Memoir of the life and character of Rev. Asahel Nettleton, D.D.

Front matter

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Revised Statutes.

The Constitution and laws of Connecticut, reduced to questions and and answers, for Schools. By William B. Wedgwood, member of the Bar in New York.

This book is highly recommended by the most enlightened friends of Common Schools, and is adapted to Schools, families, and individuals. All should make themselves acquainted with this work that they may know what are their rights, privileges and duties, and thus be prepared to occupy with honor their proper position in the commonwealth.

The following are among the commendatory notices of the work.

From Hon. Thomas S. Williams, Chief Justice of the State of Connecticut.

Sir: — I have looked over the work you put into my hands, entitled " Statutes of the State of Connecticut, and additional Laws to 1844, reduced to questions and answers, for the use of Schools and Families, by William B. Wedgwood, A. M," and from a cursory examination, think it well adapted for the purposes intended, to give to the young the leading features of our constitution, and those statutes which have the most close connection with the ordinarv duties and transactions of life.

The plan of the author did not admit, nor the object require, an abstract of all the statutes — but a judicious selection only. Much valuable information is communicated in a familiar way, which would not be otherwise acquired without more research than is to be expected from the young — for whose benefit the work is principally designed — and I hope you will find that your labor has not been in vain. I am respectfully yours, &c.

Thomas S. Williams.

Hartford, March 29, 1844.

From Hon. JVoahA. Phelps, Secretary of State.

Hartford, February 21, 1844.

Dear Sir : — Having examined the book recently published by you, entitled " Statutes of the State of Connecticut, and additional Laws to eighteen hundred and forty-four, reduced to questions and answers, for the use of Schools and Families :" and deeming the work worthy of public patronage, I cheerfully recommend it to the use of the Common Schools and Academies in this State. Noah A. Phelps,

From Francis Fellowes, Esq.

Dear Sir : — T have examined the work entitled " Statutes of the

State of Connecticut, reduced to questions and answers," published by

you, and regard the same as affording very important facilities to the

youth of the state in their endeavors to become acquainted with her

1** constitution and laws. I observe that the different subjects comprised in the constitution and statutes are conveniently classified, and are accompanied with definitions, and pertinent questions and illustrations.

I know of no other work of a similar kind that has ever been published in this state, at all suited to the purposes of a text book on the subjects of which it treats, for academies and schools, or which either teachers or pupils can make use of with advantage, and I recommend it as adapted to be eminently useful to those who would become acquainted with those topics in the statute law of the state, of which no citizen should remain ignorant. Yours, very respectfully,

Francis Fellowes.

Hartford, March 2, 1844.

From Rev. Silas Totten, D. D., President of Washington College. The Statutes of Connecticut, abridged for the use of schools and families, should be in the hands of every citizen of the state. This little book presents an abstract of the laws of the state in such a form that they can be understood by all, and if extensively circulated will do muchtoprevent unnecessary litigation, and instruct the mass of the people in their duties as citizens. S. Totten.

From Hon. Borneo Lowrey,

Mr. Gurdon Robins,

Dear Sir : — I have examined Mr. Wedgwood's " Statutes of the State of Connecticut, reduced to questions and answers for the use of schools and families." I have, for a long time, felt the necessity of a work of this kind, and have repeatedly suggested the importance of it, to those interested in our common schools. This work seems to be well calculated, not only to give to the children of our population that knowledge which will be useful for them, but also to afford, in a cheap and convenient form, important information to those in more advanced life. I hope the work will be extensively circulated.

Yours respectfully,

R. Lowrey.

Southington, March 2S, 1844.

From the Christian Secretary.

The above work has evidently been prepared with much care and labor, and in point of style and execution, and adaptation to the object for which it is intended, will not suffer in comparison with any book of the kind. We hesitate not to say, this work should be in all our Schools and Academies and Families throughout the State, and be universally read, that our citizens, and especially the youth of our State, may learn more fully to understand and appreciate their rights and duties as members of this great Republic.

The work is sustained by the recommendations of competent men in the legal department, to whom the work in the various stages of its progress has been submitted for examination and correction.

From the Religious Herald.

It is a work which ought to be in the hand of every citizen of Connecticut, and made a text book in every school.

From the Christian Freeman.

This is an admirable book, not only for schools, but for all persons who would obtain a general knowledge of our laws, and have not time to read more voluminous works. A synopsis of the Constitution and laws is given in simple language, avoiding technical terms, and an index to the whole is added, greatly increasing its value as a book of reference.

From the Baily C our ant.

