Memoir, with sermons

Front matter

u

MEMOIR

WITH SERMONS,

Contents

MEMOIR, L — Peetious to ms Setttvxvnt at NoggrocaEwocK, . . 7

II. AT XoEETDGEWOCE: RATE THE TIME.

HI. — At 1~ took titeee.fofeths the time. . . 51

Chapter I. From His Birth To The Time Of His Settlement At Norridgewock

The Christian minister, who, in the first half of the nineteenth century, has, for the space of near forty years, held one of the more intelligent congregations of New England, is, by this fact, distinguished from the greater part of his brethren in the same work. And if, during that period, his ministry has, more and more, commended itself to his people, as shining with a strong and steady radiance, and, notwithstanding that they may not have been insensible to the infirmities and disabilities consequent necessarily upon age, they have still to the last, increasingly revered, trusted and loved him ; he must have been, in some respects, a remarkable man, possessing capital elements for influence. The life of such a minister can scarcely fail to be instructive and profitable ; and the more so, if he has gained, and retained his power over his people, by maintaining for himself the favorable verdict of their good sense and their piety, and not by gratifying their pride ; if his success has been attributable to no brilliant parts, but only to the possession of such qualities as most ministers may hope, by the Divine grace, to obtain. Perhaps the man has never lived, who, more rigidly than the subject of this memoir, adhered to the inspired maxim : " Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth ; a stranger, and not thine own lips." Now that he is gone far away from the scenes in which he has long moved, it is lawful for his friends, for such as come after him in the momentous work of the Christian ministry, and for all the good, to seek profit from his example. This narrative is, however, to be regarded chiefly as a monumental tribute, having its origin in the affection of the family and particular friends of its subject. The design is, in these chapters to trace his general course through life, in such connections, and with such materials, as are best adapted to illustrate the character of his personal piety. For this it was, as will be found, which gave distinction to the late Pastor of Norriclgewock and spiritual Patriarch of the county of Somerset.

Josiali Peet was born in Bethlehem, Connecticut, June 21, IT 80. He was the last born of the children of Benjamin Peet. His grandfather's name was Richard Peet. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Peet, emigrated from England, and became one of the first settlers of Stratford, Connecticut. His mother was Elizabeth Hendee, daughter of Joshua Hendee, through the maternal line of ancestry, a descendant of the well-known family of Huntington, at Norwich, and niece of Eleazer Wheelock, founder, and first President, of Dartmouth College. He had three brothers, of whom Abijah and Wheelock lived to rear families ; and three sisters, all of whom were married while he was yet young. His father, when he was six years of age, removed from Connecticut, and established himself, with his family, at West Haven, Vermont. During several years of his minority, Josiah resided in the family of his brother, Abijah, on a farm in Fair Haven. As a youth, he was remarkable for truth, conscientiousness, and fidelity. It was enough, if he was once instructed in what was expected from him. However varied or numerous the particular duties devolved on him, each one, it was certain, would receive his attention. At twenty years of age, he became hopefully the subject of renewing grace; and soon after, a member of the Congregational church in Fair Haven. Previous to his indulging hope of pardon through Christ, it pleased God, the better to prepare him for his own service, to give hini, for along time, most clear and distressing views of the enmity, malignity, and utter vileness of the human heart, and of the sinner's entire helplessness and dependence on sovereign mercy. He seemed to be never after a man of the world. Two years subsequently, persuaded it was his duty, he could not be satisfied without an effort to prepare himself to preach the everlasting Gospel, and labor to pluck souls, as brands from the burnings. There were formidable obstacles to be met and overcome. He had lived twenty-two years without literary habits ; his health seemed to be precarious; he was without patrimony, and without friends who could materially aid him. Education Societies, then, did not exist. But his mind was settled. He applied himself to study, and became a member of the class which, in the autumn of 1804, entered Middlebury College. Here he was reputed a young man of correct taste, a well balanced mind, respectable scholarship, and great moral worth. He experienced, uniformly, paternal kindness from his instructors, was universally beloved by his fellow students, and esteemed in the community at Middlebury.

But his college life was spent in almost incessant struggles, of great severity, with poverty, impaired health, and mental disquietudes. Several times he was, for weeks, prostrated by sickness. To obtain the means of support, we find him each year absent from college, for about four months, employed as a teacher of youth. He saw the great advantages that are consequent upon early literary training; and could but lament what he regarded as his own lost years. He had a mind that could readily appreciate decided scholarship, the power of easy and rapid acquisition, the workings of commanding intellect and splendid genius; and he was ever prone to be dissatisfied with himself. In the schools and in professional life, we usually find the happy and self-complacent ; and those who highly appreciate excellence, and plainly show that they would be glad to exhibit more of it, if it were in their power. Mr. Peet belonged to the last-named class. It is doubtful whether, while in college, or at any subsequent period, any effort of his was entirely approved to his own mind.

