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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
FOUNDEll AND miNCIPAL ALUMNI
LOG COLLEGE
TOGETDER WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE REVIVALS OF RELIGION
UNDER THEIR MINISTRY.
COLLECTED AND EDITED
BY
ARCHIBALD A LEXA N D ER, D. D.
PHILADELPHIA:
PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION,
No. 265 CHESTNUT STIIEET.
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBkARY
162813
A8T0R, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
1899.
Entered aceurJing to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by
A. ^y. Mitchell, M. D.
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District
of Pennsylvania.
*, Stc^ocftyp (hI ft Slote & Moonkv, I'hiiiidelphiu.
^ . . Prsn tejl« hy. A¥ 'a . 3. M a n t i e n .
€0ntcnt0.
CHAPTER I.
THE LOa COLLEGE, 7
CHAPTER II.
MEMOIR OF THE EEV. WILLIAM TENNENT, SEN. . 13
CHAPTER III.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT, 24
CHAPTER lY.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT, Continued, 38
CHAPTER Y.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT, Continued, 53
CHAPTER YI.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT, Concluded, 68
CHAPTER YII.
THE LOG COLLEGE THE GERM FROM WHICH PRO-
CEEDED THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY, 76
CHAPTER YIII.
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL, 86
(3)
4 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN TENNENT, 98
CHAPTER X.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. WILLIAM TENNENT, JR. . . 109
CHAPTER XI.
REMARKS ON THE PRECEDING NARRATIVE, .... 147
CHAPTER XII.
ANECDOTES OF THE REV. WILLIAM TENNENT, JR. 150
CHAPTER XIII.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. CHARLES TENNENT, 160
CHAPTER XIV.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR, 164
CHAPTER XV.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN BLAIR, 197
CHAPTER XVI.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY, D.D., . . . 204
CHAPTER XVII.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. WILLIAM ROBINSON, .... 215
CHAPTER XVIII.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND, 234
CHAPTER XIX.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. CHARLES BEATTY, 247
APPENDIX, 251
DEDICATION.
TO THE REVEREND PRESBYTERY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
Dear Brethren, — There is a propriety in dedica-
ting this book to you, as it owes its existence to your
appointment of the author to deliver a centenary dis-
course on the 8th of August, 1838. A copy of this
discourse you were pleased to ask for publication, a
compliance with which the preacher respectfully de-
clined, because he found that all the facts and documents
relative to the origin of the New Brunswick Presby-
tery 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 intended to give the people of the
present age an opportunity of seeing what the state of
things in this region was a hundred years ago.
As most of those connected with the New Brunswick
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.
1* (5)
6 DEDICATION.
And as the time when this Presbytery had its origin
was a period favoured with remarkable revivals of re-
ligion ; and the men, who then composed this Presby-
tery, eminent instruments, in carrying forward this
good work; it was judged to be expedient to give
as distinct and full an account of the outpouring of the
Spirit of God in those days as could now be obtained.
And as narratives were written by those most inti-
mately conversant with this great revival, which were
printed in books now rarely to be met with, it was
thought best to rescue these documents from oblivion,
and give them unaltered in the very w^ords 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 Presbytery
of New Brunswick ; and he is persuaded, that the con-
gregations 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 Almighty. And who knows but
that prayers then offered in faith remain yet to be
answered ?
I am with sincere regard.
Your brother in the gospel of Christ,
Archibald Alexander.
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.
By association, objects which have nothing interest-
ing in themselves, acquire an importance, by reason
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 James-
town 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 grow-
ing 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 others ; yet, it cannot be doubted, that there
is a foundation in human nature for the interest which
is excited by particular objects, places, and scenes.
And the more intimately these associations are related
to religion, the deeper and more permanent the feeling
becomes. By the abuse of this principle much super-
stition has been generated ; but the moderate and ju-
dicious use of it may, undoubtedly, be conducive to
piety. Sacred, or holy places, figure largely in all
false systems ojf religion ; and under the old dispensa-
(7)
8 THE LOG COLLEGE.
tion, the people of God were encouraged to reverence
those phices where the worship of God was appomted
to be celebrated. Under the gospel dispensation, it is
true, we have no holy places or houses, to which the
worship of God is confined ; 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 interest in relation to those places, where
Christ was born — where he was brought up — where he
preached and wrought miracles — but, especially, where
he suffered 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 natural, and
associated wdth 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 Jerusalem, resorting to
any of these places, or expressing the smallest degree
of veneration for them. The natural tendency of the
human mind seems to have been counteracted, for the
very purpose of preventing superstition ; just as the
natural passions of the evangelists seem to have been
restrained in writing the gospels.
Of late, considerable curiosity has been manifested
to ascertain the place where the first Presbyterian
church, in this country, was formed; and the history
of the first Presbyterian preacher who came to Amer-
ica, which had sunk into obhvion, has, of late, been
brought prominently into view. Such researches,
when unaccompanied with boasting and vainglory, are
laudable. And to gratify a similar curiosity, in regard
to the first literary institution, above common schools,
in the bounds of the Presbyterian church, this small
book has been compiled. That institution, we believe,
was, what has been called the log college. The
reason of the epithet prefixed to the word " Col-
lege," might be obscure to a European; but in this
THE LOG COLLEGE. 9
country, where log-cabins are so numerous, will be in-
telligible 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
miles north of Philadelphia. The Log College has
long since disappeared ; so that although 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 anything
sacred in the logs of this humble edifice, had them
carried away and applied to some ignoble purpose on
the farm, where they have rotted 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, Be v. 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-stafi" ; which, as a token of
respect, and for safe keeping, he presented to the late
Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., one of the oldest Professors
of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey.
The site of the Log College is about a mile from
that part of Neshaminy creek where the Presbyterian
church has long stood. The ground near and around
it lies handsomely to the eye, and the more distant
prospect IS very beautiful ; for while there is a conside-
rable 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 pleasing appear-
ance.
It may not be improper to observe, that the late
Rev. James P. Wilson, D. D., the learned and admired
pastor of the First Presbyterian church, in Philadel-
phia, was so pleased with the scenery and circumstances
10 THE LOG COLLEGE.
of tills neigliboiirhood, that he purchased a small farm,
Avhich is, I believe, as near to the site of the Log Col-
lege 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
arduous duties of the pastoral office. And here, in
calm serenity, he spent the last years of his life.
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 institu-
tion of learning exists, not only in the neighbourhood,
but has been extended far to the south and west.
The first Presbyterian ministers in this country were
nearly all men of liberal education. Some had re-
ceived their education in the universities of Scotland ;
some in L'cland ; and others at one of the New Eng-
land colleges. And though there existed such a des-
titution of ministers in this new country, they never
thought of introducing any man into the ministry who
had not received a college or university education, ex-
cept in very extraordinary cases ; of which, I believe,
we have but one instance in the early history of the
Presbyterian church. This was the case of a Welsh-
man by the name of Evans, who, living in a place
called the AVelsh 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 presby-
tery, after a full trial of his abilities, licensed him to
preach, and afterwards ordained him to the whole work
of the ministry. They required him, however, to go
through a course of study, under the direction of cer-
tain members of the Presbytery. There is, indeed,
another case that may possibly fall into this class.
" The people of Cape May were without a pastor ; Mr.
Braduer, a candidate for the ministry, was willing to
THE LOG COLLEGE. 11
serve them, but had no authority to preach. In this
emergency three of the nearest ministers, Messrs.
Davis, Hampton, and Henry, on their own responsi-
bility, examined and licensed him."* But as he was
before a candidate, and a Scotchman, there is a strong
probability that he was a liberally educated man.
There seems to be no written record of the exist-
ence of such an edifice as that which we are describing
by any contemporary writer, except in the Journal of
Rev. George Whitefield, the celebrated evangelist, who
traversed this country several times, preaching every-
w^here with a popularity and success which have never
been equalled by any other. It will be proper, there-
fore, to extract the paragraph which relates to this
subject; as he gives the dimensions of the building,
and expressly says that it had obtained the name of
"the college." "The place," says he, "wherein
the young men study now, is in contempt called The
College. It is a log house, about twenty feet 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 Scripture,
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 almost ready to be
sent, and the foundation is now laying for the instruc-
tion of many others." The Journal, from which the
preceding extract is taken, was printed in Philadel-
phia, by Benjamin Franklin, the same year in which
Mr. Whitefield visited the Log College. From this
testimony it appears, that the name College was given
to the building out of contempt, by its enemies ; but
* See Records of the Synod of Philadelpliia.
12 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 perhaps was ever
erected for the purpose of giving a liberal education, it
was, in a noble sense, A college; a fountain, from
which, as we shall see hereafter, proceeded streams of
blessings 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 Prince-
ton, New Jersey, and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the
chief competition existed ; but there were a few persons
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 a man
of profound understanding, was earnestly desirous that
it should be planted on the ground where a building
had once stood, to which the Presbyterian church owes
80 much. And to manifest his sincerity and zeal, Mr.
Irwin left, in his will, one thousand dollars to the Sem-
inary, on condition that it should be ultimately located
on this site.
CHAPTER II.
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 founder
of the Log College. The Rev. William Tennent,
sen., was a native of Ireland, where he was brought
up and received a liberal education ; but at what col-
lege or university is not known. It is probable, how-
ever, that he obtained his learning at Trinity College,
Dublin, as he belonged originally to the Episcopal
Church of Ireland, in which he took orders. By a
small memorandum book kept by the Rev. William Ten-
nent, sen., it appears that he was married to a daughter
of the Rev. Mr. Kennedy, May, 1702, in the county
of Down, in the north of Ireland ; that he was or-
dained a deacon, in the Episcopal church of Ireland
on the 1st day of July, 1704 ; and ordained priest on
the 22d of September, 1706. 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 William Tennent, jr., was that
he could not conscientiously conform to the terms im-
posed 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
America. From Dr. Elias Boudinot, who was very
intimate with the whole family, we learn that Mr.
2 (13)
14 THE LOG COL.L EGE.
Tennent, in Ireland, became acquainted with the Rev.
Mr. Kennedy, a distinguished Presbyterian preacher,
who, having suffered persecution in his own country,
exercised his ministry in HoUand with great success.
The only other notice of this zealous and evan(.:elical
preacher which has been found is in the " Vindication"
by the Rev. Samuel Blair, in which, speaking of the
objections made to the revival, he says, " Several have
very sufficiently answered ,the objections against the
work itself, as Mr. Edwards in New England, Mr
Dickinson in New Jersey, Mr. Finlcy in Pennsylvania,
Mr. Robe and Mr. Webster in Scotland, and Mr. Ken-
nedy in Holland.'' He then remarks that Mr. Ken-
nedy had published Mr. Edwards's "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 remains 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 with
him, but especially because he married his daughter,
who was the mother of his four sons, and emigrated
with him to America. And it is exceedingly probable
that from this man, Mr. Tennent imbibed his love of
the Presbyterian system. Mr. Tennent's eldest 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 settled first
in the state of New York, where he resided for some
time at East Chester, and then at Bedford. Not long
after his emigration to America, Mr. Tennent applied
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. 15
to the Synod of Philadelpliia, to be received, as a minis-
ter, into their connexion. The Synod did not act hastily
in this affair, but after full deliberation, agreed to
receive Mr. Tennent as a member of their body. Be-
fore 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 w^ere ordered to be entered on
record, ^he minute of the Synod, as found in the
printed book of records of the Presbyterian church, is
as follows : " Mr. William Tennent's affair being trans-
mitted by the committee [of overtures] to the Synod,
was by them fully considered, being well satisfied with
his credentials, and the testimony of some brethren
here present ; as also, they were satisfied with the ma-
terial reasons which he offered concerning his dissent-
ing from the Estabhshed 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 fu-
turam rei memoriam. The Synod also ordered that
the moderator should give him a serious exhortation to
continue steadfast in his now holy profession, which
was done."*
* « The reasons of Mr. William Tennent for his dissenting from the
Established Church in Ireland, delivered by him to the Reverend Synod,
held in Philadelphia, the 17th day of September, 1718.
"Imprimis. Their government by BLshops, Arch-Bishops, Deacons, Arch-
Deacons, Canons, Chapters, Chancellors, Vicars, wholly anti-scriptural.
"2. Their discipline by Surrogates, and Chancellors in their Courts
Ecclesiastic, without a foundation in the word of God.
" 3. Their abuse of that supposed discipline by commutation.
"4. A Diocesan Bishop cannot be founded jure divino upon those
Epistles to Timothy or Titus, nor any where else in the word of God, and
BO is a mere human invention.
" 5. The usurped power of the Bishops at their yearly visitations, act-
ing all of themselves, without the consent of the brethren.
" 6. Pluralities of benefices.
" Lastly. The Churches conniving at the practice of Arminian doctrines
inconsistent with the eternal purpose of God, and an encouragement of
vice. Besides, I could not be satisfied with their ceremonial way of wor-
ship. These, &c., have so affected my conscience, that I could no longer
abide in a church where the same are practised. Signed by
" William Tennent."
16 THE LOG COLLEGE.
This transaction took place on the l7th day of Sep-
tember, 1718; it is probable, however, that Mr. Ten-
nent'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 account of
the Rev. William Tcnnent, sen., in the Assembly's
Magazine, it is stated, that after some delay, 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 unusual to speak of a first
application in the language here used — ''Mr. Tennent's
afiair," &c., without any notice of any application made
by him. It is probable that the application to Synod
was made in the year 17 17, which was the next year
after his arrival.
Whether Mr. Tcnnent had the pastoral care of a
church in 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 Presbyterian
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 described ; which,
though humble and even despicable in its external ap-
pearance, was an institution of unspeakable importance
to the Presbyterian church in this country.
It may be proi)er 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 Pres-
byterian church in America. And the same was true
of the churches in New England. And this was re-
markably the fact in regard to Great Britain. The
ministers composing the Presbyterian church, in this
country, were sound in the faith, and strongly attached
to the Westminster Confession of Faith arid Catechisms,
as were also their people ; and there were no diversities
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. IT
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
an orthodox creed, and a decent external conduct Avere
the only points on which inquiry was made when per-
sons were admitted to the communion of the church.
Indeed, it was very much a matter of course, for all
who had been baptized in infancy, to be received into
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 w^as to address their
people as though they were all pious, and only needed
instruction and confirmation. It w^as 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 orthodoxy" have
been all that was left of religion. And nothing is more
certain, than that when people have sunk into this de-
plorable state they will be disposed to manifest strong
opposition to faithful, pointed preaching ; and will be
apt to view every appearance of revival with an unfa-
vourable eye. Accordingly, when God raised up
preachers, animated with a burning zeal, who laboured
faithfully to convince their hearers of their ruined con-
dition, and of the necessity of a thorough conversion from
sin, the, opposition to them, both in Great Britain and
this country, was violent. The gospel, among people
in such a condition, is sure to produce strife and divi-
sion 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 ow^n course of rehgious
experience had been, we have no information ; but he
seems to have, imbibed a warm, evangelical spirit, and
to have been, in this country, distinguished for his zeal
2*
18 THE LOG COLLEGE.
and efforts in promoting vital piety. When Mr. White-
field first visited Philadelphia, Mr. Tennent lost no
time in calling upon him. Though he lived nearly twenty
miles from Philadelphia, yet no sooner did he hear of
the arrival 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 Journal,
we learn that the visit was very acceptable to him ;
for he says, "At my return home [from visiting 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 Scotland ; and as far as I
can learn, both he and his sons, 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 ^lethodist 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
England. 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 w^ords of Mr. Whitefield.
"Nov. 22. [1739.] Set out for Neshaminy, (twenty
miles distant from Trent Town,) where old Mr. Ten-
nent lives, and keeps an academy, and where I was to
f (reach to-day, according to appointment. About 12
o'clock] we came thither, and found about thiee thou-
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. 19
sand people gathered together, in the meeting-house
yard. Mr. William Tennent, jr., an eminent servant
of Jesus Christ, because we stayed beyond the time ap-
pointed, 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 unaffected, but in the midst of my dis-
course, the power of the Lord Jesus came upon me,
and I felt such a 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 in-
tended 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,
w^e sung a psalm, and dismissed the people with a
blessing : 0 that the i^eople may say amen to it ! After
our exercises were over we went to old Mr. Tennent '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 pro-
moting 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
contempt, 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."
From the preceding extract we learn that Mr. Ten-
nent was a man of congenial spirit with Mr. Whitefield,
and that he was held in high esteem by this distinguished
20 THE LOG COLLEGE.
preacher and devoted servant of God. Of scarcely any-
other minister of any denomination does he make so
honom-able 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 dis-
tinguished 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 confirmation of
what he says about his skill in the Latin language, he
relates, that at the next meeting of the Synod of Phila-
delphia after his reception, he delivered before that
body an elegant Latin oration. The writer of a sketch
of the life of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, inserted in the
INLay number of the Assembly's Magazine, for the year
1805, says, respecting the Rev. AVilliam Tennent, sen. :
" He was eminent as a classical scholar. His attain-
ments in science are not so well known; but there is
reason to believe 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 ISTeshaminy, a
member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia; but when
the division of the Synod took place, he attached him-
self 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 congregation
of Ncshaminy, against the Rev. William Tennent, their
SEN. 21
pastor ; and also an answer to the same, from another
part of the said congregation. Both of these papers
were read, article bj 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 relation to this matter; which
being done, was adopted, viz. "That the reasons ad-
vanced by the disaffected 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)
upon prejudice. It is therefore ordered, that the mode-
rator recommend it to said people to lay aside such
groundless dissatisfactions and return to their duty,
which they have too long strayed from ; otherwise, the
Synod will be bound to treat them as disorderly.''
This minute was unanimously approved.
The matter referred to, as having been before the
Synod the preceding year, was, that though Mr. Ten-
nent 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 evident 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 particu-
larly by the appellants themselves, as the minister and
pastor of the people of Neshaminy, that he is still to
be esteemed as the pastor of that people, notwithstand-
ing 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 Pres-
bytery. In the year 1742, we find the following
minute on the records of the Presbytery. "Mr. Wil-
liam Tennent, sen., gave in to Presbytery a paper, set-
ting forth his inability, by reason of advanced age, to
22 THE LOO COLLEGE.
discharge the work of the ministry unto the congrega-
tion of Ncshaminj, over which, for divers years past
he has been overseer — desiring the Presbytery to grant
to said congregation of Neshaminy, such supplies as
they can." We find his name enrolled among the
members of the New Brunswick Presbytery, in the fol-
lowing year (1743), and in the same year, he is men-
tioned as present when the Presbytery met to ordain
Mr. Beatty as his successor. It is evident from this,
that he had resigned his charge, for Mr. Beatty is not
said to have been ordained as his colleague. This
seems to have been the last meeting of Presbytery
which he ever attended. His connection with the con-
gregation 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 1748, 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 Tcn-
nent, in the Assembly's Magazine, that the Rev. Wil-
liam Tenncnt, sen., died in the year 1743 ; but this is
not correct ; for we find a record in the minutes of the
New Brunswick Presbytery for the year 174G, of the
following import: "It is reported to the Presbytery
that Mr. William Tennent, sen., deceased, 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. Miller, who transcribed it from his tomb-
stone.
He died at his own house, in Ncshaminy, and came
to the grave in a good old age, like a shock of corn
fully ripe. He was buried in the Presbyterian bury-
ing-ground, where his tomb may be yet seen.
Mr. Tennent, as far as we know, never published
anything. We have, therefore, no means of ascertain-
ing his abilities as a writer ; but the benefit he con-
ferred on the church by his school can never be for-
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, SEN. 23
gotten. The Presbyterian church is probably not
more indebted for her prosperity, and for the evan-
gelical spirit which has generally pervaded her body,
to any individual than to the elder Tennent. Some
men accomplish much more by those whom they edu-
cate, than by their own personal labours. This should
be an encouragement to such ministers as are obliged
to resort to teaching for their own support. If they
are so favoured 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 preaching
the Gospel. And it is good policy for Presbyterian
ministers to establish schools, in their charges, wher-
ever 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 institu-
tions are often necessary to enable a minister to edu-
cate his own sons. When the means of acquiring a
liberal education are brought to the doors of the peo-
ple, 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 memoir
of the Founder of the Log 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 account; and to this
part of our work we shall now address ourselves.
CHAPTER III.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT.
Gilbert Tennent — Birth — Education — Conversion — Licensure — Character
by Dr. Finley— By Mr. Price — By Mr. Whitcfield— 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 literary institution, let us
now attend to the character of some of it§ principal
pupils. The surest criterion by which to judge of the
character of any school, is to observe the attainments
and habits of those educated in it. And, judging by
this rule, a very high place must be assigned to the
Log College, notwithstanding its diminutive 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 Presbyterian Church. Before
this school was opened, if a young man wished to be-
come a minister in the Presbyterian Church, he must
either repair to one of the New England colleges or go
to Europe. It is morally certain, therefore, that few,
if any, of those who were brought forward to the work
could ever have reached the ministry had it not been
for tliis school. Accordingly we find that, for a con-
siderable time, nearly all the ministers composing the
Synod were either from Great Britain, Ireland, or New
England, except 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. Tenncnt's eldest son, Gil-
bert. For though he had finished his education before
(24)
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 25
the Log College was built, yet lie received no other
education than what he gained under the tuition of his
father; and may, therefore, without impropriety be
classed among the pupils of the institution.
Gilbert Tennent, the eldest son of the Rev. William
Tennent, sen., was born in the county of Armagh,
Ireland, April 5, in the year 1703, and w^as, therefore,
thirteen or fourteen years of age when his father emi-
grated to this country. In setting up this school, no
doubt, the father had a regard to the education of his
four sons. Men who have themselves profited by edu-
cation, 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 education of his sons was viewed as subordi-
nate to the prosperity of the Church ; for every one
of them became a minister of the gospel, and some of
them ranked among the most distinguished who have
ever laboured 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 before 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 know-
ledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ." While
he remained in the anxious state of mind which has
2G THELOGCOLLEGE.
been referred to, besides bis otber studies, be pursued
a. course of theological reading ; but living under tbe
habitual impression that his spiritual condition was
not good, be durst not think of entering the holy
ministry. He therefore commenced the study of me-
dicine, which he prosecuted for the space of a year.
But about this time it pleased God to reveal himself to
him with so much clearness and comfort, that all his
doubts and sorrows and fears were dispelled, and the
Sun of Kighteousness 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 deterred
from thinking of. And here it may be proper to re-
mark, that often when God intends a man for eminent
usefulness in the ministry, he leads him through deep
waters, and causes him to drink freely of the cup of
spiritual sorrow, that he may be prepared, by a long
course of afflictive experiences, to sympathize with
tempted and desponding believers ; and may learn how
to administer to them that consolation by which his own
heart was at last comforted. Of this, religious biogra-
phy 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 appro-
bation, 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 documents 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 father in the school for one year
at least ; for by the Presbyterial Records it appears
that he was not ordained 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 LoQ
College ; for it was not in existence until 1726, and
after he was ordained he was the regular pastor of an
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 27
important 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 seve-
ral Sabbaths in New Castle, on the Delaware, and re-
ceived a call from the Presbyterian congregation 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 prepossessing.
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 lan-
guage often nervous, and, indeed, sublime. No one
could hear him without being convinced that he was
deeply in earnest. His style was copious, and some-
times elegant. Indeed, in the vigour of his age, few
preachers could equal him.
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 distant
and reserved; yet, upon nearer acquaintance, he was
ever found afiable, condescending, and communicative.
And what greatly endeared his conversation 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 agree-
able 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 mankind in general ; but sensibly par-
took of all the good or ill that befell his country. He
needed no other motive to exert himself, than only to
28 THELOGCOLLEGE.
be persuaded that the matter in question was an im-
portant 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
propagation ; yet, he was so far above a narrow, party
spirit, that he loved and honored 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 of
great fortitude and unshaken resolution. Whatever
appeared to him subservient to the advancement 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 dispiriting, that they ani-
mated him in his efforts: nor would he give up the
point while one glimpse of hope remained. Hence, he
accomplished many important matters which one less
determined and enterprising, would presently have
relinquished as desperate. He would go through honour
and dishonour, through 'evil report and good report;'
and though he had sensibility with respect to his cha-
racter 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 accounted '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 circumstances permit-
ted. 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 endeavours to do good by
his conversation ; to introduce some convincing or edify-
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 29
ing topics ; and his watching 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. Thus, he showed how
much religion was his element, and promoting it the
delightful business of his life. How benevolent towards
mankind he w^as, and how precious immortal souls
were in his esteem, was 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 obstinacy
of those who refused to be reclaimed.
''His great reading, with his various and long ex-
perience of the workings of both grace and corruption
in the heart, made him a wise and skilful casuist, who
could resolve perplexing exercises of mind with clear-
ness, [and enabled] him to comfort with those consola-
tions, 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 con-
cerned for the interest of religion, an he was. And
having observed the effects of a lax anc? aegligent govern-
ment in some churches, he becam<^ a more strenuous
asserter of due and strict discipline. But above all
other things, the purity of the ministry 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 zt al, 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 convic-
tion of sin, and -^^citing deskes to flee from the wrath
30 THELOGCOLLEGE.
to come, but also to comfort mourners in ZIon, and to
encourage the timid and self-diffident. The atoning
blood of the Redeemer, that only sovereign balsam,
was applied to their recent or festering 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 almiglity God was
shown to be their refuge, and underneath were the
everlasting arms. Then his exhilarating words dropped
upon them as the dew."
The preceding full length portrait is, with some
slight alterations in tlie language, from the pen of one
well (pialified to judge in such matters, and who, by a
long and intimate acquaintance, had the best oppor-
tunities of knowing the true character of the man
which he undertakes to describe. The Rev. Dr. Fin-
ley, President of New Jersey College, the author of
the foregoing sketch, was himself one of the alumni of
the Log College. It is possible, however, that the
cordial friendship which he had long cherished for
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 portrait-
ure which he has delineated. One thing is apparent
to all who attentively consider what Dr. Finley has
written, that, however just the prominent traits may
be, the shading which more or less belongs to every
human character is wanting. Undoubtedly, Gilbert
Tennent had his imperfections, and they were some-
times 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 perform-
ing a great work in his day. His memory ought to
be precious in the Presbyterian church. Dr. Finley
says, " that the seals of his ministry in New Bruns-
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 31
wick and parts adjacent, where he first exercised his
ministry, were numerous. Many have I known, in
those and other parts where he only preached occa-
sionally, whose piety was unquestioned, who owned
him for their spiritual father ; and many have I heard
of in different places."
Though Dr. Finley's description of the character of
Gilbert Tennent is full, it will be satisfactory to have
the testimony of some other distinguished persons re-
specting him. The Rev. Mr. Prince, a pious and
learned minister of Boston, speaks of Mr. Tennent in
the following terms : ''In private conversation I found
him to be a man of considerable parts and learning,
free, gentle, and condescending. From his own
various experience, his reading the most eminent
writers on experimental divinity, as well as the Scrip-
tures, and from his conversing with many who had
been awakened by his ministry in New Jersey, he
seemed to have as deep an acquaintance with the ex-
perimental 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 glori-
ous 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 unre-
conciled sinners." And the same writer speaks of his
remarkable discrimination and skill in detecting hypo-
crites, " and laying open their many vain and secret
refuges, counterfeit resemblances, their delusive hopes,
their utter impotence, and impending danger of de-
struction."
It will be gratifying to learn what Mr. Whitefield'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
32 THE LOG COLLEGE.
a sweet and pleasant journey, and reached Brunswick,
about thirty miles distant, about one o'clock. Ilei'e
we were much refreshed with the company of Mr. Gil-
bert 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 burnino; and shininn; li<]i;hts of
this part of America. lie recounted to me many re-
markable effusions 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,
because they are every where spoken evil of, by natural
men. The devil and carnal ministers rage horribly
against them. Several pious souls came to see me at
his house, with whom I took sweet counsel.'' '' Wed-
nesday, Nov. 14. Set out early from Brunswick, 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."
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 con-
vinced me more and more, that we can preach the
gospel of Christ no further than we have experienced
the power of it in our own hearts. Being deeply con-
victed 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 converted or enraged at his preach-
ing. He is a 'son of thunder,' and does not regard
the face of man. He is deeply sensible of the dead-
ness and formality of the Christian church, in these
parts, and has given noble testimonies against it."
A higher testimony, and from higher authority could
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 06
not be given, upon earth. It is doubtful whether 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. White-
field 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 to be placed next to
him, both in the abundance of his labours and the
wonderful success which attended his ministry.
When in the year 1740, Mr. Whitefield returned
from Boston, he persuaded and urged Mr. Gilbert
Tennent, to make a preaching tour through New Eng-
land as far as Boston, to water the good seed Avhich
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 ecclesiastical
connection between the Presbyterian and Congrega-
tional churches. Mr. Whitefield's preaching, 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 hostility ; and aluong his opposers
were reckoned, both in this country and in Great Bri-
tain, the majority of the clergy and of professors of
religion. Thus verifying the Avords of our Lord, " If
they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you ;
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 probably had not a single ac(|uaintance, either
among the clergy or the laity. But invincible resolu-
tion was a prominent trait in his character. Mr.
Whitefield made no journeys without several attendants ;
men who cheerfully ministered unto him, as did Time-
d4 TIIELOGCOLLEGE.
thy, 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 in-
fluenced 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 service as that in
which he now eno^ao-ed.
As Mr. Whitefield's preaching had enkindled a con-
siderable flame in Boston, Mr. Tennent directed his
course immediately to that city, where he arrived on
the 13th of December, 1740; and here he continued
for nearly three months, preaching almost every day,
with extraordinary power and success. There were,
however, there, many who were ready to welcome him ;
and several of the excellent ministers of the town cor-
dially received this zealous preacher, 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 jo^^fully was the Rev. Mr. Prince,
the author of " The Christian 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 terrible, as he, according to the
inspired oracles, exhibited the dreadful holiness, jus-
tice, law-threatenings, truth, power, and majesty of
God, and his anger with rebellious, impenitent, and
Christless sinners : the awful danger they were in
every moment of being struck doAvn to hell, and damned
forever, with the amazing miseries of that place of tor-
ment. By his arousing and scriptural preaching, deep
and pungent convictions were wi-ought in the minds of
many hundreds of persons in that town ; and the same
eft'cct was produced in several scores, in the neighbour-
ing 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 Aveek, in deep concern,
than in the whole twenty-four years of his preceding
ministry. I can say also the same, as to the numbers
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 85
who repaired to me." "By a letter of Mr. Cooper,
one of the evangelical ministers 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 months' 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. Whitefield, by whose urgent entreaty
he was persuaded to undertake the journey. This
letter has been preserved in that excellent book, " Gil-
lies' Historical Collections,'' of which we are glad to
learn a new edition has been recently published in
Scotland.
"Very dear brother, — In my return home, I have
been preaching daily; ordinarily, three times a day,
and sometimes 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-concern.
When I left the place, many children were deeply af-
fected about their souls, and several had received con-
solation. Some aged persons in church communion,
and some open opposers were convinced. Divers of
young and middle aged were converted, and several
negroes. The concern w^as rather more general at
Charlestown. Multitudes w^ere awakened, and several
had received great consolation ; especially among
the young people, children, and negroes. In Cam-
bridge, also, in the town and in the college, the shaking
among the dry bones was general, and several of the
students have received 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 concern
3G THE LOG COLLEGE.
was general. I believe, by a moderate calculation,
divers tliousands have been awakened. Glory to God
on high ! I thank you, sir, that you did excite me to
this journey. I have had good information, that on
Long Island, God has blessed my poor labours on my
passage to New England. The work of God spreads
more and more. My brother William has had remarkable
success this winter at Burlington. Mr. John Gross has
had remarkable success at Staten Island ; and many,
I hear, have been awakened 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 were greatly divided. For while some approved
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.
"VVhiteiield and his preaching, there was an entire dis-
sension. This diftcrence, relating to the great and
vital interests of religion, produced 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 tlie enemies of God. Hence, they too hastily took
up the opinion that all those ministers who disapproved
the work were unconverted men ; that they were mere
formalists, and knew nothing of the vital power of re-
ligion, but trusted to a mere profession of orthodoxy,
and that if in words they did not deny the truths of
God, they did in fact : and though they might acknow-
ledge the truth in theory, it was with them a " dead
orthodoxy," which they held in unrighteousness. On
the other hand, the opposers of the revival blamed the
kind of preaching which the revivalists adopted ; espe-
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 37
cially the dwelling so much on the terrors of the hiw,
and the torments of the damned. They charged the
leaders in the revival with encouraging enthusiastic
raptures, and making religion to consist too much in
strong emotion and violent excitement, attended often
with bodily affections. 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 acknowledge,
that among the friends and promoters of the revival
he stood pre-eminent ; and in the harshness of his cen-
sures, and the severity of his denunciation, he went
far before all his brethren. It cannot be doubted that
before the commencement of this extraordinary revival
of religion, the Presbyterian church in America, was in
a most deplorable state of deadness and formality ; and
that the necessity of a change of heart was very little in-
culcated from the 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.
In all great revivals, w^here the people are under
strong excitement, there will be some things which the
judicious must regret ; and, no doubt, there were many
such things in this great and extensive awakening ; but
it was a dangerous mistake to repudiate the whole work
on account of some irregularities.
CHAPTER IV.
