The young pastor's wife. Memoir of Elizabeth Ann Moulton: containing her biography, diary, letters, etc

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Preface

The Biographer presents this brief memoir to the public? with unaffected diffidence. This feeling is produced partly by distrusting his own abilities to prepare the work, and partly by a consciousness that it would become necessary to introduce an outline of the result of his own labors in connection with those of his subject, that the readers of the book might the better understand the extensiveness, as well as the results, of those pious and persevering efforts in which Mrs. M. was so zealously engaged for nineteen years. And it is hoped that the great revivals, in which both were engaged, are so presented, that the biographer will not be considered an egotist, sounding his own trumpet ; for nothing could be farther from his design. Still it was thought best to present the book in its present form, hoping by this plan, it would be read with greater avidity, and be more extensively useful to all, into whose hands

IV PRETACE.

it may fall, by presenting to the reader a greater variety. It is not pretended that the excellency of our subject consisted in the development of extraordinary powers of mind, or in a brilliancy of talents ; but it is believed that it did consist in deep and glowing piety, in uniform and persevering obedience to all the commands of God, and in constant personal efforts for the salvation of souls. These traits in her christian character will embalm her memory and make it precious, like that of the just. She was one among the number of the saints of the Most High, who in her early experience explored the " breadth, and length, and depth, and height, of the love of Christ," and to the honor of God's grace be it spoken, she was a living witness, for eighteen years, " that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin." During this period of time, she spread a knowledge of this full salvation as far as the providence of God, in her situation, permitted.

To that class of christians who are aspiring after all the mind of Christ, and are desiring to carry out all the great principles of religion, by bearing every cross, doing every duty, and enduring hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, this little volume cannot fail of being very useful.

PREFACE.

While rehearsing the vicissitudes, and the many painful conflicts which our subject endured in her brief career, her happy and triumphant death, my heart is animated to seek for higher spiritual attainments, that I, through grace, may overcome every foe, and share the same triumphant death, and enjoy the same glory, that I fully believe she now possesses in the Paradise of God. The narrative, so far as materials could be obtained, is given in the language of our subject. Her letters and diary are so arranged, and connected, with circumstances, incidents, and remarks of my own, as to give variety and interest to the whole, and assist the reflections of the reader.

I cannot close this preface without remarking, that the reasons why this memoir did not make its appearance before, were, the idea of publishing it was abandoned, after some considerable progress had been made in preparing it, on account of having learned that some of her most important letters and writings were destroyed ; the scantiness of means, also, together with the " perplexities and difficulties'* of collecting, and preparing the book for the press, almost dissuaded the author from his purpose. But,

VI PREFACE.

after much prayer, and more mature reflection, being convinced that the biography would prove an auxiliary to the humble christian in his pathway through this vale of tears, the memoir is at length presented to the careful and prayerful perusal of the public generally.

It is not presumed, even, that the result of his labors is without its faults, but still it is hoped that the attentive reader will say, when its contents shall have been examined, " with all its faults I love it still." And now that this little volume is closed, it is commended to the " Divine Blessing," earnestly hoping and praying that it may subserve the interests

of our common Christianity.

The Author.

JVewhunff January, 1845.

CONTEXTS,

Chapter I

Birth. Early Life. Conversion and Experience, 5

Chapter II

Her estimation of the doctrine of Holiness. Reminiscences of her sister. Learns a trade. Religious faithfulness and success, while working as a tailoress. Returns home and teaches school. Interest for scholars. Removes to Oxford. Proclaims faithfully the great salvation, with success, in Oxford and Dudley, - - ' - 23

Leaves Wilbraham, and is married to Rev. Samuel Estin. Stationed in Greenwich — usefulness here. Sickness and death of her husband. Marriage with Rev. Horace Moulton, - - 81

Chapter VI

Early life — call to preach, and first pastoral labors of Mr. M. Great trial on Tolland circuit. East Windsor circuit. Painful baptismal scene. Wales and the neighboring towns. Temperance struggles. Rupture with Presiding Elder. Hebron. Ministerial support. Mrs. Moulton's diary continued. Gill circuit, 97

CHAPTER Vn.

Great revival on Gill circuit, especially in Charlemont and Greenfield, 123

CHAPTER Vm.

Phillipston circuit. Diary and active labors of Mrs. M. Conversion of her mother. Providential escape from imminent danger, - 139

CHAPTER IX.

Wales. Remarkable answer to prayer in the recovery of her daughter. Granville circuit. Revivals in Blandford and Middlefield. Correspondence. Wonderful escape from small pox, 151

CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER X.

