.M'CLINTOCL.
Life S Letters.
r PRINCETOlSr, N. J.
BX 8495 .M16 C7
Crooks, George Richard, 18^.
-1B97. ^ ^
Life and letters of the Rev
John M'Clintock
Life and Letters
OK TIIK
REV. JOHN M'CLINTOCK, D.D., LI.l).,
LATE PRESIDENT OF DREW THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
GEORGE R. CROOKS, D.D.
NEW YORK :
NELSON & PHILLIPS.
CINCINNATI :
HITCHCOCK & WALDEN.
1876.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876, by
NELSON & PHILLIPS,
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
THE MANY FRIENDS OF DR. M'CLINTOCK
WHO
LOVED HIM WHILE LIVING, AND WHO CHERISH HIS MEMORY,
THIS BOOK
75 RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED.
PHinOSTOII
A A X.A -J >ji u 'c£ A O -ix I*
PREFACE.
IN the narrative here presented the author
may have been partial, but has certainly
been sincere. Care has been taken, however,
to let Dr. M'Clintock himself tell the story of
his life, and to this end his diaries and corre-
spondence have been freely used. His charm-
ing letters need nothing more to set them off
than to be placed in proper connexion with the
events of which they are the best interpreta-
tion. His diaries are the fullest record remaining
of his studies, and show with what eagerness
Dr. M'Clintock devoted himself to the accumula-
tion of knowledge. These sources of information
I have supplemented from my own recollections,
drawn from an intimacy which extended over
many years, as well as from the recollections of
other friends.
6 PREFACE.
I return my thanks to the correspondents of
Dr. M'Clintock who have placed their letters in
my hands. I am also under special obligations to
his son, Mr. Emory M'Clintock, whose admirable
arrangement of his father's papers has greatly
aided me in the preparation of this volume.
For the young men of the Church, whether of
the ministry or the laity, the life which I have en-
deavored to portray has many and valuable les-
sons. The example of a simple. Christian faith,
firmly held by one who explored nearly every field
of human knowledge, will, it is hoped, not be with-
out its effect. With all his growing, Dr. M'Clin-
tock never outgrew the creed which he inherited
from his fathers. His highest aspiration was to
be a Bible Christian. For him the announcement
that " Jesus Christ came into the world to save
sinners" had a meaning which neither philoso-
phy nor improved theology could for a moment
obscure.
CONTENTS.
■ •
CHAPTER I.
EARLY LIFE, EDUCATION, AND CALL TO THE MINISTRY.
Parentage and Birth — Home Life — The Old St. George's Church — Dr.
Holdich's Recollections — Placed in the University Grammar School — A
Favorite Pupil — Becomes Book-keeper in the Methodist Book Concern,
New York — Balancing the Books — Conversion — Joins the Allen-street
Church— Anxiety for a thorough Education — Enters the Wesleyan Univer-
sity, Middletown — Sickness — Enters the University of Pennsylvania —
Rapid Progress — Called into the Ministry vi'hile yet a Student — Preaches
at Flemington, Elizabethtown, and Jersey City — Enters the Philadelphia
Conference — Gi-aduates A.B. with Distinction — Letters Page 13
CHAPTER n.
PASTORATE IN JERSEY CITY — ELECTED PROFESSOR IN DICKINSON COLLEGE.
Life as Pastor in Jersey City — Letters to his Mother — Compelled by 111
Health to Quit the Pulpit — Appointed Assistant and then full Professor of
Mathematics in Dickinson College — History of the College — The Members
of the First Faculty — Intimacy with Robert Emory — Dr. Durbin's Fame as
an Orator — Daily Life of Professor M'Clintock in his New Position — Great
Variety of his Studies — Educational Leaders of American Methodism —
Second Failure of Professor M'Clintock's Health — Passages from his Diary
— His Extensive Reading while an Invalid — Anxiety to be Able to Preach
Again — His Method as a Stiident — Letters 6i
CHAPTER III.
LIFE IN CARLISLE.
An Ideal Life — Carlisle and the Cumberland' Valley — Rapid Progress in
Study — Social Habits — Improvement of Health — Centenary of Methodism,
October, 1839 — Reading on Christian Perfection and the Human Will —
Grief at Parting with Robert Emory — Transfer from the Chair of Mathe-
8
CONTENTS.
maticsto that of the Ancient Classic Languages — Ordained Elder by Bishop
Hedding — Illness and Death of his Mother — Recovery of his Voice and
Return to the Pulpit — Characteristics and Power as a Preacher — Estimates
of Carlisle and Goethe — Stability in his Opinions and Steadfast Adherence
to Evangelical Doctrine — Profound Interest in the Slaveiy Controversy —
Active Opposition to the Annexation of Texas — Letters in the " Christian
Advocate " on the Duty of the Church — Publication of Greek and Latin
Text-Books, and Neander's "Life of Christ" — Letters Page loi
CHAPTER IV.
THE TRIAL ON THE CHARGE OF INSTIGATING A RIOT.
The Cumberland Valley a Highway of Migration — The Negroes of Car-
lisle— The Pursuit by Messrs. Kennedy and Hollingsworth of Three Slaves
— Symptoms of Riot at the Office of a Justice of the Peace — Collision of
Negroes with the Sheriff's Officers — All Partife-^.rought before Judge Hep-
burn on a Writ of Habeas Corpus — The Judge's decision- — Attempt Made
in the Court-room to Rescue the Slaves — The Blacks Baflft^d and Overawed
— The Attitude of Pennsylvania in Relation to Slavery — The Prigg Case
before the Supreme Court of the United States — The Pgjinsylvima'Law
of 1847 — Arrival of Professor M'Clintock at the Court^nouse — Co-operates
in Procuring a Second Writ of Habeas Corpus — Interposition ysx Behalf of a
Negro — Attempt to Carry the Slaves Away— Resistance by the Negroes of
the Town — A Melee in which Mr. Kennedy is Stmck Down — Great Ex-
citement in the Country — Professor M'Clintock Charged with Instigating a
Riot and Arrested — Trial of Professor M'Clintock and Twenty-eight Ne-
groes— The Testimony for the Prosecution — Scenes in the Court — Defense
and Acquittal — Protest of the Judge — Conviction of Thirteen Negroes and
Sentence of Ten to the Penitentiar}' — Their Release by the Supreme Court
— Letters 143
CHAPTER V.
RESIGNATION OF COLLEGE PROFESSORSHIP.
Calm after the Storm — Increase in the Number of College Students —
Generosity of Dr. M'Clintock's Friends — Illness of President Emory, and
his Departure for the West Indies — Illness of Professor Caldwell — Corre-
spondence of Dr. M'Clintock with his two Sick Associates — Letter from
one Dying Man to Another — Death of President Emory and of Professor
Caldwell — Professor M'Clintock's Resignation of his Professorship — His
Growth during the Twelve Years — His Life in Carlisle considered as a
Preparation for his Subsequent Career 183
CONTENTS.
9
CHAPTER VI.
EDITOR OF " METHODIST QUARTERLY REVIEW " — REMOVAL TO NEW YORK.
Elected Editor of the " Methodist Quarterly Review " — Removes to Jer-
sey City — Despondent about his Health — Discusses with Dr. Olin the
Policy of the " Review" — Regrets the loss of the Society of old Friends —
Enlists the Co-operation of able Contributors — Discussion and Analysis of
Comte's System of Positivism — Effort to make the " Quarterly " both Schol-
arly and Practical — Demands Independence in the Treatment of Methodist
Questions — Death of his Wife — Trip to Europe in the Summer of 1850 —
Enjoyment of the Sea — Attention from German University Professors —
Inclination to Settle in Europe for several Years — Return Home in greatly
Improved Health — Death of Dr. Olin — Second Marriage of Dr. M'Clin-
tock — Elected President of Wesleyan University, but Declines the Position
— Preaching — Work upon Church Catechisms — Weariness of Editorial
Drudgery — Letters Page 197
CHAPTER YII.
LIFE AS EDITOR — SECOND RESIDENCE IN CARLISLE.
Strong Desire of Dr. M'Clintock for Quiet and Rest — Removal to New
Brunswick, and thence to Carlisle — Great Enjoyment of his Rural Home —
His Manner of Life — Estimate of Congregationalism — Trip to Europe in
the Summer of 1854 — Letters to his Children — Complaints of the Abstruse-
ness of the "Quarterly Review" — His Replies — Reply to Joseph R.
Chandler on the Temporal Power of the Pope — Offered the Presidency of
Troy University — The Methodist Deputation from Ireland — General Con-
ference of 1856 — Excitement in the Country in Relation to Slavery — Effect
upon the Church — Dr. M'Clintock and the Baltimore Conference — His In-
tended New "Chapter" on Slavery — Close of his Connection with the
"Quarterly Review" — Letters 240
CHAPTER VTII.
PASTOR OF ST. PAUL's CHURCH, NEW YORK.
Dr. M'Clintock as an Orator— Appointed to the Pastorate of St. Paul's
Methodist Episcopal Church, New York — Great Success in this Position — •
Visits England in 1857, with Bishop Simpson, as Delegate to the Wesleyan
Conference and to the Evangelical Alliance — Public Reception at the
Wesleyan Mission-House — Reception at Belfast — Kindness of his Irish
Friends — Reception of the Members of the Evangelical Alliance by the
10
CONTENTS.
King of Prussia — The King's Attendance upon the Sessions of the Alliance
— Entertainment of Americans in Berlin by Governor Wright— Work upon
the Cyclopaedia by Dr. M'Clintock — His many Plans for Literary Work —
Efifect of Ill-health in Hindering their Execution — Letters Page 263
CHAPTER IX.
LIFE IN PARIS PASTORATE OF THE AMERICAN CHAPEL.
Appointed Pastor of the American Chapel, Paris — Cordial Reception by
the Congregation — Engages to Correspond with the "Methodist" — Break-
ing out of the Civil War in the United States — Patriotic Activity of Dr
M'Clintock — Speech in Exeter Hall at the Wesleyan Missionary Anniver-
sary— Great Effect of the Speech — Meeting of Americans at the Hotel du
Louvre, Paris — Subscription for a Battery of Rifled Cannon — Dr. M'Clintock
Translates and Circulates, in England, De Gasparin's " Uprising of a Great
People" — Speech at Meeting of Americans in London, July 4, 1861 — The
" Trent " Imbroglio — Active Efforts of Dr. M'Clintock to Remove English
Misunderstandings — Correspondence with the Rev. Wm. Arthur in Rela-
tion to Mason and Slidell — His Devotion to his Work as Pastor of the
Chapel — Fruit of his Preaching — Readiness to Serve Destitute and Suffer-
ing Americans — Lending a Hand — Letters 280
CHAPTER X.
LIFE IN PARIS — PATRIOTIC ACTIVITY.
Dr. M'Clintock's Habitual Interest in Political Affairs — The Scholar in
Politics — Effect of his Activity upon his Countrymen in Europe — Pros-
perity of the Chapel — Respect of Europe for " Monitors" — Tribute to the
Memory of the Rev. Dr. Bangs — The United States is a Great Nation —
European Opinion of General M'Clellan — A Detachment of Lee's Army
Enters Carlisle — Anticipation Eight Years Before of such an Event by
Dr. M'Clintock — Notice to American and Foreign Christian Union of his
Purpose to Return Home — Review of his Pastorate in Paris — The Rev.
Andrew Longacre's Sketch of Dr. M'Clintock's Personal Life — Making
Sunshine for All — Charity for Men, and Faith in God — Letters 327
CHAPTER XL
LAST YEARS OF LIFE.
The Afternoon of Life — Signs of Bodily Decay — Formation of the
European Branch of the Sanitary Commission — Invitation to Return to
St. Paul's Church, New York — Trip to Rome — Taking Leave of Paris —
Reception by Friends in New York — Offered a Public Dinner by Leading
CONTEXTS.
Citizens — Failure of Health — Retirement to the "Brown" Farm, near
Philadelphia — Chainnan of Central Centenaiy Committee — Great Success
of Centenary Work — Mr. Drew's Offer to Found a Theological School —
Opening of Drew Seminary, under the Presidency of Dr. M'Clintock — Re-
moval of Dr. M'Clintock, first to New Bmnswick, and then to Madison,
New Jersey — Interview with President Johnson, at Washington — No Rest
for Us in this World — General Conference of 1868 and Lay Delegation —
Work on the Cyclopaedia — Trip to England in the Summer of 1869 — Con-
tinued Decline of Health — Letter to Fletcher Harper — Attack of Fever,
March, 1870 — Last Words, and the End Page 355
CHAPTER XH.
TRIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF DR. M'CLINTOCK BY HIS FRIENDS.
Tributes to the Memory of Dr. M'Clintock— From Dr W. H. Allen-
Bishop Janes on the Elements of his Power — His Early Life, by Mr. T. A.
Howe — Mr. C. C. North on his Industry and Organizing Talent — The Rev.
William Arthur's Recollections — The Young Professor, by the Rev. Dr.
Deems — The Hon. John Bigelow on Dr. M'Clintock's Life in Paris — His
Social Qualities, by Mrs. Mary S. Robinson — His Helpfulness to Young
Americans in Europe, by the Rev. Dr. Hurst — His Leading Mental and
Moral Traits, by the Author of this Memoir 384
LIFE OF DR. M'CLINTOCK.
CHAPTER I.
Parentage and Birth— Home Life— The Old St. George's Church— Dr. Holdich's Eecol-
lections— Placed in the University Grammar Scliool— A Favorite Pupil— Becomes Book-
keeper in tho Methodist Book Concern, New York— Balancing the Books— Conversion-
Joins the Allen-street Church— Anxiety for a thorough Education— Enters the Wcsleyan
University, Middletown— Sickness— Enters the University of Pennsylvania— Kapid Prog-
ress—Called into the Ministry while yet a Student— Preaches at Flemington, Elizabethtown,
and Jersey City— Enters the Philadelphia Conference— Graduates A. B. with Distmction.
OHN M'CLINTOCK, Junior, the second son of
of Philadelphia, October 27, 18 14. The father, John
M'Clintock, Sen., came from County Tyrone, Ireland, to
America in the year 1806, and in the year 1807 married
Martha M'Mackin, who was also a native of Tyrone.
For many years he was a member of the St. George's
Methodist Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, in which he
held the offices of class leader and trustee. Mr. M'Clin-
tock was a man of unusual intelligence, alert in move-
ment, irrepressible in temper, persistent, tenacious, and
altogether a man of mark in the religious community
in whose fellowship he lived. His wife, the mother of
the subject of this memoir, was a woman of very clear
intellect, placid spirit, and deep, though unobtrusive,
Martha M'Clintock, was born in the city
14 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
piety. Five sons and three daughters were born to
John and Martha M'CHntock, all of whom lived to
mature age.
The family in Ireland was originally Presbyterian. The
earliest member of whom the home record makes men-
tion, WiUiam M'Clintock, (born in 1717,) is described as a
farmer, in County Tyrone, " a very quiet, pious man."
His son James (born in 1740) was both a farmer and a
county physician of some repute. He is the first Meth-
odist who appears in the family, and was a class leader
in the period of the beginnings of Methodism. From
James descended John, the father of the Rev. Dr.
M'Clintock. Thus through his father, grandfather, and
great grandfather. Dr. M'Clintock inherited the blessings
of religious thought and habit. His ancestors were, no
doubt, a substantial, godly people ; fit representatives
of the Protestant Irish stock, which has contributed so
much to the vigor and energy of the English-speaking
race in America.
The home life of the M'Clintocks in Philadelphia was
simple and unostentatious. The father carried on a re-
tail dry-goods trade for many years with various success.
Store and home, as was then the almost universal prac-
tice, were in the same building. Here was dispensed a
hearty hospitality, the itinerant preachers being among
Mr. M'Clintock's most frequent guests. The faces of
Solomon Sharp, Ezekiel Cooper, Beverly Waugh, Dr.
John Emory, and others of the itinerants known to fame
in that day, were familiar to the younger members of
the family from childhood. The household held to the
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
15
Church by the closest tie ; their Church-Hfe was a very
large part of their entire life.
The Methodist society to which the father and mother
belonged, the St. George's, was the oldest in Philadelphia.
After many renovations of its interior the homely edifice
still stands, with its gable looking upon the street, and
bearing without much change the same appearance as
fifty years ago. Nearly opposite, on Fourth-street, is
the St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, which, like
its Methodist neighbor, has always been strong and
populous, and has had an eventful history of its own.
One cannot but feel that the two edifices, standing
over against each other, have been types of two antago-
nistic systems of faith, brought by a singular coincidence
face to face. St. George's was noted for the enthusi-
asm of its worshippers, and its crowded congregations.
It was the fruitful mother of a great progeny of Churches
scattered throughout the city and county of Philadel-
phia. The leading preachers of the connexion held it an
honor to be appointed to its pulpit. Its roll of pastors
includes such men as Henry White, Levi Scott, Joseph
Iloldich, George G. Cookman, Charles Pitman, and
others of later fame. It was naturally, therefore, for long
years, a centre of Methodist influence and power.
Into the life of this fine old Church, young M'Clin-
tock, we may say, was born. He knew its hard, un-
cushioned benches, its arched ceiling, its over-jutting
galleries, its crowded aisles, well. In the year 1825, be-
ing eleven years of age, he was placed by Dr. Holdich,
then pastor, in a catechetical class of the children of
i6
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
the congregation, and on October 9, of that year, was
received as a probationer in the Church. Of this fact
of young M'Clintock's Hfe, Dr. Holdich gives us the
following interesting reminiscence : —
In the year 1825, being the fourth year of my ministry, I was sta-
tioned at St. George's Charge, in the city of Philadelphia. The
Charge then consisted of five Churches. My colleagues were the
Rev. Charles Pitman and William Barnes. During this year it was
that George G. Cookman arrived from England, and, having some
previous knowledge of each other through common friends, he natu-
rally sought me out, and finally took lodgings in the same house with
me. It was at the house of my senior colleague, the Rev. Charles
Pitman. He joined St. George's Church as a local preacher, and at
once began to preach with great acceptance and popularity.
During the course of our joint-pastorate that year, (1825,) we
formed the children belonging to St. George's Church into a cate-
chetical class, and met them once a week. Besides the catechism,
we had singing, prayer, and exhortation. I do not know which of
the ministers organized the class, but I know that we all, including
Mr. Cookman, took part in it, and with this class young John M'.Clin-
tock became connected. I remember the hope he enkindled in us as
to his future, and the gratification he afforded us by his punctuality,
and his earnestness and zeal to enlist others in the same cause. He
showed a good deal of talent, and was apt both in remembering and
in communicating what he knew. I cannot say that he professed to
enjoy experimental piety, but we had great hope of him, believing
that he would, if he lived, grow up to be a useful and distinguished
man. But he was only a boy, and liable to a boy's exposures and
temptations. If he was not always faithful to his early convictions,
I believe he never entirely lost them ; and the profession of religion
which he subsequently made while in New York was, I believe, only
the actualizing and carrying into practice the impressions he received
while attending the catechetical class.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. \^
In the year 1822, the eighth of his age, he was
placed in the Grammar School of the University of
Pennsylvania, and began the study of Latin and Greek.
Dr. S. B. Wylie, a famous old Grecian, was the principal.
The school was formed upon the English model ; the
study of the ancient classic languages was the chief
occupation of teachers and scholars every day. For
this method of training Dr. Wylie was admirably quali-
fied. Profoundly versed in both languages, especially
the Greek, he appreciated the value of patient drill.
He was among the earliest of American classical teach-
ers to adopt the more philosophical method of deriv-
ing the parts of the Greek verb from a single root
form. His Greek Grammar, first published in 1838,
is a fine specimen of compact workmanship. I have
heard Dr. M'Clintock say, that when his old preceptor
became Professor in the University of Pennsylvania he
would hear his classes in Homer without any use of text-
book ; his memory had treasured up the text line by
line.
Young M'Clintock soon became a favorite with the
good Doctor. He must have been an apt scholar, for I
find the following note to his father under date of July
24, 1826: —
Mr. M'Clintock:—
Dear Sir: — John tells me you design to send him to the country
to-day with the family. I am truly sorr)- for the arrangement. I
beg, if at all consistent, that you will postpone the trip till next
week. Our examination will be on Friday. John will make a tirst-
rate figure. Why should you deprive either himself or us of the
2
i8
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
honor — more pariicularly as the class at such a time (close before
holidays) is usually thin ? I will take it as a particular favor, should
you not take John away till after that event.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. B, Wylie.
Boy as he was, young M'Clintock did not, at this
early age, shrink from high questions of metaphysics.
The Rev. T. J. Wylie, a son of Dr. Wylie, tells this
incident : —
During the time he was at school he was noted for proficiency in
his studies and excellent behavior ; though I have heard that some-
times the great questions of
" Foreknowledg-c, will, and fate,
Fix'd fate, free-will, foreknowledge absolute."
were very warmly discussed, during school-hours, between him and
another pupil, (Mr. Benjamin B. M'Kinley, at present a member of
the Faculty of the Deaf and Dumb Institute,) a staunch Calvinist, of
the old true-blue, Covenanter kind, and now, and for many years, a
respected member of the United Reformed Presbyterian Church of
this city. I cannot say w^hat effect these arguments may have had in
developing the intellectual power of our dear friend, or in producing
the respect which he has so eloquently expressed for the great Gene-
van Reformer ; but the immediate consequence was correction, more
or less severe, from the teacher, who probably supposed that his young
pupils were talking about tops or marbles, but had no idea what-
ever of the true nature of the subjects which formed the themes of
such earnest convei sations.
It must not be inferred from this record that our sub-
ject had no genuine boy-life. He was a boy to the end
of his days. Fun was perpetually bubbling up from his
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 19
inner nature, and revealing itself in pleasant effervescence.
Philadelphia was in that early day a boy's paradise.
It had not become overgrown, and boys had not yet
been put in strait-jackets by innumerable police regula-
tions. The Delaware on the one side and the Schuylkill
on the other invited to swimming, boatings and skating.
The broad expanse on the north-west, then known as
Bush Hill, made ample room for bands of ball-players.
To the south of the city the marshes of the Neck,"
crowded with reed-birds in the early fall, gave the
youthful sportsman many an hour's exhilaration. Ad-
venturous spirits could find their way to the Wissahickon,
and spend the long sunny days on the slopes of its hills.
Few cities have such surroundings, and, being yet small,
the open fields were near at hand on every side. We
may readily imagine that the school-boy's Saturday was
improved by young M'Clintock. He was well up in all
boyish sports, and always spoke of them with zest in
his later life. Though his intellect was alert almost
to precocity, there was nothing in its vigor akin to
disease.
In after life he took more than usual care to preserve
the memorials of his school and college work. I have
a number of his exercise books before me, the earliest
dated 1826, when he was still a mere boy. They show
the thorough manner in which he was trained, and the
closeness of his application to study. The earlier exer-
cises were, as may be supposed from the character of the
school, in Latin and Greek. All is written out with
most minute attention to detail. In analysis, transla-
20
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
tion, scanning, every point of etymology, syntax, prosody,
mythology, and history was examined, and the fact or
rule stated. This was the method of Dr. Wylie's school,
and in this exact discipline the foundation of Dr.
M'Clintock's culture was laid. He did not leap to ex-
cellence, but rose to it by honest exertion. Rapid and
brilliant at all times, he did not disdain what most young
men call drudgery. His college note books show evi-
dence of activity in every department of knowledge.
In the neatest of hands are preserved digests of lectures
on chemistry, mathematics, philosophy, and constitu-
tional law; sketches of problems in the calculus; draw-
ings of parts of the steam-engine, and of philosophical
instruments, with descriptiofts ; in fact, nothing seems
to have come amiss to him. As a school boy he had
drilled into him the habit of doing every thing well, and
the habit clung to him ever after.
In the year 1828, being fourteen years of age, he was
taken from school and placed in his father's dry-goods
store. Though standing and serving behind the counter,
his mind, according to his own account, was with his
books. Writing, when a young man, a little narrative of
his life for a friend, he says : " I left school for the pur-
pose of obtaining a knowledge of mercantile pursuits,
into which I entered immediately, and in which I have
been occupied ever since. Many a scolding have I suf-
fered for sales made below cost, while my mind was wan-
dering to the scenes I had so deeply studied in the
Songs of Anacreon or the ^ncid of Virgil."
If he did not relish this life, it at least prepared him
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
21
for another which was more congenial. In 1830, being
sixteen years of age, he obtained the position of book-
keeper in the Methodist Book Concern, New York, then
under the supervision of the Rev. Dr. John Emory and
the Rev. Beverly Waugh. This now extensive publish-
ing house had been founded in 1797 by the Rev. John
Dickens, with a capital of $600, furnished by himself,
and had grown, after not a few vicissitudes of fortune, to
a solid prosperity. Its business was at this period rapid-
ly increasing. Dr. Emory, a man of unusual sagacity,
had essentially changed its methods, and his associate,
Mr. Waugh, devoted himself with scrupulous care to its
details. They were both attached friends of. the M'Clin-
tock family, and the senior agent. Dr. Emory, was, to the
end of his life, Dr. M'Clintock's trusted counselor. What
the young clerk owed to the almost paternal interest
of his employers he could hardly estimate, but always
freely acknowledged.
The salary would be considered a pittance in these
days. It was six dollars per week ; ultimately it became
nine dollars ; yet out of it the thrifty book-keeper accu-
mulated, as we shall see, a little fund, which he appropri-
ated to his education. Mr. Waugh had charge of the
accounts, and M'Clintock came under his immediate
superintendence. I am told by old friends that he made
his first appearance in the counting-room in a " round-
about," a blue-eyed, rosy-cheeked lad, full of spirit and
activity, and settled down at once to his work. He
boarded with the Rev. Samuel Merwin, whose wife
watched over him with motherly care. Some of his
22
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
letters written during this period are preserved. After
having been in New York a month he writes : —
New York, July 6, 1880.
My Dear Parents : — In answer to your inquiry whether I shall
have to go to Bennett, [a teacher of book-keeping,] I do not think
it will be necessary. Mr. Waugh continues sick, and during his
sickness I have kept the books almost altogether. I have very little
time to write this letter, so you must excuse it. I went yesterday
morning (5th July) to hear Mr. Merwin, (it cost me a shilling,) and in
the afternoon walked up Broadway. It is a very splendid street, in-
deed. I heard Mr. Luckey preach on Sunday, and like him very
well.
The meaning of ten dollars out of my wages is as follows : I get
paid monthly, (as I choose it,) and all I do not want for board I pass
to your credit and let you know it. . . .
Affectionately, John M'Clintock, Jun.
A little later in July he writes : Having had a good
deal of business to do down town, I know the town
pretty well. The common writing to be done here is
not more than twice as much as our own at home ; but
about three times a month I have half as much to do as
the yearly balancing of the books at home." He does
not forget his boyish enjoyments, but notes that he has
" a beautiful place to swim, on the East River — no dan-
ger, no cost, and can see the bottom." In August he
writes to his father : I have got pretty well used to my
business, and go on without instructions," and signs him-
self with evident pride, " First clerk Methodist Book
Concern."
In the early winter Mr. Waugh had made a favorable
report of his success in the performance of his duties.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 23
He writes in relation to this to his mother : " I read the
letter which Mr. Waugh sent to you last week, and I
think it was very satisfactory. It would be the height
of meanness for me, if I cannot do the balancing, to re-
fuse to stay at six dollars per week, as Mr. Waugh has
been so kind to me. He does not treat any clerk in the
store as he does me."
This balancing of the books for the first time proved a
sore trouble to the young accountant. He was but six-
teen years of age, and the business of the house exceeded
$250,000 yearly ; and though bright, alert, and familiar
with the theory of book-keeping, he was new to its
practice. Toward the close of the year he says of one
of his brothers: "He will probably have more skating
than I will if I stay here, which depends altogether on
my balancing. I would give it up, were it not for the
disgrace inevitable upon such a step." He had already
begun to form the habit of thoroughness, which was
characteristic of him through life ; it is not, therefore,
surprising to find him writing early in January of the
new year: "Two balancings must be finished by 15th of
April, 1 83 1. I have begun to go through my books
again, to try and rectify them ; if I do not find out the
error, I shall not go through them again."
In March he mentioned again in his correspondence :
" My balance book is exactly right on the debtor side,
namely, $253,826 06, and on the Cr. side $9 91 cents too
much. I shall close it, I think. You can have no idea
of the labor and patience necessary to do it. If I had
known it, I should never have undertaken it ; but as I
24
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
have, I intend to go through with it. I had rather make
up your daily accounts six times than do it." Years
after, when he had grown to fame, he turned, in my
presence, to the bulky folios over which he had spent so
many months, and referred, with a not unreasonable
pride, to his youthful work. His neat, even handwriting
was conspicuous on every page.
But though fully occupied with the duties of his clerk-
ship, and as happy as a bright, growing youth could be,
his heart was not in this work. To earn a support he
had reluctantly laid aside his books, and looked forward
to the time when he could return to them. His father,
who in all this early correspondence displays a most
affectionate solicitude for his son's welfare, writes to him
near the close of the year 1850: —
Philadilphia, Dec. 27, 1880.
My Dear John : — If you cannot balance for want of knowledge,
you had better go to Bennett ; this (if you please) you may nnention
to Mr. Waugh. The following keep to yourself. There are three
avocations, one of which I think you ought to follow for a living.
I. You might go to college, finish your education, and trust to it to
furnish you the means of support. 2. Stay where you are until it
might be thought proper time for you to begin a bookstore ; or,
3. Return home and bend all your energies to become a first-rate
dry-goods store-keeper. If your mind could be fully placed on the
last, it would be more agreeable to your mother and me than either
of the others: i. Because we think you might do as well at that as
any thing else ; and, 2. Because we would then have the satisfaction
of your being at home. I now leave it to yourself to determine, so
that you shall neither murmur nor complain hereafter. I trust, my
dear John, in whatever decision you may make, you will always re-
flect, How can I best ser\-e God and prepare for heaven ? This, you
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 25
know, is our primary- object respecting our dear children. You will
please answer soon. My dear John, did you think of us on Christ-
mas } You were much upon our minds and tongues.
I am, etc., John M'Clintock.
To this the son wrote the following reply : — •
New Yokk, Dec. 2S. 1S30.
My Dear Parents : — I received your letter of 27th inst. to-day.
In answer to your inquiries respecting the balancing, I would say,
that it is ?ioi for want of information or knowledge that I have not
done it ; but there is a mistake somewhere which I cannot discover.
I have considered the three propositions in your letter ; and, Jirst,
would say that I can give no decided answer at present, till Mr.
Waugh says something to me cn the subject ; as, if he is pleased
with my work, and will increase my salary as I should desire, I
think it decidedly preferable that I should remain here : but 7iot
otherwise ! As soon as there is the least whisper, on any hand, that
I do not perfectly suit, so soon shall I leave the Concern. On the
contrary, should Mr. Waugh or Dr. Emory incline to part with me,
or be displeased with me, and not increase my salary at the end of
'January, when the next balancing will take place, which I shall try
to do, I unqualifiedly accept of the first proposal, namely, to go to
college and finish my education. !My reasons for this course I shall
give you in full, as follows, namely : —
1. I think it would be a sin, to say no worse of it, to waste all the
education that I have had, and make nothing of it.
2. If I incline to study medicine, I shall have so good an opfK)r-
tunity with James, and at so little expense.
3. I have enough experience, and enough knowledge in the way of
business, to obtain me a situation as clerk, whenever I please, should
I not succeed in a profession. I can obtain five hundred dollars per
annum — in this way.
4. My natural taste and inclination have always been for learning,
and it always was a mortification of myself and my feelings to at-
26
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
tend dr}'-goods store. I believe this (dry goods) has injured -my
health, and would not agree with me, as a business to follow for a
living. I am sorry that it appears to you preferable for me to be a
dry-goods man ; but I believe, if you consider all the circumstances of
the case as above, you will think it best for me to go to college. In-
deed, I always thought it your desire that I should do so. Middle-
town will be a very good opening. If I go in the course of a few
months, I shall be prepared to join the college, which opens in Octo-
ber next, with credit and fair prospects. The opportunities for instruc-
tion at Middletown will be very good ; very far superior to what can
be in Philadelphia, and at about half the price. Mr. Burch will be
able to give you all and any information on this subject. However,
all this planning is mere fudge if Mr. Waugh increases my salary,
as mentioned before. If he does, I have no doubt I shall be a book-
seller. All turns upon this hinge. Now for something about my-
self. I have always tried, to the best of my ability, during my life,
to conduct myself so as not to be a burden, a disgrace, or a grief to
my parents, and never more so than during the past year.
Though I cannot dissemble, or picture things that I do not feel,
and have a smooth tongue, and be disobedient at heart ; though I
say, I always show the worst side of my character outside, (which
probably was the case when I was in Philadelphia last,) I always
have, and always will, try to be a comfort to you in your old age. I
leave all the above with yourselves, knowing that you will do for me
whatever you think best. Give my love to all, etc.
Your dutiful son, John.
Early in 1831 the event occurred which determined
his subsequent career. He had always been a pure,
affectionate, dutiful youth, and had acted from conscien-
tious impulses ; but he now dedicated himself wholly to
the Christian life. His own account of this important
act is contained in the letters which he immediately after
wrote to his parents: —
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
27
Kew York, Feb. 11, 1S31.
My Dear Parents : — I cannot wait, I must tell you what great
things the Lord has done for me. I have informed you that there is
a great re valval going on here. It has been progressing for eleven
days. On the 3d inst. I resolved, in the strength of the Lord, that I
would seek and serve him. And, glory to his name ! in his infinite
mercy, I believe that he last evening pardoned all my sins. I can do
nothing but praise him. I went to the altar three times. . Last night
I stayed till I suppose about eleven o'clock, and Mr. Merwin came
and knelt by me. He prayed to the Lord to bless John. He men-
tioned my pious parents, my father, my mother; how they had
prayed, had agonized for me. Every word went to my heart, and
during his prayer, I firmly believe, the Lord turned me from darkness
to light, and from the power of Satan to the living God. Mrs. Mer-
win appeared as glad as if it were her own son, and Mr. Merwin too.
Give my love to all.
The work is very great here among the young men. Ten, I think,
were converted on Wednesday evening, and a number last night.
We have meetings morning, afternoon, and night ; prayer-meetings
during the intervals all day, without cessation. Mr. Merwin and
family send love to you.
Pray for your affectionate son, John M'Clintock, Jun.
New York, Feb. 15, 1S31.
My Dear Parents :— I suppose you received my last letter,
wherein I gave you an account of what the Lord has done for me.
To his name be the glory forever ! I am resolved to press on to the
mark for the prize of my high calling which is of God in Christ
Jesus. You will read in the " Advocate " a short account of the great
and wonderful revival among us, and also at Lansingburgh and White
Plains. The north appears to be giving up : let the south keep no
longer back. We have meetings in Allen-street Church from half
past ten in the morning till, generally, eleven at night. I never saw
such crowded congregations as we have now, and every soul appears
to be as attentive as the preacher himself. The immense throng
28
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
hangs over the gallery, breathless and silent, wondering at the work
of the Almighty. The altars are crowded every time an oppor-
tunity ofifers. Eighty-two joined the Church on probation yesterday,
and from appearances this is but the beginning of good days.
In haste, your affectionate son, John M'Clintock, Jun.
The " Old Allen-street Church," as it is still affection-
ately called, was, in New York, very much such a one
as the St. George's in Philadelphia, that is, it was noted
for its vigor. After the lapse of more than forty years
the revival of 1831 and 1832 is still mentioned as one of
the notable events of its long history. It was strong in
possessing such office-bearers as Schureman and Samuel
Halsted, Henry Moore, Dr. Palmer, and others whose
names and memories are still fragrant in the Churches.
The accessions during this memorable year reached sev-
eral hundred. Among the youths who then united with
the Church was Robert Emory, the son of Dr. Emory,
and in after life M'Clintock's close personal friend.
The young convert's time, when not occupied with
business, was now wholly given to religious exercises.
Meetings were held during the winter without cessation.
He Avrites, " I attend regularly Saturday night prayer-
meeting, class Friday night, and there is preaching every
night." He remarks frequently on the great numbers
who join the Church, and is all aflame with zeal. The
powerful impulse of a new life was quickly felt in the re-
awakening of his hunger for a thorough education. How-
ever faithfully he might perform his clerkly duties, he yet
looked beyond them. The opening of the Wesleyan
University at Middletown offered him, he thought, the
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK,
29
long-desired opportunity. His correspondence with his
parents in relation to this step was long and anxious.
Considerations of means to meet the necessary expense,
of fiUal obligation, were weighed carefully, and the de-
cision was reached only after a minute discussion of every
detail. With all his eagerness, however, he leaves the
final decision to his father. July 9, 1831, he writes: —
After mature deliberation and a great deal of solicitude, with the
advice — the considerate advice — of Father Merwin, I have concluded,
if it is agreeable to you, to go to Middletown College. The college
will commence on September i. It would be necessary for me to
leave the Book Room early in August, as there would be prepara-
tion necessary. Write immediately to Mr. Waugh ; request him, if
he can, to procure another clerk, etc. ; though, if he will not, I shall
have to remain here. If this attempt should fail I will give up going
to college at all.
Read in the last " Advocate " the communication respecting the
Wesleyan University. I could board for from fifty to seventy cents
per week. You know that I always preferred a life of study, and
that clerkship is not agreeable, though I have not said much about
it. I think it a providential opening, and the best course I could
pursue. After this, if I do not go ttow, it will be too late. I shall be
on nettles till you write to Mr. Waugh.
He writes again that this would be the " pivot " on
which his life would turn, and is confident that he can
crowd the work of four years into two. His impatient
eagerness brought a rebuke from home, and momentari-
ly the scheme was abandoned, and under this impression
he writes to his father : —
I see pretty clearly that the way is not, nor do I think it will ever
be, open for me to go ; and I shall give up all thoughts and inten-
30
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
tions on that subject, I think, and turn myself, though it may be with
violence, to business pursuits. The prosecution of my studies at
Middletown would not cost at most over three hundred dollars. I
have two hundred and fifty dollars now — but enough on that subject.
It may be all for the best.
The tenacity in executing a cherished purpose, which
always distinguished him, was conspicuous here. He
sent home for his Caesar, Sallust, Grammar, and Greek
Testament, engaged a teacher to give him night lessons,
and busied himself in getting ready for an opportunity
which might never come. If the way does not open this
year it may the next. His strong nature is a sufficient
prompting, and so he writes to his sister : —
The subject that occupies all my spare time and fills all my leisure
thoughts is that of going to college at Middletown. I have entered
upon a course of study to enable me to prepare by next August to
enter the University. Still, if it be thought best I should not go. and
that I should turn my attention to being a merchant, I should like to
know immediately, so that I may not be under the necessity of spend-
ing my nights this winter in study and my days in toil.
Still, I cannot see any particular use for my going to college ; but
yet, on the other hand, there is something within that seems to tell
me I must go. Should Providence continue to bless me with health
and strength, I think that it will not be said that I have not improved
my opportunities.
I should like very much, if I be enabled to pursue the college course,
to obtain some foreign situation, as I am very desirous of visiting
European countries, particularly Ireland, England, and France.
But this is all building castles in the air, which is not very profit-
able business for a clerk in the Book Room at nine dollars per week.
However, I do not despair, if God be willing, that I shall yet be
something more than that.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 3I
Early in 1832 he was able to give his employers,
Messrs. Emory and Waugh, notice of his intention to
leave on May i. They were loth to part with their clerk,
and wished him to remain till June 15. He is fearful
of being detained still longer, and sends this message to
his father: "Should Messrs. Emory and Waugh make
any proposition to you relative to my remaining after
June 15, I ask that you will not listen to them."
On the first of May of this year the General Conference
assembled in the Union Church, Philadelphia, then com-
monly known as the " Academy." The Book Agents
were these to render an account of their stewardship,
and changes were expected. It was rumored that Dr.
Emory, who, with his colleague, had laid solid founda-
tions for the great house, and doubled its business, would
be elected a bishop. This expectation was verified.
Mr. Waugh was returned as senior Agent, and late in
June young M'Clintock found himself free of the count-
ing-room and at home.
He had developed rapidly in the two years ; body and
mind had grown ; he had entered fully into an earnest
Christian life, and had found his vocation. In the brief
snatches of his correspondence which we have cited it
has been impossible to reproduce its sweet affection-
ateness, and the deference this son paid to the wishes
of his father and mother. A single word or hint from
either restrained the eagerness of an impetuous tem-
perament. In his intercourse with them there was no
secrecy, no hidden purpose which he was ashamed to
reveal ; all was as open as day, and as loving as though
32 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
he had been but a child. This combination of manli-
ness and gentleness, of ardor and ready submission to
recognized law, remained a life-long characteristic of Dr.
M'Clintock.
He began this year a Diary," which is the most valu-
able memorial now remaining of his busy life. Accord-
ing to the religious fashion of forty years ago, it is, in its
earlier entries, mainly introspective — a register of aspira-
tions, self-communion, and self-condemnation, such as is
invariably to be found in personal records of this type.
John Foster advises every man to write his own memoirs ;
a feat possible, perhaps, when life is closing, when one
can dimly see its full meaning. Still, even the poorest
diary is valuable as a history ; and this one, which Dr.
M'Clintock has left us, furnishes a very vivid picture of
his daily activities. We shall use it freely in the course
of our narrative.
Its first entry, dated July 29, 1832, is a devout dedica-
tion of himself to the service of God, a dedication never
retracted. From 1832 to 1870, thirty-eight years, it re-
mained the guiding principle of his conduct. It was the
fruitful germ out of which all his subsequent life was
developed : —
I, John M'Clintock, Jun., being seventeen years and eight months
past of age, seeing the folly of all earthly things, and being determined
to seek happiness in the religion of Jesus Christ, in which alone, I am
convinced, it may be found ; do fully and willingly, yet firmly and
steadfastly, "give myself up, through Jesus power, his name to
glorify." Resigning every earthly hope, every worldly enjoyment,
(except in subordination to the great end of saving my soul,) I do,
in the strength of the Lord God of Hosts, and trusting in the assist-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 33
ance of his grace, dedicate my soul and my body, my time, my tal-
ents, and my all, to his service. May God help me !
Witness my hand, JOHN M'Clintock, Jun.
With the help of the Lord, without which I can do nothing-, I will
live by the following rules, until I shall find it expedient or profita-
ble to alter or amend them : —
1. Rising as early as I awake. Prayer first. Reading the Scrip-
tures by Stone's Guide — four chapters in the morning. Occupy one
hour, if time will permit, before breakfast, in reading and prayer.
2. Uniformly pray at noon.
3. The hour before retiring to rest, (or at least part of it,) which I
have fixed at half-past ten o'clock, must be devoted to religious
reading and prayer, with the keeping of this diary.
4. Sabbath afternoons will be devoted to religious reading, prayer,
self-examination, etc.
5. I will attend diligently (according to the rules which I have laid
down) to the prosecution of my studies.
6. " Live, not to eat and drink, but eat and drink to five." May
God assist me, that I may not trust in my own merits, or in the
performance of duty, but in the blood of Jesus Christ his Son !
Amen.
The attempt to make life purely mechanical, accord-
ing to the scheme of these resolutions, was followed
by the usual results. The ardent youth found himself
continually failing. The very next entry is one of hu-
miliation : —
" July 3, 1832. Truly I am fickle as the winds. This
day I have made no progress in the life of godliness,
but have sinned grievously against the Preserver of my
existence. May he take away the pride of my heart ! "
The next day he complains that he performs his re-
ligious duties in a dull and listless manner; soon after
3
34 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
that his faith is weak, that his mind wanders when it
ought to be fixed on serious subjects, that his prayers
are cold. The rigid subjection of his youthful nature
to the iron rule which he has prescribed for it creates a
perpetual conflict, in which he often suffers defeat. That
these resolute efforts to acquire self-discipline were not
ineffective one cannot doubt. His entries soon, however,
cease to be of the regulation pattern, and before the
month is out he sums up his wants in a single sentence,
which is wholly like himself: These two things I desire
very much; i. A clean heart; 2. A clear head." One
more entry, and we will dismiss the introspective phase
of the diary. It belongs to the latter end of July,
1832:—
All mankind are under sentence of death, certain to be executed,
and at an hour of which we know not. The short and uncertain
time allowed us between the sentence and execution will deteimine
our condition for eternity. Then thoughtless, unremitting pleasure,
is the greatest indecency ; a fondness for the world, the greatest
folly ; and self-indulgence, downright madness. On the contrary,
constant seriousness of temper, a universal care and exactness of
life, an indifference for the world, self-denial, sobriety, and watchful-
ness, must be our greatest wisdom.
(These are the words of Thomas Wilson, Bishop of Sodor and
Man.) Truly, then, I must lack wisdom, I must be a consummate
fool, and a " downright madman." Nor is this too harsh judgment ;
for do I deny myself continually? On the contrary, are not my
thoughts too much taken up with supplying my wants and my appe-
tites Not, to be sure, the grosser appetites — eating, drinking, and
sensual indulgences. But when I fall upon an entertaining book,
how do I bur>^ myself in it, forgetting all things else ! and even, for
a time, forgetting God ! This is not as it should be. Lord, help me
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
35
to keep thee always before my eyes ! to have no other hope or trust
but in the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ!
And so this young man, searching himself after John
Wesley's fashion, could find no greater charge to write
down than this, that he loved his book too well ! It was
a failing he had all through life, but he soon learned that,
if a failing, it leaned very much to virtue's side. The
clean heart and the clear head came into harmony by
and by.
Early in September of this year he left home for the
Wesleyan University, Middletown. His boyish dreams
were at last to have their fulfillment. But, as if to teach
him patience, his pretty fabric of hope came down very
quickly to the ground. In less than a week after his
arrival at the University he was taken seriously ill.
Days of pain and prostration followed, so that he was
compelled to return home. I intend, however," he re-
cords in his diary, if my health will allow, to prosecute
my studies privately this winter, and to go on again with
a collegiate course, should my way be clear." Toward
the end of October he entered the Freshman Class of the
University of Pennsylvania, in his native city. It was in
the middle of the term ; his preparation was, no doubt,
in some particulars defective. Hard work was requisite
to bring him up, and the hard work was not wanting.
With a mind constituted and cultured as we have
here seen, the predetermination of young M'Clintock to
a ministerial life was almost assured. His Church had
taught him the need of a divine call to this service, not
certainly in any preternatural sense, but as made apparent
36 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
in a clear conviction of duty. This remains, according
to the teaching of Methodism, with the Christian minis-
ter, as the answer which he may give to his own con-
science for assuming the sacred function. The call of
the Church has been deemed equally requisite as a direct
authorization, without which no one may assume to teach
the people. By this twofold vocation the Christian com-
munity is guarded, on the one side against the inroads
of fanaticism, and on the other against the degradation
of the ministry to the level of a merely secular pursuit.
I have had," writes the subject of our memoir, ''many
serious struggles as to whether I should determine to
prepare myself, if the Lord should call me, to the work
of the ministry. I have had much and very good ad-
vice, and after serious deliberation and prayer upon
the subject, have come to the conclusions: i. To en-
deavor to live to the honor of God. 2. To bend all my
studies toward the ministry. 3. To wait the openings
of his Providence, and may he guide and direct me
through it all ! "
He had not to wait long for " the openings of Provi-
dence." On the 24th of March, 1833, he makes the
entry : " I was informed yesterday that I am on trial as
an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church. This
has been done without my knowledge, without my seek-
ing; if it be the will of God and he have opened the
way, I doubt not that all will be made clear." A month
after he received exhorter's license. He writes of himself :
''Though I feel my utter un^vorthiness, yet Christ is
worthy, and in him I trust for support and safety." In
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
37
November of this year he made his first essay at speak-
ing in a church, was much embarrassed, but not discour-
aged by the result. His course of life is by this time
clear to him, and he sums up his future career in these
words : —
My mind is now pretty clearly made up that it is the will of God
that I should be a Methodist preacher. Many causes have induced
me to come to this conclusion, which I hope I have reached in the fear
of the Lord, and with a single eye to his glory. I humbly believe
that my heart is now firmly fixed to serve the Lord in any way that
he may appoint, and though I am often, very often, drawn aside by
temptation, I am still endeavoring to walk in the narrow way. I see,
however, much sin, great depravity, existing in my heart ; and my
desire and prayer to God is, that I may be made pure and holy.
This final decision cost him no little effort. He was
naturally, I may say instinctively, very ambitious, had a
keen sense of the value of wealth, and the enjoyable-
ness of a great fame. The Methodist ministry was to
his mind a complete surrender of both. Its emoluments
were then small, its opportunities of culture very slen-
der, its incessant change disheartening to him as a
student. He had learned by this time enough of his
capabilities to be aware that he might expect to attain
eminence in any profession ; what opportunities he might
have in an itinerant life for the gratification of his schol-
arly tastes he could not know. The prospect must
have appeared to him dark enough. His dedication to
this service was, therefore, a surrender of his preferences
to his convictions of duty. True, he found, according
to the divine order, that he who gives up all, finds all
38 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
again ; but this was not so clear to him at the beginning.
Nor did he ever, in after years, look back with any lin-
gering regrets upon the choice which he had made. To
the end of his days the appellation which he most
prized was that of a " Methodist preacher ; " whatever
else he was, he was a minister of Christ's Gospel, first,
last, and always. His love went with his decision, and
he gloried in the vocation to which he had consecrated
his life.
The calls of the recognizing and approving Church
followed in quick succession. In December of this sam.e
year he was proposed as local preacher, on a month's
probation, as was then the cautious practice of Philadel-
phia Methodism. " This proposal," he writes in his
diary, " was made without my knowledge, by one of the
old preachers ; so that all my movements hitherto to-
ward preaching the everlasting Gospel have been under
the direction of the Church. I have not, therefore, to
all human appearance, ' run before I was sent ; ' and I
hope that so the case is in the eye of Heaven. Were I
not convinced that it is my duty to preach the Gospel,
the whole world would not induce me to assume the
awful responsibility of the ministerial office ; but, blessed
be God ! I believe that his grace will be sufficient for
me in every form of trial."
About this time — the close of the year 1833 — he wit-
nessed and records an event which left a lasting impres-
sion on Philadelphia Methodism, the dedication of the
new Union Church. The edifice which the new struc-
ture displaced was still known as the Academy." It
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 39
was begun in 1741, by Whitefield, whose design was
that it should furnish forever a preaching place for itin-
erant ministers. He left the property encumbered with
debt. In 1749 it was bought by Franklin, and con-
verted into the first Academy of Philadelphia. Here,
in 1753, the college of the city, which subsequently
expanded into the University of Pennsylvania, was
placed. When, after the removal of the national capi-
tal to Washington, the president's house, on Ninth-
street, was vacated, the University was removed thither,
and the Methodists obtained possession of the south
part of the edifice. It was, as fitted up for their
worship, the embodiment of the simplicity so much
affected by the people of the Quaker city. The outer
doors opened directly upon the assembly room ; the
sexes were separated in the arrangement of the seats by
a line distinctly marked. The solid benches, innocent
of all cushions, suggested massive strength. The white
pulpit, set well aloft, and reached by a winding stair,
looked to youthful eyes a place of awful sanctity. Here
assembled the elite of the Methodism of Philadelphia ;
for the "Academy" was easily at the head of the
Churches. Its leaders. Dr. Sargent, Inglis, Benson,
Chubb, Wilmer, Yard, and others well known in their
day, were men of solid worth. James B. Longacre pre-
sided over the Sunday-school with a devotion that never
wearied. The society represented a type of ^Methodism
in which enthusiasm was moderated, but not quenched.
It was noted for its charities, among which its numer-
ous mission-schools were not the least conspicuous.
40
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
The new church, which is still standing, was thought
in that day a marvel of beauty. It is, however, no more
than a plain brick building, with its gable facing the
street, and wholly without architectural pretensions ;
but the luxuries of carpeted floors, and a pulpit of pol-
ished mahogany, and the harmonious blending of colors
in the decoration of the interior, were then considered
magnificent. " The collection," writes M'Clintock in his
diary, " amounted to nearly one thousand dollars," a
sum without precedent in those simple times. To some
of us young folk the greatest charm of the church was
the circulating library generously provided for its mem-
bers ; and v\-hat astonishment was created in the minds
of its staid trustees when Dr. Sargent recommended the
purchase of Walter Scott's romances, then greatly de-
lighting the world, for its shelves !
Young M'Clintock's religious ardor was no drawback
to his progress as a student. He was soon in the front
rank of his class. The reports of Professor Reed, the
Secretary of the Faculty, place him " number one on the
merit roll." Heart and mind were both awakening to
the highest activity. We have recommenced," he says,
" the University prayer-meetings on Friday afternoons.
On last Friday I had some liberty in speaking and pray-
ing with a few fellow-students. O, that I were more
faithful in relation to them ! "
Having stood at the head of the Sophomore Class for
several months he made a leap to the Junior, abridging
his college term by one year. He thus speaks of this
event : —
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
41
By a strenuous effort I this day passed an examina-
tion for entrance into the Junior Class, University of
Pennsylvania, thus abridging the collegiate term by one
year. But though in literature my advancement has
been gratifying to myself yet I fear that it has been at
the expense of religion. O when shall I be entirely de-
voted to God ! swallowed up in his will ! "
This rapid ascent was the beginning of a series of
strenuous exertions of all his mental and physical en-
ergy, which ended in impairing a fine constitution, and
rendering Dr. M'Clintock a martyr to attacks of illness
during the rest of his life. In one respect he could not
help himself. His father's business was unprosperous,
and not long after this date ended in disaster. But
more than all else, it was then the practice of the Church
to hurry young men of promise into the active ministry.
There was a half-confessed fear that knowledge would
spoil the nascent preacher and unfit him for his duties.
Never was maxim more perverted than John Wesley's
" Getting knowledge is good, but saving souls is better."
It turned the scale against culture to the injury of many
an ardent youth. No doubt the necessities of the
Church were urgent. In the case of the subject of our
memoir the conflict of feeling must have been severe.
The pursuit of knowledge he could not give up, nor
could he disregard the calls of the Church. He decided
to do his full duty to both Church and University, and
what he decided he executed with all the force of an iron
will, but with such consequences to himself as this nar-
rative will be much occupied in describing.
42
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
He entered the Junior Class of the Univ^ersity in
March, 1834, ranking as number fourteen; by the end
of July he is " number six, with distinction." This was
nearly the last of his University residence ; the rest of
his college work he accomplished single-handed, while
occupied with the active duties of the pastorate. His
first summons was from the Rev. J. J. Matthias, to Flem-
ington. New Jersey, where he spent the long college
vacation of 1834 in preaching. Despite all his plans to
the contrary, he found himself next autumn in charge of
the Church at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. How this
was brought about we will let him describe himself : —
Elizabethtown, N. J., October 17, 1834.
After much enjoyment of soul and body on the Fleming-ton Circuit,
I left it and returned to Philadelphia about September i. The
cause of my sudden departure was the failure of my father, who, by
the accidents of business and other causes, was compelled to stop
payment and close his concerns. The circumstances of his failure
have been very trying and mortifying- to himself and the family ; but
we have been kindly treated by all our true friends, though some
who called themselves friends may have forgotten their friendship.
I have enjoyed myself well in every respect since, and have enjoyed
much of the favor of God. Yet how unworthy have I been, how
vain, how trifling, how childish.
I entered anew, on September 15, upon my duties at the Univer-
sity, having formed the resolution tc spend this winter closely in their
performance. But call after call has been made upon me to fill va-
cancies in the ministerial ranks, and though convictions of my own
weakness and incapacity, and desires for self-improvement, operated
strongly, inducing- me to remain at home, I began to think that duty
called me to obey. Finally, my esteemed friend and brother William
H. Gilder was compelled to leave his appointment at this place on
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
43
account of ill health, and his powerful calls were added to the rest.
After advice, thought, and prayer, I formed the resolution to set for-
ward in the strength of giace ; and in pursuance of this resolution left
my home yesterday morning, and arrived in this place last night.
/ have a fearful task before me. I must maintain the regular
course of college study, and attend, at the same time, to the duties
of the station. O God, my hope is in thee ! Fearfully and trem-
blingly, yet with "a glad heart and free," do I enter upon this high
and holy work. O Lord, be thou my strength and support, and I
shall succeed.
It was, indeed, a fearful task he had before him, but he
knew no such word as fail.
Nothing can exceed the affectionateness with which
he writes and speaks of his parents. Though practically
his own master and shaping his life for himself, he turns
to them for counsel, or sends them words of good cheer.
Every important step is freely discussed in his correspond-
ence with them. He writes from home to his mother,
who had left the city for a short time in poor health : —
Philadelphia, Tuesday, A ngust 26, 1S34.
I arrived at home this afternoon in perfect health and spirits,
and am glad to find that things are going on so well. I never
enjoyed myself more in my life than since I have been gone : the
kindest people, and some the most pious, that I have ever met with.
I was up in Brother Force's district, at Asbury camp-meeting,
among the mountains in Warren County, N. J., and was much per-
suaded to remain among them. I was also at Pennington camp-
meeting, (Brother Gilder's,) where many kind friends inquired after
you. Moreover, the presiding elder presses me hard to go to the
Plainfield Station, until Conference, in the room of Brother Janes,
who is ill ; but I believe that my duty lies at home for the present,
and, therefore, I shall stay there.
44
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
And now I wish to tell you that I am happy despite all circum-
stances outwardly, and pray sincerely that you may be so.
Do not let the matter which is now brought to a close distress
you at all. Rest assured that our real friends will think none the
worse of us ; and we should not care for the opinions of others, I
think all will go better ; we shall have peace and quietness within,
whatever may be without. You have children who will always labor
to make you happy, blessed with health and strength ; and " with
the Lord on our side, we need not fear what man can do unto us."
P. S. Be assured that all is going on well at home. You need be
under no uneasiness. Enjoy yourself now — do enjoy yourself.
The next, to his father, is in the same strain : —
Elizabetutown, N. J., Monday^ Jan. 12, 1S35.
I arrived safely, with all my concerns, on the evening of the
stormy Friday on which I left you, after a pleasantly cold ride of
eight hours. My health has been very good since my return, so
that, of myself, I have no news to communicate.
I have preached regularly three times each Sabbath. Yesterday
we had the largest congregation, I think, that I have seen in the
place, and very attentive, and I sincerely hope that good was done.
Four joined at the love-feast : and we expect as many more to join at
the next general class-meeting.
Our next, and last. Quarterly Conference for this station will be
held on February 9. At the Quarterly Meeting, the presiding elder.
Brother Matthias, in his conversation with me, thought it best that I
should obtain recommendation from that conference to the Annual
Conference, and told me that, should I be admitted, my stay in
college from April until the time of graduation might be allowed
without difficulty ; and that, therefore, I could take a circuit at the
ensuing Conference, a substitute being provided until I could join
the station in June.
It has been my view of the subject to follow the plan laid down
by the presiding elder ; but, of course, I should not take so impor-
tant a step without m.ore particular advice than I have yet had from
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
45.
you in the case. I, therefore, lay the subject before you for considera-
tion, wishing an answer as soon as you may find time. I have had
no letter since my return, and am anxious to hear the state of
affairs.
I have not, as yet, attended Dr. Adrain, [his private instructor in
mathematics.] I shall study as much as possible before applying to
him, because the cost pulls pretty heavily on my slender purse, and
I wish to be as economical as I can. The books necessary for
this last collegiate term will be very costly.
I should like to know Dr. Wylie's opinion of my standing and
prospects in college, for I value his opinion at no small rate. My
friend , of Columbia College, lost the favor of his best friend
among the professors by crossing his will. However, I am not con-
scious of any such misdeeds on my part with regard to the profes-
sors in our University. I trust that I am on good terms with
them all.
It shall always be my endeavor to do all that I can, in any way,
for the happiness of my parents. And although I am unfortunately
deficient in the power of expressing outwardly, and at all times, my
good feelings, still I am unwilling to charge myself with wilful disre-
gard of parental advice, or wilful injury of parental feeling.
Very decided objection was made by the new provost
of the University, the Rev. Dr. Ludlow, to M'CHntock's
long absence from college duty, necessitated by the tak-
ing of the pastoral charge at Elizabethtown. A part
of the winter was, therefore, spent in Philadelphia.
At the session of the Philadelphia Conference, April,
1835, he was received on trial as a travelling preacher,
and appointed to Jersey City. He removed immediately
to his new field of labor, and still continuing his studies,
graduated A.B. at the University, July 26, with distin-
guished honor.
46 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
He was now fairly entered upon his life-work, and saw
his career plainly before him. His preparation for it
had taxed all his energies, but his plan had been exe-
cuted with entire success. Four years of university
training had been crowded into three, and one of these
had been spent in preaching. He was now in his twen-
ty-first year. In person he was of medium height, florid
in complexion, alert in movement, and winning in man-
ner. His voice, though not of great compass, was
melodious, and his bearing graceful. A stranger, seeing
him for the first time, was struck at once with the large
size of the head, and the almost spherical roundness of
the forehead. His facility in the acquisition of knowl-
edge, which he had by this time tested, gave him the
assurance of rapid success. He had, however, paid too
large a price for his victory. He was destined to find,
very shortly, that the foundations of his strength had
been undermined, and that much of his life was to be a
long battle with disease.
LETTERS FROM JULY, 1832, TO JUNE, 1835.
L
Philadelphia, July 5, 1882.
My dear Samuel : — Though but a short time has elapsed since
my leaving you and your city, and though, during that time, I have
been almost constantly engaged in a round of visiting and receiving
visits, of outgoing and incoming, still I have found time often to think
with regret on the numerous friends and enjoyments I left behind on
quitting New York.
But, after all, home is still home. The heartfelt joy with which I
know I am received in my own father's house, as well as the cor-
dial and oft-repeated congratulations of my many friends, cannot
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
47
but be grateful to a human heart, especially one of my peculiar
temperament.
I entered upon my studies on Monday last with fixed resolutions,
ardent feelings, and confident expectations of continuing the pursuit
of them closely and successfully. I was in the full enjoyment of the
rich blessing which Sterne has so beautifully and forcibly addressed : —
" O blessed health ! thou art above ^11 gold and treasure : 'tis thou
who enlargest the soul, and openest all its powers to receive instruc-
tion, and to relish virtue ! He who hath thee, hath little more to
wish for ; and he who is so wretched as to want thee, wants every
thing with thee ! " I was soon taught, that in order to preserve this
state of health I must be more regular in all things.
I have been highly gratified, and I think profited, too, by reading,
during the past week, the " Life of Stoner." What humility, what
judgment, decision, and true godliness were evinced in that man's life
and conduct. And I think I have never read any religious experi-
ence that so fully coincides with my own as does his, laid down in his
diary. His constant fear of the risings of pride, in particular, strikes
me as exhibiting a peculiar feature of my own character. Does it
not of yours? Pride ! pride ! pride ! — "that secret bosom sin!"
God help us to expel it !
I still find myself, notwithstanding my numerous resolutions, the
same weak, sinful, erring mortal that I ever was. But God knows
that my desire is to seek and to serve him ; to leave the world be-
hind, with its allurements and its vanities, and strive to lay up my
"treasure in heaven." Ah! I am but an earthen vessel! But,
blessed be his name ! " God has committed this treasure to earth-
en vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and
not of us ! "
Do you pray for me ? Will you fix on a day in the week, and an
hour, in which our prayers shall ascend before the throne for each
other — when each shall know that, at the self-same hour, the other
is supplicating the Father of both for him ? Fix upon a time that
will suit yourself, and notify me in your next — your first letter — which
I shall look for daily, eagerly, and earnestly. My feeble prayers have
48
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
been offered, and shall be offered up for you, that the Lord may
guide you in the path of hfe by his unerring counsel—
" A friend is worth all hazards we can run:
Poor is the friendless master of a world ;
A world in purchase for a friend is gain."
Truly the communion of friends is sweet. But if an earthly friend-
ship is worth this sacrifice, of how much greater value is the friend-
ship of Him " that sticketh closer than a brother ? " Shall we, then, in
consideration of almost nothing in comparison to the world, forego
this friendship ? God forbid it ! O, my brother, hold fast whereunto
you have obtained ; and may your life indeed be with Christ in God.
Mr. Saml-el a. Puedy.
II.
Philadelphia, Not, 17, 1S32.
Dear Andrus : — My quandaries have all been settled at last :
law, physic, business, and every thing else have been given up, and I
am now bending all my energies to the acquirement of knowledge —
yes, college knowledge. I entered the University of Pennsylvania, as
a Freshman, on 30th ultimo, and I have since been advancing in my
studies with all desirable rapidity. My health is at present tolerable.
Had I not been engaged in the University, I should have paid you a
visit last week ; as some business in Massachusetts, together with my
desire to see you all, would have warranted my taking the trip. But
it is not so, and 1 shall now probably not see you until next year.
At that time, Deo volente, I expect to enjoy that pleasure.
I intend to return to the Wesleyan University at the beginning
of the Sophomore or Junior years, which will be either next year
or the year foUov/ing, With the institution to which I am now at-
tached I am highly pleased. Professors, instruction, buildings, and
all are first-rate, but then Dr. Fisk is not here, nor are the good
religious brethren whom I was so highly delighted with at Middle-
town. The difference between the character of the students is truly
surprising; and in no particular is this difference more strikingly per-
ceptible than in their conversation concerning their after life.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
49
But though our students generally think nothing of religion or its
Author, still they do not molest or interfere with those who follow
Jesus of Nazareth. And I hope, by the grace of God aiding me, to
be enabled to " hold on the even tenor of my way." I hope that the
many temptations that surround me may all work together for my
good, and that my soul and body, time and powers, may all be de-
voted to the service of Him who created and redeemed me. The
follies of my fellow-students have thus far only served to disgust me
with their trifling ; and their ideas of pleasure and enjoyment have
therefore only deepened the impressions made upon my mind, that
"the ways of religion" alone "are ways of pleasantness," and that
" her paths " alone " are the paths of peace,"
Deeply sensible that I myself am not what I must be in religion, I
feel at this time, more than ever, the need of God's assisting grace.
And yet I am not near as earnest in prayer, as constant and uniform
in devotion, as careful and watchful over my words and actions as 1
must be, in order to be able to testify by my life, and walk, and con-
versation, that I have been with Christ and learned of him. This
testimony I must bear before my companions in the University, for I
shall be a poor witness for my Master, indeed, if they do not find
it out.
Dear Andrus, I wish you could take the wings of one of the steam-
boats and come to see me. It does delight me much to see any one
from New York ; how much would it, therefore, should you come
But I must close.
Mr. TiMOTHT A. HOWB.
HI.
Philadelphia, Jan. 19, 1833.
I am now in possession of all that I can desire for the enjoyment
of life : pursuing studies in which I delight without interruption, in
the bosom of my own father's household ; privileged with all means
of temporal and spiritual improvement — what an account will I have
to give for the use of all these blessings ! May God help me to
devote all to him and his service ! I did anticipate on my entrance
4
50
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
into the University of Pennsylvania that my connexion with it would
prove rather a clog to my religious enjoyments than an assistance
on the road to heaven. But I now hope, through the blessing of
our heavenly Father, that the latter will be the case in an eminent
degree. There are among the students about fifteen professors of
religion, belonging to different denominations. Among these are
several of ardent, deep piety, and among them all there prevails a
spirit of fellowship and unanimity, with a desire to promote the inter-
ests of religion among the students generally, that cannot fail, with
the blessing of Heaven, of producing highly beneficial results both to
themselves and to the institution. We hold a prayer-meeting every
Wednesday afternoon after the college hours. I had attended but
one of these previously to my illness, which was highly interesting.
All appeared to be resolved to do their utmost as instruments in the
hands of God in the promotion of a revival, and O ! that God in his
infinite mercy would abundantly prosper our humble, feeble efforts,
warm our hearts, and strengthen our hands to labor in his cause.
I feel continually, my dear brother, the need of a closer walk with
God. It is a great mercy, in my opinion, that God does at times show
us our own depravity ; how far we are from coming up to the prop-
er standard of Christian excellence, how exceedingly weak is our
faith, and how unsteady our deportment. Then it is that the soul,
fully impressed with its own utter weakness and inability, is induced
to fly for refuge and strength to Him alone who can impart it, namely,
Jesus Christ the righteous. O that you and I may live to grow in
him continually, who is our living head ! May our life and walk and
conversation show to the followers of the world, with whom we are
surrounded, that the religion which we profess is not exhibited in
word only, but in deed and in truth.
Samuel A. Pcedt, Blackwell's Islakd
IV.
Philadelphia, Jan. 17, 1883.
About first of November I entered the University of Pennsylvania
under embarrassing circumstances, being far behind the class in point
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
51
of acquirements, and entering at a time when tliey were reviewing
what was all unbroken soil for me. I have, therefore, ever since my
connexion with the University, been under the necessity of laboring
closely and unremittingly at my studies in order to keep up with the
class. At our late examination I was placed third upon the roll,
which was far higher than I might have expected, but which, never-
theless, I may have deserved, as my application has been severe.
I am now just recovering from a severe attack of the disease which
had nearly laid me low at Middletown, namely, inflammation of the
bowels. From this, too, the providence of God has seen fit to deliver
me, and I am now able to walk my room, and have been once down
stairs. The disease has, doubtless, been owing to my imprudence in
study, bad hours, late going to bed and late rising, with the impro-
prieties in eating and feasting usually consequent upon the arrival of
Christmas and New Year's holidays. Well, wisdom is learned by
experience, and if I do not know how to eat, drink, and sleep here-
after my own be the blame.
I have made many valuable acquaintances in this city since my re-
turn, especially with a number of religious young men connected
with the University. But, though they are polite, accomplished, lit-
erary, and pious, they do not, cannot, fill the place of my circle of
friends in New York. There was an openness, a freedom, fellow-
ship, if I may so speak, among the young men of our acquaintance,
that put me immediately at my ease among them, and it is prob-
ably on this account that I place them, as it were, on a summit in
my estimation which none have yet reached, and, it seems to me,
never will. In some of my reveries (you know we are all inclined
to such) I throw myself back to the fall of 1831, when the " Irving "
was in its glory, {?) and when our weekly assemblages were held in
the upper room of the pedagogue's temple in Broadway. I fancy our
meeting, our mutual greeting, calling to order, and all the routine of
our multiform business, and, in fine — I wish it were all to be " acted
o'er again."
But this is all nonsense. You are in your goodly city of Gotham,
busied in your lawful avocations, whatever they are, and I at pres-
52
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
ent an invalid student. Whether it be worth our while to trouble
our brains calculating upon futurity, and endeavoring to find out
what we shall be in this world, I think is a question. But, as to the
necessity of our knowledge of our standing in reference to religious
matters, what we shall be after we leave this world, I think there is
no question at all. If we believe the Christian religion, and do not so
live as to secure the benefits promised in it to the followers of Jesus
Christ, what are we ?
From my knowledge of your principles, my dear James, I am en-
couraged to suppose that you have taken these things to heart, and
determined to devote the spring time of your days to the service of
your heavenly Father. I feel determined, let my worldly pursuits be
what they may, to follow God with full purpose of heart. And may
he aid me in the fulfillment of my resolutions !
Believe me your affectionate friend.
Ml-. James Davis, N. Y.
V.
Philadelphia, April 5, 1838.
Dear Andrus : — I am pretty well, and trying to do well. The
more I see of the world and the things of it, the more am I convinced
of the necessity of attending to the concerns of eternity, the more am
I "delighted in the ways of the Lord." Yet still, though I perceive
the vanity of all earthly things, their fleeting and unsatisfactory na-
ture, the emptiness of the enjoyments which they can afford, still
these very "trifles, light as air," these gilded bubbles, often, too oft-
en, draw me aside from the straight path of duty, and occupy that
time and attention which should only be taken up in the pursuit of
less uncertain objects. That " as the sparks do fly upwards, so is the
heart of man to do evil," is a true saying, no man who has ever at-
tempted to walk humbly before God will deny. For myself, in ten
thousand instances I have exemplified it by my wandering from God
and trangressions of his law. My hope, however, is still in " God,
and my trust in the rock of my salvation." To him I can come with
humble confidence, inspired by the free atonement of Christ, and say,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
53
" Hide not thy face far from me, put not away thy servant in anger,"
and he "whose faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds," has provided
that " if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." Are
not the promises of God exceeding great and precious ? How kind
of our kind Parent to grant us such an assistance, such a guide as
these abundantly furnish in our earthly pilgrimage ! O that God
would enable us both to serve him with full purpose of heart !
I hear that James Floy preached in Forsyth-street not long since.
If so I am almost certain it was good. He is a young man of prom-
ise— talent. I have always thought he should be a preacher ; doubt-
less he will before a great while. The Conference office appears to
act something similarly to a mill, does it not ? Let me see ; Creagli,
Davis, Floy ; who else } More for aught I know.
Mr. T A. HowK.
VI.
Philadklphia, Dec. 5, 1S33,
I maxle a bold attempt on last Sabbath week, but my trust was not
in my own arm nor in my own ability.- It was an attempt to preach
on the Sabbath afternoon in one of our city churches. My reasons
were the following. The preacher whose appointment it was had
asked me to fill a small appointment on the preceding Sabbath, which
I had declined ; and on the Thursday following he came to me and
commanded me to fill the next afternoon appointment. I, of course,
refused, but having conversed for some time, I finally stated to him
that it was my desire to avo/d every thing which I ouo-/i^ not to do,
and to perform every thing which was my duty. I then left it with
him to decide whether or not this was my duty. He promptly de-
cided the question, and accordingly I made the attempt. I was not
at all embarrassed, as I expected to be, in a first attempt of the kind,
but still I found that what I had prepared to speak would not always
be ready when it was needed. I spoke, however, with very little dif-
ficulty, for about thirty-five minutes, and humbly pray that the bless-
ing of Heaven may have accompanied my first pulpit labors.
Mr. S. A. PuRDY.
54
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
VIL
rniLADELPiiiA, March 28, 1834.
My dear Brother:— On Friday and Saturday, loth and nth
March, I was examined for six hours on the studies of the year in
advance, and most happily succeeded, so far, that I had not a single
" flunk ; " and I was congratulated at the close of the examination as
a member of the Junior Class. You know the feelings on such occa-
sions— the joy, the lightheartedness — a feeling as if we were never to
feel disappointment again. But ah ! how soon do we lose these
delightful feelings !
Well, think you that I shall study during vacation after all this ?
All that remains is to fix the time for your visit. How will the fol-
lowing do Our Conference will hold from Wednesday, loth April
to i6th, perhaps, and my second examination will be held on Monday
and Tuesday previous. The pleasure of your visit will be greatly
heightened can you make it convenient to spend part of the time
of Conference with us ; which, you know, is a sort of Methodist
festival. You will then see and hear many of our preachers, mis-
sionary addresses, etc., etc., which, no doubt, will prove some at-
traction to you.
Come, then, if possible, between loth and 13th April, and thus part
of the time of your stay will be Conference time ; and my vacation
will last from loth April to 1st May. I hope that you and I will both
be in good health and spirits. By the way, I have suffered severely
from a pain in the back, which, at present, troubles me much ; but I
hope to be delivered from this shortly.
It appears, then, that I shall leave college in July, 1835, and, Deo
volente, in April, 1836, I shall join the Methodist traveling connex-
ion. You ask for my experience in relation to this all-important
concern. If I begin this, my letter will be filled with myself; but it
may interest you somewhat.
One thing I may mention, that from the earliest hour in which I
thought of eternal things, the impression has rested upon my mind
that I should one day be called to the work of the ministry. This
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
55
of course, was but an impression, and would never have weighed
with me unsupported by other considerations. The course of life
pointed out for me by my father was the practice of the law, and
with this end in view he commenced my classical education in the
year 1822. In 1826, from various circumstances, I determined to
leave school for a time, in order to acquire a knowledge of mercantile
affairs ; having in ultimate view, all the time, the study of the law.
In 1830 I left my father's store, and, by appointment of the Book
Agents, entered their office as book-keeper. At this time I was very
unsettled in religion, and my course of life was altogether unthought
of. You may remember the great revival of 1831, in Allen-street,
in which it pleased the Lord to bring me to myself, the circumstances
of which time will never, never be effaced from my mind. I bowed
at the altar several times, and but little light was afforded me, until
the call of the Lord sounded in my ears, the vineyard of the Lord
opened before me, and it was clearly impressed upon my mind that
until an entire devotion of my all to God was made, and that without
reservation, there was no blessing for me. I pledged my soul to the
work ; I obtained the light of his countenance ; my soul felt the joys
of his salvation.
Notwithstanding this I have often vacillated, and in October of
1832 I was on the point of commencing the study of law in this city.
The day was fixed on which I was to confer with one of our lawyers
on the subject, my father having already arranged the preliminaries ;
but again the call of the Lord was not forgotten, and on the very day
appointed as above, instead of waiting on the lawyer, I called on
Rev. Professor Wylie, of the University of Pennsylvania.
Yet I was undecided ; lofty prospects were unfolded in the world ;
my ambition, which has almost proved my ruin, prompted me ; and
I had no obstacles. But, to my surprise, I received notice from the
preacher in charge (1833) that I was called to the office of an exhorter
in the Church. Here, then, my way first opened in the Church.
In January, 1834, I was (unexpectedly again) called by the Quar-
terly Conference to the office of local preacher ; and the Lord blesses
me in my feeble efforts. Here, then, dear brother, you have the out-
LIFE AXD LETTERS OF
lines. A volume would not contain a record of the struggles and
vicissitudes on this subject ; these you must imagine.
Mr. Jamts Davis.
VIII.
New Gebma>-tow>-, Hcnteedos Co., X. J., Aug. 4, 1884.
You will perceive by the date that I am in a new location. I am
here, as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the call of
Rev. J. J. Matthias, presiding elder of East New Jersey District ; and
really, I am as happy as the day is long, I arrived on Friday, made
myself welcome at the house of the Hon. Judge Kennedy — from
which hospitable mansion the present epistle issues, to bear to you
the stor)- of my hopes and fears, my joys and sorrows. The life of a
Methodist preacher has many of both — truly a checkered career of
hopes and disappointments. It startled my bashfulness, at first, to
know that I must go, uninvited and unexpected, to the houses of in-
dividuals of whom I had never heard before, and make myself wel-
come, whether in reality so or not. It frightened me to learn that
I must introduce myself to all, good or bad, religious or irrelig-
ious; that I must go to their houses, talk with them, pray with
them, without knowing whether or not it were agreeable to them-
selves. And, to tell the truth, I felt rather queer in approaching the
first house which I entered in my new character. I had seen the
owner in Philadelphia once, but the good lady was altogether new to
me, and you know that she is the most important half in such a case.
