Biographical sketches of the founder, and principal alumni of the Log college : together with an account of the revivals of religion, under their ministry

txhvavy of t:he theological ^eminarjo

PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY

The Stephen Collins Donation

LC 580 .A54 1845 copy

1

Alexander,

Archibald,

1772-

1851.

Biographical sketches

of

tu

f min(ipr

^■nr] n-rinriTDRl

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHED __

OF THE

/'I

FOUNDER, AND PRINCIPAL ALUMNI

OF THE

LOG COLLEaE.

TOGETHER WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE REVIVALS
OF RELIGION, UNDER THEIR MINISTRY.

COLLECTED AND EDITED

A. ALEXANDER, D.D.

PRINCETON, N. J.:

PRINTED BY J. T. ROBINSON
1845.

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by

ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER, D.D.

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the State of New Jersey.

COPY RIGHT SECURED-

DEDICATION.

To THE Reverend Presbytery of New Bruns-
wick.

Dear Brethren,

There is a propriety in dedicating this
book to you, as it owes its existence to your ap-
pointment of the author to dehver a centenary dis-
course on the 8th of August, 1838. A copy of this
discourse you were pie xsed to ask for publication, a
comphance with which the preacher respectfully
declined, because he found that all the facts and
documents relative to the origin of the New Bruns-
wick Presbytery could not be included in a single
discourse : but he determined to make use of such
materials as he possessed, or could obtain, to form a
small volume, and lay it before your reverend body.
This purpose, he has been enabled, imperfectly, to
carry into effect ; and he now solicits your candid
and favourable attention to a work, which is in-
tended to give the people of the present age, an op-

4 DEDICATION.

portunity of seeing what the state of things in this
region was, a hundred years ago.

As most of those connected with the New Bruns-
wick Presbytery, in its earliest days, were educated
at Mr. Tennent's School, at Neshaminy, commonly
called the Log College, to give some appearance
of unity to the work, the history contained in it,' is
connected with this humble, but useful Institution.

And as the time when this Presbytery had its
origin was a period favoured with remarkable revi-
vals of religion ; and the men, who then composed
this presbtery, eminent instruments, in carrying for-
ward this good work ; it was judged to be expedient
to give as distinct and full an account of the out-
pouring of the Spirit of God, in those days, as could
now be obtained. And as narratives were written
by those most intimately conversant with this great
revival, which were printed in books now rarely to
be met with; it was thought best, to rescue these doc-
uments from oblivion, and give them unaltered, in
the very words of the original writers.

The editor cannot but think that the biographical
sketches here given from authentic authorities, will
be acceptable to the present members of the Pres-
bytery of New Brunswick; and he is persuaded,

DEDICATION. 5

that the congregations in which the displays of
divine grace were so wonderful, a century past,
will be benefited by a perusal of the narratives
here given. Many pious people among us, are not
aware that the ground on which they tread has, as it
were, been hallowed by the footsteps of the Al-
mighty. And who knows, but that prayers then
offered in faith, remain yet to be answered ?

The author would only observe further, that he
has no pecuniary interest in the sale of the work ;
but all the profits of this edition — if any should ac-
crue— are devoted to assist the funds of the Mount
Lucas Orphan and Guardian Institute : which
being the only institution in the state, which pro-
poses to make provision for the helpless orphan,
ought not to be suffered to languish or die, for want
of support; and such an institution should not be
viewed with indifference by the New Brunswick
Presbytery. If no other motive will induce the
members to be active in giving circulation to this
volume, he hopes this will not be without its influ-
ence. "Pure religion and undefiled before God
and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and
widows in their affliction, and keep himself unspot-
ted from the world." " In as much as ye did it to

6 DEDICATION.

ttie least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me.''
God is the Father of the fatherless, and would have
his ministers attentive to the poor and afflicted.
I am with sincere regard,

Your brother in the gospel of Christ,

A. A.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
THE LOG COLLEGE. .

CHAPTER n.

MEMOIR OF REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. . . 18

CHAPTER HI.
MEMOIR OF REV. GILBERT TENNENT. . . 33

CHAPTER IV.
MEMOIR OF REV. GILBERT TENNENT, Continued. 53

CHAPTER V.
MEMOIR OF REV. GILBERT TENNENT, Continued. 74

CHAPTER VI.
MEMOIR OF REV. GILBERT TENNENT, Concluded. 95

CHAPTER VII.
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL 108

CHAPTER VIII.
MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN TENNENT. ... 128

CHAPTER IX.

REV. WM. TENNENT'S LETTER. . . . H4

8 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X.

MEMOIR OF REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. . . 161

CHAPTER XL
REMARKS ON THE PRECEDING NARRATIVE. . 222

CHAPTER XH.
ANECDOTES OF REV. WM. TENNENT. . , 232

CHAPTER XHI.
MEMOIR OF REV. CHARLES TENNENT. . . 348

CHAPTER XIV.

MEMOIR OF REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. ... 254

CHAPTER XV.
MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN BLAIR 293

CHAPTER XVI.
MEMOIR OF REV. SAMUEL FINLEY, D.D. . . 302

CHAPTER XVII.
MEMOIR OF REV. WM. ROBINSON. . . . 318

CHAPTER XVIII.
MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN ROWLAND. . . 341

CHAPTER XIX.
MEMOIR OF REV. CHARLES BEATTY. . . 357

CHAPTER I.

THE LOG COLLEGE.

Association gives interest to places — Log College — Name — Site —
Size — Utter Desolation — Country around — Dr. James P. Wilson —
Relic — Suggestion of a monument — Importance of the Institution:

Br association, objects which have nothing inter-
esting in themselves, acquire an importance, by rea-
son of the persons or things which they constantly
suggest to our minds. The rock of Plymouth has
nothing in it which renders it intrinsically superior
to thousands of other rocks in the country ; and the
site of Jamestown, has nothing but its interesting
associations, to engage the attention of any one.
But these spots, as being the first habitations of the
European settlers, in this part of the new world, are
invested with an interest which is felt by all ; and this
interest, instead of growing weaker by the lapse of
time, gathers new strength, every year. Indeed, it is
only a recent thing, that the public attention has been
particularly called to these objects. And though
there may be an excess in the emotions cherished
by some, and an affectation of lively interest in oth-
ers ; yet, it cannot be doubted, that there is a founda-
B

10 THE LOG COLLEGfT.

lion in human nature for the interest which is exci'
ted by particular objects, places, and scenes. And
the more intimately these associations are related te*
religion, the deeper and more permanent the feeling
becomes. By the abuse of this principle much su-
perstition has been generated ; but the moderate and
jndicious use of it may, undoubtedly, be conducive
to piety. Sacred, or holy places, figure largely in all
false systems of religion ; and under the old dispen-
sation, the people of God were encouraged to rev-
erence those places where the worship of God was
appointed to be celebrated. Under the gospel dis-
pensation, it is true, we have no holy places or
houses, to which the worship of God is confined j
but in every place, whether by sea or land ; whether
in the grove, on the mountain top, or in the open
field, or the lonely vale, God may be worshipped.
Yet, who does not entertain peculiar feelings of in-
terest in relation to those places, where Christ was
born— where he was brought up— where he preached
and wrought miracles — but, especially, where he
suftered and died, and where he was buried and
arose again — and where he ascended to heaven, in
the presence of his disciples ? This feeling is natu-
ral, and associated with love to Christ, but it readily
becomes excessive, and degenerates into superstition.
There never was a book in which there is so little
to foster superstition, as the Bible. We never there
read of the apostles, when they came up to Jeru-

THE LOG COLLEai:. II

salem, resorting to any of these places, or express-
ing the smallest degree of veneration for them. The
natural tendency of the human mind seems to have
been counteracted, for the very purpose of prevent-
ing superstition ; just as the natui'al passions of the
evangelists seem to have been restrained, in writing
the gospels.

Of late, considerable curiosity has ben manifested
to ascertain the place where the first Presbyterian
church, in this country, was formed ; and the his-
tory of the first Presbyterian preacher who came to
America, which had sunk into oblivion, has, of late,
been brought prominently into view. Such re-
searches, when unaccompanied with boasting and
vainglory, are laudable. And to gratify a similar
curiosity, in regard to the first Uterary institution,
above common schools, in the bounds of the Pres-
byterian church, this small book has been com'
piled. That institutioiii, we believe, was, wliat has
received the name of, TH]E LOG .COLLEGE. Th«
reason of the epithet prefixed to the word "college,"
might be obscure to an European ; but in this coun-
try, where log-cabins are so numerous, will be intel-
ligible to all classes of readers. This edifice, which
was made of logs, cut out of the woods, probably,
from the very spot where the house was erected,
was situated in Bucks-county, Pennsylvania, about
twenty-eight miles north of Philadelphia. The Log
Tollege has long siBce disappeared ; so that although

12 THE LOG COLLEGE.

the site on which it stood is well known to many in the
vicinity, there is not a vestige of it remaining on the
ground ; and no appearance which would indicate
that a house ever stood there. The fact is, that some
owner of the property, never dreaming that there
was any thing sacred in the logs of this humble ed-
ifice, had them carried away and applied to some
ignoble purpose on the farm, where they have rot-
ted away like common timber, from which, if any
of them remain, they can no longer be distinguished.
But that some small relic of this venerable building
might be preserved, the late Presbyterian minister
of the place. Rev. Robert B. Belville, some years ago,
rescued from the common ruin so much of one of
these logs, as enabled him, by paring off the decayed
parts, to reduce it to something of the form of a
walking staff" ; which as a token of respect, and for
safe keeping, he presented to one of the oldest Pro-
fessors'^ of the Theological Seminary, at Princeton,
N. J., in whose possession it now remains, and who
will, it is hoped, before he leaves the world, deposit it
in the cabinet of curiosities, which has been formed,
in connexion with the Theological Seminary.

The site of the Log College is about a mile from
that part of Neshaminy creek, where the Presbyte-
rian church has long stood. The ground near and
around it, lies handsomely to the eye ; and the more

* Rev. Dr. Miller.

THE LOG COLLEGE. 13

distant prospect is very beautiful ; for while there is
a considerable extent of fertile, well cultivated land,
nearly level, the view is bounded, to the north and
west, by a range of hills, which have a very pleas-
ing appearance.

It may not be improper to observe, that the late
Rev. James P. Wilson, D. D., long, the learned and
admired pastor of the First Presbyterian church,
in Philadelphia, was so pleased with the scenery
and circumstances of this neighbourhood, that he
purchased a small farm, which is, I believe, as
near to the site of the Log College as any other
dwelling, except the one on the farm on which it
was built. To this farm he retired when no longer
able, through bodily weakness, to fulfil the ardu-
ous duties of the pastoral office. And here, in calm
serenity, he spent the last years of his life. And,
as we are informed, one of his sons still occupies
the house, and is the pastor of one part of the now
divided congregation of Neshaminy.

If I were fond of projects, I would propose, that

a monument be erected to the Founder of the Log

College on the very site where the building stood,

if the land could be purchased ; but at any rate, a

stone with an inscription might be permanently fixed

on, or near the ground. The tradition respecting

this humble institution of learning, exists, not only

in the neighbourhood, but has been extended far to

the south and west.

Bl

14 THE LOG COLLEGE.

The first Presbyterian ministers, in tliis country,
were nearly all men of liberal education. Some had
received their education in the universities of Scot-
land ; some in Ireland ; and others at one of the New
England colleges. And though there existed such a
destitution of ministers in this new country, they ne-
ver thought of introducing any man into the ministry,
who had not received a college or university educa-
tion ; except in very extraordinary cases ; of which^
I believe, we have but one instance in the early his-
tory of the Presbyterian church. This was the case
of a Welshman by the name of Evans, who, living
in a place called the Welsh Tract, where the people
had no public means of grace, began to speak to
them of the things of God, on the Sabbath, and at
other times ; and his labours were so acceptable and
useful, that the presbytery, after a full trial of his
abilities, licensed him to preach, and afterwards or-
dained him to the whole work of the ministry.
There is, indeed, another case that may possibly fall
into this class. " The people of Cape May were
without a pastor ; Mr. Bradner, a candidate for the
ministry, was willing to serve them, but had no au-
thority to preach. In this emergency, three of the
nearest ministers, Messrs. Davis, Hampton, and Hen-
ry, on their own responsibility, examined and li-
censed him."* But as he was before a candidate,

* See Records of the Synod of Philadelphia.

THE LOG COLLEGE. 15

and a Scotchman, there is a strong probability that
he was a Hberally educated man.

There seems to be no written record of the exis-
tence of such an edifice as that which we are describ-
ing by any contemporary writer, exceptin the journal
of Rev. George Whitefield, the celebrated evan-
gelist, who traversed -this country, several times ;
preaching, every where, with a popularity and
success, which have never been equalled by any
other. It will be proper, therefore, to extract the
paragraph which relates to this subject; as he
gives the dimensions of the building, and express-
ly says that it had obtained the name of " the col-
lege." " The place,'^ says he, ^« wherein the young
men study now, is in contempt called, the college.
It is a log house, about twenty foot long, and near
as many broad ; and to me it seemed to resemble
the school of the old prophets ; for their habitations
were mean ; and that they sought not great things
for themselves is plain, from those passages of scrip-
ture, wherein we are told, that each of them took
them a beam to build them a house : and that at the
feast of the sons of the prophets, one of them put on
the pot, whilst the others went to fetch some herbs
out of the field. All that we can say of most of our
universities is, they are glorious without. From
this despised place, seven or eight worthy ministers
of Jesus have lately been sent forth ; more are al-
most ready to be sent, and the foundation is now
B2

16 THE LOG COLLEGE.

laying for the instruction of many others." The
Journal from which the preceding extract is taken,
Avas printed in Philadelphia, by Benjamin Franklin,
the same year in which JNlr. Whitefield visited the
Log College. From this testimony it appears, that
the mime college, was given to the building out of
contempt, by its enemies : but in this, as in many
other things, that which is lightly esteemed among
men, is precious in the sight of the Lord. Though
as poor a house as perha^^ was ever erected for the
purpose of givin^"^ ,.dl education, it was in a

noble sense, a co^ .ge ; a fountain, from which, as
we shall see hereafter, proceeded streams of bless-
ings to the church. We shall again have occasion
to advert to Mr. Whitefield's Journal, when we
come to speak of the founder of this college ; but we
shall now proceed to finish what we have to say
respecting the site and the building.

When the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church, in the United States, determined, in the
year 1811, to establish a Theological Seminary, for
the more thorough training of her candidates for the
sacred office, there was much diversity of opinion
respecting the most eligible site for the institution.
Between Princeton, N. J., and Chambersburg, Pa., the
chief competition existed ; but there were a few per-
sons, who were strongly in favour of placing it on the
very site of the Log College. The Rev. Nathaniel
Irwin, then pastor of the church at Neshaminy, and

THE LOG COLLEGE. 17

a man of profound understanding, was earnestly de-
sirous that it should be planted on the ground, where
a building had once stood, to which the Presbyte-
rian church owes so much. And to manifest his
sincerity and zeal, Mr. Irwin left, in his will, a con-
siderable bequest* to the seminary, on condition that
it should be ultimately located on this site.

hs

CHAPTER II.

MEMOIR OF REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN.

Rev. Wm. Tennent, sen. — A minister of the Irish Episcopal church —
Emigrates with his family to America — Applies for admission into
the synod and is received — Settles permanently at Neshaminy —
Erects the Log College — Visits Whitefield, and is visited by him —
His character and death.

We come now to give some account of the found-
er of the Log College. The Rev. Wilham Ten-
nent, sen., was a native of Ireland, where he was
brought up and received a hberal education ; but at
what college, or university, is not known. It is pro-
bable, however, that he obtained his learning at
Trinity College, Dublin, as he belonged originally to
the Episcopal Church of Ireland, in which he took
orders. After entering the holy ministry, he acted
as chaplain to an Irish nobleman. But there is no
evidence that he was ever settled over a parish in
that country ; the reason assigned, by the author of
the Memoir of Wm. Tennent, jr., was that he could
not conscientiously conform to the terms imposed on
the clergy of that kingdom. He remained in Ireland
until he was past middle age. The truth is, that very
little is known of Mr. Tennent, until he arrived in

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. 19

America. From Dr. Elias Boudinot, who was very
intimate with the whole family, we learn, that Mr.
Tennentjin Ireland, became acquainted with the Rev.
Mr. Kennedy, a distinguished Presbyterian preacher,
who having suffered persecution in his own country,
exercised his ministry in Holland, with great success.
The only other notice of this zealous and evangelical
preacher which has been found is, in the " Vindica-
tion" of the Rev. Samuel Blair, in which, speaking
of the objections made to the revival, he says, " Se-
veral have very sufficiently answered the objections
against the work itself, as Mr. Edwards in New
England, Mr. Dickinson in New Jersey, Mr. Finley
in Pennsylvania, Mr. Robe and Mr. Webster in
Scotland, and Mr. Kennedy in Holland.'^ He then
remarks, that Mr. Kennedy had published Mr. Ed-
wards' " Narrative," with attestations from Scotland,
translated by him into the Dutch language. It would
be very desirable to obtain some further information
of this Mr. Kennedy, who is spoken of as a man of
like spirit with Edwards, and Dickinson, and Robe,
and Webster, and Finley. But, probably, there re-
mains no earthly record of his labours, his sufferings,
and successes. *

Our attention has been directed to this man, not
merely because Mr. Tennent became acquainted

"*■ In Wodrow's Church History, we have frequent mention
of a Mr. Kennedy, a celebrated evangelical minister in Ire-
land ; and also in Reid's History of the Presbyterian Church,
in Ireland.

20 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN.

with him, but especially, because he married his
daughter, who was the motiier of his four sons, and
emigrated witli him to America. And it is exceed-
ingly probable, that from this man Mr. Tennent
imbibed his love of the Presbyterian system. Mr.
Tennent's oldest son, was no doubt called after
his grandfather Kennedy, whose name was, Gilbert.
In the Memoir of William Tennent, jr. it is said,
that his father arrived in America, in the year 1718^
but in the sketch of the life of Gilbert Tennent, in
the Assembly's Magazine, for May, 1805, "that he
came over in 1716," which last, is believed to be the
more accurate statement. Upon his arrival, he set-
tled first in the state of New York, where he resided
for some time at East Chester ; and then at Bedford.
Not long after his immigration to America, Mr. Ten-
nent applied to the synod of Philadelphia, to be re-
ceived, as a minister, into their connexion. The syn-
od did not act hastily in this afiair, but after full
deliberation, agreed to receive Mr. Tennent as a
member of their body. Before doing this, however,
they required him to lay before them, in writing, the
reasons which had induced him to separate himself
from the Episcopal Church. And these reasons
were ordered to be entered on record. The minute
of the synod, as found in the printed book of records
of the Presbyterian church, is as follows : " Mr. Wil-
liam Tennent's affair being transmitted by the com-
mittee [of overtures] to the Synod, was by them

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. 21

fully considered, being well satisfied with his creden-
tials, and the testimony of some brethren here pre-
sent ; as also, they were satisfied with the material
reasons which he offered concerning his dissenting
from the established church of Ireland ; being put to
a vote of the synod, it was carried in the affirmative
to admit him as a member of the synod. Ordered,
that his reasons be inserted on the synod book ad
futuram rei memoriain. The synod also ordered,
that the moderator should give him a serious exhor-
tation to continue steadfast in his now holy profes-
sion ; — which was done."

This transaction took place on the 17th day of
September, 1718 : it is probable, however, that Mr.
Tennent's application was first made to the synod,
the previous year ; although nothing appears on the
records relative to this matter. But in the short ac-
count of the Rev. William Tennent, sen., in the As-
sembly's Magazine, it is stated, that after some de-
lay" he was received. And the minute recited
above, seems to speak of it as a thing before under
consideration ; for it would be very abrupt and un-
usual, to speak of a first application in the language
here used — "Mr. Tennent's affair," &c., without
any notice of any application made by him. It is
probable that the application to synod was made in
the year 1717, which was the next year after his
arrival.

Whether Mr. Tennent had the pastoral care of a

22 TKE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEX.

church m the state of New York, does not appear ;
but about the year 1721, he received an invitation
to settle at Bensalem, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania,
to which place he removed his family, and continued
to supply that small Presbyterian congregation, until
the year 1726, when he received a call to the Presby-
terian church at Neshaminy, in the same county. In
this place, he continued the remainder of his life.
And here, within a few steps of his own dwelling,
he erected the building which has already been de-
scribed ; which though humble and even despicable
in its external appearance, was an institution of un-
speakable importance to the Presbyterian church, in
this country.

It may be proper to remark, in this place, that
from all the accounts which we have, it appears,
that at this time, the state of vital piety was very
low in the Presbyterian church in America. And
the same was true of the churches in New England.
And this was remarkably the fact in regard to
Great Britain. The ministers composing the Pres-
byterian church, in this country, were sound in the
faith, and strongly attached to the Westminster Con-
fession of Faith and Catechisms, as were also their
people ; and there were no diversities or contentions
among them respecting the doctrines of the gospel ;
but as to the vital power of godliness, there is reason
to believe, that it was little known or spoken of
Revivals of religion were nowhere heard of, and

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEX. 23

an orthodox creed, and a decent external conduct
were the only points on which inquiry was made,
when persons were admitted to the communion of
the church. Indeed, it was very much a matter of
course for all who had been baptised in infancy, to
be received into full communion at the proper age,
without exhibiting or possessing any satisfactory
evidence of a change of heart, by the supernatural
operations of the Holy Spirit. And the habit of the
preachers was, to address their people as though
they were all pious, and only needing instruction
and confirmation. It was not a common thing to
denounce the terrors of a violated law, and to insist
on the absolute necessity of regeneration. Under
such a state of things, it is easy to conceive, that in
a short time vital piety may have almost deserted
the church, and that formality and "dead ortho-
doxy" be all that was left of religion. And nothing
is more certain, than that when people have sunk
into this deplorable state, they will be disposed to
manifest strong opposition to faithful, pointed preach-
ing ; and will be apt to view every appearance of
revival with an unfavourable eye. Accordingly,
when God raised up preachers, animated with a
burning zeal, who laboured faithfully to convince
their hearers of their ruined condition, and of the
necessity of a thorough conversion from sin, the op-
position to them, both in Great Britain and this
country, was violent. The gospel, among people

24 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN'.

in such a condition, is sure to produce strife and di-
vision, between those who fall under its influence,
and those whose carnal minds urge them to oppose
it. It was in such a state of the church that Mr.
Tennent came to this country. What his own course
of rehgious experience had been, we have no infor-
mation ; but he seems to have imbibed a warm,
evangelical spirit, and to have been, in this country,
distinguished for his zeal and efforts in promoting
vital piety. When Mr. Wliitefield first visited Phil-
adelphia, Mr. Tennent lost no time in calling upon
him. Though he lived nearly thirty miles from
Philadelphia, yet no sooner did he hear of the arri-
val of this evangelical and successful preacher, than
taking with him some of his pious friends, he re-
paired to the city, and from Mr. Whitefield's Jour-
nal, we learn, that the visit was very acceptable to
him ; for he says, " At my return home, [from visit-
ing a family] was much comforted by the coming
of one Mr. Tennent, an old gray-headed disciple and
soldier of Jesus Christ. He keeps an academy about
twenty miles from Philadelphia, and has been blessed
with four gracious sons, three of which have been,
and still continue to be, eminently useful in the
church of Christ. He brought three pious souls
along with him, and rejoiced me by letting me know
how they had been spoken evil of for their Master's
sake. He is a great friend of Mr. Erskine, of Scot-
land ; and as far as I can learn, both lie and bis sons,

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. fi5

are secretly despised by the generality of the synod,
as Mr. Erskine and his friends are hated by the
judicatories of Edinburgh, and as the Methodist
preachers (as they are called) are, by their brethren
in England." This testimony of Mr. Whitefield
goes to show, that the course pursued by old Mr.
Tennent and his sons, was different from that of the
other ministers of the synod, to whom he stood in
the same relation, as Whitefield, Wesley, and their
coadjutors, to the great body of the clergy in Eng-
land. Mr. Whitefield, on his return from New
York, went to Neshaminy, and spent some days
with Mr. Tennent.

Here again we are glad to have the opportunity
of using the very words of Mr. Whitefield.

"Nov. 22. [1739.] Set out for Neshaminy, (twenty
miles distant from Trent Town,) where old Mr.
Tennent lives, and keeps an academy, and where I
was to preach, to day, according to appointment.
About 12 [o'clock] we came thither, and found
about three thousand people gathered together, in
the meeting-house yard. Mr. William Tennent, [jr.]
an eminent servant of Jesijs Christ, because we
staid beyond the time appointed, was preaching to
them. When I came up, he soon stopt ; sung a
psalm, and then I began to speak, as the Lord gave
me utterance. At first, the people seemed unaffect-
ed, but in the midst of my discourse, the power of
the Lord Jesus came upon me, and I felt such a

2-6 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN.

struggling within myself for the people, as I scarce
ever felt before. The hearers began to be melted
down immediately, and to cry much ; and we had
good reason to hope the Lord intended good for
many. After I had finished, Mr. Gilbert Tennent
gave a word of exhortation, to confirm what had
been delivered. At the end of his discourse, we
sung a psalm, and dismissed the people with a bless-
ing, 0 that the people may say amen to it I After
our exercises were over we went to old Mr. Ten-
nent's, who entertained us like one of the ancient
patriarchs. His wife, to me seemed like Elizabeth,
and he like Zachary ; both, as far as I can learn,
walk in all the commandments and ordinances of
the Lord, blameless. Though God was pleased to
humble my soul, so that I was obliged to retire for
a while ; yet we had sweet communion with each
other, and spent the evening in concerting what
measures had best be taken, for promoting our dear
Lord's kingdom. It happened very providentially,
that Mr. Tennent and his brethren are appointed to
be a presbytery, by the synod, so that they intend
bringing up gracious youths, and sending them out
from time to time, into the Lord's vineyard. The
place, wherein the young men study now is, in con-
tempt, called, THE COLLEGE, &c. Friday, Nov. 23,
parted with dear Mr. Tennent, and his other worthy
fellow-labourers; but promised to remember each
other publicly in our prayers.''

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. 27

From the preceding extract we learn, that Mr.
Tennent was a man of congenial spirit with Mr.
Whitefield, and that he was held in high esteem by
this distinguished preacher and devoted servant of
God. Of scarcely any other minister, of any denomi-
nation, does he make so honourable a mention, and
to no other in this region, did he pay so respectful an
attention. It is certain, from the foregoing account,
that Mr. Tennent was distinguished among his
brethren, as the open and zealous friend of vital
piety, and of revivals of religion. The character of
his public preaching is nowhere given, and we are
left to infer it from his character ; or rather from the
character of his pupils, of whom an account will be
given, hereafter. As a classical scholar, there can
be no doubt of his eminence. The late Hon. Elias
Boudinot, LL. D., who knew him well, says, " that
he was well skilled in the Latin language, that he
could speak and converse in it with as much facility,
as in his vernacular tongue, and also, that he was a
proficient in the other ancient languages. In con-
firmation of what he says about his skill in the Latin
language, he relates, that at the next meeting of the
Synod of Philadelphia after his reception, he deUv-
ered before that body, an elegant Latin oration
The writer of a sketch of the life of the Rev. Gilbert
Tennent, inserted in the May number of the Assem-
bly's Magazine, for the year 1805, says, respecting
the Rev. William Tennent, sen.: '^ He was eminent

S!6 THE KEV. WM. TENNENT, SEN.

as a classical scholar. His attainments in science
are not so well known ; but there is reason to be-
lieve they were not so great as his skill in language.
His general character appears to have been that of
a man of great integrity, simplicity, industry, and
piety."

Mr. Tennent was, by his position at Neshaminy,
a member of the presbytery of Philadelphia ; but
when the division of the synod took place, he at-
tached himself to the New Brunswick presbytery,
to which his sons Gilbert and William belonged.

It appears from the published records of the synod
of Philadelphia, that in the year 1737, a complaint
was made to the synod, by a part of the congrega-
tion of Neshaminy, against the Rev. William Ten-
nent, their pastor ; and also an answer to the same,
from another part of the said congregation. Both
of these papers were read, article by article, and
both parties heard at length what they had to say.
Mr. Thomson was directed to prepare a minute
which should express the mind of the synod, in re-
lation to this matter ; which being done, was adop-
ted, viz. " That the reasons advanced by the disaf-
fected party of that congregation, in justification of
their non-compliance with the synod's judgment in
relation to them, last year, and their desire to be
freed from Mr. Tennent as their pastor, are utterly
insufficient, being founded (as appears to us), partly
upon ignorance and mistake, and partly (as we fear)

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. 29

upon prejudice. It is therefore ordered, that the
moderator recommend it to said people to lay aside
such groundless dissatisfactions and return to their
duty, which they have too long strayed from ; other-
wise the synod will be bound to treat them as disor*
derly." This minute was unanimously approved.

The matter referred to, as having been before the
synod the preceding year, was, that though Mr.
Tennent had so long acted as the pastor of the
church at Neshaminy, he had never been formally-
installed. In regard to which, the synod had come
to the following judgment : " That it appears evi-
dent to the synod, that Mr. Tennent having in all
respects acted and been esteemed, and looked upon,
not only by the synod, but by the congregation of
Neshaminy, and particularly by the appellants them-
selves, as the minister and pastor of the people of
Neshaminy, that he is still to be esteemed as the
pastor of that people, notwithstanding the want of a
formal instalment among them/'

For some time before his death his health was so
feeble, that he was unable to perform the duties of
the pastoral office, and his pulpit was supplied by
the presbytery. In the year 1742, we find the fol-
lowing minute on the records of the presbytery.
« Mr. William Tennent, sen., gave into presbytery
a paper, setting forth his inability, by reason of ad-
vanced age, to discharge the work of the ministry
unto the congregation of Neshaminy, over which, for

30 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN.

divers years past, he has been overseer — desiring the
presbytery to grant to said congregation of Nesham-
iny, such suppUes as they can." We find his name
enrolled among the members of the New Brunswick
presbytery, in the following year, (1743) and in the
same year, he is mentioned as present when the
presbytery met to ordain Mr. Beatty as his succes-
sor. It is evident from this, that he had resigned his
charge, for Mr. Beatty is not said to have been or-
dained as his colleague. This seems to have been
the last meeting of presbytery which he ever at-
tended. His connexion with the congregation was,
no doubt, dissolved at the time when he presented
the paper stating his inability to fulfil the duties of
a pastor ; for, in the same year, a call was presented
to Mr. William Robinson, which he declined ; and
after this, in 1743. Mr. Beatty, having accepted the
call of the people, was ordained their pastor, in the
month of October.

It is stated, in the sketch of the life of Gilbert Ten-
nent in the Assembly's Magazine, that the Rev.
William Tennent, sen. died in the year 1743; but
this is not correct ; for we find a record in the min-
utes of the New Brunswick presbytery, for the year
1 746, of the following import : " It is reported to
the presbytery that Mr. William Tennent, sen. de-
ceased, since our last."*

* The exact date of his death was May 6, 1746, aged 73.
This was communicated to the author, by the Rev. Dr, Mil*
ler, who transcribed from his tomb-stone.

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. 31

He died at his own house, in Neshaminy, and
came to the grave in a good old age, hke a shock of
com fully ripe. He was buried in the Presbyterian
burying ground, where his tomb may be yet seen.

Mr. Tennent, as far as we know, never pub-
lished any thing. We have, therefore, no means
of ascertaining his abilities as a writer ; but the
benefit he conferred on the church by his school
can never be forgotten. The Presbyterian church
is probably not more indebted for her prosperity,
and for the evangelical spirit which has generally
pervaded her body, to any individual, than to the
elder Tennent. Some men accomplish much more
by those whom they educate, than by their own
personal labours. This should be an encourage-
ment to such ministers as are obliged to resort to
teaching for their own support. If they are so fa-
voured as to be the means of bringing forward a
few pious youth, and preparing them for the minis-
try, they may do more good than if their whole
lives had been spent in doing nothing else but preach-
ing the Gospel. And it is good policy for Presbyte-
rian ministers to establish schools, in their charges,
wherever they are needed. And this they may do,
without subjecting themselves to the drudgery of
teaching, all the time. Pious young men might be
found, to whom such a situation would be a favour.
And such institutions are often necessary to enable a

minister to educate his own sons. When the means

Cl

S3 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN.

of acquiring a liberal education are brought to the
doors of the people, many will avail themselves of
the privilege, who would never have thought of
going abroad for the same purpose. The truth of
this remark has been verified in almost every place
where a good school has been established.

It is to be regretted that our materials for a me-
moir of the Founder of the Loo College are so
scanty ; but his usefulness must be estimated by the
character of his pupils, of some of whom we shall
have it in our power to give a more particular ac-
count ; and to this part of our work we shall now
address ourselves.

CHAPTEE III-

MEMOIR OF REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

Gilbert Tennent — Birth — Education — Conversion — Licensure —
Character by Dr. Finley — By Mr. Prince — By Mr. Whitefield —
Visit to Boston — Success of his ministry in New England, and in
other places.

Having, in the preceding chapter, given some ac-
count of the founder of this hterary institution, let
us now attend to the character of some of its prin-
cipal pupils. The surest criterion, by which to judge
of the character of any school, is to observe the at-
tainments and habits of those educated in it. And
judging by this rule, a very high place must be as-
signed to the Log College, notwithstanding its di-
minutive and mean external appearance. And what
was before said should be remembered, that this was
the first seminary in which young men were trained
for the gospel ministry, within the limits of the Pres-
byterian church. Before this school was opened, if a
young man wished to become a minister in the Pres-
byterian church, he must either repair to one of the
New England colleges, or go to Europe. It is morally

certain, therefore, that few, if anv of those who were
C2

34 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

brought forward to the work, could ever have reached
the ministry had it not been for this school. Accor-
dingly, we find, that for a considerable time, nearly
all the ministers composing the synod, were either
from Great Britain, Ireland, or New England, ex-
cept those who proceeded from this school. And of
what character and abilities these were, we shall
soon see. The first on the list of students, in this
school, was, no doubt, Mr. Tennent's oldest son,
Gilbert. For though he had finished his education
before the Log College was built, yet he received no
other education than what he gained under the tui-
tion of his father; and may therefore without im-
propriety be classed among the pupils of the insti-
tution.

Gilbert Tennent, the oldest son of the Rev. William
Tennent, sen., was born in the county of Armagh,
Ireland, April 5, in the year 1703, and was, therefore,
thirteen or fourteen years of age, when his father
immigrated to this country. In setting up this
school, no doubt, the father had a regard to the ed-
ucation of his four sons. Men who have themselves
profited by education, and have become learned,
cannot but feel a lively interest in the education of
their children ; and this motive has had its influence
in the institution of numerous classical schools, in
this country, besides the Log College. Judging
by the result, however, all have reason to conclude,
that in the mind of this good man, the educotion of

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 35

his sons was viewed as subordinate to the prosperity
of the church ; for every one of them became min-
isters of the gospel, and some of them ranked
among the most distinguished, who have ever la-
boured in the Presbyterian church.

Gilbert Tennent, as has been remarked, received
his education under the paternal roof, before this
school was opened ; for at this time he was twenty-
one or twenty-two years of age ; and was soon able
to be an assistant to his father in teaching the other
students. And when we consider the eminence to
which he rose as a preacher, and as a writer, we
need no other proof of the talents and skill of his
reverend tutor.

Gilbert Tennent's first religious impressions of
any permanency, were experienced when he was
about fourteen years of age. His serious concern
about his salvation continued for several years be-
fore his mind was established in comfort and peace.
During this period, he was often in great agony of
spirit ; until at last, it pleased God to give him " the
light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of
Jesus Christ." While he remained in the anxious
state of mind, which has been referred to, beside his
other studies, he pursued a course of theological
reading; but living under the habitual impression
that his spiritual condition was not good, he durst not
think of entering the holy ministry. He, therefore,

commenced the study of medicine, which he prose-
C3

36 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

ciited for the space of a year. Bat about this time,
it pleased God to reveal himself to him with so much
clearness and comfort, that all his doubts and sor-
rows, and fears were dispelled; and the Sun of
Righteousness arose upon him with healing under
his wings. And no sooner was he satisfied of his
saving interest in Christ, than he felt himself called
to seek the ministry, which he had before been de-
terred from thinking of And here it may be proper
to remark, that, often, when God intends a man for
eminent usefulness in the ministry, lie leads him
through deep waters, and causes him to drink freely
of the cup of spiritual sorrow, that he may be pre-
pared, by a long course of afflictive experiences, to
sympathize with tempted and desponding believers,
and may learn how to administer to them that con-
solation by which his own heart was at last com-
forted. Of this, religious biography furnishes many
instructive examples. After due preparation and
study, Mr. Gilbert Tennent presented himself as a
candidate, to the presbytery of Philadelphia, of
which his father was a member. Having passed
the usual trials before the presbytery, to their great
approbation, he received a license to preach, in May,
1726. This was the very year in which the Log
College was opened ; and as we learn from the doc-
uments to which we have had access, that he was
an usher, or assistant to his father in the school, it
seems altogether probable that he continued with his

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 37

father in the school for one year, at least ; for by the
Presbyterial Records it appears, that he was not or-
dained and settled as a pastor, until the autumn of
the year 1727. This then, is the only period in which
he could have been a tutor in the Log College ;
for it was not in existence until 1726, and after he
was ordained, he was the regular pastor of an impor-
tant church in another state ; for he was called to take
charge of the Presbyterian congregation in the city
of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Before Gilbert
Tennent settled at New Brunswick, he preached
several Sabbaths, in Newcastle, on the Delaware,
and received a call from the Presbyterian congrega-
tion in that place ; which, however, he did not accept.
From his first entrance on the public work of the
ministry, the preaching of Gilbert Tennent was very
popular and attractive, with all classes of hearers.
He possessed uncommon advantages as a preacher.
In person, he was taller than the common stature,
and well proportioned in every respect. His aspect
was grave and venerable, and his address prepossess-
ing. His voice was clear and commanding, and his
manner in the pulpit was exceedingly earnest, and
impressive. His reasoning powers, also, were strong,
and his language often nervous, and, indeed, sublime.
No one could hear him without being convinced that
he was deeply in earnest. His style was copious,
and sometimes elegant. Indeed, in the vigour of his
age, few preachers could equal him.

38 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. r

In the sermon preached at the funeral of Mr Ten-
nent by Dr. Finley, he describes his character, as fol-
lows: " In his manners, at first view, he seemed dis-
tant and reserved ; yet, upon nearer acquaintance, he
was ever found affable, condescending, and commu-
nicative. And what greatly endeared his conversa-
tion was, an openness and undisguised honesty ; at
the greatest remove from artifice and dissimulation,
which were the abhorrence of his soul, while he lived.
Besides, he was tender, loving, and compassionate ;
kind and agreeable in every relation ; an assured
friend to such as he esteemed worthy of his regards ;
and a common patron to all whom he apprehended
were injured or distressed. He was of a truly public
spirit, and seemed to feel the various cases of man-
kind in general : but sensibly partook of all the good
or ill that befell his country. He needed no other
motive to exert himself, than only to be persuaded
that the matter in question was an important public
good ; and in such cases, he was much regarded, not
only because of his known integrity, but his generous
and catholic disposition. For although he was a
great lover of truth, and very zealous for its propa-
gation ; yet he was so far above a narrow, party
spirit, that he loved and honoured all who seemed to
have ^ the root of the matter in them,' and made it
their business to promote the essentials of religion,
though they were, in various points, opposed to his
own sentiments. He was, moreover, an example

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 39

of great fortitude, and unshaken resolution. What-
ever appeared to him subservient to the advance-
ment of the Redeemer's kingdom, the salvation of
souls, or the common good of mankind, he pursued
with spirit ; and what he did, he did with his might.
If the end seemed to be attainable, great obstructions
and difficulties in the way, were so far from dispirit-
ing, that they animated him in his efforts : nor would
he give up the point, while one glimpse of hope re-
mained. Hence, he accomplished many important
matters, which one less determined and enterprizing,
would presently have relinquished as desperate. He
would go through honour and dishonour, through ^evil
report and good report'; and though he had sensibil-
ity with respect to his character, as well as other
men ; yet, if preserving it, seemed at any time to
require the omission of duty, or sinful compliances,
he readily determined to expose himself to all risks ;
and if adhering to the will of God should be ac-
counted < vile,' he resolved that he would be < yet
more vile.'

" A great part of his life was a scene of unremitted
labour. He studied hard, travelled much, and
preached often, while his health and other circum-
stances permitted. He was « instant in season and
out of season' : always about his Master's business.
They who have journeyed or been often with him in
company, could not but observe his constant endea-
vours to do good by his conversation ; to introduce

40 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

some convincing or edifying topics ; and his watch-
ing for proper opportunities for speaking for God.
And very faithful was he in warning sinners of their
danger, and persuading them to seek salvation in
earnest. Tlius, he showed how much reUgion was
his element, and promoting it the delightful business
of his life. How benevolent towards mankind he
was, and how precious immortal souls were in his
esteem, were evident from this, that every advantage
accruing to them he reckoned clear gain to himself ;
nor were they * who divide the spoil,' ever more
joyful than I have known him to be, on occasion of
the hopeful conversion of sinners, whether by his
own, or the ministry of others. And, often, has his
^soul wept in secret places, for the pride' and obsti-
nacy of those who refused to be reclaimed.

" His great reading, with his various and long ex-
perience of the workings of both grace and corrup-
tion in the heart, made him a wise and skilful cas-
uist, who could resolve perplexing exercises of mind
with clearness, [and enabled] him to comfort with
those consolations, wherewith he in like cases had
been comforted of God.

" He was a faithful attendant on the judicatories
of the church, as was natural for one so anxiously
concerned for the interest of religion, as he was.
And having observed the effects of a lax aad negli-
gent government in some churches, he became a
more strenuous asserter of due and strict discipline.

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 41

But above all other things, the purity of the minis-
try was his care ; and, therefore, at the hazard of
the displeasure of many, and in the face of reproach,
he zealously urged every scriptural method by which
carnal and earthly-minded men might be kept from
entering it, and men of piety and zeal, as well as
learning, introduced.

" As Mr. Tennent's preaching was very alarming
and awakening to careless sinners; so it was much
blessed to this end, wherever he preached. And it
was not only rendered effectual in producing con-
viction of sin, and exciting desires to flee from the
wrath to come, but also to comfort mourners in Zi-
on, and to encourage the timid and self-diffident.
" The atoning blood of the Redeemer, that only
sovereign balsam, was applied to their recent or fes-
tering wounds. For while, at one time, when he
thundered the terrors of the law, the heavens seemed
to gather blackness, and a tempest of wrath appeared
ready to be hurled on the heads of the guilty ; at
other times, when he exhibited the riches of the
grace and provisions of the gospel, the heavens
seemed to smile, the clouds were dispelled, and the
sky became serene. The almighty God was shown
to be their refuge, and underneath were the ever-
lasting arms. Then his exhilirating words dropped
upon them as the dew.''

The preceding full length portrait is, with some
slight alterations in the language, from the pen of

42 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

one well qualified to judge in such matters, and who
by a long and intimate acquaintance, had the best
opportunities of knowing the true character of the
man which he undertakes to describe. The Rev. Dr.
Finley, president of New Jersey College, the author
of the foregoing sketch, was himself one of the alum-
ni of the Log College. It is possible, however, that
the cordial friendship which he had long cherished
fot Gilbert Tennent, and the early admiration which
he felt for his talents and virtues, might insensibly
lead him to give rather too high a colouring to the
portraiture which he has delineated. One thing is
apparent to all who attentively consider what Dr.
Finley has written, that however just the promi-
nent traits may be, the shading which more or less
belongs to every human character, is wanting. Un-
doubtedly, Gilbert Tennent had his imperfections,
and they were sometimes sufficiently visible. But,
on the whole, it must be confessed, that he was a
very eminent minister of Jesus Christ, and was made
the instrument of performing a great work, in his
day. His memory ought to be precious in the Pres-
byterian church. Dr. Finley says, " that the seals
of his ministry in New Brunswick and parts adja-
cent, where he first exercised his ministry, were nu-
merous. Many have I known, in those, and other
parts where he only preached occasionally, whose
piety was unquestioned, who OAvned him for their

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 43

spiritual father : and many I have heard of in diffe-
rent places."

Though Dr. Finley's description of the character
of Gilbert Tennent is full, it will be satisfactory to
have the the testimony of some other distinguished
persons respecting him. The Rev. Mr. Prince, a
pious and learned minister of Boston, speaks of Mr.
Tennent in the following terms. " In private con-
versation, I found him to be a man of considerable
parts and learning ; free, gentle, and condescending,
and from his own various experience, his reading
the most eminent writers on experimental divinity,
as well as the scriptures, and from his conversing
with many who had been awakened by his ministry,
in New Jersey, he seemed to have as deep an ac-
quaintance with the experimental part of religion,
as any I have conversed with. And his preaching
was as searching and rousing, as ever I heard." —
*^ He seemed to have such a lively view of the divine
Majesty — of the 'spirituality, purity, extensiveness,
and strictness of the law, with his glorious holiness,
and displeasure at sin ; his justice, truth, and power,
in punishing the damned, that the very terrors of God
seemed to rise in his mind afresh, when he displayed
and brandished them in the eyes of unreconciled
sinners." And the same writer speaks of his re-
markable discrimination and skill in detecting hypo-
crites, " and laying open their many vain and secret
refuges, coimterfeit resemblances, their delusive

44 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

hopes, their utter impotence, and impending danger
of destruction."

It will be gratifying to learn what Mr. White-
field's opinion was of the subject of this memoir.
And this we have given very freely and fully, in his
Journal, to which reference has already been made.
"Nov. 13, [1739]. Left Trenton about six in the
morning, had a sweet and pleasant journey, and
reached Brunswick, about thirty miles distant, about
one o'clock. Here we were much refreshed with
the company of Mr. Gilbert Tennent, an eminent
dissenting minister, about forty years of age, son to
that good old man who came to see me on Saturday,
at Philadelphia. God, I find, has been pleased
greatly to bless his labours. He and his associates,
are now the burning and shining lights of this part
of America. He recounted to me many remarkable
efi'usions of the Blessed Spirit, which have been sent
down among them. And one may judge of their
being true and faithful soldiers of Jesus Christ, be-
cause they are every where spoken evil of, by natu-
ral men. The devil and carnal ministers rage horri-
bly against them. Several pious souls came to see
me at his house, with whom I took sweet counsel."
"Wednesday, Nov. 14. Set out early from Bruns-
wick, with my dear fellow-travellers, and my worthy
brother and fellow-labourer, Mr. Tennent. As we
passed along, we spent our time most agreeably in
telling what God had done for our souls."

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 45

Upon their arrival at New York, Mr. Whitefield
goes on to say, " I went to the meeting house to hear
Mr. Gilbert Tennent preach, and never before, heard
I such a searching sermon. He went to the bottom,
indeed, and did not daub with untempered mortar.
He convinced me more and more, that we can preach
the gospel of Christ no further than we have expe-
rienced the power of it in our own hearts. Being
deeply convicted of sin, and being from time to time
driven from his false bottom and dependencies, by
God's Holy Spirit, at his first conversion, he has
learned experimentally to dissect the heart of the
natural man. Hypocrites must either soon be con-
verted or enraged, at his preaching. He is ' a son
of thunder,' and does not regard the face of man.
He is deeply sensible of the deadness and formality
of the Christian church, in these parts, and has given
noble testimonies against it."

A higher testimony, and from higher authority
could not be given, upon earth. It is doubtful whe-
ther Mr. Whitefield has ever expressed so high an
opinion of any other preacher, of any denomination.
Indeed, it is probable, that he never met with a man
of a more perfectly congenial spirit with his own.
As Mr. Whitefield was doubtless honoured to be
the instrument of the conversion of more souls than
any other preacher of his age, or perhaps of any age,
since that of the apostle Paul; so Mr. Tennent,

among orthodox preachers, undoubtedly deserves

D

4S THE KEV. iiiLLBElCi' TENJVENT.

to be placed next to him, both in the abundance af
his labours, and the wonderful success which at-
tended his ministry.

When in the year 1740, Mr. Whiteiield returned
from Boston, he persuaded and urged Mr. Gilbert
Tennent, to make a preaching tour through New
England, as far as Boston, to water the good seed
which he had there sown by his preaching, on his late
visit. At that time, there was but little intercourse
between the middle and eastern colonies ; and no ec-
clesiastical connexion between the Presbyterian and
Congregational churches. Mr. Whitefield's preach-
ing, attended by the mighty power of God, not only
was the means of the conviction and conversion of
many of his hearers ; but he also excited a host of
enemies, who pursued him with unrelenting hostili-
ty; and among his opposers Avere reckoned, both in
this country and in Great Britain, the majority of the
clergy and of professors of religion. Thus verifying
the words of our Lord, ^'If they have persecuted me,
they will also persecute ^^ou ; if they have kept my
sayings, they will keep yours also.'^ Mr. Tennent
must have been inflamed with a very ardent zeal,
situated as he was, the pastor of a church, and the
father of a family, to set off in the depth of winter,
to preach to a strange people, among whom he pro-
bably had not a single acquaintance, either among
the clergy or the laity. But invincible resolution,
was a prominent trait in his character. Mr. White-

THE RET. GILBERT TENTVEKT. 47

field made no journe^rs without several attendants ;
men who cheerfully mmistered unto him, as did Tim-
othy, and Luke, and Silas, and Mark and others, to
Paul. But Mr. Tennent appears, to have gone on
this self-denying and evangelical tour, alone. He
was influenced by no curiosity to see a country not
before visited ; nor could he have had any secular
motive to induce him to perform so laborious a ser-
vice, as that in which he now engaged.

As Mr. Whitefield's preaching had enkindled a
considerable flame in Boston, Mr. Tennent directed
his course immediately to that city ; where he arrived
on the 13th of December, 1740 ; and here he con-
tinued for nearly three months, preaching almost
every day, with extraordinary pov/er and success.
There were, however, there, many who were ready
to welcome him ; and several of the excellent minis-
ters of the town cordially received this zealous preach-
er, and opened their pulpits — and, indeed, some of
them, gave them up to him, while he continued in
the place. Among those who received him joyfully,
was the Rev. Mr. Prince, the author of " The Chris-
tian History,'' from whose pen we are favoured with
an account of Mr. Tennent's manner of preaching,
during his ministry in Boston. " It was," says he,
^^ both terrible and searching. It was for matter,
justly teidMe, as he, according to the inspired oracles,
exhibited the dreadful holiness, justice, law-threat-

miings, truth, power, and majestv of God, and his
J)2 '

48 THE REV. GILREKT TENNENT.

anger witli rebellious, impenitent, and Christless sin-
ners : the awful danger they were in every moment
of being struck down to hell, and damned forever^
with the amazing miseries of that place of torment.
By his arousing and scriptural preaching, deep and
pungent convictions were wrought in the minds of
many hundreds of persons, in that town ; and the
same effect was produced in several scores, in the
neighbouring congregations. And now, was such a
time as we never knew. The Rev. Mr. Cooper was
wont to say, that more came to him in one week, in
deep concern, than in the whole twenty -four years
of his preceding ministry. I can say also the same,
as to the numbers who repaired to me." " By a
letter of Mr. Cooper — one of the evangelical minis-
ters of Boston — to a friend in Scotland, it appears, he
had had about six hundred different persons to visit
him on the concerns of their souls, in three month's
time. And Mr. Webb — another of the pious Boston
ministers — informs me, he has had, in the same space,
above a thousand."

But it will be satisfactory to hear Mr. Tennent's
own account of this visit ; which is found in a letter
addressed to Mr. Whiteiield, by whose urgent en-
treaty he was persuaded to undertake the journey-
This letter has been preserved in that excellent book,
" Gillies's Historical Collections," of which there
certainly ought to be a new edition, as copies of the
work, are becoming very scarce.

the rev. gilbert tennent. 49

" Very dear brother,

In my return home, I have been preach-
ing daily ; ordinarily, three times in a day, and some-
times, oftener : and, through pure grace, I have met
with success much exceeding my expectations. In
the town of Boston, there were many hundreds, if
not thousands, as some have judged, under soul-con-
cern. When I left the place, many children were
deeply affected about their souls, and several had re-
ceived consolation. Some aged persons in church-
communion, and some open opposers, were con-
vinced. Divers of the young and middle aged were
converted, and several negroes. The concern was
rather more general at Charlestown. Multitudes
were awakened, and several had received great con-
solation ; especially among the young people, chil-
dren, and negroes. In Cambridge, also, in the town
and in the college, the shaking among the dry bones
was general, and several of the students have re-
ceived consolation." He then proceeds to name
more than twenty towns to which the revival had
extended ; and in most of which he had preached on
his return home. " In New Haven," says he, " the
concern was general, both in the college, and in the
town. About thirty students came on foot, ten miles,
to hear the word of God. And at Milford, the con-
cern was general. I believe, by a moderate calcula-
tion, divers thousands have been awakened. Glory

to God on high ! I thank you sir, that you did excite
D3

50 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

me to this journey. I have had good information,
that on Long Island,' God has blessed my poor la-
bours, on my pass to New England. The work of
God spreads more and more. My brother William
has had remarkable success, this winter, at Burling-
ton. Mr. John Cross has had remarkable success at
Staten Island ; and many, I hear, have been awak-
ened by the labours of Mr. Robinson, in New York
government. Mr. Mills has had remarkable success
in Connecticut, particularly at New Haven. And
I hear that Mr. Blair has had remarkable success, in
Pennsylvania."

On the subject of this great revival, which extended
from Massachusetts to Georgia, the ministers of the
synod Avere greatly divided. For while some ap-
proved the work, and were principal instruments in
promoting it, a majority considered it an ebullition
of enthusiasm, which tended neither to the glory of
God, nor to the real benefit of immortal souls. And
concerning Mr. Whitefield and his preaching, there
was an entire dissension. And this difference, relat-
ing to the great and vital interests of religion, pro-
duced exasperation. The friends of the revival
considered all who opposed it, as setting themselves
in opposition to a glorious work of God's grace, and
they could not but view all who openly spoke against
the revival, or opposed it in any way, to be the ene-
mies of God. Hence, they too hastily took up the
opinion, that all those ministers who disapproved the

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 51

work, were unconverted men ; that they were mere
formalists, and knew nothing of the vital power of
reUgion; but trusted to a mere profession of ortho-
doxy, and that if in words they did not deny the
truths of God, they did, in fact: and though they
might acknowledge the truth in theory, it was with
them a " dead orthodoxy," which they held in un-
righteousness. On the other hand, the opposers of
the revival, blamed the kind of preaching which the
revivalists adopted ; especially, the dwelling so much
damned. They charged the leaders in the revival with
on the terrors of the law, and the torments of the
encouraging enthusiastic raptures, and making reli-
gion to consist too much in strong emotion, and vio-
lent excitement, attended often with bodily affec-
tions. They were also greatly offended with the
harsh, uncharitable spirit with which they were
denounced and misrepresented, by the preachers on
the other side ; and their opposition to no one, unless
Mr. Whitefield be an exception, was greater than
to Mr. Gilbert Tennent. Indeed, all must acknow-
ledge, that among the friends and promoters of the
revival, he stood pre-eminent ; and in the harshness
of his censures, and the severity of his denunciation,
he went far before all his brethren. It cannot be
doubted that before the commencement of this ex-
traordinary revival of religion, the Presbyterian
church in America, was in a most deplorable state
of deadness and formality ; and that the necessity of

52 THE REV^ GILBERT TENNENT.

a change of heart was very little inculcated from tlie
pulpit, or understood by the people. Here it may
be remarked, that the founder of the Log College,
and all the pupils of that school were warm friends of
the revival, and exerted themselves with all their
might to promote the good work.

CHAPTER IV.

Rev. Gilbert Tennent's Contest with the synod — Severity of his
censures — New Brunswick presbytery protest against the sy-
nod's act — Violate it — Are excluded irregularly from the synod —
Form a separate Body — Judgment of their conduct.

We come now to a period of Gilbert Tennent's
life, in which he was called to act a very conspicuous
part in the affairs of the Presbyterian church. A
great schism took place in the synod, in bringing about
which, it must be admitted, he had his full share.
It took place, indeed, by the expulsion of himself,
and the other members of the New Brunswick pres-
bytery, from the synod : but he had provoked his
opponents by one of the most severely abusive ser-
mons which was ever penned, called, "The Not-
tingham Sermon," because it was preached at that
place. And in the protests which he and Mr. Samuel
Blair presented to the synod, in 1740, the majority of
the members of the synod were exhibited in a very
unenviable light. Mr. Gilbert Tennent felt himself
called in providence to attempt to arouse the Pres-
byterian church from its profound sleep of carnal
security, and to bring about a reformation in the
body ; but the majority of the clergy were opposed

54 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

to his measures, and disparaged what had already
been done. He seems, therefore, to have considered
them as the enemies of the spiritual kingdom of
Christ; and that it was his duty, in imitation of
Christ and the ancient prophets, in the plainest and
most solemn manner, to denounce, and expose their
hypocrisy, as did our Lord that of the Pharisees.
But here he made a grand mistake. He could not
read the hearts of his opponents, and, therefore, had
no authority to pronounce a sentence of condemna-
tion on them. He should have remembered that
precept of our Lord, " Judge not that ye be not
judged." A difference of opinion from him respect-
ing the true nature of the revival, and concerning
Mr. Whitefield's character, furnished no sufficient
.ground for him to censure and denounce them, as
he did : and, especially, as a part of them, at least,
were excellent men, and sound and judicious theolo-
gians. They were not the enemies of vital godli-
ness, but were opposed to what they apprehended
to be spurious religion. We may now see that tluy
erred in their judgment, and pursued a course which
was very injurious to the people under their care,
and that they committed a great fault in opposing a
glorious work of God on account of some irregu-
larities which accompanied it. One of the greatest
causes of complaint against Mr. Gilbert Tennent
and his " New-light" brethren was, that in viola-
tion of order and propriety, they passed beyond

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 55

tlie bounds of their own presbytery, and intruded
into congregations under the care of other min-
isters. This, these brethren attempted to justify
by the sound maxim, employed by the apostles,
when forbidden to preach by the Jewish rulers, ^ that
we should obey God rather than man.' But it may
well be doubted, whether, in the circumstances in
which they were placed, the maxim was applicable.
The ministers into whose congregations they intru-
ded, belonged to the same synod with themselves,
and had as good a right to judge what was right
and expedient, as the " New Side" ministers.