BelcTiertown. Devout letters to friends. Marlborough, 177

CHAPTER XI.

Labors, disappointments and trials in Billerica. Providential opening at Wellfleet ; labors in the latter place. Ashburnham, All Mrs. M.'s family converted. Revival on circuit. Temperance movement among the ladies, - - - 198

CHAPTER Xn.

Ashburnham — second year. Interesting revival

in New Ipswich. Oxford. Revivals in Leicester, Charlton and Dudley, ... - 224

CHAPTER XIII.

Revival in Oxford. Closing labors of Mrs. M. Sickness and triumphant death, - - 251

ERRATA.

Page 98, 17th line, for " A. L." Fletcher, read D. L.

Page 149, 15th line, omit " as."

Page 156, 26th line, for " desires," read denies.

Page 160, 20th line, omit « so."

CHAPTEPv I.

Elizabeth Ann Moulton, the subject of the following brief memoir, was the daughter of Thomas and Nancy Arnold, of Lunenburg, Massachusetts. Her parents are now living, and are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Fitchburg. They had four daughters, three of whom are now living with their husbands, all of whom are members of the household of faith. How great an instrument in the conversion of those three happy families, the subject of this memoir was, eternity alone can develope. I have no doubt, however, but all of them have blessed God for the prayers and instructions which they received from their lamented sister who agonized in fervent supplication for them until her lips were sealed in death. Perhaps no one ever labored more perseveringly, or felt more anxious for the salvation of parents and sisters, than did our departed friend. And when she had an evidence that all were born again, '' not of corruptible seed, but by the word of God," no one could 1 have felt a deeper sense of gratitude to God for his unspeakable goodness, in manifesting the riches of his grace to their undying spirits.

The parents of Elizabeth adopted one daughter into their family when very young, for whose temporal and spiritual interests, Elizabeth felt as much solicitude, as she did for any member of the family, and for whom she prayed and agonized until death w^as swallowed up in victory. When she died, this sister deeply felt that she had lost the most faithful friend to the interests of her soul, as the following extract of a letter, dated May, 1844, will show : — "I can truly say that I never knew a person of whose piety I had a more exalted opinion. 1 think, should her life be faithfully recorded, it would fill a volume. The many times she has entreated me with prayers and tears, to seek the Lord, are deeply engraved on my memory. I feel myself truly unworthy of all the kindness which she has manifested towards me. She said to me, about the last time she was here, * Dear Louisa! I think you and Br. Darling are not far from the kingdom — I have prayed a great many times for you of late, and have had some evidence that you would come out on the Lord's side.' I hope her prayers will be answered, for I know that if lost at last, it will be owing to my own hard and impenitent heart, as she has faithfully done her duty."

Her parents were respectable, and bad a high sense of what the world calls good morals, but ^

ELIZABETH AX.V MOULTOX. 7

neither of them knew any thing of the power of godliness until some time after Elizabeth and her eldest sister had experienced religion ; consequently they only taught their daughters to fear that Being who made them ; to keep the Sabbath holy, and reverence the institutions of religion, as they had been taught them by the Unitarian creed. But now having the eyes of their understanding enlightened, and their hearts renovated by the power of the Holy Ghost, they not only have an outward form of speculative morals, but are contending for the power of godliness, and, I trust, if faithful to God a few more revolving days, they will unite with their daughter in heaven, in chanting the notes of redeeming praise to God and the Lamb, forever and ever.

Elizabeth was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, May 29th, 1804. She gave early proof of firmness and decision of character ; of perseverance in whatever she undertook ; and of an active and zealous disposition.

When but a few years old, she was very badly scalded with hot water, and so deeply was she afflicted with this burn, that her parents for some time despaired of her life ; the indelible marks of which went down with her into the grave.

The spirit of God strove with her, at an early period, and taught her that she was a sinner and must go to hell unless converted. Undoubtedly the spirit of God does often strive with little children, at the first dawn of human reason ; and its blessed influence is almost as often grieved away, for the want of proper instruction and encouragement at this tender age. The following is an account of the moving influences of the Holy Spirit upon her heart, in her own words : — " When a child, at the early age of six years, I can well remember, that the Spirit of God strove with me, and I felt the effects ®f a wicked and depraved heart. And many times, at that early period of my life, I formed resolutions to be a better child, and to seek the Lord. I was taught by my parents to reverence that Being, who is the Author of my existence, and the Preserver of my life : but my mind was, as are the minds of many at the present day, easily drawn aside by the alluring scenes of earth, and the folly of childhood. Thus I lived in the neglect of my soul's salvation, indulging myself in sinning against light and knowledge, until I arrived at the age of sixteen years.

