THE POWER OF CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE ILLUSTRATED IN THE LIFE AND LABORS OF MARY LYON

Preface

"The Power of Christian Benevolence illustrated in the Life and Labors of Mary Lyon, compiled by Edward Hitchcock, D. D., LL. D., President of Amherst College, with the assistance of others," was originally published at Northampton by Messrs. Hopkins and Bridgman, in 1851, and that edition is continued in circulation. That work has been made the basis of this ; but much has been omitted, especially in numerous details of the Mount Holyoke Seminary ; much has been added, and many parts have been recast. This has been chiefly done by those who furnished the principal material for the first edition, and who were long and intimately associated with Miss Lyon in her public labors. Invaluable as their services have been, their names, at their united request, are here omitted, as is also that of the Key. Dr. Hitchcock from the title-page at his own suggestion. The work is intended as a monument, not to its authors, nor to Mis? Lyon, but to His most holy praise through whose mighty power and abounding grace she became what she was, and finished the work which was given her to do.

The life of Miss Lyon is a lesson and a treasure

4 PREFACE.

to the race. The wise may be made wiser and the good better by it. It will teach the teacher and furnish impulse and encouragement to the Christian minister. It will kindle in the hearts of many young ladies new desires after knowledge and usefulness. It will show them that they can worthily imitate Miss Lyon by Christian fidelity and energy in their appropriate sphere, though God should not call them as he did her to the work of founding a new and peculiar seminary. It will deepen the public sense of the importance of Christian education, and show how, by heavenly wisdom and zeal, it may be promoted. It will illustrate the value of moral and religious influence in regulating the conduct and forming the character of the young. It will show what a wise economy there is in making religion the first, the second, and the third thing in a literary institution. It will prove that the entrance of the word of God into a school of any kind giveth light and comfort, and every blessing to teacher, parent, and pupil, as well as to the church and the world. It will do something to stay the general declension from the good old way of our Puritan fathers, who taught their children betimes to worship God and fear his holy name. It will add fresh fuel to the flame of missionary zeal, and bring forward many a living sacrifice to the work of the gospel among the heathen. Fathers and mothers by their firesides may learn wisdom from it. The Christian philanthropist may see where rests the great hope of the world's regeneration and of the corning in of millennial glory ; and scarcelv anv trav-

PREFACE. 5

eller to the shores of eternity can read without nrofit the story of Miss Lyon's pilgrimage thither.

To the service of the Redeemer, in the fervent hope that it may contribute to these blessed ends, the present work is devoutly consecrated.

Chapter I

EARLY LIFE, TO HER ENTERING MR. EMERSON'S

SCHOOL AT BYPIELD.

1797-1821.

Ancestors of Mary Lyon Her maternal grandparents Character of her parentsHer own. description of her " mountain, home," the farm, the garden, the landscape, vicissitudes Her youthful sobriety Rapid progress in study Early concern about religionHopeful conversion in 1816 Marriage of her asters and mother Removal of her brother In the academy at Xshfield Unparalleled avidity for knowledge Alternate teaching and studying, - IS

Chapter II. Labors At Ashfield, Buckland, And Derry

1821-1828.

Miss Lyon enters Rev. Joseph Emerson's school at Byfleld Her room-mate Character as a student Religious character described by her room-mate Letters to her mother on religion in the school Letter to her sister Important benefits there receivedEngages in teaching in the academy at Ashfield Religious character at that time She unites with the church in Buckland An important crisis Invitation to teach in Chautauque county, N. Y. Invitation to assist Miss Z. P. Grant in the Adams Female Academy, Derry, N. H. Letters to Miss Grant- Decides to go to Deny Preparatory studies Letters to her mother and others as to the course of study at- Derry, daily duties, and study of the Bible Opens a winter school in Buckland Letter to Miss C. Vacation in Troy Letters from Derry and Buckland, chiefly as to the state of religion Letters to Miss

8 CONTENTS.

Grant Singleness of eyo to the salvation of others A revival in the school at Ashfield, 28

Chapter III. Laboes At Buckland And At Ipswich

1828-1830.

