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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

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PR03VTISPIECE.

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THE

FAMILY 3IEMORIALJ

A FATHER'S TRIBUTE

TO

THE xMEMORY OF FOUR CHILDREN. ' ^

U^ BY STEPHEN MORELL,

OF LITTLE BADDOW, ESSEX

/W*. c^tt^P ^^^ '/f3?

REVISED BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION^ FROM THE LONDON EDITION.

BOSTON:

MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY. « Depository No. 13 Cornhill.

1837.

■~^*V"-

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1837, by

CHRISTOPHER C. DEAN,

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of MaiiachuiotU.

n. . ^'A J/^St

THE

^j FAMILY MEMORIAL,

ETC.

INTRODUCTION.

The voice of God's providence, which is often afflictive, but always wise, righteous and good, demands the attention of all. When we see the opening bud of hfe de- stroyed ere yet its beauties had been fully developed ; and when we read the awful in- scription, " Childhood and youth are vanity," written by the finger of God upon the walls of our houses, in the very apartments that were enlivened by youthful cheerfulness, and consecrated by the early and simple begin- nings of youthful piety ; and when we at- tend those in whom many a reasonable and

D INTRODUCTION.

happy expectation had been centred, to the house appointed for all hving, leaving them in the dark and deep sohtude of the grave, we utter, in solemn sighs, the lessons we had been so rekictant to learn, and we exclaim, *' Lord, what is man ! "

Never does the beauty of any object in nature strike us so powerfully as when con- trasted with its opposite ; and the darkest clouds of providence often present to our minds the grace of God which bringeth sal- vation, with a lustre which, perhaps, under other circumstances, we should never have discovered. The same events in the order of providence which humble us, may also elevate us ; that which effectually teaches us not to glory in man, may constrain us to glory in the Lord, especially when the object is to recommend a Saviour to dvins: sinners, and to teach them (if it may please the Spirit of all grace to prosper the humble attempt) to glory only in the cross of Christ.

The simple unembelhshed naiTatives which are now presented to more public notice, but

INTRODUCTION. 7

with an especial view to the young, have proved a treasure beyond value to the mem- bers of a fiimily whose coniforts and prospects once seemed to be inseparably connected with that endeared intercourse which death has broken, and which cannot again be placed within their reach. Not that this review of past times and of gratifying scenes, supported by mutual faith and mutual love, can replace wliat God has displaced ; but that the merci- ful exhibition of sovereign grace, which shed so bright a lustre even upon the gloomy path of death, has eclipsed the inferior hght of earthly anticipations, while it has directed the eye of faith, to that perfect state in which sin, and pain, and death are alike unknown. That w hich is lost, and that which was ex- pected, are in some measure forgotten in the contemplation of that which is realized, as we humbly tmst, by those who are gone, and may through faith and patience be attained by those wdio yet remain. It has been the good pleasure of HimVhose ways are mercy and truthj who worketh all tliino^s after tlie

8 INTRODUCTION.

counsels of his own will, who giveth not account of his ways to man, and to whom no Christian, in a proper state of feeling would dare to say, or wish to say, ^^ What doest thou ? " — it has pleased Him to re- move from a united and happy domestic, cir- cle, amidst all the solemnities of death, four of their number, dearly beloved, within the space of less than nine years. The eldest son, Stephen, second of the family, who had recently been ordained to the pastoral office at Norwich, died in the month of October, 1824, nearly twenty-four years of age. The third daughter, and fourth of the family, La^ti- tia, in the month of November, 1827, at the age of twenty. The third son, and eighth of the family, George James, in the month of June, 1830, at the age of sixteen years and three months ; and the fifth daughter, and seventh of the family, Mary Ann, on the 4th of September, 1833, at the age of twenty- one. It is our mercy to be able to say, ^- These ah died in faith !"^

Doubtless such affectinc: strokes were felt

INTRODUCTION. 9

most keenly. To say (had it been the truth) that no sorrow was awakened, or that no tears were shed, would be a declaration alike dishonorable to our common nature, and to our Christian professions. True religion, in- stead of destroying the just and lawful sym- pathies of humanity, is calculated both to correct and to strengthen them. On the contrary, to refuse to be comforted under the chastening of the Lord, is sin ; it is the una- vailing eflbrt of a rebellious heart. When we smart under the rod, we ought to kiss it, and to adore Him that appointed it ; we ought to suffer, but we are forbidden to faint. The apostolic injunction on this subject is sufficiently exphcit, and ought to be regarded by all Christians as a standing rule of duty : ~" But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorro\\ not, even as others which have no hope," 1 Thess. iv. 13; and he gives, immediately afterwards, the most satisfactory reasons for this seasonable and comfortable admonition.

10 INTRODUCTION.

It is not proposed to fill the following pages with any rehearsal of the shortened lives of those whose peaceful end will be faithfully described. A very few years spent in seclu sion, and filled up with little variation, amidst those exercises and studies which are but a preparatory training for future maturity, can present but little, either of incident or in- struction. A short statement, therefore, in each case will suffice, merely as introductory to the specific object intended ; which is, to show the powder and triumph of faith in the seasons of affliction and death. The certain- ty of this result, though perhaps at the dis- tance of many weeks, afforded to us those opportunities of close and deliberate conver- sations, which in many cases cannot be attain- ed. We could ascertain with satisfaction the rehgious sentiments, the solemn impressions, the hopes, and fears, and joys of those who were themselves fully apprized of their ap- proaching end. Not only does the WTiter hold himself responsible for the general accu- racy, but, in most instances, for the precise

INTRODUCTION. 11

laiifi^uaLi^e that was uttered in the assured ex- pectation of the solemn event. Indeed, some of the sentences recorded in these memorials were privately written at the moment, when every whisper and every breath is usually listened to with the most anxious attention ; and the whole was penned with very few verbal alterations, in the form and lano:uao;e in which it is now published, within a very short time after the lips that had been opened with nearly the last breath to testify the power and glory of a precious Savior, were sealed by the hand of death.

FAMILY MEMORIAL.

STEPHEN MORELL.

The first and only desire of his parents on the birth of their son Stephen, was that his Hfe, if spared, might be devoted to God, in the service of the sanctuary ; and when, in very early days, he afforded what appeared to us satisfactory proof of mental capacity, sufficiently promising, the hope was willingly indulged that the object of our earnest desire might perhaps be realized. With this view every attention within our reach was paid to his education.

Still I consider that it would have been an

act of daring presumption, or rather awful

impiety, to have forced a youth into the

Christian ministry, without endowments of a

2*

14 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

far nobler and higher order than those of good capacity, a good education, or even bril- liant talent. I pretend to nothing more than what ought to be common to every Christian, when I say that many a humble effort Was made in the days of his childhood, to com- municate useful and especially scriptural knowledge to his mind ; occasions were em- braced that might be instrumental to awaken deep religious impression, and prayers were offered without ceasing to the God of all grace, that he would by the mighty energy of his own Spirit, render our feeble attempts successful. The state of his mind and of his heart was w^atched amidst alternate hopes and fears, with deep anxiety and unremitting attention. None but those who themselves feel the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, in connection with the unknown worth of an immortal soul, can conceive of the sa- cred silent emotion of a parent's heart, when the first certain intelligence is brought to his ear concerning the piety of a beloved child, and it is announced to him, *' Behold he prayeth."

STEPHEN MURELL. 15

This important fact was ascertained at an early period, and confirmed in the progress of succeeding years. His disposition was upon the whole reserved, and seldom could we ob- tain from his lips any knowledge of the im- pressions of the heart ; yet there appeared uniformly that conscientious feeling, and that inclination towards religious duties and privi- leges, which could not fail to increase the hope that he was become a new creature. It has been our privilege, however, to learn from his own pen what was the real fact at this early period. In a letter of advice, ad- dressed to a young friend, after he had been engaged for many months on public duties at Exeter, he thus writes :

*' My next piece of advice is, that after you have seriously considered the dignity and the natural degradation of your immortal spirit ; after you have deeply thought over the immensity of meaning which is comprised in that one word eternity, that you fix on some specific time, and then, with solemn prayer, make a dedication of yourself to

16 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

Christ, and surrender your immortality into his hands, for it is too precious a treasure to be kept in your own. The happy effects, which, by the blessing of God, may result from such a solemn act of dedication, I do humbly hope my experience tends to demon- strate. I remember when I was about your age, deeply impressed wath religious feelings, I retired to a secret spot, and, falling on my knees, gave myself up to our Lord Jesus Christ, praying that he would preserve me for life and for ever. To this act my thourfits would often recur, and thouo;h it grieves me to say that the vividness of these early feelings in after years subsided, yet the solemn impression was never effaced, and to this day I look back upon the scene with mingled thankfulness and humility."

While it pleased God in the riches of his grace thus to meet our earnest desires, though it was yet thought improper to speak to him on the subject of the ministry, his ow^n mind, as appeared afterwards, was seriously employed in meditating the same important design ; this

STEPHEN MORELL. 17

he for the first time ventured to suggest, with tremulous voice, in or about the sixteenth year of his age. Now did we begin to hope that our prayers had been heard ; the grand essen- tial qualification, without which, it were good for any man called a Christian minister that he had never been born, had been granted : nothing seemed to forbid the prosecution of the long cherished liope ; every thing seemed to encourage it. Early in the year 1818, he was admitted into the communion of our Church, and the written account of his reli- gious views and feelings which w^as then ad- dressed to the Church was highly satisfactory ; not on account of any extraordinary display of talent or of knowledge, but because of the early and progressive influence of reli- gious principle described by himself with all simplicity. A very short extract from this letter will be read, I hope, by young persons, with benefit.

" From my earliest years I have enjoyed advantages, as it regards divine things, and with grief and shame do I add, how little

18 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

have I improved them ! I can, truly say that at a very early age, mipressions, and deep mi- pressions, were made upon my mind. I cannot but think that at the age of nine or ten J the convictions of sin and its fearful con- sequences were more deep and solemn than they have ever been since. At that time religious ordinances were a dehght : gladly did I hail the return of the Sabbath, and often have I been in tears whilst listening to the remarks of a pious and affectionate father, on the evening of that day. But alas ! soon, too soon did I wander far astray, and left the fold of God. I tremble when I state that for a long course of time every thing like a religious feeling had subsided, prayer and the reading of the Scriptures were neglected : still do I delight to bless His name who in his mercy has not left me spurning his proffered grace, and trampling on the blood of a Savior. I have felt my sin and guilt in hav- ing neglected and slighted the advantages I had enjoyed ; I do feel the importance of flying to the Savior, and seeking for mercy

STEPHEN MORELL. 19

through his atonement ; and it is my earnest desire to grow in grace."

Towards the close of this year, (1818,) he entered upon the usual course of studies for the Christian ministry, at Homerton College^ and diligently availed himself of the advan- tages which that venerable and excellent in- stitution has so long supplied for the benefit of British Churches, and which has been so successful in furnishing the minds of young men for the sacred calling, under those excel- lent tutors, the Rev. W. Walford, and Dr. J. P. Smith, the latter so justly distinguished for what must ever be considered the grand qual- ification of Christian pastors, a profound ac- quaintance with all the important subjects of Christian theology. The term of his studies having been completed, he passed the whole of the year 1823 at Exeter, where he was pennitted to witness some encouraging fruits of his ministry ; and in the month of June, 1824, in compliance with the unanimous in- vitation of the ancient and venerable church at Norwich, he was ordained to the pastoral

20 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

office among them. His people were affec- tionate, his prospects bright — alas ! complain- ing nature would fain exclaim. Too soon were they blighted : more justly shall it be said. How soon were our expectations, cheer- ing and promising as they appeared, super- seded by the greater and better things which God had provided, but which our faith, while yet the dark cloud was suspending, could with difficulty embrace !