But my queer feelings vanished when I found myself received as cor-
dially as if I had been the king himself, and ever)- effort exerted by
the whole family to make me happy and contented. And so it is
ever}'-where. I go in, tell them who I am ; that I am come to see
them, to talk with them, to lodge with them ; then all is kindness,
and friendship, and love. The whitest table-cloth is spread, the corn
is plucked for the first time this year, the pantry and the milk-house
are put in requisition to supply the wants of the preacher, who, poor
fellow, must take of every thing on the table a superabundant quan-
tity or they are not pleased.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
57
Many, many are my joys and comforts. It is a delightful thing to
feel that the affection of the poor and the rich alike are open to me ;
that the houses of the poor and the rich alike are my home ; that
they follow me with blessings, receive me with welcome, and bear
me up with prayers. It is delightful to be permitted to speak with
them of the- goodness of God, to direct their hearts to him, and to
offer up, on each family altar, the tribute of praise and the earnest
petition. It is delightful to behold them on the Sabbath tripping in
youthful buoyancy across the field, or walking in the solemnity of age
upon the beaten pathway, toward the house of God. And it is a de-
lightful thing to be permitted to lead their hearts in the worship of
the divine Being, to elevate their thoughts for a season, at least, from
earth to heaven, and to fix their minds upon the pure and holy prin-
ciples of our religion. Would to God that I were better prepared
for the high and holy office ; that I had more of the spirit of holiness ;
that I were more deeply devoted to the work unto which, I believe,
he has called me. I desire to have no other name on earth but the
name of a devoted and laborious preacher of the cross ; to have no
other glory but the glory of " saving souls from death and turning
sinners from the error of their way ; " to have no other honor but
that honor which descends from God.
Mr. James Davis.
IX.
Philadelphia, Feb. 10, 1834.
I am, and have been for several days, very unwell indeed, and am
now in rather a light-headed and heavy-limbed condition, though, I
trust, in a state of convalescence. I commenced my studies in the
University on the Tuesday after I left you with great glee and great
enthusiasm, went on in the course successfully until five days ago,
when that was all brought to nought by the hand of sickness. With
the details of a disease or its remedies I need not trouble you, inas-
much as you are especially conversant with such matters ; nor need I
describe pathetically the distressful feelings with which I reflect upon
college and its operations, inasmuch as all this has been done for you
by our friend, C. H. L., with whom I can now sympathize more fully
58
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
and abundantly than ever. I may say, however, that before many
days I hope to be delivered from all these sorrows, and to enter
again upon collegiate duty.
Have you read the two concluding pieces of President Olin in the
" Advocate " If you have not I pray you do so at once, and let them
have all their weight. It appears to me that they are true, and if so,
then certainly alarming. " Two thousand new ministers needed at
07tce in the Methodist Episcopal Church ! " — is not this enough to
cause every young man in that Church who has had any opportunities
of intellectual improvement to look in upon his heart, and to see
whether there are not some impressions there of the Holy Spirit's in-
fluence.^ The views of President Olin upon this point, namely, the
call of the Holy Spirit to the work of the ministry, coincide with what
my own have been upon the subject for some time past. I trust that
the Lord will manifest his Spirit fully unto you, that you may be called
into his vineyard, and that right speedily.
Our Illinois scheme advances but slowly. The calls, however, from
the West country are still loud and pressing, and I am by no means
satisfied but that many of our young men will be called for to go and
fight for the truth in those lands of beauty. I learn that one at least
of our most influential preachers will be transferred from the Phila-
delphia to the Illinois Conference in the course of the next year, and
I know not how many of the smaller fry have been spoken of for the
Western Conference, Well, if the cause of God demand it I have no
doubt they will be ready, and I trust I shall, if the duty be clearly laid
open before me. Of two things, however, I must be ascertained (to
use an antiquated term) before I shall take my determination : i. That
I can be more useful ; 2. That I will not be doomed (as the Catho-
lics) to perpetual celibacy, which is no part of my creed whatever.
Di*. Samuel A. Puedt.
X.
Philadelphia, June 13, 1835.
My Dear Friend : — Our examination commences on Wednesday,
24th instant, and will occupy four days, after which, Deovolente, I shall
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
59
take up the line of march for the region round about New York, when
I hope to meet you, and all my good friends, in peace and pleasure.
I have been thinking to-day of the "living" and its affairs — wondering
whether it is prosperous or defunct, whether the flame of genius is
there glowing, expanding, or dying — extinguished. O, I trust not !
for I hope better things from all its members. Perseverance must be
your motto in this as in every thing else. By the way, writing the
word perseverance " mdA^ phrenology to rise up before me in all its
length and breadth and majesty. I have been studying the sublime
science somewhat, and have (by way of experiment, (i la Bacon) had
my own cranium examined. Well, phrenology must be true, for the
man gave 7ne a fine head — causality, comparison, ideality, etc., in
abundance. Are you not convinced }
I must say, in justice to the man of phrenology, that he pointed out
not a few of my foibles and weaknesses in investigating the detri-
mental part of my character, or, rather, my caput, and I am by no
means prepared to say that phrenology is a humbug, and its profes-
sors fools or impostors. Combe reasons very prettily, and somewhat
manfully, too, and I know not but that he may be in the right. Have
you read the little book in the Alexandrian } It is full of beauties.
Not the least of my perplexities and troubles at this present time is
my station in Jersey City. Sabbath after Sabbath rolls away and I
am not there, and my solicitude becomes very strong at times, I can
assure you. I have written to Brother T. A. Howe to have the ap-
pointments of June 21 and 28 filled for me. Will you do me the fa-
vor to see him, and enforce the matter if he has not received my let-
ter I feel very anxious that all should go right, as far as possible,
during my absence.
I am looking forward as usual to a year of enjoyment. Though
I must be in labors abundant, I hope to be in joys much more
abundant. Thrown once more into the midst of New York friends
and New York associations, I shall almost retread those delightful
years which did
" So wing their way with pleasure,
As bees fly home with loads of treasure."
6o
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Is it not best always to look on the bright side ? Surely it is, in view
of enjoyment, at least, in this changeful scene of strange vicissitudes,
the better course to think all its changes improvements, all its vicis-
situdes varieties of plea'sure. But there is a better philosophy to be
brought to bear upon the question, which tells us that though " sorrow
endures for a night — ^joy cometh in the morning; " which tells us to
" rejoice alway and be glad in the Lord." Thanking the Lord for all
his benefits and all his blessings, let us trust him for all that is to
come and all will be well.
Have you ever read Coleridge's " Friend " It is a remarkable book,
indeed. If you have time get it and peruse for yourself. A mighty
mind, filled with all human knowledge, and offering itself and all its
cultivation upon the shrine of religion, is no common sight.
Remember me affectionately to all.
Dr. S. A. PuBDY.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
6l
CHAPTER II.
1835-1839.
Life as Pastor in Jersey City— Letters to his Mother— Compelled by 111 Health to Quit the
Pulpit — Appointed Assistant and then full Professor of Mathematics in Dickinson College —
History of the College — The Members of the First Faculty — Intimacy with Robert Emory
—Dr. Durbin's Fame as an Orator— Daily Life of Professor M'Clintock in his New Position
— Great Variety of his Studies — Educational Leaders of American Methodism — Second Fail-
ure of Professor M"CHntock"s Health — Passages from his Diary — His Extensive Eeading
while an Invalid— Anxiety to be Able to Preach Again— His Method as a Student— Letters.
THE young minister being now relieved of his bur-
den of double duty, applied himself with zeal to
pastoral work. Jersey City had then a population of
scarce five thousand ; the Methodist Society, now known
as the Trinity in York-street, worshipped in a frame
building set up on the meadow. Mr. M'Clintock made
his home with Jabez Wakeman, Esq., one of the leaders
of Methodism in the city. His compensation was one
hundred dollars a year, which sum Avas technically known
as " a single man's allowance," and board. He preached,
visited, studied with enthusiasm, and was, to use his
own language, as happy as the day was long. He gives
a very pretty picture of this life in two letters to his
mother : —
Jersey City, October 13, 1S35.
At half-past eleven, on this Tuesday evening, I sit down to write
you a letter. And if I tell you, first, how much I am engaged, how
much I am trying to do, and what efforts I make to accomplish all
my plans, I think, at least, that you will not suppose me idle. In the
first place, the basement of our church takes all my time, much of
62
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
my anxiety, and a great deal of my labors ; as money 7nust be raised,
and there is no one to raise it but myself. I do not despair, however,
of getting it entirely finished and ready for our purposes by the first
of December. In the next place, there are sermons to be preached,
class-meetings to be attended, prayer-meetings to be kept up, sick
and poor to be visited, and books to be read and studied ; and all
this, without fee or reward, except the poor hundred dollars that is
obtained for me with difficulty from those who attend on my minis-
try I Well, well, no one can say aught against the motives (at least
in the money point of view) of him who enters upon the duties of a
Methodist traveling preacher. Sometimes, when I think that I might
be making money — much money — perhaps helping you all instead of
being burdensome, I think of giving up all and embarking in the
world of adventure to seek my fortune. But when I remember " the
kingdom that is not of this world " — when I remember, that in a very
few years we shall all be in the grave, and that it will matter little
then how our lives have been spent, if they have only been spent in
the service of God ; when I remember your own advice, instruction,
and counsel in religion, knowing that yourself and father would
rather see me a preacher of Christ, though poor and unable to help
you, than to see me rich in this world's goods and regardless of God,
I determine to continue in the path in which I have started, and,
by the help of God, to be a faithful minister of the Lord Jesus to my
life's end.
I find greater pleasure in the performance of my religious and
pastoral duties fiow than ever I did before, greater comfort in study-
ing the Scriptures, and greater light in understanding them ; and it is
my chief desire, as it is my principal effort, to be thoroughly furnished
from the Scriptures for my Christian and professional life. Give love
to all. Your affectionate son, JOHN M'Clintock, Jun.
In 1836 he was re-appointed to the station, and thus
describes to his mother his entrance on the second year
of his pastorate : —
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
63
Jehsey City, Saturday Evening, April 23, 1S36.
I have now been with the people of my parish some ten days since
my return, and have met with the greatest kindness and affection in
every quarter. I am very comfortably and pleasantly situated here ;
much more so than I desen'e, seeing that I have as yet done so little
good in the world. Our prospects here for the coming year are quite
flattering, our church will be neatly and pleasantly finished, and the
congregations, I have reason to think, will be better than in the past.
My greatest desire is that some may be converted, so that our little
society in this place may be strengthened by an accession of mem-
bers, and the hands of our men of Israel sustained.
To-morrow I expect to preach in the morning in Jersey City, after-
noon at Bergen, and night again at Jersey City ; on Monday night
is class-meeting ; Tuesday, trustees' meeting ; Wednesday, Sunday-
school meeting ; Thursday, prayer-meeting ; Friday and Saturday,
vacant. So you see my evenings are pretty well taken up. Well, the
mornings I devote to study, the afternoons to visiting the flock ; thus
my time is all apportioned to respective duties, and, indeed, I find but
little of it to spare for other pleasures than those which result from
the duties of my office as a preacher of the Gospel. O, before I for-
get it, let me tell you that I practice your precepts : I eat no pie, no
cake, have given up the habit of smoking, chewing, and snuffing.
And now I must prepare my sermons for to-morrow, so good
night, mother mine ; and may the Lord bless thee, and preserve thee
long in life to bring up the remainder of your family (as you did faith-
fully those that have gone from you) in the " nurture and admonition
of the Lord," that they may be prepared to live and prepared to die.
And although I have as yet done little or nothing to repay you for all
your kindness and affection, I hope that, in the good providence of
God, I may yet be able to do something for your comfort. And my
parents, I trust, need never be ashamed to own as their son,
John M'Clintock, Jun.
Soon after his re-appointment his health failed, and he
was compelled to resign. This is his account of it : —
64
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Sunday, Sept. 26, 1S36.
For eighteen months I have been preaching the Gospel, in a weak
way indeed, but yet honestly, in the Methodist Episcopal Chiirch in
Jersey City, New Jersey. Since the Conference in April last I have
done but little, as my health was severely tried by the excessive
labors of the last winter. I preached generally three times 07i every
Sabbath, and had a meeting of some sort on almost every night in
the week. In April I comme7tced spitting blood, which contijiued
for some weeks, and was finally thrown off. But from that time to
this I have hardly been without pain in the breast, and uneasiness in
the throat. My physicians tell me to quit the post or die. It is hard
work, but after many weeks of effort, this day I resigned the pastoral
charge of my little flock in Jersey City. To-night the church was
filled to overflowing, and hardly a dry eye in the house ! God help
them and keep them ! Amen ! Amen !
A visit to Saratoga brought no relief. He was com-
pelled, therefore, to look elsewhere than to the pulpit
for occupation, and especially such occupation as would,
at the same time, retain him in the service of the Church.
He did not need to look very far. He was, during the
summer of this year, unanimously elected to the Pro-
fessorship of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in
La Grange College, North Alabama, of which institution
the Rev. Robert Paine (now bishop in the Southern
Methodist Episcopal Church) was president. While con-
sidering the question of accepting the offer he was nomi-
nated Assistant Professor of Mathematics in Dickinson
College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This venerable school
of learning had suffered greatly from the fluctuations of
fortune. Founded in 1783, through the active exertions
of Dr. Benjamin Rush and other eminent citizens of
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 65
Pennsylvania, it aspired for a time to be a rival of Prince-
ton. For a Presbyterian school it was fortunately placed.
The Cumberland Valley had been originally settled by
the Scotch-Irish, who were sturdy Calvinists, and alto-
gether a strong-willed, indomitable race. They had been
in the country districts supplanted by the pains-taking
Germans who followed after them, but retained their as-
cendency in the large towns. Carlisle was an important
centre of Presbyterianism. Here Duffield, one of the
leaders of the New School organization, was pastor for
many years. Dr. Nisbet, the first president of the col-
lege, was a splendid example of the Scotch Presbyterian
learning, shrewdness, and wit. Among his successors
was Dr. John M. Mason, who was, in his day, easily the
chief of the Presbyterian pulpit in the United States.
Among the Professors was M'Clelland, the marvellous
rhetorician, the tradition of whose power in speech lin-
gered in the Cumberland Valley long after his time.
Among its graduates were Bethune, Krebs, and Cham-
bers, who have adorned their profession in the city of
New York. It was a college in a border town, that is,
it was near the slave State line. It is not, therefore,
surprising that it gave to the country the honest, but
narrow, Roger B. Taney, and the equally honest, but
vacillating, James Buchanan.
Despite its advantages, Dickinson College, as a Presby-
terian school, never attained a stable prosperity. With
entire good-will on the part of its original proprietors,
it was conveyed to the Methodist Episcopal Church, the
members of the old board of trustees resigning, one
0
66
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
by one, and assisting cordially in electing the required
number of successors. The transfer was honorable to
all parties. Either from the force of habit or from the
confidence in the liberality of the newly elected trustees,
Presbyterian as well as Methodist, students flocked to
the institution after its re-opening. Then, and ever after,
Church distinctions were obliterated in every part and
parcel of their college life — a rebuke of the folly which
separates the young men of the country, during the proc-
ess of their education, into petty groups, as though the
members of one Christian community would be certain
to contaminate the members of another.
The first Faculty of the re-organized Dickinson was
well chosen. At its head was the Rev. John P. Durbin,
then in the fullness of his power as an orator. He suf-
fers the rare disadvantage of having lived two lives, and
of having been so eminent in each, that the fame of the
one has obscured the fame of the other. To the present
generation of Methodists Dr. Durbin is known as a great
administrator ; thirty years ago he was known as one of
the most extraordinary, in the production of popular
effects, of public speakers. With him were associated in
the Faculty, Merritt Caldwell, Robert Emory, and Will-
iam H. Allen. They were men who proved their qual-
ity in subsequent life. Dr. Allen, who filled the chair of
the Natural Sciences, has long been President of Girard
College, Philadelphia, and has taken rank as one of the
leading educators of the country. Caldwell and Emory
both died in 1848, after having attained distinction, and
given promise of a future which was, alas ! too soon
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
67
clouded. Emory had shortly before his election carried
off the honors of Columbia College, in the city of New
York ; Caldwell and Allen were graduates of Bowdoin.
President Paine had offered to Mr. M'Clintock the
choice of the Professorship of Mathematics, or that of
Languages, in La Grange College. The latter was in
doubt which line to take, but the Faculty of the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania urged him to devote his life to
mathematical studies. Of this judgment he gives some
account in his correspondence with President Paine : —
Jersey City, August 2, 1S36.
I have had several communications with the Faculty of my Alma
Mater, the University of Pennsylvania, since the receipt of your let-
ter, on the subject of my future course in literary life. The strong
recommendation of the Faculty (with the exception of the Professor
of Languages) was to devote my whole efforts to mathematical pur-
suits, it having been their opinion throughout the course of my stud -
ies that I should succeed best in that department. The Professor
of Mathematics, E. H. Courtenay, (whose name, of course, is known
to you,) was particularly urgent in this case, and seemed to think
that I should deeply regret any other course hereafter. In reviewing
my studies, and endeavoring to determine in regard to the burden
of my future efforts, I have hesitated here, and finally, feel satis-
fied that my course in the matter shall be regulated by circum-
stances. Should your institution, or any other, offer me the mathe-
matics, or the languages, or the department of English literature, I
should accept either, and make it the business of my life. You are
aware that I am yet but a youth, and that, although I have tasted of
the spring of science, I have many a deep and delicious draught be-
fore me yet — in prospect, at least.
The offer of the Assistant Professorship of Mathe-
matics in Dickinson College was finally accepted, with
68
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
the assurance of the nomination to the full professorship
in case satisfaction was given. It is needless to say that
satisfaction was given, and in July, 1837, he was elected
full professor. Shortly after removing to Carlisle he
was married to Caroline Augusta Wakeman, daughter of
Jabez Wakeman, Esq., of Jersey City. " She was born,"
he records in his diary, the same day, in the same
year, with myself. God bless the bonds ! " The bonds
were blessed. The estimable lady whom he had chosen
was in full sympathy with him as a student and scholar,
and animated and cheered him in the prosecution of his
multifarious tasks. She made his home a rest to which
he ever turned with joy.
He was now in a position, of all others, most conge-
nial to his growing mind. His ambition was healthfully
aroused, if that were at all needed, for he was on trial
for a permanent appointment. His associations satis-
fied both his scholarly and Christian tastes. He lived
with his colaborers of the college Faculty on terms of
closest friendship. Dr. Durbin, being some years his
senior, and having had large experience of public life,
was a valuable counsellor. With Robert Emory, the
Professor of Ancient Languages, he formed a life-long
intimacy. Each was the other's a/ter ego. They were
alike and yet unlike. Both were affectionate, buoyant,
and full of the inspirations of hope. In Emory the
logical faculty predominated over all others, and gave to
his mind a judicial exactness; M'Clintock's equally great
logical force was swayed by a mercurial temperament
and a lively fancy. In the acquisition of knowledge the
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 69
latter was ardent, and swift as the wind, but in the eager-
ness of the pursuit oblivious of a prudent self-care ; his
associate, though equally ardent, moved with a more de-
liberate step. Of the two, Robert Emory was, however,
the first to wear himself out ; he died, as we shall here-
after see, before the promise of his earlier years was
more than partly fulfilled. Professor Allen created per-
petual surprises by his great versatility. He passed
from department to department with a facility that
made one doubt which was the one he most preferred.
Professor Caldwell's high moral character impressed every
one who came near him. New England ruggedness was
in him tempered by a tender moral sensibility. He be-
came in time the trusted adviser of the thoughtful young
men of the institution.
Of these professors, who made up the first Faculty of
the College under its Methodist organization. Dr. Durbin
stood most conspicuously before the country. He had
already achieved a national reputation. The announce-
ment that he would address an audience would, anywhere
in the United States, crowd the most available place of
assembly. Critics were sometimes puzzled to define the
secret of his power, but when he had once been heard,
conceded his power without question. His opening of
a sermon was always disappointing ; indeed, it might be
said that he had in the pulpit a twofold manner, a two-
fold voice, and a double personality. Beginning with
composure, his first purpose, as far as he might admit
a personal purpose, seemed to be to subdue expecta-
tion. In distinct but quiet tones he would proceed
70 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
with the exposition of his theme. His mode of treat-
ment was ingenious, sometimes subtile, always striking.
Before the hearer was aware new thoughts were sug-
gested, or old thoughts had been placed in fresh lights.
Apparently the orator was holding an animated con-
versation with his hearers, (for the tone was wholly col-
loquial,) but, in reality, he was weaving a spell which by
and by he would use with electric suddenness. All
the time the fact most obvious was his impassiveness.
There he stood, calm as a statue, using only explanatory
gesture ; but for the large, lustrous eye, one might doubt
if he were capable of strong emotion. Unexpectedly a
statement would kindle into an animated description,
and description passed into glowing declamation. The
long-repressed torrent of sensibility once let loose, the
orator was transformed. Voice became deep and full,
the gesture broad and sweeping, the eye flashed ; the
audience, startled by this assertion of power, yielded at
once. Strong men would lean forward and half rise
to their feet ; others would sit entranced, wholly oblivi-
ous of place and time. When caught up to the loftiest
height of feeling and thought, the voice would cease,
and the orator slowly resume his seat.
In all this there was genius guided by consummate art,
but the art was well applied. It was conditioned, more-
over, by the necessities of the speaker himself, whose
slender frame would bear only a certain degree of strain.
Yet in the very tempest of impassioned address, Presi-
dent Durbin was a marvel of grace. Not a movement
offended the eye, not a tone was overdone. The self-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 7 1
possession so conspicuous in the earlier passages of the
discourse never deserted him ; to the last sentence he was
master of his powers ; he had, it would appear, placed
limits for himself that he would never transcend.
Unfortunately for the tradition of Dr. Durbin's elo-
quence, the days of the fullest exercise of his oratorical
force were not the days of reporters. Passages from his
sermons which might serve as life-like descriptions have
wholly perished. It was a time, too, in the history of
our country, when oratory was rated higher than it is
now. Without doubt a reading people grows insensibly
more critical, less susceptible to the onsets of emotional
excitement, and more suspicious of those arts which
make oral address effective. If eloquence is a joint re-
sult to which speaker and hearer both contribute, we can
plainly see that the hearer of to-day does not contribute
as much as the hearer of thirty years ago. The change
is as perceptible in the British Parliament as in the
United States Congress. Plain, business-like statement
has superseded rhetoric, and close attention to statistics,
emotional appeal. Durbin, Bascom, and Maffitt formed,
in the period between 1826 and 1840, a trio of Chris-
tian orators who were the wonder and admiration of the
masses throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Maffitt's preaching was so extraordinary, that in some
towns of the South-west business would be almost wholly
suspended during the period of his stay. Of the three.
Dr. Durbin's method will alone, I think, bear the scrutiny
of exact criticism. Simple, lucid English, a voice pitched
in the conversational key, and emotion which, if strong,
72 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
was always just, were the constituents of his eloquence,
and with these the sternest criticism can find no fault.
These persuasive orators had one advantage, which has
unfortunately been, in our time, almost wholly surren-
dered. They proclaimed the divine justice as well as the
divine compassion. No timidity, no sentimentalism, with-
held them from depicting the terrors of the final judg-
ment of the human race. They dealt with the future
accountability of men as a reality, and brought it home
to the consciousness of every hearer. The habit, com-
mon in our day, of avoiding whatever goes beyond the
faintest reference to these themes, was unknown to the
great preachers of that generation. They did not hesi-
tate to treat them dramatically, and in such treatment
to use all the resources of their art. Nor was this a
peculiarity of the Methodist pulpit only; in the explica-
tion of the judgment and the separation of the just from
the unjust, Lyman Beecher was as energetic as John P.
Durbin, and both could appeal, for authority, to the ex-
ample of the old English divines.
With such happy surroundings. Professor M'Clintock
entered on his new life most cheerfully, as will be seen
from his letters to his sister : —
DiCKESsos College, Carlisle, October 15, 1386.
I have enough to write about to fill this sheet and more, but there
is not time enough in the world to do every thing. Still, I am glad
to have the opportunity, on this Saturday evening, to spend a por-
tion of my time in writing to my dear sister. You know from my
letter to father that I arrived here safely, and was in good health ; I
am glad to add, that since I wrote my health has been much better
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
73
than usual ; that my duties, though sufficiently laborious, have not
been too much for me ; and that I get through them all with comfort
to myself, and satisfaction, I hope at least, to those around me. The
regularity of our college life will be very serviceable to my health ;
at least, I think so. The order is as follows :— First bell, half past
five A. M. ; prayers, six A. M. — breakfast immediately after prayers ;
recitations, nine, ten, eleven, or nine, ten A. M. and four P. M., or
ten, eleven A. M., and four P. M., never exceeding three recitations
a day. The students generally are moral, studious, and well-be-
haved, and many of them are pious. Evening prayers at five P. M.—
tea immediately after prayer. Last bell, nine P: M. Thus the bells
are : — First, half past five A. M. ; second, six A. M. ; third, eight
A. M. ; fourth, nine A. M. ; fifth, ten A. M. ; sixth, eleven A. M. ;
seventh, twelve M. (dinner) ; eighth, two P. M. ; ninth, three P. M. ;
tenth, four P. M. ; and five, seven, eight, and nine P. M.
On Sabbath, after breakfast, two classes meet at eight o'clock ;
preaching, eleven ; dinner, half past twelve ; Bible class, (which I
shall visit,) three ; preaching, half past six, as usual. On Tuesday
evening we have a social meeting for literary conversation, etc. On
Wednesday, Faculty meeting ; Thursday, preaching ; Friday, prayer-
meeting ; Saturday, debate ; so that days and evenings are pretty
well filled up. I had written as far as the last sentence last evening,
when I was called to the society for debate, so that I must either fin-
ish this on Sunday morning, or suffer it to go unfinished for a time.
Surely there can be no harm in my writing a letter to you, even
though it be on the Sabbath day.
Of his election to the permanent occupancy of the
chair which he was fiUing provisionally none who knew
him had any doubt. Quick in perception, clear in state-
ment, and broad in his generalizations, he was the ideal
of a brilliant professor. Being absent from college for a
year, I did not meet with Professor M'Clintock until the
74 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
fall of 1837. He had then established for himself a fine
reputation, and his manner had all the confidence of
success. The dullest student felt the contagion of his
enthusiasm. The apter young men were encouraged to
make explorations in mathematical science beyond the
limits of their text-books. Lectures on the history of
mathematics exhibited its growth and connexions. Every
day's contact with our fresh and radiant professor gave
us a new impulse.
If any of the young men who came before him were
indulging in dreams of what they could accomplish by
the force of genius, a few days of contact with him effect-
ually knocked the nonsense out of them. The gospel
which he incessantly proclaimed was the gospel of labor.
Nothing to be won without honest work was the one
maxim which he would not suffer to be forgotten for a
moment. As he taught he practiced. The one fact
most visible in his life was its strenuous devotion to
culture. The lamp in his study was, of the many lighted
in the evening, the last to be put out. Away into the
small hours it still burned. It burned too long for his
own good, but he came before us each morning fresh
and elastic, till the prostration, which before long over-
took him, suspended the performance of his duties.
This union of brilliance with laboriousness made Pro-
fessor M'Clintock the most wholesome of teachers. He
was not a plodder, yet no plodder could be more pains-
taking. It mattered little what was in hand, if done at
all it was to be done well. Whatever was to be known
must be known to the bottom. A sound discretion, how-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 75
ever, insured him against being lost in details. His logi-
cal habit of mind brought all particulars into close
subordination. His ambition was as large as his powers.
He could say without presumption that he had " taken
all knowledge for his portion," and he needed only nerves
of steel and a frame incapable of exhaustion to secure full
possession. While teaching college students mathemat-
ics his own studies spread out in all directions. Though
with a good appetite for all learning, he had a choice.
To physics he seemed somewhat indifferent ; but lan-
guages, logic, metaphysics, and theology, with history,
poetry, and belles-lettres, had for him charms which he
never wished to resist. The old problems of the validity
and the limitations of human knowledge were an endless
fascination to him. From the beginning he had had no
intention of being a mere mathematician. Indeed, he
expressed repeatedly to his friends his dread of the
narrowing effect of exclusive devotion to mathematical
study. He planned early a broad range of intellectual
pursuits, and adhered to his plan with fidelity.
The opportunity enjoyed by himself and his associ-
ates was very fortunate, but they proved equal to it.
Methodism originated in a university ; its leaders were
scholarly clergymen of the Church of England ; but the
necessities of his position compelled John Wesley to
commit it, after his death, to the care of imperfectly
educated successors. The scholars who should have
aided him held aloof. They were scandalized by lay
preachers and field preaching; they forgot that Wesley
set laymen to work because he could find few clerical
76 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
helpers, and that he betook himself to the fields only
when he was driven from the churches. In the Ameri-
can colonies the clergymen of the Established Church
had little or no connexion with Methodism, and on the
breaking out of the War of Independence numbers of
them returned to England. Plain, self-educated men,
with a few exceptions, laid the foundations of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. They were vigorous and force-
ful preachers, thoroughly understood the doctrines which
they handled, and led by one of the greatest of ecclesi-
astical generals. Bishop Asbury, had penetrated all ac-
cessible parts of the States and Canada. Thrown into
antagonism with the theological culture of their time,
they fought a hard, and, in the end, victorious battle. If
their opposers were better versed in books, they were
more skilled in human nature, and had, by a species of
intuition, grasped the art of preaching. From the habit
of opposing educated men, many came to oppose edu-
cation itself. The failure of the first attempts to found
institutions of learning, was, for a time, interpreted as
a providential interposition, forbidding further experi-
ments. The splendid examples of self-education in
English Methodism — Walsh, Clarke, and Watson — were
held up for imitation, and, no doubt, inspired the most
prodigious exertions. As a matter of course, this abne-
gation of the helps which the experience of ages has
provided for the training of the human mind could only
last for a time. The necessities of a growing Church
compelled the provision of a suitable educational appa-
ratus. It is curious to observe with what caution the
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 77
first measures were taken; what care was used to speci-
fy that learning must be duly "sanctified," what misgiv-
ings were felt lest the educated men should disdain the
humble labors of the itinerant service. It was considered
an important point of administration that they should
be "well broken in," if needful, by sending them to hard
work on scant fare in wild regions. The schools had
fought the Methodist ministry so long, that these same
ministers had no little dread of the schools, even when
founded and fashioned by themselves.
Leaders were, however, not wanting at this critical
juncture, and among them Drs. Wilbur Fisk, John
Emory, and John P. Durbin, must always be conspicu-
ous. They, with a few others, may be said to have be-
gun the second, or educational, era of the development
of American Methodism. Dr. Fisk's name will be forever
identified with the founding of the Wesleyan University
at Middletown ; Bishop Emory was the first President of
the Board of Trustees of Dickinson, and negotiated its
transfer from the Presbyterians ; Dr. Durbin had been
a professor in Augusta College, Kentucky, and was one
of the earliest advocates of thorough theological culture.
Their authority gave weight, their eloquence persuaded,
and the Church, with such guides, entered courageously
on its new path.
The members of the first Faculty of Dickinson Col-
lege had, therefore, all the advantages of a fine position.
They did not need to build on other men's foundations,
but could lay their own. No great reputations over-
shadowed them. They could create according to their
78 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
own ideal, and had room and verge enough to work
freely. Looking back, I can see more plainly than was
possible then, that the opportunity was to them all a
powerful inspiration. Young, eager, and in every sense
strong, they wrought in harmony, side by side, and with
a sense of ever-increasing power. They did not perceive
that the goal which they sought was farther off than
they believed. They were not conscious how much in ad-
vance they were of the great body of practical men from
whom, in the last resort, the nourishment of all impor-
tant American institutions must be derived. What they
built, however, stands and will stand ; and not the least,
they built themselves up to a power which American
society has felt beneficially in every direction.
The young men trained by this first Faculty of Dick-
inson and their immediate successors have given a
good account of themselves. In the State, Creswell and
Marshall ; in science, Baird ; in Church administration.
Bishop Bowman, of our own, and Bishop Cummins, of
the Reformed Episcopal Church ; in the pulpit, Thomas
Verner Moore, Deems, Ridgaway, and Tiffany; in liter-
ature, Conway (who has left his early faith, but retains
all his early love for the men under whom he was
trained) and Hurst; in foreign missions, Maclay; are
examples of the fruitfulness of their educational work.
The following letters reveal the joyousness of Pro-
fessor M'Clintock's life during this period. The first is
to his wife's father : —
I have no complaints to make. Our life goes on at present in a
smooth, contented round of healthful occupations and rational enjoy-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
79
ments. These are the bright days for us ; how long they may con-
tinue I cannot say. But we try to lay up our treasure " where moth
and rust cannot corrupt," Perhaps there is not much self-denial in
this, for we have very little chance of laying up treasures anywhere
else. But we are well off, as we calculate to come out clear of all
encumbrances at the end of this year, if Providence favors our little
enterprises. College is prosperous, at least as far as its internal
movements and management are concerned. Many matters without
look rather squally, but we hope for the best.
In a letter to his wife's brother, Mr. E. B. Wakeman,
he expresses an intention which he never carried out : — •
I am pretty well occupied, but think, sometimes, of commencing
law this fall. I could connect it advantageously with my other
studies, and be ready for the bar in two years — of course, not with
any view to practice, but merely to know a little of every thing that
goes on in this wicked world.
He had scarce completed his second year as professor
when his health gave way. This was the first of a series
of distressing bodily affections which troubled him, and
at times wholly disabled him. Uniform good health he
never enjoyed. Periods of prodigious activity would be
followed by periods of enforced abstinence from all seri-
ous work. This first attack was a constriction and in-
flammation of the oesophagus, which made it impossible
for him to swallow solid food. It was treated with
caustic, and the treatment subjected him almost to the
tortures of a long martyrdom. Ten years after this,
Dr. M'Clintock supposed himself to be subject to heart
disease, and lived under a constant apprehension of sud-
den death. Frequent attacks of swooning gave plausi-
8o
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
bility to his fears. He was, to use a common phrase,
''easily upset;" some part of the bodily machinery was
ready to give way, compelHng him to lie by for repairs.
I mention these facts because they help to explain his
life. The suspension of exertion which sometimes puz-
zled those who knew him but slightly, the unrest which
showed itself in a desire of frequent change, were but
symptoms of unsatisfactory health. That he held him-
self so firmly to his work as he did, is the best evidence
we have of the tenacity of his determination to do the ut-
most possible with himself as long as his strength lasted.
His diary furnishes the best picture extant of his life
at this period. It is a narrative of his reading, studies,
hopes, and fears, enlivened by acutest criticisms of books
and men. He was now but twenty-four years of age,
yet looked with clear eyes upon the world before him.
He would not suffer his understanding to be imposed
upon, but saw and judged for himself. Most noticeable,
too, is the ardor of his pursuit of knowledge while pros-
trated by disease. He would read in every direction, no
matter what the penalty. The unconscious self-revela-
tion which appears in the passages here appended will
be, I trust, a sufficient justification of the freedom with
which the diary is quoted : —
Oct, 13, 1838. For two months past I have labored under a dis-
tressing affection of the throat. My professorship at Carlisle is neg-
lected, and I am now in Philadelphia, under medical treatment. For
weeks I have been unable to swallow any thing thicker than milk,
and even that sometimes with difficulty. I know also what nervous
disorders are, for the first time in my life.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
8l
Tues., Dec. i8, 1838. My throat is somewhat better: can swallow
milk or soup thickened with a little flour. For four months now have
I been comparatively idle, and useless either to myself or others ; and
have found it hard to discipline my mind to submission to divine
Providence. But I begin to feel resigned, to acknowledge His hand,
and to hope that even this sore affliction will work out good for me
both in this life and in that which is to come. I have spent the time
in Philadelphia for the sake of medical advice, and have found every
comfort in my father's house — cheered also by the presence of my
dear v^fe and little one. My child, Sarah Augusta, was bom Mon-
day, September 10, and is now a sweet babe. God preserve her !
Wed., Jan. 2, 1839. Have entered upon a new year. God has
lengthened my life, though I feel that I hold it by a very feeble ten-
ure. My mind is quite unsettled. I cannot meditate closely upon
religious themes ; but my confidence in God's love, through Jesus
Christ, is unshaken, nay, increasing. My nerves are in a wretched
condition — all unstrung, so that thought, to any great extent, is im-
possible. If it be thy will, O Lord, grant me relief!
Read part of the Life of Girard, the rich banker of Philadelphia.
A great mind — devoted to wealth — forgetful of eternity !
Jan. 3, 1839. Read the Epistle to the Philippians — always a faith-
ful people. Paul had no censures for them. Read Byron's Journals
and part of Don Juan. A wicked man, yet with some good features.
His works cannot live — no elements of durability, of immortality,
about them. He and Moore have much to answer for, in the cor-
ruption of morals which they have poured like a flood upon young
minds. How diff"erent from Wordsworth and Coleridge, diff'using
streams of pure, beautiful morality and deep thought upon the world.
Szm., Jan. 6. Read First Epistle to Timothy, and perplexed my-
self for some time with chapter v, 24. The only meaning which I
can attach to the passage is this : Paul contrasts open, daring sin-
ners with hypocrites ; some men are so desperately wicked that the
odor, as it were, of their iniquities precedes them. How fertile of
precept and wisdom for the Christian preacher are these epistles to
Timothy — sound, practical wisdom too — such as will carry a man
6
82
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
safely through all difficulties, in the Church and out of it, if faith-
fully followed. Paul was not imprudent , and he deprecates rash-
ness and imprudence in others. Would that some of our hasty
spirits, that embroil Church and State with their crude notions and
ill-digested theories, would imbibe somewhat more of his practical
good sense — his careful, religious prudence. Read a project in the
" Christian Advocate " for a celebration of the Centenary of Meth-
odism— which had its birth in 1739 — funds to be collected and applied
to building Mission Houses in New York. I don't like the plan —
there is not enough economy in the management of our religious
funds. Read Second Timothy, Titus, and Philemon ; the same spirit
and n^eaning in all Paul's writings — authority mingled with love.
I have not heard a sermon since last September.
Mon., Jan. 14. Read in Coleridge's " Friend " his essay on Method,
the object of which is to prove the superiority of laiv to theory, as a
basis for method. A ver>^ profound yet luminous essay. Read part
of the Appendix to Cousin's " Psychology." Low-spirited and nerv-
ous to-day. I suppose I may be truly called a hypochondriac — a
name and condition that I have feared almost as much as that of
maniac. Read the last chapter in Taylor's "Physical Theory ' — a
ver>- attractive book. The germ of it may be found, I think, in Cole-
ridge's " Letters and Recollections." Poor nerves of mine, what
could have shattered them so !
Tues., Jan. 15. Read in Walter Scott's Life the account of his
misfortunes and his fortitude under them all. Walter Scott was not
a rergi3us man — little thought of a future life, I should judge from
his writings and his biography. Read Second Epistle of Peter ; mind
not sufficiently concentrated to understand it completely. Went on
with Walter Scott ; he was weak enough in some points. What a
contrast — Scott and Wordsworth ! Scott would have fought with
Gourgaud ; he was superstitious, vain, mind full of world and world's
thoughts ; selfish, I think, to an extreme ; but, strangely enough,
generous withal. I would not do him injustice ; he has beguiled
many a weary hour. But why should there be a7iy wear}- hours }
Surely there are sources enough of enjoyment, without such floods
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 83
of paltry fiction as have' been thrown upon the world since Scott
began to write novels. Read in Grecian history the rise of Thebes ;
battles of Leuctra and Mantinea ; up to the deaths of Pelopidas and
Epaminondas. N. B. I don't believe the stories of Spartans rejoic-
ing that their friends were slain in battle, and mourning over those
that returned as disgraced. Spartans were men — their nature was
human nature.
Thiirs., Jan, 17. Rose at eight; delightful sleep last night; feel
pretty bright this morning. Read Cooper's Review of " Lockhart's
Life of Scott." Poor enough, in all conscience ; though not quite so
unjust as some affect to think it. Read also a " Reply" to the same
in the " Knickerbocker," and if the article itself was vapor, the reply
is double distilled gas — it is just naetking at all. I said, a few days
ago, that Scott was destitute of religion. I recall it ; for first, 1 should
not say such a thing of any man ; and second, I have since read Lock-
hart's account of his decline and death, and it has changed my views
of the man considerably. At all events, it brought tears to my eyes,
opening a fresh well-spring of love in my heart. But, after all, how far
are such men, nay, how far are any men, from the scriptural stand-
ard of a religious life ! I know my own deficiencies, others know
some of them, but I know myself better than any man can, and I
know that I am very far from being the pure, devoted Christian of
the New Testament.
I am not bigot enough to suppose that there are no good men out
of the Methodist Church, but I think her the best of modern Churches,
both as to her ecclesiastical polity, her usefulness to the world, and the
general purity of her clergy and laity. I know, too, that the Meth-
odist ministry affords few inducements to worldly, ambitious spirits ;
but, with all this, I have found the same petty jealousies, the same
pursuit of individual aims, the same lust of power, the same envy of
superior talents, among Methodist preachers, that I should have ex-
pected to find among "the potsherds of the earth." Where then,
alas ! shall I look for purity ? Into my own heart ? Eheu ! what a
den of thieves has that heart been ! . . , There is too much prescrip-
tion in the Methodist Church, and there is too much proscription for
84
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
individual opinions. A man can hardly be independent with any hope
of rising in the Church. This state of things causes a mean, truckling
spirit to grow up among the young men, which, in a great degree,
renders them intellectual slaves to a few not very intellectual masters.
This has always been the fault of the Church — I mean of the univer-
sal Church — it is not as it should be, it is not in accordance with the
laws of Christianity. "The spirit of power, and of love, and of a
sound mind," is incompatible with this sort of mental bondage; and,
sooner or later, the Methodist Episcopal Church will pay the penalty
of her encroachments upon the absolute freedom of the individual
mind, by storms and contentions, if not by her entire disorganiza-
tion and dissolution, unless a wiser policy shall be struck out by her
leaders and pursued in her government.
This criticism of the Methodist Episcopal Church is
very plain and pointed, but is descriptive of all human
organizations, secular or ecclesiastical. The problem of
the harmony of authority and liberty is as old as human
nature, and has never been perfectly solved. A system
so centralized as that of Episcopal Methodism tends to
a severe restriction of the play of individualism. By a
spontaneous instinct it seeks to form instruments, and is
fearful of deviations from its one method. The history
of the organization shows, however, that it came most
naturally by this spirit. Given an ecclesiastical scheme
created by scholars, and handed over to men not trained
scholars, though able and practical, the latter will find
their only safety in adhering rigidly to its prescriptions.
They know this one thing ; they have not the wide and
various reading which will place at their disposal the
rich fruits of universal experience. Their conservatism
is their best protection.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
85
Yet the disaster predicted by this young and thought-
ful critic as certain to follow from the overmastering
force of the connexional element in Methodism has been
happily averted. American Methodism proves every
year more tolerant of individualism, and is solving, we
may hope with entire success, the problem of a strong
yet free government.
Some additional extracts from Professor M'Clintock's
Diary will show how he improved his time during this
period of enforced absence from college duty : —
Sun., Jan. 20. Read part of the Apocalypse ; find it is as dark as
ever — a sealed book to me, with the exception of the introductory
chapters. Read in the " London and Westminster Review " an ar-
ticle on Protestant and Catholic popery, in which the writer attempts
to fix the boundar)' between reason and faith in regard to religious
truth, or rather, to settle the relative rights of reason and Scripture.
He charges Christianity, falsely, with requiring a belief of that which
contradicts reason ; which is not true in any proper sense of the word
contradictory. Read on this subject Coleridge's "Aids to Reflec-
tion," pp. 120, 209, etc., wherein is to be found a far more philosoph-
ical and satisfactory- view of the subject. I have regretted that
Richard Watson permitted himself ever to use the language, above
denied, as the language of Christians, though he very clearly ex-
plained himself in the same connexion. {Vide "Watson's Life," by
Jackson, ad fin.)
Tues., Jan. 22. Rose at half past eight; good sleep last night;
feel better this morning. Continued reading the Revelation. Who
can understand it ? To whom has it yet been a revelation ? Read
the History of Philip of Macedon, and an outline of the conquests of
Alexander the Great in Asia.. The accounts are, to say the least,
all exaggerated, while that of Quintus Curtius is, in many particulars,
absolute invention.
Wed., Jan. 23. Rose at nine. Read Revelation, chapter xviii, ad
86
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
fin. Read also part of the history of David's reign, from Second
Samuel. How honest is the record ! all crimes and follies narrated,
without attempt at palliation or excuse. Read part of the history of
Alexander's Successors. Only twenty-eight years from the death of
Alexander, and not one of his blood remained on earth ! Breathing
easier to-day. Great storm of snow and wind ; afterward very cold.
Thiir., Jan. 29. Rose at nine ; poor sleep till the small hours last
night ; pain in the breast this morning, with glandular swellings ;
hope they wont be troublesome.
Read First Kings — history of Solomon's reign — badly begun with
the murder of his brother Adonijah. Read in Hoffman's " Thoughts
of a Grumbler ; " rather a superficial affair. Obtained Life of Epis-
copius ; can't read it for a day or two, they growl at me {scil. wife,
doctor, etc.) about reading so much ; and lo ! I read next to nothing.
Read part of Pope's Life ; what a vain creature he was !
Letter from C. Gill, editor of " Mathematical Miscellany," asking
me to contribute some articles for that valuable periodical ! Poor
me ! can't even bend my mind to read a book of mathematics,
without thinking of writing.
Thurs., Jan. 31. Continued reading Johnson's " Life of Pope " — fin-
ished it. It was not written with Johnson's usual care. The parallel
between Pope and Dryden I have had occasion to notice before. I
like not these constrained parallels, either in history or in criticism.
Plutarch's inaccuracies and exaggerations are mostly to be found in
his parallels, which might be omitted from the " Lives " without
great loss to any body.
Sun., Feb. 3. Rose at half past nine ; had good sleep last night ;
head a little better this morning. Read Solomon's beautiful and
comprehensive prayer at the dedication of his temple. How strange,
that with such a strong mind, such high privileges, and such great
religious attainments, he should have fallen ! Perseverance of the
saints, indeed !
Tues., Feb. 5. O ! when shall I be able to keep this record without
giving it so much the aspect of a medical diary } When shall I be
free from an invalid's anxious cares, matutinal self-examination, even
THE REV. DR. .M CLINTOCK.
87
ing potions, midnight blisters, and the countless nugcE that make up
my useless life at present ? Yet, perhaps, not altogether useless !
Perhaps I may be again restored to health and strength, again able
to tread with a buoyant, joyous step, as once I was wont, the glad
earth which I now hardly dare to tread ; again able to snuff the sweet
summer breezes from our own hills in Cumberland ; to gaze upon
those splendid sunsettings, the farewells of the dying day, which we
know only in our own valley ; and O ! most blessed thought of all,
again able to stand up in the sacred place and preach the Gospel of
Jesus Christ to men ! It seems to me that I could preach as I never
thought of preaching before ; that I knoiu that of the vanity of life
and the power of religion that I never dreamed of before ; and, per-
haps, God has intended this affliction for a severe but precious dis-
cipline to my unworthy mind and heart ! Could the blessed anticipa-
tion ever be realized, how joyfully would 1 exchange my professor's
chair for the humblest circuit in Methodism, so that I could only
preach, with all the energies of a sound mind in a sound body, the
glorious Gospel of Christ Jesus ! And my dear wife is of the same
mind ; ready for circuit or any thing else, to be in the line of duty.
TImrs., Feb. 7. Rose at half past eight. Read newspapers and
dawdled until ten, then read three chapters in First Kings — the his-
tory of Jeroboam and Rehoboam. Drs. George and Samuel M'Clel-
lan called, examined throat, etc., prescribed caustic ! caustic ! caus-
tic ! Something was said about a seton in the chest, but I don't want
it ; I have tortures enough without artificial ones.
Sun., Feb. 17. Rose at eight; delightful night's rest, God be
thanked ! Dear little babe, how full of life and vigor she is this morn-
ing ; every muscle in vigorous exercise, kicking and romping and
screaming like a little witch. She is five months and one week old,
and measured this morning two feet three inches and a half. The
blessing of Heaven rest upon the child ! Continued the history of
kings of Israel and Judah ; what a record of follies and crimes it is !
Read a little in Prideaux's Connexion.
Mott., Feb. 18. Made analysis of part of chapter xxii, part ii, of
Watson's Institutes : hard work trying to educe order from chaos.
88
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Read part of Reuben Apsley, by Horace Smith ; a g-ood story, told
plainly and well, especially the middle portions, but bad at both ends,
or rather at both beginning and end.
Tues., Feb. 19. Spent an hour in conversation with W. H. Gilder.
Talked of attempting a weekly religious paper in this city in the
Methodist Episcopal Church, designed to advocate the real interests
of Methodism, " without partiality and without hypocrisy." Wish sin-
cerely that such a paper could be established, though I do not feel
much like taking the responsibility on my own shoulders, especially
in money matters ; but, perhaps, if my health be not sufficiently re-
stored to allow of my attending to my duties at Carlisle in April, it
might be well for me to attempt it.
Sun., Feb. 24. Rose at nine. Good sound sleep last night, and
feel pretty well this morning. All go to church ; but we must stay
at home. Well, the Lord is not confined to the mountain or to Jeru-
salem, and we may enjoy his presence and smiles in our little cham-
ber. Read in First Chronicles ; how beautiful and comprehensive is
^\\^ prayer of Jabez, in chapter iv ! I thought of passing by the first
nine chapters entirely, as containing nothing but dry genealogies ; but,
then, I should have missed that sweet prayer, lying like a well in a
desert.
Had wife read to me in the evening from Wordsworth's " Excur-
sion," and sister Jane, an article on " Rituals," from the " New York
Review ; " which article, by the way, is a beautiful specimen both of
reasoning and eloquence. My own mind has been made up for some
time upon the question of forms of prayer. I believe that our fathers
erred, in this country', in yielding to the wishes of the people, and
abolishing the use of forms of prayer in the Methodist Church. Could
it be done safely, I would be glad to see them introduced.
Thurs., Feb. 28. Finished the " Life of Drew," He certainly accom-
plished great things with small means ; but, as he himself admits, it
is the contrast between his opportunities and his performances which
entitles him to eminence. His w^orks are great, not absolutely, but
relatively to his circumstances.
Read most of the " Life of Joshua Marsden." Rather a feeble
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
89
mind, I judge ; but a man of good feelings and virtuous principles.
After all, these are infinitely more valuable than those.
Thurs., March 7. Raked up from the dust of father's book-shelves
the old numbers of Stockton's " Wesleyan Repository," and was
much interested in running over them. I suppose, though I am not
sure of it, that the publication was ver)' unpopular with the Meth-
odist preachers at the time. It was too bold entirely ; attributed too
little infallibility to our system. The same spirit exists at this day to
a considerable extent.
Fri.y March 1 5, Baltimore. Rode up to the Conference Room, in
Sharp-street, (Wesley Chapel,) and found the Conference in session ;
Bishop Andrew in the chair. The case on hand was that of Brother
Asbury Roszel, who was to be continued on trial. J. A. Collins ob-
jected, on the ground of his having been retained at Carlisle during
the year, and that he would probably be retained hereafter. There
was a pretty full discussion of the principle on which Methodist
preachers are put into colleges. Dr. Bangs spoke very well on the
case, and the Bishop laid down the law very clearly ; though I differ,
ioto coelo, from his sentiments in regard to our college work, as ex-
pressed in his speech. His doctrine was, that the college situations
were subordinate to the general itinerant work, and that it is wrong
to keep men in them who might be useful in the ranks of the minis-
try ; on which account laymen are to be preferred for professors, etc.,
when they can be had. Now, I do not believe that our educational
system ought to be regarded as subordinate to but co-ordinate with
the general religious system ; and I cannot see on what other ground
the Bishop is at all justifiable in appointing preachers to colleges and
schools. And, moreover, if I believed the sentiment of Bishop An-
drew just, I could not continue my connexion with College another
hour, consistently with my views of a Methodist preacher's duty.
Besides, it is my deliberate opinion, and one not formed from theory,
or d, priori, but from actual experience in colleges, that all the pro-
fessors should be ministers of the Gospel if possible. The inter-
dependence of sound learning and sound theology is too close, the
bearing of scientific doctrines upon religion is too intimate, to allow
90
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
all these interests to lie in the hands of men who have never made
theology a peculiar study. And in our Methodist Colleges there are
additional reasons for filling all the professorships with ministers ; in
that case only are they directly responsible to the Conferences which
sustain the Colleges.
Thurs. morning, March 21. Dr. Buckler, the celebrated physician
of this city, called on me yesterday and examined my throat. He
assured me that this indolent inflammation must have been of long
standing, and originated in a morbid condition of the stomach.
Advised me not to use the simple bougie, nor any mercurials, but
simply to travel, use a mild aperient every morning, and keep cool.
He also ordered a revulsive of caustic potash upon the back of the
neck, and advised a trip to the Red Sulphur Springs of Virginia dur-
ing the summer if possible. I was considerably pleased with his
opinions.
Sun., March 24, Philadelphia. How kindly does Providence adapt
our desires to our circumstances ! One year ago, I was choice in my
food, and required a great deal of it to satisfy my appetite and sup-
port nature. Now I live upon my fluid diet, with hardly a thought
or wish with regard to any other food ; my appetite is good, but is
stayed by a few tumblers of milk, and I find it sufficiently nutritious.
Thank God for all his mercies !
Fri., March 29. Thirty-four leeches applied to the back of my
neck this morning. They may, perhaps, prevent a recurrence of last
night's disagreeables. Day spent at home. Read Job ; read in Tay-
lor's "Home Education;" also Scott's "Count Robert of Paris."
Wed., April 3. Left Philadelphia at five P. M. yesterday in the
cars, and after a less fatiguing and troublesome ride than I had an-
ticipated, reached my father-in-law's house, in Jersey City, at about
half past eleven P. M. Found wife up with the dear little one in her
arms ; but O, how changed from the fair creature that I left but a
few weeks ago ! The rich glow of her sunny cheek was gone, the
sparkle of her eye had vanished, and she lay there, little more than a
lump of clay. Still she lives, and there is hope. The doctor gives
us some encouragement. God save the child !
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
91
Sat., April 6. Nine A. M. Babe is dying ; the sweet spirit will
soon be a cherub I She is dead I O God, thou art tr) ing me in the
fire I
Sun., April 7. Buried our little love, at least her mortal part, in
the vault at Bergen Hill. So vanish earthly joys ! Another tie to
the skies ! Poor wife, it is indeed a blow to her.
Mon., April 22. Left Philadelphia at six A. M. in the railroad cars ;
reached CarHsle at five P. M., one hundred and twenty-eight miles in
eleven hours, including about two and a half hours' stoppages at dif-
ferent points on the road. The day was delightful, and I found the
journey not near so fatiguing and oppressive as I had anticipated.
Thurs., April 25, Carlisle. Have been reading, for a day or two,
Sampson Reid's " Growth of the Mind ; " a most beautiful produc-
tion, abounding in elevated truths, imbued with a pure and spiritual
philosophy, and written in a most chaste and elegant style. Strange
that so clear a mind should submit to the delusion and folly of
Swedenborgianism !
Sun., May 19. The past week has been one of great blessings and
much enjo)Tnent. The exquisite sweetness and purity of the atmos-
phere, the opening of fresh flowers daily, the songs of innumerable
birds, all have contributed to keep me much in the open air, and my
health has improved accordingly. I have been under the homoeo-
pathic treatment all the time, but am really at a loss to know wheth-
er I derive any benefit from it, or whether all my improvement may
not be attributed to the delightful circumstances with which I am
surrounded.
Fri., May 24. Heard recitations on Tuesday and Wednesday in
Paley's "Evidences." Dined Wednesday on thickened milk, of bet-
ter consistency than any thing I had taken before since last Septem-
ber. Have great pleasure in the kindness of friends here ; truly they
abound in their love to us, and I know not wherefore.
Wed., May 29. Have read a good deal in Swedenborg, and really
am at a loss to imagine how any man in his wits can find any thing
here to attract him. There are, it is true, many pretty \-isions, many
strange fantasies, many brilliant pictures, and many profound truths ;
92
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
but these are so buried up in masses of the veriest nonsense, so ob-
scured by absolute ravings, that the man must have Httle to do who
can afford to spend time in searching- for them. Gutted, to-day, T.
Jackson's "Centenary of Methodism." Commenced on Monday
Prescott's " Ferdinand and Isabella," and Philip's " Life of Bunyan."
Mon., June 17. Mrs. Allen died at half past nine A. M., on Satur-
day, after a week of almost unintermitting agony. She died in peace,
aged twenty years. God grant that I may be ready for his call if I
should be the next summoned away ! It is somewhat strange, that
within the last few years ever)' member of the Faculty of Dickinson
College has received some cup of bitterness from the hand of Provi-
dence : President D. lost his wife ; Professor E., his father ; Professor
R., his brother ; I lost my sweet babe, and the use of my throat ; and
Professor A. has this day buried his wife. Perhaps God has a con-
troversy with us. O that we were more devoted to his cause and to
his glory !
Tues., June 25. Finished, to-day, reading Prescott's " Ferdinand
and Isabella ; " a clear, perspicuous history, in the very best style of
historical writing. It hardly pretends to be a philosophical history.
Am much pleased with Townsend's "Notes on New Testament,"
except his notions on High Church. Derive great benefit and im-
provement from Campbell's "Dissertations and Notes." Watson's
"Exposition" is not what I hoped to find it. His style is destitute
of simplicity, which is the first requisite in the style of an expositor.
Sun., July 7. The worst feature of my present affliction is, and has
been, that I cannot preach the Gospel. I sometimes think that the
rod has thus been laid upon me in order to prevent my preaching ;
that one so worldly, so sensual, so trifling, so led away by frivolous
aims, so desirous of worldly honors, so careless in regard to divine
things, and so ignorant of them, should not occupy the sacred desk
as an ambassador for Christ ! If it be so, O Lord, purge me still
more thoroughly, that, in the end, if it be consistent with thy holy
will, I may be permitted again to lift up my voice in calling sinners
to repentance. But I have little zeal for God. If I had a proper
zeal, I could do much for his cause, even though I do not preach ;
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
93
on the contrary, however, I fear that I have made my feeble health a
plea for the neglect of many duties ! God forgive and cleanse me !
Tues., July 9. Commencement week — hurry, hurry, bustle, flurry,
all the time — no opportunity for reading, writing, thought, or any
thing else. Examinations have closed ; went off very well. Emory
will leave ; sorry, indeed, I am. While I do full justice to the purity
of his motives, and the uprightness of his intentions, I am well con-
vinced that he has erred in his judgment in regard to this matter.
Perhaps, however, Providence will overrule it all for good.
I have been requested by a correspondent to describe
Professor M'Clintock's method as a student. I hesitate
somewhat to comply. It is not easy for the artist to dis-
close the secret of his power, much less easy is it for one
who has no more than the opportunities of an observer.
As this memoir, however, will be read by Methodist minis-
ters, such account as I can give of Dr. M'Clintock's student
life may be helpful in the way of suggestion. The meth-
ods of scholars are probably very much alike. Given an
insatiable hunger for knowledge, with opportunity for its
satisfaction, and knowledge will be gathered. I should
put this unappeasable hunger for truth as the first fact ;
Dr. M'Clintock zvoiild know whatever was to be known.
He would open ways for himself into every field of
knowledge, and would survey it, if he could do no more.
His mental independence was the next striking feature
of his method. He did his own thinking. He was not
content to be any man's echo. The passages from his
diary already quoted prove with what vigor he used his
critical faculty. It was not common, at that day, for
young men to speak so freely of the worthies of Meth-
94 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
odism ; but he always insisted that the one lesson to be
learned from the life of John Wesley was the lesson of
intellectual self-reliance. In exploring a subject a cer-
tain tact made him quickly familiar with its literature.
What others had thought and said upon it came readily
to his hand. He thus gathered about him speedily the
materials for complete investigation, would instinctively
find the right clew, and would then push forward till he
saw what he wished to know with the utmost vividness.
His mind never leaped to conclusions; he might antici-
pate them, but would march up to them, keeping on solid
ground. His multifarious reading was carefully indexed,
so as to be always within reach. Important passages
were copied at length. On every leading topic he had
a large body of notes drawn from the best authorities.
In using this abundant material his first aim was to
attain a perfect insight, and then to exercise an indepen-
dent judgment. He was not overmastered by his ac-
quisitions, but kept them under due control. He ef-
fected this by his organizing power, which was the
dominant faculty of his mind. To reduce knowledge to
its all comprehending principles was no less a pleasure
than a necessity for him. His habits of composition were
most laborious. Nothing slovenly from his pen was
ever allowed to see the light. His critical judgment
held watch and ward over every paragraph. He was
most solicitous of criticism, and scarcely ever produced
an important review or essay that he did not ask his
most intimate friends to point out defects in either mat-
ter or form. Through this process of discipline his style
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 95
became clear, crisp, and faultless in form, though it was
perhaps lacking in warmth. In preparation for public
addresses there was a like carefulness observed, but with
it there was a large trust to his spontaneous power. His
sensibilities were quick, and kindled readily in the pres-
ence of an expectant audience. He was equal to extra-
ordinary occasions, could interpret the inarticulate emo-
tion of his hearers, and give it voice and expression with
a power of eloquence which left little to be desired. I
shall speak, however, of his oratorical gifts more at length
in subsequent chapters.
LETTERS FROM MAY, 1836, TO MARCH, 3839.
I.
Jersey City, Bergen Co., N. J., 3I(Hj 27, 1836.
For one whole year have I been preaching Christianity under the
direction of the Philadelphia Conference, and in that year I have
learned that to be a faithful preacher, something more is requisite than
sound moral feelings, or strong religious excitement. A man must
have some intellect, and some lungs, too, in order to perform all the
duties of a Methodist preacher successfully. During the year I have
had considerable opportunity for study, and have partially improved
it, both in following up my collegiate studies, and in penetrating the
mysteries of the theologians : though in these latter I have certainly
made r.s yet but little progress. In fact, unless my views of these
subjects change much in the lapse of years, I shall never be a theo-
logian, in the common sense of the term, though I should live and
preach for half a century. My chief studies at present are, " Longi-
nus on the Sublime," of which I am attempting a translation, (just
commenced, however,) and the writers on " Moral Philosophy ; " with
which matter I intend to make myself as well acquainted as the na-
ture of it will admit. In the mean time, I purpose to prepare myself
96
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
for a future professorship in either Language or Ethics, so that
should I be called upon from any quarter, I may be ready to answer.
During the present spring my health has been very poor — the re-
sult of laborious preaching. I find that continued preaching will soon
destroy me — the excitement is too great for my very excitable tem-
perament. My health, comfort, happiness, and usefulness, I am well
convinced, would all be better were I in a situation more congenial
to my feelings, and more suitable to my weak capacities, than that
of a stated preacher. It requires qualities that I do not possess.
Thus far, however, I have gone, I think, under the direction of a kind
and gracious Providence, for whose guidance I still look, and whose
openings I shall implicitly follow.
Pbofessoe Emory.
II.
Jersey CrrY, Sept. 2, 1S36.
Dear Father: — I received a letter yesterday from Mr. Paine,
President of La Grange College, informing me of my election to the
professorship of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy — salary, $900
per annum. A new session opened August first, and will terminate
in January-. The present incumbent will retain his office until my
arrival, should I accept and reach La Grange before first of October,
beyond which date he cannot remain, so that I am urged to hasten
my departure. The college is located in Franklin County, Alabama,
ten miles from Tuscumbia, on the summit of a mountain, with one
of the finest and most extensive landscapes in the United States.
The pecuniary condition of the establishment is good — and prospects
still brightening. There are two large three-story brick buildings —
one having one hundred feet, the other seventy-two feet front, with a
laboratory and chapel. The place is proverbial for health. The
number of students varies from one hundred to one hundred and
forty : their character for scholarship and morals inferior to none in
the western colleges. The Faculty are : President, Professor of
Mathematics, Adjunct Professor of Languages, Professor of Chemis-
try, Professor of Languages — with a tutor. Faculty harmonious — for
some years united.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
97
The reasons for my accepting this professorship are various ; some
are — tirst, the healthfulness of the situation, and its southern cli-
mate, which my constitution needs. Second, the excellence of the
offer, which indeed somewhat surprises me. Third, its being for the
Mathematics, to which our Professors so strongly urged me. Fourth,
the providential circumstances which seem to direct me strongly
to the acceptance of the offer. I shall not be able to tarry here long
— 1 cannot subsist without employment, nor can I live without study.
For this, the opportunity and the necessity will both arise from the
office in Alabama.
There are reasons against my acceptance, the chief of which is, the
distance from home. This, however, is not, and will not be insuper-
able. Could I obtain a suitable situation in Carlisle or Randolph —
Macon, I should prefer it, but there is no opening that I know of.
In reference to Carlisle I am yet in the dark, having heard nothing
from Mr. Durbin, and not knowing for what situation he would wish
my services. If you know, I should be glad to learn, in your answer
to this, whether I am wanted at Carlisle (if now wanted at all) as a
teacher in the Grammar School, or as an assistant in the College.
A knowledge of this would be a great kindness to me. You will
find inclosed a letter to Mr. Durbin ; after you read it, please seal it
up and send it to him if in Philadelphia, or if not, send it immediately
to Carlisle.
III.
Carlislk, March 20, 1S37.
Dear Father: — From Mr. Durbin's communication, I have very
little doubt in regard to the result of the election, and suppose, there-
fore, that my labors here have been satisfactory. At all events, I
am conscious of having well discharged every duty devolving upon
-me in the office. I have been somewhat perplexed in regard to the
propriety of my being ordained, and I have not pursued the Confer-
ence studies so as to pass an examination. I shall abide by the
decision of the bishop — or rather, his advice in reference to the ordi-
nation. I have always had a very salutary dread of taking strong
7
98
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
vows of any kind : and especially religious vows in awkward circum-
stances. The ordination of local nnen and professors I can hardly
understand. Still I may be ignorant, and merely mention the thing
to let you know what my thoughts have been:
IV.
Philadelphia, February 15, 1S39.
The feelings evinced by your remarks upon the itinerancy, and es-
pecially upon the prospect of your own connexion with it, are such
as I cannot but approve : indeed, I sympathize in these from the bot-
tom of my heart, for they have been all my own, both before and
(but in a far greater degree) since I have been laid upon the shelf as an
invalid. As to one of your principles, I have been, and still remain,
somewhat doubtful. I refer to the doctrine that it is improper for an
annual Conference to admit into the ministry any individual whose
relations to society would not be changed by the said admission.
Certainly it seems to me, that if our educational system is to be viewed
as a co-ordinate — or even subordinate — branch of our religious sys-
tem, whose design is to prepare men for the reception of Gospel
truth, and to carry that truth home to their hearts — if, I say, our
educational plans are to be regarded, I can see no more difficulty in
admitting a man and permitting him to remain in college, than in
sending him to the roughest circuit in Methodism. The mere fact
of our connexion being called a travelling ministr\- does not impose
the necessity upon ever)' one who may be admitted into it of pulling
up stakes and setting off at once, in the letter of the system, to travel.
Nor can the mere formal difference between receiving a man as a
professor, and appointing him as a professor immediately after he is
received, be of any avail. It strikes me the whole difficulty lies in the
supposition, that if a man is received into the ministry hampered by
"any such connexion," there is a contract implied, if not expressed,
that he shall always remain in such situation, and that his relation to
the Conference must never subject him to the performance of any
other duties. But certainly there is no such implication ; or if it be
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 99
supposed that there is, it can easily be guarded against by a distinct
statement at the time of admission.
As for my own health, I sometimes indulge the hope that I may be
again able to perform my duties at Carlisle — nay, that I may again
be permitted to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to men. Should
this be the case, I feel persuaded (though I may deceive myself, as
many have done before) that the affliction which I have endured will
have been a precious discipline to me, and that I shall never again
be able to look with indifference upon the great work of human sal-
vation, never again be able to preach, without an earnest previous
preparation of prayer, as well as of thought. O how differently do
we estimate w'orldly things when they appear to be receding from us ;
when that reality to which we must all come at last, though so few
are able to appropriate it to themselves in health — the reality, name-
ly, that we must die — is pressed upon us with all the force of imme-
diate nearness ! Such thoughts have been my almost constant com-
panions— not, indeed, because I have been in any danger of imme-
diate death, but because (perhaps) I have been shut out from the
world and its employments, and have had leisure for that self-
reflection which can be so seldom enjoyed amid the bustling labors
of active life. I hope to be with you in April, Deo volente.
Professoe Emory.
V.
Baltimore, March 19, 1S89.
Dear Robert : — Let me say that your determination [to leave
the college and enter the travelling ministry] creates general regret
both among preachers and people, and your best friends are sorry
that you should have found such a course necessaiy to your peace, and
especially at this time. I have not heard a preacher speak upon the
subject who has not thus expressed himself, and many have fears for
the effect. Permit me to say, too, that your modesty alone (which I
must admire, while I regret its results) could lead you to suppose
your connexion with the college of small importance. I know that
the prosperity of the school has been considerably identified with
100
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
your name, and that your disconnexion from it will be of serious,
though I hope only temporary, injury. I have now spoken my mind
freely. In all probability the close relation that we have sustained
to each other, by our connexion with the school, is now sundered
for ever. I had, indeed, expected its severance ere this, but by an-
other agency — the hand of death, whose presence I felt in my own
bedchamber. But that hand seems to be lifted, and I may yet live
to enter upon my duties again in September. If I shall be so per-
mitted, it will be the only bitterness in the cup of pleasure which I
shall take up when I enter upon my work, that I shall see you no
more in our college halls, and commune with you no more in our
college sociality. God bless you, my brother, wherever you are, and
however you may be employed ! If you go out, God grant you great
success in the work of the ministry — and under all circumstances,
though you may have many more valuable, you shall find no more
sincere friend than JOHN M'Clintock, Jun.
Peofessor Emoby.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
lOI
CHAPTER III.
1 839-1 847.
An Ideal Life — Carlisle and the Cumberland Valloy— Eapid Progress in Study— Social
Habits — Improvement of Health— Centenary of Methodism, October, 1S39— Reading on
Christian Perfection and the Human Will— Grief at Parting with Robert Emorj— Transfer
from the Chair of Mathematics to that of Ancient Classic Languages— Oitlained Elder by
Bishop Hedding — Illness and Death of his Mother— Recovery of his Voice and Return to the
Pulpit— Characteristics and Power as a Preacher—Estimates of Carlyle and Goethe— Stabil-
ity in his Opinions and Steadfast Adherence to Evangelical Doctrine — Profound Interest in
the Slavery Controversy — Active Opjiosition tn tlu Annexation of Texas— Lettt-rs in the
Chrvitiun Ailvocdte on the Duty of the Church — Publication of Greek and Latin Text-
Books, and Xeander's '-Life of Christ"— Letters.
IT was very much an ideal life that Dr. M'Clintock
led while a professor in Dickinson College. The
valley in the midst of which Carlisle stands has often
been compared by the imaginative to the happy vale of
Rasselas. Encircled lovingly on either side by the Blue
Mountain ridge, and enveloped in an atmosphere of crys-
tal clearness, on which the play of light and shade pro-
duced every hour some new and striking effect, it was, in
a measure, withdrawn from the tumult of the world. The
tumult might be heard in the distance, but did not come
near enough to disturb the calm of studious pursuits.
The town preserved the tradition of the learned culture
which has distinguished it from the beginning of the
present century. Its population was not enterprising;
manufacturing was but little, if at all, known to it. The
rich soil of the valley poured out every year abundant
harvests, and the borough was no more than the centre
102
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
of exchanges, or the market for supplies. The steady
pace and even pulse of agricultural life seemed here to
tone down the fevered excitement which is the usual con-
dition under which American society exists.
Helped by these favoring circumstances, the years
from 1839 to 1847 were most fruitful to Professor M'Clin-
tock as a student. The change in the former year from
the chair of mathematics to that of ancient languages led
him into new and congenial occupations. The pleasure
of acquiring knowledge was always perhaps greater to him
than the pleasure of imparting it. He used to say, jocu-
larly, that a college would be delightful if only there were
no students. He was, nevertheless, a most faithful and
laborious teacher ; in point of fact, his classes stimulated
him and gave zest to his exertions. He had the art of
connecting the work of the students with his own cul-
ture, and, if on a higher plane, was moving in the same
lines with them. What he was investigating he would
often give them to investigate, and so kept himself in the
class-room fresh and full of vitality. During the most of
this period he was free from anxious cares, and could
surrender himself without interruption to his cherished
studies. That was, indeed, an ideal life in which the long
hours could be devoted to the exploration of the philos-
ophy of Greek accents, the mysterious force of the particle
dv, and all the fascinating subtleties of linguistic pursuits.
He was greatly aided by his social advantages, and
made them helpful to his more serious occupations.
It was not often that he could be induced to spend a
whole evening in society. Time was too precious, he
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK. I03
said, and he begrudged the surrender of so many hours.
Every day he would take pains to see some friend, would
beguile a half hour with pleasant chat, and then be off
again to work. In such pauses from labor he would be
as playful as if his life were a long holiday. Brief
snatches of social enjoyment suited him better than cere-
monious observances, though to these latter he gave,
when required, due attention. He had the magnetism
which made him a charming companion, and if he drew
much from society, he also gave much to it. From the
manv bitter thingrs against himself which he wrote down
in his diary, he always made one reservation — that he
had the capacity of loving. Wherever he might be, he
would gather friends about him. and gain through themi a
fresh relish of existence. His sympathies were catholic,
and enabled him, whenever he willed it, to touch the world
at many points. He could enter quickly into the life of
others, come to an understanding of it, and establish
agreeable relations with them, without an unnecessary
expenditure of time. His social power supplemented his
talents, and contributed largely to his success.
By the opening of the college year, in September, 1839,
his health was fully restored, and he entered upon his
work with enthusiasm. His diary here presents the
best picture of him and of his multifarious studies : —
Tues., Sept. 17. Carlisle. Busy day again — examining students for
admission into college — all is hurly-burly, tumult and labor — but to-
day will be the last of it, I hope, as recitations are assigned for
to-morrow.
Frt., Sept. 27. How delightfully time glides away ! My throat
104
LIP^E AND LETTERS OF
improves : I have constantly the gay and buoyant feeling of conva-
lescence ; can attend to all my business ; study with greater ease
than ever. Thank the Lord for all his mercies ! Perhaps I shall
yet be able to preach again ; if so, Lord, prepare me for the work !
Fri., Oct. 4. Commenced Hebrew with Dr. H., yesterday, don't
like him much ; do not suppose him, from what I have yet seen, to
understand the language philosophically.
Thurs., Oct. 24. Usual duties at college attended to. Have read
lately much in Mahan's " Christian Perfection," a most excellent
exposition of that Christian doctrine by a Presbyterian clergyman.
My religious experience is getting deeper and wider. I have a constant
sense of dependence, and gratitude such as I have seldom known.
And yet I have little or no religion. God help me !
Fri., Oct. 25. The centenary of Methodism ! This day a million
of hearts will keep as the Sabbath ! This day a million of voices
will unite in singing the high praises of God in Methodist chapels !
What a stupendous exhibition of moral power does the Methodism
of this day exhibit !
Heard R. Emory in the morning, from " They that sow in tears
shall reap in joy. He that goeth . . . sheaves with him." It was a
neat, clear, and perspicuous exhibition of the rise, progress, and doc-
trines of Methodism. I closed the meeting after Mr. Emory with
singing and prayer, being my first public church exercise ! God be
praised for all his goodness ! J. P. Durbin preached a centenary
sermon in the evening which was highly spoken of, but I did not
hear him.
Sun., Oct. 27. Finished to-day reading Mahan on " Christian Per-
fection." Find in it much to approve, and but one or two points to
condemn. The man evidently feels what he writes ; there is life and
energy in it ; it comes warm from the heart. Certainly it has stirred
me up more than any practical treatise that I have ever read, and
my mind has, for some days past, been dwelling strongly on the
subject on which he writes. Read also part of Fletcher's last Check
which treats of this subject, and gleaned the views of Campbell
and Macknight from their commentaries. How strangely meagre
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 13$
are Mr. Watson's remarks on this subject, both in his "Institutes'*
and " Dictionary " — nay, in his Exposition also. This is our twenty-
fifth birthday — mine and my wife's ! One quarter of a century of life
gone ! How little of it has been improved and fully devoted to the
glory of God !
Sun., Nov. 3. A fine, beautiful Sabbath morning ! Read in " Town-
send " before church. At eleven heard a most clear and beautiful dis-
course on Psalm i from Alfred Griffith, our presiding elder, and
closed the meeting after him with prayer. What occasion of thank-
fulness have I for the almost miraculous recovery of my throat !
Blessed be the name of the Lord ! In the afternoon we had a de-
lightful season at the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in the admin-
istration of which I assisted. Of course I could not literally "eat"
the Bread ; but I trust that the ordinance was blessed to my advan-
tage notwithstanding. Would hear Mr. Durbin this evening if pos-
sible : perhaps the time will yet come when I shall not only be able
to attend all the services of the sanctuary, but assist in the perform-
ance of them.
Sat., Nov. 9. Heard Junior Class in analytical geometry this
morning. How beautiful is that great work, the offspring of the
teeming mind of Descartes ! I often think that injustice is done to
Descartes in common fame. I know that all men of real knowledge
and discernment allow him to have possessed mighty intellectual
powers and pure moral purposes ; but, mainly on account of his un-
fortunate speculations, distinguished although his vortices were as
a theory which none but a mind of the most wonderful acuteness
could have conceived, his name has come to be associated, in the
public or vulgar estimation, with Atheists and Alchemists !
Mon., Nov. 18. Read in " Upham on the Will " and Tappan's re-
view of "Edwards on the Will;" also an excellent article in the
"American Biblical Repository" for October, on Cause and Effect,
considered in Connexion with Fatalism and Free Agency, in which
Edwards' doctrine of the Will is fairly and completely overthrown.
