Memoir of the Rev. Benjamin Allen

Front matter

ii

V^

0^^ "

Preface

Soon after I received the painful intelligence of the death of my beloved and only brother, the importance of presenting to the world some account of the incidents of his eventful life, was impressed upon my mind. I therefore resolved immediately to engage in collecting materials. But this work was much delayed by the information from one of his friends, that my brother had already prepared a memoir of his own history. Not finding, as we fondly hoped, this important document among his papers which were returned to us, I immediately wrote to his friends in England, presuming that by some means^ it was left behind. The answers received were unfavourable. Thus disappointed, I had, after much delay, almost abandoned my design, other difficulties also presenting. Finally, from the peculiar circumstances of my situation, which appeared to invite me to the work and labour of love, I have again determined, by the blessing of my Heavenly Father, to proceed, even should the facts thus thrown together, go no farther than the circle of intimate friends. I feel the difficulty and the responsibility of the work, and I would continually look to our gracious God, that he would so influ-

VI ence and direct my mind and heart by His blessed Spirit and infinite wisdom, that all my efforts may be conducted to the most happy issue, even the promotion of His glory, and the salvation of immortal souls. Amen.

THOMAS G. ALLEN.

Philadelphia, June 22d, 1830.

MEMOIR.

Chapter I

THE PARENTAGE AND BIRTH OP THE REV. BENJAMIK ALLEN, AND INCIDENTS OF CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.

In tracing back the forefathers of the Rev. Benjamin Allen, much apparent piety rises to view. Thus he was the child of many prayers. His immediate parents were reared in Rhode-Island ; his father was born in Providence, and his mother in Newport. They accompanied the emigrants from that State, who first settled the city of Hudson in the State of New-York. In that place they were married on the 9th of December, 1787. Benjamin was their first child. He was born in Hudson, September 29th, 1789. We have the following account of his mother from her surviving connexions. Her sufferings for many years before her death were great. And her afflictions, we trust, were sanctified to her soul. She never made a public profession of religion ,* this, no doubt, arose in part from the fact, that there was no regularly organized Church in Hudson till after her death. However, to use the language of her friends, whose communications are now before me, she was " an excellent woman, a possessor of religion, and good evidence that she was born of God ; a sainted mother." Under her peculiar trials, she bore up with Christian fortitude. A few days before her death, she observed she had lost all fear of man, and had g^lven herself entirely to God. On the day of her death, she inquired if she was not dying, and she appeared much gratified with an answer in the affirmative. Her sister writes, " We trust she fell quietly into the arms of her Saviour, in whom she had so long put her trust, and who had supported her in her severest trials."

In her conduct to her family, " as far as her privileges and circumstances in life would admit, she endeavoured to lead her little ones in the only path which would guide them to everlasting happiness." " She prayed with and for her children." Thus my brother was nurtured in the lap of piety, and his early years were spent under the fostering hand of one, who, out of much tribulation, has entered into eternal rest. She died of a pulmonary disease, April 4th, 1801, aged 37 years, and nearly 10 months. Benjamin was in his twelfth year at this time. His loss he considered irreparable. He ever fondly cherished her memory, and her affectionate and pious intercourse with her children. He always said, that the seeds of piety were sown in his heart by her hands. These were his feelings and views throughout his life. In the year 1 827, 1 delivered a sermon in one of the churches in Maryland, in which I acknowledged myself indebted to the early instructions of my mother, as the instrument in the hands of God, of laying the foundation in my heart, of all my subsequent attainments and enjoyments in the spirit and usefulness to my fellows. A person present, afterwards informed me, that my brother on some former occasion, had made a similar declaration from the same pulpit, as to our mother's influence on his own heart and life. The happy effect of her instructions was speedily displayed in the opening mind and heart of my brother. One who watched over his childhood observes ; " from the earliest period it was easily discovered that his disposition was amiable, and his heart overflowing with the milk of human kindness." Another connexion states, that he "was always studious when a boy, and free from the follies incident to youth."

