The boy who was trained up to be a clergyman

Front matter

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Preface

The constant and increasing demand foi U < /nice, in the church has led to the proposal of iri plans for supplying the deficiency. Any arrangement, as it seems to the writer, must he merely temporary which does not begin aright. Parents must be taught the duty and the privilege of devoting their sons to the ministry, and be shown the way in which their influence for good may be brought to bear upon the purpose designed, before the number of laborers will compare at all with the greatness of the work.

The following story — in its main details a true one — is presented, not without misgivings, as an humble ofiering for their guidance.

May “ the Lord of the harvest’^ bless it to this end.

Feast of the Epiphany, 1853.

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Preface To The Second Edition

The rapid sale of the first edition of this work, the favorable notices of the press, and the many kind words of approbation from his clerical brethren in every part of the Union, have encouraged the author, amidst the distractions of many cares, to prepare a second edition, with a view of rendering it better deserving of the confidence of the church.

The whole work has, accordingly, been carefully revised, seven new chapters introduced, and a table of contents prepared.

April 6th, 1 854.

I

Was not our Lord a little child, Taught by degrees to pray ?

By father dear and mother mild Instructed day by day ?

And loved He not of Heaven to talk. With children in His sight —

To meet them in His daily walk,

And to His arms invite? — [Kk'ble.

" Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.” — 1 Sam. ii. 18.

" From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.”

Paul to Timothy.

Chapter I. Paqb

The boy preacher — Playing church — Parents’ wish — Conference— Characters introduced — Father’s determination — Application for advice 15

CHAPTER 11.

Two weeks’ suspense — Rector’s letter — No marvels promised — Sixth birthday — Broaching an important subject — A little boy’s dream 20

Christmas — Illumination — Santa Claus — Lucy’s story — Isaiah’s vision — Evergreens — Scene at church — Message

of glad-tidings 38

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CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VI. PAoa

Snow fortress — Napoleon — Siege and capture — The first oath — Bitter tears — Confession — A clergyman must be a soldier — Sudden alarm 45

CHAPTER VIL

lucking up — Fox hunt in anticipation — The weak mother — Wise determination — New Latin grammar — Hill of science 51

Chapter VIII

Young students — Lost time — Blundering recitation — Circus — Amusements — The rabbit — Tea-table talk — Answers to prayer — Drawing lesson 56

Chapter IX

Rabbit warren — Ride to church — John Wesley — Sunday evenings — Bishop Hobart — Missions among the heathen — Bible and prayer book — Who will be saved ? 62

Chapter X

Breakfast — Filling the ice house — Alarming symptoms — Gloomy forebodings — Doctor’s visit — Night of watching — Pastor’s prayers — Recovery — Thanksgiving 70

CHAPTER XL

Opening spring — Establishment of a colony — Sick boy — Arrival of friends — School for the poor — Sacrifices — Doing more than is agreeable 76

CHAPTER XIL

orse-back rides — Fishing — Bad temper cured — Old r^d lion — Temperance in all things — Rector’s visit — Mr, Wilson— First fruits — Baptism 8S

CONTENTS.

XI

CHAPTER XIII.

Service at the mill — Sermon for the times — Bishop Chaso — Highways and hedges — Church colleges — Leaving home — The new trunk — Departure 91

CHAPTER XIV.

College examination — Freshman class — Fitting up a rooni — The first night — Noisy visitors — Free concert — Welcome deliverance 98

CHAPTER XV.

Early prayer bell — Pleasant acquaintances—Boyish pranks — Religious principles — Secret societies — Christian heroism— Midnight oyster supper — Persecuted monitor... 103

CHAPTER XVI.

Lent — Good Friday — Principle and policy — The black board — Deacon Gillespie’s party — New advocate for the truth — Spiritual fast 109

CHAPTER XVII.

Class- meeting — Clay’s speech — A bolt — Two heroes — Reproach— Escape from death — Course of reading — Confirmation— Stirring sermon 114

CHAPTER XVIII.

