Anecdotes of Rev. William Tennent

Mr. Tennent loses some of his toes — Attempted explanation — Anecdotes supplied by Dr. v i iller — Anecdotes from the Assembly’s Magazine, with an account of his interview with Murray the Universalist.

We have never known a man in modern times, concerning whom so many extraordinary things are related. The most important of these are contained in Dr. Boudinot’s memoir of his life; but many others were omitted; either because he judged them of not sufficient importance to be recorded in such a work, or because, writing for a periodical, he was limited as to the space which the memoir was allowed to occupy. Many of these anecdotes, however, he took a pleasure in relating in conversation with his friends; and those which have been kindly furnished by my friend and colleague, the Rev. Dr. Miller, were received from him. I have been in some doubt about introducing the contents of this chapter into the volume; but as the anecdotes here given, are all believed to be authentic, it was thought that they would tend to exhibit in a more distinct light, the true character of this extraordinary man. Many others have been current in his vicinity, but as they have been handed down by tradition, they have not been considered as sufficiently authenticated, to be inserted in this memoir; and some of them are of too hidicrous a nature to have a place in a serious narrative.

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

In the room was found no animal, rat, cat, or dog, although diligent search was made; neither could there be discovered any sharp instrument, by which such a wound could have been inflicted. Mr. Tennent himself, confidently believed that the injury was done by the prince of darkness, of whose power and malice he was deeply convinced. Others supposed, that it must have been effected by some domestic animal which might have made its escape before a Ught was obtained; as both rats and caij have been known violently to attack and wound persons while asleep. But neither of these explanations give satisfaction. For as to Satan, it cannot be doubted that his malice is great, and that it is especially directed against holy men, and particularly faithful ministers. But we have no evidence that he is now permitted to injure or wound the bodies oi the saints. Our fathers were more credulous on this point than we are, and we may dismiss all further notice of this account, as an opinion properly belonging to a former age. And as to the idea, that it might have been the bite of a hungry and voracious rat, or mad cat, the thing is very improbable. Neither of these animals could have, with their teeth, severed the toes from the foot so suddenly; and in that case, the wound would have had marks of the gnawing of such an animal; whereas it was said to have had the appearance of being cut by a sharp instrument. Perhaps the difficulty of accounting for the accident, prevented Dr. Boudinot from inserting the story in Mr. Tennent’s memoir; for there can be no doubt that he was well acquainted with the fact, and all its circumstances.

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

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

The writer recollects to have heard of an instance precisely in point, which occurred in Philadelphia, in relation to a son of the late Dr. Sproat, who being a somnambulist, got out of his room at a window on a shed, and jumped on the ground, but lighting on something sharp, cut his foot; and being soon missed, was pursued by his bloody tracks on the snow, with which the ground was at the time covered. But he was not awakened from his sleep by the wound which he received. Other cases of serious mjury sustained in the night by persons who could give no account how they occurred, have fallen under the notice of the writer, and which can only be accounted for by this hypothesis. If it be alleged, that Mr. Wm. Tennent was not known to be a somnambulist, it may be answered, that he certainly had a nervous system strung in a very peculiar manner, and many are subject to this kind of sleep, who never know anything about it. And we would adduce the fact under consideration, as a strong presumptive evidence of the thing supposed.

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

“This remarkable man was greatly distinguished for decision of character. Many good men of his day, had more intellectual vigour than he possessed. But few of his contemporaries possessed as much as he did of that moral courage, — that fixedness of purpose, and that firmness of Christian heroism, which could not be turned to the right or the left This trait in his character was once very strongly exemplified at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College of New Jersey. It is well known that Mr. Tennent was one of the most active and zealous of the founders of that College; and that the great object of those worthy men, in all the labour and expense which they incurred in its establishment, was to train up a pious and learned ministry for the Presbyterian Church. For the attainment of this object, and to guard lthe College against every species of perversion or abuse, he was ever on the watch, and especially to promote the religious interests of the Institution.

