Memorials of Charles Stoddard

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t ^ £^Je I

J UNITED STATES OF AlIEIilCA j

MEMORIALS

Contents

PAGE I.

Childhood and Early Youth 9

IT. - Character unfolded 39

II. Character Unfolded

18204821.

fHMHE letters of 1820 are numerous, and con- -L tinue the narrative of my father's life from the age of eighteen years. From these letters selection is difficult.

There are numbers of letters advising with his parents about plans for the other children ; their welfare and their success being very near to his heart. He takes an interest in public affairs, and has an opinion on important events, showing some thought concerning affairs of government.

The Puritan fast day at this time seems to have had much influence over the people of Boston ; for my father writes April 6 : —

" This is Fast Day ; and here it is observed in a manner which reflects honor on the inhabitants. It is as still in the street as it is on the sabbath; and the churches are generally well filled. As a State and a nation I think we have abundant cause for humbling ourselves before that God whom we have deeply offended. The late decision of Congress on the subject of slavery plainly evinces that there is a radical difference in the feelings of the different States. The wrongs of the slaves cry to Heaven, and, I fear, ere long will draw down vengeance on our devoted country." With regard to a brother in Yale College, whose health had been delicate, he writes: "As he has a long vacation this summer, it might be convenient for him to visit Boston, at the time of Cambridge commencement. I shall be happy to see him, and do what I can for him."

Unfortunately the letters of my father to this brother in college have been lost. From a reply to one of them, however, we can infer the seriousness of his appeal, — an appeal from a younger to an older brother, on a subject he deemed all important. After alluding to his course of study and his health, he says to my father, " I must not fail to refer to your affectionate and faithful remarks on the subject of my prospects for another life. Would that I could answer to myself and to you, so as to give good ground to my friends for believing that I am an heir to a glorious immortality !

You hope that your prayers are heard. Cease not, then, to mention in them your affectionate brother."

These prayers were heard and answered in the decided Christian life of this beloved brother. Solomon, it may be added, was an enthusiast in study, and compiled with Mr. Andrews the Latin grammar connected with their names. The winter he was at work on the grammar, he was also a member of the Massachusetts legislature, and was with my father for the season. So engrossed was he in his study that even at night his brain was active. One night he waked those in a neighboring room with a spring from his bed, and a shout of joy, " I've found it, I've found it ! " meaning a Latin root, that, in some process of unconscious cerebration, had been revealed to him, causing this delight.

These studies were, however, pursued under difficulties, as an injury received during his first year in college made his life a struggle with pain. This he manfully overcame in a large measure, and accomplished much for his age and generation. He was a professor in Middlebury College, and exerted a happy Christian influence over the young men under his charge.

4*

The correspondence with his parents is resumed when my father rejoices in the coming spring of 1820: —

" I have had a glimpse of the spring in a visit to Brookline. I think I never saw the country in more delightful attire. The trees are loaded with blossoms, and the flowers with all their varying colors scattered over the fields and filling the air with most delicious fragrance awaken thoughts of the greatness of that Being who causes the springing of a blade of grass, and with equal care upholds and keeps in order the " dark terrestrial ball " on which it grows. In my intercourse with society I find little to keep alive a spiritual frame of mind. It is often asked, why it is that persons professing godliness are not more anxious to point out to others the path which leads to peace and happiness. I think the reason is obvious to those who know any thing of themselves. We are naturally diffident in speaking of a subject into the spirit of which others cannot enter, and a fear of intruding upon others is another reason why we suffer ourselves to be silent on affairs of so much moment. I have seen persons of a different cast. I have seen those who were continually talking with any one, no matter who, upon abstruse points in theology, with a confidence savoring of arrogance and party views. Now this class of persons I hold to be not a whit more useful to those with whom they hold intercourse, than those whose diffidence restrains them from expressing their opinion at all. I am rather inclined to think they injure the cause which they attempt to advance."

In October he writes to his father : —

" Selfishness, as well as ' public good,' would tend to make me regret that you were not chosen to the convention which is soon to assemble, as now I cannot hope to see you here unless you are called on important business. The choice of delegates is generally considered judicious, and you will observe that though Judge Parker is censured for expressing his opinion, and his sentiments reprobated, yet he is chosen a member of the convention. A single voice, to be sure, can effect but little ; but, if a few members have the interests of the State at heart, their opinion will not be lightly condemned.

