Letters While Pastor in Trenton, 1829–1832

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY, GREENE STREET, NEAR )
HANOVER STREET, January 16, 1829. J

What chiragra has disabled that faithful hand of yours which so seldom gives just cause for complaint? Now mark it well — if you should have written to me, before this shall have been received, you must consider this gratuitous epistle as an answer to the said writing. My first business in my new lodgings is to write this epistle. I am peacably inducted into my very pleasant little study facing a retired street, within five minutes’ walk of my church, and convenient to the tavern, barber’s shop, and post office. I have no shelves, desks, or any array of literary appointments as yet; and as to my ill-fated books, where are they? The Delaware has broken up to-day with prodigious violence, and some damage to property. Our little town is improving in manufactures. M. Sartori has brought over from France a complete apparatus for calico printing, together with experienced artificers. A dam across the river is talked of, and the Canal bill is before the Assembly. Upon next Tuesday an important suit in chancery is to be called up, brought by the manufacturing company of Paterson against the Morris Canal Company; the former charging the latter with withdrawing the waters of the Rockaway River from their manufactories.

In fulfilling my office as pastor, I am called every day to visit a young girl of seventeen in the last stage of consumption.

1 Mr. Alexander was elected pastor of the congregation at Trenton in the autumn of 1828. He accepted the call, and prenched his first sermon Saturday, January 10, 1829, preparatory to the Lord’s Supper on the following day. The Presbytery did not meet for his installation until February 11. On that occasion his father presided, Dr. Miller delivered a discourse, the Rev. Mr. Cooley gave the charge to the pastor, and the Rev. Mr. Perkins, of Allentown, the charge to the congregation.

You know the flush of uncommon beauty, and the brilliancy of eye which sometimes characterize the countenances of those who are the victims of this hopeless disorder. These are in an eminent manner exemplified in this interesting creature. She was a belle, and one of the most thoughtless, and it was her sin and folly to defer preparation for death until the last hours of her life. In consequence of this she had suffered unspeakable pangs of remorse and apprehension, and my sympathies have been awakened by the appeals of this lovely yet dying penitent to me a feeble instrument, for some ground of hope. After many struggles, I cannot but hope that she has found secure rest in an unconditional surrender of herself to the mercies of God in Christ. No less than four young ladies within my limits are apparently dying with pulmonary complaints.

I have a notion of undertaking a history of New Jersey. Such a work is in great demand, and I am at the very fountain-head of information on the subject. I can have free access to all the old State papers. 1 have not got myself at all fixed yet, but am progressing, (see Webster in loco.) Pray did you know that bridegroom ought to be spelt bridcgoom? See Webster’s Dictionary again. If you ever get sight of a Dutch grammar please to buy it for me.

TRENTON, January 24, 1829.

It is difficult for me just at this time to enjoy as much leisure as I wish, as I have many visits to make, and have set out with the determination of writing at least part of my discourses. My father was here upon the 22d, and preached a sermon upon In temperance. The legislature adjourned to attend, but not more than a dozen of them were present, much as they needed it. I mentioned to you in my last, the case of an interesting girl who seemed to be dying. She has now departed with great increase of hope in her last hours. I preached a discourse over her remains. Such scenes as these make me sometimes feel the vanity of all things below, and the importance of being more wholly devoted to preparation for eternity; but alas! the impression is too often momentary. My church numbers about two hundred and fifty communicants, but I think this is rather more than the number really attending with us. The Chief Justice (Ewing) of the State, is one of my main supporters, and Mr. Southard will soon be a hearer. Under the new circumstances I feel a greater stimulus to what may be called the external or literary part of preparation, than I ever experienced among my simple flock in Virginia. If you have never read Dunlop’s History of Roman Literature, make it your business to peruse it immediately. It is at once learned and entertaining, enthusiastic and profound. At this time a company of Indians are the lions of Trenton, on their way to your city. As you have probably ventured very little into the palpable obscure of the German metaphysics, let me give you a single paragraph from a work which I have been reading; it refers to Fichte, one of the most popular of the followers of Kant.” The philosophy of Fichte speaks thus: I do not assume as a postulate that I am immortal, but I know it immediately, or intuitively, and I act as an immortal being, as an absolute and practical Ick (I), I am myself immortal; I have eternal life in myself, and God is in me, and united to me, while the absolute / am myself and God as an absolute self, can be nothing else than the absolute practical /c/i, which is the object of thought. According to Fichte I am at every moment of my practical existence God within; for God is nothing else but what

I am. Kant believes that there is a God: Fichte is intuitively certain of it, because his God is nothing else than the idea of his left” What think you of this? Surely the hospital would be the proper place for such philosophers, and yet all Germany is enamoured of such notions. Since I commenced this farraginous letter, my books have arrived, to my inexpressible joy. No husband ever greeted his wife more gladly after a six months’ absence. My books are indeed my treasure, and limited as their number is, they are dear to me, as being the source of my greatest enjoyment. My study is my Paradise; and when evening has closed in upon me, and I find myself seated by a sparkling fire, with no threatening of interruption, and with a mind at ease, I envy not the autocrat of all the Kussias.

TRENTON, February 17, 1829

I have been reading German until my head tingles with the echoes of harsh and sesquipedalian words, yet I leave the study with regret, because I find it more and more an interesting language, opening to me immense stores in every department of literature. The history of human opinion is one of the most agreeable of all subjects, and I have been reading an excellent history of Theological Science, by Professor Staudlin of Gottingen. I have often given you a schedule of my daily employments; take the following for the present: it is my plan, but I need not say that I vary more or less every day, in practice. Rise at 7; breakfast at 8; study Original Scriptures, Theology, and Sermons until dinner at 1; afternoon spent in visiting; tea at 6; and then meetings, visits, reading, writing, &c, &c., until

II or 12, when I creep into my cold bed. So far as I can learn any thing of my people, they seem disposed to treat me well, and

VOL. i. — 6 are very much such a flock as I like to serve. There is intelligence enough to afford me some stimulus, and as I generally observe a regular theological method in the succession of my morning discourses, I am enabled to make my reading in divinity a preparation for the pulpit.

I am desirous of investigating what is commonly called the “Revival of Letters,” especially in its relations to the Reformation. You may render me great assistance by referring me to books, and answering occasional queries on the subject. Be so good as to keep a quire of paper for such notes. For instance, What book is written expressly upon this subject 1 When did the revival of literature begin to take place 1 by whose means 1 What names are most distinguished in this great revolution? What books refer to it? Are any of the Latin works of Petrarca in your (Philadelphia) library 1 any ancient life of Petrarca? What can you find about Peter D’Ailly, (1425,) his works and influence, (in Latin Petrus de Alliacus?) John Gerson, Nic. v. Clcmange. Laurentius Valla. Marsilius Ficinus. Ludovicus Vives. Any facts, or references, or books, will be gratefully received. I am in no great hurry, and as you read you may find some important items. In Noah’s u Enquirer” of the 18th inst, I see a notice of the Anniversary of Tom Paine’s birth-day, on the 29th ult., by the Society of Free Inquirers. It is a horrible outrage upon the moral and religious public. It would seem, however, to be punishment enough to be pilloried as they are by name, in their owrn account of their orgies. The Canal bill in this State, I apprehend, will either fail, or be encumbered with conditions never to be fulfilled. Our lower House of Legislature have just adopted a new school-system, similar in its leading features to that of New York. So far as attendance upon public worship, &c., is concerned, I am encouraged more and more every week; and am peculiarly comfortable and happy in my private circumstances.

If there is such an old-fashioned thing in any of your stores as an hour-glass, or a half-hour glass, (I prefer the latter,) oblige me by buying it for me, as I have a penchant for such a piece of furniture. I am just reading Irving’s Columbus for the first time, with much pleasure. I esteem it the first of American classics, and can never be affected enough to join in the clamour against his crystal flow of purest English. The moral solemnity of Columbus’s character, never before struck me; his perseverance, his noble confidence in truth, his stubborn resistance of every opposition. Our unfortunate Bombastes, Joel Barlow, showed some judgment in the choice of a subject, but he pulled it up like a bladder, and painted it like a butterfly, and even

American vanity could not keep up the bubble. I cannot express to you how much I loathe French poetry. Amazing! that a nation of taste should persevere in writing epics to the tune of —

“‘Tis the voice of the sluggard, I heard him complain

You have waked me too soon, I must slumber again.”
E. g.” Quel bcsoin si pressant avez-vous de rimer?

Et qui diantre vous pousse a vous faire imprimer?”

John Wesley says, in one of his journals, that you might as well undertake to play an oration upon the Jews-harp, as to write a heroic poem in French. Have you access to the following works? viz.: “Joh. Hen. Mail Vita Reuchlini.” Humphry Hody’s “De Grrccis illustribus litcrarum Groecarum in Italia instauratoribus.” “Museum Helveticum,” (vol. iv.,p. 163;) also any good history of the invention of printing, and its effects? You see my eye is fixed upon my great work, [see p. 122.] It shall not exceed three 4tos, wire-wove, hot-pressed paper, russia gilt. J. Murray, Albemarle st., price six guineas to subscribers, dedicated to the hon. John Hall, sen., Chief Justice of the United States.

TRENTON, March 2, 1829.

Mr. Walsh seems much delighted to find a divine so truly wedded to his own system of Christian benevolence as Dr. Onderdonk shows himself to be. I cannot but consider the address of the lit. Rev. gentleman one of the weakest defences even of that groundless scheme. Will he pretend to say that our country is not as well supplied with the means of grace as Palestine was when Paul went to the Gentiles? We have begun at Jerusalem, we still maintain our great force at home. The missionaries to the heathen are not one in a thousand of the teachers of religion. At what point shall we begin to send the truth abroad y when all at home are truly converted? Upon this principle the heathen will never be brought to God without a miracle. It is not true that we rob the cause of home missions by maintaining foreign missions; nor are the supporters of the latter indifferent to the former, for generally speaking, the money for sustaining both comes out of the same pockets. As to that truly Walshian sentence about “the proclivity of our country to the centrifugal and romantic,” it is a proclivity which finds its precedent in the Christianity of the apostles. The school system lately adopted by our legislature, promises more for the good of New Jersey than any thing which has been known for a long time in our State. It owes its passage to the zeal and labour of a single man,

1 In his opposition to foreign missionaries, on the ground that home duties were neglected.

Rev. Robert Baird, who has been keeping the subject before the minds of the people, in newspaper essays, for some months. If we aspire to usefulness, I know no way in which we can promise ourselves so much real success, though without noise or eclat. I have been advised to write a Commentary for the use of Sabbath school teachers, and I have the subject under consideration. It must soon be decided, or I shall be anticipated by some more rapid genius. 1 lecture to the teachers every Thursday evening, and bestow more preparatory labour upon this, than upon any of my services; it is by far the most delightful of my employments.

The Delaware is closed with ice, and the weather still savours more of winter than of spring. The suffering poor among us have excited some commiseration, and subscriptions are now in circulation for their relief. I have been reading Hare’s Chemistry, and am greatly attracted by his wonderful mechanical ingenuity. Since leaving college, this is the only book which I have read upon the subject. Surely it would be profitable for us to review those studies, which we profess to think so important in the education of others.

TRENTON, March 26, 1829.

I have abandoned my literary projects, and have determined to set about a brief commentary upon the historical parts of the New Testament for the use of Sunday school teachers. The importance of such a work must be at once obvious. It need not be mentioned. If no one anticipates me I hope to be thus in some degree useful. I write in a straggling and tremulous manner, for I had a chill last night, and after sitting up until one, at your review,1 and eating no breakfast, I am totally unfit to put pen to paper. I have read the documents upon the Panama mission so far as they have been published, and cannot perceive that they add much to Mr. Adams’s reputation for wisdom. They set that scheme more in the light of a chimera than any thing I have before seen. From the review of Irving’s new work, [” Conquest of Granada,”]. I am not disposed to expect much from it. Mere battles are interesting to me only in real history, and not often there. I have no doubt that the reading which has been rendered necessary by your late undertaking, has impressed upon your mind the truth that biography is one of the most fascinating studies, and that the lives of the most eminent men have generally been written in a very slovenly ‘manner. Let me recommend to you to set about the life of some eminent literary

1 Of the translation of Milton’s letters for the American Quarterly Review, June, 1829.

character. You may be sure of readers, if you make a proper selection. Amidst all the changes of public taste, biographies have been popular in every age. The life of Sir Walter lialeigh is so nearly connected with our own country’s history, that it might be made a very attractive work. Gibbon once undertook the job, if I remember right.

TRENTON, April 4, 1829.

Those same letters of Milton are, in my opinion, as frothy a set of articles as I ever read. Suppose we publish our familiar letters; I am sure that the correspondence will be much more entertaining. I am truly ashamed of the stuff I have written as a Review, but do not see how I can amend it; it is quite short, and has little reference to the work, which indeed scarcely admits of extracts. I spent last evening at the house of Dr. Belleville, a French physician, who has been fifty years in this country. He is a devoted follower of Voltaire, but otherwise a venerable and estimable man. He is intimate with Survilliers, and supposes that he will publish an extended narrative of the events of the revolution and empire, in which he took any part. He represents the ex-king as a truly amiable man, of a literary turn, spending much of his time in his splendid library of French and Italian works. The Doctor showed me two very exquisite French prints of Joseph’s daughters, presented by themselves. I have just been to a meeting held by Mr. Case, a Methodist missionary from Upper Canada, with some Indian converts. Mr. C. is a man without pretension, but is an honest-hearted and pious missionary, and I was sincerely gratified. Judge [Bushrod] Washington and his lady are here. There has been nothing very interesting in the Circuit Court.

TRENTOX, April 8, 1829.

I have been reading John Adams’s Defence of the American Constitution, and have found it a very interesting work. I am especially pleased with his abstract of the history of the Italian republic, which I have never found so clearly given in any other book. It has almost set me upon studying Italian, and reading Machiavel, Guicciardini, Malavolti, &c., in the original. A general survey of all history, with reference to the principles of our constitution, would be a great and useful work. It seems to me that our Colleges ought to have lectures upon that very subject. The simple principles assumed as fundamental by Adams, have really cast a new light upon all the history I have read. The annals of all nations seem to be a commentary upon the doctrine that the three primary forms of government must be so tempered and balanced in every government, as to check the extravagance of each. My translation from Rosenmi’iller, and Review of Scholz, have appeared in the Biblical Repertory.

TRENTON, May 4, 1829.

I entertain lively anticipations with regard to the results of your introduction to the modern Johnson, [Mr. Walsh.] There are few men in our country whose acquaintance would be a greater prize. May you have many profitable and pleasant hours in his conversazioni. I hope that you will come forth from the den of lions, unscathed as Daniel. I have some curiosity to know how many letters I have written to you. I have the most of yours, but among my various peregrinations some of them have been lost. I am unable to accept your invitation to dinner on the 5th, yet I will drink to the continuance of our correspondence in water, the only beverage to which I have access. Judge Gould’s letter is in my view one of the most just and most severe castigations that Mr. Adams has received. Not that I love J. Q. A. less, but that I love Federalism more. I have been read ing Terence lately with much pleasure. He is the only Latin poet in whose writings I have ever found simple pathos. I might except some of Virgil’s sad descriptions, but in the case of Virgil, the pomp of the verse, and the artificial epithets, detract from the effect. In the Andria and Hecyra of Terence, there are some of the most charming touches of deep feeling. Erasmus knew Terence and Horace by heart. Who ever could say as much for Milton or Pope 1 I have seen a man who could repeat four books of Paradise Lost.

I am fully persuaded that there is no department in which a man may be so sure of arriving at eminence as in the modern languages. All my study of this kind has been for amusement, and yet I am surprised at my own progress, and convinced that one who would devote himself to the subject, might in five years have the choice of authors in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Portuguese. A- scholar in modern languages may take what department he chooses, read always what is entertaining, and yet have the reputation of a great linguist or critic.

If I had the access which you have to libraries of French and Italian works, I should make these languages a main object; but where one must buy every book, at an exorbitant price, the private student labours under great disadvantages. Will you oblige me by purchasing “A selection from Italian prose-writers, with translations according to the Hamiltonian system” 1 My

1 This was the ninety-ninth.

reasons for wishing this is, that my greatest difficulty in lan-» guages arises from the particles, and little words, especially auxiliary verbs, and oblique cases of pronouns, as well as adverbs and conjunctions which have various meanings. These may all be learned in a week’s time from a living teacher, or a very literal translation. I find no books so well adapted to take away the darkness of a new language as travels and biography. I wish to get Goldoni’s life by himself, if it can be procured separately. Is the life of Boccacio at a moderate price? Quere. How should we exist if so separated as to have our correspondence by letter broken up? After ten years’ use it has become with me almost a necessary of life. I have just read Carter’s travels, [in Europe,] and like it well, with two exceptions. 1. He is forever foisting in the classics, reading Catul lus on the grass; Horace in the diligence; Virgil passim: while he betrays wonderful ignorance in some simple points of antiquity, does not know what a Hermes is, which Kennet might have taught him, and denies the well-known tradition of Luke’s having been a painter. 2. He compares every thing with New York, and makes out the latter to be the greatest city in the world.

TRENTON, May 11, 1829.

With this, my hundredth letter, accept my warmest congratulations and wishes for the continuance of our correspondence. A catalogue of our many topics would be quite extensive. I am often amused when I call to mind the freaks of fancy which used to enliven our etnrly letters. By the bye, did I ever tell you that I remember having seen your first attempt at epistolary writing? It was a letter to your aunt, now deceased, who received it while she was on a visit to my mother.

When I have another inspiration I will patch up something for the [National] Gazette. I will translate some classical excerpts, to be incorporated among his own, if he will accept them; likewise a brief memoir of the celebrated Buchanan. In your library hours, look me out a few hints, particularly opinions of scholars as to his latinity and poetry. I have Johnson’s works, but cannot turn to the compliment which I remember he pays to Buchanan. Mayhap it is in Bozzy. Have you seen any book upon Italian literature, which takes the same view of it which Dunlop docs of Roman 1 Prof. Ticknor, of Harvard, has furnished the Spanish student with a useful manual of this kind. I have been reading over the last twelve books of the Iliad, Ter ence’s Eunuchns, and have got half through Plautus. Spring has some hard struggles with the winter, which seems disposed to adhere to the throne, being made arrogant, I suppose, by so long

<i reign. There is a good deal of verdure about Trenton; yet I sigh for the open country, and remember with regret the tracts over which I could expatiate in Virginia, the forests, the streams,

“The mossed oaks
Which have outlived the eagle.”

Yet I should be loth to have you suppose that I am discontented. In no place I think, except Princeton, could I be more at ease. There is no sort of liberty more precious in my eyes than the liberty of visiting only when and where you please. Now this is what a Pastor cannot enjoy. He must visit all his people; and if he does this faithfully, he is cut oif from almost every other out of door’s work. In Princeton I scarcely ever went anywhere oftener than necessity drove me. You may conceive how little qualified I am for indiscriminate visits. I am averse to making new acquaintances, and fond of sitting at home, while I have an exquisite relish for the society of one or two whose pursuits are congenial, and with whom I can live without any mask of ceremony or dignity.

Mr. Southard is very much broken; stoops like a man of seventy, and seems melancholy. If he recovers, he will probably be our next Governor. My old room-mate Waterbury has removed to Portsmouth, N. II. Kirk has abundant encouragement at Albany; great increase of numbers in his church.

TRENTON, May 15, 1829.

Dull — headache last-night — exceedingly Mondayish. Read Schiller’s Don Carlos on Saturday, and do not hesitate to pronounce it the finest tragedy I ever perused. Am reading Wallenstein, which is considered his chef-d’oeuvre. Also the Decamerone of Boccacio. The Biblical Repertory is likely to be come a more important wrork; a number of clergymen have determined to establish it as a theological review.

Lafayette’s hogshead of dirt is, I think, unworthy of the good sense he has always manifested; it is in genuine French taste, however. As a testimony of his affection for America, we cannot but receive it respectfully. He might have requested to be interred at Mount Vernon, which would have been more truly honourable.

May 26.

Rain, rain, rain. I had intended to rise very early and take a walk upon the banks of our delightful river, but am weather

1 He sent for a quantity of the soil of the United States for his private cemetery.

bound. Leigh Hunt’s book is exceedingly amusing. I have half a notion to write my own life. Coleridge’s Biographia Literaria is a book that will amply remunerate you for any hours you may spend over it. 1 do not know whether I mentioned to you that Attorney-General Berrien will deliver the annual oration before the Societies at Princeton. You will inform me of what is to be seen in the Academy of Arts, and as soon as possible any very interesting business before the [General] Assembly. I have finished “Wallenstein,” which is in three parts; it is a drama of intense interest. Schiller approaches in style to the highest flights of Shakspeare, and produces much of the same deep and personal interest in the fortunes of his heroes, that is experienced in reading Scott’s most commanding works. I have tried to admire Corneille, but I need no force to fill me with wonder at the powers of the great German poet. Mr. [Rev. I. V.] Brown’s High School [at Lawrenceville] has opened with thirty-six scholars, his buildings are in rapid progress. His “French gentleman” is Mr. Louis Ilargous, the best Frenchman 1 have ever seen, and one who is a most accurate and well-read English scholar; his “Native of Germany,” is C. J. Haldemann, a lawyer and P. D. of Heidelberg, a pupil of the celebrated Dr. Paulus. His principal teachers are Rev. L. Lcake, of N. J., and his son George Brown. It will be a good school.

TRENTON, June 27, 1829.

Presuming that you will be able to redeem time enough from your review of the “Egarernents” and your musical refections to perstringe a sheet of foolscap, I take my pen to inform you that I am not in good health, and hoping that these lines will find you not in the same. Bile, bile, bile! thou chief of mysteries! The old women tell of the stomach’s being full of bile, and how it gets into the blood and eyes, and makes the face yellow. The doctors talk of secretions and excretions, of structural and func tional derangement of the liver. I shall probably bo forced to go to the springs before long. If you are disposed to go in company, it would add much to my satisfaction; yet my jaunt would probably be simply to Saratoga and Ballston, without many divergent steps. 1 have really no time nor spirit at present for writing for Walsh. This laborious commentary takes up as much time as an extensive and critical work would do; for while the results are very simple and concise, I am under the necessity of collating a number of works, and am forced “depromere magno acervo.” Have you read Cadwallader Colden’s letter on Masonry 1 It is the most conclusive argument which I have seen on the subject, and the more weighty as coming from a mason of high standing. VOL. i. — 6*

I visited Mr. Brown’s school, and am much pleased with his arrangements, while I cannot but think there is something visionary in the new-fangled gymnastics. Boys, if kept at it as a part of their work, will soon be glad to exchange climbing a mast, and vaulting over a wooden horse, for climbing cherry-trees and playing at ball. The suffrage of all ages is in favour of some of our traditionary games, and if 1 mistake not, even in Greece and Rome, to the example of which we .constantly defer, children were left to the freedom of their own will, with regard to their sports. Military exercises, if they could be introduced without the military spirit, would be a happy improvement in physical education, and riding, fencing, (to which you will add dancing,) and the ordinary athletics, have stood the test of centuries. The most important change in the new German system is the increase of teachers, as connected with separate rooms for the various classes. This ought to ensure competent instruction in every branch, and give a variety to the daily course which is highly desirable. The modern languages I hope to see taught in every respectable academy, to which I would certainly add facilities for music and drawing. This discourse is doubtless edifying, and is occasioned partly by my desire to fill the sheet, and partly by the interest which I happen to be taking at this time in the subject. [Pause — during which I have lectured upon John v. 17-30.] There is in Schiller a memoir of the Marechal de Vielleville, who made a great figure in France during the reigns of Francis I. and Henry II. It is one of the most stirring pieces of old chivalric history which I have ever read. In a different line it excites the same sort of interest with the life of Cellini, and is quite a romance in itself. If there were any way of publishing it, I would translate it; but it is too long for a magazine, and too short to be put by itself. It is 147 pp. very small duodecimo.