We think, therefore, that Mr. Tennent was much
to be blamed for the course which he pursued, in this
controversy with the synod ; especially, in the harsh-
ness, censoriousness, and bitterness which he mani-
fested towards them ; particularly, in the sermon be-
fore mentioned ; and that his course can by no
means be justified. He does, indeed, appear in a
very unamiable light, and as exceedingly deficient
in the meekness and charity of the gospel, in this
whole controversy. He, doubtless, believed that he
was doing God service, and that duty required him
to pursue the course and manifest the spirit which
he did. And after the separation had taken place,
and the heat of the controversy had cooled, he seems
to have been sensible that he had not done justice to
the majority of the synod ; for he wrote and pub-
lished a large pamphlet called " The Pacificator,'' in

56 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

which he strongly pleads for peace, and a re-imion of
the separated parts of the Presbyterian church. This
desirable event was, after a division which lasted sev-
enteen years, and after long negotiation, accomplish-
ed ; and Mr. Gilbert Tennent entered cordially into
the measure. Whatever mistakes he fell into arose
from error of judgment, in regard to duty. He was,
doubtless, actuated by a sincere and glowing zeal
for the honour of the Redeemer, and the salvation of
souls. Like the sun, he was a burning and a shin-
ing light ; but like that luminary, had some dark
spots, which, in some measure, marred the beauty
and symmetry of his otherwise estimable character.
His natural disposition appears to have been severe,
and uncompromising ; and he gave strong evidence
of being very tenacious of all his opinions ; and not
very tolerant of those who dissented from his views,
as appears by the controversy which he had with
the Rev. Mr. Cowell, of Trenton ; and which he
brought before the synod. But with all his faults
he was an extraordinary man, raised up by Provi-
dence to accomplish a great work. We, of the Pres-
byterian Church, are more indebted to the men of
the Log College for our evangelical views, and for
our revivals of religion, than we are aware of. By
their exertions, and the blessing of God on their
preaching, a new spirit was infused into the Presby-
terian body ; and their views and sentiments respect-
ing experimental religion, have prevailed more and

TKE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 57

more ; until at last, opposition to genuine revivals
of religion, is almost unknown in our church. It is
not my purpose to enter into the ecclesiastical trans-
actions in which Mr. Tennent acted an important
part, any further than is necessary to form a judg-
ment of his Christian and ministerial character.
They who desire to see a lucid view of the ecclesi-
astical transactions of that period, are referred to Dr.
Hodge's " Constitutional History of the Pres-
EFTERiAN Church ;" or they may go to the fountain
bead, by eonsulting the " Records of the Transac-
tions of the Synod," recently given to the public, by
the " Board of Publication."

We have seen that a great schism was produced
in the Presbyterian body, by a difference of opinion
among the ministers of the synod, respecting the
great revival which pervaded many of the churches.
But though this was the proximate cause of the
division, by those who attentively consider the his-
tory of that time, and especially the " Records" of
the synod itself, it will be seen, that this event was
actually produced by the Log College. At first
view, this will seem very improbable, but when all
the documents are read, and all the circumstances
of the church weighed and compared, it will appear
exceedingly probable, that the erection of this school
of the prophets was, innocently, the cause of the
breach which took place in 1741. Here it will be
necessary to enter somewhat minutely into a consi^

58 THE REV. GILBERT TENXEXT.

deration of the condition of the church, prior to the
commencement of the revival. A Uberal education
was from the beginning, considered an indispensable
qualification for the gospel ministry in the Pres-
byterian church. The usual evidence of having
received such an education was, a diploma from
some college or university, in Europe or Ame-
rica. The Presbyterian ministers, before the erec-
tion of the Log College, had, nearly all, received
such an education. We know of but one excep-
tion, and that was Mr. Evans, whose case has
already been mentioned. There existed no college
in any of the middle states, where young men seek-
ing the ministry, could obtain the requisite learning.
Until this school Avas instituted, no young man could
enter the Presb^^terian ministry, Avithout going to
Scotland or New England for his education; and
this amounted pretty nearly to closing the door
against all candidates who were brought up in the
Presbyterian church ; for very few, in those days,
could bear the expense of acquiring a liberal educa-
tion, by going to any college or uni^^p'sity, on this
or the other side of the Atlantic. The church, there-
fore, had to depend for a supply of ministers on im-
migrat on from Scotland, Ireland, or New England.
Most of those who came to settle in the Presbyterian
church, came from Ireland ; except that those pres-
byteries which bordered on New England, received
a supply of ministers from that region. It must be

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

59

evident, at once, that this condition of the church
was very unfavourable to her prosperity ; for often,
those who came across the ocean, were not men of
the best character. They were often mere adven-
turers, and sometimes had crossed the Atlantic to
escape from the censure incurred by their miscon-
duct ; and it was exceedingly difficult, in those days,
to ascertain the true character of a foreigner, coming
here as a minister of the gospel ; for though such
men commonly exhibited ample testimonials from
abroad, too often these were forged. Several in-
stances of this very thing have occurred. And as
I the ministers who came in from New England were
all brought up Congregationalists, and had habits
and customs, not congenial with those of Scottish
Presbyterians, their accession to the body had a ten-
dency to produce confusion and strife. The sons of
the pilgrims and the descendants of Scottish Presby-
terians, though holding substantially the same creed,
have never readily amalgamated into one uniform
mass : but the habits and prejudices of each have
been preserved, and kept the people distinct for
several generations, though living contiguously to
each other. There seemed, therefore, to be an ur-
gent necessity for some seminary to be erected with-
m the limits of the Presbyterian church, where
young men might be educated for the ministry. It
is indeed wonderful, that the synod had not paid
earher attention to this subject, as beins: essential to

60 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

the prosperity of the church. But as far as appears,
no classical school had been erected in any part of
the synod, until the Rev. William Tennent connected
himself with the Presbyterian church, and set up a
school at his own door, in Neshaminy. It is proba-
ble, that Mr. Gilbert Temient was the first candi-
date licensed in the Presbyterian church, who was
educated within its limits. And as he was thirteen
or fourteen years of age, when his father arrived, it
is probable, that his classical education was com-
menced before he left Ireland ; though the principal
part of his education must have been acquired here ;
and no doubt, under the paternal roof. And al-
though we have connected Mr. G. Tennent with the
Log College, it must be in the character of a teacher,
rather than a student ; for in the very year in which
his father removed to Neshaminy, he was licensed to
preach. This was the year 1726.

Though Gilbert Tennent had received no diploma
from any college ; yet he passed his trials before the
mother presbytery of Philadelphia, with great credit
to himself, and much to the satisfaction of the presby-
tery. It Avas now seen, that young men could be well
prepared for the ministry at home, without going to
distant coUeges. And as Mr. William Tennent, the
father, had been, as far as is known, the sole in-
structor of his son, who as soon as licensed, attracted
public attention, and was seen to be an able
preacher, the conclusion was easily drawn, that

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 61

he would be an excellent person to train up young
men for the ministry. But though the thing ap-
peared thus to many plain and pious people ;
others were apprehensive, that by educating young
men in this way, the literary qualifications of candi-
dates would necessarily be greatly diminished. The
school, however, went on prosperously, and a num-
ber of young men, who had the ministry in view,
resorted to the Log College, to pursue their education;
and here they were not only taught the classics ;
but studied divinity also ; so that this institution was
a theological seminary, as well as a college. How
many years they were occupied with these studies,
does not appear; but a number of persons educated
in this school were licensed by the presbyteries, after
undergoing such trials as were usually prescribed
to candidates, in Scotland and Ireland. And some
of them, as we shall see, became eminent in the
church, and were much distinguished as powerful
and evangelical preachers. Still the impression ex-
isted, and grew stronger, that this course of instruc-
tion was not sufficient. To men educated in the
universities of Europe, furnished with so many pro-
fessors, and other advantages, it seemed preposterous
to suppose, that a man could acquire adequate learn-
ing for the ministry, in this little, paltry log-cabin;
and instructed, principally, by one teacher. They
began, therefore, in the synod, to talk of establishing
a synodical school, and to express dissatisfaction

62 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

with the course of study m the LtOg College^ as it
was contemptuously called. None doubted of old
Mr. Tennent's classical scholarship ; but it Avas be-
lieved that his proficiency in the arts and sciences
was by no means equal to his classical learning.
And as young men were still entering the church
from this school, the synod adopted a rule, that no
presbytery should license any young man until he
had passed an examination on his literary course,
before a committee of synod. Two large commit-
tees, one for the northern part of the synod, and the
other for the south, were appointed, before whom
young men were to appear and submit to an exami-
nation. This rule gave great dissatisfaction to the Ten-
nents and their friends ; for they perceived, at once,
that this rule was intended to bear on the students of
the Log College, and they believed it to be a high-
handed measure, entirely inconsistent with the rights
of presbyteries, who, as they had the power of or-
daining ministers, ought to possess the power of
judging of their qualifications. And what rendered
the measure more odious to them, they had just suc-
ceeded in getting a presbytery set off, in New Jer-
sey, which included most of the friends of the Log
College. Their object in getting this presbytery
erected, as they confessed to Mr. Whitefield, was,
that they might license such young men as they
deemed properly qualified for the office ; and, in
their opinion, fervent piety was the first and prin-

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 63

cipal qualification ; though they beUeved a classica
education necessary ; yet it seems that they hghtly
esteemed some parts of learning, which the other
members of the synod thought requisite. And while
{ they were blamed for being too lax in their de-
I mands of a knowledge of literature and science, they
seriously charged the majority of the synod with neg-
j lecting to make a thorough examination into the piety
I of their candidates. And on several occasions, Mr.
Gilbert Teiment brought this matter before the synod,
and obtained from them some formal resolutions, in
favour of inquiring carefully into the personal piety
of the candidates. And when the order was passed,
rendering it necessary for candidates to appear be-
fore a committee of the synod, Mr. Gilbert Tennent
and his friends entered their protest against the regu-
lation. But to be more exact in regard to this first
measure, which divided the synod into two parties, it
will be proper to observe, that the Tegulation adopted
in the year 1738, was occasioned by an overture
from the presbytery of Lewes, in which they say,
"That this part of the world, where God has ordered
our lot, labours under grievous disadvantage for
want of the opportunities of universities, and pro-
fessors skilled in the several branches of usefu
learning ; and that many students from Europe, are
especially cramped in prosecuting their studies ;
their parents removing to these colonies before they

have an opportunity of attending the college, after

E

$4 THE REV. GILBERT TEXNENT.

having spent some years at the grammar schoof ;
and that many persons, born in this country, groan
under the same pressure, whose circumstances are
not able to support them to spend a course of years
in the European or New England colleges, which
discourages much, and must be a detriment to our
church, for we know that natural parts, however
great and promising, for want of being well im-
proved, must be marred in their usefulness, and
cannot be so extensively serviceable to the public ;
and that want paves the way for ignorance, and
this for a formidable train of sad consequences. To
prevent this evil, it is humbly proposed, as a reme-
dy, that every student, with approbation not pursu-
ing the usual courses, in some of the New England
or European colleges approved by public authority,
shall, before he be encouraged by any presbytery for
the sacred work of the ministry, apply himself to
this synod, and that they appoint a committee of
their members, yearly, whom they know to be well
skilled in the several branches of philosophy, divi-
nity, and the languages, to examine such students,'
n this place, and finding them well accomplished in
these several parts of learning, shall allow them a
public testimony from the synod, which, till better
provision be made, will, in some measure, answer
the design of taking a degree in college. And, for
the encouragement of students, let this be done
without putting them to further expenses than attend-

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 65

ing. And let it be an objection against none where
they liave studied, or what books ; but let all en-
couragement be only according to merit, &c/' The
synod, by a great majority, approved the overture,
and proceeded to appoint two committees, the one
for the region north of Philadelphia, and the other
for the country south of that city.

It does not appear that any dissent or protest was
entered on the minutes at the time, but the next
year, the presbytery of New Brunswick sent up a
remonstrance. The paper containing the objections
to the act of the synod of the preceeding year, is not
on the records; but the synod upon hearing it,
agreed to re-consider the subject, and after due de-
liberation, resolved to substitute the following, in-
stead of the act complained of. " It being the first
article in our excellent Directory for the examina-
tion of the candidates for the sacred ministry, that
they be inquired of, what degrees they have taken
in the university, &c. And it being oftentimes im-
practicable for us, in these remote parts of the earth
to obtain an answer to these questions, of those
who propose themselves to examination, many of
our candidates not having enjoyed the advantage of
a university education, and it being our desire to
come to the nearest conformity to the incomparable
prescriptions of the Directory, that our circumstances
will admit of, and after long deliberation of the most

proper expedients to comply with the intentions o^

E2

66 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

the Directory, where we cannot exactly fulfil the let-
ter of it : the synod agree and determine, that every
person who proposes himself to trial, as a candidate
for the ministry, and who has not a diploma, or
the usual certificates from an Em'opean or New
England university, shall he examined by the whole
synod, or its commission, as to these preparatory
studies, which we generally pass through at the col-
lege ; and if they find him qualified, they shall give
him a certificate, which shall be received by our re-
spective presbyteries, as equivalent to a diploma, or
certificate from the college, &c." But, this form of
the act was no more acceptable to the New Bruns-
wick presbytery than the former; the next day,
therefore, they entered a protest against the said
act. This protest was signed by the four Tennents^
Samuel Blair, and Eleazer Wales, ministers, and by
four elders. The synod, it appears, were determined
to bring the pupils of the Log College, under their
own examination, before they would sufi'er any
more of them to be received as members of the
synod, or to preach as candidates in the churches.
And the friends of this institution were exceedingly
averse to having their yovmg men examined by
the synod ; either, because they were conscious that
they would be found defective in some of the
branches usually pursued in the college course, or,
because they were of opinion that the major part of
the synod were prejudiced against this humble in-

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 67

stitution, and against all who were connected with
it. Prohably, both these considerations had their
weight, in leading them to oppose so strenuously a
measure, which to us seems reasonable and necessa-
ry, to guard the ministry against the intrusion of
unqualified candidates. For, it appears, that this
examination, by the synod, was not intended to in-
terfere with the right of presbyteries to examine
their candidates ; but to be a substitute for a diplo-
ma, which the Directory seemed to require. For
when a young man presented his certificate to a
presbytery, if, upon examination, they were not sat-
isfied, they could reject him notwithstanding his cer-
tificate.

But the fact was, that the New Brunswick pres-
bytery had already committed themselves. At their
very first meeting, in August 1738, they took on
trial a certain Mr. Rowland, one of the scholars of
the Log College, in direct violation of the act of the
synod. And after the synod had re-considered the
matter, and re-enacted the same "thing, in diff'erent
words, this presbytery proceeded with the trials of
Mr. Rowland, and licensed him to preach the
gospel. And, not long afterwards, ordaiaed him.
The synod refused to recognise Mr. Rowland as a
member of their body ; for, though they did not
deny that by the act of the presbytery he was a real
minister ; yet, they alleged, that they had a right to

determine who should and who should not become

E3

6S THIE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

members of their own body. Henceforth, the parties
became much exasperated against each other. Tlie
friends of the Log College saw, that the act of the
synod was directed against tliat institution, for there
was no other school at that time, in the bounds of
the synod, where young men were trained for the
ministry. And this was not all. The act implied a
reflection on all those who had before entered the
ministry from this school. And the majority of
synod were grievously offended, that one of their
presbyteries, and one too just created, should so dis-
regard the authority of the supreme judicatory of
the church, as to act in open defiance of an act
formed after much discussion and deliberation, in the
synod,

One thing necessary to be known, in order to
form an impartial judgment respecting the dispute
which arose in the synod, but which cannot at this
distance of time be accurately ascertained, is, what
sort of education was actually received at this fa-
mous institution. Was it as solid and thorough as
could be obtained within the limits of the Presbyte-
rian church? If so, even if compared with that
which was given in the universities of Europe, it
was in some parts defective, this was no good reason
why the institution should be frowned upon, by the
synod. Instead of this, they ought to have recog-
nised and cherished it, and should have endeavoured
to raise it higher, and to enlarge its advantages. As

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. G9

far as we have observed, this scliool, ahhough al-
ready it had produced a number of distinguished
preachers, is never once mentioned in the minutes
of the synod ; except in their letter to President
I Clapp, of which further notice will be taken. It is
I true, that most of the members of synod had en-
j joyed the advantages of an university education,
in Europe or New England; and it cannot be
supposed that equal advantages could be had in
the little Log Cabin at Neshaminy. But it is
a well known fact, that men's eminence in learn-
ing, does not always correspond with the privileges
enjoyed. If we compare Gilbert Tennent, Samuel
Blair, Samuel Finley, William Tennent, jr., and John
Blair, with an equal number of their opposers, they
certainly will not suffer in public opinion, by the
comparison. And one advantage they possessed
who were educated in the Log College, that the
spirit of piety seems to have been nourished in that
institution. All, as far as we can learn, who pro-
ceeded from this school, were men of sound ortho-
doxy, evangelical spirit, glowing zeal, and in labours
very abundant. They had, we have reason to be-
lieve, the teaching of the Holy Spirit ; and without
the advantages which others enjoyed, they became
"burning and shining lights." They were the
friends and promoters of revivals of religion, which
their censurers bitterly opposed. Still, we do not
justify their irregular and insubordinate acts. Gil-

70 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

bert Tennent and Samuel Blair were men of invin-
cible firmness — a firmness, bordering on obstinacy.
They were the leaders in this warfare. They saw
a great harvest before them, and the Lord seemed to
attend their labours every where with a blessing, and
they were led to think, that mere forms of order,
and regulations of ecclesiastical bodies were of triv-
ial importance, compared with the advancement of
the Redemer's kingdom, and the salvation of souls.
They felt, as did the apostles, and first reformers,
that they were called to go every where preaching
the gospel, without regard to prescribed limits of
presbyteries or congregations ; especially, as they
observed, that many pastors neglected to inculcate
on their hearers, the necessity of a change of heart,
and that the people were as really perishing for lack
of knowledge, as they were under- Jewish or Popish
instructors. They felt themselves bound, therefore,
to preach far and wide, wherever the people would
hear them ; and although there was irregularity in
this, judging by human and ecclesiastical rules ; 3^et
I doubt not, that in the main, their zealous and ex-
hausting labours have met with a large reward.
Weak enthusiasts, or fierce fanatics may abuse the
principle on which they acted ; but the same thing
occurred at the time of the blessed reformation from
popery. We must not neglect to do all the good we
can because some may pervert our example, to sanc-
tion their own lawless proceedings.

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 71

I cannot express how much the Presbyterian
church, in these United States, is indebted to the
labours of this very corps, who studied successfully
the sacred oracles in the Log College ; or more
probably, under the beautiful groves which shaded
the banks of the Neshaminy. There they studied,
and there they prayed.

But I do not mean to justify all that was done by
these zealous men. As was admitted before, they
did not act towards their brethren in the ministry,
with brotherly affection, and Christian meekness.
Gilbert Tennent indulged himself in very unwarranta-
ble language in speaking of men clothed with the same
office as himself, and members of the same synod.
Nothing could have justified his treatment of them,
unless he had been inspired to know that they were
a set of hypocrites, or, unless their lives had been
wicked, or their faith heretical; none of which things
were alleged against them.

But while it is admitted, that Mr. Gilbert Tennent
was a principal instrument in provoking a majority
of the synod to exscind the New Brunswick pres-
bytery, it does not appear, that either he, or his
friends wished to bring about a separation in the
church. Their object was to produce a reformation,
if possible, among the ministers, and in the churches
imder the care of the synod ; though it must be
acknowledged, that their zeal led them to make use
of unjustifiable means to accomplish the desired end.

12 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

It need not, therefore, be a matter of surprize, that
Gilbert Tennent was among the first to seek a re-
conciUation and re-union of the parties. To pro-
mote this object, he wrote and pubUshed a pamphlet,
entitled, " The Pacificator," in which he reasons
strongly in favour of peace and union. Between
the contending parties, there existed, really, no dif-
ference on doctrinal points ; except that the New
Side were blamed for dwelling too much on the
terrors of the law, and insisting too strongly on the
necessity of legal conviction for sin. And on church
government there was scarcely a shade of difference.
The members of the New Brunswick presbytery were
disposed to consider presbyteries, as the origin of ec-
clesiasticcal power; while the majority of the synod
probably thought, that all the power of the church
was concentrated in the synod, then the supreme
judicatory. And the same difference of opinion
still exists in the Presbyterian Church, for while
some are of opinion, that synods and General As-
semblies possess limited powers, defined by the con-
stitution of the church, and that all ecclesiastical
power emanates from the presbyteries, which they
consider the essential body in our church govern-
ment ; there are others, who consider the synod in
no other light than a larger presbytery; and the Gene-
ral Assembly, as it were, a universal presbytery, pos-
sessing all the powers of the inferior judicatories.
Whichever of these be the more cor rect theory of ou

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 73

Presbyterian church government, the presbytery of
New Brunswick has always been firm in maintaining
the rights of presbyteries against the encroachments
of the higher j udicatories. And, certainly, our higher
judicatories were constituted by the junction of
presbyteries. In Scotland, the General Assembly
existed before there were either presbyteries or
synods, and all church power descended from that
body ; but not so with us, where presbyteries first
existed, of which the higher judicatories were formed.

CHAPTER V.

Mr. Gilbert Tennent removes to Philadelphia to be the pastor of the
Second Presbyterian church. — Mission to Great Britain for the
College of New .Jersey — Exertions to get a commodious church
erected — His Sickness and Death — Eulogy on his character —
His Publications.

The preaching of Mr. Whitefield, in Philadelphia,
was the means of the conversion of many souls. A
number of these, with others who agreed with them
in sentiment, and were admirers of Mr. Whitefield's
preaching, and friends of the revival, had formed a
new Presbyterian congregation, in that city. And
being desirous to obtain a pastor of like views and |
sentiments with themselves, and one possessed of
talents and eloquence suited to such a station, turned
their eyes upon the Rev. Gilbert Tennent. Their
call to him Avas presented in May, 1743, just two
years after the rupture of the synod, which took
place, in the same city. Mr. Tennent did not hesi-
tate to accept this call, as he saw that the sphere of
his influence would be greatly enlarged. He was,
therefore, regularly released from his pastoral
charge in New Brunswick, where he had preached
for sixteen years. In the important station, on
which he noAv entered, he continued to exercise his

THE REV. GILBERT TENXENT. 75

miinstry with great fidelity and diligence, for twenty
years. During this whole period, comprehending
more than one half of his ministerial Hfe, he seems
to have lived in peace with all men. The fiery
edge of his zeal had worn off, and he had found by
experience, that neither people nor ministers were
ever rendered better by vituperative attacks from the
pulpit, or the press. During the whole of the latter
part of his life, Mr. Gilbert Tennent, as far as has
come to our knowledge, never had any controversy
with any of his brethren, but seems to have con-
ducted himself in a friendly, and peaceable manner,
toward all men. From this it would seem, that he
was not of a quarrelsome or litigious spirit. And it
may hence be fairly inferred, that the warm contro-
versies in which he engaged with his brethren of
the synod of Philadelphia, were entered into con-
scientiously, and on principle. And we have no
doubt, that in this whole concern, he was, at the
time, fully persuaded, that he was doing God service,
and performing a painful duty toward his opposing
brethren, which he could not with a good con-
science omit. But as was before said, we are
of opinion that he was mistaken and proceeded on
an erroneous principle ; and there is good reason to
think, that he was of the same opinion himself, in
this latter part of his life.

The only interruption of his pastoral labours, in
Philadelphia, was occasioned by a mission to Great

76 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

Britain, ia conjunction with the Rev. Samuel Davies,
of Virginia, for the College of New Jersey. At the
request of the Trustees of New Jersey College, the
Synod of New York appointed these two gentlemen,
to cross the Atlantic, to solicit funds for the College.
The mission was, in a good degree, successful ; but
of this our only account is found in the diary of
the Rev. Mr. Davies. It does not appear, that
Mr. Tennent ever kept any journal, or diary,
at home or abroad. From Mr. Davies's jour-
nal Ave learn, that he and Mr. Tennent went on board
a vessel bound for J^ondon, Nov. 17, 1753, and on
the next day, set sail. They arrived in London, on
the 25th of December, and were well received. \Vc
are unable to give any account of Mr. Tennent's
preaching and its effects on the people whom he
addressed, for he and Mr. Davies seem to have
been separated from each other, for the most part.
But in regard to the direct object of their mission,
he says, under date of April 7, 1754, " We have had
most surprising success in our mission ; which, not-
withstanding the languor of my nature, I cannot re-
view without passionate emotions. From the best
information of our friends, and our own observation
on our arrival here, we could not raise our hopes
above i^300, but we have already got about £1200.
Our friends in America cannot hear the news with
the same surprise, as they do not know the difficul-
ties we have had to encounter with ; but to me it ap-

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 77

pears the most signal interposition of Providence, I
ever saw."

While Mr. Gilbert Tennent was in Great Britain,
a friend to the conversion of the Indians, put into his
hands, two hundred pounds sterling, to be made use
of by the synod of New York, in sending missiona-
ries to these heathen tribes. This seems to have
excited, for a time, a considerable missionary spirit

I among the ministers in connexion with this synod.

i Several pastors, who had charges, went on tempo-
rary missions ; and Mr. John Brainerd devoted him-
self wholly to the work, among the tribes who reside
in New Jersey.

John Brainerd was the brother of David, whose

I devoted missionary life is so well known, and has

I had so powerful an effect in exciting the missionary
spirit. His brother succeeded him, supported by the
same society in Scotland, which had supported him-
self. But after some time he relinquished the mis-
sionary work and accepted a pastoral charge in the

I town of Newark, New Jersey. The contribution
from Scotland was now withdrawn, as there was no
missionary among the Indians. But when Mr. Ten-
nent returned with the aforementioned sum, appro-
priated to this object, the synod of New York, renewed
their missionary enterprise : and as the very name of
Brainerd was precious to the Indians of New Jersey,
Mr. John Brainerd by the advice of the synod, re-
signed his charge and returned to the Indians.

78 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

" The Rev. Messrs. Tennent and Davies, when in
Great Britain, receved from various persons, in Lon-
don, the sum of ^62 98 17s. ^for the education of such
youth for the ministry of the gospel, in the College
of New Jersey, as are unable to defray the expenses
of their education ; who appear upon proper exami-
nation to be of promising genius, Calvinistic princi-
ples, and in the judgment of charity, experimentally
acquainted with the work of saving grace, and to
have distinguished zeal for the glory of God, and
the salvation of men.' The annual interest of the
aforesaid sum only was to be appropriated. To
this sum was added by another donor, i^lO 7s. 6d.,
making the whole of this charitable fund to be
deso^ 4s. 6d.

"The money aforesaid was, by Messrs. Tennent
and Davies put into the hands of the Trustees of
New Jersey College, to be applied to the education
of such youth, of the character above mentioned, as
shall be examined and approved by the synod of
New York, (or by what name soever, that body of
men may be hereafter called) and by them recom-
mended to the trustees of said college, and to be
divided among such youths, in proportion as said
synod shall think fit." To the above sums, fifty
pounds sterling were added, by an individual, making
the whole sum £35^ 4s. 6d.*

* This fund was nearly all lost during the revolutionary
war.

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 79

A report has attained some currency, that Mr.
Tennent and Mr. Davies did not perfectly harmo-
nize, when on this mission ; but though it is possible
that some coohiess may have arisen between these
eminent ministers, there is not any written document
where we have seen the least hint of any difference.
And from the suavity of Mr. Davies's disposition, and
the perfect politeness of his manners, we cannot think
that there is any foundation for the report. The men,
it is true, in natural disposition, were not altogether
congenial; for while the manners of one were polished
and calculated to please, it is probable, those of the
other were rough, blunt, and not at all courtly. We
shall therefore, dismiss this report as one of the thou-
sands which have no probable foundation. No doubt,
Mr, Davies carried off the palm, as to popularity, in
London, and other places ; and if Mr. Tennent was
at all susceptible of the feelings of envy, which are
very natural to the human heart, and the remains
of which are often found lurking in the hearts of
ministers, as well as others, he might have felt
badly in finding himself eclipsed by a much younger
man. But as was said, we have no right to charge
him with any such feeling, and we are confident,
that Mr. Davies's treatment of him, must have been
uniformly respectful and affectionate ; for it was so
to everybody.

After Mr. Tennent's settlement in Philadelphia,
he exerted himself with great energy, and perse-

80 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

verance, to get a good house of worship erected for
the congregation which he served. Indeed, at that
time, the building 'of such an edifice as that which
by his indefatigable exertions was erected at the
northeast corner, at the intersection of Mulberry
and Third streets, for the second Presbyterian church?
in Philadelphia, was a great work. Very few of
the Presbyterian denomination then, possessed much
wealth. Mr. Tennent not only obtained nearly all
the subscriptions for the building, but actually su-
perintended the work, in person, and assiduously
watched over it, from its commencement to its com-
pletion. After some time, the congregation added a
handsome steeple to the building.

Such men as Mr. Gilbert Tennent always appear
greatest in times of excitement, and stirring activity.
It may well be doubted, whether his preachii;kg was
as awakening and impressive, after his removal to
Philadelphia, as it was before. Some change in his
views and feelings, as to the best method of pro-
moting religion had taken place, it would be very
natural to suppose. The warmth of his religious
feelings had in some measure cooled, and the vio-
lence of his zeal had, by time and experience, been
mitigated. From this time he seems to have gone
along as quietly as other ministers around him. We
thus judge, because we have never heard of any re-
' markable effects of his preaching, after his settlement
in Philadelphia. There is another thing which

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 81

ought not to be overlooked. In a great city, the
hearers are more fastidious than in the country, and
will not tolerate so much liberty of digression, and
so frequent departures from good taste and correct
cpmposition. Before Mr. Gilbert Tennent went
to Philadelphia, though, doubtless, he studied his
sermons carefully, and digested his matter under
a sufficient variety of heads, yet he preached with-
out having written his discourses, and like all ardent
preachers, gave himself great indulgence, in pursu-
ing any new train of ideas which was presented
during the time of preaching. But when settled in
a great city, he thought it necessary, for the sake of
correctness, to write his sermons, and read them from
the pulpit. This circumstance alone, probably,
produced a great alteration in his mode of preaching.
Many men who preach admirably when free to fol-
low the thoughts which they have arranged, or to
pursue such as spring up at the time, when confined
to a discourse written in the study, appear to be very
much cramped, and lose much of their vivacity and
natural eloquence. The writer once conversed with
a plain and pious man, who in early life being ap-
prenticed to a trade in Philadelphia, attended Mr.
Tennent's ministry. We asked him respecting his
manner of preaching. He answered simply, ^* that
Mr. Tennent was never worth any thing after he
came to Philadelphia ;" " for," said he, " he took to,
reading his sermons, and lost all his animation.'*

82 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

This testimony came from a class not sufficiently
co-nsidered, when the best mode of preaching is un-
der consideration. Our reference is too much to the
taste of men of cultivated minds, who form but a
small part of any congregation; and even these,
when pious, are better pleased with blundermg sim-
plicity joined with animation, than with cold accu-
racy, when the most solemn truths are delivered
without emotion.

Mr. Tennent, however, though he probably lost a
considerable portion of his early vehemence and
impressiveness ; yet composed discourses, sound and
instructive. This will appear more clearly when we
come to speak of his writings.

The interest of Mr. Gilbert Temient in revivals,
and his joy at the conversion of sinners, continued
unabated. For in March 1757, an extraordinary
revival of religion occurred in the New Jersey col-
lege, concerning which he thus speaks in the preface
to one of his volumes of sermons : " In March last, I
received a letter from the College of New Jersey, in"
forming me of an extraordinary appearance of th(
Divine power and presence there, and requesting
would come and see. With this kind motion I gladly
complied ; and having been there some time, had alV
the evidence of the aforesaid report, which could he^
in reason desired." He then inserts a letter from
his brother William, giving a particular account oi
the nature and progress of the work ; which was ad-

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 83

dressed to the Rev. Dr. Finley, and the autograph of
which the writer has seen. This letter shall be giv-
en entire, when we come to give an account of the
iife of the Rev. WilHam Tennent, jr.

For about three years before his death, Mr. Tem-
nent became very infirm ; so tliat he was unable to
go through the duties which devolved upon him as
the pastor of a large city congregation. In Decem-
ber 1762, the congregation got leave to present a
call to the Rev. George Duffield, D. D., then of Car-
lisle, to be a co-pastor with Mr. Tennent. This call
Dr. Duffield declined to accept ; and the congregation
remained without another pastor, until Mr. Tennent 's
death ; which event occurred in the year 1764, in the
sixty-second year of his age.

Of the circumstances of his death. Dr. Finley, in
his funeral sermon, says but little. In the general,
he informs us, that, "as he lived to the Lord, so
death was his unspeakable gain. And his being
conscious of it made him ardently wish for the pleas-
ing hour, when he should enter into the joy of his
Lord." ..." He had an habitual unshaken assur-
ance of his interest in redeeming love, for the space
of more than forty years ; but eight days before his
death, he got a more clear and affecting sense of it
still. And though he lamented that he had done so
little for God, and that his life had been compara-
tively unprofitable ; yet he triumphed in the grace

of Jesus Christ, who had pardoned all his sins ; an^
F2

84 THE REV. GILBERT TENNEXT.

said his assurance of salvation was built on the
scriptures, and Avas more sure than the sun and
moon."

His congregation placed a monumental stone over
his remains, in the middle aisle of the church in
which he had so long preached. The inscription on
this stone was written by his friend Dr. Finley, in
classic Latin. When this church was remodelled,
his remains and those of Dr. Finley also, were re-
moved to the public cemetery of the Second Presby-
terian Church, between Mulberry and Cherry streets.
After Mr. Tennent's death, there was^an eulogy
on his character, published in Philadelphia, by a
young gentleman of that city, from which some ex-
tracts will be made, as serving to show in what es-
timation he was held in the place where he spent
more than twenty years of his life. We expect, in
discourses of this kind, some exaggeration; but as
this eulogy was addressed to the public, who were
well acquainted with the person eulogized, it must
have a general foundation of truth ; and the reader,
by making an allowance for the strong expressions
of the partial writer, may form a pretty correct opin-
ion of the true character of the person celebrated.

After an introduction, this writer goes on to say :
" He whose memory these pages are intended to cel-
ebrate, Avas distinguished in a very remarkable man-
ner, by his eminent endowments of mind ; a love of
learning that nothing could abate ; an intense appli-

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 85

cation, that no recreations could divert. And his
great proficiency in the several branches of literature,
while the powers of his soul were but just opening,
raised the expectations of all that knew him. And
what recommended these amiable accomplishments
was, that they were early adorned with the charms
of Divine grace. It was his study to remember his
Creator in the days of his youth. And as he often
inculcated the necessity and manifold advantages of
early piety, so he might with propriety have added
his own experience of them, as an inducement to the
votaries of gayety and pleasure to embrace the pleas-
ures that flow from true religion. He had no soon-
er experienced what it was to pass from death unto
life, and from a state of nature to a state of grace,
than he formed a resolution of spending his time, his
talents, and his all, in the service of God, in his
sanctuary ; previously to the accomplishment of
which design, he devoted himself wholly to the
study of the sacred scriptures, and his own heart,
and not merely to a dry system of speculative no-
tions. He was too sensible of the importance of
that arduous oflice, to rush into it without suitable
preparation. He knew too well the worth of pre-
cious immortal souls to recommend any other foun-
dation for the hopes of their future happiness, than
what he was well assured would stand the test of
beating rains and descending showers The

manner in which he usually preached, and the indif-
F3

88 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

ference with which he treated all secular advantages,
abundantly evinced, that neither a love of popular
applause, nor a desire of promoting his own afflu-
ence and ease, could have been any inducement to
him to assume the holy function. But, on the con-
trary, an ardent love to God, and a desire to advance
his glory in the world, by proclaiming pardon and
reconciliation through the atoning blood of his cru-
cified Son, were his only motives for the choice of
that noble, disinterested profession. As he entered
into the ministry in the prime of life, when his
bodily constitution was in its full vigour, he devoted
his juvenile strength and ardour of mind to the ser-
vice of the church, at a time when their exertion was
of the greatest importance. Few that knew Mr.
Tennent in that season of life, can speak of him
without some pleasing emotions. The good old
puritan spirit that had for a series of years been
asleep, seemed to revive and blaze forth in him with
a genuine lustre. He was, indeed, like the harbin-
ger of his Master, ' a burning and a shining light,'
in the church. His undissembled piety, his fervent
zeal, his pungency of address, and his indefatigable
assiduity in the performance of every ministerial
duty, were remarkably eminent. He might truly be
styled a < Boanerges.' As he knew the composition
and make of the human heart; so he knew how to
speak to it ; and all his discourses were aimed at the
fountain of impurity and sin. He knew that a

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 87

reformation that did not take its rise in the heart,
could not be of long continuance, or pleasing in the
sight of God ; and, therefore, he always strove to
convince his hearers, that a thorough renovation of
it was necessary to salvation."

" As his presence was venerable, and his voice
commanding, so his very appearance in the pulpit,
filled the minds of his hearers with a kind of religious
awe. . . . The thunderings and mighty vociferations
of Mount Sinai seemed to roar from the sacred desk,
when he denouncedthe wrath of God against him that
transgressed but once God's law, which he knew to be
spiritual, and that nothing but a perfect obedience —
which man in his fallen state is unable to perform —
would satisfy its demands. Hence, he made it his
constant practice to sound the alarm of God's curse
abiding on the whole human race ; and that to doom
man to everlasting misery would be highly consis-
tent with the mercy and justice of Jehovah. But
while he enforced the truth of inspiration, ' that in
Adam all die,' he Avas no less warm in proclaiming,
< that in Christ all shall be made alive.' And as he
knew how to wound, so he knew how to pour the
oil of consolation on the bleeding conscience. The
blood of Jesus, that sacred healing balm, was his
grand catholicon for sin-sick souls. This only was
what he recommended as sufficient to procure ease
to the trembling sinner ; with the love of God to
man, in pouring so much Deity on guilty dust — in

88 THB REV. GILBERT TENNEJfT.

sending his darling Son into the world, to redeem a
race of rebel sinners, by bearing on the accursed
tree, the heavy punishment due to man's enormous
crimes, in order to translate him to the regions of
eternal joy.

" The beginning of his ministry was employed in
long and tedious itinerations. And wherever he
had a prospect of doing good, however remote the
place might be from his friends, and however re-
pugnant to his own ease, he needed no other in-
ducement, but cheerfully undertook the pleasing
task.

"Fatigues and toils from which even worldly men,
in the prosecution of an earthly good shrink back,
he joyfully engaged in ; and with a degree of perse-
verance peculiar to himself, bravely overcame those
difficulties, which to some minds appeared insur-
mountable. ... It pleased God, in a very gracious
manner, to crown his labours with success. The
energy of the divine Spirit accompanied his minis-
trations. Wherever he went the kingdom of Satan
trembled ; the desolate and solitary places bloomed
like a rose before him; and he became the happy in-
strument of turning many from the error of their
ways to the living God.

" His knowledge in divinity, in which he made
great proficiency, was entirely derived from the
Bible ; and whatever truth it enforced as duty, he
inculcated ; his arguments for the one, and motives

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 8.9

(( for the other, were all taken from those inspired

J l)ages, which he prized above all human writings,

and valued as the charter by which he possessed the

hope, and ere long expected the full enjoyment of a

blessed eternity.

" Sensible how much man is dependent upon God
for every blessing he enjoys, and that the best way to
keep the flame of devotion alive in his own soul, was
to maintain a constant intercourse with heaven, he
made prayer his chief and most delightful employ-
ment. This was the very breath of his soul. . . .
His manner of praying was such as evidenced it to be
not the mere language of the passions, but a rational,
solemn, and animated address to the Great Father
of spirits.

"After having laboured for many years, with much
success, in New Brunswick, where he was settled ;
by the advice of his brethren, he accepted an urgent
call from the Second Presbyterian church in Phila-
delphia, while the society was in its infant state ; and
continued to exercise his pastoral function there for
upwards of twenty years, with a degree of watchful-
ness and fidelity, scarcely to be paralleled. He con-
sidered himself as the shepherd of his flock, and
made it his practice to lead them to the green pas-
tures and living fountains of salvation, with the
care of one that knew he must render an account at
the last day. Nay, he considered himself the father
of his people, and as his beloved children he coun-

90 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

selled, warned and reproved them, with all the ten-
derness and sohcitude of a father's heart. He was,
indeed, a faithful watchman, that never failed to
give warning of impending danger. The rich and
the poor, the black and white had equally free ac-
cess to his person, and ever found him ready to hear
their complaints and solve their doubts.''

" What he preached in the pulpit, his life preached
out of it. His disposition — naturally calm — was
still more sweetened with that holy temper which
the gospel of Christ inspires. A genuine serenity
and cheerfulness dwelt upon his countenance, which
he never failed to diffuse on all around him. He
was charitable to the poor ; kind to all men ; a
lover of all that loved the Lord Jesus, whatever
mode of worship they professed ; and much beloved
in all the tender endearments of domestic life, as a
husband, a father, a master, and a friend.

" There is nothing in this world, methinks, more
grand or illustrious, than the old age of a man who has
devoted his whole time, and spent his whole life inpro-
moting the spiritual interests of his fellow creatures.
. . . The review of liis life fills his soul with a plea-
sure, which none but such as experience it can con-
ceive. Whilst he sees no ill-spent time to sting his con-
science with remorse, nor feels any attachment to the
transitory things of this world, he beholds a calm
haven prepared for his repose, where the storms and
billows of affliction can reach him no more. . . .

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 91

In this light should we contemplate Mr. Tennent.
His soul, like the setting sun, broke through the
clouds of infirmity. There was a dignity and
grandeur in his old age. Wisdom bloomed upon
his silver locks; and while the cold hand of time
snowed upon his locks, his heart glowed with re-
doubled love for the church. . . . Nor more dread-
ful to the man of ease in his possessions is the ap-
proach of the king of terrors, than he was welcome to
this eminent servant of God. Every symptom of his
approaching dissolution, instead of filling his soul
with alarms, rather filled him with comfort, and
made him impatiently long for the kind stroke that
should dismiss his soul.' After having borne a long
and tedious illness with the most invincible fortitude
and resignation, the friendly messenger at last,
came with the joyful summons. . . . And with full
confidence in the merits and atonement of his dear
Redeemer, he gently fell asleep.

The following is the most accurate list of Mr.
Gilbert Tennent's works, which the author has been
able to collect.

1. In the year 1735, Mr. Tennent published his
" Solemn Warning to the secure World, From
the God of Terrible Majesty; or, the Presumptuous
Sinner Detected, his Pleas Considered, and his Doom
Displayed." This volume was printed in Boston.

2. Sermons on Sacramental Occasions, hy
Divers Authors. A small duodecimo volume. —

92 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

The sermons are all by Mr. Gilbert Tennent, except
two ; one, by his brother William, and the other, by
the Rev. Samuel Blair. It would seem, that at the
time when this volume was published, no books
were printed either in New York or Philadelphia ;
for the manuscript was sent to Boston, and printed
there, in the year 1739.

3. Two sermons of the Rev. John Tennent, with
a Preface, containing a memoir of him, to which is
added, " An Expostulatory Address to Saints and
Sinners," by Gilbert Tennent. Printed in Boston, in
the year 1735.

4. His next Publication was, probably, his famous
a Nottingham Sermon," in which he lashed his
brethren of the synod so severely, that it had much
influence in leading to the separation which soon
followed.

5. " The Examiner Examined" was written in
the year 1740, and is an answer to a pamphlet writ-
ten against him, by an anonymous author, after his
visit to New England.

6. "The Pacificator," a large pamphlet, the
object of which was to bring about a re-union of the
dissentient parties, in the Presbyterian church.

7. In the year 1744, Mr. G. Tennent published, in
Philadelphia, a small quarto volume of sermons,
twenty-three in number. These Discourses appear
to have been the commencement of a body of Divin-
ity. The subjects treated are, " The Chief End of

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 93

Man — The Divine Authority of the Sacred Scrip-
tures— The Being and Attributes of God, and the
Trinity." Preached in Philadelphia, in 1743.

8. In the year 1749, Mr. G. Tennent, published
two sermons, preached at Burlington, N. J., On a
day of Public Fasting. They are dedicated to Gov-
ernor Belcher. The Texts are Matt. vi. 16, 17, 18,
and Jonah iii. 8.

9. In 1758, Mr. Gilbert Tennent published a
volume of sermons, entitled, " Sermons on Impor-
tant Subjects, Adapted to the Perilous State
OF THE British Nation," Lately Preached in Phil-
adelphia, by Gilbert Tennent, A. M.

We do not know where Mr. Tennent obtained his
degree of Master of Arts. It would be natural to
suppose that it was conferred by the Trustees of
the College of New Jersey ; but his name is not on
the catalogue ; while we find there the names of
some of his contemporaries, who received honourary
degrees. As he was a Trustee of New Jersey college,
it is probable that this honour was conferred on him
by Yale or Harvard, or possibly, from one of the
Scotch universities.

10. In 1756, Mr. Tennent published a Funeral
sermon, occasioned by the death of Captain Williani
Grant. Preached in Philadelphia.

11. The last Publication of Mr. G. Tennent, was
<< A Sermon on the Nature of Religious Zeal
Its excellency and Importance opened and

94 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

URGED." Preached in Philadelphia, Jan. 27, 1760.

The style of these several publications is very di-
verse ; as they were composed at different periods
of Mr. Tennent's life, on different subjects, and
in different circumstances. In all his writings per-
spicuity and force are manifest characteristics of his
style ; but there is a great want of simplicity and
ease. Throughout the whole, the doctrines incul-
cated are rigidly orthodox, according to the West-
minster Confession. In his didactic discourses, he
shows himself not only to be a profound thinker,
but a well-read theologian ; and often quotes the
standard Latin writers of systematic theology, as one
who had been accustomed to read them. While he
manifests an ardent zeal in defence of the ' doctrines
of grace,' he never loses sight of the importance of
experimental religion and practical godliness. In
conformity with the custom of the age, he too much
abounds in divisions and subdivisions; and is too
fond of technical words and plirases. His practical
discourses, however, are often both pungent and
searching.

It is somewhat remarkable, that while so many
old authors have been republished, in our day, none
of the writings of Gilbert Tennent have ever passed
to a second edition. The author is disposed to make
a selection from his works, if he had encouragement,
that we might not only have a sketch of the lives of
the divines of the Log College, but a specimen of
their theology.

CHAPTER VI.

Mr. Gilbert Tennent's letter to the Rev. Mr. Prince, containing many
interesting particulars of the state of religion in New Brunswick,
and vicinity ; and also in Philadelphia, and various other places.

The preceding memoir of Gilbert Tennent was
drawn up before the writer met with the following
letter from his own pen, addressed to the Rev. Mr.
Prince of Boston, and published in his " Christian
History," dated August 24, 1744, soon after Mr.
I Tennent had removed to Philadelphia. This letter
sheds a satisfactory light on several parts of Mr*
Tennent's life, which all other accounts leave in ob-
scurity, as for example, the success of his ministry in
New Brunswick, while the pastor of that churchy
and also in Staten Island, where he had a congrega-
tion, to which his labours appear to have been
blessed. It is a sad evidence of the retrograde
march of Presbyterianism in some parts of our coun-
try, that after the lapse of a complete century, there
is not a vestige of a Presbyterian congregation in
that Island ; nor has there been, within the mem-
ory of any person living.

Such parts of Mr. Tennent's letter as have no
bearing on his own hfe, have been omitted, but we
have retained much the larger part, and in his own
language.

96 THE REV. GILBERT TENXENT. "

Extracts from the Letter of the Rev. Gilbert Ten-
nent, to the Rev. Mr. Prince, of Boston, pubUshed
in the Christian History, of the latter.

" I am glad it pleased the sovereign God to make
my poor labom-s of any service among you. I de-
sire ever to bless his name for that undeserved mercy.
I am thankful for the Christian History, and well
pleased with the design and management of the
work. I hope it will be a means in God's hand of
conveying with honour to posterity, a memorial
of the late blessed revival of religion, which has
been so virulently opposed by many." Here he in-
troduces a long extract from a public attestation to
the reality of the work of grace, in the late revival,
which was prefixed to Mr. Dickinson's " Display
OF Special Grace." This public testimony was
subscribed by Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent,
Samuel Blair, Richard Treat, Samuel Finley, and
John Blair. Some parts of this paper, will not be
out of place here, as, no doubt, it was drawn up by
Gilbert Tennent.

" If any should inquire, what we mean by the work
of God, we think the judicious author of the follow- ;
ing dialogue (Mr. Dickinson) has given a plain and.
pertuient answer, to which we give our approbation.
^ A work of conviction and conversion spread not
long since in many places of these provinces, with
such power and progress, as even silenced for a time
the most malignant opposers. They were either

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 97

afraid or ashamed openly to contradict such astonish-
ing displays of the divine Almightiness, in alarming
multitudes of secure sinners out of their fatal stupor,
and exciting in them the utmost solicitude about the
everlasting cencerns of their souls ; many of whom
gave us a rational and scriptural account of their
distress, and afterwards of their deliverance from it,
agreeable to the method of the gospel of Christ.
Their comforts as well as their sorrows appeared,
by all the evidence we can have of such things, to

be agreeable to scripture and reason

" It is shocking to think that any should dare to
oppose a work attended with such commanding evi-
dence as has been among us. We would beseech
all such solemnly to answer the following para-
graph of the Rev. Mr. Robe, minister of the gospel
in Kilsyth, Scotland, in his preface to his " Narra-
tive," which is as follows : ' I seriously beg of any
who are prejudiced against this dispensation of God's
extraordinary grace, and look upon it as a delusion,
that they will show themselves so charitable, as to
direct me and other ministers, what we shall answer
distressed persons of all ages, who come to us crying
bitterly that they are undone, because of unbelief
and other sins — 'What shall we do to be saved V
And as a young girl about twelve, who had been in
distress for some time called upon me in the house
where I was, and asked me with great sedateness,
* What shall I do to get Christ ?' shall we tell them

98 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

that they are not Christless, and are not unconverted,
when we evidently see many of them to be such ?
Shall we tell them that their fears of the wrath of God
is all but delusion, and that it is no such a dreadful
thing that they need to be much afraid of it ? Shall
we tell persons lamenting their cursing and swearing,
Sabbath-breaking, and other immoralities, that it is
the devil that now makes them see these evils to be
offensive to God, and destructive to their souls?
Shall we tell them, who, under the greatest uneasi-
ness, inquire of us what they shall do to get an
interest and faith in Jesus Christ, that Satan is de-
luding them, when they have, or show any concern
this way ? In fine, shall we pra^^, and recommend
it to them to pray to God, to deliver them from such
delusions ? It would be worse than devilish to treat
the Lord's sighing and groaning prisoners at this
rate ; and yet such treatment is a natural conse-
quence of reckoning this the work of the devil, and
a delusion.'

*^ I may add, that both our presbyteries of New
Brunswick and Newcastle, have, in their declara-
tion of May 26y 1743, printed at Philadelphia,
manifested their cordial concurrence with the pro-
testation of the presbytery of New York, in which
are these words, viz. : * We protest against all those
passages which have been published in these parts
which seem to reflect on the work of divine power
and grace, which has been carrying on in so wonder

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 99

fill a manner in many of our congregations; and
declare to all the world, that we look upon it to be
the indispensable duty of all our ministers, to en-
courage that glorious work, with their most faithful
and diligent endeavours.' "

This public protestation was signed by Jona-
than Dickinson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Daniel El-
more, Silas Leonard, John Pierson, Simon Horton,
and Azariah Horton, ministers ; and by Nathaniel
Hazard, Timothy Whitehead, and David Whitehead,
elders. Now, the concurrence of the presbyteries of
New Brunswick, and Newcastle, with the aforesaid
Protest, is expressed in the following words, in the
5th page of their Declaration : " With this Protesta-
tion of our reverend and other brethren, we heartily
agree." And in the 13th page, they declare, "that
they could not come into a state of settled constant
communion with such as had protested against thera,
until they received competent satisfaction ; especially
concerning their opposition to, and reflections upon
the work of God's grace, and success of the gospel in
the land.

" I trust I may say to the glory of God's grace,
that it pleased the most high God to let me see con-
siderable success, in the places where I laboured sta^
tedly, many years before I came hither.

" The labours of the Rev. Mr. Frelinghuysen, a
Dutch Calvinist minister, were much blessed to the

people of New Brunswick and places adjacent ; es-

G

100 THE REV. GILUERT TEKNENT.

pecially, about the time of his coming among them,
which was about twenty-four years ago.

" When I came there, which was about seven
years after, I had the pleasure of seeing much of the
fruits of his ministry : divers of his hearers with
whom I had the opportunity of conversing, appeared
to be converted persons, by their soundness in prin-
ciple, Christian experience, and pious practice ; and
these persons declared, that the ministrations of the
aforesaid gentleman were the means thereof. This,
together with a kind letter which he sent me, re-
specting the dividing the word aright, and giving to
every man his portion in due season, through the
divine blessing, excited me to greater earnestness in
ministerial labours. I began to be very much dis-
tressed about my want of success ; for I know not
for half a year or more after I came to New Bruns-
wick, that any one Avas converted by my labours ;
although several persons were at times affected tran-
siently. " It pleased God, about that time, to afflict
me with sickness, by which I had affecting views of
eternity. I was then exceedingly grieved I had
done so little for God, and was very desirous to live
one half year more, if it was his will, that I might i
stand upon the stage of the world, as it were, and •
plead more faithfully for his cause, and take more
earnest pains for the salvation of souls. The secure
state of the world appeared to me in a very affect- ^
ing light ; and one thing among others, pressed mo ■

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 101

sore, that I had spent so much time in conversing
about trifles, which might have been spent in
examining people's states, and persuading them to
turn unto God. I therefore prayed to God that he
would be pleased to give me one half year more,
and I was determined to promote his kingdom with
all my might, and at all adventures. This petition
God was pleased to grant manifold, and to enable
me to keep my resolution in some measure.

"After I was raised up to health, I examined many
about the grounds of their hope of salvation, which
I found in most to be nothing but as the sand. With
such I was enabled to deal faithfully and earnestly,
in warning them of their danger, and urging them
to seek converting grace. By this method many
were awakened out of their security, and of these,
divers were to all appearance effectually converted ;
but some that I spoke plainly to were prejudiced.
And here I would have it observed, that as soon
as an effectual door was opened, I found many
adversaries, and my character Vv^as covered with un-
just reproaches, which through divine goodness did
not discourage m.e in my work. I did then preach
much on original sin, repentance, the nature and
necessity of conversion, in aclose, examinatory, and
distinguishing way : labouring, in the mean time, to
sound the trumpet of God's judgments, and alarm
the secure by the terrors of the Lord, as well as to

affect them with other topics of persuasion : which
G2

10,2 THE REV. GILBERT TEXNENT.

method was sealed by the Holy Spirit, in the
conviction and conversion of a considerable number
of persons, at various times, and in different places,
in that part of the country, as appeared by their ac-
quaintance with experimental religion, and good
conversation.

"I may further observe, that frequently at sacra-
mental seasons, in New Brunswick, there have been
signal displays of the divine power and presence-
Divers have been convinced of sin, by the sermons
there preached, some converted, and many much
affected with the love of God in Jesus Christ. 0
the sweet meltings that I have seen on such occa-
sions, among many ! New Brunswick did then look
like a field the Lord had blessed. It was like a lit-
tle Jerusalem, to which the scattered tribes with
eager haste repaired at sacramental solemnities ; and
there they fed on the fatness of God's house, and
drank of the rivers of his pleasures. But alas ! the
scene is now altered !

" While I lived in the place aforesaid, I do not re-
member, that there was any great ingathering of
souls at any one time ; but, through mercy, there
were frequently gleanhigs of a few here and there,
which in the whole were a considerable number,
But having never taken a written account of them I
cannot offer any precise conjecture at their number,
and shall therefore, leave it to be determined at the
judgment-day. But at Staten Island, one of the '

I

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. lOti

places where I statedly laboured, there was, about
fifteen or sixteen years agone,a more general concern
about the affairs of salvation, which hopefully issued
in the conversion of a pretty many. Once in the
time of a sermon from Amos vi. 7, before which the
people were generally secure, the Spirit of God was
suddenly poured out on the assembly ; the people
were generally affected about the state of their souls ;
and some to that degree, that they fell upon their
knees in the time of the sermon, in order to pray to
God for pardoning mercy. Many went weeping
home from the sermon ; and then the general inqui-
ry was, 'what must I do to be saved V I may fur-
ther observe, that some few of those that I hope
were converted in the places aforesaid, were com-
pelled to cry out in the public assembly, both under
the impressions of terror and love. During the late
revival of religion. New Brunswick felt some drops
of the spreading rain, but no general shower.

