A new tribute to the memory of James Brainerd Taylor

Front matter

2>— &-

LIBRAEY

OF THE

Preface

It will be perceived by a perusal of the following Introduction, that this Tribute, was originally compiled for the relatives and personal friends of James B. Taylor. It is principally composed of materials distinct from that embraced in the Memoir. The plan of the work required, to some extent, that letters from some surviving friends should be given. Situated as he was, at a distance from his relatives, the correspondence was extensive ; and this correspondence embraced the particulars, which are addressed most particularly to their sympathies. In publishing this work, however, most of the letters from others to Mr. Taylor, which are not necessary to preserve the uniform connexion of the narrative, agreeably to the original plan of the manuscript, are excluded. The work is now committed to the press with the belief that all who have read the Memoir of James Brainerd Taylor, which has passed through six or eight editions, will gladly avail themselves of this

Vlll PREFACE.

volume, as embracing additional breathings of a pure spirit, recorded by his own pen — and giving minuter descriptions, illustrative of his own character — and the particulars that entered into combination to form that character ; together with a more graphic account of the last scenes of his brief, and holy, and happy life. JVeie-For&, December, 1837.

Introduction

In the Memoir of James Brainerd Taylor, it has been the particular object of the compilers to exhibit his religious character and example to candidates for the Christian ministry, as a model for their imitation. It therefore did not fall within their plan to quote his letters in full, or those aside from a religious bearing. The extracts which are given, are often, as a consequence, divested of the air of simplicity and grace, and sometimes of arTec donate humour, which the manuscript letters, in extenso, possess. There are also letters written to the friends of J. B. T. which the compilers would not deem appropriate to the Memoir, not coming within the design of the book. Some of these contain the very acceptable testimonies to the worth of a relative and friend, and must be precious to the persons for

X INTRODUCTION.

whom they were designed. And there are still other letters written at the time of Mr. Taylor's illness ; some by the venerated man, (now no more) who commenced the Memoir, and some by his connexions ; all of which, at the time, the compilers would have felt a delicacy in presenting to the public. These contain many allusions and much minute detail relative to the last hours of Mr. Taylor, which could not be thrown into the Memoir, and in which particulars an affectionate relative and partial friend are greatly interested — awakening as such detail ever does, their willingly indulged sympathies. Beside this, a further number of Mr. Taylor's Diary, one of greater interest than any other already published, has been found ; and which, it seems, was not in the hands of the compilers of the Memoir. This number is the last which Mr. Taylor penned ; and it contains an account of the closing scenes of his college-course — his entrance on his studies of theology — his efforts, and his exercises of heart during his studies, up to the time, when, in New-Haven, he was attacked by bleeding at the lungs.

INTRODUCTION. XI

It is on these and on other accounts which the friends of a lost relative will at once appreciate, that this volume has had its origin ; and to the relatives and friends of Mr. Taylor it is now presented, as a little memento addressed more immediately to their sympathies than the Memoir itself.

Section I

It will not come within the purpose of the writer of this Tribute, to quote the letters of Mr. Taylor of an earlier date than the time of his graduating at Nassau- Hall, Princeton, New-Jersey. And previous to the introduction of his letters of a date later than this period, September, eighteen hundred and twenty-six, it is the writer's design briefly to sketch a few particulars associated with the earlier periods of Mr. Taylor's life. The Memoir speaks thus of his parentage.

"James Brainerd Taylor, son of Col. Jeremiah Taylor of Middle-Haddam, Connecticut, was born on the 15th day of April, 1801. His parents, yet living, are in the communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and greatly respected in the circle of their acquaintance. On the mother's side he was connected with the family of Brainerd, a name to be held in remembrance as long as the devoted zeal of the selfdenying missionary shall be had in honour. On the father's side, an old record traces up the lineage to a branch of the family of Jeremy Taylor. But while no wise man ever undervalued the benefits of being born of worthy parents, no one of right spirit ever relied on this providential circumstance to bear him on through life. Our character depends on ourselves. So thought

James Taylor. And while he honoured and revered his parents with the truest filial affection, he went forth with the spirit of genuine independence, to make his own way in the world."