TRENTON, July 6, 1829.

I preached a 4th of July sermon yesterday from Deut. viii. 10-20; read the passage. The 2d company of State Fenciblos [of Philadelphia] was present; they came up to celebrate the 4th, which they did by trudging about in the mire, and ducking themselves thoroughly. I went directly on to Princeton on Tuesday, and there remained until Friday. My health is quite comfortable, and I still hope to get through the summer without any serious attack of my annual complaint. Cold work at Saratoga, I guess. It would be delightful now to make an excursion to Quebec. I am half resolved to undertake it. Our friends have a charming week before them, without fear of being roasted or suffocated. Wordsworth, among many silly affectations, has a number of splendid passages, lie makes one love nature, and directs the attention to a thousand neglected objects of every day’s occurrence; while there is a purity and a benevolence in all his thoughts which are rare and charming.

My feeling of good-for-nothing-ness is such that I would gladly spend my whole time for some weeks in riding about the country. It is an excuse for doing nothing, while it occupies the mind, and dissipates ennui. William delivered, or was to deliver, an oration at Harlingen (a Dutch village in the hills north of Princeton) on Saturday last. There was no celebration in this place; indeed, this town is evidently in its dotage. The houses totter, and even our church-steeple has a paralytic tremour, whenever the bell is rung. The very river loses its animation as soon as it reaches Trenton, and in some lanes the grass contends with the pavement. Heigh-ho! I sigh for the greenness and variety of Princeton. Perhaps the change is solely in myself, age creeping on, animal vigour decaying. Some gray hairs variegate my head, and I have a monitory decay of the teeth, and trembling of the hand. I beg leave to say that you have no business to be remaining in Philadelphia during the summer. You ought to strike out some untrodden path, where no tourists have ever roamed. Make a classical tour through Maryland. Go to the west end of Lake Erie. Spend a week at Cape Henlopen. Take ship with me for Newfoundland. Niagara is as common as a Navarino hat, and Saratoga is no better than a beer-stall. I have a great desire to go to Cuba, not just at this season however. Have you obtained for me the chaplaincy at the Navy Yard?

Mr. Randolph reminds Mr. Walsh (29th ult.) of “the beautiful birds of the Spice Islands, they must fly against the wind.” How aptly might Mr. R. retort that there are certain birds that always fly with the wind, “from what quarter soever it may blow.” In Mr. W.’s tirades against the enlarged charities of the day, and his exclusive plea for our own poor, he reminds me of an occurrence recorded in John xii. 4, 5, not that I would insinuate that the cases are parallel. It is the glory of Christian benevolence that it is discursive, and makes itself felt beyond the little circle of home. After all I acknowledge that there may be, and perhaps are, too many divergent channels of charity.

A clear day — how nature seems to rejoice! The humming birds are already at the creeper which runs over my window, and I hear songs on every side; quaker women walk about “in glory and in joy;” horses are taken to bathe in the river; carts of hay crowd into the streets; babies paddle about in the mudpuddles; these are the rural sights and sounds which I now perceive. O for a breeze from the kennels of Water street, [Phila delphiaj or a glimpse of lowly Willing’s alley, or the proclamation of raspberries; or any thing to make me think I was in the midst of a bustling city. Among the attendant benefits of war, it ought to be mentioned that it burns up dismal old towns, and makes room for new ones.

You will consider this as an answer to the letter which you have written to-day. It and its precursor are so long, that you must confess yourself in debt, though they contain nothing.

TRENTON, July 15, 1829.

You might keep up an interesting series of translations of the notices of American literature in the “Revue Encyclopedique.” Mr. Walsh would furnish you the Revue, and, I suppose, be glad of the articles. If I were a eit I should do it myself. In the [German] Conversations-lexicon, I am informed that Joseph Bonaparte occupies the late seat of Gen. Moreau in Pennsylvania, that the two great national works of the U. S. are Marshall’s Washington, and Wirt’s P. Henry. I have just read Goethe’s Goetz von Beiiichingen, with vast delight. It has all the excellences of Ivanhoe, in dramatic form. You can get an idea of the subject from Scott’s synonymous abortion. Goethe was an idolater of Byron, though he justly charged the latter with stealing largely from him. Among Americanisms insert the following: “Slatted over” Illustration: At last Middlesex court, a woman giving evidence against her husband, testified that he “slatted her over;” this she repeated many times. The daughter also testified that he had several times when angry “slatted her over;” and all the witnesses concurred in declaring that he frequently “slatted her over.” Bench and bar were non-plussed. No light could be thrown on the mystery. At last W. C. A. asked one of the grand jury whether this was a provincialism of South Amboy. He said it was partially so, being confined in its use to the “Devil’s half-acre,” where it meant “push her.” I imagine that Webster’s dictionary will never be current. The plan of citing names, instead of passages, is unsatisfactory and unfair.

CAPE ISLAND, [CAPE MAY,] August 4, 1829.

After a beautiful sunrise, we have now a heavy storm of rain, brought up with a S. b. W. wind. This gives me an hour of leisure for writing, whereas I should otherwise have been at sea about this time. A party of us had made arrangements to take a pilot-boat for Cape HcnlDpen, but were afraid of a storm. We had between forty and fifty passengers on our way down, and although we encountered a squall, all things went off pleasantly enough. On landing I found that we were to be under conduct of the renowned Aaron Skellingcr, who figures in the various characters of wagon-driver, boat-builder, superintendent of Sunday school, precentor and leader of fishing parties. We took lodging at the smallest and least fashionable house, and 1 have had no reason to repent my choice. The company is quiet, the attendance good, and the fare even sumptuous. Mrs. Bennett, our hostess, is the mother of Hughes who keeps the “Big House.” We have here Judge Hallowell of your city. I have never spent so many pleasant hours at any place of summer resort. The beach is delightful, and the company very agreeable. Mr. Duncan of Baltimore, Dr. Collins of Washington, Mr. Latimer of Philadelphia, and several Baltimore ladies, are those with whom I chiefly consort. The usual walks and rides an; taken, the ordinary quantity of fish, oysters, crabs, terrapins, lobsters, and game is consumed, and I take the surf twice every day, viz.: at 4£ A. M., and G P. M. Occasionally I have tried it at noon. Preached last Sunday at the Cold Spring Church, where a good portion of the strangers attended.

A great majority of the men about here are pilots. Upon the two capes they reckon eighty. It interests me very much to talk with them about their adventures. It was but a few minutes ago that I saw two of them pass through a raging surf to reach a boat which lay beyond the breakers. The face of the country gives me an agreeable surprise, as well as the people, who have that happy mediocrity and thrift which are so conspicuous in New England, whence the settlers of Cape May migrated. A number of very remarkable cures have been wrought by the salt water this season, especially in cases of rheumatism. A gentleman from Kentucky who came here upon crutches, gave them to his landlord at his departure. This place is in my estimation incomparably above Long Branch, and I have scarcely experienced a single moment of ennui or disappointment since my arrival. I have, however, regretted every day that you did not accompany us. To-morrow, if the day is fair, we propose going over to Cape Henlopen and Lewistown, and on Saturday, with leave of Providence, I shall meet you in the “gude town.”

From the freshness of the air, and the frequency of sea breezes, I have been exempt from all suffering from heat; during the noon-tide, however, I read; have made out to finish Goethe’s Wilhelm Meister, an untranslatable and fascinating romance. It reminds me of the characteristic excellences of Tristram Shandy and Gil Bias, and abounds in a delicate naivete and in luscious descriptions. I am now groaning over the Sorrows of Werter, an unprincipled book, but one which has been barbarously caricatured in the English version. I have also read a number of Luther’s Letters, some of which are gross to a degree.

TRENTON, August 24, 1829.

Quid rei? that is to say, What is the matter? Are you absent, or sick, or has some calamity really befallen you? N. B. I have just read Capt. [Basil] Hall’s Travels, and have had many hearty laughs over it. I am not disposed altogether to condemn the work, as Mr. AValsh and Stone [Commercial Advertiser] do. He gives us rough handling, it is true, but then it seems to be the expression of honest John Bull ism. If our eyes were but open, we might learn some important lessons from his strictures. Inter nos, I accede to many of his political doctrines, and join in his abomination of absolute democracy. He certainly deserves our praise for his suppression of all names, except when he speaks in commendation. My Commentary is done up, that is, supplanted by a work nearly complete, of the same kind, by Rev. Albert Barnes, of Morristown.

TRENTON, September 14, 1829.

I have been rather dilatory in consequence of a press of business which has entirely prevented that quiet state of mind in which one desires to write a letter. Our opinions of Capt. Hall just crossed one another, and I am pleased to find that we do not altogether differ about his merits. If you abstract all that he has said concerning our government, what remains will be rather commendatory. Addison has consigned to me his papers and notes upon Sacred Geography, and I have been engaged in finishing the book, [for Am. Sunday School Union,] so that we shall have it between us. The labour has been very irksome. I spent twelve hours last week verifying the texts of Scripture referred to, by looking for all of them. The mere geographical part is interesting, although it is discouraging to find how little is really known of the site of many ancient places. I was invited to preach at the Tenth Church [Philadelphia, then without a pastor] on the 12th. “Qui bene latuit bene vixit.” Had a very pleasant interview of three or four hours with Skinner and Christmas. The death of Mr. [Rev. Matthias] Bruen, is a severe stroke to the church arid to his aged father. He was eminently useful as a member of the public religious associations of New York. I am told that his library is one of the most splendid in America. There is a Miss from here, who is one of the most intelligent young ladies I know. Approaching a little to the bas-blcu, she has gayety and wit enough to throw a little charm around the formidableness of her learning. It is really a treat to be with her.

O si sic omnia f (viz. femince.) There is a peculiar force in what Dr. Johnson said of Mrs. Thrale, if I remember aright: “Thrale is a good creature to sit by; she understands what you say.” I have been trying for some time to pay a visit to your city, but have been sometimes unwell, sometimes day and night at Geography, sometimes necessarily at Princeton, and at present without a decent pair of pantaloons. I will send you a couple of pieces by Addison and myself for Walsh. [Gazette.] “We propose to continue writing in Co. [under signature of DidymusJ] Addison pretends that he is completing his review. [J. A. A. reviewed Mohammedan History in the American Quarterly Review, March, 1830, and the Gulistan of Sadi, and Anthon’s Horace, in September, 1830.]

Pray do you know any thing of Vertot’s History of the Knights of Malta? 1 have lately seen it very highly extolled, especially in a piece of Schiller’s. Item. Does your library contain “The Travels of Theodore Ducas, by Mills “? Again, for what price can Mitford’s History of Greece be obtained 1 N. B. Gibbon’s Rome may be imported from Germany in 12mo, 12 vols., good paper and print, for 6 Rix dollars, ($4.20.) I have seen a specimen. Dr. Livingston’s Life was taken by A. Gunn, (as appears from the advertisement.) I want the book, having a great veneration for the character of the good old Dr. He was to the Ref. Dutch church what Bishop White is to the Episcopal, except that he had incomparably more learning and eloquence. I shall ever remember him as the best specimen of the ancient school of clerical manners.

TRENTON, September 23, 1829.

Mr. Walsh has got an honourable advantage of the scurrilous writer in the National Journal. That paper is taking too much the ground which the Telegraph occupied while it was in the opposition. Mr. W. certainly deserves the credit of being dignified and courteous, whether right or wrong. I am in no respect, however, more pleased with the present powers. Read the new Post-Office decrees, as an illustration of the grammatical

rule touching the use of “shall” and “will.” Mr. has

boen some days in Trenton. He spent several hours with me last evening. I should imagine from his language that the New Haven school approximates more towards German liberality, or rather indifference to doctrine, than any community of Theologians out of Massachusetts. He said, for instance, that he viewed the verbal coincidences of the first three gospels, as arising from the copying an original oral gospel, which long passed from person to person; that we must admit that the Bible contains a Mythology, as well as a Theology. You are aware that the latter hypothesis is that by means of which the German Neologists explain away all the miracles. I beg that you will come on to commencement, at least to hear Berrien’s speech. Our trustees seem to have no power to supply the two vacancies in the faculty of the college. I propose that we apply for the appointments: I will teach language, and you chemistry. I have always thought — to speak seriously — that a situation as Editor would suit your tastes and talents remarkably well. But how or where? If Mr. Walsh wanted a partner, and you could turn your coat, that would undoubtedly be the place, but of either of these contingencies I have no expectation. A weekly journal, purely literary and scientific, ought to find patronage in your city; something which should have the excellences of Museum, the weekly Reviews of England, and the literary part of Walsh. Is there no publisher who would enterprise such a thing, and assume the pecuniary responsibility? This might perhaps be out of the line in which you wish to move; if so, you must either become author, or Jackson man. By opening your mouth foully for the Administration, you may be made consul at Mar tinique, by the time that has been done over by the

climate.

This is one of those gloomy days which makes a man willing to keep close within doors. At such times, I find myself less disposed either to converse or make any special exertion, than when the sun enlivens all nature. I have no reason to complain of low spirits, a malady of which I scarcely know any thing at present; but there is often a sort of pettishness and ill-humour, which is produced in equal degrees by a long beard, a dirty shirt, or nasty weather. I have been reading Schiller’s History of the Thirty Years’ War in Germany, in which Gustavus Adolphus, Oxenstiern, and Wallenstein were so much celebrated. It is a masterpiece of history, and abounds especially in distinct and striking portraits of great characters. His Lectures on Universal History are also very fine; though they abound in infidel sentiments. When I can get a copy to suit me I intend to read the Odyssey; and am about going over Terence, which I have already studied at long intervals. If I had access to a complete library, I should attempt the ancient historians, in translations. To toil through the original would be to me a mere waste of time. The article on Cromwell [Christian Spectator] by [W. T.] D wight is very boldly and ably written, but perhaps goes too far, as it is intended to show that he was a genuine patriot, and a sincerely pious Christian. Still I believe that the general opinions of Cromwell are far too dark, being drawn from the suspicious representations of royalists. As if unwilling to judge mm by his deeds, some of which are bad enough, they attribute even his good actions to hypocrisy.

TRENTON, October 14, 1829.

You have seen the appointments made by the trustees for Princeton college. In Mr. Vethake [Natural Philosophy] they have a great acquisition. Every day or two I have been hoping to visit Philadelphia, but obstacles have continually risen up. Just now, the sudden death of one of my people, and the apparently mortal disease of another, must detain me. Mr. Berrien’s discourse exceeded all expectations. It was not profound, and contained few indications of comprehensive grasp of mind, or creative genius, yet from its exquisite polish it will appear well in print. Mr. B.’s manner is the most perfect specimen of artificial oratory I have ever witnessed.

How is it that Texas has just been discovered to be so remarkably fertile and valuable? In Darby’s Gazetteer I find it represented as a barren waste, almost entirely destitute of spring water, and destined forever to be a wilderness. This, I suppose, is to be the Panama question of the Jackson cabinet. I understand that Gov. Giles is publishing an opinion that a separation of the Northern from the Southern States would be highly advantageous to the latter. In such an event, which is no longer improbable, it is to be wished that you and I may not have migrated south of the Potomac; Faxit Deus! By way of a Hindoo idol, in the last Philadelphia!!, we had an exact copy of the Ephesian Diana; see Calmet’s Dictionary.

You ask me my opinion about preachers. I think that of the 17th century, John Howe and Barrow are the first; and of the 19th Robert Hall, whom I prefer to any scrmonizcr I have ever read. His sermon entitled “Modern Infidelity Considered,” is unequalled. For deep pathos, Samuel Davies is surpassed by none, but he often sins against good taste. I am reading Gough’s History of the Quakers, and am more and more convinced that George Fox was the true progenitor of the Hicksites.

PRINCETON, October 24, 1829.

It is probable that a letter from you lies unopened in the post-office at Trenton, as I have been absent a week at Synod, which met at the delightful town of Newark, and from which I returned last night, much exhausted with late and early sessions. On Monday’s afternoon boat I expect to take passage for Philadelphia expecting to leave it upon the succeeding day for Richmond. I may spend a few hours with you. A partial engagement has been entered into by the directing committee of the

Biblical Repertory and Theological Review [its additional title] to make me editor, (I still residing in Trenton.)

TRENTON, December 4, 1829.

Yea: it is not to be dissembled that I feel a very lively satisfaction in finding myself in my own den, by my own fire, dipping into the accustomed inkstand, and listening (as I do this moment) to the clock of my own church. This pleasure is enhanced by finding a welcome, where I expected a scolding,1 and by renewed assurances of regard from my people; a regard which I reciprocate more cordially every day. In hours of discontent, I sometimes wish myself a thousand leagues away, and fancy that no one has so many perplexities; but the difficulties which afflict me arise, I am sure, from my own culpable indisposition to be faithful, and whither could I fly, where a slothful and evil heart would not make me unhappy? Once I have had ex- ’ perience of the wretchedness of leaving an affectionate people, and the experiment is one of which I crave no repetition. Unless, like, I could depart, without notice to quit, or any

premonitory grumblings, I should scarcely sustain the mortification of declaring such an intention. At the house of Chief Justice Ewing, I saw to-day, in a frame, the original letter of acknowledgment sent by Gen. Washington to the ladies of Trenton, after his triumphal entry. It hangs very appropriately under a print from Sully’s “Passage of the Delaware.” The worshipful Legislature of our State have adjourned until January 1st. A bare probability that the Canal Bill will pass. About half of this town has just changed hands, by the recent sale of the real estate of the late Abraham Hunt. The manufactures of the place are in the “sear and yellow leaf.” Sartori’s calico factory has expired. Page’s cotton factory has finally stopped. The Wells’s, proprietors of the only remaining and principal manufacturing establishment, have gone to Pottsvillc. The prospect is lamentable. Unless the canal should be made, and should be profitable, the place is gone at once, and the final blow will be struck by the removal of State business.

I have turned over in my mind many times, since I saw you, the case of Doddridge, as exhibited in his Correspondence,2 and have been much puzzled to come to any conclusion as to the bearing which these new revelations have upon his religious character. Perhaps he was not a pious man at all, when he wrote that letter, and flamed out in such exorbitant affection. Perhaps.

1 He had spent the month of November in a visit to Charlotte Court House, Virginia.

2 Diary and Correspondence, then lately published by his great-grandson.

a grain of wheat might have existed amidst the bushel of worldly a/chaff, and these may be the worst specimens of his whole life, Perhaps he was just such a frivolous, inconsistent, volatile clergyman, as one you wot of, who sometimes fears that his religion is a mere name, and whose conversation and life are a daily source of mortification and compunction. It gives me pain to be forced to look at the nakedness of a Father in Israel, as it does

to read that vile calumny of the infidel, upon the Father

of his Country. May we not gather from these and other such testimonials the truth, that we over-rate the greatness of our predecessors, and that the sages and Christians of former days were fallible and human, like ourselves 1 (See Ecclesiastes vii., 10.)

Suffer me to give you a French pun which I had from Mr. Hargous. A celebrated cafe of Paris, much frequented by the provincials during the revolution, had the sign of John the Baptist, under which was “Au grand Saint Jean JBaptistc” The authorities informed the publican that saints were now abolished, and that the sign must come down. He replied that it would ruin him, as everybody knew it by that name; but after some study changed the face into that of a monkey, and the inscription so as to have the same sound, “Au grand Sinye, en Baptiste”

I observe that Martin, whose illustrations of Milton have attracted our attention, is mentioned as the greatest master of design in England: he was brought into notice by West. If you should see offered in the shops any single engraving from his paintings, I should like to hear of it. Delightful wintry weather, and proposals for a snow. If the sleighing should be good, you will do well to come up before Christmas. Next Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, by order of the Governor, a sort of movable feast which comes in place of saints’ days. I recommend the foregoing epistle as a specimen of connected and systematic thought, natural arrangement, and artful transition.

TRENTON, December 25, 1829.

You have expressed my sentiments precisely with regard to Summerfield’s Life [by Holland.] Not one description of his manner of preaching! not a word which conveys the slightest idea of that which we all remember as the most striking thing about him; if we except a few newspaper squibs. If it were not for what the book contains of his own, I would not harbour it. The two letters which I have, are after all as good as any there.

There is a young man by the name of Winchester, from Baltimore, in the Princeton Seminary, who is one of the best speakers I have heard there. In case of a want in your city, it might be advisable to give him a trial. The Spruce streetera will show much ignorance of such matters if they continue to search after old men, or antiquated young ones. Addison isv much pleased with his new employments, [with Prof. Patton in his lately established school.] The school promises to succeed beyond expectation.

Whatever the advantages of early rising may be, there is one gratification which it affords, viz., the delight of sitting in your chair, with fixed and staring eyes, perfectly content to indulge in meditation, as comatose as a cat, and even at times purring for very pleasure; in a word, asleep with your eyes open.

TRENTON, December 26, 1829.

In your newspaper scheme, as in all that concerns your welfare, I feel sincerely and deeply interested; and let me say in the gross, all that you have asked, I will do — so far as my ability reaches. But do not expect too much: remember that I am pulled hither and thither, that I now have much anxiety about the Repertory, and make allowances for the moments of lassitude, ennui, and good-for-nothing-ness which are occurring from time to time. As to the name I concur, [” Morning Journal.”] It is simple and significant. A hyper-critic might perhaps see some tautology in it, but it is good. As to literature, you are certainly right in not making it prominent at the Jirst. I shall keep a sheet always ready for scraps, and contributions to your Balaam-box. I have recently heard a gentleman of intelligence say that during the wars of Napoleon, Duane [of the “Aurora “] was distinguished above all his contemporary editors for the extent and accuracy of his geographical information, and so arranged his foreign extracts, and his comments, -as to give his readers a clear view of every great movement of the campaigns. Generally speaking, the foreign news is so huddled together, that it is almost impossible to arrange it into a whole, even with much study. This evil is much diminished where an editor will take the pains to give, in a sentence or two, by way of coup d’ceil, the result of his readings. Nothing from abroad is more interesting than views taken by foreigners of American manners, men, and measures. I am always pleased, also, to have in addition to the mere facts, extracts from the Editorial treatises which so much abound in London papers. Bow-street trials are not to be despised, and indeed I suppose you are already convinced that you must be very un fastidious, so as to please “the many-headed monster.” There are even artifices which an editor may and must use, however undignified he might consider them under

1 The Rev. Samuel G. Winchester was called to the Spruce Street congregation shortly after the date of this letter, and was installed May 4, 1830.

