Memoir of Rev. Alvan Hyde, D.D., of Lee, Mass

Front matter

Memoir of Rev. Alvan Hyde, D . D . , of Lee , Mass

MEMOIR

OF

Chapter I

His Diary, giving an account of his Parentage — His Col'egiate Life — His Letters vvlnle in College— Teatlies a School in Northamptoa — His i^ickncss uhile iji that pldce, 13

CHAPTER H.

Commences his Professional Studies — License to Preach — His first labors as a Preacher — His Call to settle in West Stockbridge — Preaches at Clinton, New York — His Ordiuatiou in Lee, ... 20

CHAPTER 111.

Revival soon after his Ordination — His Theological Sentiments — His

Marriage— His Letters till 1800 27

CHAPTER IV.

Second Revival — His Letters — Death of his Father — Letter of Condolence to bis Mother — Other Letters, 42

CHAPTER V.

Commencement of the Third Revival under his ministry — Birthday reflections — Inciters — Peelings (or hiat'hildren — Joy on the Hopeful Cojiversion of his oldest £)un, . , , 50 vi

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VI.

Death of his son Charles Packus— His ow;i si(kiie5S in 1813— His viRvvs of enlire Dependence and per fect Atconuiabilily — Diary and Letters to 1819, 70

CHAPTER Vn.

Birthday reflections for 1819— Letters— Attends the Ordinaiion of his son in Ohio— An Appeal to a friend on a sick bed — Other Letters— Another Revival in coinicclion with his laliors— Sickness of his ^ ohiest son — Counsel to a correspondent dissatisfied with his minister— Feelings for his Children, 81

CHAPTER Vnl.

His Afflictions in the Death of his Children, Alvan, Harriet, Lucy and

Cbauncey, 107

CHAPTER IX.

His Labors in Revivals amoncf his People — His Trials near the close

of his IMinistry — His Views of the labors of Evangelists, .... 134

CHAPTER X.

Letters to his Children, 169

CHAPTER XL

His Prenchins; — Theological Instruction — Pastoral Labors — Connection wiili Williams College, 320

CHAPTER Xir.

Revivals under his Ministry, 355

CHAPTER XHL

Brief Notice of his Published Writings, 372

CONTENTS. vii

CHAPTER XIV.

Domestic Character— Letter of a Son, 381

CHAPTER XV.

Last Sickness and Death, 391

CHAPTER XVI.

Notices of Dr. Hyde, showing the estimation in which he was held — Letters of Condolence to the Widow, from Drs. Humphrey and Porter, 395

MEMOIR.

CHAPTER I.

HIS DIARY, GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF HIS PARENTAGE

HIS COLLEGIATE LIFE HIS LETTERS WHILE IN COL- LEGE T51ACHES A SCHOOL IN NORTHAMPTON HIS

SICKNESS WHILE IN THAT PLACE.

It has been sometimes thought that there is no propriety in writing a memoir of any man unless he has been so distinguished as to impress his character upon the age in which he has lived — been of larger stature than his contemporaries— and struck out some new trains of thought. They who have been thus distinguished, ought indeed to have some memorial left of their greatness : but are there no reasons why men of common stature, who have with usefulness filled humble stations, who have delighted in doing good, without being renowned, and been patiently attentive to every-day duties, should also have some memorial of what the Lord was pleased to do by their instrumentality? Few can follow the brilliant path of the great, while multitudes may have a sympathy with such as moved in more ordinary spheres, and may find in examples within the reach of their imitation, motives, which from that very circumstance, come home more effectually to their hearts. It is not even questionable, whether the cause of vital religion has derived most benefit from the recorded history of the great men who have laid their splendid talents and acquisitions at the feet of Jesus, or from the unpretending memorials of eminent piety in the common walks of life.

Such a work as the Biography of Hallock, or Payson, or Emerson, is a blessing to the world, and will be read by ministers with as much profit as if the subjects of them had given shape to the ecclesiastical history of the times in which they lived. If that heavenly principle does possess an intrinsic value, superior to that of the most shining talent or profound erudition, why should not the pure gold be thought worthy of preservation and become a part of that circulating medium which enriches the world?

The reader will find in the following extracts from the diary and letters, some of the prominent incidents in the life of him who wrote them, and all who were acquainted with the writer, will see, in the simplicity and unfeigned humility breathing through the narrative, the likeness of the man.

"Records of the providences and mercies of God experienced in my life, with some reflections occasioned by them.