Not far from the age of thirteen, James was placed by his parents at a school in Wallingford, Connecticut His personal appearance at this time would have led to the supposition that he was some two years older. His elder sister, was at the same school. James at this early period was an object of remark for his fine personal appearance. His own disposition rendered society agreeable to him, and his sister's company encouraged his introduction. He became the favorite of the evening party, and of the promenade after school hours. A little incident occurring years afterwards, may serve to confirm this remark. It was the year succeeding J. T.'s death, and is thus narrated in a letter from one of his brothers, then in New-Haven, to his sister. " I took a walk after service this evening, in our beautiful burying-ground. Some one had just been interred, and a large number of persons who had joined in the procession were returning. Mrs. P., an interesting young married lady, and Miss C, of your acquaintance, were with me. We met three young ladies. As they approached us, I was struck with the fine personal appearance of one of them, and asked Mrs. P. if the young lady were an acquaintance of hers 1 • Yes,' she replied, 4 it is Miss , formerly of .' I made some further inquiries, and by way

of excusing them, I remarked, that I once heard a brother of mine, James Taylor, say that he was acquainted with an interesting young la.dy of that name, when he was at school in W. 'James Taylor !' said Mrs, P., 4 James Taylor, that Utile interesting, curly-headed boy, was he your brother V Yes, madam, I replied, and was he not interesting ? * J thought so,' said Mrs. P., as she advanced towards me extending her hand, and crimsoning with an innocent consciousness of having given more than her usual emphasis to words of an accidental conversation. You may suppose the incident gave me pleasure."

After leaving his school at Wallingford, and spending some months at home, he left the parental roof for his location in New-York. It was regarded as a favourable circumstance for the preservation of his morals, and the formation of his manners and character, that he had two elder brothers in the city, who it was believed by their parents, were governed by Christian principles. His boarding-house also was selected with reference to the religious character of the family, and the morality of its inmates. In this particular he was fortunately located. Some religious acquaintances which he formed at this early period of his residence in New-York were not unimportant links in the chain of Providence, which bound together the succeeding incidents that formed his future character. His brothers, ever watchful of his course, brought him under all the religious influences which his circumstances of youth and their religious connexions in the sphere of their circle, permitted. He became the visiter for a Sunday School in Saint George's Church, and it3 assistant superintendant. In the discharge of the office of the first, he gained familiarity with the different localities of the city, and acquired an address in approaching the poor, which gave him ever after an air and manner which secured their confidence and won their favour.

At this period he was introduced to a lady who was generally known in his circle as excelling in the beautiful piety of her character, and who was esteemed as having a happy influence upon the religious feelings of her young friends, who were in the habit of visiting her house. This lady became much interested in his character ; and he found his earliest impressions of religion, and his desires for entire conformity to the principles of the Gospel deepened, by this favourable intercourse. It was his habit, each Sunday evening, to repair to this friend's, and by request, would narrate the particulars of the discourses to which he had listened during the day. The evening's interview was always attended by the reading of some portion of the Scriptures and prayer. At a later period, this reading of the Scriptures was accompanied by reflections upon the passages read, and by singing — there generally being other visiters of the family present, enough in number to render their meeting a social religious service. Doubtless these interviews contributed not a little to the formation of his extemporaneous powers, which, in his future exertions in public labours for the advancement of religion, rendered his efforts easy to himself, and successful in their results to others.

It was the privilege of the writer to know J. T.'s religious habits from two years after his arrival in the city, until he left it to pursue his studies in Lawrenceville, New-Jersey, preparatory for college. He remembers that he was in the habit of general attendance upon the religious meetings frequently occurring in the city at this time, having for their purpose the furthering of the Christian enterprises of the day, and other evening meetings of his church and Sunday School. When returning from these, it was his custom to enter his room, and devote some hours, before retiring, to the perusal of books. His library was principally composed of religious works. That these works had a material effect in the formation of his religious character, must be obvious to a person who reads his memoir with an acquaintance with the authors that at this time principally composed his library. Some of these works were Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and his Holy War. The Works of President Edwards. Baxter's Saints' Rest. Mason's Remains. Mrs. Rowers Poems, and also her devotional exercises, compiled by Dr. Watts. Dr. Watts on the Mind, and his Lyrics were also read 2* by him — the first, with the greatest attention, as it most justly merits from every young man, as we would infer from the admiration with which Dr. Johnson was in the habit of speaking of it. In his Critic he thus remarks : " Few books have been perused by me with greater pleasure than this " Improvement of the Mind," of which the radical principles may indeed be found in Locke's conduct of the Understanding, but they are so expanded and ramified by Watts as to confer upon him the merit of a work in the highest degree useful and pleasing. Whoever has the care of instructing others, may be charged with deficiency in his duty, if this book is not recommended." And I add here the concluding remark of Dr. J. on the character of Watts. " Happy will be that reader whose mind is disposed, by his vi rscs or his prose, to imitate him in all but his non-conformity — to copy his benevolence to man, and his reverence to God."