Although it appeared but too evident, when I attended the pleasing solemnities of his ordination, that his health was not good, the hope was willingly indulged that his ap- parent indisposition was but temporary, and would soon be removed ; this hope too was encouraged by one of his letters towards the end of July, informing us that the cough, from which so much had been apprehended, was removed, and that he hoped to visit us in a few days to spend the following month among his friends. Our anticipated inter- vievv^, however, was by no means gratifying ; before his arrival the former symptoms of

STEPHEN MORELL. 21

disease had returned with increased strength ; his appearance was discouraging, and his spirits were oppressed, as though ah*eady foreboding the scene which was soon to be reaHzed. He said, in allusion to the state of his health, '^ I know not what this may lead to : how many young ministers have lately been cut off! " It was not more than a week after this our first interview, that he was at- tacked, while on a journey, with that fatal hemorrhage which was to hasten his removal from all infirmity, in the space of two months.

The first thought that was forced upon my own mind on his return, and which could not then have been uttered was, " Ah ! my son, you have come home to die ! " Under this impression I rejoiced to find him, even in this early period of his afiiiction, calm and patient. At times, as was natural, he expressed a feeling of disappointment under his peculiar circumstances, but even for this he reproved himself, and entreated me to pray that he might possess perfect resignation : he said he 3

22 FAMILY MEMORIAL*

was not unhappy^ but found much enjoyment in communion with God. Yet^ he added^ ^' I do not experience that strong consolation which some have feU^, and I beheve it is because I have too much neglected to pray. I have not restrained prayer before God. No^ I have conscientiously, and I trust devoutly^ embraced the privilege of a throne of grace, and have often enjoyed it ; but I have not been so frequent, nor so fervent, in my ap- proaches to God, as I now see I ought to have been ; and that, I believe, is the reason why, though I am not unhappy, yet I do not enjoy a high degree of comfort in my afflic- tion."

During the weeks that followed, he retain- ed the same tranquillity of mind, v/hile the elevation of his feelings and the degree of his delight in God progressively increased : often did he speak of his dehghtful commu- nion with the Father, and with his Son, Je- sus Christ ; and several weeks before his death, he remarked, in strong and pointed language, that his happiness in the exercises

STEPHEN MORELL. 23

of devotion was ^^unutterable." He advert- ed frequently in conversation to those great truths which constitute the glory of the gos- pel, and in which his mind was firmly estab- lished. Christ and his cross was all his theme. Although he was at this time evi- dently dishiclined to curious and speculative discussion, yet, when speaking of the divine glory of the Savior, and the efficacy of his death as an atonement for sin, he would, at times, pursue a train of forcible reasoning. '' I was at one time," said he, " much har- assed and distressed respecting the person of Christ, not satisfied to believe simply on the testimony of God, in the Scriptures, what my understanding could not comprehend. It was the pride of intellect. I ought to have con- sidered that God manifested in the flesh is the great mystery of godliness, and a mystery it must be to mortal minds, yet well attested. Dr. Price's WTitings are exceedingly insidious and ensnaring, particularly in representing the opinions of men n\ hose views of this subject are as wide as the poles, as being the same

24 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

in the main. Christ is God to me, is the idea on which I was dwelhng, and as such I receive him, and honor him. On close ex- amination, I find all the essential names and attributes ascribed to him, all the power of Deity exerted by him ; and, though I cannot comprehend the glorious mystery, I believe that he is God, not by delegation, but essen- tially God. Every man is required to honor the Son, even as, that is, equally as much as they honor the Father, but it would be impossible to do this without believing him to be essentially God, even as the Father. The ambassador of an earthly sovereign might be received at a foreign court, as a point of etiquette, with the same forms of respect as though he were the king himself, but the feeling could not be the same, and were I to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as God's rep- resentative merely, I might reverence and love him as such ; but I could not, it would be impossible, to honor him even as the Father, and yet we are commanded to do this."

STKPHB:N MORELl.. 25

Not less decided was his language on the subject of the atonement, and of the contin- ued intercession of the Divine Mediator, to which he often adverted as a source of con- solation, and to the influence of the Spirit which he fervently sought, and evidently en- joyed.

I have been the more solicitous to advert to these great points of Christian doctrine, because the scenes which are now to be de- scribed, " Joy unspeakable and full of glory,'^ were most evidently the happy effect of a faith no longer to be shaken by vain imagina- tions, on this mystery of godliness.

In the course of his protracted illness it is natural to expect that allusion would be frequently made to the Church at Norwich, over which he had been so recently ordained : *• What a privilege," said he upon one occa- sion, " will it be, if I am ever again permitted to address them ! how I shall enjoy my pul- pit ! I hope my preaching will be more spiritual than ever. I am learning experience in this school ! " At length, however, it be- 3*

26 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

came but too evident that every such hope must be rehnquished. '' I think," said he, on the Saturday before his death, ^^ I shall never see Norwich again ; I have for some time thought that I shall lay my bones in your ground. I believe that my case is dan- gerous ; but I have trusted, and do trust in God. I have sincerely committed my soul into the hands of Christ, my Savior and In- tercessor. I have done it often, I have done it fei'vently ; and he has, I doubt not, accept- ed the surrender : so that I hope, (1 may say, I believe) that I am prepared to stand before my God. Nature recoils at the thought of death : it is awful ! it is solemn ! and it seems hard to have ev^ery earthly tie broken ! but I do not feel afraid to die ; and I know that this is not presumption."

On the next day, his last earthly Sabbath, he was enabled in the morning to attend pub- lic worship. The text was, '^ It is good for a man that he should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of God." In the even- ing of the same day, when all the family

STEPHEN MORELL. 27

were assembled, alluding to the subject to which he had listened with much comfort, he addressed us all in nearly the following w ords : "I have hoped for the salvation of Gcd, and still do hope ; but I must also wait, and I wish to wait patiently. My state now is that of the apostle Paul, when he said, ^ To live is Christ, and to die is gain ; ' but he had peculiar reasons for the enjoyment of his hope, and the desire he expressed to de- part and to be with Christ ; he could not have a doubt after he had been caught up to the third heaven, and had seen unspeakable things. I too should like to glance at those glories ! Perhaps this may appear curiosity, but every thing here seems so low, so gross, so mean : to realize salvation requires strong faith, and the hope of it can only be conceiv- ed of by actual experience." This conversa- tion he closed, w ithout rising from his chair, with a deeply solemn and fervent prayer for himself and for us all.

During the whole of the next day, Monday, he remained perfectly serene, speaking often

28 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

of the glory of Christ. " What a mercy It is," I said, ''that you have the knowledge of God to support you under this affliction." '' Yes," he replied, " and of his Son Jesus Christ ; I never like to separate them ; this is my great comfort ; I am astonished at the consolation I enjoy. In this corner, in this sick chair, 1 have been permitted to commune sweetly with my God, Some time ago, I was harassed with fears, and wdth some skep- tical feehngs, but, thanks to God, they are gone. I have been thinking to-day, I may perhaps yet live and pass a few years here in comfort and usefulness ; but I am willing to depart and to be with Christ. Oh ! were it not for the grace of God, and the atonement made by our Savior, and the faith by which I can rest upon it, I should be at this mo- ment most miserable."

He conversed freely the next day in the same strain of tranquillity and hope. " As to earthly expectations," he said, '' every thing nov/ is embittered, and I have no wish to live. I have no other joy than that which

STEPHEN MORELL. 29

arises from the belief that my Redeemer is interceding for me, and I beheve, I think I can say, I feel assured, that I shall be accept- ed in him. I have often, with sincerity and earnestness, committed my soul to him, and he will in no wise cast out them that come to him. I do desire now to depart : there is no sin in indulging such a wish, is there ? As to this body, I am a poor weak creature, but " (with energy) '' strong, strong in re- ligion, strong in faith. My comforts are greater than I could have expected or con- ceived ; the happiness, the real joy I experi- ence, is to myself wonderful. I long, yes, I do long to depart and to be with my God and Savior, whom I fervently love ; yes, I do love him with a love — a love — " I said, Past expression. ^' Yes ! I could not find lanoTiaffe strono^ enouo-h — I am now lookino- forward to eternity without trembling, and why should I tremble ? My affections are not on the earth, they are in heaven — my soul is with Christ, the great Intercessor." He then again adverted to the glory of Im-

30 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

manuel. '' I know that Jesus Christ is real- ly, essentially God, not a God by delegation, the Scriptures reveal it, and I feel it. Take away that refuge, and all my delightful hopes would be lost, I should be entrusting my soul with a mere creature. Do you think I shall be permitted to exchange this inferior world for the glory above ? Is it not too great a favor ? " I replied, '' Do you doubt it? " ^' But," he answered, "^ there may be reasons in the mind of God why such a favor should not be granted at present ! " I told him I had understood him as meaning wheth- er it would be granted at all. '^ Oh, no ! " said he, ^^ I cannot doubt that ! I have committed my soul to the Redeemer ! But I long for the happy time ! I should be glad, if agreeable to his will, to break these trammels of mortality to-night, and to enter a state, spiritual, pure, refined, fit for an im- mortal soul. Mv aftections are in heaven."

Addressing some friends on the subject of his approaching dissolution, he said, '^ I am prepared, and if there is a preference it is that

STEPHEN MOKELL* 3i

I should die : I should rejoice to kuow that 1 might he permitted this afternoon to learn the mysteries of eternity."

Seeing one of his brothers enter the room, he said : '^ I wish to converse with you a lit- tle,— it is my duty as a dying brother to ad- jure, to adjure you to attend to religion, 1 want to know that you pray ! Do you pray ? Do you pray in reahty ? I do not mean, do you say prayers, but do you solemnly ask of God the forgiveness of your sins ? Do you love to pray to him ? Is it a burden or a pleasure to you ? I earnestly entreat you to attend to meditation, to think, to devote a portion of every evening to this exercise, re~ count the actions of the past day, this will be of infinite service to you." He would have added more, but his strength failed him.

In the evening his mind was peaceful, and he often asked if it seemed probable that the Ix)rd would grant him so great a favor as to release him diat night, adding, with great calmness of mind, " I could wish and pray for it."

3S FAMILY MEMORIAL,

The next day^ which was his last, he came down stairs as usual, and frequently conversed in the same delightflil strain, full of tranquilli- ty and hope. We could all perceive, every hour, increasing debility. In the evening, he sat up later than usual, freely and fluently prolonging the conversation, and without much fatigue. After some allusion to his temporal affairs at Norwich, and giving directions re- specting the disposal of his books^ he added — ^^I have now nothing — nothing on earth to make me anxious — I have been enabled to give up all — I have been standing on a nar- ix)w slip of ground — eternity behind — eternity before — it is awful ! — it is solemn to plunge into eternity ! but I do not fear it ! — I know the strong arm on which I can rely. I luiow the wing on which I shall be borne. ^' Some reference being made to the Savior in reply to the above remarks, he said — ^^I want no other proof of the Divinity of Christ than the power by which he has kept my soul, and will keep it until the day of his glorious appear- ing. I must always connect with his name

STEPHEN MORELL. 33

the great atonement be has made for sin, whereby he has cleansed my soul, deeply dyed m depravity and guilt. I have^commit- ted my soul to him. I hope I have not de- ceived myself. No, I feel that I have not ! I am not a hypocrite — I am sure I am not — I should w ish once more to repeat this act of faith, and then, if it please God, to say — Fare- well ! I should like to understand the secrets of eternity before to-morrow morning."

HIS DESIRE WAS GRANTED.