Still, poverty, ill health, and what he regarded as his intellectual deficiencies, occasioned him sufferings far less severe, than those he experienced from apprehensions that his pride was not subdued, and that his heart was in a state of insurrection against his Maker.

In March of the year 1806, he commenced a regular journal, which he continued, with slight interruptions, till the close of life. Some extracts will illustrate the preceding statements, and develope his spiritual experience. From the 29th of March to the 18th of April, he was sick of typhus fever. Under the date of July 14th of that year, he writes thus:

Being sensible that I have, for some time past, indulged myself in too much levity and vain conversation, I do this day resolve "before God. that with his grace assisting, I will endeavor to he more circumspect and sober minded.

August 12th. Received news that my father was at the point of death, and desired me to go home. Accordingly, I left college and went home ; but found my father better. He soon so far recovered that I returned to college, not, however, without anxiety from various sources.

November. Subject to despondence, arising from the embarrassments of my pecuniary condition, and from a sense of my responsibility ; also, my inability to meet public expectation, and discharge duty. But, more, it arises from a want of trust in God, which, were it exercised, would prevent all unwarrantable anxiety.

During the winter he had the charge of a public school in Orwell.

Feb. 18th, 1807. Early this morning I was sent for to go home and witness my father's death, as he was expected soon to breathe his last. I returned immediately with the messenger, but when I arrived he had been dead about an hour. This was six days after I saw him in health. On the Sunday before, he was

SETTLEMENT AT NOERIDGEWOCK. 13

violently seized with an influenza, which so cramped and overpowered the feeble efforts of decayed nature, that he was bereft of reason most of the time till his death.

Feb. 20th. On this day my father's funeral was attended. A sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Higly, from 1 Cor. 7 : 29 — " But this I say, brethren, the time is short." My father lacked but thirteen months of fourscore years.

March 16th. Returned once more to college, having been absent nearly four months.

April 23d. Taken ill of an influenza.

May Qth. Vacation commenced, but, being out of health, I remained at college for several days.

May \3th. Health improved in a degree. Set out for Addison. Felt sensibly affected with some expressions of friendship and kindness made me this morning ; and, I trust, in some measure thankful and humble before God, that he had disposed any, at any time, and especially at this time, to be friendly to one so undeserving. On my way I had many reflections. I felt, in some measure, the necessity of the continual protection and blessing of the Almighty, wherever I am. I reflected on his goodness, that I had already experienced, and was affected by it. I had an earnest desire that God would take me wholly under his care : that he would preserve me in his fear, and from danger through this and my remaining days ; that his blessing might attend me in whatever condition ; and, should it be his holy pleasure, that he would restore me to health, and prepare me to resume my studies with renewed vigor; and that he would enable me to be more faithfully devoted to his service, and make better improvement in science and divine things than heretofore.

Near the close of May lie returned to Middlebury, still in a condition of great bodily debility.

Sabbath, June 7th. Was permitted to mingle with God's people, and unite in partaking of the holy symbols of the body and blood of our crucified, but now ascended and glorified Redeemer. But I mourn that I am so little affected with a sense of my sins and unworthiness, the sufferings of my Saviour, and his unspeakable dying love. I pray God to forgive all my sins, and grant me his Holy Spirit to sanctify my heart, to convict me of the criminality of my conduct, to lead me to penitence, to awaken me from stupidity, to warm and animate my affections, and to work in me the spirit and temper of his children.

June 23d. My birth-day has passed without my noticing it, so fleeting is time, and so regardless am I of the rapidity of its flight. May this admonish me that the day of my death may come when I as little expect it.

July 3d. My room-mate appears to be seriously impressed with the importance of religion. For some days I have felt interested for him and for myself. Felt more than usually the reasonableness and importance of embracing religion in youth.

It is a noticeable fact that even at this early period of his life, whenever he was brought into close proximity with impenitent individuals, whether as fellow lodgers, or at a boarding-house, or in schools of youth under his instruction, their conversion to Christ was a usual occurrence.