Sunday night studies — Important resolution — Visit to the parsonage — Encouragement — Ridicule — The enlistment — Good example — Bigotry — Ambassadors without a commission 121

CHAPTER XIX.

Innocent enjoyments — Manly determination — Unexpected difficulties — The comet — Saturday night in the chapel — Every body astonished 129 zii

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XX.

PAGE

The home of dissipation — Heroes in a quandary — Green spectacles — Innocence at the bar of judgment — Restitution 135

CHAPTER XXL

Holidays — Lucy Mason — Family dinner — An old friend — Pastor’s watchfulness — Advice and encouragement — First communion 140

CHAPTER XXIL

Errors corrected by study — Dr. Miller — The whole truth — Proof — Economy and meanness — Janitor’s widow — Choosing a profession — A fair promise — Painful parting. 146

CHAPTER XXIII.

Junior year — New chum — Unruly freshmen — A good friend — Little southerner — Christmas holidays — Troubles in the distance — Sudden summons — House of mourning — Another blow... 153

CHAPTER XXIV.

Light in darkness — Young teacher — Making the best of circumstances— Gratifying present — Again at college — Tidings from abroad — Taking a degree — Difficulty removed 159

CHAPTER XXV. .

School of the prophets — The special prayer — Choice of a ■■ parish church — St. Peter’s Sunday-school — Private devotions— Mysterious Providence — Brand plucked from the burning 167

CHAPTER XXVI.

Election — Excitement — Theological politician — Clergymen not to vote — Bishop White and Bishop Griswold — Greenwich lane — The broken head — Alice’s mother 173

CONTENTS.

xiii

CHAPTER XXVII.

PAGE

The directory — Lost sister — A stranger in the land — John Anderson — Happy thought— City missionary— Important record — Orphan houses and hospitals — Care for emigrants 179

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Blind asylum — Dangers everywhere — Timely caution — Itching ears — Misgivings and despondency — Bishop Wilson— Field of labor — Recovered blessings 185

CHAPTER XXIX.

Ascension day — Dr. Jarvis — Staten Island — Fairy land —

The little church — Voice from the garden — Devout congregation— Happy meeting — A cold lunch — Great Western— Haven of rest. 190

CHAPTER XXX.

Pastor’s counsels — Early marriages — Romish tendencies — Perilous times — Active remedies — Pageant at St. Patrick’s— Sharp rejoinders — Seminary commencement — Ordination — Little trunk— First sermon 19G

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THE BOY

WnO WAS TRAINED TO BE A CIERGTMAN.

Chapter 1

The boy preacher — Playing church — Parents’ wish — Conference— Characters introduced — Father’s determination — ^Application for advice.

Where is Edward?’^ asked Mr. Mason, as he laid down the book which he had been reading aloud to his wife, and looked about for his little son. The mother said nothing, but pointing to a distant corner of the room, the question was answered at once.

There the little flaxen-haired, blue-eyed boy was seen, standing upon a chair, with a large silk apron hanging upon his neck. He was so intently engaged, that he did not notice that eyes of tender aficction were gazing on him. The secret of his solemnity and silence was soon explained. He was playing church. The chair was his pulpit, the black silk apron his gown, and with a serious, earnest face he was looking around upon an imaginary congregation.

The hearts of the parents were too full to speak.

Not a word was said to disturb the youthful preacher; and when, at last, weary with his labors, he got down from the chair, and came to kiss his mother good night,^^ she blessed him in a silent prayer, and he went off, happy and contented, to his rest.

Mr. Mason was the first to speak : — “ A beautiful picture that, my dear, of innocence and love

I have often wished,^^ she said, that Edward might become a clergyman, if God should spare him to us. Who knows but my earnest desires may yet be granted

There can be no doubt,” answered Mr. Mason, that tastes and capacities for different trades and professions, are sometimes exhibited in early life : and it has always appeared to me that such intimations should not be disregarded.”