Rev. Gilbert Tennent's contest with the Synod — Severity of his censures-
New Brunswick Presbytery protest against the Synod'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 Presbytery,
from the Synod; but he had provoked his opponents
by one of the most severely abusive sermons which
was ever penned, called " The Nottingham Sermon,"
because it was preached at that place. In the pro-
tests 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 Presbyterian 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 to his measures, and disparaged
what had already been done. lie seems, therefore, to
have considered them as the enemies of the spiritual
kingdom of Christ ; and that it was his duty, in imita-
tion of Christ and the ancient proplicts, 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
(38)
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 39
autlioritj to pronounce a sentence of condemnation on
them. He should have remembered that precept of
our Lord, ''Judge not that ye be not judged." A
difference of opinion from him respecting the true na-
ture 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 theologians. They were not the
enemies of vital godliness, but were opposed to what
they apprehended to be spurious religion. We may
now see that they erred in their judgment, and pur-
sued 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 irregularities which accompanied it. One of
the greatest causes of complaint against Mr. Gilbert
Tennent and his " New-light " brethren was, that in
violation of order and propriety, they passed beyond
the bounds of their own Presbytery, and intruded into
congregations under the care of other ministers. 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 men." 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 intruded, 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 Avith the Synod ; especially, in the harsh-
ness, censoriousness, and bitterness which he mani-
fested towards them ; particularly, in the sermon before
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
40 T II ELO a COLLEGE.
cliarity of the gospel, In this whole controversy. He,
donbtless, believed that he was doing God service, and
that duty required him to pursue the course and mani-
fest the spirit which he did. 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 published a large pamphlet called " The
Pacificator," in which he strongly pleads for peace,
and a re-union of the separated parts of the Presby-
terian Church. This desirable event was, after a
division which lasted seventeen years, and after long
negotiation, accomplished; and Mr. Gilbert Tennent
entered cordially into the measure. Whatever mis-
takes 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 Re-
deemer, and the salvation of souls. Like the sun, he
was a burning and a shining light ; but like that lumi-
nary, 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 dis-
sented 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 Providence to accomplish a great work. We, of
the Presbyterian 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 preach-
ing, a new spirit was infused into the Presbyterian
body; and their views and sentiments respecting ex-
perimental religion, have prevailed more and more;
until at last opposition to genuine revivals of religion
is almost unkno\Yn in our church. It is not my pur-
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 41
pose to enter into the ecclesiastical transactions in
which Mr. Tennent acted an important part, any fur-
ther than is necessary to form a judgment of his Chris-
tian and ministerial character. They who desire to
see a lucid view of the ecclesiastical transactions of
that period, are referred to Dr. Hodge's "Constitu-
tional History of the Presbyterian Church ;" or they
may go to the fountain head, by consulting the " Re-
cords of the Transactions of the Synod," recently
given to the public by the Presbyterian Board of Pub-
lication.
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 Avas the proximate cause of the divi-
sion, by those who attentively consider the history of
that time, and especially the "Records" of the Synod
itself, it will be seen that this event was actually pro-
duced 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 Avill be necessary to enter somewhat
minutely into a consideration of the condition of the
church prior to the commencement of the revival. A
liberal education was, from the beginning, considered
an indispensable qualification for the gospel ministry
in the Presbyterian Church. The usual evidence of
having received such an education was a diploma from
some college or university, in Europe or America.
The Presbyterian ministers, before the erection of the
Log College, had, nearly all, received such an educa-
tion. We know of but one exception, and that was
Mr. Evans, whose case has already been mentioned.
There existed no college in any of the middle states
where young men seeking the ministry, could obtain
4 *
42 THELOGCOLLEGE.
the requisite learning. Until this school was insti-
tuted, no young man could enter the Presbyterian
ministry, without 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 education, by going to any college or university
on this or the other side of the Atlantic. The church,
therefore, had to depend for a supply of ministers on
emigration 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
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 adventurers, and
sometimes had crossed the Atlantic to escape from the
censure incurred by their misconduct ; and it was ex-
ceedingly 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 instances of this very thing occurred.
As the ministers who came in from New Enghmd were
all brought up Congregationalists, and had habits and
customs not congenial with those of the Scottish Pres-
byterians, their accession to the body had a tendency
to produce confusion and strife. The sons of the pil-
grims and the descendants of Scottish Presbyterians,
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 urgent necessity for some
seminary to be erected within the limits of the Pres-
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 43
byterlan Church, where young men might be educated
for the ministry. It is indeed wonderful that the
Synod had not paid earlier attention to this subject,
as being essential to 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. Wil-
liam Tennent connected himself with the Presbyterian
Church, and set up a school at his own door, in Ne-
shaminy. It is probable that Mr. Gilbert Tennent was
the first candidate licensed in the Presbyterian Church,
who was educated within its limits. As he was thir-
teen 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. Although we
have connected Mr. Gilbert Tennent with the Log Col-
lege, 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 was now seen that young men could be well
prepared for the ministry at home, without going to
distant colleges. As Mr. William Tennent, the father,
had been, as far as is known, the sole instructor of his
son, who as soon as licensed, attracted public atten-
tion, and was seen to be an able preacher, the conclu-
sion was easily drawn, that he would be an excellent
person to train up young men for the ministry. But
though the thing appeared thus to many plain and
pious people, others were apprehensive, that by edu-
cating young men in this way, the Hterary qualifications
of candidates would necessarily be greatly diminished.
The school, how^ever, w^nt on prosperously, and a
number of young men who had the ministry in view,
44 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 under-
going such trials as were usually prescribed to candi-
dates in Scotland and Ireland. Some of them, as we
shall see, became eminent in the church, and were
much distinguished as powerful and evangelical preach-
ers. Still the impression existed, and grew stronger,
that this course of instruction was not sufficient. To
men educated in the universities of Europe, furnished
with so many professors, and other advantages, it
seemed preposterous to suppose that a man could
accjuire ade(|uate learning for tlie ministry in this little
paltry log cabin ; and instructed, principally, by one
teacher. They began, therefore, in the Synod, to
talk of estal)lisliing a Synodical school, and to express
dissatisfaction with the course of study in the Log
College, as it was contemptuously called. None
doubted of old Mr. Tennent's classical scholarship ;
but it was believeil that his proficiency in the arts and
sciences was by no means equal to his classical learn-
ing. 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 committees, one for
the northern part of the Synod, and the other for the
south, were appointed, before whom young men were
to appear ancl submit to an examination. This rule
gave great dissatisfaction to the Tennents 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 ordaining ministers,
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 45
ought to possess the power of judging of their qualifi-
cations. What rendered the measure more odious to
them, they had just succeeded in getting a Presbytery
set off, in New Jersey, 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
principal qualification. Though they believed a classical
education necessary, yet it seems that they lightly
esteemed some parts of learning, which the other mem-
bers of the Synod thought requisite. While they were
blamed for being too lax in their demands of a know-
ledge of literature and science, they seriously charged
the majority of the Synod with neglecting to make a
thorough examination into the piety of their candi-
dates. On several occasions, Mr. Gilbert Tennent
brought this matter before the Synod, and obtained
from them some formal resolutions, in favour of in-
quiring carefully into the personal piety of the can-
didates.
When the order was passed, rendering it necessary
for candidates to appear before a committee of the
Synod, Mr. Gilbert Tennent and his friends entered
their protest against the regulation. 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 regulation adopted in the year 1738, was oc-
casioned 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 dis-
advantage for want of the opportunities of universities,
and professors skilled in the several branches of useful
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 having
spent some years at the grammar school; and that
46 TIIELOGCOLLEGE.
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 Eu-
ropean or New Enghmd 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 improA'ed, must be marred in
their usefulness, and cannot be so extensively service-
able to the public ; and that want paves the way for
ignorance, and this for a formidable train of sad con-
sequences. To prevent this evil, it is humbly proposed,
as a remedy, that every student, with approbation not
pursuing the usual courses, in some of the New En-
gland or European colleges approved by public autho-
rity, 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, divinity, and
the languages, to examine such students in 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
detzree in college. And, for the encourao;ement of
Students, let this be done without putting them to fur-
ther expenses than attending. And let it be an objec-
tion against none where they have studied, or what
books ; but let all encouragement be only according to
merit, &c." The Synod, by a great majority, ap-
proved the overture, and proceeded to appoint two
committees, the one for the region north of Philadel-
phia, 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 remon-
strance. The paper containing the objections to the
act of the Synod of the preceding year is not on the
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 47
records ; but the Synod, upon hearing it, agreed to
reconsider the subject, and after due deliberation,
resolved to substitute the following instead of the act
complained of. " It being the first article in our ex-
cellent Directory for the examination 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 impracticable for us, in these remote
parts of the earth, to obtain an answer to these ques-
tions of those who propose themselves to examination,
many of our candidates not having enjoyed the advan-
tage 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
w^ill admit of, and after long deliberation of the most
proper expedients to comply with the intentions of the
Directory, where we cannot exactly fulfil the letter 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 cer-
tificate from a European or New England university,
shall be examined by the whole Synod, or its commis-
sion, as to these preparatory studies, which we gene-
rally pass through at the college ; and if they find him
qualified, they shall give him a certificate, which shall
be received by our respective Presbyteries as equiva-
lent to a diploma or certificate from the college, &c."
But this form of the act was no more acceptable to the
New Brunswick 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 Eleazar 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'cr any more of them
to be received as members of the Synod, or to preach
as candidates in the churches. The friends of this
institution were exceedingly averse to having their
young men examined by the Synod ; either, because
48 T II E L 0 a C 0 L L E G E .
tliey were conscious that tlicy would he found defective
in some of the branches usually pursued in the colle*fe
course; or, because they were of opinion that the major
part of the Synod were prejudiced a<^ainst this humble
institution, and against all who were connected with it.
Probably both these considerations had their weiglit in
leading them to oppose so strenuously a measure which
to us seems reasonable and necessary, to guard the
ministry against the intrusion of uncpuililied candidates.
For it appears that this examination by the Synod
was not intended to interfere with the right of Pres-
byteries to examine their candidates, but to be a sub-
stitute for a diploma, which the Directory seemed to
require. For when a young man presented his certifi-
cate to a Presbytery, if, upon examination, they were
not satisfied, they could reject him notwithstanding his
certificate.
But the fact was, that tlie New Brunswick Presby-
tery had already committed themselves. At their very
first meeting, in August, 1788, 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.
After the Synod had reconsidered the matter, and re-
enacted the same thing, in different words, this Pres-
bytery proceeded with the trials of Mr. Rowland,
licensed him to preach the gospel, and, not long after-
wards, ordained him. The Synod refused to recognize
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 the}' had
a right to determine who should and who should not
become members of their own body. Henceforth, the
parties became much exasperated against each other.
The friends of the Log College saw that the act of the
Synod was directed against that institution, for there
was no other school at that time in the bounds of the
Synod, where young men were trained for the minis-
try. This was not all. The act implied a reflection
on all those who had before entered the ministry from
THE REV. GILBERT TENNEXT. 49
this scliool. The majority of Synod were grievously-
offended, that one of their Presbyteries, and one too
just created, shoukl so disregard the authority of the
supreme judicatory of tlie 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 edu-
cation was actually received at this famous institution.
Was it as solid and thorough as could be obtained
within the limits of the Presbyterian 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 recognized and cherished it, and should
have endeavoured to raise it higher, and to enlarge its
advantages. As far as we have observed, this school,
although already it had produced a number of distin-
guished preachers, is never once mentioned in the
minutes of the Synod ; except in their letter to Presi-
dent Clapp, of which further notice will be taken. It
is true, that most of the members of Synod had en-
joyed the advantages of a 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 learning does not always cor-
respond with the privileges enjoyed. If we compare
Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Blair^ Samuel Finley, Wil-
liam Tennent, jr., and John Blair, with an equal num-
ber of their opposers, they certainly will not suffer in
public opinion by the comparison. One advantage
which they possessed who were educated in the Log
College, was, that the spirit of piety seems to have
been nourished in that institution with assiduous care.
All, as far as we can learn, who proceeded from this
50 T II E L 0 G C 0 L L E G E .
scnool, were men of sound orthodoxy, evangelical
spirit, glowing zeal, and in labours very abundant.
They had, we have reason to believe, 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 revi-.
vals of religion, which their censurers bitterly opposed.
Still, we do not justify their irregular and insubordi-
nate acts. Gilbert Tennent and Samuel Blair were
men of invincible 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 everywhere with a
blessing; and they were led to think, that mere forms
of order and regulations of ecclesiastical bodies were
of trivial importance, compared with the advancement
of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the salvation of souls.
They felt, as did the apostles and first reformers, that
they were called to go everywhere preaching the gos-
pel, 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 instructers. They felt
themselves bound, therefore, to preach far and wide,
wherever the people would hear them; and although
there was iiregularity in this, judging by human and
ecclesiastical rules, yet I doubt not, that in the main
their zealous and exhausting 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 Refor-
mation from popery. We must not neglect to do all
the good we can, because some may pervert our exam-
ple to sanction their own lawless proceedings.
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
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 51
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, and there they were taught of God.
But I do not mean to justify all that was done by
these zealous men. As was admitted before, they d\d
not act towards their brethren in the ministry with
brotherly affection, and Christian meekness. Gilbert
Tennent indulged himself in very unwarrantable lan-
guage 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 Presbytery,
it does not appear that either he or his friends wished
to bring about a separation in the church. Their ob-
ject was to produce a reformation, if possible, among
the ministers, and in the churches under the care of
the Synod ; though it must be acknoAvledged that their
zeal led them to make use of unjustifiable means to
accomplish the desired end. It need not, therefore,
be a matter of surprise that Gilbert Tennent was among
the first to seek a reconciliation and re-union of the
parties. To promote this object he wrote and pub-
lished a pamphlet, as was before said, entitled, " The
Pacificator," in which he reasons strongly in favour of
peace and union. Between the contending parties
there existed, really, no difference 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.
On church government there was scarcely a shade of
difference. The members of the New Brunswick Pres-
bytery were disposed to consider Presbyteries as the
52 THE LOG COLLEGE.
origin of ecclesiastical power; while the majority of
the Synod probably thought that all the power of the
church was concentrated in the Synod, then the su-
preme judicatory. The same difference of opinion still
exists in the Presbyterian Church, for while some are
of opinion that Synods and General Assemblies pos-
sess limited powers, defined by the constitution of the
church, and that all ecclesiastical power emanates
from the Presbyteries, Avhich they consider the essential
body in our Church government ; there are others who
consider the Synod in no other light than a larger
Presbytery, and the General Assembly, as it were, a
universal Presbytery, possessing all the powers of the
inferior judicatories. Whichever of these be the more
correct theory of our Presbyterian Church government,
the Presbytery of New Brunswick has always been firm
in maintaining the rights of Presbyteries against the
encroachments of the higher judicatories. Certainly,
our higher judicatories were constituted by the junc-
tion of Presbyteries. In Scotland, the General Assem-
bly existed before there were either Presbyteries or
Synods, and all church power descended from that
body; but not so with us, where Presbyteries first ex-
isted, of which the higher judicatories were formed.
This schism in the Presbyterian Church in America
lasted about seventeen years, although negotiations for
a reconciliation Avcrc going on a great part of this time,
chiefly by the members of the Presbytery of New York,
who were absent from the meeting of Synod at which
the disruption occurred.
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. Being
desirous to obtain a pastor of like views and senti-
ments with themselves, and one possessed of talents
and eloquence suited to such a station, they turned
their eyes upon the Rev. Gilbert Tennent. Their call
to him was presented in May, 1743, just two years
after the rupture of the Synod, which took place in
the same city. Mr. Tennent did not hesitate to accept
this call, as he saw that the sphere of his influence
would be greatly enlarged. He was, therefore, regu-
larly released from his pastoral charge in New Bruns-
wick, where he had preached for sixteen years. In
the important station on which he now entered, he
continued to exercise his ministry with great fidelity
and diligence for twenty years. During this whole
period, comprehending more than one half of his
ministerial life, 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 Ten-
nent, as far as has come to our knowledge, never had
5* (53)
54 THELOQCOLLEGE.
any controversy with any of his brethren, but seems
to have conducted 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. 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 conscien-
tiously and on principle. We have no doubt, that in
this whole concern he was at the time fully persuaded
that he was doing God service, and performiiig a pain-
ful duty toward his opposing brethren, which he coiUd
not with a good conscience omit. But as was before
said, we are of opinion that he was mistaken, and pro-
ceeded on an erroneous principle ; and there is good
reason to think that he was of the same opinion him-
self in this latter part of his life.
The only interruption of his pastoral labours in
Philadelphia, was occasioned by a mission to Great
Britain, in 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. Ten-
nent ever kept any journal or diary, at home or
abroad. From Mr. Davies's journal we learn that he
and Mr. Tennent went on board a vessel bound for
London, November 17, 1753, and on the next day set
sail. They arrived in London on the 25th of Decem-
ber, and were well received. We 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, notwithstanding the languor of my nature, I
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 55
cannot review without passionate emotions. From the
best information of our friends, and our own observa-
tion on our arrival here, we could not raise our hopes
above X300, but we have already got about X1200.
Our friends in America cannot hear the news with the
same surprise, as they do not know the difficulties we
have had to encounter ; but to me it appears the most
signal interposition of Providence I ever saw."
It appears from the journal of the Rev. Samuel
Davies, that by means of Mr. Tennent's "Nottingham
Sermon," which some person unfriendly to him and
his mission had sent over to England, strong prejudices
had been excited against him before his arrival ; so
that he was rarely invited to preach in the dissenting
pulpits of London. And it is probable that during his
whole visit to Great Britain he was under a cloud,
which must have rendered his visit unpleasant, and yet
was a just chastisement for preaching and publishing
that very uncharitable discourse.
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 missionaries to
these heathen tribes. This seems to have excited, for
a time, a considerable missionary spirit among the
ministers in connection with this Synod. Several pas-
tors, who had charges, went on temporary missions ;
and Mr. John Brainerd devoted himself wholly to the
work among the tribes who resided in New Jersey.
John Brainerd was the brother of David, whose de-
voted missionary life is so w^ell known, and has had so
powerful an effect in exciting the missionary spirit, in
Great Britain as well as America. His brother suc-
ceeded him, supported by the same society in Scotland
which had supported himself. But after some time he
relinquished the missionary work, and accepted a pas-
toral charge in the town of Newark, New Jersey. The
contribution from Scotland was now withdrawn, as
there was no missionary among the Indians, But
56 THE LOG COLLEGE.
when Mr. Teiment returned with the aforementioned
sum, appropriated 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, resigned his charge, and returned to the In-
dians.
" The Kev. Messrs. Tennent and Davies, when in
Great Britain, received from various persons in Lon-
don the sum of <£298 17s., ' for the education of such
youth for the ministry of the gospel, in the College of
NcAv Jersey, as are unable to defray the expenses of
their education, who appear upon proper examination
to be of promising genius, Calvinistic principles, and
in the judgment of charity experimentally acquainted
with the work of saving grace, and to have distin-
guished 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, £10 7s. 6d., making the whole of this
charitable fund to be .£307 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 recommended 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 <£3o7 4s. 6d."*
A report has attained some currency, that Mr. Ten-
nent and Mr. Davies did not perfectly harmonize when
on this mission ; but though it is possible that some cool-
ness may have arisen between these eminent ministers,
there is not any written document in which we have
* This fund was nearly all lost during the re\ olutionary war.
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 57
found the least hint of any difference. From the sua-
vity of Mr. Davies's disposition, and the perfect polite-
ness of his manners, we cannot think that there is any
foundation for the report. The men, it is true, in na-
tural 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, dis-
miss this report as one of the thousands 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 perseverance
to get a good house of worship erected for the congre-
gation which he served. Indeed, at that time the
building of such an edifice as that which, by his indefa-
tigable exertions, was erected at the north-east corner
of the intersection of Mulberry (or Arch) and Third
streets, for the second Presbyterian church in Phila-
delphia, was a great work. Very few of the Presby-
terian denomination then possessed so much wealth.
Mr. Tennent not only obtained nearly all the subscrip-
tions for the building, but actually superintended the
work in person, and assiduously watched over it, from
its commencement to its completion. 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.
58 THE LOG COLLEGE.
It may well be doubted whether his preaching was as
awakening and impressive after his removal to Pliila-
delphia as it was before. Some change in his views
and feelings, as to the best method of promoting re-
ligion, had taken place it would be very natural to
suppose. The warmth of his religious feelings had in
some measure cooled, and the violence 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 remarkable effects of his
preaching after his settlement in Philadelphia. There
is another thing which 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 di-
gression, and so frequent departures from good taste
and correct composition. Before Mr. Gilbert Tennent
went to Philadelphia, though, doubtless, he studied his
sermons carefully, and digested his matter under a suf-
ficient variety of heads, yet he preached without having
written his discourses, and like all ardent preachers,
gave himself great indulgence in pursuing 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 follow 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 apprenticed to a trade in Philadel-
phia, attended Mr. Tennent's ministry. "We asked him
respecting his manner of preaching. He answered
simply, '' that Mr. Tennent was never worth anything
after he came to Philadelphia;" "for," said he, ''he
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 59
took to reading liis sermons, and lost all bis animation."
This testimony came from a class not sufficiently con-
sidered, when the best mode of preaching is under
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 blundering simplicity, joined with
animation, than with cold accuracy, when the most
solemn truths are delivered without emotion.
Though Mr. Tennent, however, probably lost a con-
siderable portion of his early vehemence and impres-
siveness, which can be well enough accounted for by
the mere increase of years, without supposing any
real diminution of zeal, yet his discourses, as appears
by those published, were various and instructive. This
will appear more clearly when we come to speak of his
writings.
The interest of Mr. Gilbert Tennent in revivals, and
his joy at the conversion of sinners, continued un-
abated. For in March, 1757, an extraordinary revival
of religion occurred in the New Jersey college, con-
cerning 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, informing me
of an extraordinary appearance of the Divine power
and presence there, and requesting I would come and
see. With this kind motion I gladly complied ; and
having been there some time, had all the evidence of
the aforesaid report, which could be in reason desired."
He then inserts a letter from his brother William,
giving a particular account of the nature and progress
of the work; which was addressed to the Rev. Dr.
Finley, and the autograph of which the writer has
seen.*
For about three years before his death, Mr. Tennent
became very infirm, so that he was unable to go through
the duties which devolved upon him as the pastor of a
* See Appendix, No. 1.
GO TIIELOGCOLLEGE.
large city congregation. In December, 1762, the con-
gregation got leave to present a call to the Rev. George
Duffield, D. D., then of Carlisle, to be a co-pastor with
Mr. Tennent. This call Dr. Duffield declined to ac-
cept, and the congregation remained without another
pastor until Mr. Tennent's death ; which event occurred
in the year 176-4, 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 pleasing hour when
he should enter into the joy of his Lord." . . . "He
had an habitual unsliaken assurance 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 aflecting sense of it still. And though he lamented
that he had done so little for God, and that his life
had been comparatively unprofitable ; yet he triumphed
in the grace of Jesus Christ, who had pardoned all his
sins ; and said his assurance of salvation was built on
the Scriptures, and was more sure than the sun and
moon."
His congregation placed a monumental stone over
his remains, in the middle aisle of the churcli in which
he had so long preached. The inscription on this stone
was written by liis friend Dr. Finley, in classical Latin.
When this church was remodelled, his remains and
those of Dr. Finley also, were removed to the cemetery
of the Second Presbyterian Church, in Arch street,
between Fifth and Sixth streets.
After Mr. Tennent's death, there was an eulogy on
his character, published in Philadelphia, by a young
gentleman of that city, from wliich some extracts will
be made, as servin2; to show in what estimation 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 ad-
dressed to the public, who were well acquainted with
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 61
the person eulogized, it must have a general founda-
tion of truth ; and the reader, by making an allowance
for the strong expressions of the partial writer, may
form a pretty correct opinion 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 celebrate,
was distinguished in a very remarkable manner, by his emi-
nent endowments of mind 3 a love of learning that nothing
could abate ; an intense application that no recreations could
divert. His great proficiency in the several branches of
literature, while the powers of his soul were but just open-
ing, raised the expectations of all that knew him. 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.
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 pleasures that flow from
true religion. He had no sooner 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 de-
sign, he devoted himself wholly to the study of the sacred
scriptures, and his own heart, and not merely to a dry sys-
tem of speculative notions. He was too sensible of the
importance of that arduous office, to rush into it without
suitable preparation. He knew too well the worth of pre-
cious immortal souls to recommend any other foundation for
the hopes of their future happiuess, 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 indifference with which he treated all secular ad-
vantages, abundantly evinced, that neither a love of popular
applause, nor a desire of promoting his own affluence and
ease, could have been any inducement to him to assume the
holy function. But, on the contrary, an ardent love to
Grod, and a desire to advance his glory in the world, by pro-
claiming pardon and reconciliation through the atoning
6
62 THE LOG COLLEGE.
blood of his crucified Son, were his only motives for the
choice of that noble, disinterested profession. As he en-
tered 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 service of the church,
at a time when their exertion was of the greatest import-
ance. 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 harbinger of his
Master, ' a burning and a shining light,' in the church.
His undissemblcd 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 com-
position and make of the human heart, so he knew how to
speak to it ; and all his discourses were aimed at the foun-
tain of impurity and sin. He knew that a reformation that
did not take its rise in the heart, could not be of long con-
tinuance, 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 command-
ing, 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 denounced the wrath
of God against him that transgressed but once God's law,
which he knew to be spiritual, and that nothing but a per-
fect 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 taught that to doom man to
everlasting misery would be highly consistent with the mercy
and justice of Jehovah. But while he enforced the truth
of inspiration, ' that in Adam all die,' he was 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 calholicon for
sin-sick souls. This alone was what he recommended as
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 63
sufficient to procure ease to the trembling sinner; with the
love of God to man — in sending his beloved 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 repugnant to his own ease, he needed
no other inducement, 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 en-
gaged in ; and with a degree of perseverance peculiar to
Jimself, bravely overcame those difficulties, which to some
minds appeared insurmountable. ... It pleased God, in a
very gracious manner, to crown his labours with success.
The energy of the divine Spirit accompanied his ministra-
tions. Wherever he went the kingdom of Satan trembled;
the desolate and solitary places bloomed like the rose before
him ; and he became the happy instrument of turning many
from the error of their ways to the living God.
"His knowledge in divinity, in which he made great pro-
ficiency, was entirely derived from the Bible ; and whatever
truth it enforced as duty, he inculcated ; his arguments for
the one, and motives for the other, were all taken from those
inspired pages, 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
fiame of devotion alive in his own soul, was to maintain
a constant intercourse with heaven, he made prayer his
chief and most delightful employment. 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 suc-
cess, in New Brunswick, where he was settled, by the
64 THELOGCOLLEGE.
advice of his brethren he accepted an urgent call from the
Second Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, while the
society was in its infant state; and continued to exercise his
pastoral functions there for upwards of twenty years, with a
degree of watchfulness and fidelity scarcely to be paralleled.
He considered himself as the shepherd of his flock, and
made it his practice to lead them to the green pastures and
livino- fountains of salvation, with the care of one that knew
he must render an account at the last day. Nay, he con-
sidered himself the father of his people, and as his beloved
children he counselled, warned, and reproved them with all
the tenderness and solicitude of a father's heart. He was,
indeed, a faithful watchman, that never failed to give warn-
ing of impending danger. The rich and the poor, the black
and white had equally free access 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 difi^use 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 in promoting the spiri-
tual interests of his fellow-creatures. . . . The review of
his life fills the soul with a pleasure which none but such as
experience it can conceive. AVhilst he sees no ill-spent
time to sting his conscience with remorse, nor feels any at-
tachment to the transitory things of this world, he beholds
a calm haven prepared for his repose, where the storms and
billows of afiliction can reach him no more. ... In this
light should Ave 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 redoubled
THE REV. GILBERT TEN NEXT. 65
love for the church. . . . Nor more dreadful to the man
of cape in his possessions is the approach of the king of ter-
rors, 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 resig-
nation, the friendly messenger at last came with the joyful
summons. . . . And with full confidence in the merits
and atonement of his dear Kedeemer, he gently fell
asleep."
The following is the most accurate list of Mr. Gil-
bert 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, by Divers Au-
thors. A small duodecimo volume. 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 pub-
lished, no books were printed either in New York or Phila-
delphia ; for the manuscript was sent to Boston, and printed
there in the year 1739.
3. Two Sermons of the Rev. John Tennent, with a Pre-
face, 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. " The Espousals, or a Passionate Persuasion to a Mar-
riage with the Lamb of God." Newport, 1741.
5. His next publication was, probably, his famous " Not-
tingham 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.
6. "The Examiner Examined" was written in the year
1740, and is an answer to a pamphlet written against him
by an anonymous author, after his visit to New England.
6*
66 TllELOGCOLLEGE.
7. "The Pacificator," a large pamphlet, the object of
which was to bring about a reunion of the dissentient par-
ties in the Presbyterian church.
8. A small quarto volume of sermons, twenty-three in
number. These Discourses appear to have been the com-
mencement of a body of Divinity. The subjects treated are,
" The Chief End of Man— The Divine Authority of the
Sacred Scriptures — The Being and Attributes of God, and
the Trinity." Preached in Philadelphia, in 1743.
9. Two sermons, preached at Burlington, N. J., on a
day of Public Fasting, 1749. They are dedicated to Gov-
ernor Belcher. The texts are. Matt. vi. 16 — 18, and Jonah
iii. 8.
10. " Sermons on Important Subjects, adapted to the
perilous state of the British Nation." 1758.
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 name of some of
his contemporaries, who received honorary degrees.
As he was a Trustee of New Jersey College, it is pro-
bable that this honor was conferred on him by Yale or
Harvard, or possibly, by one of the Scotch univer-
sities.
11. A Funeral Sermon, occasioned by the death of Cap-
tain William Grant. Preached in Philadelphia, 1756.
12. The last publication of Mr Gilbert Tennent was, " A
Sermon on the Nature of Beligious Zeal. Its Excellency and
Importance opened and urged." Preached in Philadelphia,
January 27, 1760.
The style of these several publications is very diverse ;
as they were composed at diiferent periods of Mr. Ten-
nent's life, on different subjects, and in different cir-
cumstances. In all bis writings perspicuity and force
are manifest characteristics of his style ; but there is a
great want of simplicity and ease. Throughout the
whole, the doctrines inculcated are rigidly orthodox,
THE REV. GILBERT T E N N E N T. 67
according to the Westminster Confession. In his
didactic discourses he shows himself not only to be a
profomid thinker, but a well read theologian ; and
often quotes the standard Latin writers of sj^stematic
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 god-
liness. In conformity with the custom of tlie age, he
too much abounds in divisions and subdivisions, and is
too fond of technical w^ords and phrases. His practi-
cal 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 Tenncnt have ever passed to a
second edition. A selection from his works should be
published, 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 in-
teresting particulars of the state of religion in New Brunswick, and vi-
cinity; and also in Philadelphia, and various other places.
The preceding memoir of Gilbert Tennent was drawn
up before the Avriter 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. Tennent had
removed to Philadelphia. This letter sheds a satisfac-
tory light on several parts of Mr. Tennent's life, which
all other accounts leave in obscurity, as for example,
the success of his ministry in New Brunswick, while
the pastor of that church ; and also in Staten Island,
where he .had a congregation, in which his labours appear
to have been blessed. It is a sad evidence of the re-
trograde march of Presbyterianism in some parts of
our country, 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 memory
of any person living. Even the part of the island in
which this congregation was located, cannot now be
ascertained.
Such parts of ^Ir. Tennent's letter as have no bear-
ing on his OAvn life, have been omitted, but we have re-
tained much the larger part, and in his own language.
Extracts from the letter of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, to
the Rev. Mr. Prince, of Boston, published in the ^' Chris-
tian History'^ of the latter.
" I am glad it pleased the sovereign God to make my poor
labours of any service among you. I desire ever to bless
his name for that undeserved mercy. I am thankful for
(68)
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 09
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 me-
morial of the late blessed revival of religion, which has been
so virulently opposed by many.''
Here he introduces a long extract from a public at-
testation to the reality of the work of grace in the late
revival, w^hich was prefixed to Mr. Dickinson's " Dis-
play of Special Grace." This public testimony was
subscribed by Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, Sa-
muel Blair, Richard Treat, Samuel Finley, and John
Blair. Some parts of this paper w^ill 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 following dialogue
(Mr. Dickinson) has given a plain and pertinent 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
afraid or ashamed openly to contradict such astonishing dis-
plays 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 concerns of their
souls ', many of whom gave us a rational and scriptural ac-
count 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 evidence as has been
among us. We would beseech all such solemnly to answer
the following paragraph 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,
70 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 !"
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, " AVhat shall I do to get
Christ ?" shall we tell them that they are not Christless,
and are not unconverted, when we evidently see many cf
them to be such ? Shall we tell them that their fears of tlie
wrath of God are all but delusion, and that it is no such a
dreadful thing that they need to be much afraid of it?