When about H years of age he left school and entered his father's store. Shortly after the death of our mother, our father broke up housekeeping, and took me to Providence, for the purpose of attending school, and boarding in his brother's family. In this journey my brother accompanied us. They soon returned to Hudson. I have a letter before me dated May 21st, 1802, which Benjamin wrote to me. In this letter he gives me the counsel of a parent, rather than a brother of 12 years. And he displays much solicitude, not only as to my moral deportment, but also as to the discharge of my duties towards God, and my preparation to meet death, as he says, "with a smile." From the evidence before me, it is manifest that his mind was early inquiring after knowledge, and his heart soon impressed with divine truth. Not long before his death, he observed to a friend in this city, that at the age of 13 years, he was acquainted with the enjoyments of religion in some degree. He would then retire for meditation and reading the Bible.

^ The first unfoldings of the bud of immortality, and the first feeble efforts of the rational soul to soar to Heaven, should certainly be gratefully cherished, especially as we are assured that the infinitely wise God favourably regards the day of small things.

A paper containing two prayers, signed by my brother, dated Hudson, May 20th, 1801, affords us a view of his early exercises. It should be remembered, that he was then between 11 and 12 years of age. The first prayer is a short confession of sins, and an acknowledgment of the justice of God in his judgments, and closes with this petition : " Be merciful unto me, O Lord, for my Saviour's sake, and receive me unto thy bosom, or guide me in thy ways."

b2

The second bursts forth at its commencement with the notes of praise and adoration thus : " Praised, praised for ever be thy name, oh God, Most High ! thy loving kindness, thy tender mercies are not withdrawn from the sinner. We are still surrounded by thy bounties : still permitted to praise thee, to supplicate thy favour, to adore thy wisdom, to celebrate thy goodness. Thus ennobled shall we repine and murmur at thy dispensations, if the thorns and briers of affliction are scattered in the way of our pilgrimage to the bosom of our Father, the dwelling of our God? We sinners kneel before thee in the dust. O may our prayers ascend to thy celestial throne. Look with an eye of compassion on us, OGod, in this valley of death, this abode of sin. Our iniquities are great, but thine iniinite goodness is still greater. We are polluted in thy sight ; thou beholdest our impurities ; yet thou hast not turned thy face from us : thou still vouchsafest to look on us in our misery with a propitious eye. Thou permittest us to implore thee : thou hast not abandoned the sinner. Eternal praises rise to thee. Thy works, O God, render thee praise ! the beauties of spring, the serenity of the heavens show forth thy beneficence : the loud voice of thy thunders, the ratling hail, the howling storm, proclaim thy power: smiling joy glorifies thee. Thy justice is also glorified by the tears of sorrow. We have beheld the son of sin, frightful death. He has come to our dwelling in a form most hideous. Eternal praises be rendered to thee who hast received the soul of the happy deceased into the regions of never-ending felicity. Death has seized his victim. We shall follow one after another to the dark and silent grave. O thou who createdst the heavens ! at whose word this world arose from nothing ! they shall perish, the heavens and earth shall pass away, but thou art eternal. We dwell in bodies of dust. This dust shall be dissolved ; but thou art unchangeable, and wilt raise to glory the sin-

REV. BENJAMIN ALLEN. H

ner who deplores his crimes, and the righteous man who mourns that his virtues are mixed with imperfections, and his highest attainments sullied by human frailty. Thou wilt gather them together out of the dust, to bestow on them eternal joys, angelic purity : for O promise ineffable ! the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head. Mystery sublime ! mystery profound ! wrapt in an holy obscurity, which no finite being can penetrate : but full of divine consolations. The sinner is reconciled to God; the offender is restored to peace and hope. Shall man then lament in the dust ; shall he groan in despair, if the dream of life is alternately filled with joy and sorrow? Death approaches, it shall break the shackels of the soul and free it from the consequences of a just malediction. Then those, who, while clothed in dust forgot not their original purity, who loved virtue, who loved God, who kindled in their hearts the seraphic flame, shall be assembled together in their mansions on high to enjoy their incessant, eternal felicity — lost in their immensity, the first Archangel can but imperfectly express his sensations ! man can only feel them."

