great force, that the wearing of useless apparel or ornaments, was questionable, if not sinful. After service, an amiable and accomplished sister, whose heavy gold pendants had made her the "observed of all observers,"" during Father Hersey's sermon, approached the Reverened gen- tleman, and said, "Father Hersey, before discarding my ear- rings, as .unnecessary, be kind enough to inform me what use- thoso two buttons on the back of your coat are designed for."" For a moment, a blush mantled the good man's cheek, but it was for a moment only, for seizing a knife he quickly remov- ed the offending buttons, exclaiming, "Sister, let the buttons go with the jewelry," and from that day, till that of hi death, Father Hersey as sedulously eschewed buttons as the lady did ornaments. City Missionary. Whilst City Missionary in Baltimore, Father Hersey on a cold, snowy December day, in going his accustomed round of duty, soliciting for the suffering poor, in whom he always manife=ted the liveliest interest, stopped in, at the store of a- Hebrew gentleman, who was more noted for profanity, than, charity. The clothier, who was busy waiting upon a lady customer, had never met Father Hersey, and supposing from his coarse though neat garb, that he was a mendicant, rough- ly querried, "Old man. are you a beggar ?" "I am begging to-day," quietly rejoined the Missionary ; then roughly re- plied the merchant, "You had better get out of here, and go to work" adding, "that is the way I get my clothes, and youi might have better ones, if you were industrious, without begging me for them." "I do not want clothes," quietly responded the unselfish minister; "I am amply supplied by He whom you crucified on Calvary, but you are angry, and I can't leave until you get cool, when I will talk to you." Astonished at the unruffled demeanor and dignified manner of the thinly clad, aud insulted stranger, the merchant c>uer- JOHN HERSEY. 59 ried "Who can he be?" "That" whispered the lady, "is Father Her sey ;" he is the only wholly unselfish man, that I have ever met; rejoined the merchant, "and now sir" addressing Father Hersey, "after begging your pardon, tell what are your wants and they shall be supplied." Look at my coat, you see 1 need none, I want nothing for myself;" but there is a poor woman near you, who is suffering for the common necessaries of life, and you must relieve her." "I will," returned the merchant, and turning to the best blankets in the store, he directed his clerk to wrap up as many as Father Hersey should deem necessary, whilst he armed the good Missionary with an order upon his grocer, authorizing him to draw upon that tradesman for the remainder; the order covering in amount whatever sum in Father Hersey's judg- ment should be required to meet the widow's necessities. On the observance of the Sabbath. On the observance of the Sabbath, Father Hersey says: "There has recently been much controversey in the Chris- tian world, respecting the Sabbath day, whether its obliga- tions are binding on Christians, or not. It is incorporated in the Decalogue, and for us, one of the commandments deliv- ered to Moses, by the hand of God himself. Christ's gospel, is admirably adapted to the wants and conditions of all man- kind, and must ultimately prevail in every clime on earth ; therefore the Sabbath day has been wisely passed over in the New Testament, almost in silence, lest vain jangling and idle controversey about forms and shadows should engage the minds and engross the time of dying mortals. The custom of the fathers, and the inferences of the Gospel, are sufficient to establish fully the right of Christians to enjoy one day in each week devoted to rest and worship. The inhabitants of the frozen regions, and Torrid zone, may equally claim and enjoy the unspeakable blessing of devoting one-seventh part of their time, exclusively to the "service of the Lord, and whether it be the first or seventh day of the week, can make no difference to God, who is a spirit, and must be wor- shipped in spirit and in truth. It is very much to be feared, that those who cavil with so much rigidity about its formal observance, know very little about God's holy law, which is /'//-, or of his worship, which is spiritual in its nature, and delightful in its operation. Not long since, I spent the close SKETCH OF of the week with an old and respectable membsr of the church. On the Sabbath morning, almost the first sound that reached rny ear, was the axe ; I reasoned with my kind friend on the impropriety and awful consequences of such conduct. He frankly acknowledged his faults, but alleged that his servants were to blame he could not control them it was an express violation of his orders. As he could not prevent it, he supposed he was innocent himself. Do you think, said I, if there was a fine of ten dollars only, for cut- ting wood on the Sabbath day, that those ungovernable servants would be guilty of a violation of the law, and com- pel you to pay the ten dollars every week ? He promptly and frankly replied, no sir, I am sure it would not be the case. Suppose the President was to issue a proclamation offering to every one, who would observe the fourth com- mandment for one year, fifty thousand dollars, do we honestly believe that we should be as careless under such circumstan- ces, as we are now ? Would there be the sound of an axe heard on our premises ? Would our servants be laboring on that day, preparing a sumptuous repast, against we returned from a social visit ? Would we talk business and politics, sooner than divine love and law ? No sir, I think we could very well fare on cold food for fifty-two days in a year for that amount, it would be near a thousand dollars a day it would soon be over, and then we would be comfortable for life. If we would keep the day more strict to get fifty thousand, or fifty millions of money, than we do under present circumstances, we have no hope of heaven. One Cent Beggar. Many, very many years ago, Father Hersey met on the highway, an old grey-headed man, who asked him for one cent. From the stranger's language and address, he per- ceived that he had seen more prosperous days. Father Hersey asked him what benefit one cent could be to him ? He replied, that he was far from his friends and home, and occasionally had to pay ferriage and other incidental expens- es; he did not, however, complain, or intimate, that he was unkindly treated by the public. Father Hersey then inquir- ed what his prospects were in regard to another world. They were certainly very gloomy in the present. From his reply and the simple, but pointed relation of his experience, JOHN MERSEY. 61 he had every reason to believe that he was then in possession of the "pearl of great price," though an earthly beggar ; he paused and pondered the circumstances over in his own mind; here is a child, thought Father Hersey, of my heavenly Fath- er, an old grey-headed pilgrim of the cross, a stranger in a strange land, far from any earthly friends and comforts, who respectfully solicits one cent to aid him on his toilsome journey. Father Hersey says, "I examined myself from head to foot, and found that I had expended many dollars for what miglit have been dispensed with, without depriving me of one real benefit, or comfort. first, several dollars might have been saved in my hat, and something from every part of my dress. I thought of the poor widow who gave two mites, and reflected upon our Saviour's command to gather up the fragments, that nothing might be lost. I thought upon the crown of thorns, that another stranger in this cold world wore for me. I was ashamed, I was condemned I found this man's blood upon me ; the money with which these unneces- sary things were purchased, 'belonged to this poor old man's father. Was I not a robber ? And what was my gain ? Pride, that master sin was fed and strengthened. And what was my motive ? Evidently to recommend myself to the sons of Belial, my Divine Master's deadly enemies. I saw them and still believe that one cent expended to gratify the passions or appetite exclusively, or for any article not really useful and beneficial, is a departure from the high and honar- ble standard of mercy : "except ye deny yourself daily, and take up your cross, and follow Me, ye cannot be My disci- ples." I then resolved to adopt the dress, and endeavor to con- form more closely to the practice of a Christian. Stain on the Floor. Father Hersey used to relate the following anecdote, which he alleged made a powerful impression upon his mind, and which he intended should have a good effect upon the minds of those to whom he related it. "Being unwell at the house of a friend, where everything was neat and clean the floor of my chamber being unusual- ly white, the servant brought in a small mug, containing a 62 SKETCH OF preparation for me to take as I retired to bed. It was set on the hearth a brand fell and upset it, part of the contents ran on the floor ; I removed it as soon as possible, but felt not a little mortified at the careless occurrence. At four o'clock when I arose and lighted the candle, the floor attract- ed my first attention, and to my great surprise and gratifica- tion, there was no stain to be seen ; it was dry and white. With the light of the candle, I could distinctly see to read very small print. When the sun arose, and shone into the room, a plain stain was quite perceptible on the floor. By this accident, I was led to the following reflections : with the light I now use, all appears to be well no stain is percepti- ble, but when the light of eternity shines forth upon my soul, will there be no stain, or dark marks to be seen ? Do I now honestly bring the light of God's holy word and spirit to bear on my heart and conscience ? Is there nothing which that standard enjoins which I omit; nothing which it forbids that I indulge in ? On Begging Money from the Irreligious. Father Hersey's views on begging money from sinners, do not accord with the prcctice now so prevalent. He says : What must sinners think of us when we declare faithfully to them, that they must be turned into hell, and then ask them for pecuniary aid. What would be thought of the soldier who in time of conflict, sought to obtain among his enemies, the means to continue the war against their leader ? Would they not rejoice to get rid of such tormenting neighbors ? Reason and honor declare aloud that the church shonld keep within her own borders, in collecting money for any religious purpose. Our nakedness is by this course sometimes com- pletely exposed. I was sometime since, eye witness to a mortifying scene, which is a case in point, strengthened both my fears and supposition. A minister of the gospel, at a three days' meeting, observed one or two advertisements on the side of the church, he immediately removed them from that place very soon he was called on by an enraged sinner to know if he had taken down his advertisement, the preacher replied mildly in the affirmative. The insulted child of Belial, per emptorily demanded them of him ; he had thrown them away but they were picked up and given to the rightful owner, he JOHN HERSEY. 63 then in a boisterous, profane manner declared, that he had paid his money towards building that house ; consequently, he had as much right to it as any other man, and in an open, daring, insulting manner, hammered his paper up to the house again, in the presence of a large concourse of people, and triumphantly dared any man to touch them again. The poor insulted servant of God, was compelled to see his Fath- er's house, the Lord's Sanctuary, degraded to the level of a common tavern, or ordinary sign-post, or fight the devil oni his own ground. By the unguarded and indelicate course of begging from sinners, we place ourselves within their power. All God's children are they must be honorable people ; nothing could be more painful, and mortifying to a high minded sinner, than to be compelled to ask a favor of his enemy ; surely our sense of honor is not more obtuse, than that of those who are regarded by the Lord Jesus, as children of the devil." On, Apostolic Prayer. "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That he would grant, you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith , that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to compre- hend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length and depth and heigh th. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." The above, says Father Hersey, is the sublimest interces- sory prayer on record, embodying the supplication for those blessings in language, the most magnificent that ever issued 64 SKETCH OF from human lips. Here we find the full length and finished portrait of intercessory prayer. Father Hersey thus photographs the Apostle to the Gren- tiles : "If ever there was a man, who lived for others, not him- self willing to endure any suffering by which the sufferings of others might be soothed, and in promoting the happiness of others, supremely desirous to find his own that man was St. Paul. If ever there was a human heart in which the divine spirit of Christian benevolence was enthroned, and had brought every feeling, affection and passion to bow beneath its sceptre of love, it was the heart of the great Apostle of the Gen- tiles. If ever there was a character moulded in every feature after the adorable Redeemer's, and reflecting in beautiful clearness, the image of him who was the incarnate manifesta- tion of divine love, it was the character of this greatest of merely human philanthropists, and if ever there was a life of mere man, which might be considered but as one embodied and unbroken exhibition\>f disinterested zeal for the advance- ment of human happiness, it was the life of St. Paul, from the moment he met Jesus on the way to Damascus, and fell to the ground, beneath his piercing expostulations, till the moment, when, as the dying testimony of his gratitude to that Jesus, he bowed his head beneath the murderous axe," Will the reader not join with us in asserting, that if in more modern times, there has lived one who deserved and earned the application of the above pen portrait that man was John Hersey. We cannot better present Father Hersey to our readers, than 'by copying entire the following vigor- ous epistle from an eminent and able member of the Phila- delphia Conference. All who ever met Father Hersey will recognize the picture : JOHN HEESEY. 65 CHAPTER X. Nbrristown, Pa., January 19 \vhilr I \v.-is in cluifge of Crozierville ' station, Delaware Couiity, Pa., 'in 1858, two or three times, he was not a stranger in our family. On Sabbath he rode with me to- 130 SKETCH OF my appointments preaching at Red Lion and Glasgow. We had just finished and dedicated the new church at Glas- gow, and of course he took exception to several things mak- ing up the furniture of the new building. After service in the afternoon, we rode to Bro. Isaiah Staunton's house, for supper, where we spent the night together, he having a sepa- rate bed. The next morning we rode over to Salem M. E. Church, then on Newport Circuit and not far from Christine, in New Castle County, Delaware. Bro. Hersey recognized the grave-yard, connected with Salem, as a hallowed spot, containing the precious remains of his parents and ancestry, After lingering there for a little time, he returned with me to my home in St. George's, and soon left to attend to his Master's work ''going about doing good." In the Spring of 1862, I was appointed to Cochranville Circuit, Pa., and in the month of October,- 1 received a letter from Bro. Charles Reese, who lived in Penningtonville, a small village, six miles from Cochranville, and on the line of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, which was also one of my appointments, concerning Bro. Hersey, who having traveled this circuit as an assistant, had formed some special acquaint- ances, and now having received premonitions of death, selec- ted Bro. Reese's house as his last earthly home. Here he was most tenderly and kindly cared for, from Tuesday, October 2nd, until Sabbath night, November 16th, when just twenty minutes past twelve o'clock, Bro. Hersey died, shouting salvation ! repeating the word several times ; and placing my ear close to his lips, he attempted the utter- ance of salvation again, succeeding only in articulating the first syllable, when his sainted spirit fled. There were present at this solemn, yet happy hour, Rev. Alexander M. Kemble, one of my local preachers ; Bro. Reese, wife, son and niece ; sister Ruth Anna Brosius and myself. Then and often since, I have thought of the cou- plet : "The chamber where the good man meets his fate, Is prtviledged beyond the common walk of virtuous life, Quite in the verge of heaven." was and is a truthful representation of the dying scenes and JOHN HERSEY. 131 associations of the saint of God, leaving the earthly taber- nacle: The impression and memory of that Sabbath night will never be forgotten by me, or the rest who were present. "It was good to be there." I send you a transcript of the letter that Bro. Ileese sent me, on Bro. Hersey's arrival at his house in Penningtonville, Chester County, Pa.: Penningtonville, Oct. 2nd, 1862. DEAR BRO. DARE : The old Israelite has come (I mean Father Hersey). He landed safe on Tuesday evening. Not being able to get out of the cars in time to get his trunk, they took it on to the city, which worried him very much. I wrote a note de- scribing it, and gave it to the baggage-master, requesting him to bring up the trunk, which he did the next morning, to the great satisfaction of Father Hersey who is very anx- ious to see you, as soon as you can conveniently come. He is none the worse of his ride on the cars, but is feeble not able to walk much his feet being very stiff and paining him very much. Come soon. Respectfully yours, CHARLES REESE. I hastened to see him, and was permitted to repeat the visit several times before his death. My esteemed colleague, Rev. Robert W. Jones, spent much time with him more than I could as his boarding house was in that village. In my frequent visitations, he was continually giving me good in- structions, which has ever since been a stimulus in my work as a minister of the Lord Jesus. - There were occasionally seasons of depressions with Bro. Hersey, because of the wicked world and the lack, or want of zeal in the church Yet the last were among the happiest weeks of his eventful life. I called to see him on Sabbath, Nov. 16th. After dinner sang with him, his favorite hymn "When for eternal worlds we steer, &c., &c." .and then joined with him in prayer. After his death, a new suit of clothes which some kind brother had given him, was put upon the body, which, as he had requested, was placed in a neat coffin, made of poplar 132 SKETCH OF wood, by Bro. Charles Reese. He had requested me to super- intend the funeral services, which he desired to be without pomp or show. He wished no sermon to be preached, but leaving it at my option to invite several brethren, which I did. Appropriate remarks were made by nearly all the brothers present, after which we followed the precitms remains to the lot surrounding the Penningtonville M. E. Church, and on the East side of the building was placed all that was mortal of Rev. John Hersey. Very truly, yours in Christ, JOSEPH DARE, Wilmington Conference M. JE. Church. The remains of Father Hersey were taken from the home of Charles Reese, where he died, to the church, on Wednes- day afternoon at 2 o'clock, where the funeral services took place. The pall-bearers were Rev. Joseph Dare, preacher in charge of the circuit, Rev. Robert A Jones, junior preacher, Rev. J. Pasterfield, Rev. Wm. Burrell, Rev. George W. Ly- brand and Rev. I. R. Merrill, Methodist preachers and Rev. Wm. T. Bunker and Rev. Charles Young, Sr., Baptist preachers. Revs. Jos. Dare, Robert A. Jones, Jeremiah Pasterfield, Wm Burrell, George W. Lybrand, I. R. Merrill, Wm. T. Bunker and Chas. Young participated in the services, all de- livered short addresses, except Revs. Chas. Young and Robt. Jones ; Rev. J. Pasterfield read as a Scripture lesson, the 15th chapter of First Corinthians. The opening hymn was sung, being announced by Rev. I. R. Merrill. "Servant of God, well done, cry of Catholosism or Protestantism. Let us not be deceived ; God is Dot blind. We shall have our reward. Tuesday, \lth. A very warm day have visited some sick and suffering families. One sensible man, Mr. B ,who is recovering, and discovered his true colors Unicersalism. He could quote Scripture freely and correctly oh the danger of the present day. False colors in the churches, and false doctrine out of them, and so we go. Promised to take sup- per with Bro. C , and forgot it, and so / go. oh, the danger of life blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Preached at the Home Missionary Chapel to a small congrega- tion with liberty, as usual. Returned home fresh, and free from fatigue. Praise the Lord, Oh, my soul. Ever, forever. Wednesday, 18//t. My time has been occupied running about doing nothing. I have bought and paid for a horse Oh, Lord, let thy blessing rest upon this, as upon every act of my life. Thou, Oh God, knowest that I desire to do all I do, to please Thee; Oh forgive, and help me, and guide all my steps below, and grant me a lot among the holy in heaven. TJiursday, 19/A. A most windy, blustering day ; the dust has been exceeding] annoying. Have made but few visits; yet, have been busy fixing my wagon, which I bought for twenty-five dollars. Attended Fayette Street Church. Heard Bro Reese preach was sleepy- Lord, forgive me. I closed with some very plain remarksj but they avail nothing, nor will anything but the thunders of Jehovah's judgment arouse a slumbering church to a sense of her duty and her danger. Friday, 20th. Have attempted to fast as usual, but as us- ual, it has been in a formal and unprofitable manner. Visi- ted a few families, and attended and led our cla^s ; very few out, as usual a cold, dry time. Lord, help us. Saturday, 21st. Was sent for to see a very sick woman; when I reached her room, she had gone out, either on busi- ness, or to visit others. I found all she wanted, was some assistance ; this it was easier to give than spiritual food. Sdlbath, 22d I went to lead Bro. Younger' s class, and be- hold, the family had removed. I had long been promising, and when I went, it was too late. Oh, the danger of procras- tination. Lord, help me to act promptly. Preached to a good congregation at Whatcoat Street Church with liberty; again 150 SKETCH OF at the Home Mission Chapel at 4 o'clock, to a good congrega- tion, with much liberty, and comfort to my own soul. None of the official brethren present. Took supper with Bro. Brooks and preached at the Seamen's Bethel at night to a good con- gregation two mourners. Walked home, and felt no percep- tible fatigue, either of body or mind. Praise the Lord, Oh, my soul. This is the Lord's doings, and it is wondrous in our eyes. Monday, 23rd Thank the Lord for sleep and rest. Arose at my usual hour ; had a comfortable time in waiting upon the Lord, and quite a precious season in reading my morning lesson, the first chapter of Revelation. Oh for a heart to praise my God. I want nothing but God but the living God. I have baen patching up my little wagon, and have done very little to-day. Mercj 7 , mercy, is all my plea. Jesus died for me for me the Saviour died. Tuesday, 24th This has been a wet day. I have visited very little. Read and wrote some. Went down in the evening to the Hill, to fill my appointment at the chapel : but the brethren thought it would be unnecessary to go out, as there would be no one there, so I returned home. Wednesday, '25th Praise the Lord for health, and a brightening prospect for a resting place in heaven. The Lord will not be. angry forever. II is mercy endureth forever. Praise the Lord. This has b'een quite a wet day. Have made but few visits, and preached at William St. Church to a small congregation, very little liberty. Stayed with Bro. Armstrong on the Hill. Thursday, 26th Wrote in a huary, a part of an introduc- tion to a little work on prayer. Ran about all day doing very little. Heard Bro. Gear preach at night to a tolerable congregation all, all, dead, dead. Friday, 27th Have visited a number of friends among the poor and others. Have as usual, fasted, and have felt no in- convenience therefrom. Yet is there a great want of spirit- uality in this privilege. Led Bro D 's class with some liberty ; said some plain things ; made some important decla- rations. Lord forgive, if I erred. Saturday, 28/7* Arose at my usual hour, a few minutes before four o'clock. Had a comfortable hour in waiting on JOHtf HERSEY. 