Engages in the school at Ipswich during the summer At Buckland in the winter Reasons for so doing Letters to her mother and Miss Grant Letter showing her interest in individual scholars Excess of labors Decides to spend two winters in Ipswich Review of her labor's and successes at Buckland History of one of her pupils Her reward, 73

Chapter IV. Exclusive Connection With The Ipswich Fe- Male Seminary

1830-1834.

Great variety of labors Remarks to her pupils on early rising A successful plan Increase and religious prosperity of the school- Absence of Miss Grant Letters to Miss Grant Vocal music- Project of a permanent female seminary Resolution as to marriageLetter to Prof. Hitchcock of Amherst, on the proposed seminary Letters to Miss Grant Letter to one of her nieces Testimony of her niece, afterwards Mrs. Burgess Mount Pleasant, at Amherst Letters to Miss Grant as to a proposed seminary at Amherst, the claims of its poorer friends, and a separationDissolution, of the Board of Trustees General discouragement Lessons of experience, 90

CHAPTER Y.

MISS LYON'S PLANS MODIFIED AND MATUREDCLOS- ING LABORS AT IPSWICH-PECULIAR TRAINING AND FITNESS FOR HER WORK.

Summer rambles in 1833 Circular to the friends of Ipswich seminary, proposing plan of a new seminary Letter to Thomas White, Esq. Conversion of a nephew Letters to Miss Grant, and to her mother, as to the proposed institution Letter to Miss White To her youngest sister Qualifications for her now aad great work, health, enthusiasm, sound sense, knowledge of

CONTENTS. 9

human nature, distinct ideas of her plan, indifference to worldly things, eminent piety, vividness of her views of truth Character of her pupils, 126

Chapter VI. Enlistment Op Influential Friends

Meeting of a few friends at Ipswich A committee appointed Contributions commence in Ipswich Her mode of personal appeal Letters to pupils and others Winter at Amherst Location fixed at South Hadley Letter to her mother The heart of a henevolent Christian of Boston opened Name of the seminary Agency of Rev. Mr. Hawks Letters to her friends The seminary incorporated Devotion of Trustees to the work, 159

Chapter VII. The Erection And Furnishing Of The Edifice

1836, 1837.

Laying of the corner-stone, Oct 3, 1836 Circular to ohtain furnitureEfforts to enstamp on it a high character at the outset Letters to friends Frequent journeys Superintends the buildingDescription of the building State of the enterprise in the Fall of 1837, 178

Chapter VIII. The First Tear Of The Mount Holtokbtemale Seminary

1837, 1838.

Opening of the school in Nov. 1837 Hardships met by the first pupilsTheir welcome by Miss Lyon Providential supplies The pupils all boarders Domestic labor performed by them Advantages of this plan as to economy and health Difficulties in the outset Miss Lyon's energy fully taxed Bread-making A noble band of helpers Financial skill Instruction The course of study, 194

CHAPTER 15.

LEADING PRINCIPLES OF THE INSTITUTION. The seminary her home Marriage of Miss Caldwell Miss Lyon's increased labors in teaching, especially religious truth and duty Usefulness of her pupils in the church a chief aim Con-

10 CONTENTS.

stant reference to the Bible Obedience "as unto the Lord" Her own conformity to rules Incidents illustrating her skill m government Benevolence inculcated Her care in selecting teachers Their character and cooperation with her " The half-hour system" Counsels as to prayer " Recess meetings" Regular study of the Bible Aptitude in drawing lessons from it Morning lectures Letter from a pupil Faithfulness of her religious teachings Inquirers' meetings Meetings for Christians, and for the unconverted, 209

OHAPTEE X.

RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF THE SEMINARY THE MIS- SIONARY SPIRIT.

Seasons of revival every year Summary by Miss Whitman Most of the pupils the first year pious Revival during the second year, resulting in the hopeful conversion of all the pupils Similar result on the third year Subsequent years The means employed Special prayer requested Letters to Mrs. Banister and Mrs. Saflford The secret of success, making religion the one thing needful The seminary a nursery of missionaries Early efforts to inspire Christian benevolence Fervid views of the woes and claims of the heathen Missionary meetings Results Contributions Notes from the missionary journal, sketches of addresses Extract from "The Missionary Offering" Wide dispersion of her pupils as missionaries, 243

OHAPTEE XI.