" I, Alvan Hyde, was born at Norwich, in Connecticut, February 2, 176S. My father, Joseph Hyde, was a farmer of a reputable character in that town, a friend to religious order and religious institutions, a constant attendant on public and family worship ; but not a professor of religion. From him I received much good advice in my early years, which by the blessing of God had great influence on my conduct. I loved him with tender affection, and ever felt myself bound to obey all his commands. Of my mother I have but a faint recollection, as she died when I was but six years old.

" January 6, 1783, I commenced the study of the

ALVAN HYDE.

enjoyment of the whole would not make him happy withinto college under the instruction of the Rev. Samuel Nott,* the worthy clergyman on whose ministry my father attended. About a year after I began to prepare for college, and when my heart was much engaged on having a public education, it pleased God to deprive me of my health. My complaints were such that my life was considered in imminent danger for a number of months. In the time of this sickness I had a sight of the vanity of this world and of my lost and ruined condition as a sinner. I sought the Lord with many cries and tears, but with an unhumhlcd heart, being ignorant of the nature of religion. These serious impressions were continued and increased after my health was restored and I had resumed my studies.

"September, 1784. After being examined, I was received as a member of Dartmouth college. This was a year of great trials, occasioned by want of health and the expectation of being obliged to relinquish my beloved pursuit ; but I have ever since viewed it as a memorable year of my life, the year of my spiritual birth. I then cherished a hope that my trials were sanctified to me, and that, vile as I found myself to be, I had become a partaker of the grace of God."

Brief extracts from his letters, written during his residence at college, will here be inserted, showing his trains of thought at that early age, and illustrating the characteristics of that hope vvliicli he then cherished.

"Dartmouth University, Dec. 17, 1785.

"Kind Sir,

" While opportunity offers, I cannot forbear writing to you, whom gratitude bids me esteem as a friend. Although

* This venerable man is stiU livings, and active in the ministry.

learned languages, and began to prepare for admission I have delayed writing so long,, yet I assure you it is not without reason, and I doubt not your ingenuous mind would forgive me should you know the reasons — the one is for want of health, and the other for want of an opportunity.

" I enjoy at present a good degree of health ; although I have been very sick and was brought almost to despair of life for several days. It was trying to me to be sick from home, but I endeavored to reconcile myself to my lot, and be resigned to the will of heaven. * * * I like the situation here well, and management of affairs among the students. They constantly attend upon prayers twice a day in the hall — a conference every Saturday night for reading, praying, and singing of psalms. Religion is here accounted all-important."

" Dartmouth College, June 2, 1788.

" Your letters arrived in safety, and the perusal of them gave me peculiar satisfaction — the last informed me of your better health. May God perfect his begun goodness to you, above all things may he grant you those spiritual blessings which shall never fail, and may you be made a true subject of divine grace.

" My journey was very agreeable. I was accompanied by Messrs. J. and S. I found my circumstances at college more favorable than I expected. I have a good room and an agreeable room-mate. With regard to religion, I believe the vacation was not friendly to it, for since the return of the students many have shown their attachment to this world who before were under very serious impressions. M. is still without hope of his good estate. He is now under great concern of mind, he talks much of the vanity of this world, and says, that the

ALVAN HYDE.

out an interest in the Redeemer's kingdom. For my part I think he is in a mucii better way than those who feel secure in sin. There are a number who really make a business of religion, and by their conduct give great evidence, of their being true disciples of Christ. We have conferences every Sabbath after meeting, and every Thursday afternoon, beside on Saturday we write and talk upon questions in divinity. Dear sir, do you not admire our privileges ? Do you not desire to participate with us? We are truly distinguished. Heaven grant that we may make a good improvement of our opportunities, and that they may not serve to increase our condemnation."

These letters show what subjects and what associates interested tliis youthful member of college at the time he was laying the foundation of his usefulness in the profession he had chosen. His diary will afford further proof.

" July, 1786, I made a public profession of the religion of Jesus Christ, and solemnly dedicated myself to the service of my Maker. Being in college, I united with the church which was connected with it, of which one of our professors was the pastor. During the whole of my collegiate life, I attached myself, from choice, to those students who were of a religious character; and was forward- to encourage religious meetings in college.

" September 17, 1786, I was honored with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Being now disconnected

CD o

from college, I went into the wide world, not knowing what would befall me. With respect to a profession, I had never been wavering. My eye and my heart were fixed upon the ministry, for which I ardently hoped, in God's own time, to be prepared.