151 the Lord in prayer. In reading my precious Saviour's ser- mon on the Mount, my soul was softened and comforted. Praiso the Lord, oh my soul. I have been very busy walk- ed much ; dined with sister Hiser. Took supper with Dr. Knight. Have sold five sets of Madame Guyon's life. Sabbath, 29th This has been a dark morning to my soul ; have felt dull and stupid. Heard **** Wentworth preach a splendid sermon at Columbia street, with a considerable feel- ing. Attended a Sacramental occasion at the Seamen's Bethel at three o'clock, but there was too much hurry. I am always pained here to see the folly, and the gaudy dress of the females who commune. Preached to a small congrega- tion at the Mission Chapel ; there was a good feeling. Preached at eight in William street to a small congregation, with great plainness, but not much effect. Returned home, refreshed and without perceptible fatigue. Oh for a heart to praise my God. Monday, 30th This, like other days, has been passed unprofitably. Collected money and paid Bro. H 's doc- tor bill. We should bear one another's burdens. Poot sister A. Robertson is sinking into eternity ; I found her in a better frame than usual. Alas, my own cold heart. Lord, save me. Tuesday, 31st Have been very busy, walking and visit- ing. Preparing to leave Baltimore. Have walked over nearly all our territory in the city. Administered the Sac- rament to sister and the doctor. Preached at Eutaw, with very little light or liberty. Wednesday, June 1st. Left Baltimore. After running about most briskly, arranging my wagon and horse, with which I had much trouble, I left Baltimore at four o'clock ; came to Elkridge without accident, or injury from cars, or my horse, for which I desire to be truly thankful. Stopped at Bro. Newton's house ; he immediately ran out and gath- ered up a congregation, to whom I preached with great liberty ; still, after the burden of the day, and after walking nearly a mile to preach and back ; blessed be God, I felt no fatigue whatever. Oh my God, pardon my unbelief, and forgive my ingratitude. Thursday 2nd. After a pleasant ride for me, but a labor- ious one for my horse, I reached Georgetown about four o'clock ; stopped with . Here I found pride and folly on the increase. Went to the church, and found no one there, except the sexton. After waiting a long time, the preachers came in ; they invited me to preach I had some liberty and preached with great plainness; brought their sins before their eyes ; but I fear it will be labor lost. The church is fully set to go with the world and draw down ruin on ourselves and also on the wicked world. I found they were all preparing for a frolic down the river. They were to take the Sabbath School children along for a cloak for their own naked hearts. But God is not deceived, nor will He be mocked. He will tear the veil away, and fully expose their nakedness. Friday, 3tZ. Have, as usual, attempted to fast; yet, for- mality nullifies this, and most other efforts I make to serve the Lord. Visited some of my old friends in Washington. I greatly fear the god of this world will deceive and ruin my old friend, M. W. L. Saturday, 4f h Have visited some of my friends in George- ^town ; but, alas ! time has left but few of the old standards, and soon we will all be called to appear before the Judge of all the earth. Oh, may we be prepared. Sunday, 5th Led Bro. Brown's class. Have found a few of the old members, and only a very few were present ; was very pointed with those present. Preached in Bro. Land- street's place, at eleven o'clock ; the Sacrament was adminis- tered ; Bro. Slicer consecrated the elements : but, alas ! I fear the shadow only remains here also. Preached again in the Market House to a good congregation, at 3 o'clock, with some liberty and I hope good effect. Preached again at 8 o'clock for Bro. Cox;*in the M P. Church, with but little liberty. Walked home with my nephew, and blessed be God, felt no perceptible fatigue. Surely this is the Lord's doings, and it is marvellous in our^yes. Monday, 6fh Went this morning to Alexandria. Had to run to reach the boat in time. Dined and supped with Bro. B. NVatera. Preached at night to quite a large and most atten- tive congregation. Stayed all night with Bro. Davey. Tuesday, 1th I was beset and pained by a wicked dream . Surely the heart is not here nay I know it is not, or those dreams would not exist. Arose at 3 o'clock, and after spend- JOHN HERSEY. 15$ ing more than an hour and a half in my morning devotions, I preached to a good congregation at 5 o'clock with liberty and comfort. Came away in the boat at seven o'clock in company with Pr. Legcnball ; walked from the boat to- Georgetown, which is called three miles. Left Georgetown after dinner and came to Bro. J. S. Hennings', at Rockville, when I was very kindly received by the family, and preached at eight o'clock to a good congregation, with liberty and apparent effect. Praise the Lord, I still feel no fatigue of body, or mind. Oh for more gratitude and humility. Wednesday, Sth Came to Clarksburg, but did not find Bro. Cullom at home. Put up however, for the night, and preached at eight o'clock in the school house, to a little- flock of rather insensible hearers. My voice was much re- stricted and all was cold and dark. Well, I have tried, but alas ! how very unimportant is the arm of flesh. All our help must come from God. Lord help me. Thursday, 9th Clouds and darkness still cover my sky. Oh for a clear morning of salvation, a heart burning with* love for God and all mankind. I rode up to Fredericktown on horseback, but found not Bro. Miller, nor Bro. Tippett. Stopped with Andrew Boyd. Very unexpectedly met with sister Pendleton, at Bro. Miller's house a poor, friendless, disconsolate sister. Preached at eight o'clock to a good and very attentive congregation, with liberty, and I hope good effect. Friday, 10th Spent most of the day in Frederick City doing nothing. Returned to Clarksburg in the evening ; met with Bros. Cullom and Brown. S'it iii-diii/, \\th Have felt dark and gloomy for sometime- This morning more light dawned upon my soul, and I enjoyed more comfort in waiting on the Lord than usual. Rode to Bchool house and preached to a little handful of dull hearers- Rode home with E. Beale and took dinner ; returned and preached at the school house to one dozen, hearers; Bro. Cullom very much discouraged. Rode one mile or more to- rest for the night with Bro. Lewis. X(il>/,(ifh, ]2th Held a love-feast at 9 o'clock"; all kinds of people present, almost at least from the careless and gay, to- the plain and thoughtful. I preached at eleven o'clock in the open air, to a large and attentive congregation, with much 154 SKETCH OF plainness and I hope some effect, After an intermission of an hour, more or less, Bro. Crawford preached quite a good sermon, and at night Bro. Cullom preached a very long, plain sermon, and closed quietly and without uiuch effect Another precious Sabbath day, We stayed with Bro. White. Monday, 13th Returned to Clarksburg and spent the day with Bro. Cullom. Tuesday 14th. The weather very warm. We rode out and paid several visits. Preached at Bethesda, at night, to a good congregation, with some liberty and effect. Passed the night with Bro. Walker. Wednesday, 15th Returned to Clarksburg, and felt much disappointed in not hearing from Bro. Armstrong. Spent an unprofitable day: the weather very warm. Rode up to Hyattstown and preached with liberty to a good congregation. Stopped with Bro. I. Umsted. Thursday, IQth Slept tolerably well. Left after early breakfast, and drove my wagon up to Frederick City. Met Bro. Miller at Bro. Tippett's. They all wished me to preach at night, to which I consented. Rode out to Bro. Boyd's ; my horse behaved pretty well. Thank the Lord for His mercy. Preached with some liberty, but very little effect. Rested for the night with Bro. Tippett. Friday, 17th This has been a very warm day. I have as usual, attempted to fast^but alas, how formal are all my efforts to worship God. Have been in suspense about my book, but patience must have her perfect work. Walked out and stay ed with the Elder, Bro. Boyd. Saturday, 18th I have been much perplexed about my book ; no letter, but a package of books that I did not need, and no word about the book on prayer. I wrote a letter of very plain import, which may offend Bro. Armstrong. Per- haps I am wrong in my object, and had better left the books and gone unincumbercd. Well, if so, I will give them up ; yet like poor Balaam, perhaps my heart is in the money. Oh Lord, search me, and try me, and purge every stain of earthly love out of my soul. Save, oh save, that I perish not. Sulbath, IQth Have felt very dull and dark this day ; my sky is much beclouded. "Lord, what wilt Thou have me JOHN HERSEY 155 do ? Heard Bro. Miller preach to the colored people, at ten o'clock, and at three preached to them myself, but without life or liberty. Preached to the whites at night, very little liberty, yet the Lord enabled me to say plain and pointed things, and the congregation were considerably affected. Lord help me and forgive my follies. Returned and stayed with old Bro. Boyd. Monday, 20th Attempted to visit with Bro. Miller, but failed ; Bro. M feels very much discouraged. Two years ago, there were more taken into the church in a revival than the entire number on record. Our modern revivals are measurably delusions. The devil is busy ; his servants have opened their synagogues the theatre, and the multitude press into it and pay their money to be ruined I preached at night to a good and attentive congregation ; it was a solemn and impressive sermon. Tuesday, 2lst Left old Bro. Boyd's after early breakfast- Spent some time in town, then rode in my heavy wagon over a most hilly road, to Barnesville, where I fed and took dinner with Bro. Nichols. Came on to Poolesville and stopped with Bro. Sissel, one mile from town. Spoke with some liberty; one poor mourner at the altar. Returned to Bro. Sissel's, and after riding twenty-three miles, more or less, over a most hilly road, and walking in the broiling sun up nearly all the hills, I felt no perceptible fatigue. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. My refractory horse has behaved well to-day ; this I impute to the goodness of God in answer to prayer. \\'< ilncsday, 22nd Have spent the day in visiting with" Bro Cullom. We spent a few hours in the evening with a Presbyterian family, but most unprofitably. I felt very vacant and gloomy, had scarce a word to say, and at night attempted to preach, but had neither light or liberty, nor divine unction; it was a dark time ; after which the meeting closed and we went to Bro. Sissel's to stay all night. Thwtday, 2&rd Left Bro. Sissel's after breakfast; my horse behaved well, until I came to the canal. The culvert was low and dark and rough and watery. I was almost de-.. terred from attempting to pass it ; the horse was very unwil- ling to go through. I however, got an old woman to lead him through ; the top rubbed nearly all the way. Surely it was grub and go. Praise the Lord, he brought me through 156 SKETCH OF and over the river in safety. Reached Leesburg before ten. Supped with Bro. Rogers, and concluded to remain all night. Put up with Bro. Smith, and called to see a number of old friends. Preached at night to a good congregation, with liberty and effect. Rain caused the congregation to be smaller than it would have been. Fi-iday, 24th Preached at five o'clock to a good congre- gation with some liberty. Left for Middleburg, where I was kindly received by Bro. Hurst. Preached at night to a large congregation with some effect. Stayed with Bro. Brown. Saturday, 25th Preached at five o'clock to a good congre- gation. Sold several books in Bro. Brown's store. Then rode up to Upperville and left niv wagon at Bro. Calvert's and rode on horseback to Cool Spring, where I met Bro. Hurst. Stopped with sister Kitty Shackett. Sabbath, 2Qth Preached at Cool Spring to a good congre- gation with great plainness ; there was deep interest felt. Rode to Salem, and preached at four o'clock with much liberty and physical strength. Stopped with Bro. Allen, Bro. Hurst preached at night to a good congregation. Monday, 27th Called to see an amiable family. The girls are members, their brothers are kind sinners. Preach- ed at a school-house at eleven o'clock to a good congregation; very little libertv Took dinner at Bro. Harrison's. Rode up to Rectortown ; stopped with Bro. Sampson ; preached at night ; congregation not large, and very late assembling. Here a scene of discord and confusion has prevailed, which delights the devil, and grieves God's spirit. Tuesday, 28th Rode out and spent a short time with a family. Bro. Hunt's family came through a hot sun to Up- perville. Felt very much exhausted with the heat. At half past four o'clock lectured on the Apocalyptic Witnesses ; and at eight o'clock preached to a small congregation with some liberty. Wednesday, 29f7i My horse has been stolen, or has left the pasture. This is a hard trial, but blessed be God. I can give him up most freely, though the best horse I ever owned. I have spent a very tedious day ; it has been very warm, and have felt very weak. Visited and took tea with Dr. Brown. Heard a Baptist, Bro. Dodge, preach at a late hour ; closed JOHN HERSEY. 157 after him, and thus closed an unprofitable day. Lord for- give and help me for Jesus' sake. Thursday, 30f/t. This has been another warm day. My time has been spent very unprofitably. My horse was brought to me by a neighbor to-day. Thank the Lord for his mercies, either prosperous, or adverse, shall be alike ac- ceptable to me. Friday, July 1st Arose very early and started before sun- rise in my wagon ; but, alas, how uncertain are all human efforts and calculations. I had progressed only a few miles, when I met a wagon loaded with machinery, in a very narrow part of the road. My horse became frightened, nor could I manage him ; the driver refused to stop ; my- horse turned short round, how, I know not ; yet through mercy there was nothing broke, nor any injury sustained, other than the fright to the horse. Oh may my heart ever be in heaven. A Finding my system very much exhausted, I took dinner with a plain pious family, in Perry ville, consisting of a bi other and two sisters, by the name of Noble. Bro. Eggleston dined with me. After much labor for my horse, in the heat and upon the tough road, I reached Charlestown early in the evening, having traveled about thirty-two miles. Met Bro. Eggleston. I put up with sister Tomlinson. Her husband from home. Saturday, 2nd This has been an idle day. The most oppressive of all other labors; wrote a few letters, and read a few papers and slept again. SuUxjJth, 3rd The weather still sultry and warm. Preach- ed to a small congregation for Bro. Eggleston ; no light life, light, or liberty, llode out to a school-house and preached to a good congregation of sinners. Rode home with sister Yates, James Walker's daughter ; very kind, rich people, A fine rain. Sister Yates called to see her husband's sister who has just had her leg broken. Oh uncertain, delusive world. Save me, oh my God, from its smiles and also from the fear of its power. Monday, 4th This has been a dreary day ; the church and the children away in the woods, frolicking, I, however, spent the day at Bro. Brown's. Had sent an appointment to Harper'^) Ferry ; it was not delivered. A large number of 158 SKETCH OF harvest hands, white and colored, were present at night, and I gave them an exhortation, before and after prayer. Tuesday, blh Game up to town and spent rather an idle day again. Met Bro. Eggleston's class at three o'clock. The most fashionable and gay dressed individual in the class was a Methodist preacher's daughter. No marvel now. Preach- ed to a good congregation, on temperance, at night, with some liberty and 1 hope good effect. Bro. W. G. Eggleston gave a most pointed and severe exhortation. Wednesday Qth Have not as usual heard from my books, which should have reached town yesterday. I left on horse- back with some books, and left my wagon to be sent on to me on Saturday. Dined at Smithfield, and stopped for the night, with Bro. J. Payne. Thursday, 7th Rode into Winchester. Stopped with Bro. Nulton, a kind man; he immediately published an appoint- ment for me to preach at night. There was a good congre- gation : they were attentive and I preached with some com- fort. Friday, 8th Preached this morning at five o'clock. Only a few out. Surely the Lord Jesus "must spue us out of his mouth. Left after breakfast and rode to Newtown; stopped with Bro. Alemony ; he appears to be a zealous and kind man, but there is something which I cannot understand. Eternity will unfold all secret things. Then shall we return and discern between him that serveth God, and him that serveth Him not. An appointment was agreed upon to preach, but the Lutheran brethren were about holding a Sac- ramental meeting, I was requested to preach in their church. There was a tolerable congregation, but dull, and all seemed to be dark amidst a profusion of light. Saturday, 9//i Left Newtown. Stopped in Winchester. Sold an old blind man, named Sterritt, some books at half price to sell again ; he is supporting himself in this honorable way. Rode to John Payne's and preached to a good con- gregation at five o'clock. So ends another week. Saibath Wth. Rode five miles to Smithfield, met Bro. Eggleston, and preached to a good congregation at eleven o'clock, with much liberty, closeness and effect. Praise the Lord. Rode up with Bro. Harley in his buggy to Lee Town JOHN HERSEY. 159 and preached to a handful of hearers ; the rain having kept the congregation from assembling. Returned and spent the night with Bro. Barley. Monday, llth A leisure day ; what a shame. Took din- ner with James Gr , a rich 'man ; had very little com- fort or benefit : all belongs to the world, children and all. Called to see his brother, William Gr ; he is more pious, but all is not right here. Oh, this delusive world ; a bankrupt, and yet his daughter dresses extravagantly, and is just from a Baltimore boarding-school. Preached on tem- perance in Smithfield at night to a good congregation ; plain but too rough. Lord in mercy forgive me. Tuesday, 12th Left Smithfield after breakfast; horse behaved only tolerably well. Came to Mr. Ruckle's and found 'an appointment made to preach at night ; had a small congregation of still hearers ; preached plainly, but witli lit- tle liberty and effect. Wednesday, 13th This morning sold out all my encum- brances to Bro. Ruckle, horse, wagon, harness, saddle, &c., for one hundred and forty-five dollars. I am now foot loose and alone in the world. Lord, in mercy direct my way. Came to Shepherdstown ; stopped with Bro. Thos. Hersey, a plain, kind, good family. Preached at eight o'clock To a good congregation, with plainness and some effect. Thursday, 14th Preached this morning to a very small flock at five o'clock. Sold some books. Walked over to Sharpsburg, where I met Bro. Monroe and others from Boonsboro. Heard Bro. M preach a funeral sermon. Came in the stage to Boonsboro, and stopped with Bro. Kendle, a printer. He was rather too late to make an appointment to preach. Friday, 15th Left B in the stage ; had to ride on the top ; a very unpleasant seat. Stopped at Middletown with Bro. Haugby, who is getting rich. Called to see some of the friends. Made an appointment and preached at night to a few. None of Bro. Haugby's family were out. Oh the danger and deceitfulness of riches. Who can resist their fatal influences? Saturday, IQth Was disappointed in getting a passage to Frederick City. Left Middletown with Bro. Dill and visited 160 SKETCH OF doctor Marlow, where we spent the night. Oh the influences of this wicked world. Lord save us. Sunday, 17th Called to see a very deeply afflicted sister, Preached at J efferson to a good congregation with some liber- ty, but too long. Took dinner with Bro. Sparrow. Preach- ed to a good congregation, at three, in Z s house. Stopped all night with old Bro. Z , who has no family,. but some colored people. A very poorly regulated family. Oh my God, how little is Thy name respected, or known. Monday, 18th Praise the Lord. I enjoyed a most comfor- table night's sleep. Came into Frederick City. Bro. Miller absent. Remained until three o'clock, and took the cars for Baltimore; arrived there about seven o'clock without injury or accident. Found Bro. W 's family all well. Praise the Lord for all his mercies. Tuesday, 19th Called to see some of my old friends. Wrote some letters, and heard Bro. Morgan, Presiding Elder, preach at Eutaw to a small congregation ; a good ser- mon. Wednesday, 2Qth Left Baltimore at eleven o'clock, in the cars, came in safety to Elkton. Praise the Lord for His protection. Bro. Way not at home. Took his horse and car- riage and rode to Bro. Smith's house, where I met my sister in good health. A kind man ; spent the night comfortably. Thursday, 21st -A rainy morning. Remained until after dinner, then rode over to old Bro. Beatty's, who is now like myself, an old man ; remained here for the night. Oh, how much is wanting, "even among us old professors of the spirit of Christ. Humble love, holy zeal and deep devotion. Friday, 22nd Rode up to B. Shakespear's, and spent some time there. My health not good. I took dinner. Thus we glide away, and easily make a compromise with the flesh and the world. After dinner rode to William Shake- spear's house, but as himself and wife were from home, I returned to Elkton. Took tea with sister Torbert, and preached to a good congregation at night, but with little lib- erty. Put up with Bro. Kennard ; though out of the church, he appears to be a pious, good man. Saturday, 23rd Spent the day in Elkton ; made some visits ; called to see a very pious, sensible young sister, who- JOHN HERSEY. 