‘‘Would you think it right or prudent,” interrupted Mrs. Mason, who seemed much interested in the thought which her husband had expressed, “would you think it right or prudent, from the little incident to-night, to take it for granted that Edward has latent qualities of mind and heart, which would fit him for usefulness in the ministry, and to begin, from his very infancy, to train him up with this sacred profession in view ?”

“That would be my -own opinion,” replied her husband, “but in a matter so serious, and which involves such vast responsibilities, I should not like

TO BE A CLERGYMAN.

to act unadvisedly. I must confess, however, it has all along been my wish and prayer, that our little boy might one day become a good and useful minister of God.^'

The parents having never exchanged a word upon the point before, were well pleased to find this agreement in opinion ; and as the safest and wisest course, they determined to ask the advice of their friend and pastor, Mr. Palmer, who lived in the neighboring town.

While waiting for the settlement of this important matter, I shall take the opportunity of introducing to the reader, in a more formal way, the persons with whom he has thus become partially acquainted.

Mr. Mason had once been a wholesale merchant in New York, and having been very successful in business, he had retired, with an ample fortune, to a country seat which he owned, about a hundred miles from the city, on the banks of the Hudson. Having received an excellent education in youth, he devoted his time to literary pursuits, and to beautifying the grounds and gardens which surrounded his mansion.

The usual deplorable effect of prosperity had not been wrought upon him, and he was still the same conscientious, liberal man, that he was in earlier days, when his circumstances were humble and contracted.

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Mr. and Mrs. Mason had long been devoted members of the church, showing the sincerity of their faitt by blameless and useful lives.

Several promising children had been snatched away by death. Two alone remained; the eldest, Lucy, a sprightly and engaging girl, twelve years of ago was at boarding-school, a few miles from home ; the other, the little boy of fiv.e years old, whom we saw at the opening of the chapter busying himself in ^ unusual a way.

The wide gap between the ages of the two served to lemind the parents of losses which they had been called to bear, losses which, by God^s kind providence, had all been turned to good.

The nearest church was in a little village, at the distance of four or five miles, but the weather must have been inclement indeed, which could keep these devoted Christians from the public worship of God.

The day after the conversation took place which I have just recorded, Mr. Mason rode to town, intending to call upon the rector, and ask his advice in regard to the question of interest which so small a circumstance had excited. He was disappointed to find that Mr. Palmer had been suddenly called from home by the illness of a brother who lived in the interior of the state, and as the disease of the sufferer was deceitful and lingering, the time of his return was doubtful. Indeed, the good clergyman

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being uncertain h»w long he might be detained, had persuaded a clerical friend who happened to be disengaged, to comO’ and look after the parish during his absence.

At first, Mr. Mason deternnned to wait patiently until he could converse with his pastor upon the subject which sO often occupied his thoughts, but afterwards, becoming restless with the delay, he concluded to write.

The result of this correspondence I mu36 reserve for the next chapter.

Chapter II

Two weeks’ suspense — Rector’s letter — No marvels promised— Sixth birth-day — Broaching an important subject — A little boy’s dreams.

More than two weeks passed away, and still no letter from Mr. Palmer. At last his answer came. The state of his brother’s health, and other unavoidable hindrances, had occasioned this delay. I cannot do better than transcribe that part of his epistle which relates to the subject of our story:

It may seem a trifling coincidence to notice, my dear friend, in connection with a matter so solemn, but I could not help calling to mind a similar incident in the life of good Bishop White,* when you spoke of Little Edward’s appearance in the pulpit. I do not think that parents need wait for any decided preference to be manifested by their sons, before beginning to mould their minds with reference to their future career. Why should not Christian mothers dedicate them to the Lord, as Hannah did, and train them up from infancy with direct refer-

* Dr. Wilson’s Life of Bishop White, p. 21. Henshaw’s Memoir of Bishop Moore, p. 16.

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ence to the ministry? I would have no cant nor hypocrisy about it. Let the boy be taught, little by little, the great dignity and responsibility of the office to which his thoughts are turned. Let him be carefully instructed in all things calculated to improve his mind and heart, and trust to God to work with you in all these efforts to promote his glory.