1829 — 1832. Ul

other circumstances. He may frame a paragraph so as to introduce a quotation, and he may find Ayscough’s Index no despicable auxiliary.

There is no literary labour which brings a man so much before the heterogeneous mass of human society as the editing a newspaper. Other writings may be said to pertain to one class of judges, but you write for the democracy at large. In this your views must be somewhat like those of ancient Greeks, who read their productions to the populace. I am far from thinking, however, that there needs to be any sacrifice of independence or integrity in an editor. A sop may here and there be thrown to the barking Cerberus, but even this monster may be appeased by the “golden branch” which Eneas carried.

If you are short of “horrid murders” and “shocking accidents” and “awful dispensations!!!” I can furnish them by the gross, as I have been reading Schiller lately, and have my imagination sufficiently wrought up.

I suppose you begin with .the new year; and I wish you a happy year of it. You may, if you are going to take party ground, make a very good article upon Branch’s message, [Secretary of Navy,] showing that all his recommendations which are of any value were made before by his predecessor. The New York Commercial is in my view a very good model. Mr. Walsh is always dignified and able, but always in buckram.

TRENTOX, February 17, 1830.

A bill legalizing horse-racing has gone through second read ing in the House. Lobby members very brisk, some for railroads, some for canal, some for oysters, some for race course, or as one of our members endorsed it on his bill rase corss. Apropos of spelling, I saw an endorsement on a file of bills: “An act to abbollish prisoners for debt, in certin. cases. Pospondcd.” I certainly approve of the wisdom of the house in po&ponding any bill so cruel in its purposes. If you alight in any way upon any papers relating to Institutions for the Blind or the Deaf and Dumb, let me have sight of them, as I am engaged in collecting upon these subjects. I have been applied to, to write an article upon “Prison Discipline” for Dr. Lieber’s Encyclopaidia [Americana.] An odd subject surely for me.

I am in some difficulty about the Hebrew accents, those I mean which are used as musical notes. Stuart refers to the fol lowing books. Will you inform me whether they are in any of

1 During the six months that the daily newspaper referred to in this letter was under the editorial direction of his friend, Mr. Alexander was a frequent contributor to its columns.

14:2 WHILE PASTOR EST TRENTON.

your libraries, and whether any musical notes are given 1 Jablonskii Prccf. ad Bib. Heb. § 24, and Eartolocdi Bibliotheca Rabbinica, Tom. iv., p. 431.

I am very much discouraged as to my ever being of much use in the world, from a mortifying conviction of my very great fickleness of purpose, or rather perhaps I ought in justice to my self to say, variableness of feeling. A subject or an enterprise deeply interests and engages me for a month, and then before I am able to do any thing practically, I have come under the influence of a new passion which urges me in another direction. It is humbling to say so, but I really believe myself to be a visionary. Just at this moment, I am very much impressed with a sentiment which I cannot express otherwise than thus: “It is the duty of some men to devote their attention to the relief of the temporal miseries of mankind.” Let me explain. I do not exclude spiritual beneficence; I do not mean that a man should become a knight errant; but I verily think that Christians are not touched as they should be with human suffering, bodily suffering, privation, &c., &c. Now, if a few men would concentrate their thoughts upon this, write upon it, paragraph upon it, influence the press, talk upon it, in a word Clarksonize, I believe great things must be done. In reading the N. T. I have recently been much struck with the fact that all the miracles of our Sa viour were acts of benevolence, and usually in relief of human bodily distresses. Now, the thought has powerfully come over me, Am I, and are Christians, acting in any degree like their master? I have recently preached upon the subject from Heb. xiii., 3. I have an idea that the amount of effort now put forth in Christendom would produce a hundred times as much real good, if it were systematized and properly directed. Perhaps this crude thought will not be lost upon you. It may serve to gen der cogitations of your own and to direct your scissors.

TRENTON, June 7, 1830.

I feel, I am sure, more tenderly than ever, the obligations of that friendship which has so long and so happily subsisted between us. My regret is, that your loss is such, that condolence and counsel are the most that the kindest friend can offer. Believing, as we both do, that all human affairs are under a most wise and holy ordering, our judgment may rest in firm assurance that all is right; we may be convinced that it ought not to be otherwise. To school the heart is more difficult, but I believe it to be possible through the application of the same truths. Let me earnestly beg of you, then, to seek by prayer and the read ing of the Scriptures, that acquiescence in the will of God, which you will find nowhere else. And let me suggest that you strive to obtain, not merely the mitigation of natural sorrow, but that instruction which God so plainly means to convey by this dispensation. After all, “the heart knoweth its own bitterness,” and to every adviser, you may perhaps be forced to say with Job, “miserable comforters are ye all.” For this reason, then, it is the dictate of wisdom to cease from man, and go directly to the fountain of all grace and consolation. There are many topics of worldly condolence which will occur to you — as the contrast with the heavier woes of others, the deliverance of your beloved partner from all sorrow and languishment — but the aching void will still remain, until you apply to the great origin of all good, and have the love of God shed abroad in your heart. O let your strongest efforts be put forth, at this seasonable time, to obtain the gift of God, and eternal life. Your mind labours under conviction of human inability, without a due apprehension of the correlative truth, that the grace of God is ready to supply your defect of power. In the January number of the Biblical Repertory, p. 113, you will find an article on the means of repentance, which I think would tend to remove some of your difficulties. When your mind will bear such exertion, give it a perusal. It is, I believe, usually found that when any person sets about this work, with a real desire to be reconciled to God, he does attain the object of his endeavours. This is what you need to make you happy under the adversities which you have so early begun to suffer. Now it is with you (strange as the expression may seem) a favoured time, and I do think that the door stands open through which you may enter to eternal joy. My dear friend, give yourself to these thoughts, bring your mind to dwell upon the presence of Jehovah, the selfishness and evils of your heart, the necessity of regeneration, and the mercy of God in Jesus Christ. Only seek this as earnestly as we seek worldly satisfaction, and you shall assuredly find.

By a coincidence surely unsought by me, I am just preparing to go on to Virginia to be married.

TRENTON, July 13, 1830.

You will be disposed to excuse my delay in answering your last, if you will consider the great burden of calls and ceremonies which lies on me at this time. My mind often reverts to you and your bereavement. While I do not pretend to understand the bitterness of the cup which you are called to drink, I

1 Mr. Alexander was married at the residence of Mrs. Le Grand, near Charlotte Court House, on the 18th June, to Miss Elizabeth C. Cabell, daughter of George Cabell, M. D.

believe I can much more unclerstandingly than before, speak of the endearments of the marriage state. With a dear friend by my side who can sympathize with me in all the varied feelings which I experience, I can form a better conception than formerly of what your loss is. Yet again I say, “the heart knoweth its own bitterness.” It is not to renew your grief that I touch on this topic, for I would gladly, if I could, divert your mind from the remembrance of those painful scenes, but there is a profit in affliction, which is to be obtained only by consideration of the cause of sorrow. My hope is that in this valley of humiliation, you will be instructed and led to surrender yourself to God. It would give my wife and me very great pleasure to see you in Trenton. We are living in the very humblest manner; some of my friends think too much so for my station, but it is absolutely necessary.

Mr. Southard has been making a speech at Newark, which was attended by a vast audience, is greatly admired, and will be printed. I should like to introduce you to him. He is one of the most agreeable companions I have ever found, and pays us far more attention than we could ever demand of him. llis popularity in this State is rapidly rising to its former acme.

The cause of Temperance has received a great impulse in our town: our Governor, Chief-Justice, Attorney-General, Senator, and many leading members of the bar, are decided advocates of the new measures. Addison is about to buy the whole 1001 Nights, in the original Arabic. He has completed for Patton a revision of Donegan’s Greek Lexicon, comparing every word with Schneider’s ditto.

Under my present circumstances, it would be strange if I were unhappy; it will still be gratifying to you to know that I enjoy a degree of satisfaction far above my fondest expectations. Let me not forget, however, that all human joys are fleeting, and that before another year I may mourn under a sad reverse, by loss of health, or a thousand possible occurrences. This is a truth which I am sure is deeply impressed upon your mind. May you not only find out the inadequacy of the “broken cisterns,” but come to “the fountain of living water.”

TRENTON, July 27, 1830, 2£ P. M.,
97° FAHRENHEIT IN SHADE.

I went on Tuesday to New Brunswick to hear Mr. Wirt’s oration. The air was ovenish, the assembly large and highly respectable, the speech two hours long, apparently extemporary,

1 At the commencement of Rutgers College.

and a noble specimen of polished, patriotic, eloquent speaking. The subject might be thus stated: “The mental and moral discipline demanded of American youth by the peculiar character of the age and country, with principal reference to patrotic manliness, integrity, and decision of character.” There was a strong touch at the times. I came back quite sick, and spent one or two days in bed. Such a continuance of torrid weather I have never felt. Let me beg of you, if you have not already done so, to fly from the city for a few weeks. I have never felt so entirely good for nothing as I do at this time; I am desiccated and toasted to that degree that I feel like a dried animal, and almost look for my skin to crack.

I am projecting, under my father’s guidance, a large work, say two vols. thick 8vo, title undetermined, but something like this, a “Biographical and Bibliographical Dictionary of Theol ogy,” or “Theological Biography and Bibliography,” intended to furnish, in alphabetical order, a sketch (brief) of the life, and a list of the books, (with some estimate of their value,) of all writers on Theology. The thing is new, plainly a desideratum. What say you to a partnership? You may, by aid of Library, &c., assist thus: Look through all the Biographical Dictionaries within reach, note names of authors, book where their history may be found, and digest the same into an index. Also furnish the short articles, without reference to order in the first draught. It may be expected to occupy several years of smart labour.

Trenton is remarkably healthy thus far. Should our hopes in this respect be realized, this may be recommended as the pleasantest summer retreat upon the Delaware. Bristol and Burlington are pretty pictures from the water, but the dullest and most intolerable places on earth. Trenton is homely, but well situated, and affords a greater variety of pleasant drives in its vicinity than any place I know. House rent is just nothing here, and it is almost as near (by steamboat) to the city, as Bristol or Burlington. The movements of the Jacobin party calling themselves (often lucus a non &c.) the “Working Men,” give me unfeigned alarm, more than any threats of disunion, or violence of mere party rage. If we love our country, something must be done. It will not do to despise so formidable an array. They are indeed, with us, not the dregs, but in the exercise of their elective franchise, the prim-urn mobile of this nation. The Godwinism, Owenism, sans culottism, (aut quocunque gaudent nomine,) which possesses them, may ruin us. Could not a series

1 This project was not executed. I do not know what progress was made in it.

146 WHILE PASTOK IN TKENTOtf.

of “Letters to Working Men “be put in some popular Journal, commending honest labour, asserting the rights of mechanics, &c., but unveiling the naked deformity of this levelling system? Could not you serve your country, by doing something of the sort? It would be arduous, but by so doing, you would deserve well of posterity. No better work, I truly think, could just now engage any honest patriot. If I could, I would try, but I cannot. I am well and happy, and I desire to be thankful; the only source of disquietude at present is my apparent want of usefulness among my people. Nemo ab omni parte beatus; and when I compare my lot with that of many others, I am ashamed of my ingratitude. May we learn, my dear friend, to look for peace and comfort in something higher than even the innocent joys of life. This is the lesson which it is so easy to inculcate, but so impossible. I had almost said, to practise. In suffering my affections to cling to earthly objects, as I lament that they do, I feel that I am laying up for myself future miseries. God alone can reveal himself, so as to” call us away from earth and

TRENTOX, August 23, 1830.

I consider the manifesto of the Cherokees as a very moving paper. After all, iniquitous as the proceedings have been with regard to this injured people, yet considering the manner in which their tribes always pine away from contiguity to the whites, I am strongly inclined to think that their separate existence will be prolonged by their translation beyond the Mississippi. I have been reading Voltaire’s correspondence with the King of Prussia, but I shall read no more. Never have I seen such horrid blasphemies in print; chiefly, however, in the letters of Frederick. Voltaire is more cunning and reserved, and says just enough to draw out the sentiments of that incarnate fiend,

wrho glories in Atheism, and justifies ex professo. Three

young Spaniards called on me to-day, asking for alms; they had a statement drawn up in very good Latin, which I found was written by one of them, who passed for a doctor of medicine. They were modest, well-looking fellows. The generous Joseph Bonaparte lately had a poor fellow apprehended, tried, convicted, and cast into prison, for having stolen from him six silver sjwons!

1 This plan was at length executed by himself in a series of articles furnished to the Newark Daily Advertiser, under the signature of Charles Quill. The first series, of forty-six papers, was collected in a volume entitled “The American Mechanic,” and published by Perkins, of Philadelphia, in 1838: the second, of forty-five papers, was issued by the same publisher in 1839, under the title of “The Working Man.”

he who gained his wealth by abstracting the treasures of Spain, and rifling the churches which fell in his way. He proposes to remove, as the railroad will pass directly through his estate.

TRENTON, September 7, 1830.

The Scotch mist which prevails is highly promotive of cerebral development, as I judge by the effusion at the nostrils this morning. Which end of the newspapers must a man begin at to get the order of events in the new revolution 1 I have read so many accounts, in such varied arrangement, that the jumble is inextricable. Is such a thing as a map of Paris attainable 1 It is like to be interesting at this time. Is there not a striking coincidence between the history of French and English liberty? thus:

Charles I. Louis XVI.

Civil war. Revolution.

Cromwell. Napoleon.

Charles II. Louis XVIII.

James II. Charles X.

Constitution. — ? —

My sanguine hope is — using these lights of history, and the parallel strikes me even in its details — that the French will settle down upon a limited monarchy, with a liberal charter, annual parliaments, just representation, and universal liberty of conscience. France would then be a glorious land. So mote it be! I have just been inditing a pompous piece of fustian upon the new French Revolution, to be spoken by a lad on the night before commencement, bearing in mind the direction once given to my brother, by a similar applicant, on a like occasion. “What sort of a speech shall I write you f” Oh! a real bombastic one, just like your own,” Mr. Frelinghuysen is here at this time, full of the subject of Temperance. He is a singular instance of a man zealously devoted to every good enterprise, without the slightest eccentricity. I am told that the state of frenzy at Charleston between the nullificrs and their opponents is truly alarming; so much so, that Judge Grimke has resigned his seat on the bench, that he may go to the State Legislature. I hope Mr. Walsh’s word of exhortation appended to his remarks on the Revolution in France may not be lost upon them. I wish you could give us another call, during the pleasant season of autumn. I cannot (as we read in story books) ask you to come into the country for fruits of the earth, for you have the richest supply in your city. Give me leave to say, nevertheless, that there is some enjoyment in partaking of them nearer to the place of their production. I am reading Broussais’ Physiology at this time. The medical men make such a noise about his ’ revelations,” that I wish to find out what he has revealed, and whether any light is thrown upon the “glorious uncertainty” of medicine. I came up in the boat with Vethake, who is just from France. He says that in all the shops and cafes where only one paper was taken, it was anti-ministerial; hopes much from the improved notions of the French respecting liberty; thinks the present movement got up neither by Jacobins nor Bonapartists; that the latter are very few; the Due d’Orlcans a universal favourite (of V.’s, perhaps because he was professor of mathematics in Switzerland.)

TRENTON, October 1, 1830.

Notwithstanding the criminal apathy of my heart in the concerns of immortal souls, I experience a lively pleasure in the comfortable assurance afforded by your last letter, that you have joined yourself to the Lord in an everlasting covenant. It is not enough, according to the Scriptures, “to believe with the heart,” unless also we “confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus.” May the Lord ever be with you, enriching your soul with the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit. I am convinced that many of us suffer exceedingly from having very low views of the heights of religious joy which are attainable in this life. I have been

this morning to see my neighbour, who has just been

raised up from the jaws of death. I had scarcely supposed it possible for one so uniformly pious and exemplary to receive so great an accession of spiritual life and peace. His views of the Saviour’s glory, the excellence of divine truth, ministerial responsibility and his personal vileness, seemed to be really unutterable. As a contrast to this, I called to see a man who cannot live, as we think, more than a day or two, who is almost in despair, on account of his long-neglect of religion. The changes in the faculty [of College] are important, viz.: Dr. Torrey, of New York, Professor of Chemistry; Dr. Samuel B. Howell, of Anatomy and Physiology; Vethake, of Natural Philosophy; Hargous, of Modern Languages; and Addison [Alexander], Adjunct Professor of Ancient Languages and Literature, with the duties of tutor. My father sets out this week for Boston, where he has not been since 1799. Addison goes the same way next week.

The commencement went off with the usual hubbub, the valedictory was truly excellent and eloquent; a “defence of pulpit eloquence,” spoken by a young man of your State, named Hart. I have never seen so many tears shed in that house.

I spent four days of last week in New York. The signs of

1 John S Hart; afterwards adjunct Professor of Languages.

increasing infidelity and atheism greatly alarmed me. Just opposite the Bible House, is a “liberal book-store,” the most daring and demoniacal opposer of every thing good. At the door I saw, among many other MS. “Bulletins,” as they are called, a ribald and blasphemous travestie of the Litany, around which was gathered a group of men and boys.

TRENTON, October 15, 1830.

I scarcely know what to say to you about the extent of the Atonement, so much has my mind been tossed and perplexed on the subject. The point, however, to which I have to cling as the very foundation of all my dearest personal hopes is, that the death of Christ was a proper sacrifice, vicarious, implying substitution and the enduring a penalty. Let me beg of you to read Magie on the Atonement. The key to the nature of the Atonement is to be sought, I think, in the ancient sacrifices. Now the difficulty is here, in my mind: If I admit that the Atonement is general, I can no longer hold that Christ atoned for persons, but for sin in general. It becomes a mere indication of his displeasure at sin considered abstractly, and I become lost in the vagueness of such a scheme. The limitation of the Atonement, arises in my view, simply from the purpose of Jehovah in it. Now, it does appear to me that every argument against this, lies against the decree of election itself, and is, therefore, inconsistent in any Calvinist. Suppose I say that the Atonement is general, still the great objection lies: “How can God sincerely offer this Atonement to those whom He has decreed not to furnish with the will to accept of it?” When I view the Atonement as sufficient for all, I do so only because from the very nature of it, as rendered by a Divine Saviour, it has infinite merit. As to its intention, even Hopkinsians hold a virtual limitation. I do not profess to have the clear view which some have on this point. I offer Christ to all, because this is plainly and undeniably in the ministerial commission. I maintain substitution and imputation, because I think without them there is no sacrifice, no meaning in ancient types. In the October No. of the “Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review of N. Y.,” there is a very able defence of Arminianism against the Pelagianism of New Haven, with which last Mr. Barnes’s opponents suppose him to coincide. If there is any thing in ecclesiastical authority, I think it might be amply proved that the ancient fathers, the Church of Rome, the Church of England, the Remonstrants or Arminians, the Lutherans, and the Methodists held the substitution of Christ in the Atonement, and that it was left for Socinians and the divines of New Kngland to deny it. At the same time the churches of Rome, England, and the Methodists, and Lutherans, do all maintain a universal Atonement. May the Lord direct us into his truth!

My father is, or has been, in Boston, attending the meeting of the A. Board of C. for For. Miss. The Christian Spectator is exceedingly bitter against Dr. Woods, and all New England is likely to be in a ferment. When such disputes get among the laity, especially women, they become dreadful. I have heard horrid extremes of fatalism, under the notion of Calvinistic doctrine.

If you should meet with Mr. Rezeau Brown, late tutor in Nassau Hall, in your city, you will, I think, be pleased with him. He is a gentlemanly, somewhat accomplished, and exemplary young man; ancLhas long been my particular friend.

TREXTON, November 8, 1830.

I returned this morning from Allentown, where I preached yesterday, Mr. Hodge supplying my pulpit in the mean time. It is an uninteresting inland town, out of the way both of commerce and information. Yet I found some worthy Christian people there, and enjoyed much satisfaction in discoursing to, and with them. I am charmed with Leighton, and recommend to you immediately to read his Commentary on 1st Peter. All his writings are practical, and abound in the most lively and beautiful imagery. Doddridge appears, from his editorial preface, to rank him higher than any of his contemporaries. Owen on the Spirit, I have read with much pleasure, and I hope profit. The fourth book “on the necessity of holiness,” seems to me eminently calculated to quicken the diligence of Christians; the third chapter is golden. No works have ever given me happier impulses in my religious course than those of the English non-conformists of the 17th century. On the next Lord’s day, I have to preach a sermon at the request of the Temperance Society. I shall confine myself, not to the cause, symptoms, and remedy, but to the defence of total abstinence and of the association for promoting it. Joseph Bonaparte sent up, last Saturday, an invitation to both Houses of Legislature, to go and dine with him, (or at least visit his place.) Most of them went. He is said to be much exasperated at the railroad-men for taking their route directly through his park, and it is supposed that this “gineral inwite,” as the messenger called it, is a sort of genteel.

He says that his improvements are this moment equal to any which Europe affords, and that he has expended $300,000 on

1 This most estimable man died in 1833, at the age of 25. He was son of the Rev. Dr. I. V. Brown, and was licensed as a probationer for the ministry in 1831. A memoir of him was written by Mr. Alexander, and published in the Biblical Repertory, October, 1834.

them. Please drop into the letter-box of the Philadelphia!!, the following note:” A few weeks since you honoured with an insertion, my humble attempt at a metrical version of Gerhard’s hymn: ‘O Haupt voll Elut und Wunden? l Two entire lines of the second stanza are omitted, and the sense thereby destroyed. It should read thus, (as well as I can remember — )

* How art thou pale with anguish,

With bitter grief and scorn;
How doth the visage languish
That once was bright as morn.’

“Respectfully, DIDYMUS.”

Addison is just entering upon a course of life which will be very trying, but I hope useful. [Pattern’s school.] He will study theology with my father.

In the last sermon of the National Preacher, the following text is quoted as Scripture: “He rolleth sin like a sweet morsel under the tongue.” This is the third time I have heard this same false citation.2

TRENTON, November 27, 1830.