This prayer is dated only a few weeks after our mother's death, and it evidently alludes to this afflictive providence. His use of the plural " we," leads me to conclude that he formed the prayer with the intention of using it in connexion with myself, as we were the only surviving children, although I have no distinct recollection of the circumstance, for I was not then seven years of age. Though this paper bears many marks of its being original, at least in part, yet if in the minds of some, it displays a clearness of apprehension of Divine things, and a sublimity of idea far beyond what could be anticipated from a child of eleven years of age ; still the mere arrangement of the sentences and its adaptation to the peculiar providence under which he was passing, evidences a maturity of judgment, a liveliness of imagination, and an ardour of piety which may well cause us with astonishment to exclaim, this is the Lord's work.

His poetical talent also began at this season to unfold, as appears from the following small manuscript volume of attempts at poetry, which I have found with his signature. It was commenced June 11th, 1801. It contains a piece on the death of General George Washington. One entitled the Last Day; on Wickedness: on Virtue: on the works of God, and an Acrostic on our mother. The last is as follows : —

"Pale death hath laid her weary,

On the cold earth and made it iier bed,

Leaving all behind with joy.

Lovely in her Maker's image

Yonder sky she mounteth.

"Above now singing praises.

Lovely to be heard, Louder and yet louder still, Ever praising God above, Now she reaps the fruits of virtue." ''June 12th, 1801."

This was but a few months after our mother's death. I find also the following in his own hand writing.

" Agur's Wish — Prov. xxx. 7."

" Oh Thou whose dictate all things did create, And who assigns to every man his fate ; Protect me with thy providential care, And be propitious to my humble prayer.

Restrain my thoughts within their proper sphere, And let my words be honest and sincere; Permit, if 'tis thy will, my lot to be, Remote as well from want and penury, As from abundant riches, and their train Of empty pleasures, insolent and vain.

While here I live, great God vouchsafe to grant,

That I may know nor luxury nor want;

Lest ray full soul despise thy holy word,

And with presumption ask, who is the Lordl

Or lest through indolence, I chance to stray,

From virtue, and her precept disobey.

Let discontent and murmur be suppressed,

And peaceful wishes reign within my breast ;

That so my future days may all be spent,

In virtue, piety, and sweet content."

"BENJ'N. ALLEN, Jr."

" Hudson, June 9th, 1801."

Another piece, written on the blank leaves of his Gamut book is before me. It is headed " Bunker Hill." On account of its sentiment and spirit, I feel constrained to give an extract. After referring to the field of battle in the firs.t verse, it proceeds —

"Death will invade us by the means appointed, And we must all bow to the king of terrors, Nor am I anxious, if I am prepared, What shape he comes in."

" Infinite goodness teaches us submission, Bids us be quiet under all his dealings. Never repining, but for ever praising God our Creator."

The writer then expatiates on the resplendant glory of Jehovah, acknowledges his goodness, in judgments as well as mercies ; exults in his reign, and declares his willingness to give his " life up when called to yield it." After this he is led to describe the scene at Bethlehem, and celebrate the praises of God his Redeemer. In the eighth verse he proceeds —

" Hark ! whence that sound, hark ! hark ! the joyful shoutings ! See, see what splendour spreads its beams around us, Turning dark midnight into noon-tide glory, As it approaches,"

" With pomp majestic, see the heavenly vision Slowly desending", whilst attendant angels pour Declamations, and celestial chauntings Wake our attention."

" Fear not ye shepherds, 'tis the Prince of Peace comes, Full of compassion, full of love and pity, Bringing salvation for the lost Of mankind."