It may be stated here with propriety, without adding to the list of volumes from his early library, that DobcWs Hymns were his familiar companion. I state this by way of noticing an omission in the memoirs of J. B. T. His practice in his private devotions, was, to accompany them almost invariably with singing. His voice was esteemed peculiar for its sweetness, and yet more peculiar for its modulations, which always corresponded with the sentiment of the lines which he sung. His feelings led him to the selection of the pathetic in music ; and it has been elsewhere remarked by one who knew of the circumstances, that most of the tunes of the collection contained in the " Christian Lyre," were suggested by Mr. Taylor. Aware, from the effect upon his own feelings, of the power of music in exciting the agreeable and the devotional in emotion, he is remembered among his friends, and by the communities among whom he laboured, to have possessed a happy command of the feelings of others by the appropriate adaptation- of hymns and suitable tunes to the occasions of a friendly interview, and of social and public meetings. In his visits to the sick, his familiarity with appropriate hymns and the pathetic tune was often made to contrir bute to the conviction and the comfort of the sinner and the saiut. If he found the sick person in a state of mental stupor as the result of physical disease, he not unfrequently perceived that the singing of a few stanzas of some feeling hymn would rouse the mental powers of the invalid to a state even of excited attention to the conversation he might wish to hold. And there are many pious hearts that will remember the soothing power of his voice while at their bedside he has sung,

" When languor and disease invade

This trembling house of clay, 'Tis sweet to look beyond this scene

And long to fiy away." etc.

The subject of this sketch, remained in New-York advancing in the beauty of his religious character, and in the increasing elegance of his person, some four years, in the relation of a merchant's clerk. He was beloved by all who formed his acquaintance, and admired by all whom he met ; and it was a source of the purest gratification to his Christian friends when they heard of his purpose of leaving his mercantile pursuits to prepare for the ministry. They thought that a spirit so benevolent and pure should find a wider and more elevated sphere for the indulgence of its aspirations of good intent towards the souls of his fellow men. His relatives were willing that he should sacrifice the worldly affluence which seemed in prospect as the certain result of the circumstances in which he was then placed, for the more congenial calling to a spirit swelling with so much benevolence towards his fellow men, and of ardency of piety towards his God.

The year closed; and with it, the mercantile employments of young Taylor. In looking back to this period of his life, he always reflected upon his location in New-York as a providence, for which he was ever thankful, in its relation to the part he expected afterwards to act in the world. New- York is a world in epitome. It is an emporium, where the great and the small, the good and the bad, the vast and the circumscribed alike concentrate. It is a school for wisdom and virtue, as well as the repository of ignorance, and a theatre for dissipation. It is a place for the favourable formation of manners, as well as a scene of temptation which has vitiated the habits and ruined the characters of thousands which began to open with refinement, beauty, and elegance. It was here that James Taylor commenced his study of men, manners, and things. He saw them upon a large scale. His intercourse was with individuals from many parts of the world, and all parts of the union. And the sphere of business in which he was engaged being* on an extensive scale, caused him of necessity to look at things through the medium of large numbers. And the remark is a just one, that a man's mind may generally be measured by the objects about which, from the circumstances of the person, his mental powers are employed. The consequence of such a location to James Taylor, therefore, was, that he left New-York in January, 1S20, a young man, with a knowledge of human nature — with a refinement of manners — and a general knowledge of the world, which but few young men have carried along with them in their preparations, afterwards, to influence that world. And as the result of this, when he reached the Academy in Lawrenceville, he was deemed already a man in experience ; and he at once entered on those exertions of religious effort which secured the admiration of his friends for their correctness in judgement, and their success in results.

Section II

On the 13th of January, 1820, Mr. Taylor arrived at Lawrenceville. This village is four or five miles from Princeton, New-Jersey. The village being situated some two miles from the main road, which runs from Princeton to Trenton and Philadelphia, it is a retired location. The scenery around it comports with the stillness and retirement of the place. The elevation of the hills are but slight, and the depression of the vallies ' only sufficient to render the fields agreeably undulating. The church edifice is of a date earlier than the revolution, and was witness to some of its warlike scenes in its neighbouring fields, and within its own walls.* The

* Among other incidents that occurred here, was one, which showed the sagacity of a war-horse. An American out-post was stationed here, when the army was in the neighbourhood. A scout from the post, sent to reconnoiter the enemy, was seen the succeeding morning, making back his way at the top of his speed, chased by three Hessians. The scout leaped the brook within a few rods of the church. The foremost of the pursuers followed on, but received at the instant of his leaping the run near the church, a rifle ball from a concealed American soldier. The Hessian fell, but a blast from the bugle of the two retreating Hessians recalled the third horse, which wheeled at the sound of the bugle, and regained the side of his companions.