« As to Philadelphia, where by the Providence of
God, I now labour statedly, many have been hope-
fully converted here during the display of God's
grace in this land. The Rev. Mr. Whitefield was
the instrument God was pleased to improve, princi-
pally in the awakening and conversion of sinners
here ; yet the labours of others have been attended
with some success. This town, by all that I can
learn was in deep security, generally, before Mr.
Whitefield came among them, but his preaching was
G3

104 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

SO blessed, that a great number were brought under
a rehgious concern about the salvation of their souls:
multitudes were " inquiring the way to Zion with
their faces thitherward, weeping as they v/ent."
Some years since, there were so many under soul-
sickness in this place, that my feet were pained in
walking from place to place to see them. And there
was then such an eagerness to hear religious dis-
course, that when they saw me going to a house
they would flock to it ; and under what was spoken,
they were sometimes generall}^, and to all appear-
ance, deeply aff'ected. And thus it was in more
public assemblies ; there were sometimes, general
meltings. And though several persons have lost
their religious impressions, and ^^ returned with the
dog to his vomit ;" and some others have fallen into
erroneous sentiments, yet God has preserved many
from those evils, who give a rational and scriptural
account of their conversion, and crown the same by
their practice. Neither is it strange that some should
be carried away here, by the fair speeches and cun-
ning craftiness of those that lie in wait to deceive ;
seeing that the greater part in this place, have never
had the advantage of a strict religious education,
and, therefore, were never well fixed in the thorough
knowledge of a consistent system of principles.
None that I know of in this town, that were well
acquainted with the doctrines of religion in their
connexion, and established in thom, have been

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 105

turned aside by the tempests and tricks of errorists.

" The last Sabbath in May last, I gave the sacra-
ment of the Lord's Supper, the first time that it was
dispensed to the society to which I belong — con-
sidered as a society. The number of communicants
was above one hundred and forty. Those persons
I examined about their gracious state, as well as
doctrinal knowledge ; and upon trial, almost all of
them gave scriptural and satisfactory account of the
ground of their hope. Now the chief of these, ac-
cording to their own account, have been brought to
Christ during the late revival of religion. And
there are divers other persons, who in a j udgment
of charity, have got saving benefit during the late
marvellous manifestation of God's grace, who do
not join in communion with us.

" Though there is in many, a considerable decay
as to their liveliness and affectionateness in religion,
yet through divine goodness, they grow more hum-
ble and merciful ; and it is evident by their conver-
sation, that the general bent of their heart is for God.
Since I have come here, my labours seem to be
chiefly serviceable to instruct, and establish the great
truths of religion, and to comfort pious people.
There have been but a few instances of conviction
and conversion in this town that I know of.

" In some places of this province, some years ago,
particularly in Nottingham, Fag's Manor, White-
clay Creek, Neshaminy, and elsewhere, there have

106 THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.

been such general lamentations in the time of preach-
ing, that the speaker's voice has been almost
drowned with the cries of the distressed, even after
they have been entreated again and again to restrain
themselves ; yea, and sometimes when the speaker
discoursed in a gospel strain, divers persons in this
province have fallen down to the ground in the time
of sermon, as though they were stabbed with a
sword. And what though some have lost their im-
pressions, and relapsed into their sordid impieties,
this is no more than what the scriptures inform us
did happen in the apostolic times ; yet it is well
known that many of them — so far as we are capa-
ble of judging by men's speech and practice — have
been brought to a sound conversion.

" I think it needless here to offer a reply to the
cavils of opposers, which are as numerous as in-
sidious and impertinent. But though I must say,
that mine eyes and ears have seen and heard so
much of the appearance and fruits of the late revival
of religion, that I must reject religion altogether,
and turn infidel, if I should dispute and oppose the
same. May it please the gracious God to pardon
those unhappy men who have set themselves in
opposition to the work of the most high God, and
painted it in black and odious colours, and let them
see their sin and danger before it be too late.

" Dear Sir, I did not think when I began to write,
to offer any more than our Prefatory Attesta-

THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 107

TioN ; but being urged to mention something of what
I have seen and heard, and finding a pleasure in the
subject, I have added, with the strictest regard to

i truth and soberness, these few hasty hints, concern-
ing some matters of fact, which I know to be true ;

I and shall leave to your discretion to do with them^

I as you shall see meet.

I " I am Sir, Yours, &c.,

"Gilbert Tennent.
"August 24, 1744.'

CHAPTER VII.

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.

Synod of Philadelphia establish a School — Located at New London
— Mr. AHson the first Teacher — Negociation with Yale College —
Letter to President Clapp — Synod of N. Y, form the enterprise of
establishing a college — Log College the germ of New Jersey
College.

As we have given a brief history of the Log Col-
lege, the first school erected within the bounds of the
Presbyterian church in this country, it will not be
considered an unsuitable digression, to say some-
thing of another school, which was established by
the synod of Philadelphia, after the rupture, which
has been described, 'took place. The want of an
institution of classical and scientific education was
deeply felt ; but what course to pursue, was a prob-
lem not easy to be solved. The Log College had j
been in successful operation about fifteen years
before the exclusion of the New Brunswick presby-
tery ; but it appears, from the statement of the last
chapter, that it had never given general satisfaction
to the synod. And now this school and all its friends
and supporters were separated from the synod ; so
that the need of a school, where candidates might

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 109

obtain, at least, the ground-work of a liberal educa-
tion, was felt to be urgent. This matter, therefore,
became the subject of frequent deliberation and
mutual consultation among the ministers. A public
meeting was at length agreed upon, and the busi-
ness was entered upon in good earnest. The pres-
byteries of Philadelphia, Newcastle, and Donegal,
appointed certain of their members to meet in the
Great Valley, Nov. 16, 1743, to take into considera-
tion the subject of a plan for educating young men
for the holy ministry. After conference and delibe-
ration, they resolved, that this business could not be
properly managed unless the synod would undertake
it ; they, therefore, referred the further consideration
of the subject to that reverend body ; but agreed
that in the mean time, a school should be opened for
the education of youth. When this matter, the en-
suing year, was brought before the synod, they
adopted the plan as their own, and took the school
under their care ; and agreed upon the following
plan for carrying it on.

1. That there be a school kept open where all per-
sons who please, may send their children, and be
there instructed gratis in the languages, philosophy,
and divinity.

2. In order to carry on this design, it is agreed,
that every congregation under our care, be applied
to for yearly contributions, more or less, as they can
afford, and as God may incline them to contribute,

110 THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.

until Providence open the door for our supporting
the school in some other way.

3. That if any thing can be spared besides what
is required to support a master and tutor, that it be
employed by the trustees, in buying books and
other necessaries for said school, and for the benefit
of it, as the trustees shall see proper.

" And Mr. Alison is chosen master of said school,
and has the privilege of choosing an usher, under
him, to assist him ; and the said Mr. Alison is ex-
empted from all public business, save only attending
church judicatories, and what concerns his particular
pastoral charge. And the synod agree to allow Mr.
Alison twenty pounds per annum, and the usher
fifteen pounds.'^ They then proceeded to appoint
from their own body, trustees for the management
of the affairs of the school. To these trustees it
belonged, to visit the school, and direct the whole
course of instruction, and to report to the synod the
condition of the school. (See Records of the Pres-
byterian Church, p. 174.)

From what is here stated it appears, that Mr. Ali-
son was the pastor of a church, and consequently
the school was situated in his own vicinity. Whera
he received his education is not known to the writer,
but it seems probable that he came over a proba-
tioner ; for we have an account of his ordination in
the records referred to above, but no account of hisi
license. Doubtless he stood very high as a scholar^

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. HI

in the opinion of the synod ; and from the tradi-
tion which has coma down resp acting hini_, he was
a very accomplished man. The estimation in which

j he was held as a scholar may be also inferred from
the fact, that he was invited to take charge of an
academy, instituted in Philadelphia, over which he

» presided for many years.

The synod of Philadelphia had now a school un-
der their own care, and an able teacher ; but as they
had manifested so great a reluctance to receive the
pupils of Mr. Tennent's school, without a better ed-
ucation than could be afforded by a grammar-school,
they could not for consistency's sake, be satisfied
with the course of instruction in their own school,
where there were no more professors than in the
Log College. They, therefore, thought of a plan of
sending their young men, for a short period, to Yale
College, to receive a diploma, if the^^ could make an
arrangement with the faculty and trustees of the col-
lege, that would suit them. Messrs. Andrews and
Cross were appointed to write a letter to the presi-
dent and corporation of the aforesaid college. This
letter is not on record ; neither is President Clapp^s
answer. But on receiving his letter, they appointed
a large committee to prepare a letter in answer,
which is preserved in the Records of the Church
(pp. 185, 186, 187.) This letter has been several
times referred to, and is an important document to
cast light on thn nffairs of the church, at that time^.

112 THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.

and before the schism. Several things stated as facts,
in this narrative, depend for their authority, on this
letter. It wih be proper, therefore, to lay a consid-
erable part of it before the reader. It serves to
show what views the synod entertained of the Log
College ; and what steps they had taken to establish
a school under the superintendence of the synod.
As we have neither the letter written by the synod
to President Clapp, nor his answer, the precise na-
ture of the application made, cannot now be ascer-
tained, but from the reply to President Clapp's letter,
which is on record, we may learn, generally, what
the request or proposal was, which they made. In
this letter, dated May 30, 1746, they express their
thanks to the president and fellows of Yale College,
for considering their request and expressing a readi-
ness to promote the interests of learning and religion
in the Presbyterian church. It appears, however,
that President Clapp wished for more particular in-
formation respecting the synodical school, and also
the present state of the synod. In answer to his
inquiries, they say : " Some years ago our synod
found the interest of Christ's kingdom likely to suffer
in these parts, for want of a college for the education
of young men. And our supplies from Europe, or
New England, were few in proportion to the numer-
ous vacancies in our growing settlements. Mr. Wil-
liam Tennent set up a school among us, where some
Avere educated, and afterwards admitted to the niin-

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 113

istry, without sufficient qualifications, as tvas
judged by many of the synod. And what made
the matter Jock worse, those that were educated in
this private way, denied the usefuhiess of some
parts of learning that we thought very necessary.
It was therefore agreed to try to institute a college,
and apply to our friends in Britain, Ireland, and New
England, to assist us. We wrote to the Association
of Boston on this head, and had a very favourable
answer. But when we were thus projecting our
plan, and appointing commissioners to Britain, &c.,
to promote the thing, the war with Spain was
} proclaimed, which put a stop to our proceedings then.
The synod then came to a public agreement to take
all private schools where young men were educated
for the ministry, so far under their care, as to appoint
a committee of our synod to examine all such as had
not obtained degrees in the European or New Eng-
land colleges, and give them certificates, if they were
found qualified, which was to serve our presbyteries,
instead of a college diploma, till better provision
could be made. Mr. Gilbert Tennent cried out that
this was to prevent his father's school from training
gracious men for the ministry ; and he, and some of
his adherents, protested against it, and counteracted
this our public agreement; admitting men to the
ministry, which were judged unfit for that ofiice ;
which course they persisted in, though admonished
^nd reproved by us, for such unwarrantable pro-

114 THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.

ceedings. While these debates subsisted, Mr. White-
field came into the country, whom they drew into
their party, to encourage divisions. And they and
he, have been the sad instruments of dividing our
churches. And by his interest^ Mr. Gilbert Ten nent
grew hardy enough to tell our synod he would op-
pose their design of getting assistance to erect a col-
lege, wherever we should make application, and
would maintain youiig men at his father's school, in
opposition to us. This, with his and his adherents
divisive practices, obliged the synod to exclude him
and others of his stamp, from their communion. In
this situation our affairs grew worse ; for our vacan-
cies were numerous, and we found it hard, in such
troubles, to engage gentlemen from New England or
Europe to come among us, such as our best friends
in those places could recommend as steadfast in the
faith, and men of parts and education. Upon this,
the synod erected a school in 1744. It was agreed,
that the said school should be opened under the in-
spection of the synod, where the languages, philoso-
phy, and divinity, should be taught, gratis, to all that
should comply with the regulations of the school, be-
ing persons of good character and behaviour. They
appointed a master and a tutor for this business, who
were to be paid by such contributions as the synod
could obtain for this purpose ; and agreed from year
to year, to appoint trustees, to meet, twice a year, to
inspect the master's diligence and method of teach-

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 115

ing ; and direct what authors are chiefly to be read
in the several branches of learning ; to examine the
scholars as to their proficiency and good conduct ;
and apply the money procured to such uses as they
judge proper ; and who order all affairs relating to
the school. And the trustees are yearly to be ac-
countable to the synod, and to make report of their
proceedings, and state of the school. And it is
agreed, that after the said scholars pass the course of
study prescribed them, they shall be publicly exam-
ined by the said trustees, and such ministers as the
synod shall think fit to appoint.'^

We are not informed that this negotiation with
the president of Yale College, resulted in anything
practical. It does not appear that the synod ever
sent any of their young men to Yale College, to
finish their education. Indeed, the necessity for such
a measure, soon passed away, as the College of
New Jersey, in a short time after this, was instituted,
and rapidly rose into credit. And Dr. Alison, the
principal of their school at New London, in Dela-
ware, was invited to Philadelphia, to take charge of
an academy which a number of gentlemen had erect-
ed in that city. And it was not long before this acad-
emy was constituted a college, in which Dr. Ali-
son was appomted the vice-provost, and professor of
Moral Philosophy. To this institution the young
men belonging to the synod of Philadelphia, di-
rected their attention, and here they commonly

116 THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.

finished their education. But after the union of
the two synods, in 1758, candidates from all the
presbyteries were accustomed to resort to New
Jersey college ; especially, after Dr. Witherspoon
became the president.

Mr. Alison's departure from the synod's school at
New London, seems to have been its death-blow.
From the Records of the synod of Philadelphia, it
appears, that Dr. Alison relinquished his station with-
out receiving the approbation, either of the presby-
tery of Newcastle, of which he was a member, or
of the synod. His course was viewed as irregular,
by the synod ; but they were well satisfied with the
thing itself; and when they met, a reference from
the presbytery of Newcastle was laid before them,
relative to this matter, when the following minute
was adopted, and placed on record, viz. : " The
synod having deliberately considered the affair of
Mr. Alison's removal to Philadelphia, referred to
them by the presbytery of Newcastle, judge, that
the method he used is contrary to the Presbyterian
plan. Yet, considering the circumstances which
urged him to take the method he used, were very
pressing ; and that it was indeed almost impractica-
ble to him to apply for the consent of presbytery or
synod, in the orderly way ; and further, being per-
suaded that Mr. Alison's being employed in such a
station in the academy, has a favourable aspect in
several respects, and a very probable tendency not

THE NEW LONUON SCHOOL. 117

only to promote the good of the pubUc, but also of
the church, as he may be serviceable to the interests
thereof, in teaching philosophy and divinity, as far
as his obligations to the academy will permit ; we
judge that his proceedings in said affair, are in a
great measure excusable. Withal, the synod ad-
vises, that for the future, its members be very cau-
tious, and guard against such proceedings as are
contrary to our known and approved methods, in
such cases.''

As we are not aware, that any memoir of Dr.
Francis Alison has been published ; and as he was
one of the most accomplished scholars, who has
adorned the Presbyterian Church, in these United
States, it seems desirable to preserve his memory
from utter oblivion, by giving a large extract from
the funeral sermon, preached on occasion of his
death, by his friend and successor, the Rev. John
Ewing, D. D. Dr. Alison died Nov. 29, 1777, in
Philadelphia, where he had long resided.

" This discourse administers comfort and consola-
tion under the loss of our pious friends and relations,
who have died the death of the righteous, and had
a just foundation to entertain the hope of a glorious
immortality. Whatever reasons we have to mourn
under the loss we sustain, by being deprived of their
counsel, their prayers, or their conversation ; yet we
have no reason to be grieved on account of the ex-
change they have made, of a world of sin and sor-

H

118. THE NEW EONDON SCHOOL.

TOW for joys inconceivable and fall of glory. They
have fought the good fight of faith ; they have fin-
ished their course ; they are discharged from the
Christian warfare, and are exalted to an unfading
crown of righteousness and glory. These consider-
ations aff'ord consolation to the church of God, and
to. all its members, when those who were stationed
by its glorious head, as watchmen upon her walls,
are removed by death ; and particularly under the
heavy stroke which the interests of religion and
learning this day feels in America, by the much
lamented death of the Rev. Dr. Francis Alison.

"However the partialities of friendship for the
deceased have carried funeral eulogies to a very ex-
ceptionable and unjustifiable length, on many occa-
sions ; yet 1 am persuaded, that you will readily ac-
knowledge, tha,t there is but little danger of an ex-
treme of this kind in paying this tribute to the mem-
ory of a man, whose private virtues commanded the
esteem of all that knew him, and whose extensive
public usefulness had erected a lasting monument
to his praise. To be silent on this occasion, would
argue an unpardonable insensibility to tlie interests
of rehgion and learning, and would be an instance
of injustice to the man, who, for more than forty
years, has supported the ministerial character with
dignity and reputation, and to whom America is
greatly indebted for that diffusion of light and know-
ledge, and that spirit of liberty and inquiry, which

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. l\9

'this clay places many of her sons upon a level with
those of tlie oldest nations of Europe. All who
knew him acknowledge, that he was frank, open,
and ingenuous in his natural temper; warm and
zealous in his friendships ; catholic and enlarged in
his 'sentiments ; a friend to civil and religious liber-
ty; abhorring the intolerant spirit of pcTsecution,
bigotry, and superstition, together with all the arts
of dishonesty and deceit. Kis humanity and com-
passion led him to spare no p:dns nor trouble in re-
lieving and assisting the poor and distressed, by his
advice and influence, or by his own private liberali-
ty ; and he has left behind him a lasting testimony
of the extensive benevolence of his heart in plan-
ning, erecting, and nursing, with constant attention
and tenderness, the charitable scheme of the wid-
ows' FUND, by which many helpless orphans and des-
titute widows have been seasonably relieved and
supported; and will, we trust, continue to be relieved
and supported so long as the synod of New York
and Philadelphia shall exist.

" Blessed witii a clear understanding, and an ex-
tensive liberal education ; thirsting for knowledge,
and indefatigable in study through the whole of
his useful life, he acquired an unusual fund of
learning and knowledge, which rendered his con-
versation remarkably instructive, and abundant-
ly qualified him for the sacred work of the min-
istry? and the painful instruction of vouth in the

B2 '

120 THE NJ;\V LONDON .S(J{OOI>.

college. He was truly a scribe well instructed
into the kingdom -of heaven, a workman that
needed not to be ashamed, for he rightly divided
the word of truth, and was peculiarly skilful in giv-
ing to every one his portion in due season. In his
public exhibitions, he was warm, animated, plain,
practical, argumentative, and pathetic ; and he has
left a testimony in the consciences of thousands, who
attended upon his ministry, that he was willing to
spend arid be spent to promote their salvation, and
that he failed not to declare to them the whole coun-
sel of God, while he endeavoured to save himself
and those that heard him. And we have reason to
hope, that the bountiful Redeemer, whom he served
in his spirit, has greatly honoured him by making
him instrumental in the salvation of many, who
shall be the crown of his rejoicing in the day of the
Lord. His solicitude for the interests of the Re-
deemer's kingdom, and his desires to engage young
men in the sacred work of the ministry, and to pro-
mote the public happiness, by the diifusion of reli-
gious liberty and learning through the once untutored
wilds of America, induced him to open a public
school in New London, about thirty-six years ago,
at which time, there was scarcely a shadow of learn-
ing in the middle states : and he generously instructed
all that came to him without fee or reward ; ac-
counting himself amply paid by the propagation of
that spirit of inquiry, that thirst for learning, and

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 121

those generous and public-spirited attempts to found
and establish colleges in the states, which we now
see.

" Animated by a laudable spirit, and a generous
concern for the public good, some gentlemen in this
city erected an academy here about thirty years
ago, and invited him to take the instruction and
oversight of it. They pursued the same benevolent
design until a college was afterwards added, in
which he was constituted vice-provost, and professor
of moral philosophy. In this laborious employment
he has ever since acquitted himself with distinguish-
ed honour, fidelity, and success, to the extensive dis-
semination of that public spirit which was so early
raised, and so successfully cultivated, by this faithful
and industrious servant of the public. And to the
spreading influence of those numerous gentlemen
who have received the first rudiments of their edu-
cation from him, we cannot but attribute, in a great
measure, those pleasing prospects which we now
entertain, of seeing the sacred lamp of science burn-
ing with a brighter flame, and scattering its invigor-
ating rays over the unexplored deserts of this exten-
sive continent, until the whole world be involved in
the united blaze of knowledge, liberty, and religion.
In short, he was ' a burning and a shining light,' and
one of the brightest luminaries that ever shone on
this western world.

" He is now discharged from the labours of mor-
H3

122 THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.

tality, and is gone, we trust, to receive the approba-
tion of that compassionate Redeemer, whom he so
faithfully served. For he often expressed his hopes
in the mercy of God unto eternal life, and told me
but a few days ago, ' that he had no doubt but that
according to the tenor of the gospel covenant, he
would obtain the pardon of his sins through tlie
great Redeemer of mankind, and enjoy an eternity
of rest and glory in the presence of God.' It was
this comfortable prospect that animated him to un-
common fidelity and industiy in all the duties of life,
and enabled him to bear the lingering dissolution of
his body with patience and resignation, until he fell
asleep in Jesus.

" Let us, then, who survive our friends, endeavour
to be followers of them who by faith and patience
have inherited the promises. Let the solemnities of
this mournful day, in which un afflicted family, the
college in this city, the congregation in which he so
long laboured in word and in doctrine, the church of
Christ, and the community at large have felt a pain-
ful wound, teach us to live the life of the righteous,
that we may also have hopes of the divine approba-
tion at our death. Let those virtues and graces,
which shone with a distinguished lustre in the pri-
vate life and the public conduct of our departed
friend, engage us all who have in one way or other
enjoyed the benefit of his pious and useful labours,
to remember liim who has spoken to us the word of

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 123

God, and considering the issue of his conversation,
imitate his faith. That gracious God who has told
us that the righteous shall be had in everlasting re-
membrance, expects that they should concur in
accomplishing that comfortable promise, and not
counteract it by burying their eminent virtues in an
ungrateful oblivion. Let us so remember them as
that we may feel their constraining efficacy to excite
in us a laudable emulation.

" And now, my friends, let me close the present
address with a word to you who have long enjoyed
his ministerial labours. You are now deprived of an
opportunity of hearing the word of God from his
mouth ; of listening to his warm and pathetic en-
treaties to be reconciled to God through a Redeemer •,
of joining with him in ardent supplications to the
throne of grace; and of receiving any farther in-
tructions from his labours among you. We cannot
but trust, that some of you will have reason to bless
God eternally, that he has, in his wise providence,
placed you under his ministry, while our solicitude
for your salvation makes us fear that others of you
may yet remain barren and unfruitful under all the
cultivation of divine grace by the hand of this faith-
ful watchman in Israel. You are, therefore, this day
addressed by this mournful dispensation of divine
providence, and called to make a solemn pause, and
to consider what improvement you have made of
his labours. To recollect the compassionate warn-

1'24 THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.

ings he has given you of your danger, the warm
expostulations he has made with you, and the strong
cries he has often raised to the God of mercy for
your salvation. And, if you have any grateful re-
membrance of his pious and useful labours, let me
exhort and entreat you to discover it by a constant
and careful attendance upon the means of grace
with which you are yet favoured. These are ap-
pointed to bring you to God and to glory, to the
spirits of just men made perfect, and all the first-
born sons 6f glory above. It is not long before you
shall be deprived of all these golden opportunities
to secure your eternal salvation ; and let this awaken-
ing consideration excite us so to speak, and you to
hear the word of God, that our mutual account at
the bar of our Judge may be joyful.-'

Though the New Brunswick presbytery and its
adherents, were in a minority at the time of their
exclusion from the synod of Philadelphia ; yet the
whole of the New York presbytery were absent, on
that occasion, and for several years afterwards, re-
monstrated against the act by which these brethren,
without any trial, were cut off from the body ; and
when they could not prevail with the synod of Phil-
adelphia to receive these excluded brethren again
into their fellowship, this whole presbytery with-
drew from the synod, and attached themselves to the
exscinded body, and with them formed a new synod,
which took the name of, The Synod of New York.

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. l25

And in a short time they considerably outnumbered
the old synod.

The Log College still existed, but it was manifestly
on the decline. The venerable founder became in-
firm, so that he could not perform his pastoral duties ;
of course he was no longer capable of paying much
attention to the school. In these circumstances, the
necessity of another institution, of a higher charac-
ter, became urgent. A variety of circumstances
combined to render the time auspicious for the es-
tablishment of a college, under the patronage of the
synod. Accordingly, by the pious zeal and ener-
getic action of Governor Belcher, with the cordial
co-operation of the synod of New York, a charter
was obtained from the king of Great Britain, as am-
ple in its privileges as could be desired. Just as the
Log College expired, the College of New Jersey
sprang into existence. The friends and patrons of the
former, became the principal supporters and trustees
of the latter. Thus it may with truth be said, that the
Log College was the germ from which proceeded the
flourishing College of New Jersey. While the synod
of Philadelphia were labouring to estabUsh a school
for training young men at New London, the synod
of New York were exerting themselves to erect a
college which should stand upon a level with any
other institution in the country. Messrs. Dickinson
and Burr, the first pastor of the Presbyterian church
in Elizabethtown, and the last, in Newark, took the

126 THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.

lead in this enterprise. Both these distinguished
divines were graduates of Yale College ; but just at
this time, their minds probably experienced some
alienation from their alma mater, on account of the
harsh treatment which Mr. David Braineid had re-
ceived from the ofiicers of that college. For he
had been expelled merely for a harsh word, spoken
in a private company, and overheard by a student
who happened to be passing the door, who knew
not to whom it referred. But the persons present,
contrary to every rule of propriety, were forced by
the faculty, to testify to whom reference was had.
Mr. Brainerd, at the time of his expulsion, was a
member of the Junior Class. Having applied to
the presbytery of Nev/ York, he Avas taken under
their care, and having manifested a strong desire
to go and preach the gospel to the heathen in our
land, the Commissioners appointed by the Society in
Scotland, to employ a missionary to the Indians,
selected Mr. Brainerd. It appears, that President
Clapp, in his letter to the synod of Philadelphia,
complained of the New York presbytery for receiv-
ing under their care, persons who had left the col-
lege, under censure ; where the reference was un-
doubtedly to David Brainerd. A strong desire
was now felt both by Mr. Brainerd and his
friends, to get the stigma removed from his char-
acter. And to effect this, the Commissioners who
had employed Mr. Brainerd, deputed the Rev-
Mr. Burr, one of their number, to go to New Haven,

THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 127

at the commencement, when his class were about
to be graduated, to endeavour to have him re-
stored. Jonathan Edwards, also, who then be-
came acquainted with Mr. Brainerd, and formed
a strong attachment to him, used all his influ-
ence to accomplish the object ; but their efforts
were inefiectual. The faculty of the college re-
mained inflexible, or as it may more properly be
termed, obstinate. They did ofl'er, that if he would
return and remain another year in college, without
giving ofl'ence, they would then give him his degree.
But this could not be done without disconcerting the
whole plan of the mission for which he was engaged,
and in which he became so eminently successful.*
The attachment of all the members of the New
York synod to Mr. Brainerd was warm, and de-
servedly so. This affair, it is very probable, quick-
ened the zeal of these excellent men to get up a col-
lege of their own. Some years ago, the writer heard
the relict of the late Dr. Scott, of New Brunswick,
say, that when she was a little girl, she heard the
Rev. Mr. Burr declare in her father's house, in New-
ark, " if it had not been for the treatment received
by Mr. Brainerd at Yale, New Jersey college would
never have been erected." How many influences
are made to combine and operate, when Providence
has the design of giving existence to an institution
which has affected, and will still affect the happi-
ness of thousands !

* See Life of Brainerd, p. 107.

CHAPTER VII.

MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHIS TENNENT.

Birth — Religious Exercises and Conversion — Entrance into the min,
istry — Settlement at Freehold, Monmouth County — Great Success
—Early Death.

Although John Tennent Y\ras younger than his
brother Wilham, being the third son of the Rev.
WilUam Tennent, Sen. ; yet, on several accounts, it
seems expedient to place the short memoir of him,
before that of his elder brother. It would seem from
all that we can learn respecting these men, that
John was licensed to preach the gospel before Wil-
liam. This was probably owing to the fact, that
William Tennent, jr. suffered much loss of time by
severe sickness, as will hereafter appear. Or, it
may have been the case, that William was engaged
longer than his brother, in assisting his father in
teaching, in the Log College. But, whatever may
have been the case, it is certain, that the Rev. John
Tennent was settled in the ministry, some years be-
fore his brother ; and that the Rev. William Tennent
was not settled as a pastor, until after the death of
his brother John, when he became his successor in

THR REV. JOHN TENNKNT. \29

the clnircli at Freehold, ars will appear when we
give a memoir of him ; and it is principally on this
account that we place John, foremost.

The third son of the Rev. William Tennent,
sen., was born in the county of Armagh, in Ire-
land, in the year 1707, Nov. 12, and was therefore
only nine years of ag€ when his father came to
7\merica. The whole of Ins education he obtained
under the paternal ix)of, and in the Log College^
which his father had founded at Neshamin^^

Of his conversion to God, we have an interesting
narrative, from the pen of his brother Gilbert, writ-
ten after his death, and prefixed to some of his ser-
mons, which were published in a p?,m['hlet after his
decease.

^' His conviction of his sin, danger, and misery,
was the most violent in degree, of any I ever saw.
For several days and nights together, he was made
to cry out in the most dolorous and affecting manner,
almost every moment. The words which he used
in his soul-agony were these, ^ 0 my bloody, lost
soul ! What shall I do ? Have mercy on me, 0 God,
for Christ's sake.' Sometimes, he was brought to
the very brink of despair, and would conclude,
* surely God would never have mercy on such a
great sinner as he was.' And yet his life was un-
stained with those scandalous extravagances, by
which too many in their youth are ensnared. His
natural predominant sin was rash anger ; and the

130 THE REV. JOHN TENNENT.

worst I ever knew him guilty of, was, some inde-
cent haste in this way, on account of which he was
afterwards exceedingly humbled, and against which
he became very watchful. His passionateness cost
him many a deep sob, heavy groan, and salt tear-
After it pleased God to confer his grace upon him,
he was remarkably altered in this particular, and
gained in a great measure, an ascendancy over his
besetting sin. Whilst under conviction, his distress
was such as to induce him to make an open confes-
sion of his sins to almost all that came near him, and
also to beg their prayers in his behalf, at a throne of
grace. And this he did in the most earnest, and
beseeching manner. His dolorous groans, and ve-
hement importunity were such, as greatly to affect
even strangers who came to see him. And he ear-
nestly and frequently begged of God, that He would
humble him to the dust, and beneath the dust.

" One morning, about break of day, after great
wrestling through the night and day preceding, he
took occasion to speak as surprisingly as ever I
heard any mortal, about the morning star, longing
and praying that the blessed Jesus, the true, the
bright, the beautiful morning Star, who brought the
light and day into a dark world, would appear in
mercy to his poor soul. And then, at the rising of
the sun, he entreated that the Sun of righteousness
might shine upon his disconsolate, dejected, wretched
soul, with beams of mercy and salvation. His heart

THE KEV. JOHN TENNENT. 131

appeared to be sick, sore-sick, with panting after
Christ ; so as to be ready to burst in pieces. I have
through the riches of free grace been favoured with
the sight of many a convinced sinner, but never
did I behold any other in such a rack of acute and
continued anguish, under the dismal apprehensions
of impending ruin and endless misery, from the ven-
geance of a just and holy God.

" Perceiving such evident signs of deep conviction,
humiliation, and earnest desire, I offered to him for
his comfort all the most encouraging invitations and
promises, adapted to his case ; and sometimes en-
deavoured to persuade him that he had an iiJterest
in these promises, since God had wrought in him
those conditions on which the blessings were sus-
pended. But although this would sometimes yield
him a temporary relief; yet in a little while he
would break forth again with the most doleful lam-
entations ; complaining that no promise in the book
of God belonged to him; and denying that any
of those conditions to which the promises were
made, had been wrought in him. The truth is, his
wound was so deep that none but God's arm could
heal it. But it pleased God, after an agony almost
uninterrupted for four days and four nights, during
Vy hich he cried out incessantly as described above,
that he would make his consolations as eminent and
conspicuous as his convictions had been severe. It
is worthy of remark, that for some time before it

132 THE REV. JOHN TENXENT.

pleased the Almighty to shed abroad the beams of
his love and mercy on his soul, he was much exer-
cised with sorrowful and piercing reflections on ac-
count of his hypocrisy. He judged himself to be at
pharisee and a hypocrite, for crying out as he had
done ; and yet the sharpness of his inward pain was
such, that he could not prevent it, therefore, he
would have all people out of the room, that he might
pray and mourn, alone.

"One morning, when I went to see him, I per-
ceived a great alteration in his countenance ; for he,
that an hour before had looked like a condemned
man going to be put to some cruel death, now ap-
peared with a cheerful, gladsome countenance, and
spoke to me in these Vv^ords, * 0 brother, the Lord
Jesus has come in mercy to my soul. I was begging
for a crumb of mercy with the dogs, and Christ has
told me that he will give me a crumb.' Then he
desired me to thank God in pra^^er, which I did
more than once. He also requested me to praise
God by singing part of a psalm, which I complied
with, and sang the 34th. It was, indeed, surprising
to hear this person singing the praises of God with
more clearness, energy, and joy, than any of the
spectators who had crowded in, on this extraordi-
nary and solemn occasion. And that, especially,
when it is considered, that now it was ten o'clock
m the forenoon, whereas, at three o'clock in the
same morning, he was speechless for some minutes,

THE REV. JOHN TENNENT. 133

and thought by all present to be expiring, in death.
The consolations of God had such an influence upon
him, that about an hour or two afterwards, he
walked about thirty rods to see his brother WiUiam,
who was then extremely sick, nigh unto death, and
thought by most to be past all human hope of re-
covery. He said, he must see his brother, to tell
him what God had done for his soul, that he might
praise God on his account before he died. And
when he entered the room where his brother was
lying, his joy appeared to overflow, and he ad-
dressed him in the following words: ^0 brother,
the Lord has looked with pity on my soul. Let the
heavens, earth, and sea, and all that in them is,
praise God.!' But being exposed too soon to the
cool air, he fell into a fever, and then called in ques-
tion that eminent discovery of God's love, which he
had experienced. But it was not long before he
was again comforted ; and from this time, a great
ciiange in his conversation was manifest. And
while he experienced many seasons of the sealing
of God's covenant love ; yet in the intervals, he was
ofien dejected, and distressed with doubts and fears,
respecting his own State.

" He gave the best evidence of a change of heart
in the conscientious and diligent performance of all
Christian duties ; even of those most opposite to our
corrupt nature, such as secret prayer and fasting
He was a tender-hearted courteous relative, and of

134 THE REV. JOHN TENxNENT.

a very sympathetic spirit. His respectful and atfec-
tionate treatment of his reverend and aged father
and his kind mother, merits an honourable mention.
His great soul disdained any thing that was mean,
and inclined him to the most noble and generous
actions that were within his power.

" He was endowed by his Creator with a natural
quickness of apprehension, copiousness of fancy,
and fluency of expression, which served to qualify
him eminently for the office of a preacher. He had
made no contemptible progress in the learned lan-
guages, and also in philosophical and theological
studies ; but he particularly excelled in the polemical
and casuistical branches of divinity. He was well
known to be an expert disputant and casuist ; but
that which crowned his other attainments, and made
them appear with beauty and lustre, was, his un-
feigned and eminent piety.

" His attainments in the Christian graces were
eminently conspicuous in the following particulars.
First, his humiUty. He was wont to speak of him-
self in the most abasing terms ; saying, that he
thought himself one of the worst creatures the crea-
tion bore. And on his dying bed he desired his re-
lations to forbear any funeral encomiums supon him,
when he was gone; for he declared with vehemence
that he was not worthy of them. When admitted
to preach, he would often, in his private studies,
take the Bible in his hand, and would walk up and

THE REV. JOHN TENNKNT. 135

down the room weeping and mourning, that al-
though there was a treasury of precious truth con-
tained in that blessed book, he understood so httle
of them. A sense of the greatness of the ministerial
work, and of his ignorance and unfitness for it, was
often a very oppressive burden to him. It was a
striking evidence of the low opinion which he en-
tertained of himself, that he never could be persua-
ded that a holy God would bless the labours of a
person every way so mean and so unworthy as he
felt himself to be. And when informed that certain
persons had been convinced under his ministry, he
could not for some time believe that the work was
genuine, until further conviction was afforded, by
bright and incontestable evidences.

" His love to Christ was manifest to all who had
the opportunity of hearing his earnest and importu-
nate prayers. Indeed, Christ and him crucified was
the end at which he aimed, the sacred centre in
which all the hues of his life terminated. Christ
was the object of his supreme love, and highest ad-
miration.

" He possessed also a flaming zeal for the estab-
lishment and promotion of the Messiah's kingdom.
It was his oft repeated petition, that God would
make him serviceable to his church ; and that he
would not suffer him to live merely to devour the
alms of the church, but that he would rather re-
move him to himself, before he became useless."

I

13(5 THE KEV. JOHN TENNENT.

When Mr. John Tennent had finished his prepa-
ratory studies in the Log College, he presented him-
self to the presbytery of Philadelphia ; and after
passing with credit the usual trials he was licensed
to preach the gospel.

Soon after Mr. Tennent's licensm'e, he visited the
congregation of Freehold, in the county of Mon-
mouth, New Jersey ; which was now without a
pastor. This congregation owed its origin to some
Scotch people who were cast on the Jersey shore ;
the vessel Caledonia, in which they sailed, having
been stranded on our coast. These people, being
thus by the Providence of God cast upon this
land, determined to take up their abode in the
country, near to the place where they reached the
shore ; and being Presbyterians, they were not con-
tent to live without the ordinances of public wor-
ship, according to the creed and usages of the church
of Scotland. They, accordingly, set about building
a house of worship ; which was situated a few miles
east of the present church of Freehold ; where the
remains of the old building, and a grave-yard, are
yet to be seen. For some time, this congregation
was supplied by the Rev. Joseph Morgan ; but he
having left them early in the year 1730, they invited
young Mr. Tennent to preach to them, as a candi-
date. Being a young man of uncommon modesty
and humility, he was very reluctant to go ; and even
after he had consented to visit them, as his brother

THi: REV. JOHN- TENNEXT. 137

William, in iiis letter id Mr. Prince of Boston, in-
forms us, he regretted the engagement very much ;
for it seemed to him, that they were a people whom
God had given up for the abuse of the gospel. But
though he went under this cloud of discouragement,
his first labours among this people were remarkably
blessed. On his first visit, he preached four or five
Sabbaths, and found stirred up among the people a
serious disposition to attend to the concerns of their
souls, and to search the scriptures to see whether
the things which they heard from the pulpit were
so. And he was assisted to preach with so much
freedom, that he told his brother William, that he
was fully persuaded, that Christ Jesus had a large
harvest to bring home, there ; and though they were
a poor broken people ; yet if they called him he
would go to them, though he should be under the
necessity of begging his bread. On the 15th of
April, 1730, they assembled and gave him an unan-
imous call, which he accepted, and was ordained,
November 19th of the same year.

" His labours in this congregation,'^ according to
his brother Gilbert, " were attended with three no-
table qualities, prudence, diligence, and success."
Though the time was short which he was permitted
to remain among them, yet his labours were abun-
dant. His race was swift and vehement ; and his
heart was so fixed on the work of God, that he could

not be persuaded to desist from his public labours,
12

138 THE REV. JOHN TENNENT.

even when his body was 'emaciated, and dcbiUtated
by a consumptive disease ; and when, in the judg-
ment of physicians, it was prejudicial to his broken
constitution.

" In his public discourses, not to mention the just-
ness of his method, the beauty of his style, and the
fluency of his expression, by which he chained his
not unwilling hearers to his lips, he was very awa-
kening and terrible to unbelievers, in denouncing,
and describing with the most vehement pathos and
awful solemnity, the terrors of an offended Deity,
the threats of a broken law, and the miseries of a
sinful state. And this subject he insisted much
upon, because, he with many others, found it the
most effectual and successful means to alarm secure
sinners. He used a close, distinguishing, and de-
tecting method, in the application of his sermons ;
which, with his pungent mode of expression, was
very piercing and solemn. But, as Dr. Watts ob-
serves of Mr. Gouge, he knew the pity of Eman-
uePs heart, as well as the terrors of Jehovah's
hand." He was as tender and compassionate in his
addresses to gracious souls, as faithful to brandish
and apply the law's lancet to the secure : and he was
as willing to do the one as the other. But indeed he
was very cautious of misapplying the different por-
tions of the word to his hearers ; orof setting before
them only a common mess, and leaving it to them to
divide among themselves, as their fancy and humour

THE REV. JOHN TENNENT. 139

directed them ; for he well knew that was the bane
of preaching.

"Once more ; he was a successful preacher. When
he was under trials for the ministry, he was much
exercised with doubts, difficulties, and distresses
about his call to this great and awful trust ; but it
pleased God to dissipate these clouds, and to afford
to his perplexed and anxious mind abundant satis-
faction respecting this matter, by the numerous
seals which crowned his public labours : for as the
famous Rutherford says, 'it is not probable that
God would seal a blank.' It may truly be said of
him, that he gained more poor sinners to Christ, in
that little compass of time which he had to improve
in the ministerial work, which was about three and
a half years, than many in the space of twenty, thir-
ty, forty, or fifty years. Many souls have, and will
have reason, through eternity, to bless God that
ever they saw him. But though he was thus hon-
oured with the smiles of heaven upon his labours ;
and though favoured with the kind regards of a
loving and generous people, who had it been possi-
ble would have plucked out their own eyes and
have given them to him ; so that no minister before
was ever the object of a more respectful regard and
sympathy ; yet was he far from being exalted in his
own mind, but through grace retained a just, grate-
ful, and humble sense of God's distinguishing good-
ness, and his own unworthiness.

13

140 THE REV. JOHN TENNEXT.

" As he drew nearer to his end, his love for his
people, and concern for their welfare increased. He
would often express himself to one of his brothers?
in such language as the following, ' I am grieved
for my people, for I fear they will be left to wander
as sheep without a shepherd ; or get one that Avill
pull down what I have poorly endeavoured to build
up.' His brother, who watched with him in his
sickness, has frequently overheard him in the deep
silence of the night, wrestling Vv^th God by prayer,
with sobs and tears, for his people. Yea, when so
reduced by consumption that he could scarce walk
alone, he bore the pains of this lingering disease
with unbroken patience, and silent submission to
his Father's pleasure, until it pleased God to open a
door of escape to his captive soul, through the ruins
of his decayed frame.

" On Saturday evening — the last evening of his
life — he was seized with a violent pang of death
which was thought by his attendants to be the last ;
from which unexpectedly recovering, and observing
a confusion among them, he addressed one, whom
he saw uncomm.only atfected, with a cheerful coun-
tenance, in the following words, ' I would not have
you think the worse of the ways of holiness, because
you see me in such agonies of distress, for I know
there is a crown of glory in heaven for me, \vhich
I shall shortly wear.' Afterwards, in the night, he
often prayed, < Come Lord Jesus !— 0 Jesus, why

THE REV. JOHN TENNENT. 141

dost, thou linger ?' Some time before day, he re-
peated with humble confidence the last words of
David, ^ Although my house be not so with God,
yet hath he made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and sure ; for this is all my
salvation, and all my desire.' — ,2 Sam. xxiii. 5.

" About the break of day, he called his brother
William to prayer, and earnestly desired him to im-
plore Heaven for his speedy removal, for, he said,
he longed to be gone. About eight or nine o'-
clock of the next day, v/hich was the Sabbath, his
desire was granted; when it pleased his Master to
translate him to that great assembly of the just, ^ the
church of the firstborn, there to celebrate an eternal
Sabbath, in praises and songs of triumph.

" A few minutes before he expired, holding his
brother WilUam by the hand, he broke out into the
following rapturous expressions ; ^ Farewell, my
brethren, farewell father and mother ; farewell
world, with all thy vain delights. Welcome, God
and Father — welcome, sweet Lord Jesiis ! Wel-
come death — welcome eternity. Amen ! Then,
with a low voice, he said, ' Lord Jesus, come Lord
Jesus !' And so he fell asleep in Christ, and obtained
an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom
of his God and Saviour."

He was buried in the grave-yard near to the
church, where he preached, and where his tomb-
stone may yet be seen. The Rev. Jonathan Dickin-

142 THE llEV. JOHN TENNENT.

son, of Elizabethtown, composed for his tomb-stone,
the followhig epitaph :

"Who quick grew old ia learning, virtue, grace,
Quick finished, well-yielded to death's embrace :
Whose mouldered dust, this cabinet contains,
Whose soul triumphant, with bright seraphs reigns ;
Waiting the time 'till heaven's bright concave flame.
And the last trump repairs his ruined frame."

Much praise cannot be awarded to the poetry of
the foregoing epitaph, but it serves to show in what
estimation Mr. Tennent was held, by one of the
most eminent theologians of his day.

His death occurred on the 23d day of April, 1732,
in the twenty-fifth year of his age.

Mr. Gilbert Tennent, with the memoir of his bro-
ther John, published also one of his sermons. The
subject is " Regeneration ;" and is treated in a clear,
discriminating manner.

As far as can be judged from the accounts which
have come down to us, respecting this young pas-
tor, and from the aforesaid discourse, there is reason
to conclude, that both in piety and talents, he was
not inferior to any one of his brothers ; and that if
he had lived to the usual period of human life, he
would have been " a burning and a shining light"
in the church.

The people of his charge were greatly attached
to him, and exceedingly lamented his death. There
is still extant, the fragment of an old manuscript

THE REV. JOHN TENNENT. 143

book, kept by the session of his church, in which is
contained the following entry :

" A mournful providence and cause of great hu-
miliation to this poor congregation, to be bereaved,
in the flower of youth, of the most laborious, suc-
cessful, well-qualified, and pious pastor, this age
aff'orded ; though but a youth of twenty-four years
five months and eleven days." In this record, he is
called, " the reverend and dear Mr. John Tennent."

It may be gratifying to some to know the names
of some of the principal families which constituted
the congregation of Freehold, which have been
taken from the record before mentioned. Among
them we find Ker, Craig, Forman, Anderson, New-
all, Gordon, Lloyd, Crawford, Henderson, Robinson,
Rhea, Watson, Wilson, Campbell, Covenhoven, Lit-
tle, Cumming, English, &c.

CHAPTER IX.

REV. WM. TENNENT'S LETTER.

The Rev. William Tennent's Letter, to the Rev. Mr. Prince, of Bos-
ton, giving the character of the revival in Freehold, N. J.

The following letter is introduced here, because
it gives an account of the fruits of the ministry of
the Rev. John Tennent. It is given literally from
Prince's Christian History.

"Freehold, October llth, 1744.
"Rev. and Dear Sir,

" I desire to notice thankfully the late rich display
of our glorious Emanuel's grace, in subduing by his
word and Spirit, multitudes of sinners to himself,
both in this and other lands. 0 may he go on ^con-
quering and to conquer,' until he has subdued all
things unto himself! INeither can I think but that
the writing of a history of the great things our Lord
has done among us, has a tendency to, and will by
the blessing of God upon it, excite generations yet
unborn to praise his glorious name, and thereby his
honour will be advanced, and his triumphs in-
creased ! Most gladly, therefore, do I comply with

THE REV. WM. TENNENT S LETTER. 145

your request, and herewith send such an account as
I can, of what the Lord has done among us. But
herein, as I must be very general, having never
made any memorandums in writing of the Lord's
work here, so I trust I shall be strictly true, for the
Lord hates a false witness.

" This place lies southwest from New York, and
is distant from it about fifty miles. It was the first,
in the East Jersey, on the west side of the Raritan
River, which was settled with a gospel ministry.
This was owing, under God, to the agency of some
Scotch people, that came to it ; among whom there
was none so painful in this blessed undertaking, as
one Walter Ker, who in the year 1685, for his faith-
ful and conscientious adherence to God and his truth,
as professed by the Church of Scotland, was there
apprehended, and sent into this country, under a
sentence of perpetual banishment. By which it
appears, that the devil and his instruments lost their
aim in sending him from home ; where it is unlikely
he could ever have been so serviceable to Christ's
kingdom as he has been here. He is yet alive ; and
blessed be God, he is flourishing in his old age,
being in his 88th year.

" But to return ; the public means of grace dis-
pensed here, were at first, for a season, too much
like a miscarrying womb and dry breasts ; so that
the major part of the congregation could not be said
to have so much as a name to live. Family prayer

146 THE REV, WM. TE^'NENT S LETTER.

was unpractised by all, a very few excepted ; igno-
rance so overshadowed their minds, that the doctrine
of the new birth when clearly explained and pow-
erfully pressed upon them, as absolutely necessary to
salvation (by that faithful preacher of God's word,
Mr. Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, a Low Dutch
minister, and some other English ministers Avho were
occasionally here,) was made a common game of;
so that not only the preachers, but professors of that
truth, were called in derision new-horn, and looked
upon as holders forth of some new and false dob-
trine. And, indeed, their practice was as bad as
their principles, viz. loose and profane.

"In the year 1729, their minister removed from
them, and they were so grievously divided among
themselves, that it appeared improbable they would
ever agree in the settlement of another. In this
miserable, helpless, and almost hopeless condition,
they lay, and few among them had either eyes to
see, or hearts to bev\^ail their woful, wretched circum-
stances. Thus they seemed to be cast out, as the
prophet Ezekiel represents it in the 16th chapter of
his book, and the 5th verse. But the Lord who is
rich in mercy, of his unexpected and unmerited love,
passed by them lying in their blood, and said unto
many of them since that day. Live ; and live they
shall to all eternity.

" About this time, my dear brother John (who is
now with Jesus) was licensed as a candidate for

THE REV. WM. TENXENt's LETTER. 147

the sacred ministry : a youth, whom the Author of
every good gift had uncommonly furnished for that
important trust. To him application was made by
some of the congregation, intreating that he would
supply them for a time ; to which, with the leave
of the presbytery, he consented. But ere he went,
he often told me, that he was heartily sorry he had
engaged to go among them ; for it seemed to him
that they were a people v/hom God had given up
for their abuse of the gospel. But the Lord's
aioughts are not our thoughts, nor his ways our
ways ; for when he had preached four or five Sab-
baths in the place, which was the whole time he
tarried among them at first, the Lord so blessed his
labours, engaging people to attend to the things
which were spoken, and in stirring them up to
search the scriptures whether these things were so
or not, and withal enabling him to preach to them
with such uncommon freedom and earnestness, that
he told me he was fully persuaded Christ Jesus had
a large harvest to bring home there ; so that, though
they were a poor broken people, yet if they called
him he would settle among them, albeit he should
be put to "beg his bread by so doing. April the
15th, 1730, the congregation unanimously called
him ; which he accepting of, was ordained the 1 9th
of November following, and continued with them
until April 23d, 1732, and v/as then translated to
glory.

148 THE REV. \VM. TENNENT's LETTER.

" During his short time, his labours were greatly
blessed ; so that the place of public worship was
usually crowded with people of all ranks and orders,
as well as professions, that obtained in that part of
the country, and they seemed to hear, generally, as
for their lives : yea, such as were wont to go to
those places for their diversion, viz. to hear news or
speak to their tradesmen, &c., even on the Lord's
day, as they themselves have since confessed, were
taken in the gospel net. A solemn awe of God's
majesty possessed many, so that they behaved them-
selves as at his bar, while in his house. Many tears
were usually shed when he preached, and some-
times the body of the congregation was moved or
affected. I can say, and let the Lord alone have the
glory of it, that I have seen both minister and peo-
ple wet with their tears, as with a bedewing rain.
It was no uncommon thing to see persons in the
time of hearing, sobbing as if their hearts Avould
break, but without any public outcry; and some
have been carried out of the assembly (being over-
come) as if they had been dead.

" Religion was then the general subject of dis-
course, though they did not all approve of the pow-
er of it. The holy Bible was searched by people on
both sides of the question, and knowledge surpriz-
ingly increased. The terror of God fell generally
upon the inhabitants of this place ; so that wicked-
ness as ashamed in a great measure hid itself; frol-

THE REV. VVM. TENNENT's LETTER. 149

icking, dancing, horse-racing, with other profane
meetings were broken up. Some of the jolly com-
panions of both sexes, were constrained by their
consciences to meet together, the men by themselves,
and the women by themselves, to confess privately
their abominations before God, and beg the pardon
of them.

"Before my brother's death, by reason of his bodi-
ly weakness, and inability on that accomit to offici-
ate publicly, I preached here about six months. In
which time, many came inquiring what they should
do to be saved, and some to tell what the Lord had
done for their souls. But the blessing on his labours
to the conviction and conversion of souls, was more
discernible some months after his death, than any
time in his Kfe ; almost in every neighbourhood — I
cannot say in every house — there were sin-sick souls,
longing for and seeking after the dear physician,
Jesus Christ : several of whom, I no ways doubt
have, since that time, sincerely closed with him, and
are healed ; glory, glory to his holy name be given,
for ever and ever. Amen !

'' Sometime after my brother's decease, the con-
gregation called me to labour among them, statedly ;
which I accepted, and was ordained, October the
25th, 1733. Thus my Lord sent me to reap that on
which I had bestowed but little labour. May this
consideration be blessed to make me thankful and
humble, while I live.

150 THE REV. WM. TENNENT's LETTER.

" I must further declare to the honour of God
that he has not yet left us, although awfully pro-
voked by our crying crimes ; but ever since that
more remarkable outpouring of his Spirit has con-
tinued to bless his own ordinanceSj to the convic-
tion, conversion and consolation, of precious souls :
so that every year, some, more or less have been in a
judgment of charity added (savingly,) to his mystical
body : to his holy name be all the glory. In the
mean time, I would have it observed, that two or
three years last past, have afibrded fewer instances
of this kind, than formerly. However, through
grace some have been lately awakened who are
even now seekinar Jesus sorrowing. What the
number is of those who have tasted the sweet fruits
of the Redeemer's purchase in a saving manner,
in this congregation, I cannot tell ; it is my com-
fort that the Lord will reckon them ; for he knows
who are his : and indeed none but the omniscient
God is equal to the diiiicult province of determining
certainly concerning the internal states of men. Yet
I may be bold to say, that to all appearance, both
old and young, males and females, have been re-
newed ; though none so young as I have heard of
in some other places. Some negroes, I trust, are
made free in Christ ; and more seem to be unfeign-
edly seeking after it. But after all that the Lord
has been pleased to do among us, I am persuaded *
that the greater number, by far, are yet in the gall

THE REV. WM. TENNENT^S LETTER. 151

of bitterness and bond of iniquity This makes me
sometimes ready to wish, that I had in the wilder-
ness the lodging-place of a wayfaring-man, that I
might leave my people and go from them; or rather
that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fomi-
tain of tears, that I might weep day and night for
them ! Such as have been converted were every
one of them prepared for it by a sharp law-work of
conviction, discovering to them in a heart-affecting
manner, their sinfulness both by nature and prac-
tise, as well as their liableness to damnation for
their original and actual transgressions. Neither
could they see any way in themselves by which
they could escape the divine vengeance ; for that
their whole hfe past, was not only a 'continued
act of rebellion against God, but their present en-
deavours to better it, such as prayers, &c. were so
imperfect, that they could not endure them, and
much less, they concluded, would a holy God. They
all confessed the justice of God in their eternal per-
dition ; and thus have been shut up to the blessed
necessity of seeking relief by faith in Christ alone.
It would be endless to mention the evils they com-
plained of; viz. ignorance, unbelief, hardness of
heart, hatred against God, his laws, and people
worldiiness, wandering of heart in duty, pride, sen-
suality, sloth, &c. With what grief, shame and self-
loathing have I heard them bewail their loss of time,
jmd neglect of the great gospel salvation. Those

158 THE REV. WM. TENNENT S LETTER.

that were communicants before their awakening,
have with trembling declared that their unworthy
partaking grieved them more than anything ever
they did ; for hereby they had as it were murdered
the Lord. It is almost incredible to relate, the in-
dignation that such awakened sinners expressed
against themselves, on the account of their sinful-
ness. They looked upon themselves to be mere
monsters of nature, and that none were worse if any
so bad. Others signified that they could not find
their pictures out of hell, and that they were just fit
companions for the damned, and none else. Let it
be here noted, that some who have expressed them-
selves in the manner I have mentioned, were before
taken for believers both by themselves and others,
being sober and regular in their walk.

"The sorrows of the convinced, were not all alike,
either in degree or continuance. Some have not
thought it possible for them to be saved, if God
would vindicate the honour of his justice ; but
these thoughts continued not long at a time, blessed
be God. Others thought it was possible, but not
very probable, because of their vileness. The
greatest degree of hope which any had, under a
conviction that issued well, was a maybe ; ' perad-
venture, or maybe, God will have mercy on me,'
said the sinner. Some, in coming to Jesus, have
been much rent with blasphemous and other horri-
ble temptations, which have turned their moisture

158

into the drought of summer ; who now through
pure grace serve God, without such distractions, in
gladness and singleness of heart. The conviction of
some has been instantaneous ; by the Holy Spirit's
applying the law to the conscience, and discovering
to the eye of the understanding, as it were, all their
heart deceits very speedily ; by which they have
been stabbed as with a sword. But the conviction
of others, has been in a more progressive way.
They have had discovered to them, one abomination
after another, in life ; and from thence were led to
behold the fountain of all corruption in the heart ;
and thus they were constrained to despair of life by
the law, and consequently to flee to Jesus as the
only door of hope, and so rest entirely on his merit
for salvation.

