Memoirs of an old disciple and his descendants: Christian Miller, Sarah S. Miller, Isaac L.K. Miller

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Boston Public Library

MEMOIRS

Introduction

This volume gives a brief portraiture of memlbers of a family in different grades and branches of direct relationship, who have sealed the testimony of lovely, consistent and devoted Christian lives by peaceful and blessed deaths. These sketches, taken singly, are interesting, and well adapted to commend piety as early developed in the bloom of youth, as delineated by its purifying and beneficent influence in moulding the character, and forming the life ; and as ripened in the mellowed, and rich experience of a peaceful and serene old age. They are, however, when combined in their cluster, more peculiarly fitted to exhibit the value of warm hearted, well disciplined, and uniformly exemplified piety, as diffusing and perpetuating its blessings in the family circle, and descent. We here find the promise to the faith of believing parents verified, " I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, for an evei'- lasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.'''' " The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's children.^'' "^ good man leaves an inheritance unto his children'' s children.''''

I esteem it one of the privileges of my life to have gained the acquaintance, and enjoyed the Christian friend-

IV INTRODUCTION.

ship of the venerable Christian Miller. That acquaintance was gained shortly after my entrance into the ministry in 1812, and was frequently renewed afterwards, and at times I spent a day or two in his family. His partner still surviving at a great old age, waiting for her salvation, and ripe as a shock of corn falling to the ground in its season, for her eternal rest, was of a kindred spirit, and a true help meet in the Lord. They were like Zacharias and Elisabeth, "walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." Nurtured under Christian influences, an early foundation was laid by both for enlightened piety in the knowledge of the Scriptures, and the experimental reception of those doctrines which constitute its marrow and vitality. They both made a satisfactory profession of their faith in early youth, married afterwards in the Lord, and reared the family altar when their tabernacle was first erected. In their onward course they continually cherished that rich experimental piety, which spread its savour through the whole circle of their Christian acquaintance, and most impressively and constantly in the family scene. Their children, dedicated to God in Baptism, were with unceasing prayer committed in strong faith to their covenant God, — were early nurtured in the knowledge of the truths of the Word of God, and trained under their gentle, watchful, and faithful government, and care. The genial influence of their piety breathed forth as the element of their life, and witnessed by their daily, humble, and prayerful walk before God, and testified by their blameless, useful, and beneficent walk before men, failed not to bear home, under God's blessing, salvation to their

INTRODUCT[ON.

children. One of them (of whom a sketch is found in this volume,) entered the ministry, which he fulfilled with industry, and fidelity, and has recently been called to finish his course with joy. Plis memory is very pleasant to his brethren in the ministry, and private Christians of his acquaintance, and is most highly respected in the community at large. Of his large family of children, several have already been called by Divine Grace in early youth, and have given themselves to Christ in the bosom of his Church..

Their other son, who devoted himself, like his father, to mercantile pursuits, grew up under the same genial influence, early made a profession of religion, and has been for a series of years, an active and useful officer of the Church. It was his happiness to become united with one of excellent spirit, whose life and character are sketched in this volume. The dew of Heaven, through their joint instrumentality has rested upon their children, and " the dew of their youth" has been given to Christ and his Church. Their oldest son, a youth of most interesting character, and much promise, of whom a biographical notice is given in this work, died just about as he was ready to be licensed for the ministry. Another son is now engaged in the ministry of the Reformed Dutch Church, while the holy unction has spread through the other children of the family.

The two sons of Mr. CHRISTIAN MILLER married sisters, daughters of the late ISAAC L. KIP, Esq'r, of this city. After becoming one of the ministers of the Collegiate Reformed Dutch Church in this city in 1827, 1 became acquainted with Mr. Kip and his family, who had always

VI INTRODUCTION.

been attatched to this Churcli ; and of course, in the relation thus formed, that acquaintance became increased, and cherished. Mr. and Mrs. Kip resembled their friends Mr. and Mrs. Miller in being help meets to each other in all things pertaining to this life, and more particularly the better life of the soul, in preparation for Heaven. In this intimate sympathy, and cordial co-operation with each other, their home was the scene of their enjoyments, and their fireside was the centre of their comforts. Together from day to day they perused the sacred Scriptures, read ^-eligious works, bowed before the Mercy Seat, and in the recurring associations of the Sabbath, the Sanctu^-, and the Communion table, felt the bond which united. them sanctified and cemented. After the relations of affinity between the families of Mr. Miller and Mr. Kip were formed, frequent visits were interchanged between New York and Albany by these aged parents, and sometimes joint excursions were made by them in the summer season. It was pleasant to witness these meetings in the communion of Christian love. Thus the influences derived from both sources became interwoven in harmonious co-operation, and in concert of counsel, prayer, and labour, bore directly and powerfully, in the early and constant training of their children, without the hindrances and difficulties which exist where these are divided. These references are made to show the sources of the pervading and successive piety in these family circles, as the confluent streams of similar character blend together, and spread their deepening and widening onward course, refreshing, purifying, and fertilizing.