I wonder that more parents do not think of educating their sons with a view to the ministry. It is a most laborious and responsible office, to be sure, and one but poorly requited in this world. But then they should think of the reward of the faithful clergyman in the next : ^ They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.' Daniel xii. 3. ^Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.' James v. 20.

There are very few parents who would not be proud to see their son sent as an ambassador to a foreign court. Yet what is such a distinction compared with the privilege of being an ambassador for God ? I would urge you, therefore, by all means, my dear friend, to persevere in the work which God has put into your hearts."

Mr. and Mrs. Mason read this letter with much

THF BOY WHO WAS TRAINED satisfaction, and no longer hesitated as to what course they ought to pursue.

I must warn my readers beforehand, that I have no marvels to relate. If they wish to regale themselves with the pious and precocious remarks of children who pass for prodigies in the world, they must seek for such excitement elsewhere. The little boy whose history it is my privilege to relate, was brought up in the old-fashioned, quiet, unobtrusive ways which are pointed out in the Scriptures, and followed by the church. Edward was made member of Christ and a child of God’^ in early infancy by baptism, and taught from the beginning, that he was a Ohristian child, and must try to act accordingly.

Neither shall I be guilty of the partiality and unfairness of concealing his faults. This would be the surest way to defeat the main purpose which I have in view — to encourage parents to train up their sons for the ministry, and to convince the young that such a thing is reasonable and right.

Edward had been taught to kneel down and say his prayers, night and morning, long before he could understand the nature or the need of prayer. The forms and ceremonies of religion became a part of his daily life. He looked upon them as a thing of course — something which no person, who wished to be good, would venture to neglect.

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It was not until his sixth birth-day, that any direct reference was made, in conversation with him, to the course which his parents intended him to pursue. Lucy had come home from school to share in the little festivities with which these anniversaries were commonly observed. Mr. Palmer had dined with them. After his departure, something was said as to his influence with his people, and their affection for him, when Lucy, in her simplicity, asked : “ Mother, why can’t Edward be a minister, when he is a man ? Mr. Palmer will be getting old then, and brother could help him.” ‘^So he might, my child,” said Mrs. Mason, ‘^and I should greatly rejoice to see the day when my boy could be thus employed. How would you like it, Edward ?”

The little fellow’s face brightened up as he answered, 0, mother, that is what I have been thinking about. Then, you know, I could carry nice things to sick people, and read out of the Prayer Book for them. And, mother, don’t you think I might sing one of my pretty hymns ? You remember that aunt Mary liked to hear singing, when she was ill so long.”

Thus the little group conversed — branching off into all directions as occasional remarks suggested new topics to tb^'’’’ "^inds.

Tea-time came — family prayers were said. At nine o’clock the children retired to rest. Edward dreaming of his little church, and his poor parishioners, and the many good things he would do when he became a man.

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CHAPTEK III.

Sister’s departure — Goodbye — Robinson Crusoe— Truant boys — No church-going bell — Launch upon the mill-pond — Dark close to a bright day.

There are many ups and downs in life. Sometimes the way is smooth and plain — sometimes rough and intricate. Sometimes we have strength to Tesist temptations — sometimes we grievously fall.

The morning after the birth-day scene, Lucy was sent back to school. Edward stood upon the stile, with swimming eyes, watching the carriage as long as it remained in sight.

His mother knowing that he would be more lonely than usual that day, offered to read to him a pretty story after his lessons were done. So when the long line of spelling had been said without a mistake, and a row of quite respectable figures were made upon the slate, she gave him his choice what book she should read. He asked to hear more about his favorite, Eobinson Crusoe, and his man Friday- Mrs. Mason kept his little ej^es on the stretch for about half an hour with some of the stirring incidents in this redoubtable history, and then laid down the book.

Please, mother,'^ said Edward, “ don't stop yet; I am not at all tired."

“ I think, my son," answered Mrs Mason, “that you have heard enough for to-day. It is not well to have too much of a good thing at once. We should show some moderation in our enjoyments."