" After the aforesaid sorrowful exercises, such as
were reconciled to God have been blessed with the
Spirit of adoption, enabling them to cry, Abba, Fa-
ther. But some have had greater degrees of conso-
lation than others, in proportion to the clearness of
the evidences of their son ship. The Lord has
drawn some out of the horrible pit of distress and
darkness, and brought them into the light of his
countenance. He has filled their hearts with joy,
and their mouths with praises ; yea, given them the
full assurance of faith. Others have been brought
to peace in believing ; but have not had so great a

plerophory of jo}'' ; 3'et they go on in a religious

K

154 THE REV. WM.

course, trusting in the Lord. The way they hare
been comforted is either by the application of some
particular promise of holy scripture, or by a soul-
affecting view of the way of salvation by Christ, as
free, without money and without price. They were
enabled to behold the valuable mercies of the cov-
enant of grace, freely tendered to the vilest trans-
gressors, that were poor in their own eyes, sin-sick,
weary and wounded, together with the ability and
willingness of the Lord Jesus to relieve them from
all the evils, they either feared or felt. With this
way of salvation their souls were well pleased, and
thereupan, have ventured their case into his hands,
expecting help from him only ; who has given them
both peace and rest ; yea, filled some of them with
joy unspeakable and full of glory. I remember not
of any that received their first comforts otherwise.
Some few have retained their confidence in God
ever since, without any considerable questionings of
their state, although they have not always tasted
the comforts of it. But the most, by far, have ques-
tioned all, and doubted it was a delusion. This I sup-
pose is generally owing to the remains of corruption,
which blot the evidences of grace in good men, so
that they can hardly read them ; and particularly, to
the awful sin of unbelief; together with the preva-
lence of a legal spirit, which presses them to perfect
holiness on pain of death, and because they cannot

155

obtain that, they conclude they are unsanctiiied,
and have no right to Christ. I might add the ig-
norance of mortification ; they seem to think that in
the justified, sin is killed in its being, as well as gov-
erning power ; and, therefore, because they feel their
old sins sometimes stirring in them, they conclude
that all is wrong ; nay, although they hate the doc-
trine of perfection as held by some, yet because
they are not perfect they think they have no grace.
But hoYi^ever distressing it is to them to feel their
imperfections, it helps to persuade me that they are
regenerate ; else it would not be so ; sin would not
be their chief burden, in a general way.

^< However, our Lord who comforts those that are
cast down, even the wonderful Counsellor, teaches
them, that he not only saves those who have been
sinners before converi^ion, but even such as after it,
find a law in their members warring against the law
of their minds, whicij too often causes them to do
the things they would not ; and enables them to re-
flect upon what they have and do daily experience,
and compare it with the evidences of grace in the
word of God. The blessed God does likewise give
them renewed tastes of his love, even after mis-
steps ; and thus they are established in faith and
hope, so that they have a prevailing persuasion of
their interest in Christ ; except it be in times of de-
sertion and temptation, with which some are more
K9

156 THE REV. WM. TENNENT's LETTER.

exercised than others, for reasons best known to a
sovereign God.

" Doubtless, Sir, you will desire to know, what ef-
fects this work produces on the minds and manners of
its subjects. I answer, they are not only made to
know, but heartily to approve of the great doctrines of
the gospel, which they were before either ignorant of
or averse to, (at least some of them) so that they do
harmonize sweetly in exalting free, special, and sov-
ereign grace, through the Redeemer Jesus Christ;
being willing to glory only in the Lord, who has
loved them and given himself for them, an offering
and a sacrifice of a sweet-smelling savour.

" I cannot express, with what satisfaction I have
heard them speak of the new covenant method of sal-
vation. They have spoken with such affection and
clearness, as I have thought was sufficient to convince
an atheist, that the Lord was their Teacher. The alte-
ration in some, from almost gross ignorance to such
clear gospel light, and in others from such corrupt
principles, as the Papists and Quakers hold, to the
believing acknowledgm.ent of the truth, none but he
that made the understanding could effect. They
approve of the law of God after the inward man, as
holy, just, and good, and prize it above gold, yea,
much fine gold. They judge it their duty as well
as privilege to wait on God in all the ordinances of
his own institution, although they expect to merit
nothing thereby. A reverence for God's command-

157

ing authority, and gratitude for his love, conspire to
incite and constrain them, to a wiUing, unfeigned,
universal and unfainting obedience to his laws : yet
they declare that in everything they come sadly short
of what they ought to do, and bitterly bewail their de-
fects. But blessed be God, they are not discouraged
in their endeavours to reach forward, if by any
means they may apprehend that for which they are
apprehended of God ; and in all things they ac-
knowledge that they ought to look to Jesus as the
author and finisher of faith, whose alone it is to
work all good in them and for them, to whom be
glory for ever. They are not unmolested in their
way by enemies, both from within and from with-
out. Yet, they profess that the comforts which they
receive do more than compensate all their labour,
were there no good to be expected hereafter : and
surely, as the psalmist observes, ' in keeping God's
commands there is a great reward.' But to proceed :
" They have not all made alike proficiency in the
Christian course ; neither are they all equal in reli-
gious endeavours ; nor any at all times alike lively^
They are sometimes obstructed in their religious
progress by coldness and deadness ; but this the
blessed Jesus removes at times, by the influence of
his Holy Spirit ; then, 0 then, their hearts are en-
larged, and they run the sweet way of God's com-
mandments with alacrity and delight, they love

all such as they have reason to think, from their
K3

153 THE REV. WM. TENXENT^S LETTER.

principles, experience, and practice, are truly godly,
though they differ from them in sentiment in lesser
things, and look on them to be the excellent of the
earth. They rejoice in Zion's prosperity ; glorify-
ing God on that account, and feel a sympathy in her
sorrows. They do prefer one another before them-
selves, in love ; except, under temptation, which
they are ready to confess and bewail, when they are
themselves ; generally accounting that they are the
meanest of the family of God, and unworthy of the
blessing ; yea, the most so of any living, all things
considered. In a word, the sapless formalist is be-
come spiritual in his conversation ; the proud and
haughty are made humble and affable ; the wanton
and vile, sober and temperate ; the swearer honours
that venerable name he was wont to profane, and
blesses, instead of cursing ; the Sabbath-breaker is
brought to be a strict observer of holy time 5 the
v/orldling now seeks treasures in the heavens; the
extortioner now deals justly ; and the formerly ma-
licious, forgive injuries ; the prayerless are earnest
and incessant in acts of devotion ; and the sneaking
self-seeker, endeavours the advancement of God's
glory, and the salvation of immortal souls.

"Through God's mercy we have been quite free
from enthusiasm ; our people have followed the
holy law of God, the sure word of prophecy, and not
the impulses of their own minds. There have not
been that I know of, among us, any visions, except

THE REV. VV3I. TENNENt's LETTER. 159

such as are by faith, namely, clear and affecting
views of the new and living way to the Father
through his dear Son Jesus Christ : nor any revela-
tions but what have been long since written in the
sacred volume : nor any trances but such as all men
now living shall meet with, for it is appointed for
all men once to die.

" It may not be amiss to inform you, that many
who have been awakened, and seemed for a time to
set out for Zion, are turned back. Yea, of those
who have been esteemed converts, some have made
shipwreck of faith and a good conscience ; though,
glory to God, there have not been many such ; yet
some of them who have thus awfully apostatized,
were highly esteemed in the church. By this, our
good and gracious God has given check to too high
an esteem of our own judgment, concerning the spi-
ritual states of others, (an evil Avhich is too common
among young converts) and awfully warned all that
stand, to take heed lest they fall. Many, I have
cause to fear, have been hardened in their impieties
and unreasonable prejudices against vital religion,
by the backslidings of some professors. ' Wo to the
world, because of offences !' But in the mean time,
blessed be God, Wisdom is and will be justified of
her children.

" This, Sir, is as particular an account, as I can at
present^give of the Lord's work, in this place. If
my Lord will accept it as a testimony for him, it

160 THE REV. WM. TENNENt's LETTER.

will be a greater honour than ever I deserved. 1
need your prayers, and earnestly desire them. 0
beg of God, that I may be faithful to the death, and
wise to win souls. I am with all due respects,
yours in the dearest Jesus,

WM. TENNENT."

"ATTESTATION to the preceding Account hij the
Ruling Elders and Deacons of the Congrega-
tion of Freehold.

"We the subscribers. Ruling Elders and Deacons
of the Presbyterian congregation of Freehold, hav-
ing had perfect knowledge of the circumstances of
this place, some of us from the first settling of it,
and others of a long time, do give our testimony to
the truth in general, of the above letter of our Rev.
pastor. May the Lord make the same of use for
the carrying on his glorious work begun in these
lands, and make the name of the dearest Jesus glo-
rious from the rising to the setting sun.

Walter Ker, Robert Cu3IMINg,
David Rhea, John Henderson,

William Ker, Samuel Ker.
Freehold, in New Jersey, October 11th, 1744."

CHAPTEE X.

MEMOIR OF THE REV. WILLIAM TEN-

NENT, JR.

Preliminary Remarks — Mr. Tennent's birth and education — sickness,
apparent death, and recovery — State of his mind during his trance
— Settlement and ordination as successor to his brother at Free-
hold— Marriage — Character as a pastor and success in the ministry
— Trial for Perjury — Extraordinary means of deliverance — The
close of life.

The following, memoir of the Rev. William Ten-
nentj jr., was originally published in " The Assem-
bly's Missionary Magazine," in the year 1806 ;
and although it was not accompanied with the au-
thor's name, it was well understood to be from the
pen of the Hon. Elias Boudinot, LL.D., who was
particularly acquainted with all the members of this
remarkable family. But although Dr. Boudinot
prepared this memoir for the press, the greater part
of the narrative was written, at his request, by the
late Dr. Henderson, of Freehold, one of the elders of
the Freehold church, and a man distinguished for
his piety, integrity, veracity, and patriotism. This
original manuscript is now in the possession of the
compiler of this volume. From it we learn, that

163 THE REV. WM. TEN^fENT, JR.

ths history of Mr. Tennent's trial, which occurred
soon after his settlement in the ministry, and when
Dr. Henderson was too young to be a competent
witness, was received from his father, who was
then an elder in the church of Freehold, of which
Mr. William Tennent was the pastor. There
can be no doubt about the authenticity of the
facts here stated, however they may be accounted
for. The writer has heard the same facts from
elderly persons, who never had seen this published
account ; and they were so public, that ihey were
generally known, not only to the people of this
part of the country, but they were currently re-
ported and fully believed, in other states. The
w^riter has heard them, familiarly ,talked of in Vir-
ginia, from his childhood. It is a matter of some
regret that the record of this trial cannot be found,
yet papers have been discovered among the archives
of the state, in which reference is made to this ti-ans-
action. The following is the narrative.

" Among the duties which every generation owes
to those who are to succeed it, we may reckon the
careful delineation of the characters of those whose
example deserves, and may invite imitation. Ex-
ample speaks louder than precept, and living practi-
cal religion has a much greater eifect on mankind
than argument or eloquence. Hence, the lives of
pious men become the most important sources of in-
struction and warning to posterity ; while their ex-

THp REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 163

emplary conduct affords the best commentary on the
rehgion they professed. But when such men have
been remarkably favoured of God, with unusual de-
grees of light and knowledge, and have been ho-
noured by the special and extraordinary influences
of his Holy Spirit, and by the most manifest and
wonderfulinterpositions of divine Providence in their
behalf, it becomes a duty of more than common
obligation, to hand down to posterity the principal
events of their lives, together with such useful infer-
ences as they naturally suggest. A neglect of this
duty, even by persons who may be conscious of the
want of abilities necessary for the complete biogra-
pher, is greatly culpable ; for, if the strictest attention
be paid to the truth of the facts related, and ail exag-
geration or partial representation be carefully avoid-
ed, the want of other furniture can be no excuse for
burying in oblivion that conduct which, if known
might edify and benefit the world.

" The writer of these memoirs has difflculties of a
peculiar kind to encounter, in attempting to sketch
the life of that modest, humble, and worthy man,
whose actions, exercises, and sentiments he wishes
to record. Worldly men, who are emulous to trans-
mit their names to following ages, take care to leave
such materials for the future historian, as may secure
the celebrity which they seek. But the humble fol-
lower of the meek and lowly Jesus, whose sole aim
is the glory of God, in the welfare of immortal souls,

\6\ THE REV. ^v.^r. tennent, jr.

goes on, from day to day, as seeing Him who is in-
visible, careful to approve himself only to the
Searcher of hearts, regardless of worldly fame or dis-
tinction, and leaving it to his heavenly Father to
reward him openly, in the day of final account.
The writer of such a man's life, must principally
rely on a personal acquaintance with him, and the
communications of his intimate friends, for the in-
formation which shall be imparted to the public. In
these circumstances it is peculiarly embarrassing, if
some of the facts to be recorded are of such a nature?
that it is most desirable to have their authenticity so
fully established, that incredulity shall be confounded,
and the sneer of the sceptical and profane lose its
effect. But the writer of the following narrative,
though placed in these circumstances, and having
such facts to detail, has nevertheless determined to
proceed. He has refreshed and corrected his own
recollection, by the most careful inquiries that he
could possibly make of others, until he is well as-
sured, that what he shall state is incontestable truth.
From the very nature of several things of which an
account will be given, they do not indeed admit of
any other direct testimony than that of the remarka-
able man to whom they relate. But if there ever
was a person who deserved to be believed unre-
servedly on his own word, it was he. He possessed
an integrity of soul and a soundness of judgment,
which did actuallv secure him an unlimited confi-

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 165

dcnce from all who knew him. Every species of
deception, falsehood, and exaggeration he abhorred
and scorned. He was an Israelite indeed, in whom
there was no guile. AVith such materials, then, as
have been mentioned, and for a work of such charac-
ter as has been hinted, the writer has undertaken his
task. He has undertaken what he would most
gladly have resigned to an abler hand; but from
which, as no other offered, he dared not withhold his
own. He could wish that speculative and even un-
believing minds might be instructed and convinced
by these memoirs. But his principal object, and
that in which he trusts he shall not be entirely dis-
appointed, is to direct, assist, and comfort pious souls,
groaning under the pressure of the calamities which
they often have to endure in their pilgrimage through
the wilderness of this world."

^- The Rev. Wm. Tennent, of Freehold, New Jer-
sey, was the second son of the Rev. Wm. Tennent,
sett., and was born on the 3d day of June, 1705,
in the county of Armagh, in Ireland, and was just
turned of thirteen years when he arrived in America.
He applied himself with much zeal and industry to
his studies, and made great proficiency in the lan-
guages, particularly in the Latin. Being early im-
pressed with a deep sense of divine things, he soon
determined to follow the example of his father and
elder brother, by devoting himself to the service of
God in the ministry of the gospel. His byother Gil-

16(J THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

bert being called to the pastoral charge of the church
at New Brunswick, in New Jersey, and making a
very considerable figure as a useful and popular
preacher, William determined, as he had completed
his course in the languages, to study divinity under
his brother. Accordingly, he left his father's house,
with his consent, and by his advice, and went to
New Brunswick. At his departure from home,
which was considered as his setting out in life, his
father addressed him with great affection, commend-
ing him to the favour and protection of that God,
from whom he himself had received so much mercy
and who had directed him in all his migrations. He
gave him a small sum of money, as the amount of
all he could do for him, telling him that if he behaved
well and did his duty, this was an ample provision
for. him ; and if he should act otherwise, and prove
ungrateful to a kind and gracious God, it was too
much and more than he deserved. Thus, with a pit-
tance, and the blessing of a pious and affectioiw-te
parent, of more consequence than thousands of
pounds, the young student set out in the world.

" After a regular course of study in theology, Mr.
Tennent was preparing for his examination by the
presbytery as a candidate for the gospel ministry.
His intense application affected his health, and
brought on a pain in his breast, and a slight hectic.
He soon became emaciated, and at length was hke a
living skeleton* His life was now threatened. He

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 167

was attended by a physician, a young gentleman
who was attached to him by the strictest and warm-
' est friendship. He grew worse and worse, till little
hope of life was left. In this shuation, his spirits
failed him, and he began to entertain doubts of his
final happiness. He was conversing, one morning,
with his brother, in Latin, on the state of his soul
when he fainted and died away. After the usual
time, he was laid out on a board, according to the
common practice of the country, and the neighbour-
hood were invited to attend his funeral on the next
day. In the evening, his physician and friend re-
turned from a ride in the country, and was afflicted
beyond measure at the news of his death. He could
not be persuaded that it was certain ; and on being
;old that one of the persons who had assisted in lay-
ng out the body thought he had observed a little
tremor of the flesh under the arm, although the body
was cold and stiff", he endeavoured to ascertain the
fact. He first put his own hand into warm water, to
nake it as sensible as possible, and then felt under
;he arm, and at the heart, and affirmed that he felt
in unusual warmth, though no one else could. He
lad the body restored to a warm bed, and insisted
hat the people who had been invited to the funeral
hould be requested not to attend. To this the bro-
her objected as absurd, the eyes being sunk, the
ips discoloured, and the whole body cold and stiff,
iowever, the doctor finally prevailed ; and all pro-

168 TUE REV. \VM. TENNENT, JR.

bable means were used to discover symptoms of re-
turning life. But the third day arrived, and no
hopes were entertained of success, but by the doctor,
who never left him night nor day. The people were
again invited, and assembled to attend the funeral*
The doctor still objected, and at last confined his re-
quest for delay to one hour, then to half an hour,
and finally to a quarter of an hour. He had disco-
vered that the tongue was much swollen, and threat-
ened to crack. He was endeavouring to soften it,
by some emollient ointment put upon it with a
feather, when the brother came in, about the expira-
tion of the last period, and mistaking what the doc-
tor was doing for an attempt to feed him, manifest-
ed some resentment, and in a spirited tone, said, < It
is shameful to be feeding a lifeless corpse ;' and in-
sisted, with earnestness, that the funeral should im-
mediately proceed. At this critical and important
moment, the body, to the great alarm and astonish-
ment of all present, opened its eyes, gave a dreadful
groan, and sunk again into apparent death. This
put an end to all thoughts of burying him, and
every effort was again employed in hopes of bring-
ing about a speedy resuscitation. In about an hour,
the eyes again opened, a heavy groan proceeded
from the body, and again all appearance of anima-
tion vanished. In another hour, life seemed to
return with more power, and a complete revival
took place, to the great joy of the family and friends,

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 169

and to the no small astonishment and conviction of
very many who had been ridiculing the idea of
restoring to life, a dead body.

" Mr. Tennent continued in so weak and low a
state for six weeks, that great doubts were enter-
tained of his final recovery. However, after that
period he recovered much faster, but it was about
twelve months before he was completely restored.
After he was able to walk the room, and to take
notice of what passed around him, on a Sunday
afternoon, his sister, who had staid from church to
attend him, was reading in the Bible, when he took
notice of it, and asked her what she had in her hand.
She answered that she was reading the Bible. He
replied, ' What is the Bible ? I know not what you
mean.^ This affected the sister so much that she
burst into tears, and informed him, that he was once
well acquainted with it. On her reporting this to
the brother, when he returned, Mr. Tennent was
found, upon examination, to be totally ignorant of
every transaction of his hfe previous to his sickness.
He could not read a single word, neither did he
seem to have any idea of what it meant. As soon
as he became capable of attention, he was taught to
read and write, as children are usually taught, and
afterwards began to learn the Latin language under
the tuition of his brother. One day, as he was
reciting a lesson in Cornelius Nepos, he suddenly
started, clapped his hand to his head, as if something

170 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

had hurt him, and made a pause. His brother ask-
ing him what was the matter, he said, that he felt a
sudden shock in his head, and it now seemed to
him as if he had read that book before. By degrees,
his recollection was restored, and he could speak the
Latin as fluently as before his sickness. His memory
so completely revived, that he gained a perfect
knoAvledge of the past transactions of his life, as if no
difficulty had previously occurred. This event, at
the time, made a considerable noise, and afforded,
not only matter of serious contemplation to the de-
vout Christian, especially when connected with what
follows in this narration, but furnished a subject of
deep investigation and learned inquiry to the real
philosopher and curious anatomist.

" The writer of these memoirs was greatly inte-
rested by these uncommon events ; and, on a favour-
able occasion, earnestly pressed Mr. Tennent for a
minute account of what his views and apprehensions
were, while he lay in this extraordinary state of sus-
pended animation. He discovered great reluctance
to enter into any explanation of his perceptions and
feelings, at this time ; but, being importunately urged
to do it, he at length consented, and proceeded with
a solemnity not to be described.

" « While I was conversing with my brother,' said
he, * on the state of my soul, and the fears I had en-
tertained for my future welfare, I found myself, in
an instant, in another state of existence, under the

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JH. 171

direction of a superior being, who ordered me to
follow him. I was accordingly wafted along, I
know not how, till I beheld at a distance an ineffable
glory, the impression of which on my mind it is im-
possible to communicate to mortal man. I imme-
diately reflected on my happy change, and thought,
— Well, blessed be God ! I am safe at last, notwith-
standing all my fears. I saAv an innumerable host
of happy beings, surrounding the inexpressible glory,
in acts of adoration and joyous worship ; but I did
not see any bodily shape or representation in the
glorious appearance. I heard things unutterable. I
heard their songs and hallelujahs of thankwSgiving
and praise, with unspeakable rapture. I felt joy
unutterable and full of glory. I then applied to my
conductor, and requested leave to join the happy
throng. On which he tapped me on the shoulder,
and said, ^You must return to the earth.' This
seemed like a sword through my heart. In an in-
stant, I recollect to have seen my brother standing
before me, disputing with the doctor. The three days
during which I had appeared lifeless, seemed to me
not more than ten or twenty minutes. The idea of
returning to this world of sorrow and trouble, gave
me such a shock, that I fainted repeatedly.' He
added, ' Such was the effect on my mind of what I
had seen and heard, that if it be possible for a hu-
man being to live entirely above the world and the
things of it for some time afterwards, I was that per-

172 THE REV. VVM. TENNENT, JR.

son The ravishing sounds of the songs and fialie-
hijahs that I heard, and the very words utter-
ed, were not out of my ears, when awake, for at
least three years. All the kingdoms of the earth
wore in my sight as nothing and vanity ; and so
great were my ideas of heavenly glory, that nothing,
which did not, in some measure, relate to it, could
command my serious attention.'*

* " The author has been particularly solicitous to obtain
every confirmation of this extraordinary event in the life of
Mr. Tennent. He accordingly wrote to every person he
could think of, likely to have conversed with Mr. T. on the
subject. He received several answers ; but the following
letter from the worthy successor of Mr. Tennent, in the pas-
toral charge of his church, will answer for the author's pur-
pose.

*' 'Monmouth, New Jersey, Dec. 10th, 1805,
" ' Dear Sir,

" 'Agreeably to your request, I now send you in writing the
remarkable account, which I sometime since gave you ver-
bally, respecting your good friend, my worthy predecessor,
the late Rev. William Tennent, of this place. In a very free
and feeling conversation on religion, and on the future rest
and blessedness of the people of God, (while travelling to-
gether from Monmouth to Princeton) I mentioned to Mr.
Tennent, that I should be highly gratified in hearing, from
his own mouth, an account of the trance which he was said
to have been in, unless the relation would be disagreeable to
himself After a short silence, he proceeded, saying, that he
had been sick with a fever, that the fever increased, and he
by degrees sunk under it. After some time (as his friends
informed him.) lie died, or appeared to die, in the same man-
ner as persons usually do ; that in laying him out, one hap-
pened to draw his hand under the left arm, and perceived a

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 17S

" It is not surprising, that after so affecting an ac-
count, strong solicitude should have been felt for
further information as to the words, or at least the
subjects of praise and adoration, which Mr. Tennent

small tremor in the flesh ; that he was laid out, and was cold
and stiff. The time for his funeral was appointed, and the
people collected ; but a young doctor, his particular friend,
pleaded wiih great earnestness that he might not then be
buried, as the tremor under the arm continued ; that his bro-
ther Gilbert, became impatient with the young gentleman,
and said to him, '■What! a man not dead, who is cold and
stiff as a stake ?^ The importunate young friend, however,
prevailed ; another day was appointed for the burial, and the
people separated. During this interval, many means were
made use of to discover, if possible^ some symptoms of life,
but none appeared excepting the tremor. The doctor never
left him for three nights and three days. The people again
met to bury him, but could not even then obtain the consent
of his friend, who pleaded for one hour more ; and when that
was gone, he pleaded for half an hour, and then for a quar-
ter of an hour ; when, just at the close of this period, on
which hung his last hope, Mr. Tennent opened his eyes.
They then pried open his mouth, which was stiff, so as to
get a quili into it, through which some liquid was conveyed
into the stomach, and he by degrees recovered.

'' ' This account, as intimated before, Mr. Tennent said he
had received from his friends. I said to him, * Sir, you seem
to be one indeed raised from the dead, and may tell us what
it is to die, and what you were sensible of while in that state.
He replied in the following words: 'As to dying — I found
my fever increase, and I became weaker and weaker, untill all
at once, I found myself in heaven, as I thought. I saw no
shape as to the Deity, but glory all unutlcrahle P Here he
paused, as though unable to find words to express his views,
let his bridle fail, and lifting up his hands, proceeded, * I can
say, as St. Paul did, I heard and I saw things all unutterable;
I saw a great multitude before this glory, apparently in the

L2

174 THE REV. WM. TEXNENT, JR.

had heard. But when he was requested to commu-
nicate these, he gave a decided negative, adding,
< You will know them, with many other particulars,
hereafter, as you will fnid the whole among my pa-
pers ;' alluding to his intention of leaving the writer

height of bRss, singing most melodiously. I was transported
with my own situation, viewing all my troubles ended and
my rest and glory begun, and was about to join the great and
happy multitude, when one came to me, looked me full in
the face, laid his hand upon my shoulder, and said, ' You
must go back.' These words went through me: nothing
could have shocked me more ; I cried out. Lord, must I go
back ! With this shuck I opened my eyes in this world.
When I saw I was in the world, I fainted, then came to, and
fainted fur several times, as one probably would naturally
have done in so weak a situation.

" 'Mr. Tennent lurther informed me, that he had so entirely
lost the recollection of his past Ijfe, and the benefit of his
former studies, that he could neither understand what was
spoken to him, nor write, nor read his own name. That he
had to begin aU anew, and did not recollect that he had ever
read before, until he had again learned his letters, and was
able to pronounce the monosyllables, such as thee and thou.
But, that as his strength returned, which was very slowly,
his memory also returned. Yet, notwithstanding the extreme
feebleness of his situation, his recollection of what he saw
and heard while in heaven, as he supposed, and the sense of
divine things, which he there obtained, continued all the
time in their full strength, so that he was continually in
something like an ccstacy of mind. 'And,' said he, 'for
three years, the sense o' divine things continued so great,
and every thing else appeared so completely vain, when
compared to heaven, that could I have had the world for
Blooping down for it, I believe I should not have thought oi
doing it.' "

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 175

hereof his executor, which precluded any further
soUcitation.*

" The pious and candid reader is left to his own
reflections on this very extraordinary occurrence.
The facts have been stated, and they are unquestion-
able. The writer will only ask, whether it be con-
trary to revealed truth or to reason, to believe, that
in every age of the world, instances like that which
is here recorded, have occurred, to furnish living tes-
timony of the reality of the invisible world, and of
the infinite importance of eternal concerns ?

'^\s soon as circumstances would permit, Mr. Ten-
nent was licensed, and began to preach the ever-
lasting gospel \rith great zeal and success. The
death of his brother John, who had been some
time settled as minister of the Presbyterian church

* " It was so ordered, in the course of divine Providence,
that the writer was sorely disappointed in his expectation of
obtaining the papers here alluded to. Such, however, was
the will of Heaven ! Mr. Tennent's death happened during
the revolutionary war, when the enemy separated the writer
from him, so as to render it impracticable to attend him on
a dying bed; and before it was possible to get to his house,
after his death (the writer being with the American army at
the Valley-Forge), his* son came from Charleston, and took
his mother, and his father's papers and property, and re-
turned to Carolina. About fifty miles from Charleston, the
son was suddenly taken sick and died among entire strangers ;
and never since, though the writer was also left executor to
the son, could any trace of the father's papers be discovered
by him."

L3

176 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

at Freehold, in the county of Monmouth, New Jer-
sey, left that congregation in a destitute state. They
had experienced so much spiritual benefit from the
indefatigable labours and pious zeal, of this able
minister of Jesus Christ, that they soon turned their
attention to his brother, who was received on trial,
and after one year, was found to be no unworthy
successor to so excellent a predecessor. In October,
1733, Mr. Tennent was regularly ordained their
pastor, and contimied so through the whole of a
pretty long life ; one of the best proofs of ministe-
rial fidelity.

Although his salary was small, (it is thought un-
der i^lOO,) yet the glebe belonging to the church
was an excellent plantation, on which he lived, and
which, with care and good farming, was capable of
maintaining a family with comfort. But his inat-
tention to the things of this world was so great, that
he left the management of his temporal concerns
wholly to a faithful servant, in whom he placed
great confidence. After a short time, he found his
worldly aff"airs were becoming embarrassed. His
steward reported to him that he was in debt to the
merchant between 20/. and 30/.,*and he knew of no
means of payment, as the ciops had fallen short.
Mr. Tennent mentioned this to an intimate friend, a
merchant of New York, who was on a visit at his
house. His friend told him, that this mode of life
would not do, that he must get a wife, to attend to

THE REV. Wil. TEIfKENT, JR. 177

his temporal affairs, and to comfort his leisure hours
by conjugal endearments. He smiled at the idea,
and assured him it never could be the case, unless
some friend would provide one for him, for he knew
not how to go about it. His friend told him he was
ready to undertake the business ; that he had a sis-
ter-in-law, an excellent woman, of great piety, a
widow, of his own age, and one peculiarly suited
in all respects to his character and circumstances.
In short, that she was every thing he ought to look
for ; and if he would go with him to New York the
next day, he would settle the negociation for him.
To this he soon assented. The next evening found
him in that city, and before noon the day after, he
was introduced to Mrs. Noble. He was much
pleased with her appearance ; and, when left alone
with her, abruptly told her, that he supposed her
brother had informed her of his errand ; that neither
his tim.e nor inclination would suffer him to use
much ceremony ; but that if she approved the mea-
sure, he would attend his charge on the next Sabbath,
and return on Monday, be mxarried, and immediately
take her home. The lady, with some hesitation and
difficulty, at last consented, being convinced that his
situation and circumstances rendered it proper.
Thus, in one week, she found herself mistress of his
house. She proved a most invaluable treasure to
him, more than answering every thing said of her by
an affectionate brother. She took the care of his

178 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

temporal concerns upon her, extricated him from
debt, and, by a happy union of prudence and econ-
omy, so managed all his worldly business, that in a
few years his circumstances became easy and com-
fortable. In a word, in her was literally fulfilled the
declaration of Solomon, that ^ a virtuous woman is
a crown to her husband, and that her price is far
above rubies.' Besides several children who died
in infancy, he had by her, three sons, who attained
the age of manhood; John, who studied physic, and
died in the West Indies when about thirty-three
years of age ; William, a man of superior charac-
ter, and minister of the Independent church in
Charleston, South Carolina, who died the latter end
of September, or beginning of October, a. d. 1777,
about thirty-seven years old ; and Gilbert, who also
practised physic, and died at Freehold, before his
father, aged twenty eight years. Few parents could
boast three sons of a more manly or handsome ap-
pearance ; and the father gave them the most liberal
education that the country could afford.

" Mr. Tennent's inattention to earthly things con-
tinued till his eldest son was about three years old,
when he led him out into the fields on a Lord's day,
after public worship. The design of the walk was
for religious meditation. As he went along, acci-
dentally casting his eye on the cliild, a thought sud-
denly struck him, and he asked himself this ques-
tion : * should God in his providence take me hence,

THE REV. WM. TENNENT^ JR. 179

what would become of this child and his mother,
for whom I have never taken any personal care to
make provision ? How can I answer this negligence
to God and to them?' The impropriety of his inatten-
tion to the relative duties of life, which God had called
him to ; and the consideration of the sacred declara-
tion, ^thathe who does not provide for his own house-
hold, has denied the faith, and is worse than an in-
fidel,' had such an impressive effect on his mind, that
it almost deprived him of his senses. He saw his
conduct, which before he thought arose entirely
from a deep sense of divine things, in a point of
light in which he never before had viewed it. He
immediately attempted to return home, but so great
was his distress, that it was with difficulty he could
get along ; till, all at once, he was relieved by as
suddenly recurring to that text of scripture, which
came into his mind with extraordinary force, ' but
unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheri-
tance, the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance.'
Such, however, was the effect of this unexpected
scene on Mr. Tennent's mind and judgment, that
ever afterwards he prudently attended to the tem-
poral busiuess of life, still, however, in perfect sub-
ordination to the great things of eternity ; and be-
came fully convinced that God was to be faithfully
served, as well by discharging relative duties in his
love and fear, as by the more immediate acts of de-
votion. He clearly perceived, that every duty had

ISO THE REV. U'M. TENXENT, JR.

its proper time and place, as well as motive ; that
we had a right, and were called of God, to eat and
drink, and to be properly clothed ; and of course
that care should be taken to procure those things,
provided that all be done to the glory of God. In
the duties of a gospel minister, however, especially
as they related to his pastoral charge, he still en-
gaged with the utmost zeal and faithfulness ; and
was esteemed by all ranks and degrees, as far as his
labours extended, as a fervent, useful, and successful
preacher of the gospel.

"His judgment of mankind was such as to give
him a marked superiority, in this respect, over his
contemporaries, and greatly aided him in his minis-
terial functions. He was scarcely ever mistaken in
the character of a man with whom he conversed,
though it was but for a few hours. He had an in-
dependent mind, which was seldom satisfied on im-
portant subjects without the best evidence that was
to be had. His manner was remarkably impres-
sive ; and his sermons, although seldom polished,
were generally delivered with such indescribable
power, that he was truly an able and a successful
minister of the New Testament. He could say
things from the pulpit, which if said by almost any
other man, would have been thought a violation of
propriety. But by him they were delivered in a
manner so peculiar to himself, and so extremely im-
pressive, that they seldom failed to please and to in^

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 181

Struct. As an instance of this the following anec-
dote is given, of the truth of which the writer was
a witness.

" Mr. Tennent was passing through a town in the
state of New Jersey, in which he was a stranger,
and had never preached, and stopping at a friend's
house to dine, was informed, that it was a day of
fasting and prayer in the congregation, on account
of a very remarkable and severe drought, which
threatened the most dangerous consequences to the
fruits of the earth. His friend had just returned
from church, and the intermission was but half an
hour. Mr. Tennent was requested to preach, and
with great difficulty consented, as he wished to pro-
ceed on his journey. At church, the people were
surprised to see a preacher, wholly unknown to
them, and entirely unexpected, ascend the pulpit.
His whole appearance, being in a travelling dress,
covered with dust, wearing an old fashioned large
wig, discoloured like his clothes, and a long meagre
visage, engaged their attention, and excited their
curiosity. On his rising up, instead of beginning to
pray, as was the usual practice, he looked around
the congregation, with a piercing eye and earnest
attention, and after a minute's profound silence, he
addressed them with great solemnity in the follow-
ing words : ' My beloved brethren I I am told you
have come here to-day to fast and pray ; a very
good work indeed, provided you have come with a

183 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

sincere desire to glorify God thereby. But if your
design is merely to comply with a customary prac-
tice, or with the wish of your church officers, you
are guilty of the greatest folly imaginable, as you
had much better have staid at home and earned
your three shillings and six pence.* But if your
minds are indeed impressed with the solemnity of
the occasion, and you are reahy desirous of hum-
bling yourselves before Almighty God, your heaven-
ly Father, come, join with me, and let us pray/
This had an effect so uncommon and extraordinary
on the congregation, that the utmost seriousness was
universally manifested. The prayer and the ser-
mon added greatfy to tlie impressions already made^
and tended to rouse the attention, influence the mind
command the afl'ections, and increase the temper
which had been so happily produced. Many had
reason to bless God for his unexpected visit, and to
reckon this day one of the happiest of their lives.t

* " At that time, the stated price for a clay's labour.

t ** The writer having requested of the present Rev. Dr.
William M. Tennent a written account of an anecdote rela-
tive to his uncle, which he had once heard him repeat ver-
bally, received in reply ihe following letter :

^^ Abingt07i, January ll^A, 1806.
" Sir,

♦' The anecdote of my venerable relative, the Kev. Wil-
liam Tennent, of Freehold, which you wished me to send
to you, is as follows ;

'' During the great revival of religion, which look place
under the ministry of Mr. Whitefield, and others distin-

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 183

"While on this subject, we may introduce an-
other anecdote of this wonderful man, to show the
dealings of God with him, and the deep contempla-
tions of his mind. He was attending the duties of
the Lord's day in his own congregation as usual,
where the custom was to have morning and even-

guished for their piety and zeal at that period, Mr. Tennent
was laboriously active, and much engaged to help forward
the work ; in the performance of which he met with strong
and powerful temptations. The following is related as re-
ceived in substance, from his own lips, and may be consid-
ered as extraordinary and singularly striking.

" On the evening preceding public worship, which was
to be attended the next day, he selected a subject for the
discourse which was to be delivered, and made some pro-
gress in his preparations. In the morning, he resumed the
same subject, with an intention to extend his thoughts fur-
ther on it, but was presently assaulted wiih a temptation,
that the Bible Avhich he then held in his hand was not of
divine authority, but the invention of man. He instantly
endeavoured to repel the temptation by prayer, but his en-
deavours proved unavailing. The temptation continued,
and fastened upon him with greater strength, as the time
advanced for public service. He lost all the thoughts which
he had on his subject the preceding evening. He tried
other subjects, but could get nothing for the people. The
whole book of God, under that distressing state of mind,
was a sealed book to him ; and to add to his affliction, he
was, to use his own words, < shut up in prayer.' A cloud,
dark as that of Egypt, oppressed his mind.

♦' Thus agonized in spirit, he proceeded to the church
where he found a large congregation assembled, and wait-
ing to hear the word ; and then it was, he observed, that he
was more deeply distressed than ever, and especially for the
dishonour which he feared would fall upon rehgion, through
him, that day. He resolved, however, to attempt the ser-

/

184 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

ing service with only a half hour's intermission, to
relieve the attention. He had preached in the
morning, and in the intermission had walked into
the woods for meditation, the weather being warm.
He was reflecting on the infinite wisdom of God, as
manifested in all his works, and particularly in the
wonderful method of salvation, through the death
and sufferings of his beloved Son. This subject
suddenly opened on his mind with such a flood of
light, that his views of the glory, and the infinite

vice. He introduced it by singing a 'psalm, during which
limo his agitations were increased to the highest degree.
When the moment for prayer commenced, he arose, as one
in the most perilous and painful situation, and with arms
extended to the heavens, began with this outcry, 'Lord have
mercy upon me!' Upon the utterance of this petition, he
was heard ; tlie thicii cloud instantly broke away, and an
unspeakably joyful light shone in upon his soul, so that his
spirit seemed to be caught up to the heavens, and he felt as
though he saw God, as Moses did on the Mount, face to
face, and was carried forth to him, with an enlargement
greater than he had ever before experienced, and on every
page of the scriptures saw his divinity inscribed in brightest
colours. The result was a deep solemnity on the face of
the whole congregation, and the house at the end of the
prayer was a Bochim. He gave them the subject of his
evening meditations, which was brought to his full remem-
brance, with an overflowing abundance of other weighty
and solemn matter. The Lord blessed the discourse, so
that it proved the happy means of the conversion of about
thirty persons. This day he spoke of, ever afterwards, as
his harvest-day.

*' I am, your's with esteem,

'• WILLIAM M. TENNENT."

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 185

majesty of Jehovah, were so inexpressibly great as
entirely to overwhelm him, and he fell, almost life-
less, to the ground. When he had revived a little,
all he could do was to raise a fervent prayer that
God would withdraw himself from him, or that he
must perish under a view of his ineffable glory.
When able to reflect on his situation, he could not
but abhor himself as a weak and despicable worm,
and seemed to be overcome whh astonishment, that
a creature so unworthy and insufficient, had ever
dared to attempt the instruction of his fellow-men
in the nature and attributes of so glorious a Being.
Overstaying his usual time, some of his elders went
in search of him, and found him prostrate on the
ground, unable to rise, and incapable of informing
them of the cause. They raised him up, and after
some time brought him to the church, and sup-
ported him to the pulpit, which he ascended on his
hands and knees, to the no small astonishment of
the congregation. He remained silent a considera-
ble time, earnestly supplicating Almighty God (as
he told the writer) to hide himself from him, that
he might be enabled to address his people, who
were by this time lost in wonder to know what had
produced this uncommon event. His prayers were
heard, and he became able to stand up, by holding
the desk. He now began the most affecting and
pathetic address that the congregation had ever re-
ceived from him. He gave a surprising account of

186 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

the views he had, of the infinite wisdom of God,
and greatly deplored his own incapacity to speak to
them concerning a being so infinitely glorious be-
yond all his powers of description. He attempted
to show something of what had been discovered to
him of tlie astonishing wisdom of Jehovah, of which
it was impossible for human nature to form adequate
conceptions. He then broke out into so fervent and
expressive a prayer, as greatly to surprise the congre-
gation, and draw tears from every eye. A sermon
followed, that continued the solemn scene, and made
very lasting impressions on all the hearers.* ^

" The great increase of communicants in his
church was a good evidence of his pastoral care and
powerful preaching, as it exceeded that of most
churches in the synod. But his labours were not
confined to the pulpit. He was indefatigable in his
endeavours to communicate, in private families, a
savour of the knowledge of spiritual and divine
things. In his parochial visits, he used regularly to
go through his congregation in order, so as to carry
the unsearchable riches of Christ to every house.
He earnestly pressed it on the conscience of parents

* Mr. Tennent did not confine himself to any particular
length in his sermons, but regulated this very much by his
feelings. The late Rev. Dr. Spring of Newburyport, in-
formed the editor, that he and other students of Nassau Hall
walked twenty miles to hear him preach, and the sermon,
measured by the watch, was no more than thirteen minutes,
in the delivery.

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 187

to instruct their children at home by plain and easy
questions, so as gradually to expand their young
minds, and prepare them for the reception of the
more practical doctrines of the gospel. In this, Mr.
Tennent has presented an excellent example to his
brethren in the ministry ; for certain it is, that more
good may be done in a congregation, by this domes-
tic mode of instruction, than any one can imagine,
who has not made the trial. Children and servants
are in this way prepared for the teachings of the
sanctuary, and to reap the full benefit of the word
publicly preached. He made it a practice in all
these visits to enforce practical religion on all, high
and low, rich and poor, young and old, master and
servant. To this he was particularly attentive, it
being a favourite observation with him, Uhat he
loved a religion that a man could live by.'

<' Mr Tennent carefully avoided the discussion of
controversial subjects, unless specially called to it by
particular circumstances, and then he was ever ready
to assign the reason of his faith. The following
occurrence will show the general state of his mind
and feelings in regard to such subjects. A couple of
young clergymen, visiting at his house, entered into
a dispute on the question, at that time much contro-
verted in New England, whether faith or repentance
were first in order, in the conversion of a sinner.
Not being able to determine the point, they agreed
to make Mr. Tennent their umpire, and to dispute

18$ THE REV. WM, TENNENT, JR.

the subject at length before him. He accepted the
proposal, and, after a solemn debate for some lime,
his opinion being asked, he very gravely took his
pipe from his mouth, looked out of his window,
pointed to a man ploughing on a hill at some dis-
tance, and asked the young clergymen, if they knew
that man : on their answering in the negative, he
told them it was one of his elders, who, to his
full conviction, had been a sincere Christian for more
than thirty years. < Now,' said Mr. Tennent, ^ask
him, whether faith or repentance came first, what
do you think he would say ?' They said, they could
not tell. ' Then,' says he, « I will tell you : he would
say, that he cared not which came first, but that he
had got them both. Now, my friends,' he added,
< be careful that you have both a true faith, and a
sincere repentance, and do not be greatly troubled
which comes first.' It is not, however, to be sup-
posed by this, that INIr. Tennent was unfriendly to a
deep and accurate examination of all important
theological doctrines. There were few men more
earnest than he, to have young clergymen well
instructed and thoroughly furnished for their work.
This, indeed, was an object on which his heart was
much set, and which he exerted himself greatly to
promote.

« Mr. Tennent was remarkably distinguished for a
pointed attention to the particular circumstances and
situation of the afflicted, either in body or mind, and

THE REV. WM. TENXENT, JR. 189

would visit them with as much care and attention as
a physician, and frequently indeed proved an able
one, to both soul and body. Bat his greatest talent
was that of a peace-maker, which he possessed in so
eminent a degree, that probably none have exceed-
ed, and very few have equalled him in it. He was
sent for, far and near, to settle disputes, and heal
difficulties, which arose in congregations ; and, hap-
pily for those concerned, he was generally successful.
Indeed, he seldom would relinquish his object till he
had accomplished it.

" But while this man of God was thus successful
in promoting the best interests of his fellow creatures,
and advancing the glory of his Lord and Master,
the great enemy of mankind was not likely to
observe the destruction of his kingdom without
making an effort to prevent it. As he assailed our
blessed Saviour, in the days of his flesh, with all his
art and all his power, so has he always made the
faithful followers of the Redemer the objects of his
inveterate malice. If the good man of whom we
write, was greatly honoured by peculiar communi-
cations from on high, he was also very often the
subject of the severe buffetings of that malignant
and fallen spirit.

« The tim.e of which we are now speaking was
remarkable for a great revival of religion, in which
Mr. Tennent was considerably instrumental, and in
which a Mr. John Rowland, brought up with Mr.

M

190 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

Tennent at the Log College, Avas also very remarK-
able for his successful preaching, among all ranks of
people. Possessing a commanding eloquence, as
well as other estimable quaUties, he became very-
popular, and was much celebrated throughout the
country. His celebrity and success were subjects
of very serious regret to many careless worldlings,
who placed all their happiness in the enjoyment of
temporal objects, and considered and represented
Mr. Rowland and his brethren as fanatics and
hypocrites. Tliis was specially applicable to many
of the gi'eat men of the then province of New Jer-
sey, and particularly to the Chief Justice, who was
well known for his disbelief of revelation. There
was, at this time, prowling through the country, a
noted man by the name of Tom Bell, whose know-
ledge and understanding were very considerable,
and who greatly excelled in low art and cunning.
His mind was totally debased, and his whole con-
duct betrayed a soul capable of descending to every
species of iniquity. In all the arts of theft, robbery,
fraud, deception, and defamation, he Avas so deeply
skilled, and so thoroughly practised, that it is be-
lieved, he never had his equal in this country. He
had been indicted in almost every one of the middle
colonies; but his ingenuity and cunning always
enabled him to escape punishment. This man un-
happily resembled Mr. Rowland, in his external

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 191

appearance, so as hardly to be known from him,
without the most careful examination.

" It so happened, that Tom Bell arrived one
evening, at a tavern in Princeton, dressed in a dark,
parson's gray frock. On his entering the tavern,
about dusk, the late John Stockton, Esq., of that
town, a pious and respectable man, to whom Mr.
Rowland was well known, went up to Bell, and ad-
dressed him as Mr. Rowland, and was inviting him
to go home with him. Bell assured him of his mis-
take. It was with some difficulty that Mr. Stockton
acknowledged his error, and then informed Bell, that
it had arisen from his great resemblance to Mr. Row-
land. This hint was sufficient for the prolific genius
of that notorious impostor. The next day. Bell
went into the county of Hunterdon, and stopped in a
congregation where Mr. Rowland had formerly
preached once or twice, but where he was not inti-
mately known. Here he met v^ath a member of the
congregation, to whom he introduced himself as the
Rev. Mr. Rowland, who had preached to them some
time before. This gentleman immediately invited
him to his house, to spend the week ; and begged
him, as the people were without a minister, to
preach for them on the next Sabbath, to which Bell
agreed, and notice was accordingly given to the
neighbourhood. The impostor was treated with
every mark of attention and respect ; and a private

room was assigned to him, as a studv, to prepare for
M2

193 THE REV. VTM.

the Sabbath. The sacred day arrived, and he was
invited to ride to church with the ladies in the family
wagon, and the master of the house accompanied
them on an elegant horse. When they had arrived
near the church, Bell on a sudden discovered, that
he had left his notes in his study, and proposed to
ride back for them on the fine horse, by which
means he should be able to return in time for the
service. This proposal was instantly agreed to, and
Bell mounted the horse, returned to the house, rifled
the desk of his host, and made off with the horse.
Wherever he stopped, he called himself the Rev.
John Rowland.

*^ At the time this event took place, Messrs. Tennent
and Rowland had gone into Pennsylvania, or Mary-
land, with Mr. Joshua Anderson, and Mr. Benjamin
Stevens, (both members of a church contiguous to
that where Bell had practised his fraud) on business
of a religious nature. Soon after their return, Mr.
Rowland was charged with the above robbery : he
gave bonds to appear at the court at Trenton, and
the affair made a great noise throughout the colony.
At the court of oyer and terminer, the judge charged
the grand jury on the subject with great severity.
After long consideration, the jury returned into court
without finding a bill. The judge reproved them,
in an angry manner, and ordered them out again.
They again returned without finding a bill, and were
again sent out with threatenings of severe punish-

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 193

ment if they persisted in their refusal. At last they
agreed, and brought in a bill for the alleged crime.
On the trial, Messrs. Tennent, Anderson, and Ste-
vens, appeared as witnesses, and fully proved an
alibi in favour of Mr. Rowland, by swearing, that
on the very day on which the robbery was commit-
ted, they were with Mr. Rowland, and heard him
preach in Pennsylvania or Maryland. The jury
accordingly acquitted him without hesitation, to the
great disappointment and mortification of his prose-
cutors, and of many other enemies to the great
revival of religion that had recently taken place ;
but to the great joy of the serious and well dis-
posed.

*'The spirits hostile to the spread of the gospel were
not, however, so easily overcome. In their view,
an opportunity was now presented, favourable for
inflicting a deep wound on the cause of Christianity j
and, as if urged on by the malice of man's great
enemy, they resolved that no means should be left
untried, no arts unemployed, for the destruction of
these distinguished servants of God. Many and
various were the circumstances which still contri-
buted to inspire them with hopes of success. The
testimony of the person who had been robbed, was
positive that Mr. Rowland was the robber ; and this
testimony was corroborated by that of a number of
individuals who had seen Tom Bell personating Mr.

Rowland, using his name, and in possession of the
M3

194 THE REV. \VM. TENNENT, JR.

horse. These sons of Belial had been able, after
great industry used for the purpose, to collect amass of
evidence of this kind, which they considered as esta-
blishing the fact; but JNIr. Rowland was now out of
their power by the verdict of 7iot guilty. Their
vengeance, therefore, was directed against the wit-
nesses by whose testimony he had been cleared ;
and, they were accordingly arraigned for perjury,
before a court of quarter sessions, in the county ;
and the grand jury received a strict charge, the plain
import of which was, that tliese good men ought to
be indicted. After an examination of the testimony
on one side only, as is the custom in such cases, the
grand jury did, accordingly, find bills of indictment
against Messrs. Tennent, Anderson, and Stevens, for
wilful and corrupt perjury. Their enemies, and the
enemies of the gospel, now began to triumph.
They gloried in the belief, that an indelible stain
would be fixed on the professors of religion, and of
consequence on religion itself; and that this new
light, by which they denominated all appearance of
piety, would soon be extinguished for ever.

" These indictments were removed to the supreme
court ; and poor JNIr. Anderson, living in the county,
and conscious of his entire imiocence, could not
brook the idea of lying under the odium of the
hatefulcrimeofperjury,he,t]ierefore,demandcdatrial
at the first court of oyer and terminer. This proved
most seriously injurious to him, for he was pro-

THE REV» WM. TENNENT, JR. 195

nounced guilty, and most cruelly and unjustly con-
demned to stand one hour on the court-house steps,
with a paper on his breast, whereon was written in
iai'ge letters, ' This is for wilful and corrupt perjury ;'
which sentence was executed upon him.

" Messrs. Tennent and Stevens were summoned to
appear at the next court ; and attended accordingly,
depending on the aid of Mr. John Coxe, an eminent
lawyer, who had been previously employed to con-
duct their defence. As Mr. Tennent was wholly
miacquainted with the- nature of forensic litigation,
and did not know of any person living who could
prove his innocence, (all the persons who were with
him being indicted) his only resource and consola-
tion was, to commit himself to the divine will, and
if he must suffer, to take it as from the hand of
God, who, he well knew, could make even the
wrath of man to praise him ;* and considering it as
probable that he might suffer, he had prepared a
sermon to be preached from the pillory, if that
should be his fate. On his arrival at Trenton, he
found the famous Mr. Smith, of New York, father
of the late chief justice of Canada, one of the ablest
lawyers in America, and of a religious character,
who had voluntarily attended to aid in his defence ;
also his brother Gilbert, who was now settled in the

* "His affectionate congregation felt deeply interested in his
critical situation, and kept a day of fasting and prayer on the
occasion.

199 THE REV. WM. TENNEIfT, JR.

pastoral charge of the second Presbyterian church,
in Philadelphia, and who brought Mr. John Kin-
sey, one of the first counsellors of that city, for the
same purpose. Messrs. Tennent and Stevens met these
gentlemen at Mr. Coxe's, the morning before the
trial was to come on. Mr. Coxe requested that they
would bring in their witnesses, that they might ex-
amine them previously to their going into court.
Mr. Tennent answered, that he did not know of any
witnesses but God and his own conscience. Mr.
Coxe replied, ' If you have nO witnesses, sir, the trial
must be put off; otherwise you most certainly will
be convicted. You well know the strong testimony
that will be brought against you, and the exertions
that are making to accompUsh your ruin.' Mr.
Tennent replied, ^ I am sensible of all this, yet it
never shall be said that I have delayed the trial, or
been afraid to meet the justice of my country. I
know my own innocence, and that God whose I am,
and whom I serve, will never suffer me to fall by
these snares of the devil, or by the wicked machina-
tions of his agents or servants. Therefore, gentle-
men, go on to the trial.' Messrs. Smith and Kinsey,
who were both religious men, told him that his con-
fidence and trust in God, as a Christian minister of
the gospel, was well founded, and before a heavenly
tribunal would be all-important to him ; but assured ^
him it would not avail in an earthly court, and
urged his consent to put off the trial. Mr. Tennent

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 197

continued inflexible in his refusal; on which Mr.
Coxe told him, that since he was determined to go
to trial, he had the satisfaction of informing him,
that they had discovered a flaw in the indictment,
which might prove favourable to him on a demur-
rer. He asked for an explanation, and on finding
that it was to admit the fact in a legal point of view,
and rest on the law arising from it, Mr. Tennent
broke out with great vehemence, saying that this
was another snare of the devil, and before he would
coUvSent to it he would suff'er death. He assured his
counsel, that his confidence in God was so strong,
and his assurance that he would bring about his
deliverance in some way or other, was so great, that
he did not wish them to delay the trial for a mo-
ment.

"Mr. Stevens, whose faith was not of this de-
scription, and who was bowed down to the ground
under the most gloomy apprehensions of suffering,
as his neighbour Mr. Anderson had done, eagerly
seized the opportunity of escape that was offered,
and was afterwards discharged on the exception.

" Mr. Coxe still urged putting off the trial, charg-
ing Mr. Tennent with acting the part rather of a
wild enthusiast, than of a meek and prudent Chris-
tian ; but he insisted that they should proceed, and
left them in astonishment, not knowing how to act,
when the bell summoned them to court.

" Mr. Tennent had not walked far in the street.

198 THE REV. VV.M. TENNENT, JR.

before he met a man and liis wife, who stopped
him, and asked if his name Avas not Tennent. He
answered in the affirmative, and begged to know if
they had any business with him. The man repUed,
< you best know.' He told his name, and said that
he was from a certain place (which he mentioned)
in Pennsylvania or Maryland; that Messrs. Rowland
Tennent, Anderson, and Stevens, had lodged either
at his house, or in a house wherein he and his wife^
had been servants, (it is not now certain which) at
a particular time, which he named ; that on the fol-
lowing day they had heard Messrs. Tennent and
Rowland preach; that some nights before they left
home, he and his wife waked out of a sound sleep,
and each told the other a dream which had just
occurred, and which proved to be the same in
substance, to wit, that he, Mr. Tennent, at Tren-
ton, was in the greatest possible distress, and that
it was in their power and their's only, to relieve
him. Considering it as a remarkable dream only^
they again went to sleep, and it was twice repeated^
precisely in the same manner, to both of them.
This made so deep an impression on their minds,
that they set off, and here they were, and would
know of him what they were to do. Mr. Tennent
immediately went with them to the court house,
and his counsel, on examining the man and his wife
and finding their testimony to be fall to the purpose,
were, as they well might be, in perfect astonish-

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 199

ment. Before the trial began, another person, of a
low character, called on Mr. Tennent, and told him
that he was so harrassed in conscience, for the part
he had been acting in this prosecution, that he could
get no rest till he had determined to come and make
a full confession. He sent this man to his counsel
also. Soon after, Mr. Stockton from Princeton ap-
peared, and added his testimony. In short, they
went to trial, and notwithstanding the utmost exer-
tions of the ablest counsel, who had been employed
to aid the attorney-general against Mr. Tennent, the
advocates on his side so traced every movement of
the defendant on the Saturday, Sunday, and Mon-
day, in question, and satisfied the jury so perfectly
on the subject, that they did not hesitate honourably
to acquit Mr. Tennent, by their unanimous verdict
of not guilty, to the great confusion and mortifica-
tion of his numerous opposers. Mr. Tennent as-
sured the writer of this, that during the whole of
this business, his spirits never failed him, and that
he contemplated the possibility of his suffering so
infamous a punishment, as standing in the pillory,
without dismay, and had made preparation, and
was fully determined, to deliver a sermon to the
people in that situation, if he should be placed in it.
" He went from Trenton to Philadelphia with his
brother, and on his return, as he was rising the hill
at the entrance of Trenton, without reflecting on
what had happened, he accidentally cast his eyes

200

on the pillory, which suddenly so filled him with
horror, as completely to unman him, and it was
with great difficulty that he kept himself from fall-
ing from his horse. He reached the tavern door in
considerable danger, was obliged to be assisted to
dismount, and it was some time before he could so
get the better of his fears and confusion, as to pro-
ceed on his journey. Such is the constitution of the
human mind ! It will often resist, with unshaken
firmness, the severest external pressure and violence ;
and sometimes it yields without reason, when it has
nothing to fear. Or, should we not rather say, such
is the support which God sometimes affords to his
people in the time of their necessity, and such the
manner in which he leaves them to feel their own
weakness when that necessity is past, that all the
praise may be given where alone it is due ?