INTRODUCTION. VII

A great truth is here exemplified, which cannot too strongly command our attention, and inspire our interest, viz : THAT God connects his covenant blessing set

FORTH in promise WITH PARENTAL FIDELITY IN THE EXERCISE OF FAITH, PRAYER, VIGILANCE, AND FAITHFUL

LABOUR IN BEHALF OF OUR CHILDREN. The importance of the domestic constitution which God has instituted cannot be too highly estimated. As this becomes rightly enjoyed and improved, human happiness and welfare are promoted, and extended through all the relations of society. At the foundation of this domestic constitution lies the marriage bond in all its sacredness and endearment, and what immediately results from it, the relation between parents and children. The responsibility devolving upon parents is of a most sacred, and interesting character, and bears with it momentous results. The first developments of the mind and of the heart are brought under their direct and constant cognizance, and a continual influence will be exerted for the moral and spiritual welfare of their children, or the contrary. The great object of a Christian education is to bear home, at the earliest dawning of the mind, and unfolding of the heart, the truths of God's Word, to seek under the blessing of the holy Spirit, prayerfully sought by faith, their conversion to God, and to watch with constant care against all those evil influences which tend to ensnare and corrupt. For this end there must be diffused an atmosphere of love as the element influencing the parental heart in the exercise of authority in the requirements of filial duty, and specially all must be exempli-

VIII INTRODUCTION.

fied in tlie uniform, beautiful and impressive manifestation of every Christian grace, and the discharge of every Christian duty. In view of the great object of the conversion and spiritual welfare of their children, parents should be of one mind and heart, ''joint partakers of the Grace of God, that their prayers be not hindered." It is in this common spirit in both father and mother, prompting united aims, counsels, and labours, and imparting mutual encouragement and help, that the avenue is opened, and the promise appropriated of success in the training of children for Christ and Heaven. The very indifference and neglect of one parent, not to speak of aversion and opposition, must produce an embarrassing and paralyzing influence on the spirit and labours of the other. The picture of domestic piety can only be found brightly unfolded in its true character and happy efficiency, where " the holy unction falls upon the heads" of both father and mother, and "flows down to the skirts of their garments," diffused through their whole household. Then and there it is " as the dew that fell upon the mountains of Zion, for there God commanded his blessing, even life forevermore." With what care should a Christian, in the view of entering into wedded life, seek to "be married only in the Lord." Ordinarily, most deceiving is the expectation at times fondly entertained, that the piety of the one may attract to itself the other, and win from the love and pursuit of earth to the faith, and service of Christ. The danger is strong and imminent the other way, in drawing the professor of piety from the simplicity of faith, and strength and con-

INTRODUCTION. IX sistency of piety, into luliewarmness, worldly conformity, and dereliction of religious duties. One parent, single and unaided in parental cares, and perhaps embarrassed, and by opposing influences from the other, may occasionally be led to greater tenderness, and enlargement of spirit, and to unceasing, and earnest care and vigilance, and become greatly blessed in the effects produced in such circumstances. But ordinarily, in such cases piety languishes, and its prayers and efforts are greatly impaired. It is sweetly encouraging for parents to rest their souls on the gracious declaration of the Saviour, '''If two of you shall agree on earthy as touching any thing they shall ask, it shall be done for them by my Father which is in Heaven.''^ This will strengthen their faith, and enlarge their prayers in their daily access to the Mercy Seat. This will encourage and animate them to " walk before their house in a perfect way," and in the employment of all appropriate means to " bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

Observation and experience testify to the faithfulness of the promise as verified in the happy results flowing from a wisely directed Christian education under the uniform influence of parental faith, affection and fidelity. The promise given in the covenant with Abraham, and handed down in all its preciousness, and faithfulness to the faith and hope of the Church of God in all ages, '^ I will be a a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee,''^ stands in bright relief to the recognition of believing parents. From the very birth of their children, it is their privilege to cast them upon this covenant promise, and to

INTRODUCTION.