After he had retired, he slept a few hours, but somewhat disturbed. When he awoke, he was more restless, both in mind and body, than he had ever been before. ^^ Yet I have trusted in God," said he, '^and I will trust in him to the last." Then I said — ''He will never forsake you." ''I hope he will not," he replied, ''but I have not the comfort I en- joyed yesterday. That was a happy day !" He then offered a fervent prayer to God that the cloud which hung over his mind might be removed. A friend dearly beloved by him- 4

84 iAMlLY MEMORIAL*

self and by us all^ who was present, requested me to pray ; which I was enabled to do in the enjoyment of strong hope* He soon became composed and happy. Grasping my hand, he said — ^'I am better, I am comforted." In a little time, with a serene smile upon his pal- lid countenance, he expressed the highest delight and confidence in God: '^Blessed God ! " he exclaimed, with a strength of voice which filled us all with amazement. ^^ Never — never can I praise thee sufliciently for what I experience at this moment ! This great joy ! this holy joy ! this unspeakable joy ! It is exquisite ! none can know, none can con- ceive the happiness I possess, the peace with which my soul is filled, but the sincere disci- ple of Jesus Christ my Intercessor. I now feel that I love God with a fervent, spiritual, holy love. Is this delusion ? Is this enthusi- asm ? No ! it is all real. Dear Savior! give me strength to bear even joy, such joy.'' He rested for a few moments ; and then address- ing me in a lower tone, as though he had been ieflecthig on llie language he had just uttered.

STEPHEN MORELL. 35

he said — ''One Avould almost think this the language of enthusiasm, but it is not ; it is sol- id and genuine. But oh ! " again raising his voice, ''what mercy and grace, that /, a poor sinful, rebellious creature, should be permitted to experience such sublime delight ! " I said it appears almost too much for the body. — "Not too much,^^ he rephed, "but enough, and yet this is but a glimpse. Oh ! is there no outlet, whereby one may pass to that joy- ous state I have before me ? Is this — this the happy time — shortly — within a few hours — when I may be permitted to flee from this troublous world?" Exhausted nature now fell asleep, then, shortly after, awaking, with great composure, and with a smiling look, he took his final leave of those dearest to him up- on earth, in these words : — "I commend you to God the Judge of all, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant ! " He contin- ued for a short time raising his hands at inter- vals, and with a countenance expressive of holy rapture — unmingled happiness. The coue^h returned : from this paroxysm his

36 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

Strength could not recover ; and, after an ineffectual effort, he laid his head upon his pillow. One short struggle, and all was still.

So fades a summer cloud away,

So sinks the gale when storms are o'er;

So gently shuts llie eye of day ; So dies a wave along the shore.

I AM unwilling to withhold the following extracts from a letter WTitten by the subject of the preceding narrative, a few months be- fore his decease. It was addressed to a young friend on the death of his only sister. The train of his own reflections at that time, com- pared with his actual experience so shortly afterwards, will powerfully strike the mind of every attentive reader.

STEPHEN MORELL. 37

Norwich, May 4, 1824.

My dear Friend : The severe and painful dispensation of Di- vine Providence, which has deprived you of a beloved sister, and covered a whole family with mourning, induces me to take the liberty of ad- dressing you by letter, not so much with the in- tention of pointing out the sources of consola- tion, opened up in the inspired volume, as of conveying to you the assurance of my warmest sympathies, and most unaiiected feelings.

When the heart is wounded by grief, and the spirit overwhelmed with sorrow, friendship is bound to mitigate the pang by expressing its own sentiments of commisseration ; and if this be the duty of a merely ordinary friendship, much more does Christianity render the same obliga- tions imperative, commanding us to ^' weep with those that weep." Should these lines tend, in the smallest degree, to blunt the edge of sorrow, to relieve the pressure of painful emotion, to promote a spirit of calm resignation, or to con- vey repose to a sufTering mind, my object will be abundantly answered. Events like those which have happened in your family are indeed 4*

38 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

acutely felt ; nor does the strongest confidence in God, or the most eminent attainments in re- ligion forbid our tears to flow. The gospel, by providing us with '^ strong consolation, '^ does not take away the poignancy of natural feeling, or check the play of those weeping sensibilities with which our nature is endowed.

It does not impart a stoical indifference which is contrary to nature, but it whispers the soft words of hope, it unfolds the scenes of im- mortality, it carries our thoughts to '^ Mount Zion, the city of the living God," to the multi- tudes of the redeemed who are released from all their sorrows, whose spirits are enrobed with glory, and whose lives are adoration and praise. Nature feels, and weeps, and mourns, but faith looks forward to another world, and thus raises us above nature. Thus, my dear friend, I trust, it is with you and your afflicted family. The mother sinks beneath the stroke, but the Chris- tian rises above it ; the father conceals not his silent anguish, the brother weeps with bitter- ness of soul ; the many relatives of the dear de- parted, now an angel of light and blessedness, mingle their tears with his ; but in all these in- stances may I not say that the saint is trium-

STEPHEN MORELL. 39

phant, and that religion enables you to endure the heart-rending separation, giving a tinge of plaintive pleasure to the gloom wherewith every countenance is marked ; and affording to you all, a full and unwavering certainty that broth- ers and sisters, parents and children, relatives and friends, part only for a time, and will meet again in that land of celestial glory where ** adieus and farewells are a sound unknown ?'* It is, it must be a trying separation, in your case : and, believe me^ I have wept for you, though unable to weep with you. It is hard thus to suffer tiie violent rending asunder of those fond and familiar ties, which a sister's af- fection had entwined around a brother's heart. It is unutterably distressing to see the tenderest object of our regard sinking down into the cold arms of death ; to watch the feeble struggles of expiring nature ; to mark the last faint flush of life ; to gaze upon a mass of bloodless clay, exclaiming — '^ That icas my sister."

The thought follows me continually — ^' She is gone forever." Dear departed saint ! neith- er relatives nor friends ought to mourn her en- trance into glory ; our loss is her gain. We sigh over the former ; may God enable us to rejoice

40 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

with her in the latter ! For there is a bright side even to the darkest scene, and the death- bed of the just is a hallowed spot, radiant with celestial glory, and approaching to the very out- skirts of immortality. He who took upon him our nature submitted also to our infirmities, and entered within the cold grave ; thereby qualify- ing himself for sympathizing with his people even in the solemn article of death ; and spread- ing the sweet radiance of hope over the tomb, which he himself passed through, and made the gate of heaven. By dying, he abolished death, and by rising again, and ascending to his Fath- er and our Father, to his God and our God, he hath brought light and immortality to light. In Adam we all die, in Christ w^e are all made alive. The image of the earthly is graven upon perishable materials, which soon crumble into ruins ; it is a vapor, which the morning sun dis- pels, a mere shadow, vanishing away into noth- ingness ; but the image of the heavenly is a glo- rified resemblance to the quickened body of our Redeemer painted upon the heart in celestial colors that will never fade, lasting as eternity itself, and durable as the throne of the everlast- ing God, Oh ! what grand and astonishing

STEPHEN MORELL. 4i

prospects does the 'Svord of life" open before our minds I and how do these liopes ot immor- tality by Christ, a risen Savior, mitigate the pang of sorrow, and cahn the throbbing hearts of disconsolate mourners!

The spirit which so lately animated its tene- ment of corruption, which gave lustre to the eye, loveliness to the features, and expression to every movement, has only burst from an earthly prison, expanded its wings of light, and flown away to kindred spirits of purity and love : ** Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord ! '' they sleep in Jesus, they awake in his glorious likeness, they sing the anthems of immortality. One moment shuts the door of mortal frailty, and opens the gate of eternal blessedness. How astonishing the change effected at the instant of dissolution I The expiring saint looks around her upon the countenances of grief and sadness which stand waiting her exit with breathless anguish ; she beholds their tears; she listens to their broken and suppressed sighs ; she is con- versant only with pains and groans, and expiring shivers ; she feels the mistiness of death spread'- ing over her eye; earth recedes ; its mournful objects swim indistinctly before her eyes ; one

42

FAMILY MEMORIAL.

dying struggle ; one convulsive effort ; and then — ^^in a moment — in the tv^ankling of an eye" — what ravishing scenes of glory burst forth to view I A single point of time, a space less than a moment, has shut out the frailties of mortality and introduced her to the dread mysterious sub- limities of another world.

You, my dear friend, saw the last moments of a beloved sister, but you were not privileged to behold her commencing glory : you saw not the angel convoy waiting to receive her eman- cipated spirit ; you saw not the beam of light w^hich broke in upon her mind, as the last deep sigh left mortality behind : you saw not her ce- lestial extacies when greeting spirits hailed her entrance into heaven ; you saw not her raptur- ous smile when, landed on the shores of immor- tality, she gazed upon the person of her beloved Savior, passed through the thronging crowds of the blessed,

" And meekly took the lowest seat. Yet nearest her Redeemer's feet.'^

Had you seen these spectacles of wonder, could you have lamented her death ? could you

4

STEPHEN MORELL. 43

have wished to recal her from such entrancing joys ? If the Bible be true, these are not fic- tions, but glorious realities, and though not ac- tually beheld by mortal eyes, yet they are as cer- tain as if your bodily senses had been conver- sant with them ; for they rest upon the veracity of that God who cannot lie, and they are con- firmed by the dying experience of those who sleep in Jesus. ^'We are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and Church of the firstborn which are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect, and to Je- sus, the Mediator of the new covenant." — '* Wherefore, comfort one another with these words."

Your sincere friend,

Stephen Morell.

L^TITIA MORELL.

Scarcely had two years passed after the affecting, though merciful scene of the prece- ding narrative, when our apprehensions were awakened, by the appearance of consumptive symptoms, that his sister L^titia would quickly follow. She was in her seventeenth year, and on a visit far from home, when the event of her brother's death took place. She hastened back to attend his funeral. She felt much, but was able to bow with submissive cheerfulness to the will of Heaven, and it was little apprehended then that she would herself so soon become the victim of disease and death. In the month of February, 1827, the designs of Providence began to be developed, and after a few weeks her situation became such as could leave no doubt of the result. It was not expected that a frame, always deli- cate and now greatly weakened by disorder, could be sustained through the changing sea-

L^TITIJL MORCLL* 45

sons, and nearly to the expiration of the year. Such however was the good pleasure of God ; and the long season of expectation was also a season of profitable instruction, and joyful hopCe

From a child, she had known the Scrip- tures ; and, at a very early period, she seem- ed to love the truth, and to hve much under its influence. No time or circumstances can be referred to, as being the commencement of her religious life, but her character had now assumed that decided form which encourag:ed the belief that she was indeed *^boni of God.'^ In the month of December, 1 824, being then seventeen years of age, she gave herself up publicly to the Lord and to his church. She was, for two months after the commencement of her illnp>s, totally unaware of its character or tendency, and although she could discover^ from the many hints that were dropped., the apprehensions of her family, and concluded that probably some danger attended her disor- der, she still remained unconscious of its really threatening aspect^ until the fact was faitiifully 5

46 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

and expressly communicated to her by one of her sisters, early in the month of May. "I hope my dear Laetitia/' said her sister, ^^you will not be distressed, when I tell you that we fear your disorder is consumption." "No," she replied, "I hope not; but your informa- tion surprises me : I did not think that I was consumptive : and I am afraid that I cannot think of death without some alarm." No al- teration appeared in her general demeanor as the result of this conversation ; she retained her usual cheerfulness, and was enabled to cast herself afresh upon that Redeemer to whom she had long before committed her eternal interests.

Finding her one morning in tears, and ap- prehending distress of mind, I said — "Why do you weep ? you know the promise — All things shall work together for good to those that love God." ^ " Yes ! " she rephed ; " I know that this affliction is for good ; I have

*The passage is not literally quoted, but the sense is obvious.

L^TITIA MORELL. 47

found it so already ; I do believe in Christ, and know that salvation is in him ; but what distresses me is, that I do not feel powerfully even what I do know and believe. With re- spect to this affliction, I think I do not at all murmur, and I earnestly beg for patience and submission." The effect of this conversation appeared to be very important to herself; it was blessed of God, and after this time, during the long season of protracted illness, she was permitted to enjoy uninterrupted tranquillity and peace.

