The life of David Marks, to the 26th year of his age, including the particulars of his conversion, call to the ministry, and labours in itinerant preaching for nearly eleven years

Front matter

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THE

Preface

When I was about to commence an itinerant life, my mother would not part with me till she had obtained a promise that I would faithfully keep a simple narrative of my travels, and the interesting occurrences which should fall under my observation. This promise was made reluctantly, as I could perceive but little probability, that much, if any advantage would result from the course. Had it not been for this requisition of the tender parent, years might have passed, and a thought of such a practice never hav£ entered my mind. Indeed, it wTas several months before I saw any use for these simple narrations. But after some years, I found, that, by referring to them, many interesting particulars concerning past events were revived, which would otherwise have been forgotten till the judgment. Years still passed, however bejpre I thought of their ever exciting any interest, except with myself, or my intimate friends. But at the age of twenty, I became, of the opinion, on reviewing my manuscript, that it exhibited an interesting view of the grace of God, in converting and putting me into the ministry, in strengthening my hands, and in blessing his word through the feeblest of instruments to the salvation of souls* Believing my narrative might be useful to Zion, if suitably prepared and published after my decease, I concluded to revise the whole, so that, should I be called suddenly to lay aside this tabernacle, it might be left intelligible for another hand. After completing this revision, I kept a brief journal, and recorded only the more interesting .facts; not expecting it to be published during my life. The following objections weighed much against its publication: — 1. Having enjoyed the privilege

4 PREFACE.

a school only ten months, my education was not sufficient to prepare such a work for the press. 2. It appeared assuming for a person to publish his own journal. 3. Being a man of like passions with other men, and my state of trial not yet concluded, I might still forget God! and should this be the case, the grace of God bestowed on me, might be viewed with contempt; and my apostacy would be the more a stumbling block to the weak.

Being solicited, however, by certain friends, in the year 1830, to publish my journal. I proposed my objections; which they endeavoured to remove. And after considering the subject, asking counsel of men of experience, and making fervent prayer to God, for the space of six months, the following reflections have decided its publication. My first objection is somewhat removed, by the experience of several years; and, more particularly, by the kindness of Heaven in giving me a companion, whose life has been chiefly spent in literary pursuits; and whose assistance in preparing the work for the press, has been of essential service. My second objection has been overbalanced by the consideration, that the grace God hath bestowed on me, has been singular; — in my early impressions, and conversion- — in his calling me from obscurity into his vineyard, at the age of fifteen years; — in opening my way remarkably while travelling in my minor years; and, finally, in showing me abundance of his grace, and in leading me in paths which I knew not, for eleven years. Relative to my third objection, I have thought, should I depart from my blessed Master after he hath wrought such wonders for my soul; then, let this history be a witness against me ; and by the same, others may learn to be watchful. And with such an example before their eyes, they may apply to themselves this scripture: 1 Cor. 10:12: " Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." Perhaps the mere publication of this narrative will make no difference in my future course. If it have any effect, the manner of my past life being more generally known, it should excite me to more carefulness, as by the same, there is an increase of my accountability'

PREFACE. 8

My labours, in some instances, have been intimately connected with the rise and progress of the Free-Will Baptist connexion; especially in the western country. And these particulars would now be interesting. The grace which the Lord hath shown me, has caused many others, as well as myself, to glorify God; and if the same were more generally known, I believe souls would be benefitted thereby, and glory be given to the Most High.

1. Notwithstanding I have endeavoured to write a correct journal, there are a few things, to which, in general, I have thought it duty to make no allusion, lest it should affect the character of individuals. Yet, as these have caused me deep sorrow, and severe trials, the entire omission of them in this place, would hardly be proper.

Though I have been destitute of any certain means of support, I have felt constrained to devote my whole time to the ministry, and depend upon the unsolicited contributions of those whose hearts might be opened to communicate. From many I have received liber-

flly; yet, the instances have been frequent, in which have travelled far, and expended considerable to preach among brethren, who were wealthy, from whom I have received nothing. Sometimes a penny has not been communicated for months; and for want of pecuniary aid, I have passed hundreds of times without the usual meal, and have often been destitute of convenient raiment. Still, these things have been no discouragement, neither would I have changed my condition with the kings of the earth; for I have made a covenant with God, that I will neither cease preaching, nor be a hireling, though I should have to beg my bread from door to door.