At the Old South Church they have a candidate preaching from New Jersey, named Wisner, who, I understand, is largely approved of. I have gone to the ' Old South ' generally since my last visit in Northampton, and think 1 shall continue to attend there in future.

" I have felt an uncommon solicitude in this revision of the Constitution [of Massachusetts] now going on, and contemplate the doings of the body in the light of something which may materially affect the happiness and prosperity of future generations. The venerable President Adams, I have not yet seen. His presence attracts so many people, that it is hardly possible to obtain admittance to the galleries of the State House.

" The 22d of December will be, celebrated in Plymouth, in a splendid manner. Mr. Webster is appointed to deliver an address, and many people from this town will be present. The event which this anniversary commemorates is one which every New-Englander should look upon with deep interest; with feelings of joy, and gratitude to God, who has preserved to us those civil and religious privileges for the enjoyment of which our pious ancestors endured so many hardships with so much cheerfulness. One would not be apt to think the late proceedings of our convention had any tendency to prove how highly we prize the rights and blessings that .cost the lives and comfort of so many individuals. I refer particularly to the ' Bill of Rights,' and the provision for the support of public worship. The proceedings are, as you say, tediously spun out.

" Give my love to all members of the family. Your frequent letters are a source of pleasure."

In the letter just given, he mentions to his father that he had " gone to the Old South " since he last wrote. He had been slow in making any change, and his relatives still continued under the ministry of Dr. Channing. The sermon that finally led him to feel that he perhaps could profit more elsewhere, was from the text, " The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jer. xvii. 9). The arguments adduced were those extenuating man's sin, rather disproving as he thought than enforcing the text. From his childhood his sense of the evil of sin seems to have been great, and in his latest years a sermon on this subject would stir his deepest feelings. The purity of holiness made sin abhorrent to him. I remember, as a child, if I showed timidity his remark was, " My dear, be afraid of nothing but sin."

In December, 1820, lie writes to his brother W. a characteristic letter : —

" Dear Brother W., — Since this week began, I have written to all the brothers: to

L on a missionary subject ; to J on the

division of time into years, months, and weeks ;

to A a satire on our convention ; to sister,

to father and mother, and now to you. You will, I presume, be ready to conclude that my intellectual faculties are exhausted; but I do not feel any want, and have sufficient material, though not sufficient time, to make my letter tediously long.

" ; What is worth doing at all is worth doing well.' Though many people say this, the cases are rare where it is acted up to. But it would be for your interest if you would be guided in your actions by some such rule as this, and resolve that whatever is worthy of being your pursuit at all, is worthy of being your chief concern while you attend to it. We often complain of the badness of our memories, and think we merit something for the confession. But the truth is, we make our memories poor by inattention. Did you never detect yourself, when reading a book which but little interested you, reading a whole page without remembering one word which you had perused ? Your reading was mechanical. But suppose a letter was handed you which stated that a deceased relative had left you a thousand dollars : do you think you would read the letter, and not be able to tell what the contents were? I trow not. This habit of inattention prevents us from doing well what we begin, and is the cause why our memories are not more retentive. You have written twenty-two letters to me, and I should be glad to receive the twenty-third soon."

In ,writing again to the same brother, he speaks of an older brother, whose studies had v been interrupted by headache, and want of vigor. He says, " If I were his physician, I should lay down certain rules, and expect him to practise them. My advice would be something like this : —

" 1st, That he should purchase a stiff brush, and apply it every morning, before sunrise (after the sun is up will not answer), to every part of his body. I see him cringe at the idea. What would he do when he came to practise such a course ?

" 2d, As soon as the weather will admit he should make use of a shower-bath, situated not less than half a mile from his present residence, which bath should be taken before the sun appears above the horizon. He would then, I think, have some appetite for breakfast.

" 3d, After eating breakfast he should adjourn to the woodhouse, and try the efficacy of the axe on some knotty logs ; and, when tired with that, take a saw and apply it to a certain number of sticks, the number to be increased by one daily.

" 4th, It would now be ' school-time, and I think he would not suffer so much from the confinement and wear of teaching. I would also recommend a walk, in the course of the day, of two or three miles.