“ When you read that part, mother, about Robinson's snug home in the cave, I thought," said Edward, ‘‘ that I should like to live on an island, and have a parrot and a canoe, and make all those thinors that he did."

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“ That is the way that little boys are apf to talk," observed his mother, smiling, “ and some foolish ones have got themselves into trouble by it. I heard of five or six boys, not many years ago, who had their heads so full of this story, that they ran away from school, and went to an island somewhere in the Sound, and there played Robinson Crusoe to their hearts' content. For the first day it did very well. They had some crackers in their pockets, and by the help of blackberries and walnuts were able to forget that they had lost their usual dinner and supper. But at night it began to thunder and rain, and there was no shelter to go to. They knew they had done very wrong, and felt too unhappy to say their prayers. Perhaps they thought

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that Grod would not hear such bad boys. The next , morning, wet, and cold, and hungry, they set out, in good earnest, to find their homes, and relieve the minds of their distracted parents.^^

‘^0, mother, cried Edward, will not talk of being like Kobinson Crusoe any more. How could they run off and leave their mothers in that way ‘^Can you think of no other reason, my son,^’ continued Mrs. Mason, why it would not be wise to go and live on an island by yourself? Would you lose nothing besides the care and attention of your parents V’

‘^To be sure, mother, a great deal more,” said Edward, in a serious tone; “I could not go to church. Poor Robinson had nobody to preach to him, and tell him what he ought to do.”

Mrs. Mason got up and took a book from the shelf, saying as she opened it, “ This remark reminds me of some beautiful lines written by Mr. Cowper. He supposed them to be spoken by Alexander Selkirk, who, you remember, was the real Robinson Crusoe : —

" ‘ Society, friendship, and love,

Divinely bestowed upon man,

Oh, had I the wings of a dove.

How soon I would taste you again !

‘ My sorrows I then might assuage In the ways of religion and truth ;

Might learn from the wisdom of age,

And be cheered by the sallies of youth.

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“ ‘ Religion ! what treasures untold Reside in that heavenly word !

More precious than silver or gold,

Or all that this earth can afford.

“ ‘But the sound of the church-going bell These valleys and rocks never heard —

Ne’er sighed at the sound of a knell,

Or smiled when a Sabbath appear’d.’ ”

When dinner was over Edward reminded his mother of a promise she had made, that he might go down to the mill-pond, on some pleasant afternoon, and sail his ship. Thomas the gardener, who was a kind-hearted, obliging man, and withal quite ingenious, had cut a small vessel out of wood, and presented it to the little boy upon his birth-day. As Mr. Mason was too busy to go with him, and Mrs. Mason had been suffering with a headache, Sally, the nursery maid, was intrusted with the care of young master, upon the very important occasion of launching the Lady of the Lake,^^ as Lucy had insisted the ship should be called. When they reached the pond, a long string was fastened to it, and Edward manifested great delight at seeing his little schooner sail briskly along the shore.

Pretty soon Tom Hall the miller’s boy, spied them out, and came down to see what they were about.

He expressed much gratification at the fine ap-

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pearance of the ship, and at last persuaded- Edward to let him take a turn in sailing her. The owner, proud of his possession, very generously consented. Tom soon grew tired of the tame sport of pulling the ship by the line, and in one of his mischievous moods cut it loose, and the Lady of the Lake^^ steered her course forthwith towards the middle of the pond.

Edward was very angry, as might well be supposed ; and when the ragged miller boy shouted and jumped about with delight, the little fellow raised his puny hand to strike, and called Tom a fool, and various other naughty names which I should not like to repeat. In the midst of this mimic tempest, Mr. Mason appeared riding along the road. At the sound of Edward’s voice he stopped, and looked about in amazement. By this time Tom, thinking that his practical joke had gone far enough, very composedly rolled up his trowsers above his knees, and partly by wading in the pond and partly by crawling along the trunk of an old tree, which had obligingly fallen in the right direction, succeeded in reaching the little ship, which he brought safe to land.

