The life and letters of Rev. Lewis Alfred Wickes : being a brief narrative of his life, and the letters connected with his labors in revivals in northern New York

Front matter

L

■K&SUZ

FRED LOCKLEY

Chapter II. — Commencement of Ministerial Work 12

Chapter III. — Pastoral Labors. At Stows Square and Antwerp. 20 Chapter IV. — Correspondence during His Earlv Ministry, from

Chapter V. — Correspondence during Pastoral Work, from 1833

Chapter VI. — Beginning of Evangelistic Work. Revival at Norfolk ^ 80

Chapter VII. — Revival Meeting at Massena. Removal of Family

to Stows Square 1)5

Chapter VIII. — Meeting at Canton and Waddington 103

Chapter IX. — Revival Meeting at Morristown. Birthday Eetter of

1841 127

Chapter X. — Meeting at Parrishville 144

Chapter XL — Meeting and Sickness at Hermon. Revival at De

Kalb 151

Chapter XII. — Revival Meeting at Ogdensburg. Texts 163

Chapter XIII. — Meeting at Huvelton and De Puyster 174

Chapter XIV. — Meeting at Lisbon and Birthday Letter for 1842. . 183 Chapter XV. — Meetings at Woodville, Copenhagen, and Rodman. 207

Chapter XVI. — Meetings at Belleville and Adams 218

Chapter XVII.— Revival at Mansfield 226

Chapter XVIII. — Meetings of 1844 at Huvelton, West Potsdam,

and Madrid 235

Chapter XIX. — Second Meeting at Massena and Chateaugay,

1845 247

Chapter XX. — Meetings at Burke, Lawrenceville, Moira. Birthday

Letter of 1845 262

CHAPTER XXL — Meetings at Malone and Gouverneur 278

CHAPTER XXII. — Meeting at Oswego 205

Chapter XXIII — Birthday Letter, 1848 308

Chapter XXIV. — Revival Meetings at Boonville, Brownville, La-

Fargeville. Birthday and Letter to Mother. . 315 Chapter XXV. — Revival Meetings at Depauville, Cape Vincent. . . 335

Chapter XXVI. — Meeting at Copenhagen and Last Sickness 348

Chapter XXVII. — Funeral Sermon and Testimonials. Closing

Words 355

Preface

In compliance with the urgent solicitations of manyrespected and dear friends of the deceased L. A. WlCKES, and hoping to benefit those now living, who once enjoyed and were benefited by his life, and also as his memory is still sacred, that it may continue to be cherished by children and grandchildren.

It is attempted in a brief narrative to present some of the arduous labors selected from numerous letters concerning the successful revivals of religion where God in His kind providence marked out the path for our faithful and beloved friend to labor. Being well aware of the difficulties, at this late hour, to do justice to what the Lord wrought by His instrumentality, yet it is desired to encourage others to trust in the Lord, as His servant did, knowing the promises are sure to the obedient in His blessed cause.

We therefore send out some incidents of a faithful life, praying that to the inquiry "Who is on the Lord's side?" many may respond as did the subject of this memoir, unreservedly " Here Lord am I. What wilt thou have me to do?"

AN INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO SUB- SCRIBERS.

A PEN PICTURE OF MRS. WICKES.

As most of the subscribers for the Life and Letters of Rev. L. A. Wickes will expect a portrait of Mrs. Wickes also, it is due them, to say, that at the exceedingly low price which she offered her book and the great personal sacrifice at which she has been, in order to have it printed at all, forbid any more expense.