"I am not filled," she said upon one occa- sion, '^with dread in the prospect of death, neither am I free from fear ; I have long un- derstood the way of salvation as it is taught in the Bible. I know all that is necessary, and I have done, as to outward duties, all that is needful ; but there has been often so little feel- ing and impression that I doubted my sinceri- ty ; yet I have always intended to be sincere, and I do hope that I am so ; I have earnestly prayed to God to make me so, and then I know that all is well."

48 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

There vvere few circumstances throughout the period of this lengthened afHiction, which afforded us more satisfaction than the thank- fuhiess she often expressed, and even the as- tonishment she seemed to feel, that her suffer- ings were so light. '^I cannot complain/' she said: ^'God is dealing so kindly with me ! '' The question was put, — '' Are you not distressed at being thus confined in the house, and so young?" ^'One evening/' she an- swered, '-T had such feeling, v/hen I saw my sisters preparing for a walk : it was very pleasant weather, and I thought, how I should enjoy it, if I could walk with them, and the tear dropped from my eye : I know it was very \\ rong ! I am thankful it was but a mo- mentary impression, and I have not been so disturbed since, I now feel quite resigned," In reply to the common inquiry whether she was com.fortable in her mind, she replied — ^'I am very comfortable, but I do not enjoy those strong consolations Avhich many have experi- enced in my situation. It is, I think, because I do not place confidence enough in God ; i

LJETITIA MORELL. 49

have not sufficiently estimated his goodness ; and I have thought that very great enjoyment was too much for such an one as I am to ex- pect, hut I have sought the presence of God more earnestly of late, and for several days have been enabled to think more of the Sa- vior's love ; my mind has been attentively and closely engaged, and I feel very happy. I used to dread very much being awake for some hours together, in the night ; but now I do not regard it, and frequently am able to meditate delightfully. I have sometimes thought of God and heavenly things till I long- ed to be there. What a joyful state heaven must be ! How delightful, to be really able to praise God ! We know nothing about praise here. It now appears to me a great privilege for young people to be taken away from the snares and sins of the world ; it is the thought of being entirely free from corrup- tion that renders the thought of heaven so tru- ly delightful ! "

Towards the month of September, the dis- order, which had for eight months been grad-

50 FAMILY MEMORIAI-.

ually impairing the frail tabernacle, assumed a more threatening form. We all apprehend- ed that a very few weeks would close the scene on which our eyes had so long been fix- ed with intense and anxious interest. Some branches of the family had made arrangements for a short journey, which she had herself an- ticipated some months before, with great and pleasurable expectation. ''Ah 1" she said to m.e, being now in an exceedingly weak state, *'I once hoped to enjoy this excursion; it is a merciful exercise of Divine Providence that conceals from us our disappointments. If we could have foreseen the circumstances under which I am now placed, it might have been an occasion of great grief to us all. I hope ray sisters will not be disappointed, but as to myself I feel not regret ; I am looking for death without fearing it, and I had rather be as I am."

Anxious to ascertain the full import of this language, which, even allowing for the conso- lation of faith so evidently enjoyed, appeared very strong and extraordinary, I said — '-Do

L,-«TITIA MOilELL 6l

you really mean that you prefer your present state of affliction and weakness, to the society and enjoyment of a pleasant journey, and a visit to friends whom you so much love?" **'Yes/' she replied, ''I do prefer it with my prospects. I am afraid of confidence, but I could almost say, I am sure that all is well ; I have trusted in God, I have committed my soul to the Lord Jesus Christ, and I know in whom I have believed : I have been so sup- ported, and even comforted, in my affliction, that it can hardly be called a chastisement. It was appomted to purify me ; though I have been sincere in faith, I was not fit for another world ; but God always purifies his children that they may be made meet for the promised inheritance.'' A few days after this conversa- tion, when suffering under extreme debility, she said — " I am hardly able to pray ; and am total- ly unable to keep my thoughts fixed ^vlth at- tention, on any one subject, but hojye does not leave me ; Satan, I believe, attempts to deprive me of it by suggesting that 1 am under a delu- sion ; but I believe my heart is sincere ; I think

5li FAMILY MEMOKIAL.

I am not deceiving myself. If it be a sign of real religion to delight in hearing and talking of Godj and Jesus Christ, and heaven, I have that evidence, for 1 do greatly enjoy such con- versation, and desire no other. A kind friend asked me if I could find any thing to amuse me ; it was very tender and thoughtful : I could have replied, The Bible is my only amusement, and it is enough."

Life was still protracted beyond expecta- tion ; having passed nearly through the month of October, the impression became fixed upon her own mind, that the desired moment was at hand. ^' I think," she said, with evident gratification, ^^a very short time now must bring me to my grave!" She conversed much on the subject of Divine love and future glory, anticipating the heavenly state as being a constant scene of activity : '- This," said she, *'is a view of future and eternal things on which I love to meditate, so far as I am able. I have been to-day examining my hope ; and I find that I can abide by it ; it is a good hope, and I have no fear that my God will forsake

LiETlTIA MORELL. 33

me." She alluded frequently to the days of her childhood, and the seasons of impression, \\hich were now^ had iii remembrance with much advantage : often did she express her thankfulness that the Lord had inclined and enabled her to seek him in very early life. When conversing with her on this subject, and the probable benefit of keeping a record of our o\\ n feelings and progress in knowledge and holiness, she said — ^^I began some years ago to keep a diary ; it had been strongly recom- mended ; but I have burned it lately, because, though I was most anxious to insert in it noth- ing but the truth, 1 think it is almost impossi- ble to w rite even the truth in relation to re- ligious enjoyment, wdthout seeming to convey in it something more than the exact reality, and I feared lest any persons should hereafter see what I had written, and think too highly of me."

Notwithstanding our own expectation of a speedy removal, it was the pleasure of God to sustain the expiring powers of life till the mid- dle of November, 1827.

54 Family memorial.

Nature was too nearly exhausted during the last fortnight, to allow of much continued intercourse ; she often expressed her joy that the warfare would be so soon accomplished ; and especially referred to the lively impres- sions of the love of Christ which cheered her soul. ^^I am too weak," she said, ^^to med- itate much ; often when I try to pray, my mind becomes weary ; but there is a promise that all things shall work together for good, and I shall find it so, when once I am landed on the heavenly shores ; yet I often enjoy now a sweet distant glimpse of heaven. A thought darted upon me not long ago — ^ What if all should not be right ! ' for death is awful, but I said — Why should I fear ? God is faith- ful, and I have committed myself to the care of the Lord Jesus Christ. How gently the Lord is dealing with me ! I suffer but little in body, and am perfectly comfortable in mind. If I had strength to show it, you would per- ceive that I am very cheerful in my spirits." This was indeed very satisfactorily evinced, for her countenance uniformly expressed ea»

LJETITIA MORSLL. 55

joyment, and every person that visited her was received with a smile.

Alluding to the privileges of the Lord's day, (it \yas I think, her last Sabbath,) she said— " It is many weeks since I could enjoy a Sab- bath here ; but I comfort myself ^^hh the thought that I shall soon begin an eternal one. I should be glad to be released, if it were the Lord's will, immediately. Who knows ? per- haps I may awake to-morrow in heaven ! and we shall be separated for a very short time • It will not appear so long to me as to you ! ^ou will be measuring time by days, and nights, and weeks. I shall have no time to measure. Mine will be one eternal Sabbath. I was just thinking, amidst all my weakness Clmst IS precious still: if I had not known him, what could have been my situation now > I should have been looking for more sorrow' instead of a perfection of bliss." '

On the morning of the 12th, when I enter- ed the room, she seemed to suffer much, and to abor hard for breath, but she looked at me and smiled. " Well, my dear girl," I said,

56 rAMlLY MEMOMJL*

-' you appear comfortable. " '' I am happy ! ^^ she replied^ ^^but can hardly keep life in me ; I am not afraid hovrever that God will forsake me ; I feel assured that he loves me, as I hope that I have been taught to love him ; how good he is to me ; he has not once hidden his face from me !" In the course of this day, seeing her atilicted mother in tears^ she ex- claimed with considerable exertion of voice— ^^ Mamma! why do you weep? I am not in much pain ; consider ho^^' greatly many per- sons suffer ; mine cannot be called sufFeringj and I shall hardly be sensible of death ! It will be but one gasp ; and in a moment I shall know the happiness of heaven.'' ^^I cannot help feeling," her mother replied, '^ though I am thankful that God has prepared so many of my children for himself: Avhen you are gonCj I shall have five of you in heaven." ^* Yes ! " she replied, ^^and all through Christ. I shall meet my brother, and ," mentioning sev- eral young friends by name. She continued through the following night frequently sinking as though life was at its last ebb, yet express-

LjETITiA MOilELL* 5t

ing now and then her comfort in the Lord^ *^ I do not, I cannot feel low spirited." About eight o'clock in the morning of the 13th, she became exceedingly restless, though she said that she suffered no bodily pain* It was evi-' dently the approach of death. I said to her — ^'^This you know is the last enemy ; and you have had many worse enemies than death to encounter." She replied m her last vvords — '^ I am not afraid of death 1 but I would not pray to be released before the Lord's time ; he knows the proper time ! I beg for pa- tience." She continued more than an hour breathing with difficulty, and then, fetching a deep sigh, or, to use her own expression on the preceding day, '^one gasp," — she depart- ed'.

6

GEORGE JAMES MORELL

Another interval of three years was gra^ Ciously allotted to us by the favor of Provi- dence, to enjoy the comforts of the domestic circle undisturbed, to review the scenes which were past, but not forgotten ; and to seek, as 1 do hope we all did^ those supplies of heaven- ly grace which alone can secure a useful lifa^ and a victorious death. So far as our obser- vation could form a judgment, there appeared to be nothino: as to the health of the remaininof branches of the family to awaken our appre- hensions that we should soon again renew those feelings which although so mercifully supported by the abundance of grace, are in no shght degree sorrowful. Faith may teach us to say, It is the Lord, but nature will weep* The last year, ISSO, opened upon us with a smile ; but not two months had elapsed, before those symptoms of debility began to appear, which in the full recollection of former events,

GEORGE JAMES MORELL. 59

excited painful suspicion that another son, George James, would soon fall the victim of disease.

Having been of a very diffident and reserv- ed disposition, he passed the few years of his life without attracting much observation. He was fond of reading, and, during the last two or three years, spent much time m retirement, studying works of general usefulness, and, as we afterwards discovered, writing scraps of poetry and other pieces of a more grave and lengthened description. We could not, how- ever, ascertain, by conversation or by any oth- er means, what his character really was with respect to religion. His general conduct was conscientious, and we had reason to believe assuredly, that he read the Scriptures habitu- ally, and maintained the practice of private prayer.

The state of his mind at this tijne may be seen in the following short extract from some of his numerous papers found after his decease. It was written when his thoughts were occu- pied with the prospect of business. ^^I am

60 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

now about to be ushered into the tide of life : O may God give me grace to bear all the little difficulties I must expect to meet with, in a true Christian spirit ; and, above all things, may he enable me to exercise always that sweet temper which Christ displays so fully. Twenty years hence, and where shall I be !"

After being apprenticed to a miller, he be- came more open in character, and of late very free in conversation, w^hen we soon found that his information, both with respect to religious and other subjects, was much greater than had been supposed ; but our highest gratification arose from the disposition he manifested, to exert himself as opportunity might offer in the cause of truth and rehgion.

Alas ! how soon were the hopes that had just been awakened, arrested and dissipated ! In the month of February, he was obliged, in consequence of a threatening cough and great debility, to renounce his occupation, and ap- ply to the means which it w^as hoped would be efficacious, and accomplish a speedy recov- ery. Soon, however, it appeared that the

GECtflGE JAMES MORELL. 61

Lord's ways are not as our ways, nor his thoughts as our thoughts. The astonishingly rapid progress of a disease evidently consump- tive, quickly admonished us of the afflictive event, which after a few months we were to realize.

