Sacred poems of Rev. Richard Hargrave : with a biography of himself and biographical sketches of some of his coadjutors

Dedication

The tender husband,

The loving father,

The faithful pastor,

Preface

AT the Northwest Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for the year 1879, and on the fifth day of the session, the Rev. A. A. Gee, D. D., and several others, presented the following resolution, which was adopted :

"Whebeas, Our venerated and departed brother, Eev. Eichard Hargrave, has left his unpublished manuscripts with his son, Hon. W- P. Hargrave, for such use as he may deem best; therefore,

"Resolved, That we approve that action, and should Judge Hargrave deem it advisable to publish a posthumous volume, we pledge our influence to its circulation among our people, as a souvenir of our translated brother."

Situated as the writer has been, mainly owing to the exacting duties of the pastorate, it has not been practicable for him to comply with this request, and to prepare these writings for publication until now. But it is hoped that the work will be no less acceptable now than if published at an earlier date.

The writings of Richard Hargrave are, it is thought, of permanent interest and value; and his biography and that of his coadjutors in the ministry, must delight those who enter into the spirit of heroism by which they were actuated, as they have entered into the incalculable benefits of their life-work.

6 PREFACE.

A word with reference to the poems of Richard Hargrave. After reading his autobiographical sketch, showing the meagerness of his early advantages, the reader will not expect the finished, classical verses of a Tennyson or a Longfellow ; but, in the language of Dr. Rid path : "There was something almost Miltonic in the majestic imagery and heavy tones of this pioneer harp of the Western wilderness. Nor can it be doubted that even with the changed spirit of poetry and the variable standard of criticism, which are set up from time to time, the poetry of this venerable apostle of our primitive commonwealth has in it the quality of life and the true spirit of the bard."

The reader will find in these poems the communings of a devout soul with God, a deep study of The Woi'd, and an embodiment of its most striking scenes, as well as its profoundest teachings, in appropriate and touching verses.

The few miscellaneous poems published are, in the main, of a subjective character ; and, while they are in sympathy with universal humanity, give an inside view of the heart and life of the writer. Also a number of hymns are published, now for the first time, which can not fail to inspire in the reader a devotional spirit.

It occurred to us that, in connection with these poems, there ought to be published a biography of Richard Hargrave, one of the most eminent names of Western Methodism — an idol of the people, especially in Indiana ; who, as the testimony of Bishop Simpson and many others will show, was, in many regards,

PREFACE. 7

unequaled by any of his contemporaries ; who, by reason of certain special endowments, became great on certain lines of work.

This biography is a new departure; it may be called a symposium. It opens with an autobiographical sketch (not found until after his death), covering the first three years of his ministry. This contains the story of his wonderful conversion — the " old, old story," upon which, as related by himself, thousands have hung with delight ; his call to the ministry, and certain doctrinal difficulties with which he met, and over which he triumphed. This is followed by a picturesque account of the experience of an itinerant in that early day ; together with brief sketches of some of the eminent men of that period. A number of these sketches can not be duplicated.

As Hargrave's ministry covers all the history of Methodism in Indiana, from the early date of 1825 to his death in 1879, and as "his plume was seen in the thickest of the fight " at all times, he is necessarily one of the most interesting personalities of Western Methodism. His name was a household word among Indiana Methodists. On his death-bed he told the writer that his stated ministry had extended into ninety out of the ninety-two counties in Indiana. There is no other record at all approaching this. He was fifty-eight years a minister, and for thirty-five years in the saddle.

Following this autobiographical sketch are carefully and ably written sketches of him by such men as Rev. William Graham, D. D., Rev. C. H. Benson, D. I)., Rev. John L. Smith, D. D., Rev- A. A. Gee,

8 PREFACE.

D. D., Rev. C. A. Brooke, D. D., John Clark Kidpath, LL. D., and a number of others; also "Recollections of my Father/' by the writer. The reader who passes over any of these sketches will have reason for regret.

Attention is also asked to the biographical sketches of the brethren themselves, contained in this volume — beginning with " The Old Guard," and including the men of the present generation. With but few exceptions they were companions in the labors, joys, and sufferings of the itinerancy for many years. Many of them have long since gone to their reward ; some are lingering till they shall hear the welcome release; and others still vigorously endure the heat and burden of the day.

A few names do not appear among the sketches, which we had hoped to obtain. Among these we may mention Dr. A. A. Gee; the veteran, Rev. J. M. Stallard, Dr. J. W: T. McMullen, and Dr. Samuel Godfrey. These are eminent preachers.

Many other names would have graced our pages — men known and honored in the Conference — had space permitted.

By an oversight in the make-up of the book, the sketches of two or three of the brethren are included under the title, "Letters Concerning Richard Hargrave." The table of contents points out these sketches.

That the book may prove a welcome addition to the literature of the Church, bringing light and joy to every reader, is the hope and prayer of

THE AUTHOR.

Cincinnati, Ohio, August, 1890.