And so it has been thought by some of her nearest friends that a brief pen sketch of her life would satisfy your expectations. Owing to her natural diffidence and failing health it has been by a great deal of persuasion that she has yielded to have this sketch written, and only acquiesced at the thought that it might be of encouragement and benefit to others and advance the cause of her Lord whom she desires above everything else to honor. Her parents were of puritanic stock and emigrated from Connecticut to northern New York when there was only a bridle path from Utica northward. Cynthia Wilcox was born Feb. 3, 1 804. Her first recollection was learning to walk and of sitting in the foot of the cradle rocking her sister thirteen months younger than herself. Then when she was two and a half years old of riding to school on horseback with her father and being lifted off by the teacher. Being of a very religious turn of mind she recollects, when a very small

vii viii Introductory \otc to Subscribers.

child, of holding a blade of grass in her hand and wishing the Lord would turn it into a needle (as her mother had but few and could only procure more by sending to Utica, fifty miles away) so she might sew together some pieces that had been given her. At the age of seven years her first religious conviction of sin began on being told by a young cousin who was visiting at her father's house and who had a New Testament which she read with C, that she was a sinner, that everybody were sinners. She thought her father and mother could not be but the cousin said yes ALL were sinners, that Jesus had died for all who would repent and believe on Him. Two or three years after the cousin died and left as a parting gift to C. the New Testament, which she valued highly and spent much of her spare time in reading and committing to memory many passages. She remembers being much impressed by sermons preached by the Rev. Isaac Clinton in 1808. About the year 1816, under the ministry of Father Nash, her parents united with the Church and brought all their children (then seven in number 1 forward for baptism. Some weeks after, while visiting at their house, questioning C. about her religious faith Father Nash asked her if she loved the Savior. She replied, " He was the one altogether lovely." He asked her if she would not like to unite with the people of God and she assented. So when all Christians of all denominations were gathered together in the old school house where the church usually met for Sabbath worship, she was requested to stand up on a bench and "give in" her "religious experience," which she did," and Father N. asked all present who thought it a Christian experience to hold up their hands. From that time she spent much

Introductory /Vote to Subscribers. ix

time reading such books as Baxter's Saints' Rest, Dodridge's Rise and Progress and Mrs. Hannah Moore and such like works. A ladies' Missionary and Library Society was organized and C. was chosen secretary and served as such for years, In 1820 a young man who united with the church at the same time C. did, and was studying for the ministry started the idea of a Sabbath School and organized one with twenty-five members. She being the oldest of the scholars was asked to hear a class, as their exercises consisted chiefly in reciting Scripture verses from memory. And from that time to this there has never been a time, unless prevented by very severe illness, that she has not gathered a class about her upon the Sabbath for instruction in the Bible. A few years ago, a former pupil of hers at Stows Square, while on a visit to her western home and speaking of that Sabbath School said; "The best S. S. ever WAS." The children were always nearly all converted while in her class ; her constant aim was to guard them and bring them into the fold of the Good Shepherd. About 1826 the temperance movement commenced in the East, and people began to see bad effects from the use of malt or distilled liquors, and a pledge against such liquors was circulated.

One was brought to Miss C, while she was sitting at her loom weaving her day's work for family wear, and she immediately wrote her name. Afterward, the Washingtonian movement swept over the land and her father and mother with the older members joined it and received certificates of membership.

During the years 1821 and 1822 Miss C. attended school at Lowville Academy, then under the preceptorx Introductory Note to Subscribers.

ship of Prof. Taylor. During the year 1831 while teaching the day school at Stows Square a revival broke out among the children and nearly all the school "indulged a hope in the Savior." At this time Mr. Wickes came to Stows Square, the result of which is found in the narrative.

Diffident to attract public notice, it was not until after her marriage that she broke over the custom of "women keeping silence in the churches." He encouraged her to feel "that clothes stuffed with straw would not hinder her from praying before them, and men were but lumps of clay covered." She entered heartily and with an eye single to God's glory into every reform that presented itself, signing with her husband upon marriage, a pledge of total abstinence from all kind of liquor, tobacco, tea and coffee, which pledge she ever kept. Though she well remembers when ministers and deacons joined with all others in drinking from the full bottle and pitchers that were ever kept ready on the sideboard for all callers. After her husband commenced his evangelistic labors she with her little children returned from Antwerp to her father's house, where she made her home for nearly five years, attending prayer and maternal meetings, and having always a class in Sunday School, but when at all consistent with other duties, she accompanied her husband in his arduous, but to them delightful labor of leading souls to Christ. During this stay with her family at Stows Square, temperance and anti-slavery causes became greatly agitated, and were made by herself and friends subjects of special prayer, but the minister and leading members of the society were exceedingly "conservative and forbid them to bring such subjects into