Sluil] 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 uneasiness, inquire of us what they
shall do to get an interest and faith in Jesus Christ, that
Satan is deluding them, when they have, or show any con-
cern this way ? In fine, shall we pray and recommend it to
them to pra}' 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 consequence of reckoning this the work of the
devil, and a delusion/
^' I may add that both our Presbyteries of New Bruns-
wick and New Castle have, in their declaration of May 26,
1743, printed at Philadelphia, manifested their cordial con-
currence with the protestation of the Presbytery of New
York, in which arc 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 wonderful 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 encourage that glorious work, with their most
faithful and diligent endeavours.' ''
This public protestation was signed by Jonathan
Dickinson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Daniel Elmore, Silas
Leonard, John Pierson, Simon Horton, and Azariah
Horton, ministei'S ; and by Nathaniel Hazard, Timothy
"Whitehead, and David Whitehead, elders. Now, the
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 71
concurrence of the Presbyteries of New Brunswick and
New Castle with the aforesaid Protest is expressed in
the following words, in the 5th page of their Declara-
tion : " With this Protestation 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 them, until they received competent
satisfaction ; especially concerning their opposition to,
and reflections upon the work of God's grace, and suc-
cess 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 considerable suc-
cess in the places where I laboured statedly many years be-
fore 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 ; especially 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 min-
istry ; divers of his hearers, with whom I had the oppor-
tunity of conversing, appeared to be converted persons, by
their soundness in principle, 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, respecting the
dividing the word aright, and giving to every man his por-
tion in due season, through the divine blessing, excited me
to greater earnestness in ministerial labours. I began to be
very much distressed about my want of success ; for I know
not for half a year or more after I came to New Brunswick
that any one was converted by my labours, although seve-
ral persons were at times affected transiently. 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
Stand upon the stage of the world, as it were, and plead
72 T PI R L 0 0 C 0 L L E G E .
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 affecting light ; and one thing,
among others, pressed me 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. 1 therefore prayed to God that he would
be pleased to give me one half year more, and I was deter-
mined 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 con-
verted; 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 was covered with unjust reproaches, which
through divine goodness did not discourage me in my work.
I did then preach much on original sin, repentance, the
nature and necessity of conversion, in a close, 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 method was sealed by the
Holy Spirit, in the conviction and conversion of a considera-
ble number of persons, at various times, and in different
places, in that part of the country, as appeared by their
acquaintance with experimental religion, and good conver-
sation.
" I may further observe, that frequently at sacramental
seasons, in New Brunswick, there have been signal displays
of the divine power and presence. Divers have been con-
vinced of sin, by the sermons there preached, some con-
verted, and many much affected with the love of God in
Jesus Christ. 0 the sweet meltings that I have seen on
Buch occasions among many ! New Brunswick did then
THE REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 73
look like a field the Lord had blessed. It was like a little
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 aforesaia, I do not remem-
ber that there was any great ingathering of souls at any
one time ; but, through mercy, there were frequently glean-
ings 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
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 Grod 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 inquiry was, ' what must I
do to be saved?' I may further observe, that some few of
those that I hope were converted in the places aforesaid,
were compelled 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
sprciiding rain, but no general shower.
^^ As to Philadelphia, where, by the providence of God,
I now labour statedly, many have been hopefully converted
here during the display of God's grace in this land. The
Kgv. Mr. Whitefield was the instrument God was pleased
to improve, principally 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 so blessed, that a great
number were brought under a religious concern about the
salvati m of their souls ; multitudes were ' inquiring the way
to Zion with their faces thitherward, weeping as they went/
7
74 THE LOG COLLEGE.
Some years since tliere were so many under soul-sickness in
this place, that my feet were pained in walking from plact
to place to see them. And there was then such an eager-
ness to hear religious discourse, that when they saw me
going to a house they would flock to it ; and under what
was spoken, they were sometimes generally, and to all ap-
pearance deeply affected. 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 cunning 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 1 know of in this town, that were well acquainted
with the doctrines of religion in their connection, and estab-
lished in them, have been turned aside by the tempests and
tricks of errorists.
" The last Sabbath in May last I gave the sacrament of
the Lord's Supper ; the first time that it was dispensed to
the society to which I belong — considered 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, according to their own
account, have been brought to Christ during the late revival
of religion. And there arc divers other persons, who, in a
judgment 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 humble and merciful ; and
it is evident by their conversation 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
THE II EV. GILBERT TENNENT. li
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, par-
ticularly in Nottingham, Fag's Manor, Whiteclay Creek,
Neshaminy, and elsewhere, there have been such general
lamentations in the time of preaching, that the speaker's
voice has been almost drowned with the cries of the dis-
tressed, even after they have been entreated again and again
to restrail^ 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 impressions, 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 capable of judg-
ing 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 insidious and imperti-
nent. But this 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 Grod, 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
oiFer any more than our prefatory attestation ; 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 truth and soberness, these few hasty
hints, concerning some matters of fact which I know to be
true ; and shall leave to your discretion to do with them as
you shall see meet.
" I am, sir, yours, &c.,
'^Gilbert Tennent.
" August 24, 1744."
CHAPTER VII-
The Log College the germ from which proceeded the College of New
Jersey. •
At the tiiiie of the disruption of the church, when
the New Brunswick Presbytery was excluded by an
arbitary determination of the majority of the Synod,
the whole Presbytery of New York were absent. This
Presbytery contained several members of high stand-
ing in the church, such as Dickinson and Burr ; and
although this Presbytery had not been actually engaged
in the controversy with the ministers of Pensylvania
respecting the revival, and respecting Mr. Whitefield,
jet they sympathized on these subjects with the new
Brunswick Presbytery. They were, therefore, much
dissatisfied with the proceedhi^s of the Synod in the
excision of this body ; which, if they had been present,
they could probably have prevented. When, tlierefore,
the Synod met the year following the disruption,
these brethren exerted themselves to get the Synod to
receive again the excluded brethren. When repeated
efforts to procure a restoration of the excluded breth-
ren were without success, they withdrew from the
Synod, and connected themselves with the Presbytery
of New Brunswick ; and these, with the Presbytery of
New Castle, formed a Synod, and took the name of the
Synod of New York, which in a short time consider-
ably outnumbered the old Synod.
The Log College, which had done so much and so
good service, was now evidently on the decline. Its
veneral)le founder, through the infirmities of old age,
was no longer able to act with the energy of liis former
years ; and, indeed, his strength had so much failed,
(70)
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 77
that soon after this time he was under the necessity of
applying to the Presbytery for aid in the discharge of
his pastoral duties. There was, therefore, every pros-
pect of the speedy extinction of this humble school of
the Prophets. But the need of a literary institution
of a high character, where candidates for the ministry
might be fully trained, became more evident every day.
The time for the establishment of a college in the
bounds of the Synod of New York seemed to be au-
spicious. While the Synod of Philadelphia were
labouring to establish 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 former, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown, and the latter,
in Newark, took the 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
Brainerd had received from the officers of that col-
lege ; 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 pre-
sent, 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 New York, he was 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 receiving under their care
78 THE LOG COLLEGE.
persons who had left the college under censure ; where
the reference was undoubtedly 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. To effect this the Commissioners who had
employed Mr. Brainerd, deputed the Rev. Mr. Burr,
one of their number, to go to New Haven at the com-
mencement, when his class were about to be graduated,
to endeavour to have him restored. Jonathan Ed-
wards also, who then became acquainted with Mr.
Brainerd, and formed a strong attachment to him,
used all his influence to accomplish the object; but
their efforts were ineffectual. The faculty of the
college remained inflexible, or as it may more pro-
perly be termed, o^i*i4ite,- rT];pej^ did offer that if he
would return and ' remain ano'tTier year in college,
without giving offence, they would then give him his
degree. But this could not be done without discon-
certing 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
deservedly so. This affair, it is very probable, quick-
ened tlie 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 desi(:rn of cjivinf]: existence to an institution which
has affected, and will still affect the happiness of
thousands !
It was a circumstance favourable to the -sdews of the
friends of a new college, that Mr. Belcher, a man of
humble piety, and great public spirit, was then the act-
ing governor of New Jersey. It was, therefore, not
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 79
found difficult to enlist the zeal and exertions of this
excellent man in the contemplated enterprise.
The first charter for a college which was obtained
was not satisfactory to governor Belcher, and he suc-
ceeded in obtaining from the royal authority, the very
ample charter under which the college is now governed
and instructed. Mr. Edwards refers to this matter, in
a letter addressed to the Rev. Doctor Erskine, of Edin-
burgh, who took a lively interest in the enterprise, and
requested some information respecting the prospects
of the college.
" You desire to be informed respecting the present
state of New Jersey C ollege, and of things of a reli-
gious nature respecting the Indians. As to the former,
viz., the state of New Jersey college ; by the last ac-
counts I had, it is in somewhat of an unsettled state.
Governor Belcher had a mind to give them a ncAV
charter, that he thought would be more for the bene-
fit of the society. Accordingly the draft of a new
charter was drawn, wherein it was proposed to make
considerable alteration in the corporation of trustees
— to leave out some of the former trustees, and that
the governor and four of the council of that province
should be put in their place. These two things made
considerable uneasiness, viz., leaving out part of the
trustees, and making it a part of the constitution,
that the governor and so many of the council should
be members of the corporation . ... As to governor
Belcher himself, he appears thoroughly engaged to
promote virtue and vital religion in those parts. The
disposition of governor Belcher may in some measure
be seen in the following extract of a letter from him, in
answer to one I wrote to him on a special occasion.
Burlington, New Jersey, Feb. 5th, 1748.
" ' You will, sir, be sure of me as a friend and father to
the missionaries this way; and of all my might and en-
couragement for spreading the everlasting gospel of God oui
80 THE LOG COLLEGE.
Saviour, in all parts and places where God sliall honour me
with any power and influence. As to myself, sir, it is im-
possible to express the warm sentiments of my heart, for
the mercies, without number, with which I have been loaded
by the God who has fed me all along to this day ; and my
reflection on his goodness covers me with shame and blusli-
ing, for I know my utter unworthiness, and that I am less
than the least of all his mercies. I would, therefore, abhor
myself, and repent in dust and ashes. You are sensible,
my good friend, that governors stand in a glaring light,
and their conduct is watched by friends and enemies ; the
one often unreasona)>ly applaud, while the other, perhaps,
too justly censure. Yet in this I am not anxious, but to
approve myself to the Searcher of hearts, from whose mouth
1 must hear pronounced, at the great and general audit,
those joyful words, ' Enter thou,' &c. ; or that terrible sen-
tence, ' J)epart from me,' &c. Join me then in thankful-
ness to God for all the blessings and talents he has entrusted
me with, and in prayer that I may employ them to his honour
and glory, to the good of the people over whom he hath placed
me, and so to the comfort of my own soul; that 1 may
always remember, that he who ruleth over men must be
just, ruling in the fear of God.' "
Mr. Edwards goes on to say to his correspondent,
"In another letter which 1 received, dated Burlington,
New Jersey, May 31, 1748, he says as follows :
^' ' I will prostrate myself before my God and Saviour, and
on the bended knees of my soul (abhorring myself in every
view) I will beg for a measure of divine grace and wisdom ;
that so I may be honoured in being an instrument in ad-
vancing the kingdom of the blessed Jesus in this world, and
in that way be bringing forth fruit in old age. I bless God,
my Heavenly Father, that I am not ashamed of the cross of
Christ; and I humbly ask the assistance of sovereign grace
that in times of temptation I may never be a shame to it ; I
mean, that my conversation may always be such as becometh
the gospel of Christ. And I tell you again, that all such
as minister at the altar, and in the course of their ministry
approve themselves faithful to the great Head of the Church,
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 81
will not only find mj countenance and protection, but my
love and esteem.
" ' As to our embryo college, it is a noble design, and, if
God pleases, may prove an extensive blessing. I have
adopted it for a daughter, and hope it may become an alma
mater to this and the neighbouring provinces. I am getting
the best advice and assistance I can in the draft of a char-
ter, which I intend to give to our infant college; and I
thank you, sir, for all the kind hints which you have given
me for the service of this excellent undertaking ; and as St.
Luke says of Mary, 'she kept all these things and pondered
them in her heart,^ so you may depend what you have said
about the college will not be lost on me ; but as far as God
shall enable me, I will lay out and exert myself in every way
to bring it to maturity, and thus to advance its future wel-
fare and prosperity ; for this, I believe, will be acceptable
in the sight of God our Saviour, a relish for true religion and
piety being a great stranger to this part of America. The
accounts I receive from time to time, give me reason to be-
lieve that Arminianism, Arianism, and even Socinianism, in
destruction of the doctrines of free grace, are daily propa-
gated in the New England colleges. How horribly and how
wickedly are these poisonous notions rooting out those no-
ble principles on which our excellent ancestors founded those
seminaries ! And how base a return is it in the present ge-
neration to that God who is constantly surrounding them
with goodness and mercy. And how offensive is it in the
eyes of that God who is jealous of his glory, and will take
vengeance on his adversaries, and reserveth wrath for his ene-
mies. And from these things I am glad to thank you for
your book, wrote in consequence of the memorial from Scot-
land for promoting a concert of prayer. I am much pleased
with this proposal, and with your arguments to encourage
and corroborate the design. The two missionaries you
mention, Spencer and Strong, I am told are at Boston. I
have once and again desired Mr. Brainerd to assure them of
my kindness and respect. But their affairs have not yet
led them this way. I rejoice in their being appointed to
carry the gospel in its purity to the Six Nations ; and when
Mr. Brainerd and they proceed to Susquehanna, they shall
have all my assistance and encouragement, by letters to
the king's governors where they may pass, and my letters
to the sachem or chief of those Indians.' ''
82 THE LOG COLLEGE.
It has been judged expedient to insert both these
letters in our account of the origin of New Jersey Col-
lege, as they Avill serve to give the reader a better idea
of tlie father and founder of this institution than any
thino; to which we can refer him. For althou";h the
character of governor Belcher has come down to us
marked with piety and benevolence, these are the only
memorials of the man from his own pen with which we
are acquainted. But from these fragments of corres-
pondence we see how deep was his humilit}^ how fer-
vent his zeal for the promotion of truth and piety, and
his willingness to bear the reproach of the cross. And
as to his public spirit in promoting the cause of virtue
and literature, the College of New Jersey is a standing
memorial. The good already accomplished by this Col-
lege cannot be calculated, and we trust that it is des-
tined to be a blessing to the community for ages to
come.
We seem, however, to have lost sight of the design
of this chapter, which was to show tliat the Log Col-
lege was the germ of the College of New Jersey. But
a little consideration will serve to convince the impartial
reader of the reality of tliis connection. The Log Col-
lege had done its work, and a great and good work it
w^as. But the progress of the country, the proceedings
of the old Synod, and the general sense of the commu-
nity, made it evident that a literary institution of a
higher order than the log cabin, on the plains of Nes-
haminy, was urgently needed ; and the members of the
new Synod were, no doubt, stimulated to exertion in
this enterprise by the example of the other body, who
were now engaged in establishing a school at New
London.
The ministers who now exerted themselves in the
establishment of the New Jersey College were all the
friends of the Log College ; and most of them had re-
ceived their training, both in classical and theological
learning, within the walls of this humble institution.
Besides Dickinson and Burr, who were graduates of
COLLEGE OP NEW JERSEY. 83
Yale College, the active friends and founders of Nas-
sau Hall were the Tennents, Blairs, Finley, Smith,
Rogers, Davies, and others who had received their
education in the Log College, or in schools instituted
by those who had been instructed there. As this en-
terprise was entered on during the separation of the
Presbyterian Church, those ministers connected with
the old side took no part in it ; and this, especially,
because they had planned an institution for themselves,
of which we propose to give some account in the ensu-
ing chapter.
It is not my purpose to write the history of the New
Jersey College; this will be done by another hand.
This institution was commenced in Elizabethtown,
under its first President, the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson,
a man of superior abilities both as a preacher and a
writer, and truly evangelical ; a friend of revivals, and
a zealous promoter of missions among the aborigines
of this country. He deserves to stand in the foremost
rank among the fathers of the Presbyterian Church in
these United States. Upon his decease the school
was removed to Newark, and placed under the tuition
and care of the Rev. Aaron Burr, another distinguished
man, whose piercing intellect and commanding elo-
quence qualified him to be a leader in such an enter-
prise. No permanent site for the college had yet been
selected. Elizabethtown and NcAvark were too near
the borders of the State ; New Brunswick was thought
of, and the trustees came near fixing it there; but
Providence overruled it, and Princeton, then a very
small and inconsiderable village, was selected to be the
seat of a college which has always been dear to a large
portion of the Presbyterian Church. Here a large
number of her sons received their education; for after
the union of the two dissentient parties, in 1753,
nearly all candidates for the ministry, in the Presby-
terian Church, finished their education in Nassau Hall.
And to this day no literary institution enjoys more
favour and is held in higher estimation than this vene-
84 THE LOG COLLEGE.
rable college. May her trustees and instructers never
forget the principles on which the institution was
founded.
A venerable friend,* in conversing with the writer on
the subject of the Log College, observed that this
humble institution was not only the germ of Kew Jer-
sey College, but several other colleges, which have
been useful to the church and state, and have risen
to high estimation in the country ; and mentioned Jef-
ferson, Hampden Sidney, and Washington College in
Virginia ; all which were founded and taught originally
by students from Princeton. And we need not stop
here, for these in their turn have given rise to many
other schools and colleges, where the same system of
education, and the same principles of religion are
adopted. Thus we sec how much good may arise from
a small beginning. As the stately oak originated in a
small acorn, so an obscure school in the midst of the
forest becomes a nursery, from which proceed, not
only eminent men, but other and higher schools of
learning, by which our country is enlightened and
adorned. Let this fact encourage all who have it in
their power, to institute good schools of useful and
solid learning, and to be liberal in encouraging and
endowing academies and colleges, and aiding poor
scholars who possess talents to acquire a liberal
education.
If our free institutions are long preserved, it will be
by the means, under Providence, of religion and learn-
ing. "Without the benign influence of knowledge and
virtue, a free republican government cannot long exist ;
and without the influence of religion and good educa-
tion, men are not fit for such freedom as is now
enjoyed under our free and happy government. The
immigration of so many thousand foreigners into our
country, renders it doubly necessary to exert every
nerve to diffuse knowledge and sound principles of
religion among the people. Let us have public schools,
*■ Rev. Matthew Browu, D. D.
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 85
supported by the state, normal schools for the educa-
tion of teachers, and parochial schools, in which every
denomination may inculcate that religion which they
believe to be founded in truth. Evangelical Christians
need not contend about what shall be taught in
schools, for if those truths in which they are all
agreed, shall be faithfully inculcated on our youth,
there will not be any very glaring defect in the system
of religious instruction. Those points in which they
differ may be reserved for their consideration at a
riper age. But let the Bible be tJie text-book in every
school, whether high or low,
8
CHAPTER VIII.
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL.
Bynod of Philadelphia establish a School — Located at New London — Mr.
Alison the first Teacher — Negotiation with Yale College — Letter to
President Clapp — Sj'uod of New York form the enterprise of establish-
ing a College.
As we have given a brief history of the Log College,
the first school erected within the bounds of the Pres-
byterian Cliurch in this country, and also of the New
Jersey College, of which it was the germ, 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 institu-
tion of classical and scientific education was deeply
felt; but what course to pursue was a problem not easy
to be solved. The Log College had been in successful
operation about fifteen years before the exclusion of
the New Brunswick Presbytery ; but it appears, from
the statement of a former 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 obtain at least the
ground-work of a liberal education, 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 business was entered upon in good ear-
nest. The Presbyteries of Philadelphia, New Castle,
(86)
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 87
and Donegal, appointed certain of their members to
meet in the Great Valley, Nov. 16, 1743, to take into
consideration the subject of a plan for educating young
men for the holy ministry. After conference and
deliberation, they resolved that this business could not
be properly managed unless the Synod would under-
take it ; they therefore referred the further consider-
ation 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, until Pro-
vidence 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 em-
ployed 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 exempted
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
88 T II E L 0 G C 0 L L E G E.
the school, and direct the whole course of instruction,
and to report to the Synod the condition of the school.
(See Records of the Presbyterian Church, p. 174.)
From what is here stated, it appears that Mr. Alison
was the pastor of a church, and consequently the school
was situated in his own vicinity. Where he received
his education is not known to the writer, but it seems
probable that he came over a probationer ; for we have
an account of his ordination in the Records referred to
above, but no account of his licensure. Doubtless he
stood very high as a scholar in the opinion of the
Synod ; and from the tradition which has come down
respecting him, he was a very accomplished man. The
estimation in which 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 Pliihidclphia had now a school under
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 education
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 re-
ceive a diploma, if they could make an arrangement
with the faculty and trustees of the college that would
suit them. Messrs. Andrews and Cross were appointed
to write a letter to the president 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 the affairs of the church at
that time and before the schism. Several things stated
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 89
as facts, in this narrative, depend for their authority
on this letter. It will be proper, therefore, to lay a
considerable 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 nature
of the application made cannot now be ascertained,
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 presi-
dent and fellows of Yale College, for considering their
request, and expressing a readiness to promote the in-
terests of learning and religion in the Presbyterian
Church. It appears, however, that President Clapp
wished for more particular information 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 numerous vacancies in our growing
settlements. Mr. William Tennent set up a school
among us, where some were educated, and afterwards
admitted to the ministry, tvithout sufficient qualifica-
tions, as was judged hy many of the Syfiod. And what
made the matter look worse, those that were educated
in this private way denied the usefulness 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
8*
90 THE LOa COLLEGE.
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 England colleges, and give
them certificates if they were found qualified, which
was to serve our Presbyteries instead of a college di-
ploma 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
office; which course they persisted in, though admon-
ished and reproved by us for such unwarrantable pro-
ceedings. AVhile 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 Tennent grew hardy
enough to tell our Synod he would oppose their design
of getting assistance to erect a college wherever we
should make application, and would maintain young
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 afi'airs grew
worse ; for our vacancies 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 inspection of the Synod, where the languages, phi-
losophy and divinity should be taught gratis to all
that should comply with the regulations of the school,
being persons of good character and behaviour. They
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 91
appointed a master and a tutor for this business, who
were to be paid bj 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 teaching, and
direct w^hat authors are chiefly to be read in the seve-
ral branches of learning ; to examine the scholars as to
their proficiency and good conduct; apply the money
procured to such uses as they judge proper ; and w^ho
order all afi"airs relating to the school. The trustees
are yearly to be accountable 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 examined 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 practi-
cal. It does not appear that the Synod ever sent any
of their young men to Yale College to finish their edu-
cation. 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. Dr. Alison, the principal of their school at
New London, was invited to Philadelphia, to take
charge of an academy, which a number of gentlemen
had erected in that city. It was not long before this
academy was constituted a college, in which Dr. Ali-
son was appointed the vice-provost and professor of
Moral Philosophy. To this institution the young men
belonging to the Synod of Philadelphia directed their
attention, and here they commonly finished their edu-
cation. 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
92 THE LOG COLLEGE.
the Records of the Synod of Philadelphia, it appears
that Dr. Alison relinquished his station without receiv-
ing the approbation, either of the Presbytery of New
Castle, 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 New Castle
was laid before them, relative to this matter, w^hen 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 New Castle, 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 impracticable to him to apply for the
consent of Presbytery or Synod, in the orderly way ;
and further, being persuaded that Mr. Alison's being
employed in such a station in the academy has a favour-
able aspect in several respects, and a very probable
tendency not only to promote the good of the public,
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 advises
that for the future its members be very cautious, and
guard against such proceedings as are contrary to our
known and approved methods in such cases."
As Ave 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 Pres-
byterian Church in these United States, it seems de-
sirable 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.
20, 1777, in Philadelphia, where he had long resided.
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 9B
^^ This discourse administers comfort and consolation
nnrler 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 con-
versation 3 yet we have no reason to be grieved on account
of the exchange they have made, of a world of sin and sor-
row for joys inconceivable and full of glory. They have
fought the good fight of faith ; they have finished their
course ; they are discharged from the Christian warfare, and
are exalted to an unfading crown of righteousness and glory.
These considerations afford 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 re-
moved by death ; and particularly under the heavy stroke
which the interests of religion and learning this day feel
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 exceptionable and un-
justifiable length on many occasions, yet I am persuaded
that you will readily acknowledge that there is but little
danger of an extreme of this kind, in paying this tribute to
the memory 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 in-
sensibility to the interests of religion 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 knowledge, and that
spirit of liberty and inquiry which this day places many of
her sons upon a level with those of the oldest nations of
Europe. All who knew him acknowledge that he was frank,
open, and ingenuous in his natural temper ; warm and zeal-
ous in his friendships ; catholic and enlarged in his senti-
ments ; a friend to civil and religious liberty ; abhorring the
intolerant spirit of persecution, bigotry, and superstition,
together with all the arts of dishonesty and deceit. His
humanity and compassion led him to spare no pains nor
94 THE LOG COLLEGE.
trouble in relieving and assisting the poor and distressed, by
his advice and influence, or by his own private liberality ;
and he has left behind him a lasting testimony of the ex-
tensive benevolence of his heart in planning, erecting, and
nursing, with constant attention and tenderness, the chari-
table scheme of the widows' fund, by which many helpless
orphans and destitute 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 Phila-
delphia shall exist.
"Blessed with a clear understanding, and an extensive
liberal education ; thirsting for knowledge, and indefatiga-
ble in study through the whole of his useful life, he ac-
quired an unusual fund of learning and knowledge, which
rendered his conversation remarkably instructive, and abund-
antly qualified him for the sacred work of the ministry, and
the painful instruction of youth in the college. He was
truly a scribe well instructed unto 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 giving
to every one his portion in due season. In his public ex-
hibitions he was warm, animated, plain, practical, argumen-
tative, and pathetic ; and he has left a testimony in the con-
sciences of thousands, who attended upon his ministry, that
he was willing to spend and be spent to promote their salva-
tion, and that he failed not to declare to them the whole
counsel 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 Redeemer's kingdom, and his desires to engage young
men in the sacred work of the ministry, and to promote the
public happiness, by the diffusion of religious liberty and
learning through the onceuntutoredwildsof 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 learning in the Middle States ; and he generously in-
structed all that came to him without fee or reward, account-
ing himself amply paid by the propagation of that spirit of
inquiry, that thirst for learning, and those generous and
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 95
public-spirited attempts to found and establish colleges in
the states, which we now see.
" Animated by a laudable spirit, knd 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, distinguished honour,
fidelity and success, to the extensive dissemination 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
education from him, we cannot but attribute, in a great
measure, those pleasing prospects which we now entertain,
of seeing the sacred lamp of science burning with a brighter
flame, and scattering its invigorating rays over the unex-
plored deserts of this extensive 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 mortality, and
is gone, we trust, to receive the approbation of that com-
passionate 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 the 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 uncommon fidelity and industry in all the
duties of life, and enabled him to bear the lingering dissolu-
tion 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 an afflicted family, the college in this city, the con-
96 THELOGCOLLEGE.
gregation in which he so long laboured in word and in doc-
trine, the church of Christ, and the commuuity at large, have
felt a painful wound, teach us to live the life of the righteous,
that we may also have hopes of the divine approbation at
our death. Let those virtues and graces, which shone with
a distinguished lustre in the private life and the public con-
duct 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 him who has spoken to us the word of 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 remembrance, 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 hear-
ing the word of God from his mouth ; of listening to his
warm and pathetic entreaties to be reconciled to God through
a lledcemer ; of joining with him in ardent supplications to
the throne of grace ; and of receiving any further instruc-
tions 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 unfruit-
ful under all the cultivation of divine grace by the hand of
tliis faithful watchman in Israel. You are, therefore, this
day addressed by this mournful dispensation of divine pro-
vidence, and called to make a solemn pause, and to consider
what improvement you have made of his labours; to re-
collect the compassionate warnings 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 remem-
brance of his pious and useful labours, let me exhort and
entreat you to discover it by a constant and careful attend-
ance upon the means of grace with which you are yet fa-
THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL. 97
roured. These are appointed to bring you to Grod and to
glory, to the spirits of just men made perfect, and all the
tirst born sons of glory above. It is not long before you
shall be deprived of all these golden opportunities to secure
your eternal salvation ; and let this awakening consideration
excite us to speai^, and you to hear the word of God, that
our mutual account at the bar of our Judge may be joyful.'*
9
CHAPTER IX.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN TEXNENT.
Birth — Religious Exercise? and Conversion — Entrance into the ministry —
Settlement at Freehold, Monmouth County — Great Success — Early
Death.
Although John Tennent was younger than his
brother William, being the third son of the Rev. Wil-
liam 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 William. This was pro-
bably owing to the fact that William Tennent, jr.
Buffered 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 assist-
ing 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 before 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 succes-
sor in the church at Freehold, as 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 Ireland, in the
year 1707, Nov. 12, and was therefore only nine years
of age, when his father came to America. The whole
of his education he obtained under the paternal roof,
(98)
THE REV. JOHN T E N N E N T. 99
and in tlie Log College wlilch his father had founded
at Neshaminj.
Of his conversion to God wc have an interesting
narrative from the pen of* his brother, Gilbert, written
after his death, and prefixed to some of his sermons,
which were published in a pamphlet after his decease,
from which the following is an extract :
^' 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 conckide, surely
God would never have mercy on such a great sinner as he
was. And yet his life was unstained with those scandalous
extravagances by which too many in their youth are
ensnared. His natural predominant sin was rash anger;
and the worst I ever knew him guilty of was some indecent
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 par-
ticular, and gained in a great measure an ascendency over
his besetting sin. Whilst under conviction his distress was
such as to induce him to make an open confession 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 vehement importunity were such as
greatly to affect even strangers who came to see him. And
he earnestly 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
162813
100 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 ot
mercy and salvation. His heart 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 grac€ 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 vengeance of
a just and holy God.
^' Perceiving such evident signs of deep conviction, humilia-
tion, and earnest desire, I offered to him for his comfort all
the most encouraging invitations and promises adapted to
his case ; and sometimes endeavoured to persuade him that
he had an interest in these promises, since Grod 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 lamentations, complaining that
no promise in the book of God belonged to him, and deny-
ing 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 which 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 pleased
the Almighty to shed abroad the beams of his love and
mercy on his soul, he was much exercised with sorrowful
and piercing reflections on account of his hypocrisy. He
judged himself to be a 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 perceived a
great alteration in his countenance ; for he, who an hour
before had looked like a condemned man going to be put to
some cruel death, now appeared with a cheerful, gladsoma
countenance, and spoke to me in these words : ' 0 brother,
THE REV. JOHN TENNENT. 101
the Lord Jesus has come in mercy to my soul. I was beg-
ging 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 prayer, 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 84th. 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 extraordinary and
solemn occasion. And that, especially, when it is considered
that now it was ten o'clock in the forenoon, whereas at three
o'clock in the same morning he was speechless for some
minutes, 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 William, who was then ex-
tremely sick, nigh unto death, and thought by most to be
past all human hope of recovery. 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 addressed 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 question 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 change in his conversation was mani-
fest. And while he experienced many seasons of the sealing
of God's covenant love, yet in the intervals he was often
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 a very sympathetic spirit. His
respectful and afi^ectionate treatment of his reverend and
aged father, and his kind mother, merits an honourable men-
tion. His great soul disdained any thing that was mean,
and inclined him to the most noble and generous actions
that were within his power.
9*
102 THE LOG COLLEGE.
" He was endowed by his Creator with a natural quick-
ness 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 languages, and also in philosophical and theo-
logical 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 unfeigned and eminent piety.
" His attainments in the Christian graces were eminently
conspicuous in the following particulars. First, his humility.
He was wont to speak of himself in the most abasing terms,
saying that he thought himself one of the worst creatures
the creation bore; and on his dying bed he desired his
relations to forbear any funeral encomiums upon 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 down the room weeping and
mourning, that although there was a treasury of precious
truth contained in that blessed book, he understood so little
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 entertained of himself, that he never
could be persuaded 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 con-
viction was aflforded by bright and incontestable evidences.
" His love to Christ was manifest to all who had the op-
portunity of hearing his earnest and importunate prayers.
Indeed, Christ and he crucified was the end at which he
aimed, the sacred centre in which all the lines of his life
terminated. Christ was the object of his supreme love and
highest admiration.
'' He possessed also a flaming zeal for the establishment
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
THE REV. JOHN TENNENT. 103
to devour the alms of the church, but that he would rather
remove him to himself, before he became useless."
When Mr. John Tennent had finished his preparatory-
studies in the Log College, he presented himself to the
Presbytery of Philadelphia ; and after passing with
credit the usual trials he was hcensed to preach the
gospeL
Soon after Mr. Tennent's Hcensure he visited the
congregation of Freehold, in the county of Monmouth,
New Jersey, wdiich was now without a pastor. This
congregation ow^ed its origin to some Scotch people
who were cast on the Jersey shore ; the vessel Cale-
donia, 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
w^ere not content to live without the ordinances of
public worship, 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. Mr. Boyd, the first licentiate
of the Presbytery of Philadelphia was their first
minister, but died within less than two years. For
some time afterwards this congregation was supplied
by the Rev. Joseph Morgan, but he having left them
early in the year 1730, they invited young Mr. Ten-
nent to preach to them as a candidate. Being a
young man of uncommon modesty and humility, he
was very reluctant to go, and even after he had con-
sented to visit them, as his brother William, in his
letter to Mr. Prince, of Boston, informs us, he regret-
ted 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
104 THE LOG COLLEGE.
this people were remarkably blessed. On his first
visit he preached four or five Sabbaths, and found
among the people a serious disposition to attend to
the concerns of their souls, and to search the Scrip-
tures to see whether the things which thej 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 unani-
mous 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 notable quahties
■ — prudence, diligence, and success." Though the time was
short which he was permitted to remain among them, yet
his labours were abundant. His race was swift and vehe-
ment; and his heart was so fixed on the work of God, that
he could not be persuaded to desist from his public labours,
even when his body was emaciated and d^'bilitatcd by a con-
sumptive disease, and when, in the judgment of physicians,
it was prejudicial to his broken constitution.
" In his public discourses, not to mention the justness 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 awakening and terrible to unbelievers,
in denouncing and describing with the most vehement pathos
and awful solemnity the terrors of an olfended Deity, the
threats of a broken law, and the miseries of a sinful state.