Mr. Mason took up Edward behind him on the horse ; and telling Sally to carry the harmless toy which had occasioned so much difficulty, the little party returned to the house. Not a word was 3* spoken on the way. The commander of the vessel, however, was very much ashamed of his part in the performance.

Mr. Mason felt that whatever provocation Edward might have had, it was wrong for him to give way to his passions, and therefore ordered him to he sent supperless to bed.

TO BE A CLERGYMAN.

Chapter IV

Faults reproved — Little garden — Hammers and saws — Lessons in botany — Progress in knowledge — Friday dinner — Fasting.

When Edward had recited his lessons on the following morning, Mr. Mason called him into the library, and said, ‘^My son, I was sorely grieved to hear you use such language yesterday, and to find you so completely carried away by your temper.^^ <

- Edward made no answer, but hung down his head with shame.

If it had been some poor, ignorant child, with no father nor mother to instruct him,^^ continued Mr. Mason, I should have thought nothing of it. Such conduct is one of the natural fruits of our • corrupt and sinful hearts. But you, Edward, are a child of God, and a member of his holy church. Instead therefore of setting such a bad example to Tom, who has never enjoyed your privileges, you ought to have kept down your anger, as much as possible, and not used those unbecoming and sinful words.^^

Edward could stand it no longer, but bursting into tears, begged his father’s pardon.

Mr. Mason said, with a sad and serious tone. There is a Father in heaven, my dear boy, whom you have offended much more than you have me. Go to your room, and ask his forgiveness on your bended knees.”

No other circumstance worthy of record happened for some time. Edward had a little plot of ground in a corner of the garden, which he was allowed to call his own; and here he took great pleasure in digging, and planting, and weeding, when not otherwise employed. Besides this source of amusement, Thomas had fitted him up a work-bench in the wood-house, where, in wet or cold weather, he could occupy himself with a little set of carpenter’s tools, which his uncle had sent him from New York.

His parents encouraged him in these bodily exercises as conducive to health, and as a harmless way of passing off his leisure hours. They thought it unwise to keep him confined very long at his books. Without strength and vigor of body they knew that the faculties of the mind could never be properly developed.

But although Edward’s time for study each day was short, great pains were taken, upon all proper occasions, to give him oral instruction about many

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things which would be useful to him in after life. Thus, his mother seldom walked out in summer, without directing his attention to the trees and plants which came in their way; and Mrs. Mason not only answered with patience, but pleasure, the many curious questions which the little boy would ask, while turning over the pictures in Goldsmith^ s Animated Nature, and other books of the sort.

At the same time, while religious matters were never dragged in abruptly, Edward was trained up day by day in the way he should go, with respect to his duty both to God and man.

He could repeat the Catechism from beginning to end, and understood much more of it than we might suppose. This was not accomplished all at once, but little by little. His parents remembered and obeyed God’s direction to His people of old ; “Thou shalt teach my words diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.’’ Deut. vi 7.

They thought him too young to read the Bible to advantage ; and therefore, instead of placing this blessed book in his hands, at an age when its most precious teachings might have proved irksome and unprofitable, they endeavoured to make him acquainted with the general outlines of sacred history, and tlie principal characters embraced therein, enforcing its practical teachings as occasions offered themselves.

Edward^s mother, however, often selected interesting incidents from our Saviour’s life, and other parts which the little boy could ' readily understand — and thus he was taught to realize, from the first, that the Scriptures were indeed God’s holy word, given us in mercy to guide us in the way of truth ; and that to treat the book with irreverence, would be a sin.

One day when the dinner-bell rang, Edward ran in from the garden where he had been hard at work, bringing with him an appetite somewhat sharpened by his labor in the open air. Looking rather disappointed as he surveyed the neatly arranged table, he said in a tone which it ill became a little boy to use — Mother, I am so hungry ; I do wish we had some meat.” His father was evidently displeased, and answered, If you are not satisfied with your dinner, Edward, you need not eat it.” I did not mean to offend you, father,” Edward quickly said;