2. There have been persecutions, in which professed Christians of various denominations, have taken an active part. Sometimes they have been the authors of unfounded prejudices and slanders, designed to injure my usefulness, or sink into contempt the doctrine I preach. Those who may have sinned in these things, I judge not; they have one that judgeth them; and my prayer is, that they may repent and

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obtain forgiveness, before we are called to meet where the books shall be opened before the great Judge.

In writing this narrative, I have spoken of revivals, conversions, and interesting occurrences, as they appeared to me at the time. But, as change marketh all things in this state of probation, there have been, and still may be, instances in which ' the gold hath become dim, and the most fine gold changed.5 Apostacy has, in a greater or less degree, afflicted the righteous ever since time began. Doubtless, in the following pages, there may be allusions made to individuals, who once felt the power of the gospel; but of whom, hereafter, if not noiv, it may be said, they have ' forgotten that they were purged from their old sins.5 2 Pet. 1:9. Would to God, that even these pages might bring to their remembrance former days, when the candle of the Lord shone with beauty in their tabernacle; when, for a little season, they were willing to rejoice in that light.

In the late revision of this journal for the press, I have, with my companion, experienced several embarrassments. Constrained by duty to labour daily in the vineyard of the Lord, and travelling often among strangers, amid the vicissitudes of weather, we have been necessitated to accomplish the work at various intervals, and under a variety of circumstances. Having made supplication to God, that, through his. grace, it may be made a blessing to some, I now submit it to my brethren in Christ, who are endeared to me by ties sweeter than life, and stronger than death. The interviews I have enjoyed with thousands of the happy saints, during nearly eleven years, are remembered with gratitude to God. Many of these I shall not meet again ' till the heavens be no more.5 By the grace of our dear Redeemer, I am resolved to spend my days in his service, that when my blessed Master shall call me from the walls of Zion to his eternal glory, I may

" Meet all the heavenly pilgrims there, And in God's kingdom have a share."

limerick, Me. Sept. 26, 1831. D. M.

Chapter I

My parentage and early religious impressions. — Circumstances connected with the burning of my father's dwelling, and his removal to Connecticut.— Death of my brother.— My father's removal to Seneca county, N. Y Page 13.

Chapter II

My deep conviction for sin, and my oath of allegiance to God. — The loss of my conviction, and my efforts to regain it. — Evidences of having experienced regeneration. — Application to a Calvinistic Baptist church in Junius for baptism, &c. — My journey to Providence, Rhode-Island, to attend school, unsuccessful.— My baptism and connection with the Free-Will Baptists Page 19.

Chapter III

A renewal of my dedication to God — visit to a revival in Milo, Jan. 1821, and to several other towns, in company with Elder Dean. — My impressions to preach the gospel — return to my parents — they detain me awhile, then give me my time. — My visit to a great revival in Brutus and Camillus — interesting occurrences. — Persecutions and trials. — ^My return home Page 31,,

Chapter IV

My last interview with my mother. — Labours in several towns — severe trials. — Benton quarterly meeting at Lyons — painful news from my parents. — My journey to the Holland Purchase.— Bethany quarterly meeting. — My trials concerning preaching, and severe temptation, — Revival in Attica. — Erie quarterly meeting — the testimony of a deaf and dumb man. — My travels and meetings in various towns.-^-Revival in Boston and Eden. — Death of my mother. . , , . Page 38.

Chapter V

My return home and solemn interview. — Benton quarterly meeting — my return to the west — organization of the Holland Purchase yearly meeting. — My labours in Junius, and opposition there. — Study of English Grammar — the opening of my mother's grave — My labours in Manlius, and other towns — A second tour to the Holland Purchase Page 5,9.

Chapter VI

My departure for New-Hampshire — meetings in many places — Revivals in Brookfield and Eaton. — Continuance of my journey, and difficulties in consequence of being destitute of money. — Labours in several towns in New-Hampshire. — An offer of a collegiate education, and my reasons for declining it. — Union of several churches in the south part of Vermont with the Free-Will Baptist connexion. — My return to New-York Page 67.