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCEPUBLISHED PAMPHLET FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY.

Letter on the first death in the seminary On her mother's death Kindness to relatives in the state of New York Letter to Miss Grant before her marriage Enlargement of the seminary buildingExtracts from a pamphlet ou the subject Letters to Mrs. Banister, Mrs. Safford, Rev. Justin- Perkins, D. D., aad Miss Fiske Teachers becoming missionaries Note on the subject from Miss Whitman "Missionary journal " during a revival Letters to Hon. D. Safford To Miss Fiske and Miss Rice To Mrs. Banister To her pupils on heathen ground A visit at Springfield, interview with Mrs. Winslow Miss Lyon's fiftieth birthday Letter to Miss Hannah White, 286

CONTENTS. 11

CHAPTER XII.

THE LAST LETTERS, THE LAST VISIT, THE LAST IN- STRUCTION, AND THE DEPARTURE.

Visit to Mrs. Porter at Monson Letters to Mrs. Burgess To Miss Whitman Her last letter Mrs. Porter's account of her first and her last visit at Monson "Missionary journal" relative to Miss Lyon's last illness Death of a pupil from malignant erysipelas Illness of Miss Lyon Last address to her pupils Aggravations of her disease Erysipelas appears Visit of her pastor, Mr. Laurie Her happy release March 5, 1849 Funeral services Sermon by Rev. Dr. Humphrey Marble monument at her grave, 319

CHAPTER XIII.

MISS LYON'S CHARACTER AND LABORS.

A glance in review of the foregoing records Her firm and well-balanced constitution Mental vigor Practical wisdom Invention and combination Executive and administrative skill Thorough discipline Power of influencing others Natural activity Value of the aid she received Training up efficient women Secret of success in teaching She understood the truth of God Her unbounded benevolence Her life one of strenuous exertion Her powers consecrated to the service of God and man Her desire to know and do all her duty, 342

DR. HUMPHREY'S SKETCH AT HER FUNERAL, 357

DR. HITCHCOCK'S ADDRESS AT THE EXSUIXG A^TVERSARY, 360

SENTENCES FROM HES LIPS, XOTISD BY ONE OP HER PUPILS, 369

LIFE AND LABORS

OF

MART LION.

Chapter I

EARLY LIFE TO HER ENTERING- ME. EMERSON'S

SCHOOL AT BYFIELD.

1797-1821.

LYON was born in Buckland, Franklin county, Massachusetts, Feb. 28, 1797. Her ancestors were among the first settlers of Ashfield, & town adjoining Buckland, in the same county. As far back as they can be traced, they lived, with one or two exceptions, to a very advanced age, were remarkable for the discharge of filial duties, and were of irreproachable character. All were followers of Christ.

Deacon Isaac Shepard, her maternal grandfather, was an eminently pious man. His six children all became Christians in early life, and were blessings to society around them. His father and his son bore tho .name of Isaac, and each held the office of deacon, thus 1

U LIFE OF MART LiOlN.

making three deacons in succession of the same name in the family. A letter from her maternal grandmother is preserved among Miss Lyon's papers, written with the tremulous hand of extreme old age, in which she says it is more than seventy years since she " 'listed a soldier for Jesus." She was the' daughtef of Ohileab Smith, a man of ardent piety, whose pray ers for his "posterity to the latest generation" are still remembered by those who heard them.

There being no Baptist meeting in the vicinity^, and Mr. Smith having a preference for that denomina-* tion, he opened his house for public worship, and was instrumental in organizing a small church from the borders of three adjoining townships, Conway, Ashfield, and Buckland. Of this church, Mr. Smith was the first leader and instructor. Two of his sons became preachers in the Baptist denomination. One of them succeeded his father in the care of this little church a good man, who long and steadfastly resisted the current of error and immorality which at times threatened to overwhelm that community. This church still exists, a blessing to the neighborhood.

Aaron Lyon and Jemima Shepard, the parents of Mary, were both members of this church. Their residence was in Buckland, within half a mile of the Ashfield line, and about one mile and a half from the parents of each, and from the place of worship. They therefore continued to worship with then* fathers. These and other circumstances led Mary often to say, playfully, that she belonged to both towns.