" Go pay your homage to your infant Saviour, And in a manger view the Lord of glory, Meanly attended, yet the great Redeemer, — Yon star shall guide you."

"Give God the glory, all ye hosts celestial, Peace dwells on earth and man enjoys his favour, Raised from death's dungeon, heir to life eternal Through a Mediator^

It is evident from all the papers before me, in connexion with this early period of his history, that he was much occupied in the Gospel and its salvation. He kept a regular record of the deaths as they occurred in his native place. He copied from some author, no doubt, an Explanation of the Ten Commandments. This appeared to be his favourite exercise. Portions of these transcripts are now lost. The date of the first copy is March 11th, 1801, and this is " part 2d," thus we may presume that he had before been similarly engaged. We find part of another copy of the Comment, dated December 16th, 1801 : and a tbird dated April 13th, 1802 : and a fourth copy nearly finished, occupying considerable paper, and written in a fairer hand, is dated 1803, February. To this is also annexed the dates of 1804 and 1805. Perhaps it was his custom to copy this explanation of the Decalogues at least once a year. The explanation itself appears to be designed not only to have a moral, but a spiritual and saving influence upon the heart.

A manuscript is likewise in my hand, entitled " a Prayer Book. Commenced, Hudson, June 12, 1801." It contains one prayer, and a second but partly formed. The first, let it proceed from his own inventive powers, or be copied by him from some other source ; its appearing in his hand and his signature attached so unfolds the views and feelings of his soul that I cannot refrain from placing it here.

" A MORNING MEDITATION."

" Again, O God ! thy kind mercy through another night has preserved me— thy visible guardian Providence, hath from danger defended me : Thou didst scatter balmy sleep over my animal spirits, by which I find my bodily strength renewed, and my mental powers refreshed. Adored be that Divine bounty, which hath granted me those conveniences, which numbers, far more worthy than I am, do not enjoy. How many, O Lord, have spent on beds of languishing, the darksome night — others with minds distracted, have passed the gloomy hours — some in noisome prisons, and awful to think on, numbers in the dismal confines of the bottomless pit — while unworthy I, have reposed sweetly, and now behold the cheering rays of the sun, feel his warm and genial influence — and am permitted to view the surrounding beauties of nature— the fields clothed with verdure, the bleating flocks, the sportive lamb, the sweetscented garden, joined with the harmonious sonnets of the feathered race, may please my senses and fill me with amaze. But, my God! what are they, and what is the highest enjoyment all the works of nature can afford ? Without thy presence all is vanity. The fanning breeze might as soon satisfy my natural wants, as all created things my soul.

• Without thy presence and thyself, I am a wretch undone.'

" But O God ! permit me, before I immerge into the business of the day, to find thee near. When I consider thy past favours, I bow with gratitude ; with thankfulness my heart overflows. I have found thee not only at hand to support, but near to supply. How often hath the kindness of thy grace cheered me when drooping — kept me from wandering — and encouraged me when ready to halt. Recollection brings to my mind past morning visits, when thou hast prepared me for those occurrences, which in the day I had to pass through, though I knew it not. How often hast thou given me a portion from thy treasury, which hath beeji as a staff, a shield and a buckler, when I could not tell for why I had it! but such is thy condescension, such thy compassion, such thy friendship, O thou all-knowing, all-seeing, all-wise Jehovah ! and hast thou not one blessing more, dear Father? Are thy store-houses empty, thou spiritual Joseph ? or am I not known to thee ? Begone my unbelief — vanishmy doubts !

Though for a moment he departs, I dwell for ever near his heart.

For ever he near mine.

" Is it so, dear Jesus ! Oh ! why should I so grieve thee, as to doubt thy faithfulness ? why should I thus sin to wound thee?

Lord, every sin's a dart !

And every trespass lets a javlin fly,

And every javlin wounds the tender heart. Pardon, dear Lord ! what I have done amiss, And pardon, that wonted pardon with a kiss.