The passage in Matt, i., from Isaiah vii., is very difficult, but I tremble at the thought of giving up the prophecy, not so much on account of this particular text, as because Socinians and Neologists have made this very principle of “accommodation,” the great engine against all our arguments from the quotations in the New Testament. I believe most fully that it is a strict prediction of Jesus, in one of the most remarkable designations of his peculiar character. For 1. It cannot refer to either of the sons of Isaiah, (vii. 3, and viii. 3), for one was already of some age, the other neither named Immanuel, nor born of a virgin. 2. Nor to any other common child, for the emphasis of the verse points to something extraordinary — “a sign.” 3. Nor to Hezekiah, for, by computation, he was now a youth, and was nine years old when his father was made king. In the 17th verse, there is an evident transition to the child of Isaiah, comp. viii. 4. 4. We read of no child called Immanuel. 5. This is a part of that connected prophecy which ends c. x. 4, and includes the

1 This was one of his earliest exercises in his favourite employment on German hymnology. His first translation of Gerhard’s Passion hymn was incomplete; he rewrote it, besides making versions of several other hymns, for Dr. Schaff’s monthly Kirchcnfreund. A collection of those translations, together with two of Latin hymns, was published in the Hercersburg Review for 1859. Mr. Alexander contributed an article on the general subject of German hymns to the Biblical Repertory in 1850. His version of Gerhard has been greatly mutilated by copyists. Professor Park’s “Sabbath Hymn Book” gives but four of the ten stanzas, (hymn 293,) “0 sacred head, now wounded!”

2 The true text is: “Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue.” — Job xx. 12.

prediction, “Unto us a child is born,” &c., which I suppose no Christian would desire to set aside. Kennicott says: “The text contains two distinct prophecies; each literal, and each to be understood in one sense only, the first relating to Christ, the second to Isaiah’s son, the first in verses 13-15, the second in verse 16.” He also thus reads v. 16, “But before this child (pointing to his own son) shall know to refuse the evil,” &c. See Lowth’s Isaiah, in loco. 6. The ancient Jews applied this passage to the Messiah. 7. It may be made to have a probable connexion with the context. The promise to Ahaz is for encouragement: how? In no way that I can see if a “young woman” (as some say) should bear, &c. This is no sign; but thus — the perpetuity of David’s kingdom is thus promised anew, “God remembers his promise to David, and most miraculously shall it be accomplished, a virgin,” &c. 8. Because if it is not to be taken as prophetical, the Hebrew word is not to be rendered virgin, which meaning even the Jewish LXX. give, and which is the common meaning. 9. But I take my stand upon the formula iva 7rlf]pu>$v) &c. If this does not express that a prediction was fulfilled, how could it have been expressed 1 The “accommodation” system is that which leaves our minds in most painful vacillation, upon every occurrence of a citation. The Bible is written for plain men, and the whole Christian church has rejoiced in this passage as a prediction and a promise, until within a few years. Many other acknowledged predictions are just as much perplexed in the original context, and my mind finds no rest, if I am left to find out for myself, when the formula “it is fulfilled” means fulfilment, and when it means something else. Why may not that God, who through all ages was looking forward to the Advent, interpose among irrelative matters a prediction, which besides its proximate application, referred forward to Christ 1 especially when men were to be inspired to expound and apply the prediction. I fear that in the end, all the types in which the church has hitherto found so much of the Saviour, and most of the prophecies concerning him shall be discarded. The Jews apply Isa. ix. 6, to Hezekiah; and why not 1 if the context is to decide. So far my comments upon this locus vexatissimus. It is very lately that I learned that any Christian writer doubted about this verse, though I know how the principle, upon which this evidence is set aside, has been used by all the German neologists.

The other subject is, to my mind, far more difficult, and a complete reconciliation of the genealogies in the Old Testament, in Matthew and in Luke, is scarcely to be expected at the present day. The great object was to satisfy the minds of Jews at that day; and this, we know, was accomplished. The tables of pedigree were probably copied from public documents existing at the time, and acknowledged to be the best. We are very much in the dark with regard to the laws (often arbitrary) by which genealogical tables were constructed. We know, however, of some anomalies; as for instance, that, among the Hebrews, a man was often said to be the son of his grandfather, or even of a more remote progenitor; and again, that in defect of male issue, when the list ended in a woman, her husband was named as the son of her father. The omission of several names in the line of succession cannot now be fully accounted for. It is evident, however, that it did not vitiate the pedigree, for Matthew surely knew as well as we can, the exact line of kings, &c., and the great object was to have a list brought down from some ancient progenitor. It is doubtful why the generations are divided into three periods of fourteen each. It could not be with a view of fixing the exact number of the whole line, for then none would have been omitted; besides, to make out the number fourteen in each of these periods, the person who ends the first must begin the next, and the person who closes the second, must stand at the head of the last, and Jesus must not be included in the last. Thus: 1. Abraham — David; 2. David — Josias; 3. Josias — Joseph, each fourteen.

This division into fourteens, I take to have been a mnemonical contrivance, which may explain some of the omissions. Each period commences with some important epoch, and as they were nearly equal, the names were so arranged as to make them perfectly so. From Abraham to David, you will observe that all three lists coincide. It is plain also that Matthew does not confine himself to the natural descent, but gives the legal, as where he calls Salathiel the son of Jechonias; while Luke, from Eli upwards, gives the natural line. Strange to say, I have found most satisfaction on this difficult subject in Dr. Adam Clarke’s Commentary, which I beg you will look at. He gives a full analysis of the learned Dr. Barret’s investigations of the whole matter. As an instance of five or six generations omitted in a genealogical table, sec Ezra vii. his own pedigree — [then follows a citation from Lightfoot on v. 16.]

As you are upon the subject of Natural History, let me say, that by far the best account which I have seen of the Camel and the Lion, is contained in the first vol. of the Library of Entertaining Knowledge. The authorities there cited, are recent and highly respectable. — I congratulate you upon the reappearance of the sun, after so long a succession of clouds and rains. I take it for granted that this English weather has contributed greatly to the emolument of Dr. II., the antidyspeptic bookseller. — In VOL. i. — 7* looking over the late numbers of the Library of Useful Knowledge, 1 am surprised to find a History of the American Revolution, and still more to discover, upon perusal, that it is thoroughly American in its tone. Even in the matter of Major Andre, there is not a word of reproach. This sufficiently indicates the Whiggism of the Society. — My enthusiasm about the French Revolution has come down to zero. We may well fear a repetition of former enormities in Paris. — There is to be, on the second Tuesday of next month, in Milford, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, a public disputation between one Lane, a member and teacher of the Christ-tan sect, and the Rev. William L. McCalla, upon the divinity of Christ and kindred subjects. There has been great excitement in these parts, produced by the irruption of these heretics. I should very much like to be present at the conflict, but the weather is so precarious at this season, that I must probably content myself with a distant rumour. If W. L. Me. C must fight, I wish it might always be with those who arc without I saw an Album the other day, in which the great Mr. Webster had inserted the following gem; I give it verbatim:

“Some to this Album may give fame,
And some may get fame from it;
Among the last my place I claim,
And write my name upon it.

D. WEBSTER.”

TRENTON, December 20, 1830.

I can with great sincerity plead the abundance of my indispensable labours in excuse of my delay in answering your long and acceptable letter. Sickness among my people, absence from home, and a number of supernumerary engagements have filled up every available niche of time. I regret that in the Barnes controversy so much acrimony and personal rancour have prevailed. My mind has been much harassed by the invitation of the A. S. S. Union. I gave their first offer a refusal, but received soon after a pressing letter from Mr. A. Henry, and an “ambassage” consisting of Messrs. Porter and Vinton, who held a colloquy with rne of some hours. After all my meditations, I have pretty much determined to stay where I am. Upon making the trial, my feelings will not suffer me at present to give up the proper work of the ministry. This, however, should not be rumoured, until I have formally notified the gentlemen of the Board. You know that I would rather live in Philadelphia than anywhere else, and that I have peculiar difficulties in parochial duties, yet after seeeking divine direction, and communing with my conscience,

1 To enter its service as a secretary.

I cannot sec my path clearly marked out in that direction, and T dare not follow an impulse of mere inclination. A year hence, circumstances might so change in my congregation as to alter my views, but at present I feel justified in declining; especially as I am conscious of no peculiar fitness for this special office. Dr. Thomas Y. How, once so famous for his pulpit eloquence, and his controversy with Dr. Miller, is here delivering lectures on Political and Moral subjects, with a voluntary collection at the close. I have not heard him, as his first lecture only has been delivered, and that on Sunday evening. I have at last fallen in with Howe’s works, and find myself possessed of a rich mine of truth and piety. He is profound, and (for the age) elegant, and his spiritual flights are the most sublime and sustained I have ever read. The latter part of his “Living Temple,’ is among the most original, striking, and impulsive works I have ever seen. Above all, I wonder at his singularly Catholic spirit, in an age when the “mint, anise, and cummin” were deemed so weighty.

We have had a horrid case of death from Mania a potu; the victim was one of the most violent opponents of our Temperance Society, a few weeks ago. Another drunkard is now vomiting blood, and like to die. Yet I suppose not one drunkard will take warning. The man who told me these circumstances, I saw in liquor half an hour afterwards. Every day I am more impressed with the importance of being zealous in the Temperance Reformation. I am reading Robert Hall’s works with much gout; but am astonished at his political venom. Yet I own some of the acts of our administration go far to make me likeminded. I have got no credit from having taken part with the miserable Indians in a sermon on Thanksgiving day.

You must pardon my unusual brevity; I am absolutely worn out with writing all day. You cannot write too soon, or too long. “Ros cceli sit super habitaculum tuum!”

TRENTON, January 8, 18S1.

As to the Barnes controversy I may say that I should feel very badly if it should ever become necessary for me to give a vote upon it. Viewing it in gross, I am clear that the measures of the Orthodox party were uncalled for, and inconsistent with their toleration of such men as * * * * * *. Their spirit has been bitter and unfraternal, yet that of the Moderate men has not been altogether dove-like. With respect to what I consider the fundamental principle of Mr. B.’s friends, viz.: that it is unconstitutional to condemn a book, without arraigning its author, and that Presbytery is incompetent to examine into the orthodoxy or heterodoxy of a member, without a regular accusartion, I am fully with the present majority. The cases of Davis, Craighead, &c., are precedents which establish the principle; and I should feel free at any time, as a member of any judicature, to call up and censure any book, of any sect, by which the purity of the church might be endangered. As to the probable result in the General Assembly, I do not see how any thing can come up before that body, except the mere question of order, as to the right of examining the book. At the time when the complainants appealed to the higher court, there had been no definitive sentence passed upon Mr. Barnes or his sermon. I see no way, therefore, in which their final decision can be adduced in the General Assembly, in any orderly manner. That body will, therefore, I hope, throw the matter out of doors, after deciding the point of order; as to which, we may presume, there cannot be much debate, unless it is taken up as a mere party question. My impressions upon reading Mr. Barnes’ defence are twofold. I am gratified to perceive that he is so much nearer the truth than I had supposed. I am pained at the want of candour in many parts of that production. In illustration let me refer you to the paragraph in which he justifies his assertion, that it is easier for an unregenerate man to love God, than to hate him. His reply does not touch the objection, and involves a violent perversion of common language. Not one reader in ten thousand would have alighted upon the construction which he gives the phrases. In common candour, he ought to have taken back, or qualified those unhappy expressions. The defence of his statements on Imputation, is plainly an after thought, and the ground taken very diverse from that of the sermon. His allegations concerning the old Calvinists, are, I think, triumphantly answered in the article on Imputation in the Repertory.

Can you tell me under whose auspices my father’s Evidences have been published in England, or any thing about the edition? We shall have a terrible attack upon llopkinson’s Sunday Mail Review, in the forthcoming Repertory. I suppose that Walsh will be full of ire or contempt. You have, no doubt, read some of the speeches of Sir Henry Parncll, who seemed to have a principal hand in oversetting the Wellington administration. Mr. Pledge gave me some anecdotes concerning his eldest son and heir, which I think will interest you. When Hodge was in Paris, he lodged at the house of Oberlin, (nephew of the celebrated,) and had for a chamber-fellow this John Parnell, whom he describes as the most eminently devoted and pious young man he ever knew. His father offered him preferment, with the certainty of a Bishopric in the established church, which he declined. He then procured him a commission in the Duke of Gloucester’s

Cold-stream regiment, which he resigned while at Paris. He lived in the plainest style, and gave away every little saving in charity. He used to rise at three every morning for devotion, and was at heart a Dissenter and a Calvinist. Mr. Hodge read me this week, a letter which he had just got from him at Marseilles. He was on his way to Persia as a missionary at Bagdad, and was supporting (as II. supposes) the large company with whom he goes. The worst is that none of them are ordained. They go as missionaries of Irving’s “true Apostolical School.” I am alarmed at the progress of the ultra-femperance doctrine; I mean that of Stuart’s tract, that total abstinence ought to be made a term of church communion. It will undoubtedly produce great divisions in our church, if it receive any countenance. Think of it, and put something in the Advocate, if you agree with me. I have just been forestalled in a little work for which I have been preparing a Bible Gazetteer. The A. S. S. U. have applied to Rezeau Brown, the author of Franke’s life, to do it. The average majority of the Clay Congressional ticket in New Jersey, is 1094. The whole ticket has gone in. It turned principally on the Indian question. Pollok’s Course of Time is even more popular in Germany than in England and America. It is translated by one of the most popular preachers, William Hey, Hofprediger (court preacher) at Gotha. Find out for me some Catholic work, which may do for a Review in the Repertory, and lead me to study that controversy carefully.

TRENTON, February 8, 1831.

Do you see the magnificent relinquishment of $300,000 by John Watts, of New York, in favour of an Orphan House? May the blessings of heaven rest on him and his seed! I think I see every day new signs of increasing beneficence in the Christian work. The late “Missionary Reporter” contains several cheering notices. I preached last Lord’s day evening from Psalm lxxii.; a precious passage. Read it once more. Our Presbytery will probably determine to support one missionary in the foreign field, under the A. B. C. F. M. How pleasant it would be if every Presbytery would begin to do its duty by adopting this measure. Edward Kirk’s church, in Albany, which is composed chiefly of poor persons, sends regularly, once a month, $50 to the Board at Boston. If our Presbyteries would take this in hand, several objects would be attained: 1. The churches would feel more interest; 2. The money would be more easily collected; 3. The fears of the orthodox lest unsound men should be sent, might be precluded; 4. And piety at home would undoubtedly revive. The kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ will come, and we are bound not only to pray, but to expect its arrival. My thoughts have been led into this channel, with much delight, by reading “Hengstenberg’s Christologie,” a German work, in which the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the Messiah are taken up in order, criticised, defended against rationalists, and expounded. Having thus been led to examine them in connexion, I am smitten with their glory. I wish you would read his remarks on Isaiah vii. 14. Hengstenberg is Professor of Theology in the University of Berlin, and one of the first Arabic and Hebrew scholars in Germany. He is about twenty-eight years old, and exemplarily pious. Religion is not advancing among us, and I have never seen less hope concerning my people than just now. Yet taking our Presbytery at large, there are pleasing indications. Since I have known New Brunswick Presbytery, we have never had any bickering or strife, any hard speeches or alienations; and our last meeting was one of melting affection and humiliation.

TRENTON, Feb. 24, 1831.

Some there may be, who grieve to see so soon

The feud commenc’d twixt Jackson and Calhoun:

Still one poor satirist may join the while,

And twist his muscles to sardonic smile.

Folly and vice conjoined and set on high,

Tempt e’en the sage to sneer, where he might sigh.

For who but feels the quick, indignant thrill

Of kindling rage, when arbitrary will

Drives from its last retreat the wasted tribe,

And Justice winks upon the golden bribe?
But why should reason, justice, pity, aim

To cope with fury in its boist’rous claim?

Breathe but a wish, the sleek and well-fed pack,

Bred to such clamours, open at your back.

Fly from the field, and Billingsgate let loose

Shall drench your head with slander and abuse.
‘Twas once the rule — those better days are fled —

For those who lived upon the people’s bread

To task their strength by every sage device,

To prop the state, and frown on reigning vice:

And he who held the purse-strings of the state

Scorned to descend to wars of party hate:

Spent not his nights, nor wore away his eyes

In darkly, forging periodic lies.

O’er sheets of grave finance he felt too pure

To frame Black Lists, a purpose to secure.

Alas! how changed, the verse need scarcely tell,

The Press (our glory) spreads the truth too well.

1 In the April (1831) Repertory, Mr. Alexander published a translation, by himself, of Hengstenberg’s interpretation of the first promise of the Messiah. To the same number he contributed a paper on the works of John Howe.

From distant fields the “heaven-born man” returns,
To whom the incense of the million burns:
See from th’ Augean toils of stern reform

The classic rise to guide the storm;

Rake from the muck-heap of confuted lies

Each putrid forgery, a golden prize.

With quill in hand, he sallies to the press

And telegraphs the mingled bitterness.

What though in days when inexpert and raw,

He praised the patriot who gave him law —

Raised from the Clay he leaned on through the storm,

He soars in loftier tracts of new reform;

Smiles at the simple innocence of youth,

And takes a last embrace of awkward truth.

Now, master of all work, he keeps accounts,
And proves by “rule of faults” the vast amounts
Of past default, embezzlement, and bribe:
Then lo! from cypherer, he rises scribe,
Displays the treasures of tra-montane wit,
And prompts the Chieftain in his drowsy fit.
For ’tis not always that the best of men
Can wield with equal skill the sword and pen,
Hand new commissions from the privy drawer,
And pen a message at his escritoir.
And should not spelling always be so pat,
Nosier Homerus sometimes dormitat.
Three pairs of spectacles cannot suffice
To make a head, too long neglected, wise;
And barbecues around a forest pole
Promote the “flow” of every thing but “soul.”
HOAV useful then, in framing exposes
To number such among his choice relays;
And should the piebald message sometimes soar,
And sometimes plunge in deep and heavy lore,
Muse not to find it bathic and yet stilted,
By many hands the article was quilted ***#-*.
Hiatus valdc dcflcndus!

I have received a second intimation from Lexington, Ky., that I was to be called to succeed John C. Young, who is now President of Danville College. I have sent them word that I cannot entertain their overtures. Dr. McLeod, the veteran seceder of New York, and a man of undoubted talents and extensive learning, is about to edit a magazine to be “intituled” The Christian Expositor; to be the vehicle for publishing his own works. He is a native of the Isle of Skye, and has a brother in the Royal army in India. Dr. Rowan of New York, who has hitherto looked with much distrust upon the special measures for promoting revivals, expressed to me on Tuesday evening, his strong conviction that the meetings in New York had been greatly blessed, and that the work was manifestly of God. Some of the most sturdy, old-fashioned Dutch and Scotch Presbyterians have been conciliated and gained over. I know how to understand the suspicious feelings of many of your old people. It is the reigning sentiment among the more influential persons of my church. The foreign news by the Sully up to the 19th ult., looks more and more like war. I cannot help feeling a deep interest in the efforts of the Poles; but how is it possible for them to avoid the impending tempest 1 How unfortunate it is that they have not revolutionized their language! Czartoryski, Czarnocki, Astrawsky, Wladislas-Ostrowsky, Barzykowsky: “a book was writ of late called Tetrachordon” — see Milton’s son net. The first article in the next Repertory [April, 1831] is from my father, containing the substance of his lecture on pre destination, which some of his students esteem one of his best attempts at Theologizing.

TRENTON, March 10, 1831.

I am not able to take “the Presbyterian,” though I am pleased with the numbers which they sent me. It is devoutly to be wished, that in “contending for the faith” which is enjoined, they may not “strive,” which is forbidden. A large number of persons will be suspicious of the paper from their dread of contention. The Misaclelphia Presbytery has not gained much credit in the view of those who hear the bruit, without under standing the matter in debate. I fear that the Sunday School Journal will become flat from the introduction of so many journals, which will give it the intolerable sameness of the [Missionary] Reporter. This I should greatly regret, for I know of no religious paper more likely to be extensively useful. The accounts from New York are truly cheering. In some of the little neighbourhoods near Princeton, in which the Seminary students labour, there are pleasing signs of religious awakening; as also in Queeenston, or Jugtown, the N. E. extremity of the village, several conversions. I have spent some truly delightful hours with Mr. Nasmith,2 the City Mission man. Both my people and myself have, I trust, been refreshed and awakened, by meeting with him. Seldom have I met with so much zeal with so little roughness. It is true my opportunities of judging were slender, yet I cannot but rank him among the best men of the age. He was the intimate friend of John Urquhart, of whose writing he

1 Altering the prefix of the city’s Greek name, to denote the prevailing polemics.

2 David Nasmith, from Scotland, was instrumental in promoting various organizations for the temporal and spiritual benefit of the poor in the United States, as well as in Great Britain. He died in 1889.

showed me a specimen; also a letter of Legh Richmond to him self, just after the death of his son AVilberforce; autograph letters and documents of Joseph Wolff, Mr. Judson, Earl Rawdon, Dr. Greville Ewing, Dr. Patterson of Russia, Wardlaw, and the author of the (Glasgow) Protestant, David Brown, and Dr. Morrison of China, and Marshman of Serampore, &c., &c. He is a remarkable young man for energy, and I may add talents, and I hope you will find him an agreeable and profitable friend. If he has not letters to Mr. Barnes, I wish you would use means to have them brought into contact. Some good will come of it. I am not sure that Mr. Nasmith’s plan of City Missions may not require important modifications to adapt it to America, but it is a noble enterprise. If carried out, it is a powerful organization of our churches as missionary bodies. New York has determined to have forty of these agents or missionaries in that city, Charleston eight. We are resolved to make a trial here. In the Seminary at Princeton, the number of young men who have devoted themselves to foreign missions, is greater than the whole number of those who have actually gone into the field in time past. This is a good indication; but are there not wonderful signs of the times, in every direction to which we can turn our eyes? May the Lord enable us, my dear friend, to live in the enjoyment of a spirit consonant with these things! I have been sadly thinking this morning of my own stupidity and insufficiency. I am a barren tree, long spared, in infinite mercy; but when will it be otherwise 1 If I could live one year as I ought to live, even as some do live, how gladly would I give up all that there is in life. I speak my genuine sentiments when I say I know not what to do; I feel that I am a babe. On one hand is dependence on myself; it has cast me down a thousand times, so that I fear to make a resolution; on the other hand is listlessness and inaction; through the influence of which I wait, and wait, and wait — and do nothing. Let us pray for one another, as I still have a hope that we know how to pray. I have some comfort in that precious word, 1 John ii. 1-3.

TREXTOX, March 29, 1831.