" I lived in a town where the pure principles of religion were but very little regarded at that time. The people appeared by their lives and conduct to say, we are ' rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing.' But at length, the Lord was pleased to send into this town one of his servants, whom I went to hear preach. I immediately /e/# the truths which he advanced, for his words were like daggers, piercing my heart. But, at this time, pride had jELIZABEtH ANN MOULTON. 9

taken such deep root in my heart, that I found it a hard matter to yield, or acknowledge myself a sinner, or even to sacrifice my little all for the religion of Jesus Christ. Being, however, fully convinced that to persist and live in sin would be ruinous, I formed the resolution to leave the vanities of the world and seek an interest in the Savior. At last, through many obstructions, I was enabled to submit and throw myself on the mercy of God, and then I found the word of God to be true which says, ' they that seek me early shall find me.' "

Is there any period in human life when the world presents more charms to the youthful mind, than at the age of sixteen years 1 Just stepping forth into the gay and active circles of life, the world in all its diversified dress, presents a thousand pleasing and alluring aspects. The love of the world, its vain amusements, honors, and pleasures, at this age, deceive its multitudes, and lead them on in the anticipations of future bliss. When lo ! a gnawing worm at the root, suddenly despoils them of their foretasted pleasure, and causes them to cry out in the evil day, " how have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof" On the other hand, how interesting to the pious mind, to contemplate the few, but beautiful examples of those who, in all the vigor of youth, are inquiring after wisdom ; counting the cost of living in sin ; renouncing this vain world, with all its flatteries and anticipated pleasures j *1 resolving, in the strength of God, to turn to Zion ; taking the cross of Christ, and following him through evil as well as good report. How Christ-like to see the youth, with the armor on, wrestling not only against flesh and blood, but against " principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places," in order to glorify God on earth, and gain a crown of life. It was at this interesting period of life, that Elizabeth Ann Arnold renounced the world, with all its pride and vanity, and gave her heart to God, for him to live and die. Having now but one sister to encourage her in her heavenly warfare, (her parents knowing nothing of the power of godliness,) and vital piety being very unpopular in the town of Bolton, a storm of persecution broke out upon her, and the little band with which she united : but these things only stimulated her to give up all for Christ and his cross, fully believing that if she suffered with Christ on earth, she should reign with him in glory. The cup of repentance to her was a bitter cup, but being fixed in her purpose, she continued to pour forth her prayers to God in strong cries and tears, until deliverance came, and her darkness was turned into light. Her experience from the power of sin and Satan, unto God, was instantaneous, and as clear as a sunbeam at noon-day. Neither did slie rest satisfied long witli an evidence of justifying grace, but pressed on after " the breadth, and length, and deptli, and height " of redeeming grace, that she might know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge — that she might be filled with all the fullness of God. Nor did she seek for the deep things of God in vain, for after contending with the devil and inbred sin about one year, she experienced the second blessing, called in the scriptures by the various terms, perfect love, holiness, sanctijicatioji, a clean heart, &lc.

This inestimable blessing she enjoyed in her heart and exemplified in her life, more than eighteen years, without wavering. She also taught it to others, both publicly and privately, wherever an opportunity presented, believing that she was under the most solemn obligations to let this great light shine. In this faith she lived and died, and is now undoubtedly enjoying the blessed fruit of it in the Paradise of God. Believing her experience relating to the great work of justification and sanctification upon her heart truly scriptural, and that the perusal of it will be edifying to every anxious inquirer after truth, I will now transcribe a narration of it written by herself in May, 3839.

" Having looked back upon my past life, and counted over the mercies and blessings of God, from the earliest period of my recollection up to the present time, I feel myself under an obligation to Ilim which duty calls me to perform. And may the God of all grace assist me ! At the age of sixteen years I was brought to see myself again a sinner, ' wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked 5' and very unhappy, as well as unholy. I had long sought for bliss in the gay scenes of life, and strove hard to be happy in them, but found it impossible. At length, I commenced a life of prayer, and resolved that I would seek the Lord in good earnest. I therefore prayed and wept in secret places, and formed many resolutions to live a new life. But, alas ! how easily were they broken, when made in my own strength : for I soon gave way to the allurements of the world, and the evil propensities of my corrupt nature ; and as a consequence, guilt and condemnation overwhelmed my troubled soul. I learned, by self-examination, that I was not willing to come out from the pleasures and practices of the world, and be separated from them ; neither was I willing to give up the companions of my youth for the sake of religion. The world, the flesh, and the devil crowded into my mind like a flood ; and so great was my conflict, that I had no peace day nor night, when awake. I then thought too, as there was no denomination of christians in the town, except a small class of Methodist people, who were considered mean, and despised by the worldly professor, on account of their zeal and plainness of dress, that, if I should embrace religion, I should be liable to become one of them ; for if any new one even attended their meetings, and became thoughtful and serious, especially if discerned by their friends and acquaintance, they would at once say, that person has become a Methodist. The pride of my heart had risen to such a height, that I thought I could not be one of them.