Chapter VII

Interview with my sister and youngest brother — labours in several towns— a revival in Candor. — Interview with the followers of Jemima "Wilkinson at Jerusalem. — Meetings in many towns. — Attendance of the Benton quarterly meeting at Junius— the Erie quarterly meeting at Concord — trials that follow— reflections. , . Pa^e 87.

Chapter VIII

My passage on lake Erie to Ohio — sufferings on a desolate peninsula— difficulties in crossing Sandusky bay. — Meetings in several towns in Huron county — funeral of a backslider. — Organization of the Huron quarterly meeting. — My journey to The south part of the state — rise of a church in Portsmouth. — Difficulties in crossing the Ohio river, and a meeting in Kentucky.— My visit at Rutland — particulars of the rise of a Free-will Baptist yearly meeting on the Ohio river, and the trials that follow. — Attendance at a camp-meeting among the New Lights in Mount Vernon. — Particulars of my return to New- York. . , .,,,.... Page 97.

Chapter IX

My journey to Connecticut — .visit to my brother's grave. — Interview with Elder Josiah Graves of Middletown — particulars of the rise of a Free-Will Baptist church in that place. — My return to New- York — visit to Upper Canada — reflections at Niagara Falls. ........... Page 115.

Chapter X

Signs of a revival in Batavia and Elba. — My second journey to Upper Canada. — My labours in revivals at Batavia and Elba — Le Roy — Groveland and Geneseo— a church gathered Page 123.

Chapter XI

My Address to the Unconverted, published. — Circumstances which led me to imbibe Unitarian principles. — Interviews with Lorenzo Dow. — A revival at Manchester, and particulars of my labours till Dec, 1823 , . . . Page 150.

Chapter XII

My second journey to New-Hampshire — reflections while crossing the Green Mountains — a revival at Bradford. — Journey to Rhode-Island and Connecticut — execution of a criminal at Tolland — reflections. — The N. H. yearly meeting at Weare, 1S24. — Revival at Sandwich. — My labours in the western part of Maine — a meeting and thunder shower at Effingham, N\ H., and a funeral at Bradford. — My return to New-York, and travels with Abel Thornton, and Susan Humes, a female preacher. — Particulars of my labours till Oct., 1824. p. 165.

Chapter XIII

My second journey to Ohio — labours till Jan. 1825. — Teaching of a school at York — another at Salt-rock, and my labours in the time — a revival at Salt-rock and some other towns. — Account of a hurricane. — An interesting baptismal scene. — My confinement with a fever — and fiery trials. — Organization of the Marion quarterly meeting, and Ohio yearly meeting. — My departure for New-York. — A sudden death and funeral at Wayne, Ohio — return home— trials. . , , Page 186,

Chapter XIV

My engagement in a school at Junius, and gloomy state of mind. — Preaching under great depression — At the Benton quarterly meeting in Middlesex, Jan., 1826, my trials are removed suddenly, and the Lord enables me to speak with much freedom. — My brethren set me apart to the work of the ministry, March 5, 1826. — My labours in many towns, and administration of gospel ordinances. — Attendance at a general meeting of the Christian order at Mendon. — Severe temptations in consequence of having imbibed Unitarian principles. Some of the arguments which convinced me of the real unity of the Father and Son Page 208,

Chapter XV

My labours in a revival at Ontario — Holland Purchase yearlv meeting in this town. — Particulars of the rise of the first Free-Will Baptist church in Upper Canada. — Interesting conversion and baptism of a sick person. — My labours in different places — reformation at Canandaigua. — An uproar among the people, occasioned by the kidnapping of Capt. VTm. Morgan, and other circumstances connected with it. — Organization of a church at Canandaigua. — Brother T. Beebe invites me to make his house my home — the invitation accepted. — My journey to the eastern part of the state, in Jan., 1S27. — Some accountjof the Free Communion Baptist denomination — Baptism of six persons, at sunrise on a winter morning.— My journey to Pennsylvania, and labours till August, 1827. — Yearly meeting at Bethany. — Trials among the brethren, occasioned by the connection of some with Free Masonry — discussion of the subject. — Remarkable appearance of the northern lights . Page 221.

Chapter XVI

My first journey to London district, Upper Canada — reformation at London — commencement of a revival at Southwold. ... . Page 241.