161 professes to enjoy the blessing of sanctification. Oh, th::t she may be faithful until death. Sabbath, I 2i(h My health is better this morning. Preach- ed at ten and a half o'clock in Elkton, with some liberty and effect. Bro. Way administered the Sacrament. The mem- bers were dressed shamefully. Lord save the church. Rode to Glasgow with Bro. Way to hear Bro. Sampson preach, but he was sick and did not attend. I preached with much liber- ty and some effect. Returned and preached at night in Elkton. I mistook my text and preached for some time on another subject, than the one I read for my text ; however, the Lord helped me and I got back without much difficulty, though it embarrassed me considerably. Lord help me and forgive all my follies, Through mercy I feel no fatigue of body or mind. Praise the Lord. Monday, 2oth Rode down to the camp this morning ; found very few on the ground. The preacher in charge was called away to see his sister die. The junior preacher was also* absent. I preached in the evening to a very, very few ; cold and indifferent, no one to sing, no prayer. The pros- pect gloomy in the extreme. Tuesday, 26fh This has been a most gloomy day. It has rained nearly all night and all day, all wet and gloomy. Bro. Atwood came in the course of the day. Preaching in the tent ; very few, very cold. Wednesday, 27th. Still gloomy ; I preached this morning to a few careless hearers. Bro. preached at three o'clock, a sermon without unction. Preaching again at six o'clock; preachers coming in abundantly. The weather has cleared off and prospects are brightening, although there is little prospect of good being done. I had a very plain con- versation with the Presiding Elder, Bro Atwood, but in good feeling. Thursday, 28/h. The weather fine. A good congrega- tion. Bro. Way preached a good sermon, though he reached rather too high, and was not as pointed and practical as he should have been. After the sermon a collection was taken up, to the great annoyance of Bro. Way's feelings. At three o'clock Bro. Miller preached At six, Bro. Humphries preached, but without much feeling or effect. Little doing. In the night a poor drunken soul came into the camp, and 162 SKETCH OF caused much disturbance ; but he soon went to sleep. Friday, 29/A. I have sold very few books, but all is right. Bro. preached this morning without much feel- ing, or effect, and after the congregation had become confused and were going away, the dinner bells having wrung, Bro. Storks asked me to exhort ; I had much liberty, arrested the current and spoke plainly, and then left the ground. Rode with Bro. Cantwell to Elk; where I took the cars and came to Baltimore. In the cars, met with Bro. McCoy, who had seen me at his mother's house many years ago, but still recol- lected me. He lives in Mobile ; appears to be a fine man ; wished me very much to visit the South. Saturday, 30/A. : l have made but few visits to-day. Have packed up my books and walked considerably. The weather~ very warm. Called to see Bro. Wilson's family, who are deeply afflicted ; their little son, some seven years old, the last time I was there, had lost the use of his lower extremities, both feet and legs. The doctor said he never would recover. I prayed with the family and for him ; he arose and threw away his crutches and walked as usual. The doctor said it was an effort of nature. Oh, infidelity, thou enemy of God, when wilt thou cease thy folly? Sabbath 3lst. Walked down to William street and had my appointments changed for this day. - Walked back to Eutaw, to let Bro. McM know; then returned to William street and preached to a tolerable good congregation, with some liberty and I hope effect. Attended Bro. Brooks' Sacrament- al meeting at the Seamen's Bethel ; then walked home and at night preached to a small congregation in Eutaw Street Church, with liberty and some effect ; and after those labors, I feel no effect of body or mind. Again I say, praise the Lord, oh my soul. Monday, August 1st. Last night I had a precious night's rest. Was much comforted and blessed in my soul. Praise the Lord. Left Baltimore at four o'clock, in the mammoth steamboat for Tangier : we had a number of passengers. Two young females who wished to pass for ladies, continued to play back-gammon, though I admonished them most point- edly. Bros Poisal, Register and Brooks Methodist preachers, and Bro. Williams a Baptist preacher, were on board. After supper, I preached a plain, pointed sermon; JOHN HERSEY 163 all were respectful and attentive. Our Baptist Bro. appear- ed much pleased and gave an appropriate exhortation. Spent a good night amidst all possible disadvantages. Praise the Lord. T 'ue day, 2nd r To-day I am sixty-seven years old. Sure- ly I may say with Jacob, ''Few and evil have been the days of my earthly pilgrimage." The Lord has indeed dealt bountifully with his unprofitable servant. My health is good and I am able to do as much labor now, as I could thirty years ago ; seldom if ever feel any physical fatigue, even after toiling all day, and after preaching three times a day. This is the Lord's doings, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Landed at Pongateague at about eight o'clock. A stranger took my box of books to Onancock, whilst another took me in his carriage, where I met a warm reception from kind hearted sister Hill. In the evening I took Bro. Hill's carri- age and rode down to Bro. Garrettson, where our brethren were and took some books for them to sell at their camp meeting. We had, I hope, a profitable season in this kind family. Wednesday, 3rd After breakfast rode back to Bro. Hill's, when I called to see a few friends, and in the evening rode 'down with Bro. Dobson to Bro. Ed. Poulson's, where we remained all night. Mosquitos rather troublesome. Thursday, 4th This morning all is bustle; the boat is going over to the island for camp meeting. I had a uncomfort- able night ; the cramp annoyed me some, but it is all right. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. We were much lumbered up in the boat; the wind was ahead, blowing fresh, which pre- vented us from reaching the island until about one or two o'clock. Found it a desolate looking place, a sandy beach. All was bustle ; could not get ready for preaching, so the day and night passed without any religious services. Mos- quitos not bad. Friday, 5th Had a tolerable good night's rest. Fasted only from my breakfast ; took dinner and preached with lib- erty and effect at three o'clock ; several mourners have come forward and appearances are favorable. Bro. preached at night, a very inefficient sermon, yet there was quite a stir and a number of mourners. Saturday, 6th My health not good. A good prayer 164 SKETCH OF meeting at eight. I preached at ten, from "Casting four anchor and wishing for day," without much effect, yet there were a number of mourners. At three Bro. Brindle preach- ed a good sermon with good effect. Bro. Leatherbury preached at night very inefficiently, yet a good work went on. Sabbath, 1th Two boats arrived from Baltimore, with five, or six hundred human beings ; no advantage to the meeting and no credit to thems3lves. Dr. Williams preached at ten a good sermon, but not the doctrine of the text. Bro. Gray preached at half past two o'clock a long, long, uninteresting talk ; many went to sleep, others walked away ; but Bro. Evans rallied the people mightily, and there was a good time. I preached at night with much liberty and physical energy a powerful time, Monday, 8th I expected to leave for Baltimore after breakfast, but did not get off till after morning preaching. Bro. Brindle preached and exhorted, after which we embark- ed on board the schooner Jasper, Capt. Gaskins, for Balti- more. Got becalmed ; however, the wind soon sprung up and we had a fine run. The weather very hot and the cabin very dirty ; a most gloomy place. Tuesday, 9/A Last night I sat up and slept in my chair. The wind left us in the night and about eleven o'clock I had the mortification to see the steamboat pass within a few miles but could not reach her, so I am doomed to this place another night. It was right hard to say fully, "Thy will be done ;" yet I thank the Lord for disappointment. Passed a lonely, barren day in heat. Wednesday, Wth This morning reached Baltimore early, but too late to go on to the camp meeting in the Philadelphia boat. Fixed up some books and prepared for an early start. My room is a most uncomfortable place, very, very hot. I could with difficulty sleep. Thursday, \\th Left Baltimore at half past six in the steamboat for the Red Lion camp meeting ; had an interest- ing conversation on board the boat. Reached the camp ground about twelve o'clock. An immense crowd of people here. There had been, so I was told, sixty preachers there. I met with some old acquaintances. Spent the time not very profitably. It was 'with some difficulty I got a place to sleep. JOHN HERSEY. 165 Friday 12th. Through mercy I had a good night's rest, and preached to a very large congregation at five o'clock ; most solemn and attentive. Mentioned my book and sold nearly all of them before night. I say nothing about the preaching ; my views are not in accordance with the views of the present day. At a -late hour left the camp, reached Elk- ton about midnight ; stayed with Bro. Bradbury. Saturday, 13th Had a few hours of comfortable sleep, and took, the cars at half past ten and reached Baltimore, about one o'clock. Arranged my book and left for Shrews- bury camp at five o'clock ; reached the camp ground about dark. A large encampment. Found a comfortable berth in the preachers' tent and slept well. A goodly number of preachers. Sunday, 14th Bro. Busey preached at eight o'clock. I exhorted after him, with liberty and feeling. Bro. Moi'gani preached at ten o'clock, a good sermon, but too long, not much excitement. At three o'clock Bro. Collins preached a long, dry sermon, and at night Bro. Brown preached very pointed, some mourners and some feeling. Monday, 15. My soul is much affected at the appro-iching doom of the Church and the Christian world as specified in the Apoc- alypse; but, alas, the watchmen are all asleep, and that awful 180 SKETCH OF day the day of God's wrath, will come upon us all. Have visited a number of friends, who are very kind, but alas, I fear they respect the servant more than the Master. Have .been pressed to preach in different places, but must remain with the poor,- the short time I can stay here. Preached at night to a large congregation with liberty. There were quite a number of mourners, and some converts. Wednesday, 19/7i It was ray intention to close my labors here this day. But the brethren plead so hard, and offered to make a collection for our mission in Baltimore, if I would stay one day longer, which I reluctantly consented. Bro. M. and myself have spent the day in visiting. Preached to a large congregation at night but had not much liberty. There were a number of mourners, and several converts. Thursday 2Qth Made a few visits with Bro. Manship. Preached at night with much liberty and effect to more than a thousand people, yet was the collection for the poor very small, only $9,18. Bro. M said if I had allowed him to make it for himself, it would have been large, but they have poor themselves in abundance, and do not feel it to be their duty to give to those of other cities. Friday 21sl Last night after preaching, I rode to the depot, took the cars and reached Baltimore about four o'clock, having slept very little. Although it has been wet, I have visited nearly all day, and have felt no drowsiness. Visited the Widow's Home, and comforted and prayed with the afflic- ted. Attended class, and closed the day in peace. Saturday 22nd I have met with a number of needy peo- ple to-day. Some deeply afflicted. They anticipate a hard winter. Almost every article is very dear. I have given sparingly out of my own scanty means. Have paid all my bakers and grocers bills, and in regard to this worU, I stand where every individual should stand, free from debt. Sabbath, 23J Opened the Sabbath-school at Strawbridge. Preached at Wolfs church for our Presbyterian brethren at eleven o'clock, to a good congregation, with much liberty. I fear, however that the meat was too strong for my hearers. Heard Bro. Reese preach at 3 o'clock at Fayette St. Church, anJ preached there myself at night, to a good congregation, but had no liberty all was dark and gloomy. Lord Jesus, shine, oh shine away those clouds, and let me behold Thy glory. JOHN HERSEY. 181 Monday, 2ith This has been a stormy day snow and rain. I only visited one afflicted family in the morning, and a few in the evening. Must I say, a day lost nearly so. Who can tell the value of a day ? Tuesday, 25f/i Have visited some deeply afflicted fami- lies ; some of them were professors very few were prepared to die. Visited and preached at the Widows' Home dead place; not much religion here. Preached to a few at the Mission Chapel out Light street, and walked home quite re- freshed ; feeling no kind of fatigue. Wednesday, 2Qih Have been very busy to-day, doing noth- ing but visiting a few sick folks; administered the Sacrament to Bro. S. Henderson. Preached to a small congregation at William St. Church. Walked home and felt much refreshed. Thursday, 11th This has been a damp and unpleasant day. I have taken cold ; yet, I have visited all day. If my patients were more spiritual, it would be more encouraging. Atten- ded the funeral of a poor unfortunate man of dissipated habits. He had but a short notice, and was not in his right mind from the first of his illness. The sober thought, of an immor- tal soul lost forever, should arouse all my dormant powers to- save others from that awful doom. But alas! how indifferent is my poor soul, and how insensible. Have mercy on me, oh, my God. Friday, 28th My soul has been more comfortable to-day than usual. Have visited many poor distressed families, and given them a little food for the soul as well as the body. One poor unbeliever has gone to eternity. It is possible that I was too negligent with him. Should it be that his soul is lost through my carelessness, how awful the thought. Attended class. Bro. R , who led, thought I was too rigid with my- self and others, but a still greater degree of scrutiny in world- ly matters would be called prudence. Sallath. 