Fri., Nov. 22. Another clear, cold, windy day. Recitation in ge-
ometry unusually pleasant and interesting. I never have had morj
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LIFE AND LETTERS OF
success in teaching than during the present session, thank Provi-
dence for all his goodness I My health seems steadily improving ; and
I am, perhaps, approaching the time when I shall rejoice in the pos-
session of a mens sana in corpore sano : certainly my mind acts with
more rapidity, vigor, and certainty, than it has done for years. Read
the evangelist's account of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
What a close fulfilment of Zechariah's prophecy ! Read in the even-
ing the introduction to Edwards and Park's " Selections from Ger-
man Literature," which is a fine production indeed ; its spirit and
tendency are just what they should be ; too latitudinarian for
a strict orthodoxy — such an orthodoxy as claims entire infaUibility
for human interpretations — but not too liberal for the spirit of the
Gospel. Studied a good deal in Greek syntax, ^schylus, and me-
chanics— the doctrine of parallel forces.
Sat., Nov. 23. Heard Junior Class in analytical geometry ; gave
them a lecture upon the advantage of such studies m forming habits
of attention, recollection, and quickness of apprehension. Took
occasion, also, to enforce upon them the necessity of acquinng the
power and fixing the habit of solitary thought — meditation, reflection ;
without which, I informed them that they could never be strong men.
Read the "Prometheus Vinctus " for an hour with R. E. A sweet
and noble spirit he is I I love him more and more, day after day.
Afternoon, read a couple of chapters in " Cicero de Amicitia." What
a spirit of beauty lives in the writings of that man !
Wed., Nov. 27. Letter from Dr. L. The Book Committee at New
York decided against the expediency of publishing my " Analysis of
Watson's Institutes." The blockheads doubt whether it would be
useful for the young men I Wrote to Dr. L. to send it back in a
package of books which I have just ordered.
Sat., Nov. 30. Read and studied a good deal to-day. Evening,
Messrs. Durbin, Emor}', Caldwell, Allen, and myself, met for the pur-
pose of commencing a critical investigation of that great crux phi-
losophomm — the human will. We take Upham's book on the Will
for the basis — and a wretchedly written affair it is. Our meeting
was interesting and profitable. I shall observe the mental charac-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
107
teristics of my associates as closely as possible in the course of
these meetings, as I shall have an opportunity to do so.
Tues., Dec. 10. Usual duties performed. Very busy also in writing
Lectures on " Differential and Integral Calculus " for my Senior Class
in college. I am decidedly of the opinion that the method of infinites-
imals ought to be introduced to the minds of students earlier in the
mathematical course, and their minds habituated to it, so that when
they come to study the very abstruse principles on which any theory
of the calculus must rest, they will not have the additional disadvan-
tage— additional, I mean, to their entering upon a very difficult path
of being entirely in a new world.
Wed., Dec. II. Pretty good health — excellent spirits. Read a
good deal on the will ; and after Faculty meeting in the evening the
subject was discussed, in connexion with our text-book, (Upham's,)
by Durbin, Caldwell, Emory, and self.
Tkurs,, Dec. 26. A bitter day. Parted with Robert Emory, whose
connexion with Dickinson College is severed. I knew not how my
heart was bound up in him. It is full now, almost to breaking ; the
world seems desolate. I must endeavor to turn back the tide of my
love upon my own poor heart again. Rather, must I fix my affec-
tions more steadily upon "things above," not on things "on the
earth." The blessing of God go with thee, my brother ! my friend !
This parting from his colleague he frequently mentions
as a very sore trial. They had known each other from
youth. The two young men were nearly of the same
age. Robert Emory had been so much associated with
his father in counsel that he had attained what might be
termed a precocious maturity. In the chair which he
occupied in Dickinson College he had won for himself
a reputation for broad and accurate scholarship, and skill
as an instructor, of which any one might be proud.
His mind inclined, howxv^er, to administration more than
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LIFE AND LETTERS OF
to literature. He had inherited his father's sound judg-
ment, strong will, and great executive power, and was
considered by all who knew him to be predestined to
the episcopal office, which his father had adorned. A
conviction that it was his duty to enter upon the active
work of the ministry had decided him to relinquish his
professorship. He would begin, too, at the beginning,
and accepted, therefore, with all cheerfulness, though he
had been offered one of the highest offices in the church,
the position of a junior preacher on an old-fashioned cir-
cuit. To his chivalrous spirit the evasion of his full
share of the privations and exposures of a Methodist
preacher's life would have presented itself as a crime.
Polished, gifted, and finely cultured as he was, the hum-
blest details of ministerial duty had for him, through
their connexion with their higher ends, a dignity which
glorified them, and made their performance, in his esti-
mation, an unceasing pleasure.
The lives of these two men were so knit together in
the bonds of friendship that it is difficult to convey an
adequate impression of the character of the one without
some description of the character of the other. They
were, after this separation, unexpectedly associated again
in college life. In the year 1842, when President Durbin
went abroad, Professor Emory acted as pro-tempore pres-
ident ; and in 1845, upon Dr. Durbin's resignation, he was
unanimously chosen his successor. In person he was
tall, and of commanding presence. His manner was
instantly suggestive of large converse with the world,
and familiarity with every nicety of usage. Of scholarly
THE REV. DR, M'CLINTOCK. IO9
shyness no trace was observable in him. Under this grace
and suavity of the man of the world there lay such a
spirit of self-abnegation as made him an example of the
highest form of Christian excellence. To lose himself con-
tinually in some object out of, and greater than, himself,
was the one law of his conduct. It was impossible to
spend an hour in his society without receiving a strong
impression of his disinterestedness. He would preach
with as much painstaking care to a handful of hearers in
a roadside school-house, as to a cultivated city congre-
gation ; would sit down by the side of a child to teach it
a lesson in the rudiments of Christianity, or, after holding
nightly service with his people, would ride away for miles
to watch by the bedside of a sick preacher. It was in
rendering this last-named attention that he laid the
foundation of the disease which carried him prematurely
to the grave. The readiness with which he threw aside
worldly advantage for the sake of higher objects would
have seemed stoical, had it not been obvious that his
nature was pervaded by Christian sensibility.
I know that this language will be called extravagant, but
it will not appear so to the living who remember Robert
Emory, and to whom I can appeal for attestation of the
accuracy of this description. Professor M'Clintock wrote
thus of him after his death : " Of all the men whom I
have yet known upon earth, he was the purest and best.
During nearly half of his earthly life I knew him, for the
last twelve years I have been in almost daily intercourse
with him ; and I never saw in him one act of guile,
never heard from him an unworthy sentence, never per-
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
ceived in him an unchristian temper. To be with him
daily was to enjoy the most blessed of opportunities 'to
mark the perfect man and to behold the upright.' "
At the opening of the year 1840 Professor M'Clintock
completed the exchange, which he had for several months
contemplated, of the chair of mathematics for that of the
ancient classic languages. He had, as he said, some mis-
givings, but they did not extend beyond himself. This
was soon followed by his return to the pulpit, which, with
other events of this period, we will let him describe : —
Fri., Jan. 3, 1840. Heard first recitation in classics to-day ; Junior
in " Cicero de Officiisy Succeeded better than I had anticipated.
Throat suffers a little ; I have some misgivings ; but, on the whole,
hope predominates.
Sun., Jan. 5. Fine day ; weather a little warmer, though still se-
verely cold. Read " Watson," etc., preparing for recitation tliis after-
noon. Went to church, and participated in the holy sacrament of the
Lord's Supper, with some profit, I trust. Heard recitation of class
in theology, and discoursed with them a little on the grounds of the
argument for the Divine existence.
Stm., Jan. 19. Afternoon; the subject in the theology class was
the attributes of God — Unity and Spirituality. The immateriality
of mind was brought in, with various kindred subjects, on which I
enlarged with freedom, and, I hope, with profit, for about an hour
and a half ; but my throat suffers somewhat from the effort.
Sun., April 19, Burlington, N. J. This must be a memorable day !
I was this morning ordained elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
at Burlington, New Jersey, by that reverend and holy man of God,
Bishop Hedding. The sermon was a fine specimen of a pure, excellent
style of preaching ; more like Mr. Wesley's preaching than any other
man's, that I can remember, in the Church. The text was, " For
thus it behooved Christ," etc. The sermon was, i. The sufferings and
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
resurrection of Christ: (i,) their causes; (2,) their effects. 2. The
duties and privileges resulting: (i,) duties, to preach repentance and
remission of sin ; and, (2,) privileges to hear these glorious doctrines.
It was a delightful, profitable sermon — plain, practical, poinied.
The solemn ser\'ices affected my heart. God make me faithful, and,
if it be thy will, restore me to health, that I may be enabled again to
preach the unsearchable riches of Christ !
Man., April 27, Carlisle. Left Philadelphia at six in the morning in
the cars for home, with wife, sister Margaret, and my dear mother,
who is remarkably emaciated and feeble. I feared the effects of the
journey upon her wasted frame. We provided a mattress for her
to lie upon, and spread it for her in the cars, so that she was very-
comfortable until we reached Lancaster, where we changed cars.
However, she sat up very comfortably until the end of the journey,
and seemed very little fatigued when we reached home at five P. M.
. Fri., May 29. Since the last entry in this book I have seen, heard,
and learned a great deal. My enjoyment of four or five days has
never been so great before. On Friday, 22d, left home for Baltimore,
at one o'clock P. M., in company with Professor Caldwell and his
wife, in our carriage. On Sunday morning heard a very excellent
discourse from Rev. W. B. Christie, on "Enter ye in at the strait
gate." His voice is very poor, his enunciation indistinct, but the
sermon was good, and calculated to be useful. In the evening, at
Rev. Mr. Duncan's church, heard a discourse of the ver)- first order
of excellence, from Rev. Robert Newton, of England, on " Pray with-
out ceasing." I was pleased, nay, delighted, and abundantly edified.
It was, in my judgment, a perfect sermon : clear, perspicuous, sim-
ple, forcible — full of the spirit of religion — the love of Christ. His
voice has greater richness and compass than any that I ever listened
to ; it is, indeed, almost superhuman. Although he is no orator, in
the proper sense of the word, he is yet a most admirable preacher.
Sun., May 31. A day of great mercies and great enjoyment.
Heard President D., in the morning, on *' None of these things move
me," etc. A very fine sermon. I closed the meeting with much en-
largement. At night T. Bowman preached, and I ventured to exhort
112
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
after sermon. Talked nearly fifteen minutes, and then read hymn,
and prayed with very little difficulty. God be praised ! Perhaps I
shall yet preach again.
Sun., June 2\, A great day! For the first time since August,
1838, I tried to preach to-day in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Preached an hour and ten minutes on Prov. xx, 6, and found myself
little or no worse after the effort. Latis Deo I Afternoon I heard a
stirring sermon, and one very appropriate to the circumstances, from
H. Slicer, in the Market House.
Fri., June 26. Mother's health continuing to fail, it was thought
best, both by herself and father, for her to be removed to the family
home. It was sad, indeed, to make arrangements for my revered
and beloved mother to leave my home to die ! Cousin B. came
up from Philadelphia on Wednesday, as father could not leave his
office, and it was decided that we should leave on Thursday morn-
ing. Accordingly, at half past ten o'clock we conveyed mother,
then very weak, in the carriage to the hotel, where she remained
until the cars came at eleven, when we all started for Lancaster.
Mother endured the fatigue of travel much better than I expected.
We made her comfortable by spreading a bed for her in the cars, on
which she reposed until we reached Lancaster, at half past four
P, M. She seemed better in the evening than when we left home m
the morning. I remained at Lancaster with them all night, and then
left my dear mother, much affected at parting with me, at half past
four o'clock this morning, and reached home at noon. I am all
anxiety to hear how she fared during the rest of the journey to
Philadelphia.
Sat., July 4. Left home in the cars at half past four A. M., and
after a very tedious, uneasy, nervous kind of ride, reached Philadel-
phia at three P. M., and my mother's bedside at half past three.
Found her still alive and sensible. She attempted to kiss me and to
press my hand — said that she knew me, and, in answer to a question,
feebly pronounced my name, "John." It was the last word she ut-
tered. She lay in a quiet slumber; her respiration became more and
more feeble, until finally, at seven P. M., her gentle spirit took its flight.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
113
There was no pain, no struggle, no uneasiness ; but peacefully and
quietly she left the world. Her mind was as calm and tranquil dur-
ing her death-scene as it had been during her whole sickness. No
shadow of apprehension ever crossed her mind ; no uneasiness in re-
gard to the future ; the fear of death was entirely removed. My
noble mother ! my blessed mother ! I can hardly realize that thou
art gone — that I shall never again hear thy voice of love, or behold
thy face of beauty !
Sun,, July 12. On Wednesday I left Philadelphia at six A. M., and
reached Carlisle at five P. M. Heard Professor Allen deliver his
most excellent Baccalaureate address in the evening. Thursday,
Commencement, the best we ever had. Yesterday, went with Bishop
Waugh and others to the mountain. To-day, heard the bishop
preach two excellent sermons — morning and evening — and Brother
J. A. Massey at the Court House in the afternoon.
Tues., Sept. 8. Have not written for a month in my Journal. Busi-
ly engaged in arranging garden, grounds, etc., in moving books to
College, and have spent many days in active exercise ; consequently
am rapidly gaining health and strength.
Tues., Oct. 27. Twenty-sixth birthday of wife and self. Health
good ; worldly affairs prosperous ; doing something, I trust, for pos-
terity. What vicissitudes ! Two years ago this day I thought my
work was done !
Thiirs., Dec. 31. The last day of the year! I have been review-
ing its course— it has been a wonderful year indeed to me ! My
health has been restored beyond my hopes, and I am now able to
work for my Master. I have committed my blessed mother to the
grave — her image has been with me much of late. She was indeed
a noble woman ! And now she is in heaven !
Sun., Jan. 3, 1841. Preached this morning on John xii, 25, for an
hour and twenty minutes, with great good feeling and manifest im-
pression on the congregation. I have preached now six times with-
in a month ; besides very frequent attendance at night meetings.
Hardly a sermon that I have preached of late but has been blessed
to the building up of the Church, or to the conviction and conversion
114
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
of souls. The Lord be praised ! The Lord prepare and fit me for
more abundant usefulness, and place me wherever, in his divine
providence, I can be most useful !
Very noticeable is the joy which the recovery of the
use of his voice and his return to the pulpit gave to
Professor M'Clintock. His experience of suffering, and
his abundant reading during his illness, had added greatly
to his resources as a preacher. His sermons from this
period on were both richer in their substance, and more
highly charged with feeling. He had at all times been
perspicuous and scriptural, but his pulpit discourses were
now full of impassioned eloquence. In his preparation
he aimed, first, at a sound exposition of the passage in
hand. Nothing loose or uncertain here would satisfy
him. What in the Old or New Testament was not clear
to his mind he laid aside. It was his habit to present
the lesson he would enforce in the fewest and simplest
words. The results of his wide and various reading ap-
peared in statements of such lucidity that any one of
ordinary intelligence could comprehend them. The pa-
rade of erudition he heartily despised, and for stilted
rhetoric he had a supreme contempt. He had an equal
dislike of startling propositions which would prove, on
examination, to be but half true, and never indulged in
them. Yet, on the other hand, he did not commit the
error of throwing down before his hearers masses of
truth in an aA\'kward and helpless fashion. Grace con-
trolled his manner and shaped his matter. He had the
true artistic sense, and was studious of perfection in
form. As the discussion proceeded from point to point,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. II5
his voice developed its richness, his feehngs kindled, and
communicated their excitement to his audience. Pas-
sages of highly-wrought but chastened rhetoric would
awaken momentary attention, but would soon be lost in
the flow of his rapid utterance. His congregation fol-
lowed his discourse with the keen satisfaction which
comes of the gaining of a clearer knowledge of truth, and
a healthful quickening of their best impulses. Through-
out all, the one chief object of preaching — the winning
of men to Christ — was never for a moment left out of
sight. He considered no sermon worth attention of
which Christ was not the Alpha and the Omega — the
beginning and the end.
On the platform Professor M'Clintock was as effective
as in the pulpit ; and he was always in demand for im-
portant occasions, when the claims of the great charities
of the Church were to be advocated. His preparation
for these addresses was just as careful as for his sermons.
As a result, they were remarkable for their freshness and
power. I remember when, on one occasion, he had so
trite a theme as " Home Missions," he invested it with
a new interest by an elaborate description of the breadth
and magnificence of the land which we Americans call
our home. He saw facts and events in their large
relations, and interpreted their meaning with unusual
sagacity, so that when he stood upon the platform he
was able to lift his hearers up to broader views than
it was their habit to take, and to kindle in them an
enthusiasm for great Christian enterprises.
His growing popularity as a preacher brought him
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LIFE AND LETTERS OF
numerous invitations for special services. During two
of his long vacations he made, in company with his
friends, S. S. and S. A. Roszell, extensive tours in the
valley of Virginia, where he addressed the people at
their camp-meetings, and made friends, of whose un-
bounded hospitality he speaks with the greatest admi-
ration. His appearances in the Methodist pulpits of
Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York were frequent,
and extended his reputation as an orator. He was in
demand, also, as a lecturer ; but the lecture system was
not then organized, and lecturing, therefore, received but
a small share of his attention. Through all these vari-
ous activities he was continually becoming better and
better known as a growing man, and was making him-
self a centre of interest and hope.
His Diary is here again the best record of his studies
and his inner life : —
Thurs., July 29. My mind has been calm, easy, and happy for
some days. Clouds that have surrounded it have broken away, and
1 look into the future with brighter anticipations than I have in-
dulged for a long time. My faith is strong, I am determined, by
God's help, that it shall never be weakened. To do nothing wrong
is my settled maxim. May I only fulfil it as earnestly as I resolve it,
and then I can look up to my heavenly Father without fear, trusting
in his mercy through Christ Jesus I — Letter from R. E. His mind is
yet unsettled about coming here. He does not see the line of duty
distinctly. God strengthen his vision ! I wish he had my eyes for a
httle while as spectacles.
/>/., Dec. 3. Read Carlyle's " Review of Taylor's Historic Survey
of German Poetry," in the third volume of his " Miscellanies." Con-
tinued reading Carlyle's "Miscellanies." A few great thoughts are
continually struggling for expression in all his writings ; he sees them
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
117
through all mediums. Whatever he begins with, these always come
up — touj ours per drix — so it ought to be : at last they will come out
and make themselves heard among men.
Sun., Feb. 13, 1842. Read " Garrettson's Life" and Carlyle's
" Characteristics " — the latter through. A powerful but perplexing
essay — troubles me a good deal.
Wed., March 29. R. Emory will be with us next week, and will
remain a year as acting president of college. Laus Deo !
Wed., Nov. 16. Pursuing study of German, Hebrew, etc., which,
with college duties, keep me occupied about thirteen hours out of
the twenty-four, so that I have little time to give to friends, etc. My
health is tolerably good, but yet I find that my close confinement
operates injuriously. Glanced hastily over Dickens's " Notes on
America." He is in the wrong box this time. Strange that a man
should risk so much for the sake of making a little money. To run
over a great continent in six months, and then write and publish a
book upon its people and institutions in three more — what greater
folly could he be guilty of
Dec. 25. Another Christmas day ! Each year is shorter than the
last ! Preached this morning from Matt, ii, 2, with brief and imper-
fect preparation ; of course it was not a very successful sermon. I
am more than ever convinced of the necessity of careful preparation
for the pulpit. Since the last entry I have been more or less unwell,
and for an entire week unable to do duty in college. Am now bet-
ter, and hope to improve greatly during the short vacation. Studied
hard and well during the session in Greek, Latin, German, and
Hebrew. Read most of Lord Bacon's Works ; Carlyle's " Sartor
Resartus ; " Wigger's " History of Pelagianism and Augustinism ; "
Goethe's " Wilhelm Meister ; " Whately's "Kingdom of Christ;"
many of Carlyle's " Essays " again ; Macaulay's " Miscellanies," do. ;
with all the reviews, etc. My moral being is in a strange way. Some
points of good are very strongly developed in my character, and
some weaknesses seem invincible. The best thing about me is, the
capacity of loving. I love, and I am happy in loving. No man has
more to be thankful for — friends and friendship — than L
Ii8
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Dec. 31. Last day of the week, month, year. Gone, gone — forever
gone ! What a host of sins of mine have gone with those hours !
Am I wiser than I was a year ago ? More learned I certainly am —
but am I any wiser for the learning? I fear not.
Though his review of the year is so critical and self-
depreciating, his life at this time was really full of joy.
To the satisfaction of increasing his scholarly acquisitions
was added a boundless domestic contentment. His let-
ters to his intimate friends overflow with high spirits ;
this one, for example, written near the end of December
to his wife's parents, has nothing sombre in it : —
Carlisle, Bee. 21, 184J.
The few remarks that I have to offer on this occasion may be pre-
sented under four heads : — I. My head ; 2. Caroline's; 3. Emory's ;
4. Margaret's. (By the way, Emory's ought only to have been an in-
ference, and not a separate head.) As to the first head, my friends,
it is as large as ever and better filled — adding to its furniture every
day. Externally it has not as large a covering of hair as it once had,
but it still has a sufficiency. As to the second head, which is closely
connected with the first, and derives most of its importance there-
from— but if you should therefore suppose, my friends, that the sec-
ond head is in any wise unimportant, you would err most grievously,
from it emanate all orders for the refection of our inward man ;
it, and it alone, can declare whether the morrow's breakfast will, or
will not, be enlivened with coffee and buckwheat cakes. The head
is a good one, and works harmoniously and happily with the first.
It has a good share of energy and activity — fruitful in expedients,
firm in recollection, keen in judgment. But, my friends, I fear I am
becoming tedious. Let us pass now to the third and most interest-
ing head, perhaps, to be treated of this evening. Outwardly, at least,
it is much more seemly than either of the others : adorned with two
brilliant, sparkling eyes of jet, with two rows of shining teeth,
cheeks like the south side of a peach, and other ornaments to match.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
119
Inwardly, we can hardly say yet, my friends, what it is. But, judging
of it as an inference from the first and second heads, w^hich we are
fairly entitled to do, we can fearlessly predict that it will, hereafter,
be a wonder to country bumpkins why it don't burst — so full of
learning. On the great whole, this head gives some surpiising dem-
onstrations. Therefore, leaving this head upon its crib pillow, let us
pass to the fourth, which is also at this juncture lying in the " arms of
Murphy ! " On this head, my dear friends, it is not necessary to dilate
at length — it is getting to be quite domestic since Mr. Taylor, the
school lecturer, called heads domes of thought. This head had like to
have got broken by a tumble on the ice to-day, but fortunately
escaped, and is now presented for your edification. By way of ap-
plication, friends, and not as a distinct head, Maria may be men-
tioned. We say, not as a distinct head, for there is no distinctness
about her to-day, cojtsekens of having a big tooth pulled out, and
she is applying herself diligently to all curative measures.
And now, friends, take heed to your ways — ours here are very
slippery since last night's sleet, so we walk in the street, to keep us
from falling, upon the ice sprawling. And therefore we go, all gen-
tly and slow, from home to the college, to distribute knowledge ; and
backward with speed, to get our own feed. So we live daily, spright-
ly and gayly, merry and free. Fare ye well. J. M'C.
Professor M'Clintock began the year 1843 ^^ith the
same energy as marked the close of 1842. He entered
fully into the meaning of Goethe's aphorism, that the
day is long to him who knows how to use it." Some
illustrations which I place here will show the manner in
which every hour was utilized ; they are not by any
means exceptional, but represent his habit of working : —
Wed., Ja7t. 4, 1843. Rose at quarter before seven : seven to eight,
recited in Sallust ; eight to nine, breakfast, etc. ; nine to ten. Prom.
Vine. Read Mackenzie's account of the mutiny on board his ship.
120
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
the " Somers," which resulted in the hanging of Spencer, son of the
Secretary of War, and his two associates ; think he acted Hke a true
man : ten to eleven, " Medea ; " eleven to twelve, Cic, de Or at ore ; half
past twelve, studied Greek, etc. Dniner, etc., until quarter before two;
talked over Wordsworth until half past two : half past two to five,
read " Review of Watson's Institutes," in Christian Spectator, and
various articles in the "Foreign Quarterly Review." Am studying
the character of Goethe — a strange myster}'^ — but begin to have a clew
that may lead me out of the labyrinth. Night, read an article on
Merck's correspondence in " Foreign Quarterly" for July, 1836. Poor
Merck ! Goethe is there presented in some rather unlovely aspects.
But what a soul was Herder's ! and what a heart was Wieland's !
Thurs., Jan. 5. Rose quarter before seven : seven to eight, Sallust ;
eight to nine, breakfast, etc.; nine to ten, read, studied Greek, etc.; ten
to eleven, recited " Medea ; " eleven to twelve, read articles on Greek
histoiy, etc., in Blackwood, volume forty-nine ; twelve to half past one,
dinner, etc.; half past one to half past tw^o, P. O. A 's Lat. Recit.,
etc. Continued reading of " The Excursion." What power ! What
purity ! W^iat simplicity ! What elevation ! What a contrast to
Goethe — cold, selfish, immovable statue that he was. Each had
equanimity, but how different : the one, the equanimity of Apollo ;
the other, of Apollo Belvidere !
Fri., Jan. 6. Finished Austin's " Recollections of Goethe." More
and more astonishment ; hardly less mystery than ever. Evidently
there was great susceptibility of all feelings about him, and he de-
termined to control it — succeeding by the force of an irresistible and
overpowering will. Finished Prophet Hosea — can make nothing
satisfactory out of him. Great vision before me, caused by filling
my mind up with Goethe ! Let me imitate him in steady persever-
ance, devotion to culture, and independence, and I shall do well —
nach meuten art.
The references in the Diary to Carlyle show how
deeply he was stirred by that eccentric, but most stimu-
lating thinker. The cool estimate of Goethe, Just cited,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
121
was made soon after he came under the spell of the
mighty magician. It will naturally be asked whether
there was, in the history of Professor M'Clintock's mind,
as the result of his contact with views of life, the
world and God so unlike his own, a period of unsettled
opinion. Did he pass through a crisis of doubt, of dis-
trust of all he had once viewed as spiritually true, and
end by framing for himself a new system of faith? If
he experienced such a crisis he never spoke of it; he
never surrendered his hearty trust in the evangelical
creed to which he had committed himself in early life.
He had no occasion to take down his theological opinions
once a month and label them with fresh valuations. His
brain was strong and steady ; if he read in all directions,
and gave hospitable reception to the thoughts of all think-
ing men, he stood firmly on his own ground. His ana-
lytical faculty was here of great service to him ; he was
quick to detect a fallacy, and w^as not easily misled by a
specious proposition. That he meditated much on the
problems which vex the human soul, his reading shows
plainly enough. He was one of the first of Americans
to furnish our country a full exposition of the Positive
Philosophy, was a correspondent of Auguste Comte, its
founder, but was never so dazzled by any philosophical
scheme as to lose the vision of the master light of all
our seeing," Jesus Christ.
He was fortunate in having come early under the in-
fluence of Coleridge, and had learned from him the recon-
ciliation of spiritual life and philosophy. He loved to
quote to the young men who were interested in theol-
122
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
ogy the sentence with which Coleridge completes his liter-
ary biography, " that the scheme of Christianity, though
not discernible by human reason, is yet in accordance
with it ; that link follows link by necessary consequence ;
that religion passes out of the ken of reason, only where
the eye of reason has reached its own horizon, and that
faith is then but its continuation." He always insist-
ed that a simple, childlike faith is compatible with the
largest knowledge, and that the Christian consciousness
is frequently the best solvent of doubt. I find neither
in his diary nor in his letters any such record of mental
anguish as gives a melancholy interest to the life of Fred-
erick W. Robertson. No great convulsion wrenched him
from his old foundations ; he remained securely in them,
and built upon them to the end of his days.
From the time of his contact with Neander, however,
there was noticeable a quickening of his confidence in
those spiritual truths to which he always firmly held. In
connexion with Professor Charles E. Blumenthal, he
presented Neander's Life of Chri*st " in English dress to
the American public. The translation led to a corre-
spondence, and finally to a personal intercourse with the
great Church historian in the city of Berlin, where Pro-
fessor M'Clintock was met with a cordiality and tender-
ness which touched him very sensibly. He found in Ne-
ander German learning, coming, after traveling a wide
circuit, to the position taken by Wesley, that Christianity
is more than all else a life — that it is " a power which,
as it is exalted above all that human nature can create
out of its own resources, must change it from its inmost
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 123
centre."'^" Neander was the pupil of Schleiermacher,
who had in early life been educated among the Moravi-
ans. What the Wesleys, and through them the English-
speaking races, owed to Moravianism, is well understood :
may we not trace to the same fountain the stream of
Christian teaching which has done so much to quicken
spiritual life on the continent of Europe ?
The subject of our memoir watched the antislavery
controversy with deep solicitude, and interpreted with
clearest insight all its meaning. The slave system ex-
cited in him intense abhorrence; yet he discriminated be-
tween the system itself and the many who were, without
fault of their own, helplessly involved in it. He saw the
full import of the annexation of Texas as a slave State,
and exerted himself to the utmost to resist its admission
to the Union. He dreaded the consequences which were
certain to follow the consummation of such an unright-
eous measure. For this reason he scanned with anxiety
the prospects of the presidential election of 1844, which
followed so soon after our stormy General Conference of
that year. To his brother-in-law, Mr. E. B. Wakeman,
of Jersey City, he writes: I shall strain every nerve to
rebuke this abominable Texas iniquity with pen and
tongue. The days of the Republic are numbered, and
of right ought to be, if by its means slavery is extended
one inch, or prolonged in its wretched existence one
hour." He is so full of this subject that he recurs to it
repeatedly: "I am no aspirant," he writes to the same
correspondent, " for the honors of the RepubHc, and may,
* Introduction to " Neander's General Church History.'
124 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
therefore, do what my conscience bids, without any care
for the smiles or the frowns of the sovereign people. I
am resolved that, hereafter, as far as my influence ex-
tends, people shall not be left in the dark on this system
of slavery. No fear of running heads against the wall
either. There are walls in the way of those who abstain
from doing right, as well as of those who lead mankind
into good paths." He writes again: ''After all, I feel it
in my bones that I shall devote a good part of my life to
this great evil."
By arrangement with Dr. Bond, he prepared, early in
1847, ^ series of articles for the Christian Advocate," in
which he sought to animate the Church to a more posi-
tive exercise of its power for the extirpation of slavery.
In opening the discussion he modestly confesses that he
had before refrained from it because of a distrust of his
capacity to meddle with so grave and difficult a ques-
tion, and his lack of the advantages of experience and
age. " I am now inclined," he adds, '' to doubt the
validity of these reasons. I begin to feel, as a good
man in another hemisphere once expressed hijnself, that
' it is certain I shall die, and I majy die to-day ; but it is
not certain that I shall ever be old.' My testimony may
be of little worth to others, but it is essential to my own
peace of mind that it should be delivered." He acknowl-
edges that the great increase of antislavery feeling in the
free States had been effected by the abolitionists, and
while passing criticism upon their work, as it then ap-
peared to him, pays a hearty tribute to " the energy,
the almost reckless daring, the unflagging perseverance,"
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 12$
they had shown. Yet he does not rank himself among
them, for he adds, ^' I never could be an abolitionist
proper, for I never could believe (and never shall, so
long as facts that now exist remain) that a// slaveholders
are sinners, and should be cut off from the fellowship of
Christianity." These were not extreme positions, but
they represented the convictions of a mind that honestly
sought the truth, and aimed to be just to all men. His
sincerity was, soon after the publication of these essays,
demonstrated by his incurring the risk of fine and im-
prisonment through his strenuous exertions to help the
slave. If on so grave a theme he formed his opinions
cautiously, he was ready when the time came to jeopard
all he held dear for their sake.
But this is anticipating the narrative somewhat. In
the year 1845 Professor M'Clintock and the writer united
in the preparation of a series of Latin and Greek element-
ary books on the method of Imitation and Repeti-
tion." These joint labors gave me the opportunity of a
close intercourse with my associate, for it was our habit
for months to spend the evenings together from an early
hour often till midnight. The old method of teaching a
language by filling the memory first with all its forms
had been discarded in the case of the modern tongues,
and a combination of analysis with synthesis substituted.
Under the new system, practice in the use of each form
went along with its presentation. It had at that time
been already applied in England to the Latin and Greek;
the series which was published under our joint names
was, if I mistake not, the first of the kind in the United
126
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
States. The books found a ready acceptance ; their plan
has since become universal ; and, though thirty years
have elapsed since the appearance of the first volume,
they still retain an honorable position in the schools.
While this undertakingwas in progress, Professor M'Clin-
tock, in connexion with Professor Blumenthal, prepared
for the press, as already stated, during the years 1846 and
1847, 3. translation of Neander's "Life of Christ." The
well-executed English edition of Strauss's Life of Je-
sus " had already appeared in London and was finding
readers on this side of the Atlantic. Neander's work,
which, though not in form, was, in fact, a reply, had the
merit of breadth of view, and an extraordinary sagaci-
ty in the interpretation of the Gospel record. He dif-
fered from Strauss, as a great lawyer who rests his case
upon universal principles differs from a pettifogging at-
torney. The appearance of this Life " in English
dress took Neander by surprise, and he almost deprecated
the transfer to America of the strifes of German the-
ology. In an address to his Christian brethren of the
United States he expresses, with a simplicity and sweet-
ness which are very beautiful, the fear that his book may
lead some who read it into trials of their faith which they
are not able to bear, and may awaken questionings which
it will fail to answer. A condensed history of the ra-
tionalistic and mythical schools of Scripture interpreta-
tion was prefixed by Dr. M'Clintock, which placed the
reader in a position to understand the exact state of the
whole controversy.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
127
LETTERS FROM JUNE, 1840, TO MARCH, 1847.
I.
Carlisle, Jane 23, 1S40.
Dear Robert : — Your whole establishment is now broken ap
here, root and branch, and the name of Emory is no longer among
the names of CarUsle. The example is a bad one — at least the dis-
ease is catching, for Mrs. M'C. and myself are both getting full of the
notion of trying the itinerancy again, especially since my effort of
last Sunday, which went far beyond my own expectations. I preached
for an hour and ten minutes, with but little inconvenience at the
time, and no ill effect since, except a trifling dryness of the throat.
The mercy of God is indeed greater to me than I had hoped ; and I
begin now to cherish a pretty sanguine expectation that I shall yet
again be able to preach regularly, as of old. My sensations on com-
mencing to preach were not a little strange. I had laid aside my com-
mission, closed my accounts, and thought my work was done ; it
was like beginning a new life. God be praised for all his goodness !
Professor Emoky.
II.
Monday. Janiuinj 24, 1S41.
Dear Robert : — I do not believe a word of Macaulay's doctrine
that the times make the man. Did they make Shakspeare, or Milton,
or Goethe ? His whole doctrine of poetry being only an imitative
art, and therefore finding its most congenial soil in an uncultivated
age, seems to me to be contradicted by all experience. The reason-
ing that is brought to sustain it is d priori, and one chapter of
facts destroys it. Man talks figuratively, it is true, in early periods,
but that is a very different thing from making poetr}'. To say that
striking, physical images make more impression upon a rude people
than upon a cultivated race is one thing ; to say that true poetr)^ is,
therefore, more likely to exist among the former is quite another.
There is no logical connexion in the argument, and, as I have said, it
seems to me that the facts are all the other way. I cannot believe
1-28
LIFE AND .LETTERS OF
that a man must be half a savage or a maniac before he can be all a
poet. Macaulay talks of poetry in that essay and elsewhere as if its
very trade were deception — that it has no business with reality, and
that to enjoy its delights one must surrender his mind to the delusions
of fiction ; whereas its object — more decidedly, perhaps, than we can
say of any other branch of literature — is to preserve and teach the
highest truth. But I must not run on with this trash. I have got
into the strain of my recent lecture on " Love of Truth," and shall
expend a good deal of it on you if I do not haul off.
I see that I have run against a snag in the last part of your
Christmas letter : "Is it desirable to have the feelings of a child
with the body and the mind of a man ? " Do you recollect the opening
lines of Wordsworth's poem, which contain the germ of his whole
doctrine of human life — " My heart leaps up when I behold ? " etc.
Just look at them. Then read his magnificent ode on " Intimations
of Immortality from the Recollections of Childhood " — " Shades of the
prison-house close about " us all only too soon. Says Coleridge,
" To carry on the feelings of childhood into the power of manhood ; to
combine the child's sense of wonder and novelty with the appearances
which every day, for perhaps forty years, had rendered familiar —
" ' With sun and moon and stars throughout the year,
And man and woman
this is the character and privilege of genius." Is it not desirable,
then, if Coleridge be right.'*
The " Quarterly " — I am happy to find that my share in it meets
with considerable approbation. The article has had an unusual share
even of Methodist laudation. Was I just in criticising your style ?
Was .it too harsh to say that it is not elega7it ? Sometimes I think it
was not best for me to have said so ; but I think it true on the whole.
What think you ? It seems to me you do not write enough, and do
not labor sufficiently to polish what you do write. Is it true? If
not, correct me ; if it is, mend. Dear Robert, it seems to me that
the Church can do only one thing in regard to so heinous a crime
as slaverv, namely, to bear her testimony against it, and use all her
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
129
influence for its extirpation. Is it not so ? And will not God's curse
come upon us if, either directly or indirectly, we sanction slavery.?
A little more folly on the part of the South, such as the unlawful,
abominable treatment of Mr. Torrey at Annapolis, will make the
North abolitionist throughout. We have tampered with the evil too
long already. Our Church has been quoted in favor of slavery, I
fear with too much truth. The first thing' to be done is to be honest
and God will take care of us. The expediency will follow. Give me
your views of the doings of the convention and of Torrey's arrest.
My health is improving, but I am absolutely overpowered with
work. I trust you will be with us in April. My heart yearns for
your coming. I pray that Providence may open the way fully, and
that you may come. I long to be comforted by your presence and
strengthened by your faith. I long for the face of a friend into whose
eyes I can look and see no darkness. I think I have told you before
that your only fault is, in my mind, that you have not affection
enough ; but I trust, if you come here, to make you love me to my
heart's content, even on the principle of gratitude. God grant that
you may come !
Professor Emoey.
III.
A CONFESSION OF FAITH.
Carlisle, Februarf/, 1S41.
I believe and therefore speak. So said St. Paul, and so say I.
Don't ask me what I know, for I know nothing that is not grounded
at bottom upon a simple act of belief. The man who talks about
understanding his nature or his destiny may be very wise, but
either he or I must be a madman. Your letter shows no feelings or
thoughts, I believe, that have not formed part of my own experience.
You need not think you are alone in such things. They form no part
of my present existence. Why ? Because I have reasoned myself out
of them ? Nay, I should have reasoned myself into Bedlam first, but
because I have rested myself in simple trust — so simple that any child
might exercise it, yet so profound that all philosophy cannot fathom
I30 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
it — upon the Great Divine Man, the pattern of purity and sorrow,
Jesus Christ, the only perfect being of whom I have heard in the whole
histor)- of the world. I have no other secret to impart. I believe in
Jesus Christ. Am I tempted ? so was he ; I resist, and there is no sin.
Have I suffered ? so has he, who glorified sorrow in his life and death.
Pain is not evil, pleasure is not good ; faith alone is good, and sin, or
unbelief, alone is evil. Such is my simple creed ; all the universe
could not drive me from it. All bastard philosophy (and God knows
I have pestered my brains with it as much as most men) cannot
shake it. No temptation can overturn it, or overcome me so long as
I abide in it. Do you ask whether this belief has saved me ? It has.
How ? All I know about it is expressed in these words : it is the
power of God unto salvation for all them that believe. That is all I
know about it. How do I know that I am saved, then ? Why,
thus : If I relax this faith an hour, the universe becomes a shoreless,
crazy whirpool, and my brain runs giddy as I look into it. Look into
it I must, for I am in the midst of it. But with this faith that uni-
verse is for me a firm, rock-built city — d. dwelling for my soul. All
the discords, dissonances, the mad storm of human voices, the angry
curses of guilty men, the inarticulate wail of wide-spread anguish,
the noise of wars and murders ; think you that I have no ear to hear
these things ? I do hear them, and I feel that they would drive me
mad almost if I did not believe. The image of Christ rises up be-
fore me, pure, perfect, mild, serene, sorrowful, yet with power be-
yond all else that I can conceive. It is the image of God. My sal-
vation beams from those gentle eyes ; it is spoken from every linea-
ment of that placid countenance. Look upon him, my brother, and
see how mildly and kindly, with sweet tones, sad yet earnest, he asks
you to give over your vain strivings and rest in him. Look upon him
and you are saved.
Some people think religion is a kind of bargain-and-sale business,
a barter of so much happiness in this life for so much in the next ; a
mere working for wages, not deep, inward, heart-subduing reverence,
but a low, sordid hope of advantage or fear of pain. And yet they
recognise Christ as the m.odel of religion. Just think for a moment
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
how widely different all this is from his character, and you will see
how deeply they have sunk below the purity of his faith. What ad-
vantage did Christ look for ? What could he look for } What pain
had he not to fear } I tell you honestly that I see but little of the
faith of which I speak among men. Many substitute the vulgar mo-
tives to which I have just alluded in its stead. Many have their pal-
try souls crammed full of cant and hypocrisy. What of all this I
know that I believe ; I know that my religion is not cant. I am de-
termined to be honest for myself ; I believe and therefore speak. So
much I had written when I received yours of yesterday. I have not
time to add more without losing the mail. Read that beautiful parting
address of Christ contained in the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth
chapters of John. Recollect his words recorded in Matt, xi, 28 :
" Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest." Nowhere else can rest be obtained. Take those sweet
words to your heart in simple confidence and all will be well. I
shall write again to-night or in the morning. My mind is cleared,
my heart is freed, not because I am free from care — I am full of it —
but because I believe. God bless you ! and may your mind be set free
when you read these lines. Believe and it shall be done to you.
You will find in the end, as I have found, in the language of the
French philosopher, Cousin, that Christianity is the perfection of
reason.
Mr. Pv. B. M'CLINTOCK.
IV.
"Faculty meeting, Wednesday night, March 2, 1842: Resolved,
that Rev. Robert Emory be requested to deliver the Baccalaureate
Address to the graduating class at the ensuing Commencement."
Carlisle, March 5, 1842.
Dear Robert : — The prime object of this letter is to request
your compliance with the above resolution. Professor Caldwell is
unable to perform the duty, and the faculty unanimously and ear-
nestly desire you to do it. Please signify your assent at your ear-
liest convenience. You have not yet answered my last letter. I
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
see that some of the obnoxious slaver)^ laws have passed your House
of Delegates, but have not learned yet whether they have gone through
the Senate. In the order of Providence all this will doubtless issue
in good. One good thing it will do ; bring out the real proslavery
men of Maryland so that the world can see their position. And the
world will drive them from it. It seems to me that the doom of
slavery is sealed. A great apostle of liberty ought to rise up, doubt-
less w^ill rise up, in the country, and immortalize himself as the leader
of this great work. Who shall he be ? Is there danger of much ex-
citement in your city or State on the subject ? If any proceedings of
interest occur, please send me the newspapers that may publish them,
as I get none from Baltimore.
I was preparing an article on Prometheus for the April number of
the "Quarterly," but have given it up, finding that I cannot make it
suitable for the journal without detracting from its literary character
to too great an extent. I purpose now preparing one on the " Meth-
odist Itinerancy," to show what it is, and what conservative, evil, and
destructive elements enter into its composition. Do not all machiner-
ies contain within themselves the seeds of dissolution ? Or, to make
the figure better, will not all machines wear out in time ? Have not
all such worn out in the histor)' of the race ? What one has been per-
manent ? Is our itinerancy mechanical, and therefore self-destructive ?
Or is it a providential institution — spiritual — and therefore endowed
with life ? I now incline rather to the former opinion, but know not
what issue my study of the subject may lead to. How does your life
of Asbury get on ? I suppose this slavery affair is occupying atten-
tion. If you can come at Carlyle's "Essays," read, in volume four,
the review of "Walter Scott's Life," and of Varnhagen von Ense's
"Memories," for some strange views on the subject of biography;
also volume three, the essays on "Biography" and on Boswell's
" Johnson." If you have not read them, do so before you write more
of your biography. The man is a wonderful thinker, honest withal,
as few review writers are ; indeed, any other writers in these times.
You will find more gold in him than in Macaulay. This last seems
to me always to write as a partisan — no matter what the subject may
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
be — his erudition is greater than his judgment or taste. But he is
unquestionably one of the strongest writers of the age — not, however,
a philosopher.
Professor Emory.
V.
Jersey City, A ugust 18, 1843.
Now for letter. They were much disappointed in not seeing you
at Middletown. Professor Lane and his wife entertained us during
our stay there. We had invitations to dinner and tea more than we
could dispose of during our stay. Indeed, the hospitality of the
friends at M. was unbounded. Our visit was as pleasant as we ever
had anywhere. Dr. Bond's speech came off on Tuesday night to a
fine audience. Emory's oration was the best thing I have ever
heard from him, and gave universal satisfaction. Everybody was
delighted. Olin came with us to New York, and he. Dr. Peck, and I,
went in company to Wilkesbarre. I do not think I was ever so
much taken with a man as with Dr. O. His mind is of a high order,
well cultivated, and furnished with various knowledge. His exten-
sive travels have freed him from local prejudices and narrow views.
He is deeply pious, but entirely destitute of cant. His manner is
free and his affections ardent, and he makes no kind of attempt to
conceal them. Playful to a remarkable extent, and fond of fun and
pleasantry as even I myself, he never violates propriety or loses real
dignity. Of what is commonly considered dignity he is utterly des-
titute. I was with him day and night for better than a week, and
found him all that I have stated above, and more too. We reached
Wilkesbarre on Thursday night, and found Conference in full tide.
The time was so taken up that I can hardly give you any account of
it. Our old friends there all treated me with the greatest kindness,
and asked a great deal about you. Dr. Olin preached on Sunday
morning to an immense audience, and with great effect. I never
knew any man combine such powerful feelings with clear judgment
and sound sense. He becomes intensely excited, and his physical
frame, from the top of his head to his toes, sympathizes with the ex-
citement. He is no orator, but remarkably eloquent. We left
134
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Wilkesbarre on Tuesday, went through the most romantic regions I
ever saw to Mauch Chunk, Tamaqua, and Reading, and reached
Philadelphia on Wednesday at one o'clock.
When will you return ? We expect to leave here next Thursday
or Friday for Philadelphia, stay there a week, and then back to Car-
lisle again. Indeed, we are getting anxious to see the valley and our
old friends again once more. And then we shall have Dr. Durbin
along with us too, full of information, talk, and pleasant incident. I
hope you have enjoyed yourselves highly, and that your health is
very much improved by your trip.
Professor M. Caldwell.
VL
Carlisle, October 31, 1S44.
Dear Dr. : — Yours of the 28th was brought to me last night as I
lay in bed, and although I was in much pain of body, it really made
me forget my ailments, for awhile at least. I feel better to-day, and
have got out of bed mainly to write this letter. Your severe intro-
duction is meant as a facetious way of excusing yourself, I suppose,
for not answering my last epistle. Perhaps, however, you never re-
ceived it. Of one thing you may be assured, that I wrote you a long
letter in reply to your last, and have since heard nothing from you
until last night. I have been working pretty hard, but not at any
thing which will bring me either honor or reputation, at least for
awhile. My time is principally taken up with a species of literary
labor which I don't fancy much, but which brings me in money, a
thing that I am now very much in need of. Misfortunes of friends
have stripped me pretty bare, and I must, at least for a time, work
for money only. I trust the degrading necessity will soon be re-
moved. You see that we all have our embarrassments. You, it ap-
pears, must drudge for money to put the University on its legs ; and
I, to pay other people's debts. After all, if good is done, it is, perhaps,
as well. I trust your plans will all be successfully accomplished.
The University must be sustained ! But it is a great pity that it
was not originally placed on the North River, and our establishment
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
nevei started at all. At present, I believe, we are on a better footing
than you in money matters, and in all other respects at least equal ;
but then neither of us is any thing. As for Church matters, we don't
all think alike here. I deprecated the publication of 's article.
It smacks too much of policy for my taste : the same shallow expe-
diency which {pace your vote) displayed itself so painfully in the ac-
tion of the late General Conference. People can see through all this.
The South will accept no such compromise, and it is only treasuring
up for ourselves, as you say, trouble for the future to agitate such
projects. I have restrained myself from writing on the subject with
much difficulty ; but it is best. We do not believe here that any com-
promise will be effected. The South will go off. If I see any dan-
ger of a compromise, I must write and speak against it. I shall burst
if I don't, as Dr. Arnold used to say. It would be far better to let
Maryland and Virginia go, and to keep the whole North united on an
antislavery basis — the true basis for northern people. I am more
and more disposed to believe, that if the curse of slavery is ever re-
moved from us it must be by other people than slaveholders, and I
do not intend to be backward hereafter in enlightening the people of
these parts on the subject. That two hundred and fifty thousand
slaveholders should rule this great empire is a thing not to be en-
dured— and it can't be endured much longer.
The Kev. Dr. Olix.
VII.
PiiiLATiEi.rmA, July 27, 1S46.
My dear Friend : — Instead of meeting you in London, as I kept
hoping and expecting until the steamer of the 15th started, I am here
in Yankeedom still. I had made up my mind again to go, on the
very last night, and had the money in my pocket — my wife, too, was
packing up my trunk — but, after all, my sense of duty prevailed over
my selfish desires to gratify myself, and I determined to remain at
home. The reason that has prevailed upon me all along is such as
you would approve, and my own conscience is easier here than it
could have been if I had crossed the water.
136
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
You cannot imagine how glad I was in reading, by chance, the
other day, a letter from Mr. Richardson, in Paris, to Professor Alle i,
to find mention of you and Mrs. Olin. It set me off to Versailles with
you at once, and I traveled round with you on all the trip which the
letter referred to quite joyously. Indeed, I had a very cheerful
dream of it for awhile, and think there must be something in animal
magnetism, especially if I could learn that you had thought of me at
all that day. You may rest assured of one thing, that nobody in
America has thought more, and more affectionately, about you since
you left our shores, I left home on Saturday, 25th inst., my wife not
xery well, and children all well. Preached here twice yesterday, and
feel very well and very happy this morning — quite as happy, at least,
as can be, seeing that I am ^ere and not f/icre. Don't suppose that
I am discontented about it, however, for I am not. You recollect
stopping with me here at my sister's on the day that we arrived in
the cars from Pottsville, after that momentous journey to the Oneida
Conference. Well, I am sitting again in the same long parlor, with
the same good sisters about me, who beg me to give their love to
Dr. Olin.
Professor Johnston is about to go West, and promises to call on us
at Carlisle on his way. I shall spend the vacation (after next week)
at home, pruning my trees and flowers, playing with my children,
listening to my wife talk, and working in my study. Don't you envy
me? All the pleasure wont be yours, after all. I pray God that
you may be very happy, however, and that your health may be great-
ly built up by your voyage. And now good-bye, and graciously per-
mit me to write a line to Mrs. Olin, who bore so kindly with my
stupidity in those sleepy days when I was with you in Middletown.
May God have you in his holy keeping, and return you to us with
renewed health and vigor !
Eev. Dr. Olin.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
VIII.
ON THE FORMATION OF AN AMERICAN BRANCH OF THE EVAN-
GELICAL ALLIANCE.
Philadelphia, December 31. 1S46.
My Dear Friend :- -Your letter of 23d ult. has remained un-
answered much longer than my feelings or wishes themselves would
have dictated. But I have good reasons. I needed long and anxious
meditation upon the subject of your letter, and upon the views which
you entertain in regard to it, before I could answer you ; and besides,
I have been for the last six weeks or more in a state of mental torpor,
the like of which I have never felt before. In your varied experience
you may have known the same — an utter distaste for thought or labor,
constituting, indeed, an absolute incapacity for either ; a disposition
to sit listless and brooding through the livelong day, and to lie wake-
ful, yet useless, almost through the night. Within a day or two I
feel some return of the powers of life, and almost the first real thing
I do is to answer your letter. Not that it is any labor to write to
you. Indeed, had not the subject of your letter been so grand and
absorbing I should doubtless have found some comfort, or at
least got rid of some of my discomfort, in writing. But the question
of the Alliance, and the dark one that lies beyond it, is enough to give
pause to the strongest mind, in the exercise of its fullest powers ; and
you cannot wonder that I have staggered under it, with the pressure
of sorrowful and morbid feelings upon me. Before I say more, let me
assure you — though, indeed, I think the assurance can hardly be neces-
sary— that there is no man living whose friendship I value more, and
whose opinions I would more gladly take upon trust, than your own.
So cordial is my regard for you, and, at the same time, so thorough
my respect for your intellect and judgment, that I can, with reluct-
ance, bring myself to differ from you at all. I am not sure that in
the present instance I differ from you so very widely ; but you will
pardon me, I know, for freely expressing my real sentiments.
The object of the "Alliance" is to secure, as you state, a larger
138
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Christian union than now exists. The Conference was held in London
(not in New York or Charleston) for this purpose, and delegates
were there from all Christendom. If we form an organization next
spring, it must be for the same purpose as that which was aimed at
in London, viz., not mere affiliations of Christians in separate countries
into separate connexions, but a general union of Christians in all
lands. Now, in one word, can that object be accomplished by form-
ing an Alliance for this country, freely admitting slaveholders ? Could
such an organization hold any connexion with the European branches
Nay, would it not cut off effectually, for many years, if not forever,
the possibility of the general Christian union to which we all look,
and for the promotion of which the Conference met in London.^ If
the object, then, as you say, be to promote general Christian union,
should not those who wish to retain slaveholders indiscriminately
hesitate a little All that you say goes to show, (and, perhaps, in that
you are correct,) that so far as the American branch goes, it would be
larger for the admission of slaveholders. But would not the General
Alliance be effectually killed ? If it would not, I am in error.
I must say, I go rather for the general alliance of Christendom
than for the special union of American Christians, And I am in-
clined to hope that even this last would follow, in the course of years,
a union founded on an antislavery basis rather than the opposite. All
this time I have not alluded to the moral aspect of the question — the
right or wrong of the admission of slaveholders — because your letter
puts the main stress upon the practicability of the alliance. May it not
all be summed up in the question. Is a general alliance of Christians
practicable if the American branch admits slaveholders indiscrimi-
nately ? I have totally misunderstood the English feeling if it is. All
the papers that I have received from England confirm me more and
more in the opinion that if we receive slaveholders on the same foot-
ing as others we shall stand alone, and that they expect antislavery
action from the American branch next spring. Were not induce-
ments to this expectation held out by some of the Americans in Lon-
don ? Was not a good deal said, and more implied, as to the possi-
I ility of meeting this question better in hjew York than in London,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
and of meeting it better, too, without the trammels of English dicta-
tion than with them ?
Perhaps in all this I am influenced by my feelings. To tell the
truth, my abhorrence of slavery grows apace. Year after year I feel
more and more that something should be done by every good man in
this land to deliver it. It may be that the dark subject dims my vis-
ion. I hope not. One needs all his eyesight to deal, with overgrown
evils. But I cannot stifle my convictions ; I cannot down with them,
even at my own bidding. Yet I am no abolitionist in one sense of
the word. I do not believe that all slaveholders are sinners ; I know
that some of them are pious men, so far as human judgment can go,
and I would not harm them, even in my thoughts, for the world. I
pity them. But their hapless condition must not entrap our judg-
ment by attracting our sympathies. If they must suffer I can pray
for them, but cannot stop the progress of the ark of God to still their
groans. But O ! what a sad subject it is. Even writing to you in
quietness, I find my heart beating violently with agitation. To-night,
at least, I can dwell on it no more. God have mercy upon us, and
upon our favored but guilty country ! I trust him still, but I could
not trust him if 1 did not follow my honest convictions. Wrong they
viay be ; but wrong I mi(s^ be if I do not act upon them, or, at least,
if I act against them. God have you in his holy keeping, my cherished
and valued friend ! Good-night.
Rev. Dr. Olin.
IX.
Carlisle, Mtrc?i 21, 1S47.
Dear Mrs. Olin : — An apology for not writing to you, on my
part, would be out of place, for more reasons than one. You cannot,
in the nature of the case, care enough about it to require one, and I
cannot presume enough upon my relation to you to conceive even
that it is necessary. But I am simply about to say that I have a sort
of nervous timidity about it — partly bashfulness, and partly vanity,
doubtless ; so that the less I say about it the better. I wrote some
time since to Dr. Olin, but have received no answer ; and I have had
.so many proofs of his kindness that I cannot attribute his silence to
140
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
any other cause than illness, though I have heard nothing directly to
that effect. I now feel that I cannot rest quietly any longer, and I
must beg of you to let me know about him and yourself.
A few nights ago I sat, in a moment of rest from writing, thinking
of many things, but most, of my friends. One of those overmaster-
ing impulses that come upon us sometimes so irresistibly (at least it
is so with me — is it not so with you?) seized and carried me off to
Middletown. I turned around and told Mrs. M'C. that I thought
I imcst spend our week of vacation in a trip to visit you, and she
echoed the must very energetically. So you see that I secured at
once, not only the royal permission, but command, to do what 1
most longed to do. And why not } Alas ! that we are of the earth,
earthly ! Alas ! that our purest wishes and best affections should
be at the mercy of so paltry and so base a thing — but the truth must
be told ; the res angusta domi has nipped many a fine project in the
bud, and it cut off this one of mine even before the first sprout be-
gan to appear. I imtst go to New York, I suppose, in May, at the
time of the Alliance Convention, and my purse is not deep enough
to hold money for the two journeys— or, if it is, I have not got it to
put in. So I must put up with a disappointment — self-made, to be
sure, but none tl>e less poignant and painful on that account.
I have often wondered what temptation would be strong enough
to bring Dr. and Mrs. Olin out to the " crassa Bceotia of Pennsyl-
vania Dutchmen," as the gentle Professor , in one of his merry
moods, called this sweet old town of Carlisle. Why should it be an
impracticable thing ? Is not traveling good for Dr. Olin ? Has he
not done up all the traveling there is in that eastern region between
Passamaquoddy and Fort Moultrie ? Would not a new route be a
blessing and a comfort to his eyes, if not to his bones ? (Part of our
railway is a little rough !) And have we not a comfortable little
house — not grand nor gay, but one of those humble cubbies that
lightning never strikes, and the fell winds pass over, in pity for its
feebleness ? Now, *he fairly promised me once to come, and the
promise yet remains in full force and virtue. Why, I ask again,
should it be a thing impracticable ? Think it over, please, and call
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
141
to your aid one of those invisible but potent spirits that carried me
off bodily to your pretty city the other night — and then, when he
gives the impulse, don't let so vulgar a thing arrest it as, to my sor-
row and poverty I confess it, keeps me from going next week to
Middletown.
I have done two wrong things in this letter ; namely, quote Latin
and talk of money. But the little Latin can't do much harm, as it is
very poverty-stricken, and is going direct to the University besides.
And, after all, I have not talked so much about money as the want
of it, so that I may be acquitted of that indictment too.
How often I wish I was a professor at Middletown ! (Don't tell
any of the Faculty, lest they think I am plotting to eject them.) Not
that I think yours a better town, or a better college than our own, or
rather, putting both together, not that I think Middletown aiid the
University better than Carlisle and Dickinson. But I should love
exceedingly to spend part of my life with Dr. Olin — and I suppose he
will stay, for some years at least, in Middletown. Not, too, that I
don't love my friends here, for I do dearly, (you see this is the sober
second thought,) but I should like to go there for all, so long as
your husband is there. I am sorry that I cannot insinuate that your
presence would be the attraction, for I told him the same thing four
years ago, on board of a canal-boat in the Lehigh River, under
ground some fifty feet or less, and yet some eight hundred or a thou-
sand feet above the level of the sea. I don't know that he will re-
member what I said ; but I am sure he'll remember the canal, and
the strange experiments we made in the art of sinking, going down
the mountain by water. It was a strange, wild scene ; and I re-
member trying to make him say it was grand, or sublime, or rugged,
or any thing out of the traveler's vocabulary of adjectives ; but he
put me off very decidedly, for "he had seen the Drachenfels," or
some other v^ery stony place — no, it was a great rocky region some-
where near Pesth, I think, on the Danube. I felt inclined to brag
of the superiority of Pennsylvania ; but as he had seen both, he had
a decided advantage of me, and was cruel enough to make use of it.
However, if I live, and am miserly enough to avoid all expensive
142
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
journeys merely to see my friends, I shall see Pesth and that black
mountain one of these days myself, and then we can argue the point
on equal terms.
I have written just as I felt, and hope my letter will find you in a
happy mood. That you will be so I am sure, if Dr. O. is well ; and
so, in wishing that, I have wished what most concerns both of us.
Tell him how much I love him ; and believe me to be your sincere
and obliged, but most unworthy friend.
\
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
CHAPTER IV.
1847.
The Cumberland Valley a Highway of Migration— The Nt^roes of Carlisle— The Pur-
siiit by .Messrs. Kennady and IloUingsworth of Three Slaves— Symptoms of Eiot at the Office
of a Jii'jtice of the Peace— Collision of Negroes with the Sheriff" s Oflicer — All Parties brought
before Judge Hepburn on a Writ of Jlatieas C<>rpuis — The Judge's Decision — Attemj)!
Made in the Court-room to Eescue the Slaves — The Blacks Baffled and Overawed — The
Attitude of Pennsylvania in Relation to Slavery — The Prig<f Case before the Supreme Court
of the United States— The Pennsylvania Law of 1&4T— Arrival of Professor M'Cliutock at the
Court-h use — Co-operates in Procuring a Second Writ of Jlabeaa Corpm — Interposition
in Behalf of a Negro— Attempt to Carry the Slaves Away— Resistance by Negroes of the
Town — A Melee in which Mr. Kennady is Struck Down— Great E.xcitement in the Country
—Professor M'Clintock Charged witii Instigating a liiot and Arrested— Trial of Professor
M'Clintock and Twenty-eiglit Negroes — The Testimony for the Prosecution — Scenes in the
Court— Def<!nse and Acquittal— Protest of the Judge— Conviction of Thirteen Negroes and
Sentence of Ten to the Penitentiai-y — Their Release by the Suprenae Court — Letters.
/"WHOEVER has studied the topography of Pennsyl-
^ ' vania has observed the numerous ranges of hills
which, running parallel with the AUeghanies from north-
east to south-west, form the outlying walls of the inner
and loftier mountain system. Some of their intervening
valleys are so narrow that even in the longest and bright-
est days they lie much of the time in deep shadow ; oth-
ers again are of such capacious breadth that they sustain
an ever-growing population, distributed over ample farm-
ing spaces, or concentrated in villages and towns. Of
these, the valley known as the Cumberland, after reaching
the southern line of the State, sweeps on through Western
Maryland, Central Virginia, and East Tennessee, till it is
lost in the plains of the far South. It has always been a
144 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
highway over which a migratory people have travelled.
The Scotch-Irish and Germans who settled Central Penn-
sylvania had, long before the late civil war, followed
the course of the valley into Maryland and Virginia.
Concurrently, however, with this flow from the North,
there had been a flow upwards from the South. The
comparatively mild form of slavery which prevailed in the
border Southern States offered many facilities for eman-
cipation. Educated under the teaching of Methodism,
some conscientious masters had manumitted their bond-
men ; other slaves had bought their freedom. Once free
according to the forms of law, a strong impulse led not
a few of these blacks to seek a fuller enjoyment of their
newly-acquired rights than was possible in their old
southern homes. Slaves who helped themselves to their
liberty knew perfectly well that it was not safe to linger
near the border line, and rested not till they had found
their way to New England or Canada,
The borough of Carlisle had received its full share of
these immigrants from the neighboring Southern States.
Taken together, they were a quiet and orderly element
of the population. Some of them were freeholders, and
had comfortable homes of their own ; others, if less thrifty,
were above want. A number of the men were employed
in the service of the college, and were liked as civil and
obliging persons. The blacks of Carlisle were neither
beggars nor vagabonds. Among them was to be found
the inevitable gray-haired patriarch, whose age was any-
where in the neighborhood of a hundred years that one
might choose to guess. He was an old rapscallion, who
THE REV. DR. M'CLLXTOCK. 145
had his own story to tell of the way he had bought him-
self out of slavery. A few of us built for him a house of
about twelve by fourteen feet, where he lived in the per-
fect enjoyment of his independence, and carried himself
with all the air and state of a lord of the manor.
Early in June, 1847, ^^""'^ slaveowners from ^Maryland,
James H. Kennady and Howard Hollingsworth, came to
Carlisle in pursuit of three runaway servants. One of
the runaways was a man of fifty years, and known as
Lloyd Brown ; another was a girl of ten, and a third a
woman of fifty, called Hester. The owners were from
Hagerstown, where they lived in good repute among
their neighbors. They had an unquestioning conviction
of their right to their human property, and expected
with entire confidence that the authorities in Pennsyl-
vania would make their title good.
A colored man in the borough claimed the woman,
Hester, as his wife ; and, whether from this cause or some
other not known, the blacks were excited to the point
of offering a determined resistance to the arrest of the
fugitives. Excited they had every reason to be ; but a
union to fight the battle out with the captors was for
them an unheard-of exhibition of courage. On the morn-
ing of the second of June the owners appeared with the
captured fugitives before a justice of the peace, made the
usual claim, with proofs that were considered sufficient,
and received a certificate delivering the negroes into
their custody. They then asked for a commitment to
jail, where the three slaves might remain in the keeping
of the sheriff until it was convenient to remove them to
10
146 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Maryland. The request, though wholly illegal, was
granted, and the officers proceeded to make the removal.
At this point a negro named Norman, the reputed hus-
band of Hester, seized her by the waist and tried to
carry her off. The deputy sheriff, a strong, muscular
person, struck him a heavy blow which knocked him
against the wall of a house, at the same time declaring
that another attempt at a rescue would be met with a
pistol shot. The blacks were for the time intimidated,
and the fugitives were carried off to the jail, which stood,
and still stands, on the main street of the town. The
sheriff and his prisoners were followed by an agitated
crowd, largely made up of women, many of them armed
with sticks and such missiles as they could hastily
pick up.
Early in the afternoon a writ of habeas corpus was ob-
tained by Mr. Adair, one of the lawyers of the borough,
bringing all parties before the presiding judge, Hepburn,
at the court-house. By this time the symptoms of a vio-
lent outbreak were so threatening, that a posse of officers
was summoned to the aid of the sheriff The crowd of
blacks hung. about the jail till its doors were opened
again, and then they followed the sheriff and the slaves,
but by no means in silence, to the court. The illegality
of the imprisonment was decided very quickly, and the
slaves were taken out of the hands of the sheriff and
handed over to the keeping of their owners. Messrs.
Kennady and Hollingsworth had, however, been arrested
on a warrant from a justice of the peace for forcibly en-
tering the house in which the slaves were found. They
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 147
had gone from the court-room to give the necessary bail,
and had requested the sheriff and his deputy to take
charge of the fugitives until their return. The willing
officers undertook this service, illegal as it was, and sta-
tioned themselves close to the prisoners' box. The
blacks of the town, who by this time were maddened to
fury, rushed to the box, lifted the woman, Hester, out of
it, and made way with her towards the door ; the deputy,
who had beaten off the woman's husband earlier in the
day, drew his pistol and swore he would shoot any one
who attempted a rescue. The doors of the court-room
were hastily closed, and escape rendered impossible.
The judge, seeing a riot imminent before his eyes as he
sat on the bench, ordered the room to be cleared. The
crowd, white and black, were forced out, and the captors
and their prey remained within, sheltered by the Consti-
tution of the United States, as it then was, with the re-
luctant assent of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The good old Commonwealth was most reluctant to
stain her hands by giving aid to such work. By the
act of March i, 1780, passed nine years before the
adoption of the National Constitution, slavery was abol-
ished in all her borders. All persons thereafter born in
the State were to be free. Her love of liberty had been
expressed m the act of 1788, which declared that every
slave brought within her domain " by persons inhabiting
or residing therein, or intending to inhabit or reside
therein," should be immediately deemed and taken to be
free to all intents and purposes. By the same act the
separation of husband and wife beyond a distance of ten
148 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
miles was forbidden. Her law of 1826, framed for the
twofold purpose of preventing kidnapping and carrying
out the obligation to return fugitives from labor imposed
by the Federal Constitution, had been declared to be null
and void by the Supreme Court of the United States.
Edward Prigg had been indicted under this law in the
Court of the County of York — which adjoins Cumberland
— for illegally carrying off a slave woman to Maryland,
and had been convicted. By consent of the two States
the case had been appealed to the Supreme Court of the
United States, in order to determine where the power of
legislation in regard to fugitive slaves resided. Justice
Story read the opinion of the Court, which was summed
up in this sentence : We hold the power of legislation
on this subject to be exclusive in Congress." Chief-Jus-
tice Taney read an opinion, which was still more em-
phatic: Every State law," it said, which requires the
master against his consent to go before any State tribu-
nal or officer before he can take possession of his prop-
erty, or which authorizes a State officer to interfere with
him, is unconstitutional and void. But, as I understand
the opinion of the Court, it goes further, and decides
that all laws upon the subject passed by a State, since
the adoption of the Constitution of the United States,
are null and void, even although they were intended in
good faith to protect the owner in the exercise of his
rights of property, and do not conflict in any degree
with the act of Congress."
This decision was a heavy blow to Pennsylvania,
which had always been distinguished for a scrupulous
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 149
observance of inter-State obligations, and as much for
tenderness towards all who sought the privilege of an asy-
lum upon her soil. It left her a helpless looker-on while
the slave-hunter tracked and pursued his prey. Time was
chosen for a deliberate answer, and in the winter of 1847
the answer was given. Taking the Supreme Court at its
w^ord, and following the principle laid down in the Prigg
case to its logical conclusion, the State, through its legis-
lature, enacted a law forbidding its judicial and executive
officers to bear any part whatever in the recapture of fu-
gitive slaves. By this act every judge, alderman, or jus-
tice of the peace in the Commonwealth was forbidden,
under penalty of a heavy fine, to take cognizance of
the case of any fugitives from labor, from any of the
United States or Territories, arising under the law of
Congress of 1793, or to grant any certificate or warrant
of removal of any such fugitive. Any person claiming a
negro as a fugitive from labor who should, under any pre-
tence or authority, seize, or attempt to seize, and carry
away in a violent and tumultuous manner such negro or
mulatto, was held to be guilty of misdemeanor and liable
to a heavy fine. It was declared also to be unlawful to
use any jail or prison of the Commonwealth for the deten-
tion of any person claimed as a fugitive from labor. This
law was passed, as we have stated, early in 1847, ^'"'d was
approved by that most democratic of governors, Francis
R. Shunk. It meant to say plainly, If the jurisdiction
over the recovery of fugitive slaves is exclusively in the
United States, then the government of the United States
must provide the means for such recovery. The Com-
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
monwealth of Pennsylvania washes her hands of all this
business. She submits to the humiliation of having her
soil made a slave captor's hunting ground, but warns
the hunters of what they may expect." It was grandly
spoken, and to no citizen did the passage of the law of
1847 g^^^ ^ more heartfelt satisfaction than to Professor
M'Clintock.
Of the earlier proceedings in the case of the fugitives
whom we left shut up in the court-room. Professor
M'Clintock knew nothing. It was his habit, towards five
o'clock in the afternoon, to go to the post-office, then on
the same street with the court-house, but not quite op-
posite, for his letters. Calling as usual this afternoon, he
was informed by the postmaster of the progress of the
investigation, and went over to see and hear for himself.
He arrived at the moment the judge had pronounced
that the slaves were improperly in the hands of the sheriff.
As he entered the room he met an Episcopal minister,
who expressed a doubt of the testimony which had been
offered to prove that the woman and the child were
slaves. He had a rude greeting from some of the ex-
cited w^hites who made up a large part of the crowd in
the court. " There," shouted some one, goes a d — d
abolitionist." Look at M'Clintock," shouted another
voice, ''the d — d abolitionist." Taking his seat inside
the bar with the counsel for the negroes, he asked them
if they had seen the new law of 1847 5 they had not even
heard of it. It was then mentioned by counsel to the
judge, but the judge was not advised of its existence. As
far as could be ascertained a certified copy was not to be
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
found ill the borough, and the only newspaper copy was
in the possession of Professor M'Clintock himself. The
capitol of the State in which the law was enacted was
within twenty miles of Carlisle.
Passing on to the door of the court-room, in obedience
to the judge's order to clear it, Professor M'Clintock saw
a white man raise a stick threateningly over the head of
a negro, saying at the same moment, You ought to have
your skull broke." The negro protested that he had
done nothing. Then," said the professor, " if any one
strikes you apply to me, and I will see that justice is
done to you." Filled with the idea that all the proceed-
ings were illegal, he discussed with two of the lawyers of
the borough the bearings of the new law upon the case as
they went together down stairs. It was determined by
Mr. Adair, the counsel for the negroes, to get out a second
writ of habeas corpus, and to try before the judge the
question of the ownership of the woman and the girl.
While the papers w^ere preparing, Professor M'Clintock
hastened to the college for his copy of the Act of 1847.
He returned as quickly as possible and rejoined Mr.
Adair, who by this time had his petition ready. As they
came from the rear of the court-house, and stood a m.o-
ment upon the front steps, the slave owners, with their
slaves, came down the stairs from the room above. A
carriage had been driven up to the edge of the sidewalk
for the reception of the whole party. Mr. Kennady fol-
lowed close after his servants, and with a billet of wood
beat off the negroes, who, in a high state of excitement,
crowded in upon him. The man Lloyd Brown was
152 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
forced into the carriage, when a desperate rush was made
for the woman and the girl. Norman seized his wife,
Hester, and bore her off ; some one else, not known,
clutched the child. The crowd dashed across the street,
and down an alley-way adjacent to the market-house,
with Mr. Kennady in full pursuit. He was well able
to pursue, for he was six feet in height, stoutly built,
and in the prime of life. A storm of missiles followed
the negroes as they fled, and fell upon both pursuers and
pursued. Just as Mr. Kennady had crossed the street,
in his tussle with the rescuers, he was tripped by some
boards lying upon the sidewalk and fell heavily. Before
he could rise he was struck repeatedly by the negroes as
they rushed past him in their flight, severely hurt, and
rendered helpless.
It was all done, as one might say, in the twinkling of
an eye. The amazed lawyers stood upon the court-
house steps, Professor M'CIintock among them, but with-
out the slightest power to check or prevent the out-
break. A doctor who was opportunely near came to
Mr. Kennady's assistance, and procured a settee, on
which the wounded man was carried to his hotel. His
left arm, right hip, and abdomen were badly bruised,
one knee-cap was torn from its integuments, and blood
was flowing freely from a wound on the back of the
head. The physician, who had reached the ground in
time to see a part of the disturbance, testified that he
saw Mr. Kennady " endeavoring to hold on to his slaves
with one hand, while he was beating off the negroes with
the other, and at the same time receiving blows from
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 1 53
Sticks and stones." He had underrated the determina-
tion of the negroes to resist him, and had paid for his
mistake a fearful penalty.
As the news of the rescue, and the hurt done to the
slaveowner, spread through the borough, the popula-
tion— especially its less intelligent portion — was ablaze
with excitement. It was M'Clintock, was the outcry,
who had instigated and led the riot ; it was M'Clintock
who had cheered the negroes on to the commission of
violence, assuring them that he would take the risk of
all consequences. He had expressed, as every man of
right feeling would, sincere sorrow for the harm done to
the slaveowner : but no account was made of that ; he
was " a d — d abolitionist," and the unreasoning anger
of the moment fell heavily upon him. He was imme-
diately arrested, as also were the negroes, as far as they
could be identified. No distinction was made between
the Christian scholar and the poor creatures in whose be-
half he had vainly interfered ; the popular feeling linked
him and them together as alike guilty of a breach of the
peace. It was rumored that he was to be arrested at an
hour of the night too late to admit of his procuring bail,
but he was fortunately spared that indignity.
When the news spread through the country the ex-
citement became more intense. As usual, the distorted
story was the first to reach the press, and elicited the
severest comments. The " New York Herald" was furi-
ous against Professor M'Clintock. The Philadelphia
" Ledger " quickly corrected its error, while the " Bulle-
tin " and the Spirit of the Times" steadily held the
154 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
attention of the community to the real facts of the case.
A meeting of the southern students of the college, who
numbered nearly one hundred, was called, in which res-
olutions of confidence in their professor were adopted,
and embodied in a card to the public. The excitement
was rapidly subsiding when the death of Mr. Kennady
cast a deep shadow upon the events of the second of
June. For three weeks he had progressed rapidly to-
ward recovery, was in good spirits, and looked forward
to a speedy release from his confinement, when suddenly,
and without warning, he passed away. Nothing ap-
peared to connect his death directly with the contusions
received during the struggle with the negroes, but the
fact of his decease gave to the riot a gravity which oth-
erwise it could not have assumed.
The friends of Professor M'Clintock did not desert
him in this important crisis of his life. They gathered
about him and gave him assurance of their support.
Joshua M. Giddings sent him words of good cheer.
Thaddeus Stevens was ready, even solicitous, to take
part in his defence. For years a leading member of
the bar in Adams County, which directly adjoins Mary-
land, Mr. Stevens was known throughout the State as
an aggressive abolitionist ; his courage and force of
character compelled men to respect him, no matter what
they might think of his opinions. On the 3d of June
Professor M'Clintock wrote an account of his part in the
events of the day preceding to his brother-in-law, Mr.
E. B. Wakeman, and on the loth a still fuller statement.
The two letters disclose the composure with which he
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
contemplated the contingencies before him, and as well
the anxiety which underlay it all the time: —
Carlisle, June 3, 1S47.
Dear Edgar : We had quite a case here yesterday. A gentleman
called me into the court-house as I was passing, about five P.M., to see
a habeas corpus tried for those fugitives who had been arrested and
committed to jail. The judge pronounced them illegally in custody, and
discharged them from the sheriff's hands ; but they were still kept in
the court-house. After awhile they were taken out to be put into a
carriage that was drawn up in front of the court-house, and a rush
was made, two slave women carried off, the other, a man, retained.
In the riot the owner was severely wounded, and a boy in the crowd
mortally. With all this I had nothing to do. But in the court-room,
before the parties came out, I told the judge of the law of last session
on the reclamation of fugitives, which made all the proceedings ille-
gal from the beginning. A negro of the town was threatened with
having his skull broke. He said he had done nothing, and I told
him if that was so I would see justice done him. And after all was
over an old negro woman called to me to save her from jail, as she
had done nothing but try to keep her old man from getting into the
riot. I told the officer that if he carried her off illegally I should
see her righted ; and he let her go.