" Be with me this day, with thy gracious let every

mountain of difliculty become a plain — let me, though cumbered like Martha, experience Mary's comforts, and may my soul be kept unspotted from the world. And unto thee praise be given, my God, my Redeemer. Amen. Hallelujah !

« When nature fails and day and night

Divide thy works no more, My ever grateful heart, O Lord, Thy mercies shall adore.'

BENJAMIN ALLEN, Jr.

« Hudson, June 13th, 1801."

The following unfinished prayer is in the same connexion—

^ " Most gracious Lord God, my merciful Father, my Creator, my Redeemer, and my Comforter. Thou, O Lord, soundest and searchest the secrets of all hearts; thou acknowledgest the upright in heart, thou judgest the hypocrite ; thou ponderest means, thoughts, and doings, as in a balance ,* thou measurest their intentions as with a line ; vanity and crooked ways cannot be hid from thee !"

Some interesting lines which he notes as written by the Rev. John Davis on the birth of a son, were copied by my brother, and dated December 16th, 1801. Two other manuscripts are also before me, evidently transcripts made by him. The first is on the "General Resurrection," dated December 25th, 1801. The second is a Prayer Book, containing a number of prayers for morning and evening, designed to be used by individuals, and in families and Sunday schools. These exercises of his mind, and these breathings of his heart after God, are truly remarkable in a boy of 11 and 12 years of age. His whole soul was evidently in this work. For, the mere outlines of his movements which are handed down to us at this day, display an amount of labour which must have nearly occupied all that portion of leisure time which, in ordinary cases, is given to childish amusement. Oh ! is not this the consequence of the Holy Spirit's operations, who was then trans-

c forming his nature, and preparing him for extensive usefulness, and for heaven 1

Our parent closed his mercantile concerns, and we find my brother, December 13th, 1802, entering the store of Marchal Jenkins & Son, in the capacity of clerk. The circumstance of his receiving for these services, his board and two dollars per month, shows in what light he was estimated by his employers, both as to character and ability, he being at that time about 13 years of age. He continued in this, and a similar employ, for a number of years, giving, as far as we know and believe, general satisfaction, and his compensation increased to fifteen dollars per month.

Under the date of February, 1805, 1 find " Extracts from a letter," &;c. giving " Directions in what manner to spend our time with a view to God''s glory, and becoming a sincere Christian." It thus proceeds —

" The directions you will expect from me on this occasion, naturally divide themselves into three heads. How we are to regard God — in the beginning — the progress — and. the close of the day. 1st. In the beginning of the day : It should certainly be our care to lift up our hearts to God, as soon as we wake, and while we are rising ; and then, to sit ourselves seriously and immediately to the secret devotion of the morning." He enlarges to considerable length on this head, and the work is not finished. The above is written on paper folded so small, as evidently designed to be carried in his pocket. Thus we have to rejoice that his attention is still directed to the salvation of his soul, in a manner peculiarly interesting.

From the above mentioned period, to 1807, a space of near two years, there is a chasm in his history ; nothing is left as a guide to our inquiries. Early in 1807, however, he is displayed to us under those peculiar circumstances of mental vigor and acquirement, which make it evident that he was not idle. Besides attending to the active duties of his Station, he must have laboured with unwearied devotion in the acquisition of knowledge.

In April, 1807, we find him ardently engaged in a Juvenile Debating Society. We have his answers in full to a variety of questions in connexion with morals, science, &c. In these, and the writings of this year, he displays a clearness of perception, a soundness of judgment, an acquaintance with science and history, not to be looked for in a youth of 17 or 18 years, whose chief time must have been necessarily given to the hurry and bustle of a mercantile life. His Christian principles and feelings, although not so prominent in these writings, yet they are not lost sight of. In his arguments in favour of civilization, he assigns to the truths of the Christian religion, the entire agency of turning the balance of happiness against the savage, and in favour of the civilized state. He also observes on this subject — " We see the savage wandering in the mazes of error, as to thai essential point of happiness, religion. How much real happiness do we experience from the knowledge of the Christian religion ! Upon this depends all our true enjoyment: this is the firm bond which connects man to man by the indissoluble cords of love and friendship ; it teaches us to restrain our passions and evil propensities, and to pursue that course of conduct which is the most beneficial to our welfare and happiness here, at the same time that it holds out to our view the comforting assurance of a blessed immortality in a future state. It dispels the clouds of darkness and error with which the mind was before enveloped, and causes that light and joy to break in upon our souls, which enables us to rejoice under the most severe trials, and turns our darkest prospects into means of good."