Statutes of Coivnecticut. — Tliis little book has been prepared more especially for schools, but will be found valuable as a book of reference by all classes. It gives a synopsis of the Constitution and Laws of the State, free from verbiage and technicalities, and so arranged that by the aid of an index, any subject to which they allude, can be turned to in a moment. It is recommended by the legal profession.

From the Hartford Journal.

Mr. Wedgwood has placed the State of Connecticut, as well as New- York, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, under great obligations, by simplifying these statutes and laws to the comprehension of all. It has hitherto been a matter of regret that in our system of Common School Education, no opportunity has been oCered of informing the scholar relative to the Constitution and Laws of the State in which he resides, and under which he must, at some time or other, be called to act. " Universal instruction should be the companion of universal suffi-age," and we cannot commend the above little work too strongly to the people of Connecticut. We hope to see it placed in the hands of every school boy in the State, and we trust immediate steps will be taken to introduce it in our common schools.

From the Patriot and Eagle.

Statutes of Coivnecticut. — We have given some attention to the book bearing the above title, containing about 100 pages, lately offered to the public for the use of schools, which should be in the possession of every family in the State. It makes the youth familiar with the principles of the Constitution and Laws of the State, and teaches all, " that universal instruction should be the companion of universal suffrage." It treats of the Constitution, declaration of right*, distribution of powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary — electors, religion, impeachment, oaths, duties of grand jurors, and petit jurors, crimes punishable by death, inquests, &.c. We deem it precisely that kind of work that has long been needed in our schools. The book is for sale by the publislier in this city, at a low price even for school books.

From the Principal of the Bacon Academy, Colchester. Approving as I do, the design and execution of the work, I hope that it may be introduced into schools and academies throughout the 'state. It seems to supply an obvious defect in our system of general education. Whatever other valuable instruction is imparted under this system, very little is given that aims at a direct preparation for the duties of the citizen. Intelligent as we are, the great majority of our electors are not well acquainted with the principles of our Constitution, or with the workings of the machinery of government. The information that is gained, in respect to these things, is often imperfect, and the result of accident rather than any thing else. The man remains in ignorance, or after years of darkness, stumbles upon what should have been one of the lessons of his boyhood.

Lewis R. Hurlbut.

10 Youth's Manual of the Constitution of the U. States,

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Memoir of Rev. A. Wettleton, D. D,,

For many years known as a very successful laborer among the churches throughout the country, and more recently as Professor of Pastoral Theology in the Theological Institute at East Windsor, Conn. By Rev. Bennet Tyler, D. D.

The first edition of this work has been noticed by many of the religious journals of the day, and alm-ost without exception, in terms of high commendation. The following are selected as specimens ; and they will serve to show the estimation in which this work is held by the Christian public.

From the Biblical Repository for October, 1S44. " We have seized this book just issued from the press, with great interest, and perused it with uncommon satisfaction. We are sure it will be read by thousands who have been savingly profited by Dr. Nettleton's labors, and by thousands who have heard the report of his labors, and his success as a minister of the gospel. The book will be very interesting and useful to ministers and churches at the present day. Dr. Nettleton's views of the nature of religion, and the means and mxanner of promoting it, agree with those of Edwards, Brainerd and Dwight, and all the leadinir divines and Christians in this country. And what is more, they agree with the infallible word of God. This memoir is ably written by a discerning and faithful friend and fellow laborer, and is every way worthy of the subject. We have been delighted with the whole work, particularly with the closing part."

From the JVew York Observer for September 2S, 1844.

"It gives us great satisfaction to announce the publication of this volume of nearly 400 pages, containing memoirs of one of the most extraordinary preachers of the gospel with whom God has ever blessed this country.

The record of the wonderful revivals which occurred under Mr. Nettleton's ministry, and the numerous instances of conversion in immediate connection with his labors, furnish most interesting reminiscences ; and the wide circulation of the volume among our churches, will be greatly useful."

From the JSTew York Evangelist for October 10, 1844. " Mr. Nettleton was an extraordinary man, and served a glorious purpose in his day and generation. Few men, since the apostolic days, have been honored with such signal success in preaching the word, and in the conversion of sinners as he ; and to his spirit and preaching more than any other human instrumentality, is that career of revivals which constitutes such a marked characteristic of the church at the present day, and the true glory of the age, to be traced. If others read it with as much interest as we have, they will pronounce it, as it is, one of the best and most useful of that class of works — Christian biography."

From the JVew England Puritan for September 20, 1844.