"lend them to the Lord" by their faith, prayers, and vows in their daily access to the Mercy Seat. God said concerning Abraham, — "J know Abraham^ that he will command his children and his household after him^ and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgement^ that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken.'''' The deep feeling of parental responsibility, the vigorous, earnest, and importunate exercise of faith and prayer, and the diligent discharge of every parental duty, are connected in God's appointment with the conversion of children to God, and the moulding and training of their characters and habits for usefulness, honour and happiness. How beautiful and fit is this instrumentality in its adaptation for such effects, and how clearly unfolded in promise is that grace which renders it effectual ? There are frequent declarations in Scripture in allusion to the intimate connection between these, as when God promises, ^' I will pour waters upon him that is thirsty ^ and floods upon the dry ground ^^^ it is immediately added, " I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.''"' Wlieu the Psalmist speaks of the " set time for the Lord's favour to Zion, when he builds her up, and appears in his glory," he states, "TAe children of thy servants shall continue^ and their seed be established before thee.''"' '"''Instead of the fathers shall be the children., and they shall be princes in the earth.'''' ^ As for mCy this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, my spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor

INTRODUCTION. XI out of the mouth of thy seedh seed, from henceforth and forever, saith the Lord.''^ Parental fidelity stands interwoven with the faithfulness of the promise of our covenant God. When an evil heart of unbelief is cherished, when the spirit of the world invades the soul, when the proper means for the nurture of our children are not employed, or not used in a right spirit, nor enforced by the whole texture of our lives and examples, surely we cannot trust to the Divine faithfulness.

Nothing calls more urgently for the attention of our Churches, and individual Christians, than the cultivation of family religion in its various departments of exercise. Nothing is more intimately connected with the stability and extension of the Church of Christ ; for then every family, so ordered and blessed, becomes, as it was designed, a nursery for it. Is it not to be feared, that while facilities and means for diifused mental culture are multij)lied, and the age is characterized as one of action, that careful instruction in religious truth in the family circle, and the whole religious superin tendance of a family, have become relaxed .? It is not here my province to enter into the elucidation of a theme so vitally important, as the religious training of a family ; my only aim is to commend it to the careful attention and study, and diligent improvement of all professors of Godliness. This volume, it is hoped, will be auxiliary to that end. The ripened piety of the " old disciple," Christian Miller, the even course of consistent, humble piety, laborious and persevering service, in the ministry of his son John E. Miller, cut down in the meridian of

XII INTRODUCTION.

Ms usefulness; the fair model of maternal character, moulded in piety, of Sarah Smith Miller , and tlie bright promise of future usefulness in the development of talents, piety and industry in her son, Isaac L. K. Miller^ ' cut off by death on the verge of his entrance into the ministry, — are here brought together, and illustrate the faithfulness of God in his promise, in connection with the faithfulness of his people in their prayers and labours. These members of the families which Jesus lovedy have been translated^ one after another, to their rest in Heaven, while the blessing, " even life forevermore," has been diffused among those who remain. Happy the families where the presiding influence of the united head is continually exerted with wisdom, affection, and fidelity ; where the members thereof become partakers of the grace of life, linked in one common faith, and service ; and where, amid all their separations by distance, in time, and at last by death, they feel themselves bound up together in the bundle of eternal life, with the sure "hope cast within the veil" of an everlasting and perfect reunion in the family of the Redeemed in Heaven.

" Blest are the pious house.

Where zeal and friendship meet ; Their songs of praise, their mingled vows.

Make their communion sweet."

" Thus on the heavenly hills.

The Saints are blest above ; Where joy like morning dew distills.

And all the air is love."

THOMAS DE WITT.

MEMOIR

OF

CHRISTIAN MILLER.

Chapter I

His Parentage. — His Removal to the United States. — Extracts from his Father's Letters to him. — His Conversion. — Removal to Albany.