/ural walks of this village are pleasant. The one which young Taylor was in the habit of mostly frequenting, extended back of his boarding-house. It led up a gentle acclivity, from the top grounds of which, the mellowed scenery below could be seen to some extent. During the summer, not a fair morning passed which did not witness him upon this walk.; The orchards in the neighbourhood, and various fruit-trees in their season of blossom, gave their rich perfume to the air. The readers of J. T's memoir, will remember that he had a retired spot, where it was his habit to pour forth the emotions of his heart, in the language of prayer. It lay in the direction of the walkwhich I have described. At the lovely hour of morning, and generally at the mellowed moment of the evening, he sought this consecrated spot. His path lay through grounds, from which the soft landscape described was seen. Three years he spent amid this scene of stillness, retirement, and summer-beauty. Can any of his friends recall the softened character of his amiable disposition — the beauty of his lovely piety — or even the soothing intonations of his mellow voice, and not associate them with these scenes, and admit the mystic power which nature has over the delicate susceptibilities of a refined soul ?

There was, just preceding this period, a young man at the Academy, in Lawrenceville, who occssionally walked the same path. But not like James Taylor did he reach a secret kneeling spot that lay beyond. One morning, half-way up the ascent, he was found suspended by his handkerchief to the limb of a tree, an unfortunate suicide. The cause was only left to conjecture. The night preceding, he was in company in his usual spirits, so far as was remembered. The unhappy youth was interred in the burial grounds of the church alluded to, and his associates planted a willow at hia grave. The willow is still growing, but instead of leaning over the grave of the suicide, as it was inclined at its planting, it has shot forth in a different direction. These two youths often trod the same path while at L., but how different was their end.*

I here quote but a single one of his many allusions to his frequent walks along this path for recreation, meditation, and devotion. " I took my accustomed walk with a heart full of gratitude to the Lord for my sweet and cheerful hopes. I thought this might be my last walk along that oft-frequented path, as my time at Lawrenceville is coming to a close. What a delightful retreat this has been to me ! But this evening, I agonized in spirit as I had never done before, in prayer

for this people. While thus engaged I met , and

with streaming eyes I addressed him. He wept. The Lord bless his soul with conversion ! As I left him I

* The tree alluded to, was as described, when observed some few years since. It was pointed out to the writer as a curiosity, though, of course, the peculiarity of its growth was considered as an accidental circumstance.

wrestled in prayer for him, and for our neighbours. My soul was pressed down with the weight of anxiety. I felt for their eternal interests. When 1 arrived at the memorable tree, I fell before the Lord to vent my sorrows there. 0 ! the longing I had for this people. All I asked was, for Christ's sake, that salvation might come to them. While thus weeping before my Heavenly Father, an aged man drew near. I saw him, but did not rise from my knees ; and as he came, I spoke to him and testified of the love of Jesus. I found he had no religion. I addressed him plainly and with a full heart. He soon wept, and wished me to pray with him, and for him. I did, with earnestness and with tears ; and then exhorted him to repent and to come to Christ now. He left me with apparent concern. The Lord save his soul and let it not be in vain he came here. He said he thought the Lord had sent him."

On the 22d of September, 1823, Mr. Taylor passed his last examination in the Academy, at Lawrenceville, and delivered his oration on Science, with the valedictory address in the evening of the same day. " Thus," he says, " ended my academical course. May the Lord by his good providence direct me in my future goings, and lead me on to final victory and heavenly glory."

The impression which his intercourse left upon the society in Lawrenceville, was one of abiding interest. He was ever welcomed to their circles ; and he never 3 left them without having deepened the impression of admiration and attachment for his person and character. Many yet cherish welcome recollections of that intercourse, and say, as they review the impressions which he left upon their minds, " We have never met, in another, such sweetness of disposition — such a noble contempt of earth — such heavenly-mindedness of soul — such entire devotion of the whole being to his God and Saviour — such earnest desire to promote his Master's cause in bringing all, within his sphere, to the knowledge of the truth. And united with all this, there was a form and manner of such peculiar loveliness and grace, that it was truly a beauty and consistency of character in him, such as to our minds, rendered him a more perfect model than in any other instance we have known."