" We have known for some time that Dr. Tyler was engaged in preparing a memoir of this man of God, and we were expecting to find it a deeply interesting volume ; but it is even more interesting than we anticipated. We predict for it a wide circulation, and a great amount of good in its influence. Dr. Nettleton's influence and labors for Christ, have not ceased with his death. Though dead, he yet speaketh by his example ; and his record, though on high, will long be precious on earth.

Few men have ever lived in this country, who have made a deeper impression on their generation than the subject of this memoir. And this impression was of the purest and most elevated character. Unlike that of heroes and statesmen, it was not, for the most part, circumscribed by time, and confined to earth, but it is to roll on through eternity, and dispense its richest blessings in heaven.

We are glad that the execution of the work fell into the hands of one so competent as Dr. Tyler. No other living man, probably, was so competent. If the biographer had allowed himself more time, he might have made the work more perfect, though we observed no special evidence of hasty preparation. We would commend the volume as worthy of a careful perusal."

From the JVew England Puritan for October 18, 1844.

" After a perusal of this book more at our leisure, we are more convinced of the high utility of the work. We feel that it is highly desirable that it should be extensively read, just at this time, in the general and lamentable absence of revivals in our churches. The book consists very much of descriptions of revival scenes, and these can hardly be read by those who desire the renewal of such blessed scenes, without giving new strength to that desire, and adding new fervency to prayer for a revival. And if that book could now have an extensive reading in all our churches, it might be, of itself, a means of a general revival. And if there is matter in tlie life of Harlan Page to produce such quickening of the efforts of other Christians, there is much more in the life of Nettleton, who was still more wise to win souls, and honored with still more success."

From the Christian Observer for JVovemher 22, 1844.

" This is a faithful record of the life, labors, and character of a minister of Christ, whose moral worth and eminent usefulness for many years of his ministry, are well known to the church. In preparing it for the press. Dr. Tyler has rendered a valuable service to the cause of truth and holiness."

From the Presbyterian for JVovember 30, 1844.

"Although this volume has reached us at rather a late date, we hail it as a happy delineation of the life and labors of a man whom we highly esteem-ed, and with whom we had much pleasant intercourse. Dr. Nettleton was in the highest sense of the word, a great man. During the vigor of his life, he abounded in labors of love, and works of faith, and was perhaps more favored than any man of his age, in bringing souls into the kingdom of God. In the numerous revivals which occurred under his ministry, he displayed great wariness and judgment, in repressing mere animal excitement, and time has proved that they were the genuine works of the Spirit.

We hope this memoir may yet speak when its subject is dead, and prove the means of recalling those times, when the word of the Lord was mighty in pulling down the strong holds of sin."

From the Christian Reflector, Boston, October 17, 1844. Memoir of the Life and Character of Rev. Asahel, Net- TLETON, D. D. By Bennett Tyler, D. D. Hartford: Robins and

Seldom have the American people been favored with a religious biography more edifying and instructive than this of Nettleton. Among the Congregational churches of New England, especially of Connecticut, he was for many years an apostle ; for earnest, active piety, for self-denying toil, for a wise direction of effort, and for personal efficiency, he was more like Whitefield and like Paul, than any American preacher of his times. This memoir of his life was prepared by one who was intimate with him during the latter part of his history, and who was abundantly qualified for a work which he has accomplished most satisfactorily. Were all evangelists like the pious Nettl'^ton, there could certainly be no reasonable objection to their operations among our churches. The revivals which were enjoyed under his labors were remarkable for the sobriety and soleminity which prevailed ; for the demonstration of the Spirit's power with which they were attended, and for the genuineness of the conversions which occurred. We think the reading of this book would be of great advantage to our pastors and church members, in this time of general declension. It is suggestive and encouraging. We are happy to learn that the demand for it is very great. 372 pages, 12mo.

From the Watchman of the South, October 12, 1844. This is one of the most popular works ever issued from the American press. Three thousand copies of it were sold by the publishers in three months. It will doubtless find a ready sale in the South, where Dr. Nettleton had many friends and admirers. Dr. Nettleton excelled in almost every thing, that could make him attractive to the pious. His Memoir is all, that a book of the same size could well be.

From the Religious Herald, Virginia.

Memoir of the Life and Character of Rev. Asahel Nettleton, D. D. By Bennet Tyler, D. D.