'* While possessing this state of feeling, in the month of September, 1824, I went to reside with a great uncle of mine, in the town of Hingham. My uncle was a man of very even temper, but knew nothing of the nature of vital piety ; neither did any of the family to my knowledge, as they said nothing in favor of it. Having now, therefore, no one to whom I could unbosom my feelings on the subject of religion, I kept my convictions all to myself, and began to pray more earnestly than ever that God would have mercy on my soul. Sometimes, I went into my chamber and fell down before God and wept and prayed, giving vent to my feelings in strong cries and tears, and would obtain some momentary relief occasionally, while pleading at the Throne of Grace. At such times I would resolve again, to live a better life than ever, and try to watch over all my words and actions. But unawares, the enemy of my soul would get the advantage of me, so that I would yield again to the natural inclinations of my corrupt heart, and think that I was as bad as ever. I lived in this unhappy state, until the next March, when my father came, wishing me to return home.

" I had previously determined to rehearse all my feelings to my eldest sister, who had experienced religion about one year previous to this : but little did I realize what a treacherous and obstinate heart I had to contend with. Having returned home, I had no disposition to relate to her what I had suffered in my feelings, on account of my sins, while absent, but chose again to join with my old associates in levity and pride. Still the Spirit of God followed me from day to day, and so harrowed up ray feelings, that I dared not wholly neglect secret prayer. In this state I lived several months, then my convictions became so pungent, that they were discovered by my friends in my countenance. Soon I was invited to go and hear the Methodists preach. I accepted the invitation, and went. I had, before this time, kept my convictions to myself, as I was ashamed to manifest them to the despised people of God ; but now, at the meeting, I was anxious to inform them of the distress of mind and agony of soul, which I had so long kept concealed. When I told some of them that I was determined to seek the religion of Jesus, they invited me to attend a class-meeting, held at noon, during the intermission. After much persuasion, I consented. In this meeting my heart was overwhelmed with grief for my past sins, which were set in array before me. I burst forth into H flood of tears, and, so great was my grief, that I could not utter to them my desires. I returned home with a heavy heart, laden down with guilt and sin.

I attended meeting again in the evening, but found no relief — my burden still pressing me down, so that when the meeting closed, I felt that I could not return until it was removed, but said nothing about my feelings to any one, until the preacher, Br. George Fairbanks, came and spoke to me, wishing to know if I truly desired religion ? I told him I did. He then asked me how long I had felt the importance of it. I told him, as nearly as I could, what my feelings had been for several months past. The brethren then tarried and prayed for me. After this I requested the class to remember my case before the Throne of Grace, and returned home, as I came, without any relief in my mind. The next morning I went to my closet, shut to the door, and bowing before the Lord, and giving myself to him, I resigned my all into his hands, for him to live and die. At that moment, light broke into my soul. My burden left me, and a voice said unto me, * Thy sins, which are many, are all forgiven thee.' O what love immediately sprung up in my heart ! Joy unspeakable filled my ravished soul ! I now left my closet and went to work, and truly did I feel that heaven was reconciled to me. I said nothing to any one until my eldest sister came up stairs, and said, ' Elizabeth, how do you now feel in your mind V I told her that the Lord had pardoned all my sins, and she rejoiced with me. Lydia, knowing what my state of mind had been for some time past, felt to sympathise deeply with me, as she had often prayed that God would have mercy on my soul. Notwithstanding my conversion was so clear, and my evidence of it so bright, Lydia leaving home to visit a friend, the very day the Lord converted my soul, I was soon tempted, and began to doubt whether I had been truly converted to God. Satan, that arch enemy, who goes ' up and down the earth' to deceive the people, strove with me, desiring to sift me as wheat ; and not being acquainted with his devices, and having no one to instruct me, my mind was brought into darkness, and I almost gave up all hope of ever being happy again. I thought, however, that I would not leave off praying, and therefore resorted to the Throne of Grace, all weighed down with doubts and fears. That God who converted my ,soul, again appeared to my relief: my doubts and fears were removed, and I again rejoiced in the God of my salvation. And from that time to the present, I have never doubted my true conversion to God. It was soon noised abroad that I was a Methodist, and that was not a false report in the least. Although I had not then joined them, yet my heart was with them, and as soon as an opportunity presented, I offered myself to the church to join on trial for six months; for this step I have ever felt grateful to God. I now felt that this people was my people, their God my God, and with them I resolved to live and die.