July \Uh. This morning had such a sense of my nothingness, and unworthiness, and imperfections, that I could not but abhor myself. My unfaithfulness and stupidity in discharging my duty, and in improving God's mercies, was a cause for humiliation. The improvement I make in science and divine things appeared so small, that I seemed to have little courage to pursue my studies. I felt that should God continue my life and privileges. I had very little prospect that I should ever be of any service to his cause in the world, or comfort to my friends. Under these impressions I retired and confessed before God, that I was

SETTLEMENT AT NOKRIDGEWOCK. 15

indeed an unprofitable servant ; and acknowledged his justice, which I in some measure felt, should he cast me off from his presence for ever. I besought his gracious forgiveness and acceptance, through Jesus Christ, that he would sanctify my heart and heal my infirmities, and aid me by his grace to be more faithful in his service, to gain useful knowledge, and make some good progress in the divine life ; that he would make his strength perfect in my weakness, that I might not be suffered to live in vain. I desired to commit every concern unto him ; besought that he would order every affair and event respecting me in mercy, and not according to my desires, should they be selfish or wicked ; and, in fine, I desired submission and resignation to his holy will.

In December, 1807, he again took charge of a school in Orwell, in which he was occupied till March of the following year. He had now acquired reputation as a teacher, and was solicited to take the charge of a public seminary, which had for some time been in existence at Castleton. He writes, March 12th, 1808 :

I resisted the solicitation, not willing to lose my last summer in college, from which I had contemplated much satisfaction and profit. I accordingly returned to Middlebury.

The Trustees of the Institution, nevertheless, renewed their solicitations ; and, by the advice of friends and the officers of college, he reversed his former decision, and acceded to their wishes. During his first quarter, as Principal at Castleton, in poor health, and with the duties of teaching, and preparing for examination, and Commencement at Middlebury, pressing him, his spirits seemed to have been desponding. Having in August following, terminated, with honor, his connections with college, he continued at Castleton, four quarters longer, till June 14, 1809. He was successful, as a teacher. The Institution flourished under his administration ; and in improved health, and enjoying the unqualified respect and affection of the community in which he moved, his spirits were more buoyant; and he left Castleton, not without regret. Several of his pupils, while in his school, became hopefully pious.

June 24th, 1809, he became a member of the Theological Seminary at Andover, being then 29 years of age. He left Vermont, travelling on horseback, and arrived the fourth day from the time of setting out. The Seminary was then in its infancy, having been in operation but about one year. His was the second class; containing twenty-four students. Here he suffered less from ill health, and less from pecuniary embarrassments, than he had done in college. He was able, consequently, to devote himself more unremittingly to study, than he had done at any former period of his life. He was very much favored in his boarding-house, which was retired and romantic in its situation ; and the members of the family at which, he soon found, to be much to his mind. As was almost universal with the students of the Seminary, of that day, he had a passionate affection for what was then denominated uthe Institution," and for its professors. This affection was not unreasonable ; for, though the Seminary was then young, as to age, it was born in a state of mellow and vigorous manhood. Spent in these circumstances, he was ever wont to look back upon his days at Andover, as among the most sunny of his life. And yet his course was still a struggle. However satisfied with things about him, he could not be satisfied with himself. There is manifestly advance in his spiritual views and experience. While he devoted himself assiduously to his studies, and did not, as some young men injudiciously do, spend in active labor the time which they should give to preparation for labor ; Providence was, almost constantly, making him spiritually useful to fellow-beings thrown in his way, and brought under his influence. For these tokens of the Divine favor he was devoutly thankful; but still he longed, and still he mourned. The extracts from his journal that follow, show that, in his view, literary training is not the only preparation necessary for the ministry. Were all who are now pursuing Theological studies, as attentive as lie was, to their souls, and as much given to prayer, what bright prospects would open for the churches and the world ! And observing the maturity of his views of the great work before him, and of the qualifications requisite for its performance, we can scarcely regret that his professional training was delayed, till he was of an age at which maturity is possible.

"Ah! wherefore in such haste in men's sight to appear? The cedar yields no fruit, until its fiftieth year."

July 22d, 1809, he alludes to various things in his condition, as calling for thankfulness. He mentions the family with which he boarded, in which were two young persons, who, though moral and amiable, lacked the one thing needful. " I longed to see them thoughtful, and embracing religion ; but being faithless, I am also unfaithful, though I sometimes converse with them." He alludes to groves in the vicinity.