We are indebted to the politeness of the publishers, Messrs. Robins and Smith, of Hartford, Conn, for this publication. Dr. Nettleton was an eminent Congregationalist minister. He labored extensively as an evangelist, and more successfully than perhaps any other minister of the present age. Extensive revivals took place under his ministry, in which thousands were converted and added to the church. Of his spiritual children, many are ministers of the Gospel. He owed his success not to any novel measures, but to his ardent zeal, and his faithful and practical preaching, and his happy method of presenting divine truth, so as to arrest the attention, and gain access to the hearts and consciences of his hearers. He did not aim merely to excite the feelings, but by appealing to the judgment and understanding of his hearers, sought to win them to the love and obedience of the truth. The Memoir of such a man could not fail to be interesting ; and from his knowledge and intimacy with Dr. Nettleton, his biographer was well qualified for his task, and has produced an interesting w^ork, which may be read with profit by every friend of vital godliness.

Memoir of Rev. William Carey, D. D.

By Rev. Eustace Carey ; accompanied by an Introductory Essay, by Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin, D. D., late President of Waterville College, Maine ; with a Portrait, from steel. 12mo. full cloth.

This is the only stereotyped edition of this valuable work, and should be in every family.

Memoir of Rev. Gustavus F. Davis, D. D.

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Memoir of Rev. James H. Linsley, A. M.

18mo. full cloth. A new and very valuable work.

Synopsis of Christian Missions,

Being a succinct account of the origin, progress and present state of the Protestant Foreign Missions of modern times — an important auxiliary to those who are called upon to preach or speak upon the subject of missions, as they w^ill find the statistics prepared to their hand, and also a valuable source of information to Christians of the different evansrelical denominations.

From the Watchman of the South.

The Synopsis of Missions, being a succinct account of the origin, progress and present state of the Protestant Foreign Missions of modern times — an important auxiliary to those who are called upon to preach or speak upon the subject of Missions, as they will find the statistics prepared to their hand, and also a valuable source of information to Christians of the difi'erent evangelical denominations.

From the Religioas Herald, Virginia.

Brief History of Evangelical Missions, with the date of commencement, and progress and present state. By Andrew M. Smith.

This is a duodecimo volume of 194 pages, for which we are indebted to the politeness of the publishers, Messrs. Robins and Smith, of Hartford, Conn.

The editor in his preface observes : " It has been suggested that a brief survey of the various Protestant missions, embodying their essential features w^ithin a small compass, might be serviceable both to those of limited means, those who have but little time for reading, and those who wish frequently to refer to the statistics of the different missions, without the time and labor of gleaning them from the more voluminous histories."

Such a compilation was needed. The elaborate work of Smith and Choules, is too voluminous and expensive for general use. Frequent inquiries have been made for such a work ; giving a brief, but correct sketch of the missionaries of the various religious denominations throughout the world. In this work the history of the different missionaries is brought down to the close of the year 1S43. Within a comparatively brief space, the reader can see what efforts have been made, and are now making to give the gospel to the heathen world. As far as we have had the opportunity to test the work, it appears to be executed with faithfulness and impartiality ; and we deem it a very useful compilation.

From the Christian Observer.

This volume presents before the reader a brief and general survey of the principal evangelical missions of the last century, with the date of their commencement, their progress, results, and present condition and prospects. It will be highly acceptable to those who have not the means to purchase, or leisure to read more voluminous works — and it is also a convenient book of reference for statistical and general information on the subject. Its circulation, we think, cannot fail to awaken and promote an effective interest in the cause of missions.

From the Christian Reflector.

Brief History or Evangelical Missions, with date of commencement, progress, and present state. By Andrew M. Smith. Hartford: Robins and Smith. 1844.

We have here, in a succinct and comprehensive form, and in a duodecimo of less than 200 pages, an account of every Protestant mission, embracing not merely the statistics, but the most prominent and interesting facts. In this way, every private Christian, who reads any of our missionary monthlies, may have at his hand a book of refcence, which will acquaint him with the principal circumstances of every field now occupied, and assist him greatly in understanding what he reads. It is, moreover, an interesting work for separate perusal. We rejoice in this new instrumentality for the diffusion of missionary intelligence among the people. Pastors will easily find, in this book, the general facts to which they may wish to refer in preparing a sermon or address on missions. We hope the book will have an extensive sale.

From the Baptist Advocate.

Brief History of Evangelical Missions, with the date of commencement and the progress and present state. By Andrew M. Smith. Hartford: Published by Robins and Smith. 1844.*

A book of about 200 pages, arranged in short chapters or sections with an index referring to each by the name of the mission, or the society described. Nothing could be better devised for easy reference. At the close of the whole, is a general summary, presenting at one view the names of the various societies, and the most important particulars of their operations.

We consider the book one of the most serviceable lately published, and cordially recommend it to Sunday schools, pastors, and families.

From the Boston Reco7-der.