<^ The writer sincerely rejoices, that though a
number of the extraordinary incidents in the life of
Mr. Tennent cannot be vouched by public testimo-
ny and authentic documents, yet the singular man-
ner in which a gracious God did appear for this his
faithful servant in the time of that distress which
has just been noticed, is a matter of public notoriejt}^,
and capable of being verified by the most unques-
tionable testimony and records.

" This special instance of the interference of the
righteous judge of all the earth ought to yield con-
solation to pious people in seasons of great difficulty

THE' REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 201

and distress, where there is none that seems able to
deUver them. Yet it ought to afford no encourage-
ment to the enthusiast, who refuses to use the
means of preservation and dehverance which God
puts in his power. True confidence in God is al-
ways accompanied witli the use of all lawful means,
and with the rejection of all that are unlawful. It
consists in an unshaken belief, that while right
means are used, God will give that issue which
shall be most for his glory and his people't^ good.
The extraordinary occurrence here recorded may
also serve as a solemn warning to the enemies of
God's people, and to the advocates of infidelity, not
to strive by wicked and deep laid machinations to
oppose the success of the gospel, nor to attempt to
injure the persons and characters of those faithful
servants of the Most High, whom sooner or later he
will vindicate to the unspeakable confusion of all
who have persecuted and traduced them.

" Mr. Tennent was a man of the most scrupulous
integrity, and though of a very grave and solemn
deportment, he had a remarkably cheerful disposi-
tion, and generally communicated his instructions
with so much ease and pleasantry, as greatly to gain
the confidence and affection of all with whom he
conversed, especially of children and young people.
In all his intercourse with strangers and men of the
world, he so managed his conversation, that, while
he seldom neglected a proper opportunity to impress

202 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

Ihe mind with serious things, he always made them
covet his company, rather than avoid it ; well know-
ing that there is a time for all things, and that even
instruction and reproof, to be useful, must be pru-
dently and seasonably given.

" An instance of this disposition occurred in Vir-
ginia. The late Rev. Mr. Samuel Blair and Mr.
Tennent were sent by the synod on a mission into
that province. They stopped one evening at a
tavern for the night, where they found a number of
guests, with whom they supped in a common room.
After the table was cleared, our missionaries with-
drew from it. Cards were then called for, and the
landlord brought in a pack and laid them on the
table. One of the gentlemen very politely asked
the missionaries if they would not take a cut with
them, not knowing that they w^ere clergymen. Mr.
Tennent very pleasantly answered, <■ With all my
heart, gentlemen, if you can convince us, that there-
by we can serve our master's cause, or contribute
any thing towards the success of our mission.' This
drew some smart reply from the gentleman, when
Mr. T. with solemnity added, ' We are ministers of
the gospel of Jesus Christ. We profess ourselves
his servants ; we are sent on his business, which is
to persuade mankind to repent of their sins, to turn
from them, and to accept of that happiness and sal-
vation which is offered in the gospel.' This very
unexpected reply, delivered in a very tender though

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 203

solemn manner, and with great apparent sincerity,
so engaged the gentlemen's attention, that the cards
were laid aside, and an opportunity was afforded,
and cheerfully embraced, for explaining in a socia-
ble conversation, during the rest of the evening,
some of the leading and most important doctrines of
the gospel, to the satisfaction and apparent edifica-
tion of the hearers.

" Resignation to the will of God in all his dispen-
. sations, however dark and afflictive, was among the
excellent graces that adorned the character of this
man of God. He had been tried in the course of
God's providence in various ways ; but domestic
afflictions, as yet, had not been laid upon him. The
time, however, was now come when his character
was to be brightened by a severe test of his resigna-
tion and obedience, a test attended with many pe-
culiarly distressing circumstances. His youngest
son, who was one of the handsomest of men, had
just come into public life ; had commenced the prac-
tice of physic ; was married, and had one child.
To the great distress of the parents, he discovered,
though possessed of the sweetest temper and most
agreeable manners, no regard to the things that be-
longed to his eternal peace. Wholly negligent of
religion, he indulged without restraint in the gaiety
and follies of the world. The pious father was in-
cessant at the throne of grace in behalf of his dis-
sipated son ; and was continually entertaining hopes

204 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

that God would, by the influences of his Spirit, ar-
rest him in his career, and bring him into the clmrch
of Christ, before his own summons should arrive ;
that he might die in peace, under the consoling hope
of meeting this dear child in a better world. God,
however, had determined otherwise ; and the son,
while engaged in inoculating a number of persons,
in a house he had obtained for the purpose, near his
father's neighbourhood, was seized in an unusually
violent manner, with a raging fever. With the dis-
order, he was brought to a sudden and alarming
view of his lost condition by nature, and the griev-
ous transgressions of his past life. His sins were
all set in dread array against him. A horrible dark-
ness, and an awful dread of the eternal displeasure
of Jehovah, fell on him, so as to make him the
dreadful example of a convicted sinner, trembling
under the confounding presence of an angry God.
The affectionate and pious father was constantly in
prayer and supplication, that God would have mercy
upon him. He seldom left the side of his bed. For
many days the fever raged with unabated fury ;
but the immediate distresses which it occasioned,
were lost or forgotten in the severer pains of an
awakened conscience. Such was the height to
which his anguish at last arose, that the bed on
which he lay was shaken by the violent and united
convulsions of mind and body. The parents were
touched to the quick ; and their unqualified submis-

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 205

sion to God, as a sovereign God, was put to the
most rigorous proof. But in due time they came
out of the furnace, as gold tried in the fire. God, in
his infinite and condescending grace and mercy, was
at last pleased, in some measure, to hear the many
prayers put up by the parents, and many pious
friends, for the relief of the poor sufferer. His views
of the lost state of man by nature ; of the only
means of salvation, through the death and sufferings
of the Saviour ; of the necessity of the inward re-
generating grace of the Holy Spirit, became clear
and consistent, and the importance of a practical ac-
quaintance Vv^ith these things was deeply and ration-
ally impressed on his mind. He now saw, that sal-
vation which he had deemed almost or altogether
hopeless to him, was possible. His mind became
calm, and he attended to religious instruction and
advice. In a short time he began to give as much
evidence of a change of heart as a death-bed repen-
tance (rarely to be greatly relied on) can easily af-
fi^rd. He sent for his companions in iniquity, and,
notwithstanding his disorder, exerted himself to the
utmost to address them, which he did in the most
solemn, awful, and impressive manner, as a person,
who, by the infinite mercy of a prayer-hearing God,
had been delivered from a hell gaping to receive
him. He besought them, by all the terrors of ever-
lasting destruction, by all the love they ought to
bear to their own immortal souls ; by the love of

506 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

a crucified Jesus, who poured out his soul unto
death, that they might Uve forever; by his own aw-
ful sufferings and terrible example ; that they would
repent and turn to God. This happy change was a
reviving cordial to the distressed and suffering father.
His soul was overjoyed, and his mouth was full of
the praises of redeeming love. His mind and spirits
were hereby prepared, with true resignation, to sur-
render the son of his advanced age to the God who
gave him. After a few days more of severe suffer-
ing in body, but rejoicing in mind, the son was re-
moved from time to eternity. There being no min-
ister in the neighborhood, the father undertook to
preach a funeral sermon. All the son's old compan-
ions that could be sent to, were especially invited,
and the old gentleman preached in such a manner,
with a particular address to the young men, as to
astonish every hearer ; and while the seriously in-
clined wondered and adored, the careless were con-
founded and greatly alarmed.

" Scarcely had Mr. Tennent got over this heavy af-
fliction, and returned to an active and useful course
of life for a few years, when God again called him
to another severe and arduous struggle of the same
nature. His eldest son, John, promised fair to make
a distinguished figure in life, had possessed a large
share in the affections of both father and mother,
and was more dear to their hearts than ever, since
the death of his brother. It so happened, that the

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 207

father was called to INew-York to heal some differ-
ences between the members of the church there. —
The next mornmg after his arrival, he went into a
bookstore, when one of the ministers of the Episco-
pal church came in, and on being introduced to him,
after the common salutations, told him he condoled
with him on the death of his eldest son in the West- In-
dies. The old gentleman was at first struck dumb.
With difficulty he soon inquired how the news came ;
being informed that it was by a circuitous route, he
suddenly turned, and said, ^The will of the Lord be
done.' The clergyman observed, that it was happy
for him to be able so cordially to submit to it. Mr.
Tennent replied, ^The Lord is my God, his will be
done.' On being asked by the bookseller, who was
his particular friend, fo retire into the house, and
endeavour to settle his mind, he answered, ^ I am
come on the Lord's business 5 my duty requires that
I should finish it ; when that is done I shall have
time enough to mourn for my son.' He immediate-
ly set off to attend his appointment, finished the
business to his satisfaction, and next day returned
home, where he found that a letter had been re-
ceived by a neighbour, containing the same informa-
tion which he had before received. Thus, on the
most trying occasion, he showed the same submission
to the allotment of divine providence that was dis-
coverable in all his former conduct. The following
extract from a letter, written at this time to the
N

208 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

writer of this narrative, will show the temper of his
mind in his own language. ' Freehold, March,
1776. My dear sir, perhaps before this comes to
hand, you will be informed, that He who gave me
the honourable epithet of a father, has, in his wise
and unerring providence, written me childless. * My
son is dead. This account I had yesterday from a
letter written to a friend ; the accomit is so straight
(though not circumstantial) that I cannot doubt its
truth. The tender mother has not heard it, nor do
I intend she shall, until authenticated. This I men-
tion as a caution to you, in case you should write
me before the matter is published. Let the dear
heart have all possible ease, before the load, which
it is likely will try her life, falls upon her. I know
her attachment to that child ; his conduct has been
such as greatly endeared him to us. Our pains and
expense in his education have been great, but in-
finitely short of what God has done for him. He
has, therefore, the best right to him. Should we
then, were it in our power, obstruct his taking full
possession of his own property ? God forbid! This,
sir, through God's goodness, is not only Avhat I say,
but it is the temper of my soul, for which God only
deserves the honour. It is now above fifty years
since my soul resigned itself to God in Jesus Christ.

* ** He seems, in the depth of his distress, to have forgot-
ten, that he yet had one son left, although he was 800 miles
distant from him."

209

I had then neither son nor daughter ; I was com-
pletely satisfied with Him, and, blessed be his name,
I am so now. Have I then reason to cry out as if
ruined ? 0 ! no : on the contrary, I have the ut-
most reason for thanksgiving, that he has not, in
righteous judgment, deprived me of himself, in
whom all fulness dwells. My wife and myself are
now hastening to childhood ; if spared a few years,
we shall need one to lead us ; and we shall look to
you, under God. All the benefit you can expect
from so doing, will consist in the satisfaction of your
own mind, that you have helped two old people
through the last steps of their pilgrimage/ Thus
did this pious man turn every event of life, however
afflictive, to the praise and glory of God, and he
seldom omitted an opportunity of inculcating the
same disposition on all his acquaintance.

"When the late Rev. George Vf hitefield was last in
this country, Mr. Tennent paid him a visit as he was
passing through New Jersey. Mr. Whitefield and
a number of other clergymen, among whom was
Mr. Tennent, were invited to dinner by a gentleman
in the neighborhood where the late Mr. William
Livingston, since governor of New Jersey, resided,
and who, with several other lay gentlemen, were
among the guests. After dinner, in the course of an
easy and pleasant conversation, Mr. Whitefield ad-
verted to the difficulties attending the gospel min-
istry, arising from the small success with which their
N2

210 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

labours were crowned. He greatly lamented, that
all their zeal, activity and fervour availed but little ;
said, that he was weary with the burdens and fatigues
of the day ; declared his great consolation was, that
in a short time his work would be done, when he
should depart and be with Christ ; that the prospect
of a speedy deliverance had supported his spirits, or
that he should, before now, have smik under his
labour. He then appealed to the ministers around
him, if it were not their great comfort that they
should soon go to rest. They generally assented,
excepting Mr. Tennent, who sat next to Mr. White-
field, in silence ; and by his countenance discovered
but little pleasure in the conversation. On which,
Mr. Whitefield turning to him, and tapping him on
the knee, said, ' Well ! brother Tennent, you are
the oldest man amongst us, do you not rejoice to
think that your time is so near at hand, when you
will be called home and freed from all the difficul-
ties attending this chequered scene?' Mr. T. blunt-
ly answered, ' I have no wish about it.' Mr. W.
pressed him again; and Mr. T. again answered,
* No Sir, it is no pleasure to me at all, and if you
knew your duty, it would be none to you. I have
nothing to do with death ; my business is to live as
long as I can — as well as I can — and to serve my
Lord and Master as faithfully as I can, until he
shall think proper to call me home.' Mr. W. still
urged for an explicit answer to his question, in case

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 211

the time of death were left to his own choice. Mr.
Tennent replied, « I have no choice about it ; I am
God's servant, and have engaged to do his business,
as long as he pleases to continue me therein. But
now, brother, let me ask you a question. What do
you think I would say, if I was to send my man
Tom into the field to plough; and if at noon I
should go to the field, and find him lounging under
a tree, and complaining. ' Master the sun is very hot,
and the ploughing hard and difficult, I am tired and
weary of the work you have appointed me, and am
overdone with the heat and burden of the day : do
master let me return home and be discharged from
this hard service V What would I say ? Why, that
he was an idle, lazy fellow ; that it was his business
to do the work that I had appointed him, until I,
the proper judge, should think fit to call him home.
Or, suppose you had hired a man to serve you faith-
fully for a given time in a particular service, and
he should, without any reason on your part, and be-
fore he had performed half his service, become
weary of it, and upon every occasion be expressing
a wish to be discharged, or placed in other circum-
stances ? Would you not call him a wicked and
slothful servant, and unworthy of the privileges of
your employ V The mild, pleasant, and Christian-
like manner, in which this reproof was administered,
rather increased the social harmony and edifying

conversation of the company ; who became satisfied

N3

212 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

that it was very possible to err even in desiring,
with undue earnestness, ^ to depart and be with
Christ,' which in itself is ' far better' than to remain
in this imperfect state ; and that it is the duty of the
Christian, in this respect, to say, ' All the days of my
appointed time will I wait till my change come.'

"Among Mr. Tennent's qualifications, none were
more conspicuous than his activity both of body and
mind. He hated and despised sloth. He was al-
most always in action — never Avearied in well-doing,
nor in serving his friends. His integrity and inde-
pendence of spirit were observable on the slightest
acquaintance. He was so great a lover of truth,
that he could not bear the least aberration from it,
even in a joke. He was remarkable for his candour
and liberality of sentiment, with regard to those who
differed from him in opinion. His hospitality and
domestic enjoyments were even proverbial. His
public spirit was always conspicuous, aud his attach-
ment to what he thought the best interests of his
country, was ardent and inflexible. He took an
early and decided part with his country in the com-
mencement of the late revolutionary war. He was
convinced that she was oppressed, and that her peti-
tions to the sovereign of the mother country were
constitutional, loyal, moderate, and reasonable ; that
the treatment they received, was irrational, tyranni-
cal, and intolerable. As he made it a rule, however,
never to carry politics into the pulpit, he had no

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 213

way to manifest his zeal for the pubHc measures,
but by his private prayers, and by his decided opin-
ions deUvered in private conversations. But, in this
way, his sentiments became universally known, and
he was considered as a warm friend to the American
cause. Notwithstanding these political opinions,
he was not blind to the errors of his countrymen,
and especially to their moral and religious conduct.
The following extract from a letter to the author of
these sketches, dated Feb. 14, 1775, strongly marks
the temper of his mind. ^ My very dear Sir, your
kind letter came to hand, three days since. Your
comforts and sorrows are mine in no small degree ;
I share with you in both ; the tie is such as death
cannot dissolve. This is a day of darkness in my
view, and few are in any degree properly affected
with it. I have, through grace, perhaps, as little to
fear for myself, or mine, as any living. I humbly
hope we are housed in Jesus ; but I am distressed
for the nation and land. The ruin of both is awfully
threatened ; and, though now deferred, may ere long
be accomplished, 'unless reformation takes place. It
behoves every one to cry, ^ spare thy people, 0 Lord,
and give not thine heritage to reproach.' I know
God is merciful ; he has, notwithstanding, disinhe-
rited a people as dear to him as ever we were,
whose sins were not more aggravated than ours.
The Lord can deliver, but have we reason to think
he will, having told us that he will ^ wound the head

214 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

of his enemies, and the hairy scalps of such who
go on in their trespasses ?' Is there an^^ appearance
of reformation ? Yea, is it not the reverse ? Are
not our meetings for the preservation of our liberty,
often abused by excessive drinking ? &c. &c. Have
not pohtics taken place of religion in all our conver-
sations ? Is it not become unconstitutional (to use
the vulgar language) to mention God's name in com-
pany, unless by way of dishonouring, him ? Are
not things sacred neglected by some, and burlesqued
by others ? Is not the newspaper substituted for the
Bible, on Lord's days, yea, at church ? What will
the end of these things be ? Blessed be God, through
Jesus Christ, He is for a sanctuary.'

" Mr. Tennent was on a visit, within less than
twenty miles of New York, when a British frigate
attempted to pass the batteries, and to proceed up
the North River, while General Washington lay with
the American army in the city. A very heavy can-
nonading took place, which was mistaken by the
surrounding country for a general attack on our
army. Mr. Tennent was deeply affected, and after
a violent struggle within himself, he turned to a
friend or two present, and said, ' Come, while our
fellow citizens are fighting, let us retire to prayer.'
They, accordingly, went up into his room, where he
most devoutly poured out his soul for about half an
hour, in the most fervent prayers, wrestling with, God
in behalf of his suffering country.

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 215

"111 the winter of 1776-7, the British overran
a great part of the state of New Jersey, and particu-
larly the county of Monmouth, where a number of
the inhabitants were in the British interests. Such
was their apparent power, and the distressed situa-
tion of the American army, retreating before them,
that it was generally supposed by the people in the
country, that the dispute was almost at an end, and
that all hopes of snccessful opposition were nearly
extinguished. A British party arose in the county,
who seized their fellow citizens, and dragged them
to a British provost, where they were treated in the
most cruel manner, as rebels and traitors. Even
citizens from other parts of the state, who had taken
refuge in the county, depending on the known hos-
pitality of the inhabitants, were not respected. In
this situation, Mr. Tennent very justly thought him-
self in great danger ; but having no place to flee to
for safety, he remained at home, committing himself
to the protection of Almighty God. In the month
of Dec. 1776, a number of the inhabitants came to his
house, and insisted that he should go to Princeton,
without delay, and take the benefit of General
Howe's proclamation, offering a pardon to those
who should seek it within a limited time. He
refused, till he found himself in danger of being
taken off and committed to a British provost, which
he well knew, was but another word for a lingering
death. He also found that, in his present state, his

216 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

usefulness as a minister of the gospel was at an end,
unless he complied with the wishes of the people,
most of the whigs of influence having fled. Con-
cluding, that present duty enforced the request
which was thus urged upon him, he promised to go
to Princeton. On his way, he lodged at the house
of a young clergyman, and, on rising in the morn-
ing, he seemed greatly oppressed in spirit. On be-
ing asked what troubled him, he answered, with a
heavy sigh, ^ I am going to do a thing for conscience
sake, directly against my conscience.' Soon after
his return home, to the surprise of every body, the
British quarters at Trenton were beaten up, and a
British regiment taken at Princeton ; the American
army again advanced, and took a strong position at
Morristown, by which the British in their turn, were
obliged to retreat and contract their lines to Bruns-
wick and Amboy. The Americans again got pos-
session of the county of Monmouth, where the
whigs returned in force. Mr. Tennent's mind was
greatly oppressed with his untoward situation, and
he severely blamed his untimely submission.

" About the latter end of February, or beginning
of March, 1777, Mr. Tennent was suddenly seized
with a fever, attended by violent symptoms. He
sent for his family physician, who was in the act of
setting ofl" for the legislature of the state, of which
he was a member. He called on his patient on his
way, but could spend but a few minutes with him.

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 217

He, however, examined carefully into Mr Tennent's
complaints, and the symptoms attending the disor-
der. With great candom', the physician informed
his patient, that the attack appeared miusually vio-
lent ; that the case required the best medical aid,
and that it was out of his power to attend him.
He feared that, at his advanced age, there Avas not
strength of nature sufficient to overcome so severe a
shock, and that his symptoms scarcely admitted of a
favourable prognostic. The good old man received
this news with his usual submission to the divine
will ', for, as he had always considered himself as
bound for eternity, he had endeavoured so to live,
that when the summons should come, he would
have nothing to do but to die. He calmly repUed, ' I
am very sensible of the violence of my disorder,
that it has racked my constitution to an uncommon
degree, and beyond what I have ever before expe-
rienced, and that it is accompanied with symptoms
of approaching dissolution ; but, blessed be God, I-
have no wish to live, if it should be his will and
pleasure to call me hence.' After a moment's
pause, he seemed to recollect himself, and varied the
expression thus: ^Blessed be God, I have no wish
to hve, if it should be his will and pleasure to call
me hence, unless it should be to see a happy issue
to the severe and arduous controversy my country
is engaged in ; but, even in this, the will of the Lord
be done.'

218 THE REV. W3I. TENNENT, JR.

" During his whole sickness, he continued per-
fectly resigned to the divine will, until death was
swallowed up in victory, on the 8lh day of March,
1777. His body was buried in his own church, at
Freehold, a numerous concourse of people, com-
posed, not only of the members of his own congre-
gation, but of the inhabitants of the Avhole adjacent
country, attending his funeral.

" Mr. Tennent was rather more than six feet high,
of a spare thin visage, and of an erect carriage. He
had bright, piercing eyes, a long sharp nose, and a
long face. His general countenance was grave and
solemn, but at all times cheerful and pleasant with his
friends. It may be said of him, with peculiar pro-
priety, that heappeared, in an extraordinary manner,
to live above the world, and all its allurements. He
seemed habitually to have such clear views of spi-
ritual and heavenly things, as afforded him much of
the foretaste and enjoyment of them. His faith was
really and experimentally ' the substance of things
hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen.'
Literally, his daily Avalk was with God, and he
lived ' as seeing him who is invisible.' The divine
presence with him, was frequently manifested in his
public ministrations, and in his private conduct.
His ardent soul was seldom satisfied, unless he was
exerting himself, in some way or other, in public or
private, in rendering kind offices and effectual ser-
vices of friendship, both in spiritual and temporal

THK REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. '^IH

things, to his fellow-men. Take him in his whole
demeanor and conduct, there are few of whom it
might more emphatically be said, that he lived the
life and died the death of the righteous.

" He was well read in divinity, and was of sound
orthodox principles. He professed himself a mod-
erate Calvinist, The doctrines of man's depravity ;
the atonement of the Saviour ; the absolute necessi-
ty of the all-powerful influence of the Spirit of God,
to renew the heart and subdue the will ; all in per-
fect consistence with the free agency of the sinner,
were among the leading, articles of his faith. These
doctrines, indeed, were generally interwoven in his
public discourses, whatever might be the particular
subject discussed. His success was often answerable
to his exertions. His people loved him as a father ;
revered him as the pastor and bishop of their souls ;
obeyed him as their instructor ; and delighted in his
company and private conversation as a friend and
brother. He carefully avoided making a difference
between his doctrines publicly taugjit and his pri-
vate practice. Attending a synod, a few years be-
fore his death, a strange clergyman, whom he never
had before seen, was introduced to the synod, and
asked to preach in the evening. Mr. Tennent at-
tended, and was much displeased with the sermon.
As the congregation were going out of the church,
Mr. Tennent in the crowd, coming up to the preach-
er, touched him on the shoulder, and said, < My bro-

220 THE REV. WM, TENNENT, JR.

ther, when I preach, I take care to save myself,
whatever, I do with my congregation.' The clergy-
man looked behind him with surprise, and seeing a
very grave man, said, ' What do you mean. Sir ?'
Mr. Tennent answered, ' You have been sending
your whole congregation, synod and all, to perdi-
tion, and you have not even saved yourself. When-
ever I preach, I make it a rule to save myself,' and
then abruptly left him, without his knowing who
spoke to him.

" At Mr. Tennent's death, the poor mourned for
him as their patron, their comforter and support ;
and the rich lamented over him as their departed
pastor and friend. The public at large, lost in him
a firm assertor of the civil and religious interests of
his country. He was truly a patriot, not in words
and pretences, not in condemning all who diifered
from him to proscription and death, but in acting in
such a manner, as would have rendered his coimtry
most happy, if all had followed his example. He
insisted on his own rights and freedom of sentiment,
but he was v/illing to let others enjoy the same pri-
vilege ; and he thought it of as much importance to
live and act well, as to think and speak justly.

" To conclude these imperfect sketches. May all
who read the memoirs of this amiable and useful
man, fervently and constantly beseech that God,
with whom is the residue of the Spirit, that their
life may be that of the righteous, so that their latter

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 221

end may be like his : and that the Great Head of
the Church, while he removes faithful and distin-
guished labourers from the gospel vineyard, may
raise up others, who shall possess, even a double
portion of their spirit, and who shall be even more
successful in winning souls unto Jesus Christ, the
great bishop of souls."

CHAPTER XI.

REMARKS ON THE PRECEDING NAR-
RATIVE.

Mr. Tennent's trance not supernatural — Numerous diseases the cause
of the phenomena — Case of Susannah Orrendorf — Mohammed —
Lackinford — The dreams of the witnesses, cannot be accounted for
on natural principles — God still, occasionally gives admonitory
dreams.

It must be acknowledged, that some of the facts
recorded in the preceding narrative, are of a mar-
vellous nature ; but we are inclined to believe that
they all may be accounted for on natural principles,
except one. The appearance of death, when life is
not extinguished, but only suspended, has been often
observed, on the termination of nervous fevers, and in
epileptic and apoplectic fits. The temporary loss of
memory on recovery, has also been often observed.
Persons have been known to lie in one of these tran-
ces, for weeks together. And there is too much rea-
son to fear, that many persons have been buried
alive, by being prematurely carried to the grave.
This undoubtedly would have been the unhappy
case of Mr. Tennent, had not his young friend in-

223 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

terposed. And as to the happy state of his mind,
during this period, and his imagining that he was in
heaven, it is all very natural, and does not require
that we should suppose the soul to have been sepa-
rated from the body. We would not deny, that a
man through life so highly favoured in receiving ex-
traordinary manifestations of God's perfections, and
especially of his love, might, even when in this state
of apparent death, have been the subject of a gra-
cious influence, which filled his imagination with the
rapturous views, which he enjoyed. We are dis-
posed, however, to admire Mr. Tennent's prudence,
in not being forward to speak of his experience, du-
ring this period ; and we do not feel disposed to re-
gret, that he never committed to writing an account
of his visions ; or if he did, that his executor never
could lay his hands on the manuscript. When Paul
was caught up to Paradise, and heard and saw the
glory of the third heaven, he uttered not a word res-
pecting the nature of his vision. He merely said,
that he "heard unspeakable things, which it is not
lawful for a man to utter." The writer would fur-
ther remark, that in certain states of the nervous
system, when the common functions of life seem to
be suspended, it is no uncommon thing for the imagi-
nation to be strongly affected. In the year 1791, he
went several miles out his way, in company with
three distinguished clergymen, to visit a young wo-
man, the daughter of a wealthy German farmer, not

224 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

far from Hagerstown, Md., who had been for more
than a year, subject every day, at the same hour, to
certain epileptic paroxysms, during which, she had
the appearance of one dead, or in a deep sleep, and
always came to herself, singing. And professed,
that, every day, she visited heaven ; and gave a par-
ticular account of what she saw in the celestial
world. During the whole time that this nervous
disease lasted, the family solemnly declared, that
she ate nothing, except that she wet her mouth oc-
casionally with a few drops of sugar and water.
The description which she gave of heaven, and her
passage thither, had a strong resemblance to Mo-
hammed's accounts of paradise ; so that, as he was
in early life subject to epileptic fits, the writer has
been induced to think it probable, that his whole
imposture had its origin in the visions which he ex-
perienced during these paroxysms; and that, at first,
being persuaded that he had divine communications,
he afterwards resorted to fraud to keep up his pre-
tensions. However this may be, the young woman
attracted multitudes from a distance, who were fully
persuaded, that she did really visit heaven, aud
some weak people, who had recently lost dear
friends, come to consult this girl, whether she saw
any such persons in heaven ; and for a while, so
great was the fame of her celestial visits, that
preachers who had visited her, publicly mentioned
what they heard from her lips, in their sermons.

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 225

On one occasion, a number of fiery zealots, under
the strong influence of party spirit, believing that
they and they only were the favourites of heaven,
visited her and seriously inquired, which of the sev-
eral denominations of Christians had the approba-
tion of Christ. To the great gratification of most,
they received a signal rebuke to their sectarian
spirit; for the young woman, looking sternly at
them, answered, " persons are not judged of in hea-
ven by their denomination, but by the purity of their
hearts, and lives." And when, in their prayers,
they employed deafening vociferation, she asked
them when they were done, whether they thought
that their Maker was deaf, that they made so much
noise. As many as two hundred persons were
known to have visited Susannah Orrendorf, on the
same day.

The writer has now before him, a printed narra-
tive of the apparent death of Charles Lackingford,
Allegheny county, Maryland. This account is con-
firmed by the affidavit of four of his neighbours,
who declare, on oath, that they had been acquainted
with the said Lackingford for at least twelve years,
and that he had ever supported the character of an
upright, honest man, and a good citizen ; and that
the utmost reliance may be placed on his word. In
their affidavit, before a justice of the peace, these
four men, whose names are given, declare, " That

on, or about the 14th day of August, 1803, they

0

226 TUE REV. WM. TENiSE^■T, JR.

were sent for to the hoiisc of INIr. Charles Lacking-
ford about six miles from Fort Cumberland ; that
on their arrival, they found said Lackingfo-rd, lying
stretched out as dead, to all human appearance ; his
eyes closed, his hands clenched, and limbs stiff.
<■ That they were informed by his family, that he had
died on that morning, apparently in an apoplexy :
That they were solicited to render the family assis-
tance in discharging the last rites of humanity ; that
the deponents caused a coffin to be made ; but that
on the night between the 14th and 15th of the month,
while watching with the supposed corpse, precisely
at 12 o'clock, some inarticulate sounds were heard
by all the deponents, as proceeding from the abdo-
men of the said Lackingford ; on which account, on
the morning following, they deferred the intended
interment. That the sounds were again repeated at
12 o'clock, on the noon of the 18th, when symptoms
of returning life appeared -, and at a quarter after 4
o'clock, P. M., the said Lackingford opened his
eyes, and in a violent voice exclaimed, ' where am
I ?' On which he was released from his winding-
sheet, and placed in bed, when he declared, that the
arcana of the infernal regions had been opened to
him, and that he had actually seen and conversed
with devils. Deponents further say, that during the
four days above stated, the body of the said Lack-
ingford received no nourishment of any kind ; and
except the noise above stated, was to all appearance,

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 227

a dead corpse ; and deponents further say, that to
the best of theh opinion and belief, tlie trance of the
said Laekingford cannot be ascribed to any physical
cause ; or to any other tlian one of the hidden and
mysterious visitations of Providence. Further de-
ponents say not.

^' Taken and subscribed before mc,

^^ WILLIAM GUSHING, J. P., A. C."

* SEAL. I:
*******

We have seen accounts of many instances of per-
sons lying for days, and even for weeks, in what
are called trances, and of their telling of very mar-
vellous things v/hich had been seen by them, during
the apparent suspension of life ; but Vv^e have selec-
ted this account because of its being so well authen-
ticated.

The man's own narrative of his visit to hell, as
he imagined, occupies about twelve pages. This
we do not wish to transcribe. It serves, however,
to show, how- differently, different persons are af-
fected in such a state of syncope. Mr. Tennent imag-
ined himself in heaven ; so did Susannah Orrendorf ;
but Mr. Laekingford was persuaded that he was in
hell, and held much conversation with Belphegor,
the high constable of the place, who took great
pains to show him all the apartments, where differ-
ent classes of sinners were confined and punished.

It may, however, be satisfactory to hoar Mr.
02 '

228 THE REV. WM. TEXNENT, JR.

Lackingford's account of his former life, and of the
circumstances attending his falling into this trance.
" I am now," says he, " fifty-seven years of age.
In my early days, I was brought up to the mercan-
tile business, at a store on Elk Ridge Landing, near
the City of Baltimore. In this situation, I made ac-
quaintance with most of the fashionable vices of
commercial life, and must confess, that I indulged
in no small practice of them ; but, however, thank
heaven, without impairing my naturally athletic
constitution. Early in the contest for our glorious
independence, I became a soldier, in defence of my
country's rights, and in that capacity, continued to
fight her battles, until Great Britain was forced to
acknowledge our sovereignty.

" I am now settled on my share of land-rights,
granted by congress for my services ; and in the ca-
pacity of a plain farmer, have earned my bread for
the last twenty years. I never had any ambition to
see my name in print, or to hear myself talked of,
beyond the limits of my little farm ; but I could not
resist the soUcitations of my neighbours, to give to
the world the extraordinary adventures which I ex-
perienced, during the four days and nights, when
nature suspended her functions in my system, and
left the soul unclogged by the massy materials of the
body, to roam at large into the hidden regions of the
damned spirits.

"On the 14th of August, 1803, just after sun-

THE REV. VVM. TENNENT, JR. 229

rise, as I was stacking some hay, I heard a voice, as
if it proceeded from the middle of the stack, exclaim,
* Charles, go to thy bed.' Terrified and struck
dumb, I instantly threw down the stack, supposing
some one was concealed therein, but to my still
greater amazement, found no one; I looked all
around me ; no living object was visible. I threw
myself on my knees, to implore the aid of Provi-
dence ; but, alas ! my power of utterance was de-
prived me — my tongue refused its office. Every
limb trembled with fear, and still the same voice
struck with redoubled energy on my astonished ears.
I rose up, — a dimness overshadowed my eyes, and
I went trembling towards my house, resolved to
obey the invisible mandate. I had scarcely reached
my bed, when one of the most welcome sleeps
closed my eye-hds." Then he goes on to narrate
what he imagined he saw and heard, in the infernal
regions.

The only thing in the foregoing history of William
Tennent, which cannot be accounted for, upon the
ordinary principles of human nature, is, the dreams
of the man and his wife, which brought them from
Maryland to Trenton, and whose testimony was ab-
solutely necessary to save this good man from
an ignominious punishment. In this case, if the facts
are true — concerning which there can be no reason-
able doubt — there must have been a supernatural

interposition. These simple people could have had
03

230 THE REV. WSl. TENNENT, JR.

no knowledge of what was transacting in New Jer-
sey ; and when they came to Trenton, they knew
not for what purpose their presence was needed. In
all ages of the world, suggestions and impressions
have been made in dreams, which have been im-
portant to the safety or interest of certain persons,
for whose sake the communication was made. And
we learn from the Bible, that dreams of this super-
natural kind, have not been confined to the pious,
but have been granted to heathen kings, and other
persons who knew not the true God, as in the case
of the butler and baker, of Pharaoh, and Nebuchad-
nezzar. Such dreams are still on certain occasions
granted, probably by the ministry of angels, for
the admonitionor direction of the people of God ;
or for reasons unknown to us. Although it is
true, "in the multitude of dreams there are
divers varieties," and although false prophets
pretended to receive communications in dreams,
and at this time, many persons are superstitiously
affected by dreams, yet the truth of the fact ought
not to be denied, that even in our da^^, dreams are
sometimes admonitory, and seem to preserve certain
persons from evils, which they could not otherwise
escape. God has no where informed us, that this
mode of communication with men should entirely
cease ; and if there are, however rarely, such com-
munications to certain persons, in sleep, it furnishes
some proof of the existence of a world of spirits, in-

THE REV. VVM. TENNENT, JR. 231

visible to us, but near ; and that we are surrounded,
and often guarded, by kind angels, who minister
unto us, and preserve us from many evils of which
we are not aware. Such dreams are not properly
called miraculous, nor can the persons to whom they
are vouchsafed, be said to be inspired. They are
merely extraordinary intimations to the mind, pro-
bably as was said, by the agency of guardian angels.
The only unaccountable thing in this whole business
is, that Mr. Tennent and his fellow travellers, had not
sent off immediately to this distant place for wit-
nesses ; for there were many there who had heard
him and Mr. Rowland preach. Conscious of inno-
cence, they seem to have apprehended no danger ;
and when one of their number was found guilty,
and actually punished for perjury, there might not
have been time to bring persons from such a distance.
But in regard to Mr. Tennnet, he was not only con-
scious of innocence, but had such unshaken confidence
in God, that he feared nothing ; being fully persuaded
that He would, in some way, interpose by his provi-
dence, for his deliverance ; or would overrule his
unjust condemnation and punishment, for his own
glory. This last seems to have been especially on
his mind ; for we are informed, that he had prepared
a sermon for the occasion, to be preached while
standing on the pillory.

CHAPTER XII.

ANECDOTES OF REV. WM. TENNENT.

Mr. Tennent loses some of ^his toes — Attempted explanation —
Anecdotes supplied by Dr. Miller — Anecdotes from the Assembly's
Magazine, with an account of his interview with Murray the Uni-
versalist.

We have never known a man in modern times,
concerning whom so many extraordinary things are
related. The most important of these are contained
in Dr. Boiidinot's memoir of his hfe ; but many
others were omitted ; either because he judged them
of not sufficient importance to be recorded in such a
work, or because, writing for a periodical, he was
hmited as to the space which the memoir was al-
lowed to occupy. Many of these anecdotes, how-
ever, he took a pleasure in relating in conversation
with his friends ; and those which have been kindly
furnished by my friend and colleague, the Rev.
Dr. Miller, were received from him. I have been
in some doubt about introducing the contents of this
chapter into the volume ; but as the anecdotes here
given, are all believed to be authentic, it was thought
that they would tend to exhibit in a more distinct

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 23S

light, the true character of this extraordinary man.
Many others have been current in his vicinity, but
as they have been handed down by tradition, they
have not been considered as sufficiently authenti-
cated, to be inserted in this memoir ; and some of
them are of too kidicrous a nature to have a place in a
serious narrative.

There is one remarkable thing which happened to
Mr. Tennent, not recorded in the memoir written by
Dr. Boudinot, which has to most appeared more in-
explicable than any other event of his life. One
night, as the story goes, when Mr. Tennent was
asleep in his own bed, he was waked up by a sharp
pain in the region of the toes of one of his feet ; and
upon getting a light, and examining the foot, it was
discovered that several of his toes had been cut
entirely off, as if by some sharp instrument. But
though the wounded part was bleeding, nothing
was seen of the exscinded members; nor any
means by which such a dismemberment could have
been effected.

In the room was found no animal, rat, cat, or dog,
although diligent search was made ; neither could
there be discovered any sharp instrument, by which
such a wound could have been inflicted. Mr. Ten-
nent himself, confidently believed that the injury was
done by the prince of darkness, of whose power
and malice he was deeply convinced. Others sup-
posed, that it must have been effected by some do-

234 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

mestic animal, which might have made its escape
before a hght was obtained ; as both rats and cats
have been known violently to attack and wound
persons while asleep. But neither of these explana-
tions give satisfaction. For as to Satan, it cannot be
doubted that his malice is great, and that it is espe-
cially directed against holy men, and particularly
faithful ministers. But we have no evidence that he
is now permitted to injure or wound the bodies of
the saints. Our fathers were more credulous on this
point than we are, and we may dismiss all further
notice of this account, as an opinion properly be-
longing to a former age. And as to the idea, that
it might have been the bite of a hungry and vora-
cious rat, or mad cat, the thing is very improbable.
Neither of these animals could have, with their
teeth, severed the toes from the foot so suddenly ;
and in that case, the wound would have had marks
of the gnawing of such an animal ; whereas it was
said to have had the appearance of being cut by a
sharp instrument. Perhaps the difficulty of account-
ing for the accident, prevented Dr. Boudinot from
inserting the story in Mr. Tennent's memoir ; for
there can be no doubt that he was well acquainted
with the fact, and all its circumstances.

The author of this compilation has the more
readily consented to record the event, because he
has a hypothesis by which he thinks he can account
for such an accident.

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 235

Upon a survey of the circumstances of the affair,
it seems highly probable, that Mr. Tennent was a
somnambuhst, and received this injury by treading,
in his rambles, on some sharp instrument ; soon after
which he returned to his bed, but did not feel the
pain of the wound until he awoke. It is well
known, that persons in this kind of sleep, are very
little susceptible of the feeling of pain from any ac-
cident of this sort ; and they seldom ever retain any
recollection of the exercises of their minds at the
time, or of the scenes through which they have
passed. Many instances might be given of persons
receiving bodily hurts while in this state, without
being awakened thereby ; and apparently, without
any feeling of pain from wounds which would cause
very acute suffering to one awake. And it may not
be improper to refer for proof of this, to undoubted
facts, witnessed by many, in regard to persons in a
mesmeric sleep, who undergo surgical operations,
which give intense pain in a common state, without
any appearance of sensibility.

The writer recollects to have heard of an instance
precisely in point, which occurred in Philadelphia,
in relation to a son of the late Dr. Sproat, who being
a somnambulist, got out of his room at a window
on a shed, and jumped on the ground, but lighting
on something sharp, cut his foot ; and being soon
missed, was pursued by his bloody tracks on the
snow, with which the ground was at the time

236 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

covered. But he was not awakened from his sleep
by the wound which he received. Other cases of
serious injury sustained in the night by persons who
could give no account how they occurred, have
fallen under the notice of the writer, and which can
only be accounted for by this hypothesis. If
it be alleged, that Mr. Wm. Tennent was not
known to be a somnambulist, it may be answered,
that he certainly had a nervous system strung in a
very peculiar manner, and many are subject to this
kind of sleep, who never know anything about it.
And we would adduce the fact under consideration,
as a strong presumptive evidence of the thing sup-
posed.

Anecdotes of the Rev. William Tennent, kindly
communicated to the author, by the Rev. Doctor
Miller, of Princeton.

<• This remarkable man was greatly distinguished
for decision of character. Many good men of his
day, had more intellectual vigour than he possessed.
But few of his contemporaries possessed as much
as he did of that moral courage, — that fixedness of
purpose, and that firmness of Christian heroism,
which could not be turned to the right or the left
This trait in his character was once very strongly
exemplified at a meeting of the Board of Trustees
of the College of New Jersey. It is well known that
Mr. Tennent was one of the most active and zealous
of the founders of that College ; and that the great

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 237

object of those worthy men, in all the labour and
expense which they incurred in its estabUshment,
was to train up a pious and learned ministry for the
Presbyterian Church. For the attainment of this
object, and to guard the College against every
species of perversion or abuse, he was ever on the
watch, and especially to promote the religious inter-
ests of the Institution.

'' Soon after William Franklin (son of Benjamin)
was appointed Governor of the Province of New
Jersey, he took his seat, according to the provision
of the Charter, as ex officio President of the Board.
On one of the early occasions of his presiding in qual-
ity of Governor, after coming to that office, he formed
a plan of wheedling the Board into an agreement to
have their charter so modified, as to place the Insti-
tution more entirely in the power of the Provincial
government, and to receive in exchange for this
concession, some inconsiderable pecuniary advan-
tage. The Governor made this proposal in a plaus-
ible speech, and was receiving the thanks of several
short sighted and sanguine members of the Board
of Trustees— when Mr. Tennent, who had been
prevented by some dispensation of Providence from
coming earlier, appeared in the Board, and took his
seat. After listening for a few minutes, and hear-
ing from one and another of his brother Trustees,
the nature of the Governor's plan and offer ; after
several of them had, in his presence, recognized the

2SS THK REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

Governor's proposal as highly favourable, and such
as ought to be accepted ; and praised < his Excel-
lency's generous proposal,' as what all must think
well of — Mr. Tennent, looking round the Board with
the sharp and piercing eye, for v/hich he was re-
markable when strongly excited, rose and said:
* Brethren ! are you mad ? I say, brethren, are
you mad } Rather than accept the offer of the
President, I would set fire to the College edifice, at
its four corners, and ran away in the light of the
flames.' Such was the effect of this rebuff from a
Trustee of such known honesty, influence and deci-
sion, that little more was said. The proposal was
laid on the table, and never more called up.

" Mr. Tennent was full of expedients for winning
souls to Christ. He was remarkably fond of horses ;
had a good deal of skill in the choice and manage-
ment of them ; and was seldom known to ride or to
keep an inferior one. There was a young man in
his congregation, the son of one of his church-mem-
bers, also distinguished for his attachment to horses,
and for his skill in horsemanship. Mr. Tennent
was very desirous of gaining access to this young
man, and of securing his confidence. But after
every effort to accomplish this object, was disap-
pointed ; the young man, trembling at the thought
of being addressed on the subject of religion, avoided
his pastor with the utmost vigilance ; escaped from
his father's house whenever Mr. Tennent called ;

♦ THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 239

and in every possible way evaded an interview
with him. Mr. Tennent observed this, and resorted
to every contrivance in his power to overcome the
young man's aversion to his company. But in
vain. Things went on in this way for a considera-
ble time. In the mean while Mr. Tennent's desire
for an interview hecame more intense, from hearing
that the young man had an active mind, and an
amiable temper, and was considered as, in most
respects, very promising by those who knew him
best. One day, when Mr. Tennent was riding out
in his course of family visitation, on a remarkably
fleet horse, he saw this young man about a hundred
yards before him, coming out from a neighbour's
gate, and going toward his father's house. Mr.
Tennent immediately quickened the pace of his
horse, for the purpose of overtaking him. The
young man, looking back and seeing Mr. Tennent
coming, did the same. Each spurred on his horse,
until the contest became a race at full speed. After
running in this manner between one and two miles,
Mr. Tennent, having much the fleeter horse, over-
took the young man, and, on coming up to him,
said, in a very aff'able, pleasant manner, ' Well
Johnny, I thought I should overtake you. I see
you ride a good animal ; but I had a notion that
mine could beat him.' He then entered into fa-
miliar conversation with the young man, adapting
all his remarks to what he supposed to be his favor-

240 THE REV. WM. TENNEXT, JR.

ite pursuits and topics. After riding a mile or two
together, Mr. Tennent said to him, when they were
about to separate, ^ Johnny, come and see me. I
shall be very glad to see you ; I know you love a
good horse. I think I have some horses and colts,
that will please you. It will give me real pleasure
to show them to you.' With this invitation and
these remarks, they parted. In a few days the
young man, greatly pleased with the manner in
which Mr. Tennent had treated him, accepted his
invitation, and called at his house. JNIr. Tennent
fulfilled his promise ; took him through his stables,
and round his farm, and entertained him greatly to
his gratification, without saying one word to him of
religion. The young man no longer shunned his
company, but put himself in his way, not only with-
out fear, but with pleasure, whenever he had an
opportunity. Mr. Tennent very soon took occasion,
after gaining his confidence, to address him on the
most important of all subjects ; and it was not long
before he listened with serious attention ; became
hopefully the subject of renewing grace ; and was
soon united with the church of Christ.

" This excellent man was remarkably skilful, dis-
criminating and faithful in dealing with those who
came to him professing to be in a state of anxiety
or inquiry respecting their salvation. lie was once
visited by a female, advanced in life, one of his
stated hearers, who had not borne a very good

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 241

character, but who now professed to be deeply anx-
ious concerning her eternal welfare. She wept,
acknowledged herself a great sinner, and abounded
in language of severe self-crimination, and profes-
sions of deep penitence. Mr. Tennent thought he
saw in her whole air and manner something like
over-acting, which, taken in connexion with her
former life, led him to suspect, that her professions
were not very sincere. He, therefore, determined
at once to put them to the test, and said : " Mrs.

you speak of yourself as a great sinner : that

is just what we have always thought of you. I
have no doubt it is very much as you say.'^ The
woman, who was indeed a hypocrite, fully expect-
ing to be hailed with pleasure and confidence as a
genuine convert by her minister, was thrown off
her guard by this rebuff, and replied with strong
resentment : ' It's no such thing. Pm not chargea-
ble with these sins, Pm as good as you any day ;'
and immediately left the house ; and with this in-
terview dismissed her serious impressions.

" At another time Mr. Tennent, in riding out,
stopped opposite the door of a small tavern in his
neighbourhood to make some inquiry. While wait-
ing a moment to obtain the desired information, a
man, evidently intoxicated with strong drink, came
out of the house, and accosted him by name. Find-
ing that Mr. Tennent did not return his salutation
with the readiness and familiarity of an acquaint-

242 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JK.

ance, he said : « Mr. Tennent, I believe you do not
know me ; why, you converted me a few months
ago.' ^ Ah ! my friend/ said Mr. Tennent, « its
hke some of my bungling work. If the Spirit of
God had converted you, we should not have seen
you in this situation.' "

In the same volume of the Assembly's Missiona-
ry Magazine which contains the biography'- of the
Rev. William Tennent, jr., we have, from another
hand, the three following anecdotes.

" He was crossing the bay from New York to
Elizabethtown, in company with two gentlemen,
who had no great fondness for clergymen, and who
cautiously avoided him for some time after getting
on board the boat. As he usually spoke loudly,
they overheard what he said, and finding him a
cheerful companion, who could converse upon other
subjects besides religion, they ventured a little
nearer to him ; and at length they and he engaged
in a conversation upon politics. One of his congre-
gation, who was a fellow-passenger, happening to
overhear a remark he made, stepped up to him, and
said, ' Mr. Tennent, please to spiritualize that.'
< Spiritualize that,' said Mr. T. « you don't know
what you are talking about.' 'Why, sir, there is
no harm in talking religion, is there ?' * Yes,'
replied Mr. T. ' there is a great deal of harm in it ;
and it is such good folks as you, that always lug re-
ligion in, by head and shoulders, whether it is pro-

THE REV^. W3I. TENNENT, JR. 243

per or not, that hurt the cause ; if you want to talk
reUgion, you know where I live, and I know where
you live, and you may call at my house, or I will
call at yours, and I will talk religion with you till
you are tired ; but this is not the time to talk reli-
gion ; we are talking politics.' This reply, and
his conduct in other respects, so much ingratiated
Mr. Tennent with the two gentlemen, as to furnish
him with an opportunity for advantageously intro-
ducing conversation upon more important subjects ;
and the younger of the two was so much pleased,
that on their arrival at Elizabethtown Point, he in-
sisted upon Mr. Tennent taking his seat in a chair,
and he walked from the Point to Elizabethtown,
through a muddy road, which, to a person of Mr.
Tennent's age, would have been very inconvenient
if not impracticable.

" At New York, IMr. Tennent went to hear a ser-
mon delivered by a transient clergyman, who was
often and well spoken of, but whose manner was
singular, and who frequently introduced odd con-
ceits into his sermons, which tended to excite mirth,
rather than to edification. Upon leaving the church
a friend asked Mr. Tennent's opinion of the ser-
mon. He said, it made him think of a man who
should take a bag, and put into it some of the very
best superfine wheat flour, a greater quantity of
Indian meal, and some arsenic, and mix them all
together ; a part of the sermon was of the very best

244 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

quality ; more of it was coarse, but very wholesome
food ; and some of it rank poison."

" Upon another occasion, he went with a friend
lo hear an iUiterate carpenter preach at New York;
and it appeared to him that the man denied the doc-
trine of the perseverance of the saints. The next
morning Mr. Tennent called upon his friend, and
asked if it appeared so to him ? Upon his friend's
replying in the affirmative, Mr. Tennent said, " then
I must go and talk with him, and you must go
along with me." His friend begged to be excused^,
but Mr. Temient insisted upon his going, as he had
heard the doctrine denied. They found the car-
penter at breakfast. Mr. Tennent asked if he was
the person who had preached last evening ? he said
he was. Then, said Mr. Tennent ' it appeared to
me that you denied the doctrine of the perseverance
of the saints ; did I understand you rightly?' ^ Yes,
sir, be sure I did,' said the carpenter ; < that is a
doctrine which no man in his senses can believe.'
(Vl\ tell you,' replied Mr. Tennent Uhat is the
most precious doctrine in all the book of God : I
will give up my life before I will give that up : I
must talk with you about it.' The man alleged
that he was a mechanic, who depended upon his
trade for the support of his family, and could not
stay to talk; he must mind his business. ^I am
glad to hear that,' said Mr. Tennent ^ I love to see
men diligent in their lawful callings: it is their duty ;

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 245

but yours is of such a, nature that you can work
and talk at the same time ; and I will go with you
to where your business lies, so that your time shall
not be wasted :' the carpenter said he did not want
to talk, took his hat, and abruptly went off. Mx.
Tennent followed him: the man walked faster t
Mr<. Tennent quickened his pace. At length the
man ran ; s® did Mr. Tennent. But the carpenter
wa-s too fleet for his pursuer ; by his speed he
evaded his arguments, and remained in error."

The following anecdote has been handed down*^
by tradition, and in substance is confirmed by a one-
sided account of the affair, contained in the life of
Murray the Universalist, who is the person concerned.
Mr. Tennent's zeal for the truth, and opposition to
what he viewed to be error, were very strong ; and
were manifested whenever an occasion occurred
which called for their exercise. It so happened that
Mr. Murray, an Englishman, who had adopted from
Relly, the doctrines of Universalism, was landed on
the Jersey shore, not very remote from Mr. Ten-
nent's residence. Though he had not been a Uni-
versalist preacher in England, yet having while in
connexion with the Methodists, both in Ireland and
England, been accustomed to public speaking in the
way of exhortation, he v/as induced upon his landing
at a place on the Jersey shore, called " Good Luck,"
to commence preaching to the people. At first his

doctrine of universal salvation was not clearl}?- and
F2

246 THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.

openly announced, bat rather covertly insinuated.
Possessing some wit and eloquence he attracted
many hearers, and travelled about the country, ad-
dressing the people wherever he could get an op-
portunity. Soon after he commenced this career,
he came into the congregation of Freehold, and
lodged with one of Mr. Tennent's hearers. As soon
as this watchful pastor heard that the wolf had en-
tered among the sheep of his flock, taking with him
some of his neighbours, he went to the house where
Mr. Murray was staying; and demanded of him
^by what authority he had assumed the office of
preacher.' Murray answered him, by asking, "by
what authority he asked him such a question. '^ An
altercation ensued, INIr. Tennent continuing peremp-
torily to demand his authority to preach, and he as
pertinaciously evading a direct answer. It does not
appear, however, from Mr. INIurray's account, the
only written one which we have seen, that Mr.
Tennent then knew that he was a Universalist ; for
in the interview nothing was said on that subject;
nor on any other point of doctrine. It would seem
that Mr. Tennent considered him as an irregular,
unauthorized itinerant, who, not being in connexion
with any denomination of Christians, ought not to
be encouraged. And, this, according to Mr. Mur-
ray's own account, was the exact state of the case.
He stood entirely alone ; and professed to hold ec-
clesiastical connexion with no body on earth ; yet

THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 247

this man became the founder of a large sect, in this
country ; for the UniversaUsts acknowledge him as
a father. But as the course of error is always
downward, most of his followers have departed far
from his opinions, on other doctrinal points, as ap-
pears by his life.

P^

CHAPTER XIII

MEMOIR OF THE REV. CHARLES TEN-
NENT.

Birth — Immigration — Education — Settlement in the ministry at
Whiteclay Creek — Great revival under the preaching of Mr.
Whitefield — Removal and death.

From an original document, a small memoran-
dum-book, kept by the Rev. William Tennent, sen.,
we learn, that his fourth son, Charles, was born at
Colerain, in the county of Down, on the third day
of May, in the year 1711, and was baptized by the
Rev. Richard Donnell. At the time of his father's
emigration from Ireland, he was, therefore, a boy
of seven years of age.* He, as well as his older

* By the memoranda referred to above, we are able to
authenticate some things relating to the founder of the Log
College, and to correct some other things, inserted in the
history. This document came into the possession of the
editor, since the first part of this volume was printed. "We
learn from the forementioned autograph, that the Rev.
William Tennent, sen,, was married on the loth day of
May, 1702, in the county of Down, in the north of Ireland ;
that he was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church of
Ireland on the first day of July, 1704 ; and ordained priest,
or presbyter in the same, on the 22d day of September, 1706,

THE REV. CHARLES TENNENT. 249

brothers, received his education under the paternal
roof, or rather in the Log College. He appears,
however, to have been less distinguished than either
of his brothers ; but seems to have been a respecta-
ble minister of the gospel, and was early settled in
the Presbyterian congregation of Whiteclay Creek,
in the state of Delaware. Soon after his settlement,
in this place, the great revival under the preaching
of Whitefield commenced, and was very powerful
in this congregation. During this remarkable sea-
son of divine influence, Mr. Whitefield spent some
days with Mr. Charles Tennent, and assisted him in
the administration of the Lord's Supper ; preaching
to vast multitudes of people every day of the solemni-
ty, Avhich continued four days, according to custom.

The dates of the birth of his children are, Gilbert Tennent
borain thrcounty of Arn^agh, on the 5th October, 1703, and
baptized the following day. , . . ,

William was born in the county of Antrim, on the 5th day

"■/::: wa's'w m the county of Antrim, on the 12th of
September, 1706, and was baptized the following day.
Charles, was born iu the county of Down, on the 3d day

"^E^e'anor was bom in the county of Down, on the 27th of

December, 1708. . , , . r -i • n-u:\^

Mr. W, Tennent, sen., arrived with his family, m Phila-
delphia, September, 1718.

On the 22d of November, 1718, he was settled m the
mrish of East Chester, New York. And on the 3d of May,
1720 removed to the town of Bedford, New York.

These are the only memoranda of any importance, in
this document.