All that I did was to try to do my duty to the laws of the land.
But the slavecatchers have spread abroad the report that I incited
the riot, and have sworn to it, and I am under bail to appear at Au-
gust court. They will find that the saddle is on the wrong horse.
I believe you now understand the whole case, and perhaps you will
think I have done no wrong. I am glad that my noble wife has
spunk enough neither to be afraid of mobs nor ashamed of her
husband.
Mr. E. B. Wakeman.
Cablisle, Jane 10, 184T.
Your letter and David's were duly received. I answer you both
in one, as my hands are pretty full of business. For all your ex-
156
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
pressions of sympathy and kindness I heartily thank you ; in a time of
trial all such words are worth their weight in gold. And I know, too,
that the deeds will not be wanting to back the words, if there is any
need of them. You are perfectly right in supposing that I have
done nothing illegal or wrong. If to sympathize with the oppressed
be a sin, I plead guilty ; if to aid them, without violating the law, be a
sin, then I am a transgressor ; but not otherwise. I do not know
that I can add any thing to my own statement of facts made in the
last letter. But the charges, the rumors, and, I am told, the affi-
davits, go far beyond that. Luckily, so far as I can learn, there is no
man of the slightest character who can or will venture to swear
against me ; while there are scores who will testify on my side, that
I did nothing tending to incite to riot. The papers here are so mis-
erably cowardly and sycophantic that they have not even given any
statement of the palpable infractions of the law of Pennsylvania that
were perpetrated on the occasion. They have all abstained, however,
from connecting my name with the accounts of the riot. The court
does not sit until August 25, at which time I shall have to be here.
A most violent article has appeared in the " Hagerstown Torch-
light," full of abominable lies, with my name and supposed deeds
filling two columns.
The southern students of the college have signed a document stat-
ing that they are satisfied, after the fullest examination, of the falsity
of the charges brought against me, and declaring that my separation
from the college would be an irreparable loss both to themselves and
the institution. On that point, however, my mind is made up ; just
as soon as things are cleared up a little I shall cut loose from this
concern ; not that they have not treated me well, but that I cannot
bear its multiform restraints. Dr. Emor^' has behaved nobly through
all this business ; neither of you could have done more or better. I
only fear that his health may be affected by the pain and anxiety it
has caused him.
That good will come out of it in the end I am sure. As for the per-
sonal ill repute that will be brought upon myself, it cannot last long,
and will probably do me good in the issue. I have had my mind in
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
peace and comfort through the whole affair, and do not wonder at
the tranquillity of other men in worse contingencies. I suppose the
nerves string up of their own accord in such emergencies.
They talk of bringing civil suits against me in the Circuit Court of
the United States for the value of the slaves, and the personal injury
sustained by the claimant ; if they do it will be rich and useful.
Philadelphia will be worth a visit then. It is now late and I am tired,
so good-bye.
Mr. E. B. Wakeman.
The entry in his diary on the evening of June 2,
written while his mind was all aglow, makes some rep-
etition of the story, but is of too much interest to be
omitted :—
June 2, 1847. This day at five P.M., as I was passing the court-
house, Mr. Sanderson (postmaster) called me and asked if I wasn't
going into the court-house. "Why?" "There is a case of fugi-
tive slaves," etc. I went in. Mr. Thorne told me at the door that
there was doubt about the woman and child being slaves, but not
about the man, (there were three in all.) The case was over in about
five minutes after I entered. The judge decided on the habeas corpus
that the sheriff had no right to imprison the blacks, and dismissed
them from his custody, saying at the same time that the masters had
certificates from the justice of the peace on which they could remove
them. This I knew to be contrary to the late law of Pennsylvania,
and I went up to Judge Hepburn (after the court had adjourned) and
asked him about it. Found that neither he nor the lawyers knew
any thing about the law. There was no proof that the woman and
child were slaves ; the man admitted it. Adair told me he would
get out another writ to try the question of property, which had not
been gone into. At his request I went home and got the law. After
my return I stood on the porch talking with several young lawyers,
who exhibited the most miserable ignorance of the Constitution of
the United States. During the conversation the slaves were brought
IS8
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
out, and before the writ of habeas co7'pns had been returned by the
judge. The free blacks, seeing their fellows about lo be carried away
into interminable bondage, made a rush and carried off the woman
and child. In the 7nelee one of the slaveowners, named Kennady,
was badly hurt.
As I was coming home the last time I heard, near the court-
house corner, several persons saying, " Let her go, she has done
nothing," and turning I found a man hauling off an aged colored
woman. She said she had only tried to get " her old man out," and
I told the officer that if " she had done nothing, and he arrested her
illegally, I would see justice done her," I then came home.
After tea I heard that I was charged with inciting the riot, and
that a writ was out against me. All sorts of stories were told, and
many of the students were very much excited. They held a
meeting on the chapel steps at seven P.M. Emor\- went there and
said a few words ; when I heard of it I went out, and gave them
the true account ; told them to go down and ask any decent person
they chose and they would find it confirmed. They behaved very
well. It was stated in the evening that our house would be mobbed.
The town was in great excitement, and it was thought best for my
family to sleep at Dr, Emor)-'s.
The truth of the case was, that my human and Christian sympa-
thies were openly exhibited on the side of the poor blacks, and this
gave mortal offence to the slaveholders and their confreres in the
town.
Thiers., June 3. At eight this morning I went down to Esquire
Holsapple's and gave Emory as bail for my appearance at court on
August 25. The students are all right.
By the time the day of the trial arrived (August 25th)
the case had expanded beyond its personal relations,
and had become a cause," on the opposite sides of
which eager contestants were enlisted. No moneys it
was said, would be spared to insure the conviction of
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 1 59
the professor. There was a full array of counsel. The
prosecuting attorney, J. Ellis Bonham, was assisted by
three of the leading lawyers of the county. For Pro-
fessor M'Clintock his friend, Wm. M. Biddle, appeared,
and also Mr. Adair, who had been so active in procuring
the habeas corpus^ Mr. Graham, and Wm. M. Meredith, one
of the famous leaders of the Philadelphia bar. The de-
fendants, twenty-nine men and women, were all indicted
in one batch together, the gentleman and scholar lead-
ing the list. A separate trial was asked for him, but
was refused. It Avas well. He had taken his place by
the side of God's poor, to give them the benefit of his
larger intelligence and to shield them from wrong ; it
was not unbecoming for him to share their lot. There
could be no better position for a follower of Christ and a
minister of his truth.
An excellent jury was impanneled. Among them
was a stanch Calvinist, one of that rugged race who had
originally settled the Cumberland Valley, and who were
as immovable as their own Blue Mountains in the main-
tenance of their convictions of right. Mr. Bonham, the
prosecuting attorney, was a gentleman of refined feel-
ing as well as an able lawyer. He wove together from
the testimony which he expected to produce a combina-
tion of charges against the subject of our memoir, which,
if the Commonwealth's witnesses had only been trust-
worthy, would have overwhelmed any man that ever
lived. In the mad excitement of the hour witnesses
imagined that they had heard him use vulgarisms of
language with which he was incapable of soiling his
i6o
LIFE AXD LETTERS OF
tongue. One was ready to swear, and did swear, that
he had cried out to the blacks, ''You ones, go ahead;
I'll see you through." Another, that, standing on the
court-house steps, he had shouted, " Now, boys, is your
time; go ahead ; I'll see you through, or be responsible
for damages." Another, that in the court-room, when
the rescue was attempted from the prisoners' box, he
had called out, Go ahead, boys, and stand your
ground." These, and others who testified for the State,
had transformed the scholar, who for gentleness was
known of all men, into a vulgar rough, busying himself
in rushing from group to group, and rallying them in
uncouth terms to their bloody work. The intrinsic im-
probability of these stories should have been their refu-
tation, but the atmosphere of passion in which so many
of the parties to the prosecution were involved distorted
their vision, and rendered them incapable of seeing or
describing with correctness.
Leaving for a time the immediate facts of the case, the
prosecution took a wider range, and demanded a convic-
tion as a means of appeasing the South and making slave
property secure. ''Your verdict," said the State's coun-
sel to the jury, " either one way or the other, so far as
these defendants are concerned, is but a drop in the
bucket, compared with the other momentous issues which
hang upon the result. The rescue of these slaves has
had a most pernicious tendency in the South, and ren-
dered the property of every slaveholder insecure. The
slaves now think that they can get protection and aid
from the whites, and their conduct has become marked by
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. l6l
insubordination and violence. . . . Whether these defend-
ants committed this outrage, or whether they did not, is
a matter of trivial importance to your southern brethren,
compared with the consequences which may flow from
your verdict to the social and political organization of
whole communities. If you decide that these outrages
can be committed with impunity, the foundations of the
Government will be broken, this union of States will be
rent in twain, the fagot will be the arbiter of right and
wrong, and the glare of a civil and, perhaps, of a servile war
will light up the land. Your southern brethren look to
you, gentlemen of the jury, for protection, and that by
your verdict you will stay the lawlessness which threat-
ens to overwhelm them." A most pathetic picture of the
wailing of the widow over the dead body of her husband
closed the able presentation of the Commonwealth's case.
The appeal to render such a verdict as would soothe
the exasperated sensibilities of the people of the South
was preposterous, but it illustrates the temper of the
times. When the witnesses for the prosecution were
brought on, it was found that they had seen and heard
entirely too much. One who was certain that, at the
moment of the outbreak, -the professor was in the act of
talking to three negroes, was confuted by proof that the
three were white men, two of them respectable lawyers
of Carlisle, The man who had heard him say, " You
ones, go ahead, I'll see you through," stuck to his story
under cross-examination. He was certain of it. An-
other witness swore that the professor's face was, during
the riot, swollen to an unnatural size." By what pro-
11
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
cess of nature the swelling was produced the witness did
not explain, but evidently considered it an effect of great
excitement. On the other hand, Mr. Adair, the lawyer
who had humanely interested himself in procuring the
habeas corpus, accounted for Professor M'Clintock during
all the time from his first appearance in the proceedings,
with the exception of four or five minutes. They were
both, he said, working together to procure relief for the
slaves according to the forms of law. A Presbyterian miin-
ister testified that he and the professor had walked down
stairs from the court-room to the front door arm in arm,
and that the latter was calm and perfectly master of him-
self. Another witness had heard him say to an excited
negro, "There must be no fighting; you must not strike
any body, but if any one strikes you, come to me and I'll
protect you." And these words were the key to all his
conduct on that memorable afternoon. He would, as a
good citizen, obey the law, but would, at the same time,
do all that was in his power to defend the weak. Finally,
the most cruel charge of all, that he had expressed pleas-
ure when told that Mr. Kennady was hurt, was disposed
of, the witness to that point failing to stand by his as-
sertion ; and another, a most respectable business man,
testifying that Professor M'Clintock had expressed pro-
found regret when informed of the catastrophe with
which the riot had closed. There remained the im-
pregnable fact that the blacks had shown a disposition
to unite for a rescue all through the day, and that they
were in no need of instigation from Professor M'Clin-
tock or any one else.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 163
The court-room presented during the trial a spectacle
such as has rarely been seen in Cumberland County.
The case, from its nature, touched the extreme points of
society, and the extremes were represented in the crowd
that filled seats and aisles, and watched, with breathless
interest, the fluctuations of the legal conflict. The pas-
sions certain to be awakened by an outbreak of the end-
less slavery controversy were there concentrated, and were
exerting their utmost force. No prisoners' box could
hold the many defendants ; they were massed on one
side of the room, under guard of officers of the court.
They were a motley group of black, brown, and yellow,
and as they gazed on the proceedings in which they were
interested parties, with the helpless air so peculiar to
their race, they excited in the spectator a deep feeling
of pity. They had not, however, been left to take care
of themselves ; competent counsel appeared in their be-
half. Their codefendant, who had tried ineffectually on
the second of June to aid them, sat beside his lawyers,
and took an active and intelligent interest in the conduct
of the case. Personal friends were there to give him
the support of their presence. The venerable Alfred
Griffith, whose homely face, halting gait, deafness, and
sterling sense withal, would have made him a much-no-
ticed man in any gathering, sat close to the witness stand,
and with strained attention drank in every word of the
testimony and pleadings. He had come to hear and
judge for himself, and, when the trial was over, published
a well-reasoned vindication of his old friend. Professor
M'Clintock. More than all, there rested upon the par-
164
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
ties to the case an indefinable sense of its meaning
which could not be expressed in words, an apprehension
that it pointed to woes to come, a dread that this col-
lision of two systems of life and civilization at a single
point was but a foretokening of what might be, should
the collision occur at ten thousand points, and involve
all the communities living on either side of the slave
line. Here were consequences sad enough attending the
effort to secure right and justice for three slaves ; what
would they be when it was attempted to secure right and
justice for three millions?
Small attention, as may well be supposed, was paid by
the prosecutors to the negroes. Their theory of the events
bound them to employ their utmost resources to procure
the conviction of Professor M'Clintock, and they spared
no effort to that end. The attack upon him in some pas-
sages of the trial was very bitter. The death of Mr. Ken-
nady had intensified feeling. The prejudices of a large
portion of the community were with the prosecution.
At the beginning the prospects of the defence were far
from assuring, but as it progressed the integrity, the hu-
manity, the courage of Professor M'Clintock became so
conspicuously clear as to sweep away all hesitation. Mr.
Meredith closed for the defense in a polished address ;
Mr. Watts (now United States Commissioner of Agricul-
ture) summed up for the prosecution, and struck heavy
blows; but, fortunately, their object was invulnerable.
The judge charged the jury fairly enough, and on Satur-
day evening gave them the case. By Sunday noon it
was rumored that Professor M'Clintock was acquitted,
THE REV. DR. M'CLLXTOCK. 165
and on Monday morning the jury so declared in their
verdict. Over half the negroes were cleared, and thir-
teeruconvicted.
To the surprise of all persons who were present, Judge
Hepburn protested against the verdict, and especially
the acquittal of Professor ^M'Clintock. He informed the
jury that if the case had been one involving only dollars
and cents he would have set their decision aside. He
insisted that when he ordered the court-room to be
cleared, the line was drawn between the peaceable and
the disorderly, and that when Professor Al'dintock told
the negroes " to stand their ground " (which he never
did tell them) he became at that instant a rioter, and as
guilty of all the acts of violence as though he had taken
part in their commission. The bar and citizens were
astounded by this breach of judicial decorum. The
truth was, that the sheriff's officers had undertaken an
illegal service in assuming to guard the prisoners' box,
and to convert the court-room into a prison, after the
slaves had been taken out of their hands, and remitted
to the keeping of their owners. They had provoked a
breach of the peace by going outside of their duty. If,
however, the judge's opinion was against the verdict,
far different was that of the community. The trial had
revolutionized popular feeling; the decision of the jury
on the facts was received with acclamation. Congratu-
lations from all quarters poured in upon the much-tried
professor. His friend, Emory, who, prostrated by sick-
ness, had been unable to attend the proceedings, but
had in the preparations for them been a confidential
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
adviser, received him after his acquittal with the warmest
demonstrations of affection. The sharp agony over, Pro-
fessor M'Clintock went out of the court with a strojiger
hold upon the community in which he lived and the
country at large than he had ever had before. Some
ill-disposed newspapers persisting in using the protest
against the verdict to his prejudice, he issued a card to
the public in which he conclusively reviewed all the facts
of the case. Following his usual practice of taking the
straightforward way to an object, he had, in October, a
long interview with the judge, at the close of which the
latter professed that his opinions had undergone a mate-
rial change. After this the subject was dropped by
them both. It was not in Professor M'Clintock's nature
to cherish ill-will against any one. He was ready to be-
lieve that the judge had taken an honest, if prejudiced,
view of the facts, and in that belief he rested.
Of the thirteen negroes found guilty, ten were con-
demned to three years' imprisonment in the Eastern Peni-
tentiary of Pennsylvania, at labor, and to pay one dollar
fine to the Commonwealth, with the costs of the prose-
cution. This was a terrible and unprecedented penalty
for a breach of the peace. Believing it to be illegal.
Professor M'Clintock took steps to have the sentence re-
viewed by the Supreme Court of the State. He con-
sulted with Charles Gibbons, Esq., of the Philadelphia
bar, and the result was a writ of error which brought the
case before all the Supreme judges in May, 1848. The
errors assigned were (i) the imposition of imprisonment
in the penitentiary instead of the county jail, and (2) the
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
167
imposition of imprisonment ''at labor." Judge Burn-
side, in delivering the unanimous opinion of the court,
used this emphatic language : " When I came to the
bar there were old and experienced judges on the bench
and aged lawyers in practice, but I never heard of (or
witnessed) any person convicted of a riot being sent to
the penitentiary. Our laws do not authorize the sen-
tence inflicted in the case before us, and the sentence is
reversed. As the prisoners have been confined in the
Eastern Penitentiary about three fourths of a year, we
deem this as severe a punishment as if they had been
confined in the county jail, where they legitimately should
have been sent, for two years. They are discharged."^*
The triumph of the good citizen could go no farther.
He had been taunted with knowing more law than was
for his good, and he had proved that his understanding
of his obligations to his native State was correct beyond
impeachment. He had been arrested for leading a riot,
and he had demonstrated that his only offence had been
a fearless discharge of the duties of humanity. Acquitted
himself, he had followed, with compassionate interest,
the poor creatures whom he had on the second of June
generously tried to help, and had set in motion the meas-
ures which secured their restoration to their homes. The
alacrity with which Mr. Gibbons performed his service as
counsel entitled him to all honor. It was a triumph for
him, too ; but it was especially a triumph of justice, the
more conspicuous, because it relieved those whose igno-
rance and lowliness unfitted them to protect themselves.
* See Penn. State Reports, vol, viii, p. 223.
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
LETTERS FROM JANUARY, 1S47, TO JANUARV, 1848.
I. LETTEES TO DR. M-CLI^'TOCK.
I.
Hot Springs. Juhj 20, 1S47.
Dear Sir:— I had written to Mr. Adair that I could not be at
your court. He had written me on behalf of other parties. I then
thought that your court was on the 2d and 3d Mondays of August.
Learning from you that it is on the 25th, I will make every effort to
be there. As soon as I get home (first week in August) I shall be
able to give you a definite answer. I desire to aid in the defence,
if possible, although you have able counsel.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
Thaddeus Stevens.
Prof. JoHX M'Clintock.
II.
Lancaster, Any. 2, 1547.
Dear Sir : — On my return home I find so large a number of suits
in which I am concerned on the trial list for the fourth Monday of
August, that I fear it will be out of my power to be at your court that
week. I felt a great desire to aid in that trial because of certain
principles which I thought ought to be maintained before the juries
of this countr)- in all similar cases. But I confess I feel the wish to
be engaged in your defence somewhat abated since I have seen the
declaratiion of your principles and views as promulgated by the trus-
tees and president of your college, as I fear the stand which I should
take (on inalienable rights and the Declaration of Independence)
would conflict with those views, and the views of other counsel, and
might injure your institution. I fear I could not repress my feelings
within what your trustees would deem prudence, although I doubt
not with a fair jury such a bold and trtie course would insure your
acquittal. But your case is in able hands, and will not suffer by
my absence. With great respect,
Thaddeus Stevens.
Prof. M"Cli>-tock.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
169
III.
Lancaster, Aug. 9, 1347.
Dear Sir: — I do not find it in my power to mal<;e my arrange-
ments so as to attend your court. I have too many causes on the
list for that week to be able to arrange with all. I doubt not of your
acquittal, but I fear for the colored defendants. Their sh'n testi-
fies against them in this Christian community.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
Thaddeus Stevens.
Eev. J. M'Clintock.
IV.
HortKSTOwv, Baltimore Co., Md., Jiuie 21, 1S47.
Reverend Sir and Brother : — I cannot refrain from express-
ing my indignation at the vile attempts that have been recently made
to impeach your character. How much easier it is to slander and
persecute an opponent who is in the right than to neutralize the
force of his arguments. You need not marvel, therefore, at the treat-
ment you have experienced. You recollect De Foe's " Hymn to the
Pillory." Your persecution reminds me of those famous lines which
have been so often quoted : —
"Tell ihem the men that placed him there
Are scandals to the times;
Are at a loss to find his g'uilt,
Atid canH commit hits crimes.''''
O if you knew how many prayers have gone up to God since your
first article was published in the Advocate, that your strength might
not fail, you could not be disheartened ! There are thousands whose
hearts beat in unison with yours, and yet, alas ! how' few, like Luther,
are willing to brave a threatening world, and give utterance to the
truths in w^ords like these: "It is neither safe nor prudent to do
aught against conscience. Here stand I. I cannot otherwise. God
assist me. Amen."
That the Lord Jehovah may bless and comfort you is the prayer of
your unworthy brother in Christ. JOHN M. JONES.
I JO
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
V.
AxTiSLAVEET OFFICE, Philadf.t.puia, June 10, 1S47.
Professor M'Clintock : —
My Dear Sir : — I take the liberty of inclosing you an authenticated
copy of the late Act of Assembly of this State in relation to fugitive
slaves. You may possibly have occasion to refer to it and may not
be in possession of one duly authenticated.
Allow me at the same time to avail myself of the opportunity of
expressing to you the interest and gratification with which I have
watched your progress for some time on the great question of slav-
try. 1 have rejoiced to see your eyes opened to so good a degree to
the enormities of this system, to the guilt of the Church in relation to
it, and the duty of energetic action for its overthrow. The late occur-
rence in Carlisle, in which I perceive you took a prominent, and, from
the malevolence with which you are assailed for it I should infer an
honorable part, has much increased my interest in your behalf.
Unless Carlisle has greatly changed for the better since I was one
of its residents, your liberal views of truth and duty find but little
sympathy from those around you. " Open thy mouth for the dumb ;
plead the cause of the poor and needy," does ver)' well to fill up the
rhetoric of a studied sermon ; but when reduced to every-day practice,
and especially when applied to the degraded slave and his despised
brethren here at the North, it is quite another thing. Woe to the
man that is guilty of such extravagance ! His name is cast out as
evil ; he is branded as a disorganizer in the Church and a disturber
of the peace of society. Possibly you may not have yet gone far
enough to incur all this odium. The regularity and conformity to
prevailing usage of your previous ways may have acquired for you a
stock of character sufficient to save your reputation from the hostility
which your late course was calculated to awaken. But if you per-
sist, my dear sir, be assured that all this odium, and more, will come
upon you.
Such views of Christian truth and duty as you have avowed the
Church will not tolerate, nor the world away with — at least not in
any other form than the abstract. I trust you have duly consid-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
171
ered this ; that you have counted the cost. Excuse me if I confess
that in this regard I feel much soHcitude for you. Not that I have
any fears of your deliberately going back from any clear convictions
of duty ; but lest, in the clamor your Christian-like course will raise,
you should allow the remonstrances and expostulations of those
whom you may regard as fathers and brethren, wiser and better than
yourself, to shake you in your conclusions, and persuade you to sub-
stitute their views of duty for your own. Many have been led away
from the truth, under circumstances like these, by an improper confi-
dence in others. I trust you will be enabled to resist all such influ-
ences. May God strengthen you, and enable you to set your face
like a flint ; confer not with flesh and blood ! You have a work to
do ; take counsel only of Him who sends you. Remember that " if
any man — ajiy man — will live godly in Christ Jesus, he shall suffer
persecution." But, then, " blessed are ye when men shall revile you and
persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my
sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward ; for
so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." But why
need I quote this ? It is all familiar to you, and perhaps more so
than to me. Such passages, however, come to one's mind on occa-
sions like the present. If not too much trouble, please drop me a line
saying how much, if any, truth there is in the statement copied into
the " Ledger " of Tuesday from the " Hagerstown News," that you
urged on the colored people to rescue those slaves in the riot case.
It is not a matter of much importance, but I feel some curiosity to
know.
Yours, in much sympathy, J. M. M'KiM.
VI.
Jefferson, Ouio, July IS, 1S4T.
My Dear Sir : We have seen notices in the newspapers of a riot
at Carlisle in consequence of attempts to retake fugitive slaves. We
now see it announced that a Mr. Kennady lately died of wounds re-
ceived in such riot. It is also stated that the friends of Mr. Kennady
charge you with his murder, and are about to institute proceedings
i;2
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
at law to punish you for the aid you lent the fug-itives. Censute is
also thrown out against the court, which seems to have in some way
been called to decide some questions ; but we have as yet no distinct
statement of the facts connected with the transaction. Indeed, we
are entirely ig-norant of the circumstances attending it. For the pur-
pose of information I now respectfully ask a statement of the material
facts for my own satisfaction, and, if agreeable to you, for publication,
as all matters relating to our connexion with southern slaver}- are
interesting to our people.
That fugitive slaves have the clearest moral and legal right to de-
fend themselves against their masters, or their masters' agents, when
on the soil of Pennsylvania or Ohio, I think no reputable lawyer will
deny, even though in such defence they should slay their masters and
all who assist their masters to arrest them. It is equally clear that
ever)' man possesses the right to inform such slaves of their privi-
leges while in our territor)-. We may instruct them fully, we may
furnish them arms for the purpose of defending themselves, without
incurring any liability. Indeed, I should regard such an act as a
high moral duty. The slaveholder of Virginia is guilty of as great an
outrage upon the laws of God and the rights of man, when he comes
upon Ohio soil to arrest his fellow-man and force him into servitude,
as he is when he goes to Africa for the purpose of kidnapping the
unoffending people of that country to bring them into slaver)-.
But we permit slaveholders to come upon our own soil and seize
our fellow-men and drag them into interminable bondage, under our
constitutional compact. That compact must be observed. Accord-
ing to the decisions of the United States Supreme Court, we are not
permitted to defend the slave against his master. Second, we may
not secrete the slave from his master : and, third, we must not rescue
the slave from his master's custody. Here our duties under the Con-
stitution cease. Beyond them we may act according to the dictates
of humanity and justice. The slave has made no stipulations, nor
has the Constitution nor the law of Congress prohibited him from
the exercise of his natural right of self-defence. That great first law
of nature remains in full force in Pennsylvania and Ohio, although
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
the slave States have declared it obsolete within their territory, and
have affixed the penalty of death to its exercise by any slave within
their bounds. They have given to the master or his agent the right
to shoot a slave who runs from him when ordered to stop ; they have
given to the white man the privilege of killing any slave who raises
his hand against such white man, even in self-defence ; but, thank
God ! those laws are confined to such States ; they have no existence
in Pennsylvania and Ohio. And when the slave crosses the State line
and enters either Ohio or Pennsylvania, he instantly regains the right
to defend himself, the same as every other American being within our
States possesses. Did I say he regained the right ? I will add, he
reassumes the duty of self-defence. To defend his right to the enjoy-
ment of life and liberty with which God has endowed him, becomes
in him a paramount duty. He does not possess the moral right
tamely to surrender up his own liberty, or that of his offspring in
coming time, to the will of a barbarous master. Cowardice in such
case becomes criminal ; and although we have stipulated that we
will not protect him, we leave him in the full enjoyment of his own
right of self-protection. I am myself no advocate of non-resistance
in such cases. On the contrary, for many years I have, when called
on for professional advice, directed such fugitive slaves to arm them-
selves, and in case their masters should press them and they should
have no other mode of escape, to kill such master or their agents,
whether few or many.
It occurs to me that possibly a new question may arise at Carlisle ;
one that has never been discussed to my knowledge. I under-
stand that some people of your place aided the fugitives in defending
themselves ; perhaps it was colored people, but that does not alter the
case. Such persons would undoubtedly be liable civilly for the pen-
alty provided by act of Congress of 1793, as it would be a violation
of our compact ; but would such persons be liable to a criminal
prosecution for such act, even if they killed the master or his as-
sistants while actually defending the fugitive slaves ? May they not
defend the fugitive as they may a citizen of Pennsylvania, so far as
the laws of Pennsylvania are concerned ? Is there any act of your
174
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
legislature declaring such defence punishable ? There is no such law
of the United States, and if your citizens can be punished criminally
for such act, it must be under your own laws.
I trust that should legal prosecutions be instituted in regard to
those fugitives, or the death of Mr. Kennady, that the attention of
legal gentlemen will be turned to this subject, and that the people of
our free States will claim, that in assisting to arrest fugitive slaves,
they incur the danger of being slain with impunity by such slaves or
their friends. I commenced with the intention of soliciting facts, but
have been led into a legal essay. Please excuse my truant pen.
Very respectfully, J. M. GlDDlNGS.
Trofessor M'Clintock.
P.S. I would not say that Congress has not the power to declare
it criminal for a slave to defend himself, or for any other person to
defend him ; but I only say it has not done so as yet.
n. LETTEKS FROM DR. M'CLINTOCK, AND ms CARD TO THE
PUBLIC.
L
Carlisle, June 10, 1847.
Your letter was duly received, and thank you for it, too. There is
no ground for uneasiness at all on my account, as you will see from
the papers in which the students' statement is given. All is quiet
here. I have done nothing, you may be assured, in the slightest de-
gree wrong, and even Dr. Emory says that I was not imprudent ; so
you may rest assured that all will go well. I simply obeyed the dic-
tates of justice and humanity — that's all.
We are all very well ; all this disturbance has not lost us a night's
rest or the enjoyment of a meal's victuals. To be persecuted by the
vile and wicked is surely no ground for unhappiness, and I do not
intend to be unhappy or even uneasy. The judge is doubtless mor-
tified because it has leaked out all over the country that he did not
know the law, but I have no doubt he will do me justice when the
case comes up for decision in court. As for my leaving the college
I have been ready to do it at any time for years past, and am even
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
1/5
anxious to do it now, so nobody need be troubled on that score.
The southern students are unanimous in declaring that I shall not
leave the institution.
The children are fat and hearty. Caroline has not given way in
the least amid all this tumult. She has too much pluck for that.
I have written so much to-day that really I can write no more.
Miss Jane M'Clixtock.
II.
Carlisle, Jane 10, 1847.
Dear Father : You will have seen, before this reaches you, the
statements in the papers in regard to my sharing in the riot here and
their contradictions. It is only another instance of the persecuting
spirit of slaver)-' and its abettors that this base attempt to injure me
should thus foully be carried on.
I did nothing that was not perfectly legal — nothing that would not
have been done by any man of common humanity under like circum-
stances. My presence at the court-house was purely accidental. It
happened that I knew the law, which the judge and justice did not ;
but that is no crime.
It is needless for me to write you details of the riot, and besides,
I am too busy to write much at length. Be assured that all will
come right. The lawsuits may be expensive, but my friends will
doubtless help me. We are all very well. The students are perfectly
satisfied that all these charges are false.
Mr. John M'Clintock.
III.
Carlisle, June 16, IMl.
I don't know how you got the notion that Caroline took sick about
this riot business ; but you were never more mistaken. It did not
trouble her in that way at all. She has entirely too much substance
to give up in that fashion.
I think you are pretty well aware of the state of facts here. All
the faculty and all the students, northern and southern, are with me.
The substantial middle class of the town are with me. The upper
crust and the rabble are with the slaveholders. The former have
i;6
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
too much fellowship with the aristocracy of slavemasters not to be
on their side : the latter, as usual, try to keep up a depth lower than
their own, and the blacks serve that end. The indictment will run
against me along with twenty or twenty-live other negroes, and will
go so before the grand jury, who may ignore the bill in my case if
they choose. But that is not likely, as some of the fellows will swear
awfully — so that I shal' have to meet the matter in court, August 25.
Then I shall be tried with all the blacks — though it seems strange
law to me if I cannot have a separate trial. But of all that in its
time.
The slaveowners have gathered up all the evidence they could here
in the shape of depositions, and published it with variations and
ornaments in "The Hagerstown Torchlight." I have since received
Maryland and Virginia papers which refuse to copy from " The
Torchlight," stating their disbelief of the yarn. But if they swear
to all that is in that paper they will commit fearful perjury, and will
probably convict your humble servant, and give him some thousand
dollars fine and costs, with a year in the penitentiary. Moreover, the
slavemen are gathering their witnesses with a view to suit in the Cir-
cuit Court of the United States, and if I am cast here, they will push
it there. But I don't think they will attempt it if the grand jury ignore
the bill, or I am acquitted. So now, I reckon, you know as much as
I do.
Let the thing go as it may, I have nothing wherewith to accuse
myself. In any issue it cannot but do good ; and so I thank God
and take courage. It may embarrass my purse for some years, but,
if my health and strength continue, I have no fears on that score.
And my friends have stood by me like wax — all that I have deemed
to be my friends.
The southern trus iees will probably come up boiling with wrath, to
have me expelled. Bless their dear hearts I they need not tiouble
themselves. I am ready enough to go any minute of the year ; nay,
I shall clap my hands with joy to get rid of all these petty vexa-
tions and annoyances. In case I leave this fall, I shall ask you to
rent a small house for us in Jersey City, or to hire us half yours, or to
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 177
board us until spring, whichever you may find most agreeable— always
provided I am not in limbo.
Mr. E, B. Wakkman,
IV.
Carlisle, July 1, 1S47.
Emory thinks that I should institute a libel suit against " The
Herald " before the trial comes off here ; or, at least, take the pre-
liminary proceedings thereto. All this slander and abuse will work
good in the end, not only to the antislavery cause, but to myself
personally. Of that I am well assured. But the parties who have
got up the prosecution, backed by the gold of the slaveholders, will
strain every nerve to convict me. Perjury by wholesale will not be
spared.
Nothing could be more absurd than the attempt to connect Mr.
Kennady's death with his wounds. He was rapidly recovering from
the latter, was very well on Thursday night, ate freely of sponge
cake, against the prohibition of his physician, and died at four o'clock
in the morning.
There is little or no excitement here. The examinations are now
going on prosperously. The trustees meet on Wednesday next. Of
course they will sustain me — or the college will be broken up at once.
Mr. E. B. Wakeman.
V.
Carlisle, Aug. 15, 1847.
I thank you for your assurance of presence and countenance next
week. It is just what I expected of you. Why can't you make your
fixings so as to be here on Saturday night ? Then you can spend
Sunday with us quietly and comfortably. As for court week, you
know, I shall not have much time or opportunity to talk with you.
Pack up, then, and be here on Saturday night. One day cannot
make much difference, as we shall expect you on Monday night at
any rate. But I shall look for you in the cars on Saturday.
Meredith is coming from Philadelphia in my behalf. He stands at
the head of the bar, but what kind of criminal lawyer he is I don't
know. I don't apprehend any thing awful. It would have been a
12
178
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
great comfort to have had Stevens here to score the southerners, but
he could not come.
Bonham tells me I can take the " Herald " to our grand jury, find a
bin, and have a requisition on the governor of New York for Ben-
nett's body, bring him and try him. What would you think of that ?
May be I shall do it with the Maryland fellows.
Good-bye, I have various epistles to write, and it is very hot.
Mr. E. B. Wakeman.
VL
Carlisle, Oct. 6, 1S47.
Dear Robert : — We all concur in opinion that you have done
wisely in not returning here, although it would be pleasanter to see
you again before you sail. The arrangements for your departure are
now finally made, I see, as father informs me in a letter to-day that
he has taken passage for you and Mrs. E. in the "Emily." I wish I
could go to Philadelphia to see you off. Nothing, you may be sure,
but college prevents me from going. I have lost so many days al-
ready that I must not absent myself further. But I can pray for you,
and do, that you may have a prosperous voyage, and a restoration to
health and strength as its consequence.
I wanted to have a long talk with you \yhile here, but it could not be.
It is not necessary for me to speak gratitude to you for all your kind
friendship to me, and especially for its manifestation in the recent
trial case. You know, as well as I can tell you, that I value you more
than any living man, next only to those of my own blood, and hardly
next even to them. It pains me deeply to think that anxiety in re-
gard to my case may have contributed to aggravate your disease
last month. I feel so deeply, too, my unworthiness of your regard
that I sometimes blame myself for allowing you to be here at all,
while at the same time your sympathy and approval were worth as
much to me as all the world's besides.
All these trials that you and I pass through must be designed for
some good end. In my own case I can see their necessity, in yours
I cannot. But He knows who inflicts them. What troubles me
most is, that I cannot see any improvement in my moral character
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
1/9
from them ; I cannot feel that I am more humble, more holy, than I
was years ago, before the hea\y course of afflictions began to which I
and my family have been subjected. It ought not to be so ; it must
not be so. Thoughts like these have occupied my mind a great deal
during the last week, confined as I have been ; I trust that good will
come of them. Sometimes I think that this listless, lifeless, loveless
life would be changed if I were preaching at an appointment ; and
then again I know that intercourse with God does not depend on
time or place, and think that I am trying to throw the blame upon
negotta that ought to lie at my own door. Again, I think of falling
back upon the old-fashioned Methodist life, even here at home,
prayers with preachers, and such like ; and then the fear of cant and
pretence comes over me like a shower bath. But I did not intend
to go on in this strain when I commenced. Still I feel better for
it, and if you don't, you have excused me so often that you are used
to it.
I wish you to send me the best directions you can about letters to
you before you leave, and to communicate promptly afterward where
and how we shall direct to you. If you wish newspapers sent, say
so, and what ; and any thing else that I can do, only let me know
and it shall be done, if I have health and strength. With the letter
to the " Public " I have thrown off that riot business forever, I trust,
and shall now devote myself entirely to college work and writing.
My health is unpromising, however ; this bronchial attack still hangs
on, and such a thing at the beginning of autumn portends badly.
But I hope it will soon be over.
The college is doing admirably well, classes very full, and of very
good material, too. I do not think any thing can break us down
except our own negligence or ill-health. During the present year I
hope to exert myself more successfully than ever, and then to wind
up my work here next spring. But of that I do not talk at present.
And now I stop ; will write to you again at Philadelphia. Do not
reply except to answer the business questions I have put to you ; I
know that writing is not good for you.
Eev. President Emoey.
i8o
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
vn.
TO THE PUBLIC.
Although my name has been connected with the Carlisle riot of
the second of June by the public prints in nearly all parts of the
country, I have thus far made no statement of the case in my own
behalf. Notwithstanding the exaggerated, and even absurd, reports
which gained currency before the trial, I did not deem it proper to
make any such statement until the trial itself should have been held ;
nor had I supposed it would be necessary even then, as, from my
knowledge of the facts, I could not rationally look for any thing else
but an acquittal, which heretofore (at least, in other than political
trials) has been generally deemed among civilized men satisfactor)'
proof of innocence. But as I find that attempts are still made in
certain newspapers, especially in Mar)land and Virginia, to blacken
my character upon the ground that the presiding judge protested
against the verdict, leaving it to be inferred that the twelve gentle-
men of Cumberland County who formed the jury did not render a true
one according to the evidence, although bound by their oaths to do
so, I deem it due to myself to offer a few words for the consid-
eration of all honorable (not to say Christian) men, whether north or
south of Mason and Dixon's line.
Without entering into any minute details, I now simply state, upon
my own personal veracity, that my first know^ledge of the case was
obtained while accidentally passing the court-house at about 5 P. M.,
although the slaves were arrested as early as nine or ten o'clock in
the morning ; that I entered the court-house under the impression,
derived from a clergyman at the door, that there was no sufficient
proof that the woman and child were slaves ; that I knew nothing of
the persons or character of the gentlemen claiming the slaves ; that
my efforts in the case were directed to legal proceedings and none
other ; that no word or act of mine was uttered or done with refer-
ence to forcible or riotous resistance ; that the riot was a source of
the profoundest pain to me ; and that no man regretted its unhappy
consequences more deeply than myself.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
I8l
This statement, I say, is made upon my own personal veracity,
which will, I know, be a sufficient guarantee for its truthfulness with
my friends in the Southern as well as in the Northern States. The
substance of it was amply proved upon the trial, and on that proof
the jur)- acquitted me, as no intelligent jur)- could have failed to do.
I think that any right-minded man who will examine the testimony
on both sides, even as given in the imperfect newspaper reports, (that
of the "Carlisle Democrat " being the most complete, though even
that is imperfect,) will be able to explain it in accordance with the
above statement. I have no disposition to complain of the witnesses
for the prosecution ; least of all to charge any of them with perjury.
My acts and words were misunderstood by them at the time ; and
under a wrong view of my objects, they involuntarily gave the color-
ing of their own feelings to what they saw and heard. All men are
liable to do this, especially in cases suggestive of prejudice or passion ;
and every one knows that questions involving the interests of the
colored race are of this sort. In the recent trial, acts, and even
words, testified to by witnesses for the prosecution, bore a \txy dif-
ferent aspect when stated by those for the defence ; thus verifying at
least one sense of the maxim, cuin duo diciint idem, non est idem.
Many of the witnesses for the Commonwealth are personally un-
known to me ; but I do not think that any of them would charge me
with intending to excite a riot.
It is very true, that so far as the judge's opinion, publicly announced
after the verdict and since widely circulated in the newspapers can
go, I stand before the American public branded as a rioter. But I
have the satisfaction to know that men learned in the law, older
and wiser than he, and more experienced in sifting testimony,
who carefully attended to the trial throughout, with no interest in
my conviction or acquittal beyond the interest of truth and justice,
were satisfied that my conduct was vindicated by the evidence, and
that the verdict of the jury was a most true and righteous one.
That some mistakes were committed by the jur)" in regard to the
colored defendants is not to be wondered at. There were, I think.
l82
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
thirty-six persons embraced in the indictment, of whom twenty-nine
were put upon their trial ; and although the counsel for the defence
asked that my trial should be separated from that of the colored de-
fendants, on the ground that the minds' of the jury must necessarily
be confused by the amount of testimony that would be offered, the
Court refused to separate. A Mansfield could not have kept the
multitudinous evidence in regard to all the defendants clearly before
his mind without careful notes ; and even then he might have been
puzzled, as the bar certainly were in one or two instances on the re-
cent trial. Moreover, the grand jury returned a wrong name in
finding a bill against Rachel Johnson, instead of Richard. The
traverse jury were sworn upon the indictment thus found ; and when
(after the trial had gone on for some time) the mistake was de-
tected, the bill, without the consent of the traverse jury or the coun-
sel for the defendants, was sent back to the grand jury, kept by
them during the adjournment of the court, and returned with the
name corrected. The prosecuting attorney, with the consent of the
court, but without that of the defendants, then entered a nolle pro-
sequi against Richard Johnson, and the trial proceeded without
the traverse jury being again sworn. With what reason the jury
can be blamed, therefore, for accidental error in their verdict, I
leave for all impartial men to decide ; especially, when it is added
that their attention was withdrawn from the colored defendants to a
great extent, and concentrated upon myself, throughout the trial, by
the course of the pleadings. The result of this concentrated atten-
tion was a verdict of acquittal in my behalf.
My cordial thanks are due to the citizens of Carlisle, who have
shown me so much kindness during the progress of this trial, and
also to the editors of various newspapers in Maryland and Virginia,
as well as in Pennsylvania, who have taken the pains to give both sides
of the story. I trust that not only they, but all who have published
accounts of the trial, will copy this statement.
John M'Clintock.
Caelisle, Septemler 25, 1847.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
183
CHAPTER V.
:847, 1848.
Calm after the Storm— Increase in the Number of College Students — Generosity of Dr.
M'Clintock's Friends— Illness of President Emory, and his Departure for the West Indies
— Illness of Professor Caldwell — Correspondence of Dr. M'Cliiitock with his two Sick
Associates— Letter from one Diving Man to Another— Death of President Emorj' and of
Professor Caldwell — Professor M'Clintock's Eesignation of his Professorship — His Growth
during the Twelve Tears — His Life in Carlisle considered as a Preparation for his Subse-
quent Career.
HE alternations of trial in this period of Professor
M'Clintock's life followed each other in quick suc-
cession, and from the character of his temperament affect-
ed him very deeply. His sensibility to all impressions
gave keenness both to his sorrow and his joy. His elas-
tic spirit, however, carried him onward victoriously, and
enabled him (the causes of disturbance once past) to
resume with vigor the many undertakings with which
his hands were filled. The college opened for the fall
term of 1847 the next month after the riot trial, and to
his great delight students flocked to it in larger num-
bers than ever before. Some of its friends had expressed
gloomy forebodings of the future ; but the event proved
that there was no occasion for fear. In November he
writes to his associate, President Emory, who had gone
to the West Indies for the restoration of his shattered
health :—
I am able to attend to all my college duties, and to get on a little
with the " First Book in Greek." If the college did not require one
to spend time in hearing recitations, or attending to students, I
should think a professor's place one of the pleasantest in the world ;
1 84 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
as it is, I feel myself happy at my work, but more happy in the pros-
pect of being in freer circumstances next year. *' Neander " is
printed, preface and all, but the Messrs. Harper do not think it best
to publish until February, so as to have the book fresh for the spring-
trade, and I suppose they are right. And as you take almost as
much interest in my affairs as in your own, it may gratify you to
learn that several friends, as large-handed as yourself, have sent me
aid toward the expense of the riot case — the whole amounting to
about five hundred dollars. Did ever any body have such friends ?
But do you know (I shall feel better to let it out) that I have had
more strange and bad feelings about the kindness of my friends, than
about all the malice of foes. The weight of obligation crushes me,
and I feel as if I must rid myself of it somehow. This is pride,
doubtless, but I hope something better is mixed up with it.
If I have traced successfully the outh'nes of this life, so
as to make of it a well-defined picture, I have shown in
what close bonds of friendship the members of the Fac-
ulty of Dickinson College lived together. They were
large-minded men, who fully trusted one another, and
never found their trust betrayed. Dr. Durbin, the first
president, who left in 1845 enter upon the pastorate,
and then upon his great work as missionary secretary,
wrote, in 1850, to one of his old associates: My visit to
Carlisle awoke in me the beautiful and anxious memories
of the days that may never return. I remember them
with pleasure and pain. They were the days of my manly
friendships — peace — peace ! Ah well, they may be re-
newed hereafter." The little circle was now about to be
broken, and its members scattered. President Emory
had, Avhile travelling, in 1847, been taken with bleeding
of the lungs, and had been ordered to a warnier climate.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
185
Professor Caldwell, the senior of the Faculty, whose
health had been precarious for several years, had gone to
his home in Portland, Maine, to end his days. The pros-
pect of losing these friends made the continuance in his
post painful for Professor M'Clintock to contemplate.
He believed, too, that his office imposed restraints upon
the full expression of his opinions which he was not
willing to bear. He had been admirably sustained by
the college authorities and the southern students, but
he knew perfectly well how incurable were the prejudices
created by the angry debate between the North and the
South. Invitations came to him to take the presidency
of Genesee Seminary, of Alleghany College, a professor-
ship in the Wesleyan University, and from some of his
friends, the editorship of the Methodist Quarterly Re-
view. The college proposals he declined, and with re-
gard to the last he determined to wait the course of
events.
The entries in his diary from this date are few and
very brief. As his cares multiplied, and his correspond-
ence grew in volume, there was little time or strength
left for an exact summary of each day's proceedings.
Such passages as the following tell their own story : —
Sunday, Nov. 2 1 . Cldss-meeting at half-past eight. Took bad cold
at 's funeral on Friday, and suffer much from it to-day. Got let-
ter from last night, which afflicted me deeply. The iron is be-
ginning to enter my heart. One wave of sorrow after another has
rolled over me for the last ten years. My head is becoming gray.
Yet I have many blessings, Latts Deo ! Did not go to church to-
day, feeling too unwell.
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Tuesday, Nov. 29. Sat up last night till two o'clock studying and
comparing Greek and Latin accents. Read " Bion., Sext. Empir,,"
" Herodotus," etc. Got clearer views than usual. Letter to Nadal
from J. P. D. with one hundred and twenty-six dollars, on account
of riot ! Really my friends overpower me.
If, however, his diary is meagre, his correspondence
with his two sick associates and other friends contains a
full history of this last and eventful year of his college
life :—
To President Emory.
Kovemhcr 26, 1847.
I have to-day received a letter, asking me if I were willing to take
the presidency of Alleghany College. Aint I rising? Lima, New-
ark, Alleghany, all in a row ! I think you will agree with me in
saying that no man who wants to study hard should undertake the
presidency of a college. I continue to receive kind offers from Mid-
dletown, on condition that I leave here next year ; but, of course, I
have no views in that quarter.
The signs of the times indicate that the Church property will not
be divided. The plan most in favor now is to give the Church
South, zn perpetuo, the right to purchase books at cost — not cost of
stereotype plates, buildings, etc., included, for these were laid in
part with their own money — but simple cost of work, wages, etc.
On the whole, I don't know but this plan would give them their own
pretty effectually ; and if it would, it would save great difficulty in
division, and great waste, too. I am glad to say that Griffith is com-
ing round to our view of giving the South its share — indeed, he ex-
pressed himself the other day pretty effectually about it. If he had
done this sooner, and had pledged Bond to it, the whole Church
would have been ready for it by this time.
Jnnunrxj 1, 1S48.
Abel Stevens's plan to give the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, books at cost price, (not including the cost of stereotype
plates, etc.,) seems to be becoming more popular than any other at
the North. But at the South it is utterly distasteful. I can hardly
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
187
see how a lawsuit can be avoided about this wretched property,
and am often tempted to wish it all burned up. The Church conr
troversy makes less stir than it did ; but that is because men's minds
are made up to break the plan of separation to pieces next May, and
begin our missionary work South as well as North. No other prop-
osition to pay the money but Stevens's will be likely to carry at the
next General Conference.
January 23, 1S4S.
Your letters are provokingly abstemious of all statements in regard
to your health. We gather partly that you are improving, and partly
that you are not. Do be more explicit — especially if you have good
news to communicate. I told you in my last — and will now repeat
again for fear you should not get it — that Mr. Griffith and others of
the Board think that the way will be clear for me to take the presi-
dency of the college next July. But I feel an almost invincible re-
pugnance to undertaking the responsibility — especially under the
unfavorable auspices under which I must necessarily do it. It has
been suggested that Dr. Olin should take the missionary' secretary-
ship, and I take his place at Middletown ; that would be (for ;//<?) out
of the frying-pan into the fire.
Januarij 31, 1S4S.
I have no idea that my friends in New Jersey will send me to
Pittsburgh. All that I can do will doubtless have to be done by
lobbying and by stuffing some of the real live delegates. There are
a few points on which I feel great interest, and on those I have al-
ready succeeded in indoctrinating certain strong men. Old friend
Griffith will go to the death, I think, for an equitable division of the
Church property. He says it's a great piece of business for the
blubbering brethren who voted the plan of division with tears in
their eyes to come out now to undo their own act by repudiation.
So far as he can, he will hold them to their bargain — a bargain
which he had no hand in making, and always thought wrong and
foolish, but which cannot be broken salva fide. I trust the northern
brethren will yet see this question in the same light as we do here.
i88
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
and let us rid ourselves of this miserable money fight in a way
worthy of honorable and Christian men.
April 21, 1548
I received eighteen votes in Jersey for General Conference. Don't
you think I ought to go and take a seat on the strength of it ? My
future movements are quite uncertain. There is little probability of
the General Conference electing me to the Quarterly Reinew — in-
deed, I don't see the slightest chance of it. They still propose the
presidency of the college to me, but I have little idea of being Jack-
at-a-pinch in that way.
To Professor Caldwell.
May S, 1543.
It may be that you take too strong a view of your case ; but if you
do not, and the end of your labors is really at hand, I do not know
that any consolation to us could be so great as the calm and steady
confidence which your letter evinces. You may leave a little sooner
than the rest of us ; it wont be long. Life is precious for its uses —
when these are gained, the change of one mode of existence for an-
other, and a better, is not a thing to be deplored. Such, I think,
were my own feelings during my severe illness, when, doubtless, I
was much better prepared for such a change than I now am.
With calm reliance upon the great Author of life through our Re-
deemer, such as you enjoy, death will have no sharp sting ; the
grave will have no victory to boast of. So, my brother, if you
must go before us, we shall not grieve for yon, but for ourselves — ■
and that, too, but briefly, for our little history here will also soon be
wound up. May we all meet in a better land !
We have letters from Emor}-, from Charleston. There is no im-
provement in his health, and he does not look for any improvement
hereafter. His health is failing regularly, and he will probably come
up to Baltimore in a few weeks, though his movements in that re-
spect are not fully decided upon. He writes in great peace of mind
and religious confidence, with no idea of prolonged life in this world.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
May 18, 1848.
I returned on Tuesday from Baltimore, where I had been to see
Emory. I conversed with him in regard to his religious prospects as
fully as his feeble condition would allow, and found his mind calmly
and firmly stayed on Christ his Redeemer. His peace of soul, he
told me, surprised even hirhself. No fear, no uncertainty, no hesita-
tion even ; but a fixed and steadfast confidence of acceptance in
Christ Jesus. Of course I expected nothing else, but yet it was grat-
ifying to receive such comforting testimonies from his own lips.
In spite of the contents of your letter, 1 cannot but cherish a hope
that your disease may not have gone so far as you suspect. And
yet I am not sure that it is right to cherish such hopes. For oui
friends, as well as for ourselves, it is doubtless better for us to say,
"Thy will, O Lord, be done." He knows what is best for us, far
better than we can. With Christ, "who is our life," within our
hearts, it cannot be hard to die. Death is not death for such. I
preached on Sunday week from the words, " Because I live, ye shall
live also " — the Redeemer's life the pledge and surety of his chil-
dren's. In the spirit of that text there is no death. All is life in
Christ. "The first Adam," says Paul, "was made a viial being,
the second Adam is a life-creating spirit." As sons of the life-
giver, our lives cannot fail. A change, to be sure, there is in our
mode of existence ; and what we call death is the transition-point of
that change ; but it is no dissolution, thank God !
It is blessed, indeed, for us to learn from your letters how perfect
your confidence is. May your peace abound yet more and more,
and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly in soul, body, and
spirit !
May 27, 1848.
I have been occupied day and night in preparing Emory's funeral
sermon, which I preached this morning in the church. I trust that
the Holy Spirit was with us, and that the contemplation of our dear
departed friend's lofty character may have stimulated many to strive
to follow him as he followed Christ. The text was 2 Tim. i, 7 : sub-
ject, the Spirit of Christianity a spirit of — I. Energy, not " fear,"
IQO LIFE AND LETTERS OF
hut/>07ver; IL Softened and animated by /^^d/ ; II L Guided by ^^-/z-
lightencd intellect — " a sound mind." These heads afforded tolera-
ble means of unfolding the life and character of our beloved presi-
dent, who, I think, lived a breathing commentary upon the passage,
and a constant illustration of the spirit of Christianity.
That our hearts are subdued within us under the dealings of God
you may well imagine. Emory's death, and your illness, no favora-
ble termination of which can be hoped for, according to your state-
ments, must, indeed, w^eigh heavily upon us. It is hard for us even
to conceive why our feather should take away those who seem fitted
to be his best and most available instruments in the very bloom of
their usefulness, and when their labors seem to be most of all needed.
Yet he is our Father still. What better can we do than to say, " It is
the Lord ; let him do as seemeth him good." As he told his weep-
ing disciples shortly before his own death, " What I do ye know
not now, but ye shall know hereafter," so let us hope that in that
better world we shall see light in his light, even upon these, the very
darkest of his dealings with us.
The feeling of the students is most profound, and the results of
Emor)''s death to them, as of his life, cannot but be salutary. The
town, too, has shown much more sympathy and feeling than I had
deemed it capable of.
It may be thought that it was a melancholy task to
carry on a correspondence with two dying men — one of
them in the extreme north of the United States, and the
other in the West Indies. But to these three friends the
Christian religion was the most real of all realities. They
had staked their lives upon its promises, had shaped
their conduct by its precepts, and had drawn largely
from its consolations. Wholly free from cant, or pre-
tence of any kind, they contemplated the separation
which was clearly inevitable with an affectionate interest
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. I9I
in each other, but with, at the same time, a perfect trust
in God. Professor Caldwell, in whom quiet heroism was
a conspicuous trait of character, a few days before his
own decease dictated the following letter to President
Emory : —
PoETLAND, May — , 1848.
From the last I heard from you I suppose we may be about equally
near the boundary that separates the two worlds ; and being able
(though barely able) to wTite a line, I avail myself of the Providence
which it thus grants of giving you one more expression of my affec-
tion, and of testifying the unspeakable goodness of God in sustaining
me thus far through a sickness of great suffering and physical de-
pression. So marked has been God's favor to me through Jesus
Christ, that I have been enabled from the first to feel that all is for
the best ; and now, that I draw near to the final issue, that even
death is gain.
I doubt not God is equally present with you. May he sustain us
to the end ! Give my love to your family friends, who I am happy to
learn are with you. So soon to meet, I will not say farewell. God
be with us both till we reach our better home in heaven.
A letter from one dying man to another is something
unusual, but one such as this is rare indeed in litera-
ture. The tolling bell which summoned the students
and people of the borough to pay their last tribute of
respect to the memory of the deceased president, sound-
ed soon again to announce the death of the senior pro-
fessor. Professor M'Clintock felt from this time that his
life in Carlisle, which had been so congenial in its com-
panionships, so rich in the fruits of his own growth, and
so abounding in happiness, was torn up by the roots. It
was impossible for him to remain where the painful
memory of so many broken ties pressed upon him. He
192
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
needed relief, and sought it in a new sphere, new activi-
ties, and new relations with his fellow-men.
To Dr. Olin,
May 2T, 1S4S.
Let me say how deeply penetrated we all are with the spontane-
ous offering of your Faculty in the resolutions sent to us, and read
in faculty-meeting on Friday. As no usage demanded such an ut-
terance, it is the more grateful to us all. The resolutions have been
communicated to the family, to whom also I took the liberty of read-
ing your letter. It soothed and softened their hearts.
Your estimate of my dear friend is a very just one indeed. On one
point you need correction: he not only found you "congenial," but
admired and loved you fervently ; indeed, I am sure that I have
never known him speak in terms of higher esteem or warmer affec-
tion for any man than for yourself. Count him, then, among the
loving friends that you are to meet in heaven. O praclaruui diem,
quum ad illiid divi7ium animorum concilium ccetumque projicis-
camur !
You will hardly think that I exaggerate when I assure you that
Robert was the best and purest man that I have ever known. His
aim was so entirely single that his whole life was clarified by it. His
religious experience, since the memorable manifestation of the Spirit
which he received, in 1835, after days of solitary wrestling with God,
has been always of the most satisfactory tenor. On the question of
his acceptance with Christ, there has never been any doubt or dark-
ness, and so it continued to the very last. I reached Baltimore on
the day of his arrival there, (Thursday, May 11,) but he was so weak
that I could not see him until Friday morning. On that day and the
two following I had various conversations with him, but all very
brief, as he was utterly prostrated. " My peace is abounding," said
he ; " it has been great during all my sickness, and is still so great
and so unbroken that I wonder at it myself" There was no false
confidence, no want of self-scrutiny, but he had Christ in his heart ;
his life had been hid with Christ in God, and Christ was with him in
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
his dying hours. On Wednesday he made his will, and afterward, as
if loth that his last strength should be devoted to worldly matters,
he bore testimony to all that were present of the love of God, and of
his sure hope in Christ. On Thursday he was still more feeble, and
on Thursday night, at half-past eight, he quietly went to sleep in
Jesus. So may we rest in Christ !
My feelings have been, I fear, almost morbid ; but I am more than
ever determined to try to do the duties which God may lay upon me
faithfully. If I can be convinced, or can convince myself, that it is
my duty to remain here, I shall most assuredly do so. Whatever oth-
ers may think, I am sure that I am not the right man for the office
of president. I write to you, as I believe you will know and admit,
without any cant. I assure you that I am not disposed to think too
humbly of myself. I do not doubt my intellectual capacity to fill the
post creditably, as such posts are commonly filled in this country,
but I have not the moral fitness. I am too impulsive, too unsteady,
to be taken as a model for young men ; and the young men of a col-
lege will make its president their model, if he is a man of any mark
at all. For mere position of any sort I have no kind of ambition ;
and my happiness will be secured by the humble relations of a station
in New York more effectually than by any office in the Church-
Again, my convictions on the slavery question unfit me especially
for this place. I could not take it under any gag, and I might be-
come an incendiary before any body would know it. You see I can
make out a pretty strong case.
One of Emory's last anxieties was in regard to the division of the
Church property. I told him that I thought some equitable plan
would certainly be adopted, and he thanked God most fervently for
the prospect. It looks ill now for the realization of his hopes and
mine ; but I hope still for the best.
In the warm midsummer, when the reapers were gath-
ering in the rich harvests of the valley, Commencement
came, with its pleasurable excitements and troops of
13
194 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
friends. There were long and anxious consultations, for
the old was to pass away and the new to begin. The
gaps left in the Faculty of instruction by death and con-
templated removal were to be filled, and these were so
many as to mark the close of one period of college his-
tory and the opening of another. Universal regret was
created by Professor M'Clintock's resignation, and every
honor that his friends could think of, as appropriate, was
paid him. It was for him, too, the closing of a distinct
period of his life. He could look back over the twelve
years spent in Carlisle with unalloyed satisfaction. He
had come thither a young man, but little known, and
with powers but little tried. He had grown as few men
can or do grow in the same length of time, and had pre-
pared himself for the larger activities of succeeding years.
He had secured from the Church and the world the recog-
nition, which is the strongest incentive to continuous ex-
ertion. Hitherto he had been wholly a student ; hence-
forth he is to be both a student and a man of affairs, and
to attempt the difficult problem of harmonizing two
opposite modes of life. Here, in the quiet of this old
borough, he had set up his first home, had tasted the
first sweetness of domestic joy, and had felt the first
sharp strokes of sorrow in the death of children, kin-
dred, and friends. His various experience had enriched
him both in what it brought and in what it took away.
His subsequent career was prosperous, but no such
light rested upon it as glorified these twelve eventful
years. Perhaps it must be so. In the long day which
we call human life the sun can rise but once ; the fresh-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. I95
ness of the early morning can be but once ; the exhilarat-
ing sense of power, not yet wearied, can be ours but
for a brief space ; the splendor with which we ourselves
clothe all things visible,
" The light that never was on sea or land,"
we pour forth over the world, and it soon fades, to remain
with us after only as a precious memory. The transi-
tion in Professor M'Clintock from the exuberance of his
earlier manhood to the sedateness of middle age was
very clear to his own mind, and very distinctly noticed
by his friends.
But the death of Robert Emory was for him a loss
never repaired. He had counselled with him, had leaned
on him for support, and had found in him one to
whom he could impart griefs, joys, fears, hopes, sus-
picions, and whatsoever lay upon the heart to oppress it."
Their correspondence, of which I have given, in propor-
tion to its bulk, only few illustrations, is beautiful in its
unreserve. ^' I have thought," writes Professor M'Clin-
tock, when they were separated in 1840, since your de-
parture, that I was almost too hasty in undertaking to
teach the classics. I fear my knowledge will fail me
when I come to sit in the chair which you have filled ;
I fear that the contrast will be too great, and that I shall
lose the respect of the students. Deeply do I lament
the irregularity of my mental action, the want of sted-
fastness in my moral progress, the lack of fervor and
zeal in my moral character. I would follow after
you, my brother, my friend, though I shall do it /taud
196 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
passibus ceqiiis!' And in the same year again : My
reproof (of neglect of correspondence) was a very gentle
one ; at all events, I meant it to be such, for I felt gentle
enough, as I always do when writing to you or thinking
of you. You are right in saying that no experience
will ever make me prudent. I am satisfied that my na-
ture, almost, must be altered before I can be, either in
word or deed. I say and do things, every day of my life,
for which I am sorry when I lie down at night and think
over the events of the day ; not that I do bad things,
but simply because I do imprudent things. Is there
any remedy for this evil ? I wish I could travel a circuit
with you for a year or two. You did me great good
when you were here, but, now that you are gone, I fear
I shall relapse again."
The travelling together longer was not to be. They
had come to the parting of the ways, and while one
faded into the infinite distance, the other remained
to cherish the recollection of a sweetness and purity
which had blessed so many years of his life.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
CHAPTER VI.
1848-1852.
Elected Editor of the "Methodist Quarterly Eeview "— Eemoves to Jersey City— Despon-
dent about his Health — Discusses with Dr. Olin the Policy of the " Eeview " — Eeg-rets the
loss of the Society of old Friends — Enlists the Co-operation of able Contributors— Discussion
and Analysis of Comte's System of Positivism — Effort to make the " Quarterly" both Schol-
arly and Practical — Demands Independence in the Treatment of Methodist Questions — Death
of his Wife — Trip to Europe in the Summer of 1850 — Enjo5'ment of the Sea — Attentions from
German University Professors— Inclination to Settle in Europe for several Years— Eeturn
Home in greatly improved Health— Death of Dr. Olin— Second Marriage of Dr. M'Clintock
— Elected President of Wesleyan University, but Declines the Position — Preaching — Work
npon Church Catechisms— Weariness of Editorial Drudgery— Letters.
HE General Conference, which met in 1848 in the
city of Pittsburgh, elected Professor M'Clintock to
the editorship of the " Methodist Quarterly Review."
His predecessor, Rev. Dr. George Peck, was made editor
of the " Christian Advocate." The new position was in
every way agreeable to the subject of our memoir : its
duties accorded well with his scholarly tastes. No
time was lost in completing the necessary arrangements
for settling his household, and by midsummer his home
was re-established among his wife's kindred in Jersey
City. He found, however, that in this change he had
left blessings as well as ills behind him. He missed the
associations which had made his Carlisle life so delight-
ful. The dropping in for a half-hour's chat, the ^' linger-
ing over the dying embers of the fire " before saying
good-night to some wholly trusted friend, were impossi-
198 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
ble in the great and bustling city. Living, as he did, so
entirely in his affections, he felt that something was lost
which could not be at once replaced. In his correspond-
ence he dwells much on the old times " which were
never to return. Nothing pleased him better than to
gather at his house, in Jersey City, as many as he could
of his former associates and their families. Then there
would be days of merriment and fun, of joke and glee-
ful reminiscence, which carried him back to the years
when they were all young together.
The precarious condition of his health helped, perhaps,
to make his return to New York less enjoyable than he
had hoped. Shortly before leaving Carlisle he was seized
with a spasm of pain which disturbed the action of the
heart, deprived him for a time of consciousness, and left
him greatly prostrated. It was, no doubt, brought on by
overwork. He was for two years after subject to like at-
tacks, which came upon him without warning, and kept
him in constant apprehension of sudden death. The
trouble proved to be only functional, and was removed by
judicious treatment, rest, and travel. While it lasted, he
was incapable of laborious exertion. Long sitting at his
desk brought on a recurrence of the distressing symptoms,
and compelled him to lay aside book and pen. Vigorous
preaching was, under these circumstances, out of the ques-
tion. Uncertain whether he might not suddenly lose
his consciousness while in the street, he frequently used
the precaution of taking a companion with him when
going to his office in New York and returning home
again.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
199
But somehow, whether sick or well, he was certain to
have a good time. If he could not do all the work he
wished, he did what he could, and trusted to the favor
of Providence for the rest. He accepted sickness as a
discipline, and always said that he needed it for his
good. It depressed him, as it depresses every vigorous
man, but he had been so long schooled to pain that he
yielded to its visitations with something of a child's sub-
missiveness. It was his portion, and what sweetness
could be extracted from it he would find. His letters,
however, will tell all this better than T can : —
New York, July 2G, 184S.
If you could look in upon us to-day, either at 200 Mulberry-street
or at Jersey City, you would find busy folks. At No. 200 I am striv-
ing to get my drawers, shelves, tables, papers, etc., arranged to suit me,
so that my work may go on smoothly hereafter ; and in Jersey City,
Mrs. M'C, Mrs. Wakeman, and the children are up to their eyes and
ears in straw and dirt, unpacking beds, kettles, pots, and pans, from the
various boxes in which we stowed them away in Carlisle. Think of
such feeble folks as we are, with broken hearts and weak chests, doing
so much packing and unpacking. If my circulation was impeded at
Carlisle, it has had a pretty good flow since I left, as not a single
dollar was in my purse when I reached New York,
Of course we are among the best of friends here — and at home —
but it does not seem like home. It will be a long, long time before
our Carlisle friends and Carlisle life will lose their hold upon our
affections or our memory. The associations formed there, so close
and intimate, we cannot have the like of again — the circumstances
that allowed us to form them cannot come again. So much of our
life has gone — may we renew those happy affections in a better
world !
We are glad to hear that you have gone into your house — you will
200
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
surely be more comfortable in every respect. How pleasantly we
could spend our vacation with you, if we were there. But I talk of
vacations as if I had any part in them — but that is all gone. You
must not think us dissatisfied in any sense with our new position ;
but we cannot easily forget the old one, and the old friends that ever
clustered around us there. And we are glad that it is so. Long as
we live, will we love our Carlisle home and friends, and you especial-
ly, whom for so many years we have had in such close intimacy. If
it were possible, how glad we should be to have you near us, and
enjoy your fellowship again.
August 10, 184S.
I go over to the Book Room every day, and do up all the business
that is to be done. I have not attempted to write much — that is,
any thing that requires labor and thought ; nor shall I for several
weeks to come. The business of the office, with the arrangement of
the library, directing carpenters, workmen, etc., is about all I do,
and it is just the kind of work for me now. The children are hearty,
but, hke their parents, they miss Carlisle, and would like to go back.
To Doctor Olin.
New York, October^ 1848.
Whether I have actual organic disease of the heart I know not.
The first attack was on Commencement Day, July 13, and if it were
purely nervous I should think it ought to have vanished by this time :
but instead of that, I have more or less of it every day. When I re-
frain absolutely from study and writing, I get on quite well ; but after
hard reading, thinking, talking, or writing a few pages, all is undone
again. I aim to do as little as I possibly can, but even that effort
tries me, where so much work is staring me in the face. I don't
know that I can give any more information about my ailments, and
will therefore drop 'em — at least from my letter.
I take to the full all your exhortation : and have my head and heart
full of things to say to the preachers and the Church on the subject
of culture. But in my present health (there it is again ! ) I dare not
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
20I
write. Cannot you give me something on the subject ? Even a few
pages at a time You can rouse thousands with your trumpet tones.
Will you do it ? My " abjClration of conser\'atism " is precisely ex-
pressed in one sentence of your own letter — " /^e error of such con-
servatives consists in their attempts to stay and reverse, instead of
accelerating, progress." I mean, and hope, to be a conservative of
the forward kind ; not falling into any extravagance, or ism, if I can
keep out, by the grace of God, but striving to get the Church at its
work of growth within and without. The "naughtiness of slave-
holders " I shall not meddle with until I see good reason to ; much
rather the naughtiness of impoverishing our itinerancy by admitting
boys who can hardly read and making preachers of them ; the
naughtiness of baptizing infants and then treating them as if they
were heathen, until the breath of a revival comes over to convert
them, instead of holding them as initiated into the Church, as our
standards do, and training them up for her service and God's. Only
help me in all this and I will mend your quotation : " Olin inemi-
nisse juvabit."
On the matter of the relation of baptized infants to the Church, my
mind and heart are constantly at work. I think I have written or
spoken to you before about it, and that you agree with me in whole
or in part ; but I should like to hear from you more definitely. I
have just received Bushnell's " Christian Nurture," and really I must
go great part of the way with him. Have you read the book ?
To his Carlisle Friends.
October, 1848.
I have just read a new book, with a taking title, " The Conquerors
of the New World and their Bondsmen," which would interest you I
think. It treats of the discovery and first settlement of the West
Indies, and tells how the white people abused the brown people, who
faded away before them like a mist, and how the black people were
brought in to fill the gap and toil in chains and bondage. The ro-
mance of that strange histor)' is ever new, told by whom it may be —
Irving, Prescott, or a nameless nobody, it is still the most attractive
202
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
of all histories, unless, indeed, perhaps the more wondrous romance
of Napoleon and his bondsmen, which Mrs. M'Clintock finds ever
new and ever delightful. She is even now reading a most charming
little book, the " Autobiography of Heinrich Steffens," a professor in
the University of Halle, a most genial man of letters and philosophy,
who was driven from his books by the thunder of Bonaparte's cannon
after the battles of Jena and Auerstadt ; and who afterward followed
the Prussian army in its pursuit of the retreating French in 1814 even
up to the walls of Paris. It is a most graphic set of pictures — and I
wish you could see them ; but the book is not published in this coun-
try and I only stole this copy from Harpers'. It has to be returned.
My, but isn't my letter getting bookish! If I were to tell you all the
books I have gutted (excuse the word, but there is no other in the
language for it) this week, I should have to take two or three sheets
instead of one. I wish, most heartily, that I could run in and have a
talk, but those pleasant days are over. Let us strive to do the duties
of life as well as to enjoy its fleet pleasures ; that so, through Christ,
our merciful Redeemer, we may enter the world of perpetual pleasure
hereafter.
Decemher 8, 1S48.
My health is better this week than for several weeks past. The
pain in my heart returns more seldom, and is less violent when it
does come, and altogether I feel more confidence in my chest than I
have lately done. But the buoyant, youthful — even extravagant —
spirit of lite which I used to enjoy, seems gone forever. Life ap-
pears sombre to me, even in my most cheerful hours. Not that I am
gloomy or lowspirited at all— I don't think that feeling has had pos-
session of me for many hours in years past — but the bright light that
used to stream over every object seems fading more and more. My
heart clings to my friends (those who are left) more closely than ever,
and it seems almost a sin not to be seeing them, or thinking about
them, or writing to them, all the time. Did you ever have such a
feeling as that ? Sometimes I think I am unlike every body else—
and a great " fool for my pains." But after all it is best so.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
203
To Doctor Olin.
December 3, 1848.
Your coming here will be a wonderful blessing to me — unless you
make a very short visit, or I am hindered from enjoying your society.
At such times, and at such only, do I regret that I live in New Jersey,
and not in the city. But it must be managed somehow — for I have
not seen the face of a friend since I left Carlisle — except Floy's for a
few minutes. It's a very barren soil about here. There is no one at
all that I can take to, male or female — and it is not a happy way to
live. My health, too, is so uncertain, that it seems folly to keep away
from one's friends. Whether I am to be a grumbling, nervous inva-
lid for the rest of my days or not, is a very grave question, and from
present appearances I fear it must be answered in the affirmative. I
tried to preach a Sunday or two ago and had to sit down before I had
much more than begun, leaving Bishop Janes to take up the dropped
thread, which he did, I am told, very successfully — better, doubtless,
than if it had not been dropped. But I won't inflict my heart-beat-
ings on you, as they are all physical, and, therefore, should be borne
as silently and patiently as possible.
Who can write me such an article as ought to be made on the
duty of the Church toward her baptized children } Do help me out
with this — it makes the blood run quick in my veins to write the
sentence, I feel so strongly on the subject. And so I have felt for
long — a sense of almost personal guilt about the children, as about
missions — the two great elements of the kingdom of Christ on earth,
both of which we Methodists are leaving almost untouched. But I
must not dwell on these matters, or I shall be excited and hurt.
Your sermon is selling widely and will do great good. I shall help
to spread it, and thus try to do something indirectly. I fear that my
preaching days are over — indeed, they never were to any great ex-
tent.
To his Carlisle Friends.
July 3, 1849.
How uncertam every thing in this life appears to me of late. Even
the very houses and trees appear unsubstantial and treacherous to
204
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
me — stars, sun, moon, sky — all appear so transitor)^ What a con-
trast between these feelings and those of earlier life, when I had con-
fidence in every thing — a buoyant spirit within, and all things bright
without ! The " buoyant spirit within," I suppose, makes the chief
difference — and that, I fear, is gone from me forever — at least for
this life. But if we ever reach heaven, I judge there will be nothing
to repress or chill the heart — nothing to give this dreary sense of un-
certainty— to overspread the fairest scenery with darkness as here.
But I did not dream of writing in this strain when I began.
Feht-uary, 1849.
Well, there's a wonderful difference between visiting at Carlisle,
and working in New York. There it was nothing but pleasure from
morning till night — seeing friends whose faces brightened at one's ap-
proach and whose hearts were rejoiced by one's presence — while here,
no one cares who you are, morning, noon, or night. But how foolish
it is to be drawing these contrasts ; I'll just stop it and tell you son>e
new^s. We are just about to purchase a house here that will cost us
$4,500. I keep up as happy and cheerful a spirit as possible, and at
home, with my family and books, I am happy indeed. But so far as
the happiness of enjoying the society of congenial friends goes, I have
none of it, and that far, suffer a sad drawback upon life.
Mar-ch, 1849.
It is Sunday night. You are sitting in the parlor, I suppose, (un-
less attending to hospital duties up stairs— I hope not,) reading, your
mother on one side and on the other ; the children near by, if
they have not gone to bed. I am sitting at the table, the grate burn-
ing brightly at my left hand, and sperm candle before me, in that
very candlestick which you, doubtless, remember, and Mrs. M'C. in
the arm-chair, near the fire, reading the " Wesleyan Missionary
Notices," wdth strange accounts of the cannibals of the foreign
islands eating people up, fighting with sharks, and such like enter-
taining amusements. The children are in the front room (my study
is the back room, up stairs) fast asleep. Now there is a description
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
205
from which you can readily figure out a picture, if you love us enough
to take the trouble, and I am sure you do. Give me as close a de-
tail when you write, and I will work up the painting exactly before
my mind's eye. I have thought a great deal about you to-day, and
about old times, and I cannot go to bed without writing you a letter.
O how I wish I could " drop in " and have a talk about the " old
times," instead of merely mentioning them on paper. But it cannot
be, and this is the nearest approach to it that can be. If you think
as much of getting one of my letters as I do of yours, this poor sub-
stitute for talk will please you. I preached last Sunday in this town
for thirty-five minutes, without injury, and have passed the week in
such comparative comfort and health that I tried the experiment
again to-day in Thirtieth-street, New York. Mrs. M'C. says I am
getting so well as to forget all my prudence, sit up till midnight, etc. ;
but I don't do it often, and don't work very hard.
March 15, 1849.
That visit to Carlisle was of inestimable service to me ; won't you
prescribe a dose of the same remedy again I would consent al-
most to be sick once a quarter for the pleasure of taking the med-
icine. And you, \.OQ>—you have a long letter promised, of which I
have as yet seen nothing. Hard work has not kept you from it — I
hope sickness has not. You will be bound, as soon as you receive
this, to dispatch the epistle at once, and I shall watch the mails for
a proof of your punctuality and promptitude.