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

Govemors proposal as highly favourable, and such as ought to bo accepted; and praised ’ his Excellency’s generous proposal, as what all must think well of — Mr. Tennent, looking round the ]?oard with the sharp and piercing eye, for which he was remarkable when strongly excited, rose and said: Brethren! are you mad? I say, brethren, are you mad? Rather than accept the offer of the President, I would set fire to the College edifice, at its four corners, and run away in the light of the flames.’ Such was the effect of this rebuff from a Trustee of such known honesty, influence and decision, that little more was said. The proposal was laid on the table, and never more called up.

“Mr. Tennent was full of expedients for winning souls to Christ. He was remarkably fond of horses; had a good deal of skill in the choice and management of them 5 and was seldom known to ride or to keep an inferior one. There was a young man in his congregation, the son of one of his church-members, also distinguished for his attachment to horses, and for his skill in horsemanship. Mr. Tennent was very desirous of gaining access to this young man, and of securing his confidence. But after every efibrt to accomplish this object, was disappointed; the young man, trembling at the thought of being addressed on the subject of religion, avoided his pastor with the utmost vigilance; escaped from his father’s house whenever Mr. Tennent called;

a and in every possible way evaded an interview with him. Mr. Tennent observed this, and resorted to every contrivance in his power to overcome the young man’s aversion to his company. But in vain. Things went on in this way for a considerable time. In the mean while Mr. Tennent’s desire for an interview became more intense, from hearing that the young man had an active mind, and an amiable temper, and was considered as, in most respects, very promising by those who knew him best. One day, when Mr. Tennent was riding out in his course of family visitation, on a remarkably fleet horse, he saw this young man about a hundred yards before him, coming out from a neighbour’s gate, and going toward his father’s house. Mr. Tennent immediately quickened the pace of his horse, for the purpose of overtaking him. The young man, looking back and seeing Mr. Tennent coming, did the same. Each spurred on his horse, until the contest became a race at full speed. After running in this manner between one and two miles, Mr. Tennent, having much the fleeter horse, overtook the young man, and, on coming up to him, said, in a very affable, pleasant manner, ‘Well Johnny, I thought I should overtake you. I see you ride a good animal; but I had a notion that mine could beat him.’ He then entered into familiar conversation with the young man, adapting all his remarks to what he supposed to be his favorite pursuits and topics. After riding a mile or two together, Mr. Tennent said to him, when they were about to separate, ‘Johnny, come and see me. I shall be very glad to see you; I know you love a good horse, I think I have some horses and colts, that will please you. It will give me real pleasure to show them to you.’ With this invitation and these remarks, they parted. In a few days the young man, greatly pleased with the manner in which Mr. Tennent had treated him, accepted his invitation, and called at his house. Mr. Tennent fulfilled his promise; took him through his stables, and round his farm, and entertained him greatly to his gratification, without saying one word to him of religion. The young man no longer shunned his company, but put himself in his way, not only without fear, but with pleasure, whenever he had an opportunity. Mr. Tennent very soon took occasion, after gaining his confidence, to address him on the most important of all subjects; and it was not long before he listened with serious attention; became hopefully the subject of renewing grace; and was soon united with the church of Christ.

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

THE REV. WM. TENNENTj JR. 241

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

you speak of yourself as a great sinner: that

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

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

242 THE REV. WM. TENNENT JH.

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

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

“He was crossing the bay from New York to Elizabethtown, in company with two gentlemen, who had no great fondness for clergymen, and who cautiously avoided him for some time after getting on board the boat. As he usually spoke loudly, they overheard what he said, and finding him a cheerful companion, who could converse upon other subjects besides religion, they ventured a little nearer to him; and at length they and he engaged in a conversation upon politics. One of his congregation, who was a fellow-passenger, happening to overhear a remark he made, stepped up to him, and said, Mr. Tennent, please to spiritualize that.’ SpiritUHilize that,’ said Mr. T. you don’t know what you are talking about.’ Why, sir, there is no harm in talking religion, is there?’ Yes, replied Mr. T. ’ there is a great deal of harm in it; and it is such good folks as you, that always lug religion in, by head and shoulders, whether it is proper or not, that hurt the cause; if you want to talk reUgion, you know where I live, and I know where you live, and you may call at my house, or I will call at 5^ours, and I will talk religion with you till you are tired; but this is not the time to talk religion; we are talking poKtics, This reply, and his conduct in other respects, so much ingratiated Mr. Tennent with the two gentlemen, as to furnish him with an opportunity for advantageously introducing conversation upon more important subjects; and the younger of the two was so much pleased, that on their arrival at Elizabethtown Point, he insisted upon Mr. Tennent taking his seat in a chair, and he walked from the Point to Elizabethtown, through a muddy road, which, to a person of Mr. Tennent’s age, would have been very inconvenient if not impracticable.