And this subject he insisted much upon, because he, witii
many others, found it the most effectual and successful means
to alarm secure sinners. He used a close, distinguishing,
and detecting method, in the application of his sermons;
which, with his pungent mode of expression, was very pierc-
ing and solemn. But, as Dr. Watts observes of Mr. Gouge,
he knew the pity of Immanuel's heart, as well as the terrors
of Jehovah's hand. He was as tcudcr and compassionate iu
THE REV. JOHN TENNENT. 105
his addresses to gracious souls as faithful to brandish and
apply the law's laucet to the secure : and he was as willing
to do the one as the other. But, indeed, he was very cau-
tious of misapplying the different portions of the word to his
hearers ; or of setting before them only a common mess, and
leaving it to them to divide among themselves, as their fancy
and humour 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 j but it pleased God to dissipate these
clouds, and to afford to his perplexed and anxious mind
abundant satisfaction respecting this matter, by the numer-
ous seals which crowned his public labours ; for as the famous
Rutherford says, ' it is not probable that God would seal a
blank.' It may be truly 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,
thirty, 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 honoured with smiles of
heaven upon his labours ; and though favoured with the kind
regards of a loving and generous people, who had it been
possible 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, grateful, and humble sense of God's
distinguishing goodness, and his own unworthiness.
"As he drew near 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 fol-
lowing, ' I am grieved for my people, for I fear they will be
left to wander as sheep without a shepherd ; or get one that
will pull down what I have poorly endeavoured to build up.'
His brother, who watched with him in his sickness, has fre-
quently overheard him in the deep silence of the night,
wrestling with God by prayer, 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
106 THE LOG COLLEGE.
unbroken patience, and silent submission to his Father's
pleasure, until it pleased God to open a door of escape to
his ciipf^ive soul, through the ruins of his decayed frame.
"Oil 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 his last ; from which unexpectedly
recovering, and observing a confusion among them, he ad-
dressed one, whom he saw uncommonly affected, with a
cheerful countenance, in the following words, ' I would not
have you think the worse of the ways of holiness, be-
cause you see me in such agonies of distress, for I know
there is a crown of glory in heaven for me, which I
shall shortly wear/ Afterwards, in the night, he often
prayed, ' Come Lord Jesus ! 0 Jesus, why dost thou lin-
ger ?' Some time before day, he repeated with humble con-
fidence 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 implore Heaven for
his speedy removal, for, he said, he longed to be gone.
About eight or nine o'clock of the next day, which 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
"William 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 Jesus ! Welcome 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 vins buried in the grave-yard near to the church,
where he preached, and where his tombstone may yet be
seen. The Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, of Elizabethtown,
composed for his tomb-stone, the following epitaph :
THE REV. JOHN TENNENT. 107
"Who quick gi-ew old in 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."
Mucli 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 23rd day of April, 1732,
in the twenty-fifth year of his age.
Mr. Gilbert Tennent, with the memoir of his brother
John, published also one of his sermons. The subject
is "Regeneration;" and is treated in a clear dis-
criminating manner.
As far as can be judged from the accounts which
have come down to us, respecting this young pastor,
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 book,
kept by the session of his church, in which is contained
the following entry :
^' A mournful providence and cause of great humiliation
to this poor congregation, to be bereaved in the flower of
youth, of the most laborious, successful, well-qualified, and
pious pastor this age afi'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."*
* See Appendix, No. II.
108 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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, Ncwall, Gordon, Lloyd,
Crawford, Henderson, Robinson, Rhea, Watson, Wilson,
Campbell, Covenhoven, Little, Camming, English, &c.
CHAPTER X.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.
Preliminary Remarks — Mr. Tennent's birth and education — Sickness, ap-
parent death, and recovery — State of his mind during his trance — Set
tlement and ordination as successor to his brother at Freehold — Mar-
riage— 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 Tennent,
jr., was originally published in " The Assembly's Mis-
sionary Magazine," in the year 1806 ; and although it
was not accompanied with the author's name, it was
well understood to be from the pen of the Hon. Elias
Boudinot, LL. D., who was well 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 origi-
nal manuscript is now in the possession of the Histori-
cal Society of New Jersey. From it we learn that the
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 au-
thenticity 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 they were gene-
10 (109)
110 THE LOG COLLEGE.
rally known, not only to the people of this part of the
country, but they were currently reported and fully
believed m other states. The writer has heard them
familiarly talked of in Virginia, 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 transaction. The following is the narra-
tive : —
" Among the duties which every generation owes to those
who are to succeed it, we may reckon the careful delinea-
tion of the characters of those whose example deserves and
may invite imitation. Example speaks louder than precept,
and living practical religion has a much greater effect on
mankind than argument or eloquence. Hence, the lives of
pious men become the most important sources of instruction
and warning to posterity; while their exemplary conduct
aifords the best commentary on the religion they professed.
But when such men have been remarkably fovoured of God
with unusual degrees of light and knowledge, and have been
honoured by the special and extraordinary influences of his
Holy Spirit, and by the most manifest and wonderful inter-
positions of divine Providence in their behalf, it becomes a
duty of more than common obligation to hand down to pos-
terity the principal events of their lives, together with such
useful inferences 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 biographer, is
greatly culpable ; for, if the strictest attention be paid to the
truth of the facts related, and all exaggeration or partial
representation be carefully avoided, the want of other furni-
ture can be no excuse for burying in oblivion that conduct,
which, if known, might edify and benelit the world.
" The writer of these memoirs has difficulties 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 transmit their names to following ages, take care
to leave such materials for the future historian as may se-
cure the celebrity which they seek. But the humble fol-
lower of the meek and lowly Jesus, whose sole aim is the
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. Ill
glory of Grod in tlie welfare of immortal souls, goes on from
day to day as seeing Him who is invisible, careful to ap-
prove himself only to the Searcher of hearts, regardless of
worldly fame or distinction, 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 information which shall be im-
parted 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, the}^ do not indeed admit of any other direct tes-
timony than that of the remarkable man to whom they
relate. But if there ever was a person who deserved to be
believed unreservedly on his word, it was he. He possessed
an integrity of soul, and a soundness of judgment, which
did actually secure him an unlimited confidence from all
who knew him. Every sj^ecies of deception, falsehood, and
exaggeration he abhorred and scorned. He was an Israelite
indeed, m whom there was no guile. With such materials,
then, as have been mentioned, and for a work of such char-
acter as has been hinted, the writer has undertaken his task.
He has undertaken what he would most gladly have re-
signed to an abler hand ; but from which, as no other offered,
he dared not withhold his own. He could wish that specu-
lative and even unbelieving minds might be instructed and
convinced by these memoirs. But his principal object, and
that in which he trusts he shall not be entirely disappointed,
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. Tenneut, of Freehold, New Jersey, was
112 THE LOG COLLEGE.
the second son of the Rev. Wm. Tennent, sen., 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 pro-
ficiency in the languages, particularly in the Latin. Being
early impressed 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 brother Gilbert 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 con-
sidered as his setting out in life, his father addressed him
with great affection, commending 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 migra-
tions. 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 pittance, and the blessing of a
pious and aifectionate 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. Ten-
nent was preparing for his examination by the Presbytery
as a candidate for the gospel ministry. His intense appli-
cation afiected his health, and brought on a pain in his
breast, and a slight hectic. He soon became emaciated,
and at length was like a living skeleton. His life was now
threatened. He was attended by a physician, a young
gentleman who was attached to him by the strictest and
warmest friendship. He grew worse and worse, till little
hope of life was left. In this situation, his spirits failed
him, and he began to entertain doubts of his final happiness.
He was conversing one morning with his brother in Latin,
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 113
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 returned 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 told that one of the persons who had
assisted in laying 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 make it as
sensible as possible, and then felt under the arm, and at the
heart, and affirmed that he felt an unusual warmth, though
no one else could. He had the body restored to a warm
bed, and insisted that the people who had been invited to
the funeral should be requested not to attend. To this the
brother objected as absurd, the eyes being sunk, the lips
discoloured, and the whole body cold and stiff. However,
the doctor finally prevailed, and all probable means were
used to discover symptoms of returning life. But the
third day arrived, and no hopes were entertained of suc(^ess
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
request for delay to one hour, then to half an hour, and
finally to a quarter of an hour. He had discovered that the
tongue was much swollen, and threatened to crack. He
was endeavoring to soften it, by some emollient ointment
put upon it with a feather, when the brother came in, about
the expiration of the last period, and mistaking what the
doctor was doing for an attempt to feed him, manifested
some resentment, and in a spirited tone said, '■ It is shame-
ful to be feeding a lifeless corpse;' and insisted with
earnestness, that the funeral should immediately proceed.
At this critical and important moment, the body to the great
alarm and astonishment 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 bringing about a speedy
resuscitation. In about an hour the eyes again opened, a
heavy groan proceeded from the body, and again all
10*
114 THE LOG COLLEGE.
appearance of animation 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,
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 entertained of his final re-
covery. However, after that period he recovered much faster,
but it was about twelve months before he was completely re-
stored. 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
life 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 after-
wards began to learn the Latin language under the tuition
of his brother. One day, as he was reciting a lesson in Cor-
nelius Nepos, he suddenly started, clapped his hand to his
head, as if something had hurt him, and made a pause. His
brother asking him what was the matter, he said that he
felt a sudden shock in his head, and now it seemed to him
as if he had read that book before. By degrees his recol-
lection was.restored, and he could speak the Latin as fluently
as before his sickness. His memory so completely revived,
that he gained a perfect knowledge of the past transactions
of his life, as if no diflSculty had previously occurred. This
event, at the time, made a considerable noise, and afforded,
not only matter of serious contemplation to the devout Chris-
tian, 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 interested by
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 115
these uncommon events ; and, on a favourable occasion, ear-
nestly pressed Mr. Tennent for a minute account of what
his views and apprehensions were, while he lay in this ex-
traordinary state of suspended animation. He discovered
great reluctance to enter into any explanation of his per-
ceptions 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 entertained for my
future welfare, I found myself, in an instant, in another state
of existence, under the 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 impossible to com-
municate to mortal man. I immediately reflected on my
happy change, and thought, — Well, blessed be God ! I am
safe at last, notwithstanding all my fears. I saw an innu-
merable 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 ap-
pearance. I heard things unutterable. I heard their songs
and hallelujahs of thanksgiving and praise with unspeak-
able 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 instant, 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 human being to live en-
tirely above the world and the things of it, for some time
afterwards I was that person. The ravishing sound of the
songs and hallelujahs that I heard, and the very words ut-
tered, were not out of my ears when awake, for at least three
years. All the kingdoms of the earth were 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.'
116 THE LOG COLLEGE.
" 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, December 10th, 1805.
" ' Dear Sir : — Agreeably to your re({uest, I now send you
in writing the remarkable accounts, which I sometime since
gave you verbally, respecting your good friend, my worthy
predecessor, the late llev. 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 together from 31onmouth to Princeton,) I men-
tioned 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 pro-
ceeded, 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) he died, or appeared
to die, in the same manner as persons usually do ; that in
laying him out, one happened to draw his hand under the
left arm, and perceived a small tremor in the flesh ; that he
was laid out, and was cold and stiiT. The time for his fune-
ral was appointed, and the people collected ; but a young
doctor, his particular friend, pleaded with great earnestness
that he might not then be buried, as the tremor under the
arm continued; that his brother Gilbert became impatient
with the young gentleman, and said to him, ' What ! a man
not dead, vho is cold and stiff as a staked' The importu-
nate young friend, however, prevailed ; another day was ap-
pointed 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 except-
ing the tremor. Tiie 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
THE KEV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 117
pleaded for half an hour, and then for a quarter 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 quill 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
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, until
all at once I found myself in heaven, as I thought. I saw
no shape as to the Deity, hut glory all wmttercihU V Here
he paused, as though unable to find words to express his
views, let his bridle fall, 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, ap-
parently in the height of bliss, 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 shoul-
der 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 shock I opened my
eyes in this world. When I saw I was in the world I
fainted, then came to, and fainted for several times, as one
probably would naturally have done in so weak a situation.
" ' Mr. Tennent further informed me that he had so en-
tirely lost the recollection of his past life, 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 all 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 tliee 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, con-
tinued all the time in their full strength, so that he was con-
118 TUE LOG COLLEGE.
tinually in something like an ecstacy of mind. ^And/
said he, ' for three years the sense of divine things contin-
ued so great, and everything else appeared so completely
vain, when compared to heaven, that could I have had the
world for stooping down for it, I believe I should not have
thought of doing it.' ''
" It is not surprising, that after so affecting an account,
strong solicitude should have been felt for further information
as to the words, or at least the subjects of praise and ado-
ration, which Mr. Tennent had heard. But when he was
requested to communicate these, he gave a decided negative,
adding, * You will know them, with many other particulars,
hereafter, as you will find the whole among my papers ;'
alluding to his intention of leaving the writer hereof his
executor, which precluded any further solicitation.*
*' The pious and candid reader is left to his own reflections
on this very extraordinary occurrence. The facts have been
stated, and they are unquestionable. The writer will only
ask whether it be contrary 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-
timoni/ of the reality of the invisible world, and of the infi-
nite importance of eternal concerns ?
''As soon as circumstances would permit, Mr. Tennent
was licensed, and began to preach the everlasting gospel
with great zeal and success. The death of his brother John,
who had been some time settled as minister of the Presby-
terian church at Freehold, in the county of Monmouth, New
Jersey, left that congregation in a destitute state. They
had experienced so much spiritual benefit from the indefa-
tigable labours and pious zeal of this able minister of Jesus
* "It was so ordered, in the course of divine Providence, that the
writer was sorely disappointed in his expectation of ol)taining 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 imi)racticable 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 sou
came from Charleston, and look his mother, and his father's papers and
property, and returned to Carolina. About fifty miles from Charleston, the
son was suddenly taken sick and died among entire strangers; and never
8inco, though the writer was left executor to the son also, could any trace
of the father's papers be discovered by him."
THE REV. W M . T E N N E N T , JR. 119
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
OctoDer, 1733, Mr. Tennent was regularly ordained their
pastor, and continued so through the whole of a pretty long
life } one of the best proofs of ministerial fidelity.
" Although his salary was small, (it is thought under
£ 100,) yet the glebe belonging to the church was an excel-
lent plantation, on which he lived, and which, with care
and good farming, was capable of maintaining a family with
comfort. But his inattention 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
affairs were becoming embarrassed. His steward reported
to him that he was in debt to the merchant between 201.
and 30/., and he knew of no means of payment, as the crops
had fallen short. Mr. Tennent mentioned this to an inti-
mate 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 his tem-
poral afiairs, 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 undertalie the business ;
that he had a sister-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 negotiation 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 time nor
inclination would suffer him to use much ceremony, but that
if she approved the measure, he would attend his charge on
the next Sabbath and return on Monday, be married and
immediately take her home. The lady with some hesitation
and difficulty at last consented, being convinced that his
120 TUE LOG COLLEGE.
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 answer-
ing every thing said of her by an affectionate brother. She
took the care of his temporal concerns upon her, extricated
him from debt, and by a happy union of prudence and econo-
my, so managed all his worldly business that in a few years
his circumstances became easy and comfortable. 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 character, 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 appearance ; and the father gave them
the most liberal education that the country could afford.
" Mr. Tennent's inattention to earthly things continued
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, accidentally casting his eye on the child, a
thought suddenly struck him, and he asked himself this
question : ' Should God in his providence take me hence,
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 inatftntion to the relative duties of
life, which God had called him to, and the consideration of
the sacred declaration, ' that he who does not provide for
his own household has denied the faith, and is worse than
an infidel,' 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
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 121
could get along ; till, all at once, he was relieved b}^ as sud-
denly recurring to that text of scripture, which came into
his mind with extraordinary force : ' But unto the tribe of
Levi Moses gave not any inheritance; 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 temporal
business of life, still, however, in perfect subordination to
the great things of eternity ; and became fully convinced
that God was to be faithfully served, as well by discharging
relative duties in his love and fear, as by the more imme-
diate acts of devotion. He clearly perceived that every duty
had 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, how-
ever, especially as they related to his pastoral charge, he
still engaged with the utmost zeal and faithfulness ; and was
esteemed by all ranks and degrees, as far as his labours ex-
tended, 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 ministerial 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 independent mind, which was seldom satisfied on import-
ant subjects without the best evidence that was to be had.
His manner was remarkably impressive ; 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 him-
self, and so extremely impressive, that they seldom failed to
please and to instruct. As an instance of this, the following
anecdote 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
11
122 THE LOG COLLEGE.
preached, and stopping at a friend's house to dine, wag
inforraed 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 diffi-
culty consented, as he wished to proceed 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 fol-
lowing words : ' My beloved brethren ! I am told you have
come here to-day to fast and pray; a very good work indeed,
provided you have come with a sincere desire to glorify God
thereby. But if your design is merely to comply with u
customary practice, 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 shil-
lings and sixpence, (at that time the stated price for a
day's labour ;) but if your minds are indeed impressed
with the solemnity of the occasion, and you are really de-
sirous of humbling yourselves before Almighty God, your
Heavenly 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 sermon added greatly to
the impressions already made, and tended to rouse the atten-
tion, iniluence the mind, command the affections, 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.
*' 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 the following letter :
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 123
Abington, January llth, 1806.
* " Sir — The anecdote of my venerable relative, the Rev.
William Tennent, of Freehold, which you wished me to send
to you, is as follows :
< '^ During the great revival of religion, which took place
under the^ ministry of Mr. Whitefield, and others, distin-
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 next day, he selected a subject for the discourse
which was to be delivered, and made some progress in his
preparations. In the morning he resumed the same subject,
with an intention to extend his thoughts further on it, but
was presently assaulted with a temptation, that the Bible
which 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 endeavours 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 sfate of mind, was a sealed
book to him ; and to add to his affliction, he was, to use his
own words, ^ shut up in prayerJ 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 tlien it was, he observed, that
he was more deeply distressed than ever, and especially for
the dishonour which he feared would fall upon religion,
through him, that day. He resolved, however, to attempt
the service. He introduced it by singing a psalm, during
which time his agitations were increased to the highest de-
gree. 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 thia
124 THE LOG COLLEGE.
petition he was heard ; the thick cloud instantly broko
away, and an unspeakably joyful light shone in upon his
soul, so that his spirit seemed to be caught up to the hea-
vens, and he felt as though he saw God, as Moses did on
the mount, face to ftice, 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 in-
scribed in brightest colours. The result was a deep solem-
nity on the face of the whole congregation, and the house
at the end of the prayer was a Bocliim. He gave them the
subject of his evening meditations, which was brought to
his full remembrance, with an overflowing abundance of
other weighty and solemn matter. The Lord blessed the
discourse, so that it proved the happy means of the conver-
sion of about thirty persons. This day he spoke of ever
afterwards as his harvest-day.
^' ' I am, yours with esteem,
'^ ' WILLIAM M. TENNENT.'
" While on this subject, we may introduce another anec-
dote of this wonderful man, to show the dealings of God
with him, and the deep contemplations of his mind. He
was attending the duties of the Lord's day in his own con-
gregation as usual, where the custom was to have morning
and evening 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 medi-
tation, 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 sufic^riugs 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 majesty of Je-
hovah, were so inexpressibly great as entirely to overwhelm
him, and he fell, almost lifeless, 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 inetfable glory. When
able to reflect on his situation, he could not but abhor him-
self as a weak and despicable worm, and seemed to be over-
come with astonishment, that a creature so unworthy and
insufficient had ever dared to attempt the instruction of his
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 125
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 supported him to the pulpit, which he
ascended on his hands and knees, to the no small astonish-
ment of the congregation. He remained silent a consider-
able time, earnestly supplicating Almighty God (as he told
the writer) to hide himself from him, that he might be ena-
bled 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 received
from him. He gave a surprising account of the views he
had of the infinite wisdom of God, and greatly deplored his
own incapacity to speak to them concerning a Being so infi-
nitely glorious beyond all his powers of description- He
attempted to show something of what had been discovered
to him of the astonishing wisdom of Jehovah, of which it
was impossible for human nature to form adequate concep-
tions. He then broke out into so fervent and expressive a
prayer, as greatly to surprise the congregation, 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 inde-
fatigable 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 un-
searchable riches of Christ to every house. He earnestly
* 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, informed the editor, that he and other stu-
dents 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.
11*
126 THE LOG COLLEGE.
pressed it on the conscience of parents to instruct their
children at home hy plain and easy questions, so as gradu-
ally 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 domestic 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 prac-
tice 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, ' that he loved a religion
that a man could live by.'
" Mr. Tennent carefully avoided the discussion of contro-
versial subjects, unless specially called to it by particular
circumstances, and then he was ever ready to assign the rea-
son of his faith. The following occurrence will show the
general state of his mind and feelings in regard to such sub-
jects. A couple of young clergymen, visiting at his house,
entered into a dispute on the question, at that time much con-
troverted in New England, whether fiith 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 the subject at length before him.
He accepted the proposal, and, after a solemn debate for
gome time, 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 distance, 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 Chris-
tian for more than thirty years. * Now,' said Mr. Tennent,
* ask him whether fiiith 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-.
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 127
posed by this, that Mr. Teiment was unfriendly to a deep
and accurate examination of all important theological doc-
trines. 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 would visit them with
as much care and attention as a physician, and frequently
indeed proved an able one to both soul and body. But his
greatest talent was that of a peace-maker, which he possessed
in so eminent a degree, that probably none have exceeded,
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 happily for those concerned, he was
generally successful. Indeed he seldom would relinquish
his object till he had accomplished it.
'^ But while this man of (rod was thus successful in pro-
moting the best interests of his fellow creatures, and ad-
vancing 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 Redeemer the objects of his invete-
rate malice. If the good man of whom we write was greatly
honoured by peculiar communications from on high, he was
also very often the subject of the severe buffetings of that
malignant and fallen spirit.
" The time 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 Row-
land, brought up with Mr. Tennent at the Log College, was
also very remarkable for his successful preaching among all
ranks of people. Possessing a commanding eloquence, as
well as other estimable qualities, 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 Id
the enjoyment of temporal objects, and considered and repre-
128 THE LOG COLLEGE.
sented Mr. Rowland and his brethren as fanatics and hypo-
crites. This was specially applicable to many of the great
men of the then province of New Jersey, 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
knowledge and understanding were very considerable, and
who greatly excelled in low art and cunning. His mind
was totally debased, and his whole conduct betrayed a soul
capable of descending to every species of iniquity. In all
the arts of theft, robbery, fraud, deception, and defamation,
he was so deeply skilled, and so thoroughly practised, that
it is believed 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 unhappily resembled Mr. Rowland
in his external 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 Stock-
ton, Esq., of that town, a pious and respectable man, to
whom Mr. Rowland was well known, went up to Bell, and
addressed him as Mr. Rowland, and was inviting him to go
home with him. Bell assured him of his mistake. It was
with some difficulty that Mr. Stockton acknowledged his
error, and then informed Bell that it had arisen from his
(Treat resemblance to Mr. Rowland. This hint was sufficient
for the prolific genius of that notorious impostor. The next
day Bell went into the county of Hunterdon, and stopped
m a congregation where Mr. Rowland had formerly preached
once or twice, but where he was not intimately known. Here
lie met with 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 im-
mediately invited him to his house to spend the week; and
^egged 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 re-
spect ; and a private room was assigned to him as a study,
to prepare for the Sabbath. The sacred day arrived, and
THE REV. WM, TENNENT, JR. 129
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 Maryland, 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 or-
dered them out again. They again returned without finding
a bill, and were again sent out with threatening of severe
punishment 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 Stevens appeared
as witnesses, and fully proved an alibi in ftivour of Mr.
Rowland, by swearing that on the very day on which the
robbery was committed 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 prosecutors, 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 disposed.
" 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 ; 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
130 TUE LOG COLLEGE.
these distinguished servants of God. Many and various
were the circumstances which still contribute^i 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 horse.
These sons of Belial had been able, after great industry used
for the purpose, to collect a mass of evidence of this kind,
which they considered as establishing the fact ; but Mr.
Rowland was now out of their power by the verdict of not
guiffj/. Their vengeance, therefore, was directed against the
witnesses 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 these
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 U(}ht, by which they denominated all appearance of piety,
would soon be extinguished for ever.
^' These indictments were removed to the Supreme Court,
and poor Mr. Anderson, living in the county, and conscious
of his entire innocence, could not brook tlie idea of lying
under the odium of the hateful crime of perjury; he there-
fore demanded a trial at the first court of oyer and terminer.
This proved most seriously injurious to him, for he was pro-
nounced guilty, and most cruelly and unjustly condemned to
stand one hour on the court-house steps with a paper on his
breast, whereon was written in large 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 law^^er, who had been
previously employed to conduct their defence. As Mr.
Tennent was wholly unacquainted with the nature of forensic
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 131
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 consolation 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 ser-
mon 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 Can-
ada, 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 pas-
toral charge of the second Presbyterian church, in Phila-
delphia, and who brought Mr. John Kinsey, 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 re-
quested that they would bring in their witnesses, that they
might examine 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; other-
wise 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 accomplish 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 machinations of his agents or servants. Therefore,
gentlemen, go on to the trial.' Messrs. Smith and Kinsey,
who were both religious men, told him that his confidence
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 continued inflexible in his refusal ; on which
* " His affectionate congregation felt deeply interested in his critical
situation, and kept a day of fasting and prayer on the occasion."
132 THE LOG COLLEGE.
Mr, Coxe told him tliat since he was determined to go tc
trial, he had the satisfaction of informing him that they had
discovered a flaw in the indictment which might prove fa-
vourable to him on a demurrer. He asked for an explana-
tion, 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. Ten-
nent broke out with great vehemence, saying that this was
another snare of the devil, and before he would consent to
it he would sufier 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
moment.
*' Mr. Stevens, whose faith was not of this description,
and who was bowed down to the ground under the most
gloomy apprehensions of sufiering, as his neighbour Mr.
Anderson had done, eagerly seized the opportunity of escape
that was offered, and was afterwards discharged on the ex-
ception.
" Mr. Coxe still urged putting ofi" the trial, charging Mr.
Tennent with acting the part rather of a wild enthusiast,
than of a meek and prudent Christian ; 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, before he
met a man and his wife, who stopped him, and asked if his
name was not Tennent. He answered in the afiirmative,
and begged to know if they had any business with him.
The man replied, ' 3'ou 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, Ten-
nent, Anderson, and Stevens, had h)dged 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 following day the}^ 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 Trenton, was in the greatest possible dis-
tress, and that it was in their power and theirs only, to re-
THE REV. W M . T E N N E N T , JR. 133
lieve 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 full to the purpose, were, as
they well might be, in perfect astonishment. Before the
trial began, another person, of a low character, called on
Mr. Tennent, and told him that he was so harassed in con-
science, 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 coun-
sel also. Soon after, Mr. Stockton from Princeton appeared,
and added his testimony. In short, they went to trial, and
notwithstanding the utmost exertions 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
Monday, 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 mortification of his numerous oppo-
sers. Mr. Tennent assured 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 infa-
mous a punishment, as standing in the pillory, without dis-
may, 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 acci-
dentally cast his eyes on the pillory, which suddenly so
filled him with horror as completely to unman him, and it
was with great difiiculty that he kept himself from falling
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 proceed on his journey. Such is the consti-
tution of the human mind ! It will often resist, with
12
134 THE LOG COLLEGE.
unshaken firmness, the severest external pressure and vio-
lence ; 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 testimony and authentic
documents, yet the singular manner in which a gracious
God did appear for this his foithful servant in the time of
that distress, which has just been noticed, is a matter of
public notoriety, and capable of being verified by the most
unquestionable testimony and records.
" This special instance of the interference of the
righteous Judge of all the earth ought to yield consolation
to pious people in seasons of great difficulty and distress,
where there is none that seems able to deliver them. Yet
it ought to afford no encouragement to the enthusiast, who
refuses to use the means of preservation and deliverance
which God puts in his power. True confidence in God is
always accompanied with 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's 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 integ-
rity, and though of a very grave and solemn deportment,
he had a remarkably cheerful disposition, and generally
communicated his instructions with so much case and pleas-
antry, 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 REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 135
the world, he so managed his conversation that, while
he seldom neglected a proper opportunity to impress the
mind with serious things, he always made them covet his
company rather than avoid it ; well knowing that there
is a time for all things, and that even instruction and
reproof, to be useful, must be prudently and seasonably
given.
" An instance of this disposition occurred in Virginia.
The late Kev. 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 missiona-
ries withdrew 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
were clergymen. Mr. Tennent very pleasantly answered,
* With all my heart, gentlemen, if you can convince us that
thereby 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 solem-
nity added, ^ We are ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We profess ourselves his servants ; we are sent on his busi-
ness, 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 solemn manner,
and with great apparent sincerity, so engaged the gentle-
men's attention, that the cards were laid aside, and an
opportunity was afforded, and cheerfully embraced, for ex-
plaining in a sociable conversation, during the rest of the
evening, some of the leading and most important doctrines
of the gospel, to the satisfaction and apparent edification of
the hearers.
" Resignation to the will of Grod in all his dispensations,
however dark and afl3ictive, was among the excellent graces
that adorned the character of this man of God. He had
been tried in the course of Grod'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 resignation and
136 THE LOG COLLEGE.
obedience, a test attended with many peculiarly distressing
circumstances. His youngest son, who was a very handsome
man, had just come into public life; had commenced the
practice 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 belonged to his eternal peace.
Wholly negligent of religion, he indulged without restraint
in the gaiety and follies of the world. The pious father
was incessant at the throne of grace in behalf of his
dissipated son ; and was continually entertaining hopes that
God would, by the influences of his Spirit, arrest him in
his career, and bring him into the Church 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, w^hile engaged in inoculating a number of
persons in a house he had obtained for the purpose, near his
hither's neighbourhood, was seized in an unusually violent
manner with a raging fever. With the disorder he was
brought to a sudden and alarming view of his lost condition
by nature, and the grievous transgressions of his past life.
His sins were all set in dread array against him. A hor-
rible darkness, 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 con-
founding 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 con-
science. Such was the height to wliieh 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
submission 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 suflferer.
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 137
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 regenerating grace
of the Holy Spirit, became clear and consistent, and the
importance of a practical acquaintance with these things was
deeply and rationally impressed on his mind. He now saw
that salvation, 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 repentance (rarely to be greatly relied
on) can afford. 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 Grod, had been delivered
from a hell gaping to receive him. He besought them by
all the terrors of everlasting destruction ; by all the love
they ought to bear to their own immortal souls ', by the
love of a crucified Jesus, who poured out his soul unto
death that they might live for ever ; by his own awful
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 surrender the son of his advanced age to the
God who gave him. After a few days more of severe
suffering in body, but rejoicing in mind, the son was
removed from time to eternity. There being no minister in
the neighbourhood, the father undertook to preach a funeral
sermon. All the son's old companions 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
inclined wondered and adored, the careless were confounded
and greatly alarmed.
'^ Scarcely had Mr. Tennent got over this heavy affliction,
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 pos-
12 *
138 THE LOG COLLEGE.
sessed 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 father was called to New
York to heal some differences between the members of the
church there. The next morning after his arrival he went
into a bookstore, when one of the ministers of the Episcopal
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 Indies. The old gen-
tleman 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, to retire into the house, and endeavour to settle his
mind, he answered, ' I am come on the Lord's business; my
duty requires that I should finish it ; when that is done I
shall have time enough to mourn for my son.' He imme-
diately set off to attend his appointment, finished the busi-
ness to his satisfaction, and next day returned home, where
he found that a letter had been received by a neighbour,
containing the same inf )rmation which he had before re-
ceived. Thus, on the most trying occasion, he showed the
Fame submission to the allotment of divine providence that
was discoverable in all his former conduct. The following
extract from a letter, written at this time to the writer of
this narrative, will show the temper of his mind in his own
language : —
"'Freehold, March, 1776.
^' ' 3ft/ 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 account
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 mention
as a caution to you, in case you should write me before the
* " He seems, in the depth of his distress, to have forgotten that he yet
had one son left, although he was 800 miles distant from him."
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 139
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 con-
duct has been such as greatly endeared him to us. Our
pains and expense in his education have been great, but
infinitely short of what Grod 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 ? Grod forbid ! This, sir, through God's good-
ness, is not only what 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. 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 utmost reason for thanks-
giving that he has not, in righteous judgment, deprived me
of himself, in whom all fulness dwells. My wife and my-
self 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, how-
ever 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 Whitefield 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 in-
vited to dinner by a gentleman in the neighbourhood where
the late Mr. William Livingston, since governor of New
Jersey, resided, and who, with several other lay gentlemen,
was among the guests. After dinner, in the course of an
easy and pleasant conversation, Mr. Whitefield adverted to
the difficulties attending the gospel ministry, arising from
the small success with which their 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 3 declared his great consolation was,
140 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 be-
fore now have sunk under his labour. He then appealed
to the ministers around him, if it were not their great com-
fort that they should soon go to rest. They generally as-
sented, excepting Mr. Tcnnent, 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 dif-
ficulties attending this chequered scene ?' Mr. T. bluntly
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 pro-
per to call me home.' Mr. W. still urged for an explicit
answer to his question, in case 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, mas-
ter, let me return home and be discharged from this hard
service ?' 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 faithfully for sl given time in a particular service,
and he should, without any reason on your part, and before
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 circumstances. Would you not call him
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 141
a wicked and slothful servant, and unworthy of the privileges
of your employ ?' The mild, pleasant, and Christian-like
manner in which this reproof was administered, rather in-
creased the social harmony and edifying conversation of the
company, who became satisfied 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 Chris-
tian, 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 almost always in action
— never wearied in well-doing, nor in serving his friends.