Poor Mrs. M'C. has a headache to-night, and sits by my table trying
to read it off in Chateaubriand's life. An eventful life, indeed, it
was, from his boyhood in the forests of Brittany, his youth in the
salons of Paris and amid the terrors of the Revolution, his manhood
in America — Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Niagara, Missis-
sippi— his prime again amid the wars of Europe, as author, diplo-
matist, poet, novelist, expounder of Christianity ; take it altogether,
his was a rare life. Begun before the death of Louis XV., he lived
through the reign of Louis XVL, the Revolution, the Republic, the
Consulate, the Empire ; again Louis XVHL, Charles X., the Rev-
2o6
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
olution again, Louis Philippe, and then died in the opening of the
Republic of 1848. You may imagine what a flood of memories the
old man must have had to pour forth in writing his autobiography
at seventy !
I wish I could be with you (now nine P. i\L) and chat over all these
matters, instead of scribbling them with bad ink, (as you will per-
ceive ;) but this is infinitely better than ?iot/ung, is it not ? I will
think so when your answer comes.
To Doctor Olm.
March, 1S49.
Professor Holdich called on Saturday, but, much to my regret, I
was absent at the time. In regard to his successor I really feel unpre-
pared to advise. is impulsive, I know, but I really believe that
such men, if under the control of the grace of God, make the best
instructors of youth. A genial, open nature, is of all others most
necessar)- for a teacher. A slow mind or a cold heart is an insuper-
able objection.
The summer of 1849 ^^"^^ spent with his family in Ly-
coming County, Pennsylvania. A secluded valley, at the
base of the Alleghany Mountains, offered a quiet retreat,
and here, with fishing and other forms of out-door life,
he spent a delightful season, much to the benefit of his
broken health.
To Doctor Oh'n.
Xoveviber 27, 1849.
I am quite as tired of all laudation, in all places, as you can be.
Sometimes I feel tempted to do nothing but abuse people. I wonder
if that would mend the matter } Praise is losing all its value, if it
ever had any.
I am pestered to death with volunteer contributions for the " Re-
view." Men who have just learned the Greek alphabet send me
critical and exegetical remarks on passages of Scripture. Others
give original sketches in Church histor}', made out of Mosheim and
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
207
Dr. Ruter. Others discuss final perseverance in series of elegant ex-
tracts from " Watson's Institutes " and " Fletcher's Checks." Others
give me copious analyses of good Bishop Asbury's journal. Others
send in Dr. Clarke's ideas on disputed Scriptures— whereof Dr.
Clarke knew nothing. Is it not delightful ? Such zealous, pains-
taking, thorough, scholarly work, going on in so many different
quarters at once ! Hope for the world.
To his Carlisle Friends.
February 11, 1S50.
Your letters were such little scrimpy things to what they used to
was, that I thought they were only a kind of prefaces to letters to
follow by the next mail or so, like the little balloons that aeronauts
send up before the big one is inflated fully, and let off to be gazed
at. But, as it seems yours were the real balloons after all, I sup-
pose I was all wrong in not gazing at them, and writing at once, just
as if they had been ever so big. But you don t dream of any want
of lorve, whatever want of letters there may be in me. The truth is
I am sadly overworked. For weeks I have not got to bed till twelve
or one o'clock at night, and at hard work all day besides. It is now
approaching eleven as I begin this letter, and divers others are wait-
ing their turn before I go to bed. It seems to me I must be one of
those wicked ones for whom there is no rest ; and yet I try to be
busy only at good things all the time.
The Methodist Quarterly Review " is the oldest of
the periodicals of the Church whose name it bears which
have had a permanent life. Originally established in
1818 as a monthly magazine, it was, like its model, Mr.
Wesley's " Arminian Magazine," devoted largely to
topics which are now usually treated in the weekly re-
ligious newspaper. It was to some extent superseded
by the appearance of " The Christian Advocate " in
1826. In 1829 it was suspended, but in 1830 was re-
208
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
issued in Quarterly form by Dr. John Emory, then
senior Book Agent. Dr. Emory also edited the Re-
view " until his election to the Episcopate in 1832, and
contributed, with his own pen, the principal original ar-
ticles. Professor M'Clintock aimed to enrich the " Quar-
terly" by enlisting in its service the very best writers of
the time, as well without as within the ranks of Amer-
ican Methodism. He sought out the men whom he
wanted, and urged them to their best exertions. As a
result he was able to spread before the readers of the
" Quarterly," during his administration. Dr. Stevens's
brilliant essays on Channing and Lamartine, Dr. Olin's
exposition of the Religious Training of the Young, and his
eloquent appeal to the Young Men of the Church. The
elder Dr. Bond contributed an article on the Methodist
Church, South, the closing passage of which is, perhaps,
the most powerful arraignment of Methodist complicity
with slaver}^ ever written. Dr. Schaff furnished essays
on early Christianity, afterward incorporated into his
Church History; Dr. Jacobi, of Berlin, an Analysis of the
newly-discovered Writings of Hippolytus, and the editor
himself, appreciative estimates of Neander and Olin. Drs.
Floy, Curry, T. V. Moore, (of the Presbyterian Church,)
and Mr. H. T. Tuckerman enriched its pages with arti-
cles of the finest quality on topics which, at that time,
were uppermost in the minds of cultivated men.
It was the purpose of Dr. M'Clintock to keep the
Review " fully abreast of the age, and it fell in with
that purpose to give to its readers a searching analysis
of Comte's Positive Philosophy, in a scries of papers by
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 209
Professor Holmes, of Virginia. Comte's system of Pos-
itivism was then rising into notice as a fearful portent,
the last and strongest expression of the atheistic view
of the world. Its denial of a place for theology and
metaphysics in the realm of knowledge ; its theory of the
successive stages of intellectual progress, by means of
which these two were ruled out ; its endeavor to organize
sciences, new in name, if not in substance ; its hierarchy
of all the sciences — made its exposition and the statement
of its defects, in the opinion of Dr. M'Clintock, of su-
preme importance to all educated men. Laying down
the broad proposition, that what cannot be scientifically
known is not knowable — that inquiries into the origin and
destiny of the universe are fruitless, because beyond the
capacity of our intelligence — Comte opened again the
question of the certainty and limitations of human knowl-
edge, or, as it is now phrased, of science and faith, which
at present fills the world. Dr. M'CUntock had the sa-
gacity to perceive that the advent of Positivism was the
beginning of a long discussion, and entered upon it with
all his characteristic energy and enthusiasm. The contrib-
utor to whom this task was allotted performed it with
such candor as to elicit expressions of gratification from
Comte himself.
This was a bold line of policy for Dr. M'Clintock
to pursue. At the outset of his editorial life he was
met with the suggestion that a Methodist Quarterly
Review " was an entire mistake, that it was beyond the
needs and the appreciation of the body of ministers for
whom it was designed. His friend, Dr. Olin, was of this
14
210
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
opinion. I should say," he writes, " make it less a
' Review ;' a little more a magazine. The ' Quarterly '
is about as well adapted to our literature as the arch-
episcopal palace of his grace of Canterbury to one of
our bishops. The idea of keeping up a dignified period-
ical for the credit of the Church is preposterous. There
is no true dignity where there is no adaptation."
After giving this advice of one of his trusted friends all
its due weight, Dr. M'Clintock decided to adhere to his
original purpose, and to make the " Review " the organ
of the very best Christian thought. He believed that his
Church had something to say on the life questions of
the age, and ought to say it. Its literary resources
might be scant at the moment, but they would in-
crease if encouragement were given for their growth.
He cherished the hope that the ''Quarterly" might
both give tone to the Church's thinking and encour-
age literary production. Just criticism would help
the preachers to discriminate the bad from the good,
and would keep before their eyes the highest ideals of
literary excellence. In a word, he held firmly to the
conviction that there was a place for the " Review " as a
stimulant and guide of the literary activity of the Church.
Before the editor entered upon his work the General
Conference had directed him to make the '' Quarterly "
" more practical." '' But how?" he asks in his first ad-
dress to his readers. Not, surely, by lowering its tone
in point of literature and scholarship; that could never
have been meant." He will, therefore, obey his official
superiors, and at the same time adhere to his own sense
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 211
of what is fitting. He aimed at the practical in articles
on BibUcal exegesis, the faith, disciphne, and poUty of the
Church, and the social and political questions of the age.
As to the first he insisted that the interpretation of the
Scriptures being the chief business of ministers, it was
the duty of the Review " to give them help in that de-
partment. In the treatment of Methodist questions he
demanded freedom. Nothing is gained," he writes in
his announcement, to religion or the Church by at-
tempts to cut off investigation or to stifle honest opin-
ions. Time was when this was thought to be a Christian
duty. There are, doubtless, some who think it such
still, who would shut up men's minds forever in their
own narrow inclosure, putting a barrier to inquiry at the
precise point which they have reached, as if wisdom
must die with them. To these men every new view of
the wants or duties of the Church is heresy, and all scru-
tiny of an old one presumption. With such we have no
sympathy. We are set for the defence of the Church,
whose servants we are ; her best and surest defence is to
be found in calling out her energies for the great work
of advancing the kingdom of Christ, and in showing that
she is not, as her enemies say, a bulwark behind which
all forms of social wrong and crime can intrench them-
selves securely."
These are the words of a brave and fearless spirit, and
to the line here laid down Dr. M'Clintock adhered faith-
fully for the eight years of his official term. In treating
public questions he rejected, as he heartily despised, the
" false conservatism, at once domineering and timid,
212
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
despotic and servile, which would stand as still as possible
when all the world is in motion;" but no less did he dis-
dain the morbid appetite for new measures which
forms some men's substitute for virtue." He had the
conservative instincts which come of large scholarship ;
but loved progress, too, as every one will who has a
hopeful and " forward-looking mind." To raise the lit-
erary character of the Review " he added departments of
Theological and Literary Intelligence, and extended the
Critical Notices so as to include the best English and
foreign books which it might interest his readers to be
acqnainted with. He set his face as flint against the
indiscriminate puffing of Methodist publications. " It
seems to have grown," he writes, " into a sort of com-
mon law among our periodicals that all books from our
own presses, or from those of our friends, should be
lauded, of course. It is high time for us to be just to
ourselves. And we give our brethren of the newspaper
press notice that they may begin with us, if they please ;
if our journal is liable to censure in any particular, we
hope they will bestow it." Added to all these, essays
on Biblical and philological criticism and the high
themes of philosophy rounded out his editorial scheme.
He knew that in working out this conception of a
" Review " the difficulties to be met were formidable.
At the time of his entrance upon his office the Church
had not done much more than lay the foundations of its
first Biblical school ; its authors of acknowledged reputa-
tion were very few. He understood, too, perfectly well,
that the practical religious interest had dominated hitherto
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 213
in American Methodism, but he saw clearly that this in-
terest would be safe only in so far as it was illustrated,
defended, and protected by a corresponding literature.
As all life which is destined permanently to affect the
world finds for itself fitting literary expression, so, he
was confident, the great vital force of Methodism would,
in time, issue in appropriate literary creation. To stim-
ulate other minds to the exercise of their best activity was,
therefore, the one duty which he laid upon himself dur-
ing these years. As was said, during the war, of General
Sheridan, that he carried an atmosphere about him that
invigorated the courage of every soldier, so it may be
said of Dr. M'Clintock during this part of his life, that
his mental energy was felt by all men with whom he
came in contact. His growing acquisitions made him
always fresh ; his geniality disposed him to communicate
freely what he knew ; his imagination colored and mag-
nified the objects of his interest, and his warm feeling
gave them life. It was during these years that he pro-
jected the " Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and
Ecclesiastical Literature," which was subsequently un-
dertaken by him and Dr. James Strong. Originally it
was proposed that four scholars of the Church should
prepare the work under his supervision as official ed-
itor of books. The men were named, and a meeting
was had with the Book Agents, who, after much de-
liberation, decided that the undertaking was beyond
their means. Another of his cherished ideas was a series
of theological text-books for Methodist ministers. He
urged his friend. Dr. Olin, to write a volume on moral
214
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
philosophy. Nothing could have been better, but Dr.
Olin's precarious health forbade the attempt. He also
urged the appointment by the General Conference of
committees to revise the standard catechisms and the
liturgy of the Church. Of both these committees he
was an important member.
He had not been long established in his new home be-
fore it was darkened by the loss of its brightest light —
his devoted wife. Her health had been feeble for
months, but no fatal result was anticipated either by
herself or her husband. In the winter of 1849-50 alarm-
ing symptoms appeared, and by early spring she passed
away. Mrs. M'Clintock combined sweet affectionate-
ness with a calm temper and extraordinary capacity of
endurance. In times of trial her firmness was invincible.
She entered fully into her husband's pursuits, and, by
cheering, lightened his labors. Their home was sunny
and happy, a centre of attraction to the many friends
who came within the circle of its beautiful life.
March 17, 1850.
Two weeks ago yesterday my dear Augusta died. I cannot yet
realize it. Every thing wears a strange aspect. I don't know
whether you will understand me ; but perhaps you will when I tell
you that a sort of mist seems to hang over every thing. Even
streets, houses, and all familiar objects appear thus. I work, work
hard, but it appears mechanical, and even unreal. Is it not well that
this earth is thus shown to be not our home ? By and by we shall
be strangers in it, as our fathers were, and shall feel that our kindred
and our home are in heaven above. So one can become a stranger,
even in the home of his youth and love, as all that made it home for
him vanish into darkness and silence. One after another they are
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
215
going. For some years I have felt no confidence in human life. I
feel less than ever now. All my arrangements seem to me pro-
visional and temporary ; a few years ago I talked of them as perma-
nent. There is no permanence here ; God does not mean that there
should be. There, and there only, where Christ is and where our
loved ones are, is our continuing city.
I did not think she would die soon until a day or two before her
end. Nay, on the Thursday I thought she had turned a crisis, and
would rally. Not supposing her end near, I did not talk with her
about it. From a number of expressions of hers that her mother
and my sister have since mentioned to me, I infer that she thought
of it. But her fortitude and firmness were so indomitable that never
a fear, a complaint, or an anxiety escaped her lips. In respect to
that quality of endurance, I never saw man or woman that ap-
proached her. To the last she was far more careful of others than
of herself.
May 15, 1850.
My own thoughts and affections are far more taken off the world
than they have ever been before, and perhaps it is for this result that
afflictions have rained upon me so heavily and incessantly. It needed
great affliction to remove the film from my eyes, and to let me see
the world as it is. How worthless, how trifling do all purely earthly
enterprises and affairs seem when the shadow of death hangs over
us, as it now perpetually hangs over me ! Don't think that I am
gloomy, or that I wish to infect your own thoughts with gloom ; far
from it ; but such appear to me to be the realities of life, and I don't
know why. I have just put down what I feel.
To recruit his health, Dr. M'Clintock determined on a
trip to Europe in the summer of 1850, in company with
his friends Mr. James Bishop., of New Jersey, Mr. J. W.
Harper, Jun., and his cousin, Mr. William Divine, of
Philadelphia. Mr. Divine's daughter was also one of
the party. During all this long journey Mr. Bishop
watched over the invalid editor with brotherly care.
2l6
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Steamer Washington, Friday, iraij 24, 1S50.
How often since Monday have we wished that you could peep in
to see how delightfully we get along ! 1 do not wonder now that
people who have been at sea want to go again — such a perfect adan-
don of feeling, casting away of all care, thought, and anxiety I had
not conceived possible. We left you at twelve ; at two we dismissed
our pilot. A poor fellow had smuggled himself on board in hope of
getting a free passage ; but unfortunately he had made himself
drunk, and couldn't hide. He was a Scotch tailor, of very good
appearance. He begged hard : " O, captain dear, give me a steer-
age passage. I'll be of great service on board. I'll mend all your
clothes." No use ; go he must, and when the little cock-boat came
alongside for the pilot, the mate tied a rope round the tailor's waist
and let him down, saying, with much more wit than reverence, " The
Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the
Lord." At half past three we sat down to dinner with good appe-
tites. In about three minutes Miss D. got up, looking very white,
and hurried to her room. In five minutes more William had to run.
The next to go was Bishop. I stood it out till the dessert came,
and then thought it prudent to get below. For about an hour we sat
there, D., B., and I, who occupy one state-room, casting up in turn,
beating each other's backs, and laughing till we almost burst.
Badly as we felt, each saw the other's movements in so ineffably
ludicrous a light that we could not keep still.
The ship is very steady and comfortable. The attention is beyond
any thing I had supposed. We have plenty of water, abundance of
ice-water in our state-room all the time, a lamp burning all night, and
any thing we choose to call for. The table is superabundant and
superexcellent.
We have Forti on board, the opera singer, and he sang the " Mar-
seilles " for us yesterday (Maretzek accompanying him on the piano)
in his very best style. It was really magnificent. His state-room
is next ours, and he lets his lungs out every morning just about as
we are getting up, and of all lungs I have seen or heard of, his beat.
Since the first day my heart has not troubled me.
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
217
Saturday Morjimg— Our run thus far has averaged o\er two
hundred miles a day. Yesterday it was two hundred and thirteen.
It will get faster ever>' day, as we burn about thirty tons daily, and
the ship sails better as she is lightened. Before we get across we
expect to run two hundred and fifty and two hundred and eighty
miles a day. The sea is ver>' rough now, and many passengers
are sick ; but I have stood in the bows for hours, rocking as if in a
swing, and enjoying it more than 1 ever did a swing. How I have
wished the children along ! There are about twenty children aboard,
and they are as happy as crickets.
TcESDAT, Mtiy 2S.
We have made much more than half our passage. On Sunday
morning I preached a short sermon of about thirty minutes from
I John iv, 19 ; most of the passengers were present, and they were
very attentive. It did not hurt me at all. I have not been a particle
seasick, though Sunday night and all day Monday we had a severe
gale from the north-west. The sea ran, as they say, " mountains
high," a thing of which I had no just conception before. I kept
the deck nearly all the time to see and enjoy it, in spite of wind,
rain, and spray. The funniest sight of all was the dinner-table, at
which as much crockery has been broken \vithin the last few days
as would keep you in store for a twelvemonth. The dishes are all
secured to the tables with racks, but when the tables tilt up suddenly
at an angle of forty-five degrees no racks will keep soup from flying.
We have made some very pleasant acquaintances among the pas-
sengers, and some of them (Germans) will be of use to us after we
get on shore.
My health has improved very much, as proof of which I may tell
you that I walked the decks for three hours yesterday in a storm of
wind and rain, which kept all the passengers below but two or three.
I will now close up. It has been storming, and raining, and blow-
ing all day, but we are fast nearing the English coast. If nothing
happens we shall see it on Sunday, and land at Cowes on Monday.
Thence to Bremen is forty-eight hours. I shall probably write a
short letter from Bremen.
2l8
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Berlin, June 19. 1S50.
" The first-class cars are occupied," the Germans say, " only by
princes and fools," as the fare is too high for sensible people; but
we took them twice, by way of experiment, and the way hats were
doffed and bows made was a caution.
Of the splendor of Berlin I need not stop to speak. I had no con-
ception of the old world until I came here, and I could not transfer
my present conceptions to you if I were to write for a week. I have
been received with the utmost kindness by Professor Jacobi, and
all the rest of the professors I have seen. I took tea on Wed-
nesday with Mr. Fay, our charge ; last night with Dr. Twesten, of
the university, who has a very pretty daughter that speaks English ;
to-morrow night, I am engaged to Professor Jacobi, and have two
invitations for Sunday, one to Nitzsch and one to Becker, I should
have enough to do receiving civilities if I were to stay here a month.
They don't ask blessing here at table, as we do, at preachers' houses
or any others ; they don't make much of Sunday, either. Last Sun-
day, in Magdeburgh, our valel de place wished to get us tickets for
the opera ; and so it is every-where. However, there is less business
done on Sunday than I had supposed.
Basel, Switzerland, Jxdy 17, 1850.
It seems selfish, I was beginning to say, for me to enjoy any thing
here, when my loved wife is lying in the cold ground. Often and
often this feeling comes upon me overwhelmingly. But a year ago
we were travelling — she and I and the two children — in a pleasant
carriage among the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. I was
sick, and she tended me by day and watched me by night ; and O
how happy we were, in spite of sickness and care ! And now every
thing is changed. They say that Time heals all wounds, and I have
lived long enough to know that he does heal some ; but ah, they ache
sadly in the healing and leave deep scars behind.
I have just returned from a walk around the old walls and fortifi-
cations of the town. The roar of the Rhine was in our ears nearly
all the way, even amid the noise of the streets. I stepped on the plat-
form behind the old cathedral — a building, by the way, some eight
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 2ig
hundred years old, at least part of it — and looked around on the city
and the river, and gazed on its beauty as it were on the beauty of a
dream. We have no Alps, no Rhine, in America. And so T might
say of a thousand other things. Here, too, in Switzerland, there is
no royalty ; one is not annoyed every hour, as in Germany, with the
sound of drums, or with the sight of troops marching and counter-
marching. Nor have any passports been demanded of us, or any
examination of baggage, from the time we entered Switzerland until
now that we are leaving it.
To Doctor Olzn.
July 21, 1850.
You know so little about this European world that I suppose I
ought to fill up several sheets with minute accounts of cathedrals,
palaces, museums, picture galleries, and the like, for your edification
and instruction. But I cannot take the time to enlighten you in this
way. Take a voyage across the Atlantic once, or buy Murray's
Hand-books, and get Mrs. Olin to read them for you quietly at home,
and you may get some glimmering notion of what we travellers have
seen. Nevertheless, I do think that I have seen some things that
you have not. You never landed at Bremerhaven, did you ? You
never went, uninvited, to a German country-seat to tea, and found
yourself amid ten or a dozen sprightly German women spending an
afternoon in a peasant's cottage, fitted up for a lady's abode, and
wandered about 'mid parks and pleasure grounds talking broken
German to a very accomplished lady, whom you had never seen be-
fore in your life } But Bishop and I did all that. Indeed, throughout
Germany, I have found it the easiest and pleasantest thing in the
world to get into good society ; and one learns in that way more of
the life of the people in a week than he could otherwise in a year.
Our route w^as from Bremen to Hanover, Hamburgh, Brunswick,
Magdeburgh, Berlin, Halle, Leipsic, Dresden, Niiremberg, Augs-
burg, Munich, Lake Constance, Zurich, Mount Rhigi, Thun, Berne,
Basel, Strasburg, Heidelberg, and finally to Frankfort. Our longest
delays were in Berlin, Dresden, and Munich, where there was most
220
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
to see. In Berlin I found the professors at the university all po-
hteness and attention. I could have spent months pleasantly with
them. I took tea with Dr. Twesten, rector of the university, and
the leading dogmatic theologian of Europe, and found him a ge-
nial, cordial old man enough. He was inclined to be a little se-
vere about black slavery, but I told him that our slaves were all
black, which, unhappily, was not the case in Berlin. He seemed
much interested in Methodism, and very ignorant, indeed, about it.
At Professor Jacobi's, however, I enjoyed an evening v/ith six or
eight of the professors and of the city preachers, brought together
for our gratification. Of course, Bremen Methodism was a topic of
discussion ; they all thought it an unnecessary movement, except an
old gentleman who had been a missionary in Bombay, and had there
become familiar with Methodist missions, and he told me to send
as many good men as we could, not merely to Bremen, but to any
point in Germany. We had to explain the whole polity of Method-
ism, of any knowledge of which they were all — except Jacobi and
the old Bombayan — perfectly innocent. Strauss, for instance, had
never seen a prayer-meeting, nor, indeed, had any of the others ;
and I had to go through the whole ceremony of one from beginning
to end. The acme of their wonder and bewilderment was reached
when they were told how the preachers were supported ; they all ad-
mitted that they would have a poor allowance if they had to depend
upon the voluntary contributions of the people. I charitably told
them that in less than ten years they would find a large church
edifice, probably with a nice steeple, in Bremen, and that the
preachers would be well supported by the voluntary contributions
of Germans, whereat they not only opened their eyes, but pretty
plainly gave me to understand that they thought me a very decided,
though perhaps amiable, enthusiast.
To his Daughter.
Munich, July 6, 1850.
One day I looked out of my window in the Hotel de Saxe at Dres-
den, and saw in a large bay-window of the opposite house a little
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
221
girl, about as big as you, playing with a lady. The lady wanted to
sew, or pretended to ; but the little girl would just let her begin, and
would then throw both arms around her neck and kiss her — or kiss
her eyes or her forehead — and so she kept on. The little girl's back
was toward me, and the back of her head and her hair were so much
like yours, that, if it had been near home, I should have thought it
was you. You may imagine that it made me a little homesick. In-
deed, I would gladly go home for a night, if possible, and have a
chat all together, and tell stories in the twilight before prayers ; but
that pleasure I must postpone for some months. In the mean time
I pray that God's blessing may rest upon you, my dear child, and
that you may be good and obedient to your aunts, so as to be a com-
fort to them, and to me when I hear from you.
Munich, July 7, 1S50.
It is a queer country, this. I think you would enjoy a visit to it
amazingly. The people seem determined to enjoy this life, at least,
though, from all outward appearance, they do not think much about
preparation for the next world. The streets have been full to-day
(Sunday) of gay groups of promenaders ; battalion after battalion
of troops has passed my window, and military music has been
playing near for the comfort of the townspeople. At noon the stores
are all opened, and the vSunday, for any religious purpose, is held to
be over. I just looked out of my window, and saw a lady in the
house opposite sitting with her work-table before her, sewing away
on a frock for dear life. All the theaters, opetas, concerts, etc., are
open to-night. In fact Sunday is generally their most profitable day for
business. I dined to-day in the restaurant attached to the hotel, and
in the same room several gentlemen were playing billiards while we
were eating our dinner. Recollect, too, that this is Sunday. You
may ask why I write on Sunday ; but if I don't, the letter won't reach
Liverpool in time for next Saturday's steamer, and so will lose a
week.
222
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Paris, July 28, 1850.
You can hardly imagine the pleasure with which I received two
budgets of letters yesterday on our arrival in this great city. For
two hours Paris and all its attractions were forgotten ; even the
breakfast went away almost untasted.
I have decided to settle at Bon?t, on the Rhine, above Cologne, as
I think it will make a better and pleasanter winter residence than
Heidelberg, though not quite as cheap. It is more central and ac-
cessible, being only thirty-six hours from London, thirty-six from
Paris, and twenty-four from Berlin. I can get news from home
there very' promptly, and shall also, I think, find pleasant acquaint-
ances. One of the professors, a very eminent man, (Professor Dor-
ner,) who treated me with the greatest kindness and attention while
there, has engaged to secure me lodgings as soon as I write from
London that I am sure of going to Bonn. So that matter is all
settled.
Paris, after all, caps the climax. It is the showiest, the aosurdest,
the most attractive, the most wicked, the most contradictory of all
places on the face of the earth. In spite of revolutions, perils, and
broils, if ihts world only were to be considered, Paris would be the
most desirable spot in the world to live in. At the Hotel Maurice,
where we stopped the first night, there are no less than sixty Amer-
icans now, and there are multitudes more scattered in different parts
of the city. We shall stay here a week, and then get on to London,
where the Conference commences July 31.
Paris, July 80, 1850.
After a long round in Europe we are arrived, at last, at its capital,
for such is Paris. Our route has been, I think, an excellent one, and
it has allowed us to see a great deal in a comparatively short time.
From Munich we went into Switzerland, visiting the Lakes of Con-
stance, Lucerne, Zurich, and Thun, and ascending to the top of
Mount Righi, which affords a view of three hundred miles reach,
bounded by the Jura Mountains on the east, the Tyrol on the west,
and the chain of snow-clad Alps on the south. I suppose the
world does not furnish another such a view. From Switzerland, by
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
223
Basel and Strasburg, to Heidelberg, where I stopped to look about a
little, thinking that I might perhaps stay a year there. Thence to
Frankfurt-am-Main, where we spent a very pleasant Sunday, and
then down the Rhine to Bonn. The beauties of the Rhine have not
been exaggerated ; indeed, they cannot be. In one or two spots the
Hudson gives some idea of the natural beauties of the Rhine ; but
it can convey none of that which art and ages of history have done
for the Rhine. At Bonn, on the Rhine, I was so well pleased with
the situation of the place, with the university, and the professors,
that I determined, if the boys come over, to settle there for the
winter. The kindness of the Germans is proverbial, and I found all
accounts of it fully verified in my own case.
You would have been amused if you could have seen us the other
day at the National Assembly. We had procured tickets, with great
trouble and expense, as they are very hard to get. The galleries of
the House of Representatives are arranged one above the other, like
boxes in a theater, and out tickets took us up into the third loft,
where we could neither see nor hear very well. I told the sergeant
who showed us our seat that we did not like the place, and wanted
to go lower down. " I can't help it, sir," said he, " your tickets are
for this tribune." " But," said I, " we are Americans, and one of us
is a member of one of the legislative assemblies in America." As
soon as he heard we were Americans he redoubled his politeness,
and finally told me to send a note down to the qticEstor, who could,
perhaps, give us better seats. He sent down Bishop's, and Divine's,
and my own. Directly he returned with orders to take us into the
" tribune of the diplomatic corps ! " So we went, and found there
Josiah Randall, who had got in by our embassador's ticket, and won-
dered how on earth we had found our way there.
I preached this morning in the Wesleyan Chapel at twelve o'clock.
Before preaching they read the prayers of the Episcopal form, and,
in spite of all my wishes to the contrary, I was tired of them be-
fore they got through. The forms may be good, but they would cer-
tainly be the better of considerable abridgment.
224
LIP'E AND LETTERS OF
To Doctor Olin,
New Youk, Sept. 2o, 1850.
You have heard rightly that I have gained strength and fatness by
my four months of idleness ; and the experiment satisfies me pretty
well that with an out-of-door life and a quiet mind I may yet be re-
stored to sound health. But I cannot deceive you or myself so far as
to say that I have yet reached that point. The trouble of my heart
has mainly disappeared as my general health has improved ; but it is
there yet, and gives me warning ever and anon against any excess.
I have had to work for nine days pretty steadily, and I feel the effects
of it. I have, therefore, no hope of doing fully the duties of my sta-
tion here. Any possible performance, in the present state of things,
is so far below my ideal of what the office and the times demand,
that I fear my spirits will soon fail again, and I shall feel inclined —
perhaps from a sense of duty, perhaps from a craving for repose — to
give place to some stronger man, who can do what I cannot. A few
months, however, will probably decide this question.
One of my first efforts, after visiting rrty family friends in Pennsyl-
vania, will be to get up to Middletown. I intend to take as many
trips as the state of my purse will allow, as it will not do for me to
change suddenly from so very active a life to sedentary habits. Like
the swallow, I must settle down to my nest in gradually narrowing
circles. And if it were not so, I have love enough for you to go
much farther for the opportunity of seeing you in health and of
hearing you talk, to say nothing of my regard for Mrs. Olin, which
I could not exaggerate in words.
My own opinion is, as it has been, that I ought to have re-
mained abroad until next spring, but, as circumstances almost
compelled my return, I feel satisfied with the result, and rejoice
in being again within reach of my friends. O that more of them
lived in or about New York !
To the Rev. T. V. Moore.
Nov. 13, 1850.
Could I get to Richmond without being lynched? Wouldn't they
take me up on suspicion of enticing away slaves ? Seriously, I have
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
225
fears that I could not venture even that far into the region of slavery
without the risk of insult at least. No papers abused me more vio-
lently in 1847 than the "Richmond Enquirer" and "Richmond
Whig;" but perhaps all that, too, has gone into the omnivorous
"tomb of the Capulets." Well, I feel strongly inclined to run the
risk when I go to Washington, which will be some time in January
or early in February, (D. V.)
To Mrs. J. IV. Marshall.
Jan. 24, 1851.
Well, you have had your Virginia trip, and must now subside into
Bceotian, Pennsylvania, dullness again. Tell your stronger half
(the Professor of Languages) that I have not been able to go
over to the office since sending his package, but that 1 shall go in a
few daye, and then I will send off the rest of his books. You must
not suppose my inability springs from ill-health ; it is a job of heavy
work that has been impending for a long time, and which I am staying
at home to accomplish. A few days will clear it off. I only work hard
from nine to four, so you see there is no danger of my getting into
the old Carlisle habit of digging and delving all day and all night,
I am not unhappy, writing to my dear friend ; but it would be far
happier if I could just drop in upon you all for a couple of hours'
chat. I wish you could find a nice house near you for fifty dollars a
year rent, where we could live for two hundred and fifty dollars
more, and then I will come, live as a gentleman of leisure, and drop
in every day ! Have I not an enlarged ambition ?
I am inclined to think I shall be in Carlisle some time next month
or early in March — but don't tell any body. I mean to take it for a
real luxury of a visit — all visit and nothing else. And, besides, I in-
tend to get a new coat, if I can raise the chznk, as says. Don't
tell this, either.
Ah, what a foolish letter ! but it must go, just as it is. God bless you !
To the Rev. T. V. Moore.
May 7, 1851.
You have seen Whately's " Historic Doubts," I suppose. A new
pamphlet has been put out treating the modern history of ranee
15
226
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
and Napoleon after the mythic method of Strauss, and showing it up
ven,- well. You will find it noticed in the "Athenseum," No. 1214.
Have you read Newman's "Phases of Faith," "The Soul," "The
Hebrew Monarchy?" These are the books that are likely soonest
to corrupt the youth of this countr\\ Already I have received sad
letters from divinity candidates about them.
This is a ver\' fragmentar)' and worthless letter, but I can make it
no better. I should be quite at sea in advising you as to the mode
of taking up your subject. The root of the modern scepticism lies in
the proposition that religzon is iiidepe?ident of history ; and hence
that it matters not whether documents of religion are really historical
or not. To take the negative of this position, or to assume the pos-
itive ground that the true religion has not merely had a deA'elopment
in time but that we have a veracious and final record of that devel-
opment, would cover the whole ground — answering Voltaire, Lessing,
Strauss, Newman, Emerson, Parker, and all the rest in one. But to
do it — hie labor, hoe opus !
If you will write to me on any precise points, as they may come up
in your thinking, I will write as freely as I can. Nevertheless, as
you may see, my own thoughts are undigested. Much and long
have I thought and read of these things — oftentimes with pain and an-
guish of mind. But I have clear daylight of heart now, if not of head.
J lint 12, 1851.
I may, during my travels, see some rural nook that will tempt me
to set up a more permanent tabernacle than any I have yet tried to
establish. I long for the country and for rest ; and if I find a pleas-
ant, retired, shaded place within my means, I shall, without doubt,
purchase it, with a view to looking for such rest next spring. In
quiet I might do something, I hope, that would ser\^e the Church and
the world in the way of writing — free from the wear and tear of
office, and from the constant calls that beset one so importunately in
a New York residence. These may be dreams, but they attend nrue by
day as well as by night. There is, at all events, a rest reserved for
the people of God. May we be so happy as finally to enter into it !
THE REV. DR. M CLINTOCK.
227
April 4, 1851.
Next spring, if I be not re-elected to the editorship, I hope to re-
tire into some quiet country retreat, and devote myself to the care of
my children and of my health. Indeed I have many doubts whether
1 ought not to do it even if the General Conference does conclude to
keep me in the editorship. The basis of my constitution is, I think,
not shaken ; but I require more rest and exercise than I can com-
mand in this or any other church post. I have some inclination
toward New Brunswick, where my friend Bishop is building a house
for himself; but it is not quite rural enough for my ideal. How pos-
itively charming even the very notion of such a rest is ! Do you
never find such feelings come over you } a sort of anxiety to be out
of tumult and bustle, at liberty to think or not to think, to walk, or
ride, or talk, or pray, or sleep, just as you please 7 I trust there is
no wrong in indulging such dreams — for mvalids, of course, only,
are they justifiable.
In the summer of 1851 Dr. M'Clintock was called to
mourn the loss of Dr. Olin. Like himself, Dr. OHn was
full of warm sympathies and those tender solicitudes
which make close friendship both possible and enjoy-
able. They met for the first time in 1843, at the
close of that year Dr. Olin wrote : I congratulate my-
self upon having formed your acquaintance, on having
become, in no common sense, your friend, and on having
secured your correspondence. This interest will, if it
please God, and you are minded favorably, have a future
to it, and I shall often enjoy the happiness of an inter-
change of sentiments and counsels with an intelligent,
warm-hearted Christian man, in whom I fully confide." A
few years later he asks, playfully, " When does friendship
become old? And may we not now call ourselves old
228
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
friends ? " In this spirit their association with each other
was maintained until it was broken by Dr. OHn's death.
Unfortunately for Dr. M'Clintock, the message sent to
inform him of his friend's peril failed to reach its destina-
tion, so that he was not made aware of Dr. Olin's illness
until after it had ended fatally.
August 22, 1851.
We are saddened by the death of Dr. Olin. That good, grand
man has passed away from the earth. I regret most bitterly that I
was not able to be with him in his illness. He telegraphed for me
to New York, but they did not know where to send after me, and so
I heard nothing until the Monday after his death. So Carlisle and
Middletown are both without presidents. I think it most likely that
Collins will go to Carlisle, but who will go to Middletown ? The
trustees (or some of them) wish me to give my name, but I cannot
consent to it. My health is now regularly improving, I think, and I
feel it my duty to remain in my present post.
In October, 185 1, Dr. M'Clintock was united in mar-
riage with Mrs. Catharine W. Emory, the widow of Robert
Emory, who still survives him. In the same month he
was elected to fill the place of Dr. Olin, as president of
Wesleyan University. The invitation was accompanied
by every evidence of cordiality that could be desired, but
in view of uncertain health was declined. The winter
was spent in writing and preaching, of which latter he
did, for a sick man, an enormous amount. He made dur-
ing these years specialties of the Sunday-school system
and missions, and had many calls to present his well-
considered views on both topics.
The new Catechism, on which he and Dr. D. P. Kid-
der wrought together, was much in his thoughts. " My
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
229
ideal," he writes, " is to have such a Catechism as can be
learned by any child and retained, and to have laws
passed making it the duty of every minister to catechise
the children in addition to Sunday-school instruction."
There were times during his editorship when he felt that
he was not doing the best work of which he was capable.
" Am I never," he asks in his diary, to do any thing
better than translation and criticism?" Much that he
did, as an editor, was necessarily buried out of sight. It
was all under ground, as he sometimes complained, and
this fact inclined him to look for a retired spot where he
could gather together his best thoughts, and embody
them in some literary product of permanent value to the
world. He planned in this regard more than he exe-
cuted ; but so will every man who has a love of labor and
an active brain.
To the Rev. T. V. Moore.
January 13, 1352.
If I had the physical health, I should greatly desiderate a pastoral
appointment, with two sermons to preach on Sunday, and time for
work during the week. Your position now is, I should fancy, just
one of the happiest a man could have, so far as outward things go
to make up human happiness ; and I trust you wont abandon it soon,
unless for a better post, say in New York, where you ought to be,
and where I hope you will be before I leave these parts. Look out
for a call on the first important vacancy that occurs.
I do not see much hope of getting to Richmond this winter ; 1
wish I could. Shall you be on this way? Our household is now
very small, compact, and agreeable, (at least I think so,) and we
shall stay at home until the middle of April, with the exception of
two or three days in February, that I must spend at the meeting of
the Board of Trustees in Carlisle. So come, and I assure you I
230
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
wont run away. We expect to break up our housekeeping here by
about April 15, and shall then be unsettled until after the session of
our General Conference in May. If they re-elect me to the " Quar-
terly," I shall take a house in Newark, Elizabethtown, or New
Brunswick, so as to get further away from the tumult of the great
Babel. If they don't re-elect me, I shall probably settle at German-
town, or some other village adjacent to Philadelphia, and live in
quiet as long as God spares me, writing what he may help me to
write. Either prospect is agreeable.
The review of Positivism in the pages of the Quar-
terly " led to a correspondence with M. Comte, and a call
for contributions to his support, which was cheerfully
responded to by Dr. M'CHntock. Two of the philos-
opher's letters are appended to this chapter. The first
was published by M. Comte himself; whether the second
has been before in print I am not aware. It is interest-
ing as presenting his own account of his philosophic
education.
LETTERS FROM JANUARY, 1847, TO APRIL, 1852.
L LETTEES TO DE. M'CLINTOCK.
L
Paris, 7 Homer ft4; Wednesday, Fehruary 4. 1852.
To Dr. J. M'Clixtock, Editor of the Methodist Review, New York.
Sir: In the number of your "Methodist Quarterly" for January,
1852, which I received last Thursday, I have just read a conscientious
review of my principal work, written by an eminent adversary, con-
taining, indeed, numerous involuntary mistakes, which are, however,
but trifling, and may therefore be spontaneously corrected hereafter.
This generous proceeding, to which I have been but little accus-
tomed from the French press, induces me to extend, even to such
adversaries, my personal appeal to the western public, which indeed
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
231
merely supplements that of 1848, so generously referred to in this
memorable article. If I knew the anonymous writer, I would be
happy to address him personally, and to express to him my sincere
gratitude. But I trust, sir, that you will kindly be my interpreter,
and accept for yourself also one of the inclosed copies of my circular
letter. I cannot but congratulate myself upon this momentaiy in-
fraction of the happy rule of mental hygiene which for many years
has closed to me, systematically, all papers or reviews, even scientific
ones, and has permitted me no other habitual reading than that, ever
new, of the true masterpieces of western poetry, both ancient and
modern.
Public morality requires now that this desperate call of undeserved
distress should receive a fitting response from the other side of the
Atlantic, the better to stigmatize both the persistent lukewarmness
of most of my friends and followers, and the ignoble zeal of my aca-
demic persecutors. Besides our common occidental origin, I cannot
look upon myself as an absolute stranger to a republic to which I
came near transferring my then opening philosophical career in 1816,
under the friendly patronage of the worthy General Bernard, and
even, indirectly, of the noble President Monroe. However that may
be, my present communication will clearly demonstrate the deplora-
ble extremity to which is reduced, in the very midst of his long self-
sacrifice, one who, after having founded the Positive Philosophy, is
now erecting upon that solid basis, and in greater perfection even
than he promised, as stated by his loyal adversary, the religion of
humanity.
In order to convince you, sir, concerning the full continuity of a
peaceful activity, which must appear endangered by such a position
as the present, I would wish to send you at once, as also to my hon-
orable anonymous opponent, the first volume of my second large
work, published in July, 1851 ; a work which I promised to write
when, ten years ago, I completed my first. This " Systeme de
Politique Positive," as stated in that well-kept promise, will consist
of four volumes, the second of which I am now engaged in writing.
It will probably be published next July, and the other two succes-
232 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
sively at the same time in the two years following. Should you
kindly assist my unparalleled inexperience of all questions of detail by
informing me as to the best means of forwarding these things to you,
you would soon receive the two copies above mentioned of the first
volume, which is already known to some Americans.
This little philosophical gift you may accept without scruple as a
feeble testimony of my respect, as I am my own publisher, and can
therefore dispose of copies as I choose. In the mean time, I enclose
herewith, together with my circular letter, a copy of the " Tableau
Cerebral," which sums up my positivist theory of human nature, and
is a most handy synopsis of this new volume, as well as a philosoph-
ical programme of the systematic course of lectures which I have for
the last three years delivered before a private society, including both
sexes, with the generous sanction of the only government which has
heretofore respected fully the intellectual independence which I have
at last earned by ceaseless sacrifices. From this circumstance, as a
philosopher, you will be able to understand and appreciate the com-
forting fact that modern civilization can radically transform even the
spirit of persecution, which is now limited to the destruction of for-
tune only, being unable to reach life or even freedom.
After a long and honorable career, more consistent, perhaps, than
any ever before, I have contracted the habit of living altogether
openly, according to true republican principles. If, therefore, you
see fit to disseminate the enclosed circular, or even this letter, I leave
the matter entirely to your kindly judgment, whatever publicity you
may choose to give it, asking only that it be literal and full. I would,
however, desire that you should first consult in the matter that emi-
nent citizen of Philadelphia who, without ceasing to be my worthy
intellectual disciple, is at the same time my chief temporal patron,
Mr. Horace Binney Wallace, who is too well known to need any
further indication.
Salut et Fraternity, Auguste Comte,
lo Rue Monsieur le Prince.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
233
II.
Pabis, 24 Dante 64, Suturday, Aug. 7, 1S52.
Dr. J. M'Clistock, New York.
Sir : I have been deeply touched by the worthy enclosure in your
letter of June 29, received July 15. This noble participation of two
eminent philosophical opponents tends to characterize more fully the
true nature of the free subsidy which is to shield from undeserved
poverty the conscientious thinker whom they are unwilling to com-
bat otherwise than by fair arguments, free from all material pressure
either active or passive. However, from, the true religious stand-
point, where love is higher than faith, we feel that a certain brother-
hood unites all those who, at this time, are sincerely striving to
overcome intellectual and moral anarchy, whatever may be the op-
position otherwise existing between the doctrines they hold with this
great common aim.
Apart from the conflict of our doctrines, I have really no import-
ant correction to ask of him, except in regard to the influence he
assigns to my early relations with M. de Saint Simon, who was in no
respect either my teacher or my precursor. Mr. Lewes has all too
carelessly repeated the absurd supposition, put forth by both my de-
clared and secret enemies, concerning this assumed filiation. It is
natural that Mr. Holmes should accept without inquiry a supposi-
tion thus adopted by one of my principal followers. I will therefore
avail myself of the present opportunity to elucidate this point of my
history.
Simple comparison between our doctrines would suffice at once to
demonstrate the fallacy of such a theory. Had Mr. Lewes made
such a comparison, instead of allowing himself to echo a malignant
falsehood, he would have discovered that Positivism could not, even
vaguely, have been derived from Saint Simon's system. Mr. Mill,
who had compared them, never fell into this superficial error, so far
as I know.
In the place of this absurd origin, which I have steadily disowned,
I trust that impartial judges will henceforth deem it their duty to
declare my true philosophical filiation, as it appears both from the
234
LIFE AXD LETTERS OF
whole of my works and from my own statements. I have always
acknowledged Condorcet as my chief direct forerunner, and I accept
no other. Scientifically, I proceed from Bichat and from Gall, the
last scientific thinkers who have preceded me and prepared the way.
Philosophically, I proceed indirectly from Hume, and incidentally
from Kant, to go no further. But, in reality, the great Condorcet is
the thinker I have most properly succeeded. I regret having placed
him, in my " Positive Philosophy," below Montesquieu, to whom he
was much superior. In my public lectures I have already rectified
this mistake, which my present work will finally correct. In that
philosopher we find the true connecting link between the eighteenth
and nineteenth centuries. He was, like me, thoroughly prepared by
scientific study, although the sciences, at that time, were not suffi-
ciently developed to regenerate the mind. In the midst of the most
anti-historical crisis that ever can exist, he attempted to base politics
on histor}-. I early felt the value and the defects of that effort, the
carrsing out of which I considered, at eighteen, as the chief object
of my life.
Such, then, is my real philosophical descent : through Condorcet
I belong to the great school of the eighteenth century — that of Did-
erot. The little schools of Voltaire and Rousseau, essentially incon-
sistent and therefore purely negative, are now absolutely extinct,
although their remains are still agitating the undisciplined mind of
the West. But the complete and organic school, the school of Did-
erot, Hume, and Condorcet, sun ives in me. What it then vaguely
aimed at by means of the " Encyclopedie," is systematically realized
by Positivism. The aim — absolute regeneration — has remained the
same ; the means only have developed. None of my contemporaries
has been of any real assistance to me in that task. The nineteenth
centur)- offers to my mind truly but one eminent thinker — Joseph de
Maistre — and to him I always did full justice ; but from the first I
spontaneously absorbed all that his works, retrogressive though they
be, evolved that was deep and lasting, whether against the dogmas
of the Revolution, or for the historical appreciation of the Middle
Ages. If his v.ork had not preceded mine, I could readily have dis-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
pensed with it, since, before I saw it, I had in my own way produced
essentially an equivalent to it from the progressive standpoint. Still,
after Condorcet and Gall, he is really the only thinker to whom I am
at all seriously indebted.
Before I received your letter I had already found means to forward
to you, at last, the two first volumes of my "Politique Positive." I
delivered- them, for you and Mr. Holmes, to a young Frenchman
who is going to settle in New York. But I shall soon avail myself
of the usual means to transmit to you the important essay entitled
" Catechisme Positiviste," which I am now writing before I com-
mence, next November, on the third volume of my " Politique Posi-
tive," to be published in May or June, 1853.
Salut et Fraternity, Auguste Comte,
10 Rue de Seine.
II.— LETTERS FROM DR. M'CLINTOCK TO HIS FRIENDS.
I.
Jersey City, Jane 9, 1S4S.
On my way from Carlisle yesterday, (Thursday,) I received the
despatch containing the mournful news of your and our loss. Much
as I had expected and looked for it, it still came with a shock upon
me from which it was hard to recover. Yet my own grief, profound
as it is, at thus losing my long-tried associate and friend, sinks into
nothing in view of yours. But even yours, deep and poignant as it
is and must be, is full of rich consolations, toward which, I trust and
hope, you are able to turn your heart. He died, as you would have
wished him to die, with so sweet and delightful a sense of his Sav-
iour's presence that it was merely a translation for him from one
degree of communion with Christ to another. How truly and faith-
fully he lived, and how Christ honored him in his death !
How strange it is that we feel, on the death of our friends, almost
as if we were not to die, as if we had a lease of life. Yet how soon
will we follow them ! Even now Emory has saluted Caldwell, and
soon both of them will salute tis, if we are faithful to our calling as
they were. The world seems worthless indeed, in view of these ver-
236
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
ities ; what it offers seems all shadow and uncertainty, in comparison
with the certainty of death, and of the life beyond. So, when my
last reached you your dear husband was gone !
But I hardly know what I am writing, or whether what I write
will do you any good. Yet I know it will. I would that I could see
you in this hour of sadness and darkness. Your Saviour, however,
is with you. He will one day clear up all this darkness, and banish
all this sadness. Within that blessed home of the just all is light,
and peace, and joy for evermore.
I shall leave here on Monday or Tuesday for home. Until I get
there, I fear, I shall not hear all the particulars which I am so anx-
ious to learn. God will bless and care for you, I am sure ; his ten-
der mercies will abundantly abound to you in your day of bereave-
ment. He can comfort you, and he alone can. Return soon to
your Carlisle home ; it will be better for you and for Rosa. God
bless you, my dear friend, and be assured of my deepest sympathy
and affection.
Mrs. E. C. Caldwell.
II.
ApHl 30, 1849.
Are you at work yet ? Would it not do you good to run away for
a little while ? I have bought a house in Jersey City, and shall move
into it in a day or two. There will always be a room for you. Come
and stay with me days or weeks. It will do you good — I know it
will me.
Our April "Review" has received great commendation — your
articles especially. I think the number throughout a very good one.
I could make a more learned journal much more readily with the
contributors I have engaged — but that is not what is wanted.
Eev. T. V. Moore, Richmond, Va.
III.
New Toek, September 9, 1851.
Few things in the course of my life have so much affected me as
the death of your husband and my friend. If any thing could add
poignancy to such a grief, it is that I was far away, and not even
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
237
cognizant of his danger, until the terrible news came that he was
dead. How quickly would I have obeyed his summons, had it only
reached me !
I should have written to you sooner, but I could never bring my-
self to do it, though I have often sat down for the purpose. What
words to use I could not find — words that should express my own
feelings, and that should be fitting words to say to you at such a
time — and I cannot find them now. I cannot yet realize his loss. I
cannot but think that I shall look again into those benignant eyes,
and hear again that voice which I never heard save in tones of ten-
derness and kindness.
If I have had any thing to be proud of in late years, it was in that
I had a place in your husband's list of friends. If I had any thing to
joy in, it was in loving discourse with him. Ah ! if I had only
known how soon this pride and joy should end — end, I mean, for
this earthly life — how I would have grasped eagerly at every oppor-
tunity of seeing and hearing him.
May God bless you and your boy with all temporal and spiritual
blessings in Christ Jesus !
Most sincerely, your faithful friend.
Mrs. Julia M. Olin.
IV.
Jersey Citt, December 20, 1851.
It would have been, indeed, a great inducement to go to Middle-
town — the thought that we might have you again for a neighbor.
But there were other reasons why I should have been glad to go :
college life suits my tastes and habits better than any other ; the
work is just the kind of work I like ; the post is one of high honor
and usefulness ; and Vv^e should have had a pleasant and fixed home
in that most beautiful city, with good society all about us. But in
spite of all these attractions, I was forced at last to come to the con-
clusion that my health would not endure the work, its confinement,
its responsibilities, etc., and on this account I gave it up. I had a
letter from Professor Allen yesterday, asking me if I would not con-
sent to take the presidency at Dickinson, but I wrote him at once
238
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
that I could not think of it. Indeed, I should greatly prefer a quiet
home in some country village, with my books around me, to any
public employment ; but the Church seems to want me in my pres-
ent post, and I can do the work, I find, without injury to my health.
So that, as long as the Church wishes to keep me here, I shall re-
main.
We shall remain in our present abode till about April 15, when we
must break up here. We expect to get a house in New Brunswick,
but it will not be ready for us until August or September, and we
shall therefore have to board in New Brunswick during the summer.
Can't you come to see us before we break up ? You do not know
how much pleasure it would give us to see you.
Mrs. R. C. Caldwell.
V.
Jeeset City, Jpril 18, 1852.
Will you come to see us ? We have taken a snug little domicile at
New Brunswick, just opposite the college building, which you may
have noticed in passing to New York — ^just three hours ride from
Philadelphia, and one from New York — the most convenient stop-
ping-place in the world, where I shall be delighted to see you, and
Kate will be delighted to see /icr, and we shall do^/i be delighted to
see you do^/t. So, when will it be ? and when shall we expect you ?
Our own movements are planned as follows : we remove from here
to New Brunswick the week before the first of May, but shall not
commence housekeeping at that time, as I have to spend the month
of May at our General Conference in Boston, and we shall go there,
bag and baggage, to board during that time. Early in June (D. V.)
we shall settle ourselves at home in New Brunswick, and be ready
and glad to welcome you and yours. I say (D. V.) with regard to
our plans, and may use the formula with special propriety just now,
for my little darling Augusta lies ill of a fever, and her continued ill-
ness may disturb all our arrangements.
How I should love to see and know your noble-minded friends !
These things give us some conception of what human nature might
be — nay, I suppose in God's mercy these higher spirits are intended
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 239
to keep our hearts from sinking utterly as we see more and more of
the baseness and depravity of the race in general. Robert Emory
gave me a higher idea of the capabilities of humanity than I should
ever have reached without some such visible embodiment of the
marvelous power of goodness, inwrought by the Divine Spirit, in this
wretched nature of ours. You are a happy man, with such friends
and such prospects. Forgive me for saying that I think you deserve
them, so far as I might say such a thing truthfully of any man. That
you could not leave Richmond under present circumstances I can
readily imagine — that you ought not, I am about as well satisfied.
The lines have indeed " fallen unto you in pleasant places ; " but with
love, and prayer, and faith, that need not be a snare. Sometimes I
wonder whether it is right for us to enjoy ourselves so much in this
world, so full of woe and wickedness as it is, and feel as if Christ
needs us to disburden ourselves, and gird ourselves like Xavier, to
work intensely for him, and then die. But, after all, Christianity is
needed for salt and leaven to the every-day life of man, and unless
our whole modern system of society is false and rotten, we are bound
to take our places in it, and Jielp, so far as He may give us power,
to purify it. My own physical incapacity is often a sore trial to me
when I see so much to be done, and feel so anxious to take an active
part in the fray — but then again He can do without me, or can use
me, weak and worthless as I am, and I am content. His blessed
will be done.
Kev. T. Y. Moore.
240
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
CHAPTER VII.
1852-1857.
Strong Desire of Dr. ^rClintock for Quiet and Eest— Removal to New Brunswick, and
thence to Carlisle— Great Enjoyment of his Hural Home— His Manner of Life — Estimate of
Ck)ngreffationalism— Trip to Europe in the Summer of 1S54— Letters to his Children— Com-
plaints of the Abstruseness of the Quarterly Review "-His Replies— Reply to Joseph R.
Chandler on the Temporal Power of the Pope— 0(Fered the Presidency of Troy University
— The Methodist Deputation from Ireland — General Conference of 1S56 — Excitement in the
country in relation to Slavery — Effect upon the Church— Dr. M'Clintock and the Baltimore
Conference — His Intended New "Chapter'" on Slavery — Close of his Connection with the
" Quarterly Ee\iew — Letters.
HE longing for rest, so often repeated in Dr. M'Clin-
tock's correspondence, appears, at first sight, incon-
sistent with his eagerness for work. His character had,
in this respect, two sides, as is perhaps true of every man
of energetic temper. To have a hand in every move-
ment and a word in every debate was as natural to him
as to breathe. His clear insight of the merits of public
questions, and his warm interest in them, gave him both
reason and motive for the expression of his opinions.
Yet he relished equally well the quiet of student life.
As much as he enjoyed the advantages which official posi-
tion brought him, he chafed under its burdens, its wear
of nerve and patience, its many, and to him profitless,
details. Then, again, his method of work necessitated a
frequent abstinence from labor. He plunged into his
h'terary and other undertakings with an eagerness which
before long exhausted his vital force, and compelled him
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 241
to desist. His friends repeatedly urged him to spare
himself, and to moderate his excessive industry. You
ought," wrote Dr. Olin to him, in all good conscience,
to be in bed before eleven o'clock, and to get up not
later than six. You would then, I think, soon be well.
Don't work too hard. Study not more than six hours.
It will make you wiser than your generation, which you
may thus live to serve. Why shouldest thou destroy
thyself?"
And so it came, from the frequent reactions which set
in after strenuous exertion, and from his strong love of
home and its comforts, that during all his years there
was ever before his imagination the vision of a restful
life, free from all public responsibility and care. Time
and again he tried to realize his ideal ; succeeded for a
short period, and then broke up his quarters to accept
official position again. The modest home which he oc-
cupied during his first residence in Carlisle he improved
and adorned to the extent of his means. " We intend,"
he wrote to his wife's brother, in 1843, " to make divers
improvements and alterations for the increase of our
comfort. We cut a door through the parlor into the
garden, and put a little porch and arbor there for sum-
mer evenings ; we put a paling fence in front of the side
lot, where the ugly board fence now is ; and, finally, we
erect a pretty portico at the front door." A porch, if he
could so have it, broad and long enough for exercise, and
an arbor for summer evenings, were always elements of
his pictures of home.
After his re-el action to the editorship of the Quar-
16
242
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
terly Review/' in 1852, he removed to New Brunswick,
N. J., in order to escape the bustle and excitement of
the city. His own health and that of his wife being
wretched there, he removed once more, in the spring of
1853, to Carlisle. Here he purchased, for a moderate
price, a beautiful house on the edge of the town, with
ample spaces in front and rear. A wing was added for a
library, and before many months he had all the appoint-
ments of the place suitably adjusted for the life of an
editor, student, and amateur cultivator of the soil. He
did not need ten acres" to make him enough ; a little
more than one amply sufficed.
Having now the opportunity, he soon gathered about
him, and at no excessive cost, the elements of a delight-
ful home. In his student habits here, as every-where,
there was nothing of monastic seclusion. It would have
been impossible for him to shut himself up in his library,
and, turning the key, surrender himself in solitude to his
books and manuscripts. The library was the centre of
the house, from which light and cheerfulness radiated in
every direction. On the front it looked out through the
trees upon the South Mountain, and afforded the eye in
summer a soft and pleasing landscape. In the winter an
open fire burned in the grate, a perpetual invitation to
all comers to gather about the hearth-stone. The books
filled the shelves and overflowed upon tables and chance
resting-places. They were well arranged, however, yet
not set up in stiff, stately rows, as if forever on a dress
parade. The instinct of their owner brought those most
required well about him, and so disposed them that they
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 243
were suggestive of free and loving companionship. The
fresh, new books — those one most wanted to see — the
magazines in their earhest fragrance, and, with the dew
of the press still upon them, were always there. Work
was with Dr. M'Clintock eminently social. He pre-
ferred to have some one of the family sitting by the
fire and reading while he wrote at his desk. If that
could not be, he would, when wearied, take a few min-
utes for a chat and a laugh, and then return to his tasks
again.
In this new home he could indulge to the full his per-
sonal tastes. He was the soul of hospitality, and, except
when sickness forbade, was rarely without invited guests.
He was continually planning to have the friends whose
companionship he enjoyed to visit him, and in his fre-
quent excursions would take them in his way, and renew
his personal intercourse with them at their homes. His
house was one in which something was always going on,
and the going on very enjoyable. He made it a point of
principle to shun a stupid, humdrum way of living, and
would quote Goethe's counsel, not to let a day pass with-
out refreshing one's self with a little bit of poetry or a
simple song. Wherever he might be he attracted society
to him. Young and old, the well read and the scantily
read, alike felt the power of his geniality. To young
persons especially he was very delightful, opening in their
minds a new sense of the charm of learning, and giving
them, in the most unaffected manner, valuable hints for
the carrying forward of their culture. He corresponded
much with younger men, and would take the utmost
244 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
pains to help them when troubled with the hard ques-
tions of metaphysics or theology. Correspondence is
with some scholars a laborious duty, at best an interrup-
tion of their cherished occupations ; with Dr. M'Clintock
it was one of the chief pleasures of life, and was so man-
aged by him as greatly to extend his influence and power
as a public man.
In the by-play which he provided for himself in this
Carlisle home, he was as enthusiastic as in his more seri-
ous pursuits. His chickens, if not the finest the sun
ever shone upon, were at least extraordinary chickens ;
his horses had most, if not all, the virtues that could be
engrafted upon horse character. His delight in nature,
and in the creatures that serve human wants, was very
beautiful. It was a thousand pities that he had not dur-
ing all his working years, like Arnold of Rugby, a quiet
retreat where he could at times have reheved himself of
the strain of labor, and found rest in a change of inter-
ests and cares.
Left to himself, and without out-door occupations to
tempt him to active exercise. Dr. M'Clintock was too
much inclined to sedentary habits. He took little pleas-
ure in bodily activity for its own sake. A tramp in the
nipping, frosty air — a wrestle with the driving north-west
wind, or a mountain climb — had no attractions for him.
He could speak very prettily of "the soughing" of the
winds of the valley as they whirled about the house,
but preferred to listen to it from the inside, with his
feet well up to the fire. In the earlier years of his Car-
lisle life he did something at gunning, and was quite
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
245
proud of his practice as a marksman ; but gave it up in
later years. Of fishing he was never very fond. He was,
however, a capital sailor, and on the sea was supremely
happy. The ocean air was for him the best of tonics,
and relieved him at once of his bodily ills. But he could
not always be on the sea ; there remained for him, there-
fore, only such activities as grew out of the half-rural
life which he established for himself during his second
residence in Carlisle, and elsewhere.
July 10, 1S52.
My New Brunswick home, simple as it is, seems very pleasant to
me on my first return to it. It is very warm out of doors, but the
air comes cool through the trees into the windows of my study.
Kate sits near me on one side, sewing away for dear hfe, and
Augusta on the other reading Tom Hood. Am I not happily sur-
rounded ? I wish most heartily that you were here to make up the
quartette. But we cannot have all our wishes gratified in this life ;
and so many of mine are filled to my heart's content, that I should
be base indeed were I not happy and at ease. And so I thank God
continually for
" Hope and health,
For peace within and cahn around,
And the content, surpassing wealth,"
which can only spring, even amid the most propitious worldly cir-
cumstances, from right relations to God and an humble trust in
Christ, the only source of certain happiness. I trust that you are
continually drawing fresh supplies of joy and peace and comfort from
this perennial fountain ; that your Christian life is growing contin-
ually, and that your hold upon Christ is becoming stronger and
stronger all the time. You can find joy, as I have said, nowhere
else ; but when you have this, all the joys and pleasures of life
are transfigured by it — made sweeter, purer, more elevated, and
permanent.
246
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
New Beo'Swick, Xot. 22, 1S52.
I didn't go to the Boston wedding because I could not get away.
Certainly I shall not go to Boston without running out to Andover.
if it be only for an hour, unless I can't help myself. I have not left
home since you were here, except spending one Sunday in New
York, where I had to preach, and one night in Newark, where I
gave my old lecture on " Truth."
There are many books you ought to read with Edwards, Tappan,
and Bledsoe. My health since you left has been about as usual —
admitting of about half work, and that not the hardest kind of work.
I don't know that I shall ever be good for much again ; but I am not
at all disposed to repine. I am thankful for a multitude of blessings.
We have nearly decided to remove to Bergen in the spring, where we
are building two cottages together, which, if I go there, will be thrown
into one, making a very commodious abode. But we don't drive the
pegs ver)' deep in fixing our plans, for they are liable to be unsettled
at any moment. Indeed, with such a state of health as mine, one
does not feel much inclined to lay plans for the future, anyhow.
I get more and more out of patience with Calvinism every day.
Paul's doctrine of grace and election extends the sphere of Christ's
love as much as possible ; Calvin limits it as much as possible.
But I don't want to write or think about this matter. Study it
just as much as you please, but hold fast your sound faith, and
never become a necessitarian.
New Bkttsswick, Dec. 8, 1S52.
"Literary men rarely gladden the hearth-stone!" My doom is
settled then, and I am not among the class of "better brothers," for
a gladder hearth circle than that which gathers nightly around our
coal-stove (!) in the front parlor it would be hard to find. There is,
first, myself, (I put the aged in front,) of whom I will say nothing,
for you will have it, let me say what I will, that I am sulky and
crabbed, like all mere book-worms. Next comes Kate, who asserts
roundly that you're a slanderer, and that " literary men " can glad-
den the hearth-stone. Next appears Maggie, my youngest sister,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
247
whom you would like exceedingly, I am sure, and who is prepared to
like you wonderfully. My boy comes next on the stage — a noble
little fellow of twelve ; but the charm of the house is my daughter
Augusta, of eight, a veritable little angel. Then Kate had two little
ones before I caught her. And we get on as happily as the day
all the time.
To Moncure D. Conway, at Cambridge.
New Brunswick, March 11, lSo3.
I had heard of your going to Cambridge, and was gladdened by
the receipt of your note yesterday. Believe me that I shall always
take a deep interest in your progress, and that I have the utmost
confidence in your integrity.
You camiot " be secure from the influences of men in pressing
toward a firm faith." God does not mean that we should be thus
independent of each other. The longer you live, the truer you will
find this. If you will let me know the special line of study on which
you propose to enter, I can speak more confidently about books, and
will gladly say any thing I know to you.
Carlisle, Jant 22, 1S53.
There has been, and is yet, a vast deal of out-door work to do in
getting the place in order. I am up before six, and do as much out-
door work as possible before the heats come on. Then I retire into
my library, which is entirely sheltered from the morning sun, and if
I have any vim left, spend it at work. My health is vastly better
than it was ; indeed, I begun to think my head very nearly well ; but
in setting up my books, though the most of the work was done by
Mr. Stayman, I hurt myself, and it has taken me ten days to get
over it.
To the Rev. W. H. Mzlbtirn.
August 9, 1851.
In May we moved bag and baggage to Carlisle, where we pur-
chased the house formerly occupied by Professor Allen, at the ex-
248
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
treme west end. We have a very commodious home, an acre of
ground finely planted with shrubs and fruit-trees, a good horse and
carriage, a very milky cow, a lot of immense Bramah fowls, and, to
crown all, a big black-haired baby girl. This last feature is about
five weeks old, and does credit to her breeding, as all young babies
in some strange way do. I spend about three hours a day in my
librar}% the rest of the time in walking, chatting, riding, working in
the garden, superintending chickens, etc. — all which avocations are
very agreeable, at least as long as the novelty of the thing lasts. So
you see we are almost as rural as you are yourselves. Tell your
wife that chickens worth only five dollars a piece are no fowls at all.
I have a rooster and four hens worth one hundred and twenty dol-
lars. Poor ! How unhappy she must be with such little bits
of fowls !
To Mrs. R. C. Caldwell.
May 14, 1S53.
The bell is just ringing for afternoon worship. I attended this
morning ; once a day is as often as I can go to church with
safety. Yet my health is very much better than it has been ; indeed,
better, I think, than it has been for five years. The out-door life is
ever)^ thing for me ; and I have far greater inducements to go out
now than I have ever had before. I am becoming quite a gardener,
spending two hours often at a time at work among the flowers and
vegetables. Early in the spring I could only stoop a little at a time,
and then it caused dizziness ; now I spend any length of time at
light work with pleasure and profit. Our garden is in good trim —
cherries are pretty large, strawberries getting form, trees all clad in
the fullest leaf, and the promise of a rich result in all things. Yet
it has been with us, as wdth you, a very backward spring. The bell
has ceased, and they have gone into chapel. We have preaching
there twice a day. I wish you could worship with us. The chapel
is newly painted, and is very clean and sweet. We have an excel-
lent choir, and a very fine toned melodeon ; and we sing with the
spirit and the understanding also.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
249
To a Divinity Student at Andover.
Januai-y 22, 1854.
Congregationalism offers you an appearance of freedom and set-
tled pastorate, and a comfortable support. These points are all in
its favor. But it has so many disadvantages that I think nothing
could bring me to throw in my fortunes with it but a necessity of
making myself comfortable before all things. Its lack of organiza-
tion, its oyster-like isolation, its incapacity for aggressive movements,
except at the expense of its fundamental principle — all these are
against it. It is at best a provisional and transition system, fitted
only to anarchical times and ungovernable men. Utterly unscien-
tific in its form, it has no bottom on which to rest, but the very rest-
lessness of men's minds. Any Church which has even an attempt
at organization is for me to be preferred to this. On the other
hand, it is a great attraction to Methodism that she is so highly or-
ganized, and therefore so vital. Whether her organization is to be
permanent is a question ; but even if provisional, it is a step toward
the Church of the future. A Congregationalist has an influence, but
a perso7ial one : a Methodist minister has the weight of the whole
body to sustain him. That the latter is a more Christian idea than
the former, it seems to me no one can read the New Testament and
doubt. But to particulars as touched on in your letter : I think it
certain that Methodism will adapt herself to the wants of the times
in her itinerancy, etc. Regarding her organism as a living one
I cannot doubt this. But it is clear that the time has not yet
come.
There is so vast a field for itinerant labors in the territories opening
upon us in the West, that no scheme can be broached yet which would
even tend to withdrav/ us from the gigantic work to which the age
calls us, and which we are striving with no small success to perform.
But this is a fast age. I should not wonder to see our itinerancy
modified in ten years. In the mean time we are doing an immense
work in educating our people. I suppose there are more boys and
girls in Methodist schools in America than in those of any other de-
250
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
nomination. We want, and shall want, capable teachers and pro-
fessors, editors, etc.
To J. aC. Paris, , _ ^ ^
June 28, 1854.
We are to be drenched with Comte here, by the circulation of
Lewes's Abstract and Miss Martineau's Version of the Phil. Positive.
You will smile and sneer when I tell you that I expect to see you
live long enough to recognize a world of philosophy and religion be-
yond Positivism. It is too intensely subjective a system (an odd and
absurd criticism you may now say) to hold a mind like yours. And
worse, it is an arbitrary subjectivism, voluntarily restricting human
thought to the little world of man, and the globe he inhabits. Al-
ready you combine with it, as Comte did before you, a metaphysical
entity, which you call humanity ; by and by you will get back to a
theological view of some kind. Endless vibration — the course of the
individual mind, as of humanity. It was Leibnitz who said that na-
ture is but the horologe of God.
To the Rev. Dr. T. O. Siumners.
March 10, 1S54.
It will give me very great pleasure, indeed, to receive your vol-
umes ; indeed, I think you to blame for not sending them sooner.
There is no reason in the world why the books issued from your end
of our camp should be kept from our people. But we seldom see
them unless we send an order and buy them, which is, you know,
the last of editorial movements.
Your report in the " Southern Christian Advocate " gave me infi-
nite gratification. We must take on the character of a Church, or
we shall inevitably go to pieces in a generation or two. No church
life can be kept up without baptism and its necessary results.
In the summer of 1854 our friend made a second
voyage to Europe in search of health. His wife, sister,
and brother-in-law were of the party. The trip took
in England, France, Germany, and Switzerland ; by
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
251
September the travellers returned mended up and in
high spirits.
To his Son, Emory M' Clintock.
STEAiizE Asia, Jane 22, 1S54.
By looking at the map you will see exactly where we are just now ;
but as I have not any child at hand to take this letter to the post-office
to-day, it will have to wait until we get to Liverpool to be put into
the mail. We have had thus far a very pleasant passage, too pleas-
ant, indeed, at first, as it did not make any of our party sea-sick ;
and when it did get rough we were all too good sailors to be affected
by it. Mother and Atta were a little bit qualmish, but that was all.
To-day the swell is very great, and the ship rocks to and fro like a
drunken man ; but the ladies are on deck walking about and enjoying
the fine breeze and the beautiful sight of the ocean. It is not easy to
write in such a commotion as this, but it is harder still to shave.
The captain and officers of the ship have been perfectly polite and
kind, and we have had good, solid English fare all the way.
Our passengers are mostly English, Canadians, and Frenchmen—
ver}- few Americans among them.
To his Son, Emory Clintock.
Paris, July 5, 1354.
I have wished for your company often enough since we left home,
but I suppose you would have enjoyed yesterday and to-day with us
as much as any we have had, if not more. We left Dieppe at half-
past seven yesterday, and reached Rouen at half-past eight. We
visited all the chief places of interest in Rouen — the Cathedral of
Notre Dame, St. Ouen, and St. Maclon. These are all very old
churches, but St. Ouen is one of the finest specimens of Gothic archi-
tecture in Europe. The interior is four hundred and forty-three feet
long, and perfect throughout, notwithstanding the fact that in the revo-
lution of '93 it was used for a cavalry barracks and for a blacksmith's
forge, the marks of which can still be seen. Adjoining it is a beau-
tiful city hall, formerly a monastery, with a beautiful garden ; but
Napoleon turned the monks out and made the house into a town-
252
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
hall, and gave the garden to the public. We also went to the old
palace of the duke of Bedford, where Joan of Arc was tried, and saw
the very spot on which she was burned to death. Altogether Rouen
is one of the most curious places we have ever seen. Leaving it at
two o'clock we reached Paris at five, and took up our old lodging at
Madame Josephs. But I must now stop and bid you good-by, com-
mending you to the care of our heavenly Father.
To his Datighier Augusta.
IIeidelbeeg, Jidy 18, 1854.
I wrote to Emory last from Frankfort, and hope it came duly to
hand. We left Frankfort at five yesterday afternoon and had a
lovely ride along the Bergstrasse through Darmstadt to this beau-
tiful town. W^e got here at eight o'clock, tired and hungry enough.
We ordered tea for four, and they soon brought us a lot of nice
rolls of bread, eggs, hot water, and tea. Atta made the tea, as she
always has to do. They bring you green and black tea in canis-
ters, and a bright kettle of hot water with a lamp under it, and you
make the tea to suit yourself. We slept very soundly and had a
hearty appetite for breakfast at half-past eight this morning. We
then had a nice two-horse carriage, with falling top (costs fifty cents
an hour) for us four. Our carriage took us through the beautiful
town, first up the river to the Wolfsh'imiteii, four miles.
The Wolfsbrunnen is a fountain, so called because, according to
an old legend, a young lady was once torn to pieces there by a wolf.
It is one of the loveliest spots you ever saw. They have several little
lakes containing trout, and when visitors go they throw little fishes in
for the trout to leap at. The trout are very large, some of them weigh-
ing as much as ten pounds. We then went up to the old castle of
Heidelberg, the largest ruined castle in the world, and formerly one
of the most splendid in the world, also. It has been often bombarded,
but its final fall was accomplished in i688, by the French, under
Melac, who blew up the strongest towers and destroyed the whole
castle as far as they could. One of the walls is twenty feet thick,
and yet they blew it down. We bought some flowers from a nice
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
*253
little girl there ; I picked a good many more, which we will try to
press and bring home with us. It was high time for dinner when
we got to the hotel. The courses were, i. soup ; 2. boiled beef;
3. fish ; 4. roast beef with potatoes ; 5. mutton chops with cauli-
flower ; 6. pudding cakes ; 7. veal cutlet with beans ; 8. wild turkey ;
9. ducks and chickens, with apple sauce ; 10. cakes of various kinds,
with confectionery; 11. fruits; and some, I think, I have left out.
This is the kind of dinner they usually give at a German hotel for
fifty cents. After dinner we rested about an hour, and then Atta
and I went down town and did some shopping to hunt little pictures
of Heidelberg, which we found very nicely. To-morrow we expect
to go to Stuttgart, and the next day to Munich, if mother is able to
travel so far by railway ; if not, we shall stop all night at Augsburgh,
or, perhaps, at Ulm.
To his Soft, Emory M'Clintock.
LvcERUE, July so, 1854.
We spent our time very pleasantly at Munich, though the weather
was very hot — hot, at least, for this country, though probably not so
hot as you have had it at home. The king of Wurtemberg trod upon
our heels again, as he came to our hotel (the Golden Lion) and stayed
there nearly as long as we did. We had a very fine carriage and
horses hired on Saturday, but he had the impudence to hire them
for every day after, so that we had them no more. We visited all the
principal sights of Munich, of which you have pictures in a little port-
folio in the parlor, and you can look them over, and imagine us look-
ing at them. We left Munich on Tuesday 25th, and reached Augs-
burgh in four hours. There we stayed again at the " Three Moons,"
but did not get the Napoleon chamber again, as it was taken. But
we had rooms, each of which was nearly as large as the college
chapel.
Next morning we came to Lindau, where we took the steamer
for Constance, reaching that town at half-past five in the evening.
There we saw the council hall in which the Council of Constance
sat in 1414-18, when John Huss was condemned. We also visited
254* LIFE AND LETTERS OF
the church in which sentence was pronounced on him, and the stone
on which he stood to be sentenced, the cage in which he was impris-
oned, and the spot outside of the town at which he was burned. On
the whole, it was one of the most interesting spots I have visited.
On the next day we came in a carriage to Zurich, a verj^ delightful
journey. Here we engaged two carriages for the journey through
Switzerland at twenty-five francs a day each carriage. We left Zu-
rich at eight on Friday, and stopped at Cappel to see Zwingle's
monument, erected on the very spot where Zwingle was killed. If
you don't remember the history of Huss and of Zwingle, you had
better read it up in the little Sunday-school histories of them, or in
the " Encyclopedia Americana." We stopped at Goldau to dine, and
then went up Mount Righi. All of us were on horseback except
mother, who was carried up by four men in a big chair. Mag and
mother went down the mountain in the same way. You would have
laughed to see them carr>' " lady-to-London " fashion. It took three
hours and a half to go up the mountain, and two and a half to come
down, and very tiresome work at that.