A general outline of the scene which fol- lowed is thus given by one who was his con- stant attendant till the lamp of hfe was extin- guished. ^-During an affliction of more than three months' continuance, while suffering much from weakness and debility, no express sion of complaint nor of impatience was heard from his lips. But though uniformly tranquil and submissive, it was not till within the last few weeks of his life, that he expressed his confidence in that Savior to whom he had so often committed the keeping of his soul in the season of health. One evening when he was too weak to sit up, he requested one of us^ (his sisters,) to come to his bed-side ; and from that time he appeared to wish us all to know how happy he felt in the prospect of leaving this sinful world. ^' I feel convinced," 6=*

62 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

said he, " that I shall never recover from this aiHictioiij bat I may live some months yet. I hope the Lord will give me patience to wait his time. When I first thought myself dan- gerously illj I felt that I was not prepared for death ; but now I can say, I had rather die than live. How much suffering I shall escape by being taken so early out of the world, and how much sin ! How delightful it must be to meet our dear friends in heaven ; 1 shall see there Stephen and Laetitia. Ah ! and Jesus the Savior. I shall be better off than you who remain here." When conversing at another time on the bliss of heaven, he said — ^^ I conceive that when my spirit leaves the body it will fly immediately to Jesus, and he will present it spotless to his Father : it will then be perfect." He always appeared to wish for a speedy removal, though very care- ful lest he should express any desire hastily. One morning, with evident pleasure, he said, — ''My father says he does not think I shall linger very long ; I know impatience is my chief sin^ but I have prayed for patience, and

GEOEGE JAMES MORELL. 63

liope I am resigned to tlie will of the Lord.'' He was, during the last fortnight, particularly anxious to see many of his young friends and to converse with them on the vast importance of religion ; he usually urged the necessity of fervent prayer, saying — ^'I liave had many weeks for reflection, but perhaps this may not be granted to you." He always fixed his eyes stedfastly on those with w^hom he was conversing, as though anxious to see whether their minds were solemnly impressed.

A few days before his death, he said, with perfect composure, — ^'I shall soon be laid in the Meeting Yard ; and sometimes fancy that I see you all following me, and standing at my grave ; I dare say you will feel it." ''Yes," it was replied, ''there will be many tears shed then." "But," said he, "there need not: you must think how happy my spirit will be then : I am now ready to pass through the swellings of Jordan.

Could I hut cliuib where Moses stood. And view the landscape o'er;

64 FAMILY MEMORIAL*

Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold floodj Should fright me from the shore.

On the Lord's day morning previous to his removal, he said — ^'I have been thinking of that beautiful hymn, —

When, O dear Jesus, when shall 1,

Behold thee all serene ; Blest in perpetual Sabbath day,

Without a veil between."

Repeating the last line with great empha- sis,— '^ ' without a veil ! without a veil ! ' How delightful will it be to see Jesus ^ with- out a veil between.' I think I have obtained a viev>' of the celestial city by the eye of faith."

He was troubled very much in the last few days of his life with shortness of breath, yet he was very cheerful : the day before his death, he said, with much emphasis — ^'^Oh! if I knew nothing of religion, I could not en- dure this." On the last morning, he said — ^'I think I could sing." On being reminded of those lines :

GEORGE JAMES MORELL. 65

I can do all things, and can bear All sufibrings, if my Lord be there.

^'O yes/' lie replied, '^'1 can sing that." The spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. In this happy frame he continued to the end of the conflict ; his merciful God did not for one moment forsake him : but made even the dark valley of death the entrance into everlast- ing life.

In addition to the above account, many, very many, were the remarks made by him expressive of penitence, faith, and hope.

At a very early period of his illness, I was anxious to converse with him decidedly on those subjects which were now become the only topics of real importance. He was not at that time very communicative ; he assured me that he was not distressed on account of his affliction ; he trusted his heart did not murmur, nor was he anxious to recover for the sake of life itself; but he wept much, and said — ^^ I fear I am not right." '^ What causes this fear?" I inquired. ^^I hope you have

66 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

been lookino; to the Savior, and can you not now trust entirely in him ? " " Yes/' he said, ^^ I do ; I do ; but I fear I am not sincere ! I have loved God, and I do not love him as I ought to do." This conversation was contin- ued for some time, and occasionally renewed. His mind gradually became more tranquil, and he was frequently very cheerful ; but, as sta- ted before, it was not till within the last two or three weeks of his end that he was enabled to cast off all reserve. Then he began to con- verse very freely, and always satisfactorily, and welcomed with a smile every person that visited him, always conversing till he became exhausted. Every friend that called was struck with the placid and even happy ex- pression of his countenance. He greatly en- joyed the prayers which were frequently offer- ed by his bed-side, often uttering an exclama- tion of delight in the midst of the solemn ex- ercise, and frequently said im.mediately after- wards— ^' Oh ! glorious ! glorious ! "

Almost daily he said — " How happy I feel ! it seems wonderful that any sinful creature

GEORGE JAMES MOKELL. 6?

should ever become so happy." On one of* these occasions, ^^ ith a view of examining the foundation on which this uniform feehng of enjoyment and hope was buih, I said— ^' And what renders you so happy ? Is it because you are better than many other persons?" "No!'' he rephed, "worse! I have been very wicked.'' " You have not been a wick- ed youth,'' I said, "in the usual sense of the term. You have not hved a wicked life." "I know it," he replied , "but, (and he wept much,) a wicked heart, wicked thoughts, wicked temper, and tliis distresses me." — "Yet," I said, "you are happy now." "I am, I am," was the answer, "for I know that I have committed my soul to Christ, and done it with great sincerity. Indeed, I do not, I cannot doubt."

On the Saturday before his death, he ap- peared very considerably revived, many friends who visited him remarked the great alteration that had taken place. No favorable conclu- sions, however, were drawn from this circum- stance ; but in the evening when sitting by his

t)b . J'AMILY MEMORIAL*

side, I alluded to it^ and asked — -what would be his feelings if there were to appear any prospect of recovery? he replied — '*I do not know, I hope I should glorify God : but I think I should now feel disappointed, but there is no fear of it, the disorder is the same." Slioitly afterwards when in offering prayer in his behalf^ I entreated the Lord that even now, if it niight be his pleasure, health might be restored ; he whispered — '^ No ! Noi" and afterwards, when in continuance, the petition was presented that the downward path to the grave might be smoothed — or rather the path upwards. •• Yes ! "' he exclaimed, '^ upwards, upwards to heaven.'' He said afterwards that he had much enjoyed this season of devotion, but he did not wish me to pray for his life.

The Monday following ^^ as his last day ; his weakness was extreme. We expected that a very few days would bring him down to the grave ; no one attempted to converse much with him, except now and then inquir- ing whether he still enjoyed invv-ard peace, to which he instantly replied that he was very

GSORGE JAM£I MORELL. 69

happy. In the afternoon, being informed that a friend from a distant place was visiting us, he desired to see him, and, exerting his feeble powers, he conversed freely, speaking of his joyflil hopes, and tlie precious Savior to whom he owed all his expectations. Our friend, after remaining with him more than an hour, took his final farewell. His breathing now became very distressing, and soon after six o'clock, perceiving him very restless, I asked him — ''Are you distressed at all in your mind?'' He replied, — "Xo.'' ^*Are you quite happy?" "'•Yes.'' "Then you are not afraid to die?*' "No." Ten minutes elapsed, and, without any convulsive struggle, he ceased to breathe, entering, we confidently hope, into the joy of his Lord.

MARY ANN MORELL. communicated in a letter to a friend. My dear friend,

At length it has become my mournful duty, ought I not rather to say, my merciful privilege, to give you the information which you are looking for, and daily expecting.

My dear Mary Ann has obtained her final release fi'om all suffering : she has entered in- to perfect rest, awaiting, as it respects the mortal part, the glories of that day when proc- lamation shall be made — Time shall be no more. This event, to herself so happy, to us so severely afflictive, took place on the 4th inst. (September, 1833.) On the 29th she would have com.pleted her 21st year. Al- though she could rejoice, and did greatly re- joice in the God of her salvation, as we could satisfactorily discover from broken sentences and short ejaculations uttered with difficulty, her debilitv lias been so extreme for a consid-

MARY ANN MORELL. 71

erable time past, and the power of nature so exhausted, that we could not enjoy the privi- lege which we have been indulged with in former instances, of frequent and lengthened conversations. This would have been cheer- ing, but why should we complain ? we have the delightful recollections and convincing tes- timony of years to assure us of her well grounded hope in God, and her sincere faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

Till \\ ithin the last two years, her health appeared to be firm, her natural disposition was cheerful, and the deep interest she took in the great cause of the Redeemer, especially of late, in the progress and prosperity of our Sabbath school, and in visiting and conversing with our poor neighbors, w as but a habitual expression of the direction of her mind, and its consecration to the Master whom she de- lighted to serve.

In the early part of last year, 1832, she was for several months unwell ; not seriously ill ; but in the course of the summer, all the symptoms of disorder disappeared, except a

72 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

very slight cough which had not entirely left her. In the month of September, according to our usual custom, the children of the Sab- bath school were assembled together, and af- ter receiving the little attentions that are com- mon on such occasions, remaining perhaps nearly an hour in the open air ; then* poor pa- rents and many of our friends who were pres- . ent were addressed, and the teachers spent the evening with us, in our own house. This was a very delightful season to my dear child : her spirits were much excited, her energy ex- ceeded her strength. The day was bright, but cold ; and all the renewed symptoms of disease quickly appeared, which could not be arrested.

An attack of haemorrhage a few weeks after- wards proved a signal of the sorrows that v>^ere to follow. During the winter, and until the month of April, 1833, she was a close prison- er, seldom leaving the room (our usual dwell- ing), but to retire to rest. She was generally cheerful throughout this long confinement, and the disorder, in its most threatening aspect,

MART ANN MORELL. 73

was SO considerably checked as to encourage in us all some hope of an ultimate recovery.

This was the season on which we can now reflect with peculiar interest and unfeigned gratitude ; for although we could not deem it proper to converse with her on the subject of death, or to intimate our own apprehensions, which were never entirely removed, as to the result, she frequently adverted to it herself with great composure ; and even when her own expectations were most raised, she con- sidered her state as very precarious, spoke of her future life here, if she should be spared a few years, as most probably a state of perpet- uated sickness, and declared her unfeigned thankfulness to her Father above, for the needful and beneficial discipline under which she was placed. Frequently indeed, and sometimes with tears, she lamented her long and necessary absence from the house of God, especially as she lived adjoining the place she earnestly desired to visit. Yet she uttered no complaint, and often expressed her humble hope and unshaken confidence in the divine

?4 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

Savior with whom she had with unfeigned sin- cerity committed her soul.

It was, you will naturally conclude, not a little afflictive to ourselves, that the hopes we had fondly indulged of some improvement in the advancing season were not realized ; the fatal disorder appeared to be rather, though almost imperceptibly, increasing at the time to which we had been looking forward with anxious hope for its removal. A change of air and scene was strongly urged by our med- ical friend ; and she spent a few weeks in a distant part of the country with a much en- deared associate. The several letters we re- ceived during this short interval yielded us no consolation, and on her return in July, the progress of emaciating disease was too appa- rent to allow the indulgence any longer of even a distant hope.

She soon became fully sensible of her situ- ation, and declining any further efforts, with a view to recovery, spoke with great tranquillity and composure of her approaching dissolu tion.