His integrity and independence 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 enjoy-
ments were even proverbial. His public spirit was always
conspicuous, and his attachment 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 con-
vinced that she was oppressed, and that her petitions to the
sovereign of the mother country were constitutional, loyal,
moderate, and reasonable ; that the treatment they received
was irrational, tyrannical, and intolerable. As he made it
a rule, however, never to carry politics into the pulpit, he
had no way to manifest his zeal for the public measures
but by his private prayers, and by his decided opinions
delivered in private conversations. But in this way his
sentiments became universally known, and he was consid-
ered as a warm friend to the American cause. Notwith-
standing 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 :
' '^ i% veri/ dear Sir — Your kind letter cjtme to hand
three days since. Your comforts and sorrows are mine in
142 THE LOG COLLEGE.
no small degree; I share with you in both; the tie is
Buch as death cannot dissolve. This is a day of dark-
ness 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. Tlio ruin of both is awfully threat-
ened ; and, though now deferred, may ere long be accom-
plished, 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, disinherited 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 of his
enemies, and the hairy scalps of such who go on in their
trespasses V Is there any appearance of reformation ? Yea,
is it not the reverse ? Are not our meetings for the preser-
vation of our liberty often abused by excessive drinking ?
&c. &c. Have not politics taken place of religion in all
our conversations ? Is it not become unconstitutional (to
use vulgar language) to mention God's name in company,
unless by way of dishonouring him ? Are not things sacred
neglected by some, and burles(jucd by others ? Is not the
newspaper substituted for the 13ible on Lord's days, yea, at
church 't 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 Iliver, while
General Washington lay with the American army in that
city. A very heavy cannonading 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 struo-gle within himself, he turned to a friend or two
present, and said, ' Come, while our fellow citizens are fight-
ing let us retire to prayer.' They, accordingly, went up
into his room, w^hcre 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.
'' In the winter of 1776-7, the British overran a great
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 143
part of the state of New Jersey, and particularly tlie county
of Monmouth, where a number of the inhabitants were in
the British interests. Such was their apparent power, and
the distressed situation 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 successful opposition were nearly extin-
guished. 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 tlie
known hospitality of the inhabitants, were not respected.
In this situation Mr. Tennent very justly thought himself
in great danger ; but having no place to flee to for safety,
he remained at home, committing himself to the protection
of Almighty Grod. 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 Greneral 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 com-
mitted 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 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 morning he seemed greatly oppressed in
spirit. On being 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
Brunswick and Amboy. The Americans again got posses-
sion of the county of Monmouth, where the whigs returned
in force. Mr. Tennent's mind was greatly oppressed with
144 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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, at-
tended by violent symptoms. He sent for his family phy-
sician, who was in the act of setting oflF 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. He, however, examined carefully into Mr. Tennent' s
complaints, and the symptoms attending the disorder. With
great candour the physician informed his patient that the
attack appeared unusually violent ; 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 was
not strength of nature sufficient to overcome so severe a
shock, and that his symptoms scarcely admitted of a favour-
able 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 wbcn the summons should come,
he would have nothing to do but to die. He calmly replied,
' 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 experienced, and that it is
accompanied with symptoms of appnmching 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 expres-
sion thus : ' Blessed be God, I have no wish to live, 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.'
" During his whole sickness, he continued perfectly re-
signed to the divine will, until death was swallowed up in
victory on the 8th day of March, 1777. His body was buried
in his own church at Freehold, a numerous concourse of
people, composed not only of the members of his own con-
gregation, but of the inhabitants of the whole adjacent coun-
try 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,
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 145
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 propriety, that he appeared in an extra-
ordinary manner, to live above the world and all its allure-
ments. He seemed habitually to have such clear views of
spiritual and heavenly things, as aiforded 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 walk was
with Grod, 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 ren-
dering kind offices and effectual services of friendship, both
in spiritual and temporal things, to his fellow-men. Take
him in his whole demeanour 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 ortho-
dox principles. He professed himself a moderate Calvinist.
The doctrines of man's depravity, the atonement of the
Saviour, the absolute necessity of the all-powerful influence
of the Spirit of God to renew the heart and subdue the will,
all in perfect consistence with the free agency of the sinner,
were among the leading articles of his faith. These doc-
trines, indeed, were generally interwoven in his public dis-
courses, 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 differ-
ence between his doctrines publicly taught and his private
practice. Attending a Synod a few years before his death,
a strange clergyman, whom he never had before seen, was
introduced to the Synod, and asked to preach in the even-
ing. Mr. Tennent attended, 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
preacher, touched him on the shoulder, and said, ' My bro-
13
146 THE LOG COLLEGE.
ther, when I preach I take care to save myself, whatever I
do with my congregation.' The clergyman 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
perdition, 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. Tenuent'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 asserter of the civil and
religious interests of his country. He was truly a patriot,
not in words and pretences, not in condemning all who dif-
fered from him to proscription and death, but in acting in
such a manner as would have rendered his country most
happy, if all had followed his example. He insisted on his
own rights and freedom of sentiment, but he was willing to
let others enjoy the same privilege; 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 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.
KEMARKS ON THE PRECEDING NARRATIVE.
Mr. Tennent's trance not supernatural — The dreams of the witnesses
cannot be accounted for on natural principles — God stiU occasionally
gives admonitory dreams.
It must be acknowledged that some of the facts re-
corded in the preceding narrative are of a marvellous
natm^e; 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 extin-
guished, 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 trances for
weeks together ; and there is too much reason to fear
that some 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 interposed. 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 separated from the body. We would not
deny that a man, through life so highly favoured in
receiving extraordinary manifestations of God's per-
fections, and especially of his love, might, even when
in this state of apparent death, have been the subject
of a gracious influence, which filled his imagination
with the rapturous views which he enjoyed. We are
(147)
148 THE LOG COLLEGE.
disposed, however, to admire Mr. Tennent's prudence,
in not being forward to speak of his experience during
this period ; and we do not feel disposed to regret 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 respecting the
nature of his vision; he merely said that he *' heard
unspeakable things, whicli it is not laAvful for a man to
utter." The writer would further remark, that in cer-
tain states of the nervous system, when the common
functions of life seem to be suspended, it is no un-
common thing for the imagination to be strongly
aifected.
The only thing in the foregoing history of William
Tennent which cannot be accounted for, upon the ordi-
nary principles of human nature, is, the dreams of the
man and his wife which brought them from INIaryland
to Trenton, and whose testimony was absolutely neces-
sary to save this good man from an ignominious pun-
ishment. In this case, if the facts are true — concern-
ing which there can be no reasonable doubt — there
must have been a supernatural interposition. These
simple people could have had no knowledge of what
was transacting in New Jersey ; and when they came
to Trenton, they knew not for what purpose their pre-
sence was needed. In all ages of the world, suggestions
and impressions have been made in dreams, which have
been important to the safety or interest of certain per-
sons, 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 Nebuchadnezzar. Such
dreams are still on certain occasions granted, probably
by the ministry of angels, for the admonition or direc-
tion of the people of God, or for reasons unknown to
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 149
US. Although it is true, " in the multitude of dreams
there are divers vanities," 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 day, 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, how-
ever rarely, such communications to certain persons in
sleep, it furnishes some proof of the existence of a
world of spirits, invisible to us but near ; and that w^e
are surrounded, and often guarded by kind angels,
w^ho 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,
probably, as was said, by the agency of guardian an-
gels. 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
w^itnesses, for there were many there who had heard
him and Mr. Rowland preach. Conscious of innocence,
they seem to have apprehended no danger ; and when
one of their number w^as 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. Tennent, he was not only conscious of inno-
cence, but had such unshaken confidence in God, that
he feared nothing ; being fully persuaded that he
would in some way interpose by his providence 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 sta.nding in the pillory.
13*
CHAPTER XII.
ANECDOTES OE THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR.
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 Universalist
We have never known a man in modern times, con-
cerning whom so many extraordinary things are rehited.
The most important of these are contained in Dr.
Boudinot's memoir of his life ; but many others were
omitted, eillier because he judged them of not suffi-
cient importance to be recorded in such a work, or
because, writing for a periodical, he was limited as to
the space which the memoir was allowed to occupy.
Many of these anecdotes, however, 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 al
the anecdotes here given are all believed to be authen-
tic, it was thought that they would tend to exhibit in
a more distinct light the true character of this extra-
ordinary man. Many others have been cm-rent in his
vicinity, but as they have been handed down by tradi-
tion, they have not been considered as sufficiently au-
thenticated to be inserted in this memoir ; and some of
them are of too ludicrous a nature to have a place in a
serious narrative.
There is one remarkalde thing which happened to
Mr. Tennent, not recorded in the memoir written by
(150)
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 151
Dr. Boudinot, which has to most appeared more inex-
plicable 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 re-
gion 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
w^as bleeding, nothing was seen of the exscinded mem-
bers, 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. Tennent himself
confidently believed that the injury was done by the
prince of darkness, of whose power and malice he was
deeply convinced. Others supposed that it must have
been effected by some domestic animal, which might
have made its escape before a light w^as obtained, as
both rats and cats have been known violently to attack
and wound persons while asleep. But neither of these
explanations gives satisfaction. For as to Satan it can-
not be doubted that his malice is great, and that it is
especially 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 belonging to a
former age. And as to the idea that it might have
been the bite of a hungry and voracious rat, or mad
cat, the thing is very improbable. Neither of these
animals could have, with its 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 ani-
mal, whereas it was said to have had the appearance
of being made by a sharp instrument. Perhaps the dif-
ficulty of accounting for the accident prevented Dr.
152 THE LOG COLLEGE.
Boudlnot from inserting the story in Mr. Tennent*g
memoir ; for there can be no doubt that he ^vas 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 hypo-
thesis by which he thinks he can account for such an
accident.
Upon a survey of the circumstances of the affair, it
seems highly probable, that Mr. Tennent was a som-
nambulist, 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 accident of this sort ; and
they seldom ever retain any recollection of the exer-
cises 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
whicli 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 some-
thing sharp, cut his foot ; and being soon missed, was
pui'sucd by his bloody tracks on the snow, with which
the ground was at the time covered. But he was not
awakened from his sleep by the wound which he re-
ceived. Other cases of serious injury, sustained in the
night by persons who could give no account how they
occuired, have fallen under the notice of the writer,
JR. 153
and which can only be accounted for by this hypo-
thesis. 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 supposed.
The following anecdotes of the Rev. William Ten-
nent were kindly communicated to the author by the
Kev. Doctor Miller, of Princeton.
'' This remarkable man was greatly distinguished for de-
cisioii of character. Many good men of his day had more
intellectual vigour than he possessed, but few of his contem-
poraries 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 object of those worthy
men, in all the labour and expense which they incurred in
its establishment, was to train up a pious and learned minis-
try 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 es-
pecially to promote the religious interests of the Institu-
tion.
" Soon after William Franklin (son of Benjamin) was
appointed Grovernor of the Province of New Jersey, he took
hh seat according to the provision of the charter, as ex
officio President of the Board. On one of the early occa-
sions of his presiding in quality 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 Institution more entirely in the power of the Provincial
government, and to receive in exchange for this concession
some inconsiderable pecuniary advantage. The Governor
made this proposal in a plausible speech, and was receiving
the thanks of several short-sighted and sanguine members of
154 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 lis-
tening for a few minutes, and hearing 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 recog-
nized the governor's proposal as highly favourable, and such
as ought to be accepted, and praised ' his Excellency's gene-
rous proposal' as what all must think well of — Mr. Tennent,
looking round the Board with the sharp and piercing eye
for which he was remarkable when strongly excited, rose
and said : ' Brethren ! are you mad ? I saj^, brethren, are
you mad ? Bather than accept the offer of the president, I
would set fire to the College edifice at its four corners, and
run away in the light of the flames.' Such was the effect
of this rebuff from a trustee of such known honesty, influence
and decision, 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 management 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 members, 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 disappointed ; 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, 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 com-
pany. But in vain. Things went on in this way for a con-
siderable time. In the mean while Mr. Tennent's desire for
an interview became 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
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 155
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, overtook the young man, and on coming up to
him said, in a very aifable, 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 familiar conversation with the young man,
adapting all his remarks to what he supposed to be his
favourite 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. Mr. 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 re-
ligion. The young man no longer shunned his company,
but put himself in his way, not only without 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, discriminat-
ing, and faithful in dealing with those who came to him,
professing to be in a state of anxiety or inquiry respecting
their salvation. He was once visited by a female advanced
in life, one of his stated hearers, who had not borne a very
good character, but who now professed to be deeply anxious
concerning her eternal welfare. She wept, acknowledged
herself a great sinner, and abounded in language of severe
self-crimination, and professions of deep penitence. Mr.
156 THE LOG COLLEGE.
Tennent thouglit he saw in her whole air and manner some-
thing like over-acting, which, taken in connection 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 your-
self 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 ex-
pecting to be hailed with pleasure and confidence as a genu-
ine convert by her minister, was thrown off her guard
by this rebuff, and replied with strong resentment : ' It's
no such thing. I'm not chargeable with these sins, I'm
as good as you any day,' and immediately left the house ;
and with this interview 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 waiting a moment to obtain
the desired information, a man, evidently intoxicated with
strong drink, came out of the house and accosted him by
name. Finding that Mr. Tennent did not return his salu-
tation with the readiness and familiarity of an acquaintance,
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, ' it's like 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 Missionary
Magazine which contains the biography of the Rev.
William Tennent, Jr., we have from another hand the
three following anecdotes.
'^Ile was crossing the bay from New York to Elizabeth-
town, 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 congregation, who was a fellow-passenger, hap-
pening to overhear a remark he made^ stepped up to him,
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR. 157
and said, ' Mr. Tennent, please to spiritualize that/ ' Spir-
itualize 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 religion in by head and shoulders, whether
it is proper or not, that hurt the cause. If you want to talk
religion, 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 religion ; we are talking poli-
tics.' 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 in-
troducing conversation upon more important subjects ; and
the younger of the two was so much pleased, that on their
arrival at Elizabethtown Point, he insisted upon Mr. Ten-
nent 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 incon-
venient, if not impracticable.
'' At New York, Mr. Tennent went to hear a sermon de-
livered by a transient clergyman, who was often and well
spoken of, but whose manner was singular, and who fre-
quently introduced odd conceits 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 sermon. He said it made him think of a man who
should take a bag, and put into it some of the very best su-
perfine wheat flour, a greater quantity of Indian meal, and
some arsenic, and mix them all together. A part of the ser-
mon was of the very best quality, more of it was coarse,
but very wholesome food, and some of it rank poison."
" Upon another occasion, he went with a friend to hear
an illiterate carpenter preach at New York ; and it appeared
to him that the man denied the doctrine 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 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. Tennent
insisted upon his going, as he had heard the doctrine denied.
14
158 THE LOG COLLEGE.
They found the carpenter 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 V ' Yes, sir, be sure I did,'
said the carpenter ; ' that is a doctrine which no man in his
senses can believe.' ' Til tell you,' replied Mr. Tennent,
^ that it 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 ; 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 ab-
ruptly went off. Mr. Tennent followed him. The man
walked faster. 3Ir. Tennent quickened his pace. At length
the man ran ; so did Mr. Tennent. But the carpenter was
too fleet for his pursuer ; by his speed he evaded his argu-
ments, 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 Universal ist, 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 mani-
fested whenever an occasion occurred which called for
their exercise. It so happened that Mr. Murray, an
Englishman, who had adopted from Relly, the doc-
trines of Universalism, was landed on the Jersey shore
not very remote from ]\Ir. Tennent's residence.
Though he had not been a Universalist preacher in
England, yet having, w^hile in connection with the
Methodists, both in Ireland and England, been accus-
tomed to public speaking in the way of exhortation, he
was induced, upon his landing at a place on the Jersey
shore called "Good Luck," to commence preaching to
THE REV. WM. TENNENT, JR 159
the people. At first his doctrme of universal salvation
was not clearly and openly announced, but rather
covertly insinuated. Possessing some wit and elo-
quence, he attracted many hearers, and travelled about
the country, addressing the people wherever he could
get an opportunity. 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 entered
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 ;
Mr. Tennent continuing peremptorily to demand his
authority to preach, and he as pertinaciously evading a
direct answer. It does not appear, however, from Mr.
Murray's account, the only written one which we have
seen, that Mr. Tennent then knew that he was a Uni-
versalist ; 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 connection
with any denomination of Christians, ought not to be
encouraged. And this, according to Mr. Murray's
own account, was the exact state of the case. He
stood entirely alone, and professed to hold ecclesiastical
connection with no body on earth ; yet this man became
the founder of a large sect in this country, for the
Universalists acknowledge him as a fatlier. But as
the course of error is always downward, most of his
followers have departed far from his opinions ^]i other
doctrinal points, as appears by his life.
CHAPTER XIII.
MEMOIR OF THE REV. CHARLES TENNENT.
Birth — Immigration — Eilncation — Settlement in the ministry at Whiteclay
Creek — GrcAc revival under the preaching of Mr. WhitefieW — Removal
and death.
From an oiiginal document, a small memorandum-
book, kept bj 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 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 respectable 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 season 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 solemnity, which continued four days,
according to custom. This information the writer
obtained many years ago, from one of the subjects of
the revival, Mrs. Douglass, the sister of Charles
(160)
THE REV. CHARLES TENNENT. 161
Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, and
grandmother of the late Rev. James Douglass, of
Fayetteville, North Carolina, so highly esteemed as a
spiritual, searching, 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.
Whitefield spoke at the tables, in administering the
sacrament, he poured forth such a flood of tears, that
his cambric handkerchief was wet as if it had been
dipped in water. She spoke of that day as by far the
most glorious she had ever witnessed. Her account of
the fiev. Charles Tennent was, that he was a plain,
good preacher, but not distinguished for great abilities.
I was surprised to find that this pious old lady was no
longer a member of the Presbyterian church, but had
long ago joined the communion of the Seceders.
Upon inquiry 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. Ten-
nent 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 the
revival, could not but consider these opposers as the
enemies of vital piety, and therefore felt no disposition
to hold any fellowship with them. They were there-
fore astonished and off*ended, when they understood
that a union between the two parties had been consum-
mated. As soon as Mr. Tennent returned from the
Synod in Philadelphia, where the union had been
agreed on, Mrs. Douglass went to him, and expostu-
lated with him on the subject. " Oh ! Mr. Tennent,"
said she, " how could you consent to enter into com-
munion with those who so wickedly reviled the
glorious work of God's grace in this land ? As for
myself, I never can and never will, until they profess
repentance for their grievous sin, in speaking con-
14*
162 THE LOG COLLEGE,
temptuously of the work of the Holy Spirit." And
accordingly, she went and joined the Seceders, who had
begun to fonn societies in several parts of Pennsyl-
vania, and continued in their communion until her
dying day. But her heart was still with the evan-
gelical part of the Presbyterian church, and all her
children entered into the communion of that church.
Two of her sons, James Douglass, and Daniel Doug-
lass, some forty years ago, were pious, intelligent, and
estimable elders in the Presbyterian church in Alex-
andria, D. C, of which the Kev. 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 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. Whitefield ; and yet they professed to believe the
very doctrines which 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 religion.
Some years before his death, Mr. Charles Tennent
removed from Whiteclay Creek, to Buckingham church,
in Maryland, where he ended his days, and where, it is
presumed, his remains were interred. Of his latter
days, and of the circumstances of his decease, we
have received no authentic information.
It may be proper, however, to observe that he had a
son, the Rev. William M. Tennent, who, after receiv-
ing a finished education, entered the holy ministry, and
THE REV. CHARLES TENNENT. 163
became pastor of the Presbyterian church in Abington,
in the vicinity of Philadelphia. He married a daugh-
ter of the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, of New York, and
received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity
from Yale College.
He was a man of great sweetness of temper and po-
liteness of manners, and was distinguished for his hos-
pitality. His house was seldom without the company of
friends and acquaintances ; and all who had the privi-
lege 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 fix)m pain, and was blessed with
an uninterrupted assui^ance of the favour of God. The
writer, then residing in Philadelphia, frequently saw
and conversed with him ; and he must say, that he
never saw a person in a sweeter, calmer, happier state
of mind, and it continued for many weeks. He died
in the year 1811 or 1812, and had no children.
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 Carolina.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.
Educated in the Log College — Licensed to preach by the New Castle Pres-
bytery— First settled at Shrewsbury, N. J. — Removes to New London-
derry in Pennsylvania — Great revival in that congregation — His letter
to Mr. Prince — How far justifiable in violating rules of order — Dr. Fin-
ley's character of him — Mr. Davies's Elegy — Publications.
The following character of Mr. Samuel Blair is given
by Dr. Finlcy, in his funeral sermon, occasioned 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 hap-
pily preserved from being ever engaged in vicious courses,
and at once grew in stature and in grace. Religion, fiir from
being a flashy thing with him, was rational and solid ; mani-
festing itself in unreserved obedience to all God's command-
ments.
" To a holy disposition was added a great genius, capable
of the highest improvement. He had a deep and penetrat-
ing judgment, a clear and regular way of conceiving things,
and a retentive memory. He was an indefatigable student,
a calm and impartial 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 learn-
ing, and was especially conversant with the Scriptures in the
original languages. How great his attainments in philosophy
were was known by few; for in his last years his thirst for
knowledge did sensibly increase, and he greatly improved
himself therein. He studied several branches of the mathe-
matics, and especially geometry and astronomy; nor will
(164)
THE EEV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 165
these seem tasteless studies to one who had such a savour
of living 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 Hini, 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 particulars, 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 stand-
ing in the ministry have attained to. Here he found
what perfectly answered his refined, spiritual taste. The
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 justice 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
impartial 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 du-
bious and perplexed cases of conscience. He was not only
a proficient in systematic divinity, which is comparatively a
small attainment, 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 ability in ' dividing
the word of truth.' He could ' bring out of his treasure
things new and old.' How clearly and fully would he ex-
plain his subject ! with what irresistible arguments confirm
the truth ! With what admirable dexterity accommodate 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 gene-
rous sentiments. He had not ' so learned Christ,' as to be
furious in his zeal for mere circumstantial or indiff"erent
points. He understood the nature of religion better than
to place it in things in which it does not consist ; and was
too much exercised about ' the great matters of the law,' to
be equally zealous for ' mint, anise, and cummin.' Though
166 THE LOG COLLEGE.
sacrifice be good, yet he had learned that ' mercy is better.' He
believed, and that in accordance 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 tlie
contrary extreme of indifierence to the truth and hixness of
discipline. As he was diligent in the exercise of his minis-
terial office to the utmost of his strength, not sparing him-
self, so God did very remarkably succeed his faithful minis-
trations to the conversion of many souls. He was the
spiritual father of great numbers. I have had acquaintance
with Christians in difi'erent places, where he only preached
occasionally, who gave all hopeful evidences of a sacred con-
version, and acknowledged him to be the instrument 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.
AVe waited for his sage remarks, and heard attentively his
prudent reasonings ; and after his words how 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 serviceable 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 intimate friends, facetious and
witty, when the season and concurring circumstances would
allow him to indulge in that way ; in respect of which his
prudence could well direct him. He was of a generous and
liberal disposition ; far from being niggardly, or covetous ;
was forward in acts of charity to the indigent, according to
his ability, and all his conduct discovered a noble indiflference
toward earthly things.
'^ If we consider him as a friend, he was as firm and stead-
fast, and might as much be depended on as any I ever knew.
He was remote from precarious and fickle humours : his ap-
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 167
probation was not easily obtained, nor easily lost. Nor was
he a friend only in compliment, but would cheerfully under-
go hardships, and suifer disadvantages, in order to do a
friendly office. He was conscientiously punctual in attend-
ing ecclesiastical judicatures, presbyteries or synods. His
presence might be depended on, if nothing extraordinary in-
tervened, 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 body, and in an unsettled season, to a con-
vention of the trustees of New Jersey College, gave occasion
to that fatal sickness, from which he never fully recovered.
" In social life, also, he was worthy of imitation. As a
husband, he was afi'octionate 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 acquainted with him would not be ready to say, ' happy
was the family of which he was the head, and happy the
congregation that enjoyed his ministry ; happy the judica-
ture of which he was a member ; and happy the person who
was favoured with his friendship V He was a public bless-
ing to the church, an honour to his people, an ornament to
his profession who ' magnified his office.'' He spoke as he
believed ; he practised as he preached ; he lived holy, and
died joyfully.
" For a long course of years, he had a habitual, unwaver-
ing 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
communications 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 himself; 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 concern, until the way of life through Jesus Christ
168 THE LOG COLLEGE.
was graciously discovered to him. Then he saw that God
could save him in consistency with all the honours of gov-
erning justice; for that the obedience and sufferings of
Christ, in the room of sinners, have made a sufficient atone-
ment for sin. He saw that Christ was a Saviour every way
complete and suitable for him. Ilis soul approved the Di-
vine and glorious plan ; and freely disclaiming all depend-
ence on his own righteousness, wisdom, and strength, most
gladly accepted the offer of the gospel, that Christ should
be his ' wisdom, righteousness, sanctificatiou, and redemp-
tion.' Strict holiness was his choice, and it was the delight-
ful business of his life, to do always those things which
pleased his Heavenly Father. And on his dying bed he
had the 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 sick-
ness, 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 exer-
cise. Many gracious words he spoke, gave an affectionate
farewell to his beloved, sorrowful consort, and dear chil-
dren ; tenderly committed 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. His 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 heaven, he breathed out his
last."
The Rev. Samuel Davies, who had received nearly
his whole education under the tuition of Samuel Blair,
was deeply aff'ected when lie heard the sad tidings of
the death of his revered and beloved instructer. 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, wdio possessed ardent affections, and a lively im-
agination, and frequently gave indulgence to his poetic
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 169
genius, which, if it had been cultivated, might have
rendered him conspicuous in that department, now
invoked his sacred muse, and composed an elegy of
many lines on his admired friend and tutor. The
poem is more remarkable for pathos, 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
Bufi&cient to answer our purpose.
" Blair is no more — then this poor world has lost
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."
" 0, had not the mournful news divulged.
My mind had still the pleasing dream indulged —
Still fancied Blair with 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 Calvary'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 ;
i 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.
Till ho, to attest his character, arise.
And the Great Judge th' encomium ratifies."
The following lines will serve to show who were the
persons, in Mr. Davies's estimation, who deserved to
15
170 THE LOG COLLEGE.
be handed do^-n to posterity, as the chosen friends and
faithful coadjutors of Mr. Bhiir in his evangelical labours.
They were all alumni of the Log College, or of Mr.
Blair's school at New Londonderry. And if we look
at the men educated in this school, we cannot but en-
tertain an exalted opinion of Mr. Samuel Blair, as an
instructer.
* Surviving remnant of the sacred tribe,
AV^ho knew the worth these plaintive lays describe
Tennents, three worthies of immortal fame,
Brethren by office, birth, in heart and name.
FiNLEY, who full enjoyed the unbosomed friend;
KoDGERS, whose soul he like his own refined,
Wlien ail attention, eager to admit
The flowing knowledge, at his reverend feet
Raptured we sat ; and thou above the rest,
Brotlior and image of the dear deceased.
Surviving Blair! Oh, let spontaneous flow
The floods of tributary grief you owe.
And in your number — if so mean a name
May the sad honour of chief mourner claim,
Oil ! may my filial tears more copious flow,
And swell the tide of universal woe.
Oh ! Blair ! whom all the tenderest names commend,
INIy father, tutor, past(jr, 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 moimment of gratitude."
As the remarkable and impressive solemnity of Sam-
uel 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 confirmed by
such a man as Samuel Davies, who himself was so dis-
tinguished for dignity and solemnity in the pulj^it, 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.
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 171
"Now, in the sacred desk, I see him 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
Renewed — 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.
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.
To these sermons is appended an elaborate treatise
on Predestination and Keprobation, evincing that the
author was a thorough-going Calvinist. This treatise
has been recently republished in Baltimore. This
volume also contains his "Vindication," written by
the direction of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, in
answer to " The Government of the Church," &c., by
the Bev. John Thompson.
The Bev. Samuel Blair was a native of Ireland,
but came early to this country, and received his edu-
cation in the Log College, under Mr. Wm. Tennent,
sen., at Neshaminy. He must, indeed, have been
among the first pupils of this institution. After finish-
ing 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 licensure, he was settled
in the Presbyterian congregation at Shrewsbury, in
New Jersey. He laboured in this field for five or six
years, when he received aii earnest call to settle in
New Londonderry, otherwise called Fagg's Manor, in
the State of Pennsylvania. Here he instituted a clas-
sical school, similar in its purpose to that of Mr. Ten-
nent, in Neshaminy, in which some of the ablest min-
isters of the Presbyterian church received either the
172 THE LOG COLLEGE.
whole, or the more substantial parts of their education.
Among these were the llev. Samuel Davies, the Rev.
Alexander Cummings, the Rev. John Rodgers, D. D.,
the Rev. James Finley, and the Rev. Hugh Henry.
Mr. Blair's settlement at Shrewsbury, 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 Londonderry,
in Chester county, Pennsylvani;i, he left it to the Pres-
bytery 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 wider field of usefulness.
There are no records extant, from which we can
learn any particulars respecting the fruits of Mr.
Bhxir's labours at Shrewsbury. Here he commenced
his ministerial work, and as he was a faithful, able, and
zealous preacher of the truth as it is in Jesus, we en-
tertain no doubt that some of the good seed which he
sowed, fell into good ground and brought forth fruit.
The vicissitudes of that conirre<:^ation have been remark-
able. For a while it was flourishing, and had many
respectable members, but it became apparently extinct,
and the house of worship was burned ; but after being
dead for some years it was resuscitated ; it now pro-
mises to flourish again.
Under his ministry at New Londonderry, there oc-
curred a very remarkable revival of religion, of which
he wrote a particular narrative. The congregation 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 in-
stalled as their pastor until the month of April, 1740.
The revival referred to a1)0ve connneneed a sliort
time after his settlement in the place. The following
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 173
account is contained in the " Narrative" which he
wrote in a letter to the Rev. Mr. Prince, of Boston,
in his "Christian History."
" New 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 judg-
ment with you and other pious and judicious people, that
the collecting and publishing 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 col-
lection in the Christian History, so far as it is already car-
ried on ; I think it may serve to many excellent purposes,
and be a 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 reve-
rend fathers and brethren on both sides of the Atlantic, to
the carrying on of the design of said history, containing
accounts of the revival and propagation of religion in this
remarkable day of grace. I cannot, indeed, give near so
full and particular a relation of the revival of religion here
as I might have done, had I had such a thing in view at
the time when God was most eminently 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 imperfect 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 ;
15*
174 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 o^ conscience, and not just to obtain a
name for religion among men, then they were ready to
conclude that they were truly and sincerely religious. A
very lamentable ignorance of the main essentials of true
practical religion, and the doctrines nextly relating there-
unto, very generally 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 tlie 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-distressing sight of the soul's danger, and fear of
divine wrath, it was only needful for the grosser sort of sin-
ners; 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 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 acquainted, 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 acknowledged guilty of this
crime, but hardly any professed Presbyterian. The neces-
sity of being first in Christ by a vital union, and in a justi-
fied state, before our religious services 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, through the land, careless
at heart, and stupidly indifferent about the great concerns
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 175
of eternity. There was very little appearance of any
hear cy-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 careles^ehaviour the public
ordinances were attended, and how ^ople were given to
unsuitable worldly discourse on the Lord's holy day. In
public companies, especially at weddings, a vain and frothy
lightness was apparent in the deportment of many j)ro-
fessors; 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
Spirit, in an eminent manner. The first very open and pub-
lic appearance of this gracious visitation in these parts, was
in the congregation which God has committed to my charge.
This congregation has 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 three, chiefly are
made up of people from that kingdom).'*' I am the first
minister they have ever had settled in the place, having
been 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 ear-
nest invitation of the people here, I came to them in the
beginning of November, 1739 ; accepted a call from them
that winter, and was formally installed and settled among
them as their minister in April following. There were
some hopefully pious people here at my first coming, which
was great encouragement and comfort to me.
* "It maybe 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 j and these are generally Roman
Catholics. 2. Those who descend from ancestors who came from Eng-
land ; and these are generally Church of England men. 3. Those who
descend from ancestors who came from Scotland since the Reformation ;
and these are generally Presbyterians, who chiefly inhabit the north-
erly parts of Ireland ; and these are the people who have of late years, in
great numbers, removed thence into these American regions.
176 THE LOG COLLEGE.
" 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 i^ persons in a natural unregenerate
state. I endeavoured,^ the Lord enabled me, to open up and
prove from his word the truths which I judged most ne-
cessary for such as were in that state to know and believe, in
order to their conviction and conversion. I endeavoured to
deal searchiugly and solemnly with them ; and through the
concurring blessing of God 1 had knowledge of four or five
brought under deep convictions that winter.
" In the beginning of 31arch 1 took a journey into East
Jersey, and was abroad for two or three Sabbaths. A
neighbouring minister, who seemed to be in earnest for the
awakening and conversion of secure sinners, and whom I
had obtained to preach a Sabbath to my people in my
absence, preached to them, I think, on the first Sab-
bath after I left home. His subject was the dangerous and
awful case of such as continue unregenerate 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 cumbcrcth 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 any-
thing concerned about himself at 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 T So, thouglit 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 distress, which, to all ap-
pearance, has had a happy issue ; his conversation being to
this day as becomes the gospel of Christ.