The thoroughness and conscientiousness of his editorial
work were greatly commended, but there was a difference
of opinion in relation to his theory of the conduct of the
^' Review." Correspondents wrote to him that it was not
popular enough ; " his official directors, the Book Com-
mittee, advised him that it was ''not sufficiently adapted
to the practical and utilitarian tastes of the people."
They requested him to change its character accordingly.
To all such objections he replied invariably that he was
not appointed to edit a magazine, or a newspaper; that
it was his duty to present to his readers a sound Chris-
tian judgment upon the life-questions of the age ; and
that the ''Quarterly" had a distinct work before it as
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
•255
an educator, especially of the rising ministry. In a cir-
cular which he sent to the Conferences in 1855, he said
to the preachers : " Were my judgment convinced, I
should at once alter the plan on which I have heretofore
conducted the 'Review;' cut out its foreign Literary In-
telligence, refuse all profound discussions of metaphysical
and other learned subjects, and fill it with biographical
articles and papers on fugitive topics. Such a course
would save me much expenditure of thought, time, and
labor. But I cannot do this with a good conscience."
The best evidence of the correctness of his decision is to
be found in the fact, that since 1856 — the year when his
editorship closed — the Quarterly" has been conducted
on the same general principles which he conscientiously
followed.
To a Critic of the " Quarterly y
Carlisle, MayW. 1S51.
I thank you cordially for your kind expressions with regard to the
" Quarterly," and lor your hints in regard to its management. You
must remember, however, that if you have no metaphysical turn,
others have, and that I must meet their wants. The cultivated
young men of our colleges and of the Church will meet with these
new forms of speculation inevitably, and it would be very unwise in
us to ignore them. The very highest commendations, and from the
highest sources, which the " Review " has received under my man-
agement, have been given to the ver}' articles which you condemn.
To the Rev. Dr. A. A. Lipscomb.
Carlisle, Oct. 5, 1S54.
I think you will find some points well put in Mr. Mercein's book
which are commonly slurred over. The Unitarian \iew of human
nature is held unconsciously by many non-Unitarians who cannot
256 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
reconcile the doctrine of depravity with the high virtue of many un-
converted men. Strong and dogmatic assertions wont beat down
such a view as this. The novelty and excellence of Mr. M.'s book
is, that it shows the necessity of precisely this state of things in
order to give probation to such a nature ; and that the natural vir-
tues and culture which present so strong an objection are, in fact,
part of the plan of redemption to reach the depraved soul. I don't
remember to have seen this point stated and maintained elsewhere.
I have ventured to call your attention to these points, as I would
be glad to have the book, as well as the subject, brought strongly to
the notice of our preachers, who generally need to be led off in judg-
ing any new line of thinking.
In the year 1855 the question of the papacy and mod-
ern civilization was before the country, the question
which has since grown to be the most important of our
time. It was not so well understood then as now. Mr.
Joseph R. Chandler, one of the representatives in Con-
gress of the city of Philadelphia, delivered a speech in
which he denied that the popes have claimed authority
over civil rulers as of divine right. He fell into the error
of taking the Galilean view of the powers of the papacy
as the accepted doctrine of the Church. Dr. M'Clintock
replied to him in a spirited letter, published in the
" Evening Bulletin " of Philadelphia, which was after-
ward expanded into a volume. It was very easy for him
to show that the Ultramontane theory of papal power
was alone recognized in Rome, and that liberal Catholi-
cism had no standing whatever in the pope's councils.
Since then the antagonism between Romanism and
the modern world has become more pronounced, and
the famous syllabus of errors has been issued — a no-
LIFE AND LETTERS OF 257
tice served upon the nations of Christendom that no
compromise is to be expected. Here, again, Dr. M'Qin-
tock led the way as pioneer in a field of discussion which
has now many occupants. His scholarly exposition of
the Ultramontane theory of the relations of the Church
to the State is just as available for use in the great con-
troversy to-day as it was more than twenty years ago.
In the same year Dr. M'Clintock was elected President
of Troy University, which had just been organized by
the enterprising Methodists of the interior of the State
of New York. In reply to the notice of election, he
wrote to the Board of Trustees : " I cannot signify an
unconditional acceptance. The state of my health, at
present, is such that I could not now discharge the du-
ties of the office, and I would not do either the Board
or myself the injustice of assuming duties so important
and so responsible without a reasonable prospect of
being able to perform them faithfully." He continued
his connection with the University for several years, but
without residence. A very superior Faculty was elected,
and some good educational work done, but, unfortunate-
ly, its friends lost heart, and the fine property acquired
passed into other hands. Dr. M'Clintock outlined a
very attractive plan of a complete university, but to
achieve it demanded time, money, and the consecration
of some one man's life to the task. He was neither
young enough, nor strong enough, nor free enough
from the claims of other undertakings to permit such a
consecration.
He took a deep interest in the success of the Irish
17
35S LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Methodist deputation which was first sent, in 1855, to
the United States. The deputation had for its object
the securing of aid, especially from Irish Methodists in
America, for the building and endowment of the Wes-
leyan College at Belfast. Dr. M'Clintock's attachment
to Ireland was very strong. It was the home of his
father and mother, which alone was enough to make the
ever-green isle " dear to him. But he had strongly
developed in himself many of the finest traits of the race
from which he was descended — its warmth and steadfast-
ness of affection, its keen interest in life, and capacity to
enjoy life under all circumstances. He loved Irish Meth-
odism very tenderly ; his efforts to promote the objects
of the deputation knew no limit but the limits of his
strength. With its two members, the Rev. William Ar-
thur and the Rev. Robinson Scott, he kept up a frequent
correspondence in after years. Mr. Arthur was, during
our civil war, his faithful colaborer in spreading through
England right views of the nature of our controversy
with the South.
To the Rev. William Arthur.
Carlisle, Sept. 25, 1855.
It is of the utmost importance that good foundations should be
laid in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, as, after all, what-
ever is done elsewhere will be trifling to what can be done in those
great cities. Pittsburgh should not be neglected. And why can you
not, in returning from Pittsburgh, stop here } It is on the way to
■Philadelphia and Baltimore, and I am sure I can serve your mission
if I can get the opportunity of a talk with you about your plans.
Where shall the Baltimore people find you ? You should fix on
some head-quarters, to which communications could be addressed,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 259
and where you could always be got at, indirectly at least. The
Book Room, 200 Mulberry-street, New York, would probably be
the best place.
The General Conference of 1856 met in a memorable
year. It was, as usual, the year of the presidential elec-
tion, but this election was the first in which the issues
between the North and the South were directly drawn.
The attempt to establish the slave system in Kansas, as
a part of a general extension of slavery over new terri-
tory, had roused a spirit of determined resistance. In
the feeling which pervaded the free States Dr. M'Qin-
tock shared very fully. He detested slavery, and had
risked honor and property in helping the slave. At
every fit opportunity, public and private, he denounced
the iniquitous proceedings of the pro-slavery party. He
believed, however, that the Methodist ministers and peo-
pie in the slave States, who had adhered to our Church at
the time of the disruption in 1844, were entitled to tender
consideration. In making their election between North
and South they had resisted strong local influences, and
had proved their fidelity to ancient Methodist traditions.
On the other hand, the excitement which pervaded the
nation affected the Church — and Methodism is, of all
religious organizations, the quickest to be moved by the
surges .of popular feeling. There was a demand that
the Church should be put in a more decided anti-slav-
ery position, and this could be effected only by a rule
forbidding all slaveholding. Such a rule was, in process
of time, inevitable ; but Dr. M'Clintock was of the opin-
ion that in a few years the ivhole Church would be
26o
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
ripened for advanced legislation by the natural processes
of its growth.
The General Conference of this year was, therefere, un-
der a pressure from two opposite sides. On the one side
old affections, and the consideration due to a long record
of fidelity, pleaded for forbearance ; on the other, the de-
mand that the Church should stand before the world more
avowedly as an antislavery Church, pleaded for instant ac-
tion. It was felt on every hand that the whole mass and
weight of this great body must be hurled against slavery,
but the best measures for the hour were questions of ex-
pediency on which honest men might differ. It was the
purpose of Dr. M'Clintock to offer a draft of a " New
Chapter" on slavery, declaring that the ''general rule"
forbade the buying and selling of slaves, and was in its
spirit opposed to slaveholding, and calling on the Con-
ferences to inform the people accordingly. It would have
served, had it carried, as a ''notice to leave" for Method-
ists who preferred slavery to the Church, and would have
prepared all parties, he thought, for further action four
years later. It cannot be said that this was unwise
statesmanship. Appearing in the debate at a late hour,
when the wish to vote had reached the point of extreme
impatience, he was cut off before he could open the way
for offering his resolution.
With this Conference Dr. M'Clintock's connection with
the "Quarterly Review" closed. The Rev. Dr. D. D.
Whedon was elected his successor.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
261
LETTERS.
I.
New York, June 15, 1856.
It is a beautiful Sunday morning, and I trust you are able to enjoy
it. I had two committees up yesterday to ask me to take churches.
One, in Brooklyn, offers me $1,800 a year, and they will employ a
young- man to do all the work I cannot do. If it were in New York
I would take it, but I do not want to live in Brooklyn. Mr. Harper
offers me the post of literary manager of their publications, but I
hardly feel willing to do that as yet. They will give me $1,000 a year
to preach one sermon, and have no responsibility, at the new church
in Twenty-second-street ; and then Harpers will pay me for reading
for them, and I rather think that is what I will agree to. But I shall
not decide in haste. I am to preach this afternoon and will therefore
stop writing now.
Monday inorm'ng. — No time to write, except to say that I am very
well ; preached to an immense audience. Church in Brooklyn offers
me $1,800, a house, and a horse and carriage. No decision yet.
Mrs, Catharine W. M'Clintook.
II.
Philadelphia, September 24, 1856.
My head has been worse since my return home, and I am hardly
fit to do any thing at all but talk and walk the streets. I don't ex-
pect to be able to work for a month. It is a bad look-out for me.
Your letter was very gratifying indeed. Did you receive mine from
Jersey City.? (i.) Don't go to Freemont meetings foo often, or neg-
lect any study that should be done at night. (2.) I hope you have
not missed prayers, or any other duty, since you have been at Yale.
Such punctuality tells not only on your reputation, but also on your
character. If you stick to this, and then master every lesson thor-
oughly, your way is clear. I should be glad to see Pennsylvania win
the field there through you. I hope you make yourself both agree-
able and useful to Mrs. Daggett. (3.) Tell me whether you have
262
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
any trouble about your pronunciation of Greek and Latin — whether
it makes any difference.
Revolutions are generally the result rather of undue conservatism
on the part of statesmen than of any or all other causes. Take this
for your text, and illustrate it by examples from history. By conserv-
atism I mean sticking to old usages, ideas, and laws when it is time
to change them ; or, as Carlyle says, trying to wear the old breeches
after they have become too small.
Mr. Emobt M'Clintock, New Haven.
in.
Philadelphia, October 26, 1856.
I am glad to find that you are getting on well with your studies.
Don't forget my advice to you about minute accuracy in the prepara-
tion of each lesson, and sboui punctual attendance on every college
duty. With your advantages you ought to take some of the prizes,
and I think you can do it.
But the greatest prize of all is that of a conscience void of offence
toward God and man. Keep truth and honor in all your relations to
your fellow-students. No morality remains when truthfulness is
gone. Cherish truth in the smallest statements as well as in the
greatest and most important. Acknowledge God in all your ways.
I am not sorry to find you concerned about the election. I feel the
same interest, because of the great moral question that is at stake.
Every man, it seems to me, of pure and noble instincts, must now
be prepared to take the side of civilization against barbarism, of
liberty against slavery. The struggle may go on for many years :
I hope you and I may both live to do our duty in it hke men and
Christians.
If Judge M'Lean had been nominated we should have carried him
in easily, now it will be a very hard fight. Buchanan promises to be
very fair if elected ; perhaps he will, but if he is, the South will try
to get up a revolution. God bless you, my dear boy !
Mr. Emoey M'Clintock, New Haven.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
263
CHAPTER VIII.
1 85 7-1 860.
Dr. M'Clintock as an Orator— Appointed to the Pastorate of St Paurs Methodist Epis-
copal Church, New York — Great Success in this Position — Visits England in 1S57, with
Bishop Simpson, as Delegate to the Wesle}'an Conference and to the Evangelical Alliance—
Public Reception at the Wesleyan Mission-House — Reception at Belfast — Kiiidnoss of his
Irish Friends — Reception of the Members of the Evangelical Alliance by the King of
Prussia — The King's Attendance upon tlie Sessions of the Alliance — Entertainment of
Americans in Berlin by Governor Wright— Work upon the Cyclopaedia by Dr. M'Clintoek
—His many Plans for Literary Work — Effect of Continued Ill-health in Hindering their
Execution.
E have come to the period of Dr. M'Clintock's
^ ^ life when he attained to the fulness of his power.
His careful culture had ripened his mind ; travel had
added to the stores of his information ; his well-defined
opinions had been tested by a large experience of life ;
and he now reached a position where all his resources
as a scholar and orator could be best used for the benefit
of his fellow men. Though his aptitudes were so vari-
ous, he had always regarded preaching as his true voca-
tion, and the kingdom of Christ as the one interest to
the advancement of which all his faculties were pledged.
He might and did enjoy the satisfaction which a well-
won reputation naturally gives, but self-regarding mo-
tives were kept by him in subordination to the one con-
straining impulse — the love of his Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ. He had consecrated himself to him to
264
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
whom he owed all that he was with an entireness which
admitted of no divided allegiance.
That so few of his working years had been spent
in the pastorate was due partly to the fact that the
Church had called him to other duties, partly to the fact
that he was disabled by a frequently-recurring affection
of the throat, and in part to the fear that full pastoral
service would be too much for his strength. He had,
too, the student's instinctive dread of the much moving
to and fro which is a necessary incident of the Method-
ist pastorate ; he loved fixed relations, as most favorable
to culture, and planned to give himself all possible ad-
vantage in carrying forward his literary pursuits. In
spite of his plans, however, he made an itinerancy of his
own, and wandered up and down the world enough to
satisfy the utmost demands that could have been made
upon him by John Wesley himself. But whatever his
feelings in this regard, they were controlled by his sense
of his duty as a Methodist minister; he loyally accepted
the itinerancy, and obeyed its requisitions whenever they
were laid upon him.
He had a large endowment of the oratorical tempera-
ment. The art which is instinctive with the true orator,
of magnifying the subject of present interest until it fills
his own and his hearers' thoughts, he possessed in its
perfection. I have already spoken of his winning pres-
ence and graceful action ; but besides these he was mas-
ter of all the other resources of power which an orator
covets. A flow of speech marvellous for its accuracy and
finish, readiness in the use of his stores of information,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 265
sensibility and the power to kindle sensibility in others
— all were his. He was for many years, however, up
to the period on which we now enter, only an occa-
sional preacher. He had not, except for a brief season
when a young man, enjoyed the capital advantage of
addressing a congregation of worshippers who looked
chiefly to him for guidance, and whose cares, griefs, and
frailties were to lie as a burden upon his heart. In as-
suming the pastorate of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal
Church in New York, Dr. M'Clintock entered more fully
into the work of the Christian ministry ; and the drafts
made by his position upon his mind and heart were met
by exhibitions of eloquence which brought him at once
a national fame.
He was an orator, indeed, but he was more. He was
a student, and had the student's preference for slow elab-
oration of opinion, precision of statement, and rigorous
limitation of feeling to the just demands of the subject
in hand. He had his full share of the enthusiasm of the
closet, which is kindled by long trains of reflection, and
is often suspicious of the quicker and shallower enthusi-
asm by which masses of men are swayed. In Dr. M'Clin-
tock the student may have for a time held the orator in
check, and delayed the perfect flowering of his oratorical
genius. During all the years over which we have passed
his power as a public speaker was ripening with the
general ripening of his mind. In the period from 1856
to i860 his logic and the great resources of his learning
appeared to be fused in the fire of his feeling, and to
give him consummate power in the persuasion of men.
266
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
The adv^antages of his position were very great. The
Mulberr>-street congregation, out of which St. Paul's
Church was formed, was made up of choice elements. To
it were added other members of high intelligence, chief-
ly from down-town Methodist churches, who had been
carried to the vicinity of St. Paul's by the upward move-
ment of the city's population. He was in the midst of
friends, many of them friends of his youth, who had fol-
lowed his career with affection and pride. Some of them
had known him as the ruddy boy-clerk in the Methodist
Book Room. He was now among them again, a strong,
matured man, tested and proved in long years of public
life, loved as it is the lot of few men to be loved, and as
genial and as affectionate as in his early days. The
Church was welded into unity by the necessities of an
important enterprise, and by the consciousness of its
growing power. From the laying of its foundation-stone
to the completion of its chaste edifice its history was a
record of successes. Crowds thronged to attend the
ministrations of the eloquent pastor, and the congrega-
tion committed to his care speedily took rank as one of
the foremost of New York in advancing the interests
of the kingdom of Christ.
These were happy years for Dr. M'Clintock. With con-
siderate thoughtfulness his people provided him with
an assistant, who relieved him of many of the details
of his duty, and divided the Sunday work with him. His
preaching here, as all through his ministry, was eminently
scriptural. He fed his people, as Jeremy Taylor exhorts,
not with husks and draff, with colocynths and gourds.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK,
267
with gay tulips and useless daffodils, but with the bread
of life." He heeded Jeremy Taylor's counsel in another
particular also, " not to let discourses to the people be
busy arguings about hard places of Scripture." Dr.
M'Clintock was too much in earnest for curious preach-
ing, or showy preaching, or contentious preaching, or any
preaching that did not set forth Christ crucified as ^' first,
last, and without end." His message was delivered in
simplicity" as well as "in godly sincerity."
The General Conference of 1856 had appointed Bishop
Simpson and our friend delegates to the British Wesley-
an Conference. The two delegates spent the summer
of 1857 England and on the continent; Mr. Milburn,
the blind preacher, accompanied them, as also did Mrs.
M'Clintock and quite a party of friends. Dr. M'Clintock
and Bishop Simpson were also delegates to the Confer-
ence of the Evangelical Alliance, which met in Berlin
in the latter part of the summer. It was not till after
the return from this trip that the former entered upon
the pastoral charge of St. Paul's. His record of this
summer's travel is full of variety and incident.
Steamer Ericsson, Thursday, May 21, 1857.
We have had a most delightful passage, winds and seas favorable
throughout — just enough storm once or twice to give the novices an
idea of what the sea can do. It is too rough now to write with com-
fort, as you may see by the shaky looks of the writing ; but the sky
is bright, and the air delicious. Kate has not been sea-sick more
than half an hour ; I not at all ; Emory a little for two or three days ;
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall and Miss Cameron have had the most of it ;
they have kept their berths nearly all the time, and have disdained
the humble food on which the rest of us feast daily with so much
2C8
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
delight. They nibble crackers, and chew dry toast, and mumble
smoked beef. Mr. Milburn has been full of fun, anecdote, and poe-
try, and you have rarely seen a pleasanter party than we form around
the cabin fire at night, telling stories, playing charades, proverbs, and
such like amusements suited to our age and capacity.
An unusual thing on board a steamer is, that we have prayer every
night at nine o'clock. First only one besides our party attended, with
the Captain and Mrs. Lowber ; then one by one dropped in, till now
we have nearly all the cabin passengers. Among them are an Irish
lady and her niece, Roman Catholics, and they kneel down as deco-
rously as any Methodist among us. So does the surgeon of the ship,
who is also a Roman Catholic. Captain Lowber has been every
thing that we expected, and a great deal more. To tell the truth,
the whole ship has been put at our disposal. I had nearly forgot my
throat. Well, I ate some cakes out of the box for my lunch the first
day, and that was the last meal at which I appealed to them. I have
nice corn cakes and honey for breakfast every morning, but along
with them I eat bread and salmon, or any thing else I please. It is
astonishing the effect sea air always has on me. I can sing at night
without its hurting me, and I think I shall be able to preach when I
get to the Irish Conference. At all events I hope so.
London, 3Iay 27, 1857.
We had a lovely day to reach Liverpool — Friday — as fine a sunset
as could be desired, and found comfortable lodgings in the Union
Hotel. On Sunday we went to the Stanhope-street Chapel in the
morning, where I introduced myself to the preacher, and was most
cordially welcomed. In the afternoon I heard a fine street sermon
from Hugh Stowell Brown, who is the Beecher of Liverpool. At
night Milburn preached very excellently indeed at Stanhope-street,
and I prayed the first prayer, and Bishop Simpson the last. The
occasion was a very interesting one indeed. Monday we were busy
receiving calls, attending to letters of credit, etc., and on Monday
night at five Kate and I left in the train for Birmingham, the rest of
the party remaining behind till Tuesday morning. We reached B.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
269
at eight, and had apartments at the Queen's Hotel. Left next morn-
ing at half-past nine, and reached London at half-past two. I had
to ride a couple of hours to find lodgings. We finally got room for
the soles of our feet at the Exeter Hall Hotel, where we have stayed
till now.
It is very hard to write long letters amid such constant activity.
You come home at night thoroughly worn out, and not disposed to
write at all. I wrote one letter from Liverpool to the " Northwestern
Christian Advocate," and that is all I have yet sent to the press.
I hope to do better in that line by and by.
1 forgot to say that Mr. Young, the president of the Conference,
called on us to-day, full of offers of kindness and attention.
Rotterdam. Juiie 6, 1857.
We have gone so fast and done so much that I hardly know how
to begin to write to you. First about health : I improve daily in
throat — can eat whatever I please, and have utterly discarded arrow-
root and cakes.
We stayed in London till Wednesday night, in order to attend a re-
ception given to the deputation at the Wesleyan Mission House, which
I will describe by and by. Of course, we were sight-seeing most of
the time ; but I cannot go through the descriptions of parks, muse-
ums, palaces, etc. All the eminent Wesleyan ministers called on us.
On Wednesday night came off the reception at the Mission House.
Some hundreds of ladies and gentlemen were invited for six o'clock.
At that hour we went. First we were taken into a room on the
ground floor, where refreshments were served ; then up stairs to a
fine hall, where hundreds were gathered. Many of these were intro-
duced to us, and we circumnavigated the hall several times. The
people seemed very kind, and not a little curious to see us. At
about half-past seven the president of the Conference, Mr. Young,
called the meeting to order ; and, after singing and prayer, made an
address of congratulation, which was very kind and flattering. He
then called on Bishop Simpson, who made a very excellent and touch-
ing speech. I was then summoned, and I did the best I could.
2/0
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
After me came Mr. Milburn, who interested the audience exceed-
ingly by a humorous account of his " bringing up," and of Western
Methodism. Altogether, the meeting was very pleasant and satis-
factory.
On Thursday morning we left Wood's Hotel. At twelve v* e em-
barked at St. Katherine's wharf in the steamer Leo for Antwerp. I
had secured, among other state-rooms, one with four berths for our
four ladies, and lo ! I found a valet de place claiming it for the
duchess of St. Alban's and her daughter. Every body seemed sur-
prised that I did not give it up at once ; but I simply said that if the
duchess had engaged it before I had, she should have it ; and as this
could not be proved, she did not get it. But by and by the duchess
and her daughter came along, and I was quite smitten. She be-
haved in the most ladylike manner, and expressed the best feelings
about it. I then offered her the room occupied by Bishop Simpson
and his son, but she got another, telling me she was " equally
obliged " as if she had taken it. We had several chats after it, and
she was much interested in Kate's health, and in our American
trunks. We met again in the Cathedral at Antwerp, and had an-
other talk; but I had not the elasticity of tongue to say "your
grace " once during the whole of these talks. It was a very pleasant
rencounter, taking it altogether ; but I suppose she had not been
called "you " so much in the whole course of her life.
Reached Antwerp at twelve on Friday, and went before dinner to
see the grand Cathedral of Notre Dame, which contains Rubens's
great masterpieces — the descent from the cross, etc., cf which I
have told you before. Here I decided not to go on to Norway with
Bishop Simpson. The rest of us stayed in Antwerp till twelve on
Saturday, and then came on to Rotterdam. It was very hot, and
we found it a pleasant change from the cars to the steamer in the
evening at half-past seven. We passed Dort, where the famous
synod was held, and reached the Hotel des Bains, Rotterdam, at ten
o'clock. Here your mother and I have two rooms on the ground
floor : the first a sitting-room, about fifteen feet square, the back a
bed-room, twenty-five by thirty-five, with splendid furniture, ceiling
THE REV. DR. M.'CLINTOCK.
271
painted in allegorical designs, and three beds. We went to the
Cathedral to church Sunday morning. The sermon was in Dutch,
(not German,) an hour and a half long. After sermon, the singing
of four thousand powerful voices, accompanied by the grandest
organ in the world, (with sixty-five hundred pipes and ninety stops,)
was one of the most overpowering effects of music that I have ever
listened to.
DiEPPK, June 21, 1S57.
We were very sorry on reaching Paris to find that Madame Joseph
had moved away, and that we could not find her out. We went first
to the Hotel du Louvre, which is the grandest place of the kind you
can imagine — rooms fit for kings' palaces, and furniture to match.
But as we found it would cost us six dollars or more a day a piece,
we only stayed one night, and then went to the Hotel de Lille et
d'Albion. We are settled here to spend Sunday, in the same house,
and, I think, in the very same rooms, that we had three years ago,
when your dear Atta was along. The very same old chambermaid,
in a crimped cap, that waited on us then, attends to us now. The
rain pours in torrents this morning, and will prevent our going to
church. Our hotel fronts on a basin of the harbor, and on the oppo-
site side of the basin a battalion of infai\try is passing, with eight or
twelve drums, disturbing the Sabbath air. After the people come
from church they will occupy themselves in all sorts of amusements.
Bklfast, July 5, 1857.
We came from Killarney to Dublin on Friday ; rode all the after-
noon about the city, and so saw Trinity College, the old Parliament
House, the Custom House, etc. Then mother went out and bought
some things. Left Dublin at half-past eight on Saturday. An el-
derly gentleman, of elegant manners, sat in the same coupe with us.
At a certain station he got out, and I heard him say to another gen-
tleman on the platform that " Mrs. M'Clintock had not come," When
he came in again he noticed the name on my writing-desk, and said,
"Why, that might belong to our member of parliament." He told
me that John M'Clintock, Esq., was the member, and showed me
272
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
his estate as we passed it, remarking that he was a kinsman. We
reached Belfast at thirty-five minutes past one, and were hardly set-
tled in the Imperial Hotel when a deputation came to take me and
Kate to Mr. Alderman Mullen's villa, where lodgings were prepared
for us. But as we were settled, we stayed. To-day I preached to a
fine congregation on i Cor. viii, 6, at the Donegal Square Church.
After church. Dr. Alfred M'Clintock, of Dublin, who had been to
hear me preach, came into the hotel to see us. He was very cordial
indeed. He had just returned from Liverpool, where he had been to
see his brother. Captain F. L. M'Clintock, sail. This last is the
one mentioned in Kane's expedition, and he now sails as commander
of the new Arctic expedition. I wish I had seen him before he
sailed.
We remain here to-morrow, then on Tuesday go to Antrim, thence
to the Giant's Causeway ; Wednesday to Londonderry and Omagh ;
Thursday back to Derry ; Friday to Belfast ; Friday night to Glas-
gow. Thus far we have been highly favored in weather, and in the
care of Providence, saving us from all accident. My health has won-
derfully improved. I preached Friday week, made a speech Mon-
day, another Thursday, preached again to-day, am to make another
speech to-morrow night ; and all this without serious harm to my
throat.
Londonderry, July 8, 1857.
It seems impossible for us to get any letters. All that we have yet
had are two. The rest get them in stacks, but Bishop Simpson and
I get none. I fear there is something wrong about your mode of
directing letters, and I have so stated to Gussie.
On Monday night, July 6, Bishop Simpson preached. I made a
speech after him to a large audience in Donegal Square, Belfast. At
ten Tuesday we started for Antrim ; stopped there till three. Saw
the Round Tower there, the most perfect in Ireland, and then went
through the domain and pleasure grounds of Antrim Castle. They
are very beautiful. At three we took the cars again, reached Port
Rush at five, and there took jaunting-cars for the Causeway, whence
we returned at half-past six. Spent two hours inspecting the won-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
273
dcrs of the Causeway, and then came in and ate a hearty supper,
and went to bed on the floor of the sittitng-room, as the bedrooms
were all full. This morning took another run to the Causeway in
the rain ; at ten started in a big carriage and a car. Stopped at Fort
Stewart, at Mr. Cather's, who had refreshments for us. At one
reached Coleraine, where an elegant lunch was prepared for our
party. After\vard we walked around the walls of Derry, under the
guidance of Mr. Alexander Lindsay and Mr. M'Arthur. The rest
have all gone to church to hear Bishop Simpson, and I stayed at
home to write.
I forgot to say that the Belfast people made me take three pounds
to pay our hotel bill while stopping there. Indeed, the kindness of
these Irish people knows no limit whatsoever.
To Miss Jane M' Clintock.
Liverpool, July 81, 1S57.
I was greatly rejoiced to get the letters of July 14 by the Columbia
day before yesterday. It was one of the best budgets I have yet had,
and it was certainly quite cheering. The news was all good news,
except the stor)^ about hot weather. We have had nothing here but
cool, pleasant weather ; in Paris Kate says it is warmer, but yet I
fancy none of them know any thing of the enormous heats w^hich
you must suffer if the summer has fairly set in.
We had our reception-day in the Conference yesterday. At half-
past ten the doors were thrown open, and the people flocked in.
Bishop Simpson spoke first and grandly. The audience was roused
to a high pitch of enthusiasm, and I succeeded in keeping it up dur-
ing my speech, which was one of the most successful I ever made in
my life. We are engaged to dine out every day till we leave Liver-
pool, and would have, doubtless, for a month, if we could stay. The
English are not so quick and warm in their hospitality as the Irish,
but it is very good when it comes. W^e have invitations to spend
weeks in Ireland, but I don't suppose we shall be able to get the
enjoyment of them.
18
274
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Hull, Auguftt 4, 1857.
My preaching on Sunday did me good instead of harm, and I left
Liverpool at ten this morning to preach here to-night, and to go
back to-morrow. As I am pretty tired, and have soon to go into the
pulpit, I cannot write a long letter. To-morrow we take leave of the
Conference ; Thursday go to London ; stop there Friday to attend to
various matters of necessity about the purchase of books for Troy
University; then on Saturday, God willing, we shall be at 217 Rue
St. Honore, Paris.
Paeis, Aug. 14, 1S57.
I told you in my last how much preaching and travelling I had
been able to do, and I bore the rapid trip to Paris equally well.
Since I came here I haye been chiefly occupied with the purchase of
books for the Troy University, and have thus far succeeded very well.
To-day was the " inauguration " of the new Louvre — a grand display
of troops, some thousands of them, with the emperor and empress in
state carriages, and a grand cortege of diplomatic carriages, etc. I
saw the troops and the cavalry, but I did not get near enough to see
Napoleon and Eugenie. Emory succeeded better than I did, as he
got near enough to see the royal people very well. I am more glad
that he saw them than that I should.
Berlin, Sept. 15, 1857.
We have all sorts of sights of kings and queens, and should
have been right glad to present you to them. Last Friday, on the
king's special invitation, I went, with about one thousand other
people, to visit him at his new palace at Potsdam. He gave us
the run of the palace and grounds, with plenty of ice cream, fruits,
lemonades, and light wines. We were drawn up according to na-
tionalities. The German usher said, " Americans there ; " and when
we were " there " he announced, " English join on to the Americans,"
which the English did not seem to like very much, but yet they
obeyed. The king, a plain old man of sixty-five, came first to the
Americans, and seeing Governor Wright, our ambassador, at the head
of the colunm, he said, " My dear Wright, I am so glad to see you,
and to see you here." He asked Bishop Simpson the name of his
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
275
diocese, which the bishop could not exactly answer. Various other
sayings might be chronicled, for the old gentleman wended his way
down the Hne, making remarks for about two hours. Meantime the
queen talked to the ladies, and when she had done with them we
were introduced, whereupon she asked if I were really an Amer-
ican Altogether it was a great and good thing for a king to do in
the heart of Europe.
To-day I saw the sham fight at Spandau — some forty thousand
troops — and had the felicity of bowing to the king, to the emperor
of Russia, to Prince Gortschakofif, and ever so many more. What
was to me far more interesting, I had a long talk with Chevalier
Bunsen, who treated me most kindly and fraternally.
GuENT. Sej)t. 20, 1557.
No session of the "Conference of Christians from all Lands " at
Berlin, was more interesting than that of Wednesday afternoon, Sep-
tember 16, which was occupied with reports from the lands of the
Bible and from Turkey and Greece. When 1 went into the church
I saw the king of Prussia in his accustomed seat in the gallery, lis-
tening eagerly with his hand at his ear, to Dr. Dwight, who was
giving an account of the American mission, and also of the progress
of Christianity and of religious liberty throughout the dominions of
the Sultan In the morning there had been a grand display of mili-
tary manoeuvres at Spandau, and a sham battle, with sixty to eighty
thousand men engaged, and I had seen the king upon that field with
the emperor of Russia, watching the movements of the vast masses
of troops. I could not but think that he looked happier and more
at home here, in the midst of this "army of the cross," than there
amid the noise of artillery and the throng ot serried battalions, mim-
icking war. At all events he sat uniil seven in the evening, apparent-
ly as much interested in the reports of the American missionaries as
any clerg)'man in the body.
Dr. Dwight was followed by Dr. King, of Greece, who gave an ac-
count of the mission and the schools at Athens, of which he has
been the head for so many useful years. It was a great pleasure to
276
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
me to meet these two men, whose names have long held so promi-
nent a place among Christian missionaries, and I trust I may be ex-
cused for saying, also, that 1 felt a little national pride in hearing
these noble ministers from our own country recounting before this
assembly of eminent and learned men from all nations the story of the
blessings with which God had followed their labors in those " lands
of old renown " to which they had come from the far West, bringing
messages of Christian peace and love.
Dr. Schauffler. of Constantinople, had intended also to be present,
but the interests of his mission demanded his presence in America.
He wrote a letter to the secretary of the Conference requesting that
prayer should be offered at the meeting in Berlin at 6 P. M. on Wed-
nesday, on which day, at a corresponding hour, prayer would ascend
from a Christian congregation at Providence, Rhode Island, for the
same mission. Accordingly, at six precisely, President Kunze rose
and requested the Conference and the congregation to unite in prayer
for the work of God in the East. The whole assembly, preachers
and people, with the king of Prussia at their head, rose as one man,
and all seemed to join fervently and heartily in the prayer led by
Pastor Kunze. Altogether it was a scene of rare interest. I could
not help thinking it even one olgreat sublimity.
In the evening of the same day we had the pleasure of taking tea
with Thomas Farmer, Esq., of England, who, with his amiable fam-
ily, and the Rev. James H. Rigg, of Stockport, were our neighbors
at the Hotel de Russie. Mr. Farmer, as you are well aware, is al-
ways ready for every good word and w^ork ; he has taken a great in-
terest in the Evangelical Alliance from its inception, in 1846, and in
this Berlin meeting he has been one of the most prominent and use-
ful of the English delegates. On this evening he gathered a num-
ber of brethren from all lands to break bread and talk together. It
was a happy idea, and we had only to regret that such reunions
were not more frequent during the sessions of the Berlin Conference.
I have before spoken of the kindness of the Hon. Joseph A.
Wright, late Governor of Indiana, and now American ambassador at'
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
277
Berlin. He has omitted no possible attention to Bishop Simpson
and myself; indeed, I have sometimes been afraid of trespassing too
much upon his exuberant kindness. On Monday, the i6th, he in-
vited all the Americans present in Berlin to dinner at the hotel d'An-
gleterre, and the number sufficed to fill two long tables. Among
them were Dr. Dwight, of Constantinople ; Dr. King, of Athens ; Dr.
Patton, of New York ; Dr. Baird, the Rev. W. F. Warren, and the
Rev. Mr. Eldridge, of New England ; Dr. Black, of Pittsburgh ; Dr.
Nast, and the Rev. L. S. Jacoby. It was delightful in this far-off
land to surround a table spread by the bounty of our own ambassa-
dor, and to meet so many of our brethren of different denominations,
yet all, as Christians and as Americans, seeing eye to eye.
While engaged in his pastoral work and church build-
ing, our friend continued the preparation of material
for the Biblical and Theological Cyclopaedia, with which
he had been occupied since 1853. This chief literary-
product of his life grew upon him and his associate,
Dr. James Strong, as it progressed towards comple-
tion. In its scope it embraces biblical, theological, and
ecclesiastical literature. It was at first supposed to be
practicable to compress an epitome of these departments
into two large octavo volumes, but the two volumes have
grown to six, and will be likely to reach as far as ten.
No similar work in English on so comprehensive a plan
had before been undertaken, unless we except the trans-
lation of Herzog's Real Encyklopaedia," which, unfor-
tunately, was suspended during our late civil war. Dr.
M'Clintock brought to this important undertaking great
resources of knowledge, the habit of thorough research,
an unusual skill in the treatment of the doctrines of phi-
losophy and theology, and a catholic temper. The whole
2/8 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
of systematic theology, of Church history and usage, and
of ecclesiastical biography, came under his observation
in the selection and elaboration of the articles for which
he was responsible. He lived to see three volumes issued,
and was busy with the fourth, when his pen dropped for-
ever from his hand. Dr. Strong, whose entire life has
been devoted to Biblical studies, has gone on successfully
with the task of completing this laborious work.
Regret is sometimes expressed that Dr. M'Clintock has
left behind him no literary product which fully repre-
sents his great talents and various learning. It must
not be forgotten that he died in his fifty-sixth year — an
age which, for a statesman, is counted young, and for an
author, the fit season for the gathering in of the harvests
of life's thinking. Cut off in the midst of his years, large
projects were left by him unrealized. He had made ex-
tensive studies in the Pauline writings, and had written
and delivered numerous lectures on the Epistle to the
Romans, which he intended to put to press, but waited
till they could be brought into such form as would satisfy
his critical judgment. He meditated much upon a com-
plete exposition of systematic theology. And if, in early
life, a position at the head of a divinity school, such as he
held during his last years, had fallen to him, this would
have been the work to which he would, most likely, have
dedicated all his faculties. But like a wise man, he did
''the duty that lay nearest to him," and so made his life
fruitful and powerful in every direction.
What was done by him was accomplished under
conditions of health, which would have crushed most
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 279
men. After 1848 he never had firm health. Despite
fair appearances, the spring within was broken, and he
brokenly lived on." His great spirit resisted and con-
quered depression, and threw over his life the charm
of poetry, love, and joy. I have often rallied ^him, in a
good-natured way, upon his frequent ailments, but since
reading his letters and papers the impression has been
deepened in my mind that ill-health was for years, with
him, a terrible reality; and that he kept on working
when others, in his condition, would have pronounced
themselves hopeless invalids.
28o
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
CHAPTER IX.
860-1862.
Appointed Pastor of the American Chapel, Paris— Cordial Eeception by the Congrega-
tion—Engages to Correspond with the "Methodist" — Breaking out of the CivU War in the
United States— Patriotic Activity of Dr. M'Clintock— Speech in Exeter Hall at the Wesleyan
Missionary Anniversary — Great Effect of the Speech — Meeting of Americans at the Hotel
du Louvre, Paris— Subscription for Battery of Rifled Cannon — Dr. M'Clintock Translates
and Circulates, in England, De Gasparin's " Uprising of a Great People" — Speech at Meet-
ing of Americans in London, July 4, 1S61 — The "Trent" Imbroglio — Active EflForts of
Dr. MX'lintock to Eemove English Misunderstandings — Correspondence with the liev.
Wm. Arthur in Relation to Mason and Slidell — His Devotion to his Work as Pastor of the
Chapel— Fruit of his Preaching — Readiness to Serve Destitute and Suffering Americans —
Lending a Hand.
T the close of his connection with St. Paul's Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, New York, Dr. M'Clin-
tock accepted an invitation to take charge of the Amer-
ican Chapel in the city of Paris. The chapel had been
established by the American and Foreign Christian
Union of this country, on an unsectarian basis, for the
purpose of securing to American travellers and residents
in the capital of France the benefits of Protestant worship.
It set up a distinctive and important part of American
life in a foreign land ; it was a fragment of home which
brought to our countrymen a hallowed Sabbath, and
a simple religious service in their own tongue. Such
eminent ministers as Dr. Kirk, of Boston, and Dr. Pren-
tiss, of New York, had preceded Dr. M'Clintock in the
pastoral charge of the Chapel. It had become a ral-
lying point for Americans in Paris ; hardly a Sunday
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
281
passed without the appearance in its pews of some of our
countrymen, well known both at home and abroad. The
congregation, though continually changing in its compo-
sition, was well maintained. On pleasant Sundays it
rose, not unfrequently, to the number of three hundred
persons, and seldom fell below one hundred and fifty.
On his arrival at Paris our friend was received most
cordially by his flock, and immediately addressed him-
self to his duties. His health being again feeble, he
had requested the Rev. Andrew Longacre, of Philadel-
phia, to take the position of assistant pastor, and found
him a most serviceable and affectionate associate. He
was met at his entrance upon his work by a difficulty in
relation to liturgical and non-liturgical services. There
were members of the congregation who had been accus-
tomed to the u^e of a liturgy, and would have been
pained by its omission ; others greatly preferred extem-
porary prayers. Applying himself to the problem before
him with his usual readiness and tact, Dr. M'Clintock
soon succeeded in effecting a settlement, with which all
parties were satisfied. At fifteen minutes past eleven
o'clock on Sunday, the morning prayer of the Protestant
Episcopal Church was used ; at twelve extemporary
prayer introduced the sermon ; the afternoon service was
non-liturgical. All shades of American politics were
represented in the congregation, and in the ministers
from home who were invited to occupy the pulpit. Dr.
Thornwell, of South Carolina, preached for the pastor on
one Sunday morning, and Dr. William Adams, of New
York, on the Sunday morning following. No effort was
282
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
spared in the administration of the chapel to make it " a
symbol of the essential unity of American Evangelical
Christians in all points of the common faith."
Before leaving New York Dr. M'Clintock became asso-
ciated with the " Methodist," which had just been estab-
lished, as its corresponding editor. The selection was
most fortunate both for himself and for the readers of the
paper. Upon the breaking out of the civil war in 1861, he
had at once a medium of communication with his coun-
trymen, through which they were advised of the aspects
of foreign opinion, and the movements of foreign poli-
ticians. He studied the fluctuations of European policy
in relation to the United States most thoroughly. The
accuracy of his intelligence and the breadth of his views
enabled him to furnish the readers of the Methodist "
a series of letters which, to say the least, were not
surpassed by any contributed during the war to the
American press. In his letters to myself, as editor, as
well as in those written to other friends, his over-anxi-
ety in relation to particular events was very apparent ;
this, however, at his distance from the field of opera-
tions, was very natural. But no one could be more con-
fident than he of the ultimate triumph of our arms.
His predictions of the length of the war and its varying
fortunes proved to be remarkably accurate.
The breaking out of the civil war found Dr. M'Clin-
tock in the very position, too, where he could render
the most important service to his distracted country.
Had he been at home, he would have been among the
foremost to animate his loyal fellow-citizens with tongue
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
283
and pen. There was, however, an equally important
work to be done by intelligent and patriotic Americans
abroad. The apparent acquiescence of the people, dur-
ing the closing months of Mr. Buchanan's administration,
in the division of the Union as an accomplished fact — the
surrender of Fort Sumter, the loss of Norfolk, the fee-
bleness of the first military preparations of Mr. Lincoln's
government, the hesitation of a peace-loving nation to
take up arms, the distrust of the future shown by so
many — and, on the other hand, the rapidity and decision
of the rebel movements, had, taken together, created
the opinion in Europe that we had neither the capacity
nor the will to maintain the Union by force.
The public opinion of England, at first favorable, veered
round, and, led by the " Times," became bitterly hostile.
Belligerent rights were almost instantly conceded to the
Confederates ; threats were loudly uttered, that if we
attempted to blockade the southern ports, the blockade
would be broken ; the fitting out of rebel cruisers in
English harbors was either purposely not seen or con-
nived at ; threats of armed intervention were rife, and
these, no matter how idle, served their purpose in affect-
ing public opinion ; and before many months came the
unlucky Trent " affair, which brought England and the
United States to the verge of war. Dr. M'Clintock was
one of the men whose qualities show best in such a crisis.
He was courageous by nature, and his courage was forti-
fied by Christian faith. His confidence in the triumph
of right principles was immovable. He had the scholar's
clear insight of the drift of public events, and the scholar's
284 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
large and unselfish interest in public affairs. Coleridge
had taught him that in the knowledge of law dwells
the spirit of prophecy," and he had studied the laws of
moral and political government too long to question, for
a moment, what the issue of our fiery trial would be.
In all the dark period from 1861 to 1863 his voice rang
out clear in its predictions of our final success ; his
courage made others courageous, his hopefulness gave
others hope.
His patriotism was not, however, of a passive kind.
Instantly comprehending the situation, he struck out a
line of action for himself. He had no official position,
could exercise no official authority, could expect no of-
ficial recognition ; but he was a citizen, and owed his
country all that it was in his power to do, and that was,
for him, warrant enough. Appreciating the importance
of correcting the misrepresentations of the London
Times," he availed himself of his opportunity as one
of the speakers at the Wesleyan Missionary anniver-
sary in Exeter Hall, April, 1861, to call the attention
of the Methodists of England to the course of that
paper. He had entire confidence in the honesty and
fairness of Wesleyan feeling in relation to this country,
and he knew the power of Wesleyan public opinion.
The Methodists had come up from all parts of England
to this their great annual festival, and they went back to
their homes with right views of the question at issue in
our desperate struggle with rebellion. How to put a po-
litical speech inside of a missionar}^ address might puzzle
most men, but it was done in this instance supremely
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
285
well. Dr. M'Clintock found a passage in the remarks
of another speaker which served as an introduction of
the topic in which he was so much interested, and then
proceeded to say : —
The " Times " said, the day before yesterday, just in the words
that I will now quote: "The great Republic is no more." Shall 1
go home, and tell my friends that I don't know whether you believe
with the " Times " or not ? I am inclined to think you do not ; but
if you have the slightest disposition to believe any such doctrine as
that, let me tell you, " Lay not the flattering unction to your souls."
No, I don't believe that Britons will rejoice to see the day when the
" great Republic " shall be no more. (Tremendous cheering.)
But, if they shall, let me tell you the day of their rejoicing is very
far away. (Cheers.) What sort of a prophet would that have been,
who, just at the beginning of the conflict of the American Revolu-
tion, when Great Britain was going to fight her rebellious colonies,
should have said Great Britain was no more What would have
been thought of the man who would have said, after you had given
up the American colonies — a far bigger territory than any you had
left at that time — what would have been thought of the newspaper
that should have said, at that moment, " The great power of the
British crown is no more, the British empire is defunct ? " He would
have been a splendid prophet, would he not? Suppose, too, that we
in New York, editing papers, (and I have tried my hand at that busi-
ness myself in a religious sort of way,) at the time of your rebellion
in the East Indies, should have made use of such an expression as
that. I am not afraid of talking about the "Times," because I am
not an Englishman ; and if we had printed, for two or three days,
that Great Britain was no more, and that the diadem was about to fall
from the head of Victoria, because there was a rebellion in India, it
would have been quite a parallel case. I do not mean to say that
this strife in the United States is to end without a loss of some of
our territoiT in America. It may end in that. It mav end in the
286
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
loss of part of that territory, that is to say, the slave-holding part
of it ; and are you the men to say. We are nothing because we are
not slave-holders ? Why, there was no part of this great " country-
man's " speech (a laugh) that you applauded more than that extract
from a Yankee Quaker's bit of poetry-. (Loud laughter.) Then, as
to that great Scotchman yonder, there was not a part of his speech
that you applauded more than that about Fanny Forrester, a little
Yankee woman, about four feet seven and a half inches high.
(Laughter.) No, we are not dead and buried, and what is more, we
do not mean to be for a very long time.
Now, let me say to you, Mr, President, and this vast audience of
Wesleyan ministers, and good, sensible, intelligent people, do not let
your political newspapers, or your politicians, debauch your intellects
or morals upon the present exciting American question. For the
first time in the whole history of the human race, a people, to the
extent of twenty millions, have risen up to say, " We will forfeit our
prestige\>^{ox^ the world ; we will jeopard our name even as a great
republic ; w^e will run the risk even of a terrible civil war, such as the
world has never seen ; we will do all this sooner than we will suffer
that human slavery shall be extended one inch. (Tremendous cheer-
ing.) I am in earnest about that point, and I do not want you to
forget it; and if you read the "Times" you will need to remem-
ber it.
W^hen I took up the "Times" at breakfast this morning and
read the first fifteen or twenty lines, it stopped my appetite for break-
fast— I could not get on — I had to vent myself in a few angry- words
to my wife before I coiild get my appetite back again. (Laughter.)
I had a paper put into my hands called the " Telegraph," which they
tell me has a circulation larger than the "Times " now; it seemed
a capitally-written paper, though I did not like the doctrines of it.
What did I read in its one article upon American affairs } This
sentence, " Are the Americans going to cut each other's throats
about a miserable question of the liberty of blackamoors.'*" That,
in the city of London ! — not in any pro-slavery paper in New
York or Charleston, but in the city of London, in a newspaper
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
287
that is said to be read by more people than the " Times." Now, if
you read either of these papers, I hope you will read between the
lines hereafter. (Laughter.) So far, at least, as this congregation
is concerned, I hope you will not be debauched. We used to think,
years ago, we heard voices coming across the great Atlantic, telling
us to be brave for the slaves ; and three or four years ago, when I
was here, I was abused in newspapers printed in the city of London,
because I was a pro-slavery man, it was said — not enough of an
abolitionist ; and we thought that Britain was in earnest in this.
And yet, if we were to believe these newspapers, all these profes-
sions have been a sham and a humbug, and all our antislavery feel-
ing has been simply fanaticism ! God preserve us ! for I am sure
the newspapers never will. (Loud cheers.)
To the efYect upon English Wesleyans of this most
eloquent appeal the London ''Watchman" bore a gener-
ous testimony. " Dr. M'Clintock," it said, "had already
the sympathy of many an English heart previous to that
bold but most successful challenge which electrified Ex-
eter Hall. Americans will read how he maintained the
cause of his country before an English audience, and
Englishmen will not despair of the Great Republic, if the
contest is to be as he puts it — one between free soil and the
extension of slave territory. Whatever our honored friend
may have felt, he allowed no shade of sadness or of mis-
giving to appear in the presence of Englishmen, though
he knew that great assembly, at any rate, could be relied
upon as the friends of his country and of his Church.
The course he took was even more consummately skillful
than it was strikingly bold ; and we never before saw
Exeter Hall in such a tumult of acclamation. The re-
sponse was just such as became a great Methodist meet-
288
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
ing, uttering in a moment of generous enthusiasm its
true feeling towards the free United States."
Dr. M'CHntock had another opportunity of expressing
his sense of the duty of the hour in a meeting of Amer-
icans, at the Grand Hotel du Louvre, on the 29th of
May, 1 861. His speech on this occasion was full of elo-
quence and courage, but indicated his opinion that the
war would not come to a speedy end. Mr. Dayton, the
American minister to France, Cassius M. Clay, American
envoy to Russia, General Fremont, Mr. Burlingame,
and Mr. Elliot C. Cowdin also addressed the meeting.
Dr. M'Clintock took this occasion to do justice to the
English people. " I have no fear," he said, of the grand
English nation. Its voice has not yet been heard. When
it shall be uttered, it will not be on the side of piracy and
slavery. . . . Old England will stand by New England in
the battle of Christianity and civilization. I think I am
right in this prediction ; but if I am wrong, then I will
agree with my friend that the glory of England will have
departed forever." To make the issue clear beyond
doubt, he published in London the speech of A. H. Ste-
phens, the Vice-President of the Confederacy, delivered
in Savannah, March 21, 1861, in which slavery was de-
clared the corner-stone of the new government. Prefixed
to the speech was a letter from the Rev. William Arthur,
explaining the legal relation of the United States Gov-
ernment to slavery, as defined by the National Constitu-
tion. The pamphlet, which was a convincing exposition
of our case, was extensively circulated.
The patriotic Americans who were in Paris in the spring
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTQCK. 289
of 1 861 did not, however, limit their zeal to public break-
fasts and speeches. A subscription list was opened, and
quickly filled up, for the purchase of rifled cannon, to be
sent to the Government at home " to be used " — so ran
the statement of the subscribers to the fund — " in en-
forcing the laws and upholding the Constitution of the
Union." It became a serious question with Dr. M'Clin-
tock how to procure the money needed for such expo-
sitions of the merits of our cause as would help to correct
the errors of English opinion. His friend, Mr. Thomas
N, Dale, one of the principal supporters of the Chapel,
who had returned to New York, raised there, without
delay, a considerable sum and remitted it to him.
With this money Dr. M'Clintock published, in Lon-
don, De Gasparin's timely book, " The Uprising of a
Great People," translating it himself. Americans cannot
forget the impression produced by that eloquent plea for
our Union, both in America and in Europe. Even in
circles where it did not convince, it checked the forma-
tion of hasty judgments. It lifted our cause far above
the level of a political strife, and presented it as a strug-
gle for the preservation of the best elements of civiliza-
tion in the New World. ^' We are concerned," wrote
this brilliant Frenchman, ''in the American crisis. Not
simply because we may have friends, or trade, or property
in America, but, above all, because ozir principles and our
liberties are there at stake. The victories of justice, on
whatever soil they may have been gained, are the victo-
ries of the whole human race." With De Gasparin Dr.
M'Clintock corresponded during all this gloomy period.
19
290 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
When the unlucky capture of Mason and Slidell brought
fonvard De Gasparin again, as our advocate, Dr. M'CHn-
tock translated and pubHshed his Word of Peace on
the American Question," and circulated it as extensively
as possible throughout England.
Our countr^^men in London had almost determined to
let the fourth of July, 1861, pass by without any observ-
ance, but fortunately better counsels prevailed. The more
sagacious felt the importance of declaring to the world
on this day that Americans had confidence in the future
of their country, and bated not one jot of heart or hope
in upholding its fortunes. About one hundred and twen-
ty assembled in the Colonnade Hotel. The Rev. Dr.
Wm. Patton presided ; the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel
represented the English Non-conformists. Dr. M'Clin-
tock, in his address, made prominent the distinction,
which was always present to his mind, between the real
and the official England. It is," he said, because we
love England that we are anxious to hear kind words from
England. Sorrowful as are the circumstances attending
our national anniversary on this occasion, never on any
happy fourth of July at home, never in those halcyon
days of peace, have I been prouder of my countrymen ;
for they have shown fidelity to great principles, to the
memory of Washington, and to the heritage of freedom
which God has given them. They are fighting because
they have a flag which has been dishonored, a constitu-
tion that has been trampled upon, and a history that has
been thrown to the winds. They have grand memories
which the bulk of the community have never forgotten,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 29I
and a nationality which they mean to maintain. They
are fighting now to show that they have a government
which all the world shall recognize in the end. I have no
doubt on which side the victory will lie, and am now
prouder and more hopeful of my country than ever; and
I am sure, too, that in her heart of hearts England is
prouder of it than she has ever been."
These were the words of a brave and Christian spirit,
and there was an England prepared in due season to re-
ceive them. But the danger, great at all times during
the war, of foreign complications, became imminent
when Mason and Slidell were taken from the English
steamer Trent, by Commodore Wilkes. The English
Government could not believe that Commodore Wilkes
acted, in arresting the commissioners, without instruc-
tions, and they concluded at once that Mr. Seward
meant either war or a menace of war.
During this critical period the Rev. Wm. Arthur and
Dr. M'Clintock corresponded rapidly in relation to the
intentions of the American Government. The former was
in communication with leading English statesmen. It
was agreed at a consultation held by our leading repre-
sentatives in Paris, that Mr. Thurlow W^eed should go
over from that city to London and have an interview with
men whom it was important to set right. Mr. Weed
took with him a letter of introduction from Dr. M'Clin-
tock to Mr. Arthur, which was of great service, as will be
seen further on. Here, as all through the war, Mr. Ar-
thur showed himself a devoted friend to the United
States. He was, and is, an Englishman in every fibre of
292
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
his nature, but he was also a lover of liberty, of right,
and of peace. The letters which passed between him
and Dr. M'Clintock during the Trent negotiations do
honor to them both. The two friends might on many
points disagree, but they could not for a moment dis-
trust each other's sincerity.
Paris, Sunday Nigut, Jxily 1, 1860.
It is now about half-past two o'clock, or perhaps three, in New
York, and you are getting ready to go to the communion at St.
Paul's. We have been twice to church. The first service was at
half-past eleven o'clock. Mr. Longacre read prayers and preached,
and he and I administered the communion. It was nearly two
o'clock when we got home. At half- past three I preached on Romans
xii, I. The gown rustled a little at first, but I soon forgot it entirely.
There were many home faces : Mr. Corbitt, Mr. Newman, Mr. and
Mrs. Wright, and perhaps twenty others. It was not St. Paul's ; I
could not see your faces, so near the pulpit, and always so kind and
loving. But I tried to preach a plain and earnest Gospel, and I think
a good impression was made. Mr. Longacre has won golden opin-
ions, as, indeed, I knew he could not fail to do. There is a great
field here to till. If we can only make the different denominations
to harmonize quietly, I think we may look for great success.
The church is a little larger than our chapel — perhaps one third —
and will seat some six hundred persons. I hope to see it full.
We landed at Havre on Wednesday morning last at 8 o'clock, and
had a delicious breakfast at the Hotel Frascati. It took me till four
o'clock to get the luggage through the Custom-house, and to have
the passports viseed. At six we set out for Rouen, and reached
there at eight o'clock, thus dividing the journey to Paris on account
of the baby. The little swinging cradle attended us all the way, and
was an object of great interest to the officials at the Custom-house
and railways. Men in soldier clothes would look at it, make it go, and
laugh. It seems to be a new invention here.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
293
We reached Paris at five o'clock, Thursday, and found our old
apartments at the Hotel de Lille et d'Albion. A great part of our
time since has been spent house-hunting, but we have not decided on
anything yet. We hope to be settled next week, but it is uncertain.
There are to be immense parades this week, at the funeral of Jerome
Napoleon, who now lies in state at the Palais Royal. The crowds
visiting him are so great that we have not been able to get in yet,
and I suppose we shall not.
0 I dear, I wish you were as near us as you are to the parsonage.
Perhaps you are in heart and feeling, if not in person. At any rate
we feel quite near you. But God, our trust, is nearer yet ; may he
protect you and yours, and grant you all temporal and spiritual bless-
ings in Christ Jesus !
To Mr. Fletcher Harper.
Paris, July 30, 1S60.
Our domestic establishment goes on nicely, but we are not yet
permanently settled. At the end of two months we shall leave our
present home, unless the landlord comes down in price. In this last
case we shall stay where we are.
1 trust Mr. Longacre and I will be able to make the American
Chapel go. At all events we shall tr)'. Can't you help us Can't
you give Dr. Murray room in the " Weekly " or " Monthly " for a
short account of the chapel, stimulating Americans to rally around
it ? All means must be used to accomplish our end of building it up.
I have sent an installment for the dictionar\', and shall send small
parcels by each steamer, to run as little risk of loss as possible.
Now I pray you sit down at once as soon as you get this and reply
to it. Tell me all your household news. Remember me most af-
fectionately to Mrs. Harper, your sons and daughters, and don't let
the grand-children forget me.
To Mr. C. C. North.
Paeis, August 4, 1S60.
Our new order of worship will go into force next Sunday. I hope
it will succeed fully. Nearly every body here is satisfied, now, that
294
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
things look so prosperous with the existing order. But we look for
hearty co-operation from all sides hereafter. Each side gives up
something for the sake of harmony. So we must all do in this world.
Mrs. M'Clintock is somewhat better than when I wrote last. My
own health seems to be constantly improving. I have had to keep
on the run since I have been here, and this activity, with the cool,
bracing weather we have had all the time, has done me great good.
To Mrs. Dr. A. S. Purdy.
Pakts, Angunt 14, 15C0.
Your letters are like springs of water in a dry and thirsty land.
The minute account you give of Church matters is just exactly what
I want to get : and no one else will do it but you, so please continue
to "walk by the same rule and mind the same thing."
My jaw opens nearly as well as ever ; my general health is better
than it has been for years — thanks to the cool weather and constant
out-door exercise. We have not yet had a hot day : warm clothes,
overcoats when driving, two blankets at night. On no day yet have
we been able to keep a window in the house open, or to wear sum-
mer clothes of any kind.
How often I wish the doctor could come in to take a quiet rest,
chat, and smoke. How often after our meetings we wish for your
happy and loving face to cheer us up. But we must do withooit these
blessings ; thank God for what we have enjoyed, and hope for re-
union in the future, both in this life and in the next.
We have not yet decided whether to stay in our present quarters
or to move. But we must settle it this week, after that we shall feel
more like living. It is very comfortable where we are, but $i,6oo is
a large price for two floors, and it makes a big hole in a salary of
S3,ooo.
Dr. Adams preached for me last Sunday morning. It seems like
home to have the pastors of Madison Square and St. Paul's in one
pulpit together. We are all to spend this evening together at Mr.
Faulkner's, (the ambassador,) who, with his family, are among our
most devoted adherents at the Chapel.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
295
To Mr. C. C. North.
Paeis, Aiigmt 29, 1860.
I send this sheet to show how our programme goes. We omitted
by accident to insert, " Under the control of the American and
Foreign Christian Union," but that will be inserted in the next
that are printed. Circulars will be sent weekly to all strangers,
according to the list of arrivals. I have to attend to these
matters myself, with Mr. Tucker's help. I hope to get some
of the young men trained to these duties, and to general
deaconship. Three persons have offered themselves for Church
membership. I shall procure a book, put their names down, and
take all others that offer. Pray God to bless the American Church
in Paris ! It is a pity that the word chapel was used at first.
To Mrs. Dr. Purdy.
Pakis. Septemher 8, 1860.
Though I have answered your letter I write again. I suppose that
before this can reach you, we shall get another from you — at least I
hope so. It seems a long time to wait for letters. Don't always
wait till you get them from me before you write.
We had not settled upon our new home when I last wrote. I have
given Dr. Purdy a sketch of it which will let you see exactly how we
are situated. It is clean and comfortable, but by no means grand.
Still I am sure you would enjoy coming to visit us in it ; and we
should give you the best bed, the best board, and the best of ever)-
thing in the house. When will you come? When will you let the
doctor come if you cant't both come together.? It is now nearly
three months since we left you — it seems like a year. Part of this
feeling is doubtless due to the many novelties of life here, to the mul-
titude of people we have seen, the new acquaintances made, etc. ; but
a great deal of it is owing to the want of the dear friends Vv'e have left
behind us. We are too old (the truth must be spoken) to form new
ties rapidly. And then our new friends here, though kind and good,
are not Methodists, and that is a great bond of union missing. A
296
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Methodist preacher can make friends readily among Methodists, but
not so readily elsewhere. Nevertheless you must not understand me
as hinting that we are not kindly received. The very reverse is the
case. There are only too many invitations out. To-day, for instance,
I must g-o out to dinner at half-past six P. M. and not get home till
ten ; and I should greatly prefer to spend the time by my own fire-
side, and wTiting a better letter to you. So also we have visits from
many American travellers. Thus far, among them all, there have
been no St. Paul's people but Mr. Pine, the artist. He lunched with
us last Sunday. Mr. Newman is to preach for us to-morrow morn-
ing, and Mr. Longacre will preach in the afternoon, so that I shall
have a day of rest — only reading prayers in the morning.
Su7iday afteritoo^. — I was interrupted yesterday. This morning I
read prayers and Mr. Newinan preached on the " Millennium." This
afternoon Mr. Longacre preached on " Occupy till I come." We have
had a very good day, but I always feel strange on Sunday night when
I have not preached at all during the day.
I thought a good deal about your father yesterday. Pray don't
fail to give my best love to your mother and sister when you see
them. As for your own household, 1 take it for granted you always
give all our kindest love when you hear from us, for we always mean
to send it. Do tell the young people to write to us ; and for all your
little folks, don't let them forget us, or grow out of their former selves
before the Lord allows us to go back and see them. Perhaps some
day we shall all sit together around your table, as of old ; if not, may
we all unite around our Father's table in heaven !
Your letter gave us more church news than we have had from any
other quarter. Don't stop in the good way, but give us just such
another budget as often as you can. If you were here we should get
up a class of young ladies for you, and 1 am sure you would do them
good.
It is now dinner time, and I must stop. O dear ! if we could have
one of the St. Paul's Sunday evenings, and have the doctor and you
with us, and the children together ! Well, let us thank God for the
blessings we have had and still have.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
297
To Mr. C. C. North.
Paris, Sepiemher 10, 1S60.
After a great deal of trouble and loss of time, we are at last com-
fortably settled in our home. Please direct letters, 10 Rue Balzac
hereafter, instead of care of J. Munroe & Co.
Your kind letter of August 8th was a great comfort to me. I have
also had a very kind one from Dr. Campbell, who says " there is no
doubt the arrangement about services will please the Board." I hope
soon to hear of their action confirming what I have done.
Last Sunday we had grand congregations. Brother Newman
preached in the morning. Dr. Keith, of Scotland ; Dr. Thomwell,
of South Carolina ; Rev. Mr. Armstrong, of Nashville ; and several
Roman Catholics, were in the congregation. In the afternoon Long-
acre preached a noble sermon on " Occupy till I come."
I find a vast deal of running to do to visit strangers. It takes a
deal of time and cab-hire ; but it is good for the Church and good
for my health. I am better, on the whole, I think, than I have been
since 1850.
Paris, Junuary T, 1861.
A happy New Year ! and may you have it such in spite of panics,
disunion, and civil war. Here we cannot think it possible that mad-
ness will so far prevail among you as to break up the Government.
I have good news from the Chapel — Mr. partook of his first
communion on Christmas day. A great change has been going on
in him for some months, and he is now living for the glory of God.
This blessed result is due largely to Mr. Longacre, who has been
greatly useful to him and his family.
A work of grace is going on in the hearts of other persons here —
some men of mark. We thank God and take courage.
I shall stay here as long as the signs of success are as encourag-
ing as they now are, and as long as my purse will hold out. The
outlay, however, is more than I can stand under, with my family
claims ; and I have so informed the gentlemen who support the
Church.
298
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
My knee still continues bad. I cannot walk, but am able to ride
to Church, and preach sitting on a stool.
To Mr. Lemuel Bajigs.
Parw, Januitry 8, 1861.
Are you scared out of your wits in New York } One would think
so to judge from the papers. If, as the telegraph reports to us to-
day, Mr. Buchanan has allowed Fort Moultrie to be given up, you
have doubtless, ere this time, sought to have him impeached. The
French press, like the English, is terribly severe on the South. The
slaveholders have no friends in this world except in the Northern
States of the American Union. Should the secession be finally achiev-
ed, there will still be cakes and ale, and ginger will continue "to be
hot i' the mouth." Therefore I pray you, of all things, not to be
frightened. If things get so bad that I can draw no more money
from New York, I must pack up and go home, bag and baggage. It
will be pleasanter to stan e there than here.
Paris, February 18, 1861.
Your political news is not very encouraging; but nations, like in-
dividuals, must have their trials. Their length of life depends on
their force to grapple with difficulties and overcome them. If the
Government maintains itself, all will be well ; if not, there will be an-
archy for years. But it can hardly be possible that the men of the
North, no matter of what party, will let the Government go down ;
or, what is the same thing, let it remain what Buchanan has made it
— a mere pretence.
The feeling in France, as well as in England, against the South is
really terrible. No journal in France, except the Pays, has dared to
argue in favor of slavery. We are very anxious here about ministers
and consuls. London, Liverpool, Paris, and Havre should all be
filled with vigorous men. Things will be left in a sad condition, I
fear, by some of our present diplomatic and consular agents. The
English and French Governments are willing to do right, but the
American ambassadors, who talk to them, are either not Union men
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
299
at all, or are very timid ones. I hope these posts will be promptly
and well filled by Mr. Lincoln.
Our church was full yesterday, in spite of the number that have
gone home.
Paris, March 30, 1S61.
We are in a state of great anxiety and uncertainty about affairs at
home. The news of the surrender of Fort Sumter and Fort Brown
has just reached us. The first feeling was that of shame and indig-
nation that the great Government of the United States should be
brought to such a pass as this. We are not proud fiow to call our-
selves Americans. It may be that our pride needs punishing, and
that God intends to humble us in order to raise us up again. Some
people here say that the next news will be that you have surrendered
the Government at Washington to Jefferson Davis, and have all be-
come his submissive subjects.
But I drop this painful topic. The spring has been lovely here for
a month. The shrubs are all in green, the earlier flowers are all in
bloom, the birds wake us early with their singing. In spite of all
troubles and sorrows it is spring time in our souls, too. God blesses
his word, preached poorly enough, but in faith and love. Souls have
been blessed under it. I thank him for the fruit which I can see ; I
have no doubt, that, in his mercy, there is a great deal which I can-
not see. In this respect I thank God for sending me here. With re-
gard to my health, also, I have great reason for gratitude.
Mr. Longacre has been in Italy for a month past, and I have had
full charge of both services each Sunday, with no one even to read a
hymn for me. As I have to read prayers at a quarter past eleven,
and sing, pray, and preach at twelve, it is nearly equivalent, with the
afternoon service and sermon, to three sermons a day. Yet I have
been able to do it all without any injury to my throat, thank God ! It
may be that I shall be able to return home strong enough to take full
charge of a Church, and if so, my highest ambition will be gratified.
My knee improves very slowly. I can walk about half a mile, but
still have to sit in preaching.
300
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
To the Rev. Andrew Longacre.
London, Tuesday, Ai)ril 80, lS6t.
It has been an incessant stream of dinners, teas, breakfast meet-
ings, sermons, and speeches, so that we could not write. . . . Dined
on Tuesday, with about fifty people, at Mr. M'Arthur's ; on Saturday
with about twenty at Mr. Lycett's. Heard Punshon, on Wednesday,
at Great Green-street : and sat in a great draft which gave me a sore
throat. Spoke at 4 P. M. in Exeter Hall, after the people had been
sitting there from ten o'clock — more politics than missions in the
speech. The principal result of my efforts is the sore throat afore-
said, which, I fear, will not leave me till we get out of the cold, dull
London air. After the dinner Dr. Hoole, Mr. Arthur, and I got into
a clarence and drove out to Richmond, ten miles, to dine with Mr.
Hall, Mr. Farmer's son-in-law. It was really one of the grandest
dinners I ever saw. The English people are all right, thus far, in
feeling, on the American question. But they are awfully ignorant of
American facts. A very intelligent gentleman asked me if Massa-
chusetts was among the seceding States ! Even Dr. S. seemed to
think the tariff question had as much to do with the rebellion as
slavery. I have tried to set them right. .
To Mr. Lemuel BaJtgs.
Paeis, May 16, 1861.
I am working very hard just now, rapidly translating Gasparin's
" Un Grand Peuple." But I suffer for want of money. My corre-
spondence and writings of every kind are heavy. I could do a great
deal more if I had free command of money. If any of your patriots,
or committees, can help us, I will do all that is possible with the press
here and in England.
Paris, May 80, 1861.
The Government does not seem to appreciate the absolute necessity
of giving everybody something to do. So much enthusiasm will cer-
tainly spoil unless people are kept busy. Turning back volunteers
and disbanding regiments don't seem the thing — especially when the
crack Seventh has only enlisted for thirty days. Our meeting at the
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
301
Louvre yesterday was a grand success. Dayton has raised himself
greatly here by his speeches. Fremont also spoke nobly— as, indeed,
did everybody ; even your humble servant did his best. The enthu-
siasm frightened the Frenchmen who were present.
I feel tempted to go home by ever)- steamer. Did I not think I am
doing more good, both in Church and State, by staying here, I should
go in the next steamer.
To his son, in Germany.
London, April 30, 1S61.
As for your proposition to go a soldiering, I like your pluck veiy
well, and if I had five sons, or even two or three, I should probably
feel it my duty to say yes. But as you are my sole masculine heir in
this world, I do not think it your duty to go, or mine to let you go. T
am growing older, if not old, and am not ven,- robust. In the order
of Providence you may have yet to take care of me and of your sis-
ters. Others can go who are differently situated, and there will be
plenty of such. You and I, perhaps, can serve the country as well
here as if we were to go to the wars. I laid down some pretty
strong meat for them at Exeter Hall, as you will see in the report, if
it is full.
Paris, Saturday, Moy 18, 18G1.
Between you and me and the post, I fear a re-action at home before
hot weather, if the troops are kept simply on the defensive. I fear,
too, that the men in power have not brains nor experience enough for
the emergency. But I may do them injustice ; and if the war goes
on, men enough with brains enough will spring up. England con-
tinues to act shamefully. Won't we pepper and salt 'em with sar-
casm after the war is over ! Won't we show up their Pharisaical
anti-slaveryism ? Mr. Langdon gave last night (for the guns) 1,000
francs ; Emmet, 1,000 ; Curtis, 500 ; Warden, 2,000 ; Strong, I think,
2,000; M'Clintock, 100; Longacre, 50; Wendell, 500, etc. They
will probably get 15,000 more from persons not present. If this let-
ter were stretched out it would fill two sheets. God bless you ! Write
oftener.
302 ' LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Paris, May 31, 1S61.
I send you Galignani, containing an account of the American
meeting, and the latest telegrams. 1 wrote the resolutions for the
meeting : hope you will like them. I also made a speech, but, as
I did not write it out it could not be given in to the paper last
night as the others were. It was a grand meeting. Mr. Dayton sat
on the right of the president, I on his left ; Fremont next to Dayton,
Cassius M. Clay next to me. I like Clay amazingly, and the liking
seems to be mutual. He has one of the sweetest and most be-
nevolent faces I ever saw — quite different from the truculent being
the southern papers make him out. Dayton made a grand impres-
sion ; I think he will make the same impression on the emperor. If
he had a good secretary of legation who knew French, he would get
on ver)^ well indeed.
To Mr. C. C. North.
Paris, June 19, 1861.
Of course, in these times, the Chapel has caused me a great deal
of anxiety. Many of our pewholders have gone to America, and few
have come to take their places. Yet our congregations are as good
as ever. This is caused by the number who come in from other
parts of Europe, to be nearer the news from home, and to be ready
to go home if necessar)-. These persons do not take pews, but it is
a blessing the Chapel is there for them. Thus far the treasurer has
been able to pay my salar)- punctually ever)- month out of the re-
ceipts, but I have no idea this can last.
I shall need to be away in England two to four Sundays at least
during the summer. I consider the Chapel my first duty, and patri-
otism the next. Thus far I have sought to do my whole duty to both,
and God has given me more physical strength than I had, to do the
duties that have fallen on me. I shall not give up the Chapel unless
Providence clearly indicates that it is my duty to do so.
To his Soil, Eino7'y M ' Clintock.
Paris, July 8, 1861.
The Times contains a short account of our breakfast. As you see
it, I did not post it to you. The London American of this week will
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
303
contain a full account, and you will get it. The meeting was a great
success, and did much good in England. Noel's speech was really-
grand and statesmanlike. Every body in England is trying to prove
how friendly they have been to us all along. They are right in feel-
ing, but most of the people are so ignorant of foreign affairs that the
Government can make them believe anything. At present I think the
Government is all right. I think Adams suits them very well. He is a
cold, cautious man — very much of an Englishman himself — and really
will do more good there than a man of more impulsive nature could do.
Paris, July 15, 1861.
The newspapers lead us to believe there is a chance of a compro-
mise with the rebels. I hope not, if it be an arrangement which
will make it necessary- for us to go through all this trouble again in a
few years. It ought to be settled now and forever, after all the sac-
rifices we have been compelled to make.
Paris, July 27, 1S61.
Bishop Janes has spent three days of this week here. He was all
for my going to West Point before he left America, but since he has
been here, and has seen the new ambassadors at our different posts,
nearly all of whom have heard me preach and know me personally,
he thinks I ought to stay here.* The question will be settled in a few
weeks one way or the other.
The bishop enjoyed his stay here hugely. His brother Edwin and
Dr. Jacoby were with him, and I rode about with him all the time,
showing him the sights.
" Gasparin " makes a neat little volume. I would send it by post,
but as you will return so soon it is not worth the postage. It must
do good in England. The World credits me with writing an able ar-
ticle in LAinide la Religion, which was really written by Delavile,
an able lawyer here. I am sorry for this.
*TIie cliaplaincy of West Point had been offered to Dr. ^['Clmtock, btit
after consideration the offer was declined.
304
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Parr, July 2S, 1S61.
I am amused, and at the same time pleased, by your anxiety that I
should not give much time to politics. In the first place the preser-
vation of the Government is not politics, in the ordinar}- sense of the
word. If the Government is lost, all is lost — family. Church, prop-
erty— ever} thing. In such a crisis as this I hold it the duty of every
man who has any influence, to use it on the side of law and order.
If not, the wicked will prevail: God's law and all justice will be
trampled under foot. In the second place, I have not given so much
time as you think, even to this great duty. I have never neglected
my duty to the Chapel in any degree. I have been absent but two
Sundays for months, and but once from prayer-meeting, unless when
my throat was too sore to go. I am thankful to say that my health
enables me to do these duties without inconvenience. I have
preached twice the last two Sundays, besides reading prayers, with-
out injuring my throat. The congregations are remarkable, consid-
ering how many have gone home. Bishop Janes thinks I had better
stay here. His ideas of the importance of this work are greatly in-
creased since he has been here. I will stay, if it be possible, in spite
of our anxious desire to see you all.
?M^•.%,Jul>J 30, 1S61.
I am rejoiced to learn that you are growing in grace and faith, and
in the comfort which faith brings. Our religion is meant to make
us strong in such times as these. It is not provided merely for
calm weather. Faith sees the sun behind the clouds. Brother Ja-
coby was talking with me the other night about the German mis-
sions, of which he is the head, and of the probability that money
from home would fail. " But," said he, " I am not afraid about that.