MARY ANN MORELL. 75

From this tiinej early in the month of Au- gust, her powers of conversation ceased, but a sweet smile, which was seldom disturbed, suf- ficiently indicated the settled peace of her mind. In answer to my inquiries, made at several and distant tunes, she said that her mind was naturally too sensitive for this world, that she should not have been fit for this life had she been spared ; that every thing in which she was interested here created too much excitement ; that her desire of life was now entirely removed ; that her hope in Christ was firm and unmoved ; that she was not distressed with any clouds hanging over her mind, and that even when most afflicted A\ ith bodily suffering, her soul was joyful in the Lord. She said once to some young la- dies who visited her — "You perhaps think me unhappy, but I had rather be as I am than as you are." When a friend once asked — '• Is Christ precious ? " she said — " All in all."

On the evening of September 3d, the last conflict was evidently approaching. She was unable to converse, but replied to our inquiries

<0 FAMILY ME5fORIAL.

with a slight motion of the head and a happy smile : having committed her to the Lord, in a very short prayer, I took my leave of her. Soon afterwards by her desire I was recalled, she grasped my hand with unusual firmness, and with a look of inexpressible satisfaction whis- pered her joy. Without expecting an answer I inquired wdiether she was happy, to w^hicb she replied, deliberately and audibly — "Papa, I cannot feel unhappy." For two hours she remained restless, but apparently not distress- ed with acute pain, and expired about three o'clock in the mornino*.

I shall not attempt to describe our own feel- ings on an occasion so mournful, yet so satis- factory : my ow^n spirits have been exceed- ingly depressed. Yet the Lord is a strong tower. I will be glad in the Lord, and re- joice in the God of my salvation^

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.

The few following suggestions are respect- fully but earnestly offered to serious conside- ration.

First. The importance of preparation for death. A living man may indeed be wretch- edly capable of employing, and amusing his mind with numerous speculations on the great subjects of the Christian revelations ; but a dying man needs solid, well established truth. He cannot then conceal from himself the aw- ful fact that he is a degenerate creature, that he is accountable to the Judge of all, before whom he must shortly appear, for a most alarming accumulation of sins, which he has been heaping up against himself; and the question, which perhaps he has never before entered into with sufficiently awakened inter- est, now becomes deeply important — " How can man be just vv ith God ? Without a satis- factory answer to this momentous inquiry,

73 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

(and it can only be derived from the testimo- ny of God,) the review of life, even in the case of characters most distinguished by what is amiable and upright, will plant the dying pillow ^^'ith thorns ; or, if conscience should still fail to discharge its faithful duties, that must be wanting which is necessary to secure perfect tranquillity, and yet more, to cheer the soul just entering upon its eternal abode, with the bright histre of a '' hope full of im- mortality." It is an incontestable fact, that the record of God concerning his Son, which fixes our faith upon a Savior of divine power, and an atonement for sin of certa'n efficacy, has produced those spiritual and holy aspira- tions, and those elevations of joyful hope, which it were vain to seek among those who believe not in Christ as '^ God manifest in the flesh."

It is a fact, that faith towards our Lord Je- sus Christ, considered as the divine and eternal Son of God, and our implicit confidence in the efficacy of his death, considered as sacrificial^ have effected in the solemn season of death.

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 79

an exaltation of holy and joyful feeling not conceivable by any but eye and ear witnesses. The same ground of such happiness has been examined ; the only cause referred to by those w ho enjoyed it has been declared in short sen- tences full of meaning. " I know in whom I have believed ? I have committed the keep- ing of my soul to Christ ? I have often w itb sincerity, surrendered my soul to the care of Jesus ! Were it not for the knowledge 1 have of Christ, and the faith that rests upon him, 1 should be at this moment most miserable, in- stead of most joyful !•' Such are the senti- ments and their eftects related in tlie preced- ing narrative s, and in those of a great cloud of witnesses, partakers of like precious faith.

Now if such perfect peace, such superior and holy joy, in the prospect of death, has never been eflectecl by means of any other views of Christ, and his salvation, than tL'ose for whicli wc arc now pleading, we must in- fer llie a;)j)ropriateness of such a provision of grace to t!ic reception of man, and we must for the sarnc reasons conclude that it is ac<*.ord-

' to t-, - will rf Gorl.

80 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

When I leam that God, in order to bestow his grace, proceeded in a way at once worthy of himself and secure to his creatures, has found a ransom, has provided and accepted an atonement for sin, equal to the claims of per- fect purity and infinite righteousness, and equal to the necessities of the most guilty of our race, I feel that a foundation of hope is laid on which a humble faith may rest with the fullest assurance, and that the only danger left is ^^ proud unbelief." In this faith we shall be sweetly constrained to live the life of the righteous, and our latter end will be like his. But dark must be the night of death, when the heart has rejected the certain but only refuge provided for sinners by the high author- ity of God ; and when the soul still guilty, and still unholy, cannot see the light of life.

Secondly. The duty of submission, and even cheerful submission to the discipline of Providence is a subject that cannot be over- looked amidst the solemn events which have been brought under our notice. It surely will not be deemed arrogant, if the writer of these

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 81

memorials venture to suggest to his fellow Christians a few remarks on this subject. It deeply concerns all persons, and his own mind has been in some measure trained by a course of unerring instruction. Resignation is not merely a most desirable attainment, but it is, beyond all dispute, a very decided and evi- tlent Christian duty. It may be said, and •most tmly, that we cannot command our own feelings ; but it shall be said too, and ought to be proved that religion can. The provisions of the gospel are made expressly to meet our circumstances of sin and ruin ; and, placed for a season in a world where nothing is certain but uncertainty, where nothing can be enjoy- vd with confidence, where the messenger of Cod is seen in every direction, going his rounds, and often breaking up the most united companies of mortals, we cannot resist the -conviction that the gospel is a treasure beyond value, and that, if any thing within our reach is important, it is, that our hearts be prepared to meet tlie will of God by the power ef foith, ond by tlic high acquisitions of genuine reh- 8

82

FAMILY MEMORIAL.

gion. But let it be well considered, the mo* ment of necessity is not the moment of prepa- ration : religion ought to be already in full and active operation.

When the firmest bonds of nature are bro- ken, and friends are severed from each other, by the resistless sword of death, our only pos- sible refuge is to be able to say, from the heart, '^ Thy will be done : '' till we can do this real- ly, it will be utterly vain to seek rehef. But very much will depend upon the previous habit of the mind, and the means by which our mutual attachments have been nurtured and maintained. If our ardent affections have been indulged, without the salutary correction of religious principle, we may justly apprehend that the consoling influence of that principle will be wanting in the day of separation.

The birth of a child ought to be the com- mencement of our care for his soul, of our fer- vent supplication that Christ may be fonned in him. We can pray for our children before we can instruct them. Should the lovely, idolized babe be smitten, far from enviable is

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 83

the situation of the parent standing with flow- ing tears over the cold clay, the still beauteous form that cannot be reanimated, yet enduring the sharpest pang in the remonstrances of her own conscience, — the sad reflection — ^^Not one petition have I sent to Heaven for the soul of my child !"

We must carry this train of reflection a lit- tle further. What if the God of all families should demand, not one child only, but a sec- ond, a third, and a fourth, in quick succession ; and these children not mere infants, but sons and daughters, who, though young, had be- come capable of receiving some instruction, and of feeling the solemnity of prayer ! Who, that has any Christian knowledge would not lament for the man — the father — the cruel father, whose sorrows on an occasion already sufliciently distressing, must be increased a thousand fold, amidst the bitter self-condemn- ing recollection of the years that have rolled away without having assembled these dear ob- jects of his affection together, to invoke the blessing of Heaven upon them, at the domes-

84 FAMILY MEMORIAI..

tic altar. Is it thus^ O ye parents, is it thus that you hope to become prepared for the fiery trial ? Jehovah has said — " Him that honor- eth me I will honor, but they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.'' But if we would be amply supplied with the means of a quiet spirit, a resigned heart, when our earthly hopes are blighted, and when nature would weep bitterly for our children because they are not, there is yet another step that must be taken while they remain under our training : we must endeavor to lead them into all truth. He who feels the infinite importance of all re- vealed truth himself, will not consent to leave his children uninstructed ; he will not be will- ing that they should die unacquainted with Him who is the way, the truth, and the hfe ; he will not withhold his attempts to direct their thoughts to the Redeemer of souls, un- der the pretext that man can do nothing, that the Lord knoweth them that are his, and that if they are not the fore-ordained children of God, no efforts within his power can avail any thing ; a mode of reasoning well suited to the

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 85

deceived unspirltual heart, but which cannot overcome the energies of real Ufe in them that are born of God.

Such a man having received the love of the truth, and enjoyed in many seasons of neces- sity its cheering influence, will not suffer those whose safety and happiness are dear as his own soul, to remain uninformed with respect to those great points of Christian doctrine which are, in his own estimation, the wisdom cf God and the power of God unto salvation : knowing the true state of human nature, prone to choose the evil and reject the good, he will not speculate upon tlie souls of his children, giving: their minds no direction of a relidous character, that they may at a suitable age ex- ercise an unbiassed judgment and form their uncontrolled opinions.

A very little reflection must convince us that the case above supposed cannot be real- ized ; and if it were possible, it ought not to be attempted ; for if it is confessedly impor- icnt to bend the youthful mind into a posture favorable to common morality, with a view to 8#

86 fAMlLY MEMORiii..^

their character here, of how much greater im^ portance is it to train it in a direction favor a-^ ble to their safety and well-being hereafter* Nothing can so effectually quell the tumult of parental grief under the los^ of adult children^ as to see them perfectly resigned in the cer- tain expectation of death ; and to receive^ from their own hps^ testimonies of a rational^ because a religious joy in the well established hope of eternal life. We have seen, and do testify, that a confident faitl> in those truths which w^e are anxious to advocate, can accom-- plish this : and we hnow that if any conside- ration can soothe our sorrows, and render us^ cheerfully submissive under the rod of the Al- mighty, it is the consciousness of having been successfully instrumental in preparing those^- whose real happiness we should have studied ^ had they continued to live^ for the greater happiness of death.

It may seem almost needless to suggest the necessity and the efficacy of prayer, especially in seasons of deep affliction. It is indeed a privilege too great to be valued by the rules

CONCLUDING OBSliRVATlONS. B7

of human calculation, that we are permitted to cast our burden upon the Lord, that we may hope to find effectual relief at the throne of grace. Yet how often is the attempt made^ how frequently is supplication offered with terror even to excess, for excess is more than possible in such cases as we are now contem-^ plating, but without effect ! Many Christians can remember a time, when, in prospect of* great apprehended calamity, their prayer wa^ ofiered night and day without ceasing, but their hearts were not comforted ; they could entertain no thought, present no petition, but expressive of an absolute desire that the dread-^ ful affliction might be averted. It was in re- ality, but an attempt, under the disguise of prayer, to dictate to the Supreme Ruler w^hat course to take. In the mean time^ the deep oppression, the heavy burden, remained un« moved and unrelieved ; such prayer was fruit^ less even to themselves. At length they dis- covered the arrogance of their own hearts, they deeply lamented the rebellious opposition that reigned within, their stubborn feelings

88 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

were subdued ; the same desires were indeed still entertained^ and still expressed before the Lord ; but it was in an humbled tone, with submission to the Divine will ; and now they were comforted. Prayer is always a duty, always a privilege ; but let us take heed how we pray.

Seldom are Christians placed in a situation which so much requires all the aid of religious princlplcj or in which it can be so honorably and so ornamentally exhibited, as when they labor under the pressure of sorrows. This is the trial of their faith, the grand conflict be- tween the claims of afflicted nature, and the hio-her claims of reo-enerate nature ; often it is seen that the flesh is weak even when the spirit is wiUing, and when the heart does tru- ly submit. We should do violence to the de- mands of Christian charity and sympathy, were we to utter an indiscriminate censure of the feelings, perhaps too much encouraged, of those who are swallowed up with overmuch sorrow ; rather let us weep with them ; let us bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 89

law of Christ. Yet it must be remembered, that we have a character to maintain in the presence of God and of the world ; the char- acter of obedient and submissive children. We have resources of which unbelievers are utter- ly destitute ; we are in possession of advantages which if not neglected, are sufficient for every extremity ; obligations at once beneficial to ourselves and honorable to our God, are laid upon us ; and it should be a principal object with us to prove that we have not received the grace of God in vain ; all men should see that whatever may be the allotments of divine Providence, w^e are not, on the one hand, without feeling, nor, on the other, without gratitude.