"I find that seven hours' sleep is as much as I need ; and, when I arise when I first wake, I feel brighter than if I waste time in getting thoroughly aroused. You perhaps recollect Dr. Franklin's anecdote, and the manner in which he proposed to save candles by using the morning, and deriving light from the Great Candle, which gives us light without any expense, rather than sleep away the hours after he shines, and use artificial light.

" I have been twice called out to do military duty tliis season. One of the times, I was out all day, marched out of town, and fired at a target. We are obliged to turn out here, or pay three dollars fine every year ; and, as I cannot well afford to pay the sum, I generally prefer to appear."

To his father the same year (eighteen years of age), he says, "It was with pleasure I learned this morning that you were appointed clerk of the court in Hampshire County. I regret that you can no longer preside in the court of sessions, because the public will be deprived of your services. But this office is permanent and very desirable, and I am glad that the decision is made in your favor. I feel a deep interest in every thing conducive to the happiness of my parents ; and it is a pleasant thing, while separated, that we can address our prayers to the same gracious Being from whom all blessings flow. Time will not permit me to express half I feel. Love to all."

Here follows a letter to his mother, written a year later, October, 1821. After his usual messages of affection, thoughtful aid in matters in which he could be of comfort or help, he writes minutely about himself.

"You are aware that the idea of making a profession of religion has for some time been uppermost in my mind, and that I have determined that it is my duty to join the visible church of Christ, and publicly enlist under his banner who is the Captain of my salvation. I have conversed with Mr. Wisner on the subject, and with my uncle, and obtained the approbation of both ; to which I wish to add that of my dear parents before I engage in this solemn act, and publicly renounce the world and all dependence upon it, and conformity to its ways.

" I trust that I feel that it is a most solemn act by which a sinner professes, in the presence of angels and men, his faith in a Saviour ; by which he renounces every other hope of salvation, and gives himself up to Christ, taking his yoke upon him, and trusting in his merits alone for justification, and adoption into the family of God.

" I ask an interest, my dear mother, in your prayers, that in the sincerity of my heart I may make this dedication. I have long been exercised with doubts respecting the reality of my religion; and if the promises were not complete in their extent, if my Saviour were not an almighty Saviour, I could have no hope, nor any ground of dependence. I can say with Newton, c I should have been sometimes ready to have given up all hope, but for two texts : " Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out ; " and the apostle's assertion that " He is able to save to the uttermost." '

" By professing Christ before men, I am sensible that more circumspection in my whole conduct will be necessary, and, if I had only myself to trust to, I should have reason to fear that I should fail. But He who can be touched with all the infirmities of his disciples has invited me to trust in him; and I know, that, if I do commit my way unto him, he will direct my path."

After writing this, in another letter marked " Confidential," in which he refers to his religious experiences, he speaks of his public profession of religion. It is easy to see that he had come gradually to a firm and settled Christian faith, though the germ of this vital power seems to have been planted from his early vears. When he came before the world as one who founded all his hopes in the cross of Christ, he writes : —

" In making this public profession of my faith, I experienced such a peace as I never felt before. The service of God seemed a reasonable service, and I was more than ever determined to press forward. Since that day, Nov. 18, 1821, I have been permitted twice to commemorate the dying love of our glorified Redeemer, and at both these seasons, I do believe I have been favored with his gracious presence.

" By making this profession, I have taken a decided stand, and, though I am but an obscure individual, yet, there being few of my standing who make such great professions, I shall be conspicuous. And, if all who name the name of Christ should be watchful, much more should I, if I would worthily walk in the fear of God.

"You will be desirous of knowing how I feel towards Mr. Wisner. I can assure you my greatest expectations are more than realized. I love the man."

The influence this pastor was able to exert on my father, and the warm Christian friendship, appeared often in the years in which they were associated. It may be interesting to quotfi a letter from his mother at this period, giving a hint of the sympathy with which his steps in the Christian course were always met* The paper is old and yellow; the ink so pale and faded that it is difficult to read, but the true mother's heart glows in the words, and warms anew our own hearts as we read.

" My dear Child, — I shall not attempt to portray the feelings the contents of your last letter excited. To that gracious Being who has drawn you, as I -trust, with the cords of love to himself, the homage of my grateful heart is due for this renewed instance of his kindness to me.