The Presbyterian pleases me very much, and is thus far a very instructive paper. Pray who is the author of the “Experiences “? They go to my very heart, and seem to me to give the hint for the right kind of religious diary. I requested the printer to hand you such proofs of this No. [of Repertory] as contain Greek and Hebrew. Remember that my omission of the accents is intentional, and a measure to which I am driven by desperation of their ever putting them right. I insert only the spiritus asper. I cannot read a number of the names in your list, and many words in your letters I discover only by circumstantial evidence. Still you are better than Mr.. An

article of his was sent to the Committee, and after being attempted by three, was thrown aside in despair; it was absolutely illegible. His other piece was well copied, and is much approved. You have perhaps heard of the awakening around Princeton. It ought not to have been mentioned in the papers. In Princeton proper, there is little or no revival, except in college. They have had a four-days’ meeting there; with what results I know not. I should have attended, had I not been kept here by a concurrence of duties. My own people are in a lamentable condition, yet I have in my own feelings more encouragement than ever since I have been here, and have been enabled for some time past, to give myself almost wholly to pastoral labours; ‘so that my breast is quite sore with the unintermitted exertion of lungs in singing, and prayer, and talking. The members of the church are evidently more awake, giving more attention to the signs of the times, and joining cordially in little family circles for conference, religious intelligence, and prayer; but the body of the people and many in the church are dead. For the last six evenings I have attended meetings in different precincts, each of which was more encouraging than the preceding. Last Sunday afternoon I preached to the convicts in the State’s prison. A more attentive audience I never had. Every eye was fixed; no averted look, no smiles, no shuffling, and at least a dozen were in tears. I spoke from the parable of the prodigal, and they seemed to sing with peculiar life —

“Take off his clothes of sin and shame,
The father gives command,” &c.

I think 1 never felt more the unspeakable privilege of preaching the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” Last week I conversed with those who are in the cells; one of whom was once an attendant (four times only) on our Sunday School; and another (24 years old) a convicted robber. The latter is as mild and comely a youth as you could well select; yet he has twice knocked down his keepers, and nearly killed a turnkey. Both of these men heard me with attention and tenderness. Let me recommend to you, if you have not attempted it, to try the delightful experiment of taking the gospel into the cells of your prisons, and to keep notes of cases and conversations. I have made some fruitless attempts to have a Bible class among the blacks; they are strangely averse to white interference. Since I lived in Virginia, I feel a peculiar yearning over these poor creatures, and sometimes feel as if I could joyfully devote myself to labouring among them. The heavy rain keeps rne from a row of visits which I had intended to make at this hour, and such is my guilty disinclination to this duty, that I am almost glad of the excuse. This and other kindred feelings convince me that I lack that love of souls which is the only permanent spur to ministerial faithfulness. Yet I sometimes feel a persuasion that the Lord will accept, for Christ’s sake, a duty performed against the current of natural feelings, faithfully and tremblingly, even if it is not so much a free-will offering as a self-denial. Though I have not the experience I desire, yet I think I long for it more than for any earthly happiness. Were it not for the Repertory, I should try to spend a week in New York.

By all means put in practice your project of turning to Greek and Hebrew. Let me, however, forewarn you, that if you use Stuart’s Hebrew Grammar, you will become a Hebraist, not by it, but in spite of it.

TRENTON, April 14, 1831.

Since I last wrote, it has pleased God to make me the father of a boy; for which, and the comfortable state in which my wife is, I desire to be deeply thankful. This event, which is an epoch in our poor little lives, took place on the morning of the 8th inst. The child is called “Archibald George,” as simple Archibald is no designation in our family. When I consider how great the sufferings of the female sex are, I scarcely know how to explain the matter, or assign the final cause, unless it be that God in great mercy chooses to apply suffering, as a means of grace, to those who are intended to be useful in forming the infant mind and giving early impressions. Since last Sabbath (our communion then occurred) we perceive something like a more awakened state of feeling amongst us. Several, I believe, to be deeply anxious, and several converted, and a number more in that peculiar state of susceptibility and attention, which is neither conviction, nor yet indifference, but a mean betwixt the two. Could I divide myself into a dozen, I might find ample employment. Some men perform this operation by means of their zealous members; but we are not sufficiently awake for my congregation to aid much. Still it is my hope that the spirit of grace and supplications which seems to be poured out, is but the beginning of a more extensive and gracious effusion. Fifteen were admitted to our communion on last Lord’s day, ten of whom were from the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware. I am solicitous to know what are the safest and best methods of instituting and conducting inquiry meetings. Let me know even to particulars what are the results of your observation during the increased attention to religion in Philadelphia.

There are dangers attendant upon revivals of religion, which escape the notice of those who are most active in promoting them, while they are obvious to sharp-sighted men, who suspect the whole affair of revivals. “Fas est a hoste doccri.” It is unwise for some of our brethren to repel, as they do, all inquiry as to the prudence of their measures. A great and lamentable evil, into which weak but sometimes pious men fall, is the indiscriminate application of special means to all circumstances and cases, without regarding the principle upon which such and such measures have been instituted with success. Thus the imitators of Mr. Nettleton make sad work by doing what they have seen him do, without possessing that almost superhuman sagacity which enables him to avoid failure, by addressing his efforts to certain principles of human nature. This is, no doubt, religious empiricism; and I constantly feel myself hampered by its existence among the more zealous part of my flock. It is like a good quack-ess of my neighbourhood, who is always saying: “take this,” and “take that.” It is the same error under a different form with that of the old formal, respectable, anti-revival Presbyterians. These say: “Our fathers did so and so, and we will do so too.” The others say: “Mr. Finney does so and so, and you must do so.” I freely confess that I have had much doubt respecting “anxious meetings,” as they arc commonly called, especially as I have sometimes seen them conducted. There is a certain stage of an awakening when they are indispensable; i. e. where the number of seeking souls is great; but many of my brethren use them as a means of awakening, ITow far is this correct? An individual is tender and somewhat alarmed; comes with a vague impression to the inquiry-meeting; is conversed with; is visibly set apart as an inquirer; is thus self-committed; must do something, or seem to do something; is there not room for fear of evil? of hypocrisy? And from the perfunctory manner in which discourse is conducted, is there not sometimes much daubing with untempered mortar? I want the aid of your eyes and judgment in this matter, and I believe I propose my doubts in the spirit of candour. I may have a meeting of the kind before a week is over my head. If you will accept of a translation I made a year ago of Gcsenius’ Elementarbuch, extending as far as through the vowel system, you shall have it.

Tell Packard without delay to print a set of texts on the, verse system, for at least two months. Thousands would adopt it at once. We can do nothing till we have this indispensable basis of union.

My dear friend, is your heart attaining more and more to a felt communion with the Lord Jesus Christ as your head, and source of all vital influence? Here, alas! I err most. “Looking unto Jesus,” is a motto suited to every hour. Duties performed, as I perform so many, with a legal spirit, are heavy to the soul and scarcely acceptable to God. In word or in deed to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks, rejoicing, relying on Him; this I find in the New Testament, in Whitefield, in the Tennents, in Newton, in some living men; but not in all who are zealous and bustling around me. “To know Him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings,” &c., Paul, the active Paul, seemed to think the great mark at which he might ever aim. Here I am conscious of a daily and habitual short-coming. The Christian paradox is, AY hen most active, most dependent. The two ideas are beautifully comprised in the words: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” When we are most abundant in labours, we feel most our dependence on God; and if we would stimulate ourselves to Christian activity, we can take no better way than to dwell in meditation and prayer on the truth that it is “God who worketh in us,” &c., and that “He giveth more grace.” By the bye, Mr. — - preached us last evening a plain, pungent, sound, effective discourse. If Cecil is right, that “eloquence is vehement simplicity,” then is eloquent, with all his hemming and grossierete. I hope I have learned something from his earnest, humble, and solemn manner in private. I am ashamed of being so timorous in a cause which might make a coward bold, and have never appreciated the full weight of the command, “preach to every creature” as some appear to do., I should think, (having only your fragmentary extract to judge from,) is endeavouring to persuade himself that he is converted, upon insufficient grounds. “Edwards on the Affections,” abridged by Ellerby, would admirably apply to his case. Ah! perhaps, I sometimes have thought, this same error is my own. Natural conscience and intellectual light may go very far; but to be born again, to have “all things become new,” to have “crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts,” to have the leading of the Spirit, the mind of the Spirit, the walk of the Spirit, the seal of the Spirit, the inhabitation of the Spirit; this is that which I long after, but do not often ascertain to my satisfaction.

TRENTON, April 23, 1831.

Our letters appear to me to assume a more useful character since we have entered more into sober discourse upon the realities of religion; and they may become means of mutual instruction and correction, if we should do no more than occasionally start a question for future elimination. What you say of me and mine, gives me that peculiar satisfaction which the sincere expression of amicable feelings always does; “he that is a friend, must sheio himself friendly.” And now let me say in reply: “The Lord hear thee,” &c., Ps. xx. 1-4.

Pay son deeply affects me, but not as Brainerd does; in one case you have the man always before your mind in alto-relievo; in the other, you are directed away from him to the work of the Spirit in him. Edwards’ concluding remarks to the Life of Brainerd, are wonderfully searching and appropriate at the present religious crisis. There seems more reason than ever to hope that the Barnes’ question in the General Assembly, will be discussed and issued in a holy manner; and may set at rest a great class of questions. “What you say of extraordinary and doubtful measures for exciting religious feeling, tallies exactly with

what I hear from ’s anxious-meetings, and from other

quarters. I dare not, attempt such things, though if I should, I am persuaded I could next week say in the Evangelist that we have forty inquirers. I feel that this is a question of awful responsibility; and oh how strongly do I wish to be led aright, and to avoid cowardice and formality; but then, human souls and the cause of Christ are not surely fit subjects for these perilous psychological experiments.

Have you ever read “Francke’s Guide to the Study of the Holy Scriptures, Philad., D. Hogan, 1823” 1 If not, read it. The translation is horrid, and obscure beyond any thing of the kind, but the book is truly golden. You will profit by his advice as to Hebrew. You know he was an eminent Hebraist. The Princeton scholars, after Stuart, pronounce the Kametz like aw in awl, or a in tall, fall. This the Jews do not, nor does Lee, nor Gesenius, nor Frey, nor any cognate dialect except Persian, as Addison has clearly shown me. The true sound is the German, French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Syriac A, as a in father. Gesenius and Lee say it is a great abuse to pronounce t like dh, (that is th in that,) as some do. Beware of Portuguese Jews. I have heard several of them read n like s in sing, this; and Kametz like o in pole. Read from the very start with the tone or accent on the proper syllable; this the former Princeton students all neglected; e. g. they said kataltem for kataltem. When two ways are equally easy, the right is best and shortest, You may in a half hour, learn this without knowing any thing of the accentual system; which is a fanfaronade. Read Lee’s Grammar, that is, dip into it fox your amusement. I have found, after toiling through many grammars, no rules so practical and useful as those at the end of Bythncr’s “Lyra Prophetica.” Following a hint of Henry Martyn, (v. Life,) I have arranged all the Hebrew verbs according to the last radical, the last but one, &c. A moment’s thought will show you the use of this; as so many words differ only in the last radical, and as irregular inflections affect chiefly the ultimate and penultimate. Addison’s plan is to go doggedly to work and commit roots. This is the universal method of the Pundits in teaching Sanscrit. I fear I shall have to take a jaunt soon. I am very lean and nervous, and worn down by constant pacing — pacing — pacing. Yesterday without seeking it, I discovered three cases of hopeful conversion; all isolated; all young; all in silence; one of them very striking and remarkable. They attribute nothing to human means, yet I have a satisfaction in knowing that I have recently spoken pointedly to two of them more than once. I have just returned from the funeral of Ebenezer Rose, late an elder in the Trenton First Church, [now Ewing township,] he would have been eighty-seven years old this day; his disease, cancer of the mouth. He was a saint indeed, and to his dying day enjoyed those rapturous exercises which we are too much accustomed to think belong to young converts only. A church-full of people were present, and much tenderness of feeling prevailed.

I find the little “Help to the Gospels” [a Sunday School book] very useful in my private reading and meditations. It seems to me better suited for adult Christians in solitude, than for schools. Even the tautological questions serve to fix the minutiae of the passage in my mind. As far as I am able to learn, Mr. Nettleton does none of those objectionable things which many less experienced labourers in revivals lay so much stress on. In Virginia I had a good opportunity of learning his methods, and so far as I am informed, every thing was conducted with remarkable decorum and solemnity. We need something like “Class-meetings” to prevent the frequent collapses after revivals. True they are susceptible of abuse, but not more than anxious-meetings; I think far less. The plan is, at any rate, a masterpiece of religious policy. 1 have read eight out of the ten volumes of Wesley’s works, and esteem him one of the greatest and best men that ever lived. My father has just arrived, to preach for me to-morrow.

TRENTON, May 30, 1831.

If you have any intention of meeting me at Burlington, I do you to wit that by a change of the measures I am to minister there on Friday, not Thursday evening. Should you get there before me, leave a card or note in Bessonett’s tap-room. I left my wife on Friday, and have heard nothing since from her; you will be pleased to learn that she was then convalescent, though still very, very weak, and much emaciated. You know, my dear friend, for better than I, how severe are those pangs which reach us through a beloved one: pardon this seeming tearing open of a wound. How hard to the flesh is the lesson 1 Cor. vii. 29-31. I lately preached on it; but only the Spirit can write it on our hearts. Have you read Matthew Henry’s life 1 (by Williams, Bost. 1830.) I have never read a more truly instructive, or cheering biography. Read it, for the sake of bleeding orthodoxy. Apropos let me give you some facts. My authority is unexceptionable; but you may rebate for hyperboles in the transmission. P, the Cambridge Unitarian professor, was at the

examination in Princeton. He told a judicious and veracious

man, and the latter told me, that he considered and his

school as approximating very nearly to their (the Unitarian) views, in all that is essentially distinctive, and as travelling the road which the Boston liberals had pursued; and added:” they

will soon stand on our ground.” He said also, that

(late Editor Unitarian Miscellany, and a low humanitarian and

Priestleyite) brought him the Review of, with great glee,

as indicating a going over to their sentiments in the main questions. On dit, likewise, that has advised the Boston Orthodox ministers to revert to the old plan of exchanging with the Unitarians in preaching, as the best method of bringing them round. Do not charge me with slandering; if these are true statements, they ought to be pondered; and they, at least, excuse the apparent illiberality of some ancient and tried friends of our church, who tremble at the introduction of a liberality so wide as to take in latitudinarians. My own conviction is this: that the Newhavenites, while they confess the divinity of Christ, and the agency of the Holy Spirit, do (in their system) deny all that

makes these doctrines indispensable. Prof., who has

talked much with, says that the latter avows his belief

that the only reason why he adds the agency of the Spirit to his system is that he finds it in the Scriptures, not that there is any place in his scheme, which can be filled by this doctrine only.

PRINCETON, June 14, 1831.

For some eight or nine days I have been here in dry dock, enjoying the otium without the dignitate, and the several refraiehissemens of milk diet, blue pill, and cathartic extract. If I had known exactly where to find you, I should probably before this have fallen upon your neck in quocunque loco, for I have greatly desiderated a compagnon de voyage, and am now seriously meditating a jaunt to Saratoga. Professor Vcthake may do me the kindness of sharing my ennui, but of this I dubitate. The atrabilious temperament is favourable to polemics, and I have accordingly made a tilt against the wine-sacks of Pelagius Taylor et id genus omne, having been delving very doggedly at the controversial divinity of the 17th century. Truly I am astounded at the acumen and learning of the Reformed theologians; I mean those of whom a specimen appears at the Synod of Dort, A. D. 1618 — ’19. The scholastic studies of the age, while they perhaps confined the mind to a narrow channel, increased the vigorous impetuosity of the torrent. I perceive no important point in the controversy actuellement agitated in America, which was not apprehended and brought out in full proportion and relief by these ancients. You will observe that at this famous Synod, all the articles of high-Calvinism were signed by Carleton, Bp. of Llandaff, by Bp. Hall, by Davenant, and Ward, master of Sydney College, Cambridge. I descend now to the earth, to say that it is moistened with a precious shower, and that the country is better than the town; and this I say, after having received another importunate though informal solicitation to the American Sunday School Union. I am holding myself in suspense: of this, not a whisper. Princeton is certainly the pleasantest summer retreat in the world. So judgeth a semi-native. I have been reading the second book of Cicero de Oratore, with very much delight. I then tried the Orations, but ennuyated so furiously that I surrendered. Also a file of “Archives du Christianisme,” 1831, in which are noticeable the following: The persecution of “dissidentes” in Neufchatel continues. Sunday School spirit rising in France, in connexion with the noted “Methode Jacotot.” Adolphe Monod, a young evangelical, is the greatest pulpit orator in France. The Protestants have great hopes of the revival of piety. N. B. The orthodoxy of the reviving Church of France, is that of the Reformers. Pray take a voyage, and write me letters from the other side. Seriously I recommend it to you, and I believe that you might thereby fit yourself for new usefulness in this country. Great Britain at least would fill up a pleasant and profitable year. However, the great query with all of us should 1)0, where and how can we fit ourselves best for the Lord’s work. The mere romance, even of religious effort, which tinges our views, is doubtless to be rejected. When I left you in Philadelphia, I intended to return before the mob [General Assembly] dispersed, but being indisposed and nervous, 1 took better counsel and remained procul a negotiis. And furthermore, lest I should be like the Irishman in “modern Chivalry,” who cast himself VOL. i. — 8 from his coach into a row, crying “heaven direct me to the right side,” I determined to study the matters in debate a little more impartially and deliberately. Perhaps I could point to clergymen who have committed themselves as partisans, much in advance of their own convictions. Such things may do in paltry politics where the dispute is “de lana caprina,” but in matters affecting the plan of salvation, they are perilous. I am hourly admonished of my danger of judging before having evidence.

The great danger as to the upshot of the Barnes’ controversy, seems to be this: The case which is held up to public view, and which excites to a kind of phrenzy men and even babes and women is: Must Mr. B. be sustained? Now, though this involves the doctrinal question, yet independently of the latter, it is decided, pro or con., upon general and worldly principles, often those of mere feeling; and this decision once made in either direction, there is a, prepossession formed which militates for a lifetime with candid search after the truth. I suspect that scores of spinsters in your city have become far more “liberal” theologians than ever Mr. B. will be. Our Princeton men are considered by certain soi-disant standards as “sneaking,” “on the fence,” &c. There certainly is such a thing as righteous moderation, and those who have practised it have, as far as I know, in every age stood between two fires, incurring the wrath of both sides. It requires perhaps more solidity than some of these juvenile seignors have imagined, to keep this position where two seas meet. A crowd is a very convenient support to men of weak spines. But lest I degenerate into personalities and nosmetipsisms, — you will remember that I desire your company upon a jaunt. I don’t pledge myself to go, but write instanter.

PRINCETON, June 17, 1831.

I write somewhat hastily to advise you that I expect, writh Divine permission, to go to-morrow to New York, on my way to Saratoga. So much are our ailments antipodal to one another, that from your letter I perceive that we cannot at present pursue health in partnership. Mine is the yellow, bilious, liver ish, dyspeptical, summer complaint — the beginning of those diseases which have already so often brought me down. And if you have (as I hope you will find not to be the case) any pulmonary lesion, or tendency to phthisic, I suppose you are right in avoiding both Saratoga and the seashore. There are some of the Virginia springs which I have more confidence in than any thing I know of on earth, (I speak of the disorder you fear,) except a prompt exile to low southern latitudes. I have in recollection, several cases of entire cure from the latter. Most, however, wait until the lungs have become actually affected with tubercles, which come to abscesses when it is too late to travel; and many content themselves with a resting-place too far north. St. Augustine is the spot I should aim at in such a case, I think you will have the offer of the Sunday School Union secretaryship, which I have just told Mr. Baird I could not accept. I have no belief that my health could endure the labour which, to an indefinite extent, would be heaped upon a secretary whose work is so little circumscribed by determinate limits. I propose to remain a few days at Saratoga, or Ballston; perhaps as long as the waters may suit me. I go purely for health, and expect to suffer a good deal from intercourse with frivolous and uncongenial people. I shall be pleased to fall in with some who may instruct me in methods of usefulness, or in any truth of which I am ignorant, and shall aim at interviews with ministers and pious laymen. My child has never been well, having had strong symptoms of hydrocephalus since his birth. He is small and always sick, and cannot use milk in any form or measure. The Lord do with him what shall be for His glory! thus we try to feel, yet my heart cries aloud: “O that Ishmael might live before thee.” Never have I much cheerful hope except when I study to resign myself and mine, totally and unreservedly, to a merciful Saviour and King. I am myself a bruised reed, always crushed when set to sustain the right kind of work, yet through infinite grace not yet broken.

TRENTON, July 16, 1831.

I am pleased to hear that you are so agreeably situated at Gcrmantown, [near Philadelphia,] and have no doubt that if you can avoid ennui, your health will be speedily re-established. The scenes you daily survey are faintly present to my recollections, from having been visited by our family for several successive summers. As it regards air and rural peculiarities, 1 consider Trenton as altogether a country-place. In three minutes I can, from our door, bury myself in thick forests, or “babble of green fields” in as pleasant meadows as I know, or hearken to the murmur of the Delaware rapids; and since I have lived here, we have had no epidemic. I was absent six weeks, and during that period my services were needed at only one funeral. I visited New York, Albany, (where I endured the 4th,) Troy, Lansingburgh, Waterford, Ballston, Saratoga, and Hudson. The rains rendered my sojourn at the springs uncomfortable, but at the same time refreshed nature so as to make the North River scenery indescribably charming. I found great benefit from the Congress water; the other springs were, to me, mere poison. In hepatic affections of every kind, I look upon the Congress spring as approaching the nature of a specific. I was driven away too soon, by the insufferable plague of listlessness, attached to all watering-places, and by a raging tooth-ache. “Causa sublata, tollitur effectus.” I have the stubborn root in my pocket. I have just negatived an invitation to preach Sunday after next at Baltimore, second church, with a view to my being called to supply Mr. Breckinridge’s place. And, in truth, having in my jaunt seen a number of congregations, and many ministers, (all lamenting hinderances and grievances,) I should be unwilling to exchange Trenton for any pastoral charge which I have ever seen, excepting only Charlotte C. H. Va., which it would be sheer madness for me to undertake with my atrabilious temperament. Last Lord’s day wo were favoured with the addition of eleven persons to our church, four of whom are active men. This is a good addition in a place wThere we have to draw upon the same congregation at all times, for we have no floating population or rival churches to select from. There are, I suppose, fifteen or twenty inquiring souls among us, and for four months the standard of piety has been quietly and steadily rising. Could this continue, it is just what I desire. I say so after having been in the furnace of new measures in the Troy Presbytery. I hope, however, that I am learning to be forbearing. I am perhaps as thin and feeble as you ever saw me, though relieved within a few weeks from my violent head-aches and bilious symptoms. Every hour I am made to think of death, and feel how slight is my tenure upon all that unduly engages my attention. May WTC so enter into the great realities of another world, as to be prepared to depart joyfully whenever the summons may come.

PRINCETON, August 6, 1831.