30th The weather has been very uncomfortable to-day. I have done very little for God, or the people. Preached at 11 o'clock, at the Seamen's Bethel, and atten- ded there in the afternoon, a Sacramental meeting, but took no part in their experience meeting, because I do not under- stand them. Heard Bro. Register preach at Spring Garden Chapel. Returned home and closed the day. Oh Lord, en- ter not into judgment with thy servant. 182 SKETCH OF Monday, 21s I have nearly finished my collection for the School House for colored children. Though it has not given me much trouble, yet, does it detract from the dignity and glory of the gospel, to beg so much money ; it gives riches and rich people an importance unknown to the gospel. Thursday, Nov. 1st My soul cannot shake off all the clogs of unbelief and shame Oh, when shall I the victory gain? Have visited a number of distressed and afflicted cases to-day. How thick, dark and cold the gloom that hangs over the des- tiny of the poor in the world, but there is a better day ap- proaching. Lord hasten it. Have baptized three households to-day. Wednesday, 2nd This day I have done what I never did before, I voted at a public, popular election, to put down drunkenness in our State, and have I think, done so in the fear of God. Have visited and partially relieved quite a num- ber of poor suffering mortals. How little do the rich know or care for the sufferings of the poor, This account will have to be settled at another tribunal, where at last Christ's word will be fully realized. Woe unto you that are rich, for ye, have received your reward. Friday, th I have been striving to live for a better world. Praise the Lord for the prospect. Have furnished two poor families with stoves, aided by Bro. Thomas' advice and money. It is more blessed to give than receive. Preach- ed at Wesley Chapel with much liberty and comfort to my own soul, and with some effect. Saturday, oth I have felt quite discouraged this day. The poor and distressed seem to increase, nor can they be relieved except in a very small degree. Some are maimed, some sick some blind, and all in want of both food and raiment. It is not pleasant to visit the poor with out means to relieve in part their pressing wants. Sabbath, 6th Opened the Wesley Chapel Sabbath School with a long lecture. Preached at William Street Church, with much liberty. Quite a solemn season. Visited the wharves and vessels, also the tippling shops which were open, distributing tracts, and lecturing the idle sinners. I think the election has already intimidated the licentious rum seller. Praise the Lord for this also. Walked over to Bro. Reed's in Old Town, to preach for him, but he had gone to the JOHN HERSEY. 183 country. Returned and heard Bro. Farrow preach at Straw- bridge, and thus ended another Sabbath. Monday, 7th. My attention has been divided among the sick and poor in different parts ; a fact which entangles my mind and weakens my usefulness. I had made an engage- ment to meet a poor woman at the Asylum, to get her chil- dren a home and forgot it ; Lord, in boundless mercy again forgiva me. Tuesday, Sth. Last night I had a most alarming and ad- monitory dream, and it should arouse me. Have walked nearly all day. Visited and relieved some afflicted, worthy widows. Attended a prayer meeting, at Exeter Street Church, with Bro. Reed. Cold, cold. Walked home and feltqu ite refreshed. Wednesday, Qth. This has been a very inclement day. Very rainy ; but I felt so much mortified about the poor woman, whose case I forget to attend toat the Asylum on Monday that I have to-day procured annual subscribers to the amount of nearly sixty dollars, which will entitle the children to a place in that institution. Thank the Lord and thank my kind friends for their liberality. Bro. Perry took two, and Bro. E. C. Thomas took two for himself, and two for sister Thomas, and Bro. Drakely took six ; may they have a letter of admission into everlasting habitations, for Christ's sake. Preached at William Street Church to a small but deeply interested congregation. Thursday, IQth. Visited a few families and attended the collection for the children and the colored school. Handling money, to the Christian, is as dangerous as edged tools to children. I am afraid of it. Yet it smiles and allures and chases fear away. Attended a social meeting at Bro. Perry's. There were but few present, yet enough to claim the promise. Friday, llth I have walked more this day than any before since I have been in Baltimore. A drunken woman asked me for money, which I refused. How she did pour out her ana- themas upon the old hypocritical Quakers. What a terrible sight, a fallen, depraved drunken woman presents to the eye. We had a better class than usual, I had liberty and com- fort in leading it. Saturday, 12th This is my pay day. I have visited some 184 SKETCH OF who have to wade through the deep cold waters of poverty and sorrow. Called to see what we poor mortals call a res- pectable family. The mother said I called to see her mother when she herself was a child, and she had never forgotten the circumstance ; it made a lasting impression upon her mind, and she had ever since been desirous of seeing me. I gave her and the family a plain lesson which they will not forget. At 4 o'clock left in the cars for Bro. Samuel Kramer's. Ar- rived about dark. Sunday, IWi A very wet, inclement day. No congegra- tion in the morning. A very small one at three, whom I preach- ed to in Bro. Kramer's own chapel, built on his own farm by himself. Eode three miles to Stabler's meeting house, and at night preached to a large congregation, with much liberty. Two professed to embrace religion. Monday, l&h Returned to Baltimore in the cars. Got home after nine. Visited some distressed families, and bap- tised several children. I have received for benevolent purpo- ses in the last two months about one hundred and seventy dol- lars, and have paid out about two hundred. The times wear a dark aspect in view of the high prices of provisions, and the meagre pay given for common sewing. Tuefday, 15th There is so much sameness in my opera- tions, that it is well calculated to induce formality in-wbrship which must ever be offensive to God. Wednesday, IGth. Have been engaged in visiting the sick and closing some unsettled accounts, which the trustees of the Light St. Chapel had assumed, but neglected to. close. Neglect in business leads to carelessness in religious duties ; and carelessness in our devotions, leads to deception and final ruin. Rode in the evening to Parkton and preached at Stabler's Meeting House, to a small congregation ; the rain prevented the people from coming out. Thursday, ITth. Reached Baltimore about nine o'clock. Have visited some deeply distressed families. Have done very little, yet I have been going and busy all day. Heard Bro. Gear preach at night. A few mourners present at Franklin Street Church. Friday, 18th. Oh for a sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near After visiting among the poor through the day, I at- tended class at night and saw and felt more than ever my de- JOHN HERSEY. 185 linquencies. So I think did the rest of the class. It was a profitable tirue. Saturday, 19/A. Have visited several patients who are just on the confines of eternity. Alas, the responsibility ! If I deal very plainly, it will grieve the living and the dying, and if I do not, their blood will be found upon my garments. Awful thought. Lord in mercy grant me grace and wisdom, that I may escape Thy just indignation and save others from the damnation of hell. I gave some loafers at the door of a rum shop, some tracts and some plain talk. They received both plainly. SMath, 20 June 6th, 1856. Your esteemed favor in reply to mine of a former date has been duly received. * * "* After I left Harford, I visited Baltimore and Philadelphia, and then proceeded on a tour to the West. Spent some time in Cincinnati, and then visited Indianapolis, the seat of the General Conference. The city was very much crowded, and nothing of interest before the Conference, so that I soon returned. Like poor Balaam, my way seemed to be hedged up at almost every step. I was afflicted for two months, almost incessantly with a pain in my side, and became very hoarse, so I returned to Baltimore, where I am better known than in the far West. It was not my intention to hav.e taken any regular work during the present year, but the firigcr of Divine Providence, I hope, directed my steps to a little Circuit, in the bounds of the Philadelphia Conference. Since I reached this barren JOHN HERSEY. 209 field of labor, my health has very much improved. Sabbath, after preaching three times, leading two classes, and walking about ten miles, I found the pain in my side had left me, nor did I feel any perceptible fatigue either of body or mind. Oh, to grace, how great a debtor, daily, hourly and mo- mentarily I'm constrained to be. The hard end of the oar, is my appropriate place, and I have no doubt if our young min- isters would labor more, it would be abundantly more benefi- cial to their own souls, and profitable to the Church, than the course which is too often pursued in modern times. It is not earthly wisdom and talent and eloquence we need ; we want more deep piety, more grace, more wisdom from above, more genuine humility, more zeal, more faith, and abundantly more love for God, and all mankind. We want more of Christ, in our hearts, and less of self, more of Heaven and less of earth. I have long seen and lamented, the barren, naked state of the Church, in contrast with what she should be, but I have never witnessed a more gloomy spectacle than this Circuit presents. Almost dead, twice dead and plucked up by the roots. One good house abandoned, and another about to be given up, because there are neither, members nor hearers. In the immediate vicinity of one of these deserted churches, the- members have built a new house in modern style, large and costly, and have incurred a large debt, which must weigh them down for years, if they are ever able to pay. There is however, one consoling circumstance in their favor, the preacher in charge is an humble unassuming, plain workingman, a man of good common sense. May he and his poor colleague be ren- dered a blessing to this people, and cause this barren spot to vegetate, and bring forth fruit to the glory of God. latter to Bro. R- November 21st, 1856. ******* Strive to have things at the Quarterly Meeting straightened up in regard to the Church. Let no- thing be deferred until to-morrow, that can be done to-day. Carelessness is as nearly related to sin, as the shadow is to the substance. It stands both as cause and effect; hence I fear greatly for the religion of this day. I fear we are daubing vrith untempered mortar. We are at case in Zion, and must meet the awful anathema of woe unto them that are at ease in 210 SKETCH OF Zion. And if our beloved Saviour's words are true, we must be spued out of his "mouth, for we are at best only lukewarm, when compared with the politician, the merchant, the farmer, the mechanic or even the gold-digger. Oh, that I could sound an alarm in Zion, which might reach to the deepest recess of my own heart, and awaken and alarm a slumbering, worldly minded, lukewarm Church. JV. B. Omit that dingy t dangerous, hateful title of "Rev." (?) To the Same. September 1st, 1857. I am still striving to enter in at the straight gate which leads to that city where sin has never stained the soil, nor