It is the Lord's work, and the money will come somehow." He lays
all his care upon the Lord, and sleeps quietly. Can we not all do
this ? I am glad to trust in God. During all the fears and anxieties
which our home troubles have brought — and, in some respects, the
anxieties are greater for us so far away than for you at home — I have
never lost a night's rest on account of them. But I cannot help much
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
sorrow of heart over this wicked and causeless war. To think of
friends ruined in circumstances, of many gone to the field of battle
and to death, of the arrest of religious activities and missionary-
movements ; these things, apart from my own personal losses, which
are, perhaps, as heavy in proportion as other peoples', are enough to
pierce one through. Judge M'Lean told me five years ago that all
this was plotting in the South, but I could hardly believe him. Now
it has come to pass before our eyes. But nations, like individuals,
must, it seems, in the order of the Divine government, have their
trials and purifications. No nation in history has escaped. This is
our trial. I believe God will bring us out of it purer and better than
we have ever been. This is the time to believe in him as the divine
ruler of nations and of men.
Versailles, S^pf ember 4, 1861.
We left 10 Rue Balzac on Monday — sending our goods to the new
house, and the family to our summer resting-place in Versailles. We
have a grand old apartment on the third floor containing ten rooms,
thoroughly furnished with old style French furniture — everything
comfortable and nice. No carpets : some of the floors are waxed,
others are tiled, but all as clean as a pin. Clocks in almost every room
— and very elegant ones, too — writing desks, and, in fact, eveiy con-
venience. I really think this plan of apartments would be very suc-
cessful, if once fairly introduced, in the American cities. We have
the gardens of the palace to walk in, and the park to ride in, when-
ever we feel rich enough to pay thirty cents an hour for a carriage. I
should have gone to Geneva this week to attend the Evangelical Al-
liance, but my knees got so tired with the moving that I must give
them a week's rest.
We expect to hear by Sunday that Washington is taken by the
rebels. There is great incapacity somewhere ; but it will all come
right by and by. I have no fear for our country in the long run. But
what an account will the men have to give who have made this wick-
ed rebellion for the purpose of extending human slavery. I fear there
can be no peace in America while the cause of all our troubles re-
mains untouched.
20
3o6
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
To Mr. Leimiel Bangs.
Paris, October 12, 1861.
Emory, I am sorry to say, has made up his mind to go to the wars.
In view of his physique, of the fact of his being my only son, of his
talents and prospects which fit him to work better for usefulness to
his country and the world in other lines than the military, I do not
think he ought to go. But he is of age, and must decide the ques-
tion for himself. I have written to the War Department, sorrowfully
enough, asking a commission for him. I really hope they will not
grant it, and that something else will turn up to employ him. I fear
he will be invalided upon three months service, if not killed. But the
will of Providence be done. He has studied military books with his
usual rapidity of apprehension, and could probably pass an exami-
nation to enter M'Clellan's staff, if he could get a chance. Importu-
nity, I suppose, secures such things, and importunity alone, with suf-
ficient influence from members of Coigress. The adhesion of the
Orleans princes will bring up that whole party, which is very power-
ful in France, to our side of this great question even more decidedly
than they have yet been with us. If Prince Napoleon comes home
with good impressions, he Avill carry with him one wing of the Na-
poleon party. As for the emperor himself, he has always been with
us. But Thouvenel is very ill informed on our affairs. What a
pity it is that Mr. Dayton cannot talk the question over with him !
The Times, you see, has moderated very much in tone. Lord John
Russell declared to an American gentleman privately, last week, that
they had not the slightest idea of breaking the blockade, or of inter-
ferring with us in any way.
Paris, November 15, 1861.
Our Church goes on wonderfully well, in spite of the number who
have left for home in consequence of the war. The congregations
are excellent — better, even, for the last few weeks, than they were
before. If my knee would allow me to do pastoral visiting, I should
feel more happy in my work : but, as it is, I try to do my duty as well
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
307
as I can, and am not unhappy. But if the way were open how glad-
ly would I go back to St. Paul's to work among so many friends, and
praying friends, who would hold up my hands when they incline to
hang down ! I hope the time will come when our Discipline will be
less stringent on the point of a preacher's stay in a place ; but it will
probably not be in our time.
I see that Mr. Matthias has gone home. He was my first presiding
elder, and I have always had a warm feeling toward him from that
day to this. I trust his family is provided for. We are all passing
away ; may we be gathered together in our Father's house above P
The war, I oppose, will last two or three years at least. I hope
the northern people are making up their minds to that — for if they
do not they will be likely to be disappointed. Patience and persever-
ance are the great lessons they require to be taught. I trust the end
of the war will be, at least, the beginning of the end of slaver}^ which
has caused the whole trouble. God bless you all !
In order to show more clearly the meaning of Dr.
M'Clintock's letters in relation to the Trent trouble,
much of the correspondence of this date between him
and the Rev. Wm. Arthur is here inserted. These two
friends saw the misunderstanding which was working
mischief in the minds of leading men of the two nations,
and labored assiduously for its removal.
The Rev. Wm. Arthur to Dr. M'Clintock.
Noterriber 29, 1861.
I have no heart for public affairs just now; but seldom as I agree
with the Times its money article of to-day, seems so exactly to ex-
press the universal feeling of this country that I send it. As I al-
ways said, if your people are determined to make an enemy of En-
gland they can. People here would hate a fight begun when your
hands are full ; but if you force it on, it will be such a one as was
never seen. This has always been my testimony, and you may rely
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
upon it. The idea of war with you is odious to our people ; but if
your Government only shows a desire for peace, I have no fear of
ours.
The Rev. Wm. Arthur to Dr. M'Clmtock.
Noremhtr 30, 1S6I.
I cannot mention names, but I know upon as high legal authority
as can be, that the Times account of the opinion of the law officers
is perfectly correct. The view taken is this : The American Govern-
ment is as well versed in the law of the case as any one ; their later
writers are the best ; and if Commodore Wilkes acted on instructions
in taking the law into his own hands, his Government means war.
The law authorities have no shade of doubt or difference on the ques-
tion, " Did Wilkes, or did he not, take the case out of the hands of
the law and settle it by violence? " I do not speak on second-hand
information here.
As to political feeling in the highest quarters, it is to avoid a fight
if possible ; but a strong fear prevails that Seward wants to force
England into it. On what this is grounded I don't know ; but on
two things you may rely : That we will offer no provocation, will
make no grievance beyond what loyal opinion decides to be such, and
will for such firmly insist on reparation.
Dr. M'Clintock to the Rev. Wm. Arthur.
Paeis, Novembtr 30, 1861.
It is of vital and pressing importance that I should get an imme-
diate answer to the following question : —
" Does the British cabinet really believe that Mr. Seward wishes
to have war with England, and that his measures are intended to
provoke \\}"
If you can, through any of your friends, get an answer to this that
may be relied on, you will do more good than you can well con-
ceive. I do not wish my name mentioned, nor will I mention yours
in return.
The converse question, " Whether the British cabinet really mean
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
309
to push us to the wall? " I suppose cannot be answered. But if I
can get a sure answer as to the first, (and I see no reason why not,)
it will go a great way, perhaps, toward preventing things from rush-
ing into war between America and England — a war which would thrill
the master of evil with Satanic joy.
The Rev. Wm. Arthur to Dr. M'Clmtock.
Decemher 2, 1S61.
My Saturday's note would show you that not only politicians but
lawyers take the acts of your Government as meaning a hostile inten-
tion. It is most seriously believed on all hands that Seward wishes a
war. Why, again I say, I do not know.
As to our Government wishing a war, it is out of the question.
Not one of its acts gives countenance to such an idea. Neither glory
nor gain could result to us.
Personally I no more believe that your Government wishes a war
than ours, but I can hardly find a man to agree with me. Some busy
power is making each believe that the other is a secret enemy. If
reasonable proof could be given to influential men that Seward does
not desire to make capital out of hostility to England, it would do
great good. Commodore Wilkes has done more for the South than
ten thousand Slidells and Masons could have done, as far as feeling
on this side is concerned. Would it do any good if I had an intro-
duction to your minister here ?
Perhaps I go too far in saying that all believe that Seward really
wishes war, most do ; but those who know better, and look deeper,
may think he only wishes to make capital out of a show of menacing
us, and this is, to 7nen, the more offensive supposition of the two.
Dr. M 'C Unlock to the Rev. IVm. Arthur.
Paris, December 2, 1S61.
Try to look at this grave question calmly — even amid the tempest
which nas been got up in England. Put the two following points to-
gether— both taken from the Times you send : —
I. The money article says, that " even on points where there is but
310
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
a small doubt in their favor, that doubt should be conceded to the
Washington statesmen."
2. An article signed " Templar," on page eight of" the same Times,
cites Sir W. Scott as laying down that " you may stop the ambassa-
dor of your enemy on his passage." An article signed "Senex,"
on the same page, gives the same point more at length.
Is not the " si7iall doubt " here ? But instead of the " small doubt,"
there are precedents by the score in British usage, and citations mul-
titudinous to be taken from English law-books, in favor of the pro-
cedure in the case of the Trent. The Star s quotations from Dr. Phil-
limore are alone ample to furnish a complete vindication of it. If
the newspapers are correct, your law officers have decided that
Wilkes " ought to have taken the Trent into port for trial." And on
this punctilio, great and magnanimous England proposes to join the
slaveholders against us, and to strike us to the earth when we are too
weak to resist her !
You have several times reproved me for my prediction of last win-
ter. My only error, it seems, was in the time I allowed. The inter-
vening months have been spent — you know it as well as I — in poi-
soning the British mind against us in base perversions of the ground
and causes of the rebellion. In a word, in preparing the public
mind of England to sustain the Government in striking us when the
first plausible pretext should come. Now it has come.
You are stronger than we are, and could do us more harm than
we could do you, even if we were united. Now that the slaveholders
are fighting us, you can crush us. But will not the shame of such
an alliance cause your ears to tingle when you hear of victo-
ries } And when you have subdued us, established the dominion of
King Cotton, and have fixed the yoke of the slaveholding oligarchy
firmly upon the necks of our people, will the achievement be one to
be proud of? Will England stand, then, at the head of Christian
nations } Will God be glorified thereby } The laurels to be won in
forcing the priest party on poor, distracted Mexico, will fade before
the greater honor of forcing the slave power upon the prostrate
United States.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
God bless you and your country, my dear friend ! If we have war,
and it lasts five years or ten, I shall never cease to love you, to thank
you for the great services you have rendered us, and to pray for you,
even on some night when your ships may be bombarding my old
home in New York,
The Rev. Win, Arthur to Dr. M'Ch'ntock.
LoxDox, December 4, 1861.
May God bless you ! Thanks for your letter, which will not be
useless. There is one word on which I seriously differ from you —
"punctilio." I hope Com. Wilkes meant the difference between ar-
resting the ship and judging her, as in our favor, and always say so ;
but it is one of the most cherished distinctions in our executive pro-
ceedings. We give every policeman the right to arrest a person ac-
cused, and carry him before a tribunal ; but let the highest police
officer in the land assume to deal out justice and he will soon .be dis-
missed.
As to Fairfax, I am inclined to agree with much you say. As to
Wilkes, all was the most studious insult. His shotted guns, his live
shell, his armed men, his bare cutlasses, convinced every sailor I have
heard speak that he deliberately meant to provoke war. So per-
suaded are they of it, that those who do not believe in the Govern-
ment wishing war, suppose that he must be at heart a seces-
sionist. If one thing is certain under the sun, it is that the day be-
fore the news oA Wilkes's movement reached us, the universal feeling
in England was satisfaction that we had succeeded in being neutral,
hope that complications were now impossible, and congratulation
that our commerce and money market were daily showing themselves
superior to the influence of the war. Our papers acted badly, very
badly, but the idea of a war was far from the heart even of the Times.
Many thanks for the extract from the Herald.
The Rev. Wm. Arthur to Dr. M'Clintock.
The French papers are full of sensational news, and I venture to
say that the scrap you send was never read a second time by any one
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
here — no one saw it. Our men were full of the conviction that Sew-
ard intended, by deliberate insult, to bring on a war. and lay on us
the blame of recognizing the South. I think they no>v see a little
more clearly ; but as a specimen, I saw a letter from a peer in the
country, requesting his nearest friend to tell the Government that he
had good information to the effect that the real destination of the
armada was the West Indies, and Port Royal a mere feint. People
here have striven hard to reconcile themselves to the prospect of a
war, but cannot ; and if your Government makes amends, there will
be more jubilant feeling than for many a day, though sober, as will, in
the other case, be the sorrow.
Weed is a noble fellow, and will do great good. He is the right
kind of a man for our folk.
Would to God that your North had had the generosity to say from
the first England will be our friend, instead of flinging constantly in
our faces your belief that we should make defensive and offensive al-
liance with the South ! Common policy taught the South to do what
good feeling, without it, might have taught the North ; what both
combined ought to have done.
The feeling here is less for war every day, still all are ready if they
must ; and if this passes over I believe the incident will do much to
make us understand each other.
The God of peace bless you and America !
Of the service rendered by Dr. M'Clintock and Mr.
Arthur to Mr. Weed in his mission, Mr. Weed gives the
following interesting account in a note to me : Three
days after I reached Paris, in November, 1861, news was
received that Messrs. Mason and SHdell, Confederate
commissioners, had been taken from the Trent, an En-
glish ship, by a United States' war steamer. That news
occasioned great excitement both in England and France.
After a consultation between Mr. Dayton, the American
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
Minister, Mr. Bigelow, our Consul, Archbishop Hughes,
and General Winfield Scott, at which Dr. M'Clintock
was present, it was deemed proper that I should proceed
immediately to London. Before leaving Paris Dr.
M'Clintock handed me a letter of introduction to the
Rev. William Arthur, remarking that I had better de-
liver it as soon as convenient after my arrival in London.
Remembering the earnestness of Dr. M'Clintock's lan-
guage and manner, I lost no time in calling upon Mr.
Arthur, whom I found at the Methodist Mission House,
of which he was secretary. My reception was very cor-
dial. Mr. Arthur, while putting on his hat and coat, ex-
pressed great apprehension that the Trent affair would
occasion a war. It was important, he said, that I should
immediately be made acquainted with the Hon. Arthur
Kinnaird, and other influential friends of the North.
Taking a seat with me in a cab, we were driven to Pall
Mall, where I was introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Kinnaird,
both of whom sympathized warmly with our Government,
and entered promptly upon measures calculated first to
avert war, and next to correct the erroneous views, so
widespread in England, of the causes of our Rebellion.
I was indebted to Mr. Kinnaird for early introductions to
Lord Palmerston, the Earl of Shaftesbury, and other dis-
tinguished personages. As a member of Parliament I
found him an efficient friend of the Union during the
Rebellion. I was several times in Paris during the eight
months we were abroad, always finding in Dr. M'Clin-
tock a devoted friend of the Union, upon whose intelli-
gence and advice I could safely rely."
314
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
To Mr. T. N. Dale.
Paris, December 16, 1S61.
I send by this mail Saturday's Opinion, containing an article of
mine signed , and also yesterday's Opinioii, with notice of the
article in the bulletin. Don't mention my name in connexion with
these articles. I am to keep r Opinion posted hereafter. I have also
just translated Gasparin's new pamphlet, and sent it to London to
be printed. In truth I have been working so hard recently as seri-
ously to hurt my nervous system. Yet one must not spare himself
in these times.
To Mr. Lemuel Bangs.
Paris, December 20, 1861.
I have nearly written myself into a fever on this quarrel with En-
gland. If we get out of the scrape I hope I shall have contributed to
it by what I have written and printed, both in England and here. I
hope you will give up Mason and Slidell. Such an affair as this Trent
is the only one on which the English aristocracy could have fired up
the masses against us, and they have used it with fearful skill and
success. If we deprive them of this issue, and they try another, they
will fail, unless, indeed, it be another of the same sort. Moreover,
even in France, the opinion prevails that our Government dare not
resist the mob. To give up the rebels would put down this cry : even
English lies could not cover up or pervert so great a fact, for which
all the world is listening with open ears.
If the war does come, I shall have to go home at once, I suppose ;
and my feelings lead me to go. It is a terrible tension of the nerves
to await the arrival of the steamers. Yet there never was a time in
which it was so important to the country for me to be here, as it will
be after war breaks out. I have greater means of influence now
than ever. If things are rightly managed France will take our side
within six months after war breaks out. But will things be rightly
managed } We had the threads all in our hands then, but Mr. Sew-
ard could not be prevailed upon to use them. A^ow, he sends
Hughes, Weed, M'llvaine, and all such, but it is, I fear, shutting the
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
stable door after the steed is stolen. Half the expense last spring
would have kept him in the stable.
To the Rev. A. Long acre.
Paris, December 20, 1861.
Your letter of the 7th inst., from Cairo, arrived yesterday. You
were in blissful ignorance, when you wrote, of the state of warlike
madness into which our friends on the other side of the channel have
lashed themselves. It has somewhat subsided now, but the state
of things is fearful to behold as among a Christian people. All
their fine preachings to us about the "sin of fighting" are suddenly
ended. The point of honor — national pride — is, for England, more
than philanthropy. Especially when behind the point of honor lies
a want of cotton and a dread of republicanism. Yet the whole heart
of the people is with us. The people may be led or driven by the
aristocracy into a hateful war, but it has not come to that yet. We
believe and hope that Lincoln will give up Mason and Slidell, or pro-
pose the arbitration of the Emperor Napoleon. The London Times
and Herald insist upon it that England will not agree to the latter
proposition, but I do not think Palmerston will dare to refuse it. It
is said that the queen is opposed to fighting us, some say the Prince
of Wales also, but it is hard to find out the truth these days.
I have just translated De Gasparin's new pamphlet to print in
London. I fear, however, it will fall on unwilling ears.
Americans in Europe felt very keenly the manner in
which the country was often wronged by the telegrams
sent through the Atlantic cable. The editorials of the
English and continental papers were based upon the
cable reports ; the corrections of the cable news, which
came later by mail, as a rule, went unnoticed. It was
evident that if the dispatches from this side were imper-
fectly, or carelessly, or unfairly made up, the effect, in a
time of such overwrought excitement, could not be other-
3l6 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
wise than hurtful to our country abroad. Dr. M'Clintock
called attention to this subject, first of the agent of the
Associated Press in New York, and next of the depart-
ment of war at Washington, with the result of putting
all parties on their guard. The incident was not in itself
important, but is an example of the vigilance with which
he watched the influences that were every day mould-
ing European opinion.
Let it not be supposed, however, that he became so
absorbed in the service of his country as to forget or
slight his duty as pastor of the American Chapel. Far
from it. N ever was his preaching more direct than dur-
ing his ministry in Paris. He speaks gratefully of its
fruit in the conversion of some of his hearers. His assist-
ant, Mr. Longacre, having returned home in the spring
of 1862, he assumed himself, from that time, the entire
Sunday labor, preaching twice, and reading in the morn-
ing the Episcopal service. Nor did he forget Christ's
word, I was in prison and ye came unto me." There
is in his collection of letters one from the American min-
ister, the Hon. W. L. Dayton, to th€ Prefect of police of
Paris, which runs thus : " The bearer of this note is the
Rev. Dr. M'Clintock, the pastor of the American Chapel.
I respectfully ask, in behalf of such of his countrymen as
may be confined in the prisons of Paris, that he may be
permitted to visit them when and as often as his counsel
and services may be desired by them respectively." For
one American, in prison on a serious charge, he interest-
ed himself greatly, visiting the authorities, and finally
appealing to the emperor in his behalf.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 317
A little incident of his Paris life is very characteristic.
One of our missionaries in India, the Rev. J. T. Gracey,
who was under great obligations to a surgeon of the
British army, wished to present his benefactor a scarce
scientific book, which could not be had in the East. He
wrote to Dr. M'Clintock asking him, if it were practicable,
to find and purchase it. " Amid all his other cares and
duties," says Mr. Gracey in a note to me, " he put him-
self to no small pains to secure and forward it, and as I
took it unbound, he would not accept any thing in pay-
ment for it. The deep sympathy which he had with our
foreign mission force was the explanation in part of his
kind attention to my demands." A well-known Amer-
ican writer, Edward Everett Hale, in one of his brilliant
fancies, sketches the plan of a club, propagating itself
over the world, two of whose cardinal principles should be,
"to look up and not down, and to lend a hand." In such
an association Dr. M'Clintock, by a natural and easy
process, would have become head and chief. If he had
had a hundred hands he would have lent them all, in
help and service, to his fellow-men. To look up and
not down, and to lend a hand," were the sum and sub-
stance of his philosophy of life.
318
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
LETTERS— 1861 TO 1862.
L TO DR. M'CLINTOCK.
I.
Wab Department, Washington, D. C, Sept. 16, 1861.
My Very Dear Sir : — Your letter of the 28th ult. was very wel-
come, proving as it does your intense interest in our great stiTiggle.
I have written to the President of the American Telegraph Com-
pany a special letter on the subject, and as I know all his sympathies
are on our side, I am satisfied he will remedy the difficulty in regard
to the telegrams made up for Europe. When I hear from him I shall
take pleasure in letting you know what he says and what he has done.
You ask several questions. I reply : Martial law practically has
existed at Washington for six weeks. The provost marshal (Gen-
eral Porter) is arresting traitors day and night.
The wealthy people at Washington whom you suspect are giving
aid and comfort to the rebels are rather hard to find now, as, thanks
to the vigorous measures of General M'Clellan and General Porter,
they have either been caught and sent to Fort Lafayette, or have
packed up their trunks and gone to parts unknown. Believe me,
with warm regards to your family,
Your sincere friend, James Lesley, Jun.
Wab Depabtment, Washington, D. C, Oct. 21, 1861.
Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 3d inst. is acknowledged with
much pleasure.
I am ver}- much gratified in being able to give you the satisfactory
intelligence that arrangements have been definitely made to transmit
the proper kind of telegrams to the English press. This matter has
required considerable judgment to arrange, but by the aid of the
Secretary of State, and the Assistant Secretary of War, it has been
finally accomplished. I think there will be no more cause for com-
plaint hereafter. With kind regards to your family,
I remain your sincere friend, JAMES LESLEY, JUN.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
II. FEOM DK. M'CLINTOCK TO HIS FEIENDS.
I.
Paris, Jtily 31, 1S61.
You see that I mean to keep you in debt, for letters at least. But,
like the New York merchants, I have decided on a cash business —
thirty days the very longest date, and you have had much more than
that time on my last. Please pay up promptly. The difficulties
which the war necessarily brings must fall upon you in common
with others, and must make demands upon your time also. But it
will relieve your mind to write. I am sure you will find my pre-
scription good.
If possible, our anxiety here is greater than yours at home, for we
get our news all in a lump, and not gradually, in driblets, as you do.
The last steamer brought us the accounts of M'Clellan's victories,
and of the advance of M'Dowell's column. I pray God that the
great preparations of the Government may cause the southern army
to disband without fighting, so that our country's soil may not be
saturated with fraternal blood. What an account will the men have
to render who have undertaken to destroy the mildest and best Gov-
ernment the world ever saw ! But this is our time of trial. I trust
the country will come out of it like gold tried in the fire.
Bishop Janes has just left us. His three days' visit was a blessing
to us all. His view of the importance of my work here, in the
American Chapel, has greatly changed, and he now urges me to re-
main some years — ^in view not only of the work of God in Paris, but
all over the continent of Europe. I have not yet decided whether to
return this fall or not : it will depend on letters to arrive in a week or
two. In this, as in all things, I hope to act simply as Providence
dictates.
A. V. Stout, Esq., Nbw York.
II.
Paris, December 19, 1861.
Monsieur: — Your letter of December 2 arrived at a moment
when I was worn out with writing to England and America about
the Trent affair. Moreover, my secretary is ill, and has been for
320
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
two weeks. Nevertheless, I wait for him no longer, but write to you
in English, not trusting my own French for such a purpose.
I had anticipated your wishes in writing to America. My hope is
that this dreadful evil of war between England and America may be
averted, and I am straining every nerve to that end. But the public
opinion of Britain has been so shockingly perverted and demoralized
by the " Times," and other journals, that I cannot say that I expect
peace to subsist long, even if war does not grow out of the Trent af-
fair. Good men in England abound, and many of them have stood
by the cause of truth and justice from the beginning ; but their num-
ber is small compared with those who, for political or commercial
reasons, are determined to take part with the slaveholders.
The New York journals are very moderate in tone on the Trent
trouble. The " Patrie " has some new canard every night. No
confidence whatever can be placed in its dernieres nouvelles. The
" Debats " has had some noble articles this week.
I have just received your second letter. To-morrow I shall go to
Levy's and get the proof sheets, if he has them ready, and will en-
deavor to meet your wishes as to the translation for England
promptly.
May God bless you for your earnest and active sympathy for our
cause ! God is just. Even if England goes to war with us in aid
of the slave cause, all is not lost.
I am, with the sincerest respect and regard, M. le Comte,
Your obliged,
M. LE CoUTE DE GaSPABIN. John M'Clintock.
III.
Parm, December 20, 1861.
Dear General : — I beg you to listen to me one moment. There
is war in America, not merely rebellion. Your war must be con-
ducted on established principles, or our Government will take rank
with Austria and Naples.
Privateering is as legitimate as war on land, except for nations
that have accepted the Paris decisions of 1856. If you hang one of
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
321
the privateersmen you alienate all European sympathy. The Liber-
als all over Europe are with us now ; but they will drop our cause at
once if you do this thing. The Liberals are likely some day to be
•* rebels " themselves against tyranny here : and they will not sustain
you in establishing such precedents.
The honor of our Government is much more at stake in not waging
vigorous war, and in not using all legitimate means of harming the
enemy, than in such points of etiquette as hanging privateersmen, re-
fusing exchange of prisoners, etc. The rebels are at war with us,
and at tolerably successful war, too. Let us beat them in war first,
and the rebellion will fall of itself.
I beg you to understand that I am not simply expressing my own
views, but those of the best informed Americans and Frenchmen
whom I meet.
For the sake of the honor of our country, and of republicanism —
for the sake of liberal principles all over the world — I adjure you to
use your influence to prevent the hanging of any of the privateers-
men. May God have you in his holy keeping !
Gknbral Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, Washington.
IV.
Park, Dectmber 27, 1861.
Reverend and Dear Sir : — I have requested Messrs. S. Low, Son
& Co., to send you a copy of De Gasparin's " Word of Peace," which
I have just translated. If you think, with me, that its circulation will
do good, pray send to Mr. Low and get copies to distribute to any
persons of influence you may choose. I have directed them.
I do not believe that God will allow unprincipled men to get up a
war between England and America.
Of all the miracles of modern days, the success of the " Times "
in persuading Englishmen to believe that Mr. Lincoln's Government
desires war is the greatest.
Your prayer at Exeter Hall has gone to the ends of the earth ;
and, what is more, it has, I trust, reached the ears of Him who
heareth prayer. May God bless you !
The Hon. and Rev. Baptist Nokl, London.
21
322
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
V.
Paeis, January 2, 1S62.
A happy New Year! May 1862 be better for your and for our
country than 1861 has been !
We are still on the qui vive for the settlement of the Trent busi-
ness, hoping that Prox idence may save us from the folly and peril of
a war with England. Even now I have no certainty that this letter
will reach you, as the English steamers do not pledge themselves to
sail beyond Halifax.
I have been doing what I could. De Gasparin v^TOte a powerful
pamphlet on the Trent trouble, which was published in Paris. He
urged me to translate it for England. I did so, and it has had, I
think, great effect there. Arthur has written a noble article for the
January number of the " London Review." I have had it printed as
a pamphlet and circulated in England. If this affair blows over, I
hope that a better state of feeling will grow out of it between En-
gland and America ; and I hope, too, that you will fortify Portland,
Newport, New York. Delaware Bay, the Chesapeake, and the Lake
harbors, in such a way that John Bull will get the worst of it in case
of war hereafter.
It is not to be disguised that we are losing ground in Europe every
day. The rebels spare no money or talents on the press here : our
Government leaves the whole matter to individual effort. Our want
of military success at home is believed to prove our want of military
skill, and France, as well as England, is laughing at our vaunting
as contrasted with our doing. If this winter passes away without
decisive operations, you need not wonder if France and England
recognize the slave confederacy in the spring — nor need you com-
plain of them for so doing. The commerce of the world can't wait
ten years to let the American people learn the art of war.
All pretty well — chapel flourishing. If we have war with En-
gland, however, most of the Americans will go home, and therefore
we shall go, too.
J. A. "Wkigiit, Esq., Philadelphia.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
3^3
VI.
Paeis, April 8, 1S62.
My Dear Friend : — Nothing is heard of all over Europe but
Merrimacs, Monitors, iron-clad steamers, etc. Vessels are coating
with iron in eveiy country which puts a ship to sea. We have fairly
got the start of them, and, I hope, will keep it. The English, you
see, take all the credit of the Monitor, calling it a clumsy piracy on
Coles's plan of cupola ships. They will next declare that Stevens's
iron batter}', begun twenty years ago, is pirated from some English
invention. By the way, I take credit to myself for urging our Gov-
ernment last year to complete Stevens's ship, though the urgency was
in vain. I hope it will be done promptly now. With two or three
such ships, built a year ago, you might have taken Charleston, Mo-
bile, and New Orleans long since, saved thousands of precious lives,
and millions of money. The late news — Columbus, Newbern, Ma-
nasses, Beaufort — has, for the present, put the rebel sympathizers here
in bodily fear, and even the "Times" has dropped its slaveholding
clients. But if you meet reverses the whole pack will soon be in full
cry again. The British aristocracy is not converted to our side, it
is only disappointed, and disappointed to the heart's core. I do not
trust the British Government a pin's weight more now than I did a
year ago, and hope our Government and people will not be put off
their guard by the lull of English abuse, caused only by our victories.
Your letters have done more good than you can readily think. They
have furnished me with facts and arguments which I have used, not
merely in meeting the assaults of our enemies, but also in strength-
ening the nerves of timid friends. How many people there are in this
world who require others to hold them up ! I have had several
American correspondents during the war, but your statements have
been more full and accurate, and your predictions more correct, than
any that I have received. No passage of Scripture is oftener veri-
fied than this : " Be of good courage, and God shall strengthen
thine heart." To him that hath shall be given. A bold facing of
peril clears up the mind, and enables it to work vigorously against
324
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
the evil ; while a trembling man loses his mental and his moral
vigor. But I did not mean to preach a sermon.
My health has been ver}^ poor for several weeks — cold, influenza,
diarrhoea, and rheumatism in my ancle, which, added to the trouble in
the knee, has made locomotion almost an impossibility. Yet I have
missed but one Sunday in six months at the Chapel. Within the last
week I have begun to get better, and hope soon to have at least my
ordinary health again. We have had a great deal of sickness in the
family also, but all seem to be mending now. Bishop M'llvaine is
here : I asked him to preach for us, but he had engaged both Sun-
days to Mr. Lamson and Mr. Forbes. He preached for Mr. Lamson
on Sunday morning. I had an idea that it would make a good deal
of difference in our congregation, but it did not — we had about as
many as usual.
The new Wesleyan Chapel, near the Boulevard Malesherbes, is
going up rapidly. They have church, school-rooms, bookseller's
shop, and pastor's residence, all under one roof, yet presenting a fine
architectural appearance. It is a great pity we had not adopted such
a plan at first. But as it is we must try to get the Evans lot, and fix
the American Chapel on immovable foundations by building on it.
Then, and then only, will we be strong and safe. If I could see this
thing done before returning to America, I should go back happy and
contented. The suggestion in your last about the legation, strikes
me as just the thing. Of course I have not mentioned it, and shall
not until the time comes. If we now had a good, pleasant room, we
should have a full Sunday-school. One part of the Rez-de-Chaussee
might be a reading-room, stocked with American journals, reviews,
etc., thus making it an attractive place for Americans, young and old.
The scheme is perfectly feasible if we can only get the mone)^ But
for the war we could have had it.
We hope to hear, by each steamer, that the Senate has adopted the
House resolutions as to compensated emancipation. Why in the
world is the bill for freeing the District of Columbia delayed } It is
a shame to civilization that the capita! of the United States should
have a slave in it for another hour. Nor does any constitutional or
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
325
legal barrier stand in the way to justify delay. With that measure
accomplished, and the president's recommendation adopted, it will
not be long fill Delaware and Maryland are made free States.
T. N. Dale, Esq., New York.
VII.
Pabis, October 27, 18G2.
Your letter of the loth, with enclosed draft for £26, has just ar-
rived. I need not say that I am touched by the kindness of the un-
known friends you allude to. Pray convey my sincere thanks and
acknowledgments. Had the letter arrived six weeks ago I should
have gone at once. But ^/len there was a minister here, very accept-
able to our people, who would have been willing to remain and
preach for me during my absence. Now he is gone, and there is no
chance of my getting any one to fill the pulpit in my absence.
That would be reason enough if there were no other. But there
is another. My health has run down very much within the last
month or two, afflicting my head especially. If I were in New York
now, I could not stand the excitement of public services, and so my
going would be of no use. Moreover, suffering as I am from rheu-
matism, I could not undertake two winter voyages.
My first thought was to return the draft for £26 ; but seeing there
would be a loss in that, I retain it. Please pay the amount back,
and charge it to me on account. You will owe me that much, ac-
cording to my account, by December.
I need not say how much pleasure it would give me to take a look
at you all. But at present I must not think of it. Unless I devote
this winter, or a good part of it, simply to rest and recruiting, I fear
my health may be utterly broken up. I shall write just as little as
possible.
Bkv. Db. G. B. Cbooks.
VIII.
Paris, December 2, 1862.
I succeeded yesterday in purchasing the " Rapport General stir les
travaux du Conseil D' Hygiene," etc. It is unbound. It occurs to
me that you would desire to present it handsomely bound. I await
326
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
your order in .that respect before sending it. I have paid for th<.
book sixteen francs. To bind it well in half morocco will cost
ten or twelve francs more ; or, with gilt edges, about fourteen
francs, bringing the total cost up to thirty francs, or about £1.4.6.
You can remit the amount in francs, by draft on Paris ; or in sterling,
by draft on London. Be good enough also to indicate by what mode
of conveyance you desire the book sent. I am glad to render you
this slight ser\-ice. In case you, or any one else connected with our
missions, shall ever need anything from Paris, pray command me.
The prospect at home is better, I think, than it has been for
some months. The war, I hope, will be ended by next summer, and
freedom established throughout the land. May God grant it !
Ebv. J. T. Gbacet, India.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
327
CHAPTER X.
I 862-1 864.
Dr. M'Clintock's Habitual Interest in Political Affairs— The Scholar in Politics— Effect of
his Activity upon his Countrymen in Europe— Prosperity of the Chapel — Piespect of Europe
for "Monitors" — Tribute to the Memory of the Eev. Dr. Bangs— The United States is n
Great Nation — European Opinion of General M'Clellan— A Detacliment of Lee's Army
Enters Carlisle— Anticipation Eight Years Before of such an Event by Dr. M"Clintock—
Notice to American and Foreign Christian Union of his Purpose to Return Home — Keview
of his Pastorate in Paris — The Eev. Andrew Longacre's Sketch of Dr. M"Clintock's Per-
sonal Life — Making Sunshine for All — Ciiarity for Men, and Faith in God.
HOUGH devoted by his choice, and by the obUga-
tions which he had assumed, to the ministerial call-
ing, Dr. M'CHntock had been all his life deeply interested
in national politics. He believed the moral integrity of
the State to be as vitally important as the integrity of
the individual. He could not be deluded by the sophis-
try that a commonwealth composed of moral beings can
exist for ends in which morals have no place. It was his
opinion that the State should be served by citizens of
the purest character and highest culture, and he deplored
the separation which has been going on for so many
years between the best classes of American society and
its political administration. He by no means considered
it his duty to confine himself to watching and praying
while political managers took the country far on the
road to destruction. Nor could he be warned off by the
clamor which, despite our sufferings, is popular still, that
scholars are not sufficiently practical to deal with political
328 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
issues. He had learned from Lord Bacon that it can-
not but be a matter of doubtful consequence if States be
managed by empiric statesmen, not well mingled with
men grounded in learning." Dr. M'Clintock claimed a
place for the scholar in politics, and, true to his convic-
tions, struck strong blows for the right whenever he saw
a fit occasion.
The sneers that scholars, in serving the State, are
not supple and worldly-wise, were treated by him with
the contempt which they deserve. His teacher, Bacon,
had reminded him again, that ''although men bred in
learning are, perhaps, to seek in points of convenience
and accommodating for the present, yet, to recompense
that, they are perfect in those same plain grounds of re-
ligion, justice, honor, and moral virtue, which, if they
be well and watchfully pursued, there will be seldom need
of those other, no more than of physic in a sound and
well-dieted body." Few Americans were better versed
than he in the Constitution of the United States and its
history. He could cite its provisions with a readiness
which often silenced an over-confident debater. He was
heart-sick of the reign of empirical statesmen and empir-
ical statesmanship, and longed to see the day when the
most capable citizens should be called, not exceptionally,
but as the rule, to places of public trust.
His vigorous activity during the war, therefore, was
not out of the line of his habitual conduct. To a friend
who gently chided him for his great zeal in the national
cause, he replied : " The family and the Church can only
exist under the wing of Government : if that is gone, all
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 329
is gone. With these views it appears to me to be the
duty of every man to use his influence to sustain the Gov-
ernment which protects him." While, therefore, he was
never betrayed into an act unsuitable to his position as
a Christian minister, he let it be known to all that his
voice, pen, and means were unhesitatingly given to the
service of his country. The effect of his energetic exer-
tions was felt and recognized by Americans all over
Europe. The Rev. Dr. Hurst, who lived at Frankfort-
on-the-Main during our late civil war, wrote from that
important continental centre : " Unless one has been
in Europe, and- even lived here, and come in contact
with some of the Americans who reside abroad, making
Paris their head-quarters, but yet circulating for pleasure
or improvement from country to country and city to city,
it is extremely difficult to comprehend the magnitude
of Dr. M'Clintock's services. There was not a United
States consulate in Europe where his influence was not
felt in behalf of the country's struggle for integrity, and
probably not an adult American living here, or in the
countries around the Mediterranean, whom his words,
spoken in public or private for the national cause, and
reproduced in the *Galignani' newspaper, did not
reach."
During the dark period from 1862 to 1863 he was
abundant in hope, though often depressed by the re-
verses of our national arms. He still, however, worked
on, writing, speaking, cheering the faint, and pouring out
his overwrought feeling in his correspondence with friends
at home.
330
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
To Mr. C. C. North.
Paris, January 7, 1862.
We are still full of anxiety and excitement about the Trent trouble.
We expected a settlement of it by the Europa, but her news is not
decisive. If it were not so serious a matter, it would be amusing to
read the comments of the New York papers, and such speeches as
Hale's, in the Senate, talking of Napoleon III. anxious to avenge Wa-
terloo, etc. I fancy the receipt of Thouvenel's dispatch has changed
all that. Napoleon is determined to keep the English alliance at
any cost, and he will never join us against England, unless driven to
it by French public opinion. Unfortunately, not only French public
opinion, but the opinion of the whole continent, is against us in
the Trent matter. If we must fight England, as appears not un-
likely, let us wait till we get a case in which the world will stand
by us. But I hope that after this Trent business is settled a
better state of feeling will arise in England. Had our Government
taken the proper means to enlighten public opinion in France and
England during the last four months, we should be in a very dif-
ferent position now. Arthur deserves the thanks of every American.
He has worked nobly, and with great success, too, especially since
the Trent imbroglio began.
In reviewing the year at the Chapel we have great reason to
thank God. In spite of the vicissitudes of the time, our congrega-
tions are as good as ever, and we are gradually gathering Americans
in who have never attended before. I never had more attentive
hearers, though I never preached plainer or more direct sermons
in my life. Last week I had an earnest letter of inquiry — the cry of
a convicted soul. Recently several southern families — from Mobile,
Charleston, and Savannah — have taken pews. The great drawback
upon my comfort and usefulness has been my knee. It has hindered
me from pastoral visiting, as going up and down stairs is the worst
thing for it, and most people here live up three or four pairs of
stairs. My own apartment is on what would be the third floor in
America, and when I go up and down it twice a day, it is as much as
I ought to do, without further trial of the knee. As yet I can only
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
walk a short distance, so that my visits have to be made in cabs, and
the expense is too great to allow a constant use of them. All this
has hindered my pastoral service, greatly to my sorrow ; but I have
done the best I could, and must leave the result with God.
To Mr. T. N, Dale.
Pakib, January 13, 1S62.
Emory goes to secure a position in civil or military life. He has
promised me to seek a civil position first, in some of the lines for
which his education would so thoroughly fit him. Failing in that, he
will seek a military post. My fear is, that his constitution is not
strong enough to bear the fatigue. But Providence will direct.
The rendition of Mason and Shdell has made us all happy. The
Trent papers cover Lincoln and Seward with garlands. England has
thus given up a claim of right to take persons out of neutral ships,
about which we have been contending with her for half a century.
Thank God !
To Mrs. Dr. A. S. Piirdy.
Paris, January 30, 1S62.
The pressure of public and private griefs has affected my health a
great deal of late. I could doubtless bear all things better if I could
take necessary out-of-door exercise ; but my knee continues to for-
bid that, and of course the physical organization obeys the physical
laws, and suffers. I have lost a great deal of flesh, going back rath-
er to the size and weight at which you knew me when a boy, than to
that of my later years. Whether this is a bad sign or not I do not
know, but yet it is very comfortable to be well cushioned with fat.
It shields one's nerves, and wards off many a blow at sensitive points.
But you must not think I am going to sticks, or that I have given
up to low spirits. I cannot be insensible to the public troubles of the
time, to the fearful state of our country, to the private sufferings of
my family and friends. All these things pierce me to the heart. Yet
I retain full confidence in God, and have never yet seen the day in
which I could not " cast all my care " on him.
I sometimes think our situation makes us more ner\'ous about the
332
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
war and its results than you can be at home. You get news every
djiy, but we are kept on the stretch from week to \\eek, waiting the
arrival of the steamers, and when they do come we tremble to open
letters and papers for fear of bad news. We are now waiting most
anxiously, for the last news was, that a general movement would take
place. God deliver our distracted country !
If God will, we shall remain here at least until the spring of 1863,
as all the indications of Providence point out this as my post of duty.
As long as these indications remain the same, I shall stay. Pray that
my work may be owned and blessed of God. I often yearn to see
you and all my dear friends on the other side of the water ; but
homesickness is not wholesome for body or soul, and so I check it,
and try to be as happy and contented as possible.
To Mr. Lemuel Bangs.
Paris, March 29, 1862.
The springs of Wildbad, in Germany, it is said, will cure all my ail-
ments, but I can't go there till June. This illusion, you see, is, there-
fore, good for three months. What a blessed arrangement it is, that
we have one illusion thus after another, to keep up our spirits, and
to carry us on through life. It is a proof of immortality : there wz'll
come a time v/hen hope shall be realized.
So M'Clellan has let the rebels escape him. His star is waning : I
hope he will be able to brighten it up again soon. The Monitor and
Merrimac have awakened more attention in Europe than Manasses,
simply because people are interested here in the question of iron-
plated ships. The English begin to think that if we can build Mon-
itors in one hundred days, it would not be so easy to crush us, even
with " Warriors." The old heroic stories of wooden walls will do
now for stories, Hke the tournament battles of the Middle Ages.
All Europe is thrilled with the proposal to initiate compensated
emancipation. It is the true issue and end of the slavery question.
Push it all you can.
I feel the homesickness coming stronger upon me now that Emory
has gone. Moreover, my health is leaving me all the time. I fear I
am trying to do too much. Yet I am not willing to leave this post
THE REV. DR. xM'CLINTOCK. 333
so long as it clearly appears my duty to stay here, as it now does.
The spring is, with us, beautiful and delicious. The chestnut and
the locust trees are full of leaf, and the cherry- trees are flowering.
We are several weeks in advance of New York in the spring. Poli-
tics were very tier)' here a few weeks ago, but they have quieted down
— plenty of arrests. My American papers were nearly all opened at
the post-office last week — the first time it has happened since I have
been here. My London " Star" has only been permitted to reach
me two days out of six. These are signs of timidity, even in this
strong Government — really a very good Government, too.
Parts, April 2S, 1S62.
I hope your prognostications as to the state of your father and
mother's health will not be realized, and that this letter will arrive in
time to convey my cordial, affectionate, and reverential regards and
sympathies to them. Take it all together, in spite of their share of
the common evils that afflict humanity, and their endurance of some
of the uncommon ones, their life together has been a singularly hap-
py and successful one. Most of the aims of life they have achieved
— the very highest aims they have achieved fully and successfully.
Now they are going down to the grave with gray hairs — crowns of
glory — and attended by "honor, love, obedience, troops of friends"
— most of all, with the light of the city of God gleaming brightly out
for them beforehand in their living and dying faith. And for you it
is a rich inheritance, the treasure of their good lives and their good
name. God bless them both, if they are living, with the richest out-
flow of his grace in their last days !
We are waiting, tremulously, the news by the Niagara. It is ex-
pected to bring us reports from M'Clellan.
To the Rev. Andrew Longacre.
Paris, "Wednesday, May 7, 1S62.
The last part of your letter has affected my feelings very much.
My own fear always has been, with reference to you, as to all others
that come under my influence, that the flagrant weaknesses of my
character must do more harm than any virtues I possess could do
334
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
good. If it be otherwise, I thank God for overruling mercies, as
Cromwell would say. It may be a comfort to you to know that your
presence with us has had a most excellent effect upon our entire
household, and that you leave us bearing the affection of each and
all away with you. If you can drop a line from Liverpool before you
sail, do so. God send you a prosperous and speedy voyage !
To Mr. Lemuel Bangs.
Paris, Mnrj 29, 1862.
Your grand old father has gone to his rest at last. His end was
indeed a euthanasy — ^just such as was to be expected after such a
life. Seldom have the ends of life been so completely accomplished
as in his case. His career is now iotus, teres, atqiie rotundus. What
a legacy for you ! what a memory for the Church and for the coun-
try ! What a thorough man he was — so tender, and yet so strong ;
so fervent in his love, and yet so honest, and even hot, in his indigna-
tions ; so clear-headed, and yet so confiding. I consider it one of the
blessings of my later life that it was spent at New York at a time
when I could see so much of him : I now only regret that I did not
see more. Nor have I any better consciousness than the belief that
I enjoyed his affection and confidence.
Make my kindest regards and most cordial sympathies to your
mother, who, in spite of all appearances, has thus been allowed to
see how men in all lands are honoring the memory of her husband.
The news from home is all cheering, so far as it goes. The En-
glish press hides its real import from the people as much as possible,
disparages our military successes, and does ever)^thing it can to bol-
ster up the rebel cause and to prolong the rebellion. How fearful
is this wickedness, wrought, too, at the expense of the poor manu-
facturers of Lancashire. I have just returned from Yorkshire, where
there is little distress, as that is a woollen region. The politics
of Yorkshire are strongly liberal, and we have very many friends
there. But the ignorance of the middle classes is astounding. They
believe anything they read in their morning paper, and their knowl-
edge, thus obtained, is dogmatically asserted in conversation. But
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
335
I found a great change in six months : not, indeed, any increase
of good feehng toward us, but much less arrogance, much more re-
spect. Monitors and armies will probably teach John Bull manners
yet. Arthur is now on his high horse. All his views and predictions
are coming out right— just as we knew they would, and as most of
the preachers in England believed they would not. He had to " run
a muck " last winter for his Americanism, but it's working round now.
We are all on the qui vive to get at the bottom of Hunter's procla-
mation of freedom. I suppose it will turn out that he anticipated Mr.
Lincoln's order a little. But I am more and more satisfied that the
rebellion will never be effectually suppressed without the abolition of
slaver}'. God will work it all out.
While working with the prodigious energy here de-
scribed, Dr. M'Clintock was so lame from the affection of
the knee, of which he speaks repeatedly in his letters, that
he was almost entirely disabled from walking, and was
compelled to sit on a high chair or stool while preaching
and conducting the other services of the American Chapel.
He was advised to try the waters of Homburg, and went
thither for a month's rest in the latter part of June, 1862.
Learning late on the evening of July 3 that the Americans
in Frankfort intended to celebrate our national anniver-
sary, he went over on the morning of the Fourth, and list-
ened with great delight to the addresses of his countrymen
there assembled. Being himself called on, after the rep-
resentative of Her Britannic Majesty to the German Con-
federation had spoken, he said in the course of his ad-
dress to the company: " His lordship has informed you
that the United States bids fair to be a great nation.
Permit me to inform his lordship that the United States
is a great nation." Of the patriotic spirit of our consul-
33^
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
general, Mr. Murphy, who presided on the occasion. Dr.
M'Clintock was in the habit of speaking in terms of the
highest praise.
To Mr, Lemuel Bangs,
Paris, September 10, 1862.
We have just received a lot of confused telegrams about Bull Run,
Manasses, Centreville, and Leesburg, from all which we gather that
our brave fellows are fighting now the fields that M'Clellan ought
to have fought last December ! and with what result we know not.
God grant that the next news may not be the capture of Washing-
ton ! But, on the other hand, there seems to be a grand chance for
our generals to destroy the whole rebel army, if they will only em-
brace it. To help crush us, on this side, comes the president's colo-
nization speech, telling the negroes of the South, in substance, that
they have no choice but slavery or exile ! At all events that is the
way it will be represented to them, and that is the way it is repre-
sented to Europe.
I made several speeches in London last week, and tried to do some
good. I found plenty of religious sympathy, but, as for political sym-
pathy with us, in England, it does not exist, except in a very few noble
souls far ahead of the times. Arthur keeps in his high place, and looks
down with pity upon his mistaken brethren. But even he thinks our
Government has failed to meet the occasion : that we have had an
army of heroes led by — not a donkey, but a military pedant.
We have recently been cheered by the sight of some Methodist
preachers — De Hass, Foster, Keeler, Vincent, and Haven. You
can't imagine what a pleasure it is to see their faces. We see plenty
of other people, and plenty of other preachers, but the Methodist
s>Tnpathy is a very strong thing.
To the Rev. Andrew Longacre.
Paris, September 30, 1862.
Your letter seems to imply that I wished you to become an apostle
of amalgamation. I must have expressed myself very unfortunately.
I do not see the connexion between getting rid of the feeling of caste
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
337
on the one hand, and admitting negroes to social equality with whites
on the other. There is no social equality in England, yet there is no
caste. I should oppose amalgamation, even with Chinese; but 1
should not treat Chinese as though they were pariahs, notwithstand-
ing. All these minor points would regulate themselves if we once do
justice to the negroes. It takes all one's Christian patience to get
on with our English friends. But, then, how much we ought to
love and honor Arthur and the rest, who behave so nobly. They
have fought, and are fighting, against a tremendous public opinion.
I have just received a letter from Arthur, which I send you as a spe-
cimen of the way in which our military affairs look to the friendliest
eyes here : " Surely it is for some great purpose that Providence has
denied the North a general, M'Clellan is a mere engineer, with con-
fidence in plans, guns, and trenches — none in men. He would ruin a
hundred armies after he had organized them. I don't know what to
think of Pope. I did think him the best man on the ground, but the
last affair looks all against his generalship. If they will only march
and act, they must, however they fail, at last succeed ; but men who
never stir till they have to repel an attack, are ten times worse than
enemies. It is the strong giving the weak all the advantages of a
better position." More truth than poetry in this I fear. Our con-
gregations at the chapel continue large. A number of southerners
come, even secessionists.
Paeis, October 28, 1862.
I hope it will increase your respect for me when I tell you that
yesterday, October 27th, was my forty-eighth birthday. No bells
were rung, no bonfires lighted, not even an extra bit oi pain d''epice
was bought for dinner. A number of our friends, indeed, gathered in
the evening, and we gave them tea and cake, as usual ; but, alas !
they came, not because it was my birthday, but because it was Mon-
day. After all, perhaps, the people were right. What is the use
of rejoicing, at least in a worldly way, because one is a year older ?
I have not been very well for a while ; but I have no right to com-
plain as long as I can preach twice on Sunday, even though the
23
v338 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
preaching be not xery vigorous. We have had quite a deluge of
P^nglish friends and English weather for the opening of their new
fChapel. Poor souls — every service almost has been reached through
torrents of rain, and O, the mud ! I intend, if God will, to give my-
self a good rest from writing and from work, except my parish work,
,for some weeks or months, if so be I may get stronger thereby. In
all things, however, I am content, satisfied, and happy, knowing
that all things work together for good.
To Mr. J. D. Wendel.
Pabis, December 2, 1862.
You see that I write upon the anniversary of the coup d'etat of
1852. The emperor has kept his place longer than the people
thought he would. But his imperial crown is not made of roses — or,
if it be, there are plenty of thorns among the flowers. I hope, how-
ever, that his Government is in no immediate danger.
The removal of M'Clellan has caused a good deal of stir here, as
at home. The preponderance of approbation is greatly in favor of
the act. The general sentiment is that, no matter what his talents, a
man who has had command of so great an army for nearly eighteen
months, and was found at the end of that time nearly where he was
at the beginning, ought to be superseded by a new hand. It is to be
hoped that Burnside will be more successful. The secessionists here
do not approve of the change of commanders at all.
I preached on Thanksgiving Day from Psa. cvii, 31, and endeavor-
ed to show the many grounds of thankfulness we have, even amid
the civil war. They are not few. Even now there is more freedom,
quiet, prosperity, and security for life and property in the northern
states than in any European countiy. It is not safe, nowadays, to
walk London streets even by daylight — or by the dim fog-light which
passes for daylight there. People are knocked down, choked, robbed,
and half-killed, at all hours of the day, in the most public thorough-
fares. If all this were to happen in New York, what lectures the
"Times" would give us on the "blessings of Democratic govern-
ment ! " And in France, stories of plots, of risings of workmen,
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
339
strikes, of suppression of news, etc., are the order of the day. The
present condition of our people is one of the subHmest things in his-
tory, and is a complete vindication of the superiority of repubHcan
institutions with all their perils.
The congregations in the chapel have kept up excellently. People
are very poor, however. Exchange at 1.46 makes even rich people
poor — of course poor people are poorer yet. But there is no suffer-
ing from want, thank God ! and until there is suffering no one knows
what poverty is. I should be glad to get back home, to see the dear
old land, and to see all the friendly faces again ; but Providence
seems to will that we should stay here some time longer.
To Mr. C. C. North.
Pai:is, Deceviher 15, 1S62.
I do not know whether you are in debt to me or not ; but you will
be, at all events, when you receive this letter.
We have had a great deal of illness in our household during the
last four months, and have kept quite a hospital. But amid it all we
have been a cheerful, happy, and contented household. " No changes
of season or place have made any change in our minds." God's
mercy is ever the uppermost theme of our hearts and of our songs.
I thank him that he has given us this crowning blessing of content-
ment, and of resignation to his blessed will.
The year's work at the chapel has been also an occasion of great
thankfulness, I have lost, I think, but three Sundays from illness,
and have always preached twice a day, except when I have had
the help of visiting brethren ; and my health is better, I think, at
the end of the year than it was at the beginning. Our con-
gregations have kept up steadily, and are as good now as at
the best times of prosperity. I have received several persons into
the Church on profession of faith. Last week I baptized two young
ladies. I have heard of fruit to the word, in many instances, to the
glory of God. We have had no disputes or bickerings, no questions
about forms of worship, or about anything else. As one of the good
signs, we have a number of southern people regularly worshipping
340
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
with us, though they hear the most earnest prayers every Sunday for
the authorities of the country, and for the triumph of the good cause.
The indications of Providence are that I shall remain here for an-
other year at least. I have been, and am, happy in my work, but I
will not disguise from you an occasional homesickness, especially
during the dark days of the civil war. But here again I am satisfied
that, so far as my own feeble efforts go, they have been, perhaps, more
useful to the country on this side of the water than they would have
been on the other. Some day I hope to have the privilege of talking
with you over all these matters.
We are to have a series of meetings this week at the Wesleyan
Chapel and at the American Chapel, which will, I hope, be produc-
tive of good. I wish we could see your face and have your help
here, for a time at least.
To Mr. Lemuel Bangs.
Paris, February 26, 1863.
I have been greatly edified and comforted within the last few days
by reading the " Olive Branch, by Matthew Carey, Bookseller," 1815,
8vo. It gives full accounts of the evils of the times, party spirit, etc.,
with documents, and is, as nearly as may be, a mirror of the present
state of things, only now all is on a bigger scale. The thing that
hath been is the thing that shall be. And as we came out of the
difficulty then, so, by the blessing of God, I think we shall now.
The election of Morgan, and the general results at Albany, are, on
the whole, very encouraging. Public opinion in England is getting
right from below. The ruling classes are very angry, but they can-
not arrest the rising of the popular tide. It will overwhelm the abet-
tors of rebeldom and slavery by and by. As for France, Poland and
Mexico absorb all its faculties. Appearances now indicate a war be-
tween France and Prussia ; but no one can judge by appearances, or
even by the promises of the present French government. Our men at
Washington will be surely duped if they trust to words ; acts are the
only rehable thing.
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK.
Leeds, JIarc7i 6, 1863.
The Emancipation Society has changed the face of things in En-
gland very much. Indeed, one would not believe that so great a
change could be so soon effected. Seward's reply to the French pro-
posal has filled us all with exultation. We hold up our heads with
the old American feeling.
Upon hearing that a detachment of Lee's army had
entered Carlisle, in June, 1863, Dr. M'CHntock makes this
entry in his diary: —
"Monday, July 13. — The rebels are in possession of our old home
at Carlisle. I suppose I shall get no more rents from that quarter this
year. Eight years ago, in that very house in Carlisle, I told my wife
that it would be an unsafe residence in case of the outbreak of civil
war, which was sure to come some day, and that therefore we should
leave it. We did leave it. Many laughed then at the idea of civil
war, but we upon the border knew better."
General Early, who took possession of the town, gave
the people a great fright by recklessly shelling it,
and sending men, women, and children to the cellars of
their homes for refuge. It should be said, however, to
the honor of the Confederate officers, that they used
special care to protect the college. Some of them had,
most likely, in the days of their youth, shivered, on
many a winter morning, in the chill air of its high-ceiled
chapel, had been familiar with its long stretches of hall-
way, and had been governed by the routine of its life.
The prediction, in this instance, of what was likely to
come, is an illustration of Dr. M'Clintock's habitually
clear outlook upon pubHc events.
342
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Mr. J. D. Weiidel.
Pauis, August 18, 1863.
Our trip to Homburg was very beneficial to us all around. As
you will have learned, we have really had an American summer.
Thermometer ninety to one hundred degrees ; grass all dried up,
streams running dry, trees almost leafless, etc. The Bois looks like
an American forest of the middle of August. Yesterday brought us
relief — a little rain, and a change of thermometer from ninety to
seventy-five degrees. You may imagine how we rejoiced in it.
We have had the pleasure of enjoying American company of the
Methodist sort — which I think about the best sort — recently. Mr.
Elliott and family and Mr. Oliver Hoyt have been here for a week
past. Governor Wright is expected to-day or to-morrow.
The war goes on as fast and as well as Providence allows. That
is my comfort amid all discouragements. It will end, "I do not doubt,
in the downfall of rebellion and slavery. Then we shall have per-
manent peace. The emperor of the French is doing in Mexico what
his reputed uncle did in Spain — preparing the overthrow of his dy-
nasty. I do not think the boy Napoleon will ever sit upon his
father's throne.
To Mr. Lemuel Ba?igs.
Paris, September 21, 1863.
We were all a good deal broken down in health in the early sum-
mer. To recruit, we spent four weeks in Homburg, and then in
England.
Every one is nervous about war between France and America.
The French people do not want it, and it will be a fearful risk for
the emperor to run. I have the chance of knowing that he has
recently been giving special attention himself to American affairs,
and not depending so much upon what Slidell and other people tell
him. If the elections in Pennsylvania and Ohio go for the adminis-
tration, I do not think he will even help the rebels. As for any moral
consideration having weight with him, or with the British Govern-
ment either, that is entirely out of the question. Our Dahlgrens and
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
343
Parrotts are the only arguments that have any weight with these
people, and they have a great deal of weight.
I feel a stronger yearning for home than ever. When we do come
it will probably be to seek some quiet spot where I may preserve my
health of throat in spite of the climate.
I have just heard that the Government has forbidden the Impe-
rialist papers here to attack the American Government as they have
been doing. This is very significant, and I trust it is the omen of a
decision in the emperor's mind to let us alone. If there be a war, it
will be a very fearful thing for us all, but not necessarily destructive
to us. Indeed, my faith in the destiny of our country, and in the
goodness of God, is as firm as ever, if not firmer. Believing that
he is with us I cannot be afraid, no matter who may be against us.
In public affairs, and in private, I can fully trust in his kind and be-
nignant providence.
To Mr. C. C. North.
Paris, October 29, 1SG3.
By this steamer I send notice to Dr. Campbell that I must resign
the American Chapel next spring. I give notice thus early that there
may be ample time to provide a successor. My term of house-rent
ends April 1-15, and at that time, or thereabouts, I wish to leave. It
is thought that a few months in the English climate may be benefi-
cial to my wife's health, and we shall, therefore, probably remain in
England until the autumn. The brethren at St. Paul's have kindly
intimated their wish that I should serve them next year, in case the
bishop appoint me. But I do not feel myself strong enough to as-
sume the full charge of such a society. They need a man in full
physical, as well as mental, vigor. I have not either.
By the time of our return I shall have spent about four years here.
They have gone rapidly and happily. The Church has prospered,
and is now prospering, beyond all my expectations. Had it not been
for the sectarianism of a few extreme Episcopalians, who are trying,
under Mr. Lamson's impulse and guidance, to get up a separate
American congregation, we should have all the Americans in Paris
344
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
worshipping together. As it is they get ver^- few. The largest part
of our pew-holders are yet, I think, EpiscopaHans ; and none con-
demn this sectarian effort more than our best Episcopalian members.
There is no more need of a second American Church here than of a
separate "confederacy" on American soil. I trust that neither en-
terprise will succeed.
My relations to the people have been always most pleasant. I
have never had one single word of difficulty with the committee, or
with any member of the Church or congregation. Greater kindness,
or greater confidence, I never found in any church. I shall leave
with regrets and grief on many accounts. But duty to my family
requires me now to return home. I trust that when the eternal reck-
oning shall be made, it will be found that the Divine blessing has not
been wanting to my humble labors here.
To complete the picture of Dr. M'Clintock's life in
Paris, the Rev. Andrew Longacre, his assistant in the
charge of the American Chapel, has written the following
description of its personal features : —
" The pastorate of the American Chapel was at that
time unlike any thing elsewhere. It had been, and still
was, the only American Church in Paris. Christian peo-
ple of all denominations made it their home — of all
classes in society also, and of all shades of politics, and
that when the country was breaking out into civil war.
In the crowded congregations of a Sunday morning were
expatriated families from Mississippi and Georgia; per-
manent residents of Paris bom in Boston or New York ;
the families of business men representing the great houses
of the large cities ; people of wealth and leisure who
made Paris their home for one or more years, and always
the ever varying stream of passing travellers. There, with
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 345
a form of worship which had been settled in a spirit of
generous concession, all happily united — Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, each finding some
trait of his own preferred forms. I am not aware that
so broad and comprehensive a union was ever attempted
elsewhere.
In that world-centre, in face of the dominant Roman-
ism of France, this testimony of a united Protestantism
was peculiarly valuable. It would have been asking too
much to expect that the members of each Church, fresh
from their own modes of worship at home, would be per-
fectly satisfied with the modified and adapted ser\^ices
there in use. To carry it on so as to secure the sincere
support of all, called for a rare combination of piety and
tact and good humor. This Dr. M'Clintock happily pos-
sessed, and with this his universal culture, his remarkable
personal and social attractiveness, and his charm as a
preacher, which none failed to own, united to bind his
flock to him, and together, in cordial interest and co-
operation.
His preaching was, perhaps, never more highly appre-
ciated than by his Paris congregations. Tliey kept the
elegant chapel in the Rue de Berri filled, and listened
with a marked interest to his sermons — clear, scholarly,
earnest as they were, and brightened with the flashes of
a fine fancy and noble bursts of inspired oratory. There
were hearers among them to whom his words became an
undying impulse for good.
" The actual outbreak of war in America carried ofl^ from
the chapel many of the southerners. Until then they
34^ LIFE AND LETTERS OF
had been among his warmest friends, and even afterward
some of them Hngered in the congregation in spite of
his well-known loyalty to the Government. One accom-
plished girl from South Carolina, whose father was minis-
ter to Spain, he had the happiness of receiving into the
Church by baptism. Many he visited as pastor, comfort-
ing the sick and burying their dead. Later, when the
cutting off of communications with home had brought
many of them to want, they turned to him with a confi-
dence that was nobly justified by his untiring efforts to
relieve them. To the honor of our countrymen, it may
be said that he found the hearts and the purses of the
most loyal Americans open to all such appeals.
" Soon after he had taken up his residence in Paris, he
adopted the custom of giving one evening in the week
to the reception of all who chose to call upon him.
These little, free, cheery reunions he greatly enjoyed ;
as did all who shared in them. His house was
common ground, where all who came laid aside the
real or fancied distinctions insisted upon elsewhere.
The passing traveller here met the American Parisian,
who seldom visited his native land ; active men of
business, ministers on their vacation, students of art,
of medicine, or of theology, men of leisure, mingled to-
gether, while now and then a chance visitor from En-
gland succeeded in provoking and amusing all the rest by
his unaccountable inability to understand American af-
fairs. Paris itself Dr. M'Clintock appeared thoroughly
to enjoy. The climate, the mode of life, the superb city,
then robing itself in the unparalleled splendor of the
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
347
second empire, the immense energy of its internal im-
provements, the treasures of art, the grand hbraries, and
the living intercourse with men of letters from all parts
of the world — all were delightful to him.
He gave much of his time to his work on the Cy-
clopaedia," employing on it a regular assistant. His cor-
respondence with America was as much an enjoyment to
him as a labor. It acted as a perpetual stimulus, re-
quiring a quick and broad observation of all that was
going on around him.
" With the growing power of the rebellion he became
intensely absorbed in the great interests at stake, and he
worked with all the means at his command to give just
views of the strife to the people of France and England.
For this purpose he made several visits to London, press-
ing the true issues upon his most influential friends there.
His speech, much more political than any thing else, which
he made at the annual Wesleyan missionary meeting in
Exeter Hall, in 1861, made a profound impression. He
had the Count de Gasparin's book, ''Le Grand Peuple qui
se Releve," translated and published in England. He was
in the thick of all gatherings of Americans in Paris for
the encouragement and aid of the Government at home.
" Now that the excitemient of those events has so long
been a thing of the past, it seems strange to recall it. But
we felt it keenly then. Almost every foreigner we met
treated us Americans precisely as if we had failed in busi-
ness. There was pity for us, sometimes polite, but always
mingled with an evident inward feeling of satisfaction.
There were few even of our friends who did not share the
348 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
sentiment which the eloquent Mr. Punshon expressed at
the memorable missionary service I have referred to, when
he said that he wished the American flag no more harm
than to be divided, so that the stars might be all on one
side and the stripes on the other. They could not see
that a rent flag, like a rent nation, was not two but none.
Dr. M'Clintock never doubted for a moment the ul-
timate triumph of the Government. His hope was the
most confident of any man's I knew at the time, and he
used to say, laughingly, what a ' crowing time * he meant
to have in visiting England after the war. How far his
visit in 1869 met this wish I cannot say. He may
have found little occasion to speak of the past, for our
good friends there are now as happily oblivious of their
former wishes for the success of the rebellion as if they
had never had a doubt of its final suppression.
The remembrances of Dr. M'Clintock, which I value
more than these, lie within a narrower range. I was per-
mitted to be as near to him as I ever got to any man,
and I never knew one who bore the close scrutiny better,
or whose wealth of mind and character made the inti-
mate acquaintance a greater satisfaction. His wide and
varied culture, his universal knowledge, were fixed quan-
tities in all intercourse with him. But there was never a
shadow of assumption or of condescension. He was a
master in acquiring, as well as in giving, information, and
both were done instinctively, and were woven into his
every day talk in the most natural way in the world. He
gathered something from every one, and his tact made
the dullest show at his best. His common talk was thus
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 349
a most delightful going to school, a school where the
lessons were not tasks but plays and pastimes. He
treated with respect even the smallest fragments of truth
or of fact, but he had small patience with guesses. He
would worry a chance statement with a good-humored
pitilessness till he had got at its modicum of truth, and
that he accepted. One great charm of his home-life was
his bringing ev^ery thing that interested him into the fami-
ly conversations, to be talked over and argued and tossed,
sometimes in fun and sometimes in earnest, from side to
side. Reading the French newspapers, he would extem-
porize translations of articles that struck him, more ad-
mirable, we thought, than his more studied efforts.
His temperament was wonderfully buoyant and hope-
ful. Notwithstanding previous illness and long periods
of a half invalid condition, no one had ever less the
spirit of a sick man. In all affairs, public and private,
he never failed to see the bright side. Pecuniary losses
were borne without a word of repining. Little annoy-
ances were dismissed with an imperturbable good humor.
He had a great faculty of enjoyment. The good things
of all sorts that came he got the full worth of, and he
seemed to enjoy scarcely less much that never came at
all. Things beyond his reach were thus made to minis-
ter to his gratification. For instance : his invalid habit
compelled him to continual abstemiousness in diet, yet
he would talk over the pleasures of the table with the
gusto of an epicure. He made sunshine for us all, and
he made it out of every thing.
In all his life at home there was an ever present and
350
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
unfailing considerateness for the wishes and needs of oth-
ers. The busy pen could be laid down for hours that he
might read by the bedside of the sick. Lame himself
for many months, no arms but his own would be per-
mitted to carry the invalid from room to room. The
time for a walk was not when he chose it, but when it
suited some one who would not hav^e enjoyed it without
his companionship.
His charity in judging others was the most unlimited
I have ever known. No unkindness to himself seemed
to find lodgment in his remembrance. He saw good in
every body, and of that and that only would he speak.
Indeed, in taking his opinion of men it was always nec-
essary to allow ample margin for this persistent blindness
to their faults. He left it for others to be simply just; he
was all mercy.
In the inmost sanctuary of all, depths not often
opened to the gaze of any one, he kept a firm and child-
like faith in God. He had, when I knew him, long passed
the era of conflict with doubts. Scepticism in all its
forms had been met and overcome, and he had come now
to be as a little child," the true heir of God's kingdom.
His unquestioning trust in the goodness and care of God
was the underlying rock of his hopeful and happy spirit.
His charity, too, was grounded in his religious convic-'
tions. When we would sometimes question its reasona-
bleness, he justified it by the mercy of God and the
Christian law of love. Without a taint of sectarian big-
otry, he was, nevertheless, in doctrine and in his views
of practical piety, a very sincere Methodist. There was-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 351
nothing in our received theology which he did not accept
heartily. In his family he upheld the old time simplicity
of godly living, of avoidance of extravagance, and of
doubtful amusements. The gayeties of Paris were un-^
known to them save by report.
" It would be understood almost without the saying,;
that toward myself personally Dr. M'Clintock showed
the kindness of an elder brother. My interests seemed
to be as dear to him as his own. From all appearance
of dictation or control he shrank as if by instinct. If he
advised it was as if he were the younger and I the elder..
He cheerfully opened my way for such opportunities of
travel as came to me, doing double duty himself, and^
urging me to take full time."
LETTERS.
I.
Paris, Fehruanj 12, 1S62.
Better late than never. It is never too late to mend. Accidents
will happen in the best regulated families. You see I give you occi-
dental proverbs for your oriental aphorisms. You see, too, that they
form the prelude to an explanation of my long delay in answering
your letter.
The facts are on this wise. I received your last letter just as I was
setting out from home, to be gone a month. I gave it to a French
friend, ai/ coin'ant with such things, to make the necessary inquiries
and report to me. On my return at the end of the month I moved
my household to a new abode, and thus kept my study topsy-turvy for
a fortnight more. When things got to rights I looked for your letter
but could not find it, forgetting, entirely, that I had given it to the
friend aforesaid. He, also, was taken ill in the mean time, and was
confined several months. 1 renewed my search repeatedly through
352
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
every drawer, portfolio, and desk in the house, but, of course, in vain.
At last I determined to ask all possible questions about Chinese type,
even though I had forgotten the points of your inquiry, as I had only
glanced at them in the haste of departure. One day my sick friend
reappeared, and I questioned him as to his knowledge of Chinese
type. " Why," said he, " you gave me a letter on that point in the au-
tumn— I made the inquiries — but your absence and my illness drove
it out of my head." Here was an eclair cissement. He brought me
the letter on his next visit, and I now answer it ! I have made this
long and valid explanation simply to clear myself of negligence. I
assure you that my mind was uneasy about it all the time.
Well, after all, I can give you no useful information about Chinese
type. All of that sort of thing in Paris belongs to the iinprimerie
Impcriale. When any body wants Chinese printing done they do it,
but they will not sell types, matrices, or anything else. One set they
have already sent to China for the use of the Jesuits, and that is all
they will send. So you see that, for all the good of the thing, I
might just as well have written you a friendly letter long ago in reply
to yours, and left type, matrices, etc., entirely out of the question.
And perhaps, after all, when this reaches China you will be on your
way to America.
Thk Rkv. Db. Wkntwobth.
II.
Paeis, April 19, 1862.
Your letter of yth was very welcome indeed. You do not mention
mine of October last. I directed to Black Rock, not knowing any
other address. In it I suggested a Paris winter for you, but it is too
late for that now. Our spring and summer suns would probably be
quite as serviceable to you, and as pleasant to Mrs. Scott. I wish
we had space in our apartments to make you comfortable, but every
nook in the flat is occupied. I can't afford a self-contained house in
these war times. But if you should entertain the idea of trying the
desired change of climate, which you can secure by merely crossing
the Channel, and will give me notice, I will secure suitable lodgings
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
353
for you, and we will all exert ourselves to make Paris as agreeable as
possible to you.
My ailment in the knee still continues. I can walk but little, and
have to preach sitting, like a cardinal. Moreover, a similar rheu-
matic disorder has seized my ankle. My general health, of course,
suffers from the forced confinement. So one pin of our tent is loos-
ened after another. How wisely and kindly our heavenly Father pre-
pares our changes for us. All is right which he ordains.
My son returned to America several weeks ago, and has, prob-
ably, by this time entered the army, for which, however, he has not
sufficient health. My daughters are pursuing their studies with great
success here. The little one is a great comfort and joy to us all.
The public troubles of the last two years have, of course, distressed
me. I have lost, I think, not less than twenty pounds' weight in that
time. But my faith and hope have never failed. God can never al-
low the cause of rebellion and slavery to succeed. We are all very
sorry indeed that our cause has been so little understood and appre-
ciated in Britain, and that English statesmen, of all parties, seem to
agree in desiring our country to be divided. At the same time we
are the more thankful to William Arthur, and other noble souls like
him, who have struggled against the tide, and have, indeed, under
God, saved us from the fearful issues of a war between England and
America. Heaven grant that these two great Protestant powers may
never cross swords with each other in anger.
April 21. — I have been hindered from finishing th's. We just
have the telegram of the fearful battle at Corinth. I hope the details
will prove less bloody than the first reports. The next steamers will
doubtless bring us news of M'Clellan's first movement on Richmond,
where the resistance is expected to be greater than anywhere else.
But the backbone of the rebellion is completely broken, though it will
be a twelvemonth more, I fear, before all is over.
I pray God that your health may be restored, and that you may be
filled with all spiritual grace and comfort. May God have you in his
holy keeping ! Pray let me hear from you again soon.
Tip Kkv. Bishop Scott.
23
354
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
IIL
Paris, April 30, 1S62.
The last reports from America are all of a gloomy tone. We
await the news from Yorktown, the Merrimac, and Corinth, with pro-
found uneasiness. The strain upon the nerves, in this expectant state
of mind, is greatly intensified by the length of the intervals between
one steamer and another. At home you get some kind of news ever}'
day ; here we are often six days without a syllable. Of course the
whole pack of detractors of our institutions in England and France
are in full cry again upon us. If we meet a mishap at Yorktown
there will be a tremendous effort made to get a recognition of the
Slave Confederacy from France and England, and I think it will be
successful. Gladstone's speech, considering the man from whom it
comes, is the worst blow in the face we have yet had. The abolition
of slavery in the District, however, arrives just in time to increase
mightily our moral hold upon the English and French masses. If
our Government would employ the same means of inflaming the press
that the rebels do, we could soon create a public sentiment that would
render any interference impossible, either on the part of France or
England.
To C. Tiffany, Esq.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
355
CHAPTER XI.
1864-1870.
The Afternoon of Life— Signs of Eodily Decay— Formation of the European Branch of
the Sanitary Commission — Invitation to Return to St. Paul's Church, New York — Trip to
Rome— Taking Leave of Paris— Reception by Friends in New York— Offered a Public Din-
ner by Leading Citizens — Failure of Health -Retirement to the " Brown " Farm, near Phila-
delphia—Chairman of Central Centenary Committee— Great Success of Centenary "Work-
Mr, Drew's Offer to Found a Theological School— Opening of Drew Seminary under the
Presidency of Dr. M'Clintock — Removal of Dr. M'Clintock, first to New Brunswick, and
then to Madison, New Jersey — Interview with President Johnson at Washington — No Rest
for Us in this World— General Conference of 1S68 and Lay Delegation— Work on the Cyclo-
l).'Bdia— Trip to England in the Summer of 1S69— Continued Decline of Health— Letter to
Fletcher Harper— Attack of Fever, March, 1S?0— Last Words, and the End.
IT was now with Dr. M'Clintock the afternoon of Hfe.
There are afternoons so long that they overpass the
fixed boundaries of the day. The sun lingers in the sky,
and suffuses the earth with a mellow radiance, which
adds, with a new aspect, another glory to the visible
world. It makes in its lingering almost a second day,
which, if less brilliant than the first, is a more perfect im-
age of calm and peace. Dr. M'Clintock knew that the
evening time had come to him. Though by no means
old as years are reckoned, he discerned plainly enough
that his life was coming to its close. He understood
what the signs of bodily decay meant. To one of his
correspondents he confesses, though without complain-
ing, that his constitution appears to be breaking up. In
their tone his letters are less hopeful, than they were in
former years, of a future of energetic working power.
356
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
He is looking much to the end, and speaking of it, too,
but always in terms that befit a Christian faith. His
trust in a divine Providence becomes more conspicuous
in his correspondence with intimate friends. He still
believed that rest and care would give to his life a long
afternoon. But it was otherwise ordered ; and though
he lived his last years, upon the record of which we now
enter, usefully and successfully, yet it was with a growing
sense of weariness, until at length — his tasks all about
him — he ceased at once to work and breathe.
Despite, however, the disadvantage of failing strength,
these years were the most effective of his entire career.