250 THE REV. CHARLS TENNENT.

This information, the writer obtained, many years
ago, from one of the subjects of the revival, Mrs.
Douglass, the sister of Charles Thompson, Sec'y of
the continental congress, and grandmother of the
late Rev. James Douglass, of Fayetteville, North
CaroUna, so highly esteemed as a spiritual, search-
ing, evangelical preacher. This old lady appeared
to me to be as eminently pious, as any person I ever
knew. She informed me, that while Mr. White-
field spoke at the tables, in administering the sacra-
ment, he poured forth such a flood of tears, that his
cambric handkerchief was wetted as if it had been
dipped in water. She spoke of that day as by far
the most glorious she had ever witnessed. Her ac-
count of the Rev. Charles Tennent, was, that he
was a plain, good preacher ; but not distinguished
for great abilities. I was surprized to find that this
pious old lady was no longer a member of the Pres-
byterian church, but had long ago, joined the com-
munion of the Seceders. Upon enquiry it appeared,
that this change had been made by her and some
others, in consequence of the union entered into
with the Old Side, in 1758. The congregation of
Whiteclay Creek, of which Mr. Tennent was the
pastor, was situated in the neighbourhood of some
congregations, the ministers and members of which
opposed the revival, and represented the whole as a
delusion of the devil.

The friends, and especially the subjects of tlic re-

THE REV. CHARLES TENNENT. 251

vival, could not but consider these opposers, as the
enemies of vital piety, and, therefore, felt no dispo-
sition to hold any fellowship with them. They
were, therefore, astonished and offended, when they
understood that a union between the two parties
had been consummated. As soon as Mr. Tennent
returned from the synod, in Philadelpha, where the
union had been agreed on, Mrs. Douglass went to
him, and expostulated with him on the subject,
^^ Oh ! Mr. Tennent,^' said she, " how could you
consent to enter into communion with those, who so
wickedly reviled the glorious work of God's grace
in this land ? As for myself, 1 never can, and never
will ; until they profess repentance for their griev-
ous sin, in speaking contemptuously of the work of
the Holy Spirit." And accordingly, she went and
joined the Seceders, who had begun to form soci-
eties, in several parts of Pennsylvania, and con-
tinued in their communion until her dying day.
But her heart was still with the evangelical part of
the Presbyterian church, and all her children en-
tered into the communion of that church. Two of
her sons, James Douglass, and Daniel Douglass,
some forty years ago, were pious, intelligent, and
estimable elders in the Presbyterian church in Alex-
andria, D. C, of which, the Rev. Dr. Muir, was
the respected pastor. No doubt, the views of this
good lady in regard to the union, so happily formed
between the dissentient parties in the Presbyterian

252 THE REV. CHARLES TENNENT.

church, were narrow, yet they were very natural
and arose from her acquaintance with the Old Side
party being confined to those immediately around
her, who had taken a very active part in ridiculing
and maligning this blessed reformation, by which
many sinners were converted, and turned from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto
God. The writer, in his youth, has known some
people who would indulge in the most violent
wrath, at any favourable mention of Mr. White-
field ; and yet they professed to believe the very
doctrines Avhich he preached. A large part of
those, however, who belonged to the Old Side, were
actuated by no such spirit ; but were quiet, orderly,
well informed Christians, who were very careful in
the religious instruction of their own families ; and
very strict and conscientious in all the duties of re-
ligion.

Some years before his death, Mr. Charles Ten-
nent removed from Whiteclay Creek, to Bucking-
ham church, in Maryland, where he ended his days,
and where it is presumed, his remains vvrere interred.
Of his latter days, and of the circumstances of his
decease, we have received no authentic information.
A dark cloud of obUvion seems to rest on the close
of his life.

It may be proper, however, to observe, that he
had a son, the Rev. William M. Tennent, who, after
receiving a finished education, entered the holy

THE REV. CHARLES TENNENT. 253

ministry and became pastor of the Presbyterian
church in Abington, in the vicinity of Philadelphia.
He married a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, of
New York, and received the honourable degree of
Doctor of Divinity from Yale College.

He was a man of great sweetness of temper and
politeness of manners ; and was distinguished for
his hospitality. His house was seldom without the
company of friends and acquaintances ; and all who
had the privilege of visiting at this pleasant retreat
were delighted with their cordial reception and kind
entertainment. His last sickness was long, but in
it he was in a great measure exempt from pain, and
was blessed with an uninterrupted assurance of the
favour of God. The writer, then residing in Phila-
delphia, frequently saw and conversed with him ;
and he must say, he never saw any person in a
sweeter, calmer, happier state of mind, and it con-
tinued for many weeks. He died in the year 1811
or 1812.

It is believed that no male descendant of any
branch of the Tennent family now remains in this
part of the country ; though there are several in
South Carolinia. Indeed the only descendant of the
Founder of the Log College, known to us, is a grand-
daughter of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, who resides
ill Philadelphia.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

Educated in the Log College — Licensed to preach by the Newcastle
Presbytery — First settled at Shrewsbury, N. J. — Removes to New
Londonderry in Pennsylvania — Great revivsl in that congregation
— His letter to Mr. Prince — How far justifiable in violating rules
of order — Dr. Finley's character of him. Mr. Davies' Elegy —
Publications.

The following character of Mr. Samuel Blair is
given by Dr. Finley, in his funeral sermon, oc-
casioned by the death of this eminent servant of
Jesus Christ.

'' He was blessed with early piety. On his dying
bed he could recollect with delight, various evidences
of gracious influences in his tender years. By this
means he was happily preserved from being ever
engaged in vicious courses ; and at once grew in
stature and in grace. Religion, far from being a
flashy thing with him, was rational and solid ; man-
ifesting itself in unreserved obedience to all God's
commandments.

" To a holy disposition was added a great genius,
capable of the iiighest improvement. He had a
deep and penetrating judgment, a clear and regular

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 255

way of conceiving things, and a retentive memory.
He was an indefatigable student, a calm and impar-
tial searcher after truth. He thought for himself,
and was determined in his conclusions, only by evi-
dence. He had a very considerable store of critical
learning, and was especially conversant with the
scriptures in the original languages. How great
his attainments in philosophy were, v^ras known by
few ; for in his last years, his thirst for knowledge
did sensibly increase, and he greatly improved him-
self therein. He studied several branches of the
mathematics, and especially, geometry and astrono-
my ; nor will these seem tasteless studies to one
who had such a savour of Uving piety, when it is
considered that he saw the glory of God in all his
works, and admired and adored Him in all. He
delighted to see the ^ invisible things of Him, even
his eternal power and godhead, manifested by the
things that are made.' It was edifying to him to
trace the footsteps of the divine wisdom in particu-
lars, and the infinite reach of projection in the frame
and structure of the whole.

" But his critical and philosophical learning, and
his large acquaintance with geography and history,
were exceeded by his knowledge in divinity. This
was the business of his life, and herein he made
such proficiency as few of his standing in the minis-
try have attained unto. Here he found what per-
fectly answered his refined, spiritual taste. The

256 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

contemplation of redeeming love, did much more
elevate his soul, than that of the works of creation ;
for therein he saw the wisdom, the power, the jus-
tice, and the love of God, more clearly displayed.
On every subject he had a set of most accurately
studied thoughts. He had often weighed in an im-
partial balance, every theological controversy ; was
a solid disputant, and able to defend all necessary
truth. He was a judicious casuist, and could very
satisfyingly resolve dubious and perplexed cases of
conscience. He was not only a proficient in syste-
matic divinity, which is comparatively a small at-
tainment, but a great textuary. He studied the
sacred oracles above all other things, and that it was
not in vain, manifestly appeared from his great abil-
ity in ' dividing the word of truth.' He could
< bring out of his treasure, things new and old.'
How clearly and fully would he explain his sub-
ject ? with what irresistible arguments confirm the
truth ! With what admirable dexterity accommo-
date it to his audience ! And with what solemn
pungency did he impress it on the conscience ! He
spoke like one who knew the worth of souls, and
felt in himself the surest constraints of love to God
and man.

" As to his religious principles, he was of noble
and generous sentiments. He had not ' so learned
Christ,' as to be furious in his zeal for mere circum-
stantial, or indifferent points. He understood the

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 257

nature of religion better than to place it in things in
which it does not consist ; and was too much exer-
cised about ^ the great matters of the law/ to be
equally zealous for ' mint, anise, and cummin.'
Though sacrifice be good ; yet he had learned that
' mercy is better.' He believed, and that in accor-
dance with the scriptures, that the communion of
saints is of much greater importance, than many of
those things in which Christians differ in judgment,
and was, therefore, far from such narrowness, as to
make every principle and practice which he thought
to be good and true, a term of communion ; and he
was as far from the contrary extreme of indifference
to the truth, and laxness of discipline. As he was
diligent in the exercise of his ministerial office,
to the utmost of his strength, not sparing him-
self; so God did very remarkably succeed his
faithful ministrations to the conversion of many
souls. He was the spiritual father of great num-
bers. I have had acquaintance with Christians in
different places, where he only preached occasion-
ally, who gave all hopeful evidences of a sacred
conversion, and acknowledged him to be the instru-
ment of it. He was strict in discipline ; yet so as to
be still candid ; and severely just, yet so as to be still
compassionate and tender. And with what wisdom
and circumspection, he judged in difficult cases, his
brethren of the presbytery well know. We waited
for his sage remarks, and heard attentively, his pru-

258 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

dent reasonings ; and after his words liow seldom
had any one occasion to speak again ! « His speech
dropped upon us, and we waited for him, as for the
rain.' He has been eminently servicable to the
church, by assisting several promising youths in
their studies for the ministry ; who, becoming learned
by his instructions, and formed by his example, are
now wise, and useful, and faithful ministers.

"He was remarkably grave and solemn in his
aspect and deportment ; yet, of a cheerful, even, and
pleasant temper. And in conversation with his in-
timate friends, facetious and witty, when the season
and concurring circumstances would allow him to
indulge in that way ; in respect of which his pru-
dence could well direct him. He was of a gener-
ous and liberal disposition ; far from being niggard-
ly, or covetous ; was forward in acts of charity to the
indigent, according to his ability, and all his con-
duct discovered a noble indifference toward earthly
things.

" If we consider him as a friend, he was as firm
and steadfast, and might as much be depended on as
any I ever knev/. He was remote from precarious
and fickle humours : his approbation was not easily
obtained, nor easily lost. Nor was he a friend only
in compliment, but would cheerfully undergo hard-
ships, and suffer disadvantages, in order to do a
friendly office. He was conscientiously punctual in
attending ecclesiastical judicatures, presbyteries or

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 259

synods. His presence might be depended on, if
nothing extraordinary intervened, as certainly as
the appointed day. He was not absent on every
trifling inconvenience. In this respect his conduct
was truly exemplary, and demonstrated his constant
care for the public interests of religion. So great
was his attention to matters of common concern, as
to incline him, rather to expose himself, than balk
an opportunity of doing good. It is well known,
that his going upon an urgent call, in a weakly state
of bodyj and in unsettled season, to a convention of
the Trustees of New Jersey College, gave occasion
to that fatal sickness, from which he never fully re-
covered.

" In social life, also, he was worthy of imitation.
As a husband, he was affectionate and kind ; as a
father, tender and indulgent. In him, condescension
and authority were duly tempered. There was
that in him that could engage love and command
reverence, at the same time. Who that was ac-
quainted with him would not be ready to say, <■ hap-
py was the family of which he was the head, and
happy the congregation that enjoyed his ministry ?
happy the judicature of which he was a member ;
and happy the person, who was favoured with his
friendship ! He was a public blessing to the church,
an honour to his people, an ornament to his profes-
sion who « magnified his office.' He spoke as he
believed ; he practised as he preached ; he lived
holy, and died joyfully

260 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

" For a long course of years, he had a habitual,
unwavering assurance of his interest in the favour
of God, and that a blessed and glorious eternity
would, one day open upon him ; which were his
own emphatical words on his dying bed. This his
assurance was solid and scriptural, arising from the
many and clear experiences he had of gracious com-
munications to his soul. He was made sensible in
his early years, of his guilty state by nature as
well as practice ; felt his inability to deliver him-
self ; saw plainly that he lay at mercy, and that it
was entirely at God's pleasure to save or reject him.
This view of the case created in him a restless con-
cern, until the way of life through Jesus Christ was
graciously discovered to him. Then he saw that
God could save him in consistency with all the hon-
ours of governing justice ; for that the obedience
and sufferings of Christ, in the room of sinners, have
made a sufficient atonement for sin. He saw that
Christ was a Saviour every way complete and suit-
able for him. His soul approved the divine and
glorious plan ; and freely disclaiming all dependence
on his own righteousness, wisdom, and strength,
most gladly accepted the ofl^r of the gospel, that
Christ should be his ^ wisdom, righteousness, sancti-
fication, and redemption.' Strict holiness was his
choice, and it was the delightful business of his life,
to "' do always those things which pleased his liea-
venly Father.' And on his dying bed, he had the

THE KEV. SAMUEL JJLAlll. 261

full approbation and testimony of his conscience, as
to the general bent and tenor of his life. These
particulars are the heads of what he himself told me
in his last sickness, and are delivered in the same
order, as near as I can possibly recollect."

When he approached near his end, he expressed
most ardent desires " to depart and be with Christ:"
and especially, the three last days of his life were
taken up in this exercise. Many gracious words he
spoke, gave an affectionate farewell to his beloved,
sorrowful consort, and dear children : tenderly com-
mitted them to the divine mercy and faithfulness,
and fervently prayed, that the blessing of the Most
High might be vouchsafed to them, and rest upon
them ; which prayer, I hope, will be answered. Plis
last words, a minute or two before his departure,
were, " the Bridegroom is come, and we shall now
have all things." And thus, under a gleam of hea-
ven, he breathed out his last.

The Rev. Samuel Davies, who had received nearly
his whole education under the tuition of Samuel
Blair, was deeply affected when he heard the sad
tidings of the death of his revered,and beloved instruc-
tor. He was then residing at Hanover, in Virginia,
where he had gone to occupy an important station, as
will be particularly related in another part of this
work. Mr. Davies, who possessed ardent affections,
and a lively imagination, frequently gave indulgence
to his poetic genius, which, if it had been cultivated,

Q

262 I'ln: kev. samuel blaik.

might have rendered hiin conspicuous in that depart-
ment, now invoked his sacred Muse, and composed an
elegy of many hues, on his admired friend and tutor.
The poem is more remarkable for palhos, than for
smooth versification. The only reason for noticing
it here, is, to show the opinion entertained of Mr.
Blair, by this first of American preachers. A few
extracts will be sufficient to answer our purpose.

" Blair is no more — then this poor world has lo&t

As rich a jewel as her stores could boast ;
Heaven, in just vengeance, has recalled again,
Its faithful envoy, from the sons of men.
Advanced him from his pious toils below.
In raptures there, in kindred plains to glow."

" O, had not the mournful news divulged,

My mind had still the pleasing dream indulged —

Still fancied Blair, Avith health and vigour blessed,

With some grand purpose labouring in his breast.

In studious thought, pursuing truth divine.

Till the full demonstration round him shine ;

Or, from the sacred desk, proclaiming loud.

His Master's message, to the attentive crowd,

While heavenly truth with bright conviction glares,

And coward error shrinks, and disappears ;

While quick remorse, the hardy sinner feels.

And Calv'ry's balm, the bleeding conscience heals "

*' Oh ! could the Muse's languid colours paint.

The man, the scholar, student, preacher, saint :

I 'd place his image full in public view ;

His friends should know more than before they knew.

His foes astonished at his virtues, gaze.

Or shrink confounded from the oppressive blaze.

To trace his bright example, all should turn,

And with the bravest emulation burn.

His name should my poor lays immortalize

TIfE IlEV. SAMUEL BLAIIU 263

- T-iU he, to attef5t his cUaracter, arise.
And the Great Judge, the encomium ratifies.''

The following line<s will serve to show who were
the persona, in Mr. Davies's estiiiialion, who deserved
to be handed down to posterity, as the chosen
friends, and faithful coadjutors of Mr. Blair, in his
evangelical labours. They were all alumni of the
Log College, or of Mr. Blair's scliool, at New Lon-
donderry. And if v/e look at the men educated in
this school, we cannot but entertain an exalted opin-
ion of Mr. Samuel Blair, as an histructor.

-^* Surviving remnant of the sacred tribe,

Who knew th-e worth these plaintive lays describe;

Tennents, three worthies of immortal fame.

Brethren by ofRce, birth^ in heart and name.

FiNLEY, who full enjoyed the unbosomed friend ;

KoDGEKS, whose soul he like his own refined.

When all attention, eager to admit

The flowmg knowledge, at his reverend feet.

Raptured we sat ; and thou above the rest,

Brother and image of the dear deceased.

Surviving Blair! Oh, let spontaneous flow

The floods of tributary grief you ovrc.

And in your Eumber — if so mean a name.

May the sad honour of chief mourner claim,

Oh ! may my filial tears more copious flow.

And swell the tide of universal woe.

Oh ! Blair ! whom all the tenderest names commend,

My father, tutor, pastor, brother, friend!

While distance, the sad privilege denies.

O'er thy dear tomb, to vent my bursting eyes.

The Muse erects — the sole return allowed —

This humble monument of gratitude."

A« the remarkable and impressive s-okmniiv of
Q2

^64 TIIK REV. SAMUEL EABIR.

Samuel Blair's appearance, especially in the pulpit,

has been noticed by all who have given any account
of him ; it will be gratifying to have the same con-
firmed by such a man as Samuel Davies, who himself
was so distinguished for dignity and solemnity in the
pulpit, that one of the most excellent laymen I ever
knew, told me, that he went to hear Mr. Davies
preach, when he was just grown up, and that the
sight of the man, and the mere utterance of his text,
" Martha, Martha," &c., made a deeper impression
on him, than all the sermons he had ever heard
before.

" Now, in the sacred desk, I see hiai rise.

And well he acts the herald of the skies.

Graceful solemnity, and striking awe

Sit in his looks, and deep attention draw.

His speaking aspect — in the bloom of youth

ReneAved — declares unutterable truth.

Unthinking crowds grow solemn as they gaze.

And read his awful message in his face."

The principal writings of the Rev. Samuel Blair,
were collected by his brother John, after his death,
and published in Philadelphia, in the year 1754,
together with Dr. Finley's Funeral Sermon, from
which we have so largely quoted, and Mr. Davies's
Elegy.

This volume contains seven sermons, all on highly
important and practical subjects ; which are treated
in a very solemn and methodical manner. His
style is perspicuous, but neither terse nor elegant ;
but the thoughts are those of a profound thinker.

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 265

To these sermons is appended an elaborate trea-
tise on Predestination and Reprobation, evincing
that the author was a thorough-going Calvinist.
This treatise has been recently repubhshed in Balti-
more. This vohmie also contains his " Vindi-
cation," written by the direction of the Presby-
tery of New Brunswick, in answer to "The
Government of the Church," &c., by the Rev. John
Thompson.

The Rev. Samuel Blair, was a native of Ireland,
but came early to this country, and received his
education in the Log College, under Mr. Wm. Ten-
nent, Sen., at Neshaminy. He must, indeed, have
been among the first pupils of this institution. After
finishing his classical and theological studies, Mr.
Blair put himself under the care of the New Castle
presbytery, by which body he was, in due time,
licensed to preach the gospel. Soon after his license,
he was settletl" in the Presbyterian congregation, at
Shrewsbury, in New Jersey. He laboured in this
field, for five or six years, when he received an
earnest call to settle in New Londonderry, otherwise
called Fagg's Manor, in the State of Pennsylvania.
Here he instituted a classical school, similar in its
purpose to that of Mr. Tennent, in Neshaminy. In
which, some of the ablest ministers of the Presbyte-
rian church received either the whole, or the more
substantial parts of their education. Among these

were, the Rev. Samuel Davies, the Rev. Alexander
Q3

26# THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

Gumming, the Rev. John Roclgers, D. D., the Rev.
James Fmley, and the Rev. Hugh Henry.

Mr. Blair's settlement at Shrevvsbmy, was in the
year 1734, when he was only twenty-two years of
age.

The presbytery of New Brunswick did not exist
until the year 1738, of which Mr. Blair was one of
the original members.

When he received the call from New London-
derry, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, he left it to
the presbytery to decide, whether he should go or
stay. After mature deliberation, they advised him
to accept the call, as they were of opinion it would
introduce him into a Avider field of usefulness.

There are no records extant, from which we can
learn any particulars respecting the fruits of Mr.
Blair's labours at Shrewsbury. Here he com-
menced his ministerial work ; and as he was a faith-
ful, able and zealous preacher of the truth as it is in
Jesus, we entertain no doubt that some of the good
seed which he sowed, fell into good ground, and
brought forth fruit. The vicissitudes of that congre-
gation have been remarkable. For a while it was
flourishing, and had many respectable members, but
it became apparently extinct, and the house of wor-
ship was burned; but after being dead for some
years, it was resuscitated ; it now promises to flour-
ish again.

Under his ministry nt New Londonderry, there

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 267

occurred a very remarkable revival of religion, of
which he wrote a particular narrative The congrega-
tion at Fagg's Manor, consisted almost entirely of
emigrants from the north of Ireland ; and had been
formed a number of years, but had never enjoyed
the ministry of a stated pastor. His settlement among
them took place in November, 1739 ; although he
was not installed as their pastor, until the month of
April, 1740.

The revival referred to above, commenced a short
time after his settlement in the place. The follow-
ing account is contained in the " Narrative" which
he wrote, in a letter to the Rev. Mr. Prince, of Bos-
ton, in his " Christian History."

*' Neiv Londonderry in Pennsylvania, Aug. 6th, 1744.
" Rev. Sir,

" I do most gladly comply with your desire in sending you
some account of the glorious appearance of God in a way of
special grace for us in this congregation, and other parts of
this country : and am of the same judgment with you and
other pious and judicious people, that the collecting and pub-
lishing of such accounts may greatly tend to the glory of
our Redeemer, and the increase of his triumphs. I much
rejoice in the publication of such a collection in the Christian
History, so far as it is already carried on : I think it may
serve to many excellent purposes, and be an happy mean
of advancing the dear interests of our glorious Redeemer's
kingdom, both in the present age, and the ages to come.
And I cannot but look upon myself as called of God in duty,
being thus invited to it, by you, Rev. Sir, to put to a hand,
among many others of my reverend fathers and brethren on
both sides of the Atlantic, to the carrying on of the design of
said histons containing accounts of the revival and propaga-

268 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

tion of religion in this remarkable day of grace. I cannot,
indeed, give near so full and particular a relation of the re-
vival of religion here, as I might have done, had I had such
a thing in view at the lime when God was most eminenily
carrying on his work among us: I entirely neglected then to
note down any particulars in writing, for which I have been
often sorry since ; so that this account must be very imper-
fect to what it might otherwise have been.

" That it may the more clearly appear that the Lord has
indeed carried on a work of true real religion among us of
late years, I conceive it will be useful to give a brief general
view of the state of religion in these parts, before this re-
markable season. I doubt not then but there were some
sincerely religious people up and down ; and there were, I
believe, a considerable number in the several congregations,
pretty exact, according to their education, in the observance
of the external forms of religion, not only as to attendance
upon public ordinances on the sabbath, but also, as to the
practice of family worship, and perhaps, secret prayer too:
but with these things the most part seemed to all appearance
to rest contented ; and to satisfy their consciences with
a dead formality in religion. If they performed these duties
pretty punctually in their seasons, and as they thought with a
good meaning.out of conscience, and not just to obtain a r ame
for religion among men; then they were ready to conclude
that they were truly and sincerely religious. A very lament-
able ignorance of the main essentials of true practical reli-
gion, and the doctrines nextly relating thereunto, very gener-
ally prevailed. The nature and necessity of the new birth,
was but little known or thought of. The necessity of a
conviction of sin and misery, by the Holy Spirit opening and
applying the law to the conscience, in order to a saving
closure with Christ, was hardly known at all, to the most.
It was thought, that if there was any need of a heart-dis-
tressing sight of the soul's danger, and fear of divine wrath,
it was only needful for the grosser sort of sinners: and for
any others to be deeply exercised this way (as there might
sometimes be before, some rare instances observable) this was
generally looked upon to be a great evil and temptation, that

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 269

had befallen those persons. The common names for such
soul-concern were, melancholy, trouble of mind, or despair.
These terms were in common, so far as I have been ac-
quainted, indifferently used as synonymous ; and trouble of
mind, was looked upon as a great evil, which all persons
that made any sober profession and practice of religion
ought carefully to avoid. There was scarcely any suspicion
at all, in general, of any danger of depending upon self-
righteousness, and not upon the righteousness of Christ alone
for salvation. Papists and Quakers would be readily ac-
knowledged guilty of this crime ; but hardly any professed
Presbyterian. The necessity of being first in Christ by a
vital union, and in a justified state, before our religious ser-
vices can be well pleasing and acceptable to God, was very
little understood or thought of: but the common notion
seemed to be, that if people were aiming to be in the way
of duty as well as they could, as they imagined, there was
no reason to be much afraid.

"According to these principles, and this ignorance of some
of the most soul-concerning truths of the gospel, people were
very generally thruugh the land, careless at heart, and stu-
pidly indifferent aboiit the great concerns of eternity. There
was very little appearance of any hearty engagedness in
religion: and indeed the wise, for the most part, were in a
great degree asleep with the foolish. It was sad to see
with what a careless behaviour the public ordinances were
attended, and how people were given to unsuitable worldly
discourse, on the Lord's holy day. In public companies,
especially at weddings, a vain and frothy lightness was ap-
parent in the deportment of many professors : and in some
places, very extravagant follies, as horse-running, fiddling
and dancing, pretty much obtained, on those occasions.

Thus, religion lay as it were a dying, and ready to expire
its last breath of life in this part of the visible church : and
it was in the spring of 1740, when the God of salvation was
pleased to visit us with the blessed effusions of his holy spi-
rit in an eminent manner. The first very open and public
appearance of this gracious visitation in these parts, was in
the congregation which God has committed to my charge.

270 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

This congregation lias not been erected above fourteen or
fifteen years from this time: the place is a new settlement,
generally settled with people from Ireland (as all our con-
gregations in Pennsylvania, except two or ihree, chiefly are
made up of people from that kingdom).* I am the first
minister they have ever had settled in the place ; havingbeen
regularly liberated from my former charge, in East Jersey,
above an hundred miles north-eastward from hence; the
reverend presbytery of New Brunswick of which I had the
comfort of being a member, judging it to be my duty, for
sundry reasons, to remove from thence. At the earnest in-
vitation of the people here, I came to them in the beginning
of JNovember, 1739 ; accepted of a call from them that win-
ter, and was formally installed and settled among them as
their minister, in April following. There were some hope-
fully pious people here at my first coming, which was a
great encouragement and comfort to me.

" I had some view and sense of the deplorable condition of
the land in general ; and accordingly the scope of my
preaching through that first winter after I came here, was
mainly calculated for persons in a natural unregenerate
state. I endeavoured, as the Lord enabled me, to open up
and prove from his word, the truths which I judged most
necessary for such as were in that state to know and believe,
in order to their conviction and conversion. I endeavoured
to deal searchingly and solemnly with them : and through
the concurring blessing of God, I had knowledge of four or
five brought under deep convictions that winter.

* " It may be convenient here to observe, that in Ireland, are three
different sorts of people, deriving from three several nations : 1. those
who descend from the ancient Irish ; and these are generally
Roman Catholics. 2. 'J'hose who descend from ancestors who came
from England ; and these are generally Church of England men.
3. Those who descend from ancestors v/ho came from Scotland since
the Reformation : and these are generally Presbyterians; who chiefly
inhabit the northerly parts of Ireland : and these are the people who
have of late years in great numbers, removed thence into these Ame-
rican regions.

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 271

**In the beginning of March, I took a journey into East
Jersey ; and was abroad for two or ihree Sabbaths : a neigh-
bouring minister, who seemed to be earnest for the awalien-
ing and conversion of secure sinners, and whom I had
obtained to preach a Sab'bath to my people in my absence,
preached to thern, I think, on the first Sabbath after I left
home : his subject was the dangerous and awful case of such
as continue unrpgenerate, and unfruitful under the means of
grace. The text was Luke, xiii. 7. 'Then said he to the
dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come
seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none ; cut it down,
why cumbereth it the ground ? Under that sermon, there
was a visible appearance of much soul-concern among the
hearers ; so that some burst out with an audible noise into
bitter crying ; a thing not known in these parts before.
After I had come home, there came a young man to my
house, under deep trouble about the state of his soul, whom
I had looked upon as a pretty light merry sort of a youth:
he told me that he was not anything concerned about him-
self in the time of hearing the above-mentioned sermon, nor
afterwards, till the next day that he went to his labour,
which was grubbing, in order to clear some new ground.
The first grub he set about, was a pretty large one, with a
high top, and when he had cut the roots, as it fell down,
these words came instantly to his remembrance, and as a
spear to his heart, 'cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground?'
So, thought he, must I be cut down by the justice of God,
for the burning of hell, unless I get into another state than I
am now in. He thus came into very great and abiding dis-
tress, which, to all appearance, has had a happy issue ; his
conversation being to this day as becomes the gospel of
Christ.

"The news of this very public appearance of deep soul-
concern among my people, met me a hundred miles from
home ; I was very joyful to hear of it, in hopes that God was
about to carry on an extensive work of converting grace
amongst them. And the first sermon I preached after my
return to them, was from Matthew vi. 33. * Seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness.' After opening up

272 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

and explaining the parts of the text, when, in the improve-
ment, I came to press the injunction in the text upon the un-
converted and ungodly, and offered this as one reason among
others, why they should now henceforth first of all seek the
kingdom and righteousness of God, viz., that they had
neglected too long to do so already : this consideration
seemed to come and cut like a sword upon several in the
congregation ; so that while I was speaking upon it, they
could no longer contain, hut burst out in the most bitter
mourning. I desired them as much as possible, to restrain
themselves from making any noise, that would hinder them-
selves or others from hearing what was spoken : and often
afterwards I had occasion to repeat the same counsel : I
still advise people to endeavour to moderate and bound their
passions, but not so as to resist or stifle their conviction.
The number of ihe awakened increased very fast : frequently
under sermons there were some newly convicted, and
brought into deep distress of soul about their perishing
estate. Our Sabbath assemblies soon became vastly large:
many people from almost all parts around, inclining very
much to come where there was such appearance of the di-
vine power and presence. I think there was scarcely a ser-
mon or lecture preached here through that whole summer,
but there were manifest evidences of impressions on the
hearers; and many times the impressions were very great
and general : several would be overcome and faintino- ;
others deeply sobbing, hardly able to contain ; others crying
in a most dolorous manner; many others more silentlv
Aveeping : and a solemn concern appearing in the counte-
nances of many others. And sometimes the soul-exercises
of some (though comparatively but very few) would so iar
alTect their bodies, as to occasion some strange unusual
bodily motions. I had opportunities of speaking particularly
with a great many of those, who afforded such outward
tokens of inward soul-concern in the time of public worship
and hearing of the word: mdeed, many came to me of
themselves in their distress, for private instruction and coun-
sel ; and I found, so far as I can remember, that with by far
the greater part their apparent concern in public was not

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. iJT3

a transient quahn of conscience, or merely a floating
commotion of the affections ; but a rational fixed conviction
of their dangerous perishing estate. They could generally
offer as a convictive evidence of their being in an unconverted
miserable estate, that they were utter strangers to those dis«
positic-ns, exercises, and experiences of soul in religion,
which they heard laid down from God's word, as the inse-
parable characters of the truly regenerate people of God ;
even such as before had something of the form of religion ;
and, I think the greater number were of this sort ; and
several had been pretty exact and punctual in the perform-
ance of outward duties ; they saw they had been contenting
themselves with the form without the life and power of
godliness; and that they had been taking peace to their
consciences from, and depending upon their own righteous-
ness, and not the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

"In a word, they saw that true practical religion was quite
another thing than they had conceived if to be, or had any
true experience of. There were likewise many up and down
the land, brought under deep distressing convictions that
summer, who had lived very loose lives, regardless of the
very externals of religion. In this congregation, I believe
there were very few that were not stirred up to some solemn
thoughtfulness and concern more than usual about their
souls. The general carriage and behaviour of people was
soon very visibly altered. Those awakened were much
given to reading in the Holy Scriptures, and other good
books. Excellent books that had lain by much neglected,
were then much perused, and lent from one to another ; and it
was a peculiar satisfaction to people, to find how exactly the
doctrines they heard daily preached, harmonized with the
doctrines contained and taught by great and godly men in
other parts, and former times. The subjects of discourse
almost always, when any of them were together, were the
matters of religion and great concerns of their souls. All
unsuitable, worldly, vain discourse on the Lord's day, seemed
to be laid aside among them: indeed, for anything that ap-
peared, there seemed to be almost a universal reformation in
'^his respect in our public assemblies, on the Lord's day.

274 TITE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

"There was an earnest desire in people after opportunities
for public worship and hearing the word. I appointed, in
the spring, to preach every Friday through the summer,
when I was at home, and those meetings were well
attended ; and at several of them, the power of the Lord
was remarkably with us. The main scope of my preaching*
through that summer, was, laying open the deplorable state
of man by nature since the fall, our ruined exposed case by
the breach of the first covenant, and the awful condition of
such as were not in Christ, giving the marks and characters
of such as were in that condition : and, moreover, laying
open the way of recovery, in the new covenant, through a
Mediator, with the nature and necessity of faith in Christ
the Mediator, fet^. I laboured much on the last mentioned
heads; that the people might have right apprehensions of
the gospel-method of life and salvation. I treated much on
the way of sinners closing with Christ by faith, and obtain-
ing a right peace to an awakened wounded conscience:
showing tiiat persons were not to take peace to themselves
on account of their repentings, sorrows, prayers, and reforma-
tions ; nor to make these things the grounds of their adven-
turing themselves upon Christ and his righteousness, and of
their expectations of life by him: and that neither were
they to obtain or seek peace in extraordinary ways, by
visions, dreams, or immediate inspirations: but, by an un-
derstanding view, and believing persuasion of the way of life,
as revealed in the gospel, through the suretiship obedience
and sufferings of Jesus Christ ; with a view of the suitable-
ness and sufficiency of that mediatory righteousness of Christ,
for the justification and life of law-condemned sinners ; and
thereupon, freely accepting him for their Saviour, heartily
consenting to, and being well pleased with the way of sal-
vation, and venturing their all upon his mediation, from the
warrant and encouragement afforded of God thereunto in his
word, by his free offer, authoritative command, and sure
promise to those that so believe. I endeavoured to show the
fruits and evidences of a true faith, kc.

"After some time, many of the convinced and distressed,
afforded very hopeful satisfying evidence that the Lord had

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 275

brought them to a true closure with Jesus Christ ; and that
their distresses and fears had been in a great measure re-
moved in a right gospel-way, by believing in the Son of God.
Several of ihem had very remarkable and sweet deliver-
ances this way. It was very agreeable to hear their accounts,
how that when they were in the deepest perplexity and
darkness, distress and difficulty, seeking God as poor con-
demned hell-deserving sinners, the scheme of recovering
grace through a Redeemer has been opened to their under-
standings with a surprising beauty and glory, so that they
were enabled to believe in Christ with joy unspeakable, and
full of glory. It appeared that most generally the Holy
Spirit improved for this purpose, and made use of some
one particular passage or other of the Holy Scripture,
that came to their remembrance in their distress : some gos-
pel-offer or promise, or some declaration of God directly re-
ferring to the recovery and salvation of undone sinners, by
the new-covenant. But with some it was otherwise : they
had not anv one particular place of Scripture more than an-
other in their view, at the time. Those who met with such
a remarkable relief; as their account of it was rational and
scriptural, so, they appeared to have had at the time, the
attendants and fruits of a true faith ; particularly humility,
love, and an affectionate regard to the will and honour of
God : much of their exercise was in self-abasing and self-
loathing ; and admiring the astonishing condescension and
grace of God towards such vile and despicable creatures,
that had been so full of enmity and disaffecton to him. They
freely and sweetly, with all their hearts, chose the way of
his commandments; their inflamed desire was to live to
him for ever, according to his will ; and to the glory of his
name.

"There were others that had not such remarkable
relief and comfort, who yet I could not but think were
savingly renewed and brought truly to accept of and rest
upon Jesus Christ, though not with such a degree of liveliness
and liberty, strength and joy ; and some of those continued
for a considerable time after, for the most part, under a very
distressing suspicion and jealousy of their case. I was all

276 THE REV. SAMUEL KLAIR.

along very cautious of expressing to people my judgment
of the goodness of their slates, except where 1 had pretty
clear evidences from them, of their being savingly changed ;
and yet they continued in deep distress, casting off all their
evidences. Sometimes in such cases, I have thought it need-
ful to use greater freedom that way than ordinary ; but
otherwise, I judged that it could be of little use, and might
easily be hurtful.

"Beside those above spoken of, whose experience of a work
of grace was in a good degree clear and satisfying, there
were some others (though but very few in this congregation,
that I knew of) who, having very little knowledge or capa-
city, had a very obscure and improper way of representing
their case. In relating how they had been exercised, they
would chiefly speak of such things as were only the effects
of their soul exercise upon their bodies, from time to time,
and some things that were purely imaginary : which obliged
me to be at much pains in my inquiries, before I could get
any just ideas of their case. I would ask them, what were
the thoughts, the views and apprehensions of their minds,
and exercise of their affections, at such times when they
felt, perhaps, a quivering come over them, or a faint-
ness, or thought they saw their hearts full of some
nauseous filthiness; or when they felt a heavy weight
or load at their hearts, or felt the weight again taken
off, and a pleasant warmness rising from their hearts, as they
would probably express themselves, which might be the
occasions or causes of these things they spoke of; and then,
when with some difficulty I could get them to understand
me, some of them would give a pretty rational account of
solemn and spiritual exercises: and after a thorough careful
examination this way, I could not but conceive good hopes of
some such persons.

" But there were, moreover, several others, who seemed
to think concerning themselves that they were under some
good work, of whom yet I could have no reasonable ground
to think that they were under any hopeful work of the
Spirit of God. As near as I could judge of their case frcm
all my acquaintance and conversation with them, it was

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIK. 277

much to this purpose. Theyhelieved there was a good work
going on ; that people were convinced, and brought into a
converted state ; and they desired to be converted too. They
saw others weeping and fainting, and heard people mourn-
ing and lamenting, and they thought if they could be like
these it would be very hopeful with them ; hence, they en-
deavoured just to get themselves affected by sermons, and
if they could come to weeping, or get their passions so raised
as to incline them to vent themselves by cries, now they
hoped they v/ere got under convictions, and were in a very
hopeful way ; and afterwards, they would speak of their
being in trouble, and aim at complaining of themselves, but
seemed as if they knew not well how to do it, nor what to
say against themselves ; and then they would be looking
and expecting to get some texts of scripture applied to them
for their comfort ; and when any scripture text which they
thought was suitable for that purpose, came to their minds,
they were in hopes it was brought to them by the Spirit of
God, that they might take comfort from it. And thus, much
in such a way as this, some appeared to be pleasing them-
selves with an imaginary conversion of their own mak-
ing. I endeavoured to correct and guard against all such
mistakes so far as I discovered them, in the course of my
ministry ; and to open up the nature of a true conviction by
the Spirit of God, and of a saving conversion.

" Thus I have given a very brief account of the state and
progress of religion here through that first summer after the
remarkable revival of it among us. Towards the end of
that summer, there seemed to be a stop put to the further
progress of the work as to conviction and awakening of sin-
ners ; and ever since there have been very few instances of
persons convinced. It remains then, that I speak some-
thing of the abiding effects and after fruits of those awaken-
ings and other religious exercises which people were under
during the above mentioned period. Such as were only
under some slight impressions and superficial aAvakenings,
seem in general to have lost them all again without any
abiding hopeful alteration upon them. They seem to have
fallen back again into their former carelessness and stupidity

278 THE llEV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

and some that were under pretty great awakenings, and con-
siderably deep convictions, of their miserable state, seem also
to have got peace again to their consciences without getting
it by a true faith in the Lord Jesus ; affording no satisfymg
evidence of their being savingly renewed. But, through
the infinite rich grace of God (blessed be his glorious
name !) there is a considerable number who afford all the
evidence that can be reasonably expected and required for
our satisfaction in the case, of their having been the sub-
jects of a thorough saving change : (except in some singu-
lar instances of behaviour, which alas I proceed from,
and' shew the sad remains of original corruption even in
the regenerate children of God, while in this imperfect
state) their walk is habitually tender and conscientious,
their carriage towards their neighbours just and kind, and
they appear to haye an agreeable peculiar love one for an-
other t and for all in whom appears the image of God.
Their discourses of religion, their engagedness and disposi-
tions of soul in the practice of the immediate duties and or-
dinances of religion, all appear quite otherwise than former-
ly. Indeed, the liveliness of their affections in the ways of
religion is much abated in general, and they are in some
measure humbly sensibly of this and grieved for it, and are
carefully endeavouring still to live unto God ; much grieved
with their imperfections and the plagues they find in their
own hearts ; and frequently they meet with some delightful
enliveningsof soul ; and, particularly, our sacramental solem-
nities for communicating in the Lord's Supper, have general-
ly been very blessed seasons of enlivening and enlargement
to the people of God. There is a very evident and great
increase of Christian knowledge with many of them. "We
enjoy in this congregation the happiness of a great degree
of harmony and concord ; scarcely any have appeared with
open opposition and bitterness against the work of God
among us, and elsewhere up and down the land : though
there are a pretty many such in several other places through
the country : some, indeed, in this congregation, but very^
few, have separated from us and joined with the ministers
who have unhappily opposed this blessed work.

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 279

*' It would have been a great advantage to this account,
had I been careful in time to have written down the experi-
ences of particular persons : but this I neglected in the pro-
per season. However, I have more lately noted down an
account of some of the soul exercises and experiences of one
person, which I think may be proper to make public on this
occasion. The person is a single young woman, but I
judge it proper to conceal her name, because she is yet liv-
ing. I was very careful to be exact in the afiair, both in
j my conversing with her, and writing the account she gave
me of herself, immediately after. And though I don't pre-
tend to give her very words for the most part, yet I am well
satisfied I don't misrepresent what she related. The ac-
count then is this; she was first brought to some solemn
thoughtfulness and concern about her soul's case, by seeino-
others so much concerned about their souls: when she saw
people in deep distress about the state of their souls, she
thought with herself, how unconcerned she was about her
own. And though she thought that she had not been very
guilty of great sins, yet she feared she was too little concerned
about her eternal well-being: and then the sermons she
heard made her still uneasy about her case ; so that she
would go home on the Sabbath evenings, pretty much
troubled and cast down ; which concern used to abide with
her for a few dayS after, but still, towards the end of the week
she would become pretty easy; and then, by hearing the
word on the Sabbath days, her uneasiness was always re-
newed for a few days again. And thus it fared with her,
until one day as she was hearing a sermon preached from
Heb. iii. 15: 'To day if you will hear his voice, harden not
your hearts.' The minister, in the serm.on, spoke to this effect,
* IIow many of you have been bearing the gospel for a long
time, and yet your hearts remain always hard, without being
made better by it : the gospel is the voice of God, but you
have heard it only as the voice of man and not the voice of
God, and so have not been benefited by it.' These words
came with power to her heart. She saw that this was her
very case ; and she had an awful sense of the sin "of her mis-
improvement of the gospel, of her stupidif.v, hardness and

R

280 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAill.

unprofitableness under the hearing of the word of God. She
saw that she was hereby exposed to the sin-punishing jus-
tice of God, and so was filled with very great fear and ter-
ror : but she said there was no other sin at that time applied
to her conscience, neither did she see herself as altogether
without Christ.

** This deep concevn, on the fore-mentioned account, stuck
pretty close by her afterwards. There was a society of pri-
vate Christians to meet in the neighbourhood, some day
after, in the same week, for reading, prayer, and religious
conference. She had not been at a society of that kind be-
fore, but she longed very much for the time of their meet-
ing then, that she might go there: and while she was
there, she got an awful view of her sin and corruption, and
saw that she was without Christ and without grace ; and
her exercise and distress of soul was such, that it made
her for a while both deaf and blind ; but she said she
had the ordinary use cf her understanding, and begged
that Christ might not leave her to perish, for she saw
she was undone vvnthout him. After this she lived in
bitterness of soul : and at another time she had such a view
of her sinfulness, of the holiness and justice of God, and the
danger she was in of eternal misery, as filled her with ex-
treme anguish ; so that had it not been that she was sup-
ported by an apprehension of God's all-sufficiency, she told
me, she was persuaded, she should have fallen immediately
into despair. She continued for some weeks in great dis-
tress of spirit, seeking and pleading for mercy without any
comfort ; until one Sabbath evening, in a house where she
was lodged, during the time of a sacramental solemnity,
while the family were singing the 84th Psalm, her soul
conceived strong hopes of reconciliation with God through
Jesus Christ, and she had such apprehensions of the happi-
ness of the heavenly state, that her heart was filled with
joy unspeakable and full of glory ; she sung with such ele-
vation of sou!, as if she had sung out of herself, as she ex-
pressed it ; she thought at the time, it Avas as if the Lord
had put by the veil and showed her the open glory of heaven:
she had very enlarged views of the sufficiency of Christ to

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 281

save: she was clearly persuaded, to the fullest satisfaclion, that there
was merit enough in him to answer for the sins of the most guilty
dinner; and she saw that God could well be reconciled to all elect
-sinners in his Son; which was a most ravishing, delightful sccxje of
contemplation to her.

"But while she was in this frame, after some lime she thouglit
with herself, that notwithstanding all this, yet she could not with
the full assurance of faith lay claim to the Lord Jesus as her own
Saviour, in particular; she could not say with such full satisfaction
arnd certainty as she desired, that he would be a Saviour, in particular,
toller; and hence, for want of thoroughly understanding wherein
tile very essence of a saving faith consists, she had some jealous fear
that she was not yet brought truly to believe in Christ. However,
she was pietly free from her former terrors, after this sweet interview.
But after some time, she grew more disconsolate, and more sensibly
•afraid of her state, on the forementioned account : she heard that
sinners in closing with Christ by faith, received him for their Saviour,
•which she ihought i-ncluded in it a persuasion that he was their*-s»
in particular, and she could not clearly say that this had ever been
^er case ; and so she came awfully to suspect herself to be as yet an
unbeliever ; and though she came in time to that sweet plerophory,
iind full assurance of faith; yet she has since seen her mistake in
that matter about the nature of a true and saving faith. She con-
tinued very much under those grievous dejections, for about two
5'ears, and yet enjoyed considerable swertness and comfort, at times.
tShe often came to hear sermons with a desire to get clearly convinced
of her being yet in a Christless state, and with a formed resolution
to take and apply to herself what might be sai-d in the sermon to the
iinconverted : but nvost commonly sh-e returned very agreeably dis-
appointed ; she would generally liear some mark of grace, some evi-
•dence of a real Christian laid down, which she could ky claim to,
and could not deny; and thus she v/as supported and comforted,
from time to time. During these two year?, it was still with
much fear and perplexity that she adventuied to communicate in tlie
Lord's Supper; but she could not omit it; and she always found
some refreshing and sweetness, by that ordinance.

" After she had been so long under an almost alternate succession

of troubles and supports, the sun of righteousness at last broke out

*ipon her, to the clear satisfaction and unspeakable ravishment of her

feel, at a communion taWe. There her mind was Jet into the glorj-

R2

282 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

ous mysteries of redemption, with great enlargement ; while she med-
itated on the sufferings of tlie Lord Jesus, she thought with herself,
he was not merely a man who suffered so for sinners, but infinitely
more than man, even the most high God, the eternal Son, equal with
the Father : and she saw his being God, put an infinite lustre and
Talue upon his sufferings as man ; her heart was filled with a most
unutterable admiration of his person, his merit and his love: she was
enabled to believe in him wilh a strong self-evidencing faith ; she be-
lieved that he had suffered for her sins ; that she was the very person
who by her sins had occasioned his sufferings, and brought agony
and pain upon him. The consideration of this filled her with the
deepest abhorrence of her sins, and most bitter grief for them ; she
said she could have desired with all her heart to have melted and
dissolved her body quite away in that very place, in lamentation and
mourning over her sins. After this enjoyment, her soul was gener-
ally delighting in God, and she had much of the light of his counte-
nance with her : and Oh ! her great concern still was, how she might
live to the Lord, how she might do anything for him, and give hon-
our to him. The Lord condescended to be much with her by his
enlivening and comforting presence, and especially, sacramental sea-
sons were blessed and precious seasons to her. At one of those oc-
casions, she was in a sweet frame, meditating on the blood and water
that issued from the wound made by the spear in her Saviour's side ;
she thought, as water is of a purifying cleansing nature, so there was
sanctifying virtue as well as justifying merit in the Lord Jesus; and
that she could no more be without the water, his sanctifying grace
to cleanse her very polluted soul, than she could be without his blood
to do away her guilt : and her heart was much taken up with the
beauty and excellency of sanctification. At another time, a com-
munion solemnity likewise, she was very full of delight and wonder
with the thoughts of electing love; how that God had provided and
determined so great things for her before ever she had a being. And
a very memorable enjoyment she had at another tir.ie, on Monday
after a communion Sabbath, when these words came to her mind, ' The
Spirit and the bride say come, and let him that is athirst come, and
whosoever will let him take the water of life freely.' The glory and
delight let in upon her soul by these words was so great, that it quite
overcame her bodily frame : she said it seemed to her that she was
almost all spirit, and that the body was quite laid by ; and she was
sometimes in hopes that the union would actually break, and the soul

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 283

get quite awa}'. She saw much at that time into the meaning of her
Lord in those words, * Because I live ye shall live also.'

" Respecting a time of sickness she had, concerning which I
enquired of her, she told me, she expected pretty much to die then,
and was very joyful at the near prospect of her change ; and sensi-
bly grieved to find herself recover again, chiefly because, that while
she lived here she was so fiail and sinful, and could do so little for
the Lord's honour. I was with her in the time of that sickness, and
indeed, I scarcely ever saw one appearing to be so fully and sweetly
satisfied under the afflicting hand of God ; she manifestly appeared
to lie under it with a peaceful serenity and divine sweetness in her
whole soul. In a word, her whole deportment in the world, bespeaks
much humility and heavenliness of spirit.

« One of our Christian friends, a man about fifty years of age,
was removed from us by death in the beginnning of May last ; of
whom I ean give some broken imperfect account, which perhaps may
be of some use. His name was Hanse Kirkpatrick : he was a man
of a prelty good understanding, and had been, I believe, a sober pro-
fessor for many years, though he had not been very long in America-
After the work of religion began so powerfully amongst us, I found
in conversation with him, that he believed it to be a good work, but
seemed very unwilling to give up his good opinion of his own case :
he told me of some concern and trouble he had been m about his
soul in his younger years; but yet the case looked suspicious that
he had got ease in a legal way, upon an outward form of religion.
At another time, being at his house, and taking up a little book that
lay by me on the table, which I found to be Mr. Mather's dead faith
anatomized, and self-justiciary convicted,' he said to me, that was in-
deed a strange book as ever he saw, and that according to that au-
thor it was a great thing indeed to have a right faith that was true
and saving, another thing than it was generally supposed to be; or
to this purpose. He seemed, to me at that time to be under more
fears about his own case than I had observed in hira before. Not
Ion- after this, as he was hearing a sermon, one day, the word was
applied with irresistible evidence and power to his heart, so that he
saw himself as yet in a perishing undone case : whereupon, the dis-
tress and exercise of his soul was so great, that he fell off the seat on
which he was sitting, and wept and cried, very bitterly. A little
after this he went to Philadelphia, at the time of the meeting of the
synod, in hope, that perhaps he might meet with some benefit to h.«
^ R3

284 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

soul, by healing the ministers preach there, or by conversing with
some of them. He told mc afterwards, that while he was there, and
as he walked the streets, he was unspeakably distressed with the
view of his miserable condition ; so that he could hardly keep his
distress from being publicly discerned upon him : and, that he seemed
sometimes to be even in a manner afraid that the streets would open
and swallow up such a wretched creature. He told me of his trouble,
and his very sweet relief out of it, in a most moving manner, under
a very fresh sense and impression of both ; but the particulars of his
relief, I have quite forgot.

" He was afterwards chosen and set apart for a ruling elder in the
congregation. He died of an imposthume, and gradually wasted
away for a long time before his death, and was for about two months
entirely confined to his bed. He told me, that for some time before
he was laid bedfast, he had been full of very distressing f.'ars and
jealousies about his soul's state, and was altogether unsatisfied about
his interest in Christ ; but that soon after he was confined to his
bed, the Lord afforded him his comforting presence, cleared up his
interest, and removed his fears. After this, he continued still clear
and peaceful in his soul, and sweetly and wholly resigned to the
Lord's will, until death. While he had strength to speak much, he
was free and forward to discourse of God and divine things. One
time, as two other of our elders were vvith him, he exhorted them to
continue steadfast and faithful to God's truths and cause; for, be said,
if he had a thousand souls, he could freel}'^ venture them all upon the
doctrines which had been taught them in this congregation. One
time when I took leave of him, be burst out into tears, saying, * I had
been the messenger of the Lord of hosts to him that the Lord had
sent to call him out of the broad way of destruction.' For some
days before his decease, he could speak but very little, but to all ap-
pearance, with a great deal of serenity and sweetness of soul, he fell
asleep in Jesus.

"There have been very comfortable instances of little children,
among us. Two sisters, the one being about seven, the other about
nine years of age,'Were hopefully converted, that summer, when reli-
gion was so much revived here. I discoursed with them both very
lately, and from their own account, and the account of their pa-
rents, there appears to have been a lasting and thorough change
■wrought in them. They speak of their soul experiences with a very
becoming gravity, and apparent impression of the things they speak of.

"The youngest was awakened by hearing the word preached : she

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 285

told me she heard in sermons, that except persons were convinced and
converted, they would surely go to hell ; and she knew she was not
converted. This set her to praying with great earnestness, with tears
and cries; yet her fears and distress continued for several days, until,
one time, as she was praying, her heart, she said, was drawn out in
great love to God ; and, as she thought of heaven, and being with
God, she was filled with sweetness and delight : I could not find by
her, that she had at that time any explicit particular thoughts about
Christ as a Redeemer, but, she said, she knew then that Christ had
died for sinners. She told me, she often found such delight and love
to God since, as she did then, and at such times, she was very will-
ing to die that she might be with God : but she said, she was some-
times afraid yet of going to hell. I asked her, ' If she was troubled at
any time when she was not afraid of going to hell V She said,
*yes:' I asked her, 'what she was troubled for, thenl' she said, 'be-
cause she had done ill to God ;' meaning, that she had done evil, and
sinned against God. Some time after she first found comfort, one
night, when her father and all the rest of the family, but her mother
and herself, were gone to a private society, she said to her mother,
' that the people were singing and praying, where her father was
gone,' and desired her mother to do the same with her ; and after
they were gone to bed, ' she desired her mother to sing some psalms
which she had by heart, for she said, she did not want to go to sleep.
" Her sister was brought into trouble about her soul, that same
summer, by sickness. It continued with her some time after her re-
covery; until one day, coming home from meeting, as she heard
some people speaking about Christ and heaven, her heart was
inflamed with love to Christ. She says, that * when she has Christ's
presence with her, she does not know what to do to get away and be
with God.' Their parents told me, that for a long time they seemed to
be almost wholly taken up in rehgion : that no weather, through the
extremity of winter, would hinder them from going out daily to by-
places for secret prayer ; and if anything came in the way that they
could not get out for prayer, at such times as they inclined and thought
most proper, they would weep and cry. Their parents say they arc
very obedient children, and strict observers of the Sabbath.

" There are likewise other young ones in the place, of whom I
know nothing to the contrary, but what they continue hopeful and
rehgious, to this day.

" This blessed shower of divine influences, spread very much

286 THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.

through this province, that summer : and was likewise considei able in
some other places, bordering upon it. The accounts of some ministers
being something distinguished by their searching, awakening doctiine,
and solemn pathetic manner of address, and the news of the effects
of their preaciiing upon their hearers, seemed in some measure to
awaken people through the country, to consider their careless and
formal way of going on in religion ; and very much excited their
desires to hear those ministers. There were several vacant congrega-
tions without any settled pastors, which earnestly begged for their
visits : and several ministers who did not appear heartily to put theii
shoulder to help in carrying on the same work, yet then yielded to
the pressing importunities of their people, in inviting those brethren
to preach in their pulpits : so that they were very much called abroad,
and employed in incessant labours, and the Lord wrought with them,
mightily. Very great assemblies would ordinarily meet to hear them,
on any day of the week ; and, oftentimes, a surprising power accom-
panying their preaching, was visible among the multitudes of their
hearers. It was a very comfortable enlivening time to God's people;
and great numbers of secure careless professors, and many loose
irreligious persons, through the land, were deeply convinced of their
miserable perishing estates ; and there is abundant reason to believe
and be satisfied, that many of them were in the issue, sav-
ingly converted to God. I myself, have had occasion to converse
with a great many up and down, who have given a most agreeable
account of very precious and clear experiences of the grace of God.
Several, even in Baltimore, a county in the province of Maryland,
who were brought up almost in a state of heathenism, without
almost any knowledge of the true doctrines of Christianity, afford
very satisfying evidence* of being brought to a saving acquaintance
with God in Chrir^t Jesus.

"Thus, Sir, I have endeavoured to give a brief account of the re-
vival of religion among us, in these parts ; in which I have endea-
voured, all along, to be conscientiously exact, in relating things ac-
cording to the naked truth : knowing, that I must not speak wickedly,
even for God ; nor talk deceitfully, for Him.

" And upon the whole, I must say, it is beyond all dispute with
me, and I think it is beyond all reasonable contradiction, that God
has carried on a great and glorious work of his grace among us.
" I am, Rev Sir,

f Your very respectful son and servant,

" Saxuel Blitb.

THE RKV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 287

"Rev. Sir.
" Having an oppoitunity of obtaining these attestations before
sending my letter to you, I send them also along, if you please they
may be inserted in the Christian History, at the end of my account.