It does not accord with our profession of faith in the truths and hopes of the gospel, to suffer ourselves to become the centre where all joys or sorrows are to meet ; we may pos- sibly make ourselves of too much importance : in which case, were our fondest desires grant- ed, it would be to our hurt ; or should they be blighted, we might become inconsolable.

90 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

The '^sacredness of sorrow not to be dis- turbed/'' is an expression frequently used ; but upon serious reflection it will be found that the idea conveyed by it ought not to be entertain- ed ; it may produce much evil ; it is rather the language of the poet than of the Christian. No description of sorrow can be called sacred but that which is after a godly sort, a sorrow unto repentance not to be repented of, this will do much towards relieving the other, and we shall be prepared to adopt with gratitude the language of an eminent and inspired wri- ter.— '^It is good for me that I have been af- flicted." Not improbably, many persons ap- prehend that they would fail of the respect and affection justly due to their deceased friends, did they not mourn for them long and bitterly ; they imagine it is a duty to give themselves up to grief; there is a description of unhallowed pleasure in melancholy sorrow which they love. Let this feeling be careful- ly and honestly investigated, and it will, in many instances, be found to betray a sentiment very difterent from tliat which is expressed ;

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 91

it will prove not so much a mourning for the dead, (especially where a good hope concern- ing them can be indulged,) as for the violence that has been done, by the hand of Provi- dence, to their own feelings. It may not be easy to suggest a course of reflection that would effectually relieve our minds in the case of those who have afforded but httle, if any, scriptural ground of hope, that they were pre- pared to meet their God. An immortal soul lost, is an awful thought, and if we hear the voice within reproaching us for our own neg- ligence, reminding us of the many efforts that might have been made, that ought to have been made, and persevered in, to awaken their feelings and lead them to a Savior, but which, alas ! were not made, we may well be over- w hehned with grief; but even then there is one thought to which we can have recourse with respect to those who are removed — they are in the hands of Him who is holy and just, and who cannot do wrong.

Widely and mercifully different is the sit- uation of those who have been enabled to com-

M iTAMlLir MEMORIAL.

mit the bodies of their children or friends to the grave with well founded confidence that though absent from the body^ their spirits are present with the Lord. It is as much our du-- iy as our pri\dlege3 where such grace has been manifested, to wipe away the tear ; to dismiss the gloomy and sorrowing disposition which is but earthly, and to be joyful in the Lord. Our prayers have been that they might be born again ; that they might be endowed with a believing heart ; that they might be pre- pared by the Holy Spirit of God for the in* heritance of the saints in light ; and that they might be received into the everlasting habita^ tions of the faithful. And shall we be over* \vhelmed with sorrow because our own pray- ers are answered ? because the blessings which above all things we desired, have been granted ? If indeed we suffer our thoughts to dwell frequently and fondly upon the earthly state of tiiose who are nO longer of the earthy we shall find no rest, nor shall we attain to the grace of a humble and holy resignation-. If we labor to preserve in our recollection an

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 93

L-xact and vivid impression of their general ap- pearance, of their features, of their smiles, of their individual peculiarities, if we resolve to liave something before our eyes, some little idolized reliques to aid our recollection of them in their earthly character ; if we reflect inces* santly upon their attainments, or their defeat^ cd prospects ; if we think what they probably would have been, where they would have been, what deliglitful intercourse might have been maintained had their days been prolong- ed, we attempt, though feebly and unavailing- ly, still to detain upon the earth what God has called to heaven ; we shall thus feed our own tears, and nourish the propensities of a com- plaining heart. Let us dismiss from our thoughts with pious resolution all that once belonged to them as creatures of earth ; let us attempt, by the aid of such information as God has been pleased to afford us, to realize them in their new capacities ; and think of them as spirits of light, and we shall be happy.

Thirdly. Let the young listen with solemn^ awakened attention to the voice, at once ad* 9

94 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

monitory and encouraging, which addresses them in these pages. It is their character, their preparation for an early death, if such should be the will of God, their eternal well- being, that is especially consulted by the wri- ter. How often have you read the important injunction — '^Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth!" How often has it been urged upon you amidst prayers and tears, by those who most loved you ; by some whose prayers are now ended, and whose last prayer was that you might become alive indeed unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. You surely remember to this hour the solemn ex- postulation, the urgent advice, the fervent prayer, the impressive look of your parent, your brother, your sister, your friend, when preparmg to quit their earthly house, when eternity was already within their view. Have you revived this impressive scene ? Have you applied your minds devotedly to the great concern so powerfully recommended ? Were it not that an address is seldom made to the young, without reminding them that they are

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 95

not too young to die, and that a tmth so com- mon may possibly be dismissed, as other im- portant truths are, because it is too evident to be disputed ; I would lead you to the youth of sixteen, the young woman of twenty, the young man of twenty-four, that you might re- ceive a salutary lesson from their dying Hps. It would not be easy for you to reject without effort, the urgent advice offered to you under such circumstances : your own hps would in- voluntarily whisper the awful truth, when re- tiring from the last interview, — ^^I too may die !" and however common the remark, you would feel it to be of no common importance. But leaving for the present this most awaken- ing reflection, it cannot be denied, except in the very spirit of infidelity, that the first step you ought to take with a view to life, as well as to death, is that of which you have seen the encouraging examples, in the preceding narratives ; it is — To surrender yourselves, thoughtfully and deliberately, to the care and guidance of the great Friend of man, to place yourselves voluntarily under solemn obligation

96 FAMILY MEMORIAL.

to follow the Lord fully. To this great duty you are invited, by every consideration that can be connected with the life that now is and that which is to come, while it is the only course that can be approved by the dictates of sound reason and the su^o-estions of a re- fleeting and enlightened conscience.

Is it possible that young persons of common respectability and information, should sink into the low and ignoble ambition of being called, ^^a young man of pleasure," ^^a young wo- man of fashion," '^a fascinating companion." You well know that the highest honor attain- able by mortals is to be the recognized sons and daughters of God ; and you know the conditions attached to so distinguished a priv- ilege ; — ^' Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and 1 will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Thus only can you maintain the character, so essential at once to your honor and to your safety ; should your days be prolonged upon

CONCLUDIIfG OBSERVATIONS. 97

tae earth, it will be any thing but gratifying in the evening of life to review the former times of vanity, and to attempt to enumerate the hours that were miserably destroyed in the circles of gaiety and fashion ; or, if you should then be sufliciently degraded in the scale of rational beings to be capable of in- dulging such recollections with a forced ap- probation, with a still lingering relish for what ouffht never to have been even tasted, it will be a lamentable example of the fatal power of the world to change the rational man into a mere sensitive animal. Can you be ambitious of such dignity? On the other hand, should; you be cut off in the midst of your days, in the flower and bloom of youth, you may as- sure yourselves that the remembrance of what you have been accustomed to call pleasure, will in no slight degree aggravate the sense of dying pain. This cup of sorrow will not be presented to you, this bitter mixture of misery and disgrace will not be forced upon you, if you begin and pursue your earthly course as every rational beino: ousht to do, bv a conse- 9*

9§ I'AMiLlf MIIMOHIAL.

cration of your powers to Him in whom you live and move and have your being ; and by a solemn dedication of your soul to that Savior whose blood cleanseth from all sin^ whose gra- cious intercessions will never fail^ and who is able to keep what you commit to him until the day of his glorious appearing.

Bat let it be supposed that you have been brought up under the eye of parents who cared for your souls, having the fear of God before their eye's, who therefore instructed you in the great principles of the Christian faith, and en- forced these principles by their example and by their prayers ; yours is no common privi- lege, and the natural inference is^ that you have not become associated with the openly profane^ and that you v/ould rather shun than seek the company of the gay trifler ; you \vould be both ashamed and afraid to be found in the crowd, among the lovers of pleasure more than of God* Do you therefore con^ elude that all is vrell ? do you imagine that there is nothing in your character, yea, in your Very nature, to occasion solicitude ? Are you

CONCLrDlIfG OBSERVATIONS. 99

satisfied that if your journey through the world should prove hut short, your interests in the eternal world are already secured ? Ah ! per- haps you have not taken a serious and scrip- tural view of this momentous concern. At- tend with solemnity to the following inquuies^ aad answer them successively to your own consciences. Have you not only refrained from much of the actual sin that is so thought-* lessly indulged, so ruinously beloved by many of your youthful neighbors ; but have you also with relii^ious decision o;iven yourselves to the Lord? Have you deeply felt your situation as fallen creatures ? Have you unfeignedly mourned over the impurities of your hearts ? Have you discovered that you, as well as oth- ers, need the benefit of the o:reat atonino; Sac-* rifice ? Have you actually made the requisite surrender of your souls to the only Almighty Savior ? You are sufficiently acquainted with the infallible instructions of the Gospel to know, that all hopes derived from the com-' parative morality of our lives, must prove de- lusive in the day of t)'iaL Indeed it is not

100 txujLy memorial,

without reason and the fullest conviction that you are entreated to examine yourselves care- fully on these principles.

If there be a description of character that may justly awaken at once our affection and our regret, it is that of the steady young man, agreeable in his manners, moral in his habits, dilio-ent in his callino;, but alas ! a strang^er to devotion ! a neglecter or despiser of Christ, who seems to possess almost every thing that could be desired by his most attached friends, but the ^'one thing needful." All who sin- cerely love you are anxiously looking for the moment when they will see in you an evident and just concern for the life of your souls ; and they tremble, lest even your morality should betray you, and lest you should, after all, belono; to the world instead of belono;inor to God. May it be irresistibly impressed up- on your m_ind and conscience — That whatever propriety of moral habits may be preserved ; whatever knowledge m.ay be acquired, what- ever talent may be possessed for business, or other useful purposes ; whatever decent re-

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 101

spect may be paid to all the externals of reli- gion ; all this, and even much more, must fail you in the solemn moments when you will need strong consolation. If the matter be rightly considered, it must appear most awful, when young persons approach the age of ma- turity, without having become decided as reli- gious characters. When every thing but the active service of God is pursued with steadi- ness and energy, and perhaps with proportion- able success, there must be something, very much, that is wrong, and that bears a threat- ening aspect as to the scene of a dying hour, and the ultimate issue of this probationary life. Enough has been placed before you in this little volume to prove, that while every thing short of real spiritual religion in the faith of the Son of God, must be but vanity, consid- ered as a ground of hope towards God,

Jesus can make a dying bed, Feel soft hs downy pillows are.

This testimony is now presented to you with confidence, with earnestness, with affec-

109 FAMILY MEMaRIAL.

tion : but without the knowledge of Him who alone is "the way, the truth, and the life/' and without a heart reposing upon Him, you will certainly find, even after a long enumera- tion of pleasing and valuable quahties, that one thing, and that one thing every thing, is wantino:.

END.

PUBLICATIONS

MASS. SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY.

The Great Apostasy^

Being an account of the origin and progress of corruption and tyranny in the Church ^ embracing a particular description of the anti-christian doctrines and tyrannical power of the Roman Catholic Church. It shows^ in a striking manner, the love of power in the human heart, and the general tendency, in our natures, depraved as they are, to apos- tasy. The frontispiece represents the Beast with ten horns. By Harvey Newcomb. — Price 33 cents.