contaminated the pure air breathed by the inhabitants of that healthful region. I am fully aware that nothing impure or unholy can enter that blessed world of life and peace and joy, nor can the grave, nor old age, nor human merit efface or re- move one stain, one spot or wrinkle. Nothing but the blood of Jesus applied by faith can purify our souls, and qualify us for a home in heaven; and if the next hour may close our earthly career and usher us into the unveiled presence of a pure and Holy God, it behooves us as wise and rational be- ings to be always ready, and well prepared to meet the bride- groom, who will come at an unexpected hour, and may come the next moment. "How careful then ought I to live, with what religious fear; Who such a strict account must give, for my behavior here." I hope you and yours are living with a single eye one object and one aim in all things, and that aim and object to please the Lord Jesus Christ. None but the pure in heart can see God, and if our motives in all things are not to please God, our hearts (the fountain of all our thoughts and natures,) cannot be pure, and if God was to admit into heav- en, one impure thought or unholy word, it would operate like leaven and contaminate the whole heavenly world. Many professors of our day feel conscious that they are not now pure in heart that they are living beneath their gospel priv- ileges but hope and intend (vain hope,) to secure the spot- less wedding garment before they die. Yet they live care- lessly, scarcely fasting one day in the week, and evidently JOHN HERSEY 211 living at ease iu Zion, notwithstanding the woe of G-od which rests upon their heads. Were an adept at gambling to bet his opponent one million of dollars to one on a single game of chance, he would be esteemed a fool, and yet every one who lives carelessly one hour without a pure, a holy heart, is acting far more foolishly ; he is risking on the chances of a moment, the loss of his soul, which is of infinitely more value than all the world, yet he risks another throw of life's dice in ex- pectation that he will not die yet. In view of our folly and stupidity, our heavenly Father exclaims, "Oh, that my peo- ple were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end." While all heaven is interested for guilty, dying man, he is careless of his own salvation, and laughs and sports and slumbers on the crumbling verge of a burning hell. Oh, arm of the Lord awake awake, thine own almighty strength put on, and snatch guilty, careless dy- ing man from the gulf of eternal misery. Letter to a Friend. Baltimore, December 15tb, 1857 Your esteemed favor of the llth inst has been duly received. ****** j n regard to the request you make that I should mention the questions you will probably be called upon to answer in your examination for Deacon's orders, I presume they will be such as you have heard pro- pounded to every candidate for such orders. A few questions of general import are always asked, such as " The fall of man," "Total Depravity," "The nature and extent of the Atonement," "Justification by Faith," and generally some of a more distinctive nature, respecting our own Church views of doctrine and discipline. Universal Redemption, Sanctifi- cation, The difference between Justification and Sarictification, Is Faith the gift of God, or the act of the creature ? Is Sanc- tification an instantaneous or gradual work? Or is it both the one and the other ? Upon all these topics I presume you arc qualified a"nd prepared to give prompt and satisfactory answers. However, the nature and extent of the questions asked on such occasions depend very much upon the character and views of those who examine the candidate. Our Divine Master asks you and I an important question, addressed originally to Peter: 212 SKETCH OF "Lovest thou me?" This I consider a fundamental point of inquiry, and if we can answer unwaveringly, unequivocally and understandingly, it will cover perfectly all the minor points, and secure for us all we can either ask or desire, viz : the immutable promise or assurance of our Lord Jesus, by his servant Paul, "All things shall work together for good to them that love God." This precious promise renders us inde- pendent, and places us above our most inveterate foes, so long as we continue to love God. And every man that has this hope in him, purifies himself even as he (God,) is pure." He purifies by asking himself honestly, Are my affections pure "i Do we not in part love the world, its money or pleasures, its smiles, the good opinion of men ? and do we feel as willing to be poor as to be rich, as willing to be persecuted and despised as to be honored and applauded ? Alas, how hard it is to have the gold mad* perfectly pure. It requires the furnace to be heated more than seven times hotter than was Nebuchadnezzar's. Yet the gold is so precious, and the place where it is ulti- mately to circulate, so glorious, that no dross or alloy can be admitted into those pure regions, and into the presence of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Oh, may we be well prepared to stand that last that final examination, in the presence of the llighteous Judge of all the Earth. Letter to the same. Baltimore, May 18th, 1858. I left Baltimore early in April, and visited New York, where I settled my first and last debt ; one which has been standing more than forty years. My creditor has been dead many .years. I found his son and widow, in very needy circumstances, which rendered the little act of justice in pay- ing a few hundred dollars, a real pleasure. The young man thought it strange indeed that any one would hunt for a debt -of more than forty years standing, and as he could find no record against me, he very willingly and thankfully gave me a receipt in full of all demands from his father's estate ; so that I can now say what I could not say for the last forty years, viz : I owe no man anything, or rather no man can now say, that J. H. owes him anything but good will and love. "Oh, to grace how great a debtor, Daily I'm constrained to be." JOHN HERSEY. 213 Praise the Lord, oh, my soul. The day in which we live is one of very peculiar character. There is passing over our world, and especially over large and wicked cities, a wonder- ful cloud of mercy. Never before has there been such a reli- gious influence. In that most wicked city, whose principal street bears a most appropriate name, Broadway, which indeed it seems to be, where thousands on thousands are pressing onward eager to secure eternal damnation ; where every spe- cies of wickedness abounds and excels ; there, religion occu- pies a most eminent position. Prayer meetings are being held daily from twelve to one o'clock in different churches, and other places, even in the theatre, where crowds assemble to pray, leaving their daily business ; merchants, mechanics, laborers, lawyers and even learned Eabbis. They mingle to- gether without respect to name or party, and appear to be ia good earnest. In Philadelphia, the same scenes are daily exhibited. Jayne's Hall it is said, holds from three to four thousand people, which is crowded daily. Surely this means- something. It is in my humble opinion, an unmistakeble evi- dence that the Master in coming, the bridegroom is at the very door. The important inquiry should be, Are we ready for the great event? Letter to a Friend. Mechanicsburg, Dec. 15th, 1858. I left Baltimore yesterday (Tuesday) morning, or I would have called at your house again. The weather has been veryr wet and gloomy since I reached Mechanicsburg. From a re- mark you made the morning I called at your store, I feared you supposed that a part of my sermon at Street Church was personal and intended particularly for yourself. I am seldom, if ever, personal in preaching; but to thrust \v;m- tonly a dagger at the kindest friend 1 have on earth, would be an act unworthy of a Christian name, and to slight or garble God's gaered word and message to sinners, lest (-nine friend's feelings .should be thereby wounded, would disgrace my Billing, dishonor my Master, and shut me out of heaven. In regard to my remarks on that occasion, I know there were some things that would be applicable to you, but if you had not been present, those remarks would have been more point- ed than they were. For this deviation from the strictest rules. 214 SKETCH OF of eternal justice, I humbly hope my merciful Master will pardon the smaller, as well as greater delinquency of his un- profitable servant. The day in which we live calls for a faithful discharge of every duty. I was alarmed and pained at the Monday night services in . That an old Methodist preacher should leave the pure waters of eternal life, and the plain, whole- some doctrines of the M E. Church, and lecture on wild speculative subjects, and quickly receive unbounded applause openly and publicly given, while his Master impressively asks : " How can ye believe who receive honor, one of an- other?" How the preacher of righteousness should not only speculate but administer an unmixed cup of National flattery to his blind and wandering audience, 1 could not imagine. Take the speculation away and admit all his statements to be true, it was not calculated to effect any good result. Bro. says he is about to explode infidelity, but I fear he will make more skeptics, than real, genuine, holy Christians. Per- haps, however, I am among not only the old fogies but the doubting Thomas'. Many will be induced to suspect that "the root of all evil" lies at the bottom of his lectures. Money, applause, &c. I hope this is not the fact, but though charity thinketh no evil, yet charity is not blind, and must see the mote in his neighbor's as well as the beam in his own eye. Perhaps I should be admonished by the Lord Jesus, when he said to Peter : "What is that to thee ? Follow thou me." Amen. Lord help me so to do. I do greatly desire to follow my Divine Master literally when that can be done, and spiritually when that is practicable, and in good faith in all things, keeping at all times a conscience void of offense towards God, and also towards my fellow mortals. And if I cannot be an humble instrument in correcting and saving others, may I at least save my own soul, however difficult the task may be. Though the Apostle says: "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner ap- pear?" To Rev. T. M. C. Staunton, July 26th, 1859. Grace, mercy and peace from God, the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and yours evermore. The SKETCH OF 215 blessings of the gospel of the Son of God. how free, bow full, whether they flow from the eternal the infinite fountain from the lips of Jesus, their author, or from the lips of His Holy Apostles. Enough for all enough for each, enough for evermore. And yet, alas, how slow are we poor mortals to believe, and how careless to secure the crown the king- dom the momentous blessing of peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost The pleasing baits of sin the snares of Satan the world ; its riches, its pleasures, its honors, its ease how they allure, deceive, entangle and destroy. I have been for some time past in Virginia, where the Church is I fear, slumbering on a volcano, asleep in the arms of Satan. Should a spark fall into the magazine, there would be an awful explosion. The Church and her ministers, have it is greatly to be feared bowed the knee to Baal. They fear the world, the opinion of dying men. They have closed their own mouths, and will have a fearful account to give in the great coming day. A large portion of the Baltimore Conference, situated among slaves, are in a most unenviable condition. Nor do I see any safety and final deliverance but in the favor of God, the strong arm of omnipotence, and I greatly fear that we cannot con- fidently claim God's grace and power to be displayed in our deliverance in the distressing haur. Oh Lord, in mercy hear prayer, and be merciful to our unrighteousness. The whole worli is in commotion. The wicked, the unfortunate nations of Europe, are beginning to drink the cup of God's wrath that must be poured out on our guilty world, ere "Righteousness shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the great deep." Well, .the Kingdom belongs to Christ. He has the power and the glory shall be his. He that sitteth on the throne, ruleth all things well. The wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of wrath thou shall restrain. Amen, Lord Jesus, take to thyself thy great powers, and reign in universal righteousness. Letter to the sa^ie. Alabama, Dec. 13th, 1859. Strange anl unexpected as it may appear, I am now in the far sunny Soath, in the center of Alabama. A wealthy man, Gen. C , who spends his winters in this State, and his summers in Virginia, pressed me to accompany him to this JOHN MERSEY. 