Christian Miller was born in Germany, in the city of Hanau, near Frankfort on the Maine, on the 7th of March, 1767. His parents, eminently devoted to the fear of God, anxiously sought to impress on the minds of their children a sense of the importance of personal rehgion. And while they carefully instructed them in the principles of God's Holy Word, and prayed with and for them, they set before them an example of consistent piety well worthy of their imitation. Though the subject of this memoir was, while still very young, removed from the immediate influence of his parents, a remembrance of the important truths in which they had instructed him was carefully cherished, and tended, without doubt, to produce his early submission of himself to God. While still under the parental roof, so diligently had he improved the opportunities of education afforded him, that, at the time of leaving his native land for this country, he had acquired a sufficient knowledge of the German, Low Dutch, and French languages, to enable him to converse, read, or write fluently, in each of them. At the age of fourteen, in company with his father, he visited the United States. His father, after remaining in this country for a short time, returned to his native land, leaving his son in the employ of Mr. Thomas, at that time an eminent merchant in the city of New York. That neither father nor son had, at this time, the most remote idea that their separation would be final, and they meet no more until they should be reunited in Heaven, is evident from letters subsequently written. "You say," writes his father, in March, 1786, "that in eight or ten years, if God will, you will return home and visit us. I would the time were already here, that I might see you, and that you might find yourself engaged in an honourable business." Nor was it until the year 1790, that the subject of this memoir relinquished the expectation of returning to and again residing in Europe. From a letter of his father, dated April 14th, 1790, it appears, that he had recently written to him, to learn whether it might not be possible for him to obtain some situation in Holland. His father's reply probably settled his mind on this subject, and led him ever after to regard this country as his home. " You are better off/' wrote he, " in America, than you would be in Holland. Can you not improve your condition by going to another State? or is one place as bad as another ? Since you are in America, do your utmost, and ascertain where you can live most easily." In a postcript, he advises him, by all means, to remain.

But though, in early life, widely separated from his loved and loving parents, he was not deprived of their affectionate and salutary counsels, while their prayers continually ascended to God, for His blessing to rest upon, and His Spirit to guide their absent son into all truth. His father's letters, filled with sage instruction and pious admonition, followed him across the Atlantic, and while, without doubt, the means of deepening his sense of the importance of personal religion, and of his obligations to live only for Christ, were preserved with the utmost care, to the end of his life, as a monument of parental affection and fidelity. Under difTerent dates, he thus writes : " May God and His Holy Word be not far from your eyes ; that you may be henceforth and forever under His protection." "When you next write to me, write a few lines to the Rev. Mr. Corel, in English or Dutch ; and thank him for the book which I will send you. Apply it to your soul, and keep God always before you, that you may be kept from heinous sins ; in all you do be faithful and diligent ; fear God, and the fruit thereof you will enjoy forever ; pray to God earnestly, for James, V. 16. says, that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much ; and by such prayer you will obtain all that is useful for soul and body. Your mother is much concerned for you, and desires to send a great deal of love to you ; she implores you earnestly, not to suffer God and His Holy Word to be out of your sight, and God will then never forsake you ; do this, my son, if you would live."

After his experience of God's renewing grace, the subject of this memoir thus wrote to his parents under date of June 9th, 1787. "From my heart I am glad that you are all so well. As for myself, thanks to God, I am well and prospering. Dear parents, how delightful a thing is that religion, which obtains a lodgement in the heart of man. How glorious a friendship is that, which permits us to speak to our Great Friend in prayer, and tell him all our joys and sorrows. I hope it seems thus with you, and that you can freely present all your wants to him. God has given me every thing I enjoy; and would I receive more, it must come from Him. Much have I already received, not worldly riches, but heavenly, and all that I ask, is that Jesus Christ, the Great King, may be my dear friend. With Him there are sufficient riches. I hope He, also, is as dear to you. Without Him, our condition is indeed sad, and I trust that as His presence is every thing, you have Him, also, in your family. Dearest parents, I have many a time rejoiced in the love which you have towards me, and I hope that as long as I live, I may repay the kindness, and return the love with which you have loved me."

November 21st, 1787, his father, in reply, writes: "On the 18th of July, 1 received your letter, and am glad to learn that your health is still good; particularly am I called upon to rejoice that it is well with your soul. What a pleasure does it excite in the breast of parents, when they can say, we have nourished and brought up children who walk in the ways of the Lord. My son, continue as you have begun, and in your religious life be never deceived. Since Satan lays great snares for the children of God, and seeks by every artifice to destroy them, therefore, the true Christian must be always on his guard, and through prayer to God, night and day, ask that he would not take His Holy Spirit from him. I am well assured that you will make this your daily practice." And again, under date of April 16th, 1789, "we are pleased to hear that you are prospering, particularly that it is well with your soul. It is indeed a delightful source of comfort for the children of God, if they can at all times apply the merits of the bleeding Mediator to their immortal souls, and place all their trust on Jesus Christ, as the beginning and end of their salvation. The Christian, in such a state of reliance on God, stands connected with the covenant of grace; and no misfortune or persecution will separate him from God; he stands firm in his faith upon Jesus. On the other hand, Satan steadily casts his arrows against the children of God, (and this has been your own experience,) but this mahcious fiend can be easily banished by watchfulness and prayer. I am exceedingly delighted to hear that you associate with God-fearing men. I doubt not, but you will find that in their company your soul is comforted ; and this comfort is a thing far above all the world's treasures! a happy state! a delightful change ! a new creation !" Further extracts from his letters, manifesting the life of God in his own soul, and his watchful holy care, for his absent son, might be given; but these already quoted are sufficient to exhibit the manner of his spirit, and to prove the subject of this memoir, a witness to the faithfulness of God, in fulfilling His gracious covenant with His people, to be a God to them and to their seed after them. Mr. Miller's mother died in July, 1792, in the 54th year of her age, "in the full exercise of faith upon the merits of Christ, in happiness and peace." " While she still lived, (writes his father,) she often said, could I but see Christian once more, I would willingly die, but your distance from her prevented the gratification of this earnest wish." In April, 1796, his father died, aged sixtyfive years.