Her father was remarkable for the uniformity of his temper. He was never known to speak an angry word. Kind and obliging in his manners, he was greatly beloved by his acquaintance, and often was sent for to pray with the sick and dying. Her mother was a person of strong mind and active piety. Her praise is in the churches, and it is enough to giy of her here/that Mary was emphatically in her mother's own image. These parents were united in honoring the institution of the Sabbath, and in training their children to make preparation for entering on holy time at an early hour Saturday evening.

* Under such influences, " the germ of Mary's character received the culture that decided its future form and growth." It is not known how many of her excellences or principles of action are to be attributed to early and judicious parental training; for often " the descending stream of influence owes its salubrity to the salt some pious hand cast into it at a point so high that it has ceased to be acknowledged or known."

Mary was the fifth of seven children, of whom only two, the eldest daughter and the only son, survived her. Her parents, though in comfortable circumstances, were not among the rich of this world. With industry and economy, they were enabled to meet all the necessary wants of their rising family. On the death of the father, in 1802, at the age of forty-five, the family were left to depend mostly on their own exertions.

Let us learn their situation from Mary's own words in the "Missionary Offering," a small book written by her in 1843. After speaking of a want of correspondence between the dress and contributions of a widow and her daughter, who were supported by the widow's needle, she says, "I was strongly reminded by contrast of another widow, whom I knew and loved forty years ago, and of her 'mountain home/ She was not rich in the treasures of earth. Her little farm was siirely not more to her, in providing for her seven, than was that skilful needle in providing for the one. But want, at that 'mountain home/ was made to walk so fairly and so gracefully within that circle of limited means, that there was always room enough and to spare for a more restricted neighbor. I can now see that loved widow, just as I did in the days of my childhood. She is less than forty years of age, and her complexion is as fair and her forehead as noble and as lofty as on her bridal day. Now she is in that sweet garden, which needs only to be seen to be loved. Now she is surveying the work of the hired man and her young son on that wild, romantic farm, made, one would think, more to feast the soul than to feed the body. But almost always she was to be found busy, both early and late, amid her household cares, and in the culture of the olive plants around her table. In that domain, nothing was left to take its own way. Every thing yas made to yield to her faithful and diligent hand. It was no mistake of that good-hearted neighbor who came in one day, begging the privilege of setting a plant of rare virtue in a corner of her garden, because, as he said, there it could never die. The roses, the pinks, and the peonies, those old-fashioned flowers which keep time with Old Hundred, could nowhere grow so fresh and so sweet as in that little garden.

Nowhere else have I ever seen wild 'strawberries in such profusion and richness as were gathered near by. Never were rareripes so large and so yellow, and never were peaches so delicious and so fair, as grew on the trees of that favored farm. The apples too contrived to ripen before all others, so as to meet in sweet fellowship with peaches and plums, to entertain the aunts and cousins.

"I can now see thar * mountain home/ with its sweet rivulet finding its way among rocks and cliffs and hillocks and deep craggy dells. Then just beyond the precincts of the family domain was the 'top of the hill/ crowned by its high, rolling rock, ever inviting the enterprise of each aspiring heart. Every one was amply repaid who would climb that steep hill and ascend that high rock. There might be seen the far-off mountains in all their grandeur, and the deep valleys and widely extended plains, and more ^han all, that village below, containing only a very few white houses, but more than some young eyes had previously seen. But sweetest of aU, the length of a mile or more, to the village church, was that wild, winding way, traversed each Sabbath morning by that orderly group, while the family pony gave the mother her horseback ride. There too in winter was that sleigh,, packed so snugly and gliding so gently over that same winding way to that same small church.