Introductory Xotc to Subscribers. xi

their social meetings, treating them with coldness by shutting the door in their faces or closing the meeting before giving them opportunity to take any part, consequently they thought best to quietly remain at home. Some sympathizing friends coming in each Sabbath to have a prayer meeting, or read a sermon, or anti-slavery lecture, as many stirring articles were being widely published, and so as a family they were strongly enthused by these and kindred subjects, and that no farther trouble should be made by the society, they wrote and sent in a "Withdrawal."

[Mrs. W. never ceased her work of teaching the Word of God both in S. S., and in a week day evening Bible class attended for years by adults and young people.]

But "the society" were not content to let them leave thus peaceably saying "Our S. S. is all run down, w can't afford to lose their support," so sent them a citation to "appear before the church for covenant breaking."

Mrs. W. had already arranged to assist her husband in a very interesting revival, and as a number of the family had planned to attend a large Abolition Convention at Antwerp, and accompany her on her way; feeling that the more important occasion, they did not attend the "Church meeting." The "Church" however met, and by an ex parte trial by vote of sixteen "cut off" ten of the absentees, but as Mrs. W. had a good excuse to go to assist her husband they put off her trial, and after several postponements, and an appeal to the Presbytery, where an earnest effort was made to have her vindicated and truth alone made to appear. Mr. WT. sympathizing with his wife in all reformatory causes thought that justice xii Introductory Note to Subscribers.

would be done if the facts and truth were known. And while not willing to hinder the revival meetings in which he was engaged, hoped to carry on by writing and brother minister?, a satisfactory conclusion of the matter. But the clerical brethren were fearful that the anti-slavery cause would divide their churches, and so did not allow all the facts to appear. And at a special called meeting of "the Church" the then pastor pronounced her (5 against 4) "Cutoff from all Church fellowship with man, and no doubt with God." The Presbytery at length decided "There is nothing against Mrs. Wicked Christian and moral character, and if she will recall her "Withdrawal," she may be re -instated into Church fellowship" but no word was promised of Christian liberty on the great moral questions of the day, and she felt to say, "What. I have done I have done."

As Mrs. Wickes had only done what she felt as her duty to do, she had no regrets, or apologies to make. The long experience she had passed through and believing that "If ye know these things happy are ye if you do them," and "Happy is he that condemneth not himself in the things that he alloweth," led her to see, more and more, that the fellowship of Christians was one thing and manmade churches and sects another, and the more she was made the object of scorn the more she was led to close reading of the Bible and prayerful meditation. When the glorious liberty of the Gospel revealed itself still more fully to her consciousness she realized that he that loveth is born of Go d and " Through One Spirit" we all have access to the Father, and "There is no other name given under heaven among men whereby we can be saved," "But he that believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ

Introductory Note to Subscribers. xiii

shall be saved," " and to him shall be given a new name that no man knoweth save him to who it is given." And therefore, "the Bride, the Lamb's wife," is known by the Bridegroom, and as no voting by brothers or sisters, or strangers, can make a child belong to its parents, so no human power can create the relation of a child to God and if born of God all are by the "spirit of adoption," already "members of the General Assembly and Church of the first born" and members one of another. "Growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviuor Jesus Christ." "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together." Finding in the written word of God an all sufficient guide for "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work." Truth never acting in opposition to itself. And as the "law of the Lord" is exceeding broad, extending to every thought " so no condition or reform but will find direction or guidance in the blessed Bible, therefore made her courageous to accept and put in practice all reforms when made clear to her conscience. While visiting a daughter, in Fulton, 111., in 1859, she was cordially invited to the charge of a Bible class, which she did to the acceptance of the members. After returning home where a feeble grand child needed her sympathizing care, being a naturally skillful nurse, her attention was drawn to the dress of women as affecting the lives and health of not merely themselves but their children, and she adopted the dress reform costume which she has worn for the last twenty-four years.