Section III

It was with a grateful, but an aching heart, such as friends feel in separation, that James Taylor left Lawrenceville. His heart was made for friendship, and he fully reciprocated the kind feelings with which he had been regarded during his residence of nearly three years in this village of estimable people. He threw himself into the stage coach which conveyed him to New- Brunswick; thence by steamboat he reached New-York. Among his friends in the city he spent some days, then left for his father's, on the Connecticut. A week of his time during the interval between his leaving Lawrenceville, and his return to Princeton to enter Nassau- Hall, he spent in the family of his friend, the Rev. Mr. Hotchkiss of Saybrook. He was then on his way from his home to Princeton college. He left Saybrook for New- York in a vessel commanded by Capt. W. He writes thus : " Our number consisted of the captain, two hands, four passengers, two children, and myself. We had proceeded about twenty miles when the wind increased and blew violently. In the midst of the gale our boom unshipped, and left us in a perilous condition. The prospect was, that we should be capsized and swallowed in the waves. All above was terrific. The billows dashed. The sea roared. The winds howled.

The hail rattled. All below was solemn. We thought on solemn subjects — death ! a watery grave ! the bar of God ! heaven ! hell ! The captain I believe to be a godly man. One more on board, beside myself, had a hope which was as an anchor to the soul. The rest were unreconciled to God. Alas ! their prospect was despair. I thought indeed that I was nearer my heavenly home than to my father's house. It seemed that there was but a step betwixt me and death. But in the midst of the alarm God was with me, to allay all turbulence within. I looked to him for a promise and he graciously gave me this. " Fear not, for I am with thee." It was sweet to my taste ; and made me strong while I lay in my berth, revolving it in my mind and calmly waiting the issue, not knowing but the next surge would enter and fill the cabin, and end my life.

" A young lady, one of those who experienced religion at Saybrook while I was there, was quite composed. But another — 0, how different ! 0, her apparent penitence — her cries for mercy — her weeping eyes, in the prospect of death and damnation! To me she came for help ; but not to myself — to Christ I directed her. Alas ! the infatuation of mortals, to put off preparation for eternity till the hour of danger. But thanks to the Lord of deliverance. His arm was stretched out for our relief. We were soon moored in a harbour, and rode out the gale in safety.

*' I found my friends exceedingly kind, both at home;

and in New- York. The Lord reward my parents, brothers, and sisters for their kindness to their son and brother. I doubt not that in this life they shall have a hundred fold ; and at the resurrection of the just, be acknowledged as helpers of the helpless."

3*

Section IV

From New- York Mr. Taylor reached Princeton, New- Jersey. On the 6th of November, 1823, he was examined and admitted a member of the Sophomore class, in the college of Nassau-Hall.

His residence at Lawrenceville, five miles distant, had already given him some acquaintances in Princeton. He was not therefore a stranger, in a strange place. There were families here who had heard of his interesting character, and others who knew, from their own acquaintance, the loveliness and depth of his piety, and the unaffected simplicity and elegance of his manners. As a known candidate for the ministry, he had attended some of the exercises at the Theological Seminary ; and while at Lawrenceville, he became acquainted with numbers of the theological students, who occasionally visited that place. He found among some of these, on his arrival at Princeton, kindred spirits, and all of them were ready to give him the hand of cordial welcome to the town.

Mr. Taylor entered upon the duties of college aware of the general sentiment which prevails, that a course of study at our public institutions is unfavourable to the enjoyment of a high state of religious feeling. But we hear him exclaiming in the exultation of a happy frame of mind, three days after his entrance within the walls af Nassau-Hall, "Religion can be enjoyed in college. Lord, amid so much iniquity keep me spotless, and make me useful."

Young Taylor had not been located long in Princeton, before he sought out a field for the indulgence of his unceasing and ever earnest desire for religious effort. The way was opened ; and his success has been partly told in his memoir. His influence was felt in town. It was acknowledged by the increased devotion an the part of some of the students of the Theological Seminary. And in college, he, at least, solved the problem long held in dubio, whether a Christian student in our public institutions can sustain his religious character, and enjoy religion throughout his collegiate course. He did sustain his elevated standard of religious experience. He did enjoy a continued state of devotion. And what he did and enjoyed, is practicable to all. As he entered college, so he left it, only with his religious character immensely yet more elevated in Christian enjoyment, and in fixedness of Christian pririr ciple beyond his experience at the moment of his becoming a member of college ; although, at that time, his religious character had reached a point on the scale of religious experience and enjoyment, which it seems but few attain during their lives on earth. Witness his testimony at the end of his college- course, taken from his recovered Diary, and compare it with the earnest apostrophe at his entrance.