S. B.

" New Londonderry, August 7th, 1744.
"We the subsciibers, ruling elders, in the congregation of
New Londonderry, do give our testimony and attestation to the
above account of the revival of religion in this congregation and other
parts of this country, so far as the said account relates to things that
were open to public observation, and such things as we have had op-
portunity of being acquainted with. Particularly, we testify, that
there has been a great and very general awakening among people,
whereby they have been stirred up to an earnest uncommon concern
and diligence about their eternal salvation, according to the above
account of it : and, that many give very comfortable evidence by
their knowledge, declaration of experience, and conscientious prac-
tice, of their being savingly changed and turned to God.

James Cocqran, John Smith,

John Ramsat, John Simson,

John Love, Wm. Botb."

Mr. Samuel Blair was truly a burning and a
shining light : but like many others of this descrip-
tion, while he warmed and enlightened others, he
himself was consumed. Though his life was pro-
tracted beyond the age attained by Davies and
Brainerd ; yet he may be said to have died young ;
for from the inscription on his tomb, it appears, that
he was only thirty-nine years, and twenty-one days
old, when he was taken away. His remains lie in
the burying ground of Fagg's Manor ; where his
tomb may yet be seen. The whole inscription is,

288 THE REV. SAMUEL IJLAIR.

"Here lieth the body of
The Rev. Sajiuel Blair,
Who departed this life,
The 5th day of July 1751.
Aged 39 years and 21 days."
*' In yonder sacred house 1 spent my breath,
Now silent, mouldering, here I lie in death ;
These lips shall wake and yet declare,
A dread amen, to truths they published there."

Mr. Blair was one of the most learned and pro-
found, as well aspiouSj excellent, and venerable men
of his day. His deep and clear views as a theologian,
are sufficiently evident from his treatise on " Predes-
tination," where this awful and mysterious doctrine
is treated with the hand of a master.

As a preacher, Mr. Blair was very eminent.
There was a solemnity in his very appearance,
which struck his hearers with awe, before he opened
his mouth. And his manner of preaching, while it
was truly evangelical and instructive, was exceed-
ingly impressive. He spoke as in the view of eter-
nity, as in the immediate presence of God. The
opinion which Mr. Davies entertained of Mr. Blair
as a preacher, may be learned from an anecdote re-
ceived from Dr. Rodgers, by a person still living.*
" When the Rev. Samuel Davies returned from Eu-
rope, his friends were curious to learn his opinion of
the celebrated preachers, whom he had heard in
England and Scotland. After dealing out liberal

* Rev. Dr. Miller.

THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 289

commendations on snch as he had most admired, he
concluded by saying, that he had heard no one, who,
in his judgment, was superior to his former teacher,
the Rev. Samuel Blair.

Mr. Blair was intimately associated with Mr. Gil-
bert Tennent, in all his controversies with the synod
of Philadelphia. He concurred in all the proceed-
ings of the New Brunswick presbytery, in which
they acted in opposition to the rule of the synod,
requiring candidates to be examined by a committee
of their appointment ; and in preaching within the
bounds of settled congregations, where the people
requested it. He also united with Mr. Tennent in
presenting to the synod complaints against the mem-
bers of that body, by which proceedings the minds
of the majority of the synod were so exasperated,
that they introduced a solemn protest against the
New Brunswick brethren, which led to an imme-
diate separation of the parties ; a schism which con-
tinued seventeen years, before it could be healed ;
as has been already related. To ascertain, at this
time, which of the parties were most to blame in
these unhappy controversies and divisions, is not
easy. Faults undoubtedly there were on both sides.
The Old Side, v/ere much to blame in setting them-
selves in opposition to the revival of religion, which
had so gloriously commenced. By doing so, they
incurred a fearful responsibility. That Tennent and
Blair transgressed the rules of order, cannot be de-

290 THE REV. SAMUEL 11 LI II.

nied. They disobeyed the synod, and entered into
the congregations of their bretln-en without their
consent. Whether in these things they were excu-
sable, will depend upon the true state of the church-
es, at that time. Our Saviour and his apostles, dis-
regarded the orders of the priests and of the syna-
gogue. And Luther and the other Reformers, did
not feel themselves bound by the authority of the
popish magistracy and priesthood. Every minister
holds a commission to preach the gospel to every
creature, to whom he can gain access ; and if a cer-
tain number of people, wiio are anxious to hear the
gospel, happen, by human arrangements, to be cir-
cumscribed within the limits of a parish, over which
another has charge ; and if this nominal pastor is
believed not so to preach the gospel as to lead the
people in the way of salvation, why may not the
faithful preacher disregard these human arrange-
ments intended to promote order, and carry the gos-
pel to those who are thirsting for the word of life ?
!No doubt, the principle is liable to great abuse,
and may occasion great disorder, and result in
much more evil than good. The question in regard
to these devoted men is, whether the people in the
congregations of their opponents were really in such
a perishing condition as would authorize them to
overleap the fence, which, for the sake of order, had
been set up. And this is the point which, in my
opinion, we are incapable of deciding. Men may

THE KEV. SAMUEL RLATU. 29l

continue to maintain in theory an ortliodox creed,
and yet may manifest such deadly hostihty to vital
piety, that they must be considered the enemies of
the cause of God, and tlie work of the Spirit. That
the opposers of the revival^ at that time, did exhibit
such a character cannot be asserted universally, for
some of them appear to have been, in the main, sin^
cere Christians, and only meant to set themselves in
opposition to those opinions and practices, connected
with the revival, which were reprehensible.

But that many of those of the Old Side, manifest-
ed a malignity of spirit against the revival, which
was wicked in the extreme, I entertain no doubt.
I have heard so much from aged persons who were
living in the midst of the revival ; and even the sub-
jects of it, have given me such accounts of the ma-
lign spirit with which the vv^iole work was ridiculed
and opposed, by many, that I cannot doubt, that,
in a good degree, the contest between the parties,
was, between the friends and the enemies of true re-
ligion. And something of the same spirit of hostili-
ty to revivals was handed down to our own times.
I have known men of high standing in the church,
and undoubted learning, who derided every account
of revivals, and sudden conversions, as fanatical and
foolish. It is, therefore, my deliberate opinion, that
in the general, the Tennents and Blairs, and their
coadjutors, were men approved»of God, and greatly
honoured, as the instruments of winning many

292 THE REV. SAMTEL BLATft.

souls to Christ ; while their opponents, were for the
most part, unfriendly to vital piety.

But while I consider the ministers of the New-
Brunswick presbytery, and their coadjutors, as the
real friends and successful promoters of true religion,
in this land, I do not mean to exonerate them from
all blame. They were men, and liable to human
imperfections. Some of them were men of ardent
temperament, and somewhat overbearing disposi-
tion ; and under the influence of a fervid zeal, they
did and said many unadvised things. When the
state of the church became more settled, and the
warmth of their feelings had subsided, they them-
selves viewed matters in a very difl'erent light from
what they had done, in the heat of the controversy.

CHAPTER XV.

THE REV. JOHN BLAIR.

Education — First settlement — Driven away by the Indians — Is
called to Fagg's Manor — Continues the school — Elected Professor
of Theology in Nassau Hall — Resigns on the arrival of Dr. With-
erspoon — Removes to Orange County, N. Y. — His end — The fam-
ily of the Blairs,

The Rev. John Blair, was a younger brother
of the person, whose memoir is given in the preced-
ing chapter. He was also an almxinus of the Log
College, and as a theologian was not inferior to any
man in the Presbyterian church, in his day. He
was first settled in Pennsylvania, at Big Spring
(now Newviile) in the Cumberland Valley, in the
vicinity of Carlisle. But by reason of the hostile
incursion of the Indians, his people were obliged to
leave their rude habitations, on the frontier, and to
retreat into the more densely populated part of the
colony. Mr. Blair, it would seem, never returned
to the place whence he had been driven by the in-
vasion of the savages, but upon the decease of his
brother Samuel, he received and accepted a call to
be his successor, at Fagg's Manor; and that not

294 THE REV. JOHN BLAIR.

only as pastor of the church, but also as the teacher
of the school which his brother had instituted in
that place. In this important station he continued
for nine years ; and though not equal to his brother
as an impressive preacher, as a scholar and as a
theologian, he was not inferior.

New Jersey College having been founded for the
very purpose of giving a complete education to can-
didates for the ministry, these academies, which had
done so much for the church, no longer liad the
same importance, as when no such institution ex-
isted. Accordingly, not only did the Log College,
at 'Neshamin^^j which was the mother institution,
cease, as soon as the college was erected, but the
celebrated school at Nottingham, was not continued
after Dr. Finley was chosen president of Nassau
Hall. And when Dr. Finley died, a sum of mone^^
having been left for the support of a professor of
divinity ; Mr. John Blair was elected, professor of
theology, in the College of New Jersey. This invi-
tation he accepted, and removed to Princeton. He
was also appointed vice president of the college,
and until the arrival of Dr. Witherspoon, performed
all the duties of president.

The funds of the college not being adequate to
support a professor of theology, distinct from the
president ; and it being known that Dr. Wither-
spoon was an orthodox and eminent theologian,
who could consistentlv with his other duties teach

THE REV. JOHN BLAIR. 295

theology, Mr. Blair judged it would be expedient
for him to resign. Upon this he received a call to
settle as pastor of a Presbyterian congregation in
Wallkill, Orange county, New York. Here he con-
tinued to labour in the duties of the ministry, until
he was called away from the field, by death, which
occurred, Dec. 8, 1771, when he was not more than
fifty-one, or fifty-two years of age.

The character of Mr. John Blair is thus drawn, by
a writer of a sketch of his life, in the " Assembly's
IMagazine."

^' John Blair, an eminent minister of Pennsylva-
nia, was ordained to the pastoral charge of three
congregations in Cumberland county, as early as
1742. These were frontier settlements, and ex-
posed to the depredation of the Indians, with whom
a state of war then existed ; and he was obliged to
remove. He accepted a call from Fagg's Manor,
in 1757. The congregation had been favoured
with the ministry of his brother, Samuel Blair. And
here he continued about nine years ; and besides
discharging the duties of the ministry, he superin-
tended also a flourishhig grammar-school, and pre-
pared many young men for the ministry. When
the presidency of New Jersey college became va-
cant, by the death of Dr. Finley, he was chosen
professor of divinity, and had for some time, the
charge of that seminary before the arrival of Dr.
Witlierspoon,

296 THE REV. JOHN BLAIR.

" He was a judicious and persuasive preacher,
and through his exertions sinners were converted,
and the children of God edified. Fully conviiiced
of the truth of the doctrines of grace, he addressed
immortal souls with that warmth and power, which
left a witness in ever^^ bosom. Though he some-
times wrote his sermons in full, yet his conmion
mode of preaching was by short notes, comprising
the general outlines. His labours were too abun-
dant to admit of more ; and no more was necessary
to a mind so richly stored with the great truths of
religion. For his large fami]}^ he amassed no for-
tune, but he left them what was infinitely better, a
religious education, a holy example, and prayers
which have been remarkably answered. His dis-
position was uncommonly patient, placid, benevo-
lent, disinterested, and cheerful. He Avas too mild
to indulge bitterness or severity ; and he thought
that the truth required little else but to be fairly
stated and properly understood. Those who could
not relish the savour of his piety, loved him as an
amiable, and revered him as a great man. Though
no bigot, he firmly believed that the prcsbytcrian
form of government is most scriptural, and the most
favourable to religion and happiness.

" In his last sickness, he imparted his advice to the
congregation, and represented to his family the ne-
cessity of an interest in Christ. A few nights before
he died, he said, ' Directly, I am going to glory —
my Master calls mc, I must be gone.' -'

THE REV. JOHN BLAIH. 297

Mr. John Blair left behind him a treatise on Re-
generation, which is abl)^ writcn and entirely or-
thodox. He also published a treatise on the Scrip-
tural Terms of admission to the Lord's Supper, in
which he maintains that ministers and church offi-
cers, have no more authority to debar those who
desire to attend, from the Lord's table, than from
any other duty of God's worship. This piece, the
late Rev. J. P. Wilson, D. D., pastor of the First
Presbyterian church, Philadelphia, had republished
in a small selection of treatises on the Lord's Sup-
per; from which it may be inferred, that he ap-
proved the sentiments which it contains.

It is always gratifying to a laudable curiosity to
learn something respecting the families and descend-
ants of men once eminent in the church ; although
in the pursuit of this knowledge, we often meet with
mortifying instances of a sad degeneracy. But when
it is otherwise, it is always pleasing to the pious
mind to be able to trace eminent piety and talents
descending from generation to generation. Two
of the sisters of Samuel and John Blair were mar-
ried to distinguished ministers of the Presbyterian
church : the one, to the Rev. John Carmichael, pas-
tor of the church at the Forks of l^randywine ; who
was also an eminent patriot, in the struggle of this
country for independence. The other, was married
to the Rev. Robert Smith, D.D., of Pequea, the fa-
ther of three ministers, who were eminent in the

S

2^ THE REV. JOHN BLAIR.

Presbyterian church, and two of them distinguished
presidents of hterary institutions. The Rev. Doctor
Samuel S. Smith, was the first president of Hamp-
den Sidney College in Virginia, and then the im-
mediate successor of Dr. Witherspoon, as president
of New Jersey College : the other, the Rev. John
B. Smith, D.D., who succeeded his brother as presi-
dent of Hampden Sidney, and was afterwards, 'the
first president of Union College in Schenectady. He
was an eloquent, evangelical, and successful minis-
ter. Under his ministry, in Virginia, commenced
a powerful and extensive revival, the influence of
which extended far and wide through the state, and
also to North Carolina, and Kentucky. Mr. Wil-
liam Smith, the third son, was a pious, judicious
minister ; less distinguished than either of his bro-
thers ; but his good old father was wont to say,
that though William was inferior to his brothers
in learning and eloquence, yet to comfort and edify
the plain Christian, he was equal to either of them.
The Rev. Samuel Blair, of Fagg's Manor, had a son
of the same name, who was considered the most
accomplished and promising young minister in the
Presbyterian Church. He, at an early age, received
a call to be colleague with the Rev. Mr. Sewall, in
the old South Church, Boston. Before he was
licensed, he had for some time acted as a tutor in his
alma mater. The estimation in which he was lield
by the trustees of the college, may be learned from

THE REV. JOHN BLAIR. 29^9

the fact, tliat after Dr. Witherspooii had decUned th3
first invitation of the board, young Mr. Blair was
elected president, before he was thirty years of age.
But soon after his election, intelligence was received
from Scotland, that if the call were repeated, Dr.
Witherspoon would, in all probability, accept the
invitation. As soon as this v/as known to Mr. Blair,
he immediately Vv^rote to the president of the board,
declining the office. This prompt and generous de-
cision, freed the trustees from all the embarrassment
in which otherwise they might have been involved.
Of course, the election of Mr. Blair could not have
been known to Dr. Witherspoon, when he signified
his willingness to accept the appointment ; and when
he understood from what motives Mr. Blair had
declined the office, he was much affected with the
disinterestedness of the young man, and often spoke
of it with admiration.

But though the morning of Mr. Blair's life was
so bright, and promised so much to the church, the
sanguine hopes of his friends were far from being
reaUzed in his future usefulness. By being ship-
wrecked on his way to Boston, he was much
exposed ; and to this was attributed the decline of
his health and spirits. He also lost, at this time, the
whole of his manuscript sermons ; a loss which
could not be suddenly repaired, and Avhich affected
his spirits not a little. He, therefore, did not remain
long in Boston, l.)ut returned to Pennsylvania, where

S2

300 THE Rr:v. joiin blair.

he resided at the liouse of his father-in-law, Dr.
Shippeiijin Germanto\yn,and was very httle engaged
in the duties of his office, afterwards ; although his
life was protracted to a good old age.

The writer having spent several summers in Ger-
niantoAvn, before Dr. B!air^s decease, had the oppor-
tunity of becoming well acquainted with him; and
found him to be a man of great refinement of mind,
mild and amiable in disposition, and friendly to
evangelical doctrine and practical piet}'.

From the history of this popular young man, it
may be inferred, that too much applause is a
dangerous thing to a young minister. Another re-
mark which may be made, is, that for a young man to
form a connexion, by marriage, with a rich and
fashionable family, seldom ever works v/ell for his
usefulness in the ministry ; especially if his partner
is of a gay and worldly disposition. And lastly,
that speculation on deep points of theology, when
the mind is not under a decided spiritual influence,
is always attended with evil, even to those who at
bottom are sincerely pious.

One of the daughters of Samuel Blair, Sen., was
marriod to a young minister from Virginia, the Rev.
David Rice, and became the mother of a numerous
progeny, who are now scattered through Virginia
and Kentucky, to which last mentioned place Mr.
Rice removed, and on the rising population of which,
his evangelical labours and holy example, left a
lasting impression.

THE REV. JOHN BLAIR. 301

Mr. John Blair also had a son, educated at Prince-
ton, New Jersey, who became a minister of the
gospel. He graduated in the year 1775, soon after
which, he went to the county of Hanover, in Vir-
ginia, and became the principal of an academy, which
had been established by the Rev. Daniel Mc Calla.
While in this office, he applied himself to the study
of theology, without any instructor, and having passed
the usual trials, to the approbation of the presbytery
of Hanover, he was licensed to preach the gospel.
The academy not prospering according to his
wishes, Mr. Blair removed from Hanover to the
city of Richmond, where he taught a classical
school, at his own house, and preached alternately
at Hanover meeting house, and in the Capitol, in
Richmond. At this time, there was no Presbyterian
church in Richmond ; but before Mr. Blair's death,
and after Dr. Rice had collected a congregation and
erected a church in the lower part of the city, Mr.
Blair's hearers made an exertion, and built a hand-
some church on Shockoe Hill. He was a sensible,
pleasant man, and much respected by all the lead-
ing characters in the city of Richmond ; but he pos-
sessed a moderate degree of religious zeal, and no
considerable fruits attended his ministry, as far as
has come to our knowledge.

Another son of the Rev. John Blair, also educated
at Princeton, went to Kentucky, where it is under-
stood that he was a respectable lawyer.
S3

CHAPTER XVI.

THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY, D. D.

Birth in Ireland — Immigration to America — Education at the Log
College — Becomes a popular Preacher — A successful Itinerant —
Settles at Nottingham, Md. — Institutes a Classical School — Emi-
nent as a Teacher — Distinguished Scholars — Elected President of
New Jersey College — Continues in this station five years —
Seized with a Liver Complaint — Goes to Philadelphia to consult
Physicians — Dies therein the triumphs of Faith — Burial — Writ-
ings.

Dr. Finley was born in the county of Armagh,
in the province of Ulster, Ireland, in the year 1715,
and was one of seven sons, who were all esteemed
pious. One of his brothers, the Rev. James Finley,
was an esteemed minister in the Presbyterian church ;
and although his talents were very inferior to those
of his brother Samuel, yet he was reckoned to be
eminently pious ; and continued laboriously to preach
the gospel, until an advanced period of life. His
latter years he spent in the western part of Pennsyl-
vania, where he died some years before the close of
the last century. The writer remembers to liave
seen him at a meeting of the Virginia synod, in Lex-
ington, in the year 1789. He was one of the
pioneers who, amidst many hardships and privations,

THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY. 303

carried the gospel to the settlers in the country round
about Pittsburgh; and was the companion and
coadjutor of such men as Mc Millan, Joseph Smith,
Power, Patterson, Dod, Dunlap, &c.

The parents of Dr. Finley were of Scotch descent,
and were distinguished for their piety. Finding
their son to be of a quick capacity, and fond of
learning, they resolved to give him the best educa-
tion which their circumstances would admit ; and
after he had obtained the rudiments of an Enghsh
education, he was sent abroad some distance from
home, to prosecute his studies. In this school, he
distinguished himself by his assiduity and his profi-
ciency in learning.

When he was in his nineteenth year, he emigrated
from his native country, and came to America. He
arrived in Philadelphia on the 28th of September, in
the year 1734. He appears to have become a sub-
ject of divine grace, at a very early age. He has
been heard to say, tliat when only six years old, he
heard a sermon which made a deep impression on
his mind, and the text of which he never forgot.
From that day, he was seized with ixn ardent desire
to become a minister of the gospel. And as he
grew up, this desire continued to ripen and increase ;
so that his purpose was early formed to devote his
life to the service of God. Upon his coming to
America, he steadily pursued his studies with a view
to the holv ministry. And as he arrived in Phila-

304 THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY.

delpliia, at the very time when Mr. Tenneiit's
school was flourishing at Neshamin}^, and as there
was then no other institution in the Presbyterian
church where ^^oung men were trained for the
ministry, there is the strongest probabiUty that he
was a student at the Log College. This probability
is strengthened by the fact, that he put himself under
the care of the New Brunswick Presbytery, most of
the members of which were educated in this school.
His license took place on the 5th of August, in the
year 1740. Having received authority to preach,
he itinerated extensively ; and as his pulpit talents
were of a high order of excellence, he was greatly
instrumental in carrying on the work of the Lord,
which at that time prevailed in almost every part of
the land.

His labours in the gospel were greatly blessed in
West Jersey ; — in Deerfield, Greenwich, and Cape
May. He preached also for six months, with great
acceptance, in the congregation to which Gilbert
Tennent was afterwards called, in Philadelphia.
His ordination took place on the 13th of October, in
the 3?"ear 1742. He was probably ordained as an
evangelist, and continued to visit the places destitute
of the stated means of grace, for several years ; and
all accounts agree in ascribing much success to his
itinerant labours. It was, probably, during this pe-
riod, that he made a preaching incursion into Con-
necticut. But so rigid were the laws of this land of

TIIK REV. S\MrTEL FINI.EY. ^ ^^05

Steady habits, that Mr. Finley, for preaching in a
congregation in New Haven, was seized as a va-
grant, by the civil authority, and carried beyond the
Hmits of the colony. He does not appear to have
been permanently settled as a pastor, until June,
1744, when he accepted a call from Nottingham,
Maryland. In this place, he remained for seventeen
years.*

In this place, he instituted an academy, with the
view, chiefly, of preparing young men for the gos-
pel ministry. This school was conducted with ad-
mirable wisdom and success, and acquired a higher
reputation than any other in the middle colonies ; so
that students from a distance were attracted to it.
Some of the most distinguished men in our country,
laid the foundation of their eminence and usefulness,
in this academy. At one time, there was a cluster
of such young men, who all were afterwards dis-
tinguished, and some of them, among the very first
men in the country, as the following names well
show. Governor Martin, of North Carolina; Dr.
Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, and his brother,
Jacob Rush, an eminent and pious judge ; Ebenezer
Hazard, Esq. of Philadelphia ; Rev. James Waddel,
D. D., of Virginia ; Rev. Dr. Mc Whorter, of New-
ark, N. J. ; Col. John Bayard, speaker of the House

* In Allen's American Biography, his continuance here is
made to be only seven years ; but he went there in 1744,
and removed in 1761.

306 THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY.

of Representatives ; Governor Henry, of Maryland,
and the Rev. William M. Tennent, of Abington, Pa.
It would not be easy, in any country, to find such a
constellation in one school, at the same time. That
Dr. Finley was an accomplished scholar, and a skil-
ful teacher, was universally admitted. Perhaps this
country has not had better classical scholars formed
any where, than in this school. The method of in-
struction in the Latin and Greek languages, Avas
thorough and accurate. The scholars were carefully
drilled in the application of the rules of syntax, and
in the prosody of these languages. Dr. Finley
boarded most of his pupils in his own house, and
when they were met at meals, he was in the habit
of relaxing from the severity of the pedagogue, and
indulging in facetious remarks ; saying, that nothing
more helped digestion than a hearty laugh. His
own temper was remarkably benignant and sweet,
and his manners affable and polite.

Dr. Finley had been seriously thought of before
Mr. Davies was called to the presidency of Nassau
Hall, and when Mr. Davies at first declined the in-
vitation, he strongly recommended Dr. Finley. And
it cannot be denied, that both in scholarship, and
skill in teaching, the latter was far superior. Dr. Fin-
ley too, was a much older man, and had been sev-
eral years longer in the ministry. Bat Davies was
a man of much more genius, and eloquence, and his
acquaintance with English literature was far more

THE REV. SAMUEL PINLEY. 307

perfect. The premature decease of so many presi-
dents of New Jersey College brought forward a suc-
cession of illustrious men, who have ever since re-
flected honour on that Uterary institution. Dickin-
son, Burr, Edwards, Davies, and Finley, all filled
the presidential chair, within five or six years. Dr.
Finley was elected president, in the year 1761, and
immediately entered on the duties of the office ; and
the trustees were not disappointed in their expecta-
tions of his wisdom and efficiency. As he was
permitted to remain five years in office, he had the
opportunity of carrying into eff'ect, plans for the im-
provement of the institution, so that its reputation
was greatly extended. Dr. Finley held correspond-
ence with some of the learned men of Europe,
among whom was Dr. Samuel Chandler, of Lon-
don ; who, as appears by his letters, entertained a
high esteem, and indeed, aff'ectionate friendship, for
his distant correspondent. It was through the in-
fluence of this learned dissenter, that, without the
knowledge of Mr. Finley, the degree of doctor of
divinity was bestowed upon him by the University
of Glasgow ; which seems to have been the first in-
stance of any Presbyterian minister, in America,
receiving that honorary distinction. But if genius
and theological learning could have commanded it,
Dickinson, Burr, Edwards and Davies, would all
have been distinguished, in the same way. But
they need no such appendage to their names; their

308 THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY.

works have secured to them, a much higher honour,
in the estimation of posterity. And it must be a
mortification to many modest men, who bear the
title of DOCTOR, that divines to whom tliey are con-
scious that they are not fit to be compared, Uved and
died, witliout having their names distinguished by
any such title. The disease by which Dr. Finley's
constitution was attacked, an obstruction of the
liver, was supposed to have been contracted by too
great assiduity in his studies, and too constant occu-
pation in the public daties of his office. He did not
die at home, but in the city of Philadelphia, whither
he had gone to consult physicians, respecting his
disease. When informed by the physician who at-
tended him, that nothing could be done to remove
his malady, and that it must soon prove mortal, he
expressed an entire resignation to the divine will,
and from that time, was engaged in ^setting his
house in order.' He said, " If my work is done, I
am ready ; I do not desire to liA^e a day longer, than
I can work for God." At that time, however, he
did not apprehend that his end was so near as it
proved to be. His disease made rapid progress ;
and he was informed by one of his physicians, that
he had but few days to li^e; on which, lifting up
his eyes to heaven, he exclaimed, " Then, welcome,
Lord Jesus.''

On the Sabbath preceding his death, he was in-
formed by Dr. Clarkson, his brother-in-law, that he

THE REV. .«;AMTTEL PIN LEY. SO^

perceived a manifest alteration in his appearance,
and that evidently his end was near. "Then,"
said he, " may the Lord bring me near himself ! I
have been waiting with a Canaan hunger for the
promised land. I have often wondered that God
suffered me to live. I have more wondered, that
he ever called me to be a minister of his word. He
has often afforded me much strength, which, thougli
I have often abused. He returned in mercy. Oh !
faithful are the promises of God I 0 that I could
see Him as I have seen Him in the sanctuary ! Al-
though I have earnestly desired death, as the hire-
ling pants for the evening shade ; yet will I wait all
the days of my appointed time. I have often strug-
gled with principalities and powers, and have been
brought almost to despair — Lord, let it suffice !"
Here he sat up ; and closing his eyes, he prayed, fer-
vently, that God would show him his glory, before
he should depart hence — that He would enable him
to endure patiently to the end,— and particularly,
that he might be kept from dishonouring the minis-
try. He then resumed his discourse, and spoke as
follows, " I can truly say, I have loved the service
of God. I know not in what language to speak of
my own miworthiness — I have been undutiful — I
have honestly endeavoured to act for God, but with
much weakness and corruption.'' He then lay
down, but continued to speak in broken sentences.
" A Christian's death," said he, " is the best part of

310 THE llEV. SAMVEl. FINLKY.

his experience. Tiie Lord has made provision lor
the whole way : provision for the soul and for the
body. 0 that I could recollect Sabbath blessings !
The Lord hath given me many souls, as crowns of
my rejoicing. Blessed be God, eternal rest is at
hand. Eternity is but long enough, to enjoy my
God. This, has animated me in my secret studies,
I was ashamed to take rest here. 0 that I could be
filled with the fulness of God ! that fulness which
fills heaven." Being asked whether he would
choose to live or die, he replied, " to die — though I
cannot but say, I feel the same strait that Paul did,
that he knew not which to choose, 'for me to live
is Christ, but to die is gain.' But should God, by
a miracle, prolong my life, I would still continue to
serve Him. His service has ever been sweet to me.
I have loved it much. I have tried my Master's
yoke, and will never shrink my neck from it. " His
yoke is easy and his burden light." One said to
him, '' You are more cheerful and vigorous, Sir."
* Yes. I rise or fall as eternal life seems nearer, or
farther off." It being remarked, that he always
used the expression, " dear Lord," in his prayers,
he ansv/ered, ^' 0, He is very dear — very precious,
indeed." — " How pretty is it for a minister to die
on the Sabbath — I expect to spend the remainder
of this Sabbath in heaven." One of the company
said, you will soon be joined to the blessed society
of heaven : vou will forever hold intercourse with

THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY. 311

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and with the spirits of
the just made perfect — with old friends and many-
old-fashioned people/' " Yes, Sir," he repUed with
a smile, " but they are a most polite people now.'^^
He expressed great gratitude to friends around him,
and said, '' May the Lord repay you — may He bless
you abundantly, not only with temporal, but with
spiritual blessings !" Turning to his wife, he said,
«•' I expect, my dear, to see you shortly in glory."
n this, however, he was disappointed, for Mrs. Fin-
ley continued to live, many years after her hus-
band's decease. She was, a long time, completely
blind ; but under this privation, manifested a pious
and contented disposition ; being entirely resigned
to the will of her heavenly Father. It was an edi-
fying and refreshing thing for any person to pay a
visit to her and her companion, Mrs. Hodge, with
whom she lived. Their conversation was indeed in
heaven. But to return. Dr. Finley, seeing a mem-
ber of the Second Presbyterian church present, said,
" I have often preached and prayed among you, my
dear Sir, and the doctrines I preached to you, are
now my support, and blessed be God, they are with-
out a flaw. May the Lord bless and prosper your
church. He designs good for it yet, I trust."

To a person from Princeton, he said, " Give my
love to the people of Princeton, and tell them that
I am going to die, and that I am not afraid te die."
He would sometimes cry out, " The Lord Jesus will

312 THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY.

take care of his cause in this world !" Upon awak-
ing the next morning, he exclaimed, " Oh what a
disappointment I have met with — I expected, this
morning to have been in heaven !" On account of
extreme weakness, he was unable to speak much
during this day, but what he did say was the lan-
guage of triumph. The next morning, with a pleas-
ing smile on his countenance, he cried out, ^' 0, I
shall triumph over every foe. The Lord hath given
me the victory. I exult — I triumph. 0 that I
could see untainted purity ! Now I know that it
is impossible that faith should not triumph over
earth and hell.'' ^^ I think I have nothing to do but
to die. Yet, perhaps I have — Lord show me my
task." He then said, " Lord Jesus, into thy hands
I commend my spirit— I do it with confidence — I
do it with full assurance. I know that thou wilt
keep that which I have committed to thee. I have
been dreaming too fast of the time of my departure,
for I find it does not come ; but the Lord is faithful,
and will not tarry beyond the appointed time."

In the afternoon of this day, the Rev. Elihu Spen-
cer called to see him, and said, " I have come, dear
Sir, to see you confirm by facts the gospel you have
been preaching, pray Sir, how do yon feel ?" To
which he replied, "full of triumph — I triumph
through Christ. Nothing clips my wings, but the
thoughts of my dissolution being prolonged. O,
that it were to night ! My very soul thirsts for cter-

THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY. 313

nal rest." Mr. Spencer asked him, " what he saw
in eternity to excite such vehement desires ?" " I
see," said he, " the eternal love and goodness of
God. I see the fulness of the Mediator. I see the
love of Jesus. . . 0 to be dissolved, and to be with
Him ! I long to be clothed with the complete right-
eousness of Christ." He then desired Mr. Spencer
to pray with him, before they parted, and said, " I
have gained the victory over the devil. Pray to
God to preserve me from evil — to keep me from
dishonouring his great name in this critical hour ;
and to support me with his presence in my passage
through the valley of the shadow of death."

The remainder of the evening he spent in taking
leave of his friends, and blessing and exhorting such
of his children as were present. He would fre-
quently cry out, "Why move the tardy hours so
slow ?" The next day terminated the conflict. He
was no longer able to speak, but a friend having
desired him to give a token by which it might be
known, whether he still continued to triumph, he
lifted up his hand, and uttered the word " Yes."
About nine o'clock, he fell into a profound sleep,
and appeared to be much more free from pain than
he had been for many days before. He continued
to sleep without changing his position, till about
one o'clock, when he expired, without a sigh or a
sroan. Durina: his whole sickness he was never

o o

heard to utter a repining word, and in taking leave

314 THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY.

of his dearest friends, he was never seen to shed a
tear, or to exhibit any sign of sorrow.

His death occurred on the 16th of July, 1766, in
the fifty-first year of his age.

It was the purpose of Dr. Finley's friends to have
his remains removed to- Princeton, and buried with
his illustrious predecessors, who lie interred in the
cemetery of that place ; but the heat of the weather
rendered it inconvenient to carry the body so far,
and therefore he was buried by the side of his dear
friend, Gilbert Tennent, within the Second Presby-
terian church. When this church was enlarged,
the remains of both these venerable men were
removed to the common burying ground of the
congregation. Agreeably to his dying request, his
body was carried to the grave, by eight members
of the senior class of the College of New Jersey.
The Trustees of the College, to show their respect
for the deceased, caused a cenotaph to be erected
in the cemetery of Princeton, in a line with the
tombs of the other presidents, whose remains are
there entombed.

Dr. Finley was a person of low stature, and of a
round and ruddy countenance. In the pulpit he
was solemn, sensible, and sententious ; and some-
times glowed with fervid animation. He was re-
markable for sweetness of temper, politeness, and
generosity. He was also distinguished for diligence
and punctuality in the performance of all his duties.

THE liEV. SAMUEL FINLEY. 315

His sermons were rather solid, than briUiant ; not
hasty productions, but composed with care ; and
while they were in a style pleasing to the cultivated
mind, they were, at the same time, intelligible by the
illiterate.

Dr. Finley was twice married ; first, to Sarah
Hall, by whom he had eight children. She died in
the year 1760, before he left Nottingham. His
second wife was Ann Clarkson, daughter of Mr.
Clarkson, merchant of New York, who was a lineal
descendant of the Rev. David Clarkson, B.D., one
of the two thousand ministers, ejected for non-con-
formity in England, in the year 1662. His second
wife survived him forty-one years. His son Ebene-
zer Finley, was a physician in Charleston, S. C,
where his descendents still dwell and are respecta-
ble, and generally pious. One of his daughters was
married to Samual Breeze, Esq., of Shrewsbury,
New Jersey, who was the mother of the wife of the
Rev. Jedediah INIorse, D.D. ; consequently, the inge-
nious and respectable sons of Dr. Morse, now resi-
dent in the city of New York, are the great grand-
sons of Dv. Finle}'.

Dr. Finley wrote no vv^ork of an}?' considerable
size ; but published several sermons and essays,
which however are nearly out of print. In 1741,
he published a sermon on Matt. xii. 28, entitled,
«' Christ Triumphing and Satan Raging." In

1743, •' A Refx'tation of Mr. Thompson's Ser-

T

316 THE KEV. SAMUEL FINLEY.

MON ON Conviction." And in the same year, a
treatise against the Moravians, entitled " Satan
Stripped of his Evangelical Robe."

In 1747, a Treatise against tiie Antipedobaptism
of Abel Morgan, entitled, "A Plea for the
Speechless."

And in 1749, he published a sermon, preached at
the ordination of the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, at St.
George's, March, 1749.

Also, a sermon on the death of the Rev. Samuel
Davies, his predecessor in the college, which is pre-
fixed to most editions of Davies's Sermons.

To which may be added, " A Sermon, occasioned
by the death of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent," preached
in the Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia.

It would be desirable, if we had the materials, to
give a history of the flourishing and important aca-
demical institutions which arose out of the Log
College, and which were conducted on the same
principles, and with the same views, by men who
had received their education in that school. And
it would be gratifying to our readers, we doubt not, if
we were to annex some biographical account of the
eminent men who proceeded from these academies,
prior to the erection of the College of New Jersey.
Such, for example, as the Rev. Samuel Davies, the
Rev. John Rodgers, D.D., the Rev. Dr. McWhorter,
the Rev. Mr. Cumming, and the Rev. Dr. Waddel ;
but this would carry us nuich beyond our prescribed

THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY. 317

limits ; and in regard to several of the most distin-
guished of the persons mentioned, would lead us
over ground which has already been occupied by

abler hands.

T2

CHAPTEK XYII.

THE REV. WM. ROBINSON.

An Englishman — Occasion of his Emigration — Teaches in New
Jersey and in Delaware — Is converted — Joins the Presbyterians —
Studies at the Log College — Seeks out the Destitute — Taken up
in Virginia — Permitted to proceed — Visits Cub Creek — Conver-
sion of David Austin — Sent for to Hanover — Extraordinary Re-
ligious awakening — Success of his labours — Mr. Davies's Letter
to Mr. Bellamy — Preaches in New York with his wonted success
— Also in Maryland — Died early — None of the circumstances of
his end have come down — Left no writings.

Concerning the early history of this successful
evangeUst, very Uttle is known. The only account
which the writer has met with, is that found in a
note, in the " Life of the Rev. Dr. Rodgers," by the
Rev. Dr. Miller. It is here stated, " that Mr. Robin-
son was the son of a wealthy Quaker in England.
Being permitted to pay a visit of a few weeks, to an
aunt in the city of London, from whom he had con-
siderable expectations, he greatly overstaid the time
which had been allowed him ; and becoming deeply
involved in the dissipations of the town, he incurred
large debts, which lie knew his father would never
pay, and which his aunt refused to discharge. In
this situation, fearing to return home, and unable to

THE REV. WM. ROEINSOX. 319

remain longer in London, he determined to quit his

native country, and seek his fortune in America. In

this determination, his aunt reluctantly acquiesced,

and furnished him with a small sum of money for

the purpose. Soon after his arrival in America, he

had recourse for subsistence to teaching a school in

New Jersey, in the bounds of the presbytery of

New Brunswick. He had been for some time

engaged in this business, without any practical sense

of religion, when it pleased God to bring him to a

knowledge of himself, and the way of salvation, in

a remarkable manner. He was riding at a late

hour one evening, when the moon and stars shone

with unusual brightness, and when every thing

around him was calculated to excite reflection.

"While he was meditating on the beauty and grandeur

of the scene which the firmament presented, and was

saying to himself, how transcendently glorious must

be the Author of all this beauty and grandeur, the

thought struck him with the suddenness and force

of lightning, ' But what do I know of this God ?

Have I ever sought his favour, or made him my

friend?' This happy impression, which proved by

its permanency and its effects, to have come from the

best of all sources, never left him until he took

refuge in Christ as the hope and life of his soul.''

It appears from some circumstances of the life of

the Rev. Samuel Davies, that Mr. Robinson also

taught a classical school in the state of Delaware ;
"" T3

320 THE REV. WM. ROBINSON.

for it is mentioned tlicit Mr. Davies, when a boy-
was one of his pupils ; and his parents, we know,
resided in the state of Delaware.

After Mr. Robinson's conversion, he determined
to devote his life to the service of God, in the work
of the holy ministry ; and having fallen in with the
Presbyterians, he connected himself with that church;
and the uncontradicted tradition is, that he pursued
a course of preparation for the ministry, in the Log
College ; and after the usual trials, was licensed to
preach the gospel, by the presbytery of New Bruns-
wick ; and after some probation, was ordained by
them as an evangelist.

Mr. Robinson, soon after his ordination, determined
to go and visit the "'• lost sheep of the house of Israel ;"
that is, the distant and dispersed settlements of Pres-
byterians, in the states south of New Jersey. The
Presbyterians from thQ north of Ireland, between the
years 1720 and 1730, had come over to America, in
large numbers. They generally landed at New Cas-
tle, or Philadelphia, and then proceeded to the interior
of the country. In the frontier of Pennsylvania,
they were greatly infested by tlie hostile incursions
of the Indians, which induced them to turn their
attention to the western parts of Virginia, and Norlh
Carolina. In some instances, whole congregations,
driven from their homes by the savages, removed in
a body, with their ministers, to a region less exposed
to the incursions of their murderous foe. The

THE REV. WM. ROBI^•SOK. 3'Ji

valley between the Blue Ridge and tlie North moun-
tain— a fine lime-stone farming county — was first oc-
cupied by these Irish Presbyterians ; the Germans,
who now possess a large part of this fertile region,
(iame in afterwards. In many places, all along the
frontier were small groups of Presbyterians, who
were entirely destitute of the public means of grace.
To these scattered sheep, Mr. Robinson directed his
benevolent attention ; feeling something of the zeal
which actuated Paul, he did not wish to build on
another man's foundation, but to preach Christ
where he had not been named. In another respect,
he resembled Paul, for he went forward, fearless of
danger, and as it would seem, without even inquir-
ing whether the laws of the colonies into which he
was going, would allow itinerant preachers to assp
through the land. Accordingly, he had penetrated
but a short day's journey into the Old Dominion, and
reached the town of Winchester, when he was
apprehended by the civil authorities ; and it appear-
ing that he had transgressed the laws of the colony,
a mittimus was made out by the magistrate, to send
him to Williamsburg, the then seat of government ;
for they were at a loss what disposal to make of
him. The sheriff to whom he was committed, hav-
ing set off on the journey, began to think that it
would be a useless thing to conduct his prisoner to
a place so distant, and finding that he was a sensible,
well disposed man, he assumed the responsibility of

322 THE UEV. WM. ROBINSON.

letting him go on his missionary tour. Mr. Robin-
son proceded along the valley, every wliere finding
new settlements of Presbyterians, until he reached
the waters of James River. The writer has heard
an old man who was among the first settlers of tire
country round about Lexington, then called the
Forks, say, that he had heard Mr. Robinson preach
in that settlement, soon after it was formed. But,
the inhabitants in the valley, not extending any
farther to the south-west, he returned, and crossing
the Blue Ridge, at Rock Fish gap, proceeded to the
south, across the country, until he reached Cub
Creek, then in Lunenburg, now Charlotte. Here he
found a pretty large settlement of Presbyterians,
where he stopped and preached ; and here as in all
other places, his ministry Avas attended by the Spirit
of God : sinners were awakened and converted, and
the people of God were greatly strengthened and
comforted. I have conversed with an old man,
when I was young, who was living in this settle-
ment at the time, and was afterwards an elder in
the church organized there. His name was Robert
Weakly, born in Pennsylvania; and though brought
up among the opposers of the revival, he was led
by^iuriosity to hear the Rev. Samuel Blair preach,
and was brought under deep conviction ; and after
many trials, he hoped, to a sound conversion. From
which time, he connected himself with the " New-
Lights," as they were called. This man, late in

THE REV. WM. UOIilNSON. 3i23

life, having removed into Halifax county, where he
had no opportunity of attending on the Lord's Supper
in his own church, and being debarred from the
communion by the Baptists among whom he Uved,
unless he would submit to be immersed, was at
length induced to go down with them under the
water ; but though thus nominally a Baptist, his
heart was as truly Presbyterian as ever. He was a
man of eminent and long tried piety, and had a
good report from all of every name, whether in
the church or out of it.

This man informed me, that under Mr. Robinson's
first sermon, a remarkable conversion of a half-breed
Indian, one of the wickedest of men, had taken
place, under unusual circumstances. When notice
was given to his family of a sermon at the Stand,
by a travelling preacher, his wife wished to go, but
he positively forbade her, but said he would go
himself. His name was David Austin. When the
congregation had collected, he was seen lying out-
side of the assembly, under a tree, asleep. And
thus he lay, until the preacher took his text, which
he uttered in a thundering voice, ^' Awake, thou
that sleepest," Austin sprang to his feet, as if pierced
with a dart, and fixing his eyes on the preacher,
never removed them, but drew nigher and nigher to
the Stand, until at the close, he was observed
standing at the preacher's feet, and the tears stream-
ing from his eyes. After a few days of pungent

524 THE REV. \VM. ROBINSOX.

conviction, he received comfort by faith in Christ,
and became one of the most eminent Christians in
all the land. His talent for administering consolation
to distressed consciences was so well known, that he
has been sent for, as far as thirty miles, to converse
with a lady under spiritual darkness and distress of
mind. I have heard a pious old mother in Israel
say, that she had heard Mr. Davies and Dr. Waddel,
and the Smiths, converse on religion, but she never
heard any one whom she found so much comfort in
hearing, as old David Austin.

A remarkable attention to religion in the county
of Hanover, existed at this time, without the aid of
the ministry. Some persons from that place being
on a visit to Cub Creek, when Mr. Robinson, on his
way to Carolina, visited that settlem^ent, then called
" The Caldwell Settlement," gave an account,
upon their return, of the preacher they had heard.
Upon hearing this account, the serious people
of Hanover inquired, at what time Mr. Robinson ex-
pected to return from Carolina to Cub Creek ; and
they immediately resolved to send two of their num-
ber to meet him at the time specified. It so hap-
pened, however, that the information received was
not correct ; for when the messengers arrived at
Cub Creek, they found to their disappointment, that
he had passed several days before. Determined,
however, not to go back without him, they pursued
after him through a very rugged, mountainous

THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 325

country, and overtook him at Rockfish, at the foot
of the Bkie Ridge. Mr. Robinson upon hearing
the state of things in Hanover, did not hesitate to
go with the men ; but in order to reach the place
before the Sabbath, it became necessary to ride one
whole night. And when he arrived, the leaders of
the dissenting congregation were much perplexed
and concerned, lest his doctrines should not accord
with those which from books they had imbibed ;
therefore, betore he was introduced to the congre-
gation, they took him into a private room and asked
him, what was his opinion of such works as Luther
on the Galatians, Boston, Bunyan, &c., and when
he expressed the warmest approbation, they were
delighted above measure. But as it will be gratify-
ing to the reader to see the whole of the letter which
Mr. Davies wrote to Mr. Bellam^r, in which the nar-
rative of Mr. Robinson's visit to Hanover is con-
tained, it shall be here inserted.

Letter from Mr. Davies, minister of Hanover, Vir-
ginia, to Mr. Bellany of Bethlehem, in New-Eng-
land.

"June 28, 1751.
" Rev. and Dear Sir : —

**If the publication of a narrative of the rise, progress, and
present situation of religion in Virginia, may not only grati-
fy good people, but (as you give me reason to hope) animate
their prayers for us, and also encourage preachers to come
into these parts, I should charge myself wilh a criminal
neglect if I refused to publish the marvellous works of the
Lord among us. I hope I may observe without the umbrage

J26 THE KEV. W.AI. ilUBINSUN.

of calumny, what is but too evident to serious people of all
denominations among us, that religion has been, and in most
parts of the colony still is, in a very low state. A surprising
negligence in attending public worship, and an equal sur-
prising levity and unconcernedness in those that attend.
Family religion a rarity, and a solemn concern about eter-
nal things, a greater. Vices of various kinds triumphant,
and even a form of godliness not common. But universal
fame makes it needless for me to enlarge on this disagreea-
ble subject, Before the revival in 1743, there were a few
who were awakened, as they have told me, either by their own
serious reflections, suggested and enforced by divine energy,
or on reading some authors of the last century, particularly
Bolton, Baxter, Flavel, Bunyan. There was one Mr. Sam-
uel Morris who had for some time been very anxious about
his own salvation, who after obtaining blessed relief in
Christ, became zealous for the salvation of his neighbours,
and very earnest to use means to awaken them. This was
the tendency of his conversation ; and he also read to them
such authors as had been most useful to himself, particular-
ly, Luther on the Galatians, and his Table Discourses, and
several pieces of honest Bunyan's. By these means some of
his neighbours were made more thoughtful about their
souls ; but the concern was not very extensive. I have
prevailed on my good friend just now named, who was the
principal private instrument of promoting the late work,
and therefore well acquainted with it, to write me a narra-
tive of its rise and progress, and this, together with what he
and others have told me, I shall present to you, without any
material alterations.

" In the year 1740, Mr. Whitfield had preached at Wil-
liamsburgh at the invitation of Mr. Blair, our late commis-
sary. But we being fifty miles distant from Williamsburgh,
he left the colony before we had an opportunity of hearing
him. But in the year 1743, a young man from Scotland had
got a book of his sermons preached in Glasgow, and taken
from his mouth in short hand, which after I had read with
great benefit, I invited my neighbors to come and hear it ;
and the plainness and fcrvcncv of these discourses being

THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 327

attended with ihe power of the Lord, many were con-
vinced of their undone condition, and constrained to
seek deliverance with the greatest solicitude. A con-
siderable number met to hear these sermons every
Sabbath, and frequently, on week days. The concern of
some was so passionate and violent, that they could not
avoid crying out, weeping bitterly, &;c. And that, when
such indications of religious concern were so strange and
* ridiculous, that they could not be occasioned by example or
sympathy, and the aifectation of them would be so unprofit-
able an instance of hypocrisy, that none could be tempted to
it. My dwelling-house at length was too small to contain
the people, whereupon we determined to build a meeting-
house, merely for reading. And having never been used to
social extempore prayer, none of us durst attempt it. By
this single mean several were awakened, and their conduct
ever since is a proof of the continuance and happy issue of
their impressions. When the report was spread abroad,
I was invited to several places to read these sermons, at a
considerable distance, and by this means the concern was
propagated. About this time, our absenting ourselves from
the established Church, contrary, as was alleged, to the laws
of the land, was taken notice of, and Vv'-e were called upon
by the court to assign our reasons for it, and to declare what
denomination we were of. As we knew but little of any
denomination of dissenters, except Quakers, we were at a
loss what name to assume. At length, recollecting that Lu-
ther was a noted reformer, and that his books had been of
especial service to us, we declared ourselves Lutherans ; and
thus we continued, until Providence sent us the Rev. Mr.
William Robinson. This Mr. Robinson was a zealous, la-
borious minister of Christ, who by the permission of the
presbytery took a journey through the new settlements in
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. He founded a
Congregation at Lunenburgh.* In Ameliaf also, a county
somewhat nearer us than the former, his labours were exten-
sively blest: and while he was there, some of our people

* Now Charlotte. f Now Cumberland,

^328 THE ni:v. u'^i. robixso^'.

sent him an iavilalion to come and preach at our reading'
house. BeiniT satisfied about the soundness of his princi-
ples, and being informed that the method of his preaching
Was awakening, we were very eager to hear him. On ihe
6th of July, 1743, he preached his first sermon to us from
Luke xiii. 3, and continued with us preaching four days suc-
cessively. The congregation was large the first day, and
vastly increased the three ensuing. 'Tis hard for the live-
liest imagination to form an image of the condition of ihe as-
sembly, on these glorious days of the Son of man. SucJi
of us as had been hungering fur the word before, were
lost in an agreeable surprise and astonishment, and
some could not refrain from publicly declaring their
transport: we were overwhelmed with the thoughts of
the unexpected goodness of God, in allowing us to hear
the gospel preached in a manner that surpassed our
hopes. Many that came through curiosity Avere pricked to
the heart, and but few in the numerous assemblies on these
four days, appeared unaffected. They returned alarmed
with apprehensions of their dangerous condition, convinced
of their former entire ignorance of religion, and anxiously
inquiring what they should do to be saved. And there is
reason to believe there Vv-as as much good dune by these four
Eermons, as by all the sermons preached m these parts be-
fore or since. Before Mr. Robinson left us, he successfully
endeavoured to correct some of our mistakes, and to bring
us to carry on the worship of God more regularly, at our"
meetings. After this we met to read good sermons, and be-
gan and concluded with prayer and singing of psalms, which
till then we had omitted. The blessing of God remarkably
attended these more private means, and it was really aston-
ishing to observe the solemn impressions begun or continued
in many, by hearing go^d discourses read. I had repeated invi-
tations to come to many places round, some of ihem 30 or 40
miles distant, to read. Considerable numbers attended with
eager attention and awful solemnity, and several were in a
judgment of charity turned to God, and thereupon erected
meeting-houses, and chose readers among [themselves, by
which the work was more extensively carried on.

Tin: REV. W]M. ROBINSON. 329

'•Soon after Mr. Robinson left us, the Rev. Mr. John Blair
paid us a visit ; and truly he came to us in the fulness of the
gospel of Christ. Former impressions were ripened and
new ones made on many hearts. One night in particular,
a whole house full of people was quite overcome with the
power of the word, particularly of one pungent sentence, and
they could hardly sit or stand, or keep their passions under
proper restraint. So general was the concern during his
slay with us, and so ignorant were we of the danger of
apostacy, that we pleased ourselves with the thoughts of
more being brought to Christ at that time, than now ap-
pears to have been, though there is still the greatest reason
to hope that several bound themselves to the Lord in an
everlasting covenant never to be forgotten. Some time af-
ter this, the Rev. Mr. Roan was sent us by the presbytery of
Newcastle. He continued with us a longer time than any
of the former, and the happy effects of his ministrations are
still apparent. He was instrumental in beginning and pro-
moting the religious concern in several places where there
was little appearance of it before. This, together with his
speaking pretty freely about the degeneracy of the clergy in
this colony, gave a general alarm, and some measures were
concerted to suppress us. To incense the indignation of the
government the more, a perfidious wretch deponed, he heard
Mr. Roan utter blasphemous expressions, in his sermon.
An indictment was thereupon drawn up against Mr. Roan,
(though by that time he had departed the colony,) and
some who had invited him to preach at their houses, were
cited to appear before the general court, and two of them
were fined. While my cause was upon trial, I had reason to
rejoice that the throne of grace is accessible in all pla-
ces, and that helpless creatures can send up their desires un-
seen, in the midst of a crowd. Six witnesses were cited to
prove the indictm'ent against Mr. Roan, but their depositions
were in his favour ; and the witness who accused him of
blasphemy, when he heard of the arrival of Messrs. Ten-
nent and Finley, fled, and has not returned since ; so that
the indictment was dropped. But I had reason to fear being
banished the colonv, and all circumstances seemed to threat-

330 THE REV. WM. ROBINSON.

€11 the extirpulion of religion among the dissenters ia these
parts. In these difficulties, having no person of a public
character to appear in our favour, we were determined to ac-
quaint the Synod of Nevv^-York with our case. Accordingly
four of us went to the Synod, May, 1745, when the Lord fa-
voured us with success. The synod drew up an address to our
governor, the honorable Sir William Gooch, and sent it with
Messrs. Tennentand Finiey, who were received by the gov-
ernor with respect, who gave them liberty to preach among
us. By this means the dreadful cloud was scattered for
a while, and our languid hopes revived. They continued
with us about a week, and though the deluge of passion in
which we were at first overwhelmed, was by this time
somewhat abated, yet much good was done by their minis-
try. The people of God were refreshed, and several care-
less sinners were aAvakened. Some, that had trusted before
in their moral conduct, and religious duties, were convinced
of the depravity of their nature, and the necessity of regen-
eration, though indeed there were but few unregenerate
persons among us at that time, that could claim so regular
a character, the most part indulging themselves in criminal
liberties, and being remiss in the duties of religion, which
alas ! is too commonly the case still in such parts of the col-
ony as the late revival did not extend to.

"After they left us, we continued vacant for a considerable
time, and kept up our meetings for reading and praying in
several places, and the Lord favored us with his presence.
I was again repeatedly presented and fined in court for
absenting myself from Church, and keeping up unlawful
meetings, as they were called ; but the bush flourished in the
flames. The next that were appointed to supply us, were the
Rev. Messrs. William Tennent and Samuel Blair. They
administered the Lord's Supper among us ; and we have
reason ever to remember it as a most glorious day of the
Son of Man. The assembly was large, and the novelty of
the manner of the administration, did peculiarly engage their
attention. It appeared as one of the days of heaven to
some of us ; and we could hardly help wishing we could,
with Tosbun. liavo deiaved the rrvolulions o\' lhehcaven« to

THE KEV. WM. KOEINSON. 331

prolong it. After Messrs. Tennent and Blair were gone,
Mr. Whitefield came, and preached four or five days, which
was the happy means of giving us further encouragement,
and engaging others to the Lord, especially among the
church people, who received the gospel more readily
from him than from ministers of the Presbyterian denom-
ination. After his departure, we were destitute of a minister,
and followed our usual method of reading and prayer, at
our meeting, till the Rev. Mr. Davies, our present pastor,
was sent us by the presbytery, to supply us a few weeks in
the spring, 1747 ; when cur discouragements from the gov-
ernment were renewed and multiplied ; for, upon a Lord^s
day, a proclamation was set up at our meeting house, strictly
requiring all magistrates to suppress and prohibit, as far as
they lawfully could, all itinerant preachers, &c. which oc-
casioned us to forbear reading that day, till we had time to
deliberate and consult what was expedient to do ; but how
joyfully were we surprised before the next Sabbath, when
we unexpectedly heard that Mr. Davies was come to preach
so long among us, and especially that he had qualified him-
self, according to law, and obtained the licensing of four
meetingh ouses among us, which had never been done before.
Thus man's extremity is the Lord's opportunity. For this
seasonable interposition of Divine Providence, we desire to
offer cur grateful praises, and we importune the friends of
Zicn, to concur with us.