The subject of equal rights was very forcibly brought xiv Introductory Note to Subscribers.

to her notice by an incident soon after her husband's death. The pathmaster called to warn her of her road tax. According to New York law, Mr. W. had never been taxed, and she asked why she should be, as a widow. The answer was, " Not being a minister and holding property it must be taxed." "But," said she, "I am not as able as was my husband," "Can't help it, its THE LAW" was the reply, "And I warn you on the road to-morrow at 8 a. M. with such tools as you use in your garden." And so amid the tears of her children, accompanied by a little orphan boy staying with her, and whom she directed to take his Testament along to study his S. S. lesson, she was set at work on the road by the side of the burying ground where her husband lay. Was ever place more fitting to think of enactments that require "Taxation without representation? It was with her, and her daughters, a life lesson. The anti-slavery question had expanded to one of human rights, regardless of sex. " In Christ Jesus there is neither male or female for all are one."

In 1863 she accompanied her children and their families to Iowa and settled in Humboldt Co. She has ever sought to exemplify her belief by her life, " that others seeing her good works may glorify God, and finding in every loving heart a brother or sister. She is now in her eightieth year. Her memory and faculties of mind are clear. Heart warm and in sympathy with the young people about her. Interested in all that interests the children and grandchildren, and the one littlegreat granddaughter. Though suffering daily the most intense bodily pain, she sends out her little book hoping in the life she has tried to portray, an example that may be the

Introductory Note to Subscribers. xv

means of winning many souls to Christ, and her oft repeated expression is " And now Lord, what wait I for, my hope is in Thee." "Who shall separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Truly of her may well be said as of another

"Humility, religion's choicest grace,

Adorned her life throughout her earthly race ;

Meekness, through life her tender soul inspired,

While holy veal, her ardent spirit fired.

Sectarian pride and selfish party zeal

Her free-born soul disdained to feel.

Her liberal mind, her wide expanded soul,

Loved all the saints, and fellowshiped the whole.

Pure love for souls oft made her spirit yearn,

While she in tears prayed sinners to return.

Long will " The Churc/i" her absence sad deplore;

But, ah! 'tis ours to tremble and adore

Jehovah's ways. We'll humbly kiss the rod,

And bow submissive to the hand of God."

CHAPTER I.

BIRTH AND EARLY EDUCATION.

EWIS ALFRED WICKES was born at Hyde Park, Dutchess County, N. Y., December 8, 1809. He was the eldest of ten children, and remarkable for his natural vivacity and affectionate disposition. His opportunities for Christian instruction in early life were rather limited, as his parents were not professedly religious.

He often spoke of his grandfather's taking him with him to meeting and seating him upon a low seat before the altar, and of standing, when very small, in the orchestra and singing, as he had an excellent voice and liked to join that part of worship on the Sabbath.

After several removals, his parents settled in Troy, N. Y., where he was surrounded with many temptations, as youths of his age, of convivial affinities in cities, always are. When his dear parents became Christians, espousing the cause of Christ, and erected a family altar, Lewis' heart rebelled against such an idea as being summoned to come daily around that -altar. He told his brother he would run away from such a place. As he was his mother's main dependence in assisting about household affairs, she had very severe trials on this subject with him. His father was constantly engaged in business, and could not be with his family during the day.

His mind was not wholly at ease on the all-important subject of his soul's salvation. His father*s prayers and his mother's warnings often aroused his consciousness of sin. While procrastinating, he tried in vain to shield himself under the doctrine of Universalism.

In 1826 Rev. C. G. Finney held a protracted meeting in Dr. Beman's church, the society with which his parents were connected at that time. Under the presentation of Divine truth he became fully convicted of his guilt as a sinner against God. So absorbed were his thoughts on his own sinfulness that he imagined the preacher speaking his name out audibly while he sat in the crowded gallery.