Chapter XVII

My visit to Scriba, N. Y. — a revival — a church gathered. — My happy state of mind in expectation of immediate death — i exercises concerning Christian perfection. My labours among the churches of the Holland Purchase and Susquehanna yearly meetings — Benton quarterly meeting at Canandaigua, in which Elder J. Fowler renounces Free Masonry. P. 250.

Chapter XVIII

My second tour to London district, Upper Canada — meetings in the streets at St. Catharines, Hamilton, and Ancaster. — State of our churches in the province. The faithfulness of a sister at London blessed to the conversion of her dying husband — Ordination of brother Huckins. — An aged Christian convinced of the Scriptural baptism. — Visits among the churches of the Bethany and Benton quarterly meetings'. — An examination of some of the disclosures of Free Masonry and some facts connected with them — my reflections and trials on this subject.— Holland Purchase yearly meeting at Middlesex — its resolves respecting Masonry. . Page 262.

Chapter XIX

My departure for New-England, with William Van Tuyl — Spafford quarterly meeting at New Berlin. Second session of the Susquehanna yearly meeting — its rise, &c. Particulars of a meeting in the street at Johnstown, N. Y. — opposition. — The Vermont yearly meeting in Oct. 1828. Free Masonry discussed, &c. — Second session of the General Conference.— Our meetings in Maine, New-Hampshire and Vermont— interviews with Dea. T. Colby and Elder J. Woodman, at Sutton. — Our return home Page 280,

Chapter XX

Revival at Canandaigua. — Death of Wm. Van Tuyl — reflect tions. My labours with the churches of Benton and Ontario quarterly meetings Page 297

CHAPTER XXL

My third journey to London district, Upper Canada — Annual conference of the Free Communion Baptists. — Wonderful display of divine grace in the dying hours of a saint at London. — The result of a conference appointed to labour for a union between the Free-Will and Free Communion Baptists in Upper Canada. — My return to New York. — A sudden death by lightning. — Revival in Conesus and Sparta. — Holland Purchase yearly meeting at Eden, 1829. My fourth journey to London district, Upper Canada — revival at Oxford. — My marriage. — The General Conference at SpafTord, N. Y. — the revival that followed. — Reformation and opposition in Sempronius. — The baptism of riiy companion. — Sketches of her experience . Page 310.

Chapter XXII

Particulars of my labours from November, 1829, to the close of the year. — Ontario quarterly meeting at Galen, and Benton quarterly meeting at Middlesex — revival in that place. — - Second session of the Allegany quarterly meeting — particulars of its rise. — Bethany quarterly meeting at Penfield, and revival that follows. — Journey into Upper Canada. — Progress of the revival at Penfield. — My meeting at the asylum for the poor of Ontario county. Interesting particulars of the revival in Penfield.— Our visit to Scriba and other towns —

" Golden bible" or " Book of Mormon" reflections.

Meetings in many towns. — A horrid murder in Dansville— Allegany and Benton quarterly meetings— An interesting scene at Penfield — Bethany quarterly meeting at Batavia. — Another journey to London district, Upper Canada. — State of our churches in the province — Interview with a preacher who had been excluded from the Calvinistic Baptist for preaching Free-Will Baptist sentiments. — Meetings in different towns in New-York — Ontario and Bethany quarterly meetings at Penfield and Groveland — Holland Purchase yearly meeting at Clarkson in August, 1830 — a resolve against Masonry Page 335.

CHAPTER X'XIII.

Commencement of our journey to New-England — organization of the Norwich quarterly meeting. — Visits in Vermont and Connecticut. — Reflections at the graves of departed friends—

General Confernce in Rhode-Island.- — My labours in that state — revival at Greenville. — Our journey to Maine and return to Rhode-Island. — My trials and reflections on the use of instrumental music in the house of God. — My labours in different towns — Visit to a grave-yard and Jews' Synagogue at Newport — reflections — Roman Catholic meeting at Boston, Mass. on Christmas— reflections. — Our return to Maine and labours in this state from Jan., to May, 1831. Journey to Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Vermont. —Attendance at the New Durham, Sandwich, and Wheeloek quarterly meetings. — New-Hampshire yearly meeting at Lisbon — the remarkable reformation that follows. Meetings in different towns in New-Hampshire. — My labours at Limerick and vicinity in Maine. — Increase of the Holland Purchase yearly meeting in ten years. — Baptism of brother Samuel

Beede. Page 353.