“At New York, Mr. Tennent went to hear a sermon delivered by a transient clergyman, who was often and well spoken of, but whose manner was singular, and who frequently introduced odd conceits into his sermons, which tended to excite mirth rather than to edification. Upon leavino- the chur(!h a friend asked Mr. Tennent’s opinion of the sermon. He said, it made him think of a man who should take a bag, and put into it some of the very best superfine wheat flour, a greater quantity of indian meal, and some arsenic, and mix them all

together; a part of the sermon was of the verv best

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

“Upon another occasion, he went with a friend to hear an illiterate carpenter preach at New York; and it appeared to him that the man denied the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. The next morning Mr. Tennent called upon his friend, and asked if it appeared so to him? Upon his friend’s replying in the affirmative, Mr. Tennent said, “then I must go and talk with him, and you must go along with me.” His friend begged to be excused, but Mr. Tennent insisted upon his going, as he had heard the doctrine denied. They found the carpenter at breakfast. Mr. Tennent asked if he was the person who had preached last evening? he said he was. Then, said Mr. Tennent ’ it appeared to me that you denied the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints 5 did I understand you rightly?” Yes, sir, be sure I did,’ said the carpenter; ’ that is a doctrine which no man in his senses can believe.’ a’ll tell you,’ replied Mr. Tennent Uhat is the most precious doctrine in all the book of God: I will give up my life before I will give that up: I must talk with you about it.’ The man alleged that he was a mechanic, who depended upon his trade for the support of his lamily, and could not stay to talk; he must mind his business. am t glad to hear that,’ said Mr. Tennent ‘I love to see men diligent in their lawful callings: it is their duty; but yours is of such a nature that you can work and talk at the same time; and I will go with you to where your business lies, so that your time shall not be wasted:’ the carpenter said he did not want to talkj took his hat, and abruptly went off. Mr. Tennent followed him: the man walked faster: Mr. Tennent quickened his pace. At length the man ran; so did Mr. Tennent. But the carpenter was too fleet for his pursuer; by his speed he evaded his arguments, and remained in error.^^

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

doctrine of universal salvation was not clearly and

F2 openly announced, but rather covertly insinuated. Possessing some wit and eloquence he attracted many hearers, and travelled about the country, addressing the people wherever he could get an opportunity. Soon after he commenced this career, he came into the congregation of Freehold, and lodged with one of Mr. Tennent’s hearers. As soon as this watchful pastor heard that the wolf had entered among the sheep of his flock, taking with him some of his neighbours, he went to the house where Mr. Murray was staying; and demanded of him by what authority he had assumed the ofiice of preacher.’ Murray answered him, by asking, “by what authority he asked him such a question.^’ An altercation ensued, Mr. Tennent continuing peremptorily to demand his authority to preach, and he as pertinaciously evading a direct answer. It does not appear, however, from Mr. Murray’s account, the only written one which we have seen, that Mr. Tennent then knew that he was a Universalist; for in the interview nothing was said on that subject; nor on any other point of doctrine. It would seem that Mr. Tennent considered him as an irregular unauthorized itinerant, who, not being in connexion with any denomination of Christians, ought not to be encouraged. And, this, according to Mr. Murray’s own account, was the exact state of the case. He stood entirely alone; and professed to hold ecclesiastical connexion with no body on earth; yet this man became the fomider of a large sect, in this country; for the UniversaUsts acknowledge him as a father. But as the course of error is always downward, most of his followers have departed far from his opinions on other doctrinal points, as appears by his life.

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