"I have long indulged a hope that the Saviour's love had constrained you to be his, and that you had given up yourself to him in an everlasting covenant. By your resolve to make a public profession of religion, and unite yourself to his visible Church, the desire of my heart is fulfilled. To his care } commend you, who is able to keep you by his mighty power, through faith unto salvation.

" It is indeed ' a great thing to be a Christian,'

— a perpetual warfare ; but we need not be dismayed, for our Captain is almighty. He will sustain us in every trial, enable us to surmount affliction, extricate us in perplexity, and secure us in danger. He is a very present help in trouble, a refuge for all who trust in him. It is delightful to me to think of the Saviour in his character of shepherd, extending his care to every individual of the flock, and permitting all to say, ' Hide me beneath thy spreading wings.' O Charles ! I could write much on this subject, but am obliged abruptly to close."

The solemnity of this consecration was made more binding by a written covenant with his God, — a covenant known to no living person. It was found, after his death, in the pocket-book which he carried constantly with him on his person. He had made renewals of its vows once in every five years, as short notes in his handwriting show. It reads as follows : —

" Eternal and ever-blessed Jehovah, I desire to present myself before thee with the deepest humiliation of soul, sensible how unworthy such a sinful creature as I am is to appear before the holy majesty of heaven, and especially on such an occasion as this ; even to enter into a covenant transaction with thee. But the scheme and plan is thine own. Thine infinite condescension hath offered it by thy Son; and thy grace hath, I trust, inclined my heart to accept it. I come, therefore, acknowledging myself to have been a great offender ; smiting on my breast, and saying with the humble publican, 4 God be merciful to me a sinner ! ' I come invited by the name of thy Son, and wholly trusting in his perfect righteousness; entreating that for his sake thou wilt forgive my iniquity, and remember my sins no more. Receive, I beseech thee, thy revolted creature, who is now convinced of thy perfect right to him, and who desires nothing so much as that he may be thine. This day do I, with the utmost solemnity, surrender myself to thee. I renounce all my former lords that have had dominion over me, and I consecrate to thee all that I am and all that I have ; the faculties of my mind, the members of my body, my time, my talents, and what little influence I may possess over others ; to be all used entirely for thy giory, and resolutely employed in obedience to thy commands, as long as thou continuest me in life, with an ardent desire to continue thine through the endless ages of eternity. To thy direction also, I resign all that I am and have, to be disposed of by thee in such a manner as thou shalt, in thine infinite wisdom, judge most subservient to the purposes of thy glory. To thee I leave the management of all events, and pray thee ever to enable me to say, 6 Not my will, but thine, be done,' rejoicing in thine unlimited government, as what ought to be the delight of the whole rational creation. Use me, O Lord, I beseech thee, as an instrument in thy service. Number me among thy peculiar people. Let me be washed in the blood of thy dear Son. Let me be clothed with his righteousness. Let me be sanctified by thy Holy Spirit. Transform me more and more into thine image. Impart to me, through Jesus Christ, all needful aids and influences of thy grace ; and let my life-be spent in the light of thy countenance, as my Father and my God : that thus I may c grow in grace, and in the knowledge of God my Saviour,' and daily become more and more fit for thy immediate presence in thy kingdom above. And when the solemn hour of death arrives, wherever I am, and under whatever circumstances I may then be placed, may I remember this my dedication to thee as all my salvation and all my

CHARLES STODDARD. SI

desire, though every other hope and enjoyment is perishing. Look down with pitv on thy dying child; embrace me in thy everlasting arms ; put strength and confidence into my departing spirit ; and receive it into the abodes of them who sleep in Jesus, to wait the accomplishment of thy great promise to all thy children, even that of a glorious resurrection, and of eternal happiness in thy heavenly kingdom."

The profession thus made was a sincere one ; and from this date, although my father kept no journal, thoughts are from time to time put down on Sabbath days for his future help and warning.

He made out a list of maxims to help him avoid temptations to which he felt himself exposed. Some of them are : —

1st, " Do not make older Christians your standard. Only the Master is worthy of following."

2d, "Desire only such amusements as those on which you can ask God's blessing."

3d, " Do not make a mistake about your temper, as some religious people do, who think they need not apply religion to control their temper."