But to return to the narrative. It was while still in the employ of Mr. Thomas, and when he was about eighteen years of age, that the prayers of his pious parents were answered in his conversion to God; and he brought forth from the world to own himself a friend and follower of Christ. The ministry of the venerable Dr. Livingston appears to have been pecuharly blessed to his soul. It is said, that oftentimes under the preaching of this man of God, he vi^as, at this period of his life, so deeply affected, as to "be unable to refrain even from weeping aloud in the public assembly." With the church of which Dr. Livingston was one of the pastors, he connected himself, then commencing a profession, which, for sixty years, he adorned by a walk and conversation becoming the gospel. Soon after his conversion, his mind was directed to the subject of the ministry, and the question was carefully and prayerfully agitated by him, whether it was not his duty to devote his life to preaching the gospel of the grace of God. On consulting with his friend and pastor on this subject, and freely opening to him his mind, the Doctor advised him to remain in the calling in which God had placed him. "My son, (said he,) God needs pious merchants, as well as pious ministers." His advice was followed, and the history of the man of God, whose life we are tracing, shows that it was judicious, given under the direction of the Spirit of Truth. As a Minister of Christ, there is no doubt but that Mr. Miller would have been eminently useful ; but would he have been more so, than in the station he occupied ?

Who can tell the quickening, cheering, sanctifying influence, a layman of Mr. Miller's devoted piety exerts on the servant of Jesus Christ, under whose ministry he has placed himself? or the influence such an example as he uniformly exhibited, of devotedness to God, liberality of spirit, and constant desires to do good to others, exerts on the church and the world ? Having, by his strict integrity of character, his conscientious devotedness to the interests of his employer, and his mercantile abilities, secured the esteem of a large circle of friends, when his term of engagement with Mr. Thomas had expired, many and liberal offers were made him. In Divine Providence, it was so ordered, that through the urgent solicitations of the late John Taylor, (afterwards Lieutenant Governor of the State,) he was induced, in 1789, to remove to Albany. With him he continued as chief clerk until 1792, when he engaged in business on his own account. On his removal to the place of his future residence, (which, in a letter to his father, dated 1789, he describes as "a httle city called Albany, about 150 miles from New York,") he transferred his relation to the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in that city. On the division of this Church, he connected himself with the Middle or Second, (now under the care of the Rev. Dr. WyckofF,) "of which he continued to be a member, and a liberal supporter to the day of his death."

Chapter II

His Marriage. — His t3haracter as a Man of Business. — His Usefulness as an Officer of Christ's Church. — The universally acknowledged Sincerity of his Piety. — His Family Government. — Its Results.

In June, 1791, he was married to Miss Maria Van Schaick, one who with him feared God, and who during the long continued period of their conjugal life, ever sought to be a helper to his faith ; who still survives, and though much enfeebled by her advanced years and disease, still brings forth fruit in her old age, waiting, with faith and patience, the time when she shall be released from all her infirmities, and in union with the loved ones who have preceded her, worship God and the Lamb in the Upper Sanctuary. On the birth of their first-born, John Ernest, (whose memoir will be found in this volume,) his father thus wrote, April 10th, 1793: "It is with no little pleasure, that I learn from your letter, that the Almighty hath blessed you with a son, and I am quite pleased to learn that he bears my name. I hope that this pledge from God, may on God confer honour, and that you may from him derive much happiness. May he prove a support to you in your old age.'' How literally these wishes were fulfilled will be seen in the memoir of his grandson.