" Thus far Mr. Morris's narrative. Then the P.ev. Mr,
Davies proceeds to give an account of the slate of their
affairs since he came among them in April, 1747. —
'Upon my arrival, I petitioned the general court to grant
me a license to oiiiciate in and abottt Hanover^ at four
meeting-houses, vv^hich, after some delay, was granted,
upon my qualitying according to the act of Toleration.
I preached frequently in Hanover, and some of the adjacent
counties : and though the fervour of the late work was con-
siderably abated, and my labours were not blessed wnth suc-
cess equal to those of my brethren, yet I have reason to hope
they were of service, in several instances. The importunities
thev used with mc to settle with thcni were invincible ; and

332 THE liEV. WM. ROBI^SOX.

upon my departure, they sent a call for me to the presbytery.
After I returned from Virginia, I spent a year under melan-
choly and consumptive languishments, expecting death. In
the spring of 1748, I began slowly to recover, though I then
looked on it only as the intermission of a disorder that would
finally prove mortal. But upon the arrival of a messenger from
Hanover,! put my life in my hand, and determined to accept of
their call, hoping^ I might live to prepare the way for some
more useful successor, and willing to expire under the fatigues
of duty, rather than in voluntary negligence. The Hon. Sir
Wm. Gooch our late governor, always discovered a ready dis-
position to allow us all claimable privileges, and the great-
est aversion to persecuting measures; but, considering the
shocking reports spread abroad concerning us by officious
malignants, it was no great wonder that the council discov-
ered considerable reluctance to tolerate us. Had it not
been for this, I persuade myself they would have shown
themselves the guardians of our legal privileges, as well as
generous patriots to their country, which is the character
generally given them. In October, 1748, besides the four
meeting-houses already mentioned, the people petitioned
for the licensing of three more, Avhich with great diffiiculty
was obtained. Among these seven, I have hitherto divided
my time. Three of them lay in Hanover county, the other
four in the counties of Henrico, Carolina, Louisa, and
Goochland. The nearest are twelve or fifteen miles distant
from each other, and the ex-remes about forty. My congre-
gation is very much dispersed, and notwithstanding the
number of the meeting-houses, some live twenty, some thirty,
and a few forty miles from the nearest. Were they all
compactly situated in one county, they would be sufficient
to form three distinct congregations. Many of the church
people also attend when there is sermon at any of these
houses. This I looked upon at first as mere curiosity after nov-
elty, but as it continues, and in some places seems to increase,
I cannot but look upon it as a happy token of their being at
length thoroughly engaged. And I have the greater reason
to hope so now, as experience has confirmed ray former
hopes. Fifty or sixty families having thus been happily

THK REV. WM. ROBINSON. .333

entangled in the net of the gospel by their own curiosity,
or some such motive. There are about three hundred com-
municants in my congregation, of whom the greatest num-
ber are in the judgment of rational charity, real Christians.
Besides some, who, through excessive scrupulousness, do
not seek admission to the Lord's table. There is also a num-
ber of Negroes. Sometimes I see an hundred and more
among my hearers. (Psal. Ixviii. 31.) I have baptized about
forty of them within these three years, upon such a profession
of faith as I then judged credible. Some of them, I fear, have
apostatized ; but others I trust, will persevere to the end.
I have had as satisfying evidences of as sincere piety from
several of them, as I ever had from any person in my life,
and their artless simplicity, their passionate as-pirations af-
ter Christ, their incessant endeavours to know and do the
will of God, have charmed me. But alas ! while my charge
is so extensive, I cannot take sufficient pains with them for
their instruction, which often oppresses my heart.

" There have been instances of unhappy apostacy among
us ; but, blessed be God, not many in proportion to the num-
ber brought under concern. At present there are a few
under promising impressions; but, in general, a lamentable
security prevails. Oh, for a little reviving in our bondage !
I might have given you a particular account of the conver-
sion of some persons here, as indeed there are some uncom-
mon instances of it, but I shall only observe in general, that
abstracting from particular circumstances, the work of con-
version has been carried on in such steps as are described
by experimental divines, as Allein, Shepherd, Stoddard,
Flavel, &:c. And nothing confirms me more in the truth of
their opinions concerning experimental piety, than this
agreement and uniformity as to the substance, in the exer-
cises of those that can make the fairest claim to saving grace.
There is one Isaac Oliver here, whose history, could I write
it intelligibly to you, would be very entertaining. He has
been deaf and dumb from his birth, and yet I have the
utmost reason to believe he is truly gracious, and also ac-
quainted with most of the doctrines, and many of the histo-
rical facts of the Bible. I have seen him represent the cru-

u

334 THE r^EY. W3I. ROUINSON.

cifixion of Christ in such signficant signs, that 1 could not
but understand them. Those that live in the house with
him, can hold conversation with him very readily. There
is so rauch of the devout ardour of his soul discovered at
times, as is really affecting, and I have seen him converse
in signs about the love and sufferings of Christ, till he has
been transported into earnestness, and dissolved in tears.
The above Mr. Morris,, with whom he lives, has told me,
that eight years ago, he appeared remarkably changed, and
ever since is very conscientious in the whole of his beha-
viour ; generally delights to attend both public and family
worship, thoUg^h he cannot hear a word ; and is observed
sometimes to retire to secret prayer, though he signifies that
he is praying with his heart, v/hen about his business, or in
company, which is peculiarly practicable to him, as in all
places he enjoys retirement, I could relate several pecuha-
rities about him ; but as they are unintelligible to myself, or
might seem incredible to those that are unacquainted with
him, I omit them. So much, however, I know of him, that
I cannot but look upon him as a miraculous monument of
Almighty grace, that can perform its purposes on men, not-
withstanding the greatest natural or m.oral impediments ;
and I submit it to thft judgment of ethers, whether a person
so incapable of externcil instructions, could be brought to
kn('W the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven any other
way than by immediate revelation. Besides the people here,
several of my brethren, who have been here, particularly
Messrs. Samuel Blair and John Roan, can attest this relation.
I forgot to inform you, in its proper place, that the Rev. Mr.
Davenport was sent by the synod to Hanover last summer,
and continued here about tAo months. And, blest be God,
did not labour in vain. Some were brought under concern,
and many of the Lord's people much revived, who can never
forget the instrument of it.

" Thus, dear Sir, I have given you a brief account of what
I am persuaded you will readily ov»'n to be the work of the
Lord. We claim no infalUbility, but we must not fall into
scepticism. If we could form no judgment of such a work,
why should we pretend to promote the conversion of men, if

THE KEV. WM. ROBINSON. 335

we cannot have any satisfying knowledge of it, when it ap-
pears ? Indeed, the evidence of its divinity here is so irre-
sistible, that it has extorted an acknowledgment from some
from whom it could hardly be expected. Were you, Sir, a
narrow bigot, yon would, no doubt, rejoice to hear that there
are now some hundreds of dissenters in a place, where, a
few years ago, there were not ten: but I assure myself of
your congratulations on a nobler account, because a con-
siderable number of perishing sinners are gained to the
blessed Redeemer, with whom, though you never see them
here, you may spend a blissful eternity. After all, poor
Virginia demands your compassion, for religion at present is
but like the cloud w^hich Elijah's servant saw. Oh that it
may spread and cover the land !

" As to other counties where dissenters are settled. — There
are two congregations, one in Albermarle, and one in Au-
gusta county, belonging to the synod of Philadelphia, that
have ministers settled among them : but those that have put
themselves under the care of the New Castle presbytery
(which are vastly more numerous), notwithstanding their
repeated endeavours, are still destitute of ministers. There
are as many of them as would form five distinct congrega-
tions, three at least in Augusta, one in Frederick, and one at
least in Lunenburgh and Amelia.* Notwithstanding the
supplies our presbytery have sent them, some of them, par-
ticularly Lunenburgh, have been both a year together with-
out one sermon. I hope one of them may soon be provided
by a pious young man, Mr. Todd, sent by New Brunswick
presbytery, but I have no prospect as to the rest ; for I can
now count up at least six or seven vacant congregations in
Pennsylvania, and two or three in Maryland, besides the
five mentioned in the frontier counties of Virginia, and a
part of my own congregation, which I would willingly de-
clare vacant, had they opportunity of obtaining another
minister. And there are but twelve members in New Castle
presbytery, and two or three candidates that are pre-engaged
to vacancies in Pennsylvania. We have indeed of late li-

* Now Charlotte, and Cnmberland.

336 THJ'. urn', vryi. hoi;insox.

censed several pious youilis, but our vacancies increase
almost as fast as our ministers, by the settlement of new
places, or the breaking out cf religious concern in places
T\'here there was little before; and some of our most useful
members are lately called heme by death ; such as Messrs.
Robinson and Dean, and now Mr. Samuel Elair. May the
Lord induce faithful n:iinisters from New England, or
wherever they might be spared, to come and help us I
While these congregations have been destitute of settled
pastors, itinerant preaching among them has, by the bless-
ing of God, been very useful. Mr. Robinson underwent
great hardships in Isorth Carolina, without much success, by
reason of the fewness and savage ignorance of the inhabit-
ants ; but the case is now happily altered. A new congre-
gation, I think upon Pee-dee river, sent a petition lately to
our presbytery for a minister. Besides this, 1 hear of several
other places in North Carolina, that are ripening very fast
for the gospel. ^0 that the Lord would send forth faithful
labourers into his harvest!' Mr. Robinson was the instru-
ment of awakening several in Lunenburgh and Amelia,
with whom I lately spent a fortnight, at their earnest desire;
and there is a prospect of doing much service, were they
famished with a faithful minister. I met with most encou-
ragement in a part of Amelia county, v/here very few had
heard any of my brethren. The assemblies were large even
on week days, and sometimes there appeared much solem-
nity and affection among them. There appears great proba-
bility of success, if they had a faithful minister. It was
really afflicting to me that the necessity of my own congrega-
tion constrained me to leave them so soon. In Augusta,
there is a great number of solid lively Christians. There
was a pretty general awakening there some years ago, under
the ministry of Messrs. Dean and Byram. I believe three
ministers might live very comfortably among them. In
Frederick county, there has also been (as I am informed by
my brethren who have been there) a considerable awaken-
ing some years ago, which has had a blessed issue in many,
and the congregation have been seeking a minister these
several vears. In Marvlnnd also, there has hern a confiider-

THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. olil

able revival (shall I call it ?) or first plantation of religion,
in Baltimore county, where I am informed Mr. Whittlesey
is likely to settle. In Kent county, and Queen Anne's, a
number of careless sinners have been awakened and hope-
fully brought to Christ. The work was begun and chiefly
carried on by the instrumentality of that favoured man Mr.
Robinson, whose success, whenever I reflect upon it, aston-
ishes rae. Oh ! he did much in a little time, and who would
not choose such an expeditious pilgrimage through this
world ? There is, in these places, a considerable congrega-
tion, and they have have made repeated essays to obtain a
settled minister. There was a great stir about religion in
Buckingham, a place on the sea-shore, about four years ago,
which has since spread and issued in a hopeful conversion in
several instances. They also want a minister. But the
most glorious display of divine grace in Maryland has been
in and about Somerset county. It began, I think, in 1745,
by the ministry of Mr. Robinson, and was afterwards carried
on by several ministers that preached transiently there. I
was there about two months, when the work was at its
height, and I never saw such a deep and spreading concern:
the assemblies were numerous, though in the extremity of a
cold winter, and unwearied in attending the word ; and fre-
quently there were very few among them that did not give
some plain indications of distress or joy. Oh ! these were
the happiest days that ever my eyes saw. Since that, the
harvest seems over there, though considerable gleanings, I
hear, are still gathered. They have of late got Mr. Henry
for their minister, a young man, who, I trust, will be an ex-
tensive blessing to that part of the colony. I shall prize
it, dear Sir, as a great blessing, if you and others of the
Lord's servants and people in distant parts, favour us with
your prayers. And shall be glad to correspond with them.
Our acquaintance with the various parts of the church,
qualifies us to adapt our prayers to their state. May your
Divine Master bless you and succeed your ministrations, and
pour out his Spirit on the land where you reside. I am, &c.*

• " Mav 22d, 1 745, Mr. G, Tennant and Mr, Davies, being at Edin-
U3

338 THE REV. WM. ROBINSON.

Not only in Hanover, but in all the places, where
Mr. Robinson preachedj there were permanent fruits
of his labours. The writer has seen and conversed
with a number of persons who were brought to
serious consideration under the ministry of this suc-
cessful evangelist. Old John White, who resided
near Charlestown, in Jefferson county, and who was
the father of judge White of Winchester, was one of
Mr. Robinson's great admirers, and I believe, brought
to the experimental knowledge of the truth under
his ministry. Old Mr. Hoge, the father of the
Rev. Dr. Moses Hoge, who was a Seceder, in-

burgh, as agents for the trustees of the college of New-Jeraey (an
institution that promises well, if the Lord vouchsafe it his blessing,
for the success of the gospel,) Mr. Davies informs, that one Mr.
Brown is lately ordained in Augusts county, where there were sundry
congregations vacant ever since their first settlement; that he has the
care of two meetings, and as he is a youth of piety, prudence, and
zeal, there is reason to expect that his labours will be of service in
that wilderness, not only in his ov.-n more peculiar charge, but in
the neighboring places that have no minister of their own. Also»
that Mr. John Wright, who supplies Mr. Davies' charge in his ab-
sence, has wrote, that since he has officiated in his place, there are
considerable appearances of success in Caroline and Henrico, where
Mr. Davies was apprehensive he labored much in vain. When Mr.
Davies left Virginia in August, last, there was a hopeful appear-
ance of a greater spread of religious concern among the Ne-
groes. A few weeks before he left home, he baptized in one day
fifteen Negroes after they had been catechised for some months,
and given credible evidences of their sincerely embracing the gos-
pel. He also says, that Isaac Oliver, the dumb man mentioned in
his letter above, has behaved as one would expect from such promising
beginnings, his conduct being such as becomes the profession of the
gospel."

THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 339

formed the writer, that he often heard Robmson
when he preached at Opekin and Cedar Creek, in
Frederick county ; and while he admitted that he
preached the gospel faithfully, and with great zeal ;
yet said, there was a want of method in his dis-
courses. After Mr. Robinson's return from this in-
teresting tour, he laboured in the state of New York,
with his usual success ; and also in some congrega*-
tions in Maryland, where there was a blessed work
of grace under his ministry.

Probably Mr. Robinson, during the short period
of his life, was the instrument in the conversion of
as many souls, as any minister who ever lived in
this country. The only circumstance relating to his
person which has come down is, that he was blind
of one eye ; so that by some he was called "the
one-eyed Robinson."

We 'are also entirely ignorant of the circumstances
of his death. This event we know occurred before
the year 1751, in which Mr. Davies wrote his letter
to Mr. Bellamy, for it is mentioned with grief in
that communication. If we mistake not, Mr. Da-
vies has celebrated the labours and successes of this
servant of God, in one of his poems ; and Mr. Ten-
nent, somewhere, speaks of him as " that wonderful
man." Mr. Robinson was never married, and had,
it is believed, no relatives in this country ; and as
far as appears never printed anything, nor left any
of his writings to be a memorial to posterity of his

340 THE REV. WM. ROBINSOX.

fervent piety and evangelical spirit. It is not even
known, where his body rests; but his glorious Mas-
ter whom he served so faithfully in the gospel, will
know where to find it, when He shall come to resus-
citate the bodies of his saints.

CHAPTER XVIII.

MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN ROWLAND.

Mr. Rowland received by the New Brunswick Presbytery, at its first
meeting in violation of the rule of Synod — His trials — Speedy
licensure — Accepts a call to Maidenhead and Hopewell — Great
revival — His letter to Mr. Prince — Removal to Pennsylvania —
Revival at New Providence — Close of life unknown.

Of Mr. Rowland nothing is known prior to the
time when he was taken under the care of the New
Brunswick presbytery, at its first meeting in Au-
gust, 1738. It is certain, indeed, that he was an
alumnus of the Log College, where probahly he re-
ceived the principal part of his education.

In receiving him under their care, the presbytery
deliberately violated a standing rule of the synod,
which required, that every candidate, before being
taken on trials by any presbytery, should submit
himself to an examination on his classical and scien-
tific attainments, to a committee of the synod. This
rule the presbytery of New Brunswick believed to
be arbitrary, and an undue infringement on the
rights of presbyteries ; and therefore determined to
disregard it. This was undoubtedly a rash and dis-

342 THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND.

orderly proceeding. Even if their opinion abont
the rights of presbyteries had been correct, they
should first have remonstrated against the synod's
rule, and endeavoured to have it repealed. But the
members of this new presbytery having been the
principal supporters of the Log College, considered
the rule of the synod as particularly directed against
that institution ; and on this account were disposed
to resist it. Hence arose the violent dissension be-
tween this presbytery and the synod, which issued
in a division of the body into two parts, the Old
and the New Side ; of which an account has already
been given.

At this first meeting of the New Brunswick pres-
bytery, the following ministers and elders were
present, viz., Gilbert Tennent, John Cross, William
Tennent, Eleazer Wales, and Samuel Blair. The
ciders were James McCoy, John Henry, William
Moor, Robert Cunningham, and Thomas Davis.
As none, in the minutes, are marked as absent, it
would seem that this first meeting of the presbytery
set an example deserving the imitation of their suc-
cessors. All the ministers were in their place ; and
an equal number of ruling elders ; so that there
was no delinquency on their part. The first busi-
ness, after they were regularly constituted, was, the
receiving of Mr. John Rowland as a candidate un-
der their care. And in regard to the rule of synod,
after much discussion they adopted the following
resolution.

THE REV*. JOHN ROWLAND. 343

" That in point of conscience, they were not re-
strained from using the Uberty and power, which
presbyteries all along have hitherto enjoyed ; but
that it was their duty to take the said Mr. Rowland
on trials, for which conclusion they conceive they
have many weighty and sufficient reasons."

The presbytery then proceeded to the examina-
tion of Mr. Rowland, " on the several parts of learn-
ing, and on his experience of a work of converting
grace in his soul, which he sustained to their satis-
faction."

The trials of Mr. Rowland were carried through
.as rapidly as was consistent with the usage in such
cases. The presbytery met again on the 1st day
of September of the same year, when he read a
Latin exegesis, and a sermon on Ps. Ixxxvii. 5. With
these trials the presbytery expressed themselves
well pleased ; and assigned him as the subject of a
popular sermon, Rom. iii. 24, and adjourned to meet
the following week, at Freehold, when Mr. Row-
land preached at the opening of the presbytery, who
having taken the sermon under consideration, it was
^highly and unanimously approved.

The candidate having now gone through all the
prescribed trials, after adopting the Westminster
Confession of Faith as the confession of his faith,
was licensed to preach the gospel of Christ. His
licensure took place exactly one month after he was
taken under the care of the presbytery. There is no

J-M THE REV. JOHX ROU-LAND.

reason to lead us to conclude that Mr. Rowland was
deficient in the qualifications requisite for the office
of the ministry. From the record it appears, that
the presbytery were well satisfied with all the parts
of his trials ; and it is known that he was a popular
and an awakening preacher, and that his ministry
was attended with much success.

As might have been expected, this act of the pres-
bytery brought down upon them the censure of the
synod ; and the presbytery not being disposed to
submit to a rule which they considered arbitrary
and inconsistent with their rights, things grew
worse and worse, until the parties separated. Be-
fore this event, however, the synod absohUely re-
fused to consider Mr. Rowland as a member of their
body. They did not deny that he was a minister
of the gospel, but alleged, that having been brought
in contrary to their rules, he could not be recognised
as a member. It appears from Mr. Rowland's let-
ter to the Rev. Mr. Prince of Boston, that on the
very day of his being licensed to preach the gospel,
an application was made to the presbytery for his
services, by the united congregations of Maidenhead
(Lawrence) and Hopewell (Pennington). And it
was not long after this, that he was artfully perso-
nated by Tom Bell, when he was absent on a
preaching tour in Maryland, in company with the
Rev. William Tennent. On his return, as has been
related in the life of Mr. William Tennent, he was

THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. ill

indicted lor horse-stealing and robbery, was cleared
by the testimory of JNIr, Tennent and two others,
who swore that he was, at the time, in a distant
part of the country. But the impression on the pub-
lic mind was so strong, that he was the person seen
by many in the possession of the stolen horse, that
the three witnesses, including Mr. Tennent, were
indicted for perjury, and one of them actually suf-
fered the penalty of the law for this crime. How
wonderfully Mr. Tennent was delivered from an ig-
nominious punishment, may be seen in the mem.oir
which we have published of this extraordinary man.

Mr. Rowland accepted the invitation of the con-
gregations before mentioned, and his labours among
them were attended with an extraordinary blessing,
in a great revival of rehgion, in both these congre-
gations. But as Mr. Rowland himself has given a
narrative of this work of grace, in a letter to the
Rev. Mr. Prince of Boston, we think it most expe-
dient to publish his own account, in his own words.

The letter is as follows :

" Rev. Sir,

*' In answer to j^ours, &c. — I was sent forth to preach the
gospel of Chris!, by the presbytery of New Brunswick, on
September 7th, 1738, on which day the congregation of
Maidenhead and Hopewell, put in a supplication for me to
the presbytery ; and accordingly I complied therewith. In
process of time, we had the privilege of Maidenhead meet-
ing-house, and my people built a meeting-house in Hope-
well ; but, before this, we were constrained to keep our
moetingr?? in barns in both towns ; and. though we thus ap-

346 Tin: iiEV. John kowland.

peared as poor despised creatures, yet the congregaiion thai
attended my ministry, was so numerous, that the largest
barns among us were choseu to worship God in. It was
some discouragement to me at first, that I and my people
had no better places for divine worship ; but at that time I
thought on these things, which proved some support to me,
viz., that our Lord and Saviour was born in a mean place,
and likewise preached in the ship, and on the mountain,
as well as in the synagogues, and that it had been the fre-
quent lot of his people, to betake themselves to worship him
in places attended with many inconveniences. There is an-
other town lying contiguous to Hopewell, which is called
Amwell ; the people there were something numerous like-
wise ; and having none to labour among them in the word,
they petitioned for a part of my time, viz., one Sabbath in
three; and it was granted unto them ; so that my labours
among these three towns, for the most part of the time that
I lived in the Jerseys, were equally divided. There was a
small number in Hopewell and Maidenhead, truly ac-
quainted with vital religion, as far as I could judge, before I
came among them, and they seemed so earnest in prayer,
night and day, to have the gospel in power among them, as
if they would take no denial. But of them who became my
congregation in Amwell, there were but very few that knew
the Lord Jesus when I came among them; yet, in many
ways, they were a very agreeable people ; so that I was
much encouraged to labour among them.

" The subjects which I chiefly insisted on for about six
months, were conviction and conversion ; and usually I
made choice of the most rousing and awakening texts, to set
forth the nature of these doctrines ; and I have reason, to
hope, that the Lord began to accompany his word in a
measure from the very first. Some began to be convinced
that they were in the way to misery, and unacquainted with
the way to the kingdom of Heaven. But then, let it be ob-
served, that but one or two were taken with convictions at a
lime, or under one sermon : for many months together* their

* " Let none suppose that because I speak of convictions being
still carried on, that I mean that finnors mupf be convinced to some

THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 347

convictions were still increased, and the number of the con-
vinced was still multiplied. I commonly preached in the
night as well as in the day, and frequently on Aveek days
also; so that they had hardly any opportunity to cast their
convictions out of their thoughts, the Lord continuing to co-
operate with his word. The frequent opportunities which I
took to examine them were made very beneficial, through
the divine blessing, to preserve their convictions alive until
the time of grace, of which I shall speak afterwards. The
attention of all, in general, was awakened ; fathers, mothers,
and the youth ; some negroes, also, seemed very earnest after
the word, and were convinced thereby of their sin and mis- "
ery, and that Christ they must have, or perish for ever.

'" The people of God were much enlivened to see poor sin-
ners convinced of the perishing nature of their state, and
their absolute need of Christ: their supplications to God
were mostly bent for the conversion of sinners, and their
conversation, whenever they met together, as far as I ob-
served it, (and frequent opportunities I had to observe it)
savoured exceedingly of the things of God ; so that I can-
not say that I ever saw those pious people given to wordli-
ness in their conversation, or to lightness and vanity in their
discourses. Great was the love they bore to one another, and
sweet was the peace which subsisted among themselves ;
so that I was not interrupted from my work by making up
differences among them.

'• In the month of May, 1739, I began to think that the
most inviting and encouraging subjects would be the most
agreeable to convinced souls ; and accordingly I began with
these words, John xi. 28, 29. ' The master is come, and
calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose
quickly, and came unto him.' The discourse upon this sub-
ject was brought home, through the divine influence, upon
the souls of many. Solemn weeping, and deep concern, ap-

high degree before they can be converted : I only mean, that this was
the way which the Lord observed in carrying on his work, to keep
sinners for a long time under conviction, before he manifested his
love to them.

348 THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND.

peared through the congregation : I had hopes that the hearts
of some had been knit close to Jesus our Lord, which after-
wards appeared to be so; of which more hereafter. I was
still encouraged to go on, in inviting convinced sinners to
come and embrace the person and purchase of the dear Lord
Jesus. Then 1 made choice of that word in Matthew xxii.
4. * And all things are ready ; come unto the marriage.'
This was also blessed to poor convinced souls; they were
brought under a full persuasion that Jesus, the Son of God,
was ready and willing to embrace them with his everlasting
favour, and to pardon their sins and transgressions; but then
they found more of their own hardness, and had a clearer
view of their own unwillingness to come unto the Lord
Jesus Christ, which increased their mourning and sorrow,
and made them press forwards with more living earnestness
in search after Jesus Christ. A variety of other engaging
subjects I made use of for a considerable time, to press them
to a full closure with Jesus Christ. At length, by frequent
converse among them, and enquiring strictly into the nature
of the views they had of Christ, and the outgoings of their
souls after him, and their willingness to be ruled by Jesus
Christ in their whole hearts and lives, I could not but be
favourable in my thoughts of such, as persons favoured of
the Lord.

^' I find, by reading v/hat accounts I kept by me of the
blessed work of grace Avhich hath been in these towns, that
there was much good done by visiting, by which means I
found out many that had been touched, of whom I had not
well heard how it was with them, which gave me an oppor-
tunity to offer such things unto them, as might tend to fix
these beginnings in their souls, and increase them. So
likewise many were convinced of their lost state by nature.
By particular examinations, I found likewise, that private
examination of persons, as to their state and condition, is an
excellent mean to lay them open to conviction under the
public word ; and thus were some convinced in these towns.

" The divine influence of the Spirit of God was very evi-
dently afforded with his word, though not in every opportu-
pity, yet in several, until !\Tay. 1740, in which tjme ji^any

THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 349

more were added unlo the Lord's people. Some of these
opportunities, for clearness sake, I shall mention. One was
in October 6th, 1739, in a night meeting ; but the people not
having been warned with sufficient care, there met but about
fifteen persons, eleven of whom were deeply convinced of
their misery, and some of them cried out so very awfully,
that I was constrained to conclude. After sermon I
took an opportunity to enquire of those persons, what was
the real cause of their crying out in such a manner. Some
of whom answered me, ' that they saw hell opening before
ihem, and themselves ready to fall into it.' Others answered
me, ' that they were struck with such a sense of their sin-
fulness, that they were afraid the Lord would never have
mercy on them.' Another of these opportunities was on
December 30th, 1739. As to myself, I felt exceeding poor
in the frame of my soul ; so that I thought I might well say,
as in the words of the text I preached on that day, Isa. xl. 6,
'What shall I cry V But the Lord v/as pleased to manifest
his grace and power exceedingly through the whole service.
The people of God were much enlarged in love, to see that
whatever gracious word was sent with power into their
hearts, was sent from God ; for the man knoweth not what
to cry, wiihout being guided by the word and Spirit. Some
hardened creatures, who thought not much of religion, as if
there was no reality in it, -were deeply convinced of the truth,
reality, and beauty of religion. Others, who knew not well
which w^ay to walk, or what to choose, opposers I cannot call
them, though they had not joined with our side ; such, I say,,
as far as we could judge the tree by the fruit, w^ere also con-
vinced and converted under that discourse. Many youths
also were wrought upon ; so that I cannot say truly, that
any [remained untouched. Some of these persons were
pleased to tell me, ' that they never Avould forget this day,
in which God had been so gracious unto them.' As to back-
sliders from convictions, who were not converted, I shall
afterwards speak of ihem. The night of the same day be-
ing spent in public worship (viz. the first part thereof), was
attended with the same divine influence. Another of these
opportunities was in April 6th, 1740, ip Maidenhead. The

330 THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND.

subject that was insisted on, was the gospel-net, from Matt,
xiii. Many who were not acquainted with the spiritual nature
of the gospel in the least degree, as far as I found, were
greatly bowed down, and brought to own that it was the
Lord's work which was carried on. The people, in general,
through the whole assembly, seemed as if they were hum-
bled before the Lord, which afterwards proved itself to be
so. Without controversy, many of these slipped out of the
net as fast as they could ; yet many, blessed be God, were
held in it by almighty power.

" I come next to speak of the times of most remarkable power that
I witnessed in these towns. It begun on this wise ; there had been
a week day's meeting in Maidenhead, on July 24th, 1740. Worship
seemed to be attended with much warmth of aflfection, which gave
mnch encouragement to the minister again ; for h^kewarmness at this
time had prevailed very much among the people ; and the affections of
some were much removed from others of their fellow members ;
neither did they seem to have such a thirst for the word of God as
formerly. Things had come to this pass in about two months ; but
how astonishing is it to consider what sweet methods the Lord ob-
served to remove them ! for, as the people were passing homewards
through the town after worship, some inclined to stop at one of the
Christian houses ; and the stopping of some occasioned others to stop
till the number was about forty ; and when they were all set in the
house, that the time might be profitably spent, the first part of the
fiftieth psalm was sung, which seemed to be performed with unusual
quickening. When singing was over, the same verses were explain-
ed at some length, and the Spirit of the Lord was pleased to work by
it upon all that were present, as far as we could discern by the out-
ward man, and much converse that was spent among them all in par-
ticular. In about an hour afterwards, the love of God's people that
were present, was uncommonly inflamed to Jesus Christ, their views
of his majesty and glory were much enlarged, their longings after
him much stirred up, and their fear of him graciously increased ;
their zeal for God's glory was kindled anew, and their concern for the
cause of God seemed to receive much growth ; and as to the uncon-
vetted that were present, we could not find otherwise, but that they
had received very clear discoveries of their undone state by nature.
This was followed with the mighty power of God, in a sermon next
evening to a large congregation in the same town. And, in Amwell,

THE UEV. JOHN ROWLAND. 351

July 27ih, anJ in Maidenhead again on Au^u^t 3d, God was pleased
to magnify his grace in visiting nimy pjor sinners. In these oppor-
tunities he opened their eyes to see themselves without Christ, and
without hope in the world ; their convictions were attended with great
horror and trembling, and loud weeping, which I supposed could not
be stopped so easily as some do imagine ; for I observed that many
did continue crying in the most ddleful manner along the road, in
thdr way home ; and it was not in the power of man to prevail with
them to refrain ; for the word of the Lord remained like fire upon
their hearts. Furthermore, the Lord was pleased to add many more
to my people, who used not to vi'alk with them, who still continue in
communion with them, of whom I hope it may be said, that they are
growing in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The seed
of the word was dropped into the hearts of others, who bore not
much regard to the doctrine of the new-birth which was preached
among us, and did not spring up visibly until near three years after.

"As to the issue of these convictions whi-.h I have last mentioned,
I think it must be owned, that many of them were followed with a
sound convention, or else we must give up speaking any tiling as to
any giace in this life. Many backslided, and became stiff-necked again,
though I must say that I have not seen such backslidings in these
towns, as I have seen in many others ; the instances are but few
in them in comparison to what I have seen in most other places that
I have been acquainted with. One great mean to prevent backsUding
from convictions in Amwell, was this : when the husband was taken,
the wife was also taken, or when the wife was visited, the husband
was also ; so that they were ever stirring up each other. Many such
instances are in the town of Amwell, upon which account that con-
gregation appears to me peculiarly beautiful ; and, as to Maidenhead
and Hopewell, I believe that one great mean that the Lord used there
to prevent backsliding, was the care and diligence of some of the
Christian people in conversing with the convinced ; for several of the
Christians were so engaged in deep concern for the work of God,
that they could not rest satisfied until they had reason to hope, that
the souls that were convinced from one time to another, were aho
brought through to sound conversion.

"Respecting the nature of this work which I have been speaking
of, it will appear yet more distinct, by giving some account of their
experiences. And, first, I would speak something more of their con-
victions; they can give a very different account of sin, bath original,

V

S52 THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND.

and actual; thek views of heart coriuption, their distance from God,
and their having lived so long without him, were very clear and affect-
ing ; their hardness and unbelief, their ignorance and blindness press-
ed very close upon them ; their need of Christ, and his Spirit, was
»ucb, in their apprehension, that there was no rest nor contentment
to be taken in any thing here below, until they did obtain an interest
in Jesus Christ, and receive his Spirit to purify and sanctify their
hearts. There are a few among them, whose convictions were not
attended with any considerable degree of horror ; they were very
watchful over themselves lest they should receive false comfort, and
so rest in ungrounded hopes ; their hunger after Jesus Christ, his
righteousness, and all his fulness, was very earnest, and their expe-
lience of it very clear ; therefore they wanted the word preached often,
and they would sit under it with great affection, waiting on the
Lord. Their views of the Lord Jesus, in his person, nature a nd offices,
were very clear, and their acquaintance with the actings of their
faith on him, together with the out-going of their souls in love towards
him. They can give a satisfying account of those things accoiding
to the holy scriptures. Their experience of a saving closure with
Jesus Christ, and the sweet manifestations they had of him at the
time of spiritual marriage, were very glorious, and their affections
have been often stirred afresh towards Jesus Christ, in meditating on,
and speaking of their espousals. They are careful to maintain a
holy communion with God in the general course of their lives. I
have seen some of them in considerable agonies when they have
been under the hidings of God's face ; so that they could take no rest
by any means, until the gracious Lord would be pleased to shine
again upon them with the light of his countenance. They are prop,
erly diligent in the things of this life ; yet they are ready to attend
on the word of God on any opportunity that offers to them on week
days.

" They still continue zealous for God and his truth ; their walk is
steady in the ways of God, and not unconslant and uneven. And,
that I may conclude with Hopewell and Maidenhead, I would say,
that Jesus Christ has gathered for himself a blessed flock there ; and,
however they may be vilified and scorned by those who have their
portion in this life, yet I hope no less, but that they are precious with
God, and shall be satisfied with the pleasures of his right hand
forevcrmorc. Amen.

THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 353

After some time, Mr. Rowland removed from
New Jersey into Pennsylvania, where he had charge
of a congregation in what is called <^ the Great Val-
ley'"/' and also of Providence, near to Norristown.
Much of liis time, however, seems to have been
spent in itinerating, and preaching from place to
place, during the great awakening with which the
churches were then visited.

The only account which we have of Mr. Row-
land's labours and success in Pennsylvania, are
given by himself in his narrative sent to Mr. Prince.
" In the year 174*" says he, " I came and lived
in Charlestown, Pennsylvania, and have continued
according to the order of the Presbytery, preaching
among them, and the people of New Providence.
But as my ministry has been chiefly successful at
the latter place, since I came into these parts, I shall
only speak of what I have observed of the work of
God, in New Providence.

" The people of this place, before I came, were
but an ignorant sort of people, unacquainted with
religion, both as to principle and practice ; and
though they would pretend, some to be of one de-
nomination, and some of another ; yet a vain name
was all. Looseness prevailed much in the place,
and there was not one to speak to another in a suit-
able manner, neither of the vileness, deformity, and
unprofitableness of the ways of sin ; nor of the glory,
and excellency, and profitableness of the ways o(

354 THE KEV. JOHN ROU'LANP.

God. I know not that any of them observed fami-
ly prayer, or even asked a blessing on their food.
This was the case among them, as they told me at
several times, and again since I began to write this
narrative. The conviction and conversion of the
people of New Providence occurred within about
two months of one another. It was the time of my
travelling among them that the Lord chose to bless
for their ingathering to Jesus Christ ; and since I
have laboured statedly among them, it has been as
much my endeavour to build up those who were
called into the fellowship of God, as to convince
sinners of their misery, and to this end, my labours
were blessed again among them throughout the
year 174*. As to their conviction and conversion
imto God, I may say, they are capable to give a
scriptural account of these things. I forbear to
speak of many extraordinary appearances, such as
some scores crying out at one instant ; and of others
falling down and fainting.

"These people are still increasing and blessed be
the Lord, they are endeavouring to walk in com-
munion with God, and with one another. And for
this end, they meet in society, in the meeting house,
two or three hours at a time, for prayer and praise;
and they find this an excellent means to prepare
them for the holy Sabbath. They are careful to
maintain the worship of God in their families, and
to use all agreeable [proper] means to increase their
own knowlrrlcfo in the things oi' God,

THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 355

'^ I choose to say no more, though I may truly
say, that what I have spoken of the glorious work
of God in this place, and in the toAvns of Amwell,
Hopewell, and Maidenhead, is but a very little to
what I might have said."

There is one circumstance connected with this re-
vival in New Providence, which in a peculiar man-
ner interests the writer. His own grandfather, then
residing on the Schuylkill above Norristown, was a
subject of this revival, and a member of this church ;
although he was awakened under the preaching of
Mr. Whitefield.

Though Mr. Rowland filled a considerable space
in the church, while he lived, as he was a boanerges
in denouncing the terrors of the law against impeni-
tent sinners, insomuch that he acquired among the
irreligious, the title so often given to faithful preach-
ers, " the hell-fire Rowland," yet no word or me-
morial of the close of his life remains. He seems
not to have been married, and to have died early.

Here, we may remark, that none of the distin-
guished ministers of that period, except William
Tennent, sen., reached the age of seventy; and
some of the most able and successful among
them, did not even arrive at the age of forty.
Among these we reckon Samuel Blair, Samuel Da-
vies, Wm. Robinson, and John Rowland. These
men may be said to have lived fast. They did

much for their Lord, in a short time. Being burn-

V3

356 THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND.

ing as well as shining lights, they were themselves
consumed, while they gave light to others. Oh that
a race of ministers, like-minded, burning with a
consuming zeal, might be raised up among us !

CHAPTER XIX.

CONCLUSION.

Rev. Charles Beatty — Birth and education — Acts as a pedler — Con-
verses in Latin with the Founder of the Log College — Becomes a
student in the Institution — Is licensed to preach — Settles at
Neshaminy — A missionary to the Indians — An agent for the
Widow's Fund — For the College of New Jersey — Goes to Barba-
does and dies there — Letter of Rev. Jonathan Dickinson — Letter
of Rev. Wm. Tennent, jr.

The Rev. Charles Beatty was another of the
pupils of the Log College, whose name should be
rescued from obhvion.

Mr. Beatty was a nativ^e of the north of Ireland,
where he had enjoyed the privilege of a pretty good
classical education ; but being of an adventurous
and enterprizing spirit, when quite young he de-
termined to emigrate from the land of his nativity,
and seek his fortune in America. Being destituto
of property, he adopted the plan of making his liv-
ing in the capacity of a pedler, or travelling mer-
chant. One day, in the prosecution of his business,
he called at the Log College, and astonished Mr.
Tennent, the principal, by addressing him in correct
Latin, and appeared to be familiar with that Ian-

358 THE REV. CHARLES BEATTY.

guage. After much conversation, in which Mr.
Beatty manifested fervent piety, and considerable
rehgioLis knowledge, as well as good education in
other respects, Mr. Tennent said to him, " go and
sell the contents of your pack, and return immedi-
ately and study with me. It will be a shi for you
to continue a pedler, v/hen you can be so much
more useful in another profession." He accepted
Mr. Tennent's offer, and in due time became an
eminent minister. This account is no doubt authen-
tic, as it it is taken from Dr. Miller's Life of Dr.
Rodgers, who had long been intimately acquainted
Avith Mr. Beatty.

After Mr. Beatty had finished his studies at tiie
Log College, he was licensed to preach the gospel
by the presbytery of New Brunswick ; and in a
short time afterwards, was settled as pastor of the
church at Neshaminy, left va<;ant by the death of
the venerable founder of the Log College. About
this time, in consequence of the publication of
Brainerd's journal of missionary labours among the
Indians, a missionary spirit seems to have been en-
kindled among the ministers of the Presbyterian
Church, in connection with the synod of New York
and New Jersey. Under this influence, both Mr.
Beatty of Neshaminy, and Mr. Treat of Abington,
left their congregations, and went on a mission to
the Indians. In Allen's American Biographical
Dictionary, it is stated, that Mr. Beatty was en-

THE REV. CHARLES BEATTY. 359

gaged in missionary work, from 1740 to 1765, a
period of twenty-five years. This must be a great
mistake, Mr. Beatty was not in the ministry so early
as 1740, and his service as a missionary, did not
continue one-sixth of the time specified.

Mr. Beatty was an able, evangeUcal preacher,
and was much esteemed for his private virtues, and
public labours. He seems to have possessed much
of a public spirit, and a popular address ; for he
was twice employed as an agent, first in behalf of
the Widow's Fund, established for the benefit of
the families of poor presbyterian ministers. This
agency was performed by the appointment of the
synod, and occurred about the year 1761 ; so that
he could not then have been on a mission to the
Indians. Afterwards, he was appointed to collect
funds for New Jersey College, and in pursuance of
this object, he went to the island of Barbadoes?
where he was taken sick, and died on the 1 3th of
August, 1772. He had been appointed a trustee of
the college in 1763, and continued its ardent friend
until the day of his death ; and, indeed, he sacrificed
his life in endeavouring to promote its prosperity.

It appears from the college records, that Dr. With-
erspoon himself, had been appointed to visit the
West Indies, to collect lunds for the college ; but
finding it inconvenient to go, he recommended his
son, James Witherspoon, to the Board. Upon which
this gentleman was commissioned, and also the Rev.

360 THE REV. CHARLES BEATTY.

Charles Beatty, to accompany him. The death of
Mr. Beatty frustrated the scheme, as upon his
death, Mr. Witherspoon returned home. In regard
to Mr. Beatty's death, the only thing on record in
the minutes of the Trustees, in whose service he
was employed, is the following, viz : " It appearing
that Mr. Edward Ireland, in Barbadoes, had showed
particular kindness to Mr. Beatty, ordered that W,
P. Smith, Esq., write a letter of thanks to him in
the name of the Board."

As Mr. Treat, minister of Abington, though not
educated at the Log College, was closely associated
with the members of the New Brunswick Presby-
tery, and sympathized with them in all their mea-
sures, and was one of those cast out by the protest
of the majority of the members of the synod of
Philadelphia, it may be proper to say of him, that
he was highly esteemed as a preacher and as a man,
and was an active and zealous promoter of the revi-
val. He and Mr. Beatty were neighbours in then
fields of labour, and were men of a like spirit.
They both went as missionaries to the Indians, and
were devotedly attached to the Rev. David Brain-
erd. An evidence of which we have recorded in
his journal. When they understood that he was
about to leave the work, on account of increasing ill
health, they travelled all the way to Princeton, to
see him before he left New Jersey.

Mr. Treat is mentioned by Mr. Whitefield, in his

THE REV. CHARLES BEATTY. 361

journal, as a minister who had been preaching sev-
eral years, without any acquaintance with experi-
mental religion ; but was brought under deep con-
cern for his soul, by hearing Mr. Whitefield preach.
And having, as he believed, experienced at this time
a change of heart, he became very zealous in
preaching the doctrines of grace, and warning pro-
fessors against the delusion of resting on a mere
form of religion.

Of the Rev. M. Wales, pastor of the church at
Kingston, and one of the original members of the
New Brunswick Presbytery, we have received no
authentic information. In Mr. Whitefield's journal,
we find the names of a Mr. Campbell, and a Mr.
Lawrence mentioned, as evangelical ministers, who
had received their education in this institution ; but
no particulars respecting either of them have come
down to us.

Here then we might bring our labours respecting
the Log College, to a close, but as one object of our
work is, to furnish our readers with a full account
of the extraordinary revival of religion, which was
in progress, in this state, about a hundred years
ago, we will add as a sort of appendix to the nar-
ratives already given, two letters, the one written
by the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, minister of Eltza-
bethtown and addressed to the Rev. Mr. Foxcroft,
of London ; the other, a letter from the Rev. Wm.
Tenncirt of Freehold to Dr. Finley, giving an in-

362

teresting account of a revival in the College of
New Jersey, in the year 1757, which has been
copied from the autograph, now in the possession of
the Rev. Dr. Carnahan, President of the College.
This letter, as far as we know, has never been pub-
lished ; except that an extract from it is found in
the preface to a vohime of Gilbert Tennent's Ser-
mons ; where, however, it is not indicated to wliom
the letter was addressed.

"Eiizabelhtown, Aug. 23d, 1743.

" In these towns, religion was in a very low state ; profes-
sors generally lifeless, and the body of our people careless,
carnal and secure, till some time in August, 1739, the sum-
mer before Mr. Whitefield came first into these parts, when
there was a remarkable revival at Newark, especially among
the rising generation : many of whom were noAv brought
under convictions, and instead of frequenting vain company
as usual, were flocking to their minister with that important
inquiry, 'what shall we do to be saved V This concern in-
creased for a considerable time among the young (though
not wholly confined to them) ; and in November, December,
and January following, it became more remarkable, as well
as more general. There was an apparent reformation among
the youth of the town : their customary tavern-haunting,
frolicking, and other youthful extravagancies, were now laid
aside, a new face of things appeared in the town : all occa-
sions of religious conversation were improved with delight:
a seriousness, solemnity, and devout attention appeared in
their public assemblies ; and a solemn concern about their
eternal welfare, was visible in the very countenances of
many. This revival of religion was chiefly observable
among the younger people, till the following March ; when

LETTER. 363

the whole town in general was brought under an uncommon
concern about their eternal interests ; and the congregation
appeared universally affected under some sermons that were
then preached to them ; and there is good reason to conclude,
that there was a considerable number who experienced a
saving change about that lime. The summer following, this
awakening concern sensibly abated, though it did not wholly
die away; and nothing remarkable occurred till February,
1740-41, when they were again visited with the special and
manifest effusions of the Spirit of God. A plain, familiar
sermon then preached, without any peculiar terror, fervour,
or affectionate manner of address, was set home with pow-
er. Many were brought to see and feel, that till then, they
had no more than a name to live ; and professors in general,
were put upon serious and solemn inquiries into the founda-
tion of their hope. There seemed to be very few in the
whole congregation, but who felt more or less the power of
God at this happy season ; though the greatest concern now
appeared among the rising generation. There is good rea-
son to conclude, that there were a greater number now
brought home to Christ, than in the former gracious visita-
tion. It was remarkable at this season, that as sinners were
generally under an awakening distressing sense of their guilt
and danger : so the children of God were greatly refreshed
and comforted ; their souls were magnifying the Lord, and
rejoicing in God their Saviour, while others, in distressing
agony, were crying out, * men and brethren, what shall we
do?'

* In the summer foUov/ing, this religious concern sensibly
decayed ; though the sincere converts now held fast their
profession without wavering ; yet there were too many who
had been under convictions, that grew careless and secure ;
and all endeavours proved ineffectual to give new life lo
their former solicitude about their eternal welfare. What
seemed greatly to contribute to this (now growing) security
among these, was the pride, false and rash zeal, and censo»
riousness^ which appeared among some few at this time,
who made high pretences to religion. This opened the
mouths of many against the wh9le work ; and raised that

364 IIKN'. MR. DlCKIXSOx's LETTER.

opposition whicli was not before heard ol : almost every-
body seeming lo acknowledge the finger of God in these
wonderful appearances, till this handle was given to their

opposition. And the dreadful scandals of Mr. C , which

came to light about this tmie, proved a means to still further
harden many in their declension and apostacy. That un-
happy gentleman.having made so high pretensions to ex-
traordinary piety and zeal, his scandals gave the deeper
wound to vital and experimental godliness. Thus Sir, I
have faithfully given you a narrative, in some brief and
general hints of the late revival of religion at Newark ; and
shall now proceed to give you a brief view of the like mani-
festations of the divine grace at Eiizabethtown.

" The Rev. Mr. Whitefield preached a sermon here in the
fall of the year 1739, to a numerous and attentive auditory ;
but 1 could observe no further influence upon our people by
that address, than a general thoughlfulncss about religion ;
and a promptitude to make the extraordinary zeal and dili-
gence of that gentleman, the common and turning topic of
their conversation. I do not know that there was any one
person brought under conviction, or any new and special con-
cern about their salvation, by that sermon ; nor more than
one by any endeavours that were used with them that fall,
or the succeeding v/inter. Though there was such a shak-
ing among the dry bones so near to us, as is above repre-
sented, and Ave had continual accounts from Newark of the
grov/ing distress among their people, (their young people
especially) our congregation remained yet secure and
careless; and could not be awakened out of their sleep.
You will easily conceive, that this must needs be an afflicting
and discouraging consideration to me ; that when from other
places, we had the joyful news of so many flying to Christ
as a cloud, and as doves to their windows, I had yet cause lo
complain, that I laboured in vain, and spent my strength for
nought. But notv.'ithstandmg all these discouraging appear-
ances, I could not but entertain an uncommon concern, par-
ticularly for the young people of my charge, during that
winter and the ensuing spring ; which not only animated my
addresses to the throne of jrrnre on their behalf, but mv en-

REV. MPw Dickinson's letter. 365

deavours also to excite in ihem, if possible, some affecting
sense of their misery, danger, and necessity of a Saviour.
. To that end, there were frequent lectures appointed for the
young people in particular; but without any visible success,
until some time in June, 1740, when we had a remarkable
manifestation of the divine presence with us.

''Having at that time invited the young people to hear a
sermon, there was a numerous congregation convened, which
consisted chiefly of our youth, though there were many
others with them. I preached to them a plain, practical
sermon, without any special liveliness or vigour; for I was
then in a remarkably dead and dull frame, till enlivened by
a sudden and deep impression, which visibly appeared upon
the congregation in general. There was no crying out, or
falling down— as elsewhere has happened — but the inward dis-
tress and concern of the audience discovered itself by their
tears, and by an audible sobbing and sighing in almost all
parts of the assembly. There appeared such tokens of a
solemn and deep concern; as I never before saw in any con-
gregation whatsoever. From this time, we heard no more
of our young people's meeting together for frolics and extra-
vagant diversions, as had been usual among them ; but in-
stead thereof, private meetings for religious exercises were
by them set up in several parts of the town. All our oppor-
tunities of public worship, were carefully and constantly
attended by our people in general ; and a serious and solemn
attention to the ministry of the word, was observable in
their very countenances. Numbers were almost daily re-
pairing to me for assistance in their eternal concerns. There
were then probably more came to me in one day on that
errand, than usually in half a year's space before.* In a

* " Agreeable to this, the Rev. Mr. Dickinson, in another letter
wrote about that time to the Rev. Mr. Foxcroft, viz , September 4th,
1740, has these remarkable passages : — 'I have still the comfortable
news to inform yoa of, that there is yet a great revival of religion in
these parts. I have had more young people address me fjr direction
in their spiritual concerns within these three months, than in thirty
years before.'

366 REV. MR. Dickinson's letter.

word, the face of the congregation was quite altered ; and
religion became the common subject of conversation among
a great part of the people.

" Though this work began among our young people ; and
the most of those with whom we have reason to conclude it
became effectual, were of the younger sort ; yet there were
some who had lived a careless and sensual life to an ad-
vanced age, who were under convictions, and, I hope, sav-
ingly brought home to Christ, at this blessed time of the ef-
fusion of his Holy Spirit. Though there were so many brought
under convictions at once, we had very little appearance of
those irregular heats among us, which are so loudly complain-
ed of in some other parts of the land. I do not remember to
have heard of above two or three instances of any thing of that
nature, in this congregation ; and those were easily and speedi-
ly regulated. It is observable, that this work was substan-
tially the same in all the diflfering subjects of it, though some
passed through much greater degrees of distress and terror
than others; and this distress lasted much longer with some
than with others ; yet all were brought under a deep sense of
their sin, guilt, and danger ; and none that I know of obtain-
ed satisfying discoveries of safety in Christ, till they were first
brought to despair of help from themselves or any of their
own refuges, and to see and feel that they lay at mercy.

" We had no instances among us of such sudden conversions
as I have heard of elsewhere ; but our new converts were
all for a considerable time under a law work, before they
were brought to any satisfying views of their interest in
Christ and the favour of God. Nor had we many instances
of those ecstatic, rapturous joys, that were so frequent in
some other places. It was remarkable that they who were
formerly eminent for religion, were now greatly quickened
and revived ; and some of them had now such joyful mani-
festations of God's love to their souls as they had never be-
fore experienced. It was also remarkable, that as this
work began among us in a time of greatest health and pros-
perity ; so the concern began sensibly to wear off in one of
the greatest mortalities that had ever been known in the
town ; which makes it appear more evidently to be the work

REV. WM. TENNENT's LETTER 367

of God himself. Though there were some of those who
were then under special convictions, that have worn off their
impressions, and are become secure and careless ; yet I do
not know of any two persons, who gave reasonable hopes of
a real change at that time, but who have hitherto by their
conversation confirmed our hopes of their saving conversion
to God.

"I would be very cautious of any confident determinations,
with respect to the conversion of particular persons : but if
we may judge the tree by the fruits, which we have now had
so long a time to observe, we have reason to suppose, that
near about sixty persons have received a saving change in this
congregation only, and a number in the parish next adjoin-
ing to us, though I dare not pretend to guess how many,
since the beginning of this work. The general concern
which as I have observed, appeared upon the face of the con-
gregation, has gradually worn off; and a great part of those
who came short of the effectual and saving influences of the
blessed Spirit, are returned to their former security and in-
sensibility, and again appear like a valley of dry bones.
Though there be yet a considerable number, that do not give
satisfying evidences of a regenerate state, who have not
worn off their serious impressions..

" I entreat your prayers for us, that He with whom is the
residue of the Spirit, would again revive his work among us,
and have compassion upon the many poor souls who are yet
in the paths of destruction and death. And be pleased par-
ticularly to remember at the throne of grace. Yours, &:c.
JONATHAN DICKINSON."

MR. WILLIAM TENNENT's LETTER.

" February 27, 1757.
"My Deak Brother,
« Yours of the 14th of January, I received, last night. It was pre-
cious to me as it seemed to inflame an affection, which I trust shall
continue throughout eternity. How sweet is love to the brethren 1
How refreshing to feel that what we have is no farther our own, than
as it serves to glorify God, and benefit his people. I never ques-
tioned, though I wondered at your regard for me. But to pass to

368 REV. WM. TENNENT S LKTTLK.

something of greater importance. I went to college last Monday,
having heard that God had begun a work of the Spirit there : and
saw as astonishing a display of God's power and grace, as I ever be-
held or heard of in the conviction of sinners. Not one member in
the house missed it, in a greater or lesser degree. The whole house
was a Bochim. A sense of God's holiness was po impressed on the
hearts of its inhabitants, that there were only two who were esteemed
to be religious, that I know of, whose hopes were not greatly shaken.
The glorious ray reached the Latin school, and much affected the
master and a number of the scholars. Nor was it confined to the
students only ; some others were awakened. I spoke with all the
members, personally, except one that I providentially found the most
of whom inquired with anxious solicitude, what they should do to be
saved, according to the example of the trembling jailor. . . I never saw
any in that case who had more clear views of God, themselves, their
duty, defects, their impotence and misery, than they had in general.
Every room had mourning inhabitants: their studies witnessed to
their prayers. You will want to know how they behaved. I
answer, as solemn mourners at the funeral of a dear friend. It
pleased the Lord so to order it, that there were no public outcries.
I believe, there never was in any house more genuine sorrow for sin,
and longing for Jesus. The work so far exceeded my most enlarged
expectations, that I was lost in surprize, and constrained often to say,

* Is it so ? Can it be true ?' Nor is my being eye and ear witness
from Monday to Friday at two o'clock, able to recover me from my
astonishment. I felt as the apostles when it was told them, the
Lord had risen. They could not believe through fear and great joy.
Surely the good, the great Jehovah, is wise in counsel, and wonder-
ful in working. I can truly sny, that my reverend brethren and my-
self, felt no small degree of that pleasing suiprize that possessed the
Israelites in their return from the Babylonish captivity, mentioned in
Psalm exxvi. when the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,

* We were like them that dreamed.' * The Lord hath done great
things for us, whereof we are glad.'

" This glorious work was gradual, like the increasing light of the
r.iorning. It was not begun by the ordinary means of preaching ; nor
have any alarming methods been used to promote this religious con
cern ; yet so great was the distress, that I did'not think proper to
use any arguments of terror, in public, lest some should sink under
the weight of their distress. Notwithstanding, I found bv converting

REV. WM. TENNENT's LETTER. 369

with them ; that a wise and gracious Providence had brought about
a concurrence of different incidents which tended to engage them to
a serious thoughtfulness about their souls. These things considered
in connexion, I humbly conceive, manifest singularly the finger of
God: the freeness of which grace will equally appear, by considering
that a little before this gracious, never to be forgotten visitation,
some of the youth had given a greater loose to their corruptions, than
was common among them — a spirit of pride and contention, to the
great grief, and almost discouragement of the worthy president.
There was little or no motion of the passions in the preachers, dur-
ing their public performances; nor any public discourses in the
hours allotted for study, but at the morning and evening prayers ;
and these brief, consisting of plain scriptural directions, proper to
persons under spiritual trouble. The president never shone in my
eye as he does now. His good judgment and humility, his zeal and
integrity greatly endeared him to me. Before I came away, several
received something like the spirit of adoption, being tenderly affected
with a sense of redeeming love, and thereby disposed, and determined
to endeavour after holiness in all things.

" I cannot fully represent the glorious work. It will bear your
most enlarged apprehensions of a work of grace. Let God have all
the glory. My poor children, through free grace partook of the
shower of blessing. Eternally praised be my God and Father, who
has herein pitied the low estate of his most mean and worthless ser-
vant, in graciously granting me my desire. This to me is a tree of
life : yea, it is to my soul as if I had seen the face of God. I left
them in distress, they are in the hands of a gracious God, to whom I
have long since devoted them with all my heart and soul. Seeing
you desire to know their names, they are John and William. Per-
haps, a few lines from you, dear brother, might be blessed to them.
Praying our sincerest affection to Mrs. Finley. I greatly need your
prayers, that I may be thankful and faithful unto death.

" I am yours,

" WM. TENNENT, Jb."

W

i

^

DATE DUE

'^m^^'^.