"November 6, 1788. Having been previously en- 2 * gaged, I commenced instructor of the town school ia Northampton, where I continued about ten months. I had not been in my school more than a month, before I was violently attacked with the pleurisy, and was brought even to death's door. This sickness, though distressing, was, by a kind and gracious Providence, overruled fcff my good. It occasioned my having many more friends in the town than I should otherwise have had. Many religious persons came to see me in this time of trouble, whose readiness to minister to my body and soul, I desire ever gratefully to remember. I feel an obligation particularly to record the daily attention and unwearied kindness of Mrs. Strong, whose pious instruction and counsel were, by the blessing of God, of great service to me. I experienced tokens of her friendship as long as I continued in the place."

The following extract from a letter gives a more particular account of the sickness to which he alludes in his diary.

To Mr. G.

Xorlhampton, Feb. 26, 1789.

" Dear Friend and Benefactor,

" Both of your letters came safely to hand. Mr. B., the bearer of the former, tarried with me over night. Mr. K. I did not see. Nothing but reasons peculiar could have prevented my writing to you at a much earlier period. Be assured then that my situation has been such since I came here, that at the relation of which, you will rather be excited to pity, than censure me. I have much to communicate to you, but must be content with an abridgment. Before I begin my narrative, let me tell you I have a song of salvation put into my mouth.

" I had scarce been in this town a month, before I was

ALVAN HYDE.

violently seized with the pleurisy — was soon deprived of my reason, and rendered a helpless, miserable object. The disorder was so very irregular in its progress towards a crisis as almost entirely to baffle the skill of my physician. My life was despaired of by all who were spectators of me. In the meanwhile I thought myself sometimes out in the woods, exposed to the roughness of the weather, abandoned by my friends, being not insensible of my weakness, and talked accordingly. In this situation I more than once yielded to death, and even thought myself expiring. But how faint and inadequate were my ideas of that great change through which I have yet to pass ! In my then weak and irregular state of mind, death appeared with far less horror. When at the poorest, I one night jumped out of my bed and inquired of my watchers, if one Hyde did not live there, and appeared to be anxious about his health as a near friend. The time I recollect, for I thought myself, I know not how, to be friend G., inquiring after my other self This is truly paradoxical, but I have thought much of it since it was told me that I really asked after myself as another person. Much more I have to say relative to my illness, which must be deferred for the present. I only add that I have been led to experience much of the kindness of my heavenly Father's care. How soon Providence may again frown, I know not. Heaven grant that I may be prepared for the various scenes through which I have yet to pass, and that I may not be allowed to complain under those sufferings which are inseparable from the present state of man. My health is now good and situation agreeable — have been successful in my school, &c. Do write again, and it shall be esteemed a peculiar favor hy your much obliged friend."

Chapter II. Commences His Professional Studies License To

PREACH HIS FIRST LABORS AS A PREACHER HIS

CALL TO SETTLE IN WEST STOCKBRIDGE PREACHES

AT CLINTON, NEW YORK HIS ORDINATION IN LEE.

"Oct. 9, 1789, I placed myself under the instruction of the Rev. Charles Backus, of Somers, Connecticut, as a student in divinity. With him I continued until the first of June 1790, when 1 was licensed to preach the gospel by the association of Tolland county, in the State of Connecticut. After preaching two years as a candidate in different places, I was ordained, June G, 1792, to the pastoral care and charge of the congregation in Lee, Massachusetts. While preaching on probation, at Lee, I resided a part of the time in the family of Rev. Dr. West, of Stockbridge, with whom I pursued my theological studies. This situation was peculiarly favorable to my improvement, and I trust, was truly beneficial to me in obtaining a more correct and thorough knowledge of the system of doctrines contained in the word of God."

It may be suitable to insert in this place, some sentences from his letters written between the dates contained

MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE.

in the last extract from his diary, affording a more particular history of his labors as a preacher previous to his ordination.

" Bennington, Sept. 10, 1790.

"At length the long wished for time has arrived, and I am once more permitted to send my friend a few lines. I knove you will be glad to hear the history which I am about to give. I have been conversant with ncta scenes, have had new trials, and have shared in pleasures which have arisen from netc sources. Since I left you I have not failed preaching a single Sabbath. My health has been poorer this summer than usual. The influenza affected me more than I was aware. To keep journeying I found was the only remedy for the disorder to which I was exposed. At Sunderland I tarried four Sabbaths, then visited my friends at Northampton, and preached for Mr. W., since which time I have been constantly employed in vacancies in the county of Berkshire. The people to whom I have preached have generally manifested great kindness and friendship towards me. I have received from them many more favors than I have deserved. It appears to me that I meet with a chosen few in every town in which I form acquaintance. This gives me great satisfaction, I take courage from it. I love to preach where people are attentive. A faithful minister cannot be dull and lifeless while his hearers discover a fondness for truth. In many of the towns in Berkshire county there is an uncomm_on attention to religion. The churches of Christ in this quarter are enlarging ; sinners feel uneasy, many I hope are inquiring the way to Zion. I am now visiting my friends at Bennington, propose to preach here next Sabbath ; shall then go on to Tinmouth, where I have an invitation to tarry a few weeks.