"At that 'mountain home 7 every want was promptly and abundantly met by the bounties of summer and the provident care for winter. The autumnal stores, so nicely sorted and arranged, always travelled hand in hand, through the long winter, like the barrel of meal and cruse of oil. The apples came out fresh in the spring, and the maple sugar, that most important grocery of the neighborhood, was never known to fail, before the warm sun on the sparkling snow gave der lightful indication that sugar days were near. When gathered around that simple table, no one desired a richer supply than was furnished by the hand of that dear mother. The simple school-day dress too, so neat and so clean, and amply sufficient in the view of those young minds, should not be forgotten; while the rare gift of the Sunday suit, kept expressly for the occasion, formed an important era in the life of the possessgr, and was remembered with grateful smiles for many days afterwards. The children of that household, thus abundantly supplied, never thought of being de^ pendent or depressed. They felt that their father had laid up for them a rich store in grateful hearts, and among the treasures which will fcever decay ; and that their mother, who was considered in all that neighborhood a sort of presiding angel of good works, was continually adding to those stores. I can now remember just the appearance of that neighbor who had a numerous household to clothe, as she said one day, 'How is it that the widow can do more for me than any one else ?'

"But I remember the sorrows as well as the joys and the labors of that loved widow, that dearest friend of my young heart. On the 21st of last December, about noon, the days of forty long years were just numbered and finished since death came to that ' mountain home 7 and took away that affectionate husband, that kindest of fathers. The dying scene in that retired 'north room' I can never forget. How mournful was the contrast between the clear midday sun and those sorrowing hearts, those bursting sighs, and those flowing tears. Those last faltering words, 1 My dear children what shall I say to you, my children? God bless you, my children/ have not yet died away on my ear. Then came the funeral, which gathered all the neighborhood around that mourning circle. Gently was it whispered by one and another, 1 We have all lost a friend ; the peacemaker is gone/ How deep were those weeds of mourning, shrouding that family. Even the plaintive tones of the little one, but just able to lisp her father's name, were oft and long repeated by kind-hearted neighbors. Then came that first cold winter of widowhood. How mournfully did the cheerful fire blaze on the domestic hearth, as we gathered around that bereaved family altar. What child of that household could ever forget those extraordinary prayers of the sorrowing mother for the salvation of her fatherless children, as they were offered up, day by day, through all the long cold winter ? Before that mourning day came, the eldest, while yet a child, professed to love the God of her fathers. As the remaining six were gathered in one by one, and all before they had passed the years of their youth, the mother failed not to refer to her own agonizing prayers during that first winter of her widowhood. But the mother is gone, and most of the seven are gone. Together they are gathered to their peaceful rest. Only a remnant is left to talk of that sweet 'mountain home/ of that bereaving December, and of those never-to-be-forgotten prayers."

Prom all the sources left us, it appears that from childhood to womanhood Mary was remarkable for a solidity of mind and sobriety of deportment rarely found in the volatile season of youth. With teachableness, energy, frankness, and warmth of heart, were combined elasticity of spirits and an ardent desire to do something to augment the happiness of her friends. To this were added a keen perception of the ludicrous, and a power of humorous description, which rendered her a very enlivening companion.

5 In childhood her opportunities for education were limited; but being one of the youngest of a family which is known to have excelled in intelligence and scholarship, she undoubtedly received much instruction at home. Until she was six or seven years of age, there was a district school within a mile of her mother's residence. From the time that she was old enough to walk that distance, she attended it regularly when it was in operation. It was then removed two miles from them, and she attended but occasionally. Sometimes she lived with her relatives in Ashfield, sometimes near a school in Buckland, assisting the families into which she was received, as a remuneration for her board.

She was early noticed for her uncommon progress in study. {One of her teachers said, "I should like to see what she would make if she could be sent to college."

She committed to memory with unusual facility, and recited with verbal accuracy; yet she did not fell to get a clear understanding of the meaning of her lessons. The teacher is now living with whom she studied Alexander's Grammar ; and he says that in four days she learned all that scholars were accustomed to commit, and repeated it with correctness at one recitation. Her progress in arithmetic was equally rapid, and she understood clearly and at once the reasons for every operation. But instead of depending on genius, as minds less gifted are prone to do, she believed that her school lessons were to be mastered only by hard study, and applied herself to them with great assiduity and perseverance. She could not express her thoughts in as few words as many do who have fewer thoughts to express ; and her enunciation was so rapid as sometimes to be painful to: the listener. She is remembered, even when quite young, to have been particularly attentive to religious instruction. There wore then no Sabbath-schools ; and when the weather would permit, it was customary, during the interval of public worship, for the congregation to resort to the cool grove, or the burying-place of the dead. As a consequence, especially where young people are thus grouped together, levity and conversation unsuited to the Sabbath would prevail. Mary is remembered as withdrawing herself from those circles, and expressing surprise to her associates that any one could indulge in such things on God's holy day.