They are equal to any thing my imagination has ever pictured from romantic descriptions. These it has been my practice to frequent at an early hour in the morning, sometimes while it has been yet almost dark : here to spend a contemplative hour, listen to the songster's morning lay, to catch the first beams of the rising sun, and also to seek the Grod of Grace, who, though he dwells beyond the "everlasting hills," deigns to bless the groves and the humble vale. This many have witnessed, and this I might have experienced, had I possessed a heart warmed with

SETTLEMENT AT NOKKIDGEWOCK. 19

heavenly love, sensibilities awake, not only to the beauties of nature and the divine perfections displayed in her works, but to the unceasing and immeasurable goodness of the God of love, which overspreads the earth and constantly encircles me. Some comfortable seasons I have enjoyed ; but much I have to mourn an unfeeling heart. My obligations to be devoted to God appeared very great.

August 23d. I have been off my guard, and in conversation have offended a brother; in consequence of which, I here resolve that I will be more watchful over my thoughts, and endeavor to restrain improper or ill-timed observations, that I offend not in word.

August 26th. At our weekly meeting, by reason of pride and diffidence, had my feelings mortified ; and I hope it will tend to humble me, and teach me the necessity of having the pride of my heart subdued, and lead me to put that confidence in God, that will cause me to triumph over that diffidence and bashfulness which have characterized me through life, and been a great detriment to my improvement as well as comfort. A degree of modesty and self-distrust may not be highly criminal, if accompanied with the counterpart, confidence and strength in God ; but without the latter, I have reason to think it originates in pride or the fear of man, which bringeth a snare.

Sabbath, 27th. Dr. Griffin's preaching was instructive, soulhumbling, and God-exalting ; and, though it seemed to pierce between joints and marrow, yet I felt more strength for several days after, and more engagedness in the things of religion.

During the autumnal vacation, 1809, he remained at Andover. A revival of religion at the time existed in the South parish, in promoting which he was active and interested. A number of young people were the subjects of the work ; with others, both the young persons at his boarding-house, before mentioned in his journal.

January 1st. 1810. God has not only spared my life, but he has given me health through all the past year, and has not for once laid me on a bed of sickness. He has not continued me in the circumstances in which the commencement of the last year found me, but has placed me in those as different as they are more pleasant. He has freed me from those avocations which, for more than a year, engrossed and fatigued my mind, and filled it with anxious concern ; and has brought me through various scenes, and placed me in a condition highly eligible for becoming acquainted with his holy word, for serving him, and for improving in the divine life. He has spread out his bounty, and he admits me to partake of it without money and without price, and he demands my whole heart, and the devotion of all my time, and the exertion of my talents in his service : and it is right he should have them, for they are not my own.

As I enter on a new year, I feel it important to adopt the following resolutions, which I hope to keep, if I may have divine assistance.

Resolved, That I will endeavor to avoid light and vain conversation, to which I am much inclined, and much exposed in a society so agreeable and friendly. I find the practice hostile to improvement and religious feeling.

By divine assistance, I will endeavor to live nearer to God, by a more feeling and careful discharge of duty, as far as I can discover it.

I will endeavor carefully to notice the Providences of God, that I may know how he is dealing with me, and thereby be enabled to learn what is duty.

January 4th. Found, this day, notwithstanding my resolutions, an inclination to be light in conversation, and ere I was aware indulged it to an extent that caused me pain ; and from some improper feelings and deportment, was led to an humbling sense of my imperfections. I now again see the need of continual watchfulness, or resolutions will naught avail, but inclinations, passions, and imperfections will hurry me into sin. I therefore resolve, by Divine assistance, that I will be sober and watch unto prayer.

June 6th. The rod which has been suspended over us in a threatening attitude has fallen. It has smitten our beloved brother, and removed the flower of the Institution. The providence of God in this event is viewed by us with amazement. God's way is in the deep waters, but justice is his habitation and righteousness his sceptre. Another brother is struggling with the same disease. My earnest prayer all this day has been, that I may hear this call, and the effect be, to bring me near to God.

The death above referred to was that of Lewis Le Count Congar, one of five young men, who accompanied Dr. Griffin from New Jersey to the seminary at Andover. He was a young man of singular promise.

Sabbath, 7th. Funeral exercises. I felt a desire to be thoroughly engaged in religion, to feel its power continually. Unless I could attain to this, it appeared to me I did not wish ever to be a minister of the Gospel.

Jan. 9th. My feelings this day very tender. I can hardly discriminate so as to determine what particular view caused my tears to flow; yet they flowed freely. Many things pressed themselves upon my mind : that I might be freed from sin and live a holy life — the cause of Christ — an awakening in this place — that certain individuals might be blessed of God.