Thus I have given you a short narrative of what has taken place since I left you. Remember me to all friends, and believe me, as usual, yours."

" JFest Stockhridge, June 30, 1791.

" Dear Friend,

" I know not how to go from this quarter without leaving a few lines for you. I am persuaded it will gratify you to hear from your friend once more. Through the mercy of God I yet live and enjoy my usual health. How strange it is that so. great a sinner as I am, such an obstinate and heaven-daring creature, should receive any favor from the hand of a holy God ! Why does my Maker suffer me to live, since I am continually dishonoring his great name? Why are my privileges continued, since they have been so repeatedly forfeited? It is entirely owing to the infinite mercy of God exercised towards me a vile wretch through the mediation of his Son Jesus Christ. I believe it to be a truth, that every favor which we receive, and that every moment of time we have to enjoy comforts out of complete misery and utter despair, are the purchase of the blood of the Son of God. If Christ had not given himself a ransom, instead of being what we now are, prisoners of hope, we should have been perfectly wretched and desponding creatures.

" Before I finished the four Sabbaths which I had engaged to preach at West Stockhridge, there was a town meeting, and the people gave me a call to settle among them in the work of the ministry. The union was so great, that I thought it to be duty to take the matter into consideration. I told the people that I would preach to them four Sabbaths more, after which I would give them an answer. Last week I made known to them the result of my deliberation, I have answered them in the negative.

ALVAN HYDE.

" Being under no engagements to any people, I have thought best to improve this opportunity to be inoculated for the small pox. This is the fourth day since I received the infection. What the event will be is known only to Him in whose hands my breath is, and whose are all my ways. Should I be carried through, I think of journeying to the westward up Mohawk river, but it is not certain. I have invitations to preach at a number of places. The people in this town have renewed their invitation. Lee and Benson have done the same ; but you know I have objections to each of these places. Lee is in a divided, broken state, and Benson is subject to the fever and ague."

" Lenox, August 9, 1791.

"Dear Friend,

" This letter begins where the last left off. I repaired to the pesthouse the same Saturday which I proposed. But as Providence designed it, the infection put into my arm had not taken. I was therefore inoculated a second time, but it was as ineffectual as in the first instance. Mr. R.'s by this time began to break out, and my anxiety was great lest I should take it the natural way. But the third time the doctor took fresh matter from Mr. R.'s arm, which operated very soon and very favorably. After I came out of the hospital, being not very well, I was determined to go and see what friend A. was about, though at the distance of thirty miles from Nobletown. I found him unable to preach, afflicted with fever and ague, and something low in his spirits. My visit was seasonable, he appeared to be glad to see me, and shook off some of his melancholy. I tarried a number of days with him, and preached for him. He is among a kind people, though exceedingly stupid and ignorant of the doctrines of the gospel. They are much attached to him, and wish him to be their minister.

"While I was at Nobletown, tlie church and congregation at West Stockbridge gave me a second call to settle. I assure you, sir, it was hard to deny them, but the difficulties appeared so great, that I have done it a second time. I have now preached three Sabbaths at Lenox, they urge me to stay longer, but I feel obligated to go to Clinton. This morning, by the leave of Providence, I propose to set off on my journey. Notwithstanding I am going into the wilderness, at a great distance from my friends and from all ministers, yet I am pleased with the prospect which is before me — my heart is much set upon it. They need preaching in that country, it is rare that candidates launch out so far. Mr. AVest proposes to go up in September for the purpose of forming a church. I hope God may use me as an instrument of doing good, that he will enable me to be faithful, and that I may not bestow on them labor in vain. In the hands of God the cause of Zion is infinitely safe. He is able to show himself superior to all opposition."

" Clinton, State o/Mw York, Sept. 21, 1791.

" Before I left the county of Berkshire, I wrote you one or two letters, but could find no direct opportunity to send them, and I think it is probable they never reached you. Now I am deprived of health, which renders me unable to w-rite any thing more than just to let you know my situation. The intermitting fever has been preying upon me almost four weeks. It has torn off my flesh, taken away my strength, and reduced me to a very feeble, helpless, and dependent state. However, in the midst of judgments I experience mercies innumerable. The people in this place have been kind to me, and have spared no exertions to administer to my comfort. This place is not called unhealthy ; the people all appear to be

ALVAN HYDE.

remarkably robust. But I need correction ; I deserve the rod ; and it is no wonder that God sends down his judgments upon me. Oh, that I may be enabled to say from the heart, 'It is good that I have been afflicted,' that God's judgments may not be sent down upon me in vain.