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 1T7
"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 and explaining the parts of the text, when, in
the improvement, I came to press the injunction in the text
upon the unconverted 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, but burst out in the
most bitter mourning I desired them, as much as possible,
to restrain themselves from making any noise that would
hinder themselves 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 the 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 ap-
pearance of the divine power and presence. I think there
was scarcely a sermon or lecture preached here through that
whole summer, but there were manifest evidences of im-
pressions on the hearers ; and many times the impressions
were very great and general; several would be overcome
and fainting ; others deeply sobbing, hardly able to contain ;
others crying in a most dolorous manner; many others
more silently weeping ; and a solemn concern appearing iu
the countenances of many others. And sometimes the
soul-exercises of some (though comparatively but very few)
would so far affect 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
178 THE LOG COLLEGE.
worship and hearing of the word; indeed, many came to
me, of themselves, in their distress, for private instruction
and counsel ; and I found, so far as I can remember, that
with by far the greater part their apparent concern in pub-
lic was not a transient qualm 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 stran-
gers to those dispositions, exercises, and experiences of soul
in religion, which they heard laid down from God's word,
as the inseparable 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 per-
formance of outward duties ; they saw they had been con-
tenting 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
righteousness, and not the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
" In a word, they saw that true practical religion was
quite another thing than they had conceived it 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 be-
lieve 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
jnatters of religion and areat 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 reforniatiim in
this respect in our jtublic assemblies on the Lord's day.
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 179
" 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 remark-
ably with us. The main scope of mj^ 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,
&c. 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 obtaining a right peace to
an awakened wounded conscience ; showing that persons were
not to take peace to themselves on account of their repent-
ings, sorrows, prayers, and reformations j nor to make these
things the grounds of their adventuring 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 understanding view, and believing
persuasion of the way of life as revealed in the gospel,
through the suretyship, obedience and sufferings of Jesus
Christ ; with a view of the suitableness and sufiiciency of
that mediatory righteousness of Christ, for the justification
and life of law-condemned sinners ; and thereupon freely ac-
cepting him for their Saviour, heartily consenting to and being
well pleased with the way of salvation, and venturing their
all upon his mediation, from the warrant and encouragement
afforded of Grod 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, &c.
"After some time, many of the convinced and distressed
afforded very hopeful, satisfying evidence that the Lord had
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
180 THE LOG COLLEGE.
Grod. Several of them had very remarkable and sweet de-
liverances this way. It was very agreeable to hear their
accounts, how that when they were in the deepest perplexity
and darkness, distress and difl&culty, seeking God as poor,
condemned, 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 Jloly
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 gospel-offer or
promise, or some declaration of Grod directly referring to the
recovery and salvation of undone sinners by the new cove-
nant. But with some it was otherwise ; they had not any
one particular place of Scripture more than another 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
aftectionato regard to the will and honour of God; much of
their exercise was in self-abasing and self-loathing, and ad-
miring the astonishing condescension and grace of God
towards such vile and despicable creatures, that had been so
full of enmity and disaffection to him. They freely and
sweetly, with all their hearts, chose the way of his com-
mandments ; 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 remaikable 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 dis-
tressing suspicion and jealousy of their case. I was all
along very cautious of expressing to people my judgment of
the goodness of their states, except where I had pretty clear
evidences from them of their being savingly changed ; and
yet thc}^ continued in deep distress, casting oflF all their
evidences. Sometimes, in such cases, I have thought it
needful to use greater freedom that way than ordinary ; but
otherwise I judged that it could be of little use, and might
easily be hurtful.
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 181
"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 congre-
gation that I knew of,) who, having very little knowledge
or capacity, had a very obscure and improper way of repre-
senting their case. In relating how they had been exer-
cised, they would chiefly speak of such things as were only
the eiFects 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
faintness, 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 exami-
nation 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 from
all my acquaintance and conversation with them, it was
much to this purpose. They believed there was a good
work going on ; that people were convinced, and brought
into a converted state ; and the}' desired to be converted too.
They saw others weeping and fainting, and heard people
mourning and lamenting, and they thought if they could be
like these it would be very hopeful with them ; hence, they
endeavoured 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 were got under convictions, and were in a very
hopeful way; and afterwards they would speak of their
16
182 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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
themselves with an imaginary conversion of their own
making. 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
sinners ; 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
awakenings and other religious exercises which people were
under during the above mentioned period. Such as were
only under some slight impressions and superficial awaken-
ings, 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,
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
satisfying 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
subjects of a thorough saving change. Except in some
singular instances of behaviour, which alas ! proceed from,
and show 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
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 183
carriage towards their neighbours just and kind, and they
appear to have an agreeable peculiar love one for another,
and for all in whom appears the image of God. Their dis-
courses of religion, their engagedness and dispositions of
soul in the practice of the immediate duties and ordinances
of religion, all appear quite otherwise than formerly. In-
deed, the liveliness of their affections in the ways of religion
is much abated in general, and they are in some measure
humbly sensible 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 enlivenings
of soul, and particularly our sacramental solemnities for
communicating in the Lord's supper, have generally 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 opposi-
tion 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.
" 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
proper 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 affair, both in
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 seeing
others so much concerned about their souls. When she saw
people in deep distress about the state of their souls, shs
184 THE LOG COLLEGE.
thought with herself, how unconcerned she was ahout her
own. And though she thought that she had not been very
guilty of great sins, yet she feared she was too little con-
cerned about her eternal well-being ; and then the sermons
she heard made her still uneasy about her case, so that
she would go homo 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
renewed for a few days again. And thus it fared with her,
until one day as she was hearing a sermon preached from
Ileb. iii. 15 : ' To-day if you will hear his voice harden not
your hearts.' The minister, in the sermon, spoke to this
effect : * How many of you have been hearing the gospel for
a long time, and yet your hearts remain always hard, with-
out 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 misimprovcment of the gospel, of her stupidity,
hardness, and unprofitableness under the hearing of the
word of God. She saw that she was hereby exposed to
the sin-punishing justice of God, and so was filled with
very great fear and terror ; 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 concern, 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 ordi-
nary use of her understanding, and begged that Christ
might not leave her to perisb, for she saw that she was un-
done without him. After this she lived in bitterness of
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 185
soul ; and at another time she had such a view of her sin-
fulness, of the holiness and justice of Grod, and the danger
she was in of eternal misery, as filled her with extreme an-
guish, so that had it not been that she was supported by
an apprehension of Grod's all-sufficiency, she told me she
was persuaded she should have fallen immediately into de-
spair. She continued for some weeks in great distress 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 happiness of the heavenly
state, that her heart was filled with joy unspeakable and
full of glory. She sung with such elevation of soul, as if
she had sung out of herself, as she expressed it ; she thought
at the time, it was as if the Lord had put by the veil and
showed her the open glory of heaven ; she had very en-
larged views of the sufficiency of Christ to save j she was
clearly persuaded, to the fullest satisfaction, that there was
merit enough in him to answer for the sins of the most
guilty sinner ; and she saw that Grod could well be recon-
ciled to all elect sinners in his Son ; which was a most rav-
ishing, delightful scene of contemplation to her.
*^ But while she was in this frame, after some time, she
thought 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 and certainty as she de-
sired, that he would be a Saviour in particular to her ; and
hence, for want of thoroughly understanding wherein the
very essence of saving faith consists, she had some jealous
fear that she was not yet brought truly to believe in Christ.
However, she was pretty free from her former terrors after
this sweet interview. But after some 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 thought included in it a persuasion that he was
theirs in particular, and she could not clearly say that this
bad ever been her case ; and so she came awfully to suspect
herself to be as yet an unbeliever ; and though she came in
16*
186 THE LOG COLLEGE.
time to that sweet plerophory, and full assurance of faith,
yet she has since seen her mistake in that matter about the
nature of a true and saving faith. She continued very much
under those grievous dejections for about two years, and yet
enjoyed considerable sweetness and comfort at times. She
often came to hear sermons with a desire to get clearly con-
vinced of her being yet in a Christlcss state, and with a
formed resolution to take and apply to herself what might
be said in the sermon to the unconverted ; but most com-
monly she returned very agreeably disappointed. She would
generally hear some mark of grace, some evidence of a real
Christian laid down, which she could lay claim to, and could
not deny ; and thus she was supported and comforted from
time to time. During these two years, it was still with
much fear and perplexity that she adventured to commu-
nicate in the 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 Righteous-
ness at last broke out upon her, to the clear satisfaction and
unspeakable ravishment of her soul, at a communion table.
There her mind was let into the glorious mysteries of re-
demption with great enlargement. AVhile she meditated on
the sufferings of the Lord Jesus, she thought with herself,
he was not merely a man who suifered so for sinners, but
infinitely more than man, even the most high God, the eter-
nal Son, equal with the Father; and she saw his being God,
put an infinite lustre and value 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 be-
lieve in him with 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 generally delighting in God, and she had much of the
light of his countenance with her ; and oh ! her great con-
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 187
cern still was, how she might live to the Lord, how she
might do anything for him, and give honour to him. The
Lord condescended to be much with her by his enlivening
and comforting presence, and especially sacramental seasons
were blessed and precious seasons to her. At one of those
occasions 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 an-
other time, a communion 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 memora-
ble enjoyment she had at another time, 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 get quite away. 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 inquired of her, she told me she expected pretty much to
die then, and was very joyful at the near prospect of her
change, and sensibly grieved to find herself recover again,
chiefly because, that while she lived here she was so frail
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 afilicting 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 deport-
ment in the world bespeaks much humility and heavenlines9
of spirit.
188 THE LOG COLLEGE.
^' One of our Christian friends, a man about fifty years of
age, was removed from us by death in the beginning of May
last, of whom I can give some broken imperfect account,
which perhaps may be of some use. His name was Hans
Kirkpatrick; he was a man of pretty good understanding,
and had been, I believe, a sober professor for many years,
though he had not been very long in America. After the
work of religion began so powerfully amongst us, I found, io
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 in 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 ' 31r. Mather's Dead Faith
Anatomized, and Self-justiciary Convicted,' he said to me,
that was indeed a strange book as ever he saw, and that
according to that author, 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 him before. Not long after
this, as he was hearing a sermon one day, the word was ap-
plied with irresistible evidence and power to his heart, so
that he saw himself as yet in a perishing, undone case;
whereupon the distress and exercise of his soul was so great,
that he fell oflF the seat on which he was sitting, and wept
and cried very bitterly. A little after this he went to Phi-
ladelphia, at the time of the meeting of the Synod, in hopes
that perhaps he might meet with some benefit to his soul by
hearing the ministers preach there, or by conversing with
gome of them. He told me afterwards that while he was
there, and as he walked the streets, he was unspeakably dis-
tressed 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
bis 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.
THE EEV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 189
"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 fears and jealousies about
his souFs 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 con-
tinued 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 dis-
course of God and divine things. One time, as two other
of our elders were with him, he exhorted them to continue
steadfast and faithful to God's truths and cause, for, he said,
if he had a thousand souls he could freely venture them all
upon the doctrines which had been taught them in this con-
gregation. One time when I took leave of him he 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 appearance, 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 religion was so much revived here. I dis-
coursed with them both very lately, and from their own
account, and the account of their parents, 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 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 3 and as she thought of heaven, and
190 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 willing 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, then ?' she said, ' because 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
game summer, by sickness. It continued with her some
time after her recovery ; 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 religion ; that no weather,
through the extremity of winter, would hinder them from
going out daily to by-places for secret prayer; and if any-
thing 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
are very obedient children, and strict observers of the Sab-
bath.
" There are likewise other young ones in the place, of
whom I know nothing to the contrarj^, but that they con-
tinue hopeful and religious to this day.
'' This blessed shower of divine influences spread very
much through this province that summer; and was like-
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 191
wise considerable in some other places bordering upon it.
The accounts of some ministers being something distin-
guished by their sccirchnig, awakening doctrine, and solemn,
pathetic manner of address, and the news of the effects of
their preaching upon their hearers, seemed in some mea-
sure 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 congregations without any set-
tled pastors, which earnestly begged for their visits; and
several ministers who did not appear heartily to put their
shoulder to help in carrying on the same work, yet then
yielded to the pressing importunities of their people, in in-
viting those brethren to preach in their pulpits ; so that
they were very much called abroad, and employed in inces-
sant 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 accompanying their preaching, was visible among the
multitudes of their hearers. It was a very comfortable, en-
livening time to Grod'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 Grod. 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 experi-
ences 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 know-
ledge of the true doctrines of Christianity, afford very
satisfying evidences of being brought to a saving acquaint-
ance with God in Christ Jesus.
" Thus, sir, I have endeavoured to give a brief account
of the revival of religion among us in these parts; in-
which I have endeavoured, all along, to be conscientiously
exact in relating things according to the naked truth ;
knowing that I must not speak wickedly, even for God, nor
talk deceitfully for him.
"And, upon the wholej I must say it is beyond all
192 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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,
" Year very respectful son and servant,
"Samuel Blair.
" Rev. Sir : — Having an opportunity of obtaining these
attestations before sending my letter to you, I send them
also along ; if you please they may be inserted in the Chris-
tian History at the end of my account. S. B.
" New Londonderry, August 7th, 1744.
"We the subscribers, 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 con-
gregation and other parts of this country, so for as the said
account relates to things that were open to public observa-
tion, and such thing as we have had opportunity of being
acquainted with. Particularly, we testify, that there has
been a great and very general awakening among the people,
whereby they have been stirred up to an earnest uncommon
concern and diligence about their eternal salvation, accord-
ing to the above account of it ; and that many give very
comfortable evidence by their knowledge, declaration of ex-
perience, and conscientious practice, of their being savingly
changed and turned to Grod.
James Cocuran, John Smith,
John Ramsay, John Simson,
John Love, Wm. Boyd."
Mr. Samuel Blair was truly a burning and a shining
light ; but like many others of this description, while
he warmed and enlightened others, he himself was con-
sumed. Though his life was protracted 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 :
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 193
** Here lieth the body of
The Rev. Samuel Blair,
Who departed this life,
The5thday of July, 1751.
Aged 39 years and 21 days."
" In yonder sacred house I spent my breath,
Now silent, mouldering, here I lie in death ;
These lips shall wake again and yet declare
A dread amen to truths they published there.''
Mr. Blair was one of the most learned and profound,
as well as pious, excellent, and venerable men of his
day. His deep and clear views as a theologian, are
sufficiently evident from his treatise on " Predestina-
tion,'' 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 exceedingly impressive. He spoke
as in the view of eternity, as in the immediate pres-
ence of God. The opinion which Mr. Davies en-
tertained of Mr. Blair as a preacher, may be learned
from an anecdote received from Dr. Rodgers, by the
late Rev. Dr. S. Miller : " When the Rev. Samuel
Davies returned from Europe, his friends were curious
to learn his opinion of the celebrated preachers whom
he had heard in England and Scotland. After dealing
out liberal commendations on such as he had most ad-
mired, 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 proceedings
of the New Brunswick Presbytery, in which they acted
in opposition to the rule of the Synod, requiring can-
didates to be examined by a committee of their appoint-
ment, and in preaching within the bounds of settled
congregations, where the people requested it. He also
17
194 THE LOG COLLEGE.
united with INIr. Tennent in presenting to the Synod
complaints against the members 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 immediate separation of the parties, a schism
which continued 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 were much to blame in setting themselves in
opposition to the revival of religion which had so glo-
riously commenced. By doing so, they incurred a
fearful responsibility. That Tennent and Blair trans-
gressed the rules of order cannot be denied. They
disobeyed the Synod, and entered into the congrega-
tions of their brethren without their consent. Whether
in these things they were excusable, will depend upon
the true state of the churches at that time. Our Sa-
viour and his apostles disregarded the orders of the
priests and of the synagogue. 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 gos-
pel to every creature to whom he can gain access, and
if a certain number of people, Avho are anxious to hear
the gospel, happen by human arrangements to be cir-
cumscribed Avithin the limits of a parish over which
another has charge ; and if this nominal pastor is be-
lieved 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 arrangements intended
to promote order, and carry the gospel to those who
are thirsting for the word of life ? No doubt the prin-
ciple 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
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR. 195
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 continue to maintain in theory an orthodox
creed, and yet may manifest such deadly hostility to
vital piety that they must be considered the enemies
of the cause of God and the 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 sincere
Christians, and only meant to set themselves in oppo-
sition to those opinions and practices connected with
the revival, which were reprehensible.
But that many of those of the Old Side manifested
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 subjects of it
have given me such accounts of the malign spirit with
which the whole 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 religion. And something of
the same spirit of hostility 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
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 imper-
196 THE LOG COLLEGE.
fections. Some of them were men of ardent tempera-
ment, and somewhat overbearing disposition; 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 themselves viewed matters in a very
difterent light from what they had done in the heat of
the controversy.
CHAPTER XV.
THE KEV. JOHN BLAIR.
Education — First settlement — Driven away hj the Indians — Is called to
Fagg's Manor — Continues the school — Elected Professor of Theology
in Nassau Hall — Resigns on the arrival of Dr. Witherspoon — Removes
to Orange County, N.Y. — His end — The family of the Blairs.
The Rev. John Blair was a younger brother of
the person whose memoir is given in the preceding
chapter. He was also an alumnus 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 Newville) 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 popu-
lated part of the colony. Mr. Blair, it would seem,
never returned to the place whence he had been driven
by the invasion 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
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 im-
pressive 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 candi-
dates for the ministry, these academies, which had
done so much for the church, no longer had tne same
17* ^ (197)
198 THE LOG COLLEGE.
importance as when no such institution existed. Ac
cordingly, not only did the Log College, at Neshaminy,
which was the mother institution, cease as soon as the
college was erected, but the celebrated school at Not-
tingham was not continued after Dr. Finley was chosen
president of Nassau Hall. And when Dr. Finley died,
a sum of money having been left for the support of a
professor of divinity, Mr. John Blair was elected pro-
fessor of theology in the College of New Jersey. This
invitation 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 sup-
port a professor of theology distinct from the president,
and it being known that Dr. Witherspoon was an or-
thodox and eminent theologian, Avho could consistently
with his other duties teach 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 continued to labour in the duties of the min-
istry until he was called away from the field by death,
which occurred Dec. 8, 1771, in his /32d year.*
The character of Mr. Jolin JMair is thus drawn, by
a writer of a sketch of his life in the Assembly's
Magazine :"
'^ John Blair, an eminent minister of Pennsylvania, was
ordained to the pastoral charge of three congregations iu
Cumberland county, as early as 1742. These were frontier
* The following is the inscription on his tomh-stone :
*'Here lie interred the remains of the Rev. Mr. John Blair, A. M., who
departed this life December 6, 1771, in the 52d year of his age.
'' He was a gentleman of a masterly genius. A good scholar, an excellent
divine. A very judicious, instructive, and solemn preacher. A laborious
and successful minister of Christ. An eminent Christian. A man of great
prudence — and a bright exami)le of every social virtue.
" He was some time Vice President of Nassau Hall, and Professor of Di-
vinity in the College of New Jersey, which places he filled with fidelity
and reputation. He lived greatly beloved, and died universally lamented."
THE REV. JOHN BLAIR. 199
settlements and exposed 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 con-
tinued about nine years ; and besides discharging the duties
of the ministry, he superintended also a flourishing gram-
mar-school, and prepared many young men for the ministry.
When the presidency of New Jersey College became vacant,
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. Witherspoon.
" He was a judicious and persuasive preacher, and through
his exertions sinners were converted, and the children of
God edified. Fully convinced of the truth of the doctrines
of grace, he addressed immortal souls with that warmth and
power which left a witness in every bosom. Though he
sometimes wrote his sermons in full, yet his common mode
of preaching was by short notes, comprising the general
outlines. His labours were too abundant to admit of more ;
and no more was necessary to a mind so richly stored with
the great truths of religion. For his large family he
amassed no fortune, but he left them what was infinitely
better, a religious education, a holy example, and prayers
which have been remarkably answered. His disposition
was uncommonly patient, placid, benevolent, disinterested,
and cheerful. He was 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 Presbyterian form of
government is most Scriptural, and the most favourable to
religion and happiness.
" In his last sickness, he imparted his advice to the con-
gregation, and represented to his family the necessity of an
interest in Christ. A few nights before he died^ he said,
^Directly I am going to glory — my Master calls me, I
must be gone.' ''
Mr. John Blair left behind him a treatise on Re-
generation, which is ably written and entirely ortho-
dox. He also published a treatise on the Scriptural
200 THE LOG COLLEGE.
terms of admission to the Lord's Supper, in which he
maintains that ministers and church officers have no
more authority to debar from the Lord's table those
who desire to attend, 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, Phila-
delphia, had republished in a small selection of treatises
on the Lord's Supper ; from which it may be inferred,
that he approved the sentiments which it contains.
It is always gratifying to a laudable curiosity to
learn something respecting the families and descendants
of men once eminent in the church, although in the
pursuit of this knowledge we often meet with mortify-
ing 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 married to distinguished ministers
of the Presbyterian church ; the one to the Bev. John
Carmichael, pastor of the church at the Forks of Bran-
dy wine, who was also an eminent patriot in the strug-
gle of this country for independence. The other was
married to the Rev. Robert Smith, D. D., of Pequea,
the father of three ministers who were eminent in the
Presbyterian church, and two of them distinguished
presidents of literary institutions. The Rev. Doctor
Samuel S. Smith was the first president of Hampden
Sidney College in Virginia, and then the immediate
successor of Dr. "Witherspoon as president of New
Jersey College. The other, the Rev. John B. Smith,
D. D., succeeded his brother as president of Hamp-
den Sidney, and was afterwards the first president
of Union College in Schenectady. He was an elo-
qaent, evangelical, and successful minister. Under his
ministry in Virginia commenced a powerful and ex-
tensive revival, the influence of which extended far and
wide through that state, and also to North Carolina
and Kentucky. Mr. William Smith, the thii'd son, was
a pious, judicious minister, less distinguished than
THE REV. JOHN BLAIR 201
either of his brothers ; 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 col-
league 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 held by the trustees of the
college may be learned from the fact, that after Dr.
AYitherspoon had declined the first invitation of the
board, young Mr. Blair was elected president, before
he was thirty years of age. But soon after his elec-
tion, intelligence was received from Scotland, that if
the call were repeated. Dr. Witherspoon would, in all
probability accept the invitation. As soon as this was
known to Mr. Blair, he immediately wrote to the presi-
dent of the board, declining the office. This prompt
and generous decision 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 san-
guine hopes of his friends were far from being realized
in his future usefulness. By being shipwrecked 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 which affected his spirits not a little. He there-
202 THE LOG COLLEGE.
fore did not remain long in Boston, but returned to
Pennsylvania, where he resided at the house of his
father-in-law. Dr. Sliippen, in Germantown, and was
very little engaged in the duties of his office after-
wards, although his life Avas protracted to a good old
age.
The writer, having spent several summers in German-
town before Dr. Blair's decease, had the opportunity
of becoming well acquainted with him, and found him
to be a man of great refinement of mind, mihl and
amiable in disposition, and friendly to evangelical doc-
trine and practical piety.
From the history of this popular young man it may
be inferred, that too much apj)lause is a dangerous
thing to a young minister. Another remark which
may be made is, that for a young man to form a con-
nection by marriage with a rich and fashionable family,
seldom works well for his usefulness in the ministry,
especially if his partner is of a gay and worldly dis-
position. And la.-tly, that speculation on deep points
of theology, when the mind is not under a decided
spiritual influence, is alwa3"S attended with evil even to
those who at bottom are sincerely pious.
One of the daughters of Samuel Blair, sen., was
married 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 re-
moved, and on the rising population of which his evan-
gelical labours and holy example left a lasting impres-
sion.
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 Virginia, and be-
came the principal of an academy, which had been
established by the Rev. Daniel McCalla. While in
this office he applied himself to the study of theology,
without any instructer, and having passed the usual
THE REV. JOHN BLAIR. 203
trials, to tlie approbation of the Presbytery of Hano-
ver, he was licensed to preach the gospel. The acad-
emy 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 con-
gregation and erected a church in the lower part of
the city, Mr. Blair's hearers made an exertion, and
built a handsome church on Shockoe Hill. He was a
sensible, pleasant man, and much respected by all the
leading characters in the city of Richmond ; but he
possessed a moderate degree of religious zeal, and no
considerable fruits attended his ministry, as far as has
come to our knowdedge.
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. He was the
father of Mr. Blair, the well known editor of a leading
political paper in Washington city.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE REV. SAMUEL FIXLEY, D. D.
Birth in Ireland — Emio^ration to America — Education at the Log Col-
lege— Becomes a popular Preacher — A successful Itinerant — Settles at
Nottingham, Maryland — Institutes a Classical School — Eminent as a
Teacher — Distinguished Scholars — Elected President of New Jersey
College — Continues in this station five years — Seized with a Liver Cora-
plaint — Qoes to Philadelphia to consult Physicians — Dies there in the
triumphs of Faith — Burial — Writings.
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 al-
though his talents were very inferior to those of his
brother Samuel, yet he was reckoned to be emirently
pious, and continued laboriously to preach the gospel
until an advanced period of life. Ilis latter years he
spent in the western part of Pennsylvania, where he
died some years before the close of the last century.
The writer remembers to have seen him at a meeting
of the Virginia Synod, in Lexington, in the year 1789.
He was one of the pioneers who, amidst many hard-
ships and privations, carried the gospel to the settlers
in the country round about Pittsburgh ; and was the
companion and coadjutor of such men as McMillan,
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 quick capacity, and fond of learning,
they resolved to give him the best education which
(204)
THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY. 205
their circumstances would admit; and after "he had
obtained the rudiments of an English education, he
was sent abroad some distance from home to prose-
cute his studies. In this school he distinguished
himself by his assiduity and his proficiency 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 subject
of di\dne grace at a very early age. He has been
heard to say, that when only six years old he heard a
sermon which made a deep impression on his mind,
the text of which he never forgot. From that day he
was seized with an ardent desire to become a minister
of the gospel. 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 holy ministry. As he arrived in
Philadelphia at the very time when Mr. Tennent's
school was flourishing at Neshaminy, and as there was
then no other institution in the Presbyterian church
where young men were trained for the ministry, there
is the strongest probability 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 excel-
lence, he was greatly instrumental in carrying on the
work of the Lord, which at that time prevailed in al-
most 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 Ten-
18
20G THE LOG COLLEGE.
nent was afterwards called in Philadelphia. His
ordination took place on the 13th of October, in
the year 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 itin-
erant labours. It was, probably, during this period
that he made a preaching excursion into Connecticut.
But so rigid were the laws of this land of steady
habits, that Mr. Finley, for preaching in a congrega-
tion in New Haven, Avas seized as a vagrant by the
civil authority, and carried beyond the limits 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 gospel
ministry. This school was conducted with admirable
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 founda-
tion of their eminence and usefulness in this academy.
At one time, there was a cluster of such young men,
w^ho all were afterwards distinguished, 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 Bush, of Philadelphia, and
his brother, Jacob Bush, an eminent and pious judge ;
Ebenezer Hazard, Esq., of Philadelphia ; Bev. James
AVaddel, D. D., of Virginia ; Bev. Dr. McWhorter,
of Newark, N. J. ; Col. John Bayard, speaker of the
House of Beprcsentativcs ; Governor Henry, of Mary-
land, and the Bev. 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.
* In Allen's American Biography, his continuance here is made to b9
only seven years; but he went there in 1744, and removed in 1761.
THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY. 207
That Dr. Finley was an accomplished scholar, and a
skilful 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, was
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 face-
tious 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 invitation, he
strongly recommended Dr. Finley. It cannot be de-
nied, that both in scholarship, and skill in teaching, the
latter was far superior. Dr. Finley too, was a much
older man, and had been several years longer in the
ministry. But Davies was a man of much more
genius and eloquence, and his acquaintance with Eng-
lish literature was far more perfect.
The premature decease of so many presidents of
New Jersey College brought forward a succession of
illustrious men who have ever since reflected honour on
that literary institution. Dickinson, Burr, Edwards,
Davies, and Finley, all filled the presidential chair
w^ithin five or six years. Dr. Finley was elected presi-
dent in the year 1761, and immediately entered on the
duties of the oflice, and the trustees were not disap-
pointed in their expectations of his wisdom and efficiency.
As he was permitted to remain five years in office, he
had the opportunity of carrying into effect plains for
the improvement of the institution, so that its reputa-
tion was greatly extended. Dr. Finley held corres-
pondence with some of the learned men of Europe,
208 THE LOG COLLEGE.
among whom was Dr. Samuel Chandler, of London,
who, as appears by his letters, entertained a high es-
teem, and indeed affectionate friendship for his distant
correspondent. It was through the influence 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 instance of any Presbyterian
minister in America receiving that honorary distinc-
tion. 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 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 they are con-
scious that they are not fit to be compared, lived and
died without liaving their names distinguished by any
such title. The disease by which Dr. Finley's consti-
tution was attacked, an obstruction of the liver, was
supposed to have been contracted by too great as-
siduity in his studies, and too constant occupation in
the public duties of his office. He did not die at home,
but in the city of Phihulelphia, whither he had gone to
consult physicians respecting his disease. When in-
formed by the physician wlio attended him, that no-
thing could be done to remove his malady, and that it
must soon prove mortal, he expressed an entire resig-
nation to the divine will, and from that time was en-
gaged in setting his house in order. He said, " If
my work is done, I am ready ; I do not desire to live 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 a few days to live, on which, lifting up his eyes
to heaven, he exclaimed, " Then, welcome, Lord Jesus."
On the Sabbath preceding his death, he was in-
THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY. 209
formed by Dr. Clarkson, his brother-in-law, that he
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, though I have often abused, he re-
turned in mercy. Oh 1 faithful are the promises of
God ! O that I could see him as I have seen him in
the sanctuary ! Although I have earnestly desired
death, as the hireling pants for the evening shade, yet
will I wait all the days of my appointed time. I have
often struggled with principalities and powers, and
have been brought almost to despair — Lord, let it suf-
fice !" Here he sat up, and closing his eyes, he
prayed fervently 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 ministry.
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 un-
w^orthiness ; 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 his experience. The Lord
has made provision for the whole way ; provision for the
soul and for the body. 0, that I could recollect Sab-
bath blessings ! The Lord has 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
18*
210 THE LOG COLLEGE.
say, I feel the same strait that Paul did, that he knew
not which to choose, ' for to me to live is Christ, but
to die is gain.' But should God, by a miracle, pro-
long 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 further off." It being re-
marked, that he always used the expression, " dear
Lord," in his prayers, he answered, "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 ; you ^vill for ever hold intercourse
with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and with the spirits
of the just made perfect — with old friends, and miiny
old fashioned people." " Yes, sir,'' he replied with a
smile, " but they are a most polite people noiv.'' 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."* Dr. Finley
seeing a member 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 without 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
* This hope, however, was not realized, for Mrs. Finley continued to
live many years after her husband's decease. She was a long time com-
pletely blind ; but under this privation, manifested a pious and contented
disposition ; being entirely resigned to the will of her Heavenly Father.
It was an edifying and refreshing thing for any person to pay a visit to
her and her companion, Mrs. Hodge, with whom she lived. Their con-
versation was indeed in heaven.
THE REV. SAMUEL FIN LEY. 211
love to the people of Princeton, and tell them that
I am going to die, and that I am not afraid to die."
He would sometimes cry out, " The Lord Jesus will
take care of his cause in this world !" Upon awaking
the next morning, he exclaimed, '^ Oh what a disap-
pointment 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 tliis
day, but what he did say was the language of triumph.
The next morning, with a pleasing smile on his coun-
tenance, he cried out, "01 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 confi-
dence— 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 depar-
ture, for I find it does not come ; but the Lord is faith-
ful, 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 you feel?'^ To
which he replied, ''•Full of triumph — I triumph
through Christ. Nothing clips my wings but the
thoughts of my dissolution being prolonged. 0 that
it w^ere to-night ! My very soul thirsts for eternal
rest." Mr. Spencer asked him what he saw in eter-
nity 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 righteousness of
Christ." He then desired Mr. Spencer to pray with
him before they parted, and said, " I have gained the
212 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 frequently
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 groan. During his whole sickness he was never
heard to utter a repining word, and in taking leave
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 Presbyte-
rian 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 Col-
lege, to show their respect for the deceased, caused a
cenotaph to be erected in the cemetery of Princeton,
THE REV. SAMUEL FINLET. 213
in a line with the tombs of the other Presidents whose
remains are there entombed.
Dr. Finlej was a person of low stature, and of a
round and ruddy countenance. In the pulpit he was
solemn, sensible, and sententious ; and sometimes
glowed with fervid animation. He was remarkable
for sweetness of temper, politeness, and generosity.
He was also distinguished for diligence and punctu-
ality in the performance of all his duties. His ser-
mons were rather solid than brilliant ; not hasty pro-
ductions, 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, mer-
chant of New York, who was a lineal descendant of
the Rev. David Clarkson, B. D., one of the two thou-
sand ministers ejected for non-conformity in England,
in the year 1662. His second wife survived him
forty-one years. His son, Ebenezer Finley, was a
physician in Charleston, South Carolina, where his
descendants still dwell, and are respectable, and
generally pious. One of his daughters was married
to Samuel Breeze, Esq., of Shrewsbury, New Jersey,
who was the mother of the wife of the Bev. Jedediah
Morse, D. D.
Dr. Finley wrote no work of any considerable size ;
but published several sermons and essays, which, how-
ever, are nearly out of print. In 1741 he published a
sermon on Matthew xii. 28, entitled " Christ Triumph-
ing and Satan Baging." In 1743, ''A Befutation of
Mr. Thompson's Sermon on Conviction;" and in the
same year, a treatise against the Moravians, entitled
" Satan Stripped of his Evangelical Bobe." In 1747,
a treatise against the xYntipedobaptism of Abel Mor-
gan, entitled "A Plea for the Speechless." And in
1749 he published a sermon, preached at the ordina-
214 THE LOG COLLEGE.
tion 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 prefixed to most editions of Davies's Sermons; to
■v\diich may be added, "A Sermon occasioned by the
Death of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent," preached in the
Second Presbyterian Church, Pliiladelpliia.