It was but a few minutes ago that I had the first hint of your having been seriously indisposed, and I cannot forbear writing without delay. Your silence was indeed long, but as your letters for some time past have made no mention of any thing further than the debility of the summer, I had no suspicion that your health was impaired. And even now, I hear only vaguely that your constitution seems to be threatened. While I endeavour to cherish every hope, I am very anxious to know how you are, and wherein I can contribute to your comfort. I should not thus coldly maintain a distant conversation, if it were practicable for me to pay you a visit; but this is providentially precluded by a lameness from a sprain, which, with my other ailments has kept me to my chamber for nearly three weeks. I have been very weak and thin for months past; and though the symptoms of disease have nearly vanished, 1 am so much unnerved as to be next to useless. I know of nothing so well adapted to satisfy the mind under trials of this kind, as the simple truth, that we and all our concerns are ruled and disposed of by a Sovereign Mediator, whose, I humbly trust, we are, and whom we serve, for “they also serve who only stand and wait,” as Milton beautifully and consolingly expresses it. 1 wish I were able to speak of deeper and richer experience of the truth that it is good to be afflicted. So often have I been chastised with personal suffering, that I am at times alarmed to think that this trying visitation has so little purified and elevated my soul. Yet there have been seasons of affliction, especially of sickness, in which I have known more of the power and of the joy of religion, than ever in my life, and in which I have understood how glorious is that grace of the gospel which can “give songs in the night” of pain and weariness. An ordinary concomitant of bodily weakness is depression of spirits, and morbid susceptibility of impressions which alarm or grieve the mind. Under these, the most resolute and the best men have sometimes bowed, and it becomes important to learn how we may be relieved from an influence so deleterious to the spiritual exercises of the heart. And here, I really believe, we too often undervalue the treasures of the Word of God, and especially the unspeakable gift — the crowning mercy — our Lord Jesus Christ. In times of peril and sickness, I have remarkably felt that I had made too little of access to the Saviour himself. Joy is more certainly diffused through our souls, by a simple, filial approach to the cross, than by any means which I have any idea of. This is remarkably characteristic of the apostolic and primitive experience. The triumphant hope and glorying of the apostle Paul, exhibited in the first part of the 2d Epistle to the Corinthians, seems to have flowed from such child like faith: “We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiscth the dead: who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us: ye also helping together by prayer,” &c.; “As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation aboundeth by Christ” The 4th and 5th chapters have revived my soul in some degree, within a few weeks past, when I have had very melancholy prospects as to my future health and usefulness.

Do we not restrict our faith in prayer too much to spiritual blessings 1 I know these are infinitely the more important, and that our petitions for earthly good are to be under submission to the Divine will; but then how plain it is, that when Christ was on earth, he listened to the requests of the sick and mourning, that he never eluded any one who asked healing and deliverance, as asking amiss, and that he invariably heard the prayer of all such. How plain, but how much forgotten, that he is the same Saviour now, with just .the same views of poor, suffering, and sinning men. How explicit the promise, James v. 14. But however tried, it is still undeniable, that if we believe, all things shall work together for our good, and with this assurance we may pray with absolute certainty that our prayers shall be answered in kind, or in a higher and nobler measure and way than we intend. Let me assure you that I shall endeavour to offer my feeble petitions for your temporal and spiritual welfare. My belief of the prevalence of the prayers which we make in behalf of individuals is strong. Dr. Rice remarked, in a letter of his which I lately read, that he had often, he thought, been prayed back to life from the jaws of death. He is now slowly rising from a long illness, which baffled all the means used, and all the hopes of his friends. After all, however, our prospect would be dark indeed, if we had only this world to which we might cling. Blessed be God, our anchor is within the vail, and our hope is of an inheritance incorruptible. To see Jesus, and with him to sec all saints who have gone before, is a glory which we may expect; and the belief of this, independent of all other things, is support under the greatest trials. All these things occur to you daily; yet they may not be without some force when coming from the pen of a sincere friend.

PRINCETON, August 1Y, 1831.

In strictness of epistolary exchange, I ought to wait for a letter from you, but as I suppose you are more of an invalid just now than myself, I shall wave the rule and give you such things as I have. Since I have been unwell, I have read a book by J. G. Pike, containing some eighty or a hundred death-bed accounts of pious men. Although clumsily compiled, it is rich in refreshing matter. Apropos of Martyn’s life; the London Christian Observer (somewhere about 1814-17) has many private letters of his, which are better than any thing in his published “Life.” I was struck with the remarks on the truth “that we must die alone” especially as so singularly and beyond his meaning verified in the circumstances of his own decease. Middleton’s Evangelical Biography, 4 vols., Lond., is a fine work. I am particularly pleased with the dying triumphs, under poignant sufferings, of the celebrated Andrew Rivet. Very deeply do I sympathize with some of your feelings, respecting the lowness of piety in many professors — above all in myself — the want of TrXypoopLa, and the idolatry of this world. Still 1 find it more to my comfort, certainly more to my profit, to acknowledge the grace of God in those manifestations of piety which do exist — manifestations which none but God can produce, and which are intended to show forth his glory, and therefore to be recognised by us. All the religion of Bible examples, so far as they are given in detail, is mixed and alloyed, saving only that of our blessed Saviour; and “weak faith” is a necessary term of relation and comparison, unless all faith is the same in degree, which would preclude the growth of our graces, and render the comparison of the “grain of mustard” nugatory. No doubt hypocrites will pervert this to their own destruction, and our reason might tempt us to elevate a standard which should make no allowance for defect, but such is not the scriptural account. The fear of death is a natural sentiment, which often exists by association in hearts which have more unquestionable marks of piety than the most ardent desire of death could be. Whatever explanation we may give of it, it cannot be denied that men, of whose piety we are assured by inspiration, have prayed to be delivered from death — Psalm vi.; especially Ilezekiah — Isaiah chap, xxxvii. — and God was pleased to grant this as a blessing, and holy men have rendered thanksgiving for the deliverance as a mercy — Psalm cxvi. Epaphroclitus “was sick, nigh unto death, but God had mercy on him.” The soul ought unconditionally to submit to God, willing to live or die; but I am ready to think that more has been made of willingness to die, as an evidence of piety, than the Scriptures make of it. Long life is even promised as a blessing; I suppose for two principal reasons — 1st, that we may do more for saving souls, (a work confined, for all that we know, to this life;) and 2dly, that we may attain greater piety, and thus have a greater capacity for heaven, and greater reward there. This is perfectly consistent with Paul’s estimate of heaven as “far better,” for the rest is at any moment better than the labour; still, the latter may be lawfully desired, in order to an increased enjoyment of the former. It is right to wish to see in all the faith of Abraham; but we see only one Abraham in the Bible, and many imperfect Davids, Jobs, and Peters. Moreover, I doubt not the same kind of faith is in exercise as often now. Understand me now, not as suggesting that wre should be content with lower measures; by no means; but as dissenting from the doubt which you say you have of the reality of your own faith and that of the Christian community generally. This doubt is not, I think, encouraged by the tenor of Scripture, and tends, not to piety,

but to the rejection of it. For surely the heart-rending conclusion that all are wrong, saps the foundation of Christianity itself. So, also, there is a sinful complaint under affliction, so sinful as to vitiate all a man’s title; and a complaint (such as the hundreds of David) which is compatible with the actual

176 WHILE PASTOE IN TRENTON”.

vigour of entire submission. “If it “be possible let this cup pass.” We may say this in faith, and to say this is not to rebel. Chastisement would be nothing, were it not felt to be afflictive; and no affliction is joyous; afterward it yieldcth the peaceable fruits of righteousness. The feelings you express have given me pain, for I have had them all, and I would pray all who value the sweetness, and serenity, and joy of piety, to war against them as morbid. On this subject I have recently read some of Newton’s letters with profit. This is a day of solemnity in the Seminary. Six young men are just about to depart on foreign missions, and the professors and students are observing a day of fasting and prayer with them. They are beloved youth — all of them manifesting a primitive zeal and love. The Lord go with them and bless them. We have great, glorious tidings of wonderful awakenings in Virginia — in my old region, and also at Lexington, where many of my relations are hopefully converted. My heart sinks at the thought that now, when I am laid aside, I can look back on so little good done. I hope the Lord has ser vice for you in his church, and will speedily restore you. My friends Christmas, Aikman, and Wilson are gone! May God have mercy not on you only but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow; yet let us, as frail and dying creatures, live in view of death.

“0 for an overcoming faith
To cheer my dying hours.”

My health is in statu quo; my lameness better, my child convalescent, and my wife well. The Lord be praised for his mercies. My mind reposes with rather more than usual peace on the divine promise ov p,rj (re ai/w, os’ ov pr ere ey/caraXi/no.

TRENTON, October 11, 1831.

Without descending to the use of superlatives, I am pleased to know that you have returned so much better, and that our correspondence has recommenced. For your two letters I am thankful, though at this time I have not wherewithal to pay you in kind. At this moment I am jaded by writing almost all day for the Repertory, for which I generally have to provide thirty or forty pages of balaam. I am pretty much determined to dissolve my connexion with it [as editor] after this number. To come at once to the most important matter now pending between us, viz., your intentions with regard to the ministry; you know already that I rejoice at your views, and desire that your wishes may be

1 The five negatives of this text (Ileb. xiii. 5) are thus rendered in Doddridge’s Expositor: “I will not, I will not leave thee, I will never, never, never forsake thee.”

realized. The commonplaces (however momentous) on the responsibility, &rc., I .-hall omit, as being as open to your view as to mine. I seriously wish you could come to Princeton; and this, 1 think, apart from any personal predilections. Every day I regret that I did not take the full course there, (having been tutor, as you remember.) Now, as a private student, you would have about the same advantages that I have now, and I assure you that they can in no degree supply the want of the facilities of the Seminary. I am far from considering the mere lectures of the Professors as the most important part. I hold the benefits, arising from the relation which the students have to one another, as incalculably great, and that particular kind of life as affording an admirable discipline.

I wrote thus far on the llth, and now, after having been absent at Synod, and some other things, proceed upon the 23d October. The meeting of our Synod was interesting; no judicial or party business, no heat — not enough even to warm the debate. Revivals have visited about half our churches, and what is strange, principally those of the ultra [old school] of Newton Presbytery. In one church (Mansfield) a great revival is in progress without any new measures, not even an inquiry meeting. I lay no stress upon this, but mention it as repelling the invidious charge of our opposing brethren that revivals are the seals of new doctrine and new measures only. For my own part, I believe that revivals depend not so much, as is thought, upon phases of doctrine, or petty arrangements, as upon the ardent piety and zealous labours of humble Christianity, apart from all these things. You are aware that the Princeton men arc in very ill odour with the extreme droite of the Philadelphia Presbytery. The Repertory is considered as a craven publication, because it did not take sides at once on the Barnes controversy. Now all this is exceedingly impolitic in the Philadelphia gentlemen. By excluding as “fence-men” all who have not fully participated in their panic, they run the risk of reducing their party to a mere handful. The truth is, the Princctonians are as thoroughly old-school in their* theology as Dr. Green himself, but they are unable to see that it is the path of duty to denounce every dissen tient individual, more particularly as it requires no sagacity to observe that the policy of Wm. L. McCalla, &c., can never result in the adoption of their measures by the church at large.

Among my people there is nothing very encouraging. The absence of a pastor has always a disorganizing effect upon a congregation. Some among us profess to desire a revival, but I plainly discern the prevalence of a common error among our professors; they wish to shift from themselves the responsibility VOL. i. — 8* of a groat and united effort towards a revival, and to put all their hopes in a four days’ meeting. I preached last Sunday in defence of revivals and against this error.

TRENTON, November 21, 1831.

I thought, and still think, that my last contained every thing with reference to your proposed course of study which I am able to communicate, except in the matter of books, which I now take up as being the most important item of your inquiries. And first, I must altogether decline attempting a precise, exact enumeration of the works which must be read. Nemo dat’ quod non habet. If I had such a list, three-fourths of my daily read ing might be spared. Such a list must vary with the peculiar character of every individual’s studies, and the rather in your case, as you propose a course not altogether regular. 1 could not venture to name such books on my own responsibility. When at Princeton, the Professors used to name, at the end of each lecture, the best authors for consultation on those topics; and a list digested in this manner, might be made without difficulty, though it would fill a quire of paper. To do as well as I can, however, as you have laid out of the inquiry wrorks on the “Evidences,” and as I suppose you to know as well as myself what books are standard in Ecclesiastical History and Hermeneutics, I shall confine myself to Theology.

1. Works Introductory, or showing how to study. Taylor’s Scheme of SS. Div., (in Watson’s Tracts, vol. 1;) Leighton’s Lectures; Eranke’s Guide.

2. Systems. Turretine or Pictct, (French,) for the Reformed; Stackhouse for the Arminians of England; Richard Watson for the Wcsleyans; Ridgcly; Dwight.

3. Character of God. Clarke’s Sermons; Witherspoon, vol. 4; Saurin, vol. 1; P.iley; Charnock on Div. Att.; Tillotson, vol. 1; Hopkins, vol. 1; Edwards on God’s Last End; Emmons.

4. Trinity. Horsley; J. Pye Smith; Woods; Stuart; Ware; Norton; Channing; Morns Epit. Theol. Christ.; Shcr-

, lock’s Vinci, of Trin.; Priestley; Belsham’s Essays; Jamieson’s Vindication; Bates’ Works; Abaddie on Div. of Christ; Nares’ Remarks on the Improved Version; Bulli Defens. Fid. Nicen; Pearson on the Creed; a chapter of Hooker’s Ecc. Polity; Owen on the Person of Christ; Wardlaw; Wynpersee; Clarke on the Trinity; Allix’s Judgment of Ancient Jewish Church; Mordecai’s Analogy; Socinus; Select parts of Barrow; Calvin; Doderlein and Elatt.

5. Decrees, d-c. Calvin; 5 Edwards, 351-500; 1 Turretine; 1 Hopkins, c. 4; Armmii Op. pp. 98, 458, 634; Twisse (supralapsarian) do Scientia Med.; Zanchii do Predcst.; 4 Witherspoon, 75; Fuller’s Gos. Worthy, &c.; Baxter’s Cath. Theol., part 1; Witsii Econ. Feed. B. iij. c. 4; Dickinson on the 5 points; Whitby on the same; Cole on Sovereignty of God; Scott and Tomline; Oeuvres de Claude, vol. 4; Edwards on Will; West’s Moral Agency; Priestley, Lib. and Necessity; Leibnitz cont. with Clarke, (usually bound together, in Lat. and French;) Collins on Necessity; Wcarburton’s Div. Leg., p. 1, p. 46; 1 Hopkins; King’s Origin Evil; Williams’ Vindication.

6. Original Sin and Depravity. Taylor on Or. Sin; Edwards do.; 1 Smalley’s Sermons; 1 Turrctine; Whitby on O. S.; 1 Emmons; Stapfer, (who treats the whole range of polemics;) Witsii EC. Feed., vol. 1; Boston’s Fourfold State; 4 Witherspoon; Scott and Tomline; Wesley’s Sermons; Strong’s Sermons; 1 Bellamy; Burgess on O. S.; Spring’s Disquisition; Fletcher’s Appeal.

7. Atonement. Daubcny on Atone.; Magic; Griffin; Beman; Owen’s Vind. Evang.; Outram de Sacrifices; Calvin, Turretine, &c; Selections on the At.; West on At.; Taylor and Hampton; Wardlaw on Extended At.; Bates; Murdock’s, Stuart’s, and Dana’s Sermons; Fuller’s and Scott’s Essays; Edwards, (select;) 1 Bellamy, 390; Burge on At.; Barrow’s Sermons on Univ. Redemp.; Grotii de Satisfac., (a noble work on the “forensic” question;) Owen’s Salus Electorum; Van Maestricht, De Moor, and Marckius on all Calvinistic points; Veysie’s Bampton Lectures.

8. Regeneration. Besides above: Owen on Spirit, (large;) Bellamy, Scott, Witherspoon, Doddridge; Witsius; 2 Charnock; Noesselti de intcrno test. Spir. Sanct.; Backus on Reg .; Edwards; Park St. Lectures; D wight; Hopkins on Holiness; Fiddes’ Treat, on Morals; Edwards’ Affections.

9. Justification. Oeuvres de Claude; Owen on Just.; Witherspoon; Taylor’s Key to Romans; Edwards on Just.; 2 Barrow, 41; 2 Tillotson, 346; Bulli Opera, Harmon. Apost.; Tuckney’s Proelect. I. p. 26.

“10. Perseverance. Dickinson; Whitby; 1 Wesley’s Serm.; Zanchii Misccll. de Persev. Sanct.; De Moor; 5 Toplady; 2 Gill, 313; 1 Newton, 162; 2 Hornbcck’s Compend. B. 1, c. 4.

11. Future State — Heaven and Hell — Universalism, <&c. 1 Belsham’s Essays; 1 Priestley on Matthew and Sp.; 2 Hopkins, 213; Warburton; Tillotson, Ser. X.; 2 Barrow, 343; Bates and Howe in loco. Edwards agt. Chauncey; Ballou; Huntington’s Calv. Improved; Strong’s Benevolence and Misery; Purves’ Humble Attempt; 2 Doclerlein, 173; Burge on Atone. Appx.; Spaulding’s Univ. destroys itself; 1 Hammond’s W. 709; Foster’s Nat. Religion, c. 9; Simpson’s Essays, p. 1; Godwin on Punishment of Sin.

12. Sacraments. Clinton on Bap.; Worcester, do.; P. Edwards; Baldwin, do.; Wall on do.; Waterland; Gale agt. Wall; Addington’s Reasons; Judson and Pond; Gill; Tenney’s Summ. View; 2 Tillotson, Serm. 25; Grove on L. Supp.; Doolittle, do.; Hall and Mason on Com.

I must here pause; I have drawn the above from lists which I have, and from general recollection, and am after all persuaded that it will be of no manner of use to you; yet your request laid me under an obligation to try, and I have really done what I could. Your wants, as they rise, will direct to inquiries which can be better answered in detail. Your course of study cannot but be profitable. I suggest one objection to your “paraphrase” — perhaps it has no weight; will not the method of paraphrasing every passage tempt you to run ahead of your light, to define what is undefined, and supply what is imsupplied in your own mind, and thus to commit yourself prematurely ] Many a hiatus will occur; for some passages can only be understood after a survey of the whole ground. However, judge of this yourself. I wish I could tell you of any thing specially encouraging in my congregation; there is nothing, and as usual I can trace the great fault and deficiency to my own door. Nothing of moment in church or state has reached my ears. I am sick of imbecile revolutions in Europe, and unchristian squabbles at home. O for a corner where Theological warfare is unknown!

TRENTOX, December 26, 1831.

Have you ever read any of Abp. Leighton ] If not, I conjure you to take the book up in some calm moment, and read some ten pages by way of specimen. It is nearest to the be loved disciple John of any thing human I have ever read. I recommend this author, from sweet experience of his preciousness; particularly his commentary on 1 Peter, which I am now concluding for the second time. He was a hater of polemics, and shared the usual fate of all moderate men. I have filial weakness enough to think my father has some traits in common with him. I think you are pursuing the best possible method in learning Hebrew. It would give me unspeakable satisfaction to have Mr. LeeserV instructions. Make the most of them. If I

1 The learned Isaac Leeser, now minister of the Franklin Street Synagogue in Philadelphia. I cannot forbear quoting the following sentence of a note received from Mr. Leeser when this page was in the printer’s hands; “If I had known that the funeral would have taken place on the day it did, I should have made it my duty to DC at the grave which now encloses him; had him here, I would give a large piece of my salary to spend an hour with him every day. I read Hebrew several hours per diem, going though the Psalms once a month, and reading from fviir to ten chapters besides, in regular course, analysing a cer tain number of verses. The most I can say is, that my eyes are opened to the exuberant treasures of a boundless mine, while my instruments are still too awkwardly handled to make much of them my own. Let me recommend to you to spend as much time as you can conscientiously upon this study, as you know that in language, more than in any thing else, long intervals occasion the loss of much that is learned. The exegetical method of studying theology is certainly the right one. The simple view in which systems seem to me valuable, are as indexes to the subjects of Scripture. Turrctine is in theology instar omnium; that is, so for forth as Blackstone is in law. I would not have you concur in all his scholastic distinctions; but the whole ground is traversed, every question mooted, and even where hairs are split, the mental energy and logical adroitness with which the feat is achieved present one with an exercise of reasoning equal to any thing in Chillingworth. I conscientiously believe I should say all this of him, if he were a Socinian. That he is not, but rather an ultra-Calvinist, I am pleased, for I find in him, among many that are untenable, triumphant arguments for all our doctrines. Making due allowance for the difference of age, Watson the Methodist is the only systematize* within my knowledge, who approaches the same eminence; of whom I may use Addison’s words: “He reasons like Paley, and descants like Hall.” Plow painful to think of Edward Irving’s hallucinations! [the gift of tongues, &c.] Devoutly would I say: “Lord, what is man!” These are among Satan’s most cunning devices — and oh, how deep-rooted is that structure of truth, which has lived through a thousand such concussions, from without and from within! I have been reading the huge folio Journal of George Fox, the proto-quaker. I find in him more of unadulterated enthusiasm than I remember to have ever found exemplified; intolerable vanity, and spiritual pride; no acknowledgment of sin all his life long; no trace of penitence; great bitterness of spirit, exceedingly little talent, ludicrous ignorance of the doctrines he opposes, perhaps evidence of piety. A vast difference between him and

and if it had not appeared strange, I would have spoken parting words after the beloved. In Germany and France, at the interment of a man like Alexander, Jews and Christians mingle their regret by free speech and Knid sympathy.” Mr. Alexander’s high personal respect for his Jewish friend and correspondent, did not prevent him from expressing his opinion of “Modern Judaism” in his review of Leeser’s translation of Johlson; Repertory, January, 1831.

the editor of the book, William Perm. How I should like to join you in Hebrew with Mr. Leeser! We have not a Jew in Trenton, nor any Hebrew scholar, and it is hard to pursue a study altogether uncoimtenanced and alone. My health, though improved, is far from good, and I suffer considerably from bilious or dyspeptic symptoms. I am truly sorry to hear of Mr. Wirt’s illness; even though he should never be high in office, he may exert a happy influence on many who are. Do you not think in looking around the country, that, within a few years, many more of our “great men” have pledged themselves in favour of true Christianity, than at any former period? This is encouraging.

TRENTON, January 17, 1832.

I have been a good deal interested in the great Quaker trial, which has been before our Chancery Court. As you are not likely to have any published report of the argument, I shall give you some of the positions taken. Wood and Williamson (our late Governor) for the Orthodox; Wall and Southard for the Hicksites. The decision is likely to affect all the property in New Jersey. The evidence is printed, and fills two large volumes. The Orthodox take this ground: the property belongs to the Society of Friends. There are two ways of determining who are the real Simon Pures: 1. By their adhesion to the genuine Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia; 2. By their adherence to the true Quaker faith. The Hicksites are separatists — voluntary seceders from the Yearly Meeting, for in 1827 they formed another, not a reorganization of the old, but a new one, on new principles, of their own party. The true Yearly Meeting still remains, has done nothing to destroy itself, and is the lineal descendant of all precedent Yearly Meetings. 3. The Hicksites are seceders from the Quaker faith; their Yearly Meetings recognised E. Hicks as a preacher of the truth; and their leading preachers and writers are Unitarian. The society, though it has no creeds, qua tales, has received, established, characteristic principles, easily learned from the current of their writings. Friends have often “dealt with” ministers for preaching unsound doctrine, thus establishing that there is some doctrinal test. They are, as a body, Trinitarian, and they have “disowned” the Hicksites, who are there by, as by their voluntary secession, ipso facto disinherited as Quakers, The Hicksites rejoin: 1. Friends are not called by men’s names; they are not Hicksites; the Yearly Meeting of 1827 ceased to be the Yearly Meeting when, in opposition to a vast majority, they elected Samuel Bettle their clerk, and did othef things which they were not competent to do. The majority then reorganized the true Yearly Meeting, which they have continued.