The old beech-tree is still remembered which stood behind a school-house in Ashfield, on whose crooked trunk, in a season of religious interest, she used to sit during the school intermissions, and tell those who gathered around her of the way of salvation, as she had been taught it by her parents, though, as she supposed, she had not then herself begun, to tread in it.

It is not known that she has left any record of her mental conflict while under religious conviction. Some of her early friends know that the first exercises of her mind, which she was led afterwards to look upon as indicative of a saving change, were in 1816, under the plain, simple explanations of Bible truth from elder Enos Smith, the brother of her grandmother. The day which she afterwards regarded as probably the one on which her heart was renewed by the Holy Spirit, was the Sabbath. The sermon to which she had been listening was on the character of God; and as she walked through the fields, on her return home, reflecting on his glorious attributes, her mind was filled with a sweet sense of his love, and her affections seemed for the first time to flow out towards Him whom she had reverenced, and whose character she had approved from her earliest recollection. But her feelings were not then so marked in their character as to lead her to speak of them to others, or to give her much confidence that she was accepted of God.

Let us return to the inmates of "the mountain home." The three sisters older than herself, at a suitable age, entered into the married state. In 1810, her mother married again, and removed to Ashfield, taking with her the two younger sisters. Mary, with her only brother, remained at the homestead. For ar year previous to the marriage of this brother, she, being about fifteen years of age, took charge of the house. The remuneration which she received from him aided her in the prosecution of her studies. From this time until 1819, when he removed to Chautauque county, N. Y., her home continued to be-in his family. The removal of her brother, to whom she was tenderly attached, was a great trial to her. She felt that, for the second time, she was made an orphan. Not only must* she leave the spot that gave her birth, but she must also be separated from the family so dear to her heart. Yet, while distressed at the separation, with characteristic composure she handed these lines, from an old familiar song, to her brother's wife :

* " Not one sigh .shall tell my story,

Not one tear my cheek shall stain ; Silent grief shall be my glory Grief that stoops not to complain."

But those dear children, whose "little hands cling closest to the heart," how did she grieve for them. Her friends that remained with her well remember her grief as they were borne away. For months afterwards, whenever that brother was spoken of in her presence, her tears would flow, and her silent and subdued feelings did not hinder her friends from seeing how deeply and tenderly she loved him. Little did she then imagine that in process of time those daughters were to return, to receive instruction from her lips in a seminary founded by her instrumentality, and to go fbrth, some to labor as teachers in our own country, and one to teach the benighted heathen under the shadow of a Chinese pagoda.

From her brother's marriage until 1817, little is Known of her, except that she occasionally attended school, and commenced her career as teacher near

Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, receiving as compen sation at first seventy-five cents per week with board

In the autumn of 1817 she entered Sanderson Academy at Ashfield, between four and five mile from her birthplace. She was- then emphatically nature's child. Those who knew her only at Ipswich or South Hadley, can realize but little of the Mary Lyon of those days. One remarked of her then, "She is all intellect; she does not know that she has a body to care for." But a warm and true heart soon gained the love and confidence of her associates. Her whole appearance at that time was so unique, her progress in study so unprecendetted, her broad intelligent face so inviting, that no one who was then a member of the academy will ever forget her; nor how the scholars used to lay aside their books when she commenced her recitation. Here she found friends to encourage and assist her in her search for knowledge.; In the rough specimen, they could see a diamond of uncommon brilliancy, and knew that it needed only to be polished to shine with peculiar lustre.

Her slender means, received from her brother and obtained by spinning, weaving, teaching, etc., were soon expended. She was about to return to her old employments, when the trustees of the academy gave her the free use of all its advantages. It is supposed that this was the time when she resolved to prepare herself particularly for teaching. She collected her bedding, table linen, etc., constituting the full amount of her household treasures, and exchanged the whole at a boarding-house for a room and a seat at the table. Nothing could exceed the eagerness with which she