It would be desirable, if we had the materials, to
give a history of the flourishing and important academ-
ical 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 pro-
ceeded 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. AVaddcl ; but this would carry us much
beyond our prescribed limits, and in regard to several
of' the most distinguished of the persons mentioned,
would lead us over ground which has already been
occupied by abler hands.
CHAPTER XVIL
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 — Vis-
its Cub Creek — Conversion of David Austin — Sent for to Hanover —
Extraordinary religious awakening — Success of his labours — Mr. Da-
vies's Letter to Mr. Bellamy — Preaches in New York with his wonted
success — Also in Maryland— Died early.
Concerning the early history of this successful
evangelist very little 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. Robinson
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 considerable
expectations, he greatly overstayed the time which had
been allowed him ; and becoming deeply involved in
the dissipations of the town, he incurred large debts,
which he knew his father would never pay, and which
his aunt refused to discharge. In this situation, fear-
ing to return home, and unable to 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 sub-
sistence to teaching a school in New Jersey, in the
* Published by the Presbyterian Board of Publication.
(215)
216 TH.E LOG COLLEGE.
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 presen-
ted, 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 eftccts, 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 ; for
it is mentioned that 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 Pres-
byterians, 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 Is-
rael ;" that is, the distant and dispersed settlements
of Presbyterians in the states south of New Jersey.
THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 217
The Presbyterians, from the north of Ireland, between
the years 1720 and 1730, had come over to America
in large numbers. They generally landed at New
Castle, or Philadelphia, and then proceeded to the in-
terior of the country. On the frontier of Pennsyl-
vania they were greatly infested by the hostile incur-
sions of the Indians, which induced them to turn their
attention to the western parts of Virginia and North
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 foes.
The valley between the Blue Ridge and the North
mountain — a fine lime-stone farming country — was first
occupied by these Irish Presbyterians ; the Germans,
who now possess a large part of this fertile region,
came 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 bene-
volent 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 inquiring whether the
laws of the colonies into which he was going would
allow itinerant preachers to pass through the land.
Accordingly, he had penetrated but a short day's jour-
ney into the Old Dominion, and reached the town of
Winchester, when he was apprehended by the civil
authorities ; and it appearing 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 dis-
posal to make of him. The sheriff, to whom he was
committed, having 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
19
218 THE LOG COLLEGE.
a sensible, Avell-disposed man, he assumed the respon-
sibility of letting him go on his missionary tour. Mr.
Robinson proceeded along the valley, every where
finding new settlements of Presbyterians, until he
reached the waters of James river. The writer has
heard an old man, who was among the fii'st settlers of
the 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 further 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 Cliarlutte. Here he found a pretty
large settlement of Presbyterians, where he stopped
and preached; and here, as in all other places, his
ministry was 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 settlement at the time, and was after-
wards an elder in the church organized there. His
name was Rol)ert Weakly, born in Pennsylvania ; and
though brought up among the opposers of the revival,
he was led by curiosity to hear the Rev. Samuel Blair
preach, and was brought under deep conviction, and
after many trials, he hoped, to a sound conversion.
From this time he connected himself with the "New
Lights," as they were called. This man, late in 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 lived, 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 Presby-
terian 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.
THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 219
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 outside 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 streaming from his
eyes. After a few days of pungent conviction, he re-
ceived 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. Da-
vies, and Dr. Waddcl, and the Smiths, converse on re-
ligion, 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, w^ithout 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 settlement, then called "The
Caldwell Settlement," gave an account upon their re-
turn of the preacher they had heard. Upon hearing
this account, the serious people of Hanover inquired at
what time Mr. Robinson expected to return from Caro-
lina to Cub Creek, and they immediately resolved to
send two of their number to meet him at the time
specified. It so happened, however, that the informa-
220 THE LOG COLLEGE.
tion received was not correct, for when tlie messengers
arrived at Cub Creek, they found, to their disappoint-
ment, that he had passed several days before. Deter-
mined, however, not to go back Avithout him, they pur-
sued after him through a very rugged, mountainous
country, and overtook him at Rockfish, at the foot of the
Blue 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 arrive<l, the leaders of the dissenting congre-
gation were much perplexed and concerned lest his
doctrines should not accord with those which from books
they had imbibeil. Therefore, before he was introduced
to the congregation, 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 gratifying
to the reader to see the whole of the letter which Mr.
Davies wrote to Mr. Bellamy, in which the narrative of
Mr. Robinson's visit to Hanover is contained, it shall
be here inserted.
Letter from Mr. Davies, minister of Hanover, Vir-
ginia, to Mr. Bellamy of Bethlehem, in New-England.
" Juue 28, 1751.
" Rev. and Dear Sir : — " If the publication of a nar-
rative of the rise, progress, and present situation of religion
in Virginia, may not only gratify 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 with a criminal neglect if I refused to publi.sh
the marvellous works of the Lord among us. I hope I may
observe without the umbrage 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 attend-
ing public worship, and an equal surprising levity and uucon-
THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 221
cernedness in those that attend. Family religion a rarity,
and a solemn concern about eternal 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 disagreeable 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. Samuel 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, particularly 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 con-
cern was not very extensive. I have prevailed on my good
friend just now named, who was the principal private in-
strument of promoting the late work, asid therefore well
acquainted with it, to write me a narrative of its rise and
progress, and this, together with what he and others have
told me, I shall present to you without any material alter-
ations.
' In the year 1740, Mr. Whitefield had preached at Wil-
liarasburgh, 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 Grlasgow, and
taken from his mouth in short hand, which, after I
had read with great benefit, I invited my neighbours to come
and hear it ; and the plainness and fervency of these
discourses being attended with the power of the Lord,
many were convinced of their undone condition, and con-
strained to seek deliverance with the greatest solicitude. A
considerable number met to hear these sermons every Sab-
bath, 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 in-
19*
222 THE LOQ COLLEGE.
dications of religious concern were so strange and ridicu-
lous that they could not be occasioned by example or
sympathy, and the affectation of them would be so unpro-
fitable an instance of hypocrisy, that none could be teraptjud
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 means 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 phiccs 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 we were
called upon by the court to assign our reasons for it,
and to declar'^. what denomination we were of. As we
knew but little of any denomination of dissenters ex-
cept Quakers, we were at a loss what name to assume. At
length, recollecting that Luther 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 licv. Mr. William Kobin-
son. This Mr. Kobinson was a zealous, laborious min-
ister of Christ, who, by the permission of the Presbytery,
took a journey through the new settlements in Penn-
sylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. He founded a
congregation at Lunenburg.* In Ameliaf also, a county
somewhat nearer us than the former, his labours were ex-
tensively blest ; and while he was there, some of our
people sent him an invitation to come and preach at
our reading house. Being satisfied about the soundness of
his principles, and being informed that the method of his
preaching was awakening, we were very eager to hear him.
On the 6th of July, 1743, he preached his first sermon
to us from Luke xiii. 3, and continued with us preaching
four days successively. The congregation was large the
first day, and vastly increased the three ensuing. 'Tis
hard for the liveliest imao;ination to form an imafje of the
condition of the assembly, on these glorious days of the
* Now Charlotte. t ^^^ Cumberland.
THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 223
Son of Man. Such of us as had been hungering for 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 were 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 was as much good done by these
four sermons as by all the sermons preached in these parts
before or since. Before Mr. Robinson left us he suc-
cessfully endeavoured to correct some of our mistakes, and to
bring us to carry on the worship of Grod more regularly at
our meetings. After this we met to read good sermons, and
began 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 astonishing to observe the solemn impressions
begun or continued in many by hearing good discourses
read. I had repeated invitations to come to many places
round, some of them thirty or forty 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.
^ 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 particu-
lar, 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 stay 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 appears
to have been ; though there is still the greatest reason to
224 THE LOG COLLEGE.
hope that several bound themselves to the Lord in an ever-
lasting covenant never to be forgotten. Some time after
this, the llev. ]Mr. Koan was sent us by the Presbytery of
New Castle. He continued with us a longer time than any
of the former, and the happy effects of his ministrations arc
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 jNIr. Koan,
(though by that time he had departed the colony,) and some
who had invited him to preach at their houses were cited to
appear bef )re 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 places, and tliat help-
less creatures can send up their desires unseen in the midst
of a crowd. Six witnesses were cited to prove the indict-
ment against Mr. Koan, but their depositions were in his
favour, and the witness who accused him of blasphemy,
when he heard of the arrival of Messrs. Tennent and Fiuley
fled, and has not returned since, so that the indictment was
dropped. ]5ut I had reason to fear being banished the
colony, and all circumstances seemed to threaten the extir-
pation of religion among the dissenters in these parts. In
these difficulties, having no person of a public character to
appear in our favour, we were determined to acquaint the
Synod of New York with our case. Accordingly four of us
went to the Synod, May, 1745, when the Lord favoured us
with success. The Synod drew up an address to our gover-
nor, the honourable Sir William Gooch, and sent it with
Messrs. Tennent and Finley, 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 ministry. The
people of God were refreshed, and several careless sinners
THE EEV. WILLIAM ROBINSON. 225
were awakened Some that had trusted before in their moral
conduct and religious duties, were convinced of the deprav-
ity of their nature, and the necessity of regeneration, though
indeed there were but few unrcgenerate persons amono- us at
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 com-
monly the case still in such parts of the colony as the late
revival did not extend to.
' After they left us, we continued vacant for a considera-
ble time, and kept up our meetings for reading and praying
in several places, and the Lord favoured us with his
presence. I was again repeatedly presented and fined in
court for absenting myself from church, and keeping up un-
lawful meetings, (as they were called,) but the bush flour-
ished in the flames. The next that were appointed to sup-
ply 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 Joshua have delayed the revolutions of the heavens to
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 denomination.
After his departure we were destitute of a minister, and
followed our usual method of reading and prayer at our
meetings, 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 our discouragements from the govern-
ment were renewed and multiplied ; for upon a Lord's day, a
proclamation was set up at our meeting house, strictly re-
quiring 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
226 THE LOG COLLEGE.
we unexpectedly heard that Mr. Davies was come to preach so
long among us, and especially that he had qualified himself
according to law, and obtained the licensing of four meeting
houses among us, which had never been done before. Thus
man's extremity is the Lord's opportunity. For this season-
able interposition of Divine Providence we desire to offer our
grateful praises, and we importune the friends of Zion to
concur with us.
'' Thus far Mr. Morris's narrative. Then the Rev. Mr.
Davies proceeds to give an account of the state 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 officiate in and about Hanover, at four meeting-
houses, which, after some delay, was granted, upon my qua-
lifying according to the act of toleration. I preached fre-
quently in Hanover, and some of the adjacent counties; and
though the fervour of the late work was considerably abated,
and my labours were not blessed with success equal to those
of my brethren, yet I have reason to hope they were of
service in several instances. The importunities they used
with me to settle with them were invincible, and upon my
departure they sent a call for me to the Presbytery. After
I returned from Virginia I spent a year under melancholy
and consum])tive 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, ]}ut upon the arrival of a messenger
from Hanover I put my life in my hand, and determined to
accept of their call, hoping 1 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 disco-
vered a ready disposition to allow us all claimable privileges,
and the greatest aversion to persecuting measures; but, con-
sidering the shocking reports spread abroad concerning us
by officious malignants, it was no great wonder that the
council discovered 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 cha-
racter generally given them. In October, 1748, besides the
four meeting-houses already mentioned, the people petitioned
THE REV. WILLIAM ROBINSON. 227
for the licensing of three more, which with great difficulty
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 Gooch-
land. The nearest are twelve or fifteen miles distant from
each other, and the extremes about forty. My congregation
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 at-
tend when there is sermon at any of tliese houses. This I
looked upon at first as mere curiosity after novelty, 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 my former hopes. Fifty
or sixty families having thus been happily entangled in the
net of the gospel by their own curiosity, or some such mo-
tive. There are about three hundred communicants in my
congregation, of whom the greatest number are in the judg-
ment of rational charity real Christians ', besides some who
through excessive scrupulousness do not seek admission to
the Lord's table. There is also a number of negroes.
Sometimes I see an hundred and more among my hearers.
(Psa. 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 apos-
tatized ; 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 aspirations after
Christ, their incessant endeavours to know and do the will
of Grod, 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 Grod, 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-
228 THE LOG COLLEGE.
eion 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 Alleine, 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 suljstance, in the exercises of those
that can make the fairest claim to saving grace. There is
one Isaac Oliver here, whose history, could I write it intel-
ligibly 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<{uainted
with most of the doctrines, and many of the historical facts
of the Bible. I have seen him represent the crucifixion of
Christ in such significant signs, that I could not but under-
stand them. Those that live in the house with him can
hold conversation with him very readily. There is so much
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 behaviour; generally de-
lights to attend both public and family worship, though he
cannot hear a word ; and is observed sometimes to retire to
secret prayer, though he signifies that he is praying with
his heart when aboat his business or in company, which is
peculiarly practicable to him, as in all places he enjoys
retirement. I could relate several peculiarities about him,
but as they are unintelligible to myself, or might seem in-
credible 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 notwithstanding
the greatest natural or moral impediments ; and I submit it
to the judgment of others, whether a person so incapable of
external instructions, could be brought to know 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
THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 229
John Roan, can attest this relation. I forgot to inform you,
in its proper place, that the Eev. Mr. Davenport was sent
hy the Synod to Hanover last summer, and continued here
about two months, and, blessed 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 instru-
ment of it.
" Thus, dear sir, I have given you a brief account of what
I am persuaded you will readily own to be the work of the
Lord. We claim no infallibility, 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
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, you 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 considerable
number of perishing sinners are gained to the blessed Re-
deemer, 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 which 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 Albemarle, and one in
Augusta 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<]astle Pres-
bytery (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 con-
gregations, three at least in Augusta, one in Frederick, and
one at least in Lunenburgh and xVmelia.* Notwithstand-
ing the supplies our Presbytery have sent them, some of
them, particularly Lunenburgh, have been both a year to-
gether without one sermon. I hope one of them may soon
be provided by a pious young man, Mr. Todd, sent by New
* Now Charlotte and Cumberland.
20
230 THE LOO COLLEGE.
ni-iinswick Presbytery, but I have no prospect as to the
rest • for I can now count up at least six or seven vacant
con^rreo-ations in Pennsylvania, and two or three in Mary-
land, besides the five nientioned in the frontier counties of
Virginia, and a part of my own congregation, vrnich I would
willTngly declare 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. AVe have
indeed, of late, licensed several pious youths, but our vacan-
cies increase almost as fast as our ministers, by the settle-
ment of new places, or the breaking out of religious concern
in places where there was little before ; and some of our
most useful members are lately called home by death, such
as Messrs. llobinson and Dean, and now Mr. Samuel Blair.
May the Lord induce faithful ministers from New England,
or wherever they might be spared, to come and help us !
While these congregations have been destitute of settled
pastors, itinerant preaching among them has, by the bless-
ing of God, been very useful. Mr. Kobiuson underwent
great hardships in North Carolina, without much success,
by reason of the fewness and savage ignorance of the inhab-
itants ; but the case is now happily altered. A new con-
gregation, I think upon Pee-dee river, sent a petition lately
to o^iir Presbytery for a minister. Besides this, I 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. llobinson
was the instrument 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 ser-
vice were they furnished with a faithful minister. I met
with most encouragement in a part of Amelia county, where
very few had heard any of ray brethren. The assembliea
were large even on week days, and sometimes there appeared
much solemnity and aflfection among them. There appears
great probability of success if they had a faithful minister.
It was really aftiicting to me that the necessity of my own
concrregation constrained me to leave them so soon.^ In
Augusta there is a great number of solid, lively Christians.
Thei-e was a pretty general awakening there some years ago,
under the ministry of Messrs. Dean and Byram. I believe
THE KEY. WM. ROBINSON. 231
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 awak-
ening some years ago, which has had a blessed issue in
many, and the congregation have been seeking a minister
these several years. In Maryland also, there has been a
considerable 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 hopefully 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, astonishes me. 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 consider-
able congregation, and they 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 in-
stances. They also want a minister. But the most glo-
rious 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 deep and spreading concern ; the as-
semblies were numerous, though in the extremity of a cold
winter, and unwearied in attending the word; and frequently
there were very few among them that did not give some
plain indications of distress or joy. Oh I these were the
happiest days that ever my eyes saw. Since that the har-
vest 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 exten-
sive 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 youi* divine
232 THE LOG COLLEGE.
Master bless you and succeed your ministrations, and pour
out his Spirit on the land where you reside."*
Not only in Hanover, but in all the places where
Mr. Robinson preached, 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 wdio w\as
the father of Judge AVliite of Winchester, was one of
Mr. llobinson's great admirers, and I believe brought
to the experimental knowledge of the truth under his
ministry. Old Mr. Iloge, the father of the Rev. Dr.
Moses Iloge, who was a seceder, informed the writer
that he often heard Robinson when he preached at
Opekin and Cedar Creek, in Frederick county, and
while he admitted that he preached the gospel faith-
fully and with great zeal, yet he said tliere was a want
of method in his discourses. After Mr. Robinson's
return from this interesting tour, he laboured in the
state of New York with his usual success, and also in
some congregations in Maryland, where there was a
blessed work of grace under his ministry.
* "May 22(1, 1715, Mr. Gilbert Tonnont and Mr. Davics hcing at Ed-
inburgh, as agents for the trustees of the college of New Jersey (an insti-
tution that promises well, if tlic Lord vouchsafe it his blessing, for the
Buccess of the gospel,) Mr, Davies informs that one Mr. Lrown is lately
ordained in Augusta county, where there were sundry congregations va-
cant 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 bo of service in that wilderness, not only in his own
more peculiar charge, but in the neighbouring jdaces that have no minister
of their own. Also, that Mr. John Wright, who supplies Mr. Davies's
charge in his absence, has wrote that since he has officiated in his place,
there are considerable a])pearances of success in Caroline and Henrico,
where Mr. Davies was apprehensive he laboured much in vain. When Mr.
Davies left Virginia in August last, there was a hopeful appearance of a
greater spi-ead of religious concern among the negroes. A few weeks be-
fore he left home, he baptized in one day fifteen negroes, after they had
been catechized for some months, and given credible evidence of their sin-
cerely embracing the gospel. 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 pro-
fession of the gospel."
THE REV. WM. ROBINSON. 233
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 per-
son 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. Davies has
celebrated the labours and successes of this servant
of God in one of his poems, and Mr. Tennent some-
w^here 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 fervent piety and
evangelical spirit. It is not even known where his
body rests ; but his glorious Master whom he served so
faithfully in the gospel, will know where to find it
when he shall come to resuscitate the bodies of
his saints.
20*
CHAPTER XYIIL
MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN ROWLAND.
Mr. Rowland received by the Xew Brunswick Presbytery at its first
meeting, in violation of the rule of Synod — His trials — Speedy licen-
sure— Accepts a call to Maidenhead and llopewoU — Great revival — Ilia
letter to Mr. Prince — Removal to Pennsylvania — Revival at New Provi-
dence— Close of life unknown.
Of Mr. Rowland notliing is known prior to the time
when he was taken under the care of the New Bruns-
wick Presbytery, at its first meeting in August, 1738.
It is certain, indeed, that he was an alumnus of the
Log College, where probably he received the principal
part of his education.
In receiving him under tlieir 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 him-
self to an examination on his classical and scientific
attainments by a committee of the Synod. This rule
the Presbytery of New Brunswick believed to be arbi-
trary, and an undue infringement on the rights of
Presbyteries, and therefore determined to disregard
it. This was undoubtedly a rash and disorderly pro-
ceeding. Even if their opinion about the rights of
Presbyteries had been correct, they should first have
remonstrated against the Synod's rule, and endeav-
oured 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
(234)
THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 235
arose the violent dissension between tliis Presbytery
and the Synod, which issued in a division of the body
into two parts, the Okl and the New Side ; of which an
account has ah'eady been given.
At this first meeting of the New Brunswick Presby-
tery, the foUowing ministers and elders were present,
viz., Gilbert Tennent, John Cross, William Tennent,
Eleazar Wales, and Samuel Blair. The elders 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 de-
serving the imitation of their successors. AH the
ministers were in their places, and an equal number of
ruling elders, so that there was no delinquency on
their part. The first business, after they were regu-
larly constituted, was the receiving of Mr. John Row-
land as a candidate under their care. And in regard
to the rule of Synod, after much discussion they
adopted the following resolution : —
" That in point of conscience, they were not re-
strained from using the liberty and power wdiich Pres-
byteries 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 sufiicient 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, w^hich 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 Psalm Ixxxvii. 5. With
these trials the Presbytery expressed themselves well
pleased, and assigned him as the subject of a popular
sermon, Romans iii. 24, and adjoui'ned to meet the fol-
236 THE LOG COLLEGE.
lowing week at Freehold, when Mr. Rowhand preaclied
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 tlie Presbytery. There is no
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 tlie parties separated. Before this event,
however, the Sj'nod absoKitely refused to consider
Mr. Rowland as a member of their body. They did
not deny that he \vas a minister of the gospel, but
alleged, that having been brought in contrary to their
rules, he could not be recognized as a member. It
appears from Mr. Rowland's letter to the Rev. Mr.
Prince of Boston, that on the very day of his being
licensed to preach the gospel, an application Avas made
to the Presbytery for his services by the united con-
gregations of Maidenhead (Lawrence,) and Hopewell,
(Pennington.) And it was not long after this that he
was artfully personated by Tom Bell, when he was
absent on a preaching tour in Maryland, in company
Avith the Rev. William Tennent. On his return, as
has been related in the life of Mr. William Tennent,
he was indicted for horse-stealing and robbery, and was
THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 237
cleared by the testimony of Mr. Tennent and two
others, who swore that he was at the time in a distant
part of the country. But the impression on the public
mind was so strong, that he was the person seen by
many in the possession of the stolen horse, that the
three w^itnesses, including Mr. Tennent, were indicted
for perjury, and one of them actually suifered the pen-
alty of the law for this crime. How wonderfully Mr.
Tennent was delivered from an ignominious punish-
ment may be seen in the memoir which we have pub-
lished of this extraordinary man.
Mr. Kowland accepted the invitation of the congre-
gations before mentioned, and his labours among them
were attended with an extraordinary blessing, in a
great revival of religion in both these congregations.
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 expedient to publish his
own account in his own words.
The letter is as follows : —
^'Rev. Sir: — In answer to yours, &c. — I was sent forth
to preach the gospel of Christ, by the Presbytery of New
Brunswick, on September 7th, 1738, on which day the con-
gregations of Maidenhead and Hopewell put in a supplica-
tion for me to the Presbytery, and accordingly I complied
therewith. In process of time, we had the privilege of
Maidenhead meeting-house, and my people built a meeting-
house in Hopewell ; but before this, we were constrained to
keep our meetings in barns in both towns ; and though we
thus appeared as poor, despised creatures, yet the congrega-
tion that attended my ministry was so numerous that the
largest barns among us were chosen to worship God in. It
was some discouragement to me at first, that I and my peo-
ple 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 moun-
tain, as well as in the synagogues, and that it had been the
frequent lot of his people to betake themselves to worship
him in places attended with many inconveniences. There is
238 THE LOa COLLEGE.
another 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 acquainted
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 observed,
that but one or two were taken with convictions at a time,
or under one sermon. For many months together * their
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 week days
also; so that they liad 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 3-outh ; some negroes, also, seemed ver}- earnest after
* "Let none suppose that beeause I ppcak of convictions beinj,' still
carried on. that I mean that sinners must be convinced to some liigh de-
gree before they can be converted; I only mean that this was the way
which the Lord observed in carryinjr on his work, to kee]) sinners ftr a
long time und» r conviction before he manifested his love to them."
THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 239
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 world-
liness in their conversation, or to lightness and vanity in
their discourses. Great was the love they bore to one ano-
ther, and sweet was the peace which subsisted among them-
selves, 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-
peared through the congregation. I had hopes that the
hearts of some had been knit close to Jesus our Lord, which
afterwards 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 I made choice of that word in Matthew
xxii. 4 : — ' And all things are ready: come unto the mar-
riage.'' 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 ever-
lasting 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 sor-
row, and made them press forward with more living ear-
nestness 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,
hy frequent converse among them, and inquiring strictly
1:40 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 what accounts I kept by me of the
blessed work of grace which 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 means 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 Grod was very
evidently afforded with his word, though not in every
opportunity, yet in several, until May 17-40, in which time
many more were added unto the Lord's people. Some of
these opportunities, for clearness sake, I shall mention.
One was on October 6th, 1739, in a night meeting; but the
people not having been warned with sufiicient care, there
met but about fifteen persons, eleven of whom were deeply
convinced of their misery, and some of them cried out
so vory awfully that I was constrained to conclude. After
sermon I took an opportunity to inquire of those persons
what was the real cause of their crying out in such a
manner. Some of them answered me, ' that they saw hell
opening before them, and themselves ready to fall into
it.' Others answered me, ' that they were struck with
such a sense of their sinfulness, 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. 6, ' What shall I cry ?'
But the Lord was 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
THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 241
sent from God; for the man knoweth not what to cry,
without 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 way to walk, or what to choose, op-
posers 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, were also convinced 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 would
forget this day, in which God had been so gracious unto
them. As to backsliders from convictions, who were
not converted, I shall afterwards speak of them. The night
of the same day being spent in public worship (viz. the
first part thereof), was attended with the same divine
influence. Another of these opportunities was on April
6th, 1740, in Maidenhead. The 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 humbled before the Lord,
which afterwards proved itself to be so. Without con-
troversy, 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 re-
markable power that I witnessed in these towns. It began
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 affection, which gave
much encouragement to the minister again ; for luke-
warmness 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 it is to consider what sweet methods
the Lord observed to remove them ! for, as the people were
21
242 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 explained 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
outward man, and much converse that was spent among
them all in particular. In about an hour afterwards,
the love of God's people that were present was uncom-
monly 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 in-
creased; 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 tlie unconverted that were present
we could not find otherwise but that they had received very
clear discoveries of their undone state by nature.
"This was fdlowed with the mighty power of God, in a
Bcrmou next evening, to a large congregation in the same
town. And in Aniwell, July 27th, and in Maidenhead
again on August od, God was pleased to magnify his grace
in visiting many poor sinners. In these opportunities 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
doleful manner along the road in their 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 walk 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.
THE EEV. JOHN ROWLAND. 243
"As to the issue of these convictions which I have last
mentioned, I think it must be owned that many of them were
followed with a sound conversion, or else we must give up
speaking any thing as to any grace in this life. Many back-
slided 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 means to prevent
backsliding 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 congregation
appears to me peculiarly beautiful ; and as to Maidenhead
and Hopewell, I believe that one great means that the Lord
used there to prevent backsliding, was the care and diligence
of some of the Christian people in conversing with the con-
vinced ', for several of the Christians were so engaged in deep
concern for the work of God, that they could not rest satis-
fied until they had reason to hope that the souls that were
convinced from one time to another, were also 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 convictions ; they can give a very
difierent account of sin, both original and actual ; their views
of heart corruption, their distance from God, and their having
lived so long without him, were very clear and afiecting j
their hardness and unbelief, their ignorance and blindness,
pressed very close upon them ; their need of Christ and his
Spirit was such, 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 experience of it very clear ; therefore they wanted
244 THE LOG COLLEGE.
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 and 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 according to the holy Scriptures. Their experience
of a saving closure with Jesus Christ, and the sweet mani-
festations they had of him at the time of spiritual marriage,
were very glorious, and their aifections 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 gra-
cious Lord would be pleased to shine again upon them with
the light of his countenance. They are properly 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 unconstant 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
for evermore. Amen."
After some time, IMr. Rowland removed from New
Jersey into Pennsylvania, where he had charge of a
congregation in what is called "the Great Valley,"
and also of Providence, near to Norristown. Much of
his time, however, seems to have been spent in itiner-
ating, 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. Rowland's
labours and success in Pennsylvania, is given by
himself in his narrative sent to Mr. Prince.
THE REV. JOHN ROWLAND. 245
"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 denomination, 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 unpro-
fitableness of the ways of sin, nor of the glory and excel-
lency, and profitableness of the ways of God. I know not
that any of them observed family 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
tliem, 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 unto 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 communion 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 knowledge in the things of God.
21*
246 THE LOG COLLEGE.
" 1 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 towns of Amwell, Hopewell, and Maiden-
head, is but a very little to what I might have said.''
There is one circumstance connected with this revi-
val in New Providence, which in a peculiar manner in-
terests the writer. His own grandfather and grand-
mother, then residing on the Schuylkill above Norris-
town, were subjects of this revival, and members of this
church, although they were awakened under the preach-
ing of Mr. Whitefield, at White Clay Creek.
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 impenitent
sinners, insomuch that he acquired among the irreli-
gious, the title so often given to faithful preachers,
" the hell-fire Rowland," yet no word or memorial 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 distinguished
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 Davies, 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 burning
as well as shining lights, they were themselves con-
sumed, while they gave light to others. Oh that a
race of ministers, like-minded, burning with a con-
suming zeal, might be raised up among us !
CHAPTER XIX.
THE REV. CHARLES BEATTY.
Rev. Charles Beatty — Birth and education — Acts as a pedler — Converses
in Latin with the Founder of the Log College — Becomes a student in
the Institution — Is licensed to preach — Settles at Neshaminy — A mis-
sionary to the Indians — An agent for the Widows' Fund — For the College
of New Jersey — Goes to Barbadoes and dies there — Mr. Treat.
The Rev. Charles Beatty was another of the pupils
of the Log College, whose name should be rescued from
oblivion.
Mr. Beatty was a native of the north of Ireland,
where he had enjoyed the privilege of a pretty good
classical education, but being of an adventurous and
enterprising spirit, when quite young he determined to
emigrate from the land of his nativity, and seek his for-
tune in America. Being destitute of property, he
adopted the plan of making his living in the capacity
of a pedler or travelling merchant. One day, in the prose-
cution 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 language. After much conversation, in which
Mr. Beatty manifested fervent piety, and considerable
religious knowledge, as well as a good education in other
respects, Mr. Tennent said to him, '' Go and sell the
contents of your pack, and return immediately and
study with me. It will be a sin for you to continue
a pedler, when you can be so much more useful in
another profession." He accepted Mr. Tennent's
offer, and in due time became an eminent minister.
(247)
248 THE LOG COLLEGE.
This account is no doubt authentic, as it is taken from
Dr. Miller's Life of Dr. Rodgers, who had long been
intimately acquainted with Mr. Beatty.
After Mr. Beatty had finished his studies at the
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 vacant by the death of the venerable
founder of the Log College. About this time, in con-
sequence of the publication of Brainerd's journal of
missionary labours among the Indians, a missionary
spirit seems to have been enkindled among the minis-
ters 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 Avent
on a mission to the Indians. In Allen's American
Biographical Dictionary, it is stated that Mr. Beatty
was engaged in missionary work from 17-10 to 1765, a
period of twenty-five years. This must be a great
mistake ; Mr. Beatty was not in the ministry so early as
1710, and his service as a missionary did not continue
one-sixth of the time specified.*
Mr. Beatty was an able, evangelical 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 Widows'
Fund, established for the benefit of the families of
poor Presbyterian ministers. This agency was per-
formed by the appointment of the Synod, and oc-
curred about the year 17(31, so that he could not then
have been on a mission to the Indians. Afterwards
he was appointed to collect funds for New Jersey Col-
lege, and in pursuance of this object he went to the
island of Barbadoes, where he was taken sick, and
died on the 13th of August, 1772. He had been
* See Appendix IV.
THE REV. CHARLES BEATTY. 249
appointed a trustee of the College in 1763, and con-
tinued 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 funds for the college, but finding it
inconvenient to go he recommended his son, James
Witherspoon, to the Board; upon which this gentle-
man was commissioned, and also the Rev. Charles
Beatty to accompany him. The death of Mr. Beatty
frustrated the scheme, as upon his death Mr. Wither-
spoon 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 Ire-
land, 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 edu-
cated at the Log College, was closely associated with
the members of the New Brunswick Presbytery, and
sympathized with them in all their measures, 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 revival. He and Mr. Beatty were
neighbours in their 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 Brainerd ; an evidence of which we have
recorded in his journal. AVhen they understood that
he w\as about to leave the work, on account of increas-
ing ill health, they travelled all the Avay to Princeton
to see him before he left New Jersey.
Mr. Treat is mentioned by Mr. Whitefield in hia
journal, as a minister who had been preaching several
250 THE LOG COLLEGE.
years without any acquaintance with experimental
religion, but was brought under deep concern 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 doc-
trines of grace, and warning professors against the
delusion of resting on a mere form of religion.
APPENDIX I
MR. WILLIAM TENNENT S LETTER
February Tl, 1757.
" My Dear Brother : — Yours of the 14th of January
I received last night. It was precious to me, as it seemed to
inflame an affection which I trust shall continue throughout
eternity. How sweet is love to the brethren ! How re-
freshing to feel that what we have is no further our own
than as it serves to glorify God and benefit his people ! I
never questioned, though I wondered at your regard for mo.
But to pass to 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 beheld 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 so 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
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252 APPENDIX.
friend. It pleased the Lord so to order it tbat 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 surprise, 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 wonderful in working. I can truly say
that my reverend brethren and myself felt no small degree
of that pleasing surprise that possessed the Israelites in their
return from the Babylonish captivity, mentioned in Psalm
cxxvi : ' When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,
we were like them that dream. ' The Lord hath done
great things for us, whereof we are glad.'