His life in Paris had made him widely known to his
countrymen, and had increased public confidence in him.
He had illustrated his energy in an entirely new sphere
of activity, to the surprise and gratification of patriotic
Americans. Before resigning the pastorate of the chapel
he took part in forming a European branch of the San-
itary Commission, becoming its chairman. The an-
nouncement of the creation of this branch was received
with great satisfaction by Dr. Bellows, the president of
the Commission at home. He wrote to Dr. M'Clintock :
''Your movement is the first organized attempt to col-
lect and centralize the efforts of our countrymen abroad
in the support of our work, and it therefore merits and
calls forth our special and grateful acknowledgments."
Dr. Bellows also suggested that the European branch
should be represented at the Sanitary Fair in New York,
for which preparations were making on the most exten-
sive scale, in the spring of 1864.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
357
In relation to this subject Dr. M'Clintock wrote him the
following letter: —
We regret exceedingly that the call for "works of art" for ex-
hibition at the Metropolitan Fair was not made sooner. Had there
been three months' notice, or even two, Paris would have been very-
well represented, both by American and French artists. But just
now, all the artists are preparing for the French Exhibition, which
opens in a few weeks. All that we can hope to do is to get minor
works, not engaged for that exhibition. Nevertheless, a good deal
will be done.
In the latter part of 1863 Dr. M'Clintock's devoted
friends, the members of St. Paul's Church, New York,
invited him to occupy again the pulpit which he had
filled from 1857 to i860 with such pleasure and profit to
them all. In view of his broken health he hesitated to
accept this call, but finally consented upon the assurance
that an assistant would be provided to relieve him of the
more fatiguing part of his duty. He began without de-
lay to make preparations for his return home. Before
leaving, however, he made a short trip to Italy.
To Mr. Joseph Gray don.
Paris. October 10, 1863.
Allow me first to say, that no service in the Church at home could
be more agreeable to me than that of St. Paul's ; nor do I know of
any other in which, with my present knowledge, I think I could be
more useful. On the point, then, of my willingness to serve you, if
able, you may be perfectly assured.
But it is due both to the Church and to myself that I should say
frankly, that I do not consider myself strong enough to take the work
at St. Paul's, nor do I see any likelihood that I ever shall be. You
ought to have a man in full physical force, capable not only of the
Sunday work, but also of the week-night meetings, and of steady
358
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
and protracted work when necessary. Were I to undertake this, I
should, in all human probability, break down in it, and that result
would be as bad for the Church as it would be for myself.
As to the other plan, of having two ministers, it works well enough
in other denominations, but in our peculiar system there are diffi-
culties in it, which you understand as well as L
Taking every thing into the account, therefore, I think it best to
say at once, without waiting for the result of your joint meeting, that
I am not able to undertake the charge of St. Paul's.
You are quite at liberty to read this letter to the brethren, if you
see fit to do so. And, at the same time, I beg you to assure them of
my undiminished regard and affection. I shall never forget their
kindness to me ; and, if the way were open, I should rejoice to give
them my services, such as they are.
When we do return home, I think it must be to the quiet of a re-
tired place, where I may be able to do some service to the Church
by my pen, and by such occasional preaching as my strength will
enable me to do. At present I am, thank God, able to preach twice,
and do all the work of the American Chapel here. But the building
is comparatively small, and the work in every respect much lighter
than at St. Paul's.
To Miss Maria Emory.
Rome, Jamuiry 28, 1863.
We expect to leave here on Saturday, January 30, to reach Mar-
seilles on Monday or Tuesday, and to get home on Thursday or Fri-
day. I will write again from Marseilles.
The last five days have been lovely — warm, dry, bright, every thing
that could be wished. We have made good use of them, invalids as
we are. At a party at Dr. Gould's on Monday night I made a little
speech for the Sanitary Commission, and they are going to send a
table of Roman articles for the fair at New York. There is to be
another large party to-night to further the Commission, at which I
am to speak.
If I could be away from home another Sunday we could see Na-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
359
pies and Florence ; but as I have not heard from Dr. Vannest, I, of
course, must return at the time specified. The steamers leave also
on very unfortunate days for us, namely, Sundays and Wednesdays,
and Wednesday is too late to reach Paris by Saturday. But we are
thankful to have seen and enjoyed as much as we have. We had in-
vitations to a large party at Rogers, the artist's, last night, but could
not go.
To the Rev. Bishop Aines.
Paris, February 8, 186-1.
My only fear has been that my health would not justify me in un-
dertaking the charge of a Church like St. Paul's. But the brethren
have so kindly agreed to relieve me of all undue labor, that I have no
plea, in conscience, for declining to go to the work if appointed to it.
My engagements here hold me until the 1 5th of April, or there-
abouts, so that 1 shall not be able to reach New York until the latter
end of that month, or the first of May. I shall thus be deprived of
the pleasure of attending the Annual Conference, which meets two
or three weeks earlier.
The Danish-German war has begun. For months I have looked
to that point as the spot where the general European war, which is
inevitable, must break out. Its spread may be arrested for a time,
but it must come.
To Mr. John IV. Gray don.
Paris, February 13, 1864.
We reached home last week, and both Mrs. M'Clintock and I much
the better for the trip. My rheumatism did not allow me to put on
my ordinary boots, and I saw the chambers and galleries of Rome
in a pair of white Russian boots with black tops, and lined with
sheepskin, which were the wonder of all beholders. In one of the great
ceremonies at St. Peter's, where the Pope was borne on men's shoul-
ders, with all the cardinals in procession, the attention of the throng
of spectators was divided between the spectacle and my boots.
Since reaching home I have come down to the leggings worn by or-
dinary men. It is, of course, a humiliation, but I bear it well.
360
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
The pain still remains in my left arm, and a little in my chest, and
is quite trying. With this exception we are all well.
The weather was v^.r^- cold in Rome during part of our stay there,
and the winter has been, up to yesterday, very severe here. Indeed,
this seems to have been the character of the winter all over Europe,
and still more in America.
The people at home seem to have an idea that the war is nearly
ended. I do not share this notion. I fear that Longstreet will get
Knoxville, and if he does the war will be prolonged for a twelve-
month ; unless Grant means to let him take it, and then fall on his
flank or rear and cut him off. But I do not really think the war can
end until 1865.
The British Government has plainly been brought to reason.
They will have to pay for all the damages by the Alabama. The
" Times " of day before yesterday has an article preparing the public
mind for the step. England dares not enter into any European war
while this question is unsettled.
Dr. M'Clintock left the American Chapel with many
regrets. His associations with his congregation had been
very happy. No word of complaint of my poor ser-
vices," he writes in his Diary, has reached me during
my stay, and friends have been wonderfully kind." A
valuable testimonial, bestowed with a touching delicacy,
expressed to him the affection of the people whom he
had served. The Americans in Paris, and elsewhere on
the Continent, felt his departure very much. " I hope,"
wrote the American Minister to Italy, the Hon. George
P. Marsh, ''that you are not going to leave your place
long vacant. I know from many sources that you have
been most useful there, and I do not know where a man
like you can do better service to all good causes in which
you are interested." In making the preparations for
IHE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 361
returning his health quite broke down again. His son,
who was then United States' Consul at Bradford, England,
was sent for to help him. "April 8," (1864,) he writes in
his Diary, " left Paris with family, so feeble that Emory
had to lift me almost into cabs and out. Got on board
steamer at Dieppe at eight P. M., and fell asleep by nine
on a sofa ; slept till six A. when we were in New-
haven ; first sleep without anodynes for a fortnight.
Stayed in London till Monday. April 20, sailed from
Liverpool in the 'Scotia;' health much restored by the
trip. Parsonage all ready for our occupancy on our ar-
rival, May 2."
It was a joy indeed to be in his old home once more.
He had helped to plan the St. Paul's parsonage, had
watched it as it grew towards completion, and had spent
in it delightful months. Upon his arrival in the city he
was not only greeted most affectionately by his congrega-
tion, but received marked attention from many eminent
men. His fellow-citizens of New York offered him a
public dinner as a token of their appreciation of his ser-
vices to the country. " We have observed," they say in
their letter of invitation, with pride and pleasure your
zealous and effective labors in enlightening public senti-
ment abroad in regard to the principles involved in the
great contest, now, as we hope, happily drawing to its
close, and we cannot doubt that the result of those la-
bors will be manifest, for many years to come, in a much
better understanding of our government and people on
the part of the nations of the old world." This invita-
tion was acknowledged most gratefully, but declined.
362
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Dr. M'Clintock threw himself with ardor into the work
he loved so well, the preaching of the Gospel, but found
soon that his health was not equal to the duties of his
position, and after a year he retired to seek repose. He
rented the Brown Farm," at Germantown, near Phila-
delphia, where he could, when he wished, exchange his
pen for a hoe, watch the growing of his fruit, and occupy
himself with the little nothings which beguile the hours
of an invalid's day.
To the Rev. Professor M'Cabe, Delaware, Ohio.
New York, June, 18, 1864.
Your letter was like your call, cheering and exhilarating. Ever
since I first saw you I have felt a warm attachment to you. Through-
out all our Church controversies, I have kept my personal attach-
ments above and apart from all the petty strifes of the hour. 1
know that good men form different opinions of the same thing from
different points of view, and I have been too earnest an abolitionist
all my life to quarrel with even extreme men, though I might weep
over what I thought to be their errors in hurting the good cause.
All your kind expressions are thoroughly reciprocated ; I feel in my
heart, though not in my flesh, as young as ever. Does not this con-
tinuing youthfulness of the affections give us a glimpse of what heav-
en, what immortality is ">
As to church power, I have never sought it in any form or shape.
Had I been so minded, it would have been easy, I think, to go with
the majority at Indianapolis and Buffalo, but my judgment and con-
science would not allow me to do this. I remain of the same mind ;
rejoicing in our national triumphs, rejoicing over every succcssi\ e
blow dealt the monster which has caused all our woe, but yet sat-
isfied that we should have been in a very different position, nation-
ally and ecclesiastically, in Maryland and Virginia, and that we
should have saved thousands upon thousands of invaluable lives by
a different ecclesiastical course, Siqce the Rebellion our Church
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
course has my hearty approval, and all this controversy, thank God,
is ended.
The " Methodist " has, in my judgment, done more to educate the
middle region to antislavery ideas than the " Adv^ocate " did, or even
could do. Moreover, for twenty years I have longed for an inde-
pendent Methodist paper, loyal but firm. My residence in Europe
has confirmed all my fears of the dangers of ecclesiastical corpora-
tions. Nothing but free criticism can save them from rotting. We
Methodists are but men ; therefore I think the " Methodist " will live
and ought to live. There must always be men, in every ecclesiastic-
al and political body, who shall work for the best good of the body,
without holding the form cf power in it. I am content to be one of
these men in our Church. All that I have of intellect, of culture, and
of position in the world, I give to Methodism, because I believe Meth-
odism to be the best form of American Christianity. But if Method-
ism does not want me in any of what are called the posts of power,
I am not only content, but thankful and happy. It makes me shud-
der to see men eager for these posts, with all their responsibilities.
I know that I am unfit for nearly all of them, and my Master knows
it better than I do. It is He, doubtless, who has directed all my
goings, for my own good, as well as for that of the Church.
To Mrs. Dr. Purdy.
Germantonvn, Mity 30, 1865.
I have been out hoeing and pruning till I have got all heated up,
and come in to cool myself a little. I use the rest time in writing to you.
We are all rustics : our old clothes are turned to good use. Our cow
is doing well, and we have as much milk and cream as we want. We
have only twelve hens, and some are setting, so that we do not get as
many eggs as we ought to have. We had a duck and drake, belong-
ing to some neighbor, we do not know who. The duck went to
setting on a lot of eggs, and the drake wandered around the premises,
doing mischief in general. So we just cut off his head to stop his
cutting up. Our peas are coming up nicely; strawberries are just
ripe, and if you don't come on you wont get any of them at all ; cur-
3^4
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
rants and gooseberries make nice pies, but are not ripe enough to eat
otherwise ; cherries are growing plump and red ; cabbage is coming
to a head ; our bay horses, Tom and jerry, are both strong and very
merr)- ; we have also a gray, whose name is Jack, very slow in har-
ness but ver\- good to back. We have not bought a dog, nor are we
quite sure that it's best to get one — they are so hard to cure of madness
when they're bitten. But our cat is a beauty, you may be sure of that
— a regular tortoise-shell, which, I am told, is the finest style of cats.
She is not bold, but will, by and by, without doubt, be able to
run all the rats out of house and stable. Gussie, Maria, and Annie
are out doors picking strawberries, to do which they must get on all
fours, a job I don't like much for more than one reason : my head
don't better by stooping, nor my chest such squeezing as you get
when you tr)' to pick up things from the ground. If God helps this
year I hope to get round, and then I shall try to do all that I can to
work for the Church, for God, and for man. As it is I am very little
good to any body but myself, my wife and my small children, and a
few of my friends, among whom I am sure I may class the residents
of Fourth Avenue below Twenty-second-street, New York, who, if
they have as much sense as they used to have, will soon get into the
cars and come to Kensington Station, where we shall meet them with
a carriage, and bring them out to the Brown Farm.
To his Son, Emory M' Clintock.
Geemantown, A%ugv,sl 3, 1S65.
The weather has been very hot, but is a little more tolerable now.
My health has continued to improve on the farm. We are sorry to
leave it, but our funds are not strong enough to give the price asked
for this place, beautiful as it is. We shall not remove to New Bruns-
wick till next spring, and meantime will go on with building and
other improvements there to make it suit us.
The Harpers are going on with the Dictionary again, and it gives
me all the work I care to have. I hope it will pay some day, but am
doubtful of getting all the money back I have spent on it, to say
nothing of the time and labor.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
365
I have preached but twice since I left St. Paul's, and intend to
keep quiet till the hot weather is over. It is, as I tell you, cooler
weather now ; but the thermometer on my table, in the coolest place
I can find to write — that is, in the front hall — is between seventy and
eighty degrees. Not so very cool after all. The crops will be very
great, in spite of all croakers. The reconstruction of the South goes
on, but not well — thanks to the want of statesmanship which kept us
four years at war, and which will now keep us ten years in hot water.
But, perhaps, big statesmen would be the death of us. Slowly, but
surely, the true democracy prevails in this land, and will prevail in all
lands, England included.
To the same.
Qeemantown, December 24, 1865.
A happy Christmas ! The ground is covered with snow, the air is
filled with sleety rain- -too stormy a day for Kate and me to go to
Church. Maria, John, and Annie went off, however, in the big car-
riage. The evergreens on the lawn in front are fretted with silver ;
the meadow beyond is like a vast counterpane newly bleached. In
doors all is quiet, warm, and cosy. Aunt Jane, who is just recover-
ing from an attack of illness, which brought her so low that she was
not thought likely to live half an hour, lies on the sofa in the parlor
reading the "Methodist." Mother lies on the sofa in her bedroom
reading the " Independent." I sit in my sanctum, with one window
looking north over our beautiful lawns and fields, dotted with firs and
elms, to the woods on Cassadav's farm, which limit the view on that
side. The west window gives a wider stretch. On that side the
lawn begins to slope rapidly some twenty yards from the house to a
deep meadow, which rises again beyond in a gentle slope to a hill at
the west end of the farm, behind which, again, is another rising
slope, the view ending in a belt of wooded hills a mile away. All
this is better than the view in Rue de la Plaine, or in Fourth Avenue.
I returned from New Brunswick on Friday. They are getting on
slowly with the house ; but it will be ready for us in March. The
outside is gray, with rich brown trimmings ; observatory or belvedere
366
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
on top of house with a view of thirty miles, and the Raritan mean-
dering through it. So you see we shall be well off, if we live to get
there, during the few remaining years of our sojourn upon earth. It
will not be long before all these cares and pleasures will come to an
end, and I look for a better home, where some day, in your turn, I
hope to see you coming in.
To the sajne.
Geemastowx, Dec. .30, 1865.
Just received your letter. I am not surprised very much, nor am
I overmuch sorry. It is, perhaps, quite as well for you to come
home, and there is nothing to grieve over at all.
A 'importe ; if yours by next steamer puts out the idea that any
thing can be done at Washington, I shall go on and try it. But I
do not see that any thing can be done without a fight, and that
would hardly pay.
We shall get into our new house in March, and be ready for you
in case you come home ; all well. There will be plenty of ways
for you to use your time and talents here ; this being at the mercy of
officials is poor business. So don't fret about spilled milk, and don't
go to calling it cream, now that it is spilled.
To the Rev. Williain Arthur.
Geemaxtowjt, January 30, 1S66.
Being in Washington this week, I got Grant's and Seward's auto-
graphs for you. I could not get to Chase's house, but will secure his
anyhow by letter. I told Grant that we Methodists had pre-emp-
tion rights in him, and he talked of his old class-leading father with
reverence, regretting that he himself is not "in full connection," to
use his own phrase. He will not withdraw the troops from the South
till all is pacified ; so he assured me.
I had a long talk with Johnson. He declared to me that if the
southern people abuse the negroes he will use all the power of the
Government to protect them ; but he said also that he believed to give
them the suffrage would bring on an immediate war of races after
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
our troops are withdrawn. I told him I had ventured to predict, ia
a speech in England three years ago, that this Rebellion would be
put down, and no man hung for political crime. "Yet," said he,
" we must show that treason is a crime. As to bloodshed, I remem-
ber that He who was most offended, and who was strong enough to
put all the offenders to death, himself died for them." It was said
with feeling, too.
To the Rev. Dr. T. V. Moore.
Geemantowk, Fehruary 20, 1S66.
On reaching home last night I found your letter of 14th, and the
familiar handwriting gave me a throb of pleasure. But what on
earth makes you fear that the war and its works can affect our
hearts ; you did not make the war, nor did I. It had to come, and
its work is done. Let the dead bury their dead. Do you remember
our talks in Richmond in 1857 ? You told me that if Seward should
be elected in i860 there would be secession, and we both agreed
that if secession, then war ; and you gave as the reason that young
men ruled the politics of the time. But I hope to talk these things
over with you quietly, and will not write of them. My health is so
broken up that I am resting on a farm. I have purchased near New
Brunswick, N. J., and we remove thither in a few weeks.
My son, J. Emory, is in England, where he has been for several
years. My daughter, Augusta, was married last November, and so our
family is reduced. Tell me of yours. Shall you come North shortly ?
I cannot put into a letter what I should like to say about your Eu-
ropean trip, not half, nor quarter. But if there is no way of seeing
you, I will write, of course. Two points I may mention now : i. It
will save much money to go direct to Bremen, as the fare is (or was)
as great to Southamptori as to Bremen, and then take England on
your return, sailing home either from Southampton or Liverpool ;
2. You may calculate, roughly, on spending $4 to $5 (gold) per day,
from the time you land in Europe till you leave it, supposing that
you stay at hotels, say for one hundred and fifty days, seven hundred
and fifty dollars. But it may be done for less, with care and econ-
368
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
omy. I did it once for less ; in other trips more. Of course, I spent
nothing on opera tickets and the hke. nor is it probable that you will.
But write and let me know if I shall see you personally ; if not, I will
write my ideas fully and send to you.
You are mistaken, I think, in supposing that " many here feel a
change " from the war. I have never seen man or woman whose
private friendships or affections have been modified. Many and
many a time I have thought of you and your wife and little ones, and
longed to hear from you. God bless you and them !
The General Confererrce of 1864 had prepared a com-
prehensive scheme for the celebration of the Centenary
of American Methodism in 1866, and had created a large
committee of ministers and laymen to carry out its direc-
tions. The committee met at Cleveland, Ohio, in Feb-
ruary, 1865, and after drawing up a schedule of objects
for which the gifts of the Church should be asked, ap-
pointed a central committee of six persons to organize
the work of benevolence, and to enlist the people in its
support. Of this committee Dr. M'Clintock was chair-
man.^ The committee gave to the Centenary nearly
two years of unremitted attention, and had the satisfac-
tion of seeing their labors crowned with a success which
outran their most sanguine hopes. The contributions of
the people for all objects rose to the sum of $7,000,000 ;
local and general interests were successfully harmonized,
and at the close of their work the .committee received
the thanks of the General Conference, which met in
1868. Dr. M'Clintock was never more efficient than
* The menfxbers of the Committee were — Ministers : J. M'Clintock,
D. Curry, G. R. Crooks ; Laymen : James Bishop, O. Hoyt, C. C. North.
The Rev. W. C. Hoyt was made Secretary.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 369
during the period of his connection with the Central
Committee. His address, delivered at the great meet-
ing held in St. Paul's Church, New York city, January
25th, 1866, was one of the most powerful that he ever
delivered.
Early in this year it became known that Mr. Daniel
Drew contemplated appropriating a large sum for the
founding of an educational institution. Dr. M'Clintock
and the writer were requested by the Central Committee
to wait upon him and to learn his intentions. In a very
brief but agreeable interview Mr. Drew informed us
that it was in his mind to devote two hundred and fifty
thousand dollars to the establishment of a theologi-
cal school, stipulating only that it should be located in
the place of his birth, Carmel, Putnam County, New
York. Even this latter condition was subsequently
waived by him when it was found that another place
would be more satisfactory to the friends of education
in the Church. All was done in the simplest and most
unostentatious manner. It was understood that Mr. Drew
wished Dr. M'Clintock to be the first president and or-
ganizer of the seminary, and in due time the latter became
president. Mr. Drew subsequently went beyond his orig-
inal pledge, and charged himself with the obligation of
bestowing a half million of dollars for the founding and
equipment of the institution. If his recent financial mis-
fortunes (in which he has the sincere sympathy of every
lover of education) have disabled him from fully carry-
ing out his benevolent purpose, it should not be for-
gotten that his first promise has been fully redeemed.
3/0 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Drew Seminary, which was finally placed at Madison,
New Jersey, is now in possession of lands and build-
ings of the value of two hundred and fifty thousand dol-
lars, and has received from its founder in all over four
hundred thousand. The appreciation of the value of Mr.
Drew's benefaction has been shown in the readiness with
which others have come forward to supplement it, and
to give perpetuity to the school which bears his name.
The seminary was formally opened on Nov. 6, 1867, in
the presence of a large assemblage, drawn from all parts of
the territory occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Church.
It was a bright and balmy autumn day, a day of good
omen. The exercises, though occupying the morning
and afternoon, (with a collation intervening,) held the
undivided attention of the company. In his explanation
of the nature of the work about to be undertaken Dr.
M'Clintock said: It is its design to furnish instruction
in theology in the widest sense of the word, and in the
sciences subsidiary thereto, and especially in the doc-
trines and Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
with a view to the training of the students to be preach-
ers of the Gospel and pastors in the Church." He be-
lieved it to be of the last importance that the students
should be educated to be preachers, (not readers of ser-
mons;) a provision was therefore inserted in the Consti-
tution, which required the " professors, both by their in-
struction and by their personal example, to aid the stu-
dents to form habits of ready and effective expression ex
tempore, to the exclusion of the use of written discourses."
Young men at once flocked to the school, and have con-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 3/1
tinued to fill it to the entire extent of its capacity to
accommodate them.
Upon leaving Germantown, our friend purchased a farm
near New Brunswick, N. J., to which he gave the name of
Embury." His house faced the Raritan River, towards
which its grounds sloped. Here he busied himself with
building, draining, sowing, and planting, and, bating the
discomforts of moving his household goods, he enjoyed
his outdoor life greatly. But he groaned over the labor
of carrying his library from place to place. In October,
l86i, he thus sums up pathetically the annoyances he
had endured to that time from his many changes of
abode : Spent morning arranging books, papers, etc.,
in library ; very irksome work. I have had it to do eight
times since 1848 — once at J. City, 1848; New Brunswick,
1851 ; Carlisle, 1853 ; Irving Place, 1857 I St. Paul's Par-
sonage, 1859; Ecuries, Paris, i860; Rue Balzac,
i860; Rue de la Plaine, 1861. The vexation and an-
noyance of these changes is excessive ; destruction and
loss of books very costly. The itinerancy does not suit
men whose pursuits require a large librar)\ It must be
modified or such men will shun it. Just now I am only
half living, so far as books go. I brought from New
York to Paris but about one thousand volumes, leaving
several thousand behind."
He had been too busy for some years to keep his diary
with regularity; but the entries in the early part of 1866
are unusually full : —
Mofiday, January 15. — Left home (Germantown) at 9 ; drove
to Philadelphia in two-horse carriage with Jane and Kit, and left
372 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Prime-street station at 1 1 : 30. On train, talked with General Owens
about the war ; gave me some graphic sketches of battles ; after Mal-
vern Hill we could have been in Richmond in a few hours if M'Clel-
lan had not been too timid. Reached Washington at 6 P. M. in a
driving snow-storm.
Tuesday, January 16. — Creswell and I went to see General Grant ;
very affable and pleasant. He said it was impossible for us to withdraw
our troops from the South, and would be for a long time. " They
would cut each other's throats.*' I asked him whether native Ameri-
cans were less docile and subordinate as soldiers than other races.
" Not at all ; their individuality is great, but does not interfere with
subordination, and they make, therefore, the best soldiers. They
know what they fight for, and know also that men can't fight
in bodies without subordination." "All our soldiers yet in the
field are clamorous to be mustered out : that is our difficulty
of keeping troops in the South." Creswell asked him if he had
said 50,000 American troops would beat any other 50,000. " No.
But I do say that with 50,000 of the men who marched down Penn-
sylvania Avenue from the war, with their officers, from sergeants to
generals, I would undertake to fight any 75.000 European troops,
with their officers; our's having had their three years' discipline."
Altogether his talk was very sensible and thoughtful.
Wedjiesday, January ly. — At 10 A. M. Senator Creswell accom-
panied my brother and myself to see President Johnson. Many were
waiting, but the senator took precedence. The President received us
most cordially. He is about my size, dark complexion ; talked of his
health and eyes, which trouble him. Creswell told him the object of
my visit. I said, " We (that is, Methodists, not as politicians) desire
to support your Government, as it is our Christian duty to do so.
But we are befogged by what we hear of the difficulties between you
and Congress." He smiled and said " I will talk frankly and fully,"
and went into a long statement of the principles of his Government.
"We must look at facts," he said over and over again. I told him
we wanted to know his views as to the protection of the four mill-
ions of human beings who were made his wards by emancipation.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
373
" They shall not be oppressed while I am President. I will protect
them to the last atom of the power of the Government." He dwelt
upon this at full length. Then, as to negro suffrage, he said : " If I
were satisfied that suffrage was the best thing for the protection and
advancement of the negroes, I should give it to them. But with my
knowledge of the ' poor whites ' of the South, I am satisfied they
would butcher the negroes sooner than vote with them." He dwelt
on the need of time. " The South has advanced in sentiment
in one year more than the North in twenty. Give them more time."
I do not agree with him as to suffrage. It could have been given in
a month after Lincoln's death, and would have been accepted. With
the ballot the negroes would have been protected effectually. The
President said, " I must think for myself; but if I can be convinced I
am wrong, I think I have sense and self-command enough to change
my course." This talk went on about three quarters of an hour, when
the Secretary of the Treasury came in with the Canadian delegates
about reciprocity. We then got up, but still the President kept us stand-
ing about a quarter of an hour more. I was greatly surprised at his
urbanity, and even his affectionate way. I had not looked for it. He
impressed me as a man very strong within his sphere of thought and
knowledge. But I did not get the sense, in his presence, of a supe-
rior atmosphere, so to speak, as I did in Lincoln's. Lincoln's mind
seemed greatly more susceptible, and more comprehensive — ready to
get at truth from any quarter, and to assimilate it.
Monday, January 31. — Finished article " Arminianism " for Dic-
tionary. Read for it Bayle, Cunningham, Nicholls, Ebrard, Nean-
der, and others.
Wed7iesday, February 2. — Rose at 7:20; made articles " Ar-
nauld," (3), and " Arnold of Brescia " for Cyclopaedia.
April 13. — Left our house, at Germantov.'n, March 25, and stayed
at Mr. Bishop's, New Brunswick, till April 12, waiting for house at
Embury Farm to be ready. Ever)- thing in confusion as we enter.
The year 1866 was devoted chiefly to the centenar}' work of the M.
E. Church, I being chairman of the Central Committee. For this
service I neither asked nor received any remuneration.
374
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
Friday, June 24. — Sunday, preached in chapel of St. James, New
Brunswick, on Matt, vi, 2. I have now preached for St. James' con-
gregation every Sunday since April 22, as they have no stationed
minister, without remuneration of any sort.
July 18. — Continued as pastor of St. James until spring of 1867
In March, 1867, finding that Mr. Drew's centenary gift for theo-
logical education was not likely to be consummated soon, unless I
agreed to accept the presidency of the seminary to be founded by
him, I agreed to do so — my salary to commence in the spring of the
year. The purchase of the Gibbons estate was consummated in
June. My work, for seminary, from March till November, consisted
of, I. The organization and plan of instruction ; 2. Arrangement of
Board of Trustees and meetings thereof for organization ; 3. Study
of all European catalogues for purchase of books through H. B.
Lane, agent.
In November broke up my beautiful home on the Raritan with
great reluctance, and removed to the Gibbons mansion. Sold part
of my furniture, Mr. Drew agreeing to give me what furniture I
needed out of the Gibbons house. Spent autumn of 1867 in organiz-
ing the seminar)', which opened in November, and the troubles of
that autumn and winter, with delays of workmen, with seminary
work, with buildings, etc., no mortal can know.
The discomforts of moving were speedily overcome and
forgotten, and once settled in the Gibbons mansion, Dr.
M'Clintock's life went on very happily. It is a house of
princely proportions. The spacious library suited him
perfectly ; the broad porches afforded him exercise in
stormy weather, and the grounds, covered with young
forest trees, gratified his sense of the beautiful in nature.
Yet it cost him an effort to break up his New Brunswick
home. In establishing it he had made one more effort
to attain his ideal of a union of out-door activities with
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
375
Study. He writes almost pathetically to his daughter :
There seems to me to be no rest for us in this
world." He was like a bird, he said, that had no nest.
But his habit of looking at the humorous side of every
situation served him well here, and his correspon-
dence with his family soon ran on in the old delight-
ful way: —
To his Daughter, Mrs. Augusta Lotigacre.
New Brunswick, Sunday^ June 2, 1S66.
It is a sort of rainy day, but we have all been at church, except
mother, who is not well enough to go yet, and Emory, who could
not find the key of his trunk in time to get his best coat out. Anne is
in New York visiting her aunt, a visit which has kept her in a flutter
for a fortnight. She had a party there yesterday afternoon. I am
to fetch her home to-morrow ; all are well. Emory has been up at
Carmel for a fortnight, surveying the grounds for the new college ;
he got back yesterday.
We are afraid that if you do not come here soon you will not
come at all. Emory wants you while he is here. So you see the
propriety of hurrying up your arrangements as rapidly as possible.
We have not finished the outside of the house yet, but the inside
is as neat as wax, and we want you to see it while it is nice, and
has the new shine on. Moreover, it will burst out hot one of these
days, and then it wont be so nice to you.
The building at Carmel will take a year, or a year and a half, to
complete, so that our going there is a thing of the future. All will
be ordered right. I have found it so thus far in my pilgrimage, and
expect it to be so to the end, whether the way be rough or smooth.
Let this be your way of thinking and feeling, and you will find life a
much better thing than if you fret about its uncertainties. God bless
you ! Do write oftener.
376
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
To the same.
Nkw Bkikswick, March 27, 1867.
It is Sunday morning ; the first rest Sunday I have had for many a
long day, and I am enjoying it greatly. I did not get up till after
eight, and decided net to go to church at all, not that I am partic-
ularly unwell, but simply jaded, and feel that a good rest will be
welcome. So I take part of my pleasure in writing to you. On
week-days it is nothing but write, write, all day long. What with the
Dictionary, of which the second volume is in progress, and the Drew
Seminary, and the winding up of the Centenary, and my own private
affairs, and the New Brunswick Church, and all my European cor-
respondence, I am literally fagged out when night comes. By the
way, the Drew Seminary is organized, and we are in correspondence
about the Faculty. It will begin in September, and by that time we
shall remove there. There seems to be no rest for us in this world.
Every thing here is arranged to our heart's content, and we must
pull up stakes and leave it. Arthur wrote me some time ago that we
must not build nests for ourselves here, but just find a good twig to
rest on, and hop to another. We have been tiviggzng all our lives,
and appear likely to keep at it to the end. At the end, we trust, there
is a house, not made with hands, prepared for us in heaven. It is
hard for us to go to Carmel, and the earthly inducements are not
great ; $2,500, and house (not built yet) near a little village of three
hundred people, and near nothing else but the blue lake and the
eternal hills, and our heavenly Father. We shall have almost no
company but the Faculty and our friends who visit us. That wont
trouble me, as my books and work are full company, so long as I
have health ; but it will not be well for Maria and mother.
One point of morals before I close. The Chinese have kept up or-
ganized human society, with an immense population, for thousands
of years. I think this singular longevity is due to the doctrine of
filial piety, which penetrates the national life. Now, I do not want
you to set up votive tablets in your drawing-room, and bum incense
before them to the shades of your ancestors, Irish or Indian. But I
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
377
want you to consider whether it is right for you to leave us for weeks
without a scrap of writing from you ? You now owe mother two
letters, and Maria one. I know all about your health and your mani-
fold duties. But with all that, you could write a letter, longer or
shorter, once a week, and I shall not consider you up to your duty,
much less to your privileges, until you do that thing. Take it seri-
ously to heart. All join in love to James and the baby, with kisses.
I hope change of air will cure that " rash " infant.
In the year 1868 Dr. M'Clintock was a delegate to the
General Conference which met in Chicago, and advocated
the admission of the laity to that body in a speech of
great power. He had been for years an outspoken sup-
porter of this change in the polity of the Church, but did
not live to see it consummated. The time has hardly
come for writing the history of a movement which peace-
fully closed a debate of fifty years' duration. One of Dr.
M'Clintock's latest published essays was a tract on Lay
Delegation, written while the popular vote was pending,
and giving a reason for " the faith that was in him."
He felt his burden of work during these last years to
be very heavy. His Cyclopaedia demanded unceasing at-
tention ; the organization of the seminary and the teach-
ing of his classes, and his correspondence, taxed all the re-
sources of his strength. In addition to this work done
on secular days, he preached nearly every Sunday, sup-
plying during the last months of his stay in New Bruns-
wick the pulpit of St. James' Church in that city, and in
1868-9, in association with Dr. Foster, the pulpit of St.
Luke's Church, New York. In the spring of 1869 symp>-
toms that he understood warned him that he must seek
3/8
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
rest. He closed his house, and with his family went over
to England again, the England he loved so well.
To Mr. Fletcher Harper.
Leamington, July 25, 1S69.
Thus far our journey has been very successful and happy. My
health is wonderfully mended. Mrs. M'Clintock has not improved
so much, but yet she is in many respects better. All the rest of the
party are very well indeed. We spent nearly four weeks in London,
where we had nice lodgings at the West End at a moderate price. I
saw our friends, S. Low and J. Low, Junior, frequently. They are
very little changed. We have had a fortnight here, seeing all the
beauties of Warwickshire, and having an excellent home in a fur-
nished house. In a day or two we go to Derby, (Chatsworth,) etc.,
and thence to York. After that a fortnight in the Lake Country will
finish our trip. The weather has been the perfect English summer
which Hawthorne describes — three or four days only have been too
hot for comfortable walking. The average thermometer indoors has
been seventy degrees.
I am deeply thankful to God for the opportunity of this trip, which
has given my system rest just when perseverance at work during the
hot weather at home would probably have put an end to all earthly
labors soon. But the end cometh for us all, when no man can
work. Our friends leave us — by and by we shall be old, and before
long we, too, shall be gone. . God grant that for you and me the
change, when it comes, may only be the hap])y passage to the pres-
ence of our God and Saviour, which is the true aim of good living
here ! And, in the mean time, may you and I, old friend, do our work
cheerfully, looking for that blessed hope.
I wish that you and Mrs. Harper were with us, though I know
well that duty keeps you at home. I have heard, with pain, a rumor
that your brother, John, has been seriously ill, I hope the story is
untrue, or, at least, that he has recovered. Make my cordial salu-
tations and sympathies to him, and also to your brother, Joseph Wes-
ley. The old times come up to me as I write, and the old faces.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
3/9
To his Sister, Miss Jane Clintock.
ScAKBoROUGU, Augufit S, 1869.
I wrote to you from London, and Kate wrote from there or from
Leamington. But we have no letter from you since we sailed. I be-
gin to fear that you have been ill, but hope it has not been so. You
are generally, however, so good a correspondent that your silence is
always suspicious.
We all went to the Primitive Methodist Church this morning.
The congregation was very large, and the whole services was old St.
George's over again — except that there was a good organ and very
fine singing. The aniens and shouts here just such as we used to
hear in Fourth-street. The preacher was not a Primitive, but an
eminent Wesleyan. He adapted his sermon, however, to his audi-
ence, with great skill and tact.
We have improved in health more at Scarborough than anywhere
else, and all wish we had come here sooner. We can only stay to
the end of this week, as we are engaged to be at Mr. Darlington's
by the fourteenth of this month. After that we go to the English
lakes, and sail from Liverpool on the eight of September in the Col-
orado. We have g^ven up our trip to Ireland, chiefly on account of
the extra expense in which it will involve us.
Living in lodgings is very comfortable. I wish the plan were
adopted in America. It would be veiy nice for people of moderate
means, as you can make the expense just what you please.
The British Conference is sitting not far from here, but as I came
away for my health, I have not been near it, nor do I intend to go.
To his Sister, Mrs. Joseph Gray don.
Keswick, An(just 26, 1S69.
Your letter was very welcome. I had written you another letter,
but it seems to have lost itself.
We have been here now five days, and the last two have been
the warmest we have had in England. The thermometer has reached
seventy-six degrees in a sunny room indoors, and outdoors the sun
380
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
has been too hot for me to walk out in the middle of the day. Our
visit at Xethenvood was one of the best parts of our trip : ever} body
in the house, sen ants included, was full of kindness, and ever} thing
was done, indoors and out, to make our time pass agreeably. We
had a splendid day at Bolton Abbey.
I climbed to the top of the hill, and had a ramble among heather
on the moors for the first time in my life. We are in excellent quar-
ters here, at the Keswick Hotel, and have seen most of the lions.
Maria and Bella went to the top of the Skiddaw on ponies, and came
back well tanned and freckled. Kate and I have confined our excur-
sions to regions practicable for wheel carriages. The only drawback
I have had has been rheumatism, which is now passing away.
To-morrow we leave here for Bowness : stay in that neighborhood
till Tuesday, and then go to Liverpool to prepare for sailing.
We can hardly yet realize that Mrs. Elliott is gone, and that we
shall see her kind face no more. I think she is one of the best illus-
trations I ever knew of the power of personal kindness to make
friends and to disarm enmity.
This trip was, as his letters show, enjoyed greatly, yet
on his return he was but little stronger. His step
was slower ; indeed, the old alertness of movement was
wholly gone. The brave, cheery spirit, the genial inter-
est in men, women, children, and in life for what it
brought him every day, were not changed — as to these
he was the same as ever. He took up his work in
the autumn where he had dropped it in the summer,
and went on with it though he knew that his strength
was ebbing away. His friends knew it, too, for its
signs were plainly visible. In lecturing to the stu-
dents during the winter of 1869 he would occasion-
ally drop the thread of his discourse, and be for a mo-
ment or two unconscious of their presence. Still he
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 38 1
preached on alternate Sundays at St. Luke's, though
so feeble that a carriage was needed to carry him to and
from the church. One of these last Sundays was spent
at my house ; in the afternoon a walk was proposed to
the Central Park, a few blocks distant. He had only
reached it when he begged to be taken back. This out-
cry of weakness made us all feel sad enough. Yet dur-
ing the day, and on like days, he was, when sitting in the
house, so full of wise and playful talk, and so capable of
enjoying whatever others enjoyed, that a stranger would
not have supposed him an invalid. It was only when he
rose and moved that the exhaustion of his vitality be-
came painfully visible.
The last letter from him that has come into my
hands, written only twelve days before his death, was
addressed to his friend, Mr. Fletcher Harper. I have
hardly dared trust myself to speak of his long friend-
ship with the Harper Brothers, so trustful on both sides,
and so honorable in them all. As his years increased,
his heart turned back to the old times when he and
they were younger. The letter is such a one as fitly
closes Dr. M'Clintock's varied correspondence : —
To Mr, Fletcher Harper.
Madison, N. J., February 20, ISTO.
It was a great grief to me that I could not go to the funeral of
your brother, Wesley. For ten days I have been confined to the
house by inflammation of the windpipe. I am better, but yet unable
to go out. Twice I fixed days to go to Brooklyn during his last
weeks of life, but both times was prevented by storms.
When I was a young preacher I was occasionally invited to preach in
382
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
New York. You may remember that you several times walked with me
to church on these occasions. But Wesley did it several times, also.
During this illness he has been in my mind a great deal, and somehow
always in connexion with these walks, as if the inten ening time were
nothing. Two features impressed me then, and they have remained
associated with my thoughts of him ever since — his wisdom and his
kindness. Boy as I was, he seemed much older — certainly he was
ver}- much wiser. His shrewd nature, his sagaciou-s insight, his habit
of observation of preachers and preaching, enabled him to give good
advice ; and he gave it so kindly that you hardly knew or felt that he
was advising at all. Then his criticisms upon the sermon, reaching
not simply to its structure and to its form, but to its spiritual aims
and worth, and always given with so much judgment, and with a
sweet kindness, that made them seem more like praise than criticism,
did a great deal, I remember, to enlighten me upon my own duty
and work.
Not many months ago, dear friend, I wrote you on the death of
your brother, James. We are all tending to the same bourne — I trust
to the same heaven. Of all the successes of your brother Wesley
his greatest was that he kept his religious life and his simple faith.
In those last bright weeks in Clark-street, the light which made his
sick-room so cheer)^ and so beautiful a place, was the light, not of
earth, but of heaven. It would have been the same if he had died
a poor man ; but that he kept the faith, to die so beautifully, as a rich
man, this was indeed a wonder of success in the highest sense of the
word.
It cannot be very long before the summons will come for you and
me. There are few men living for whom I have so strong a personal
affection as for you. I wish that we lived nearer to you, and that I
could see you oftener during these swiftly passing days before the
sunset. But, as this cannot be, may God grant us his abundant peace
to spend these days in his fear and love, that we may be reunited
with all that are dear to us in the unchanging life above !
Ever your friend, John :^I'Clintock.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 383
There was still hope felt that he would rally from his
prostration, as he had rallied so often before. But on
the third of March, 1870, the telegraph summoned his
friends in haste to Madison. They went fearing the worst.
He had been seized with fever, and when we arrived was
wholly unconscious. The felicity that had marked all his
days attended him even in dying, for the friends of his
boyhood, his youth, and manhood were with him. At a
late hour the company, save the chosen watchers, sepa-
rated for rest, cheered, too, by a faint gleam of hope.
Shortly after midnight he awoke once more to conscious-
ness, and recognized his son, and his colleague in the
seminary. Dr. Foster.
" Foster, is that you? I am very sick, am I not?"
Yes," was the answer, you are very sick, but we
have hope that you may recover yet."
" No ! no ! " said the patient, "but no matter what the
event, it's all right." And pausing for a moment as if
meditating, It's all right, all right."
These were his last words. In the early morning a
messenger bade us hasten to the sick chamber. Before
it was reached all was over. Dr. M'Clintock breathed
no more. The heart that had through so many years re-
sponded to every generous impulse was still.
384
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
CHAPTER XII.
Tributes to the Memory of Dr. M'Clintock: From Dr. W. H. Allen— Bishop Janes on
the Elements of his Power— His Early Life, by Mr. T. A. Howe— Mr. C. C. North on his
Industry and Organizing Talent— The Eev. William Arthurs Kecollections— The Young
Professor, by the Eev. Dr. Deems—The Hon. John Bigelow on Dr. M'CIintock's Life in
Paris— His Social Qualities, by Mrs. Mary S. Kobinson— The Ri'v. Dr. Hurst on his Help-
fulness to Young Americans in Europe — His Leading Mental and Moral Traits, by the
Author of this Memoir.
T SHALL not attempt an estimate of Dr. M'Clintock's
character, for it has been sufficiently portrayed in the
passages from his journals and letters contained in this
memoir. It was a character transparently clear. There
were in it no dark and hidden passages which the light
never reached. All was with him as open as day. He
had nothing to conceal, for, with his utmost strength, he
tried to live an upright, manly life. Nor is it needful to
dwell upon the tenderness with which loving hands com-
mitted all that was mortal of him to its last resting-
place. It will be more fitting to gather together the
many tributes paid to his worth by his friends, and out
of them weave a wreath, to lay upon his grave : —
" Since the death of M'Clintock, so many beautiful
and, in the main, truthful notices of his life, works, and
character have been written — the best and most discrim-
inating of them by AlujJini of Dickinson, his former
pupils — that to one ambitious of fame it would almost
seem worth while to exchange life for such abounding
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 385
praise."^ If the beatified spirit were sensible of earthly
eulogy, our choicest expressions of admiration would
not add a feather to that eternal weight of glory, nor a
drop of blessing to those joys which it hath not entered
the mind of man to conceive. But while our plaudits
cannot penetrate the ear of death, nor our incense stir
its torpid brain, every just eulogium is an incentive to
those who survive. It is an exhortation and a promise
— go thou and do likewise, and thy name no less than
his shall be a memory and an example.
M'Clintock, like Goethe, was ' many sided,' and, like
a fortress, every side had its salient angles. Hence the
photographs of his character vary with the focal distance
of the lens, the quality of the light, the pose of the
sitter, and expertness of the operator. While in all of
them we recognize the man, we fail to find in any one of
them all the man. I shall attempt no exhaustive anal-
ysis. I propose nothing more than a sketch, with rude
pencil but loving hand, of a few of the more prominent
and obvious traits of that distinguished man, as at my
point of observation and in the light I had they appeared
to me.
The youngest of our corps, he quickly made himself
felt as a power among us, and gave early promise of the
breadth and depth of attainments which subsequently
made him eminent. His perceptions were quick and
clear, his grasp of new thoughts firm ; every faculty of
his mind moved with the velocity of the electric cur-
* From Dr. W. H. Allen, President of Girard College, and formerly
Dr. M'Clintock's colleague in the FacuUy of Dickinson College.
25
386
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
rent. He was remarkable for a kind of intellectual elan,
and charged upon the subject before him with the aban-
don of an assaulting column in battle. Enthusiastic in
the pursuit of knowledge, he acquired it with prodigious
rapidity, and his tenacious memory let nothing escape.
He could prepare a sermon, write a review, learn a lan-
guage, or master the details of a scientific treatise in less
time than any man I have known. I remember that
when pressed for copy, he wrote an article for the
' Methodist Quarterly Review ' in a single day, which
filled twenty-two pages of that periodical — and this in
addition to his regular work as a professor.
But his intense mental activity taxed beyond health-
ful endurance a physical constitution naturally robust.
While midnight oil may lubricate the mind, it poisons
the body. The laws of our vital being cannot be violated
with impunity. In the earnestness of his work, our
friend exhausted his strength, and was frequently com-
pelled to remit his labors to recover his health.
" Physiologists assert that the maximum ratio of brain
to muscle in the animal world has been reached in man ;
and that any marked excess in that ratio is abnormal,
and a cause of early death. Thus the popular belief that
precocious children die young is confirmed and explained
by science. But M'Clintock had a head as large as
Daniel Webster's, poised on a body half its size. How
so small a frame could support so vast a dome for fifty-
six years, is a problem which may puzzle physiology.
Although that frame was hewn from the toughest tim-
ber, squarely jointed, stoutly braced, compact in every
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 387
mortice and tenon, its parts needed frequent repairs to
prevent the superincumbent weight from crushing to
ruin the whole structure.
" Dr. M'CHntock's transition from the chair of mathe-
matics to that of ancient languages was so easily and
gracefully made that he seemed to be equally at home
in both departments. Though he was not a man to
bury himself in numbers, quantities, and dimensions,
fintil he ate, drank, wore, talked, and dreamed mathe-
matics, and breathed no atmosphere but equations,
differentials, and integrals, or until imagination, senti-
ment, and sense of beauty were so dead and dry within
him that, like a mathematician we read of, he could lay
aside Milton's * Paradise Lost ' with the question, * What
does it prove ? ' yet I have always deemed it fortunate,
both for himself and the Church, that he entered the
field of literature. This afforded wider scope for his
talents, and accorded better with his tastes and aspira-
tions. His translation of Neander and his connexion
with the * Methodist Quarterly Review ' gave breadth
and depth to his theological studies, made him familiar
with German thought, and the exhaustive methods of
German research, and added to his rare qualifications for
the great work which will be an enduring monument of
his industry and learning.
" In the pulpit, M'Clintock was sound in doctrine as
held by our Church, courteous to other denominations,
catholic in spirit, convincing in argument, rich in illus-
tration, persuasive in eloquence. Learned without a
display of learning, pleasing without effort to please, he
388 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
spake from a full mind and warm heart to minds and
hearts that responded in sympathy with his own.
''On the platform, ready, bright, strong, the right
word in the right place, he fastened the attention of his
audience to the sentiments he wished to inculcate, some-
times by an apt comparison, sometimes by a suggestive
metaphor, and often by sallies of wit and humor, which
shot forth like coruscations of the aurora borealis, in
ever-varying hues and shapes, and threw over his subject
a playful and shimmering light.
'' In social life, frank, genial, simple-hearted as a child,
transparent as crystal, with no assumption of dignity, no
consciousness of superiority, alive to all human emotions
and sympathies, his conversation now shone with the
rich, soft hues of the opal, now flashed with the brilliant
light of the diamond.
His sympathy with the poor and defenceless assumed
the form of a broad philanthropy. There is a kind of
philanthropy which overlooks the naked and hungry at
its own door, but sends clothing and food to the Feejees
and Hottentots to be seen of men, and to blazon its
name in the newspapers. But M'Clintock's great heart
had room for the near as well as the remote. Like the
wise king of old, he * considered all the oppressions that
are done under the sun : and behold, the tears of the
oppressed ; and they have no comforter. And on the
side of their oppressors there was power ; but they had
no comforter.' He resolved to be their comforter. He
stopped not to count the terrible cost of word or deed in
behalf of an unpopular cause, in a misled though honest
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 389
community. He knew that legality is not always right ;
and that in every conflict between human law, which
may be wrong, and divine law, which is always right, the
power of man is on the side of what is legal, while on the
side of right is the power of God.
Some who are now present may remember the day
when the cry, ' Down with M'Clintock ! ' rang through
the college campus, and young men, frantic with rage,
were ready to tear him in pieces, or hang him to the
nearest tree. He was charged with instigating a riot to
rescue a fugitive bondman from his pursuing master. If
the charge could be sustained, he would be held respon-
sible before the law for the sad consequence of that riot
— the death of a man.
When the brave Colonel Shaw fell, with many of his
soldiers, in the unsuccessful assault on Fort Wagner, a
flag of truce was sent for his body. The commandant
of the fort replied, ' We have buried Shaw with his nig-
gers.' In the indictment of the Carlisle rioters the name
of John M'Clintock was included in a list of twenty-nine.
It was a feeble attempt to bury John M'Clintock with
his negroes. But as the fame of Shaw has outlived the
petty insult, so has the fame of M'Clintock. He was
acquitted. The sober second thought of the students
succeeded their passionate excitement. They who had
shouted ' Down with M'Clintock ! ' became afterward his
personal friends, and he still lived.
" The services which M'Clintock rendered to his coun-
try during his residence in Paris demonstrated his ardent
patriotism, and their value can hardly be overrated. In
390 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
the dark days of our calamity, when men's hearts began
to fail them for fear, he breasted the tide of foreign
prejudice, and, with arguments that could not be an-
swered, sent forth through all channels of communication
with the public to which he had access both in France
and England, did much to aid the accredited agents of
our Government in preventing the recognition of the
Confederate States by those two great nations.
" The Christian public of all denominations has been
gratified with the announcement that the ensuing vol-
ume of the great " Cyclopedia," for which, in connex-
ion with Dr. Strong, he had been fifteen years collect-
ing materials, needs only a revision to prepare it for
the press. If the forthcoming volumes shall fulfil the
promise of the three already published, the work will be
a splendid monument of Christian learning and research,
which will perpetuate the names of its authors and add
to the reputation of the country. And when Biblical
and theological scholars of whatever sect or creed shall
rise from the study of its pages, they will say, ' Servant
of God, well done I ' "
One of the first elements of his power, and one of
the principal sources of his successful life, was his ear-
nest spirit.* His ardor was quenchless, and his en-
ergy exhaustless. Whatever he undertook he accom-
plished ; he could not fail. In his youth he aspired to a
collegiate education. Have it he would, and have it
he did. And when he received his parchment he did
* From the Funeral Address of Bishop Janes.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 391
not receive it as a bill of divorcement from books ; it was
only an inspiration in the pursuit of eminence in scholar-
ship. While a professor in Dickinson College he was
more of a student than any undergraduate in the insti-
tution. It was the burning of the midnight oil that
gave him his greatness and position. This resolute will,
and persevering effort for Christ, may be seen in all the
labors of his life.
Another reason of his success was found in the sys-
tematic manner in which he employed his time. His was
not a hap-hazard life. His had a time for devotion, for
general reading, for study and writing, for social life and
general action — a time for every thing. It was this sys-
tematic effort that enabled him to turn to the best ac-
count every fragment of the day, and to win such a
wide reputation.
Another reason of success was the simplicity of his
plan, the oneness of his purpose. We have a right to
state that he had an eye single to the glory of God, and
that he sought to promote that glory by advancing the
interests of humanity. His eye being single, his purpose
being a simple one, his whole life was one of candor,
frankness, and openness. He was just as ready that his
opponents should know what he intended and was do-
ing, as that his friends should know. He, therefore,
never lost the confidence of any one. I have known
him from childhood, and I say, before this congregation
and God, that I never knew any thing of him that was
dishonorable. He was as careful of the interests of an-
other as of his own, and he was jealous of all that per-
392 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
tained to the glory of God. Because he was thus de-
voted, and his motives pure, his actions were ahvays
understood, and nowhere was this seen to greater advan-
tage than in the sacred desk. He sought in the simplest
and plainest of language to present the doctrines of our
holy religion. He ascribed originality of thought, so
far as divine truth is concerned, entirely to God. As a
man, as a Christian man, as a minister, as a man to
whom the Church had committed many of its interests,
we remember him with gratitude and with love. I feel
that no one will say we exaggerate the merits of our de-
ceased brother ; but every one will retire from these
services to-day, and think that his character has not
been fully set forth. I shall offend no one in saying, we
have in the Church no one left superior to him."
" My personal acquaintance with him^ commenced on
his coming from Philadelphia to New York to take a
position in the Book Concern, then in charge of Messrs.
Emory and Waugh. My own position was that of chief
clerk in the Book Department. Young M'Clintock had
that of book-keeper and general assistant to Mr. Waugh,
who up to that time had kept the books of the Concern
as the associate of Dr. Emory. On his coming from
Philadelphia his appearance was very youthful ; in fact,
he was but a boy, and he would have blushed to be
called any thing more. When Mr. Waugh saw him he
fairly expressed his surprise by saying he had supposed
* From Mr. Timothy A. Howe, his fellow-clerk in the Methodist Book
Room.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK.
393
him older. John, however, took the position assigned
him, and soon gave satisfactory evidence of his abihty.
He was very winsome in his manners and appear-
ance. His round jacket and close-fitting clothes were well
adapted to show off, even at that time, a splendid figure.
His countenance, fair and ruddy, was very attractive,
while so sensitive was he that the slightest personal allu-
sion to him would mantle his cheeks and forehead with
crimson. He had the privilege of a home in the family
of the late Rev. Samuel Merwin. The influences there
thrown around him were well suited to make a deep im-
pression on a mind so sensitive as his ; they were, in fact,
only a continuation of the same influences under which he
had hitherto lived in his own father's house. His regard
for Mr. Merwin was very great. He loved him much, and
well he might, for Mr. M. was a wise and judicious coun-
sellor, and, while seeming to make himself an only equal
of the young, he at the same time would be imparting
the most useful lessons of instruction. And religion, as
exemplified in Mr. Merwin's family, was ever attractive.
The late Rev. Dr. James Floy was a fellow-clerk in
the Book Concern, and in memory of our then bachelor
days we three, afterward for many years, as opportunity
offered, had our annual dinner at some appointed place,
at which none others were allowed to be present. The
following notice now lies before me : —
" 'Dear Sir : The annual dinner will take place, if you have no
objections, on Wednesday, and the company will meet at the office of
at 3 P. M. Yours in fraternity, J. FLOY,
"•Monday, September 12, 1850."' J. M'CLINTOCK.'"
394 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
" But these friends of my youth have passed away, and
I am left alone to my ' annual dinner ' in remembrance
of them."
At the General Conference of May, 1868, in Chica-
go, we lodged at the same hotel. Often in his room, I
observed that, in addition to his Conference labors, which
were enough for two ordinary men, he spent hours of each
day in examining proofs of his great work — ' The Cyclo-
paedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Litera-
ture' — the proofs being sent daily by mail. In connec-
tion with the Drew Theological Seminary, it has been
my privilege, as a trustee, to observe the same remarkable
industry and fertility of resource. As the trustees have
met from period to period, it was not needful to bring
to our meetings any resolutions or suggestions, for Dr.
M'Clintock, as President of the Seminary, was always
ready with every point carefully arranged for our discus-
sion and adoption.
The last display of his energy and capacity was seen in
the formation of the Board of Education, where, as on
other occasions, he appeared the master spirit. Out of
twelve trustees appointed by the late General Confer-
ence, nine were present in New York in December, 1869,
among whom were found some of our ablest ministers
and laymen. In a day spent in discussions which were
to consolidate the whole movement and send it forth or-
ganized for its work, M'Clintock shone conspicuously in
amplitude of suggestion, in scope of comprehension, in
* From Mr. C. C. North, of New York city.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 395
vigorous application, and broad sympathy for the chief
object of the movement — the education of young men
for the ministry. This was probably the last business-
meeting he attended in the interest of the Church. In
preparing documents for publication, it devolved 'upon
the writer to visit Dr. IM'Clintock at Madison on Wed-
nesday evening, February i6. He had been suffering
with a disorder of his throat, and had for a week been
speechless. That evening he recovered his voice, and
was enabled to greet me with his accustomed urbanity.
We spent two hours after tea in revising the ' proofs ' of
the documents we were to send forth to the Conferences,
and with his usual facility he crossed a sentence here and
altered a word there, until the whole matter was fin-
ished, when he said : ' Now, let us visit the ladies.'
" And now for an hour he was full of vivacity, and
entertained us with remarks on furniture and household
matters, on expenses in Paris, and on his literary labors.
Among other things he said : * I have come to believe
that I am a modest man.' 'Why?' I said. 'Because,'
he replied, ' so many persons have issued books on the
life and character of St. Paul, while for years I have had a
pile of manuscript on the same theme which I have not
ventured to give to the public' Alluding to his losses of
property during the period of his residence in Madison,
which to most minds would be serious and depressing,
he said : * These things have not cost me the loss of a
moment's sleep, nor on account of them have I experi-
enced even the pain of anxiety.' A few days after this
conversation I heard of his illness — not then thought to
39^ LIFE AND LETTERS OF
be fatal — a few more, and word came that there was Ht-
tle hope ; on Friday, March 4, all doubt was removed —
the noble man had fallen ! "
" Dk. M'Clintock's death to me is one of those events
that mark a stage in one's relations and memory."^ It
alters, more than one could believe, in a case where per-
sonal intercourse was so slight, one's mode of thinking as
to men and affairs in your country, in the world of letters,
and in American Methodist activities. From the first time
I met him in London, in, I think, the year 1850, he drew
me toward him with a joint force of heart and brain
rarely met with. During my visit to America this force
had added to it that of most winning, personal kindness,
and noble services to the cause of Methodism in Ireland,
which I was happy to see espoused by one whose help
was powerful.
" Had I never seen him again, I should have till death
held him in memory among rare men, as I do several
others whose acquaintance I then made. But subse-
quent visits of his to Europe, and especially his residence
in Paris, put it in my power to see more of him than of
any other of my American friends.
From him I had, during a visit to Washington, gained
much light on many of the more obscure aspects of the
problem of slavery, especially in its relation to the Free
States and the central Government, bearing on points clear
enough to Americans, but scarcely understood by one in
a million in Europe, and yet necessary to an intelligent
* From a letter of the Rev. William Arthur, London, England.
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK. 39/
view of the conflict which was then shaking the Congress
in anticipation of the time when it would shake the bat-
tle-field. This was one of the things which most helped
me early to see through misrepresentations which were
spread here on all hands by Americans accredited with
the highest positions and name, and, as a matter of
course, generally received. The ardor with which he
entered into the cause of his country in the day of the
great struggle, while he was so far from home, was only
part of his nature and habit, but certainly if ever man
burned and toiled to serve a great cause he did.
" I feel as if I hardly saw him in London last summer,
for at the time I was ill, and scarcely able to talk or
enjoy society. One could not feel much surprised at his
death, for he always struck one as a man not merely deli-
cate, but liable to menacing illness. Still, he sprang up
again so quickly, and returned to work with so much vigor,
that one almost felt as if the physical resources of his con-
stitution shared in the abundance of his mental ones. I
valued his " Cyclopaedia" before, but now it has a touching
claim upon the heart in addition to all its claims upon the
mind. I often envied his stores of learning, and seldom
parted from him without ' more keenly than of wont ' feel-
ing a regret which through life has been habitual with
me, and often made me shrink to a distance from men
whom I desired to know, namely, that the incessant
activity which has been called for by my allotted share
of public service had left me destitute of much furniture
which else I should have stored up and greatly prized.
Many will, through the ' Cyclopaedia,' be assisted in
398 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
gathering up some part of his stores, and will also through
it inherit some fruit of his power."
" I shall never forget the first impression made on me
by Professor M'Clintock.^ It was the summer of 1836
when he arrived at Dickinson College to take the chair
of mathematics. I had just entered my Sophomore year,
and was not sixteen years of age. Professor M'Clintock
was not seven years older than myself, and he had come
to teach our class and the three older classes what we
regarded as the most difficult portions of the curriculum.
He was a small, well-built, lithe, wiry, florid young man,
with a disproportionately large head, which seemed sur-
charged with brains. His eyes had a flattened appear-
ance, as if they were inadequate to let out the fire of his
mind, doing that work very partially because they were
preoccupied with inward speculation. They appeared to
have work of their own, and were not quick at carrying
errands from his mind to the mind of the beholder. So
to me it seemed that his intellectual brightness illumined
other features more than his eyes. The play of his lips
was particularly interesting; his mouth was expressive
in many senses.
" As an instructor, the largeness of his gifts and the
wealth of his acquirements were against him. His intel-
lect was so rapid that it could not sufficiently sympathize
with the tardy movements of slower minds. To mem-
bers of the classes whose mental operations resembled
* From the Rev. Dr. C. F. Deems, pastor of the Church of the Strangers,
New York, and an alumnus of Dickinson College.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 399
his own he was a delightful leader; and even in the eyes
of those who were less able to follow him, and to whom,
therefore, he could not be so useful, he was nevertheless
splendid.
" Sometimes a man's friends misjudge his work. Per-
haps as a general thing the toilers of the brain do their
best in the sum total of their efforts. But it always
seemed to me as if the intellect and learning of Dr.
M'Clintock might have made some contribution to liter-
ature which should have had some more direct and pow-
erful influence on the progress of human thought than
Cyclopaedias, translations, sketches of Methodist minis-
ters, the analysis of Watson's Institutes, and Greek and
Latin school books. Useful as all these are, they seem
to belong to intellectual drudgery.
"In i860, when about to return to America, I found
him established in Paris in charge of the American
Chapel, and working on the Cyclopaedia. In his study I
looked over the sheets of the article on the title ' GOD,'
which showed more labor and painstaking than it ex-
hibits as printed in the Cyclopaedia. I ventured to make
the suggestion stated above. His reply in substance was
that he did not have my estimate of his capabilities of
becoming by any culture a very effective preacher ; that
he felt his calling to be literature, which he wished to
follow in the way best calculated to establish the Re-
deemer's kingdom ; that he had taken up from time to
time what seemed to him most needed to be done,
which he could do probably as well as any other, and
which no other seemed inclined to undertake.
400 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
" After all, a man does more by his character than by
his actions. What a man does by tongue and pen may
be partly computed by close and intelligent observers;
but what the impulses, imparted by his life to those in
near and remote connection with him, continue to pro-
duce, can be known only to God. A lightning stroke
leaves a mark in the riven tree, but who can trace in the
flower and fruits of garden and orchard, and in the
health and beauty of men and women, the influence of
the gentle yet powerful electric agent which pervades
the earth, hiding, yet working every-where ? So the life
and character of our revered preceptor — Dr. M'Clintock —
stimulated thousands of young men, of whom hundreds
have given a healthy stimulus to many others who will
keep his memory bright and sweet and fragrant for the
coming generation of scholarly Christians."
During the period that I knew Dr. M'Clintock most
intimately,* dark clouds, which seemed to be charged
with a great public calamity, were hanging over us, and
absorbed our attention and thoughts so completely, that
incidents and traits of character which, under other cir-
cumstances, might have proved ' a joy forever,' left a
comparatively transient impression. Our correspond-
ence, never very considerable, is at present inaccessible
to me. During his residence in Paris he was a frequent
correspondent of the late Governor Seward, and in that
correspondence, which I am sure will be most cheerfully
* From the Hon. John Bigelow, Secretary of State, New York, late Amer-
can Minister to France.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 401
placed at }-our disposal, you are likely to find many pre-
cious memorials of his earnest and noble nature.
My personal acquaintance with the doctor commenced
in Paris, soon after the first and most humiliating battle
of our late civil war. He had gone there to avail him-
self of the libraries, and other rare facilities of that great
metropolis, in the preparation of the ' Cyclopaedia of
Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature,' with
which he proposed to enrich the literature of the Chris-
tian Church. He had consented to add to his literary
labors the pastorate of the American Chapel in Paris,
and that became the social centre of a very considerable
proportion of his country people at the time sojourning
in that city. As a parish clergyman he was greatly es-
teemed. Though called to a society in which there
were very few strictly of his own communion, he made
himself eminently acceptable to all the church-going
portion of his countrymen. His house was always one
of their favorite resorts, and his cheerful and fruitful con-
versation one of its chief attractions. He was besides as
hospitable as a bishop.
" There was no American in Europe more absorbed in
the fortunes of his country, then engaged in a deadly
struggle with the enemies of its own household, nor
more ready to spend and be spent in her defence. With
pastoral and literary employments more than sufficient
for his strength, he was constantly occupied, through the
press and by personal intercourse, in enlightening Eu-
ropeans in regard to the causes of our civil war, and the
magnitude of the interests at stake upon the result of it ;
26
402 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
in correcting the delusions sedulously and successfully
propagated by our enemies ; in strengthening the faith
of such patriotic Americans as were desponding, and
in developing unwonted zeal and energy in those who
were not. He never dishonored himself. By personal
intercourse, also, he exerted a very seasonable influ-
ence upon a very influential section of French society,
and was one of the quiet, but by no means unim-
portant, agencies under Providence for organizing the
strong popular hostility in France to the Imperial
policies in America. When he returned to the United
States his loss to the Church, as well as to the gen-
eral society of Americans in Paris, was universally de-
plored. He was a representative American of whom
all were proud, whom every one knew personally, and
whom all regarded as their friend and, in need, their
trusty counsellor.
Dr. M'Clintock possessed a vigorous and command-
ing nature, which was commended to the world by sin-
gularly genial and captivating manners. He was learned
far beyond the average of his profession, and his mind
had been equipped, and his character strengthened, by a
large and instructive intercourse with the world. As a
pulpit orator he was always edifying, and not infrequent-
ly eloquent ; and his crowning virtue, the religion that he
taught and practiced, was a religion that united and har-
monized, not a religion that separated and antagonized,
his fellow-creatures. He was ' liberal ' in his theology,
for the dews of his charity fell upon the just and the
unjust ; but he held no opinions about which he was in-
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 403
different, or about which he allowed others to think him
indifferent."
My earliest recollections of my dear and honored
friend are of his occasional visits to my parents, and of
the pleasure derived from them by my mother especially,
whose wit and gayety of spirits were invariably kindled by
the exuberant vitality and vivacity of her guest.* As a
child, I was won to him because he retained all the fresh-
ness of childhood ; while I could but be impressed at the
same time with his manly acquirements, and pre-emi-
nently with his affable and charming manners as a gen-
tleman. With what wondering awe did I note his intel-
ligence, that was interested, apparently, in every thing !
To me he seemed actually to take cognizance of every
thing, so that in after years I was not in the least sur-
prised to hear a distinguished German scholar say :
* Ah ! your Dr. M'Clintock was a genuine scholar. Act-
ually he knew some things that I didn't know ! ' — this
with the air of one who makes an assertion, hardly cred-
ible. Neither when my husband submitted to his exam-
ination a small compilation of hymns and tunes for
social meetings, something of a novelty in our Church at
that time, was it surprising to me, who knew his versa-
tility and working capacity, that he found leisure amid
pastoral and literary labors to hear the tunes, and to
make many fine suggestions, some of them requiring
research on his part both for hymns and tunes. No
burdens seemed to oppress his capacious mind, no tasks
were too diverse for his multifarious activity.
* From Mrs. Marj' S. Roliinson, daughter of the Rev. Dr. A. Stevens.
404
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
"In the spring of 1863 we found ourselves in Paris,
lodged in an obscure apartment in the Latin quarter.
One morning I heard a cheery voice peaHng through
the dark Httle entry : ' Why don't you let your friends
know youVe come hither? What's the use of being
so awfully exclusive?' etc., and the doctor's rosy, genial
face shone into the dull room from the door-way. He
allured us to his dinner-table the same day, and I clear-
ly recall his discriminating conversation on French archi-
tecture and other arts, and on French life and manners.
His admiration was warm for the brilliant people among
whom he was living — a people whose finer traits are in
accord with those of his own Irish temperament.
Here, as every-where, he was conscientiously sys-
tematic in the employment of his hours, devoting a cer-
tain number daily to study, to exercise, and to society
— becoming thus, by turns, preacher, pastor, litterateur,
statesman, and man of the world. This rigid adher-
ence to system in every thing is the only possible
explanation of the variety of detail and the aggregate
amount of his labors. His sermon on Sunday, at the
American Chapel, was elegant and effective, as were
all his pulpit efforts. Yet on such occasions I could
but think he was less powerful as a preacher than
he might have been had his united energies been di-
rected to this single end. All that he did was well done,
confessedly. Yet in the two or three professions he fol-
lowed, any one of which is vast enough to absorb the
widest culture and the utmost of native ability, the
efforts of his genius were undoubtedly hampered by its
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK. 405
own versatility — as it was, however, his pastoral office
was dear to him. He once referred in conversation to
some overtures that had been made toward his appoint-
ment as ambassador to the French Court. ^ I told
he said, ' I would rather be a minister of the Gospel,
than minister to any empire under heaven.'
In Paris, as elsewhere, he was harassed by infirmities
of health. Several times, during the sermon I have al-
luded to, his face flushed, and he was forced to pause a
moment, being almost overcome by a rush of blood to
the head. The injury to his knee-joint also oppressed
him painfully. Yet these seemed scarcely to impede the
ordinary activities of his life. He adhered to his routine,
and accomplished more than most persons do in good
health.
When, a year or two later, I entered the parsonage
of St. Paul's, New York, he greeted me with his custom-
ary salutation, taking both my hands in his with cordial
pressure, and asserting with rapid emphasis his pleasure
at seeing me. How many can recall that salutation,
quick, emprcsse, yet most natural — the two-toned ca-
dence of a sympathetic voice, whereby the sociability
and sweetness of the speaker's heart made itself heard.
As by an electric chain, the person greeted was instantly
put cn rapport with the greeter. This first moment
gave one the right to claim him as one's intimate friend.
At ]\Iadison, where I visited him occasionally, his
versatility and energy were brought into full requisition.
Every detail pertaining to the seminary, from securing
its potatoes, and examining in the rudiments the youth
406 LIFE AND LETTERS OF
who composed its earlier classes, up to recondite lect-
ures and elaborate Cyclopaedia work — all received his
personal attention. What a head was needed for this
amassing of labors, what wise distribution of time and
force, no one can conceive who did not hear from his
own lips something of his method. He reminded one
of those great generals who allow no detail of fort, field,
or camp life to escape their vigilance.
" In the afternoon of the day of one visit we drove
over the beautiful uplands whose horizons are vailed by
the tinted mists of the Kittatinny Range. Precious in-
struction fell continually from his lips, while ever and
anon he leaned forward in quick gesture to kiss his little
daughter, sitting opposite. I thought his nervous energy
found relief in this affectionate way, precisely as that of
a boy expends itself in sudden shiftings and ever-recurring
motion. This was the last time I saw him in life. Never
had I been more deeply impressed with the harmony of
his nature, the beautiful equilibrium of his brain and his
heart, and with the extraordinary development of both !
Among the hundreds gathered about his bier, I am sure not
a few mourned, as I did, the loss of an intimate friend.
' He knew how to sympathize,' said one of his Church
members to me in that sad hour ; ' when the tidings came
of my son's death in the East Indies, he was the first of
all my friends who came to comfort me.' Genius, in the
ordinary acceptation of the word, he had in generous
measure. But the flower and crown of all his gifts, that
which cast resplendence on all these, was his genius for
loving and for winning love ! "
THE REV. DR. M'CLIXTOCK. 407
No American visiting Paris since Dr. M'Clintock's
pastoral charge of the American Chapel," and coming
within the circle of American families represented by the
congregation, has had to wait long for grateful testimony
to his unfailing spiritual care of a flock standing in pe-
culiar need of it. It was because he comprehended the
dangers attending the path of Americans, and particularly
the young, in a foreign land, and knew well how to place
on their guard those who came confidingly within reach
of his counsel, that his memory is now cherished by the
members of the American Chapel at Paris with no less
attachment than by the larger parish in New York, from
which he had come and to which he returned.
" His official visit to the British Wesleyan Conference
in 1857 ^^'^s the beginning of an honored relation that
increased in attachment during his subsequent residence
in Paris, while his sympathy with Irish Methodism, as
exhibited by his attendance at the Conference, and his
labors at home in behalf of the Irish Fund during our
centenary year, repeatedly found public recognition ; and
it was but natural that when the new Wesleyan College
in Belfast, under the presidency of the Rev. William Ar-
thur, was to be dedicated. Dr. IM'Clintock should be in-
vited (though unable 10 accept) to come from America
and take a leading part in the exercises.
" He did not live to see acknowledged in Europe the
full merit of the ' Cyclopaedia ' on which he had labored
with the unwearied enthusiasm of the real scholar — that
* From a Letter to "The Methodist" by the Rev. Dr. Hurst, President
of Drew Theological Seminary.
4o8
LIFE AND LETTERS OF
could not have been expected before completion of the
work — but he was not without testimony from the seats
of German learning that the magnitude and success of
the undertaking was appreciated, as much so as could be
expected while the great task was yet unfinished.
There are many young Americans now attending the
German univ^ersities who received from him their first
impulse toward these fountains of foreign thought, and
some have already given expression to their keen sorrow
at his loss. But the great lesson of his life for the young,
here and at home, will not be thrown away — the joy of
work, the intensity of Christian life. Whatever his labors
were — and he knew how to labor in more ways than are
often given to men — the chief object of life with him
when overtaken by death was what it had been years
before, when he wrote : ' We shall all have work enough
to do in preparing the ministry of the next generation.
God help us to do it well ! ' "
" When I have thought of the possibilities that were
in him, I have found myself wishing that he were not so
various, so many-sided, so occupied with multifarious in-
terests.* I have mentally asked, Would not the product
of his life be greater if he were to concentrate himself?
But truth is, his heart was as big as his brain — loving,
tender, with sympathies running out in every direction,
and carrying his mental energy after them. Whatever
interested human kind interested him. To this breadth
* From an article by the author of this memoir, printed in the " Meth-
odist" March 12. 1870.
THE REV. DR. M'CLINTOCK. 409
of his sympathies he owed the social power which spread
such a charm over his hfe.
But what shall I say of his simple, earnest piety,
which rested with childlike confidence on the fatherly
care of God ; of his nice sense of right, which stood
guard over all the inner springs of action ; of his abound-
ing charity, which would see only the better side of
men ? He abhorred cant in religion and in every thing
else, and would have none of it. Whenever he spoke of
his Christian life, it was always in the fewest and plainest
words. And so, coming to and seeing the end, he an-
nounced his readiness with the utmost composure.
Had Dr. M'Clintock been asked the secret of his
success in life, he would have promptly answered, ' Work.'
One of his first college addresses was a panegyric upon
labor. He believed in hard, earnest, downright toil,
and relied solely upon it. He had great talents — talents
such as are rarely given to men, but never deluded him-
self with the expectation that they could be made effect-
ive without untiring exertion. He built himself up
laboriously — built wisely on solid foundations, and kept
on building till the fabric stood before the eyes of men
conspicuous for splendor and beauty.
" His mind was not so much creative as judicial.
He was essentially a critic. To investigate, and to sum
up the results of investigation in a clear, condensed
statement, was a habit which had become to him second
nature. In these mental processes he was aided by the
rapidity with which he would track the information of
which he was in search. No matter in what or how
LIFE AND LETTERS, Etc.
many volumes hidden, it could not escape him. That
his mind tended to encyclopedia came necessarily from
the largeness and variety of his acquisitions. In theol-
ogy especially, nothing less than the survey of the whole
circle, and that from the centre, would satisfy him.
''And so he appeared before us a complete, well-
rounded man, certainly the foremost scholar of American
Methodism ; in eloquence, the peer of the most eloquent ;
in gentleness, love, and goodness, well-nigh incompara-
ble. He owed much to nature, for ' the elements were
kindly mixed up in him ; ' much to culture, to which he
faithfully dedicated himself ; but most of all to the grace
of our Lord and Saviour, which wrought mightily in
him. The highest eulogium we can pronounce upon
him is that he was a good man. Better this than all
learning, than all eloquence ; for ' whether there be
tongues, they shall cease ; whether there be knowledge,
it shall vanish away ; but love abideth forever.' Having
in life been Christ's, he is Christ's now by a closer tie,
and so dwelleth with him eternally."
THE END.
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