CONCLUSION. . Page 393.

MEMOIR.

Chapter I

My parentage, and other particulars, till my> father's removal to JV. F., fyc.

My ancestors were of Jewish origin. My father, David Marks, 2d. was the eldest son of David Marks, 1st. of Burlington, Hartford county, Ct. who was a grandson of Mordecai Marks, a Jew. My mother, Rosanna Merriman, eldest daughter of Chauncey Merriman, of Southington, in the same county, was married to my father at the commencement of the year 1800. They were both members of the Calvinistic Baptist church. After residing in Burlington for five years following their marriage, they removed to the town of Shendaken, Ulster county, N. Y. In the latter town, Nov. 4th, 1805, commenced the journey of my life, (being the fourth child of my parents. one of which number, a sister, aged ten months, had been consigned to the tomb before I had existence.) At this time my mother remarked, with much confidence, that my life would be short. " For," said she, l(I believe God, by his holy Spirit, hath impressed it on my mind, that the child shall live before him, as did Samuel anciently; and that in early life the Lord will set him for the defence of the gospel and call him to do a great, but a short work in earth. 5' When one year had passed, the dropsy the head, considered by physicians incurable, came near terminating my mortal existence. My mother's faith was then shaken in what she had asserted on the day of my birth; but God blessed the u&e of means, and from the gate of death restored me to health.

One of the first occurrences printed in my recollection, is family prayer. As early as my mind was susceptible of instruction and capable of reflection, the truth, that all must die and appear before God, to account for their actions, was solemnly impressed on my heart. At the age of four years, a sense of death and judgment caused awful feelings to pervade my soul; particularly, one day, when I was alone amusing myself with burning the tow of flax; the dreadful agony of the wicked in hell, represented in the word of God by burning with unquenchable fire, was instantly brought to mind. Looking into the flame, I thought, how exceedingly dreadful even one moment would be in this fierce burning; then turning my eyes toward the heavens, said within myself, how will my soul endure, if yet in sin, at the great judgment day, when God shall appear, and set the world on fire ? Finally, I concluded that I would descend into a well when that period should arrive, and going immediately to my mother, told her my resolution. "Ah, my son," said she, " the water will boil, and the earth will burn.'5 Another expedient was suggested. I thought I would hew out a place of retreat in a rock, and there hide myself, closing the entrance. On naming this, she replied, "But the rocks will melt." My sorrows increased; but on reflection I hoped ere that time should come, life might be ended, and my body buried in the earth; so, telling my mother, I hoped by this to escape, she said, " my child, your hope is vain; for the dead will awake and come out of their graves." My last expedient it now appeared would fail; and retiring to a field, my anguish became great, while reflecting that my parents are christians but I am a sinner; tears flowed profusely, and putting my hand on my bosom, I cast my eyes toward heaven, and said, " God be merciful to me a sinner.55 Now existence was a burden; the burning of the tow recurred to mind, and I earnestly wished that I was something inanimate, even if it were tow, that I might not feel the vengeance that would fall upon the wicked. Once as my mother laid me down to rest, she said, " Soon, my son, you will exchange the bed for the grave, and your clothes for a winding sheet.5.' Often, after this, when I lay down at night, my bed reminded me of the grave, and the sheets of the grave apparel. About this time, Jeremiah, my eldest brother, then eight years of age, was converted to God, and publicly professed faith in the Redeemer. Serious thoughts of death and judgment continued to exercise my infant powers.