" This glorious work was gradual, like the increasing light
of the morning. It was not begun by the ordinary means
of preaching, nor have any alarming methods been used to
promote this religious concern, 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 by conversing with
them, that a wise and gracious Providence had brought
about a concurrence of different incidents, which tended to
engage them to a sericms thoughtfulncss about their souls.
These things considered in connection, I humbly conceive,
manifest singularly the finger of (lod, 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 during their public performances, nor any
public discourses in the hours allotted for study, Ijut 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 eyes as he does
now. His good judgment and humility, his zeal and integ-
rity, greatly endeared him to me. Before I came away,
APPENDIX. 253
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 servant, 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 dis-
tress. 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.
Perhaps a few lines from you, dear brother, might be
blessed to them. Praying our sincerest affection to Mrs. Fin-
ley, I greatly need your prayers, that I may be thankful
and faithful unto death. I am yours,
'' WM. TENNENT, Jr."
22
APPENDIX II
THE REV. WILLIAM TENNENTS LETTER.
The Rev. William Tennent's Letter to the Rev. Mr. Prince, of Boston,
giving the character of the revival iu Freehold, N. J.
The following letter gives an Interesting account of
the fruits of the ministry of the Kcv. John Tennent.
It is taken from Prince's Christian History.
Freehold, October 11th, 1744.
*' Rev. and dear 8ir — I desire to notice thankfully the
late rich display of our glorious Emanuel's grace, in subdu-
ing by his word and kSpirit multitudes of sinners to himself,
both in this and other lands. 0 may he go on ^conquer-
ing and to conquer/ until he has subdued all things unto
himself! Neither 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 Grod upon it,
excite generations yet unborn to praise his glorious name,
and thereby his honour will be advanced, and his triumphs
increased . Most gladl}", therefore, do I comply with 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 liates a false witness.
'' This place lies southwest from New York, and is dis-
tant from it about fifty miles. It was the first in the East
Jersey, on the west side of the Raritau river, which was
settled with a gospel ministry. This was owing, under
God, to the agency of some Scotch people that came to it ;
amona; whom there was none so painful in this blessed un-
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APPENDIX. 255
dertaking as one Walter Ker, who, in the year 1685, for
his faithful and conscientious adherence to G-od and his
truth, as professed by the Church of Scotland, was there
apprehended and sent to 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 ser-
viceable 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 dispensed
here were at first, for a season, too much like a miscarrying
womb and dry breasts, so that the major part of the con-
gregation could not be said to have so much as a name to
live. Family prayer was unpractised by all, a very few ex-
cepted ; ignorance so overshadowed their minds, that the
doctrine of the new birth, when clearly explained, and pow-
erfully pressed upon them, as absolutely necessary to salva-
tion (by that faithful preacher of God's word, Mr, Theo-
dorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, a Low Dutch minister, and
some other English ministers who were occasionally here,)
was made a common game of ; so that not only the preachers;
but professors of that truth, were called in derision neio-
horn, and looked upon as holders forth of some new and
false doctrine. 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 settle-
ment of another. In this miserable, helpless, and almost
hopeless condition they lay, and few among them had either
eyes to see, or hearts to bewail, 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
5th verse. But the Lord, who is rich in mercy, of his un-
expected 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 sacred min-
istry, a youth whom the Author of every good gift had un-
commonly furnished for that important trust. To him ap-
256 APPENDIX.
plication was made by some of the congregation, entreating
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 whom God had given up for their abuse of the gos-
pel. But the Lord's thoughts are not our thoughts, nor
his ways our ways, for when he had preached four or five
Sabbaths in the place, which was the whole time he tarried
among them at first, the Lord so blessed his labours, engag-
ing 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 har-
vest 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 L5th. 17o0, the congregation unanimously called
him; which he accepting of, was ordained the 19th. of No-
vember following, and continued with them until April 23d,
1732, and was then translated to glory.
'' During this short time his labours were greatly blessed,
BO 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 countr}^ 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 gos-
pel net. A solemn awe of God's majesty possessed many,
so that they behaved themselves as at his bar while in his
house. Many tears were usually shed when he preached,
and sometimes the body of the congregation was moved or
aflfected. I can say, and let the Lord alone have the glory
of it, that I have seen both minister and people 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 would break, but without any public outcry,
and some have been carried out of the assembly (being over-
come) as if they had been dead.
"Keligion was then the general subject of discourse,
APPENDIX. 257
thoiTgli they did not all approve the power of it. The holy
Bible was searched by people on both sides of the question,
and knowledge surprisingly increased. The terror of Grod fell
generally upon the inhabitants of this place, so that wicked-
ness as ashamed in a great measure hid itself; frolicking,
dancing, horse-racing, with other profane meetings, were
broken up. Some of the jolly companions of both sexes were
constrained by their consciences to meet together, the men by
themselves, and the women by themselves, to confess pri-
vately their abominations before Grod, and beg the pardon
of them.
"Before my brother's death, by reason of his bodily
weakness, and inability on that account to officiate 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 at any time in his life. 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 sin-
cerely closed with him, and are healed ; glory, glory to his
holy name be given, for ever and ever. Amen !
" Some time after my brother's decease, the congregation
called me to labour among them statedly, which I accepted,
and was ordained October 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.
" I must further declare, to the honour of God, that he
has not yet left us, although awfully provoked by our cry-
ing crimes ; but ever since that more remarkable outpouring
of his Spirit has continued to bless his own ordinances, to
the convincion, conversion and consolation of precious souls,
so that every year some, more or less, have been in a judg-
ment of charity added (savingly) to his mystical body ; to
his holy name be all the glory. In the meantime, I would
have it observed, that two or three years last past have
afforded fewer instances of this kind than formerly. How-
ever, through grace some have been lately awakened who
are even now seeking Jesus sorrowing. What the number
22*
258 APPENDIX.
is of those who have tasted the sweet fruits of the Re-
deemer's purchase in a saving manner, in this congregation.
I cannot tell. It is my comfort that the Lord will reckon
them, for he knows who are his ; and indeed none but the
omniscient God is equal to the difficult province of deter-
mining 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 renewed, 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 unfeignedly 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 of bitterness and
bond of iniquity. This makes me sometimes ready to wish
that I had in the wilderness the lodging-place of a way-
faring man, that I might leave my people and go from
them ; or rather that my head were waters, and mine eyes
a fountain 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, dis-
covering to them in a heart-affecting manner their sinfulness
both by nature and practice, 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
life past was not only a continued act of rebellion against
God, but their present endeavours 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 end-
less to mention the evils they complained of, viz., ignorance,
unbelief, hardness of heart, hatred against God, his laws
and people, worldliness, wandering of heart in duty, pride,
sensuality, sloth, &c. With what grief, shame, and self-
loathing have I heard them bewail their loss of time, and
neglect of the great gospel salvation. Those that were com-
municants before their awakening, have with trembling de-
clared 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
APPENDIX. 259
indignation that sucli awakened sinners expressed against
themselves, on the account of their sinfulness. 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 themselves in
the manner I have mentioned, were before taken for believ-
ers 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 possi-
ble for them to be saved, if Grod 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 may-be ; ' peradventure, or may -be, God will have
mercy on me,' said the sinner. Some, in coming to Jesus,
have been much rent with blasphemous and other horrible
temptations, which have turned their moisture 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 sal-
vation.
" After the aforesaid sorrowful exercises, such as were
reconciled to God have been blessed with the Spirit of adop-
tion, enabling them to cry Abba, Father. But some have
had greater degrees of consolation than others, in proportion
to the clearness of the evidences of their sonship. The
Lord has drawn some out of the horrible pit of distress and
darkness, and brought them into the light of his countenance.
260 APPENDIX.
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 plerophori/ of joy, yet they go on in a religious
course, trusting in the Lord. The way they have been com-
forted 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 covenant 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 thereupon have ventured their case into
bis 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 re-
tained their confidence in God ever since, without any con-
siderable questionings of their state, although they have not
always tasted the comforts of it. But the most by far, have
questioned 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 tliat they can
hardly read them, and particularly to the awful sin of unbe-
lief; together with the prevalence of a legal spirit, which
presses them to perfect holiness on pain of death, and because
they cannot obtain that, they conclude they are unsanctified,
and have no right to Christ. I might add the ignorance of
sanctification ; they seem to think that in the justified sin is
killed in its being, as well as governing power; and there-
fore, because they feel their old sins sometimes stirring in
them, they conclude that all is wrong ; nay, although they
hate the doctrine of perfection as held by some, yet because
they are not perfect they think they have no grace. But
however 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 bmrden in a
general way
'^ However, our Lord, who comforts those that are cast
down, even the Wonderful Counsellor, teaches them that
APPENDIX. 261
he not only saves those who have been sinners before
conversion, but even such as after it find a hiw in their
members warring against the law of their minds, which
too often causes them to do the things they would not;
and enables them to reflect upon what they have and
do daily experience, and compare it with the evidences
of grace in the word of God. The blessed Grod does
likewise give them renewed tastes of his love, even after
missteps; 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 desertion and
temptation, with which some are more exercised than
others, for reasons best known to a sovereign God,
^' Doubtless, sir, you will desire to know what effects
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 sovereign grace, through
the Redeemer Jesus Christ, being willing to glory only iu
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 salvation.
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 alteration 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 acknowledgment of
the truth, none but he that made the understanding could
effect. They approve of the law of God after the in-
ward 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 commanding
authority, and gratitude for his love, conspire to incite
and constrain them to a willing, unfeigned, universal
and unfainting obedience to his laws; yet they declare
that in everything they come sadly short of what they
262 APPENDIX.
ought to do, and bitterly bewail their defects. Eut
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 acknowledge 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 without. Yet they profess that
the comforts which they receive do more than compen-
sate 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 a like proficiency in the Chris-
tian course, neither are they all equal in religious en-
deavours, nor any at all times alike lively. They are
sometimes obstructed in their religious progress by cold-
ness and deadness ; but this the blessed Jesus removes
at times, by the influence of his Holy Spirit, then, 0 then,
their hearts are enlarged, and they run the sweet way of
God's commandments with alacrity and delight ; they love
all such as they have reason to think, from their principles,
experience and practice, arc 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, glorifying God on that account, and feel a
sympathy in her sorrows. They do prefer one another
before themselves 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 become spiritual in his
conversation ; the proud and haughty are made humble
and afiable; the wanton and vile, sober and temperate;
the swearer honours that venerable name he was wont
to profime, and blesses, instead of cursing ; the sabbath-
breaker is brought to be a strict observer of holy time;
the worldling now seeks treasures in the heavens ; the
extortioner now deals justly, and the formerly malicious
forgives injuries; the prayerless are earnest and inces-
sant in acts of devotion, and the sneaking self-seeker
APPENDIX. 263
endeavours the advancement of God's glory, and the
salvation of immortal souls.
" Through Grod'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 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 revelations 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 es-
teemed 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 spiritual states
of others, (an evil which is too common among young con-
verts) 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. ' Woe 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 pre-
sent give of the Lord's work in this place. If my Lord
will accept it as a testimony for him, it will be a greater
honour than ever I deserved. I need your prayers, and
earnestly desire them. 0 beg of God that I may be faith-
ful 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 hy the Ruling
Elders and Deacons of the Congregation of Freehold.
" We the subscribers. Ruling Elders and Deacons of the
Presbyterian congregation of Freehold, having had perfect
264 APPENDIX.
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 llev. 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 glorious
from the rising to the setting sun,
Walter Ker, Kobert Gumming,
David IIuea, John Henderson,
William Ker, Samuel Ker.
Freehold^ in New Jersey, October 11th, 1744."
APPENDIX III.
MR. DICKINSON'S LETTER,
ADDRESSED TO THE REV. MR. FOXCROFT, OF LONDON.
^^EUzahethtown, Aug. 23cZ, 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 now 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 the whole
town in general was brought under an uncommon concern
about their eternal interests, and the congregation appeared
universally afi"ected 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 time. The summer following, this
awakening concern sensibly abated, though it did not wholly
die away ; and nothing remarkable occurred till February,
23 (2G5)
2G6 APPENDIX.
1740— il, 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 power.
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 foundation of
their hope. There seemed to be very few in the whole con-
gregation 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 reason to con-
clude that there were a greater number now brought home
to Christ than in the former gracious visitation. 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 re-
joicing in God their Saviour, while others, in distressing
agony, were crying out, * Men and brethren, what shall we
dor
" In the summer following, 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 to
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
moutlis of many against the whole work, and raised that
opposition which was not before heard of; almost every
body seeming to 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 time, proved a means to still fur-
ther harden many in their declension and apostacy. That
unhappy 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
APPENDIX. 267
fill all now proceed to give you a brief view of the like mani-
festations of the Divine grace at Elizabethtown.
^' The Rev. Mr. Whitefield preached a sermon here in the
fall of the year 1739, to a numerous and attentive auditory ;
but I could observe no further influence upon our people by
that address, than a general thoughtfulness 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
concern about their salvation by that sermon ; nor more
than one by any endeavours that were used with them that
fall, or the succeeding winter. Though there was such a
shaking among the dry bones so near to us, as is above re-
presented, and we had continual accounts from Newark of
the growing distress among their people, (their young peo-
ple 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
to complain that I laboured in vain, and spent my strength
for nought. But, notwithstanding all these discouraging
appearances, I could not but entertain an uncommon con-
cern, particularly for the young people of my charge, dur-
ing that winter and the ensuing spring, which not only
animated my addresses to the throne of grace on their be-
half, but my endeavours to excite in them, if possible, some
afi'ecting sense of their misery, danger, and necessity of a
Saviour. To that end, there were frequent lectures ap-
pointed 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 apptared upon
268 APPENDIX.
the congregation in general. There was no crying out or
falling down, as elsewhere has happened, but the inward
distress 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 extrava-
gant diversions, as had been usual among them, but instead
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 at-
tended 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 er-
rand, than usually in half a year's space before.* In a 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 was began among our young people,
and the most of those with whom we have reason to con-
clude it became effectual, were of the younger sort, yet there
were some who lived a careless and sensual life to an advanced
age, who were under convictions, and I hope savingly
brought home to Christ at this blessed time of the eflfusion
of his Holy Spirit. Though there were so many brought
under conviction at once, wc had very little appearance of
those irregular heats among u&, which are so loudly com-
plained of in some other parts of the land. I do not re-
member to have heard of above two or three instances of
any thing of that nature, in this congregation, and those
were easily and speedily regulated. It is observable that
this work was substantially the same in all the different sub-
jects of it, though some passed through much greater de-
grees of distress and terror than others 3 and this distress
*" Agreeable to tbis, tbe Rcr. 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
you of, that there is yet a great revival of religion in these parts. I havo
had more young people address me for direction in their spiritual concerns
'vithin these three months than in thirty years before.' "
APPENDIX. 269
lasted much longer with some than with others, and jet all
were brought under a deep sense of their sin, guilt, and
danger, and none that I know of obtained satisfying dis-
coveries 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 conver-
sions 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 instan-
ces of those estatic, rapturous joys that were so frequent in
some other places. It was remarkable that they who were
formerly eminent for religion, were now quickened and re-
vived, and some of them had now such joyful manifestations
of Grod's love to their souls as they had never before expe-
rienced. It was also remarkable that as this work began
among us in a time of greatest health and prosperity, 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 of God
himself. Though there were some of those who were then
under special convictions that have worn off their impres-
sions 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 conver-
sation 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 its 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 ad-
joining 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
23*
270 APPENDIX.
give satisfying evidences of a regenerate state, who have not
worn otf 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."
APPENDIX lY
MR. BEATTY'S journal.
The following account of a missionary tour of two
months, in company with the Rev. George Duffield, is
taken from Mr. Beatty's Journal, published in London,
in 1768. It was, probably, never published in this
country. It consists of eighty-two pages.
"Being appointed by the Synod of New York and
Philadelphia to visit the frontier inhabitants, and likewise
to visit the Indians, in case it could be done with safety, to
know whether they were inclined to receive the gospel, I
set out on my journey, August 12th, 1766, accompanied by
Joseph Pee23y, a Christian Indian, as an interpreter. After
arriving at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, I met with Mr. Duj9&eld,
who was appointed to accompany me.
On Monday, the 18th, after riding about six miles, we
came to the North Mountain, which is high and steep.
The day being warm, we were obliged to walk, or rather
climb it the greatest part of the way, so that when we
reached the top we were much fatigued. After passing four
miles into Sherman's Valley, we lodged at night at Thomas
Boss's.
" Tuesday l^th. — Bode five miles, and preached to a
small auditory, notice not having been generally spread.
Lodged at Mr. Fergus's.
" Wednesday 20th. — Crossed the Tuscarora mountain,
which is very high and difiicult to pass. Preached after
crossing the mountain to a few people who were convened,
and lodged at the house of William Graham.
'^ Thursday 21st. — Mr. Dufiield preached at a place
where a house of worship had been commenced, but was
(271)
272 APPENDIX.
discontinued on account of the war. In this valley of
Tuscarora, thirty miles long and six or seven in breadth, we
found that the inhabitants had suffered much from the inva-
sion of the Indians. The number of families in the valley
about thirty-four. Here we met with one Levi Hicks, who
had been a captive with the Indians from his youth. He
gave us some interesting information respecting the situation
of their towns, one hundred miles west of Fort Pitt.
" Friday 22d. — Preached in the woods, as we have
hitherto done, north side of the Juniata. Here also the
people had begun to build a house of worship, but left it
unfinished; probably for the same reason as the former.
Lodged at Captain Patterson's, where we remained on the
23d. Here we agreed to separate for a season ; Mr. Duffield
to go into Path Valley, and I along the Juniata.
" Monday 2bth. — Set out early from Captain Patterson's,
accompanied by our interpreter and Levi Hicks.
" 7'ucsday 2Qth. — Preached to a number of people in the
woods ; but the rain forced us to retreat into a small house.
" Wednesday 21 (h — Baptized a child this morning
brought to my lodgings ; and preached to a small audience
eight miles further on, and baptized several children, and
lodged at John McMichael's.
" Mr. Dufficld rejoined me on Friday the 20th. In
l*ath Valley, twenty-three miles in length and about three
in breadth, he preached to a large congregation on the
Sabbath, and also preached on several following days.
^' SabbatJi oLsY. — Preached at l^cdford ; I in the morning,
Mr. Duflield in the afternoon, to a large audience. Preached
also on Monday.
'^ Tuesday, Sej'if. 2d. — Crossed the Allegheny mountain j
met with Benjamin Sutton, who had also been a captive
many years among the Indians. He had lived among the
Choctaws on the Mississippi. Told a long story about a
wild tribe of Indians.
" Arrived at Fort Pitt on the 5th, and were kindly and
courteously treated by the officers of the garrison, who
furnished us with blankets and other necessaries. By invi-
tation I preached to the garrison, while INIr. Dufficld
preached to the people of the town.
" Mr. Gibson, a trader who speaks the Indian language,
introduced us to an Indian called the White Mingoc, the
APPENDIX. 273
head man of his town. He is one of the Six Nations, and
lives upon the Allegheny river, four miles from Fort Pitt.
We explained the design of our mission, and he agreed to
meet us with his people next day. But he never went
home to notify them of the meeting.
" Tuesday ^th. — Having obtained all the information
respecting the Indians which we could, and having sought
divine direction, we set o£P for Kigalinphega, an Indian
town, at the distance of one hundred and thirty miles. This
place was fixed on because it was central to the other Indian
towns, and because the king or head man of the Delawares
lived there, whom it was necessary to consult before we
attempted any thing among his people ; and also because we
were informed that the Indians there were thinking some-
thing about religion. Mr. Gibson furnished us with a letter
and string of wampum to introduce us. In the afternoon
Mr. Duffield preached to an attentive audience. We" trust
that our preaching here has not been in vain.
" Wednesdaij 10th. — AYhile we were much occupied in
preparing for our journey, a person came to us under deep
impressions, inquiring what he should do to be saved. I
gave him a book, but he insisted on my writing something
for him, with which I complied.
^'Joseph, our interpreter, embraced every opportunity
of conversing with the Indians here. He met with one
who appeared to be a sober man, and expressed much satis-
faction at our going out to teach the Indians. We heard
that this man, and about nineteen others, had separated
themselves from the other Indians, and worshipped Glod in
some way by themselves.
" The commanding officer, who was disposed to do every-
thing in his power to favour our design, gave us a letter
and a string of wampum to the Indian chiefs. We crossed
the Allegheny river in a canoe, and swam our horses by
the side of it, and rode down the bank of the Ohio. In the
night there fell a heavy rain, which wet us much.
^^ Friday 12th. — The morning dark and heavy, with
small rain. Our clothes being wet last night, made our
condition very uncomfortable. After travelling twelve
miles we came to the second Beaver river, which we crossed,
and proceeded six miles further to the third Beaver river,
where we encamped, having but poor food for our horses.
274 APPENDIX.
Joseph, our interpreter, who went on before to hunt for us,
returned without anything, so that we had poor living for
ourselves as well as our horses. However, we had some
bread, for which we had reason to be thankful.
" Saturday loth. — A heavy rain from the northwest
came upon us before we had travelled far, from which we
Bheltered ourselves around under the trees.
'' Sabbath 14M. — We rested on the Sabbath, and sup-
posing this to be the first Sabbath ever kept in this wilder-
ness, we gave the place of our encampment the name of
Sabbath-llidge.
" A number of Indians who had been trading at Fort
Pitt came up with us, and wondered why we did not travel
that Sunday. They had about one hundred (jallons of rum
with them. We explained the matter to them as well as
we could.
^' The weather clearing up about three o'clock, P. M.,
we decamped, and set out with the Indians. Our inter-
preter, who had gone out to procure something for our
subsistence, returned late in the morning with a young deer
on his back, which we immediately divided ; giving three
quarters to the three companies of Indians who travelled
with us, and reserved one quarter for ourselves. This was
a seasonable supply for them, as well as for us.
" Tuesday lijth. — Entered more freely into conversation
with the Indians, our fellow travellers, and found them
more sociable and communicative than before. Their chief
man, especially, became more friendly when he found that we
were not Moravians, against whom he had taken up a preju-
dice. On this day after crossing several streams and extensive
savannahs, we arrived at Tuskalawa before night. Our
fellow traveller, the chief, now became very friendly, invited
us to his house, where we were treated with great respect
and kindness. He brought us some green corn, which we
roasted, and some cucumbers, which we ate without salt, or
any other condiment. Having preserved a small portion of
the venison from the last night, we made some soup and gave
part to our host and his family. Having prayed with the
family, our interpreter explaining the nature of the service,
we proceeded on our journey, and our kind host sent a
young man seven or eight miles to show us the way. As
wc passed through the town we saw a number of Indians in
APPENDIX. 275
a state of Intoxication from the rum which thej had broiio-ht
from Fort Pitt, and when in this condition they appeared
very terrible, and behaved as mad men.
^' Thiirsdar/ ISth. — After travelling twenty miles through
swamps and marshy grounds, we reached the town, at which
we arrived about 3 ^o'clock, P. M. At the first house which
we entered lived a widow woman, who was a near relative
of our interpreter. They had not seen each other for many
years, nor did he know that she lived here. Their meeting
was attended with an agreeable surprise to both of them,
which we could not but consider a token for good. The
woman invited us to tarry with her, which kind oiFer we
gladly accepted. She soon prepared for us a meal by cook-
ing some venison, and baking some cakes under the ashes,
according to their custom.
" We now sent notice of our arrival to the king or head
man of the Delaware nation. In the mean time, our land-
lady furnished us with a little hut for ourselves, and spread
some skins for our bed, which was far better than what we
had been lately used to have.
^^Friday \^th. — The king sent us word that he was ready
to receive us. We went, accordingly, to the Council House.
This house is a long building, with two fires in it, at a
proper distance, without any chimney or partition. The
entrance is ""by two doors, one at each end. Over the door
was drawn the figure of a turtle, which is the ensign of the
tribe. On each door was cut or engraved the face of an old
man, an emblem of the wisdom and gravity becoming those
who are senators. On each side was a platform or bed,
fifteen feet wide, extending the whole length of the house.
This served for sitting as well as sleeping, and was raised a
foot or so above the floor, and was covered with a handsome
mat made of rushes ; on the end of this bed the king had
his seat.
'^ As soon as we entered, the king rose from his seat (no-
thing unusual,) and took us by the hand, and gave thanks
to the great Being above, the Creator and Preserver of all,
that we had opportunity of seeing each other in the wilder-
ness, and appeared truly glad on the occasion. We were
then conducted to a seat near his majesty; the council being
seated on each side of the room. After sitting silent awhile,
according to their custom, I arose, and by Joseph, our in-
276 APPENDIX.
tcrprcter, delivered my speech. It is an invariable rule
with the Indians, when they receive an address or speech,
not to return an immediate answer, but to take time to de-
liberate.
" In the speech which I delivered, we gave them an ac-
count of the design of the Synod in commissioning us to
visit them, with the view of ascertaining whether they were
disposed to receive the Christian religion, and to have somo
ministers sent among them.
" In the evening an Indian and his sister, both advanced
in years, came to our house. They had been in New Jer-
sey, in the time of the revival of religion among the Indians
there, and had received some good impressions from the
preaching of the Rev. David Brainerd. They afterwards
joined the Moravians, but seemed to have, in a great mea-
sure, lost their serious impressions, but requested us to talk
to them on the subject of religion, which we did through
our interpreter. We also prayed with them, and on taking
leave they seemed much affected.
"SatunJo)/, 20fh. — Five of the principal men came to
our hut, and after sitting an hour in silence, they returned
our string of wampum, saying they could not understand it.
We told them we were sorry they had not understood, and
would again explain it, which we accordingly did, and offered
to return again the wampum. But they refused to receive
it, saying their great man, that is their king, could not un-
derstand it, when they pulled out a string of wampum, of
two single threads and one double, and proceeded to speak
on the single threads, one of which was white, the other
black and white. They spoke as follows :
*' ' Our dear brethren, what you have said we are very
well pleased with, as far as we understand it. But dear
brothers, when Wm. Johnson spoke with us some time ago,
and made a peace which is to be strong and for ever, he
told us not to regard what others might say to us ; that
the many people round about might be speaking of a great
many things ; yet we must look upon all these things as
when a dog sleeps and dreams of something, or something
disturbs him, and he rises hastily, and gives a bark or two,
but does not know any thing, or any reason why he barks.
Just so the people around may be saying some one thing,
and some another, but they arc not to be regarded.'
APPENDIX. 277
"Again, on the double string they said ' George Crog-
han spake to us, that none should be regarded but what
William Johnson and he should say to us/ They then
brought out and showed a belt of wampum of friendship,
which Sir William Johnson had given them. The belt,
they told us, he held by one end and they by the other, and
when they had any thing to say, they must go along the
path marked on the belt. To this they added that they
believed there was a great God above, and desired to serve
him in the best manner they could ; that they thought of
him on lying down and rising up, and hoped he would look
upon them and do them good.
" In the afternoon they sent us a belt of wampum and a
speech, the purport of which was to invite the Indians of
New Jersey, now under the care of the Rev. John Brainerd, to
come and settle at Quiahoga, a town seventy miles west of this
place, where, they said, they might have good hunting, and
might bring a minister with them ; and where all who wished
to attend on the religious instruction might come together.
" As the next day was the Sabbath, we requested to know
whether they would give us a hearing, to which they gave
their assent, and exhorted us not to be discouraged at the
delay of receiving a full answer to our proposals, as they
always took time to deliberate. Accordingly, one of their
chief men went around and gave notice at every house, that
we would preach to them at the council-house; and another
of their counsellors came to our hut to conduct us to the
place of meeting. A considerable number, both of men and
women, attended ; and I preached to them from the parable
of the prodigal son, (Luke xv.) Good attention was paid,
and the women appeared really to lay to heart what they
heard. After sermon we sat awhile with them, and asked
if it would be agreeable that we should speak to them again
in the afternoon ; they said it would.
"About three o'clock the people collected again, and
Mr. Duffield preached to them from 1 Cor. xv. 22, in
which he gave a plain narrative of all being dead in Adam,
and that all believers would be made alive in Christ. The
people appeared to be much engaged, and well pleased with
what they heard. Our interpreter remained with them
some time after the sermon, and brought us word that
the king and chief man were desirous that we should speak
again to them on the morrow, with which we were rejoiced.
24
278 APPENDIX.
" In the evening of this day, which was observed by the
Indians like a Sabbath, several came to our hut and heard
us explain many things contained in the Bible, Among
them was a young man named Neolin, who, for some time
past, had been in the habit of speaking to the Indians, and
reproving them for their wicked ways, and was the means
of reforming a number of them. The answer of this
young man, when we inquired what put him in this
practice, partakes of the marvellous. He said that six
years ago a man came and stood in his door, and told him
that all who followed bad ways would, after death, go to a
miserable place, but those who hated evil and did what
was right and pleasing to God would be taken to a happy
place. We were informed by a trader, who knows this
man, that one of the means of reformation adopted by him,
was boiling bitter roots and causing people to drink the
decoction, which acted as an emetic, in order to cleanse
them from their sins.
*' Mr. Gibson had informed us that they had, in one
of their towns, a woman who had been taken prisoner ;
and he had written a letter to the king requesting him
to cause her to be restored to her friends, which he readily
promised that he would do.
'^ In the afternoon the king and four chief men of the
council came and delivered a formal speech, in which they
acknowledged the evil of drunkenness, to which they were
addicted, but said the blame did not entirely belong to
them, but to the white men, who brought rum and sold it
to them. They also complained of the conduct of the
whites in other respects.
'' In the evening, an old Indian, who had been with us
before, came to our house, and informed us that there were
many here and in other places who were desirous of hearing
the gospel, and said they intended to go to Quiahaga, and
send for a minister to come and live among them to
instruct them. This day was so much taken up in im-
portant conferences with the chief men that no opportunity
of preaching was afforded.
" Tuesday "I'ld. — This day the head-men met in council,
where we attended, and I preached to them from Luke
xiv. 16. In my discouise, I showed that there were rich
provisions made in the gospel for poor sinners — the nature
APPENDIX. 279
of these provisions, and why they were compared to a mar-
riage feast — how men made excuses for not complying with
the invitations by the ministers — and how some, by the
grace of G-od, were made willing — and then concluded with
an exhortation to them to accept the gracious invitation.
''■ A solemn awe appeared on the face of the assembly. All
seemed attentive to the things which were spoken, and some
seemed affected. The interpreter was so much affected at
times that he could scarcely speak 3 and, indeed, I must
own that my own heart was warmed with the truths I deli-
vered, and with the effect they seemed to have on these
poor benighted heathen. Blessed be God ! Let all the
praise be to him ! We have reason to hope not one oppor-
tunity enjoyed here has been in vain, and we trust that the
good impressions which have been made will be permanent.
May the Lord grant that our hopes may not be disap-
pointed V
Before the brethren departed, they delivered a solemn
and interesting speech to the chiefs, which is recorded in
Mr. Beatt/s journal. This they accompanied agreeably to
the Indian custom with a string of wampum, which the
Indians received with appai'ent cordiality. To one who had
learned to read a little, while among the English, they gave
a Bible ; to a woman, a small book, entitled, " A Compas-
sionate Address to the Christian world.''
From every appearance a door seemed to be opened to
introduce the gospel among these poor heathen. But the
missionaries had now to return home, and we do not find
that others followed them to improve the opportunity of
usefulness now afforded.
THE END.
v^
rv-i"^.
JUN 15 1936
: — ► — -r '■
TO ATIAND THE IiO& COIil-EGE CELEBRATION
NEAR PHlLADEIiPHIA TO-DAY.
Washington, Sept. 4 (Special).— President IlaiTison
^as in Washington only a couple of hours to-day,
fi . '-Ung here after 3 p. m., and starting at 4:20 for
PhiladelpiJn.. 11© was aeoompanied Iroin Deer ParlJ
by Mrs. Harrison, the iSev. Dr. Scott, IMV, attd- Mrs.
Halford and Miss Sanger. They Trere joined here by
Postmaster-General Wianamakpr. The party ex-'
pected to reach Philadelphia thi.? evening over the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and thenc© go by the
Reading Railroad directly to Jenkintown. From there
they -vrlll be taken in carriages to the country home
of Mr. Wanamaker, near Chelton Hills. The Presi'
dent and his party mil be the guests of Sir. Wanar
maker until Friday. To-morrow they will attend the
celebration in commemoration of the founding, in 172G,
of the Log College, near Hartsville, tiie first Presby-
tetrlan theological school In America. The formal ex-
ercises are to be held, under a tent in an cpon field
near the site of the Log Cabin, on the old York road,
near Hartsville. lii order to reach tho scene of the
celebration, the President a,nd his party will drive to-
morrow morning from Mr. Wanamaker's home along the
old York road, a distance of about nine miles. It is
understood that at Abington, an old town near Harts-
ville, the President will stop for a moment to acknowl-
edge the greeting of the townspeople and to visit the
old church and graveyard. The President will prob-
ably make a short address at the Icene of the- celebra-
tion.
Philadelphia, Sept. d.— Tiie ti-ain bearing President
Harrison and Postmaster-General Wanamaker and
party arrived here at 7 :20 o'clock this evening. A
small but enthusiastic crowd had assembled at the
station, and when the train came to a stop a rush was
made for the reai' car. The President made his ap-
pearance upon the back platform, clad in a suit of
erray, and Avith a silk hat set ba.ck on his head. He
had time to shake hands with only a.fcAv persons be-
fore the signal to start wa5 given, and the tmin pulled
out of the station on the way to the country home of
tho Postmaster-CJeneral, at Jenkintown, about ten miles
from this city, where tho President and party, and also
Governor Beaver, of Pennsylvania, and Governor
Grefen, of New-Jersey, will be entertained to-night by
Ir. Wanaraakeir.'
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