In order to give some view of his political feelings at that period, we notice one of the subjects which was argued before his society— On the utility of a war with Great

Britain. After this he examines the subject more accurately, and writes a dissertation of considerable length, which was published December 29th, 1807, in the Balance, a paper published in Hudson, by Harry CroswelJ, Esq. His object is to show the inexpediency of engaging in a war at that time, from the unpreparedness of the nation. But we will permit him to speak for himself: " Let those who say this is a favourable season for America to go to war with Great Britain, bring home their wandering eyes from the bloody fields of Europe, and fix them on the situation of their own country. Look at our harbours, at our shipping, at the dreadful situation of our frontier inhabitants, surrounded by cruel and bloody savages; examine the situation of America throughout, and compare it with its probable situation after a few years' war ! and let such restrain their ardour, at least until we are placed in some situation to defend ourselves.

" Notwithstanding all the evils ready to fall upon them ; notwithstanding the fearful odds we have to encounter, the citizens of the United States, animated by that spirit which led their forefathers to assert their rights and claim independence, evince by their zeal and patriotism, that they are prepared to encounter all, and to hazard all, rather than submit to aggression. And though death has deprived us of the wisdom and bravery of a Washington ! and though an untimely grave holds the remains of a departed Hamilton, and many other heroes of the Revolution ! Liberty can still find heroes to lead her sons to victory or death."

He also wrote an obituary notice of the death of one of his associates, Daniel Bingham, jr., a part of which was published in the Balance. In this his imagination takes some lofty flights indeed. We wish, however, to present some few extracts, as additional testimony to his religious views and feelings. Speaking of death in connexion with his fellow, he observes — " Terrific death — terrific ! — not to thee — while with an eye of faith that pierced the dark and shadowy valley, the glories of immortal blessedness were seen ; delightful orisons to the Almighty employed the fleeting moment ; and thy latest breath ascended like sweet incense to 'God's holy throne,' loaded with prayer and praise. If, in its passage through the trackless ether, thy happy spirit cast one ' lingering look behind,' (the hope of Christianity bids us say,) it but mourned the lot of those, who, still allied to terrestrial objects, were unaccompanied by heavenly ministers, and detached from angelic bliss." " He with benignant pity views our sorrows, and pointing to the beauteous daughter of divinity, bids us with resignation yield him up, and in religion find that solace which the prospect of true happiness affords, — with hope look forward to the time when the consummation of virtue shall wipe away all tears, and the name of sorrow be lost in boundless and eternal bliss."

In comparing the attractions of nature with those of virtue and religion, he adds: — "Sublimely beautiful the appearance of the heavens ! ' orderly is nature in her course !' and wonderful the structure of the earth ! — More vast ! more beautiful ! far more t'ranscendently glorious is true virtue in its operations and effects; more valuable than the ' gold of Ophir,' is religion ; and more to be prized than the plaudits of mercenary millions is the testimony of an approving conscience."

" View the dying Christian, cheerful and serenely happy he yields his breath, and in his Saviour's arms his soul reposes in the sure hope of glorious immortality."

The date of the above is 1807, my brother being 18 years of age.

I have also before me a part of a manuscript " Poem on the agony of Jesus in the Garden." This has no date, but from the hand writing, it was probably written about this time, if not before. Thus a view, merely of the subjects