He was so sure it was so that he tried to stifle his feelings, and, aiming to conceal them, hastened home and asked his mother, who had been anxiously praying for him, why the minister mentioned his name. His parents Conver- were not blind to see the workings of the truth sion. upon his heart, and prayers went up unceasingly in his behalf. For several days his agony seemed almost unbearable. Satan was not willing to give up his slave, but in mercy the Lord heard prayer; the chain was broken, the captive set free. He came out an emancipated, praying soul, consecrating ALL to God, and was faithful in the performance of every duty that was made known to him. With other young converts, he became an active member of the church and society, engaging in the Sabbath School and Temperance cause.

His father had apprenticed him to learn the carpen-

0 , . ter's trade. He soon felt anxious to acquire an Resolve to >■

work for education, that he might be prepared to labor

Master more efficiently and extensively for the cause of

his Savior and the salvation of precious souls.

This was his constant theme of prayer. Christian friends encouraged him to make this aim his life-work. Accordingly, he bought his time of his employer, gave his note for one hundred dollars, hoping a kind Providence would enable him to pay, which in after time he satisfactorily accomplished.

In the month of May, 1826, with several of his associates who desired to study for the ministry, he went to Whitesborough and commenced his studies in the seminary at that place, their tuition being partly paid by a

. society of ladies in Troy. His parents furnished circum- him with an outfit for present necessities, as bedstances, ding, clothing and books. For about two years he shared with the others in the funds supplied by the ladies for their tuition, paying the amount lacking by his own labor. He also gained the confidence of his teacher and fellow-students. While attending the seminary he went out into the neighborhoods, engaged in Sabbath schools and prayer-meetings, also assisted pastors and ministers when revivals of religion prevailed in that section, and was said to be " missed " when not present in prayer-meetings.

In April, 1830, his parents sent for him to return home, and bring all his things with him, as, with their increasingly large family and limited means, they could not, without incurring a debt, help him in things necessary to continue longer in school.

CHAPTER II.

EARLY MINISTRY.

z XN May, young Mr. Wickes complied with his

i parents' request and returned to Troy, but with

reluctance at leaving the revival work in Oneida

County, in which his whole soul was engaged.

He was dispirited, and in suspense as to the

Discour- course the Lord would have him take; but he

aged, trusted Him to direct his steps, and He shortly

wav opened his way, as the following, selected from

opens, many letters received from interested .persons at

Remsen, shows, who felt they had received benefit from

his influence and labors.

Letter from Rev. Mr. Waters, June 15th, 1830. NEW Hartford, Tuesday morning, June 15, 1830.

Mr. Wickes.

Dear Sir : I last evening returned from Remsen, seventeen miles north of Utica, where I have preached for the three Sabbaths past. I hasten this morning to answer your letter, and would remark that my situation as a minister of the Gospel would not admit of discharging the duty of instructor; neither would my temporal domestic arrangements admit of such a place as you would need Yet, Sir, as I feel interested in your case, and very ready to afford you all the aid in my power, and as I perceive you are determined on leaving Troy, I will remark that in Remsen, where it is most probable I shall preach this summer, there is an academy, the preceptor of which has lately been converted, and in that place there is now a revival. Should you see fit to come right on, I should be glad to see you, and would find you some work there in the vineyard. Board is but $1.00 per week, tuition $4.50, and I think it very likely I might find you some way of earning your board. * * * Should you think of visiting R., you had better walk out from Utica to my house. You have friends in this neighborhood who will be glad to see you.

The work in Floyd continues, and has become powerful in Holland Patent and Trenton. There is now a precious line of revival from Floyd to Remsen.

J. Waters.

Young, with a limited education and an empty pocket, but with the prayers of his parents for his usefulness in the vineyard of the Lord, he set out on his journey, not knowing, like Abraham, whither he was going.