Very solemn feelings were excited in my mind at the age of four years and seven months, by seeing our house wrapped in flames. When the fire was discovered, my parents were at the house of worship, two miles distant, having left me at home with my two elder brothers, Jeremiah and Friend. One of my brothers immediately ran to the meeting, the other to the neighbor's house for assistance. Being much alarmed, I fled unperceived with all possible haste to the adjacent wood, thinking of nothing but to escape the devouring flame. I reached the place of retreat; but while looking on the trees, the recollection of having seen fire spread rapidly in the forest, filled me with fresh alarm. The leaves were just put forth, and though green, the expectation that they too would burn, and the fire be communicated to them by the adjacent fences, induced me to resume my flight. In the meantime, the assembly with my parents had resorted to the flames, and immediately the anxious inquiry was made, ' Where is David ?5 He was not to be found. No one had seen him. An awful thought rushed upon their minds— the flames must have consumed him ! My mother, recollecting her former impressions concerning my future life, in anguish of soul, cried out, " O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived;" and immediately swooning, she fell to the ground. A thought that the child might yet be alive, induced some of the asscmblj to search for mc; while others endeavored to extinguish the flames, expecting to discover my bones. In my wandering, a path appeared, and deeming the opposite side more safe, as it presented an obstacle to the fire, I quickly passed it, and had followed its windings more than a mile, when one of the company discovered the object of their search. "Your father wishes to see you,55 said he, and taking me up, carried me, till wre came within sight of the smoking ruins of my native home. The people were still employed in throwing water; but on seeing us, they desisted, and my father, with feelings more easily imagined than described, met us, and clasping me in his arms, said, li My son, my son, are you yet alive r'? kissed me, and carried me to my mother. She soon recovered from her swoon. Her faith revived — and rejoicing with great joy; they said, " The dead is alive, the lost is found."

By this and other misfortunes, my father lost nearly all his property, and soon after returned to Connecticut, where he resided in the towns of Bristol and Plymouth more than four years. During two years of this time, Jeremiah often led brother Friend and myself to the chamber, barn, or field; and there talked to us of the things of the kingdom, taught us to pray and seek after the Lord. While enjoying these opportunities, my heart was tenderly affected, and serious impressions deepened. But a painful scene quickly followed.

My father journeyed to the western part of New- York. Immediately after his departure, Jeremiah was severely wounded in the foot with an axe; and after a confinement of several wreeks, an attack of the typhus fever brought wearisome days, lonely nights, and caused his flesh to waste away. Six days before his death, I went to live with my uncle Marks in Burlington and attend school. Jan. 2, 1831, after my

;rn from school, my uncle told me that my brother was dead. The day before, he sat up several hours, wrote some, and said he thought he should recover; but m the evening, the scene changed. Death had

■keel him for a victim; and while the sun of life w setting, he said to my mother, who was alone with him, aI am dying." Immediately she sounded a trumpet, to call assistance ; then taking him in her arms, he said, "O that I could see papa once more; but I never shall in this world." Deacon Ward, a neighbor, came in, having heard the alarm. Being much distressed, Jeremiah said, " my pain of body is very great," and once added, he wished that he was dead; but immediately recalled it, saying, " I am wrong; but if it were the wTill of God, I should be glad to be out of pain." He made affecting remarks concerning his death, and a short time before he expired, said, " O, I fear Friend and David will run a wicked race.'5 After conversing an hour and a half very calmly, he was laid on the bed, and then folding his hands on his bosom, he looked steadfastly towards heaven. They had now thought he would never speak again, wrhen he distinctly said, "Lord Jesus, may I be with thee;" and without a groan or struggle, in one minute and a half, his pulse ceased to beat, and his spirit took flight to that land whence there is no return. Dea. Ward remarked, that he had often been called to attend on death-bed scenes for forty years, but had never witnessed one so much composed as this. Jeremiah was eleven years and six months of age, more than four years older than myself. His body was laid in the grave, the top of which was covered till my father should return. His death greatly affected rne, for I loved him tenderly; and when his dying words, ' I fear they will run a wicked race,' recurred, I felt and mourned my loss. No longer could I hear his pious warnings, his affectionate counsel, and never again would he instruct me to call on the name of the Lord. About two months aflerthis, my father having returned, his body was taken up,, carried into the meeting-house, and a sermon delivered. Having heard of instances of burial in cases of fits, and that when taken from the earth such had been revived, my childish heart beat high, when I thought it might be thus with my brother. But as the coffin lid was raised, all my hope vanished, and mv sorrow returned. That face, once hloomingr ir\ health, was now covered with mould, and those eyes, once innocently beaming with affection, were now punk in their sockets. A deep sense of my own mortality pervaded my soul, and afterward I frequently addressed the throne of grace. But not clearly discerning the things of the kingdom, I often joined in folly with my juvenile companions, by which the Spirit of God was grieved, and my convictions in some measure effaced.