Jan. \%th. Felt some tenderness this morning both in public and social prayers. My spirits were in some measure depressed, by reason of some peculiar trials. If I ever have experienced the grace of God, my heart is yet unsubdued. More trials than every one has, are necessary to subdue my proud, rebellious heart. In addition to having had a thorn in my flesh all my life, I am, at this time, exercised with a peculiar trial, known to myself and to him who hath appointed it. How long it is to continue, or what will be the effect of it, I know not. If God enables me, by grace, to improve it, it will profit me, otherwise it will be injurious. I think I wish to submit, and exercise proper feelings, but presume I do not.

Jan. \<tth. The state of my mind, and the considerations mentioned yesterday, induced me to spend much time this day in secret prayer. Something of a childlike temper, I thought, I felt, as I seemed more willing to leave myself in the hands, and at the disposal of a wise and good Providence.

Feb. Uh. Such a day as I have never before had. Whether under the influence of God's Spirit, or the subject of delusion, I cannot tell. I hope the former. When I arose, my mind was peculiarly solemn and burdened with sin. If I ever desired that God would interpose for me, it has been this day. Never before have I so sensibly felt how blessed it would be to be delivered from sin. I seemed unwilling to leave my closet ; my whole soul agitated through the day. I sincerely desired that God would make me wholly his own, and that he would guide me in every single step of my course.

Nov. 20th. I find much evidence of pride of heart, which embarrasses me in the discharge of public duty. I enjoy better spirits than I have done. Am inclined to think that my depression of mind is attributable in part to ill health and constitutional defects.

Dec. 6th. Had a deep sense of my vileness and worthlessness. Still I have a faint hope in God, my only helper, and desire to cast myself on him for succor.

He preached, for the first time, in Haverhill, Mass., May 4, 1811, having been licensed by the Haverhill Association, met in Bradford, on the 13 th of March, in

SETTLEMENT AT NOKKIDGEWOCK. 23

that year. On the 24th of September, in the year 1811, his connection with the Seminary was terminated. From that time till about the middle of December following, he was employed to preach at Chester, and at Durham, in New Hampshire. During the year 1812, and the first part of the year following, he preached acceptably and usefully, as stated supply, chiefly in Shoreham, Vermont, near to his family relatives. Here he had occasion for the exercise of wisdom, as an excellent minister had recently been forcibly ejected from his place, against the wishes of a large portion of the people, in consequence of which much excited feeling existed*

March 15th, 1812. I bless God for a heart that can feel, and eyes that can weep. Still I must have care, that rny feelings do not gain the ascendency over my reason. If they do, and disturb my peace, let me contemplate nobler objects. Let me think of God, and Christ, and perishing souls ; think of missionaries, those especially who have left the dearest earthly objects, to see them no more in this world, and to hear from them but seldom. I must repress personal sorrows, by enlarged views and the aids of religion.

May 10th. I would not be my own director. Whenever I discover any indications of Providence, that seem to mark out my path, it gives me pleasure to notice them, and strengthens my desire, that he will order all my way. I hope, I shall ever see his guiding hand, and follow where it leads. Sensible I am, and hope always to feel, that the course he marks out is the best, and that there is neither safety nor peace in any other.

The following are from letters written by him, at this period : —

Shokeham, May 24, 1812.

My Dear Friend,

I hope you are endeavoring to live near to God. If you do, I think duty will be made plain. Cease not to pray while you examine yourself. I am glad that you contemplate offering yourself for admission to the Church. I believe it to be your duty to do it, or give up your hope ; not standing longer between the armies of the Lord, and the camp of the enemy; unwilling to be classed with either. Will you go back to the world ? If not ; if the Lord be the God you wish to follow, why not come out on his side ? . Ashamed to own your Lord ? You are afraid you have not sufficient evidence that you are a Christian, and so shall dishonor the cause you would espouse. Perhaps you had better feel so than otherwise. I hope you will be faithful in examining yourself; but I think you should not reject rational evidence, nor despise the day of small things. If you have a single spark of true love for Christ, you ought to confess him, and acknowledge his grace in giving it. If you feel one glow of Christian affection for one of Christ's disciples, you should walk as a disciple. I am glad you feel it to be an important matter. We ought so to view it. But where shall we go, if not to Christ? What business have we in his world, unless engaged in his cause ? What have we to ask, but to honor his name ? I hope you will be enabled to leave yourself with God, find all your doubts removed, your path of duty plain, and Christ precious to your soul as he is to them that believe.

"West Haven, Jan. 22, 1813.

My Dear Friend :

The events, which I shall notice in this letter, must furnish my only apology for my long silence. Ten days ago, I was called to part with a dear brother, by death. He fell a victim to a mortal epidemic, which has been commissioned by a righteous Sovereign, to cut down many in this place. It is supposed to be the spotted fever. It has, already, made surprising