They have never separated from the Society of Friends; they are the majority, and the society is a pure democracy, in which majorities govern. The division is not on doctrinal, but on disciplinary grounds. Their Yearly Meeting is independent of all others, though not recognised by those of England, New England, and the Southern States.

2. Quakers have no creeds; this is characteristic of them. The Spirit is their bond; they have always repudiated doctrinal tests. The Scriptures are their creed. They may believe what they choose, and they, as a republican majority, are at liberty to say what is sound Quakerism. They believe the doctrines of ancient Friends; further than this no court has a right to exact a profession: they stand upon their rights of conscience, and will assert or deny no doctrines. This is no question of doctrine. Elias Hicks was a good, great, and holy man; slandered and persecuted. He did not deny Christ’s divinity, atonement, inspiration, a future state. THe believed with ancient Friends. But, granting that he was in error, they are not affected by it. They refuse the name of Hicksites, are not identified with him, have not taken his writings as their creed, will not stand or fall with him, will not say what they believe, except that they believe the Scriptures, and are in unity with ancient Friends. The argument began on the 3d inst., and lasted more than a week. Wood and Williamson are equal to any men, in argument, I have ever heard, and they have displayed a wonderful research. Southard is the main dependence of the other party, and he dealt too much in declamation. It is hard to say how it will go. We have had a number of Philadelphia Orthodox Quakers here, the most distinguished of whom is Thomas Evans, whom the Orthodox hold up as their great Theologian and champion. His pamphlets, testimony, and conversation, evince him to be an extraordinary — I think, a pious man.

Many look for a general split of the two sides [Presbyterian church] next spring. Let us pray for something better. I mean, that the pious, humble, moderate, and (moderately) orthodox should come out from the ultras of both sides, and cohere as the Presbyterian church. Dr. Dickey’s paper is good, and many men, I think, arc beginning to feel that we are tempting the Spirit of God to leave us by our biting and devouring one another. 0 how could we breathe out our souls in death, after the rancour exhibited in several of last week’s publications! The greatest heresy is want of love. Dr. Rice used to urge on his students the motto Love is power. On this text I think I could preach a good sermon; I would that I better knew how to act

1 The judgment was for the Orthodox side.

upon it. A few days more, and we shall see these things in a different light. Some truths I hold to be fundamental. These I would enforce, on our own, by discipline; in others, let us be forbearing. As to the devotional aid for your friend, I can think of no book exactly the thing. If she is a young Christian, Doddridge’s Rise and Progress is the best I know of, especially on the subject of daily self-examination. Yet I have derived more benefit from Bickersteth on Prayer, than from any similar work. Sacra Privata, by Wilson, Bp. of “Sodor and Man,” is a book of heavenly devotion, arranged according to the days of the week; but it savours a little of Arminianism, on the subject of human merit. Jay’s Exercises for the Closet is a capital book; on the whole, however, I should be inclined to recommend Bickersteth. Among your plans for doing good, invent some one by which pastors may gain pastoral access to servants, apprentices, &c. These one cannot see in pastoral visitation, and they shun the respectable bible classes; yet tKey often are the most hopeful members of a congregation.

TRENTON, March 5, 1832.

I have kept yours, of the 9th ult., two days longer than you kept my last, but not from any exactitude in calculation; the press of Repertory and other writing kept me busy last week; and I have, besides, been a good deal indisposed. Little trials sometimes come upon me, which, though not important enough to call for human condolence, drive me to the throne of grace, with an earnestness which I do not experience in times of sun shine. How it is with others, I cannot tell; but it seems to me, that I need a constant series of inward or outward conflicts, to make me value divine comforts. Never can I so truly appropriate the divine promises, as when dark clouds overhang my worldly prospects. The benefit of afflictions is one of those things, concerning which I cannot entertain a momentary doubt.

We have here two aged Indians, one 61, the other 71 years of age, Delawares from Green Bay, both pious. The elder, Bartholomew Calvin, was born in this vicinity, at Crosswecksung, and was sent to Princeton College while a boy, by John Brainerd. The outbreaking of the revolution arrested his studies. I have had some pleasant hours with them. They have claims on government for their old lands. Do not suffer yourself to fall into extremes as to ardour in pulpit delivery. Dr. Wilson is the single instance among ten thousand failures in the a-pathetic school; a noble instance, I grant, but rather an exception than a precedent. Perhaps the best rule is to abominate the expression of a feeling which one does not experience, but not to repress feeling where the subject is adapted to excite it. I do not call to mind tiny English sentence, in which the phrase “protracted” is used in a good sense; yet we say “protracted meeting” — why not “continued meeting “?

Among my pastoral trials, is the conviction (as a thief of the worst and most inveterate stamp) of a man, who has been 20 years an apparently devout member of my church. I never missed him from his pew, nor ever observed him inattentive. It gave occasion to one or two sermons on “offences,” “hypocrisy,” and “self-deception,” which I trust may be useful; but it affords great glorying to the aliens. I took occasion to press this idea, which I think valuable, that, granting that there is such a thing in the world as a hypocrite, the very place where we must reasonably expect to find him, is in the Church of Christ: hence no reproach ought to be cast on the latter. You may have been told that I was invited (with the prospect of a call) to preach in Baltimore; I have declined it. If I am to be a pastor, and nothing but necessity could make me willing to be any thing else, I believe I have more openings to serve Christ here, than in any more laborious charge. I have counted up about fifty persons, with whom I have had religious conversation, and who are more or less tender. A great excitement would bring these to the anxious seat, and probably into the church; but without this, / have an access to them which no other person could have, for a long time; and which I should not have to the same number elsewhere. The same kind of argument applies to a number of other topics. Still, I feel my constitution to be inadequate to the labours. I usually carry an aching head to a pillow of restlessness every Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday night; and am truly incompetent for pastoral visitation. Yet, the life of a minister has great satisfactions and rewards, which I trust you may experience in a far higher degree than your unfaithful friend. Some of my most delightful hours have been spent in sick-rooms, by dying-beds, or among poor, unlettered believers, or especially in rejoicing with them that do rejoice for the first time in Christ. A singular case of hallucination has just come to my knowledge; a sweet, pious, and otherwise intelligent young girl, of my flock, thinks she has had a supernatural monition from a dying friend that she is soon to die also. I shall not be surprised if the impression on her mind should verify the prediction. We are in a fair way to have Trenton made an island, by the canal, feeder, water-power-race, (now “being” digged,) creek, and river, which surround us on every hand. Thousands of Irish Catholics are here. Bishop Kenrick preached, confirmed, anointed, spat, curtseyed, besprinkled, and mumbled, in our chapel yesterday. Read Cramp’s Text-book of Popery; it is highly instructive, and gives good authority.

TRENTON, March 27, 1832.

The family [Mrs. Rice] which has entertained me for more than three years has just moved, and me with them, so that I am. in a great bustle, and scarcely self-possessed enough to write a letter: you must be content with something brief. The past winter has been one of more ailments to me than common, and I am coming out of it almost as much debilitated as after a summer’s sweat. Yet I have to be thankful that since October I have not lost a Sabbath by indisposition. Perhaps you knew Rev. Robert Roy, who has recently died in Monmouth county, New Jersey. He was a man of as much Christian faith, and uninterrupted joy, as I have ever known. He preached until his voice was absolutely inaudible, from pulmonary decay. Some acquaintances of mine use a curious argument in favour of Mr. Finney, namely, that as soon as Mr. Nettleton opposed him, the latter ceased to have revivals. The argument goes upon a false fact, to my knowledge. We have an eccentric Methodist in Trenton, who declares that certain of their ministers have committed the unpardonable sin, by refusing to countenance all his measures. This is quite an improvement upon some of our denunciatory proceedings. I wish all parties would read what Edwards says hereupon, in his work on Revivals. I dare not condemn a multitude of things, which I would as little dare to do. There is, it seems to me, an inordinate stress laid by both parties upon mere measures, as unreasonable as argument about mere ceremonies. On one hand a truly superstitious reliance is placed on certain methods of conducting meetings, &c.; on the other, certain measures are denounced as if they were absolutely anti-christian. One man has anxious meetings, another anxious seats, a third calls them out in the aisle, a fourth invites them to his study, a fifth visits them at home. Here are diversities of methods, but no ground, I think, for violent controversy. Various methods have been blessed, to my knowledge, in various revivals, and new ones are yet to be invented. On this subject, I think our old men are too tenacious. Nothing is worse in my estimation, because it is new, unless indeed it be doctrine. It is hard to determine in all cases what measures are the best, but almost any are better than total listlessness.

TRENTON, May 23, 1832.

Your sentiments about “systems” are, as far as I can see, just my own, although you seem to think otherwise. Please

1 The allusions here are to an article by Alexander in the Repertory for April, “On the use and abuse 01 Systematic Theology.”

1829 — 1832. 1ST

observe I compared, not the system, but exegesis to the telescope; also that I have reiterated your sentiment three or four times about “not asking a man to believe, &c., on the authority of Copernicus;” also that I have not insinuated that there was any bona fide opposition to systems in new-school men, inasmuch as they are systematizing as fast as they can; e. g. Duffield on Regeneration; also that I have denounced the setting systems on a parity with the Bible. What then, you will say, is left 1 Only the practical question, “Is this system, as such, so un-useful or injurious, as to deserve utter banishment?” It is difficult to speak of one’s own practice without egotism, but I find it the shortest way here of expressing my sincere convictions, and you must bear with the fault. I have never read through any system of theology; * I read as much in Wesley and Watson as in Turretine. My days are almost entirely spent in studies purely exegetical, in which it has been my principle for a long time, not to approach a commentary until, if possible, I had arrived at some rational exposition of the passage. Yet I wrote the article in question sincerely, and in opposition to the cant of multitudes, especially in our seminaries, who are far from going to hermeneutics in their flight from dogmatics, but pick up their objections, and their doctrines too, from the last influential patron with whom they have studied. And I have not fabricated one objection, but have had them all urged upon me in repeated conversations; some of them having been noted down in Princeton, long ago. I shall not say another word, however, upon this question, for I hate even the appearance of controversy, in letters as in conversation, and rejoice that, with many more real differences of opinion, we have scarcely ever had one wordy war in the course of some dozen years. What a noble book “Saturday Evening” [by Isaac Taylor] is. I have to lay it down, at every few pages, and muse. It has made me hope more for the church, and desire more to be in heaven. Before such a genius — let critics say what they will — I stand in awe; and whether he is a New-Schoolite, a Methodist, or (as I conclude) a Churchman, I give him the homage due from a little and cold to a great and flaming spirit.

Just at this time I am floundering in that perilous channel, the vii. c. Romans. I am at the Greek and the versions, without commentaries, and am hoping to steer clear of radical error. The noblest help in New Testament study is the Greek Concordance, which is better than any dictionary. Some of our lexicons are nothing short of Commentaries; though you have no

* I since remember Calvin’s Institutes.

doubt observed this, just read Schleusner or Wahl upon such a word as Treu/txcmKos. The concordance, on the contrary, makes the Spirit of God the commentator. A has just committed to memory the Epistle to the Hebrews in Greek and English, and about twenty of the Psalms in Hebrew. At his instance I have attempted a little in this way, and find it a great advantage; for I can speculate upon the meaning of a passage while I lie awake in bed, as I very often do of late.

As to the Assembly, I really know not what to think or to say, or even to wish. What would I have? Certainly peace; if possible unity of doctrine; then unity of organization; if we cannot be TO U.VTO <£POVOWTCS, we may at least be T*yV O.VTTJV ayaTrrjv eoi/res, (Philip, ii.;) and the way to attain this seems to be oAA^Aous r)yov/JL€voL {iTrepeoi/ra? eavrcov. Alas! who does this? certainly not I; for which I desire to humble myself, and to seek greater measures of self-renunciation and self-neglect. My sentiments are changed since last Assembly; not so much as to

men or measures, as spirit. I do not recognize in Mr. ’s

denunciations the spirit of Jesus; nay, nor even of the ardent

Paul. Mr. and Mr., I try to bless God for it,

do not preach “another gospel,” and I hope to meet them in heaven, where we shall wonder and smile (with new light) when we look back to see the time we have lost from a glorious work in comparing the trowels, and quarrelling over the hods and mortar of the spiritual temple. “Christ is preached, and I therein rejoice, yea and will rejoice,” even though, as to the manner, some may preach him of “envy.” “strife,” or “ill-will.”

By adopting the practice of going out very early in the morning, often before sunrise, I think I have become a little more vigorous. External nature, especially at this season, produces a remarkable and happy modification of my religious feelings; and after a glorious sunrise, I feel better all day. David no doubt felt the force of such influences: witness in particular the 104th Psalm, which I have often read while looking upon the very pictures delineated in the latter part of it. From my little study window, I catch a glimpse of green fields (about three panes full) and eastern clouds, and this helps me in the morning. I always esteemed it a great blessing, at my father’s house, to be able to look out eastward upon a thousand acres of meadow land, and a hundred and sixty degrees of hill and mountain on the horizon. I hold this to be not romance but reason. My health is very poor; far more so than I usually express; my breast has been in a peculiarly weak condition for some weeks.

TRENTON, June 6, 1832.

I cannot undertake Newton’s Life, [for Sunday School Union ;] my hands are more than full of writing. I am “gleaning” in Biblical Antiquities for the Sunday School Journal, which fdls up my “horre subcesivce;” have from a third to a half of every Repertory to write; am in the trying season of the year, and also (I think) a little alive to the importance of renewed exertion for the revival of religion among my people.

I am apprehensive that most readers pass over my Gleanings as a mere compilation from the little abridged Jahn, which issued from the Andover press. On the contrary, they are carefully compiled from his Biblische Archiiologie in 5 vols. Svo, which has never been translated. Most of them were delivered as Lectures to my S. S. Teachers, which accounts for the style. When I get through the “old store” I shall be able to simplify more. The “Drunkard’s Progress” is admirable: pray, improve on that hint — for the cuts may be cut out and pasted in cottages, to great benefit of many. Let us have the “Bad boy’s progress,” &c.

I rejoice in the comparative harmony of our Assembly, as reported by my father. Surely we have enemies enough without. You and I cannot expect to live long here; let us stir one another up to new and redoubled efforts.

Excuse haste, for I have now to write a Sunday School Ser mon, to revive, if I can, our drooping schools.

TRENTON, June 19, 1832.

In self-vindication, I deny your calumnious charge about my writing so many sermons. No sir, I do not write three sermons in five months. What if I write Life of Elijah? Am I fore stalled? Give me a list of eminent men whose lives you have not. Gardiner? Spencer? Urquhart? Bunyan? You may count on me for any thing small. In plain sincerity I should be sorry to see my hitherto published “Gleanings “[in the Sunday School Journal] collected into a stack. The sheaves are bound up too loosely. If my life is spared, and our heavenly Father smile on the enterprise, I will some day produce a Gazetteer for the Bible which shall deserve in some degree the character of completeness. Scripture Geography is (among English scholars) “the earth without form, and void, and darkness upon the face of the deep.” I have many plates in Jahn which might be copied. Help me to find cuts for my Gleanings. Hereafter I shall treat the subject so as by no possibility to tread on Nevin’s toes, [” Bib-

1 This sermon was printed in four numbers of the Sunday School Journal, (July and August, 1832,) under the head of “Plain Suggestions.”

lical Antiquities,” published by S. S. Union,] unless where he is wrong. In spiritual tendency his is the best extant.

The embarrassments which make me cry “no time,” you appear not yet to understand. This instant I am called down by a man, who probably will sit an hour and leave me to guess why he called. — Better than I thought, for he gave me five dollars, missionary money, but kept me an hour, which I could not refuse, for I believe he received benefit, and was quickened by my suggestions. Yet I scarcely have two hours solid, except before breakfast, for spiritual nourishment. In a sickly season, I have not two waking hours in which I can sit down to read, much less to write. Once a fortnight I am knocked up by head ache. Yet I love my work. O that I were more faithful!

TRENTON, June 20, 1832.

I am unable to speak from knowledge of Townsend’s arrangement of the Old Testament; the New Testament I have pretty carefully examined, and am disposed to recommend it; though the merit of such a work is suspended almost wholly on the accuracy of the chronological theory adopted by its author; and this, you know, is a knotty, and, perhaps, inexplicable subject. You have read “Bickersteth’s Scripture Help’”? also his own abridgment of it? Both these works, if they have not been, should without delay be published by the Union. For my own use, I know no better work so far forth as the writer means it to extend. Introductions to the Scripture of a plain kind are very needful, and one to the New Testament, I think, 1 will endeavour to provide. I have a work by Eosenmiiller, called “Views in Palestine,” containing 25 views of landscapes, localities, cities, ruins, ‘paysages,’ &c., in Palestine, with letterpress descriptive. They are well done; size somewhere about 12 X 18 inches. Could not a miniature of this, with more letterpress (original) be made a very fine book for the Union? a

I perceive plainly that the report of Cholera from Quebec, Montreal, and White Hall, has alarmed our population. God grant that I may be enabled to use the opportunity for inculcating truth. Surely we are all called upon to do something extraordinary, earnest, and without the delay of a moment. On consultation with my session, I have determined to have a day of special fasting, without waiting for proclamation. Gen. Jackson, perhaps you are aware, has refused to accede to the proposal of

1 This he accomplished for both Testaments in “The Scripture Guide; a familiar introduction to the Study of the Bible,” published by the Union in 1838. Pp. 263.

2 lie assisted in realizing +his.

the New York Clergy, to have a national fast, though Madison proclaimed one about the time of the War. C. Mcllvainc [now Bishop] said, that he and his Church would prostrate themselves before God, if no other one in America did so. You will of course, by this time, be up and doing in Philadelphia. Pray put this thought into shape, and publish it in daily papers, viz.: “the affectation of courage or indifference, or fool-hardiness, on the approach of such a pestilence, is a contempt of God; a Pharaohlike hardening of the heart: like Nineveh, we should all be in sackcloth. The question is not between evangelical and rational Christians, nor even between Christians and infidels, but between Theists and Atheists; for if there is a God and a controlling power, then it is wise to humble ourselves before him.” The alarming probability is, that Rev. xvi. 9 will be in many fulfilled: on the outpouring of the vial, “men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory:” and again, under the 5th vial, “they gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven.” I confess that I am very deeply impressed with the conviction that we ought to be awake as we have never been before, in calling aloud upon sinners to save themselves from this untoward generation of practical atheism. To neglect the call is emphatically to harden the heart. “To-day (let us say) if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart.” Such are our sinners, and such the exigency of the time, that we should “save them with fear, pulling them out of the fire.” Whether we have Cholera or not, we have no time to lose: should the panic produce only a conviction of this in ministers and believers, it will be a messenger of judgment and also of mercy. The public press may take happy advantage of the fears of men, to lead them to conviction: though I am persuaded that the natural tendency of the bruit made about the subject, and the incessant conversations on it in familiar style, is baneful to the soul. When the Lord’s judgments arc abroad, O that the inhabitants might learn righteousness. Now is the time, I think, for a tract to be written called Blood on the Door Post, (with reference to the sprinkled paschal blood in Egypt,) and left at every door. Now is the time for us to forget our petty squabbles about which leg we shall put foremost in our measures to convert men to God, and for earnest effort in the cause of the Redeemer. Just look at New York, how the city authorities and people are on the alert in endeavouring to bar

1 In a few weeks after this he prepared a tract under this title, which was published by the Sunday School Union. It was also inserted in the Sunday School Journal, August 29, 1832.

out the plague. And what are Christians doing, in any kind of proportion to the emergency 1 It does seem to me to be a pitiful and vile desertion of the cause of human souls, for us to be engaged deeply in any thing else, especially just now, than efforts to save them — to save them from spiritual plagues — to save them now I Suggest to me, if you can, any and every hint which may be useful in availing myself of the general ‘sensation’ for the advantage of souls: any methods happily struck out among your clergymen and active Christians. I find my own soul somewhat sweetened by the precious, precious thought of a presiding, guiding, governing, almighty Saviour, Lord, and elder brother. I am sorry (Dr. or) Mr. Cox brings undue zeal to bear upon the Papists; I would not have “railing accusation” brought against them any more than against “the devil;” yet I am not disposed to make concessions to a church, of which the. very assumption of infallibility precludes any apology for ancient tenets. These tenets I will take from their Councils (especially Trent) and nowhere else. I have one, a Romish priest

near me, running about to every corner of my church, and taking no repulse even from people that have no toleration for his presence. Such a specimen of vexatious and pragmatical zeal I never saw. Until I see in him or some other papist of the thousand whom we have here, some stray symptom of grace. I shall not be disposed to come down to any more liberal or charitable ground than that of the universal Protestant Church; viz., that Popery is a delusion greatly destructive to souls. The evidence of this I see almost every hour passing my window. If these thousand Papists were to die next week with Cholera, I have every reason to think that not one of them would have a conception of any preparation beyond the opus operatum of ceremonies. This is my conclusion from personal conversation, and various reports of credible members of my church. O that the Bible and the accompanying Spirit of God might rid the world of blindness and impenitence!

PRINCETON,1 July 18, 1832.

The Jacotot method of instruction has made, and is making great noise in France and Belgium. It is not a theory, but a practice; admits of a singular adaptation to our system. I will (D. V.) give you a little series on it for the S. S. Journal.2 The

1 Mr. Alexander was for some weeks with his family at Princeton, on account of the illness of his eldest child, but continued to perform his pastoral duties in Trenton.

2 His correspondent had lately become the editor of the large weekly “Journal” published by the Sunday School Union. To this paper Mr.

“Library of Useful Knowledge” is too abstruse [for use of Journal]. “The Library of Entertaining Knowledge” is just the thing for your purpose. The “Plain why and because” is a mere salmagundi; an aggregation, not a selection, still less a digest, and therefore a catch- penny. “Wonders of Nature and Art,” by J. Taylor, London, 12mo, many plates; very good.

My notion is that the whole field of Juvenile Education comes within your scope. You may make the S. S. Journal easily the best journal of Education extant. Yor this purpose — 1, you ought to have correspondents in Europe, and the Missions, such as Ceylon and Hawaii, &c.; 2, you ought to take a French and a German Journal on Education, and have a man to read and extract from each. You ought, 3, to have always before you this great idea, that the Bible is the central instrument in universal Education; that beginning with this, the whole Encyclopedia may be traversed; that to this hive every thing should be carried. You ought, (need I say it?) 4, to endeavour to make every number save souls. May God help you in this responsible undertaking!