Brief History of Evaivglical Missioivs, with the date of commencement and progress and present state. By Andrew M. Smith. Hartford: Robins and Sm.ith. For sale in Boston, by Crocker &, Brewster, Gould, Kendalls Lincoln, C. C. Dean, andH. S. Washburn.

This book, in the space of 193 pages, presents a valuable synopsis of missions, and will be found of very great use to the minister, the Sunday school teacher, and others, as a book of reference. It contains much valuable information, not to be found entire in any other publication.

From the J\'eiv York Tribune.

History of Missio^fs. — We have received from the publishers a " Brief History of Evangelical Missions, with the date of commencement and progress and present state. By Andrew M. Sm.ith." It is a full and copious source of information on the subject of Missions, and is calculated to be of the greatest service to ministers and others interested. It is handsomely printed, and will no doubt com.mand a large sale.

Select Hymns.

Edited by Rev. G. F. Davis, D. D. and Rev. James H. Linsley, A. M. Stereotyped edition. 32mo. sheep.

This work stands unrivaled in regard to adaptation to the wants of the Christian public, and in regard to arrangement of the parts, which are in the following order, and adapted to social meetings, Sabbath schools and families.

1. The Perfections of God. 13. Worship.

2. Universal Peace. 14. Family Worship.

3. The Scriptures. 15. Revival Hymns.

4. Christ. 16. Missionarv Concert.

5. The Holy Spirit. 17. Sabbath Schools.

6. Sinners Warned. IS. New and Old Year.

7. Sinners Awakened. 19. Tract Meetings.

8. Sinners Invited. 20. Temperance Meetings.

9. Sinners Converted. 21. Occasional Meetings.

10. Profession and Baptism. 22. Death and Judgm^ent.

11. Doctrine. 23. Doxologies.

12. Christian Character and Graces.

In addition to this syllabus of arrangement, and a table of first lines, there is a copious index of Scriptures, on which the Hymns are founded.

This work of 416 pages, with 551 Hymns, is bound in good substantial sheep binding, and sold at the very low price of thirty-four cents, with a reasonable discount to those who buy in quantities. Numerous testimonials might be inserted, setting forth the value of the work, but the friends of devotion should examine for themselves. The design of those excellent men who edited this work, was not to make an ephemeral affair, but a permanent work for the Church. Some thousands have been sold, but still if che work was more generally used by our churches, it is thought the cause of piety would thereby be promoted.

Vision of Death and other Poems,

By Rev. Charles W. Everest. 32mo. cloth. Beautifully embellished.

ISTouth's Own Book:

Character Essential to Success in Life. By Rev. Isaac Taylor, Ongar, England, author of Advice to the Teens ; Natural History of Enthusiasm, &c.

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Hints on the Education of Children while under the care of Parents and Guardians. By John Hall, Principal of Ellington High School, Conn. Second edition.

Charlotte Hamilton.

By Rev. A. Edson. An excellent work for Sunday School Libraries, full cloth. 18mo.

l^y Barly Days.

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Causes of Kelig^ious Declension,

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JBoH)

MEMOIR

LIFE AND CHARACTER

REV. ASAHEL NETTLETON, D. D

BY BENNE'r TYLER, D. D.,

.^HARTFORD. /

PUBLISHED BY ROBINS AND SMITH. 1845.

Entered according to Act of Congi-ess, in the year 1844, by

ROBINS AND SMITH,

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut.

STEREOTYPED BY

RICHARD H. HOBBS,

Hartfonl, Conn.

PRINTED BY CASE, TIFFANY AND BURNHAM, Hartford, Conn,

Preface

It has been well said, that " mere human greatness is an unenviable distinction. But the man, with whose greatness is combined moral excellence to direct and adorn it, is allied to Jesus Christ. God has from time to time, given to his church, men, not only of extraordinary intellectual powers, but with minds so pre-eminently sanctified, as to render them suitable agents for the accomplishment of his purposes on earth." That some account of the lives of such men should be preserved, and handed down to posterity, few will deny. This should be done, not for the purpose of glorifying men, who, however useful they may have been, are only instruments by which God accomplishes his purposes ; but to magnify the grace of God, and to promote the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. The influence of example in forming the human character, is confessedly great. Hence the utility of contemplating the examples of the wise and good. " If" as one observes, " religion appears lovely when portrayed merely in the simplicity and amiableness of her principles, how much more lovely when exhibited m the purity and benevolence of her conduct. When we see something more than right views and dispositions ; when we behold not the portrait, but the living features of her excellence, her image sinks deep into the soul."