"I soon learned that the christians life was a warfare, and if I would reign with Christ in glory, I must fight and endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, while combating with foes without and foes within. A knowledge of these enemies led me to see that 1 must put my trust in God alone. I tried to do my duty and testify of the goodness of God wherever an opportunity presented, and the Lord blessed me much in so doing. But I found that my foes within, or the evil corruptions of my degenerate heart, were more to be feared than those without. Pride and levity were my greatest besetting sins, and to check these unholy principles, I found that I must come out from the world and be separated, and touch not, taste not, nor handle sin in any of its forms. My bible informed me also that I must be holy, or I could never see God's face in peace ; and while meditating on the importance of this inestimable blessing of holiness, many passages of scripture which referred to this blessing, occurred to my mind ; such as follows : — ' This is the will of God, even your sanctification.' 'And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly : and I pray God your whole spirit and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.' * Rejoice ever more. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.' ' Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' *' Blessed are the pure in heart : for 2 they shall see God.' ' Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength — and thy neighbor as thyself.' I was then rationally convinced that the blessing of holiness, or perfect love, was attainable in this life, and I strove to seek it. — Sometimes my convictions were so deep, that it seemed to me, I could not live; another day without the enjoyment of it, and at other times my mind wandered from the subject, and was so far drawn off by worldly objects that my conviction for it, appeared to have left me for a season. Not being satisfied with what I now enjoyed, 1 began to examine myself, and found that my faiUi was weak, often doubting whether such a great blessing could be obtained by such an unworthy aworm as myself

'' Thus I lived, day after day, and month after month, until more than one year had expired from the time of my conversion. Then, by the assistance of my heavenly Father, I was so enabled to seek as to find that blessing, which I had so long desired. My experience in obtaining this state of grace I will now try to relate. September 25th, 1824, Br. J. Perkins came to our dwelling to visit the family. He soon began to question me concerning the great blessing of holiness. At this time my mind' was not so powerfully exercised with regard to it as it had previously been. But as he began to expostulate with me to seek for the blessing with all my heart, and to seek it now, my mind was powerfully exercised about my own state, and I felt more than ever the necessity of making a full surrender, and of having my sinful propensities no longer existing in my heart. After Br. Perkins had retired from the house, I immediately resorted to a secret place. There I prayed and agonized with the Lord until my faith began lo increase. Then I believed the blessing of perfect love was in reserve for me, and also, that God was about to bestow it upon me. I wrestled, prayed, and yielded all np to him, relying upon the merits of Christ, with a sure trust in the cleansing power of the Holy Ghost. And the very moment I could realize that I had entirely given myself into his hands, firmly relying on the blood of sprinkling, the cloud broke, and peace and joy flowed into my soul like a river. I felt as 1 never had before, crying, Abba, Father ! my Lord and my God !

I stood for some moments, and praised God for his astonishing goodness, manifested to such a worm. I then returned to my work, saying nothing about this second blessing, — perfect love shed abroad in my heart — until an opportunity presented itself to declare it to my sister; she being the only professor of religion in our family, except myself I related to her my new experience ; and my heart was immediately so filled with the love of God, that I could not, for some time, attend to my ordinary duties. I now truly felt that my sins were not only blotted out, but that my heart was entirely c eansed from inbred corruption, and my soul filled with all the fullness of God. I was truly humbled under a sense of the mighty power of trod : and pride, which before this had been my greatest besetting sin, I now felt was rooted out Feiirs, however, soon began to trouble me, that I should not hold fast whereunto I had attained, but should lose this blessing. I thought too that It would have been better forme never to have experienced the blessing of full salvation, than to make shipwreck of this faith But amidst all these temptations of the enemy I realized that that God who had delivered my soul from the thraldom of sin, and perfected it 111 love, was able to keep and preserve me blameless unto the end, should I but trust in him as I ought. I lived in a peaceful state of mind for some time, almost as happy as I could be, and remain on these mortal shores. I felt that what i experienced in receiving the blessing of justification, was only as a drop out of the ocean when compared with this blessed fullness imparted to my enraptured soul. I now found that my confidence and faith in God were unwavering. I was not at this time as easily moved by trifling things as I had been before. Thus I sailed along, week after week, and could sing with the Poet — ^