PRINCETON, Aug. 4, 1832.

By this time perhaps you have seen in the New York papers, that Cholera rages in Princeton. Through Divine Mercy this is not true. There have indeed been three deaths of Irishmen in the town, and nearly twenty on the neighbouring canal. Great uproar has been occasioned by some cits who are rusti cated here, and who condemned the little Health-Board for having a hospital within the borough. William has been with a large proportion of those who have died; some he has watched and nil) bed all night; some he has picked up and carried in his arms to their dying beds. He almost got out of bed himself to do this, and has turned night into day. Some of the theological students have deserved nobly of our neighbourhood, by their devotion in nursing, &c. This morning, I learn that a highly respectable contractor on the canal — 7 miles hence — Mr. Spencer, died last night. The disease is at Scudder’s mills, 3 miles; and Kingston, 3 miles; all cases Irish Catholics. Princeton is nevertheless uncommonly healthy. The Institutions have not been formally dismissed, but whoever will, goes. I am much

Alexander had already been a large contributor; but from June, 1832, to June, 1841, there are lew numbers that did not contain something from his pen. His articles were not confined to the subject of education, but embraced a large miscellany, in verse as well as prose, translations, compilations, extracts, as well as original. VOL. I. — fp flattered by your consideration of my garden dialogue, and pleased, of course, with your arrangements. [One of his works for children — “the Flower Book.”]

In estimating this letter, please remember that I write within full hearing of my little boy’s cries. Oh! I have new under standing, since I became a father, of that expression “As a father pitieth his children,” &c. 1 will send you a number of the Princeton “Courier;” the article “to the Fearful,” was written for you, but the state of things here made me print it without delay.

N. B. I am filling a small 4to blank book with scraps for you. Among others one book called the Monkey, which perhaps you may think too quizzical; n’importe, do as you please writh all I send. It contains also some Luther-ana, written long ago without reference to Sunday Schools, but a few of them may suit you: also a translation of Jacotofs method of teaching.

Take a copy book, lay it by you, and write down in it, at the time the idea sprouts, what you have to say to me; send this, when full, with dates noted, by a private hand: I will attempt the same. I propose to write a “book of the Stars;” will Jacob Green account it piracy for me to borrow from his Astronomical Recreations 1 Prayer is not made often enough, explicitly enough, or fervently enough for physicians, nurses, and persons exposed to the plague; nor for the souls of those who arc just dying.

PRINCETON, Aug. 6, 1832.

I returned to Princeton last night from the funeral of my principal supporter and friend in Trenton, Chief Justice Ewing. He gave a decided testimony to the power of faith. He died at 3-J A. M. on Sunday morning, after an illness of 23 hours; decidedly Cholera. He was not only one of the most temperate, and equable, and regular, but one of the halest men in America. You may imagine the consternation. May our covenant God protect us and all we love. O for grace to use up all our talent!

PRINCETON, Aug. 28, 1832.

Family trials and personal indisposition have prevented my remittances to the Journal, as regularly as could be desired. You must not rely on me in any such way, for any thing, as to make a disappointment injurious. My little boy still lives, but in great weakness and great suffering. I shall not undertake to describe our anxieties. It is better for me to say — what I believe we can both say truly — we do in a sense “take pleasure in infirmities, in distresses,” &c.

As I have a very strong desire that you should be useful in your present sphere, and that you should continue in it, I will be frank enough to say a few words upon the subject. I perceive a change within no long period, from comparative transparency of style, to what may be called constrained, stilted, and, in some cases, even affected. Whether this arises from the influence of any author you have lately read, or a diffidence as to the value of your thoughts when simply expressed, or (as I have detected this in my own case) from mere haste — I pray you have an eye to it. Above every thing else let us be plain and clear. I have very seldom exercised the censorial function — you will bear me witness — but I am sincerely of opinion that you are on a track which may lead you out of the simple path of greatest usefulness. And I am daily trying to contend against a temptation of the same kind, to write in German text (so to speak) what is better written in plain Script. I would not for a thousand guineas write in the style of “Saturday Evening,” though I admire it above most people. I make no doubt that you will understand my object, without my throwing in any apologies. Be assured you are in no danger, if you can only resist the alluring spoil of a classic word, a Latin termination, or a recondite turn, and then pursue the rule, “think with the wise and speak with the vulgar.”

I have a little book ready for you, which will make from 50 — 75 pp. of a child’s book. Has any one written Spencer’s life? If my life is spared, and my pieces succeed, I will (D. V.) devote much of my time to babes’ books. My health scarcely admits more. No Cholera here, blessed be God: none in Trenton.

PRINCETON, September G, 1832.

If I can, I will herewith send a piece called Harvest. Do what you choose with it. Give it, and any thing else from me, what title you please. Tell me what you think of the plan of the said Harvest, and criticize my child’s books unmercifully, for I have a great desire to do my best in that line. The Cholera Hospital of the Canal is in the lot behind our garden here. Two persons have just been ‘carried to it; one hopeless. We had thought the disease gone.

I am unable to say much about my little boy. We feel it to be a great trial: yet sometimes I taste some sweetness in the cup. O there is nothing but Christianity that enables one to face an affliction.

PRINCETON, Sept. 14, 1832.

The circulation of the S. S. Journal is less than I thought. This seems to be an evil incident to all papers which profess to advocate a single cause. As a general religious newspaper, it is

the best I know. The becomes more secular every week.

His English correspondent should be made usher in some of your girls’ boarding-schools. He gets into raptures at all the dear, sweet, pretty, charming things he sees. Faugh! These

sentimental literary make one retch. I do not feel any

particular competency to write brief tracts of the kind you mention: it is a gift by itself. Put a few evangelical hymns on some of your supernumerary fragments. Or, say a moral ballad out of the cheap repository. Coming to Philadelphia often crosses my mind: and I am in a very desponding condition as to this affair. If I could leave my people in any good hands I might do so, for I am afraid I do little good among them. The mere correspondence of any society, however, would not satisfy my conscience. I must preach, or lecture, or teach. If I had 300 or 400 persons whom I might instruct, in a colloquial popular way in the Bible, its Geography, Antiquities, &c., &c., it would seem to suit my poor wandering mind. My aim is to do some thing before I die to reach the millions of youth in our land. I have made up my mind to go for the nursery practice. Let others take the fathers and grandfathers, if I can only make an impression on the children. This I wish to do by writing; and I am not sure (though you may think it paradoxical) that I will not do more in this way, as a pastor, than if I were to set about it ex professo.

As to the “chapters and verses;” all I meant to correct was the statement that the Bible was not divided into verses until Stephens’ time. This is true only of the New Testament. The numbering of the verses was introduced by Athias, (see 2 Home 155;) but the division itself, the Soph-Passuk (:), was coeval with the accentuation, which indeed is governed by it, e. g. Sillulc.

Our little boy varies so little, except from one painful symptom to another, that I do not say much of him. We find the trial severe; more so by far than the ordinary death of a child. But we are wonderfully helped. Even now we find that “Pie who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,” makes our way smoother than one could suppose. We need the prayers of our friends.

Need I warn you not to think of the Ministry as free from temptations 1 The very habit of constantly dealing with Divine truth for the use of others is a great cause of dreadful formality; it obtunds the moral sensibility, impairs the tenderness of conscience, and dissociates the actions of the head and heart, to an alarming degree. In preparation and preaching I have often found that subjects which warmed and melted me in the closet, have flowed from my lips in the desk with some animation of manner, but with almost no emotion. Then the trials of the ministry to a man who has a conscience, are unspeakable. Who can ever say “I have done all I ought for these souls?” x

1 Soon after the date of this letter Mr. Alexander received two invitations to engage in other employments — one from the American Sunday School Union, the other from the proprietors of “The Presbyterian” — both in Philadelphia. The state of his health made him willing to entertain a proposal to intermit his labours as a pastor, but he was greatly perplexed by the choice presented to him. In a letter of October 1 he wrote: “I have made up my mind (Deo volente) to leave Trenton. I am no longer able to impose myself on a kind people as their pastor. I believe, under God, I might do something for truth, order, and moderation, by editing the Presbyterian.” On the loth he inquires for details of the services expected by the Union.” Should the labour require any thing like the assiduous sitting of an ordinary club, I could not endure it. If matters are to depend very much upon my head, as to planning, ordering, allotting, &c., you know as well as I can tell you, that I have no ability that way. I have always said and felt that I can make a good second or associate, but a most wretched principal. The main objections urged against my accepting your offer, among my acquaintances, are such as these: that all the employments which I should have, as your Secretary, would not be of a kind to improve my mind, or carry forward those pursuits in which I have hitherto been employed; whereas the editorial duties would be the reverse. That all the influence which I might exert specially in harmonizing our distracted church, would be thrown into a different channel. That however high the objects of the Sunday School, the details of the proposed office would be essentially secular. That I am, more than most persons, ill adapted for a station requiring scheming, management, practical judgment, knowledge of men,

enlarged views, &c. This is especially urged by, and I am the less

able to resolve this scruple, inasmuch as no man can safely judge of his own character and talents.”

Again, on the first of November (from Trenton): “I cannot describe to you the painful uncertainty in which my mind is placed respecting the two situations offered to me. This uncertainty is by no means relieved by the visit I made to the city; for while I feel more deeply the claims of both, the labours of both are more fully before my eyes. Such is my state of doubt, that were I instanter to decide for either, I believe no subsequent light or disappointment could make me feel as if I had done morally vrrong. I feel a total want of that sort of business tact which this great enterprise demands. I am indebted to the Board for being willing to make so hazardous an experiment; but I am not the less fearful lest it should result in an entire failure. I never could do any thing in the way of begging money; and the kind of service which Mr. Baird has rendered, is as foreign to rny whole taste, education, talents, and habits, as banking would be. On the other hand, feeling all the unpleasantnesses of the editorial office, there is certainly a denniteness about the service to be rendered which permits me at least to say, this is a thing which I could do.”

He finally chose the editorial position, and entered upon its duties in January, 1833. His connection with the Trenton congregation terminated formally on the last day of October, 1832 ;. but his family still continuing there, he supplied the pulpit many of the Sabbaths of that winter. In the year 1859 the editor of these letters published a “History of the Presbyterian Church in Trenton,” and at my request, my friend and predecessor had given me some recollections of his pastorate, in the form of a letter, which appears in that volume. It is so characteristic, and makes such a suitable close to this chapter of the correspondence, that I do not hesitate to reproduce it here:

“NEW TORE, February 10, 1859.

“MY DEAR FRTEND: — The retrospect of my ministerial life brings to view so many defects, and such unfruitfulness, that I have never been able to take pleasure in numbering up sermons preached, visits made, and members added; nor have I any anniversary or autobiographical discourses to which I could refer. At your request, however, I cannot refuse to give you a few reminiscences of my connexion with the church of which you are the pastor.

“A great intimacy subsisted between my father and our predecessor, the Rev. JAMES F. ARMSTRONG, and the friendship between their respective descendants continues to this day. Mr. Armstrong had been the friend of Witherspoon, Smith, and Kollock. He was laid aside from preaching, by a disabling and distressing rheumatism, before I ever entered his delightful and hospitable house — rich in good books, good talk, and good cheer — where old and young were alike made welcome and happy. But this brought me acquainted with Trenton, with that family, and especially with Chief Justice EWING, by whose means and influence, more than any other, I was afterwards led to settlement among them. The family of Mr., after wards Judge, Ewing, was the home of my childhood and youth; which led that distinguished and excellent man to look upon my early performances in the pulpit with undue partiality. By him, and by the late General SAM UEL R. HAMILTON, who was a Princeton man, my name was brought before the congregation, and I was installed as their pastor, by a committee of Presbytery, on the eleventh day of February, 1829. I had, however, begun my labours with them on the tenth of January, when I preached from 1 Cor. xi. 28. My strictly pastoral labours ended on the last day of October, 1832, when I preached from Ezekiel xvi. 61, 62; though I continued to supply the pulpit until the end of the year. My term of settlement may therefore be called four years. The records of the Church-session will show the number of accessions to the communion of the church; these were few. There was nothing like a revival of religion during my continuance with them, and it was cause of painful thought to me that my labours were so little owned to the awakening of sinners. Neither am I aware that there was any remarkable addition to the number of hearers. But the people were forbearing and afl’ectionate towards their young and inexperienced minister, who for most of the time was feeble in health, and was subjected, as you know, to some unusual afflictions in regard to his early children.

In those days we worshipped in the old church, which was sufficiently capacious, with one of the old-time high pulpits. The congregation had been trained to habits of remarkable punctuality and attention. Notwithstanding some inroads of new measures during the previous period, under the labours of a so-called Evangelist, the church was as sound and staid a Presbyterian body as I have ever seen. It comprised some excellent and experienced Christians, and among these the valued elders whose names you have recorded. Good Mr. McNeely was slow but sure; an upright man, of more kindness than appeared at first; of little vivacity, and no leaning towards risks or innovation. Mr. Voorhees and Mr. Samuel Brearley came later into the session; both, in my judgment, judicious and godly men. Mrs. ARMSTRONG, the venerable relict of the pastor first named, does not belong particularly to my part o the narrative, except that she chose to treat me with the regard of a mother for a son. She was then in health and strength, and lived to exhibit a dignified, serene, and beautiful old age. Having come of a distinguished family, the Livingstons of New York, she never ceased to gather around her fireside some of the most elegant and cultivated society. Her conversation, though quiet, was instructive, turning often upon the heroes of the Revolution. She was, I think, at Princeton during the battle; indeed, she was a native of that town. From that excellent family I received support and encouragement of the most useful and delicate kind, during a time of manifold trials. My term of service was marked by no striking external events, no great enlargement, excitement, or disaster. The long-suffering of God was great towards a timid and often disheartened servant, who remembers the period with mingled thankfulness and humiliation.

“At this time the Trenton church contained some excellent specimens of solid, instructed, old school Presbyterianism. I shall never forget the lessons which it was my privilege to receive from aged and experienced Christians, who must often have looked with wonder and pity on the young minister who undertook the responsible task of guiding them. The dying scenes which a pastor beholds in his early years make a deep impression; and I recall some which were very edifying, and which attested the power of the doctrines which had been inculcated. Among my most valued parishioners was a man in humble life, who has lately gone to his rest, I mean JAMES POLLOCK. At a later day he was most wisely made an elder. At that time he lived in a small house on Mill Hili, and worked as a dyer in one of the woollen factories on the Assanpink. His figure was somewhat bent, and his hands were always blue, from the colours used in his trade. But his eye was piercing and eloquent; his countenance would shine like a lantern from the light within; and the flame of his strong and impassioned thought made his discourse as interesting as I ever heard from any man. He had the texts of Scripture, as many Scotchmen have, at his finger-ends, and could adduce and apply passages in a most unexpected manner. The great Scottish writers were familiar to him. I think his favorite uninspired volume was Rutherford’s “Christ’s Dying and Drawing Sinners to Himself.” I lent him Calvin’s Institutes, which he returned with expressions of high admiration for Mr. Caulvin. His acquaintance with the reformation history of his native land, in both its great periods, was remarkable, being such as would have done credit to any learned clergyman. Unlike many who resemble him in attainment, Mr. Pollock was inwardly and deeply affected by the truths which he knew. His speech was always seasoned with salt, and I deemed it a means to grace to listen to his ardent and continuous discourse. He was certainly a great talker, but without assumption or any wearying of competent hearers. His dialect was broad, west-country Scotch, for he was from Beith, in Ayrshire; and while I was resident his sense of the peculiarity kept him from praying in the meetings, though none could otherwise have been more acceptable. Having from my childhood been used to Scotch Presbyterians, and knowing how some of the narrower among them will stickle for every pin of the covenanted tabernacle, and every shred and token, as if ordained in the decalogue, I was both surprised and delighted to observe how large-minded Mr. Pollock was, in respect to every improvement, however different from the ways of his youth. I have witnessed his faith during grievous illnesses, and I rejoice to know that he was enabled to give a clear (lying testimony for the Kedeemer whom he loved. Such are the men who are the glory of our Presbyterian churches.

“During the term of my incumbency it is remarkable that the two persons who had most influence in congregational affairs were not communicants, though they were closely connected with all that occurred in the church; these were Chief Justice EWING and Mr. SOUTHARD, afterwards Secretary of the Navy. It deserves to be noted, among the traits of a Presbyterianism which is passing away, that Judge Ewing, as a baptized member of the church, always pleaded his rights, and once in a public meeting declared himself amenable to the discipline of church courts. (Discipline, chap. i. § 6, page 456.) There is good reason to believe that he was a subject of renewing grace long before his last illness in 1832. During this brief period of suffering he made a distinct and touching avowal of his faith in Christ.

“Judge Ewing. is justly reckoned among the greatest ornaments of the New Jersey bar. His acquaintance with his own department of knowledge was both extensive and profound, closely resembling that of the English black-letter lawyers, who at this moment have as many imitators at the New Jersey bar as anywhere in America. He was eminently conservative in Church and State; punctual in adherence to rule and precedent, incapable of being led into any vagaries, sound in judgment, tenacious of opinion, indefatigable in labour, and incorruptibly honest and honourable, so as to be proverbially cited all over the State. In a very remarkable degree he kept himself abreast of the general literature of the day, and was even lavish in regard to the purchase of books. He was a truly elegant gentleman, of the old school; an instructive and agreeable companion, and a hospitable entertainer. He deserves to be named in any record of the church, for I am persuaded that there was no human being to whom its interests were more dear. As the warm and condescending friend of my boyhood in youth, he has a grateful tribute from my revering affection.

“In one particular the people of Trenton were more observant of our Form of Government (see chap, xxi.) than is common. When from any cause there was no one to preach, the service was nevertheless carried on by the elders, according to the book, and a sermon was read. The reader on these occasions was always Mr. Ewing, and the discourse which he selected was always one of Witherspoon’s; the choice in both cases being significant. I have often been led to consider how much better this is, for instance in country congregations, than the rambling away to hear some ignorant haranguer, perhaps of an erroneous sect, or the listening to a frothy exhortation from some zealous and forward brother, without gifts and without authority.

“The name of Dr. FRANCIS A. EWING, son of the Chief Justice, naturally occurs to our thoughts here. Space is not allowed for that extended notice which might elsewhere be proper, for the Doctor’s was a character well deserving close study. Though a professional man by title, he was in fact and of choice much more a man of letters and a recluse student of science. His attainments were large and accurate, though made in an irregular way, and though he never seemed to others to be studying at all. In the classical languages, in French, in the natural sciences, and in all that concerns elegant literature and the fine arts, he was singularly full and accurate. In matters of taste he was cultivated, correct, and almost fastidious. Music was his delight, and he was equally versed in the science and the art. It was after the term of my pastorship that he developed his skill as an organist, but at a much earlier day he devoted himself for years to the gratuitous instruction of the choir; and though I have heard many noted precentors, I can remember none who had greater power of adaptation and expression. Though his own voice was slender and uninviting, he long made his influence felt in rendering all that was musical subservient to the spirit of worship.

“Dr. Ewing professed his faith in Christ during my years of ministry. His early religious exercises were very deep and searching, and the change of his affections and purposes was marked. He had peculiarities of temper and habit which kept him much aloof from general society, and thus abridged his influence. His likes and dislikes were strong, and if he had more readily believed the good will of others towards himself, he would have been more useful and more happy. I should sin against truth if I did not say that towards me he was for forty years a warm, forbearing, tender, and at times most efficient friend. I have been with him at junctures when it was impossible not to detect, through all his extraordinary reserve, the workings of a heart agitated and swayed by gracious principle.

“SAMUEL L. SOUTHARD was also a member of the congregation, and a friend of all that promised its good. More sprightly and versatile than Mr. Ewing, he resembled a tropical tree of rapid growth. Few men ever attained earlier celebrity in New Jersey. Tin’s perhaps tended to produce a certain character which showed itself in good-natured egotism. Mr. Southard was a man of genius and eloquence, who made great impressions on a first interview, or by a single argument. He loved society, and shone in company. His entertainments will be long remembered by the associates of his youth. It is not my province to speak of his great efforts at the bar; he was always named after Stockton, Johnson, and Ewing, and with Frelinghuysen, Williamson, Wood, and their coevals. Having been bred under the discipline of Dr. Fiuley, at Baskingridge, he was thoroughly versed in Presbyterian doctrine and ways; loving and preferring this branch of the Church to the day of his death. Defection from its ranks gave him sincere grief, as I am ready more largely to attest, if need be. In those days of his prime, Mr. Southard was greatly under the salutary influence of the Chief Justice, who was his Mentor; I think he felt the loss of this great man in some important points. So earnestly and even tenderly did he yield himself to divine impressions, that his friends confidently expected that he would become a communicant. During this period he was an ardent advocate of the Temperance Society, then in its early stage. I remember attending a meeting at Lawrenceville, in company with my learned friend, the present Chief Justice, where Mr. Southard, following Mr. Frelinghuysen, made an impassioned address in favor of abstinence and the pledge. In regard to religious things, the change to Washington did not tend to increase solemnity or zeal. I have been informed that Mr. Southard felt the deep impression of divine truth at the close of his days. As a young minister, I received from him the affectionate forbearance of an elder brother, and I shall always cherish his memory with love.

“Before closing this hurried letter of reminiscences, let me note that the ruling elders during my day were Robert McXeely, Nathaniel Burrowes, John Voorhees, and Samuel Brearley, all good and believing men, and all gone to the other world. The trustees were Messrs. Rose. Chambers, Ewing, Burroughs, and Fish; of whom likewise all are gone, except my esteemed friends, Messrs. Burroughs and Fish.

“Before taking my pen from the paper, let it be permitted to me to give expression to a feeling of personal regard to the late Mrs. Rice and her family, under whose roof my years of early ministry in Trenton were passed. She was a woman of a meek and quiet spirit, and was honoured and beloved, during a long life, for the benignity of her temper, and the kindliness of her words. Juliette Rice, her daughter, was a person who in some circumstances would have become distinguished. To sincere piety, VOL. I. — 9* she added more than usual cultivation, delicacy of taste, refinement of manners, and a balance of good qualities which elevated her to a place among the most accomplished and even the exclusive. Under the disadvantage of a deafness almost total, and a pulmonary disease which slowly wasted her away, she manifested a sweet, uncomplaining disposition, and a steady faith in Christ. Amidst the kindness of these good people I spent the first months of my married life, and welcomed the tender mercies of God in our first born son, long since taken to be with the Lord.

u Thus I end my rambling letter, (which, by-the-by, is only the last article of an epistolary series extending through forty years,) and am, as always,

“Your faithful friend, JAMES W. ALEXANDER.

“The Rev. Dr. HALL.”