216 State, promising to pay my expenses here and back to Balti- more. As I commenced my Christian ministry partly in this State and county nearly forty years since, and hoping that the kind finger of Providence prompted the movement, I con- sented to his proposition His estate is near the village of (jreensboro, in Green county, where wealth abounds as well as slavery in abundance. The slaves are, however, said to be treated well, and are happy and contented in their condi- tion. To give you some idea of the wealth of this county, I need only say that when the M. E. Church recently estab- lished a college here, in the town of Greensboro, two of our members gave each twenty-five thousand dollars, another twelve thousand. One family gave thirty-eight thousand dol- lars. You will at once see the difficulties which lie before me, and will, I hope, pray for me, that I may have grace and wisdom to declare the whole counsel of God, fearlessly and faithfully ; giving to all their portion in due season. That I may not be turned away one hair's breadth from the truths of the gospel, by the smiles of wealth, nor deterred by the frowns of men and devils. I have not one doubt on my mind, but that wealth and literature are two of the greatest obstacles on earth to the spread of vital godliness in the world. It is not logical to reason from extreme cases, but I will notice the influence exerted principally by those powerful agents here. There are eight preachers attached to the Col- lege, aud living in the village, yet the church is literally dead. Pride and indifference reign predominant. No preach- ing except on Sunday. I stopped with a friend where one of the principal professors, who is a Methodist preacher, boards. I asked the landlord, "What is your hour for evening pray- er ?" He replied: "We have no prayers here!" And yet he was very willing and anxious to have prayers, and has be- come quite serious. I preached twice on Sunday to a large, cold, formal congregation of whites, and once to a colored congregation, where a little of the old Methodist fire was still burning. Many of the slaves will shine in heaven, while their masters will weep in. hell. I am sure you will sympa- thise, and also rejoice with me in regard to my journey to this country. The family of one of the professors was placed in my charge, viz: the mother, and six children, one an in- fant, and a young girl, with eight large trunks to look after. The constant hurry and bustle changing from train to train, and from train to boat, was anything but pleasant. However, JOHN HERSEY. 217 through the gooduess of God, we all arrived safe without loss or accident, for which I feel truly thankful, and glad that I am once more a free man. To Bro. R- Jackson, Tenn., Deer. 4th, 1860. What are you and yours, and all my friends doing in these days of darkness, whilst the clouds are gathering and thickening over our heads, and the distant thunder of division and discord and restlessness loudly proclaim a coming storm of ruin for our sin-defiled world ? Nothing but sin (that thing which alone God hates,) can give strength to pain and fear and suffering. If this be so, then are we the authors of our own maladies, and as wise men we know the remedies. The rem- edy is- a proper application to the soul, of the balm of Gilead, the precious blood of Jesus. We should begin here at home, with our own hearts, and honestly inquire, Am I what I ought to be? Am I what God would have me to be ? If not, let us not t6rry; let us not confer with flesh and blood ; let us make no compromise with an evil world, nor with our own wicked hearts. Was every one, minister and member, to begin with him or herself, and never rest until his or her heart was fully renewed in the image of God; cleansed and purified; the carnal mind destroyed, and the mind which was in Christ, fully imparted to us as our Wesley finely expresses it: A heart in every thought renewed, and full of love divine; Perfect, and right, and pure and good, a copy, Lord, of thine. soon would our sin discordant world become a paradise, and God dwell in our midst ? Then would idle men, and tempt- ing devils plan their work of destruction and discord in vain. If therefore, we know the cause of the disease, and the un- failing remedy, why do not men act like men, rationally, fear- lessly, wisely, and have their own hearts thoroughly reformed. * I greatly fear that all our maladies, all the evils among men, and they are very great, immeasurably great, will be laid to the account of the Church. Christ says: "Ye are the light of ^^^^ne" world, ye are the salt of the earth," and adds, "If the light that is in thee, be darkness, how great is that darkness, and if the salt has lost its savor, its saving influence, it is henceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and trodden. 218 SKETCH OF under foot of men." Union is life, division is death. This principle is applicable to Church and State. It is philosoph- ically true, when the body is perfectly united, it is life, but death dissolves every adhering particle, producing only putre- faction and ruin The Church which should be the salt of the earth, and should save the world, is not prepared or qualified to stand like Abraham pleading for a devoted city. We can not consistently pray for the union and safety of our country, whilst we ourselves are in a state of discord., Sectarian prejudice rules most of us more rigidly than the authority of God. The death-like complexion, however, is not the worst symptom of our disease; pride, envy, sloth, ingratitude, selfishness and love of the world, its money, its pleasures, its honors spread their dark traits of misery and death all through our Ecclesiastical body. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, there is nothing but bruises and wounds and putre- fying sores." This is a dark picture, yet it is painfully true. O, when will the Church shake the world out of her lap, and assert her real dignity, and shine forth in the image of God, clothed with the garments of salvation, and richly cov- ered with the robes of righteousness. As it regards myself, I am still drifting about on the waves of uncertainty, a stranger in a strange land, who is still point- ing others poor sinners to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. Yet^ perhaps, while I mark out the straight and narrow pathway to heaven, I do not strictly and uniformly walk therein myself. Lord help me, all my help must come from thee. Oh, may I not foolishly throw stones at others, whilst there remains one blot, or wrinkle, or spot of sin or selfishness in my heart. Letter to a Friend. August 2nd, 1861. Through the forbearing mercy and unbounded goodness of God, I have been preserved in safety and brought to see an- other anniversary of my life on earth. This day I am seventy- five years old. Few, very few, reach that advanced period of existence. I do not feel any, or if any, very few of the infirmities of old age, with the exception of my teeth. They are nearly all gone, yet I can labor as efficiently in my Lord's vineyard as I could forty years ago. Can preach three times JOHN MERSEY. 219 in the day and walk eight or ten miles and feel no percepti- ble fatigue, except yesterday and to-day, being extremely warm, and the time of my weekly fast, and having walked too much, I have felt weak, and unable to labor much. Some months since, in -Tennessee, I preached seventeen sermons in one week, including two Sabbaths, and felt no fatigue, but went immediately to a protracted meeting at Holly Springs, Miss., and labored there for sometime without any sense of weakness. Oh, to grace how great a debtor ; daily, hourly and momentarily I'm constrained to be. Surely I have been more highly favored than any other person ever has been, and I should be abundantly more humble and holy and grate- ful and faithful than I am or have been. I see, and to some extent feel my nothingness and my unprofitable character be- fore God. I cannot yet fully and reasonably and understand- ingly adopt the Apostle's sentiment, when he said : "Unto me, who am less than the least of God's saints, is this grace given." Nor even this, when he exclaims : "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live is by the faith of the Son of God." I find that self is not yet dead'. I am not as willing to be hissed at and despised, as to be honored by men; and yet I must die with Christ to all worldly and selfish ob- jects, or I cannot rationally expect to live with arisen Saviour in heaven. And yet I humbly hope that during the past year I have grown in grace, at least measurably. Oh, that hereafter, I may be willing to be led by the Spirit of God, knowing that such only are the sons of God. I spent most of the summer of I860 in Missouri with my relatives, and intended to spend the approaching winter in Alabama, the climate being mild, and I had there been kindly treated and apparently successful in my efforts to save souls. But the Southern people had said if Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States, they would secede from the Union, in which case I would not go down there to spend the winter. After preaching on Sunday, a sister came to me, an old acquaintance from Virginia, and urged me to visit their place in Jackson, Tenn., saying that they had not had any revival or religious life for eight or ten years. I believed it to be a providential call, and went. I remained there about eighteen days and preached all the time, except one sermon and a piece of one. In that time there were over 130 converts added to the church. I therefore desire to say in 220 SKETCH OF future with the Psalmist : " Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory." Oh, may it be so. Amen. A dark cloud now overshadows our Nation, and the desola- tory scourge of civil war is sweeping over the whole land, with the besom of destruction, yet God will overrule all for good-. "The wrath of man shall praise Thee, and the remain- der of wrath Thou wilt restrain." The Church must drink a deep and bitter cup of God's wrath before sin shall be de- stroyed and righteousness established on earth. All our dis- cordant opinions must and will be burned up before the will of God is done on earth, as it is in heaven. That day will come. Lord hasten the time when the kingdom of God shall be gloriously established on earth ; when all shall be of one heart, and one mind. When the sword shall be beat into- plow-shares, and the spears into pruning hooks, and all shall dwell together as one great family of God on earth. Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly. Though all the wicked shall be destroyed, it must and will be so. Then shall the right- eous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of God, and peace and righteousness shall cover the earth as the waters the great deep. Oh, may I be ready. No mark of the beast in my heart or in my forehead, but the perfect image of God in- scribed on my heart, and the Spirit of Christ richly implant- ed in my renewed and purified nature. Amen. To the same. January 1st, 1862. Through the abounding and almost miraculous mercy and goodness of God, I have been brought to see and realize the commencement of another year of my pilgrimage on earth. Though now well advanced in my seventy-sixth ye^r upon earth, the Lord enables me to preach and labor in L.