4th, " Do not think yourself better than others : a black person, if a Christian, is your brother." " Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way but by taking heed thereto ? "

"I am setting out," he wrote in one of his Sabbath meditations, "on the career of life, and like others, too prone to conclude from the calm sunshine which surrounds me, that the clouds will never obscure the light and the tempest never rise around me ; that I shall always steer clear of the rocks and shoals on which many have made shipwreck. Perhaps I think my virtue established, and that it will never be destroyed. I now shudder, perhaps, at the thought of committing wickedness, and am ready to say with Hazael, ' Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing ? ' All young persons have formed at some time resolutions of living above the common mass of mankind, but, making these resolutions trusting in themselves, they have often become ruined for a time, if not forever, by the temptations of the world. Perhaps the reason that so many youth are misled is that they lack experience. St. Paul calls the Christian life a warfare ; and the follower of Jesus finds that he must wage war with his natural inclinations, resisting flatteries, and the evil dispositions of his own heart. Oh, may not the world's allurements entice my feet from the narrow paths of virtue ! and, while I am professing to seek for immortality, oh may I not pursue earthly pleasures, but lay up treasures in heaven, for then I shall be truly rich ! " In speaking of Cowper, he says, " As a writer of poetry he is my favorite. The appropriateness and delicacy of his language, and the purity and variety of his subject, make his poems delightful. I have committed much tc memory, and repeated it again and again without diminution of pleasure." Remembrance brings vividly the hours when, sitting by his side, I have felt the sympathetic glow of pleasure as my father repeated loved passages from the " Task," the " Sofa," the description of the " Walk to Emmaus," and other selections from these poems. It may be imagined that the view my father held of life and its duties was so serious, that he was severe and stern. That he was not so, all who knew him will assert. He could enjoy " John Gilpin" with all his heart. Indeed, he himself had an inexhaustible fountain of humor which bubbled over in daily life, but which was made to keep its own place. His cheerful Christian faith too lent a charm to his manners, while his loving genial disposition made him carry about with him a hidden spring of joy that could but inspire one in his presence even while so young a man. This is an important and marked period in his life. His purpose was single from this time, his faith was settled, and his hope steady ; his path, a light " shining brighter and brighter to the perfect day." He made it his constant habit from this time to note the text, and often the heads, of the sermons he heard. Sometimes quite full abstracts are given. He also showed greater interest in the Sabbath school.

I have received, from a friend with whom he was associated in Sabbath-school work, a number of letters written by my father, who kept up his interest after that friend left the city, in which he gives his personal experience as teacher, and afterwards as superintendent. The first letter is written at this period. Referring to young people's meetings for prayer, he dwells on the strength, in any good purpose, which comes from habit ; and, applying it to this subject, he says, "I presume that the first time any person (however pious) attempts, in the company of others, to lead in devotion, his feelings are exceedingly tried. Some find this duty more easy than others, but I believe all find it difficult at first. Practice, you know, soon enables a person who professes devotional feelings to have his thoughts collected, and his heart elevated in this duty." In another written shortly after, he says, " The present state of Christian society, it seems to me, differs materially from any former state ; inasmuch as there has never been a time, since the days of the apostles, when it was more necessary than now for all who have espoused the cause of Immanuel, and openly professed his name, to act in a bold, courageous, and decided manner, without reference to the opinions of the world, endeavoring to promote his glory and the good of men, not merely by lending their pecuniary assistance, but their influence and personal exertions, by making sacrifices, and rejoicing, if called to do so, to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. And, though the broad line of distinction is clearly marked between the children of God and the men of the world, yet how many, who make the highest professions, live conformed to the world ! Our engagements, when we enlisted under our Captain, demand a different course ; for we ought so to manifest the spirit of our divine Master in our life, that strangers may be constrained to take knowledge of us, that we have been with Jesus. I am fully aware that it is easier to find fault with one's self than actually to pursue the right course ; but never shall we regret any service or sacrifice for Christ, and never will such service lose its reward."

In the postscript to this letter, he sends to his friend living in Virginia a commission: " If it is not asking too much, will you send to my care some excellent c Old Virginia ' ? Do not be alarmed, I never took a smoke of tobacco, and never shall, such is my dislike to the article. But all do not think alike, and it is for some one elge I want this."