" This is an excellent country of land ; such a tract as there is here, is not to be found in New England, you may depend. But it is the State of New York, and the regulations are such as I do not like. In every letter I request you to write to your friend."

" Honored Father,

" By Mr. N. I expect an opportunity to convey a letter to you, though I must say, I entertain some hope that you will accompany him to the ordination. I am full of company now, so that I can write but a few lines. I have enjoyed my usual health since I left you ; have been preaching at Salisbury and at this place. Providence has so ordered things in regard to me, that ii appears plainly to be my duty to settle in the work of the ministry in this town. It is now almost two years since I first preached here, and at that time I had not the most distant thought that it would ever be best for me to settle here ; but God, whose providence is universal, and who governs the world in infinite wisdom, has ordered differently from what I expected. The church and people are happily united in the affair of my settling, and have made proposals, in regard to support, which are comfortable. They give me *.£200 as a settlement, and ,£00 salary the first year, to be increased £6 a year till it arrives to =£80 a year, which last sum is to be the permanent salary. They also give me my wood, and to encourage me about

* This was to be paid in annual instalments of £50 each year, for four years.

MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE.

building, individuals have obligated themselves to pay more than .£30 in labor and materials.

" But my thoughts are more employed about the greatness of the work in which I am about to engage, than the manner in which I shall be supported. The work of the ministry appears greater and greater to me. I am sometimes almost ready to sink under it, and to cry out ' Who is sufficient for these things ? ' But these words, ' My grace is sufficient for thee,' are sometimes comforting. The burden on my mind, at the present time, is very great. To-morrow is appointed for my ordination, and I have solemn and affecting scenes before me. It is a great thing to take the pastoral office over a church, and to be set as a watchman. I need the prayers of all God's people. I hope you, sir, will remember me at the throne of grace.

" I want to see you, and to talk with you on the subject which was introduced, at the time when we last parted. I feel inexcusable that I have said so little to you on that subject. The thought affects me — it greatly affects me, that you should be the parent of so many children, and never dedicate them to God. It is your indispensable duty. The word of God points it out to you in a very plain manner. I feel afraid that you will pass through life without ever complying with the ordinances and institutions which Christ hath appointed for \\\s followers, and in which all Christians take delight. I can do no less than to call up your attention to this subject. I hope, sir, you will think of it with seriousness and candor."

Chapter III. Revival Soon After His Ordination His Theological

SENTIMENTS HIS MARRIAGE HIS LETTERS TILL 1800,

Such were the feelings with which the youthful pastor entered upon his work. The church, over which the Holy Ghost had made him overseer, had been some years destitute of a pastor — had been greatly opposed and sorely tried ; and the religious aspect of the community not the most encouraging. But the minister, as appears from an examination of his sermons written at that period, commenced his labors by a very plain and full exhibition of the discriminating doctrines of the Bible ; those, too, which are most offensive and trying to the natural heart. In his diary recording the mercies and providences of God towards him, we find the following account.

" In a few weeks after my ordination, it pleased God to excite a very general and solemn attention to the things of religion, among the people committed to my charge. The Spirit of God came down upon us, and, in its effects, was like a rushing, mighty wind. There was great consternation among the people. Some were in distress, some were filled with joy ; but the finger and power of God were so clearly evinced in the work, that none presumed to make opposition to it. This revival of religion was of long continuance, and exhibited marks of great purity. It occasioned an accession to the church of more than one hundred persons. I record this as a token of the rich and astonishing mercy of God."

The following very brief extracts from his letters, written during the progress of this revival, contain all the additional particulars which have been collected from his own pen, except what are contained in his general view of the revivals during his ministry, published with Dr. Sprague's Lectures.

" Sir,

" There is a continuation of the religious awakening among us, though it has considerably abated. The number of those who entertain hopes of their being brought out of darkness into marvellous light is large. More than seventy of this description have come to my knowledge ; with the most of whom I have had some conversation. Since my ordination,^ fifty-two persons in this town have made a public profession of the religion of Jesus, and joined the church of whi'ch I have the charge. You will easily see that this must make my labor great ; for our mode of admission is by examination before the whole church. God hath done great things for us in this place, and the glory is all his due. What demands are made on us for grateful hearts '. "