He found friends in the families of Revs. Waters and Foot, much interest being taken in and shown him while Began to laboring in connection with them in the extensive labor, revivals of religion that prevailed throughout all that region. In the town of Trenton he became acquainted with a Rev. Mr. Stowe and a Miss Mary Fowler, (she afterward becoming a missionary of the A. B. of F. M. to India), both of them from Oxbow, Jefferson County, N. Y. They earnestly requested him to go to that place, and assist in meetings in that vicinity. But a severe attack of typhoid fever prostrated him, during which time he was faithfully and kindly cared for in the family of a Mr. Wiser. After his recovery, being repeatedly solicited, he decided it was the Lord's will that he should go to Oxbow. Arriving there in the month of October, he assisted in organizing a temperance society, also conference and prayer-meetings, with great success.

In the month of March, 1831, he went to the village Visited °f Antwerp, was cordially welcomed, and ever Antwerp, afterward kindly entertained in the family of Mr. A. Whitford, an officer in a small Presbyterian society, which at that time had no minister, and. was dependent on the Home Mission Society for preaching, but seldom had any. It was a place noted for all kinds of immorality, especially on the Lord's day.

He did not expect to remain but a few days in that place, but, having found a destitute society, that had been organized in 18 19 with eight members, desiring to see a better state of things both in and out of the church, being earnestly solicited, he commenced house-visiting and holding meetings, giving exhortations, and lecturing on the subject of temperance. An increasing interest, as well as numbers, became manifest in the meetings, notwithstanding the frivolities, carousals and drinking so ... prevalent among .the inhabitants. He remained in revival there until the month of May, and there were wor " some fifteen or sixteen hopeful conversions. He then attended several protracted meetings in that region, at Evans' Mills, Brown ville, and other places.

The friends in Antwerp were very reluctant to have him leave. He had such hold on the affections of the people, especially the little church, they hoped and prayed his return might be speedy to them. Letters were addressed to him while attending the meetings at the Health above-named places, urging his return. In the failed, month of August his health became so poor it was thought advisable to take a trip across the lake to Canada, which, though attended with severe seasickness, proved beneficial. He was invited to take part in meetings at B., in Lower Canada, from which afterwards a Christian brother wrote to have him come over and become their minister. He returned to Sackett's Harbor, from which place he wrote to his good friend, Mr. Whitford. On his way back he stopped at Chamount Bay. While there he wrote a letter to his parents, and another to his sister, A. M., whom he had recently heard had become a Christian. His affectionate, winning manners, and extensive opportunities to become acquainted with human nature, made him successful in obtaining access to the heart and conscience of those with whom he conversed, together with faithful devotion to his precious Bible (which he called his " sword "), and unceasing secret communion with God, as well as prayer and exhortation in every place where he could be a witness in the cause of Christ. These were all instrumental of his success in that village. We learn the result of his On page laDors in his letter to his dear parents. He continued his studies until the month of March, 1 83 1. He wrote to his parents, wishing them to request a letter of dismissal, and of his standing in the church of r . , Troy. He obtained his request. The church in to preach Antwerp gave him a call to become their minister. yRiver ^n ms return> >n the month of May, 1831, he Associa- applied to the Black River Association for, and obtained a license to preach. He commenced his labors in Antwerp, and, with his usual enthusiasm, engaged in visiting from house to house, and three meetings on the Sabbath, and as many or more during the week. A gracious work of grace seemed to hover over the whole community. The place of worship became so thronged the people began seriously to talk about a meeting-house. They felt they were poor, but it was thought best to proceed and do what they could. A subscription was drawn up, a building committee chosen, and their minister chosen their agent, which was a great addition to his labors, both of body and mind ; for he still felt he must pursue his studies, and the salvation of souls must not be neglected. However, he entered into the work, remembering the Savior worked as a carpenter, and " came to minister, and not to be ministered unto." The work went on ; the church found the Lord on the giving hand, ready to open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing when the hearts and hands were open to the requirements of their spiritual wants.