Letters to a Sister^

Consisting of practical Directions for youn^ Females, in a series of Letters from a Broth- 10

er to a younger Sister. This is designed, chiefly, for Sabbath School teachers and their elder pupils, and treats of the importance of a thorough knowledge of the doctrines of the gospel ; the work of grace in the heart ; the study of the Scriptures; meditation, prayer, fasting, and self-denial ; manner of employ- ing the Sabbath ; health ; cultivation of the mind ; reading ; improvement of the mind ; Christian activity ; dress ; social and relative duties ; self-examination, 6lc. It is orna- mented with an engraving. By Harvev Newcomb. Price 37 1-2 cents.

The False Prophet.

This is a series of supposed conversations between a mother and her children ; present- ing an account of the rise and progress of the Mohammedan religion, with a brief ac- count of the prophecies relating to Moham- med and his followers, and a history of the Church, from the close of the 5th to the be- ginning of the 1 2th century. By Harvey Newcomb. Price 28 1-2 cents.

Conversations on the Mission to the Arkan- sas Cherokees,

Consisting of three chapters on the efforts of Mr. Finney, Mr. Washburn, Dr. Palmer, and others, among the Cherokees in Arkansas ; with an account of the establishment of an infant school, and other schools ; formation of a temperance society, &>c. Price 13 1-2 cts.

Religious Exercises for Christian Families, on Infant Baptism,

Written in the dialogue forn), and designed for Christian families. With a series of questions, at the close, for exercise. Price 18 cents.

riie Lottery Prize. This story shows the folly and danger of buy- ing lottery tickets, and is founded on fact. The frontispiece represents a Lottery Office. We see, from the story of young Lewis, that children of the best intentions, if niey aban- don their industrious habits, and expose themselves to temptation, may fall into vice and ruin themselves, if not their parents. — Price 9 cents.

L«etters to Little Children, or the History of Little Sarah,

Showing that even little children are not too young to die. Sarah was a Sabbath scholar, and fond of prayer. The engraving repre- sents her on her death bed. She was not afraid to die. Price 12 cents.

Hie Temperance Reformation. This is a considerable volume, chiefly in the dialogue form, showing the progress of the temperance reformation in a family. The sources whence the facts which it embodies are drawn, are, in part, the reports of tem- perance societies, and the essays and ad-

dresses which have been published on the subject. The plan is ingenious ; and the frontispiece, representing a clergyman trying in vain to make his horse, cow and pig drink spirits, is quite amusing. By Rev. Cyrus Mann. Price 37 1-2 cents.

The Tract Distributor.

This is a series of supposed conversations between a person employed to distribute Tracts, and a young woman employed as an assistant in a wealthy family. It is particu- larly designed for female domestics, a class of persons whose religious instruction is apt to be overlooked. Appended to it is a short account of Armelle Nicolas, a poor servant girl in France. By Harvey Newcomb. — Price 18 cents.

The Pilgrims,

A little book, not unlike, in its general char- acter, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. It con- sists of a dream, in the dialogue form, be- tween Mr. Truman, Mr. Seektruth, Mr. Bleareye, and several others. The frontis- piece very aptly illustrates one part of ftie dream. Price 9 cents.

Letters from China.

An account of the Chinese temples, priests, idols, pagodas, soldiers, merchants, mechanics, farmers, scholars, sailors, character of their females, their beggars, food and clothing ; their crimes, such as lying, gambling, quar-

reling, theft, robbery, and bribery ; their ideas of death, style of mourning, funerals, 6ic. ; the labors of Dr. Morrison, and Dr, Milne ; tlie Missionary stations, city of Can- ton, &:c. With an engraving illustrating some of the Chinese habits and modes of life. By Rev. E. C. Bridgman, Missionary in China. Price 21 cents. !V Biblical Catechism designed for Infant Sab- bath Schools. No. I. 4th Ed. Consisting of very easy questions and answers, on the first two chapters of Genesis ; and on the birth, life and death of the Savior. In nine lessons, with directions for using the book. Price 5 cents.

Biblical Catechism. No. II. 2d Ed. A continuation of the same series, consisting of nine lessons, with a beautiilil hymn ; de- signed, like No. I, for Infant Sabbath Schools. The subjects of this number, are, the Resur- rection of the Savior, Cain and Abel, Enoch and Methuselah, Noah and the Ark, the Del- uge, Noah leaving the Ark, Abraham and Lot, and the destruction of Sodom. Price 5 cents.

Bi'jlical Catechism. No. III.

The same series, in eleven lessons. Sub- jects, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and his sons, and Joseph and his brethren. Price 5 cents.

10*

6

Facts designed for Sabbath School Librarieg« Part L

A collection of fifty-five Stories, founded on facts, whose object is to communicate and to enforce gospel truth, by a frequent allusion to the common occurrences of life. With two engravings. Price 21 cents.

First Foreign Mission^

Giving an account of the journey of Paul and Barnabas into Asia Minor. The principal object of this volume is to lead to a proper view of the character of Missions and Mis- sionaries ; and to show that neither is of merely modern occurrence* The work is in- terspersed by anecdotes, and moral reflec* tions ; and accompanied by a map of Asia Minor, and eleven engravings, chiefly repre* senting the manners and customs of the coun- tries in which the Missionaries, Paul and Barnabas, traveled. It is divided into twenty chapters. By Wm. A, Alcott. Price 25 cts*

The Life of Columba^ the Apostle of Scot- land^

Columba was an eminent Missionary or Apos» tie, of Scotland, in the sixth century. Be* sides embracing an interesting account of his character and labors, this volume also con* tains sketches of the history of the church in England, Ireland, Scotland and some adja- cent parts. It is designed as the seventh

volume of a series of Sabbath school books, on church history. It is in dialogue form, with a frontispiece. By Harvey Newcomb. Price 20 cents.

Memoir of George Shepard Boltwood.

A brief Memoir of a child who gave early evidence of piety, and died happily, at the age of six years and two months. He was a Sabbath Scholar. The volume contains sev- eral hymns, and a frontispiece ; and is printed in large type. Price 12 cents.

Life of Amos Pettengill-,

Containing an account of his birth; his early disadvantages for learning; attention to the Bible ; engages in hard labor to acquire the means of education; enters Atkinson Academy, and subsequently Exeter Acade- my ; is admitted to Harvard College ; failure of his health; his efforts in behalf of his fel- low students; interesting extracts from his Diary. — After graduating, journeys for his health, and is employed on several domestic Missions. — His interest and labors in schools, — Invention of the Stellarota. — Decline of his health, last sickness and death. By Rev, Lu- ther Hart, Price 37 1-2 cents.

Prospective Missions in Abyssinia.

This is a concise, but at the same time a most interesting history of Abyssinia, em- bracing the latest and most important in- formation respecting the manners and cus- toms, and the intellectual, moral and religious

8

condition of its inhabitants. It gives an ac- count of wJiat has been done there to intro- duce the gospel in its purity, in place of the strange mixture of Judaism, Mohammedan- ism, and Paganism, which prevails ; and it also shows the great need of Missionary la- bors there, and what obstacles they will Be obliged to contend with. In order to interest people, whether young or old, in behalf of any portion of their fellow men, they must know something of their character and con- dition. Such a knowledge of the Abyssin- ians, it is the object of this work to inculcate. It is in the form of familiar dialogue, v/ith an engraving. Price IS cents.

The Dark Ages.

Containing Gleanings of Christian charac- ter from- the beginning of the seventh to the end of the twelfth century ; comprising an account of the Paulicians, Cathari, &c. VV'ith brief notices of the most important wants of this period, connected with the history of the church ; and a large engraving representing the Greeks stoning to death Constantino, an eminent servant of God, and father of the sect called the Paulicians. This volume, too, is in the dialogue form, and is in five conversations, with questions. Designed a the eighth volume of the Sabbath School Church History. By Harvey Newcosib.— - Price 16 cents.

9

The Child's Pilgrim's Progress.

Abridged for the use of Sabbath Schools ; with twenty-eight wood engravings. The great popularity of this work of Bunyan, rep- resenting in a most striking manner the Chris- tian course under the similitude of a journey, is weM known. Perhaps few if any books, except the Bible, have passed through a great- er number of editions. It is a presentation of the work in an abridged and more attrac- tive form, and in a manner adapted to the ca- pacities and wants of children. Price 37 1-2 cents.

History of the Waldenses,

Designed as the tenth volume of the Sab- bath School Church History. Containing the origin of the names Waldenses and Albigen- ses, with an account of Peter Waldo, and ot the doctrines and religious practices of the Waldenses. Their history from the time ot their persecution in France, in the thirteenth century, to the seventeenth century. Account of the VV^aldenses in Bohemia, Piedmont, Ca- labria, Poland, &c. Account of the perse- cution of the Albigenses, in France, in the thirteenth century. This work is in the dia- logue form, and has a frontispiece represent- ing some of the cruelties practised towards the Waldenses. By Harvey Newcomb. — Price 42 cents.

16

The Mount of Vision.

This consists of **The Garden," an Alle- gory ; *' The Ladder, a Vision ; " '* Narrative of William and Mary/' and the ''Green Isl- and." Its object is to illustrate religious truth. It has a few engravings. Price 20 cents.

Anna Ellmore, or Trials of Infancy. 2d Ed. A most interesting account of the early habits and character of a little girl : tl.e trials; discouragements ; pictures ; falling into the water; the sickness and death of a friend ; her serious impressions and conversion. The book consists of seven chapters, in a dialogue form, and has a frontispiece. It is designed for, or at least adapted to the instruction of parents as well as children. Price 18 cents.

The History of the American Education So- ciety. 2d Ed.

Exhibiting the early history and manage- ment of the Society ; its appropriations to beneficiaries; the number of young men un- der its patronage; agents, and scholarships; the benefits it confers on the community, &c. In five chapters, with a very appropriate en- graving, illustrating the text — ''The Field is the World." Price 21 cents.

Hints and Sketches for Young Minds. 2d Ed» Designed to aid the young in forming clear views of some of the fundamental doctrines

11

and duties of the Christian religion. In ninft chapters;— The Wish, the Secret, tlie Dis- tinction, the Comment, the Strife, the Change, the Cup of Water, the Light Bur- den, and the True Wisdom. With an en- grtving. Price 24 cents.

Scraps from an Agent's Note Book, or Facts designed for Sabbath School Libraries. — Part'lL

This contains forty-seven separate articles or facts, related in a pleasant manner ; ac- companied with an engraving for a frontis- piece. Price 21 cents.

The :Model Family. 2d Ed,

Exhibiting, in familiar conversation, in sev- en chapters, what a family should be : — their religious habits, subordination, regularity, in- struction, manners, and happiness; — their manner of spending the Sabbath, &lc. With a frontispiece. Price 19 cents.

Conviction not Conversion ; Illustrated in the Life of Rev. Thomas Halyburton. This little work is in four chapters, giving an account of Mr. Ilalyburton's birth, educa- tion, and religious convictions; his condition at college ; his private teacher ; his tempta- tions ; entrance upon the ministry ; his la- bors, sickness, and death. Large type, with an enorravinor. Price 12 cents.

13

The Happy Family made Happier; or the Resurrection of Lazarus. 2d Ed. This is a representation of domestic peace^ tranquillity, virtue, and happiness, in the fam- ily of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, at Betha- ny ; with an account of the resurrection of Lazarus. Accompanied by a map of Betha- ny and the adjacent cities and villages, and also a cut. By Wm. A. Alcott. Price 15 cents.

The True Word of Prophecy, or Prophecy Fulfilled in the Destruction of Babylon. Account of the origin, situation, walls, tow- ers, and hanging gardens of Babylon. Its destruction foretold. Taken by Cyrus. Fi- nally destroyed. In three chapters. The frontispiece representing Captain Mignan, a traveler, viewing its desolation. Price 1^ cents.

The Life of the Prophet Jeremiah.

Consisting of four chapters, containing an account of the birth, life,^ character, prophe-^ cies, persecution, imprisonment, and release of this Prophet. Tradition that he was stoned to death for his faithfulness in reprov- ing the Jews, Price 12 cents.

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